Different Lanes

1.

He'd often go for an early morning run around the track before a race, especially if he was struggling to clear his mind, but this morning it looked like he had company.

The bright lights of the Mercedes garage pierced the cold darkness, dancing against the mist that spilled in over the hills of the Spa F1 track. Lando shook his head, he knew that Mercades had been having a tough time, but for them to still be in the garage at 3:30am something serious had to have happened.

Running up the pit lane he couldn't help but try and take a look, part of him wishing to catch a glimpse of a very tired George. They may be friends, but they had always made a point to gloat at each other about their cars short comings. He'd put up with it for years at Mclaren and now they were finally competitive in the constructor's championship he couldn't help but enjoy himself.

However the tall guy was nowhere to be seen, in fact the entire garage seemed empty. Stepping across the threshold to get a better look he could see George's livery plugged into a serious looking laptop, numbers dancing across the screen at a rapid rate.

"And what exactly do you think you're doing?" Lando flinched as a husky, but distinctively feminine voice echoed around the garage, "don't you know these areas are off limit to the general public?"

Glancing up he saw a tall woman leaning against the wall of the hallway that lead to the drivers room. She wore the full black Mercedes kit, her curly blonde hair gathered up in a messy top bun and a pair of round rim glasses perched on her nose.

"Sss..sorry" he stammered, feeling pressure under her gaze, "I was just passing by after a run".

"A run?" she hadn't moved a muscle. Her eyes fixed on him like he would try and take off any moment.

"Yes, sometimes when I can't sleep, I run" He pointed to the lights, "I saw the lights on and though George might be here....." He trailed off as she began to walk over.

He watched her as she made her way over to him, she was assertive and yet a little cautious. "Who exactly are you?"

It occurred to Lando that he was dressed in all black with a cap covering his head (and identity). No wonder she wasn't exactly welcoming. "Sorry" he pulled off his hat, ruffling his hair, "I'm Lando Norris, I drive for McLaren". He extended his hand.

She'd ignored his hand, choosing instead to stop in front of the laptop, turning it around to obscure his view. "That's great, but you still shouldn't be in here". She didn't look up, instead opting to hit a few keys on the laptop causing it to whirl back into action. "Mercedes staff only" she concluded, finally looking up at him.

He was frozen for a minute, lost in her deep emerald eyes that didn't expose anything. It was only when she made a point of clearing her mouth that he snapped back to reality.

"I'm sorry", he hated the amount of time he had said that tonight, "I'll go now". He turned to walk away.

"wait!"

He turned back.

"You didn't touch anything right?"

* * * * * *

<The next day >

"Lando! Lando! Over here!"

"Lando! We can be world champion"

"I love you Lando!"

"Marry me Lando"

He moved through the crowds of fans, waving their papaya merchandise in hopes of a signature or smile. He had to admit that he loved this part of the job, interacting, conversing and sometime flirting with fans. A few years into his career he had noticed they way they looked at him, what they said about him and importantly the edits they did on Tik Tok. He'd grown the goatee and watched them all swoon, even with the multiple dating rumours they'd stuck by him.

Just before entering the paddock he turned around giving them one final wave, their screams and squeals making him chuckle as he crossed the threshold. What a life.

"I'm sure its flattering mate, but I'd be worried of waking up at night with one of them staring at me", George slung his arm around his shoulders. "Though it seems you didn't spend much time there last night", he raised his eyebrows.

Lando laughed, "not like that, I couldn't sleep so I ended up running a few laps" He paused, thinking back to last night, "speaking of which, do you know....."

"LANDOOOOO, GEORGIE BOY!" a loud booming voice interrupted them.

"Morning Danny" George rolled his eyes, "I take it you had a good sleep"

The older Australian grinned, "boys, when you get to my age, sleep is a gift that should be treasured"

"The Ambien must have worked wonders" Lando grinned at his ex-team mate.

"Hey" Daniel tried to look offended for a moment before cracking a big smile, "it was the best"

"You should give some to this kid here", George nudged Lando, "he's still running midnight laps...."

"Early morning actually...."

"GEORGE!" They all turned to where Toto Wolf was walking over from the Mercades garage. "You're late"

George turned away from Toto, mouthing "whoops" to the two other drivers before starting to walk over to his flustered principle. "Sorry Toto, lost track of the time"

The older man scowled, "hurry up, we've got a lot to test before the race. The team has been working through the night".

Lando watched his disciplined friend and rival disappear into the garage, a cheeky grin painted on his face.

"I wonder what upgrades they've been working on" Daniel stood next to him.

"I'm not sure", Lando found himself making eye contact with the blonde female mechanic from last night who looked less than impressed at his presence. "But I wouldn't count them out just yet".  

* * * * * *