#that one conversation was indeed about f1

[softtdaisy]

in the meantime / Aaron Hotchner

summary. when hotch gets hurt, you're called as his emergency contact. thing is, nobody knows you're not together anymore.

words count. 2 336

what to expect. a little angst I guess but fluff too, Jack is mentioned but he's a teen

a/n. I first imagined this very funny and light and I ended up adding more angst??? but it's still sweet and cute and hotch is a lover boy

F1 masterlist | general masterlist| request

When you got called at school, at first, you didn’t think it could be that moment you’ve been scared of for months finally happening.

Being a kindergarten teacher, it was easy to leave your class and ask for a colleague to take care of your children. They were all occupied with creating a new poster with their names and wouldn't even notice your absence. Well, you imagine they wouldn’t because you weren’t supposed to leave for too long.

“Do you know who’s asking for me?” you asked the principal’s assistant who came for you. He was one of your friends here, so you knew how to analyze his gesture. And from how fast he was walking right now, you could tell this was more serious than you first thought.

“Well, she’s a brunette, dressed in black.” He stopped in the middle of the hallway to think for a second. Trying hard to remember what her name could be. Thing was, you didn’t know that many brunettes, dressed in black that could authorize herself to come here. “I think her name is Emily or something like that.”

You stopped in the middle of the hallway, freezing. 

You appreciated Emily. You would even call her a friend, even if you only knew her through Hotch. But you barely talked outside of the moment you spent together. 

Getting a call from her would have been weird. Having her come to your school wasn’t normal at all.

Yet, here she was. Waiting in the principal’s office. Indeed, she was wearing an all-black outfit but mostly wearing a concerned expression on her face.

When you opened the door, she rushed to you, interrupting her conversation. Her hand was soon on your shoulder and her eyes were locked on yours. You found some comfort in it. The problem was, you had no idea why you needed it.

“What are you doing here, Emily?” you asked, whispering like it was some secret the rest of your colleagues or your superior didn’t need to know. Which was true, somehow. “Is everything alright?” 

But you knew it wasn’t. And the three words that followed were the proof. “It’s Hotch.”

Your heart dropped, and the whole world went silent. 

You’ve spent months afraid of hearing these words one day. Checking your phone multiple times a day, waiting for his text to make sure he was doing fine. There were moments when you would have the same nightmares of coming home to an empty house, sometimes with more graphic images you wished you could forget.

When Emily noticed you seemed to disconnect from reality, she put her other hand on your shoulder. “He’s ok,” she added. 

“I don’t know how, but the unsub managed to stab him in the stomach. He lost a lot of blood and went to surgery, but he should be fine. Spencer told me he was waking up when he arrived here, you heard Emily explain, but her voice seemed like a distant melody.

You tried to focus on the good news, that Hotch was fine. As fine as he can be after an attack that probably woke up some trauma, but fine. Not dead. Not in danger. Fine. 

You took a breath and nodded to accept the information you just got. And showing Emily that you listened, that you understood what she said. 

It wasn’t until you managed to keep your stress as low as possible that the question popped up in your head. “You came all the way here to tell me?”

Emily looked at you with confusion. 

“Well, you’re his girlfriend and his emergency contact. And you weren’t answering your phone. I thought it would be better to bring you to the hospital myself than let you learn about that later by yourself.”

That was the moment you understood why Emily chose to drive all the way here.

Hotch didn’t tell anyone you weren’t together anymore.

Dating Hotch was easy, more than people thought it was.

He was a great listener. He loved to hear you speak about everything in your life just as much as he loved paying attention to small details. Offering your favorite flowers, having your favorite artist in his car, and sending a text about important events at your job even when he was miles and miles away. 

You could tell Hotch was working on the experience he got from his past relationship and all that he still had to learn to be a good partner for you. And he was doing a wonderful job on it.

This relationship did a lot of good for him too. With Jack being a teen and less with his dad, he finally felt like he had a new purpose to come back home. Hotch learned to love opening his door again. This time not being met by the silence. But by you, with some kind of reality TV on, reading a book on a sofa he almost forgot about before seeing you on it—not to mention the memories the both of you created on it. You made him feel loved. At his place but at every place in his life too.

For a year, you two have been the happiest and did everything to make this relationship work. Even the team noticed the change in Hotch’s personality. And after multiple drinks together, you started to call them friends too. You both loved the routine you created together. 

But even with the brightest sun shining on your relationship, the truth was the stress was still there. His job was anxious, to you, but to him too. Having someone to care about in his life once again made Hotch concerned about losing you. He tended to be more protective after rough cases, sometimes leaning to some controlling behavior he hated as much as you did.

The disputes became more and more recurrent. And after another fight, you both decided that maybe you needed a moment away from each other to wonder if this was really worth it. You wanted Aaron Hotchner to be the love of your life; you really did. Just as he wanted to. But was it really the life you both wanted?

It was a hard month away from him; you won’t lie.

And knowing you almost lost him was even hard.

“Let’s go,” you finally replied. And the ride to the hospital was surprisingly calm.

The few times you saw Emily, you both kept chatting for hours to the point Hotch even laughed one day about fearing she might steal you from him. But this time, there were no words. Not only because of the stress, but also because you realized you were lying to your friend because of Hotch. You haven’t seen him in a month, having no idea about what his life might have been these past thirty days. And she was great at worming information out of you. So you would rather not say a thing instead of spilling a secret.

The whole drive to the hospital felt like a fever dream. And nothing could have prepared you for the overwhelming feeling you got when you opened the door. A mix of relief and stress.

Hotch was there, indeed. Underneath a white sheet that made his skin look even paler, with dark circles bigger than the last time you saw him and a tired expression that made you wish you could do anything to let him relax and rest for at least a month.

He was facing the window and only turned his head when he heard you coming in. And the confusion replaced the tiredness on his face. Yet, you still noticed the short smile that drew on his lips when he saw you. “What are you doing here?”

His tone was sweet. Sweeter than usual. No matter how down he was, Hotch took everything in him to make you feel welcome. He didn’t want you to question your presence here or to think he was questioning it. He was glad to see your face after the awful day he had. Yet, he was still wondering why you came. After a month apart, he thought you put him aside. 

Deep down, Hotch had the feeling he was easy to forget. But you weren’t. You never felt his head or his heart.

You didn’t answer his question. You couldn’t even talk. You were just focused on the silhouette of the man that shared your life these past months, lying on this hospital bed, looking so fragile.

You walked to him, as close as you could. So close that your knees bumped in the bed without you realizing it. You couldn’t resist the need to brush his hair, putting away some strands that were on his forehead. His confused and drained eyes follow each one of your moves.

“Honey?” he asked again, reaching for your hand. 

When you were together, not a day went by—except for those when he was away—where you wouldn’t hold hands. In the morning, when he was getting up, you tried to keep him with you a little longer. During breakfast, while he was drinking his coffee. When he said goodbye, kissing you before putting a kiss on your entangled hands. Or when you went to sleep, cuddling, with your hands on your stomach—or his, when he needed it after a rough day.

“You didn’t tell them we broke up,” you said in a low voice. It was the first time you said it out loud but also realized what it meant. And having Hotch in front of you, calling you by the nickname that followed you your whole relationship and caressing your hand with his thumb softly, helped see the truth behind that. “Emily came and picked me up because I’m your emergency contact, and I wasn’t answering my phone, and as your girlfriend, she assumed I needed to know. Because you didn’t tell anyone we weren’t together anymore.”

You finally landed your eyes on his, losing yourself in his baffled puppy look. “You’re right, I didn’t.” Hotch said. It was the first time since you came in that you noticed his voice was a little raspy. “And I’m glad it led you here.” 

You could hear the sincerity in his voice, not that you doubted he meant it. Over a year, you’ve learned to recognize Hotch’s expression. Especially the way his face was always softer when he was with you. Or how his very stoic and linear mouth always curled up in a smile around you.

Still, you had one question on your tongue. “Why?”

“Why am I glad?” he replied with a giggle. One that was sadly followed by a grimace. You watched as Hotch brought his other hand to his stomach to ease the pain. The doctor told him that even with the medicine, it would take him multiple days to get better. And until the stitches were gone, he wasn’t allowed to go back on the field.

But suddenly, the idea of being stuck at his office or at home wasn’t as awful as it was when he first thought about it. 

You sighed, focusing on his face rather than the wound he was clearly keeping hidden from you. “Why haven’t you told them?” 

Hotch took a second to look at you. The answer was obvious to him, to the point that there wasn’t a question to begin with. Over this past month, there was not a moment where he thought he had to make things clearer about your situation. Sure, he was a very private man, yet he never lied about you. He just kept things as they were. “Because I didn’t want it to be over.”

Hotch sat up against the headboard and motioned to you to sit on the bed with him. He moved his legs to give you space. And the heat you felt when he held your hand tighter to help you reminded you of the obvious attraction you had for him. Even after he had a terrible day. 

“Listen,” he started again with a tone that imposed on listening to him. That's not to say you weren't paying attention in the first place. “I know we made this decision together, and I respect it. And this month apart gave me the time to think about us.”

The first night coming home to an empty and silent house wasn’t easy for Hotch. He felt like he had failed again at keeping someone in his life. He hated that he lied to Jack, saying you had family obligations to explain your absence. He didn’t want his son to be disappointed about his dad's inability to maintain a great relationship.

And one day, Jack told him about a girl at school he had a crush on and everything he did to prove to her it was worth trying rather than giving up.

“I want to make things right with you.” Hotch pursued, bringing your hands to his chest. “Maybe I need to work on my perception of danger when it comes to you. And if so, I will do it. Because I want you.”

You always found it fascinating how his eyes often spoke louder than his words. And the look he was giving you right now was the best argument he could have found to prove you he meant it. Hotch loved you. And so did you. 

When a smile started to grow on your lips, also a silent answer to his silent confession, you noticed his lips curved too. Hotch let go of your hand to bring his own to your neck and move your face closer to him. But you stopped right before your lips touched.

“Maybe you should just consider not getting hurt the next time we argue.” You whispered, which made him laugh.

“Right, I’ll think about that.” He replied before finally guiding you to his lips.

Hotch never stopped believing he would get you back. So maybe he was right about not telling anyone about the breakup. 

[mrsfancyferrari]

Real Love

Summary: You and Carlos were just supposed to be a PR couple for less than a year but someone decided to catch feelings.

Song: Love Story - Indila

Part 2

Author’s note: I can't write short stories to save my life. I hope you enjoy this long journey which may take a full day to read. Please like, reblog and share this! <3

Word count: 8.6k

MASTERLIST - F1

It all started as a simple PR arrangement between you, a well-known influencer, and Carlos Sainz, the Formula 1 driver. We were both told it would only last less than a year - just long enough to boost our public profiles and create some buzz. Little did we know, someone had other plans.

At first, it was easy enough. We attended events together, posted cute couple photos on social media, and played the part of the perfect pair. The chemistry between us felt natural, which made the whole charade convincing.

Your routine was simple enough.

You and Carlos would meet up at his house and he would drive you both to the paddock while sharing a small conversation about what happened in your jobs in the last weeks.

The roar of the engines and the excited chatter of the fans would fill the air around you.

As you reach the Ferrari garage, Carlos turns to you. "I've got some meetings with Charles to attend to, but you're free to explore or chat with the other drivers' partners if you'd like. I'll catch up with you in a bit, okay?"

You nod, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "Sounds good. I'll be around if you need me." With a smile, you part ways, ready to take in the bustling atmosphere of the Ferrari garage.

Because of your ‘relationship’, you were able to make friends with your current bestie, Lily Muni.

You and your close friend Lily would often engage in candid discussions about your romantic entanglements, particularly your faux relationship with Carlos. Despite being the sole confidante privy to the fact that your connection with Carlos was entirely fabricated, Lily wholeheartedly embraced the role of your number one supporter and "shipper."

She would enthusiastically encourage you, even though she was fully aware that your purported love affair was merely a façade maintained for the benefit of others.

"So what's going on with you these days?" Lily asked curiously since you hadn't seen her in a few weeks. You knew that she wanted to know more about your relationship but it was still the same.

"Lily, I don't know what you're waiting for," You replied, taking a sip of your coffee. "We're going to be like this until the contract ends."

Lily looked at you with a knowing look, smiling at your denial, "Not until one of you decides to confess, I bet it's gonna be Carlos. I see where his eyes go when you're not looking."

You can feel your cheeks heat up at Lily's teasing words, and you quickly avert your gaze, trying to hide your embarrassment.

Blushing, you try to hide your embarrassment by taking another sip of your coffee, hoping to distract yourself.

Deep down, you couldn't deny the flutter of hope that Lily's words sparked within you, secretly wishing that her prediction would come true and Carlos would finally reveal his true feelings.

"Come on, Lily, you know it's all just for show," you say with a nervous laugh, hoping to dismiss any romantic notions. Deep down, however, you can't help but wonder if there might be some truth to her playful observations.

Lily chuckles mischievously, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, I know, I know. But you can't blame me for hoping, can you? Sometimes, even the most make-believe romances have a way of turning real."

You nodded before thinking of her words, realizing that there were indeed moments when Carlos's gaze lingered a little longer, or when his touches felt a little more intentional. Maybe, just maybe, Lily's playful observations held more truth than you were willing to admit.

As you sat there with your coffee, a newfound sense of curiosity and anticipation began to take root within you, wondering if this faux relationship could possibly evolve into something genuine and heartfelt.

You would be lying if you said that you didn't have a crush on Carlos. His charm and the way he made you feel special were undeniable. It wasn't just the little moments or his playful gestures, it was the way your heart skipped a beat whenever he was near.

Every time he looked into your eyes, it felt like there was something more behind his gaze. And now, with Lily's playful observations, the possibility of those feelings being reciprocated started to flicker in your mind, making your heart race with anticipation.

But you knew that breaking the rules of the PR contract because of your feelings was not an option. You couldn't risk jeopardizing the professional relationship and the project you had been working on together.

Besides, you reminded yourself, sometimes it's better to keep a crush as a secret, unrequited admiration rather than risking the potential fallout that could come from crossing that line.

So, you decided to bury those feelings deep down, focusing on the task at hand and maintaining a professional demeanor, even if your heart still fluttered every time Carlos entered the room.

It was a bittersweet realization, but one that you knew was necessary for the sake of your career and the project's success.

After catching up with Lily, you had to head back to the Ferrari garage to see Carlos one more time before he goes to the first sprint of the race, your heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

You took a deep breath, preparing yourself to put on your best poker face, to hide the feelings that threatened to spill over.

This would be the last time you allowed yourself to indulge in this fantasy, the last time you let your heart flutter at the sight of him. From now on, it would be all business, all focus, and no room for what-ifs and maybes.

As you entered, you found Carlos focused on preparing for the race, his eyes fixed on the car before him. You couldn't help but admire his dedication and skill, a reminder of why you were drawn to him in the first place.

Taking a deep breath, you approached him, ready to wish him luck and carry on with your professional duties.

But as you stood there, your eyes locked with his, you couldn't help but wonder if there was something more beneath the surface, something that Lily's playful observations had hinted at.

As he smiled at you and gestured for you to come over, a glimmer of hope ignited within you. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something more between you two, despite the professional boundaries. But you quickly pushed those thoughts aside, reminding yourself of the risks involved and the importance of staying focused on the task at hand.

With a smile, you returned his gesture and walked over, ready to offer your well wishes for the race.

As soon as you got close enough, his hand sneaked across your waist, sending a shiver down your spine. Your heart raced as he pulled you closer, his lips meeting yours in a passionate kiss.

The world seemed to stand still for a moment as the warmth of his touch and the sweetness of his kiss enveloped you. It was a moment of pure bliss, a confirmation that there was indeed something more between you two.

But as quickly as it happened, reality came crashing back.

You pulled away, your heart pounding with a mixture of desire and uncertainty.

That was normal for you two. It doesn't mean anything.

"Good luck with your race," you muttered, your voice barely above a whisper.

As you glanced from his lips to his eyes and saw that he did the same thing, a spark of connection flickered between you, leaving you wondering if there was more to this moment than either of you were willing to admit.

“Mi amor, I will definitely win with you being my good luck charm,” He said, smirking at the affect his words still had on you.

Reluctantly, you watched as Carlos tore his gaze away from you and focused on the final preparations of his car. With a heavy heart, you knew that this fleeting moment of connection would have to be set aside for now.

He had a race to win, and you had your own professional duties to attend to. As he climbed into the driver's seat and drove off to the starting line, you could only hope that the universe would bring you together again, when the time was right. . . .

Carlos ended up being first in practice 1, which was very surprising for everyone. His skill and determination were evident as he flawlessly maneuvered the twists and turns of the track, leaving his competitors in the dust.

The cheers and applause from the crowd filled the air, but amidst the excitement, you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for Carlos. . . .

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╚═ * . · : · . ✧ ✦ ✧ . · : · . * ═╝

As you sat on Carlos's bed, waiting for him to finish dressing up. You couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Carlos and you had to go to an event together so you were now sitting on his bed, all dolled up.

The dress you were given to wear to the event was a stunning crimson masterpiece. Its vibrant hue perfectly represented the fiery spirit of Ferrari, mirroring Carlos's passion and determination on the racetrack.

The fabric gracefully hugged your curves, accentuating your figure in all the right places. The bodice was beautifully adorned with intricate lace detailing, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble. The dress flowed effortlessly down to the floor, creating a mesmerizing silhouette as you walked.

As you looked at yourself in the mirror, you couldn't help but feel a sense of empowerment and confidence.

You glanced at the clock, realizing that time was running out. You hoped that Carlos would hurry and join you soon.

As you read the Twitter comments questioning the authenticity of your relationship with Carlos, a wave of insecurity washed over you.

Despite knowing the truth of your connection, the doubts planted by strangers made you question your ability to convince fans of your 'love' for each other.

It was disheartening to realize that no matter how real your feelings were, they could still be perceived as fake by those who only saw glimpses of your lives through social media.

"Carlos?" you knocked on the bathroom door, wanting to know what he was still doing as they needed to go.

As you waited for a response, you couldn't help but wonder if he was feeling the same pressure and scrutiny from fans as you were, and if it was affecting his confidence as well.

"Yes cariño, you can come in," you heard his voice and you decided to open the door.

As you entered the bathroom, the sight of Carlos's bare back took your breath away. His muscles rippled under his smooth skin, and the towel that hung loosely around his waist only added to the allure.

His toned muscles glistened with droplets of water, and you couldn't help but appreciate the physical strength and athleticism that made him a champion on the racetrack.

You tried to maintain composure, but it was impossible to tear your eyes away from him. You were suddenly aware of the growing heat in the room, a reflection of the intense chemistry that existed between the two of you.

He turned to face you, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Like what you see?" he teased, causing your heart to race even faster.

You quickly averted your gaze, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks. "Sorry," you stammered, turning around to give him privacy. "I didn't realize you weren't dressed yet."

"It's okay cariño, since you're here, do you mind rubbing my back? It's hard to reach sometimes," He asked, gesturing to the bottle close to you on the shelf but still not turning around and applying some lotion onto his face.

"Sure Carlos," you replied.

You took a small amount of lotion in your hands and began to gently rub it onto Carlos's bare back, your fingers gliding smoothly over his muscles.

As you worked your way from his shoulders down to his lower back, you couldn't help but admire the strength and resilience they represented.

