Too Wide A Divide

there are purple-black blotchy marks along the upper-half of your body where you can still feel the ghost of his canines clamping down on your neck and the whisper of his fingertips brushing your skin.

kimi stares at you unabashedly, with eyes as wide as saucers.

“did…did toto, like, beat you up yesterday?” he asks hesitantly.

bless the poor kid.

“i can, um, get you an ice pack if you need,” kimi adds on.

he eyes up a particularly large hickey on the left side of your neck that you had tried in vain to cover up with concealer.

you pat his shoulder softly and cast a kindhearted smile at him.

“thank you kimi, but i’m alright- really,” you say reassuringly.

he nods, still a looking a bit unconvinced, before running along to go chat with ollie.

later, when you meet up with your husband in the second floor of the mercedes motorhome, in his travel-office couch that you two are a bit too familiar with, you recount the story.

he only laughs, before surging forward, pushing you further onto the couch and attaches his lips to your neck like he did the night before, and the night before that.

Oscar Piastri Masterlist

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*gif not mine*

⌗ Favorite Lap

HERE

- in which oscar finds his sweetest escape in her lover after races and roaring engines.

Under the Stars

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pairing: lewis hamilton x gf!reader

summary: after a successful race weekend, you and Lewis Hamilton share a quiet, intimate dinner away from the chaos. In each other’s company, everything feels perfect—just the two of you, the soft glow of candles, and the unspoken connection that has only grown stronger over time.

warnings: romance, suggestive content, established relationship

The night had fallen over the city, the stars glimmering above as the world seemed to settle into a peaceful silence. The weekend had been filled with the intensity of racing, but now, it was just you and him. After all the excitement, all the crowds, the media, and the chaos, this moment felt like a breath of fresh air.

You sat at the restaurant table, watching as Lewis, already dressed in a sleek, dark suit, adjusted the collar of his shirt. His signature charm was evident even in these quieter moments. His easy smile, the glint of mischief in his eyes, and that unmistakable presence that could never be ignored. But tonight, it wasn’t about the champion sitting in front of you. It was just him. Lewis. The man you had come to know and love.

He caught your gaze and grinned. —You look beautiful, as always. —he said, his voice low, warm, and filled with affection.

You smiled back, feeling the familiar flutter in your chest. You had been together for some time now, and yet, every time he looked at you like that, it still made your heart race. —Thank you. —you replied, reaching for your wine glass.

—You’ve made this weekend worth it. —he continued, his tone playful but sincere. —And after all the stress, I’m just happy to be here with you.

—You’ve had a hell of a week. You deserve a break. —you replied, your eyes softening. You had seen the weight of the weekend on his shoulders, the pressure of it all, but now, the world was quiet. It was just the two of you, alone in the calm.

Dinner arrived, and the two of you spoke about everything and nothing. Conversations flowed with ease, about past races, future plans, silly inside jokes, and dreams for the future. The atmosphere around you was intimate, just as it had been from the moment you first met. Every touch, every glance, felt natural, like no one else in the world mattered.

The night seemed to stretch on forever in the best way possible.

As the main course was cleared and dessert arrived, Lewis shifted in his seat, his eyes never leaving you. His hand found yours across the table, his fingers gently intertwining with yours. His touch was familiar, comforting, and the connection between you both seemed to spark with every soft brush of his skin against yours.

—Is it just me… —he said softly, —or has this been the perfect night?

You chuckled, looking down at your entwined hands before meeting his gaze. —It’s perfect. Because it’s with you.

Lewis leaned closer, his free hand reaching up to caress your face, his thumb lightly tracing your cheekbone. His touch was tender, as if he was savoring the moment. —I love this. —he murmured. —Just you and me, no distractions. No one else around.

Your breath caught in your throat at the intensity in his voice. You had always loved how he could shift from playful and teasing to deeply sincere in the blink of an eye. Tonight, though, you could tell he was feeling something more. Something deeper.

—You’re my home. —you whispered, your voice just above a breath. The words were simple, but they feel like everything.

He smiled softly, his lips curving up in that way you loved. —And you’re mine.

Lewis’s gaze dropped to your lips, and you felt the heat of his gaze like a physical pull. He leaned in slowly, giving you time to pull back if you wanted to, but you didn’t. You never did. The moment his lips met yours, it was like the world around you ceased to exist. There was no racing, no crowds, no interviews. Just the two of you, wrapped in the warmth of your connection.

