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starset21 · 1 month ago

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Summer 23'

Standard disclaimer: I do not consent to the posting, translating, or publishing of my work to any 3rd party site, the only place it may currently be found is on tumblr and Wattpad under the name @.itswildflower. THIS IS ALL FICTION. It does not reflect real people, real events or their actual actions or relationships.

Warnings: none

WC: 3.4k

Summery: Some glimpses into Casey's summer break

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Casey’s plane landed in Oakland on a crisp, sunny afternoon. After the long flight, the familiar hum of the airport felt distant—like it belonged to another world. The moment she stepped into her rental car, everything slowed down. The drive to Napa, with the rolling hills and vineyards stretching for miles, reminded her of why she loved this place. The world here moved at a different pace, one that felt lighter, more grounded. As she made her way down the winding road to her dad’s house, she passed yellowing fields of wildflowers and rows of grapevines, their leaves just beginning to turn with the start of autumn. The air smelled fresh, tinged with earth and the faint sweetness of the grapes ready to be harvested. It was home.

When she pulled into the gravel driveway, she could already see her dad through the window of the modest ranch-style house—his back to her, wearing his usual worn-out flannel shirt, the sleeves rolled up as he worked over the stove. The soft, rhythmic clinking of pots and pans reached her even through the glass, the smell of pancakes and bacon wafting in the air. Casey smiled to herself, feeling the weight of her busy racing season begin to lift, even before she’d stepped inside.

She opened the front door, which squeaked with familiarity. Her dad turned at the sound of the door, his face breaking into a warm, proud grin. “Kiddo! I didn’t even hear you pull up. You’re getting sneakier every time you come home.” Before she could even respond, he was over to her, pulling her into a bear hug that practically lifted her off her feet. She laughed, the kind of laugh that felt effortless, free from the tension of the past few months. “I missed you, Dad.” Her dad stepped back, his hands on her shoulders as he looked her over. He gave her a playful shove toward the kitchen, already back to his usual self. “Well, don’t just stand there, I’ve got a big breakfast waiting. Pancakes, bacon, eggs—the works. No skipping out on it like last time, okay?” Casey grinned as she walked toward the kitchen, the sounds of their routine comforting her more than she expected. She could feel the tension in her shoulders melt away with every step.

They sat at the small kitchen table, the same one she’d sat at since she was a little girl. The sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a warm glow on everything—on the plates, on her dad’s aging but reliable face, and on the simple joy of being home. Her dad slid a plate of pancakes in front of her, covered in syrup and butter, with a side of crispy bacon. The smell was intoxicating, and for a moment, Casey felt like a kid again—not 25, like nothing had changed in the world. “You haven’t changed a bit, Dad. Still the best pancakes in the world,” she tells him. “I’m glad to hear it. You’ve been out there racing all over the globe, but you still know where the best pancakes are. You haven’t forgotten your roots, huh?” Casey chuckled as she cut into the pancakes, the perfect golden-brown texture giving way to the softness she remembered. They ate in a comfortable silence for a while, the only sound being the occasional clink of silverware against plates.

After breakfast, they moved outside to the backyard, where the wide-open spaces of Napa Valley spread out before them. Her dad had a simple wooden swing under a big oak tree, where they often sat when she was younger. The soft breeze rustled through the leaves, and Casey stretched out on the swing, letting the calmness of the place settle over her. Her dad sat in the old rocking chair nearby, his weathered hands resting on the armrests. “So, tell me everything. How’s the racing? How’d you really feel after that win in Belgium? I know you’ve got all the media talking about it, but how does it feel to you?” Casey hesitated for a moment. It had been a dream come true—but the weight of it all, the pressure of maintaining her place, the spotlight—it was something she didn’t quite know how to express yet. “It was… overwhelming. Honestly, it felt like a moment that shouldn’t have been real. I wanted it so badly, but then once it happened, I just thought, ‘Is this it?’ You know? It’s like, once you win, there’s always the pressure to do it again.” Her dad nodded in understanding, his eyes softening with empathy.

