Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Lola, I am a Brazilian writer so in advance I apologize for any grammar mistake considering the fact that English is not my first language. I am 18+
Ultraviolence - Steve Harrington x Mayfield!reader
Warnings: violence, abuse, swearing, reader is Max's older sister, happens between season 2 and season 3
It does't look that bad. Or at least that's what you try to convince yourself as you stare at yourself in the mirror.
You have always been into makeup, never leaving the house bare faced, so it wasn't that weird that you had makeup on to go to school today, just... looked like you went heavy on the blush.
You catch Max's eyes from the mirror, she is standing directly behind you on your share bathroom. She looks embarrassed, ashamed almost. Her mouth pulls on frown as she opens up to talk.
"Don't." You cut her off as you turn to face her. But your tone is gentle despite your dismissive words.
She calls your name, her voice so low. "I'm sorry."
"You did nothing wrong." I say firmly "Don't beat yourself up over this."
"But I..." She stops talking when we hear the car horn from outside. She freezes.
You sigh, turning off the bathroom lights as you ushered her outside. You sling your backpack over your shoulders.
"Don't say a word. Don't glare. Don't do anything." You scold her as gently as you can.
She manages a weak nod, and you're somewhat satisfied. You open up the passenger door, watching as she climbed to the backseat before you took a seat, closing the door a bit too forceful.
You don't dare to look to the side, knowing you will find Billy's smug face staring back at you. You won't give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his presence.
He cranks up car radio, the music blasting from the stereo as he drove to school. You knew he was trying to get a rise out of you, knowing you're not a morning person and likes your silence in the first hours of the morning.
-------
You manage to follow your day as best as you can, until PE class. Nancy Wheeler sees it as you're retouching your makeup, she tries to say something, but you walk right past her as if you don't know each other, which is a lie.
You've known Nancy for almost a year. You were together fighting against interdimentional monsters just weeks ago. Still, you refuse to talk to her a moment like this.
It's almost the end of school year, summer was around the corner, things should get better soon. They had to. You didn't need more drama.
Still, you should have known Steve Harrington would be waiting for you by your locker at the end of the day. Arms crossed, his lips were pulled down in a frown.
"Steve, to what do I owe you the lovely pleasure of having you block my locker?" You ask him with a small smile, even though it hurt to smile.
He watches you closely before speaking "You're wearing an awful lot of blush today."
You shrug "I was feeling a little bolder this morning."
He hums and reaches out to touch your face a little too fast for you to pull back in enough time. He touches your cheek and you hiss in pain, slapping his hand away.
"I knew it." He huffed out.
You stare at him dumbfounded, what were you even supposed to say?
"I will kill him for real this time." Steve seethes before walking off.
Your brain took a few seconds too long to comprehend what's going on before you're running after him. You should have known Steve would put two and two together, specially after he defended your little sister Max from Billy just weeks ago.
"Steve!" You call out as you try to catch up to him, but his legs are longer than yours and he is taking large steps "Steve! Wait! Wait up!"
He ignores you as he reaches for the doors, ready to step outside on the parking lot, where you know Billy is probably already waiting up. Where Max is going to be soon.
"Steve!" You finally manage to reach him, clinging to his arm to stop him "Stop."
"No, I won't let him get away with this."
"He didn't do anything!"
His glare was so harsh and full of anger that you recoiled for a moment, your grip on his arm loosing it up.
Steve sighed, reaching up to touch the side of your face gently. He studied your face with concentration, almost as if he could see it thought the thick layer of makeup.
"I know he hurt you." He mumbled, his hand still on your face "Don't lie to me. Why did he do it?"
You stare at him in silence, not really knowing what to tell him. Because he is abusive jerk. Because he takes out his anger on you and Max. Because you didn't really know how to defend yourself from him. Because when became part of your family you thought you both would be close. Because stupidly you thought he still could change. Because you wanted to defend Max.
Steve spoke your name gently. "Talk to me. Please."
You closed your eyes for a moment before opening them up again to look at Steve's warm and soft ones.
"He was mad at Max, she got home late after hanging out with the boys and El." You explained, your voice wary "I just... got in front of her. It was instinct."
Your explanation somehow made Steve even angrier.
"He was aiming for Max? A literal child?" He was fuming now "And instead he hit you, his sister. A woman. He tried to hit a child and a woman."
When he spoke like that it did sound awful. Who were you kidding, it is awful. You wish you could stop your stupid brain from still trying to make up excuses for Billy, to protect him.
"I will kill him."
Steve was moving again. His hand dropped from your face, he pushed the doors open and stepped outside onto the parking lot. He spotted Billy immediately, leaning against his car and flirting with some random girl.
You followed after him, scared of what could happen. You looked around frantically, wishing you could spot Johnathan or anyone else who could interfere when things got bad. You knew they would get bad.
The punch made a crunching sound. You gasped. The second punch came in before Billy could even process.
"Holy shit!"
You looked to the side, Dustin Henderson and the others were standing shocked to the side, mouths hanging in a O shape. Max stood with them, she looked at you and you didn't have the guts to look back at her.
By the time you looked back at the two boys, Billy was fighting back. You dropped your backpack and took a step closer to them, wanting to defuse the situation.
"Stay away from this." Steve warned you as he aimed another punch.
"Oh so you're her knight in shining armor, Harrington?" Billy spat some blood on the pavement of the school's parking lot "She's your new little slut?"
That made Steve angrier.
You think you yelled at them to stop, but you're not sure. Your head was spinning, too many things happening at once. The kids were yelling, the others students too.
You think you try to interfere again, but then you're looking up at the sky. Why are you looking up at the sky?
"Hey, hey." You hear Nancy's soft voice, she touches your shoulders as she helps you sit up "You okay?"
"What...?"
You blink then look around. The police vehicle. Hopper was harshly shoving Billy inside the backseat of the car. He slammed the door shut before walking up to Steve who had a bloodied face, they both looked at you.
Nancy helped you up. You place a hand on your head, where did this headache come from.
"He hurt you, kid?" Hopper asks gruffly as soon as you're close enough.
You manage a weak nod.
"Your sister too?"
Another nod.
Hopper's already unhappy face gets even more twisted in anger. He lights up a cigarette.
"I'll take care of it. Don't go home tonight. Max is staying with El. You can stay with the Wheelers."
He storms off to the car. You stand still, confused. What the fuck has just happened?
-------
A few hours later you were sitting on Steve's couch. He had spoken to Nancy and somehow convinced you both it would be better if you spent the night at his place since he had a guest bedroom, and if you stayed at the Wheelers you'd have to sleep on the couch from the basement.
You didn't even put up a fight, you had a killer headache as it turns out when you tried to intervene to break up the fight, Billy had thrown on the ground.
"Why do you always do this?" You question Steve, voice small.
He was icing his face where he had been punched. You also head an ice pack, but on top of your head to help get rid of your migraine.
"Do what?" He questioned back.
"This. Jumping on fights. You did it on the demogorgon, on the demondogs. Weeks ago when Billy tried to get Max home, when he was awful to Lucas. Now."
Steve stared at you as if you had grown a second head.
"You'd expect me to just stand by and watch? Doing nothing?"
You pause for a moment. You didn't really expect him to do nothing, just not to jump into danger to defend you.
"I can understand you defending Nancy with the first demogorgon, she was your girlfriend at the time, you loved her. The kids I understand too, they're well, kids." You ramble "And you also love them, specially Dustin. But I don't understand why..."
"I'd do the same to you?" He finished off.
You nod, watching him closely to see what he'd say, but to your surprise he laughed at you.
"What are you laughing at?" You ask, worried Billy might have hit him too hard and his brain isn't functioning properly now.
"Did you hear your reason as to why I defended Nancy and the kids?"
"Because of love."
Steve nodded, and stared at you as if expecting you to connect the dots. But you didn't. He cracked another smile, dropping the ice pack from his chin and placing it on the coffee table.
He moved closer to you on the couch, you could smell his cologne. His hair was slightly fluffy from showering and not styling it properly. He grabbed your hand his much larger one, it was warm and soft.
"Then why do you think I protected you too?" He asked. His voice gruff, but full of warmth.
You gape for a moment, your brain catching up, but not properly. He couldn't be implying that he loved you. No, that was wrong. Well, he could love you, but like the loves the kids, not like he loved Nancy. You weren't even sure if he was completely over Nancy yet.
"I can hear your thoughts." He mumble, his finger gently stroking your hand.
"You can't-"
"I do." He cuts you off.
"As a fri-"
"No. As more." He cuts you off again.
You close your mouth. There is absolutely no fucking way this is real. Maybe Billy hit you so hard last night that you're hallucinating and soon will wake up in your bedroom, in your bed.
"This is real." Steve said softly. "I love you. It's not friendship. It's no pity. I want to help you and Max. I want you both safe, and I love you."
You continue to stare at him, but this time your body slowly moves a bit closer to him. Steve takes as an invitation to wrap his arms around you in a sweet embrace.
"You don't have to say anything right now. Just let me take care of you. Please, let me take care of you, to keep you and your sister safe."
"Okay." You whisper.
Steve smiled, placing a kiss on top of your head. You closed your eyes, enjoying the softness of the moment.
Maybe things will get better during summer, after all.
Everyone talks about how depression is endless sadness, but no one talks about the emptiness inside without an actual explanation. It’s not sadness, it’s not anger, it’s nothing but an empty void.
No one talks about how you avoid doing things that you love, and that used to bring you joy because when you actually do them you feel nothing. How you postpone doing things because you know they won’t make you feel like they used to, your brain just can’t comprehend that you are supposed to enjoy it.
No one talks about how your body feels heavy, and it’s like every single small action takes a lot of effort, like there are weights tied around your arms, your legs, pulling you down and preventing you from doing daily tasks so you just lie down in bed because the bed is safe, you don’t have to move your body so it doesn’t feel heavy.
No one talks about how taking a shower, washing your hair, drinking water and brushing your teeth become a task too hard do accomplish. Doing this things mean leaving your bed, leaving the safe space.
No one talks about how the hunger goes away, you remember faintly you’re supposed to eat, but your body doesn’t ask for food. You only know you should eat when your stomach hurts, and for a moment you remember you’re alive, that you’re supposed to do something, to get out of this slump.
No one talks about how you want to get out of this, but the weight of the depression brings you down, makes you a prisoner.
Depression isn’t just being sad all the time, depression is losing your sparkle, losing the love for the things that make you happy. Depression is knowing you win battles, but maybe never will win the war.
I stood still. Hands gripping the umbrella to cover myself up from the rain. I couldn't really mind the harsh cold wind blowing on my face. It was drying the hot tears streaming down my face, they didn't seem to stop at any time soon.
My heart ached, everything ached. I didn't know I could actually feel physical pain upon being hurt emotionally.
His smile forever engraved in my mind. I go to sleep listening to the faint sound of his laughter and voice. I dream of his beautiful eyes, knowing I will never find anything quiete like this ever again.
I love you
I wish I had said it when I had the chance. Please come back to me. I miss you. I love you. You are my everything.