The physical contact eased the tension that had been building up in his back, making him stop what he was doing and sigh in relief.

"Am I that good?" you teased.

Chuckling, Carlos' eyes were still closed in bliss. "Well, cariño, you have magic hands. I've never felt so relaxed. Maybe I should consider hiring you as my personal masseur," he muttered.

Giggling softly, you replied, "Well, it seems like I have a hidden talent then. I can give you a massage after your races if you'd like."

"Yes please cariño," He pleaded.

You were taken aback by the intensity of his plea, and the way his voice resonated in your ears sent a shiver down your spine. Your cheeks flushed even deeper as you realized the effect you had on him, and a mix of excitement and nervousness washed over you.

"Y/N? Why did you stop?" Carlos asked, finally turning around to face you, his eyes locked with yours.

The electricity in the room seemed to intensify as you found yourself lost in his gaze, unable to find the words to explain the sudden halt in your actions.

"Carlos, we have an important event to go to. We can't waste time here," you reminded him and yourself. You just remembered the event that left your mind as soon as you stepped inside the bathroom.

Carlos pouted at your words, his disappointment evident. He knew that the event was important, but he couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret at leaving behind the intimate moment the two of you were sharing.

"We can't just spend a few minutes?" Carlos asked, trying his luck.

"Carlos, this event is about Ferrari," You started, going over to wash your hands. "You have to be there and be there early."

Carlos pouted at your words, remembering the event too. "I guess you're right," he said with a hint of disappointment. "But don't worry, I'll hold you to that promise of a massage later."

"You'll get them soon enough," You replied smiling, walking out of the bathroom, leaving Carlos to change into his suit. . . .

You two had made it to the event half an hour before it was going to start, and as you got out of Carlos' car, you were bombarded with the paparazzi.

Flashbulbs went off incessantly as reporters shouted questions and cameramen jostled for the best angle.

Carlos, being used to this, instinctively shielded you from the chaos, wrapping his arm around your waist and guiding you towards the entrance, where security personnel were waiting to escort you inside.

As soon as you two had gotten into the building, you were able to breathe, soaking in the momentary calmness before the storm of socializing began.

You glanced at Carlos, his hand still lingering on your waist, and you exchanged a knowing smile, silently reassuring each other that you were in this together.

Taking a deep breath, you prepared to gracefully navigate the room, greeting and mingling with the various groups of people in attendance.

Taking a moment to compose yourselves, you scanned the room and spotted familiar faces from various racing teams and sponsors.

Making your way over to each group, you exchanged warm greetings and engaged in small talk, ensuring that you maintained the necessary professional connections in the racing world for Carlos.

"Carlos! Y/N!" a voice called you from in the crowd, and you both turned around to see Benedetto Vigna, the CEO of Ferrari, making his way towards you with a warm smile.

It was a relief to see a familiar face amidst the sea of strangers, and you greeted him with enthusiasm, ready to discuss the future of the partnership between Carlos and Ferrari.

"It's so wonderful to see you both here tonight," he exclaimed, extending his hand in greeting.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Carlos replied, giving him a quick hug with a smile.

You looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Wasn't he the one who wanted to stay at home longer for a massage?

As you and Carlos were about to join Benedetto Vigna for a group picture with Charles and his girlfriend Alexandra, you couldn't help but notice Carlos shooting you a mischievous grin.

"Looks like someone changed their mind about staying at home for massages," you whispered playfully, causing Carlos to chuckle as the camera flashed, capturing the moment of camaraderie between the four of you.

You couldn't help but blush as Carlos leaned in closer, his grip on your waist tightening. "I'm still getting that massage, aren't I?" he whispered playfully into your ear, causing a shiver to run down your spine.

You chuckled softly at Carlos's words, feeling a surge of warmth as his grip tightened around your waist. "Of course," you whispered back, leaning into his embrace.

After the group photo, the two of you were approached by the paparazzi, who insisted on taking pictures of just the two of you.

You obliged, striking a pose with Carlos, your smiles radiating with genuine joy and affection. As the camera clicked, freezing the moment in time, you couldn't help but feel grateful for the incredible journey you and Carlos had embarked on together.

Suddenly, you remembered the comments on your relationship being fake crossed your mind. In an impulsive move, you turned to Carlos and whispered, "KIss me."

With that, you leaned in and planted a passionate kiss on his lips, not caring about the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

Carlos, caught off guard by your sudden boldness, responded by deepening the kiss, his lips pressing fervently against yours.

The paparazzi went wild, capturing the genuine love and connection between the two of you, proving once and for all that your relationship was far from fake.

When you were able to separate from each other, you grinned at the paparazzi, reveling in the moment of rebellion and spontaneity. Ignoring the bewildered looks from the crowd, you confidently took Carlos's hand and led him off the stage, eager to escape the prying eyes and enjoy the rest of the night in each other's company.

The paparazzi's cameras continued to flash behind you, capturing the image of two people deeply in love, unafraid to defy expectations and embrace their own happiness.

And that's what you were hoping for.

You two spent the rest of the event, stuck to each other like glue, while effortlessly navigating conversations with important people.

As you mingled and exchanged pleasantries, it became evident to everyone around that your connection was genuine, sincere, and unbreakable. People couldn't help but be drawn to the magnetic energy between you, as you effortlessly charmed and captivated those in your presence.

Carlos made sure to take extra care of you on the drive home, keeping a watchful eye as he navigated the streets.

He gently helped you out of the car when you arrived at your doorstep, ensuring you were safely inside before bidding you goodnight and heading back to his own place.

As you lay in bed, still buzzing with the excitement of the night, you couldn't help but feel incredibly lucky to have someone like Carlos by your side, always looking out for you and making sure you were taken care of.

If only it was all real and genuine. . . .

You woke up with a pounding headache and a foggy memory of the previous night's events. As you tried to piece together what had happened, you received a call from Carlos.

"Hello?" you muttered into the phone sleepily.

"Oh Y/N, were you asleep? I didn't mean to wake up," Carlos' voice came through your phone and you immediately woke up fully.

When you turned on your TV, the camera panned over to Carlos on the phone, and you were surprised to see him there already.

"Carlos! Why are you there already? You should have called me earlier or something?" you groaned at both your headache and the fact that you would have to go to the paddock by yourself instead of with Carlos.

"Cariño, I already told everyone that you were sick but that you were recovering quickly and everyone wished you well." Carlos stated, making you freeze in the middle of trying to get out of bed.

"You what?"

"You don't have to come Cariño, unless you really want to," Carlos really assured you and you could see his worried face on TV.

"Thank you, you saved me big time," you replied, sliding back into your bed with a relieving sigh.

"You're welcome Cariño,"

During the call, you and Carlos briefly chatted before the race was about to begin.

"Put it on video call for a second," Carlos asked quickly and you did it without hesitation, hoping he wouldn't mind your bed hair.

Carlos gave you an air kiss, and you returned one back, a substitute for the good luck kiss you would always give him before switching off the phone.

You couldn't help but smile at the gesture, knowing that Carlos was trying to be considerate in your absence.

"Okay goodbye Cariño, I'll win the race for you."

"Good luck Carlos."

With your spirits lifted, you sat down to watch the race. You watched attentively as Carlos gave it his all, pushing himself to the limits. To your surprise, he managed to secure second place.

As soon as he was able to, he called you. His voice was filled with a mix of joy and frustration.

"Congratulations, Carlos! Second place is still amazing!" you exclaimed with genuine excitement.

However, Carlos's disappointment was evident as he sighed heavily and said, "I know, but I really wanted that first place. I'll keep pushing harder for the next race."

"You did incredible, Carlos! I'm so proud of you," you reassured him. "Second place is a huge achievement, and it shows how much progress you've made. Don't be too hard on yourself. There will always be another race to aim for that first place."

Carlos let out a small chuckle, his voice filled with a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Cariño. Your support means everything to me. I won't rest until I reach that top spot."

"Well you can rest at my place with your personal massager waiting for you."

"I can't wait Cariño, I'll see you in the evening," He said happily. A smile could be heard from in his voice and you grinned at that.

You didn't know why you decided to invite Carlos over but now the deed was already done.

As you headed into the kitchen, you couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. You knew how much Carlos loved your homemade tortillas and croquetas, and you wanted to make this evening extra special for him.

The sound of sizzling oil and the aroma of frying potatoes filled the air as you prepared the ingredients, imagining the look of delight on Carlos's face when he tasted the delicious meal you had prepared for him.

You quickly made your way to the bedroom to pick out an outfit that would make you look presentable for Carlos's arrival. After some consideration, you settled on a stylish yet comfortable ensemble—a fitted black blouse paired with high-waisted jeans and a pair of sleek black ankle boots.

To add a touch of elegance, you adorned your neck with a delicate silver necklace and slipped on a matching bracelet.

With your hair neatly styled and a hint of makeup to enhance your natural beauty, you felt confident and ready to welcome Carlos into your home.

Later in the day, there was a knock on your door. When you opened it, there was Carlos, holding a bouquet of flowers.

"Wow, Cariño, you look absolutely stunning," Carlos said, his eyes widening in admiration.

You blushed, not realizing the effect you had on him. "Thank you, Carlos. That's really sweet of you to say," you replied, genuinely touched by his compliment.

"Wow, these flowers are beautiful, Carlos! Thank you so much," you said, genuinely touched by the gesture.

Carlos smiled warmly, his eyes filled with admiration. "You deserve nothing less," he replied softly.

As you led him inside, you were completely unaware of the way Carlos' gaze lingered on you, captivated by your every move. Little did you know, his fascination with you had only grown stronger over time, and he couldn't help but hope that one day you would see him in the same light.

As you entered the dining room, Carlos's eyes widened with excitement as he saw the table set with all his favorite dishes. The aroma of homemade tortillas and croquetas filled the room, making his mouth water.

The warm glow of the candles and the delicious aroma that filled the air made his heart skip a beat. "Oh wow, you've really outdone yourself," he exclaimed, his face lighting up even more. "I can't believe you remembered all my favorites. This is incredible."

"I had to do something for my favourite driver," you teased, having Carlos pull away the chair for you so you could sit down.

"I must admit, being your favorite driver has its perks," Carlos replied with a playful wink, as he took his seat across from you. "But tonight, I'm here as more than just your driver. I'm here to enjoy this wonderful meal with an even more wonderful company."

Raising his glass, Carlos proposed a toast to celebrate their special evening together. "To us," he said, his voice filled with genuine affection. "May this be the first of many unforgettable nights spent in each other's company."

As you savored each bite of the delicious meal, the conversation flowed effortlessly between you and Carlos. Laughter filled the air as you shared stories, dreams, and aspirations.

The setting and shared moments created a deep connection, and you couldn't help but feel grateful for this enchanting evening together. The hours flew by, and before you knew it, the empty plates and wine glasses were a testament to the delightful feast.

As the night progressed, you offered to give Carlos a well-deserved back massage. He gladly accepted and lay down on your couch, allowing you to work your magic. You applied gentle pressure and kneaded the tension from his muscles, feeling the knots melt away under his touch.

As you continued the massage, Carlos's body relaxed, and his mind became more at ease. The two of you watched the race replay on the television, analyzing every turn, every move, and every decision Carlos made.

It was a bittersweet moment as you both discussed the missed opportunities and what could have been done differently, but it also kind of brought you two closer together.

In that moment, Carlos realized that having someone who not only supported him but also understood his passion was truly invaluable.

"I think I should have attacked more at this turn," Carlos explained to you as he watched intensely at the way he drove on TV.

Suddenly he felt a sudden weight on his back and he peeked behind him to see you.

He couldn't help but smile at the sight of you peacefully slumbering on his back. The warmth of your body against his, coupled with the rhythmic rise and fall of your breath, brought about a sense of tranquility he hadn't felt in a long time.

Carlos gently shifted his position, careful not to disturb your sleep, and decided to stay in that moment a little while longer, relishing in the comfort and contentment of having you by his side.

As he continued watching the race replay, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and contentment, knowing that he had found not only a passionate supporter but also a person with whom he could share quiet, intimate moments like this.

You woke up in your bed for the second time in a row without knowing how you even got there in the first place. Confused, you blinked your eyes open and looked around, trying to piece together how you had ended up in your bed again.

The memories of the enchanting evening with Carlos and the comforting massage flooded back, but the details of how you had transitioned from the couch to your bed remained elusive.

It was as if the night had taken on a dreamlike quality, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. . . .

It was the Spanish Grand Prix, and you had the privilege of attending with Carlos for the first time since you've been together.

As you watched from your seat in Carlos' car how the bustling crowd of racing enthusiasts were, you couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The vibrant red sundress you wore perfectly matched Carlos' spirited personality and love of speed.

You made your way to the entrance, the sun kissed your skin, and the adrenaline in the air heightened the anticipation of witnessing the roaring engines and exhilarating race. It was a moment you would never forget, a celebration of your shared passion and the beginning of many more thrilling adventures together.

As you two emerged from the car, his hand immediately touched your hips, guiding you through the paddock to the Ferrari garage.

As you walked through the crowded paddock, you couldn't help but notice the sea of red surrounding you. It seemed like everyone was wearing the team colors to show their support for Carlos and his racing team.

The vibrant red sundress you chose seemed to blend in perfectly with the atmosphere, making you feel like a part of the action. Carlos looked at you with a smile, appreciating the effort you had put into matching with him.

Occasionally, he would stop to sign autographs for his adoring fans. The anticipation surrounding Carlos was immense, as this was his home track and everyone expected a lot from him.

Before heading off to his meeting, you turned to him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Your words were filled with warmth and admiration. You assured him. "I'm proud of you, no matter what happens."

"Thank you Cariño." he said smirking at you.

As you watched Carlos prepare for his race, you realized that this time, you would stay by his side instead of wandering off or meeting up with Lily, as you had often done in the past. This time, you understood that he needed more support before this race even started.

Carlos' home track held a special significance for his performance. Not only did it come with a sense of familiarity and comfort, but it also brought with it the unwavering support of the local fans who had been cheering him on since the beginning.

The energy and encouragement from the crowd fueled his determination to push harder and achieve success in front of his home audience.

You watched as he checked his car with the team, catching him glancing up at you multiple times to see if you were still there. It was clear that your presence meant a lot to him, and you were determined to be his unwavering source of support throughout the race.

As the time approached for the race to start, Carlos took you into a private room. As Carlos pulled you into the private room, a sense of urgency filled the air.

With hungry, heated kisses, his lips passionately explored yours, igniting a fiery desire within you. His strong hands tightly gripped your hips, pulling you closer, as if he couldn't get enough of you.

His actions sent shivers down your spine and intensified your longing for him. In that moment, you realized just how much his presence and touch ignited a deep desire within you, making you crave more of his passionate embrace.

You felt a surge of desire and passion, fueled by Carlos' intense affection. The way he held you, kissed you, and expressed his need for you created an irresistible magnetism between the two of you, intensifying your own desire and emotions.

Then, with a final look, he disappeared, leaving you with a mixture of excitement and anticipation.

Minutes later, the roar of the engines filled the air, signaling the start of the race. Your heart raced as you awaited the outcome.

Carlos immediately shot off the starting line, his car a blur of speed and determination. He skillfully maneuvered through the pack, steadily gaining ground on the leaders. As the race progressed, it became clear that Carlos was in a fierce battle for first place with Max and Lando, exchanging positions and pushing each other to their limits.

The crowd erupted with excitement, their cheers fueling Carlos' determination to seize the coveted top spot. Lap after lap, he showcased his exceptional racing skills, executing daring overtakes and defending his position with unwavering focus.

The tension in the air was palpable as the race entered its final stages, and it became a nail-biting fight to the finish line.

And then, it happened. The crowd erupted in cheers as Carlos crossed the finish line, victorious. His car sped past, his smile radiating joy and triumph.

As soon as he stepped out of the car, his eyes immediately sought you out.

You melted into his embrace, savoring the taste of victory and the warmth of his touch. The crowd roared around you, but in that moment, it was as if you were the only two people in the world. Your hands were cupping his cheeks, feeling the roughness of his stubble against your palms, while his hands rested firmly on your hips, anchoring you to the present.

The electrifying chemistry between the two of you was undeniable, and as you looked into each other's eyes, you knew that this victory was not just his, but yours as well.

In that instant, the world seemed to stand still. All your worries and doubts were forgotten. All that existed was the connection between you two.

In that moment, a surge of overwhelming love and pride washed over you. Thoughts of all the sacrifices and challenges you both had overcome flooded your mind, and you couldn't help but feel an immense sense of gratitude for being a part of Carlos' journey to victory.

"I'm so proud of you!" You said loud enough for him to hear over the chants of his name across the platform.

"Thank you Cariño, thank you for supporting me throughout," Carlos said, unable to think straight with the amount of adrenaline coursing through his body.

As the cheers of the crowd continued to echo in your ears, you leaned in and pressed your lips against Carlos' once more, savoring the taste of victory and the sweetness of his kiss. It was a moment of pure bliss, a celebration of their shared triumph.

Reluctantly, you pulled away, knowing that Carlos had to go to the podium to receive his well-deserved trophy.

With a final lingering glance, you whispered, "Go get that trophy, my champion." And with that, he ran off, leaving you with a heart filled with love and pride. . . .

It was the afterparty for Carlos' home win and everyone decided to go to a large club to celebrate.

As the night unfolded, you emerged from the car in a stunning red cocktail dress that hugged your curves in all the right places. The dress featured a plunging neckline and intricate lace detailing, exuding an air of elegance and sophistication.

The silky fabric cascaded down to your knees, swaying gracefully with every step you took. Your outfit was completed with a pair of sleek stiletto heels and a statement clutch, adding a touch of glamour to your ensemble.

As you entered the club, heads turned and whispers of admiration filled the air. The dimmed lights of the venue illuminated the sequins and beads embellishing your dress, creating a mesmerizing sparkle that mirrored the excitement in the room.

As the night progressed, you found yourself drawn into a conversation with the partners of the Formula One drivers.

"We're so proud of Carlos, we can't believe he did it," Lily said proudly, giving you a tight hug.

"Thank you, I can't believe it too," You replied, smiling happily at the memory of Carlos winning a few hours ago.

"It seemed like you were like his main support," Lily teased and your cheeks heated at her words.

"That's- that's not true." You denied it, "I just gave him an encouraging word here and there. It was mostly him that did all the work."

"That's not what Carlos said in his interview," Alexandra said, nudging your shoulder with hers.

Wanting to be a responsible person, you volunteered to be the sober one among you and Carlos. You wanted to allow Carlos to fully enjoy himself without worries, knowing that you would drive him home at the end of the night.

However, the girls in the group had a different idea. They suggested taking shots to celebrate, and despite your reservations, you decided to join the festivities.

As the night went on, the DJ played infectious music, prompting everyone to get up and dance. You found yourself caught up in the rhythm, joining in with the vibrant atmosphere.

Suddenly the music was lowered and you followed everyone's gaze, and to your surprise, there was Carlos walking into the club, holding his trophy high in the air. The crowd erupted into applause, creating a sea of cheering fans.

He made his way through the crowd, making space for himself to pass through. The crowd cleared out, creating a path for him to be in the center, where everyone could see him.

As he stepped onto the stage, the entire club erupted into applause. The cheering echoed through the air, a testament to his dedication and hard work.

You watched from a distance as Carlos delivered his speech, thanking his fans and everyone who had supported him that day. His words were filled with gratitude and humility, and it was evident that he meant every word.

