Checo Perez with wife reader. Despite him not having a seat next year, she wanted him to start the new year afresh. Doing everything she could and he's just grateful for her support all his career in motorsports. He knew her didn't always there when she or their kids needed him. Always make him guilty. But he tried the better he could for them. Thanks!! :))
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pairing: checo perez x wife!reader
summary: After losing his seat for the upcoming season, Checo feels weighed down by guilt and uncertainty. But with his wife’s unwavering love and support, he realizes that family is the true constant in his life, and she reminds him of his worth beyond the track.
The house was unusually quiet for a New Year’s Eve. The kids were asleep upstairs, their soft breaths audible through the baby monitor on the kitchen counter. Checo sat on the couch, staring blankly at the glass of wine in his hand. The weight of the year’s disappointments pressed heavily on his shoulders.
He swirled the wine absentmindedly, thinking about how it all unraveled. Losing his seat—no matter how much he tried to prepare for it—still stung. Racing wasn’t just his career; it was his life. And now, he didn’t even know who he was without it.
The sound of soft footsteps pulled him out of his thoughts. He turned to see you, his wife, entering the living room with a gentle smile. You were carrying a tray with two mugs of hot chocolate, a subtle gesture to remind him that some traditions were worth keeping, even on a somber night.
—Thought you could use this. —you said, handing him a mug as you settled beside him.
—Gracias, mi amor. —he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He set his wine aside and took the mug, the warmth seeping into his hands.
You studied him for a moment, your heart aching at the sadness in his eyes. Checo had always been the strong one—the fighter. But tonight, he seemed smaller, like the world had finally broken through his armor.
—You know. —you began softly, —a new year doesn’t have to mean starting over. It can just mean a fresh start.
He chuckled bitterly. —It’s hard to feel like a fresh start when everything I’ve worked for feels… gone.
You reached out, placing a hand on his knee. —Everything you’ve worked for isn’t gone, Sergio. It’s right here. In this house, in our family, in the memories you’ve created on and off the track. Racing might be a part of who you are, but it’s not all of who you are.
He looked at you, his dark eyes brimming with unshed tears. —You’ve always believed in me, even when I didn’t deserve it. Even when I wasn’t there for you or the kids.
You frowned, shaking your head. —Don’t say that. You’ve always done your best for us, Checo. And yes, there were times when we missed you, when I wished you could’ve been home more. But we understood. We always understood. Racing was your dream, and we chose to support you because we love you.
His lips pressed into a thin line, guilt etched into every line of his face. —I just feel like I’ve let you down. I wasn’t there for the birthdays, the first steps, the hard days. I missed so much.
You cupped his face in your hands, forcing him to meet your gaze. —You didn’t let us down. You showed our kids what it means to chase a dream, to work hard, to never give up. And now? Now it’s time to show them what it means to find strength in the people who love you.
Checo’s throat tightened, and he set the mug down, pulling you into his arms. You sank into his embrace, feeling the tension in his body slowly melt away.
—I don’t deserve you. —he whispered against your hair.
You smiled, pressing a kiss to his cheek. —Maybe not. But you’re stuck with me anyway.
He laughed softly, the sound breaking through the heaviness in the room. —I love you. —he said, his voice steadier now. —More than anything. Thank you for always being my anchor.
You pulled back slightly, resting your forehead against his. —And I’ll always be here, Sergio. Whether you’re racing or not, whether you’re on top of the world or starting from scratch. You’re my husband, the father of our kids, and the love of my life. That’s what matters.
The clock struck midnight, and the sound of distant fireworks filled the air. Checo leaned down, capturing your lips in a kiss that spoke of gratitude, love, and hope.
As the new year began, he realized that while his career might be uncertain, his family was his constant. And with you by his side, he knew he could face whatever the future held.
I love love love your toto fics!!! can i req one where it's like based off of illicit afairs by taylor swift? specifically the bridge part?
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pairing: toto wolff x reader
summary: In the quiet, fleeting hours of the night, love feels fragile yet intoxicating. You swore this would be the last time, but forbidden hearts always return to the places they shouldn’t.
a/n: i really hope that you like it, i tried my best 😢
You promised yourself this would be the last time.
Standing in front of the mirror, your reflection mocked you, as if it could see straight into your unraveling heart. The dim lights of the train station flickered behind you, blurring into the fogged window. The announcement echoed through the platform, calling for a destination you’d memorized far too well.
This is it, you told yourself, gripping the edges of the seat as the train rattled through the city. One last time. One last night.
