#cl 16

yn_yln

liked by theweeknd, charles_leclerc, and 2.3 million others

yn_yln so grateful. thank you @ f1 🤍

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theweeknd such an amazing night 🙂‍↕️❤️

f1 you’re coming back next year, no questions asked

16leclrc_ charles liked this awfully fast..

the energy backstage was chaotic. crew running around, cables everywhere, the distant cheers of the crowd still echoing in the air. you were still breathless when you grabbed your phone.

hundreds of messages, but one notification stands out:

charles_leclerc liked your post.

you blinked once. twice. you had no idea he even knew you existed.

—

after the race the next day, the sound of the engines still echoed in your ears, even though the track had gone quiet. the mechanics were packing up and the racers were starting to leave. 

you didn’t know why you were still standing there. maybe you just wanted to understand the world you sang for yesterday.

you checked your phone again. his like was still there. you didn’t know what that meant. probably nothing.. but you hadn’t stopped thinking about it once.

“you stayed late.”

you turned at the voice. 

charles leclerc. still in his race suit tied around his waist, hair messy, eyes tired but soft. 

“oh haha i wanted to see how it ends,” you said. “i’ve only ever seen races from screens.”

he nodded, glancing at the track. “it never really ends. not for us at least.”

the work never leaves your head. you carry it everywhere, which is something you understood well.

“hey congrats on the podium by the way. the crowd was so unreal today.”

“thank you! and, your performance yesterday i mean, wow. i didn’t get the chance to congratulate you. it was very, very impressive. you had the entire paddock listening.” he said.

“you saw it?”

“well at first i heard it from the garage. but i had the chance to slip away and watch it towards the end.”

that made you smile.

but before you could thank him, shutters snapped. flashes burst from your left and right. 

paparazzi.

“where did they come from?“ you whispered to yourself.

he stepped slightly in front of you, subtle but intentional.

you noticed. “you don’t have to do that. trust me, i’m used to it.”

security started to move toward you two. reporters yelled questions.

you turned slightly towards the cameras, calm and professional.

“no comment. just enjoying the race today.”

“do you want to get outta here?” he says to you.

“please.”

he nods once. you walk away together, side by side. 

he led you through a side door. the hallway was narrow, dimly lit, a world separate from the chaos outside.

your heels clicked softly against the floor, and for the first time since arriving, you could breathe without the sound of shutters exploding around you. 

you guys stopped near a balcony overlooking the track. the sun was dipping low, casting a gold glow over the empty stands. you leaned on the railing, letting the warmth of the evening wash over you.

you could feel his eyes on you.

“it’s quieter our here,” he said, his voice low. he leaned against the railing beside you, just enough to share the space but not crowd it.

“it’s easier to think when it’s quiet, you know?”

you nodded, looking at the lines of the track below. “backstage yesterday.. everything moving at once, and yet i was trapped in the music.”

he glanced at you, and for a second, the fatigue in his eyes softened.

“i know the feeling. you finish a race, and even when it’s over, your mind keeps spinning. it just doesn’t stop.”

you smiled. “the work never really leaves your head.”

“exactly.”

there was a pause, a kind of calm. the kind that only exists when the world outside doesn’t matter.

“you did an outstanding job last night. i’ve never seen someone make it look so.. effortless.”

you felt heat rise to your face, though not from embarrassment but something gentler.

“thank you. that means a lot really, coming from you.” you turned to him and smiled. 

another silence stretched between you. no paparazzi, no cameras, no noise - just you and him. 

