|Love 4 Apex| Lando Norris

🏎 30 - Unspoken Goodbyes

Lando's plane touched down in Portugal, and as he stepped off, the weight of São Paulo's race and the emotional whirlwind of seeing Rose with Franco seemed to ease, replaced by a focused calm. He was here for Magui. This wasn't the kind of responsibility that came with trophies or cheers, but somehow, it felt just as important.

When he finally reached her place around 10 a.m., Magui opened the door, looking a bit tired yet relieved, her smile hesitant. There was something vulnerable in her eyes, a blend of relief and uncertainty, as though she hadn't fully believed he'd come.

"You're really here," she whispered, her voice soft, almost disbelieving.

"Surprised to see me?" he teased, raising an eyebrow. "Thought I'd leave you hanging?"

Magui rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Well, you are known for being unpredictable," she quipped, crossing her arms, though her tone was warm.

Lando chuckled, nudging her shoulder lightly as he stepped inside. "Unpredictable, sure. But not unreliable," he replied, his voice gentle but steady. He paused, letting his gaze soften as he looked at her. "Now, what's a guy gotta do to get a proper welcome around here?"

Her smile grew, and she swatted his arm playfully. "Get inside first, Norris," she laughed, but he could see her shoulders relax, the tension in her eyes easing just a little. They settled into the morning with coffee brewing in the background and quiet laughter filling the room, the lightness between them lifting some of the weight they both carried.

As the coffee brewed, filling the air with its rich aroma, Magui poured herself a mug, taking a long, grateful sip, while Lando smirked, reaching for the carton of milk in her fridge instead.

She raised an eyebrow, smirking as she watched him pour a glass. "Still just milk for you?" she teased. "I'd have thought a few sleepless nights and jet lag would've turned you into a coffee drinker by now."

Lando grinned, pouring himself a glass of milk and taking a sip. "What can I say? Coffee's just not my style. But someone's gotta keep you from falling asleep on me."

Magui laughed, raising her mug. "Good thing one of us has taste, then. You'd be lost without me and my coffee."

He chuckled, nudging her lightly. "Fine, fine. You fuel up on coffee, I'll stick to milk. Balance in all things, right?"

They shared a laugh, easing into each other's presence. As they settled on the couch, Magui set her mug down and turned to him, her expression softening. Gently, Lando reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering just a moment longer than usual.

Her eyes met his, warm and open. With a small, tender smile, she leaned in, her lips brushing his, soft and tentative. He responded by drawing her closer, letting the kiss deepen, their connection unfolding naturally in the quiet of the morning.

When they finally pulled back, she smiled, her cheeks flushed. "Well," she murmured, her voice soft and playful, "I think you earned that 'proper welcome,' Norris."

Lando chuckled, his thumb brushing lightly over her cheek. "Guess milk's not the only reason to come here," he whispered with a grin, feeling something lighter, hopeful, drift between them.

They sat close for a moment, the warmth between them quiet and steady, but then Lando's expression grew a little more serious, his gaze softening as he looked at her.

"Magui... we should probably talk about..." he said gently, his tone both reassuring and careful. His gaze lingered on her belly, and for a moment, he looked like he was deep in thought. There was a quiet intensity in his eyes, almost as if he was trying to understand what lay ahead, both for him and for her.