The kiss was soft at first, slow and lingering, a moment of pure intimacy. But as the seconds ticked by, the intensity of it deepened. His hand slid from your face to your neck, pulling you closer, while you reached up to tangle your fingers in his hair. The taste of him, the feel of him against you, made your head spin, and you could feel his heartbeat match yours in the rhythm of the kiss.

He broke away just enough to whisper, his breath warm against your lips. —I want you to know something.

—Anything. —you breathed, your voice thick with desire, but also with a sense of calm. You were safe here.

He looked into your eyes, his own dark and full of emotion. —I need you. More than just these moments. You’re everything to me.

You couldn’t suppress the smile that tugged at your lips. —I feel the same way. —you whispered, leaning in to kiss him again.

The night stretched on as you both shared more than just kisses. You shared your thoughts, your feelings, and the quiet kind of love that made you feel as though everything had aligned perfectly. It wasn’t about grand gestures or big words; it was about this, the peace and the quiet, the moments that felt as though they were just for you two, the way the world could fade away when you were together.

By the time the evening came to an end, you both were reluctant to leave. But there was no rush. You knew that this connection, this love, was something that didn’t need to be hurried. It would always be there, just like him.

As you both left the restaurant hand-in-hand, the stars above twinkling like a reflection of your hearts, you knew this was more than just a perfect night. It was a perfect life. A life with him.

Can you write a Toto fic where him and his wife were married for 20 years and then divorced and they see eachother again after 4 years of no contact?

After All This Time

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pairing: toto wolff x exwife!reader

summary: After 20 years of marriage and four years of silence, Toto Wolff and his ex-wife cross paths at a gala. What begins as a polite conversation soon reveals lingering emotions, unspoken regrets, and the possibility that some connections are never truly broken.

warnings: Themes of divorce and unresolved emotions and bittersweet tones with implied angst and longing.

The clinking of glasses, low hum of conversations, and the occasional sound of laughter filled the room. Toto Wolff stood at the edge of the gala, his usual composed demeanor masking the slight unease he felt. He wasn’t one for these events anymore; they always seemed too polished, too formal. But tonight, he had been convinced to attend.

He scanned the room casually, his eyes falling on familiar faces: team principals, drivers, sponsors. And then, he saw her.

It had been four years since their divorce. Twenty years of marriage undone, leaving behind only memories, regrets, and the occasional pang of guilt that crept in during quiet moments. He hadn’t expected to see her tonight, let alone feel the weight of her presence so acutely.

She stood by the bar, her smile as effortless as he remembered, though her laughter seemed freer now. She was talking to someone he didn’t recognize, and Toto found himself frozen in place, torn between the urge to approach her and the fear of reopening old wounds.

Before he could decide, her eyes caught his. The smile faltered, just for a moment, replaced by something he couldn’t quite read. Recognition? Curiosity? Pain? She excused herself from her conversation and began walking toward him.

Toto straightened his posture, his years of dealing with high-stress situations kicking in. But nothing could prepare him for this.

—Hello, Toto —she said softly, her voice laced with an undeniable familiarity that made his chest tighten.

He nodded, offering a small smile. —Hello.

There was a pause, not quite awkward but not comfortable either. They were two people who had shared everything once, now strangers navigating a conversation as if treading on glass.

—It’s been a long time —she said, breaking the silence.

—Four years —he replied, the words heavy with unspoken emotions.

Her lips twitched into a faint smile. —You always were good with numbers.

He chuckled, the sound low and brief. —And you were always better with words.

Another pause. He wanted to say so much, ask so many things—how she had been, if she was happy, if she missed him the way he missed her during quiet nights. But none of those words felt right, so he asked the simplest question.

—How have you been?

She hesitated, her gaze drifting to the drink in her hand. —Good. Different, but good. And you?

He nodded slowly. —Busy. The team keeps me occupied.”

—That doesn’t surprise me —she said, her tone lighter. —You always thrived under pressure.

—Not always —he admitted, the words slipping out before he could stop them. Her eyes softened, and he knew she understood what he meant.

They fell into silence again, the air between them thick with memories. He wanted to reach out, to say the things he never could when they parted. But would it change anything?

