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Chapter 36:

I can do it with a broken heart…

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I groaned when my alarm went off and searched for my phone on the nightstand blindly.

"Come on. Where are you?" I hissed when Charles nightstand lamp lit up.

"Better?" he whispered and I looked to the side, grabbing my phone.

"Thanks." I mumbled, turning the alarm off. I turned on my site, facing Charles who stared at the ceiling "How do you feel?"

"Okay…" he answered and I scooted closer.

"Charles…" I cupped his cheek, turning his head. Last night still visible on his gorgeous face "How do you feel?"

"Embarrassed? Weak? Like an idiot?" he whispered, closing his eyes.

"Stop saying that!" I scolded him but he shook his head.

"I’m sorry you had to witness that… one bad article about me and I have a panic attack? Pathetic…"

"Hey! Stop that! You watched me breaking down before, and not once did you think I was pathetic, did you?" I looked at him and he shook his head.

"That was different! People treated you unfair because you’re a girl, saying all sorts of things about you for months and months, insulted you… that’s not okay! I underperformed, I brought this over myself…" he began and I sat up abruptly.

"Stop. Just stop. I know you love to blame yourself for every little thing your team screws up but not this time, you hear me? It wasn’t just one article and that’s it! It was more! It was weeks of little hits here and there and a team that didn’t do anything about it! A team that never had your back in the last weeks! A team principal who didn’t even acknowledged your win properly? We had a good weekend with Carlos on the podium on Saturday and Charles on Sunday? The fuck? Carlos wasn’t even on a real podium! It was the freaking sprint race! A P3! You on the other hand won the real race! I don’t know what’s going on with Ferrari at the moment, but the way they treat you? Mattia especially? It’s unacceptable! So stop this bullshit that this whole situation was brought onto you by yourself." I said and he sat up slowly.

"It’s just… I don’t know… I didn’t want to be this weak… not when you need me to be strong for you… I’m just so sick of it all…" he sighed.

"I think it’s time that I’m being strong for you for once… okay?"

"Hmm… okay." he mumbled, kissed my cheek and got up.

"Charles?" he turned around and looked at me "It’s okay to be not okay. It’s okay to be vulnerable. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human."

The moment we touched ground in Hungary I already felt the sweat forming on my forehead.

"Damn it’s hot." I let out and Daniel chuckled.

"That’s just me…" he laughed and Sissy slapped his arm playfully "Hey! You can’t hit me! I’m an athlete! I need my arms!"

"You’ll survive, I’m sure." she chuckled and I got out of my seat.

"So, ready for your first ever official outing as a couple?" I asked them and Sissy blushed "Ready to be a WAG?"

"Urgh… I hate that word." she mumbled and got up as well "It will be fine. It’s not the first time I’m in the paddock."

"Yeah but it’s the first time you’re in it wearing the wrong merch, watching the race from the wrong garage." I said and she chuckled a little.

"You mean the right merch and the right garage." Daniel wiggled his eyebrows and I laughed.

"As long as you believe in your words…" I turned to look at Charles, still cuddled up in his seat, Liam sprawled across him, both sleeping. I leaned down a little and gently stroked Liam’s back "Hey Bubba. Get up. We’re here."

Liam lifted his head up from Charles shoulder and blinked the sleep away from his eyes, he carefully climbed off of him and then stumbled across the aisle. Before he could trip and fell Daniel caught him and picked him up.

"Come here sleepy mate." he chuckled and walked towards the door, Sissy following him.

I turned back to Charles who started squirming, missing the warmth of Liams body on him. He slowly opened up his eyes and looked around, looking adorably confused. When he spotted me he sat up slowly, wiping his eyes.

"Where’s Liam?" he whispered.

"Already outside with Daniel and Sissy."

"It got pretty hot in here, no?" he pulled his sticky shirt away from his chest and I nodded.

"A little, but I think that you’re sweaty comes from the little human heating laying on you for the whole flight." I chuckled a little and walked outside, followed by a yawning Charles.

"Probably…" he mumbled and as soon as we stepped outside into the blinding sunlight we both put on our sunglasses and got into the van waiting for us.

Charles was quiet. Since this morning he didn’t say more than a handful of sentences. Only when Liam asked him something or talked to him he replied. Otherwise he just kept staring outside. Silent. Lost in his thoughts. I could still see the tension in his shoulders.

"Do you have any sponsor events the next days?" I asked him and he shook his head "Do you want to come with me? Julie asked me if I want to visit a children’s hospital. Spend a little time with some of the kids. We could take Liam with us?"

"When is it?" he looked at me.

"Tomorrow. There are 2 boys and a girl, they had their birthdays in the last week and they are big Formula 1 fans. The hospital is financed by one of our sponsors so they asked if maybe one of the drivers could come and visit the kids, have a little birthday party with them…"

"Yeah… sounds nice." he smiled a little and I leaned into him, kissing his cheek.

"Great. I’ll text Julie." I took out my phone "Maybe you could ask Mia if you have some kids merch you can bring?"

"Would that be okay for Audi? I mean… it’s an Audi event?" he asked and I shook my head.

"It’s about the kids, not the sponsor or team. And I bet my ass that they would love some Ferrari merch as well!"

"I’ll text Mia then."

When we walked inside the children’s ward, packed with bags full of merch, not just from Audi and Ferrari, also Mercedes, RedBull and AlphaTauri, we could see that they had decorated the whole ward with racing decor. Checkered flag garlands, race car poster, balloons and confetti everywhere. We dropped our bags in the little playroom that was set up with little tables, all decorated with even more racing themed stuff, and started to take out the things we brought along. Team shirts, caps, flags, lanyards, bracelets even some funny looking sunglasses. The same one sitting on Liam’s nose, as he was wearing it because it was from AlphaTauri, paired with his Ferrari shirt and an Audi cap.

The door opened and two nurses walked in, smiling at us.

"Hello, it’s so nice to meet you guys, I’m Mira." the blonde woman shook our hands first.

"Hi I’m Lizzie." I introduced myself.

"I’m Charles, and this little man here is Liam." Charles smiled at them and Liam looked a little shy.

"Hi. I’m Janka. The kids will be so happy to see you. Hanna is a big fan of yours Lizzie and Janos is a big fan of you, Charles." the red haired woman said and I smiled at her.

"They basically infected the whole ward with their enthusiasm for Formula 1, so now they all can’t stop talking about it!" Mira said and I smiled "Some parents are here as well, just so you know."

"Is there cake?" Liam asked and Charles chuckled, ruffling his hair "It’s a birthday party after all, so there must be cake!"

"You’re right Liam, there is some cake!" Janka laughed and Liam smiled "Are you ready to meet the kids?"

"Absolutely!" I said and the two nurses nodded and walked outside, opening the French doors fully up.

I watched Charles closely. He was trying his best to look happy and content, but I saw right through his facade. I saw how his eyes were void of their natural spark. How his smile was forced. But when I tried to talk to him last night he brushed it off. Like always. He turned his head slightly and looked at me, raising his eyebrow.

"What?" he asked quietly and I quickly shook my head.

"Nothing." I smiled and before he could reply Mira and Janka walked back in with a small group of kids. Some in wheel chairs, other on crutches, others holding onto their parents hands.

Mira introduced us to the kids and I kneeled down in front of a blonde girl in a wheelchair.

"Lizzie, this is Hanna." Janka said and I smiled at the girl.

"Hi Hanna, nice to meet you." I said in the worst Hungarian possible and Hanna laughed.

"Your Hungarian sounds bad!" she replied in English and I laughed.

"I know! Sorry! I just learned some phrases on the way here! I’m glad your English is good!"

"We learn it in school." she said proudly and I nodded "You are even more pretty in real than on the tv."

"Oh thank you!" I blushed a little "But you are one to talk! Look at what a gorgeous girl you are!" now she blushed as well.

"Is that your boyfriend?" Hanna asked and looked at Charles with big eyes who sat on a tiny chair, talking to three boys and their parents.

"Yeah, that’s Charles." I nodded.

"I know who he is. He’s cute. You’re cute together."

"Yeah, he really is cute. You wanna meet him?" I looked at her and she nodded.

I got up and rolled her wheelchair to the little group and Charles looked up.

"Charles, meet this pretty young lady. That’s Hanna. It was her birthday last week."

"Hi Hanna, nice to meet you." Charles smiled "I heard Lizzie is your favourite driver?"

"Yes she is." the little girl nodded.

"I’ll tell you a secret…" Charles leaned in a little "She’s also my favourite driver." he whispered and Hanna giggled.

For the next hour we chatted with the young patients, painted some pictures together, gave everyone some merch for their desired team and talked to the parents, who where more than grateful that we took some time out of our days to spent with their kids.

"Hanna is here every other month since she’s two. That’s when they found out that she’s sick…" Hanna’s mother said as she watched how her little girl played a board game with Liam, Charles and another kid "Her dad always was a huge Formula 1 fan and they watch the races together."

"When I was younger I started watching with my dad as well. It almost became a ritual for us." I smiled at her.

"How are you this good? That’s crazy!" I heard Charles say and looked at them, Hanna cheering again.

Soon after it was time for the birthday cakes for the three kids and we all sat together and sang for them. After trying some of the cake and more chats Mira nodded at Janka and they began to slowly prepare the kids to return to their rooms. Charles and I said goodbye to every single kid and took some last selfies.

"It was so cool that you were here! Thank you!" Hanna smiled and I hugged her "Good luck on Sunday!"

"I will try my best for you!" I said and waved her off.

"Thank you so much for coming! The kids really had a blast!" Janka said when she guided us to the elevator "These kids, they don’t have it easy, but you gave them a couple of hours of feeling like normal kids, without some serious and bad conditions. Thank you so much!"

"No, thank you for having us. You’re doing an amazing job!" I said and she smiled.

We said our goodbyes and walked to our car. After a couple of minutes of silence, Charles put his hand on my thigh and squeezed it.

"Thank you…" he whispered and I looked at him questioningly "For asking me to come with you…"

I took his hand in mine, interlacing our fingers and kissed the back of it.

"Seeing these kids… with real problems and how they keep going? I need to be more like them…" he said and I was about to reply when Lian was quicker.

"Mummy said there will be kids doing some interviews this weekend? From Sky?" he asked and I turned a little.

"Yeah. Pretty cool, no?" I replied and he nodded.

"Maybe when I’m not good enough in driving I can be a reporter?"

"You’re amazing in driving! You won all your races this year already!" I said and he shook his head.

"Not all. In Kärnten I was only third…"

"Because you were a little bit too aggressive in the end…"

"Marco was in my way! He was annoying me!" Liam defended himself and I chuckled.

"Yeah sure… and where did it get you?"

"Whatever…" he just sighed and I saw him roll his eyes.

"You need to be calmer in these situations, Liam. Next time you might get disqualified!"

"You and Charlie were also disqualified from races and still are in F1 now, driving with the best!"

"I was never disqualified! Charlie on the other hand…" I answered and could see a faint smirk on Charles lips.

"Lizzie is right, Bubba. You need to be more calm and less aggressive…"‘he said.

"Okay okay…" Liam gave in and I rolled my eyes.

One word from Charles and of course Liam agreed. Like always.

Charles POV:

I woke up pretty early, turning around, facing Lizzie. A ray of sunshine lit up her gorgeous face and made her glow. As if she would feel me looking at her she scooted in closer, tangling her legs with mine. Her hand searched for mine and I happily held it out for her to take and watched her cuddle up on my arm, a content smile on her lips. For moments like this I was more than grateful. Quiet mornings. No stress. No hectic. No camera pointed at my face. No microphone shoved under my nose. Just a quiet morning. A tiny snore from Lizzie made me chuckle. Almost quiet.

"What’s going on in there…" Lizzie whispered, her free hand gently stroking along my forehead and I closed my eyes.

"I just thought about how much I love you."

"Wrong answer…"

"Wrong answer?" I opened one eye, looking at her. Her big blueish grey ones looking up at me.

"What you said yesterday? About those kids having real problems? Don’t play down what’s going on inside of you, Charles…"

"What’s going on is that I need to get a thicker skin…"

"Bullshit! This has nothing to do with you being sensitive or not strong enough! You’re too hard on yourself, as always, but this time it’s nothing you can change. Nothing that just goes away when you ignore it long enough! You always want me to talk with Dr. Lindner… I think- I think it’s time that you also start talking to someone. I can only do-…"

"I’m not crazy! I don’t need to see a therapist." I groaned, turning on my back, hands over my face.

"But I am?" the hurt in Lizzie‘s voice made me flinch.

"No! God dammit! Of course you’re not crazy! It’s just… it’s different!"

"How?" she sat up and I turned my head, looking at her "How is it different?"

"Look what you’ve been through! You’re accident! The assaults by Diaz. The media going after you…" I began but Lizzie just scoffed.

"You lost your godfather, your role model. You want since then nothing more than to continue his legacy. Lost your dad at a very important phase of your life. Constant negativity around you. Especially after last season. People are dragging you down whenever they can. Your team doesn’t really support you. You had to witness your girlfriend almost being choked to death…"

"Stop. Don’t… don’t bring Jules and Papa into this…" I sat up, voice slightly shaking.

"Why not? You never talked to anyone afterwards. You just continued. Marched on. And everything that happened since, you just locked away somewhere in your brain. Not talking about it, nothing…"

"That’s not true! I talked to someone!"