But you knew the truth. It wouldn’t be the last, just as it hadn’t been the last time before. The thought made your stomach twist, guilt settling into its usual corner alongside the yearning.
When you reached the hotel, your chest tightened. You hesitated at the door, the keycard warm in your trembling hand. The hallway was eerily quiet, your footsteps the only sound until you stood before the door.
You didn’t knock; you never had to.
Inside, Toto sat at the edge of the bed, his elbows resting on his knees, his tie undone. He looked up as you entered, the faintest trace of relief flickering in his tired eyes.
—I wasn’t sure if you’d come. —he said softly, his Austrian accent curling around the words.
—I wasn’t sure either. —you admitted, closing the door behind you. The lock clicked, sealing you both in this fragile, fleeting world where nothing else existed.
—You always come back. —he murmured, standing. His presence filled the room, broad shoulders, sharp lines, the commanding air he carried even in moments like these.
—I shouldn’t,. —you replied, but your voice wavered.
—And yet. —he said, stepping closer.
He stopped just short of you, close enough for you to feel the heat radiating from him. For a moment, neither of you moved. It was always like this, a dance of restraint, a futile attempt to draw lines in the sand when the tide always washed them away.
Then he reached for you, his hand curling around your wrist as if anchoring you to him. —Why do we keep doing this? —he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
You didn’t answer, because the answer was too raw, too painful. Instead, you closed the distance between you, your lips brushing his in a kiss that tasted of desperation.
The hours that followed were a blur of tangled sheets and whispered confessions. His hands memorized you, his lips traced paths over your skin as if he could map out every inch of you before the sun rose. And you let him, because you didn’t know how to stop.
—Stay. —he murmured, his voice rough and pleading. His fingers trailed down your arm, his touch lingering as if he feared you might disappear.
—I can’t. —you whispered, though every fiber of your being screamed for you to stay.
—You can. —he insisted, his forehead resting against yours. —Just this once.
But you both knew it wasn’t that simple.
The morning arrived too soon, sunlight creeping through the curtains and shattering the fragile cocoon you’d built around yourselves. You sat on the edge of the bed, pulling your clothes on in silence, the weight of the inevitable goodbye pressing down on you.
—You don’t have to go. —he said, his voice steady, but his eyes betrayed him.
You turned to him, your heart breaking at the sight of him, disheveled, vulnerable, and entirely too much for you to bear. —We can’t keep doing this, Toto.
His jaw tightened, and he nodded, though the defeat in his eyes was unmistakable. —I know.
But neither of you moved.
Finally, you crossed the room, your hand lingering on the doorknob. You glanced back at him one last time, trying to memorize the way he looked in that moment—the way his shoulders sagged, the way his hands curled into fists at his sides.
—I’ll see you. —you said, your voice barely audible.
And then you left, the door clicking shut behind you.
The cool morning air hit your face as you stepped onto the street, and the tears you’d been holding back finally fell. You swore to yourself it would be the last time.
But deep down, you knew you’d be back.
Slash it's time for you to pay for living in my head rent free
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pairing: toto wolff x fem!reader
summary: On a snowy Christmas Eve, Toto takes his long-time partner on a walk to a secluded frozen lake, surprising her with a heartfelt gift and a moment that solidifies their bond.
warnings: fluff, heartwarming moments outdoors
The snow fell softly, blanketing the trees and ground in a shimmering layer of white. Toto’s hand was warm in yours, even through your gloves, as you both walked through the narrow trail. Each step crunched lightly against the snow, the sound muffled by the serene silence of the forest.
—You’re sure this is the right way? —you asked, raising an eyebrow as you glanced at him. His long strides forced you to take two steps for every one of his, but he kept his pace slow to match yours.
—Of course —he replied, glancing down at you with a smirk. —You doubt my navigation skills?
—I don’t doubt your navigation skills —you teased. —I doubt your sense of direction when you’re trying to impress me.
He laughed, the sound echoing through the quiet forest. —I think you’ll forgive me when you see what’s ahead.
The trail opened into a clearing, revealing a frozen lake surrounded by towering evergreens. The surface of the lake glistened in the fading light, and the entire scene looked like something pulled from a snow globe. A small wooden bench sat near the edge of the lake, dusted lightly with snow.
You stopped in your tracks, your breath catching at the sight. —Toto, this is beautiful.
—I thought you’d like it. —he said, his deep voice soft. He brushed the snow off the bench with his gloved hand and motioned for you to sit. —Come, it’s even better up close.
