#sf fics

[cutielando]

hold me? | c.l.

synopsis: in which he only wants you to hold him

a/n: based on this request!

my masterlist

It’s a quiet, overcast afternoon in Monaco, the kind where the skies seem to mirror the feelings of those under them. The rain has been falling steadily since morning, a soft patter against the windows filling the silence in your apartment. Normally, you’d find the sound soothing, but today it seems to add to the heaviness hanging in the air.

Charles has been uncharacteristically quiet all day. You noticed it during breakfast, where his usual playful banter was replaced with absent nods and distracted glances. He barely touched his coffee, something he never does, and the light in his eyes seemed dulled.

Now, he’s sprawled on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, scrolling aimlessly through his phone. His posture is slouched, and every now and then, he lets out a sigh that tugs at your heart.

From the kitchen, you watch him for a moment, your fingers curling around the warm mug of tea you made for him. You can tell he’s carrying something heavy, the kind of weight he’s too stubborn to share unless coaxed.

Taking a deep breath, you walk over and set the tea on the coffee table, then perch on the armrest of the couch beside him.

“Charles,” you call softly.

He glances up at you, his honey-brown eyes tired and unfocused.

“Hmm?”

You reach out to smooth the blanket over his lap, a small gesture of care.

“I brought you some tea,” you say gently, trying not to push too much too soon.

“Merci,” he murmurs, his voice quiet, almost flat.

He takes the mug but doesn’t drink, instead staring into the steam as if lost in thought.

You slip onto the couch beside him, leaning in so your knee brushes his.

“You’ve been quiet today,” you say carefully, not wanting to overwhelm him. “Do you want to talk about what’s on your mind?”

He hesitates, his lips parting before he shakes his head slightly. But the way his shoulders slump tells you he does—it’s just hard for him to find the words.

Gently, you place your hand on his arm, grounding him.

“It’s okay,” you assure him. “Take your time.”

He sighs, setting the tea back on the table before leaning back against the couch. His gaze fixes on the ceiling, and for a moment, the only sound is the rain outside.

“Racing has been... tough lately,” he finally admits, his voice heavy with frustration. “I feel like I’m not good enough. Like no matter how hard I try, it’s never enough. The mistakes, the pressure, the expectations, it’s all piling up.”

He pauses, running a hand through his hair.

“Sometimes I think... I’m letting everyone down. The team, the fans, even myself.”

Hearing the raw vulnerability in his voice makes your chest ache. You shift closer, sliding your arms around him without hesitation.

At first, he tenses, but then he melts into your embrace, his head finding its place on your shoulder.

“Charles,” you whisper, your fingers stroking through his soft curls, “you’re allowed to feel this way. You carry so much on your shoulders, and it’s okay to admit when it feels too heavy. But I need you to know that you’re not letting anyone down. Not your team, not your fans, and definitely not me.”

His arms wrap around your waist, pulling you closer. He holds you like he’s afraid to let go, his breath warm against your neck.

“You always know what to say,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.

You pull back slightly, just enough to meet his gaze. His eyes are glistening, and there’s a vulnerability there that he rarely shows. Gently, you cup his face, brushing your thumb along his cheek.

“I know what to say because I see you,” you say softly. “Not just Charles Leclerc, the racing driver, but Charles, the person I love. You don’t have to be perfect for me. You’re enough, just as you are.”

A tear escapes, and he quickly swipes it away, giving you a small, grateful smile.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he whispers.

You lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead, lingering for a moment.

“Lucky for you, you’ll never have to find out,” you tease lightly, earning a soft chuckle from him.

For the rest of the afternoon, you stay like that, tangled together on the couch. At one point, he shifts to rest his head in your lap, and you run your fingers through his hair, gently massaging his scalp. He lets out a content sigh, his body fully relaxed for the first time in days.

When he drifts off to sleep, you stay still, watching the way his lips curve into the faintest smile. The rain outside begins to let up, but the calm in your heart remains, knowing that, for now, he’s at peace, and that you’ll always be there to help him find his way back to it.

No matter what.

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[f1-stuff]

Japanese GP '24 // SF Full Access

[capricioussun]

2am post jumpscare

[mrsfancyferrari]

Christmas Ball

Summary: CS55 + fake dating for a Christmas party/ball

Song: Michael Bublé - White Christmas

Author’s note: I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please like, reblog and share this! 🫶

Word count: 4.8k

MASTERLIST - F1

You always found the holidays to be a bittersweet time, a swirling mix of joy and nostalgia that danced through the air like the flurries of snow outside your window. This year, however, felt particularly strange.

The twinkling lights of the city and the festive decorations around your apartment offered a sense of cheer that somehow faded against the backdrop of your best friend Carlos's impending departure from Ferrari.

The air was thick with anticipation, and you couldn't shake the feeling that something big was about to change.

"Carlos, are you sure you want to do this?" You asked, trying to hide your concern behind a playful smirk.

It was the day before the big Christmas party, and Carlos had approached you with an unusual proposition: to be his fake girlfriend for the event.

He leaned back against the wall of your small kitchen, arms crossed, and gave you that charming grin you could never resist.

"Come on, you know the guys at the team will never let me live it down if I show up alone. They've been teasing me for months about being single. I can't go in there and give them the satisfaction."

You rolled your eyes but couldn't help but chuckle. Carlos was right; the engineers and team members could be relentless. It was as if they took pleasure in reminding him that he was one of the most talented racers in the world but somehow couldn’t manage to keep a girlfriend.

"But a fake girlfriend? Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, your family will be there too. They’ll want to know more about me."

“Exactly! You know them already. You’ll fit right in.” He took a step closer, and his expression turned earnest.

“Please, I can’t do this alone. It’ll just be for one night. Just act like we’re a couple, and we’ll get through it. I promise you won’t regret it.”

You hesitated, glancing around your kitchen as if the utensils might offer some clarity. “What if they ask us about our ‘relationship’? You know, like how we met or something?”

He waved his hand dismissively. “We’ll figure it out as we go. I trust you. And you’re good at this kind of stuff. Remember that time we pretended to be a couple at my cousin’s wedding?”

“That was one time! And we were twelve!” you exclaimed, laughing at the memory of young Carlos and you dressed up in ill-fitting suits and dresses, giggling as you attempted to dance.

“Exactly! And we pulled it off!” His voice was filled with enthusiasm. “You’re the only one I trust to do this with me. Plus, it’ll be fun! Just think of it as an adventure.”

You couldn’t help but smile at his infectious excitement. Deep down, you knew you would never say no to him. The truth was, despite the outrageous nature of the request, you found the idea of pretending to be his girlfriend strangely appealing.

Maybe it was the excitement of the party itself or perhaps the thrill of being in such close proximity to someone you cared about so deeply.

“Fine. But only for one night. And don’t think you can make me wear a silly outfit or anything.”

Carlos clapped his hands together, his eyes sparkling with delight. “Deal! You’ll look amazing no matter what you wear. I'll pick you up, and we’ll go in style.”

The night of the party arrived, and you stood in front of your full-length mirror, adjusting the shimmering red dress that hugged your curves perfectly.

The color reflected the team’s colors, a deep and vibrant shade that made you feel festive but elegant. The twinkling lights decorating the streets outside seemed to echo the excitement thrumming in your heart. It was a night meant for glamour, and you couldn’t wait to step into that world—especially since Carlos would be your partner in crime.

You glanced at the clock. He was late, and you felt the familiar flutter of nerves in your stomach. Was it silly to feel anxious? This was supposed to be fun.

You had agreed to play the role of Carlos's fake girlfriend for the evening, a little charade to help him navigate the intricacies of a farewell party filled with fans, colleagues, and those who were eager to get a word in about his future.

Just as you were beginning to worry, you heard the sound of a car pulling up outside. Your heart skipped a beat. Moments later, Carlos knocked on your door, and the sound reverberated through your chest.

“Hey! Ready to steal the show?” he called out, his voice filled with that familiar charm that always made you smile.

You opened the door to find him standing there in a crisp black suit, his dark hair styled just right, and his smile wide enough to melt anyone’s heart.

The sight of him took your breath away. “Wow,” he said, eyes widening as he took you in. “You look incredible.”

You felt your cheeks flush at his compliment, the warmth creeping up as you looked down at your dress, then back up at him. “Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself.”

Carlos stepped inside and took your hand, his grip warm and reassuring. “Shall we?”

He led you to his car, opening the door and helping you in with a grace that made your heart flutter. The drive to the venue was filled with light banter about the party.

“I can’t believe how many people are going to be there just for me,” he said, his brow furrowing slightly with stress.

You squeezed his hand, trying to ground him. “You’ll be fine. I’ll be right beside you,” you assured, your voice steady.

“Thanks, cariño,” he said, the corner of his mouth twitching into a smile. “I picked the right girlfriend,” he joked, and you laughed, the sound mingling with the excitement in the air.

