CLOSE TO THE EDGE MAX VERSTAPPEN

we never talk about it ☆ op81

genre: humor, angst, yearning, massive crushes, and lots and lots of miscommunication, assistant!reader

word count: 11k

It's unwise—longing for someone like Oscar. While he's the epitome of someone anyone can easily fall in love with, you're the epitome of a devoted girl who will fall in love with him. You might not even care too much about all the heartbreak you endure along the way.

inspired by this !

cherry here!... based on real events.

Do you remember the day we first met?

The wind doesn’t do its job in blocking him out, the way you prayed and wished it would. You’re still able to catch the crack in his voice—a distant reminder of the way it once made you giggle. Even his nose is beet red, matching the Christmas lights. But apart from all that, you still hear him. You still see him. 

You always have.

“A little bit. Yeah.”

He flinches, then tries to play it off with a soft smile. Like he doesn’t want you to uncover the slight hurt he feels. But he can’t read your mind. He never could. And that was the problem.

Oscar nods, feigning indifference. “I do. Remember it all, I mean.  Think back to it quite often."

-

It’s utterly useless to try and ignore him, really.

His hair is too fluffy, his eyes are too bright, and his accent is making you want to flaunt the way some loony character would with a hand over their heart. It was honestly a tad bit demeaning.

But you can't help it. You admire the way his brown locks fall in a lousy manner when he towers down to sign the contract. You blush when his eyes get that twinkle in them. And you swoon over almost anything he says with a shy smile.

“You’re drooling.”

Mortified, you briskly run the back of your hand against your mouth before sending a harsh glare. Lando snickers. “Would you please stop?”

His jaw drops, theatrically. “You’re not actually into him—are you?”

He says it with a trace of humor, but also shock, and you can't help but have your mouth run dry. A loose grin starts to expand across his lips as you hurriedly shake your head. “O-of course not. Are you crazy?”

But if anything, you feel crazy. You must be, right? With every passing second of your heart beating faster and faster against your chest simply just by looking at the young Australian, you’re sure you fall straight into the category like some love fool.

Lando squints his eyes. “I don’t know.” He leans in straight into your face, nearly hissing. “Am I?”

“Am I interrupting?” 

Flinching hard, you turn quickly to face Anastasia. You’d initially met the black haired girl back in 2019. As you started off as the Brits personal assistant, she took over as Carlos’ and later also Daniel’s. Over the course of time, you two came to be as close as sisters. 

“No! Not at all,” you squeak, nervously before pushing the McLaren driver away and patting towards the open chair next to you. She giggles, rolling her eyes and adjusting herself. “How was the flight over?”

A shrug. “As good as it can get. Sat next to a silver fox, so I guess that must count for something, no?” Lando shudders. She leans in closer, plopping her head against your shoulder. “What’d I miss?”

“Not much.” Only, that’s not true. She missed the way he laughed awkwardly when the doors wouldn’t slide open and let him into the headquarters. She missed the way he rolled his R’s a little too hard when saying ‘sorry’. She missed the way he grabbed the pen with a certain glow on his face, like he almost couldn’t believe any of this was happening. Lazy fingers pat her head gently once before sighing. “He seems nice.”

“How do you know?”

You know because of the way he talks to everyone. Like he cares about what they have to say. Whether it’s about how great his career is going to be here in McLaren or if they introduce their kids to him via FaceTime. He always wore the same smile, talked in the same warm tone. So, could your guess be far off? Yes. It could be completely far off. But you would bet money that it wasn’t. 

“Just a wild hypothesis.”

Her laugh isn’t too loud, not ridiculously so, at least, but the fact that it echoes is what makes it appear as such. Anastasia is quick to slap her hand over her mouth, the Brit turns fast to face her with panic evident in his eyes, and you simply blink with a shade of red slowly creeping towards your cheekbones. 

Zak grins. “You three.”

“Oh, we’re out,” Lando mumbles in monotone, already grabbing your wrist and dragging you to the exit. You follow numbly, like you don’t have any strength left in your body. 

“You’re leaving me?” Anastasia hisses.

“She’s my assistant,” he says like a matter-of-fact. “Where I go, she goes.”

“Oh, you Judas—”

“All of you,” Zak clarifies, narrowing his eyes over to you and the Brit. You gulp.

With a soft curse, Anastasia stands up, tall and firm, and makes her way over with all the confidence in the world. You frown, craving to be the same way, even just a small percentage. Instead, you have to be forced by the McLaren driver. 

With every step, your head just spins faster because now, he’s more than real. You can smell his cologne. You can count all the moles that cover his face if you really wanted to. You can spot how his hair is still a bit wet, indicating an early shower. 

He’s just becoming— too real. 

“Lando, buddy, meet your new teammate!”

“Nice to meet you,” the blue eyed boy declares with a loopy grin, letting go of your hand in order to shake his. 

“Likewise.”

Zak claps once. “Oh! And meet your personal assistant, Anastasia.”

“Here for anything you might need,” she cheers with a bright smile.

“Fantastic.”

A wave of silence overlaps your four before Lando clears his throat. “And even though you might not be working with her one-on-one, this is my Anastasia.” A snicker. “My assistant, if you will.”

“Nice to meet you—”

“Nice to meet you—”

You both freeze, hands intertwined for a second longer before abruptly letting go. He lets out a dry laugh while you do the same. The way your skin tingles makes you blush. 

“This is fun and all, but we actually have somewhere to be,” the Brit claims with a suspicious look slashed across his usual laid back expression. You nod. “But we’ll see each other soon, man. Can’t wait to race together!”

In a flash, you two are out the door, leaving a dumbfounded Oscar blinking slowly.

-

“He fucks with you.”

“Excuse me?”

Another bench press. “As in, he likes you. He’s into you.”

You don’t dare ask who he is because you already know who the Brit’s referring to and that would only inflate your ego. Snapping your fingers, you narrow your eyes. “Focus. Two more sets left to go.” He groans, flipping you off.

It would be a lie to say that this didn’t make your self-esteem skyrocket. Could he be right? Could someone like Oscar ever lay eyes on you? Somewhere in your dreams, you’d like to say yes. Yes. That is a possibility. But the longer you think about it, the more unrealistic it gets.

You don’t have what others do. And that itself is enough to pop the bubble. 

-

The start of the season is always tough. 

“He’s extremely nervous.”

For some more than others.

You frown. “Really? But he’s usually so…relaxed.”

Anastasia shrugs, hair falling over her shoulder as she continues typing. “I mean, I tried talking to him but with everything I said, he’d just reply—'that's nice’. It was sarcastic, if anything. I would have laughed if I didn’t feel for him. Poor boy.” Her fingers freeze mid-air. “Wait—do you think you could talk to him?”

“I’m not sure that’s a great idea—”

“Come on! Maybe it’ll help him ease his nerves!”

“Ana—”

“Please.”

You huff. “Okay. Fine. Yeah. I’ll see what I can do.”

As soon as you knock, you almost want to turn away. Maybe it was all an exaggeration. Plus, it’s not like he’s going to die from having butterflies in his stomach. Yeah, surely he’ll be fine and he doesn’t really even need you to—

“Come in.”

He wasn't expecting you, that much you can tell by the way his brows go up. But he’s quick to erase the confusion, settling with a fond expression. “Hey.”

“Hi,” you squeak before cringing at the sound. He chuckles, returning to his warm-up exercises. “How are you feeling?”

Another chuckle, this time amused. “Anastasia sent you, didn’t she?”

“What?” A beat. “No.”

He hums. “Tsk. I’m a bit nervous, that's all.”

You lick your lips, kicking your foot up against the doorframe. What could you possibly say that she hasn’t already? If she couldn’t ease him, then how can you? The thought of messing up and making it worse makes your stomach churn. 

“You’re going to do g—”

“Great?” He sighs, blowing his cheeks. “That’s exactly what she said.”

“And what’s wrong with it? She’s only trying to help.”

“No. I know she is, but…” He looks down onto his lap, pausing all movements. “Look, I appreciate you both. What you’re trying to do for me, but I can’t stand hearing what others think I want to hear.”

“It doesn’t do it for you?”

His eyes grow slightly wide with the way you go about and ask. He’s never seen you be anything other than sweet and reserved. But this—right now—is stern and very coach-like. Something and someone you aren’t. Not even close.

“It doesn’t,” he admits, finally looking away. “Never liked it. Always sounds too forced.”

You nod, crossing your arms. “Fine. I can tell you the truth. I can be truthful.” He perks. “Oscar, you’re a terrific driver.” He groans, covering his face with his hands. “But just because you’re great doesn’t mean you’ll be great all the time.” The Australian frowns, uncovering and looking up at you with attentive eyes. “You’re going to mess up. You’re going to be second, or third, or sometimes even twentieth, but that doesn’t matter, you know why?”

“Why?”

“Because you signed that contract, so you sort of have to suck it up, either way.” He lets out a loud laugh. Very unlike him. A weak smile threatens to fall as you try your best to push it back. “There’s going to be bad races, but there’s also going to be very good races. It all depends on you and how hard you work. Sometimes you’ll have a good car, a good strat, and others you’ll have a shitbox and a bad strat. That’s just the way this sport works, okay?”

Oscar blinks slowly, as if trying to decipher who you are, and that itself makes you dizzy. “I-I-I don’t care if you’re nervous, I don’t care if you’re sure—all we care is that you drive that car, and that you try your best no matter what. Can you do that?”

It’s foreign. The feeling in his chest. He’s not used to hearing any of this. As of recently, everyones been texting him to say how great he’s going to be. How far he’ll go. And while he was grateful for having unconditional support, he also dreaded hearing it sometimes because he doesn’t even want to picture letting any of  them down. He’ll act like he’s fine, he’ll act like he doesn’t care—but none of that would be true.

The brunette tilts his head to the side, slightly squinting. “I can. I can always try my best. Even if I fall short.”

“Good.” A beat. “We all believe in you. No matter what, okay?”

A timid smile. “I know…”

He ends up having to retire the car by lap fifteen, but the most astonishing part is that he’s not even upset. He tried his best. He listened to every single advice his engineer would alert him with. He practiced long hours in the stimulator.

This is just the way things go sometimes. Just like you said.

-

“I’m bored. Can I get a ten minute break or something?” Lando grimaces, rolling his wrist like it's the worst pain in the world. 

You hum, fixing the signed hats back into the box. With eyes screwed, you shrug. “Fine. But only ten! I’m serious. We need to have this done by one.”

“Yes! Ten—got it.”

He doesn’t come back in ten. For the matter, he actually goes missing. 

You narrow your eyes towards the clock, watching as it clicks like some mockery. You’re going to strangle him. You vow at that very moment that you’ll strangle the Brit as soon as you lay hands on him. With one final huff of desperation, you stand up, rubbing your eyes. People frolic through the paddock—you’re sure you even catch a glimpse of Lewis being papped—but that’s not what catches all of your attention. 

Instead, you find yourself leaning against the rail, squinting down to where the man of the hour sits, microphones huddled all around him like some interrogation. Anastasia smiles politely, back straight, and voice-recorder in hand. 

It’s faint—you almost can’t hear a thing—but it’s just enough. 

How does it feel to be back home? Enjoying it, no?

Oscar hums, straight brows slightly furrowed due to the bright sun, but just one adjustment of his hat makes that all go away. “Feels good. I’m able to sleep in my own bed, so that’s pretty cool. And yes. It may be a bit biased, but I am enjoying my time here more than the last two races.” Everyone chuckles. 

Can we talk about your expectations for this weekend? 

You can see him pause, and from where you’re standing, the way his fingers drum against his chair. “Well, I, uh…I hope for a good car.” The joke is supposed to be there, but you can tell everyone was expecting more with the way they murmur to one another. You wince.

Will raises the microphone up to his lips, along with his hand in order to catch the brunette’s attention. “I’m sure there’s been lots of people reaching out to you since this is your first home race, but has there been someone’s advice that has stuck like no other?”

Oscar smiles gently. “There has been, actually.”

You freeze, gripping the steel bar with anticipation. Your knuckles nearly feel like they’re about to snap, and you feel like you’re probably leaning a bit too far over the edge to hear it all, but you don’t even care. Will chuckles. “If it’s not too much to ask, would you mind sharing with us all? I’m sure it’ll help a lot of youngsters watching.”

Anastasia slides the recorder closer. Oscar visibly swallows. “I’m not sure I can. I never asked her for permission to talk about it. And quite frankly, I’d like to keep it between us.”

Will perks up. “Her?”

The black-haired girl is quick to whisper into his ear, turning the opposite way so no one can even attempt to read her lips. He nods, eyes trained forward like some guard. “Any more questions?” But everyone’s intrigued at this point, so all the questions that follow remain the same. Something that makes Anastasia panic and Oscar regret his choice of words. 

“Can we get a name?” some blurts out, nearly seeming desperate to get the inside scoop.

Only, his face remains still, jaw slacked. “No.”

Will raises his hand. “Very well, we don’t have any right to know, but are you willing to share a bit about what she said?”

And it’s almost as if the Australian can foresee that the only way to get out of this situation is by giving them what they want. Even if it’s a stupid little crumb. He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “She told me to try my best. That’s all I can really do.”

The mix of photographers and journalists deflate. “I-I’m sorry,” Lawrence Barretto slides in with a light tone and an ever lighter smile. “Don’t mean to lessen its meaning, but isn’t that a common thing to say? To hear?” An awkward laugh. “I mean, I just thought it’d be something a bit more…deep. Inspiring, perhaps.”

Blood rushes to your cheeks and you’re grateful to whatever God may exist that you’re not down there. On the other hand, Oscar is a bit bothered by the innocent comment, but then realizes he doesn't have to be. They weren’t there. They don’t know just how much more you said. How upfront you were with him without sounding condescending. Something most people did without even realizing. 

The brown eyed boy spares a smile. “Like I said—some things I’d like to keep between her and I. And even if it was just that, it’s the way she said it.” A beat. “It’s quite a lavish thing to have. A sincere person to talk to, I mean.”

Will tilts his head suspiciously. “It appears she might be someone special to you, yes?”

The Australian freezes at the unwanted interpretation. Suddenly, the atmosphere is far too crowded. He lets out a forced chuckle, rolling his neck before messaging it gently. “Well, yes. I’d agree.” 

A mix of giddiness and shock rushes through your veins as you refrain yourself from jumping up and down with excitement. 

“You’d be lucky if you had her as a friend too.”

-

“Is everything okay?”

Biting down on the churro he had gifted you as an apology for not getting back on time, you growl. “Yes. Why wouldn’t it be?”

Lando raises a thick brow. “Dunno. Maybe the fact that you’re moping.”

Your jaw goes slack, immediately turning to face him. “I am not moping.”

The sound he lets out indicates he doesn’t quite believe you, but is choosing to let it go. Also, he doesn’t want to see your patience run out, too scared of what you might do. The curly haired driver plops down onto his bed that stands in his motorhome, closing his eyes. You nearly envy the indifference in him. The lack of worry. 

“I can hear your teeth clenching. Gross.”

A grunt. “I’m gonna go grab a coffee. Need anything?”

“Only a nap. It’s a good thing you’ll be gone.” He turns over to his side, bringing your jacket over his face to block out any light. You bite the air, swinging silently for a minute or two before exiting the cramped room. 

The sun hurts, you remember thinking, but the upcoming migraine you’re getting is even worse. You should be used to this by now, given you’ve suffered from them since elementary, but based on the way you zig zag without meaning to is enough proof to know that you’re not. Everyone's voices are suddenly muffled, even the sound of engines roaring is as soft as a feather. You wince, massaging your temples as if that might help. 

Woah, are you feeling alright? 

“I’m fine,” you respond meekly, to who even knows. You wave them off rudely. “I’ll be fine. Just. Leave me alone.” 

Anastasia frowns, all while fanning your face. “No. You need to lay down.” She nudges the Australian, who up until now, you had no clue he had his arm clung around your waist. If you weren’t too busy feeling like shit, you’d definitely be making a fool out of yourself. Her green eyes fill up with worry. “I’m gonna go look for a paramedic.”

“You’re doing too much,” you slur, body letting loose and making the brunette shriek as he grips you harder, trying to keep you upright. 

A deadpan expression. “Oscar, take her back to your motorhome and have her lay down.”

He nods, hesitantly. “Y-yeah, okay. Okay.” Once she runs off like a headless chicken, you let out a dramatic gag. Sharp brows knit together with horror. “Do I smell bad?”

A giggle. “No. As a matter of fact, you smell rich.”

With his arm still wrapped around you securely, and warm eyes flickering from to you back to see where he’s heading, he grins, eyes crinkling. “Rich? That just so happens to have a scent?”

You purse your lips, wincing at the fact that your peripheral vision has gone completely dark. “Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe I’m a terrific liar and I’m only stroking your ego for my benefit.”

Another chuckle. “Benefit? What benefit may that be?”

Tsk. “How else am I gonna get you to take me to bed?”

The Australian instantly chokes hard on a string of his own saliva, causing you to flinch at the loud sound. Loud to you, at least. He apologizes, but not before taking a glance down, like it’s the first time meeting you. 

As soon as you lay down on the miniature mattress, you release a groan. Even just having your eyes closed makes you dizzy. You let out a loud groan, kicking your feet against the cushion in desperation.

“That bad?”

“That annoying.”

And even though you can’t see him, he nods, internally freaking out, trying to think of ways to help. “Does this happen to you often?”

“Yes.”

He nods, sheepishly. “W-what do you normally do? You know? To help?”

Tossing over to lay on your side, you pinch your eyes, grinding your molars. For a minute, you sort of thought your teeth might crack. Everything about this situation was becoming unbearable. “My mom, she, um…she’d normally braid my hair. It helped sometimes. Others it didn’t.” Messy hair dangles over your face as you let you out a loud exhale, as if you were in the middle of releasing some demon. “I moved too much, she said.”

Oscar smiles, coming across like a faint memory locked in the back of your mind. “I-I-I can try…” Loopy eyes flicker up to face him, and he’s quick to scrunch his nose. The sight alone makes you breathe easier, though he doesn’t know that. Of course he doesn’t. “Only if you want me to…”

“You know how?”

“Sort of? When I was younger, I used to sit across from my sisters at the breakfast table. I was bound to learn a thing or two.”