You sat down, the cold wood biting through your coat, but you didn’t care. The view was breathtaking. Toto sat beside you, his presence solid and comforting as he slipped an arm around your shoulders.
—How do you even find places like this? —you asked, leaning into him.
He tilted his head back, looking at the trees with a thoughtful expression. —During my runs. I discovered it last year and thought it would be a nice place to bring you.
—You found this on a run? —you laughed. —That doesn’t surprise me.
—Nothing gets past you. —he teased, leaning down to press a kiss to your temple.
You stayed there for a while, watching the light change as the sun began to set. The sky shifted from pale blue to soft pinks and oranges, the colors reflecting off the icy surface of the lake.
—Do you ever stop? —you asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
—Stop what?
—Being so thoughtful. —you said, turning to look at him. —It’s like you have this endless ability to surprise me.
He smiled, his dark eyes warm as he studied your face. —You deserve it. And more.
Before you could respond, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. Your eyes widened as he held it out to you.
—Toto…
—Open it. —he said, his voice unusually soft.
With trembling fingers, you opened the box to reveal a delicate silver necklace with a snowflake pendant. Tiny diamonds sparkled in the dim light, each facet catching the glow of the sunset.
—It’s beautiful —you whispered, tears pricking your eyes.
—I thought it suited you. —he said, taking the necklace from the box. —Strong, unique, and breathtaking. Just like you.
You turned around, brushing your hair aside as he fastened the necklace around your neck. His hands were steady, but his touch was impossibly gentle.
When you faced him again, his expression was unreadable, a mix of tenderness and something deeper. —Perfect. —he murmured.
—You mean the necklace? —you asked with a smirk, trying to lighten the moment.
—No. —he said, his tone serious. —You.
Your breath hitched, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Then he leaned forward, his forehead resting gently against yours.
—You’re everything to me. —he said softly.
The intensity of his words left you speechless, and you could only nod, your hands gripping his coat. —Toto…
He pulled back slightly, his lips brushing against yours in a kiss that was slow and deliberate, filled with the depth of his feelings. When he finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against yours again, a small smile playing on his lips.
The moment felt infinite, the two of you wrapped in the stillness of the snow-covered world.
—Come on. —he said eventually, standing and offering you his hand. —I want to show you something else.
You took his hand, and he led you along the edge of the lake to a small clearing where the trees formed a natural arch. In the center was a lantern, its golden light flickering warmly against the snow.
—What’s this? —you asked, your eyes widening.
—Just another surprise. —he said, stepping behind you and wrapping his arms around your waist.
The two of you stood there, bathed in the soft glow of the lantern, as the snow continued to fall. It felt like the world had shrunk to just the two of you, and in that moment, you knew you’d never forget this day.
Hi!!!!! I wanted to remind you how grateful I am to you and the support you give me. Also to wish you a Merry Christmas ❤️‼️
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pairing: charles leclerc x fem!reader
summary: Charles and his partner take a quiet Christmas walk through the snow, chatting about the holiday season. As they pass under the mistletoe, they share a sweet, romantic kiss, reinforcing their love for each other.
warnings: fluff
The snow gently fell, blanketing everything in white as Christmas lights twinkled in every corner of the city. It was Christmas Eve, and Charles, with his signature smile, had taken your hand to walk through the nearby park by his home. This year, you had decided to do something different: escape the hustle and bustle, enjoy the peace and quiet of the season, and, of course, enjoy each other’s company.
—Do you like the snow? —Charles asked as his fingers intertwined with yours, walking leisurely beside you.
—It’s beautiful. —you replied, gazing at the snow-covered tree tops, everything so peaceful and magical. —But I prefer the warmth of a fireplace.
Charles let out a soft chuckle, glancing at you affectionately.
—I get it. But there’s something special about walking in the snow. Everything feels calmer, more peaceful. Like the world is a little closer, don’t you think?
You nodded, smiling softly. The conversation flowed naturally, without haste, enjoying the warmth of each other’s company amidst the wintry chill. The atmosphere was so relaxing it felt like time itself had stretched out.
As you walked, the only sound was the crunch of your footsteps in the snow until you passed under a pair of sparkling lights decorating an entrance, and right there, in view, was a little corner adorned with mistletoe.
Charles stopped abruptly, looking up and then back at you, a mischievous smile forming on his face.
—Do you know what that means? —he asked, pointing up at the mistletoe hanging just above them.
You looked up, seeing the small plant hanging, surrounded by twinkling lights.
