track ✷ on a cruise vacation, kimi antonelli crosses paths with the same girl over and over again during lunch or dinner time ─ a girl who always has two slices of pineapple pizza on her plate. only on the 4th day of the 2 weeks vacation, he decides to approach her about her horrible pizza taste.
tags ✷ strong language. fluff, social media & imessages. strangers to friends to ?. cruise vacation buddies. kimi is a little pathetic & stupid, but that's ok 'cause he's in love. don't witch hunt me for messing up the ships layout. i don't travel msc. i am not planning on doing. i refuse to care about them.
disclaimers ✷ au. f1!kimi on vacation x reader (she/her pronouns used / no mention of yn). sets in summer of 2025. cruise ship: msc world america. writer is not fluent in english.
august note ✷ as cruise vacation maker (who's also on cruise again ahh!!) i wanted to write a oneshot like that for months now 😭 so here it is. also, it's kinda rushed towards the end cause i dunno what the word limit on tumblr is 😔. yes i know i promised this one already in april, but i had always planned to post it around my own cruise vacation to like get in the vibe for it 🥲 here it is now !! not proof read at all !! i was in a rush so sorry !!
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KIMI ANTONELLI had begun to count all the times he came across a specific, eye catching Girl around his Age while on Cruise Vacation ─ and it had only been 4 Days since he and his Family stepped onto the Ocean Giant, cruising and exploring the Waters and Culture of North America.
He had fun ─ sure, it has been 4 Days so far yet, and ever since the sail away in the Port of Miami, not much had occurred so far apart from a relaxing Day 2 on Sea, the first Destination, Puerto Plata, where he and his Family left the swimming Hotel to explore the City, grouped with a few other Guests, and now the 4th Day in San Juan.
The F1 Driver decided against joining his Parents and younger Sister to explore the Destination ─ he wanted to use the Hours he had alone on the Ship with exploring Corners and Edges he hadn't been able to see yet; he had seen a lot of the Ship's Layout on the Lines' Website, yet couldn't fully believe the SportsPlex would feature Bumper Cars, or that the Ship had it's own Ice Cream Bar on lower Decks. He already saw the Cliffhanger Swing, or the Waterpark on the Sun Deck ─ and to say he wasn't fully blown away would be a lie; even if he hasn't explored it fully yet, having only watched over his younger Sister having fun in the Park Resort during Sea Day.
Kimi's first Stop was at the Ship's own Theater Place ─ even though he wasn't able to get inside due the strict Schedules, he could take a peek inside and spot a large Room which looked rich and attractive, perfectly fitting into the Vibe of the Cruise Ship.
After that, the young F1 Prodigy found himself walking through the lower Decks, through some of the Buffet Restaurants which were still closed until Lunch time ─ empty, the Ship felt almost frighting; if it wasn't for the rich and attractive Interior of it. He only knew the Buffet Restaurants when they were filled up and busy from Entrance to the last Table ─ when every Guest squeeze through Crowds to get their Breakfast; the early Hours were the only time his Family would visit the Buffet Restaurants, Dinner being eaten in À la carte Restaurants, and Lunch mostly pulled the Antonelli Family to Grab and Go Miles on the Top Decks. He was the only one who'd pay a Visit in the Buffet afterwards due the amount, or less of, Meal you'd get in the specialized Restaurants on board.
By the end of his Explorations, Kimi ended on the Sun Deck, strolling around like a lost Puppy ─ apart from a few Lounges and Restaurants, he had seen most of the Ship by now; and also met a few People who recognized him as F1 Prodigy, Mercedes Driver Kimi Antonelli, and therefore asked for Pictures or his Autograph.
He walked along the Railing, Head turned to the Side as his Eyes scanned the solid Ground from the Ocean Giant ─ a couple of Groups occasionally walking off the Ship, or back onto it, the piercing Noises of the City and Port echoing through his Ears. As he lazily carried himself, he wondered when his Parents and Sister would be back ─ he knew they'd sail off by 11 PM and currently it wasn't a Minute later than 12:30 PM, yet he couldn't help but wonder if he had to grab Lunch alone today.
The F1 Driver was too deep in Thoughts about his stupid concerns, not noticing that despite half the Guests being on solid Ground to explore and adventure, there were still a bunch of People left on the Ship ─ he noticed when he felt someone's Shoulder bumping against his own, followed by a sounded Noise hitting the Ground underneath.
His Head snapped straight forward, Eyes widened as he looked at the Person he just bumped into ─ he felt his Heart starting to pace, a little scared he'd might get one for the History Book by the Person for being so carelessly. However, his concerns were vanished and replaced by surprise when he met the Appearance of the Person in front of him ─ she looked similar, too similar even; he could swear to have seen her among over six thousand Guests.