—I didn’t expect to see you here —she said eventually.

—Nor did I —he admitted. —But I’m… glad I did.

Her expression shifted, something unreadable flickering across her face. —I should go. It was nice seeing you, Toto.

Before she could turn away, he reached out, his fingers lightly brushing her arm. —Wait.

She stopped, looking back at him, and for the first time that night, he allowed the vulnerability to show.

—I’ve missed you —he said quietly.

Her breath hitched, and for a moment, he saw the same pain mirrored in her eyes. But then she smiled—a bittersweet, knowing smile.

—I’ve missed you too —she whispered.

And with that, she walked away, leaving him standing alone in the crowded room, the echoes of her words lingering in the air.

Heyyy!!!! This is my first request and it’s about my man Toto 😜. Thank you for requesting this anon, I hope to see more of these. And also hope u like it, remember that English is not my first language ‼️

Between Karts and Confessions

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pairing: carlos sainz x gn!reader

summary: A playful kart race with Carlos Sainz Jr. turns into something more when a heartfelt confession changes everything between you.

warnings: fluff. light teasing and playful rivalry.

Working as a data engineer at Ferrari wasn’t easy, but it had its perks. One of them was your dynamic with Carlos Sainz Jr. From the moment you joined the team, he had made it his mission to tease you, calling you “the rookie” despite your proven expertise. Your relationship was a constant back-and-forth of challenges and sarcastic remarks, but there was an unspoken spark neither of you dared to acknowledge.

Today was a rare calm day after a grueling Grand Prix weekend. The team had decided to stay at a private circuit in Italy to relax before heading to the next race. While most of your colleagues were enjoying a barbecue, Carlos walked over to you with his trademark mischievous grin.

“What are you doing sitting here, rookie?” he asked, crossing his arms and looking down at yo

“What are you doing sitting here, rookie?” he asked, crossing his arms and looking down at you.

“Enjoying not staring at data for once. Why?” you replied, raising an eyebrow as you took a bite of bread.

“Perfect. Then you have no excuse to turn down my challenge.”

You rolled your eyes, already sensing trouble, though you knew you wouldn’t resist. Carlos had a knack for pulling you out of your comfort zone.

“What kind of challenge, Sainz?”

He pointed toward the karts parked near the track. They’d been sitting there all day, mostly ignored by the team.

“A race. You against me. Three laps. If I win, you have to listen to something I’ve been meaning to tell you. If you win…” He paused, leaning in with a playful smile. “Pick whatever you want.”

You raised an eyebrow, studying him. It wasn’t the first time Carlos had challenged you, but something about his tone felt different—more serious, despite his usual carefree demeanor.

“Fine. But get ready to lose,” you said, standing up and brushing off your hands.

Carlos laughed, the sound bright and full of confidence.

“I’d love to see you try.”

Minutes later, you were both suited up and ready on the small track. Adjusting your gloves, you glanced over at Carlos, already seated in his kart with the number 55 emblazoned on the side.

“Ready?” he called out, his voice muffled slightly by his helmet.

“More than ready.”

The first lap was pure fun. You traded positions constantly, each trying to outsmart the other. Carlos tried to block you on a tight turn, but you slipped past him on the inside, shooting him a triumphant look.

“That’s cheating!” he yelled, though you could hear the laughter in his voice.

“Is that all you’ve got, Sainz?” you shouted back, grinning.

The second lap got more competitive. Carlos, being the professional driver, had the upper hand, but you held your ground with a few tricks of your own—like swerving just enough to throw him off or splashing water at him when he got too close.

“You’re impossible!” he yelled, laughing as he wiped water off his visor.

“And you’re slow!”

As you entered the final lap, Carlos got serious. He took the lead with a move you couldn’t counter, and despite your best efforts, he crossed the finish line just seconds ahead of you.

He removed his helmet with a triumphant smile as you pulled up beside him, huffing in frustration.

“Not bad for an engineer, but you’re still no driver,” he teased, offering his hand to help you out of the kart.

You swatted his hand away with a mock glare, but took it anyway.

“Alright, a deal’s a deal. What’s so important you had to win to tell me?”

Carlos’s grin faltered for a moment, replaced by something more vulnerable. He looked down briefly, rubbing the back of his neck, before meeting your eyes with a seriousness you rarely saw in him.

