#but anyway announce mick

[vvettell]

47 days until race of champions ...... perfect time to announce mick tbh!!!

[francolapintogf]

“we believe that we can look after him if the situation were to happen and with someone that fits the team, but we haven’t really put pen to paper, we haven’t really come anywhere close to any terms.

“i’m saying that openly because i think he just fits and now we need to make it happen, if he wants to, sabine [kehm, schumacher’s manager] wants to, and then we see where that goes to.”

– TOTO WOLFF, adgp22 press conference

[pursuingsunshine]

[holllandtrash]

fragile line | daniel ricciardo

pairing: daniel ricciardo x driver!reader

You and I walk a fragile line I have known it all this time But I never thought I'd live to see it break

what happens when the driver daniel falls in love with, ends up being the one who brings his career to a screeching halt? word count: 7.7k (im so sorry) warnings/tags: fluff-ish, plot with implied/very little smut, angst, mclaren danny, zak brown (gross), some incorrect f2 stats but whatever, time jumps, really just a lot of angst, its a rollercoaster

“What do you know?”

“What do you know?” Daniel repeated the question back to you, the emphasis making it clear as day that you both carried the same career-altering information. 

His signature grin and comforting optimism were nowhere to be seen. Instead, Daniel’s expression could be described in a variety of ways. Solemn, disappointed, hurt. 

“What was I supposed to do?” You asked, going straight to the defensive. You couldn’t be helpful in this scenario, you just needed to explain yourself. He wouldn’t understand it from your perspective, but you had to try. 

“Not take the seat,” he offered a solution, as if it was that simple. “My god, I mean, they’re cutting my contract early, Y/N. For you.”

“For the sake of the team,” you corrected. You had no say in this. McLaren had plenty of driver options for the 2023 season. There were rumours of Daniel’s contract coming to an end a year early anyway, everyone heard them, everyone ignored them. The only thing that remained uncertain for a while was who would replace him should the rumours be true.

You. 

“You don’t even like McLaren.” You told him, voice raising a little as if that helped get the point across. “You’ve struggled with this team since day one.”

“That doesn’t mean I want to stop racing.”

“McLaren is not the team for you and you know this.”

Daniel scoffed, eyebrows twitching, “Did Zak tell you to say that?”

It was a rhetorical question, but Daniel noticed the way your bottom lip quivered. He caught the way your eyes dropped from his, even just for a split second. There was something unspoken between you, something that weighed on your mind and Daniel stepped forward, wanting to know what exactly it was. 

“Zak-” you started, reluctant to even say this. “-he doesn’t know I’m here. I’m not supposed to be here. I’m not supposed to talk to you or anyone about it, not until your announcement comes out.”

Here meaning Daniel’s flat in Monaco. The place you spent more nights at than your own. You played it off by saying his view was better but that was such a bullshit answer. Daniel’s flat always felt more like home than yours ever did. 

You had formally met the Australian driver a few years ago, but god did time fly. It was at a race in Monza. You could pretend you didn’t know the date but of course you did, you had it memorised. September 3rd, 2020. There was no way you could forget the day your life changed for the better. 

Or possibly, for the worse. It was up in the air at this point. 

You were new to the Formula 2 series. The only female driver on the grid as you raced with Prema alongside Mick Schumacher. F3 proved to be quite a successful stint for you and you had your eyes set on the coveted Formula 1 series. You wanted to be in the big leagues. 

Daniel saw that. He saw how determined you were to not only make waves in Motorsport, but to make something of yourself. You trained just as hard, if not harder than the other drivers in the junior series and Daniel had seen that for a while. He was often surprised to see you at the hotel gym, already working up a sweat when he walked in at a little after 6am. He would be even more surprised when he saw you there in the evening when other drivers went and called it a night or even went and celebrated. 

Your race weekends were the same as F1 weekends, but you just had limited ones. It was a shorter season, less intense, but whenever you were there. Daniel saw you. He saw you and he paid attention. He even rooted for you, very publicly as well whenever he could, despite the two of you never having exchanged a word. 

The first time you heard about Daniel cheering you on was after the Monaco race, quite early on into your first season. You qualified 7th, not ideal for a track like Monaco where the opportunities to overtake were far and few between, but somehow you did it. And then you did it again. And you could say it was luck but it was really smart strategy and an insane amount of driver skill that had you finishing fifth. In Monaco. 

Those were Daniel’s words. He was asked pre-race if he watched the F2 run and he said of course. He said he “wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” wanting to see what you could do this weekend. 

“It’s not luck, she’s incredibly talented,” Daniel had told the Sky Sports reporter. “She’s doing big things in the series, and I’m rooting for her. Truly. It’s rare a driver comes around with such raw natural talent, where you look at them and you know racing’s just in their blood, but it’s in hers. I would love to see her in Formula 1 one day.”

You watched that interview clip about twenty times. Daniel Ricciardo, the Daniel Ricciardo who had won Monaco a few years back, was complimenting you. He was rooting for you. 

It wasn’t until Monza, nearing the end of your season that he finally approached you. 

“I want to work with you,” Daniel said, straight to the point. You were in the middle of stretching in the hotel's fitness centre. It was only Thursday, the race weekend itself had barely started but Daniel knew he’d find you in there. 

You pulled your airpods out and looked up at him in the mirror, “You what?”

“I want to work with you,” Daniel repeated, this time sitting down on the floor next to you. He kept your stare in the reflection. “I’m not a trainer by any means, but I want to work with you. I want to see you in Formula 1.”

You were flattered, honoured really, but you didn’t know what that entailed. “Work with me how?”

“Well, regular fitness training for starters,” he said. “But managing, really. I want to help you with everything that it takes to move up. Media training, mental preparedness, finding sponsors, getting you in touch with the right people. Let me help you, Y/N.”

You weren’t sure what brought this on. Part of you was convinced it was because he knew this would look good on his behalf. If you did make it to Formula 1 and Daniel’s name was attached to yours, he’d look like a genius. A hero. He would be known as the first person from F1 to publicly support you. 

But that wasn’t what it was at all. When you agreed and accepted his help, you soon came to learn that Daniel didn’t want to be in your spotlight at all. He found the opportunities that you needed and then stepped back. He didn’t mention to the media at all that he was helping you, he didn’t see a need to. He saw your potential and he truly wanted to help you make something off.

So there he was during the off season, meeting you in London where you resided. He trained with you, set you up with the right people, did weekly check-ins, he really was like a sort of manager. 

He was there during pre-season testing the following year, literally. He stood in the Prema garage like he was just another member of the team. No one really questioned it, not when you said he was acting as a mentor to you. Everyone loved Daniel’s presence there and he was told he was welcome whenever. 

He was there during race weekends whenever he could find time in his own busy schedule. He was never there during the actual race, needing that time to prepare for his own, but he always watched from his drivers room or had someone in his ear updating where you were and what was happening.

He was there in Silverstone, when you crashed during Saturday's Sprint Race.

It was one of the last sessions of the day, Daniel had already finished qualifying and he was standing in the back of your garage, arms crossed over his chest, eyes glued to the screen. 

He was the first voice you heard when you spun, losing the breaks in mere seconds and all you could do was brace yourself for the impact of the barriers. 

“Tell me you’re okay.” Daniel’s voice came through your radio. Not your engineer, not your team principal. Daniel. “Say something, sweets, tell me you're okay.”

Sweets, he called you. But only ever in private, or in front of close friends. What started as a joke when you complained about him not having any sweets in his flat the first time you visited in Monaco, stuck. 

But everyone had access to the team radios. It could be heard by other engineers, other teams, fans even and those watching at home should F1TV choose to broadcast it.

Of course they did. They aired the exchange for everyone to hear and it spread like wildfire. It was all anyone on social media could talk about. 

“Say something, sweets. Tell me you’re okay.” 

“I’m okay,” you sputtered out, hands shaking as you unclenched them. It was an instinct to pull them off the steering wheel and tuck your arms to your chest, physically bracing where you could. 

“Good,” Daniel breathed out a very obvious sigh of relief. “Good.” He paused, and then with a quiet chuckle added, “What the fuck was that then?” 

You laughed in response, needing the humour at such a traumatic time. You had crashed before, but this was a bad one. You didn’t even need to step out of the vehicle to know you were lucky to not feel any immediate injuries, but there was a ringing in your ear and the adrenaline was preventing you from really understanding the damage your body had sustained. 

It wouldn’t have helped, though, to have gotten an earful, not like it was your fault anyway. It also wouldn’t have helped if you were asked again and again if you were okay. The more people asked, the more stressed you would grow. Daniel knew you needed a bit of lightheartedness at this time. 

“No brakes, Danny,” you answered through a soft laugh.

“That just sounds like an excuse to me,” he muttered, the sarcasm evident even through the crackling radio.

“Are you going to continue to question my driving abilities or are you going to send medical out here to help me?”

That whole interaction went viral. From the radio message, to the clips of Daniel accompanying you to the medical centre, to the photos of the two of you smiling in the paddock despite the bruising on your body, the concussion you were diagnosed with and the instruction from the doctor that you were not stable enough to race on Sunday.  

Which sucked, to put it plainly. But you were with Daniel. He made the situation bearable. With his arm around your shoulder, he walked you to the car at the end of the day, having waited with you the whole time. 

People speculated, of course. Questions were asked. 

Why was Daniel Ricciardo paying such close attention to you? Why did he get over the radio when he crashed? Why did it sound so flirty? Had he been in your garages the whole time and no one noticed? Was he a mentor? A friend? More?

You had put out a statement when you got to the hotel, thanking everyone for the kind words and well wishes. You shared that you would not be driving on Sunday and you also shared that you were thankful for the support of Daniel Ricciardo, your mentor, who reminded you that even the best of the best crash out sometimes. 

Mentor, you publicly called him That’s what he was, right? Or trainer. Or Manager. Or friend, really. There were a lot of words to describe his relationship to you. 