“You’ve always been the determined one, Casey. You’ve always pushed yourself, but you’ve got to remember, it’s okay to breathe. Enjoy the wins when they come, because they don’t happen every day.” Casey laughs and nods. “I’m trying, Dad. But you know how it is—everything moves so fast. There’s always something else. Another race, another challenge, I’m glad for the break,” she tells him. “That’s the thing with racing. But just remember, the same thing that makes you great out there—that drive, that focus—you’ve got to carry it back here too. When you’re home, it’s about slowing down, not speeding up.” Casey leaned back in the swing, her feet lightly brushing the grass beneath her. She thought about what her dad said—slowing down. Here, in Napa, with its vineyards and endless sky, it was easier to do that. She could already feel the calmness settling in, the urgency of the F1 world temporarily behind her.

As the afternoon sun dipped lower, they decided to take a walk around the property, just like they used to when she was younger. Her dad showed her the small vineyard plot where he grew his own grapes for fun, never with the intention of making wine, but simply because it connected him to the land. Casey had spent hours here as a teen, learning about the plants, the seasons, the cycles of nature. “You know, I’ve been meaning to ask you… if you ever wanted to come back here, settle down… we could get you your own plot. A vineyard, maybe? I know you’re a racer now, but Napa’s always been here.” Casey’s eyes softened as she looked at her father. She knew he missed her when she was gone, she’d been abroad in England for a majority of the time a few years now and it had been pretty much just them since her mom died. “Maybe someday. I’m not sure what the future holds, Dad. But I do know one thing—I’ll always have Napa. It’s home, no matter where I am.” Her dad gave her a gentle pat on the back, a quiet reassurance that no matter where her racing career took her, she was always welcome to return home. As they continued walking, Casey felt a deep sense of peace. There was something about being here, with her dad and in the place she grew up, that reminded her of who she was before F1 took over her life. Here, she didn’t have to prove anything—she was just Casey, the girl who once raced go-karts and who now found herself on top of the world.

After a quiet, reflective week in Napa with her dad, Casey flew out to Florida to meet up with Logan Sargeant. Their paths had crossed early in the season, and despite not being on the same team, their shared experiences as newcomers to the sport had created an easy bond between them. Logan had grown up in Florida, and when Casey mentioned taking some time off in the States, he enthusiastically suggested they spend a few days in Miami. Logan had been back in Florida for a week already and was eager to show Casey some of his favorite spots, as they hadn’t had a chance to when they raced there. After arriving at Miami International Airport, Casey felt the familiar warmth of Florida’s humid air hit her as she stepped out. The transition from the dry heat of California to the tropical environment of Miami was a welcome change. As soon as she got her luggage, Logan was there waiting for her, leaning casually against his black Jeep. “You’re about to see Miami through my eyes now. Ready to have some fun?” Logan asks. “I think I’m more than ready. Racing’s been full-throttle lately, it’s good to relax,” Casey laughs. Logan flashed a knowing smile and they jumped into his jeep, heading straight to South Beach for some relaxation. The energy of Miami was already evident: the streets were lined with palm trees, the air thick with the smell of the ocean and food trucks, and the vibrant nightlife beginning to stir.

They pulled up to a colorful beach house near South Beach, where Logan had rented a spot for them to stay. It was just a few steps from the shore, and the bright, turquoise water stretched as far as the eye could see. Logan, being the spontaneous type, didn’t waste any time. “Alright, we’re hitting the waves first. No excuses—I’m racing you to the surf.” Casey raised a brow. “You’re on. But don’t expect me to go easy just because you’re a Florida native.” They tossed their beach bags down and jogged toward the ocean, laughing as they waded into the cool water.

The Atlantic was choppy that day, perfect for a little competition. They both paddled out on surfboards Logan had brought, and the playful race began. “Good luck, Sargeant. I’ve been known to have some serious balance on boards.” She had learned to surf as a teen with her friends. “We’ll see about that! I didn’t get a reputation for nothing,” Logan shot back, with a smirk. The race was intense, with both of them trying to outpace the other, their competitive spirits fully in gear. Eventually, Casey managed to edge ahead. “Ha! I win. Looks like lunch is on you,” she cheers. “Fine. But next time, I’m definitely getting you,” Logan laughs, shaking his head. They spent the next hour in the water, joking and racing again. Despite both of them being serious athletes in their own right, it was refreshing to just be themselves—no media, no pressure, no expectations. Just two friends having fun in the sun.