"Oh yeah? Who?"

"You, for gods sake! I talked to you! I don’t need a therapist! I have you! I talk to you!" I was getting frustrated.

"But I can’t help you! Not with everything!"

"I don’t need more! What I have, what we have, I know that I can talk to you when I need to. That is enough for me. Don’t worry about me! I’m fine." I got up, grabbing my clothes from the chair.

"You’re not…" I heard Lizzie whisper, but I locked the bathroom door behind me and went straight under the shower.

The hot water cascading down on me. This wasn’t how I wanted our morning to start. But I also didn’t want to talk about a therapist. I didn’t need one. I was fine. Every driver out there hit a rough patch once. It would get over. With a little time and one or two good races I would be just fine. I could do it, even if it hurt, even if it broke my heart. I could keep going. I had to.

"Sophie Acaster, Telegraph. Question for Charles. We’ve all seen the last race, Silverstone, your crash with Lizzie. Up to that point the car looked good? Are you on the way to turn this season around?" a red haired woman in the first row asked.

"We’re certainly on our way to have better results than at the beginning of the season, that’s for sure. We will see how the car will work around here. I like the Hungaroing and I think we’ll have a good weekend." I answered.

"Jacob Beek. De Telegraaf. Charles, we’ve seen you and Lizzie collide on track and afterwards it looked like you weren’t talking. Is this causing trouble in your relationship?"

"Of course I wasn’t happy when Lizzie crashed into me, like I wouldn’t be if it was anyone else. But something like that won’t cause trouble or anything. I mean yeah, we talked about it, I told her that the gap she was going for wasn’t really there, we where also at the complete wrong part of the track for an overtake like this. But that was it. We’re racing drivers, I know why she tried it. She knows she made a mistake. That’s it." another question about the crash.

"Alright, we’ve got time for one last question." Tom Clarkson said nodding to a journalist.

"Oscar Fernandez, Marca. Question for Charles. The last weeks there was a lot of negativity around your person. Lot of noise off track. Your performance, your results and the fact that Carlos is almost equal in points, despite you having won a race. How do you handle the pressure and does it affect your driving?"

"I honestly don’t listen to the media. I ignore it most of the time." I kept it short, but saw that the journalist wasn’t satisfied with my answer but the press conference ended and I got up, leaving immediately.

"Good answer Charles, don’t let them provoke you." Sylvia smiled and I just nodded, sliding my RayBan on, following her back to the Ferrari hospitality "There will be a boy coming from SkyKids. Just show him your driver room, answer his questions and done."

"I can’t wait." I mumbled, watching Lizzie talk to a young girl, probably also one of the SkyKids, when she saw me she stopped abruptly and waved at me, the girl following her look "Give me a minute."

"Charles, we don’t have time…" Sylvia began but I already walked towards Lizzie.

"Ruby, this is Charles, he drives for Ferrari." Lizzie said in German when I was close enough and the girl smiled brightly at me.

"I know who he is! You two are cute together!" she answered and I smiled a little.

"Hi Ruby, how’s your day so far?" I asked her and she shrugged her shoulders a little.

"Pretty cool. I saw some cool stuff, now Lizzie is showing me around and then… I don’t even know what I’m doing next."

"Sounds like a fun day!" I said to her and then turned to Lizzie "Can I talk to you for a second?"

"Sure. I’ll be right back…" she looked at Ruby and then followed me "What’s up?"

"I wanted to apologise, for this morning. We said we need to communicate more and I just left…" I said quietly.

"Okay." was all Lizzie said and I looked at her.

"Cara mia, please… I’m sorry, okay?"

"Yeah, I believe you… but what do you want me to say? I meant what I said… but you don’t want to hear it…" she began and I rolled my eyes.

"Lizzie I told you, talking to you is enough for me, I don’t need a therapist or something." I groaned but Lizzie scoffed.

"You know, I wouldn’t say anything, if you really would talk to me… but you just change the topic or play it down whenever I want to talk about what’s going on… so yeah…" she walked off and left me standing there, groaning.

I watched him. The whole day. His fake smile. As soon as the camera flicked away from him, or whoever he was talking to left, the fake smile was gone. Replaced by a scowl. His eyes hidden most of the day behind his RayBans. His laugh not genuine. Fake. All just faked. I watched another clip from the press conference when I heard JK sigh.

"Liz? Did you listen?" he looked at me and I shook my head apologetic "I said you’ve got some tenseness in your lower back. It’s stiff. I’ll have to work out the knots…"

"Uhhh- yeah. Yeah. I felt it before." I answered and he pushed into a pressure point, making me hiss in pain.

"And you didn’t think about telling me?"

"It was kinda gone after a while before it returned couple of days ago. I’m telling you now…"

"Liz. That’s not the same! We have to be careful with your back and you know it!" he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah… but it’s fine…" I replied.

"We will focus on your lower back the next sessions. Strengthen it." JK noted and I nodded.

"Sounds good." I said halfheartedly.

"What’s going on? You’re lost in your head the whole day?"

"Charles…"

"Charles? Some context please?"

"He says he’s fine. But he’s not. But he doesn’t want to talk about it. Not with me. Not with a therapist." I sat up and JK handed me something to drink.

"It wasn’t easy for him the last weeks…"

"The last weeks were horrible for Charles. The car is fucked, which leads him to pushing too much, which leads him into make mistakes. His team makes mistakes. They also don’t really support him anymore, or that’s how he feels at least. Then the whole media, mostly of course Spanish media, the whole drama with me? It’s all too damn much but he downplays it! And then he…." I began but stopped, then started to play with the bottle cap and JK pulled a chair close and sat down.

"And then what?"

"Where should I start?" I huffed and then told JK about Charles panic attack

"Oh wow…" JK said quietly and I nodded "Okay… first of all. You took good care of him! You did good! And then… Charles is in so many ways like you, Liz. You’re both incredibly stubborn. Remember how much conviction it took me to get you to open up? Talk?"

I thought back to our time in the cabin in the mountains and then sighed.

"Okay… yeah. But how do I get him to open up? Talk? A little faster preferably?" I said and JK chuckled a little.

"Oh come on Liz. Charles would do everything for you. You just have to ask for it. I know you did… but maybe you have to tell him how much it hurts you, seeing him hurt like that? And then he’ll open up?"

"It’s worth a shot…" I sighed after a while and JK stood up.

"Alright. Now back down, please, I still have to work out some knots and tension…"

"Can’t wait…"

I fell asleep before Charles came back and before the Friday sessions I didn’t want to mention anything. So I smiled. A fake smile and Charles knew it. The whole way into the paddock. When we sat down together for lunch. When we were being interviewed between the sessions and he stood next to me. I saw his look. And a part of me liked giving him something from his own medicine. Even though Charles looked like he was bursting out any minute to ask me what was wrong.

"The sessions looked good so far?" he asked instead and I nodded.

"Yeah the car was good. We’ll see I guess." I replied as he waited for me.

"See you tomorrow, Lizzie. Charles." Pete said as we walked off and Charles waved at him.

"Lizzie? Just a moment?" Julie stopped us and she smiled at Charles "I don’t know if Elijah contacted you… but they want to start filming again…"

"He didn’t call me but I was expecting it… he said he wanted to give me some time after the whole Diaz thing… but yeah, they wanted to release the season this autumn…" I sighed and she nodded.

"They will postpone the release, but they really want to film more of your private life… but I told him he has to discuss that with you… after the summer break. So prepare for Netflix to be in Neuburg when you’ll come back…"

"Thanks Julie! Really!" I smiled at her and she waved us off.

"I kinda forgot about Netflix, to be honest…" Charles admitted.

"Yeah… me too." I sighed, trying not to think about Netflix invading my life again.

"Anyways… are you hungry?" he asked me when we got in the car and I nodded.

"Very."

"Do you want to pick up some Buddha Bowls? Or something else?"

"No, Buddha bowls sound great. I’ll pre-order. You want your usual?" I asked, grabbing my phone and looking for a take out place.

"Yeah. Like always. Do you have an address?"

I typed it into the navigation system and pre ordered our food.

"Ready for pick-up in 30 minutes. Arrival in 25. Perfect timing." I smiled and looked outside.

"And when we’re back at the hotel we should talk…" Charles said and I turned to him "More communication." he shrugged his shoulders and I nodded.

"More communication." I agreed and for the rest of the ride we were silent.

Charles POV:

I took a quick shower after Lizzie and when I walked out the bathroom she already set up our foods and drinks by the tv, patting the space next to her. We ate in silent for a while, watching a documentary about a beautiful island somewhere in the Pacific. After another silent minute I cleared my throat and looked at Lizzie.

"So. Umm- yeah…" I began and she looked at me expectantly.

"So?" she asked.

"Umm… I know that you want me to talk with you about all of what’s going on in my head…" I took a deep breath.

"I just want you to open up."

"I just feel like… maybe it’s not fair from me to unload all of this onto you and hope that it’s all good then…"

"What? No! If you think that talking with me is enough, then talk with me! But actually talk! It’s just… it seems like you don’t want to talk with me? Or maybe you can’t? So that’s why I thought that maybe a therapist… I just feel like I can’t help you? I try to, but it’s not enough I think? I want to be there for you, just like you’re there for me. But you don’t talk with me! And when you talk it’s more like you’re trying to downplay it all…" she said and I shook my head.

"No! You do help me! Really! I know that I can count on you! I know that you will do everything to cheer me up, help me! That’s all I need! Really!" I cupped her cheeks and she nodded slightly "It hurts… so damn much. It’s not just one article here or a bad comment there… it‘s all of it combined… then not feeling the support of my own team! The team I love so much. The team I would give everything for… I’m sick of it all sometimes… it’s just… sometimes I feel like I can do my best and it’s still not enough? Like I can be the fastest, but there is still a lot of negativity? I just don’t know what to do… my contract with Ferrari runs out after next season… what if they lost their faith in me? Nicolas said that Ferrari would usually approach him at the beginning of the season to talk about when the contract negotiations would start… but so far, nothing happened… What if they won’t renew my contract?" I closed my eyes and let it all out. The fear and worries that I carried with me the past weeks and months.

"That’s what’s worrying you? The fear that they won’t renew your contract?" Lizzie whispered and I nodded "Can you look at me, please?" she tilted my head upwards and smiled at me "If they let you go, they are even more stupid than I thought, okay? Besides, that’s such a long time till then, Charles? Don’t burden yourself with this now! I know it’s scary, to not know what will happen. But one thing is for sure, if Ferrari is that stupid, know that there are enough teams who would take you in a heartbeat… and know for sure that I would give up my seat, so that you could have it…"

"No. Stop saying that. I wouldn’t take it. Are you crazy?" I stammered but Lizzie shook her head.

"It won’t happen! Because I know for a fact that Toto and Christian would fight over you like crazy…" she gently stroked my cheeks and I had to smile "And let‘s be honest? You in a dark suit? Mhhh I would definitely love to see that…"

"Oh stop." I chuckled a little.

"You are one of the best drivers on the grid… the best over one fast lap… with the right car and right team you are the only one who can beat Max… you’ve proven it last year… and I know how much the things said and written by the media hurt… but you have to ignore it. They have an agenda against you I will never understand, but it’s fact that you will be a world champion one day. I know it. I believe in it. You just have to believe in it yourself…" she smiled at me and for a moment I felt invincible. I hugged her, pulled her close and held her tight.

"Thank you… for always believing in me…" I whispered.

"It’s time you start to believe in yourself again!" she replied and I nodded.

Maybe she was right.

I finished the interviews and waited for Lizzie, smiling at her when she was done as well, walking up to me.

"I guess it will be late, don’t wait for me." I pulled her into my side, kissing her temple.

"Long meeting?" she asked and I nodded.

"P6 and P11? They will want to find a way for us both to finish in the points…"

"The way I know Ferrari they want you to hold up the pack behind, slow them down so Carlos can overtake as many cars as possible so you guys finish as high as possible…" she said and I sighed.

Sounded like a strategy straight out of our department.

"Ruining my tyres in the process and then not even be prioritised at the pit stop." I chuckled and she slapped my arm a little.

"Don’t let them do that! You’re in P6! The podium is in your reach! But not if they ruin your race to get him into a higher position!" she looked at me pointedly and I shrugged.

"I mean, I will try my best to have a word in it. But yeah… we’ll see."

At the Audi hospitality I pulled her into my arms and hugged her tight.

"Maybe I’ll see you later." she whispered and I nodded, kissing her gently.

"I’ll send you a text when I know when we’ll be done!" I smiled at her and walked back to my team.

"Debrief starts in 5 minutes." Xavi said when he saw me and I nodded.

"I just go and grab my notebook." I said and walked upstairs, opening the door "Pops? What are you doing here? I’m actually on my way to a meeting? Did something happen?" I was confused when I saw Juergen sitting in my drivers room.

"No, I was just waiting for you, so we can go together." he said and stood up.

"Go together where?" I was dumbfounded.

"The meeting?" he answered as if it was the most obvious thing.

"What?" I didn’t understand.

"You and I. Meeting with the team?" he smirked.

"But why? I mean why are you…" I didn’t even know what to ask.