From where you were standing, you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in Carlos. He had achieved something extraordinary, and you had the opportunity to witness his moment of triumph firsthand.

Suddenly, your attention was drawn to a man in the crowd. He seemed particularly interested in you, despite it being widely known that you were already in a relationship with Carlos.

"Hello señorita, are you alone here?" The man asked. Some of his words were slurred.

"Umm, I'm not actually, I came with my friends," You said, trying to look for anyone familiar that was close by to help you.

"Well I don't see them so it's only me and you," he muttered amused by you. Everyone was watching Carlos' speech which meant that no one was going to help you.

"I'm in a relationship," you tried to remind him but that got him more angry.

"Lies! Everyone knows that you and him are in a PR relationship." He yelled, smashing his fist on the table he was leaning on.

You jumped at his actions, wishing someone would look and help you but it was never the case. This left you feeling confused and frustrated, unsure of how to handle the situation.

Just as you were contemplating how to respond, you felt a presence by your side.

Just as you were contemplating how to respond, you felt a presence by your side. It was Carlos. He looked concerned for you but angry at the man flirting with you.

Carlos stood protectively beside you, sending a clear message that you were not alone and that he would not tolerate anyone disrespecting you.

He stepped forward, his voice firm as he said, "I think it's time for you to leave."

The man's confident facade faltered, realizing he had crossed a line. He stammered an apology, his words barely audible, before quickly scattering off into the crowd. Carlos, still standing by your side, maintained his protective stance, his eyes never leaving the man's retreating figure.

You felt a wave of relief wash over you, grateful for Carlos' unwavering support in that moment.

Carlos then stood in front of you, holding your hands in his, "Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

You shook your head, thankful that the situation didn't escalate further. "No, I'm okay. He was just being aggressive and disrespectful," you replied, feeling a mix of emotions.

Carlos squeezed your hands reassuringly, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and relief. "I'm glad you're safe. Let's stay together for the rest of the evening, okay? I won't let anything happen to you," he said, his protective nature shining through.

As Carlos guided you through the crowded room, his hands firmly on your waist, you couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and security. It was as if he was determined to keep you close, not wanting to lose sight of you again.

You leaned into his touch, grateful for his presence and the way he made you feel safe in a world that had seemed so uncertain just moments ago.

Eventually, you found the rest of the group and shared with them what had happened. Concerned for your well-being, they all agreed to stick together for the rest of the night, ensuring that everyone felt safe and protected.

As the evening went on, you felt a sense of unity and support among your friends, and the initial fear and uncertainty began to fade away.

Together, you formed a tight-knit circle, laughing, dancing, and enjoying each other's company, grateful for the strength and solidarity you found in one another.

All the boys decided to let the girls let loose and have a few drinks, taking on the role of guardians for the night.

They made sure the girls were safe, monitoring their alcohol intake and ensuring they were comfortable and protected.

It was a gesture of care and respect, fostering an environment where everyone could have a good time without any worries.

"Babe," you whined, clinging onto your boyfriend so you wouldn't fall to the ground.

Carlos chuckled, his eyes filled with both surprise and amusement at your playful whining. He tightened his grip around you, refusing to let you slip off.

"Oh, so you're trying to escape, huh?" he teased, pulling you closer and planting a gentle kiss on your forehead. "Nice try, but I've got you. I won't let you fall, my love."

"Escape? Who said anything about escaping?" you replied with a mischievous grin, playfully swaying your body to the rhythm of the music.

Carlos raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge gleaming in his eyes. "Well, then show me your best dance moves, and maybe, just maybe, I'll let you off the hook," he teased.

As the romantic melody filled the air, you and Carlos locked eyes, the playful banter fading into a tender moment. With a smile, you surrendered to the music, allowing it to guide your movement.

As the music pulsed through your bodies, you let your inhibitions melt away and decided to be more flirtatious with Carlos. With a mischievous glint in your eyes, you began to sway your hips and grind your waist against him, teasing him with your seductive moves.

Carlos couldn't help but be captivated by your playful and alluring gestures, his eyes locked on yours, as the chemistry between you intensified on the dance floor.

The flirtatious energy in the air was palpable, as you whispered teasing promises in his ear, leaving him craving more of your touch.

"Mi amor, you better stop before you start something I won't stop," Carlos muttered into your ear, a playful warning laced with desire.

You laughed softly, feeling a surge of excitement at his words. "Oh, really? And what if I want to start something you won't stop?" you whispered back, your voice laced with a hint of seduction.

Carlos' eyes darkened with desire, his grip on you tightening ever so slightly. "Then, mi amor, be prepared for a night you won't forget," he replied, his voice low and filled with anticipation

He leaned in and his lips crashed against yours, his kiss lingering for a few moments. You felt your heart flutter and your stomach knot as you melted into him, your body responding to him as if on autopilot.

You felt a wave of warmth wash over you as you gave in to the moment.

The night unfolded in a blur of passion and desire. Your memory of the events that followed became hazy, fragmented, and ultimately, nonexistent.

All you knew was that you had surrendered to the intoxicating connection between you and Carlos, allowing it to sweep you away into a realm where time stood still and only the sensations of pleasure remained. . . .

"Guys, we're going home," Carlos told the others while supporting you, his protective arm wrapped around your waist. As you stumbled slightly, still lost in the haze of passion, you couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence, knowing that he would take care of you every step of the way.

The night air was cool against your flushed skin as you stumbled towards Carlos' car. The events of the night replayed in your mind, a mix of excitement and contentment filling your thoughts.

As you settled into the passenger seat, you glanced at Carlos, a knowing smile passing between you.

As you fell asleep during the drive, Carlos carefully carried you into his house. His touch was gentle and protective. He laid you down on his bed, tucking you in with care before standing back to admire your peaceful form.

The events of the night had left you both physically and emotionally spent, and in that moment, Carlos couldn't help but feel a surge of tenderness towards you.

You woke up in a daze, your surroundings unfamiliar. Blinking away from the remnants of sleep, you realized you were in Carlos' bedroom. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room.

Your heart skipped a beat as you remembered the events of the previous night and the intense connection you shared with Carlos.

As you tried to move, you were slowly pulled into an embrace from behind you, making you jump slightly. Turning around, you saw Carlos half asleep in the bed, shirtless.

Carlos' dark hair was disheveled and sticking up in all directions, a clear sign that he had just woken up. His usually neat and tidy appearance was now replaced by the unkempt look of someone who had been sleeping soundly.

Despite his sleepy state, Carlos' facial features were still prominent. His strong jawline and high cheekbones gave him a rugged, masculine appearance, while his deep-set eyes and furrowed brow suggested a pensive, thoughtful nature.

As Carlos stretched his arms above his head, the muscles in his upper body rippled beneath his skin. The defined contours of his chest and arms were a testament to his dedication to physical fitness, even as he fought against the lingering drowsiness of his slumber.

His tousled hair and sleepy expression only added to his allure, and you couldn't help but smile at the sight of him, feeling a flutter of warmth in your chest.

His eyes fluttered open, and a sleepy smile formed on his lips as he pulled you closer, whispering, "Good morning, beautiful."

"Did we do it?" You questioned shyly, unable to remember anything after they left the club.

"No, we didn't, you fell asleep before we could do anything," Carlos muttered, fighting against the sleep. "We wouldn't do anything either way, you were drunk."

As you remembered what you were doing in the club, you felt embarrassed and ashamed. The intense connection you shared with Carlos had clouded your judgment, and you realized that you were dangerously close to breaking the rules of the PR contract.

If you didn't stop, you knew that the consequences could be severe, jeopardizing not only your professional reputation but also your relationship with Carlos.

"Carlos, this was only supposed to be temporary, you know?"

"What is?"

"Our relationship."

Carlos then woke up more, resting up against his elbow so he could look at you better. His eyes slowly opened, and a soft frown spread across his face as he gazed at you. He reached out a hand, gently caressing your cheek, his touch warm and comforting.

“You’re talking about the PR contract?”

“Yes, this is what they were worried about, us getting too attached,” you tried to stress your concern but Carlos didn’t look bothered at all.

Carlos fully turned to you, a conflicted look on his face. "I know, I know. But I...I don't think I can just pretend anymore. Not with you."

Your heart raced as he inched closer, his warm brown eyes searching yours. "Carlos, we can't. It'll ruin everything if anyone finds out."

"I don't care," he whispered, cupping your face in his hands. "I'm tired of hiding how I feel about you."

And in that moment, any doubt you had melted away. You pulled him into a passionate kiss, all thoughts of the contract and the façade disappearing. This was real - the feelings you two had developed were undeniable.

His lips met yours with a fervent intensity, the heat between you palpable. All the unspoken emotions you had been harboring came rushing to the surface, igniting a fire within.

The world around you faded away as you lost yourself in his embrace, every touch sending electric shocks through your body.

In that passionate moment, there was no more room for hesitation or uncertainty. This connection you shared was undeniable, transcending any obligations or false pretenses.

It was real, raw, and overwhelming in the most intoxicating way. There was no turning back now - you had given yourself over completely to this man and the feelings you shared.

Whatever happened next, you knew you was in this with Carlos for the long haul. . . .

[f1girliefics]

F1 Drivers' Reaction When You Are a Fan of a Different Team

Lewis Hamilton

When you two started dating, you were not a true F1 fan. You heard about it, but it wasn't really your thing.

But then, being with him, your love for the sport grew and it truly became something you enjoyed.

However, it came as an even more surprise when you announced that you were indeed not a Mercedes fan but a Ferrari fan.

Toto nearly fell off his chair when he saw you in your red shirt.

He made you wear a Mercedes sweatshirt over it in the paddock. 

Lewis on the other hand didn't really mind that you were a fan on a different team.

You knew that you were his.

Little did you know about his upcoming change for the 2025 season.

George Russel

George nearly doubled over when he saw you wearing a McLaren hoodie.

"Lando gave it to me," you said.

"Date Lando then." was his reply.

He would be 1000% jealous.

Every time you wore something even in a similar colour family, he was fuming.

It would get to a point when he would attempt to throw all of your merch. 

It was rather amusing to you to watch him be so jealous.

Max Verstappen

It is impossible to root for a different team while dating Max.

If you do, you still don't.

Maybe in secret, you could. But the many conversations about teams and who is the best. Not just at winning but all together. 

And just based on his explanation. 

You wouldn’t choose anyone else than Redbull. 

Daniel Ricciardo

Considering his habit of changing his teams almost yearly, he wouldn’t blame you. 

However, when you explained to him that you were indeed a Mercedes fan, he nearly fainted. 

“What? It’s a team which didn’t do a contract with you, yet.”

“That’s why you chose Mercedes? Because I didn’t drive for them yet?”

No matter how many times you try to explain yourself, he would be dumbfounded. 

Then he would just laugh loudly. 

It would make you feel better almost immediately.

He wouldn't be jealous or angry, instead, he would laugh more and more.

Carlos Sainz

Now he truly didn't expect to see you wearing a Red Bull shirt when you visited him during the Monaco GP.

"What is this?" he would ask.

"My shirt?"

"Nonononononono. You are my girlfriend, you must root for Ferrari!" then he would start speaking in Spanish, and you had to get Charles to calm Carlos down.

But he would only calm down after seeing you wear a Ferrari shirt.

Charles Leclerc

“Impossible. My girlfriend is a Ferrari fan.”

“Mate, she is wearing an Alonso shirt,” said Carlos and laughed as he watched Charles who obviously didn’t believe him. 

Then they both saw you walking towards the paddock.

Indeed, you wore an Aston Martin shirt.

"I can't believe it." Charles said.

"Well, he is her father, Mate." said Carlos once more as he patted poor Charles in the back.

Charles would know better than to get jealous.

And yet, he wanted you in a red shirt, in his mind green really wasn't your colour. 

Lando Norris

He is so offended.

As if you just told him that all you have at home is fish for dinner.

He wouldn't be able to look away from you as he just stares.

"My own girlfriend... a Ferrari fan?!" he would manage to say.

He would be shocked for weeks to come.

No matter what you try, he wouldn't be able to get over this tiny little detail for a long time.

Oscar Piastri 

He is actually quite okay with you being a fan of another team.

Since he knows that you only root for him, no matter what, he is quite okay with you being a Mercedes fan.

Given that, your little obsession with Mercedes gave Toto a reason to be close to not only you but Oscar as well... hoping to see the driver one day in another colour than papaya.

And Oscar quite likes being invited over to the Mercedes quarters. 

Fernando Alonso

Being a seasoned driver who drove for many teams, he wouldn't be offended if you root for a different team than Aston Martin.

You would still wear the colours and be very proud of him. 

He wouldn't be offended or jealous even when you show up wearing your Red Bull shirt.

He would just laugh and smile at you.

Lance Stroll

How dare you?

You are dating him, not McLaren!

And yet, you looked amazing in papaya.

And yet, he was fuming.

"Why are you wearing that?"

"You shouldn't wear that."

"You should wear an Aston Martin shirt!"

"Come, we will get one for you."

He wouldn't calm down until he saw you in green. 

And in the future don't even think about wearing anything else.

/YOU DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO TRANSLATE OR STEAL ANY OF MY WORKS/

[pankowcrumbs]

Lucky Charm X Lewis Hamilton

MasterList

F1 Masterlist

It was one of those rare evenings when the world felt still, and I couldn’t help but feel like I had stepped into a dream. The air in the room was thick with the scent of expensive perfume, the rustle of satin gowns, and the buzz of excited chatter. I’d been invited to this high-profile fashion show not for my music, but because I was always in the public eye, and well, a little bit of glam never hurt.

I’d never really been one for the whole celebrity scene, but tonight felt different. My stylist had spent hours getting me ready, and though I’d gotten used to the press flashes, I wasn’t exactly comfortable in a room full of people who lived for the spotlight.

As I made my way to my seat, I scanned the room. And then I saw him. Lewis Hamilton, sitting next to an empty seat beside him, casually leaning back, sipping on his drink. A quiet confidence surrounded him as he looked around the room. The more I stared, the more I realised how stunning he truly was. His sharp features, perfectly defined jawline, and those eyes...eyes that I felt like could look straight through me.

I hesitated for a second, wondering if I’d really be sitting next to him. I’d heard plenty about him, of course he was one of the most recognisable names in Formula 1. But being this close was a different experience altogether.

As I approached, he looked up and flashed a warm smile. “Hi, you’re Y/N, right?” he asked, his voice smooth, almost magnetic.

I nodded, surprised he knew who I was. "Yeah, that’s me. And you’re Lewis, right?"

He chuckled softly. “I am indeed”

I smiled back, suddenly feeling a little less out of place. “It’s nice to meet you.”

We exchanged pleasantries, and before I knew it, we were chatting like old friends. The show started, but neither of us seemed particularly interested in the runway. Instead, we found ourselves deep in conversation about music, racing, and life in general. It was refreshing. Most of the time, when I attended these types of events, the conversations felt shallow, but this was different. Lewis was easy to talk to, and his sense of humour was just the right balance of cheeky and charming.

Throughout the night, we shared stories, laughter, and exchanged a few personal thoughts. I couldn’t remember the last time I had connected with someone so effortlessly. It wasn’t just about the celebrity persona; it felt like two normal people, finding common ground.

As the show came to an end, I felt a little disappointed that we hadn’t spent more time together. He was escorted away by his team, and I was led by mine, but there was a lingering feeling, something that told me our paths would cross again.

A few days passed, and I was back to my usual routine. Between studio sessions and rehearsals, I barely had time to breathe. But one afternoon, as I was going through my PR, something caught my eye. A thick envelope with no return address, simply my name on the front in neat handwriting.

Curious, I opened it, and inside was a Ferrari garage pass for the Silverstone Grand Prix. I blinked, confused at first. Along with the pass was a short note: “Hope to see you there xx L.”

I froze. Lewis Hamilton. He had sent me a pass to the race, just like that. I couldn't help but smile at the unexpected gesture. It felt spontaneous, almost thrilling. I didn’t hesitate I grabbed my phone and texted my manager. “Looks like I’m going to Silverstone this weekend.”

The response came almost immediately: “You’re kidding, right? Lewis Hamilton sent you an invite?”

I had to laugh at the sheer absurdity of it, but I wasn’t going to let the chance slip by.

The day of the race, I was both excited and nervous. I didn’t know what to expect, but the energy in the air at Silverstone was electric. The roar of the engines, the cheers of the crowd it was impossible not to get caught up in it all.

As I made my way into the Ferrari garage, I was greeted by one of Lewis's team members, who ushered me in and pointed me in the direction of Lewis.

When I saw him, my heart skipped a beat. He was talking with his engineers, but the moment he noticed me, his face lit up with a genuine smile. “Hey, you made it,” he said, walking towards me.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” I replied, feeling a rush of excitement as I took in the sight of the sleek Ferrari cars, all polished and gleaming under the lights.

Lewis spent the whole day showing me around, introducing me to his team, and explaining the ins and outs of the race. The media quickly took notice of our interaction, their cameras flashing non-stop. I couldn’t help but feel like I was in the spotlight again, but this time, it wasn’t uncomfortable. There was something about being with him that made everything feel more natural.

I watched as he got ready for the race, his focus intense as he suited up. He had this aura about him a quiet confidence mixed with the passion of someone who loved what they did. And then, as he took to the track, the whole atmosphere shifted. Every time he zoomed past, I held my breath, my heart racing along with him.

The race was a blur, but I’ll never forget the feeling of watching him cross the finish line in first place. The crowd erupted in cheers, and I found myself clapping along, swept up in the excitement.

Afterward, we headed to the after-race party, and it felt like the world was spinning around me. People surrounded us, congratulating Lewis, but it was clear that he kept looking for me in the crowd. When he finally caught my eye, he made his way over.

“I think you brought me good luck today,” he said, a grin spreading across his face. “I won because you’re here.”

I laughed, a little flustered by the compliment. “I doubt that. You were brilliant out there.”

He shrugged. “Maybe, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you all day. I just wanted to see you again.”

I was taken aback. “You couldn’t stop thinking about me?”

He nodded, his eyes locking with mine. “Yeah, I had to shoot my shot. I’m not one to wait around.”

His honesty was refreshing, and it made my heart race in a way I hadn’t expected.

“I’m glad you did,” I said softly. “I’m glad I came.”

He smiled, his hand brushing against mine. The moment felt charged, and I could tell he felt it too. “You’ll be at the next race, won’t you?”

I nodded, feeling my stomach flip. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

I knew our connection wasn’t just a fleeting moment. There was something real between us. Something that was only just beginning to unfold.

The days after Silverstone were a whirlwind. The media had a field day with the photos of Lewis and me together, speculating about our relationship. But, honestly, I didn’t mind. I was too busy getting to know Lewis better talking, laughing, and finding comfort in each other’s company.

The next race weekend came far quicker than I expected. This time, it was Belgium another circuit, another chance for Lewis to show the world his skill behind the wheel. And this time, he’d invited me along.

I never expected to be this close to the action especially not this soon. After Silverstone, things had progressed between us naturally. Our calls, texts, and messages flowed easily, and before I knew it, I was packed and heading to Belgium for the race.

When I arrived at the paddock, Lewis was already waiting for me. He looked every bit the racing legend he was, with his red racing suit, his helmet tucked under his arm, and that unmistakable grin on his face. I couldn’t help but smile back, feeling the same flutter in my chest as I did the first time we met.