— 

the door to your apartment clicked shut behind you, and for the first time all day, it was silent. the chaos of the track, the flashing cameras, the roar of the crowd - it all felt like a different world you had just stepped out of. 

you sank onto the couch, heels kicked off to the side, phone in hand. notifications kept coming in: hundreds of messages, comments, tags. you hesitated for a moment before opening the articles and posts. headlines screaming about your performance the night before, the paparazzi frenzy.

and him.

charles leclerc spotted with grammy nominated singer y/n y/ln after the race!

fans going WILD after this encounter at the monaco GP!

did something happen between the F1 star and pop sensation?

your stomach did a little flip. the post he had liked last night was still going off in your notifications. comments flooded in:

omg they’re gonna date, MARK MY WORDS

charles has good taste 👀

is this the couple of the year lmk

you scrolled, heart pounding, a strange mix of amusement and disbelief tugging at you. some of the comments were ridiculous, others strangely perceptive, like people seeing something you haven’t.

another notification pinged - it was him. you froze. not a text, not a like, just a follow. 

you leaned back. the world was loud and relentless. but for a brief moment, everything felt still.

you allowed yourself a small, private smile.

a notification pinged again, a text this time.

charles.

—

the morning air smelled faintly of sea salt as you stepped onto the balcony of your rented apartment in monaco. the streets down below were quiet.

your phone rang.

“come down in 5.”

when you reached the lobby, a sleek sports car was waiting. no cameras, no reporters, just the quiet hum of the engine and the promise of a day away from the spotlight. 

“no chaos today. it’s just gonna be us and monaco.” charles said as he closed the car door for you.

“feels almost normal,” you admitted, tightening your seatbelt.

he chuckled. “almost.”

the morning was spent wandering the narrow streets, admiring tiny cafes, and teasing each other. charles occasionally slipped in small details about racing - how the turns in monaco were some of the trickiest, or why he preferred certain tracks. you pretended to understand, but mostly just listened, amazed by the way he spoke about something he loved.

by evening, the sun was setting, painting monaco in shades of gold and pink. charles led you down cobblestone streets to a small, tucked away restaurant with candles flickering on each table.

“you chose well.” you said, sliding into the booth across from him. 

“i may know this city, yes, but today i was choosing for you.”

you smiled. 

the dinner was effortless - a mix of laughter, playful teasing, and occasional short, but sweet pauses where you both looked at each other over the candlelight. you talked about music, racing, life when the cameras weren’t watching.

at one point, he reached across the table, brushing his fingers against yours while laughing at something you’d said. the touch lingered longer than necessary, but neither of you acknowledged it.

after dessert, he drove you back to your apartment. the streets were full of life now, the city lights reflecting on the water, the air warm and breezy.

when you reached your apartment, he stopped, just short of the door. he looked at you, something unspoken in his eyes.

“thank you,” you said softly. “for today. for all of it.”

“you’re welcome.” he replied, his voice low. his hand brushed yours again, quick, almost accidental.

there was a moment of silence. you both sensed it, but neither said a word.

“goodnight.” you whispered, turning to open the door.

“goodnight, y/n.”

and just like that, he was gone, leaving you with the memory of the day, the warmth of the touches that hadn’t been explain, and the undeniable feeling neither of you dared to name. 

—

the quiet settled in after he left. you showered, changed into a soft t-shirt, and made tea while the city outside hummed softly below. it was late, but you didn’t feel tired. your body had slowed down, but your thoughts hadn’t. 

you sat on the couch, scrolling through the photos of the day. seeing them and thinking back to your day with charles made you smile.

yn_yln

liked by charles_leclerc, carlossainz55, and 4.6 million others

yn_yln i love monaco

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charles_leclerc i love it too

16leclrc_ charles what are you doing here 🙂

carlossainz55 @ charles_leclerc are you cheating on me

charles_leclerc ???

monacoxcl IS THAT CHARLES?? OH IM SICK

ynnation queen is this a soft launch

formula.sources charles’ smile at the performance said everything btw.

you woke up to sunlight pouring through the curtains.. and a million different notifications. comments, mentions, edits, theories.

for a moment, you just stared at it all. you weren’t panicked, not exactly. but something in the air felt different now.

your phone rang. charles.

“wanna get some air?” he asked

“something tells me this isn’t just about air.”

