In the morning, when I opened my eyes and saw Carlos in my bed, my heart skipped a beat. He was naked, lying with his face buried in the pillows, his chest rising and falling steadily. I could see the scratches on his back that I had left from the pleasure we had given each other the night before. A small smile crossed my lips, and I lowered my hand to his, his muscles tightening instantly. I placed a kiss on his shoulder and heard a small moan from his side. He turned to me, squinting sleepily. 

 - Good morning, Muñeca! - only he spoke. 

 - Good morning, Smooth operator - I greeted him playfully, and he relaxed back into the pillows. - Someone must have run out of energy after last night, huh? 

 Sainz rose slightly and his arm ended up around my neck, pulling me to him for a kiss on the lips. But this time she was very passionate like never before. He pushed me slightly back into the pillow and continued to deepen our kiss. The Spaniard moved down to my neck and nibbled lightly on my skin, making me cringe as his large hands gripped my thighs tightly. He took it very seriously to prove to me that he wasn't tired after last night.

 - Carlos, if we do it now, you're really going to be exhausted before the Sprint today - I giggled, and Sainz pulled away from me slightly and looked at me lustfully. 

- You're charging me Muñeca - he whispered. - And I have a feeling that today will be my lucky day!

I smiled and bit my lower lip, looking into his face. His regular features as well as his sculpted body were reminiscent of the appearance of a Roman deity. His hair fell so unruly on his forehead, and his big eyes stared intently at me, as if he were penetrating right into my soul. Sainz licked his chubby lips and leaned in for another kiss, but at that moment my phone rang and interrupted everything. It was Arthur. 

 - What does the little Leclerc want? -  Carlos whispered seeing my phone screen. 

 - I'll call him later or see him at breakfast - I answered, smiling slightly.

- Which reminds me it's time for breakfast - Sainz sighed heavily and rolled over in bed, turning his back on me. He took the phone from his bedside table and looked at the time as I watched him quizzically. Did he lose interest in me so quickly or was upset that Arthur was calling me? 

 After a while the Spaniard stood up and I looked down at his naked body. Only the boxers were covering the full beauty of the view. It was still amazing to me what a night I had. My heart raced as I flashed back to the memories of a few hours ago and I got goosebumps. 

 Carlos headed to the bathroom and I was left alone in bed. I stared at the windows where the raindrops were pouring down and I have no idea why I suddenly went back to about a month ago in Miami when I woke up next to Charles. I sighed and stood up abruptly. Why did my mind always come back to this person? No matter what I did, something always reminded me of him. And it was driving me crazy. 

 My eyes fell on the bracelet on my nightstand, then I quickly glanced at the bathroom door. I grabbed the bracelet from the locker and put it on my wrist, and as I got out of bed I gently stroked the ruby. I hope Chess isn't mad about what I indulged in last night, after all he was the one who pushed me to start the relationship with Carlos. 

 - Muñeca, are you ready to go? - my friend's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked up at him and smiled, seeing him still in just his boxers.

 - Is this how you plan to go out? - I smirked playfully and got up from the bed to approach him. 

- If I could, I wouldn't get out of here at all - replied the Spaniard, and his hands quickly found themselves on my waist, and his lips on mine.Since last night I could have described Carlos as a hungry predator, even now he held me tight again, as if ready to repeat the night's fun. I couldn't lie - it was nice, I wanted more, but we had to tame our raging hormones, at least for part of the day. 

- However, we have to work - I said breaking our intimate moment. - After all, we are not here on vacation. 

 - I would like to - he winked at me and lightly slapped me on my butt. - Then you wouldn't have anything to excuse yourself with.

 I felt my whole face burn with shame. Of course it was okay for him to be in such a mood, but it was still unreal to me. Ah, and when Kika found out... She was very interested in the development of our relationship and I'm sure she would be surprised that I provoked what happened last night.

 I quickly shook off my thoughts and finally headed to the bathroom to start getting ready for the day, and behind me I heard Sainz humming his favorite song softly. 

#

 An hour and a half before the start of the Sprint Shootout, it stopped raining. I was the only one on the pit wall and I was strategizing the Qualifying based on the tires we had. Charles had one set of soft tires and Carlos none, which made the process somewhat difficult as we risked speed in case of use of Medium tires and its safety - in the case of using soft tires that have already been used once. However, I was able to somehow adjust the strategy so that it was as good as possible for both of our drivers. Now it all depended on them and the circumstances that could be created by the others on the track or... the weather.