People online didn’t believe it. They thought there was more because, who looks at each other like that if they’re not fucking? 

But you weren’t. Honest to god, that line with Daniel was never crossed. You never even considered it. Always content with his companionship and his advice, you didn’t want anything physical or romantic. 

At least, you thought you didn’t. 

Daniel dragged you into his room instead of letting you go up to yours because you were under strict instructions to not be left alone for the next twelve hours should the concussion worsen. 

“I’m glad you’re okay,” he said, handing you a glass of water. “I know I joked over the radio, but I was worried. It wasn’t a pretty crash.”

“Are any crashes pretty?”

He sat down next to you, closer than normal considering when he rested his arm over the back of the couch, his fingers were within the distance needed to play with the strands of your hair. 

He sucked in a breath through his teeth, “I guess it depends on the driver. I make the crashes pretty.” 

The comedic gasp you let out as you clenched your chest had him laughing. 

“Daniel Ricciardo, are you calling me ugly?”

“Don’t twist my words!” He exclaimed, eyes squinting as his smile widened. “I said I was pretty.” 

You hummed, “You pretty much said I made the crush ugly.” 

“I didn’t say you were ugly,” Daniel playfully tugged on a strand of your hair. “You’re not- I mean, you-”

And then the humour faded. He met your eyes, his hand fell to your shoulder. He was still smiling but it was the sort of gentle smile one wears when they figure out the answer to a question that had been eating at them for a while. 

Something clicked for Daniel. At this very moment. 

He wasn’t going to let it escape him. 

“Pretty doesn’t do you justice,” Daniel told you, voice lowering. “You’re breaktaking, Y/N. On the racetrack, at home, at events, you put everyone around you to shame. And it’s not- it isn’t just your appearance, it’s you. Everything about you. Your heart, your charisma, the way your eyes light up when you smile but only if you’re talking to people you like,” he chuckled, having experienced it first hand and having seen the way you don’t look nearly as pleased when someone you dislike approaches you. 

You were speechless, though. Frozen where you sat as this admission came out of seemingly nowhere. 

And Daniel was attractive, that was an undeniable fact, he was everything anyone could ever want in a man. But you never allowed yourself to look at him the way other people would. He was your trainer, manager, mentor, friend. 

You had no words to explain the way he was staring at you now. Nor could you explain why it made you feel more alive than driving a racecar at inhumane speeds ever could. 

Daniel took another breath, eyes never leaving yours. “You are unlike anyone I have ever come across and I know, in my lifetime, I will never find someone who could ever compare to even a fraction of who you are.”

There was no way you could continue to be just friends after those words passed his lips. 

You kissed him. You had to. It wasn’t like there was anything you could say that would match what he had already said, nor could you even find the words. 

You kissed him and Daniel pulled you onto his laps, your legs moving to straddle either side of his hips. His hands roamed your body, sliding up the Prema shirt you still had on as your tongue roamed every possible inch of his mouth. 

His hand gripped your waist, rolling you over top of him so you could feel in a matter of seconds how this conversation had now taken a turn. His cock started to harden, constricted by his pants, but you still felt it underneath you each time he shifted, each time you grinded against him. 

When you reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it off, Daniel leaned back, both of you taking that second to catch your breath and question if you were really going to do this.

“Is this a mistake?” You whispered, your thumb gently tracing over his lips. Your working relationship was perfect. This could ruin everything. You had fears, doubts, worries. One night could lead to dozens of complications. 

But Daniel shook his head and all of those thoughts vanished.

“No,” he said, sounding so sure of himself with that one syllable. “I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my life but you are not one of them.”

That was the only validation you needed. You kissed him again, more lust, more passion, than before as Daniel stood up, carrying you towards the bed at the back of the room. He dropped you down on the edge of it, smiling at the squeal that escaped your lips.

Daniel wanted to worship you every way he could. He was gentle with you, with your body, as he dipped his head between your thighs, making you feel a wave of euphoria that no one had ever brought you too before. 

It wasn’t until you were begging for more did Daniel realise he didn’t need to be gentle the entire night. He slid two fingers past your folds, lifting his head and hovering his body over yours, wanting to feel your desperate breaths hit his face as he rapidly thrusted his digits in and out of you, your walls clenching around him.

When he attached his lips to that spot on your neck, his teeth pressing against your skin, you saw stars. Daniel’s motions didn’t let up as you came around his fingers, loving the way your legs shook and how you dragged your hand through the hair on the back of his head.

He was cautious about doing anything else, knowing you were injured, he didn’t want to overstimulate you or cause any more pain. 

But you needed him. You reached for the zipper of his pants and tugged it down, telling Daniel you wanted this, as if the way you looked up at him didn’t already make that perfectly clear. 

He was careful when he entered you, patient. The tip of his cock slid past your folds slowly and he kissed your collarbone so gently you almost didn’t feel it as you adjusted to his size, quiet moans emitting from the back of your throat. 

He had praised you before, but only ever at the race track, so there was something so familiar yet so foreign about the way he whispered against your skin. It lit a fire within you.

“You take me so well, sweets,” he fought back a groan as your walls tightened around him when you clenched your legs. “So good for me.”

It was safe to say the dynamic between you two changed after that night. 

Daniel adored you already, admired you greatly for your achievements and growth in the sport. But now he fought with himself every weekend, knowing that he couldn’t touch you how he wanted. He couldn’t show you the attention he so desperately wanted. He couldn’t kiss you when you got that podium in Belgium, despite finding a way to sneak out of the pre-race duties for a second to run to the barrier to be there for you with the rest of the Prema team. 

Whatever was going on between you, it was unlabelled and it was private. The rest of the world didn’t need to know you were sleeping with the man you looked up to, the one who helped you become a great athlete in such a short period of time. 

People continued to speculate. You were private, sure, but you weren’t overly careful. 

You were seen landing in Monaco over the summer. You were spotted hanging out with Daniel on plenty of occasions. Even though you kept your hands off of each other and refused to act like anything more than friends out in public, you were different when you returned after the break. You both were. Everyone noticed. 

Daniel was, if it was even possible, happier. And you were less stressed it seemed. While you were still fighting a constant battle of being the only female in F2, it no longer seemed as heavy because the weight of it wasn’t just on your shoulders anymore. Daniel was there too. 

It wasn’t just physical, what you had. The emotional connection you shared was undeniable. Daniel was always there for you, and you, him. During the bad days, the good ones, and everyday in between. 

When you finished the season 5th in the drivers championship, the only person you wanted to celebrate with was Daniel. He was so proud of you. He watched you go from finishing 13th last year to 5th. He played a huge part in that, but when you tried to tell him that, he only brushed it off, saying that it was all you, he was just happy to be there for the ride. 

It was his idea for you to test drive for McLaren at the end of the year, too. ‘We’ll get you in a real F1 car’ he said. And you didn’t question it when the offer was brought forward to participate in a few practice sessions. It was exhilarating and terrifying and you cried tears of joy when you stepped out of his car because this was what you dreamed of. Driving a Formula 1 car. 

Now you just needed a permanent seat and Daniel wanted that for you too. He was your biggest supporter, and you only grew closer as the days went on.

You met his family over the holidays. He spent New Years Eve in London with you. 

When the season started again, he spent more time with you and Prema. When there were no scheduled F2 races during F1 weekends, you accompanied him in the McLaren garage. 

At this point, quite a few people knew you were together, or at least they assumed it.

You didn’t post about it, you didn’t want to, you didn’t need to. Daniel didn’t need to show you off, nor did you feel obligated to let everyone know you were with him. What you had was private, it was sacred, it was only for the two of you. 

But of course whenever you had a good performance, whether it be from a practice session, qualifying or a race, he’d share your celebration picture to his Instagram story. 

“Would you ever do a shoey?” Daniel asked you one Tuesday night, zooming in on a photo of you, more specifically on the smile on your face as you clenched your second place trophy from Imola on Sunday. 

You rolled your eyes but the smile was impossible to hide as he came up behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist, tugging you into his chest. 

“Next time you win,” Daniel suggested with a laugh. “I expect a shoey.”

“I’m not Australian.”

“You’re dating one, sweets.”

You never actually discussed what you were. The term boyfriend-girlfriend seemed so childish. Dating was, in a sense, accurate, but again, there were no labels. He had your heart, you had his. That was the only thing that mattered. 

“The world doesn’t know that,” you pointed out. 

“They kind of do,” Daniel kissed your cheek, giving your side a squeeze as he stepped aside to help you prepare dinner. 

You weren’t even sure when you fell into such a domestic lifestyle but there you were, practically moved into Daniel’s place in Monaco at this point  and he was at your side, chopping carrots for the salad while you prepared the chicken breasts. 

“A shoey would confirm it,” you glanced up at him, but the smile on his face told you he wasn’t completely against the idea. 

Daniel stepped behind you, fingers playfully pinching your waist, “Just think about it. If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. I just reckon it would be entertaining for everyone.”

He didn’t bring it up again, not even when you got third in Spain and didn’t do it. It was your first time getting a back to back podium since you started racing and of course it was something to celebrate, but the idea of a shoey made your stomach churn. You weren’t sure if you were ready for the world to know about your commitment to Daniel. 

You walked a thin line, being with him. And while you enjoyed every possible minute spent with him, you knew the world was cruel. The second you officially went public, you’d lose respect in the motorsport industry. 

The only female F2 driver dating an F1 driver? How scandalous.

Despite the rumours, the correct rumours, you were still in a bubble with him. You could pretend you were just friends, close friends. The tabloids had nothing to go off except your polite interactions and maybe a little too friendly smiles and so what if you were there in the McLaren garage cheering him on? 

You were his biggest supporter and he was yours.

But it didn’t help that while your performance was improving, his was rapidly declining. While you had less races than his, already your stats were better. You qualified in the top 5 for the first three races. You finished second in Imola, third in Spain, already better than how you started the season last year.