The subtle proud smile makes your heart beat flutter, smitten at the insight to his childhood. You wish you knew more. Like what was his favorite show? Did he have any imaginary friends, just like you did? Or maybe his favorite superhero? But you swallow all those questions down your throat as soon as he kneels down next to you. The whiff of soft musk distinctively adds to your headache, but you’re too focused on him for something as dumb as that to matter. 

“Just…close your eyes.”

Taking one last glance at him, you comply, lashes fanning slowly before going completely dark. You can still hear him adjusting, you can feel him take your hair into his hands, but nothing makes you stop breathing like his touch that grazes your cheek. 

It’s almost ghostlike—doesn’t really stay on the same spot for too long—but you know it’s real. Long fingers calmly push strands of hair behind your ear, tranquility expanding over your body. The slight tickle it causes helps ease your pounding migraine, little by little. 

“Are my hands too cold?” he whispers, not trying to intrude, but at the same time, wanting to know. You twist, bottom lip jutting out. Not at all. Keep going. And he does. He ends up tangling your hair a bit, because as it turns out, he doesn’t remember much, but he’s sure to delicately fix his mess, brows drawn in with heavy concentration. 

As soon as your hair is back to flowing free, he relaxes, wincing a bit at the pain in his knees. Your hair feels soft. Just what he would imagine a cloud would feel like. For a second, he begins to wonder, who’s this really for? He feels like this might be soothing him more than you. 

Just then, his finger catches on a knot, and he freezes, stopping all movements. “Holy crap, I am so sorry, I—”

You let out a low whimper, but don’t do so much as bat an eye. You’re sound asleep. The brunette lets out a breath of relief, falling back to sit on the ground. 

Your face is a bit squashed—and you’re drooling just a tad bit—but for some odd reason, he finds himself admiring. You’re full lips. You’re lashes. God, even the way you breathe. He feels a tender smile itching, but it never truly gets to see the light of day, because before he knows it, the door is swung wide open. 

Anastasia stops dead in her tracks. “What happe—is she asleep?”

Oscar opens his mouth, then snaps it shut. He does this a couple of times, awkwardly turning to face you and his assistant, back and forth, back and forth. “She, um…just did. A minute ago.”

She pouts, scratching her head. “Weird. Usually when this happens it prolongs for at least ten minutes before it gets any better.” The green eyed girl sheepishly waves the group of paramedics away. A trail of sighs echo as they turn away. As soon as they’re gone, she gently shuts the door, then tippy toes towards the edge of the small bed. Neat brows furrow. “At least she’s feeling better, no?”

Brown eyes follow her gaze. “Yeah. At least.”

-

Lando ends up throwing—and according to him— “The World’s Coolest Jamboree”. You beg for him to call it anything but jamboree, but he’s too attached to it by the time he sends the last text invite, which so happens to be to the rookie driver. 

“Has anyone RSVPed?” you question over his shoulder. He’s in the middle of mixing some mysterious liquid, but by the looks of it, doesn’t look any good. You grimace. 

He lets out a bleh before dropping his utensils. “No one RSVPs these days. They either show up, or they don’t.” 

A slow nod. “So, you don’t know who’s coming?”

“Not a clue. But most likely everyone.”

You scoff. “How are you so sure?”

He gives you an ‘are you kidding me?’ type glare before sending a sly grin. “First of all, it’s my party. They’d be crazy to miss out. And second of all…it’s only the biggest, funnest, coolest jamboree!”

“Funnest is not a word.”

“And party-poopers aren’t welcomed.” You gasp, smacking his chest harshly. He lets out a snicker, picking up a bag of ice and spilling it into the glass bowl. “But I’ll make an exception. Just this once.”

“Just this once,” you mimic before dipping your pinky in. He instantly slaps your hand away. Smacking your lips, you let out a yelp at the bitter taste. “This tastes like ass. God—not even Daniel will drink this, and that guy drinks anything in his way. I’m surprised he hasn’t been accidentally roofied.”

Lando claps his hands with amusement. “God forbid. And please, pay your respect to Lando’s Best Worst Decision.” A beat. “™.” 

“™?” you deadpan. “What? Are you planning on adding a trademark to this sewage water?”

“It’s good, okay?” Mixing the clear liquid once more, he smiles fondly down at it. “And maybe. I’m seriously considering it.”

You sneer, already walking away.

He ends up being right. Not even an hour later, the party is in full swing. Sure, a couple drivers aren’t able to make it, but it’s still jammed packed. It's honestly a miracle to get through the Monaco flat. 

You’re still sober?

Laughing, you nod, raising your water up in the air like some toast. Daniel frowns. “Considering I have to make sure my number one client doesn’t make any bad choices tonight, then nope. Can’t have a sip of alcohol.” 

Brown eyes flutter slowly. “I’m sure there’s other beverage choices. Have you tried Lando’s Best Worst Decision?” He leans in, winking. “™.”

“Oh no. Don’t tell me you actually like it?” He shrugs and you shudder in disgust. “I’m sure I saw him add ten energy shots and God knows what else.”

“No wonder I feel kinda funky.” Your face drops. “Hey, if you pass out, can I crash tonight?”

“Daniel!” you groan, covering your face. “I swear, I’m going to spill that stupid drin—” Only, Daniel is gone. Craning your head, you circle the room. From where you stand, you’re able to see Carlos and Lando taking part in a heated round of pool, all while Charles sways back and forth, infamous red cup in hand.

Marching over to the kitchen island, you pick up the glass bowl and carry it over to the sink before tipping it over. You huff, hair fanning across your nose. 

“Stupid, stupid boys—”

“Hey.”

You shriek, dropping the bowl, and wincing at the sound of glass shattering. 

Oscar grimaces. “Shit. Sorry. Are you hurt?”

“No.” You sigh. “Lando’s gonna kill me.”

Grabbing the nearby broom, the Australian sweeps carefully while knitting his brows. “Why?”

“It’s a family heirloom.”

“A glass bowl?”

You giggle. “I wonder why too.”

Despite the blaring music, and constant chattering, the room feels rather silent. You fiddle with the hem of your dress, and that seems to catch his eye as it dawns on him that he hasn’t really seen you in anything other than your usual uniform. To be fair, you could say the same. He likes it. 

You clear your throat. “Halfway done. How do you feel?”

He sips on his water, jaw clicking before settling with a sharp tsk. “Good. I think I’m finally getting the hang of it. Anastasia even congratulated me the other day when I diverted a series of questions with ease.”

Impressed, you raise your brows. “Bravo. Wish that was the case with Lando. I swear, sometimes I think he does and says things to make me look bad on purpose.”

“He should stop,” he says with a goofy smile. “Does he not know how lucky he is to get to call you his assistant?”

You blush. “Best friend, actually. I’ve been promoted ever since I pretended to be his girlfriend last New Year's Eve.”

The brunette inches forward with curiosity. “Wish to clarify?”

You hop onto the island, fixing your dress and crossing your legs. “Don’t tell him that I told you any of this, but I secretly think he was embarrassed of not having a midnight’s kiss. Especially since his ex was there with her new boyfriend. Talk about the unexpected.”

His chest tightens. “You two, um…kissed, then?”

“Yes,” you confirm with a childlike grin, and for some reason, it makes him want to puke. “Oh God, I haven’t thought about this in forever!”

He pretends to find interest in the crowded room, but really, it all remains on you. “Was it any good?”

You blush this time and he swears he’s close to walking away. “Yes and no. I mean, it wasn’t bad, but it just didn’t feel right.”

He perks up then, floppy hair bouncing at the sudden speed. “Really?” He coughs, then fixes his watch, training his eyes towards the floor. “Erm, I mean, is that so?”

A nose scrunch. “It felt like kissing someone you’re not supposed to. Which I suppose is true. We’re better off as friends.” He relaxes. “Thinking about it, we might’ve gagged each other's mouths.” You grimace. “If that doesn't show our discomfort, then I don’t know what will.”

“Good to know.” Oscar rubs his arm, up and down, then steps closer to you. You blink. “Hey, I was meaning to ask—”

Strippers? I didn’t order any strippers. 

Hire, a male voice interjects. He means to say he didn’t—hire—any strippers. 

“Son of a…” You wince apologetically, to which he shrugs. Don’t worry. Go. Biting your lip, you nod, rushing to the living room, where Lando, Daniel, and a bunch of other randoms circle the almost nude girls with long legs. 

“I mean, I won’t turn you away, ladies,” the Brit mumbled, already wrapping his arms around their waists. They all giggle, inching closer until he’s a blushing mess. 

You snap your fingers, pointing towards the exit. “All of you need to leave.”

Is that your sister? the one with a cowboy hat whispers into his ear. He quickly shakes his head, narrowing his eyes at you like a deadly weapon. 

“No. That’s his girlfriend,” Daniel yodels, face pressed up against the couch, admiring the group of girls. “But they’re in an open relationship.”

“I’m not his girlfriend—”

“She’s not my girlfriend—”

Oscar’s jaw clenches, eyes focused on the entire commotion. The older Australian rolls his eyes. “Right. We don’t talk about it.”

“Would you stop trying to help?” you shoot back, sarcastically, and clap your hands as if you’re rounding up a new high school cheer. “I need you all out. You want money? Fine. He’ll give you money,” you declare, signaling towards Lando. 

“Hey,” he groans, instantly letting go and stepping closer to you. “They haven’t even done anything to earn it….”

Your eye twitches. “I swear to God—”

“Deal,” the redhead shoots out. “But we need a moment to come to an agreement. You know? On how much we want to ask for.”

“Perfect,” you chirp, rolling your heels. “Take out your wallet, Big Boy.”

“You used to be fun.”

“And you used to be terrified over a pair of tits when I first met you. Whatever happened?” Lando blushes profoundly before pushing you away. “Want them gone, Lando, gone!”

“Yes! Jesus Christ—let me deal with this.”

“I’m done,” you promise with your hands raised up in surrender. “But just remember what happened last time.” He frowns, cocking his head to the side. You wiggle your brows. “São Paulo.” 

Color drains his face before letting out an unhinged laugh and motioning you away. You giggle, heading back to where Oscar stands. 

“I see what you mean,” he announces. What? “How he can have a bit of a headache.” 

“See! I told you! Four years of this!” A dramatic yawn. “I’m tired.” 

A string of boo’s follow once the strippers prance out the door, waving all their money in the air. Specifically Daniel, who genuinely looks upset to see them go. Oscar leans down against the counter, the proximity between you becoming smaller. “You should get some rest, then.” But he selfishly doesn’t  mean it. He wants you to stay—to keep talking to him. 

You let out a snort, grabbing your sides. “I mean, I'm tired of being Lando’s assistant. It’s a full time job, y’know?”

“Oh.” He stands up straight again. “Right. Of course.”

You purse your lips, looking down to your shoes. “But that was actually quite thoughtful.”

She thinks I’m thoughtful, he internally swoons because that must be a good sign, right? Not everyone is thoughtful, but he is, and that must count for something. Gathering all the strength he has left—which is not much considering you blink up at him like some angel—he licks his pink lips. “Back to what I was going to say earlier before you left—”

“I wasn’t trying to step on him! I already said I was sorry!” you hear a familiar voice, instantly turning to find Anastasia kicking Daniel’s face back into place, well, since he now lays asleep on the floor. You curse beneath your breath, jumping off the island once again. 

“His head did a complete 360!” Yuki accuses, clearly panicked. “That's not normal, is it?”

“No, it is,” Pierre replies with a bored tone. “I’ve seen it happen before.”

Crouching down next to the curly haired driver, you jab his cheek before motioning Oscar and Anastasia closer. “Help me carry him to the guest room,” you instruct, already taking off your cardigan. 

The black haired girl is quick on her feet, grabbing the Australians right leg as you grab the left. Oscar, however, swallows hard at the amount of cleavage you’re suddenly displaying, but instantly snaps out of it when both you and Anastasia blink back at him. He picks up the Alpha Tauri driver’s upper body before puffing. 

You blush bright pink at the sight of his muscles pulsing against his t-shirt. “I-It’s just around the corner.” 

As soon as you make it into the room, you three carefully place Daniel onto the bed, to which he squirms before flipping over and snoring away. You motion a finger over your lips before pushing them both out. Gently closing the door behind you,you let out a breath of relief. 

Anastasia lets out a whistle. “Surprisingly not that heavy.”

Oscar scoffs. “Easy for you to say. I had to carry most of his weight.” 

She shrugs, hugging you hello and apologizing for being so late, and you’re quick to reassure her that it’s fine, though she missed the chance to see strippers give Lando a tough time. She sneers. “I didn’t even know there existed strippers in Monaco.” And then she’s off, clapping loudly at the sight of Lando giving out a round of jello shots. You sigh, rubbing your temples.

“I-I’m sorry. What were you going to say?”

He freezes. “Oh. Just that—” He panics. “Only that I like your shoes!”

You blink, deflating from within. But you try to cover it up with a soft smile. “Thanks, I guess?” Orbs flicker down toward your white Sambas. “Lando says they are overrated, but I like ‘em.”

He nods. “Yeah. I like them too.”

-

It happens one Friday afternoon—the decision. 

You’re in between races, you’re in between headaches, and you’re ready to self-implode. So, before any of that happens, you make your first decision. To go on a walk. 

It’s getting rather chilly these days, something you love, but also hate. You love it because there is a certain coziness that comes along with it, but you also hate it because you can’t always be cozy, so you’re left shivering. Much like now. But to be fair, this was your own choosing. 

The pounding that takes over your head lessens the longer you stroll, the longer you breathe actual fresh air. You don’t really think much, you mainly remain blank, but the sound of tires screeching rips you away. Squinting hard, you catch a glimpse of a lady with grocery bags flipping off the fellow driver, who shares nothing but an apologetic smile before driving off. 

“What happened? Do I have something on my face?”

Dusting your nose, then your cheek, you blush faintly. You instantly assume it’s the powdered donuts fault—the one you had gobbled up in a hurry during the drive back to the paddock. It was an early morning, and no one really made it on time when it came to early days, but you always did. And so did Oscar. So, a sleepy Zak gave you a wad of cash, and sent you two to the nearest donut shop. 

The Australian shakes his head, blinking straight ahead. “N-no, I was just checking my blind spot.”

That only makes you blush harder because in what crazy world would he be looking at you? 

A single nod. The car is quiet apart from the sound of his hands moving against the steering wheel, and the sound of the blinker clicking. It’s gloomy, too. You clear your throat. “I love it when it rains.” He hums, calmly, encouraging you to continue. “It just makes me happy.”

“Yeah?”

“Mhm.” You purse your lips. “I sort of wish I were home. That way I can snuggle near the window and fall asleep to the sound of light drizzle.”

The brunette quirks a brow towards the road. “That sounds nice. Like…really nice.” A pause. “Why can’t you do that here, though?”

Here—here means where you are right now. Here means this place that’s not home. Here is not close to being enough, but he doesn’t figure that one out. You blink, dragging your finger along the pink box sitting on your lap. “Trust me, I’ve tried.” A small shrug. “But it’s just not the same, y’know? There’s always something missing.”

He doesn’t waste a moment in asking. “What do you think that is?”

Taken aback by his inquiry, you let yourself surmise for a second or two before licking your lips. “Maybe a pup. To keep me company”

He semi-frowns, cocking his head to send you a deadpan expression. “A dog?”

Now it’s your turn to frown, sending him a glare. “What were you thinking?”

The red light lets him take focus on you. “Dunno. A boyfriend, maybe?”

You’re sure you’re nearly as tomato red as the light staring at you both. “What? You instantly just assume I don't have one already?”

He freezes. “Well, I, um…t-that’s not what I meant—”

“Look, I know I’m not a guys’ typical ‘dream girl’, but sheesh I’m not that unlovable. At least, I hope not, but now you’re making me second guess. I mean, your opinion must indicate everyone sees me as some sort of lonely widow.”

Oscar shakes his head, adamantly. “I don’t see you as such.” A slow pause. “A lonely widow, I mean. I find your words to not be all that true, really. You’re nice. You’re persevering, You’re beautiful. And you have a good heart.” The light translates back to green, and you’re freakishly thankful, that way he can’t see you burn up. “You could easily be anyone's dream. Whoever makes you think otherwise is a phony.”

It’s getting harder not to laugh—most likely out of skeptic shock—but you refrain. He’s simply being kind with you, but that doesn’t stop you from nearly going into cardiac arrest. His words should have been labeled with a warning. 

“Guess this world is filled with lots of phonies.”

He scoffs. “There shouldn’t be. Not when it comes to a girl like you.”

Your breath catches. “Os—”

All of a sudden, the car comes to a harsh stop, sending you flying, but not the Australian, who remains sitting up straight. An older man flips him off before riding off on his bike. You both breath hard, turning to face each other. 

“Are you okay?” he questions, voice laced with worry. 

You nod, slightly dazed. “I, um—yeah. Are you?”

A nod. “I didn’t even see where he came from.”

A weak laugh finally erupts. “Blame it on the poor innocent man— clever.”

Brown eyes soften. They flicker from your orbs back to your pouty lips. He’s only checking if you’re okay, of course. You send him a reassuring bow and he releases a heavy breath. 

“Guess I was too focused on my blind spot, once again.”

The next decision comes when you opt in to join your neighbor, Mr. Lennon, for a cup of tea after he finds you shivering. By that time, it’s raining hard, you're soaking wet, and it only makes sense to accept his kind offer. 

“Mint. To hopefully push back any upcoming cold. God, what were you thinking?”

You let out a laugh. “Not much. That’s why I was aimlessly roaming.”

“What about now?”

You halt, mug raised up to your chapped lips. “What about now?”

He smiles, softly, mixing his own tea with a heavy spoon of honey. “Did the walk help? Were you able to get the wheels rolling?”

Now you giggle loudly. “That’s not very nice! The wheels are working just fine, thank you very much.”

The light scent of pine trees enter the room as soon as he stands up to open his window, the sound of soft rain singing to you as some much needed therapy. “So? What were you pondering about out there?”

“I wasn’t pondering.”

“Walking alone in the middle of a thunderstorm?” A sore laugh. “Been there. Done that. There’s always something on someone’s mind when that happens. Which isn’t often, or usual, so that must mean you’re really stuck up on something.”

