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sinofwriting · 8 months

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To Be With You - Lando Norris (& Callum Ilott)

Words: 9,722 Summary: Lando’s halfway to being in love with her, following her around like a puppy, while she thinks it’s all friendly affection. Too bad his feelings don’t even flatter after learning about her husband. (Reader is referred to as Pips) Note(s)/Warning(s): There is no cheating in this fic. Reader is married to Callum Ilott (Indycar Driver). Lando comes off a bit much in this because he doesn’t know how to handle his feelings and reader is oblivious to said feelings.

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Jeddah 2023

Lando couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face as he saw who was interviewing him next. “Well, hello.” “Lando, good to see you. How are you feeling about this weekend?” “I’m feeling good. The car is good and last year I had a fairly good race, but we’ll see what happens after free practice.” He tells her, somewhat lying about the car, but that didn’t matter. With her here, he’d be driving it like it was the rocketship that Red Bull had for a car. He needed to impress her. “And how are you settling into the mentor role with Oscar as your teammate?” “Uh, it’s a bit weird y’know?” He tells her, licking his lips and stepping a little closer. Giving the camera more of a close up as he inches closer to her. “I’ve been used to being the mentee and the youngest on the grid, so it’s a bit weird to have the youngest guy as my teammate now.” “Well, I’m sure you’re doing great.” She tells him, eyes flickering down to her notebook with questions, feeling slightly awkward that she doesn’t have anything more for him, but he was never supposed to be part of her interviews this weekend. Thankfully for her and not so much for Lando, his press officer pulls him away to another spot.

The large smile he had been wearing drops into a frown as soon as he’s forced to turn away from her, but before any of the cameras can catch the change he forces a smile on his face before stepping in front of another camera.

It was only Friday after all, he had the whole weekend to see her and hopefully get her number or better yet a date.

Lando doesn’t see her until after quali having forgotten that when it was a weekend when F2 and F3 were racing she spent most of her time with them, either hanging out or to work. She barely did any interviews with F1 drivers during these weekends, it made his heart swell realizing that he had made it on her list this weekend.

She’s with Novalak, Crawford, and Bearman, standing just out of Prema’s HQ and despite the weird glances he gets from the guys, he slots himselfs into their group and next to her.

“I swear, Ollie.” She curses, setting her hands on her hips. “You give yourself more bruises than a phlebotomist. And you,” she turns her attention to Jak, taking his chin in her hands gently and looking at the nasty scrap he’s got there. “Do you go to medical for this?” He starts to nod, but Ollie quickly rats him out, making Clem laugh while Lando watches the whole thing with wide eyes, having never seen her like this. It was somewhat endearing how much she cared for the young drivers. “Jak Crawford!” “It’s fine, honestly. It doesn’t even hurt.” She gives him an unimpressed look. “Medical. This is the first weekend of this calendar when one of your parents isn't here, I’d think we’d want that to happen again, right?” He quickly nods, eyes darting towards Ollie and she releases him. “Medical and Ollie, please go with him.” “On it, Pips.” Ollie grins, leaning down to press a kiss to her cheek before dragging Jak with him even as the junior driver whines about not getting to hug her.

“You sure you want kids?” Clem asks with a laugh as the three watch the two walk around the corner. Lando can’t help but turn his attention to her, wanting to know her answer even if he was maybe joking. “My kids will be angels, I’ll have raised them. Jak and Ollie,” she shakes her head, though there’s a fond smile on her lips clearly not minding the boys. “They're thrilled about becoming older brothers. We had to bleep it on the pod when we had Jak on.” The British driver’s eyes widen as his eyes flicker down to her abdomen, the other two thankfully not noticing his reaction. “Not yet. Still got a good few years until that happens.” She laughs. Lando breathes a sigh of relief, not noticing how it catches Clem’s attention.

His brows quickly furrow for a second as he realizes what she said, a few years. That was soon, like really soon. He wanted to be a hands-on dad, be there for everything, and he still wanted to race in the next few years. Compromise was a thing in a relationship though, he was sure that they could work out some sort of timeline for kids that would fit better than a few years.

“So, Crawford and Bearman, that happens a lot?” He asks her. “Them getting hurt.” She frowns a bit at the use of the last names, but he doesn’t notice. Too caught up in her attention being on him, all of it being on him. “Yeah, a bit. But teenage boy antics are the reason or at least that’s what I've been told.” “Weirdly it only seems to happen when you’re around.” Clem says, watching Lando closely as he leans a bit into her space. It makes his nose wrinkle. “Oh, it happens when I’m not around as well. I end up getting calls or texts about it.” Clem shakes his head, “such momma’s boys.” “I can see why. You’d make a good mum.” Lando says, enjoying the way her eyes widen a bit and she gets a little flustered. “Oh, thank you.” “Of course.”

Miami 2023

After that he doesn’t see her until Miami and despite it not being an F2 weekend she’s got Novalak, Armstrong, and the other guy from Screaming Meals acting as her crew for the weekend as she runs around doing interviews with drivers, engineers, and the like. His jaw twitches as he watches her interview Logan Sargeant of all people for nearly an hour. His mood worsens when he asks his press officer for his schedule and she’s not on it.

Somehow though on Saturday before he leaves for his hotel, he manages to catch her alone. Her shadows for the weekend are all gone.

“How are you this weekend?” “I’m good. Busy, but thankfully James, Clem, and Marcus have been helping me out.” She tells him, pocketing her phone. “I saw your quali result.” He grimaces at the knowledge she saw that. “I’m sure you’ll do better tomorrow, make up some places.” “I’ll do my best.” He tells her, feeling a little warm at her assurance. “Will you be coming to Monaco? I mean, it’s nearly the race of the year.” “You mean afterparties of the year?” Lando chuckles, but nods. “True. But will you?” She shakes her head, “Nope, I’ll be at the Indy 500 just like last year.” “They happen the same weekend?” He asks, brows furrowed. “Yeah, nearly always do.” “And you want to miss Monaco?” “I mean you only really need to do Monaco once and I did it four years in a row. The 500’s nice and I’ve already got my press passes and everything sorted for it.” “Right,” he murmurs. “Well, if you change your mind, I’m sure I could get you a press pass.” “Thanks, Lando. I’ll see you in Spain.” “See ya then.” He tells her but she’s already walked off and he can’t help but want to bang his head against the wall, wondering how he failed again in getting her number or a date with her.

