#i would not be surprised if horner or someone called him

[killa-trav]

You would think seb had driven for Mercedes with the way they’ve posted about his run and other things.

Also Ferrari gift was so sweet and the team looked happy as well but red bull nothing

no pls cos the merc admin truly was going through it at the weekend cos of seb and it’s so nice to see how loved he is by other teams

also ferrari’s gift of an engine cover was 100x times better than rb’s gift of a rear wing end plate icl

[willowsnook]

When Love is Left Unspoken pt. 2 (MV)

max verstappen x reader

pt. 1 here

I could be talked into a pt. 3 if people want it

It had been a week since the Austin GP and forgetting about what happened had been impossible mostly because Max would not leave you alone.

He didn't reach out directly, but every morning this week, you had woken up to a new gift outside your door. Flowers, chocolate, coffee, pastries, clothing, etc. You had no idea how he even knew your address.

You struggled with what to do. On one hand, you had missed your best friend for a long time. You missed the inside jokes, the comfort you found in him, and supporting one another. But on the other hand, you couldn't stop thinking about how he threw it all away because he was scared of loving you. You had never been scared of loving him, even if you never said. Well maybe that was hypocritical.

Saturday morning an envelope accompanied the box outside of your door. You opened the box first, revealing a vintage RedBull racing bomber jacket that cost who knows how much. It was cute, you'd give it that. Opening the envelope you froze as you read the letter that sat next to a paddock pass for the Brazil GP.

I know you hate me and you have a good reason to but I will do anything to have you back by my side even if you refuse to look at me. Please come to Brazil, I know it's your favorite track. You can stay on Checo's side of the garage if it makes you feel better.

Love, Your Max

Brazil was your favorite track and in the past you had always travelled down early to experience the culture for a bit before the racing started.

You facetimed Carmen, hoping to talk this through with someone else.

"Hey girl, what's up?" She asked, clearly in the middle of a workout.

"Oh, I can call later if you're busy," you said and she shook her head.

"No, it's okay!"

"Max invited me to the Brazilian GP," you told her slowly and her eyes widened.

"Wow."

"I know, I don't know what to do."

Carmen was silent for a little bit, clearly thinking. "Is there any part of you that wants to make up with him?"

"Yes," you admitted quietly. "But I hate myself for even thinking that. I don't want to just forget about everything that happened and take him back with open arms."

"I don't think you necessarily have to forget what happened but maybe focus on the people you both have grown to be in these last few years. Maybe treat it like you are starting over."

"So you think I should go?"

"Selfishly yes of course," she said grinning and you couldn't help but smile back. "You don't even have to spend time with him. Just see how it feels to be around him."

After hanging up with Carmen, you texted the number Max had given you for his assistant in order to get flights and a hotel figured out.

-----------------------------------

You landed in Brazil on media day and didn't plan on going to the track until Saturday. Max was pulling out all the stops even when he couldn't see you as evidenced by the ridiculously nice hotel he put you in. The view was amazing and laying on the bed was a variety of your favorite snacks and drinks with a card that read "I'm so glad you're here -your Max."

The 'Your Max' thing was working even though you hated to admit it. You spent the next two days traveling around the city by yourself and then with Carmen.

Saturday rolled around and you found yourself nervous to be at the paddock despite Carmen's constant reassurances. You hadn't seen Max yet and you weren't really sure what to say when you did.

Funny enough, the first person you ran into when you made it to the RedBull garage was Christian Horner.

"Y/n!" He said surprised to see you. "It's been a while, how are you? You know my wife is obsessed with your tik tok channel."

"Ahh tell her I said thank you," you replied kindly. "I've been doing well."

"We're glad to have you back," he said and your heart swelled. "It's been a rough year for him."

"I'm not sure I can change that," you said politely and he gave you a look.

"You just being here might," he commented before leaving you to go talk with the mechanics. You wandered around the garage, catching up with a lot of people you hadn't seen in a long time.

Max spotted you as he was coming out of his drivers' room and his heart stopped. Of course he knew you were in Brazil, but he still wasn't 100% sure you'd show up. He didn't think he should approach you so he just lingered by watching you. You felt him watching you and looked over at him, trying to control your breathing and gave him a small smile.

He smiled back before being called off to get ready for the sprint. Leaning against the back wall you pulled your headphones and settled in to watch. Max was doing pretty good, battling with Charles for most of the race. Your face appeared on the broadcast and you smiled to the camera, giving it a small wave.

After the race you checked your phone to see that you'd been tagged in countless tweets.

@.username12312: Was that y/n y/l/n in the RedBull garage? I thought her and Max had a falling out???

reply to @.usernam12312 @.user345: Yeah they haven't been friends for a long time. It had something to do with Kelly

reply to @.user345 @.username12312: oh yeah, you're right! I always liked y/n better anyways

You were amused reading the speculation and decided to stir the pot further. While Max was doing interviews you found Checo in the garage and asked him to take a picture with you. The confused man agreed and you quickly posted it to your Instagram story with the caption: My favorite RedBull driver, good luck tomorrow!

Carmen and Lily both slid up with laughing emojis and you walked back to Max's side, trying to avoid the rain. It was really coming down now and you weren't sure if they would even be able to go out on the track. You found Max a little while later sitting against the wall, legs sprawled out in front of him. You sunk down next to him, holding your knees into your chest.

"Think you'll be able to go out there today?" You asked casually and he looked over at you, clearly excited to hear you speaking to him.

"I would say probably not," he replied. "Maybe tomorrow morning."

"How much longer until we know?"

"Another half hour would be my guess," he said. "I can call for someone to take you back if you want to leave now?"

"No, I'll wait," you said looking down at your phone. You sat in silence for a while and the rain was starting to make you very sleepy. Losing the battle with yourself, you rested your head on Max's shoulder and he stiffened.

Max smiled to himself as you dozed off and the two of you caught the attention of the cameras, the photo soon to be splashed everywhere online. Quali was called off and Max nudged you awake, reaching out to help you up.

"Ride with me back?" He asked hopeful and you nodded. You ran into George and Carmen on the way out and she gave you a knowing look to which you rolled your eyes at.

"You guys should come out to dinner with us," George said. "We're meeting up with Alex and Lily too."

You hesitated, not wanting to miss out but at the same time your social battery was dead. You could only handle so much social interaction before you were craving your warm bed to snuggle into. You started to give in and agree but Max cut you off.

"I think y/n is done being around people for the day so I'm going to take her back."

You looked at him surprised and the realization that he still knew you so well just added more fire to the internal turmoil you were facing. Bidding them goodbye, you followed Max out of the paddock and into the car he had rented for the weekend. The car ride was silent as well as the elevator ride up to your floor.

Max followed close behind you as you made your way to your room and it was starting to irritate you.

"You don't need to walk me to my room Max," you said and he looked at your sheepishly.

"I'm in the one right next to you."

"Are you fucking serious?" You asked frustrated. "I need space Max!"

"I just want you to be safe," he defended and you rolled your eyes.

"From what?" You exclaimed. "Oh yeah, your girlfriend I mean ex-girlfriend is from here. Think she's sending people after me?"

"I don't think that's funny," he said, eyes darkening. "Sue me for wanting you close to me. I'm not going to apologize for that."

"You are the worst," you bit out before shoving into your room, slamming the door.

---------------------------------------

Stepping out of the steaming shower and back into the bedroom you glanced worriedly out the window. You wouldn't necessarily say that you had a fear of thunderstorms but they tended to make you uneasy.

Trying to distract yourself you put on South Park, your favorite show to watch in a hotel, but it didn't work. After a couple of booms you were still on edge. Sighing you got up and left your room, hoping a small walk around the hotel would ease your mind. By the time you made it back, Max was leaning against the wall by your door, waiting for you.

"Can't sleep?" He asked and you nodded.

"The storms."

"You always were scared of them," he teased and you scoffed.

"I'm not scared of them!" Right as you said that, a streak of lighting flashed by the hallway's window followed by a loud crash of thunder. You jumped a little and Max smirked.

"Come on," he said gesturing back to his room. You hesitated and he sighed. "We both know you won't fall asleep alone to this."

Giving in, you followed him into his room. It was a carbon copy of yours and you were amused to see South Park playing on his tv. He climbed into his bed but you stopped short; the scene in front of you reminded you of so many times before. When you traveled with him back in the day you'd often find yourself in his room at night hanging out. You always fell asleep and woke up in his arms, neither of you ever saying anything about it.

Max sat up in the bed looking at you, he knew what you were thinking.

"Y/n," he said softly as he watched you wipe a tear from your eye.

"This is so hard Max," you said, voice breaking. "How am I supposed to just forget?"

"I don't know," he confessed. "I'm sorry."

"It's not even like you broke my heart that day," you said meeting his eyes. "You had chipped away at it for so long that there wasn't even anything left to break."

Max's heart dropped and he moved over closer to where you were standing, so that you were now eye level.

"I was so scared back then y/n," he said and you put your head into your hands. "So scared of failing that I did things I shouldn't have done, like pushing you away to protect myself."

"Protect yourself from what?" You said, looking back at him.

"Your unconditional love," he said sadly and you tried to compose yourself, taking a deep breath.

"You acted like nothing happened, I watched you move on with your life," you accused, whispering to him.

"I did not move on, I was a mess. I couldn't eat or sleep for months and I latched on to you in whatever way I could through your videos or podcast. Every picture or video you saw of me was strictly PR."

"But you never reached out, not once in these past few years," you said, starting to grow angry with him.

"Neither did you!" He exclaimed.

"That's not fair Max," you retorted, moving away from him.

"Isn't it though? You accused me of moving on but I watched you do the same. I watched your popularity grow, watched you start to travel around the world, watched you post with other guys. You didn't need me to be happy."

"I needed my best friend!" You yelled and he flinched. "I needed you to be there to call when I got a new deal! I needed you to be there to lean on when I had self doubt! You ruined everything Max. I could never be truly happy celebrating something because in the back of my mind I was thinking about how you should have been there with me!"

Max squeezed his eyes shut, sitting down on the bed.

"I don't know how to fix this schatje," he whispered and you flinched at the term of endearment. "Everything has been so dark for so long. I am okay with you hating me forever. Because even if you just look at me, it'll be a better day than what I've had."

Sniffling, you stared into his red rimmed eyes. "I want to forget about you so badly Max but I can't."

He smiled softly at you before patting the bed.

"Please sleep here tonight, it will make me feel so much better knowing you were well rested. I'll sleep on the pull out couch," he said standing up.

"Just sleep in the bed with me," you said sighing, wiping the tears from your face before climbing into the bed. Max slid in next to you, leaving a healthy distance between the two of you and you drifted off to sleep.

The sound of his alarm woke you up at 4:30 and you groaned sleepily. Max's arms were wrapped tightly around you, his head buried in your hair as he refused to open his eyes.

"Max, you have to wake up," you said and he mumbled incoherently into you. You pried his hands off your body and stood up, stretching. He watched you lazily from the bed, wondering if this was a dream.

"I'm going to go get ready and then I'll meet you back in the hallway in 30 minutes okay?" You asked him and he nodded. Leaving his room you headed back into yours to get ready for the day. Your eyes were still a little swollen from last night but that was nothing a little makeup couldn't fix.

Pairing the new RedBull jacket with a black jeans you gathered all your stuff before texting Carmen about what had happened last night. All she responded was that we would discuss it in person and sent a winky face.

Max looked more awake standing out in the hallway and you both left for the track.

Qualifying was a mess to put it simply. Crash after crash after crash. It was spiking your anxiety to watch and you were just praying that Max would make it out unscathed. He did make it without crashing, but not without controversy.

You grew furious as you watched everyone in Q2 get to finish their laps following Lance's crash except for Max and Esteban. This made him miss out on Q3 for the first time in forever. You knew he was pissed when he got out of the car and his eyes met yours for a brief second. He talked to his engineers before grabbing your hand to drag you with him to over where he had to do interviews.

Standing behind the reporter you watched him try to contain his anger.

“If a guy goes straight into the wall, it is a straight red,” he said. ��I don't understand why you need to take 30, 40 seconds for a red flag to come out...”

His voice was rising as he said it and both you and the reporter braced for the impact of whatever he was going to say next. He started to say something but then looked over at you and stopped himself, taking a deep breath before waving off the question.

“I don’t care in all honesty, it is so stupid to talk about. It’s ridiculous.”

He answered a couple more questions about the race happening later and you waited patiently. Christian came to join you and gave you a knowing look.

"I told you that being here would make things better," he said with a glint in his eyes. "I'm giving you credit for him avoiding more community service."

Things got even better after that with Max winning the Grand Prix in what you could only describe as a complete masterclass.

As the celebrations wrapped up, you and Max found yourselves alone in the quiet of the garage, both still processing the day's whirlwind. He glanced at you, a hesitant warmth in his gaze.

Max reached for your hand, gently holding it, as if afraid you'd slip away again. "I'm glad you came, I've needed you here for a long time."

"I'm still not sure where we stand Max," you said unsure of how to deal with what you were feeling.

"As long as your standing next to me, I'll be okay," he said cheekily and you smiled. You knew that your relationship had a long way to go but maybe, just maybe, it was finally starting again.

pt. 3

[iwamaye2]

Racing Hearts: Love in the Fast Lane / Toto Wolff x Reader / Prolouge

Hi!!!! Welcome. I finally decided to write a story after being on Tumblr for over a decade now. I am so excited to bring this to everyone who loves Formula 1 and Toto Wolff. This is an introduction to the reader and the reader is you!! so imagine them as anyone or even yourself!! However the reader is Christian Horners Daughter so there will be an age gap. What to expect in this chapter is going to introduce the reader, their first initial chemistry, and first conversation. Please enjoy and leave comments and suggestions!!!

The roar of engines filled the air, mingling with the scent of burning rubber and high-octane fuel. The paddock was a buzz with activity, engineers, mechanics, and team principals darting about, each focused on the upcoming race weekend. You had grown up in this world, as the daughter of Christian Horner, Red Bull's Racing Team's principal it was always a world of fierce competition, relentless pressure, and unmatched exhilaration.