Monaco was next. Daniel loved Monaco, you both did. Everyone did, it was the pinnacle of Formula 1. 

It was unfortunate that your weekends ended up so drastically different. 

Daniel qualified 14th and then finished 13th. He wasn’t proud of it, but he did his best to hide his disappointment for you, especially since you were starting on the front row, P2, for the feature race. 

And somehow, you won. 

After trailing behind Drugovich for the majority of the race, you were starting to believe you would finish behind him too. And you probably would have, had there not been a safety car almost six laps after he boxed for fresh tyres, giving you the advantage of newer tyres and less wasted time. It was a strategy your team was banking on, waiting for a safety car. It was risky, but it paid off. Overtaking was nearly impossible with Formula 1 cars, but you had a better chance in your series and somehow, by the grace of god, you did it. You pulled ahead and swiped the lead from Felipe. 

You made history that weekend. The first female F2 driver to not only podium, but to win at Monaco. You gripped that first place trophy so tight your hand turned red. 

Usually, F2 didn’t draw nearly as big of a crowd, but this weekend was different. Everyone was a fan of the series after that performance, a fan of you. You saw people in the crowd wearing Red Bull gear, Ferrari merch, McLaren hats, and they were all applauding you. 

Of course, you were blown away by the support. Hearing your national anthem play was an incredible sound. There were tears in your eyes and your entire body was trembling, yet somehow you managed to find Daniel. Right in front, with your team. 

He was so proud of you. 

Despite his shitty qualifying, despite knowing he had such a low shot at earning points at his race that was in just under an hour, he was there for you. You couldn’t tell if he was cheering the loudest, or if you were just so prone to finding him in a crowd that you couldn’t process anything or anyone else. 

You weren’t sure what came over you, but once you grabbed the champagne bottle, you found yourself taking your shoe off as well. As Felipe and Théo started spraying their bottles in celebration, you poured the bubbly liquid into the sole of your racing shoe and lifted it up to your lips, pointing directly at Daniel who couldn’t believe what he was watching. 

It was rancid, as you figured it would. It was champagne out of a sweaty shoe, you knew it wouldn’t taste good, but it was a shoey and it was for Daniel. Felipe patted your back, laughing at your reaction and muttering something about how Daniel would get a kick out of that. 

He was right, but Daniel wasn’t the only one who found it entertaining. 

Your name was once again trending following the Monaco Grand Prix. Not Checo’s, even though he won the F1 race. Your name. 

Not that you really cared that night. How could you care about what the internet was saying when the man you were with told you that he loved you for the first time? Nothing online mattered, not when Daniel took your face in his hands and told you he was madly in love with you. He was proud, he was happy, he was in love. 

And you knew you loved him too. You had known this for a while. Monaco was just the perfect time to say it. 

After going about as public as you could without physically coming out and saying you were dating the Australian driver, Monaco was the perfect place to tell him you loved him. You were on cloud 9, you were making history, you were in love. 

You continued to deny, or at least ignore, the rumours that followed, still. You both did. You were in love with each other, not the whole world. Things would get complicated if you announced you were dating. You were vying for a Formula 1 seat and you wanted it without Daniels’ influence. 

But at the following race in Baku you were asked similar questions. 

“Your shoey last week, did that have anything to do with Daniel Ricciardo being there to cheer you on? You two have gotten pretty close in the last few months, he’s one of your mentors, isn’t he?” 

You shifted your weight to one leg, wondering what the fuck kind of post-qualifying question that was. You had just completed three back to back podiums, you were on a hot streak now, starting third at this next race and the reporter only cared about what happened at the podium celebration last weekend.

“Sorry, did you have a question about this week's race?” You asked, and when he stammered over his words, you just nodded and walked away, a tight smile on your face. 

Daniel’s conversation went a bit differently. 

“Y/N’s shoey last week, we all saw it. Was that your influence?”

“Yeah I never thought she’d actually do it, it was sweet,” Daniel laughed. “It was great though, I happily pass the tradition onto her.”

“She’s really come along in Formula 2 since she started back in 2020, do you think she has what it takes to be Formula 1’s first full-time female driver?”

“Absolutely,” there wasn’t a shred of doubt or hesitation. He was happy to talk about you, to explain to the rest of the world why you were up and coming and should be taken seriously as a real contender for a Formula 1 seat. He probably would have continued on if his PR rep hadn’t pulled him away, reminding him of other duties.

The next few races were similar to your first ones. A couple more podiums, some outstanding qualifying sessions, more history being made. Your phone was blowing up weekly, everybody wanted to talk to you now and you knew Daniel had something to do with it. Him constantly sharing the faith he had in you did wonders for your reputation. 

You might have been on top of the world, but you were well aware you were alone up there.

Daniels’ performances were anything but newsworthy. He had gotten a few points in Austria and France, but nothing to be extremely proud of, especially when he compared his 9th place finish at the Red Bull Ring to your first place podium, making it your second one this season. 

He never let his disappointment for himself and McLaren stand in the way of your achievements. In fact, you didn’t often speak about the races when you were together. You were aware Daniel was having issues with the team, with Zak, with the car, but he didn’t want to weigh you down with his own problems, even though you assured him time and time again you could handle it. 

Really, if Daniel had come to you with his struggles, you would have thought twice when Zak Brown approached you prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix. You probably would have slammed the door to your drivers room in his face if you knew how Daniel was being treated at McLaren. 

But Daniel held his cards close to his chest while Zak laid his all out on the table.

“If a spot opened up for you,” he said, after spending the last ten minutes talking about the rich history of the team and praising your accolades. “Would you consider it?”

It wasn’t an official contract, just the start of a conversation that could lead to one.

Of course you thought of Daniel. And Lando, having grown close with him simply through Daniel. 

“For 2024?” You asked, knowing both of them were set to continue driving through to at least the end of 2023. 

“No,” Zak shook his head. You didn’t like how harsh his tone had turned, having no remorse for what he was about to say. “Daniel’s contract would be ending early.”

You leaned back in your chair, fingers tapping the table as you tried to recall Daniel ever telling you that he was leaving McLaren. “Is he- he wants out?”

“It’s mutual,” Zak assured you. “He knows we can’t give him the car he wants and unfortunately, he’s not delivering what we need. We had high hopes with Daniel, but the working relationship isn’t what any of us thought it would be.”

It’s mutual. Those two words was all it took to convince you that Zak Brown and Daniel had already had a conversation about this, about terminating the contract a year early. 

It didn’t help that Zak brought up your test sessions in the McLaren from last year, pointing out that you had better times than Lando, even. He went on to praise what you were doing this year at Prema and said, multiple times, that you would be an asset to McLaren should you choose to go that route.

And who were you to turn that down?

A team principal of a Formula 1 team wanted to sign you. Was it unfortunate that it was Daniel’s seat? Yes, obviously this situation was less than ideal, but he wanted out. You were convinced he wanted out, that he was done with McLaren. A 45 minute conversation with Zak Brown convinced you of that.

You should have been wary when at the end of the conversation he said, “Don’t tell anyone about this, yet. You know how the public can be, let’s just keep this to ourselves for the meantime.”

“But I can talk to Dan, right?” You asked. 

Zak knew you were dating Daniel, it was a little harder to hide that from his team than it was the rest of the world. Maybe that’s why hesitated before answering, knowing that keeping a secret, something as big as this, from a partner had the potential to cause chaos.

But he shook his head, “Between us, yeah?”

And you listened to him. You wanted that Formula 1 seat so of course you followed orders. 

You desperately wanted to talk to Daniel about it, but you knew you couldn’t. And either he sensed that something was off, or he was dealing with his own problems again and wouldn’t share, you really couldn’t tell when the summer break started and things just seemed…different. 

You didn’t go to Monaco for starters, even though Daniel invited you to. But there were so many meetings with Zak and the board at McLaren that it made more sense for you to stay in London for the start of the break. 

Daniel didn’t call as often and you wanted to give him space, knowing that this break was probably needed for him. You expected he was out with friends, letting loose, getting the weight of a horrible season off his back even if just temporarily. 

The plan was to go to Monaco for the last week and a half and then travel to Belgium together. You had to delay that plan, however, when Zak called you and said it was official.

The 2023 seat was yours. 

You wanted to celebrate, with Daniel, but how could you celebrate with the person you were replacing?

It was strange that Daniel had said nothing to you about leaving the team during the summer break, especially since Zak had said time and time again they were on the same page, that Daniel was ready to leave. The only thing that crossed your mind was he was given strict instructions to not say anything to anyone either, at least until McLaren went public with the news. 

But with it being official, with you having just signed on the dotted line, you were tired of keeping it to yourself. You may not have been able to share the news with anyone else, but you had a right to have a conversation with Daniel about it.

You didn’t know how he would react. Surely he’d be happy for you, right? You were getting a seat in Formula 1, something that both of you desperately wanted to happen. And again, you were under the impression the departure from McLaren was mutual. He would be happy that someone he loved was taking his seat, right?

Right?

You had to tell yourself that the entire ride over to his place. You unlocked the front door to his building and took the elevator up to the fourth level. You didn’t think to knock, knowing he never locked it when he was home so you pushed open the door and stepped in, your suitcase trailing behind you.

You were happy to see him. He was always a breath of fresh air, despite the odd distance between you, you still loved him. You always would. He muted whatever was playing on the screen and stood up from the couch when he heard you walk in.

Usually, Daniel would greet you with a kiss.

Usually, he’d be smiling so hard his jaw would be hurting.

Usually, he was happy to see you.

You left the suitcase by the door and met him halfway, only he stopped walking when there was about a foot of space between your bodies. To you, it felt like you were still miles apart.

“Do you have something you want to tell me?” He asked, arms crossed over his chest. 

Your heart sank. 

