The Formula 1 race calendar moved on swiftly, transitioning from the high-speed streets of Monaco to the twisty circuit of Barcelona, where Charles and Lando continue their chase for podium glory. And as the engines quieted and teams dispersed from Monaco, Eli fell back into her usual daily routines. But during the weekend of the Spanish Grand Prix, she found herself glued to her TV screen, following along the qualifying sessions and race. Whether she expected to be or not, Eli was now sucked into the world of F1— not only because she now had a newfound interest in the motorsport, but also because although she knew that not being there physically wouldn't allow her to intervene or help in anyway, she still felt a sense of duty to watch over Lando in any way she could.
A three-week gap emerged before the roar of the Canadian Grand Prix would echo through its circuit. During this time, while Lando returned to the McLaren Technology Centre for rigorous meetings with the wider team, runs on the simulator, and other driver commitments that came along with his job, Eli found herself planning a visit home. The bustling atmosphere of London's King's Cross station was a collision of hurried footsteps and echoes of announcements. Passengers flowed like a current, navigating through the maze of platforms. Amidst the mass of travellers exiting the trains, Lando ended his journey from Woking and stepped off his train, and just a few platforms away, Eli emerged from hers, luggage in tow. Their paths intersected at the station gates, and Eli instantly recognised the familiar tousle waves of sandy hair amidst the bustling crowd.
"Lando?" Eli called out, her voice carrying a note of disbelief as her eyes widened in surprise at the familiar figure in front of her.
He turned around, his face matching the shock in her voice, but it soon turned into a playful smirk. "Are you stalking me now?" Lando chirped, the corners of his lips lifting in amusement as he looked at Eli, an eyebrow slightly raised. He extended his arms, pulling her into a quick, friendly hug, a gesture that felt natural despite the unexpectedness of their reunion. They continued to walk together, falling into step almost effortlessly as they caught up on each other's lives. Eli explained her return to London, that it was actually a place she called home and she was here to spend some time with friends and family. She didn't need to ask for Lando's reason for his visit to London as he continued the conversation by explaining that although like her, England was his home, he was here mainly for work. As they reached the station exit, Eli spotted her parents waiting nearby, prompting a quick farewell.
"My parents are just up ahead, so I've got to go, but I'm actually heading to a pub tomorrow night with some mates if you're free," she offered, a casual smile on her lips.
Lando's expression brightened at the invitation. "Yeah, I'm down. Just let me know the details," he replied warmly.
With a wave, Eli hurried off to join her waiting family, leaving Lando with a slight sense of wonder. Life, he mused, had its own way of orchestrating unexpected encounters and connections, hinting at something more profound than mere coincidence.
The next day, Eli stood outside the pub, waiting for Lando. "Sorry, I hope you didn't wait long," he apologised as he approached her. She kindly shook her head, saying she just got here herself, before they walked in together. Inside the pub, a cosy vibe enveloped the group, as Eli led Lando to the corner where her friends gathered. She took the lead in introducing him, "Everyone, meet Lando. Lando, everyone!", she smiled warmly as they exchange casual hellos. You could tell that some of them recognised Lando, but none reacted outwardly, which both Lando and Eli appreciated. As they settled into their seats, conversations sparked to life. Eli caught up with friends she hadn't seen in months, sharing laughs and stories, while Lando effortlessly engaged with everyone, his cheerfulness and genuine curiosity making a mark.
Amidst the chatter and laughter, one of her friends teased Eli, nudging toward Lando with a mischievous glint in their eye, hinting about newfound crushes. She shot her friend a playful glare, and Lando, ever the quick-witted one, quipped back with a humorous retort that diffused the moment. "Oh, you know, I've been known to be quite the catch," he winked at Eli and flashed her a playful grin that made her heart skip a beat her cheeks warming as she suppressed a smile.
As the evening rolled on, some of her friends slipped away briefly and returned with a surprise—a small birthday cake. The group erupted into a spirited rendition of 'Happy Birthday', and Eli couldn't help but blush at the unexpected celebration. Making a wish and offering thanks, she cut the cake, sharing slices with everyone. Lando, his expression full of surprise, turned to her, "Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday?" She laughed it off, brushing it aside as something ordinary, but he persisted, insisting that it was special and he would've gotten her something if he knew. Though appreciative, she assured him it was okay, touched by his thoughtfulness.
The laughter echoed around the pub, blending with the clinking of glasses and the lively chatter of friends. Eli glanced around the table, capturing the joy on the faces of her friends and Lando effortlessly integrating into the group. In that moment, she allowed herself to feel content, to feel happy, a temporary reprieve from her guardian angel worries.
As the night progressed, the merriment continued, and Eli found herself getting a bit tipsy— an inevitable outcome on one's birthday, especially with friends insistent on raising countless toasts. The night eventually drew to a close, and as they exited the pub, Lando offered to take her home. However, the idea of him showing up at her family home, a slightly drunk Eli in hand, might not make the best first impression. So instead, Lando suggested she spend the night at his place.
Once at his place, he helped her get ready for bed by lending her one of his hoodies. She clumsily slipped into it, and in that moment, Lando found himself momentarily flustered, quickly turning away to give her some privacy. When she was changed, he tucked her into his bed, and her eyes fluttered close as her head hit the pillow. Lando stood by the bedside, observed her peaceful slumber. He couldn't help but feel an inexplicable warmth in his chest, completely taken by the way she looked in that hoodie, all tucked in and vulnerable yet so utterly endearing. With a tender touch, he brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his fingertips grazing her soft skin gently. His gaze lingered on her face, an expression of admiration and fondness painting his features. In that quiet, dimly lit room, the sight of her sleeping so peacefully sparked a feeling in Lando that was beyond ordinary. It was a mix of protectiveness, affection, and an unspoken longing—a sensation he found himself unable to shake off. Maybe it was because of the time they have spent together in the short amount of time they knew each other. Maybe it was the way she effortlessly drew him in, her easy laughter, and the way she seemed to understand him without him having to say much. Maybe it was the comfort he felt around her, the solace in her presence, and the ease with which he could open up to her about things he hadn't shared with anyone else.
He quickly shook the thoughts out of his head, and just as he was about to exit the bedroom to sleep on the couch outside, he felt a gentle grip on his wrist. "Stay," Eli murmured, her voice. Uncertain, he hesitated, but she tried again, "Please." He succumbed to her pleas, and quickly got changed before slipping into bed next to her. She turned into him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Lando's body initially stiffened at her unexpected touch, but as he watched her drift into peaceful sleep, her head rising and falling on his chest, he relaxed. Watching her serene expression, he couldn't help but be captivated by the sheer beauty of the moment. It was one of those rare moments when time seemed to stand still, as if the universe had conspired to create this scene. He couldn't help but smile to himself, caught up in the romanticism of the moment, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a while. With a heart full of inexplicable emotions, he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, a silent gesture of care and an unspoken promise. As she sighed softly in her sleep, he lingered for a moment longer, cherishing this unexpected closeness between them before finally settling in beside her. Nestling into her embrace, he surrendered to the tender comfort of slumber, wrapped in the warmth of her presence.
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Thread of Destiny | Lando Norris
Fanfiction"Why isn't there some sort of 'How to be a Guardian Angel 101' manual for this?" Eli groaned in frustration as she slumped down in her chair. -- In the tranquil embrace of Monaco's pre-season calm, an unexpected encounter between a girl lost in her...