Spain 2023

He’s on her schedule for the weekend but the whole interview feels off, stilted. It makes him worried as he watches her interview Nico after and how off she is. Makes him wonder if perhaps she’s coming down with something, a virus or mayhaps food poisoning.

“Are you alright?” He murmurs, when she’s done, stepping close to her as she shuts off her camera. She startles at the sound of his voice and he’s quick to wrap an arm around her waist before she falls into the tripod. He lets go as soon as she’s stable, though it hurts a bit. He wants to linger, to hold her. “Are you alright?” He repeats, looking at her closely. “I’m okay, Lando.” He gives her an unimpressed look and she shakes her head. “Really, I’m okay. Just a little distracted.” “Oh,” and he relaxes, relieved she’s not feeling unwell. “Anything I could help with?” “No.” She laughs. “That’s sweet of you though.” “Really, I could help. I don’t mind.” She looks at him consideringly, before looking around making sure no one else is near and no microphones can pick up anything. Looking back at him, she sighs. “My husband, he’s got an important weekend ahead of him and I’m just a little distracted because I’m not there.” He blinks at her, the word husband swimming in his head. “I didn’t know you were married.” “Not many people do.” She laughs before looking at him seriously. “Lando, please don’t tell anyone. There’s a reason it’s been kept quiet.” “Of course.” He reassures, still feeling off kilter, that the girl he liked was married. “No one will hear it from me.”

Austria 2023

He doesn’t see her for nearly a month after the revelation of her being married and he both loves and hates it. It’s time and space away from her that he needs so he can truly grapple with his feelings but it’s also time and space away from her when he already doesn’t get to interact much with her. He’s also a little ashamed that his feelings didn’t change for her at all, if anything he feels something stronger for her. Especially after watching all of her videos and the podcasts she’s been on. Noting that she never once mentions being with anyone but also never says that she’s single.

It’s odd. She’s barely a year older than him, yet married and keeping it a secret from seemingly everyone. He’s torn between happiness that she trusts him with something like that and jealousy because she’s with someone else, someone who’s not him. All of his feelings for her are like a dichotomy.

The secretive nature of her relationship and the way she doesn’t mention it all gives him hope that it's not a happy marriage. Maybe it’s on the outs, married too young and all. Maybe it’s actually good and she’s happy, but that thought doesn’t last long. If it was good, why wouldn’t she be public about it or at least about being with someone? Besides who on earth would be with her and not want it to be public knowledge?

He ends up getting fourth, not on the podium like he wants, like he craves but it’s close. As close as he’s gotten this season. The disappointment of not being on her interview list after the race is finished is barely there, too overrun with adrenaline and confidence.

Confidence that quickly takes a hit when he manages to catch her before she leaves to go back to her hotel.

“Pips!” The nickname feels weird in his mouth, having only ever called her by her actual name, despite her using the nickname Pips on her channel, in podcasts, with friends and such. “Lando.” She greets, confusion clear on her face. He can see Novalak a few steps away but he ignores the French driver. “Hey.” He greets, grinning at her and running a hand through his curls. “I was hoping to catch you before you left.” “Oh,” she looks shocked rather than flattered but he ignores that as well. “I was wondering if maybe we could talk sometime. Maybe about doing something special for next weekend since it’s Silverstone.” “Uh,” she glances down at her phone. “Yeah, sure. I have to get going, but I’ll email my contact with McLaren about getting something set up. And congrats on P4, Lando.” She adds on, as she’s already turning away. “Thanks.” He says, but it’s quiet and she clearly doesn’t hear already several feet away from him. Just like she clearly didn’t hear that he wanted her number.

—

Clem has never felt more glad when he gets back to his hotel and phones James that Marcus and Callum are both there. “Norris is trying to make the moves on your wife.” He says immediately seeing Callum’s face. The older blinks at him, “what?” “Yeah, what?” Clem ignores Marcus, “Lando Norris, has got a thing for Pips and he’s getting ballsy.”

The French driver had realized pretty quickly after Lando had weirdly joined her, Jak, Ollie, and himself that he had a crush, he hadn’t expected for it not to be a crush but rather something more. Lando had taken to following her around on race weekends when she was there and it was only today after hearing him try (and fail) to get her number, that it wasn’t a crush but something a bit more for the McLaren driver.

“He tried asking her for her number today. She didn’t give it, but still.” He tells him before swiping to his notes and copying the link he had found during lunch and sending it to Callum. “Saw that during lunch, he’s got heart eyes for her.” The three watch as Callum watches the video, his eyebrows going up as he sees the way Lando looks at his wife.

Marcus whistles peering over Callum’s shoulder. “That’s some serious heart eyes, mate.” “Yeah, I can see that.” He murmurs, looking at the video once more before looking back at Clem. “Was he asking for work or like a date?” “I mean, he tried to say it was for Silverstone, but it was pretty obvious that he really just wanted her number.” “Huh.” His tongue swipes over the inside of his cheek, lips pressing together. “He knows that she’s married. So, yeah ballsy indeed.” “He knows?” “Yeah, she told him at the Spanish GP. Not that it was to me, of course, but he knows.” “Damn, Norris really has a set of balls on him.” James says.

Silverstone 2023

As Lando begins to go back to his family after the sprint race and press, he’s pulled aside and behind Red Bull’s garage by Max and Oscar. The sight of them together is more confusing than being pulled away despite them just being on a podium together.

