The Time We Almost Lost

Percy Jackson Masterlist

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*gif not mine*

⌗ Strong Enough for You

HERE

- in which reader loves percy, especially those strong arms that he has.

⌗ You’re Enough

HERE

- in which you felt insecure for once, but pervy made sure you knew just how much you meant to him.

Wild Games

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pairing: lewis hamilton x singlemom!reader

summary: a single mom, two teens, and lewis hamilton love unfolds through laughter, UNO, and a game of Twister.

a/n: dont have any ideas, so please send requests 🗣‼️

There’s pizza grease on Dash’s cheek, Ari’s taken over the aux cable, and Lewis is laughing like a man who’s finally figured out where he belongs.

The board games are scattered across the coffee table, but Dash’s eyes gleam with mischief when he holds up the UNO deck like it’s Excalibur.

—You ready to lose, old man? —he says, grinning at Lewis.

—Oh, it’s on —Lewis replies, cracking his knuckles in exaggerated slow motion. —But I play ruthless.

You raise an eyebrow, slipping into the couch next to Ari. —So do I.

Ari smirks. —Let’s destroy him, Mom.

Lewis gasps, clutching his chest. —And you, Ari?

The first few rounds go light and fun, until Dash starts stacking +2s like a little gremlin. Ari counters with a Reverse, you hit Lewis with a +4, and suddenly he’s drowning in a sea of vengeance-colored cards.

—You people are animals. —Lewis says, half-laughing, half-suffering. —How am I the only one with 27 cards?

—Because you messed with the wrong family —Dash says with the air of a supervillain.

You’re all cracking up by the time Ari wins the round with a smug. —UNO… and out.

Lewis throws his cards down dramatically. —That’s it. I’m challenging you all to Twister. Let’s see how flexible these egos are.

Dash lets out a yell and dives for the game box before anyone can argue.

Minutes later, you’re on the floor. Literally.

The Twister mat is sprawled out, and the living room looks like it survived a soft tornado made of teens, limbs, and suppressed laughter.

Ari’s already out, she “accidentally” fell during a left-foot-yellow situation that she swears was sabotage.

Dash is hanging on by a toe and a prayer.

Lewis is next to you, way too close for someone trying to win, and somehow his left hand is barely an inch from yours.

—Right hand, blue. —Ari announces with fake menace from the side.

You reach. So does Lewis. Your hands land at the same time. His pinky brushes yours.

It shouldn’t matter.

It shouldn’t send a lightning bolt straight through you.

But it does.

And when you look up, he’s already watching you with that smile. The one he saves for when the kids are distracted. The one that says, we’re more than just this game.

Your heart skips.

You’re not sure if it’s because of the tension in your back or the tension in the air.

Dash loses it, like literally and figuratively, tumbling to the side with a dramatic grunt. —I’m out. My spine doesn’t bend like that.

Which leaves just you and Lewis. Face to face. Hand to hand. Heart to—

—Left foot green! —Ari yells, loving this way too much.

You move. He moves. The moment stretches.

—You okay? —he murmurs, barely audible.

You nod, biting your lip to keep from smiling too much.

Toto Wolff Masterlist.

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*gif not mine*

𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒

⌗ After All This Time

𝖢𝖧𝖠𝖯𝖳𝖤𝖱 𝖮𝖭𝖤

- in which Toto reunites with his ex-wife after four years, reigniting old emotions at a gala.

⌗ 𝖠𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝖠𝗅𝗅 𝖳𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖳𝗂𝗆𝖾

𝖢𝖧𝖠𝖯𝖳𝖤𝖱 𝖳𝖶𝖮

-in which toto reflects on their 20-year marriage, the love they shared, and the mistakes that led to their divorce, wondering if a second chance is possible.

𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐒

⌗ Spilled Coffee

HERE

- in which toto clashes with his bold new assistant, sparking tension and unexpected chemistry.

⌗ Winter Steps

HERE

- in which toto surprises his partner with a romantic Christmas walk and a meaningful gift.

⌗ A Night with a Sick Toto (and his Clingy Texts)

HERE

- in which toto battles a “deadly cold” at home while his wife attends a gala.

⌗ Wolff in the Paddock

HERE

- in which toto’s family teams up to outwit him in the paddock, creating chaos and laughs for everyone.

⌗ Downshift

HERE

- in which toto seems distracted with a certain… Ferrari engineer and everyone is noticing that.

⌗ Too Wide a Divide

HERE

- in which love strained by disapproval ends in heartbreak as Toto chooses to let go for her family’s sake.

⌗ The Time We Almost Lost

HERE

-in which toto wolff forgets one of the most important days in your relationship.

⌗ A Thousand Cuts

HERE

- a “illicit affairs” by taylor swift fanfiction.

