|Love 4 Apex| Lando Norris

🏎 7 - Recovery Mode

The press conference room was buzzing with anticipation, reporters eager to fire off questions after the dramatic race. Lando sat at the far end of the table, his mind still fixated on the image of Rose's car crashing into the barriers. He forced himself to focus as the first question came his way.

"Lando, congratulations on P2. How do you feel about Max's penalty and the incident with Rose?"

Lando cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully. "Obviously, it wasn't ideal. I'm just glad Rose is okay. That's the most important thing. The penalty? It's racing. Mistakes happen."

Beside him, Max shifted awkwardly but didn't say much. The tension between them wasn't hostile—Max was a good friend, and Lando knew he hadn't meant for the crash to happen. Still, the weight of the situation hung heavily over them. They were professionals, but the crash wasn't just another racing incident.

Lewis, seated between them, smoothly guided the conversation back to race strategy, helping ease the tension in the room. Lando appreciated it, grateful for Lewis' calm, steady presence.

The press conference wrapped up quickly, and Lando was relieved to leave. As soon as the session ended, he made his way back toward the McLaren hospitality area. His mind was still racing, but he was greeted by Magui, who rushed over as soon as she saw him.

"Lando," she called out, her voice filled with concern as she approached. "Are you alright?"

Lando sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just... a lot right now."

Magui gave him a sympathetic smile, sensing the weight on his shoulders. "I can tell. You look like you've aged about ten years since this morning."

Lando couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Thanks. Just what I needed to hear."

Magui laughed softly, nudging him playfully. "Oh, come on. You know I'm kidding. You still look good, just... you know, maybe not your usual 10 out of 10 self."

Lando smirked at her attempt to lighten the mood, appreciating the distraction. "I'll take it. A solid 7 out of 10, then?"

Magui tilted her head as if considering it seriously, then grinned. "Eh, maybe an 8. But only because you managed to get on the podium."

Lando rolled his eyes but smiled, feeling the tension ease just a bit. "Thanks. I guess it wasn't all bad."

Magui looked at him for a moment, her smile softening. "You've had a rough day. You don't have to hold it all in, you know."

Before Lando could respond, Magui stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight, warm hug. For a second, Lando was caught off guard, but then he felt himself relax into it. The tension that had been building in his chest all day slowly began to melt away as he let himself lean into the comfort of her embrace.

"Alright," Magui whispered softly as she held him tightly, gently tapping his back. "Everything's going to be fine."

Lando closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of the tension he hadn't realized he was carrying. The pressure from the race, the fear for Rose—all of it had been building up inside him. But in Magui's embrace, he felt it begin to melt away. The connection between them, the comfort of having her there, was exactly what he needed. He hugged her back very tightly, as if that closeness could erase the stress of the day.

When they finally pulled apart, Lando gave her a small, genuine smile. "Thanks, Magui. I needed that." He paused for a moment, then added softly, "I'm sorry I wasn't very present lately."

Magui smiled warmly, shaking her head. "It's okay, Lan."

Lando smiled back at her, the tension easing slightly. "So... what do you want to do tonight? Let me make it up to you."