As the daughter of a team principal, you were no stranger to the paddock. You had spent countless hours here, always observing, learning, and eventually earning your place in your father's company as a young and talented engineer for Red Bull. However, no matter how familiar you were with the sights and sounds, the thrill of race weekends never dulled.

Tonight, the atmosphere was different. There was a mix of tension and anticipation in the air. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden hue over the circuit. Most of the team had already wrapped up their duties for the day, but you remained, engrossed on the data on your screen. The numbers and graphs were your world, and you were determined to ensure everything was perfect for tomorrow's qualifying session.

"Burning the midnight oil, are we?" A deep, familiar voice broke your concentration.

You looked up, startled, to see Toto Wolff, the imposing and charismatic team principal of Mercedes AMG Petronas, standing only a few feet away. He was in his early fifties, definitely more than twenty years your senior, but his presence was commanding, and his smile was warm.

"Mr, Wolff", you greeted, trying to hide your surprise. "Just going over some last-minitue data. What brings you here?" "Please call me Toto", he said with a charming smile . "I couldn't help but notice you've been working hard. It's not often I see someone from the Red Bull Team working so late in our part of the paddock". You couldn't help but smile back. "Well, I like to make sure everything's perfect. Besides, I enjoy the quiet".

Toto nodded, his eyes studying you with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "It's admirable. I've heard a lot about you, you know Christan speaks very highly of you." "Does he?" you asked, raising an eyebrow. "id imagine he docent have many kind words for anyone associated with Mercedes." He chuckled, a warm, rich sound that somehow put you at ease. "True, but family is different. And talent is talent, regardless of which team it's for."

You felt a blush creeping up your cheeks. "Thank you. That means a lot coming from you." There was a brief silence, filled with unspoken words and mutual understanding. It was then you realized that Toto Wolff, despite being your father's rival, was someone you deeply respected. And perhaps, there was more to him than just the fierce competitor you had always seen.

"Would you like to join me for a coffee?" he asked suddenly, breaking the science. "It's rare to find someone so dedicated, and I'd love to hear more about your work." You hesitated for a moment, aware of the implications. But then you'd thought, why not? This was an opportunity to learn from one of the best other than your father who's in the business. "Id like that," you replied, packing up your things.

As you waled towards the hospitality area, Toto shared stories about his early days in racing, making you laugh and think. You found yourself opening up about your own apparitions and challenges, and he listened intently, offering advice and encouragement. The more you talked, the more you realized just how much you had in common. You both shared a deep passion for racing, a relentless drive for perfection, and a desire to prove yourselves. There was an undeniable connection between you, one that went beyond the usual boundaries of team rivalry.

As the evening wore on, the conversation turned more personal. You found yourself sharing stories about your childhood, your relationship with your father, and your dreams for the future. Toto, in turn, spoke about his own journey, his struggles, and his triumphs. There was a vulnerability in his words that touched you deeply. The hours flew by, and before you knew it, it was late. The paddock was almost deserted, the only sounds being the distant hum of machinery and the occasional footsteps of a night guard.

you both stood up, reluctant to end the conversation. "Thank you for this, Toto," you said softly. "it's been..... enlightening." He smiled, a look of genuine warmth in his eyes. "The pleasure was mine. You're an impressive woman, I'm glad we had this chance to talk." There was a moment of hesitation, and then, almost on impulse, making sure nobody left that was in the paddock was looking or was able to see, you leaned in and kissed him. It was a brief, tentative kiss, but it held all the emotions you had been hiding. When you pulled away, Toto looked at you with a mix of surprise and affection. "I wasn't expecting that," he said softly, "but I'm glad it happened." You smiled, feeling a sense of peace, "me too."

From that moment on, your relationship with Toto blossomed. It wasn't always easy, balancing the rivalry between your teams with your growing feelings for each other, but you had made it work. You had found strength in each other, and together, you faced every challenge that came your way. In a world where competition was fierce and alliances were rare, you had found love and partnership in the most unexpected person and place. And as the engines roared and the races continued, you knew that no matter what, you and toto would always have each other .

CHAPTER 1: The First Test - TBA

[duyxjpg]

Text messages between you & your f1 besties pt. 4

Summary: Just random dialogues between you & your f1 besties + your crush. Friends in question: Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris & Max Verstappen Note: Eventually the boys will take the matters in their own hands since it hurts physically to watch you (be so chaotic). Part 4 of the non ending saga is ready ofc with more chaotic Y/N content + bonus part.

Y/N always fake flirting with Charles just to annoy him. It always works..

Lando receiving his daily dose of headache at 01:34 AM as usual nothing new really..

Gossip girls are just dirty minded. Nothing wrong with Y/N and Maxie at all?!

You believe me when I say Charles is sometimes done with Y/N? Unbelievable but true.

Y/N being Y/N

What do you mean you see someone Bob? You gotta be more specific about it!!

Nothing just Y/N flirting with her babygirl Max.

Tf you mean you don't love Y/N more than Carlos? Is that even possible?

Next target 👉🏼 Christian Horner ✔️shit happens - check

Steiner just don't know yet what he is getting himself into. Y/N is not the one to take a hint and get out of trouble. Hard to believe that Y/N is a troublemaker right?

****************************************************

B o n u s :

random short insight into Y/N life with the boys:

„You are not going to do no such thing!” Y/N protested stamping her feet like a toddler, standing in the middle of the gaming hall.

“Why not? You like him, don’t you?” Charles grinned at Y/N widely. Y/N wanted to punch that smug grin off his pretty face. Y/N wanted to escape this very situation she was forced to be in, well sort of, so badly.

“Don’t grin like the cheshire cat and stop talking nonsense. How dare you?!” Y/N smacked Charles arm. Charles rubbed his arm while trying not to burst laughing.  She looked around. Nervosity took over Y/Ns every single cell. Y/N could not believe that her so called friends made plans with the most handsome and perfect f1 driver on the grid at a gaming hall and did not tell her. Out of million places, the gossip girls choose violence and took her to the gaming hall. Y/N was competitive af and hated losing. The last time she went to a gaming hall Y/N had entry ban for three months.

As Y/N wanted to protest again Lando and Max did their entry. Lando was smiling from ear to ear. What a dumb man Y/N thought, trying the urge to roll her eyes. As for Max, he had his nonchalant way of looking. Casually dressed, his hands in his pockets and smiling at Y/N. What a man Y/N thought. Her "I have a crush on Max Verstappen" vibe was visible from the moon. Awkwardly greeting both of the drivers Y/N wanted to run away. She could feel the elephant in her stomach, yes elephants no butterflies, period.

--------------------------------------------------------

“Y/N please calm down!” Lando laughed at Y/N. Y/N was horrible at racing games and currently she was losing miserably.

“I hate you all, how is this even a fair game? Racing with f1 drivers? What a fugging joke.” Y/N protested for the 100x time in the last five passing minutes.

“Since when do you care about fair play?” Charles mocked Y/N. Since I am terribly losing Y/N thought. She pointed Charles her favourite finger.

“Remember when you cold heartedly with a total serious expression explained me the rules to that one game wrongly so you could win?” Lando questioned with a fake disappointed look in his face.

“You did not!” Max laughed out loud. Laugh again you loser Y/N thought. It sounded like music in Y/N ears. What a beautiful man Y/N thought.

“It’s not my fault, it’s your own stupidity.” Y/N shrug and showed Lando her tongue. Y/N could see from the corner of her eye that Max was smiling while shaking his head. So pretty Y/N thought.

--------------------------------------------------------

“I knew that Y/N would find a way to get her ass kicked out again!” Charles laughed.

“Disappointed but not surprised…” Lando added shaking his head.

“I still don’t know how she managed to punch a hole into the fucking wall!” Max questioned with a slight surprise in his voice.

"It was an "inchident." Y/N replied. Gaining a burst of laughter from Lando, a death glare from Charles and a grin from Max.

pt. 1 | pt. 2 | pt. 3

****************************************************

Writers note: I didn't want to let you wait for too long + I thought it would be fun to show short parts of Y/Ns life with the boys. What you do you think about it? Would you like it or no?

[strrymko]

Meet Clarabelle! My Jack Horner x OC because I’m falling for this purple asshole so hard.. haha I wrote some info about her under the cut if you’re interested in reading! (Will make more posts abt her to add more lore.. hehe)

Some information about Clarabelle

Clarabelle is one of twelve sisters from the fairytale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses”. She is the fourth eldest sister and considered the most airheaded, however Clarabelle is very friendly to all she meets regardless of status.

Because nobody remembers or bothers to learn the twelve dancing princesses names, Clarabelle can easily disguise herself as someone else without being recognized. This is beneficial to her because she has more time to focus on herself and her hobbies.

Clarabelle enjoys dancing (obviously), singing, and cooking/baking! She can make a mean stew but her baking skills are lacking.. Many of Jack’s bakers wonder why he even had her work for the company.

Since Clarabelle burns pie crust left and right, Jack tells her she can work in advertising instead.. but she is required to wear a different uniform.. to you know.. attract paying customers.

Surprisingly, Clarabelle’s upbeat attitude and totally not because of her uniform  brings in more sales to Horner’s pie company. Some think she’s really good at faking loving her job, but in reality she genuinely enjoys it. 

“Come try Horner pies! They’re the best treat that can’t be beat!” :P

Even though Jack doesn’t really need more sales (Seriously, he’s already super wealthy.) he finds it amusing to see so many people buy his pastries only because his sales girl is so cute.

Also, he doesn’t know why she hasn’t noticed his pie company is a cover up for his crimes. He knows for a fact that she’s seen his henchmen carrying off a body or two.. or the maids cleaning up blood in the pantry. 

Clarabelle is just too focused on doing a good job for her boss. And totally not because she finds him handsome or anything..

Eventually, Jack grows bored sending Clarabelle off in the village with two henchmen (He wouldn’t let any inferior peasants even think of fraternizing with her!) and decides to keep her close by his side for awhile within the factory walls.

Clarabelle is more than thrilled to be closer to her boss. When they’re seen together outside his office, she’s practically beaming in the grim factory and trying to taste all the pies.

“Look, boss! You got another big catering order! Can I help with the tasting?”

Jack eventually asks her to stop calling him boss, and just “Jack”.. because he likes hearing his name roll off her tongue.

“I already told you to stop calling me ‘boss’. It’s just Jack!”

Months pass and Jack can’t handle the way Clarabelle just looks so cute selling his pies.. that he starts to drop more than subtle hints on courting her. Unfortunately, because she’s so ditsy, it takes her forever to realize.

He literally leaves a gilded rose preserved in magic dust inside her house with a note attached-

“My darling, if I were the moon, I would like you to be my brightness. - J

She is so flattered but doesn’t know what “J” means..

A week passes and Clarabelle doesn’t understand why Jack has been so moody lately.. Before she can ask him he tells her he has a private meeting and expects his office to be cleaned before he gets back.

As Clarabelle picks up different papers Jack as signed, she notices his initials on a few of them and is in awe with how pretty his handwriting is.

Then it dawns on her.. The “J” on her anonymous love note matches Jack Horner’s handwriting. Oh.

Oh..

“How come you’re so dense, Clarabelle?!”

When Jack gets back, he’s in for a surprise kiss and a million apologies for not knowing the letter was from him.. and that she’ll do better to understand cues in the future.

I’m sorry if this is a lot NVDSBVHFDS I’m just writing down my ideas hehe.

[lady-scorpion-and-friends]

I took a HUGE TIME!!! Seriously, I wanted to draw this sketch very badly, this was both inspired by a few Helluva Boss episodes, mostly the one where Blitzo tells Stolas what he thought of him.

Also and once again inspired by my rps with @spxcemuses, in this one I literally had the idea of how Big Jack Horner would grew tired of Valentina 'show off' all of her things she has due her popularity but keeping in mind that the MAJOR difference between them it's obvious that it's because of her magic, however I believe Jack is the type of guy that doesn't see the struggles people with magic go thru. Anyway, I remember that in the movie the Serpent Sisters found the map for the wishing star but how he got that information considering that he send two criminals for the job? Well I have a theory that Jack got it from someone that had some contacts.

So in this I'm making a story where Valentina (my OC) would be the one that gave that information to him however as her Annual Gala approach, she realizes that her feelings towards Jack were growing (a friendship though nothing more) but she knew jack wouldn't felt that as he cares of himself so at the night of her Gala, she gave him the location of the map however she gave him a choice where he could live with her support or they go parted ways, of course Jack would be furious and basically told everything he hated about her because in his head, she's all 'sweet and sugar' type of girl, basically calling her a 'Princess wanna-be', that in a way does hurt Valentina but she refuses to cry in front of him but she still shed a tear as she spoke to him before she teleport herself saying that she could no longer support him in any way however Jack would be way more surprise to the fact that Valentina, somehow being the Bringer of Love like her could also express emotions like anger or sadness.

Keeping in mind that this is merely a story that I created inspired on my rps that I wanted to share here and I hope you all enjoy it though.

[f0point5]

Holly shit I wanna talk about all the rumours about lando asking for nudes and etc, look I get it you are young, travelling almost every week to different places and just relieve yourself put leaking his texts from 2020 and now being 2024 like? You had the chance to to it for so many years and now you leak them and for what? FAMOUS PEOPLE DESERVE PRIVACY TOO! Just saying it louder for the people in the back.

Also the leaked texts of Christian? I have never been more icked and cringed out in my whole fucking life, you are trying to rizz up a girl idk age at least have shit to say and not spam calling her to Jack off wtf, his wife and kids being in the same house as him??? Or now they will read the texts too? I would never show me face on earth if I was him tbh also max being questioned about it and saying he should deal it himself is even more embarrassing, I thought horner was a sweet guy but I guess not Idk.

What is your opinion on this?

Leaking people’s messages is fucked up behaviour point blank period. If you are offended by something someone says to you you need to adult the fuck up and handle your business yourself. There is no need to let the world in on that. None. If there’s been a crime, you take yourself to the police. Failing that, block and move on.

But Lando, my sweet summer child, you can’t be shocked that these are the girls you find. I know it’s tough being famous and you’re travelling and you need hot girls that can fly out or whatever but messaging an influencer with 200k followers and fashionnova links in the bio…you’re not making smart choices. Again, there are ways to go about this, and he’s going about this like he’s not famous. I am not surprised his shit gets leaked.