Summary: Everyone knows about the history of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. But there's a well kept story within the paddock about Sebastian Vettel and another Webber. This is that story.
Part 01:
Two strangers that seems to be drawn with each other aka the humble beginnings of Y/N Webber and Sebastian Vettel.
Part 02:
Its the first year that Sebastian moved to Red Bull, what could go wrong?
Part 03:
The one where Jenson Button is a shit stirrer.
Part 04:
Tensions on track and tensions off track are escalating one by one. Which one of them would be the first to crack?
Part 05:
It is clear that the Red Bull garage is picking a side between the two drivers but everyone's wondering what Y/N is up to.
Part 06:
Sebastian Vettel's first championships and a series of events that happened before that.
Part 07:
Mick and Jenson is ready to protect her all the time but Sebastian is willing to commit war crimes on track for her.
Part 08:
A turbulent family relationship that causes Sebastian to keep his feelings hidden (for the mean time).
Part 09:
A little perspective about the thoughts of other people when it comes to their slowburn relationship.
Part 10:
its been a long time coming. lets enjoy the calm before the storm.
Part 10.5
The storm has arrived in the form of Multi21
Part 11:
Sometimes we make mistakes and we can say sorry. Most of the times, mistakes cannot simply be corrected by an apology.
Part 12:
selfless decisions and selfish decisions makes everything peaceful or complicated?
Part 13:
sometimes we have just to enjoy and live the moments we are in right now. we never know what will happen next.
Part 14
should we talk about things or should we leave things as it is, aka the consequences of the truth
Part 15
break-ups happen everyday you don't have to lose it. can anybody move on from this?
Part 16
and i promise to be there with you through good or bad or as long as you'll have me around.
Part 17
can anybody please change the prophecy?
Part 18
Say your goodbyes now. Its really going to hurt to love someone.
Part 19
A love lost yet still felt is a kind of love that is one of a kind.
Part 20
how long could you wait for me? are you still ready to welcome me back?
Norris and Button traveling around the world together.
THE 2021 SEASON
PRE SEASON TESTING
Sakhir, Bahrein, 2021
The McLaren office is silent as I scan over the list of reporters that will be present for the pre-season testing. This is my first time at a testing of Formula 1 and also my first day at the job as not an intern, but as a junior PR assistant.
I’m nervous, again, just like I was the first day as an intern two years ago. Sophie isn’t here this week, she told me she wanted to see how I’d deal with this by myself, considering pre-season is supposed to be a bit more chill, as I only have to deal with the press and not the fans as well.
As I finally finish jolting down the necessary notes, I get my phone and smooth down my skirt. I’m trying to appear more professional, wearing a skirt and a button down shirt.
I walk out of McLaren and onto the eerily quiet paddock. I spot Lando talking to Daniel Ricciardo, his new teammate. The fellow brit waves me over and I smile walking to them.
“Hey guys.” I smile, standing beside Lando who grins at me.
Once again I have the same thought as I did earlier this week when I saw Lando for the first time since my five week vacation with my family. What the fuck.
There was something different about him, I don’t know what it is, but he’s different. I don’t know if he changed something in his hair routine, or is trying out a new workout with his personal trainer. Or if he had an attitude change. There is something different about him, and I can’t get my heart to beat normally around him.
The two McLaren drivers include me in their conversation and we carry on talking normally. There’s a new dynamic here, Daniel and Lando, the new duo, but they get along well and I can’t help but think that it’s because it’s humanly impossible to dislike Lando. He’s just so… Wow.
“Mick!” I squeal in delight once I spot the new Haas driver walking side by side with Sebastian.
Mick Shumacher smiles big once he sees me and I run to him, tackling him with a hug. He catches me with ease and spins me around before putting my feet back on the ground.
“Oh, I’m so happy to see you here!”
“I’m happy to see you here, as well!” He says back, matching grin on his face.
Our eyes are wide and we look like hyperactive children.
Sebastian sighs dramatically “Will we have to keep you both separated again?”
Daniel smirks, piping into the conversation.
“Again?”
Sebastian nods, looking as if he’s in pain.
“They once set a car on fire.”
Mick and I yell in protest.
Daniel’s eyes are wide and Lando arches an eyebrow at me.
“It was a plastic car.” I explain.
“And someone who was supposed to be baby sitting us let us loose at the Red Bull garage” Mick complements.
Daniel laughed delighted, throwing his head back and Lando cracks a small smile, which is extremely unsual of him.
“Hey, don’t put this on me.” Sebastian defends himself “She was an angel and you were an overall well behaved child. How would I know you’d corrupt her sweetness in such a short amount of time?”
Mick grins as he shrugs “We weren’t that bad.”
“Didn’t you call Kimi once because you two got drunk and he would be the nicest of the bunch to pick you up?”
I smile at the memory “Yeah, we called Kimi and he took care of me and then yelled at Mick for being a bad influence.”
Mick shudders as he recalls the night Kimi Raikonnen yelled at him as he scolded the Shumacher young boy.
“Oh damn, the iceman went all out on you.” Daniel laughes again.
This time Lando joins in on the laugher, but his eyes are focused on me and he has his arms crossed.
Imola, Italy, 2021
Lando has been a bit weird for past few weeks, ever since Bahrein, which is confusing. Pre season testing went great, the first race of the season he managed to get p4. Still, he was in a kind of bad mood.
I’ve been watching the race intensely from the McLaren garage, once there are only four laps left, I go wait for him at parc fermé. Lando’s gonna get a podium, the first podium of the season and his second podium of his career.
I try to keep a professional appearance as I stand at parc ferme. He parks his car at p3. He hasn’t taken off his helmet yet, but I can tell from his body language that he is buzzing with excitement.
Lewis and Max clap him on the back and he runs to his team. I try to keep a smile at bay, I know there are lots of cameras on me right now, wanting to get the attention of the girl who only got the job because of her daddy.
He takes off his helmet and balaclava after he weighs down and his eyes lock on me.
Lando grins, placing his helmet at the table and takes large steps to where I am. Before I can even process he scoops me up in his arms and squishes my body.
“I got p3.” He mumbled onto my neck.
“You did. It was amazing.” I smile as I let him continue to squeeze me in a tight hug “Congratulations Lan.”
“I did that.” He says, emphatically on the I. “You saw what I did, right? You were paying attention to me at the race, weren’t you?”
I’m a bit confused at what he means by that, but nod.
“Yes, of course, Lan.”
“Good.” He mumbled, finally letting go of me, but his hands continued on my body “You’re here with me, Norris and Button traveling the world. No one else is part of that.”
I nod, still not following what he means by that. Lando stares at me with those beautiful eyes and smiles.
What is going on?
Barcelona, Spain, 2021
The Sainz family, as sweet and welcoming as ever, invited me and Lando to have dinner with them. It's Carlos' home race, but we all still keep our friendship up and his father loves to have us around, mostly Lando who shares his love for golf and I’m pretty sure became an honorary son to him.
As we sit in a restaurant I take on the opportunity that Lando, who’s across from me, is engaged in a conversation with Caco, so I turn to Carlos.
“Hey… have you also noticed that Lando has been acting a bit weird this year?” I ask him in a low tone so no one else but me, him and his girlfriend Isa can hear.
Carlos’ tilt his head to the side a bit confused while Isa smiles fondly at me.
“No, not really. He’s been normal.”
Isa lightly taps his arm and they seem to have a silent conversation before Carlos turns to me again, a smile on his face and a glint in his eyes.
“Oh, pequeñita. You haven’t noticed yet, have you?”
“Notice what?” I question him, even more confused than before.
“It’s because of Shumacher.”
I frown “Mick? What does Mick have to do with Lando’s weird behavior?”
Isa laughs softly as she leans closer to me.
“You know what that means, he’s jealous of Mick.”
I widened my eyes incredulously.
“Jealous? But why?!”
The couple share another glance before Carlos pats my head in a sweet but annoying gesture.
I grow a bit annoyed with the fact that they won’t tell me why, but I decide to keep quiet and not say anything else. I’ll just have to figure it out on my own.
Le Castellet, France, 2021
Daniel flanked me through the paddock, a frown on his usual smiley face. He was pissed, I had never seen him pissed off before.
I had arrived at the paddock with him, Lando had arrived earlier as he rode with Carlos.
When we got out of the van there were fans waiting for Daniel and he stopped for pictures and autographs. There was a small child with their parents who gushed me over, as they had been Jenson Button’s fans. They asked for a picture and I couldn’t say no when they were so sweet. And that’s when the shit show went down.
Some fans, overhearing our conversation, started to shout bad words at me. They called me an opportunist, said I didn’t deserve my job, they called me a whore, accused me of sleeping with the drivers so I’d keep my job.
I was frozen in place, I didn’t know how to react. I had never been publicly hated before, it was already horrible to read those things online, but hearing them being shouted to my face, it was much much worse.
Daniel snapped the minute he heard those words. He told the fans off, called security and took me inside the paddock and quickly to the McLaren hospitality.
Lando was lounging on the couch when Daniel slammed the door open, he was on his feet the minute he saw our body language.
“What happened?” He rushed over to me. When I didn’t say anything he turned to Daniel “What happened?”
“Some fucking assholes saying fucking bullshit to her.” Daniel answered angrily.
And it’s like things finally clicked in place and I realized what happened. The tears came out in waves.
Lando was quick to wrap his arms around me, cradling my head on the crock of his neck.
Daniel explained to him what the fans had been saying outside the paddock and Lando only held me tighter as I cried.
“Come on, let’s go to my driver's room.” He mumbled once he realized some of the McLaren staff had been looking at us. “You’ll be much more comfortable there, love.”
Still keeping me in his arms, he walked me to his driver's room, closing the door shut behind us. He guides me to the couch, sitting me in between his legs and still holding me close.
Lando caressed my hair as he whispered reassuring words into my ear.
“I’ll never be good enough for them.” I sob onto his neck “No matter what I do, I will never be able to prove myself. I should just give up… yeah, yeah… I’m gonna quit my job.”
“Hey, no!” Lando says sternly. He pulls my face off his neck and cups it in his hands, forcing me to look into his eyes. “You’re not quitting. I’m not letting you give up, that’s not happening. Not now, not ever.”
He wipes away my tears with his thumbs.
“You are good enough. You’re more than good enough.” He tells me. “You have been doing an amazing job. You’re not here because of your father.”
“But my dad helped me get this job.” I protest, still softly crying.
“Yes, he did help you get the job and you never denied it, you’ve been vocal about getting this jump start.” He nods “But it wasn’t your dad that made you keep the job. It wasn’t your dad that made you get the promotion from intern to junior assistant. It was all you. It was your talent, your professionalism, your hard work. It was you, only you.”
I stare at him, processing his words.
“And those assholes that said those things to you? They are nothing but pathetic people who need to put others down to feel good about themselves. You don’t owe them anything. “
I nod slowly, my tears finally slowing down as he still has my face in between his hands. Lando smiles softly at me.
“You are incredible, love, I wish you could see how amazing you are.”
He leans in, placing a soft tender kiss on my forehead. I close my eyes, enjoining his affection.