“Or someone,” you mumble beneath your breath. His brows dart up, and you sheepishly settle the mug down. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me.”

You blink. You don’t really talk about him out loud. Not with Lando. Not with Anastasia. Not even with your own reflection. Everything has always remained with you. A place you knew to be safe because you made it safe. But Mr. Lennon’s eyes prove to you that he’s lived enough lives—enough scenarios—to maybe understand. Even just a fraction. He watches you visibly gulp. And he knows that look. The confusion, the yearning. 

“I’m in love with this boy.”

He hums, leaning back against his wooden chair. “There’s always a boy.”

You look down. “He’s a friend of mine, which makes everything much worse because I can’t ruin that. But for the first time in all my years of living…” Round, glossy eyes stare back at him with a hopeless expression. “I really—really—want to.”

He’s attentive, he listens like some frozen statue, and maybe that’s what fuels your courage to continue speaking. “My entire life, I’ve had crushes, sure, but I’ve never loved someone. Not seriously. So, of course I’m caught off guard when I do feel that for someone who I’m not even in a relationship with.” A playful snort. “God, I feel so stupid.”

The silence that lingers is comforting. Your nerves flow away with the rain, and you feel at peace. Quietly, he clears his throat. “Can I tell you a story?”

A soft sigh. “I’m all ears.”

Gray brows furrow as if trying to recover a distant memory. “I once loved a boy, too.” Your eyes widen. Sure, you knew he was never married, never even had a kid, but you never thought of any reason as to why not. He nods, faintly. “Not many know, and not because I’m ashamed, not by any means…” A single beat. “But because real, sincere feelings are easier to ignore. Because who wants to deal with reality, right? Who wants to confess and be turned away like some dog at your door?”

Exactly, you think, nodding along. “Everyone is always going to be scared of something, but avoidant people like us are terrified about the what-ifs.” He sends a wink. “And I’m living proof that being that way won’t get you nowhere. And you'll realize sooner or later in life that you’d rather be nowhere with someone you love, than nowhere…” His eyes circle the nearly empty kitchen, despite living there for the past twenty years. “...all alone.”

Your chin wobbles. “You know you have me, right? I’m always next door.” A wet laugh follows. “Anyways, I might even join you in this lonely life, eh? Doesn’t sound half bad if I’m doing it with you.”

Tender eyes close slowly before blinking back at you. “No. I want you to be the complete opposite from me. Be different. Tell him how you feel. Even if it costs you a broken heart, tell him. Because I’m telling you right now that a broken heart is always better than the constant desire that will always follow you like the devil.”

A warm droplet rolls down your cheek as you sheepishly laugh, but he doesn’t judge. He never has. Instead, ever the true gentleman, he hands you his handkerchief. “Did you ever get the chance to tell him that you…”

His wrinkles imprint more vividly as he breathes out. “I did, but it didn’t really make the difference I had hoped for. He was already married to someone else.”

A loud sob escapes. “That’s not f-fair. You deserve to be happy with the man you love.”

“I do. But you know what?” You rub the tears away, eyes connecting. “I’ve made peace with the consequences of my own actions.”

By now the rain has died down, and so have you. With one last smile, Mr. Lennon gives your cold hand a soft squeeze.   

“Learn from my mistakes, won’t you?”

-

That same night, as you cried over a bottle of wine, you made your third and final decision. And you would execute it all the next time you saw him, no matter the outcome. 

But now that you spoke about it once to someone, you felt almost invincible. Which is why you called Lando. 

You what? 

A wince. “You can’t tell him, okay? I’m legitimately trusting you with this!” He opens his mouth, but you’re quick to signal him off. “Including Ana.”

“Wow. I thought she’d know.” You shrug because you don’t really have an explanation for not having had confided in her, but you know deep down that you’re not really into playing a game of Cupid, and that’s exactly what she'd turn this into. The Brit nods, sympathetically. “Alright. I won’t tell a single soul.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you going to tell him how you feel?”

His question comes out hesitant—like he’s afraid of scaring you away from the possibility—but it doesn’t. Instead, you nod, to which he’s extra surprised because you’ve never been the kind to. “That’s the main reason I told you any of this. Because I wanted to ask you if you knew if he has a girlfriend or not? Someone he’s trying to pursue? I’d hate to…intervene.”

Lando let’s put a soft smile, dimples imprinting neatly onto his face. “I mean, he’s particularly private—you know him—but I’ve never heard him mention having a girl. It doesn’t seem like he does. Go for it. What do you have to lose?”

“My dignity? A good friend?”

Silently, he grimaces because even he can see how much this all means to you—how much you’re scared. So, to boost up your confidence—which is something he definitely doesn’t lack—he flashes a loopy grin. “He probably likes you, anyways.”

You come to a fast halt. Suddenly, painting your nails isn’t your top priority. “Really? You think so?” He nods, and you can’t help but smile back. “What’d he say?”

“Well, as I already stated before, he keeps his things locked up pretty well. But I do recall one time…” He closes his eyes harshly. Then, he snaps his fingers loudly. “I believe in Hungary. He was on a high. And we shared a bottle of champagne to celebrate. So, he sort of let loose. Like insanely loose.”

“And?” you push, eagerly trying to get whatever he has stuck in his throat out of him. The green eyed boy snickers. 

“He wasn’t very clear, but he did say he had a crush on a girl. Someone he really wanted to get to know. But that  things were a little bit difficult.” You nod, urging him to continue. “I asked why, and he said it was because she had a good heart, or something of that sort? Good intentions? Can’t remember—and that he didn’t want to ruin it.”

Your breath hitches.

And you have a good heart. You could easily be anyone’s dream. 

-

Ironically, you’re huddled in Lando’s flat once again when it happens. Well. Almost happens. It’s filled with a few McLaren members because he insisted on hosting a nice brunch. And it was. Nice, you mean. 

“Pretty,” Anastasia says, sending a soft smack towards your ass. You yelp, swatting her hand away, and pulling your skirt downward. She snickers. “You should tie your hair up more often. Let’s everyone admire such an angel face.”

“Stop it,” you hiss, but can’t hide the pink flush. “But thank you.” 

She grins, eyes crinkling. Black hair sways as she moves to the beat of the music, nursing her drink. “Nice to have a break…”

“Definitely.”

At some point, she slithers away, leaving you all alone on the balcony. Which was quite lonesome until he came along. Oscar scrunched his nose, meekly. “Sorry.”

“It’s alright. Don’t own this place, do I?”

He lets off a raw chuckle. Deeper than when you first met him, and you come to the realization that a lot about him has changed. His hair is longer, his neck is thicker, and his shoulders are wider. But his smile and eyes remain the same. Boyish.

“Thinking?”

You sigh, admiring the ocean set out right in front of you. “Thinking, yes. A lot these days.”

And if he’s patient enough, he’d notice the way your hands shake. Tiny vibrates, but still.. He’d notice the way you bite down on your lip, brushing it along the way. He’d notice the way you blink feverishly, like even the wind hurts. 

And he is. He is a patient person. So, he does notice. 

“Do you know what song this is?”

Brows furrow, deep in thought. And he’s quick to note that the ticks you had are coming to an easy halt. Mentally, though, you’re cursing yourself out because you do know. You do know the song that flows nicely into your ears, but simply having him next to you is what’s making you forget. How dare me have that kind of power over you?

“I know it,” you start. “But I can’t seem to remember right now...”

The brunette gently nods his head along to the beat. His eyes close, and his hair delicately tussles, and suddenly he’s the only thing you see. “Sex,” he says. You blush, ripping your gaze away before he catches you in the act. Oscar laughs. “It’s Sex by The 1975. How could I forget?”

“Oh yeah.”

The guitar screeches when the volume somehow gets louder, despite not being inside. “Would have killed me not to get it right. My sister listens to it all the time.”

Plump lips pressed together. “You have a sister?” But you know the answer to that question, of course you do. You’re a girl. You’ve done your research, even when you pinched yourself not to. 

He nods. “Three, actually. Talk about a headache, am I right?”

And it’s almost nostalgic—your laugh. Like it might be one he heard in his past life, but in his current one, can't remember. But it’s okay if he doesn’t because at least he knows he can learn it. And he has. 

“You look really pretty when you laugh that way. Insanely so.”

You can’t seem to register his words. The way they come off as soft and ginger as they could possibly get. As if he really means it. And for the first time since your first interaction with him almost two years ago—you sort of believe he might. 

“You’re just saying that?” you question as some test, does eyes challenging him into finally spitting out the truth. The same truth you carry. He shakes his head, taking a step closer.

“I mean it.” 

Like a sudden magnet, you two are hesitantly connecting closer and closer together before either of you could stop it. Not that either of you would. The Australian towers over you, almost caging you like some endangered species he’s afraid of slipping away and going extinct. 

You swallow, lashes fluttering, and he smiles at the sight—melts. You’ve always been reserved. Quiet. Shy. And so has he, so he can’t really judge you, but he’s willing to be different—just once in his life—to get what he’s been wanting for a long time now. 

His eyes follow your lips. Admires how plump they are. How they’re the perfect shade of pink. So, when he leans in and you don’t pull away? He thinks he might explode with the need to kiss you. One time. If he’s lucky, just—once. 

“You’ve always been my dre—”

“There you two are!” Anastasia cheers, zigzagging to you both as an apologetic Lando follows right after. By now, Oscar has jumped far away from you, and you’re left feeling empty and lost, blinking at an alarming rate. “We’ve been looking all over!” A hiccup. “What were you doing?” Your lips remain open but Oscar is the first to let out an awkward cough.

“We were just talking about…logistics!” He turns to you, sparing you a pleading look. “W-weren’t we?”

You finally come to, nodding slowly, eyes buzzing between the two McLaren drivers and your best friend, who wobbles from left to right. “Yeah, I….we—logistics, and whatnot.” A beat. “Doesn’t matter.”

He flinches, avoiding your doleful stare. Oscar forces such a bright smile—the kind that can’t go unnoticed by even the biggest idiot on earth—and nods in agreement. “She’s right. It doesn’t matter.”

Lando analyzes you, then his teammate, and wishes he had done more to keep Anastasia from barging in. But really, was this some sign? Maybe you were some delusional little girl who truly believed she had a chance with the boy next door. The one everyone wants, but only one will get to have.

And let’s face it. 

It was never going to be you.

-

You’d make an excellent detective in your next life, you’re sure of it. But for now, you’re just some brokenhearted assistant who mourns the death of her what-ifs. Someone who is really good at picking up on clues. 

It’s right before Christmas—right before Anastasia’s birthday party—and you’re curling your hair quite poorly. You daze off every now and then, you apply mascara almost zombie-like, and you’re dreading even showing up. Have you been avoiding him? Yes. Yes, you have. Have you been good at it? Only the best, if we’re being truthful here. And were you ready to face him without feeling the need to bolt? 

Nope. Not in this lifetime nor the next.

But still, you force yourself to finish getting ready because this isn’t about you. This isn’t about him. It’s about being there for your friend. 

Mindlessly, on the drive there, pouting in the back of the yellow cab, you click onto Instagram and the first thing you do is smile at the birthday post Anastasia had posted not even five minutes ago. You scroll, smile wider, and then come to a harsh pause. The kind that makes your throat close up. The kind that makes you stop breathing. 

The kind that lets you know—

You’ve lost.

His arms are tied around her waist, his head his nuzzles between her neck, but you can still tell it’s him. His hazel hair can’t go unnoticed. Maybe to someone else, but not you. 

Then, as if all odds are against you, your feed refreshes and you’re left far more dumbfounded. 

She appears in most of his pictures because why not? It’s his girlfriend's birthday, it goes as expected. Museum dates. Pictures of them with each other's families. And you feel greedy like never before because—why couldn't that be you? 

Venmo or cash? You look up, making eye contact with your taxi driver who looks as tired as you are. You press your lips together into a fine line. Digging into your purse, you grab all that you have and jump out of the cab. 

It’s chilly out and the lights are beautifully hung, but it doesn’t do you any good. You just want to go home. Curl up in bed and die. Dig a hole—self-suffocate—who cares. And you’re ready to turn around, go back and apologize to Mr. Lennon for not doing better. You really thought you had it in you, but it just wasn’t enough. 

But then, the door swings open and Pierre curls a brow. Kika waves from behind “He thought you were some serial killer. He’s been watching too much Dateline.” The brunette scurries over, throwing her arms around you and takes a step back. “Come in before you freeze to death.”

But even that didn’t sound too bad. You sheepishly thank her, following the couple back in. A string of jazz cradles the warm lit living room and the scent of apple pie makes you inhale sharply. A giggle stirs up behind you. Anastasia grins.

“You’re here!”

All of a sudden, you hate her smile. You hate her laugh. You hate her entirely. But you also don’t. You can’t hate her smile. You can’t hate her laugh. You can’t hate her entirely. Because even though you feel like she owes you loyalty, that’s not really true. She had zero idea about your feelings towards Oscar and she won. Fair and square. That doesn’t mean you had to like it.

“Happy birthday, Annie.” Hugging her, you giggle against her ear when she jumps up and down, nearly knocking you two over. “For you. From me.”

She wiggles her neat brows, green eyes buzzing with suspicion. “Is it a vibrator again?”

You blush. “No. Even better.”

“Wow! Even better?” She rips the small bag open, eyes widened double in their size. “Oh my God, you got me the Mary Jane’s I wanted?”

“Well, you kept bugging me, and so I thought—”

“D'accord, je comprends. I love them, thank you.” Grabbing your wrist, she tugged you into the empty hallway, and you can already feel her buzzing with excitement. Your stomach churns. “I wanted to tell you as soon as he asked me out—I really did—but he insisted on keeping it between us two for a while, and I told him no, I had to tell you, but then I understood that maybe it was for the best, and I’ve always liked him—”

Every word makes you feel smaller and smaller because the light in her eyes gives it all away. She, too—much like you—is in love with Oscar Piastri. You shake your head, sharing a light laugh. “I totally get it. There’s no need to explain.” 

The green eyed girl visibly relaxes, shoulders rolling back. “I knew you’d understand. Oscar was right—you have a good heart.”

Ana, Yuki just spilled wine on your coach, Daniel rattles from the other side of the room, pointing accusingly towards his teammate who rubs the cushion with his Dior sweatshirt. She sighs. Be right back!

At that moment, you don’t care if you wind up with a deadly case of hypothermia, you simply walk out of the warm house.

“What are you doing? You’re going to get sick.”

Screwing your eyes shut seems to be the only answer to help your mending heart into not breaking completely. And fuck him—fuck him for sounding so goddamn caring. 

You turn with a soft smile, shrugging nonchalantly. “Won’t really make a difference, I already feel sick.” You cough for emphasis. “See?” Oscar rolls his eyes, ignoring the poor excuse, and hands you his puffer jacket. You shake your head. Take it. “No.” He frowns. Why not? Rocks crunch with every step he takes. “It wouldn’t be right.”

“What? Borrowing a jacket from a friend?”

“Borrowing my best friend's boyfriend’s jacket.”

His stomach drops, rolling with a wave of anxiety as he tries to not show his uncomfort. “She told you?”

Your teeth grind harder. “That, and you both posted about a thousand pictures together. Wasn’t that difficult to understand what was going on.” A sore laugh. “I’m happy for you two, though. Really. I am.”

“You are?”

Sending a nasty glare that you tried to keep in for the life in you, you turn over to face him, nose rosy. “Yes. Over the fucking moon.”

He flinches. “Listen, about that day at Lando’s house. I-I-I was caught up in the moment. I shouldn’t have said what I said, o-or tried to kiss you—”

“You’re a phony, you know that, right?”

Another flinch. “I’m trying to apologize to you. I’m sorry. I feel bad, okay?”

Tears well up inside your eyes. Somewhere deep inside your chest, you feel a harsh sting, and still that doesn’t compare to his pity. You let out a scoff, crossing your arms. “You feel bad, for what? For messing with my emotions, or for getting with my best friend?” You poke his chest hard, but he remains as still as a brick wall, a pained expression mapped out. “Which one is it?”

“For all of it!” He grabs your face, making you freeze under his fire-like touch. “I loved you—God—I loved every inch of you. Your humor, your heart, your jokes that never land, the awkward giggles that follow afterward—everything. There was not a single thing you could do that could have pushed me away.”

“Then what happened?” you whisper, eyes tracing his pink lips, trying to enjoy his hands. They’re calloused, sure, but they’re by far the closest thing you’ve had, so nothing else matters. His breath hitches, soft eyes looking down at you in complete defeat. You grimace. “Why was I not enough for you to try?”

His hands drop. Brown locks shakes as he rubs his eyes, like this is all some part of a fever dream. Maybe it was. The Australian frowns. “I could ask you the same thing.”

It’s a slap in the face, and it burns like never before because you know he’s right. “I wanted to tell you!” A shaky breath. “I was going to tell you.”

Leaves rustle. “You were?”

“Yes,” you confess, nodding adamantly. “That day at Lando’s place—I wanted to tell you.”

The McLaren driver bites his tongue hard, blinking rapidly. “W-what would you have said?”

“That I loved you too.”

He can’t hide his pain just by hearing those words. He scrunches his nose. He nods robotically. And he keeps his eyes trained towards the ground, like he’s in the middle of solving a puzzle. 

“I really did like you. From the moment we met.” Finally, he looks up, round eyes searching for any sign of intimacy. If there’s any left—any you still save for him. “Do you remember the day we first met?”

“A little bit. Yeah.”

A second ticks by. “I do. Remember it all, I mean. Think back to it quite often.” He lets out a boyish grin, crinkles forming, making your heart flutter. “You took my breath away.” 

And as if humanly possible, despite the icy air, your cheekbones flush harder as you bite back a giddy smile. “You barely even noticed me—”

“You wore a white ribbon. Hair half up, half down. Denim overalls with your initials sewn onto them. Emerald earrings.” You blink, clearly taken aback by his polished memory. His eyes soften. “I’ll always notice you.”

-

Anastasia pecks the Australians cheek, giggling after each one. Oscar smiles, letting out a sheepish laugh. From the corner, seated next to Lando, you sigh sadly. The Brit bumps his shoulder up against yours. What’s wrong? But you must not have heard him, or you ignore him, but he, too, has eyes. 

