The weeks that followed saw Toto and Elsa finding more ways to intertwine their worlds. They alternated between the icy rinks and the roaring tracks, each discovering new layers to the other and to themselves. Their time together became a blend of challenge and camaraderie, where each pushed the other to step outside of their comfort zones while offering support and understanding.
One afternoon, after a particularly rigorous practice session at the rink, Elsa and Toto found themselves sitting in the stands, catching their breath. The arena was quiet, with only the sound of the Zamboni humming in the distance as it resurfaced the ice.
“You’re getting better at this, you know,” Elsa said, nudging Toto with her elbow. “You almost made it through that spin without losing your balance.”
Toto chuckled, shaking his head. “Almost. I don’t think I’ll ever be as graceful as you on the ice, but I’m enjoying the challenge. It’s a good reminder that there’s always something new to learn.”
Elsa smiled, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. “That’s what I love about it. There’s always room to grow, to improve. And it’s been fun sharing this with you.”
Toto glanced at her, a thoughtful look in his eyes. “I’ve been thinking about that. How this has all been so... unexpected. If you had told me a few months ago that I’d be skating in my free time, I would have laughed.”
“Same here,” Elsa agreed. “But sometimes the best things in life are the ones you never see coming.”
Toto nodded, the truth of her words settling in. He had spent so much of his life focused on a single goal, on the relentless pursuit of success, that he hadn’t considered what he might be missing. But Elsa had opened a door to a different way of thinking, a different way of living, and it was something he was grateful for.
After a few moments of comfortable silence, Elsa turned to him, a spark of excitement in her eyes. “So, I’ve been meaning to ask you something. How would you feel about coming to one of my competitions?”
Toto raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A competition? You mean a figure skating competition?”
Elsa nodded. “Yes. It’s the national championships, actually. It’s a big deal, and I’d love for you to be there.”
Toto considered her request, feeling a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. He had never attended a figure skating competition before, and the idea of being in that environment, so different from the high-octane world of Formula One, was both exciting and slightly daunting. But the thought of seeing Elsa perform in her element, of supporting her the way she had supported him, made the decision easy.
“I’d be honored,” Toto said, smiling. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
Elsa’s face lit up with a smile that reached her eyes. “Great! It’s in two weeks, in Vienna. I’ll make sure you have all the details.”
As the competition approached, Toto found himself increasingly drawn into Elsa’s world. She shared more about the preparation that went into her routines—the hours of practice, the mental and physical discipline, and the careful choreography that combined athleticism with artistry. Toto was fascinated by the parallels between her process and his own, despite the vast differences in their sports.
When the day of the competition arrived, Toto flew to Vienna with a sense of anticipation. The arena was packed with spectators, the air buzzing with excitement. He found his seat among the audience, feeling a mix of pride and nerves as he waited for Elsa’s turn on the ice.
When she finally appeared, dressed in a shimmering costume that caught the light, the crowd erupted into applause. Toto leaned forward in his seat, his heart beating a little faster as he watched her glide onto the ice. She looked calm, focused, and completely in her element.
The music started, a hauntingly beautiful piece that perfectly matched the fluidity of her movements. As Elsa began her routine, Toto was captivated. She moved with a grace and power that was mesmerizing, her every movement perfectly timed and executed with precision. It was a performance that blended athleticism with emotion, telling a story on the ice that resonated deeply with the audience.
Toto watched in awe as she executed a series of jumps and spins with flawless technique, each move more breathtaking than the last. But it wasn’t just the technical skill that impressed him—it was the passion, the intensity in her eyes, and the way she seemed to pour her heart into every second of the routine. It reminded him of the best drivers on the track, those who not only had the skill but also the drive, the determination, and the unyielding desire to be the best.
As she finished with a final, breathtaking spin and landed gracefully, the crowd erupted into a standing ovation. Toto found himself on his feet as well, clapping harder than he ever had before. His usual stoic demeanor had given way to a deep sense of pride and admiration for Elsa. She had shown him a world he had never known, and in return, she had given him a new appreciation for what it meant to pursue excellence.
After the competition, Toto waited backstage, feeling a mix of emotions—excitement, pride, and a strange, unfamiliar warmth that had nothing to do with the adrenaline of a race. When Elsa finally appeared, still catching her breath, he couldn’t help but smile.
“You were incredible,” Toto said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “I’ve never seen anything like that.”
Elsa blushed, still coming down from the high of her performance. “Thank you, Toto. It means a lot to me that you were here.”
He stepped closer, his expression sincere. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Watching you out there... I get it now. What it takes to do what you do, the dedication, the passion—it’s inspiring.”
Elsa smiled, her eyes softening as she looked at him. “I think we’ve both inspired each other in ways we didn’t expect.”
Toto nodded, the truth of her words resonating deeply with him. “You’ve given me a new perspective, Elsa. And I’m grateful for that.”
As they stood there, surrounded by the energy of the arena, there was a sense of something unspoken between them—a connection that had grown stronger with each shared experience. It was a connection built on mutual respect, admiration, and a shared understanding of what it meant to chase greatness.
Toto reached out, taking Elsa’s hand in his. “So, what’s next?”
Elsa looked at him, her smile widening. “Well, after a bit of rest, I’ll be back to training for the next big competition. And as for you... I’m sure there’s always another race on the horizon.”
Toto chuckled, squeezing her hand gently. “There is. But maybe, just maybe, we can find more time for each other’s worlds in between.”
Elsa nodded, her eyes shining with warmth. “I’d like that.”
As they left the arena together, walking side by side into the night, they both knew that this was more than just a fleeting connection. It was the beginning of something meaningful, something that bridged the gap between their worlds and offered the promise of growth, discovery, and the kind of companionship that comes from truly understanding one another’s passion and drive.
And so, as Toto and Elsa ventured into the future, they did so with the knowledge that they had found something rare and valuable—a partnership that was as unexpected as it was powerful, grounded in a shared pursuit of excellence and a deep respect for the paths they each had chosen to follow.
Author's Note
Dear readers,
Are we gonna talk about my absence? No, no we're not. Are you allowed to bug me about it though? Absolutely, go ahead.
Love, this random person in your phone 🩵
YOU ARE READING
On Thin Ice
RomanceF1's Toto Wolff is captivated by a figure skater's grace and determination, discovering unexpected parallels between motorsport and skating, sparking a connection that transcends their worlds.