⌗ Birthday Surprise

HERE

- in which for toto birthday, his wife plans a private surprise, with decorations of balloons and soft lighting.

Heyy, I loved ur recent fic about Toto meeting the reader’s family and was wondering if I could please request an angsty one shot of Toto x age gap Reader where she meets his family (maybe even his older children) and they maybe think she is too young for him or like disapprove in general in the beginning. But pleeeaaseee happy ending???

Through Their Eyes

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pairing: toto wolff x gf!reader

summary: On Christmas Eve, Reader meets Toto’s children—Jack, Rosa, and Benedict—for the first time. Despite initial skepticism over their age gap, holiday laughter and shared moments help her earn their acceptance, proving love knows no bounds.

warnings: family disapproval (not so hard) and mentions of y/n.

The Wolff estate glowed under a blanket of snow, its windows framed with warm golden lights. Y/N took a deep breath as she stood beside Toto at the front door, clutching a neatly wrapped gift in her hands. She had insisted on bringing something for each of his children, though Toto had assured her it wasn’t necessary.

—It’ll be fine. —he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. —They’re just protective. Once they see how happy you make me, they’ll understand.

The door swung open, revealing Rosa, who greeted her father with a warm hug. —Dad! You’re here. —She stepped back, her curious eyes flicking to Y/N. —And you must be Y/N.

Y/N smiled, offering the younger woman her hand. —It’s so nice to finally meet you, Rosa.

Rosa shook her hand, her expression polite but reserved. —Likewise. Come in, everyone’s in the living room.

Inside, the smell of cinnamon and pine filled the air. Jack and Benedict were already by the fire, talking and laughing. When Toto entered, the boys stood, their expressions shifting from cheerful to guarded as they took in the sight of Y/N at his side.

Jack, the eldest, extended a hand. —Jack. Good to meet you.

She smiled, meeting his firm handshake. —Y/N. I’ve heard so much about you all.

—Same. —Jack replied, his tone unreadable.

Dinner was lavish and beautifully prepared, with everyone seated around a long oak table decorated with garlands and candles. Though the conversation was cordial, Y/N couldn’t ignore the occasional glances exchanged between the siblings. Questions were asked—about her work, her family, and how she and Toto met. It wasn’t overtly hostile, but there was an undercurrent of skepticism, especially from Jack.

It wasn’t until after dessert, when the family gathered by the fire for games, that the mood began to shift.

—Charades? —Rosa suggested, her voice light. —We haven’t played in ages.

Jack smirked. —Perfect. Let’s see how good Y/N is under pressure.

Y/N glanced at Toto, who gave her a reassuring smile. —You’ll be fine. Just don’t take it easy on them.

The game began, and to everyone’s surprise, Y/N threw herself into it with enthusiasm. Her exaggerated gestures and quick thinking had Rosa and Benedict laughing so hard they were wiping away tears. Even Jack cracked a grin when she acted out “skiing penguin” with theatrical flair.

—Okay, I admit it. —Jack said after her team won. —You’re pretty good at this.

—Pretty good? —Y/N teased, catching Toto’s eye. —I think you mean unbeatable.

By the time the game ended, the tension had dissolved into genuine camaraderie. As they gathered around to exchange gifts, Rosa handed Y/N a small box.

—This is from all of us. —she said with a shy smile.

Inside was a delicate silver bracelet with a snowflake charm. —We figured you’d want something to remember your first Christmas with us.

Y/N blinked back tears, her voice soft. —Thank you. This means so much.

Benedict stepped forward, clearing his throat.—Look, I know we were a bit… skeptical at first. But it’s clear you make Dad happy. And that’s what matters.

Toto placed an arm around her shoulders, his expression full of pride. —See? I told you they’d come around.

Later that night, as the snow fell gently outside, Y/N and Toto stood by the window, watching his children laugh together by the fire.

—Merry Christmas. —she whispered, leaning into him.

Toto kissed her temple, his voice warm. —Merry Christmas, liebling. You’re part of this family now.

And for the first time, Y/N felt like she truly belonged.

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?

A Thousand Cuts

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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.

So like queen idk if u have instagram but like recently the leclercs went to Mexico so can we maybe get smthn REALLL angsty where its like carlos x leclerc reader and she’s not too close to the family. (not on her part mainly charles and arthur) and they go on vacation without telling her and she’s like sad. You can have more ending if u want

💐 anon

a/n: okay, let me know if this is what you wanted. because I understand the point but not too much.

Left Behind

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part 2

pairing: carlos sainz x leclerc!reader

summary: left out of a family vacation, you confront Carlos about the secrecy and the growing distance with your brothers. Tensions rise, but Carlos’ heartfelt apology offers a chance for reconciliation and understanding.

warnings: angst, themes of exclusion and insecurity, emotional confrontation.