He shook his Head, Eyes going down before he mirrored the Action with his Body, kneeling to grab the Cup of Ice Cream the Girl had dropped after bumping against him, "I'm sorry! I should've looked where I'm going!" he quickly apologized, picking the Cup up, even when it left one of the three Ice Cream Scoops on the Ground ─ his Posture straightened again, sheepishly looking at the Girl as he held the Cup of Ice Cream out to her. "Sorry. . . the Ice Cream looked good." he repeated another Apology.
Surprisingly, the Girl just shrugged her Shoulders with a pleasant Expression ─ she didn't seem mad or frustrated, though neither she carried a happy and joyful look, "Don't worry ─ it was for free, anyway." she replied to his Apology, a light Accent coming through her Voice ─ Kimi noticed it, however couldn't really tell where she could possibly be from. "Do you have Tissues, though? I wouldn't wanna give the Staff any more work." she added, her Eyes downed at the Scoop of Ice Cream which slowly melted away.
The Italian understood the Message, pulling out a Package of Tissues from his Shorts, "Oh yeah, I do." he nodded as he pulled one white Tissue out, kneeling back down to clean up the mess on the Ground ─ she was right; the Staff really didn't need more work to do than they already have with over six thousand People on Vacation who are probably much more carelessly than Kimi was.
He used a couple of Tissues to wipe off as much Ice Cream as possible before he straightened up again, squeezing the dirty Tissues with a small Smile on his Lips, "Sorry again ─ usually im not that carelessly. . . I think." he meant, not meaning to be unintentionally funny ─ yet, the Girl's Lips left a chuckle as her Hand made a waving Gesture, proving no bad blood between the Strangers for a Incident like that.
"It's forgiven and forgotten." she gave back, giving him her best Smile. "Just, watch out ─ next time you might fall off the Ship!" she continued, humored as she made her way past the brunet curly Head, leaving this one standing laughing at the Image of this happening.
"Yeah, I guess that wouldn't be nice!" he called after her, amused, his Words being answered by her laughing and her Hand lifting to give him a short Wave.
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AT 2PM, Kimi found himself all alone walking through the Ship towards the Entrance of one of the Buffet Restaurants ─ his Father had informed him they'd be eating Lunch on Ground together with a few other Guests from Italy and their Kids they befriended while exploring San Juan. He had switched his Clothes off to something more attire (a black Tee Shirt without print) before he went down a few Decks to check out a Restaurant which he hoped wouldn't be all too run by the maybe one to two thousand Guests still on board.
Among a Group of British Guests who were blocking the way to the Restaurant while making Pictures of the Ships Interior, the Italian squeezed himself through, popping out at the Sanitizer in front of the Restaurant ─ he peeked inside, noticing not many People walking around with Plates, or already sitting on Tables with Food and something to drink. So after, sanitizing his Hands to prevent any kind of Virus to storm the Ship in the next few Days, he went inside, walking past the Buffets ─ the cold and warm, the Meat and Veggies, Dessert and Fruits.
Half the Restaurant was empty which resulted in Kimi following the Tactic of first getting his Food and then searching for a Place to eat ─ he spotted a couple of Things he'd like to try, some of them being almost already completely out of stock; which is exactly why he grabbed a Plate before a Table.
Once he got everything he wanted to try out, he squeezed himself once again through everyone else ─ compared to most Guests, Kimi seemed pretty short, only standing a few Centimeters above 170 tall while he could swear most others here were above 180.
Once squeezed through, he stood in front of the Entrance to the Tables ─ his Eyes flew around, spotting a tons of Tables for more than two People; which was unfortunate because a small Table which just fitted two People across each other was what he needed. He had great Manners, knowing that taking a Table with more Seats would probably rob a Family of four later on a Opportunity to eat Lunch ─ (he was surprised by himself for how far ahead he thought).
His Eyes scanned the Area for a few Moments before he noticed an empty two chaired Table by the End of the Space, right next to the Windows with a great View onto the Port ─ he let his Eyes wander around for a bit longer before he started to walk towards that specific Table.
A few Steps later, he stopped in his Tracks after his Eyes caught a too familiar look ─ eventually, they narrowed slightly, focusing on a specific Person on a Table with a specific Taste of Pizza on her neat white Plate in front of her.
He recognized the Girl ─ not only as the, what he decided to call her due not knowing her actual Name, the Pineapple Girl, but also as the Girl he had bumped into a Hour or so ago; (and dumped her Ice Cream to the Ground). He stood there for a few Moments, memorizing her Features, watching as she bite into the Slice of Pineapple Pizza ─ what may formed a small Grimace on his Face for a few Seconds before he shook himself and followed his impulsive and idiotic Thoughts.
"Hey! Is that Seat free?" his overenthusiastic Voice questioned as he took a Step next to her two chaired Table ─ he didn't know what gotten into him to just walk up to a Stranger and ask her that; now she will think he's a creep who stalks her, he was sure of that.
And to seem as peaceful as possible, the Italian formed a crooked Smile on his Lips, probably looking even crazier right now ─ but well, the Damage was done now so he couldn't rewind it even if he wanted.