“maybe not.”

you two met near the water, same as yesterday - but today felt.. well, not yesterday.

he didn’t wear a hat. you didn’t wear sunglasses. neither of you tried to hide.

“you’re early.” he said

you chuckled. “or maybe you’re late.”

a small smile tugged at his lips.

you walked slowly past boats and quiet waves. the conversation was light, but every pause felt heavier than it should’ve.

at one point, he glanced at you.

“do you regret posting it?”

you didn’t answer, but the corner of your mouth lifted, just slightly.

you stopped by a railing overlooking the sea. the air was softer here. no cameras. no comments. just the world around you.

“you know,” he said quietly, “people are going to be guessing now.”

you looked out over the water.

“let them. i didn’t say anything. neither did you.”

“sometimes saying nothing is the loudest option.”

you didn’t reply, but your heart did.

—

when he walked you back to your apartment, you noticed something new in his steps - slower, maybe reluctant.

at the door, he stopped, like last night. but the quiet between you two wasn’t the same.

charles pauses. looks at you a moment too long.

“they’re not going to leave this alone, you know y/n.”

“well, they can’t chase what they don’t know.”

he gives a short breath of laughter - quiet, surprised.

“you’re not worried?”

you shrug.

“i perform for a living. let them watch.”

his eyes soft, he studies you - really studies you.

“sometimes i forget you’re used to it too.”

“i don’t think anyone gets used to it.”

for just a moment, both of you fall still.

“today felt different.” he says

“you’re saying that like it’s a problem.”

“i’m saying it like it’s noticeable.”

“by them?”

“by me.”

silence.

you don’t step back, and neither does he.

you unlock the door, but your hand stays on the handle.

“thank you for today.”

“and thank you for yesterday.”

that makes you look at him. his eyes meet yours, and neither of you look away.

“is this still.. nothing, charles?”

there’s a pause. a heartbeat. 

he steps forward, just a little.

“i don’t think it is anymore.” he whispers.

you don’t know who moved first. maybe both of you.

but suddenly - there’s no distance. only warmth. his hand gently cupped your jaw.

the kiss is soft. unrushed. it doesn’t last very long, but it certainly changes everything.

when he pulls back, he stays close. forehead nearly touching yours.

“goodnight, chérie.”

your pulse is still racing.

“goodnight.”

you close the door gently, back pressed to the wood. your breath is uneven.

and then you realize, you don’t want him to leave.

your chest tightens. the thought of him walking away, even for just a few hours, feels wrong. you’re not used to feeling like this, but there’s no denying it.

without thinking, you spin back, throw the door open and run to him.

“charles, wait!” your voice is urgent, breathless.

he turns around, startled, and looks at you. his expressions softens the instant he sees your eyes.

before he can say anything, you run and crash into him. your lips find his in a sudden, desperate kiss - with a need that hadn’t been there the first time.

when you finally pull back, just enough to breathe, your forehead rests against his.

“stay with me.” you whisper.

charles looks at you, his chest rising and falling, his eyes soft. a small smile tugs at his lips.

“if that’s what you want.”

you nod, heart pounding.

“it’s exactly what i want.”

—

he steps fully inside, closing the door behind him. the quietness is thick, but not uncomfortable.

charles slips off his jacket, letting it fall to the floor. he steps closer, and you can feel the warmth from his body.

“you really mean it?” he murmurs, brushing a hand lightly along your arm.

“i do,” you whisper, your fingers tracing the line of his jaw without thinking.

“i don’t want you to go.”

his eyes soften, and a small, almost shy smile appears.

“i’m not going anywhere.”

you take his hand and lead him to the couch. you sit, close enough that your knees brush, your fingers still intertwined. this city hums outside, but in here, it’s just the two of you.

charles leans in, resting his forehead against yours.

“i’ve wanted this.. wanted you, for a good while now.” he confesses, his voice low.

