Race Day: A new season

Chapter One: Airport Vibes & Criminal Offences

When you hear your name, you glance up from your phone; Of course it's him. You're sitting in one of the more exclusive airport lounges at Heathrow with Aaron Simons. It's the late afternoon, close to five pm, and you're waiting for your delayed flight to Bahrain. Thiago walks up to you, presses a soft kiss onto your cheek, ignoring Aaron whilst doing all of this, and then he takes a seat next to you.

Naturally you don't react to your ex-boyfriend giving you a peck on the cheek – Why would you? He's doing it out of habit, or to tease Aaron, one of your closest friends, who's never approved of the two of you having dated in the past. Of course there's also the issue of Thiago driving for Mercedes, while Aaron is staying true to his team, Red Bull. The rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes usually transcends into driver relationships... Always has, always will. 

Out of the corner of your eye you see Thiago slowly lean forwards, giving Aaron a purposeful grin. Oh he's enjoying this way too much. 

Thiago nods: Simons.

Aaron stares at him in displeasure; Deciding then to just reciprocate the same energy by also calling Thiago by his last name. You glance at his bothered expression – He clearly enjoyed himself, your company and the airport vibes up to the point that Thiago appeared.

Aaron: Hayes...

Thiago always loves it when people call him by his last name, or by his nickname. It's a thing of principle for him; First names are a personal, intimate thing, nicknames are compliments given to you, and last names are a sign of respect and the way it's done in racing... Not that Thiago respects Aaron enough in any way, shape or form... 

Thiago: Don't you love it when people call you by your last name, y/n? It's music in my ears... 

You give him the side eye – Truthfully there is something sweet about being called by your last name, it's just racing culture at it's core, but his whole idea around nicknames is also accurate... It's usually a positive compliment... You were dubbed the 'Golden Girl' by the F1 community following your success in your rookie season, whilst Thiago got praised so much for his maiden race that he got named 'Ace' – Whilst you're just glimpsing at him with no reaction thus far, he wraps his arm around you and pulls you closer, much to the dismay of Aaron, who's expression grows even more bitter after every second that Ace has spent in your presence.

y/n: Don't be an ass, Thiago...

His grin widens and a dimple pops up at the corner of his mouth.

Thiago: How have I been an ass, Love?

Aaron jumps up and heads over to the bar to get himself a drink. You don't blame him for not wanting to witness any of this. It's classic Ace... He flirts when it's his free time, but his game face appears once it's time to race. So, yeah, you're used to him flirting – Does he want you back? Who knows... It's really not been that long since the two of you split up. You divert your thoughts back to the conversation at hand.

y/n: You ignore him...

He lifts his hands half way into the air, as if he's pleading his innocence.

Thiago: Cmon, I had to say hey to you first... You can't blame me for that!

You ignore him and continue listing his offences. 

y/n: You've known him for long enough to not call him by his last name like that... You're not on track...

Thiago: He also called me Hayes. So what? It's fine that way – He doesn't like me, I don't particularly like him... 

y/n: You give me a kiss in front of him, and you wrap your arm around me... It's unnecessary!