You had convinced yourself, Zak had convinced you, the whole back of house team had convinced you, that Daniel was aware of this upcoming change. That the termination was mutual. You taking his seat might have been a surprise, but it was never supposed to be a blindside.

“What do you know?” you asked. 

“What do you know?” Daniel repeated the question back to you.

You were both fully aware of the exact same information. Daniel was leaving. You were taking his seat. Only, you had been informed this much earlier than he had.

“What was I supposed to do?” 

“Not take the seat,” he scoffed. “My god, I mean, they’re cutting my contract early, Y/N. For you.”

“For the sake of the team,” you said and then added, “You don’t even like McLaren. You’ve struggled with this team since day one.”

“That doesn’t mean I want to stop racing.”

“McLaren is not the team for you and you know this.”

Daniel scoffed, eyebrows twitching, “Did Zak tell you to say that?”

“Zak-” you started, finding it difficult to hold his stare. This wasn’t the Daniel you knew. “-he doesn’t know I’m here. I’m not supposed to be here. I’m not supposed to talk to you or anyone about it, not until your announcement comes out.”

He rubbed his hands over his face, taking a few steps away from you. It hurt, watching as he tried to physically distance himself from you. Like being in too close of proximity would set him off.

“I struggled with the team, yes, but I’m not ready to give up racing. You have now left me without a seat.”

It was easy for Daniel to blame you, you were standing right in front of him. You were quite literally the driver set to replace him.

But the real villain was Zak, for not having opened up this line of communication earlier. For making you believe everyone was on the same page. It was Zak’s fault for rushing to end the contract with Daniel instead of putting in the effort to work with him. He saw the shiny new toy that was you, that Daniel helped create, and he wasn’t going to let someone else take it first.

Daniel wanted to blame himself too, but he wouldn’t let himself think about that until much later. He was the one who did everything he could to help you grow in this sport. He was the one who introduced you to Zak and the rest of the McLaren team. He was the one who got you in the car for the practice sessions, his car. Foreshadowing at its finest.

“You are unbelievable,” Daniel spoke quietly, heated with anger but his words were like ice as they sunk deep into you. “After everything I’ve done to help you for you to betray me like this, I just- I don’t think-”

You knew where this was going and you wanted to put a pin in it before he could finish any of his thoughts.

“Don’t finish that sentence, Daniel,” you whispered. “Please. Please, we can figure something out.”

“There’s nothing to figure out,” his mind was made up. “You took my seat.”

“Wouldn’t you rather it me than someone you don’t know? Someone you don’t trust?” You tried to turn this around, have him look at the positives, if there were any. “Daniel, everyone on the grid loves you, you’ll find a new team. One that helps you grow and get to where you want. McLaren isn’t that, we both know it.”

“I think you should go,” was his only response. 

“If I hadn’t signed that contact, someone else would have,” you pointed out, grasping at straws here, painfully honest straws, but straws nonetheless. “Piastri, O’Ward…McLaren had options, Dan. Aren’t you at least happy for me that I out-qualified all of those guys?”

Daniel actually laughed, “You want me to be happy for you? Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Dan-”

“Leave.”

“I’m not leaving.”

“You need to,” he was stern. He was angry. He was done. With you, with the team, with everything he used to love and cherish. He was done. 

You thought you knew Daniel. You thought you knew how this conversation would play out. You figured it would still be rocky, but god you now realised how naive you were to believe you could still make things work. 

“I love you,” you told him, because what else could you say except remind him that you were so hopelessly in love with him, that he was all you would ever want in life. 

Except, that wasn’t exactly true, was it?

You wanted a seat in Formula 1 too. You just never thought you’d have to sacrifice one dream for the other. 

Daniel’s stare was cold. He only looked away for a second to nod his head towards the door behind you, “If you loved me, you wouldn’t have done this.”

You stepped forward, desperate at this point because how could he do this? How could he throw away what you had, over a seat?

Or was it you, who had ultimately thrown away what you had when you sat down with Zak Brown all those weeks ago?

It pained you to think about the strong possibility of that being the case.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, because you were. You were sorry about how this turned out, how he was betrayed, how this was coming to an end. You grabbed hold of your suitcase and nodded, backing up towards the door, “I really am sorry, Dan.”

He didn’t believe you. Why would he? In his eyes, Formula 1 was more important to you than he was. A career decision that benefited you, but ruined him, mattered more than your relationship. It was a bold move, a cold move, one that you didn’t think would lead to this.

Neither of you could have predicted this. On September 3rd, 2020, when Daniel first said he wanted to work with you, neither of you thought it would end like this.

Just as you grabbed the handle of the door, Daniel opened his mouth, wanting to get the final word in. And you really wished he hadn’t because those final words destroyed you. 

“I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my life, but I never thought you would turn out to be one of them.”

You said nothing. You walked out of that Monaco flat with your head low and your heart even lower. You couldn’t even be excited about the next season, or the remainder of this one where you had the potential to finish in the top three. 

You weren't happy, you were empty, you were defeated. And painfully so, you were also still in love.

Despite what was said, you knew it would take a while to get over Daniel. He was your rock for so long, he was always there for you and even though he could disappear without so much as a second thought, your feelings couldn’t, the memories couldn’t. It would take a long time until you felt whole again.

You didn’t know it yet, but the decision to take that McLaren seat would haunt you as you moved forward in your career. 

This was not going to be the last time you ever saw Daniel. 

part 2 haunted

[transmechanicus]

Anyway with the announcement of the next DOOM game, don’t fucking forget what a nightmare they put Mick Gordon through for DOOM Eternal. Don’t pre-order, don’t get collectors editions, don’t give the executives a single dollar down until you know that game is made without ritually sacrificing someone on the team.

[em-harlsnow]

ian would do the tiktok trend where you wipe off your S/Os kiss after they kiss you

ooo I love this one.

so, mickey's sitting on the sofa in him and ian's apartment, surrounded by a bunch of Gallaghers. he thought the whole point of getting their own place was so they'd be around less, but so far that hasn't happened.

Ian announces that they've run out of beer, telling the room he'll head out to get some more. fucking asshole, abandoning mickey around all of his siblings. he can't exactly go with him, because carl may be family but mickey will never trust cops. what if he finds the unregistered gun in the back of the closet and turns him in? what if he finds the unregistered gun in the back of the closet and steals it for himself? mickey wouldn't put it past him, the kid loves a good gun, and mickey's is sweet.

as Ian hurries out, mickey looks over the side of the couch, bending his head back as he walks past in clear invitation. Ian smiles, then pecks him in a sweet goodbye kiss.

shit like that makes mickey so weirdly happy, now. what has his life become.

however, that happiness is swiftly curbed when Ian wipes his lips afterwards.

he furrows his brows in outrage.

"what the fuck?" he mutters, grabbing Ian by the front of his jumper and tugging him back down.

he kisses him again, and Ian smiles again.

and then wipes it off again.

"excuse me?" mickey says, a little louder this time.

"what, mickey?" Ian replies, doing his best impression of a confused puppy.

"um, what the fuck was that?"

"what was what, mickey?" Ian asks, and mickey wonders if he's suffered brain damage in the last twenty minutes.

"that shit." he says, then rubs his own mouth aggressively with the hand not clenched in Ian'd hoodie. when Ian still doesn't seem to get what's up, he kisses him again.

and for a second, everything's fine. ian's smiling, mickey's smiling.

and then ian wipes it off.

"I gotta go, Mick." he tells him, as though he didn't just do that.

Mickey raises his eyebrows. "you gotta go? no, you ain't fucking going anywhere when you're doing that shit."

"I really don't know what you're talking about, mick." Ian states around a sigh, but he doesn't meet mickey's eyes. maybe mickey sees a bit of humour there. if this is some sort of TikTok prank again, mickey's gonna lose his shit.

"fine." he agrees, then kisses him again for good measure.

he releases the hoodie, and then Ian wipes it off with the hoodie.

oh, fuck no.

mickey grabs his hands, pulling them away from his face. "stop doing that!" he tells him, then grabs his head with both hands and aggressively pecks his whole face. for good measure and to get revenge, he also licks ian's cheek, which he grimaces at.

"ugh, gross, mickey." he chides.

"yeah, it fucking is. teach you to wipe off my kisses, bitch."

that's when mickey knows he's joking, because ian's face splits into a grin. he laughs, and mickey just frowns at him because why is he such an ass.

"can I at least wipe off your spit?" Ian asks around a laugh.

"no." but Ian does it anyway, kissing mickey one final time before he head out. mickey watches him all the way to the door, and he doesn't wipe it off.

good.

when he turns back to Ian's family, he's met with raised eyebrows and fake puking noises from carl.

"what the fuck was that?" lip mocks.

mickey just flips him off.

[23fallencomets]

okay i have time now to put my thoughts in order

1) i knew logan was going to get dropped, but we did get pulled into a sense of false security because the rumors have been going on for-fucking-ever that we didn’t actually think they were going to do it. Some are saying james did want logan to finish out the season, but his hand was forced by higher ups (i doubt it since this man has vocally wanted logan out for so long and basically re-signed him as a seat warmer for Sainz)

2) i think the reason why everyone was surprised regardless was because of how horribly they went about it? like first you announce his replacement before you make a statement about Logan, and when you do it’s one post with three complete sentences overall, in the middle of EIGHT post of Sainz. Secondly, you announce that Franco is replacing him before you announce that Logan was dropped. Time and time again, we have seen the disrespect Logan has gone through and he still shows up ready to go.

3) There was no way red bull was letting liam go.period. And if Toto wanted Mick to show what he was made of, why didn’t Toto sign Mick for the second Mercedes seat? He had already said Fred wasn’t what they were looking for.

4) James has been focusing way too much on the future rather than the present. I get the whole remaking history thing, but that’s hard to do when you can’t even manage your team! He’s already thinking about 2026-2027, when they have barely gotten the upgrades to even try to put up a fight. The one time they did put upgrades they failed so bad they had to take them off completely.