“I swear I didn’t know a thing about them,” he whispers. “If I had, I would have warned you, you know that—”

“Lando,” you cut him off, voice weak and mellow. “It’s okay, it’s not your fault.”

He frowns. “I know that, but—”

“It’s not your fault,” you repeat, this time more firm. He swallows, nodding hesitantly. With a soft laugh, you poke his ribs and he’s quick to let out a yelp. “Just want to forget, you know?”

Lando hums. “Understood.”

Anastasia clinks her spoon against her mug. The one you each painted differently in that one pottery class years ago. She grins. “I’m so glad all of you could make it, really, it means a lot.” Her eyes crinkle sweetly towards Oscar who traces shapes down her back. She blushes for him—the same way you do. “I feel like…I finally have everything I ever wanted.”

A string of oohh's echo the room, whistles ringing. She laughs, head falling back, and he lets out a single chuckle, rosy cheeks making everyone grow louder. Meanwhile, you stay silent, focusing on Lando’s shoes. The Brit winces, rubbing your shoulder awkwardly. 

Daniel yodels, raising his beer. “Well, in that case, I feel like I do too!” He hiccups, making Pierre and Yuki snicker. “A hot girlfriend, good ‘ol friends, and a nice pair of abs.”

“They are nice,” Lily mumbles, earning her a soft smack from Alex who rolls his eyes. 

Carlos cackles. “Me next—um, okay. A good team, my girlfriend, and…and—my hair.”

“Narcissist,” Lando whispers, trying to get a good laugh out of you. And it works. You giggle, muffling the sound with the back of your hand. Oscar perks up, orbs floating over to where you and the Brit whisper to one another, smiles only growing wider. His jaw clenches. Either way, you tune out all the constant chatter after hearing how Pierre was grateful for having a massive cock. 

“I really hope nothing changes between us.”

You laugh. “I think it might be a bit too late for that.”

The Australian scratches his shoes against the wet pavement. He agrees. He won’t admit it, but he agrees. Everything has changed. Timidly, he glances over at you, biting the inside of his cheek. His gaze burns—just like always—and you turn to face him.

By now your tears have dried, but your heartbreak still continues. Something deep inside tells you that it’ll continue for as long as you live. You despise yourself for letting any of this get out of hand. For letting your fear of rejection play a big part in losing him. He smiles.

“I love you, okay?”

You smile. “I love you, too.”

Your voice sounds sweet—just like honey. And if it’s a lie, just to make him feel better, then he’s a grateful bloke. He might not have your heart—not completely—and he might not have your hand in his, but he’s fine with that. Because he’s heard all he’s needed to hear. And he can live at peace.

Oscar grins, leaning down to kiss your cheek. It’s tender, just the way you pictured it. You smell like flowers, just like he had dreamt. He pulls away. “You can always talk to me. Whenever. I’ll always be there for you.”

“Thank you. But I won’t bother you too much.” His brows furrow, mouth opening to protest before you wave him off with a tired smile. “Don’t want to vent to you about…well—you.”

“What about you?” Anastasia squeals, making your jump in place. 

“What about me?” 

She rolls her eyes, theatrically. Oscar remains as still as a statue, enjoying the moment to admire you without having to explain why—all eyes were on you, after all. “Have you ever gotten everything you ever wanted?”

Wistfully, your eyes look up, connecting with the ones you know so well. You admire his boyish features one last time before looking down onto your lap and then focusing on Anastasia.

“No. But I once got very close.”

taglist: @blueflorals @starmanv @coolio2195 @lovrsm @weekendlusting@chanshintien @brune77e @myownwritings @timmychalametsstuff @milasexutoire@alesainz @c-losur3 @darleneslane @togazzo @urfavnoirette @namgification @lpab @d3kstar @anniee-mr @nebarious @notkaryna

I was a joyful yet quiet child back then. Everything changed once I began my teenage years wherein I learned to loose someone and something I believed in. It was a dark moment in my life as an only child I didn’t have anyone to hold upon so I felt I was drowning. Yet here I am surviving all through that lost and pain I felt. Life is full of ups and downs as you can see in my digital portfolio basically. You just have to keep fighting on to live the life you dreamt.

---

•·.·''·.·• F1 MASTER LIST •·.·''·.·•

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

S E B A S T I A N V E T T E L

•·.·''·.·• A shared History , Part 2 , Part 3•·.·''·.·•

(fluff)

Moments that Sebastian Vettel and Y/N have shared throughout their careers together both on and off track. Sebastian Vettel x fem!driver!reader

•·.·''·.·• Looking at her •·.·''·.·•

(fluff, suggestive at the end)

Reader has grown to love the feeling of Sebastian’s eyes on her but not everyone understands. Sebastian Vettel x shy!girlfriend!reader

•·.·''·.·• Come back to me •·.·''·.·•

(angst, fluff)

Sebastian’s world is turned upside down when he finds out the reason behind the red flag, the aftermath is just as torturous as the moment he got the news.Sebastian Vettel x wife!driver!reader

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

K I M I R Ä I K K Ö N E N

•·.·''·.·• The Icebreaker •·.·''·.·•

(fluff)

It never fails to amaze the formula one community just how much of a difference there is in Kimi’s attitude whenever his wife is around. Kimi Räikkönen x Fem!Wife!Reader

•·.·''·.·• Silent Admiration , Part 2 •·.·''·.·•

(Implied age gap, fluff)

Kimi’s got some deep feelings for the reader but plans to do what he does best, keep silent. Until, Sebastian manages to persuade him that maybe melting his icy exterior might work in his favour. Kimi Räikkönen x Fem!Driver!Reader.

•·.·''·.·• Protective Shield •·.·''·.·•

(fluff, mistreatment of women)

You always have a smile on your face, even through the struggles of being the only female driver but when it feels like the entire media is against you it’s hard to keep that smile on your face but Kimi won’t allow it to disappear, he’s always there protecting you. Protective!Kimi x Sunshine!driver!reader

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J E N S O N B U T T O N

Pending….

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M A R K W E B B E R

Pending….

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M A X V E R S T A P P E N

Pending….

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C H A R L E S L E C L E R C

Pending….

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C A R L O S S A I N Z

Pending….

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O S C A R P I A S T R I

Pending….

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L A N D O N O R R I S

Pending….

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F E R N A N D O A L O N S O

Pending….

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

G E O R G E R U S S E L L

Pending….

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T O T O W O L F F

•·.·''·.·• No longer his •·.·''·.·•

(angst, heartbreak)

Toto now has to face the consequences of his actions that tore your family apart. Toto Wolff x Ex!wife!reader

•·.·''·.·• Tame the Wolff •·.·''·.·•

(angry Toto)

A few scenarios in which Toto is angry and frustrated and you’re there to calm him down and save his poor team from his wrath. Angry!Toto Wolff x Calm!Wife!reader

•·.·''·.·• Broken Decisions , Part 2•·.·''·.·•

(angst, light smut, heartbreak, pregnancy trope)

The news of Toto Wolff divorcing from Susie has just hit the media and you, Michael Schumacher’s eldest daughter and George Russel’s race engineer, are beyond shocked, even more so as your relationship with your boss begins to evolve. Divorced!Toto Wolff x fem!engineer!Schumacher!reader

•·.·''·.·• Take it easy •·.·''·.·•

(fluff)

Your stubbornness to admit you may be feeling unwell might just be your downfall one day but your husband will always be there to catch you, as will your son. Toto Wolff x Wife!reader

•·.·''·.·• Clingy Boys •·.·''·.·•

(fluff)

It’s both yours and Toto’s day off but both your boys are sick and wanting your attention. Clingy!Sick!Toto Wolff x Wife!reader

•·.·''·.·• Caught In the Act •·.·''·.·•

(fluff, teasing)

The stresses of work have your mind running a million miles an hour but your husband knows how to slow it down.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

girlfriend reveal // mv1 smau

description: norris!reader x mv1

y/d/n = your daughter’s name

a/n: all pics from pinterest, i don’t own any. here’s a smau for my inactivity. i feel some motivation coming back so keep an eye out for some posts!

liked by landonorris, maxverstappen1, and 11,738 others

ynnorris: happy moments in spain 🇪🇸

view all comments

landonorris: how dare you not even put your favourite brother in this dump

user1: lando in the bucket hat on the last slide 😇

↳ user2: lando posted earlier today that he was in the uk…

↳ user3: WHO’S IN THE LAST SLIDE YN?!

user4: cutest mum ever!

danielricciardo: i miss my fav norris and niece. im sure she misses her fav uncle

↳ landonorris: im right here…

↳ charles_leclerc: YOU’RE HER FAVOURITE UNCLE? 🤣🤣🤣

↳ carlossainz55: yn’s in spain so clearly im the favourite

↳ oscarpiastri: Nah, it’s me

↳ ynnorris: none of you (besides lando) have any relation to me… you claimed yourselves to be y/d/n’s uncles

↳ landonorris: that means im the favourite uncle 😁

↳ ynnorris: no.

user5: anyone else wondering who’s in the second pic?

↳ user6: yes, prob her kids dad though

↳ user7: idk why she keeps y/d/n’s dad so private and secretive

↳ user8: im going crazy trying to figure out who that is

↳ landonorris: mwahahahaha 😈

liked by maxverstappen1, ynnorris, and 943,291 others

landonorris: summer break has been summer breaking (im the fav AND ONLY uncle)

view all comments

ynnorris: awww you have matching necklaces with your boyfriends, that’s so cute! how dare you not include me in this photo dump.

↳ landonorris: get out of my comment section!!

↳ maxverstappen1: Matching necklaces are in now

ynnorris: now why is my daughter behind the wheel of a car…

↳ landonorris: fake news.

user9: UNCLE LANDO

user10: he will be the best dad one day

↳ ynnorris: please god no.

user11: i love how lando put his niece in his photo dump but not his own sister

↳ user12: he’s a comedian rlly

liked by ynnorris, charles_leclerc, and 683,917 others

landonorris: sister got mad for not being included in the photo dump so here is my big sister and my big sister only!

view all comments

ynnorris: lando. when i catch you lando.

maxverstappen1: yn supremacy!

↳ user13: now what is this.

↳ user14: are we interrupting something?

danielricciardo: those were NOT your cheezits…

↳ ynnorris: im so (not) sorry, y/d/n made me

↳ danielricciardo: nuh uh. don’t you dare pin this on my sweet little angel baby of a niece

↳ landonorris: she’s half norris and half [redacted], don’t put it past her

↳ user15: don’t be shy lando. tell us who the father is

↳ user16: win incoming if you tell us who y/d/n’s dad is

↳ user17: WHO IS YN’S BABY DADDY LANDO NORRIS

user18: the minion toy in the pocket has me dying

user19: we want uncle lando back! even though brother lando is cute too

user20: lando is such a younger brother for posting these pics

liked by carlossainz55, schecoperez, and 819,004 others

maxverstappen1: Summer break ✅. Up next Zandvoort!

view all comments

user21: MAX VERSTAPPEN SOFT LAUNCHING?!

↳ user22: i used to pray for times like these

danielricciardo: okay mr verstappen, i was unfamiliar with your game

↳ maxverstappen1: You have been very familiar with my game

↳ ynnorris: pause. 😧

↳ danielricciardo: hate us cuz you ain’t us 🤷‍♂️

landonorris: no pic credits for the second pic?

↳ maxverstappen1: I have been paid by yn to not give pic credits for people who post bad photos of her

↳ landonorris: traitor

user23: what is it finna play? WOAH

user24: how did we go from cute stingrays to a soft launch

user25: girlfriend reveal now!

user26: walk with me people… yn posts a pic at an aquarium with someone holding y/d/n… max posts a pic of stingrays which are found… at an aquarium

↳ user27: tons of the drivers take y/d/n places with yn, don’t make it weird

user28: max ‘soft launch’ verstappen

liked by landonorris, charles_leclerc, and 12,058 others

ynnorris: started zandvoort a mclaren fan, finished zandvoort a red bull fan because i only support winners!

tagged: landonorris

view all comments

user28: the caption has me dying

landonorris: too close to home

↳ ynnorris: win next time then

↳ landonorris: at least y/d/n is still a fan of mclaren

↳ maxverstappen1: Is she though?

↳ redbullracing: is she really?

mclaren: im hurt yn.

↳ ynnorris: it wasn’t you admin, it was me.

oscarpiastri: ouch.

↳ ynnorris: if i ever say i dislike mclaren, never am i talking about you! team 81 all the way

↳ landonorris: wow. i post 3 bad photos of you and now im hated

↳ oscarpiastri: 🙂 thx yn

redbullracing: ❤️💙

user29: uncle lando!!

user30: never wrong yn ✍️

liked by ynnorris, landonorris, and 1,028,564 others

maxverstappen1: Heard people say I should do a girlfriend reveal and I would love to! I can’t do that anymore and haven’t been able to for a few years now but I offer a wife and daughter reveal ❤️

tagged: ynnorris

comments on this post are restricted

landonorris: FINALLY I DONT HAVE TO KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT

↳ danielricciardo: real.

↳ carlossainz55: real.

↳ charles_leclerc: real.

↳ oscarpiastri: real.

↳ schecoperez: real.

↳ mclaren: real.

↳ redbullracing: real.

ynnorris: best dad on earth

↳ maxverstappen1: Best mum on earth

ynnorris: been a long time coming now

liked by maxverstappen1, landonorris, and 29,371 others

ynnorris: heard we were hard launching?

tagged: maxverstappen1

view all comments

user31: my brain hurts

user32: bro what.

user33: didn’t see this coming

maxverstappen1: My girls ❤️

↳ ynnorris: baby no. 2 when? 🤔

↳ landonorris: threw up in my mouth a little

landonorris: now you can show your love on the internet and not in front of me

↳ ynnorris: never!

↳ maxverstappen1: Never!

↳ user34: poor lando

user35: they’re so cute 😭

user36: dad max?!

redbullracing: so when is little miss y/d/n taking over the red bull legacy?

↳ ynnorris: nope.

↳ maxverstappen1: Have to agree with the mrs. 🙃 (when she can reach the pedals of a kart)

↳ ynnorris: you’re so funny!! 😐😐

knives out | lewis hamilton social media au

pairing: lewis hamilton x rosberg!reader

2016 saw the murder of brocedes right before our very eyes, but who got y/n in the will?

MASTERLIST | TIP JAR

- part of the brother's best friend series -

yourusername

liked by lewishamilton, maxverstappen1 and 751,209 others

tagged: nicorosberg

yourusername: back in barcelona! nothing has ever happened here, right? RIGHT?

view all comments

user1: when i'm in a victim of brocedes contest and y/n rosberg turns up

user2: nico was like "oh, lewis has had a good qualifying... here comes the curse"

user3: he's the hater we should all aspire to be

nicorosberg: barcelona is a beautiful place but you should pick your company well!

yourusername: great advice nico, i should've left you at home

nicorosberg: snore! i'm great company you just can't keep up with my great personality and wit

yourusername: what ever you need to tell yourself old man

nicorosberg: i'm two years older than you?

yourusername: how was the industrial revolution?

user4: i hope they never grow up and always argue in public

user5: omg the argument on sky about lewis v seb in canada... and jenson just stood there with the biggest shit-eating grin ever

lewishamilton: my trauma is not your joke

yourusername: it was my trauma too i was the one who had to listen to him complain for the next TWO WEEKS

lewishamilton: trying to find where i care...

yourusername: you complained first ??

lewishamilton: rightly so!

yourusername: do not tussle with me about this, by now i thought you'd know that us rosbergs don't play about complaining

lewishamilton: believe me my therapist knows that

user6: i know nico sat on his hands forcing himself not to comment back

user7: alternatively, celebrating that he still lives in lewis' head

lewishamilton

liked by georgerussell63, charles_leclerc and 2,305,899 others

tagged: yourusername

lewishamilton: @yourusername i may love you but if that man ever takes a picture of my car i'm putting a hit on his head

view all comments

user11: we got a relationship reveal and a death threat all in one post

user12: lewis saw yall ready to make a brocedes edit using this race and made sure you knew that he doesn't care about a his old haunts

user13: he was like yall shipping me with the wrong rosberg

yourusername: let's refrain from threats for now

lewishamilton: we're gonna have to get rid of that last name, no more curses

nicorosberg: RIGHT THAT IS IT IF YOU DARE GET MARRIED DOUBLE-BARRELLED OR ELSE, ROSBERGS ARE ELITE AND YOU WISH YOU HAD THIS NAME

yourusername: he does have a point

lewishamilton: i'm for real going to lose my mind that we haven't spoken in years and this is where he drew the line

nicorosberg: you told the world you're dating my sister at the same time as me

lewishamilton: stop cursing me then 🤨

nicorosberg: i don't curse you my devilish good looks just sent your engine into cardiac arrest

user14: i know toto wolff just fell to his knees in the mercedes garage seeing them bicker in instagram comments after making merc a literal warzone for years

user15: and yet this is the most brocedes way to go about it

georgerussell63: even if you're dating his sister, i'm still your favourite teammate right?

yourusername: valterri exists buddy soz

georgerussell63: *clutches my pearls*

lewishamilton: and that is exactly why valterri is my favourite teammate

georgerussell63: whatever 💁🏻‍♀️

charles_leclerc: not for long xx

yourusername: whoever can bring me the best coffee can get the crown?

lewishamilton: stop exploiting my teammate and future teammate

yourusername: that's what they're there for?

yourusername

liked by nicorosberg, maxverstappen1 and 823,087 others

tagged: lewishamilton

yourusername: anything happen this week?

view all comments

user19: y/n ruining her brother's week - anything happen this week?

user20: more like year

nicorosberg: more like life

yourusername: drama queen

nicorosberg: as i should be !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yourusername: got enough exclamation marks in there buddy

nicorosberg: no open the door i need to scream directly in your ears

yourusername: if it's any consolation, the relationship started after 2016

nicorosberg: so he got me out of the way so he could go for my little sister 🤨

lewishamilton: yep!

nicorosberg: no i'm serious let me in i need to yell

nicorosberg: I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE I CAN HEAR ROSCOE

nicorosberg: fine i'll just abseil from my apartment give me a sec

user21: y/n please let him in he's so serious about that i can feel it

user22: anyone from monaco here and want to keep us updated?