Lando lets go of my face, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as he leans back on the couch, making me lie on his chest. One of his hands rests on my hip, holding me close.
I take a deep breath, snuggling against him and keeping my eyes closed.
Silverstone, England, 2021
“And then, he refuses to let her buy her own records!” I exclaim to Lando. “So she didn’t own her own music anymore. The music she worked her whole life on!”
We were sitting at the McLaren hospitality together. It was way too hot outside at the Silverstone circuit so the two of us were sitting inside, where there was air conditioning, and we were having ice cream.
“But, Taylor is really smart, and she decided to re-record her albums. So if there is a Taylor’s version after it it means she owns it. And she releases songs from the vault that are songs she wrote originally for that album but that got cut off.”
Lando nods along to what I’m saying, a small smile on his lips.
“And she’s releasing… purple Taylor’s version in November?” He asks me.
I chuckle, “It’s red Taylor’s version.”
“Oh, I see…” he hums “Why red?”
“It’s her favorite color. Oh, I can’t wait to dress in full red on the release album date.”
“That’s a no.” He shakes his head.
I tilt my head to the side confused “What do you mean that’s a no?”
“I’m not letting you dress in red! Red is Ferrari’s color and you're a McLaren girl.”
I place a spoonful of chocolate ice cream in my mouth, letting it melt on my tongue before smiling mischievously at him.
“Everybody is a Ferrari fan.” I tease him.
“No! No! You’re not quoting Sebastian Vettel to me!” He exclaims dramatically “I already lost my best friend to Ferrari, I can’t lose my girl too!”
I felt the blush taking control of my cheeks when he called me his girl.
“Not happening. Doesn’t she have a papaya album?”
I shake my head, still a bit dazed with his words.
“The closest she has to an orange tone is her evermore album that is more of a terracota.”
Lando nods “That works for me, it’s better than a red themed one.”
I giggle at him, poking his side.
“I can’t believe you’re mad over an album color theme.”
He rolls his eyes, but he has an affectionate smile on his face.
Magyórod, Hungry, 2021
The knocking on the door startled me awake. I jump in bed, rubbing my eyes as I click on the screen of my phone. It’s midnight. I frown wondering who it could be at this time of night.
I throw the blankets to the side as I pad quietly to the door. I open just a tiny bit to see who it is.
Lando smiles big when he sees my face. I sigh in relief that it’s a familiar person, I open the door wider and there he is. Standing in a hoodie and sweatpants and holding a birthday cake.
“Happy birthday!” He exclaims.
I widen my eyes, having completely forgotten it is my birthday.
“Thank you, Lan!” I smile, stepping to the side to let him into the room.
Lando walks to the table and places the cake there. I follow him close behind as I look at the beautifully decorated cake. In a cursive letter it’s written I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22!
“Oh my god, you got me a Taylor Swift birthday cake!”
Lando grins before wrapping his arms around me and kissing the top of my head.
“Of course, how couldn’t I get a 22 birthday themed cake for the 22 year old girl who’s obsessed with Taylor Swift?”
I smile as I squeeze him in the hug.
“You’re the best of the best of the best!” I squeak happily.
He smiles before kissing my temple.
“You only deserve the best.”
We stayed hugging for a few more minutes, enjoying the hug before pulling away. I smile at him again, that’s all I do when I’m around him, and I grab his hand pulling him towards the bed.
“Sleep over?” I ask softly as he sits together in the fluffy bed.
“Yes.” He nods.
Lando looks nervous for a moment and I get concerned I might have crossed a boundary of asking him to stay over, although it won’t be the first time we slept on the same bed.
He sighs before putting his hand inside his hoodie pocket and pulling out a velvet box from inside of it. He smiles nervously before handing it to me.
“Your birthday present.” He mumbled
I gasp as I open the box. Inside of it there’s a beautiful gold necklace, the pendant is a heart with its outside full of tiny pink swarovskis. I take the delicate jewelry in my hands as I turn it around, on the back of the heart it’s written LN.
“Lando…” I murmur
“I-I wanted to have my… my initials on it so you ’d… so you’d always have me close to you.” He mumbled awkardly, his cheeks pink.
“It’s beautiful.” I smile “I love it. Thank you.”
I turn back to him and pull my hair to the side “Can you put it on me, please?”
“Y-yeah.”
Lando’s hands are a bit shaky as he places the necklace around my neck, his fingertips bringing goosebumps to my skin.
I turn around again and his eyes fall to my neck and chest, where the heart necklace he gave me rests. He smiles proudly.
“It looks beautiful on you.” He said, lifting his eyes to look at me “You’re beautiful.”
I smile, leaning over and placing a kiss on his cheek.
“Thank you, Lan. I’m never taking this off.”
He grins harder, leaning over and placing a kiss on my cheek as well.
SUMMER BREAK
Mallorca, Spain, 2021
“Retirement huh?” I ask Kimi Raikkonen as we’re enjoining the beach in Mallorca
It’s not usual for the Raikkonen family to join us during summer break, along with the Rosbergs and Vettels. Lewis used to come along with Roscoe but since his fallout with Nico he never joined us again - even after when I was seventeen and I called him crying asking him to join us because my dad was retiring and we should all spend one last summer together. He came, after Nico left. Those dramatic middle aged men.
Kimi gives me a lazy smile, which also isn’t usual contrary to popular belief. He has his sunglasses on and is building a sandcastle with me and his two children, Robin and Rianna.
“Eh, racing is a hobby and I got tired of it.” He shrugs “Now I’m more into dirty bike riding.”
I chuckle, shaking my head “Somehow that sounds even worse than driving cars in circles.”
Robin gives me a bright smile as he says “Don’ wowwy, I race car soon in Formula 1 and you cheer I!”
I smile at him, ruffling his blonde hair “Of course, Rob! I wouldn’t dare to cheer for anyone else but you!”
The little boy seems content as he goes back to building the sandcastle. Rianna actually grew bored of it a few minutes ago and is now busy with playing, tugging, at my hair.
“Who’s he?” Kimi asks suddenly.
“What?” I frown confused.
“The boy who gave you the necklace.”
“Oh.” I feel my cheeks warm up, truth to my words I have indeed been wearing the necklace Lando gave me all the time. “Lando gave me as a birthday gift.”
I can see the furrow on Kimi’s eyebrows even if he’s wearing sunglasses.
“That thing made a move on you?!” He exclaims “I’m running him off track when we’re back from summer break.”
“What? No!” I shake my head “It’s just a necklace.”
“A custom heart shaped necklace! It’s like he has a death wish or something.” He whips his head to the side “Sebastian! Come here! Now!”
Seb, who was peacefully napping under the umbrella, sits startled at Kimi’s urgent call. He runs to us.
“Norris made a move on her!”
“What?” Sebastian asks scandalized “He did what? That little asshole!”
“He didn’t do anything, Seb.” I explain as I point to my necklace “Kimi is just freaking out over the birthday gift Lando gave me.”
Seb sits on the sand beside me, leaning closer to scan the necklace.
“Yeah, I’m running him off track when the summer break is over.”
“That’s what I said!” Kimi smiles big “We’re running him off track together so he doesn’t have anywhere to escape to.”
Seb hums, nodding his head “That’s a good plan.”
I look at them in exasperation “No one is running anyone off track.”
They ignore me as they keep plotting.
“Hey!” I snap at them and the two grown men finally look at me “Lando and I are just friends, stop this. And even if we weren’t, I’m 22, I’m allowed to date.”
They share a look before laughing.
“No, you’re not allowed to date.” Seb says, still chuckling “You’re funny, prinzessin.”
I glare at them but they only continue to laugh at me.
“You’re still the first pieni vauva, you always will be.” Kimi grins at me “And that means you’re only allowed to date when you’re… fifty.”
“You’re both ridiculous.” I scoff but I have a small smile on my lips.
Deep down I know they don’t actually mean it. But I have to keep an eye out so that they won’t threaten Lando or something like that.
Monza, Italy, 2021
“You’re here!” Lando yelled over the loud music, arms open wide and a drink in his hand. He was for sure already drunk.
Daniel had won the Monza Grand Prix and Lando came just in second, it was the first time in his F1 career he had gotten p2. The team had decided to go out to celebrate at a club and some other drivers joined in - Max Verstappen, who had a terrible race and dnf, was there drinking the night away to celebrate his best friend and also drown his feelings.
I stepped up to where Lando stood and smiled at him.
“Yeah, sorry it took me too long.” I let him hug me “I couldn’t decide what to wear.”
Lando grabbed my hand, twirling me around and whistling as my sparkly short blue dress shone under the club lights.
“You certainly made a great choice.” He smirked at me “You look incredible.”
I feel my cheeks grow warm.
“Thank you.”
I went over to the bar to order myself a drink and Lando followed me close behind. As I stood leaning over the bar to order my drink, I could feel his warm chest against my back.
I stood up straight as I waited for the bartender, and I tilted my head to the side to look at Lando who was already looking down on me.
He's wearing a simple white shirt and jeans, but he’s wearing his damn cap backwards. He always looks fucking good when he wears it backwards and it actually makes me weak in the knees seeing him so up close like this, his chest pressed against my back.
I’m snapped out of it when the bartender hands me my drink. I thank him before letting Lando lead me back to where the rest of our group is. I sip on my drink, letting the alcohol flow through me and relax me.
Carlos is dancing with Charles while Max laughs at their terrible moves. Daniel is screaming the music as he hugs Zac and they both sway side to side.
I can’t help but laugh at how ridiculous they look.
Lando grins at me as he’s sitting on a stool, his left arm resting on top of the table.
“Come here.” He says as he wiggles two of his fingers for me to get closer.
When I’m at reach distance, he turns me around and pulls me to stand in between his legs. My back hits his chest and he wraps an arm around my waist, keeping me close.
My breath hitches as he does this so effortlessly and as if it’s normal to hug me from behind.
“They’re gonna be all over Instagram and Twitter tomorrow.” Lando whispers in my ear “They look ridiculous.”
I chuckle “They really do.” I sip my drink “Aren’t you gonna join them?”
I feel his laugh against the side of my face.
“Are you calling me ridiculous?” He asks in feign hurt.
I giggle, craning my neck a bit to the side so I can see his face. He has a smug smile on his lips.
“You ridiculous? Never!” I giggle harder when he squeezes my waist in a playful warning “It’s just that usually you’re the life of the party and right now you’re sitting on a stool drinking peacefully.”
Lando smiles, his dimples even more evident as the pulsing lights of the club shine on his face.
“Can you blame me for wanting to stay here with the prettiest girl in the club?”
Once again I feel my cheeks grow warm, but since I’ve already had drunk, my mind is a bit dazed so I smile at him.
“Really? And where is this pretty girl?” I ask him in a tease.
He smirks, squeezing my waist again and relishing in me squirming against his chest.
“She’s right here… in my arms.” He mumbled before placing a long lasting kiss on my cheek. “The prettiest girl in the club.” He moves his lips a bit down and kisses my jaw “The prettiest girl I have ever seen.”