“Mate,” Max starts and Lando immediately goes on the defensive. “I didn’t do it! Whatever it is, I had no part in it.” Max looks at him unimpressed while Oscar looks vaguely uncomfortable, a face he’s only used to seeing Oscar make when they’re forced to film things together for YouTube too early in the morning. “You need to chill out.” “With what?” He looks at Oscar, but Oscar isn’t looking at him, so he’s forced to look at Max who’s giving him that stupid unimpressed and disappointed look. It’s seriously unfair how good he is at it. “Your heart eyes when Pips interviews you.” Oscar says for Max. “Or when she’s in the general vicinity. Fans are going to start picking up on it and the last thing she needs or McLaren, I’m sure, is that she’s sleeping with a driver to get more opportunities.” “I don’t have heart eyes.” He tries to protest, but it’s half-hearted. “And no one will think that.” “Are you dumb?” The Aussie snaps and he’s finally looking at Lando, but it’s not a look, it’s a glare. The sight makes him swallow and he takes a step back. “You’ve been doing this longer than I have, you damn well know how any woman in motorsports gets treated. Fans start picking up on you looking at her like that and they are going to tear her apart. Say even more that the only reason she gets to interview drivers is because she spreads her legs.” His eyes are wide and they dart over to Max hoping that the older driver will be a little sympathetic maybe get Oscar to stop fucking glaring because where the fuck did he get that from, but the Dutch shakes his head at him.

“She’s worked hard to get here. Don’t ruin her career for something you don’t even have a chance at getting close to.” Lando straightens at the words, jaw twitching and his own eyes narrow at him. “What’s that supposed to mean? I could have a chance.” He raises an eyebrow, sparing a glance at Oscar who nods in return at him. “Really, because Oscar told me she’s married. You want to ruin a marriage?” “You told Max?” He looks at the younger in disbelief, “you knew?” “She’s always been closer with us F2 and F3 drivers, a good few of us know.” “Unbelievable.” He huffs before shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter. I wouldn’t be ruining a marriage anyways. Not when it’s clearly an unhappy one.” The relief that had started to show on their faces drops immediately and now they’re both glaring at him.

“What? She’s like a year older than me, married, and practically no one knows about it. That’s weird. Not really a sign things are going well.” He’s putting all the confidence he can into the words, believing them, unwilling to think that perhaps he’s wrong. “Lando.” Max sighs, shaking his head. “I don’t even know where to start with how dumb and wrong you are.” “You barely know her.” Oscar chimes in. “You’ve had maybe two or three conversations with her outside of interviews. You have no idea whether she’s happy or not.” He presses his lips together, doubt starting to fester in his brain, but he pushes it away. He couldn’t be wrong about this. “Whatever.” He murmurs before shoving past them and walking as fast he can to where his family is waiting for him.

Belgium 2023

Pips can’t help but feel relieved when she doesn’t really see Lando at all on Friday. It was a bit unnerving the way he’d follow her around on the weekends she was there. Always paying attention closely to what she’s doing and saying. It felt unsettling having someone she wasn’t that close to paying so much attention to her.

Her luck however runs out on Sunday when after she finishes talking to Gabriel, wishing him luck in Monza, that he finds her.

“Hey.” He greets. “Hi Lando. Good job today.” “Thanks!” he beams. “I was just curious, are you doing anything for dinner tonight? A few of us are going out in about an hour, you could come.” She smiles apologetically. “I’m getting dinner with Jak, Ollie and their dads.” “Oh,” he looks disappointed for a second before flashing her a smile. “Maybe next time?” “Maybe.” She agrees with a nod, watching him walk away before hightailing it to where the boys and their dads are.

“Sorry David, Tim.” She apologies but they both wave it away with a smile. “What about us?” Ollie cries. “You left us waiting too.” She rolls her eyes at both of them, Jak nodding along with Ollie, before ruffling both of their hair. “Sorry to you two as well. Now, what could I do to convince one or both of you to come to some of the next few races with me?” “You mean after Monza?” Jak asks, as they all get into the car. The only girl not even grimacing as she gets in the middle, between both junior drivers. “Yeah, Singapore, Japan, Qatar. I know you’re both going to be at Austin.” David looks at her in the rearview mirror concerned. “Is everything alright, Pips?” “One of the drivers has got me a bit anxious.” Tim turns in his seat, “he hasn’t tried to,” She stops him before he can continue. “No, and I don’t think he’d do anything. He’s harmless really. I just would like the comfort of having someone familiar with me at the track all the time. I’d pay for your guys' tickets and hotel of course.”

Ollie looks briefly at his dad even though he was an adult and the older man gives him a nod. “I’ll join you. I don’t have anything with the FDA or Prema anyways unless it’s a week with no races.” “Me too. I’ll go.” “And you don’t need to worry about paying for the boys. Red Bull will be thrilled at one of their juniors coming to races that aren’t required or anything, they’ll happily pay for his tickets and hotel.” “And I’ll pay for Ollie’s tickets.” David takes his eyes off the road briefly to share a grin with Tim. “No need for a second room when we know that Ollie will just end up in Jak’s.” Tim and her both laugh while both of the boys make protesting noises. “Or in my room.” She adds. She would sometimes do movie nights with some of the F2 and F3 drivers and inevitably she’d end up with three or four people staying the night.

Later after dinner as Jak and Ollie try to find somewhere to get some ice cream she’s not surprised when David and Tim turn the conversation back to what she told them in the car.

“Are you sure he’s harmless?” She nods at Tim’s concern, “I’m sure. He’s just paying a lot of attention to me and it’s a bit off putting y’know since I don’t really know him.” “If he does anything,” David starts but she stops him. “If he does anything, it wouldn’t matter. Especially if it’s,” she pauses, unsure of how to say it, “unsavory.” she ends up settling on. “I couldn’t say anything, not if I’d still want a career in motorsports. But I don’t think it's like that at all. He seems to be more trying to figure me out than trying to ask me out or something.” She laughs.