“I’ve always known you were special, since the first day. And not just because you’re good at what you do, but because…” He hesitated, his voice softening. “Because you make me want to be better. Even if it’s just to impress you.”

Your heart skipped a beat. Carlos Sainz Jr., the ever-confident, always-joking driver, was standing in front of you, confessing something that felt far deeper than either of you had expected.

Before you could respond, a voice from the paddock called his name, cutting through the moment. Carlos sighed, raising a hand in apology.

“I’m sorry. We’ll talk about this later,” he said.

But before he walked away, he pulled something off his helmet—a small keychain featuring his race number and a handwritten note in Spanish: Para la chica que me hace feliz, incluso en los momentos más difíciles. He placed it in your hand before jogging off to the paddock.

You stood there, staring after him, heart racing as you clutched the keychain. One thing was certain: Carlos Sainz Jr. had just changed everything.

hiii!!! I really love your fics!! can i req some toto angst? i LIVE for angst 🤭

Of course you can ‼️ just tell me some details you want for the fic 🤭

Red Passion

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pairing: ferrari!fernando alonso x gf!reader

summary: during his Ferrari years, Fernando Alonso finds solace and unwavering support in his girlfriend, who stands by him through victories and defeats. Amid the roaring engines and relentless competition, she reminds him of the love and warmth waiting for him beyond the track.

a/n: i know this is a little bit short but i hope that u guys like it, and Im so sorry for being so inactive here!!

The world blurred past him in shades of red and gold as the Italian sun dipped below the horizon. The Ferrari garage buzzed with post-race energy mechanics packing up, engineers analyzing data, reporters hunting for quotes. But for Fernando Alonso, none of that mattered the moment he saw her.

She stood near the back of the garage, just far enough to stay out of the chaos but close enough that he could find her instantly. Her eyes, warm and familiar, met his with a silent question: Are you okay?

He wasn’t. Not really. The race had been brutal. Second place, again. So close yet so far, the championship slipping between his fingers like sand. But as he walked towards her, her presence alone soothed the sharp edges of his disappointment.

The second he reached her, she wrapped her arms around him, her embrace firm and grounding. —You drove beautifully. —she murmured against his shoulder.

He sighed, pressing his forehead to hers, letting himself melt into her for just a moment. —Not enough.

Her fingers traced small circles on his back. —You always say that. And yet, everyone here knows you’re the best driver on the grid.

He huffed a small laugh, tilting his head to look at her. —Everyone?

—Well, maybe not Seb. —she teased, making him chuckle despite himself. —But even he knows it deep down.”

Fernando pulled her closer, her presence a welcome contrast to the ruthless world of Formula 1. Here, there were no engineers calculating lap times, no media spinning narratives just the woman who had loved him through it all.

—You always know what to say. —he admitted, brushing a strand of hair from her face. —How do you do that?

She smiled, her fingers tracing the outline of the prancing horse on his racing suit. —Because I know you. And I know that no matter what the results say, you give everything every time you’re in that car.

He sighed again, softer this time. His body ached, exhaustion creeping in now that the adrenaline had worn off, but she was here, steady and unwavering. That was enough.

—Come on. —she said, taking his hand. —Let’s get out of here. You need food. And sleep.

His lips quirked up. —Are you going to take care of me?

—Always. —she promised.

And as they stepped out of the paddock, away from the noise, the flashing cameras, and the weight of expectations, Fernando knew that no matter what happened on track, he had already won where it truly mattered.

omg i loved your Left Behind ficcc😍. Could you maybe do a part two where like she confronts her brothers and maybe they say smthn mean. And she can’t believe their mom didn’t say anything either. I love the angst vibe.

🍋 anon

Left Behind 2

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part 1

pairing: carlos sainz x leclerc!reader

summary: the reader confronts Carlos, Charles, and Arthur after discovering that Carlos went to Mexico with his brothers without informing her. The confrontation leads to a painful argument, where she faces indifference from her brothers and feels deeply betrayed by Carlos.

warnings: angst, emotional neglect, family conflict.

—It’s not as easy as you think.

The tension in the dining room was thick, and every word from Arthur seemed to cut deeper than the last. You couldn’t believe you were sitting here, staring at them, the people who were supposed to care for you the most, yet all you felt was betrayal.

