The heartbreak of Bahrain was soon followed by Lewis testing positive for Covid and everyone running around like headless chickens, trying to sort everything out. Seeing George in Mercedes clothing a few days later was still strange, even though all of us knew it was coming the moment Lewis had to step aside. It felt natural but strange at the same time, whenever we crossed paths in the paddock and my eyes were searching for the Williams shirt whenever he was standing next to Nicky and Jack.

That strange feeling followed us right into the weekend, sticking to every step we took. It didn't help that I still felt uncomfortable around the car after that incident and seeing how wrong it could have gone. I also decided to mention it publicly, standing up for anyone who still couldn't just forget everything but felt like they couldn't talk about it. Showing weakness wasn't a huge part of this sport's daily routine. A few people immediately questioned my mental strength but my performance the next day showed them otherwise luckily. While the practice sessions went quite well as I somehow found even more speed than usual, it never came out in Qualifying. I got stuck in Q2 and just couldn't get to the level that we were on during Friday and the morning. P11 was still a good position for points, but with P4s throughout practice sessions, we thought we would get to fight for another podium. Dan had a bigger chance for it, but we all knew it would still be a struggle for him to get up there and also stay there for the remaining laps.

The paddock somehow felt strangely empty compared to other weekends when I entered on Sunday. We all knew who everyone would be looking at for the sessions, but it was astonishing to see how all the cameras were turned towards George every time he showed up. I couldn't blame them though, we were just as amazed and excited by this change as the fans and the media were. Maybe even more as we knew him a bit more personally and saw how much he deserves to try himself in a Mercedes. I also didn't mind that all the hype was around him for once, as he deserved it and also gave us a bit of a breather from them always following everyone around the pitlane and paddock. It also carried onto the track with most of the discussion either being about him or involving him, which was also understandable.

Luckily from the moment we got into the cars that energy didn't follow us and everyone was left with their own little beast and thoughts. It didn't matter who was in which car, as everyone was your usual opponent and media attention given to one person will not give any kind of advantage to anyone. It was prior to the start of the formation lap when I turned the wheel a bit while looking down at it when I spotted a little sticker behind it. The text on it made me smile but I wondered if it got there thanks to the team or someone else. It had my tiny sunflower sticker, making me suspicious about Dan, although I knew he wouldn't have had time to do it between the time I looked at the car the last time and the time I got inside.

" Who's the sticker from? " I asked as soon as I took a turn and had a bit of free time on the straight to speak to Aaron. He usually let me get my focus fully back during these laps, but I felt like this wouldn't change or mess up anything.

" Lando. Almost got his ass whooped when he came into the garage. " I got an answer back immediately and I could hear the little chuckle in Aaron's voice. That must have been a sight, when Lando tried to sneak to my car and then got caught. " Took you some time to see it finally. " He added, with a real laugh following his words but getting caught off.

I could remember the first day when I dared to mention to the media how getting back into the car and racing felt a bit strange after the last race and then I went to Lando when they started picking my words apart. Most people thought I wasn't ready to take part in F1 if something like that brought my confidence down, but somehow it couldn't really get to me. I wasn't happy about it and Lando listening to me and giving me advice helped a lot, getting me back to my balance in a few hours. He was the one who told me I shouldn't follow other people's opinion about me or the team or the car, because I'm not owned by any of them. Which was now on a sticker right in front of my hand, reminding me that whatever others think should not take up space in my head and does not have to be my real end goal.

" I usually drive with my eyes on the road and not the steering wheel. " I rolled my eyes a little, focusing on getting the right grid spot and stopping the wheels on the yellow line, before I had a few seconds to lean back and take a deep breath.

Aaron stayed silent from then on, letting me focus on the lights and switching both of us into the usual race mood and mindset. Everything was fun and jokes until it was just seconds away from the lights coming up and then turning off. In the next second my hand was back on the wheel and with one last glance at the sticker my eyes snapped back onto the five lights that lit up after each other and then turned off, signaling all of us that the race is on as everyone took off. Seeing Dan shoot off of his spot on the grid made me smile for a second, before I could see the car next to me getting a bit closer than I felt comfortable with and had to quickly rethink my starting plan to get into a safe spot and keep my position. Instead, making my mind up in just a few seconds I pushed my foot down and ended up in 8th, safe and sound for the next 20 odd laps.

I could see Dan up in the front running at a few turns but when his strategy had him enter the pits I took his position right until it was my turn to take a pit stop finally. Doing a one stop strategy meant that even though I lost a bit of time and a few positions, it was easy to get them back when the others took their second stop, getting out of my way. Only Nicky and Lance were on the same strategy, the latter right in front of me, until his one took longer and I got in front of him just by a few thousands of a second. None of us anticipated the stint going so well and then just as I felt both surprised and hopeful by a chance at a podium place, George fell out from in front of me, giving me P2 in the process. As much as I fought my way up the grid to be in the top 5, it felt unfair to get to second by someone else getting unlucky once and then a second time not long after.

As much as I wanted to focus on keeping my P2 from Lance behind me it was hard to forget about George, who had so much to lose today. Aaron kept my head cool, distracting me from anything that wasn't in connection with my own driving. It felt like I was flying as I almost got to lead the race behind Sergio so comfortably after a season that was never easy to fight through. Crossing the line in that same position still felt ecstatic even though there was a sour aftertaste in my mouth every time the thought of stepping onto the podium without George went through my mind.

" Welcome to your first F1 podium procedure, Winola. " Aaron's voice over the radio caught my attention and I couldn't hold back the smile that got onto my face. As much as I was disappointed for George, I knew the team deserved this podium just as much for their hard and relentless work over the weekends. " I'm sure you will have no problem finding that P2 sign in the pit lane. " He added, making me thank both him and the whole team as we took one last lap around the circuit to cool down the cars and get back to the pit entrance.

