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stormz369 · 2 months ago

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☕💖 Can I Get Your Number? ��💖 Ch 3

Jason Todd x Chubby! Reader (fem)

written with a female reader in mind, first person pov, no use of Y/N, fluffy, mild angst, will probably get NSFW later, let me know if there's anything else I should tag this with!

warnings: reader character dealing with anxiety from previous chapter (non-descriptive),hinted at trauma from fatphobia, hints of Jason's self esteem and body image issues, otherwise it's fluff central

word count: 2.2k (oops? 😅)

Chapter Selection

Ding!

I looked over at my phone, briefly considering not picking it up. When I got through my front door I had ripped my jeans off, suddenly hating everything touching me. I showered, scrubbing the night off until my skin was raw and tingling, and now I was curled up on my bed sheets, having a good cry. I didn't really want to talk to anyone right now…

Ding! Ding! … Ding!

God, whoever it was was insistent though … I sighed softly and picked it up, checking the messages:

Jason: Good morning! I am so sorry for the sudden disappearance - my phone broke on my way to visit my brother!

3:15am

Jason: Just got back into town, so I've finally got the sim card in an old one for now.

3:17am

Jason: I feel bad, I owe you a week of good mornings! 😭

3:17am

Jason: And sorry for spamming you - I just didn't want you to think the worst for a second longer than necessary…

3:18am

I stared at the screen for a long while. Jason was back … just like Red Hood said. Huh…

Me: Don't worry about it, shit happens!

3:40am

Jason: … What are you still doing up?

3:41am

I briefly considered telling him everything. Maybe it would feel good to tell someone … or maybe it would feel even worse. We didn't really know each other yet, who knew how he would react? Nausea gripped my stomach and I shook my head, taking a few deep breaths before replying.

Me: Just got home is all. Picked up a late shift tonight.

3:50am

Jason: That's a hell of a late shift, that must have sucked!

3:52am

Me: … Yeah, honestly it wasn't great… 😔

3:53am

Jason: What are you doing tomorrow?

3:54am

Me: Nothing in particular, y?

3:56am

Jason: That settles it then! No more excuses, come hell or high water I will see you tomorrow!

3:56am

I stared at the screen, not sure how to feel about that idea. I did want to see him again, but I also really just wanted to sleep for 48 hours straight…

Jason: Seriously, name a time and place. We'll do anything you want! 😁

3:59am

Me: You don't have to do that, Jason - you just got back! Don't you need to work?

4:00am

Jason: Nope! We came back a day early, so I am all yours!

4:02am

Me: … All mine, huh? 😏

4:05am

Jason: 100%! Anything you want, name it!

4:06am

Me: … Gotham City Mall, meet in front of the bookstore at … say 4?

4:08am

Jason: Perfect, see you in 12 hours! Good night

4:08am

Me: Good night Jason

4:09am

I was exhausted, but couldn't seem to sleep. I was still coming down from the anxiety and adrenaline from being attacked, and now I was also nervous and tentatively excited about seeing Jason. This was the step that usually proved someone was playing games with me. I sighed softly, sliding a hand down my soft tummy. I didn't mind the way I was shaped, but other people sure had a way of making it seem like the end of the world… I silently begged the universe; let this one be good. No more games, let it be real this time…

When I finally did sleep, my dreams were filled with red. Blood all over the pavement, staining everything. Red chrome staring me down as I cried. Large hands, so gentle against my cheeks, pulling me against a warm, broad chest…

I woke with a start and peered over at my discarded clothes in a heap from the night before. Red Hood's flannel peaked out from under my ruined pants, taunting me; I was about to go on a date and I was dreaming about another man? A man I was surely never going to see again no less? That's real healthy, well done Brain.

I stepped over the clothes on the floor, not wanting to deal with the mess left over from last night, and selected a cute but comfortable outfit. I ate a quick breakfast, spent longer than I'd care to admit on my hair and makeup, and headed downstairs to catch the bus to the mall.

My anxiety grew as I approached the front doors. It’s a trick, it must be a trick. The cold air conditioning hit me in the face, a welcome respite from the summer heat, and I made my way toward the bookstore. He's a hottie, and really sweet. Or at least knows how to play sweet. He's definitely not actually interested. I could see the sign for the bookstore on the other side of the mall. And he's a Wayne too! What could a Wayne want with me?? … Oh god, I threatened them, didn't I? I told the little one I'd stab them if they came back to the table. Why did I say that???

