Sunsets & Films

"Thank you" you smiled. "Now, let's go before you're late!" you said rushing her out of her apartment where she was finishing getting ready for the party.

You and Lando had dated for around a two and a half years. Both well and truly smitten over one another. You'd spoken about houses, kids and marriage. Unfortunately fame hit you both quicker than you could keep up with, and due to clashing schedules you no longer had the time to see one another.

You'd never fell out of love, but the distance became too much for you both to handle. Lando becoming more and more famous in F1 and you were becoming globally famous for your music. It's what you'd both always wanted, however you'd hoped you could do this together. You'd tried to keep it together for so long but eventually it became too hard. Both your fans and Lando's fans were devastated by the news when it broke and still to this day they've not let it go.

Your best friend Pietra was dating Max F, Lando's best friend. That had been your friendship group, however after the break up you maintained your distance as Lando started on and off dating other girls, and this was too uncomfortable for you to deal with. You also never wanted to make your friends feel uncomfortable with the situation.

The day you broke up was the last day you ever saw him in person. No bad blood, no bad words exchanged. Just two people heart broken over the situation they'd found themselves in, yet in your eyes, Lando had handled it a lot better than you had.

Today was going to be the first time you'd seen him since the break up 3 years ago. P and Max were throwing an pre wedding party so all family members could celebrate as not everyone to come to the stag and hen do, and since you were the Maid of Honour, and Lando was the Best Man, you were both going to be in attendance. Lando wasn't coming alone though. His current girlfriend was joining him and all you can think about is how much you wanted the world to swallow you whole.

You pulled up to the venue with Max waiting outside for P.

"Ok, I'll see you in there" you said trying to hold some form of confidence in your voice.

"I swear I won't be long. You'll be fine, I promise" P reassured you.

You stepped out of the car and gave Max a smile and quick hug before walking into the venue. It was a beautiful Manor House, filled with bouquets of flowers and fairy lights. You could hear people talking amongst themselves as you started walking down the hallway. Your stomach did a flip and you felt like you could throw up at any moment from nerves. You were used to going on stages and performing in front of thousands of people but this was too much for you to handle.

As you continued walking you say a waiter with a tray of free drinks for the guests. You grabbed one, downing it as fast and you could, before picking up another one.

"Make sure you stay near me this evening please. I'm going to need it" you nodded to the waiter who laughed and nodded back.

"Come on, no more of that. You're going to be fine, I promise" a voice called out calmly from behind you.

"I don't think we can be so sure. I feel like I could be sick right now" you laughed.

"I'll stay with you. You won't be on your own then" P's brother Joao smiled to you.

"Thank you" you smiled walking into the main room with him.

There were tables set up and a few people had already taken a seat, whilst others were stood around chatting to one another. Tati waved you and Joao over to her table before you had a chance to look around the room. You were greatful for that instant distraction.

"Y/N! It's lovely to see you. It's been far too long" she said standing up to greet you.

"I know. I'll have to come and see you more. I have more control now over my schedules and the tour is almost done so I can finally breathe again" you smiled to her.

"Well once it's over you'll have to come and spend some time with us in Miami"

"That sounds perfect" You smiled to her.

People begin to clap and whistle, pulling you out of your conversation and your eyes travel to Max and P who are walking into the room together. A smile beamed across your face. Seeing them both so happy together and now engaged was the best feeling. P was like the sister you'd never had and seeing her find love warmed your heart.

As your eyes follow them walking to their table you catch sight of a familiar looking figure and your gaze focuses on the silhouette in front of you. Lando stood next to his new girlfriend, smiling and clapping Max and P.

Before you have a chance to turn your attention back onto Max and P, Lando’s eyes lock with yours. You can feel you heart hammering in your chest.

You swore you were fine. Swore that you had moved on. No hard feelings, no fall out, but you couldn’t just remain friends after the way you broke up. It would be too hard for anyone to move on from if you did.

Here and now, seeing him stood with someone else, even after all these years cut you deeper than you thought it would. You knew it would hurt, you weren't naive, but you didn't expect this level of hurt. Not after this amount of time had passed. It wasn't his fault. He'd simply moved on, which you'd tried doing but weren't able to. You'd tried blaming your busy life so often, but deep deep down, where you hid feelings you weren't ready to admit out loud, was the knowledge that you just weren't over Lando, and you don't think you ever will be.

You both smiled to one another as you all took your seats again, but you could feel the pain in your chest sharpen as his girlfriend whispered something into his ear, turning his attention away from you.

"Y/N?" You heard Joao say next to you, snapping you out of your own thoughts.

"Hmm?" you said turning to face him.

"I just asked if you're ok?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm good, thanks" you lied to him before looking before looking over to where P and Max sat and smiling again softly.

As the evening went on, drinks started flowing and music was blasting. Everyone was up, dancing and having a great time. You were sat at your table, having a drink and catching up with Joao.

"How you holding up?" P asked as she came and sat down next to you.

"I'm ok" You smiled to her.

"Truthfully?"

"I'm fine. He looks so happy with her. I'm glad he's found someone. You tried to say convincingly. Unfortunately for you, P knew you better than that.

"Honestly, they're still very new. They've only been together for about 5 months. She's nice enough but from what Max has told me about the relationship I can't see it lasting. They just seem a bit too different" you whispered in a drunken manner.

"I think you've had a bit too much to drink" you laughed.

"Nooooo, I'm fine" She whispered again a bit too close to you causing you to laugh again.

Max walked over to your table to find P.

"Is she ok?" He asked you

"She's fine. She's just maybe had a little too much to drink" you laughed to him.

"No no, I'm fine. I'm only telling you the truth. We want you guys to get back together" She hiccuped.

"P. I think that's enough" Max said quickly.

"What? We've both said so many times that they're made for one another, and timings are different now"

"Yes, well I don't think him and his new girlfriend would agree" you said.

Max and P shared a look with one another. No words exchanged but a knowing look between them both. You hadn't seen this though as you were standing up ready to take P to the bar to grab a glass of water.

"Come on, let's get some water" you laughed to her.

"Thanks Y/N" Max smiled to you and you smiled back at him with a nod.

You got to the bar and asked the bartender for a glass of water. P drank it as quick as she could since her favourite song came through the speakers and she wanted to go and dance.

"You coming?" She asked you.

"I will. Just going to get another drink for me and Joao. I owe him one" You smiled.

"Ok, see you in a minute then" She smiled.

You turned back and ordered yours and Joao's drinks. You started playing with your bracelet whilst waiting. Caught up staring into nothing. Your mind replaying old moments between you and Lando.

"Hey" you heard in that oh so familiar voice. You didn't react, thinking that it was your mind playing cruel tricks on you. "Y/N?" you heard again, louder this time. You shook your head lightly, focusing back in the room and turned your head to where you heard the voice.

"Oh, hey" you smiled and you saw Lando now stood next to you.

"It's great to see you. How have you been?" he asked.

"It's great to see you too. I've been good thank you. Congratulations on your Championship win" You smiled to him.

"Oh, yeah, thanks, you heard about it?"

"Lando, everyone heard about it" you laughed.

"I guess so" he laughed. "Did you watch it?"

"Of course I did" you sighed a soft smile and he smiled a nodded back.

"Congratulations on your tour. You're doing incredible"

"Thank you Lan. I'm finally getting control over my schedule now too. This is my last tour for a few years. It's been amazing but I'll be greatful for the break too" you nodded.

"Any plans with your downtime?"

"Tati's invited me to stay with them in Miami. Obviously help P and Max with any wedding stuff they need help with. Other than that, no plans. Just see where each day takes me"

The bartender slid your drinks in front of you before asking Lando for his order.

"Beer?" Lando asked you looking down at your drinks.

"For Joao"

"You and Joao?"

"What? No" you laughed louder than you expected. "No, he just saw me as I walked in and we sat next to each other. We went in on rounds with one another that's all" you laughed.

"Oh, sorry, I just thought maybe" he said awkwardly.

"No" you laughed again. "Just me. I saw you've got a girlfriend now though, she seems lovely, I'm happy for you" you smiled.

"Yeah, she's, nice" he said unsure.

"Nice?" You asked knowing him well enough to know there was something more to it.

"I mean, yeah, she's" but before he could finish the sentence she arrived next to him.

"Baby? Come dance with me" she said dragging him away.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry. I'm coming" He said to her before turning back to look at you

"Bye" you mouthed and smiled awkwardly.

"Sorry, bye Y/N" he smiled back.

Two weeks had since gone by since the party and P had invited you over for a paint and sip night. You were both in the dining room, glass of wine each on the table and a plate each that you were decorating.

Half hour later you hear the click of the front door and voices chatting away. You and P looked up at one another confused. Max had gone out and wasn't supposed to be home for another 5 hours at least.

"Hello?" P shouted towards the front door.

"Hey!" Max shouted back.

"I didn't think you were due back until later?" she shouted back again.

"Shoot got postponed so we came back here to game for a bit" he said walking into the dining room where you both sat.

"We?" P asked.

"Hey P" Lando said walking in behind Max.

"Oh, hey Lando. Sorry, I just wasn't expecting anyone" She said awkwardly.

Lando's head turned to your direction suddenly noticing you sat opposite P, the doorframe had been hiding you for a brief moment from his line of vision.

"Hey" you said quietly with a soft smile.

"Oh, Y/N, hey" he smiled back.

"Fancy a drink?" P asked Lando.

"Yeah, that'd be great. Thanks P"

"Max, can you help me please?" she said as they both quickly exited the room.

"Subtle" you said causing Lando to laugh.

"Sorry. I didn't really get a chance to speak with you at the party" he said to you as he took a seat next to you.

"It's fine, you were busy with your girlfriend. No need to apologise" You smiled.

"Ex-girlfriend. We broke up" he corrected you.

"Oh, Lando, I'm so sorry"

"Don't be. It was very new anyway" he sighed.

"Lan, I really am sorry. What happened?"

“We were just in different places I guess. It’s really great to see you though Y/N. I’ve missed you” he said with an honestly that you didn’t expect from him.

“Ive missed you too” you smiled.

Max and P walked back into the room with P placing Lando’s drink down softly in front of him.

“Ready to stream?” Max asked Lando.

“Yeah” Lando said standing up and following him out of the room.

An hour later, after you and P had finished your painting and spoken about all the wedding plans P started complaining that she was hungry.

“We can order something?” You suggested.

“Yeah ok, I’ll ask the guys if they’re hungry too” she said getting up and walking to Max’s gaming room. “Yeah they said they could eat too” she said walking back out.

“Alright, I’ll just get Chinese food shall I?” You asked.

“Yeah, I’m not going back in to disturb them again” she agreed heading into the kitchen to grab the plates and cutlery.

30 minutes later and the food order had arrived.

“I’ll get them” you said to P who was unboxing all of the food to put on the worktop.

You knocked the door lightly but had no response. You could hear the guys answering chat and laughing away. You slowly pushed the door open trying not to cause too much attention but they still didn’t notice or hear you. That was until they saw chat going crazy.

OMG HI Y/N!!

Y/N we’ve missed you!

WHAT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW? ARE THEY BACK TOGETHER????

She’s so pretty😭

PLEASE TELL ME WE CAN ALL SEE HER AND MY EYES AREN’T PLAYING CRUEL TRICKS ON ME??

This caused them both to turn around.

“Foods here!” You smiled.

“Thank god, I’m so hungry!” Max said leaning back in his chair.

“Come say hi to chat?” Lando asked you spinning around to fully look at you.

You walked closer to Lando’s chair, looking at the comments and smiling.

“Hi chat! Thank you for the lovely comments!” You waved.

Y/N, I love you!!

Petition to get Y/N to start her own streams please!

Marry me!

“Right, I’m going to help P in the kitchen whilst Y/N finds someone to marry” Max said laughing and heading out of the room into the kitchen.

“What did you order?” Lando asked you.

“Your usual” you smiled and he smiled back.

She remembers his order!!!

Chat… are we witnessing something?

Is she already a wifey??👀👀

That smile! Chat we’ve lost him again to her!

You both looked back at chat reading through the messages that were flooding in and laugh lightly.

“Right, that’s it. Bye chat” Lando said before ending the stream abruptly.

“I’m really sorry about that” he said rubbing the back of his neck.

“Don’t be, it’s fine” you laugh.

“So, you remembered my order?” He teased.

“Of course I did” you said softly.

“Y/N?” He said quietly

“Hmm?”

“Guys, do you want me to dish up your food or do you want to do it?” P shouted.

“Never mind” Lando said before you both walked into the kitchen.

You all took your seats around the dinner table. You were surprised at how easy it felt being back in the same group you once loved so much, just with a different dynamic now. Sure there were some awkward moments between you and Lando where neither of you were sure how you should be acting, but apart from that it felt like the good old days and you’d missed that so much.

“Ok, so, stag and hen.” Max began.

“Oh god, what did you do?” Lando asked.

“So, we may have changed our minds” P said like she was trying to diffuse a bomb.

“What do you mean? This is far too last minute to be changing your minds!” You said shocked.

“We were thinking of combing them” Max said.

“Excuse me?” Lando asked very unimpressed.

“One big house. Everyone stays and parties there instead of hotels” Max continued.

“But I had plans!” Lando moaned.

“Did those plans include a stripper?” P asked with raised eyebrows.

“Maybe”

“Then combined it is. No strippers!” P said looking him in the eyes.

You let out a little laugh and he nudged your knee with his under the table.

“Don’t laugh!” He said looking at you.

“Sorry, can’t help it” you smiled.

You all enjoyed your meal together. Catching up, chatting about everything and nothing. You and Lando slowly started to fall back into that natural ease that you'd always had with one another. You couldn't explain it. Neither of you could, but you had some type of draw to one another, a connection that you didn't have with anyone else.

None of you had been on your phones. Blissfully unaware of what was happening online, until you go to check your phone, to see if there's any tickets left available for your last show of the tour. You were given a set amount that you could leave aside for people but you'd already promised Charles, Carlos and Max V, you'd also promised some of your media crew and make up crew tickets for their families, so at this point you were no longer sure how many you had left to give away.

"Oh, shit" you said, wide eyed and staring down at the screen in front of you.

"What's wrong?" P asked.

"The internet is going mental over me being in the stream earlier"

"What?" Lando said leaning in close over your shoulder to look at your phone.

Max and P scrambled for their phones, looking to see the chaos unfolding.

"At least the comments are nice?" P said trying to make the best of what was happening.

You and Lando both looked up at her, shooting her a look.

"What?" She laughed. "It's not the internets fault. You've shown up in a stream, still knowing Lando's order, he's given you a look that has clearly sent people into a frenzy. Fans have wanted this for 3 years now. You can't blame them for losing their shit with excitement" she said, hands raised in the air.

"She has a point" Max nodded.

"But people can't just jump to conclusions like that!" You said, already knowing how ridiculous you sounded. You knew the world you lived in, and how people react to even the tiniest of breadcrumbs.

"I already know what questions I'm getting next weekend now" Lando laughed dragging his hands down his face.

"I'm so sorry!" You said looking to him with a slightly worried expression.

"Don't be sorry you muppet, it's fine" he smiled to you, still leaned in to look at the comments on your phone with his arm around the back of your chair, where it remained for the rest of the evening.

Your week had been busy. Really busy so Lando had invited you to his race along with Max and P to unwind. You knew what people would think but they were already thinking it anyway so you agreed. You'd text a couple of times throughout the week but just about plans for the stag and hen do.

You walked into the paddock alongside Max and P when you saw Charles and Carlos walking towards you deep in conversation, until a fan shouted your name causing them to snap their heads up. Max and P said they'd meet you in the hospitality area so you could catch up with the guys.

"Y/N!!! What are you doing here?" Carlos said coming over to hug you.

"It's great to see you back here again!" Charles added.

"Lando invited me. My weeks been busy so this is a great way to take my mind off it all" you said as you gave Charles a hug too.

"So are you both?" Carlos asked looking at you. He didn't need to finish the sentence for you to know what he was asking.

"No, we've only seen each other twice, first at a party and the other was a fluke'"

"You seemed pretty happy to be near one another again from what I've seen online though" Charles said raising his eyebrows at you.

"It's lovely seeing him again. Easy to fall back into our old friendship"

"So any chance of a reconsilliation?"

"I don't know"

"What do you mean you don't know hermana? Do you still have feelings for him?"

"Of course I do Carlos. I've not been able to move on clearly, but he has. He's been with multiple girls since me"

"3. He's seen 3 girls. Not one lasted longer than 5 months for obvious reasons" Charles said quickly.

"Time doesn't matter. He still moved on" you sighed.

"Y/N?" you heard a thick dutch accent call out from behind you.

"Max!" you said turning around, happy to see him again.

"It's lovely to have you back! We've all missed you!" he said hugging you.

"I've missed you all too" you hugged him back.

"Who are you here with?" he asked you

"Lando invited me. I'm here with Max and P"

"He finally plucked up the courage to tell you how he feels then?" he asked.

"What?" you asked shocked. "No, we've only seen each other recently through friends. He just invited me to take my mind off my busy schedule" you said.

"Oh, shit, sorry. Ignore me" he scrambled.

Carlos and Charles shot him a look from behind you.

"Am I missing something?" you asked all three of them.

"Um, no, I don't think so. Just crossed wires on our end. Ignore us. How's the tour going?" Charles asked trying to quickly change the subject.

"Busy, very busy, but it's been such an incredible time. I've got your tickets too for the last show. Just turn up and tell them who you are, you'll be on the list"

"We can't wait. Thank you! Break after that?" Carlos asked.

"Yes! No more tour for a few years now. It's been amazing but exhausting so I'll be glad for the break" you smiled.

"So, we'll be seeing you more around the paddock?" Max asked.

"Maybe" you smiled.

"We've got to go but it was great seeing you. The girls can't wait to see you perform!" Charles smiled.

"I can't wait to see them! Good luck with the race guys" you said hugging them all individually before heading over to meeting Max and P.

You met Max and P in hospitality, chatting away about nothing when Lando appeared behind you, resting his hands either side of the back of your chair and tilting himself over you ever so slightly.

"How you feeling mate?" Max asked him.

"Feeling good" he nodded with a smile.

"Oh, before I forget" you said holding you phone up for Lando to see your screen and leaning your head back to look at him.

"Perfect timing!" he said looking down to you with a smile.

"What?" P asked.

"Just some details for the stag and hen do coming together that's all" you smiled.

"Nothing to worry about, I swear, you'll like it" Lando tried reassuring her.

"I feel nervous now" she groaned.

"It's something for the memories. Nothing to be nervous about. You don't have to do anything" you also tried reassuring her.

"Ok ok, but I swear you'd better not be lying" she said pointing to you both with a stern look.

"I promise" you said.

"Right, I've got to go. You watching here or the garage?" Lando asked you all.

"Garage?" Max asked you and P waiting for approval and you both nodded.

The race didn't go to plan for McLaren. Tyres incorrectly chosen, Oscar with a penalty and then Lando DNFing, but despite all of that, he seemed to be in very good spirits.

"Yeah, highlight was obviously the first lap, um, and then I went out with a bang, literally, so that was uh, just not, not our day, I guess from, uh, a decision point of view" Lando said during his interview.

"We're sorry that today didn't go the way the team had hoped. You're not usually this smiley after a DNF. Is there a particular reason or special someone behind that smile?" the interviewer asked.

Lando shook his head, trying but failing to suppress a smile. "No, nope, nothing to announce" he said. "Just... in a good place I guess"

"Are you sure?" she said smirking off camera to him.

"Don't put me under pressure" he laughed.

"So that's not a no"

"No comment" he laughed again

"Fair enough" she laughed. "Thank you for your time Lando"

"Thank you" he said before walking off.

You, Max and P met Lando post interviews and walked to his car ready to head back to the hotel.

"So, tomorrow's the week. You guys ready for it?" Lando asked looking at Max and P in his car mirror.

"Absolutely! Stag and hen celebrations follow by marrying my best friend" Max smiled looking at P.

The flight went quicker than you'd expected, especially whilst listening to P quiz Max on every detail of the wedding, making sure he knew exactly what was what. You pulled up outside the Villa that had been hired for the stag and hen do, seeing everyone waiting outside for Max and P to arrive. Lando had made sure to text Ed to let everyone know when you were close and to have drinks waiting for them both. You and Lando told them to go and enjoy themselves and you'd sort their luggage out for them. You headed to the master bedroom, wheeling their suitcases in and setting them down on the floor at the foot of the bed for them before talking a walk around the house trying to locate where you'd each be sleeping. That's when it quickly dawned on you. Everyone here is either married or in a relationship and therefore already sharing rooms, leaving 1 room left for you and Lando.

"Well, I guess we're sharing then" you said, giving Lando an awkward smile.

"Shit, I'm sorry. I thought there were enough rooms" he said rubbing the back of his neck.

"It's fine Lan, don't worry about it" you smiled whilst wheeling your suitcase into your room.

"Drinks?" Lando asked you.

"Absolutely" you said following him out of the room and down to the kitchen.

You saw some of the couples stood around planning to hire Jet Ski's tomorrow. You and Lando hadn't made an itinerary. You'd both agreed to keep things causal, with people choosing what they wanted to do instead. That was the dynamic of your group anyway so why fix something that isn't broken was your thought process.

"Y/N, you joining? We're all doing it as couples but you can do it individually too?" P asked you excitedly.

"Definitely!" you said matching her level of enthusiasm.

"Lando, you fancy joining?" one of the guys asked.

"Um, it's ok, I don't want to intrude" he said awkwardly.

"Don't be silly. Of course he'll join" you smiled.

"Great. We'll book you both on!" he said before walking off to book the activity.

"Are you sure?" Lando asked you.

"Lan, they're your friends too. Don't feel like you can't join just because we're not together anymore"

"What, like you used to do?" he asked quietly as he started walking back to the kitchen.

"That's not fair. You had moved on, there were other girls on the scene. It's not the same" you said following him

"Moved on?" he said shocked with a hint of irritation. "Y/N, I was just about surviving" he said in a defeated tone.

"It didn't look that way from the outside Lando" you said just as irritated now. It was only then that you both noticed others heading towards the kitchen.

You both walked down the hallway in silence before getting to your room. You walked into your en suite, looking in the mirror and smoothing out your hair. Neither of you said a word until Lando barged in seconds later.

"Fuck this, we're talking about it" he said from behind you.

"Here? Right now?"

"Yes Y/N, right now. You honestly think I moved on? Just like that?" he asked annoyed.

"That's how it seemed Lan. I wasn't angry, but I just couldn't be around you and other girls" you said honestly.

"I get that, I do, but I never moved on. No relationship got past 5 months because I couldn't do it"

"What?" you asked confused.

"I couldn't move on. I couldn't be with someone who wasn't you. No matter how hard I tried it always came back down to you. The day that I saw you at the party made me finally realise why it was that I couldn't make my relationships work. I thought it was just that we were too different but it wasn't that, it was that I'm not over you, over what we had! I broke up with her the day after the party because all I could think about was you!"

"Lando"

"I get how it would have seemed to you from the outside, believe me I do, but I need you to know that non of them even came close to what we had"

"Lan, I'm not bothered that you saw other people. But you can't make a comment like that, acting shocked that I didn't hang around with you all anymore. I couldn't be around that. It killed me seeing someone else with you when all I thought about, every single day, was you. I'd fall asleep wishing you were next to me, trying to convince myself that I could let you go, but that's so far from the truth that all I could do was remove myself from the situation"

"I understand, and I'm sorry you felt that way. I just need you to know that it's how I felt every single day too" he sighed.

"And now?" you asked. "What happens now? We're friends, people who see one another through friends special occasions?"

"I think we both know we're more than that. I know I can't keep pretending that I'm not feeling what I feel" he said stepping closer to you.

"And what's that?" you asked.

"That I still love you" he said with a level of confidence that took you by surprise.

"I still love you too" you said your heart hammering so hard in your chest you swore you could hear it.

All restraint you had both shown before had now completely dissolved. Lando stepped closer, closing the gap between you. His lips found yours, not rushed, but familiar, like this is where you both belonged. His one hand found its way to your hip, pulling you in even closer, his other travelled to the back of your neck. Yours ran through his curls before you both pulled back slightly. Neither of you stepped away, both still holding onto one another.

"Our secret for a little while? I want you to myself for a bit" he asked you.

"Sounds perfect. No pressure, just us" you smiled before you closed the gap between you again.

"I'm a little worried I'm not going to be able to let you go though" he laughed as you pulled back again.

"I had the same feeling" you laughed back to him.

“We’re idiots for leaving it this long” he laughed.

“But, we’ve found our way back” you smiled. “Let's go before people start looking for us" you said dragging him out of the en suite.

You headed back out and joined P on the sun lounger.

"Where did you disappear to?" she asked you.

"Just wanted to freshen up after the flight" you smiled to her.

"Lando too?" she said with a smirk.

"Yeah" you smiled.

"Mmhmm" she smiled before she shot Max a look who was stood over the other side of the pool at the outside bar.

"You and Y/N all good mate? Max asked Lando.

"Yeah, I guess, why?" Lando asked trying to act casual.

"You just disappeared for a bit that's all" he said back.

"Just wanted to freshen up after the flight" he smiled to Max.

"With Y/N?" Max said probing.

"Well we are sharing a room, so yeah" Lando said a bit too casually.

"You kissed her didn't you!" Max whisper yelled.

"What?"

"You so did!"

"Max, shut up or I swear I'll kill you, even on your own stag"

"Mate, I'm so happy for you!" Max said causing a loud groan from Lando. Max then gave a wide grin and a thumbs up over to P who squealed loudly behind you making you jump.

"What the hell was that?" you asked her.

"You two! Something happened didn't it" she asked you.

"What?"

"Don't try and deny it. Me and Max can read you both like a book"

"I don't know what you're talking about P" you tried to brush her off.

"OMG you kissed him!" She squealed again, louder this time causing Max and Lando to look over at you, along with the rest of the group.

"Oh my god, P!" you said covering your face and leaning backwards on the sunbed.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be that loud!" she said apologetically, by which time Max and Lando had made their way around the pool and were now sat at the end of your sunbeds.

"So that secret lasted all of three seconds" Lando said as he led down next to you and you laughed.

"Sorry, I'm just really excited for you both" P said with a hint of embarrassment.

"It's fine" you laughed. "Oh, also the surprise you were worried about has just arrived" you said as Ed walked back out from the villa with a bunch of polaroid cameras. "We know you like to keep pictures for memories, so we bought a load of Polaroid cameras for people to use as they please and you can keep the photos"

"oh, guys, I love that! Thank you so much!" she beamed.

The day went by in a blur and after your flight earlier on you were exhausted and ready for bed. You got changed and slid into bed, followed by Lando seconds later. He opened his arm and you slid yourself into his side, hand resting on his chest. You both let out a satisfied sigh.

"I've missed this"

"Me too"

The wedding day morning was a mixture of fun, excitement and pure chaos, with you trying to calm P's nerves and Lando texting you to come and help them as neither him nor Max could figure out how the ties went since they were both hungover from what was meant to be 'quiet drinks' the night before.

"There, fixed" you said as you finished Lando's tie after sorting Max's.

"You look beautiful" he smiled to you.

"You look very handsome too" you said placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

"I can't wait to marry you one day" he smiled softly at you.

"It'll be the easiest yes I've ever said" you smiled to him.

He pulled you in to him, giving you a passionate kiss.

"Enough of that. I need to get married today first please!" Max laughed.

"Sorry" you smiled. "I've got to get back to P, see you down there. Good luck Max" you said hugging him.

The ceremony was beautiful. You swore you wouldn't cry, but there you were, tears welling up as you watched your best friend marry the love of her life. The evening was spent dancing and drinking and you had the best time imaginable.

1 month later and here you were, stood, waiting to perform your last show of the tour.

You had all your guests in their own little VIP section. Lando, Max, P, Charles, Carlos, Max, Rebecca, Alex and Kelly. You stood off to the side, nerves bubbling. It never got any easier. When you got onto the stage the crowd went wild. The energy was electric and your nerves eased off a bit. The night went without a hitch, it was your best performance to date.

"Thank you all so much for coming and supporting me. Non of this would be possible without the support of all of you. I've got some special supporters here tonight" you said as you waved over to the VIP section. "As this is the last concert of the tour, I wanted to say that I've seen all your comments online, all your edits, all you deep diving investigations and 'proof' videos, and whilst non of them have been correct, we still found our way back to one another. So, that being said, please make some noise for my boyfriend, the fandom's long awaited reunion, Lando Norris. I love you" You said smiling over to him.

"I love you" he shouted back causing a sea of awwws to erupt throughout the arena.

“Oh yes, you’re a fan of F1 aren’t you?”

“Massive fan!” You nodded excitedly.

“Who do you support?”

“Redbull of course! Sadly though we’re not there to watch races, we’re there to learn how to drive for a high speed chase” you smiled.

“She’s already told me that she’s going to do so much better than me” Corey laughed causing the interviewer to laugh back and you smiled smugly.

“Good Morning everyone. Today we’ve got some drivers here who have offered to help us with filming. They’re going to be our stunt men. Y/N, you’ll be in this garage with Max Verstappen, Corey, you’ll be in this garage with Lewis Hamilton. Please take some time to speak with your drivers, ask questions, get to know the cars and then you’ll be going out on track with them driving you around. Please have fun and enjoy this” your director said pointing you both in the directions of your garages.