“i didn’t think i’d fall for you this fast.. but i’m glad you finally admitted it.” you tease, the tension becoming something warm and playful.

he laughs quietly.

“you think i’d keep it a secret?”

you shake your head, but your lips curl into a smile. 

“i guess not.”

he leans closer again, this time kissing you slowly, deliberately, as if memorizing the shape of your lips.

“stay tonight.” you murmur.

“like i said, i’m not going anywhere, y/n.”

he slides an arm around your shoulder. you rest your head against his chest, letting the warmth of his body settle against yours, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

the rest of the night passes in small, perfect moments. quiet laughter, soft kisses. outside, the world keeps spinning, but inside, it’s as if time stops. you feel like everything is exactly where it should be.

when you finally drift off, it’s in his arms - safe and entirely yours.

—

morning comes slow and gentle.

you wake up before he does - wrapped in his arm, cheek pressed against his chest. his heartbeat is steady, unhurried. the kind of rhythm that makes you want to stay right here a little longer.

sunlight filters through the curtains, brushing soft light over his features. his hair is slightly messy, his jaw relaxed.

charles rarely looks this peaceful - like the weight he always seems to carry has loosened just a bit.

you don’t move. not yet.

his fingers shift agaisnt your shoulder. a sleepy breath.

“bonjour.” he murmurs, so quietly it almost makes you smile.

“you’re awake?” you whisper back.

“have been for a while,” he says, eyes still closed. “didn’t want to move. you looked comfortable.”

you lift your head slightly, studying him. 

“i am comfortable.”

he finally opens his eyes, the green hue glistening in the sun. soft and clear like morning sea water.

“good. i was afraid you’d regret this.”

you shake your head immediately.

“not even for a second.”

his thumb gently traces the back of your hand. there’s silence, but it’s nothing like the nights before. it’s warm now, familiar.

you’re about to get up when he pulls you back, just a little.

“can we stay like this, s'il te plaît? a few more minutes.” he asks.

you couldn’t say no to him, so you settle back into his arms.

“as long as you want.”

in the stillness of a quiet morning, with sunlight on your skin and charles’ heartbeat under your ear, you realize something.

this doesn’t feel like a beginning.

it feels like something you’ve both been waiting for for, finally arriving.

—

by afternoon, reality kicks in.

the media already parked outside. monaco never stays quiet for long.

charles is in the kitchen, stirring coffee like he’s done it a thousand times before in this apartment. like this morning could’ve been any morning.

but it isn’t - because it’s your last morning in monaco. by tonight, you’ll be on a plane.

you lean against the counter, watching him. knowing you should have said it by now.

he feels your stare.

“what?” he asks, smiling over his shoulder.

“i’m leaving today.”

his smile fades - just a little. “i know.”

“but we didn’t talk about-“

“we will.” he says gently. “not until we have to.”

he places your coffee mug in front of you. you wrap your hands around the warmth of it.

from the window, flashing cameras catch light. charles glances toward them, but this time, he doesn’t look away as quickly as he used to.

“let the media say and guess whatever they want to. they always will.”

you study him. “what happens when i’m gone?”

he takes a slow breath.

“then i’ll fly to wherever you are. i don’t care how loud or messy things get. i don’t want to pretend like this is nothing.”

“charles..”

“i meant what i said, y/n.” his voice drops, steady and serious. “this isn’t nothing anymore.”

silence again, but this one feels different. it says something without words.

your phone buzzes - your assistant, your manager, your flight details. your career.

you stare at the screen, then turn it face down on the counter.

“come with me.” you say before you can stop yourself.

his eyes widen. not disbelief, but surprise.

“i’m supposed to fly to italy tomorrow. team meetings.”

“so.. another flight,” you shrug lightly. trying not to sound like you’re begging. trying to sound brave.

charles pauses. “you know i still have races, meetings, commitments.”

“i know. i’m not asking you to drop any of that.”

