golden | d.ricciardo

thirty-four

XXXIV. Vague Answers

JAPAN: September 2023

RACE DAY: Japanese GP ended amazing for Redbull. Max had landed a P2, being fought with the rank by George Russell. Daniel on the other hand seemed to have the skies on his side. A quick and clear win for him.

Landing a P1, Daniel stood on the podium. The Australian anthem playing as he smiled proudly. His eyes scanned the crowd as it ended, he was handed the trophy, and when he saw the person he was looking for, his smile turned into a grin.

He waved the trophy and the crowd went crazy. He then pointed at Clara who stood there with the team, a big smile plastered on her face. She watched as Daniel got sprayed with champagne and as he did his famous shoey. She cheered and shouted with the team, proud at the win they have this race.

Daniel was still in a high when he reached the interviews, Clara was tasked to be with Max but what the Australian didn't know was she had switched places last minute to be with him for the interviews when she made sure that her best friend was okay and up to answering some questions.

As Clara was walking to Daniel who was being interviewed by Evangeline, she didn't expect what journalist had planned. When she was in earshot and Evie saw her, she asked the question to the driver.

"So, Daniel, I know you had just gotten out of a relationship but is there someone special in mind while going through today's race?" Evie asked sending Clara a look. This made the Dutch stop as her heart hammered in her chest. The night on the track replayed in her head.

She heard Daniel laugh and nod, he took a deep breath as he processed the words he will say. "It's true me and Scarlet broke up, we both realized there were huge plans the universe has for us and we're better of as friends. And really maybe that was it for us, friends who tried.

"But honestly, I realized, for today and the rest of the races that passed, my mind always focuses on one specific person and now that she's back for today's race, I guess she's the drive I used."

Daniel's answer made Evie and Clara stop. The girls' eyes met and the reporter smirked at her, "Are you comfortable enough to share with us?"

Evie sent Daniel a knowing look and that's when he realized Clara was standing behind him. He smirked and shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe you know, maybe you don't. All I know is she's really close." he said.

He thanked Evie and turned, his eyes found Clara's. A soft and emotional look that made Daniel smile wider. He walked to her and as he towered over her she tilted his head, "Am I done for now?" he asked softly.

She nodded, "Not unless you have any plans..." he chuckled and reached for her hand, "I do but I think we should get out of her first. Pulling her away, she chuckled as she waved away from Evie as she let Daniel pull her away.

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