On a separate note, I’m not going to roast him for asking for nudes, but I’m going to roast him for asking for nudes. I fully accept that he’s being a normal guy his age, but normal guys his age suck. Like just…is there anything that turns a girl off more than a guy asking for nudes on Snapchat? Buy an OF subscription and save that chat for the girls that are actually getting paid for this. Again, not demonising him or holding him to a double standard…I don’t like this behaviour from anyone, so he is included in that.

Never read a more dead, dry, crusty chat in my life. Or a more poorly written conversation. This man wears a pinky ring…why can’t he spell properly? The flirting is just sub-zero. This is a man who has not had to try to get a woman since the late 90s. Idk what spice (pun intended) he used in Geri but oof it expired a while back. Not surprised in the least by the actual content, typically nouveau successful married middle aged man behaviour. It’s all so very cliché. He’s stressed, he’s lonely, he’s sexually frustrated. Aren’t they all. They just be like that. No one in that business is sweet, that is a veritable fact. You don’t where he got by being a teddy bear. But yeah the cringe of that chat will never be forgotten.

He very much has a dad vibe to me still, in a very Freudian way. Like, the guy you gravitate to at work because he seems like he could be someone’s father and he talks so well of his kids, but at the same time he’s flirty enough with you to make you feel special in a way your actual father never did and he soothes your need for affection because even though he’s flirting you still feel like you’re receiving approval from a father figure, even if it’s not your father. Ya know?

[cornflakegetmilking]

Bittersweet Cravings

Warning: this fic contains possesion, alot of killing, oh also some saucy moments

Sauce Warning - Sauceless

Chapter 3: Playing With Strings

Eversince that day Jack had been oddly nice to Flakes and it was raising their suspicions. There was no reason for him to be so nice all of a sudden... right?

"Great pies! Keep up the good work!"

"You look great today by the way!"

"I like the technique you do to put the pie crust easier on the tin!"

His words echoed in Flakes' head, what was he trying to do? His flaterry had to be some sort of trick... and the pathetic part was despite knowing there was a catch to it they were flattered and flustered by it. Everytime he complimented them their face would go red and their ears would twitch in joy or excitement. They had lost count how many time they had to hold onto their ears when they started to twitch more rapidly than usual, even almost showed their real ears at some point. They wanted something from them, they knew it  and yet they were still falling for the oldest trick in the book.

"Ughh get out of my head!" They muttered as they were kneading their dough aggressively all of a sudden.

Frank had this smug grin just watching their friend all flustered.

"Cmooon just admit it! You stiiiill liiiiike hiiiim!" He chuckled.

"For the love of pies can we please stop talking about this?" They whisper shouted.

"Nooo not til you admit you still like him!" He laughed. "Because you clearly do! Its practically written all over your face! Well... more like its painted since... you're literally just red!"

Flakes pouted before groaning and covering their face.

"Look i know i said the feelings would go away but Mister Horner himself isn't helping! Why the hell is he being so nice all of a sudden?! It's stupid obvious he wants something from me!" They took their pie and put it in the oven and started their next batch.

"Myessss but you seem to still like hearing those sweet things he says huh?" He teased with a wider grin.

"Frank... i will kill you before mister big man does if you keep teasing me like this..." They laughed a bit as they received a laugh back.

"You say that cause im right!" He smiled.

"Yeah yeah... well you always are! You shouldn't be too surprised anymore!" They sighed before getting back to focusing on their work.

Meanwhile Jack was where he was as usual but was talking to someone through his telephone.

"Mister Horner sir You need to understand that this task could be difficult!" The man through the phone spoke in worry.

"I don't care! Do you even know who you're talking to?!" He barked in anger. "I need that collar IMMEDIATELY I have something of value so close to my reach and YOU'RE HERE MAKING THIS MORE DIFFICULT THAN IT SHOULD BE!!!"

"Sir please! If your assumptions are correct this could be dangerous even for you! Its known that shapeshifters are very dangerous creatures!" The man fumbled.

"Yes and very rare!" Jack smiled excitedly at the thought. "Which is why i need this collar immediately! Not buts or coconuts or whatever they say! Just shut up and get me the stupid thing! I can handle it myself!" With that he slams the telephone down, hanging up the call.

Aparently it wasn't hard for him to find out their lil secret. Specially when you have a book about magical entities and a crystal ball to stalk whatever you wanted to hunt for. He studied of their species night and day just to learn all about them, from the twitching of ears when they felt joy, how they chitter when they like or want something, how easy it was for them to study other species bodies and replicate them with ease, how they shake their bodies to transform faster and his personal favorite... when a shapeshifter attacks, they won't let their victim out of their grasp until it was dead. And with Flakes accidentally slipping so many times it was almost too obvious what was right in front of him. He wanted it, he NEEDED it, a powerful beast by his side would make anyone else unfazed by him on their knees before him and at his mercy.

He had been playing with their heart for a while and he was getting sick pretending to be sweet for them, all those compliments, all those unnecessary conversation, and all those disgusting fake smiles? Bah! It was fun at first but now it was just repetitive and felt like a waste of their time just to make them warm up to him and expose themselves by accident. But now that he's finally sure of their identity he just had to pretend one last time... he just needed that collar...

The next day came and Jack was waiting impatiently. But finally a short man knocked on the door with their briefcase of supplies looking nervous.

"Ah that must be him!" Jack perked and sat up excitedly. "Come in come in!"

The short man walked in still nervous and worried.

"Sir can't we talk about this first?" He said in a stutter as they gripped tightly onto their briefcase.

"Uh no? I'm trying not to waste my time here! Less chatter and more open the breifcase so i can see the collar!" He yelled impatiently.

The man frowned but opened the breifcase revealing a beautiful leather collar stained in purple with silver linings with an amethyst jewel with a silver frame in the middle of it to compliment all the purple and on the side was embroidered with the words  "Property of Jack Horner" neatly sewn on it. Jack smiled in satisfaction of the collar's outcome as he took it gently in his hands and admired it.

"A pretty little collar for a pretty little beast!" He seemed pleased before the man started talking again making him pout in annoyance.

"Sir you have to understand what you're dealing with here! If they find out your plan to capture them it could be fatal for you! Shapeshifters can be terrifyingly hostile, this has never been done before for a reason! It's dangerous-!" He was cut off as Jack was tired of listening to his nonsense blabbering.

"The more reason to want them in my collection! Now do you want to keep chatting or do you want your pay?" He glared as he handed him a heavy sack of gold and jewels.

The man frowned but took the sack and left to the door.

"Just one more warning sir... you may have full control of their power once they have the collar on but note if their emotions are at their worse it WILL break off..." With that he finally leaves.

Jack only shrugged it off and scoffed before looking at the collar once again to admire.

"I've got them wrapped around my finger! What is he so worried about?" He chuckled as he recalls the moments of Flakes' vulnerability.

How their face went red on the simplest compliment of their appearance, how they forced not to smile when they were told they were doing a good job, and when their ears twitched simply by seeing his presence. They were practically head over heels for him and it was so painfully obvious to him that he almost felt bad about how awfully easy it was to read them. He was so confident about this that he knew that it would be too easy to capture them... and he was going to test that theory.

The doors were slammed open and once again Flakes was startled, they never seemed to get used to the aggressive way Jack opened doors. Flakes sighed ignoring it for once since they wanted to finish their batch of pies, thinking he had business to do anyways that had nothing to do with them they thought.

"FLAKES!" Well they thought wrong.

They perked a bit in surprise hearing their name in the middle of work. Usually when they conversed it was after they were done getting a batch og pies checked or when they were heading home so this was a bit new to them. That being said it didn't mean they weren't going to cooperation since this is still Jack Horner. So they put their unfinished pie away and walked forward to him as a small smile grew onto their face.

"Yes Mr. Horner sir?" They stood there waiting to see what he needed... or in this case wanted...

"Well I just wanted to give you something! Since the past weeks you have been a very valuable employee to me, little to no mistakes, perfect pies and most of all you're my most behaved baker!" He smiled as he pulled out a box to hand over to them.

Flakes' eyes widen in surprise as they were hesitant to take the gift. Now they knew this was a trick, Jack would never give something just because he wanted to... it wasn't like him to do so.

"Mr. Horner sir this is really nice of you but i-i can't accept this! I'm just doing my job afterall!" They responded trying to look for a way out of this.

"Don't be so modest! Don't you at least wanna see whats inside first?" He grinned as he nudged the box towards them.

They did though, a part of them was curious of what they wanted to them so badly. They sighed and shakily took the box from his hands before opening it. But as soon as they opened it they wish they had just declined the gift like they originally did. Their face was red in embarrassment by the sight of the expensive looking collar, from the amethyst pendant, the embroidered words that said "Property of Jack Horner" to the soft paddings inside to make sure it was comfortable to wear. The more they looked at the details the more their face started to heat up.

"S-sir i-" They wanted to say something but was cut off.

"Beautiful isn't it? I thought you might like it! I mean after all collars are trending at the moment!" He grinned seeing their flustered yet confused face.

He always found it entertaining when he made them feel vulnerable beneath him, it made him feel powerful especially when they were such a powerful beast... Flakes' eyes were shaking as they proceeded to stare at the collar in disbelief.

"Sir i-i can't..." They stutter as they tried handing back the box to him.

As Jack heard this he frowned and looked away a bit agitated.

"Oh how come? Is it not good enough for you?" Jack grinned from within knowing how much Flakes would fall for the guilt tripping.

"What?! N-no no!" Flakes stammered as he didn't want to dissapoint him.

"I had it made specially for you! It's worth so much since... I wanted to make sure it would be equal to your worth... what? Do you not appreciate me? Do you not appreciate my efforts for you?" He traced his finger on the collar gently as if it was a way to tease them.

Flakes looked up at him in disbelief in what they were hearing then looked down at the collar seeing their own reflection through the amethyst jewel... And all they could see was a fool...

"I-i do appreciate your efforts! But-" They were cut off.

"Then wear it..." He said in a demanding tone.

They looked at Jack one last time before finally taking the collar and hesitantly taking it to their neck as Jack watched in anticipation, they closed their eyes in humiliation as they felt his eyes burn through them. Why were they even doing this... they didn't have to... what were they looking for in this?! To be accepted by him? They swallowed the lump in their throat and opened their eyes unable to have the courage to proceed so they looked up at Jack as if looking for an answer what to do.

"Well? Are you going to dissapoint me or please me?" Jack grinned knowing they couldn't say no to him.

All they could do was nod and shut their eyes once more...

Click

The sound of the collar's buckle made as they were locked in. Their eyes opened as they slowly pulled their hands away from the collar to show it off to Jack.

"See? I-i love it! It's stylish and comfy too! H-haha!" They smiled nervously only for their smile to immediately fall once they started feeling a sharp pain everywhere. In their ears, their finger tips, their feet, their tailbone and their face as they were forced to shift into their true parts.

"A-ahh! What the hell is going on?!" They whimpered in agony as their tail was forced to grow out of them, their ears growing into their original state, face markings revealing themselves, their fingers growing paw pads and claws and their feet tearing out their shoes as massive claws grew out.

All eyes were staring in pure shock at them... except Frank who seemed amused. Flakes looked at them in horror as parts of their true form were revealed.

"Oh and i forgot to mention! This collar? It makes me have control of how much magic that you get to use!" Jack grinned evilly with pride as Flakes looked at them in pure terror.

They scrambled and started trying to unbuckle the collar off only to find out the buckle was no longer there due to its magic, so they started trying to scratch it off only for nothing to budge.

"Get this off me! Get this off me! Please! Please!" They begged as they kept trying to pull off the collar only to receive a dark chuckle.

"I don't think so... As the long as that collar says "Property of Jack Horner". You? You're mine now whether you like it or not my little shapeshifter..." He smirked as Flakes shook their head and tried to run away from him only to get choked by the collar making them stop on their track and start coughing and gagging weakly. "I wouldn't try running off either if i were you... as long as you wear that collar i have full control of your magic usage and your distance away from me... you're stuck here... with me..."

To Be Continued

[leclerc-s]

i did something bad - bonus part

masterlist

A PREVIEW INTO SEASON 6

EPISODE 7 - THE END OF THE ROAD

sergio sits in front of the camera, he looks happy and relieved. the interviewer behind the camera speaks up, "do you want to talk about it?"

"what is there to talk about?" sergio questions, "i think i am at a point in my life where i should enjoy any and all the time i have with my family. this was not an easy decision to make, for anyone, but i am very grateful for all i achieved in formula one."

"do you have any regrets?"

"none. i do wish i could've won a championship or two but i have no regrets."

"and do you know who is set to replace you?"

sergio smirks, "i do. i helped pick him."

the scene shifts to the drivers as they all react to sergio's announcement during the driver's parade. each of them looks shocked, except for max, that one was a given, he was sergio's teammate he would be one of the first to know. however, if you were to pay attention you would notice charles leclerc, alex albon, yuki tsunoda, daniel ricciardo, and pierre gasly don't look surprised. they look strangely calm about the entire situation. charles exchanges a look with max, nodding at him before charles pays attention to whatever lando is telling him.

once again the scene shifts, charles leclerc stands at ferrari's motorhome arguing with his team principal. fred vasseur looks frustrated as charles looks angry.

"i do not understand what the problem is?" charles questions.

"you're signed with us until 2024, you can't leave before then," fred answers. charles spots the camera, he walks inside the motorhome, fred following after him. they seem to forget their mics are still on, or so we think, and continue arguing.

"they're buying my contract out. i can't stay at a team where i'm constantly treated like a second driver. i’m your first driver fred, why am i constantly getting treated like second? is this because of the money carlos provides? is that it?”

“charles, strategy had called-”

“strategy? what fucking strategy? was it strategy that called for my race to be sacrificed in singapore? for my disqualification today? explain it to me so i can understand fred.”