“then what are you asking?”

you take a breath.

“i’m asking that we try. even if it means juggling flights, races, and whatever else comes our way.”

his gaze softens.

“i’ll make it work. whatever it takes. if it’s us, it’s worth it.

“with the team? the media? all of it?”

“with us. i’ll find the flights. the hours between races. i’ll find a way, y/n.”

last day in monaco, but not the last with him.

—

you open the door first. paparazzi lenses already waiting at the bottom of the steps. but this time, you don’t hesitate.

you reach for charles’ hand. his fingers slide through yours naturally, like they’ve always belonged there.

a few questions fire immediately - overlapping, urgent:

“are you together?”

“is this official?”

“y/n, are you staying in monaco?!”

but the cameras aren’t what you feel.

you feel his thumb brushing over your knuckles. a subtle squeeze. steady.

he leads the way, guiding you through the crowd. not shielding you, not walking ahead, but walking with you.

your manager calls. charles’ calls as well. both phones are vibrating out of control, but neither of you answer.

at the car, he opens the door for you, but doesn’t get in immediately. instead he turns to the cameras. not for a statement, not for show, just to look at them.

as he finally sits beside you and shuts the door, the windows dull the noise outside, like someone turned the world down to a softer volume.

you exhale.

charles turns to you, voice low.

“that was crazy.” he says with a small smile.

you turn your hand in his, interlacing your fingers even tighter.

he studies you for a moment, something flickering across his eyes.

“you realize, we just hard launched to half the planet.”

you smile.

“and?”

he huffs a quiet laugh.

“and i think i liked it.”

you lean your head against the window, watching monaco blur by one last time, his hand still in yours.

last day in the city. first day of something new.

yn_yln

liked by charles_leclerc, f1 and 6.8 million others

yn_yln hard launching

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charles_leclerc who’s this handsome guy??

yn_yln get out

f1 our couple of the year🥹💗💗

ynnation AM I DRESMING

monacoxcl i’m SCREAMING.

16leclrc_ MY PARENTS

charles is stressed. exhausted. the pressure of everything is eating him alive. and you know that.

but tonight? he snaps.

“i’m scared of losing you, charles.”

“then maybe you shouldn’t be with a driver.”

it’s defensive. ugly. and it cuts straight through you.

you whisper, shaken.

“is that what you really want?”

he doesn’t answer.

he just exhales, frustrated, dragging a hand through his hair.

you take silence as your answer.

you pack a bag.

as you head for the door, he finally moves.

“wait. just.. don’t do this.”

but you’re already gone.

the door slams.

your footsteps fade down the hallway.

he doesn’t chase you.

because he thinks you’ll come back.

he’s wrong.

—

he can’t focus.

he misses braking points.

he understeers.

he screams into the radio.

the cameras catch it all.

he finishes the race with the look of someone who isn’t present, not really.

you see the headlines from your phone even though you’re not looking for them.

“the monégasque under pressure”

“ferrari star crumbles”

“another season wasted?”

you lock your phone and lie back in the dark.

you don’t cry.

you’re past crying.

you’re numb.

—

carlos waits until the media clears out.

until the garage empties.

until it’s just him and charles.

carlos finally speaks.

“you need to fix whatever happened.”

charles doesn’t answer.

carlos continues, firmer.

“you think i haven’t noticed? you haven’t been yourself since y/n left.”

charles flinches.

“talk to her.”

carlos urges.

“go to her. fix it before it’s too late.”

charles looks down at his gloves, knuckles white.

“i tried. she won’t answer my texts or calls.”

carlos scoffs.

“so go to her in person. you don’t just let someone like her walk away.”

silence.

he whispers.

“she didn’t just walk away, carlos.”

carlos frowns and charles’ voice shakes.

“she ran.”

something in carlos softens.

“then run after her, hermano.”

charles doesn’t.

and that’s the problem.

