Formula 1 | One Shots (1)

You're On Your Own Kid | Kimi Antonelli

Authors Note: This storyline was requested by: Ilikeme37291 

Done in reader POV 🏎️
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Kimi paced back and forth in our hotel room, his hands running through his hair every few seconds. His breathing was heavy and his hands were shaking slightly. The seconds ticked by, but he couldn't shake the weight in his chest. FP1 in Mexico was tomorrow, and all he could think about was Baku.

The crash replayed in his mind over and over. The moment he lost control, the impact, the disappointment...it all sat deep in his stomach like a rock. What if it happened again? What if he wasn't good enough? What if people still saw him as the kid who crashed? What if people thought he didn't deserve the seat next year?

I watched him, feeling my heart ache for him. Kimi wasn't just my boyfriend...he was my best friend. I had seen him at his best and at his worst, and right now, he was trapped inside his own head...

"Kimi, come here," I said softly, holding out my hand.

He hesitated for a second before stopping in front of me. His shoulders were tense, and I could see the fear in his eyes. He looked so far away, lost in thoughts that were pulling him down.

I took both of his hands in mine and squeezed them gently. "You are not Baku. One mistake doesn't define you. You're here because you're talented, because you're fast, and because you deserve to be. Toto chose you for a reason."

His jaw clenched, and he dropped his gaze to the floor. "But what if-"

"No what-ifs," I cut him off. "You've driven this track before, you know how to handle the car, and you've worked so hard to get to this point. It's okay to be nervous, but don't let it tell you who you are."

His breathing was still uneven, and I could feel his fingers twitching against mine. I stepped closer, pressing my forehead against his. "Close your eyes for a second."

He hesitated but listened. His eyelashes closed shut, and I could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin.

"Breathe with me," I whispered, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. I did it again, and after a moment, he followed. His breaths were shaky at first, but little by little, they steadied.

"You're not alone," I reminded him. "I believe in you. Your team believes in you. And no matter what happens out there, you are still the same Kimi freaking Antonelli who has made it this far. You're strong, and you're ready."

He swallowed hard, and when he finally opened his eyes, they weren't as clouded with fear. There was still doubt, but there was also something else...a spark of determination, a little piece of him fighting to believe me.

"You really think I can do this, Vic?" he asked.

I smiled and reached up to cup his face. "I don't think, I know. And deep down, you know it too."

He let out a shaky breath and nodded, his fingers tightening around mine. "Okay," he MUTTERED. "Okay."

I kissed his cheek gently. "Now let's get some sleep. Tomorrow you're going to show everyone why you belong here."

Kimi took one last deep breath before stepping away. He still looked nervous, but there was something more hopeful about him now. And as he turned out the lights, I saw it...the fire in his eyes, the racer who was ready to prove himself.

And I knew he would be just fine.

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