Chapter Text
- Harry
“Harry, are you even listening to a word I’m saying?” I rolled my eyes and looked over to where every important person of Azoff Motorsports sat at the end of the table, with their too starched shirts and pompous attitudes.
I downed the rest of my Red Bull and sat back in my chair, “yes.” I looked pointedly at Liam, my crew chief, and motioned for him to continue.
“As you know, this is your contract year, and sponsors–”
“And sponsors want out, I know, Liam, I hear the rumors and see what everyone have been saying online.”
“Last year did not end how we thought it would,” Liam pulled some papers out of a folder and shoved them my way. I didn’t give them a glance. “You were the favorite to win the championship after finishing second in the standings the year before. But after your crash at Daytona at the start of the season, everything fell from there. No wins or poles. One top 5, three top 10’s. Never made it into the Chase, and you’ve wrecked enough times for Vegas to add you to their betting pool.”
I laughed and shook my head, “when you put it like that, I sound like a horrible driver.”
“Numbers don’t lie, Harry, and as of right now, your contract will not be renewed until things turn around.”
“What! That’s bullshit! You know damn well I’m a good driver.” I slammed my fist down on the table in frustration. “I have a championship in every damn series I’ve driven in!”
“We know, but your sponsors set the bar high this season, and for them, the past means nothing. Money doesn’t get into their pockets when you’ve crash a few laps into the race, and at one point last season, we were putting out more money than we were getting in. ” Silence filled the room as that last bit of information hit me like a ton of bricks. I had no idea.
Azoff Motorsports was one of top sought after racing teams to work for. I hit the jackpot when they signed me four years ago for their then new Nationwide series. After winning the championship two years in a row, they threw me in a Cup car where I blew everyone out of the water.
I was completely untouchable my rookie year. Everyone thought I would win the Sprint Cup Championship with my 3 wins and leading the points going into the last five races. Crazy mishaps out of my control caused us to come in 2nd place, but damn. It was the best season I have ever had.
When the 2014 racing season began, I was on a high, so ready to show everyone how good I just was. Even vets were coming over and asking my opinion on what line they should run on the track. The student became the teacher. It was every racers dream to have what I had.
First lap of the season, I got loose and hit the wall, collecting at least 10 cars in process. Second race, we failed tech, got penalized. It was like everything bad that could happen to us, did. The stress of it all started to affect my racing. It got to the point where I just didn’t care anymore and I raced as hard and fast as I could, no matter what the outcome would be.
I could hear what the press and fans were saying in the garages at the track. I ignored them all, ignored everything.
So sitting here today with my job on the line was a slap in the face. I knew any other race team would sign me in a heartbeat, but that’s what they were, other race teams. They didn’t have the resources that Azoff Motorsports provided. I would be stupid to throw it all away because of one shitty season.
I sighed, picking up the papers in front of me and trying my best to not roll my eyes at the schedule they're no doubt going to force on me this year.
"The purpose of today's meeting is to assure you that Mr. Azoff is going to do everything in his power to keep Red Bull on board and to resign you. In return, we're making some changes."
"What type of changes?"
"New year, new team." Liam smiled and pointed to a few guys in the room I didn't recognized. "We've also hired the most sought out racing engineer to join us this year. He's not set to arrive at the shop until Monday. Niall's been supervising the engines being built over the past few weeks at Hendrick Motorsports to ensure they're top of the line. This kid is a genius."
“Louis will still be your spotter, you two have a weird relationship that just works. I fired your personal assistant this morning, I think you were being a little too personal with him. Zayn will take over the business aspects of that job, along with being your public relations guy. "
"I don't care how good you suck cock, I'm not carrying your umbrella if it rains," Zayn grinned at me from across the table, causing Liam to cough around his drink.
"Anyways!" Liam said clearing his throat causing Zayn and I to laugh at him. "Your new schedule is effective immediately. Mark is waiting for you down in the weight room." Liam stood up signaling the end of the meeting.