—I guess it’s an invitation to kiss? —you replied with a playful grin.
Charles took a step closer, stopping just inches away from you. His expression softened, becoming more serious yet filled with affection.
—You’re right. —he whispered, before leaning in toward you.
Your hearts seemed to beat in sync as his lips met yours in a soft, sweet kiss, as if everything that had happened before in the holiday season had led to this moment. The feeling of being together, under the mistletoe, in the cold, was all you needed to feel warmth in your hearts.
The kiss lingered, so natural, so full of love, that everything else seemed to fade away. There was only the two of you, the mistletoe, the twinkling lights, and the softness of the Christmas night.
When you finally pulled away, Charles looked at you with a tender smile, his eyes sparkling.
—Merry Christmas, sweetheart. —he whispered.
—Merry Christmas, my love. —you replied, your smile the biggest it had been all day.
The rest of the walk was quiet, but the air felt filled with something more. The mistletoe hadn’t just been a symbol of the Christmas tradition; it was a reminder of a love that felt stronger every day.
OKAY FOR THE ANGST
how bout some age gap (READER IS LEGAL OBVI) like reader is in her 20s and when she introduced toto to the fam, they did NOT like him. They were off about the age gap and made it clear they don't like the relationship. toto and reader end up breaking up cause of toto did not want to ruin her relationship with her fam and yadayada, just a sad ending overall
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part 1 | part 2 (end 1) | part 2 (end 2)
pairing: toto wolff x fem!reader
summary: when the reader introduces Toto Wolff to her family, the stark age gap becomes an unspoken elephant in the room. Their disapproval grows evident, leading to tension and heartbreak. Despite the love between them, Toto decides to step away, unwilling to be the cause of her strained relationship with her family.
warnings: Angst and heartbreak, family disapproval, age gap themes, bad ending.
You should’ve known introducing Toto to your family would be difficult, but you hadn’t expected it to feel like walking into a battlefield.
The moment Toto stepped into your childhood home, his confidence seemed to dim under the weight of the judgmental stares. Your father greeted him with a handshake that lingered too long—firm, almost challenging. Your mother’s polite smile faltered as her eyes scanned him, likely comparing his age to their own.
Toto, ever the gentleman, carried himself with poise. He complimented your mother’s cooking, listened intently to your father’s stories, and even tried to engage your siblings in conversation. But no matter how much effort he put in, their responses remained cold, clipped, and filled with subtle jabs.
—So…—your older brother said, leaning back in his chair with an almost predatory grin. —how old are you exactly, Mr. Wolff?
—Forty-seven. —Toto replied evenly, his tone calm despite the growing tension.
—Forty-seven. —your brother repeated, drawing the words out as if to drive the point home. —That’s… impressive. Almost double her age, right?
You tensed, glancing at Toto, who gave you a reassuring smile. But you saw it—the flicker of discomfort in his eyes.
—It’s not about numbers. —Toto said, his voice steady. —It’s about how we feel about each other.
—And how long will that last? —your father cut in, his voice low and sharp. —Feelings fade. Reality doesn’t.
The rest of the dinner was a blur of forced conversation and thinly veiled hostility. You could barely meet Toto’s gaze, guilt clawing at you for subjecting him to this.
After dinner, Toto offered to help clean up, but your mother waved him off. —We’ve got it. —she said curtly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
When the two of you stepped outside for some air, Toto pulled you into a gentle embrace. His warmth grounded you, even as your mind spiraled with frustration and shame.
—I’m sorry. —you whispered, burying your face in his chest. —They’re just… protective. They don’t know you like I do.
—I know. —he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. —But maybe they’re right to be concerned.
You pulled back, frowning. —What’s that supposed to mean?
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. —You’re young, Schatz. You have so much ahead of you—so much to experience. I don’t want to be the reason you lose your family’s support or miss out on opportunities.
—That’s not your decision to make. —you argued, your voice trembling. —I love you, Toto. I chose you.
He cupped your face, his thumb brushing away a tear that slipped down your cheek. —And I love you. But love isn’t always enough.
The days that followed were suffocatingly quiet. You could tell something had shifted in Toto. He still held you close at night, still whispered soft words of affection, but there was a distance—an inevitability—that hung over you like a storm cloud.
It wasn’t until a week later that he finally said the words you’d been dreading.
—I think we need to end this. —he said, his voice breaking as he avoided your gaze.
Your heart shattered. —You don’t mean that.