“Hey, you made it,” he said, pulling me into a warm hug. His scent was intoxicating like a mix of aftershave and adrenaline. I breathed it in, feeling instantly at home.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” I replied, the excitement of being here once again overwhelming me. I’d never really been a race fan before, but being here with him made it impossible not to feel the rush.

He grinned, looking down at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I’m starting to think you really might be my good luck charm. Maybe I’ll have to keep you around for every race now.”

I raised an eyebrow, amused by his playful tone. “You really think I’m your lucky charm?”

“I might be onto something,” he said with a wink. “I won at Silverstone after you showed up, and now here we are, together again. I’m not about to mess with a good thing.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. There was something incredibly endearing about his confidence he didn’t just believe in his own ability, but he was convinced that having me around was the missing piece to his success. It was so… charming.

The race day came and went, and once again, Lewis proved why he was one of the greatest. The roar of the crowd was deafening as he crossed the finish line in first place, his team cheering wildly in the pits. I couldn’t help but feel that same rush of excitement from Silverstone, watching him do what he does best.

After the race, he found me in the crowd, a huge smile on his face as he jogged over to me. “I told you I was onto something,” he said, pulling me into a hug. “I guess I really do need you around for every race now.”

I laughed, squeezing him tightly. “I’m glad I could bring you some luck, but you were amazing out there.”

He shrugged, still grinning. “It’s not just me. You’re part of it now. The secret’s out.”

I was still smiling as he pulled away, his hands resting on my shoulders. “How about we celebrate? I’ve got a few plans for us tomorrow in Belgium.”

The next morning, the two of us were out and about in Belgium, far away from the racetrack and the constant buzz of media attention. It was just me and Lewis, and it felt like we could finally breathe. He showed me around the city, taking me to quaint little cafés, cobblestone streets, and secret spots he loved. The vibe was so different from the high-energy race environment, but it was just as exhilarating in its own way.

As we walked through a small park, hand in hand, I couldn’t help but feel so content. There was something about the way Lewis made me feel protected, cherished, and truly seen.

We stopped at a small fountain, the sound of water flowing softly around us, and Lewis pulled me in for a hug. “This has been perfect,” he murmured into my hair, holding me tight.

“I agree,” I said, looking up at him. “I never thought I’d be doing this touring Belgium after a race, with you.”

He chuckled, his thumb tracing circles on my hand. “Well, get used to it, love. I’m not letting you go anytime soon.”

I smiled, my heart swelling at his words. There was something so effortless about being with him, something that felt so right. As if we’d always been meant to cross paths, and now that we had, there was no going back.

He leaned down, brushing his lips gently against mine. The kiss was soft, a promise of more to come, and as he pulled back, I could see the emotion in his eyes. “I’m really happy you’re here with me, Y/N.”

“I’m happy to be here too, Lewis,” I whispered, leaning in for another kiss. This time, it felt deeper, more meaningful a kiss that spoke of a connection we were both beginning to realise was something special.

Around us, the day seemed to slow down, as if the whole world had faded into the background, leaving just the two of us. People were taking pictures from a distance, but neither of us cared. We were too wrapped up in each other.

As we walked back to the car, hand in hand, a few fans spotted us. They snapped pictures, murmuring to each other, but it wasn’t intrusive. It was the kind of attention that seemed to be more about admiration than anything else. Lewis didn’t shy away from the cameras; in fact, he seemed to thrive on the energy, even as he stayed by my side, smiling as we walked.

“Looks like the fans approve,” I teased, noticing a few more fans waving at us.

Lewis chuckled, squeezing my hand. “They know something good when they see it,” he said confidently, though his voice softened when he added, “And I think they can tell I’ve finally found someone worth keeping around.”

I glanced up at him, my heart fluttering at the sincerity in his words. He leaned in, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You’re the real deal, Y/N. I’m not letting you slip away.”

I smiled, realising how much that meant to me. Here I was, with someone who had not only won races but had also won my heart. We may have started as two strangers who met by chance, but now, it felt like we were carving out something beautiful something real.

As we drove away from the park, I looked out of the window at the Belgian streets, feeling like I was exactly where I was meant to be. And with Lewis by my side, I knew this was only the beginning of an incredible journey ahead.

[green-swan]

cigarette or zoot? (pt. 1) | joost klein x f1! driver (fem!reader)

in which london and smoking are synonymous with meeting a cute dutch artist

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when AVROTROS approached her about eurovision, she thought they made a mistake. max was dutch. she wasn't. her lithuanian roots were deeper than any other identity she could've carved for herself. in the end she agreed; going in their cars with max around the city of malmö, visiting a few eurovision parties and most importantly, interact with joost klein (whom she didn't know, mind you) and teach him how to use an F1 simulator. this was going to be a heavy week. thank god it was in a month, right now she had a race to win.

first came the party - london was a welcome destination for the young driver. she thrived under the busy nature of it even in what some would call late, and others early, hours. she couldn't say the same for crowds though, the moving mosh of strangers all too close to each other and trying to show their superiority (the latter was aimed at men to be fair). she did see silvester, and the two had a lengthy conversation that didn't come to a conclusion but rather stayed at "what the fuck, let's make lithuania internationally famous!" she had hoped for a good place in eurovision, if not victory, while silvester (silvestras sounded more like home) had voiced his wish for her to win the upcoming miami grand prix and not only become the first female to do so, but also the first from lithuania. the pressure was on.

unfortunately, she lost silvester after getting a drink, so what really was the point of staying in the now airless room? she grabbed her drink and went to the rooftop that really should've been closed. her short frame slumped against a railing and she lit a cigarette, making it a point to hold it between her thumb and index finger. it was quiet, and london shimmered in different shades of yellow and white. so many people, some praying, some arguing, some alone. it felt peaceful despite the harsh wind that threatened to put out her cigarette.

"cigarette or zoot?" an accented voice sounded out, breaking the howls of wind. she turned around, spotting a man in what would've been a formal outfit had it not been for the pyramid-shaped shoulder pads on his blazer. joost klein, the man she was meant to interact with in front of cameras later that month. "cigarette," she answered, "though they call them something else here," she finished with an unsure smile. "i thought we couldn't bring tobacco in here?" he questioned, with a miscievous undertone in his voice. "they didn't check me, so it's on them," the driver shrugged, "why? you want one?"

"god, yes please!"

she took out another one from her pack, put it in between her glossed lips (joost thought that the gloss suited her) and lit it before giving it to the dutch man. "you know, i once tried eating a cigarette," he started, earning an incredulous look from the shorter girl. "what? did it taste good?" her curiosity was cute, "what do you think?"

"i once nearly swallowed jet fuel," she said with sympathy, "i get it."

joost knew who she was, well vaguely. the only female formula 1 driver and the only lithuanian on the grid. so why did AVROTROS want him to interact with her in addition to her dutch teammate? by that point, the wind had calmed down, an eery silence on brink of errupting had it not been for the music blasting from downstairs. she hummed a few lyrics before he spoke up, startling her heart as if she'd forgotten that he was indeed still there.

"can i take a picture of you right now?"

"why?"

"you're pretty. you look really beautiful in this moment, and i want to capture it."

she thought for a moment. "okay, if you let me take one of you after." he smiled. (he was so going to convince her to be on the cover of his next album)

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note: jumping on the joost klein bandwagon (hehe been a fan for a while! got tickets for his europapa tour so i've been riding on cloud 9). i also love formula 1 and so thought why not combine them?

as the first paragraph indicates there will be (probably short and sweet) chapters and maybe extra ones after if this goes well <3

[sports-on-sundays]

hi hi hi!

i was wondering if i could request something where reader is arthur's best friend and he introduces her to charles. but then charles falls in love with reader first while reader has a partner and he confesses to her but she tells him she can't. and then a while later reader breaks up with her bf and charles shoots his shot again and she agrees to go out with him?

thank you sm 🫂

taken / CL16

Summary: Charles x female!reader - Your best friend's brother just so happens to have a thing for you. You just so happen to have a boyfriend.

Requested?: Indeed.

Author's Note: Did you read my mind? I was just thinking of an idea very similar to this one!

You're a little nervous to enter the Leclerc household. Not because you think they won't be just the sweetest people you've ever met- you're sure they will be, considering how Arthur turned out. No, you were just a little nervous to meet his older brothers. Particularly Charles.

You aren't even sure why. Maybe just because of his extreme fame. But Arthur is famous too... He races in F2.

But Arthur invited you to dinner with his family, saying his mother and brothers wanted to meet you, from all the good things he always said about you.

You had grinned and teased, "What sort of things do you say about me?"

And he had teased back, giving a playful smile, "I said you make the best fruit salad. That got them interested."

Now you sit in the passenger's seat of his car, a bowl of fruit salad sitting in your lap. Arthur pulls up to his house. "How you feeling?" he asks, shooting you a grin.

"Never better. Come on- I can't wait to meet your brothers."

"Aw, never mind my brothers! It should be my mother you're excited to meet!" He gets out of the car, and you follow, falling in step with him as you walk up to the house.

As you're halfway up the walk, the door opens, and Pascale Leclerc opens the door. "Bonjour Arthur et Y/n!"

You respectfully smile and respond back in French, "It's a pleasure to meet you!" You shake hands, and she holds the door for you and her youngest son.

"The other two are making a mess in the living room. I'm working on dinner. Why don't you join them?"

"Merci," Arthur smiles, giving his mother a kiss on the cheek, before leading you to the living room.

And there they are. Charles and Lorenzo Leclerc, lounging on the sofa. Both of them look away from the television when you enter with Arthur, and their faces brighten.

Charles stands up and shakes your hand. Lorenzo follows, doing the same thing. "Nice to meet you, Y/n," Charles chuckles, "Arthur has said so much about you."

"Oh, really? Other than my professional fruit salad making?"

Arthur cracks up as the elder Leclerc brothers give confused smiles. Arthur explains, "I never actually told them about your fruit salad-!"

"You liar!" you snap, giving him a playful shove.

Then the four of you settle down, and Lorenzo says, "So... You've ought to tell us about the fruit salad, then."

You shrug, your nervousness already dissipating. There's something about all three of these guys- they're just so natural, so sweet. "It's nothing much. Arthur just really likes this fruit salad I make." You roll your eyes.

"Really? Maybe we'll have to try it sometime," Charles smiles.

"I brought some for our dinner tonight!" you grin, meeting the man's eyes, which are nearly the same color as Arthur's- at least in this lighting.

"Oh, good," he nods.

The conversation continues like this for the rest of the night, and dinner is sweet. As the night goes on, your heart grows fonder and fonder of Arthur's family, just as it did when you first met Arthur himself.

Before you're about to leave, you ask awkwardly, "Oh! Uh, Charles, I was wondering..." The F1 driver looks up. "If I could, you know, get a picture with you. You know, so that once you become a world champion I have proof I met you." You are fully aware of how stupid this reason is, and are just avoiding the fact that you're totally the biggest Ferrari fan around.

Charles, laughs at this and starts to say, "Sure, we can-"

But his mother interrupts, "Come on, now. Charles isn't so special. Let me take a picture of the four of you. Give me your phone, honey." You hand your phone to her gratefully, and you stand for a picture, between Arthur and Charles, with Lorenzo on the other side of Charles. You feel Arthur's arm over your shoulders, and Charles' hand gently on your lower back.

After taking a few pictures, she hands your phone back, and you thank them, saying with a laugh, "Sorry if that made it awkward!"

Lorenzo says, "We don't mind," at the same time as Charles saying, "I'm used to it," at the same time as Arthur saying, "Yeah, Y/n, you made it super awkward."

The whole ride home in Arthur's car, you babble to him about his family and how sweet they are and this and that and the other thing. You find yourself especially mentioning Charles' name, though.

Arthur just listens as he drives, every so often putting in his two cents. When you make it to your house and he drops you off, you wave and get out. For the rest of the night, you can't stop thinking about the Leclerc's.

For the next six or seven months, Arthur invites you over a few more times. On this night, you're staying the night, because your house is having renovations on it. And probably because Arthur wanted some stupid slumber party or something, but was too cool to say it, as a grown adult man in his twenties. But facing it, Arthur totally has the heart of a stupid baby.

You could have just stayed in your home, but Pascale invited you over as soon as Arthur apparently mentioned to her that it was tough for you because of all the renovations.

Your boyfriend wasn't available to help you out because he had an accident about a workweek ago and has been in the hospital since. He's going to have to undergo surgery for a fracture. It hurts you to have to be away from him, but you have responsibilities, and have been staying with him, getting nearly no sleep, for the past four days. You boyfriend understood and even pushed you to let yourself go home, assuring you he'd be fine.

The whole Leclerc family has been warming up to you, but especially Charles, it seems. He often gives you nice comments on your looks and praise on your sweet personality.

Now you sit on Arthur's bed in his mother's house, on your phone. He's just gone to take a shower, leaving you by yourself. You believe that the only other person home is Pascale, who you assume is in bed by now.

You feel a shiver at the cold air conditioning, so you slip off Arthur's bed and walk to the corner of the room, grabbing a hoodie hanging on a hook, assuming it's Arthur's and knowing he wouldn't mind you wearing it. You pull it over, instantly feeling warmer as the soft cloth rubs against your cold arms and the scent of men's cologne fills your nose. It's a little big on you, so feels like a warm cozy blanket, almost.

At the growl of your stomach, you quietly slip out of Arthur's room, figuring you'll go unnoticed and be back on Arthur's bed before he ever knew you left his room. You head to the kitchen on soft feet. I'll just grab a little something from the fridge. You gently push open the door to the kitchen, but stop dead in your tracks when your eyes settle on the man standing in the kitchen. Charles looks up from the eggs he's making on the stove, and your eyes meet.

"Oh... Hey, Charles," you smile softly, awkwardly stepping into the kitchen. "Why are you here...?" You don't think before you ask that question.

He chuckles. "I'm sorry. Why are you here?" But the smile on his face is sweet. "Arthur mentioned you were staying over for the night offhandedly. I figured maybe I'd drop by."

You nod slowly, feeling a little awkward.

There's a soft smile on Charles' face as he looks down at the food he's making. You watch as he transfers his eggs onto a plate. "You look cute in my hoodie, by the way. Where'd you find it? I've been looking for that one all over; I swear."

"Oh, God," You can't help but feel embarrassed. "It was in Arthur's room- I'm sorry, I didn't know, I'll take it off n-"

"No, it's fine," Charles says quickly. "I haven't seen that hoodie in months. Not sure why it was in Arthur's room, but I don't mind. In fact, you can keep it if you want..."

"Oh, well, I don't know about that, but..." You trail off, not exactly sure what you were going to say next anyway. You glance to the refrigerator as you feel another pang of hunger in your stomach.

Charles seems to notice this and says, "Want some of my eggs? Here, I'll split them in half." He grabs a plate.

"Well I wouldn't want to take your food," you quickly say. "You made that for yourself."

But Charles shrugs, handing you the plate. "I made myself too much anyway. This will be enough." He leans against the kitchen counter and starts eating, so you shrug and stand next to him, starting to eat your own food.

"Thanks, Charles. This is good." It's really not good. Kind of bland and the texture is weird, but you don't complain. You're just happy he's feeding you.

"You're welcome," he says softly, staring out. His eyes are glazed over as if there's something bugging him. You're about to ask about it when he suddenly turns to you, that look gone from his eyes and replaced with a much brighter one. "Hey, Y/n." He speaks in an overly casual tone, and a little quickly. "I know you've probably figured this out by now, but I was just wondering-" He hesitates, and finished with a little smile, "Next Wednesday night, are you available? Sorry it's a random day- my upcoming week is pretty full, but..." He trails off, apparently deciding he's rambling too much now, and just looks at your face, waiting for an answer.

Only now do you realize how close his face is to yours. Only now do you see his constant sweet comments were more like flirting. Only now you notice the look in his eyes is less like the one of an older brother, and more like the one of a man who's interested. This shocks you. While of course you can't deny he's extremely handsome, and while of course you can't deny you're kind of a huge fan of his, and while of course you can't deny he has one of the sweetest personalities ever, it's never honestly really crossed your mind at all that he could like you in a way like that. And you know why this is. If you didn't have a boyfriend, you're sure you'd already have a huge crush on Charles by now. It would be a classic 'being into your best friend's hot older brother'.

But you feel so such feelings now. You swallow, meeting his glimmering eyes. "Are you asking me out?" You just want to be sure.

His face brightens, his little dimples showing with his smile. He nods. "Exactly."

You blink and look down. You carefully choose your words: "I'm very flattered, Charles. Thank you. I'm afraid I'll have to say no- You must not know that I already have a boyfriend."

Charles looks over and opens his mouth to say something, but suddenly the need wells up within you to quickly add, "I mean the reason why I'm not staying with my boyfriend tonight while so many of the rooms in my house are getting renovated is only because he's in the hospital right now so regularly I'd be doing that but you know he's gone so I was gonna just stay in my half-done flat but then Arthur and your mum suggested-"

Suddenly Charles very gently cuts off your anxious rambling, placing a hand on your arm, "I'm so sorry to hear that, Y/n. Sounds like... a lot's just kind of coming done on you, huh? I've been there. I... I'm sorry for bringing that up... you know, asking you out and all. I had no idea; I swear." He genuinely looks like he does feel bad for it.

"Oh, it's okay, Charles..." Your eyes meet his, and you can't help but realize how much of a sweetie he really is. "Thanks... It's fine. You didn't know. I just- yeah. Thanks for understanding. You probably know how it is- sometimes in hard times it's nice to just have a few people that have got your back." You hesitate, before finishing in nearly a whisper, "Honestly, Charles, you and your family feel like... You're all so dear to me. You're starting to feel more like home than my own family." Your own family who don't have your back right now, while the Leclerc's do.

He smiles and gently gives you probably the softest hug you've ever received. It's short, and he pulls away quickly, saying with a soft smile, "I should have assumed you have a boyfriend already. I can't imagine a woman as beautiful as you not." He winks.

You smile softly, staring at the kitchen floor. There was something about that hug... Just so needed. It was so comforting. Arthur is good at comforting too, but in a different way. He's not a hug type of guy. He just jokes and distracts and keeps your mind off your troubles. You weren't expecting such a sweet hug from Charles just now.

You chuckle and look back up to meet his eyes. "You are not smooth, you know," you tease, although in all honesty, he kind of is.

"Alright," he nods, clearly enjoying a little bit of teasing, "you keep telling yourself that."

Then Arthur comes in, saying, "Y/n, there you are! Let's go to my room; I'm done showering. I have some funny sh*t to show you."

You walk away with Arthur, but can't help but glance back at at Charles. He attempts at another wink, but ends up pretty much just blinking. You chuckle to yourself.

"What?" Arthur asks.

"Oh, nothing. Just your brother."

About three months later, Arthur stands up from the sofa in Charles flat when his phone starts ringing. "I've got to take this," Charles' younger brother comments, walking out of the room. He shuts the door to the hallway behind him. Charles really doesn't care and is about to take out his own phone and start scrolling, but his ears perk up when he hears his brother say, "Hey, Y/n. What's good?"