The idea really was laughable, Lando having feelings for her and asking her out. She wasn’t exactly sure why he was paying so much attention to her but it couldn’t be because he had feelings for her. Especially since he knew she was married.

“Tell Callum, yeah?” David says. “He’ll want to know why you’ve got the boys with you.” “We’ve got a planned call before I go to bed. I’ll tell him then.” “Good.”

—

“Hello, darling.” She smiles, scooting back a little in the bathtub. “Hey, Cal.” “What are you doing?” “Taking a bath.” He groans and she can’t help but laugh. “Fuck, I’m jealous.” “You could take a bath too.” She laughs, pulling her phone away to put it on speaker and setting it on the bath sill. “But it wouldn’t be the same without you here. I miss you washing my hair.” She can hear him pouting and a fond smile pulls at her lips. “I miss it too. I miss you.” She sighs. “Next year will be better.” He reminds her. “Only F2 weekends when I don’t have a race and then the US races and Yas Marina.” “Yeah, next year will be a lot nicer.” She draws one of her legs up, swirling her fingers in the bubbles that are lingering on her skin.

“What’d you do today?” “An Oval test, other sim work. Nothing too exciting. How was dinner?” She frowns, reminded of the conversation she had with David and Tim. “It was good. It’s always nice to see David and Tim. Ollie and Jak were buzzing about.” She bites at her lip. “Actually speaking of the boys, they’ll be coming with me to the next three races I go too.” “Singapore, Japan, and Qatar? Did something happen?” She swallows harshly, knowing that Callum wouldn’t like what she had to say. “I’ve been feeling a little uncomfortable the past few race weekends. My anxiety’s been a bit high.” “Darling.” He breathes and the emotion in his voice makes her blink away tears. “One of the drivers has been watching me a lot. Like nonstop. If he’s around he’s got his eyes on me and it’s just unsettling. I barely know him and he just keeps looking at me.” “Are you alright?” “Yeah,” she nods even though he can’t see her. “I kind of feel like I’m overreacting, but I just, I don’t know, Cal. The whole thing feels weird.” She wraps her arms around herself, wishing that she wasn’t alone but with Callum so he could hold her. She could really do with one of his hugs. “I don’t think he’ll do anything, it doesn’t seem like he’s looking at me because he’s interested but more because he’s trying to figure me out?” Her voice gets a little high at the end, not sure if she’s making any sense.

“Who is it?” “Lando.” She doesn’t know what to expect from Callum but she wasn’t expecting what she got. “Shit.” He curses. “Callum?” “He has a thing for you.” “What? No.” “Pips, I promise, one hundred percent he’s got a thing for you. Clem noticed it a while ago but only told me during Austria.” “Austria?” “Fuck,” he curses again. “I’m sorry, I should’ve told you, but I mean I didn't really think he was going to do anything. I mean Clem said he was getting a little ballsy, trying to get your number.” “He never tried getting my,” she stops remembering the awkward conversation at Miami and then the one at Austria. “Oh my god.”

It’s silent between them for a few moments, Callum letting her wrap her head around it.

“Do you want me to go with as well? Join Ollie and Jak.” “No.” She murmurs before saying it again a bit louder. “I’ll be okay with Jak and Ollie. They know that I’m uncomfortable and it's because of a driver, they won’t leave me alone.” “If you change your mind, tell me and I’ll fly straight there. I don’t care if you’ve only got a day left of the weekend.” “Of course.”

“Are you sure you’re alright?” “Yeah, it’s just weird now knowing that he likes me. I mean you can’t really help who you get a crush on, but he knows I’m married. He knows I’m not available but he’s still paying so much attention to me. It’s just odd.” She ends up settling on. “Do you want me to change your flight?” “Please.” “I’ll do it right now.”

Singapore 2023

“Max!” She greets, smiling at the driver. “How are you doing today?” “I’m doing well. I see you have some assistants today.” He gestures to Jak and Ollie and she nods. “Yes, I’m afraid that I stole one of your junior drivers and an FDA driver as well.” “And is Jak being helpful? If he isn’t you tell me and I’ll make sure he’s stuck doing sim work for a week.” He jokes, making Jak gasp while both her and Ollie laugh. “He’s been a wonder. But let’s talk about Monza, a tough race for you.” “Little bit, it was a change of pace for sure. But you know, I enjoyed it.” He smiles. “Good and I’ve heard you didn’t celebrate breaking a monumentous record. Not even an ice cream? Chocolate? Perhaps buying yourself a new part for your sim setup?” “Ah! You remembered. No, still haven’t bought the part, I need to though soon, so that way I’m not bored when the season ends.” “Heaven forbid we have a bored Max Verstappen.” “Exactly, but I did actually have some chocolate to celebrate. It was good.” He tells her.

“Do you mind if I ask you a question, Max?” Ollie speaks up and she shifts a little to the side so the microphone can pick up his voice better. “Of course.” “Could you teach me how to make a stroopwafel?” “That’s your question? You can ask me anything Ollie, really, I don’t mind.” “No, could you teach me?” Max looks at her and laughs at the exasperated look on her face but can’t help nod. “You know what, yeah. Next time you're in England, I’ll teach both you and Jak how to make a stroopwafel.” “Could I join to film it? Because you don’t know how to make stroopwafels.” She laughs. “I’m Dutch, I definitely know how to make a stroopwafel.” “Sure, Max. Sure.”

“Could I ask a question?” Jak asks and Max nods again, ignoring his press officer that had approached him. “You’ve proven that you’re really good at geography. Do you think if you got dropped randomly somewhere in Milton Keynes, blindfolded, you could find your way to the factory in less than an hour?” “Jak,” she tries to scold, but she’s laughing too hard and the American smiles at her. “What Pips? He said he’s good at geography, I just want to know how good.” “They should become staples.” Max gestures at them, an amused smile on his face before he turns his attention to Jak. “I’d like to say yes, but I have no idea. I only really know my apartment and the factory around Milton Keynes, that's it.” He tells him, before looking at her. “So you're not good at geography.” Jak says, but she speaks over him, both Max and her ignoring him. “Thank you so much, Max and you’ll have this to look forward to for the next two races as well.” “Really?” “Yeah.” He turns to his press officer, voice just barely loud enough for the microphone to pick up. “I’m on her schedule for the next two races right?” The press officer nods and he grins. “Amazing. See you guys next week.”