“Good Luck and try not to fan girl too hard” Corey said with a smile.

“I don’t need luck, like I said, I going to drive better than you” you smirked back and he laughed before you both disappeared into your garages.

As you walked into the garage you saw Max leaning against the side, his smile bright as he clocked you walking in.

“Good Morning Y/N. Lovely to meet you” he beamed a little too loudly.

“Good Morning Max. Lovely to meet you too. I’m a massive fan” you smiled softly to him, reaching out toshake his hand. He shook it and lingered a little too long, running his thumb over your one knuckle. You looked around the garage hoping no one saw, but everyone seemed busy, deep in work to notice.

Max instantly knew what you were looking around for and winked, causing you to smirk and roll your eyes.

“Right Verstappen, come on. Talk to me about the car . Tell me what you think I need to know and then let’s go for a drive”

“First, let’s put this on” he said handing you a helmet.

You slipped it over your head and Max walked closer towards to, so close you could feel his warmth, his hands lifted to your chin and sorted the strap out for you, making sure it was done up properly. You watched him the entire time, studying his face, watching his eyebrows knot together in concentration, before his eyes lifted to meet yours and his gaze softened.

“Jump in. I’ll tell you everything about the car on the drive” he said walking towards the car and opening the door for you.

“Ok, sounds good” you said slipping yourself into the passenger seat.

Max jumped in next to you and turned on the engine before turning to you and smiling. “You ready?”

“Always”

Before Max pulled off, a camera crew member knocked on the car window, Max opened the window to see what was wrong.

“Sorry, we just need to quickly turn this on” he said pressing the go pro that was propped up on a stand in the car. “Gives us footage to review for when we start filming, make sure we capture everything properly” he said. “Sorry, you can go now, that’s all sorted” he smiled to you and Max.

“Oh ok, thank you” you smiled and Max nodded to the guy before closing the window and pulling out of the garage.

“Ok Verstappen. Tell me everything” you turned and smiled to him.

The entire first lap Max told you everything he could think of that you’d possibly need to know about the car when it came to filming high speed chases. “You know what you’re doing though. You don’t need me to tell you about this stuff, most people won’t care anyway, not when you start filming your chase scenes. The driving will speak for itself, besides, I’m doing the stunts”

“You sure?”

“I promise. One more lap and then you’re driving, I’m not holding back this time though. No talking, just all out” he nods.

“Let’s do it Verstappen” you nod back, and just like that, Max’s foot was to the floor, flying around each corner with an ease only Max could pull off. Just another day at the office for him. He pulled back into the garage before swapping seats with you.

“God, I hope I don’t fuck this up” you said slowly wrapping your hands around the steering wheel.

“You’ve got this. Don’t overthink. I’m here if you need me but I trust you. I wouldn’t be sat here if I didn’t know you could do this. Just because your film crews here doesn’t make it any different” Max said placing his hand on your thigh and softly running his thumb up and down.

“Ok” you said with a loud exhale and a nod. “Let’s do this!” And with that you were pulling out of the garage.

You pulled the car back into the garage and stepped out of the car. Your film crew and Corey all waiting for you.

“I’ll be in my drivers room if you need anything” Max said to you, placing his hand on your lower back causing goosebumps to run up your spine, before you walked over to everyone.

“That drive was incredible Y/N! What the hell?!” Corey said throwing his arms in the air.

“Guess I just had a good mentor” you smirked.

“Right, time for some dinner and then we’ll make a start on some filming” your producer said clapping his hands together.

The day flew by and you felt exhausted. You unlocked your front door, walked in and dropped your bags to the floor, walking over to the sofa and flopping down face first.

“Hungry?” A voice called out from behind you.

“Starving!” You groaned into one of your pillows.

“Come on, get up, dinners on it’s way”

“Thank you! You’re the best!”

“I know, it’s one of the reasons you love me, I always make sure foods ready or on its way” they laughed.

“That and the fact that you’re such a great mentor” you smiled up to them after pushing yourself off the sofa. “I had a lot of compliments for that drive today”

“Do you think they know?”

“No one said anything but I think it’s only a matter of time before people find out”

“We’ve managed 4 years so far without people finding out Schatje” Max said walking over to you and wrapping his arms around your waist, pulling you into him.

“But we’ve never been this close before, with our worlds colliding for people to make connections Max” you said draping your arms around his neck.

“That’s true, but I think it’s time people found out anyway. I want to be able to show the world who my beautiful, talented wife is!”

“Hmm, I think you’re right. Let me tell the crew tomorrow first though please. I don’t want to drop a bomb like that without them knowing what’s coming” you laughed lightly.

“Deal. Also, you looked really good in all the racing gear today” Max said looking down to your lips, eyes narrowing.

“I was waiting to see how long it took you” you giggled

“I couldn’t believe you didn’t come back to my drivers room. You know what it does to me!. It almost killed me!” He groaned.

“I’m sorry, Ian booked a meal for the team, I couldn’t exactly say ‘No, I’m going to Max’s room instead’ could I?” You smiled softly to him.

“Hmm, I suppose not, but foods on its way, we definitely have time and I can’t wait any longer” he said lifting you up.

Your legs wrapped around his waist and he carried you to your bedroom, hard, hungry kisses being dotted around between your lips and jaw before settling on your neck causing a soft moan to be let out from you which only spurred Max on.

When you reached your room he placed you down softly on the bed, lips back onto yours, he slowly unbuttoned your blouse as he lent over you, stood at the end of the bed, his lips slowly trailing down towards your breasts, before reaching behind and unclasping your bra. “Take it off” he said in a husky tone. You propped yourself up and slipped off your unbuttoned blouse and bra before moving to lift his shirt off. You ran your hands down his torso before meeting the seam of his trousers. Your eyes drifted down with your hands and you could see how hard he was. Your eyes travelled back up to meet his.

“You really did think I looked good in the racing gear didn’t you” you smirked up to him.

“I always think you look good” he groaned in pleasure as your hand travelled down and palmed at his hard cock through his jeans.

You slipped yourself off the bed and knelt down in front of him, slowly unbuttoning his jeans as you looked up at him, his eyes fixed on you. You looked back down and his cock sprang free when you pulled down his jeans and boxers. You flicked your tongue over his tip, licking the pre cum before taking his cock fully into your mouth. Max let out a loud moan causing you to smirk around him. Your head bobbed up and down slowly and Max tangled his fingers into your hair. “Fuck, Y/N” he moaned louder with each movement.

He slowly pulled your head back by your hair and lifted you back onto the bed, laying you down just on the edge. He knelt down in front of you, kissing down towards your trouser edge before pulling them off and tossing them to the side. He kissed between your thighs, causing small whimpers to leave your mouth. “M-M-Max, please” you cried. “You want me to touch you Schatje?” He asked, voice dark and low. “Y-Y-Yes, please Max. I need you” you cried again. He slowly pulled down your underwear and ran kisses up your inner thighs until he met your clit, flicking his tongue over it hard. You let out a loud moan. His tongue slowly licking up and down before curling around your clit, hard, your hips lifting towards him and back arching in pleasure. “Max, I’m so close” you moaned gripping onto the bedsheet.

He pulled back and trailed kisses up your body until he met your lips once more. “I want you to cum on my cock Schatje” he moaned into your ear and all you could do was nod before he lined himself up and thrust into you, both of you moaning together. Each thrust getting harder and deeper. You nails gripped into his shoulders, marking him but he didn’t care, this only made him thrust harder, kissing your neck as you moaned into his ear. You could feel your orgasm building more and more intense.

You moved to swap positions, now on top of Max, rolling your hips down onto him, causing load groans to leave his lips as he held onto your hips so tight you swear you could feel them bruising. You didn’t care. All you cared about was chasing both of your highs. You rocked back and forth once more when you felt Max’s cock twitch. “Max, I’m going to…” “Me too Schatje, cum for me” he said before you could finish what you were saying. You both released at the same time. Bodies hot, sweaty, tangled together as you fell down on top of him.

Max placed a kiss on your forehead, trailing his fingers up and down your arm as you drew circles on his bare chest.

You arrived back at the track, ready for another day of filming high speed chases. Max walked in with you, heading to the garage.

“Good Morning both” he smiled to you.

“Morning Corey” you smiled back.

“Morning mate” Max smiled nodding to him.

“Do you know where Ian is?” You asked.

“Yeah, he’s just in the garage over there” he said pointing in the direction of your producer. “Everything ok?” He asked confused.

“Everything’s fine. Just need to speak to him about some news that’ll be coming out soon”

“Oh my god. You’ve slept together haven’t you? I thought you were married Y/N?” Corey asked shocked.

“We did and she is” Max said and Corey’s eyes widened. “To me” he continued.

“Wait, what?” Corey said, eyebrows knotted together, hand scratching at the back of his neck.

“Max is my husband. We’ve been together for 4 years and got married last May. It’s not public knowledge… yet. This is why I want to talk to Ian. We’re ready to tell people but I want to warn him about a possible blow up considering Max is helping with filming”

“Oh, wow. I had no idea! Congratulations! This does explain how you were so good at driving. You’ve literally got a full time instructor!” He laughed.

You found Ian and your conversation went well. He was happy for you and happy for the news to be shared however you and Max saw fit.

That evening you and Max sat down in your living room and decided to settle on a simple Instagram post.

Yourusername & Maxverstappen1:

↳ Liked by coreymylchreest, kimi.antonelli, landonorris, charles_leclerc and 5,548,935 others

Yourusername & Maxverstappen1: 3 years dating, 1 year married. Today we share our secret with the world🤍

User1: OMG!!! My two worlds collided and I’ve been in the dark about it!🥹🥹❤️

User2: THEY’RE MARRIED???? We NEED photos of their wedding🙏🤍

Charles_leclerc: Finally!!

↳ landonorris: Hardest secret we’ve ever had to keep! Happy for you guys!

“I love you Mrs Verstappen”

You and Max walked through the gates and felt cameras clicking and flashing everywhere you looked. People coming up to you both telling you how you were Lando’s lucky charm and this race was going to be good, they could feel it.

The weekend so far had been great. Lando was back to the Lando you knew. He was calmer, happier, and much more relaxed. He wasn’t wearing himself out, staying at the garage late just to keep his mind occupied and not thinking about how much he missed you. You were with him now and it’s all he’d wanted in days.

You walk into the McLaren hospitality taking a quiet moment away from all the chaos, when Lando joined you briefly before the race.

“Hey baby. You look beautiful as always” he whispered into your ear whilst hugging you. You’d both mastered the art of the ‘friendly hug’ for the cameras.

“Hey. Thank you. You look good yourself” you smiled softly to him as you pulled back trying not to let the hug linger too long and raise questions.

“Hey Mate” Lando said clapping hands with Max in a bro shake.

“You feeling good today?” Max asked him.

“I am. Much better than last weekend” he nodded.

You smiled to him, gaze softening on his face. He looked back to you and smiled back. His face saying everything he couldn’t say out loud.

“You’ve got to go or you’ll be late” Max said noticing the time on the clock on the wall behind Lando.

“Shit, ok. See you at Parc Ferme?” He said before clapping Max’s hand once again.

“Of course!” Max replied.

Lando pulled you in for another hug before leaving.

“Drive safe. I love you” you whispered in his ear.

“I’ll never get tired of those words. I love you” he said whispering back, before pulling back and placing a kiss on your temple.

You and Max made your way to the McLaren garage talking about your summer plans and how excited you were for the quiet.

Yours and Max’s eyes were locked into the screen in front, never breaking for a moment. You both had your hands linked together gripping onto each other in anticipation. Then the words came through loud and clear “And Lando Norris wins the Hungarian Grand Prix”. You and Max looked at each other and started shouting in excitement, hugging each other in that awkward, celebratory type hug where you don’t know whether to stay still or jump around.

“He did it!” You said eyes welling up.

“Epic drive!” Max said back.

Your celebration was shown for the world to see but you didn’t care about being on screen. Right now all you cared about was Lando’s win.

You headed to to Parc Ferme with Max and waited for Lando to jump out of the car. As soon as he saw you he ran over pulling you in for a hug.

“It’s taking all of me to not kiss you right now” he whispered in your ear.

“I was just thinking the same thing” you laughed into his ear softly.

“I love you”

“I love you Lando. Now go celebrate with your team” you whispered back.

Lando placed a kiss on your forehead before walking over to hug Max and then celebrate with the rest of the team.

F1Gossip: Did anyone else see that hug and forehead kiss? I know it’s always been there friendship but if I was the mystery guy I wouldn’t be impressed, unless he is the mystery guy!

User1: No I’m sorry, this has always been their friendship. If the new man can’t understand that then thank you, next!

User2: They don’t seem any different to me than usual. I think we’re all just second guessing since finding out she’s in a relationship! If we were to think that hug meant they’re together then I guess Y/N and Max’s hug means they’re also together?🤷🏼‍♀️

User3: I don’t care what they are. I only care that she comes to more races because he does so much better when she’s around!

Before the podium the top three were being interviewed.

“Lando, you drove one hell of a race today. Are you celebrating tonight?”

“Thank you. Yeah the car felt really good and the strategy was there for us. It was a great race for us as a team today. No crazy celebrations. Heading off for the summer break. Have a relaxing holiday planned with friends. Recharge and reset. Nothing crazy tonight” he smiled to the interviewer.

“Enjoy summer break and congratulations on your win today!” The interviewer said before moving on to Oscar and George.

Lando:

↳ Liked by pierregasly, kimi.antonelli, maxverstappen1, Yourusername, Maxfewtrell and 7,246,791 others

Lando: Hungary, you were a dream!🧡

User1: He’s back baby!🧡

User2: 🧡🔥

User3: He had his lucky charm there with him. So glad she’s back in the paddock!🧡 ♥︎ by author

↳ User4: He liked the comment!🥹❤️

↳ User3: OMG! Is this the confirmation we needed??👀

User5: Incredible drive today🔥

Yourusername: Proud of you🧡 ♥︎ by author

↳ Lando: 🧡🧡

↳ User6: 👀👀👀👀

You, Max and Lando headed back to the hotel after the team celebrations had died down. Your flight was in a couple of hours so you got back and packed up ready to head off to the airport.

“You drove amazing today” you said walking into your room.

“That win felt amazing! Im so glad you were here with me to see it” he said walking into behind you.

“So am I! I wish I could be at every one with you”

“Why don’t you then? I’ve told you before, your job can be done from anywhere in the world. I’ve told you and Max this. Max only liked staying home because he gets to see P”

“I don’t want people thinking I’m taking advantage of the you and the benefits that come with knowing and being with you”

“Baby, I told you all of this years ago. I’m not just saying it because you’re my girlfriend, I’m saying it because it’s true! Fuck what people think anyway. I know you’re not taking advantage and I want you with me!” He said pulling you into him, both hands on your waist and gently kissing down your neck.

“Then, yes. I’d love to travel to every race with you” you said tilting your head you the side allowing him to kiss you more.

“Two wins in one day. I’m a very lucky man” he groaned into the crook of your neck.

You turned around to face him, placing one hand on his jaw, the other playing with his curls. Eyes locking onto his before pulling him in for a kiss. You’d been holding it back in case fans saw you and now you were finally able to do what you both wanted all day. His one hand found the back of your head, grabbing a fist full of your hair, whilst the other slid its way under your top. The kiss deepened, neither of you ready to pull away.

When you finally both broke apart your foreheads rested on one another’s.

“It was so hard to restrain myself this weekend” he said softly to you smiling.

“I know. When you ran over after you jumped out the car it’s all I wanted to do”

“I don’t know how much longer I can keep the secret up. I need the world to know you’re mine” he said pulling you in for a softer, small kiss.

“After summer break?” You suggested.

“Sounds perfect, baby” he said kissing you again.

By the time you’d landed in the Caribbean, P was already waiting for you at the airport. She’d arrived with Ed, Olivia, Tom and Alisa who were all waiting back at the villa.

You arrived at the villa and put your things in your rooms.

“Drink?” P said as you came into the kitchen. She was stood in front of you holding a cocktail.

“Sure. Thank you” you said taking it from her.

Max and Lando came out, chatting away with Ed and Tom when P suggested a game of truth or dare.

“I swear this is your favourite game” Max laughed.

“It’s fun, don’t be boring” she replied.

You all sat around the pool in the garden, drinks in hand, the game already decending into chaos, with Ed currently under fire having to answer what he thought Olivia’s most annoying personality trait was.

“Lando, truth or dare?” P asks.

“Truth”

“Our last game of truth or dare. What was the flirty question you whispered to Y/N?” She said as a smirk spread across her face.

Lando’s eyes darted over to you and you suddenly felt yourself get redder by the second.

“I asked her, if I was to kiss her, properly kiss her, there and then, would she stop me” he said smiling lightly and softly chewing at his lower lip remembering the interaction.

Olivia and Alisa squealed in excitement trying to picture the moment.

“Oh my god, and you answered no! Seriously! How did it take you not so long to realise?” She practically shouted causing everyone to start laughing.

The game continued for a while before you got up to grab some more drinks. Lando followed you into the kitchen to help you.

“You ok beautiful?” he asked following behind.

“Yeah, just a bit tired. How are you feeling champ?” You smiled handing him another beer.

“Mmm, tired too and want my woman to myself right now” he said closing the gap between you, backing you up until you felt your body against the kitchen island.

“I don’t think they’ll notice if we go missing” you said setting you drinks down, turning back and kissing his neck.

He groaned against your touch, grabbing at your waist, before taking your hand and dragging you towards your bedroom, slowly closing the door behind you and locking it.

“You have no idea how badly I’ve wanted you all evening” he murmured as he closed the gap between you both with his lips.

He started kissing down your neck before landing on the exact spot he knew you loved. You let out a small moan.

“There’s the noise I love so much” he said before kissing the spot again.

“If they come looking for us, we’re pretending we fell asleep”

“Why do you think I locked the door?” He mumbled.

The sun cast a light across the bed and you felt Lando’s arm across your waist. You stretched slightly and felt him pull you closer into him and he buried his head in your neck.

“Don’t go” he groaned.

“I’m not going anywhere, I only stretched” you giggled as his breath tickled the crook of your neck.

“Good because you’re staying here with me all day” he mumbled into your shoulder in his deep morning voice.

You turned over to face him. Fingers running through his curls as you watched his eyes slowly open. A soft smile spread across his face as soon as he saw you.

“God you’re so beautiful” he sighed softly.

“I love you” you smiled, placing a kiss on the tip of his nose.

“I love you too, beautiful” he smiled, arm draped around your waist, drawing circles with his thumb on your lower back.

“Hurry up love birds, we’ve got the golf course booked in an hour!” Ed said banging on your bedroom door.

“You booked golf?” You laughed softly.

“Well the guys did, not me, but I did convince them to book us all on, not just the guys” he smiled to you.

“I was terrible the last time we played!” You groaned.

“Well, this time I can help you with your swing. I’ll be your own personal golf trainer. You’ll need very close supervision. I’ll need to guide you through it all of course. It’s a very hands on role” he started babbling making you laugh.

“Is that so?”

“Mmhm, it’s the only way you’ll learn” he smirked.

“Sounds like I’ll be a bit too distracted to learn”

“That’s fine, just means more training sessions will be needed” he said running his fingers up and down your thigh.

“Funny how that works out isn’t it” you laugh.

“I don’t make the rules sorry Beautiful” he said moving closer and kissing you. “Shower?”

“Mmhmm” you mumbled against his lips.

The golf course was boiling hot. Hardly any shade and you could feel yourself sweating. You, P, Olivia and Alisa were sat in the golf buggy watching the guys argue over how many shots Tom had just taken.

Lando walks over to the buggy to have a drink of water that you were holding.

“Hey beautiful. You ok?” He said placing a kiss on your temple.

“Mmhmm, just a bit hot” you smiled to him.

With that he was round the back of the buggy, searching for something in his golf bag.

“Here, use this” he said handing you a mini, hand held fan

“Thank you” you smiled.

“And make sure you’re drinking enough” he said handing the water bottle back to you before giving you a kiss and walking back to the guys.

“You guys are so cute it hurts” Olivia said looking at you.

“I know I keep saying it but how you never realised sooner is something I don’t think I’ll ever understand. Look at you both! Smitten” P said and Alisa nodded in agreement.

“I know. I don’t know how we didn’t see it either” you laugh.

“Where did you go last night?” Alisa asked.

“We were tired so went to bed”

“Mmhmm, sure. He didn’t take his eyes off you all night. I don’t believe you went to bed and slept” Olivia said nudging you with her shoulder causing you to blush and the girls laughed at your shyness.

The guys walked over to see what the laughter was all about.

“Nothing, just talking about Y/N and Lando’s early bed time last night” P said.

“What can I say. I’m only human and have you seen how beautiful she is. It’s hard to keep my hands off her” Lando said walking over to you and giving you a soft kiss, causing a chorus of awwwww’s from the girls.

“Cheers mate, you’re making us look bad” Ed said teasing Lando.

“Then you need to step up your game” Olivia said lightly tapping him on the arm causing you to laugh.

The evening was calm, relaxing. You and Lando went to the beach together to watch the sunset whilst the other couples al did their own things.

Yourusername posted a story:

F1Gossip: Mystery Man gone on the group holiday or had Y/N not gone on the same holiday as everyone else?

User1: I can’t imagine she’s taken her new man on their first holiday together to one with all her friends

User2: I’m convinced this is Lando!

↳ User3: I would love it to be but sadly I just don’t think it is

User4: I beg her, put us out of our misery😩

The summer break went by quicker than you would have liked. It was everything you’d been craving and now you’re walking back into your apartment ready to resume normal life.

“Guys, now we’re back and it’s just us, I need to speak with you” Max said with a serious look on his face.

You and Lando side eyed one another, unsure where this conversation was leading and followed Max to your dining room table.

“Ok, so it’s something we’ve been discussing for a long while now so please don’t think that this is anything to do with you guys being together now because I can assure you it’s not” Max started.

“Ok?” You said eyebrows knotting together, unsure where tho was going.

“I’m going to be moving out. Me and P have found a place we love and we’re going be moving in together” he said, his facial expression a little nervous.

“Congratulations!” You said jumping up to give him a hug.

“This is amazing mate, congratulations!” Lando said hugging him too.

“Wait, when do you leave?” You asked.

“Next week. I know it’s sudden, it’s my fault, I just kept putting off telling you because this is all I’ve ever known. It’s going to be weird not living with you guys anymore”

“Max, we’ll still talk everyday! I know it’s a big change but this is P we’re talking about. You’re head over heels for her. This is only good news!” You said hugging him again.

“Thank you. I’ll miss you both though”

“We’ll miss you too mate” Lando said to him pulling him in for another hug.

“Well, I guess I best start packing then” Max said walking to his room.

“Shout if you need help with anything” you called out to him.

“So” Lando said turning to you. “Just us living together soon then? How do you feel about that?”

“Not sure. I think Max was better flatmate to be honest. He’s not as messy” you smirk.

“Oh, that’s how we’re playing it today?” He said walking closer to you.

“I’m happy for them. But, before you say anything, I’m claiming Max’s room as my walk in wardrobe” you said placing your hands flat against his chest.

“You can have whatever you want beautiful” he said kissing you.

Yourusername:

↳ Liked by lando,kimi.antonelli, maxverstappen1, maxfewtrell, Pietra.pilao and 8,136,432 others

Yourusername: The reveal you’ve all been waiting for❤️

User1: AHHHHHH!!!!! What a way to end summer break! FINALLY!!

User2: I knew I wasn’t delulu!!🥹❤️ my parents

User3: They look so in love🥹😭

User4: The best face reveal we could have asked for!!🧡🧡

Lando: I love you❤️ ♥︎ by author

↳ yourusername: I love you too❤️ ♥︎ by Lando

Lando:

↳ Liked by Yourusername, _edwardjones, maxverstappen1, maxfewtrell, Pietra.pilao and 9,826,733 others

Lando: We ruined our friendship. Best decision and hardest secret to keep!

User1: I KNEW it was Lando!!!

User2: This makes me so happy, you don’t understand!!

User3: I knew the way he looked at her meant more than just friends!🥹

Maxfewtrell: Finally I don’t have to keep this secret anymore!

User4: She surprised him going to Hungary. No wonder he was so happy. He got to see his girl again🥹❤️ ♥︎ by author

A year later and you’re stood in the mirror smoothing down the material of your dress.

“Does it look ok?” You ask turning around to face Lando.

“Wow. You look incredible” he said eyeing you up and down, walking closer towards you.

“You should wear a suit more often” you said smiling back to him.

“You like that do you?” He said eyes darkening and a smile creeped up his face.

“Mmhm, I really do” you said playing with his collar.

“I swear, if it wasn’t our wedding I’d be taking you back into our room and we wouldn’t be leaving all night” he groaned int your neck, planting small gentle kisses all the way down.

“Mmm, I don’t think we can leave a whole room of guests waiting” you groaned.

“We can sneak off after the ceremony” he said kissing your lips.

“I’ll hold you to that promise” you said raising your eyebrows to him.

“I hope so. Especially in that dress!”he said, his hips pressing deeper into yours.

“You best hurry up before someone notices I snuck you in here”

“Everyone knows I can’t stay away from you. They’d be more surprised if I wasn’t in here with you” he laughed placing more kisses along your collarbone.

“Lan” you moan.

“Mmm, I know baby. You just look so good I don’t want to leave you” he mumbled into your skin.

“We just have to get through the ceremony and then I’m all yours, forever” you said into his ear.

“LANDO! GET OUR OF THERE. YOUR GUESTS ARE WAITING” Max shouts through the door making you both laugh.

“Told you” he said placing a gentle kiss on your lips.

“Muppet” you laugh. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you”

“Neither can I. Forever” he said before leaving to greet the guests.

Lando and Yourusername:

↳ Liked by _edwardjones, maxverstappen1, maxfewtrell, Pietra.pilao, danielricciardo, oscarpiastri, and 11,854,237 others

Lando and Yourusername: Mr & Mrs Norris. I’d marry you in every life 🤍

User1: My parents are finally married😭🥹

User2: They’re so in love❤️ Congratulations both!

F1: Congratulations to you both!

User3: Beautiful photos of a gorgeous couple🤍

User4: ‘I’d marry you in every life’😭😭 my heart can’t take this. I’m so single and they’re such an amazing couple!

It was Round 12, Belgium. You were back at home with Max working and being pulled back and forth between meetings.

“How was practice?” You asked Lando over FaceTime.

“Shit” he sighed to you.

“Oh no! Why?” You asked Lando, stopping what you were doing on the laptop to look at him.

“My heads just not there. I’m doing stupid things wrong that I know I shouldn’t be doing. I wish you were here with me” he sighed.

“Oh Lan, I’m so sorry. I wish I was with you too. I swear if I didn’t have these meetings all weekend I’d be with you in a heartbeat” you sighed sadly to him.

“I know you would Beautiful. I just miss you that’s all. I’ll be fine, just need to get out of my own head” he smiled weakly to you.

“Just one more race after this and then we have all of summer break together” you smiled to him.

“That’s true. I can’t wait” he smiled brightly now to you. “Loved your post by the way” he smiled again to you.

“Cute don’t you think?” You smiled back.

“Very. Hope your mystery man’s treating you well” he smiled.

“Oh he is. Very well” you smiled back to him.

“Good, I hope so. Right, I’ve got to go. Duty calls again” he sighed heavily running his free hand down his face.

“Drive safely Lan.” You said.

“I will. Bye beautiful!” He said blowing you a kiss through the screen.

“Bye Lan” you said blowing one back.

“Was that Lando?” Max asked walking into your room.

“Yeah. He looked so sad and deflated. It’s killing me not being there with him” you sighed.

“He just misses you that’s all. He’s not seen you since the day after Silverstone and whilst you’ve got me and work to distract you, when he’s in the hotel, he’s all alone with his thoughts, that then reflects on his driving. It’s not you, it’s something he needs to learn to deal with better. You’re not always going to be able to be at every race with him” he said passing you a bottle of water and sitting on the edge of your bed.

You spun around in your chair to face him. “I know but it still kills me seeing him like that” you sigh to him.

“I get that, trust me I do. He’s a big boy though. Besides, little does he know, he’ll be seeing you in Hungary anyway!” He smiled to you.

“That’s true. You booked your ticket yet?” You asked.

“I have. P can’t come though but it’s all good, get to third wheel with my two best friends who are dating under cover” he smiled to you.

“You’re such a weirdo” you laugh “and you’re lucky to be our third wheel”.

“Seems to be going well between you both though?” He said.

“It really is. Why didn’t you let me realise how much I liked him earlier?” You asked raising your eyebrows and throwing your arms in the air.

“I was just as clueless as the pair of you. It was overhearing P confront Lando on the plane that made it all click for me. Clearly as a friendship group we’re all useless” he laughed.

“Yeah, I think you’ve got that right” you laugh back.

It was Saturday and you and Max had been sat in a meeting discussing upcoming Quadrant ideas for the past 3 hours.

“Ok guys, if anyone needs anything just give me or Max and message. If not though, enjoy your evenings and Sunday” you smiled packing your things back into your bag.

“I think that went well. Everyone seems to know what they’re doing and what’s needed” Max smiled to you.

“It went really well! Hopefully this takes some more pressure off Lan” you smile to him. “Speaking of which, I wonder how Qualifying went” you said picking up your phone.

F1News:

F1News: Qualifying didn’t go as planned for Lando Norris who’s looking visibly upset in both his garage and interviews. That’s P8 for tomorrow’s race!

User1: He’s looked sad all weekend. I hope he’s ok!😢

User2: I hate seeing Lando upset! Don’t think it’s anything to do with Y/N’s recent post do you?

↳ User3: Not everything is to do with Y/N! They’re just friends! If he’s not performing that’s his problem. He needs to get a grip imo!

↳ User4: Calm down. They’re allowed to ask a question! The timing is weird so I get why they thought it🤷

“Oh no” you sighed as you opened up your phone standing up from your seat.

“How bad is it?” Max asked before walking over to look at your phone.

“P8” you sighed again.

“Fuck man!” Max sighed behind you. “Hopefully he can pull it back tomorrow”

“I really hope so!” You said dropping your head to look at the posts again. “He looks so sad. I just want to see him and tell him it’s ok” you said welling up.

“Hey, hey, he’s ok. We’ve know him long enough to know he’ll be ok. It’s just an off weekend that’s all” Max said walking closer to you to hug you.

I’m so sorry beautiful. I tried my hardest. My heads just gone this weekend x

Lan, please don’t ever apologise to me for something like this. It’s just a bad weekend. No matter what, I’m always proud of you. P1 or P22! x

Thank you beautiful! I miss you so much! Can’t wait to see you for summer break! I won’t be letting go of you the whole time!!x

I miss you too Lan. I hope so sir because damn, the photos I’ve seen, even upset … woah😏😩x

If I get that reaction out of you just from some photos online of me then I can’t wait to see what you’re like when we’re finally in person again!😏❤️x

I guess we’ll just have to wait as see if you can handle it…x

Oh I plan to! Can’t wait to see you in your black lingerie again!🥵🔥x

First thing I packed. I know how much you loved it❤️😛x

Definitely out of my bad mood now I’m picturing you in it again!🥵x

Happy to be of assistance. Now try and get some sleep please! You need rest to try and reset your head!😘❤️x

I’ll try but I’m extremely horny right now!😩😔x

Cold shower should do the trick☺️x

You’re mean. Get me all hot and bothered and are now making me have a cold shower! I’ll try and get some sleep though x

Sorry baby. I wasn’t trying to be mean. Just appreciate how good my man looks😂❤️x

Your man! I like that! You can say that more often. Goodnight beautiful. Have a good evening❤️ x

I’ll make sure I do. Goodnight Lan❤️x

Race day and you and Max are sat in the front room together watching the race unfold.

“He needs to get out of his head!” Max said to you.

“I know. Once he’s in though he can’t get back out” you sighed.

Lando had gone from P8 to P6 but was getting no where fast. There were 3 laps left and if you and Max were being honest, you knew this is where he’d place at the end.

The race ended exactly how you expected and you felt your heart break that you weren’t there with him to be with him when he needed you.

“Mate, I already know what you’re thinking. It’s not your fault that you’re not there with him ok? You couldn’t be there because of work. He understands that better than anyone” Max said pulling you into his side.

“I know, I just hate seeing him so sad. I just wish I could make everything better for him” you sighed loudly.

“I know you do” he said quietly. Max knew that once you felt guilty about something, be that in or out of your control, once that guilt hit, there was no taking that away from you. All he could do was try to reassure you and listen.

F1Gossip:

F1Gossip: Hate seeing Lando sad😔

User1: He seems so upset this whole weekend. I hope everything’s ok with him!

↳ User2: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I think it’s something to do with Y/N’s recent soft launch!

↳ User3: I’m living in delulu land where I’ve convinced myself he is the mystery man, so in my mind this weekend was just an off weekend and nothing more!

↳ User2: I hope you’re right because I ship them so hard!!

User4: @yourusername we need you back in the paddock please as his lucky charm!!

User5: We hate to see a sad Lando! Better weekend next weekend please!

“So glad this weekends done with” Lando sighed down the phone to you.

“I know baby. Just wipe it from your memory. It’s done now ok?” You said trying your best to help him.

“I’ll try. Anyway, how’s your week gone?” He asked you.

“It was good. Meetings went well, everyone seems to know what’s needed of them so that’s positive” you said cheerily.

“That’s good to hear! I appreciate you and Max getting everything in line. I know it’s a lot”

“That’s ok, it’s what we’re here for” you replied, yawning back.

Lando had been in so many interviews and meeting fans and going back through data that it was getting late by the time he was able to call you.

“Baby, I’ve got to go. Zak’s pulling us in for a meeting. Probably about to get grilled. I’ll speak to you tomorrow though? Goodnight Beautiful”

“Ok no problem. Take this as constructive criticism and nothing more. The weekends done, no changing it so don’t dwell on it”

“I’ll try beautiful. Bye”

“Good night Lan”

You crawled into bed and your head hit the pillow. The weight of your guilt for not being there taking over. You rolled over and pulled out Lando’s jumper from your bedside drawer and put it on. It smelt like him, fresh but also like home to you now.

‘Just a few more meetings and then off to Hungary’ you thought to yourself before letting yourself drift off to sleep.

It was finally Thursday and you and Max were at the airport.

“Stop doing that” Max said looking at you.

“What?” You snapped at him.

“Bouncing your leg. You’re making me nervous” he snapped back.

“Don’t look at me then” you said back to him.

A woman opposite you both looked at you and laughed. You and Max both looked up at her.

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just you remind me of my kids when they were your age. They’re both in their 40’s now. Married with kids, but when they were your age they used to bicker over little things like that too” she said with a smile like she was picturing the moment as she spoke.

“Oh, we’re not siblings” you smiled to her.

“Oh, I’m sorry. You just seem close like siblings so I just assumed” she said apologetically.

“That’s ok. We’ve known each other since we were very young so I guess we’re like siblings” Max smiled to her and she smiled back.

Your gate number was called and you jumped up read to go.

“Calm down, you’re driving me nuts” Max said to you.

“Could you possibly stop moaning for all of 5 minutes please?” You barked back at him and the woman laughed softly again. “It was lovely meeting you” you said smiling back to the woman.

“You too” she smiled to you and Max.

You were nervous and excited the whole plane journey and you knew you were driving Max up the wall but you didn’t care. You were too excited to surprise Lando to care how much you were annoying Max at this point.

By the time you got off the plane and checked Max into the hotel you were ready to burst. You took your suitcase up to Max’s room and made yourselves look Paddock presentable.

Max checked his phone to see where Lando could be.

“I think he’s in interviews right now” he said looking at his phone. “This way” he said guiding you to where you needed to go.

“Do I look ok?” You asked him.

“Yeah you look fine” he said.

“Just fine?” You asked and you stopped walking.

“What?” Max said turning around.

“I need to look better than fine Max!” You said.

“Y/N, you could wear a brown paper bag and he’d still fancy you. Trust me, he talks about it enough” Max said running his hand down his face.

“Really?” You asked surprised

“I know, I don’t get it either but here we are” Max replied.

“Dick” you said rolling your eyes at him.

“Sorry Sis” he laughed back.

“You wish you were related to me. Unfortunately you’re not that lucky” you smirked back to him.

“Idiot. Come on, let’s go see him please”

“Ok ok, I’m coming!” You said walking after him.

You and Max were almost at there when some fans noticed you and stopped for photos. You could feel yourself getting more and more impatient, needing to see Lando, the finally you saw him in the distance coming towards the end of an interview.

You and Max weaved your way through the crowd and placed yourselves a few rows behind the interviewer but right in his line of vision. The second you saw his eyes lock onto yours the wait was worth it. You felt butterflies rise up in your stomach, just waiting for the moment you were finally alone and could touch him and kiss him again.

F1Gossip posted a story:

Caption: Just been sent this clip by an anon. He seems happier. I wonder what he’s looking at?!

User1: Let’s pray for a better weekend than last please!

User2: Not what but WHO is he looking at like that?🥵

User3: Not sure how true these rumours are but apparently Y/N and Max tuned up at the interviews today👀👀

User4: It’s true! Check out @papayafan account. She’s posted a photo with them both on her story!!!

User5: OMG! Could little Lando be mystery man?????

User6: Please don’t do this to me. My heart can’t take it! I need real confirmation before I commit all my love to a relationship that may or may not be real!!

You were waiting in Lando’s drivers room for him whilst he finished up his interview. Max left to go and set up his laptop for a meeting he was unable to reschedule. The anticipation was killing you. It’d been 18 days but you swear it felt more like 8 months since you’d last seen him face to face. Then you heard the door click open and there he was. Finally, stood in front of you, him and only him. No crowds, no noise, just you and him, finally alone together again.

“Oh my god, you’re here. I didn’t just imagine it!” He said walking over to you as he let out a sigh of relief.

“Surprise” you smiled to him as he stepped closer again and you wrapped your arms around his neck.

He looked at you slowly up and down from a small distance with his hands on either side of your waist, before pulling you into him so tightly there was nothing left between you.

His lips came crashing onto your already charged and filled with passion.

“Fuck, I’ve missed you” you said pulling away for a brief second before your lips found his once more.

He bit down on your bottom lip enough to make you let out a soft moan. “God, I love it when you make that noise” he groaned against you.

“I’ve missed you so much” you say against his lips, your fingers running through his hair. “I’m never leaving you again” you said between kisses.

“I’m never letting you go again!” He said back to you before kissing your neck, his one hand grabbing at your hair at the back of your head, the other holding your lower back, pulling you in as close as possible and making you moan again. “Fuck, you’re so hot!” He groaned to you.

A knock at the door came snapping you both out of the moment, both catching your breath.

“What’s a guy got to do to get a minute with his girlfriend” he sighed. “Yeah?” He shouted to the door as you brushed your hair back into place with your hands.

“Team meeting in 5” a voice called from the other side of the door.

“Yeah ok, I’ll be there” he shouted back to them.

“I’m sorry baby. I promise I won’t be long. Here’s the hotel room key, I’ll meet you back there if you want?” He sighed.

“It’s ok, it’s not your fault Lan. I’ll go find Max now” you smiled to him.

“See you back at the room?” He asked.

“Remember when P asked if we were locked in a room for an hour, no distractions and I handed myself on a plate to you, what would you do?” You asked him.

“Mmhmm” he nodded, eyes locked into yours.

“Well we’ve got all night, not just 1 hour” you smiled, walking past him and taking the room key out of his hand.

“Fuck” he moaned. “I’ll be an hour maximum. Black lingerie had better be on when I get back” he said kissing your neck as he stood behind you stopping you from leaving right away.

“I’ll be waiting” you said turning to face him and giving him one last kiss before leaving to find Max.

“How did the meeting go?” You asked Max when you eventually found him.

“Yeah everything’s good. No issues. Where’s Lando?” He said looking around.

“Team meeting. He’s given me the room key though so if we head back now I can grab my suitcase out of your room and get out of your hair. I know I’ve driven you mental today!” You smiled to him.

“Someone’s changed their tune!” Max said shocked. “Oh god, don’t tell me you had sex in his drivers room” he groaned.

“No!” You shouted back.

“You sure? You seemed a bit to considerate of my feelings just then” he said.

“Because I’m about to get some” you smirked to him.

“Gross” he replied.

“So I can’t say that but I can hear you and P having sex all the time?” You said with raised eyebrows.

“Ok, ok, truce?” He said.

“Sure” you smiled back.

You were back in the hotel and settled into yours and Lando’s room. You had your black lingerie on and had put on one of Lando’s white shirts on but left the buttons undone.

You were pouring yourself a glass of water when you heard the door click open. You turned around and there he was, smiling softly at you from the other side of the room.

“Hey Lan” you smiled to him.

“Hey beautiful” he sighed happily back whilst walking over to you.

As soon as he reached you he grabbed the open edges of his shirt near your waist and pulled you lightly towards him.

“God I love you!” he finally let out.

“What?” You said shocked. Neither of you had said it yet. You knew you wanted to but you’d been too nervous, what if he didn’t feel the same just yet?

“I said, I love you Y/N” he said locking his eyes onto yours. His one hand drawing circled with his thumb on your hip, the other holding your jaw.

“I love you Lando” you said back eyes darting between his and down to his mouth before crashing your lips onto his.

This kiss was softer than before. Filled with the held back emotions, it was tender and meaningful. When you both pulled back your foreheads rested on each others.

“I’ve wanted to tell you that for so long. I just got too nervous every time” he whispered to you.

“So did I” you whispered back with a smile a giving him another soft kiss.

“Is this my shirt?” He said finally noticing once you both pulled back.

“Yeah, I got a little cold” you said shyly.

“You look beautiful” he said, his eyes running up and down your body slowly. His chest rising and falling heavier than before.

“I aim to impress” you smirked at him.

You’d made it to your flight on time despite Lando’s constant claims that you’d all miss it because of how slow you were walking.

You took your seat and curled up into a ball.

“Im freezing!” You complained.

“Here” Lando said standing up to walk somewhere out of your line of vision. “Have this” he said as he came back with a duvet style blanket, throwing it over you.

“Lifesaver!” You smiled burying yourself under it.

Lando posted a story:

Caption: Sleeping Beauty🤍

F1Gossip: Lando’s story🥹 my heart is bursting!!!

User1: I can’t take much more of this!

User2: They’re definitely rage baiting us at this point!

User3: We need P to work some insider magic to get them together!!

“So” P said turning to Lando once Max had also fallen asleep “When are you finally going to admit your feelings to her?”

“What?” He turned to her with a confused look.

“Don’t try and deny it. She likes you too. She’s just not admitted it to herself yet either”

“I have no idea what you’re on about” Lando huffed in protest.

“The eyes, Chico, they never lie” she smirked.

Lando let out a loud sigh of defeat. “You can’t say anything ok? I don’t want to fuck up our friendship over a stupid crush!”

“I won’t say anything, but you know you won’t fuck it up right, and it’s not just a crush?” She said

“You sure about that?” He sighed again. “I tend to fuck relationships up. What do you mean it’s not just a crush?”

“Because they weren’t Y/N. Lan I know I’ve not known you even half as long as these two have, but since the moment I met you, it was obvious you only truly had eyes for her. Maybe you’ve just been too scared to admit it because you didn’t want to lose her as a friend, but trust me. Sometimes, a friendship of worth ruining” she smiled looking back at a sleeping Max.

He sighed looking back to you and a small smile creeped up across his face and his look softened.

“Told you, it’s the eyes chico” she smiled and gave him a friendly ‘I told you so’ wink, and he laughed lightly.

“Maybe when I’m feeling a little braver” he smiled. “Thanks P. For what it’s worth, I’m glad you and Max ruined your friendship. Me and Y/N have said so many times that we’ve never seen him so happy. It’s nice to see” he nodded to her.

“Thanks Lan” she smiled to him before picking her book back up.

An hour later and you’d woken up. You looked around to see everyone else now asleep. You stood up to stretch and use the bathroom so picked up the blanket and covered P who had clear goose bumps going on.

You locked the toilet door behind you, looked in the mirror and splashed your face with some cold water to wake yourself up.

When you unlocked the door and stepped out you were greeted by Lando on the other side.

“Hey” he smiled to you

“Hi, sorry did I wake you?”

“No, just needed a pee” he said nodding towards the toilet. You were still stood in the door way blocking the way in.

“Oh, sorry” you smiled stepping out the way “enjoy your pee” you chimes to him.

“Thanks” he laughed back

‘Enjoy your pee? What the fuck?” You said to yourself both annoyed and embarrassed, covering your face in your hands.

You were back at your seat and had your laptop out going through ideas for Quadrant when Lando got back.

“What you doing?” He asked.

“Just looking at some ideas I had for Quadrant” you smiled to him.

“Can I see?” He asked curiously.

“No. You have a race to focus on” you said looking up to him through your eyelashes.

“I won’t be able to concentrate if you don’t show me” he batted back.

“Lan” you looked at him sternly.

“Please! I’m your boss after all” he smirked to you.

“For god sake, fine!” You said rolling your eyes and turning the laptop to face him.

When the flight finally landed you were exhausted. You and Lando had slept for an hour, the rest of the time you’d been going through Quadrant ideas, playing cards and watching a film.

By the time you’d gotten into the taxi both of your bodies felt like they’d given up.

Maxfewtrell posted a story:

Caption: Correction: Sleeping Beauty’s!!

F1Gossip: Help!! Lando and Y/N in the taxi! My heart actually can’t take this anymore!!!!!

User1: They’re so perfect together! Why can’t they see it😭😭

User2: I hope she comes to more races. He seems so much happier and more relaxed when she’s around! 🥹❤️

User3: I wish I had this in my life😭❤️

The weekend went in what felt like the blink of an eye. Lando came 2nd and with Oscar 1st. A small celebration meal was held by the team which you, Lando, Max and Pietra all attended and now you were home.

It’d been a week since you were all in China, but now P had gone back to her place and you, Lando and Max back to your normal ways.

“I’m going on my date. Wish me luck” you shout to Lando and Max who were currently streaming.

“Good luck” they shout back in sync.

“You sure you don’t want a lift?” Lando shouted back to you.

“I’m sure” you chimed back.

“Text me if you need anything!”

“I will”

“Be back by 9pm” Max shouted teasing you.

“I will Dad” you shouted back sarcastically.

You arrived at the restaurant and your date was already waiting. You met Ethan at a coffee shop whilst waiting in the queue and seemed to get on well and then bumped into him again whilst on a run. That was when he asks you out on a date. ‘Natural meeting’ you thought and this was your chance to test out how well that went.

He was sat at the table waiting, pint already half drank with a second empty pint glass placed just behind it when you walked in.

“Hi Ethan” you smiled to him as you got to the table.

“Y/N, hey!” He said putting down his phone and smiling up at you.

You took your seat opposite him and ordered a drink when the waitress arrived. You started chatting about what Ethan did for a job. He told you all the ins and outs of car sales. He made it sound so glamorous, that you could tell he was in the right job. If this was a way to ask you to work there, you’d have applied on the spot based on his pitch!

Food arrived and he started talking about football. It was his hobby and he watched it religiously too. You nodded along smiling but truth be told, you were an F1 girl through and through. You didn’t know a thing about football! You tried asking if he liked any other sports or motorsports to which he replied “no” and quickly moved back on to football. He picked his phone up and tried to subtly place it, balanced side on his pint glass. You gave him a confused look until he looked up at you.

“Don’t mind do you? Arsenal are playing. I don’t want to miss it. I’ll mute it though” he smiled to you.

“Oh, um, sure, whatever” you looked up at him, face struggling you hide your sheer disappointment and turn off from him.

He picked the date and time so you were confused as to how a man who watched football as religiously as he did could forget his own team were playing, until it clicked. He said he’d had a few bad dates before where women had been in his words ‘difficult’. You now realised that it wasn’t women being difficult, it was that this man organised dates and sat there watching the football throughout as if this was totally normal and not at all rude!

By the time the date had ended and the waitress was brining the cheque, Ethan was visibly teetering on the edge between tipsy and drunk. He hadn’t asked a single question about you the entire date and you were ready to go home. You can’t remember a time you felt this deflated before. You paid, said your goodbyes and headed back.

“I’m home” you called out in a sigh.

“It’s 8! Didn’t go well?” Max called out.

You stepped into the doorframe of the gaming room and sighed again.

“Awful” you said looking at them and the both paused the game, taking their headsets off you look at you.

“That bad?” Max asked.

“He only spoke about himself. His job, his hobby, even started talking about his ex’s at one point!” You said throwing your arms in the air.

“Oooh that’s not good!” Lando said and they both pulled a face to you.

“He even propped his phone up to watch the football throughout the date!” You groaned.

“WHAT?” They both shouted and broke out into uncontrollable laughter.

You weren’t aware that a stream was happening and this clip was being shared everywhere already with people saying how sorry they felt for you with your bad luck on dates, others saying they wished you would date Lando, and others saying they wish they had yours and the guys friendship.

“Guys, it’s not funny! He even asked me to pay the bill because he didn’t want to have to use his phone to pay and stop watching the game! I don’t mind paying but when he’s sunk 5 pints, I’ve had one glass of sparkling water and he’s hardly acknowledged me, that’s when I have a problem with it!”

“Understandable!” Max said trying to hold back a laugh.

“I give up with men!” You sigh sitting down on the sofa behind them. “Wait, are you guys streaming?” You asked looking up at the screen.

“Oh, shit, yeah sorry” Lando said looking back to you.

“It’s ok. Not like my day can get worse. At least now all your fans know about my tragic dating life too” you laugh standing up to walk towards the screen.

“Hi chat” you smiled

Chat:

Yay! We love having Y/N on stream!!

Y/N, don’t give up on men! Please give Lando a chance!

Y/N and Lando would be such a fire couple!🔥

Please give us fans what we want!

Y/N, Lando would never treat you like that!❤️

Y/N girl open your eyes. The man you’re looking for is right in front of you! We’ve all seen how he looks at you!

You read the comments laughing, then smiled and looked down at Lando. You saw his smile and suddenly felt a knot in your stomach and felt something in your brain finally after years click into place. ‘Oh my god. I have a crush on my best friend’ you thought to yourself.

“I’m going to change” you smiled to him quickly before leaving as fast as you could.

F1Gossip:

F1Gossip: HELP!! The way he looked when the comments started coming in about them going on a date, and the way he looked at her when she smiled at him😭❤️

User1: They’re my Roman Empire!!

User2: Boy NEEDS to shoot his shot!!! @lando

↳ User3: @lando get your girl!

User4: Why did she leave so quickly? Have we scared her?

↳ User5: I thought the same. I hope we haven’t pushed it too much! I love these pair together😭

User6: I need someone to look at me the way Lando looks at Y/N!😩

“I’ll be back in a minute. Need a drink” Lando said to Max as he stood up.

“Can you grab me one too?” Max asked.

“Yeah, sure” Lando said as he started walking out of the room.

Max muted himself before quickly turning to Lando and whispering to him.

“Do something about it before you miss your opportunity!”

“What?” Lando asked back, shocked and confused.

“I overheard you and P on the plane. Do something! The whole world can see your down bad and now I’ve heard you admit it, it’s all I can see too!” Max continued.

“Fuck, am I that bad?” Lando sighed loudly.

“Yes! Now go” Max said turning back to the stream and unmuting himself.

You were just about to walk out of your room after changing when there was a knock at your door.

“Hey” you said opening it to see Lando stood the other side.

“Hi” he smiled softly to you.

“Everything ok?” You asked quietly.

“I, um, I, I’m sorry your date didn’t go well” he said awkwardly.

“Oh, thanks. It’s fine. Just wasn’t meant to be” you nodded with a half smile.

“He’s an idiot for not seeing what he had in front of him” Lando said more assertive and serious now. Looking into your eyes, not breaking contact for a single second. You felt your heart hammering through your chest.

“Lan” you said quietly.

“You deserve someone who sees you how you should be seen Y/N” he said stepping, still not breaking eye contact.

“And how’s that?” You sighed quietly.

“As the beautiful, strong, kind, funny, caring, talented woman that you are. I could keep listing things if you wanted me to by the way” he smiled lightly.

“I don’t think anyone else sees me in the way you do though Lan” you laugh softly.

“Then what about me?” He finally said and your stomach knot somehow felt even tighter than before.

“What?” You said caught completely off guard.

“Be with me!” he said more sure of himself this time although his heart was also racing.

You felt like you couldn’t breathe, like the wind had been knocked out of you. Your only just realised you had a crush on him and the moments later he’s telling you to be with him. You couldn’t tell if he liked you too or if this was him feeling sorry for his best friends tragic dating life. You didn’t realise how long you’d be froze for before Lando started talking again.

“Ok, don’t worry. Forget I said anything, I’m sorry Y/N. Please tell me I’ve not fucked our friendship up over my silly crush” he said panicked and turning around to walk out of your room.

“Lan” you said reaching for his wrist to stop him from walking away.

He turned slightly looking back towards you. He looked hurt and you swear you felt your heart shatter for a moment.

“Kiss me” you said looking deep into his eyes.

You didn’t need to repeat yourself. It was like he’d been gearing up for this moment his entire life. He turned back towards you, walking slowly closer before you felt his hand at the back of your neck, his other on your hip pulling you in closer to him. You placed your hand on his jaw and slid your opposite arm behind his neck. When your lips finally touched you felt the knot in your stomach release. It felt like your body knew this was who you were meant to be with all along. It was soft at first but when your brain finally caught up with the rest of your body you pulled him in closer to you and you felt him deepen the kiss. This is what you’d been missing out on. This is what it felt like to finally kiss someone you’re meant to be with! It was electric and filled with passion.

“For god sake! How did I die again?!” Max shouted snapping you both out of the kiss and you laughed, foreheads touching, both a little out of breath.

“So?” Lando said quietly sliding his hands to your waist.

“Hmmm, I’ve had better” you teased with a small smirk.

“Doubtful” he said sure of himself which only made you smile wider and laugh. “God, I’ve wanted to do that for so long!” He let out a sigh of relief.

“Im not sure why it’s taken me so long to actually see what was in front of me” you laughed at yourself and how blind you’d been.

“I think we both took our time getting here. We have P to thank from my end. So, can I take you on a date? Would you like to be my girlfriend? I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten how to speak! I’ve finally kissed you after all this time!” He said clumsily.

“P?” You asked.

“She called me out on the way to China. Said the eyes never lie and basically said it was obvious how much I like you” he laughed

“Wait, how was it obvious? I never noticed!” You asked confused, arms still wrapped around his neck, playing with the curls at the back of his head

“Wow, we’re really playing 20 questions right now rather than answering huh? She said she could tell by the way I look at you. Apparently the eyes never lie. You going to keep me hanging much longer then?” He asked looking between your eyes and down to your mouth.

“Straight to girlfriend is it?” You smirked.

“I mean, we’ve know each other for years! There’s not really anything I don’t know about you. Dating is basically a get to know you exercise before actually making it official! We already know each other very well!” He explained to you with raised eyebrows.

“You make a very good point Norris. In which case, ask me again” you smiled.

“Y/N, will you please be my girlfriend?” He asked locking eyes with you once more.

“I would love to be” you smiled pulling him in by the front of his shirt for another kiss. He wrapped his arms around you, engulfing you in the warmest, tightest hug, lifting you into the air before gently placing you back on the floor.

“LANDO? CHATS ASKING IF YOU’RE COMING BACK?” Max shouted again and you both laughed again.

“COMING NOW” Lando shouted back to him. “You joining us?” He asked you placing a light kiss on your lips again.

“Yeah I’ll join” you smiled back to him before pulling him in for one more kiss. “Our secret for the moment though yeah?” You asked him.

“Absolutely. I’m keeping you all to myself for as long as I can. Aside from Max and P. He also told me to do something about it. Apparently I’m ‘down bad’ according to Max” he said placing a kiss on your temple before heading out to the kitchen. You laughed walking back int the gaming room.

“Y/N. Everything good?” Max said with a smirk.

“Very good thank you Maxie” you smiled back to him through the camera as you stood behind him.

“Glad to hear it” he smirked back again.

Chat:

Are we missing something?

I feel like I’m left out of an inside joke!!

What’s happening?!

Lando walked back in, handing Max a bottle of water.

“Cheers mate!” Max said grabbing the bottle from Lando’s hand. Lando twisted the cap off the second bottle before handing it over to you.

“Thanks” you smiled softly to him.

F1Gossip posted a story:

Caption: Did anyone else noticed Max’s smile when he asked if Y/N was ok? I feel like something happened in that short space of time!

User1: Come on now guys. She had a shit date, he’s just checking his friends ok!

User2: Then why was he smirking???

User3: I may be delulu but I think something happened when her and Lando left the room!

User4: What could have possibly happened? They were gone for all of about 10 minutes! Y/N was getting changed and Lando was sorting drinks and probably scrolling on his phone. Let’s not jump to any conclusions guys!

“Right, games back on. I’m going to try and not die this time!” Max announced.

“Can’t see that happening” you chimed back.

“You’re so mean to me” Max batted back.

“I only give as good as I get” you laugh to him.

“I’m never mean to you” he said defensively.

“Lan?” You asked raising your eyebrows to him and Max turned his head to look over at him as well.

“Don’t you dare get me involved. I’m not getting in the middle of this” he said raising his hands into the hair.

“Urgh, boring. Get on with your game” you laugh and roll you eyes.

“Winner stays on so get your A game ready Y/L/N” Lando said to you.

“My A games always ready” you smiled to Lando through the camera and he smirked back. Max cleared his throat loudly to knock you both back int reality.

“I’m Daniel! You’re with Lando right?” He said.

“Yeah hi, I’m Y/N!” You smiled shaking his hand.

“Lovely to meet you. Fancy grabbing a drink sometime? My way of apologising for sending your bottle flying” He asked handing you back your water that was now basically empty.

“You know what, that sounds lovely!” You smiled to him.

“Here” he said handing you his phone. “Give me your number and I’ll text you”

You took his phone and typed your number in before handing it back to him.

“Enjoy the race Y/N. See you soon” he winked at you.

“You too Daniel” you smiled back to him.

“Lando? Are you listening?”

“Hmm, yeah, sorry, yeah I’m listening” he replied quickly, looking back to his race engineer.

F1Gossip: Did anyone else see Lando on screen just now? He didn’t look very happy. Hope he’s ok🙏

User1: He was staring at the grid. Was something happening there?

User2: Is anyone there who saw what they didn’t show us on the grid???

↳ User3: I’m here and the only thing I noticed was seeing Y/N and Danny Ric talking🤷🏼‍♀️ Maybe he’s just in his own little pre race world. I wouldn’t think too much into it

↳ User4: He 100% clocked this! Jealous Lando!🥹😭

User5: We love our jealous king!!

30 minutes later and the race was underway. You held your breath for what felt like the entire race. Eyes locked onto the screen in the McLaren garage. Arms crossed with your fingers tapping against your forearms.

When he finally crossed the line you let out the breath you’d been holding, turned to Max as you hugged each other whilst simultaneously jumping in the air together. Eyes welling up with pride.

He’d just crossed the line, P1 at Australia and had asked you, Max and P to be with the team at Parc Ferme if he did. He ran straight over and pulled you in for the tightest hug you think you’ve ever had.

“First win of the season. You drove incredibly. I’m so proud of you” you mumbled into the crook of Lando’s neck, tears once again filling your eyes. You both pulled back and Lando had cupped your face in his hands, looking at you as he wiped a tear off your face with one of his thumbs. You both finally parted and he hugged Max before going to see the team and head over to celebrate on the podium.

Yourusername:

Yourusername: P1. Let’s go Champ!🔥🥇

↳ Liked by MaxFewtrell, Lando, Pietra.pilao, and 538,735 others

User1: LET’S GO LANDO!!

User2: The way he looks at her🥹

User3: His lucky charm❤️

User4: That look! Their hug! Him wiping her tear away with his thumb!!! My parents 😍🥹

User5: She looked so proud of him😭❤️

↳ yourusername: I’m always proud of him!❤️

↳ Liked by Lando and 12.4k others

User6: Her and Max’s hug when they celebrated! Wish I had their friendship! They’re so proud of him!

After all the race celebrations and debriefs you make your way back to your hotel rooms.

“So mate, how do you want to celebrate?” Max asked Lando.

“Beach?” He asked you all.

“Absolutely!” You smiled.

“Ok, well I need a shower first so meet you guys there in about an hour? I’ll send you a link to the location. It’s a more private beach” he said to Max.

“Cheers. See you in a hour” Max said unlocking his and P’s room.

“Congratulations again Lan! I’m honestly so proud of you!” You said turning to him.

“I’m so glad you were there” he smiled at you.

“So am I” you said walking over and hugging him. “You’re very sticky” you laugh trying to pull away which only made Lando pull you closer with a mischievous smile on his face.

“What was that? Sorry, I can’t hear you”

“Lan” you laugh. “Go for a shower” you said trying to push him away by his chest and he eventually let go.

“Saw you speaking to Danny Ric earlier” he said more like a question than a statement.

“Oh, yeah. We accidentally bumped into each other. He asked for my number and said we should grab a drink sometime” you smiled to him.

“Oh!”

“I mean, he’s not a driver anymore so I thought maybe I’d go” you shrugged to him.

“Yeah” he said clearing his throat. “If that’s what you want to do” he said forcing a smile onto his face.

“If you don’t want me to though, I won’t”

“No, no. I can’t stop you doing something you want to do. It’s your dating life Y/N” he said backtracking, not wanting to hurt you.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. It’s just, he seemed nice. I know I only briefly spoke to him but he seemed, I don’t know. A bit like you I guess” you said softly.

“Like me?”

“Yeah. Bubbly, kind, has a lovely smile” you smiled over to him.

“You like my smile?” He asked slowly.

“Yeah?” You said like you were shocked he didn’t know.

“Oh. That surprises me” he said.

“Really? You’re a very attractive man Lando. Don’t be so surprised. I know we’re best friends and all that but I’m still a woman with eyes” you laugh lightly.

“Just, never thought you looked at me in that way, that’s all” he smiled.

“Don’t give yourself a big head over this” you laughed. “I’m just saying you’re an attractive man, this is why you have women throwing themselves at you”

“Mmhmm” he managed to get out whilst trying to suppress a smile. “For the record, you’re a very attractive woman too, and no, I’m not just saying that because you called me attractive” he said adding the last part because he knew what words would have come out of your mouth next.

“Thank you” you smiled softly to him. You were both staring into each others eyes longer than you’d both realised before a noise from Max’s room knocked you both back into reality.

“Save yourself and grab a shower quickly! I’m changing and then going on the balcony. I’m not listening to that shit again!” You said causing Lando to laugh loudly.

20 minutes later and Lando’s walking out onto the balcony with a towel wrapped around his waist. You’re reading your book and so focused that you didn’t notice him walking out.

“Hey!” He said making you jump. “Shit, sorry, I thought you saw me”

“Give a girl some warning when she reading!” You said clutching your chest.

“Oi! Is that my hat you’re wearing?”

“Umm, no?” You said trying your best to lie. “Ok, fine, yes it is. I forgot mine and you have hundreds”

“Keep it. It suits you”

“Thanks!” You smiled up to him. “Danny text me” you said.

“Yeah?” He said sitting on the chair next to you.

“He’s invited me for coffee in the morning”

“You going to go?” He asked.

“Yeah, I’ve said I’ll go”

“Cool” he nodded.

“Lan? Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“You said you wanted to meet someone naturally. This is it” he shrugged. “I’m going to get changed” he said walking back into the bedroom. You sighed lightly. You weren’t sure why but you felt a pinch of disappointment that Lando didn’t seem to mind you going for a coffee with Danny. You chose not to dwell on it and finally headed to the beach, set up your towel and took your top off ready to start sunbathing.

“Oh my god, where have you been hiding that body?” P asked causing Max and Lando to turn around.

“P you’re going to make me blush! “ you laughed.

“Seriously! You look amazing!” She continued

“Thank you. I’ve been going to the gym a bit more recently” you smiled to her.

“Wow” Lando said clearing his throat awkwardly, Red creeping up his neck and cheeks. “Yeah, you look really good Y/N” he said looking down to the sand.

“Thanks Lan” you smiled lying down to sunbathe.

Yourusername:

Yourusername: Beach life

↳ Liked by Lando, Pietra.pilao, danielricciardo, Carlossainz55 and 879,535 others

User1: BODY TEA!!!🔥🔥

User2: INSANE!😍🔥

User3: Is she wearing Lando’s cap??

User4: @Lando you’d better make your move before it’s too late! She is serving!!!

↳ liked by Pietra.pilao

↳ User5: LET’S GO LANDO

↳ User6: Even P is routing for them!!!!!!

User7: Danny Ric? What are you doing here? @lando get your girl!!

“Can we play a game or something please? I’m bored” P asked.

“Volleyball?” Max replied.

“I was thinking more like truth or dare” she shrugged.

“Combine them both? Teams. Whoever scores a point gets to ask the other team truth or dare? Best of both worlds!” Max said.

“Hmm, ok, I can do that” she smiled standing up and walking with Max to set up the volleyball net they’d bought on the travel down.

“Oh god, I’m nervous. I know how competitive you and Max get” you groaned and Lando laughed.

“I don’t know what you’re on about. We’re angels” he smirked.

“What’s the teams?” You asked as you walked over.

“Couples!” P said.

“You’d better play well Y/L/N. I’m not losing to those pair!” Lando said to you.

“There’s no way you’re beating us!” Max shouted over to you both.

“Need I remind you when I won against you in sport day every year Max?” You smiled over your him.

“Didn’t happen” he said shaking his head over to P.

“It did. He used to get so annoyed. Said he couldn’t be my best friend anymore if I was faster than him” you laughed.

“Yeah, remind me again why I didn’t follow through with that?” He asked shooting you a look and you smirked back.

“Because you’d miss me too much Maxie”

“Doubtful” he said with raised eyebrows and you returned his look with a middle finger causing Lando and P to laugh at your interaction.

Max served the ball and the game began. First point went to you and Lando.

“P, truth or dare?

“Truth”

“Have you ever flirted with Max just to get your own way?” Lando asked her with a smirk knowing she had done.

“Yes” she said awkwardly trying not to look at Max.

“WHAT? When?!” He asked.

“When we watch films and you pick ones I don’t like” she smiled.

“We’re so watching all my films when we get home!”

Next point went to Max and P.

“Y/N, truth or dare?” P asked.

“Dare”

“Ok. I dare you to let Lando whisper a flirty question in your ear. You have to answer it honestly. It has to be flirty!” she smirked happy with herself.

Lando stood thinking for a little bit before leaning in towards you. His aftershave clinging onto his skin surrounded you. You felt his breath light on your ear and felt yourself get goosebumps. He whispered the question into your ear and you felt your heart hammering in your chest. He pulled back to look at you, waiting for your answer.

You looked up at him, clearing your throat, cheeks bright red. “No” you said clearing your throat again.

“What was the question?” Max asked.

“Never you mind nosey. P said to whisper the question to me, she didn’t say anything about sharing it with the group” you smirked to him and he rolled his eyes back. You batted the ball back in their direction and scored.

“Max, truth or dare?”

“Truth”

“How many times have you rescheduled a team meeting so that you can see P instead?” You asked raising an eyebrow and P smirked looking over to Max.

“Dare” he shouted trying to backtrack.

“YOU DICK! I knew something was up!” Lando shouted to him.

“Oh you’re dead” Max said pointing over to you and you threw your arms in the air pretending to be innocent.

The ball went flying up into the air and without missing a beat Max scored the next point.

“Lando. Truth or dare?”

“Truth”

“If we locked you and Y/N in a room for an hour, what are you both doing?” He asked raising his eyebrows.

“I think we’d probably talk so much we didn’t notice how fast the hour went by” he nodded with a smile.

“Really?” P interjected.

“Yeah” Lando replied.

“If you and Y/N were locked in a room, nothing to do for a whole hour, all you’d do is talk?” She asked now crossing her arms.

“I’m a gentleman!” He protested.

“Ok, so what if she put herself on a plate for you?” P asks with a smirk and raised eyebrow.

“That wasn’t the question” Lando said shaking his head.

“It is now” she said.

“Nope, one question is all you get, and Max already asked it”.

“That’s fine, you answered it with your reaction anyway” she smiled to him and he rolls his eyes back.

After a long game of volleyball, where you and Lando won, much to Max’s annoyance you were finally sunbathing once more.

“What do you want to do later then champ?” You turned your head to face Lando who was lying down on his stomach with his eyes closed next to you.

“Sleep” he mumbled back to you.

“You’ve just won the first race of the season and so far you’ve celebrated by coming to the beach and then you want to sleep?” You laughed.

“Mmhmm” he nodded to you with his eyes still closed.

“That’s so boring! Let’s do something!” You complained to him.

“Golf?” He asked opening one eye to look at you.

“Fuck off” you said rolling your eyes and he laughed.

“Thought not”

“Can we at least get food then?”

“Room service?” He asked, eyebrows raised.

“Deal” you said reaching one arm out to your side to shake his hand, and he shook yours back but neither of you let go. Letting your linked hands drop softly onto the sand, fingers entwined.

“Right, are we heading back now? I’ve book a reservation for me and P tonight so need to get ready!” Max said.

“Oh cute! What have you booked?” You asked.

“Couples massage, and then a restaurant we’ve been wanting to try before we leave tomorrow afternoon!”

“Look at you being all cute Maxie” you teased.

“He’s the sweetest really” P added placing a kiss on his cheek.

“Enough of that please. My single arse can’t take this level of soppiness” you laughed.

“Got your date tomorrow though” P said excitedly.

“It’s only coffee” you laugh trying to brush it off.

“Still, first Carlos, now Danny. I know you said no drivers Lando but they seem to gravitate towards her” P said and Lando shot her dagger eyes causing her to smirk back.

“I mean technically Danny’s not a driver” Max added.

“Yeah, ok, let’s get going before you miss your reservation” Lando snapped in, standing up and grabbing his towel.

You all followed suit, walking back towards where the Uber Max had ordered arrived.

“Enjoy your spa and meal guys” you said to Max and P as you unlocked your room door once back at the hotel.

“Thanks, see you tomorrow” Max waved.

“Enjoy your date in the morning” P smiled widely over you to and you laughed.

“Yeah, thanks” you said shaking your head.

“I’m going to grab a shower. Order food if you want” Lando said grabbing a fresh towel off the bed.

“Lan?”

“Mmhmm?”

“Are you ok? You seem a little quiet” you asked looking over to him.

“Yeah, all good. Just tired” he shrugged.

“Lan, please just tell me what’s wrong”

“Nothing”

“Ok, fine, bottle it all up then Lan, that’s helpful” you said sarcastically.

He didn’t reply. Instead he walked into the bathroom and turned the shower on. You rolls your eyes, picked up the phone and ordered room service. When he came out of the shower you grabbed your fresh towel and went for a shower too.

By the time you came out the shower room food had arrived and Lando had already made a start on eating his, whilst watching the TV. You didn’t say anything. Instead you just walked to the table, sat down in front of him and started eating your food. You looked up at him through your eyelashes trying to study his face to see what was wrong. The longer you started the more you could feel butterflies rising in your stomach. You’d always known Lando was an attractive guy but you’d never truly looked at him. He was one of your best friends. You’d never looked at either of them this intensely before. Now, here, staring at Lando for as long as you were you understood why women could become so enchanted by him.

“Stop staring at me” he grumbled.

“I’m not” you chimed back instantly blushing.

“You are and you have been for about 5 solid minutes now”

“Whatever you say Norris”

“It’s not whatever I say, it’s a fact”

“Then tell me what’s wrong and I wouldn’t have to study your face to try and figure it out!” You demanded.

“I’m tired. I’m going to bed. Night Y/N” he says walking over to the bed.

You sighed, ran your hands down your face and looked over to where he was lying.

“Night” you sighed heavily.

The following morning Lando had already gone to the gym by the time you’d woken up. You got ready and headed out, texting Daniel to let him know you were on your way.

“Morning!” You smiled as you saw Daniel waiting outside the cafe for you.

“Morning!” He smiled, pulling you in for a hug and showing you into the cafe.

“How was your night? You seem very fresh. I was half expecting you to turn up hungover after all of Lando’s celebrations” he laughed.

“It was ok thanks. He didn’t want any big celebrations. We went to the beach, played volleyball, then we went back to the hotel, ordered room service and he was asleep before I’d even started eating” you laughed.

“Oh! I’m very surprised by that” he laughed.

“He’s seemed off. Not sure what’s going on with him” you sighed. “But enough about him anyway. How was your night?”

“Yeah it was good thanks. Met up with Carlos and Charles for an hour, then went to the spa. Relaxing”

“That’s nice that you caught up with them!” You smiled.

“Think Carlos was a little jealous that I was seeing you today. Don’t think Lando would be too pleased to hear that though!”

“Ha! Blame Max and Lando. They claimed I was watching thirst trap videos of him when I wasn’t!” You rolled your eyes.

“No?”

“I swear! Lando’s very clear on the fact he doesn’t want me dating other drivers” you laughed.

“Well, he is your boyfriend so that’s nothing unusual” He laughed.

“He’s not my boyfriend! We’re best friends” you laughed.

“What? Seriously?! I don’t think best friends care about who the other dates. Besides, I’ve heard how he talks about you. There’s more to it. Trust me”

“What do you mean?” You asked eyebrows knotted together.

“Nothing. Don’t worry” he said shaking his head.

“So, how come you wanted to meet me today then? I’m curious”

“Well, like I said. Lando’s talked a lot about you. Thought I’d see for myself. You are as great as he says” he smiled. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say there was a bit of an ulterior motive too”

“Go on” you nodded.

“He’s told me about the work you do at Quadrant and how great you are. I’d love it if you could help me with some business ideas too. More of a UK vibe though?” He said.

“Absolutely! I’d love to! So this, this isn’t a date?” You asked curiously.

“Oh, um, no. Like I said, I thought you were with Lando!” He said in an apologetic tone.

“Oh, god, sorry, this is so embarrassing!” you said wanting the world to swallow you whole.

“No, no, don’t be embarrassed! It was my fault, I should have said it was about a business opportunity! I’d also like to be your friend if you’d let me be?” He smiled making you feel at ease now.

“Friends sounds nice!” You smiled back.

Yourusername posted a story:

Caption: Coffee, friends, business☕️ @Danielricciardo

You’d walked back into your room to see Lando folding away his clothes into his suitcase.

“Hey” you said quietly

“Hey! How was the date?” He smiled lightly over to you.

“Wasn’t a date” you nodded, lips pressed tightly together into an awkward smile.

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I kind of misread the whole situation. It was a business opportunity and he thought we were together” you shrugged.

“Really?” He smirked.

“Don’t have to look so pleased about my tragic dating life Lan” you rolled your eyes to him before walking over and flopping down onto the bed.

“I’m sorry you misread it but hey at least you’ve got a business opportunity. That’s exciting right? Just promise me one thing?” He said walking over to the bed and lying down next to you.

“Mmhmm? What’s that?” You asked turning to face him.

“Don’t go leaving me for someone else. I couldn’t bear it if you left Quadrant, or our place!” He smiled softly to you.

“Ok, deal” he smiled.

Three hours later and you’re officially worn out. Lando’s stood there telling you how great he played today and you rolls your eyes at his lack of modesty.

Yourusername posted a story:

Caption: “I’ll go easy on you” …. Now he’s basking in his glory after NOT going easy!🙄

“Admit you had fun”

“Fine, I had a little fun” you said giving him a sassy side eye.

“Lando! Hey! You should’ve said you were playing padel, we could’ve played together. How are you?” A thick Spanish accent asked.

Carlos and George were walking over to where you and Lando stood.

“Hey guys you ok? Sorry, it was kind of a last minute idea to try and keep Y/N from falling asleep” he said throwing his arm over your shoulder.

“Hey Y/N, how’s it going?” George asked.

“Hey George. Long time no see. I’m good thank you, how are you? How’s Carmen?”

“She’s good, thanks for asking!” He smiled at you.

“How was padel? Did Lando ‘let you’ win?” Carlos asked jokingly.

“No. He said he’s go easy on me and then did the exact opposite” you said raising an eyebrow over in Lando’s direction causing him to laugh.

“Don’t hate the player” he laughed.

“Mmhmmm” you nodded at him.

“Fancy another game?” Carlos asked.

“Can’t sorry. I promised Y/N dinner” Lando said squeezing you closer to him.

“Sorry for stealing him away from you boys but a girls got to eat” you smiled at them.

“Another time then?” Carlos asked looking at you.

“Yeah another time” you smiled.

“See you later guys” Lando said patting them both on the backs and guiding you out. “Right, what do you want to eat?”

“Just something quick. Like fast food. What’s close?”

“I think there’s a McDonald’s around the corner?”

“Yeah that’ll do” you shrugged nodding your head.

You walked into the store and placed your orders. You were about to tap your phone for Apple Pay when Lando grabbed your phone out of your hand.

“You’re not paying for that”

“Lan, give me back my phone and let me pay please” you said trying to grab your phone out of his hand.

“Nope. I’m not letting you pay” he said putting your phone in his pocket and tapping his to pay.

“Lan!”

“Too late” he smiled at you.

“You should’ve let me pay! You got me tickets and paid for the hotels! The least I can do is buy you food! I owe you!” You protested.

“You don’t owe me anything! I want you here and I wanted to pay” he smiled again to you before walking over to grab the bag of food.

When you got back to the hotel room you jumped straight onto the bed and started eating your food when a knock came at the door. Lando walked over, unlocking the door. Before he could even say two words, Max was storming into the room past Lando.

“Right! Where have you been? P has been sleeping and you pair disappeared! I’ve been so bored!” He said voice slightly raised.

“Hi Max, come in why don’t you” you said sarcastically.

“Seriously! Where did you go?”

“Calm down! We went to play Padel so Y/N didn’t also fall asleep!”

“You played a game of two person padel?” He asks confused.

“Well, it was more of a game for fun and not to actually play properly, although you’d never guess from the way Lando was acting” you shot Lando a raised eyebrow look and he smiled innocently.

“And then we got Y/N some food to cheer her up after my victory!” He added. “We did knock before going. You didn’t answer”

“Oh! You must’ve knocked when I was in the shower. What are you guys up to now though?” He asked.

“Just eating and chilling, nothing fancy. Did you want to do anything?” you said biting into another chip.

“Film or brainstorming for new Quadrant Merch?” Max asked.

“Series! I’m not ready to start working again and I can’t promise I won’t fall asleep halfway through a film” you looked up to Max.

“We still have the new series of Stranger Things to watch?” Lando asked.

“Perfect” Max said walking over to grab the remote off the side table.

Lando walked over and sat down on the other side of the bed, reaching over and stealing one of your chips, and Max settled down across the sofa at the bottom of the bed.

“Please tell me P knows you’re here before we press play?” You asked Max knowing what he could get like.

“I left her a note it’s fine” he waved his arm in the air causing you and Lando to look at each other with a look that said neither of you believed him.

You picked your phone up and started typing, then turned it towards Lando to show him, he smiled and gave a silent laugh before nodding his approval.

Hey P! Just to let you know, Max is in our room with us watching Stranger Things. He claims to have left you a note so you know where he is if you wake up before he’s back. I think we all know that’s a lie, so I thought I’d save you the confusion! Love you 🫶

Around 25 minutes later you felt you phone vibrate, you picked it up to check what the notification was when you smirked and nudged Lando to show him.

P✨:

Thank you for letting me know because he absolutely did not leave me a note! I’ll send his things over soon. He’s your pet now, you’ve both adopted him!

Y/N:

Sorry P, no take backs. Me and Lan have co-parented him since school, it’s your turn now. We’re simply babysitting him for you right now!

Lando laughed reading what you’d written back, shaking his head at you.

“What are you guys laughing at?” Max asked shooting upright from the sofa an looking back at you and Lando on the bed.

“Nothing” you smirked.

His eyes darted over to Lando.

“Nothing son” he smirked causing a loud laugh to leave your mouth.

“Son?” Max asked both confused and annoyed that he was an outsider to this joke you had going on.

“P’s awake” you smiled to him.

“How do you know?”

“I text her to let her know you were here because we knew you didn’t remember to leave her a note!” You said, eyebrows raised to let him know you’d caught him out.

“Ah fuck. I was hoping she’d still be asleep and I’d have gotten away with forgetting” he groaned.

“Maybe you need a PA to help run your life Fewtrell” you laugh.

“I do. You!” He said smiling over to you.

“Knob! Go see your girlfriend! I need sleep!” You laugh throwing a pillow over to him.

“Alright alright. Breakfast in the morning? P said she wants to help you find another date after the last disaster” he asked walking towards the door.

“Yeah great! I’ll give you guys a knock in the morning. You joining or do you have to be at the track early?” You asked turning to Lando.

“Oh, um, I’ll be at the track sorry. Team meeting. Catch up with you guys for dinner though?” He asked.

“Perfect!” You smiled to them both, getting up and heading into the bathroom to brush your teeth. “Night Max”

“Night Y/N” he shouted through to you. “Night mate” he said to Lando before leaving.

“You’re looking to go on another date then?” Lando asked walking towards the bathroom and leaning on the door frame.

“Well I can’t stay single forever now can I!” you said between brushes.

“But, dating apps? I mean look how well the last date went. I just don’t want you wasting your time on some idiot who doesn’t deserve you” he said crossing his arms.

“Lan, it’s fine, I’m fine. I just need to meet someone. Look at Max and P, and then look at all the models that throw themselves at you. I don’t have that, I don’t turn heads. Unfortunately for people like me, dating apps aren’t just for fun, they’re necessary!”

“Don’t say that! You absolutely turn heads! And models ‘throwing themselves at me’ as you say doesn’t mean anything. They don’t know me, they just know what they see in the media with the fame and the money, that means fuck all” he said defensively.

“What heads? What heads have I ever turned? They still want you though Lan, that’s the difference!” You sighed with glassy eyes.

“Well Carlos certainly had his head turned by you, and just because they want me doesn’t mean I want them” he said in an almost irritated voice.

“I did not turn Carlos’ head” you laughed. “More fool you if you don’t want them. They’re all beautiful!”

“Yes Y/N, you did” he replied ignoring your last comment.

“Well even if I did, you said no dating drivers” you smiled and nodded to him whilst going to walk past him out of the bathroom and back to the bedroom.

He reached his arm out and placed his hand on the other side of the door frame blocking you from leaving.

“You’re beautiful too Y/N. You don’t give yourself enough credit!” He said looking into your eyes before moving his arm to let you pass and walking in to brush his own teeth.

“Thanks Lan” you smiled to him but your stomach was filled with butterflies and you couldn’t understand why. This was Lando. Your best friend. Why did his comment affect you so much?

You climbed into bed and scrolled on your phone until Lando came back into the room, sliding into bed next to you and turning off the lights.

“Night Y/N”

“Night Lan”

The next morning Lando was gone before you’d woken up. You got ready and knocked on the door to meet Max and P.

“Morning” Max smiled, “P, let’s go” he called back into the room.

“Coming” she called back to him. “Hey! So are we looking for dates today?” She smiled walking over to hug you.

“We are not” you smiled back.

“What? How come?” Max asked shocked.

“I’ve decided I want to meet someone naturally, rather than forcing myself to find someone on an app because I’ve convinced myself I need someone and I need them now” you smiled to them both.

“Ok, I love that!” Pietra cheered.

“Fancy going to see Lando once we’re done with breakfast?” Max asked locking the door behind him and you and P walked down the hallway.

“Yeah, that’d be nice” you smiled back to him.

After breakfast you headed to the track and straight for the media pen. Lando was there being interviewed whilst you, Max and P stood there watching and waiting for him.

F1Gossip:

F1Gossip: Did anyone else see Lando’s face when he saw Y/N in the crowd during his interview?

User1: Guys come on, Max and P were also there. He was just happy to see his friends!

↳ User2: Oh please! He’s not looking at Max like that. Be so for real!

User3: They’d be so cute together!

User4: He turns into a little kid with a crush around her istg! 🥹

↳ User5: I NEED to see them together!!!

“Hey! What are you doing here?” Lando asked walking over to you and hugging you after his interview.

“We thought we’d come surprise you mate. We didn’t get to see you at breakfast!” Max said

“Yeah you were gone before I even woke up! I didn’t hear you leave” you added.

“Oh good! I was worried I’d woke you up” Lando said.

“No don’t worry, didn’t wake me” you smiled.

“How was your team meeting?” P asked him.

“What meeting?” Lando asked her confused.

“You said you had a team meeting this morning, that’s why you couldn’t make breakfast?” She asked as you all knitted your eyebrows together confused by Lando’s confusion.

“Oh, shit, yeah, sorry, that meeting. Yeah it was fine. Just a normal team meeting. Nothing interesting. How was the search for a date?” He asked back to you all.

“I scrapped it. Apps deleted. I’m going to meet someone naturally” you smiled to him.

“Really?” He smiled.

“Speaking of naturally. Here comes someone who you’ve certainly charmed before” P smiled and said in a giggly squeal.

You and Lando both turned around confused when you saw Carlos heading towards you all.

“Hey! How are you guys?” Carlos smiled

“Good cheers mate, you?” Lando asked giving Carlos a hug.

“Good thank you. You got to the track early today. Everything ok?”

“Yeah everything’s fine. Just a team meeting” Lando rushed out.

“Oh! I didn’t see anyone else.” Carlos said surprised.

“Strange” Lando replied

“Y/N, looking lovely as always. Anyway I’ll see you guys later” Carlos winked to you before waving to you all and walking away.

You saw Lando’s jaw tense for a brief moment before your focus was shifted to Pietra.

“Oh my god! You may get that date sooner than you think” she said excitedly.

“He’s lovely, but no dating drivers” you laughed.

“What? Are you serious? He’s so into you!” Pietra protested.

“No, Max falsely claimed that I watch his thirst trap videos and now he thinks I’m into him!”

“And you’re telling me you’re not int him? Seriously Y/N?” She exclaimed and Lando tensed up once again.

“I’m stood right here! No need to be this shocked that she’s not into him!” Max interjected.

“I don’t know him to be into him. He’s an attractive man yes but that’s that. Besides, Lando doesn’t like the thought of me dating other drivers which I respect, and I don’t want to jump in head first with the first guy that shows me an ounce of attention” you said with a light smile.

“Hmmm ok, I respect that” P nodded and Lando’s shoulders gently relaxed.

“You done for the day yet?” You asked Lando.

“Yeah, dinner?” He asked.

“Can we go back first so I can freshen up please?” P asked.

“Yeah, I need to change as well” Lando added.

Walking through the room Lando was quick to take his top off and rummage through the wardrobe finding something to wear.

“Your tan annoys me” you groan looking over to him as you lie on the bed.

“Excuse me?” He turned around shocked.

“You heard me Norris. It’s not fair that you get to glow all year round and I look like I’ve just come out of a 5 year hibernation” you laugh.

“Well maybe you should travel more” he raised his eyebrows.

“Payrise boss?” You smirked, raising your eyebrows back to him and he laughed.

“Nice try Y/L/N. We’ll review it at your monthly one to one” he chuckled.

“Worth a shot” you shrugged.

“You should travel more though. Come to more races”

“As much as I’d love that, I definitely can’t afford that! We should go somewhere during your summer break though!” You said. “That top”

“What?”

“You should wear that top. It looks good on you”

“Really?” He asked wide eyed.

“I wouldn’t let you go out dressed in something I didn’t think looked good on you” you shrugged.

“Thanks. Also summer break trip sounds great! You know you don’t have to pay for the races Y/N, I get extra tickets, you know that. The trips won’t cost you anything!”

“I don’t want to take free things from you Lan just because we’ve been friends since school! I want to be there because I can not because I expect free handouts from you”

“I know you don’t. But don’t see them as free handouts. See them as a gift from a friend who wants you there with him and enjoys having you around. Now come on, let’s get some food” he said reaching his hand out for you to pull yourself up off the bed.

The restaurant was buzzing with atmosphere which you all loved. You’d ordered your food and drinks when you started chatting about your plans for the weekend and telling Max and P about your plans for a trip during the summer break.

Drinks arrived and they were being placed in front of you all. P grabbed her phone to take a photo of them. The waiter placed the last drink down in front of Max.

“Enjoy” the waiter said

“Thanks. You too” Max replied before a wave of realisation hit him and his cheeks burnt bright red. You and Lando burst out laughing, not helping Max’s embarrassment one bit.

Pietra posted a story:

F1gossip: P posted a new story. Y/N and Lando have me in a chokehold istg!

User1: Two people who clearly can’t see that they’re meant for each other!

User2: Please can we think of ways to get them to open their eyes! I meant look at them😩

It was late before you got back to the hotel. Walking through the door you threw your bag onto the sofa at the end of the bed.

“I’m exhausted. How you’re still standing after getting up as early as you did I’ll never know!” You groaned.

“I’m exhausted too, I’m just hiding it well” he let out a breathy laugh through his nose whilst unbuckling his belt.

“Very well” you laugh whilst taking your shoes off. You walked over to the drawers and grabbed some PJs before heading over to the bathroom to change and brush your teeth. Lando joined to brush his teeth once you’d told him you’d changed.

You both stood side by side in the mirror brushing your teeth. Lando stood in boxers, his skin glowing under the bathroom light. You in shorts and an old tee that Lando had given you the year before. You started staring at one another through the mirror before pulling faces at one another, trying to get the other to laugh. Lando put his arm around your shoulder, pulling you in closer to him and your leant your head back to rest it on his collarbone.

When you both climbed into bed your heads hit the pillow at the same time and you both let out a content groan that you’d finally got to lie down in a comfy bed.

“Lan?”

“Mmhmm?”

“Did you really have a team meeting this morning?” You asked. Silence fell across the dark room before Lando finally answered.

“Honestly? No” he sighed.

“So why did you say you did?” You probed.

“You said you were going to look for dates. I just didn’t want to” he admitted catching himself off guard as well as you.

“Can I ask why?”

“I just don’t think I’m the best choice to be your wingman. I’d be too picky. You only deserve the best” he laughed and you let out a light breathy laugh.

“Funny… you’re already pretty picky about who gets close to me. Remember, no drivers”

“No other drivers” he laughed pulling you into his side. You rested your head onto his chest and felt yourself starting to drift off to sleep.

“Night Lan” you yawned placing one palm on his chest in front of your face.

Lando walked across the room and grabbed his car keys. He had a stern look on his face that you knew was because he wasn’t comfortable with you meeting a random person you’d met on a dating app, and had only been speaking to for a week.

“You could at least try looking happy for me. I’ve actually got a date. Like a real life date!” you said walking towards him.

“I am happy for you” he sighed.

“Then tell your face that” you said reaching your hands out, placing them either side of Lando’s face and pushing each corner of his mouth up with your thumbs, until it made a smile.

“Muppet” he laughed.

“You better tell this guy about us” Max said as you all started walking out of the apartment you all shared.

“Yeah I can’t wait to see how ‘I live with two men’ goes down with your date” Lando laughed.

“Yeah well I think I’m going to stay clear of that for a little while”

“Why?” Max asked.

“Because no date wants to hear that their date is living with two other men, one of which is an incredibly famous F1 driver!”

“And the other is extremely attractive” Max added causing Lando to laugh.

“Whatever you say Max” you laughs rolling your eyes.

You reached the garage and jumped into the car. You got the directions up and Lando started driving whilst Max started talking about plans for the next day.

As Lando pulled up outside the restaurant you felt nerves kicking in.

“You ok?” Lando asked looking over to you.

“Yeah, yeah I’m good. It’s just been a long time since I’ve been on a date. I’m nervous” you said quietly.

“You’ll be fine. If you want to leave text us and we’ll come pick you up, or I can call and say Lando tried making us dinner again and the apartments on fire” Max said trying to calm you down.

“Mate, I burn toast one time and you never let me forget it!” Lando turns looking back at Max in a huff. You start laughing and feel a little bit better. You look out of your window and see a man who looks like the profile you’ve been talking to, stood outside the restaurant holding a bunch of flowers.

“Ok. I think that’s him. Wish me luck” you said stepping out of the car.

“Good luck!” They both shout causing you to shut the door as fast as you can.

“Hey! Tom?” You ask as you approach the man.

“Y/N?” He replied.

“Yes, Hi! It’s so lovely to see you in person” you said as he reaches out to hug you.

You suddenly hear an engine rev loudly three times causing Tom to pull back from the hug and look over to the car that is slowly driving past you. Max starts waving bye to you as Lando beeps the horn to you and then revs once more before speeding off.

“Was that who I think it was?” Tom asked looking at you.

“That depends. Who do you think it was?”

“Lando Norris?”

“Then yes, it was who you thought it was” you half smiled. “Shall we go in?” You gestured to the door.

“Oh, sorry, yeah” Tom said following you into the restaurant.

You got seated and the waitress took your drinks order and before you could say a word Tom started.

“So, you know Lando Norris?”

“Oh, yeah. We’ve been best friends since school”

“Wow! And other guy in the car? Your brother?”

“Ha, no. That’s Max. He’s our other best friend. Also from school. We’ve been inseparable since”

“Wow. Ok. How close are we talking?” He said raising his eyebrows.

“Umm, I guess very. We do everything together. They insisted on driving me here. We live together too”

As the last words came out of your mouth, Tom almost choked on his drink.

“You live with two guys?” He blurted out.

“Well yeah but Lando travels a lot for his job and Max always has his girlfriend over so I don’t see him a great deal”

“And nothings ever happened with you and either of them?”

“No! Look can we just not talk about them anymore please?”

“Sorry, sorry. It’s just I find it hard to believe that a woman can live with two guys and nothing ever happen with either of them!”

“Why is that so hard to believe?” You asked getting irritated now.

“It just is. Are you a prude?” he laughed.

The waitress came back with your drinks and placed them on the table. Tom made no effort to hide the fact that he was eyeing up the waitress in front of you.

“I’m just going to use the toilet a minute” you smiled excusing yourself.

By the time you’d closed the toilet door your phone was already calling Lando.

“Y/N? Everything ok?” He asks confused.

“Are you close?”

“Just round the corner. Max wanted to grab some snacks before heading home. What’s up? It’s been like 10 minutes”

“Come pick me up please! NOW!”

“On our way!” He said before hanging up.

You made your way back to the table and saw Tom now actively flirting with the waitress, as you walked nearer you saw through the window Lando’s car pull up outside.

“Here” you said picking up your drink and handing it to the waitress. “You can enjoy my drink as well as my date” you smiled and walked out of the restaurant.

Tom ran out after you hat as you’d opened the car door.

“Y/N! Wait! What’s wrong?”

“I don’t think this is going to work I’m sorry Tom. You clearly have a wandering eye and are also more interested in if I’ve slept with either of these two than actually getting to know me”

“You’re serious?” He scoffed.

“Bye Tom” you smiled waving to him as Lando pulled away from where he was parked.

“He asked if you’d slept with either of us?” Max asked immediately.

“Apparently I’m a prude for not sleeping with one or both of you”

“WHAT?” They both shouted.

“And then he proceeded to flirt with the waitress when I went to the toilet” you added.

“Arsehole!” Max said with a raised voice.

“His loss” Lando added.

It wasn’t long before you were back in your apartment, taking off your heels and walking to your room to change.

You led on your bed staring at the ceiling for a while before you heard a knock at your door and Lando slowly push it open.

“You ok in here?” He sighed lying down next to you.

“I’m ok” you gave out a weak smile.

“Don’t lie to me Y/N!” He said turning his head to look at you.

“My first date in years and I’m called a prude and have my date eyeing up the waitress and the flirting with her the second my backs turned! It’s embarrassing!” You said turning your head to face Lando, closing your eyes burying your head in his shoulder.

“Fuck him! He’s an idiot! Fancy Counter strike to take your mind off it?” He asked moving his arm and wrapping it around you, pulling to into a half hug.

“Yeah why not” you smile softly as your head rested on his chest.

Max knocked the door and walked in. “Snacks are ready and streams set up! How are you feeling?” He asked softly walking over and sitting on the edge of your bed.

“Embarrassed” you sigh.

“Seriously, fuck that guy and what he thinks! Just because you don’t sleep around, doesn’t mean you’re a prude!” Max said sternly.

“I know. I guess I’m just embarrassed because the tone he asked if I was a prude in, almost sounded more disappointed that I hadn’t slept with either of you guys than judging me for doing so. Like he was disappointed at the thought of me not putting out for him on the first date”.

“That says more about him than you Y/N. He’s looking for a shag, not a relationship” Lando said drawing circles on your upper arm as you’re still curled into his side.

“Exactly! You deserve way more than that! Now come on, let’s forget about him. We’ve got a stream waiting and snacks!” Max said standing up and walking out of the room.

“We best go before he starts shouting at us from the other room” you laugh.

“Mmhm. Come on” Lando said and placed a quick kiss on the top of your head before sitting up.

You both made your way into the gaming room and took your seats. You were talking and reading chat whilst Max and Lando played.

A little while later you were scrolling through TikTok when a fan edit popped up of Carlos and Max looked over at the wrong time, thinking you had been spending your time watching Carlos thirst trap videos.

“Well well well, what do we have here? Thirsting over Carlos are we Y/N?” He said loudly.

Chat erupted with messages and you turned a shade of red you never knew existed.

“No, oh my god Max! It just popped up whilst I was scrolling! I wasn’t!” You protested but Lando had already snatched your phone out of your hand.

“You were! Thirsting over one of my friends!” Lando exclaimed.

“I wasn’t! I swear!”

“TikTok says otherwise” he said waving your phone in front of you.

“Give it back Norris!” You said jumping up and towering over him as he stayed sat in his seat.

“Nope” he said hiding the phone behind his back.

“Lando!” You said now stood in front of him fighting to pull him forward to free your phone but to no luck.

“If you don’t give my phone back I’m going to run downstairs and test drive one of your cars. I know a road that’s full of pot holes” you said crossing you arms and narrowing you eyes to him.

“Ok ok, I’m sorry, don’t do that” Lando said giving in and handing you back your phone.

“And say that you believe me when I say I wasn’t watching Carlos thirst traps” you said raising your eyebrows to him, still stood in front of his computer blocking his view of the game of which he’d definitely already died in.

He looked up at you and gave a playful smirk.

“Mmhmm, sure, I believe you”

You narrowed your eyes down to him and he laughed again.

“Fine. I believe that you weren’t watching thirst trap videos of Carlos”

Max sat there laughing and agreeing with chat that you can always get Lando to give in so easily. Lando placed his hand on your waist, moving you gently out of the way so he could see what Max was laughing at. You and Lando read the chat and you walked back over to your seat. You looked across to Lando and gave him you biggest and best ‘I win’ smile. He shook his head back to you and laughed.

Lando was back with his head in the game and you and Max were chatting about how Pietra was coming over tomorrow for her and Max’s anniversary. Max had been showing you the restaurant he’d booked for them to go to and suddenly you were feeling very hungry so got up to make some food.

Whilst waiting for your pasta to cook you got your phone up and saw that you were now being tagged in loads of videos of the previous interaction. You had learnt to ignore all of the videos by this point. Some made you laugh but others you didn’t like as they spread false narratives about you and your friends lives.

LN1Gossip:

LN1Gossip: Please tell me I’m not the only one to notice how he looked when Y/N smiled at him after their phone fight! 🥵

User1: I thought I was the only one to notice!!

User2: Come on guys. They’ve always been like this. They’re flirty friends! Let’s not ruin a friendship over this!

↳ User3: They should ruin their friendship! Imagine them together!🥵

User4: Did no one else notice when he moved her out of the way to look at chat?! Holy hand placement!!!

↳ User5: THANK YOU!! I thought I was the only one to pick up on that!!!! 🔥

You locked your phone and started plating up you food before heading back to where Lando and Max were streaming. You sat back down behind them and started eating when they both started groaning about how hungry they now were too.

“You should have told me when I went to make food! I could have made some for you both!” You said flinging your arms up.

“We weren’t hungry then. We are now!” Max stated.

“Well that’s unfortunate timing sorry boys”

“Rude!” Max shouted.

“Just order something in!”

“We can’t! We’re playing!” Max said like an irritated older brother.

“Then tell me what you want and I’ll order it for you!” You huffed.

“Here, use my phone. Our usual order is already saved on the app” Lando said passing his phone back to you.

You took his phone from him and laughed when you saw a text from Carlos.

Watching thirst traps of me is she?💪🇪🇸

You laughed and both guys turned their heads to look at you.

“What?” Lando asked eyebrows knotting together.

“Nothing. Just a text you have” you laugh.

“Show me” Max said and you turned the phone to him causing him to laugh too.

“What?” Lando asked again, louder this time.

“Y/N seems to have flattered a certain driver this evening by watching his videos” Max said teasingly.

“Ignore him!” Lando said rolling his eyes and you laughed turning back the phone and ordering their food.

It doesn’t take long before chat starts going wild about how Lando seemed jealous over you and Carlos and others picking up on the fact that you knew Lando’s password for his phone.

“Calm down chat. She also knows my password. We all use each other’s phones when the others are streaming if one of us has a message or wants food etc. Not a big deal!” Max said trying to diffuse the situation.

The door rang and you got up to answer it, knowing it would be the guys food.

“Foods here!” You called out to them from the kitchen.

“Finally! Right chat, we’re going to have some food. See you again soon!” Lando said before ending the stream.

The following day you were being dragged around on a golf cart with Lando. He was supposed to be going golfing with Max but Max got the dates wrong and didn’t realise golf was booked for the same day as his anniversary. So here you were, filling in for him.

Yourusername posted a story:

Caption: I fill in last minute and suddenly he’s critiquing my form!🙄

Lando posted a story:

Caption: She’s having fun really!

“Can we get some food now please? Max said there would be snacks… he lied!” You moaned to Lando.

“Come on. I think you’ve earned it” he laughed driving the cart back.

You picked up some food and arrived back at your apartment. You were eating your food and looking out of the window at the view when Lando starts talking about how you should go golfing more often.

Yourusername posted a story:

Caption: Chat! Send help! He’s trying to convince me to play golf more often! 🥴

“Oi! You said you had fun!” Lando laughed as he viewed your latest story.

“Yes, driving the cart was fun” you laugh.

“Well, we have something fun in store for a new video soon. Hopefully you find that more fun than spending quality time with your best friend in the whole world ever!” He said sarcastically.

“My best friend in the whole world ever? But Max was with Pietra all day today?” You said smirking and looking over to him.

“Wow! Then I guess you won’t want the tickets I got you for Australia AND China then will you?”

“What? No no no, I take it back. You’re my best friend in the whole world ever! Max who?” You said frantically leaning in to hug him.

“Hmmm, thought so” he said laughing and hugging you back.

You had both settled down and were in the middle of watching a film when Max and Pietra came home. Lando was sat upright with his feet kicked up onto the edge of the table. You were led side on with your head in his lap. Something you’d always done when you both watched a film or series together. This wasn’t anything unusual for you both.

“Hey, how was the meal?” You called out from the living room.

“It was lovely. The restaurant was beautiful” Pietra said walking into the living room.

“How was golf?” Max laughed.

“I just don’t understand why you guys like it. It’s so boring!” You said, turning onto your back so you could look over to them both.

“Must have been the company” Max teased.

“She loved it really. Even asked about how she could get her own set of clubs” Lando mocked.

“I’m sure I did Norris” you said rolling your eyes.

“Anyway, turns out we’re both free now for the first two races of the season. Any chance you have spare tickets?” Max asked Lando.

“I have two tickets left but I only booked two hotel rooms and I’ve given the other to Y/N” he said looking down at you.

“Ah, don’t worry mate. It’s ok. I should’ve mentioned it sooner” Max said.

“I guess, if Y/N doesn’t mind, we could always share so you and P can have the other room? We’re both adults” Lando suggested looking back down at you again.

“Oh, yeah sure, that’s fine with me” you smiled to Max and Pietra.

“Are you sure?” Pietra asked, worried that you’d been put on the spot.

“It’s fine honestly, I really don’t mind. Who knows, I may even end up sharing with Carlos” you wink at her, knowing you were about to get a bite out of Lando.

“No you will not! All other drivers are strictly off limits” he said giving you a warning look.

“Why? He might come up to me, tell me how great he thinks I am, take me on a date and we could end up in his..” before you had a chance to finish your sentence, Lando had covered your mouth with his hand to silence you.

“Nope, that’s enough from you. He’s my friend, you’re my best friend, I’m not having it” he said sternly causing you, Max and P to all start laughing.

“Well, there’s my dream of being a WAG out the window then” you said holding your heart and he rolled his eyes.

“Well, what about Lando?” Pietra asked innocently.

“What about Lando?” Max asked confused.

“You could be Lando’s WAG. I mean you’re basically a couple anyway” she said causing you all to burst out laughing.

“Y/N and Lando? They’ve always been like this. It’s just their friendship, and she was joking about dreaming of being a WAG” Max told her placing a kiss on her temple.

“So you’re telling me, there’s nothing more in it than just friendship? You’ve never even kissed?” She asked shocked.

“Nope, never” you and Lando both said shaking your heads looking over to Pietra and Max.

“Oh. Ok then. Sorry for misreading” She said.

“That’s ok. Don’t worry about it” you laugh.

“Right, we’re going to bed. Night guys” Max said guiding P to his room.

“Oh god” you groan.

“What’s wrong?” Lando said looking down at you.

“It’s their anniversary night. My room’s right next to his. Got any ear plugs or anything I can borrow?” You asked causing him to laugh.

“Yeah sure I have some you can borrow”

“Thank you! I’m going to turn in for the night” you smile to him.

“Yeah I’m going to turn in too” he said as you both stood up. “I’ll find those ear plugs for you”

“Thanks Lan” you smile walking to your room.

You change into a pair of shorts and an oversized T-shirt and sit on your bed, picking up your phone, scrolling Instagram when you heard banging against the wall.

“Oh you’ve got to be kidding me” you say rolling your eyes.

Lando knocked your door and walked into your room.

“Oh, god, wow. Yeah, you’re definitely going to need these” he laughed awkwardly throwing the ear plugs over to you.

“Yep, thanks” you smiled awkwardly back to him.

“Night Y/N” he laughed awkwardly again.

“Night Lan” you said putting your ear plugs in.

The following morning you get up and walk into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. Lando was already there, leaning up against the counter, in grey joggers, no top and a tea in hand.

“Morning” he said in his deep morning voice.

“Morning” you said walking over to turn the kettle on and grabbing a mug.

“Sleep ok?” He asked.

“No! I could’ve happily killed them last night! How you didn’t hear them I’ll never know! They were so loud even the ear plugs didn’t help. I ended up listening to my book just to try and drown them out!” You said irritated.

“You should’ve just come into my room if it was that bad” he laughed.

“I wasn’t going to wake you up too!” You sigh.

“Next time, please wake me up so you don’t have to listen to that all night” he laughed pulling you in for a hug when Max walked into the kitchen.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, seeing Lando hugging you.

“You” you said through gritted teeth, pulling away from the hug to see Max.

“Run” Lando said looking over to him.

“What did I do?” He asked both shocked and a little scared.

“Your extra curricular activities kept me up all night! Next time, get a hotel room so I don’t have to hear it!” You said angrily.

“Oh god, you heard that?” He groaned.

“Sadly yes”

“Apparently even my ear plugs didn’t help her” Lando laughed sipping his tea and you shot a look in his direction. “Sorry” he quickly spat out, scared that you’d gun for him next.

“God, you don’t do well on no sleep do you!” Max said.

Your head snapped back towards Max and you felt yourself starting to bubble over.

“RIGHT, THAT’S IT!” You said heading over to him, but before you had a chance to get near Max, Lando was already pulling you back away from him.

“What’s going on?” Pietra asked walking into the kitchen.

“Oh nothing” Max said quickly.

“Just Y/N being angry because she couldn’t sleep that’s all” Lando said with a teasing smirk on his face, and Max shot him a look.

“Oh no, were you up all night?” She asked innocently.

“Yes sadly” you replied.

“Come on, let’s go back to my room” Max said hurrying her out of the kitchen.

“Max, try to keep the volume down this time. I know we’re supposed to be awake now but we don’t want to hear it” Lando shouted down the hallway.

“Oh my god. MAX!” You heard Pietra say in a very embarrassed tone causing you and Lando to laugh.

“Right you, come on. We have filming to do” Lando said to you whilst handing you the tea you started making that he finished after you’d forgotten about it.

“Uuurrrgghh, do I have to today?” You groaned.

“Yes, it’s your job and I’m your boss”

“I thought being friends with the boss would have its perks” you sigh.

“And it does. I just finished making your tea for you. Be grateful” he smirked.

“Muppet. Thank you!” You smiled

Turns out that filming outdoors was exactly what you needed today. The video was fun to film, not that you’d tell the boys that, and now you were back home editing a sneak peek that would go live tonight for people to see.

“How’s it going?” Max asked walking into your room.

“Not bad. Almost done” you smiled over to him.

“Look, Y/N. I’m really sorry about last night. I didn’t realise how loud we were, and that wasn’t fair on you” he said sitting on your bed watching you edit.

“It’s ok Max don’t worry about it. We’re all adults here. It’s just off the back of a weekend where I had a shit date and was called a prude, to then have to spend the whole night listening to my best friend and his girlfriend shagging in the next room, wasn’t exactly great”

“Yeah I get that. For what it’s worth though, that guys an idiot and was lucky you even gave him the opportunity for a date in the first place!” He said.

“Thanks Max” you laugh lightly.

“I’m serious. Also P is secretly obsessing over you and Lando” he laughed.

“Ha. I love her but she can keep dreaming. He’s my best friend and has literal models at his beck and call” you laugh.

“Mmhmm. Anyway, show me what you’ve got so far” he said standing behind you to see the video so far. You clicked play and waited for his response.

“I love it! I think it’s perfect!” He said excitedly.

“Really?”

“Honestly. Send it over and I’ll get it posted” he smiled placing his hand on your shoulder and giving it a light squeeze.

“Thanks Max” you smiled.

The video was uploaded and likes and comments flooded in within seconds. It never got any less crazy to you just how much people loved the content you made and how fast they’d interact with it.

LN1Gossip:

LN1Gossip: New Quadrant sneak peek video has been uploaded! The smiles on their faces whilst they try to annoy Y/N will never not make me laugh!

User1: They are menaces😂

User2: Y/N deserves a medal for putting up with these pair for so long!

User3: I’m just here for more Lando & Y/N content🥹❤️

User4: Can’t wait for the first race back next week! Let’s goooooooo🔥

You were in your room scrolling TikTok when a knock at your door took you out of your doom scroll.

“Hey!” You said looking up and seeing Lando stood in your doorway.

“Hey! Videos gone down really well! Can’t wait to see the full version!” He said smiling over to you.

“Don’t worry boss, I’m on it” you smiled.

“I know. I trust you” he smiled back and nodded.

“Everything ok Norris?” You asked.

“Yeah. Just wanted to check you’re all packed for our flight tomorrow?”

“All packed and ready to go” you smiled nodding towards your suitcase.

“Perfect! Well, P isn’t here tonight so have a good sleep” he laughed, slowly closing your door and you laughed softly back.

“Idiot” you whispered.

“Seriously? I did a terrible job at hiding it. I was always looking at you, in awe of everything you did, I offered you to move in. I missed you anytime you weren’t around and also, Lando saying to look at different, that may have been his attempt at being my wing man. I told him I liked you, he said he’d keep my secret, but then I saw how close you both got and thought you liked him instead of me” he yawned again, propping himself up on his elbows to look at you.

“Well, one things for certain. Lando makes a great secret wingman!” You laugh and place a light kiss onto Max’s lips.

“So. How is this going to go? Me and you? Secret for a while? Only close friends know? Tell everyone at once? How do you want it to be?” He asks like a man who knew what was heading your way.

“Well I’d definitely like Mia and Lando to know before anyone, but then I guess the whole world can know? I’d love nothing more than to keep it a secret between us for a while but let’s face it. The world we both live in, that’s impossible. I would like it to be private still. Private but not a secret. Fans can know but I don’t want them knowing the ins and outs of everything we do. We still need our own lives outside of our work world. Does that sound ok to you?” You asked.

“That sounds perfect. How about we tell them on Thursday, over breakfast? Gives us sometime to ourselves before telling them too!”

“Perfect!” you smile to him.

The next few days seem to fly by. You enjoyed this secret that was between just you two for the moment. You didn’t want to burst the bubble but you knew you had to at some point.

It was Friday morning and you all met in the hotel restaurant. As it got closer to the race you knew you weren’t going to be able to go outside without being swarmed and you needed to tell your friends before anyone else.

You and Max arrived first, the table was placed in the far back corner of the restaurant and it was quite more the most part.

Max pulls your seat out for you and you smiled back to him. “Why thank you. I’ve never had anyone pull my seat out for me before”

“Well, start getting used to it” he smiled back.

Minutes later Mia, Lando and Pierre all sat in front of you.

“Good morning” Mia chimed cheerfully. “How are we all today?”

Everyone answered simultaneously with “good” “great” and “not bads before you decided to just needed to rip the band aid off.

“Ok. We have some news. Something we need to share with you all” you said nervously.

“Go onnnn” Mia dragged out curiously.

“Me and Max” you spoke and then started to overthink how to tell them. Was this too non chalaunt? Too casual?

“Me and Y/N. We’re together” Max picked up for you, sensing your thoughts running away.

“Cough up Jenkins” Lando said smiling, reaching his hand out towards Mia and she placed a £20 note into it. Pierre laughed at the transaction and you swear your jaw fell to the floor.

“You placed a bet?” You said eyebrows raising as Max slipped his arm around the back of your chair now laughing softly.

“It was SO obvious it was going to happen. I could’ve cut the sexual tension with a knife. How you didn’t notice Mia is beyond me. It’s exactly how you and Pierre were before FINALLY going on dates” he laughed and said dramatically, causing Pierre to laugh once more.

“I KNEW. I just didn’t think either of them would ever tell the other” she said back.

“Umm, guys, we’re still right here!”

“Sorry, congratulations both of you. I’m so happy for you” Mia said walking around the table and giving you a hug.

“Congratulations guys” Pierre said.

“Yeah congrats guys. It’s about time!” Lando laughed reaching his hand out towards Max.

“Now we can go on double dates” Mia squealed causing you to laugh.

“So, who knows?” Pierre asks.

“Only you lot. We wanted you to know before the world finds out” Max said turning to you a smiling causing you to smile back.

“Oh my god, you guys are so cute” Mia squealed again causing you all to laugh.

You all chatted for some time before making your way over to the track for free practice.

You and Mia headed out first ready to get the day started. Walking the track again securing the best spots.

Yourusername:

Yourusername: We’re back baby🏎️🔥

Tagged: MiaJenkinsx

↳ Liked by MiaJenkinsx, maxverstappen1, f1, f1gossip and 4,538,735 others

User1: Our fav girls are back📸

User2: LET’S GOOOOOO🔥

User3: 👏🏎️

Practice ended and you and Mia headed over to the media pen.

Max was in the middle of an interview when you arrived. You and Mia settled in a spot off to the side. You smiled looking over at him and his eyes found yours. As soon as he locked onto your gaze a smile spread across his face and his shoulders relaxed causing you to widen your smile.

After interviews you headed back to the hotel. Mac stayed back at the track for a while, going through strategies and data with the team.

You sat on the bed scrolling through your phone when you saw images of Max smiling during his interview and a short clip panning across from Max’s smiling face over to you smiling back.

User1: OMG! I’m praying this is exactly what it looks like!!!

User2: Her ex fumbled so hard and now Max has gained a baddie!🔥

User3: I’m begging for this to be real and not us jumping to conclusions!🥵

You laughed at the comments, shaking your head when a text came in from Mia.

Girl! Have you seen the comments about you both! People are going to lose their minds! Power couple!!!!

It’s making me nervous!

What? Why?

Because what if there’s too much pressure and it gets ruined before it even begins?

Girl! Be so for real! Have you seen the way he looks at you? There’s NO ruining that! Fancy heading out early tomorrow? We can go for a walk and grab a coffee. Have a proper chat about it all!

Yes please! I need that! 6am?

See you in the morning. Run a bath or talk to Max but DON’T do what you always do which is bottle it up and overthink! Love you girl! ❤️

I’ll talk to him. Love you too girl!❤️

“Hey” Max said walking into the room and slumping down onto the bed resting his head in your lap.

“Hey! Everything ok?” you asked running your hand through his hair.

“Mmm, it is now. You eaten yet beautiful?” He said closing his eyes softly.

“No, not yet. I’ve been texting Mia”

“Oh? Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’ve just seen some photos and a little clip from earlier of us”

“Bad comments?”

“No actually. Really lovely comments. It’s got me worried. What if too much pressure gets put on us too soon and you run a mile from it all? You get enough pressure from your job as it is without me adding to it”

“Woah woah woah” Max said sitting up to face you. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me now. No amount of pressure is going to make me walk away from you. I promise you that! Just don’t go running from me either please. I don’t think I’d ever recover from that!”

You smile and place your hand on his cheek and stroke his jaw. “I’m not going anywhere”

He pulled you in and kissed you passionately. As soon as he pulled away he stood up, reached out his hands to pull you up with him.

“Let’s get you some food” he said placing a soft kiss on your temple.

You spent the evening eating and talking and turned in for a much needed early night.

The next morning you were up early and heading to the hotel lobby to meet Mia.

“Good morning. You look gorgeous!” You smiled to her as she stepped out of the lift walking towards you and she gave you a twirl.

“Thank you. You look beautiful as always” she said linking arms with you.

You headed out and spent the morning walking and talking before heading back to the track.

MiaJenkinsx:

MiaJenkinsx: My ride or die🩷

Tagged: Yourusername

↳ Liked by pierregasly, maxverstappen1, Yourusername, lando and 7,548,639 others

User1: Max and Pierre are so lucky😭🥵

↳ liked by maxverstappen1

User2: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I WANT to be their bestie!

↳ yourusername: Come join us girl!

↳ User2: OMG! I can’t breathe right now!!!

User3: Our favourite duo!🔥

User4: Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s seen Max’s like on the comment about him and Pierre being lucky!! Hard Launch pending?

The day went by in the blink of an eye. You and Mia were incredibly busy. Your work load had seemed to increase. Teams asking for photos, more clients emailing asking for you to work with them, fans asking for photos with you both. By the end of the day you realised you’d not had a second to check in on Max. You hadn’t been able to look at your phone and missed out on qualifying due to a teams meeting coming in at that moment.

You headed to his garage and a crew member told you he was in his drivers room. You knocked the door and walked in, giving him a weak smile.

“Hey! Whats wrong?” He said immediately walking over to you and engulfing you into a hug.

“I’ve been so busy that I missed qualifying! I didn’t even get to see where you placed” you sighed sadly.

“You being busy is a good thing! Your job is just as important as mine! Don’t ever forget that! Oh and I got pole!” He said pulling you back so he could look at you.

“Mac! Congratulations! I’m so proud of you!”

“I’m proud of you too! You always work so hard and with you being busy, I assume that the hard work is paying off?”

“It is! I’ve had teams reach out to me wanting me to officially work with them and not just freelance for everyone! I’ve also had F2, F3 and MotoGP reach out to me. That’s why I missed qualifying. I was in a meeting”

“That’s incredible news! What happened? What did you say?”

“I told them that I’d think about it but honestly, I think I’m going to turn them down”

“What? Why?”

“Well, after my meetings ended I was approached by someone else with a much bigger and better opportunity”

“Which is?”

“Now, don’t hate me”

“I could never”

“It was Ferrari”

“WHAT?”

“Don’t worry, you’re still my number 1, but they’ve offered me to be their personal team photographer. Everything! It means I’d stay on the same schedule as you and that I’ve always been on”

“I’m so proud of you!”

“It gets better. The pay. It’s triple what I would get paid if I took any of the others!”

“Look at you! I couldn’t be more proud of you! Are you taking it?”

“I wanted to tell you first but yeah, I think I am!”

“I’ll support you no matter what you do but you worked so hard for this! You need to take it!” He said picking you up and spinning you around the room. “Have you told Mia?”

“No, you’re the first person I’ve told. She also had a lot of meetings too. I’m hoping it’s good news for her as well. I want to tell her before I accept though!” you said looking down at your phone that just vibrated.

“Speak of the devil, she’s just invited us for food with her and Pierre”

“Let go then beautiful”

You both got ready and headed downstairs to the restaurant.

“There you are!” She smiled over to you both.

“Hey guys! Congratulations on P5 Pierre” you said walking round the table to hug him.

“Thank you Y/N” he smiled hugging you back.

“Everything ok?” You asked sitting down.

“I have some news” Mia started.

“Me too! You go first!” You smiled.

“Those meetings I had today. McLaren approached me. They want me to be their photographer!” She said nervously.

“Oh my god! MIA! Congratulations! Please tell me you said yes! This is amazing news!” You said standing back up and hugging her.

“I wanted to speak to you first. We started together. I can’t just accept something like this without telling you first!”

“Well, maybe the yes will be easier if I tell you that I also had meetings today and have had the same offer but from Ferrari!”

“Y/N! Omg! I’m so proud of you!” She said pulling you back in for a hug.

“Look at us go!” You said through tears.

“Have you accepted?”

“I was also waiting to speak to you” you laugh pulling back from the hug and seeing her also welling up with tears.

You spent the evening celebrating before turning in for the night. You walked int your room and sat on the bed, taking you heels off.

“I’ll be back in a minute” Max said walking out of the room and shutting the door.

“What?” You asked lifting your head up and looking at the closed door. Knotting your eyebrows together confused as to where he went.

Moments later you heard the door click open. Max walks through the door holding two bouquets of flowers.

“Surprise!” He beams over to you.

“Oh my god, Max. These are beautiful! Thank you” you said placing a kiss on his lips. “Stand there. These are too beautiful not to post!”

“Hard launch? I wanted to be the one to do that” he laughed.

“You can’t see your face” you laugh

Yourusername:

Yourusername: One very lucky lady❤️

↳ Liked by lando, maxverstappen1, MiaJenkinsx, and 6,438,895 others

User1: Beautiful. We love seeing our girl happy!

User2: That’s definitely Max!

MaxVerstappen1: Got to celebrate my girls achievements❤️

↳ Yourusername: ❤️❤️

↳ MiaJenkinsx: You guys🥹🥹

↳ User3: Finally! A Hard launch!

↳ User4: OMG! Yeeeessss! Power Couple activated🔥

“Hard launch?” You laugh looking over to him.

“I needed the world to you that you’re mine” he smiled walking over to you, slowly pushing you down onto the bed and kissing you passionately.

The following morning you and Max were both up and ready for race day. You headed to the track, people screaming and shouting both of your names. Taking photos of you both together. You felt a little overwhelmed but felt Max tighten his grip on your hand, steadying your nerves.

You headed to Max’s drivers room for some quiet whilst you had a call with Ferrari, accepting the job offer.

The meeting ended and you were back with Mia setting up ready for the race start.

“Sooooo, I’ve accepted the offer. I just got off the call with them”

“Argggggghhh, me too!! I’m so excited for us!” Mia squealed, pulling you in for a hug.

“I’m so proud of us!” You said hugging her back.

The race was packed with action and great shots for you and Mia. You were both so focused that the race flew by and with that there were two laps left. You stood next to Mia watching Max battle Oscar to keep P1. You were both so fixed on the screen that you’d not noticed cameras taking photos of you both. Your one hand linked together tightly with Mia’s, the other playing with your necklace out of nerves.

Moments later Max crosses the line P1. You turn to Mia and cry happy tears as she pulls you in for a hug.

“Let’s go celebrate your man’s win!” Mia said packing up her camera.

You both headed over to Parc Ferme and saw the cars pull up. You’d managed to squeeze in near the Redbull Team. Max jumped out of his car and ran over , jumping on the team. As soon as they put him back down his eyes found yours. He took his helmet off and ran over to you, pulling you in close and kissing you for the world to see.

“Best weekend ever right?”

“Good idea” you laugh. “I think I know where we can go” you said picking up your handbag and walking towards the door.

You walk out of the hotel and jump straight into a taxi. You tell the taxi driver where to go and head off. You ended up at a quiet and remote coffee shop that you used to go to when it all got a bit too much in Silverstone for you.

“I know you can’t have them right now but if you’re ever here on the off season, this place does the BEST Cinnamon Rolls in the world!” You said leading him inside.

You chose a seat towards the back. It was a booth in a little nook, surrounded by a book swap section. Max orders and after placing your bag down to claim the table you start scanning the books.

“Any you want to read?” Max asks coming back with your drinks.

“I’ve read most of these to be honest. I just like looking in case I see any for future. I’d buy them though instead. I never carry books on me to swap with” you laugh.

“Yet you don’t have any in the house that I’ve seen?” He says curiously.

“No. I like to donate the ones I’m finished with. There’s a care home my mother visits from time to time. Her friend works there and my mother likes to talk” you laugh and continue “she goes there to chat with the residents and takes my books for them. They do their own mini book swap in the home so I donate mine so they always have books available”

“That’s really nice of you”

“My Nan used to read to me all the time when I was little. She we lost her, reading books similar to the ones she read to me is a way of letting me feel connected still. I like the thought of being able to give those books to residents who may read them to their grandchildren or great grandchildren”

“Great, now you’re going to make me cry” he laughed and you laughed too.

“So, are you feeling good about this weekend?”

“Yeah, I am” he nodded taking a sip of his drink and you smiled at his confidence.

“How come Lando didn’t offer you to stay with him?” He asked in an almost too casual manner causing you instant confusion.

“Why would he?” You asked, eyebrows knotted together.

“Oh, I just thought you two were… well, you know”

“Me and Lando? Together?” You laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

“We’re definitely both like siblings to one another. Nothing more than friendship between us” you laugh again.

“Ah, right, ok. Sorry” he laughed quietly and shook his head.

“It’s fine” you smiled.

You spent another hour sat in the coffee shop chatting about how the weekend was going to go and plans you wanted to make during the summer break before heading back to the hotel.

The amount of fans around the hotel had increased even more outside. You stepped out of the taxi and fans who knew who you were screamed your name asking for photos with you. When Max stepped out the crowd roared asking for photos and autographs from him. You both took a few photos and Max signed some autographs before heading into the hotel. Once you’d gotten back to your room you walked in and flopped down on the bed.

“That’s my side” Max said looking over to you.

“What?” You said propping yourself up on your elbows and looking over to him.

“I said, that’s my side” he said with walking over to you.

“Any particular reason or do you just like this side of the bed?” You laugh sliding over to the other side of the bed.

“Because it’s closest to the door” he said sitting down on the bed.

“What?” You asked, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“You can’t be closest to the door. I need to be. What if something was to happen”

“Like what?” You laugh

“Like a burglar. I need to be closest to the door to protect you”

“Oh, Max. That’s actually really sweet. I really don’t think there will be a burglar thought with the amount of security that’s here” you smiled.

“Better to be safe than sorry” he smiled back.

“Right, I’m going to change into my pyjamas. Fancy watching a film?”

“Sure, what do you want to watch?”

“You can pick” you smiled walking into the bathroom to change.

You changed into a satin shorts and button up short sleeved tshirt set that you’d packed and walked back into the room to see Max had a film set up ready.

“What did you pick?” You asked walking around the bed to your side.

“Grown Ups. I fancied a comedy”

“Perfect. I love this film!” You said climbing into the bed. “Do you want to change first?” You said looking over to him still sat on the bed in his jeans and tshirt.

“Press play. I only need to put my joggers on” he said pulling off his top.

‘God help me’ you groaned to yourself internally as you caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of your eye. You felt yourself blush lightly.

He then look off his jeans and put on a pair of light grey joggers. You were now bright red. There was something about grey joggers that did it for you, and now seeing Max who you’d been crushing on, stood in the room you were sharing, shirtless in just a pair of grey joggers. You didn’t know what to do with yourself. You grabbed the remote control and pressed play, giving you something to focus on. He climbed back into the bed next to you and you both settled watching the film together.

You were about half way through the film when a knock came at the door. You both turned to each other, looking confused. Neither of you sure as to who it could be.

“I’ll get it” you said sitting yourself up.

“No, I’ll get it. Stay there” he said getting up and walking over to the door.

As the door opened an awkward silence came across the room for a moment.

“Max? Everything ok?” You called over to him, slowly getting out of the bed and walking towards the door.

“Y/N. What’s going on?” A familiar voice called out.

You weren’t able to see them yet past Max’s body but you instantly knew who it was.

You poked your head around from behind Max and confirmed your suspicions.

“Luca? What the hell are you doing here?” You asked half confused and half irritated.

“You never came back to your parent’s house. I saw through social media that you were here”

“How did you get past security?” Max asked annoyed.

“I told them my girlfriend was staying here”

“Where is she then?” You asked sarcastically, annoyed now.

“Well, apparently she’s here, staying in a room with Max Verstappen. What’s going on Y/N?” He asked in a tone that made it sound like you were in the wrong.

“You’re joking right?” You laugh and look at Max with wide eyes, checking to see if he heard what you just did. “I’m not your girlfriend. You made sure of that when you cheated on me. I didn’t go back to my parents because I was warned you might be there and I didn’t want to see you because I want nothing to do with you Luca!”

“You and him then?” He said pointing between you and Max.

“I really don’t think you have any right to ask her that. Now please leave before I call security” Max said in a stern but calm manner.

“So that’s a no then. How embarrassing for you, thinking you’ve got the upper hand hanging around with all these drivers but none of them even want you” he scoffed.

“Excuse me?” You said voice raised.

“That’s it! You’re not speaking to my girlfriend in that way. Fuck off and leave her alone. Do not let me see you again and stay the fuck away from her” Max shouted pointing down the hallway for Luca to leave.

“Your girlfriend? So you are together” Luca sighed in defeat.

“Yes, I’m his girlfriend now leave us alone and leave my parents alone” you said entwining your fingers with Max’s. “I’m serious. Goodbye Luca” you said shutting the door in his face.

“What a dick” Max huffed loudly.

“I’m so sorry that you’re getting caught in the middle of this” you said glassy eyed turning to him.

“Woah woah woah, don’t you dare start crying over this. I chose to get involved just then, you didn’t make me. There was no way I was letting him talk to you like that” he said immediately pulling you in and tightly hugging you.

“It’s mortifying. He cheats on me, broke my heart, then calls me his girlfriend again and then tells me no one wants me. Am I really that bad?” You asked through soft quiet sobs.

“Please don’t listen to a word he says. He’s a dick and any man would be lucky to have you. I’ve told you before but I’m telling you again, you’re beautiful Y/N. I mean that” he said kissing the top of your head as your face was still buried in his chest.

“Thank you Max” you smiled looking up at him, tears slowly rolling down your face.

He smiled looking down to you and wiped your tears away with his thumb. “I’m serious Y/N. You’re beautiful” he said looking into your eyes.

“Max, you’re making me blush now” you let out a soft laugh.

“It suits you” he smiled down to you.

“Great. Now I’m blushing even more” you laugh again and hang your face down to the floor.

“Sorry, it’s just, I really care about you Y/N”

“I really care about you too Max” you smile looking back up to him.

“No, Y/N. I mean, I really care about you” he said reaching out and entwining your fingers again.

“What?” You asked wide eyed. “Max you don’t have to say that just because you feel sorry for me”

“Y/N, Jesus, no. I’m not saying it just to make you feel better. I mean it. I think you’re beautiful, funny, incredibly talented at your job, kind, smart and caring! If you’d let me, I’d love to show you how you should be treated” he said locking his eyes on yours.

“Max, I”

“It’s ok. I get it, if you don’t like me in that way it’s fine”

“Max” you laugh. “Why do you think I’ve been acting weird lately?”

“Well I thought it was because you and Lando were together and you were worried about how to tell me you wanted to move out, but the you said I was wrong on that, so I actually have no idea” he said tilting his head down to the floor.

“It’s because I’ve had a massive crush on you Max. It’s Lando’s fault. He basically told me to open my eyes a bit more which I did, and I’ve not been able to look at you without blushing since. I’m going to be honest here Max and sorry if this is a bit direct but I find you incredibly sexy. Like oh my god! You’re so kind, you make me laugh and make me feel safe and secure. When I’m around you all the noise in my head just stops but at the same time I can’t think straight because all I’ve been wanting to do is tell you how I feel and kiss you”

Max looked up, eyes locking back on you. A serious look on his face. Then before you had a chance to question what was going through his head in that moment, Max raised his hands and cupped your face gently. His lips collided with yours. Soft but charged with everything you’d both been holding back from one another. Your one hand found the back of his neck whilst the other ran through his hair. His one hand remained on your face, gently cupping your jaw with his thumb resting on your cheek whilst the other had made its way down to your waist, pulling you in closer to him.

You both pulled back slowly, resting your foreheads together.

“So, you find me sexy?” Max said softly whilst smirking.

“Incredibly sexy. Especially in these grey joggers right now. It’s been very hard to concentrate on the film” you laugh lightly.

“Wear grey joggers more. Noted” he smiled making you laugh.

Max gave you another light kiss which you both smiled into. You had butterflies but also felt calm. This moment right here, it felt right. Like this is where you were always meant to be.

“Bed?” Max asked.

“Bed” you smile and nod.

You both walked over and climbed into bed, pressing play to continue the film. Max stretched his arm out gesturing for you to rest your head on his chest and curl into his side. You happily obliged, resting your hand on har bare chest.

“Max?” You said half hour later.

“Mmhmm?”

“Are you falling asleep?” You said softly to him.

“Maybe a little. I’m very comfy right now” he said sleepily, gliding his fingers up and down your waist where his hand was resting.

“I’ll turn the film off” you laugh reaching for the remote control.

“Mmmmmm, come back” Max groaned as you pulled yourself away for the briefest of moments.

“I was gone for 2 seconds” you laugh.

“2 seconds too long. I’ve waited too long for this. Im not letting you go now” he yawned pulling you back towards him, this time spooning you and resting his head in the nape of your neck.

“I’m not going anywhere” you smile. “I’m all yours”

“Does this mean you’re my girlfriend now then?” He asked kissing your neck.

“That depends”

“On?”

“I don’t want just a fling. I want something real. Something that’s forever” you said rolling onto your back.

“Ok. I tell you what” he said propping himself up to face you properly. “Here and now, I am making this promise to you. This for me is going to be forever. One day I will get down on one knee and ask you to be my wife. This is it for me. YOU are it for me. I’ve known it from the moment I met you Y/N and the relief that came over me when I found out that you weren’t with Lando was intense! I’m not letting you go. I will show you every day how you deserve to be treated. So. Will you please be my girlfriend?”

“Max” you smiled up to him, propping yourself up on your elbows. “I would love nothing more than to be your girlfriend”.

“MAX! We leave in like 5 hours!” You say turning to him. You suddenly turned a bright shade of pink when you finally saw him leaning against the frame with one elbow and his hand dangling just above his head and he just had a towel wrapped around his waist post shower. You quickly snapped your head back hoping he hadn’t seen the change in your colour.

“You ok?”

“Yeah, yeah” you said flustered. “Just need to finish packing. You should really make a start too!”

“Ok, ok. I’m going” he laughed walking down the hallway.

By the time you’d arrived at the airport you were well and truly flustered. You’d tried not to let Max see but it was pretty obvious you were trying not to look at him. You arrived at the Jet with Lando, Mia, Pierre and Charles all waiting for you both.

“Everything ok over there?” Max asked before you both stepped out of the car.

“Mmhmm, all good thanks” you nod before opening the car door.

Before you could step foot outside he grabbed your arm lightly.

“You sure? You’ve hardly looked at me. Have I done something wrong?”

“No, no, you’ve done nothing wrong. I’m sorry for making you feel like you had though”

“It’s ok. Is it anything I can help with?”

“No, it’s stupid, but nothing you need to worry about”

“Ok” he said with a tone that said he didn’t quite believe it. “Well, you know where I am if you need me”

“Thanks Max. I know” you smiled to him quickly hopping out of the car.

You walked onto the jet and Mia looked at you.

“What’s happened?” She asked

“Nothing?”

“Don’t lie to me Y/N. What is it?”

“I can’t tell you. Not here anyway”

“Interesting” she said taking a seat.

Max took the seat next to you, with Mia in front of you, Pierre next to her, then Lando and Charles on the a seat each the other side of the aisle.

“Anyone up for a game?” Lando announced cheerily.

“What kind of game?” Charles asked unsure where this was going.

“Bullshit!” He announced

“I’m in! I love this game!” You replied and everyone nodded in agreement.

Lando beams and instantly starts dealing out the cards. The games start well and everyone plays amicably. You’d one two out of the last three games and you could see the competitive nature of the drivers all coming out.

You felt Max’s shoulder edge closer to yours and now his shoulder was resting on yours. You glance over to him.

“Eyes on your own cards Y/L/N” he says to you not once breaking his stare at his own set of cards.

“I wasn’t..” you trailed off but he turned and smirked at you. “I don’t need to cheat Verstappen. I’m very capable of winning without your help, as the past two games have showed” you smirked back.

“I let you win” he winked to you.

“Mmm sure, whatever helps you sleep at night” you nudge his shoulder with yours.

“Enough flirting with your girlfriend and let’s play!” Lando said causing you to snap your head in his direction. Max just laughed lightly and pulling two cards out of his hand and placing them down on the table. You could feel Mia’s eyes burning a hole into your head but you couldn’t look up. You’d finally regained control of yourself after this morning and now you could feel yourself being undone all over again.

It was your turn next and you place two cards face down on the table.

“Two 4’s” you said.

“Bullshit” Max called out.

You turned your head to look at him.

“You sure about that Verstappen?”

“Positive Y/L/N. I can hear it in your voice” he said locking eyes with you.

“My voice?”

“Your voice changed when you lie, so yes, your voice” he said with his usual Max confidence.

You kept eye contact for a few seconds before you gave in and picked the cards off the table up.

“How could you possibly know that?” you groaned.

“I pay attention” he said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

You could once again feel Mia’s eyes burning into your head. Again, you refused to look at her.

The journey went quick and once the plane landed you grabbed your bags and walked to the taxi that was waiting right outside.

“What was all that?” Mia whispered walking next to you.

“Girl, I need your help. I’m in big trouble” you whispered back.

“I can see that… with your boyfriend” she said emphasising the last word.

You shot her a look and she laughs and continued walking.

You all arrived at the hotel, checked in and Mia practically dragged you to your room. Not allowing a moment longer to slip by before she could question you.

“Spill” she almost shouted as she shut the door to your room.

“Oh god, Mia I need your help. Recently I keep getting these moments with Max where I, I , I don’t know, I get I’m attracted to him” you blurt out.

“I can see that. I mean neither of you are hiding it well” she laughs

“Like very attracted to him. He only had to touch my hand before and my stomach was doing flips, and then this morning, my god, he was stood in my doorway, arm up, only in a towel and I couldn’t even look at him properly. I feel like a fucking school girl with her first ever crush. What is wrong with me?” You groaned running your hands down your face.

Your door knocked and Mia walked over to open it, with that Lando walked in about to invite you both for a game of padel. Before he could even get his words out, you were on him.

“YOU!” You shouted. “This is your fault!” You said pointing a finger directly at him.

“What the hell have I done?”

“You, telling me at the bar to ‘really look’ at Max. This is your doing!” You shouted again.

“Oooh ok. I get it. You like him! That’s why you wouldn’t look at anyone on the plane” he said.

“Shut up Lando or I swear you won’t make it to media day let alone the race this weekend!” You say irritated.

“If it’s any help he’s definitely into you too” he said holding his palms up in the air to you.

“What?” You laughed

“He likes you” both Mia and Lando say like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“No he doesn’t” you laugh at them both.

“Girl, he offered you to move in with him, he got angry anytime Luca spoke to you like shit even though he’s brand new to the situation and doesn’t actually know Luca, he’s been there for you every time you’ve been upset since, he even knows the way in which your voice changes when you lie! What more proof do you need?” She said sounded exhausted with you for being blind to it.

“No he’s just being friendly” you laughed.

“No he’s not, he’s into you” Lando says in a after of fact way.

“Anyway, what were you coming here for?” Mia asks Lando, not wanting to hear you protest again.

“Oh, yeah, we’re all going to play some padel, do you fancy joining us?”

“6 person padel?” You ask

“Well, teams of 2 but winning team stays on”

“Yeah, why not” Mia said answering for the pair of you.

“Ok, cool. Meet you downstairs in like 20 minutes?” Lando says opening the door and walking out slowly.

“Perfect!” Mia says smiling at him as he shuts the door. “Right, come on then. We need to get ready” she said smiling at you.

“Really?” You looked at her with a less than impressed face.

“Come on, it’ll be fun and might even take your mind off your crush” she smirked.

“Oh yes, him running around getting hot and sweaty will certainly help. Thank you Mia for you infinite wisdom” you groaned and she laughed.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think of it like that. Look, it still might be fun. We may even get into it and it can be a sport we can play together! We said we wanted to get more active” she said trying to convince you.

“Ok ok fine. But I’m only doing this for our fitness” you smiled.

By the time you arrived on court the guys were already playing.

“There you are, finally!” Pierre called stopping the game to greet Mia with a kiss. Charles, Max and Lando all threw their arms up in the air with annoyance that he’d stopped the game half way through.

“Sorry, we got a little lost” she laughed.

“That’s ok. We were just playing a warm up game anyway” Pierre smiled to her.

“Right, teams!” Lando announced. “I’m assuming you and Mia want to go together?” He said gesturing the bat between Mia and Pierre and Pierre nods.

“Ok, cool. Then I’m with Charles” he said. “Y/N, you’re with Max!” He continued.

“Ok, but I’ve never played before”

“It’s fine, I’ll teach you” Max said.

The games started and you were enjoying it a lot more than you’d expected to. You’d had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs. You and Max were, to your surprise the winners. You needed a break so walked over to the side and slid down on the floor to sit. The others played one last game between themselves and Max came to join you, whilst handing you his bottle of water. He was a light shade of pink and had tiny beads of sweat on his forehead. His hair was messy but other than that he looked normal. Like this game was no effort for him.

“Here, drink this. I see you didn’t bring yourself a drink”

“Thank you, you’re a life saver” you say opening the bottle and taking two big gulps.

“You’ve played really well. I impressed. Especially for a beginner”

“Believe me, I’m just as surprised as you are” you laugh.

You’d become all to aware of him looking at you now and you felt yourself shift uncomfortably. Not because he was making you feel uncomfortable but because you were suddenly hyper aware of the fact that you were bright red and covered in sweat and he was probably looking at you taking all of that in.

“Y/N, are you sure everything’s ok between us?” He asked quietly.

“Yeah, of course, why wouldn’t it be?”

“Because ever since this morning I’ve just had a weird vibe from you”

“I promise, you’ve done nothing wrong”

“Ok, cool. As long as you’re sure?”

“I’m sure” you smiled to him.

The game proceeded and you and Max watched from the side lines, laughing at Lando’s irritation when it doesn’t go the way he’d planned.

“So UK next week. You got any plans?” Max asked.

“Nope. I was thinking of visiting my parents but they’re away on holiday. It’s my Auntie’s 50th and my mum surprised her with a holiday. She’s always said about wanting to do Route 66 so that’s what they’re doing”

“Sounds nice. Will you see any of your friends?”

“To be honest, Mia’s kind of my only friend these days. This job is so busy and I’m never home that I’ve not really had the time to keep in touch with people. I’ll be staying at my parents house though so that’ll be nice I suppose” you smile lightly.

“You’ve got us too you know”

“No I know that, it’s just, female friends then shall we say”

“I get you. I’m always here though, anything you need. Ear to listen, shoulder to cry on. I’m here.”

“I know, thank you Max. I can’t exactly talk to you though about girl stuff can I” you laugh lightly.

“Like what?” He probes.

“Like, what nails I should get for next weekend, or if I’ve ran out of pads when my periods started sooner than I expected, or crushes, make up brands, even sometimes about sex” you laugh and Max spits out some of the water he’d just taken a sip of.

“Sorry” he said wiping the water off his chin.

“That’s ok” you laugh.

“Just caught me off guard then”

“What, when I said sex?” You smiled trying to hold back a laugh.

“Yeah. You guys talk about that regularly?”

“Well, Mia does. I just listen. Haven’t got much to add since the break up. Even pre break up it was pretty dire” you laugh.

“Oh, um, I’m sorry?” He says like he’s not sure if I wanted sympathy or not.

“Oh, thanks but it’s ok, like I said, feelings died a while ago. We were always just ‘too busy’. Sometimes I think back and wonder if we both just used it as an excuse”

“Congratulations winners!” Lando said to you both as they all walked over to you, breaking the moment between you both.

You all walked back to the hotel and turned in for the night.

The weekend went quick, between work, padel games with Mia and trying to not be left alone with Max and his questions of why you can’t look at him properly. The race had rolled around and here you were photographing all the drivers prepping ahead of the race when Lando came up to you.

“Got any plans for when you’re home?” He asked.

“Nothing. Just going back to my parents house but they’re away so I won’t see them. You?”

“Nothing. Seeing family obviously but other than that, nothing. Fancy meeting up when we’re back? I’ll treat you to lunch as my apology for messing with your head about Max” he nudged you lightly.

“Sounds lovely, and yes, you owe me” you laughed.

“How’s it going with that?”

“I can’t look at him. He keeps asking me what’s wrong and I keep saying nothing but it’s so obvious I’m acting weird” you groaned.

“Why can’t you look at him?” He laughed

“HAVE YOU SEEN HIM? I mean LOOK AT HIM! Every time I look at him I blush like a school girl!” You say passing your camera to Lando and showing him a photo of Max sat of the floor, arms linked over his legs and watching something from afar.

“This photo is incredible Y/N. You need to upload it!” he said

“You really think so?”

“Are you kidding me? You’re an incredible photographer. Look at the following you’ve got! I might hire you to be my own personal photographer” laughed.

You could see swarms of fans gathering and looking over to you and Lando. Phones in hands ready to take photos.

“Here we go again” you rolled your eyes. “I swear, I can’t have a single conversation without being linked to one of you lot” you laughed shaking your head.

“Just ignore them. Can I see your other photos?” He asked and you handed him your camera. “I don’t know how much you earn but I know it’s not nearly enough. These are amazing!” He said looking at you.

“Thanks Lan” you smiled over to him.

“Hey, what you guys looking at?” A voice called over to you both.

“Hey mate, just looking at Y/N’s photos. They’re incredible!” Lando says looking over to Max who was now stood by you.

“Can you show me?” He asked and you started clicking through all of the images. He was stood with his torso lightly pressed on the right side of you back. Your stomach was once again doing flips and your cheeks were red. You were glad he couldn’t see your face. “Wait, go back” he said and you clicked your camera back one. “Can you send that one to me please? I’d love to give it to my team to post on my Instagram. As long as you don’t mind?”

“Oh my god, seriously?” You asked excitedly.

“Absolutely!” He smiled down to you even though you couldn’t see it.

“Right come on, we’re going to be late if we don’t go now” Lando said to Max.

“Shit yeah, ok”

“Go, go. Don’t get a fine” you laughed. “Drive safe both of you!”

“Make sure you send it over to me” Max said walking around you, his hand was placed on your lower back for a brief moment and you stomach was going wild now.

“I’ll send it over now” you smiled

“Text you later?” Lando shouted back to you as he was running towards the track.

“Yeah, yeah, go, hurry up” you laugh at them both.

You turn back around ready to secure your usual spot for photos when you see the fans gathered around still staring over to you, some smiling, some waving. You quickly smile and give them a wave before walking to your spot, setting up and the texting Max the photo you took of him.

After taking a few shots your phone went off with a notification. You pulled it out of your pocket to check.

‘MaxVerstappen1 has tagged you in a post’

You click on the notification to see the post.

MaxVerstappen1:

↳ Liked by redbullracing, landonorris, MiaJenkinsx, Yourusername and 8,548,635 others

MaxVerstappen1: Raceday! Special shout out to @yourusername for this incredible photo🙏🦁

- user1: Let’s goooooo!

- user2: Is this him promoting his girlfriend’s work?

↳ user3: Why do you assume she’s his girlfriend? This is an incredible photo. He might just be promoting her work because he likes it!

user4: My two worlds have FINALLY collided!!

user5: I’m begging for them to get together if they’re not already!!

↳ user6: look on @f1gossip stories. They looked pretty close earlier when they were with Lando! 👀👀

You smile at your phone and nearly lock it when a message comes in from Mia. No words. Just a simple “😏😏😏” you laugh, send a simple “🤭🤭”, lock your phone and start taking photos once again.

The race went well and ended with Max P1 & Lando P2. Pierre P7. You headed over with Mia to take photos of the podium and before you had a chance to even say hi to her she asked what was going on between you and Max. You assured her that nothing new had happened and she showed you photos that fans took of you together.

“You sure? You look pretty cosy!” She nudged you.

“I nearly crumbled. Thank god I’m staying at my parent’s house rather than a hotel this weekend. Gives me some space!” You sighed.

“And then what happens then when you go back home for 2 weeks?”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there” you said turning back to the podium to see Charles walking out to celebrate his P3.

After the podium celebrations you decide to call it a day. You usually stay back to photograph the interviews but it was pretty busy already so you knew you wouldn’t get any good angles, plus you wanted to start packing for your flight. Mia was flying with Pierre, Lando, Max and Carlos but you’d decided to get a normal flight. Have some time to yourself.

You got to the hotel, finished packing then headed straight to the airport and caught your flight. By the time you’d arrived home you phone was filled with messages.

Lando:

Where did you go?

Mia said you went home already. Why aren’t you coming on our flight?

Do you hate me for confusing you about Max? Is this all my fault? I just thought you’d be perfect for one another. I didn’t mean to screw everything up for you!

Y/N?

I’m guessing you’re on your flight. I’m sorry. When you land please at least let me know you’re safe.

Oh and please don’t say you hate me. You’re like a sister to me. I didn’t mean to piss you off I swear!!

Max:

Hey! I didn’t realise you were catching another flight. I just assumed you’d be here with us. I’d have said goodbye if I’d known. Hope you have a safe flight x

Let me know when you’re home safe. Flight isn’t going to be the same without you x

Mia:

Girl, I swear to god he already won’t stop talking about you and we’re not even on the flight yet!x

How you don’t realise he likes you too is beyond me! x

P.s. I miss you. Coffee tomorrow? x

Mum:

Hi darling! I don’t want to alarm you, but I had Luca asking when you’d be home just before we left for holiday. I didn’t tell him of course but I’m sure he’s aware of when Silverstone is. Anyway, I’ve asked next door to keep an eye out. I know he’s not dangerous but I don’t like the thought of him waiting for you when you’re alone! If you can, I’d maybe book a hotel room instead. Also we saw your photo was shared on Max’s page!! We’re so incredibly proud of you! Keep shining our girl! We love you so much! Xx

P.s. we saw the comments. He wouldn’t be the worst option for a son in law😉xx

Wow, that’s a lot of information to take it at once you thought to yourself whilst stepping into the taxi and telling the driver to head to Silverstone. You hovered over your phone for a while then started typing.

Mum:

Hi Mum! Thanks for letting me know. I hope you’re all having the best time!! I miss you all! Stay safe and send me loads of photos please! I love you all! Xx

Lando:

Hi muppet! No I don’t hate you! I just needed a little time to myself that’s all! See you soon?

Mia:

Mia, I have a situation. I’m going to have to stay at a hotel! Luca’s been asking my mum when I’ll be home! x

WHAT???? That piece of shit! The audacity he has to show up at your parent’s house to ask when you’ll be home after everything he’s done! I swear if I see him again I’ll slap him! x

Tell me about it! I was looking forward to going home and now I can’t just in case he’s there! I don’t have the time or energy to look at him let alone speak with him or to tell him to leave! x

I’ll meet you at the hotel and we’ll sort this! x

Max:

Hey! Sorry I didn’t mention anything. Just needed some time to myself. Heading to Silverstone now, hoping there’s possibly a room available for me! Slight issue has come up! x

That’s ok! We all need some time to ourselves! What’s wrong? Can I help at all?x

Just a Luca sized problem that’s all. Nothing to worry about😊x

Mia just told us. We’ll meet you at the hotel and get a room sorted for you. Don’t stress😊x

You smiled down at your phone before locking it and putting it back in your coat pocket. The taxi slowly stopped outside the hotel, the driver helped you take the bags out of the boot of the car and you made your way in. You got to the reception desk and asked the lady working if there were any spare rooms available. She looked at you in a way that seemed like she was asking if you lived on a different planet, not realising you were trying to book a hotel room for the weekend of Silverstone at the very same hotel that Silverstone was attached to. You thanked her for her help anyway and took a seat in the reception to wait for the others.

You opened your laptop and passed the time by editing photos. You’d gotten so in the zone that you hadn’t noticed 2 hours slip by until you felt a tap on your shoulder.

“Y/N?”

You looked up and saw Max, Lando, Pierre and Mia all stood around the chair you were sat in.

“No luck finding a room?” Mia asked.

“Nope. I mean it is Silverstone weekend. Not really sure what I was expecting to be honest” you laugh lightly. “You guys checked in yet?” You asked looking down at everyone’s bags.

“Not yet” Mia half smiled to you.

“Go check in. I can wait for you guys a little longer. I don’t mind” you said shooing them in the direction of reception. Mia, Pierre and Lando hesitate before walking towards reception.

“What are you going to do?” Max asked still stood beside you.

“Probably just go to my parents still. I don’t really have a choice” you laugh lightly.

“Absolutely not. Not if the possibility of him being there waiting makes you uncomfortable” Max protested.

“I don’t really have much of a choice” you laugh again.

“You can stay in my room if you want? If that makes you more comfortable than going back home I mean” he said shyly, and you realise, this is the first time you’ve ever seen Max properly shy!

“I couldn’t do that. I’ve already bombarded your home, I can’t do that to your room too”

“Y/N, please. I like having you in OUR home, you’ve not bombarded anything, and I’m offering you to share my room because I want to help you” he smiled.

“Ok. Shoot”

“Rule 1. Leave the toilet seat down!”

“Easy. Already do that anyway”

“Perfect. Ok, Rule 2. Bills.”

“I pay them. I already pay them”

“I want to contribute”

“But you make significantly less than me. That’s note trying to be rude by the way, it’s just a fact. I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking your money”

“And I would feel comfortable living with you rent free”

“Ok, how about then, you pay for the food and toiletries?”

“Ok, but also the water”

“The water?”

“I love a bath”

“Ok, deal” he laughed. “Anymore?”

“Yes. If you ever have a girl come over, please let me know in advance. 1 so I can tidy but 2 so I can leave and not be some weird third wheel”

“I don’t plan on bringing any girls over”

“But if you do”

“Ok. If I ever do then I’ll warn you” he laughed again.

“Thank you. Final rule. If I’m ever too much or you change your mind at any point about this arrangement then please let me know right away. I don’t want to be an inconvenience and also communication is key. This won’t work if we start keeping things from each other. If we live together we both need to feel comfortable”

“Ok deal”

“Are they all things you’re happy with, and do you want to add any?”

“I’m happy with all of them. I do want to add something though.”

“Shoot”

“If we’re living together then this is now our house, not just mine. I want you to add whatever you want to the house to make you feel comfortable and at home, ok?”

“In my room?”

“In the house”

“Any room?”

“Any room. It’s our house now, not just mine”

“Thank you Max!”

“So, do we have ourselves a deal?”

“Deal!”

“Want to see the house?”

“Absolutely!”

“Grab your things then. No point in you staying in the hotel for the rest of the weekend now”

“Seriously?”

“Of course. Come on!”

By the time you’d arrived at Max’s place thousands of photos of you and Max in his car were circling social media. You were never going to be able to drive around Monaco without being seen together. Honestly, in this moment though you no longer cared. You stepped through the door to the most incredible home you’d seen with the most beautiful view.

“This is incredible. Look at that view!”

“Shall I give you the grand tour?”

“Show me the way Verstappen”

With that Max was walking around showing you the living room, kitchen, balcony, bathroom, and then your room.

“Max, seriously, this place is amazing! Are you absolutely sure now with this decision?”

“Y/N I’m sure”

“Thank you” you smiled up at him, suddenly aware of how close you both were.

Your phone went off with a text.

You and Max? Seriously Y/N? When are you going to stop pretending and come home?

You looked down and sighed, louder than you meant to.

“Everything ok?” Max asked looking down at you.

You handed him your phone.

“Seriously, someone needs to put this guy in his place!”

“There’s no point. He clearly thinks I’ve cheated or is at least hoping I have to even the score board” you sighed again.

“Come home? Is he serious?”

“Knowing Luca, I’m sure he is”

“What are you going to do? Do you want to go back home and try again?”

“God no. Definitely not no! He cheated, accused me of cheating and is now asking me to come home even though we’re both well aware the relationship died a long time ago”

“Ok good”

“Good?”

“I’ve only just got you as a roomie. I don’t want you to leave already” he said pushing your arm lightly.

You smiled softly at him. “You’re officially stuck with me” you beamed up at him. “I just don’t know what to reply. I feel like if I don’t then I look like I’m trying to hide something but if I do can it get twisted?”

“I think you just need to be honest, say your peace and block the number. If and only if you’re not looking to fight for your half of house then you have no reason to keep the number. Just so you know though, I know I offered you to live her so you didn’t need to worry about all of that but I’ll fully support you if you want to fight for your half. It’s still your house”

“Yeah I guess you’re right. If he’s going to keep messaging then I should at least still say my peace”

“I’ll leave you to get settled” Max said walking out of your room and down the hall. “I’ll be in the living room if you need me” he said.

You looked around the room and then sat on the edge of the bed looking back down at your phone. It’s times like this you’d normally ask Mia but she’s busy with Pierre and you don’t want to intrude. You decided to call Lando instead. Recently you’d become really close and you knew he was always happy to help.

You agreed to meet him at a little cafe, not well known to many. When you arrived he was sat down at a table already waiting for you. As soon as you saw him you picking up your phone pretending to be paparazzi. He greeted you with a middle finger which you promptly took a photo of.

“That’s going on the insta story. Nice to see you again too Norris” you laughed.

“How’s things going? You sounded a little, confused maybe down the phone?”

“A lot is changing, fast. Relationship, down the pan, Best friend, in a new relationship which I love by the way, it’s not a bad thing, it’s just a change that’s all but a change for the best, I now live with Max, oh and I keep getting texts from my ex accusing me of cheating but also asking me to come home. That’s kind of why I called. I need your help on what to reply” you said quickly.

“Woah, woah, wait, you live with Max?”

“That’s all you got?”

“Well yeah, it’s kind of a big one!” He said shocked.

“Yeah so after Luca’s texts last week Max offered for me to move in with him so I didn’t have to worry about finding a new home”

“Sweet of him” Lando smirked.

“Muppet. He was just being a good friend” you said waving him off and rolling your eyes at him.

“Yes because I always offer my female friends a place to live” he laughed.

“Whatever. I need your help with these texts”

“Show me” Lando said moving around the table to sit next to you.

Unbeknownst to both of you, fans had spotted you and now photos of you and Lando were circulating the internet. Of course!

“To be honest, I’d keep it simple. Explain that you didn’t cheat, it’s not for you to try to convince him, you’ve been seen with Max because you now live with him and that’s all”

“I don’t know if I want to tell him I’m living with Max. I just don’t trust that he won’t post it all over social media or tell someone to make it look like I did actually cheat. That’s not fair on Max”

“Then don’t. Just say Max was being a friend”

“Ok ok, let me send something” you said typing.

Hi Luca, I haven’t nor has I ever cheated on you. That’s not who I am and I thought you knew that. I’m sorry you think I’d be capable of doing such a thing. Max has been nothing but a friend since I took that photo of you and that woman. There was nothing more in it than that. I’m not here to convince you because ultimately you’ll believe what you want but please leave Max out of this.

“Ok. Done.” You said turning to look at Lando.

“Ummm Y/N?” Lando said worried.

“Oh god, what now?” You groaned as he slowly turned his phone to you. It showed an ill timed photo of you and Lando sat down, both leaned in looking a little too close.

“Great. Now people think I’m also with you” you said in a sassy tone.

“Hey, look on the bright side, you’ve had a break up and now apparently gotten with not 1 but 2 F1 drivers” he said trying to brighten the mood.

You laughed looking at him. “Hmm suppose that counts for something” you laughed.

Your phone then pinged snapping you both out of your laughs.

Whatever Y/N. It’s always been you. You’ve always been the problem. Always thinking you’re so much better than me. I’m not going to make this easy for you with the house. If you want it, you’d best be prepared to fight me for it.

“What did you ever see in this guy?” Land scoffed.

“I swear, he used to be lovely” you said trying to convince him. “Fuck this. I don’t care. He can keep the house. I’m done. I’m not being accused of shit I haven’t done and being told him the problem when he’s the one who couldn’t stay faithful!” You said angrily.

That’s fine Luca. If that’s how you want to see it then that’s up to you. Clearly in your eyes I’m still the problem. Good job I’m not yours anymore then. The house. Keep it. I don’t want it nor do I need it. Have a good life Luca. I hope you get everything you want.

You waited until you saw the three little dots of him typing so you knew he’s read it and then clicked block. You stared at the wall in front of you, not saying anything until Lando asked if you were ok.

“I’m good. I’m ok. I’m just tired now” you said nodding your head and looking at him.

“Come on, let’s get you home” he said standing up and holding out his hand to you.

“Thank you for today” you said hugging him.

“Anytime. Why didn’t you ask Max though?” He asked.

“Because firstly this involves him. Luca thinks I cheated with Max, it’s not fair to them actually involve him, and secondly he really hates how Luca talks to me so I can’t imagine the advice would be as helpful as yours”

Lando laughed and agreed with your points.

“Sorry about the photo of us as well” you sighed looking at him.

“I don’t care. I get accused of being with every girl I’m ever photographed with anyway” he laughed.

Whilst Lando drove you home you uploaded the photo you took to your story trying to calm down some of the noise.

Yourusername: posted a story

Caption: My emotional support friend everybody! 🥴

With that fans were flooding in with comments on the pictures of you and Lando, quickly changing the narrative from lovers to how cute your friendship was.

Lando walked you back to the apartment. You knocked the door realising you didn’t yet have a key. Max opened and looked at you and Lando.

“Parcel for Verstappen” Lando said, arms gesturing towards you like he was presenting you to Max.

“Idiot” you said laughing and shaking your head whilst walking in.

“Right, I’m going to go. See you guys tomorrow?”

“See you tomorrow” you said walking into the living room.

“She ok?” Max asked Lando.

“Yeah yeah, just chat with her, make sure she really is and isn’t just saying she is as a front. See you tomorrow mate” Lando said walking away.

“See you” Max replied softly shutting the door.

“Everything ok?” Max asked watching you walk out to the balcony and followed you. You didn’t respond, just looked out at the view and sighed. Max leant on the railing of the balcony with one arm whilst facing you.

“Y/N?” He asks softly.

You looked at him and finally broke. Tears streaming down your face.

“Hey hey hey, what’s happened?” He asked pulling you in instantly for a hug. It was warm, secure and felt strangely like home. He smelt like laundry powder and clean white soap.

“I replied to Luca” you said in between sobs.

“What did he say?” He said through gritted teeth.

“It doesn’t matter. He’s blocked now anyway. That’s not why I’m crying”

“Then what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” He asked concerned but never letting go of you.

“When I sent the last message and clicked block, it felt like this chapter of my life finally closed. I got this overwhelming sense of relief. I’m not crying because I’m sad it’s over and done, I’m crying because it was such a big chapter in my life and the feeling of that just took over me but I didn’t know how else to express it” you said finally calming down as you felt Max running his hands slowly and gently up and down your back, resting his chin on the top of your head.

“I get that. It’s a big change and a massive life decision. It’s bound to feel overwhelming” he said making sure you knew he understood why you felt the way you did.

“I told him to keep the house” you said looking up at Max. “I don’t want to speak to him again. Not if he’s going to accuse me of doing shit I didn’t do” you said still looking at Max.

“I’m proud of you Y/N, and I’m here to support you in anyway” he said resting his chin back on your head when you finally rested your head back on his chest.

Neither of you spoke again for a while. You don’t know how long you were there for but neither of you let go from the embrace you were both in for what felt like at least 5 minutes.

Max kissed the top of your head and you pulled apart when the door knocked.

“I ordered us some food” he said walking to the door.

“Hey, food was my bill!” You shouted over to him.

He took the food from the delivery guy, thanked him and shut the door.

“I know but you didn’t know I was ordering so this time it’s different. Plus it’s your first night here!” he said sitting down at the table and placing the food out.

“Thank you” you smiled sitting down in front of him.

The night went by fast. You both talked, watched tv and Max helped you unpack most of your stuff before you both went to sleep.

The next day you were in the paddock ready for Media day. You and Mia as always headed into the room a little earlier than most to grab the best spot. You’d updated Mia on what happened and explained to her why you went to Lando instead. She understood but told you to never feel like you were intruding or overstepping. She’s your best friend, it’s what she’s there for.

Max, Lando and Carlos all walked in and took their seats ready for the press conference to start. You could see Lando whispering to Max, then laugh and Max covering his face with one hand laughing. You caught yourself smiling at their interaction and Mia nudged you wiggling her eyebrows with a knowing look.

“What?” You asked laughing at her eyebrows, unsure what she was getting at.

“Girl, you know what”

“I really don’t” you laugh again.

“Then you’ll soon realise now that you’re living together”

Before you could question what she could possibly mean by that, the conference began and you clicked away.

By the time the day was done you were exhausted. You and Max both walked through the front door, walked straight to the sofa and slumped down side by side. Neither of you spoke for a few minutes. Instead falling into a comfortable silence until you finally broke it.

“What was Lando whispering that made you laugh earlier?” You asked curious

“Oh, I didn’t know you saw that. Nothing, he was just messing around” he said clearing his throat.

“Oh” you said, unsure on how to answer.

There was an awkward moment between you until Max spoke again.

“It was just Lando being Lando. He was talking about you actually”

“Oh?” You said intrigued now.

“Yeah” he said clearing his throat again. “He just asked if you’d agreed to move in or not” he said awkwardly.

“And that made you laugh?” You asked even more awkwardly than he said it.

“No, no, god no, I mean” he scrambled for words, tripping over each one as he spoke. “No, he asked when the wedding was” he said looking over to you.

You let out a louder than necessary laugh.

“He’s such an idiot” you laugh.

“Which is why I laughed” Max said smiling over watching you laugh.

“Dinner?” He asked pushing himself up off the sofa.

“Yes! Sounds perfect, I’m starving!” You said groaning.

He held his hand out to help pull you up and off the sofa. You reached out and placed your hand in his. It was large, strong. Warm but not in a clammy way and you suddenly felt your stomach do a flip. You stood up and settled in the space between Max and the sofa, trying to regain control of your thoughts which are now going a million miles an hour trying to understand the reason for your stomach flip.

“You ok?” Max asks looking down at you.

“Mmhmm, fine”

“Sure?”

“Sure. Come on, dinner!” You said both walking into the kitchen.

“Let’s go”

“Also Y/N”

“Yeah?”

“Please don’t feel humiliated. It says more about him than it does about you”

“Thanks Max” you smiled at him.

By the time you got to the club Lando was already there and was waiting for you both in the booth that was booked out.

“Hey guys. Y/N, looking lovely as always. How are you doing?”

“Hey Lando, I’m ok thank you. Ready to party”

“I’m heading to the bar. Either of you guys fancy a drink?”

“I’ll go with you. You can’t carry them on your own”

“Sounds great, thanks”

You and Lando headed over to the bar. You leant against the bar waiting to order.

“So, how are you really feeling?”

“I swear I’m ok. I spoke to Max about it before we got here. He said it says more about Luca than it does about me and he’s right. I’m not the one who cheated”

“You know, you pair looked cute together walking in”

“Shut up” you said laughing and nudging his arms

“What? I’m serious? You also seem to get along great. Like you clicked instantly”

“So did me and you” you laughed again.

“Yes but tell me this. Do you think of me in the same way you think of him?”

“I don’t think about either of you” you said before placing your drinks order.

“I don’t mean that you think of us when you’re alone or anything muppet. I mean, when you see us in person. What am I to you?”

“You’re a friend. I see you more like a brother to be honest”

“Ok, that’s what I thought. Now, when you look at Max. Do you also see him as a brother?”

“No, I guess I don’t. I see him as a friend”

“Do you find him attractive?”

“I mean, I don’t know. I’ve never really looked at him in that way. I’ve been in a relationship”

“That’s fair enough. Maybe tonight you can really look then. I mean you are single now”

“Look at you Norris. Playing match maker” you laugh.

“What can I say. I’m a genius”

“Hmm sure” you laughed rolling your eyes and grabbing yours and Max’s drink.

“Just so you know, I fully expect to be best man when you get married”

“Muppet” you laughed walking back to the booth.

Max smiled as you walked over to him handing him his drink. Some of the other pilots started arriving with their girlfriends. Max introduced you to them all. The girls were all so friendly and kind, immediately bringing you over to get to know them. As time passed you were all sat in the booth, you were sat by Max with Lando next to him. Max was teasing Charles about one of the past races where Charles seemed to forget about track limits. You were all laughing along when Mia and Pierre finally walked over, hand in hand. The drivers all clocked it before you did and all started wolf whistling to the pair causing Mia to blush.

“Well?”

“I officially have a girlfriend” Pierre announced cheerfully, like he’d just won the lottery.

Everyone started cheering again and you ran over to Mia giving her a hug.

“Oh my god, congratulations! I’m so happy for you. Just please don’t forget about me” you laughed.

“Girl, you know I’d never”

“I know, I’m only teasing. I’m over the moon for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world!” You said pulling her in again for a hug.

“Girl, don’t make me cry now. Besides, we need to get you a man. One that’s not a total dickhead” she laughed.

“No, tonight is about you and Pierre. It’s a night for celebration. Let’s get some drinks” you said gesturing the wags over the bar with you both.

As you stood waiting you introduced Mia to the other girlfriends and got all the details of the date and how he had asked her. You couldn’t be happier for her. You knew how much she liked him and how long the would they, wouldn’t they situation had played out for. In this moment, you didn’t care that your relationship has just gone up in smoke. All you cared about was how happy your best friend was.

You walked back over to the booth after securing your drinks and Mia ordering shots for everyone.

“One, two , three, drink” shouted Rebecca as you all chucked back the shot.

“Let’s dance!” Demanded Lily M.

You all got up and headed over to the dance floor. Without noticing, you and Max gravitated towards one another. The more you danced together, the more you looked at him and my god were you looking. You’d never looked at him in this way before. You’d been in a relationship so never looked at anyone else in that way, but now you were and you couldn’t believe how you’d never seen just how attractive this man was before! You danced together the rest of the night, occasionally stopping to head to the bar.

You were all wasted by the time you headed back to the hotel, however you seemed to be carrying it slightly better than Max who had drunk more than you since he was celebrating his win. By the time you’d gotten out of the lift everyone had walked to their rooms, Lando was the last to say goodbye, heading into his room. You turned to Max, asking him where his room key was to help him get in.

“It’s in my pocket somewhere” he said slightly tipping into you.

“Ok, hold still. Let me check for you” you said placing one hand on his chest trying to stop him from falling into you.

“Max, it’s not here?”

“Are you sure? It was in the same pocket as my phone”

“I’m sure. It must have fallen out when you got your phone out or something”

“Oh shit. I’ll have to go back downstairs and get another key” he said falling lightly towards you again.

“Max, you can’t go back downstairs in this state. Come on, you can’t crash in my room tonight” you said guiding him to your room.

“No, no. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to take advantage of you in your vulnerable state and since you’ve also had a bit to drink too” he mumbled.

“Max, I’m offering you to crash in my room for the night. Not to have sex. I know you’re not trying to take advantage of me, but it’s very sweet of you to worry about me thinking that” you laughed swiping your key card and walking him into the room.

“Y/N?” Max said looking at you and you took your heels off.

“Hmm?”

“Just so you know. I think Luca’s a total dickhead and doesn’t realise what an amazing woman he’s just lost”

“Thanks Max” you smiled. “Let’s get you to bed” you said walking over to him.

“I’m serious. You’re funny, talented, beautiful. Have more brains about you than most people I know. If he can’t see that, then fuck him”

“You’re not too bad yourself Verstappen!” You laughed lightly.

“If you’d give me the chance, I’d show you how you deserve to be treated”

“Max”

“I know I know. You don’t see me in that way” he said, pulling off his shoes.

“It’s not that at all. It’s that I know you won’t remember any of this when you wake up” you laughed helping his take his other shoe off.

“I will”

“Ok. Come on, let’s get you out of these clothes. I think someone spilt something down you”

“Yeah, some girl bumped into Lando when he was dancing. Two cocktails ended up over me when you said bye to Charles and Alex” he said flopping down backwards onto the bed.

“Yeah then let’s get these off or you’ll be all sticky and gross in the morning” you laughed pulling him to sit back up.

By the time he was finally out of the soaked clothes he was already half asleep. You pulled the duvet up over him and started getting undressed.

“You really did look beautiful tonight. You always look beautiful” he yawned eyes closed, rolling over just enough that the hem of his boxers poked out from under the duvet.

You didn’t respond, just stared for a beat too long. You were certain he’d already fallen asleep by this point. You put on your pyjamas. Simple silk top and shorts and climbed into the bed next to him.

“Night Max” you whispered.

“Goodnight Beautiful” he whispered back, placing a light kiss on your shoulder before softly snoring.

You felt so many butterflies in your stomach that you didn’t know what to do. Thankfully the alcohol helped send you into a deep sleep.

When you woke up Max was still lightly snoring away. You turned to look at him and the butterflies started all over again. He was effortlessly handsome, even when sleeping. His smile and laugh made you instantly feel at ease. His confidence. You always knew he was confident but now the more you’re led here thinking about it, the more attractive his confidence gets. The way in which in the short time you’ve actually really know him and spoken to him, he’s been protective. Not weird or overstepping, but in a way in which he’s looking out for you. Respectful but like he truly cares.

Your phone buzzed lightly beside you.

Please tell me your head feels as rough as mine does?

I surprisingly feel pretty good right now! I’m sure I’ll pay the price later though. How’s Pierre feeling?

You’re so lucky! He’s still not up yet! You and Max seemed cosy last night. What’s going on there?😏

Why do guys always sleep longer after a night out? Yeah we had fun dancing. He’s currently asleep next to me, and before you start, it’s only because he lost his room key and was too drunk to go back down and as for a replacement!

WHAT??? Omg Y/N!!!! Did anything happen????

No, god no. He was even more drunk than I was! I had to help him get undressed and then we both went to bed.

You undressed him??

He had two cocktails spilt down him, so yes, I had to! It wasn’t like that!

Girl, you’re killing me!! Did he say anything?

No not really. He was worried that I may have thought he was trying to take advantage but I assured him I knew he wasn’t, he just lost his key, no biggie. Then he said he thought I was beautiful and deserve better than Luca, kissed my shoulder when I got into bed and we both fell asleep.

OMG!!! How do you feel???

I don’t know. Fuck, I’ve never realised how attractive he is until now! He’s so handsome! Like ridiculously so! He’s also so kind and sweet and cares, like genuinely cares!

Y/N, I think you like him!

No. It was one night of dancing, off the back of me and Luca breaking up.

You like him.

Mia!

Deny it all you like, but when you realise your true feelings, remember this message. You like Max Verstappen. He said he thinks you’re beautiful and didn’t want you thinking he was taking advantage. He likes you too!!

Don’t be daft. He doesn’t like me. Not like that. This is a man who could get any for he wanted.

Exactly, and I’m telling you here and now, the person he wants is you! Don’t reply right now. Just enjoy your morning and think about what I’m saying. Love you girl!😘

You sighed putting your phone down and looking back over in Max’s direction. He was still asleep so you tried to move gently out of bed to grab a shower without waking him. He stirred lightly and grabbed you gently, pulling you in close to him with a light murmured “Stay. Please. I feel too fragile to be along right now”. You smiled lightly and softened under his touch.

“Okay” you whispered with a smile, lying back down next to him. Your back was to him and his arm was softly draped over you. You were close. Closer than you’d been to him since recently getting to know him, yet you felt safe, natural, like this is where you were always supposed to be. You could smell him, a mixture of his aftershave and alcohol. You started giving him light tickles along his arm and he let out a soft hum in content. You closed your eyes and started drifting back asleep.

It wasn’t long before you woke back up, maybe half hour before Max’s phone was relentlessly ringing and ringing and ringing. Max rolled over, grabbed his phone and answered it.

“Lando, what the fuck?” He said in a croaky hoarse voice.

“Where are you? I’ve been knocking on your door for ages and you’ve not answered!”

“That’s because I’m not in my room”

“Then where are you?”

“I’m with Y/N! I lost my room key”

“Oh shit, sorry, I’ll leave you both too it” and before Max could say anymore, Lando hung up. Max put his phone back on the side and rolls over to face you.

“Hey” he whispered

“Hey”

“Thanks for helping me last night”

“Oh, you’re welcome. Couldn’t leave you to fend for yourself now could I! How’s your head?”

“Not great. I’m a little worried I might be sick if I stand up too quick” he laughed.

“Here, take these. They should help a bit for you” you said handing him some pain killers and bottle of water.

“Life saver!”

“I’m going to grab a quick shower. If you’re feeling a bit clearer when I’m out, fancy getting something to eat?”

“Absolutely! I’m starving! Only thing is, all my clothes are covered in drink and I don’t have a room key to grab fresh cloths”

“Tell you what, whilst I’m showering, use the room phone to call down and ask for a new card to be left behind the desk. You can use my shower and I’ll run down and grab the key and grab you something to wear if you want?”

“Sounds good to me! Just don’t judge the mess in my room ok?”

“No promises” you laughed walking into the bathroom.

The shower was exactly why you needed to wake up fully, you dropped the towel around yourself and walked back into the bedroom. Max had walked over to the tea and coffee spot and started making you both a drink. He was in his boxers and the light in the room cast a beam across his torso that made it difficult for you not to stare.

“How are you feeling?” He asked.

“Yeah, the shower certainly helped wake me up”

“No, sorry, I mean after the break up. How are you feeling today?”

“Oh, sorry. Yeah I’m feeling alright. Is it weird that I don’t miss him? I know it’s only been a day but he’s not even tried to reach out and honestly, I’m relieved. I just kind of don’t feel anything towards the situation. Maybe I never realised that I’d already emotionally checked out some time ago. I mean how can you not when you hardly see or speak with one another?”

“I don’t think it’s weird. I think it’s normal if you’d both emotionally checked out. Sadly sometimes people drift apart. It’s not anyone’s fault. Cheating however is different but like I said before, that says more about his character than yours!” Max handed a cup of tea over to you not saying any more.

“Thanks” you said taking the cup from Max’s hand. Your hands touched for a brief moment. It was only quick but you felt the touch linger long after his hand had moved away. “Max?”

“Hmm?”

“Thanks for being here for me through this. Especially since we’ve not known each other for very long”

“Anytime! I know it’s not been long that we’ve know each other but I feel like I’ve known you for years and I hated seeing you get hurt like that”

“Yeah, I feel the same. Like we just clicked”

“Yeah, exactly!” He said looking into your eyes. You were both suddenly very aware of the fact that you were stood in just your towel still and him in just his boxers.

“I best get dressed. There’s a spare towel in the bathroom for you”

“Thanks” he said walking over to the bathroom.

You got dressed and shouted to Max that you were going to grab his key and some clothes for him. He’d told reception that it’d be you gabbing the new key for him so you were able to run down and back up pretty quickly. You unlocked Max’s door and stepped into his room. The whole room smelt like his aftershave and he wasn’t lying about the mess. There were clothes everywhere, all over the floor. You laughed and shook your head. You walked over to his suitcase which he’d clearly been living out of rather than hanging up, which gave an indication as to why clothes were on the floor. You grab a plain white shirt, a pair of denim jeans, some boxers, socks, and a pair of trainers that were by the door. You ran into his bathroom and grabbed his toothbrush and some aftershave too.

By the time you’d gotten back to your room Max was sat on the edge of the bed on his phone to Lando. All you caught was.

“Nothing happened. She’s not that type of girl and you know that. She’s took care of me like the good person she is” then he heard the door click and saw you smiling over. “Talk to you later, bye” he said hanging up the phone.

“Hey, I wasn’t too sure what to get you so I thought I’d keep it simple. Can go wrong with a tee and jeans right?”

“Thank you!”

“I also grabbed your toothbrush and aftershave”

“Lifesaver! I was worried I was going to have to go out with just a chewing gum!”

“I wouldn’t let you do that” you laughed. “That room though! Maybe you should actually hang things up, then you’d be able to find them easier” you laughed lightly again.

“We travel so often that I can never be bothered. Do you unpack like this everytime?”

“Everytime!”

“I need someone to domesticate me it seems! Right, I won’t be long and then we can grab breakfast. What do you want to eat?” He said turning towards the bathroom to change and brush his teeth.

“Maybe just some pastries or something if you’re up for it?”

“Sounds good to me!”

It didn’t take long for you to find a cute little cafe that sold coffee and pastries, but it also didn’t take long for photos of you and Max to start circulating social media.

User1 - I thought she had a boyfriend?

↳ User2 - He cheated on her! That photo on the F1 story of the couple kissing in the crowd was taken by Y/N of her own boyfriend! She literally caught him full focus!

↳ User3 - HE cheated on Y/N?!? Max will treat our gir right!

User4 - They look so cute together. I hope this is the start of something!

User5 - Guys, we all need to calm down! This is the first time they’ve been seen together alone and they’ve only recently been seen together in groups too! I’m sure they’re just friends! Let’s not put pressure on them. Especially since Y/N’s break up is so fresh!

On the walk back from the cafe you bumped into Mia, Pierre and Lando who were all on the way to find coffee.

“You two are causing quite the stir” Mia said raising her eyebrows.

“What?” You and Max said with furrowed eyebrows, completely oblivious as to the chaos unfolding on socials.

“Look” said Lando handing you both his phone.

“What the hell? Can’t two people just go to a cafe anymore?”

“When one’s a very popular female F1 photographer and the other is an F1 world champion driver, I think not” Mia said sarcastically.

Just then your phone buzzed. You looked down to see Luca’s name. You unlocked your phone to see the text.

Guess I wasn’t the only one who cheated. Don’t try to tell me you didn’t. No one moves on that quick without already having someone there waiting.

“Arsehole!” You said angrily looking at your phone, causing the others to look over confused. You handed them your phone to read the message.

“I’ve always hated him Y/N, you know that, but I never realised just how much of a dick he could be!” Mia said annoyed.

“Just ignore it. If he wants to play this narrative to try and make himself feel better then let him. You didn’t cheat, he did. End of story” Pierre said trying to diffuse the situation.

“No, fuck that! He’s not speaking to her like that. She’s done nothing wrong!” Max said furiously.

“Look I know it’s shit but there’s nothing you can do. Y/N, just ignore him. I know he’s being a complete dick but arguing back won’t help anything. ” Lando said.

“I don’t care what he says. If he wants to act like a child the let him. The only difficult thing for me now is I need to keep his number rather than block him because I need the house money to get my own place!” You sighed running one hand down the side of your face.

“Right, well I think it’s best if we all get off the street and talk about this all somewhere a bit more private because there’s fans and paparazzi heading this way” Lando said pointing to a group of people heading in your direction.

You have Mia, Pierre and Lando a hug and walked back to the hotel with Max.

Max walked you back to your room and was about to head back to his to pack when he turned back and knocked on your door again.

“Max? Did you forget something?”

“Look, this may sound strange and we’ve not know each other for long but if your only tie to this house is Luca, and if he’s going to make your life difficult now that he’s got it in his head that you cheated, then I have a spare room. If you wanted to stay there? Don’t say anything right now, just think about it ok? I don’t expect payment or anything. I just don’t want to see you getting more texts like the one you did today and still having to remain the bigger person just for some money from a house sale to get your own place.”

“I, um, thank you Max. You really don’t have to”

“I want to Y/N. Like I said, think about it ok? I won’t be offended if you say no. Right I’ve seriously got to go and pack, you saw the state of my room!” He laughed lightly turning down the hallway. You laughed lightly whilst closing the door.

Hey, just wanted to let you know I’m home. Hope you have a good works trip xx

Fridge might need a bit of stocking up but there’s stuff in the freezer for you. Hope you have a nice time back home. Any plans?xx

Well actually, Mia invited me to go to Italy with her for the week to explore before the GP. Since you’re away I decided to go with her!xx

Oh nice! Sounds like a good idea. Better than being stuck in the house alone xx

That’s what I thought! I’m exhausted so I’m going to get some sleep. FaceTime tomorrow morning?xx

Ok no problem. I’ll have to let you know. I might already be in the conference. Goodnight. Love you xx

Ok, yeah just let me know if you’re free. Goodnight. Love you too xx

The next morning you were woken by your alarm going off at 6am. You grabbed your suitcase and started packing fresh clothes, towels, more toiletries. Everything you needed. You’d arrived at the airport, meeting Mia in line for a coffee before heading over to board.

“You ready to explore?”

“Always ready” you smiled to her.

The airport, boarding and flight went smoother than you expected, and now your were here, stepping off the plane into Italy. You’d been for GP’s before but always stepped off and went straight into work mode. This time you actually got to enjoy it. Stepping off the plane you let the warmth hit you and you fully appreciated it. Usually you were too busy to even notice it. You walked through the airport, grabbed your bags, completed all your checks and headed to the hotel. The taxi ride was calm, peaceful, you looked out of the window and enjoyed watching people go about their day to day lives. You’d never got to appreciate the beauty of many places because you’d never truly travelled. Yes you’d traveled for your job but you’d never truly immerse yourself in the culture or beauty that each country had to offer you and this was something you were excited for.

The week was amazing. You indulged in sight seeing, food, looked at art, took a cooking class and also spent some time relaxing too.

“This was incredible, thank you so much for inviting me”

“Y/N you know you don’t need to thank me. I glad you came. It’s been so much fun!”

“Ready for all the chaos to begin again?”

“Always”

You both picked up your bags and walked towards the taxi that’d just pulled up ready to take you to the hotel you’d be in for the weekend. As you were driving through the streets you could already see the build up of fans. You knew your hotel would be the worst. You were booked into the same hotel as all the drivers and that meant carnage!

You stepped out of the taxi and fans were screaming. Not for you, you knew that, but the noise they were making, passers by probably thought you were an A List Celebrity! You hurried through the crowd and felt relief wash over you as you stepped through the hotel door and had a barrier of calm between you and the fans. You loved how excited the fans got but some days it was a bit too much for you, and the fact that all the drivers were in this one hotel meant the crowd was even bigger than usual.

You walked up to the check in desk when you saw Mia looking towards the door with the biggest grin on her face. You slowly turned around to see Pierre, Lando and Max walk in.

“You’re smitten” you laughed.

“No I’m not” she said defensively.

“Tell that to your face” you laughed again softly causing her to hit you lightly on the arm.

As they walked over Pierre stood next to Mia and they started chatting away. They weren’t close enough that you could hear the conversation but Mia’s giggles told you it was a well overdue conversation being had.

“Y/N! Did you enjoy the week off?”

“Lando hey! I did thank you. Me and Mia decided to explore Italy. It’s beautiful!”

“You’ve been here before though?”

“For GP weekends yeah, never really explored though”

“How come?”

“I’m travelling so much that I don’t see Luca all that often so I try to keep my stats as short as possible so that I can fly home to see him”

“Does he not come to any of the weekends?” Max asked.

“No, he’s not really into F1. Believe me I’ve tried. He just doesn’t like it, so we don’t talk about my job”

“At all?” They both asked.

“No. He just gets annoyed by it and says it doesn’t interest him”

“I get the sport doesn’t interest everyone but not wanting to hear about your girlfriend’s job isn’t ok. Not even to check in on you and see if you’ve had a good day?” Max asked sounding confused.

“Nothing. Believe me, you guys aren’t the only ones who find it weird. Mia hates it too” you sighed.

“Hey, it’s your choice who you want to be with. It’s not for us to judge. As long as you’re happy and he treats you right, that’s all that matters” Max smiled.

“Thank you Max” you smiled and gave him a half hug.

Once you had all finally checked in you walked along to your rooms, chatting about the weekend and what was to come before all saying your goodbyes.

Minutes later there was a frantic knock on the door.

“What the hell, are you ok?” You asked Mia with worry in your tone.

“Omg, girl, you’re never going to believe it!” She squealed.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Nothings wrong. Pierre asked me out on a date! I say date, he’s asked if I want to have dinner with him tonight. Only downstairs because let’s face it, we can’t leave this hotel without being seen, but omg it’s finally happening!”

“Congratulations! I’m so happy for you! You may need to start picking an outfit!”

“Well, I was wondering…”

“It’s hanging up in the wardrobe. Go get it” you laughed.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you” she ran over grabbing your little black dress out of the wardrobe. You knew you’d never wear it but alway took it with you just in case of times like this, where your normal attire wouldn’t be enough. Like an event, or a sudden date for Mia. She gave you a massive hug and ran back to her room to get dressed.

Two hours later you were sat on your bed reading when there was a knock at the door. You walked over to see Max and Lando stood outside.

“Dinner? Pierre told us about the date so we guessed you’d be alone”

“You sure you don’t mind?”

“We wouldn’t be here if we minded” Max laughed.

“Thank you both” you smiled, grabbing your keycard and heading out the door.

You had a great evening. It felt so natural even though it was the first time you’d ever spent any real time with the drivers that wasn’t with you behind the camera or them behind the wheel. You’d gotten on so well that they’d even swapped numbers with you. Both saying they’d be inviting you to their next padel game. They walked you back to your room and you headed straight for bed, ready for a busy weekend.

The weekend, as always went by in a flash and here you were, walking into the paddock ready for race day.

“Y/N, if you could get some photos of the crowd for us to put on socials that’d be great please!” One of the media team said to you in a hurry, already walking away.

“Of course!” You shouted with a smile, and started walking in the direction of the crowd.

The atmosphere was electric and the crowd roared. You had got so many photos of families and friends all together and excited. Cheering as the drivers parade happened. You scanned the crowd once more with your camera before heading off to send the photos over to the F1 Socials team when you quickly panned back, something caught your eye and a knot quickly formed in your stomach. Finally the image you knew you’d saw, reappeared. Clear as day. You felt sick but still took the photo.

You walked back to meet Mia, soft tears rolling down your face. You couldn’t let yourself fully break, not yet, not here, but you also couldn’t fully hold back the tears, the hurt. You reached the table where Mia was sat editing photos and sat down in front of her.

“What’s happened?” She asked worried.

“Look” you said turning your camera.

“What the fuck!” She said slowly and angrily.

With that one of the socials team walked over.

“Y/N. Did you manage to get any photos of the crowd?”

“Hey, sorry yeah, just finished taking them. I’ll send them over now”

“Great. Thank you!” They said walking away.

You quickly edited them and started clicking the ones you wanted to send over.

“Woah woah woah, Y/N, are you sure?”

“100%!” You said through gritted teeth.

“Y/N, just take a minute to think”

“It’s sent” you said looking at her with a cold, blank face.

F1 stories:

Y/N. Please let me explain.

I really don’t think your shit excuses are going to work here. I’ll send my Mum round to pack my things for me.

Y/N no, let’s talk. Please?

“I need some air” you said getting up from the table and walking outside the hospitality cafe.

“Come on. Let’s go for a walk” she said linking arms with you.

“Please, just talk to me about good things. How’s it going with Pierre? Are you seeing him tonight?”

“I was going to, but you need me so no. I’m staying with you!” She smiled and squeezed your arm tighter.

“Absolutely not! You’ve wanted this for so long! I’m not standing in your way just because my relationships gone be wrong way. I mean it, you’re going!”

“But Y/N”

“No, you’re going. End of story”

By the time you’d calmed down properly the race had begun and you were back behind the camera clicking away. The race ended Max P1, Lando P2, Oscar P3. You headed over to take photo of the podium. Getting lost in the electricity you’d almost forgotten about the earlier events.

As you headed back through the paddock, past the garages you heard your name being called in th familiar voice. You kept walking but it kept getting closer and closer.

“WHAT?”

“Just let me explain!”

“Explain what? How you’re here? How you’re watching F1, even though you’d never even let me talk about my job with you? About how you’re not even just here alone, but you’re here with another woman? About how you thought you’d never get caught? How many woman have there been or is it just her and it’s an established relationship? Laughing at me behind my back. Doing it under my nose. Making me look stupid!”

“I didn’t mean to”

“What? You didn’t mean to book a flight to Italy and book tickets to the race for you both? You didn’t mean to cheat? You didn’t mean to get caught? How many were there?”

“What?”

“How many women and how long?”

“I don’t know what to say”

“Luca, whatever you say, we’re still over, so you might as well tell me the truth”

“4”

“4?”

“4 different women”

“Over how long?”

“This past year”

“Wow. You’ve been busy.”

“Y/N, please. We can work through this”

“No Luca. We really can’t. Leave me alone. My Mum’s already at the house packing things for me. The next time you’ll hear from me is through my solicitors about the house”

“You can’t be serious? You don’t even want to try to work this out?”

“Luca. Looking at you right now. You’re not the person I fell in love with. That Luca would never have put me though such humiliation. I don’t know who you are anymore”

“Please!”

“Goodbye Luca”

Are you ok? That looked a bit heated!

Hey Max! I’m ok. Just turns out my boyfriend’s a cheating prick!

Seriously?

Sadly yes!

Fuck him. It’s his loss. Fancy coming out tonight? After party might take your mind off it?

Do you know what Max. That sounds like a great idea!

Great. I’ll pick you up at 10?

Mia was forever trying to convince you to leave him but you kept finding excuses to stay. She’d met him a hand full of times and always told you she didn’t get good vibes from him but appreciated that it was still your life and your choice to make.

“So, when are you seeing Luca next?”

“No idea. I tried FaceTiming him earlier but he didn’t pick up” you rolled your eyes.

“Girl, you know what I’m going to say so I won’t say it, but come on!” she rolled her eyes back.

“I know, but he’s great when we don’t talk about my job. It’s just this. It gets his back up and I don’t understand why. He was the one who pushed me to apply in the first place!”

“Maybe he regretted his choices when he saw what the drivers looked like” she laughed.

“Shut up you idiot” you laughed.

“I’m joking, but seriously though, you can’t not talk about your job. You worked hard to get here, it’s not an easy job to get. If I was your boyfriend I’d be singing it from the rooftops”

“If you were my boyfriend we’d be unstoppable” you laughed.

You walked into the room ready for the press conference, both setting up your tripods and making sure you had the perfect view of the drivers before it got too crowded. You’d learnt that lesson quickly when on your first ever day you’d arrived bang on time and still had to stand right at the back, struggling to see over people.

Yuki, Pierre and Lando all walked in and took their seats. You looked over to Mia who winked at you causing you to smirk which you quickly tried hiding. She had a soft spot for Pierre and you had to admit, it seemed like he had one for her too. You didn’t often interact with drivers but you all knew one another and followed each other on socials since you basically all lived on the same schedule in the same little world. He always seemed to gravitate near her when you were both around. He’d look at her for a beat too long, or brush past her, walking closer than needed. She wasn’t complaining and frankly, you were enjoying watching whatever this was play out. It took your mind off your own relationship issues.

After the press conference you both headed out for a walk around the paddock. The Miami heat was taking its tole. Your head was pounding and you needed a moment to sit down. Mia went to grab you a drink whilst you found a quiet spot on the grass over looking the track. You sat down and pulled your phone out. 4 missed calls.

“Fuck sake” you muttered to yourself whilst clicking the notifications and ringing Luca back.

“Hey”

“Hey. Sorry I missed your calls. I was in the media conference”

“What, and you couldn’t just pick up quickly?”

“Well no I can’t. I’m there to take photos. I can’t just walk out when please. Besides, my phone was on silent. I didn’t hear it going off”

“Bad news. I won’t be home next week”

“Oh?”

“Yeah sorry, a work thing came up. We have a training conference in Manchester. All team leads have to go”

“Oh, ok. It just that we won’t see each other now for a little while”

“I know, I’m sorry. It’s out of my hands”

“It’s ok. It’s not your fault”

“I’ve got to go. Bye. Speak soon.”

“Yeah, sure” you sighed hanging up the phone and lying down staring up at the sky

“You ok?” Mia shouted walking back over to you.

“I’m fine”

“Don’t lie to me. What’s happened?”

“I just got off the phone with Luca. He’s away all next week so I won’t see him for a while now”

“What, where?” She said handing you a bottle of water

“Some work training event” you say sitting up and grabbing it from her. “Thanks”

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah , his job’s important too. It’s not his fault”

“So I guess he’s not coming to the next race then?”

“Nope”

“I’m only planning on going home for a day. I want to explore Italy before the madness starts again. Want to join?”

“Yeah, you know what, that sounds like fun!”

“Perfect! We can be tourists for the week! Now drink up and take these, we’ve got interviews to photograph!” She said handing you some painkillers.

By the time the day was done you felt exhausted. You and Mia had gotten back to your hotel, got changed and headed downstairs to the restaurant for your reservation.

MiaJenkinsx:

Liked by pierregasly, kimi.antonelli, maxverstappen1, Yourusername and 4,538,735 others

MiaJenkinsx: Passports, Plates & My Person💕

Tagged: Yourusername

User1 - Face cards never decline!🔥

User2 - The friendship I want!!

↳ User3 - The friendship we ALL want!

User4- From day 1 to now. They’re thriving🥹❤️

You had both gained a mass following of female F1 fans on Instagram. They loved your friendship and following along on your travels. They always commented saying how nice it was to see women thriving in a male dominated field. It wasn’t just on track that men seemed to rule in this sport, but the lack of female photographers was also astounding. You loved that you could both represent women in this field and that the fans seemed to love it just as much as you.

Yourusername posted a story:

You smirked at Mia and turned your phone to face her.

“Pierre’s liked my story as well as your post. You guys need to stop going around the houses. One of you needs to make a move”

“Girl no. What if I’ve just imagined it all. I’d be mortified if he said there was nothing in it and I still had to see him at every GP weekend”

Pierre, Charles and Carlos all walked into the restaurant, walking across to their table. Pierre’s eyes once again found Mia’s. He was looking for a little too long and almost walked int a table. Charles quickly moving to stop him from doing so.

“Mmmhmm, imagining things, sure” you said causing Mia to softly laugh.

“Shhh. Anyway, has Luca seen it?”

“Yeah”

“And? Did he say you look hot because girl, you look hot!”

“No, he’s not said anything”

“Did he at least like it?”

“I’m not sure”

“Give me that damn phone now” she said swiping it out of your hand and looking at the reactions.

“No, everyone under the sun has liked it apart from him. What’s his problem? Pierre, Max, Carlos, Lando, the official F1 account and hundreds of fans have all liked it but he hasn’t?! Girl he doesn’t realise how lucky he is to have you, and no, I’m not just saying that because we’re best friends!”

“I just don’t know what you want me to say” you sighed.

“I want you to leave him! I get that it’s your life but you’re an actual goddess and he doesn’t even seem to recognise that, or care for that matter.”

“He’s just busy” you sighed again.

“Just answer me this, please. Do you miss him?”

“What?”

“It’s a simple question Y/N. Do you miss him when we’re away?”

“I guess”

“So that’s a no then. If you have to guess, then you don’t miss him, and if you don’t miss him, what’s the point of all the stress this relationship brings you?”

“We’ve been together a long time. We have a house together”

“That’s not a reason to stay and you know it” she said narrowing her eyes to look at you.

You pulled into Parc Ferme and jumped out of the car. As soon as you and Lando locked eyes you were running towards each other, you threw your arms around him and he picked you up spinning you around. You lifted each other’s visors seeing one another crying and laughed.

“I’m so so proud of you” you said pulling him in for a hug again.

“Couldn’t have done it without you” he said.

“Go see your Mam. She’s dying to see you” you said pulling back and pushing him in his families direction.

You walked over to Max, finally taking your helmet off and wiping your eyes, you gave him a hug for coming P2 in the Championship.

“Congrats Max! Also I have a little P2 present for you” you said pulling back and smiling to him.

“Oh god, I’m actually scared”

“I’ve got a friend of mine I’d like to introduce you to. She’s lovely, and I think you’ll really get along. You said you were ready to move on and I think you’d be a great match!” You said pointing into the direction of your friend. “I’ll introduce you later” you smiled.

You finally walked over to hug your family and friends, Lando joined bringing his family over too to celebrate together.

“Let’s go celebrate” Lando said pulling you in for a kiss.

You walked back to your hotel room ready to shower and change before heading out to the after party. You were both soaked in Champagne after the paddock celebrations.

“Fancy a quiet drink on the roof top before joining all the chaos?” Lando asked.

“Sounds perfect”

When you got to the roof top it was covered in candles and hundreds of white roses.

“Win or lose I was doing this today” you heard Lando say behind you.

You turned around to see him down on one knee holding out the most beautiful ring you’d ever seen.

“I know we’ve not even been together a full year yet but we’ve known each other for almost 11. In one way or another I’ve always been obsessed with you. Whether it was being your enemy or now as your boyfriend, you’ve always had a hold over me. Deep down I think I’ve always known my heart belonged to you. I love you more than I ever thought possible.

You’re the one for me. The one that was made for me. Y/N, will you marry me?”

You were sobbing uncontrollably at this point. “Of course I will. Oh my god, I’m sorry I’m crying so much” you said now crying and laughing at the same time as Lando slides the ring onto your finger.

Lando stood up and pulled you in for a kiss. Is was messy but perfect, with tears still streaming down your face.

“I’ll definitely need to redo my makeup before we head out” you laughed.

“Still perfect to me” he said kissing you again.

You got back to your room to touch up your make up before heading to the after party. When you arrived everyone was already celebrating Lando’s victory. In the corner was a VIP section with your families, friends and the other drivers.

“Let’s see your hand then” Max F said in anticipation.

“You all knew?”

“Of course we did! Lando would’ve combust if he tried to keep that to himself” Charles laughed.

You and Lando’s mams were both crying and hugging you both, and Max V got you all shots. You celebrated with friends and family all night long and definitely paid for it the next morning.

“Best post I’ve put up to date!” Lando said turning his phone to show you before clicking post.

“Best day to date!” You said kissing his cheek.

Landonorris:

liked by youruserame, maxverstappen1, iamrebeccad, McLaren, and 987,409 others.

Landonorris: Two wins yesterday. A day I’ll never forget❤️

Yourusername- I said yes but just wait until you see what else I have planned😏❤️

↳ Landonorris - 🥵🥵🔥

McLaren - THATS OUR DUO🥹🧡

Liked by yourusername and Landonorris

User1 - Bro really said one win isn’t enough today! Congratulations!

Carlossainz55 - He said if they didn’t kill each other first then he’d marry her. My boy stuck to his word! Congratulations both!❤️

↳ Yourusername: he never told me this!!🥹❤️

↳ Landonorris: I’m a man on my word🫡

↳ User2 - OMG my heart can’t handle this type of information😭🥹

↳ User3 - He knew deep down all along😭🧡

Maxfewtrell - Congratulations both. Can’t wait for the big day! Only took you nearly 11 years to realise you’re soulmates! ❤️🔥

↳ User4 - Not Max knowing they were meant for each other this whole time!

↳ User5 - you just know he’s been pulling his hair out all these years!

The end.

I really hope you all enjoyed this story and thank you for following along!🧡

My asks are open if you’d like to send any story ideas my way🫶🏼

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