—

charles goes home after the race.

he walks into the apartment and stops dead.

your clothes: gone.

your shoes: gone.

all your toiletries: gone.

reality crushes him in a single breath.

he sinks to the floor next to the empty space where your things used to be.

he presses his palms into his eyes, forcing back tears that come anyway.

he whispers to nobody.

“i wish you’d stay.”

he says it again, quieter.

his voice breaks completely.

“je t’en supplie.. i wish you’d stayed.”

—

you return to monaco a few days later, only to pick up things you couldn’t take on your first espace.

charles wasn’t supposed to be home.

but he is.

and the look on his face when you walk in?

destroyed. hopeful. terrified.

“you came back.”

you shake your head.

“only for my things.”

he goes numb.

he takes one shaky step towards you.

“i can fix this, y/n. just.. tell me what you want from me.”

you swallow.

“i wanted you to fight for me.”

“im fighting now.”

you stare at him with eyes that don’t sparkle anymore.

“you’re too late, charles.”

he breaks.

“please i— i need you.”

you scoff.

“you should’ve thought about that before telling me i didn’t belong in your life.”

silence.

a silence that feels like death.

he tries one last time.

“tell me how to make you stay. how can i fix us?”

you stayed quiet for what felt like an eternity.

you finally look charles in the eyes.

he looked like he was on the verge of breaking down.

you hesitate for a second, but something finally came out.

“you can’t. i’ve given you too many chances. there is no more us, charles.”

you pick up your final bag and start walking towards the door.

his voice cracks and he grabs your arm.

“ma chérie.. please. don’t leave.”

you stare at him.

he lets go of your arm.

the look in his eyes broke your heart.

you looked at him one last time.

you turn around and walk out the door.

he doesn’t chase after you.

because he doesn’t know if chasing you will make you stay—or make you disappear forever.

you’re gone.

tonight was the premiere of one of the biggest movies of 2025. you stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the fabric of your dress for what felt like the hundredth time. your stomach twisted with nerves—tonight wasn’t just a premiere. it was the first time you and charles would be seen together, the first time the world would form opinions about a relationship that had belonged only to the two of you.

what if they don’t like you? what if rumors started immediately? what if being with him in public changes everything?

you took a slow breath, trying to shake off the thoughts swirling in your mind, when the door opened. charles stepped inside, already dressed for the night, his tie slightly loosened the way it always was before he got nervous (though he’d never admit it.)

“you’re quiet. talk to me amour.” he said gently, walking closer to you.

you looked down at the floor, unsure of how to put your feelings into words, but before you could try, he slipped his arms around your waist from behind, resting his chin on your shoulders. 

“i know you’re worried,” he murmured, his voice warm and calm, “but you don’t have to be. whatever happens, we’ll go through it all together okay? i’m right here y/n” his arms tightened just a little and he gently placed a kiss on your temple. 

for the first time all evening, the knot in your chest loosened. with him beside you, maybe tonight didn’t feel so scary after all.

—

the red carpet was lined with photographers, flashing cameras catching every moment as A-listers posed and mingled with each other. but as you stood there, hand in hand with charles, the world around you felt like it had faded into the background.

this was it. the moment when everything changed. for months, you and charles had kept your relationship private, only sharing it with close family and friends. your heart was racing at the thought of how people would react.

charles squeezed your hand and offered a reassuring smile to calm your nerves. his eyes locked with yours. “you ready?” he whispered. you nodded at him and smiled.

the flash of cameras grew louder as you both walked onto the carpet, and suddenly, everything felt real. this wasn’t just a night for movie stars—it was a night for you and charles,a night to finally let the world in on what you’d been building in private. 

charles kept his hand wrapped firmly around yours, his confidence irresistible, but you could feel your heart racing as you moved forward. 