"Because it’s time that someone stands up for you. That someone has your back. It’s time to show the Spaniards that they might bring some big sponsors, but you’re still Il predestinato. You’re not fighting alone anymore, Carlos has his dad and cousin, you have me. Besides it seems like your team needs a little reminder, too, who you are!" I didn’t know what to say, I just looked at him and took a sharp breath, blinking away the tears. He looked at me before he pulled me into a tight hug "It’s ok. We all got your back! You’re not alone. You never were."

"Thank you, Pops, really… but I don’t even know if you can attend? I mean…" I began but he chuckled.

"Fred officially approved of it. I’m your new co-manager and advisor. Fancy title, no?"

"You spoke with Fred?" I was surprised.

"I spoke with Nicolas and he spoke with Fred. Long story short, they can’t say anything. Because if they want me removed. The other Carloses have to go as well. Now come on. I don’t like being late." he clapped my shoulder and walked outside "Hurry up, kiddo."

When we walked inside, I saw Mattia looking at us, his eyes widening.

"Charles! You can’t bring him in here!" he said as he stepped in front of us.

"As Charles Co-Manager and advisor I have every right to be here." Juergen said and sat down.

"Co-manager and advisor? You’re the father of a rival driver?" Mattia said and Juergen nodded.

"Correct. I’m Lizzie’s father. And I support her of course. But I don’t work for her, I’m not her manager and also not her advisor." Juergen smiled, putting his glasses on and then looked at me.

I sat down next to him, opening my notebook and putting my headphones on. Ready for what was to come. Mattia still stood there in disbelief but then he seemed to gather himself and the meeting began.

"You’re crazy!" I chuckled in disbelief when we drove back to the hotel "Did you see their faces?"

It was a long time ago, since I felt this good after a strategy meeting. Juergen defended me wherever he could. Had good arguments why Ferrari shouldn’t ask of me to sacrifice my race just to help Carlos. Whenever Sainz senior or Carlos‘ cousin brought something up he was quick to deliver arguments against it.

"I did…" he laughed and Andrea clapped his back.

"I wish I could’ve taken a picture of Sainz senior when you said that if Carlos wants the better strategy he has to be the better driver…" Andrea laughed.

"I said that I meant that he should’ve qualified ahead then!" Juergen shrugged his shoulders.

"Yeah yeah if you say so." Andrea chuckled "Whatever you meant. His face was priceless."

"I can’t thank you enough." I looked at Juergen and he just waved it off.

"I told you. Your team needs a reminder… and I’ll do it as long as you need me to. I have no problem to be by your side every weekend…"

"Lizzie will kill me, taking up all of your time!" I chuckled and he turned a little.

"Whose idea do you think it was, coming here and go with you into the meeting?" he asked and I looked at him.

"Lizzie?" I replied slowly and he nodded.

"She called me… Monday night…"

"She did?" my voice barely a whisper.

"It was hard to understand her at first…" he said quietly and I took a deep breath "No matter what’s going to happen… know that I will be by your side when you need me."

"Thank you, Pops. Really."

When we arrived at the hotel and said our good nights I unlocked the door and closed it quietly. Lizzie was already sleeping and I got ready for bed, then snuggled into the sheets behind her.

"What time is it?" she whispered and turned around, cuddling up into my side.

"Late. Go back to sleep."

"Okay…"

"Thank you." I whispered after a while, when I felt her melting into me "For everything, cara mia."

"What do you mean?" she yawned a little and I kissed her cheek.

"Your encouraging words throughout the week, how you’re always there for me. That you made Pops being with me today… thank you."

"I told you, you don’t have to be alone…"

"I know… I love you."

"I love you too, Charlie bear." she whispered sleepily and I pulled her even closer into me.

"Good night cara mia."

P7. One spot lost. 9.5 seconds long pit stop. 5 second penalty for speeding in the pit lane. No water. I was more than happy to leave Hungary behind and fully focus on Spa. If only the journalists would think so too.

"How confident are you after last weekend?" Rachel Brookes asked.

"Last weekend wasn’t a good one for us, again unfortunately. This season is a little tougher than last season, because we just make to many mistakes. But I’m fully focused to end the first half of the season on a high and I think we’ll come back stronger after the summer break." I replied.

"What do you think is possible for you here this weekend?"

"Spa is one of my favourite tracks and I have a lot of good memories on this track…"

"We have a sprint race this weekend as well!"

"Yeah we have, so two races to get some points." I chuckled a little.

"Final question, will we see you on the podium this weekend?"

"I hope so. I’ll give my best." one last smile and I walked away, waiting for Lizzie to finish her interviews.

"I’m tired." she pouted and I pulled her into my side.

"Poor girl." I kissed her temple and saw Pierre waving at us from a lounge area, right before I saw Daniel.

"Pieeeeeeerreeeee Gaaaaaaslyyyyyy!" he shouted and I had to laugh.

"Daniel RICCIARDOOO!" Pierre replied and Lizzie chuckled plopping down on one of the sofas.

"Why are you grinning like that?" I asked him when I sat down next to Lizzie and she leaned on me, making herself comfortable.

"Because he saw me!" Daniel said sitting down opposite from us.

"Nope… I just heard something…" his grin got even bigger.

"And that is what?" I looked at him.

"Oh you won’t believe it…"

"Oh come on Gossip Girl! Spill the beans!" Lizzie groaned and I had to chuckle a little while she kept playing with my bracelet. Daniel sat up and looked at Pierre with big eyes, ready for some hot gossip.

"Okay… sooo I’ve heard from someone that Carlos and his girlfriend broke up…" Pierre said and I rolled my eyes..

"That’s not a secret! We’re in the middle of the season and she wasn’t at one race! Also, didn’t he say it in an interview? Damn I thought you had some good tea!" Lizzie grumbled but Pierre boxed her shoulder.

"I wasn’t done!" he said annoyed and she looked apologetic "That rumour? That he cheated? More than true… it looks like there will be another Sainz jr by the end of summer…"

Lizzie’s head snapped up that fast I was afraid she got whiplash.

"WHAT?" she exclaimed and Pierre leaned back, folding his hands behind his head, a satisfied smile on his lips.

"Damn." Daniel let out a breath.

"You’re kidding, right?!" I asked but he shook his head "Who told you that?"

"One of Kika’s model friends knows the girl, even tried to warn her that he’s in a relationship and that it wouldn’t end nicely for her… but she didn’t listen…" Pierre answered nonchalantly.

"Fuck me!" Lizzie whispered and I pulled her closer.

"Later…" I whispered with a grin and she blushed, then looked at Pierre "And how did Isa find out?"

"The girl told her, showered her with proof… it wasn’t just a one time thing apparently…" Pierre said and scratched his chin "What goes around, comes around I guess…"

"Karma…" Lizzie mumbled still hiding her red cheeks in my chest.

Charles waited for me and I grabbed my bottle, walking towards him.

"You’re starting from the pitlane?" he asked and I sighed.

"Yeah. After a new basically everything they decided last night that when I already had to start from P17 for the other penalties, they could switch the rest of whatever as well. So yeah, pit lane start it is… not all of us can start from pole." I pinched his side and he chuckled a little.

"I’m sorry." he put his arm around my waist and pulled me into him "But I’m sure you’ll do great! Even without starting from pole…"

"Would I make it into the points, that would be amazing! But yeah, we’ll see…" I shrugged my shoulders.

"Have a little faith!" he whispered into my ear, kissing my temple.

"Yeah, we’ll see. At least I got five points yesterday."

"See! One point more than I!" Charles cheers me up and I nodded.

"It’s fine. Let’s just get today over with and then we finally have some quiet weeks for ourselves!" I smiled as we stood next to each other for the national anthem.

"I really can’t wait… it’s been a long first half of the season…" he mumbled and I nodded.

"What are you whispering?" Pierre nudged my shoulder a little.

"I just said to Charles that I’m glad that I don’t have to see your face for quite a bit." I laughed and he grasped his heart dramatically.

"You’re breaking my heart!" he whined and I rolled my eyes playfully.

"You’ll survive…"

"Kids! Stop fighting!" Charles chuckled right as the anthem began and we had to suppress our laughter even more.

"What was that?" I whispered as soon as it was over and we returned to our garages.

"I have no idea but damn why did the camera guy focus for that long on my face!" Charles sighed and I chuckled.

"Someone had to fight a freaking lot to contain his laughter…" I wiggled my eyebrows and Charles laughed.

"Alright. I have to go now. I see you after the race?" he pulled me into him and kissed me.

"I’ll cheer you on on the podium!" I smiled at him and he smiled.

"And I’ll cheer you on for your points!" Charles said and walked slowly away.

"We’ll see…" I mumbled and walked up to JK who already waited for me.

"Ready?" he asked and I nodded.

"Yup… let’s make it into the points…"

"P7 Lizzie! What a race! You were amazing!" Pete radioed and I was more than happy.

"Wooohooo! Amazing job guys!" I replied.

"Brilliant performance Lizzie!" Felix said and I couldn’t stop smiling "Pit lane to P7! Amazing!"

I parked my car and jumped out, looking for Charles who already waited for me, after celebrating with his team.

"What did I say? What did I say! Amazing! You are amazing! Brilliant race, cara mia!" he picked me up and twirled me around. Then he sat me down and I pulled off my helmet and balaclava "You deserved that driver of the day!"

"You did amazing too! Another podium!" I kissed him when someone fake gagged behind us.

"Okay lovebirds, go find somewhere else to be all lovey dovey!" Daniel laughed, shoving us a little.

"Why don’t you go and find my sister, be all lovey dovey with her and leave us alone…" I teased him and he rolled his eyes, walking away still laughing. I turned to Charles again "Let’s go up there and get your trophy! I’ll be cheering for you from down here!" I kissed his cheek and pushed him towards the post race interviews.

As I watched him a couple minutes later stepping onto the podium, lifting his trophy I smiled contently. The season started the worst way possible, but the first half ended on a high and now I couldn’t wait for the summer break.

Charles POV:

"When we’ll leave on Thursday, we have 10 days with our family and friends and then we still have 5 days for ourselves before we need to go back to our teams…" I said when I started to fold my shirts "It was a good idea to do the washing last night when we came back… saved us some time."

"Yeah…" Lizzie smiled at me when her phone rang and she walked out of the room to take the call.

I kept on folding my clothes, choosing what to pack and what not, when Lizzie walked back into the living room, sitting down on the sofa, looking out of the window.

"Cara mia?" I looked at her, but she didn’t react, still staring outside "Lizzie!" I snapped my finger in front of her face and she flinched, looking at me.

"What?" she asked.

"What’s going on? Who called?" I smiled at her but she got up.

"I- umm I… that was… " she began and I tilted my head slightly.

"Full sentences, cara mia."

She began pacing back and forth, throwing her head back, groaning. Then she turned away.

"I got another phone call… from Madrid…" she said and her shoulders tensed.

"Diaz’ Doctor?" I asked and she nodded slightly.

Lizzie didn’t look at me, but by the way how she stood at the window, as far away as possible from me, I already knew what she was about to say. I heard her taking a deep breath before she turned around and looked at me, her mouth opening, no sound coming out. Then she closed it again and turned away. Taking a moment and then turning back around. She was fighting with herself and I knew why. I took her by the hands, leading her to the sofa, sitting down with her. We sat in silence while Lizzie was playing with my bracelet absently.

"Say it…" I said after a while and she looked up at me, biting her bottom lip.

"I thought about it… for a really long time…" she began and then stopped abruptly, getting up again. Pacing back and forth.

"Lizzie…" I said gently, grabbing her hand and pulling her down next to me again.

"I think- I know that’s… you know? I really think that…" her voice shaky, before she stopped again.

I could feel her anxiety and nervousness radiating from her. Saw her eyes frantically flitting around just to not look at me. Watched her fiddling with her cuticles.

"You want to go and talk to him…" I said and Lizzie tensed up, turning a little.

She looked at me for a moment, then looked down and took a deep breath.

"I need to know why… why he did all of that…" her voice barely above a whisper.

I gently cupped her cheeks, making her look at me, wiping away the single stray tear that had escaped.

"Then we’ll go. Together."

Chapter 36 - I’M BACK!!! FINALLY!!! And here is our next chapter… this one is again a little shorter and is more a filler chapter (I was so excited about the next chapter that I forgot that there are still some races in between 😅) NEXT CHAPTER IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITES!

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

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Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

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stateofcharles · 2 years

Text

baby just say yes - PG10

pairing: Pierre Gasly x female!reader

word count: ~ 4,1k

warnings: fluff, light angst, insecurity, French GP 2022

summary: 4 times Pierre jokes about marrying you + 1 time he’s serious about it

a/n: heavily inspired by Pierre’s late wedding fever, i couldn’t just sit and stare i mean- you know pierre if you wanna get married i happily volunteer. title of course from ‘love story’ by the queen taylor

2006, age 10

You and Pierre were at your house, sat on your bed, spending your time between watching old races on old CDs and eating the cookies your mum had made that morning. You didn’t love F1 as much as your best friend did but you knew that watching that made him happy, so you were willing to sacrifice your freetime if that meant seeing Pierre’s joyful face.

“Are you coming to my race next sunday?” he asked shyly suddenly while you were watching Michael Schumacher clenching his first WDC. You looked at him dismayed and his face darkened when he realised what it meant.

“Pierre-” you tried to ponder your words because you didn’t want him to feel bad, “I’d like to but my parents want me to eat with them for their wedding anniversary,” you pouted, “but I swear I don’t want to go with them.”

“Then why do you go?” he asked, tilting his head.