When you finally arrived at the event, Carlos helped you out of the car, shielding you from the flashing lights of the paparazzi. “Let’s go and show them how it’s done,” he said, offering his arm.

You looped yours through his, the gesture feeling surprisingly natural, as if you had done this a thousand times before.

As you entered the building, the atmosphere enveloped you like a warm embrace. A crowd of important people milled around, dressed in their finest, and the air was filled with laughter and conversation. You felt a mixture of nerves and excitement; it was hard to believe you were part of this glamorous world for the night.

Carlos greeted guests with confidence, exchanging pleasantries and smiles, and you stayed close by his side, waiting for the moment he would introduce you or for someone to inquire about who you were.

“Carlos!” a voice called, and you turned to see Charles approach, his face lighting up at the sight of Carlos. “Mate, we’re going to miss you.”

Carlos laughed, patting his friend on the back. “Thank you! I’m excited for the new adventure, but I’m really going to miss you guys.”

“Who’s this?” Charles asked, turning to you with curiosity.

Carlos glanced at you, a playful grin on his face. “This is my girlfriend. We’ve been together for a few months now.”

You felt a slight thrill at being introduced, even if it was under the guise of a relationship that was more a performance than reality. “Nice to meet you,” you said, offering your hand.

“Likewise! Good to see Carlos has someone like you by his side.” Charles winked and moved on, leaving you both with a hint of laughter in the air.

Carlos leaned closer, his breath warm against your ear. “That was easier than I expected.”

You smiled, “Just wait until the press gets a hold of this. They’ll eat it up.”

“I know,” he said, a hint of worry crossing his features. “I just hope it doesn’t get too out of hand.”

You straightened your shoulders, ready to support him. “We’ll handle it together. I’ve got your back.”

The night progressed, and you moved from one conversation to another, Carlos introducing you to various people, and you feigned familiarity, playing your role well. There were moments of laughter, shared stories, and even some touching tributes from his friends that made your heart swell with pride for him.

“You’re doing great,” Carlos said, glancing at you with a reassuring smile. His dark eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and nerves. The way he looked at you made your heart race a little faster.

“I’m just trying to remember my lines,” you teased, nudging him playfully. “What was it again? ‘I’m so proud of my boyfriend’ or ‘Carlos is going to take the racing world by storm’?”

“Definitely the second one,” he laughed. “But you can’t forget the part where you look impressed by my driving skills.”

“Of course, I’ll be your biggest fan tonight,” you replied, adjusting the elegant dress you wore.

Finally, you spotted them. A cluster of warm, welcoming faces, all gathered around a beautifully decorated table. Carlos’s mother, Reyes, a woman with an infectious laugh and a penchant for elegant scarves, was the first to notice your approach. Her eyes lit up as she stood, arms wide open, ready to welcome her son.

“There you are!” she exclaimed, pulling Carlos into a tight embrace. “We’ve been waiting for you! And you must be the lovely girl I’ve heard so much about.”

“Yes, I’m—” you started, but Carlos cut in.

“This is my girlfriend,” he said with an air of confidence, placing a gentle hand on your lower back. “You remember what I told you, right?”

“Of course! It’s wonderful to finally meet you,” Reyes said, turning her attention to you. You couldn’t help but feel her warmth radiating towards you. “Carlos has told us all about you, and I must say, he’s been smitten ever since he met you.”

“Mamá, come on,” Carlos chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck as a slight blush crept across his cheeks. “You make it sound like I’m a lovesick puppy.”

You stepped forward, extending your hand for a handshake, but Reyes pulled you into an embrace instead.

The sincerity in her touch gave you a sense of comfort. “We are so excited for you both! We want to hear everything.”

Carlos’s father, a distinguished man with salt-and-pepper hair, stepped forward next. “And what is your name, my dear?”

“It’s Y/N,” you replied, a bit shyly.

“Ah, Y/N,” he repeated, his gaze warm. “Carlos has been lucky to have you by his side. A good partner is invaluable in this world.”

“Thank you, sir,” you replied, feeling the weight of his words. You felt a mix of pride and anxiety; you wanted to impress them but also felt like you were stepping into a role you hadn’t fully prepared for.

Just then, Carlos’s sister, Blanca, chimed in, her curly hair bouncing as she approached. “So, how did you two meet?”

“We’ve actually known each other since childhood,” you explained, your voice steadier now.

“Oh, that’s where I’ve seen you before! You two were always together when you were little,” Reyes added, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“Yeah,” Carlos chuckled, his arm subtly wrapping around your waist. “We’ve been through a lot together. It only makes sense for her to be here tonight.”

As the evening progressed, you found yourself in a whirlwind of conversations and laughter, with Carlos’s family treating you like one of their own.

Each kind word from them built your confidence, but you couldn’t shake the feeling of being a little out of place.

Later, as the string quartet shifted to a slower melody, Carlos leaned closer to you, his voice low and conspiratorial. “You’re doing amazing,” he whispered, his breath warm against your ear. “I think my family is starting to really like you.”

“Thanks,” you replied, a little breathless. “But you’re the one who’s charming them.”

He chuckled, and you noticed the way his eyes crinkled at the corners, a sign of genuine happiness. “I’m just glad you’re here with me. It would be a lot more nerve-wracking without you.”

You glanced at him, and for a moment, it felt as if the world outside had faded away. You both stood on the periphery of the dance floor, the couples moving gracefully in the dim light, laughter mingling with the sweet strains of music.

“Carlos,” you said softly, “are you really okay with this whole… fake girlfriend thing?”

His expression turned serious, the laughter in his eyes replaced with a warmth that made your heart race. “Honestly? It was supposed to be just a simple arrangement, but I’m enjoying this way more than I thought I would.”

A pang of hope swelled in your chest, but you quickly brushed it aside. “Me too,” you admitted. “But it’s complicated, right? I mean, you’re about to leave for Ferrari, and I—”

He interrupted, his tone earnest. “But I don’t want it to end. Not like this.”

Before you could respond, his sister Blanca waved you over. “Y/N! Come dance with us!”

Carlos gave you a gentle push toward the dance floor. “You should go; they’re waiting for you.”

Reluctantly, you stepped onto the floor, finding a place among Carlos’s family. They welcomed you with open arms, laughter and joy surrounding you as you twirled and swayed to the music.

You felt the weight of your worries lift, if only for a moment, and lost yourself in the rhythm of the night.

You danced freely, letting the music guide your movements. You could feel Bianca’s infectious energy beside you, and together, you lost yourselves in the moment, giggling and twirling under the stars.

From a distance, Carlos watched, his heart swelling as he observed you. You were radiant, carefree, and completely lost in the music. He leaned against a wooden pillar, taking in the sight, when a familiar voice cut through the noise.

“You picked a good one,” said his father, standing beside him with an approving nod. Carlos turned to his dad, a hint of surprise etched on his face.

“Yeah, she’s amazing, isn’t she?” Carlos replied, trying to mask the hint of admiration in his voice. It was true; you had a spark that drew people in, and Carlos felt lucky just to know you.

“Do you really like her?” his dad asked, raising an eyebrow. “You’re going to need a good woman by your side when you start this new chapter. You can’t always be the charming bachelor.”

Carlos chuckled lightly, the laughter fading as he thought about the question. Did he like you? It was more than that. You were a friend, but there was something else simmering beneath the surface—a warmth that ignited every time you smiled at him or when you laughed at his jokes.

“Yeah, I do,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. “But it’s complicated.”

“Life is complicated, son. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just enjoy the moment,” his father advised, clapping him on the shoulder before drifting away to chat with other guests.

Carlos returned his gaze to the dance floor, watching you sway with Bianca. The two of you were the picture of joy. You glanced over, catching his eye again, and this time, you blew him a kiss, teasingly.

He couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head, his heart skipping a beat.

“Your sister is very energetic,” you said, returning to Carlos after the dance. You brushed a few errant strands of hair from your face, a little breathless from the whirlwind of dancing.

Carlos chuckled, his deep voice reverberating within you. “That’s one way to put it. She’s been practicing her dance moves for weeks, all to show off at my farewell party.”

“Looks like she’s succeeding,” you replied, glancing back at Bianca, who was now attempting an exaggerated salsa move with one of the other guests.

The sight made you laugh. You could hardly keep up with her energy, but you loved how infectious her spirit was.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the party transitioned from laughter to a more subdued warmth.

You felt a slight shiver, not from the cool evening air, but from the warmth radiating between you, a connection that felt both exciting and unnerving.

“So,” he began, his expression shifting slightly as you settled beside him on the bench, “how does it feel to be my fake girlfriend for a night?”

You paused, considering your response. “Weird but natural, if you know what I mean.”