The Girl looked up once her Ears had been graced with a familiar sound ─ and as she recognized the brunet curly Head Boy, a genuine Smile had already started to spread on her Lips. A nod of her Head followed, "Oh yeah! Take a Seat, no Problem!" she responded, pointing with her Hand towards the left free Seat at the Table for two, inviting him to join her for Lunch. "My Family's not here anyway ─ exploring the Town." she added as her Eyes watched the Boy, and how he carefully pulled the Chair out, placing his Plate of Lunch down while make it himself comfortable in the wooden Chair.
"Oh yeah? So are mine, to be honest." Kimi told her as he slide a little closer to the Edge of the Table. His Eyes went over to her Plate again, eyeing the Pineapple Pizza with a look of hidden disgust ─ he didn't want to outburst about it in the middle of an Restaurant; but deep down he already cursed and cried in Italian. "So . . . you like Pineapple Pizza?" he decided to start bringing it slowly up ─ he thought of Pineapple Pizza as Disgrace to actual Pizza; all those different Flavors, Pepperoni, just Cheese, Fungi and so many more.
And she chose Pineapple.
The Girl opposite of him nodded, the Smile remaining on her Lips, "Oh definitely!" she confirmed his ugliest Fears ─ a small unnoticeable Shiver even going through Kimi's System at her joyful Tone. "I mean, I also like a typical Pepperoni Pizza, or Tuna ─ but Pineapple is my Go To!" she added, making Things a little bit harder for the Italian ─ he didn't exaggerated, or well he actually did, but it just shot a Arrow through his Heart hearing someone as beautiful as her, praise something as disgusting as a Pineapple Pizza. It was a shame.
"Oh, that's . . . that's . . . yeah." he meant to start, but failed with his stutters ─ he wanted to lie so badly, but assumed that his Italian Accent would be a dead giveaway to his truest Opinion about Pineapple on Pizza. He sighed. "I'm so sorry, but why? Why Pineapple?" he just needed to know ─ he wanted to understand why someone would voluntarily eat this.
Instead of being offended, just what Kimi expected her Reaction to be, the Girl started to laugh ─ and wow, her laugh blew the Italian away; the full and brightness of her Smile in addition with the sound that echoed through his Ears. It was to die for ─ or at least to try more often to make her laugh, "I was expecting you to ask that!" she told him, her full laughters dying slowly down again. "And to answer it shortly: I just really love the Taste of Pineapple on Pizza."
"No! Please no!" Kimi exclaimed as quietly as possible, trying to sound soul deep offended by her Statement ─ when in Reality, he couldn't help the Smile that formed on his Lips. His Mind was occupied with the Fact of how easy it was to talk to her ─ she was basically still a Stranger, yet he sat here and joked and laughed around with her. "You don't understand how much that hurt my Italian Heart!" he added, holding his Hand over his Chest in simulated pain.
She started to laugh again, trying to hide the Plate of Pineapple Pizza with her Hands, "I'm so sorry for paining your poor Italian Heart!" she played along, watching as the curly Head leaned back in his Chair, joining in on her laughters. "How about I make it good to you? We could grab Ice Cream tomorrow!" she suggested to him, her Head titling to her Shoulder as she waited for his response.
Kimi needed a Moment ─ it caught him off guard how quickly this silly idiotic Conversation turned into her genuinely suggesting a kind Gesture; grabbing Ice Cream together? Well, not that he didn't mind ─ now that he actually wasted a Thought about it, he would've asked her out as Payback eventually, too; just that he actually had a Reason to do so, the Thought of her poor Ice Cream wasted like that by a Bump of his Shoulder lingering still in his Head.
But finally, his Head gave a confirming nod to her, "I mean, why not? But under a Provision ─ I'm paying for our Ice Cream." he offered, or well, he had actually already decided ─ it was just fair in his Eyes; even though she told him the Ice Cream from pervious was for free, he still insisted on paying for her.
"But I suggested it─"
"Doesn't matter ─ it's a Payback for earlier!" he had immediately cut her off, giving her a genuine Smile. "I still feel bad about bumping your Ice Cream to the Ground ─ even if it's less guilt now because you're a Pineapple Pizza Lover." he continued, snickering as he aw her very visible Eye Roller after the small Joke he added.
"Fine." she agreed, nodding her Head at him. "But I hope you know how expensive a single Scoop of Ice Cream is already." she continued, watching Kimi's Face turning from a smiley and happy one into a confused frown.
"No, I actually don't . . ." he admitted, looking down to his Plate, conflicted whether he should ask or not ─ right now, he was doing just fine imagining the Ice Cream to be not over $2. "And I'm too scared to ask now."
She smiled, amused, "You'll see."
