Honey Curls (Daniel Ricciardo)

THE ROOMMATE AGREEMENT

      Daniel was completely amazed at Lucas' enthusiasm. 

The toddler's eyes had lighted up at the sight of the papaya car and his smile had turned into full blown laughter when a very eager Daniel sat him inside it.

The noise soon attracted the attention of almost everybody in the garage. Daniel wasn't surprised, Lucas was his father's son and loudness seemed to be coded in his DNA. 

Michael was the first to arrive at the scene, his initial confusion morphing into an expression of joy at Daniel's proud smile. 

He had seen the photo, of course, but real life Lucas was something else. A carbon copy of his father, there was no denying it, and apparently as chirpy and hyped as the oldest Ricciardo. 

"The internet really had reasons to catch fire, uh?" 

Lucas looked at Michael with some curiosity, a shadow of shyness passing his hazel eyes. Daniel grinned at him. 

"Lucas, this is your Uncle Mike. Wanna say hi?" 

The toddler nodded and gave Michael a toothy smile - "Hi Mikey!" 

Michael smiled back - "Are you having fun, mate?" 

Lucas nodded with enthusiasm, his eyes shining - "Daddy's car is soooo awesome!" 

"Glad you approve!" - Zak Brown's voice reached them as the CEO approached them; he turned to Daniel with a smile - "This is your junior?" 

"No, no, no. My name is Lucas." - the toddler said, making everybody laugh. 

"He's got your sense of humor." - Charlotte pipped from Michael's side - "And is so freaking cute." 

Realizing a small crowd had formed around them, Lucas hid his face in Daniel's neck, making the Aussie smile.

"It's ok, champ. They're Daddy's friends and coworkers." - he felt Lucas nod - "Daddy needs to speak with Zak over there. You want to hang out with Charlotte?" 

He figured Charlotte was good with kids, seeing how she mothered everybody. 

However, Lucas shook his head, mumbling against his neck - "Mikey." 

"Really?" - Daniel grinned before turning to his trainer - "Uncle Mikey to the rescue, please." 

Lucas extended his arms in Michael's direction, making the trainer smile smugly at Charlie. 

"I don't know what your deal is with the Ricciardos, Italiano." - the Brit grumbled, making Daniel and Zak laugh. 

"Zak, can I have a word?" - the CEO nodded, guiding his driver to a quiet corner - "My kid is off limits, media wise, I mean. I want to protect him as much as possible. I'm aware that he can't be hidden, given the circumstances, but I will not answer questions about him and he is not to be approached." 

Zak smiled at Daniel's protectiveness, fully understanding - "Don't worry. I'll have the PR team handling everything. I will also make sure that any pictures of Lucas are either blurred or approved by you." 

"Well, me and Teresa." - at Zak's confused expression he clarified - "Lucas' mother. Can't we extend her the same protection?" 

Zak gave him a knowing smile that made the Aussie blush - "We can try, but being an adult she is pretty much fair game. I'll see what I can do." 

Daniel smiled in gratitude before turning in the direction of Lucas' laughter. 

Anything to make him happy. 

xx

Daniel entered the cafeteria, Lucas holding his hand. The toddler clinged to him tightly, noticing the amount of people that were around.