"What! It's Friday--"
"Do you still want to drive for Azoff Motorsports after this year?" Liam cut me off, looking me straight in the eyes with a pointed look. "Then fucking show it."
**
My blood was boiling by the time I made it to the weight room where Mark was waiting for me. I ignored his hello and went straight for the treadmill, jumping on and setting the pace as fast as my legs would take me.
I tried to focus on the slow burn of my muscles, but the more I ran, the more pissed off I got. I've worked too damn hard throughout my career to get where I am now only to be told to straighten up or find a ride elsewhere. I was fucking Harry Styles, they'd be idiots to get rid of me, and they know it.
I screamed out of frustration and stopped the treadmill. I ignored the stares of the other crew members who were working out and went straight to the punching bag.
Mark silently followed me around the weight room as I beat my body into submission. My legs were weak, my arms started to burn, and I could barely keep up with the light sensors that tested my reaction times.
I haven't set foot in a gym since last season, and it showed. The first race of the year is only three weeks away, and I have a lot of work to do.
I threw down the weights on the floor and sat on the bench with my head in my hands trying to catch my breath. A heavy hand landed on my shoulder and gave it a reaffirming squeeze. Mark sat next to me, handing over a towel, "you did well today."
I laughed dryly, "I'm not going to be able to get out of bed tomorrow."
"And to think, when you first got here I had to kick you out of the gym because you were in here so much." I downed my drink as an uneasy silence filled the room. Over the last hour or so, everyone slowly trickled out of gym to where it was just us. The clock on the wall told me it way too late to be here on a Friday night.
"I'm going to call it a night, yeah?" Mark nodded his head in agreement and waved goodbye as I went back to the locker room to change.
**
My feet carried me aimlessly throughout the halls of the racing shop, so it didn’t surprise me one bit when I found myself standing in front of my racecar. The Red Bull logo on the hood mocked me under the dim lighting. It took all I had to not kick it out of frustration.
“She’s a beaut, isn’t she?” I whipped my head around as a thick Irish voice filled my ears.
I rolled my eyes and turned my head back to the car, “yeah, but Styles’ a shit driver.”
“Nah, man. I’ve been following Harry’s career since his dirt days and that guy can wheel. So what if he had a shitty season? All great guys do.” I peaked at the corner of my eyes and saw the guy shrug and moved towards the car. “Harry will go far in this series, I have complete faith in him. Just gotta get the equipment up to his standards, is all.” He walked around the car, touching it lightly like it was a wild animal. “I’m Niall, by the way. Just got hired as their race engineer." He peaked into the window, looking at the various gauges and buttons. "It’s been my dream to work for this organization since I moved to America and once I get my hands on these cars, there’s going to be no one to stop us.” Niall laughed, causing me to smile for the first time in who knows how long.
“You really think so?”
"Yeah, man. I'm so fucking stoak, I can't wait to get her on the track." Niall tapped the hood of the car and finally looked up at me.
I was met with the most intense blue eyes I have ever seen, and the smile that met the fire in them caused me to take a step back in surprise. I was completely blown away by the passion burning within him. It made me proud to have someone like him working on my team. And it also stirred something else within me that's been dormant for a very long time.
"Harry! I, um, shit." I laughed as Niall stuttered when he realized who he was speaking to. "I'm so sorry, I'm rambling like a fanboy. You probably think I'm crazy and definitely do not want me on your team now." Niall was completely flustered, his face turning a bright red and he was looking everywhere but at me. It was so adorable.
I walked up to Niall, knocking my shoulder against his, "you're exactly what I need on my team."
He laughed nervously, "really?" I could hear the awe in his voice, it gave me the hope I've been looking for.
