#but he's not about to tell Julie and Carlos that

[innytoes]

okay well this is just screaming to be any of them vs Caleb:

"I'm going to defeat you with the power of friendship, and this gun I found."

They weren't entirely sure how it worked. Sure, a magic glow-y hug of love had brought the boys back to life. And that had been a whole thing. But Alex wasn't able to bring Willie back to life with the same. And Julie hugging him hadn't done the trick either.

So they'd been really confused when Alex kissing Willie's cheek while Julie laughingly poked him had worked.

They'd done some more experiments. Luckily Willie had enough ghost friends who were willing to risk Caleb's wrath for a chance at escaping his stamp. Basically, Julie could see and hear ghosts, but not touch them. And if she touched someone else, they could see ghosts now too.

Flynn had been very pleased to learn Willie was also eye candy.

The guys could see ghosts, but now that they were lifers again, they couldn't touch them. But if Julie touched them, they could. Even though Julie couldn't.

All their experimenting had come to a rather abrupt end when Willie had realised his former boss was currently in Julie's former crush. He'd managed to stay out of Nick-slash-Caleb's sight, telling the guys, who told Julie.

Thankfully, Julie being awkward and trying to avoid Nick didn't raise too many suspicions. She'd always been awkward around Nick, and the way he'd been pseudo-stalking her after she blew up on social media was rather pathetic.

After a bit of experimentation with possession (and a new trauma for Fuego, who did not enjoy knowing what being a teenage girl on her period was like), Julie had figured out how to basically yeet a ghost out of Nick.

The showdown happened behind a Denny's, because of course it did. They'd tried to get Nick alone after school, or at the studio, but Carrie had unwittingly put a stop to their plans. So Denny's parking lot at 1 AM it was.

Getting Caleb out of Nick wasn't that hard.

She just... forgot that they needed a step two after that plan.

"Do you have any idea what you're up against?" Caleb Covington asked, sneering down from where he was towering over an unconscious Nick. "Sure, your little trick worked, but how do you plan to defeat me?"

Julie, though, was backed by her band. Her family. Her best friend, and her little brother, whose 'ghost busting pack' had really just been a fire extinguisher. Still, it had blinded Nick-slash-Caleb long enough that Julie had been able to push the evil magician out of him.

""I'm going to defeat you with the power of friendship," she said, sounding way more confident than she felt. Still, if Sunday afternoon cartoons and a magic hug that brought her band back to life taught her anything, it was that love made a lot of things possible.

"And this gun I found," Willie casually said, grabbing hold of Julie's hand with his left, before aiming and firing with his right.

A lot happened after that. Screaming. Caleb exploding into a million pieces of purple glitter. More screaming. Willie cackling 'I can't believe that worked'. Sirens in the distance. A lot of running.

Somehow, they ended up back in the studio, a passed out, glitter covered Nick dumped into the shower by Luke (Reggie cheerfully hosing him off), Flynn and Alex pacing in equal pace but opposite directions, and Julie all but hyperventilating on the couch.

"Where did you even find that gun?" Carlos asked. He was remarkably calm about the whole thing. In fact, the only thing he seemed to be upset about is that his go-pro hadn't been turned on.

Willie shrugged. "Around."

"Did you know that would work?"

"I took an educated guess."

"How'd you get so good at firing a gun?"

"The arcade."

Silence, except for the sounds of a spluttering Nick waking up in the bathroom.

"What do we do now?" Julie asked, a little lost.

"Dance party," Willie said with a resolute nod.

"Dance party?"

"Dance party!" Willie said, dodging Alex and Flynn and grabbing a random CD to put in the player.

So, they danced.

[welcometololaland]

is it crazy of me to have a firm belief that Carlos is a Cancerian? he's a homebody, nurturing, slightly insecure (see: 3 x 13) and feels very deeply (even though he might not be the best at communicating his feelings). am I wild for this??? I'm not a zodiac master but this just makes sense to me ♋️🦀

[debushit]

it’s missing julie e os fantasmas hours

[httpsserene]

𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 | 𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨

summary: nobody can keep up with your growing list of hobbies, except fernando.

pairing: fernando alonso x brazilian!fem!reader

content warning: fluff and humor. explicit language.

from, serene: requested by and written for @loomiscorpse 🤍 i promised that i would write this for you in july and i finally found the time to fulfill it! this is how i learned fernando has a back tat. what rock have i been living under? happy reading, babes xxx

(in case i'm m.i.a., there's a category 5 hurricane that's looks pretty serious. i'm probably going to have a power outage. prayers to anyone else in the path of the storm, evacuate if you're on the west coast, and stay safe.)

⌕ join taglist | upcoming chapters | table of contents ↻

igstory • yourinstagram just uploaded!

[caption1; sip and paint with the ladies 👩🏽‍🎨���� carmenmmundt kellypiquet][caption2; for my first painting, this is good right?]

alexandrasaintmleux: i'll put it in a gallery 🤩 alexandrasaintmleux: i can't believe i'm friends with the best artist of our time 😌 yourinstagram: alex pleaseee omg 😳🤭 yourinstagram: you realize that means you think i'm better than claude monet right ? alexandrasaintmleux: ,,,second best artist of our time yourinstagram: 😆😆😆

fernandoalo_official: looks beautiful 😍 yourinstagram: you really think so??? fernandoalo_official: yes i like what you did with the colors and brush strokes of course yourinstagram: what detailed compliments meu bem 😂

carmenmmundt: i still don't believe that you've never painted before 🤨 carmenmmundt: you did so well !!!!!! yourinstagram: thank you my love 🥰 yourinstagram: i think i am going to keep painting. it was very fun! carmenmmundt: you should! you're quite good at it :)

instagram • yourinstagram

liked by heidiberger_, fernandoalo_official, francisca.cgomes and 101,723 others

yourinstagram encontro noturno em cores 🖼️

view comments

user1: ptbr to eng translation "date night in color 🖼️"

user2: wow!!! you improved so much already! have you been taking lessons?

➥ yourinstagram: thank you! the only lessons i'm learning are from youtube haha ➥ yourinstagram: and i have painted every day since i started! ➥ user3: you definitely have a natural talent for this! and a lot of potential!!! ➥ user4: it's taken me years to develop a minimal understanding of color theory and shadows. she's done it in two weeks 😕

user5: i know leonardo hates that he didn't paint this 😩😩😩

➥ user6: he's rolling in his grave for sureeee 🙂‍↕️ ➥ user7: bitch why tf would a ninja turtle be mad about this ☠️ ➥ user8: leonardo DA VINCI YOU UNEDUCATED CUR ➥ user7: my fault forgot the turtle wasn't the only person named leo 🫣🫠 ➥ user8: HOW DO YOU FORGET THE MAN WHO PAINTED THE MONA LISA ⁉️⁉️⁉️

pepemartiofficial: i loved doing art in school! i can teach you a few things if you want 😁😁😁

➥ yourinstagram: you mean primary school? which was like last year for you? i think i'll pass garoto 🥴 ➥ fernandoalo_official: josep maria marti sobrepepa don't piss me off. ➥ fernandoalo_official: test me and you can say goodbye to a formula one seat. ➥ user9: ain't no way pepe just tried to step to fernando's girl who's TEN !!! years older than him ➥ pepemartiofficial: shhh i can be mature for her 🤤 ➥ fernandoalo_official: count your days 🥱

carlossainz55: the painting is really good, you made the water look so realistic!

➥ yourinstagram: obrigada carlitos! ➥ carlossainz55: where's fernando's painting 😈 ➥ yourinstagram: it was very good! but he did not want me to post a photo of it :((( ➥ fernandoalo_official: it was very ugly carlos 🙄 ➥ yourinstagram: it was not that bad i just could not tell that it was supposed to be a tiger and not a house cat that was struck by lightning 😅 ➥ carlossainz55: i will pay to see this painting 🤣🤣🤣

twitter

igstory • astonmartinf1 just uploaded!

[caption1; admin was just forcibly handed bear coasters ??? she said they remind her of lance 🐻][caption2; the crochet culprit is on to her next project!]

user: lance bear agenda still going strong 💪

lance_stroll: i want bear coasters 😞 astonmartinf1: meet me downstairs, she gave me extras to hand out to the team lance_stroll: she's the best 🤩🤩🤩 lance_stroll: see you in 5?

user: DUDE she's onto clothes already??? how?!!!

user: admin i need you to send me photos of that sketchbook 👺🤲🏻 user: i need her patterns admin i'm not playing around astonmartinf1: lol get blocked loser 💀

instagram • fernandoalo_official

liked by carlossainz55, lance_stroll, yourinstagram and 234,586 others

fernandoalo_official there is yarn and hooks in my car. this has gone too far.

view comments

yourinstagram: you make a man a shirt with the materials HE bought for you and it's a problem. ungrateful behavior nano 😤

➥ fernandoalo_official: the shirt is very nice i even posed for a picture. all i ask is for no hooks to be left in the cupholders? ➥ yourinstagram: can we compromise and i leave them in the glove box 🥺

user10: let me get this straight: you crochet for a month and suddenly you become a fashion designer?

➥ yourinstagram: not a month, three weeks* i have been crocheting ➥ user11: oh fuck off- how are you good at everything 😩😩😩 ➥ yourinstagram: i am not! and i still cannot make a granny square no matter how hard i try to ☹️ ➥ user12: you don't need to know how to make a granny square when you can make actual pieces of clothing!!!

landonorris: may i have something crocheted too?

➥ yourinstagram: what would you like landinho 😊 ➥ landonorris: may i have a beanie? or a sweater?? ➥ georgerussell: ooooh i'd like a beanie too! ➥ francisca.cgomes: i want that top you're wearing! or something similar!!!! ➥ lance_stroll: what about earmuffs? ➥ lilymhe: a cardigan would be so nice ➥ charlesleclerc: i want a sweater!!! ➥ fernandoalo_official: leave her alone you greedy children 👹 ➥ yourinstagram: ignore him! text me what you all want with inspiration photos and i will let you know!!!

messages • sebastian -> fernando

igstory • yourinstagram just uploaded!

[caption1; hobby update >>>][caption2; to the woman at the craft store who put me onto oil paints...you saved my life][caption3; the wag crochet requests are almost finished!][caption4; first pottery class! had a really fun time :)]

user: i-i need to sit down👄 user: how do you even have time to do all of this?

user: i feel like i've never taken my hobbies seriously after seeing this

user: ffs how long have you been doing pottery? user: it's hard to learn at first but it's worth it if you stay committed 🫶🏽

instagram • yourinstagram

liked by charlesleclerc, lilymhe, francolapinto, and 192,037 others

yourinstagram que divertido! thrown, painted, and fired by me 🌸

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user13: this is a reminder that there's always somebody out there doing what you love better than you 😒

➥ user14: wasn't she JUST at her first pottery class? and she already has a set of dishware 😨

user15: i feel like i have to apologize for even attempting pottery

user16: i would hate to give my gift after her on birthdays and christmas 😬😬😬

➥ user17: valid take. she can make custom clothes, paintings, and ceramics??? i might as well not even show up 🤦🏻‍♀️

kellypiquet: where do you even find the time to do this?

➥ yourinstagram: i have not slept for more than five hours in a very long time. it also distracts me when nano is away so, i keep myself busy. ➥ kellypiquet: please take better care of yourself! the clay will be there after you sleep and i'm sure fernando would like you to sleep too. ➥ fernandoalo_official: 8 hours at least mi amor ❤️ ➥ yourinstagram: fiiiiine 😞

lance_stroll: bring the domino set next time! i want to learn how to play!!!

➥ yourinstagram: i will make you cry if we play dominoes 🤫

user18: you need to start an etsy shop or smth? i think anybody would buy something from you!

➥ yourinstagram: if i do that, i'm afraid it would stop being a hobby and become a job. i don't want to lose the love i have for them :) user19: you could do limited releases? or just list a few items at a time? yourinstagram: i guess that's true. i don't think i will though, i didn't start my hobbies to make money. it's just fun for me 😁

twitter

igstory • fernandoalo_official just uploaded!

[caption; onto the next obsession]

user: damn you didn't lie about the entire botantical collection 😧 user: she's crazy user: i respect her grind though

user: and she made them look like actual boquets 😍 user: why didn't i think of that???

yourinstagram: they are not obsessions. yourinstagram: the proper term is hobby, we have talked about this nano 😒 fernandoalo_official: do you want the vespa or the bonsai…🤨 yourinstagram: both por favor! and get the porsche 911 kit while you are there 😚😚😚😚😚😚

user: she crocheted her own cover up dress user: i love women 🙂‍↕️

instagram • yourinstagram

liked by fernandoalo_official, kellypiquet, landonorris, and 317,940 others

yourinstagram um hobby? ok. quatro hobbies ao mesmo tempo? não repita meus erros 🤕

view comments

user20: ptbr to eng translation "one hobby? ok. four hobbies at the same time/once? do not repeat my mistakes 🤕"

➥ user21: thank u translator woman ➥ user22: thank u translator woman ➥ gabrielbortoleto_: thank u translator woman ➥ user24: one of these things is not like the others 🧐

landonorris: can't wait till it gets chilly in monaco 😌

➥ landonorris: the only thing i'm going to be photographed in is my crochet beanie and sweater ➥oscarpiastri: i'm surprised you're not wearing it now since you're perpetually cold ➥ landonorris: i didn't want to bring it in my luggage in case it's the time i lose my luggage 🤓 ➥ oscarpiastri: wow…that's smart ➥ landonorris: why do you sound so surprised 🤨

lilymhe: i see you learned how to make granny squares 😆

➥ yourinstagram: it took me three whole days to make one 🤧 ➥ lilymhe: damn 💀 ➥ yourinstagram: i am not lying when i say making that first granny square was harder than making your cardigan 😮‍💨

fernandoalo_official: is it weird if i feel proud of you?

➥ yourinstagram: i think it is something to be proud of :) ➥ fernandoalo_official: well i am very proud of you mi amor 😘 ➥ yourinstagram: 🥰😚😚❤️❤️❤️

user25: those paintings!!!! woah, you're like a serious artist now 😨😳😱

➥ user26: fr! you can see her own unique style clearly in these! ➥ yourinstagram: you all are too sweet! it took me a while to switch from reference painting into creating my own art pieces! ➥ alexandrasaintmleux: i wasn't joking when i said i want to put your work in a gallery 🤭🥱 ➥ yourinstagram: alex pleaseee 😖

user28: what are you going to do next? book binding LMAO

➥ yourinstagram: you are right! nano is out buying the supplies for me now 😁 ➥ user28: i was joking 😟 ➥ yourinstagram: and after that i think i am going to learn how to make a cute scrapbook!

© httpsserene - do not repost. photos used are from pinterest.

[khaylin27]

Guilty as Sin?

pairing: oscar piastri x norris reader; lando norris x sister reader; talks about carlos sainz x norris reader past relationship

series: the tortured poets department and part two of so long, london

synopsis: after the tragedy of y/n norris and carlos sainz, y/n moves on with her brother's new teammate, oscar piastri. can she feel guilty as sin in this new relationship?

warnings: drinking; a small segment of smut; the media being snakes

author's note: none i'm just happy that y/n is finally happy 😭

Drowning in the Blue Nile He sent me 'Downtown Lights' I hadn't heard it in a while

After Lando's birthday celebration, Oscar decided to drive you guys back to your hotel since he was the only sober one between the three of you. As Oscar drives his McLaren Artura down the Las Vegas strip, one of your favorite songs 'The Downtown Lights' by the Blue Nile started playing. "This is one of my favorite songs."

"This is your favorite song too?" The Aussie says surprised.

"Yeah, but I haven't heard it in a while. My ex boyfriend hated this song because it was 'too chill' for his music taste." You say recalling the time Carlos got mad at you for playing this song while he was driving. It still hurt thinking about Carlos. How can you stop forgetting someone you've loved for so long? "Is it possible to turn it up?" You ask so you can numb the pain that you felt from Carlos.

"Will Lando wake up if you turn up the volume?" Oscar asks you and you turn around to see what he was doing. Lando was knocked out drunk from partying too hard.

You giggle at his question, "I'm pretty sure he'll be okay." Oscar smiles at the giggle you made. "I'm going to turn it up." The Aussie nods and you both start singing the lyrics to the song.

"Sometimes I walk away. When all I really wanna do. Is love and hold you right. There is just one thing I can say. Nobody loves you this way. It's alright, can't you see? The downtown lights" You and Oscar sing the lyrics in unison and smile at each other.

Little did you know everything was going to be alright with Oscar by your side.

This cage was once just fine Am I allowed to cry? I dream of cracking locks Throwing my life to the wolves Or the ocean rocks

The night of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, it felt like you were in cage with all the lights and cameras on you. This was your first time back in the paddock after the tragedy that happened in July 2022.

Oscar walks out of room in the paddock he hears you crying in Lando's room. "Hey Y/N. Are you okay in there?" He doesn't hear anything from you which starts to worry him. "I'm coming in."

When he enters the room, he sees you crying on the couch and sits next to you. "What's going on pretty girl?"

"I hate him so much. I spent so much of my youth throwing my life for him and Ferrari and he has the audacity to talk crap about me to the storm of reporters outside." When you were trying to walk through the paddock to get to the McLaren garages earlier, one of the reporters asked if you had any comments about Carlos talking about you to other reporters. You were confused at first, but once you got the time to watch what Carlos said in interviews it got you so angry. He started bad mouthing you and your three year relationship you had with him. He even started bad mouthing your brother and the McLaren team.