I blinked a bit, pausing. That was him, leaned against the wall right next to the bookstore. He had actually shown up. I watched him scroll on his phone for a minute before looking up and scanning the crowd. When his eyes landed on me I continued walking toward him. He pocketed his phone, kicked off the wall, and walked over to meet me, a little grin lighting up his face.

“You're actually here…” the words left my mouth before I could reconsider, my disbelief apparent in my tone. Jason looked a bit confused at that, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head.

“Well, yeah? … You said 4, right?”

“Sorry! Yes, I said 4. I just … I honestly wasn't sure this was … real…”

“Why wouldn't it be real?”

I blushed a bit, clearing my throat slightly; “n- never mind! Sorry, I had a weird week; my brain hasn't fully caught up.”

He nodded a little, smiling gently. “Well, I hope it's getting better at least.”

I nodded. “Yeah, it is. Thanks. … So, what should we do?”

“Like I said last night; anything you want.”

“Well, … we're right here, do you want to start at the bookstore?”

He nodded and fell into step beside me, smiling gently. I could feel his eyes on me as I walked into the store, browsing the aisles. It was odd how comfortable this was; he was a good half foot taller than me, and at least 200 pounds of pure muscle. If his arms and cheek were any gauge he was absolutely covered in old scars, and he had a bandage on one forearm so whatever gave him the scars probably wasn't confined to the past.

I should be terrified - everything about my upbringing told me this was a dangerous situation to be in. But when I saw the look in his eyes, like I was the most interesting thing in the world, all of my self-defense training fell out of my head. The voices urging me to get to safety quieted, all my instincts stilled, and there was peace. His eyes were so beautiful…

“... Is there something on my face?” He blushed a bit, chuckling awkwardly.

I blinked, looking away. “Sorry! I wasn't staring, I just …”

“... Did you want to ask about this?” he pointed to the scar on his cheek.

“Huh? No! I have a policy of not asking people about stuff like that; you'll tell me or not on your own time. No, I just … I like your eyes is all …’’ I blushed brightly, staring at but not reading the back cover of a book.

“... My eyes?” I nodded, still pretending to read the back cover. “... You're really not going to ask about my scars?”

“Unless you want to talk about them, it's not any of my business.”

“... You're a very unusual girl.”

“Because I'm not going to pry about something you may or may not want to talk about, particularly on a first date?”

“Well, they're usually the first thing anyone wants to talk to me about. If they don't avoid me in the first place…”

I frowned a bit at that. If we met under any other circumstances, I would have taken one look at him and ducked my head to avoid an interaction. “... People suck…”

“It's not their fault; I'm intimidating…” I cautiously looked over at him. He was also staring at a book cover, a pensive little frown on his face.

“... I don't think you're intimidating.”

His eyes darted over and back to the book, and the corner of his mouth curled up ever so slightly. “... Thanks.”

I nodded, setting the book down. “.... So …”

“So? …”

“... Play a game?”

He chuckled, looking over at me. “A game?”

I nodded. “You tell me some of your favorite things in books, I'll tell you some of mine. We separate, select a few of our favorites that the other might like, and reconvene.”

“Alright. Is there a way to win this game?”

“Well I assume we'll each pick at least one book the other hasn't read, so we'll get to make each other read at least one of our favorites. That sounds like a win to me.”

He chuckled. “Alright. Meet back up at those comfy chairs in the back?”

I nodded, telling him some of my favorite tropes, genres, and settings. He did the same, and we darted in opposite directions. He beat me back there, but I eventually approached with a small stack, falling into the seat next to him.

He gestured toward my books; “ladies first.”

I tucked my feet under me, passing him each book in turn and making a case for it. He took each one, read the back cover, and listened intently. He had read one of them, and I figured he'd pick one of the others, if that, but he insisted he was going to get them all. When it was his turn, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but Pride and Prejudice wasn't the first thing that came to mind.

“I've seen a few movie adaptations, but I haven't gotten around to reading it.” I smiled softly, taking the book. It was a beautiful blue cover with swirling calligraphy font in gold.