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"FIVE DOLLARS for a single Scoop of Ice Cream?!" Kimi let a pained Exclaim out as the Display showed the Prices of his and her's Ice Cream Cone ─ his deep brown Eyes almost popped out when he saw the final sum; $20.75 for four Scoops of Ice Cream without whipped Cream, Sprinkles or any other fancy Charms.
"Told you." she bumped his Shoulder slightly, amused by how slowly and pained he put his Board Card onto the Scanner to pay for their Dessert. Kimi felt like being robbed of his entire Wealth, looking down at his own Ice Cream Cone with a bittersweet Taste ─ it looked no different to Ice Cream on solid Ground; so why the hell do they charge five Dollars for a single Scoop on here?!
"Why is it so expensive?" he eventually asked as they walked their way out of the Ice Cream Bar, bringing the Ice Cream up to his Mouth. "I mean . . . it does taste good, but five Dollars? That's a lot." he added, melting the Vanilla Ice Cream with the Tip of his Tongue.
"We're on a Cruise Ship, Kimi." she responded, suckling on her own Ice Cream. "Everything is, at least, two Dollars more expensive than on solid Ground ─ I dunno why, but my Parents said it's normal on Cruise Ships due some Ocean Law." she continued, shrugging her Shoulders as Kimi raised both his Eyebrows.
"Ocean Law? So Poseidon decided to make Ice Cream so expensive?" he joked, trying to get her to laugh again ─ something about her laughing whenever he said or did something funny made his Heart flutter. And he managed ─ she started to laugh, loud enough to pull the Attention from a few others around them.
"You know what? I think that sounds just right!" she meant, bumping his Shoulder a little. Kimi started to chuckle along, bumping her Shoulder back as they walked along the Promenade District of the Ship ─ a dry slide, a Coffee Shop and a few more Things that blew the Italian's Mind completely away; how? How does all that fit on a swimming mega sized Boat?
He sighed and looked back at her and her Ice Cream Cone, "I'm surprised you didn't choose Pineapple Ice Cream." he decided to tease her a little, succeeding when she rolled her Eyes and lightly punched him. He started to snicker, hiding his Face behind his Ice Cream. "But they also didn't have Pineapple Ice Cream so . . . are you occasionally also eating Strawberry on Pizza?" he continued, eyeing her Strawberry Ice Cream. He was handed another light punch against his Shoulder which caused another snicker to roll from his Lips.
"You're an Idiot." she insulted him, jokingly. "I doubt that something like that even exists ─ I mean, who would eat Strawberry Pizza? That sounds disgusting." she grimaced at the Thought of a crispy Pizza with Strawberry spread over the Tomato Sauce and Cheese.
Kimi thought about another teasing Remark, mentally, before he looked back at her with a cheeky Grin, "Probably the same People that think Pineapple can and should be put on Pizza."
"Oh come on!" she groaned, attempting to push her Ice Cream against the Tip of his Nose ─ Kimi leaned away, quickly, pretending to bump his Ice Cream against her Nose as Payback. The two Teenagers giggled, carelessly goofing around without noticing the Glances they received from some of the elder Passengers on Board ─ who all, apparently, didn't have to see two young Souls playing around, living their Life. Kimi ditched her Attempts to bump the Strawberry red Gelato against his Nose while he managed to land a hit, the Vanilla Cream bumping against the Tip of her Nose.
After a few Minutes, the two slowly stopped to goof around and pull Attention to them ─ instead, they walked through the lower Decks of the Ship, talking about their Lives, occasionally pointing at something they couldn't believe to fit on a Cruise Ship; they enjoyed spending time together, even if they had only known each other for roughly 24 Hours.
The time flew fast, soon enough Kimi's Phone started to buzz with a Message from the Family Groupchat ─ his Mother texted him, asking where he is and if he could finally come back to their Room. He sighed, letting the Phone slide back into his Pocket, "I have to go ─ my Mama wants me to come back to our Room." he told her, pouting a little bit; he wished to have spent a bit more time together with her, getting to know her even better.
"Then you should probably get going," she responded. "How about we'll hangout tomorrow again? Or maybe we go down together? You could ask your Parents and I'm gonna ask mine!" she suggested, looking at him with a tad of hope in her Eyes ─ Kimi thought about it, his Eyes widened; this wasn't a bad Idea. If his Parents wanted to explore the Destination again, he could ask if they'd be fine to do it together with her Family.
He nodded, eventually, "I will ─ let's meet at . . . Esagono Restaurant for Breakfast tomorrow, okay?" he added, giving her a Smile. "I'd recognize you even between hundreds of Guests." Kimi had no Idea where those Words suddenly came from ─ he had no clue why he said that; did it sound smooth? Kind of. But he was still embarrassed that he even loudly admitted that ─ it wasn't wrong; he'd definitely recognize her, even among Crowds.
She just nodded with a bright Smile ( and a weird Feeling inside her Stomach which she couldn't pin point what it was ), "See you at Breakfast."