"Pretty sure you were destined for this job, Niall. You show up on the same day I was told to straighten up or park it. Pretty sure it’s fate because I was heading out for the evening, but yet here I am, standing next to you." I bumped his shoulder again causing him to laugh, it was something I wanted to hear over and over again. "For someone who has so much faith in this team, it gives me a fresh desire to give it my all." I ran my hand through my hair and turned to look at him, "so yes, Niall, you're exactly what I need." I smiled and cocked to my head to the side.
"I," Niall rubbed the back of his neck, briefly glancing at me. “Wow. That, uh, means a lot coming from you, Harry. I mean, I'm such a huge fan, and I promise you I won't let you down, and oh God, I'm starting to ramble again."
"It's cute." I bit my lip at the small confession, because it was true.
"I, um, I should really go." The nervousness returned to Niall's voice, his eyes averting mine. "I'll see ya Monday, then?"
"I look forward to it." Niall nodded a goodbye and quickly turned to leave. His hand brushed against mine with an electric shock going right through me. Niall stopped in his tracks and looked down at his hand and back up to me before he rushed out of the shop.
It might be more than fate that walked into the race shop tonight, that spark between Niall and I igniting more than a racing dream. I was ready to capture the checkered flag, and hopefully someone's heart in the process.
- Niall
It was NOTHING, Niall, absolutely nothing. That was the mantra I kept saying over and over in my head this whole weekend, because what happened Friday night was exactly that, nothing.
But still.
Ugh.
I leaned my head against the steering wheel of my car, sitting outside in the parking lot trying to tell myself to grow a pair and get inside for work. I knew once I accepted this job I would be working with Harry Styles, a crazy talent no matter what car you put him in, but what I didn't expect was for my crazy fanboy crush on him to spark anew the instant my skin brushed against his.
I was attracted to his work style, and his determination to never give up because he absolutely deserves it. I just didn't expect to come face to face with the most intense green eyes I have ever seen that night, and that smile? Shit. It was all I could think about this weekend. How I managed to spill my inner thoughts about Harry and not even realize it was he who I was talking to was beyond me. I was so embarrassed.
Harry told me he needed someone like me on his team, me. And then he said my rambling was cute.
I'm so fucking screwed.
A knock on my window pulled me from my thoughts. I turned my head to the side and wasn't surprised at all to see those green eyes looking back at me. Harry stood hunched over, looking into my car and smiling widely, "Niall?" I took a steady breath to calm my thoughts and got out of the car.
"Morning, Harry." I matched his smile, trying my best to not eye the tightest pair of jeans I have ever seen someone wear, and failing miserably.
"Thought I scared you off Friday night, glad you came back!"
"It's me that should be worried, I probably sounded like a proper stalker talking about you like that." He laughed brightly and started walking towards the shop entrance.
"You should know that I've been thinking about what you said this whole weekend." Harry stopped walking halfway up the sidewalk. "I really meant you're what I need for this team, and I can't wait to hear your ideas. I was thinking we should spend this morning to get acquainted with each other a little, and then go over all the new stuff in the car this year."
I met Harry's smile and nodded, "sounds like the perfect Monday to me."
"Coffee then?" Harry opened the door for me as I walked in.
"Got any Irish crème?" Harry's eyes flicked over me so quickly I thought I'd imagine it. He just smiled and led me to the break room with his hand just at the bottom of my back.
It's nothing.
**
"What does this button do?" Harry was sitting in his racecar, pressing a button on his steering wheel that was new this year.
"It adjusts the track bar." I leaned in the window showing him how it rolls up and down. "If the car is loose, you push it up, if the car is tight, you roll it down."
"I can do this during the race, correct?"
"Yes, we no longer have to wait until a pit stop to adjust the track bar. If you want, I can show you exactly how it works." I know Harry knows how a track bar works, and how it would require him to get down and dirty crawling underneath his car. So I was a bit surprised when he started to climb out of his window and got on the roller.
I stood there, torn between on how much eagerness he has wanting to learn every inch of his car, and also by how fucking hot it was watching him crawl out of that window.