A few seconds later Dan passed me, holding a hand and then his thumb up for me which I copied, keeping up with his pace for a bit before he got in front of me to let others pass. A few cars later I could see Lando's orange McLaren approaching, aiming for the space next to me. Still following the cool down plans I first sped up a bit putting a gap between the two of us, before slowing down, both in limits of course, as he tried keeping up with the new pace, making him overshoot the space next to me and ending up almost a full car length in front of me. I already had a smile on my face which just got wider during the cat-mouse game I started and then turned into a chuckle as I could see him lift his fist into the air, holding himself back from showing me his middle finger. It would have been deserved too. In the end I gave up, getting myself next to him waving as Lando turned his head towards me and shook it, probably with a smile hiding behind his visor.

While he went with all the other cars I followed Lance's pink car to the boards, and parked right behind the one that had 'P2' printed right across it. After turning everything off, I just sat there for a few seconds with my hands coming up onto the visor of my helmet as I slowly realised what actually happened. I got my head wrapped around my thoughts for a second, before finally getting out of the car. I put the steering wheel back into its place before I let the bodywork hold my weight easily until I jumped off, punching my fist into the air and running to the team immediately. For a split second I thought I would faceplant from the force with which I started running, but luckily a few mechanics caught me before I could embarrass myself in front of the cameras. This second place felt like a win as I got pulled into tight hugs and were met with fistbumps and slaps to my back or helmet. I could feel when Dan arrived at the group hug, almost pushing me off my feet but luckily catching me before I could compensate for the missed faceplant. I thought my face would split into two with my widened grin as he pushed up my visor, the only shield that saved me from everyone knowing I was already crying.

" I knew it. I told you that you would cry. " He laughed at me the second he looked through the slot in my helmet, giving it a pat after his words, making me shake my head. He brought me back to the memories we made at the start of the season, making me realise how far we have actually come. " It's okay, we all do it. Even if we deny it. " He shrugged a little, pulling me back into a hug, before the team pulled me away again.

I was soon ushered to the little stand where I could put down my helmet and gloves before finally having a drink. I got to get my interview done second, the whole setting a bit awkward as I never got to experience it before. By the time I finally warmed up to the task we were already done, getting to walk back to my stand until everyone was ready for the podium ceremony. I almost reached my destination when I was pulled back by my arm and enveloped in a hug immediately. I let out a squeal from the surprise that rushed through my body from the force of someone yanking me, but as soon as I realised it was Lando it turned into a chuckle. The first time it actually hit me how tired I felt, was when my body relaxed into his embrace, with my head falling onto his shoulder.

" I guess the sticker brought you some luck? " He asked, pushing me back a little, even though I would have gladly let him take my weight, giving me a bit more time to rest. I looked up at him as soon as there was a bit of space between us and and I only had to bend my neck back a little. He wasn't tall, but then there's my height that could never actually be called height.

" It did, thank you. I still can't really believe it. " I shook my head a little, letting go of his arm when I realised I was still holding onto him, after getting my balance back. " This is so bizarre. I feel like I took someone's place just out of nowhere. " I let out a sigh, looking around as Checo was still answering some questions and the others slowly getting back to their teams.

" You took your place. It was waiting just for you, and never let anyone take away from it. You don't owe them anything. " Lando answered immediately, repeating similar words to his 'They don't own you' sticker, before the both of us got ushered inside where we would have to part ways. His words stunned me so much that I couldn't react in time, just let myself get pulled into another hug before he had to get back to his team.

What Lando said stayed with me throughout our wait for the ceremony to start and did not let my stomach calm down. I already had too many feelings swirling around in my gut and it didn't help when it was time for us to finally get out onto the balcony and take our places on the podium. I already had a few tears in my eyes, chalking them up to the AC inside the building, when it was my turn to walk out and take those two meaningful steps onto the second place of the podium, looking over the crowd of F1 members in front of us. Even though it was my first ever F1 podium ceremony, my eyes were still missing the fans, although I had nothing to compare it to as F2 and F3 podiums were really different.

We waited for Checho to get onto the highest step, clapping for him until everyone stood still to listen to the anthems. As much as I wanted to one day hear mine, right now I was content with what I managed to achieve. Putting the yellow/black cap back onto my head I watched as Checo and their chosen Racing Point employee took their trophies before it was my turn to receive the tiny bit smaller version of it. With a grin taking over my face I stepped forward, making sure I didn't drop the prize as it still felt huge in my hands, and raising my arm into the hand celebrated with the team even if they couldn't come closer just yet. While Lance celebrated a bit as well I was already opening up my champagne in order to start spraying the others as soon as the music started. As much as they could have celebrated alone as a team, with both Lance and Checo getting onto the podium, before I could even think about turning away from them their bottles were already aimed at me and I couldn't hold back my squeal when the cold liquid hit my face and neck.

I was drenched in champagne in just a few seconds, wincing away from the constant attack they started on me. When they turned away from me finally I sprayed them back and then turned towards the crowd and let the champagne go over them even though I knew it would probably not reach them. Stepping back I gladly clinked my bottle to the others', taking a gulp from it even though champagne wasn't my drink and my face did scrunch up immediately after the bottle left my lips. I almost stumbled forward with the force that Lance's hand landed on my back in a congratulatory slap that made the both of us laugh in the end, high on adrenaline as the alcohol didn't yet have time to get into our blood.