You glanced back at Bianca, who had just twirled around, her skirt flaring out, and you couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

“Natural? Really?” Carlos raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “What’s so natural about pretending to be my girlfriend?”

You shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “I don’t know, it just feels… comfortable? We’ve known each other long enough. It’s not like I’m pretending to be someone I’m not.”

Carlos chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, I feel it too.” He leaned against the wall, folding his arms.

The way the dim lights of the party cast shadows across his face made him look almost ethereal, and your heart did a little flip that you tried to ignore.

“Okay, but you have to admit this is ridiculous,” he continued, still grinning. “We’re just two friends pretending to be in love. What if someone takes us seriously?”

You took a sip of your drink, feeling the coolness slide down your throat. “Who cares? It’s just for tonight. And honestly, I think it might be a little fun.”

Carlos raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Fun, huh? So you’re saying you wouldn’t mind me throwing an arm around your shoulder, or maybe… a kiss on the cheek?”

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a mock-serious tone. “What if I’m a terrible kisser?”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t suppress a grin. “I’m sure you’d be fine,” you shot back, teasingly. “And if not, I’ll just call it an act.”

“An act that could end badly,” he replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “But I suppose I could get used to having my ‘girlfriend’ on my arm tonight.”

As the evening wore on, the laughter and chatter of the party swirled around you. You found yourself slipping into the role with surprising ease.

You chatted with Carlos about everything from childhood memories to your mutual love for terrible rom-coms.

With each passing moment, the line between fake and real began to blur, making you acutely aware of the warmth emanating from him, the way he always seemed to be in tune with your thoughts, the subtle glances that lingered just a second too long.

“Look, we need to act like a couple now,” Carlos said suddenly, his tone shifting as he glanced at a group of partygoers who were eyeing you both. “Hold my hand.”

You raised an eyebrow, taken aback. “What? Now?”

“Just do it!” He reached for your hand, his grip warm and reassuring. You took a deep breath but found yourself lacing your fingers with his. It felt… nice. Comforting, even.

“Wow,” you murmured, unable to hide your surprise. “This is weird.”

“Weird but natural, right?” he quipped, echoing your earlier words. You shot him a glare, but it was half-hearted.

Carlos led you into the crowd, and you could feel the eyes of the party on you. The thrill of being ‘together’ ignited a strange mix of excitement and nervousness in your stomach.

“Just follow my lead,” he says, his voice low and full of playful confidence. You nod, unsure of what to expect.

As you reach the dance floor, the music shifts to a slower rhythm. The lights dim slightly, creating an intimate atmosphere. Carlos’s hand glides to the small of your back, guiding you closer.

You can feel the heat radiating from his body as he locks eyes with you, a spark of something electric passing between you.

“Relax,” he murmurs, his eyes never leaving yours. “It’s just dancing.”

Your hands find their way to his shoulders, and the world around you blurs into a sea of motion. It’s just you and him, swaying together. You feel the warmth of his body pressed against yours, the steady beat of his heart mirroring your own.

“See? Not so bad, right?” he asks, a teasing lilt in his voice.

“Maybe,” you reply, your voice barely above a whisper. You’re both smiling now, caught up in the moment. “But I still can’t believe we’re doing this.”

“Neither can I,” he admits, his expression softening. “But it feels right, doesn’t it?”

Your bodies move in sync, flowing with the music as if it were a language only you two understood. His eyes search yours, searching for a sign, a signal that this isn’t just an act. In this crowded room, the two of you have created a bubble, a space where everything else fades away.

Just then, he dips you, his grip firm yet gentle, and your heart leaps into your throat. You trust him, allowing your body to lean back, supported completely by him.

You can’t help but laugh breathlessly. “Okay, you’re showing off now!”

“Maybe I am,” he grins, bringing you back up slowly. Your faces are so close, your lips almost touching. The air around you thickens, and suddenly, you’re acutely aware of every detail—the warmth of his breath, the way his gaze flickers to your lips and back up to your eyes.

“Carlos,” you start, your voice barely a whisper, the question hanging between you two.

“I know,” he says softly, the playfulness fading. “I feel it too. But… this is fun, right? Just for tonight?”

You swallow hard, the tension rising in your chest. “Yeah, just for tonight,” you confirm, but inside, a part of you is desperate for more.

His hand moves to the small of your back again, pulling you closer, and the world around you fades even further. You lose track of time, caught in the rhythm of the music and the warmth of his presence.

"Do we have to go back?" you murmured, your gaze lingering on his warm brown eyes, the softness of his expression making your heart flutter.

Carlos chuckled softly, the sound sending a warm thrill through you. "I mean, I’m not the host, but I think we’re kind of required to. Speeches and all that," he replied, reluctantly breaking the closeness between you.

He took a deep breath, his fingers lingering on your waist for just a moment longer before he stepped back.

You nodded, feeling a mix of reluctance and excitement. You had entered this arrangement as a favor—a way to help Carlos navigate the complexities of family expectations.

But now, with every shared glance and playful touch, the line between pretend and real began to blur.

As Carlos's father stood up to give his speech, you could see the pride etched on his face, the way his chest swelled with love as he looked at his son.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice rich and steady. "Today, we gather to celebrate not just Carlos’s achievements, but the man he’s become. He has faced challenges with determination, embraced every opportunity with an open heart, and today, I stand before you, proud to call him my son."

A wave of emotion washed over you as you listened. You raised your glass with everyone else, your heart swelling with a mix of pride and an unfamiliar warmth.

Carlos caught your eye, and in that moment, you felt a connection that transcended the confines of your agreement. You were more than just a façade.

You were becoming someone significant in his life.

“To Carlos!” everyone toasted, their voices a harmonious blend of joy and affection. You clinked your glass against his, the sound a sweet reminder of your bond, however unconventional it may have been.

As the applause died down and conversations picked up once more, Carlos turned to you, his expression shifting from celebratory to serious.

"I know this is all a bit pretend, but…” He hesitated, searching your eyes for understanding, the sincerity of his tone causing your heart to race. “I don’t want it to end when the party does."

You swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. The party was a façade, sure, but the emotions swirling between you felt real. "What do you mean?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

“I mean, this—us,” he gestured between the two of you, “it’s more than just an arrangement for me. I enjoy being around you. You make me feel… I don’t know, alive?”

His brow furrowed slightly, and he looked genuinely vulnerable. “I don’t want you to go back to being just Carlos’s friend or fake girlfriend. I want to see where this can really go.”

Your heart raced at his words, the gravity of the moment pressing down on you. “Carlos, we’ve always had chemistry, haven’t we? It’s just been… complicated.”

“Complicated,” he echoed, his gaze intense. “But it doesn’t have to be.”

“What do you mean?” you asked, breath hitching in your throat.

Carlos leaned in slightly, his voice low, “I mean, maybe we don’t have to pretend anymore. Maybe we could explore whatever this is between us.”

The thought sent a thrill through you, but fear followed closely behind. “What if it gets complicated again?” you asked, trembling slightly.

“I don’t know,” he admitted, a hint of uncertainty crossing his features. “But isn’t it worth finding out? I don’t want to leave without knowing what this could be. What we could be.”

You felt the warmth of his hand brush against yours, a spark igniting where your fingers met. The warmth was both electrifying and comforting, and without thinking, you leaned closer, your heart pounding in your chest.

“Okay,” you whispered, your breath catching as his thumb traced over your knuckles. “Let’s see where this goes.”

His eyes lit up with a mixture of relief and excitement. “Really?”

“Yeah,” you said, unable to suppress your own smile. “But no salsa dancing. I can’t handle that level of energy.”

Carlos laughed, the sound echoing into the hall. “Deal. I’ll save the salsa for my sister.” He leaned in, his breath warm against your cheek. “But I can offer something much better.”

You held your breath as he leaned in, his lips brushing against yours softly. It was tentative at first, as if he was gauging your response. You kissed him back, the warmth of the fire fading into the background as everything else fell away.

In that moment, everything felt right. The chaos of the party, the looming specter of his departure for Ferrari, and the uncertain future melted away, leaving just the two of you, wrapped in a bubble of shared hope and newfound possibility.

As you pulled back, a breathless smile crept across your face. “So, how does it feel to have a real girlfriend?” you teased, feeling a surge of joy.

Carlos grinned, his eyes sparkling. “I think I could get used to this.”

“Let’s just enjoy the moment,” you said softly, echoing his father’s words.

“Yeah, let’s do that,” he agreed, and for the first time, you felt like everything might just be okay after all. . . . .

[tpwk-formula1]

Biggest Fan - CS55

A/N - I decided to turn the Biggest Fan SMAU I did for Charles last week into a mini series where I use the same idea but with a different driver and different occupations. Please vote at the end of the chapter!