"Coming?" Harry slid under the car and back out, looking up at me with a lazy smile. Yes please, I thought to myself and quickly shook my head. I couldn't afford to entertain those thoughts now.
**
"This is one click down." I pointed to where the trackbar was under the backend of the car. I laid next to Harry, pointing to where the trackbar was moving up and down while a crew member sat in the car pressing the button for it. It was easy to see how short and long the bar got by each click.
"I'm really not going to know what I need until I'm on the track." I turned to look at him and was a bit shocked to see how close he was to me.
"We can go over last year notes for each track and start with a basic setup before we make adjustments."
"You have some crazy blue eyes." I blinked up at him, completely thrown off by what he just said.
"I, um."
"Do I have this on plate tracks?" I nodded my head no, unable to speak. Harry reached over me, touching the bar with his long fingers, when he pulled back his fingers gently touched the side of my neck. That spark I felt Friday night relit. He was so close to me, I could just tilt my head slightly and our lips would--
I pushed myself out from under the car, exhaling a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "I, um, there's a new digital read out in the car that explains what we just went over." I ran my hand through my hair, tugging it, doing anything I could to get my thoughts away from Harry. Away from how he was smiling at every word I said, away from how he would lean into me when I showed him the new digital read out and how his hand lingered on my shoulder when we both looked over to see the new rules for this season.
The week continued on like this. I would show up to work around the same time as Harry, him always wearing that fedora of his with jeans too tight, and me averting my eyes from how lean and tall those pants made him. We would either spend the morning or afternoon relearning every inch of the car together, or going over past notes and watching a few Daytona 500's to prepare for the first race of the year.
I was in awe with this race team, and especially with Harry. He held onto every idea I suggested with renewed passion. I've worked with a wide range of drivers in the past, and none of them were like this. They barely learned the names of the pit crew, so this, this was all new for me, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was just doing it because of what I said when we first met.
"Yah know," Louis leaned one shoulder against the wall as I started to put away all the tools I had lying around the shop, "Styles hasn't been more than 4 steps from you every time he's come out to check up on the car this week." Louis sipped on his tea and raised one eyebrow at me.
"Oh, um, he's probably just being nice to me since I rattled on about how amazing he was when I first met him, totally not realizing it was him."
"You what?" Louis laughed.
I covered my face with my hands and groaned, "I didn't mean it! I just dropped off some files here late Friday and wanted to check out the car before I left. Some guy was standing there looking at it and I thought it was just another crew member. They said Harry was a shit driver, so I told them the truth. I said he was a great racecar driver, and he just needed a team that had faith in him, and I said that person was me. You should have seen my face when I realized who I was talking to. I've been kicking myself all week for fanboying in front of him. So, yeah, he's just being nice because of all that, no doubt."
"No," Louis mumbled, "I think what you said was honest, and he needed to hear it, but don't think he's being nice because of you. Although," he drawn out, "it is curious how he's suddenly in the shop more than he usually is." I ignored his comment and continued to put my stuff away. "Harry is very passionate when he puts his mind to it, but he's also very disruptive when things go wrong."
"He focuses on the negative too much, doesn't he?"
Louis shrugs his shoulders, "don't create that atmosphere for him."
"Easier said than done!" I gave a dry laugh, "way to put the pressure on the new guy here." I threw down a rag in the toolbox and shut it up for the weekend.
"I think that pressure is exactly what you want, Niall." My head snapped up at Louis, my eyes going wide as he wiggled his eyebrows at me. He threw his head back in a hearty laugh, "relax! I'm only joking. Geesh." I groaned, rubbing my face, and wishing my treacherous blush would go away. "Welcome to the team, Ni," Louis patted my shoulder and left me trying not to think of Harry like that, but failing, always failing.
**
"Niall, you ready, man?" Liam's head popped in my office motioning me to come with him.
"Ready for what?" I got up, shutting my laptop and grabbing my coffee.
"For the team photo shoot."