5) what are they going to do with Franco? he can’t go back to f2, will have four fp1 sessions (counting the monza practices) and then what? be put as a reserve driver until a spot opens up? can he even go back to f2?

anyway, that’s all i have right now. the whole situation is just so illogical and ridiculous. they’re risking franco’s career just like they did with logan and the risk-reward factor just doesn’t seem worth it.

i hope franco gets to prove himself and williams actually does support him rather than hanging him out to dry. my heart goes out to logan and i hope he pops back up and is able to put this behind him.

*don’t hate on franco, he is quite literally just doing his job at this point.

[russellsppttemplates]

Rora and Seb meeting baby Harriet for the first time.

"Aurora", Seb called as he caught his older sister's attention and prompting her to sit next to him, looking at him to ensure him her attention was on him, "what am I supposed to do when we go back to our home and see mama and Harriet?", he asked.

Aurora didn't remember big details from when she met Seb. She remembered hearing her father tell her that she would have to spend the night with Oma Corinna because you had to stay in hospital and how it worried her. But she also remembers how excited she was to meet her new best friend and how incredible it was to become a big sister despite how nervous she felt beforehand.

"You know, when I went to the hospital to meet you, my friend Mila taught how I should behave, you know, to speak in a lower voice, because other people were healing and resting, and to be gentle with mama and you, and I knew I couldn't be running around because other people were working, too, and they needed space", Aurora added.

"I know, papa told me, too. But what if she doesn't like me? What if Harriet doesn't want to be my best friend?", he murmured, feeling uneasy.

"Are you kidding? Harriet is going to like you, of course. You're going to be her big brother, and you and I will teach her how to do a few things, with mama and papa's help too", she smiled, attempting to comfort her younger brother, "I was nervous to meet you, too. But in the end, we're best friends, aren't we?", Aurora said, hugging him tightly, "we are, Rora!", he smiled, kissing her cheek as they heard Mick knock on the door, "everybody ready?", he asked, seeing his kids in a cute moment and smiling as he grabbed their backpacks, "let's go then".

Arriving at home, Mick helped both kids out of the car before they walked up to the living room together, "when I left them here to go and pick you up from Oma's, Harriet was still asleep, so we have to keep quiet, okay?", he checked, seeing the kids nod as he opened the door.

"Can we come in? I have an excited big sister and big brother here", Mick said as they walked inside. Aurora held her brother's hand in hers, urging him to go in front of her, "go, you can do this", she whispered on his ear.

The small encouragement didn't go unnoticed by you and Mick, deciding to comment on it later, "she was just asleep but she woke up, I guess she's very excited to meet you two", you smiled, arranging the pillows so both kids could sit on either side of you while they peeked at their baby sister, Mick crouching in front of you, "can I give her a kiss, mama?", your son asked, carefully kissing his sister's cheek when you nodded. The baby made a noise that caught him off guard, "Oh, she didn't like it?", he pouted, tears welling in his eyes.

Quickly, Mick caught on the moment, "no, Seb, none of that. She just didn't expect it, maybe. You know when me and mama go to your room to wake you up? You don't like it a lot, right? It's almost the same for Harriet, she wasn't counting on it, that's all", he encouraged, gesturing for his son to try again, this time seeing Aurora do the same as the baby sighed in content, "see? She's happy now, she loves those kisses", Mick finished, looking up and seeing you with teary eyes.

"It's our family, let me cry all I want", you sniffed, "they're happy tears anyway", you announced, kissing all of the children's foreheads before puckering your lips to kiss your husband's.

(Thank you for submitting an ask 🤍)

[darling2411]

Never enough

(Photo credits to the ones that own them on Pinterest)

Mick Schumacher x reader

summary: The pressure of being Michael Schumacher’s son comes crashing down on Mick

word count: 1.7k

warnings: angst

“It’s Emma, Mick’s girlfriend.” You’re even more confused now, why is your best friend's girlfriend calling you? Immediately all types of scenarios begin playing out in your head. What if he’s hurt, a car accident. Maybe he’s in the hospital. Oh god, please don’t let him be hurt, you silently pray.

“It’s Emma, Mick’s girlfriend.” You’re even more confused now, why is your best friend's girlfriend calling you? Immediately all types of scenarios begin playing out in your head. What if he’s hurt, a car accident. Maybe he’s in the hospital. Oh god, please don’t let him be hurt, you silently pray.

“It’s Emma, Mick’s girlfriend.” You’re even more confused now, why is your best friend's girlfriend calling you? Immediately all types of scenarios begin playing out in your head. What if he’s hurt, a car accident. Maybe he’s in the hospital. Oh god, please don’t let him be hurt, you silently pray.

“Hello? Are you still there?”

“Uhm yes, yes I’m still here.” You shake your head attempting to stop the thoughts from storming around in your mind.

“The reason that I’m calling you is that.” She stops to take a deep breath and then sighs.” He needs you. I tried everything but he won’t talk to me. And when I asked what I could do he only muttered your name, so I guess that’s what I’m doing. Calling his best friend because my boyfriend wants to talk to her instead of me.” She announces bitterly.

“Oh. Uhm oh.” You don’t know what to say, how to comfort her. Do you need to comfort her?

The silence that fills the room makes you uncomfortable, like a blanket it wraps around you, but the blanket isn’t soft and fluffy no, it's itchy and heavy.

“I’ll be there in ten.” You mutter. The line goes dead and you look at the phone in your hand like it has grown a head. This was incredibly awkward.

The whole drive you keep thinking about what might happened that made Mick’s girlfriend call you out of all people. Surely she didn’t like this at all. Emma always despised the friendship you and Mick have. Since the day you met you were attached at the hip. She could never understand why you’re so important to Mick and you’ve never been anything but nice to her, but for a reason you can’t see, she hates you.

When you pull into the driveway of the apartment complex Mick lives in you’re a nervous mess. With shaking hands you turn off the car and walk up to the door. Emma opens it for you but doesn’t ask you inside. No, she just looks at you.

Her stare is making you uneasy, still you don't speak up.

“You were always better for him anyway.” She then whispered with sad eyes. “You know I- I really like him, I maybe even love him. But I could never compete with you. You’re his favourite person and I’m only second best. I’m sorry if I was mean to you, but I only want what’s best for him and as I ,unfortunately for me, discovered that’s you.”

“You understand him like no one else does and that’s what he desperately needs right now. Please take good care of him. He’s an angel.” A tear escapes her. “I’m going now. I assume he knows I’m not coming back. When he’s alright tell him I’m not mad. We can’t help who we fall in love with.”

Then she turns to leave, her purse in one hand and a bag with her stuff in another.

You were so taken aback by her little speech that you weren’t even able to wish her the best nor register the last words she said to you.

After you get yourself together you slip inside the apartment and make your way over to the master bedroom where you suspect Mick to be.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

The tears are running down his face. He can’t stop them. They’re dampening his pillow and drowning his happiness.

He notices that the door opens softly and that someone steps in, but Mick doesn’t look up. He doesn’t move from his position where his face is pressed into his pillow and he’s curled up into a ball of sadness and sorrow.

He feels the mattress dipping behind him before slender arms wrap around his figure and a sense of home fills him. A whiff of perfume hits him, it’s his favourite scent. It always calms him and tells him exactly that his salvation is finally here. The tiny stone that held the dam gets snipped away and Mick breaks. His sobs grow louder and his body begins shaking. He’s feeling mental agony and there is nothing stopping his pain.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

You’re trying to sooth him. You’ve never ever in all your years of friendship seen Mick like this.

Not when Gina accidentally stomped on his favourite car toy, not when his first girlfriend broke up with him nor when you left for your semester abroad. The only time you had to see Mick as broken as now was when his father had the fatal accident.

You want to know what’s going on, no scratch that. You need

to know what’s happening. You need to know how you can help him, how you can be there for him.

While rubbing his back lovingly you silently ask him

“Mick? Can you please tell me what’s going on?”

…

When you don’t receive an answer and are only met with a hiccup you speak again.

“I mean don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining or anything, you know I would never tell you no when you need me, but I really gotta know what’s wrong so I can help.”

Your arms tighten around him and you lay like this for another two minutes before Mick answers with a raspy voice.

“I'm feeling pretty down right now.”

“Well no shit Sherlock.” You exclaim.

“I don’t really know how to tell you, Engel.”, Angel he turns around to face you and pulls you even closer to him. Your form is pressed against his. His breath is hitting your face and you can feel his heartbeat against your chest. “I just feel as if I’m disappointing everyone.”

You frown and motion for him to continue.

“I mean,” he sighs,” I’m never going to be like my father,” his face consorts even more in sadness, “ The fans want to see Michael Schumacher. They want him, not me. I’m nothing compared to him. He’s the sun and I’m a tiny little star in contrast to him. I don’t want to disappoint him or Mum or anyone but it feels like nothing I do will ever be enough. I’m never enough. “

His words break your heart. Literally and figuratively. How can this perfect human being think so lowly of himself? In your eyes he’s perfection. He’s everything. And he sees himself as nothing but a little star?

“Oh Mickey. What are you talking about ?! You’re the most perfect human I’ve ever met. You are kind, loving, magnificent and a real damn gentleman. You’re handsome and smart. And you’re bloody hell damn good at driving a race car. Yes you’re not your father but Mick. No one is like your father. And nobody wants you to be like your father. You are supposed to be you, not Michael. Your mother doesn’t want you to be like your father, your sister doesn’t want you to be him. They want you to be you. Mick Schumacher. Their son and brother.

I don’t want you to be like your father.”

You don’t break eye contact with him. You need him to understand that you are sincere about everything you say.

“I am sure that your father would never be disappointed in you. Mick you have accomplished so much and you are only 23. You have your whole life to become even better than you’re right now. And you don’t need to be like your father because you have to find your own path and your own self.”

