LIGHTS OUT - PIERRE GASLY

n i n e

ALBON GETS RED BULL SEAT FROM BELGIUM GP AS GASLY RETURNS TO TORO ROSSO

Annabelle's heart broke at the article she read on her phone screen in front of her.

Pierre had worked so hard to settle in at Red Bull and for what? She felt so bad for him she just wanted to give him a hug but he was at home in Bologna.

She wanted to text him but she was unsure at what to say. She didn't want to make him feel any worse, did he want sympathy? or just someone to vent to? She just decided to send him a simple text.

I've heard the news, how do you feel?

She didn't get a reply straight away. Annabelle thought he must've been busy processing the news or doing some press related stuff.

Like shit.

His reply didn't surprise her in the slightest. Her heart broke for him and she was sure he needed someone to comfort him right now.

Do you want to talk about it?

Pierre was extremely appreciative of Annabelle. She always seemed to be there for him when he needed her the most.

INCOMING FACETIME: PIERRE

Annabelle picked up the phone instantly, with a sad smile on her face.

Pierre sighed, "I feel like shit, Bella. It's everywhere I see. I turned on the tv, it was on the news. I go on Instagram, it's on my feed. I can't get away from it..." He began to vent to Annabelle and she didn't mind at all. She knew it was good to release everything that was troubling you and she wanted to help Pierre in every possible way.

"I know it must be hard. Maybe try staying away from all that right now. Why don't you go for a walk?"

Pierre shook his head, "I can't. What if somebody recognised me and started to ask me questions."

Annabelle sighed as Pierre put his head in his hand. She yearned to be close to him right now, to hold him in her arms and tell him everything was going to be alright.

"I'm coming to Bologna."

Pierre's head shot up in confusion, "What?"

"You clearly don't want to be alone right now and I hate not being able to comfort you in person. I'm coming to see you."

"Don't be silly, mon amour. I'll be fine, you've only been back in Monaco a week, you need to spend some time with your family. I'll be okay, I promise."

"Too bad I'm already looking at flights."

He could've argued with her more, but he was so desperate to see her. Pierre chuckled, shaking his head, "What am I going to with you, eh?"

**

After around three and a half hours of travelling, Annabelle pulls up outside of Pierre's apartment. It was dusk so she glad to arrive. She decided to get a cab from the airport as she didn't want to drag Pierre out to pick her up if wasn't feeling his best.

She rang the doorbell and he unlocked the door for her. The walk up the stairs was a short one and she momentarily made her way to his front door.

When he opened the door, he had a glum expression on his face and sad eyes causing Annabelle's heart shatter even more.

"Come here." Despite Pierre being a few inches taller than Annabelle, he still managed to bury his head into her neck as she rubbed his back softly. They remained in that position for a few seconds before making their way into his apartment.

Annabelle took off her shoes and jacket before placing her bag on the floor of Pierre's living room.

He had stationed himself on the sofa in front of the tv. Netflix was on the screen and Annabelle noticed he was watching 'Dirty Dancing'.

She smiled, "You liked it, huh?"

Pierre chuckled softly, shrugging, "It reminded me of you, it was comforting."

It was playing at the bit where Baby and Johnny were in the lake practising the iconic lift.

"Come on, this is the best part." Annabelle sat on the sofa next to Pierre, letting him rest his head in her lap and she ran her fingers through his hair.

Now it was his turn for him to fall asleep on her and Annabelle was glad of it. He looked like he needed a good sleep after all the news he had to take in today.

She reached for blanket that was placed on the end of the sofa and wrapped it around the two of them, before slowly drifting off to sleep herself.

**

Pierre awoke the next morning slightly confused, he was in his living room. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up looking around the room before hearing soft breathing next to him.

Annabelle was sat there, still in her clothes from the previous night, sleeping peacefully. How she managed to sleep well in that position was unknown to Pierre but he was glad she did anyway.

He made his way to the kitchen and began to make them both breakfast. He made himself bacon and eggs but also pancakes for Annabelle as he knew they were her favourite.

The smell of bacon awoke Annabelle from her slumber. She was still in her jeans and t-shirt from yesterday, making her feel quite sluggish but she slept fine regardless.

She made her way into the kitchen, "Hey."

Pierre turned around, smiling at the young Leclerc, "Morning, sorry for falling asleep on you last night."

"I don't mind, I'm just glad you liked Dirty Dancing."

He chuckled, flipping a pancake. "You made pancakes?"

Pierre watched Annabelle's face light up, "Yes."

She grinned, "Mind if I have a shower first?"

He nodded, "There's one in my en suite. I'll leave you out some comfortable clothes."

She grinned, "Thank you, Pi."

"Anything for you, Bella."

Annabelle showered and changed into one of Pierre's hoodies and a pair of his sweatpants before making her way back to the living room where Pierre had plated up their breakfast.

She sat down next to him, picking up her plate. "Thank you, this looks delicious."

Pierre grinned, "That's alright. Thank you for coming here yesterday, I really needed you." He leaned over and placed a sweet kiss on her cheek.

She flushed red, "You're welcome, mom amour."