“An unparalleled tragedy - I insist this is the one you're taking home!” I giggled at his determined tone and nodded.

“Yes, sir!” I made a little mock salute, trying not to smirk at the sudden wave of pink overtaking his face. “... Well, what else do you have for me?”

He cleared his throat awkwardly, looking at the books in his hands. “Ah, um …”

One by one he passed me Hamlet, the Three Musketeers, a book of Greek myths, and … a trashy romance?

“... Not gonna lie, this is an unexpected choice.” I read the back. It looked like your typical bodice ripper.

He chuckled, blushing a bit. “Look, it was the only book I had access to one day and I was losing my mind with boredom. But if you give it a chance, it's actually really well written, and the love interest isn't one of those creepy possessive guys the genre is known for, so …”

I nodded, taking a picture of the book covers. “I will give it a chance then!”

“... Why are you taking a picture of them?”

“... To get later? I'll start with this one, since you were so determined that I read it.” I held up Pride and Prejudice. Jason gathered up the others, putting them on his stack, then gently took Pride and Prejudice from me as well.

“Or I could just get them for you.”

“What? Jason, no. I mean, that’s really sweet of you, but that's way too much!” Between the books he'd picked out for me and the ones I'd selected for him, he was holding at least $200 in his hands. And he'd picked the pretty hardcovers too!

He shook his head. “I've had to cancel on you at least 5 times, and then I disappeared with no warning. You have been incredibly patient and understanding, and I will make today worth it.”

I blushed brightly, a bit surprised. “Jason, … you're worth waiting for. I enjoy talking to you, you don't have to spend money on me for today to be worth my time.”

He looked away uncomfortably, bright red, holding the stack of books to his chest. “... I … I like talking to you too … just let me do this, yeah? Call it a first date splurge.”

“... Alright, if you're sure. But I don't want you making a habit of this.”

He nodded, smiling softly. “Don't worry; I know you're a strong, independent woman.”

I nodded once, chuckling. “Damn right.”

Jason grinned, god he had an infectious grin, and led me to stand in line together. He held the stack of books in one hand, and we chatted a bit more while we waited for our turn. I was looking at a selection of little plushies in the impulse items when I felt something brush ever so slightly against my finger. I looked down; his trembling hand was next to mine, his pinky slightly extended toward me. I chuckled softly, extending mine toward him, and gently linked our fingers together. He stiffened ever so slightly before relaxing into it, gently squeezing back.

Next ->

Divider by @saradika (and my thanks for making them free to use!)

Taglist (let me know in the comments if you want to be added or dropped!)

@jawdropforkpop @krys0210 @snowy-violet @superthoughts @wordsfromshona

#fanfic #fanfiction #dc fanfic #fluff #jason todd #red hood x reader #dc #jason todd x reader #first person pov #first date #jason todd is adorable and awkward #batfam #batfamily #wayne family adventures #red hood #multi chapter #multichapter fic #Can I Get Your Number?

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hanyjar · 2 years ago

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do stars return?

itoshi sae x reader

summary: your childhood friend leaves, and you question if he’ll ever come back.

notes: [1.2k words.] i like to think this man has super angst potential but that won’t be unearthed today LOL no beta we die like men <3

disclaimers: childhood friends trope, angst (if u squint) to fluff, making out for a lil bit, poetic dialogue, forgiveness theme.

masterlist.

Itoshi Sae shines.

It's a truth you've come to realise at the budding age of seven. He, with his tepid stature and equally cold attitude, is destined for greatness.

A star, you whisper, once upon a time. A time where he lived without a million eyes watching his every move. You will become a star, I just know it.

And back in the day, it wasn't just you who believed it. Everyone did. From his teachers to his classmates, to his parents and his brother. It was an indisputable fact that the boy who dedicated himself wholly to soccer, a prodigy who made the sport look like an art form, had his future set out for stardom.

So it is no surprise to anyone when your naive declaration comes into fruition.

His face is plastered on every billboard - as far as the eye can see. Japan's pride, he is known as. The Ice Prince; he who dominates the field; a force to be reckoned with.

Itoshi Sae: the star.

You are proud. No doubt. Though, it’s false to say that you aren’t envious. Sae is a trailblazer: one that surpasses all of his enemies with a nonchalant stare, and transcends into the sky with the other geniuses. He is a part of the lucky few who are destined to be gazed upon with awe. Everything and anything you have achieved pales in comparison.