“charles!! over here! y/n can we get a smile?” the voices of the paparazzi cut through the noise, but you tried to stay focused, focusing on the feeling of charles’ hand, the warmth of his presence beside you. you glanced at him, meeting his eyes for a brief second. he gave you a smile, just enough to remind you that he was in this with you.

as you reached the main interview section, an interviewer approached you guys with a microphone, the questions already flying.

“charles, y/n!! it’s unbelievable to see you both out together. how long have you guys been dating?” you felt your stomach flip, the weight of the question hitting you immediately. but charles squeezed your hand, calming you down.

he smiled and turned to you, his voice easy and calm. “it’s been a while,” he said, his tone light, almost playful. “but we’ve kept it private you know? some things are just better that way.” the interviewer nodded as he spoke. “so tonight’s your first public appearance together as a couple. what made you guys decide to go public now?” charles tilted his head, as if considering how to answer, then glanced at you, his gaze soft.

“we’ve been talking about it for a while,” he began, his voice sincere. “and when you’re with someone who means so much to you, it just.. feels right to share it with the world.” the interviewer, eyes landing on you, leaned forward. “do you think the spotlight will change things for you, y/n?”

your heart pounded in your chest. you knew the media would pick apart every word, every gesture. charles looked at you and squeezed your hand, as if he was saying everything’s going to be okay. you took a quick breath. “what’s important is that we’re happy. that’s what really matters. the rest doesn’t change that.”

as the interview wrapped up, the flashing lights continued to pop around you, but the noise seemed quieter now. you were still standing on the carpet, still in the middle of all the attention, but charles standing beside you made it feel like you were exactly where you were meant to be, with him.

in that moment, you realized that the world could look and judge and ask all the questions they wanted. but at the end of the night, it was you and charles, and that was enough.

as the interviewer thanked you guys and stepped away, charles laced his fingers with yours and leaned in slightly, his voice low enough that only you could hear it.

“you’re doing amazing, chérie.” he murmured, his thumb brushing gently over the back of your hand. you let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding.

“i didn’t think i’d survive this” you whispered back with a laugh. he smiled and gently kissed your forehead. “we’re in this together.”

a handler motioned for you both to continue down the carpet, and charles guided you forward, always half a step behind you, like he wanted the world to see you first. it was subtle, but you noticed it, and it sent waves of warmth in you immediately.

fans called out his name from behind the barricades, waving posters and flags, but a few called out for you too. everything felt surreal. you glanced at charles, unsure of how to react. he caught your expression and gave you a soft nudge. “go on,” he whispered. “say hi.”

so you did. you turned toward the crowd, laughing as you waved, and their cheers rose even louder. it wasn’t as scary as you thought. not with his hand steady in yours. you took photos with the fans and signed anything that was given to you. 

after a few minutes, you and charles started walking back. when you turned to him, he was already looking at you, eyes warm and proud, like he was seeing the moment you finally relaxed.

“see?” he said quietly. “they already adore you.”

you rolled your eyes, fighting a smile. “they adore you.” he shook his head just a little. “tonight, they adore us.”

—

inside the theater, the noise of the red carpet faded into a soft hum. the lights were dim, celebrities whispering as they found their seats. charles guided you through the aisle, his hand resting lightly on the small of your back. when you finally sat down, he leaned closer, his shoulder brushing yours.

“you okay?” he whispered. you nodded, letting your hand rest against his his for a second. “i am now.”

throughout the movie, he kept your hand in his lap, thumb tracing circles across your knuckles. every so often, he’d glance over at you, and each time, the soft glow from the big screen caught the admiration in his eyes.

when the credits rolled and lights came back up, he looked at you and asked, “ready?”

you weren’t sure if he meant ready to leave the theater or ready for the world outside after tonight, but either way, you nodded.

security guards led you two outside the theater and towards the car waiting for you both. the atmosphere was a lot calmer. most of the press had left, leaving only lingering fans and soft chatter. charles slipped an arm around your waist as you walked. 

the second the car door shut, you exhaled a very long breath. charles noticed immediately.

