DR3 ONE SHOTS

P3

Rated: green
Genre: fluff

One lap was all that was left, but it was enough to break you inside, surrendering to the annoying temptation of biting your nails.
Your eyes wetted as you saw Kvyat dangerously getting closer to Daniel's Renault, fearing to see the dream of Daniel stepping on the podium vanish.
Everyone was holding their breath, as that final lap seemed to never end.
But when you saw Daniel getting closer to the chequered flag, you got up from your seat and so did everyon else, as the pit crew was already cheering, waiting for him to finally cross the line.
You finally let out a breath of relief, as hot tears streamed down your face; you weren't expecting another podium so soon right after the one at the Eifel GP and you were over the moon, your body literally couldn't contain the joy, especially after a master-class drive from his side.

You rushed under the podium with Michael and the whole team, impatient to see Daniel make his appearance.
And there he was.
Although the mask covered half of his face, you could see his bright smile in your head.

You deserve this so much, Dan.

Your cheeks flushed red when he winked at you, as he gave the team thumbs up, and you were glad the mask was big enough to cover half of your reddened face.
The crowd cheered when he took off his shoe, knowing what was coming up, especially after Lewis unexpectedly decided to share a shoey with Daniel. Once the podium celebration was over, you headed back to the garage to wait for him to be done with interviews.

«At least he didn't forget this time» Michael chuckled.
«That'd be so Daniel» you joked.
«That'd be so me what?» you almost jumped, letting out a high pitched little scream, as Daniel tickled you, suddenly making his appearance in the garage.
«We were just impressed you actually remembered the shoey this time» you chuckled.
«Hey, I was overwhelmed last time...! Next time I'll share a shoey with you, just to make sure you don't forget the experience either» he joked, proudly looking at his shiny trophy for a brief moment.
«Oh, so you're saying we'll witness another podium?» you asked raising your eyebrow.
«Of course, why? You think I won't? Such a nice fan I've got here» he joked, knowing you were one of his most passionate fans.
«Too bad we can't go out for a beer... Covid really is a bitch» he then said, making everyone laugh.
«Yes, this podium definitely deserved a better celebration... Next time»
Michael added. «Sorry to interrupt you guys, but I'm kidnapping her... We have some work to do» Aurelie chirped, as she reached your group and you nodded. «Bye guys!» you waved at the two Australians and went back to work.

Working as an intern in a Formula 1 team was beyond amazing, no matter how stressful it got sometimes, the grid was your happy place. Three years before you would have never bet on yourself, you would've never thought you could walk in the paddock alongside your favourite driver, getting also the chance to meet some of the legends that contributed to write the history of the sport. You really felt blessed living your dream and the people that were surrounding you made it even more enjoyable, motivating you to work even harder in order to extend that contract.

«Ok, we're done for today. I was wondering if you would like to handle interviews on your own next time... I think you're ready enough» Aurelie tilted her head and you blinked a couple of times before nodding, again a bit too enthusiastically.
«Perfect! I guess we can go now, it's been one hell of a ride today... See you next week then» you smiled at each other and headed out of the paddock.
You were so in need of a hot shower and you got undressed as quick as possible once you were in your hotel room.
As the water warmed your freezing skin, your mind inevitably went back to the race, to the exact moment when Daniel crossed the chequered flag. And, also inevitably, you caught yourself smiling as you remembered Daniel winking at you from the podium.
You let out a sigh: the last thing you needed was to ruin your promising career for a crush on him. It was more than just a crush, however.
Although you had always looked up at him as a driver and as a person, working with him made you discover another side of Daniel. Not Daniel Ricciardo. Simply Daniel. Most of the time you forgot he was a whole ass Formula 1 driver because of how friendly and chill he behaved around everyone. He was also one of the first people to welcome you so warmly and always made sure you were okay since you were a "rookie" as he playfully called you. You spent a lot of time together and often found yourselves talking about anything but work; you really felt like you could  talk freely and be genuinely your very self around him, especially when you would hang out off track every once in a while. The feeling developed naturally, as if it was meant for you to inevitably fall for him.
You would've never dared to tell him, though, as the fear of rejection broke your heart each time you thought about it. Yet, it was getting harder and harder to bear his presence and not let out your emotions and you weren't sure how long you could've carried the weight of hiding your feelings.