SQ1 has started. After my traditional good luck rituals, I greeted the drivers as usual - with information on track conditions, weather and cars. I wished them luck and they both left the pits. As Charles made his quick lap, Carlos called on the radio that there was a problem with the braking system - his brakes were overheating and this was also visible on the information transmitted from the car to the screens. And Sainz was waiting for us to tell him something, to do something about his problem. But I didn't answer. I knew I was wasting time, but I had to see Charles's result first, to guarantee at least one driver's place. Fortunately, Charles took the P4 and I instantly passed information to Sainz's mechanics. With 6 minutes left, I couldn't do anything with Sainz's car, so I focused on Charles. His fast lap was enough for P7, which kept him in the safety zone for the next stage of the Shootout. So we brought him into the pits for a tire change, but another problem arose - again Xavi's lack of concentration and he failed to inform Charles that the #81 car was on a flying lap. Accordingly, Leclerc blocked Piastri's path, and I immediately knew that punishment was coming. With one minute left in SQ1, both of our drivers were out of the pits with Softs. Leclerc started his fast lap and finished P16. He had time to set another quick time lap and moved up to P8. Sainz didn't have the minutes to warm up the tires, so he directly started with his fast lap, despite our instruction. And registered P1. From last, he became first. But I didn't have time to congratulate him, as Leclerc was in the risk zone, and we had no more opportunities to improve the results. At this point I saw Hamilton go out of track limits and his lap time was deleted, Leclerc bailed out and moved up to P15 and stayed to SQ2. I took a deep breath and contacted the two boys to let them know they were moving on to the next part of the Shootout.

SQ2 started, so there were only 9 minutes available to perform miracles. After one warm-up lap, Charles registered a P7. It was quite a good result, but in order to guarantee his place in the third stage of the Shootout was necessary to make one more attempt. Sainz's first fast lap earned him P2 and Leclerc's second P5. We got the guys into the pits for a tire change where I saw that Leclerc was in the elimination zone again. So I quickly ordered our drivers to leave the box. I was already worried, I didn't want this Sprint to go wrong, and the circumstances kept leading to it.

There were 2 minutes left. And Charles began his flying lap. P11 was not a good result and Sainz meanwhile registered P1. And Charles immediately went into a second fast lap, while I was all trembling with tension. The checkered flag was waved, Leclerc registered P4. Our boys successfully passed in SQ3 and I sighed in relief. 

After a short pause,SQ3 also started. We had less than 8 minutes to act precisely and without mistakes to guarantee the front row for the Sprint. Carlos came out on the track with brand new Medium and registered P4. Only after he recorded his lap did I order Charles to leave the pits on Softs. I didn't want the two drivers to get in each other's way, as they often did. 

When I looked at the timer - we had 4 minutes left. We got Carlos in the pit. Charles began his fast lap and at the end registered a P5. I was not happy with his result, as he was noticeably slower than the Spaniard. And I also sent Sainz to the track with softs, 2 minutes before the end. We had to register faster laps. Unfortunately our drivers were unable to improve their times and would start from P5 for Sainz and P6 for Leclerc. But this time the problem wasn't me, it was the settings that were put in place yesterday before Qualifying. And with the changed weather conditions and Park Fermè rules and the lack of possibility to change the settings, there was nothing else to expect. And in half an hour we were about to hear the decision of the stewards about Charles, impending Piastri. 

 However, I felt a bit guilty about the results of the boys, maybe it was me and more precisely the way I affected their psyche. But now I had to brace myself... It wasn't required of me by job description, but as a friend of both of them - I had to be there for them. And I headed for Charles' garage. I had just entered it when heard someone calling me  from behind. I turned to see Carlos' father. 

A feeling of fear fulfilled my soul, so I tried to avoid the Matador's gaze by continue walking towards my goal, but he even called my name louder than before. I looked around uncertainly before leaving the pit and heading towards him.

- Hey, Lissa, come here! - he shouted even louder, attracting the attention of all the mechanics around. - Come, come, I don't bite! 

- With that look of the big bad wolf, I couldn't be sure - I replied, adjusting the collar of my jacket to cover my neck. I knew that after last night I also had scars that I at least wanted the perpetrator's father to see. He smirked, I didn't expect such a reaction to my brash words. 

- How's it going,Lissie? - he asked me and put a hand on my shoulder, turning my back to everyone present in Charles' garage. 

- I don't want to comment - I smiled slightly. - Why do you ask me such a question?

- Because you look worried now - Carlos' father remarked. 

 - El padre, since when are you so concerned about me? - I looked at him in disbelief. 

- Since you've making it up with my son - the man replied. - Actually, that's exactly why I called you. I've been seeing his results lately, and to be honest, I was worried at first, but now I see that you're influencing him very well. 