danielricciardo: Y/N LET HIM IN HE NEARLY KICKED MY POTTED PLANT OFF THE BALCONY

yourusername: lol

danielricciardo: THIS IS NOT A LAUGHING MATTER PLEASE

lewishamilton: fine, you people are such bores

nicorosberg: i nearly lost a birkenstock

yourusername: and my inheritance nearly doubled

lewishamilton: *our

user23: i think lewis is having way too much fun with this

nicorosberg

liked by lewishamilton, jensonbutton and 692,889 others

tagged: yourusername

nicorosberg: we're back at the track and i've got a sneaking feeling that the red bull might be fast around here

view all comments

user24: nico said babe won't catch me posting lewis on my instagram

maxverstappen1: sure thing buddy he's dating your sister, but there's NO NEED TO TAKE IT OUT ON ME

nicorosberg: i said you're going to win?

maxverstappen1: i DON'T NEED YOUR BAD JUJU GIVE IT TO LEWIS HE'S THE ONE YOU'RE ANGRY AT NOT ME

nicorosberg: i'm not angry at lewis

lewishamilton: really?

nicorosberg: OF COURSE NOT

yourusername: he'll get over it soon lewis don't worry

lewishamilton: really? he's still holding a grudge from 2016 - that was EIGHT YEARS AGO

yourusername: yeah sorry that's a rosberg trait ❤️

user25: not the grid becoming victims of the brocedes fall out eight years later

yourusername: you're so shady why did you crop lewis out?

nicorosberg: outfit wasn't on par with the rosbergs

yourusername: oh no

lewishamilton: HOW DARE YOU

yourusername: you queens can take this out on each other i'm not getting involved in this one

lewishamilton: i know this birkenstock wearing primadonna is not dissing my custom mcqueen

nicorosberg: it's custom because no one would want something so ugly 🫶🏻

user26: someone take nico off the parc ferme interviews lewis might just run him over

user27: he should just let roscoe at his ankles

nicorosberg: that vegan dog can't do shit to me

yourusername: leave the kids out of it nico

nicorosberg: you birthed that? my condolences to your reproductive system

lewishamilton: DO NOT FAT SHAME MY SON

roscoelovescoco: kill yourself @nicorosberg

user28: WTF IS GOING ON

lewishamilton

liked by georgerussell63, kimiantonelli and 2,844,599 others

tagged: yourusername

lewishamilton: he may have won the battle, but i won the war

view all comments

user29: bro you're going to be subjected to boho chic Christmases for the rest of your life

user30: guy is going to get poisoned via christmas nut roast by nico 😭

yourusername: this is corny but i love you

lewishamilton: i love you too i'm going to pretend you didn't just call my super thought out caption corny

yourusername: it was corny and that's what i love about you

nicorosberg: you need better standards

yourusername: for someone who had so much homoerotic tension with the man that you retired you're being very rude about the subject of such tension

nicorosberg: that's not how that went

yourusername: sure, jan

nicorosberg: stop trying to rewrite history

yourusername: i saw it with my own two eyes... are you jealous that i ended up with lewis instead of you?

nicorosberg: nO

user31: i feel like this is definitely not the argument i thought i would see on the internet today

user32: lewis hamilton got passed around the rosberg house ... this your goat?

user33: both rosbergs are hawt as hell so yes!

charles_leclerc: oh great, keep stoking the flames lewis! if you invoke his wrath upon ferrari next season i will personally sacrifice you to the gods

lewishamilton: excuse me?

charles_leclerc: i don't know if you know this but i kinda don't have a world championship yet ... I DO NOT WANT THE ROSBERG CURSE ATTACHED TO ME

lewishamilton: do not minimise my trauma charles

charles_leclerc: you haven't joined ferrari yet, you don't know trauma. be nice to him, i can't finish my career with max having more championships than me

maxverstappen1: skill issue

user34: do these people ever stop arguing?

yourusername: no! and i can assure you it's worse in person

user35: worst brocedes tussle since nico found out?

yourusername: i was making a list of people to invite to my birthday dinner and nico was angry that i wrote lewis' name before his

yourusername

liked by charles_leclerc, lewishamilton and 1,304,277 others

tagged: lewishamilton, nicorosberg

yourusername: still a victim of the brocedes nuclear fallout all these years later

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user37: bro nearly lost her bf to her brother

user38: lewis couldn't have nico and went for his sister instead

user39: insert larry stylinson theory here that y/n is just the beard and toto wolff is simon cowell

yourusername: i'm blocking all of you

nicorosberg: still yapping about this ... and i'm the dramatic one

yourusername: babe we can all see all of your comments on previous posts where you're the literal definition of crashing out

nicorosberg: BARCELONA WAS LEWIS' FAULT WE ALL KNOW THIS

yourusername: when did i bring up barcelona... you just proved my point IDIOT

nicorosberg: make me sound insane all you want ... TOTO IS THE REAL VILLAIN HERE

yourusername: ???

nicorosberg: he notebooked us

yourusername: riiiiiiiiiiight

nicorosberg: i wrote lewis a letter when i retired and toto never gave it to him

yourusername: you're telling me i had to hide my relationship for so long because you trusted that austrian big foot fraud to be your messenger pigeon ?

user40: did we just get insane brocedes lore on a random tuesday?

user41: you're telling me it was toto's fault the whole time?

lewishamilton: well yes it would've been helpful to have gotten the letter, you have to admit the sneeking around was hot

yourusername: you're right 🤭🤭🤭

lewishamilton: hiding in your bathroom while nico came over to bitch about me was a personal highlight

nicorosberg: excuse me?

lewishamilton: i know we're trying to be better, so here's a compliment: you're very creative when being mean about me

nicorosberg: why thank you 😝

yourusername: nuh uh we ain't doing this shit

lewishamilton: don't worry y/n you'll always be my favourite

nicorosberg: but you'll never have our trip to greece :P

yourusername: i will strangle you britney

user42: y/n got brocedes to talk again, but at what cost?

lewishamilton

liked by nicorosberg, charles_leclerc and 4,677,309 others

tagged: yourusername

lewishamilton: got y/n's hand in marriage in the will (after i murdered her brother's career)

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user43: y/n can't escape brocedes even on her engagement post

user44: she (and them) will never get rid of it

yourusername: i love you baby, here's to the rest of our life (even if that includes you arguing with my brother for the rest of time)

lewishamilton: i love you even more, i'd go through all of that psychological warfare again and again if it means i still end up with you

yourusername: we've always had an invisible string

lewishamilton: and there's no one else i'd want to be cosmically tied to <3

user45: i might cry they're so cute

user46: that comment thread called me single in about 100 different languages

charles_leclerc: congratulations you two! also congratulations to me - no more rosberg curse!

yourusername: really? on this POST?

charles_leclerc: hold on girlypop, it was mr hamilton-rosberg that brought up your brother first not me

lewishamilton: you better get all this attitude out now charles

charles_leclerc: what? you gonna marry my brother?

yourusername: lol i'm not threatened by them

arthurleclerc: why am i being shaded?

user47: 2025 HURRY THE FUCK UP

nicorosberg: i guess you're finally getting the rosberg name you've always wanted ...

lewishamilton: yes... i have always had a crush on your sister

nicorosberg: GASP! PERVERT 🫵🏻 i have known you since we were 12 you GROSS MAN

lewishamilton: WELL YES I WAS ALSO 12 I'VE NOT ALWAYS BEEN 36 MORON

yourusername: well doesn't this just get me excited for christmas

user48: i know a monopoly board hate to see these three coming

yourusername: @nicorosberg can i have an actual congratulations???

nicorosberg: i'm happy for you, i'm glad you're happy (also he's loaded so slay)

yourusername: i'll take it!

lewishamilton: sure whatever thanks nico !

fin.

note: lol finally finished this one! i have been very in and out on here, i have a lot going on x

𝙈𝘼𝙓 𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙀𝙉 𝙁𝙄𝘾 𝙍𝙀𝘾𝙎.

— hello everyone !! welcome to the last part of the poll series, lmk if you guys want another one, seeing as my f1 fic recs were so popular !! thank you all again for so much good comments and positivity, it makes me so happy that people enjoy my silly little fic comps ;D. enjoy !!

my poll fic recs !!

— oscar piastri fic recs — lando norris fic recs

[or check out my f1 drivers fic recs]

• my most favorite reads = 🩷

— blurbs and short writings

• tacky tree by @landososcar 🩷

• all i want by @verstappen-cult

• too many kisses by @verstappenverse

• circles back 2 you by @giuseppe-yuki

— oneshots/imagines

• serve by @theonottsbxtch

• my birthday, my love by ↑

• my peace by ↑

• don't wanna be saved by ↑ 🩷

• forever and always by ↑

• mi novio, max verstappen by ↑ 🩷

• teen idle by ↑ 🩷

ann's (@theonottsbxtch) writing is some of the best things that has grazed the earth's surface, which is why i added her BEAUTIFULLY written max fics for everyone to enjoy, you're welcome. ALSO i love love love her f1 driver eye descriptions i read them and i just stared at a wall for like 5 minutes js thinking about them 😭😭 please read them they're so good: here

• she's always a woman by @starkwlkr

• birthday celebration? by @giuseppe-yuki

• secret admirer by ↑

• green light, red flag by @landoughnut

• made with love by ↑ 🩷

— series

• snap out of it by @diqldrunks

➜ part two

— smau

• girl, so confusing by @astonmartinii

• put it all on red (bull) by ↑ 🩷

• rb admin by @leclercwriting

• blowing smoke by @afterglowsainz

• friends by ↑

• positions by ↑

• crying in the club by @pomegranatesarchive

• enemies or lovers by ↑ 🩷

• please date my sister in law by ↑

• miami baby by @norrisainz33

final "chunk" of the poll fic rec series, tell me your feedback i really want to improve my quality of work 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️as always, thank you all SO MUCH !! as always, have an amazing day/night 🌞🧡

now that i’ve found you, i can’t let you go 𖦹 LN4

PAIRINGS: lando norris x alonso!reader

SUMMARY: you never imagined that a silly crush from 2018 would turn into something years after or you and lando are just idiots in love, and letting the nerves gets the better of you every time.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: can’t believe i just wrote a story that’s over 10k hdhfhdhd i’ll be inactive until next week (or until i’m done with my midterms). remaining requests will be done after my midterms. hope you’ll enjoy this one! :)

REMINDERS: this is purely fiction, the way how the character is portrayed in my story does not reflect the person that is portraying my character in real life. always separate fiction from reality, and do not repost or copy my work in any way.

WORD COUNT: 10.6k

WARNINGS: not proofread, typos, photos and videos are taken from pinterest, single dad!nando, no use of y/n, overthinking, anxiety, google translated spanish, reader has no socmed accs, and idiots in love

You had always understood the reason why your father, Fernando, had kept you out of the spotlight. The media could be ruthless and vile, and being his only daughter, he wanted to protect you from the harsh glare that came with being associated with his world, and truth be told, you were very grateful for it. Just the thought of being under constant scrutiny would always make your skin crawl. You had always preferred the quiet life, the privacy, and to just focus on your studies. After all, you had spent the last several years pouring your energy into earning your degree in International Relations at the National University of Singapore.

The only time you had ever come to the paddock with Fernando was back in 2018, during his last season in F1. He had decided that he would leave F1 for a while because he wanted to take on bigger challenges outside of F1. That was also the first time you met Lando Norris, the bright-eyed young driver who would go on to replace your father’s vacated seat. You remembered that day clearly—Lando’s easy smile, the playful way he joked around the garage. You were shy, as always, but there was something about him that drew you in like a moth to a flame. You had managed to develop a small, harmless crush on him, a fleeting thought that never went beyond that single interaction with him. Then, you disappeared from the paddock, along with it are also your feelings for Lando, and began burying yourself in university life.

But now, here you were again, stepping into the paddock for the first time in years, a full-fledged adult, and very much out of your comfort zone. Fernando had invited you to join him for the season, and after much internal debate, you agreed. You had missed your father, not to mention that you weren’t there for him when he scored his first podium after seven years back in 2021, and you knew how much he wanted you to be a part of his world, even for just a short while. Yet, as you walked alongside Fernando, you felt a familiar knot of nerves tighten in your stomach. The cameras, noise, bustle—it was all overwhelming for you.

Fernando must have sensed your anxiety because he gently placed an arm around your shoulders. “You alright, princesa?” He said softly, voice calm and familiar. “Yeah, just…a lot of people.” You admitted softly, eyes darting around at the bustling crowd.

“Hey,” he said softly, leaning in closer, “remember that time when I visited you in Singapore, when we got lost looking for that restaurant, and I almost walked into a fountain?”

You couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory. “You were so confident about the directions too, compared to your daughter who had been living in Singapore for years now.” Fernando grinned, the familiar warmth of his presence wrapping around you like a shield. “I’m never wrong about directions, mi vida. The fountain just got in the way.”

You shook your head, but the knot in your stomach began to loosen—his humor always works on you, as it always did, and you found yourself feeling slightly less on edge. You know that you would always be safe with your father, even in the paddock, where the eyes of the world could easily fall on you.

As you scanned the paddock, getting yourself familiar again with the surroundings, your heart skipped a beat when you spotted a familiar figure—Lando. He was walking nearby, assuming he just arrived, laughing at something, and for a brief second, it felt like no time had passed at all. Your old crush for him came rushing back, definitely unexpected and uninvited, bringing a sudden warmth to your cheeks. But just as quickly, your hope deflated when you saw a girl walking next to him, her hand wrapped around Lando’s arm. Of course, someone like him would have a girlfriend by now. Lando’s a handsome man, charming, and well…he’s Lando Norris. What were you even expecting?

Once you had settled in, Fernando had headed off for a meeting, and left you to your own devices. Until he had texted you to get something he had forgotten from his bag. So you found yourself on your way to his driver’s room at the Aston Martin motorhome. Your footsteps were quick, wanting to avoid any more awkward run-ins. As you rounded a corner, you bumped into someone, hard enough to make you stumble. But strong hands caught you before you could fall, and you found yourself face-to-face with Lando.

“Oh—hey!” Lando said, his voice bright with surprise. He paused, his gaze locking onto yours. “I remember you. You’re Fernando’s daughter, right? It’s been years since I last saw you.”

You froze for a moment, blinking in disbelief. Lando remembered you? After all these years? You never really expected him to remember you to be honest, you only had a brief interaction with him before.

“Uh, yeah,” you replied, feeling your face heat up. “It’s been a while.”

“I didn’t think you’d come back to the paddock,” he said, still smiling as his eyes looked at you, and for a second, you wondered if he noticed how much you had changed since you last first met. “You look…different. Good different,” he added, a bit awkwardly, as if he hadn’t meant to let the compliment slip.

“How’ve you been? What’s going on in your life?” He added.

You were stunned by how he had effortlessly struck up a conversation with you. You hadn’t been expecting any interaction with him, let alone such friendliness.

“I’ve been good,” you managed to say. “I just recently graduated from a university…in Singapore.”

“Wow, that’s impressive!” Lando said with a nod of approval. “What did you study?”

“International Relations.”

“Smart and beautiful, huh?” He teased lightly, his compliment catching you totally off guard.

You blinked, really unsure of how to respond. His words were casual, but they hit you harder than they should have. You spent so long thinking he wouldn’t even remember your name, and here he was, not only remembering but also showing genuine interest in your life. It was enough to make your heart race.

Before you could stop yourself, you blurted out, “I saw you with your girlfriend…”

Lando raised an eyebrow, confused for a moment. “Girlfriend? Oh—” he glanced behind him before laughing softly. “No, no. That’s just my cousin, she’s visiting this weekend.”

Your face burned with embarrassment. “Oh my god…I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to assume.”

“It’s alright,” he reassured, still smiling warmly. “But really, it’s good to see you. I hope we run into each other more often now that you’re back.”

Just as you were about to respond, Fernando appeared, his expression amused as he glanced between you and Lando. A smirk appeared on his face, and you immediately knew what was coming.

“There you are!” Fernando said, his voice carrying a hint of teasing. “I thought the media people had kidnapped you.”

“Nope, just me.” Lando laughed.

Fernando’s eyes twinkled knowingly as he rested a hand on your shoulder. “Well, we should get going, cariño. We don't want to keep you away from your busy schedule, Norris.”

“Alright,” Lando laughed. “Don’t be a stranger.” He said as he smiled at you and said his goodbyes.

You turned to leave, Fernando placed a hand on your back, gently guiding you forward. When you were a few steps away, he leaned in closer, whispering just loud enough for you to hear.

“So he remembers you, huh? I wonder why that is.” You glared up at him, but the blush on your cheeks gave you away. “Papa, stop.”

He just laughed, a warm, teasing sound. “It’s very cute, mi vida,” he teased, ruffling your hair. “I’m just saying. I know how you act around boys you like. Don’t forget, I’m your father.”

“I don’t like him,” you protested, though your voice lacked conviction. “Okay, okay. Maybe just a little.”

Fernando only chuckled, pulling you closer as you walked. “You know, I may be protective, but I’m not blind. Just remember, mi amor, no one will ever be good enough for you in my eyes. But if anyone makes you smile like that…well, maybe I can reconsider.”

It has already been a couple of months since you’re back in the paddock, and it still felt surreal. So much had changed, and yet, certain things remained the same—like how Fernando’s protective nature never faded, or how Lance had effortlessly stepped into the role of being your older brother, with just being older than you for two years, during this season. Ever since Fernando introduced you to Lance, he had taken it upon himself to watch over you, especially during race weekends when his and Fernando’s had their hands full, Lance would always make time. Honestly, Lance was like the cool big brother you never had, and though his playful teasing could get on your nerves, it was always in good spirit.

“Hey, you alright?” Lance asked, nudging you gently as you both stood near the garage, watching the mechanics prepare the cars. Fernando had been whisked away for an interview, leaving you with Lance, as usual.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” you replied with a small smile. He gave you a knowing look. “You sure? You’ve been pretty quiet since we got here.”

“Just getting used to all of this again,” you admitted, gesturing vaguely to the track. “It’s been a while.”

Lance nodded thoughtfully. “True, it’s a lot to take in, especially with all the media and fans around. But you’ll get back into the groove. Besides, you’ve got me to help you out.” He grinned, and you couldn’t help but laugh.

“Thanks, Lance. I appreciate it.”