I feel my heart flutter in my chest at his words and at his touch. I know he’s drunk and doesn’t mean any of it, but for a night I can pretend he does mean it, so I let him hold me close.
Cidade do México, México, 2021
“Oh, Mick…” I whisper as I hug him, softly rubbing his back “It’s okay… this kind of thing happens.”
Mick huffs annoyed against my shoulder. He crashed into Yuki Tsnuoda during the race today and they both had a DNF.
“You’re both rookies… that’s normal to happen.”
I apparently said the wrong thing because the German boy lifted his head from my shoulder, our face millimeters apart as he glared at me.
“Don’t say things that aren’t true.” He mumbled angrily “You’re not even a driver.”
I narrowed my eyes at him “There’s no need to take out your frustration on me, I’m not the one who crashed your car.”
We keep staring at each other, waiting for the other to back down. Eventually Mick sighs and goes back to burying his head on my shoulder as he continues to complain about it being unfair.
I don’t say anything, knowing that if I do we will end up having a fight, just like it happened when we were younger and he crashed into Formula 3 - he kept whining about the crash that had been his own fault and I called him out on it. We didn’t speak for three weeks.
“There you are!” Lando’s voice cut through the silence of one of the cool down rooms of the paddock.
He gave Mick an unimpressed look and a glare.
“Hi, Lan.” I smile at him.
Ever since our little encounter at the club right after the Monza Grand Prix things between us have been different. He certainly kept touching me every chance he got and I wasn’t going to complain about it when in reality I loved to be wrapped in his arms.
“I need you for something.” He said, and I tilt my head confused as I was off the clock “It’s important. Please.”
“Sure.” I nod as Mick lifts his head from my shoulder and away from me “Take care, Mick.”
The Shumacher boy looks at me with a slight pout of being deprived of comfort after his DNF, but didn’t say anything as Lando grabbed my hand and got me out of the cooldown room.
We walked in silence for a moment before we entered the paddock’ parking garage. Lando opened the back door of the van and helped me up inside before sitting beside me and taping the driver on the shoulder to signal we’re ready to go.
“So… burritos?” He asked.
“What?” I blink at him
“Do you want burritos for dinner? And some tacos? And nachos?”
“I… you…” I’m at a loss of words for a moment as I catch up to what he’s done “You called me here to help you because you want dinner?”
Lando nods, a sly smile on his face as he shifts his body on the back seat to take a better look at me.
“Yes, I’m hungry. That’s why I need your help, to have dinner with me.”
I can’t help but laugh at his audacity and then a memory comes up to my brain. Back in Spain, at the beginning of the season when I asked Carlos about Lando acting weird and Isa told me he was jealous. Jealous of Mick.
“Why don’t you like Mick?” I ask, catching him off guard.
Lando is momentarily stunned before he shakes his head.
“I do not not like him.”
“Yes, you do.” I say, a slight frown on my forehead “Whenever I’m with him you’re either glaring, snappy or you find excuses to drag me away.”
He avoids my eyes for a moment, looking at the rooftop of the car before finally looking at me again.
“It’s not that I don’t like him, it’s just that…” he trails off and is quiet again for a moment before he grumbles “He hogs all your attention.”
“Oh God, he’s my childhood friend and I don’t even spend that much of a time with him.”
“Do you like him?” He asks me.
I look at him stunned “What?”
Lando rolls his eyes “Do you like Shumacher? Like, do you have a crush on him or something?”
“No. He’s my childhood friend.” I repeat my words from earlier. “Why?”
He shrugs and won’t look at me.
I huff “Don’t do this, Lando.”
He looks at me from the corner of his eyes “Don’t do what?”
“You know very well what I’m talking about.” I cross my arms over my chest.
He doesn’t say anything and neither do I. We both look at the opposite windows of the car, watching as Mexico City passes by in a blur.
Doha, Qatar, 2021
Lando and I weren’t talking. Well, mostly he wasn’t talking to me after Mexico. During the Brazilian Grand Prix and his 22nd birthday, I snuck into his hotel room and left this gift there.
It was a small golden bracelet, it had his full name and race number on it. I left a sweet message alongside it, hoping he would get the hint of what I meant. I guess he did get the hint and didn’t like it because I woke up after the Brazilian Grand Prix to see Instagram and Twitter flooded with pictures of him making out with some girl at a club in São Paulo.
And now I was the one not talking to him because he has been texting me and calling me non stop on the two week break in between races.
I asked Sophie to take care of this scandal of him as I had never dealt something like that before and didn’t know where to start, so I just stayed on the sidelines watching her do her job and learning - in all honesty I just didn’t want to have to deal with him after seeing him kiss some random girl.
I was heartbroken and I didn’t want to let anyone know about it because if Kimi or Seb caught wind of this… I might be sad, but I’d like to keep Lando alive.
“Stop looking so sad…” Daniel pokes my arm “Those big sad eyes of yours… I can’t handle it.”
We were sitting together as we were waiting for the press conference to begin.
“I’m not sad.” I lied, “I’m just tired.”
“C’mon!” He all but whines “We’ve been working together for almost a year now, I know you’re lying.”
I don’t say anything so Daniel keeps talking “He’s sad too, you know.”
I give him a side eyed glance as I mumble “I don’t know who is this he you’re referring to.”
He sighs exasperated.
“You should talk to him.” He says after a few minutes of silence “Lando misses you.”
“No. I got his message loud and clear.” I shake my head, feeling the stupid tears gather in my eyes once again “I don’t need him to say it to my face. From now on we’re just… work colleagues.”
“But you’re not just work colleagues, you’re way more than that and you know it. Also, you both are dumb asses who got this all wrong.”
I turn to look at Daniel, the stubborn tears ready to spill out onto my cheeks.
“How did I get it wrong, Daniel? I wrote him a note basically saying he’s the best thing that has ever happened in my life and that he meant so much more to me than just a friendship that blossomed because of work.” I say wobbly as I refused to let the tears roll down from my eyes “And he went out and kissed someone else. Things have never been more clear to me. I was just a fool and stupid.”
Daniel says my name softly, but I shake my head.
“The press conference is about to start, get in the room. I’ll be waiting for you here.”
The Australian man sighs before nodding and following my instructions. He gives me one more look over the shoulder and I hate how he seems to pity me right now.
Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, 2021
I didn’t go to the anual Abu Dhabi McLaren end of season party. Instead I went out to dinner with the Raikkonen family.
Tonight has been Kimi’s last race of his Formula 1 career and I wanted to be there with him for his last night. I’ve known him my whole life, I was the flower girl at his wedding and I had been the first baby in his life. Right now being with family seems better. I need this.
I decided not to be secretive about my motives of not being at the McLaren party as I posted a picture hugging Kimi on Instagram.
Old man retired. Now that you’re out of f1 I can finally say it: you’ve always been my favorite. Love you Setä Kimi 🥺💙
After dinner, Sebastian drove me back to the hotel. He had been quiet most of the night and I can tell he is sad. All of his friends have retired, now it’s just him, Lewis and Fernando who have decided to come back.
Once we’re out of the car and entering the elevator I turn to him.
“Please don’t tell me you’re going to leave as well.” I whisper.
He chuckles softly “I can’t say I’m not considering it. I’m getting old.”
“No, you’re not old.” I shake my head. “You’re not even forty yet!”
“But I’m not at my prime anymore. I only got one podium this year.”
“That doesn’t mean anything.” I argued back. “You switched teams, you’re still getting used to the car! You can’t leave!”
Suddenly it was like it had all hit me at once, the changes of it all. Kimi was leaving, he isn’t coming back next year. I’m not talking to Lando, who has been by my side since I started this job. And now Seb wants to leave as well.
“Hey, prinzessin, no, please don’t cry.”
I didn’t even notice the tears falling down my face as Sebastian hugged me tight. He caressed my hair in a soothing manner, like he used to do when I was a child.
We were standing in the middle of the hallway of the hotel. He rocked me gently in his arms, shushing me.
When I finally calmed down, Sebastian spoke again, his voice gentle.
“You need to talk to Lando.”
Before I could protest he continued to talk. “I know you’re not only crying because Kimi is leaving and I’m considering retirement. You need to talk to help, fix things between you two before it’s too late.”
“There’s nothing to fix…” I whisper sadly “He… I… I really like him, Seb. But he doesn’t feel the same way.”
“You’re kidding right?” He chuckled amused “That boy is head over heels for you.”
I open my mouth, but once again he cuts me off “I know what he did. He told me.”
“He… told you?” I question with a frown “And you’re still telling me to go talk to him?”
Sebastian nodded “Yes. He was desperate, he misses you so much and doesn’t know what to do anymore to get you to talk to him. He’s… hopeless, but he likes you too.”
When Sebastian left me in my hotel room, tucked into bed warm and safe with a kiss on the forehead, I kept replaying his words in my mind.
Lando likes me. That sounds weird. But I also know Sebastian would never ever lie to me about something like that.
I text Daniel asking him if Lando has already left the party. Daniel answers me with a yes in big bold letters and lots of exclamation marks.
I pace back and forth in my hotel room before slipping on my shoes. I open the mini fridge and get to mini liquor bottles. I dart out of my room and soon enough I’m standing in front of Lando’s room.
I take a deep breath before I knock on the door.
There are a few moments of silence, I can hear my heartbeat thumping in my ears. I hear the lock turn and soon enough Lando is standing in front of me. His green eyes are rimmed red and he looks like he has been crying.
He whispers my name, a slight tone of disbelief.
“We didn’t toast to another year of Norris and Button traveling the world together.” I say.
We stare at each other before he smiles and ushers me inside.
Formula 1 might be on a break, but university isn’t. I’ve been studying non stop and working all my free time to get extra credit so I’d be able to graduate early, right at the end of spring so I’d have the rest of the year more chilled out.
But being a 21 year old college student, living alone at an apartment at a college campus meant trouble, obviously, and that’s how after long hours of studying at the library, instead of being in my bed catching up on some sleep, I was at a frat house party.
The music was blaring and I was nursing my third drink of night, but in all honesty completely tired now that the alcohol had relaxed me.
I was sitting on the couch, watching my friends dance around me. I grab my phone to get some pictures of them when I notice a new notification.
Lando: what are u up to on a Friday night as a college student?
Lando and I have been texting non stop since the end of the 2019 season, our friendship solidified. We even hung out a couple of times in between Christmas and new years. And now he has been bugging me that I’ve been working and studying too much.
Me: I’m at a frat house party
He instantly replied back.
Lando: YOURE WHERE DOING WHAT
Me: I’m at a frat house party
I smirk to myself as I texted back the same question then before.
Lando: no way, you’re messing with me
I open the camera of my phone, scratching my arm out as I smile hazily before snapping a picture and sending it to him.
Lando: OMG ARE U DRUNK????
Me: yessss
I expected him to make fun of me, but his answer caught me a bit of guard.
Lando: are u alone?
Lando: who’s with u?
Me: my friends are around here somewhere
There a few minutes of silence from his since and I wonder if our conversation is over. He probably fell asleep.
My phone buzzes again.