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KIMI'S PARENTS were happy to see their Son thriving the past few Days on Vacation ─ in Comparison to his laziness on the first Sea Day, or how bored and tired he looked while exploring Puerto Plata, Kimi was looking a lot more energetic every time they got to see their Teenage Son; which was surprisingly not often anymore. Two Sea Days after another, the brunet curly Head had spent with her, further exploring the Ship, getting Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Bar as Apology for bumping hers out of her Hand in San Juan, or paying a Visit to the SportsPlex and watching a bunch of Kids driving Bumper Cars into each other ─ when she eventually managed to get Kimi to try it, too, for once; and they ended up in a fit of laughters instead of fulfilling the Cars Purpose of bumping against each other.
Eventually, Kimi introduced her to his Family which led to her introduced her Family to him and his ─ and the two Families coming together for every Breakfast and Dinner time from then on; while their Parents happily chatted about everything they did so far, their younger Siblings slowly becoming Friends, the two Teenagers got to know each other a lot more, too. He told her about his F1 Career, she told him about her Studies ─ he shared his Hobbies and some Stories from Friends with her, she did the same before they'd both catch themselves laughing a little too loud.
Time flew ─ their Families, including them, enjoyed the Bahamas and eventually a last Sea Day before they'd return to Miami for the Ship to gather new Passengers; Kimi caught himself worried that she might be one to check out after eight Days, but was lucky when she had appeared next to him on the Sun Deck, watching other Guests checking out, walking off the Gangway back into their Reality.
"Hey, are you and your Family going down in Costa Maya?" he asked as they watched a Family of five leaving the Ship behind ─ his Eyes went over to her for a Moment, watching her neutral, almost bored Expression as her Eyes laid down the Ocean Giant.
She shrugged her Shoulders in response, sighing, "I don't know ─ but you know my Parents by now." she meant, a lazy Smile forming on her Lips as a chuckle left his Lips ─ he nodded, in fact knowing her Parents by now; as much as she knew his.
"'Are we paying for the Ship, or the Destinations?'" the Italian imitated their Quartet of Parents, laughing heartedly ─ she joined him, not paying Attention to the few weird looks they got from the elder Passengers who laid on their Leans, sun tanking or taking a Nap.
"The Ship's huge ─ personally, I could spend 14 Days just on Water." she said, nodding her Head as she pushed herself off the Railing ─ Kimi mirrored her Actions, pushing himself off before they started to walk towards the Rear of Ship, passing a few Staff Members and Guests. "We should try the Skate Course in Costa Maya!" she added, excitedly.
"Why not tomorrow?" he asked her, confused.
"Tomorrow we're on Sea therefore it'll be full of People." she gave back, having a solid Point ─ with over six thousand Passengers, a bunch of them probably shared the same Idea of spending a Day on Sea with skating and having fun. "We should do it on Monday when everyone's busy exploring Costa Maya."
Kimi hummed, pretending to think about it ─ he already knew he'd agree to her Offer; after all, this sounded in his Ears (and delusional Mind) lowkey like a Date. . . but maybe he was really just starting to imagine Things after the past captivating Days with her together.
"Okay ─ let's go rollerskating on Monday!"
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"WHAT ARE you doing?" she asked, bursting out in laughters as she watched the curly Head almost dropping to the polished Floor, barely holding up by ending up doing a 360° on the Spot before he stopped, frozen like a Deer in Headlights. Kimi sheepishly chuckled as he tried to slide over to the Railing, not even rolling his rented Rollerskates as he just hoped to grab the Railing before he'd completely clown out in front of the most beautiful and funniest Girl he has ever met ─ even though he loved the sound of her laughing or even just chuckles, he didn't necessarily wanted to fool around in between a couple of other Passengers, especially since the Chances were high that a few of them knew him.
"I didn't know it was this hard!" he gave back, Hands holding onto the Railing with a almost rough Grip ─ he was still slipping a little bit, shaking in his Legs as he remained in a constant State of fear; he really didn't think it'd be that hard, maybe a little bit, but not harder than driving an F1 Car! He looked over his Shoulder to her, seeing how she skate on the Spot, back and forth, with ease ─ so he really was making a Fool of himself in front of her? Great. Just great.
"Like that, you'll never manage a Lap." she said, rolling over to him, leaning forward against the metal Railing ─ she had a soft Smile on her Lips as she let her Eyes go between his Face and his Hands, mentally making her Mind up on just taking his Hands in hers to help him do at least one Round. "Come on, give me your Hands!" her Hands were stuck out for him to take as she spoke.
Kimi's Eyes widened a little bit, surprised as he started to stutter a "ah" over and over again ─ he chose to not respond, instead lifting one Hand after another to grab after her Hands; and God, they were so soft, the opposite of his sweaty palms. He felt his Head heating up as he held her Hands, slowly and carefully being led away from the Railing by her, back onto the actual Skate Course. He didn't even dare to look at her, his Eyes remaining like a deadlock on the Floor, watching his shaky Knees and his Feet doing whatever they wanted to do.
