05.04.2022

POV Mick

They texted back and forth over the days, met up pretty much as often as they could. Even though Mick had some work in the factory and the season had started, he always came back to Switzerland straight away.

Mick had met Kilian and was pleasantly surprised that the other had no idea who he was either. Mariano also told him that he had to tell his siblings because he wasn't good at keeping a secret from them, but wanted to ask for permission, before they found out by accident.

He had just happily agreed to facetime them together and found himself being questioned on all sorts of car parts by Mariano's younger sister. Some of which he didn't even know where in his car.

Mick had also introduced Mariano to his mum and to his sister. Angie already loved the other man as well and every time they went for a walk together his heart swell with love for both of them.

It was easier than expected, just being a friend. Despite Mariano being a quite touchy person. He blamed it on him being Spanish.

He was really thankful that the other had been honest with him. There was still a spark of hope in his chest that grew with every bit of body contact they shared or with every time he saw the other talk about his degree with such a passion Mick only knew from himself when it was about racing.

Mick had even left Angie at Mariano's apartment the last time he flew out to a race. That was probably the biggest sign of trust he could ever give someone. Angie was his everything and no one was allowed to hurt her.

Mariano was in Spain visiting his family right now and it would be a lie if Mick said he didn't miss him.

Especially because he was in Spain right now as well. Just on the other side of the country. Why was Barcelona so far away from Sevilla again?

It was weird being here knowing that he was technically racing at Mariano's home grand prix. They still had about two hours left until the race would start and Mick was currently talking to Sebastian about how they spent the last week.

Their conversation was only interrupted when someone tapped his shoulder, demanding his attention.

"Hi"

Mick's mouth opened, but no word came out. In front of him stood Mariano a paddock pass around his neck shyly smiling at him and Mick had never been more glad they were in shielded area with almost no cameras.

"My siblings dragged me here so I thought I might as well wish you good luck."

His brain to mouth connection still wasn't working properly so he just hugged the other close. Much to his dislike it was just a short hug, but Mick didn't want to explain any photos to the media later.

"What are you doing here?"

He finally managed to get out.

"As I said my siblings dragged me here, they do that shit every year, and I thought why not visit you. I'm Mariano by the way"

The last sentence was directed at Seb and Mick started pouting.

"Don't be scared, you still have my full attention."

The younger one hugged him one more time and left after that to go back to his siblings.

When Mick turned around again Seb was looking at him, one eyebrow raised and a smirk on his face.

"New boyfriend?"

I wish, Mick thought. He was positive they were going in the right direction, but he didn't want to overstep or make the other uncomfortable in any way because Mariano had told him he would need time.

"No. Just a good friend."

Seb's look told him he didn't quite believe that, but the other German didn't ask again and Mick was very thankful for that.

The race was fairly shit for Mick. He's had worse ones but also better ones. He got lapped by three cars and finished P17. Certainly not a great race, but patience was key wasn't it.

The debrief took longer than planned due to his bad race and his teammate ending up in the barrier after 10 laps. Luckily there was no more media duty for him to fulfil and he just had to drive back to his hotel and sleep.

-

Mariano

Hi, this might come a bit surprising, and you totally can say no, but as far as I know you don't have anything to do after the race, so if you like you could come to Sevilla and properly meet my family?

-

Mick read the message approximately a hundred times. He couldnt believe it was real. Didn't normal people get together and then meet the family. Either way Mick quickly agreed and then panicked because oh my god he didnt have anything to wear.

Lance Esteban Mick

EMERGENCY!

I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR

What the fuck Mick?

You have NEVER not brought enough clothes

Fuck you, Im meeting Marianos family and I need something to wear

I cant just turn up in Haas shirts

You have plenty of shirts from under armour with you?

Yes, but I can't just go and wear that

Why?

Yeah wtf man just wear a pair of jeans and a shirt. I doubt they're going to judge you

BUT I'M MEETING HIS FAMILY!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ONES

Just wear a shirt and Jeans or I'll steal all your clothes and let you go naked

DONT YOU FUCKING DARE

You could always just borrow his clothes

-

Borrowing Mariano's clothes did sound tempting, but Mick wasn't quite sure if he wouldn't overstep some boundaries.

In the end he just settled to wear his own clothes and texted the Spaniard again to ask if he would be picking him up.

-

Mariano

Ready for a Road trip to Sevilla with my siblings?

I'm a terrible driver

Sounds good! See you tomorrow

-

Fuck no Mick wasn't ready for that. That would mean spending like ten hours or even more in a car with people that all spoke Spanish.

He didn't speak Spanish, he spoke French sure, but not fluently and French certainly wasn't the biggest help even though it was similar.

He was going to die.