Lando: how are u going home?
Me: I’ll walk back to my apartment, why?
He’s typing and typing and typing. I bite my lip anxiously, wondering what he’s going to say. Is he going to ask me to let him pick me up? Like in those romance books where the guy picks up the girl from a party when she’s drunk?
Lando: ok
My face falls momentarily.
Lando: I’m not in London
Lando: be careful and text me when you get home safe
I smile, so he was considering picking me up.
Melbourne, Australia, 2020
The world was insane, and I was going insane with it. I was higenyzing my hand every time I touched something. I was in an alert state of the coronavirus.
“They should have canceled the race.” I say, taking a seat with Lando, Carlos and Caco at the McLaren hospitality. “They are saying there are employees who got infected.”
I squeeze hand sanitizer on my hand, rubbing it.
“You’re talking about as if it’s some kind of zombie apocalypse.” Lando chuckles, draping his arm casually over the back of my chair “Relax, they wouldn’t keep up the race if it wasn’t safe.”
Carlos nods “Lando is right.”
I scoff with a tense smile “Oh, but they would. FIA doesn’t care about it, they care about the money. They always have and always will.”
The boys are silent for a moment before Caco nods his head.
“Hamilton and Vettel said something similar during the press conference.” He says “And they’ve been around the same amount of time you have.”
My phone rings and it’s Sophie calling. I quickly brings it to my ear, listening to what she has to say. My frown only deepens when she says two McLaren employees tested positive for covid and that there are more people around the paddock with symptoms as well.
I hang up the phone.
“The teams principals are gathering together to get FIA to cancel the race.” I tell them, watching as both drivers’ faces fall in disappointment “Two McLaren employees tested positive and there are other people around the paddock who are feeling ill as well.”
We gather our things and start to make our way to the McLaren garage, probably the news will get there first if the race is canceled.
I hang back on the group and Lando slows his steps to walk beside me.
“Can’t believe we just got back and we’re already going to leave and be without racing.” He groans, a whine voice a bit high pitched.
“It’s better for it to be canceled and you getting the chance to race again when it’s safer, then getting sick and ending up in the hospital.”
He sighs, shoulders slumping slightly.
“You’re right. I was just excited to give my all at this new season.”
I smile “I know, and you will soon.”
He smiles back at me, nudging me with his shoulder.
“So, are you gonna be able to graduate this spring?”
“I am! I mean, I’ve been doing everything possible for it to happen and I think it will.”
Lando smiles and for a brief moment his fingers brush against mine in a sweet gesture.
“That’s great. I’ll make sure to be there cheering for you at your graduation.”
And my heart flutters at his words.
PANDEMIC
London, England, 2020
“Did I do it right? Are you listening to me?” I ask into the microphone I bought.
Lando’s face show up on the screen of my computer, grinning widely.
“Hiiii! Yes, you did. Now turn on your camera so I can see your face.”
“How do I do it?” I ask, completely lost as I had never used the app discord before. “Oh, never mind, found it.”
“Look at you!” Lando beamed “Are those bunny ears on your hoodie?” I chuckle as I put on the hoodie over my head so he can see the bunny ears “You look adorable! Doesn’t she look adorable, chat?”
I tilt my head to the side, confused.
“Chat? What chat? It’s just the two of us here.”
Lando laughed “I’m streaming, muppet.”
“You’re what?!” I screech “Lando! Why didn’t you tell me we’d be live? I’m in my pijamas!”
He laughs again “You still look adorable and the chat agrees with me.”
I huff, flustered at his words and at the fact that I’m live for god knows how many people while I’m wearing my bunny pajamas. If people didn’t take me serious before, they never will now.
“Now, here’s what we’re going to do.” He claps his hand, a mischievous smile on his face “You’re going to play LOL with me.”
“LOL? But I only know how to play the sims.”
“Yes, you’re going to play LOL. I think it’s the easiest for now.”
As I download the game and start to follow the tutorial, all while sharing my screen with Lando and him judging me at how I can manage to keep dying on the tutorial, I wonder how in the holy hell he managed to convince me to play online with him.
Finally, after an eternity, I finish the tutorial and I start to play with him. Lando keeps instructing me because I don’t even know what buttons to press on my keyboard and he keeps screaming that I’m not running fast enough.
“Oh my God!” I scream “I died! I died!”
Lando laughs delighted.
“My screen is black and white! Why is my screen black and white? Is my computer broken? LANDO!”
That only makes him laugh harder, that infectious laugh of him as I keep yelling questions of what I should do next.
My dad opens the door to my bedroom, peeking his head inside, looking concerned as he calls out my name.
“Are you ok, sweetheart?” He asks, walking further into the room “I can hear you screaming from the living room.”
“Yeah, sorry dad. I’m playing online with Lando and I died.”
My father chuckles, bending down slightly to look at my screen. He smiles at Lando while waving.
“Hello, Lando. Have you been taking care of yourself while quarantining?”
Lando smiles back as he nods “Yes, I have. Your daughter also texts me everyday reminding me what I can and can’t do. It’s like she thinks I will die because I’m living on my own.”
My dad looks amused at me, but he knows I’m right and Lando would have probably set his house or fire by now if I haven’t been instructing him properly on certain things.
My dad pats my head as he stands up straight again “I will leave you kids to it. Take care, Lando.”
“Thank you, Jenson! You too!” Lando smiles. “Now, where were we?”
Later that night, after four hours of online gaming with Lando, I lied in bed scrolling through my social medias. I couldn’t help to read the comments people were making about our live stream together.
Jenson Button worried about Lando I CANT
OMG y/n checking up on Lando daily to make sure he survives
So am I the only one who thinks there’s something there?
She can’t suck on her dads fame anymore bc he’s retired so now she’s going after Norris
I sigh, closing Twitter and putting my phone on the bedside table. People are mean.
Spielberg, Austria, 2020
July and we’re back at Formula 1. The season is being cut short, there won’t be fans attending, but we’re back at racing.
I finished my finals a week ago, just in time to go back to traveling. My dad gave an hour-long lecture about safety and health before finally letting me board the plane.
I haven’t seen Lando and Carlos yet, but I have met uncle Seb who is pissed off at Ferrari for firing him over the phone. I could tell for the way he was talking about meetings and stuff he has to do that he’s plotting something and I couldn’t help but smirk at whatever hell fire he will bring down on Mattia Binotto.
I enter the McLaren garage and I smile underneath my mask as I see Lando talking to his engineer. He turns his head when he hears my footsteps.
He basically bonces on his feet until he meets me halfway.
“Hi!” He says loudly “It’s so good to finally see you in person again!” His eyes are wide “Can I hug you? I want to hug you. I know I probably shouldn’t, but I want to. I haven’t touched anyone in months and and…”
I cut him off with a laugh as I wrap my arms around his middle, resting my head on his chest. Lando brings his arms around me, squeezing me onto his body.
“Hi, Lando. I missed your energetic aura.”
I feel his grin against my shoulder, even with half his face covered in a mask.
“I missed you.” He says back.
He detangles himself from he hug, but keep his hands on my shoulders. He analyzes my face.
“You really do look good with bangs.”
I chuckle, running my hands over the bangs I cut on my hair after a moment of reflection and desperation when I couldn’t leave the house.
“Thank you. It was a moment of… insanity, but at least it looks good.”
He laughs “Oh I know. You texted me like fifteen times saying you did something horrible and it was just bangs.”
I shake my head “Hey, to be fair you called me at two in the morning to ask me how to kill a wasp and I had to wake up my dad to ask him.”
Lando's eyes widened in mock sadness.
“Hey, your dad loves me! I’m sure he was very very delighted to be woken up in the middle of the night to give out instructions on how to kill a wasp.”
I snort out a laugh.
Later that weekend, after the race was finished, I watched as Lando parked his car in p3. It was the first podium of his Formula 1 career. He had been screaming on the radio during the last five laps and I was grinning like an idiot behind my mask.
He got out of the car, helmet still on as he ran to the team, letting them hug him and clap his back. The whole McLaren garage was in a frenzy of celebration.
I’m waiting for him by the parc fermé, to guide him to the podium and then to the press conference room where they interview the winner, second and third place of the race.
Lando takes off his helmet and balaclava and I see his whole face for the first time this year. He has a huge smile on his face as he runs to where I am.
“My first podium!” He yells
I smile “Congratulations, Lando. It was beautiful to watch.”
He wraps his arms around me, jumping around and making me jump with him as I laugh.
“My first podium! Oh fuck! I’m gonna get a trophy!”
I giggle, letting him jump around with me “Yes, you are, Lando, you’re getting a trophy!”
He then stop jumping and just gazed into my eyes, the smile never dropping out of his face.
“Fuck, I’m so glad you’re the one here and not Sophie.”
My heart leaps on my chest.
“I’m glad I’m here, too.”
Silverstone, England, 2020
It was the Silverstone Grand Prix weekend, there were going to be two weekends of races here. My dad had decided to come along since this is his home race and he wants to relive some of the memories.
I walk inside the McLaren hospitality with my dad who is babbling about my graduation to one of the mechanics that have been working here since his driving days.
I hear someone yell my name and I know that voice very well. I turn around and there is Lando, no mask on his face, grinning widely.
“Hey.” I smile back, walking to where he’s sitting
He stands up fast and lifts his hands up, holding a beautiful bouquet of pink flowers.
I gasp in surprise.
“I couldn’t go to your graduation because the attendance was limited, but I couldn’t let it pass by.” He hands me the flowers before enveloping me in a hug “Congratulations, love. I’m very proud of you.”
For some reason his words and sweet gestures make tears gather in my eyes. It’s probably because I was expecting my graduation to be a big even, full of people who I love and cherish and that didn’t happen because of the pandemic.
“Thank you, Lan. This means a lot to me.”
He squeezes me before letting me go. He wipes some of the tears that leaked out to my eyes.
“I know this is a special moment and you wanted it to be a big celebration. We’ll go out to celebrate once things get better, alright? My treat.”
I smile, hugging the flowers to my chest.
“You’re the best, Lan.”
He winked at me.
“Only the best for my best girl.”
My dad stood to the side, watching the scene with a smile on his face. I didn’t know that now, but he took pictures of all of that happening.
Krasnodar Krai, Russia, 2020
Carlos broke the news to the team two weeks ago during our weekly zoom calls. Lando had shut himself out the moment his best friend on the grid said he’s leaving McLaren to go to Ferrari.
He hasn’t been answering my texts or sending me TikToks. He even declined my calls and I was growing not only worried, but annoyed as well.
I knock on his hotel door late at night. My flight had landed an hour ago, I got to the hotel, showered and now here I am knocking on his door.
Lando opens the door, his curly hair disheveled and he’s only in sweatpants.
“You’re not room service.” He says
I glare at him.
“You’ve been ignoring me.” I accuse him, hands on my waist.
“I uh… I’ve been busy…” he stretches the back of his neck “a lot of work.”
“We work together, I know you haven’t been busy.” I glare even harder now “Stop lying to me.”
He stepped to the side and let me inside his room. I walk past him, going to the middle of the room as I stand there with my arms crossed. Lando sits on the bed and looks at me.