As you're still crying, Oscar decides to give you a hug. "I understand that you went through a lot in your relationship with Carlos and still are. It isn't right for Carlos to bad mouth you or anything related to you. That's very immature of him." Oscar wipes the tears that fall from your face. "It's okay to feel this way Y/N. You're allowed to cry. But it's time to crack these locks from Carlos and start throwing rocks at that past relationship."

You smile a bit at what Oscar was telling you. "You're right, Oscar." You stand up and fix yourself up.

Before you both leave the room, Oscar kisses your temple. "I'm always here for you Y/N." You felt butterflies after Oscar kissed your temple.

What if he's written 'mine' on my upper thigh Only in my mind? One slip and falling back into the hedge maze Oh what a way to die

After Lando and Oscar got 5th and 6th place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, you guys decided to hang out back at the hotel. Little Lando fell asleep after a couple rounds of alcohol, it was only you and Oscar talking.

You were a little tipsy from the rounds of alcohol you had and you accidentally told Oscar something that was only for your mind. "You know Oscar. The past two weeks, I've started to have a crush on you." Oscar was shocked when you told him, but you couldn't care since you were tipsy.

"Sometimes I wonder if you're written 'mine' on my upper thigh." Oscar laughs at your little pick up line and you notice. "Hey don't laugh at me trying to confess that I like you." You lightly slap him and he politely apologizes to you. "But only in my mine?" You question yourself.

"Why only in your mind?" he asks you.

"I don't want to move too fast. One slip and I'm falling back in love with one of my brother's teammates." As the words leave your mouth, Oscar kisses you in the lips.

"Oh what a way to die then." You both smile at each other and he kisses you once again.

I keep these longings locked In lowercase inside a vault Someone told me There's no such thing as bad thoughts Only your actions talk

During winter break, you decided to spend some private one on one time with Oscar in Australia. Before you two left you had to tell Lando about your fresh relationship with Oscar. Lando was shocked that you two were together since he was 23 and you were 26 but overall supportive for you. Lando did have to give Oscar the "if you hurt my sister, I'm going to kill you" talk. Oscar jokingly responded back "it's okay. I like my women a little older." Which got all of you laughing.

As you watch Daniel and Oscar paddle board on the Australian coast line, you were talking with Heidi. "So how long are you going to keep your relationship a secret?" she asks you.

"Well our relationship is new. I like keeping our relationship locked, only for us to enjoy for now. Let's call the vault our relationship in 'y/nscar' with a lowercase too." You both giggle about the vault idea.

"You look happier Y/N. I know that you're still grieving the years you had with 'the man that shall not be named.'" You both laugh about 'the man that shall not be named,' but it fells good to finally be able to laugh about your ex, but you had a feeling you were moving on too fast.

"Do you think I'm moving on too fast with Oscar?" You ask Heidi.

"Someone told me. There's no such thing as bad thoughts. Only your actions talk. You're really in love with Oscar and you're finally healing." She explains to you.

You both look at the Australian coast line and see your men coming back to where you were sitting. "You guys enjoying the view?" Daniel asks the both of you.

"Definitely." You answer Daniel's question and give a kiss to Oscar.

"I love you honey." Oscar says and kisses you again.

"I love you too."

My bedsheets are ablaze I've screamed his name Building up like waves Crashing over my grave

That night after spending time with Daniel and Heidi, you both decided to take your relationship to the next step and have sex. Let me tell you it was the best you ever had.

For once a man put your needs first before his own. As Oscar was eating your pussy out, you screamed his name like never before. Carlos never got down on you once during your relationship.

After Oscar ate you out, he decided to insert himself in you. The waves of pleasure were building up as he kept thrusting himself inside you. You both spent hours making love.

"How was it?" Oscar asks once you both reach your climax.

You kiss him passionately, "It was the best sex I've ever had love. I could rest in peace now." You say jokingly and he laughs. "I love you so much."

"No I love you more." You two laugh again and kiss once again.

What if I roll the stone away? They're gonna crucify me anyway What if the way you hold me Is actually what's holy?

Your private love didn't last for long as f1drama instagram reporters on the two of you.

f1drama BREAKING NEWS: McLaren driver, Oscar Piastri, spotted with his teammate's sister, Y/N Norris in Australia earlier today. Sources at the scene say that they were on a date and were very loving to each other.

It's embarrassing to see Lando Norris' older sister not only with another driver on the grid but someone 3 years younger than her. Carlos Sainz, her ex fiancé, definitely dodged a bullet on marrying Y/N Norris.

"That's so disrespectful for the media to be following us while we're on break." Oscar says angry that the media was following you two around Australia. "It's disgusting what they put in the caption of the post. They even added Carlos in there which is such a low blow."

You try to calm Oscar down by hugging him and pressing kisses to his jaw. "It's okay love. I knew the media would react like this once they found out."

"I just thought we would have time to keep our relationship private." Oscar says as he rests his chin on your head and continues to hug you.

"I know. All I need is you right now." You say as Oscar holds you tighter. The way that Oscar holds you felt holy to you. You felt like everything would be okay with just him by your side.

I choose you and me religiously

yourinstagram i choose you and me, religiously. @oscarpiastri

oscarpiastri love you always and forever honey 🩵

liked by author

landonorris yay i finally got to keep a secret for so long!

liked by author

yourinstagram i'm surprised. very proud of you little bro.

danielricciardo wow no photo creds @yourinstagram 😒

heidiberger_ let her be down bad for oscar 😭 liked by author yourinstagram what my girlfriend said @danielricciardo 😌 danielricciardo @yourinstagram hey she was my girlfriend first!

taylorswift the guilty as sin lyric 🥺🩶

liked by author and oscarpiastri

user1 mother approves of my other mother being happy 🥹

user2 @taylorswift ARE YOU HINTING THAT GUILTY AS SIN? IS ABOUT THEM !??

user3 she's glowing in her new relationship rn

user4 @yourintagram i don't get the hate about her moving on with oscar 😭 she's more happier with him than when she was with carlos

tagged: @omgsuperstarg @splaterparty0-0 @2pagenumb

[blackbat05]

Side Tracked

Carlos Alcaraz x Reader

Summary: The feeling of winning is sweet, but so is unexpected encounters. (Fluff)

A/N: Usually never write for real(?) people but here’s my attempt to not make it flop(?) Hope you like it and congrats to Carlitos once again!⭐️

July 2023

He thought he’ll try something different today.

Take a walk down the city of London, have time to finally relax.

Maybe he should have thought about the fact that he was doing this right after he won the championships.

It’s not that he minded, he appreciated the attention that the sport was getting. But if he could just walk down the street without being stopped every three seconds, that would be great.

He quickly turns into a small alley with quaint little stores littered on each side. He’s not going to linger outside any longer so he dips into the first door that is opened.

The smell of lemons wafts through the air along with soft music that reminded him of being on the beach. Bookcases towered over him no matter which direction he turned.

Strangely, it wasn’t intimidating at all.

“Hello!”

A young lady pops out from the second shelve to his left, causing him to stumble back a few feet in shock.

“Oh! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” She apologizes, a small smile grazing her features. “Can I help you with anything? A book perhaps?”

He didn’t want to trouble her just because he was trying to get some peace and quiet. So he just puts on his usual charm, takes a random book and shakes his head. She seems to be satisfied with his answer and leaves for the next row, telling him to look for her if he needs anything.

Book long abandoned, his eyes follow her curiously. Perhaps she doesn’t watch tennis. Not that he cared, did he? She could be busy with her work. Still, it intrigued him. He could be wrong, but she seemed to be… avoiding him?

He gives a sigh and turns open the book that he randomly grabbed from the shelve. If anything, he was not a reader. If he stares at a page for too long, the words might just jumble up into a ball of mess.

“Hey,” the same voice brings him back to the present. She stands in front of him in her white apron, another book in her hand that is outstretched to him. “You were almost going crossed-eye with that book. I think you might like this better.”

He swaps the book and she leaves quietly. Oh, it’s a book about his idol and one of the biggest sporting icons in tennis history. Rafa’s book was published when he was just a kid, but it would be interesting to see his perspective. He opens the book and this time, he doesn’t go crossed eye.

In fact, he’s so engrossed in it that by the time she checks in on him, the sun has disappeared and night falls.

“I’m glad you seem to be enjoying the book.”

Oh, he really wants to hear her talk more.

“Yeah. It’s perfect. Thank you.”

But he’s leaving the day after.

“You’re welcome. I hope you got the quiet time that you need. Congratulations by the way.”

He’s momentarily stunned, earning a chuckle from her.

“I think you had enough people heckling you for a day.” She looks out of the window and then her watch. “And I think your team should be looking for you.”

He’s still rooted to the ground, book in hand. The phone in his pocket buzzes and he’s sure Juan Carlos is going to give him an earful for escaping the hotel alone.

“Oh!” She snaps her fingers and darts off to the shelve, coming towards him with a brown book. “It’s not much but I would like you to have this.”

The little book of encouragement.

She looks sheepish as she explains, “It must be stressful. Having all these expectations on you. Sometimes you really just need to take a step back and remind yourself what’s truly important you know?”

What’s truly important…

His fingers wrap around the book and he holds onto it tight.

“Thank you, again.” He says. “I promise, I’ll be back when I’m in London.”

“I’m counting on it.”

***

A year later, 2024

This time, he remembers to put his hoodie up.

There was no need for google maps or asking for directions. He knew the way by heart, by instinct.

The same store comes into vision and he’s suddenly nervous. His fingers wrap itself tightly around the spine of the book. He can’t wait to see her.

The bell chimes as he pushes the door, the familiar scent greeting him again.

There she was, face scrunched up in concentration, a clipboard in hand. Her eyes light up with joy as soon as he enters.

As if like he never left.

“Well done champ.” She comes to give him a hug which he swears he felt her linger. He didn’t want to break the hug if he had a choice too.

They fall into easy conversation and he feels like a normal person. Not the athlete that everyone expects him to be.

“How did you like the book?” She asks expectantly. Her passion for books was admirable and adorable.

“I loved it. It helped me a lot. In good times, and in bad times.”

It was the truth and only the truth.

He passes her the book and it takes him all his strength to not tremble.

“I really like page 88.”

She cocks her head to one side in curiosity. Flipping the book to the said page.

When everything gets too loud, remember what you have, what you are fighting for.

She does a double take of the pink post it that has been pasted to the page of the quote and reads it carefully.

Would you like to go out with me for dinner today?

She peeks out from the book and he’s clearly nervous. She decides to be a little cheeky, and holds back her answer for a while more.

But she can’t bear to, not when he’s so sincere.

Not when he’s so hopeful.

Not when she’ll eventually say-

Yes.

[thisismeracing]

After the afterparty | LH44

― Pairing: Lewis Hamilton x F!Moroccan!reader ― Warnings: mentions of food; typos. ― Summary: Fans have been watching Yn and Lewis interact since she first started attending races. Nothing seemed enough for them to pinpoint what was going on between the two until the Las Vegas Gran Prix happened, and contrary to the belief, what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas. Yn and Lewis are about to find out. (Based on this request) ― A/n: None of the pictures used are mine, they are all from Pinterest and other apps, but the work is, and I do not allow it to be published on a different platform. I would appreciate it if those things could be taken into consideration 💛

✷ my masterlist | my taglist | patreon guide ✷ you can support my writing by reblogging, leaving a comment(don’t forget to follow me if you like the piece), or buying me a coffee

May, 2023

📸 instagram

🐦‍⬛ twitter

📸 instagram

lewishamilton

liked by yninstagram, georgerussell63, and others

lewishamilton the grind doesn't stop. Lets go

view all comments

ferrarifriends who finna be fired now? 🤣

landorizz who is he trying to get with these pics?

⤷ purplemerc I don't know, but he got to me, I am ready with open legs

⤷ purplemerc damn I meant open ARMS*, pardon my silly little keyboard hihi 😅😇

⤷ schumickey LMAO

motoswift I see Yn liked eh

sainzpodium someone said on twitter that they were seen talking at the afterparty... just saying 👁️👄👁️

June, 2023

📸 instagram

yninstagram

liked by carlossainz55, lewishamilton, and others

yninstagram I have always been sport’s girlie, but with soccer its a whole new level ❤️ happy to see my home team play! Can’t wait for the world cup!!! 🇲🇦🇲🇦

view all comments

f1eillish she's so pretty!!

vamosvettel 🇲🇦🇲🇦

franciscac.gomes we have to go to a match together!!! 💞

formulamerc I have to get a shirt like the one she's wearing, looks good

martelodohamilton I see sir Lewis liked huh...............

lewishamilton

liked by pierregasly, yninstagram, and others

lewishamilton weekend off 🌊☀️❤️💚

view all comments

jasmine21 would y’all call me crazy if I say this is in Morocco? 👀

sirenzsainz Lewis has such an aura around him, he's so aesthetic, like...it's so good to see him

mercfan where are you, Lew?

⤷ sennanschumi no because he's totally gonna answer you, bestie, just you wait

ferrarifiasco a week without f1 is harder than a week without my gf

⤷ nandosmile my friend, respectfully, I hope she breaks up w you 😭🗣️

yninstagram

liked by danielricciardo, lewishamilton, and others

yninstagram enjoying the weekend with my friends 💚

view all comments

smoothoperation friends to lovers has always been my favorite trope 🤭😇

hammert1m3 LEWIS ON THE THIRD SLIDE????

ynfan I so wanted to be friends with her

charles_leclerc bring me some souvernir!

⤷ carlossainz55 He means local food, but he's afraid the admin is going to see and tell the team's nutritionist

⤷ yninstagram it's fine, Charls, I'm bringing one big SHIRT for you and Carlos. It's a very popular SHIRT here in Morocco.

⤷ scuderiaferrari 👁️👁️

estebanbestie this comment section is very entertaining

ynfriend 🤍🤍🤍

July, 2023

🎥 youtube

August, 2023

🐦‍⬛ twitter

September, 2023

yninstagram

liked by lilymhe, mickschumacher, lewishamilton, and others

yninstagram monza ❤️🇮🇹🎂

view all comments

charles_leclerc you told me you weren't posting it!!!

⤷ yninstagram did I? I don't recall this 🤔

⤷ carlossainz55 she didn't say a thing, cabron...

⤷ charles_leclerc just because you look good, shut up

⤷ carlossainz55 I always look good

⤷ yninstagram some may disagree with this...

⤷ carlossainz55 traitor! 😤

scuderiastroll lol I love their friendship

scuderiaferrari ❤️🥰

alonsostroll funny how Lewis has been liking every single post of hers huh

sainzsecret she looks so good!! if I had half of her beauty I wouldn't complain about a thing!

⤷ yninstagram believe me, bestie, you would

⤷ f1direction LMAO I love you, yn!!!

lewishamilton

liked by charles_leclerc, yninstagram, and others

lewishamilton Every weekend we fight together as a team, and it’s always a tough battle. First, huge props to George. He had an amazing drive all weekend and deserved to be on the podium. Unfortunate for him not to finish, but he will bounce back. I’m so proud of all the work the team did this weekend. Thank you all for the unbelievable support, I see you🙏🏾

view all comments

georgerussell63 let's go, mate

girlbossgasly I love you, lew!!!

yninstagram It was brilliant to watch you race 💙 keep up the good work!

hamiltonalways Yn supporting her man :D

raintyres I'm happy I stayed awake for this race. Singapore is always a show

🐦‍⬛ twitter

October, 2023

📸 instagram

yninstagram

liked by pierregasly, carlossainz55, and others

yninstagram Mexico!! 💚❤️🤍🇲🇽

view all comments

rbrpodium she posted mick and george, and lew 🤍

⤷ cyruscars casually posting everyone in a work environment except Lewis, I wonder what it means.........

mercmick THANK YOU FOR FEEDING US SCHUMI CONTENT, QUEEN!!!

ynfan as usual, the prettiest woman in the world

georgerussell63 💙

charles_leclerc it's horrible to share you. Please, get back to our garage

⤷ mickschumacher 😂😂

November, 2023

📸 instagram

yninstagram

liked by carmenmmundt, landonorris, and others

yninstagram what happens in Vegas doesn't always stays in Vegas 🤭👄

comments on this post have been limited

lewishamilton my forever favorite afterparty company 💗😘

⤷ yninstagram I love you, handsome! ❤️

charles_leclerc ❤️❤️

mercedesamgf1 Welcome to the right garage, Yn!

⤷ scuderiaferrari 🙄🙄🙄

alex_albon the way george is included on this dump make it seem like he's the kid 😂😂😂

⤷ georgerussell63 what if I am?