(You’d surely hear reprimands if you voice those thoughts out loud, though. In your time, you have made a name for yourself. An expert in your passion at the mere age of seventeen; a trailblazer in your own right.

…It’ll just never compare to the name Sae built for himself, you think with finality.)

But above the awe and envy you feel whenever Sae’s name comes up, is love.

Love: a trap that is inevitable for a childhood friend of his. A pitfall that you have fell into. Your love for him is a bittersweet fact, one which tugs at your heartstrings whenever his face shows up on your phone. Sweet, because childhood love is a beautiful, rare thing - you’re glad that it has happened, in all honesty - though bitter all the same, because he is a star.

And stars shoot past. They never go back.

(He, will never go back.)

So for the years that Sae is gone, you float by on that knowledge. Merely acknowledging him as the one who crashed into your life, and left as turbulently as he came. You work diligently to mute the love that festered in your heart, knowing it will never be.

You wholeheartedly believe that your life will continue in this fashion.

Then, the impossible happens.

The star returns, seven years later. On your doorstep, nonetheless.

"Itoshi?"

Somehow, even in the ungodly hour of 12:56AM, Sae manages to look as beautiful as the day he left. It's unfair. Unfair for him to show up at your doorstep unannounced; unfair for him to have grown into his boyish looks as gracefully as he did.

It’s unfair for him to still make your heart race, even after all this time.

"Who else would it be?" He scoffs, the bite of his words not quite reaching his eyes. "And, Itoshi, seriously?"

His voice makes your heart leap. It's like you are ten again. "Well… You haven't been Sae for a while now," you say. "Not since you ghosted me, anyways."

Sae's eyes flicker with an emotion you thought he is incapable of feeling. "I didn't mean to." Regret. The Ice Prince is feeling regret, all for you. And if you were ten again, maybe that alone would shake you. But you aren't. You are several years wiser. You know better.

"It's fine if you want to be the best in the world. I don't blame you for that - not at all. But you can be number one and not neglect the ones that love you, y'know?" You slowly retreat back into the comfort of your apartment, hand creeping onto the back of the door. "Goodnight, Itoshi. You should go home; it's late."

You push the door, preparing to end the conversation then and there.

It’s not supposed to be like this, you realise. He, your first love, is supposed to stay in the past. Itoshi Sae should not be at your doorstep past midnight, suitcase in tow, as if he came straight from the airport to your house. The feelings you hold for him should be locked up within the depths of your heart - not surging in full force from just the sight of him.

But alas, fate plays its mischievous tricks once again. And Sae is not the type of person who lets blunders get away scot-free.

"…You love me?” He says, barely above a whisper, foot wedged between the door and the entrance. An impenetrable silence follows from your end.

Seven years older, but still a fool in the face of love, it seems.

“I did,” I still do, your mind yells. “But you’re a star now, Sae. Just like I said you would be.” Your breath hitches, nails forming crescent-shaped indents within your palm. “…And stars don’t fall in love with the big, black sea of nothingness, do they?”

A beat of silence ensues from his end. You cringe at your own word choice. Maybe he left, you think. Great. Itoshi Sae was at your door, and you scared him away with your stupid love and even stupider confession. How stupid can you even get—

The door hinge creaks as you topple over, shattering your inner turmoil. Sae announces his intrusion with a loud sigh.

“Hey! What are you?— This is considered trespassing—“ You begin. Sae shuts you up with a forceful kiss, pinning you against the door that you were hiding behind minutes before. It’s messy, tantalising, addicting. The smell of his aquatic cologne fills your senses, and he cups your face in between his hands. He feels so warm. He feels like home.

Sae’s whole body screams of need. The need for you; the need to make up for the lost time.

You hate how you are so weak for him.

“Idiot.” He deadpans as the two of you part. “If you’re going to get all poetic on me, fine. Stars don’t fall in love with the galaxy.”

You remove yourself from his arms, eyes scrunching in offence. Bold thing for him to say, especially after he just kissed your lips raw. “So… You’re not in love with me?”

“Let me finish.” Sae is quick to pull you back into his embrace, voice impossibly soft for the otherwise stone-faced boy. “Stars don’t fall in love with the sky. They live in it; I live with you.”

