Missing You // Lando Norris

Ch.7

Lando's POV...

I wake up feeling like shit, the sun streaming through my windows as I realise I fell asleep in my clothes. Rubbing my eyes, I stretch, rolling over to check my phone. I note nothing of importance, other than a text from my PR manager informing me of my sponsorship requirements today & a text from Will asking to speak to me when I'm free.

I rub my head, wandering what it could be about. I picture last night, the bar, the roof top, Anastasia... fuck, maybe she'd told Will I'd called her easy. Then again, I stood by my statement, recalling her face after Charles had kissed her. Scowling I sit up, taking off my clothes and walking to the shower.

The cold water hits my skin, and I close my eyes. I picture the night once more, Anastasia's golden dress which perfectly accentuated her figure, her intoxicating smile, her flirtatious laugh... I shake my head, wishing to rid the image of her from my mind.

I dress in all black, reflecting my mood, and pick up my phone to call Will. He picks up almost instantly.

"You alright mate?" I ask, curious as to what's on his mind.

"You busy? He asks, and I promptly respond no, mentioning my sponsorship commitments in the evening.

With that, the line goes dead, and a few seconds later Will stands at my hotel door.

"You look like shit mate." Will laughs as his eyes fall upon me.

"Could say the same to you brother." I respond with a smile.

I truly do see Will as a brother. We'd taken part in previous feeder series seasons together but hadn't gotten truly close until last year when I gave Will advice ahead of his rookie season. Ever since, we'd been somewhat inseparable in the paddock, and I was sure that I would find no better support system than William Villeroy.

Will purses his lips as he sits on my bed, somewhat as though he's pondering whether or not he should speak what's on his mind.

"Spit it out." I prompt, sitting down on the desk. Will looks hesitant, his face convulsing as his brain formulates it's thoughts.

"Right... so you know last night, how everyone was like... drooling at Ana?" Will looks at me expectantly.

"I guess." I frown, confused as to where this is going.

"I know Ana's an adult, and she is perfectly entitled to her own decisions, but... she's had bad experiences with guys in the past. Our father was nothing short of a cunt to her when we were growing up and so she craves attention and gets really attached really quickly and..." Will blurts out, his face falling, painting a precise picture of exactly how much he cares.

For a moment, I feel bad for Anastasia, but I don't forgive her for how much she allows her recklessness and instability to drag Will down. I look at Will once more. He collects himself, looking up briefly as his eyes search mine for a response. In seeing that I have none, he continues.

"I know this sounds awful, but I think falling for someone in the paddock would be awful for Ana. If they were to break up, she'll be distraught, and I don't even want to think of how bad that will be. Lando, she's only just gotten slightly better, it would be fucking awful. And then, I wouldn't even be able to be there for her, because she'll refuse to step anywhere near the paddock." Will sighs, a broken look settling on his face, a relic of the trauma he's already gone through with Anastasia.

"I understand, that makes sense. You know you can't stop her though." I reply, pondering the awful consequences that Anastasia refusing to come near the paddock could have for Will. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if he gave up his F1 seat to look after her. He was selfless like that, and whilst I admired it, I mainly thought it was exasperatingly stupid.

"I know, and I would never outright tell her she couldn't. That's why I was thinking... well it's just an idea really..." Will begins to stumble his words, and I raise my brows to prompt him to commence.

"I need you to date her." Will's words fall flat, the oxygen leaving the room.

"You're taking the piss." I begin to laugh, feeling unease at the energy in the room.

"I'm serious Lando. I'm calling in a favour. It'd be fake dating, of course, and I'll come up with something to tell her that'll make sure she knows it's fake but will get her to see it through." Will looks at me expectantly, though I struggle to meet his eyes.

"Look, I know it's a big ask, but you're the only person I truly trust and know well enough to do it. I know you have no interest in Ana, and she has no interest in you, so it's risk free. Besides, it'll benefit you, think of the article. Nothing screams not reckless and 'I am golden boy" more than a cute relationship. This way, everything will work out." I finally muster the courage to look at Will, whose dull eyes glow a little as he awaits my response in desperation.

"Fine, I'll do it. I want it clear that I'm doing this for you though, mate. Not Anastasia." I press my lips into a fine line, processing what the fuck I've just signed myself up to. This whole situation was nothing but a time bomb,  bound to blow up and hurt those involved.

Anastasia's POV...

"You're asking me to do what?" I let out a shocked laugh, my mouth forming an O shape as I stare at my brother as though he is delirious.

"We have to do this Annie. Tost told me it's unethical to hire my sister as my PA and so the only other option for getting you passes to every race is if you date a driver." Will looks at me remorsefully.

"Can't I just work as a cleaner? Or in the cafe?" I look at him in shock.

"Annie trust me this is the last option. You'd be fake dating Lando anyway, all for show, no more. Please, Annie. I've only just gotten you out here with me, I don't want to lose you again." Will's eyes are now trained on the floor as he mumbles the last part of his sentence.

Fuck. I know I can't say no, but I can't help but wonder what could've been with Pierre, Charles, Arthur...

"Why Lando? Why can't I date someone else?" I sigh, playing with the rings on my fingers.

"I don't know any of them to call a favour from them at this point in time. Look Annie, you can say no if you don't want to." Will looks at me, reaching out to hold my hand.

"Lando won't agree to this anyway." I chuckle cruelly.

"He already has." Boldly, Will looks me directly in the eyes.

"Bullshit." I whisper, though I know that after everything my brother has done for me and helped me with, the least I can do is agree to this for a little while.

I close my eyes, squeezing Will's hand as if to symbol my defeat.

"Okay." I sigh, shooting Will a small smile before he envelops me into a hug, a thousand thank you's ringing out into the dull quiet of my room.

A/N

So many updates, I hope you're all happy with the story so far.

I know this chapter will likely leave some of you with mixed emotions. Oopsie, don't worry darlings, the truth always comes out.

Please vote and comment if you enjoyed!

Love Xx