“Because it’s like- a special one? I don’t know why. I know it’s 25 years and it is something silver and then they want a big celebration.” you replied.

“Silver?” his face was even more confused than before.

“Yeah, and it’s a big one. There’ll be many people from my family there, even that grumpy, old aunt Albertine,” you snorted, “the one who wants me to become a ballerina.”

Pierre’s eyes widened, “The one whose shoes we filled with your dad’s shaving cream at your mum’s party?”

You started laughing so loud that you had to cover your mouth to muffle the sound, “Yeah! That one! I really can’t stand her!”

Pierre hummed as he tapped his knee with his finger, he was clearly thinking. “Do you think you’ll get married one day?” You stared at him wild-eyed and he blushed, the question was clearly something big. The boy just hoped his crush for you hadn’t filtered through his words and face.

“I don’t know,” you answered sheepishly, “I want to wear the white dress one day like my mom’s, but I don’t know if I will meet a boy that I like so much. Maybe I will be alone forever like my aunt Albertine.” You shrugged; in the end you were a kid and maybe that question was too huge for a 10-year-old

“Oh god, don’t say that cœur! You’re much better than your aunt! And if you won’t find anyone then I’ll marry you.” he stated and his face was painted with self-confidence.

You laughed at his sentence and the boy looked at you half-offended. “Are you laughing at me?” he said in disbelief.

You put your hand in front of your mouth, “Non Pierre, but- we’re best friends! It’s weird! You shouldn’t marry your best friend!”

He crossed his arms at his chest, “Ok then, Charles is my new best friend if you think this about me.” He was holding a grudge, but you could see that he was actually holding his laugh.

“We’ll talk about this when you’ll be back to me asking again to be my best friend after Charles will annoy you with all his talking.” you answered back sticking out your tongue. Pierre started laughing and you threw yourself at his chest to hug him.

2012, age 16

“My sister is getting married.” You snorted as you entered Pierre’s bedroom, sitting not-so-graciously on his rolling chair; it started spinning as soon as you did that, and your snorts only grew louder.

“Well hello to you too cœur, it’s nice to see you so happy.” Pierre was holding his laugh at seeing you so upset.

“I’m not in the mood today Pear, drop it.” you muttered rubbing your hands against your face. You couldn’t believe it was really happening. You believed your sister, out of all the people out there, would be the last one to decide to spend her life with just one person.

“It’s so frustrating, like- Eloise will be divorced in six months at most, it’s crystal clear she doesn’t love Bernard, even maman says that! Almost no one likes him in our family.” You crossed your arms angrily, the lump in your throat was growing bigger and bigger.

“But why does everyone hate him so much? He seems like a nice guy after all and-” he couldn’t even finish his sentence before you interrupted him.

“NICE? PIERRE HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?!” you shouted, “Like- have you seen him? Have you ever been with him for a couple of hours? He’s so full of himself, he always talks about that stupid job he does, his studies and other bullshit he does. And he is extremely sexist. Did you know he said that once my sister marries him she’ll be like his personal maid, because she’s younger than him and her degree is inferior?” As you were talking, Pierre’s eyes grew wider and wider.

“Well maybe you’re right.” he scratched the back of his head, “He’s kind of a dickhead” he paused for a while, “but then why’s your sister marrying him?” he questioned.

“Who knows what’s going on inside her head” you grumbled.

“Well,” he cleared his throat, “you’ll have to go to this wedding anyway, she’s your sister and you can’t miss it.”

“Ok mister, then tell me what should I do because Eloise even asked me to be one of her bridesmaids! And I have to bring someone with me as well! Could it be any worse?” You grunted, that was really a shitty situation.

“Well, bring me then.” He said nonchalantly, as if it was the easiest thing in the world.

“You? Why should I choose you?” You asked mockingly, he had that usual grin printed on his face, a blend of cockiness and joke.

“Alright then, first I am incredibly charming - don’t interrupt me Y/N, it’s true -, second your mum loves me as a son and last but not least I am your best friend, so you won’t get annoyed listening to that dickhead’s rambling.” As he finished his speech he looked quite proud of himself, like he had just found the solution to all the problems in the world.

“Maybe I could consider it,” you hummed, “but if you’re so charming as you say you’ll be stealing all the attention of the guests, won’t you?” you teased him.

“I won’t be the only one, that’s for sure cœur.” He smiled warmly at you, “you’ll be there with me and we will be stealing all attention. We’ll be envied even by the newlyweds, we’ll be the star of the event.”

You noticeably blushed at his words, this kind of attention was weird for you to receive even after all those years of being friends with Pierre, who was a natural casanova.

“Then ok I guess,” you spoke sheepishly, “we’ll go together but one condition first: you’ll be obliged to get me out of the embarrassing conversation with my relatives, because I don’t want to put up with another interrogation from uncle Patrick and his wife.”

Pierre replied in the same ‘I-don’t-accept-a-no’ tone, “Deal, but you’ll have to go in the girls crowd when your sister will throw the bouquet.” The devilish grin on his face didn’t bode well, at all.

“Why? I mean- it’s senseless.” You hid your face in your hands, that was becoming awkward.

“I don’t know, it’s funny and you’ll be blushing the whole time.” God he was such a brat sometimes.

“I wonder why I’m still friends with you,” you murmured, “And then who will I marry if I catch it?” You teased him.

“Me, what a question cœur, I’m the perfect man, everyone would want me.” He said defiantly while he smiled.

When you started laughing he couldn’t help but do the same. Even if he was a little dumb sometimes he was still your best friend, the person you trusted the most in the whole world, and you knew he would never let you down.

2015, age 19

It was another night you spent at Pierre’s place, a normal night just hanging out with your best friend. You had just finished watching Beauty and the Beast, your favourite film, and Pierre was teasing you, as usual.

“I just can’t understand why, cœur. I mean- you’re 19! You’re almost an adult and a cartoon is your favourite film? That’s weird as hell.” He complained.

“Ok Pierre, now listen to me: it’s not a normal cartoon, it’s the cartoon. And besides there’s no way you can dislike it, it’s pure perfection. And I’m not a kid,” you sticked your tongue out, “I can be a grown-up and still like cartoons, there’s no rule that prohibits it.” You crossed your arms with a pout on your face.

“Ok cœur, but don’t be offended!” He laughed, that brat! He loved mocking you.

“Sometimes I wonder why you’re my best friend” you muttered, but he had heard you and a smirk appeared on his mouth. He looked straight into your eyes before answering.

“Do I really have to answer? Ok then, I’m beautiful, talented, funny, unique, charming, should I keep going on?” He smiled amused.

“God, you’re such a kid sometimes Pierre.” You shook your head, he was a gone case.

“Yeah, but you love me anyway and I’m your bestest of friends.” He got closer to hug you and you hid your head in the crook of his neck.

Suddenly you heard the timer ringing, “Muffins are ready Pear!” you untangled from his arms to go to the oven. You wore the kitchen gloves before opening it, then you pulled off the moulds with your creations.

“Tadaa!” You placed it on the kitchen table and slowly started positioning the pastries on the dish you had left on it. Your idea was to form a flower with the muffins, but before you could finish Pierre quickly stole one and took a bite of it. He sat on a chair and started unwrapping the muffin from his case.

“Pierre!” you shouted, “I haven't finished yet! C’mon, you always have to ruin it!” you whined, but he was half-moaning while chewing the pastry.

“Jeez Y/N, these are for real the best muffins you have ever baked!” He patted his tummy, “You truly are a woman to marry!” He leant back, relaxing on the backrest with his hands intertwined behind his head.

“Seriously Pierre? Again?” You put your hands on your waist, leaning in to be closer to him. “I thought you had learnt the lesson”

“Oh Y/N stop, it’s not time for your feminist sermon, I know that: women don’t necessarily have to get married, they can be single and happy and they don’t have to stay in the kitchen because they can do much more, I know it.” He looked at you, falsely-annoyed, but deep down he was glady you were as you were, so strong in your beliefs and not afraid of saying things out loud.

He leant towards you to place a kiss on your cheek, before coming back to sit on the chair, “Anyway I’m not joking Y/N, whoever is going to marry you is going to be very lucky, you aren’t just a fantastic chef, but you truly are a beautiful person both inside and outside as well.” He smiled sheepishly.

I wish I was that person, so much he thought, I want to be that lucky to wait for you at the end of the aisle, to see you in a white dress and to make you the love of my life.

But those thoughts were secrets, something the boy kept in the deepest corner of his heart, something he wasn’t ready to say out loud, yet. Deep inside he hoped the day would come sometime, the flame in his soul was still burning, for you and you only ever since the first day the two of you met.

2018, age 22

Half-asleep, you whined when you felt your boyfriend shifting from under you. You tried to stop him but you were still too numb to put enough strength.

“Pear” you whimpered, “come back here” you stretched out your arm to call him.

“Sorry cœur, someone’s at the door” from his voice you could sense he was still sleepy. You then heard him thank the delivery guy before shutting the door loudly.

“Mhh Pierre no, silence” you threw over your head one of the cushions but he was quick to take it off.

“Non cœur, now you have to see this” he grabbed your arm to lift you up until you were then sitting straight. You rubbed your eyes to focus on your boyfriend, who was now very awake, smiley and holding in his arms a big, large bouquet of red roses. You widened your pupils, now completely, shockingly conscious.

“What’s that Pear?” You asked, tears building up, and then realisation hit you. “OH NO I- I’m sorry P, I forgot it was today and I didn't buy you anything but I was so busy with university and then my sister-” you were rambling and Pierre suddenly started laughing. A pout showed on your face, “PIERRE DON’T LAUGH” you half-shouted.

“It’s fine cœur, no worries, and also-” a devilish grin adorned his lips, “I think what we did before was quite a gift” he pointed at his bare chest and at you only wearing panties and his oversized hoodie.You blushed, but he kept going on, “But anyway, happy second anniversary baby. 24 roses for 24 months together.” He leant in to place a kiss on your lips.

A couple of tears escaped your control and before you knew you were openly crying, whilst Pierre still had that smug smile on his face. He placed the bouquet on the table before cuddling against you, leaving a trail of kisses on your cheeks and then moving onto your neck. “Happy anniversary Pear, I am so lucky to have you with me” you murmured to him, squeezing him closer to you and hiding your head in the crook of his neck.

“Cœur really don’t worry about your present, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re still here with me” he stated, looking straight into your eyes.

You cracked a smile and you took his hands in yours, “Were you afraid I would escape?” you cupped his face, “You know that - even if I wanted - I wouldn’t be able to leave you?”

“Well you don’t know that,” he lowered his head, “what if one day you get tired of me?” You couldn’t believe what he was saying, was he really so filled with doubts? What had you done to cause him such worries?

“Pear, have I done something wrong by accident? Is there something you’re hiding from me?” You were craving for an answer but at the same time you were afraid of it. You didn’t want your anniversary day to be also your break-up day, moreover with the love of your life, the boy you had had a crush on ever since childhood - as much as you were trying to deny it at that time.

“It’s nothing cœur, but-” he mused, “sometimes I see other drivers break up with their girlfriends because they’re away for so long and something inevitably happens and-” he paused to swallow the lump in his throat, “I wouldn’t blame you if you couldn’t bear my routine anymore.” He lowered his head, as if he felt guilty.

“No baby, nonono, don’t ever think this again please,” you lifted his head delicately, “I would never do it Pierre, I swear, I- it was me who chose to be by your side, I knew what I was putting myself into two years ago,” some tears spilled from his eyes whilst you were trying your best to hold yours back, “I love you so much Pear, I couldn’t imagine my life without you.”

You lifted yourself a bit and placed a long kiss on his forehead, “This whole distance thing is part of the package, I bought the whole ‘Pierre package’ two years ago and I don’t actually mean to bring it back.” You chuckled lightly, trying to raise the mood of the moment; that really wasn’t how you wanted to spend your anniversary, seeing Pierre that upset and demoralised.

“You’re not calling customer support then?” A little smile, good, his humour was slowly coming back.

“Nope,” you lingered on the P, “and I’m not escaping now, I’m staying here with you.” You kissed him deeply, wanting to convey to him all the affection you felt for him.

“You will escape one day though,” he stated again; you were ready to answer but he was quicker, “The day I’ll propose you’ll run for the hills.” he said like it was nothing. God, the way that boy always talked about marriage without any problem, he was going to be the death of you.

“Pear!” you flushed, hiding your face in your hands, “stop it, stop, it’s not the day.” You stuttered and he was just laughing at your face.

“Not the day? Cœur, it’s inevitable that one day it’ll happen, we’re meant to be.” The more he spoke the more embarrassed you were, trying to escape his arms that, in the meantime, were hugging you super tightly.

An idea popped out in your head; mischievously, you bit his nose and he immediately brought his hands to protect his face from you. “Y/N! What are you doing?” He shouted. You giggled and started running towards the bedroom.

“Catch me if you can, Pear!” you squealed, acting like a baby but, deep down, it was another attempt to cheer him up. Apparently it was working, because he shook his head before talking back, “Oh cœur, you don’t know what I’ll do to you when I’ll catch you.” He smiled devilishly before starting to chase you, a little smirk plastered on his lips. It was going to be an eventful afternoon.

2022, age 26

The French GP hadn’t exactly gone as planned and Pierre was quite frustrated about it. During the race you were staying with his parents in the AlphaTauri garage and you were fervently hoping for him to get at least some points in his home GP, though you knew the car wasn’t performing that well.