As Max walks away, Ollie shuts the camera off and she shakes her head. “Please don’t do that with all the drivers.” She warns. “We won’t. Max is always down to joke around with us.” She nods, before grinning at the two. “You got something good for Charles?” “Oh yeah.” Jak nods, grinning. “Awesome.” She tells them, holding both of her hands up for high fives.

—

“I can’t believe the Red Bull streak is over.” Ollie murmurs, leaning against her as she puts her camera in its bag before putting it in her tote. “They’ll be back next week. This was just a one off.” Jak says confidently. “I don’t know,” the younger draws out, straightening. “I mean Ferrari could perform well in Japan.” “Yeah, if they don’t make a bad call.” Ollie fake scowls before launching himself at Jak who’s sitting on the couch opposite of hers.

She shakes her head as the two start wrestling, quickly falling off of the couch and onto the floor and she’s never been happier that there wasn’t a coffee table between two couches.

“Wish I had their energy.” A voice speaks from behind her before the couch is dipping beside her as someone sits. “Don’t we all?” She jokes, turning her head to give Lando an awkward smile before looking back at the boys. “Congratulations on P2. It was a good race. You did an amazing job.” “Thanks. Did they have team duties?” “No.” She shakes her head, crossing her ankles as his eyes focus on the side of her face. “They didn’t have anything to do for their teams or academies so I asked them to come with me, keep me company.” “I would’ve kept you company.” Her eyes widen for a moment and smile flickering, but she quickly pastes it back on, smiling at him for a second. “Wouldn’t be much company with free practices, press, and such.” “Well if you ever want some adult company, I’m available.” Her breathing stutters at the words adult company, at the emphasis on adult, a weird sick sense of dread filling her stomach. She had to be imagining that right? The way his voice lowered, the slight drawn out syllable. And for the first time she regrets not wearing her wedding ring for a totally different reason than normal.

Before she has to force herself to respond and god what would she even say to that, her name is being called by two voices and her attention snaps back to them.

“He bruised me!” They both whine at her, standing now with near identical pouts on their faces. She sighs and hopes that Lando can’t hear the relief in it as she stands. “Alright, you two. Let’s get some food and get to bed. We’ve got a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” “Oh, please.” Jak groans, pout disappearing at the mention of food. Ollie is the same, eyes alight with excitement. “Do you think we could get pizza?” “We’re not getting pizza in Singapore, Ollie!” Jak protests.

As the three begin to walk out of the room, she barely remembers to throw a half hearted wave goodbye over her shoulder at Lando. Leaving him looking after her with disappointment.

Japan 2023

Lando watches her the whole weekend, waiting for her to be alone, but if one of the F2 drivers isn't with her, they both are. She’s never left alone and he wonders if perhaps he came on a little too strong in Singapore, the high of the podium giving him a confidence like no other. Regret bubbles in him. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable or upset. It was the last thing that he wanted.

But he never gets the chance to apologize and he can only hope that in Qatar that he’ll get the opportunity.

Qatar 2023

She nearly doesn’t go to Qatar. Not when she had over a week that was just Callum, her, and their families. It makes her crave what next year and season will bring. She does end up going, meeting Jak and Ollie at the airport and despite not wanting to leave Callum, she doesn’t regret it one bit.

Qatar has always been one of her favorite places to go for races. It may have only been introduced to Formula 1 in 2021, but she had been going there since 2017 for different races like Motocross and Superbike.

It’s the only race that she only attends the Saturday and Sunday of, despite it being a sprint weekend. And despite only attending the last two days, she doesn’t manage to avoid Lando.

The boys are just a bit ahead of her, listening to Max as he talks to them about sim racing, when Lando approaches her.

“I wanted to apologize.” She jumps at the sound of his voice out of nowhere, nearly tripping over her own feet. “What?” “I want to apologize for Singapore. I came on really strong and it wasn’t my intention to make you uncomfortable but I did. I’m sorry, I’ll do my best to keep some distance.” She barely knows what to say to that. “Thank you.” She settles on. “I appreciate it and I’d appreciate some distance.” “Oh,” he looks surprised by her ask and she returns her attention to the boys in front of her. Charles now having joined Max and them, and she can faintly hear Max and Charles squabbling like children over a strategy for an F2 race. “Lando, I’m married.” She hates that she needs to remind him of that fact, that it’s a fact so easily forgettable to him. “I’m not available. And I apologize if I’ve ever acted or given you a signal that I was.” “I know you’re married.” “If you know, then maybe you shouldn’t be hitting on a married woman.” And before he can reply she’s jogging to catch up to the four in front, telling Max and Charles that they’re strategies are both shit. The statement earns her squawks in protest while Ollie and Jak laugh.

Austin 2023

“My OG boys!” She crows as James focuses her camera on her as she rests her arm over Marcus’ shoulder and the other over Callum’s. “Reunited at last.” She sighs. Marcus sighs back, face scrunching up a bit. “Sadly.” Callum grins down at her as she fake glares at Marcus who immediately laughs. “But I thought we were your boys?” Jak says, gesturing between himself and Ollie, James swinging the camera to look at them. “No, no.” She says, removing her arms from the Indycar drivers and gathering the two F2 drivers in a hug. “They are my boys, you two are my little babies.” She coos and is surprised when they don’t protest or jokingly squirm away since a camera is on them. Completely missing that overhead Jak is giving the Indycar drivers a smug look while Ollie sticks his tongue at them.