“No problem. I know Fernando can’t be here all the time, so I’ve got your back,” he said, slinging an arm around your shoulders in a casual, brotherly gesture. “Now, let’s go grab some coffee. I’ve got some time before we have our team meeting.”

As you walked through the paddock with Lance, he made it his mission to introduce you as well to a few people, keeping things light and easy. He was good at making sure you didn’t feel too overwhelmed, chatting away with everyone from the mechanics to PR staff. You felt comfortable around him, like you could just be yourself. However, Lance had also caught on to something that you had been trying to keep under wraps—your little crush on Lando Norris.

“So, Lando’s racing well this season, huh?” Lance commented casually as you passed the McLaren hospitality, his tone far too innocent for your liking.

“Don’t even start.” You glanced over at him, narrowing your eyes.

“What? I’m just saying,” Lance said, holding his hands up in mock surrender, though the smirk on his face betrayed his amusement. “You’ve been watching McLaren a lot today, just an observation.”

“I told you, I met him back in 2018. It’s not that big of a deal.” You rolled your eyes, but felt your cheeks warm.

“Uh-huh.” Lance’s grin widened. “So, you were surprised that he remembered you after all these years, huh? Sounds like someone made quite the impression.”

“Just like what Papa said,” you groaned, nudging him in the side. “Stop it, Lance.”

But he wasn’t letting up. “I mean, I get it. Lando’s a good-looking guy, charming, funny…oh, look! There he is!” He pointed ahead, and your heart skipped a beat when you saw Lando walking toward the McLaren hospitality, chatting with a few team members.

“Lance—”

“Should I call him over?” Lance teased, raising his voice a little as if he were actually going to shout Lando’s name at any given moment.

Your eyes widened, and you quickly clamped a hand over his mouth. “Don’t you dare!”

He laughed behind your hand, his eyes sparkling with mischief. You dropped your hand, glaring at him, but he just grinned. “Relax, I’m just messing with you. I wouldn’t actually do it…unless, of course, you want me to.”

“I swear, Lance,” you mattered, glaring at him while he continued to laugh. “You’re impossible.”

“Hey, what are big brothers for if not to embarrass you in front of your crush?” Lance said, folding his arms across his chest with a smug grin. “You’re not even my real brother,” you shot back, though your tone held no malice.

Despite his teasing, you appreciated having Lance around. He made the chaos of the paddock feel more tolerable for you, especially when Fernando was busy with meetings or media obligations.

“Technicalities,” Lance said, waving a hand. “Besides, Fernando practically trusts me to look after you when he’s not around, so that makes me your honorary big brother—and as your big brother, it is my duty to tease you about your crush on Lando.”

“Can you please stop calling it a crush? It’s just…he’s nice, okay? That’s all!” You groaned in frustration, though a small smile tugged at the corners of your lips.

Lance raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying any of what you had said at all. “Right. Nice. Handsome, and funny, and…”

“Okay, okay!” You cut him off, your face burning with embarrassment. “I get it, you can shut up now.”

Lance chuckled again, then glanced over at Lando, who was still chatting nearby. “You know, he’s not that far. I bet you a hundred bucks that if I yelled out his name right now—”

“Lance, no!” You quickly covered his mouth with your hand again, “don’t even think about it.”

He pulled your hand away, laughing. “Fine, fine. But you owe me for holding back.”

“Owe you?” You asked, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, for not embarrassing you in front of your ‘not-crush,’” he said, air-quoting the last part with a smirk.

You rolled your eyes, but there was a fondness in the gesture. Lance had a way of making the most nerve-wracking moments feel lighter. Though you knew he’d never actually go through with his threats to call out to Lando, he kept your mind off your nerves and made being in the paddock a lot more bearable.

Just as you were about to give him another half-hearted glare, Fernando returned, fresh from his interview.

“Everything okay here?” He asked, glancing between you and Lance, clearly sensing the playful tension. “All good.” Lance replied with a grin, but you could see the mischief still twinkling in his eyes.

Fernando looked at you, raising an eyebrow. “You sure? Lance hasn’t been teasing you, has he?” You shook your head, biting back a smile. “No, nothing I can’t handle.”

Fernando smiled, placing a hand on your shoulder. “Good. Come on, let’s go. We’ve got a bit of time before the team meeting, and I want to catch up with you.”

You and Lance followed your father, then you turned to him. “Thanks, Lance,” you said, voice soft.

Lance looked at you, slightly surprised by the sudden sincerity, then smiled warmly. “Don’t worry, I always got you.”

What you didn’t know, over the McLaren, Lando had also been dealing with his own set of nerves ever since that first conversation with you on your first day back at the paddock. It had been brief, but it left a mark on him. He couldn’t help but think about how much you had changed since the last time he saw you all those years ago—how you had grown into someone graceful, gorgeous, and kind, not to mention incredibly smart, which only made him more nervous to be around you.

Every time he would pass by the Aston Martin hospitality, he would always take a peek discreetly looking for you or when he saw you walking around the paddock with Fernando or Lance, his eyes would linger a little too long. But there was one problem—your father. As much as Lando respected Fernando, the idea of asking out his daughter was…intimidating, to say the least. The fact that Fernando was fiercely protective of you didn’t help. Yeah, he and Fernando were good mates on the grid, but that didn’t mean Lando was ready to risk his life, or his career, by doing something reckless, like trying to date the legendary driver’s only daughter.

So instead, Lando had been venting his frustrations at his teammate, Oscar, who had been on the receiving end of it and had quickly become the unwilling listener of Lando’s dilemma. Like the one he’s having right now. At this point, Lando is on the verge of a mental breakdown, and maybe possibly losing his mind about how he can ask you out.

“I don’t know, man,” Lando groaned as they sat in the McLaren garage, waiting for their next session. “She’s just…different. She’s smart, amazing, and don’t even get me started on how gorgeous she is. How am I supposed to ask her out when her dad is Fernando Alonso? I can’t compete with that.”

Oscar, who had been half-listening while scrolling through his phone, glanced up with an amused smile. “You’re overthinking it. You and Fernando get along just fine.”

“Yeah, on the track. This is completely different, mate!” Lando huffed, running a hand through his hair. “And what if she doesn’t even like me? I mean, she’s so quiet, I can’t tell if she’s interested or just being polite.”

Oscar leaned back in his seat, finally giving Lando his full attention. “You said she remembered you from 2018, right? That’s pretty much something. She’s been hanging around lately as well whenever Fernando would drop by at McLaren, so maybe she’s interested too. You’re never going to know unless you ask.”

Lando sighed, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. “But what if Fernando finds out and kills me? Or worse, what if he doesn’t kill me, and I have to deal with the awkwardness for the rest of the season?”

Oscar rolled his eyes. “Mate, if you’re this scared of Fernando, you’ll never get anywhere. Plus, he’s not going to bite your head off. He’s a pretty reasonable guy, you just need to grow a spine and ask her out already.”

Lando shot him a glare. “Easy for you to say! You didn’t see the way Fernando looked at me when she and I talked last time, it was like he was reading my mind. Oh I swear he knows. Plus, you’re not the one trying to score a date with his daughter or the one that he’ll be running off of the track!”

“Okay, first of all, Fernando wouldn’t actually run you off the track. He’s a professional, mate, and maybe he does know, and maybe that’s why you need to stop hiding and just get over it.” Oscar laughed, shaking his head, “and second, yeah, that’s true. But I am tired of hearing you whine about it. Either ask her out or move on, you’re driving me insane man.”

Lando groaned again, but Oscar’s words stuck with him. Maybe he was overthinking it. Maybe you did like him too. After all, you had seemed genuinely surprised when he remembered you from all those years ago, and there was also something in the way you looked at him sometimes—shy, but with a glimmer of interest, at least that gave him hope. But then, he’d remember your father, Fernando’s face popping in his mind. Fernando Alonso. One of the most respected and competitive drivers on the grid. How was he supposed to approach that conversation?

“Alright,” Lando said after a long pause. “I’ll think about it. I’ll ask her out…eventually.”

Oscar groaned. “Mate, if you don’t do it soon, I’m going to ask her out for you, or better yet, I’ll just tell Fernando.”

“Okay, okay!” Lando laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. “I’ll do it. Just…give me some time to figure everything out.”

“Well, better figure it out quickly. Chop chop!” Oscar warned with a smirk. “Or else I’m really going to tell Fernando that his daughter’s got a secret admirer.”

He paled at the thought, Lando knew that Oscar would completely do it, without a doubt, and there was no escaping it. He had to do something, or he’d never live it down.

Lando had spent the better part of the week agonizing over how he would ask you out. After days of pacing, internal battle, and driving Oscar up the wall with his endless worries and overthinking, he finally devised what he thought was a foolproof plan.

“Okay, here me out. I’m going to ask her out during the Singapore Grand Prix,” Lando announced confidently, arms crossed over his chest. He looked over at Oscar, who raised an eyebrow.

“Singapore? Why there?” Oscar asked, clearly skeptical and a little bit confused. Lando shifted nervously, but kept his chin up. “Think about it. If she says no, I’ll have the whole month off before the US Grand Prix. Plenty of time to move on, right? It’s perfect. No awkward run-ins at the paddock, no weirdness during the races, just time to get over it.”

Oscar leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, smirking as he listened to Lando’s outrageously insane logic. “You do realize that even if you have a month off, you’ll still see her at the US Grand Prix, right?”

Lando blinked, his confidence faltering for a moment. “Well…yeah, but that’s like, way down the line! By then, things will have settled.”

Oscar snorted. “Or you’ll just be dragging it out longer, and it’ll be just as awkward when you see her at the US GP as it would be anywhere else. Let’s also not forget, she’s Fernando’s daughter, no way can you just avoid her.”

Lando’s shoulders slumped slightly, but he quickly straightened up again, determined to defend his plan. “Nah mate, it’ll be fine. If she says no, I’ll have a whole month to, like…recalibrate. By the time the US GP rolls around, I’ll be good. Plus, Singapore has always been special to her. She lived there, went to university there—it’s got sentimental value. It’s a good place to ask.”

Oscar sighed, shaking his head. “Mate, honestly, that is the worst logic I’ve ever heard. You’re going to see her whether she rejects you or not. A month isn’t going to magically make it less awkward.”

“Yes, but—” Lando tried to defend himself, but Oscar cuts him off.

“No, seriously. Just because there’s a break between races doesn’t mean your feelings are going to magically disappear in four weeks. You’ll have to see her, you’ll still have to deal with it. You’re not just going to poof get over it because the calendar says so.”

Lando opened his mouth, then closed it, frowning. “Okay, fine, maybe it’s not the best plan, but it’s the only one I’ve got! What else am I supposed to do?”

“How about this,” Oscar said, leaning forward, his tone dead serious. “Ask her out because you like her, not because you’re trying to time your emotional recovery between races. You’re just over complicating everything, man.”

Lando groaned, running a hand through his hair. “But what if she says no?” Oscar gave him a deadpan look. “And if she says yes?”

What Oscar said definitely threw Lando for a loop. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, if she says yes, what’s the point of your ‘one month to move on’ plan? You’ll see her even more. Mate, you’ll have to be ready for things to go somewhere, especially with her dad around.”

Lando rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous laugh escaping him. “Yeah, but—well, I mean, that would be the ideal situation, right? If she says yes, then great! No need for a break, and she and I can ride off into the sunset.”

Oscar sighed, clearly amused but trying to help his friend make sense of things while he himself is currently on his wits end. “Look, I’m just saying your logic is a bit off. If you like her, just ask her out. Whether it’s in Singapore or the US or wherever, the outcome will all be the same. You either take a chance or keep overthinking it.”

Lando sighed dramatically, plopping down in the chair next to Oscar. “I know, I know. It’s just…I want it to be perfect, you know? I’ve liked her for a while, and it feels like I’ve only got one shot at this. As the wise words of Eminem and I quote, ‘you only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo.’”

“Can’t believe that you really quoted Eminem,” Oscar laughed, though he couldn’t resist teasing him. “You’ve already got a shot, mate. She talks to you, she remembers you, and you’re the only one who keeps making excuses.”

Lando groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Fine, okay. Singapore it is. But if I get rejected, you’re the one driving me to the airport.” Oscar laughed, patting Lando on the back. “Deal. But if she says yes, you owe me free dinners until the end of the season.”

“What?! That’s insane!” Oscar rolled his eyes, but gave a small smile, “it’s enough to cover as a compensation for what you had put me through. Driving me insane with your crazy ass.”

“Alright, fine! Deal.” Oscar grinned, “that’s more like it! Now shake on it.” He held out his hand for Lando to shake, to seal the deal that they had made.

“Now, don’t you chicken out, or else I’m really telling Fernando myself.” Lando shot him a glare. “You wouldn’t!”

“Try me.” Oscar said with a smirk.

Despite Oscar’s teasing, Lando knew he was right. Whether or not the timing was ideal, he has to shoot his shot with you. Singapore was coming up fast, and with it, the moment of truth. He just hoped that whatever the outcome of everything, he wouldn’t end up regretting it—because, at the end of the day, you were definitely worth the risk.

SINGAPORE

The Singapore Grand Prix had finally arrived, and you couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and comfort being back in the place you now considered as your second home. The familiar street, the warm tropical breeze, and the breathtaking skyline that always felt like a protective shield—all of it made you feel grounded. However, this year felt different though. You are here with your father, Fernando, but now you are grown, with your own life in Singapore. A part of you wanted to stay here permanently, and you knew that this kind of conversation with your father was coming.

You had also flown back to Singapore a little bit earlier than Fernando, so right after the race in Baku, you flew back to Singapore, and you would just meet up with him once he arrived. You made plans with some old university friends for a brunch date, and it had been very refreshing, catching up with familiar faces and feeling part of the city again, laughing over stories of your time during your undergraduate days and just listening to their life updates.

It was Tuesday when Fernando arrived in Singapore, and it felt like a reunion, even though you had been apart for a short period of time. You met him at the hotel he was staying in, and the moment you saw him, a gentle warmth spread through your chest.

“Papa!” You called, rushing to give him a big hug. He enveloped you in a tight hug, lifting you off your feet for a moment. “It’s so good to see you!”

“Good to see you too, mi pequeño campeón,” he replied, a proud smile on his face.

Despite the happiness you were currently feeling, the upcoming conversation with your father about your future was creeping at the back of your mind. You wanted to properly talk to him about staying in Singapore permanently, though you knew it wouldn’t be easy. The bond between you and your father had always been strong, and you didn’t want him to think that you were drifting away, especially that you’re the only one he has. After all, you were still his daughter, and no matter where you were in the world, that wouldn’t change.

“You’ve grown up so much,” Fernando said with a proud smile on his face as you walked through the bustling streets, the sounds of the city surrounding you. “It feels like just yesterday you were running around the house in your diapers and wearing your underwear in your head.” You couldn’t help but laugh at the memory.

“Yeah, well, I’m all grown up now,” you replied, playfully nudging him. “But I’m really happy to be spending the time with you, Papa.”

You walked through the bustling streets, visited the Garden by the Bay, and took him to Sentosa, where you went to Universal Studios and rode the famous cable car. It felt good, just like the old times, where it was just you and him, with no race schedules or media obligations pulling him away.

As you strolled through the bustling hawker centers, savoring the delicious local food, you felt a sense of contentment wash over you, and with Fernando seeing you order the food you wanted to eat, he can perfectly see how you fit right in this kind of environment, it was like as if your were a true local. It made him happy to see that you are happy, comfortable, and content with the country that you were living in for the past years. Right after a satisfying dinner at the hawker centers, you decided to stroll at a park, and sat down at a bench, watching the Singaporean skyline.

“Papa, can we talk about something serious?” You said, glancing at him.

“Of course, mi vida,” he replied, leaning back comfortably on the bench, his expression turning earnest. “What’s in that little mind of yours?”

You took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “I’ve been thinking a lot…about staying here in Singapore. I love it here, and I want to pursue my masters degree and build my career. I know it’s a big decision, but…I really feel at home here, Papa.”

He turned to you, his expression soft but curious. “I figured as much. You’ve always seemed at peace here,” he said with a smile, though there was a flicker of emotions in his eyes. “But does this mean you won’t be coming to visit me anymore? I’ll miss you, you know.”

You smile gently. “Of course I’ll visit you! I’m not disappearing, I promise. It’s just…I feel like I’ve found my place here. But you’ll always be my home too, no matter where you are.”

Fernando nodded, his arm draping over your shoulders. “As long as you’re happy, safe, and chasing your dreams, I will always support you. Just don’t forget to visit your old man, alright?” You leaned into him, grateful for his understanding. “I could never forget.”

“However, we’ll need to discuss the logistics and what that means for your studies.” You nodded, “of course! I’ll figure everything out.”

There was a pause, a comfortable silence that stretched between you, but you knew there was something else you needed to come clean about. Something more personal and had been on your mind for a while now. As much as it makes you nervous, you trust your father enough to talk about it.

“Papa, there’s something else I need to tell you,” you said, your voice quieter now. Fernando turned his head slightly, raising an eyebrow. “What is it?”

You took a deep breath, fidgeting with the edge of your sleeve. “It’s about Lando.”

That got his attention. Fernando looked at you more intently, a mixture of surprise and curiosity crossing his face. “Lando? What about him?” You bit your lip, feeling your heart rate pick up. “I—I think I like him. It’s not just a silly crush anymore. It’s something more.”

For a moment, Fernando didn’t say anything, his face was unreadable as he processed what you had just said. You braced yourself, really unsure of how he would react. Would he be overprotective? Would he laugh? Or would he be mad? You couldn’t really tell.

But then, he sighed, his expression softening as he just smiled at you. “I had a feeling,” he said, surprising you. “You…did?” You asked, blinking.

Fernando chuckled. “Soy tu padre, mi amor. I always notice these kinds of things, and I have seen the way Lando looks at you too.” He shook his head slightly. “I just didn’t think it had gotten this serious.”

“It’s not serious, serious. But I can tell that it’s more than just a crush,” you admitted, feeling relieved that he wasn’t upset. “I don’t know if he feels the same way, but I want to be honest with you, I don’t like hiding things from you. You’re my Papa, and I wanted you to know.”

