Formula 1 | One Shots (1)

I've Got My Eye On You | Daniel Ricciardo

Authors Note: This storyline was requested by user: Toes435

Longer one shot, well because Danny deserves it.
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Danny and Madeline had always been the fiercest of rivals on the karting track. From the very first race they competed in at the age of 9, the tension between them was intense. Danny knew that every time he suited up, his biggest challenge wouldn't be the corners or the other drivers, it would be her. 

At nine years old, Danny was a bundle of energy, confidence, and pure joy. He was the curly headed kid from Perth with a heart of gold. He had the kind of smile that seemed to light up the entire room, stretching from ear to ear.

That smile of his was infectious, whether he was winning races or just fooling around with his friends in the karting lot, Danny radiated positivity. It wasn't just his speed on the track that made him stand out, it was his attitude. No matter how tough the competition, Danny always had that smile plastered on his face. Even if things didn't go his way, he'd just shrug it off, and say, "there's always the next race." 

When he raced, it was with the same kind of confidence that made people forget he was just a kid. He was always quick to crack a joke, even in the most competitive moments, like when he'd race Madeline. For Danny, karting wasn't just about winning, it was about having fun, enjoying every lap, and making sure everyone around him was laughing just as much as he was. 

That's what made him different. He had the heart of a champion, but the spirit of a kid who loved nothing more than living in the moment, with that contagious smile.

Madeline was a force to be reckoned with. She wasn't just fast, she was fearless, confident, and had the kind of control over her kart that made everyone stop and watch. It was clear to everyone, even at a young age, that she was on track to do great things in racing. People whispered about her potential, how she could go all the way to Formula 1, and Danny couldn't deny it. But that didn't mean he was ready to back down. 

They'd often find themselves trading wins, their rivalry becoming the highlight of every race. Every victory felt sweeter when it was against each other, and every loss stung a bit more. On the outside, it seemed like the perfect competitive balance, two future stars pushing each other to their limits. But Danny had a secret, one he'd never let slip. 

Beneath all the rivalry, he had a massive crush on her. It wasn't something he fully understood at first. How could he be so competitive with someone and yet find himself constantly thinking about her? He found himself watching her not just to look at her driving, but to catch the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about racing, or how her laugh echoed through the paddock when she joked with her crew. 

Madeline, however, seemed oblivious. Her focus was purely on the track and her future. She carried herself with a confidence that only grew stronger with every race she dominated. When she spoke about racing, it was clear she wasn't in it just for fun. She had her eyes set on the top, and nothing was going to stop her from getting there. 

Danny found that part of her intoxicating. He admired it, even as it pushed him to be better, faster, and smarter every time they raced. He'd never admit it out loud, but sometimes, when they were fighting on the track, it wasn't just the thrill of the competition that made his heart race, it was the fact that it was her beside him. 

In quiet moments, when he wasn't behind the wheel, Danny would imagine what it might be like if things were different. If they weren't just competitors but something more. But every time, he'd shake the thought away. She was focused, driven, and destined for greatness. And him? He was just her biggest rival.