Work Text:
Great to see you man
Lewis’ thumbs wavered slightly over his keypad as his eyes ran over the words again and again, heavily scrutinising the caption under his habitual photo dump of the Monaco Grand Prix. His brows furrowed, Lewis waited a beat before pressing delete for the seventh time, the dissatisfied feeling in his chest briskly disappearing as the words vanished under the firm tapping of his thumb, leaving behind a blank space once again under his carefully compiled series of photos.
Previously disregarded captions consisted of:
A familiar track with some familiar faces
told you he’d be back :)
It was good seeing you Seb, miss you man
Many good memories with this track, old and new.
Monaco, you are always a special race with some good surprises. This weekend was no different.
They all didn’t feel right, the feeling particularly gnawing at Lewis as he saved the photos to his drafts and swiped off Instagram before immediately opening the post up again and deleting the previous caption, the blank space a uglier sight each time he sees it.
It didn’t take much for him to wonder why his earlier captions appeared too ill-fitting and inapt, each one of them too revealing and overtly displaying Lewis’ woeful pining for the retired German driver.
Lewis dropped his chin into his hand wistfully as his eyes kept drifting back to the image displayed beside the empty space of text, the photo he deliberately chose to be at the beginning of the dump and that would be showcased on his Instagram account. The photo of Seb and him hugging.
God, this was getting ridiculous , Lewis could only mournfully think as he chewed the nail of his thumb in contemplation, then later reprimanding himself for such a habit that he’s been diligently trying to break himself out of.
His back leaning against the kitchen counter comfortably, Lewis relented in his fruitless endeavours and placed his phone down beside him, the blank caption space a blaring aggravation as he ventured out towards his balcony for some inspiration, or at least a momentary respite from his captionless post.
The race being in Monaco this week afforded Lewis the precious and rare opportunity to actually inhabit his Monaco apartment for the first time of the year, the air within the apartment seeming quite stale and unused as there have been no visitors bar the routine housekeeper who regularly dusted and tended after the dormant place.
It wasn’t one of his more favoured homes that he owned throughout the world, never having enough time to afford the apartment the intimate care and decoration that it deserved, but it did its job when Lewis wanted something more familiar and stable to live in, even if it would only be for a week, the formality and rigidness of hotels a sore comparison to his accustomed yet solitary apartment.
Walking out into the fresh open air, Lewis was met with the perpetual noise of the dense city, the exaggerated revs of extortionate cars and the blaring of horns when the frustration of traffic leaked from one driver to another. Monaco was a sleepless city, the streets remaining vivacious and alive even throughout the night, particularly during the Grand Prix weekend when celebrations roared alive and had no end in sight.
Lewis was intimately familiar with this, having partied his successful wins well into the early morning, his elation never subsiding as more alcohol was thrusted his way and the more songs played that had him rooted to the dancefloor. Now, however, Lewis was alone in his apartment, the adrenaline of the earlier race having long worn off and a certain man who’s taken up an abundance of space in Lewis’ mind ever since he saw him for the first time in too many months only two days ago.
It felt immensely good to see Sebastian Vettel at the Monaco Grand Prix, a feeling that Lewis vastly welcomed whenever he got a glance of that familiar headband of his and that characteristic grin that was so Seb . Lewis was surprised when news started circulating around about the German’s unprecedented presence at the track, but he was ultimately more relieved and thrilled, his assiduous eyes flickering from every man that walked by the Mercedes garage, a pang of disappointment surging each time when it was just a passerby or mechanic from this team or that. But Lewis didn’t lose faith, waiting with a staunch anticipation for the one man to make himself known and to greet Lewis like he never left the sport last season, like he always has greeted Lewis throughout the many years that they have spent together.
And Sebastian did eventually show up, his eyes emblazoned with delight when they met with Lewis’, his smile so familiar and fond when Lewis disregarded whatever information he was being told about his car and left to hug the man that he has missed so, so much.
“Hey, man.” Lewis had sounded so fond, his tone entirely soft as he stood in front of Sebastian, breathing in his sight for the first time in months. He looked the same, perhaps his hair slightly longer and his curls more unruly and unbrushed. Lewis could list all sorts of products that could better nourish and elevate the state of the German’s hair, send his lists of recommended brands to use and how to properly utilise the oils and creams to fully maximise their effect.
Seb would listen to Lewis bemused, a slightly upwards tilt to his lips as his eyes remained attentive, listening to every word that Lewis would say, nodding his head at the right times and humming thoughtfully at each new product or brand that Lewis would name. In the end, Sebastian would keep to his efficient 2-1 shampoo and conditioner routine, but he would gladly listen to Lewis repeat this information to him again and again, until perhaps one day he might take up Lewis on his commendations, to only see Lewis’ smug and satisfied smile.
Yeah, it would be worth it.
“Hello, stranger.”
Lewis let out a breathy exhale as he took a step forward, his body naturally gravitating towards Sebastian in such a familiar and known movement, the other man mirroring his body as they embraced one another, hands curling around eachothers’ shoulders and waists so tenderly and warm.