After they finished in the ocean, they decided to hang out on the beach. Logan’s idea of unwinding was to grab some sandwiches from a local food truck and sit under one of the large umbrellas on the sand. It was a perfect summer day: not too hot, not too cold, with a light breeze keeping them comfortable as they ate and chatted. “So, how’s everything been, Casey? You’ve been crushing it in F1, but you haven’t posted anything in a while. Feeling the pressure?” he asks and she nods. “Yeah, it’s a bit much sometimes. I mean, the win at Spa was amazing, but the build-up to that was a lot. People don’t realize how much goes on behind the scenes, you know? Sometimes I miss just being able to turn everything off and focus on something that isn’t racing.”

The Williams driver nods. “I hear you. It’s like the moment you get a little success, there’s even more pressure to keep it up. But you’ve handled it like a pro. Honestly, watching you from the outside, I can tell you’ve got this.” He hadn’t been having the easiest time in the car this season but he was hopeful it could still get better. “Thanks, Logan. It helps to hear that from someone who’s kinda in the same boat. I mean everything’s new, and it’s not like we have a handbook for this. But at least we can figure it out together.” Logan nods. “Exactly. We’ve got each other’s backs. And honestly, it’s nice knowing that someone else gets it. The media, the fans, all of it. You’ve got to stay sharp, but it’s easy to lose sight of the fun sometimes. That’s why we’re here. To just be regular people for a bit.” They shared a smile, feeling the camaraderie that had grown between them over the months.

The next day, Logan took Casey on a tour of the Everglades, a short drive away from Miami. They hopped on a boat and ventured through the wild, lush swamps, spotting alligators, exotic birds, and other wildlife along the way. Casey, never one to shy away from adventure, was thoroughly entertained by Logan’s exuberant explanations of the ecosystem, his love for the area clear as he showed her the sights. “See that one? That’s Big Bertha. She’s been living here for over twenty years. Don’t get too close; she’s territorial.” Logan tells her, pointing to an alligator. “You’re not going to convince me to try to wrestle one of these, right?” Logan chuckled at her words. “Not unless you want to go viral, but I’m pretty sure that’s not the kind of attention you’re looking for.” They both laughed as the boat cruised along the winding channels. Casey loved how Logan had an effortless way of making everything fun, and for the first time in weeks, she felt like she could just enjoy being in the moment.

As the day wound down, they returned to the beach house just in time for the sunset. The sky was ablaze with vibrant colors—orange, pink, and purple—as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow on the water. The air was still warm, the sound of the ocean gentle and soothing. They sat together on the beach, watching the waves, feeling the sand between their toes. The conversation drifted to more personal topics—how they both missed their families, the challenges of being so far from home, and the future of their careers in F1. “Sometimes, I wonder how long I’ll be doing this. Racing’s everything, but I still haven’t figured out where it’s going to take me in the long run,” Logan says after a while. “Yeah. I just try to take it one race at a time. There’s something peaceful about focusing on the present and just letting the future unfold.” Logan nodded, clearly in agreement. As the sky darkened and the stars began to appear, they sat in comfortable silence, feeling the warmth of the moment settle around them.

They arrived at Magic Kingdom early, before the crowds fully swelled, and Casey’s eyes were wide as they walked through the entrance. “Wow. This place really is… something else,” Casey mutters in awe. “I know, right? The whole place is just like a dream world,” Lizzy, her best friend who had flown in the night before, said with a laugh. Logan and Oscar, who had joined the two Americans a few days ago, were already cracking jokes as they led the group through the gates, excited to show Casey the ropes. “So, Casey, what do you think? This is your first time, right?” Casey nodded, “Yeah, I’ve been to the park in California but I feel like I’ve been missing out my whole life! I’ve seen this place in movies and heard people talk about it, but actually being here—it’s like walking into another world.” Oscar laughed. “Told you. It’s like nothing else. You’re going to love it.” The excitement in Casey’s voice was evident as she looked up at Cinderella Castle rising in the distance, its turrets gleaming in the morning sunlight. It was exactly like the pictures, but so much more magical in person.

