It was Christmas Eve, and your boyfriend, Lando Norris, had decided to join you and your family before the two of you flew out the next morning to spend the rest of the holiday with his.

The house was warm and glowing, the tree twinkling in the corner while a faint smell of mulled wine and cinnamon drifted from the kitchen. Your family had gathered in the living room, everyone tucked into their favorite spots. You were curled on the sofa next to your sister, while Lando sat cross-legged on the floor, leaning back comfortably against your legs.

He was mid-conversation with your dad, gesturing animatedly with one hand. You absentmindedly played with his hair, tugging at a curl here and there, which earned you a quiet hum of contentment from him.

“So, Lando,” your dad said with a smirk, “how’s life when you’re not flying around at 200 miles an hour? Do you ever sit still?”

“Right now, actually,” Lando chuckled, leaning his head back against your knee and flashing your dad a grin. “This is about as still as I get. Though I’m not sure if your child trusts me to stay put, considering they keep holding me down by the hair.”

You rolled your eyes, tugging lightly at one of his curls. “You love it, stop pretending.”

Before he could reply, a blur of golden fur bounded into the room. Your sister’s brand-new cockapoo puppy launched itself straight onto Lando’s lap, tail wagging furiously.

“Cooper! Off!” your sister exclaimed, scrambling to her feet. “Sorry, he’s still… very enthusiastic.”

Lando burst out laughing, his arms automatically going up in defense as the dog started licking his chin and pawing at his chest. “Oi! I didn’t know I was on the menu tonight!” he said between laughs, trying to keep the dog from knocking him backward.

“Guess he’s decided you’re his favorite already,” you teased, though you were leaning forward, trying to pull the puppy back.

Cooper barked happily, then wriggled free, jumping up again with even more determination.

“Why me?” Lando groaned dramatically, looking at your parents for backup as the dog scrambled into his lap. “I’ve been nothing but nice!”

“Maybe he can smell the fear,” your dad joked, sipping from his glass.

“I’m not scared of him!” Lando protested, though his laughter betrayed him as Cooper started tugging at the drawstrings of his hoodie.

Your sister shook her head, grinning. “Oh, you should’ve seen him with the delivery guy earlier. He’s been on a mission all day. Clearly, you were the final boss.”

Lando shot you a helpless look, wide-eyed but amused. “Babe, help me out here!”