James films them for another moment, before switching the camera off and handing it off to Callum.

“I forgot how much you baby them.” Callum teases her, when she finally returns to his side. “Good practice.” She teases in return, watching as he practically blue screens. “Gross.” Marcus remarks, nose wrinkling as he realizes why Callum has frozen up. “You can’t talk about it, don’t do it.” She tells the barely younger man. “Oh, I can talk about it, I just don’t want to think about you two doing it.” “He says as he just says the word it.” Callum chuckles, brushing a hand over the small of her back. “Well, I can talk more about it than either of them can.” He gestures to the two teenagers. She raises a brow, hearing a low chuckle from her husband as he realizes that she’s about to do something.

“Hey, Ollie.” She calls and he looks over at her, an eyebrow raised. “You have some condoms with you right?” Marcus chokes on his own spit and James turns a little red. “Yes.” He snorts. “I doubt I’ll be having sex this weekend though.” She gives a pointed look at Marcus when he says the word sex. “Never know, Ollie. Never know.” “I hate you so much.” Marcus mumbles and she just grins.

—

“Marcus, Callum. Good to see you both.” Charles greets, shaking both of their hands as the small group watches Pips interview Daniel, the Ferrari driver next in line. “Good to see ya, mate.” Marcus smiles. Callum and him may have both had a rough time at the FDA, but Charles had always been kind and nice to them, even after. “How are you liking Indycar, Marcus? I’ve seen a couple of races.” “It’s good. You probably don’t remember what an F2 car feels like, but it’s a hell of alot smoother than that thing.” He laughs, giving him one of those shit winks he has. “I can vaguely remember.” He turns his attention to Callum, not minding that the driver has his eyes firmly on the girl in front of them. “And how are you? I saw the uh, whole twitter thing.” Callum flashes him a quick smile, trying not to show how bothered he still somewhat is by the whole thing. “I’m alright. Been better with my twitter being private and all.” “Good, good.” He nods, then seeing Daniel step away, he excuses himself for his own interview.

“She’s got Gasly tomorrow right?” The British driver makes a humming noise. “Logan and Norris as well.” “Ooh, last name basis now?” Callum throws him a look. “If he’s going to refer to the boys that way, yes.” He looks at him in disbelief. “Still?” When he nods, Marcus runs a hand over his face. “Jesus christ. He’s a bit of a disaster isn’t he?” “More so just caught up in this and Quadrant. Imagine if Max ever goes back, he’ll interact again, but we’ll see.” “So, don’t hold my breath.” He snorts, watching as Charles attempts to explain the tyre strategy. “Yeah, don’t hold your breath.”

—

Lando can’t help but frown when as soon as he’s answered her last question and she’s thanked him, she’s turning her camera off, already stepping further back from him. “I’m not going to do anything.” Her head snaps up to look at him, disbelief on her features and he nearly smacks himself as he realizes what he said. “Fuck, I, mean, I didn’t,” he stutters about feeling warm and he can feel the two Indy drivers she’s close with watching him closely, which makes it worse. Blood rushed to his face and he’s thankful he’s still got a bit of tan, harder to tell when he’s flustered. “I’m sorry, I didn't think.” “Seems to be a common occurrence.” The jab should make him wince, but he can’t help but laugh. It was true, had gotten him into a fair amount of trouble with PR. “Not really like you need brains to drive, right?” He expects her to laugh, like everyone else does when he makes the joke, though there is a bit of truth to the statement depending on the driver. But the disbelief is back on her face and she just shakes her head. “Good luck in Mexico, Lando. I’ll see you for an interview in Brazil.” “You’re not going to Mexico?” She shakes her head and unscrews the camera from its tripod, placing it carefully in her tote. “No, but I wish you luck.” “Did you mean that?” “What?”

He bites at the inside of his bottom lip, nerves making him feel a bit jittery, but he wants to know, has to know, that despite him constantly putting his foot in his mouth, saying the wrong thing and making her uncomfortable, if she means it. “When you wish me good luck, do you mean it? Are you actually hoping I’ll do well?” Her lips thin as she folds down the tripod and he’s holding his breath waiting for an answer. “Anytime I tell a driver good luck, I mean it.” It’s general, detached, but something surges in him, because every interview at the end she’s wished him luck. And he knows that she doesn’t do that with every driver, in fact some drivers, he doesn’t think he’s ever heard her wish good luck. “Great.” The word comes out a little breathless and he can feel himself flush more. “I mean, amazing, that's good, I, thank you.” He ends up settling on, feeling like he’s on fire. “You’re welcome.”

Brazil 2023

She giggles as he pulls her back onto the bed, this time however his arms are still tight around her, keeping her close. “Callum, I have to go.” “No.” He whines, rolling over and taking her with him, so that she’s in between him and the bed. Unable to stop a small smirk from forming at the way her legs immediately separate to make space for him. “You should stay here with me today. Just us.” He murmurs, bending down to hover his lips over her neck. “All alone together in this bed. Room service when we need some energy.” She hums, the idea more than appealing. “It does sound good.” She presses a kiss to his lips. “Yeah?” “Yeah.” She smiles, before nudging two of her fingers into his ribs. The sensation makes him yell as he rolls off her, arms coming up to protect his ribs and she takes the opportunity to get off and away from the bed.

“Pips,” he groans, rubbing at the spot she hurt him. “What was that for?” “I have to go to the track. I have work.” She tells him. “But it’s a Thursday. Nothing good happens on a Thursday.” “Well, this one is different.” He eyes her, really taking note of what she’s wearing. He had thought it odd how dressed up she was getting for a simple media day, but some days she liked doing that. Dressing to the near nines for the hell of it. “You got an important interview.” She smiles and he’s standing up, crossing the room to kiss her.