This was why you were slightly worried about his state of mind when you came back to the hotel later that night. To leave him some space to take it out, you had stayed a little bit with his parents before they left for their hotel. You had a chat with his mom while his dad was on the phone with him and you could say they were having an important, almost heated discussion.

It was then time to head back to your hotel, where you knew Pierre was waiting for you. Once in the room you heard the shower water was running, Pierre must have been having one. The room was a mess so you decided to clean up a little bit.

Clothes and shoes, mostly Pierre’s, were scattered everywhere, the bags were opened and the vanity case was abandoned on the bed. It was clear that when he had come back he was upset, probably angry and he had just quickly grabbed the stuff he needed for his shower before heading to the bathroom.

Who knew how long he had been in there! The thought of him in those conditions haunted you and didn't want to leave him alone, but on the other hand you knew from experience that he didn’t want to be disturbed; then you kept tidying up, hoping that he would finish soon.

You picked up a pair of clean boxers that were lying on the desk and when you placed them in his suitcase your hand came into contact with something small and hard. You frowned before sticking your hand inside to reach for the mysterious object. Your jaw dropped when you realised it was a little box from Tiffany’s.

Your heart started pounding and a million thoughts were running in your head. The rational part of your brain was struggling to accept the reality of facts, that Pierre was going to propose to you, you were the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. On the other hand the most dreamy and emotional part of you was already planning everything. You could already picture him waiting for you at the end of the aisle, your white dress, the reception in a beautiful garden…

Your train of fantasies was stopped by Pierre walking out the bathroom, wearing a pair of shorts and a tank top. When he saw you holding the tiny box his facial expression changed. He rubbed one hand over his face and a disconsolate sigh left his mouth.

“Y/N I can explain,” murmured Pierre but you interrupted him.

“I think it’s quite clear Pear” you lowered your head fidgeting with the tiny object in your hands.

“But I do want to explain cœur, I think you deserve it” he said, his tone convinced and determined. He reached out for you and you gave him your hand, which you accepted and he guided you towards the bed. You sat one next to another and he slowly began to speak.

“I wanted to do it.” he started, turning around to face you; his eyes were shining, but you couldn’t say whether it was sadness or something else. “I had planned everything with my dad’s help. After the race we would go to have dinner at the seaside and then I wanted to propose on the beach. But I was so sad after the race; I really hoped to score a point at least because Yuki had made it into Q3 in quali and the car seemed less shitty than usual. At the end I was so angry and I didn’t want to ruin the moment with my bad mood, so I didn’t do it.”

He sounded broken, probably both from the GP result and the fact he hadn’t dropped the question. He went on, whilst you were hanging on every word he was saying. “I even argued with my dad, because he thought that I had to do it anyway, I just had to put aside my irritation and ask you because this is more important than a race and-”

“Then ask me.” You interrupted him and his eyes widened.

“What?” He startled, and you realised you had actually said that out loud. Oh shit.

“No Pear, I mean- If you don’t want-” You rambled incoherently.

“You want me to ask you, cœur?” He asked with both surprise and hope in his voice.

Unable to trust your shaky voice, you nodded. His face lightened up and his smile grew bigger and bigger. He took the little box, which had stayed all the time in your hand, and he opened it while kneeling in front of you.

He looked up at you and you saw a single tear escaping his eyes. He breathed deeply before saying the infamous words, “Y/N, mon cœur, will you marry me?”.

The words were your breaking point: you started crying and hid your face in your hands. Your first thought was that Pierre could misunderstand your tears but that fear disappeared when you saw the soft smile on his face. He took one of your hands in his and gently started rubbing little circles on the back of it. He knew the crying wasn’t because of the question, but because of all the stress you had accumulated throughout the day.

After a couple of minutes you composed yourself and you came back staring Pierre in his eyes. Shortly after he removed the ring from the box and he got it closer to your hand.

“Just say yes cœur” he smiled shyly and you finally took courage to answer.

“Yes Pear, forever yes.” You said and let out a watery chuckle. His smile widened again, so much you thought he could burst from happiness. He lifted your hand to slip the ring on your finger, that was when you took some seconds to look at it: it was a thin silver band, with a small, delicate diamond on the top of it. Perfect in its simplicity.

Pierre lifted up bringing you with him and - once you were both standing - he hugged you tightly, rubbing gentle circles on your back. “Thank you cœur, I love you forever and always.” he whispered in your ear.

You slightly untangled you from his tight grip to look at him, you placed a soft kiss on his lips and nuzzled your noses together. “I love you too Pear, forever and always.”

#beh writes #pierre gasly #pierre gasly imagine #pierre gasly one shot #pierre gasly fanfic #pierre gasly x reader #pierre gasly x you #f1 #f1 imagine #f1 one shot #f1 x reader #f1 fanfic #f1 fandom #formula 1 #formula 1 imagine #formula 1 one shot #formula 1 fanfic #formula 1 fandom

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wombatchase · 4 months

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I have a confession: I joined F1 real late into the season so can y'all put me in context of the beef with x and y?? Like why Carlos and Pierre beef? Why Carlos and Oscar beef?? WHY IS EVERYONE BEEFING WITH CARLOS OR WHY IS CARLOS BEEFING WITH EVERYONE??

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sillyissiecativities · 2 days

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#he’s literally a silly goose #you guys just DONT get him the way I do #hes so babygirl #formula 1 #i love him #silly little guy #max verstappen #TU TU TU TU MAX VERSTAPPEN #I’m gonna steal him and put him In my pocket.#f1 racing #formula 1 fandom

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2-fast-2-curious · 2 years

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Daniel audio request? Daddy Dom?

Daniel...it's been too long

[Scrip Fill] [M4F] Your BF Discovers Your Dirty Secret... and Becomes Your New Daddy

[bfe] [mdom] [dlg] [fsub] [collar] [spanking] [choking] [commands] [kissing] [teasing] [fingering] [dirty talk] [Aussie] [ownership] [masturbation] [pussy slaps]

#daniel ricciardo #christine recommends audios #formula 1 x reader #smut #anonymous #formula 1 smut #formula 1 x you #f1 smut #f1 imagines #daniel ricciardo x you #daniel ricciardo x reader #daniel ricciardo smut #formula 1 fic #formula 1 fanfic #formula 1 fandom #formula 1 drivers #f1blr #f1 fandom #f1 imagine

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sebmg4 · 10 months

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guys, i can't watch the race, i'm at karaoke, 1% on my phone and twitter is broken again. please tell me if carlos or charles on the podium..... please.........

#f1 #f1 fandom #formula 1 #formula 1 fandom #daniel ricciardo #austrian gp 2023 #GUYS PLEASE....#i also want my 2022 golden trio back in the podium #alva talks ~ ₊ ⊹

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apollosdaydreams · 3 months

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Cringe

Lando Norris x Reader

Warnings: Suggestive language

Both you and Lando were sitting in a comfortable silence in the living room, both of you just scrolling on social media, just enjoying the quiet around you. With lando being gone almost every week and you being busy with work you've haven't gotten the time so just sit with each other, so this was something that the both of you were enjoying. You were slowly being pulled into a peaceful sleep with Lando's chest vibrating while he started to talk.

“That's so cringe.” He said while making a disgusted face.

We were still half asleep, your mouth moved before you could think through what you were saying. “You think that's cringe? Moms around the world wait nine months just to name their kid Lando Norris.” you looked up at him and gave him a cheeky smile.

His jaw dropped, so far that it could have probably hit the floor. He jokingly pushed you off of him. “Hey fuck you.” He couldn't help himself from smiling at you.

You grinned at him again. “You already do that.”

Again his jaw was on the floor, he couldn't believe what you were saying. “Ok, I think it's your bedtime.” He said jokingly while pulling you back to lay on top of him.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could like, comment and reblog!!

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themissingmango · 2 months

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#my art #lando norris #formula 1 fandom #f1 #formula 1 #f1 fanart #2024 season #helmet #little lando norris #mclaren #papaya #f1 2024 #I love his helmet design for the upcoming season 😍#ln4 #wanted to draw him so smol #🤏🏻

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jessicaloons · 26 days

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Chapter 37:

I think I am finally clean…

Masterlist - Previous - Next

It was raining. In Monaco. In August. When it was decided that I wanted to go talk to Diaz we called his Doctor to set up a meeting. That he asked us to come the next day was scary and Charles asked me if I was sure and if I needed more time, but no. It was decided. The flights were booked, the hotel reserved. And then the rain came pouring down. The whole way to the airport. The flight. The way to the hotel. Rain. Dark and cloudy sky.

It almost felt like a sign. The universe telling me to not go there. To not go see him. But this little voice in the back of my mind was a bitch. Telling me to go. Telling me to listen to him. I was nervous. Anxious. Scared. Angry. Desperate. Devastated. I didn’t know how to feel. I didn’t know what to do. Neither knew Charles. He sat on one of the armchairs, watching me watching the rain outside our window.

"Cara mia?" he asked after a while and I turned a little, looking at him "Let’s order something to eat? Maybe watch a movie?"

"I’m not hungry." I mumbled, turning my back at him again, continuing staring outside, watching the lightning bolts chasing after each other in the darkening sky.

"Lizzie…" he whispered, standing right behind me and I flinched "Hey!" he turned me around, gently grabbing my chin, tilting my head upwards "We don’t have to go there… we can fly back home tomorrow and by Thursday we’re already on the boat. Leaving for the summer."

"No. I want to go. I want to talk to him…" my voice was raspy and weak "I want to know why…" I stopped. Body shaking. The thoughts of what Diaz put me through all coming back in my mind.

"Okay. But you need all your strength and power…" he kissed my cheek and I slowly nodded "Burger and Fries? Or Pizza?"

"Umm…" I bit my lip, thinking about it.

"Both it is…" Charles chuckled and walked over to the phone "And I think a chocolate milkshake sounds also pretty good, no?"

"Perfect." I smiled at him and sat down on the sofa, pulling my knees up to my chest, when he sat down next to me, he pulled me into him.

"You’re shaking… and I can hear your heart practically beating from here…" Charles whispered and I burried my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent, calming down immediately.

"I’m okay… or I will be… you’re here." I mumbled.

"I’m not leaving your side for a single moment." he kissed the top of my head and I nodded slowly.

"Good, because I think I can’t do it alone."

The drive from the hotel to the psychiatric hospital outside of Madrid felt like an eternity. My leg was bouncing nervously, Charles’ hand on my thigh, rubbing soothing circles on it to calm me down. I saw on the screen that we would arrive in 32 minutes and I felt my insides churning. 32 minutes. The time was ticking away so slowly that I closed my eyes, leaning back. Humming a melody that was stuck in my head. After a while I started to sing. Quietly. Only for myself to hear I thought. Only to calm myself down.

"I always loved it when you were singing…" Charles whispered after a while and I looked at him with big eyes "You have a beautiful voice, cara mia. I said it a million times before…"

"Oh stop…" I chuckled a little, looking out the window again.

"I’ll stop when you continue to sing." he stated and I sighed a little, but then continued. Charles grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles, calming me down even more. When the navigation system let us know that we arrived at our destination all calmness was gone, replaced by anxiety. The guard at the gate asked our names and then the big and heavy looking iron gate opened up, revealing a long driveway up a hill, the psychiatric hospital on top of it. As soon as we parked I felt my anxiety grow even more, the skin at my nape prickling, goosebumps erupting. I swallowed hard and Charles looked at me.

"Lizzie, you don’t have to do this. No one would think less of you. Just because he wants to talk to you, doesn’t mean that you have to grant him his wish. We can go home. Forget about it." he took my hands in his and I closed my eyes.

"I’m not giving him the satisfaction that he won…" my voice became hoarse.

"He didn’t win, Lizzie. You did. You are here. Free. He’s locked up. You won." he squeezed my hands and I looked at him.

"I don’t want to look weak…" I began but Charles shook his head.

"You’re the strongest person I know! What he did to you? And still you decided to come here! You are so brave, cara mia."

"You come in with me, right? I don’t want to face him alone…" I said hesitantly, but Charles gently leaned his forehead against mine.

"I would never let you go in there alone!"

"Thank you…" I sighed and he nodded.

"Okay, are you ready?" he mustered me for a moment and I nodded "Then let’s go." he got out of the car, walked around it and opened my door, holding his hand out "I’m with you. Every step of the way."

Charles held my hand tight as we walked to the entrance, a security guard nodding at us, a buzzer rang out, opening the doors. At the front desk a nurse was waiting for us.

"Señora Doetterer, Señor Leclerc, Dr. Martínez is already awaiting you. I’ll take you to him." she smiled at us, then pointed at the front desk "You have to sign into our visitor book and wear these." she handed us a visitor pass each, which I tried to clip to my jacket, with my shaky hands but I failed and Charles helped me, before he did the same with his, then I took the pen to sign into the book but my hand was shaking too much and I dropped the pen.

"Here, let me do that." Charles picked up the pen and signed us both in, then he grabbed my hand again and looked at me for "Do you need a moment?"

"No, I’m okay." I shook my head and he looked at me intently, before he nodded.

"Okay, then let’s go." he turned to look at the nurse and we followed her.

