we might be falling in love - patricio o' ward

1 years later, chaos ensues

November 18, 2022

The nightclub was alive with energy, the bass of the music vibrating through the walls as lights flashed in sync with the beat. The entire Mercedes-AMG Petronas team was there, celebrating their incredible double victory: the Driver and Constructors Championship wins. The dance floor was packed, and the air was filled with laughter and the occasional pop of champagne bottles.

Lewis Hamilton and Astraea were in the thick of the action, dancing and laughing with their friends. They were the heart of the party, their infectious energy spreading through the crowd. Astraea had a glow about her, the combination of their one-year anniversary and the celebration of Lewis’s championship making her eyes sparkle with joy.

“Can you believe it?” Lewis shouted over the music, spinning Astraea around.

She laughed, the sound clear and bright. “Another championship, Lewis! And it’s been a year since we got together.”

“Best year of my life,” Lewis replied, pulling her closer for a quick kiss.

Nearby, Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz were attempting to balance on each other’s shoulders, a precarious feat that had everyone around them laughing and cheering. George Russell and Charles Leclerc were filming the spectacle on their phones, providing a running commentary.

“You’re going down, Carlos!” George shouted, laughing.

“Hold still, Lando!” Carlos yelled, wobbling as Lando tried to adjust his balance.

“Maybe this isn’t such a great idea,” Lando muttered, but he was laughing too hard to care.

Astraea nudged Lewis with her elbow. “Look at those idiots,” she said, shaking her head with a laugh.

Lewis chuckled. “Boys will be boys. Speaking of which…”

Across the room, Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo were leading a conga line, with Mick Schumacher bringing up the rear. The group snaked its way through the crowded dance floor, picking up more dancers as they went. The WAGs—Carmen, Isa, Charlotte, Luisa, Laila, Heidi, and Lily—were dancing in a circle, their moves synchronized and filled with joy.

“Come on,” Lewis said, grabbing Astraea’s hand. “Let’s join them.”

They made their way over, joining the conga line just as it passed by. Lewis positioned himself behind Daniel, who immediately started chanting, “Hamilton in the house!” The group roared in approval, and the line continued its wobbly journey around the club.

After a while, the line dissolved, and everyone found themselves in a loose circle on the dance floor. The DJ cranked up the music, and a mosh pit began to form. To everyone’s delight, Lewis was hoisted into the air, his friends carrying him like a human wave. The crowd surged around him, their hands keeping him aloft as he laughed and waved.

“Look at him go!” Lando shouted, laughing so hard he nearly doubled over.

Astraea watched from the edge of the circle, her heart swelling with happiness. Lewis looked over at her, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange of love and understanding. She knew she had to tell him tonight about the offer she’d received, the opportunity of a lifetime. It was a decision she hadn’t taken lightly, and she had been wrestling with it for weeks.

Eventually, the group settled back into their booth, breathless and exhilarated. Drinks were passed around again, although Lewis and Astraea stuck to sparkling water. The conversation turned to the future, and Lando began teasing Lewis about when he was going to propose.

“So, Lewis,” Lando said with a mischievous grin. “When are you going to make an honest woman out of Astraea?”

Lewis laughed, glancing at Astraea. “All in good time, mate. All in good time.”