She's back ~ L. Hamilton

111. | One game

I don't belong here.

The thought has been gnawing at me from the moment I stepped into the Mercedes garage, and now, as I stand here surrounded by engineers in black and silver, it only gets louder.

This isn't my world. It never has been.

For years, I was in the Red Bull garage, wearing the team gear, standing with Daniel's crew, watching as he fought for every position, every podium, every win.

But now?

Now I'm standing in enemy territory, dressed in neutral colors, surrounded by people who don't see this as anything more than a race. Who don't know that my brother is on the other side of this garage, furious with me, unwilling to forgive me for choosing to be here.

A hand brushes against mine, grounding me.

Lewis.

He hasn't left my side since I arrived. Not for more than a few minutes. Even with the biggest race of his season ahead, he's been hovering—watching me, checking in, making sure I'm okay.

I try to act like I don't notice, but I do.

When he leans down slightly to murmur, "You need anything?" while we're watching the pre-race build-up.

When he squeezes my hand before heading to his car.

When he glances at me from under his helmet before climbing in, as if to say, I'm here. I've got you.

I don't know what I did to deserve that kind of unwavering presence, but I cling to it anyway.

Because guilt is pressing down on me, heavier than the humid Vegas air.

⸻

"With just two races left in the season, the championship battle is more intense than ever. Daniel Ricciardo leads by just one point, but with 52 points still on the table, this fight is far from over."

"It's been a season-long duel between Ricciardo and Hamilton—wheel-to-wheel battles, dramatic moments, and neither giving an inch. But tonight? Tonight could decide it all. With only one championship up for grabs, and two of the greatest drivers of all time fighting for it, all could be decided tonight"

The words settle in my stomach like a rock.

Daniel and Lewis.

Brother and—whatever Lewis and I are.

I'm not sure what I want from tonight.

I don't want Daniel to lose.

I don't want Lewis to lose.

I just want them both to get through this race in one piece.

But I know them.

Neither will back down.

And that scares the hell out of me.

⸻

The garage is buzzing, engineers locked in position, mechanics ready. I stand behind the pit wall, arms crossed, nerves crawling up my spine.

Lewis is third on the grid. Daniel second.

They line up.

Five red lights blink on.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Lights out.

The roar of the engines is deafening, even from here.