"What?!" I stopped dead in my tracks, and that's when I saw Liam decked out in the familiar Red Bull colors with the logo right on his chest. I didn't even notice at first.
"Yeah, I sent you an email about it."
"No! I.T. doesn't have my email set up yet."
Liam laughed and patted my back, "no worries, we have your uniform in the locker room, and one of the girls in HR will quickly do hair and makeup." I groaned and shook my head, what a perfect way to start my Monday.
- Harry
“Blue looks good on you.” I watched as Niall froze, his eyes locking with mine in the mirror he was changing in front of before he composed himself and continued to button up his shirt. The blush creeping up his neck was distracting. “Stop fidgeting, and relax.” I walked up to Niall and pushed his hands out of the way and finished buttoning up his shirt and fixed his collar.
“This is stupid. I’ve never had to do this with the other teams I’ve worked for.”
“Clearly they didn’t want the world to see their secret weapon with gorgeous blue eyes.” Niall swallowed a laugh, my eyes automatically flickering down to watch his tongue dart out to lick his lips before he let out a heavy sigh. I swallowed, telling myself that now was not the time to wonder if Niall’s lips were as soft as they looked. I smiled down at him, brushing off an invisible piece lint on his shoulder and backed up from him.
“Sorry, just,” he shook his head and closed his eyes leaning back against a locker, “I’m more comfortable behind the scenes, not in front of them, you know? I just don’t see the point.”
"It's so the fans can see who does all the hard work off and on the track. It's fun! Come watch me, I have to do a few shots with my car before the group photos."
"This is stupid," he repeated, popping his eyes open to look at me.
"Hey, at least you're not the one wearing an adult sized onesie here." Niall gave a booming laugh as I unzipped and zipped up my firesuit while raising my eyebrows at him.
"If you two are quite finished," Louis' voice broke through our laughter, "you're being summoned to your car, Harold. Niall and I have headshots to do before we have to change into our racing shirts for the group shot."
"C'mon, Niall. I'll show you it's not that bad."
I walked into the racing shop where they had my car set up in front of a green screen. "Harry, just stand where its mark right here on the floor." The lady holding a giant camera ushered me to where a small x was marked beside the driver’s door. "We'll do a few shots of you with your arms crossed in a serious expression, and then we'll switch over to a few casual poses. After the group photos, we'll shoot some with your helmet before we wrap up for the day. Okay?"
"Easy, peasy." I gave the photographer my biggest smile before looking past her to wink at Niall. I stood where the x was, crossed my arms and looked right into the camera.
After a few clicks of the camera lens, I looked over to where Niall stood and was met with an intense stare. He leaned back against the wall with his hands in his pockets, his eyes were hooded with his lip caught between his teeth.
"Harry, look at me please." I blinked back towards the camera, praying no one could tell my heart was beating just a little bit faster.
Niall was a natural in front of the camera, I'm not sure why he was so worried. The pictures from what I could see downloading onto the laptop beside the photographer looked perfect. "I see what you're doing." Zayn came and stood beside me, already done with his headshots and waiting for the final group photo.
"It's very clear I'm just standing here waiting for things to move along."
"Sure, if that's what you call flirting with the new guy is." Niall's laughter reached my ears, causing me to smile in response. "I know that smile, Harry, and I'm telling you to stop. You need to focus on your job more than anything right now. A distraction in the form of a blonde with blue eyes is not what the sponsors what this year."
"Hey, blame Azoff for that, he's the one that hired him. And besides, I can't stop once I get going, Zayn, you know that."
"I know, just, be careful, will you?"
"When aren't I?" Zayn groaned and rolled his eyes.
“I’m not sure why I put up with you.” I slung my arm over his shoulder and pulled him into a side hug.
“You know you love me.”
**
Harry smiled brightly as the camera flashed in his face; loving the spotlight, but also loving the chrism color slowly crawling up Niall's neck. He stood beside him in the group shots. Their hands brushing accidentally while changing positions, and every so often, Harry would hook his pinky with Niall's to get a breathtaking smile followed by a nervous laugh.