Carlos Sainz x Author! reader

Face Claim: Alex Aster

Carlos Sainz Insta Story

Youruser: How did you come into the office without me noticing?!

carlossainz55: you were quite focused

landonorris: I better get my copy! I've been itching to read

carlossainz55: Didn't even realize you knew how to read landonorris: you fucking muppet

user1: She's literally the cutest! I can't wait to read her new book!

user2: I just know this book is gonna be amazing!

charlesleclerc: Alex says she absolutely loves the book and thank you so much for an early copy

carlossainz55: I just told her and she squealed. She said Alex is her new favorite person

Twitter

Youruser Insta Story

user10: I loved meeting you! You are one of the sweetest humans ever!

youruser: thank you for coming out and supporting!

user11: I wanted to go so bad... fuck living in the US

carlossainz55: I loved being there! Who knew so many people loved you almost as much as me

youruser: I guess I'm irresistible

user12: I just finished and let me just say... Absolutely amazing book! Your best one yet

landonorris: I didn't realize how good your book would be! Made the flight back home after the race go by so fast!

Carlos Insta Story

youruser: Thank you for being there with me every step of the way

carlossainz55: I wouldn't miss your first book signing for the world!

user13: She's so beautiful in person! I took wouldn't be quiet about dating her!

charlesleclerc: Can't believe you wouldn't let us come!

carlossainz55: I wasn't gonna take away from her moment! Bad enough people knew who I was. I didn't need you and Lando there too charlesleclerc: No I fully understand! Just wish we could support her without it being a distraction

user14: One of her best books yet!

Twitter

Carlos Insta

Liked by youruser, charlesleclerc, yourbff, and 2,319,942 others

carlossainz55 My favorite game everytime we travel is seeing how many countries sell my girl's books!

tagged youruser

youruser I still can't believe how many places we visit actually have my books on shelves!

user20 Wait that's actually so precious because you guys travel so much and to take time to look through shops and find her books is the sweetest

user21 "my girl"

charlesleclerc You'd be surprised with how excited they both get when they find one of her books!

landonorris Honestly the most fun part of traveling with you two is going into random book shops and looking for Y/N L/N books

user22 I remember when I first got into reading I didn't think I'd find your books in my book shop but was so pleasantly surprised how many shops sell your amazing writing!

user23 literally learned how to read English so I could enjoy her books!

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Youruser Insta Story

carlossainz55 you deserve all the good things in the world

user24 I can't believe I was able to get my hands on a signed copy! Stayed up so late to make sure it was in my cart the second it dropped

landnorris so I may have slept through my alarm... if I apply pay you $1,000 will you bring a signed copy to me... PLEASE

youruser why do I feel like this is for your secret girlfriend landnorris YOUR HER FAVORITE AUTHOR OKAY! youruser No money but I'll sign her copy next time we're at a race together

user25 I tried so hard! Didn't realize how dedicated your fans would be

youruser send me an address and I'll send you a surprise! user25 OMG WHAT? Thank you so much!

user26 Didn't get a signed copy online because I get to get my copy signed when I see you in 2 weeks! Can't believe the paddock is letting you hold a mini signing... literally so cute

your insta

Liked by carlossainz55, sabrinacarpenter, and 1,890,092 others

youruser Mexico City you have been so beautiful! A Carlos win and a book signing in the Paddock? How can my weekend get any better

tagged carlossainz55

user27 Stop I know this weekend has been the best time for Y/N

user28 What an amazing time to be alive as a Y/NCarlos fan

landonorris I knew your books were a big deal but I'm stunned with how long the line was

charlesleclerc was so happy to finally be able to come to a book signing!

user29 the way Charles said it was his first book signing with Y/N because Carlos doesn't let any of the drivers come because he wants to make sure all attention is on her

user30 wait is this true? That's so cute

carlossainz55 It was so fun to see you in your element at my work

youruser I loved every moment of this weekend

The End

[norrisleclercf1]

Day 6 of 25 Days of Christmas: Taking niece/nephew to meet Santa

Pairing: Carlos Sainz x Reader

Words: 784

Rating: PG

Warnings: None, Fluff

"Are you sure you're okay with doing this, Carlos?" His sister stood before him, bouncing his niece, who was pouting that her mother couldn't take her to meet Santa Claus. Of course, we were going shopping anyway, and I think it would be fun; what do you think, pequeña?" Carlos asked, reaching out and pinching her cheek, which made her giggle happily. She then remembered she was supposed to be upset and went back to pouting.

His sister laughs and bounces her one last time before hanging her over, kicking her feet little feet as Carlos chuckles, little Isla clinging to him now. "Byeeee, you will be a good girl for Uncle Los and Aunt Y/n. You understand me," her mother says. Isla waves bye before looking at Carlos with her wide hazel eyes. "Y/n?" She asks softly, and Carlos chuckles and kisses her cheeks. "In the kitchen, go," He says, letting her down, watching as she rushes off and hearing a squeal and your laughter.

"Is that my favorite niece staying here with us today?" you ask as Isla hugs your leg. Carlos comes around the corner and smiles brightly. We're taking her to meet Santa Claus," Carlos explains, and you gasp, looking down. Are you meeting Santa Claus today?" you ask, being so happy you're allowed to do this. Isla nods happily and looks up at you with her big eyes.

"Yes," she squeaks, and you coo softly. You quickly bend down, pick her up, and hold her close. "Y/n, will you meet Santa Claus with me?" She whispers, and you turn and nod your head. "Of course, Uncle Los and I will meet him with you," she giggles and clings to you as you smile. "Hey, why don't you go play while Uncle Los and I talk?" You ask, and Isla nods, her little legs kicking already, as you let her go and watch her run to the living room.

"Why are we taking her to Santa? That is the thing parents should do; isn't it important? I don't know, milestone," You ask, and Carlos bites back a snort. "Y/n, she's four; she's met Santa before, just this year, her mom can't, so she's asked us," You calm down; you and Carlos have only been dating a year or so, but Isla took to you quiet quickly and has consistently called you Aunt Y/n.

"Okay, so we just get a picture with Santa and move on with our holiday shopping?" You ask gently as Isla comes running back with Pinon, following her bouncing as she stops. "Uncle Los, I drew you and Santa; you both wear red suits," She smiles brightly, and Carlos bends down, smiling. "Thank you, baby. Why don't you go draw Y/n a picture as well," Kissing her forehead, Isla nods and runs off, Pinon bouncing after her, making you giggle; that crackhead of a dog loved her and always followed her around.

"So, wanna go meet Santa?" He asks, and you roll your eyes.

"It's Rudolph, Uncle Los, it's Rudolph," Isla tugs on Carlos's shirt, pointing at the reindeer next to Santa Claus. "Yes, I see, wanna feed him a carrot?" He asks, and you smile, holding her little coat. "Aunt Y/n, you help me?" She asks, leaning into your leg, and you look down, smiling. "I'd love to, sugar." You smile, making Isla squeal as you two move closer to the front.

"Would you like a carrot?" The lady asks, smiling brightly as Isla nods her head and gladly accepts the carrot. Isla walks up but stops getting nervous. "Here, baby," you say, leaning down, picking her up and holding her close. "Want me to feed him?" You ask, to which she nods, and you gladly take the carrot, "Bet his nose," You say, and Isla gently reaches her little hand out and giggles when the reindeer licks her tongue.

"Okay, watch," you slowly hand out the carrot as the reindeer accepts it and starts munching on it, making Isla squeal happily and kick her little legs. "Wanna try?" And hand her another carrot that she quickly holds out and watches the animal devour it. "Ready for your picture?" You ask, and she nods her head quickly. As you slowly sit her down, she rushes towards Santa; Carlos immediately pulls his phone out, snapping tons of photos.

"Uncle Los, Aunt Y/n, come," she whines, and you can't help but laugh and move as Carlos hands off his phone, smiling as you two take a photo. "What a cute family," one of the older women whispers, making Carlos smile as he says thank you and scrolls through the pictures.

Yeah, he wouldn't mind having a mini-you around.

[invisible-pink-toast]

[faithsotherhouseofchaos]

Warmth|| Carlos Sainz x fem!reader

Word count — 550

The wind howled outside the cabin, sharp and unrelenting, rattling the windows in their frames. Snow piled against the door in uneven drifts, trapping you and Carlos inside for the night. The tiny cabin was a last-minute save, discovered just as the storm turned from inconvenient to dangerous. While it provided shelter, warmth was another matter entirely.

The fire in the hearth sputtered weakly, barely illuminating the small room. You sat on the edge of one of the two twin beds, bundled in every layer of clothing you could find, but the biting cold still seeped through. You rubbed your hands together, trying to warm them, but it was pointless. The air was sharp enough that each breath misted in front of you, a cruel reminder of just how cold it was.

Carlos, sprawled on the other bed, glanced over. Even in the dim light, you could see the furrow of his brow, the concern etched into his features. He hadn’t complained once about the conditions, but you knew he was used to the warmth of Madrid, not this frozen wilderness.