With tears in his eyes Mick pulls you to him so you’re pressed up against him and hides his face in your neck. You can feel his sadness on your skin and rub his back soothingly. The sweet words you whisper to him are able to calm him down and his sobs finally become silent.

Some time passes and you think he has fallen asleep but get proven wrong by Mick lifting his head to look you in the eyes and asking:

“Will you run away with me?” His voice small and uncertain.

You laugh and his face falls” What? Mick we cannot- why?.”

“I want to run away with you because us is enough.”

“I can’t follow you.” You frown.

“Darling you’re everything I want but didn’t think I’d ever find. For you I can be enough. You make me feel things I never felt before. You’re worth all the years of my heartbreak.” He looks at you with so much love and adoration you can almost feel his emotions. .

“Mick, what are you saying? What do you mean’ years of heartbreak?”

“I’m saying that you are here. I’m saying that you’re always here. In my mind. In my heart. In my fucking soul. I tried to love Emma but how could I when you own every little piece of my heart? I am so in love with you [y/n] and I don’t know what to do about it”

Silence. Utter silence follows his declaration.

“God please say something [y/n], anything. Just say something. Please.”

“I -I “ you stutter ,” I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to feel. Should I be happy taht my feelings are mutual and that the men I had a crush in for more than three years like me back? Or should I be mad taht we could have been together for so long but we’re to afraid to take the next step in out relationship?”

“You like me back?” Mick asks, his voice full of hope and his facial expression mirroring his state of mind. Hope

“Of course Mick. How could I not?”

He smiles at you and right now in that exact moment you know.

You know that what the two of you are going to have is worth everything.

Worth every moment of waiting, every year of yearning and hurting.

Every second was worthwhile it in the end.

Taglist

@meaganjm

@ellabellabus07

@motylekrozi

[russellius]

stop what you’re doing and go watch THIS  right now!!!!

anyway here are some great moments listed because i love him a normal amount

top drivers of all time? “obviously jolyon is in the top 3″...

season so far? not ideal. but things in life should never be easy, see brazil victory, it was sweet because of all that hard work etc

<media rant about headlines and clicks etc>

*in his journalist voice* why did you crash into sainz in turn 1? "well it wasn't like i planned to crashed into him"

nude? "that's to come later"

him saying that seeing how much his brazil win meant to the people around him has resonated more with him than crossing the line has (which he didn't expect), and that's why he was so emotional >>>

says lewis is more embarrassed of that photo of the two of them together from 2009 than him

was he expecting himself to be as competitive with lewis as he was when he came to merc? yeah. he went into it with an open mind, but he backed and backs himself.

what would he tell his 11 year old self in that photo from 2009? “cut your hair.” you make mistakes, do things you regret, etc but he wouldn't change a single thing about his career. not being afraid to fail

hardest part of his job? can't complain much, but if laura wasn't there he'd say media :) but yeah, media, he's a racing driver, not an actor, a public speaker. travelling is tough too. "trying to get a good salad around silverstone is not the easiest"

he doesn't mind the sim. he always tries to think about what the next big thing will be, because he wants to be ahead of the curve

monaco is fun to drive, but the racing? boring.

how would he fix silverstone? more grandstands 😇

"which 2 drivers wouldn't you want to go on a road trip with?" "phones away" there's definitely 1-2 he wouldn't want to go with...

“who would you want to go on road trip with?” george: depends what you're after. jolyon: what are you after? 😳👀 george: 🤨 yeah 😐😑

says he would go on a road trip with daniel and pierre if he had to choose 2 drivers from the grid

out of the TPs he'd go on a holiday with günther. spent a 5 hour flight sitting next to him once, chatting away. "has he got a book?!"

hasn't passed his driving test the first time... no minors, but one major. he's convinced the instructor had it against him... says he was in a wrong lane in the roundabout... "a major though, really?"

what's his favourite thing to cook? “i don't cook to be honest.” but he loves burgers and pizzas! he often has a pizza on the saturday night! mental energy, a pizza makes him feel good! :)

“you're gonna have to pick someone who survived a lot of crashes, because if they survived that they can survive anything. like mick schumacher!” george: 😂. 😐 i think we go to the next question.

in his book he'll announce which drivers he wouldn't want to be stranded on an island with. that's what his book will be about.

what would he want to do once he finishes driving? “not be on sky sports.” he takes it back, he likes the sky sports people. (because the cameras are filming him) he has no idea btw what he'll want to do then

doesn't really care who he's gonna be teammates with once lewis retires

he has a 5 minute power nap before the race. laura: you can fall asleep that quickly tho? george: no. ended up saying that he "meditates" then. makes sure he goes to the loo

only visualizes the first corner if he's on the first two rows, too many variables if he starts further back. the moment he qualified p2 in australia, he already knew where he was gonna go into T1. just brake 5 meters later than him, hope it sticks

from the past, he'd obviously race montoya

sainz is the one who chats the most

he'd want to drive mansell's 92 williams

says the V8s sound so much better than what we have now. they make the current cars sound like hoovers

“formula e? i mean yeah.. i don't know about formula e to be honest...” says it’s too wacky. he watches f2 and f3 and tries to watch back the f1 races. puts it on fast forward though. x2.

favourite kind of cheese?

after a laugh, he proceeds to give the most british answer. adds that doesn't like the smelly cheeses. loved the question tho, unexpected!

george: but good question... laura: yeah we thought it was a good one to end on! :) george: *pauses* really 🧍‍♂️

[brighter-by-the-daly]

Millie Bright x Reader

The All Clear

AN: just a quick lil thing I’ve written to celebrate today 💜

At the physio your girlfriend Millie was undergoing yet another fitness exam. The buzz around the World Cup squad announcement had spread through the building but Millie was hoping to be on the road back home by now. There had been a delay with some scans and paperwork she had to fill out for the end of season.

Millie’s perspective:

Glancing at my watch I knew time was running out to get back home in time for the 2pm announcement. I know I’m being announced on the team as Sarina called me a few weeks ago to see how my rehab was coming along. What was still up in the air is if I’m actually getting on the plane. I’ve been working so hard to be ready for the cup as it could be my last but I still haven’t been fit enough to train properly and the season ended without any minutes under my belt for a few months now. I’m nervous. I so desperately want to be on that plane, I want to take (y/n) to another country to watch me play, I want to be surrounded by my friends all summer. Now if this bloody knee could start cooperating that would be great please!

“Millie, can you see for a minute please?” the words of the lead physio echoed through the empty room and interrupted my negative thought spiral. Pulling myself up off the bench and into the office, I felt like I was a naughty school kid going into the headmaster’s office. “So, I know you’ve been talking with Sarina about making the World Cup and you’re worried about being ready in time. You’ve been working really hard on your rehab and I’m happy to tell you that you’re clear. You’ll be on the plane.” The words I’d been longing to hear didn’t sink in, just bounced off my ears and around the room until it hit me. A very delayed celebration came in the form of jumping into the air and screaming, slightly crying but extremely elated. “Thank you so much!” hugging my physio who’s done absolutely everything for me to get to this point, “you’re free to go” he said with a huge smile on his face.

Throwing my bags into the car and leaving the crutches behind - I need to get home, I need to tell (y/n). Glancing at the time, I think I should just about make it home for the announcement.

Your perspective:

“Mum’s late isn’t she?” petting the dogs on the sofa and glancing at your phone to see no new messages. Millie should be home by now and you were starting to get worried as you set YouTube up ready for Sarina’s press conference. It’s unusual not to hear from her in so long and she always texts you when she’s on her way home, maybe she’s been held up at the office. Flicking through your phone until 2pm came and your social medias were flooded with the squad sheet. There she was, your girlfriend’s name in black and white. You had no doubt that she’d be called up, it’s whether she actually makes it there that worries you. Nevertheless, you’d started packing for your trip abroad anyway. Millie always takes the mick out of your over preparation for holidays - starting to pack months in advance of the impending trip but you always remind her that she’s the one that forgets everything by doing it last minute. Sending your congratulations to the girls who also got called up, Sarina’s voice broke the silence in the lounge as all of your attention turned to the TV.

First question - are Millie and Lucy fit to play? Her answer vague yet a positive one. Listening intently to the rest of the interview until something made you rewind to play it again. ‘Did I hear that correctly? Millie being announced as captain? Oh my god, I did! Millie’s captain! My girlfriend’s the captain!’ Your mind racing with no one there to celebrate with apart from the dogs “did you hear that guys? Mummy’s the captain!” you stroked them excitedly as they climbed on top of you with their tails wagging. You barely listened to the rest of the conference just wondering where the hell your girlfriend had got to, has she heard the news? Did she already know and not tell you? Your phone calls didn’t connect as you started to get worried but you didn’t need to as soon after your third unanswered call you heard the familiar hum of her car pull up on the driveway.

Launching the dogs off the blanket as you ran to the front door and flying it open with excitement. The dogs ran out to the car, tails wagging and jumping up at your beautiful girlfriend exiting the vehicle. “Hey skipper” you winked as she approached you, met with a puzzled expression as she leant down to kiss you. “What are you talking about?” Omg, she doesn’t know! “You’re the captain! Sarina just announced you as captain!” your voice high and loud as you grabbed the remote to rewind the interview. Turning the sound up you let it play out, watching the news sink in on her face as her jaw dropped. “I’m so proud of you!” wrapping her arms around her neck watching her mouth turn from shock to pure happiness. Millie squeezed her arms around your waist as she picked you up off the floor “woah, watch your knee!” yelling and slapping her shoulder to put you down. Looking into your eyes she said the words - “I got the all clear, we’re getting on that plane baby”.

[schuministyles]

Worst sister, best cupid. (MS47)

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Note: HI there, hope you all are having an amazing holiday season, had this idea after thinking in all the nonsense in my head that Mick could actually be attracted to someone just by noticing they are really intelligent, he just has that vibe. Idk, anyway take care, and have a lovely day/night.

Warnings: none. Bad English, it is not my first language but I try my best on each post.