The hallway was long. White. Bright neon light from above. Our steps echoed from the walls. Every door was locked with a keypad. It was quiet. Too quiet. The air smelled somewhat burned, mixed with disinfectant. The whole place felt sinister. We stopped in front of an elevator and the nurse called it down with a keycard. We stepped in, letting it take us to the second floor, still following the nurse. She turned left and stopped in front of a door, then she knocked and opened the door. I walked in first, quickly followed by Charles.

"Ah! Miss Doetterer, Mr. Leclerc, take a seat, please! I’m Dr. Martínez." a middle aged man in dark blue slacks, white button down and a grey sports jacket got up from his chair and walked around the table, shaking our hands "Thank you, Inez, I call you in as soon as we need you."

"Of course, Dr. Martínez." the nurse replied and closed the door behind us.

"Thank you for coming today, Miss Doetterer." he sat back down, a friendly smile on his face "And of course, thank you too, Mr. Leclerc. It’s always better if a confrontation like today happens when the… the victim has some emotional but also physical support by their side."

"How will this confrontation look like? Is he locked behind bars? I’m not letting him get close to Lizzie." Charles said and Dr. Martínez nodded.

"I understand your concerns, Mr. Leclerc. I assure you, you both will be save. He is chained to the chair he’s sitting on. Me and another nurse will be by his side, while you two will sit at the other side of the table." he explained.

"The moment I sense any form of discomfort for Lizzie, I will end this whole thing and we leave." Charles squeezed my hand tightly.

"Of course! Now, as I told you already on the phone, Salva suffers from a plethora of mental illnesses. He has tendencies to a bipolar disorder as well as a strong obsession with you Lizzie, it goes that far to be considered as an illness called erotomania. It is a relatively uncommon paranoid condition that is characterized by an individual's delusions of another person being infatuated with them. He talked about how he saw you at press conferences and that he could feel how you were flirting, being affectionate towards him, but when he confronted you, you denied your infatuation with him. In his mind you did things that showed him that you were interested but just too shy to admit it. I think he tried to lure a confession out of you, by asking highly sexualised questions, hoping you would finally admit your feelings. When you instead of confirming his fantasies getting him banned from the paddock, his love and admiration turned into rage and obsession. In his mind you were forbidding him of his love for you. His object of desire became the manifestation of his hatred."

"But why does he want to talk to me then? Why does he want to see me then? When he hates me?" I almost whispered.

"He seemed remorseful, when he told me everything. He talked about how he realised that the way he pursued you was wrong. Maybe he sees this as his absolution. Apologising to you. Explaining why he did what he did."

"Okay." I looked down on the floor, a little ink stain underneath the table was suddenly all too interesting.

"I suggest you let him talk, let him say what he has to say, from then on we’ll see how to progress." Dr. Martínez got up but Charles held up his hand.

"To make this clear. We’re not here for his sake. We’re here for Lizzie. For her peace of mind. For her to find closure. When I see that this confrontation is taking its toll on her, we’re out. I don’t care if he’s in the middle of a heartfelt apology or whatever. I don’t care for him. If this doesn’t benefit Lizzie, we’re leaving. Again, if I sense just the slightest of discomfort for her, the session is done. We will leave immediately. I don’t care if he finds absolution. He can rot in hell for what it’s worth, if it were up to me." Charles looked at the doctor with stormy eyes. His grasp on my hand comforting me, grounding me.

"Mr. Leclerc, I understand that you want to protect your girlfriend. But a negative, hostile attitude won’t be helpful. Maybe you should wait outsi-…"

"No. I stay by her side, or we’re leaving immediately. Again. We’re here for Lizzie. And only Lizzie. If that’s a problem for you, say it now and we see ourselves out." Charles stood his ground and the way he defended me gave me a sense of security, comfort. I squeezed his hand and he looked at me, smiling encouraging "These are our conditions. It’s up to you now."

Dr. Martínez looked between us, then sighed.

"Please follow me." he pushed a button on his phone and a moment later the door opened and Inez, the nurse from before, smiled at us.

"Salva is waiting for you, Dr."

With every step we took I felt more and more sick. My breathing was ragged, vision blurry. The only thing keeping me going and steady was Charles next to me, holding me close by the waist with one hand, his other hand had my hand in a tight grip.

"I want you to hold my hand in there, the whole time. I want you to squeeze my hand as hard as you can when it’s getting too much, then we’re leaving. You are the strongest person I know, just coming here was so incredibly brave of you!" he whispered reassuring into my ear and I nodded slightly "I’m here, you’re not alone. He can’t hurt you anymore, he can’t hurt anyone anymore, okay?"

"Okay…" I whispered back and we stopped in front of a door.

"Ready?" Dr. Martínez asked and I nodded "Alright." he opened up the door with his keycard and we waited for the buzzer, as soon as it rang out he pushed the door open, stepping inside.

I took one last deep breath, Charles smiling at me, and followed the doctor, Charles right at my back. We sat down and I held my head down, starring at the floor.

"What? You don’t even want to look at me and say hi?" Salva’s voice was like ice running through my veins.

"Salva." Dr. Martínez scolded him and he sighed.

"Hello Lizzie. Hello Charles. Thank you for coming here today." he didn’t sound remorseful, he sounded almost bored.

"Salva, why don’t you tell Lizzie and Charles what you told me, how you regret what you did. How you want to be better."

"Ahhh yeah… that story. See. I don’t think I need to be better… I just wanted an opportunity to talk to Lizzie and where Lizzie goes, Charles follows, isn’t that right" Diaz chuckled and looked at me and then Charles Diaz looked at him, straight in the eyes "By the way. How did you like my little gift on Bianchi’s death day?" he smirked and my eyes widened.

The article from the Spanish newspaper. I was right. It was him. I felt Charles tensing up next to. He tried to not show any emotions but I felt his hand tremble slightly.

"I got over it." he pressed out through clenched teeth.

"Good for you. Really!" Diaz replied, turning his head a little, looking at me as if he waited for me to say something "Oh come on, Lizzie. You came… that means you want to talk. You want to hear my story. You want to…"

"Why?" I interrupted him, my voice barely a whisper.

"Why?" he looked at me and I nodded.

"Why do you want to talk to me? Do you want to explain yourself? Apologise…?" I asked.

"Apologise? No. No definitely not… But I want to tell you my side of the story… why I did what I did… why everything that has happened to you and your family are the consequences of your own doing…"

"Why you did what you did? You started this whole shit just because I rejected you! Back in 2019! In Assen!"

"2019? No. This started earlier. Way earlier. In 2009 to be precise." his smile made me shiver and I looked to Charles, confusion evident on his face as well.

"2009?" I repeated and Diaz nodded.

"Lizzie didn’t know you back then." Charles said and Diaz looked at him.

"Oh, but she did. You as well…" he stated, laughing at the confusion evident on our faces "You see, I’m from a very traditional and conservative family. We don’t think that girls should race… so of course, when we race against a girl, we have to win. Because a girl can’t be better than us. But there was this little annoying brat, always laughing and smiling, charming everyone, fellow drivers, parents, journalists, even racing directors…"

"Just because Lizzie was nice to everyone doesn’t mean that she was charming the race directors!" Charles interrupted and Diaz laughed.

"Oh Charlie boy. Still the big, old guard dog. Funny how nothing has changed." he leaned back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head "Let’s just say, Japan wasn’t the first time your fist hit my face."

"What do you mean?" I asked him and he chuckled.

"Remember when you were disqualified from that race in Italy…"

"… because I punched David…" Charles replied and I remembered that day.

"David Salvador Castro Diaz. David Castro then… Salva Diaz now. Oh you should see the look on your faces. Priceless."

"So you couldn’t beat Lizzie in karting. That’s the reason you did all this?" Charles gently squeezed my hand under the table, when he felt how I tensed up.

"I could beat her, I just never had the chance to. Not when the others were guarding you on track that nothing could happen to our little princess. Not when the race directors where favouring you. My dad was seething. I was a shame for him, he told me more than once. All the money he invested, for me to be beaten by a little girl. No, he couldn’t keep on doing that. He stopped supporting me, so I had to stop karting. Because of you, my dream got destroyed."

"No one protected me on track! How many races did I not finish because some asshole couldn’t handle the fact that I was better and drove straight into me, sending me off track! No, you had the chance to beat me, but you just weren’t good enough." my voice was shaky but I stood my ground, looking at him.

"As long as you believe it. I know the truth. I lost everything. My own father was so ashamed of me that he never supported me in anything ever after. And then I had to witness how you made your way up the series. You both. But at least I knew that you weren’t ever going to make it into F1." Diaz looked at me, grinning like the devil.

"You became a journalist to get your revenge?" I asked confused and he laughed.

"No. I wanted to work in motorsports, after all it still was my biggest passion. A passion you took away from me. I studied sport journalism and during my fifth semester I made an internship at Marca and was sent to some lower Formula races. And who did I bump into out of all people at a F2 race? You. After winning Monaco in 2017. I saw how people were talking about you. How great you were. What a good race you had. I was seething. You didn’t even recognise me. I saw you after that weekend again and again. I even asked you some questions but you didn’t recognise me, how could you, always looking at your little prince with heart eyes? I remember the first time when you were asked if you were a couple and you denied it. Part of me thought you just didn’t want everyone to know, but there was this other part that knew it was because of me. Because when I asked my questions, you were so sweet and kind! Always a joke on your lips and a smile that made everyone feel special. But I knew it was only for me. You just didn’t knew it yet."

"No! It wasn’t just for you! That’s how I am! I told you in Assen! I told you that I am like this! I try to be nice to everyone! It never was just for you! I didn’t want to make you feel special!" I was getting furious, my voice almost trembling.

"Oh come on Lizzie! That little fighting back you did in Assen? Who are you kidding? It wasn’t even noticeable, otherwise guard dog Charle would’ve come down and save you, isn’t that right? You watched me kiss her and you didn’t see anything wrong about it. So you just let it be." Diaz smirked at Charles who paled a little.

"No! NO! It wasn’t like that! I saw you lean in for the kiss and then kissing her and turned away. I didn’t watch it! But I regret it! Every damn second of my life I regret that I wasn’t man enough to stay there. It was my own fault that it could get this far. Would I just have told you what I felt for you I sure as hell would’ve jumped over the banister when I saw him kissing you." Charles voice now trembling when he looked at me. I squeezed his hand a little and shook my head.

"It wasn’t your fault. Nothing of it. I could’ve told you how I felt as well but didn’t do it!"

"How you felt for him? But still you kissed me?" Diaz laughed.

"I didn’t kiss you-…" my head snapped into his direction.

"Of course you did! That first kiss! You didn’t-…"

"THAT WAS MY FIRST KISS EVER! I WAS SHELL SHOCKED! I COULDN’T MOVE! I WAS PETRIFIED! MY HEAD WAS EMPTY! AND YOU PUSHED ME AGAINST THE WALL! AGAINST MY WILL! WHEN I TRIED TO PUSH YOU OFF OF ME YOU GRINNED AND STARTED TOUCHING ME ALL OVER! I DIDN’T WANT THAT!" I screamed at him and for the first time the mad smile disappeared from his face.

"I didn’t want any of it! I never had feelings for you! I never gave you hidden signals! I never flirted with you! Nothing! You took my first kiss away from me! Forcefully! You groped me! I had bruises afterwards! And nothing of it was consensual! NOTHING!" I looked at him in disgust, tears threatening to spill, when I saw the smile coming back.

"You wished your first kiss would’ve been Charlie boy here? Too bad that he didn’t want the same… no he had his first kiss with Camille in the club… and poor Lizzie had to watch… I saw how your face fell when he kissed her. How your heart broke and I just knew that I had to make it up to you. I would’ve never hurt you like this…"

"But you did hurt me! Again and again! You never stopped hurting me!" I spat out.

"That’s your own fault! I saw you leaving, I followed you, I wanted to talk to you! But you were fucking rude, shoving me out of your way, not even saying sorry, not even acknowledging me. No. You just shoved me out of your way like I was an obstacle. An abomination. Not even when you almost tripped and fell down the stairs outside and I helped you. You brushed me off. You hissed at me to leave you the fuck alone. That was the moment I realised you’re not at all the sweet girl that I thought you were. You were a bitch. A cold hearted bitch. I wanted to follow you. I wanted to get to you. But you jumped into a taxi and left. But that was the moment I knew I had to do something. You broke my heart. Now it was my turn breaking yours!"

"And you did that. Over and over again. You did horrible things. To punish me? For not reciprocating your feelings?" I asked him and he threw his head back laughing.

"Salva! You wanted me to call Lizzie and ask her to come here and tell her how you feel and how you regret what you did! Why don’t you start-…" Dr. Martinez began but Diaz waved him off.

"I had to punish you! You played with me, tricked me into believing you had feelings for me! You were living my dream! Everyone talked about how unfair it was that someone as good as you didn’t drive in F1. I couldn’t believe my ears! But then… after your little accident I thought it was over for you. But no. Not for Lizzie Doetterer and her flock of little helpers… no, you found a way into F1. A half dead girl. No. I couldn’t let that happen. But ultimately I couldn’t change it. You made it. Audi took you in and I knew I had to do something. So I did my best to get my blog going. Get Marca and ESPN Spain to sponsor me, so that I would get paddock passes for all races. And then I started to think about how I could make your life in the paddock a living hell. I knew you always had a little problem with your short temper… so I knew I just had to tease you long enough and you would snap. Reveal to everyone how you really are. That this cute and nice and funny girl is just a facade! I wanted the cold hearted bitch that you are to come out…"

"Lizzie was never a cold hearted bitch, you hear me? She was always one of the most compassionate and empathic people I know. And the only reason you think different than anyone else is because she first beat you over and over and then later turned you down. That’s pathetic. You’re pathetic…" Charles said through gritted teeth and I could see how angry he was.