“charles you won’t understand it even if i explained it in french.”

charles scoffed, “i’m taking the deal with red bull, and you can’t stop me. i wish you the best fred, but i will no longer be a team player if carlos isn’t forced to. i make my own calls for the rest of the season.”

charles was then seen storming out of the ferrari garage, ignoring the camera, ripping the microphone off of him and handing it to someone, not before turning it off. he had known his mic was on, he had planned it all. the camera crew quickly lose sight of him. what they don't catch is charles sneaking into red bull hospitality, marching straight to christian horner's office. he's fuming, "where do i sign?"

——

will buxton appears on camera, "i mean, this is one of those moments when everyone fell silent. i don't think we ever expected charles to leave ferrari, much less for red bull. but it's something he deserves, charles has always been world champion material. he just- it hasn't been his fault he hasn't achieved that."

"the fan support for him was unbelievable," the interviewer comments.

"charles has always been a very loved driver. he has a charming personality that draws people to him. people had been campaigning for him to leave long before this announcement was even made. i mean this is a driver who's given his heart and soul to a team only to have them stomp on it repeatedly."

"do you think this was the right move for him?"

"oh yeah, charles leclerc will win a world championship within the next two years, mark my words."

——

christian horner sits calmly in front of the camera. he looks very calm for a man that just broke f1 twitter twice in a row in a moment mere hours.

"you made quite the announcements today," the interviewer mentions.

"i did, didn't i?"

"do you want to talk about it?"

"isn't that the whole point of this?"

"it is, but the question is, do you want to talk about it?"

"checo came to me at the beginning of the season, he told me it would be his last. so we had to scramble to find a driver who could match max's style, only one name came to mind, charles leclerc. we knew it would be difficult to take him from ferrari, especially when he bleeds ferrari red, he is essere ferrari. so, i'll admit, we pulled a few dirty tricks."

"what does that mean?"

"it means we recruited his friends to help him see the light, especially after monza. we asked seb to talk to him, he didn't want to, he waited for charles to come to him. my daughter, who's been friends with him, tried, many times, but she failed too. max tried and he failed. alex and pierre had also tried, but they ultimately failed. so we sent daniel, they talked for hours and it broke something in charles, he began to contemplate the move. and that's when suzuka happened, that's when he spoke to seb, that's when all the doubts started. but austin, austin was his breaking point, we didn't need to do anything, he came to us."

"do you believe in him to become a world champion with red bull?"

"of course i fucking do. what kind of shit question is that? he's charles leclerc. he won monza his rookie year with two mercedes on his ass at their prime. he won spa after the death of his friend. he's one of the few who has been able to compete with max in lesser machinery. we wouldn't have picked him to be max's teammate if we didn't believe in him."

——

charles sits in front of the camera, “was it a difficult choice to make?” they ask him.

“yes,” charles quickly said, “i had a dream as a child, and that was to become a world champion with ferrari. a choice like this does not come easy, to leave everything i helped make at ferrari behind, to leave behind that part of me. i will always love ferrari and i always appreciate everything they did for me. but i think every chapter has an ending, my chapter with ferrari is over."

"will you ever go back?"

"the urge to win a championship with ferrari is still there. everyone said it was my destiny to win with them. so, if someday it is in my destiny to go back and win with ferrari i will gladly do it. if ferrari is able to meet the demands i had made back in 2022, i will go back and give them a championship."

"what convinced you to leave? what was your breaking point, if we can know?"

charles sighs, "where do i even begin?" he took a deep breath, "i was at home, before suzuka and i saw a helmet on one of my shelves, it was from seb. where he told me not to waste my talent. it opened my eyes a bit and then singapore happened. hearing george say they were going to sacrifice my race for carlos was heartbreaking. i saw seb at suzuka and we talked for hours, slowly i was starting to see reason. qatar wasn't as bad as it could've been but i had made my mind up after austin. austin was my breaking point. not only was i told to sacrifice my position for carlos when i had been on pole but i was also disqualified. i spoke to christian after that day, he welcomed me with open arms and told me i wouldn't regret my choice."

"what will you miss the most about ferrari?"

"the tifosi. they are the most passionate fans and even when i'd had a horrible race they tried their best to encourage me. they always told me it would get better, even when it didn't. monza 2019, will always be special to me because of them. they are what made the job bearable even when it didn't feel like it."

A PREVIEW INTO SEASON 7

EPISODE 4 - DESTINY FULFILLED

there is a buzz that fills the streets of monaco. everyone is excited to see charles leclerc win the monaco grand prix. they have no doubt that the monegasque will win this weekend. a huge part of the crowd is decked out in ferrari red leclerc merch or red bull blue leclerc merch. charles walks into the paddock, his race engineer, teagan horner, to his left, and his family, pascale, lorenzo, and arthur, to his right. the five are talking between them as charles explains something to lorenzo. he spots the camera and waves at it, giving them a bright smile, it's easy to understand then why the people of monaco call him the people's prince.

the group of five stops in front of aston martin hospitality as someone walks out. the head of messy dirty blonde curls in unmistakeable, it's sebastian vettel. charles rushes to hug him and he returns it, hugging the others with charles. they drag sebastian with them as they walk towards red bull hospitality, conversation flows between them.

christian horner sits in front of the camera, "home races are always where we feel the most pressure. whether it be austria, the netherlands, mexico, or monaco, the pressure is always there. everyone expects the drivers to win their home race. but for charles, it feels like the pressure is 10x bigger, and now that he's got a car that can win him races everyone knows he will win. it is no longer a matter of if charles will win, it's when he wins."

charles is now in front of the camera, he smiles at them, "how confident are feeling going into this weekend?"

"very confident," charles laughs, "which is something i haven't said in a long time. but i trust teagan, i trust the team, and i trust max. this is the one race that has always meant the most to me. to be able to win my home race is a dream i've always had, and something everyone around has believed i could win."

"you'd be making history if you win. the first monegasque in nearly 100 years."

"when i win," charles corrected, "i'll be making history."

max verstappen sits in front of the camera, "will you be helping charles win his home race?"

max clears his throat, "if charles gets pole position and i end up behind him in second, i'll defend with everything i've got. but simply because he is my friend doesn't mean i'll stop racing against him or give him the win. charles wouldn't appreciate me throwing the race for him to win, he wants to feel like he's earned his win, and he has. to put it simply, i won't give charles the win because it's his home race, he'll have to fight for it, and i know he will. he wants this win more than anything."

——

the final moments of the race are seen, just before charles crosses the finish line. the crowd is heard screaming in absolute joy as they realize what is about to happen. the words that would engrave charles in monaco and f1 history are heard,“charles leclerc can see the checkered flag, he can hear the crowd screaming in joy! after 93 years a monegasque driver wins the monaco grand prix! charles leclerc has made history today!” 

charles is heard screaming over his team radio as he realizes what just happened, teagan's voice is heard congratulating him, “P1! THAT’S P1 CHARLES! YOU DID IT!"

he screams again, the absolute joy in his voice is hard to miss, “YESS!!!”

"congratulations charles," christian's voice says, "well done, amazing drive. you deserve this one after so many left downs in the past."

"thank you. thank you so much," charles thanked.

"don't thank me kid, this was all you."

as his cool down lap comes to an end he parks his car in the parc fermé he can hear the crowd screaming in joy. he stands on the nose of his car, kissing his finger, reaching toward the sky, it's unclear who the win was for but everyone knows it's dedicated to one of the many losses he's suffered. he jumps down from his car, kneeling in front of it, bowing, in a blink or you'll miss it moment the screen flashes quickly to sebastian vettel winning his 4th world championship. if you hadn't know who charles had copied in that moment, you sure did now. despite how rocky their partnership seemed, it was clear charles leclerc would always look up to sebastian vettel.

charles stand quickly rushing into the arms of his team, they welcome him with open arms. they're screaming in absolute happiness for him, one would think he was just crowned world champion. his brothers are among the crowd, they slap his helmet, both proud of what he's just achieved. quickly the scene of his mother crying tears of happiness is shown as geri hugs her, also smiling widely at charles. geri waves at the camera before it pans back to the red bull team.

sebastian is shown, as he smiles at charles, "just couldn't resist could you?" he jokes. charles says something to him before the scene shifts to charles in front of the camera, he's smiling widely.

"congratulations, you're officially a history maker," the interviewer says.

"thank you," charles replied.

"how do you feel? was it everything you expected and more?"

"it's a feeling i didn't know. to be able to win my home race in front of my family and the people i love was amazing. to have my maman and brothers there, to know they were there watching me win was everything i could've ever wanted."

"and to have your girlfriend there, i'm sure that was amazing too?"

"she's the reason i won," charles says honestly, "she told me her plan and i will be honest, i didn't trust it. in the end she made the right call, had i not listened to her, i would've lost the race. there is no one else i trust more than her to make the right calls in my race."

taglist: @burningcupcakefire @spilled-coffee-cup @evans-dejong @elliegrey2803 @bingewatche @lillians-world-is-f1 @dakotali @arkhammaid @sunflower-golden-vol6 @applopie @lorarri @melanier7 @ironspdy @mikaelsonandrea @mypage-myfandoms @badassturtle13 @the-depressed-fellow @thewannabewriter @cspn17 @meadhbhcavanagh @vellicora @you-bleed-just-toknowyouarealive @enchantedthoughts @stopeatread @hobiismyhopeu @lilsiz @alessioayla @bb-swift @lilac-lines @au-ghosttype @fulla02reads @cowboylikemets1989 @six-call @embrosegraves @angelfreckless @justtprachisblog @rmeddar123 @nichmeddar @landonorizzz @unluckyyoshi

strikethrough means i couldn't tag you

¡leclerc-s speaks! y’all i tried my best, truly, but it's not my best work. i also don't know how to properly to describe scenes switching in episodes so here's my attempt at this. i am severely sleep deprived because i stayed up until 4am to watch fp2. fingers crossed there's no problems today, so fp3 and quali aren't delayed. i don't think i can deprive myself of more sleep.

¡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

[little-corritrice]

Light of My Life - Chapter 19

Synopsis - y/n was your ordinary young women, who happened to be the daughter of Christian Horner. She is there every race, and every day, See how she gets along with everyone, including a special someone.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The morning sun peeked through the window, grazing over my eyes. I groaned quietly, covering them. I looked over, reading 7:00 on the clock. I moved the sheets, and stepped down. I completely forgot about my knee, and fell on the floor. I groaned, holding my back. "y/n?" Alex asked, coming out of the bathroom. He saw me on the floor and chuckled. "Still not used to it yet?" He joked, making me glare. "Well, when I have a paralyzed knee, and a rough boyfriend, my legs and mind don't seem to be working properly." I said, sitting up. "It's not my fault I couldn't resist you." He said, helping me up. I smacked him over his head, making him whine.

I sighed, shaking my head. "Alex." I called, looking down. He hummed from the bathroom. "Oh my god! Alex!" I yelled, making him run out. "What's wrong?" He asked, coming over to me. "My knee!" I said. "What is it? Does it hurt?" He exclaimed worried, ready to call Christian. "Oh my god! I can feel your hand." I whispered, holding his hand. "I-I...I can feel your hand!" I yelled, hugging onto him. "Oh, y/n. That is wonderful!" He squealed, spinning me around. "We have to tell everyone." He said, calling someone. After a minute, he sat down, pulling me into his lap. "Oh, I'm so excited." He said, shaking my hands. "Me too! Do you think I can walk again?" I asked, staring into his eyes. "Within time, but for now, let's just play it safe and keep the crutches." He said, making me nod. I squealed again, hugging his neck.

A knock on the door interrupted our moment. Alex got up, running to the door. He opened it to reveal a ecstatic Lando, a smiling George and Christian. Lando ran in, tackling me on the bed. "Oh my god, y/n! I'm so excited. We have to get you working again, so your leg can start working again." He said, sitting up. I laughed as he kept rambling. "Lando, give the girl a breath." George said, pulling Lando off. He mumbled a sorry, rubbing the back of his neck. "Now, now. Don't get too far ahead. She may have feeling, but she can't just up and walk on it again. She has to slowly get into it." Christian said, coming over. He helped me up, grabbing my crutches. "He's right. Give it some time. But for now you guys need to get to the track. Your already late." I said, making them gasp. They checked the time and all ran out. "Wait!" I called to all three of them. They stopped, turning around in the middle of the hall. "This stays between us." I said, getting nods in response. They ran off, leaving me and Christian. 

He walked me downstairs, helping me in the car. After he got in and started driving, he started talking. "I talked to the training coach, and he said he can help get your leg moving again. That's if you want to." He offered, making me smile brightly. "Of course. I hate these crutches. I want to surprise everyone though if I do start walking." I said, already planning it out. "I'm sure everyone would be surprised." He laughed. "Let's do this then." I said as we pulled into the track. He nodded, getting my crutches and saying goodbye before running off. I wandered down pit-lane, watching everyone get ready. I saw Lewis smiling at me, so I went over. "Hey. It's been awhile. How have you been?" He asked, giving me a side-hug. "Well, not much I can do without my leg, so I have been chilling. I'm honestly bored all the time." I chuckled, patting his back. "Yea, that's understandable. You going to watch?" He asked, making me nod.

I was sitting on the hill, watching the cars start going out. It was only qualifying, so it was nothing too important. I got out my drawing stuff, laying them out on the grass. I stared at the track, and started drawing the scenery. After about 15 minutes, I finished it and set it aside, taking out another paper. I started drawing some random flowers, my mind completely blank. I was too zoned out to see someone sit next to me. I kept drawing, it being the only thing that keeps me calm. I smiled softly as I was touching up a drawing I had made of the entire grid. I saw someone pick up my drawing, and dropped the pencil. "These are really nice." I heard, before I felt a hand on mine. I looked up seeing Alex smiling softly. "Stop it." I said, pushing him away softly. "Come on, you have to take a compliment someday." He joked, scooting closer. I looked at him, and just stared at him. He gave me a soft smile, caressing my cheek. "You know I love you right?" He asked, making me nod. "I love you too." I whispered, giving him a soft kiss.

[mangoxangel]

Non-black f1 fans being anti-black towards Lewis and booing him instead of Valtteri or Max?