The early morning sunlight crept through the curtains of your shared apartment in Mónaco, but the warmth on your face did little to ease the growing heaviness in your chest. You scrolled through Instagram absentmindedly, your feed filled with glimpses of familiar faces. Your brother, Charles and Arthur. Both smiling and laughing under the mexican sun.

Charles had posted a picture of himself sipping on a cocktail by the pool, Arthur had shared a video of their group riding ATVs through the desert, and then there was Carlos—your boyfriend of two years—posing in the same photos, his trademark smile shining brighter than the sun.

And yet, no one had told you about the trip.

Not a single word.

Your throat tightened as you swiped through the posts. You hadn’t even known they were leaving Monaco, let alone heading off to Mexico. What hurt most wasn’t the secrecy — it was the reminder that, despite your efforts, you were still an outsider in your own family.

You’d always known that Charles and Arthur shared a bond you could never quite penetrate. They were close, the kind of brothers who had their own language, their own inside jokes. As their sister, you loved them deeply, but there had always been a sense of distance, a silent barrier that set you apart.

And Carlos… he had fit into their world so seamlessly. You’d seen it from the beginning, the way he joked with Charles like they’d been friends forever, the way Arthur looked up to him. Sometimes it felt like Carlos belonged with them more than he belonged with you.

You sighed, setting your phone aside and staring blankly at the ceiling. The questions swirled in your mind, each one cutting deeper than the last.

Why didn’t they tell me? Did they think I wouldn’t care? Or… did they just not want me there?

The sound of the front door opening pulled you from your thoughts. Carlos walked in, a small carry-on bag in hand. His face lit up when he saw you, but his smile faltered when he noticed the expression on your face.

—Mi amor. —he greeted, stepping closer. —What’s wrong?

You crossed your arms, leaning against the kitchen counter. —You tell me, Carlos. How was Mexico?

His eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by your tone. —Mexico? How did you—

—Instagram. —you interrupted, holding up your phone. —Charles and Arthur have been posting non-stop. Seems like everyone had a great time. Everyone but me.

Carlos sighed, running a hand through his hair. —I can explain—

—Can you? —you snapped, your voice trembling.

—It wasn’t like that. —Carlos began, his tone pleading. —It was a last-minute thing. Charles invited me—

—And you didn’t think to invite me?

Carlos hesitated, guilt flashing in his eyes. —It wasn’t my place to invite you. It was your family’s trip, not mine.

The words stung, each one hitting like a blow to the chest. —My family —you repeated bitterly. —Right. The family that always makes me feel like I don’t belong.

Carlos stepped closer, his expression softening. —That’s not true—”

—Isn’t it? —you challenged, tears brimming in your eyes. —They didn’t want me there, Carlos. And you went along with it. Do you have any idea how that feels?

He reached for you, but you took a step back. —I thought you were on my side. I thought… I thought I could count on you.

—Mi amor… —Carlos said softly, his voice heavy with regret. —I never wanted to hurt you. If I had known this would upset you—

—You should have known —you cut him off. —You should have thought about how I’d feel. But you didn’t.

The tension in the air was suffocating, the silence between you deafening. Finally, Carlos broke it.

—You’re right —he admitted in a whisper.

His apology caught you off guard, the sincerity in his voice cutting through your anger. You looked at him, searching for any hint of dishonesty, but all you saw was regret.

—I love you —he continued, stepping cautiously closer. —And I never want you to feel like you’re not enough. Not with me, not with anyone.

Your resolve faltered, but his words didn’t fill the emptiness in your chest. You took a small step back, letting the distance between you speak for itself.

—I don’t know if it’s that simple, Carlos —you whispered, avoiding his gaze. —I can’t keep feeling like an outsider.

Carlos froze, his expression pained. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then stopped. He took a breath, and his shoulders slumped slightly.

—I’ll do whatever it takes. —he said quietly. —But only if you let me.

You didn’t respond, your thoughts a tangled mess of emotions. The love you felt for him was still there, but so was the hurt, the lingering doubt.

Carlos nodded, his jaw tight, his eyes filled with understanding—and fear. —Take all the time you need.

He didn’t try to close the distance again, and you didn’t move to close it either. Instead, you stood there, two people caught in the uncertainty of what came next.

The only sound in the room was the faint hum of the city outside, a reminder that the world kept turning even as yours felt stuck in limbo.

dopamine - dominik mysterio (18+)

⛧ pair - dominik mysterio x reader

⛧ tags: @88changemymind @reigns-prophecy (these two wanted a dominik ff so please thank them for this) @cyberdejos2 {Please let me know if you'd like to be tagged in recent or future works.}

⛧ warnings: dominik being a service dom, fingering, oral (f! receiving), missionary (one not about cowgirl for once lmao), unprotected p in v, creamp1e, praise k1nk

⛧ dominik is such a cutie. i feel like there should be more smut about him - i will say he also has me in a chokehold because he’s that fucking cute. This one is sadly going to be short since my inbox has been a little full and I'm trying to clear all of my drafts after being inactive for so long.