Lil met me at the exit of the building, leading me right to the team who were already waiting, silently to my surprise. This changed as soon as I came into their sight, all of them screaming and pulling me into a group hug. I could only hug my trophy closer to make sure it was safe from people bumping into me as the group started jumping up and down. As much as I would have loved to stay and celebrate with them all day long, I had to give my trophy up to one of them after a few photos and leave for the media pen. The knowledge that we had the remaining day after my interviews to celebrate today's outcome was the only thing that held me back from sticking with the team. We caught Dan for a few seconds as he was leaving with Aurélie and I was entering the pen, and it was perfectly enough time for him to pick me up and spin me around. I felt dizzy and a bit out of breath by the time I could finally feel the ground under my feet again, but I had to get to the sport and didn't really have to time to calm down before I was already face to face with one of my favourite interviewers.

" Well, that looked like a fun race to take part in. " She exclaimed, her excitement just adding even more onto mine. " How was it from the inside? " She asked, giving me all the time I needed to get my breath and words together.

" What gave it away? " I joked about her first question, the both of us sharing a quick laugh. " But yes, saying it was enjoyable is an understatement. We gave it our all, as the season is almost over, and it finally worked out. Everyone always worked their ass off to give Dan and I a strategy that could get us either a podium or points, and this weekend everything fell into its place finally. " I was shaking my head as it still couldn't wrap itself around the fact that I reached this milestone in my first season.

" A picture perfect end to the year then? Maybe some motivation for next season with the rebranding and the new car? " She asked, with the same genuine excitement I always saw on her face whenever we got a few minutes to talk.

" There's always something that we can improve on, mostly getting Dan to share a podium with me as well, but I guess that will have to stay for the future. Although Abu Dhabi could still surprise us. " I shrugged a little, not totally believing my own words, but it was perfect daydreaming material. " But I'm happy with how this race turned out, and it for sure will give me some much needed confidence inside the car. I feel like we have come a long way since February and it's also not the end of the road. That's for sure. " My grin was probably visible from space, but I was sure it wouldn't die down until I went to sleep from total exhaustion after we finally celebrated today with the team.

" I'm sure Daniel will gladly celebrate with you like it's also his podium. He may even offer a space for the trophy at home. " Her words coming from anyone else would have made me raise my brows, but I could easily detect when she was joking by now.

" He may but everyone can be sure that the trophy isn't leaving my hands in the near future. I may even take it on the last race with me in the cockpit. " I shrugged my shoulders a little, my eyes focusing back on her as she voiced her following question.

Media duties were never and will never be my favourite, but today was bearable and an occasion that I would gladly repeat in a few days time. It let me wind down a little before taking at least a million photos with the team and then changing back into my normal clothing. All the celebrations continued over dinner with music and drinks as well as our usual meals. We all knew the end of the day would bring another race week, but nothing could have held us back from enjoying ourselves this one time. It may have made us a bit more cautious but no one really rejected any drinks that were offered.

In the end the party was shut down a lot earlier than usual, which in the end prompted me to steal a bottle of champagne from the main table and two glasses as well. With those in my hand I left the team behind in search of the one person who didn't celebrate with us, although I would have liked him there. Carefully, making sure I won't drop any part of the 'package', I knocked on his door as soon as I stepped in front of it. It took him quite some time to open the lock and finally pull the door open. However, as soon as I was met with his sleepy eyes and tousled curls, I knew he must have already gone to bed.

" I have champagne? " I offered with a smile, although it would have been fair if Lando sent me away. I was still hopeful and let out a relieved sigh when he stepped away to give me space to enter.

" That bottle saved you from my wrath. " He shook his head as he closed and also locked the door behind me. " So I'm guessing the celebration went well? How does it feel to be on a podium, " Lando walked back to the bed with me following right behind, until we sat down on his bed.

" It's fine. " I shrugged a little, delighted at the face he made at me as a reaction, before bumping my shoulder into his. " I'm kidding. It's unbelievable still, even though I went through the whole process of a podium ceremony. " I shook my head a little, getting ready to open up the champagne at the same time as kicking down my shoes.

" The first one always feels strange. But it was deserved. You guys nailed that one stop strategy. " We clinked our glasses together before taking one sip from it. " Wouldn't say it all looked relaxed, comfortable and fun, but in the end it worked out. That's what matters at the end of the day anyways. " Lando added, leaning back on the headboard with the sleepy look nowhere to be seen.

" I was lucky. You don't have to dance around it. I know I was mostly lucky and just at the right place at the right time. " My eyes were stuck down on my glass, but the smile never melted off my face though. " But I'm gonna still enjoy it nevertheless. Tonight is my night, well deserved or not. " I added while moving up the bed and leaning back right next to him.

" Hey. " Lando got my attention, my eyes moving up to his face. " You deserved it, do not make me repeat myself ever again. " He shook his head and even though a part of me believed him, I knew this would be a fight in my head that I had to get over by myself. " If you're not in the right place at the right time, you wouldn't have gotten lucky. And one portion of luck doesn't mean it's long term. You fought well to keep everyone behind and got the placing you deserved. " His hand on mine was a welcome weight, in a way grounding my running thoughts and also the adrenaline that was still zooming around my body.

" How do we always end up on your bed? " My mind immediately went to lighten the mood, a chuckle accompanying my words before I quickly downed the amount of champagne that was still in my glass.

" How much did you guys already have before you came here? " Lando asked, looking up at me when I moved to fill up my glass again. We may have had a few drinks, but I didn't really feel it's effect yet.

" Not much. Don't fret, I can take a bit more champagne. " I rolled my eyes a little, putting down the bottle while Lando held the glasses, securing them from falling off the duvet. " There's no break to detox before Abu Dhabi, so they got everyone to bed early. " I let out a sigh, turning back from the bedside table afterwards and taking one out of his hand.