—I do —he insisted, though the anguish in his eyes betrayed him. —This isn’t fair to you. Your family…
—My family doesn’t get to decide who I’m with! —you snapped, tears streaming down your face. —They’ll come around eventually. We just need to give them time.
He shook his head, his own eyes glistening. —Time won’t change their concerns. And I can’t be the reason you’re stuck in the middle.
—Toto, please. —you pleaded, your voice breaking. —Don’t do this. I can’t…
He pulled you into a final embrace, holding you so tightly it felt like he was trying to memorize the feel of you. —You’re going to be amazing. —he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. —You deserve the world, Schatz. Even if it’s not with me.
You never blamed Toto for his decision. Deep down, you understood it came from a place of love, even if it left you feeling hollow.
Your family never brought him up again, acting as though he’d been a passing phase. But every time you saw his name in the news or caught a glimpse of him on TV, the ache returned.
Toto, for his part, threw himself into his work. He told himself it was for the best—that you’d be happier without the complications of their relationship. But late at night, when the world was quiet and his bed felt too big, he couldn’t help but wonder if he’d made the wrong choice.
Some love stories aren’t meant to have happy endings, no matter how much you want them to.
☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆
Credit goes to @r0ckst4xr on Tik Tok
☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆
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*gif not mine*
𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐒
⌗ Red Passion
HERE
- in which during his ferrari years, fernando alonso finds solace and unwavering support in his girlfriend
Toto Wolff is in a bad mood and bumps into a girl who spills coffee over him and he goes ballistic on her, only to find her waiting in his office later that day and realising that she is his new assistant. And he apologises and accidentally reveals that he thinks she’s pretty.
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toto wolff masterlist
pairing: toto wolff x assistant!reader
summary: Toto Wolff, in a foul mood, bumps into a woman who spills coffee on him. After a heated exchange, he discovers that she’s his new assistant. Unapologetically bold and confident, she challenges Toto in ways he didn’t expect, forcing him to rethink his first impression.
warnings: tense initial interactions, light humor.
Toto Wolff’s day was, in a word, terrible. Meetings had dragged on endlessly, strategy discussions had gone nowhere, and the pressure of an underperforming car was taking its toll. By the time he left the conference room, his patience was running on fumes.
All he wanted was a cup of coffee to pull himself together before tackling the mountain of paperwork waiting in his office. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.
As he rounded the corner of the hallway, he collided with someone moving at an equally brisk pace.
A gasp escaped from the other party, and before Toto could react, a wave of hot coffee splashed across his tailored suit.
—What the hell! —Toto barked, taking a step back, glaring down at the mess. His dark suit was stained, the sticky liquid seeping into the fabric.
—Oh, fantastic. —a voice responded sharply. —This is just what I needed.
Toto’s head snapped up at the tone. He was met with a pair of defiant eyes glaring right back at him. The woman standing before him wasn’t apologizing; in fact, she seemed just as annoyed as he was.
—Excuse me? —Toto said, his tone sharp and cutting. —You just ruined a suit worth more than your monthly salary.
She raised an unimpressed eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. —Maybe if you watched where you were going, this wouldn’t have happened. But sure, blame the person holding the coffee instead of the one charging through the hallway like a freight train.
Toto blinked, momentarily stunned by her boldness. Most people would have been tripping over themselves to apologize, but not her.
—Do you even know who I am? —he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
Her lips twitched into a dry smile. —Oh, I know exactly who you are. Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas, right? Well, congratulations. Today, you’re also the guy who doesn’t look where he’s going.
Toto’s jaw clenched, his irritation boiling over. —You-
—You’re welcome for the coffee, by the way —she cut him off, brushing past him with a pointed look. —Consider it a wake-up call..
Toto stood there, speechless, as she walked away.
Later That Day
Toto couldn’t shake the incident. As much as he hated to admit it, her sharp wit and unapologetic attitude had left an impression. Most people didn’t dare speak to him that way, and it gnawed at him.
When he finally returned to his office, he hoped to bury himself in work and forget the whole thing. But as he stepped inside, he stopped short.
Sitting at his desk, flipping through a folder, was the same woman from earlier.
She glanced up as the door opened, her expression neutral. —Oh, you’re back.
—What are you doing here? —Toto demanded, his voice laced with irritation.
She closed the folder and stood, offering a polite but firm smile. —I’m your new assistant.
Toto stared at her, his mind racing to catch up. —You’re—what?
—Your assistant —she repeated. —Surprise.
For the first time in a long while, Toto was at a loss for words. —No one informed me of this.
—Well, I was informed —she said, leaning against the desk casually. —And here I am.