"It works better if you don't look and just do." her Voice was soft, but the Italian registered them nevertheless, even over the screams and laughters of the other People around them ─ he didn't understand, or well, actually he did; he fell hard, love at first sight might be true, after all. Because he could hardly imagine ever moving on from this Vacation, and her.
"Really? I feel like I'd just fall again if I don't watch my Feet." he replied, awkwardly chuckling as he almost slipped off his Feet, again. His Body could handle 5 to 8 Gs in one of the fastest Machineries in the World, but refused to stand and roll on Rollerskates. "This is harder than driving an F1 Car."
"I doubt that." she chuckled, amused ─ her Hands were still clutching his, pulling him closer to her so he'd sped a little bit up; if only he'd stop looking down, he might actually he able to skate a little more freely. "Come on, Kimi. Don't think, just do."
His Eyes actually went up to her after that, a Eyebrow raised, "Did you just quote Maverick from Top Gun?" he asked, knowingly ─ she proudly nodded, one of her Hands letting off his as she noticed his Legs becoming more stable on the Rolls. Kimi didn't even notice yet, his Focus too caught up with her ─ he could look into her Face forever; into her Eyes and the contagious Smile on her Lips. She was so effortlessly beautiful, it almost pained his Heart that they'd probably never see each other again after this Vacation.
"Look at you!" her cheery Voice pulled him out of his Trance, his Mind coming up with the Fact that she has now entirely let off his Hands, and he actually kept himself up without shaky Legs and Instability ─ he looked down for a short Moment before he snapped back up to her, his Smile growing a little more proud; he did it, he managed to not fool himself out, for once!
"I did it!" he exclaimed, happily, as he followed her on the Skate Lane. His Smile widened a tad as he saw her excited Expression, the way her Hands clapped like a proud Mom that just witnessed her Child's first Steps.
"What did I say? It's easier when you don't look at your Feet!" he nodded at her Words, following her, his Hands still a little shaky and unsure hanging in the Air ─ but he was skating, without falling or rolling off. He was holding himself until he wasn't ─ but who would've expected a little Kid to drop their Board Card right on the Course, right in Kimi's Skate Line which almost ( almost !! ) knocked him entirely over if it wasn't for the most perfect Girl in front of him. Her Hands reached out for his again, grabbing onto them like they were fighting for their Lives, pulling him a tad too far forward ─ Kimi almost lost control, but eventually he collapsed onto her, dragging her with him to the Floor.
God, this was embarrassing, he wished to vanish into thin Air ─ but instead he landed with half his Body on her, their Legs tangled, her Hands suddenly on his Waist while his propped himself up so he wouldn't fall entirely onto her. Silence between them followed ─ Kimi just looked at her as his Face slowly turned a dangerous shade of red; maybe out of shyness, but mostly out of Embarrassment.
The first of many "I'm so sorry!" nearly left his Lips when she suddenly started to laugh, throwing her Head back while her Eyes squinted ─ unlike him, she found this Situation hilarious; them laying on the Floor, tangled together while others skated around them, simply refusing to care or help the two Teenagers up. The red Shade of his Face grew deeper as she started to laugh underneath him, his own Lips forming a small Smile. He memorized her, watching her laugh in awe ─ he never in his entire Life had felt with a Girl the way he felt around her. It was like he was in a real life Romcom Movie.
Eventually, they slowly got up from the Floor again ─ she helped him, holding his Hands as Kimi tried to remain still on the Rollerskates. "I think, Rollerskating isn't for me." he concluded, sheepishly chuckling as they slowly skated back to the Railing, leaving the Course again ─ it was close to Lunch Time, anyway; and Kimi's Stomach started to roar some unpleasant sounds.
"You did alright, though ─ promise, it wasn't as bad as it probably felt for you." she responded, stepping out of the Rollerskate Track. "I've seen People do worse ─ like my Dad, who knocked over a small Kid once." she told her new Friend. The Italian didn't know whether he should ask for the full Story or if he should leave it at that ─ but from the tiny Information he got, he was convinced enough that it could be worse than his Performance.
"Maybe I manage one day." Kimi replied, making his way slowly over to a Bench to sit down and get the Skates off his Feet ─ he watched her as she sat down next to him, starting to untie the rented Rollerskates. "Should we Burgers? Or maybe Hotdogs?" he asked her, starting to undo his Skates as well ─ she hummed, nodding I'm Agreement to his Suggestion about Lunch; who needs fancy Food anyway when you cam eat a customized Hotdog? She wouldn't say No ─ especially not to the curly Head Boy she had just met a few Days ago, but was already utterly enchanted by.
"A Hotdog Lunch Date with you sounds great." Kimi would've fainted right on the Spot if this was a Cartoon Movie ─ in Reality, he just blinked at her, his Face growing entirely red again; he just got rid of the embarrassing shade in his Face, and it only took one Sentence from her and boom! His Face was drowned in Ferrari red again.