“What’s going on with you?” I ask
“There’s nothing wrong with me.” He answered too quickly.
“Lando… you’ve been ignoring me ever since Carlos told us that he’s leaving for Ferrari.”
He grows quiet and looks away from me.
I sigh. “Lando, just because he’s switching teams it does not mean he won’t be your friend anymore. It will be a bit different because you won’t be together all the time like the past two years, but he’s not gonna forget about you.”
He nods. “I know. Carlos already told me all that.”
“Then why have you been ignoring me?” I ask confused. I thought he was isolating because he was sad that Carlos is leaving, but if he’s already on good terms with it, than what’s wrong.
“Because I’m preparing myself from when you leave me as well.” Lando says, he doesn’t look at me, his eyes trained on the carpet floor.
“Wha- What?” I ask completely dumbfounded “What do you mean when I leave you as well?”
He runs a hand through his hair “You’re an intern at the communication department and- and you just graduated from uni. I know you will leave me at the end of the year as well. You’ll move on to much bigger and better things. I’m just… trying to soften the blow of being without you.”
There’s a moment of silence as I process his words. He still won’t look at me and I’m too stunned to speak anything. He’s sad because he doesn’t want to be without me.
Finally, I snap out of it.
“Oh Lando.” I whisper softly, kneeling in front of him and peering up at him. “Lando, no.”
He shakes his head “I know, ok? I’m not dumb…”
I cup his face in my hands to get him to stop talking. He looks at me in surprise and I can see the broken look in his eyes.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Please, don’t lie to me.” He whispered brokenly “Just rip the bandaid already.”
“I’m not lying.” I say, catching a stray tear from his eye with my thumb and wiping it away. “McLaren hired me to be their junior PR manager. You would have known that if you haven’t been declining my calls, you muppet.”
He widens his eyes.
“You’re not leaving?”
I shake my head “No. You’re stuck with me.”
Lando breaths out a laugh, resting his forehead against mine as he closes his eyes.
“Oh, thank god. I’m not ready to say goodbye.”
I smile, enjoying our close proximity.
“You don’t have to say goodbye. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good… good.” He mumbled. “I don’t want you to leave my side.”
We stay like that for a few moments longer, before he helps me stand up from the floor. Lando pats the bed and I soon join him. We lay on opposite sides, he covers us up and we stay in silence, enjoining each other's company as we fall asleep. Right now we don’t need to say anything, everything is understood in the comfortable silence that hugs us.
Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, 2020
It was yet once again the last race of the season.
Lando had a great finish in p5, and although he had a happy smile on his face we took team pictures and toasted, I could see he was sad. This was Carlos's last race as Lando’s teammate. And I could see Carlos was a bit sad as well.
The team principals had gathered together and rented out a club in the city so the party would be just the Formula 1 team and drivers. We had been traveling together all year in the middle of the chaos of the pandemic, so we were all kind of in the same boat, if someone was sick, the odds of everyone else also being sick were extremely high.
I watched from a far as Lewis celebrated his seventh championship. I chuckled as he, Valtteri and Toto started a shot competition between the three of them. Sebastian was chanting chug chug chug and waving his hands around.
I feel the familiar presence of Lando standing beside me as he nurses his drink.
“How was your second year as a Formula 1 employee?” He asks me.
I smile against the rim of my glass. Just one year ago he had asked me the same question, at the rooftop of the VIP lounge at the paddock, hours before the last race of the season began.
“It was weird. My last year as an intern, next year I will have to reinvent myself to be on top of my game.”
“You’re already on the top of your game.” He nudges my shoulder with his arm.
“Yeah, but I still haven’t proved myself here.” I point out.
Lando frowns, turning his body around to look at me. I’m leaning against the wall and now he’s looming over me.
“Have you been getting hate online?”
I give him a weak smile.
“Let’s not talk about this right now. Tonight is about celebrating.”
He’s still frowning and opens his mouth to protest when I cut him off.
“How was your second year as Formula 1 driver?”
He chuckles, probably recalling the same memory from last year. He rests his forearm on the wall right beside my head.
“It was good and weird. I got my first podium ever. I also lost my first teammate…” Lando smiles a bit. “And I got you to be here with me one more year.”
I smile, raising my glass.
“Here’s to another year of Norris and Button traveling around the world together.”
I was nervous, I knew you shouldn't be, but I was.
The sun was shining bright down at the Melbourne Circuit, you could hear the delighted conversations from fans just outside of the motorhome. Everyone was excited for the upcoming season of Formula 1, with new drivers and grid line up changes. And I was one of the new faces at the paddock, although not a driver.
I’ve been no stranger to this whole life at the paddock and following Formula 1. I grew up with it as I’d follow my father around since the moment i learned how to walk.
Jenson Button, former Formula 1 driver and world champion. I carried my last name with pride, I love my dad more than anything in the world, but the moment I showed genuine interest in the motorsport world people started to talk.
So now, I can't help but wonder, what is everyone going to say the minute you walk into the paddock as not a guest, but as a McLaren intern.
Sure, I will be the first to admit that having the Button last name did help I get this internship, but I conclude the training to be here on your effort, with my intelligence, my studies and everything I prepared myself for.
I knew working at the PR department didn't come easy in the motorsport world, I not only had to deal with PR, reporters, FIA, and the drivers, but you had to understand the dynamic of the sport, of the car, and everything else in case I needed to step up to give a statement on behalf of a driver or the team.
I spent countless days, in 2018, going over the FIA regulations, learning about the cars, all while taking classes in UNI and juggling the McLaren PR training.
Someone called out my name in a soothing manner. I lifted your head, meeting Sophie's smile. Behind her there were two men, one standing tall and proud and the other a bit more awkwardly. I knew very well who they were as I will be working close to them.
"Hi, Sophie." I smile at her "Would you like to join me for coffee?"
She nods, taking a sit across from me and gesturing the two men to do the same.
"I wanted to introduce you three properly since you'll be working close together." She says "These are our 2019 drivers, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. This is Y/n, she is our new PR intern."
I smile at both of them.
“It’s nice to finally meet you both.”
Carlos smiles “Likewise, I hope we get along well, the three newbies of McLaren.”
I laugh at his little joke and Lando follows suit with his own laughter that is a bit too contagious.
He seems a bit shy, maybe it’s because it’s his first season in Formula 1 and he feels like he has a lot to prove. In a sense I relate to him. We’re both here to show we’re good and deserve to be here.
And without even speaking for more than 5 minutes with him, I can already feel that we’re going to be friends soon enough.
Xangai, China, 2019
I have my back turned to the door of McLaren hospitality as I fumble with the coffee machine. It’s very early in the morning on Friday, a few hours away from the start of free practice. I am feeling exhausted from the long flight from England to China and the different time zones.
“It seems like the coffee machine is winning the fight.” A voice cut through the silence of the hospitality.
I turn around to find Lando standing beside me with a smile on his face, showing his dimples and amusement.
“I can’t get it to make coffee, I think it’s broken.” I complain with a huff
“Did you turn it on?” He asks me amused
“What?”
“Did you turn on the machine?”
“Of course I…” He reaches his arm across from me, pushing a button and the coffee machine beeps before finally brewing my coffee. I feel my cheeks go warm in embarrassment “Sorry, I’m uh still half asleep.”
He giggles, that infectious laugh of his that I always find myself smiling and giggling along whenever I hear it. If there is one thing I have already learned from Lando, it's that it’s nearly impossible to be serious around him. He carries this natural good natured aura, and he’s funny and likes to make jokes and see the good side of things. And whenever I’m around him I find myself a giggling mess.
We grab our cups of coffee and take a seat at one of the comfortable arm chairs at the corner of the room.
“You look tired.” Lando points out, sipping his coffee.
“I’m jet lagged, and I had a paper to turn in for uni so I stayed up until late and I only got a few hours of sleep on the plane because I had to review the questions for yesterday’s press conference.” I tell him, basically chugging down my coffee “Do you think I’d get fired if I drank Red Bull?”
He shakes his head.
“You should get some sleep during FP1.” He tells me
I sigh “Yeah, but it’s not really worth the drive back to the hotel, I will probably only manage a twenty minute nap before I have to come back here.”
“You can nap in my driver's room.” He offers, a friendly smile on his face
“Oh, no, I can’t accept it.” I shake my head “Thank you, thought.”
Lando smiles, leaning over the armrest of his seat to get closer to me.
“I insist. You need sleep to be on top of your game. Come on.” He stands up offering his hand. I eye it for a moment before accepting it. He pulls me up to my feet.
He guides me through the corridors of the hospitality until we reach his driver’s room. He opens the door and I’m a bit surprised at how neat it looks. I half expected it to be a mess of clothes.
“Here, you can sleep on the couch, it isn’t much but it’s better than nothing.”
“Thank you.” I smile, sitting on the couch and taking off my shoes.
I get into a comfortable position, curling up on the couch and instantly closing my eyes. I feel something soft covering me and I open my eyes a bit confused.
“I don’t have a blanket.” Lando says, his cheeks turning red. “So I uh… covered you with my jacket.”
I feel my chest grow warm at his sweet gesture. I smile at him.
“Thank you, Lando.”
He smiles back at me, and at that moment, I think is when I started to have a crush on him.
Barcelona, Spain, 2019
I should have expected Spain to be a bit insane considering the fact that I work with a Spanish driver. The minute I stepped out of the car with Carlos following behind me, the fans started to scream and throw themselves at us.
I’m not unfamiliar with the whole passionate fans wanting pictures and autographs, but since I used be a toddler or a child, they at least head the decency to not push and pull at my dad because I was clinging to him.
But now I am an adult, and they don’t care about those things anymore and I had never been mobbed by fans before without having my dad or my uncles by my side.
The fans screamed at Carlos who was doing his best to attend each and every single one of them. And things only got worse when Lando arrived and they suddenly wanted pictures of the best new funny duo of the grid.
They pulled at me, shoving pictures on my face to get them to sign since I worked with them, and they yelled questions about what it was like to work with the both young drivers.
I tried to step away, get away from them fans, but I was stuck in between the mass of people and to make matters worse they managed to separate me from Carlos and Lando who were looking at me concerned over the chaos.
“What the fuck?! What the fuck is going on?” A harsh loud voice cut through the yell of fans “Stop pulling at her! Get your hands off of her!”
Suddenly a tall blonde man dressed in red was pushing the fans away from me, shielding me with his body as he yelled.
I cling to the back of Sebastian's Ferrari shirt, telling like a little girl again, but completely relieved that he was there with me with his familiar force of comfort he always knew how to bring me.
He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, gluing me to his side and I knew if I wasn’t 20 years old anymore he would have picked me up and carried me like a toddler out of this mess. He glared at everyone who tried to get in our way and stirred me inside the paddock.
“Prinzessi.” Sebastian called me the same nickname from when he first met me as a newborn “Are you okay? Did they hurt you?”
I shake my head “No, I’m… I’m fine.” I say, but my voice is shaky and he can tell that I’m holding back tears.