" And why aren't you in bed early then? " He asked back, letting his glass touch mine for a second again. He was waiting for me to answer, but I rather took a sip from the drink before getting onto answering him.

" I am in bed if you think about it. " I leaned back again, being the one this time who reached out for his hand and even squeezed back gently. He seemed fairly alert and awake, but you could easily tell he was deep in sleepyland when I knocked on his door.

" If we look at it like that... Although I'm sure they meant sleeping, and not drinking with your friend. " Lando shook his head a little, but didn't stay away from the champagne too much longer either.

" We will be, just not right now. Although I can leave if I'm not interesting enough. " I offered, sitting up straighter and pointing towards the door. Truly getting up and leaving was never in my plans, but he didn't have to know that. " And not here probably. I have to get back to my room first. " My nose scrunched up at the idea of having to walk after more alcohol in search of my own room.

" You don't have to. There's enough space here anyways. Who wants to walk after getting tipsy, anyways? " Lando surprised me with his words, but he only spoke the truth. " Congrats again. Onto the last race. " He raised his glass before we took the next sip in sync, the both of us letting out a laugh afterwards. As I was already too lazy to walk more than absolutely necessary when I arrived at his room, in the end his offer seemed comfortable enough to make me stay and fall asleep about an hour and a shower later.

Waking up was fun, right until the headache that last night caused kicked in fully. My only hope was that it was immediately after a race, which meant we would get to relax a bit more than usual. Double headers were already a strain on the body but knowing how I will feel after waking up probably wouldn't have held me back from celebrating anyways. It wasn't everyday that you get onto a podium as a rookie, and you can't just pass on that chance when you're lucky enough to get it. Taking my phone from the nightstand my eyes were luckily met with a text from Marks, informing me that today is mostly off and I'm only needed for one quick session in the evening before flying to Abu Dhabi. With a sigh I got out of the bed, Lando staying fully asleep, and left the bedroom in order not to wake him up by moving around.

As much as I wanted to wait for him to wake up on his own accord, I knew the team would need me for PR duties and some other interviews. Knowing well what Lando liked and usually ordered for breakfast that fit a driver's race week diet, I ordered him some breakfast and then took the two glasses and the champagne bottle as I was leaving the room. I knew we would meet up around lunch time, so I wasn't worried that we wouldn't get to speak if I leave him there for the day. It was rare that different teams shared a hotel, but luckily I didn't have to make a run for my own building at dawn and could just walk down the hallway to my own room. Or at least that was the plan, which got cut in half for a second when the first person I saw after leaving Lando's room was Dan and Aurélie. I should have known our team would be moving around as everyone had meetings and to-do lists to complete before leaving for the next weekend.

" Good morning! " They got me out of my staring phase with a synchronized greeting, my cheeks immediately feeling ten times hotter than usual. " So that's where the last bottle disappeared to. " Dan exclaimed right before a laugh breaking free from his insides and I followed his gaze with my eyes, landing them on the bottle in my hands.

" I... Yeah. Thought no one would be missing one bottle. We had quite a few still when I left. " I looked back up at Daniel, and even though I was worried he was actually mad at me in a way, I was only met with his usual smile as Aurélie was trying to hold back her laughter. " What? " I asked immediately, confused about what part of my sentence they could deem funny.

" I hope it got the mood up for you guys. " Dan grinned at me but was already inside the elevator, knowing his words would make me want to hit him. He wasn't far off as I considered throwing the mentioned bottle at him, but in the end thought it would make too big of a mess. It wasn't worth it sadly. " If you guys would like to fly to Abu Dhabi with Max and I, let me know. We have two more seats. " He added, stunning me at first, but it didn't sound like such a bad idea in the end.

" You know what? It did. And I will ask him, thank you. " I lifted it for a second before sharing a laugh with Aurélie and leaving them to finally get to my room. As much as I could feel the blush creeping up on my neck and cheeks, I wanted to enjoy a great joke and if someone, Dan for sure didn't mean to hurt anyone with his words.

Getting through the day was a struggle with my headache, but I knew it was just that part of the day before I would get to rest a little. The break between the last interview and my late training session consisted of a quick lunch and a long nap in my hotel room. I didn't really get to meet up with Lando before it was already time for me to leave for the hotel gym. Arriving into the lobby I was about to just straight away go to the room that Mark reserved for us, when I spotted Lando chatting away to some fans with Charlotte by his side. He looked just a tiny bit tired, but was far better off then how I still felt from yesterday. The difference between someone partying and someone just drinking a glass or two. Although it still wouldn't have made me change my mind. After a quick glance at my watch, making sure I wasn't late and had a bit of time, I was already turned towards him and got close enough that I got his attention but wasn't rushing them or the fans in any way. It was their lucky day, I wasn't about to ruin it when I could talk to Lando whenever I felt like it.

I waited until Lando signed their caps and took a few pics with them, a smile getting on my face as well, remembering how it felt to meet F1 drivers while you were only a fan and also while fighting towards a seat. Never with Lando, as he was a part of my life before it could turn into a colleague like relationship, but with almost any other driver from the grid who was already racing while we were just karting or fighting through the junior series. He was already saying bye to them and turning towards me when they seemed to spot me as well and asked for pictures. I snapped out from going down memory lane, my head feeling dizzy for a second as I went from a long time F1 fan to the F1 driver I was now, realising that their question shouldn't have sounded as strange as it felt for me. The second I realised they were waiting for an answer I nodded and stepped closer, letting them decide how they wanted the picture but I wasn't surprised when they requested Lando to be in one or two as well.

" Hi! " He turned towards me, with his usual grin on show, as soon as the girls were content and walking away from us. " How's your head? " He inquired while Charlotte was still on her phone, meaning we had a bit of time before any of us would have to go.