Charles knows he shouldn't, but can't help himself from listening to Arthur's half of your phone conversation, which is: "I'm good. Any reason you called?... What is it?... Oh, I'm sorry, Y/n. How are you taking it?... Oh? Why?... That's good, Y/n. The last thing you need is a broken heart, huh? Then I'd have to fix it up for you... No, I didn't mean it like that!" Arthur laughs. "...So, how's it feel to be a single woman again?" Charles' eyes stare at the door, his heart involuntarily beating faster. "...No, no, Y/n! That's not what I meant! Gosh, why do all the things I say sound so obnoxiously flirtatious? I'm not even trying to sound like that... Oh, yeah, I don't... Okay, hah... Oh, I'm just hanging out with Charles... No, no, he didn't. I'm out of the room. I know sometimes you have personal things to say... Why do you sound disappointed?... Oh, right, sorry... Alright, bye bye, Y/n... Bye." As soon as Charles hears the phone beep and the doorknob to the room starts to turn open again, he stares down back at his phone, trying to calm his nerves as best he can. He'd feel terribly bad if he knew Arthur had known he was eavesdropping.

"Who was it?" Charles asks, trying to sound as natural as possible, at the same time as trying not to sound obnoxious or nosy.

"Oh, just Y/n," Arthur says, and quickly moves on with another topic of conversation. But the whole time, Charles can't stop thinking about you.

There was no way you weren't going to be going to Abu Dhabi with the Leclerc boys. So here you are, Sunday race day, on the paddock for the last F1 race of the season.

Suddenly, though, you feel a distinct touch on your arm, different from all the other people bumping into you from around. You turn to that direction and fix your eyes on Charles Leclerc.

Oh God. Why is your heart suddenly racing like this? It's been about three months since cutting it off with your now ex-boyfriend, and pretty much the day after that, a little seed of liking for Charles that you had been keeping from nourishing for all this time sprouted.

It's like it's been an underlying feeling you've had for... Well, probably over a year now. And even before that, you certainly had a little fangirl crush on him; no doubt about that one.

His hair, which is in need of a little trim you think (not seriously bad) is slightly messed up, and he has the sweetest little shine in his honestly quite lovely eyes. He's recently shaved, and his little dimples are so defined right now in the outdoor light of the late afternoon. You can't help but notice how his defined jawline turns into his strong neck, and how broad and strong his shoulders are. And on top of it all his tight fireproof defines his pecs so clearly you-

God, why are you checking Charles out like this?

"Y/n?" Charles asks, "Did you hear me?" Apparently, you'd been so taken away by his appearance (which is literally how he looks pretty much every race weekend...?) that you hadn't even heard him the first time.

You blush. "Oh, right, sorry. Yes?"

His lip twitches, and he seems to study you now, before leaning close and saying as soft as possible while still having you hear, "I was wondering... When we get back to Monaco, could I take you out to eat? It's just that I heard you broke up with-"

"Yes," you blurt, and kind of want to slap yourself. Just a little bit.

But his face lights up at your seemingly extreme willingness. "Really? So do you feel the same way?"

"Well," you put a teasing smile on, "I'd have to know how you feel about me first before answering that."

"You know..."

"Then say it."

"Well, I have feelings for you."

"Well, then maybe I have feelings for you, too." Your heart is pounding.

"So that means you'd like to go out to eat with me?"

You smirk softly. "I guess it does."

You open your door, wearing your best. Charles insisted on bringing you to a very nice, expensive place. You weren't so sure- that's not quite your type of environment- but agreed to it.

And, well, he looks amazing.

He wears a fitting black tuxedo, dress shoes, and a lovely smile on his face. Lovely dimples.

But he says, "Oh my God, Y/n." Intense feelings briefly flash in his eyes. "That dress... those shoes... your makeup... your hair. You look... gorgeous."

"Oh, stop," you murmur, smiling softly, looking away.

"Well, then, princess," he takes your hand in his, gently in his and kisses it, before walking to his Ferrari with you, still holding your hand. Despite how cheesy and cliché this really is, you can't help but be charmed.

He opens the car door for you and you get in. He shuts it and when he starts driving, takes your hand in his again. "Y/n," he says softly, "I'm going to make this the best date you've ever experienced and treat you like the princess you are."

[shivayagojo]

JAPAN GP, hometown stint

masterlist

f1

And we're back. It's race weekend in Japan. Round 3 kicks off in Suzuka. Lando is leading, but it's Ava who's brought the consistency. Who will take it today?

see comments below

carloslover_27: Suzuka is always a vibe. Hopefully we'll see the hometown heroes do well.

> motorsportqueen: Let's manifest it! Ava for the W 🙌🙌

terriblysourdolla: No one's talking about Max tho? He's lowkey lurking in the background 👀

> f1guru99: He hasn't been in the background for a long time. But he always rocks in Suzuka.

> avafansworld: Ava's the one to watch today. Forget Lando and Max, she's taking the crown 👑

sportsbabe: Ava's been on fire in first two GPs. Can't wait to see how she handles the race today 👏🔥

> florence4ever: Mark my words, Ava's got that W locked down. Watch and learn. 💅

> delulu: Home town win!💥

avaflorence

Growing up in Belgium, my family always made it a point to visit the other half of my heritage at least once a year. And now with F1, I get paid to do it. Love you Japan. This weekend is for you.

see comments below

yukitsunoda0511: GO JAPAN 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

> avaflorence: If you're not on that podium with me tomorrow, I'm going to kill you 🔪

> yukitsunoda0511: 😨

> toasted_melon: average conversation with your brother be like

max2themax: Love how connected you are to your roots. Representing both sides like a queen 👑🌸

> racingfreakz: Ava always knows how to make us feel special. Japan's got nothing but love for you! 🇯🇵💕

racefam_24: Spa and Suzuka?! You're winning in life 💯👑

> avafansworld: Two of the most beautiful tracks in the world.🌍💖

racevibes_only: You're the definition of goals, Ava 💖

porschef1

It's a special race for our girl which means a special livery too. Presenting the 2025 Suzuka Porsche livery.

see comments below

f1fanatic_92: That livery is INSANE 😍😍 Can't wait to see it on track!!

florence4ever: Porsche is always bringing the heat 🔥🔥 Ava's gonna look even better in that! 🙌👑

vcarb: We see you Porsche 👀

> porschef1: You don't get to talk to us

> drssupremacy: lmao they're defending Daniel. I love it!

missingkimi: Porsche is serving and I'm here for it 🙌🙌 Let's get that dub, Ava!! 🏆

> delulu: This is gonna be legendary. Ava + Seb + Porsche + Suzuka = magic 🔮✨

SUZUKA QUALIFYING — always a THRILL! Predictable? Perhaps — but never lacking excitement! The Red Bulls, as expected, rocketed to the top five in sector one. And who could ignore Aston Martin? Fernando Alonso surged forward, squeezing into Q2 — and then squeezing again into Q3! But the McLarens, despite a few struggles, retained the formidable pace they brought to Suzuka last year.

          AND THEN — a shocker! Yuki Tsunoda, for the Racing Bulls, unleashed a magical performance. P3! A staggering two-tenths clear of Max Verstappen! WOW! As if that wasn't enough, Sebastian Vettel — YES, in that Porsche — grabbed P2! A redemption arc after his misfortunes in China. Now perched on the front row for the Japanese Grand Prix.

          YET ALL EYES were on Eva Florence — the hometown hero. She dominated practice—Friday sessions one, two, and three. Can she extend her reign to qualifying?

"Here we are, ladies and gentlemen, riding on board with Ava Florence. She's been past all the sessions. Let's see what she makes it off it in this lap."

"Indeed, Crofty, as she comes down the main straight... and we begin her lap. Burst down the main straight. Power into the first curve — mid-corner deceleration. Navigate the tight right curve with finesse. Now into Turn 3 — a high-speed left kink — preparing for Suzuka's iconic S's."

"Turn4, Turn 5, Turn 6 — the S curves! Left, right, left — a dance for the brave, and Ava doesn't flinch once. Just look at the grip she gets in these corners."

"Absolutely crucial for this track. Into the Dunlop curve, that fast left bend—gathering speed. Then to the uphill portion, then a slow-speed right hand kink—careful with the gravel on exit! Through the Degner One and on to Degner Two—the track tightens, but she releases—gorgeous exit through Turn 9."

"She's done beautiful so far. Under the bridge now—flashing! Turn 10, flat out! Turn 11, hard on the brakes—a hairpin, delicate but executed with mastery.

"Swooping through Turn 12, a full-throttle right-hand bend—approaching the Spoon Curve, Turns 13 and 14. Brakes, drift: this double-left, a challenge! She skirts peril, just right."

"And TURN 13 — the ICONIC 130R — with the pedal to the metal! All sectors LIGHT UP PURPLE — SHE'S FLYING! Into the Casio Chicane — a deceleration dance: third gear, left, right, left, right!Relentless, furious — and now, across the LINE! AVA FLORENCE HAS JUST TAKEN HER FIRST POLE POSITION F1 HISTORY! — WHAT A LAP! What a moment for the rookie — the hometown hero writes her own legend at Suzuka!"

HENRY And that's pole for Sunday. What a lap.

FLORENCE HAH! YES! Unbelievable! Thank you so much!

f1

Porsche front-row lockout and two hometown heroes in the top 3. It's anyone's game in Suzuka on Sunday.

see comments below

marshedmellow: LET'S GO!!! Porsche locking it down 🔥 Suzuka's gonna be WILD 🔥🔥

> avafansworld: Ava's gonna show them how it's done from the front row 👑💪

f1fanatic_92: Porsche at the front and Ava showing up strong—this is gonna be EPIC. 🏎️💨

delulu: Manifesting a Ava-Yuki podium!

heturnedintome: Can we just have this as our podium?

JAPAN GRAND PRIX STARTING GRID

Ava Florence

Sebastian Vettel

Yuki Tsunoda

Max Verstappen

Lando Norris

Fernando Alonso

Oscar Piastri

Liam Lawson

Lewis Hamilton

George Russel

Charles Leclerc

Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Lance Stroll

Pierre Gasly

Nico Hulkenberg

Ollie Bearman

Isack Hadjar

Gabriel Bortoleto

Esteban Ocon

Carlos Sainz

Alexander Albon

Jack Doohan

IT'S SUNDAY. The adrenaline is high - the FORMULA 1 JAPAN GRAND PRIX is about to ignite. 22 drivers, engines roaring, lined up on the grid. The third round of the Championship calls! Ava Florence is comfortable in P2 in the championship, but she's even more comfortable knowing she's on pole and her main championship rival is down in P5.

PORSCHE ecstatic - a FRONT ROW LOCKOUT! They're hungry to convert this golden opportunity. Meanwhile, Red Bull aims to reclaim glory, propelled by the unexpected charge from Liam Lawson breaking into the top 10. A big ask from him, especially since Yuki Tsunoda, the man he took the Red Bull, shines brightly in P3!

"Ava, Ava."

"Martin! About damn time I get interviewed by you."

"It's a been some time. But it's here. How's it feel? On the verge of glory in your home country, second in the Championship, but so close to the crest? A win today could flip the standings for you."

"Oh, Martin, it's amazing! Belgium is the country in my heart, but I can't forget about Japan. I love every time I come here. I love the fans, I love the country. My first pole here...it's a dream. The Championship tables? Honestly, I didn't think too much about it until the engineers at Porsche told me. But Lando in P5? It's great. I've got my own script today."

"But Eva, the elation of a hometown victory, how will it feel to cross P1? Your second win, a jubilant homecoming?"

"Every win is amazing, Martin. But this one is a bit more so. To take this one, with my family watching, it'd be indescribable. Emotional? Yes. Tearful? No, maybe not today - but if there's a place for tears, it's Spa."

"Well, we'll certainly look forward to seeing this race. Good luck to you."

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the electrifying Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka! The SUN is SHINING, the sky's clear, and we've 53 laps of hard, gritty racing ahead of us. Let's dive into this iconic track... One DRS ZONE sets the stage on this 5.8-kilometer circuit. 307 kilometers in total length. And the lap record, set by Lewis Hamilton in 2019, 1:30.983. Alright, Martin, let's get this race started. It's five lights in Suzuka... AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO!!! AVA FLORENCE ROCKETS off the line—a perfect start. Vettel and Tsunoda give chase. Verstappen behind. Lando loses out on his position to Fernando Alonso. Alonso is breathing down Verstappen's neck."

"It's a battle royale behind. That was the perfect start by Florence. Just stick it and drive. No need to play defensive. You've got your teammate behind you acting as rear gunner. Just make it through the first corner."

"Eva Florence is FLYING, the gap stretched to three tenths. Sebastian Vettel is protecting her hard, holding off Yuki Tsunoda. Oh, there's Russell—taking on Hamilton! The former teammates. Side by side into Turn 11—Hamilton HOLDS! Russell backs out neededly, and now he's got Charles Leclerc in his mirror. Leclerc—after a poor qualifying—he's CLIMBING! We've seen his comebacks in Australia, in China—what can he do here?"

"Hard braking at the spoon curve. Russsell goes wide, Leclerc hits the apex. Russel just too much on the curbs and Leclerc gets the better exit. He's up to P10."

"Here we as the drivers begin the third sector. Ava Florence still far and away the leader, but the gap between Tsunoda and Vettel has lessened. Tsunoda showed great pace in qualifying and now he's staring down the back of the four time world champion. There go through 130R. There's Russell trying Leclerc. Both drivers flat-out. And the Mercedes has that speed on the fast corners. Russel back into P10."

LAP 3:

"It's the battle that people saw a portion of in 2023. Let's see if we get more this season. Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen. Fernando makes the lunge into the first corner, tight on the inside line. They're side by side. Can Fernando squeeze ahead? Yes he can! Fernando is put to P4, but here's Verstappen, trying to regain the position on the outside. He does. Max remains P4."

"So already we're seeing some back and forth action here. No driver in this circuit wants to give up their position as here comes Sainz on Hadjar."

"Isack Hadjar has not been able to recreate the same magic as his teammate. That car is not the best for this track, but you would think he would get more out of it considering we're Tsunoda is at. And Jack Doohan, for the second race running, is towards the back of the grid."

"There have been rumors going around that Doohan's contract is potentially only for five races. No confirmation whatsoever, but if it is true, this is certainly not the results Alpine wants."

LAP 13:

HENRY Okay, Ava. This is where we're going to potentially see some drivers coming in. Let's try to extend this stint as much as possible.

"There is Ava Florence told to extend these tires as much as you can. She is on the C3 compounds here, so she could be running a one-stop strategy."

"That certainly seems like it. Especially since she doesn't seem to be losing any time. Perhaps Porsche is looking to get her out as long as possible on these soft tyres and then just run it through until everyone pits the second time."

"Yup. That seems to be the plan for that Porsche, but not for Sebastian Vettel. He comes into the pitstop. So now, Yuki Tsunoda is up to second place. And the Japanese fans go wild as they have two home town features leading the race. Ava Florence and Yuki Tsunoda."

"Now that Tsunoda has that free air, I wonder if he'll be able to catch up to that Porsche or if she's too far away for this stint. Vettel comes out of the pits. Not a bad stop. He's in P6."

LAP 15:

"And it's a battle in the pitsotps between Verstappen and Hamilton. Hamilton gets out a bit earlier, but it's anybody's game who's gonna make the jump into Turn 1. Is Verstappen feeling ambitious? No, he remains cautious."

LAP 19:

"There's Leclerc in the pits. He'll change for a fresh set of hard tires. Comes out P8."

"Yes, that's interesting, but Ava Florence has still not pitted. Yuki Tsunoda has. He came out in P6 earlier. But Florence looks she's committed to the one stop. And he'll be a mighty one stop if she can make it work."

LAP 25:

"Ava Florence finally comes in for her pit stop. She's made these soft tires run for a long while and now she'll put on a new pair of hard compounds. Oh, but what's this?"

"The right here wheel had trouble being put on! The gun just got stuck there. And that's a bad pitstop for Florence. They were expecting to come ahead of Verstappen, but instead they're going to behind Hamilton."

FLORENCE How are we behind Hamilton?

HENRY Keep calm, Ava. We're still the only one on the one-stop.

"It's going to be a game of patience for Ava Florence as she's gonna wait for all these drivers in front of her to make their second pitstop. In the lead, Yuki Tsunoda a second ahead of Verstappen. What a race he's having!"

LAP 29:

"And there comes Lewis Hamilton jumping at Lawson on the Casio chicane. He'll get the inside line and it's Hamilton ahead on the main straight! That Red Bull was faster than Ferrari on this track, but Hamilton has the experience to pull away from Lawson."

LAP 32:

"Verstappen is the first of the top ten into the pits for this second stint. He'll give up that position to Fernando Alonso, who now, will be attacking his former rival, Sebastian Vettel."

"A great many battles these two have shared. Let's see if Fernando can close that gap and we can see some overtaking."

"Ava Florence. It's going smoothly for her. She passes Lawson on the straight. The DRS gave her a nice boost to get into P5."

HENRY You're doing great. Hamilton ahead has not pitted.

FLORENCE Should I try to overtake?

HENRY Negative.

FLORENCE But I'm loosing time.

HENRY Tsunoda is within pit window. No need to rush.

"It seems you were right, Martin. Porsche is playing a very patient game here."

LAP 35:

"And here comes Hamilton into the pits. So, now, Ava moves up another position. She'll be right behind Piastri, who's going for a longer second stint. And then she'll have to wait for Vettel and Tsunoda to make their pits too."

HENRY Okay, Ava. You can push.

"Very interesting to see what she'll make of it."

LAP 37:

"Oscar Piastri into to the pits. So it's another easy move up for Ava Florence. Now she's chasing Sebastian Vettel. He's been dragging these tires longer, hasn't he?"

"He has. So we're expecting if he does stop, he'll probably go on the soft compounds at the end of the race. For now, let's see how much Ava catches up."

LAP 39:

"Ava Florence has caught up to a second behind her teammate. She will be in that DRS zone as we come down the straight. She's picking up speed, but Vettel has a comfortable gap not be overtaken yet. Through the S's it's Vettel and Florence, the two Porsche inches apart. When will Florence make the move? It's now — she's gonna emerge on the outside of Turn 7. They're side by side, but Vettel forces her back. She switches over, dives down the inside of Turn 8 and MAKES IT STICK! Ava Florence with a beautiful move passes her teammate."

"That was a good read by Florence. She knew the outside wasn't going to work in Degner 1, just wasn't fast enough. So she moved over to the inside to get the apex before Vettel. Superb driving."

"Certainly she's been on fire all weekend and now she's going to have good, comfortable gaze at Yuki Tsunoda who has to pit."

LAP 42:

"Yuki Tsunoda can just about see Florence in his rea-view mirrors and what must he be thinking? He's leading his home Grand Prix, but his Japanese counterpart is looking to snatch that home victory for herself. Down the main straight, Florence has DRS. She's closing in that gap."

"Tsunoda has to be careful here. I'm sure his engineers have warned him about Sector 2, just how flying she is on this middle portion of the track."

"Down the inside of Turn 8 she goes once again, but from too far back on the grid. Doesn't get it. Tsunoda skids on the entry to Turn 8. Florence closes in further. She knows she can get on the hairpin, just has to get there.

HENRY Okay, Ava. No need to overtake Tsunoda. He has yet to pit.

FLORENCE Yeah, but satisfaction.

"As they head past 10, Tsunoda is early on the breaks and that's just enough time for Florence to SQUEEZE THROUGH! Round the hairpin, smooth exit. And Ava Florence is leading the Grand Prix."