[formulavilla7]

Max Verstappen x Horner daughter reader Chapter 7

This is the seventh chapter of my Max story, hope you enjoy it. Sorry for the long wait, I started writing it before but only finished it today as I had the day off work because I have a cold. Let me know what you think, especially of the argument scene as I’m not sure what I think but yeah enjoy! Thanks to @kiimmie33 for the help with this chapter

Monza. Italy. An iconic circuit, nicknamed the ‘Temple of Speed’ by fans. It had been in F1 since the beginning and was always a popular race. The crowd was always a sea of red as Ferrari’s famous ‘Tifosi’ filled the grandstands

Monza was always special. The track was an integral part of Formula 1, a piece of history and also a joy to drive around. It was an adrenaline-fuelling circuit. The bonus was the Italian sun and Italian food he got to experience whilst he was there that he never complained about.

After an amazing victory in his home race, all eyes were on Max to repeat the success. He was leading the championship by three points and wanted to extend this advantage. Of course he had to watch out for Lewis as ever and Max knew that he had to be careful. He’d only broken his Italian curse this year at Imola earlier in the season. Italy always liked to cause him some trouble in the past.

He came second in practice 1 behind Hamilton but he remained calm, knowing that he had plenty of time to improve over the weekend.

After FP1 they went straight into normal qualifying as the sprint race format was returning for this weekend after its stint at Silverstone.

It was Bottas that would take the front row in the sprint with Hamilton behind him in second, making it a successful qualifying session for Mercedes. Max came third, which he’d always said he preferred to second so he wasn’t too worried. He just knew that he needed to put his heart and soul into the sprint race on Saturday.

Once again Max came third in the second and final practice session of the weekend with Hamilton and Bottas taking first and second and Sergio behind him in fourth. Naturally the pace Mercedes had was a concern but from that result clearly Red Bull also had a lot of pace for the weekend.

It was time for the sprint qualifying. Bottas took all three points by coming first with Max just behind him in second. He needn’t worry though as he knew that Bottas would be starting from the back of the grid as he’d taken extra power unit elements for the race. A surprise contender in Daniel Ricciardo came third to take the final point of the sprint. Max was happy for his friend and even joked with him that he’d let him by at the start and help him to win the Grand Prix especially because of Daniel’s Italian origins.

Lewis had qualified 5th in the sprint. Max knew that he couldn’t get complacent despite this. Yes Max would technically be starting on pole now but Lewis could still catch up and give him a headache during the race. He had to prepare himself for that.

Max returned to his driver’s room feeling relatively pleased with how the day had gone. He got lost in thought for a few minutes and was quickly dragged out of it by his phone ringing. It was his mother wanting a video call.

“Hey mom” he said when she appeared on screen, his sister Victoria beside her

“Max, you did so well today! I’m proud of you” she said, smiling “Hopefully you’ll do the same tomorrow. I believe in you”

“Ah we’ll see, the car is performing well but anything can happen” he still smiled though and they all chatted easily, catching up on what was happening in each of their lives.

There was a knock at the door and Y/N entered before her eyes widened as she realised Max was on the phone and speaking in Dutch.

She went to leave quietly but Max had already spotted her and was gesturing her over. He asked her to sit down next to him using his eyes and she did so, nervously.

He switched to English so that Y/N could understand “Mom, Victoria, there’s someone I want you both to meet.” He turned the camera so that Y/N’s face was also in the frame. “This is Y/N. She’s my girlfriend. Y/N, this is my mom, Sophie and my sister, Victoria”

Y/N smiled hesitantly but was spurred on by the kind looks on their faces and Max’s comforting smile “It’s nice to meet you both”

“And you, my dear. Where has Max been hiding you? You’re beautiful. Isn’t she Victoria?” Sophie gushed

Y/N blushed as Victoria nodded, smiling shyly “Thank you”

The call continued in much the same manner with Sophie and Victoria wanting to know all about her and their relationship and Y/N became more confident, joining in occasionally with their teasing of Max and adding her own stories, which he pretended to be annoyed about. He was secretly happy to see her getting on so well with his family.

Sophie and Victoria enjoyed seeing their dynamic and they knew that Max had found someone special in Y/N. The soft look in his eyes when he looked at her only confirmed that as well as the loving glances when he knew Y/N couldn’t see him.

“Y/N, lieverd, you look really familiar. Have we seen each other before?” Sophie asked curiously

“I don’t think so. Maybe you know my dad?”

“Who’s your dad?” Sophie and Victoria asked simultaneously

“Christian Horner”

Their mouths dropped slightly in shock before they closed them quickly. They hadn’t expected that Max would be dating his boss’ daughter. It didn’t change their opinions of her but they were certainly surprised

“That’s probably it” Sophie said as normally as she could and the conversation continued normally.

They ended the call a few minutes later and Max and Y/N turned to each other

“Do you think they liked me?” She asked

“Y/N they loved you. You got on with them so well” he told her honestly

“Really?”

“Really schatje. Now come on, let’s get some food. I’m starving”

Race day. The excitement and the nerves rose in Max. He placed his car at the front of the grid and waited, staring up at the five red lights. His heart beat faster with every second that he waited. Then they went out.

Daniel got past Max on lap 1 and lead the race with Lewis right behind Max in third after overtaking Lando, Daniel’s teammate. He cursed at that knowing he was going to have to defend for his life to keep Lewis behind.

Lewis attempted an overtake but was pushed wide allowing Max to gain the position and for Lando also to get passed.

Max fought hard to try and catch up with Daniel and regain the lead but the Australian kept him behind for an impressive 21 laps. The McLaren driver then pitted on lap 22 for hard tyres. Red Bull reacted to this, bringing him into the pit stops for the next lap.

Then it went wrong. So wrong. There was an issue with the front right tyre and the mechanics were fighting to fix the issue and change it as quickly as they could. The seconds ticked away, precious seconds that Max was losing. He waited, that was all he could do. He knew he’d have a huge deficit to make up on Daniel and Lewis but what could he do.

Hamilton had overtaken Norris whilst Max was waiting and that had led Lando to pit. He came out ahead of Max as Max had been held for 11.1 seconds with the tyre problem.

Max was frustrated. He could feel it simmering under the surface but he had to try and stay as calm as he could.

Lewis has pitted for medium tyres. His pit was slow, giving Max extra time as the Mercedes driver remained stationary for 4.2 seconds.

Lando overtook Lewis in the order and Lewis began to come out of the pits.

Then all hell broke lose.

Lewis was driving out of the pit lane, through the exit. He was side by side with Max and this continued through to turn 1 as they battled wheel to wheel.

They reached turn 2 and Max was squeezed. He hit the sausage kerb which propelled his car into the air as he’d made contact with Hamilton’s left rear tyre. He went over Lewis and landed on top of him, one of his wheels resting on the Mercedes driver’s head. The halo had done its job.

They were out. They would have to retire. And yet again the finger pointing would start. Just like in Silverstone.

“Max are you ok?” Came the radio message and it sparked a feeling of déjà vu within him

“Yeah I’m fine” he replied quickly, a little sharper than he’d have liked with the frustration.

He climbed out of the cockpit, glancing at Lewis as he did so. From what he could tell, the Mercedes driver was trying to reverse from under his car.

Max looked away, storming from the track towards the pit lane. It was almost as though dark clouds were hanging over him on his journey.

He knew he’d be criticised for just leaving Lewis there and he knew that the blame game would be played.

He reached the Red Bull garage, still seething and finally removed his helmet. He ran a hand through his hair, messing it up even more in annoyance.

Y/N watched from the other side of the garage, debating whether she should go to him or give him some space. She decided on the latter, feeling that leaving him alone for a little might help to calm him down.

Max went to his driver’s room. He felt like slamming the door or punching something but he knew that was childish and wouldn’t help anything.

He sat down and put his head in his hands, sighing.

“Max?” Came Y/N’s soft voice. She’d decided that she would check on him now “Max? Can I come in?”

He stayed silent for a little bit, hoping she’d leave. He’d already seen and heard some of the things people had been saying about the crash and he didn’t have the energy

Then he saw that the FIA had decided that it was predominantly his fault and he’d be penalised for the Russian Grand Prix in two weeks time. His blood boiled.

Y/N opened the door at that moment “Max! I was worried about you”

She came over to where he was sitting and placed her hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently

“I’m fine” he said sharply, taking a tone with her that he’d never done before

“It’s not your fault Max” she said, trying to be comforting

“Yeah? Well tell that to everyone else. Everyone else says it’s my fault. The FIA are making me drop points in the Russian Grand Prix. Everyone’s saying I’m a dirty driver, that I should have checked more on Hamilton and given up my position” he flung these words at her in anger

She went to speak but he cut her off “Leave me alone Y/N. Go back to your dad. He’s probably disappointed in me. You probably are too, that’s why you won’t tell him you’re dating me.” Ah yes the insecurity again, raising its head, fuelled by Max’s frustration

She looked horrified “Why would I be disappointed in you?”

“You probably think I’m a cheat like everyone else” he knew that wasn’t true but he was just saying anything in his fury

“That’s not true and you know it. I know you’re angry Max but I’m not letting you lie and take it out on me”

He laughed bitterly “Haven’t you heard? Everyone calls me ‘Mad Max’. They’ll be doing the same with this crash”

It was becoming quite clear to Y/N that she wasn’t really getting through to Max and that he was just wallowing in self-pity

“I’m going to leave Max, you’re not helping yourself here”

“That’s it Y/N, just leave. I don’t need your help at the moment”

That hurt Y/N and a few tears trickled down her face at that “Fuck you, Verstappen” she said, voice breaking. She managed to make his surname appear like an insult even as she cried before she turned on her heel and left.

Max’s heart clenched and he immediately felt guilty, berating himself for the way he’d just acted. He knew she only had the best intentions and that he’d just made her feel awful. He regretted it now and wished he could take it back but he couldn’t. He had a lot of making up to do.

[gothicwidowsworld]

Karma L.N

Part 2 to consequences of my actions

Karma has a habit of catching up with you. It's a superstition that brings you face to face with the consequences of your actions whether you meant them or not. If karma works like death wearing a familiar face and all that Y/N Horner was completely screwed in a metaphorical sense this time. Max had won again and Checo had made his mark on F1 history being the first Mexican to lead a lap and secure a podium at his home Grand Prix respectively. This weekend was definitely one for the books but also one Y/N wished with all her heart she could forget. Somehow since Turkey the y/h/c girl had managed to avoid a certain papaya donned driver but luck has a shelf life it seems. Heading back to the Red Bull hospitality Y/N couldn’t help but curse at the flakes of red, white and green confetti stuck in her y/h/c strands. The Paddock was drastically less busy than earlier due to the celebrations and Y/N could actually walk more than 2 meters without bumping into someone. It would have been 3 meters but Lando Norris put a stop to that.

“So do you just plan on sleeping your way through the grid?” the McLaren Driver sneered he’d posed it as a question but he meant for it to hurt. It was a razor cut of a statement, one made with malice and laced with poison. Taking a deep breath Y/N ignored Lando for a second “It’s none of your business Norris.” Y/N  replied plainly. The girl’s voice was assertive and direct just like her Father had taught her but Y/N couldn’t help but feel off guard. Keeping up with the Horner girls' strides Lando couldn’t help but scoff “You're just pissed you got caught!” he stated matter-of-factly. From afar Y/N wondered if they looked friendly, they hadn’t received any odd looks yet but from what little traffic there was in the walkway she wasn’t surprised. Half of the small crowd was fans on the hunt for a specific driver to nab a photograph with, the other worked for a team and was determined to finish their task before the frantic rush to pack up for Brazil. “You know I thought you were different but you’re just a massive dick!” Y/N exclaimed in realisation. “Yeah well you think you’re so sweet and innocent conning Pierre into thinking you're having his baby!” Lando defended himself, an arrogant smirk sat on his tan face.

Coming to a halt Y/N turned to face the dark haired man tilting her head in pity the girl mulled over Lando’s words, He sounded so sure of himself. Cocky but in a way that made her cringe Y/N laughed “It’s your baby!” 

“What?” the Englishman stuttered his smirk now gone, his face beginning to lose colour. Y/N shrugged she didn’t feel sorry, she wasn’t a cruel person but Lando had played with fire and unfortunately lost. “You heard me loud and clear.” the y/h/c woman replied, playing with the paddock pass that sat around her neck. “I didn’t… I didn’t know.” Lando whispered. “No! No, instead you thought you’d accuse me of being a whore.” Y/N retaliated with a delicious sarcastic smile sat on her y/s/c face. “I didn’t say that.” Lando said slowly his confidence from earlier completely vanished. Feigning shock the y/h woman pouted “I’m sorry, did I just hallucinate? You pretty much just called me one or maybe Gold Digger was the term you were looking for.” the girl suggested smugly. 

 “Y/N/N I’m so sorry.” Lando muttered running a hand through his dishevelled post-race curls. He was embarrassed, it showed in his body language Lando had a habit of doing that. “Look I don’t need you so why don’t you run along a play some video games or whatever it is you do in your spare time and leave me the fuck alone.” Y/N proposed tauntingly. It was horrible behaviour sure, would she regret it? Probably but did it feel good to see Lando hurt, to see his own poison laced words sting him back twice fold? Hell yes. “God Lando I can’t deal with this pretty boy pettiness you have going on I have bigger priorities” Becoming a Mother had grounded the young Horner, sure she still had moments were she acted out and not all of it could be blamed on hormones but at the end of the day time was running out. Soon she’d have this little thing dependent on her even more than they were now. This baby was her future. And she’d protect it at any cost. 

“I was jealous ok!” the McLaren Driver exclaimed exasperatedly, eyebrows furrowed in utter defeat. “Of who? No scratch that of what?” Y/N argued, throwing her arms up in irritation. Biting his lip Lando shrugged “I don’t know..” Rolling her y/e/c orbs Y/N scowled “That’s great! Great use of words Lando.”

“It was stupid ok I get it!” Lando groaned, running a hand over his stressed face. Nodding in agreement Y/N clicked her tongue “I feel sorry for the next girl who has the displeasure of dealing with you.”