Fernando sighed, pulling you closer. “I appreciate that you told me, princesa. I trust you to make your own decisions, just…if things ever get too difficult, or if you need advice, don’t hesitate to come to me. Lando’s a good kid, but relationships are never easy, especially in this kind of world. But no matter what happens, I’m going to be always here for you.” He pressed a kiss to the top of your head, his hand resting comfortingly on your shoulder.

You smiled, your heart feeling lighter now that you had told him the truth. “I will. Thank you, Papa.”

Fernando chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief. “You know, it’s hard to keep up with you sometimes. One moment you’re my little girl, and the next you’re talking about pursuing a career and potentially dating a race car driver.”

You laughed, feeling a mix of relief and warmth. “I guess I’m just growing up. But you know that I’ll always be your little girl, Papa.”

“Well, if Lando makes you happy, I don’t see why you shouldn’t explore that,” he said, his tone softening. “Just be careful, okay? You know how the media can be, and I want you to be safe.”

“Of course, Papa. I promise.” You smiled at him.

As you sat there at the bench with your father, the weight of the conversation lifted, you felt a sense of peace wash over you. You didn’t know what would happen with Lando, but you knew you had the support of the one person who mattered most—your father, and for now, that was enough.

The atmosphere inside the Aston Martin garage was buzzing with the pre-race tension as you stood by, watching your father make his final preparations. Fernando will be starting in P7, and while you had been through countless races with him, the familiar knot of nerves still twisted in your stomach. You couldn’t help it—racing was unpredictable, and no matter how many times you had seen your father take on a track, you would always be worried. Just before he climbed into the car, you walked over and wrapped your arms around Fernando, squeezing him tightly.

“Good luck, Papa,” you whispered, your voice slightly muffled against his racing suit.

Fernando returned the hug, holding you for a moment longer than usual. “I’ll be fine, cariño,” he assured you, pulling back to smile at you with that calm, reassuring look he always gave before a race. “Just keep your eyes on the screen, and remember, I’ll be coming back to you after this.”

You nodded, managing a small smile despite the nervousness you’re feeling. “I know. But still, just be careful out there, okay?”

“Always,” he promised, giving you a smile before heading toward his car. You watched as he climbed in, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline that always hit just before the lights went out.

As the race began, you settled into the garage, your eyes darting between the live feed of your father’s car and, admittedly, a certain McLaren that had started from pole position. Lando. You weren’t sure why, but every time he appeared on the screen, your heart would always skip a beat.

Lando had an incredible start, holding his position from the first corner. You watched as lap after lap, Lando built a commanding 20-second gap over Max, pushing through the relentless humidity of Singapore. It was clear by the midway point that he had the race in the bag, and that didn’t stop you from feeling a strange mix of pride and nervous energy for him too.

Fernando, on the other hand, was fighting a tough race. It wasn’t easy, but you knew he’d give it everything he had, like he always does. When the checkered flag finally waved, Lando crossed the line first, successfully claiming his third win of the season. Max came in second, and Oscar rounded out the podium in third, making it a double podium for McLaren, while Fernando finished on P8. You exhaled a breath you didn’t realize you had been holding, relieved that the race was finally over and that both Lando and your father had finished safely.

You waited for Fernando to make his way back to the garage, you couldn’t help but feel a small flutter in your chest. Lando had won, and while you were genuinely happy for him, you were also unsure of what to do next. Should you congratulate him? Would he even have time for you amidst the celebrations?

When your father finally walked into the garage, you rushed over to him, wrapping your arms around him again. “P8! That’s great, Papa!” You beamed, knowing it had been a tough race.

Fernando chuckled softly, patting your back. “Not bad for your old man, huh? It was a bit of a struggle out there, but I’m happy with it.” You pulled back and looked up at him, the warmth of post-race moments settling between you. “I’m just glad you’re okay. Singapore can be brutal.”

He nodded in agreement, wiping sweat from his forehead with a towel. “You’re right about that. The heat doesn’t make it any easier.”

The two of you just stood there, catching your breath, Fernando gave you a knowing look. “So…you’re not going to congratulate Lando?”

Your eyes widened slightly, caught off guard. “Uh, well…I mean, I was going to, but I thought he’d be busy celebrating, you know…podiums, interviews, all that.”

Fernando raised an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh, come on. He just won the Singapore Grand Prix, I’m sure he’d appreciate hearing it from you, you know.”

“I know, but…I don’t want to interrupt. It’s his moment,” you said, shifting on your feet, feeling unsure of yourself.

Your father shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. “You’re always so thoughtful, but you should give yourself more credit, cariño. He’s not going to mind talking to you, even if he’s celebrating.” You sighed, half-laughing. “I’ll think about it. Maybe later, if we bump into each other.”

Fernando put an arm around your shoulders, pulling you close as you both watched the scene unfolding by the McLaren garage from the distance. “You’re overthinking it, as usual. Just trust yourself. Lando’s a good kid—and he likes you too, you know.”

Your eyes widened as you looked up at him, surprised by his comment. “What do you mean by that?” He just gave you a knowing smile. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. I might be your Papa, but I’m not blind.”

You felt your cheeks heat up, looking away to hide your embarrassment. “Papa!” He just laughed at you, giving your shoulders a gentle squeeze. “I’m just saying, hija. Don’t be so nervous, and if you do talk to him tonight, just be yourself. That’s all that matters.”

You leaned into him, grateful for his constant support. “Thanks, Papa. I’ll try not to overthink it too much.”

“Good. Remember, if he gives you any trouble, I’ll have a word with him,” Fernando teased, though you knew very well that he wasn’t entirely joking. You laughed, shaking your head. “I think I can handle it.”

“That’s my girl.” He said, ruffling your hair playfully before letting go.

It was late by the time you and Fernando finally left the paddock. The post-race chaos had kept you there far longer than you expected—interviews, debriefings, team meetings, but you didn’t mind too much. As the two of you exited the Aston Martin motorhome, you were feeling tired, but the evening breeze helped clear your mind, cooling your nerves after the long day.

You and Fernando walked side by side, heading towards the parking lot, and you were mentally replaying the events of the day. You both feel relieved and happy that your father had finished the race safely, but at the same time, your thoughts kept drifting back to Lando. The memory of him winning the race, standing on the top step of the podium—it had all been imprinted in your mind. You still hadn’t congratulated him, and now, the internal debate was in full force.

Just as you and Fernando reached the parking lot, you spotted Lando. He was about to leave as well, freshly showered and looking relaxed, though the sight of him made your heart race all over again. The internal conflict within you wasn’t exactly that subtle—your hesitation must have been really visible, because Fernando glanced at you but chose not to say anything, giving you space to decide.

Right before you could make up your mind, Lando had noticed you. His eyes lit up as he called your name, voice breaking through your thoughts.

“Hey!”

You froze for a second, then offered him a shy smile. Before you could even form a proper response, Lando began walking over to you, his expression bright and boyish. Your nerves kicking into high gear, and for a brief moment, you wished you had more time to properly collect yourself. But Fernando, always one to notice, just smiled and took your handbag from your hand.

“I’ll be waiting in the car,” he said, tone light and teasing as he glanced between you and Lando. “Take your time.” With that, he left, giving you an encouraging wink as he walked away. Now, it was just you and Lando.

The moment felt heavier than what you had expected, both of you standing there in the dimly lit parking lot, nerves getting the better of you. You could feel your palms starting to sweat, unsure of how to start a conversation. But Lando, surprisingly, seemed just as equally nervous as you, rubbing the back of his neck and shifting on his feet awkwardly.

“So…uhm, congrats on the win,” you blurted out, your voice a bit quieter than what you had intended. “You were amazing out there.”

Lando’s eyes softened, his grin widening at your words. “Thanks. That means a lot, coming from you.” He paused, as if debating his next move. Then, in one breath, he blurted out, “Do you want to go out with me? Like, on an actual date?”

The question hung in the air for a second longer than it should have, and you blinked, too stunned to even respond right away. Did you hear that right? Did Lando Norris just actually ask you out on a date? Your mind raced, trying to process the suddenness of it all. Lando’s expression faltered slightly at your silence, his cheeks turning pink as he took a step back, clearly assuming the worst.

“Oh, uh…you don’t have to answer right away if you don’t want to. I mean, it’s totally fine if you’re not interested—”

“No, no! I mean yes! I mean—” you are fumbling, trying to get the right words out, waving your hands in front of you. “I’m not saying no. I just…I didn’t expect you to ask, that’s all. I—” you stopped yourself, realizing that you were rambling and it’s sounding so ridiculous and embarrassing. “Of course I’d love to go out with you.” You said finally, voice more even now.

Lando’s face brightened instantly, his nervousness giving way to a wide grin. “Really? You would?”

“Yeah,” you said, feeling your cheeks heat up. “I’ve kind of…liked you for a while now. I just didn’t think you felt the same.”

Lando laughed, a light, relieved sound. “Are you kidding? I’ve been wanting to ask you since…well, since forever, really. I just wasn’t sure if you’d say yes.” He scratched the back of his head, expression sheepish. “I thought your dad might…you know, run me off track or something.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, your nerves slowly starting to melt away. “He might, but I think he likes you, so you’re safe. Don’t worry.”

He chuckled, visibly more at ease now that the awkwardness had passed. Then, he hesitated, his expression turning curious. “So, are you staying here in Singapore after the race? Or are you going to be with your dad during the break?”

“I’m staying for a week,” you explained, feeling more comfortable now. “I’ve got some things I need to work on here, but after that, I’m heading off to St. Moritz with Papa. We’re going to spend some time there before the next race.”

His eyes lit up with a hopeful look. “Do you think we could…maybe squeeze in our date before you leave? I mean, if you’re not too busy.”

Your heart skipped a beat at the idea, and you nodded, a soft smile forming on your lips. “Yeah, I think we can definitely make that work.”

“Great! I’ll figure something out and text you, then.” Lando grinned, looking as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

As you both stood there, a comfortable silence settling between you, Lando glanced towards the car where Fernando was waiting and then back at you.

“Come on, I’ll walk you to your dad’s car before he thinks I’m keeping you hostage.” You laughed softly and replied, “He’s probably watching us from the rearview mirror right now.”

He fell into step beside you, his hand grazing yours for a moment before he hesitated, unsure if he should take your hand with his or not. The gesture was so innocent, so sweet, that without thinking, you reached out and took Lando’s hand in yours, giving it a light squeeze.

When you reached the car, he paused, giving you one last, nervous smile. “So, I’ll see you soon?”

“Yeah, definitely.” You replied, feeling a little giddy now.

Lando looked at you with a soft smile, and before you started overthinking again, you leaned in and pressed a quick, gentle kiss to his cheek. The move surprised even you—you had no idea where you got the confinement all of the sudden, but it felt right.

“Goodnight, Lando.” You said softly and smiled at him, “Goodnight.” He replied back shyly.

You climbed into the car as he walked away, you swear you saw him cheering with himself as his figure disappeared into the night.

Fernando glanced at you, a knowing smile on his face. “So, how did it go?” You rolled your eyes, but your smile gave you away. “It went fine, Papa. Really fine.”

“Fine, huh?” He chuckled, shifting the car into gear. “Looks like it was more than just fine to me.”

You laughed softly, settling into the passenger seat as the car pulled away from the paddock, your thoughts still on Lando and your upcoming date.

The evening air in Singapore was warm and soft, carrying the sounds of the city as you walked beside Lando through the quieter streets. It has been an eventful week for you, but you were happy that your date with Lando had finally happened. Your date had been more than what you could have hoped for. He had picked you up from your apartment earlier in the evening, and you had taken on the role of his guide, showing him the city like a true local—taking him to places that tourists rarely visited. The city was your second home, and it felt special to be sharing it with him, especially since he’d only known it through the brief lens of race weekends.

Lando seemed eager to soak it all in. “So, where to first?” He asked, glancing over at you with a smile as you walked side by side with your hands intertwined.

“You’ll see,” you teased, knowing he’d enjoy the places you had in mind.

You had decided to take him to the quieter parts of the city—away from the tourist crowds and into the hidden corners where you had spent most of your time. You led him through the winding streets, showing him local markets, narrow alleyways adorned with colorful murals, and cozy cafés that are tucked between old buildings.

“This is incredible,” Lando said after a while, his voice full of admiration as he looked around. “I had no idea Singapore had all these little spots.”

“Well, it’s different when you’re not here just for the race,” you replied, smiling softly. “I love it here. It’s home.”

Eventually, you brought him to one of your favorite places—a small, family-run restaurant hidden away from the bustling city, where you had frequented during your college days. The smell of home-cooked food wafted through the air as you approached, and a warmth spread through you as you saw the familiar faces of the elderly couple who owned the place.

“Ah, you’re back!” The old man greeted you with a wide smile, coming around the counter to hug you. “It’s been too long, my dear. How have you been?”

“I’m good,” you said, hugging him back. “This is Lando, by the way.”

Lando smiled and offered his hand, but the old man pulled him into a friendly hug instead. “Welcome! Any friend of hers is always welcome here.”

The woman joined her husband, her eyes twinkling as she looked you over. “You’ve brought someone special this time, I see,” she said softly, her tone playful.

You felt your cheeks flush slightly, but Lando laughed, giving you a teasing look. “She’s showing me all of the best spots in the city.”

The couple fussed over the two of you, bringing out plates of food that smelled and tasted like comfort, making sure that the two of you are comfortable and well-fed. The conversation flowed easily, with Lando making both of them laugh with his stories. It was nice—being there with him, surrounded by people who cared for you like family. After the meal, you thanked the couple, promising to visit again once you’re back in Singapore. They handed out a takeout bag for each of you, containing one of their desserts that you loved very much.

“Take care of her, young man,” the old woman said, patting Lando’s arm as you both stood to leave.

“I will,” Lando promised, voice soft but sincere.

It was already past ten in the evening, and the city lights are casting a gentle glow around you. Streets were peaceful, and the warmth of the evening breeze made the city feel even more intimate. Only the sound of your footsteps can be heard on the pavement as you and Lando strolled side by side.

“I still can’t believe I’ve never seen this side of Singapore before,” Lando said, his voice warm with admiration. You smiled, glancing up at him. “I guess it helps when you have a local guide. There’s so much more to Singapore than just the Marina Bay and the usual tourist spots.”

“I’m starting to see that,” he said with a soft chuckle. “And I like it.”

For a moment, the two of you fell into a comfortable silence, the night around you quiet and serene. There was something so comforting about being with Lando like this—no cameras or media, just the two of you walking through a city you loved. The ease of it all made your heart swell with affection.

As you reached a small park, Lando slowed his pace, glancing at you with a thoughtful look in his eyes. You smiled, remembering your father’s request.

“Oh, right! I almost forgot, before Papa left Singapore, he asked me to extend the invitation to you. He wants you to join us in St. Moritz for the break. He said he would like to get to know you better, outside of racing. Only if you’re not too busy.”

Lando raised his eyebrows in surprise, then grinned. “Really? He actually said that?” You nodded, feeling your cheeks heat up slightly. “Yeah, he did. He’s a bit overprotective, but he likes you.”

Lando laughed softly. “Well, that’s a relief. I was kind of worried he’d be ready to send me into a wall or something.”

You shook your head, laughing with him. “No, I think you’re safe. He just wants to make sure I’m okay.”

Lando’s expression softened as he looked at you. “I get that. I really would love to go to St. Moritz with you. It sounds…nice. Meeting your family, spending time with you.” He paused for a moment, then added, “I just want to make sure we’re on the same page about…us.”

Your heart raced at the shift in the conversation. You had known this topic would come up eventually, and now that it had, you felt a mix of excitement and nerves.

“You mean…our relationship?” You asked softly.

Lando nodded, his gaze steady. “Yeah. I really like you—a lot, and I want this to work, but I also know that it won’t be easy. You’re living in Singapore permanently, and I’m always traveling for races. It’ll be a long distance.”

“I know. I’ve thought about it too. I’m planning to stay here, especially since I’m going to start my masters at the end of the season. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and Singapore is home now.” You sighed, feeling a knot form in your chest.

He nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I get that, and I would never want to get in the way of your plans. But we’ll make it work, right? I mean, we have to try.”

“Yeah, we’ll try. It’s not going to be easy, but if we both want this, we can make it work.” You smiled softly, feeling a sense of comfort settle over you.

“Exactly. You know, it’s not like I won’t ever see you. We can visit each other during breaks, and I’ll be in Singapore for races. Plus, there’s always the off-season.” He smiled at you.

You laughed, feeling lighter now that the conversation had been laid out so openly. “True. I’ll visit you too in Monaco when I can. It’s just going to take some balancing.”

“Yeah, but I think we can handle that,” he said confidently. “Besides, it’ll be worth it.”

“You’re right. It’ll be worth it.” He stepped closer, grabbing your hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“You don’t have to worry about anything. We’ll figure everything out together.” Lando brought your hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to your knuckles. “I don’t want to lose this, lose you. If that means I have to fly halfway around the world to see you, I will.”

In that moment, you knew you felt the same. You didn’t want to lose this either—whatever it was that had sparked between you two. Maybe it was new, maybe it was fragile, but it was real, and you were both willing to fight for it.

“Yep.” You smiled up at him. “And in the meantime, we’ve got St. Moritz. So, will you come?”

Lando grinned, pulling you into a playful hug. “Try and stop me.”

You laughed as he twirled you in the quiet street, your heart feeling lighter than it had been in a long time. You both walked back toward his car, hand in hand, the future didn’t seem so daunting anymore.

ST. MORITZ

The flight to St. Moritz was filled with quiet excitement. You and Lando had spent most of the time talking about everything and nothing, enjoying each other’s company without the rush of the race weekend hanging over you. It felt peaceful, like a little bubble where the outside world didn’t matter. But as you began to descend into the Swiss Alps, your nerves started to pick up again, especially knowing that this trip would bring Lando one step closer to your family.

When you both arrived at the chalet, the crisp mountain air filled your lungs, and you felt an immediate sense of calm. Waiting outside the chalet was your father, along with your grandparents, who waved warmly as you and Lando got out of the car. Fernando greeted you first, pulling you into a tight hug. Then he turned to Lando, giving him a welcoming hug too, but there was a knowing look in your father’s eyes.

Lando smiled, trying to hide the bit of nerves you knew he must be feeling. “Good to see you again, Fernando.” Lando said.