Sae hopes that the implication is clear.

You, alone, are his hope; you are the reason he sparkles as much as he does. Even while you were miles apart, his childhood friend was the sole thing on his mind. A star cannot shine without its galaxy, after all.

“You’re not off the hook, by the way.” You breathe lightly, laying your head against his chest. “Seven years is still a long time. I don’t think you can cuddle your way out of this one, Itoshi.”

A small smile elicits from his face, “I can try, can’t I?”

…And this star is willing to wait for his galaxy to forgive him, no matter how long it takes.

#blue lock x reader #itoshi sae x reader #sae x reader #sae itoshi x reader #itoshi sae #blue lock #blue lock sae #blue lock imagines #blue lock fanfic #itoshi sae x you #itoshi sae x y/n #blue lock collection !#honey pot !

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everythingne · 8 months ago

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⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ➛ el matador y la matadora - welcome, señora sainz (cs55)

(series masterlist) (next)

Valeria accepts the call from the Wolff's, joining Mercedes for the foreseeable future. She reunites with friends, sets some records, and finds a wandering eye or two.

warnings/notes: mentions of car accidents and injury (non-graphic, possible spine injury mentioned.) slightly uncomfortable energy, valeria being a pushover/ignoring red flags, thats rlly it <3 hope y'all like this one shes gonna be fun

fc: adria arjona // sister!sainz + hamilton, piastri, sargeant / reader

One thing Valeria Sainz did not expect when she signed as a Mercedes reserve driver, was to walk into the Mercedes Australia garage for a meeting with Susie and Toto at fucking one in the morning.

One in the morning?

Valeria and her parents had just gotten into Australia. Dead from the long flight during the practice days and in dire need of rest. Despite needing to check into the hotel and get some actual sleep, Toto continuously pressed that this matter had to be discussed 'in person, immediately.' So, Valeria sent a suitcase with her father and kept her carry on with her as she called for a rideshare.

At 12:56am, Valeria arrived to the Australian GP's circuit with a Monster Energy tucked under one arm. Fighting back several yawns as she fishes out her lanyard and scans into the gate. Rubbing sleep from her eyes and sleepily stumbling her way down the pavement to where she knows she's supposed to be. Luckily, it doesn't take long for her to find her boss, plus Susie, both looking equally as frazzled as they stand on opposite sides of the only light source pouring out of the Mercedes garage.

Valeria chugs the rest of her Monster, tosses the can, and approaches with a tiny huff.

"You both look miserable." She chimes once she's within earshot, causing Susie to jump out of her skin--which in turn makes Toto chuckle.

"Sorry, it's been a long night." Toto runs one hand through his hair, shirt partially undone and sleeves rolled up as normal. Susie's in fucking pajamas. An old Mercedes shirt that's definitely Toto's over some leggings, and if Valeria looks hard enough she thinks she can see Jack napping on a couch with headphones on.

"Yeah, I can see... uh, why was I... needed? So early?" Valeria looks over at the engineers finishing packing up what's left of George's car. It had been completely knocked out last lap of practice, left laying on its side until Stroll whipped around the corner a bit too quickly and clipped the side, sending himself and Mr. Saturday into a nearby wall.

Double knockout. Drugovich on standby for Lance. No one yet on standby for George.

"Come, sit." Susie waves her over to where she crosses the room to snag her husband's desk as a chair while he falls into his office chair. Jack stirs, sitting up to see Valeria and he smiles and mumbles a mix of sleepy German and English to his past babysitter. She wastes no time scooping up the Wolff child and settling him in her arms like she had when he was still tiny, and she was a teenager. Carefully, Varelia sits across from the Wolffs as Jack drifts back to sleep in the comfort of her arms, tucked tight against one of Carlos' old Red Bull hoodies she'd stolen years back. A staple in her closet now.

"George is out... for a while." Toto makes a vague gesture, "At least two months. They're suspecting a spinal injury. If so, he's out for the season."

"Ah, dios mio, it looked horrible on the little plane screens. I didn't imagine this bad." Valeria rubs Jack's back, giving her shaky hands something to do. Toto just nods and leans on his desk, Susie's hand resting on his forearm softly as she turns back to fully face Valeria.