⤷ yninstagram yeah what if we adopted him? 🤨

⤷ georgerussell63 did you?? 🥹

⤷ yninstagram not sure. I'll ask Roscoe if he would like a sassy new brother 🏃🏾‍♀️

🐦‍⬛ twitter

― ⋆🪩 VOICEMAIL: Hi, loves! I hope you guys liked this piece! 🤍 make sure to let me know your thoughts by reblogging and leaving me an ask!

taglist: @sachaa-ff @mickslover @mishaandthebrits @fdl305 @iloveyou3000morgan @crimeshowjunkie @saintslewis @carojasmin2204 @chaoticevilbakugo @wondergirl101ks @smiithys @shhhchriss @f1kota @lunnnix @karmabyfernando @crashingwavesofeuphoria @schumacheer @callsign-scully @v1naco @dearxcherry @elliegrey2803 @peachiicherries @he6rtshaker @therealcap @mehrmonga @the-depressed-fellow @cixrosie @darleneslane @buckybarnessweetheart @nichmeddar @fastcarsandshit @goldenalbon @balekanemohafe @jamie2305 @nzygftoji @bbreezybitch @graciewrote @scorpiobleue @soph1644 @leclercsluv @alessioayla @littlesatanicassholebitch

✷ check here my main masterlist | patreon guide my taglist  if you wanna be tagged on my pieces

©thisismeracing ― Do not copy, steal, or translate my work. Do not repost on a different media platform.

[carlos-in-glasses]

2024 Fic Round Up

I have posted 12 fics on Ao3 this year! I’m amazed. I truly thought I would post maybe half of what I did in 2023, which was 13! I’m going to go ahead and assume I won’t post as much as this next year as my work life continues to go hoo-ha bananas busy, but writing Tarlos fic is still my favourite thing. I’m super excited with the AU I’m working on currently, so that’s definitely one for 2025!

Something I’ve really enjoyed this year is writing fic because of gifts, organized exchanges, prompts and sparking ideas with friends. Fics that wouldn’t exist without others. It’s reinforced for me how this is a creative community and it’s wonderful to be part of it. Art begets art!

In order of most recent postings:

September – October- November - December

Fall On Your Knees (15k, E), my Secret Santa fic for @heartstringsduet

Read if you’re in the mood for: Tarlos breakup era angst, fun smut and family feels.

Rhythms (107k so far, still posting, E)

Read if you’re in the mood for: Carlos reflecting on his poet-jock closeted high school life and working on his vows for TK years later after fighting through writer’s block.

Tell Me How I’m Supposed to Breathe With No Heir (11k, E)

Read if you’re in the mood for: A 4x12 coda in which TK tries to figure out why he wants to be a dad.

Deeper than Breath, Closer than Air (5k, E)

Read if you’re in the mood for: The aftermath of TK saving the world with his little fan.

His Husband's Voice (1k, M)

Read if you’re in the mood for: Carlos crying with TK behind a bush.

June- July - August

Let Me Be The One Who Shines With You (13k) – a birthday fic for @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut

Read if you’re in the mood for: An origin story/love note for TK’s yellow hoodie.

Keep the Lights On (13k, E)

Read if you’re in the mood for: A chaotic 1x05 coda. One of my faves from this year. There's something about season 1 Tarlos.

The Wonder of It (30k words, E) – A birthday fic for @thisbuildinghasfeelings, written with @ladytessa74 and @lemonlyman-dotcom

Read if you’re in the mood for: Tarlos becoming dads and a mystery solved!

April-May

I Was Thinking About Your Mouth (31k words, E) – for @welcometololaland because a conversation with her inspired it!

Read if you’re in the mood for: Particularly stupid sex pertaining to TK accidentally proposing to Carlos during very good blow jobs.

January-February (nothing in March)

Search and Rescue (15k, E) – A Tarlos Secret Cupid fic for @honeybee-taskforce

Read if you’re in the mood for: Tarlos attempting to adopt a wise, retired service dog and ending up with a goofy golden retriever who turns their lives upside down.

Where All This Love Comes From (107k words, E)

Read if you're in the mood for: A journey through Carlos trying to figure out his relationship with his father, as well as who killed him, and TK opening up to Carlos about his addiction. Probably my personal favourite.

You Can Leave Your Hat On (6K, E)

Read if you’re in the mood for: Shivering, bickering guys who are super hot for each other and also the most absurd paragraph about ~self pleasure~ I could ever have dreamed of writing. Not that I dreamed of it ever really. But here we are. I was very proud to begin 2024 with this fic.

Big love for the tags: @heartstringsduet @whatsintheboxmh @bonheur-cafe

@ladytessa74 @everlastingday @thisbuildinghasfeelings @futures-tense

@henrygrass @strandnreyes @alrightbuckaroo @lemonlyman-dotcom

@alrightbuckaroo

Open tag and tags below!:

@nisbanisba @sapphic--kiwi @emsprovisions @ironheartwriter

@hereghostslive @nancys-braids @captain-gillian

@butchreyes @literateowl @laelipoo @pimento-playing-hopscotch

@eclectic-sassycoweyes @tellmegoodbye @orchidscript

@herefortarlos @sugdenlovesdingle @theghostofashton @freneticfloetry

@chicgeekgirl89 @liminalmemories21 @carlossreaders

@freneticfloetry @welcometololaland @rmd-writes

@lightningboltreader @goodways @paperstorm @reyesstrand - If you want to share/haven't already! No pressure ever!

And @reasonandfaithinharmony and @lutavero for any gifs from this year if you want to do a gif round up!

[world-of-wales]

THE WALES DIARIES ♚

14 JULY 2024 || WIMBLEDON TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 : GENTLEMEN'S SINGLES FINAL

The Princess of Wales in her role as the Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club attended Day fourteen of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships

Catherine was accompanied by Princess Charlotte and Pippa Matthews for the event making it the first official Mother-daughter engagement for Cat & Lottie

They were greeted by Deborah Jevans, Chairwoman of the AELTC, and spent time chatting with the British Tennis Players Emma Raducanu, Lucy Shuker, Lily Miyazaki, Sonay Kartal & Flora Johnson. They also met the members of the groundstaff and other representatives from the AELTC.

The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte then met and congratulated Wimbledon Ladies Champion Barbora Krejčíkova. Barbora lifted her tennis racquet to Lottie during the meeting.

Finally, they made their way into the Royal Box to watch the Men' Final where Catherine was welcomed to a standing ovation and cheers.

Carlos who Charlotte was supporting emerged victorious and recieved the Winners trophy from Cat. She also presented the Runner's Up trophy to Djokovic.

Later Cat, Lottie and Pippa congratulated Carlos for his win, and Catherine was sure to tell Carlos about the support he was receiving from her little princess.

[mirrorball-leclerc]

snow angel - track four

series masterlist // previous // next

DECEMBER 2022

JANUARY 2023

EARLY MARCH 2023

liked by lilymhe, alex_albon, mickschumacher and others

rheareynolds the council sending me off for filming.

tagged: lilymhe

view all comments

user1 somehow all three are very grumpy about rhea leaving.

↳ rheareynolds they were. although the boyfriend has no place to be complaining. he's constantly travelling.

user2 the boyfriend is hot.

↳ user3 you can only see his hair and arms?

↳ user2 and?

vancityreynolds stop lying, i bet they're thrilled.

↳ rheareynolds just because blake always throws a party when you leave doesn't mean my friends and boyfriend do.

lilymhe you couldn't have found a better picture of me?

↳ rheareynolds i think you look very cute

↳ alex_albon that's my girlfriend!

↳ rheareynolds what's your point? she's literally my wife

charles_leclerc have fun but not too much fun!

user4 okay but her cat is literally the prettiest cat i've ever seen.

user5 see i personally love that rhea met lily and the other drivers through lando but they still picked her over him

↳ user6 to be fair they are friendly with lando but you can tell it's not the same as it was.

↳ user7 well lando cheated on his girlfriend and not the other way around.

LATE MARCH 2023

lilymhe and rheareynolds posted new stories

breakfast with the prettiest girl ever.

prettiest surprise visit ever.

charles leclerc rhea come home the children (me and lily) miss you

lily muni he please come back!

max verstappen added two people

logan sargeant bonjour!

logan sargeant i don't speak french

oscar piastri hello?

charles leclerc piastri i swear to seb if you tell nowins about this i will crash into you. alex albon jeez give the kid a chance to breathe sharl

rhea reynolds i wrap filming in may!

rhea reynolds oh hello. oscar piastri and?

logan sargeant i'm logan sargeant, alex's teammate. when will we be getting new music?

yuki tsunoda yes, when can i get new material to further torment norizz?

rhea reynolds july.

lance stroll BOOO!!

rhea reynolds but a single in june

pierre gasly IT'S BARELY APRIL?? THAT'S TWO WHOLE MONTHS AWAY?? mick schumacher sucks to suck charles leclerc YOU LET HIM HEAR IT BEFORE US?? YOUR BEST FRIENDS?? charles leclerc WHAT HAPPENED TO BROS BEFORE HOES?

george russell GIVE US THE TRACKLIST TO MAKE UP FOR YOUR SINS!!

rhea reynolds talk too much, i hate boston, poison poison, gemini moon, snow angel, so what now, the wedding song, pretty girls, tummy hurts, i wish, willow, 23.

charles leclerc claiming snow angel lily muni he claiming pretty girls max verstappen you two are too much sometimes. but i claim so what now.

rhea reynolds his ass is grass. trust.

oscar piastri trust i will be playing this in my drivers room.

MAY 2023

rheareynolds posted new stories

💞💞

i just woke up why the fuck is everyone blowing up my phone? did my nudes get leaked, not that i have any, or some shit? worse, what the fuck did ryan do now?

mick schumacher who fucking spilled??

esteban ocon i spilled milk earlier, why are you asking?? and how do you know??

rhea reynolds how the fuck did some spanish paper find out that i was dating mick??

charles leclerc oh no.

max verstappen YOU TOLD CARLOS??

charles leclerc HE PROMISED ME HE WOULDN'T SAY ANYTHING!!

pierre gasly HE'S FRIENDS WITH NO BITCHES!! WHY THE FUCK WOULD HE KEEP IT A SECRET??!!

oscar piastri this is bad. so bad.

lily muni he OH COME ON!! SERIOUSLY CHARLES??

charles leclerc I FUCKED UP OKAY?! I GET IT! I WILL SPEAK TO CARLOS!

george russell NO! NO MORE TALKING TO CARLOS!!

charles leclerc HE PROMISED!!

max verstappen HIS PROMISES MEAN SHIT! WE BOTH KNOW THAT!

rhea reynolds WHAT THE FUCK CHARLES??

charles leclerc I WAS ALSO DRUNK AND I TRUSTED HIM!!

pierre gasly i thought we learned our lesson after last time?

alex albon this is bad. this is so fucking bad.

rhea reynolds yeah no shit alex.

alex albon you didn't read the article did you?

lily muni he i swear to sebastian that i will be castarating both sainz and norris for what's being said. rhea reynolds oh fuck me.

are you dating mick schumacher?

rhea?

i know you're seeing these

are you seriously dating mick? my friend?

that's rich coming from the guy who cheated on me with a friend.

and if i am i don't think i owe you an explanation.

i also wasn't aware you guys were friends. you take one picture with a guy and suddenly you're friends.

are you fucking kidding me reynolds?

you're dating him?

him of all people

literally fuck you norris.

tell carlos to pull the fucking article or i'm suing his ass for defamation.

for what? telling the truth?

you and i both fucking know that article is straight bullshit. i never did anything to you. i was committed to our relationship more than you ever fucking were.

either he pulls the article or i swear i'll sue him.

fuck you and i hope you choke.

taglist: @emilyval @ihateyougunthersteiner @lesliiieeeee @firetruckstuckley @cashtons-wife @landonorizzz @yoremins @nikfigueiredo @badassturtle13 @cataf1 @silentreader128 @taylorsatl @alessioayla @greeneyesandsunshine @wisteriafence @mrscharlesleclerc @sesamepancakes @localwhoore @vettelsebastianvettel @Pinksstrawberry @yourbane @bborra @aandreea2005 @nichmeddar @asparklysoul @landossainz @scarletwidow3000 @cha-hot @ssararuffoni @cherry-piee @vroomvroommuppett @shineforever19 @kissesandmartinis

strikethrough means i couldn't tag you

CLICK HERE TO BE ADDED TO THE TAGLIST

¡leclerc-s speaks! i do know that the mick quote in the grill the grid video is in reference to seb, but the opportunity was right there so i had to go with it!! if i had a nickel for everytime i made carlos out to be an asshole i'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot but it's weird that it happened twice. I PROMISE I DON'T HATE HIM!! I ACTUALLY LIKE HIM BUT HE'S LIKE BESTIES WITH LANDO AND IT WORKS OUT SO WELL.

¡disclaimer! this is in no way making assumptions about the people involved in this story, this is all fake. it is a fanfiction please don't take any of what is said seriously. this is all for entertainment purposes and as a creative outlet for me. enjoy!

[lemonlyman-dotcom]

Hello!! Thank you for the tags @thisbuildinghasfeelings @eclectic-sassycoweyes @carlos-in-glasses @heartstringsduet @nisbanisba @whatsintheboxmh @lightningboltreader @alrightbuckaroo 💕 From the upcoming next fic in the Kali Series: Tu Corazón Es Mío ❤️‍🔥

Carlos looks back at the road and shakes his head in amusement. TK’s been going through a reggaeton phase lately. His cousin Anita’s influence. They’ve been hanging out a lot since the wedding. She’s always loved TK, took an immediate liking to him from the first day they met. Over the summer she took him to a few dance classes — mostly afrobeats but he knows they went to at least one bachata class because he’d very bravely not laughed at TK when he tried practicing his new moves on him in the living room later that night — and she subs in as TK’s date to concerts sometimes when Carlos has a shift or is otherwise occupied. They swap music recommendations all the time, share a joint playlist on Apple Music, go to exhibits at the Mexic-Arte Museum downtown where Anita volunteers, and she even joined TK’s rec softball team last spring.

All of the Reyes primos accepted TK into the fold pretty much as soon as Carlos started bringing him around, to lunches at Tía Lucy’s and birthdays and the annual Fourth of July party at Tío Anthony’s lake house. Anita talked to him about the concerts he’d gone to since moving to Austin, Chuey wanted to know about all the secret spots to get good food in Manhattan, “not that touristy shit,” he’d said with a wave of a hand, “tell me where to get the real food.” Diego asked for TK’s number and immediately began abusing it to ask for medical advice any time he so much as stubbed a toe.

And TK had happily rolled with all of it, had fit in so well with his family that Carlos felt a faint twinge of regret for waiting so long to bring a boyfriend around. It passed quickly, though, as he watched TK exuberantly laughing along with Tía Lucy and his mom in the kitchen of his childhood home. There’s no one else he would have wanted to share this part of his life with. TK, with his sweetness and his openness and his kindness, who makes Carlos feel whole and unbroken and proud, has helped him feel more at home in his body and in his life and with his family than he ever had before, just by being there by his side.

Tagging @emsprovisions @fifthrideroftheapocalypse @bonheur-cafe @orchidscript @captain-gillian @tellmegoodbye @honeybee-taskforce @chicgeekgirl89 @literateowl @ladytessa74 @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut @welcometololaland @basilsunrise @liminalmemories21 @freneticfloetry @sapphic--kiwi @herefortarlos @firstprince-history-huh @fitzherbertssmolder @filet-o-feelings @fallout-mars @kiwichaeng @tinyluminaryzombie @corsage @paperstorm @guardian-angle22 @rmd-writes @iboatedhere @reyesstrand @never-blooms @decafdino @certifiedflower @irispurpurea @ironheartwriter and OPEN TAG 🏷️

[innytoes]

Jukebogs (Julie/Luke/Reggie/Bobby), Ghost Hunters AU

"Like every episode of Ghost Bros," Luke was giving his usual spiel to the camera. "Reggie and I will be doing our investigation in the house, trying to capture evidence. Then, our resident psychic Julie will tell us if this place is actually haunted, or if our camera man Bobby used his weed dealer's connections to find another random creepy abandoned house with no ghosts."

"Stop antagonizing him!" Reggie said nervously. "Last time you antagonized him, he nearly made me pee myself during the solo investigation."

Bobby turned the camera around to film his own unimpressed face. "Luke was supposed to find that ventriloquist dummy with the knife covered in ketchup, not you," he deadpanned, before swinging the camera back around to Luke and Reggie.

Julie sighed. She knew the boy's shenanigans was part of the draw of the show, but she was the one who usually had to deal with Reggie clinging to her all night, before ghosts generally listened when she told them to buzz off. Not that they usually slept in haunted locations, except for the season finale.

"Sooo," the cute boy in the crop top who hadn't been there two seconds ago started. "Can I mess with them? Please tell me I can mess with them."

"We are not messing with them!" Another boy in a pink hoodie said. "If we mess with them, we're going to have every ghost hunter with a shitty Youtube Channel clamouring through our house, messing with our stuff. Do you have any idea how long it took me to get that dent in the couch right for my ghost butt?"

"Don't worry," Julie whispered, as to not alert the (alive) boys. "We never give up our haunted locations unless the ghosts ask us to."

"Holy shit she is psychic!" Crop Top whispered gleefully.

"Tell them to stay off my couch!" Hoodie said urgently.

"I will," Julie promised. She could let Bobby know, and he'd keep them off. "But only if you promise to go easy on Reggie."

"What about the camera man?" Crop Top asked.

Julie blinked. None of the spirits had ever really interacted with Bobby before. The ones who knew what a camera was respected his position, and the ones who didn't were usually distracted by the two idiots loudly asking questions and waving around various gadgets and asking them to touch flashlights.