He places his hands on my shoulders, peering down at me with intense concerned eyes as he scans my body to look for any injury.
“What the hell is wrong with you both?” Sebastian yells the minute Lando and Carlos finally catch up to us “They were eating her alive!”
They look sheepish and terrified of being scolded by the German who looks lived with anger.
“She’s your PR assistant, but you’re supposed to keep your fans in check to keep her safe!” Sebastian continues with the harsh tone “She could have gotten hurt! They were touching her and shoving her! That was so reckless from the both of you!”
They nod, stiffly.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Vettel.” Lando says, eyes wide “I promise this will never happen again. I’ll- I’ll make sure she is safe at all times from now own. I- I swear!”
Sebastian doesn’t correct him on the Mr. Vettel name calling, he nods still with a glare.
“Come on, prinzessin.” He says in a much more soft tone, his arm resting against my shoulder in a protective parental manner “Let’s get you to Ferrari, uh? I will get you one of those chocolate pastries you love so much.”
With one final glare Sebastian takes me away from them. The McLaren drivers share a confused look as they watch me walk away.
Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2019
The Monaco Grand Prix is always a big event. Lots of celebrities and former drivers gather in the city to watch the historical race, and that’s how I find myself sitting at the McLaren hospitality chatting away with uncle Nico while my dad gets us drinks.
“Are you sure you don’t want to watch the race from Mercedes, uncle Nico?” I ask him, making my best innocent look that always got me away with things when I was younger and probably until this day when it comes to the drivers who watch me grow up.
“No, of course not.” Nico Rosberg shakes his head, a found and almost proud smile on his face “This is the first race I am watching this season in person and you’re officially a Formula 1 employee, I’m staying all weekend here with you at McLaren.”
I want to argue with him that I’m not technically a F1 employee as I’m just an intern, but he gives me a pointed look and I only nod.
“So, what is this that I hear about you and a rookie driver?”
I widen my eyes as I look at him.
“What? What are you talking about?”
Nico laughs at me “Seb has told me that you’ve become inseparable from the rookie McLaren driver, Norris.”
I huff, I should have known uncle Sebastian would open his mouth and gossip about me to his retired friends.
As if being summoned, Lando walked into the McLaren hospitality, wearing his cap backwards and smiling big as always. Carlos is beside him as usual and they both make their way over once they spot me.
“Hola, pequenita.” Carlos greets me, ruffling my hair affectionately before spotting Nico sitting across for me and getting a bit embarrassed.
Lando stands beside me ready to make a joke when he notices Carlos’ expression and widening his eyes when he sees Nico as well.
“Hello, Nico.” Carlos greets him
“Carlos, always good to see you.” He smiles before turning to Lando “And you must be one of the 2019 rookies, Lando?”
Lando nods quickly “Yeah, yeah. That’s me, nice to meet you Mr. Rosberg.”
Nico’s smile widens as Lando addresses him as Mr. Rosberg, feeling pleased with himself. I shot him a warning glare.
“Please, join us.” He says, motioning for the boys to the empty seats.
Lando sits beside me as Carlos sits across from me, leaving one empty space at the head of the table.
Nico makes light conversation, asking mostly questions about Formula 1, but I could see the glint in his eyes every time he asked Lando something, who seemed incredibly shy at receiving attention from a World Champion.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to get the drinks, I ran into some old friends.” My dad says walking to the table with a glass of my favorite refreshing drink to have in Monaco “There you go, sweetheart.”
I smile, accepting the drink “Thank you, dad.”
Lando and Carlos both choke on their saliva at the same time when they hear me call Jensen Button my dad.
“Ah, just the men I wanted to meet!” He exclaims “Carlos, Lando, you both have been doing such good jobs here at McLaren. My daughter talks a lot about you.”
I watch as they become flustered over the news. My dad smiles, taking a sit at the head of the table.
“I heard you both let her get swamped by a mob of fans?” He asks with a smile, but I can see the hard look in his eyes.
“Dad!” I scold him “Uncle Seb already gave them a hard time!”
My father chuckles, soon being followed by Nico. Carlos and Lando’s eyes are wide and they look terrified.
“I know, I know.” My dad lifts his hands in surrender “I’m just messing with them. But I still have eyes and ears on the paddock so…”
“Dad!” I scold him once more.
He laughs again and finally switch subjects, talking about the new grid line up of this year and asking questions to Lando and Carlos who seem to become a bit more comfortable at the presence of Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg.
Hockenheim, Germany, 2019
Lando was in a bad mood, I could tell it from far away. He was moving frantically around the garage and he had a scowl on his face.
The past five races have been of ups and downs from him, he had two DNF, one race out of top ten because he got p11 and two races where he scored points. But he was pissed off still from his p11 on his home race in England.
It also didn’t help that the reporter he got placed with decided to improvise some questions that wasn’t pre approved and it made Lando uncomfortable with the way he was pressing on the matter of him doing a bad job at his home race.
And then, to make matters worse, he DNFed again today.
“Lando.” I say his name in a soft tone
He whips his head quickly towards me, a deep frown on his face.
“It wasn’t your fault.” I say, I place a hand on his forearm, squeezing it in reassurance “It’s raining terribly today, everyone is spinning.”
He huffs annoyed.
“I should be good at racing in the rain.” He complains.
“How many times have you raced in this circuit?” I ask him, calmly.
“Well- this was the first time, but…”
I cut him off “And how many times have you raced in the rain in a Formula 1 car?”
Lando blinks at me as he answers “This was also the first time.”
I nod, my thumb rubbing sof circles on his forearm.
“And how do you expect to be good at something you’re doing for the first time?”
He looks away from me, and I can tell he is staring to consider my words.
“Valtteri has been doing this for a long time and he also crashed.” I tell him.
That get him to look at me again, his frown turning into something a bit more hopeful.
“Bottas didn’t finish the race?”
I shake my head “No, he didn’t. Even the experienced ones are having a hard time out there. This is only your first race in the rain, Lando.”
He sighs, and slowly he nods his head. He shifts his arm, making my hand slide down and towards his. His hand is much bigger than mine and it’s warm despite the cold weather from the rain. He squeezes my hand.
“Thank you. I just-…”
I smile at him, squeezing his hand back.
“It’s okay. I get it.”
And for the first time since he DNFed, I saw Lando’s dimples as he smiled at me.
Marina Bay, Singapore, 2019
Singapore has always been a hard circuit. The warmth and humidity did no good for the drivers to be racing for long periods of time. Still, it’s one of my favorite circuits because I find it beautiful to watch the race at night.
I’m watching from the McLaren garage, this time considering the hot weather conditions, they allowed the PR team to wear lighter clothes, so I’m in a simple dress, standing close to the AC and sipping water every few minutes.
I wince when I watch Carlos spin and crash into the barrier. The garage grows quiet for a minute.
“He’s ok!” His race engineer announces and we all finally breath normally again
A few moments later Carlos enters the garage with an annoyed look on his face. He places his helmet on one of the shelves and go to speak to his team.
I keep my eyes trained on the screen to watch Lando’s progress while I look for the schedule of reporters who want a world with Carlos after his DNF.
I accept the request of two journalists and move over to where Carlos is.
“Hey… you ready for some interviews?” I ask, eyeing him
He clenched his jaw before nodding and following me out of the garage and onto the media pan.
I give out instructions to him on the way there and step back when he positions himself to give the interviews. I watch intensely, jotting out necessary information on my iPad and ready to intervene at any given moment, but despite the bad situation, the interviews go smoothly and soon enough we’re back at the garage.
Carlos excuses himself to go shower and change clothes, clearly not in the mood for conversation.
In a blur of moments I watch as uncle Seb wins the Singapore Grand Prix, a proud smile on my face. Lando finishes in p7 which is great since he’s on the pointing zone.
“Congratulations, Lando. You did a really good job today!” I tell him
His smile grows bigger “Thank you, thank you!”
Even though he’s happy, I can notice the tiredness ok his face. He’s completely drenched in swest and I can see the slightly tremor of his hands, probably about to begin an hypoglycemic episode without even realizing.
“Hey, why don’t you take a sit?” I say, gently grabbing both his arms and walking him to a chair. I move quickly as I push my water bottle into his hands and search for a snack “Here.”
Lando looks at me a bit confused, but obliged.
“Oh.. wow.” He chuckles “How did you even know how to do this? I didn’t even realize I was feeling weak.”
I smile, my hand twitches at my side as I feel the want to run my fingers over his curls.
“I’ve been on the watching side of this sport since I learned how to walk. I learned a thing or two.”
He nods, still munching on the chocolate protein bar I gave him.
“Yeah… I uh sometimes forget you’re the Jenson Button’s daughter.”
“I’m glad you do.”
Lando tilts his head to the side, confused, but doesn’t say anything and I’m grateful for that.
Austin, United States, 2019
The season is coming to an end, thankfully. All the traveling, working and university studying at the same time has been taking a toll on me. It is too much, and I could see it every time I woke up and looked at myself in the mirror. The circles staring back at me.
My body was sore, my throat scratchy and my head hurt. I knew the flu was making it’s way to dominate my body.
Still, I put on makeup to cover up my sickness face and went to the paddock for media day.
“Buenos dias!” Carlos greeted me once I entered the van and sat across from him and beside Lando who was bouncing with energy on the seat
“Good morning.” I say, cringing a little at the way my voice sounded
Lando frowned, pushing his face close to mine to examine me.
“What’s wrong?” He asked in a low voice, his brows furrowing
“Nothing’s wrong.”
Still, he kept analyzing me. From the corner of my eyes I could see Carlos lips turn upwards in a smile he hid behind his phone as he scrolled through it.
Lando said my name slowly, softly.
“You look sick.”
I pout slightly as I say “Geez, thank you for saying I look terrible.”
He huffs, clearly not finding my attempt to brush it off as funny as I did. He lifted his hand up before placing it on my forehead.
“You’re hot.”
“Oh, so now I’m…”
“Stop trying to deflect it.” Lando cuts me off before I can make another joke. “You’re sick. Why didn’t you say anything? You should be in bed resting.”
I shake my head, getting away from his hand.
“I’m not sick. I’m great. I’m just jet lagged and a bit tired, nothing some coffee won’t fix.”
Lando frowns and it takes me by surprise to see the irritated look on his face directed at me. Sure, I’ve seen him mad before when the race doesn’t go the way expected or when the media gets too much, but never aimed at me.
“I’ve seen you jet lagged and tired before and this is not it.”
I say his name in a sigh and he says my name in a warning. We stared at each other for what feels like forever, before Carlos giggles at us and says we arrived at the paddock.
The minute I get out of the van I start to quickly walk inside the paddock, scanning my pass, knowing the guys will stop to talk to the fans and I will be free of Lando’s questioning. I start to make my way to the McLaren hospitality when I feel a large hand land on my shoulder.
I flinch in surprise, whipping my head around and finding Lando beside me, still frowning.
“Lando.” I try to sound stern as I say his name, but it gets mixed up with a cough I try to hold in.
That only makes his frown deepen. He starts to drag me somewhere.