“You never said.” “I was expecting them to cancel.” She admits, still not sure why they reached out to see if she’d want to do an interview. She knew part of it was PR, but still didn’t make sense that they choose her, when there were other content creators involved with motorsports, ones at that, that spent far more time on F1, but they had chosen her. She also couldn’t help but be glad that her interview with him would take place after her interviews with everyone else. When the track was starting to wind down from the press. “Who is it with?” He asks. “I mean, am I allowed to know who it is?” “Of course you’re allowed to know.” She laughs, brushing her fingers through his hair. It was getting to be a bit long. She’d have to find someplace for him to get his haircut before Yas Marina. “It’s Christian.” His eyes widened. “Horner?” “Yeah.” “Fuck.” He swears, blinking. “I mean, shit.” He laughs. “Are you ready for this? Get enough breakfast? Got your notebook?” He starts patting at his thighs where his wallet would be if he was wearing jeans. “Do you need me to get you some coffee? Drive you to the track?” He glances down when he realizes he’s not wearing anything but boxers, cursing, before looking around the room for some jeans. He doesn’t notice the way she’s looking at him at first. Eyes soft and filled with light and love. Smile fond and infatuated. But then her hand is grasping at his arm, tugging lightly until he turns around at the sound of his name.

She presses forward, kissing him and his hands drop the jeans he had just found, grabbing at her waist.

“I’m so in love with you, Callum Ilott.” She breathes when they separate, unable to not smile, heart beating a little fast at how much she loves this man, her husband. “I’m in love with you too, Pips Ilott.” She laughs, remembering how she nearly signed their marriage certificate with Pips instead of her actual name. “Dinner when I get back?” He nods, stealing another kiss from her. “I’ll have something ordered from somewhere for us.” “Thank you.” “Of course.” He tells her, before tapping her ass with a wink and letting his hands fall away. “Now go and knock his socks off.” She shakes her head, laughing a little, but moves to pick up her tote. “I’ll put in a word about Indycar for you.” “If you don’t leave,” he starts. “I’m going, I’m going.” She laughs, grabbing her key card before opening the hotel room door. “I will put in a word for you though, love you!” She tells him, closing the door behind her. ‘Love you too!” He responds, despite the door being closed as he shakes his head.

“I’m so fucking lucky you married me.” He murmurs, knowing that she wasn’t joking about bringing up Indycar to the team principal.

—

She can’t help but beam as she leaves and starts to walk towards the track’s exit. Her interview with Christian, went well, really well. She had even managed to get him to talk about his less than savory comment about women in motorsports without getting shut down. And she nearly does a little dance as she nears the gates, she hadn’t even had to bring up Indycar, Christian doing it for her.

It had been off camera as he asked her about how she liked Indycar and there had been a keen interest in his eyes as they talked about the sport for a good ten or so minutes. She did her best not to think about how he told her to give her husband his best. She wasn’t surprised that his team and or Red Bull’s had done their due diligence on her.

“You’re certainly happy.” She smiles at Lando, the sight of him not even dampening her mood. “I had a very good interview.” “Oh, something good to watch out for?” “Only if you like Red Bull.” His nose wrinkles at that. “Red Bull? Really?” “You don’t just turn down an opportunity to interview Christian Horner, Lando.” “Holy shit. Really?” She nods, still beaming and he can’t help but smile back at her. “That’s fucking nuts. Congrats.” “Thanks.” She laughs, adjusting her tote. “Could I buy you a drink? Help you celebrate a little?” He offers, wanting to continue seeing her like this. Happy and like she was floating with it. She shakes her head, “I’ve got dinner to get to. But thank you Lando.” “Of course.” He murmurs. “And congratulations again.” She flashes him another smile, before walking through the gates, eager to get back to Callum and tell him all about it.

Yas Marina 2023

Lando pats Oscar on the back, happy for his teammate who had managed to get on the podium again. A nice P3, compared to his P5. And he had managed to finish within the top ten of the driver standings for his rookie season, finishing at ninth, while Lando himself finished eighth.

“You happy that the season is over?” He asks, as Oscar starts to change out of his fireproofs and race suit. The Aussie shrugs. “I mean, I guess. Will be nice to not be a rookie next year. I’m just happy to go back home for a bit. Spend some time with Lily.” “I’m surprised she’s not here.” Oscar pauses as he pulls on some pants, “she’s with Fred and them.” “Fred?” Oscar rolls his eyes. “Vesti, the guy that managed to win the F2 championship despite it nearly being impossible.” “Ah.” Lando nods, the name ringing a bell now.

He had seen a little bit of the races, knew that Pourchaire retiring nearly halfway through the sprint race had been a bit of a whatever, but then on the third lap of the feature race he had to retire after a crash between him and some other driver, he thinks Stanek.

He eyes Oscar who’s on his phone, texting he thinks by the way his thumb is moving across the lower part of the screen. “Have you seen Pips? I wanted to say hi to her.” “Lando,” “Honestly.” He holds his hands open. “I just want to say hi and tell her how much I liked the Horner interview.” Oscar narrows his eyes, looking at him. “She’s with some current and former F2 drivers right now, friends, and girlfriends. We’re all going out to dinner.” He glances down at his phone, before looking back at Lando. “If you want you can come with.” “Really?” “As long as you promise to be on your best behavior.” Lando grins at him. “Can do.” He rolls his eyes, slipping his phone into his back pocket while grabbing for his wallet. “Also, on the ride there, maybe look at the F2 line up for this year and 2021’s. It’s rude to call people by their last names, when you should know their first.” He flushes at the words, but nods. “Yeah, I’ll do that.”

—

Pips has never been so thankful for James' management skills as the large group of fifteen settles around a table in a private room of a restaurant. There’s a few empty places still around it, but there’s only two more people they’re waiting for, Oscar and Logan.

A bunch of different conversations are in the room but everyone stops to cheer when Oscar and Logan enter the room. “We’re not worthy!” Clem shouts, with a laugh taking another drink of wine. Logan rolls his eyes, but grins, sitting on the other side of Jak. Oscar quickly moves to Lily’s side, pressing a kiss to her cheek before sitting next to her. “Brought along a guest.” He tells everyone. She looks over at the entrance for the private dining room but before she can react, Callum is taking her hand in his under the table, squeezing it. “Well, you know us. The more the merrier.” James jokes, waving the British formula one driver over, motioning for him to take a seat.