—Do you think I don’t understand? —Your voice trembled with raw emotion. —I’ve been nothing but supportive, Charles. But you… you went to Mexico with Arthur without even telling me! ¡And with Carlos too! —You could feel the anger rising, thick and uncontrollable.

Arthur crossed his arms, a look of irritation on his face. —You’re being dramatic. —he muttered. —It wasn’t that big of a deal.

Charles, who had been silent up until that point, finally spoke, but his words hit you like a slap. —We were busy. It wasn’t intentional.

—It wasn’t intentional?! —you echoed, incredulous. —How do you not tell your sister that you’re leaving the country? How is that not intentional?

The hurt was suffocating. You looked at them, trying to hold back tears, but they were already welling up in your eyes. Your brothers just didn’t get it. They never did.

You turned to your mother, who had been quiet the entire time, her eyes fixed on her plate, as if she were trying to avoid the storm brewing around her. —And you? You’re just going to sit there? You’re not even going to say anything? —Your voice cracked as you let out the question, your gaze pleading.

—I don’t want to get involved. —your mother replied, her tone flat, emotionless. —This is between you three.

The silence that followed felt suffocating. No one was on your side. No one even cared enough to understand.

You could feel the tears threatening to spill, but you refused to let them show. —Fine. —you said, the words dripping with a coldness you didn’t feel. —I get it. You don’t care.

You stood up, your chair scraping harshly against the floor, the sound jarring in the quiet room. You didn’t wait for anyone to speak. You couldn’t. Not when everything you’d ever wanted. Recognition, care, love. Was so effortlessly ignored.

Without another word, you walked out of the room, the cold air hitting your face as you stepped into the garden, your chest tight with emotion.

The sound of footsteps behind you broke the silence, and you didn’t need to turn around to know it was Carlos. You knew he had been watching, and you knew this moment had been coming. But you weren’t ready for what came next.

—¿Amor? —Carlos’s voice was gentle, but you could hear the concern beneath it. —I saw you leave. Are you okay?

You shook your head, not trusting yourself to speak, but the words bubbled out anyway. —I’m not okay, Carlos. —you whispered, your voice small, fragile. —I can’t believe you went to Mexico with them and didn’t even tell me. I thought… —The hurt in your voice made it impossible to continue.

Carlos stepped closer, his hand hesitating in the air before resting on your shoulder. —I never meant to hurt you. —he said softly, his voice low, almost apologetic. —It was just… a last-minute thing. You know how it is with Charles and Arthur.

—That’s not the point! —You pulled away from him, anger flaring again. —The point is, you left without saying anything. You chose them over me. Again.

Carlos looked at you, his expression full of guilt, but there was something else behind his eyes. Something that made you feel even more alone. —I didn’t mean to make you feel this way. You have to know that.

But you didn’t feel reassured. Not anymore. The hurt was too deep, the sense of betrayal too overwhelming. —No, Carlos. I through you cared about me. I through i mattered to you. — you swallowed hard, trying to keep your voice steady. —But you don’t. You never did.

His face faltered at your words, and for a moment, he just stood there, as if unsure of what to do. But you didn’t give him the chance to fix things. You had already made up your mind.

—You should go. —you said, your voice distant. —I need some space.

Carlos hesitated, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer. —I’m sorry. —he murmured before turning away, the sound of his footsteps fading into the night.

You stayed in the garden, the cold air numbing your skin, but it did nothing to numb the ache inside you. You had hoped, at least for a moment, that Carlos would choose you. But in the end, like everyone else, he had walked away.

In the Stillness of the Stars

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pairing: luke castellan x fem!reader

summary: a quiet night under the stars reveals the softer side of luke as he shares a rare moment of vulnerability with you.

The stars above Camp Half-Blood always seemed brighter when the nights were quiet. Tonight was one of those nights, the kind where the air carried a stillness so heavy it almost felt sacred. You didn’t expect Luke to find you here, sitting on the hill overlooking the strawberry fields.

—Couldn’t sleep? —his voice broke the silence, soft and familiar.

You looked up to see him standing there, his golden hair catching the faint glow of moonlight. He wasn’t wearing his usual smirk; instead, his expression was calm, almost serene.