“I don’t want there to be a next girl” the Driver called out to the girls retreating figure panicking. “Jesus Lando a couple of minutes ago you were accusing me of bed hopping the entire grid which fuck you by the way and now you want to play happy families?” Y/N scoffed, placing a protective hand on her bump. Noticing the disheartened look on the young man’s face Y/N frowned. “Look, we can make co-parenting work.. And who knows you have four months give or take to prove me wrong.” Y/N offered kindly, placing a reassuring hand on Lando’s forearm. Shooting the Brit a small smile the Horner gave the man’s tan limb a warm squeeze. “I really have to get back before my Dad sends out a search party but text me ok? My number’s still the same so no excuses.” Y/N giggled pointing a mocking finger at the Driver, a grin finding a home on his tan features. 

 Taking a couple of steps towards her final destination the y/h/c girl was confused at the sudden buzz from her phone. Her family was back home so were all well into their evening routines by now and those in the same time zone were busy celebrating. “Just making sure I remembered your number!” Lando yelled loudly, spotting the girl glancing at her mobile.

[rubysunnday]

rooftops

A/N: The finale to my part in Olive's (@lxncelot) , writing challenge! This is fic 3 out of 3 (congrats if you made it this far, well done!) Again, prompts are all from Olive's dialogue and song prompt list) : 3) “I’ll miss this — us.” | 17) “Are we friends?”`| 26) “I could be in love with someone like you.” | rooftop kiss — james horner

Fic 1 | Fic 2 | Fic 3

The wind was howling outside the whaling hut. It was so harsh the windows and doors were rattling in their frames, fighting to stay put. But the two occupants inside didn't notice. They were both too cold and uncomfortable and pointedly ignoring the other to do much more than sit by the fire, bundled in furs, wearing someone else's clothes underneath.

Of course, they were both as far apart from each other as physically possible whilst also staying within the warmth of the fire. Matthias was silent. Y/N was silent. Neither said a word.

Matthias leant forward and poked the fire with the poker, nudging the logs around. They sparked and crackled as fresh wood was added, feeding the fire. Matthias glanced over at Y/N, barely visible under the furs. "You need to eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"That does not matter," Matthias said, leaning back. "Because you're so cold it means you don't feel hunger. Your body needs to eat."

"I'm fine. I just want to sleep," Y/N muttered, tightening the furs around her, trying to block him out.

Matthias looked back at the pot that was simmering over the fire. "If you sleep, you'll likely not wake up again."

"Oh, good, that saves you from having to kill me," Y/N said, refusing to look at him.

"If I was going to kill you, I would have done it by now," Matthias replied, rolling his eyes as he spooned the soup into two bowls. "Now, eat," he said, holding the bowl out to her.

Y/N reluctantly reached out a hand from underneath the furs and took the bowl, putting it on the floor in front of her. "And if I don't want to eat?"

"Then you'll succumb to hypothermia and pass out," Matthias said, shrugging. "All Drüskelle learn that mistake in their first few months. Most recover. Some don't. Brum always says that a Drüskelle-"

"If I eat the damn soup, will you shut up?" Y/N snapped, turning to glare at him.

Matthias nodded. He watched Y/N intently as she picked up the bowl and took a small sip of the soup, letting it digest before taking another sip.

"It's good soup," she reluctantly admitted, dipping her spoon back in. "If you've poisoned it, I won't mind dying this way."

"For Saint's sake," Matthias muttered, swearing in Fjerdan under his breath. "I haven't poisoned it! I am eating it too."

Y/N raised her eyebrows but returned to her soup.

Silence fell in the whaling hut again.

"You can have the bed."

Y/N looked over at Matthias as she finished her soup. "Don't be ridiculous, there's room for two of us." Matthias was silent so Y/N looked at him again. "Oh, don't tell me little Matthias is scared of sleeping next to a woman."

"I am not..." He paused, forcing himself to calm down. "I am not scared."

"Good, then we will before sleep in the bed," Y/N said, standing up, setting her half-eaten soup aside.

Matthias reluctantly stood up too. He watched as Y/N clambered onto the bed, wrapping herself up in the furs and getting comfortable.

"Oh for Saint's sake, stop being such a prune and come here," she snapped. "You're the one going on about hypothermia and yet you're over there, freezing."

"I'm fine."

"Oh, look how the tables have turned," she muttered.

Matthias climbed into the other side of the bed and lay down on the very edge - as far away as possible from Y/N.

"Drüskelle," she said, turning her head to look at him. "Do you want to freeze to death? No? Then move closer."

He shuffled closer.

"Closer."

Mattthias shuffled even closer. Y/N could feel his cold skin against her back and shivered slightly.

"There, now neither of us will die in the night and we can go back to hating each other in the morning, happy?"

Matthias grunted, burying himself under the furs. Y/N turned onto her side and pulled the furs up over her shoulder, tucking them around her. She closed her eyes and wriggled down a bit, getting comfortable.

The wind kept on howling.

Matthias awoke suddenly as something jolted him. He sat up, expecting to see Y/N standing over him with a knife, about to cut out his heart. But the room was empty. It took him a moment to realise that someone was crying and that the someone was lying next to him.

He looked down at her and could see the tears falling down her face, the terror clearly written on her face as she relived something. Matthias wasn't sure why, but he felt his heart ache for the girl. He wasn't immune to nightmares - no one was.

Part of him wanted to leave her. A Grisha deserved to live through the terrors they had seen as punishment. But he couldn't believe that this girl - barely younger than him - could be so heartless and brutal. at such a young age, what could she have possibly experienced and seen that would have traumatised her in such a way.

Matthias reached out a hand and put it on her shoulder, shaking her gently. "Roëd," he said, for he didn't know her true name. Neither one had decided to share that information.

Y/N let out a panicked yelled and sat up, almost falling out of the bed. She pushed Matthias' hand away, flinging back all of the furs until she was just in the shirt and pants she'd found in the corner of the hut. Y/N pushed herself up from the bed and bolted from the room and out into the cold, cold night.

Matthias quickly got up and followed after her, not wanting her to get lost in the Fjerdan landscape or end up being attacked because, despite the death threats and the mutual hated, he did care for her. She'd saved him from the shipwreck and, somehow, they were still going.

Y/N fell to her knees in the snow - in the dark - and plunged her hands into the cold, wet snow, needing it to ground her and wake her up from her nightmare. Matthias stood in the doorway, watching warily in the background.

"Sorry," Y/N said quietly, her voice almost being lost in the wind. She sniffled and ducked her head, hiding her face. "I'm sorry."

Matthias approached cautiously. He hovered behind her for a moment before kneeling down behind her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Don't be sorry for something you can't control."

Y/N chuckled, a shiver wracking through her body. "You surprised that Grisha have nightmares too?" She asked, turning to look at him. "That we're human?"

Matthias was silent. Y/N scoffed quietly, knowing she was right.

Their silent argument ended abruptly when a wolf let out a loud howl, only a few feet away. Both Y/N and Matthias looked up, struggling to see the animal through the dark and blinding snow.

The wolf stalked forward, baring its teeth at Y/N. She didn't move.

"Don't attack it," Matthias said quietly, slowly rising to his feet.

"No offence, Drüskelle, but I'm not going to let a wolf attack me because it's a sacred animal to you," Y/N hissed.

"Just wait," Matthias insisted. "Let him move first. If he attacks first then we know."

"And if he just stands there?"

"Then we wait."

The wolf snarled, taking another step forward. It howled. And then turned around and walked off.

"Get up, slowly," Matthias said, holding a hand out to Y/N.

Y/N reached behind her and took his hand, letting him pull her into his side. Matthias wrapped an arm around her shoulders, trying to warm Y/N up, as they watched the wolf walk off into the night.

"I've never seen a wolf just leave before," Y/N said quietly, shivering under Matthias' arm.

"They're mainly peaceful if not provoked," Matthias replied.

"As are Grisha."

Matthias looked down at her, his eyes finding hers. He looked at her for a moment in silence. Y/N looked up at him. She met his gaze for only a few seconds before she swayed against him, her knees giving out and plunging her back into the snow.

Matthias fell to the snow with her, pulling her into his side and putting an arm under her legs, another around her back, and lifting her up out of the snow. He carried her back inside, sitting her in front of the fire.

He grabbed the furs off the bed and piled them onto her, wrapping them around her shivering form. Y/N didn't protest, her eyes closing involuntarily as she tried to stay focused on the fire.

"Now who's dying of hypothermia," she muttered, her teeth chattering as she gave Matthias a half-hearted smile.

Matthias sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, rubbing her shoulder as he tried to warm her up.

"For a man who hunts Grisha for a living, you are very determined to keep me alive," Y/N said quietly.

Matthias sighed to himself. "It was Grisha who killed my entire family. They set the village on fire and let it burn. My mother, sister and father all died. Because of Grisha."

Y/N was silent. Eventually, she spoke, her eyes focused on the fire. "Not all Grisha are good, Druskelle. Not all Grisha are bad. Like people. The Grisha who murdered your family are the minority. We are not all like that. And we are certainly not witches. We create from elements that already exist in the world."

"Such as?"

Y/N pulled her arm out from under the furs. She looked up at Matthias. "Are we friends?"

Matthias nodded. "We are."

Y/N nodded. She held her hand palm up and then made a scooping motion, her eyes closed. She felt Matthias stiffen as fire appeared in her hand, orange flames dancing around her fingers.

"It's not magic. I simply summon all the combustible gases in the world, for there are thousands, and fire appears." Y/N waved her hand and the fire vanished. She pulled her hand back inside the furs. "That's all it is. Small Science, as we call it. No magic."

Matthias nodded. He didn't seem to be able to speak. He eventually decided on what he wanted to say. "What was your nightmare about? Only if you want to tell me."

Y/N shifted closer to Matthias. "I'm sure you've heard of General Kirigan - or the Darkling."

"I think it'd be impossible to find someone in all of Ravka, Fjerda and beyond who hasn't heard of it."

"It?"

"It was not a man, nor a human. It is simply it."

Y/N smiled to herself. It slowly faded as she returned to her mind. "I was a Grisha under his orders when Sankt Alina first appeared. I was fresh out of school - a young Grisha desperate to prove herself. And he used me like he used hundreds of others. I was trapped under his control until King Nikolai broke us out.

"But the Darkling had done enough by then. Being used by him - controlled by him is something I do not wish to repeat. Sometimes in the night, I think I see him. I know he is long dead and burnt but... I hear his voice in the wind, I see his shadows in the darkness and all I can think about is what he did to me."

Matthias was silent. He knew about the Darkling. Everyone did. But very few knew about what it did to the young Grisha under its command.

"My name is Y/N Y/L/N, by the way," Y/N said quietly. "I feel like since I'm pouring my heart out to you, we should know each other's names."

Matthias smiled. "I'm Matthias Helvar."

Y/N nodded. She dropped her head onto Matthias' shoulder. "Nice to meet you, Matthias."

Matthias sat there, an arm around her shoulders, watching the flames dance away until morning came.

It took them five days to find civilisation. The snowstorm passed after three days and it took them two days of walking - and almost falling off a cliff - to reach safety.

The inn wasn't much - it was full of Fjerdan sailors on their way out or back from long trips out at sea. But it was warm and it was safe - for now.

"I don't know how I feel about stealing," Matthias said as Y/N unlocked the door to their room.

"I didn't steal, I borrowed," Y/N corrected, walking inside.

"Are you going to give it back?"

"Indirectly, yes."

Matthias laughed. Y/N stared at him.

"Saints, Matthias, I didn't know you could laugh!" She exclaimed.

Matthias chuckled as he took his coat off and sat down on the bed, stretching his legs out.

"It appears we have learnt a lot about each other this past week," he said softly, smiling at her.

Y/N approached him and sat down on his right, dropping her head to his shoulder. "You know, I have no idea what Roëd means."

"What?"

"The other night, when I was having a nightmare, you called me Roëd..."

Matthias' smile grew. "It means red in Fjerdan."

"Red? Why red?"

"Well, when we first met -"

"When you kidnapped me, you mean."

Matthias rolled his eyes. "You were wearing a red skirt, like the one you're wearing now. Since I didn't know your name... I thought Roëd was subtle."

Y/N nodded, a smile working its way onto her face. "I like it."

Matthias put his arm around Y/N's shoulders - an action he'd found himself doing numerous times over the past week. He ran his thumb up and down her arm, gently following an imaginary line.

"What will you do now?" Matthias asked quietly.

The question had been praying on his mind for days now. What happens next. He could easily go back to Brum, resume his training, tell his tale. Y/N could easily return to wherever she came from - carry on leaving her life. Nothing would change.

Except something had changed. The world had shifted. Just a bit, but enough to know that there was no going back to the before.

"Find a ship back to Ketterdam," Y/N said softly. Her left hand was entwined with his, her fingers playing with his. "Tell my boss what happened and hope he gives me my job back. What about you?"

"I don't know."

"Have I changed you that much, Druskelle?" Y/N asked, tilting her head up to look at him.

Matthias looked down at her. "Perhaps. What is... Ketterdam like?"

"First of all, excellent pronunciation," Y/N said, looking back down again. "Second of all, it's shit."

"Then why would you want to go back?"

"Because it was the only place to welcome me after I left Ravka. I fitted in seamlessly there. No questions were asked about me or my powers. I got a job and they treat me well. It works for me."

"I cannot imagine what it must be like to be... persecuted everywhere you go."

"Saints, I have changed you!" Y/N said, looking back at him. She smiled. "It's hard. Trusting people is harder. I haven't used my power in years as a result but... I prefer it that way, oddly. I was used and wanted for my power in Ravka. In Ketterdam I am just me. I'm just Y/N."

Matthias stared at the wall for a moment. "I'd like to go somewhere like that. Where it is simply just... you and I. Simply Y/N and Matthias."

"No prejudice."

"No hatred."

"Just us."

Matthias looked back at her and leaned down, capturing Y/N's lips in a kiss before she had a chance to move. He leant back and pressed his forehead to hers.

"I'll miss this," Matthias said quietly, knowing deep down, that it would inevitably end as all good things did. "Us."

Y/N closed her eyes, pressing her lips together. "You know, Matthias, I could be in love with someone like you."

"I know. As could I."

And that was the truth. She could love him and he could love her. Despite the ways they'd been raised. Despite what they'd lived through and experienced at the hands of their people, both of them, Grisha and Druskelle, could and did love each other.

It was the truth and the pain of it. Knowing that their love was never meant to be.

And that it was never destined to last.