" Achie, but I deserve it. Hopefully it will get better before we get to Abu Dhabi. " I let out a sigh, shaking my head carefully not to make everything worse. " I wanted to find you during lunch, but ended up napping the time away. Dan offered to take both of us on Max's jet to Abu Dhabi, if you're up for it. " I finally got to the subject that I was looking for him in the first place for. The other is just generally talking with him for a bit.

" If they're sure about it I would love to. It will be fun, that's not even up for debate. " He accepted my offer without any second thoughts or actually barely any thinking about it. I shouldn't have been surprised, knowing he was quite good friends with Max and Daniel as well. " Sure you can take them one on one for a few hours? " His chuckle made one of my eyebrows raise up in question. " Never mind, it will be fun. " Lando clapped me on the shoulder, turning towards Charlotte when she called out his name.

" Go, before she gets angry. None of us wants to experience that again. " I shook my head while wincing at the memory, before trying to shake it out of my head. As funny as it was, you never wanted her anger to be aimed towards you.

I gladly moved into the hug Lando initiated as we said goodbye and turned towards our own destination. The second I lifted my eyes from my watch I could spot Mark at the entrance to the hallway, leading from the lobby towards the gym and swimming pool, meaning I was already quite late. The numbers on my watch only assured me of the suspected situation, making me quicken my steps towards my trainer. Luckily he seemed to be on the happier side of life that day, and didn't try to jokingly punish me or push me to my limits too much for my rare mistake either. For once I could thank the 'recovery day gods' for saving me from his anger. Thanks to them I could actually get back to my room without a limp in my step and actually managed to get into the shower without fighting my lazy and tired side.

After a quick shower I got on the phone with Dan to accept his offer about the flight to our next race destination, getting all the info about the journey down on paper. Knowing that Lando would be in the middle of some kind of a team meeting, I only texted him the infos and started packing all my remaining stuff. Living out of a suitcase most of the time had its perks, one being the tiny amount of packing one had to do while travelling from one place to another. Let's not mention the cons of it though. Just as I sat back down on my bed to bug Lando about not answering me, a message from him arrived on my device making me smile. He also pretty much decided on his own that we would be having dinner together before taking a car to the airport, and didn't give me a chance to decline in any way. Not that I would have, anyways.

He seemed adamant about getting everything sorted, from getting us a taxi to getting us a table somewhere, that he also kept a secret right until we got there. Luckily it wasn't anything fancy, my basic choice of clothing fitting the diner, but a place that I mentioned to him during our off days prior to the weekend. I was both surprised and touched that he remembered and went out of his way to make it all happen before we would leave. The atmosphere and the food was out of this world, and even though it probably didn't fully fit our dietary plan, it would have stayed between us anyways. At least I wouldn't go and tell on him if he kept it to himself as well. What Mark and Jon didn't know about wouldn't hurt them. Or us. Depends on the perspective, really.

After our meal we got another taxi to the airport, where we easily walked through all the checks and were escorted to a lounge for the private jet. I was quite surprised to see Max and Daniel nowhere, but thought they were just either running a bit late or were already on the plane while they ran through our papers once more. I didn't really understand why Lando looked quite nervous, given we weren't about to travel with strangers or with a big crowd, but with friends he should have known well and it was his own decision to travel with them. By the time we had to board the plane, and our travel buddies were still missing I was starting to suspect some funny business going on in the background. Lando's anxious leg shaking throughout our whole waiting time didn't help my thoughts in any way either.

" What's going on, Lando? " I couldn't wait any longer to ask then when we were walking up the steps to the plane. He didn't turn back towards me but never gave me an answer. At least not in the form of words.

My brows were furrowed already, but the lines on my forehead got even deeper as he let me go through the door first, making me the first one to get onto the plane. I was close to getting scared about going first, thinking that they might be planning some kind of a prank on me, but the voices I could hear erased any and every thought from my head. I didn't even care about my luggage anymore, leaving my suitcase in the way of the entrance and took a few huge steps to finally see for myself if I was just imagining the voices or it was my actual reality. A huge part of me was sure I was actually going insane, but my eyes confirmed the picture created in my head as I could see my whole family on board, not paying any attention to us boarding. It was only my scream that got their heads turned towards the entrance, with less surprise on their faces than I had of course.

I probably could have broken some kind of world record with the speed I had for the few steps I had to take to get to my mum at first, and then everyone else. I could hardly let anyone get out of my squeeze to get to another person, slowly getting through the line that formed as everyone stood up. I couldn't believe my eyes to see both my parents and all my siblings in front of me and not just through a screen. It took me a good ten minutes to calm down finally, just in time for all of us to sit down as the plane was set to finally leave the airport and take us to Abu Dhabi. I took a seat right next to Lando and across from my parents who looked exactly as ecstatic as probably I did from the outside, but at least felt inside.

" You're staying for the whole week? " My excitement was slowly calming down as everything sank down in my head and it wasn't such an alien thought after missing them for so long. Mum's nod made me grin once again before I couldn't hold back any longer and finally brought up the last race, to tell them everything face to face finally.

Props to them, they all listened to my rambling, even seeming excited about my story, even though they followed the race on TV and already listened to my presentation through a phone. I was even a bit disappointed that I didn't have the trophy with myself, as it seemed safer to make it travel with the team, but I also knew we would have the time to show them after landing. We didn't have to get everything ticked off the list in one hour, when we had a whole week and even the weekend for it anyways. I knew I was running on new found adrenaline the second everyone seemed tired other than me, dozing off in their seats while I was still scrolling through my social media, showing Lando a pic once in a while as he was still awake next to me. By the time I decided to put down my phone, only Lando was awake, but getting ready to sleep as he got back to his seat with a blanket.