—Something like that. —you said, patting the patch of grass beside you. —What about you?

He sat down, the warmth of his presence chasing away the chill in the air. —Same. —he admitted, glancing at the sky. —Too much on my mind.

It was rare for Luke to talk about himself, to let his guard down. You didn’t press him, knowing he’d speak when he was ready. Instead, you tilted your head back to look at the stars, the silence between you comfortable and unspoken.

—Do you ever wonder if the gods look down on us? —he asked suddenly, his voice tinged with something you couldn’t quite place, bitterness, maybe, or longing.

—All the time. —you admitted. —But I don’t think they’re watching for the reasons we hope.

Luke huffed a quiet laugh, and you felt his shoulder brush against yours as he leaned back on his hands. —No, probably not. But it’s nice to imagine, isn’t it? That someone up there actually cares.

You turned to him then, catching the way his gaze lingered on the stars. In this light, he looked almost boyish, like the weight of his responsibilities had been momentarily lifted.

—They care. —you said softly, —just not the way we need them to.

He glanced at you, his blue eyes meeting yours. For a moment, neither of you spoke. The world seemed to shrink down to just the two of you, the stars above and the earth beneath your feet.

—Sometimes I think you’re the only person who really sees me. —he murmured, his voice so quiet it was almost lost to the wind.

Your breath caught in your throat. —I do see you, Luke. All of you. Not just the brave leader or the rebel. The person underneath it all.

He smiled then, small and almost shy, as if he didn’t quite know how to handle your words. —And that doesn’t scare you?

—No. —you said without hesitation. —It makes me want to stay.

His hand found yours, his fingers threading through yours with a tenderness that caught you off guard. —I don’t know what I did to deserve you. —he said, his voice barely more than a whisper.

You squeezed his hand gently. —Maybe the gods are looking out for us after all.

Luke laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine, and for the first time that night, you saw a flicker of hope in his eyes.

As the stars continued to shine above, you leaned into him, your head resting on his shoulder. In that moment, the chaos of the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the quiet, undeniable connection between you and Luke Castellan.

The silence stretched between you, heavy with unspoken words. Luke’s thumb brushed lightly over your knuckles, his touch sending a warmth through you that the cool night couldn’t chase away.

—I don’t deserve this. —he murmured again, his voice thick with emotion. —I don’t deserve you.

You turned to face him fully, your free hand reaching up to gently cup his cheek. His skin was warm under your touch, his blue eyes wide and searching. —Stop saying that. —you whispered. —You deserve so much more than you think.

For a moment, Luke just looked at you, his expression vulnerable in a way you rarely saw. Then, as if pulled by some unseen force, he leaned closer. His forehead rested against yours, and his breath mingled with yours in the cool night air.

—Tell me to stop. —he said softly, his lips just a whisper away from yours.

—I won’t. —you replied, your voice steady, your heart pounding.

And then his lips were on yours. The kiss was gentle at first, hesitant, as if he was afraid you might pull away. But when you didn’t, he deepened it, his hand coming up to cradle the back of your head. It was a kiss filled with everything he couldn’t put into words—gratitude, longing, and a quiet, unshakable love.

When you finally pulled apart, you stayed close, your noses brushing. Luke smiled, small and genuine, the kind of smile he only ever showed you.

—Maybe the stars were watching after all. —he said, his voice light with a hint of awe.

You laughed softly, resting your forehead against his. —Then let them watch.

The world around you seemed to fade away again, leaving only the two of you beneath the endless sky, hearts finally beating in sync.

Hiii, could you maybe write a Toto Wolff fic, where he’s super busy with work and stuff and forgets their anniversary or the reader’s birthday and she is like so close to leaving him, but he like can’t live without her and promises to be better?? Like very angstyyyy but with a happy ending. <333

The Time We Almost Lost

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pairing: toto wolff x fem!reader

summary: when Toto Wolff forgets one of the most important days in your relationship, his world begins to crumble as you decide you can’t keep being an afterthought.

warnings: Angst with happy ending!!

a/n: sorry for making this so short 💔

The silence in your shared home had become suffocating, its weight pressing down on you with every passing second. Once, this space had been alive, a sanctuary of shared laughter, quiet moments of intimacy, and conversations that stretched long into the night. Now, it was a hollow reminder of everything that had changed.