"You should totally mess with the camera man," she decided. Bobby was not so much a skeptic - none of the boys were, they believed in what Julie could do- but he was pretty un-phased by pretty much everything. "That would make a great season finale."

(Send me an AU and a Pairing and I'll write you a thing.)

[inchidentally]

Lando's eyes always sparkle when he looks at Oscar and it captures my heart every time. You can see that Lando likes Oscar very much and his eyes don't even hide it. God, their relationship is so intimate that sometimes it's hard to watch without feeling like a third wheel. Oscar, I don't know how you did it, but as a Lando fan, I'm grateful that I get to see this version of Lando every time he's around you.

straight up anon, the shift in Lando when he got a teammate who exists on the same natural wavelength as him has been a thing to behold ??

like, Lando is someone who goes through life looking for romance and he so easily gets a crush on anyone who populates his world with something special or beautiful. that's what has made Oscar such a unique relationship for Lando because Oscar doesn't consider himself or his life at all in the world of romance or fantasy. he considers himself extremely practical, "low frequency" and enjoying the simple things in life. he's not at all a typical heroic figure like Carlos or a big camera-ready personality like Daniel. Lando's interest in Oscar has been a slow but steady curiosity that has grown even without Oscar initiating a joint hobby or going on outings together or playing up a bromance for fans. Lando was definitely a little unmoored by the lack of all of that for a while!

the only two aberrations in Oscar's calm and cool are his pursuit of F1 and his fascination with Lando, which we know to have been intertwined as early as him moving to the UK at 14. there is serious romance in the way they ended up as teammates and major drama of Oscar's determination to get that seat.

but! then there's Lando saying how he sees them as similar to each other back in July 2023! bc Lando had always used self-mockery to interrupt his moments of earnestness and in a lot of ways was always striving to be Just A Guy to fit in with the guys in his life. his creativity would pop out very occasionally but mostly he became known for being naturally funny and able to click with just about anyone by matching their energy and adapting to their humor. he even took great pride in The Lando Effect - which ironically was more about Lando changing to suit Carlos and Daniel, who he has almost separate versions of himself with. he was the baby brother as always, wanting to hang out with his older brothers and wanting to fit in.

and then he gets Oscar as a teammate who seems content to just stay back and watch Lando and observe Lando and learn everything about Lando he doesn't already know. who seems to have no limit when it comes to handling the full range of Lando's personality and never tells - or even jokes - that Lando should change a single thing, even when it directly impacts Oscar. Lando doesn't have to match Oscar's energy and it turns out! they both like it best when Lando doesn't try!

which is when we started seeing lando.jpg reemerge and 7 podiums and a new hunger for even more and higher expectations of himself and a calmer, more authentic - less cartoonish - Lando on camera in challenges and social media. he even said how Oscar taught him by example the importance of "keeping calm and being yourself". of course silly, fun Lando is still there! he's still little brother to Carlos and Daniel and George and Alex! but those are now some of the many facets we've gotten to see in the past 14 months!

the winter break was a revelation because Lando spoke to fans solely through his camera lens and the reflections of the beautiful world he saw as he traveled. no goofing, no pretense, no corporate. his chosen pose for all his photos was partly in fun, partly symbolic of his confidence that he didn't need to sell these photos as selfies for them to blow up all over social media.

and all the while Oscar was quietly on his own down time and training, liking Lando's posts and saying "you went everywhere!" and listening to Lando recount it all.

then Lando came back to work this year and everything about him wore a new sheen of beauty and romance to it, including him having grown more beautiful. he's used his beauty more consciously when modeling and even LN4 and Quadrant took on a more stylized look. his new McLaren contract announcement was an entire aesthetic complete with a short film.

like, obv this whole post is me going off on a whole stupid thing but just. Lando was always meant to live his life in a unique way and he was always meant to see things through romance and art and music. he wasn't supposed to apologize for enjoying racing as a means of attaining perfection one day. and there's Oscar who reflects back to Lando all the quirks and things that make Lando unique that he's memorized over the years, listening to Lando's music in place of the usual silence in his own driver's room, helping Lando navigate unknown food and new lengthy words and knowing when Lando is comfortable to take the lead in public speaking and when Lando needs Oscar to step in and handle it. pushing Lando all the time as a teammate and the whole friction creates the pearl analogy.

idk it's just not as huge a leap as I thought last year to say that Oscar's comfortable, placid life has long had a splash of color in it at last in some part because of Lando and that Lando has become the most authentic and brilliant version of himself at least in some part because Oscar is there to always appreciate it.

like this little moment of Lando giving Oscar a nickname and Oscar finding it the best thing he's ever heard and Lando's half-stunned and delighted smile at being able to do that to Oscar is just all of that distilled:

Oscar's confidence has returned and he's smoothing over the awkward PR duties while Lando is relaxed and confident and the little quips like this just come so naturally. (the way Lando actually wriggles in his chair with delight over Oscar's reaction !!) like, Lando doesn't have to try ! he doesn't have to try to be anyone but himself ! there's someone here at work with him all day and every day who is delighted by him no matter what !

and what's even better is apparently! now that they both understand and exist on that wavelength together, they've returned from winter break circling around each other and looking for each other more than they ever have <3

[coff33andb00ks]

Recipe for the Perfect Christmas 5/12

One part small town girl coming home from the big city. One part handsome stranger. Five parts lifelong friends (don't forget to include their partners). One part stubborn father. A dash of Christmas spirit. Pairing: Oscar Piastri x ofc (with appearances from Mark Webber. Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, Pato O'Ward, and George Russell) wc: 3,764 warnings: suggestive language, brief mentions of miscarriage soundtrack: spotify ⋆❆⋆ apple music nav: One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten | Eleven | Twelve

Susie and Esteban's great room was warm and inviting as always, and Natalie spent a few minutes admiring the newer décor and photos while Lando helped settle Maddie on one of the couches.

"You'll call me if you feel any pain?" he asked worriedly.

"Of course, babe," Maddie promised him.

"No wine."

Maddie sighed. "I don't even like wine."

"Still." Lando tucked a blanket over her and leaned to kiss her. "Have fun. I love you."

"Love you too."

Natalie joined in the chorus of 'Awww' that rang out from Susie, Sasha, Amira, and Lilli. Giggling when Lando straightened up, his cheeks red, she followed Susie into the kitchen to get the wine, grabbing a cold water from the fridge for Maddie.

"Did you send the kids off with Estie?" Sasha asked once they were all settled in the great room.

"They're staying the night at Grandma's," Susie explained, plucking some olives off the charcuterie board.

"Operation Third Child is underway," Amira said in a stage whisper.

Natalie nearly choked on her wine, laughing when Susie threw a cushion at Amira.

"We're thinking about it!"

"You've been practicing since Michael was born," Sasha teased.

"I didn't want three. But… Thankfully we can afford another. And Estie loves kids—"

"Almost as much as he loves horses," Natalie finished with a grin.

Susie turned to Maddie. "How are the babies?" she asked, obviously ready for a change in subject. Her beloved corgi, Rusty, jumped up onto the couch, tucking himself at Maddie's side.

Maddie exhaled harshly, sagging back with a dramatic groan. "I feel like I've been pregnant for ten years."

"Is the bed rest terrible?" Amira asked with a frown.

"It's not so bad, really. I can be up to take a shower or move to the couch. I take a lot of naps and watch a lot of YouTube and read a lot of books." She held up the small tote bag she'd brought with her. "I taught myself how to knit. It's just boring. And Lando's always fussing over me. Worried that I'll go into early labor if I sneeze too hard."

"Bless him, he just wants you and the babies to be okay," Lilli said gently.

Maddie smiled. "Yeah, I know. But really the only downside to sneezing too hard is sometimes I pee on myself."

Pouring herself more wine, Natalie made a face as Susie and Maddie began discussing pregnancy side effects. Next to her, Sasha's expression grew horrified as constipation and hemorrhoids were brought up. Natalie noticed she hadn't touched her wine and tipped her head thoughtfully. She knew that her friend and Carlos had been trying. There had been false positives, a devastating miscarriage, and as far as she knew they'd stopped trying for the time being.

"We adopted a cat," Sasha blurted when there was a pause in the conversation. She still looked a little pale, and picked up a cracker to munch on. "Carlos surprised me with her this afternoon."

They all oohed and ahhed at the pictures of the gray cat, who Sasha had named Yoko. Sasha smiled at her phone screen then set her phone down.

"We're not telling anyone. Don't want to jinx it or anything," she mumbled. "But we're pregnant. Due late July."

They crowed their congratulations, Susie hurrying to the kitchen to get a bottle of sparkling cider to celebrate.

God, she'd missed this. The love and laughter and support of her girls. It didn't matter that more than half of them were married and having children. They'd always be her girls. Sipping her sparkling cider, she couldn't help but smile, remembering the sleepovers they'd had as children, then as teens. Between the six of them there had been so much laughter and so many tears. Leaning against Sasha, she congratulated her again.

"What about you and George?" Maddie asked Lilli.

"No babies," Lilli laughed. "We're thinking of getting a cat. And we're renovating the bookshop after the new year."

"You should ask that new guy – Oscar? – to help you out. Have y'all seen the old Alonso place?" Maddie shifted, reaching for her water. "Lando drove me by on the way here and it looks amazing."

"He helped Estie and Pato put in the new stable door," Susie put in, standing from the couch when the doorbell rang. "That's the pizza, I'll get it."

"I'll tell George to ask Oscar. We've had some contractors in to give us an estimate and they all seem to think we have millions lying around," Lilli snorted. "But I've heard he's not staying around once he finishes the house?"

"Really? Carlos showed him Mr. Wright's house," Sasha said.

Four pairs of eyes turned to Natalie.

"Don't look at me," she said, holding up her hands. "I barely know the guy."

"You were dancing in the snow with him," Amira said, arching an eyebrow.

"Not with him – how do you even know about that?"

"Lilli told me."

"Sasha told me."

"It was cute," Sasha said with a grin. "I saw you when me and Carlos were leaving yesterday."

"We weren't dancing together, though – He gave me a ride home last week in the rain and we had this conversation about dancing in the rain and then Pierre called and ruined it. Then yesterday it was snowing and I just—" Natalie cut off abruptly, realizing the mood in the room had soured at the mention of her former fiancé.

"Ugh, Pierre." Susie set the pizza boxes on the coffee table.

"That prick," Maddie muttered. "Has he bothered you anymore?"

"He was bothering you?" Amira looked ready to fight.

"Carlos has a friend that lives in the same building. If I bribe him with good wine, he can arrange an accident," Sasha offered.

Lilli swirled her wine in her glass. "There's a hog farm off Route 22…"

They all dissolved into laughter at that, Natalie shaking her head as she began serving the pizza. "I deleted his number and blocked him."

"Good for you," Susie said proudly.

"Dad called him an absolute cunt," Natalie sighed. "I used to be upset that they didn't like each other, but… Maybe sometimes dads do know better."

"Is Mark having his knee replacement soon?" Amira asked. "Pato said Franco and Ollie were asked to work more hours."

Natalie nodded, biting into her pizza. "He meets with the surgeon tomorrow afternoon, and as long as his tests go alright he'll be having surgery the first week of January."

"Thank God," Lilli murmured. "And you're staying a while, right?"

"I guess so. I'm getting a crash course in running a bakery over the next few weeks. But knowing Dad, he'll be FaceTiming me from the operating room to remind me how many times to fold croissant dough."

"Mm, croissants," Maddie sighed.

Grinning, Natalie made a mental note to take Maddie a few fresh croissants the next day.

"But you're okay aren't you? With the breakup?" Sasha inquired gently.

"I guess. The longer I go the more I realize what an absolute asshole he is. He even called Dad today."

Her friends groaned in unison.

"Dad hung up on him."

"Good for Mark."

"Yeah fuck that guy."

"Not literally."

"She already did that."

"Ooo that's what you need, to get fucked properly!"

"Nah, she needs a cat."

"I have a cat. Trust me, I still felt better after getting properly fucked."

"Sex isn't the answer to everything."

"Maybe not but it's a damned good start!"

"I hope the baby horse likes me."

"Horsey."

"Mister Estie said he'd walk me around the corral."

"Me walk."

"Mama says I can take riding lessons."

"Horsey!"

The second utterance of the word was more of a squeal, and Oscar smiled indulgently as he turned onto the winding driveway leading to the farmhouse. On either side were pastures, the one on the right having four horses, all of which were standing close to each other. Majestic heads turned to watch as he slowly drove by, and Lucas's excitement reached new levels when one broke from the pack and began trotting along the fence line.

It had been Esteban's idea for him to bring Grace and Lucas out to the house to see the new foal. Oscar had been grateful for the invitation, having started to run out of fun things to entertain them with while Max was busy at the bank going over property details. Turning at the end of the drive and into the little parking area, he parked and turned off the engine.

"Okay, guys, what are the rules?" he asked, checking the time on his phone.

"Be good," Grace said while unbuckling the straps of Michael's car seat.

"And?"

"No asking for a pony."

"One more."

Grace sighed. "Mister Estie might be cute but I can't tell him so. I don't know why. Isn't it nice to tell someone they're cute?"

"Not if they're married," Oscar said, biting back a chuckle.

"Can I tell Michael that he's cute?"

"I guess."

"Too bad he eats boogers," the girl mourned, turning around on the seat to stare out the rear window.

"What?" Oscar asked in horror.

"All boys eat boogers."

"No we don't!"

"Mama said so!" Grace pulled her face from the glass. "Mama doesn't lie!"

"She just doesn't want you to – Not all boys – Put your jacket on," he groaned, opening the door. "I'll talk to your mother later."

"That means Mama's in trouble," Grace whispered to her brother.

"Mommy?" Lucas pouted.

"Don't worry, Lucas." Oscar motioned for Grace to climb out, then waved for Lucas to do the same. Catching the boy before he could dive out of the truck, he set him on the ground, then reached to grab Grace's sleeve before she could dart to the fence to touch the black horse staring at her. "What did I tell you about running off?"

"To not to," she sighed. "I wasn't – Mister Estie!"

"Hey!" Esteban greeted, starting to grin as he strode across the yard.

"Is Michael here?"

"He's on the way. He went with Susie and Hannah to get some cookies from the bakery."

"Cookie?" Lucas hurried to Esteban and stared up at him. "Me cookie?"

"Cookies for everybody." Esteban grinned down at him and lightly tousled his hair. "C'mon, let's go see the baby."

The man looked tired, but it was what Oscar thought of as a happy tired. It was similar to how Max had looked after the births of his kids. He knew that, to Esteban and Susie, the horses were just an extension of their family, and they were undoubtedly experiencing the euphoric exhaustion of a newborn. He walked along to the stable, half-listening as Esteban pointed out things to the kids, who seemed on the brink of breaking into full speed so they could reach the stable to see the foal.

Grace talked rapidly, asking questions then starting another before Esteban could get his full answer out. When they entered the stable she lowered her voice to a reverent tone, keeping close to Esteban's side as he led them to the end stall.

"Listen, her mama's sometimes nervous, okay? Just keep your voices down and she'll be fine." Esteban said gently. Metal scraped as he unlatched the upper half of the stall door. He swung it open and clicked his tongue gently, grinning when there was an answering whicker. "Hey, Bonny, baby, you got some visitors."

Shaking his head, Oscar could only grin while Esteban sweet-talked the horse, whose head poked out. After a few moments Esteban opened the bottom half and squatted down. Bonny investigated the back of his head, snuffling at his hair, then turned away with a disinterested snort. Oscar knew the instant the foal came forward, because Michael gave a small squeal and Grace cooed.

"Daddy!" a voice called from the door of the stable. Oscar turned and saw Michael running towards them, Susie and Hannah following him at a slower place. "Grace!"

"Son, keep it down," Esteban said, motioning for Grace and Lucas to step closer.

"What's her name?" Grace asked, giving the foal's nose a tentative rub.

"We—"

"Natalie," Michael announced, thrusting a bag of carrot sticks at his father. "For Bonny."

"We're not naming her Nat—"

"Natalie," the boy said.

"She needs a name that reflects her lineage, not—"

"Babe," Susie said as she approached. "Let it go."

"Her name is Chicory,” Esteban insisted.

"Natalie is a nice name," Grace said, tipping her head back to look up at Bonny.

"Nattie," Lucas agreed.

"Couldn't we name her Natalie Chicory, Daddy?" Hannah asked.

Esteban groaned and looked at Oscar. "Help me out here, man."

"My vote wouldn't sway the majority."

The man shook his head with a sigh. "We'll think about it."

"My daddy says that all the time." Grace accepted a carrot stick from Esteban and held it up to Bonny. "It means yes."

"It doesn't always mean yes," Esteban told her, waiting until Grace had fed another carrot stick to the horse before lifting Lucas so he could do the same.

"Yes it does." Grace returned her attention to the foal.

"No, it doesn't."

"Are you coming to the bazaar tonight, Oscar?" Susie asked while her husband and Grace continued their repetitive disagreement.

"Yeah, probably. Do you have a booth?"

Susie laughed softly. “No. I'll probably help Natalie out. She's doing the bakery booth."

Oscar frowned. He and Natalie had made tentative plans to stroll through the bazaar together. "Mark's not gonna be there?"