Niall would shake his hand whenever Harry let go of his. It would be so easy to just reach out and hold his, but he couldn't, he shouldn't even be having those thoughts! But it was hard to ignore the gentle touches while they were working on the car, or the lingering smiles at the most random times. Harry was this happy-go-lucky guy who made his heart beat a little faster. Which scared Niall a little because he's only known him for a week now. He could play this off as being a fanboy, right?
Because if not, he was screwed.
- Niall
Why did you have to go to the gym before you left work today? WHY. Why couldn't you just have gotten in your car, grabbed something to eat and drive straight home like you're supposed to do on a Friday night after work? When the teams personal trainer asks if you would like to train with the rest of the crew, you say no, and that you will take a rain check.
If Mark ever asks you to work out from this point forward, the answer will always be no.
N. O.
I don't care if it's mandatory; it will never happen again. Because the last person I expected to see the moment I stepped foot in that gym was not Harry, but yet there he was. The words "HOT N HARD" on his shirt stared back at me as he stood at the punching bag. Harry's shoulders moved with every heavy breath he took, throwing strong punches with ease. I had to let out a long breath before my feet carried me as far away as I could in the small space that we were in.
Like that would have helped.
Harry moved closer to where I was running on the treadmill. My eyes raking down his lean body on their own accord. The Kiss shirt clung to his chest, showing every single divot of his six pack with dark ink that I wanted to get acquainted with.
And then, he moaned.
Not a soft moan, like when you're stretching and it feels good, but a deep, loud, satisfying moan. I just gripped the handle on the treadmill and ran as fast as I could, willing my body to not respond.
I shook the image out of my head, turning on the facet and stepping into the shower. I left immediately after the workout, afraid that if I showered there, I wouldn't be able to keep my eyes from wandering. It was bad enough that Harry locked eyes with me while I was on the treadmill with him doing sit ups, it was hypnotic. So I took no chances with the showers there, afraid my body would show that I liked what I saw, really, really liked.
I closed my eyes, letting the warm water cascade over my body; washing away the sweat and grease from the race shop. Washing away every filthy thought I've had of Harry since leaving the gym, and fuck! My cock twitched, remembering when Harry finally took off his shirt as he did a cool down after whatever in the hell that was making him groan every other second.
I moaned, grabbing for the soap, squeezing a healthy dose into my hand to wash my hair and body. I had to clear my mind, to steady my breathing, and to not think about how Harry would look in my shower; his long curls sticking to his neck, his tattoos glistening, and finding out whether or not his shaved happy trail matched down below.
I leaned against the tile of the shower, willing my hard cock to fuck off. This constant torture of working side by side with Harry was enough to send me over the edge.
I loosely wrapped my hand around myself, thinking of nothing but some faceless guy crowding my sense. His lips at my neck, teasing and biting at the spot below my ear that drives me absolutely mad. His hands slowly going down my chest, tugging my chest hair and twisting my nipples.
My hips buckled forward as I moved my hand a little faster, wanting nothing but to be touched by rough hands. Hands that knew hard work and exactly how to please a man. A soft moan escaped my lips as I felt the familiar pull of my orgasm deep within.
The images in my head changed swiftly, the faceless man now had a soft smile with green eyes. It was too easy to imagine Harry slowly licking down my stomach, kissing each freckle until he was on his knees between my legs.
Harry would look up at me, his eyes meeting mine as he brought my cock to his mouth, and that's when I lost it.
I let out a loud groan, throwing my head back in pleasure as come covered my stomach and hand. My breath caught in my throat, my orgasm causing me to still under the hot spray of the shower.
"Fuck."
I stroked myself a few more times, wishing nothing more for that image to be real, because shit. If this was how I was going to be spending my evenings, I wasn't going to survive this racing season, and it was only January.