“You’re freezing,” he said, breaking the silence.

You looked up, startled. “I’m fine,” you lied, though your chattering teeth gave you away.

He sat up, his blanket slipping off his broad shoulders. “You’re not fine,” he said, his voice carrying the kind of calm certainty that made it impossible to argue. He stood, dragging his blanket with him, and crossed the small gap between the beds. “This isn’t going to work.”

You frowned, watching as he tugged your blanket away with surprising ease. “Hey!”

Carlos ignored your protest, throwing his blanket over you instead. He sat beside you, the mattress dipping under his weight. “We need to share body heat,” he said matter-of-factly, looking at you with those dark, sincere eyes that always made it hard to argue with him. “Otherwise, you’ll freeze, and I don’t plan on dragging you out of here like a popsicle tomorrow morning.”

Your face flushed, though whether from embarrassment or the faint hope of warmth, you weren’t sure. “Carlos, there are two beds for a reason—”

“Sí,” he interrupted, already maneuvering himself under the layers. “But one of them might as well be ice at this point. Come closer. I’m not going to let you freeze to death because you’re too stubborn.”

You hesitated, glancing at the small space he’d left for you. His body radiated heat even from a distance, and the idea of finally being warm was too tempting to ignore. With a sigh, you gave in, slipping under the blankets beside him.

The difference was immediate. His arm wrapped around your shoulders instinctively, pulling you closer until your back was against his chest. He was solid and warm, and the faint scent of his cologne was a comforting contrast to the icy air around you.

“Better?” he asked softly, his breath tickling your ear.

You nodded, the tension leaving your shoulders as the warmth seeped into your frozen limbs. “Yeah,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “Much better.”

Carlos chuckled, the sound low and warm. “I told you. Sometimes you have to listen to me.”

You rolled your eyes, though he couldn’t see it. “Don’t let this go to your head.”

“Too late,” he teased, his voice tinged with amusement.

[lovebeatriceplz]

My Larry Johnson headcanons 👻🎸

General and dating

- His room is a mess 24/7 but he's not a slob. It isn't like a health hazard but it's just never neat, something is always out of place.

- A huge sleepyhead, most of your dates are smoking sessions and taking really long naps together.

- He might appear scrawny to some but he can fight. He'd never start one, but blv he's going to defend himself or someone else. Not ruthless or brutal but he's got a nasty fist (he'll bite their ankles).

- Loves watching you get ready. Whether it's doing your make-up or your hair, or styling your clothes, he wants to watch.

- Once someone confused his eyebags with a smoky eyeliner look and asked him what brand. Now he watches tutorials on YouTube with Sal.

- Is a metalhead but is open and listens to all kinds of music, especially the ones that you recommend.

- He likes to experiment with kissing. Sometimes he kisses you like a royal and then he's inhaling your face😭.

- Can never go wrong with neck kisses though so he just goes for that most of the time. He also bites, but not like love bites more like a little Chihuahua, i digress.

- Has an old, beaten down pair of converse that he just refuses to toss out.

- Tells you everything, especially things about his dad. Sits up at night and talks to his father about you. When he can't do that, he'll talk about you with anyone that comes his way.

- Terrible at skating, popped his ass a couple of times.

- Is low-key down bad for you. Don't worry he's not a pervert, but he'll take any opportunity to get inside your pants.

- He's not a jealous person, like ever, for no circumstance.

- Has a nice singing voice but he prefers to play instruments instead, says he can feel the shit outta it more.

- Takes pictures of cats he see together and sends them to you, captioning it "us".

-Also takes pictures of you, you are 98% of his camera roll. He does it secretly as well, you could ask him "wait- when tf did you take this!?" And he'd just be like "🧍", i digress😭. Has a bunch of forehead pics.

- Supportive in anything that you do, not just you like anyone, his friends, his mom, anyone.

- Has no self - preservation and might self harm without realizing it's self harm. You have to stop him sometimes and help him to acknowledge his limits.

- Has really good hair genes. It grows back very fast, so when he impulsively cuts it (which happens often) it's back to normal in a good amount of weeks.

- First time he had s3x with you was... shocking?. Bro was hungry, not aggressive, just felt a little desperate. He didn't know he was touch starved until he met you.

- Thinks your drop dead gorgeous. Like he's mesmerized, and loves to just stare at you with those lazy eyes like your the best thing to ever happen to him.

[charpimweek]

prompts are here!

and we are so excited to see what you create! i recommend following this blog to get updates, as well as seeing all of the wonderful creations from this event!

guidelines for the event are as follows:

make sure you tag #charpimweek2024 and/or tag @charpimweek in your posts so that they can get reblogged here!

PLEASE tag your posts for potential triggers! this helps everyone and it only takes a moment of your time :]

this event is not welcome to AI generated content!

we welcome late submissions! everyone has irl lives :D but please do not start posting before october 6, 2024 (in whatever your timezone is lol)

other than that, please have fun! this event is meant to be as enjoyable, accessible, and lighthearted as possible. have old creations that fit well with a prompt? give it a cheeky reblog tagging this account and we'll reblog it here as well. this event is to boost all of you!

happy creating! see you october 6th!

[velvetwyrme]

👀✨!!

(18+ version + oneshot is also up on my Ao3 ;]!!)

[tonicandjins]

23 moments with donghyuck

in honor of donghyuck's twenty-third birthday, i present to you,

23 moments with donghyuck

if walls could talk

➼ The first mission with the notorious Lee Donghyuck involved looking for the hoodlums who attacked Na Jaemin during his trip to Beijing. | mafia au

amortentia (the room smells like absolute shit)

➼ The room smells like the Quidditch pitch when you arrive fifteen minutes into the class. | harry potter au

frequent flyers

➼ Donghyuck looks enthralling like this: beautiful even after all these years, charming like he’s the day he turned 21, grown, earnest, and at ease. It’s agonizing to look at from where you sit across the room—hands wrapped around her waist, eyes closing as he leans in, drunk, drunk, drunk like the night you’d left him, heart void of you.

all of the girls you loved before

➼ “Lee Naeun, Kim Haerin, Im Jieun, Lee Naeun again, then Park Yesol,” you enumerate. “You were a ladies’ man!” | all of the girls you loved before by taylor swift au

"it's swowwen."

➼ You find yourself running from your unit’s floor down to the main entrance. Donghyuck needs to be taken care of today, and with Dream’s schedule, none of the managers will be available to tend to him today, which is why they ended up deciding to send him to your apartment for the day.

the first time (coming soon)

smoke in your lungs (coming soon)

that one afternoon in jeju (coming soon)

lights, camera, lee donghyuck (coming soon)

➼ It’s a universally known truth that successful empires come from humble beginnings. In interviews, Donghyuck's grandfather talks about hard work and creating your own vision, which he says he’d learned from his parents who learned it from their parents. He emphasizes the importance of ethics in business and networking, expanding one’s territory by partnership. He brags about working at a young age, getting a degree and an MBA, and how he’d imposed and required higher education for his own children. What he doesn’t talk about is all the arranged marriages the entire Lee bloodline had signed up for—had committed to—to keep the entire expanding like the fucking universe. It just keeps going; there’s no stopping.

starbucks lovers (coming soon)

before the coffee gets cold (coming soon)

i don't wanna be your friend (i wanna kiss your neck) (coming soon)

outer space (coming soon)

[aliennopossumm]

He placed one hand under the liquid, wincing at how cold it was. He scrubbed until his hands were covered in red scratches, and only then he pulled himself away from the sink; making eye contact with himself in the mirror, he studied the drying blood splattered across his face, and for a brief moment, he didn’t recognise himself. He saw a monster.

art of one of my favourite scenes from unsweetened lemonade by @r3naissancee !! an absolutely amazing fic everyone should read :D

[blightdaddy]

"you're here, with me."

[mrsfancyferrari]

Winter Wonder

Summary: CL16 + Winter Power Outage

Song: Snowman by Sia

Author’s note: Please like, reblog and share this! 🫶

Word count: 4.8k

MASTERLIST - F1

The winter winds howled outside your apartment, a cacophony of icy air rattling the windows. You curled deeper into your favorite blanket, the soft, knit fabric offering some reprieve from the chill that seeped in despite the heating system working overtime.

Time slipped by quietly, marked only by the occasional glance at the clock on your wall.

Suddenly, the lights flickered before plunging you into darkness. A soul-sucking black surrounded you, and fear pricked at your skin like a thousand tiny needles. You took a deep breath, reminding yourself that it was just the dark, but the familiar, suffocating anxiety crept in.

You fumbled for your phone in haste, desperately hoping the flashlight function could chase away the shadows. Your fingers danced upon the screen, but it was useless. The battery was dead.

“Great,” you muttered to yourself, a mix of frustration and fear bubbling up. You didn’t want to move, didn’t want to face the abyss just outside your blanket fortress.

