Dance Me To The Moon [Sebastian Vettel]

18. What Am I to You? (I)

A/N: First part of the next chapter up now and it's one of those you look forward to sharing. Hope you enjoy this one more than the last one ;-)

Comments and votes always appreciated! <3

They had broached the subject of Christmas before but it wasn't until two weeks before the holiday, on the eve of Stella's flight to Zurich, that Sebastian finally made arrangements. It was late and they were both in bed already, whispers in the night across Europe lulling each other to sleep.

"The kids are so young and... this is all new for them too and we don't want them to suffer for things that it's not their fault. So we decided to celebrate Christmas all together like before."

It came as no surprise for Stella, she'd had a feeling that was exactly what they would eventually decide. It was good that they got on well enough to be able to spend the festive season like that, wasn't it? Her parents could never.

"I understand that perfectly."

"I know this is not ideal and it's not ideal for anyone, you know, but it's the best solution we can come up with and I know it's a little last minute but I wanted to ask if you want to come as well?" And then he quickly added, "Please don't feel pressured one way or another."

Stella scratched at the bedsheet in contemplation. Unfortunately, there was only a single answer to that. "This time of the year is all about the kids, don't worry. I know. Thanks for the invitation but I think it would be awkward for everyone. Just do your thing, definitely seems to be the best way."

There was a small silence on the other end of the line. "Where will you go? To your father's?"

"Nah, I'll spend it here with Natasha and the rest of the gang. It's what we've done in the past couple of years, none of us actually cares much about Christmas traditions," she yawned and tucked her chin under the bedclothes. "It's always hectic at my family's, no matter which side, there's always fights and yeah... if I can avoid it I will."

"Okay. You'd be very welcome here, you know?" There was a tinge of sadness in his voice.

"I appreciate it, love, honestly. But I'm afraid you'd find it a little overwhelming."

"No, I would have backup," he joked.

"Your two princesses will be your backup. I'll let you in on a secret: little girls always prefer their daddy."

He sighed. "I really don't think it works like that, they have a funny way to show it if so..."

Stella giggled but the tenderness in his sleepy voice filled her with warmth inside.

"Okay, New Year then?" He asked. "You spend New Year with me? We can go somewhere nice."

"Hmm, you mean like skiing? Would love that. I'm really good, I'll kick your arse."

"Yeah, yeah. Sure... Just like you'll beat me at karting, I get it. Sure!"

~~/~~

Stella glanced at her reflection in the shiny panel as she wheeled her carry-on across the terminal. Skin tight black leather trousers and turtleneck top, ankle suede boots. A quick hat adjustment and she ran her fingers down her shiny brown locks. Lips looked smooth and plump. Definitely ready to kick off this week. It would be the first time since Monaco that she would be spending more than two or three days at once with Sebastian and she couldn't wait for it.

She didn't immediately find him among the people waiting for the passengers to come through the exit; naturally, she was scanning the crowd in search of a man on his own. Even after her eyes landed on him, it didn't immediately register, until it did and her heart skipped a beat.