"He's alright. Carmen's flying in to be with him and his team while his family prepares for him to be sent home." Susie looks at Valeria, watching the girl with a keen eye the Spaniard in front of her has picked up on over the years.

"No." Valeria whispers, an edge of surprise, "But what about Schumacher? And Vesti?"

"I can pull you fully out of F1 Academy easier than getting those two for long term, plus, we need to keep them as reserve for Lewis. They're more used to his car than Georges." Susie hums and Toto nods, rolling his neck out and looking up at Valeria.

"You have been driving for Mercedes since we could have you on our program. There is no one I'd want more for a long-term contract than you, Valeria." A tiny smile graces Toto's distressed expression for half a second as he says, "You've babysat Jack all these years, you're like family. Plus... I trust your capability to be thrown in with little warning."

"Quali's tomorrow. We need you here at... we'll say ten because you need sleep. Sharp, Sainz." Toto snaps for the extra effect and Valeria nods. The night is still when Mercedes packs up, Susie bringing Valeria back to the hotel alongside Jack while Toto goes off to the hospital. It's too early to wake her family, so Valeria jumps around in excitement in the bathroom before getting herself ready for bed.

Her Formula One debut tomorrow. And only her and the Wolff's know.

Valeria doesn't sleep.

Well, she does. But it's terrible sleep. And Carlos moving in the attached en suite wakes her up fully only a few hours after shes gotten home. It’s barely sunlight, but she can’t help but get out of bed and stumble to the kitchen.

“[Why are you awake, Valita?]” Carlos asks his sister in Spanish, one arm lifting so the baby of the family can tuck herself comfortably against his broad chest.

“[Slept terribly. I’m racing.]”

“Qué?” Carlos pauses mid coffee making to look down at his sister, her mused hair and tired expression. The girl who was seven years his inferior, who had taken after him in every aspect of his life.

She was racing?

“Today, ahora. This weekend. I’m racing for George.”

"What?" He blink again, still struggling to process. Laughing to herself, Valeria unsticks from her brothers side and puts her hands on her hips as she blinks up at him.

"[Are you deaf?] Hello?" She waves a hand in front of his face and he swats it away, electing to go back to pouring some creamer in his coffee as he still stumbles through his words.

After a beat, he asks, "[This weekend?] In Australia?"

"No Carlos, [this weekend in Singapore.]" Valeria deadpans, bumping him off to the side so she can make her own coffee as she mutters, "Ponerse las pilas, Carlitos."

"Ay, tia," He pokes her side as he leans across her to grab his phone off the counter, "You don't get to Carlitos me, I get to Valita you."

"Yeah yeah," Valeria whacks her brothers arm, shooing him out of her space as she pours some coffee in a cup, "but, hello, me racing?"

Carlos hums, sitting at one of the barstools nearby, sipping his coffee before he says, "[How long is George out for?]"

"They're not sure... [I think Toto said at least two months.]" Valeria grabs the coffee creamers from the little coffee maker area, pouring a good few in along with some sugar.

"[Good lord,]" Carlos hums, setting his cup down, "through Monaco?"

"Most likely. He could be out for the whole season, but I don't know how bad his injury is." Valeria huffs, sitting down next to her brother who smiles and pulls his sister to his side.

"Congratulations, Valita. [If I was a bit more awake I'd look more excited.]" He chuckles and Valeria laughs, resting her head on his shoulder and yawning.

"Me too."

The paddock is absolutely buzzing as the Sainz family, right now just both Carlos' and Valeria, walk through the warm sun. Carlos keeps his children in front of him through the gates until they meet up with both Mercedes and Ferrari staff to help escort them along. They've been speaking amongst themselves for a while, Valeria trying to keep her nerves at bay as she walks into the paddocks. It's her first time here as a racer for F1, not just to support Carlos, and she can't help the way it makes her feel sick.

"¡Ay, Papá! Relax!" Carlos laughs, watching as his father adjusts Valeria's outfit for her... for about the hundreth time.

"[It's her debut, Carlos! Let me make her look nice!]" The man defends his actions as they've stopped outside the Mercedes garage. Valeria feels two little arms wrap around her leg and she laughs, leaning down to pick up Jack as the Wolff's approach and smile. Toto and Carlos Sr. exchange a quick hand shake and greeting while Susie fusses over Jack's shirt being ruffled now that he's still. Valeria is well aware of every camera on her, her skin crawling at the sight of everyone watching her.