They decided to start with one of the classic rides: Space Mountain. Logan, being the thrill-seeker he was, was practically bouncing with energy. He was the first to run toward the line. “Alright, no backing out now. Are you in, Casey?” Logan asks. “I didn’t come all the way to Disney to skip out on the rides. Let’s do this.” Lizzy and Oscar, who had both been on the ride many times before, exchanged knowing glances. Oscar smirked. “You’re in for a real treat. Space Mountain might be dark, but you’ll be so caught up in the adrenaline, you won’t even care.” As they boarded the ride, Casey’s heart raced with excitement. She had heard about the notorious Space Mountain, but had never experienced it for herself. The ride was intense—faster than she expected—and full of twists and turns that had her screaming along with Logan. The thrill was infectious, and by the time they stepped off the ride, Casey was grinning from ear to ear. “That. Was. Incredible. I can’t believe I’ve been missing this my whole life!” Logan was already laughing at her reaction, enjoying seeing her so excited. “I told you. And now you’ve got a new addiction. We’re going to ride this one again, right?” Casey was so energized that she didn’t even hesitate. “Oh, hell yeah. Let’s go again!”

After several exhilarating rides, the group decided to take a break from the high-speed thrills and enjoy something a little more laid-back. Logan, ever the jokester, suggested they try the Teacups—the spinning ride that made everyone dizzy with delight. “Alright, time to slow down and really test your tolerance. Let’s see if you can handle the Teacups. I’ve seen Oscar pass out from dizziness after just one spin.” Oscar looked at him offended. “That was once, and I wasn’t the only one. Don’t act like you didn’t almost throw up on the Dumbo ride.” Casey, still laughing, climbed into one of the brightly colored teacups with Lizzy, while Logan and Oscar hopped into the one next to them. As the ride started, Casey’s stomach flipped as she began to spin the wheel. The cup rotated faster and faster, and she couldn’t help but laugh as she saw Logan and Oscar nearly lose control of their cup. “This is insane! Who invented this madness?” Casey yelled and Lizzy laughed. “Definitely not someone who wants to keep their lunch.” When the ride finally stopped, Casey stepped out a little dizzy but grinning from ear to ear. “Okay, I might be feeling it now. But that was so much fun!”

The afternoon was filled with more parades, photo ops, a few fans spotting them and asking for pictures, and wanderings around the park. Casey was like a kid in a candy store, eyes wide with wonder at the Disney magic unfolding around her. Everywhere she looked, there was something to capture her attention—whether it was the giant Mickey-shaped ice cream bars or the endless line of princesses and superheroes posing for photos with kids. “Okay, Casey, you’ve got to get a picture with Mickey. It’s a rite of passage. I mean, you have to, right?” Lizzy asks the others who nod eagerly. “Alright, alright! But I’m not wearing Mickey ears. I’ve seen the photos of people wearing them—it’s too much,” she tells them. “Trust me, the ears are a must. Just wear them for the photo, then you can ditch them afterward.” Despite Casey’s initial resistance, she found herself wearing the Mickey Mouse ears for a photo with one of the Disney characters. As she stood next to the giant Mickey Mouse and smiled for the camera, she couldn’t help but feel joyful— a kind of carefree happiness.

As the day came to a close, they found themselves gathered in the hub of the park, with a perfect view of the castle. The sun was setting, and the fireworks show was about to begin. The sky lit up with vibrant colors, reflecting in Casey’s wide eyes. She stood there, mesmerized by the sight. The soft glow of the fireworks cast a magical light on everyone, making the park feel like an enchanted dream. “This is why I keep coming back. It never gets old,” Logan says, leaning back. “I don’t care how many times I see it, it always feels like the first time,” Oscar says quietly with a soft smile. Casey, still lost in the beauty of the moment, leaned her head on Lizzy’s shoulder. “This is amazing. I don’t even know what to say. I can’t believe it took me this long to come here,” she tells them. “I’m so glad you’re here. Sometimes, you just need to step away from everything—take a breath.” Logan and Oscar exchanged glances, each understanding the weight of her words. They were all in the same chaotic world of Formula 1, but for just one perfect day, it was as if that world had stopped turning.

taglist: @dreadity @sweate-r-weathe-r

#starset writes #f1 fanfic #oc! casey winters #logan sargeant #oscar piastri #formula 1 fanfic #f1 #bess says random things

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