REQUESTS CLOSED Formula 1 One Shots III

Breathe - [George Russell]

A/N: For 16WOLKE11

TAGLIST: fayeexoxo ABNstory Garrixer_06 f1_girl97 Jhawker123 landon0rris jxan_F1 MariPecs10

WORDCOUNT: 1041

SYNOPSIS: You're having social anxiety and you're joining George at a race weekend, where you're nearly getting a panic attack because of how crowded it is. George is the best caring boyfriend there is.

DISCLAIMER: I don't have social anxiety myself, so I searched for information about it on the internet to be able to write about it here. Please correct any information if it's written incorrectly

You were comfortably seated next to George while he was driving on the highway on the way to Silverstone circuit. "Are you excited to join me?" George spoke up, his eyes glancing over at you while his hand reached out to rest on your knee. He smiled when his eyes rested on your face, he had complimented you on how beautiful you looked today a couple of times already, and he bit his lip while he wanted to tell you again. "Pretty excited," you smiled back at him. "Because it's your home race, it feels a little extra special," you added. "For sure. Silverstone is the best one on the calendar," George grinned and took the highway exit that would lead you to the circuit soon enough. There were many advertisements on buildings and screens to indicate the race weekend at the British track, and many people were on their way as well. George had already said that the full capacity of the grand stands were available for the visitors, and he was thrilled to see many fans cheering him on.

You thought to yourself that you would be fine, and George had been worried that it might be too crowded for you. You were usually hiding in his motorhome or his driver's room, or up in the Williams VIP lounge, where only accredited guests were staying. You had social anxiety, and you could already feel an uneasy feeling settling in your stomach. George approached the entrance of the track, where many people were standing by the sides of the road to catch a glimpse of their favorite drivers. George waved at them, driving a little more slowly and opening the windows to wave some more. You looked down at your bag that was stood on the floor of the car, trying to focus on how much George enjoyed this instead of your own nerves that were vibrating in your body. George parked the car at the private parking lot for the F1 staff and circuit staff, you were calmed down by this a little. You had enjoyed the races without the fans so much, as you felt like you could calmly get to know what George's world was like.

At the same time, you felt obliged to get to know this side of his world and his career too, and you forced yourself to cheer up and feel better. George reached for your hand as soon as you got out of the car, and you gave him a small smile, entwining your fingers while you walked next to each other towards the paddock entrance. "You're a little quiet, love. Are you okay?" George asked, slowing his steps while he reached up to brush some hair out of your face. "I'm okay, just a little nervous," you honestly replied. "That's alright, I'll stay close to you, hmm?" George hummed and you nodded. "There will be some fans at the entrance soon, I will sign some stuff and let them take some pictures. Within twenty minutes we will be in the paddock for sure," he continued, in attempt to calm you down, but you were already counting down those minutes. George was right about the fans at the paddock entrance and they started calling for George as soon as they saw him.

There were some other drivers in front of him, but you were too shy to walk along with them into the paddock and you stayed with George. He let go of your hand to reach for the pen and paper that was handed to him, to sign pictures and caps and take pictures with the people. People were taking pictures of you when they noticed you were with him and you were slowly beginning to feel overwhelmed. Your cheeks began to get furiously red and your palms were sweating heavily. "George?" you whimpered, a light-headed feeling popping up in your head and you were fiddling with the straps of your bag while hoping he would notice you nearly fainting soon enough. You looked around, but your brain was too busy processing all the people who were yelling and calling all sorts of things at the same time, to even look where you could get out. "Babe." George's voice drew your eyes back up to him, not realizing he had called your name a couple of times already.

"Come on, we're getting out of here," George took your arm to take you through the gates of the paddock, where he took you aside to let you calm down first. "Darling, you have to breathe, just breathe and calm down, I'm here," he said, and you focussed on your breathing, tears nearly spilling from your eyes. "I'm sorry," you shakily said. "Don't apologize, my god," George shook his head. "It's alright, you were so brave," he complimented you and drew you in for a tight embrace. You rested your head on his chest, your ear on his heart, blocking the sounds of the fans behind the paddock entrance a little more. "Are you okay?" he asked a little later and you nodded slowly. "I'm doing better," you replied. George still had a concerned look in his eyes and his fingers brushed over your cheekbones, relieved to see you somewhat smiling. "I won't leave you alone again, alright? Let's just get into the hospitality first, get you something to eat and to drink," George continued, leaning down to kiss your forehead.

"Thank you," you said, feeling relieved that he wasn't considering your social anxiety a burden. His hand reached for yours again, and you gladly entwined your fingers with his again. George guided you to the Williams hospitality and through the complete weekend, like the most caring boyfriend he is.