This was the part of racing she never liked, but had to accept, the insane publicity.

"Alright." Carlos leans over to give his baby sister a tight hug she reciprocates without hesitation. Snuggling into his tight hold as he murmurs to her, "[Good luck, not a single one of us will go easy on you.]"

"[I wouldn't want you to.]" Valeria steps back, smiling at her brother. As much as she knew Carlos wanted nothing more than to keep her glued to his side the whole day, they didn't have much of a choice since they were on seperate teams. Before she can make a snide comment, her father takes her in for a tight hug.

"[I'm so proud of you, Valita.]" He muses to his daughter, stepping back after a moment to straighten her collar and give Jack a little fist bump.

"Gracias, Papá." Valeria smiles, pecking his cheek, "[I'll be nice to Carlos.]"

Her father laughs, a bellowing thing as he claps her shoulder and Carlos playfully flicks her cheek. A few more pleasantries are exchanged before Valeria's waving the two off to go drop him at Ferrari while she turns into Mercedes with the Wolffs.

As soon as they're in the garage, Susie takes Jack from Valeria and the driver escapes off to George's drivers room--or, hers, she supposes to drop her bags and get changed into her team shirt. It feels weird to press the Mercedes crest to her skin this time, because its a different uniform. The white shirt they're wearing this weekend pairs perfectly with her dark wash jeans and white platform sneakers, her gold jewelry a nice accent. But she can't help but stare at herself in the mirror.

This isn't F2, for F1 Academy. This is the real deal.

She hates that its an injury that's brought her into Formula 1. But, she supposes, it's nice to know that Mercedes trusted her. Winning F2 her first year in it and winning F1 Academy for two seasons might've done it, but shes also done hundreds of tests in these F1 cars. She knows George's car like the backs of her hands.

When she exits George's--her, drivers room, she so distracted runs headfirst into someone. Curses fall from her lips as she stabilized herself, barking out apologizes with a flushed face before soft laughter chimes in her ears.

"Oh! Lewis!" She smiles and the Brit grins, bringing her in for a tight hug.

"Hey Little Sainz, how are you?" Lewis steps back, eyes trailing up and down Valeria as if seeing her against for the first time, "God, you've grown since the last time I saw you."

"It's been like six months, Lewis. I haven't grown that much-- and I've been good! Training, training, and more training." Valeria follows Lewis out to the main garage, his hand ending up on her back to guide her through a bit of a crowd before the re-emerge in a calmer spot.

"I've been watching you and Dorianne absolutely dominating F1 Academy. It's nice to be getting the next generation of drivers in." Lewis smiles, stepping up to stand beside her. He's almost suffocatingly close as they chat, but she chalks it up to the crowded garage.

And tries to not think it's weird Lewis has yet to move his hand.

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f1: BREAKING: F1 Academy and Mercedes Reserve Driver Valeria Sainz to drive for George Russell during his injury leave for the Australian GP. Mercedes is yet to release how long Russel will be out.

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"Holy shit, Prema crew is back!"

Valeria squeals as Logan lifts her, Oscar laughing off to the side as he steps to the side to wait for his turn to give their childhood third a hug. Since their days of karting, the three were practically glued at the hip. It had gotten to the point where the two had been to their home in Spain multiple times, and vice versa, the two practically as much her brothers as Carlos--with Lando slowly working up to tht level.

"How are my two pain in the necks doing? Got over your weird not talking bump?" Valeria is finally set on her feet and she pulls Oscar into a side hug, grinning happily before letting go of both as she leans against the wall of the exterior back wall Mercedes garage. It's still super early, so not many people are here, giving the three a quick pause to reconnect.

"Through the magic of you forcing us both to answer FaceTime calls, yeah." Oscar smiles, fist-bumping Logan, then Valeria, "Glad the trio is back in action."

"Fuck yeah. It's been way too long since the three of us have gone out, we should do something this weekend." Logan smiles and Oscar gasps, quickly rattling off a few places he and Lily were looking at going to over the weekend, as well as when his family was visiting. Logan tries to pay attention, to Oscar and Valeria's excited chatter, but he seems to notice something.