“Good to see you too, Lando. Glad you can make it, and welcome to the family vacation.” Fernando replied, clapping him on the back before gesturing for you both to come inside.

You were quickly enveloped in the warmth of the chalet, and your grandparents greeted you with smiles, your grandmother pulling you into a soft embrace.

“Look at you, mi hija,” she cooed, brushing some hair out of your face. “How are you? And what have you been up to in Singapore?”

You smiled warmly. “I’m doing great, Grandma. Just finished my degree and I’m now working on settling down in Singapore. I’ve got my plans for my masters lined up.”

“¡Oh, nuestra hermosa y inteligente chica! Siempre haciéndonos orgullosos.” Your grandmother beamed proudly, as your grandfather gave a nod of approval, his eyes twinkling as he looked over at Lando, who stood patiently beside you. “And who’s this fine young man?” He asked, his tone playful but curious.

You introduced Lando to them, feeling a blush creep up on your cheeks. “This is Lando, Grandpa. He’s a driver too in Formula 1, just like Papa. We’ve…gotten close recently.”

Lando offered a polite smile, shaking your grandfather’s hand and exchanging greetings with your grandmother. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

Dinner was a lively affair, filled with laughter, light banter, and plenty of teasing. Fernando, as you expected, couldn’t resist throwing in a few playful jabs at Lando, especially whenever the conversation turned towards racing. Your grandparents, however, were more interested in hearing about how Lando and you had met, gently nudging the conversation toward stories about the two of you.

“So, Lando,” your grandmother began, her eyes sparkling with mischief, “do you plan on visiting Singapore often? You know, to keep this one company.”

Lando grinned, glancing at you before answering. “As often as I can. I’ve already promised her that I’ll make the long flights.” Your grandfather chuckled, patting Lando on the shoulder. “Good man.”

After dinner, you and Lando lingered in the living room, soaking in the warmth of the fire while your grandparents shared stories with Fernando. It felt comfortable, like a real family gathering, and you could tell that Lando was starting to relax, even under the weight of the situation. Eventually, Lando turned to you, his expression a little more serious but still soft.

“I think I’ll be joining your dad and grandfather for a drink,” he said, his eyes betraying a hint of nerves.

You knew exactly what that meant—a talk. The one where Fernando and your grandfather would grill Lando just enough to make sure he had good intentions, but also bond with him in the way only family could. You smiled reassuringly at him. You knew your father and grandfather weren't going to scare him off—they just wanted to make sure that Lando understood the importance of looking after you.

“Good luck. They’ll go easy on you, I think.” Lando let out a small laugh, standing up and leaning down to give you a quick, comforting kiss on the cheeks. “I’ll survive.”

As Lando, Fernando, and your grandfather settled into a more private part of the chalet, you stayed behind with your grandmother, who started making tea and fussing over the details of dinner, especially the topic of you and Lando. You couldn’t help but feel a little bit nervous for Lando, but you trust your father. Even though he could be overprotective, he just wanted the best for you, and it was obvious that he saw potential in Lando—enough to invite him to St. Moritz.

Meanwhile, in the other room, your father and grandfather wasted nontime diving into their questions.

“Lando,” your grandfather began, his tone warm but firm. “Tell me more about yourself. What do you like to do outside of racing? What kind of man are you, really?”

Lando smiled nervously, but answered honestly. “Well, I enjoy a lot of things—gaming, playing golf when I can, running my own company, but mostly just spending time with friends and family. Outside of racing, I try to keep my life simple. But…I think I’m just someone who’s passionate about what I do and the people I care about.”

Fernando nodded, sipping his drink slowly. “And my daughter? How serious are you about her?” His voice was calm, but the weight of the question hung in the air.

Lando didn’t falter, he glanced toward the door as if picturing you on the other side before he spoke. “I’m very serious about her. I’ve liked her for a long time, and I know it’s still new, but I’m willing to put in the work to make it last. I care about her a lot, and I respect her decisions, her life in Singapore, everything.”

Your grandfather exchanged a glance with Fernando before leaning back in his chair. “She’s settled in Singapore, and you’re constantly traveling. Long distance relationships aren’t for the faint of heart.” he said thoughtfully.

“I do understand,” Lando replied earnestly, meeting both of their gazes head-on. “And I’ve thought about that a lot. I know it’ll be challenging, but I’m willing to make it work. She means a lot to me, and I don’t want to let the distance be the thing that keeps us apart.”

Your grandfather nodded thoughtfully, leaning back in his chair. “That’s good to hear,” he said for a moment. “We’ve always wanted the best for her, and if you’re willing to put in the effort, that says a lot about the kind of man you are.”

Fernando didn’t say much after that, but you knew he was taking everything in, assessing the way Lando spoke about you, he just smiled widely at him. It was clear that he appreciated Lando’s honesty and sincerity, he just wanted what's best for his only daughter—which is his whole world. But as a father, he would always be protective of you.

After the conversation wound down, Lando returned to your side, visibly relieved but still wearing that charming smile oh his, and putting an arm around you as he sat beside you on the couch. You raised an eyebrow as he sat beside you.

“Hey, how did it go?” You asked, intertwining your hand with his over your shoulder, half-teasing but genuinely curious.

Lando exhaled, running a hand through his hair with his free hand. “Well, let’s just say that your dad and grandfather aren’t easily won over,” he said with a grin. “But I think I passed.”

“I had no doubt you would.” You laughed softly, leaning into his chest.

The night wound down and the chalet grew quieter, you found yourself sitting with Lando by the fire, the two of you are wrapped in a comfortable silence. The warmth of the fire and the steady rhythm of his breathing next to you made everything feel perfect. St. Moritz had a way of making everything feel more peaceful, and with Lando by your side, you knew this was just the beginning of something special.

fernandoalo_oficial

liked by aussiegrit, oscarpiastri, pierregasly, sebastianvettel, lance_stroll and 127,839 others

fernandoalo_oficial Vacaciones! Decided to take the kids skiing 😁🏂❄️

view all 34,847 comments

sebastianvettel is that little alonso? she’s all grown up now! i remember when she was still too shy to even say hello. time flies!

fernandoalo_oficial she’s still shy 😁 and she’s already catching up to me!

user1 kidS? hmmm

user2 last time i remember, fernando only has 1 kid 🤨🤨🤨🤨

jensonbutton little alonso! i remember when she used to hide behind you in the paddock! look at her now!

fernandoalo_oficial she still does! 😂

aussiegrit you’re making us feel old, mate! lovely to see you two enjoying St. Moritz.

fernandoalo_oficial ❤️

user3 we need little alonso on instagram!! 😩

fernandoalo_oficial she’s a social hermit, good luck convincing her to be on any social media 😂

user3 OHMGYGSKD I LOVE YOU!!

user4 nando out here calling his own daughter social hermit HEUHFJENDNX I CANT

user5 imagine if little alonso has her own instagram, there would be world peace

user6 omg i KNOW! we all know that her instagram feed will be so gorgeous and aesthetic

user5 but we still love our social hermit queen, even if she’s not chronically online 💔

user6 always getting our little alonso crumbs from fernando himself

user7 little alonso crumbs LESGOOOO

user8 when is she joining social media? we need to know more about her!

fernandoalo_oficial she’s a social hermit, trust me, not happening anytime soon 😂

user8 OMFHFEHJDJSJSJS

user9 LITTLE ALONSO!!! 😭😭😭😭 we used to pray for times like this

landonorris posted a story!

liked by oscarpiastri, georgerussell63, lance_stroll, maxfewtrell, fernandoalo_oficial and others

user10 SIR???? 🤨🤨🤨🤨

user11 did you just yeet ur girl 😭😭😭

oscarpiastri THANK GOD! I’ll be expecting that free dinner soon until the end of season 😁

landonorris yeah yeah smh 🙄

oscarpiastri 😁😁😁

fernandoalo_oficial ❤️

fernandoalo_oficial you take care of her, alright? i trust you 👍🏻

landonorris don’t worry, she’s in good hands!

fernandoalo_oficial good.

lance_stroll i know fernando already gave you the talk, but still wanna say that you take good care of her

landonorris fernando and her grandpa gave me the talk, but don’t worry, i’ll take good care of her

user12 is this what i think it is????

user13 STOP THIS IS ACTUALLY SO CUTE IM GONNA CRY 😭😭😭

landonorris

liked by oscarpiastri, maxfewtrell, charles_leclerc, carlossainz55, georgerussell63, lance_stroll and 3,749,837 others

landonorris ⛷️❤️

view all 45,748 comments

user14 STOP IT U GUYS ARE SO CUTE 😭😭😭

user15 lando out here winning sg gp and then having a new girlfriend 😔

oscarpiastri i’ll claim that free dinner until the end of the season ticket, please and a thank you as well

landonorris THANK YOU! 🫵🏻

user16 why can i hear lando’s reply 😭

georgerussell63 i see that you’re getting well acquainted with the family, huh? 👀

landonorris well, what can i say? 🤷🏻‍♂️

alex_albon so…you really bagged her, huh?

landonorris rizz god. all in a day’s work 😮‍💨

maxfewtrell you really had to take a photo before helping her…classic lando

landonorris can’t help it, too funny not to

maxfewtrell well, can’t wait to meet her!

landonorris I SWEAR I HELPED RIGHT AFTER THE SELFIE STOP ATTACKING ME 😣😣😣

carlossainz55 taking a selfie first? thought you’d be a gentleman, cabron

landonorris SHUT UP I HELPED OKAY

lance_stroll is that who i think it is? 🤔

landonorris 😁😁😁

pierregasly well well well, norris finally bagged the most elusive catch on the grid 😂

landonorris all thanks to oscarpiastri for giving me the pep talk. my #1 cheerleader 😍

oscarpiastri you guys don’t know the suffering i went through. almost wanted to drive myself up on the wall. better thank me on your wedding speech, i deserve it

user17 HALF OF THE GRID KNOWS WHATS UP!!! LET US IN!!!!

maxverstappen1 oh ho ho ho someone finally grew some spine!

landonorris 🫣🫣🫣

charles_leclerc have you already talked about the garage situation?

landonorris i believe that it’ll be non-negotiable, i’m afraid 😔💔

user17 garage situation??? gARAGE SITUATION??? WHAT WHAT

user18 guys, remember that time ages ago when he was spotted chatting with little alonso? that could be her?

user19 yeah, but she’s a really private person. girlie doesn’t even have socmed accs 😭

user20 that’s a bit of a stretch there

user19 not to mention that’s she’s literally shy by nature

user20 i know who’s also on a ski trip 👀

user21 the alonsos? nah, girlie’s shy af and mostly keep herself away from the spotlight

user20 but didn’t she came back to the paddock this season? could be her yk and lando’s just keeping it lowkey

user22 you guys are all over the place! it could literally just be a friend. RELAX! 😂

user23 not y’all really busting your braincells out there with just this post 😭🫵🏻

user24 CAN THIS PEOPLE GET ANY CUTER??? FIRST THE IG STORY AND NOW THIS???? 😭😭😭

user25 you guys need to stop assuming stuff. that’s literally not little alonso 🤥 she’s a really private person, never seen in public unless she’s with nando. it’s just probably one of lando’s friends…

user26 SPEAK YOUR TRUTH SIS!! people really out here assuming things 🤡

user25 TRUE

user27 i second that. can’t multiple people ski at the same time without connecting all these nonexistent dots together???

user28 if it’s really little alonso…how did he manage to bag nando’s daughter 😭😭😭 this man is playing 4d chess, i swEAR 😭😭😭

🥰 lando norris masterlist 🥰

personal faves f contains smut(ty parts) s

✨ Series ✨

s ROOMMATES ; part one / part two / part three / part four / part five / part six

In which you have to live with your brothers best friend who you really don't like, Lando Norris, and his many 'girlfriends' for a while, but there's always a thin line between love and hate.

f & s MORE THAN FRIENDS (finished) ; part one / part two / part three / part four / part five / part six / part seven / part eight / part nine / part ten / part eleven / part twelve

In which your best friend is going to help you to gain more sexual experience and say goodbye to your insecurities, but he's quick to discover that he never wants to share you and your new experiences with others - the only problem being, him having to confess his feelings.

s MORE THAN FRIENDS discontinued; part one / part two / part three / part four / part five / part six / part seven / part eight

In which your best friend wants to help you so you get more sexual experience, but he discovers quickly that he never wants to share you and your new sexual experience with others.

s HIS TEAMMATE (finished) ; part one / part two / part three / part four / part five / part six / part seven / part eight / part nine / part ten / part eleven / part twelve / part thirteen

In which you find yourself getting closer to your brothers new teammate who's a total dick.

THE RACE LOSER (finished); part one / part two

In which you see your ex best friend again, after he cut off contact between you to because he needed to focus on racing

f & s MISTAKE(S) (finished); part one / part two / part three / part four / part five / part six / part seven / part eight / part nine

In which you keep making the same mistake over and over again by fucking the boy you hate the most

INTO IT (finished) ; part one / part two / part three / part four / part five / part six / part seven / part eight / part nine / part ten / part eleven

In which you really, really dislike your brothers new found best friend - Lando Norris - but you keep finding your way back to him

f&s FWB (finished) ; part one / part two / part three / part four / part five / part six / part seven / part eight / part nine / part ten / part eleven

In which you decide to become friends with benefits with Lando Norris, that can't be a bad idea right?

THE SISTER (finished) ; part one / part two / part three / part four / part five / part six / part seven / part eight / part nine / part ten

In which your the little sister of Max Verstappen and you meet Lando Norris, who quickly turns in to one of your best friends. But there's a thin line between friends & lovers

f&s BREAKING THE RULES (finished) ; part one / part two / part three / part four / part five / part six / part seven

In which Lando is your brothers rival during the championship, but you can't seem to stay away from him

GOLF (finished) ; part one / part two

In which Lando discovers his jealousy for you while a friendly round of golf

✨ One shots ✨

s Not a chance ; In which Lando thinks he's going to win a race, to which you tell him the chances of you two fucking are as low as him winning a race - so what happens when he wins?

Regret ; In which Lando breaks up with you, but starts to regret it even more when he sees you back on the racetrack. Can he still fix things?

f Fake date ; In which Lando helps you piss of your ex boyfriend by acting like your fake new boyfriend

His masseur ; In which you're Lando his best friend and masseur, but your feelings start to cause a bit of trouble

s Crazy ; in which Lando and you are crazy for each other without knowing it from each other, until Lando loses his temper while seeing you with another

f Date ; in which Lando needs an awful push from his friends to finally ask you out

Afterparty ; in which you and Lando are oblivious idiots & you go to the afterparty with someone else after Lando told you it was no big deal, spoiler: it was a big deal

Little game ; in which you and Lando are fighting, so you decide to test his feelings for you with a little game

everything happens for a reason - zuko x fem!reader // masterlist

⇦ back to masterlist ⇦

status: wip, tag list is open!

summary: As a servant in the Fire Nation, you’ve learned that life is often unfair. But as you venture through a tumultuous relationship with a certain prince, you come to realize a very tricky lesson: everything happens for a reason.

warning(s): angst, hurt/comfort, hurt without comfort, threats of death, parental death, betrayal, there is a lot of sadness but that comes along with a zuko fic lmao. there is a happy ending though! i promise 

timeline | playlist | ao3

current wc: 114,915

CHAPTER 1 . I am not your concern

CHAPTER 2 . And out of the blue, I fell for you

CHAPTER 3 . I feel so much, I get carried away

CHAPTER 4 . The night was full of terrors and your eyes were full of tears

CHAPTER 5 . I can go anywhere I want, I can go anywhere just not home

CHAPTER 6 . The thing about forever is that it’s a fucking lie

CHAPTER 7 . I think my ways are wearing me down

CHAPTER 8 . Used to do these things so effortlessly, somehow

CHAPTER 9 . I fell in love with a war, nobody told me it ended

CHAPTER 10 . I hate you for what you did, and I miss you like a little kid

CHAPTER 11 . Memories, where’d you go?

CHAPTER 12 . Living in the state of dreaming

CHAPTER 13 . But there was one thing missing, and that was the moment I knew

CHAPTER 14 . How could you be so reckless with my heart?

CHAPTER 15 . I thought I had you figured out

CHAPTER 16 . I miss you more than anything

CHAPTER 17 . And maybe I don’t quite know what to say

CHAPTER 18 . Don’t speak, I know just what you’re thinking

CHAPTER 19 . Can we go back to the world we had? With a love so sweet it makes me sad

CHAPTER 20 . Guess it’s true, I’m never getting over you

CHAPTER 21 . Meet me in the afterglow

CHAPTER 22 . I’ve been waiting on you

CHAPTER 23 . Finally, you and me are the lucky ones this time

CHAPTER 24 . You’re coming back, and it’s the end of the world

CHAPTER 25 . Finally, I have found a way to be happy

── ˙ ̟ 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐘 !!

🎙️ how heavy is the weight of a legacy, and what would you do to protect it?

to you, legacy means the formula one team bearing your family name. as a child, you eagerly tagged along with your mother to races, sharing laughs with the engineers and mechanics, and being lifted into the air in triumph after every win. yet as time passed, those moments became fewer and farther between, and before you knew it, the once-legendary team was now scraping by at the back of the pack.

in your final visit with your grandfather before he passed away, you made a promise to him: you would drive for the team that he and your grandmother poured their blood, sweat, and tears into, and you would restore glory to the williams surname, whatever it takes.

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠(𝐬) :: 2024!f1 grid x williams driver!reader. | specific pairing to be revealed.

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 :: cursing, sexual themes, mention of death, mental health, sexism. will be updated if necessary.

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 :: if this is the first work you see on my page, hello and welcome! hope you enjoy bring home the glory. if you have already read my other serie, the echo, i feel that is necessary to comment that this serie is written and released in a different style — while my first one is full of separated one shots and a barely there plot line, bhtg is plot heavy, with a determined beginning, middle, and end. hope you still enjoy it <3 | as always, english is not my first language so i apologize for any mistakes in the writing, and if you want to be added to the taglist, just say so!

˒ ⌕ — CHAPTERS

ᯓ★ :: prologue

ᯓ★ :: chapter one "what is a legacy? it's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see. i wrote some notes at the beginning of a song someone will sing for me". | a victorious journey always begins with a death and an offer.

©️ oofthwoods — 2024.