Flight Attendant - Lando norris fanfic

11- First of many

March 2025

The hours leading up to Lando's arrival were a blur of frenetic energy. My anxiety and need for control guided every movement, compelling me to clean and re-clean my apartment with a near-obsessive focus. I fluffed the cushions on the couch, adjusted the artwork on the walls, and wiped every surface until they gleamed. Each adjustment was a small victory, a means of managing the mounting nervousness I felt.

I dressed in a way that balanced casual comfort with an air of effortless style—a dark green sweater that fell softly over my frame, paired with well-fitted jeans. My hair was neatly pulled back into a ponytail, and I had opted for understated, elegant makeup that added a touch of polish without being overdone. I wanted to feel both comfortable and presentable, a careful equilibrium for what I anticipated would be a significant evening.

When Lando's knock echoed through the apartment, I took a deep breath to steady myself before opening the door. He stood on the other side, looking effortlessly composed in a grey sweater and jeans. His relaxed demeanor and easy smile immediately put me at ease, though my anxiety remained a constant undercurrent.

"Hey, Cordelia," he greeted as he stepped inside. No nickname anymore?"This place looks incredible."

"Thanks," I replied, trying to sound casual as I guided him towards the dining area.

The apartment exuded a cozy, inviting warmth, with soft lighting casting a gentle glow. The dinner I'd prepared was simple but thoughtfully chosen—grilled chicken, a fresh salad, and a dark chocolate mousse for dessert. I hoped the meal would provide a comforting backdrop for our conversation.

As we settled into our seats at the table, the initial awkwardness of the evening began to dissipate. We chatted about lighter topics, and Lando's enthusiasm for the upcoming racing season was palpable. His eyes sparkled as he spoke about the challenges and opportunities ahead, and I responded with genuine interest.

"So, you're really looking forward to the 2025 season?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation upbeat. "Oscar seems like a great teammate for you."

"Definitely," Lando said, his face lighting up with a broad smile. "It's going to be a big year, and I'm ready for the challenge. And yeah, Oscar is great. He told me you guys caught up recently. How's work been? We haven't had a chance to talk in a while."

I hesitated, weighing how much to share. I had decided to let Juniper take over Lando's flights from Monaco to MTC during the rest of his winter break. "I've been trying to keep things steady for now. A lot has been on my mind recently, so it's nice to have some stability."

As the evening progressed, our conversation became more intimate. Lando's curiosity about my life led us to deeper topics.

"So," Lando said, leaning forward slightly, "What's been going on? You've seemed a bit distant lately. It's confusing."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words. "I owe you an apology, Lando. I've been pushing you away, and I know that's not fair. I've been struggling with some things from my past." I fumbled for the right words. "I don't really know how to explain it all, but I've been hurt before. It's made me... cautious."

Lando's expression softened with understanding. "You don't have to go into details if you're not ready. I just want you to know that I'm here for you."

A mixture of relief and anxiety swirled within me. I found it hard to look directly at him, focusing instead on the pillow beside me. The memories of past hurts felt like a heavy weight pressing down on me, especially when Lando's touch had briefly ignited a fiery, unsettling sensation.

"I really do think you're a great guy, and I find you very attractive," I admitted, letting a shy smile slip through. "I don't regret the kiss we shared before. It's just... something happened in my past, and it's made it hard for me to trust fully. I don't want to go into details right now, but it's left me with a lot of walls."

Lando's eyes were fixed on me, filled with concern and a hint of frustration. "You don't have to say anything else, Cordy. I understand." 

His reassurance was comforting, and the nickname he used brought a small smile to my lips. "I know, but I felt it was important to be honest. I was just scared."

"Scared of me?" Lando asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.

"Yes," I admitted, seeing the disappointment flicker in his eyes. "It's not that I think you'll hurt me intentionally. I'm afraid of the feelings you evoke. If I let you in, I'm afraid I won't be able to let you go."

Lando took my hand, placing it gently on my lap. At first, the touch burned with an uncomfortable intensity, but as moments passed, it felt right. It was a nervous, tingling sensation that reminded me of the butterflies in my stomach, making me realize that despite everything, life was still worth living.

We sat in silence for a few moments, the weight of our conversation hanging between us. I finally broke the silence. "I'm really sorry for pushing you away. You've been nothing but kind to me. Maybe we can start by being friends and see where things go from there. I'd really like that."

Lando's face brightened with a charming smile. "I'd like that too. Let's take things slowly and see where this leads. I enjoy spending time with you, and I think we have something worth exploring."

His smile and words brought a sense of hope and possibility. While I was still unsure about fully embracing the relationship, I knew that taking this step with Lando felt right. Trusting him—and trusting myself—was a leap of faith, but one I was willing to consider.