Motorsport One-Shots

Last Christmas | M. Verstappen

Hey loves! I thought I would make a Winter special for the holidays since it's my favorite time of the year. Hope you enjoy it!

This story was loosely inspired by the songs Last Christmas by Wham! and This Christmas by Donny Hathaway. Also, the candle I picked up from DG not too long ago 💀

Not requested

Word count: 6,983

OC: Hannah Norris

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Hannah Norris tugged her suitcase through the crisp snow, the wheels sticking every few inches in the uneven terrain. She muttered under her breath, exasperated but warmed by the thought of seeing her brother again. Lando's invitation had been insistent, pleading almost, as though he'd known just how much she'd needed a break. He hadn't come right out and said he missed her, but the fact that he'd practically guilted her into coming was enough of a tell.

After nearly a year of dodging race weekends and inventing excuses to miss events, she'd missed him too.

A soft glow came from the cozy log cabin nestled against a line of snow-dusted pines, warm lights spilling onto the porch. She could already hear familiar laughter inside and was surprised by how much she missed the rowdy, laid-back energy of Lando's friends.

She climbed the porch steps, stomping the snow from her boots, and the door opened before she could reach for the handle. Daniel Ricciardo appeared with a wide grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Hannah Norris! Long time no see," he beamed, pulling her into a warm, bear-like hug that lifted her off the ground.

"Hi, Daniel!" She laughed, surprised but grateful for the enthusiastic welcome. Her nerves instantly eased.

"Finally! The last Norris has arrived," called another voice. Hannah looked up to see Max Fewtrell, his smile genuine as he reached for her suitcase. "Here, let me get that."

"Thanks, Max," she replied, letting him take her bag. She glanced around the cozy room, the scent of pine and cinnamon filling the air, blending with the warmth of a crackling fire. Oscar Piastri waved at her from the sofa, raising a cup of hot chocolate, already looking at home in plaid pajamas and fluffy socks. Next to him was Lily Zneimer, her eyes instantly lighting up as she saw her.

"Hey girl! Glad you decided to come!" She said waving and grinning from ear to ear.

But then her stomach dropped. She noticed him at the same time he seemed to notice her.

Max Verstappen stood near the fireplace, his expression unreadable, arms crossed and eyes fixed on her. The laughter around her faded, and time seemed to slow as the memories from their last encounter resurfaced, like an old scar she'd almost forgotten.

She hadn't seen him in nearly a year-had tried her best to ensure it. Memories of their last Christmas, of his sudden disappearance without a word, flooded her mind, stirring up hurt she'd thought she'd buried.

Lando appeared beside her, beaming. "Well, Hannah, Merry Christmas! We've all missed you," he said, but his eyes flicked between her and Max with a hint of suspicion, as if he'd just noticed something was going on.

Hannah swallowed hard, pasting on a smile as her brother introduced her to everyone again, acting oblivious. But all she could feel was Max's stare, both familiar and distant, and the unresolved silence between them hanging heavier than ever.

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The brief introductions lingered in Hannah's mind as she unpacked in her small, cozy room. She took in a deep breath, forcing herself to push past the last, unbearable moment she'd had with Max last Christmas. It's been almost a year, she told herself, folding her sweater a bit too precisely, almost willing the repetitive action to keep her calm.