" Wanna share half of it? " He asked just as I was about to ask for exactly what he offered, and I could only nod as an answer. Without another word he got our footrests up and the blanket draped over the both of us, luckily big enough that we could fit under it both.

I had a debate in my head with myself just for a second, before I pushed up the hand rest that was between our seats, leaning my head on his shoulder. He didn't even seem surprised and that's why I got a bit scared when he pulled away abruptly, straightening myself up immediately. I got even more confused when he took his discarded hoodie from the little table we had. My cheeks stayed their normal colour only because they didn't have time to produce enough blush. However the second he placed the folded up hoodie on his shoulder, leaning back fully in his seat, it seemed like only a few milliseconds were enough for that missing blush to arrive. I was glad he was way too deep in his phone to have a chance to look up and make fun of my new colour. Trying my best I just put back my head in it's previous spot, hiding my cheek into the soft material as much as I could, catching a whiff of his usual cologne coming off of it in the process. It made me sigh out which prompted Lando to turn his head a little and look at me out of the corner of his eye. As an answer I just gently shook my head, closing my eyes again and focusing on getting some sleep as soon as possible.

When I woke up my head needed a minute or two to realise where I actually was while it was still laying on Lando's shoulder. My leg also must have moved over his, his hand holding it in place, while we were asleep making me halfway draped over him. Feeling the weight of his head and his curls a bit on my forehead held me back from moving too much around as we still had a few minutes before landing and waking him up wasn't really a priority. Opening my eyes again they landed right on my mum who had a meaningful smile on her face that made me blush as soon as I completely wrapped my head around the situation. I mostly just closed my eyes again until it was really time for us to wake up, when luckily it was Lando who first started moving around meaning I didn't have to be the mean one, poking him awake. He seemed pretty out of it at first but got himself together by the time the plane finally landed and we were allowed to get off with all our baggage.

The thought of having my family out at a GP again still felt strange as we took a car ride to the hotel where we had our reserved rooms. Lando's team was at a different one but he still kept us company for the ride and got most of my family's bags out of the trunk with the help of my dad before taking the same taxi to his own team's hotel. As it was already late and everyone was tired anyways we all decided to just get our rooms, have a quick dinner and then call it a night. Before going to bed I still made sure to send a thank you message to Lando, but I only saw his reaction to it in the morning as I fell asleep the second my whole body touched the duvet.

I was glad that I never held back from sending that message as in the remainder of the week we never really had time to meet up and talk more than a few words. The first time I got to really talk to him was during an interview that included both of us after the first two free practice sessions, getting to discuss the whole season and the feelings we were bringing into the last race. It all felt like a simple conversation with jokes flying all over the place as well as of course the usual teasing that us being in the same area almost always brought out of people. It was still a lovely start to the weekend and got our spirits up even if the schedule was packed and we didn't get much socialising after this occasion. As much as this was the last race it still held the same importance and we couldn't just forget about it. It was still an important occasion for a chance at points that the team needed.

Somehow it turned out to be pretty underwhelming after everything, although that was actually good news in a way. We were happy for the couple of points we managed to get, but it wasn't the same kind of content feeling afterwards. The only thing that made it special was having my whole family there, watching the race from the stands and also getting to support me right from the garage through the sessions. All of them would have never fit in that small space, but they managed to decide who and when would sit in the garage rather than their seats in the grandstand. There was a smile that never left my face, not even when we had to separate for the nights as they had their rooms a bit further away from me. I usually went to bed with it, and woke up with it still being there, only disappearing while I was in the car and had to focus.

It took a bit of time for both Dan and I to tick all the interviews off the to-do list which meant we could finally film our last team video together. It turned out to be a bit emotional, the thought of separating from him, in the team mates sense of the word, becoming actual reality just as we neared the end of the day. The end of the video felt like it was a real closing point of the season and the start of something new and uncertain but also very exciting. Even though we were free to leave the spot with the camera crew gone, none of us really made a move to stand up and leave the spot where we were sitting at the pitwall right across our garages. It was strange to see the packing get to the point where they started to take off the boards with our names and pictures, from above our own garage openings.

" Hey. It might be Lando jumping on my nerves and challenging my calmness next year, but that doesn't mean you can't come to me. Understood? " I felt him bumping our shoulders together just as I turned towards him, peeling my eyes off of the packing crew. " I'm still here, just a few garages away. Even for questions that sound stupid, yeah? " He asked again, not letting go of my eyes as I nodded.

" Thank you. I can't say I won't need it. " I let out a chuckle, knowing there will be moments when I will be unsure about the right answer. " You know... I don't think I could have asked for a better partner in crime for my first ever season. " My voice might have sounded a bit shaky during the last few words, but reading his face as much as I could he wouldn't have been much better off. The hand clapping my back instead of words coming as a reaction also told me that I must have been right.

" It has been a pleasure. " He forced his words out in the end, making us both laugh by how formal our conversation sounded. However we both knew, as much as we joked around and with laughter being a main part of the last year, all these words were real and we both meant what came out of our mouths.

It was only when he had to leave that we finally got off of our butts, him leaving towards the car park while I went to get my things together from the garage. I opted for a last walk down the pit lane after retrieving my backpack, watching as I passed every garage, all the teams packing up already. I didn't miss Lando still standing around, with his team and his phone in hand, and I was about to just wave at him as a goodbye when he called after me. I turned back to see him pass the phone to the two guys next to him while he quickly caught up to me actually running.

" Hey! Are you coming to the after party? " He asked without any hesitation, getting to the point immediately. " I'm sure Dan mentioned it and I hope you didn't think we would let you pass on it. " He added with a grin and his arm came up around my shoulder as we continued on my previous route to the parking lot.

