Chapter Text
Carlos has noticed something going on with Charles the past few days, the younger boy was acting extremely out of character. Enough for the other drivers to notice it.
It was so noticeable, that Seb and Kimi had actually booked a flight to come to their next race just to keep an eye on Charles.
Of course, Charles being Charles, continued to tell everyone that he is fine and there is nothing wrong with him. Nobody believed him, Charles will never admit when he is sick.
So it’s safe to say, when Charles wakes up early in the morning with his face as white as a sheet and covered in sweat, Carlos is extremely concerned.
“Cariño, i don’t think you should compete in free practice today. Maybe we can talk to Ollie?” Carlos says, a worried look across his face.
“Non, i’m alright Carlos. I will be fine to drive today” Charles protests, denying any idea of the fact he might actually be sick.
Carlos tries to convince him not to drive today for over an hour, but it’s no luck. Charles is set on competing in free practice, even if he’s struggling to stand up for so long.
“Charlie, promise me that you will say something if it gets too much. I don’t want you passing out in the car” Carlos reasons, knowing that there was absolutely no use trying to get him to not drive.
“I promise i’ll say something” Charles tells him, before urging him out of his drivers room so he can get ready.
Thankfully, free practice ends with no issues and Charles did manage to stay in the car the whole time.
Sebastian and Kimi are already in the Ferrari Garage when Carlos appears out of his drivers room, he makes his way over to them and the three soon end up in conversation.
“Hey, where’s Charles? I haven’t seen him come out yet” Sebastian says after 20 minutes, a small frown on his face.
“I’m not sure, he can’t be in the media pen still because it ended 30 minutes ago” Carlos mumbles, wondering out loud.
“He must be in his driver room” Kimi shrugs, trying to keep a straight face even though he is slightly worried.
“Yeah, i think so. He’s definitely sick so i wouldn’t be surprised” Carlos responds, Sebastian raises his eyebrows at that.
“He’s sick?” He asks worriedly, all sorts of ideas running through his head of what could be wrong with Charles.
“Yeah, he’s been acting really strange like you know. But, today he woke up really pale and covered in sweat” Carlos informs them, Kimi and Seb share a look.
“We should go and check on him” The German says, already starting to make a move towards the driver rooms.
“I have to go and talk to Fréd, will you call me if you need me to come?” Carlos checks, only walking away when he receives a nod.
“I’m worried about him, Kimi” Sebastian mumbles as they walk over to find Charles, Kimi sighs and places a hand on Seb’s shoulder.
“I’m sure he’ll be okay, Seb” Kimi tries his best to comfort the younger man, soon enough they’re outside the room and Seb gently knocks on the door.
“Charles, it’s Seb and Kimi. Can we come in?” Sebastian asks, the silence he gets in response is worrying.
“Hey, Charles. Is everything okay in there?” Kimi asks, there’s a small whine from inside the room and Seb starts to panic.
“Charlie? What’s wrong, are you hurt?” Sebastian blurts out, hoping that Charles isn’t in any pain right now.
There’s no verbal answer, just a loud whimper that makes Seb panic even more and quickly throw the door open.
The sight he’s met with is not what he was expecting.
There’s a kid curled up in the corner of the room, maybe around two or three years old. They can’t see the kids face, due to the fact the toddler is hiding it in their arms.
“Hey, kid” Kimi says hesitantly, slowly making his way over to the toddler huddled up in the corner against the wall.
“It’s alright, we’re not going to hurt you. We just want to know why you’re here, buddy” Sebastian says softly, crouching down infront of the kid.
“Non” The kid whispers, shaking his head slightly as he tries to hide himself further into the corner away from them.
“It’s okay, kid” Sebastian says, trying to encourage the kid to lift his head up out of his arms. It takes a few minutes of quiet words of praise, but soon enough the young boy is slowly lifting his head up.
“S-Sebby?” The toddler whispers, looking up at Sebastian with a confused look across his face. Why did this kid look so familiar?
“Yeah, that’s me buddy. I’m Seb” Somehow that seems to calm the boy down, almost as if he’s getting more relaxed around them.
“Why do i recognise him?” Kimi asks after a few minutes, pretty much staring at the boy trying to figure out why he knows him.
It hits Seb after a few minutes. Charles. This kid looks like Charles. But, Charles certainly doesn’t have a kid or a brother this young.
There was no way. Surely, this had to be a look a like. Or even just a family member, there’s no way it could be..
“Charles?” Sebastian asks before he can stop himself, the kid looks up at him with weary eyes before giving a tiny nod.
No way.