"I just saw her at the bakery. His knee's hurting so bad he's going to take some painkillers and lie down." Susie sighed. "I can't wait for him to get the replacement. Esteban's uncle had one last year and he was back to normal within weeks. Wasn't he, babe?"

"Steve was never normal," Esteban snorted, overseeing Lucas as he fed the last of the carrot sticks to Bonny.

"You know what I mean." Susie stepped close to her husband, and while he flashed her a grin she moved to love on Bonny, who whickered softly in appreciation, dipping her head to rest it on Susie's shoulder.

Esteban sighed, flashing Oscar a disgruntled look. "Sometimes I don't know if she married me for me or my horses."

"Definitely the horses," Susie said. "Isn’t that right, Bonny Lass?"

Grace tugged on Esteban's arm and gazed up at him adoringly. "I'd marry you, Mister Estie."

"Grace."

"What?" She blinked her big brown eyes at Oscar. "I didn't tell him he's cute!"

"She thinks I'm cute," Esteban told his wife, smirking. "You've got competition, baby."

"I'll be sure and tell Eve, she'll have your balls for breakfast."

Laughing, Oscar reached for Lucas when he made a move to step into the stall. After a round of goodbyes and thank-yous to the foal and Bonny, Esteban closed the door and led them to the corral, where two horses were saddled and waiting. He watched, a little anxiously, as the kids were lifted into the saddles.

"They'll be fine," Susie promised, joining him at the fence while Esteban swung Michael up into the saddle with Lucas. "Esteban's an excellent teacher."

"I know."

"The girls are on Chaps. She's one of our beginner horses. If Esteban's in front of her, she'll follow him anywhere. She's gentle and sweet. Esteban rescued her from being euthanized ten years ago, and she's the perfect horse for a child to learn on." Susie's face glowed with love, and Oscar wasn't sure if it was for the horses or her husband. "The boys are on Merry Legs. He's a senior we rescued from an abandoned farm the year before Lucas was born. We don't know his history, but he's excellent with kids. He won't move until Esteban tells him to."

"I trust you both," Oscar promised, pulling out his phone to get a few pictures. "Eve and Max trust you, too, or they'd have said I couldn't bring them out."

"Speaking of Max…" Susie turned to face him, nearly blocking his view of the kids. "What business is he buying?"

"Who said he's buying a business?"

"Esteban."

"Then ask Esteban?" he suggested, eyes on the screen of his phone.

"He doesn't have a clue. You've been around him enough to know that unless it involves horses or food or whiskey he doesn't pay attention."

Oscar chuckled, because she was right. "He pays attention to you and the kids."

"Of course he does, we're the second loves of his life."

"What's his first?"

Susie gestured behind her. "Take a guess."

"I'm sure if he had to choose…" Lifting his eyebrows when she snorted, he grinned and resumed taking pictures. "I concede to your more intimate knowledge of him."

"Anyway, what business is Max buying?"

Oscar shook his head. "Not my business."

"You're his friend."

"Yep."

"And you're really not gonna tell me." She looked almost offended.

"Ask him?"

"Is he coming to the bazaar tonight?"

"Yeah. He and Eve just got to town a couple hours ago." Oscar watched Esteban lead the horses in a slow circle around the corral. "But he probably won't tell you."

Susie sighed and turned to lean against the fence again. "I thought you were open and easygoing."

"Hardly."

"I'm easygoing and open."

"You're a bulldog."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"You know how in old cartoons a dog would bite someone in the ass and not let go?"

She gaped at him, made a startled sound, then folded her arms over her chest. "And to think I'm trying to push you and Natalie together."

"I appreciate that, Susie, but we're doing just fine without your interference," he said without thinking, looking to his phone when it buzzed with an incoming message. Smiling at the sight of Natalie's name, he opened it, smile fading as he read her words about her father. The last line made his smile disappear.

I'm worried because he never lets the pain get the better of him.

"Have you asked her out?" He barely noticed the excited interest in the woman's voice.

"I'm working on it," he muttered. Life, it seemed, had other plans. He tried to think of comforting words that wouldn't sound unoriginal. Finally he settled on a question.

Do you need anything? I'm free.

"How are you working on it?"

Lifting his head, he squinted at Susie. "Huh?"

"You said you're working on asking her out. What, exactly, do you have planned?"

"Nothing yet."

She huffed with annoyance, waving to the kids as they circled by them. "What are you waiting for?"

"Her to be ready," he said, glancing down at his phone to see a message from Natalie appear on the screen.

I can't think of anything. Unless you want to bring Penny by for a visit? He loves her. He just laid down, though, so it probably wouldn't be a fun visit for her.

Two seconds later another message appeared.

Tell me he's going to be okay.

Oscar sighed. "Excuse me a minute," he said to Susie, stepping away from the fence. A chill wind swept through, making him shiver in his jacket and think of more snow. There was little evidence of the snow the previous weekend, save for bits here and there, where there was no sunshine to melt it. Calling Natalie, he brought the phone to his ear, eyes on Lucas and Grace as they were led around and around.

"Oscar?" Natalie sounded surprised.

"He's gonna be okay," he said without greeting.

"I know," she sighed.

"Did he take something?"

"He did, complaining a little about how he doesn't like drugs. That's how I know it's bad." Her voice sounded small. She sounded scared and worried. "I need to get to the bakery and load up the stuff for the bazaar but I don't want to leave him just yet."

"I'll do it," he offered.

"Really?"

"Of course. What time can the booth be set up?"

"Ollie and Franco are down at the green now getting the decorations up. I'm supposed to meet them in two hours to start setting everything out."

"I'm out at Esteban and Susie's with the kids," he said, looking on as the horses stopped near Susie. She helped them down, and Grace immediately scrambled over the fence and began running to him, her exuberance shining on her face. "I'll probably be here for another hour or so, then I'll come over, okay?"

"I really appreciate it, Oscar."

"I don't mind."

"I know," she whispered. "I've got to call Franco and Ollie and let them know."

"It's gonna work out," he assured her, holding up a finger before Grace could start squealing about her ride. "I'll be there in a little bit. And I'll bring Penny."

"Thank you."

Ending the call, he pushed his phone into his pocket, listening when the girl began to enthuse over her first horse ride. They walked back to Susie, Michael, Hannah, and Lucas, who had started asking about cookies, and he followed everyone into the old farmhouse that seemed to radiate warmth and love as soon as he stepped inside. There was cocoa for the kids, coffee for he and Susie, and Esteban when he joined them a few moments later, and an assortment of cookies. He had originally planned to enjoy a leisurely visit, mainly because Eve had mentioned she wanted a nap but also because he knew the kids liked Michael and Hannah, but as soon as he'd finished his coffee he began to encourage them to finish their snack so they could head back to town.

"Eat and leave?" Esteban asked, squatting to tie Lucas’s shoe.

"Sorry," Oscar sighed, holding Grace's jacket so she could push her arms into the sleeves. "I'm going to help Natalie out."

"You asked her out yet?"

"Did Susie put you up to that?"

"No." He stood, pushing his glasses up further on his nose. "I figured it out on my own, since I heard you were dancing in the snow last weekend."

"This town is full of spies," Oscar muttered. “Besides, she danced, I was just there.”

"Pie?" Lucas looked around hopefully. "Mis'er Estie, pie?"

"Do you think about anything but sweets, kid?" Esteban asked, laughing.

"Mommy an' Daddy," the boy said. When Grace cleared her throat he grinned. "Grace."

"You danced in the snow?" Grace asked Oscar. "With Miss Natalie?"

"Nattie pie!"

"We're going to get pies from Natalie now," Oscar told him, ignoring Grace's question. "Pies and cookies and brownies and gingerbread people…"

"Cookies!"

"Don't let him loose around them, there won't be any to sell," Esteban warned.

[chickwiththepurpleguitar]

It just hit me that the boys all have graves somewhere... Do you think they've gone there? Has Julie? How do they feel about how and where they were buried?

sorry this took so long to respond to! I'm not sure if you meant it as a writing prompt or just a point of discussion.... but i wrote 2500 words on it anyway. Hope you enjoy!

Special thanks to @weneedglitter for her math and naming assistance :)

Send me prompts to help me reach my 2024 writing goal!

It’s sort of an accident, at the beginning. Reggie doesn’t mean to be looking.

He doesn’t really mean to be looking for anything, even if he sounded really suspicious and like he was a total lying liar face when he told Julie and the guys he was just “going for a stroll.” But honestly, it’s a coincidence more than anything that his stroll takes him to the bike rental place on the beachfront that used to be his house. And it’s a coincidence that the pimpled teen working the counter has that day’s mail laid out in front of him for all the world to see. And it’s a coincidence that in said pile of mail is a letter from Evergreen Cemetery addressed to “Archibald Peters or Current Resident.”

He doesn’t actually read the letter (his invisibility these days is spotty at best, and he doesn’t think committing felony mail theft would be much smarter of an idea than making an envelope float in mid-air anyway). He doesn’t know that the letter has anything more to say than “Hey you, know any dead people? Send ‘em our way!”

He doesn’t know it has anything to do with him.

But he goes home anyway— because home is Julie’s house, now— and slides Carlos’s laptop out of its super functional hiding place under his pillow, and looks up the address for Evergreen Cemetery.

And then he poofs into the kitchen and says, “Ray? Will you drive me somewhere?”

The car ride is quiet, mostly because Ray said, “You wanna tell me where we’re going?” when they got in the car, and Reggie said, “Mmhmm!” all high-pitched and obvious, and then never elaborated, and so trying to make other conversation seems rude. He just gives directions, and hums along to the radio, and Ray drives them to the cemetery where Reggie’s pre-ghost body may or may not be buried.

That’s the weirdest part of all of this. Not the mail theft or the bike shop or the idea that Reggie’s parents might have put him somewhere other than the Peters Family plot in Orange County where his grandparents and Great Aunt Barb are buried, but the fact that there is a body, very much dead and scientifically identifiable as his, lying under six feet of dirt somewhere.

He has a body. Now, currently, in most ways even an alive one. And yeah, he’s worked pretty damn hard to get this one, but it still feels really weird that there’s just another one… out there.

“Reggie?” Ray asks as he slows the car along the gravel driveway of the cemetery. “What…?”

He doesn’t finish his question, which is probably a good thing because Reggie’s not sure he has an answer. “Could you…?” he asks instead, staring down at his hands in his lap so he won’t have to look Ray in the eye. “Um. Would you maybe mind going in there and asking if… or, uh, where…” 

He trails off, unable to finish his own question either.

Ray makes a soft sound, somewhere between a hum and a sigh, and nods once before giving Reggie a comforting pat on the knee and getting out of the car.

He’s in there a long time. Long enough for Reggie to get all squirmy and start to feel bad for dragging him into this.

He can only imagine the conversation going on in there: Hi, can you please point me to the grave of a seventeen-year-old who died twenty-five years ago? No, no, I’m not related to him, nor do I have any legitimate connection to him that I can offer you as an explanation for why I’m asking. Please do not ask any follow-up questions.

Jeez. What was Reggie even thinking bringing Ray all the way out here, just on a hunch? As soon as he gets back to the car, Reggie should just tell him to take them back home.

But it’s only a few minutes later that the office door opens and Ray emerges, a piece of paper in one hand. He shakes hands with an older white guy— the manager, Reggie guesses, or whatever the term is for people in charge of the little office at a cemetery— and then heads back over to Reggie.

He gets back in the car, shuts the door, and sits heavily in the driver’s seat without buckling his seat belt or shifting the car out of park. Reggie opens his mouth to say something, closes it again. Shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

Ray hands him the piece of paper. “You tell me what you wanna do, mijo.”

It’s a list— of names and plots, next to a handy-dandy little map of the cemetery. Three are highlighted— Reginald Peters. Alexander Mercer. Lucas Patterson.

Reggie shivers, the edges of the paper crinkling in his tight grip. “These are… Jeez. We’re all here?”

“Seems so.” Ray puts a comforting hand on his shoulder. “It was sort of a long shot, but I figured I’d ask while I was in there.”

Reggie stares at his name— at his friends’ names— just three lines on a list of ghosts.

He points at the plot number next to his name. “Guess we’re going here then?”

It’s not a far walk. Reggie leads the way, squinting at the map, while Ray follows politely behind. Ray doesn’t berate him or even comment when they get lost, and Reggie only gets them lost three and a half times. Eventually, they find it: a modest tombstone in a far corner of the graveyard, neatly kept with a still-fresh bouquet of lilies propped up against it.

The tombstone reads:

Reginald Alastair Peters

August 18, 1977– July 22, 1995

Beloved Son

Loving Brother

Cherished Bandmate

“Oh,” Reggie whispers, reaching out a tentative hand to touch the last line of lettering. He can’t imagine his parents choosing to spend extra money on that particular engraving, not without some serious coercion, but the only other option is…

“Someone’s been here recently,” Ray says, voice reverent and yet too loud, all of a sudden, in the otherwise silence. He reaches around Reggie to pick up the flowers and place them gently atop the headstone. “So your parents might still live nearby.”

“Maybe,” Reggie whispers, though he highly doubts his parents had anything to do with the bouquet. With effort, he tears his gaze away from his grave and down to the map in his hands. “Um. Can we–?”

He cuts off, swallowing against the lump in his throat, and instead points wordlessly at the plot numbers for his two best friends.

“Of course.” Ray puts a hand on his shoulder– warm, solid, reassuring– and takes the map with the other. “May I?”

Reggie lets it go with relief and wipes his sweaty hands on his pants. The walk between graves will give him a good chance to clear his head, and he’s way too distracted to follow a map without getting them lost way more than three and a half times.

But Ray only takes a few steps before he stops and frowns down at the map. He looks up again, turns a slow circle, and walks just a few feet before stopping again, the map falling to his side. “Oh. Well.”

Reggie goes to see what he’s looking at, and his breath catches in his throat.

There’s a good bit of space between them, but the next tombstone over from Reggie’s belongs to Alex. He continues down the line, and sure enough, the next one down from that is Luke’s.

They’re all distinctly different– Luke’s is the biggest of the three, Alex’s has a Bible quote snaked along the side– but they’re all adorned with fresh flowers, and they all have the same phrase tacked onto the end of their epitaphs:

Cherished Bandmate.

Cherished Bandmate.

Cherished Bandmate.

A cold feeling seeps through Reggie’s bones, not unlike the time he and Luke were playing hide and seek and he won by curling up inside the refrigerator.

“I think I wanna go home now,” Reggie says slowly, feeling shivery and stuck and ghostly in the worst way as he stands at the point of the triangle of his and his best friends’ graves.

“Of course,” Ray says, his voice muffled like he’s speaking through water or from very far away. “I’ll go get the car.”

But Reggie’s already poofed out.

***

He doesn’t intend to bring it up again. Because he’s not entirely sure Luke and Alex would want to know. And the last thing he wants to do is assume his friends are at the same place on the same journey regarding their life, death, and rebirth as he is.

He doesn’t want to hurt their feelings if he’s wrong about his theory. He doesn’t want to make them sad if he’s right.

But apparently Reggie’s not as good at concealing his own feelings as he’d like to think– even though Ray doesn’t say anything, and Julie at least seems convinced by Reggie’s “we were running errands” story, less than two days has gone by when she informs him that the jig is, in fact, up.

He’s sitting cross-legged on the couch in the studio, eating a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream very slowly because Ray made him promise he wouldn’t drip any on the sofa cushions.

Alex is out skateboarding with Willie. Luke is out “chaperoning” (read: mooching off of) Carlos and his friends’ laser tag party. Julie was ostensibly doing homework, which is why Reggie had taken his ice cream out to the garage, but now the doors open and Julie bounds in to join him, plopping next to him on the couch with a warm (if slightly mischievous) smile.

“Hey there, you,” she says expressively, poking him in the arm.

Reggie blinks, slowly drawing the spoon out of his mouth. “Hi, Julie.”

“We both know I’m not very good at beating around the bush,” she says, hands in her lap, “so I’m just gonna cut to the chase. The boys tell me you’re sad, and while at first I tried to convince them that maybe just not everyone thinks the 2002 Scooby-Doo movie is as funny as they do and that’s why you were a little quiet during movie night, the more I thought about it the more I agreed that you haven’t been your usual amazing chipper self… lately… So, uh. You know. You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”

“I know,” Reggie says, nodding, because he does know, and clutches his bowl of ice cream to his chest for some comfort. “I, um… I’m not… sad, I just… Okay, so you know how your dad and I ran some errands the other day and I came back early because I didn’t wanna have to listen to his sad Dad Rock the whole drive home and he didn’t have a single good CD in the car?”

Julie nods.

“Well, I actually sorta made all that up. We went to see where the guys and I are buried.”

Julie’s face falls, her eyes going wide. “Oh. Wow.”

“And I didn’t say anything,” Reggie continues, “because I didn’t really know how I felt about it yet. And I didn’t know how Luke and Alex would feel. I didn’t know if they’d wanna know.”

“Of course we would, bro.”

Reggie felt the spark alighting in his chest a split second before Luke spoke, so the sudden arrival of his friends doesn’t startle him. He ducks his chin, staring into his ice cream so he doesn’t have to see if they’re mad at him.

“Reggie…” Julie puts a hand on his knee. “You didn’t do anything wrong– this is a really complicated situation to navigate. It’s just… we didn’t even know you were looking.”