Mick wasn't exactly pleased to be all dress up to an event, but he didn't have any option, his sister Gina asked him to come with her long time ago since her boyfriend was already busy that night.

It was his job as a good little brother.

This was not a simple event, there were lots of important people that could sponsor the event they would host on the ranch in the next weeks, they had to be there with their greatest smiles and make sure to seal a deal.

The blonde was kind of overwhelmed, it wasn't really his thing doing that much talking, his social battery was running low and all he wanted was to get out of there.

" Are you ok?" His sister asked concerned.

" Yep, just a bit tired, this shoes are killing me." He lied.

The oldest just smiled with her lips pressed, she knew he was lying but decided to make it subtle so he wouldn't feel like he left her down.

"You should go to the bar and bring us something to drink, I don't know about you but talking to all of this people is really tiring me."

Mick chuckled, if he was bad at lying Gina was even worst.

He couldn't say anything when you approached them.

"Gina!" You greeted his sister, you two had met long time ago in a competition.

"Y/N!" She hugged you. "Uh, I almost forgot, he is my little brother Mick".

Mick felt he could die from embarrassment, as much as he was proud to be the youngest sibling it sucked for him to be presented like a little child, mostly when he thought you were beautiful.

"Nice to meet you." He tried to act cool about it, but Gina could easily notice how his body language changed.

She would have fun bothering him all the way home, but the blonde made her part shutong up and letting you both talk alone.

"The CS ranch is one of my personal favorite ones in Texas, if you ask me." You told him. "My dad actually took me there to see for the first time a horsing competition, made my first $20 on a bet."

Gina smiled already knowing that story.

" Really?" Mick asked pretty interested, always making eye contact with you.

"Yep, spent them the same day buying a t-shirt."

The german laughted, and Gina took mental notes of everything.

"I would go to the bar for some drinks, I would come back soon." She announced, but neither of you seem really interested beyond giving her a little nod.

" Do you compete?" Mick asked noticing that there were only two logical options for you to be there, either you were a rider or you were someone's plus one.

"Oh no, I am pretty bad at it, but I love the sport." You answered shortly making the blonde a bit frustrated of not getting extra information to answer his questions.

He would for once be a bit more like his sister and ask directly what he wanted to know.

"So? What brings you here?" He asked knowing Gina would be so proud of him.

You smiled even more.

" Guess. " You challenged him smirking knowing he would fail in the attempt.

Mick panicked, thinking what to tell you. He was frowning and his jaw clenched.

You giggled making him realize his expression and changing it to a more relaxed one.

" You are like me, a beautiful plus one." He flirted and your cheeks turned a light shade of pink.

"As flattered I am with that compliment, you are wrong mister, I am here representing my dad's company, making the deals of the season."

...

You both talked a bit more, you agreed to talk to them in a more professional manner a few days later to sponsor their event because a man was asking for you full attention.

There was not proper goodbye, Mick couldn't even ask you for your phone, he was fully depending on Gina to hear from you.

He was fascinated.

The oldest Schumacher didn't make any comment until they were both on the car later that night.

" So... you and Y/N seem to get along really well." She started knowing her little comments would make him insane.

"Oh.." He started but then cough to clean his throat and gain some composure. "Yeah, I think she is nice."

Mick hit himself mentally, that sounded so pathetic, too try hard.

"She is." Gina agreed, he thought he was safe until he heard his sister containing her laughter. " And she is totally your type."

The german panicked. Oh no,this was it, he was about to be humiliated.

" I don't have a type." He tried to stop her.

" You do, your are really into big brain girls, you like to be humbled by a lady that knows a lot. "

He felt called out.

Gina was right.

" I mean but that's not a type."

" You didn't say that I was lying." She stated back wiggling her brows at him. "Oh my God, marry her, mom would love her."

Mick's cheeks were burning by now.

" No, we are not getting married." He told her trying to give her his most serious face.

"Well not now, but imagine your kids would be so cute, and they would have a mama that can shut the man in a riding event, a super woman if you ask me." Gina started talking quickly making with each of her statements Mick get more and more red.

They arrived home and he was glad when his mom was already slept.

He spent the rest of the night thinking about you, he looked you up on Google, he wanted to know more, no, he needed to know more about you.

The next morning tired and all after spending most of the night on his phone he went to have breakfast, his sister and mother were already eating.

"You look like you didn't sleep well, honey. Everything alright?" His momma asked looking at him with concerned written all over her face.

"Yeah, we just arrived really late and that messed up my sleeping routine."

" Yeah mom, his sleeping routine was affected by the fact he stayed until Y/N's o'clock. " Gina giggled, their mother opening a lot her eyes.

"Gina! You are the worst." The youngest protested.

"Gina ve nice to your brother." Mama Schumacher tried to bring peace to the table, but she was curious. " Mick, tell your mama more about it, who is Y/N?".

Mick wanted to desapear.

"He would not tell you, she is the girl from my charity riding afternoon from last year, the one that suggested the betting house." Corinna quickly got who she was talking about. "They were all over each other, if it wasn't because of a man that would still be there talking, mom."

"Y/N, oh, she is really pretty, a really intelligent young woman, oh Micky you should totally go on a date with her."

The blonde wasn't happy with the suggestion.

" Mom..." He protested.

" See Mick! That is what I told you, do it for the next generation of Schumachers, we need them to be more prefect than us." The oldest said making the three of them laught.

" I would think about it."

The two women celebrated.

Gina's phone vibrated, she looked at it with a wide smile on her face.

" Hey Gi! Hope you had a great night yesterday, I talked with your brother about sponsoring your event, I am free tomorrow night to talk about it a bit more, tell me if you are up to go and have dinner," she read out loud, Mick made a confused expression on why was she so abnormal about a simole text. " Also, could you please give Mick my number? I told him I would sent him my favorite breakfast receipts and I don't want to bother you more."

The oldest screamed like a little child, and stated pocking Mick's side. "SHE IS ALSO INTO YOU."

"Gina, clam down." He pleaded not knowing how to even act.

"Ok Ok, I would go make you a plan to go on that dinner with her and you can thank me later by naming you first kid Ginger." She hugged him and started running upstairs.

" You are the worst!" The blonde told her and his mother just giggled.

"She may seems like the worst sister, but is the best cupid you could ask for."

[chussyracing]

F1 related news, rumours and mind blowing stuff from past days

(it's super long after past 3 days so i will add it under the cut)

I cannot not start by Lewis to Ferrari on a multi-year contract being confirmed

Some leaked and speculated details include: Charles and Carlos both knew for some weeks, the news was leaked early by British source to avoid Lewis being included in development beyond 2025 in Merc, Toto was surprised but didn't expect Lewis staying for long in Mercedes anyway, Ferrari offered a huge paycheck and almost bianco check for any personal and charitable projects he wishes (granted by Elkann himself)

His engineer Peter Bonnington could follow him to Ferrari, but that decision is completely on himself

There are rumours of Carlos potentially moving to rally for 2025 for a break before a possible seat in Audi in 2026

Peter Windsdor reported he "heard" Alex got a 3 years offer from Red Bull, but there are rumours that people around Alex started this to get a better offer (possibly at Merc)

Among all of this, Haas livery was posted and it follows the trend of more and more black color included to save weight (fun fact: white color is the worst one possibly to choose for a livery since you need most layers of it which adds weight and sponsors sometimes don't want their logo on white because it's not as readable on TV)

F1 complained Andretti wasn't serious about the F1 offer, because Michael Andretti missed a meeting with F1 management to discuss their application, Andretti responded that they didn't see the invitation, because it ended up in the spam folder after an employee sent it rather than Domenicali

Haas appointed Andrea de Zordo as a Technical Director and Damien Brayshaw as a Performance Chief

There are some speculations Kimi Antonelli could be moving to Mercedes for 2025 based on the posts about Italian from Mercedes on social media (personal opinion: it's just a reaction to Lewis moving to Ferrari and Kimi doesn't even have enough superlicence points just yet so there will be a lot of pressure to get those in his debut F2 year if it's really the plan)

RB17 hybrid roadcar will apparently have active suspension technology which was banned from F1

There was some speculation from fans that Sebastian Vettel could come back and joing Mercedes but Toto Wolff denied it when he spoke to him the previous day

Ollie Bearman will also be Haas' reserve driver (with Fittipaldi) besides Ferrari's - there are two mandatory junior sessions but Haas will let him driver the car six times in 2024

Most random piece of info: Alicia Keys, Pharell Williams and Martin Garix will have a post race concert in Saudi Arabia

DAZN arw signing broadcasters for new season and apparently face some difficulties with Pedro De La Rosa, they can't say more besides it's an "issue which will be dealt with by an F1 team with great discretion"

Interesting fact: during International GT Open, standings were called incorrectly behind a safety car whoch lead to leader losing out and ICA (International Court of Appeal) decided that wrong SC rules apllication is not enough to cancel the result of the race which... sadly shows how AD21 appeal would probably go from FIA's ICA as well

McLaren showed the 2024 suits, the 2024 F1 Academy livery and they did their tyre test at Paul Ricard

Suzuka extended contract with F1 for 5 years

Nyck de Vries will have to pay 50% of his 2022 F1 income (driver salary and sponsorship deals) because he lost in lawsuit agaisnt Investrand

Hamda Al Quibasi and Emely De Heus will be RBR's F1 Academy drivers while Amna Al Quibasi will be Visa Cash App RB's driver

Williams signed a sponsorship deal with Vast Data and also announced meet and greet in NY

There are many people linked to the Merc seat including Mick Schumacher, Alex, Fernando (apparently Ted Kravitz was said to be the source but he denied it), Carlos, Esteban - Toto himself said Charles and Lando would be first on their list if they didn't extend long term contracts already

Melbourne will become season debut from 2025 again

[inchidentally]

https://www.tumblr.com/inchidentally/742246572437504000/apart-from-the-absurdity-of-thinking-that-mclaren?source=share

Pro tip from someone who has been in this world for a really long time: DON'T READ WHAT KARUN HAS TO SAY!