It was ridiculous—an adult, scared of the dark. But you couldn’t help it. The darkness felt alive, wrapping around you like a living entity.

Telling yourself it was all just a trick of the mind, you squeezed your eyes shut tightly. Deep breaths. It’s fine. It’s just the dark. But then came the sound that seized your heart—your front door creaking open.

You froze. Did you forget to lock it? Had it been a force of nature, or was someone actually breaking in? Panic surged within you. “No, no, no…” you mouthed silently, listening intently.

The something that entered your space felt heavy, and every instinct told you to run; but where could you go?

Then, out of the dark, a voice sliced through your fear like a knife. “Y/N?”

Relief washed over you, but it was almost immediately shadowed by confusion. “Charles?” you whispered, your voice barely a breath.

As the outline of your neighbor stepped closer, the shadows seemed to recede. He took a moment to make sure you were really there.

“Yes, it’s me,” he confirmed, the tension in his voice easing slightly as he reached for the light on his phone, illuminating his features in the dim glow. His forehead was creased with worry, his dark curls falling over his eyes, which now focused on you.

“I saw the lights go out in the entire building and thought I’d check on you.”

“What are you doing here?” Your voice came out a little sharper than intended, but it was impossible to mask the lingering dread that clung to your words.

“I thought you might be scared—it’s a pretty big outage,” he replied, his tone laced with concern. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

You tucked the blanket tighter around your shoulders, suddenly aware of how vulnerable the darkness made you feel. He stepped closer, the light from his phone creating a small bubble of warmth in your chilly place. “Are you alright?”

“I… I just don’t like the dark, Charles,” you admitted, your cheeks flushing with embarrassment. It felt childish to admit it, but there it was anyway.

He chuckled softly, the sound rumbling in the dimness. “It’s okay. You’re not alone. A lot of people dislike the dark. It’s unsettling.”

You let out a breath you didn’t realize you were holding. “It’s silly, I know. I feel like I should be above this fear.”

“No, it makes sense.” He lowered himself to sit on the floor next to you, his phone casting a gentle light between you. “The dark can hide so many things. It’s natural to be afraid of what might be lurking. How about I stay with you until the lights come back on?”

“Really?” The surprise in your voice was palpable, but somewhere underneath the astonishment, comfort began to blossom. “You’d do that?”

“Of course,” he replied. “Besides, I’m not exactly thrilled about sitting in my dark apartment either.” He shrugged, an endearing grin spreading across his face. “It’s always better to face fears with a friend, right?”

You nodded slowly, feeling the tension bleed out of your muscles as you absorbed his words. Charles always had known how to put you at ease.

“Thank you,” you said softly, glancing sideways at him. “I didn’t realize I’d be this scared. I mean, it’s just a power outage…”

“It’s more than just a power outage when you’re in the dark by yourself. I get it.” He waved the phone around theatrically, light bouncing off the walls. “Look, the shadows are just shadows. See? Nothing to be afraid of.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle at his playful antics, feeling a bit of your fear dissipate. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Only for you.” His expression grew serious again. “Seriously though, whenever I hear thunderstorm warnings, I prep my flashlight and snacks. I’m not ashamed to admit that I find comfort in being ready. It’s just practical.”

The two of you settled into a comfortable silence, the gentle flicker of the phone light illuminating the space just enough to allow you both to feel safe.

As the howling wind continued to remind you of the storm outside, your heartbeat synchronized more closely with Charles’.

You glanced over, finding him watching you intently, a soft smile dancing on his lips. “You know, it’s alright to let yourself be scared sometimes. We’re all human.”

His words felt like a warm blanket on a cold night, wrapping around you like the layers of the throw you had cocooned yourself in. “I guess being scared means I’m also capable of feeling brave.”

“Yes!” He nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly. And it takes a lot of bravado to admit it, too. So, if you ever need someone to count on when the lights go out…”

“I’ll definitely call you,” you replied, the smile growing on your face.

“Good. Now can I get inside your blanket? It's freezing,” Charles asked, his voice turning a little sheepish as he gestured towards your cozy nest of warmth.

“Sure, come right in,” you said, flinging the blanket open to invite him inside. He scooted over eagerly, the warmth of your body and the soft fabric enveloping him as he settled in beside you.

“Ah, this is what I call luxury,” Charles said, letting out a contented sigh. The proximity stirred a strange mix of comfort and excitement within you, a spark that ignited when he laughed at your shared misery over the powerless situation.

“Luxury, huh? You sure know how to sell it,” you joked, adjusting the blanket around both of you.

The heat radiating from him was comforting, yet it sent tiny shivers down your spine, stirring a strange mix of excitement and fluster within you.

“This is a luxury, being so warm and having a beautiful woman beside me,” Charles said straightforwardly, his voice sincere and unreserved.

Your jaw dropped at his candidness, suddenly feeling heat rise to your cheeks. For a moment, you forgot about the winter storm outside and the flickering candles, lost in the way he looked at you.

“Charles, flattery will get you nowhere around here,” you said, regaining your composure. You tried to sound calm and playful, but inside, your heart raced a little faster at his unexpected compliment.

“Oh, don’t sell yourself short! You’re the entire package—you’ve got warmth and wit,” Charles replied, nudging you playfully with his shoulder. “And if I may say, a very lovely smile.”

“Alright, alright. Now you’re just trying to butter me up,” you laughed, playfully pushing him away, though you were secretly reveling in the attention.

Charles chuckled, leaning back slightly, a grin spreading across his face. “Is it working?”

“Maybe,” you said, glancing at him from the corner of your eye. There was something magnetic about the way he looked at you, his deep green eyes sparkling with mischief and warmth.

The playful banter continued until a chill ran through the room, and the reality of the cold seeped in. You started to shiver, pulling your shirt tighter around you, trying to make it unnoticeable.

But Charles was observant. “You’re cold too, do you need me to get you a jumper?” he asked, concern etching itself across his face as he rose slightly from the couch.

You instinctively reached out and grabbed his arm. “No, don’t leave,” you said, slightly shy, the warmth of his presence making you feel secure.

“Okay, ma chérie,” he muttered with a smile, easing back down beside you. There was something about the way he said it, the tenderness in his tone that made your heart flutter.

“Can I cuddle you instead? I can’t have you freezing in your own house,” Charles suggested with a hopeful look.

You hesitated but nodded, heart pounding. It was the “yes” you didn’t know you wanted to say. Charles slowly wrapped his arms around you, giving you the opportunity to back out, but you didn’t.

Once he settled in, you melted into his embrace, feeling the heat radiate from his body and wrap around you like a warm blanket.

“This is nice,” you murmured, nestling your head against his shoulder.

“See? Told you it would work,” he teased softly, squeezing you a little tighter.

You felt a wave of contentment wash over you, easing the panic of the darkness.

With every minute wrapped up in his embrace, the cold and fear melted away, but it was the tender intimacy of the moment that pulled you toward sleep despite your best efforts to stay awake.

“Hey,” Charles whispered, sensing your struggle. “You know you can go to sleep, ma chérie. I’ll keep watch for when the power comes on.”

His voice was soothing, the way he said “ma chérie” made your heart flutter.

You opened your eyes slightly, looking up at him, and the gentle smile playing on his lips felt like sunshine cutting through the storm outside. “Are you sure? I don’t want to burden you,” you mumbled.

“You could never be a burden to me,” he replied with sincerity. “Just let your mind drift; I promise I’ll wake you if anything happens.”

His words wrapped around you like a soft blanket, urging you to surrender. You nodded, allowing yourself to relax further into his arms. “Okay, just for a little while then.”

“Good,” he said, his voice a low hum, like a lullaby. “You’ve been working too hard; you deserve this.”

With that, your eyes fluttered closed, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest lulling you into a deep slumber. As the minutes passed, the silence around you deepened, punctuated only by the howling wind outside.

It was peaceful, and you let go of the fear, allowing yourself to drift into dreams. . . . .

Now, waking to the gentle patter of your heart echoed by his own, you lifted your head, squinting against the soft light. The lamp had returned, illuminating the cozy chaos of your living room.

Your heart fluttered in your chest—there was Charles, asleep, his arms wrapped protectively around you.

You noticed the way his long eyelashes cast delicate shadows on his cheeks, and how his messy hair curled adorably above his forehead.

He looked almost serene, and for the first time, you allowed yourself to truly admire him. The stubble on his jaw gave him a rugged charm, one that made your cheeks flush with a warmth that had little to do with the safety of the blanket cocooning you both.

As you reluctantly pulled away, careful not to wake him, you thought to yourself, “You like Charles.” It was a revelation that sent a flutter through your stomach.

You didn't just like him as a friend anymore; it was something deeper, a connection that pulsed between your hearts.