“I wasn’t,” Reggie promises, but he doesn’t know how to explain himself beyond that. He sets his bowl down on the coffee table and slowly raises his eyes to meet his friends’ gazes. “We’re all together. The three of us, our– we’re not buried with our families.”

Luke’s and Alex’s faces go through several expressions before settling on twin looks of determination. “Good,” Luke says. “That’s how it should be.”

“Will you go back with us?” Alex asks. “Take a look all together?”

In the moment that Reggie hesitates, Julie takes his hand in hers and gives it a warm, reassuring squeeze.

Reggie takes a deep breath, feeling it whistle through live, healthy lungs, and reaches out his other hand. Luke takes it and offers his hand to Alex, who joins hands with Luke and Julie to complete the circle. When the ghosts who aren’t quite ghosts anymore poof out, they carry Julie with them, until all four members of Julie and the Phantoms stand solemn but supported in front of Reggie’s grave.

They take it in. The epitaph. The flowers, a bit crumpled from yesterday’s rain but nowhere near wilting. The edge of Alex’s headstone just visible in their peripheral vision, and Luke’s just beyond it.

“We are all together,” Alex says in awe. 

Luke shakes his head. “Why would our parents–?”

A voice behind them says, “I insisted.”

They spin around. Reggie didn’t hear anyone approaching, and yet standing just a few feet back, dark sunglasses obscuring his expression, is Trevor Wilson, three bunches of fresh wildflowers tucked in the crook of his arm.

He nods toward the grave behind them. “They were gonna take you halfway across the state, and the Mercers wanted Alex cremated, and I wasn’t even invited to the funerals but I pitched a fit. Told them I’d pay for everything– the plots, the services, the upkeep– if only they’d keep you all… intact. And together.”

Reggie’s heart does an Olympics-worthy gymnastics routine inside his chest. “You added the bandmate line?” he guesses.

Trevor shrugs a little sheepishly. “I snuck it in on the paperwork. Don’t think Luke’s dad ever forgave me.”

“Yeah, well, my dad can–” Luke starts to say, and then trails off, shoving his hands in his pockets so it’s a little less obvious that they’re curled into fists. His voice is strained but sincere when he says, “Thanks, Bobby. For doing all that.”

“It’s the least I could do.”

With some hesitation, Trevor steps forward and past them, to lay one bouquet at the foot of Reggie’s headstone.

It feels right, for them all to be there together, paying homage to the people they once were.

Reggie’s glad he found this place, even if it was sort of an accident.

--

@wr0temyway0ut

@phantomwriter95

@littlepetbee

@secondhand-sunlight

@ddaxnggirl

@trustworthytoast

@interestinglittlerelationship

@fangirl17-07

@manualamadrugada

@easybugboy

@moonlit-asthers

[jessicaloons]

Chapter 49:

All's well that ends well to end up with you

Masterlist - Previous - Next

"Can’t they stop staring at us?" I whispered, Charles pulling me closer to his side.

"They’re staring at you, cara mia. And what did you expect? People watched the documentary and bam! You dropped casually that you’ll retire at the end of the season. No explanation. No statement from you. No nothing." he sighed.

"There will be no explanation, only reputation." I joked and Charles chuckled "And what was there left to explain? When they watched the episodes they know why I had to retire. And why would I write a statement if it’s already out there?"

"True." he chuckled "I’m just so happy that everyone knows now what was going on, what you had to go through. What they all did with their constant bashing…"

"It’s out now. No turning back." I said as we stopped in front of the Audi hospitality.

"It definitely is out there… but I thought they wanted to announce Mick as their driver right on Monday?"

"They wanted to, but there was a little problem with the contract from Alpine. It’s sorted now, he signed his contract and they’ll announce it anytime now." I smiled

and took the 3 steps on terrace "See you later?"

"Yup." he pulled me down a little and kissed my cheek "See you later my pretty girl."

I pulled away and waved him off, walking inside.

"Lizzie, hey!" Matt smiled at me and I walked over to him "How are you? Now that it’s all out?"

"Relieved? But also annoyed because people look at me now like I’m a little helpless and injured deer…" I sighed and he chuckled.

"You’re anything but a helpless and injured deer, that’s for sure!" he rolled his eyes a little.

"Tell that the rest of the paddock." I shrugged my shoulders "Have you seen Julie?"

"She was with Felix, last time I checked…" he replied and I nodded.

"Alright, see you later!" I waved him off, looking for Julie, right as she stepped inside the lounge.

"There you are. We’ve got a little bit to do before I drop you off at the press conference!" she said and I nodded.

"When will you announce Mick?" I asked.

"We thought about doing it after the season? We want to keep the focus on you and your last two races with us."

"Oh that’s alright, you can announce him now, I’m fine with that, draws the attention away from me again." I laughed and she nodded.

"I’ll talk with Felix, then."

"Thanks Julie."

"Hey you." Max bumped slightly into me.

"Hey Max." I replied as he hugged me.

"How are you?" he looked at me and I sighed "I had no idea how bad your accident was... fucking hell Lizzie..."

"I didn't want anyone else to know... I didn't want to speak about it all the damn time."

"Yeah, I understand that... but now?" he nodded towards the conference room.

"I'm retiring, so only a couple of interviews left and then there won't be more questions anymore." I shrugged my shoulders and he nodded, right when Lewis patted my back "Hey Lewis."

"You're amazing, I hope you know that." he hugged me and I smiled "What you've been through and still delivered weekend after weekend? That's inspiring, Lizzie, really."

"Thanks Lewis." I said when the doors opened "Now come on guys, let's go."

We walked inside and I sat down between Max and Lewis, talking away until the press conference started. When Sainz and Oscar arrived, Tom Clarkson took his microphone and began.

"Welcome back to the penultimate race of the 2024 Formula 1 season here in Qatar. With me today Sir Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull, Carlos Sainz, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren and last but not least Lizzie Doetterer, Audi. Now, starting with you Lizzie. Last Sunday, for everyone who watched the Netflix Originals: Drive to Survive - The Story or Lizzie Doetterer, was in for a rollercoaster ride, with an unexpected ending. You'll retire at the end of the season. How are you feeling, one week after revealing it to the world?"

I picked up the microphone and tilted my head a little, thinking about the right words.

"The final decision to retire was made after Monza, so I had a few weeks already to wrap my head around it, you know?

But... I honestly don't know how I'm feeling? Sad? Mad? Proud? Relieved? There are a lot of emotions on my mind right now. But above all I think I'm grateful. For the chance that my team gave me, for the love and support of my family and friends, but of course also my fans! The other drivers who made me feel welcome on the grid and made it easy to fit right in. All the memories I could create over the past 3 years."

"The decision was made after Monza, is it then safe for you to keep driving until the end of the season?"

"Not really, no..." I chuckled a little "If it was for my doctors, I would've never gone back to racing in the first place. But here I am... it was a calculated risk, one I was willing to take. I was monitored strictly the last few weeks and as soon as the issues with my back would've get any worse, I would have quit immediately. But fortunately I was lucky to keep going and I'm confident that I can finish the season like I planned to, racing this weekend and the next as well."

"Which brings us back to the race on Sunday. Qatar, always a tough race for the driver, not just the car, what can Audi do this weekend?"

"I think the track suits are car not in every aspect, as it's a highspeed track with lots of downforce, which wasn't our strongest suit this season, but I'm confident."

"Alright. Thanks Lizzie, let’s continue with Max…" Clarkson began and I put my microphone down, listening how Max, then Lewis and lastly Oscar were asked about me, both praising me, I didn’t listen to what Sainz had to say, I honestly didn’t care and when the questions from the journalists in front of us came, I wasn’t surprised that most of them were about me retiring and leaving an open seat at Audi.

"Ferran Alvarez, Marca. Question for Carlos. With Lizzie retiring now, her seat will be free next season. Are there talks again between you and Audi, as it’s one of the best available seats for next season?" a dark haired man asked Sainz and I had to suppress a laughter.

"Of course the seat at Audi is an option, as it is, like you said, probably the best seat of the remaining options. My team is working at the presented options and I’m sure before the last race I’ll have some good news for you." Sainz replied and I had to fight, to not burst out laughing.

"So there are talks then?" the reporter pressed and Sainz grinned.

The grin made my insides boil and I had to do what I did next, wiping away exactly that grin.

"I can already give you some breaking news today, we don’t have to wait until next week…" I said and all eyes were on me in a heartbeat "I’m very, very, very happy to announce that non other than Mick Schumacher will be driving for Audi next season, taking over my seat, completing the all-German line-up for Audi."

Silence. Total and absolute silence. And with one look at Sainz I knew I achieved my goal. Grin gone, scowl present. How I would miss moments like these. His DNF in Sunday’s race was just the icing on the cake.

Charles POV:

"I could watch it over and over, I swear… that was the highlight of my weekend!" I laughed, watching the press conference again, replaying the part where Lizzie shattered all of Carlos’ hopes to get her seat "Poor Mick… he was just walking down the paddock and everyone pounced at him out of the blue."

"Yeah, for that I’m sorry… but the rest? Worth it." Lizzie chuckled.

"How do you feel?" I pulled her closer and she raised her eyebrows "It’s your last race weekend…"

"Yeah, I know… honestly? I’m feeling good? Excited even." she shrugged and I cupped her cheek "I’m thinking more about you! Your first championship! How freaking awesome!"

"I didn’t win it yet! First I have to win the race!" I sighed and she rolled her eyes.

"Can you just, for once, believe in my words? I say you win, then you win. Period." Lizzie pouted a little and I pecked her lips.

"Okay, okay… I believe in your words!" I chuckled and she smiled.

"Good!" she pulled away and got off the bed, walking to her suitcase, while I read the mail I got, smiling to myself.

"Oh shit, not again…" Lizzie mumbled and I looked up from my iPad.

"What happened?"

"I forgot something…" she sighed and popped a little pill in her mouth, washing it down with some water "…again."

"And what did you forget?" I put my iPad down and she threw a little package with pills at me "Is that…"

"Birth control… yep…" she said and I looked at the blister, that was labelled with the weekdays "I took it so irregular the last weeks. I have to set a daily reminder or something."

"Why don’t you just take the ones you forgot now?" I asked and she laughed.

"Because that’s not how it works?"

"So what happens when you forget it?" I handed her the blister.

"Well…" she sighed, pointing at her belly "Poof."

"Oh! Like… so it’s not really a good contraception?"

"It is, if you don’t forget to take it like me." Lizzie shrugged her shoulders and I nodded "Don’t worry, it’s not like you forget it once and you end up pregnant already!"

"There were a lot of full ones in between the few popped ones?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Well then, wrap it before you tap it." she laughed and I groaned.

"Don’t say it like that…"

"Why?" she returned from the bathroom and I just shook my head.

"Just-… don’t say it like that… ever again…"

"Okay… are you ready now? Let’s get this day over with." she slipped on her shoes and I got off from the bed.

"Last media day." I said and she nodded.

"Yup… let’s go." she was out the door before I even grabbed my sunglasses.

"Wait for me cara mia!" I rolled my eyes and followed her outside, getting into the elevator downstairs where our car was already waiting for us. I took the keys from the attendant and opened Lizzie’s door for her, quickly getting inside myself.

"I hate that the FIA put me into a group with you… I don’t want them to talk about me today! They should talk about you! And how you’ll be a world champion after the weekend!" she said after a while and I squeezed her thigh.

"I don’t mind talking about you today. I love talking about you, one of my favourite things…" I chuckled and I saw her lips twitch a little, fighting with a smile "It will be fine, I’m sure they’re not just asking about you!"

I was only partly right, there was a lot of talks about Lizzie and her last race, how she felt, how I felt but as soon as we all said our piece the questions changed and Max and I were asked about the upcoming race, how we approached it.

"I mean, I’ll approach it like every other race? I never was this close to winning the title, so I don’t know if I should approach it differently?" I answered looking at Max who just laughed.

"Never approached it differently. At the end of the day it’s just a race like any other, just with a slightly different outcome." he said and I nodded.

"Meg Saunders, BBC Sports. This is going to be a tough and tight battle on Sunday, Charles going in with 444 points and Max going in with 437. Max even if you win, Charles can���t be in P2 with the fastest lap, because then he’s one point ahead. So you have to win with the fastest lap to not care where Charles will end up at the race, how much pressure is that?" the red haired woman in the second row asked Max and he looked at me.

"Charles put me under pressure the whole season already, so nothing new. We both will do our best and then we’ll see what happens."

"Charles, anything to add? You can win the race and don’t have to think about what others do?"

"No, it’s like Max said, we will do our best and then we’ll see what happens." I said and with that Tom Clarkson finished the press conference.

"Lizzie, it was a pleasure working with you, all the best for the future and maybe I’ll see you on Sunday again?" he said and Lizzie smiled.

"Would be amazing."

Starting the race from pole was a good position to get some distance between me and Max, and with Lizzie as a buffer behind me, I knew that I could do it. I could win the championship, do what Lizzie said from the beginning of the season. I was never this nervous during a formation lap, but I focused. I couldn’t mess this up. The start had to be perfect and as soon as the lights were out I was in my well known tunnel, only me and the track.

"Manage your rear tires a bit better." Bryan radioed and I adjusted my driving immediately.

The next 3 laps I was flying, setting fastest lap after fastest lap. But then I saw the yellow flags and slowed down. Shortly after the red flag was waved and I waited for Bryan’s input.

"Red flag. Return to the pits."

"What happened?"

"Perez and Alonso, both out."

"Are they okay?"

"Yes. Both are okay."

"Alright." I sighed and drove into the pits, waiting for further instructions.

"Race will resume in 15 minutes, you can get out of the car."

I unbuckled my seatbelt, took my steering wheel off and climbed out of the car, walking towards the Ferrari garage when I spotted Lizzie, having trouble getting out of her car. I immediately walked over to her but was relieved when I saw that she just had trouble with her belt.

"Hey you." I said, opening the visor and she climbed out of her car "Everything alright?"

"Yeah, my leg got tangled in the seatbelt, happened never before, no idea how that happened." she chuckled and I helped her down "Mr. race leader." she said and I rolled my eyes a little.

"There’s still 20 laps left, don’t get ahead of yourself."

"20 laps left, you have the fastest lap and Max looks like he’s struggling." she replied and I nodded slightly.

"It’s looking good. But first when I take the checkered flag I’m celebrating, okay?" I squeezed her shoulder gently and she nodded.

"Alright. Now you have to excuse me but I need to pee. See you after the race!" she patted my helmet and I smiled, watching her walk away.

I had to win. If not for me, then for Lizzie and her unwavering faith in me. I had to win this title for her.

"My tyres are gone." I radioed.

"3 more laps Lizzie. You can do this."

"These two are crazy! One of them will end up in a wall!"

"Max knows that Charles has the fastest lap at the moment."

"Oh…"

"Charles is faster overall."

"Okay."

No wonder they both pushed their cars to the absolut limit and above. After the messy re-start and Max overtaking Charles because his tires weren’t ready yet they kept on fighting like crazy. The next corner they both left the track, pushing each other harder than ever before. Would Max win, but Charles kept the fastest lap, Charles would be world champion. The next corners it looked like a battle. They were going wheel to wheel, sparks flying everywhere and right when they pushed each other wide again, 2 more laps to go, I saw an opportunity to squeeze past them and I send it.

"Amazing Lizzie! Push, push, push! Give it your all!" Pete radioed, his voice almost hysterical "Last lap Lizzie! Last lap! Bring it home, little one!"

"Trying my best! Charles in P2?"

"Yes. He still has the fastest lap as well."

"Fucking amazing."

He did it. He won. He was a Formula 1 world champion. When I saw the checkered flag being waved, the emotions overcame me. It was my last checkered flag. My last race. My last win. But for Charles it meant so much more. All the years of doubts, blaming himself for every mistake his team did, all the people dragging him down, that all meant nothing anymore. He won. I never doubted it one second, but it still felt amazing.

"You did it Lizzie! That’s P1! What a race little one! We are all so proud of you! Thank you for the last 3 years Lizzie. Working alongside you was the best." Pete radioed and I could’ve sworn that I heard him sniffle.

"Thanks Pete. For everything! You were the best race engineer I could’ve asked for! You all are the best team I could’ve wished for! I love you guys so much and I wish you nothing but the best for the seasons to come! I know that with Mick and Nico you’ll have two amazing drivers to continue what we’ve build! Thank you all so freaking much!" I felt tears welling up and tried to steady my breathing.

"Little one, thank you for everything you’ve done for our team! You and Valtteri were the best drivers to begin this project with. Today you proofed again why this seat was always rightfully yours. I’m so proud of you! And of Charles, he deserves this title more than anyone else! He had an amazing season and you were right from the beginning." Felix radioed next and I chuckled.

"Tell Matt to get prepared for his little night swim in the harbour."

"Don’t worry, we’ll all make sure he keeps his word."

I parked my car in the middle spot and jumped out of it, running to my team and hugged them all, cheered with them, knowing that this was my last time. Felix patted my helmet and nodded to left and I turned, seeing Charles parking his car. I almost immediately bolted and stood next to his car, pulling him out and in my arms.

"You did it." we both screamed at the same time and I had to chuckle.

"You won, cara mia! Your last race!" Charles voice muffled.