 - Me?! I exclaimed. - Please, Sainz, your son is good enough to achieve his results on his own without anyone's influence. 

 - Look now, the bond between father and son is very strong here and... - the father leaned towards me and continued more quietly - He told me that you inspire him... and make him strive to be more- how to say it... To be a better person in every aspect of his life. 

 I looked at him stressed. That was not what I expected to hear. Did Carlos really think that and say it to his parents? 

 - I'm happy for you two - he patted me on the back. - Keep it up. And if you need something or have difficulties at work, you can always count on me. okay? 

 But instead of being happy about his words, I got angry. 

- I don't want to rely on you just because I'm sleeping in your son's bed - I hissed. - I prefer it to be so, because you have appreciated what kind of person I am and my qualities are the leading incentive to... rely on you.

 Carlos's father was stunned by the audacity with which I addressed him. Apparently he had never received such treatment, I know it could have soured my relationship with the Spaniard, but I wanted to be a person and be recognized as such, not because of who the man next to me was.

- Have a nice day, Sainz El Padre! - I said in a serious tone and turned my back on him. 

-Lisasa! - I heard before entering the garage. - Feel welcome anytime at La Piñonera. And we will have the opportunity to recognize your qualities.

I shot him a quick glance over my shoulder, then quickly strode to the inside of Charles's box. I managed to get to Leclerc just in time before he was summoned to the Stewards. 

 - Charles! - I shouted after him and he turned to me. I met his pitiful gaze and a lump got stuck in my throat. I ran to him and we immediately hugged tight.

 - Lissie... again... 

- Charles, don't lose hope, I'll go in with you and convince the Stewards that you're not at fault... - I began, pressing him against me. 

 - No, no, Lissie, listen to me... - Charles interrupted me and separated from me. - Lissie, there is already an official representative who will speak to them. Just being here by my side, darling, is enough. 

 I smiled bitterly and stroked his face. I knew that no one else could fight for Charles the way I would but rules must be obeyed. A tall young man dressed in a white shirt and wearing a badge around his neck approached us. It was apparently an FIA representative. He called Leclerc and nodded to me. The Monegasque sighed heavily. 

- Andrea, take care of her until I get back - Charles turned to his coach, then placed a gentle kiss on my forehead and smiled. - See you later, little one! 

 And we started waiting. We waited in front of the building, and I nervously tapped my foot. Sainz called me several times, but I didn't answer him. I was too worried, and when Charles came out rotten... I knew there was no hope. 

 - 3 places back in the starting grid - he said sadly. 

 I bit my lip to hold back the tears and hugged Leclerc.

 - Why is this world against me? - I heard him say with a trembling voice. - Why the fuck am I so unlucky? 

 - No, Charles! - I shouted and retreated. - Now is not the time to surrender! No! You will focus now, we will look straight ahead to the Sprint and to doing wonders. Top 3 is our goal. Let's show those out there that we can do it from the bottom as well as the top. Okay!?

 - Are you living in a delusion too, Lissie... - he shook his head.

 - Hey! - I swung and slapped him on the cheek lightly. - I said don't give up!

 - Why did you do that?! - Charles stepped back and rubbed the affected area. 

 - Because that's how I stimulate your nerve cells to activate - I explained, and Andrea immediately approached us. - Calm down, coach, that's what they do with boxers before a match... I know what I'm doing, believe me!

 - I hope this slap will bring him success... - mumbled Andrea confused. - Otherwise it will be only a commotion bringer.

 - I used to think I have to carry a lucky charm inside my pocket, and now I get slapped for luck... What a drastic change, huh?

 We laughed through the pain, and the three of us finally gave each other a group hug. I'm glad Charles didn't get mad about the slap. His third from me. After which, the three of us started back towards the hospitality. 

#

 A few hours passed, and it was time for the Sprint. It was raining -  dangerous conditions for our drivers, of course I was worried about my friends. I went through all my pre-race rituals, then contacted both drivers to wish them luck. Carlos reminded the strategy team at the safety car to tell him how many places he would lose if he goes to the box for Slicks or Inters. To be honest, I was a little offended how he allowed himself to guide me, knowing that I was the person taking care of it. It was probably his way of getting revenge for not picking up the phone a few hours ago and not even going to speak with him before the Sprint. Perhaps the failures recently, his reassurance about his closer relationship with me, made him think that he could afford such a thing. 

 And so while he's strategizing on his own, I thought I'd look to Charles to help out a guy who might be in trouble today, starting in the middle of the grid. 

And lights out and away we go! There weren't any problems till lap 5. On laps 5 to 7, Charles had a tough battle for places with Ocon and Norris. All the while, I was encouraging the driver on the radio and giving him directions from where and when to attack his rivals, given the fact that I could see their overall positioning on the track. 