[lightsovermonaco]

His Good Sweater: Chapter 12

Masterlist

Winding down from the frenzy of the last chapter... Thanks to @acollectionofficsandshit​ for being my bestie and beta reading! This would have never happened without her ❤

Word Count: 5.9k

Recommended song: "I Don't Care" by Fall Out Boy

“Mon amour, wake up.”

Pierre’s sleep-heavy voice rouses you from the best sleep you’d had in a long time. You’d fallen asleep to the sounds of his even breathing under the soothing touch of his thumb tracing patterns on your side.

You crack your eyes open to see him silhouetted by the white light of the waning moon, his bare chest left uncovered by the blanket slung low over his hips. The sight alone has your mind instantly jumping into overdrive, fighting the need to sleep with the need to continue ogling the bare skin a foot from your face.

“I let you sleep as long as I could,” he says softly, reaching behind him for his phone. “We have to be on the M1 in about half an hour.”

“Mmmph,” you groan, snuggling back under the blanket and closer to him, chasing the warmth radiating from him. “The sun isn’t even out.”

His chuckle shakes the bed. “I figured you would say that which is why I made you breakfast and picked out your clothes. All you have to do is brush your teeth and get dressed.” 

You hum appreciatively and press a kiss to his bare sternum. “Is this how you’re going out today? Because I won’t complain but you might cause a few heart attacks.” A kiss to your temple is a small reward for your comment, as well as a concession.

"Don't worry, this is reserved only for you." He stretches an arm above his head, grinning when your eyes immediately are drawn to the way the muscles ripple and pull under his skin. You stare shamelessly as he flexes a little for your benefit, the action going straight to your head. 

"As it should be." You bite your lip and let your fingertips dance over his chest, memorizing the way it rises and falls so predictably with each deep breath. Against your better judgement you trail kisses up over his pectoral and spot them along his shoulder, dragging another light chuckle from him.

"My love," he warns, voice tinted with mischief, "we don't have time."

"Oh I think we do." You continue your path over his collarbone and to the hollow of his throat. Taking advantage of his biggest weakness, you flick your tongue over his prominent adam’s apple. The move has his hand engulfing your upper arm, giving you a warning squeeze.

"As wonderful as this is" -he sucks in a sharp breath when your teeth graze his neck- "if I'm late Horner will kill me."

"What's new?" You say, but draw back. The mere mention of his name made you see red and shattered the moment. "Do you really want to go back to Red Bull after how they treated you?"

"No," he admits, slipping an arm around you and tugging you up and into a sitting position, taking advantage of the momentary lapse of lust. "But if I want a shot with a top team when my contract is up, I don’t have much choice."

"Where do you see yourself going?"

Pierre studies you as you slip into the clothes he had selected for you. Nothing fancy, just an AlphaTauri branded navy and white hoodie and some light wash jeans. You don't miss the way his lips twitch upward when you notice it's his hoodie, his last name embroidered in block font on the cuff a dead giveaway even if the hoodie hadn't been ridiculously oversized on you.

Cheeky bastard.

"I think I would look good in sunshine yellow," he remarks. You make a show of looking him up and down under the pretense of imagining him in a Renault branded hoodie or their signature black race suit. Truthfully it was just another excuse to drink him in like the fine wine he was and recall how he had tasted on your tongue last night.

He would look good in any color on the grid but you don't grant him the satisfaction of pointing that out. Instead, you lean forward to toy with the waistband of the jeans he had hastily buttoned seconds earlier. "You and Daniel get along just fine." You snag him by the belt loops and yank him forward back onto the bed. "I think you should go to McLaren.”

“I’d still look good in orange.”

You wind your fingers under his waistband. “I think you’d look best wearing nothing at all, actually.”

“The time,” Pierre protests lightly when you pop open the button and undo the zipper. He groans when you yank the denim down around his thighs, finally submitting to your touch and lacing his fingers in your hair. Your lips explore the planes of his abdomen, any and all thoughts of speed abandoned on your end. "If you don't hurry up we're gonna be late."

"Maybe you'll just have to drive fast. I hear you’re good at that."

**********

"So how is it that they got your car all the way to London?"

"It's got its own private jet."

You roll your eyes and smack the hand resting on your thigh. His response is a light squeeze and a chuckle before he continues, "They've got a few spares they keep around for when drivers come to town. I can't be seen in a Mini or it would cause a scandal."

"Oh yes it would be quite tragic." His hand charts a dangerous path along your thigh. He knows exactly what he's doing as he slots a thumb between your legs and presses it tight to the apex of your thighs.

You snap your knees shut, effectively trapping his hand "Now you're just being cruel."

"Only dishing out what you did this morning," he points out and wiggles his hand free to rest on your knee instead. The message was clear: he had shaken you well enough for his liking and was perfectly content to leave you frustrated until he could get you home.

“So catch me up on what I’ve missed,” you say, determined to distract yourself from Pierre’s slight teasing. “What’s new in the life of the rising star in Formula 1?”

“Rising star,” Pierre mumbles and rolls his eyes. “Not yet, my love. Getting there, but not yet.”

“Please, you’re too modest. Last night when you fell asleep- you were out like a light as soon as your head hit the pillow, don't give me that look!” Pierre picks his jaw up off the floor and shakes his head as you continue, “I read plenty of articles that called you the next big thing, right up there with Max.”

The comparison didn't seem to sit right with him. He shifts in his seat, rolling words over on his tongue. “I’m sure you’re caught up then. I haven’t done anything really besides train and race.”

“I did notice you’ve beefed up a bit.”

“Yet another reason to thank Pyry.”

“At this point I should send him a fruit basket for his trouble.”

“Maybe you should.” Pierre grins, hand leaving your thigh for a split second to upshift. “What about you? How’s year four treating you?”

“Ugh, don’t get me started,” you groan. “My senior project is already killing me and I’ve only just started it. We have to design a building from the ground up- I mean I like architecture but I’m trying to be an engineer, not an architect. I dunno why I have to be the one to design a building! At this point it’s just a brick box.”

“Sounds challenging,” Pierre notes, flooring it when he merges onto the highway. Though the speed makes your stomach flip, you don’t miss a beat.

“My team doesn’t do much either, I’ve been doing most of it. I could rant for hours about it.”

Pierre glances at the clock, then back to you. The blue of his eyes is blocked by his signature purple tinted sunglasses, shielding them from the rising sun that casts him in a warm orange glow. “Humor me. We’ve got time.”

The hour and a half drive was by no means dull with Pierre's teasing touches and endless string of questioning along the way. He asked after every aspect of your life that had transpired in the last four months, only stopping you once in a while to interject with an opinion or anecdote.  He didn't stop at your life either, even asking after Ben's relationship. You'd been happy to report that he had indeed wooed his crush and had officially asked him to be his boyfriend.

"Those secret French lessons paid off," Pierre jokes as he pulls up to the imposing glass fronted building that served as Red Bull Racing's headquarters. The sweeping curve of the entrance was flanked on either side by two-story red and yellow bulls; proof that the team's dramatics extended far past the track. Anyone approaching for the first time would have been intimidated by the sheer size of them that suggested they were ready to stomp on their competition at a moment’s notice.

“Guess it’s time.” You sigh and undo your seatbelt and fiddle with the buckle, doing your best to stall. There was no reason to be this nervous. You were no one to these people; the focus would be entirely on Pierre. You would be an afterthought, not that you minded because it made it easier to fade into the background. 

Pierre picks up on your hesitation in a heartbeat. “I’ll keep them off your back,” he promises and you nod, the single sentence taking the edge off. “Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” You reach for the door handle but Pierre tsks and you pause.

"You know better." You bite your lip to keep back the grin fighting its way to the surface as he comes around to open your door. He offers you his hand and you gladly take it and are pleasantly surprised when he threads his fingers through yours and heads for the entrance.

The atrium serving as the lobby is breathtakingly gorgeous. You had to hand it to the interior designer; they knew what they were doing. Sleek white marble floors are accented by red and yellow leather chairs scattered in small groups throughout the grand space. A tiered circular modern interpretation of a chandelier hangs above to offer guidance to the accountants, engineers and artists that weave through the lobby on their way to their respective wings or offices.

A waist high, glass front cabinet of drivers helmets serves as the reception desk. The unmistakable scent of a fresh cup of coffee hits you as you approach and the secretary hands a steaming paper cup to someone before they scurry off, presumably to a private office if they were important enough to warrant special attention. The first rays of morning sunlight glint off the silver Red Bull logo inlaid in the black marble behind the woman at the counter, making you squint.

"Bonjour Monsieur Gasly," she says in perfect French. "Ça va?"

"Bien," he says simply and switches to English for your benefit. "Has Christian come through yet?"

"He has," the woman says, glancing sidelong at you. Whatever conclusions she draws about you are insignificant enough that she writes you off immediately, angling her body towards Pierre and resting her chin in her hand. The posturing puts her ample chest on display, nearly spilling out of her billowing blouse, but Pierre's eyes don't wander. "He's not expecting you yet. Voulez-vous un cafe?"

"I'm good." The woman may have been determined to alienate you but Pierre was having none of it. Pierre turns to you, a grin playing on his face. This was your first test as an official couple and he intended to see how you handled it. "How about you, my love? Coffee?"

The woman's eyes slip to where your hand remains clasped in his. She cocks her head so slightly you think you might be imagining it until Pierre's grip tightens, a silent encouragement. Your confidence soars. If this was how Daniel's girlfriend felt when the two of them were out, you finally understood why they didn't hide. It was a rush knowing that everyone wanted Pierre but he only wanted you. No matter how blatantly women threw themselves at him, there was no doubt in your mind that he would never give a single one of them the light of day.

It was about damn time you afforded him the same unwavering commitment as he had shown you.

"No thank you," you reply sweetly with a mocking smile directed to the woman. You lean in and drop your voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "You might want to fix your shirt though, it’s… slipped. I know I'd hate for that to happen to me and no one tell me, especially at work. I don't think I'd ever recover from it."

Her face immediately turns scarlet as she stands straight and folds her arms over her chest. "If I were you-"

"Let Horner know I'm here," Pierre interrupts and it's somehow the hottest thing he's ever said. His purely commanding tone leaves no room for argument. 

"Of course," she replies with a sharp smile in your direction that makes your spine stiffen. "Good luck. Christian is in rare form this morning."

"Just ignore it," Pierre murmurs and sweeps his thumb over the back of your hand as he leads you across the cold marble and down a carpeted hall. "You handled that well.”

“I may have gotten a few pointers from Daniel’s lover.” Your soft smile doesn’t quite reach your eyes. The short interaction had sapped most of your confidence, leaving you on uneven footing. “I would rather not have to deal with that again soon though.”

“I can handle the women easy enough when I know I’ve got you to come home to.”

The tightness in your chest eases further when the hall opens into another startlingly white space, this time packed with rows and rows of navy cubicles. But that's not where your attention is drawn- instead, your gaze is immediately snagged by the case of trophies towering high along the back wall. Cups of every shape and size shine within, each one representing a different podium for the team achieved in various years and tracks.

"There must be over a hundred," you breathe, mesmerized by the glinting silver and intricate craftsmanship. The case was easily thirty feet tall and you had to crane your neck to catch a glimpse of the ones in the top row. Each one told a story of blood, sweat and tears, each one earned by a driver who had made countless sacrifices to be where they were and finish on a podium.

"A hundred and eighty five to be exact," he counters, laughing at your amusement. "Your inner architect is screaming isn't it?"

"Only a little." 

Pierre laughs outright at your white lie and tugs you along. "You can stare on the way out. I'll even show you which ones were Max's."

"Did you memorize what all his trophies look like?"

"Hey, meetings with engineers get boring. It's one of the more interesting ways to occupy your time when they are going on and on about fluid mechanics and thermodynamics- you know, stuff you understand but not me."

"Oh whatever, you enjoy those meetings and you know it."

"Only a little," he quotes.

People recognize him as you pass and some nod or give a simple greeting as they go about their morning but no one stops him to chat. The air feels a bit hostile, like no one knows what to do with him now that he's walking through the building after a nearly two year absence.

"Do you miss it?" You ask after he smiles at someone for the millionth time. 

"I miss the team," he admits, "but not the management culture. My team was great- they supported me any way they could but it didn't help that Horner didn't exactly encourage them to believe in me. It's hard to crank out results when there's no one on your side."

"I'm on your side," you point out, nudging him with your hip. "You've got me forever, no takesies backsies."

"I'm grateful for it," he murmurs and gives your hand a squeeze. He hadn't let go once; not when he had to open a door or the two of you had to walk single file to let people pass.

The building was a labyrinth and if it wasn't for Pierre you'd have been lost the moment you set foot inside. He navigates the twisting halls with ease, having no need for the countless signs posted along the way.

He leads you up a set of steel stairs after what seems like ages. When he knocks on a heavy oak door, his grip on your hand turns possessive like he suspects the office’s occupant would try to rip you away from him. 

“Morning.”

God, even the one word makes rage simmer in your veins. The voice precedes the man and Christian Horner swings open the door, a plastic smile splitting his face. He doesn't bother acknowledging you with a greeting, instead addressing his driver directly.

“I wasn’t expecting you to bring a guest.”

“A pretty face was needed around here,” Pierre snaps back without missing a beat. You bristle, free hand curling into a fist. If there was one person you didn’t mind teaching a lesson to, it was Horner. He had little respect for anyone he viewed as disposable- up to and including “underperforming” drivers.

Christian raises an eyebrow. “Sure. She can wait out here- you and I have terms to discuss.”

Fine, Horner wanted to play dirty? So could you. When it came to staring him down, you became fearless. He was the one person you refused to let intimidate you.  

Drawing on your newly minted confidence you smile up at Pierre and silence the protest forming on his tongue with a grin. “Gimme a kiss, race winner.”

Pierre doesn’t hesitate to press his lips to yours. Cupping a hand to the back of his neck you draw him in and nip at his lower lip. The hand on your hip tightens at Christian's scoff but Pierre makes no move to break away. You linger a moment longer than necessary to drive your point home: you didn’t care what Horner had to say about you, you were here to stay and he would have to get used to it.