"You’re a world champion, Charles! WORLD CHAMPION! I knew it!" I screamed and he held me even closer "Go! Celebrate with your team! Come on now!" I pushed him towards his team and they all began to cheer and shout.

"Hey race winner." I heard Max voice behind me when I pulled off my helmet and turned around "Congrats Lizzie, amazing race. Amazing season… what am I saying! Amazing career."

"Oh Maxie, stop!" I chuckled and hugged him "Sorry that you lost today."

"I lost against the best driver on the grid, after me of course…" he winked and I laughed "He deserves it. He was the only one who could really fight with me these past years and I always said with a better car he would’ve won more titles already…"

"Maybe you can persuade him into coming to Red Bull?" I wiggled my eyebrows but he chuckled.

"Look at him, you think he would leave this team ever especially after tonight?" Max replied, nodding towards the red sea of people all chanting and celebrating Charles.

"No, probably not, you’re right. He loves Ferrari too much…" I said.

"He is Ferrari." Max said and I looked at him.

"You’re right. He is Ferrari."

I kept on staring at Charles and his team, celebrating like there was no tomorrow and a part of me was the happiest I could ever be, knowing that no other driver on the grid deserved this title more than him. But another part of me, a teeny tiny one was hurt, knowing that I would never have the chance to celebrate a championship. The moment Charles turned around though, looking at me, almost sprinting towards me that part was forgotten.

"I love you cara mia, without you I would’ve never won this title…" he whispered and cupped my cheeks, kissing me right as the fireworks above our heads erupted.

I stood there in awe, watched the subsiding fireworks above us, lifted my last trophy ever into the night sky of Abu Dhabi. Then I turned right and looked into Charles eyes, the biggest smile on his face, dimples on full display. I could see him swell with pride, but above all with love. He just won his first world championship but he only had words of praise for me during his interview. He received his trophy but pointed at me as he lifted it into the night sky. 3 seasons of Formula 1. One season in the WSeries. Two seasons in F2. One season in F3 and countless seasons in karting. It all ended tonight. It was the end of my career, but the beginning of a whole new life, I just knew it. For one moment the world was silent, but then the buzzing atmosphere returned and in the corner of my eyes to my left I saw Max grabbing his bottle of Champagne, Charles on my right doing the same right as "Les Toreadors" blasted through the speakers and the next moment I was soaked with champagne, grabbing my own bottle spraying first Charles, then Max and lastly Felix, who stood with us on the podium on this special night. Basking in the glorious feeling, we clinked our bottles and had a sip of champagne, then gathered one last time together on the podium, Felix joined my right side, Charles to my left, next to him Max. One last smile for the cameras and then it was over. Trophies and champagne bottles in our hands we walked down the stairs and I was quiet, not saying a word while Charles, Felix and Max were talking.

"Cara mia?” I heard Charles voice and looked at him "I gotta go to the garage, drop off my stuff, see you in the media pen?"

"Yeah, yeah, sure…" I replied quickly and he pecked my lips, then rushed off.

"See you later." Max smiled and I waved him off as he walked away.

Felix pulled me into his side and took a deep breath.

"We’re going to miss you, Lizzie. You build this team up with us…" he said and I smiled at him "The success that we had the past 3 years, no one thought we’d be this good as a mostly new team! It was all thanks to you and Valtteri."

"Mostly Lizzie though, she’s the only Audi race winner…" Valtteri said as we walked inside our garage and he hugged me "I‘m going to miss you on the grid, kiddo."

"I’m going to miss you too, my Finisher” I replied and we laughed.

The next minutes happend in a blur, hand shaking here, hugs there, shared smiles and laughs, congratulations thrown my way. Then Julie tipped on my shoulder, a huge grin on her face.

"Come on. Media pen. Now.” she smiled and I followed her through the paddock "So, that’s it? Last time I drag your ass into the media pen and take care of your loose tongue?"

"Yup, looks like it, be honest, you’re happy! No more worries what I might screw up this time!" I laughed but Julie shook her head.

"Yeah, you’ve been a real pain in the ass at times, but you were always brutally honest, a quality many people lack these days. I’m really going to miss you!" she said and I stopped and hugged her tight.

"I’ll miss you too! All of you, you were the best team I could’ve ask for!” I whispered and she gently patted my back, as she felt me trembling a little.

"It’s okay, take your time…" she whispered and I sniffled a little and then pulled away, smiling "Enough emotions for now? Yeah, alright. Ready for Sky Germany, UK, Italy?”

"Last media pen of my career!" I laughed and we stepped inside.

It was different than usually, the interviews took way longer, everyone congratulated me on my career and wished me all the best for the future. Some selfies were taken and by the time Julie gently grabbed my wrist, pushing me towards the door, I realised that I was the last one in the media pen and probably too late for my last post race press conference ever.

I stepped inside, Charles and Max already waiting and looking at me as I sat down in the middle, taking a big gulp of sparkling water from the bottle Charles handed me and then picked up the microphone, looking at Tom Clarkson.

"Let’s do this, shall we?" I asked and laughter erupted.

"You do realise we were waiting for you?" Charles chuckled.

"Sorry guys, the media pen took a little longer than usually…"

"It’s okay, ladies and gentlemen welcome to the final post race press conference of the 2024 season here in Abu Dhabi, here with me race winner Lizzie Doetterer from Audi in her last race, in P2 our new world champion Charles Leclerc, and last but not least in third place Max Verstappen, Red Bull. We’ll start with you, now Lizzie take us with you through your last Formula 1 race?" Tom Clarkson smiled at me and I thought for a moment.

"It was a little odd, to be honest, knowing it would be my last race. But as soon as the lights went off I wasn’t thinking about it. Of course there were moments when it flashed through my mind, but I was trying to not let it bother me too much, I had a race to win…" I said and everyone laughed.

"It was in the penultimate lap that you overtook these two, winning your fifth and final race. What went through your mind?"

"Too much. I was just so grateful for everything I achieved with my team over the past 3 seasons. I was beyond happy that I won another race but above all I was just so happy that Charles won the championship…" I turned to look at him and he smiled, squeezing my thigh gently.

"Alright, thank you LizzieZNext up Charles, P2 today but overall you just won your first championship! Congrats! Talk us through your race…" Clarkson looked at Charles and I did the same.

How he happily answered all questions asked, seeing his dimples getting deeper and deeper with each passing question, I wasn’t even listening anymore, only staring at him, my world champion.

"Of course I wouldn’t be able to win this title without Lizzie we worked towards this goal together since we were 8? 9? It was her who pushed me to my limits and never doubted me for a second… when everyone criticised me she stood in front of me and was just there by my side, always knowing what to say and what to do… so yeah, this title is for the team, everyone in the factory, the Tifosi around the world, my family, Jules, Papa, but mostly it is for Lizzie, because she’s the reason I won it…" Charles said and I blinked a tear away, grabbing his hand and squeezing it.

After Max’ congratulations for Charles and me, Clarkson opened up the floor for some more questions from the journalist. All of them joining in into the congratulations for Charles and me, some questions about the season overall and how Max will strike back next season when the final question was asked.

"Susan Boulder, New York Times. Charles, Lizzie, what’s next for you now? Will we see you accompany Charles to his races now? Will you start your own little something?" the lady with grey hair in the first row asked and I shrugged my shoulders.

"What’s next is a long vacation. We need it after this season. And then… well I guess we’ll see." I replied and Charles next to me nodded.

"I have nothing to add."

"Alright, then that’s it for this season! See you all in Melbourne next year!" Clarkson finished off the press conference and we stood up. After a quick goodbye to Tom we left the stage, Charles reaching for my hand and together with Max we walked outside.

"That‘s it, I’m done, I‘m retired now!" I exhaled loudly and Max laughed.

"You will be every weekend on the track and cheer on the boys!" he said and Charles nodded in agreement.

"I mean, you’re right, I still have to support my team!“ I shrugged and Charles pinched my side.

"Cara mia, you have to cheer for me! I’m your boyfriend! I’m driving for Ferrari, your favourite team! Come on!" he said but I shook my head.

"But Charlie, Audi is still my team! And Ferrari has to do a lot more to be my favourite team again!" I joked.

"Whatever” Charles fake pouted and Max and I laughed as we stopped in front of the Red Bull garage.

"So I’m seeing you guys later at the harbour? Don’t know on wich yacht it is, but I guess we’ll see?" Max asked and I nodded, walking away with Charles.

"Alright, you go now to your team, celebrate a bit and I’ll pick you up in 30 minutes? Then we’ll leave, back to the hotel, shower and change and off we go to the party!" Charles rattled down our schedule and I nodded "I love you, cara mia!" he whispered against my lips and I stared into his eyes.

"I love you too, Charlie be-… oh…" I stopped abruptly and he looked at me "I promised you I would stop calling you that as soon as you won your first title…"

"You can always call me that… but maybe not in public…" he whispered, leaning his forehead against mine "And now go, your team is waiting." he kissed my cheek and pushed me gently towards our garage, walking away. I stepped inside and hugged everyone at least twice before I walked back into my drivers room. I knew that there would be a huge farewell party at home in the factory in a couple of days, when Mick will take over. So I wasn’t feeling bad about leaving the hectic garage to have some quiet minutes alone, to walk one last time through our team hospitality, thinking about everything I’ve experienced in here, all the memories I’ve made. It was bittersweet, but I felt no despair, only gratitude and pride. I took one last look of the empty hospitality, knowing that it will be busy and packed any minute, then I turned around, walking upstairs and opened the door to my room quietly.

The room was dark, only illuminated by the flickering light of a snow globe, my snow globe, that I gave Charles when we were kids and he got disqualified from a race at the end of 2009, the last race of the year. He never told me why he hit David, or Salva, he was just so devastated because his Dad said he was disappointed in his behaviour, that he shouldn’t hit someone for no reason, that he didn’t want to talk to anyone. Anyone but me. I told him I was sure he had a reason for hitting him, even if he didn’t want to share it, then I gave him the snow globe and said that it always made me happy to shake it and watch the glittery snow fall down on Lightning McQueen. Charles smiled and took it with him. We never even talked about it again, I honestly thought the snow globe landed in a box for goodwills the next summer, or latest when Charles moved out of his childhood home. But no, here it was, sitting on top of my table next to our P1 and P2 trophies. I was at a loss for words when Charles approached me, taking my hand in one of his, cupping my cheek with his other. "Charles, what’s…" I began but he shook his head.

"I was with all the other guys at the bleachers when you walked past us and waved, I waved back and they all started making stupid noises, making fun of me, saying I had a crush on you and were laughing at me, then David or Diaz, whatever, he said, that you’re just a stupid girl and that I just let you win, that you’re not even half as good as him… I told him to shut up and then he laughed and said if I love you so much and want to protect you, to play your knight in shining armour, then I should marry you… so I hit him… but although he was an asshole, and a psychopath as we know now… and all the other guys were assholes as well, he was right… I should marry you…" he said and my eyes widened as he took my other hand in the one that cradled milliseconds before my cheek and kneeled down in front of me, taking a deep breath and smiling his sweetest smile, dimples starting dimpling, eyes locked on mine.

I stopped breathing, my heart skipped a beat and Charles smiled nervously as he took the little jewellery box in his left hand. He closed his eyes for a second, taking another deep breath. Then his eyes were on mine and he smiled again.

"My beautiful Lizzie, mon amour, cara mia, it has always been you for me, it’s you I wanna see first things first when I wake up and it’s you I wanna see last when I go to sleep. I want your everything, the good, the bad, the ugly… although their can never be anything bad or ugly with you… saying that I love you doesn’t even express in the slightest how I feel for you, without you by my side, my life is just not liveable, it’s like your intertwined in every fiber of me! I promise to love you, care for you, make you laugh, cook for you, after I took another cooking class obviously, massage all your aches away, hug you when you need it, listen to you, tell you what you need to hear, be honest with you… now I just need an answer, to the most important question of my life. Elisabeth Doetterer, love of my life, will you do me the honor and make me the happiest man in the universe and marry me?" he opened the ring box and I gasped, the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen sparkled at me.

Tears were streaming down my face as I nodded.

"Oui! Ja! JA! Si! YES!" I answered and Charles leaped up from the floor and pulled me into a tight hug, hoisting me up in the air and spinning us around "A thousand times YES!" I screeched and kissed his cheeks.

"Ich liebe dich, Lizzie!" he twirled us around one last time before he sat me down and pulled me into an all consuming kiss.

After a moment where I had to fight off the dizziness from all the spinning, Charles took my left hand in his and slipped the ring on, it fit perfectly and I stared at it in awe.

"It’s perfect…" I murmured and Charles hugged me again, smiling when he saw how I was looking at my beautiful engagement ring, I turned my hand around, the lights reflecting off of it, making everything sparkle.

"Perfect, just like you!” he whispered and I couldn’t help it but beam at him as he started humming and I knew the melody by heart… Lover.

I stepped out of the bedroom, Charles on the phone with what sounded like our driver, when he turned around, his eyes widened and he hastily hung up.

"You look-… cara mia…" he began, looking me up and down from head to toe.

"Is it okay?" I asked nervously and his eyes shot up, meeting mine as he walked over, his hands on my waist pulling me closer.

"You look gorgeous… I’m- god I’m almost speechless… fuck- you look stunning…" Charles whispered "You have no idea what it does to me, seeing you in red."

"I have an idea, that’s why I love to wear red." I kissed his cheek, and he smirked.

"All red tonight?"

"I guess you have to wait and see…" I pulled away, taking my clutch and turning towards the door.

"We don’t have to go there tonight, you know? We can stay here… you, me, the bed, whatever is underneath your dress…" Charles took my hand in his, pulling me close again "How does that sound?"

"We’re not skipping tonight. This is your night. I want to celebrate my world champion fiancé!" I cupped his cheek and he sighed.

"You’re right, I want to show the world my beautiful fiancée!" he smiled when his phone vibrated "And that… that is our car. Let’s go, prettiest girl of them all."

The drive was quiet, Charles holding my hand in his, his thumb swiping every now and then over my engagement ring, a soft smile on his lips, paired with a light chuckle from time to time.

"What’s so funny?" I asked after a while and he grinned, shaking his head "Come on, tell me!"

"It’s nothing, I promise! I’m just so happy right now! One year ago I never expected to be here today! World champion. Engaged to the love of my life. It feels like a dream…" Charles smiled at me and I scooted closer.

"I told you you’ll win this year! You just didn’t want to believe me!" I pouted and he laughed, kissing the tip of my nose, putting his forehead against mine, as I closed my eyes.

"I know, cara mia…" he inhaled deeply "I’ve learned my lesson, and from now on I promise to always-…" he stopped and I opened my eyes again, looking at him.

"You always what?"

"I think I found something for my vow…" he chuckled a little.

"Your- your vow? You already think about your vow?" I was taken aback a little and he laughed, looking at my shocked face.

"I think about our wedding day and night." he confessed and I swallowed hard "I can’t wait for the day you agree to be mine forever."

"Oh my silly boy, I always was yours. Always will be yours. Ring or not…" I began when the car stopped.

"That’s good to know." he leaned over, pecking my lips "And now let’s make everyone jealous with how breathtaking you look!" he got out, walked around the car, opening my door for me, holding his hand out to help me get out of the car.

"Such a gentleman!" I chuckled and smoothed down the fabric of my dress.

"For you? Always!" he smiled and we stepped on the red carpet, a lady with a clipboard and headset nodding at us.

"Mr. Leclerc, Miss Doetterer, please wait for a moment until the carpet is clear and the photographers are ready…" she smiled and we waited, before she gave us the thumbs up "You can go now, enjoy your night."

We thanked her and walked the red carpet, the lights combined with the flashes were almost blinding and I was happy when we finally made it to our seat, after being stopped by a dozen of people all congratulating Charles on his first world championship.

"I need a drink." he said and waved at a waiter, ordering some drinks for us, that arrived right when the award gala began.

Charles looked a little anxious, nervously tapping his foot and I put my hand on his thigh, lightly squeezing.

"Hey? What’s wrong?" I whispered, leaning in.

"I’m just… I’m a little nervous? What do I even say? Should I’ve written a speech?" he said and I chuckled a little.

"Just go up there and enjoy your moment! Don’t overthink it!" I smiled and he nodded, but the nervousness didn’t fully leave him when he was called up on stage, receiving his award.

He stood there quiet for a moment, looking at his award and then at me, when someone handed him a microphone.

"Charles, many congratulations, Formula 1 world champion! How do you feel now, a week later? Did it fully settle in?" the host asked and Charles chuckled a little, before he held up the microphone.

"Not entirely, no. I think it might take a while, to be honest. This was always one of my biggest life goals, my biggest dreams and… well yeah, life goal achieved I guess. Or rather one of them…" Charles smiled.

"What were your first thoughts when you crossed that finish line, ahead of Max, knowing that this sealed the deal, you won the championship?"

"Honestly? I was more happy for Lizzie in that moment. What a way to retire! She had 3 incredibly season and finished them off on a big high…"

"But you surely also thought about the title, no?" the host raised an eyebrow.