Your birthday had come and gone, unacknowledged by the man who once made it his mission to make every moment feel special. The once-vivid memories of his handwritten notes, surprise dinners, and whispered promises had faded into a distant ache. The untouched cake sat on the counter, mocking you with its cheerfulness, its candles still perfectly intact, waiting for a celebration that never came.

You had told yourself you wouldn’t cry. But as you sat alone, your hands clasped tightly around a glass of wine, the dam broke. Silent tears fell, their warmth streaking your cheeks as you stared into the empty room. How had you let it get this far? How had you become invisible in the eyes of the man you loved?

When Toto finally came home, it was well past midnight. You heard the soft jingle of his keys, the door creaking open, and the familiar rhythm of his footsteps in the hallway. A pang of anger shot through you, sharper than the sadness you’d been nursing all night.

He hesitated at the doorway to the bedroom, his tall frame silhouetted by the dim light from the hall. —Liebe? —he called softly, his voice laced with exhaustion.

You sat on the edge of the bed, your robe wrapped tightly around you, the charm bracelet you’d bought yourself resting in your palm. The anger you felt earlier was a simmer now, dull but present.

—I came home as soon as I could. —he started, his tone cautious as if he already sensed the storm brewing. —I know I’ve been…

—Busy? —you interrupted, the bitterness in your voice slicing through the air. You stood, fixing him with a glare that made him stop in his tracks. —Go on. Tell me how you’ve been busy.

Toto sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. —You know how much is going on with the team right now. I don’t want to make excuses, but…

—Then don’t. —you snapped, cutting him off again. —Because I’m tired of hearing excuses, Toto. I’ve been patient. I’ve tried to understand, but last night… Do you even realize what yesterday was?

He stared at you, confusion clouding his features. And then it hit him. His eyes widened, and his shoulders slumped as he whispered. —Scheisse.

Your chest tightened at the confirmation. —That’s it? Scheisse? —You let out a bitter laugh, shaking your head. —You forgot my birthday, Toto. You didn’t call, didn’t text, didn’t even notice when I didn’t say a word all day. Do you even care anymore? Or am I just… someone who happens to live here?

His face crumpled at your words, guilt etched into every line of his features. —Of course, I care. You’re everything to me.

—Am I? —you challenged, your voice trembling. —Because it doesn’t feel like it. I’ve been putting in all the effort, waiting for you to remember I exist, hoping for scraps of your time. But I can’t do it anymore, Toto. I can’t keep feeling this invisible.

He stepped closer, his hands outstretched as if reaching for you would keep you from slipping away. —Please, don’t say that. I know I’ve let you down, but I…

—You’ve let me down for months. —you interrupted, your voice cracking. —This isn’t just about last night. It’s about every night I’ve spent eating dinner alone, every morning I’ve woken up to an empty bed, and every time I’ve wondered if I’m even a priority in your life anymore.

His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, his usually composed demeanor cracking under the weight of your words. —You are a priority. —he said, his voice breaking. —I’ve been so caught up in work, in trying to keep everything together, that I didn’t see what it was doing to us. To you. But I see it now. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right.

You folded your arms across your chest, trying to hold yourself together. —Words aren’t enough, Toto. I’ve heard them before, but nothing ever changes. I need more than promises. I need you to prove that I matter to you.

He nodded, his jaw tightening with determination. —I will. I’ll do whatever it takes. Just… don’t leave me.

The vulnerability in his voice, the raw emotion in his eyes, shook you to your core. You wanted to believe him, wanted to trust that this time would be different. But the wounds he had left weren’t easily healed.

—You’re asking for something I’m not sure I can give. —you whispered. —You’ve broken my heart, Toto. And I don’t know if I can keep putting the pieces back together on my own.

His hands trembled as he reached for yours, his touch tentative. —Then let me help you. Let me be the man you deserve. I know I’ve failed you, but I’ll spend every day proving that you’re the most important part of my life. Just… don’t give up on us.

The silence stretched between you, heavy with unspoken fears and fragile hopes. Finally, you let out a shaky breath, your tears spilling over as you whispered, —I don’t want to give up on us. But I can’t do this alone, Toto.

He pulled you into his arms, holding you as if you might disappear. —You won’t have to. —he murmured. —I promise, you won’t have to.