"I wouldn’t say she beat me over and over but…"

"She did! You were never in front of her in any of the races you competed against her! At least 30 to 40 times she showed you again and again that she was better than you!" Charles interrupted him, a triumphant smile on his face.

"43." Diaz spat out.

"43?" Charles asked.

"43 races…" Diaz looked at me.

"43?" I repeated and something came back to my mind "43 letters…" I whispered and Charles looked at me.

"43 letters?" he asked gently and I looked at him.

"I received some fan letters over the winter break… I received 43 from him… all saying the same…" I began and Diaz laughed.

"Happy New Year, Lizzie. 2022 was only the beginning… This year I’m coming for everything if you won’t do what I say." he repeated the words of the letter and I felt a shiver running down my spine "Everything I did had a purpose. Everything I did was connected somehow…"

"Salva, we’re really on the wrong path here… we really should end this-…" Dr. Martinez nodded to the nurse but I shook my head.

"No! I want to know what else you did. That wasn’t all, I know it. I can see it in your face, there’s more!" I said and Diaz nodded.

"So much more… I don’t even know where to start… what about how you were lying to everyone? You were denying that you were a couple all the damn time and I almost believed it. It made sense to me. But then? Cut to Melbourne. Oh boy! I was fuming when I saw you kissing. After all this time, after he broke your heart. After he hurt you so much. You still chose him? You again disappointed me beyond believe!" Salva hissed "But for some reason you kept on lying about it. Denying that you were a couple. Made us all look like fools! I needed to show the world that you’re not this nice girl they all thought you were! I saw how you shared a hotel room in Imola and Barcelona and then you stayed with him in Monaco. So I wanted to expose you in Baku, I just had to. I paid the lady at the front desk to give me your room number and then I lit up a trash can… I wanted everyone to see how you were sharing a room. How you lied to everyone! Why would he be with you and not in his hotel in the middle of the night, if you’re not a couple, right?"

"But you failed! No one saw us!" Charles said and Diaz chuckled.

"Well yeah… in Baku I failed…" he shrugged his shoulders "Not in Mexico though… getting into the medical centre was easy, again, for a certain amount of money, people would do everything. That little snippet of you and her dad…" he shook his head towards Charles "… that was just the cherry on top to cause a little more drama. I was hoping to get another one of your enemies on board, backing up the story, because boy oh boy you sure do have a long list of people who don’t like you, Lizzie. But Camille didn’t want to be part of it… I asked her again for a statement when it came to the paternity of little Liam, but damn she was tough, didn’t want anything to do with it. She said she loves seeing you suffer, but she won’t be part of it. Boring if you ask me, everything feels better, knowing that you played your part in it, ask me, I know what I’m talking about."

"Salva!" Dr. Martinez reprimanded but I held up my hand.

"No, let him talk…" I said and the doctor wiped his brows, sighing loudly.

"This was supposed to be an opportunity for Salva to show remorse, to help him in his recovery… I think it’s better if we end this." Dr. Martinez said, nodding to the nurse.

"No! Let him talk, if Lizzie wants him to continue!" Charles said and I nodded "I told you we’re here for Lizzie. She wants this, so let him talk."

"See, doc? They love my story telling!" Diaz teased.

"Please Dr. Martinez, I need to know the full story… the whole truth…" I looked at him and he nodded slowly.

"Okay…" he slowly agreed and Diaz clapped, smiling brightly at us.

"Where were we?" he asked, scratching his chin "Oh yeah. Monaco. How I loved seeing you like this. Watching you sitting all by yourself, waiting for the hometown hero. What a picture of misery…"

"I knew that someone was watching me… I felt it…" I whispered.

"I was watching you all the time. You were never alone. I was almost always around. Watching you. Studying you. Learning every little thing about you… but Monaco this year? Oh you have no ideas how much it satisfied me, seeing you like this. I could practically see how you were asking yourself it it was the right decision to not do what I wanted…" Diaz stated.

"If you studied me, learned every little thing about me, then you must’ve known that I would never do what you asked of me? I would never go through with your plan…" I began and he yet again began to laugh as if I told him the funniest joke ever.

"Oh Lizzie, come on! Use your brain? It was never about the bets. Or the money. It was about you. Destroying you and your reputation. I planted the seeds from the beginning of last season. Comments and tweets here and there about how you made it into F1 in the first place. Releasing that article about Audi‘s early entry. Provoking your little guard dog to yet again safe his damsel in distress. An article about your attitude, growing aggression. You just played right into my hands in Australia, being this furious after the race. That clip of you throwing away your helmet? Priceless. How people started to question if your facade slowly started to crumple and they get to see the real Lizzie… and now imagine you would’ve done what I asked of you? Deliberately take out Charles and you in Monaco? Secure Max’s wins? Bet on the races? That’s morally so wrong… the lack of integrity! And that all from the driver who stood out as a role model for many young girls out there?"

"But I refused to do it…" I said quietly, my mouth dry "And your punishment for me was hurting my family? Hurting Charles?"

"It didn’t matter if you would’ve agreed to do what I asked you to. The article about your sister’s baby daddy and Charles being it were both set to drop that weekend regardless. Finding her ex and making him comply was easy. Again, with the right amount of money everything is possible. It also helped that he didn’t like you. What am I saying, he hates you." he smiled like he just had told us a beautiful anecdote.

"But how? You said you lost sponsors! You said you needed the money! How did you pay the lab, Sven? Or last year, the lady in the hotel? Whoever let you in the medical centre in Mexico? How did you pay all these people if you have no money?" I was confused "If you needed to bet on races to get some money out of it?"

"Daddy dearest stopped supporting me financially because of you. But when he died I still inherited his money. So you see, I didn’t care for the bets. It’s ridiculous to bet on races. There’s not much money to win. But what would everyone think when innocent and sweet little Lizzie was seen in a betting shop? Betting on races? Races she drives in? You walked blindly into my trap, I took pictures of you going in. You even signed a receipt. The photos, a copy of the receipt along with the betting slips? How would that look in public?"

"Thats what this was all about? You thought I didn’t deserve what I achieved. You were mad that I didn’t treat you the way you think I should’ve? So you wanted to destroy my career at all costs? My-…" I began and he just shrugged his shoulders, laughing out loud.

"No… not just your career… I wanted to destroy everything. Your family. Your reputation. Your life. You." he answered simply and I closed my eyes for a second. Letting his words sink in.

"And what was your plan if you succeeded? If you ruined everything for me? If there was nothing left you could’ve taken from me?" I looked at him, my voice trembling.

"I would find another way to make you suffer even more… don’t you see? Your pain and your agony is what satiates me, what keeps me going, what-…" his voice indifferent. Face blank. Void of any emotions.

"Salva, please! If you don’t stop this… we’re ending it, then! Didn’t you want to tell Lizzie how much you regret-…" Dr. Martínez tried it again, but Diaz only shook his head.

"Regret what? That I wanted to take what was mine? No. Everything I did was justified." he said, his voice indifferent.

"Lizzie was never yours!" Charles was fuming.

"Oh yeah? She’s yours then? No. No I don’t think so! No. If I can’t have here, no one can! That’s why I waited in her apartment for her. To give her a final chance. To choose me." Diaz spat out, looking at me with a look of sheer hate.

"But that’s the thing… she didn’t choose you. You lost. Again. We walk out of here. Lizzie and I. Together. I am her’s just as much as she is mine and nothing you did in the past changed that. You failed. You’re a failure. And we are free to leave. Free to live our life’s. While you? Well…" the way Charles said it made me shiver. I never heard his voice turn so cold. He squeezed my hand and then looked at me "Ready to go?"

I nodded. I knew everything now. He told me everything that he did. And I survived. Charles was right. We would walk out here, while Diaz would stay here. We stood up, ready to leave.

"You know… there is one thing I do regret though, Dr. Martinez, you’re right…" Diaz almost whispered, looking at Charles, again his mad smile on his lips "When I had the chance to get rid of her? To end it all? I wasn’t fully determined to went through with it… because a part of me still thought that with a little time she would finally admit her feelings for me… so I hesitated… and she survived…"

"What do you mean? When you had the chance to get rid of Lizzie?" Charles voice was dangerously low, letting go of my hand.

"I told you I was everywhere. Always watching Lizzie from afar… who would ever suspect a journalist from Spain, with no connection to Lizzie at all, to drive a black Mercedes and run her over and then flee the scene… never looking ba-…" he didn’t even finish the sentence when Charles lunged at him over the table, the nurse jumping in just in time to pull Charles off of Diaz.

"I’m going to kill you, you hear me? You’re dead!" Charles screamed, fighting against the nurse who held him back as the door opened, a security guard and two nurses storming in. The security guard pulled Charles with him outside and one of the nurses guided me outside as well, at the door I turned around and looked at Diaz, again a mad smile on his face.

"Maybe I didn’t win, but at least I made your life a living hell for a while." he began to laugh, the shrill tone made my blood freeze.

As soon as I stood in the hallway and the door to Diaz’ room was closed, I sank down against the wall. Pulling my knees up to my chest. Exhaustion taking over.

"Let go of me!" Charles struggled against the tight grip the security guard had on him and as soon as he was released he kneeled down in front of me "Lizzie?" he whispered, gently cupping my cheeks, making me look at him "Hey! Cara mia, look at me!"

"It was him. He tried to kill me." my voice barely audible.

"And he will pay for it, okay? He will rot in here for the rest of his life, I’ll make sure of it." Charles sounded determined "He confessed it all. Everything he did. He will never be free."

"Can we leave?" I whispered, looking at him.

"Of course. Let’s go home."

We packed up our bags and drove to the airport, jet ready to take us back home. Away from Diaz. Away from the pain he caused. Away from all the horrible things he did. Back in Charles flat I took a shower. A long one. I sat under the spray of the shower head, feeling numb. I didn’t even react when Charles sat down behind me, pulling me into his lap.

"I thought I would feel better… " I whispered, eyes closed.

"It was a lot, he revealed more than what you’ve expected… what we expected…" Charles replied, rubbing my back.

"It was him. Everything that ever happened… it was him…"

"And he confessed it all. In front of us. The doctor. The nurse. He confessed his crimes. He will never be able to hurt you, okay? I’ll take care of it!" Charles kissed my shoulder "And now come on. Let’s get out of here… you look like a raisin." he got up and pulled me with him.

We stepped outside the shower and Charles wrapped me into a towel, kissing my nose.

"I ordered some food from Antonio’s." he said and I smiled "All your favourites."

"Thank you." I wrapped my arms around his waist and snuggled into him.

"Everything for you." he kissed my temple "Let’s eat and watch a movie. Tomorrow we pack and then on Thursday we leave this mess behind for a while."

"What’s up?" he asked after a while of me pacing back and forth, my half packed suitcase in front of me.

"Can we- can we talk about something?" I said and he nodded, throwing his swim shorts into his suitcase.

He sat down on the bed, patting the space next to him and I took a deep breath, sitting down. I was thinking about my words, nervously fiddling with a loose thread from the blanket.

"Come one now, cara mia. What’s going on?" Charles took my hand in his and smiled at me.

"I need to ask you something. You can say no! Really! It’s just… I was wondering… do you think- umm… would it be okay for you, if I- if I move in with you? Here into your flat?" I stammered and Charles looked at me, his face showed his clear surprise.

"Move in with me? Like permanently?" he repeated and I nodded slowly.

"I can’t stand being in my flat… not anymore, not after what happened… I- I don’t feel safe anymore. He, Diaz, he defiled it. It doesn’t feel like home anymore. I don’t want to be reminded of everything that has happened in there…" I whispered, looking down.

"And you feel safe here?" Charles asked and I looked at him "We were mostly at your place after you bought it… I figured it was because here reminds you of Camille."

"I mean it does… sometimes. Not all the time. But yeah… it’s not that bad… it’s better than my place at least." I sighed.

He looked at me for a while, then grabbed his phone. He typed away, got a text back and answered. After two more texts he nodded and stood up.

"Alright. Let’s go." he held his hand out to me and I looked at him confused "Come on. Move."

"Where are we going?" I asked, letting him pull me into the hallway where he slipped into his shoes, he waved towards my shoes and I slipped them on "Charles! Where are we going!"

"You’ll see, okay?" he just said and then we left.

He didn’t say a single word the whole drive and I looked outside, not really knowing where we were. We stopped abruptly at a construction site, where a guy walked towards us and Charles rolled down his window.

"Charles? Okay. Drive all the way to the back and then turn right, again all the way to the back and then left. There you see a big C on the wall. Park there and take the doors on the right. Elevator 4." he explained and Charles nodded.

"Thanks mate." he said and drove into the underground parking garage.

"Where are we going?" I asked again as Charles followed the directions of the guy and parked the car next to the C.

"I want to show you something." he got out and I followed him "Come on."

Through the door and into elevator 4, I was still waiting for an answer when he pushed the PH button. The whole ride upstairs he didn’t say a word, just smiled at me and when the doors finally opened he took my hand, leading me outside into a hallway and then straight through a big door, right into a huge and bright entryway.