" I knew you guys won't let me just go back and sleep as normal people would like to do. " I had to roll my eyes, my smile staying put though as I knew from the moment Daniel brought the party up that I wouldn't get to miss it. " Yes, I'm going. I already have my outfit waiting for me in my room. " I let out a sigh when he was still waiting for a real answer from me, even though I thought my words said enough already.

" Fantastic. Just what I wanted to hear. " He pulled me closer, almost making the both of us stumble and fall to the ground but luckily somehow we caught ourselves just in time. " How about I take a taxi to your hotel half an hour earlier than the party and we go together from there? " He stopped when we got to the end of the pitlane where I would take the exit.

" I would like that. But don't be late. Might take myself there alone otherwise. " I tried to threaten him a bit, even though I knew it probably would never work. He knew me better than to believe such empty words coming from me.

His answer was enough for me though, both saying our goodbyes before I turned towards the exit and he walked back to his team to continue whatever they were doing on his phone. It was only back at the hotel when I realised they were probably already streaming when I met him, as he was still live on Twitch with both of the guys standing around him as well. Deciding it could be my entertainment while getting ready I positioned the phone somewhere safe while I took a shower and got dressed again. I was surprised when he was still going as I was already pretty much done with everything but my hair.

' Shouldn't you be on your way? You might be late already... ' I took my phone into my hands to send him a message privately and with a bit of a delay could actually hear his phone go off with the notification.

It was already worth it to send it when I could see his face change as he checked his watch for the time and then rushed to the end of the stream. He was of course still on time and would arrive just as I finished up with everything. It was still fun to play with him and make him a bit worried to see his face change in record time. While my screen went dark with his stream turning off I got started on my hair. It didn't take longer than usual and just as I packed everything away there was a knock on my door. As a last step I pulled on my sandals before taking my little bag from the bed and walked up to the door to open it, revealing Lando in a baby blue shirt and white pants.

" I'm surprised but also not really, how you're exactly on time. " I laughed as his face finally relaxed a little from the tense look he had on just as I stepped outside. " The fans seemed surprised and sad how quickly you had to leave. " I let out a sigh, trying to put on a sad face to accompany my words.

" They would probably let me off the hook if they knew I had a party to attend with someone like you. " His compliment wasn't anticipated in any way from my side, making even my hands freeze for a second as I was putting away my keycard. When I looked up at him he already had his signature smirk on, knowing full well he managed to catch me off guard with how his tone told me he meant everything.

We got into the elevator still silently, the both of us leaning back onto the wall, but I couldn't hold back from looking at him for longer than three floors. I was ready for more teasing words or a cocky grin but his only reaction was reaching out his hand towards me just as we reached the ground floor. With a sigh and a shake to my head I took his hand, letting him lead us out of the building and to a car that took us to the part of the local beach where the party was planned. We could hear the music from a corner away and easily spotted the pack from the entrance as we were granted entry at the sight of our passes.

Turned out we were just on time to get a glass of champagne and listen to the quick season summary before the real partying started. With a last storm of applause and everyone clinking their glasses together the season was deemed close and the music got turned back on, our ears getting saved only by the fact that we were outside and not in a closed-in club. Even if I would have tried to get away after the first few minutes of dancing, Lando and Daniel made sure that I would always have someone keeping me there. I couldn't say I wasn't enjoying it as my laughter throughout the night would have betrayed me, but I was still relieved every time when I got to leave the dance floor to get myself a new drink.

After hours of dancing, drinking, conversing and just simply having fun, my feet were happy when Lando offered for us to sit down somewhere. I was a tad bit confused when he seemed to have clocked onto a sitting hammock at the side of the party venue, but I never really stopped him on our way there. I watched intently as he sat down, still holding my hand in his, that he seconds later used to pull me down as well. At the start of the night I might have tried to squeeze in beside him, but right then and there my only thought was to not get his slacks sandy as I sat down on his lap sideways. The back of the hammock almost fully shielded us from the partying herd enough that I could let myself relax into his arm that came around my middle, in order to hold me back from falling off the hammock. We had a great view on the open water with all the music and noise behind us, a bit more muffled than it has been while we were in the center of the crowd. Thanks to probably the alcohol in my bloodstream and also to how tired I was Lando's whispered " I'm really glad you're here too. " almost went unnoticed even though he said it right next to my ear.

" Here as in right now with you? Or just in general? " I wondered when my brain finally processed his words and I realised he wasn't just thinking out loud. I lifted my gaze onto him from the surface of the water, even though his sudden close proximity made me freeze for a beat.

" Both. Just you existing and also being part of this whole circus. " Lando shrugged, his arm tightening around me while he took a sip of his cocktail. I had my drink as well still, but felt like this conversation should be had before I would down even more of it. " The only part I always like about this hectic place. Even if we had a few bumps on the road until now. " He was rather looking at the view than me, but in a way I was glad for it, as I got to examine his face without him really noticing.

" Quite the potholes if you ask me... " I tore my eyes away from his irises to carefully move around a bit and sit in a way that I could rest my head on his shoulder. " Surprised we managed to get through it. We're both a bit too hot headed for things like this. As much as they think you're a shy little kid, you have your moments. " I poked his side 'accidentally' with my elbow and could immediately feel the shaking of his body as he both tried to pull away from my attack and tried to hold back his laughter.

" You're one to talk. We're both just as bad as the other. " He shrugged a little, his fingers digging into my side as he tried to make me squirm, and sadly succeeded with his siege. " You're the one with a dragon on her helmet. It fits you well. " He added, making me roll my eyes, but it wasn't enough to make me wanna leave. After the whole season nothing would get me to actually leave his side. At least not things that could actually happen.