Pierre gives you a small, blissed out smile before dropping your hand and following Horner inside. The door clicks but doesn't shut all the way, Pierre leaving it cracked for your benefit.

Uninterested in eavesdropping on small talk, you lean on the metal railing to observe the research and development garage coming to life on the floor below. Hybrid engines in various stages of disassembly dot the space, small teams of mechanics and engineers tweaking components to reduce weight or increase horsepower. Pistons and valves are scrutinized and exchanged before being placed under stress to test their strength.

An FIA official in a red jacket wove through the garage to observe and jot notes down on a clipboard. He looks over the shoulder of an engineer pouring over formulas on a whiteboard, startling him when the official asks a question. Someone calls your name from below and you search for the origin, finally spotting the woman and waving back at her.

Management may have their qualms with Pierre but it was clear there were still some within the team that had his back. They were likely the same ones that knew he would have to leave the Red Bull umbrella to find any semblance of success. They may not have possessed the guts to stick their necks out for him when Horner had cut him but they were at least happy to see him back around headquarters.

"You sure you'll rise to the challenge?" Horner's question drags you back to the mezzanine. 

"I'll take seventh. I'm only a few points away and we have plenty of races left."

He had five races to catch up to be exact. Pierre currently was comfortably ahead of the pack in ninth, Sainz was only three points ahead in eighth, and Norris ten points beyond in seventh. It would only take a DNF or two from his rivals and a few podiums to pass them up.

"Right," Horner starts. "There's a reason you've done so well this season and it's not luck. You've been racing exceptionally well and I don't want that to change."

"If there's something on your mind just get on with it." Pierre's voice is calm and collected in a way yours wouldn't be if you had been in his shoes. You've been dying to rip into Horner since the day he wrote Pierre off.

"There's been a fire in you the past few months since she has been gone-"

"Leave her out of this."

The tone sends a chill down your spine. It maintains the same level headedness that Pierre had perfected over the years and you had come to expect when he was backed against a wall, but it was laced with an unspoken threat. The intent was clear: he would walk out and abandon his chance for a seat at Red Bull if it meant protecting you.

You creep to the door to peer through the crack. Horner crosses his arms, a sly smile on his face. "You would sacrifice your chance at a championship winning seat for her? Everything you've worked so hard for, gone in a flash, because of her?"

"Without question," Pierre answers immediately. The conviction and commitment behind it nearly makes you stumble. "I'm sure there's plenty of other teams that would love to have me after the season I've had. She’s not going anywhere, so either you stop disrespecting her or I walk out."

You clench your fists, ready to burst in and demand Pierre stop being a fucking idiot. His long term plan saw him at another top team that would take care of him and nurture his skill- a long stint at Red Bull Racing was never in the cards. It wasn't an environment for everyone. Some people like Max thrived in it, letting the toxicity roll off their backs but for Pierre it was a cruel form of punishment. However, a seat at Red Bull for the 2022 season could mean the difference between an offer from Alpine and an offer from Haas when his contract was up for renewal. 

The idea of seeing his number stickered to the floor in a Red Bull garage excites and intimidates you. Last time he hadn't been given the chance to prove himself. Would they still hold that against him? Knowing Christian, he probably would. On the other hand, it meant that they admitted their mistake in cutting him mid-season, whether they said it outright or not.

Pierre's redemption day was on the horizon and you couldn't wait to see the look on Horner's face when he finally won. And the longer Christian stays silent, the more potent the urge to throttle him grows. 

Christian gives a slow clap. "Now there's the unwavering commitment that was missing during round one."

Your heart hammers in the dead silence as papers are shuffled. "Here's the contract. Terms are as discussed, you secure seventh in the world championship in 2021 and the second seat at Red Bull Racing is yours for the entire calendar in 2022. No demotions, substitutions, or shuffling of drivers unless medically necessary or mutually agreed upon by all affected parties."

"And the same spec car as the number one seat," Pierre insists, spine straight. "Same strategy." 

Christian waves a hand. "Yes, that's in there too. Feel free to take a moment and read it over."

He does, allowing Christian time to pour a knuckle of whiskey and set the glass before Pierre. He pours himself an identical glass and waits until Pierre signs and initials all the boxes before raising it in acknowledgement.

"Congratulations. Welcome back to Red Bull- conditionally."

Pierre leaves the glass untouched and remains silent, staring his potential future team principal down. He gives the man no margin to question his abilities further, conveying all he needs to with a look that would have had you shaking at the knees. Even if you can't see his face, wrath radiates from him in waves and you wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of it when it explodes.

"Right then." Christian lowers the glass, his fake smile vanishing. "I look forward to seeing what you can do."

"Don't worry. I'll deliver."

You step back and allow him to set the mood as he exits the office and slams the door behind him. Pierre sighs and scrubs a hand over his face. "You heard all of that right?"

You nod. "You wouldn't have really walked out, right?"

"I almost did."

He says it like it's the most obvious thing in the world. Like you should know that he would choose you over all of this, that all of his dreams and everything he had sacrificed to achieve them thus far meant less to him than you did. How many times did he have to prove his unwavering commitment before you realized it was true?

Pierre laces his fingers through yours, the heat welcomed by your ice cold skin. It was as much a comfort to you as it was to him. "I just have to grab some things from Max's office and then we can head out."

His jaw is still set after his stand off with Christian and you want nothing more than to ease his mind. Publicly comforting him with a touch to his chest or a kiss to his neck was out of the question so you settle on temporary distraction.

"Hey, you know what I want to see?"

"What's that?"

"That room full of all the old chassis. You know, the one that they hold all the fancy virtual events in? I wanna see those."

"I think I should be able to get you back there." He veers down a hall and you yelp, pulled along by his momentum. His attitude brightens a little at your laugh. The grin he throws your way is your own personal sun, warming your soul. 

"Hey- hold on." You pull him to a stop and lead him into an alcove. The inch of space between your chests is charged with electricity, begging to jump from one to the other.

"Can I help you?" He asks and grins down at you.

"No," you say nonchalantly. "Just wanted to be selfish for a second."

You rise up on your tiptoes to press a kiss to his lips. He melts into you, one hand coming up to cup your jaw while the other finds the small of your back. You side your tongue over his lower lip and he presses you against the door leading to who knew where and opens his mouth to you. You sigh into the kiss, arms winding around his neck and losing yourself in him.

Now that you had gotten over your anxiety, everything was so much easier. You know there's press roaming about the building and any number of them could pass by at any moment but you genuinely couldn't care less. Let them talk; you were over caring what anyone thought or said.

All that mattered was the man beneath your fingertips. You would endure a lifetime of insults if he was the one to soothe the wounds afterwards. As long as you both were happy, no one could come between you ever again.

Pierre pulls away when someone passes by and coughs quietly.  "You're trouble," he murmurs, leaving an arm propped next to your head and effectively caging you in.

"And you're dangerous," you tease, tugging on his hair and exposing his throat enough to nip at it once. "Together we're the perfect pair."

He groans and leans away. "Keep that up and I might have to stay in London an extra week."

You slip out of his grasp and give him an unrestrained grin. "Don't threaten me with a good time." You spin on your heel and set off down the hall, swaying your hips a little more than necessary.

"You know where you're going?" He calls after you.

"Someone will point me in the right direction, I'm sure."

"Someone like me." He catches up to you and once again takes your hand in his. He was enjoying showing you off almost as much as you enjoyed hanging on him.

"Maybe we should head right to Max's office and hurry home, huh?"

"Maybe-"

"Pierre, there you are."

You both turn to a woman hustling up the hall after you. She’s slight and her brown curls bounce as she jogs to where the two of you pause at a bend. You glance up to Pierre to see if he's just as confused as you are.

"Hey Mary," he says cheerily. "How are you? Sorry I didn't check in with you when I got here."

"Oh it's fine- why aren't you in the Alpha samples I sent?” The woman props a fist on her hip and tips her head to the side. “I think I got your size right now that I’ve laid eyes on you. I was hoping for a shoot today since you've finally come by."

It takes you a moment to register that she's addressing you. You shoot Pierre a look and he offers you a tentative, closed off smile. "Um, what Alpha gear?"

The woman's chocolate brown eyes go wide. "The ones I've been sending to Pierre. Hoodies, dresses, jackets. All the stuff from the new line. They have been sending the samples to you, right?"

"Um, yeah I've gotten them," Pierre says, rubbing his neck. "I haven't given them to her though."

"Oh, I see!” Pink tinges Mary’s cheeks. “I must have missed a memo. I just thought that you'd want to do a shoot with her today, since we already had a quick one planned for you. After all, you talk about her all the time."

"He does?"

Mary nods. "Oh yes, we've all heard plenty about you. You're lucky to have someone so enamored with you. I just dropped off some more samples in Max's office as a little thank you for letting us steal him so often-"

"Okay, thank you Mary," Pierre says abruptly. "I'll get back to you on that."

Pierre steers you away and down the hall. "What was she talking about? Why would they want me to come by for a photo shoot?"

Pierre runs a hand through his hair and pauses outside Max's office. The Dutchman must have been away because Pierre pulls out his key and fits it in the lock. "I just- come on."

He waves you inside and you obey, letting him close the door and grant you some semblance of privacy before continuing. 

"I never formally told anyone that we broke up. Most people came to their own conclusions once they didn't see you around for a while. Some people didn't get the message. Obviously Mary was one of them. I would still talk about you, I couldn't help myself. There was one shoot where Yuki and I were together and he mentioned off hand that you'd be a good brand ambassador. I tried to explain that it wouldn't work but Mary wouldn't hear it and she just kept sending me more and more samples.”

You draw a breath and interrupt his rambling. “But where-”

"I had it all in a box in my office but I struggled to concentrate with a reminder of you hanging over my head. I sent it over here to Max and that's where it's sat ever since. I used the excuse that Max was in town more often than I was and no one read too far into it."

"Why didn't you tell me?" You whisper. "I would've taken them. I'm sure you got an earful from Mary."

"Would you have?” Pierre pauses, your silence in the face of his frustration speaking volumes. “I waited four months to hear from you. Tell me that sending you thousands of dollars in unreleased merch wouldn't have made you even more hesitant to come back to me."

Not knowing what else to say, you let your gaze fall to the carpet. Sending you expensive things would have felt something like a bribe, like he was trying to influence you with fancy clothes.

Pierre shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter, it’s in the past now. We can take it home today and you can wear it when I take you for dinner and Alpha will get the press they’re after. Everyone will be happy.”

He wasn’t happy. That much was plain to see. He hadn’t been able to stomach seeing something intended for you, even that minute of a reminder had been too much for him to bear. God, you had thoroughly wrecked him. You were lucky that there were still enough pieces of him left to heal. 

“I didn’t realize you were hurting so bad,” you say, voice barely above a whisper as you cross the cramped space to him, stepping over piles of strewn paperwork carefully so as to not disturb whatever random order they were placed in. You don’t dare reach out to touch him as his shoulders slump, any and all forward momentum he’d gathered suddenly sapped.

“It’s one of the worst things I’ve ever gone through.”

Unable to let him suffer alone with his thoughts, you wrap your arms around his middle and let your cheek rest between his shoulders. “I didn’t mean to alienate you. I was waiting for you, too.”

“You needed space and I gave it to you.” His hand rests on your arm with a gentleness you’ve come to expect when he lays himself bare like this. “There were so many times I almost gave in to the impulse and just messaged you but I made myself wait. I didn’t want to rush it and make things worse. You always need time to think things through- I knew you would come around eventually. It didn’t make it any easier though.”

You rub soothing circles on his side as you blink back the tears that spring to your eyes. “I’m sorry I put you through that. I’m sorry I took so long and I’m sorry I made you wait. It had to have been torture-”

He turns in your embrace and cups your chin, forcing you to look up at him. The pad of his thumb sweeps across your cheek, the metal of the ring on his middle finger biting into your flushed skin. “It’s alright. You had a lot to sort through and I had to respect that.”

“We lost so much time-”

“Hey,” he says softly, ducking his head to meet your eyes. “We’re together now. If there’s one thing I’m sure of it’s that you can’t let missed opportunities control you or else you’ll never be happy.”

You nod, swiping your sleeve under your eyes. “What did they send?” you ask, nodding towards the box overflowing with tan and navy threads.

“Pull up a chair,” Pierre suggests, “there’s a lot.”

You roll over Max’s desk chair and tug on Pierre’s arm. Once he gets the picture and sits, you settle in his lap. He winds an arm around your middle, the close contact already soothing your frazzled nerves.

“That better?” he murmurs.

“Much better.”

@seasidetom @flashcal @limp-wrist-max @sunshinesewis @lifeofzoemichael @ninuffi @perfectfantasies22 @lamboleglerg @ladyperceval @0forgottenparadise0 @evie-pr @avsensio @ninuffi @ricciartodododo​

If you have asked to be tagged in the past and I missed you I apologize! Just comment below and I’ll get you added for future updates. Thanks for reading ❤

[holdmyhopeinyourhands]

I just don’t get why Horner was so aggressive with it. I understand Max’s insta statement, I don’t agree with it fully but I understand it, but like Horner just seemed to be a little bitch about it.

I'm pissed at Max's statement but it's mostly due to how everything spiralled out of control since I get his anger at the moment he wrote it. I would say it's hypocritical of him to call Lewis unsportsmanlike (and Kelly too knowing who her father is) but hey aren't we all hypocritical when we're pissed? And overall his statement is fair knowing the situation he was in even if I disgaree with him and fully believe it added fuel to the fire of racial abuse Lewis was going to get.

But Horner oh Horner is a piece of shit and the moment he said it I knew. Like it was so obvious what he was doing. He wasn't being just a bitch, he was literally accusing Lewis of deliberately trying to hurt Max like.... dude seriously??? And now he's trying to act surprised that his statement which basically called what lewis did a "crime" snowballed into this mess? Shame on him. I get why he did it just like he gets why he said it. He's never accused any other driver of similar crimes but he did it to Lewis and we all know why. It was inflammatory and it was unfair. The minute he opened his mouth and started on his rant my first instict was to pray someone shut him up before he made everything worse. It's just depressing honestly. I just managed to put the England nt racial abuse against the boys behind me and now we have to deal with this.