Shifting Gears || cl16/ln4

Gear Forty

Author's note:
Hey guys, sorry for having taken so long to upload. I've had surgery and now I'm recovering from it. I somehow managed to write a new chapter, so here you gooo <3

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Austria

Stepping out of the plane, I made my way to collect my luggage after a comfortable business class flight. To my surprise, a few fans approached me, their faces lighting up with recognition. I always cherished these moments of connection with those who supported and admired the racing world.

Embracing the spontaneous interaction, I engaged in a friendly chat with the fans. Their enthusiasm mirrored my own passion for the sport, creating a shared space of connection. As they expressed their excitement, requests for pictures followed, and I gladly took the time to pose and share these moments with them. Interacting with fans, no matter where, had always been a genuine pleasure for me. Their support added an extra layer of meaning to the racing journey, and the exchange left a positive imprint as I continued toward the luggage area, ready to embrace the next chapter in Austria.

Navigating through the airport to collect my luggage, I took a moment to send a reassuring text to my parents. I informed them that I had landed safely in Austria. In turn, they shared the news of their safe arrival back in Madrid, ensuring that everything, including my car, had found its way back to the garage.

The digital exchange brought a sense of comfort, connecting the dots of our separate journeys. With the assurance that all was well on both ends, I continued through the airport.

As I waited for my luggage, a stroke of luck favored me, and it turned out to be one of the first to land on the conveyor belt. Retrieving it swiftly, I made my way through the airport, a subtle sense of efficiency guiding my steps.

As I approached the exit, the atmosphere shifted. More people recognized me, capturing the moment with their phones, waving and smiling. I reciprocated with a genuine smile and waves, appreciating the warm reception.

Reaching the exit, my eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for Lando, who should already be waiting for me. The anticipation of our reunion added a touch of eagerness to the moments leading up to our much-awaited meet-up.

Spotting Lando among the crowd, I felt a surge of excitement. He stood with his suitcase, unaware of my presence. The anticipation of our reunion intensified as I approached him, ready to share a moment that bridged the gap created by our brief separation.

"Long time no see," Lando spoke, the words carrying a playful warmth. Before I could respond, he enveloped me in a tight hug. Returning the embrace, my arms wrapped around Lando, creating a moment of shared connection and warmth. The hug conveyed more than words ever could, bridging the gap of the days we had spent apart.

Despite the awareness that our reunion was playing out in public, with the possibility of people capturing the moment to share online, the significance of the connection outweighed any reservations. In that embrace with Lando, the surrounding crowd faded into the background. The genuine joy of our reunion took precedence, and the shared moments of friendship held a timeless quality that transcended the lens of public scrutiny. In that instant, the authenticity of the connection mattered more than any external perceptions.

"It's been only a week, but I did miss you, Willz," Lando murmured, the words carrying a whisper of sincerity meant only for me to hear.

As Lando's words lingered in the air, a soft smile played on my lips. The subtle vulnerability in his admission deepened the richness of our friendship. "I missed you too," I responded warmly.

Our embrace lingered for a moment longer before we finally pulled back, both of us wearing smiles that reflected the joy of reunion. With a mutual understanding, we grabbed our luggage and began to make our way out of the airport.