" Exactly why I have it on there. Scares people away before they try to get close to me. " My head fell back onto his shoulder, my forehead resting on his neck and my eyes fluttering close. " I just need to come up with something new design wise for next year. With the new colours. " I let out a sigh, already daydreaming about the new season, even though usually it stressed me out. His proximity had a great effect on numbing my brain and making me relax. " You should design one for me. Yours always looks pretty neat. " I looked up at him, immediately feeling as excitement slowly woke up my brain.

" I'm not against the idea. But you can't say no if it's not perfect. " He raised his finger in front of my face, threatening me in the funniest way possible. I accepted his conditions with a nod, letting my head fall back in it's previous spot, staying put even when he flicked my nose. His body shook with his laughter but it wasn't in any way uncomfortable.

The songs in the background came one after the other, the party seeming endless with all the noise and shouting. In that moment I felt free in every sense of the word. We finally closed a season, giving us some time off, that we could decide to spend however we wanted. It was also the first time where I didn't try and answer every question that popped up in my head and just tried to enjoy the moment. Also the fact that no kind of media was allowed to the party let me really just go with the flow without worrying what will get onto the world wide web for every fan to see. The drivers still could post content about our night, but we both knew they were our friends who would look out for us and make sure to not post anything that we wouldn't approve of.

That free feeling was the only thing that gave me enough confidence to move my head off his shoulder, accidentally bumping into his chin as he made the same movement. I couldn't help a quiet chuckle right until his arm moved up from around my waist to around my neck. His eyes were everywhere, in the end focusing in on mine finally, a smile getting onto both of our faces. I could feel his fingers going through my hair absentmindedly, as it was pushed onto my shoulder where his arm was resting. His other hand was still on my thigh, resting right under where my dress ended, his fingers drumming on my skin to the rhythm of the songs in the background. It was all a welcome feeling and sensation going up to my scalp and running through my whole body. His gaze only intensified its effects even though his eyes were even softer than usual. It was the first time I didn't try to understand what's going through his head, although I was pretty sure we had almost the same thoughts and ideas going through our brains.

I would never be able to tell who moved first, but it wasn't important anyways. The only thing I could focus on was how his lips met mine in a quick and chaste kiss. His arm stayed around my neck, holding me closer softly, giving me the chance to pull away any time. Not that I needed that chance. My eyes opened again the second we separated, his doing the same and meeting mine immediately. I could almost feel his smile on my own skin from our proximity and couldn't hold back from the need to experience it as I leaned forward for another kiss. We soon separated again for air, prompting me to move around a little, turning more towards him in order to hide my face in his shoulder. As much as I moved in for the second one, my thoughts caught up to me finally, making me blush immediately. I could feel as he took the glass that was still in my hand, putting it aside before he fully hugged me closer to himself. The moment my hand was free it shot up to the nape of his neck, holding on, even though I already felt secure from falling by his arms. I couldn't help but let my fingers go through the short hairs there, while a shiver ran through my body at first by his breath on my neck and then by the little kiss he left right behind my ear, brushing my hair away from the spot to give himself space.

" Don't you dare close me out now. " Lando spoke up, right next to my ear, leaving another kiss there before leaning back a little. I followed his movement with my body, hiding my face back into his neck but bumping my nose into his jaw intentionally in the process. "You can put on a dress like this but then be shy about a kiss? " I could both feel and hear his chuckle shaking his whole body while his hand slid onto my back to emphasize his words, about my backless dress.

" They're two very different things. " I mumbled into his skin, amazed at how he seemed to understand what I said. " You can't compare them... " I moved my head a little, looking down at his hand that had the bracelet on which I gave him not long ago. It always made me feel warm inside, knowing he actually liked it enough to wear it every day. " But I won't, it just surprised me in a way. " I shrugged a little, moving back again and letting my hand slide down to his stomach. I didn't dare to look up at him yet but was perfectly fine and content letting him take my hand in his and hold it there.

" I'm glad the season ended when and how it did. I wouldn't exchange it for anything, not even winning the championship. " His words made me look up immediately and when I realised he wasn't joking I had to fight my own emotions. In the end, just a second later, my disbelief won over getting wooed by his compliment and I swatted at his chest full force.

" Yes you would and should. I would be actually angry if you didn't exchange it for the championship. " I shook my head at him, totally forgetting about how looking into his eyes would make me feel after everything. I slumped back into my previous spot, but at the same time couldn't look away. It was visible even in his eyes as his grin got wider and I was more than mesmerized by the front row view I got of it.

" Hi. " He bit out just in time, before my elbow met his ribcage and he let out a huff of air, surrendering to my attack. " Feisty. Has anyone told you that before? " His hands tried shielding his sides from another round of attack that his words could have brought onto himself.

I was just about to roll my eyes at him when I could see movement in the corner of my eyes, and turning my head I was met with Daniel standing not far away from us. " Lovebirds, wanna be part of the group pic? " He called out to us, not giving me any time to feel embarrassed by our position. He didn't seem one bit surprised and was already turning away when Lando answered his question.

I was the first one to get to my feet, taking my sandals and the remainder of my drink into hand, knowing I would probably lose them otherwise. I watched as Lando did the same with his shoes and glass, my eyes sticking to the part of his shirt where a few too many buttons were opened as he straightened up. In my dazed state I gladly took his hand when it was offered to me, letting him pull me towards the group gently. We both left our shoes at our official table before joining everyone else at the front of the bunch thanks to both of our heights. I didn't pull away when Lando's arm came around the front of my shoulder, in that moment giving up any care of the world around us. I just wanted to enjoy the bit of time we still had before the break started.