Just as the thought settled in your mind, Charles stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked at the sudden light, then smiled at you with a sleepy grin.

“Hey there, sleepyhead,” he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.

He blinked at the sudden brightness of the fireplace, then smiled at you with a sleepy grin. It made your heart race in a way that surprised you.

“Hey,” you replied softly, a shy smile creeping onto your face. You remained nestled on his chest, and he didn’t seem to mind at all.

In fact, he pulled you in a little closer, the wool of his sweater prickly against your cheek.

“Sorry for sleeping on duty,” Charles joked, a playful glint in his eye. “The power came back on, and I couldn’t resist the chance to sleep with a beautiful lady.” His words hung in the air, charged with an unspoken tension.

You looked up at him, your heart skipping a beat. “What if I told you I was using the opportunity to sleep with a handsome guy?”

Before he could respond, a knock interrupted the bubble you’d created. You pushed yourself up, reluctantly leaving the sanctuary of his embrace.

Charles followed suit, his expression turning serious as he prepared for what lay outside your door.

You opened the door to find Carlos, his eyes moving from you to Charles behind you. He looked shocked for a moment, surprise flickering across his face, but quickly regained his composure.

“Hey Y/N! I was going to ask if you’ve seen Charles since everyone is looking for him,” Carlos teased, crossing his arms. “But he’s been hiding with you the whole time.”

“Cut it out, Carlos,” you said, trying your best to sound reproachful but failing miserably as warmth spread through your chest.

“Really? I came bearing news that half the town is without power due to this winter storm, and you two look pretty cozy,” he declared with a theatrical flourish, throwing in an exaggerated wink that made you laugh.

“Yeah, nothing like a good old-fashioned power outage to light a fire under romance!” Carlos continued, his tone mockingly serious. “What’s next, a candle-lit dinner?”

You felt your cheeks flush; you had scoffed at the idea before, but now, nestled against Charles, who sat on the floor beside you, you savored the closeness that the power outage had inadvertently sparked.

“Everyone wanted to go out after the lights came back on, but we tried to call your phone, and you didn’t answer,” you replied, trying to keep your tone light.

“Really? In this weather?” He raised an eyebrow, half-amused, half-concerned.

“Yeah, mate,” Carlos said with a big grin on his face. “But if you don’t want to come to stay with ta copine, then that’s okay.” He smirked, the teasing glint in his eye directed firmly at Charles.

You caught the French word “copine,” realizing it was Carlos’ playful jab at Charles’s affection for you. It took you a moment to piece together the implication—“girlfriend.”

You shot a glance at Charles, but his expression remained steady, a smile playing on his lips as he grinned at Carlos.

“I think you’re mistaken, Carlos,” Charles replied, his voice light yet purposeful. “I’ll always want to stay with my friends. Especially in a weather like this.”

You felt your heart skip a beat. Was that a hint? A whisper of something more?

Carlos saw the moment linger and leaned forward with mock curiosity. “Right,” he continued, turning to you, “you don’t want him, do you? I can just take him away and give you peace.” He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the banter.

“Thanks for your concern, Carlos,” you replied, your voice laced with a playful edge. “But I’m happy enough for Charles to stay if he wants to.”

You glanced up to catch Charles looking at you with an unmistakable glow of pride that made your cheeks heat up. He opened his mouth, seemingly ready to respond, but Carlos, always the instigator, cut in.

“Well, I guess I can’t take him away. Enjoy your cozy cuddles,” he teased, wiggling his eyebrows before pushing himself off the couch, the playful glint still dancing in his eyes as he headed towards the kitchen.

As soon as Carlos disappeared, the atmosphere shifted. The faint glow from the emergency candles flickered around the room, casting gentle shadows on the walls as you turned to face Charles.

“So, what do you want to do?” you asked shyly, hoping the question would open a door to something fun.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m so hungry,” Charles declared, patting his tummy dramatically like a cartoon character. “All that sleeping made me hungry.”

You couldn't help but chuckle at his antics. “Alright, Mr. Pancake, let’s see what we can whip up.”

With a nod, you walked past Charles toward the kitchen, and he followed closely behind, his energy palpable as it filled the small space between you two.

“How about we whip up some pancakes?” he suggested, already gazing into your kitchen cabinets as if they held the secrets to the universe.

"Pancakes sound amazing," you replied, your heart fluttering at the thought of cooking together. “Do you want them with blueberries or chocolate chips?”

“Honestly?” he asked, eyes twinkling. “Why not both? Live a little, right?”

You laughed, grabbing a mixing bowl and the ingredients. “You’re a bad influence, Charles.”

“Guilty as charged,” he teased, leaning against the countertop. “But pancakes are a serious matter. We need to tackle this thing together.”

The sun streamed through the kitchen window, illuminating the flour dust floating through the air. The scent of vanilla already danced around the room, teasing your senses as Charles organized the countertop, a wide smile plastered on his face.

“Okay, you’ve done enough, you can go relax,” Charles said, rolling his sleeves up, exposing his toned arms, ready for action.

“What do you mean? I’m helping out!” you protested, a grin creeping onto your own face as you grabbed the baking powder and some eggs from the fridge.

He chuckled, shaking his head knowingly. “Nope, I’m treating you today. Just sit there and enjoy the show.”

You could tell he was attempting to take charge of the kitchen. But before you could grab more ingredients, two strong arms snaked around your waist, lifting you effortlessly off the ground and placing you on the counter.

“Hey! Put me down!” you squealed, squirming as you tried to escape his grasp.

With a playful glint in his eyes, he tightened his grip slightly. “Not a chance. Now you stay here and watch me cook if you want.”

Puffing out your cheeks in mock annoyance, you crossed your arms. “You’re impossible, you know that? I just wanted to help!”

He leaned closer, his face hovering near yours, the warmth of his breath making your heart race. “And I appreciate that, but I want to spoil you a little today.”

You had no words. The way he watched you made it impossible to think clearly. All you could muster was a reluctant nod.

“Good, ma chérie,” he murmured, stepping back with a satisfied grin. “And you can speak too! I like to hear the sound of your voice.”

“Is that so?” you replied, trying to inject some playful sarcasm into your tone.

“Definitely,” he said, whisking together a bowl of flour, baking powder, and eggs with long, confident strokes. “You make everything sound better.”

“Flattery is the way to my heart, I see,” you teased, leaning back on your hands as you watched him work.

He shot you a playful look, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I thought you were already in my heart?”

“Touché,” you laughed, feeling the butterflies surge in your stomach as he began pouring the batter onto the hot griddle. The sizzling sound filled the kitchen, and you couldn’t help but lean forward, intrigued by his skill.

“Just wait until you taste these pancakes. They are going to be the best thing you’ve ever had,” Charles declared, flipping a pancake with flair.

You rolled your eyes, though a smile tugged at the corners of your mouth. “No pressure, then.”

He glanced back at you, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “Oh, there's plenty of time for us to go out for breakfast if you don’t like them.”

As he stacked the pancakes high on a plate, you could feel yourself warming up to the idea of indulging in his culinary creations. “You know,” you said thoughtfully, “you could really make a career out of this.”

“I don’t know about that,” he said, turning down the heat. “But I definitely know how to make someone smile with pancakes.”

The kitchen filled with laughter and conversation as he poured syrup over the stack, letting it drip down the sides. “Ready?” Charles asked with an exaggerated air of anticipation.

“Always,” you replied, accepting a plate filled with fluffy pancakes topped with fresh berries.

He leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching you intently as you took your first bite. “And?”

You closed your eyes and savored the taste. “Oh my God, Charles! These are amazing!” You grinned, your heart soaring at his happiness.

“See? I told you.” He leaned in closer, pride shining in his eyes. “I’m a magnificent chef after all.”

“As if I’d ever doubted that,” you said playfully, taking another mouthful, wishing the moment would last forever.

You were about to say more when you caught the sparkling mischief in his expression. “Hey, do you remember that time we tried to make dinner together? And almost burnt down the kitchen?”

You burst into laughter, remembering the smoke and chaos. “I still can’t believe we thought we were ready for spaghetti bolognese. The kitchen was a disaster!”

Charles mimicked the exasperated look you’d given him back then, sending you into fits of laughter again. “Never again, right?”

“Agreed. I think I’ll leave the cooking to you from now on,” you said with a grin.

He raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. “Oh? So you’re just here for my cooking and my good looks?”

“Maybe,” you replied, biting your lip as you leaned forward, adding a conspiratorial tone. “But I have to admit, I also like the way you roll up your sleeves in the kitchen.”

“Is that so?” His voice dropped to a low rumble, and he moved closer, the playful banter shifting into something deeper.

You felt the heat rise in your cheeks. “It’s just… you know, you make this whole cooking thing look good.”

“Just like that?” he teased, leaning closer. “I make pancakes look good?”