Lando claps Fred on the shoulder as he passes by him, the Dane sitting at the head of the table. “Congrats on the championship, mate. Was nuts to watch.” “Thank you, Lando. Congratulations to you as well for the season.”

“Please tell me I’m not going to have to watch him hit on you.” Marcus murmurs to her, leaning over Callum to do so as they watch Lando sit on the other side of the table just two seats down. She sends him a look, shaking her head. “No. Crowds seem to deter him.” Marcus laughs at that, so does Lissie having heard it as well, while Callum shakes his head with a smile.

“You going to be okay?” Callum’s voice is just a murmur, Lissie having thankfully distracted Marcus. “Yeah.” She squeezes his hand. “Besides, I’ve got you haven’t I?” He smiles, running a finger over her wedding band and ring, an odd but pleasant sensation to the both of them. “Always.”

“Your interview with Horner was really good.” “Thank you.” She was a little surprised that Lando had seen it already. It hadn’t even been out for a week. “Was there anything cut that you wish could have made it in?” She shakes her head. “No. There were some cuts made for pacing, but during the interview we didn’t talk about anything that needed to be cut.” “And after?” Lando asks, fishing a little. She shrugs, “NDA.” “You had to sign an NDA?” “Yeah, and it was a good one, wasn’t it Pips?” “It was a bit more serious than I’m used to.” She allows before smiling at James. “And thank you for letting me borrow Evan again.” “He was more than happy too.”

“You’ve signed NDA’s before?” She nods, looking at Lando a little confused. “Yeah. I had to sign one when we did that interview in Silverstone for McLaren. It’s really basic just making sure that if I overhear anything I don’t talk about it with anyone, especially competitors. Williams had me sign an identical one before I interviewed Logan in Miami.” “Ron says hi, by the way.” Logan pipes in, grinning at her. “Tell Ron to focus on his actual granddaughter.” The American laughs but nods, turning his attention back to the conversation he was in.

“I didn’t realize.” “It’s part of the job. I don’t mind it. Have you had an NDA given to you yet, Lissie?” The younger girl nods. “Yeah, a few. Chip gave me one after Marcus and I disclosed.” “Those are fun aren’t they?” She groans, leaning a bit over Marcus. “It was absurdly long and convoluted. I’ve never seen anything like it.” “I had the same thing.”

“I don’t remember any large NDA’s.” Callum says, brows drawn together. “Remember that binder I got, it was green.” “Oh.” His eyes widen and then his nose scrunches up. “God, that was long. What on earth did they think you were going to talk about with other people?” She shrugs, “They weren’t exactly wrong considering my conversation at Red Bull.” “Well, what did you talk about at Red Bull?” Marcus asks, eyeing the couple. Her hands go a bit in the air, before one goes up to her face, zipping her mouth shut. Marcus narrows his eyes at her, before turning his attention to Callum. “Do you know?” He shrugs. “I don’t know. Do I know?” “I hate you two.” Marcus says after a moment, the few other people listening in laughing. “I mean, really. You two are perfect for each other. Couldn’t think of a better match or married couple.” She laughs before smiling at her husband. “Ah, you hear that honey? We’re perfect for each other.” “Only took him five years to admit it.”

“You two are married?” She freezes at the weird tone in Lando’s voice, the whole room quieting and she can see James looking at Marcus, before she turns her head to look at Lando. “Yeah, we have been for two years, closer to three.” “He’s your husband?” Eyes widen all around the table and she rests a hand on Callum’s thigh. “Yes, he is. And he’s the best husband anyone could ask for.” Her tone is warning, hoping he won’t say anything worse. She wouldn't stand for anyone trying to say that Callum didn’t deserve her. “Wow.” Lando murmurs, before smiling the best he can at the both of them. “Congratulations to you two. Can I ask why all the secrecy?” “We just weren’t ready to share.” She tells him.

“Did you just say weren’t?” Clem interrupts Lando, before the Brit can say anything. “Holy fuck.” James says, catching the way Callum and Pips smile at each other. “You two are coming out.” He makes a face at the words. “I’d reword that one.” She presses her face into his shoulder at the look Marcus gives him, stifling a laugh. The Kiwi was most definitely going to continue calling it their coming out now. “You two are actually going public. I can’t believe it.” She shakes her head at the disbelief in Marcus’ voice, “you knew this was coming. We want kids, other than Jak and Ollie,” she quickly adds on before either of the boys can protest. “And we don’t want to worry about hiding our relationship and the pregnancy or them.” “I better be godfather.” He tells her. “Me as well.” “Same here.” “I definitely should get godfather.” “We’ll share a kid.”

“How many kids do you think we’re having exactly?” Callum asks, looking at everyone who had spoken in disbelief. “Nine.” “Ten.” “Seven, definitely seven.” “Five?”

“Logan!” Her eyes are wide as she stares at the American. “I’m guessing that you don’t want ten.” “No.” She shakes her head. “Can you imagine? We have to think of the possibility of them all wanting to do karting and paying for that. Ten karting careers is way too many.” “It’s also three by the way.” Oscar says, taking a drink after. “Though if the last ends up being multiples and they end up with four or five, that’s fine.” “How do you know that?” James asks. “Lily.” “Nah, see, that's girlfriend privilege. Unfair advantage. I want him out of the running for godfather.” James points at Oscar as he looks at the two of them. They share a look, before looking at James. “Yeah, we haven’t decided anything. And there’s still about a year and a half until anything gets decided, so we can’t put him out of the running yet. Unless of course, he doesn’t want to be godfather.” Callum says. “Oh, I absolutely want to be in the running.” James points at him again. “Unfair advantage.”

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