"She said she wanted that satisfaction of passing Tsunoda and boy how satisfying must that move be? That corner is very easy to get wrong but she just slides on in there."

LAP 53:

"And it is a masterclass for the Japanese hero. From start to finish, there was nothing that stood a threat in the face of this woman and now she'll see the checkered flag fall for her home race. AVA FLORENCE WINS THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX!"

HENRY And that is win Ava!

FLORENCE HAHA!!! WOHOO!! YES! What does Seb say? RING-DINGA-DING-DING!!

f1

SATISFACTION INDEED! Ava Florence wins the Japanese Grand Prix!

tagged: avaflorence

see comments below

burnttoast: WTF WAS GRAND PRIX?? 2025 is insane!!

> orangedelusions: A young driver fighting for the championship, new team, old f1 legends. Welcome back 2012!

adoptmycat: Yuki on the podium baby less go!

> vettel4life: SEB ON THE PODIUM 💪

> capybara: this podium is making me cry 🥹

el_plan: Ava Florence went to the Fernando Alonso school of celebrations.

cassettes: I've seen enough. Give her the companionship!

porschef1

It's a double podium for this team in Japan. What a race!

tagged: avaflorence, sebastianvettel

see comments below

madmax: Words cannot describe how beautiful it was to see Vettel on the podium again 🥹

> balencia: Vettel on the podium out retirement feels like when Schumi got it in 2012.

> chrome: SO DO I LOOK LIKE HIIIM?

florence4ever: What a race from both Porsche! One stop on both of them!

motorsport: Whoever allowed Porsche strategist cook, tell them to keep cooking 🧑‍🍳

JAPAN GRAND PRIX RESULTS

1. AVA FLORENCE (+25)

2. YUKI TSUNODA (+18)

3. SEBASTIAN VETTEL (+15)

4. MAX VERSTAPPEN (+12)

5. FERNANDO ALONSO (+10)

6. LANDO NORRIS (+8)

7. OSCAR PIASTRI (+6)

8. LEWIS HAMILTON (+4)

9. LIAM LAWSON (+2)

10. GEORGE RUSSELL (+1)

11. CHARLES LECLERC

12. ANDREA KIMI ANTONELLI

13. PIERRE GASLY

14. LANCE STROLL

15. NICO HULKENBERG

16. OLLIE BEARMAN

17. CARLOS SAINZ

18. GABRIEL BORTOLETO

19. ISACK HADJAR

20. ALEXANDER ALBON

21. ESTEBAN OCON

22. JACK DOOHAN

JAPAN GRAND PRIX POST-RACE INTERVIEW

Interviewer: Ava, what a spectacular win this for you. You drove amazingly well. How are the feelings win this race?

Ava: Now, look who's flirting? But, yes, it's a great feeling. I think we did great from start to finish. The team did a great job with the strategy. So, super proud of this moment —

Vettel taps her shoulder from behind. When she turns around, he wraps in a hug and pats her back.

Seb: Unbelievable race.

Ava: It was good, no?

Seb: You were crying on the podium.

Ava: No, no—

Seb: You couldn't see it, but I looked over at her on the podium. I saw a tear drop her cheek. She was crying.

Ava: Okay, a little. But it wasn't as much as you in Abu Dabhi. I controlled myself there.

Interviewer: Yuki that a brilliant race here today. Your highest finish at the Japanese Grand Prix. What are you feeling?

Yuki: It's amazing. Super amazing. In front of all the fans, to win like this, it's incredible. And I am super happy with how everything turned out. The team did a great job. And it was a fantastic race.

Interviewer: Sebastian, your third Grand Prix back from retirement and you're sitting on the podium. Is this a sign you're getting back into form?

Seb; Maybe. Obviously, I'm not going to be as good or fast as I was before, but I still love racing and I will continue to love racing. So, just an incredible day for me, the team, and for Ava for winning that race.

avaflorence

Japan gave me three things in life: a mother, ramen, and a dream win. Love you with all my heart. ❤️

see comments below

ovenisonfire: Oh she's an icon ✨

florence4ever: GO MAMA GO!! STUNT ON THESE POSERS!

burnt_orange: No, Ava. Save some of the poses for El Padre to do when he wins!

> avaflorence: Don't worry Nando. I'll carry on your legacy once you retire

> fernando_alonso_official: I am not retiring anytime soon (but you have my full permission 👍)

> burnt_orange: Oh she got the thumbs-up of approval. El Madre is full swing!

porschef1: Show them, queen!

> avaflorence: Luv ya, please come hang out with me for dinner 😘

> delulu: Not Ava flirting with the Porsche admin 🤣

WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

(lemme know if wanna be included)

taglist: @freyathehuntress

[goldielia]

when jack met cassy

a part of: untouchable au

when cassy entered the mclaren garage on sunday to start getting ready for the canadian grand prix, she firstly found their social media admin and one of her closest friends in the paddock, anne.

mclaren had a close-knit group of girls consisting of cassy, anne, her girlfriend sabrina who was one of two team photographers and charlotte, who was a law student currently doing an internship at mclaren.

it had become a routine for the four of them to sit on the step to the pit wall for a second to chat before any grand prix. it was also usually the time cassy got to ask anne about the vip guests of the weekend which she did first things first ever since she missed when tom holland visited.

“uh, there’s not much going on today. some hockey players should show up though, you know, charlie’s brother and them”, anne looped her in while staring at her ipad. “eh, alright.” cassy murmured, slightly disappointed.

with a last tap of her own papaya-coloured high top converse against anne’s white and orange air force she got up to start getting ready for the race.

jack couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. he was going to see his sister again AND his first f1 race. lottie usually worked for mclaren during the summer break of the academic year, being located in cambridge for her studies, so when she invited him to see both her and the race in canada he instantly said yes.

they agreed to meet just before the entrance to the paddock so she could give him, cole and trevor (who she graciously invited as well) their passes. jack had been jittery the whole way there, not having seen his twin since christmas.

leaning onto a lamp post in front of the gate was a blonde girl, wearing black mom jeans, a mclaren t-shirt tucked into them and orange old school vans. he instantly ran towards her, charlotte barely being able to save the binder she held before jack tackled her into a crushingly tight hug that she returned with equal force.

after she’d given cole and trevor a side hug each and handed each of them a garage pass, the group entered through the gate and lottie talked them through the paddock on the way to the mclaren garage.

after she showed them their spots and told them about the screens and headsets she caught up with jack for a bit before a whirlwind of red curls brushed past them, grabbed her wrist and whisked her away to the steps in front of the pit wall where anne and sabrina had claimed their place already.

“charlotte-i-don’t-know-your-middle-name-hughes! tell me your brother’s not the one in the middle, please” cassy looked at charlotte with wide eyes. “uh, my middle name’s ruby, actually. but yeah, that’s jack. left is cole, right is trevor.” charlotte answered, confusion evident on her face.

cassy only groaned, hiding her face in her hands. “are all your brothers that pretty? your parents must be like greek gods or somethin’” she mumbled into her hands. sabrina smirked, looking at them over her shoulder as she was walking back to the garage with anne, both of them having to work some more before the grand prix. “i think our cass just experienced love at first sight”

charlie gasped and smiled teasingly at that, prying cassy’s hands away from her face. “you gonna make a move?“

“would you like, be okay with that? and are you sure he’s single?” “of course i’m okay with that, cass! i’m not blind you know. also he’s been staring at you like ever since you grabbed me.” cassy tore her eyes away from charlie and towards the garage instead.

the pretty boy from earlier, jack hughes as she now knew, was indeed staring at her. “also, he’s definitely single. i can-” charlie’s sentence and cassy’s staring were interrupted by lando’s voice. “jonesy, hughesy, come on we need to do the rule run down!”

fortunately for jack and less so for cassy, her workspace wasn’t far from the guest area. which meant he could watch her and she couldn’t concentrate because she felt his eyes on her.

the grand prix itself wasn’t too eventful, 11th place for oscar and 13th for lando. both cassy and charlie were needed after the race though, to review the penalty lando had gotten for “unsportsmanlike behaviour”.

charlie’s department handled the rules for each grand prix as well as topics like filing lawsuits over penalties. cassy as one of lando’s engineers was tasked with reviewing all the video material she could get her hands on to find something that could have the penalty taken back, or at least reviewed.

on her way to the conference room though, when cassy passed by jack, she slipped a tiny piece of paper into his hand, catching his eyes quickly to smirk at him.

he wanted to chat her up at least but she was rushed along before his brain could form a single word. instead, he opened the note. it read “you’re really pretty. text me?” with a little heart and a number, presumably her phone number on it.

before he could even try folding the paper back up he was already fighting for balance, both cole and trevor having read the note and started teasingly nudging him with their elbows, matching excited grins on their faces.

“did jacky get himself a girlfrieeeend?” trevor sing-songed into his ear. before he could continue though, charlie apprared in front of them, index finger poking jack’s chest.

“i love you but if you fuck this up i’m not guaranteeing for anything” she warned, serious blue eyes drilling into his identical ones to make sure he understood her. he grabbed her hand, eyes just as serious as hers, and spoke “if i find a way to fuck this up, lottie, please make sure i regret it.”

[desomniis]

to ask for your hand (I just pray that its mine) | Chapter 4 excerpt

After clinching his third career win at the Vegas GP, Carlos wakes up to a wedding band on his finger and his teammate, Charles, wearing the exact match.

WIP | 4/5 | 28,797 words | Accidental Drunk Marriage in Vegas AU | Fluff | Angst | Drama

Down below, the circuit was a bright outline against the night. Another season, another gruelling race in Singapore.

The skyline was an architectural marvel. It was stunning during the day, but at night? it looked like a rare jewel sparkling against the black velvet night. To witness such magnificence on top of the Marina Bay Sands—dipped in the infinity pool, no less—with no one else around was a indeed privilege.

In his mind, he traced the track, imagining his car passing through Anderson bridge, making the tight left at 13 to the Esplanade Drive. Then the apex at 14, then 15, 16—a splash from the other end of the pool startled him. Charles?

Carlos was pretty sure it was Charles, the rookie this season. They never really ‘talked’ before. Their conversations always happened in passing, going along the lines off, ‘How are you? Good? How’s your car? Not good on the tires.’ He knew little about him—only that he was from Monaco and that he was set to replace Kimi at Ferrari next year. A rookie replacing a world champion. Unheard of. This kid must be a huge deal.

“It’s a beautiful city, no?” Carlos ventured. He winced inside, remembering Papá's advice about small talk and F1 drivers.

Charles jolted, his hand flying to his chest, accidentally splashing water to his own face. “Oh my god, you scared me.”

Carlos chuckled. “You’re quite jumpy, eh?” he teased, settling on the ledge next to him.

“A little,” Charles admitted with a sheepish smile. “What are you doing here? It’s a bit late, no?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“I didn’t get much sleep on the flight here.”

“Tell me about it. 20 hour flights are no joke.”

“True,” Charles said. “Any tips for tomorrow? I’ve never raced here before. My first time. So, I’m a little nervous.”

A smirk crept up Carlos lips. “Have you passed out in a race before?”

“Uh, no? I don’t think so.”

“Well, here, try not to. It’s almost guaranteed.”

”What? That’s impossible.”

“Also, you might drive blind on some corners.”

“Why—”

“Don’t even get me started about the rain. Singapore is a totally different race if it rains.”

Worry flitted through Charles' eyes, swallowing a lump on his throat. “Oh yeah?” he said, trying to hide his discomfort.

Carlos held onto his laughter. He nodded seriously, “yeah. Seven DNF’s last year.”

Charles visibly got more anxious, the horrors of last year’s race flashing in his eyes. “Ah, putain,” he muttered under his breath.

Carlos’ laughter eventually bubbled forth.

“What? Why are you laughing?” Charles questioned, his brows knitting together.

“I was kidding. It’s not that bad, I promise.”

“I—Oh… you were trying to scare me.” Charles smiled, shaking his head in disbelief. “Making fun of the rookie, I see.”

“Don’t worry,” Carlos wiped the tears from his eyes. “Vettel and Fernando did it to me in my rookie year too. Except they waited a day before telling me it’s not that bad. I remember not sleeping that night.”

Charles laughed, and Carlos was struck. There was something about his laugh that resonated deep in Carlos’ chest, like the melody of his childhood summers spent racing bicycles down sun-dappled streets, the wind tousling his hair as he pedalled faster. It was the echo of his first karting victory, the taste of victory sweet on his tongue as he stood atop the podium, trophy held high, amid deafening cheers and applause. It was Miguel’s call, on his last day, asking him to meet at the lake so that he could steal another kiss from Carlos. There was something in Charles’ laugh that made Carlos yearn to hear it more.

“Well, I guess I’ll consider myself lucky that it was not Vettel or Fernando then,” Charles said.

“Yeah. Lucky. Just sleep well and drink lots of water before the race and you’ll do fine. I’ve seen you drive. You’re good. I trust that you can make it.”

Charles's eyebrows lifted, his head tilting slightly to the left like a puppy hearing something strange. “Really?” he asked, “you think I’m good?”

Carlos can count in one hand the amount of times he complimented another driver. It wasn't that he didn't recognise talent in others—if he was being honest, there were plenty of drivers far better than him. But he rarely voiced such acknowledgements. It’s like offering your enemy an edge.

So when he did compliment Charles, it surprised him, almost catching him off guard. There was no logical explanation for it.

Perhaps it was because Charles was young and it was his first year in F1. He could vividly recall his own struggles as a rookie. Maybe, in his own way, it was him trying to help his younger self.

Or perhaps it was how easily Charles just opened up to Carlos. Paired with his dimples, the sheepish smile, and those earnest blue eyes pleading for advice. Carlos felt an instinctual urge to protect Charles.

Or perhaps, it was something else entirely.

“You don’t?” Carlos dodged the question.

"I do. It's just that... It's rare to hear it from another driver. Everyone else says I'm good, you know? 'You're so talented, Charles. So fast. You are destined to be in F1,'" he recounted. "But they say it from the outside looking in. They don’t really get it. But when another driver say it, it means a lot more. Because they understand. You understand."

Carlos nodded slowly, the weight of Charles' words settling on him. He knew that feeling all too well. The constant need to prove his own worth, that he deserved to compete with the best of the world, that it wasn’t all because of a privileged upbringing.

“Of course,” he said idly. “So, how does this feel? All of it—the hype, the pressure, the Ferrari seat next year?”

A hesitant smile touched Charles' lips, fleeting as the Monegasque breeze. “When I drove for practice for them last year, I felt like I was going to explode in the car. I felt buzzing in my ears and my hand couldn’t stop shaking. I thought I would crash. I’m quite happy that I didn’t.

“But what’s interesting was how it all felt strange to me. All my life I’ve dreamed of driving and winning in that red car. Not only me, my father and my godfather too. I carry all their dreams with me. Now that I have the chance to do that… it’s…” Charles trailed off, searching for the right words.

“Overwhelming," Carlos offered, a hint of longing creeping into his voice. "Being in that red car… it’s something else."

The last sentence hung heavy in the air, the weight of his secret, of his father's expectation, sat heavy in his gut.

Charles chuckled, a soft, nervous sound. "Yeah. It's like everyone expects me to be a champion overnight. But then there's the pressure from myself too, you know? Like I have to live up to all these expectations, not just mine but everyone else's too." He ran a hand through his hair, anxiety swimming in his eyes.

Carlos leaned back on the ledge of the pool, studying Charles. There was a vulnerability in his eyes that surprised him. This young prodigy, who seemed to have it all figured out, was wrestling with self-doubt just like everyone else.

"Hey," Carlos said gently, "You'll be alright. You're here for a reason. You have the talent, the drive... you'll get there eventually.”

A flicker of gratitude sparked in Charles' eyes. "Thanks, Carlos. I appreciate that. Coming from you, it means a lot."

The compliment hung in the air for a moment, a silent understanding passing between them. Carlos couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about Charles disarmed him.

"Are you hungry?" Carlos finally asked, surprising even himself with the question. "Do you want to have dinner with me?"

Charles’ eyes sparkled and his lips curved up, making Carlos’ chest feel warm, like it was about to blow open. Whether it was a good or bad sign, it didn’t matter because there was only one thing he was sure of:

He wanted to see Charles smile again.

Read the whole chapter here. Ask me questions!

[valyrfia]

Some anons didn't start watching F1 until 2022 at the earliest, and it shows. Losing their minds and spreading negativity like it's a new plague this early in the season is actually insane.

We're literally at round 4...there are TWENTY other races after this. Immediately making sweeping generalisations about the rest of the season at this point is ridiculous. We have many rounds of upgrades to get through and indeed many more races before we can start to even try and pick out a pattern.

One or two races can often be outliers. When this starts being a consistent pattern for 4+ races then maybe we can revisit this conversation. For now, I'm just sitting back and observing and examining past patterns.

[elisysd]

I like me better - Lauv

Masterlist - Previously - Next Chapter

I knew from the first time I'd stay for a long time 'cause I like me better when I like me better when I'm with you

Lyanna was able to tie loose ends in New York sooner than what she anticipated and was able to make it to Austin on Friday, right on time for the free practices. She had not told Charles that she would be here, wanting to surprise him. It was her first time alone in an F1 paddock and it came as no surprise that after a few minutes of wandering the aisles in search of Ferrari hospitality, she found herself completely lost.

She had chosen the right day to get lost. Kika wasn't there and she was the only person who could have helped her. Resigned to the idea of having to walk around for an uncertain amount of time, she sighed. Fortunately, she'd had the good idea not to wear heels. As she strolled along the aisles, a familiar voice called out to her.

“Lyanna Michel? If it is not a surprise. What are you doing here?”

“Lewis? Oh my God, you don’t even know how happy I am to see you. I’m lost.”

“I can see that. You can come with me; I was on my way to Mercedes facility. We are not far away from Ferrari which I assume you were heading to.”

“How do you know?” she genuinely asked.

“Charles has not stopped talking about you, every chance he got. It’s starting to get annoying. At first, I didn’t know it was you, the few times we met you did not strike me as a F1 fan, so imagine my surprise when I finally connected the dots.”

“Yeah, still not a fan. It’s my first real experience at a Grand Prix but yeah… Charles and I, it’s pretty new.”

“How long has it been?”

“Knowing him or relationship?”

“Both.”

“Three months, something like that. And just a few weeks of relationship. Like I said, pretty new.”

“Pretty new indeed, but pretty boy is in love.”

“Yeah… me too. Oh God, it’s still so weird to say it out loud!” she exclaimed while putting her hands on her face and shaking her head.

The pair finally arrived in front of the Mercedes hospitality, where Lewis showed Lyanna the exact route to the Ferrari unit without risking getting lost.

“Well it was nice seeing you! We should definitely hang out more often. Not that I don’t think we won’t, assuming there is a high possibility that I see you around the paddocks now. But if you ever feel tired of seeing red, the door of Mercedes will always be open for you. If you want to see winning cars as well.” He joked, winking at her.

She laughed and waved goodbye before heading off to Ferrari. When she entered, all eyes were on her and she quickly felt uncomfortable and out of place. She made her way to a table at the back of the room and sat down, hoping she wouldn't have to talk to anyone. From where she was, she had a good view of the screens, which were starting to broadcast images of the mechanics and the cars as they waited for FP2 to start in around twenty minutes.