Moreover, Oscar and his environment are happy with the cooperation with McLaren, just as McLaren is happy with Oscar being their driver. So there is no logical reason for Oscar to change his surroundings. Plus, from a sporting point of view, the move to Mercedes will not be an upgrade for Oscar. Another thing George and Oscar will have different car preferences, in McLaren Lando and Oscar are on the same side of the river so. The media first focused on Lando and his move to Red Bull, and now they started focusing on Oscar. Jesus, I'm tired of this season and the season hasn't exactly started yet. Another thing that pisses me off about all this is putting enormous pressure on Kimi Antonelli. His career is already so accelerated that it cannot be accelerated any further. Let the media leave him alone. Carlos in Mercedes or Red Bull is also a suicide mission because George and Max love oversteer cars and Carlos loves understeer. And in these two teams, Carlos will be the number two. So the only logical move is Audi or Aston Martin if Fernando does not renew his contract with AM or goes to Mercedes. If Sebastian wasn't stubborn, Mercedes would welcome him with open arms. A German driver in a German team, what more could you want. Plus the current regulations we have in F1 are perfectly designed for him (AM has blood on their hands for not giving him the car he deserved). There are also side options like Esteban and Pierre (their contracts are running out after this season) and Mick.

This is a digression from me.

you absolutely nailed it all anon !! like I really need everyone to remember that not only is it a journalist/presenter/pundits job sometimes to throw out wild cards and generate engagement, it's also the truth that Oscar has a particularly and uniquely brilliant set up with Lando and McLaren. and that there is literally no option for him that wouldn't be a pointless frustration or an outright downgrade. Andrea Stella and Zak Brown deserve every acknowledgement for how wisely they've put this partnership together.

but in particular Karun invoking Mark's name is hysterical bc Mark is why the McLaren move even happened AND Mark is not in the business of burning bridges with teams in a restless chase after a WDC.

Mark also hasn't spent the years managing Oscar and talking about wanting the kid to feel stability and the importance of trusting the people and team around him to start wheeling and dealing so that Oscar ends up with four teams behind him before he's even thirty !!!

overall, if the headline makes your heart race and has absolutely no history to support it then move on from it. the Lewis to Ferrari move was huge but it was NOT the first time Lewis had talked about it and we now know that Ferrari and Carlos talks were a long time in breaking down. both of these drivers have already made moves - they aren't in their second season of Formula 1. the biggest shocker about that was the timing of the announcement which sounds like it was bc an outlet was about to scoop it anyway.

and seriously as you said, it cannot be emphasized enough - and this is one positive point among many in favor of McLaren for Oscar and Lando - that having both drivers match up their preferences for the car to the point of as Andrea Said, using the same terminology and having their own private agreements on it, is so unusual and so hugely beneficial that it's why everyone makes a big deal of it with McLaren. if that were all that the boys had going for them at McLaren, it would be reason enough to stay put rather than go through two years adjusting to someone else's car and inevitably putting off race wins and a championship even longer.

[tricksterrune]

Rogues playing DnD: Classes

I fully admit that this is based on my limited experience of DnD, mainly through season 1 of Vox Machina, The Gamers 2: Dorkness Rising and FrasierDnD Twitter, specifically this. I also used to play The Dark Eye from which I steal aspects. And WoW

for @belphegor1982

Piper: DungeonMaster

He brings them together. They call him a nerd for it, but it sounds like fun so they all join in. But while Piper is the most experienced as of now, he hasn't played since college and wasn't the dungeon master, he isn't 100% in control and improvises a lot. At first he tries to keep them on the story path but learns to relax and let go. He used to have a high level bard in college and frequently uses that character's relatives as npcs.

James: hmmmmm

In the Dark Eye there were classic fae changelings. Fae could take a child and leave a changeling in its wake. And you could then play as the child that was taken which grew up in the fae realm, learn magic and becomes fae-like (If I remember correctly). James would play a character but never actually clarify whether he was the original character or the changeling pretending to be him.

Or I go with my initial answer and say that he roleplays as someone who does not fit into the world of DnD (as I once played a whole quest trying to be Indiana Jones). Half-elf...alledgedly

Mick: Monk....now

Mick's character became a monk later in life and starts as a veteran character (is that a thing in DnD?). Which means that he starts stronger but his character is old. He'd be a Dragonborn because they look badass. He is always super-prepared and carries endless supplies.

Mark: Wizard, elf or human

I hc Mark as someone who likes reading and not just Mark Twain, who was overshadowed by his gifted brother who was into natural sciences. He probably loves fantasy books but never engaged as a teen, wanting to appear tough. He has big ideas but hasn't read the rulebook too closely, just stories and wants to be a wizard who can do everything, mainly throw fireballs at people. Piper has to remind him frequently that he can't do the thing he just announced he was going to do. "I cast Firestorm!" "Do you know the spell?" "No?" "What about your spell slots?" "My what?"

Roscoe: Artificer, human

He sticks to what he knows best so he essentially plays himself. BUT he has read the rulebook twice and has become a rule's lawyer. He often thinks outside of the box but sometimes gets bigged down by what the numbers say are possible and what's a good story. He'd try a peasant railgun.

Lisa: Rogue, tiefling

Skintight leather? Check. Awfully sharp knives? Check. Steal absolutely EVERYTHING? Check. Often gets the party into trouble with her antics. "Can I roll to steal the crown?" "Seeing as its currently on the king's head, he's looking at you and is surrounded by his royal guard....no." She'd play tiefling, sexy as hell.

Digger: Barbarian, half-orc or orc

Digger junior, his character's name, will fight everyone, drink everything and then fight everyone again. He is legendary in bar brawls. His secret goal is to be the brawler like no ever ever was. Fighting's his real test, drinking is his cause. Digger jr is Digger unfiltered which you'd think was impossible.

Len: Druid, elf

He was blackmailed into attending at first (but secretly has fun) and plays a druid, almost exclusively in bear form (assuming that's possible, I' drawing on my WoW knowledge). His favorite trick is making people think he's a regular bear and only reveals himself when it's funny. Has written a couple of bear puns, but is afraid to use them unless he's a little drunk.

Sam: Bard! And a woman!

Charisma, charisma and charisma! He needs everyone to know that he is the most beautiful lady of all the land. And his character doesn't get her hands dirty, she stays outside and keeps inspiring the party. In ideal circumstances anyway, she has mace (an actual mace) when things get tough.

Roy: Warlock, Tiefling.

Roy strives to become an eldritch entity himself, possibly by killing his patron. At least he's not giving up his soul. He draws the most beautiful character portraits between rounds.

[safetycar-restart]

In the d/s au mick runs into his horrible Dom from haas and he freaks out but it’s a race weekend and he doesn’t want to be a burden so he tries to hide it and he gets really upset and maybe Lewis or George find him? And they comfort him and get him to Toto who calls you and then you all look after him for the night and baby him until he feels better x

Oh no poor micky!!! This idea is so good though, cause I definitely think he would try to hide it.

For the first couple races, you and Toto watch Mick like a hawk. Even before Toto joins the dynamic he makes sure to keep a close eye on Mick. Because he just cares so much for him and feels so protective of him.

And for the first few races, his old Dom from Haas doesn’t come near him. Mercedes and Haas are on opposites of the pit lane anyway, so they don’t cross paths at all.

But it’s actually the addition of Toto that makes his old Dom show their face again? Even though you don’t announce anything, and technically you’re just Mick’s professional Dom at this point too, it’s just so obvious that something has changed to make Mick so happy? Hes walking around the paddock with a smile on his face, his entire being radiating happy sub.

That’s what makes his old Dom show their face. Mick has never looked that happy before, and they have to know why.

When they approach Mick, he’s walking on his own. It’s been long enough and he’s feeling secure enough that he can just walk around on his own now.

And then suddenly he’s face to face with his old Dom. He looks around, trying to find someone he trusts near but there’s no one. His Dom asks him what’s changed, why he’s so obnoxiously happy and Mick just shrinks.

The Haas Dom asks again, and then starts berating Mick for not responding. Poor Mick has no idea what to do. He wants you and Toto. But neither of you are here, and he’s so scared.

He wants to run away, but he can’t? He can’t make himself move. It’s like his back at Haas, having to listen to everything this Dom says.

He gets away because another team Dom walks past and asks a question to the Haas Dom, distracting them for long enough for Mick to run away.

Originally, he wants to go straight to you and Toto. But then he reaches Toto and sees how he’s looking at data and talking to bono and suddenly he just gets so scared that he might be a burden? It’s a race weekend. Toto has other things to focus on, and you should be focusing on your subs that are actually driving.

He needs to cope on his own.

Except he can’t? He can’t cope on his own? Because it’s like all the progress he’s made has gone out the window and all he can do is desperately fight to put one foot in front of the other.

At first you and Toto domt notice, because you’re both so busy prepping for the race.

But then Lewis and George notice? Maybe they wanted to go ask Mick to join them for lunch, but then they find Mick just sitting on the floor in the corner of the meeting room, his head in his hands as he cries.

George instantly runs out to go find you or Toto, and Lewis stays with Mick but Mick won’t tell him anything. The moment Toto arrives, Mick is up and into Toto’s arms.

Toto just holds him, rubbing his back and hoping you’ll get there soon.

Mick only says what’s happened once you get there. He can’t make himself speak with just Toto. But when you join and you wrap an arm around him and wipe his tears away, then he can speak.

Needless to say, Toto makes sure that the Haas Dom never comes near Mick again. Ever.

But also, Mick gets a stern talking to because he should have come to you or Toto. The fact that it was a race weekend didn’t matter. He’s always going to be top priority.

For the next few days, Toto is SO protective of Mick, always keeping him close and never letting him out of his sight.