Formula 1 One Shots

Homecoming [Daniel Ricciardo]

         It was the first race of the season, Albert Park was glistening in the bright, Australian sun and Daniel had an evident bounce in his step. His smile was wide, visible from quite the distance. It was his second year in McLaren and after the high of getting two podiums, Daniel was ready to start this year off on a high – preferably with a podium too.

He was walking along side his trainer, Michael, when he spotted Sebastian Vettel walking towards him, raising a hand in hello Sebastian did the same, pausing to talk to him. It had been a while since the former teammates had had a chance to sit down and talk. "Daniel! How are you? No Y/N with you this weekend?"

"I'm great! Ready to get back in the car, but no Y/N this weekend. She gets home next week, so she'll be with me in Bahrain." Seb nodded understandingly. It had been hard for Daniel during the winter off-season. Normally he would have had his family and Y/N with him to celebrate in Australia, but due to covid Daniel couldn't return to Australia (he spent Christmas with the Button's in Los Angeles instead), and Y/N was required by the Australian government as a Lieutenant in the army to train new recruits, making it impossible for her to spend Christmas with him. However, finally after over 3 months apart, Y/N would be home next week, and they would be reunited. Daniel just had to survive this race.
***
"That's how it goes! Yes Daniel!" Daniel had crossed the line P2. It was an exhilarating race, he had qualified P8 and had thrown some risky moves to progress through the pack, and it had all worked out well for him.

"Thank you, guys!" Daniel cheered down the radio. It was the best possible way to begin a new season, the high of getting a podium at his home race was monumental and this time, he wouldn't get it taken off him. Daniel hopped out of his car and into the loving embrace of his team. Joining him on the podium were Lewis and Checo.

While Daniel went to the podium ceremony he hadn't caught onto the sly smiles and knowing looks that his team were sending each other. Y/N wasn't coming home next week. She had told Daniel that at the beginning of her deployment to throw him off. Maybe this was the influence of watching too many army surprise homecomings on YouTube, but Y/N would take any excuse to see Daniel's smile especially after over 3 months of only seeing it on FaceTime. Y/N was here. She had watched the race with the biggest smile on her face, and she was going to be awarding Daniel with his trophy. She was stood off to the side, out of view of the camera and of Daniel.

"And here to present the 2nd place trophy, Lieutenant Y/N Y/L/N." Daniel's head snapped up, his eyes wide as Y/N walked across the podium towards him. He leapt off the podium, wrapping his arms tightly around her and lifting her off the ground. She was dressed in her military regalia which made the movement awkward, but neither of the pair seemed to care. They seemed to be a world of their own until a member of the FIA tapped Daniel's shoulder. They were holding up the ceremony, though after glancing towards Checo (who was waiting to get his trophy), they could see that he didn't seem to mind the delay and was watching their reunion fondly. Daniel returned to his podium dragging Y/N with him and holding her tightly against his chest as she lay her head against it.

"Now that was some surprise, wasn't it Daniel?" Jenson Button said with a smile as he joined them on the podium for the post-race interviews, "Did you have any idea?"

"None, she told me she'd be home next week, so this was a complete surprise. It's been hard just speaking over the phone these last few months, but reunions like these make it all worth it." Daniel leaned back from Y/N and kissed her wholly. It had been awhile since he'd been able to do that too.
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I forgot I had this in my drafts so enjoy. High on life at the moment bc I'm just back from Silverstone! I was amazing! Sat opposite all the garages for the entire weekend, the atmosphere was just unbelievable and seeing the lights go out in real life is class!!