Drive to Survive [Lando Norris]

-27-

Willow woke up the next day in an empty bed, only, it wasn't her own bed. She sat up with a confused expression and realized that she was still wearing the same hoodie and sweatpants as last night.

She then looked around the room and was now 99% sure that this was Lando's room. And now it was confirmed when Lando walked into the bedroom and looked at her with a smile wearing a simple grey t-shirt and black sweatpants. 

"Hey, you're awake" he said.

"Yeah I am" she said slightly yawning. 

"Don't worry I slept on the couch. I just didn't wanna wake you up when you fell asleep on me" he smiled making butterflies appear in Willow's stomach. 

"You didn't have to sleep on the couch, Lando. This is your room" she said looking at him. 

"I know, but I didn't wanna overstep anything. Now, there's about 2 and a half hour until we both have to catch a flight back home, but I've made some breakfast if you're hungry?" he asked with a smile. 

"It sounds delicious" she smiled and hopped out of the bed. 

--

After eating their breakfast they both packed their stuff and then just chilled in Lando's room for about an hour or so. Lando had offered to drive Willow to the airport with him, and she had happily accepted. 

Since the next grand prix wasn't for another 13 days, Willow could go back home for a few days before going to the factory in Italy and then on to Monaco. And that also meant that her and Lando would be sharing the same plane since he too would go back home to England. 

For now they had just arrived at the airport, and they were headed for their gate. Since both Willow and Lando were, obviously, F1 drivers, they both easily got recognized on the streets, and that's what was happening right now. 

A handful fans had noticed them and were asking for photos and autographs and stuff. Both Willow and Lando agreed and took a couple of pictures with them and talked for a few moments with them, when suddenly one of the girls asked:

"Are you two dating?" she asked and Willow started to panic because she had no idea what to say. 

"Uh" she felt Lando waiting for her to say anything, "No, we're not dating" Willow said and finally the fans said their goodbyes. 

As the pair boarded the plane, Willow noticed Lando being quieter than usual, and he was quick to sit down by the window and just stare out. Willow carefully sat down besides him. 

"Are you mad, I said we weren't dating to those fans?" Willow asked causing Lando to look at her. 

"I'm not mad, Willow. I just-" he sighed looking at the ground, "It's no secret that I like you a lot, and it's just a bit harder than I thought to not be able to hold you and call you mine. But I'm not mad, I promise" he said trying to explain his feelings.

"I'm really sorry for keeping you waiting like this, but I think I'm ready soon" she said grabbing his hand and locking their fingers. 

"Really?" Lando asked, his face suddenly lighting up a bit. 

"Yeah, and maybe it would help a bit if we went out, perhaps in Monaco?" she said with a little smile. 

"You mean like a date?" Lando grinned. 

"If you still want to" she said softly. 

"There's nothing I'd rather want" he replied happily, and his heart skipped a few beats when he realized that Willow wasn't letting go of his hand. 

He smiled and leaned back in his seat as the plane took off.

-- 

Lando had been beaming around his house and the McLaren factory for the past week or so. Ever since Willow had said that she wanted to go out with him, it was like nothing could bring him down. 

He was texting Willow every day and was already planning their date in Monaco. He really wanted it to be the perfect thing. It was safe to say that he was counting the days until Wednesday when he'd be leaving to go to Monaco. 

"Good morning, Daniel" Lando grinned as he and Daniel had arrived at the same time at the MTC. 

Daniel looked at Lando a bit confused at first, but them smiled, "Well good morning to you too, mate" he smiled. 

As the two teammates walked towards the main entrance, Lando's phone beeped. 

Willow <3
Morning Xx
Hope you have a good day <3

Lando <3
Thank you <3
And you too

"What's got you smiling like that?" Daniel smirked looking at the expression on Lando's face as he read and answered Willow's text. 

"Nothing" he quickly said sounding very suspicious. 

"Interesting, and when can I meet this 'Nothing'?" Daniel chuckled giving him a little wink. 

Lando felt his cheeks heat up, "Uh I have no idea, what you're talking about" Lando shrugged innocently. 

"Right, well say hello to Willow for me, will you?" Daniel laughed as he watched all the colors disappear from Lando's face. 

"How the hell did you know it was Willow?" he asked completely taken back. 

"Well first of all it was just a guess, but now I do know, thanks. And also, it doesn't take that much brain capacity to figure that one out" he replied still laughing. 

"Really?" Lando asked. 

"Yep. I've noticed the way you look at her, and talk to her or talk about her. You're in love, mate. Congrats" Daniel smiled giving Lando a side hug. 

Even though Daniel had pretty much just exposed him, Lando couldn't help but smile and let out a little chuckle. 

"Well thanks, Daniel" he grinned, "But hey, now that you do know about Willow, can you maybe help me?" he asked. 

"Sure, what do you need?" Daniel asked. 

"We're going out on a date in Monaco, and I've just realized that I haven't been on a proper date like... ever" Lando said with a hint of panic in his voice. 

"Oh mate look at you, finally growing up" he laughed and smiled, "Of course I'll help you, you two would make the most adorable couple, and I already have a bunch of ideas" Daniel begun and Lando instantly felt more relieved.