A thin line - Ver x Ric

Chapter 1

I'm afraid to lose you and you're not even mine.

I woke up to the blaring sound of my alarm. I pushed my pillow over my head trying to block out the annoying sound. When I realized I couldn't escape what was coming today I decided to get up. I turned off ,y alarm and quickly checked my phone to see If I missed any messages which I didn't. I got out of my warm and cozy blankets and hissed when my bare feet touched the cold floor. I quickly sprinted towards the bathroom relaxing again once I felt the warm tiles underneath me. I stepped out of my boxers turning on the shower. While waiting for the water to warm, I looked at myself in the mirror. My smile fainted the moment I laid eyes on myself. I never understood what all those teenage girls saw in me. My chest wasn't toned enough to my liking. I was skinny, you could see my hip bones poking out slightly. My shoulders weren't as broad as many other drivers. 

I stepped into the steaming shower,  the touch of warm water instantly relaxed my body. I tried to shut off my thought completely and just relax for a few minutes until the day would start. But a certain image flashed through my head every minute of the day. I couldn't help but think about Daniel as more than a friend. Knowing he would never feel the same and if he did it wouldn't work because of our careers. It made my heart ache. I couldn't help but fall for him. It wasn't love at first sight but it came within the years of our friendship. I couldn't deny Daniel looked good when I first saw him but ignored the spark I felt. Throughout our friendship, I slowly started falling in love with the Aussies character. His wide smile and horrible jokes that managed to make me laugh. I admired his optimism and the fact he had so much love for his family and the people surrounding him. If only he had a little love for me...

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I walked outside to my car. Zipping up my jacket feeling a cold breeze. It was currently early October and fall was around the corner. Leaves were starting to turn orange and fall from the trees almost in slow motion. Once safely inside my warm car, I drove off to the Redbull headquarters. We would leave for Japan in about two days but first, we had some media duties. The team was about to make a big announcement. I parked my car in my designated parking spot and stepped out with a heavy feeling. It felt like I needed to push myself forward to enter the building. Once I entered I was immediately greeted by multiple employees running around. I shook my head and made my way to the studio. Daniel and I were about to do a live stream today announcing Redbull's upcoming change within the team. 

I pushed open the door seeing Daniel and Katie, the producer was already discussing the stream. "Morning Max." Katie greeted me with a big smile. I couldn't understand how she could be so happy about the announcement we were making. "Morning.." I whispered. Daniel shot me a concerned look, but I ignored him and took place on the couch. I scrolled through my phone for a few minutes until Katie announced we were ready to get started. Daniel took a seat next to me giving me an encouraging smile. "Try to at least fake a smile buddy, you look like your grandma just died." He said with a soft chuckle. I didn't need to force a smile anymore after hearing the beautiful sound coming from him.

"Alright boys, we're live in 3, 2, 1..." Katie announced. "Hello everyone!" Daniel greeted waving at the camera. "We're here today to announce some big news within the team." He started. "Daniel's right, Redbull is about to enter a new era." I continued his explanation. Daniel quickly looked at me for a few seconds. I could hear him take a deep breath. "I here by announce my departure from Redbull at the end of the season," Daniel announced. I could already imagine the shocked faces of the people watching at home. We stayed silent for a little while giving the live audience some time to process the news. "To some of you it may seem a bit unexpected and some of you may have seen this coming. I just want to say there's no grudge held between me and the team. Together we've decided this would be the best decision for my career." Daniel calmly explained. I knew what he said was partly right. They did agree on this together but I didn't know if this was the best move in his career. "I will always cherish the amazing memories at Redbull. Because of the amazing chance, Helmut and Christian gave me, I could make my dreams come true. I'm excited to see what the future brings." Daniel said. 

"We have some questions from the fans," Katie announced from behind the camera. "This one is for Daniel. The fans want to know if this means the end of your formula 1 career?" Katie asked. Daniel immediately shook his head. "I think I have still a lot to prove and I can assure the fans I already have a seat for next season." He announced. His spot at Renault would be announced later this week. "Alright. Max, how do you feel about Daniel leaving Redbull?" Katie then asked. "Through the years we became very good friends on and off track. I will miss him but I'm happy he will still be on track a few garages down." I said. There were so much more things I wanted to say.

After a few more questions we were ready to end the Livestream. "Thank you all for your amazing support. I promise I will keep fighting with the team for the rest of the season." Daniel said while waving. I waved and then the camera went off. Katie rushed out of the room to meet with the media team leaving me with Daniel. I let out a deep sigh and slouched back into the couch. "Are you okay, you seem a little off?" Daniel asked. 'No of course I'm not okay! You're leaving the team and I can't lose you. I want to tell you how much I love you but I'm too much of a coward.' My conscious was screaming at me. "I'm fine just a little tired," I said eventually. 

A/n:

Hello guys! So excited to share once again a new F1 story with all of you.

If you haven't read my previous story's yet feel free to have a look. I wrote one of the pairings between Carlos and Lando as well. I would love to read your opinion on the story and let me know if I made any mistakes in the chapters. Also, if you have any suggestions for a new f1 story or preferable driverxdriver pairings let me know in the comments.

-X