"Of course, but it felt surreal, you know? For years and years this was the one thing I wanted the most. And to then achieve it? Yeah I was speechless for a good moment. But when I realised it, I couldn’t stop screaming… I was thinking about every single person who helped me achieve this goal. My entire team, who worked tirelessly to set me up with the best car possible, Fred who listened to and valued my input. All of the Tifosi around the world who never stopped supporting me, no matter what. All of my friends, my family for always being by my side, supporting me, cheering me on and of course my beautiful girl- no, fiancée, who was always with me, always believed in me, always fought for me." Charles looked at me, his eyes shining brightly under the stage light and I felt myself blush when a lot of heads were turning my way.

"Fiancée?" the host asked and I gulped.

I didn’t even hear Charles saying it, but the way people looked at me, Max grinning from ear to ear at the other side of the table and a lot of eyes staring at my hand, or rather the gorgeous engagement ring on my left hand, made me blush even more.

"Yeah… you see, before I collected this trophy, I already won the biggest prize when Lizzie said yes…"

"Well then, congratulations on your engagement as well!"

I didn’t listen to what was said anymore, I just felt all the eyes on me and all of a sudden it was hot, too hot and I jugged down the glass of water in front of me. Tonight was supposed to be Charles night, but now everyone was staring at me and I didn’t like it one bit. He was the one, people should look at, he was the star of the show. I looked down in my lap, nervously fiddling with the ring on my finger, flinching when I heard Charles next to me.

"Cara mia?" he gently cupped my cheek, tilting my head up "You okay?"

"Why did you say it? Tonight was your night! It was about you! You winning the title! You’re the champion! And now look how everyone is staring at me!" I rambled and he chuckled "You know how the internet works! Our engagement will be everywhere, your championship only a footnote…"

"Everything that is about me, is about you and the other way around… that ring means we’re one. And I wanted the world to know that this trophy tonight, although it’s nice and all, it doesn’t compare to the best prize I won all those years ago when I first met you, okay?" he whispered and I chewed on my bottom lip "And stop doing that because otherwise I’m losing my last remaining restraint and we’re out here in a minute, on the way back to our hotel!"

"Stop!" I rolled my eyes but before I could say more, Charles already captured my lips in a searing kiss "I guess now everyone knows that we’re engaged… the secret is out."

"True… that’s good, 'cause I really like calling you my fiancée." he smiled when he pulled away.

"I like it when you call me your fiancée…" I admitted.

"You have no idea how much I will love it calling you my wife, tho…"

Charles POV:

I watched how my mother, Marina, Charlotte, Sissy and Lizzie all sat together at the kitchen island, going through the two wedding binder, our mothers secretly created over the years. Lizzie looked a little overwhelmed, I could tell, but she did her best to hide it and smile, tried her best to be as bubbly as any bride to be would be.

"I think I have to save my fiancée, excuse me gentlemen." I got up and walked over "Ladies, I need Lizzie for a moment, our travel agency texted…" I lied and held my hand out for Lizzie to take and then lead her to our bedroom.

"What do they want?" she asked, mindlessly playing with her engagement ring.

"Nothing…" I said and she raised an eyebrow "You looked a little- overwhelmed? Exhausted?"

"No, no. I’m fine. It’s fine. You know how they are. They just want to help and yeah it’s a lot of input, they really had wedding binders… okay one binder but two copies of it and yeah they have some crazy ideas! And the locations? Since when are our families that religious that they would pick out the biggest, most pompous churches for the ceremony? And-…" she began to ramble, her breathing becoming faster, when her eyes widened and she hugged me out of nowhere "Thank you… I was overwhelmed…" she whispered and I chuckled, kissing the side of her head.

"That’s my duty, making sure you’re okay… but seriously, if this is all too much, then just say it, we’ll figure something out." I cupped her cheeks and she nodded slightly.

"It’s just… I love our mums… but they like it… so traditional… huge dress, a church, a big venue afterwards, hundreds of guests, even the decoration is-… it’s pretty, I’m not saying anything else, but it’s just not what I want… but I’ll need their help! I can’t plan it alone… so I guess I- no we have to make compromises here and there…" she sighed and I saw her eyes growing sad.

"No. No compromises. No tradition. No nothing what you don’t want! This is our day, Lizzie. Ours! And it’s going to be like you want it to be…" I began but she shook her head.

"It should be like we want it to be…" she whispered and I smiled.

"Exactly. It should be like we want it to be… I honestly think planning it with our mothers and still make it our day is impossible…"

"But I can’t do it alone… I have no idea how that should work out?" she plopped down on the armchair by the window and I followed her.

"What if we hire a wedding planner? Someone who will do all the work but also only does what we want?" I suggested and Lizzie looked up.

"But won’t they be mad?"

"Who cares? It’s our wedding, cara mia! Also, you’ll be busy with the F1 Academy, so knowing that someone, whose job it is, is helping with the planning while you’re busy working away with Susie? That just makes sense. So? What do you say?" I kneeled down in front of her "Let’s hire a wedding planner and make this day exactly the way we want it to be?"

Lizzie looked at me for a while, I could practically see the wheels turning in her head, when a big smile spread across her face.

"You’ll tell our mum’s the good news…" she grinned and I laughed.

"Wow, throwing me under the bus already…"

"Yup…"

After 2 hectic weeks with our families, we had a couple of days to ourselves in our tropical paradise. Most of the time we just lounged by the pool or the beach, enjoying our time together.

"Can you believe it? Danny Ric, becoming a dad?" Lizzie said when we were lounging by the beach.

"Can you believe it, Liam becoming a big brother?" I replied and she laughed.

The news of Daniel and Sissy, telling us over our family getaway that they were expecting their first child together caught us all off guard but we were all more than happy on the newest addition to the family.

"He’s going to be the best big brother there is. He’ll protect that little one with everything he’s got." Lizzie smiled and I nodded.

"Definitely." I chuckled.

"Sissy told me that our mums threw away their wedding binders…" she said after a while and I sighed.

"They’re just dramatic, don’t worry about them. I told them that it’s easier with a wedding planner and also that we want them to lean back and just enjoy the day."

"Hmm… I hope you’re right…" she mumbled.

"I talked to Marta, the daughter of one of her mums friends is a wedding planner." I said, sipping on my drink and Lizzie looked at me "Her name is Celiné and she sent me a link to her portfolio, you should check it out, I think she could be the right one for us."

"Okay… I’ll have a look later on, for now I want to cool down a little…" she got up and looked at me, wiggling her eyebrows "… are you joining me?"

"If I ever say no to that, just kill me already, would you?" I laughed and took her hand "Ocean or pool?" she asked and I nodded towards the ocean "Good choice Mr. Leclerc."

"Thank you, soon to be Mrs. Leclerc… no, Doetterer-Leclerc, I’m sorry!" I chuckled and we walked down the stairs, towards the beach.

A family of 3 was playing at the shore. The little one hesitant of the incoming water and Lizzie looked at the toddler with a twinkling in her eyes I’ve never seen before. But it was almost as fast gone as it appeared and she pulled me with her into the water, splashing me and I flinched.

"Hey!" she looked at me and I smiled "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, sure…" I replied and she pulled me closer "Ready?" I winked and she scrunched her nose up.

"For what?" she asked and I hugged her tight, throwing us into the waves.

When we emerged she was giggling, splashing some more water at me and we had some fun, splashing around. After a while I pulled her closer and hugged her close, hoisting her up and she slung her legs around my waist, shivering slightly.

"Are you cold?" I kissed her cheek, looking at her and she shook her head.

"Not really…" she replied and I smiled "But getting out wouldn’t be too bad too…"

"Got you…" I laughed and I sat her down, walking out of the water where we sat down on two beach loungers "Wait, I get you a towel and something to drink." I kissed her head and she nodded.

When I returned I was looking around, Lizzie gone, but then I spotted her and smiled, sitting down on the beach lounger. She kneeled down to the little toddler, smiling from ear to ear as she handed him his little shovel and the little boy clapped his hands together giggling happily.

"What are you doing? Baking some sand cakes?" she asked him and he nodded enthusiastically.

"Sand cakes for mumma and dada!" he chirped and Lizzie looked over at the proud parents smiling at their little boys charming antics "You bake, too?"

"Of course! Let’s make the most beautiful sand cake for your mumma and dada!" she answered and they started together on their cake.

As I watched them sanding together the mother approached me.

"Hi, uhm sorry to disturb you, but are you Charles Leclerc? And is she Lizzie Doetterer?" she asked and looked at me all shy. I just nodded and her smile got bigger "My husband is a huge Ferrari fan and he was just to shy and nervous to come over and ask for a picture with you… we don’t want to bother you guys on your vacation!"

"No, it’s alright. It looks like my girlf- no, fiancée is busy with your little one anyway!" I laughed and she smiled at me and waved her husband over.

"She’s amazing with him. He’s usually not that open and friendly with strangers!" the father said as he sat down next to his wife "I’m Matthew, this is my wife Tia and the little fella over there is Toni." I shook his hand and smiled as I looked at Lizzie and Toni, building a sandcastle, cake abandoned on their side.

"Yeah, she was always amazing with kids… you should see her with her nephews and nieces!" I answered and Tia smiled at me.

"I have a feeling she’ll be an amazing Mum one day!" she said and my mind went to Lizzie with a baby bump, cradling it as a toddler ran around her, kissing her bump, smiling proudly to be an older sibling in some time in the future.

I blinked and shook my head. Where did that came from? We haven’t even talked about having kids in a serious way. Especially not after the miscarriage last season. But seeing her with kids always made my heart skip a beat or two. And seeing her now, as my fiancée, my ring on her finger, playing with Toni wearing her most gorgeous smile, I couldn’t help but think about us having a baby. A little bundle of joy, looking hopefully just like her. I smiled at Tia and nodded.

"Yeah, I think she’ll be an amazing Mum one day!" I said as Toni jumped into Lizzie’s arms and they laughed about the water destroying their sandcastle.

We sat on our terrace, Lizzie happily munching away when I had to think back at her with little Toni. The little image I had in my mind.

"You’re really quiet? Everything okay?" Lizzie asked and I looked up from my plate "Something is going on in there, I can tell…" she brushed my hair out of my eyes and I smiled, catching her hand, kissing her palm.

"Did you ever think about kids? Like… actively?" I asked and her eyes widened "I mean.. we spoke about kids, once or so, that we want kids one day… but ever anything… serious? You know? And after Singapore…"

"I’ve thought about it… yeah." she almost whispered "But… how could we have a kid, both racing in F1 so yeah, it was always something really far ahead in the future I thought…"

"Yeah, true… but now? I mean… we’re not both in F1 anymore, sadly… but- but now we could think about it- actively. Like really plan it or… not plan, consider it? Having a little mini you or mini me? We should really think about it?" I said and the look on her face changed.

"Wait, wait , wait! You’re serious?" Lizzie asked and I nodded.

"I was never more serious about anything in my life! We’re at the perfect stage of our life’s! You had 3 amazing years in F1! Proved everyone wrong about women in F1! I finally won the WDC! We’re engaged! We achieved more than most people will achieve in their entire life! So why not?" I said and Lizzie’s smile got bigger and bigger.

"I have to say, thinking about you as a dad? Mhhh I guess the word dilf will get a whole new meaning!" she chuckled and I launched at her, tossing her over my shoulder.

"If I’m a dilf, you’re sure as hell be a milf!" I laughed and walked with her into the bedroom, where I dropped her gently and stood tall over her "Let’s make a baby!"

"Now? Like right now? Charles that’s not how it works! I have to stop taking my pill and then it will take a while-…" she began but I silenced her with a kiss.

My hands travelling up and down her sides, kissing along her jaw down her throat.

"You know the saying, practice makes perfect…"

The beginning of the new season approached faster than anticipated and after 10 days of intense training in the mountains with Andrea I was more than happy to return back home to Lizzie, especially after we had set up our first appointment with Celiné, our potential wedding planner.

"Okay, stop!" I grabbed Lizzie's hand and she looked at me

"Why are you so nervous?"

"I don't know, okay? This- this is our wedding and I want it to be perfect! But what if I don't like her ideas? Or even worse, she doesn't like mine?" she gnawed on her bottom lip and I chuckled a little.

"Cara mia, it's our wedding and whatever you want is what we're having... the wedding planner is just there to help you a little, okay?" I held her hand up and kissed her knuckles, watching her visibly relax.

"Okay. But... it's not just what I want, it's also what you want! This is our wedding, our day!" the look on her face made me fall in love with her all over again "I want the day to be perfect."

"And I am here to ensure that!" a blonde woman in a dark green suit stepped up to our table and I got up, shaking her hand "Hi, I'm Celiné, hopefully your new wedding palnner."

"Hi Celiné, I'm Charles and this is my fiancée, Lizzie." I smiled at her and Lizzie got up as well and shook her hand.

"Oh please, as if you need to introduce yourselves! I know you. My family is obsessed with F1 since-….. ever I think?" she laughed and we sat down "I have to admit, when I saw your names in my calendar I had my little fangirl moment." Lizzie next to me tensed a little, looking at the blonde woman.

"Not the first time someone fangirls over Charles." someone who didn't know Lizzie wouldn't hear the iciness in her voice, wouldn't see that her smile wasn't genuine anymore and I had to fight to not laugh.

"Charles? Oh yeah, sure, no offense, you're an incredible driver! Congrats on the title, by the way. But I was more excited to meet you, Lizzie." Celiné smiled at her, and Lizzie was taken aback.

"Me? Why?"

"Are you kidding me? First real female F1 driver? 3 incredible seasons? 5 wins? And that all while being told all the damn time that you couldn't be as good as the male drivers? Yeah right, you kicked some asses out there!"

"Wow... umm- thank you." Lizzie blushed a little and I smiled.

"Oh, don't mention it. Alright, shall we start?" our wedding planner opened her notebook and looked at us "Describe your dream wedding. Just summarise what you want it to be, give me a little insight."

"Umm... I want all of our families and friends together, a fun day with good food, lot's of drinks, music." Lizzie looked at me and I nodded.

"It doesn't have to be super fancy, a nice location, it would be perfect when the ceremony and reception are at the same venue." I said and Celiné nodded.

"In a church? With a venue attached, I have some in mind. Or no church, a civil ceremony?" she asked.

"Civil ceremony." Lizzie and I said in unison and Celiné laughed.

"Okay, talking about numbers. How many guests? Small wedding? Big wedding? 50 guests? 100? 200? The budget? Go we all out?"

"Oh umm- we haven't decided on a number of guests yet. But not too big? All our families, friends, some people from our teams?" Lizzie looked at me.

"Yeah, I think 100 guests would be the absolute maximum..." I nodded and she gulped.

"100? That's not a small, intimate wedding then..." she tilted her head a little.

"What about we keep the 100 in mind and I'll look for locations where 100 guests would fit in, but that doesn't mean we'll plan with 100 guests?" Celiné suggested and Lizzie nodded "Perfect. Now... budget?"

"No budget." I said and Lizzie looked at me, rolling her eyes

"We talked about this cara mia."

"You talked..." she mumbled and I sighed.

"This is our day and we don't plan with a budget. We say what we want, we pay what it costs."

"You said yourself you want nothing to fancy. So we won't go overly crazy with the budget, don't worry Lizzie. And Charles is right, this is your day and it should be perfect." the blonde said and I nodded "Have you thought about where you want to marry? Here in Monaco? Germany?"

"Italy." we both said again in unison and I smiled.

"Lake Garda, Maggiore or Como… somewhere there?" I asked and Lizzie nodded.

"Sounds perfect…" she smiled and Celiné wrote it down.

"With your schedule, it won’t be too easy to find a date, but do you have some dates in mind?"

"We don’t want a wedding in July or August, way too hot!" Lizzie said and Celiné nodded.

"And like you said with the racing calendar… not so easy, but there is one weekend that would be perfect… after Barcelona, the weekend from the 6th to 8th June. On Sunday in the evening I’ll have to leave, maybe some of the other guest as well… but yeah…" I said.

"So the wedding on Saturday, the 7th of June? Alright, I already have some ideas. Any special colours? A theme?" she asked and I looked at Lizzie.

"I like pastel colours? Crème and beige? I like it more natural? And no theme…"

"Yeah… sounds good to me." I nodded.

"Okay… I can work with that… anything else?" Celiné looked at us "Special food?"

Lizzie gnawed at her bottom lip, looking at me.

"Say it…" I laughed.

"I would love a pizza and pasta buffet for dinner? Freshly made pizza and pasta, fresh salad and antipasti? Nothing fancy. Just some good old classics everyone will love." Lizzie said and Celinés eyes got big.

"Yes! I love it! Finally someone with good taste!" she clapped her hands excitedly "So, I have some ideas already, I’ll send it to you and you let me know if you consider me as your wedding planner."

"That’s not necessary I think?" Lizzie looked at me and I nodded "We would love to have you as our wedding planner!"

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yeah, we’re sure." I smiled.

"Okay, perfect. Then I guess I prepare the contract and start with everything!" she got up and shook our hands "I’m really excited, I have a feeling that this wedding will be truly magical… I’ll give you a call in the next days."

"Thank you, Celiné." Lizzie smiled and as soon as she was out of earshot she turned to me, a big smile on her face "She’s perfect! I think this is going to be amazing!"

"You heard her… it’s going to be truly magical."

Chapter 49 - my babies are engaged ♥️ Charles is a world champion 🏆 Danny Ric will be a a dad 👶 from now on expect a lot of fluff and fluff and even more fluff to come… drama? Nope… never again 👀

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