They remained like that for a moment, neither of them wishing to relinquish their hold too soon, for each month that they have been separated from one another soaking into each second that their embrace lasted for, cameras flashing around them but they didn’t care. They would later be grateful for this, something that neither of them would outwardly admit to the photographers, as it allowed them to look back on the moment with clarity and warmth, and for one of them to be able to add to his habitual Grand Prix photo dump, a precious smile on his face when he did so.
“Monaco, huh? I was wagering you’d return during Spa, maybe Monza. Others were betting on Suzuka but Fernado didn’t believe you would wait that long.”
Sebastian hummed, his eyebrows raising. “I could have won you some money if you had told me about the bet. Did anyone say Monaco at all? Or did others aim optimistically high with my return and say Bahrain or Australia of all places.”
Lewis nodded his head with a smile. “Charles, but I’m pretty sure his answer was heavily influenced by Monaco being his home city and all. You could ask the kid who he wants to win the World Cup and he’ll say Monaco.”
“If you could visit any country in the world, where would it be? Monaco .” Sebastian parroted back, his eyes gleaming brightly when he spoke.
“Charles, name a country other than Monaco that speaks french-”
“ Monaco .” They answered simultaneously, grins breaking out upon their faces and laughs escaping them so easily.
It was as though no time had passed since they had last seen each other. Although to be fair, barely six months had gone by since Abu Dhabi, and less time since they’ve communicated over text, each of them wishing the other a happy new year and Sebastian messaging Lewis good luck for the new season. But for Lewis, it has been far too long since he’s seen Sebastian face-to-face. He was supposed to see him during preseason, and when the F1 2023 Calendar officially began, but Sebastian was no longer a driver, his retirement seeming like lightyears away now and all too recent simultaneously.
And to see him at a racetrack now, with Lewis’ past fears and wary hesitations that Sebastian would never be caught at a Grand Prix ever again, it warmed Lewis’ chest profoundly to know that the feeling between them was still the same and as alive as ever.
“Who do you want to win on Sunday?” Lewis couldn’t help himself but ask, smiling involuntarily at the knowing look Sebastian sent his way.
“If I say you in front of the cameras, will you slip me the ten euros later?” Sebastian’s tone was awfully inviting to Lewis’ ears, the Brit discerning the teasing uplift to Sebastian’s lips with a smile, Lewis’ chest warming and his eyes shining as he stood in front of the German. God, Lewis has missed this man so much.
Tilting his head to the side imploringly, Lewis played along with Sebastian’s playful words. “How about I buy you a drink after the race.”
Sebastian briefly wetted his lips as he shook his head, the expression becoming more subdued as he spoke with a rueful smile, his eyes appearing so blue in the afternoon sunlight. “I’m afraid I won’t be staying for the race. I’ll be driving back to Switzerland later today, unfortunately. I was only planning on visiting some familiar faces and having a meeting with some people I’ve been in discussion with.”
Lewis couldn’t repress his disappointment at Sebastian’s words, not wanting the man to disappear so soon after he’s only reunited with the man. He knew that Sebastian could see right through him, and how could he not? After all of this time they’ve spent with one another, gradually growing closer and more familiar with each other, understanding the other so closely and intimately, sharing the same desires and hopes for the world beyond them. Lewis could confidently say that Sebastian knew him best out of everyone on the grid, and Sebastian would believe the same, the two of them from the same generation and being known by one another so exceptionally.
It was a given that Sebastian could discern Lewis’ dismay so acutely now.
“You’re not going to be waving the flag then on the last lap, I imagine.” Lewis lamely joked, his lips twitching slightly when he saw Sebastian fight his own smile at Lewis’ words, amusement shining so dearly in his eyes at either the Brit’s words or at Lewis’ apparent disappointment at his brief stay in Monaco. Lewis didn’t mind however, the sight of a pleased Sebastian improving his mood greatly.
Shrugging his shoulders indifferently, Sebastian responded. “Maybe another time. I’ll leave that to whoever actor or model the job is currently assigned to. I’ll be joining the driver’s meeting if that’s any consolation.”
Lewis smiled at him then, his head nodding as he reached out and nudged Sebastian’s arm with his knuckles good-naturedly, the German grinning at him in response as he happily welcomed Lewis’ touch. “Yeah, okay, that’s good enough for me.”
And to Lewis, it was enough to only see Sebastian for a couple of hours, to be able to witness how happy the man was and how content he remained with his decision to retire.
Time for Lewis was a luxury, especially with his ever increasing and hectic work schedule, as well as his multiple endeavours and commitments outside of the sport, whether that was his fashion line or his Plus 44 Foundation or his newfound production company.
And during race weekends, or more accurately week with how his media obligations had been pushed forward a day and how the sprint format some weekends extends his working hours, his day blurring with the next as it felt like he had no time to eat or sleep without being pulled away for a practise evaluation or spending hours in the SIM, mitigating his times or perfecting his laps.