“you did so well tonight” he said, turning toward you and placing his hand on your leg.

“i survived.” you laughed softly.

“you did more than that. i’m proud of you, ma chérie.”

the drive was quiet but peaceful, city lights passing in streaks outside the window. your head drifted onto his shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around you, pulling you closer.

no cameras, no noise, no stress. just him.

—

when you finally reached home, he held the door for you, letting you step inside first. the second the door clicked shut, you kicked off your shoes and melted into the peace of your shared house.

charles walked up to you, his arms circling your waist as he pressed a kiss on your lips. his voice low and soothing, “i told you we would make it.”

you let out a soft laugh, the tension finally leaving your body. you leaned back in his arms, looking up at him. “yeah, we did. i really didn’t think i would be able to handle tonight.” 

he smiled, the same way you’d grown to love over the months, the one that made you feel safe, no matter what. “i told you you’d be fine. you were more than perfect out there, you know.” 

you rolled your eyes and grinned. “i was not perfect. i was a nervous wreck. you know i almost tripped on the carpet halfway down??” 

he laughed, brushing a loose strand of hair from your face. “i saw, but you didn’t. and you looked beautiful doing it.” his eyes softened. “toute la nuit, tu étais magnifique.” (all night long, you looked gorgeous)

you smiled at the compliment, but there was something else in your voice when you spoke. “i’m still kind of surprised. that was.. a lot. i thought i’d be freaking out the whole time, but with you there..” you paused, a little embarrassed about it. “it didn’t feel so scary. i felt like, if it was too much, i could just glance at you and everything would be okay.”

charles’ expression softened. his hand lingered at the side of your face, his thumb brushing your cheek. “you’re never going to have to do anything alone, y/n. i’m here. whether it’s just us or the whole world is watching. we’re in this together, always.”

you leaned into his touch, feeling a quiet smile tug at your lips. “i know. i guess.. i guess i just didn’t realize how much i needed that reminder till tonight. it feels different now, out in the open like this. like everyone’s watching, trying to figure us out.”

he chuckled softly, pulling you closer. “let them watch. they can say whatever they want, but they’ll never understand what we have. they’re not us.” he kissed the top of your head. “and honestly, i’m not worried about what they think. as long as we’re happy, that’s all that matters to me.”

the comfort of his words washed over you. “yeah, you’re right. i just needed to hear you say it. it’s easy to get caught up in everything else, and forget that it’s us.”

charles stepped back a little, looking at you with an amused glint in his eyes. “you’re always so serious when you’re thinking about stuff like this.” he cupped your chin, tilting your face up to his. “how about we don’t think about it anymore? just you and me, here. no cameras, no fans. just us.”

—

you both walked into the bedroom, the weight of the night melted away. no cameras, no press, just the soft comfort of your own shared space. charles changed into a pair of sweatpants and you had put on one of his old shirts, which practically swallowed you. 

“next time we do a public event, maybe we can aim for something where i don’t have to wear a suit. i was struggling to breathe in that thing”he joked.

you giggled. “next time, we’ll pick something where you can wear jeans and a t-shirt, okay?”

he laughed. “perfect!”

after turning off the lights, you crawled into bed, the cool sheets welcoming you as you settled in besides him. he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into his chest, his heartbeat steady against your ear.

for a moment, neither of you said anything—just the sound of your breathing, slow and calming. his hand traced circles on your back, each touch gentle and reassuring, like a reminder that everything was alright now.

“i’m glad we did this,” you whispered, your voice barley audible in the dark. “going public and everything.”

charles tightened his grip around you slightly, pressing a kiss to the top of your heard. “me too. it feels good, doesn’t it?” his voice was soft and sleepy. “but right now, it’s just you and me.”

“yeah. just us 2.” you sighed contentedly, snuggling closer. in the quiet darkness, with nothing but the sound of your breaths syncing together, you finally allowed yourself to relax completely.