⛧ you're addicted to each other - no one could replace the chemistry the both of you have when it's just you and him. you crave each other like a drug (No plot - still trying to test what i write and don’t write haha)

⛧ word count: 862

You and Dominik were planning to just watch a movie for the night - just some snacks, drinks, and a good movie. Instead of watching, the movie was watching you and him kissing all over each other, muffled moans coming from you as his fingers were pumping in and out of your pussy.

“Are you enjoying this, mamacita?” He whispered, a lustful look on his face “Is this what you wanted?”

“Yes…” you gasped, feeling his fingers play with your clit before pumping them back in your messy hole.

“Yes what, baby?”

“Yes…papi”

He smiled, he loved when you called him that.

“Good girl. Relax, I’ll make sure you feel good, okay mamacita?”

You eagerly nodded, feeling his lips press against yours again, his tongue swirling with yours - you loved whenever he made you cum. He didn’t care if he didn’t, he always made sure you were completely satisfied whenever he made a mess out of you. Your muffled moans and whimpers turned him on. He enjoyed listening to you enjoying yourself.

"Do you want more?" Dom asked, slowing his pace and leaving little circles on your clit.

You were out of breath but nodded, spreading your legs so he could get a better view of your clit. His eyes were full of hunger and lust as you positioned yourself, laying on your back.

"You look so delicious baby" He smiled, slowly sliding his tongue up and down on your clit. You shivered, it felt so warm and you were already sensitive from his fingers earlier.

"P-Please...be gentle" you moaned, unable to keep still as you were feeling desperate to cum.

He chuckled and held your legs apart, making sure he gotten all of the places you liked. You thrusted your hips toward him feeling yourself getting closer to cum. He hummed in approval before sticking his tongue in and out of you.

"Papi...I'm I'm close" your voice shook from the waves of pleasure, your stomach tightening.

"You're going to cum, baby?" He chuckled, using his fingers to circle your clit while his tongue was still in you.

"I...I.."

It didn't take you long before you came all over his tongue, whimpering from how he played with your cunt. Your eyes fluttered as you watched Dom lick up all of your juices.

"Fuck baby you taste so good..." His words full of lust and need, making sure you were alright. Your flushed face and heavy breathing was a sight to Dom, feeling proud of himself for making you cum all over his face.

Dom kept eye contact with you as he undid his belt, you noticing his bulge in his pants. Dom smirked as he pulled down his boxers, you getting turned on from the sight of his veiny cock staring at you. You were ready for more from him.

Dom, positioned himself, his tip brushing up against your clit, not wanting to hurt you. You gasped from his teases, feeling desperate for more.

"Shhh... relax, mamacita. I promise you'll enjoy it."

You knew he was a man of his word, he wanted to take his time pleasuring you, even if you couldn't wait. You whimpered as he slowly pushed himself in you, filling your cunt up with every inch of his cock.

"Fuck, baby..." Dom groaned, biting his lip from your walls tightening around him. "You're doing so good"

"Oh my god." you whined, fighting the urge to cum.

His thrusts were slow, making sure you were adjusted and not in any pain, admiring your flushed face and your tits bouncing with each thrust. He took one of his hands to cup one of them, giving a gentle squeeze and teasing your nipple.

Your moans were music to his ears, listening to every sound you made, every breath you took, it was addicting to him.

"You're doing so good, princesa. You're so beautiful like this."

His praises made you crave for him. You reached your arms out, wanting him to lean in for a kiss as he thrusted in you. Dom quickly noticed and leaned in, giving you what you wanted. Muffled moans and soft skin slapping filled the air, leaving hot steamy kisses around each other. You couldn't ask for anything else. Dom pressed his tongue into your mouth, tongues twirling with each other. God, you felt too good. You couldn't ask for anything else in the world but for Dom and how he treated you when it came to sex. You were his and he was yours and that was all you could ever ask for.

"Fuck...I'm getting close, baby." He muttered, "Are you?"

"I-I'm getting close too.." You whined, locking your legs around him, your stomach tightening.

Dom smiled, his thrusts getting harder, his forehead touching yours.

You cried out as you came undone on him, him following behind letting his seed burst in you, filling you up with his cum. He groaned loud, his arms gripping you tight.

As you both came down from your high, Dom looked into your eyes, smiling as he knew he did a good job. You smiled at him and pressed your lips against his.

"Thank you, Papi"

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 🤭

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!! :))

The New Year’s Fresh Start

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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.