"Here’s the kitchen, it’s of course empty, we could choose our own design, but it’s a huge one as you can see. Dining room, there easily fits a table for 20 people! Imagine here a seating area, a comfy sofa right in front of the fire place. And here that would be a guest room. Look how big it is, with an en suite bathroom, all bedrooms have that. Here’s another guest room… and here another one… and that would be our bedroom. Look at the size of the closet! Look at the bathroom. It’s empty for now, but you could design it just like the kitchen, just how you like it! A huge tub, big shower, double vanity." Charles showed me through the penthouse, a big smile on his face "Let’s go upstairs… that’s the living room, we could have the biggest, most fluffiest sofa in here! And here’s the perfect place for my piano… and now let’s get out on the terrace!" he opened up the sliding doors and we stepped outside. It was huge. Almost like a backyard of a big house "Outdoor kitchen, dining table, lounge area and here we have the best part of it all…" a freaking pool. Not a huge pool, but big enough to swim around a little, cool down on hot summer days, a little pool party with friends "What do you say? Do you like it?" he looked at me with big eyes. His excitement almost bubbling over.

"Okay… this place is insane…" I said and looked around "Really insane…"

"In a good way, or a bad way?" he asked, taking my hand "It’s big. I know. But not too big. I’m just thinking… this is a place we could stay for a while… we have enough space for family and friends coming over. We have an outdoor area! A pool. It’s perfect for us…"

"It is perfect… really… but Charles, we can’t afford it? This penthouse costs at least 50 million euros? Probably even more?" I said and he chuckled.

"First of all, no, it doesn’t cost 50 million, it’s far away from that. Second of all, we’re both F1 drivers? I think we can afford it. One of the investors is an old family friend. And another investor is a sponsor of Ferrari. I’m also Monegasque so the real estate fees don’t apply to me. Which means, we can totally afford it…" he smiled.

"You mean, you can afford it? Charles I’m not earning anywhere near your salary…" I began but he shushed me.

"I don’t care. It doesn’t matter who pays for it or who pays more. This is perfect for us. I know this is a very old school and traditional and maybe even slightly sexist way of thinking, and I apologise for it straight away, you know I’m a big supporter of gender equality and feminism, but let me handle this. Let me buy this. For us. For our future. Let me take care of this…"

"I don’t know… about how much are we talking? This is a big step! It’s not just a small 2 bedroom flat like mine! No this is a 4 bedroom, duplex penthouse with terrace and a freaking pool!" I said and Charles chuckled a little.

"And 4 parking spots… I don’t have the numbers, but I let my accountant go over it all and with the, let’s call it discounts, I can definitely afford it, don’t forget that I’ll sell my flat than as well, so that generates another source of income…" he said and now I had to chuckle.

"Your accountant? You call Enzo your accountant?" I slapped his arm and he laughed.

"Yeah because at that moment he was just that, my accountant." he looked at me and I walked inside, downstairs.

"And it’s really affordable?" I asked and Charles nodded "All of the interior design is for us to decide? Floor? Walls? Tiles? Kitchen? Bathroom? Everything?"

"Everything, cara mia. You say what you want and they’ll build it exactly that way."

"When could we move in?" I looked at him.

"The construction works are done in around 3 months and then you can design the interior… and then how ever long that takes…" a smile started to spread on his face "What are you saying?"

I walked into the area that would be the kitchen and turned a little, looking over it all. In my mind I already had tons of ideas on how I wanted this place, our place, to look like. I took one deep breath and turned around, looking at Charles hopeful face.

"I guess I’ll have to sell my flat… I want to contribute at least something…" I said and he took 3 long strides, stopping in front of me, his hands on my waist.

"Are you saying what I think you’re saying?" he whispered.

"When you’re thinking that I’m saying yes, then I am saying what you’re thinking." I answered and I could see how he puzzled the answer together, a big smile spreading on his face.

"We’re buying our first flat together." he hoisted me up, spinning me around, then he sat me down and kissed me passionately, stealing every ounce of oxygen from my body. He leaned his forehead on mine and exhaled happily.

"It’s a fresh start. A fresh start in a neutral place. No old memories. Like an empty canvas…" I mumbled and Charles nodded.

"It’s our place, for us to fill with our memories together."

"This is what I needed. After everything that has happened…" I kissed him "Thank you…"

"I can’t wait for this place to be ours. Ours. Yours and mine." he smiled and I nodded a little "I love you, cara mia."

"I love you too."

Chapter 37 - The big Salva Diaz reveal… this chapter was one of the very first that I have finished when starting this fic last summer… and it’s one of my favourites! I hope you liked it! Let me know what you think about it… next up we have the well needed summer break!

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

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Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

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All the images I’m using are from Google, Pinterest and Instagram (or self made).

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stateofcharles · 2 years

Text

too busy dancing to get knocked off our feet - DR3

pairing: Daniel Ricciardo x female!reader

word count: ~ 1,8k

warnings: fluff and only fluff (call your dentist)

summary: It’s your third anniversary with Daniel but you’re feeling unwell so - instead of going out to celebrate - he decides to have a date at your place. Your living room soon turns into a ballroom.

a/n: title from “New Romantics” by the one and only queen Taylor Swift

“No babe please I’m not feeling well, I think I caught a stomach bug” you moaned on the phone to your boyfriend Daniel, while you rubbed your belly trying to seek some comfort from the ache that had been devastating you in the previous two days. He was in Woking, busy at the MTC, and you should have been there with him, but a severe stomachache had kept you in London, your hometown.

“But Y/N” you could almost hear him pouting through the phone, “It’s our third anniversary today! We should go out and celebrate in that Italian restaurant that you love. Are you really sure you can’t come here?”

“Dan” You pronounced his name sadly, “I know that, you can’t imagine how I’d like to eat their lasagna right now, but I’m quite sure it wouldn’t benefit my stomach. I’m really sorry babe.”

“No love, you’ve nothing to apologise for, it’s not your fault.” He sighed, desolation in his tone.

“What about another day? Maybe we can have a late celebration” you suggested, wanting so badly to spend a little time with your boyfriend.

“You know I’d do it, but I’m leaving for a triple header in a couple of days.” Sadness was obvious, and your heart clenched at the thought.

You both stayed silent for some minutes, until you heard a gasp on the other end of the line.

“I HAVE AN IDEA!” Daniel shouted just after.

“Ok Dan but please, I’d like to be able to hear for another twenty years at least.” You giggle as soon as you hear your boyfriend huffing.

“Yeah ok, whatever. Listen now. What about a night at your place? Easy and relaxing, we put on some random movie, we have whatever you want to eat, we cuddle and kiss and all that sweet stuff that you like.” He sounded excited, but the only thing you could do was laugh.

“‘The sweet stuff that I like’? Really Daniel?” Your boyfriend could be such a kid sometimes.

“Cmon Y/N, have you really picked up those words only?” Even if you loved teasing him, you returned serious for a minute.

“Fine, fine, I’m serious. Do you really want that? It’ll be quite boring, basically I’ll be stuck on the couch all the time.” The idea would have been perfect, if only you hadn’t had that bug.

“Don’t worry Y/N, I know it’ll be perfect anyway. All that matters is you and me, together.” Daniel answers softly, his smile is perceptible in his voice.

“Will you be here in time?” You ask nervously.

“Sure, it takes a little time from Woking and while I’m along the way I’ll stop to buy something to eat.”

“Ok Dan, see you later” you blew a kiss.

“Bye babe, see ya” and he hung up.

_____________________

It was around 7pm when your bell rang. You opened the door and you found your boyfriend, handsome in his jeans and one of the hoodies from his collection; he had a plastic bag in his hand, his backpack on his shoulders and his distinctive, beautiful smile on his face. You, on the contrary, were dressed in an old oversized hoodie and a pair of sweatpants; to complete the framework, you had your panda socks and a big hearted blanket tied around your waist, an attempt to keep your stomach warm.

“Oh babe… I’m so sorry” Daniel closed the door behind him, his expression got immediately sad at the sight of you and your tired face.

“What do you mean? Have you-” Realisation hit you, “Daniel, it’s not your fault, it must have been something I caught at work, don’t worry I’m fine.” You reassured him.

“Yeah but seeing you like this makes me unhappy.” He pouted.

“Hey Dan, stop now. It’s nothing extreme, now let’s celebrate our anniversary.” You wrapped your arms around his neck, waiting for him to kiss you.

“Fine babe, Happy 3 years, I love you.” He leaned in until your lips met each other. Still in front of the door you started making out like two teenagers, your tongues dancing with each other.

Suddenly, he broke the kiss. You looked at him while he showed you what was inside the plastic bag: he had stepped by a Thai takeaway restaurant and he had brought you your favourite dish, together with a bottle of orange juice. You stared at him, pure love in your eyes.

“You know you’re my favourite person in the world, right?”

He laughed, “Just because I brought you food?”

You pouted, “Yes Ricciardo, I am quite vulnerable at the moment, so shut up and let me adore you.”

He laughed again, and you couldn’t help but do the same, he was contagious. Then he picked you up, carrying you towards the couch and throwing you on it.

“DANIEL” you squealed, but he had a satisfied grin on his face.

“Now,” he started speaking as if he were proclaiming some sort of royal speech, “you stay here, warm under your blanket, while i set up the coffee table with our dinner.” He picked up the remote control from next to the TV and threw it at you, “In the meantime you choose a movie or anything you wanna watch.”

You looked at him in awe, “I love you” you whispered, tears in your eyes, “I’m sorry if I’m so emotional but-”

He interrupted you, leaving a kiss on your cheek. “It’s ok babe, now relax. I love you too.”

You opened Netflix and started scrolling through the movies, but nothing really appealed to you. An idea popped up in your mind.

“Dan,” you called him while he was picking the glasses in the kitchen, “can I put the ‘Grease’ DVD?”

He came back to the living room, staring at you, “Really Y/N? Grease?” he was clearly holding his laugh back.

You pouted, “Yes Daniel, Grease.”

He sighed, “Fine, but only if you don’t start playing the lines over the actors’ voices.”

You puffed, “Ok, but I swear I can’t control it, it’s my favourite musical and I can’t help it. And you know that.”

You stood up and reached your bookshelf, picking the DVD and immediately putting it on the TV.

When the film begins, the table is completely set up. You slowly started eating the food Daniel had bought, carefully choosing the dishes which would have worsened the least your stomach situation.

When the first song started playing, you couldn’t help but sing it, completely in your world. Daniel was watching you: despite the bug, you were beautiful, completely caught up in the movie’s atmosphere and your face was shining. It was incredible how just a simple musical could light you up so much.

Daniel woke up from his trance state when he saw you standing up from the couch and untying the blanket from your waist. You leaned him a hand, a clear invite to stand up as well. He looked at you confusedly, and you rolled your eyes.

“Dan cmon!”, you encouraged him, “we have to dance to this song. It’s ‘Beauty School Dropout’!”

“Wanna practise for our wedding?” He joked, you flushed.

“Maybe” you whispered, but he had heard it, and he stared at you, surprise on his face.

“Anyway, stand up boy and let’s dance!” And really, Daniel didn’t want to dance, he had never liked it, but he couldn’t say no to you. So he gave up and he accepted your invite.

You tied your arms around his neck, while his immediately went around your waist. You both started twirling around the room, while you hummed the song’s lyrics. Your face was hidden in his neck, you were enjoying that moment and in your mind you could picture that same scene but in a wedding hall, or maybe on a beach. Marrying Daniel was a thought you had never considered seriously: your best friend had joked about it many times, ever since the day she had met your boyfriend, when she had whispered in your ear “Y/N this man is perfect, marry him or I’ll do it.”

But in that moment those words and thoughts were having a completely different meaning. Reflecting on it, you wanted it. You were sure, he was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with, the one you wanted to be the father of your children. However, you decided not to bring up the topic with him, you didn’t know how Daniel could react to it and you didn’t want the night to assume a negative fold.

If only you had known that the boy was thinking about the very same thing…

Anyway, the song soon ended: Dan made you twirl and then hugged you, while still swinging slightly. Time seemed to have stopped and you weren’t even paying attention anymore to the musical.

You were awakened by the start of the next song, definitely more cheerful and lively than the previous one.

You gasped, recognising it, “DAN! Can we dance this one as well? Please please please!!” You put up your best puppy eyes, and the boy could only nod - don’t blame him, he’s a normal guy who cannot resist the love of his life.

The night suddenly transformed into a ball, your living room the perfect ballroom. Neither you nor Daniel seemed to be able to stop moving, your stomach ache almost forgotten for how good you were feeling. It was definitely one of the best times of your life, despite being a normal night at your place, not even dressed up or having eaten any kind of fancy food. But that’s what you loved about him.

The pattern repeated for each of the following songs, neither of you seemed to be able to stop despite some pain that came back after a while. You didn’t care, you were happy in the arms of the man you loved more than anyone in the world. When even the last song finished, you collapsed on the couch, Daniel falling right next to you. You were both laughing, pure happiness flowing from your face.

Daniel turned to you hugging you and he started kissing you. “Happy anniversary Y/N, I’m so lucky to have you in my life.” he whispered.

You answered in the same tone, “Happy 3 years Daniel, I love you with my whole heart.”

You left one last long kiss on his lips, before you both fell asleep still hugged one to the other. This was definitely how you wanted to spend the rest of your life.