Formula 1 | One Shots

Thirty and Flirty | Carlos Sainz

Authors Note: lil angst, lil fluff, lil sad, lil in love with Carlos Sainz

Done in reader's POV
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Monza was always electrifying. The noise, the Tifosi, the pressure, it all built up into this overwhelming wave that crashed down on everyone, especially Charles and Carlos. But for me, as Charles' social media manager, it was just another busy weekend. Or at least, it should have been. 

Carlos had been acting strange. For the past year, we'd had this back and forth banter going on. He loved teasing me, especially about being the youngest on the team, even when he was only 5 years older than me. Every chance he got, he'd throw in some comment about how innocent I was or how I was such a goody two-shoes. 

At first, it annoyed me, but over time, I started to find it...amusing, in a weird way. It was just Carlos being Carlos. But now, here in Monza, something was different. He was snapping at me, making sarcastic comments that felt a little too sharp, and generally being a pain. 

I tried to brush it off as just race weekend stress, but it was starting to get to me. 

"Valentina, you missed a spot," Carlos called out as I was trying to take some shots of the team during the practice session. He was grinning, clearly enjoying himself at my expense. 

"I'm not here to clean up after you, Carlos," I shot back, trying to focus on my work. But he just kept at it. 

"Oh, I forgot. You're the perfect little angel, right? Never put a foot wrong." His tone was dripping with sarcasm, and it was getting under my skin. I could feel my patience thinning, and I bit my tongue, determined not to let him get to me. 

"Just doing my job, Carlos" I said, focusing on the screen of my camera. 

"Sure, sure. But don't work too hard, Valentina. Wouldn't want you to break a sweat." He was smirking, leaning casually against the garage wall, looking as if he didn't have a care in the world. 

"Carlos, c'mon leave her alone mate" Charles said, stepping in. I didn't want Carlos to think he was getting under my skin or needing Charles to defend me, so I brushed it off. 

For the past few days in Monza, he had been on a roll, more snarky, more irritating, and I was starting to seriously dislike him. It wasn't just the usual banter anymore. It felt meaner, more personal. 

During lunch, I found a quiet spot away from the team, hoping for a few minutes of peace. I was halfway through my sandwich when Carlos appeared, like he had some alarm set for ruining my day. 

"Eating alone, Valentina? That's so sad," he said, sliding into the seat across from me. 

I looked up at him, trying to keep my cool. "Maybe I like it that way," I replied, hoping he would take the hint and leave me alone. But of course, he didn't. 

"Come on, don't be like that. I'm just messing with you." He had that smirk again, and I felt my temper flare. 

"Well, it's getting old, Carlos," I snapped before I could stop myself. "I don't know what your problem is, but if you're trying to make me hate you, it's working." 

He blinked, his smile falling for a moment. It was the first time I'd seen him actually look taken aback. For a second, I thought he might apologize or at least back off. But then, he just shrugged. 

"Relax, Valentina. It's all in good fun," he said. 

"I'm not finding it fun anymore, Carlos," I said quietly, standing up. "Maybe find someone else to 'mess with' for a change."