Oscar's about to call out Logan's distracted look whent he American pulls him a bit closer to Valeria and leans down to whisper, "Why's Lewis staring at you?"

Valeria perks up and then turns back to look in the garage where she can see Lewis' eyes for half a second before he tucks away and moves out of her eye line. Her eyebrows crease before she turns back to her friends.

"Probably just looking out for me, he's probably worried about media or something being weird..." Valeria shrugs, but when she feels eyes on her and turns back again, Lewis' gaze isn't exactly what she'd expect.

"No, it's not anything protective. It's.. like it's constant. It's weird." Logan hums and Oscar even looks back now, all three of the post-Prema trio staring at Lewis until he dips away.

"It's super weird." Oscar reinforces and both men look to Valeria. She sputters before admitting softly,

"Okay, he's been a little weird, but I think he's just worried with media and everything. The Mercedes garage was packed with reporters when I got here and he refused to move his hand off my back--I also didn't ask him to, so he probably think think it was weird but." Valeria shrugs, "there's no harm in him being nice guys."

"But he doesn't really know you, does he?" Oscar hums, "Like its not weird for me, Logan, or even Lando to do that because we're close with you and Carlos trusts us."

"Mate, I think you're overthinking this," Logan nudges Oscar lightly, sharing a knowing look with him, and Valeria can see his attempt at lightening the mood. But it falls flat.

And Oscar, thinking he's making a point just says, "I have sisters."

Logan turns to look at Valera for help, and she just shrugs, prompting Oscar to continue his thought.

"One of my sisters had this older dude she worked with hit on her for a few weeks before she noticed. He was always checking up on her, being overly nice, and the--the hand on the back thing! He did that."

Valeria laughs softly, squeezing Oscar's arm in reassurance, "I don't think he's flirting with me, Oscar. He's like, forty. He is literally old enough to be my father."

"You're definitely otherthinking this, Osc." Logan chuckles and Oscar raises his hands in defense, saying something about being better safe than sorry. But his words are lost in the hubbub of the paddocks as media starts to filter in, forcing the trio to say goodbye to turn to their respective garages.

Valeria tries to not let it bother her that Lewis is the first in Mercedes to speak to her when she returns.

"Valita!" Two arms wrap around Valeria's mid section and she squeals mid-interview as Carlos pokes her sides. Resorting to whacking his hands away so that she can get him to stop tickling her, Lissie laughing at the Sainz siblings banter.

"Congratulations on Q2," He smiles, wrapping an arm around his sister, the cooling feeling of his cooling vest on her back making her huff and lean into his touch.

"Congratulations to you on Q3, I was just as close as Ollie was to Q3!" Valeria laughs, letting Carlos hijack her interview for a bit. Mostly because she's excited to be able to do these sorts of things with her brother, and also because it feels safe.

"A wonderful start for the both of you tonight," Lissie smiles, angling her mic towards Carlos as he speaks.

"It's a real honor getting to have my sister here to race with me," Carlos slightly tightens his grip, but more out of a genuine happiness than any level of overprotective weirdness, "She's a wonderful driver and I really hope that people will get to see that this weekend, and in the future."

"And Valeria, how does it feel racing with Carlos?"

"Oh dios mio, It's like a dream! I never thought we would be able to race together since I was always just behind him, but I've looked up to Carlos since karting so it's honestly amazing to get to be there, driving along him now." Valeria turns to smile happily up at Carlos, who returns the gesture and passes her back to Lissie for her interview once he's whisked away by some Ferrari employees. Smiling through the interview, even as her energy is dragging, Valeria eventually finds solstice on the floor in her drivers room to sort of reset herself. Plus, the concrete is ice cold and it feels amazing after hours of being in a car and on her feet in the Australia heat.

Three knocks on her doorframe make her look over, to where Susie stands and smiles softly.

"Great work, rest up. We'll see you tomorrow."

Valeria nods, sitting up to thank her as Toto leans on the doorway behind her and smiles, his voice a deep timbre as he says, "those guys aren't going to take it easy on you tomorrow, to them you're just another car. Keep your head straight, stay locked in, you've done excellent so far."

"Thank you, Toto." Valeria gets up with the help of Susie, and as Lewis passes by with a soft congratulations she tries to ignore the fact his eyes seemed to settle anywhere but her face.

She's got bigger problems to worry about.

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