𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 ~ | 𝘔𝘢𝘹 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯

004 || Rascal

I found my car quickly enough and unlocked it. It wasn't a super nice car like the rest of the drivers, but it got the job done. I didn't mind it. As I opened the door to get in, it was blocked.

Lando's foot was on the corner, stopping me from getting in.

"What the hell? I have to go!" I told him.

"I know. I'm driving. I won't let you drive when you are like this." He told me ushering me around the other side of the car. 

I got in the passenger seat. He sat down behind the wheel, and I handed him the address. We set off. I was too tired to wave at the fans waiting at the gates, but Lando did enough for the both of us.

The drive only took fifteen minutes but it felt like an eternity. As soon as the car stopped, I was outside. We were definitely at the right building. I walked in past the front desk. 

The receptionist tried to stop me, but Lando quickly explained. He slipped into the elevator next to me just in time. I pressed the eighth floor button four times, then stood still. Thirty seconds later, I heard the ding. Lando glanced again at the piece of paper.

"Room 145," he told me as he followed me down the carpeted hallway. My eyes scanned the door numbers until I finally found them.

I knocked loudly. There was the sound of small footsteps inside. I let out a relived sigh.

"Who is it?" His little voice called.

"It's me. Ri." I told him. I was so relieved he was okay.

"How do I know it's really you?" He asked.

"Open the door."

"Nope. I can't. I'm not allowed to open the door to strangers." He said. There was a small slack. Then the door opened just a crack. I could see the chain was still on. His face peered through at me.

"Who's behind you?" He asked.

"Just Lando." I told him, stepping aside so he could see him. The little boys eyes lit up.

"I still can't let you in." He shook his head seriously.

"I'm your, sister." I put my hands on my hips.

"You could be an imposter." He narrowed his eyes.

"You can see me." I chuckled.

"What's the codeword?"

"Please don't make me say it, Benj." I groaned. Lando stifled a chuckle behind me.

"I can't let you in until you do." Benjamin's voice was stubby.

"Fine." I pursed my lips. "Potato sprinkle chicken." I sighed. The door closed again, and I heard him fumble with the chain. Finally, it opened, and he scampered out. I crouched down, and he hugged me around my neck.

"I guess it is you." He grinned.

"I missed you too, Benny." I grinned, ruffling his hair. "Aren't you going to give me a kiss? I haven't seen you in a month!" He laughed and shook his head. "Alright then, I'll just have to kiss you instead!" I grabbed him and covered his face in kisses. He squealed and wriggled out of my grasp.

"Eww!" He wiped his face on his sleeve. Lando laughed. Benji looked up at him expectantly.

"Hey, rascal." Lando smiled. "You better run before I kiss you too." He raised his eyebrows. He took a step forward, making Banji squeak and run away into the room. Lando chased him, laughing. I sighed and went inside after them.

After Lando had caught Benji, we collected his bags and left for my apartment. It was not far, but Lando insisted on coming with us. I didn't protest. I always enjoyed his company, and as a bonus, he was amazing with Benji. We got to my apartment and unloaded the bags into the spare bedroom. Benji found some toys I kept for him and started to play on his own. Me and Lando went back into the living room. He sat down on the couch while I made some tea.

"You really need an upgrade." He said it thoughtfully. I looked at him.

"Of what?"

"An appartment. I mean, you've been living here since you moved out. It's tiny and falling to pieces." He pointed at a crack in the corner of the roof. I knew he was right.

"I don't mind it. It's cozy..." I tried to defend it, but just then my upstairs neighbor decided to start playing his electric guitar. I sighed. "Yeah, I know."

"I mean, no offense, but you're an F1 driver now. You should be living a life of luxury." He said he was taking the tea that I gave him. He thanked me, and I sat down next to him.

"None taken." I wrapped my cold hands around the warm mug, feeling the heat soak into my skin. "But I don't know where to go." I said it thoughtfully.

"I do." Lando turned to me. "Come live in Monaco."

"Lan-"

"Just think about it. There is a really cool apartment that I saw the last time I was there. It's only five minutes away from mine, and it has a great view." He started excitedly.

"I do love Monte Carlo and its views. But I'd be so far away from Benji. I don't know if I can." I said hesitantly.

"Cleo, there are always a million reasons not to do something. Just please consider it." He begged. I sighed and nodded.

"Okay. It's not a yes, though. And I'd have to come down first." I told him firmly.

"That's perfect. Me and Charles were organizing a boat outing during the break. You should come. You can stay at mine and check out the apartment!" He said.

"That sounds really nice. Who's going?" I asked.

"For now, me, obviously, and Charles, Carlos, Pierre, and Max." He finished. I wrinkled my nose at even hearing his name.

"Oh."

"You don't have to hang out with him. I promise. We are taking separate boats. Please still come...?" He tried to give me puppy eyes but he was trying way too hard. The sight almost made me burst out laughing. 

"Are you having a concussion?" I asked, stifling a giggle. 

"No. I'm being adorable so that you'll say yes. Is it working?" He looked like a wide-eyed owl. I snorted with laughter.

"How could I say no now?" I laughed. He smiled, stunned, and finally dropped the face. Just then Benji came into the room.

"I'm hungry." He said, fiddling with the hem off his shirt. I smiled.

"I was just about to say the same thing." I laughed.

"Pizza?" Lando asked. Benji clapped his hands happily.

"Pizza it is." I smiled, getting my phone and ordering some. While we waited, Benji told us how he had found the Quali on the TV in their room all on his own.

We started a game of Monopoly. Me and Lando always get really competitive, so this time we tried to control ourselves. We failed.

Unfortunately, the pizza arrived just in time to stop a war. Out of hunger, we all returned to our normal selves. In the end, Lando won.

It still wasn't Benji's bedtime, though, so he and Lando went to play upstairs. After a while, I decided to go and check on them. I found them in my room. Lando was seated on my bed, and Benji was moving busily around him, applying makeup plentifully.

"How do I look?" He asked, his eyes closed.

"Very pretty." Benji giggled. Lando opened his eyes to see but was quickly scolded by the little boy. I stifled a laugh and snapped a quick picture. Lando huffed.

Finally, I managed to get Benji to bed. I went back out into the living room and flopped down on the couch. Lando was on his phone, leaning on the kitchen counter. He looked up and turned off his phone.

The sound of my upstairs neighbor's bed squeaking cut through the silence. I opened my eyes. I looked at Lando. He was staring at my roof. I heard low moans and a woman's voice.

"Movie?" I asked quickly, desperate to drown out the noise. He nodded.

"You set up; I'll make the hot chocolate."