 - Beware of Norris, close from the outside, and now from the inside - I almost shouted on the radio. - Attack Ocon, go Charles, don't look for the internal trajectory, and fight for the external one. Come on, come on!

 Leclerc finally won his place in front of Norris and defended his position. At the same time, on lap 13, Sainz overtook Hülkenberg. On lap 16, Charles opened up too much and went out of the limits of the track, causing Norris to pass him.

 - Shit! - shouted the Monegasque with irritation.

- Wait before you get angry! - I interrupted his angry message. - Focus and use Norris' mistakes to overtake him, Charles. 

 On lap 19, several of the drivers changed tires, so Charles regained the P9. I called him in the box for Mediums so he could progress. Instead, he dropped to P14, Hamilton passed him, and even touched him. Charles immediately contacted us to tell us what Hamilton had done, and we informed the stewards. 

On lap 21, a battle began between Hamilton, Russell, Bottas, Albon and Leclerc, who managed to overtake Bottas 

- I'm struggling in the high speed, the car is so fucked - he said on the radio.

 - I know, Sainz gave the same feedback - I said desperately. 

 They soon finished. P12 for Leclerc and P3 for Sainz. Charles only asked Xavi which place Norris was in and which we were in, and then he was silent. It made me feel uncomfortable, I knew I wouldn't be able to talk to him later, so I asked Mekies to give me the opportunity to talk to Charles alone on the radio. He let me, so I stepped aside and contacted him.

 - Charlie, luce del sole - I started uncertainly, swallowing my tears - I know how hard this Sprint was and I was hoping to repeat the weekend in Baku, to have smiles on our faces, to be happy again, but things went wrong... I promised let's do it together, get into the points, but I didn't make it... But you fight like a lion, you were great... It doesn't matter that you're P12, the day was just fucked. Remember that tomorrow is a new day, you start from front row.

- Lissie - he interrupted. - I'm literally in the middle of nowhere! Disappointment, after disappointment... 3 races in a row... It's not my level, it's not me, it shouldn't be... I'm not strong, I don't feel the fucking car... I can't... I heard not and don't so many times in his fast and confused speech that my heart broke into a thousand pieces every time he started a new sentence.

 - Charlie, listen to me! - I almost shouted, and Mekies looked at me reproachfully, then I turned my back and lowered my voice again. - Please don't get discouraged my boy, right now is not the time to lose hope. I'm here with you, you know... There are people behind you who really love you and support you and believe in you. I believe in you and I promise you that this will be the last time you are disappointed. Even if I have to beat up Xavier and every other stupid member of this team that touches your car with my bare hands.

I heard him laugh lightly and my heart calmed down. I had probably already broken the shell of sadness in which he had locked his soul. 

- Lissie, I love... - he paused for a moment, choking on his water. It wasn't his first time and I rolled my eyes. - I like... to feel your support. You know my promise, right... 

- I know - I smiled. - I know, Charles... 

- See you tomorrow darling? - his sentence was more like a question than a statement. 

- See you tomorrow, luce del sole - I confirmed. 

We ended our communication and I looked at Mekies who gave me an encouraging nod and patted me on the back. I said goodbye to him, then quickly ran to the fences to find Sainz. Luckily he hadn't gotten out of his car yet and after going for the obligatory weight measurement he took off his helmet and balaclava and headed towards me. I reached out and hugged him tightly and he gently kissed my cheek. 

 - Well done, Chili, I'm happy for you! -  I exclaimed, stroking his back. - I told you in the morning that I have a feeling that it will be my lucky day - laughed Carlos and we both separated from each other. 

 - I really hope your whole weekend will be like this, Carlos - I shook his hand and smiled widely. 

 - Because of you, Muñeca! -  he winked. - I love you, Lissie! 

I remained silent for a second, shocked of his statement. The words got stuck in my throat and I swallowed hard. I didn't know how to answer, what he told me was like a bolt from the blue. At that moment he was called for the post - Sprint interview and the Spaniard had to go. He kissed my hand, then headed to the cubes for the interview. And I stood behind the fences, numb and still unable to understand whether it was a confession or an outburst of joy.

Notes: Hello lovely people! I am sorry I am so poorly active recently but I have so many duties, that I am super tires as if I had done 3 races one after another. :D

So with the chapter today (a bit later than my plans for publishing) the season 2023 comes to an end :D Now we have just to dream for a better 2024 season and live in this imaginary world  called fanfics. 

Love you guys, thank you for the support and good night !<3

N16 XOXOXOXO