He ran a hand through his hair, trying to suppress the wave of embarrassment washing over him. —Look, about earlier—
She held up a hand, cutting him off. —Don’t bother. I’m not fragile, Mr. Wolff. You were rude, I was rude back. Let’s call it even.
Her bluntness caught him off guard again. Most people tiptoed around him, afraid to upset the boss. But she wasn’t afraid, and it was… refreshing.
—I owe you an apology —Toto said after a pause, his tone more measured. —I was out of line.
She studied him for a moment before nodding. —Accepted. Now, are we done with the awkward apologies, or do you have more to add?
Toto almost smiled. Almost. —You’re… direct.
—Is that a problem?
—No. —he said quickly. —It’s… effective.
As she turned back to his desk, her movements fluid and confident, Toto muttered, almost to himself, —You’re quite pretty when you’re not yelling at me.
The words slipped out before he could stop them.
She froze, glancing back at him with a sharp look. —Excuse me?
Toto’s eyes widened slightly, realizing what he’d said. His ears turned red, a rare show of embarrassment for the usually composed team principal. —I- what I meant was—
She tilted her head, arms crossed. —Are you complimenting me, Mr. Wolff?
Toto cleared his throat, struggling to regain his composure. —It was just an observation. A poor choice of words, perhaps.
Her lips twitched into a smirk, her confidence unwavering. —Noted. For the record, you’re a bit easier to deal with when you’re flustered.
Toto blinked, caught off guard again. She was a force to be reckoned with, and he wasn’t sure if he should be annoyed or impressed.
—I’ll keep that in mind. —he said, his voice softer this time.
She turned back to her work, a quiet laugh escaping her. Toto watched her for a moment longer, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Maybe this wasn’t the worst first day after all.
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*gif not mine*
⌗ Kings Obsession (mafia AU)
HERE
- in which feared by all, Max Verstappen is ruthless, except when it comes to you, his only weakness and greatest obsession.
⌗ Home
HERE
- in which max finally comes home to his wife and daughter.
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pairing: clarisse la Rue x fem!reader (no specific cabin)
summary: clarisse la rue is known for her strength and toughness, but when it’s just the two of you, she lets down her guard—and you wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.
a/n: its quite short but i needed to write about my wife clarisse 🤭
The training arena was quiet, the faint glow of the evening sun casting long shadows over the cracked floor. Clarisse stood in the center, her spear leaning against the wall, her hands on her hips as she watched you approach.
—You’re late. —she said, though her usual sharp tone was softened by a faint smirk.
—I was helping Chiron. —you replied, stopping a few feet away from her. —Besides, it’s not like you needed me here to win.
Clarisse snorted, rolling her eyes. —Yeah, well, maybe I just like having you around to witness my victories.
You smiled, stepping closer. —Or maybe you just like having me around.
Her smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by something softer, something vulnerable that she rarely let anyone see. —Don’t push your luck. —she muttered, but there was no heat in her words.
You took another step, closing the distance between you until you were standing just inches apart. Her eyes searched yours, and you could feel the tension in the air—an unspoken truth that neither of you had been brave enough to say out loud.
—I like seeing you like this. —you said softly.
Clarisse raised an eyebrow. —Like what? Sweaty and tired?
You shook your head, your smile gentle. —No. Relaxed. Just… you.
For a moment, she said nothing, her usual bravado melting away as she reached out to take your hand. Her calloused fingers were rough against yours, but her touch was careful, almost hesitant.
—You’re not what I expected. —she admitted, her voice quiet. —I didn’t think I’d ever… —She trailed off, shaking her head as if frustrated by her own vulnerability.
—Feel this way? —you offered, squeezing her hand.
Clarisse looked away, her cheeks faintly red. —Yeah. Something like that.
You stepped even closer, tilting her chin up so she’d look at you. —You don’t have to hide with me, Clarisse. I love every part of you—the tough, the brave, and the soft parts you think no one sees.
Her breath hitched, and for a moment, you thought she might push you away. But then her hands were on your waist, pulling you closer as her lips met yours in a kiss that was as fierce and passionate as she was.
When she pulled back, her forehead resting against yours, she let out a shaky laugh. —You’re impossible, you know that?”
You grinned, your heart racing. —Yeah, but you love me for it.
Clarisse rolled her eyes, but the small smile on her lips betrayed her. —Don’t let it go to your head.
And as the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the arena in golden light, you held her close, knowing that beneath all the armor and bravado, Clarisse La Rue was yours—and you were hers.