She did her best to ignore the insistent stares from the Ferrari staff and happily welcomed the start of FP2, which kept everyone busy. The hour passed fairly quickly and soon everyone was back to business. This was without considering a sudden sensation behind Lyanna's back which made her instantly stiffen.

“I think it’s time to have a little discussion between you and I.” the woman told her straight out.

“And could I know who I’m talking about?” asked Lyanna warily.

“Sorry. I’m Mia Djacic media and PR officer for Ferrari.”

Lyanna could vaguely recall this name, heard once or twice in the midst of a conversation with Charles.

“And what can I do for you?”

“I knew you were supposed to come, but I thought you told Charles that it would be tomorrow. And if I have not turned completely crazy, we are not tomorrow.”

“I wanted to surprise him, is that such a bad thing?”

“Well we’re lucky no one saw you. We have to think on how we are going to introduce your couple to the world. We have to think of a PR strategy and…”

“Wait, wait, wait…” cut Lyanna. “PR strategy? Introducing our couple to the world? What do you mean exactly? I came here for Charles not to be part of a marketing program.”

“Lyanna, we are Ferrari, Charles is our number one driver. He is il predestinato. The one who is supposed to restore Ferrari’s glory, okay. What Charles does, who Charles is seen with, who Charles talks to… all is done under Ferrari’s supervision. Everything that he does reflects on the brand. We can’t let you guys roam around without control or authorization.” Explained Mia.

“And what are you hoping to achieve exactly? Our relationship is ours; we won’t let you interfere.”

“I’m not saying that we are going to control every single aspect of your relationship, we want to avoid scandals which seem to follow you around quite a lot.”

“In that case keep the media away from us and problem solved.”

“We could also benefit from your fame.”

“Here we go… You should have started with that…” she sighed.

“Charles’ season doesn’t go exactly as planned. Tifosi are disappointed and angry at us. Offering them a Charles happy in a cute relationship might be just what we need to make them forget everything.”

“I’m not a F1 expert but aren’t the sportive performances more interesting for fans than the drivers’ private lives?”

“F1 is an all. People love the sport, the races, and the competition but the political aspects, what is happening inside the teams, and they like to keep up with drivers’ lives.”

“No.” said Lyanna firmly, looking at Mia straight in the eyes.

“No what?”

“I’m not going to be a pretty toy for you to use to make Charles shines. I’m not going to participate in whatever you are thinking of doing.”

Mia sighed as she leaned back.

“How much do you want?”

Lyanna did not understand what was implied.

“Money wise. How much do you want for you to let us use yours and Charles’ public image?”

Lyanna couldn't believe her ears. Not wanting to make a scene, she heaved a deep sigh and rose from her chair.

“I don’t want to be bought. I want to live my relationship in peace. So thank you but no thanks, keep your money, I don’t want it.”

Just as she was about to step out of the door to get some fresh air, Mia called out to her.

“Charles agrees, you know. The social media team is already planning posts to use as soon as you are okay with it. I can have you a contract ready to sign and to send to your agent by tomorrow.”

She was surprised to find Joris on the small terrace in front of the hospitality, a coffee in one hand and a ton of paperwork in the other. Too busy reading what she presumed were contracts for Charles, he didn't hear her sit down next to him. She cleared her throat to let him know she was there, which startled him.

“Lyanna! Oh my gosh, don’t do that, I almost got a heart attack.” He dramatically said.

“Are you playing Charles’s secretary?”

“More or less, yes. Weren’t you supposed to come tomorrow?”

“New York took less time than anticipated.”

There must have been a look of annoyance and tiredness on her face as Joris asked her if everything was all right and if she didn't want him to take her to the hotel where Charles was staying so that she could get some rest. She could always surprise Charles in the hotel room, he explained, arching his eyebrows evocatively.

“I’m fine. Can I as you a question?”

“Shoot.”

“Did Charles tell you about Ferrari’s want to use our couple for PR purposes?”

“Did you meet Mia, by any chance?” asked Joris in return after a little silent pause.

“Yep. But you are not answering the question.”

“She can be a lot to handle when you don’t know her. She is incredibly talented at her job. She has Ferrari best interests at heart and sometimes she can be a little too much. She is not an evil witch. But to answer you, I think she just tried to trap you by saying that Charles knew. Classic strategy move. If it can make you feel better, I don’t think Charles would be okay with that. He values his privacy too much and he loves you too much to take part of that.”

She nodded; half reassured. They chatted a little while waiting for Charles who was caught up in interviews and meetings with the staff. She liked Joris, he was kind and funny and he was Charles’ best friend. It was nice to hear him talk about the driver and telling her about stupid anecdotes they both went through like the time when Charles almost rolled over someone while leaving Maranello because he was completely caught up in talking with fans and signing things and didn't realise he was pressing down on the accelerator. She was laughing so hard she did not notice straight away an all too familiar red racing suit rushing in their direction.

“Lyanna? Weren’t…” started Charles but was cut by Lyanna who sighed while rolling her eye.

“You supposed to come tomorrow, yes, yes, I know. You are like the third person to tell me that.”

But Charles didn't care, he was far too happy to see her, especially as the weekend wasn't shaping up very well: practice hadn't been conclusive and the car wasn't behaving very well. He had the impression that he was losing the rear end at every bend and that was penalising his race pace. He spent the hour and a half following the media interviews trying to understand why and find a solution for the following day. He was exhausted and dreamt of going back to the hotel and crawling under the sheets. Having Lyanna with him today lifted his spirits a little and brightened up a gloomy day for the red team. He took the actress in his arms before giving her a kiss on her cheek and pecking her lips.

“Charles you are sweaty.” She said to him while trying to get away from his grip.

“I did not have time to take a shower.” He confessed.

“I can smell that.”

“The perks of dating a driver, baby. Smelling like kerosene and sweat and burned tyres. You’ll get used to it.”

“You can still run away Lyanna, it’s not too late.” Jokingly added Joris.

“I’m afraid I’m in too deep, now.”  Said Lyanna while looking lovingly at Charles.

“You guys are gross. Can’t you go eye-fucked each other elsewhere? Preferably away from me?” complained Joris as he was looking at the couple who was smiling stupidly at each other.

“You are just jealous, mate.”

As soon as they walked through the door of Charles's hotel room, he couldn't hold back any longer before pinning the young woman against the wall and pressing her body against his. His hands were all over her, making her head spin. With disconcerting agility Charles got rid of the top Lyanna was wearing before treating her jeans to the same fate. His lips danced along her jaw, before nibbling her right ear and moving down her neck and body. Lyanna didn't know where she was, and she was nothing more than a puddle in his hands. Between moans and gasps, they reached the bedroom, where Charles gave Lyanna no time to come to her senses before throwing her onto the bed and joining her there before resuming his gentle touches.

A moment later, as they were enjoying the calm and warmth of their naked bodies under the sheets, Charles broke the silence.

“I missed you.”

“You just made that very clear. She told him as she was leaving small kisses on his chest. “I missed you too.”

 “I don’t think you completely felt how much I missed you though.” He said as he positioned himself above her before gently bumping his nose against hers and letting his hands roam her body, making her shiver instantly.

“You’re insatiable.” She laughed slapping slightly his chest to get him away from her.

Charles laughed as well before rolling over.

“You were just what I needed to relax today. I’ve had a shit day and you managed to make it better.”

“Ferrari is ferrariying again?”

“Yeah, let’s call it that way. I just hope that whatever was making the car jumpy and weird can be solved tomorrow. Maybe you’ll bring me luck.”

Lyanna listened to him rant about the car for a whole 30 minutes. She did not understand half the things he was talking about but was pretending to, gasping when it was needed and adding angry “no ways” when Charles was saying something that was pissing him off. By the end of the discussion he felt better.

As the room fell into a comfortable silence, she absent-mindedly traced small pattern on his body, lost in her thoughts. Her conversation with Mia was replaying in her head and she internally debating whether or not it would be a good idea to talk to Charles about it. Feeling his girlfriend's thoughts wander. Charles turned his head towards her and brushed his lips against her forehead.

“Where did your mind go?”

She stiffened slightly before looking at him.

“I’ve met Mia today. I don’t think it went well.”

“Care to tell me more?”

“It’s not a big deal. I don’t want you to worry. You have enough on your plate.” She tried to justify.

“If it’s bothering you, it’s bothering me. And you said a bit too much, now I’m starting to worry.”

“It’s just… Did she talk to you about PR things related to us?”

Charles sighed, understanding what was going on.

“Vaguely. What did she tell you exactly?”

“She didn’t get into details. She just said that it might be a good idea to use us to make Tifosi forget how shitty your season is. A distraction. She implied that you would be okay with it.”

She sat cross-legged on the bed, wrapping herself in the sheet.

“I don’t want that, Charles. I really don’t. I’m not saying that we have to keep our relationship a secret, but I don’t want to overexposed us.”

“I don’t want that too, my love. Don’t worry about it, okay? I’ll talk to her.”

“I’m sorry I give you problems. That’s the last thing I want.”

“Lya, listen to me, okay? You really have to stop saying sorry to me every time that something goes wrong. You are not responsible. You are not a burden.”

“Sorry, old habits die hard.”

He stared at her; an eyebrow raised.

“So…”

“No. Don’t finish it.”

“I’m going to work on that, I promise.”

===========

author's note: Do I smell drama incoming? Did you really thought that hardships were over for Lyanna and Charles hehe? Let's see what the furture had in store for our favourite couple. And we have finally Lewis introduction in this chapter and I'm so happy about it! I love him. Stay tuned for more Lewis and Lyanna's intercations in the future. And also Roscoe... 👀 As usual, all comments, likes and reblogs are appreciated . It supports a lot the author and helps stay motivated.

taglist:

@zendayabelova @purplephantomwolf @ru-kru @dakotali @blueflorals @aundercover @ruleroftheuniverse @fangirlika @writerscurse @elijahmikaelsonbitch @leclerc13 @heeseung-baby

If you are tagged but did not receive any notifications, please check your settings because it means that Tumblr didn't let me tag you.

[whiteraven87]

Driven by Success: Golden Girl - 11. I am not for Him

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

The Unstoppable Series - Masterlist

Part 2: Driven by Success. Golden Girl

Prologue

Unexpected Gift

Mercedes Golden Girl

Unexpected visit

New season start

The Pain that never Fades

Rebellion on Board

I'm not a trophy

The Campaign

The Edge of Fear

I am not for Him

Breaking Point

Building Walls

Adrenaline

Blinding Lights

Closeness

Don't Run Away from me again

Glows and Shadows

On the Edge

A Night full of Temptations

The Line you won't cross

Shadows of the Past

Confession

Emptiness

I Need Time

Is it over?

Epilogue

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

Warnings: long (very long) slow burn, age gap (23 years), woman racing in F1, boss/driver relationship, difficult and painful past, death, anxiety,

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

11. I am not for Him

Whispering About Him

Mercedes Motorhome Lounge

POV Miriell

I was sitting in the cozy lounge of the motorhome, immersed in my notes before the upcoming race. Sprawled comfortably on the couch, wearing headphones, I tried to focus on the data—strategies, car setups, analysis of recent sessions. I should have been completely absorbed in my work. I should have ignored everything around me.

But the conversation nearby caught my attention.

A group of women from Mercedes' PR and media department was sitting not far away, engaged in an animated discussion. At first, their talk was ordinary—paddock gossip, updates on sponsors—but then the topic shifted imperceptibly.

"I wonder if Toto will finally settle down with someone," one of them said, instantly sparking excitement in the group.

My heart sped up. I shouldn't be eavesdropping. This wasn't my place. But when they talked about him… I involuntarily lost focus on my notes.

"It's been some time since Susie's passing," continued a brunette whose name I couldn't recall. "Of course, it was a huge tragedy for him, but in the end… he's handsome, intelligent, charismatic. And rich. I can't believe there aren't women around him hoping for more."

"Do you mean Francesca?" another woman, a blonde with glasses, chimed in. "The former model, ambassador of our clothing brand… Perfect, right?"

"Exactly! She's beautiful, elegant, well-versed in high society. And Toto has always had a taste for classy women."

My fingers tightened slightly around my notes. Francesca. I had indeed seen her a few times in the paddock. Slender, tall, always impeccably dressed. She fit perfectly into Toto's world—a world of suits, exclusive gatherings, and refined manners.

"Do you think there's something between them?" another voice asked.

"I don’t know, but Francesca seems very interested in him."

"Maybe she’s already cast her net?"

"Or maybe he's already in love with someone else?"

That was when Hana, the youngest among them, gave me a brief, suggestive glance. My entire body tensed in anticipation. No, this was absurd. Impossible that… but they had noticed.

"Actually… I’ve been wondering about something," the brunette started. "Maybe it’s crazy, but… do you think Toto could be with someone like Miriell?"

A long silence. I froze, sinking into the couch, suddenly aware of every breath I took.

"I don’t know…" The blonde sounded doubtful. "He's much older than her."

"And he’s her boss."

"And… I have the impression that Toto has always preferred elegant women. Not that Miriell isn’t beautiful, because she is. But she… hides her beauty. Boyish clothes, leather jackets, no makeup. She’s probably not his type."

I clenched my teeth. I shouldn't care. These were just opinions, but then Hana spoke again.

"She might not look like his usual type, but have you seen the way he looks at her?"

Silence fell. My heart pounded in my chest.

"That’s true…" one of them admitted hesitantly. "The way Toto looks at Miriell is… different."

"And Miriell changes around him too," Hana added. "She’s not as closed off. She smiles more often."

The conversation gradually drifted to other topics, but I could no longer focus. I tried to return to my notes, but the girls' words echoed in my mind. My thoughts were elsewhere. Too much of what they said was true.

I was afraid of what I felt for him.

I knew that Toto looked at me. I could feel it. In moments when he thought no one was watching. When he analyzed my movements, when he listened to me more than he should. I knew we weren’t indifferent to each other.

But there were too many obstacles. Too many things could go wrong.

Rain and Lies

London, Banquet

POV Miriell

The banquet in London was one of those events I had to attend, even though I would have preferred to be anywhere else. I sat at a table with a few team members, sipping lemon water and staring into space, but I still couldn’t escape what was happening a dozen meters away.

Toto.

In a perfectly tailored suit, with that impeccable smile that made him look younger, almost boyish. He had that kind of magnetism that drew people in—especially women. Tall, broad-shouldered, exuding a confidence that couldn’t be faked. It was no surprise he always had admirers around him. But the way Francesca stood so close to him hurt more than I was willing to admit.

She was beautiful. Elegant, dazzling in a long gown, her makeup flawless, her hair styled in perfect waves. She smiled at him, touched his arm, laughed in that coquettish way I knew all too well. She was the kind of woman Toto could be with.

The kind of woman he should be with.

I didn’t want to watch.

I left the room and hid in one of the restroom stalls, pressing my hands against the sink. I took deep breaths, trying to clear my thoughts, but my heart was still pounding too hard.

And then, I heard voices.

“...Oh, Toto. He’s just delightful,” Francesca said, laughing lightly. “I don’t think I’ll let him slip away so easily tonight.”

“Are you planning to take him home?”

“Why not? I’m curious what kind of lover he is. A man like him... he must know how to make a woman forget everything.”

I clenched my jaw, my fingers digging into the sink.

“You think he’d be interested?”

“Of course. He’s single, it’s been a while. And I know how to get what I want.”

“Oh, sure. But some say he already has someone in mind.”

“Oh, you mean his little driver?” Francesca scoffed. “Miriell?”

I froze.

“Adorable. But please. She’s like his protégé. Maybe even a daughter. He looks at her with care, but never like a real woman.”

“Well, yeah, because she… well, she doesn’t look like the kind of woman who could interest him.”

“Exactly. Just look at her. That style, that boyish look… Sure, she’s pretty, but she hides herself. I don’t think Toto even sees her as a woman.”

I didn’t wait to hear more.

I stepped out of the stall, and when Francesca and her companion saw me, their eyes widened for a fraction of a second. I said nothing. I walked past them in silence and left the restroom, then the entire banquet hall.

I needed air. I couldn’t stay there any longer.

Francesca’s words and those of the other woman still echoed in my head, drilling into my mind like hooks I couldn’t pull out.

"He probably sees her as a protégé, maybe even a daughter."

"He doesn’t see her as a real woman."

I wanted to believe it wasn’t true, that Toto saw me differently. But was I sure? Maybe I had been lying to myself all this time.

I left the hall without saying goodbye to anyone. No one even noticed my disappearance—everyone was too occupied with themselves, the alcohol, the conversations. Francesca probably already had her plan for the rest of the evening.

I didn’t want to see it. I didn’t want to think about what she would do, what she would say, how she would smile at him, how she would trail her fingers down his forearm, how they would end up somewhere, alone, where no one would disturb them.

I walked quickly, silently, inhaling the cool London air. My boots struck the pavement, the city around me was alive, but I heard nothing but my own thoughts.

I had done something I shouldn’t have—I had fallen in love with him.

With my boss. With my friend. With the man who was everything to me and whom I should never have desired. It was complicated. Too complicated.

I was fire and chaos, and he… He was the one who always had everything under control.

"He deserves someone else."

Suddenly, I felt the first drops of rain on my skin. The night sky, which had been calm just moments ago, was now gathering for a downpour. I quickened my pace, but soon it began to pour.

I started running.

The wet streets were slippery, and in my shoes, I had no chance of keeping my balance. I slipped, lost my footing, but before I could hit the ground, I felt strong hands grip my waist and pull me close.

Strong arms, a familiar scent.

Toto.

My heart pounded faster as I lifted my gaze and met his eyes. The rain was streaming down on us, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“I’ve got you,” he said softly, his voice barely audible over the rain.

I stood there, feeling the warmth of his hands on my waist. We were too close. Too damn close.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, barely breathing.

“I saw you leave. You left so suddenly…” His eyes studied me, piercing through me. “Why?”

I stepped away from him, averting my gaze.

“I just wanted to take a walk.” I lied.

“Miriell…”

The tone of his voice told me he didn’t buy it.

“I didn’t want to be there,” I said shortly.

“Why?”

“Because.”

He sighed, then placed a hand on my shoulder, as if trying to make me look at him.

“You avoided me all evening. And now you’re running away.”

“Nothing is the way you think it is,” I said, even though we both knew that was a lie.

“Then how is it?”

I clenched my jaw.

I couldn’t tell him. I couldn’t tell him that my heart ached at the sight of Francesca, that every second she stood too close to him, smiling at him, felt like a blow, that I couldn’t bear the thought of him being in her arms tonight, that he might touch her the way he would never touch me.

“I’m just… tired,” I muttered.

“Miriell, for fuck’s sake…”

“Just drop it, Toto.” I met his eyes. “Just drop it.”

He looked at me for a long time, and I knew he saw everything. My chaos, my struggle, my feelings that I so desperately tried to hide.

The rain kept falling, but he took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

“Let’s go back,” he said quietly.

I didn’t protest. We walked in silence, raindrops rolling down my face, but even their coldness couldn’t cool the fire burning inside me. Toto walked beside me, shoulder to shoulder, still keeping his hand on my shoulder, as if making sure I wouldn’t run away again.

When we reached the hotel, I stopped at the entrance, unsure of what I should say.

"Thank you for walking me back" I said, holding his jacket tightly wrapped around me.

"Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?"

I sighed.

"Toto…"

"Miriell, you don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to. But…" he hesitated, as if searching for the right words. "I know something’s not right."