Your heart raced at the closeness. “Well, that too. But mostly, it’s because... you make me feel good, Charles.”

He smiled, that infectiously warm, sincere smile that sent butterflies fluttering in your stomach. “You’re incredible, you know that?”

The atmosphere felt electrifying, as if the world had slowed just for the two of you. “Incredible? Really?” you asked, playfully batting your eyelashes.

The atmosphere felt electrifying, as if the world had slowed just for the two of you.

Charles was everything you had ever wanted—handsome, kind, and brave.

As he stood close to you, the heat between you was palpable. The faint scent of the lavender he wore mixed with the aroma of fresh pastries, creating an intoxicating blend that felt uniquely him.

Charles instinctively hooked a finger and tenderly lifted your chin, tilting it up so that you could look into his eyes. His touch felt electric, sending shivers cascading through you.

“Ma chérie. Look at me,” he commanded softly, and you listened, entranced.

His hands were now brushing against your waist, fingers resting on your hips, anchoring you to the moment. You could see the hunger in his gaze, an unspoken connection simmering between you like a spark begging to be ignited.

Your heart raced, caught in the precarious balance of anticipation and excitement.

“Can I?” he asked, his voice low, almost husky, that familiar spark of temptation igniting the air. His fingers brushed against the hem of your trousers, soft and tentative, as if he were seeking permission more than anything else.

You had often fantasized about this moment, the air heavy with unspoken words and a desire that had simmered beneath the surface for far too long.

Your heart raced, torn between bashfulness and undeniable longing.

“You… you can,” you whispered, the words tumbling out of your mouth before you could think twice.

A pleased smile blossomed on his lips, and Charles leaned in, the world around you seemingly fading away. He closed the distance, breath warm and inviting against your skin.

“Because I’ve been wanting to for a while now,” he murmured, leaning closer, his lips inches away.

Your heart hammered in your chest, anticipation crackling in the air. His kiss was gentle at first, a soft brush of warmth against your mouth, but as you surrendered to the moment, barriers that had once held you back crumbled under the weight of passion.

You kissed him back, boldly entwining your fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, deeper.

Time ceased to exist as you melted into the sweetness of the moment, the world around you dissolving into nothingness. His hands found their way to your waist, holding you firmly as he deepened the kiss, tilting your head just so to fit together perfectly.

When he finally pulled back, he looked into your eyes as if searching for something.

“I really like you,” Charles confessed, sincerity etched into every feature.

The walls around your heart began to crumble as you met his gaze, feeling exposed yet completely safe.

“I like you too,” you managed, the words swirling like a warm breeze amidst your fluttering heart. “I’ve liked you for a while.”

Warmth flooding through your body as he reached out, brushing a stray hair behind your ear. His fingertips lingered on your skin, sending shivers racing down your spine.

You locked eyes, the air between you crackling with anticipation. “Why didn’t you say anything?” he asked, leaning closer.

“I… I was scared,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Of what?” he probed gently.

“Of ruining what we have,” you confessed, your heart pounding in your chest. “I didn’t want to lose you.”

He stepped closer, closing the gap between you until you could feel the warmth radiating off his body. With a surge of courage, you reached out and touched his arm. “But I can’t pretend anymore.”

“I don’t want to either,” he murmured, his voice low, filled with unspoken wishes.

Without another word, he leaned in, his lips brushing against yours softly at first, a hesitant question that quickly turned into a passion-filled exchange. The kiss deepened, a sweet exploration that tasted like hope and yearning, sending fireworks exploding through your very core.

As you pulled back, breathless and dizzy, the lights above flickered ominously before plunging the kitchen into darkness. The power had gone out again.

“Charles!” you exclaimed, panic creeping into your voice as you instinctively clutched the edge of the counter, fear coursing through you like ice.

“It’s okay,” he said, his voice steady and soothing, wrapping around you like a protective barrier. “It’s just the power. We’ll be fine.”

But your heart raced, the darkness closing in around you, invading the safe space you’d just carved out together. “I hate the dark,” you admitted, trembling.

He stepped closer, grounding you with his presence. His hands found your waist, a steadying grip that felt like a lifeline. “I’ll be here, I promise. Nothing is going to happen.”

“Can you… can you just hold me?” you asked, feeling vulnerable, your heart pounding like a drum.

“Always,” he replied, warmth radiating from his body as he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into a protective embrace.

You leaned into him, resting your head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your ear. “I can still feel you,” you murmured, comforted by his closeness amidst the engulfing darkness.

“Good, because I’m not going anywhere,” Charles reassured you, the deep timbre of his voice soothing. “You’re safe with me.”

“Thanks, Charles,” you whispered, gripping the apple tighter, as though it could shield you from the darkness that felt alive, drawing closer with each passing moment.

“No worries, ma chérie.” He leaned closer, planting a gentle kiss on the top of your head, his lips lingering for just a moment too long. It sent a wave of warmth cascading through you, dispelling some of the shadows still clinging to your heart.

You always felt inexplicably calmer when he was around, more grounded. . . . .

[norrisleclercf1]

Day 15 of 25 Days of Christmas: Roasting S'mores together

Pairing: Carlos Sainz x Reader

Rating: PG

Words: 792

Roasting s'mores with Carlos Sainz would be an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, racing stories, and delicious treats. Picture a cold winter evening with the sun setting in the background, casting a golden hue over a cozy backyard. The air is filled with the sweet scent of chocolate and the smoky aroma of toasted marshmallows, creating the perfect backdrop for a night of fun and camaraderie.

As the fire crackles, everyone first notices Carlos's infectious smile. He's on earth, making everyone feel comfortable around him. As you settle in, you can't help but feel excited, wondering what it's like to be this carefree, especially after the season he just had. Yet he was acting like nothing was to change. You wanted to talk to him about it, but Carlos was not keen on the idea, keeping those thoughts away from you.

Dressed casually, Carlos taught you how to roast s'mores today, a tradition he always cherished with his father during their camping trips. As you learn the art of roasting the perfect marshmallow, you can't help but feel inspired by Carlos's patience and love for teaching. He is a master at his craft, and you are a willing student eager to absorb his wisdom.

As the flames dance, he hands you a skewer, guiding you on how to roast the marshmallow to perfection. "You d "n't don't rush it," he says, demonstrating a slow rotation of the marshmallow over the fire. "If you" go too fast, it'll be on the outside and still be cold on the inside; timing is everything." Here "are some tips on finding the sweet spot of the fire to achieve that ideal golden-brown color—something that resonates deeply with anyone who understands the importance of timing, whether it's iit'smores'moreseed.

You start roasting your marshmallow, feeling the heat of the fire and watching it slowly transform. Carlos often makes a light-hearted joke about attempting to make s'mores at a team event but ends with a gooey mess. It's great to see how he embraces the fun side of life, even when balancing the pressure of what is soon to happen. "Carlos, you can talk about it, you know," You whisper softly, trying to get him to open up about what has happened.

As the marshmallow slowly caramelizes, Carlos starts sharing his favorite racing moments. He talks about his early days in karting, that thrilling first taste of speed, and the determination it took to reach F1. You can see the passion in his eyes as he reminisces, recounting stories of pivotal races and friendships formed within the paddock. This season was different; he was going from the team everyone dreamed of to racing to the one people laughed at, but he didn't care; he just wanted to run and take the team to great things. If anyone could do it, you knew it would be Carlos.

Finally, the moment arrives: you've achieved that perfect golden-brown marshmallow and smiles, flashing a thumbs-up and encouraging you to layer it between graham crackers and chocolate. "The key is balancing the melty marshmallow with the chocolate," he advises. "Too much marshmallow, and it spills everywhere. Too little, and you miss out on that gooey goodness!"

Building your s'more feels like a team exercise. Each person carefully layers their sweet creation while swapping stories and laughter. One person opts for a twist on the classic version, adding a slice of peanut butter cup to his s'more instead of traditional chocolate. You can't help but admire his creativity and feel a sense of inclusion in this shared experience.

As you both take that first delicious bite, the gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate ooze together perfectly, causing everyone to sigh in delight. The sweet symphony of flavors dances on your palate as Carlos nods approvingly, recalling how constructing the perfect s'more parallels carving an ideal racing line on the track. You feel indulged, savoring every moment of this delightful experience.

With the fire crackling and beginning to twinkle above, the night unfolds, filled with sizzling conversations about nothing and everything: what you two would do for the Holidays and how you would spend the time together.

As the evening winds down and you both finish your s'mores, the conversation shifts to the future. He talks about his aspirations and what he hopes to achieve. His words have a deep passion and a commitment to excelling on the track and inspiring the next generation.

The night concludes with the glow of the fire, beautiful memories captured under the stars, and the shared laughter of roasting s'mores with a racing star. You leave the evening feeling excitement and inspiration, influenced by Carlos's genuine s'mores and love for the sport and perhaps a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance.