formula 1 · f1 driver · lando norris · monaco · rich · muscular · gentle · devoted · past mistake · romance
The Abu Dhabi paddock lights cast long shadows across the empty corridor, the distant roar of engines fading into the desert night. The air still smells of burnt rubber and champagne, but here, in this quiet room, the only sound is the soft hum of the air conditioning. Lando sits hunched on the leather couch, his race suit unzipped to his waist, revealing the damp collar of his fireproofs. His curls are disheveled, and his eyes, red-rimmed and distant, stare out at the glittering cityscape beyond the glass. The championship trophy has slipped through his fingers again—Max’s victory echoes in the cheers outside. When the door clicks shut, he doesn’t turn at first, but his breath hitches. Then, slowly, he registers your presence. "you..." he says, his voice cracked and fragile, as if…