"O-Oh yeah!" he stuttered in response ─ why did he stutter?! Oh my, he was acting like a Teenager with a Crush!
. . . Actually, he was exactly that ─ a Teenager with a Crush. Head over Heels, in love with a Girl he only knew because of her outrageous Pizza taste, or the lack of.
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KIMI WENT into the Cruise Vacation with not much Expectations for the Summer Break ─ apart from the little few Facts he has been caught from his Parents about the newest MSC Ship, he went into his Vacation with nothing much on his Mind. He didn't expect the Ship to be that big, include so much to attract Kids and Teenagers of all Ages, Restaurants with Food he hasn't ever seen on solid Ground, and so much more.
And now, thirteen Days later, he'd pack his Suitcases and Bags with bittersweet Taste on his Tongue ─ oh, and a Crush on a Girl that caused this bittersweet Taste because he still has not asked for her Number. No matter how much he swallowed, or tried to die down the Feeling, eventually his Mind drifted back to the last Day on his Summer Vacation ─ the last few Hours he would have with her, the Breakfast with her and her Family, laughters surrounding their Table in the Restaurant before they'd waved Goodbyes and most likely never see each other again.
His Parents noticed how absent their Son had been on the second to last Day ─ they noticed how he dreaded to pack his Suitcases and Bags, not because he didn't want to leave this Ship, but because he was frustrated with himself for being such a Loser; they knew he was yet to ask her for her Number.
But it reached a Point where his Parents couldn't just watch anymore and mentally be amused by his Behavior ─ the way he held the Teddy Bear Plush with Cruise Captain's Uniform, a Gift from her when they were exploring the Shopping Mile on the second last Sea Day, and letting the most Room filling and saddened sigh out ever. His Parents felt bad for him ─ still a tiny bit amused.
Some might say he'd overreact ─ eventually, his Parents probably exchanged Numbers with her Parents, right? Just that he blurred that Fact out, his entire Focus being on the Fact that not even Ollie was able to help him come up with a smooth way to ask a Girl for her Number WITHOUT making it seem like he's a Creep.
But no matter how much he dreaded the final Day, Miami eventually arrived again and with that also the end of the Cruise.
He stood leaned against the Railing of the Ship on the highest Deck, Backpack settled on back and Shoulders as he just waited for his Parents to be done with whatever they claimed to need to do before leaving the Ship ─ his little Sister went with them, leaving Kimi on his own for a last few Minutes before they'd checkout and drive to the Airport to fly back to Italy.
His Eyes flew over the City of Miami ─ or at least that what you could see from a Cruise Ship that was docked to it's own Terminal in PortMiami. He was deep in Thoughts, still thinking about his missed Opportunity to ask her for her Number ─ he assumed her to have already left the Ship after they finished Breakfast together, the endless Goodbyes and see you again"s of their Parents before their ways parted.
"Kimi!" a familiar Voice echoed through his Ears, the exclaimed sound voicing from a fair Distance to his current Position ─ his Head snapped around, Eyes being as wide opened as they could when he saw her jogging towards him. She wore her Backpack on Shoulders, a Baseball Cap on top of her Head and had as well a smaller Toten Bag slung around her Body ─ she looked equally ready to leave the Ship.
"Hey." the Italian turned away from the Railing, facing towards her as she came to a stop, a little bit out of breath as she held herself up on her Knees. "Did you run through 18 Decks up?" he asked, snickering slightly.
She shook her Head, straightening her Posture a little bit to look at him, "No, I did not ─ not 18 Decks, but probably 6 or 7." she gave back, leaning sideways against the Railing. "But it was worth it."
The curly Head hummed, raising an Eyebrow, "And why? Did you forget something?" he asked her, mirroring her Actions to lean a little bit against the Ship's Railing.
She chuckled a little, shaking her Head, "Not how you probably mean it, but I did forget something!" she told him, her Hand vanishing in the Pockets of her Pants to search for something. While she tried to grasp the something inside her Pocket, Kimi just looked confused at her, not being able to tell what she seemingly forgot before leaving the Ship ─ what probably had something to do with him, too; unless she wouldn't have come to him, right?
He wished it to be a piece of Paper with her Number on it ─ but he didn't allow himself to believe that this was it. But it would make the most Sense ─ her Family was supposed to check out, she forgot something and run up the Decks to him so she can give him his Number. He noticed how Romcomish that sounded ─ but so did the past eleven Days he spent with her.
"There it is!" she announced, pulling something folded out of her Pocket ─ for a second, Kimi allowed himself to dream and hope; but this was pretty quick smashed down when his Eyes caught the $20 Bill in her Hand. "For the Ice Cream you gave out in San Juan." she told him with a small Smile.