But Lewis would happily give up his limited hours if it meant he could see Sebastian and see that wide grin of his and hear that familiar smile. It would be worth it everytime.
Resting his arms on the balcony railing overlooking the affluent city, Lewis wondered what Sebastian was doing at this time.
Looking up at the twinkling stars, their expanse dusted across the entirety of the darkened sky, Lewis wondered if Sebastian was looking up at the sky as well, if their stars were the same and whether Sebastian saw the same beauty held within them as Lewis did.
Lewis knew undoubtedly that Sebastian would. Sebastian would uninhibitedly appreciate their wonder and awed hope with a fierce intensity as he did with all things relating to nature and the environment. Lewis wasn’t sure if Sebastian knew much about the constellations and the stories behind them, if Sebastian had ever read up about astrology and studied his star sign. Lewis wondered if Sebastian would be curious about these things, if he’d listen with an open and genuine ear as Lewis poured out all of his knowledge and belief in the stars and their significance.
He definitely would , Lewis mused to himself, Sebastian was forever an excellent and engaging listener, always knowing what to say and when to respond to Lewis’ questions and observations with earnest.
The thought made him wish that the man was standing beside him now; not in his home in Switzerland but in Monaco next to Lewis now, his arms against the railing as Lewis’ were, his head tilted back as he regarded the stars with a small smile that Lewis knew would be present on his face.
Losing himself in distracted thought, Lewis pondered about how his and Sebastian’s clocks were the same, both Monaco and Switzerland passing time at the same hour, minute and second. It was well past midnight for both of them now, and so Lewis wouldn’t put it against the man if he was already in bed asleep, his mind transported elsewhere as Lewis’ remained vigilant and alert as ever.
Tapping his fingers against the cool railing, Lewis wondered about what accompanied Sebastian’s mind during these late hours and what worlds he was transported to as his body remained in deep sleep. What did Sebastian Vettel dream of?
Perhaps it was of times long past now, or of hopeful what-if scenarios and of futile what-could-have-beens. Maybe he had surreal dreams that were too ridiculous to be true, the type that when you wake up the next morning, you dwell bizarrely of what you’re mind experienced and forget about it all so soon afterwards.
Selfishly, Lewis liked to imagine that he showed up in some of the German’s dreams from time to time as Sebastian often did in his.
Lewis eyes caught then the lights of an apartment going out, the building darkening and becoming indistinguishable as the residents sought out their beds, no longer being amongst Lewis and the rest of the insomniac population splattered across the city and resigning themselves to waking up to a new day, leaving this one behind in the past.
Lewis knew that he should similarly join that apartment in their sleeping endeavours, his mind reminding him of his early flight in the morning that would transport him to a different city already, the start of a new race week beginning and the same circus that came along with it.
Traitorously, his brain calculated how many hours he would be asleep for before his alarm would rudely awake him, and Lewis knew that if he didn’t go to bed anytime soon, if he remained out on this balcony in the cool air and the murmur of the city an omnipresent noise which prolonged his awakeness, he was going to be particularly grumpy and unpleasantly nonverbal to everyone he would inevitably encounter the next day.
Fortunately, Lewis’ ruminations unintentionally had aided him with his previous ailing predicament, his mind slowly piecing together a caption that he knew felt right and would appropriately encapsulate his thoughts and experience this race weekend.
Feeling a certainty and restfulness that he didn’t before, Lewis finally left the stars and walked back into his warm apartment, retrieving his phone from the kitchen counter and opening up his drafts to find the myriad of photos laid out patiently, the blank caption no longer feeling daunting or an aggravating sight.
Typing out the words in his mind, Lewis could feel a smile edge onto his lips as he reread the caption, his eyes unconsciously drifting towards the cover photo and subsequently remaining there for a long moment, feelings of sureness and conviction so palpable in his chest as he reviewed his post.
Yeah , Lewis thought to himself as he pressed the ‘post’ option and watched as the photos quickly uploaded to his Instagram feed, his smile growing more soft as the image of him and Sebastian hugging blinked clear on his screen, Lewis’ expression now similarly mirroring the one in the picture, the caption was perfect.
Swiping off the app, Lewis relented to his bed and fell under the covers unceremoniously, the duvet a comforting weight as he made sure his alarms were ready and his phone was plugged in securely. Closing his eyes and peacefully shutting off his mind, Lewis waited for sleep to overtake him, his exhaustion from the day finally making itself known and profoundly nestling itself under Lewis’ eyes as he quickly found himself drifting off to sleep.
Before Lewis entirely succumbed to the darkness that had subjected his tired self, his mind briefly went back to his Instagram post and the caption that had agonised him for far too long, a smile rising upon his lips despite himself as the words materialised in his head.
Monaco Minute, the words read warmly, and Lewis swiftly fell asleep, a fluttering in his chest as he dreamt of a certain man in a foreign country, his heart heavy and his mind content as he imagined them reuniting again.