“You’re going to the medic center now.” He says, stern.
I complain and try to stand still, but he is taller, bigger and much stronger than me so he basically drags me.
I can see some people turning around to look at us, but I keep telling him to let go.
“Hey, hey, hey.” Sebastian shows up in front of us, hands on his waist and I know that behind his sunglasses he is glaring at Lando. “What is going on here?”
“She’s sick and she’s being stubborn about it.” Lando says, still holding onto my shoulder “So I’m taking her to the medic center.”
Sebastian frowns, placing his sunglasses on top of his head as he takes a step closer to me.
“I’m not sick.” I say “Lando is being dramatic. Tell him to leave me alone.”
“She is sick! She even has a fever!”
Sebastian looks between the two of us, but he knows me long enough to know I am lying. He places a hand on my forehead.
“Norris ir right, you do have a fever, prinzessin.”
“No I don’t.” I say stubbornly.
He arches an eyebrow, as if challenging me.
“Do you want me to carry you to the medic center like you’re still a tiny baby?” He asks and I shake my head quickly, knowing very well he isn’t bluffing “Then let Norris take you and follow everything the medics say.”
“But Sebby!” I whine.
“Prinzessin.” He gives me an unimpressed look “Go to the medic center with Norris, now. And I’m not asking, I am telling you to go.”
I huff with a pout, knowing I won’t win this argument so I let Lando take me to the medic center while Sebastian watches from the distant as the McLaren rookie fusses over me.
Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, 2019
The paddock was busier than ever, so many people with so many big smiles and shouts of happiness.
It’s the last race of the season and it leaves a bittersweet feeling on my chest. On one hand I am extremely happy that the season is finally over and I will be able to go back to a somewhat normal routine, going to college everyday, normal sleep schedules, as normal as an university student sleep schedule can go, and staying at home for a bit.
But at the same time, I am upset about being away from Formula 1 for the time being. I got used to seeing Lando and Carlos everyday, they are already a big important part of my life. I like the thrill of being in a different place every other week, of learning new things and watching the races.
I’m sitting at the VIP lounge section at the rooftop, overlooking the paddock bustling with activities. I’m sipping an Italian soda while I soak in the last moments of the 2019 season.
I don’t say anything as Lando slips quietly on the seat beside me. He has dark sunglasses perched on the top of his nose and he’s wearing a black McLaren shirt. His thigh brushes my slightly to gather my attention.
I shift in my seat to look at him and he already has that dimple smile on his face.
“It’s been a long year, huh?” He says quietly
I nod, smiling softly at him.
“It has been… feels like it was yesterday that I meet you and Carlos on my first day at the paddock.”
He hums, reaching out for my glass of Italian soda and taking a sip without even asking for it. I don’t mind, it’s normal between us by now.
“How was your first year as a Formula 1 employee?” He asks
“Better than I expected to be honest.” I tell him, playing with the hem of my dress “I didn’t get bad words from people for being Jenson Button’s daughter.”
Lando nods, understanding what I’m hinting at.
“You’ve been doing a good job, I think you’ve proved yourself here.”
“No, I haven’t yet.” I tell him. “But what about you? How was your first year as a Formula 1 driver?”
His smile widens “It was insane. Sometimes still feels like I’m dreaming. I know the results I’ve been getting aren’t ideal yet, but being here… it’s great.” I can tell he’s happy by the way his eyes lit up “I got so luck to have a good teammate.”
I nod, he sure indeed found a friend in Carlos.
“And even luckier to have the most beautiful and incredible PR intern.”
My cheeks grow hot the minute my brain register and processes his words. I lift my eyes to look at him, his cheeks are also tinted pink and he was a sweet smile on his face.
We stare at each other for a moment, only gazing in each others eyes. I reach for his hand and he squeezes mine in his big one.
“Will you be here with me next year?” Lando asks in a soft tone.
“Yes.” I breath out “I’ll be here with you next year.”
The FIA Prize Giving 2018 gala was an insane night for Simi, and I want to share all of it!
First, the elephant in the room:
Kimi was absolutely hammered! He caught everyone's eye because he was tumbling around the place, and generally having a blast yapping his mouth off to anyone who would listen to him. Legends said he would do this when drunk, but never had a live audience been witness to it.
Meanwhile, Seb...
Seb had finished second to Lewis in 2018's title battle, and was also seeing the end of his partnership with Kimi at Ferrari.
Kimi's renewal for Ferrari was always rumored to be something Seb pushed for when negotiating his own contracts, so the news the Scuderia wasn't interested in keeping Kimi past 2018 were a sign that Sebastian's wants weren't of huge importance to them anymore, and they were making way for a promising young talent (Leclerc) to take the lead driver role in Ferrari in the years to come.
Sounds like a bad end of the year for a guy with title aspirations, but guess what?
Kimi was there, with so much booze in his system that he wasn't at all worried with maintaining his quiet and taciturn act. And you know how they say alcohol lowers your inhibitions and makes your deepest thoughts come out freely?
That night, Kimi had one mission, and it was to keep Seb happy.
When he caught cameras filming Seb, knowing his friend was a private guy, he jumped in and tried to stop them. Look at his face. He doesn't know what he's doing. He's driven only by protective instinct.
When Seb talked, you could tell he wasn't hearing a word (and at times it seemed mutual)
For a bit there, the cameras even caught Kimi deciding to go for a smoke, and Seb trying to impinge a sense of responsibility on him, only to end up being dragged along.
When they were called on stage to receive the 2nd and 3rd place trophies, it was the funniest shit. There were designated spots on the stage where each driver should stand, but they were quite apart from each other.
You can see an official trying to stop Kimi and take him to his marked spot, but Kimi strode straight towards Seb and stuck decisively by his side. In fact he gestures at Seb, as if telling the crowd to give him his accolades!
His arm was around his shoulders, half offering companionship in what would be their last official act together as teammates, and half supporting himself so he wouldn't fall on his ass on stage.
And of course, we even had a classic Seb moment, where Kimi offered one of the men delivering the awards a handshake, and Seb took it instead. Kimi didn't even care, he rolled with it, because if Seb wants to hold his hand, god damn it he will.
Even when they had to part to grab the awards, Kimi made sure to return to his original favored position of keeping one friendly arm around Sebastian's shoulders asap.
You see Seb turn to him and say something...
It's impossible to tell what, but it looked an awful lot like a "thank you" that carried years of friendship and support behind it. Kimi's eyes transformed at whatever Seb said. his eyebrows lifted and his expression softened.
He told him something to his ear in return, and it made Seb smile again, whatever it was.
Eventually it was Lewis' time to get on stage. He was the 2018 champion, the guy Seb didn't manage to beat, and as such had the right to make a victory speech.
As he does so, the camera caught the losers, Seb and Kimi.
In that moment, that could have hurt a little harder than usual, Kimi put his arm around Seb's shoulders one more time, downed another drink, and swung him closer.
I need Lando Norris to fuck me hard with his huge hand choking me while he wears the pole position ring I want him balls deep inside me choking me spitting on me eating me out I want his fingers deep inside me while the pole position ring shines with my pussy juice, I just fucking need him
I keep declining all of the Max's call. I don't want to see him right now, I refuse to go back to his place, not after what happened at dinner.
I keep walking around Monaco. I’m angry, I’m sad and I’m also lost. Although Monaco is small, I have no idea where I am right now.
I look around myself before taking a deep breath and grabbing my phone. I decline yet another call from Max and call someone else, someone who because quiete important to me lately.
“Hello!” Lando answers the phone cheerfully
“Lan? I’m lost.”
“Lost? What do you mean your lost?” You can tell he is ruffling around his apartment “Aren’t you supposed to be at your brother’s?”
“Max and I got into a fight. I stormed out of his apartment and I don’t know where I am right now.”
“Okay, okay. Share your location with me, I’m coming to get you.”
You share your location with Lando, waiting quietly at the bench I found while wondering around. I know Monaco is a relatively safe place, but I don't like the idea of being on my own right here, especially after what happened tonight.
Soon enough I watch one of Lando's many cars pulling up to a stop in front of me. Before I can stand up, he had already left the car and is walking quickly towards me.
"Are you okay?" He asks, looking all over my body
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for getting me."
He nods, helping me get into the passenger seat of his car. He closes the door before running around to the other side of the car.
"So…" He breaks the silence
I sigh, wondering what am I going to do now. I don't want to go back to Max's place, but I don't really have anywhere else to go.
"Can we… drive around for a bit?" I ask after a few more minutes of silence.
"Of course."
Lando drives us around, the windows open and my hair flying around in the wind. I look up at the sky, staring at the moon that shines down on us. I smile softly, I wish I was up at the sky right now, beside the moon, watching down the earth and people going on with their lives.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Lando asks in a soft tone.
I turn to look at him. He has his eyes focused on the road, and although he is very close friends with my brother, I feel like I can tell him about the situation that took place at dinner tonight.
"Max invited me to stay the week at his place, and when I arrived everything was fine, until…" I sigh, pressing a hand on my face "Until dinner. He invited our father without telling me about it."
Lando grimaces, knowing that my relationship with Jos Verstappen isn't the best in the world.
"But it gets worse."
He turns to look at me briefly, eyes wide "Worse?!"
I nod, chuckling, but there is no humor behind it.
"My vater started to berate me about all the online hate I'm getting regarding the situation with Mick. He said everything people are saying is true, that I am a slut, that I am a homewrecker and that's why I will never be as important or as talented or good enough as Max. He just said so many fucking horrible things."
"And what did Max do?" He asks in hesitation.
"Nothing, he did absolutely nothing. He sat there, in silence, as our vater verbally abused me."
Lando huffs, I can tell by the clench of his jaw that he is irritated with the situation.
“Nothing? He did defend you?”
I roll my eyes “No, he doesn’t stand up to our vater. He never did and he never will. I on the contrary Always spoke my mind and that’s why I’m the less favorite child.”
He sights “That’s horrible, I didn’t know Max did that you, he seems like…”
“A good brother? Don’t get me wrong, he is a really good brother, but when it comes to our vater I just wish for once he would have my back. That’s why I just left his place.”
“That’s fucked up.”
“I don’t want to go back to his place.”
Lando shakes his head “You don’t have to. You can stay with me.”
“I don’t want to intrude, I will book a hotel room.”
“That is not up for discussion, you are staying with me.”
And at that he accelerate the cars, making me squeal in surprise.
“Let’s enjoy the ride.” Lando says, grinning at me.
Yn.verstappen: My new single Fast Times and Fast Nights is out now, enjoy
Liked by landonorris, kikacerqueira and others
Logansargent: That’s a really cool song, why didn’t I listen to it before like the others?
Oscarpiastri: I feel betrayed, why didn’t you send me the lyrics to this one?
Landonorris: Fast nights, uh?
Yn.verstappend: With the fastest driver
User1: WHAT IS GOING ON
User2: What is this comment with Lando?????
User3: FAST TIMES AND FAST NIGHTS IS THIS ABOUT THE NIGHT THERE WERE PICTURES OF LANDO AND YN DRIVING AROUND MONACO????