He looked confused, his Eyes switching between her Face and the $20 Bill in her Hand, "But I told you it's a Payback for bumping your Ice Cream to the Ground? You don't need to pay me back . . ." he eventually said back to her, shaking his Head slightly ─ it was amusing, how he has only known her for eleven Days and yet could say "that's so her" about the current Situation.
"Okay, but this is . . . a Payback for making you see me eat Pineapple Pizza! she replied, nodding her Head, proudly. Her Words caused a small Smile to form on his Lips, his Hand slowly lifting to just take the $20 Bill ─ he knew arguing wouldn't lead to anything here, so he voluntarily gave in; even if he'd much rather wanted her to keep the Money.
He took the Money Bill from her, squeezing it in his Fist as his Smile turned bittersweet ─ maybe this wasn't even a "goodbye", but rather a "see you again"; nevertheless, he actually did not want to leave this Cruise Ship. Even if they'd stay in Contact, she lived Hours away from him and with their Schedules, her starting College soon while he's almost every Week away for Races all around the World, he doubt he'd actually be able to meet up with her more than once all two Months, if even.
Maybe they were meant to be just Friends for the Summer ─ like in every cliché bittersweet Novel where two People just got a Summer to spend before their ways would forever part.
"So. . ." she started, shifting on her Feet from left to right, Hands folded behind her back. "See you again?" she asked, titling her Head a little bit as she watched his Reaction. Kimi parted his Lips to say something, but stayed quiet ─ in response, he just nodded his Head.
"See you again, yeah." he confirmed, quietly. He turned around, leaning further against the Railing when he felt her stepping a little bit closer to him ─ yet, before he could say anything, she pressed her Lips against his right Cheek, a soft Kiss being left on his Skin, and a tingling Feeling spread through his entire Body.
He was frozen, not having expected her to give him a Kiss as Farewell ─ despite the frozen Muscles, his Mind went insane, his Body Heat shooting up within a Second. For him, it felt like the Kiss on the Cheek lasted Minutes ─ he was drunk of the Feeling from her soft Lips against his clean Skin. In Reality, the Cheek Kiss lasted strong eight Seconds before she pulled away again, stumbling backwards.
"My Family's waiting for me," she started, slowly turning around on her Heel. "I'll see you again, Kimi!" were her last Words before she fully turned around, jogging away before he could say anything in response. He was left standing there, still a little caught by the Kiss on the Cheek.
It took him a Minute or so until he'd snap back into Reality ─ mostly due his younger Sister nudging his Arm slightly with a giggle. He turned his Head around, seeing his Parents walking their way towards him and his Sister, "We're done ─ we can check out!" his Father informed him, patting his Son's Shoulder before continuing to head towards the Doors which lead back inside the Cruise Ship.
Kimi nodded, watching his Family walking ahead before he slowly began to follow them ─ he unclenched his Fist as they stood in the Staircase, unwrapping the $20 Bill to put it into the Pocket of his Shorts instead.
But he stopped as he had it unwrapped ─ in the middle of the Stairs down to Deck fifteen, he stood looking with wide Eyes onto the supposed $20 Bill in his Fingers; though, it wasn't a $20 Bill. It wasn't a Bill, at all.
It was a Piece of Paper with the Design of a $20 Bill ─ and something delicate written on the white Side of it.
It didn't necessarily take a Genius to figure out what was written on the opposite of the Paper.
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final august note ✷ i had sososo much fun writing this ahh!!! i have a lot of done/half finished oneshots in my drafts, but this one is my favorite by far ! 🥹 also yeah this lowkey sucks, but the idea eats and that's all that matters to me (i'ill proofread and edit it eventually anyway so).
for anyone that thinks it's unrealistic to make friends so quick, you definitely haven't been on a cruise vacation before 😭😭 it goes so fast and easy, mainly because you know it's only for a few days anyway so fuck it.
From taking each other out in Jeddah and almost a second time in Monza during the 2022 F2 Season to being treated the same shitty way by the Team you were a Junior of, once loved and adored like no one else. Jack Doohan & Logan Sargeant bffism would've been so strong that's why the Lord made them distant Workplace fellows.
Why does he look like a famous Actress Mom in Hollywood who has two Teenager Sons and now she just freshly divorced her Ex Husband and gives an Interview on how happy she is in Life currently
I'm so unbelievable deep into LiLo like I already consumed every Ao3 Fanfic and searched through the entire Worldwide Web for Content but I need MORE. PLEASE I need MORE LILO FANFICS
"But they barely talked" fuck YOUUUU Logan Sargeant did not say "stand there and look pretty" for yall to dismiss the Situationship LiLo had in 2022 like that. They did not go through multiple downs and ups through the 2022, their Teammateship being your average "based on Wattpad Story xyz" Movie Adaptation for yall to say that shit. A little more love for LiLo. Also their Duo Name is extremely adorable (let's ignore Sarson for a Moment, in this Household we only know LiLo)
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