I shook my head, forcing a smile.

"I just had a rough evening. It’s nothing."

He didn’t look convinced. For a moment, he watched me as if trying to see past my words, to figure me out.

"If you ever want to talk…"

"I know" I cut him off quickly, feeling that if I stayed even a second longer, I’d say something I shouldn’t. "Goodnight, Toto."

"Goodnight, Miriell."

He watched me as I stepped into the hotel lobby. I didn’t turn around because I knew that if I did, I’d see something in his eyes that would break me.

***

The room was dark and quiet, the only sound the soft patter of rain against the window.

I slipped off the damp jacket and carefully draped it over the back of a chair. Its fabric smelled like him—expensive cologne, a hint of wood, and something else, something that was simply him.

Closing my eyes, I rested my forehead against the cold glass. In my mind, I still heard Francesca’s words.

"He doesn’t see a real woman in her."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. I shouldn’t feel what I felt. I shouldn’t allow myself to drown in him. I shouldn’t have reacted like that to Francesca, to her words, to the sight of women orbiting around him.

And yet, my heart refused to listen to reason.

Toto Wolff was not for me.

I squeezed my eyes shut, taking a deep breath. I needed to calm down, to find a way to silence the chaos inside me.

Tomorrow was supposed to be a new day.

But I already knew—the feeling wouldn’t go away.

London

POV Toto

The evening was elegant, polished to perfection—like everything organized by the London headquarters. Jazz music flowed gently from the speakers, glasses shimmered in the hands of sponsors, and conversations were filled with pleasantries that meant very little.

I stood among people in tailored suits, wearing delicate watches and words lighter than their smiles. And as always—I did what was expected of me.

Until Francesca appeared.

Wearing a golden dress, with a smile straight off the cover of Vogue, and a gaze that laughed before her lips even moved.

She was charming. And she knew exactly how to work men.

She spoke with ease, touched my arm, leaned in a little too close, laughed just a bit too loud.

I saw the looks around us. People saw us as a headline waiting to happen—the powerful team principal and the embodiment of Italian style.

From the outside, we looked like the perfect match.

But inside… I felt nothing.

I smiled, replied, carried the conversation. But my mind was elsewhere.

Searching for her.

I hadn’t seen Miriell in a while. Earlier, for a brief moment, I’d caught sight of her—standing off to the side, a glass in her hand, with that look on her face I knew far too well.

Closed off. Quiet. Present, but as if not really there.

Then she vanished. And so did I—from this crowd, from these lights, from this whole evening.

Because when I don’t see her—the world around me loses its sharpness.

Francesca leaned in and asked something, but I didn’t hear it.

I blinked, forcing myself back into focus.

“Excuse me,” I said curtly.

I didn’t wait for her response. I turned and walked away—leaving behind the conversations, the wine, the glittering façade.

I could feel something was wrong.

I don’t know what drove me—instinct, maybe, or something deeper—but I headed toward the side corridors. The quiet places. Where one could breathe.

I stopped when I saw her.

Miriell was just stepping out of the rest room. Slowly. Her face was pale, her gaze lowered, shoulders hunched as if she were carrying something too heavy to show the world. She was headed toward the exit. Leaving the event without saying a word.

My heart froze.

I followed her, not caring about the guests, not about Francesca, not about anyone.

I made my way toward the main street, scanning the crowd, the alleyways, the flickering city lights. My heart pounded louder with each step.

Why did she leave alone?

Why didn’t she let me be there for her—especially when she needed me most?

And then it started to rain.

First gentle, like a warning. Then harder, like punishment.

That’s when I saw her—running across the street, hair stuck to her face.

I called out, but she didn’t hear me.

She stepped, slipped. Stumbled.

Before she could fall—I was there. I caught her around the waist and pulled her into me.

I felt her trembling. Felt her heartbeat, merging with mine. Felt how close she was to falling apart—right there, in my arms.

“I’ve got you,” was all I could say.

I led her under the awning of the nearest place, not even looking at where we were. I took off my soaked jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders, as if it could protect her not just from the rain, but from the entire damned world.

Then I asked,

“Why did you leave?”

Her gaze was shut tight. Just like always, when something hurt too much.

“I just needed some air,” she said shortly.

She was lying. I knew her too well.

I saw how her hands balled into fists, how her eyes avoided mine, how her body stiffened in that inner war.

Hurt.

Jealousy.

That deep feeling of not belonging. I saw the chaos in her.

I saw the fight—and the way she was rebuilding those damn walls around herself.

“Come,” I whispered. “Let me walk you to the hotel.”

She didn’t protest.

And even though we walked in silence, I knew that night had changed something.

I couldn’t let her hold onto the feeling that she wasn’t enough.

Because the truth was simple:

She was the only one I needed.

Author note:

This chapter was incredibly emotional for me to write — because it marks the first time we see jealousy from Miriell’s side, along with that deeply human fear: “What if I’m not good enough for him?” Writing her inner conflict — the sharp pain of insecurity and the chaos of feelings she tries to hide — was both raw and beautiful. I kept asking myself, how would Toto Wolff, always composed, always in control, react to seeing that flicker of vulnerability in her? And the answer was simple: he’d chase after her, even in the rain. Because he sees everything — even when she tries to hide.

💥 And this was just the beginning. Because soon, everything will start to burn. Thank you for reading — and hold tight. The storm’s only just begun.

Cheers!

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

NEXT -> 12. Breaking Point

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

"I put my armor on, show you how strong I am."

Read the story here:

AO3 Unstoppable Series

Wattpad Part1 I Wattpad Part 2

====

[redsnowdrop]

Sainz: "I understand Ferrari, but Hamilton is not better than me"

Federico Mariani

23 July - MILAN

Source: Gazzetta dello sport (it)

To my -> F1 Masterlist <-

The Spaniard, in an interview with GQ Magazine Spain, analyzes his farewell to the Maranello team:

“I took my opportunities when the car was competitive. Future? Williams, Red Bull and Mercedes are options."

Carlos Sainz's future is still to be defined, but the Spaniard can already outline an initial assessment of his experience at Ferrari, the team he will leave to make room for Lewis Hamilton in 2025. The farewell will take place after four embellished seasons, for now, by three successes, the first in F1. Satisfactory results in the eyes of the son of art, as admitted during an interview with GQ Magazine Spain. And during this conversation there was no shortage of significant passages about the farewell to the Italian team and the inevitable comparison with his cumbersome successor.

FERRARI - Arriving in 2021 in place of Sebastian Vettel, Sainz has stood out at Ferrari thanks to continuous performance. The results were excellent, even if they were insufficient to fight for and win the world title. Carlos, however, still feels satisfied: "The year started in a complicated way between my non-renewal and Hamilton's arrival.

Then the appendicitis operation.

However, after the victory in Australia the season went rather well." No regrets looking at the overall experience with the Italian team: "It happens when you realize you don't have the means to win a World Championship. Otherwise it would have been more difficult to accept not having taken advantage of the opportunity. Indeed, analyzing the individual races, when I had the winning car, I didn't make any mistakes."

SAINZ AND HAMILTON— The other big issue concerns Ferrari's choice to replace him to make room for Hamilton. But, after this change, does Sainz feel inferior to Hamilton? Carlos is blunt: “Obviously I would say no. But I think any other driver would say the same. I think I'm the best option for any Formula 1 team because, if I didn't have this mentality, I wouldn't be a driver and I wouldn't have such a competitive soul." However, Carlos admits: “However, I obviously understand Ferrari's decision, the opportunity to sign a seven-time world champion and what it can mean for a team. That's why, when I analyzed everything carefully, I didn't feel bad." And he adds: "After all, I won't be replaced by just any driver, but by the best in history or by one of the greatest in this sport." A great tribute to the greatness of Hamilton.

SAINZ FUTURE— And now what will be Carlos' next moves, still officially without a seat for 2025? Sainz does not hide: “Williams is a historic team in F1. It's true, it's one of the few I have left. The same goes for Red Bull and Mercedes. There are two or three stables to evaluate. The future still seems quite uncertain. I raced in five different teams during these ten years, keeping a wonderful memory of each team. I wouldn't rule out returning if the opportunity arises." But first there is the experience in Ferrari to finish: “We need to take advantage of the opportunities to get on the podium in the next races. Also because I don't know if I will have similar chances next year."

[georgieluz]

hello! when you get this, list some mutuals you love to see around and then ask someone else! spread the love!!

hello! sorry about the incredibly late reply, work has been hectic, but i can indeed throw some love and affection at my lovely mutuals!

first up: my best friend, favourite person, and overall saint of a human for putting up with all my ramblings, @footprintsinthesxnd! jess, i love you to bits and i'm so lucky to have you in my life! you're a ray of sunshine and a constant safe space in my life. you're so talented, and genuinely kind, and you deserve all the happiness in the world! thank you for being my friend <3 ily a lot!!!!

next we have @ep6bastogne! bel, you make me laugh on the daily.. like literally all the time.. and it's just so easy to talk with you, whether it's about something silly or serious, i just feel like you completely get me. i love our conversations and how similar we are! you and your big brain posts make my dashboard and it genuinely feels a lil bit empty when you're not around. you've got me lowkey crushing on hockey men i don't even know for no good reason but i love it!

@lamialamia bc we always have great conversations and i love how we can discuss everything about hbo war from in-depth meta all the way to the silliest stuff ever. whenever i'm watching something or posting about something it's always so fun to talk about it with you! i hope we have many more interesting conversations!

@theflyingfin you were one of the first people i started talking to when i first came back to tumblr and it really made me feel a lot more comfortable being back here and in the fandom! i love all our chats about andyeddie and f1 stuff and you're just an awesome person who makes my tumblr experience a lot better :)

@merriell-allesandro-shelton for always checking in on me (and everyone else in the fandom). you're such a fun and engaging presence here, and i feel like you bring a lot of people out of their shells, which in turn, makes them feel a lot more comfortable being more interactive in the fandom. you're such a caring friend and i love all the conversations we have and how open and honest we can be with each other! very glad we met and became friends!

@jump-wings and @yeahcurrahhe-e you guys were actually two of my first mutuals on this new account and i love seeing you both on my dash or in my interactions! it's kinda comforting if that makes sense? since you were here when i started this acc

@thewayisset you have such beautiful art!! and it makes me smile every single time i see it on my dashboard!!

some more people i love to see on my dash and whose posts i pretty much adore reading regardless of the topic: @hellofanidea @lewis-winters @jenkil @almost-a-class-act you guys itch a certain spot in my brain with your meta and headcanons that i really dig!

@cody-helix02 @mads-weasley @heystovepipeboys too, i love seeing your posts and i always feel happy seeing you guys pop up in my activity notifications!!

honestly, all of my mutuals are really special to me. if you're a mutual of mine, or even if we just talk on posts outside of following each other, please consider yourself loved and appreciated!

[f0point5]

has bernie ecclestone "urging horner to resign" changed your mind about whether or not he's actually leaving/the reasoning behind the whole thing

I’ve got to say, Im very skeptical about the story of Bernie and Liberty media intervening in the investigation. This hasn’t been corroborated by any reliable source and Red Bull have been right lipped about the whole thing since their brief comment at the start of this.

If the Bernie story is real, who leaked it? Christian wouldn’t have, it’s embarrassing for him. RB wouldn’t necessarily have known about it, because it would have been a private conversation between Christian and his friend. So, Bernie leaked it? To what end? And then it is packaged together with the story that Liberty Media and F1 itself has now become involved, which nobody would want the public to know. So, I guess my question is…who is the source? No one seems to benefit from that information other than the publications getting the clicks.

If indeed it is true, it wouldn’t change my opinion on the situation. Because realistically, anyone who is Christian’s friend would probably tell him “they want you out, just go before this gets hostile”. It’s probably an awful time for his marriage, his family, and for RBR. Maybe if it was RB that leaked that story I would be more inclined to believe they really are trying to push him out, so my view on that would change, but then it would be clear they are relying on pressuring him to resign because they don’t have a case for dismissal. As for Liberty getting involved, you’ll never get me to believe that if they did get in contact, it was not to plead Horner’s case. They take nothing more seriously than the show, and Horner is a main character.

So in short, if the story is true, I guess I would believe that they really do want Christian out, but it wouldn’t affect my opinion on why they started this in the first place. But also, I’m not sure I believe it happened

[devilsainz]

It all started with a joke (Charlos one-shot)

second time trying to make sense of these charlos thoughts in my head. I dont take myself seriously so no one should take my writing skills either. I do these mostly for me, when i feel like it. English is not my first language either and i barely reviewed what i wrote so... read at your own risk.

.....

It all started with a joke.

"Hey, did you heard what everyone is saying about us? That we are the most handsome driver pairing in f1 history." Carlos said with a teasing smile that only handsome men that know theyre handsome men know, while he was scrolling through his phone, sitting in that red couch, in the free time they found when working together .

Charles giggled in return while he was in a distance from him, "come on, lets focus on the performance on the car for now, carlos, please!"

"No i was just saying, cabron, i think it might give us a boost, you know? in our confidence, and even better our ~performance~"

"you just love yourself too much dont you?" Charles said shaking his head lightly.

"Ehm... ok, now ill be serious. But its quite funny, i guess. i still feel flustered by it, actually, when the girls call me guapo out loud sometimes... i just try to get used to it joking, you know".

"I mean, theyre not lying. Youre indeed a very handsome, aaah- how do you say it? Cabron. A very handsome cabron, i'll give you that."

"Ok connoisseur of beauty, gracias for the compliment even though you just called me a bastardo"

"I cant make you get used to much to it, mate.-"

"Maaate! What are these people on?" Carlos said with a cackle in his throat.

"Ok, now you got me curious, bastardo, let me see what are you-"

"~he looks at him like he wanna kiss him so bad~" carlos said mocking in a over sweet toned voice.

"Oooh my god, these people are really going crazy nowadays" Charles commented between their shared laughter.

"Look at this one: 'i want someone to look at me like he is looking at Charlie's lips' -now where am i even look-"

"To be fair, it really looks like it, Carlos, sorry" he let escape a shy laugh.

"Shut the fuck"

"You have to look at the picture, carlos... try to understand their narrative, its very simple, come on"

Charles zoomed in the picture and showed carlo's eyes darting in the direction of his lips.

"Eh, cabron, now that looked really weird, to be fair" he grimaced. They looked into each other and there was a awkward silence until they broke into laughter again.

"Look, we have this effect on people apparently... cause we are so handsome, these weirdos just want us to start making out in front of the camera! I guess its something in their brain chemicals" Carlos said moving his fingers like trying to explain a magic trick.

"Oh mate, come on, get off of it now, this is too much junk for today" charles said with his breath apparently catching up now after laughing so much.

"Yeah, i think its enough, carlos closed the instagram app and put the phone in his pocket."

The awkward silence fell again.

Charles, desperate to break the unconfortableness, tried to start a conversation: "but like, imagine if there were actually, you know, gay-uh-lgbt people and they have to live a life like this, with people analyzing every move they make, in formula 1 in all places-"

"Yeah, you're right... like, we live in a such microscopic world already, and then having people to judge you because of, you know, something that is not even related to the job, like- yeah that must be though" Carlos complemented, now the conversation got into a more serious tone.

"I mean, that sucks. I heard about that guy called Adrian Sutil, and its not that i care, but i mean, we have no idea where he is now- i mean, good for him i guess- but its... i dont know how to explain but maybe its like these people dont even show themselves that much like we do you know?"

Carlos nods while listening and looking at what charles has to say intently as he speaks.

"Like, we and lando, we just go around kicking, punching ouselves in the groins all the time because we dont have to worry about it, you know?" Charles continued.

Carlos says now back to his joking tone: "Ah, this motherfucker is obsessed with my bal-"

Charles interrupts with his high pitched laughter as he squeezes carlos shoulders in his hand.

"No, but now im being serious: did you see how we went from joking, to then talking seriously, then we are just joking again?" Carlos said, self aware, like he just witnessed something he didnt before.

"yeah?"

"See, this is the ~chemistry~ Silvia keeps talking to us about... Cause we get along so good together and naturally... i think people just start to get, you know, hooked up on us! And... crazy, and to see we make out" He said very proud of himself and of charles while he gave some light pats on Charles back.

"Yeah... thats... true, carlos, thats true!" He said just realizing how actually good his relationship with his teammate was. "And ii meeann, we would make indeed a veryy- handsome couple!" Charles giggled as he always did when he feels like he just said something silly.

"But its true! You are a handsome fella. I mean i feel weird praising myself like this, but i am a handsome fella... we together, we would just be two handsome fellas, you know, its math" he said using his hands again, like someone enthusiastically explaining math.

"See, this is why i dont compliment you." Charles said with an harmless teasing smile. "But you ~are~ handsome, mate. If i was a girl- i'd problably try something with you, actually- not to sound weird or any-"

"Nah, dont worry, mate." Carlos gave a strong pat on charles back. "This is completely fine actually, i mean i think its nice that we dont have this uh, awkwardness, between each other, cause its very silly if we stop to think about it." Charles nodded agreeing. "And if i was a girl, i would try hitting up on you, too." Carlos said reassuringly, with a wink, which made Charles blush, not that its hard to make him blush, but...

"Thanks, mate".

"if you want a kiss, just tell me. These people may like it."

"Bastardo-"

Charlos kicked him in the shin, which carlos responded by grabbing and pulling, while charles tried to push his shoulders and get free off his arms holding his leg, making them fall off the sofa while carlos saw the opportunity to tickle him while he fell on top of Charles body.

"Stop mate, we are doing way too much in our free time" charles said trying to supress his giggles with the tickles.

"Stop what? Do you think ill kiss you or?"

Suddenly, the air in the room fell heavier.

The giggling stopped. Now Charles was staring at Carlos lips while he realized Carlos did the same with his.

"I dare you." The tone serious as his lust now.

Carlos went for it and kissed. Just like he kissed his girl for the first time, short and sweet, but now it was Charles. He pulled his head back, stared at charles for a brief moment, and realizing he was looking at him with that same look of discovery mixed with lust, kissed him again.

Charles just let himself be guided by the older man kiss, now going slower in rhythym, heavy with tongue, short in breath, thick in grunt.

After what felt somewhat between 15 hours or 15 seconds of a long kiss, they went back at staring each other, now the reality slowly bringing them back to their feet.

"Sorry, mate- i dont know what the fuck i-" Carlos said standing up

"No its fine i dont know either-" Charles stand up swiftly trying to make sense of what happened

"I just fucked up didn-"

"Pshh, dont say that. Its okay mate, its just a kiss. Nobody has to know."

"You really mean nobody, right? Like nobody."

"Of course, why the fuck would i do that"

"I dont know- i mean- i dont- i wouldnt think you'd tell anybody either way, i'm just-"

"And i wont." Charles said looking him in the eye and making him silent. "I give you my word. Nobody will know".

he extended his hand open in a handshake.

"I give you my word too, dont worry." He said back nodding, with a look that could only mean truth.

They shaked hands, firmly in their promise. After the silence settled in again..

"And... honestly... mate, your kiss was really good. I tell you that." Charles said all red as the ferrari color he was destined to wear, his face nervous but with a smile in his eyes that Carlos saw through.

"Thanks." Carlos said smiling shyly, blushing just as he did when people called him guapo in public.

And just like that, them standing in front of each other, there was two knocks on the door as a voice called "Carlos? Charles?". Time to go back to work.