Formula 1 - Oneshots

Just Hold Me - Daniel Ricciardo

Pairing: Daniel Ricciardo x Reader

To say that the start of the season had been difficult for Daniel was an understatement. Week after week he struggled to even get into Q2 - it wasn't for a lack of trying, or a lack of focus. He worked harder than he ever had behind the scenes, but fans and haters on social media rarely ever got to see that side. Qualifying at the Baku city circuit had started off well enough; Dan had managed to get into Q2. But he'd only made it to P13. Meanwhile, his teammate had made it to P6.

The atmosphere was heavy and dark on your side of the garage. Engineers and mechanics looked disappointed, and Tom was whispering words of encouragement to Daniel as he drove back from the track. Once he arrived and the car was parked, he climbed out and then stormed out. He needed some time to cool off and be by himself, which wasn't unusual after a bad qualifying.

You watched as Michael rubbed his forehead and Blake massaged his temple. They knew what kind of onslaughter the critics were going to unleash on Dan on social media. And, worst of all, how Dan, who was his own worst critic, would react. Even though he pretended not to be affected by it in front of the cameras during interviews, the three of you got to see the real him. He did put on a brave face even in private, but lately, it had become difficult for him to pretend he was fine. He wasn't complaining, but he was frustrated. He put so much work in, but the results didn't show a sign of said hard work.

Adding to that, Daniel hadn't seen his family for more than a year. It was slowly starting to bear down on him. No amount of facetime and calls could replace a hug from your parents, or a kiss from your niece and nephew, or even a teasing hit on your shoulder by your sibling. You did your best to support them, but you couldn't replace his family.

"Y/N, you should go see him before the interviews," Michael said, amidst the bustle in the garage.

"On my way."

You walked across the paddock to Dan's motorhome, where you found him sitting on the sofa, cradling his head in his large hands. He looked absolutely devastated and it broke your heart. The energy in the room is heavy, heavier than back in the garage. You can almost feel the negative energy radiating off Daniel.

"Hey," you said, voice soft. "I'm sorry."

Dan looked up at the sound of your voice. Frustration is written all over his face. He's frowning, the shadows under his eyes have grown darker, his face looks haggard. His hair is askew - you can tell he's run his hands through it. His eyes are filled with anger, sadness, and resignation, but there's a little bit of the signature honey badger fight left in them, too. A light that never goes out.

You walked over to him, and he pulled you into his arms before you even had the chance to sit down. His head was resting against the soft of your belly, his hands intertwined at the small of your back. You pressed his head against you with one hand and raked your nails across his scalp with the other. Soft mewls escaped his plush lips and you could feel him relax beneath your touch.

"Want me to give you a blowjob to unwind?" You asked, and you can feel him chuckling against your body.

"No, but thanks for the offer." He sighed. "I'm not really in the mood for any funny business," he jokes, "I just wanna be held."

"Well, then I'm gonna do that, my love." You whispered softly.

"I love when you call me that", he said. "Makes me feel like less of a loser."

"Dan, listen to me," you curled a knuckle beneath his chin and tilted his head up so he faced you. "I know joking like this is your method of deflection, but I never ever wanna hear you call yourself a loser again. You're one of the hardest working drivers on the track. I see you put that work in every single fucking day. You've struggled before and come out of it stronger. The car is not suited to your driving style. So you adapt your driving style. You're gonna get there. I know you will. And so do you."

Dan's eyes were brimming with tears and for once the never quiet honey badger is lost for words. He just rested his head against you again, breathing heavily. You continued to rake your nails against his scalp, and Dan relished in the prickling feeling that travels down his back.

"I love you." He whispered.

"I know." You smiled. "I love you, too."

You stayed in that position for a little while longer, until there was a knock at the door, beckoning your man to the inevitable interviews. With a heavy heart, Dan got up from the sofa. He cradled your head in his large hands and his hazel eyes stared into yours. It was intense - honey badger ferocity intense.

He leaned in and captured your lips in a searing kiss; there was passion behind it, but more than that, Dan expressed his gratefulness, his desire, and his love for you in that kiss. He tasted faintly of mint gum and himself. You'll never grow tired of his taste.

You grabbed his cap from the little coffee table in front of the sofa and placed it on his head; then you handed him his water bottle.

"It's almost like my mum is here," he teased, a big smile brightening up his face. The way his eyes crinkle when he smiles or laughs will always make your heart jump in your chest.

"Shut the fuck up, Ricciardo," you grumbled jokingly.

His grin grew even wider. You rolled your eyes at him and he pulled you flush against him with his free arm, before sneaking another kiss.

"Stop or you're gonna be late for your interviews."

"Yeah yeah yeah, mum." He laughed and you simultaneously wanted to slap and ride him.

He turned serious for a moment, rubbing the small of your back.

"I'm so grateful to have you in my life. I know I don't tell you enough. I should really work on that."

You felt your cheeks grow hot and hid your face in the hollow of his neck.

"Have I got you all flustered babe?", he asked, and the shit-eating grin was evident in the tone of his voice.

"No?" You mumbled, and you felt the low rumble of his chuckle against your skin.

"You're adorable when you get flustered," he continued, and you looked up at him.

"You only say that because you enjoy teasing me like that."

"Two things can be true at the same time, no?"

"Whatever," you rolled your eyes, before pecking his cheek and slapping his bum. "Now get your cheeky little arse out there and do your job."

He untangled himself from you and slapped your butt in response.

"See you at the hotel," he kissed you again, before turning around and opening the door, where his PR guy was waiting for him.

You watched as he walked out of the room, bouncing with each step. At least for now, it seemed like he'd put himself back together.