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Chapter Text

Lando wasn’t anywhere. Oscar had searched every corner of the hospitality, his steps growing quicker with each passing moment, but there was no sign of him. The Britishman had been distant through all the post-race obligations, his face a pale mask of sadness during the media sessions. That penalty, unfair, cruel, had broken him in ways Oscar hadn’t seen before. The hollow look in his eyes, the way his shoulders sagged under the weight of disappointment… It scared Oscar.

All through his podium obligations, he’d itched to find him, to pull him aside and remind him of how brilliant he was, how none of this changed that. But now, as he hurried from the media, finally free to act, his boyfriend had vanished.

He spotted Jon, Lando’s trainer, heading out of his driver’s room with a bag slung over his shoulder. Oscar quickened his pace to intercept him.

“Jon!” he called, keeping his voice steady. “Have you seen Lando? I need to ask him something, but I can’t find him anywhere.” He tried to sound casual through his lie, though his heart pounded loudly in his chest.

Jon paused, glancing up. “He left,” he said, his tone neutral but tinged with concern. “Went straight back to the hotel as soon as Andrea let him go. He was… quiet. Didn’t say much.” He adjusted the bag in his hands. “I’m just grabbing the things he forgot.”

Oscar didn’t hesitate one second. He knew they had an agreement to keep their distance outside the paddock in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, which meant not sharing a room there to be extra careful. But, the overwhelming urge to be there for Lando was too important to keep this up. 

“I’m heading back now,” Oscar offered, trying to sound nonchalant. “If you want, I can take his things and drop them off at his room.”

Jon gave him a quick nod. “That’d be great. You’re on the same floor anyway. And tell him to text me, will you? Just so I know he’s okay. He seemed… Haunted”

“Of course,” Oscar replied, taking the bag from Jon’s hands, putting it on his shoulder with his own.

—

The drive back to the hotel felt excruciatingly slow, even with the near-empty roads cutting through the desert night. Oscar gripped the bag tightly, his mind racing. He replayed the events, the brutal call that had ripped the podium finish from Lando’s grasp, the barely concealed heartbreak in his boyfriend’s eyes.

By the time he reached the hotel, Oscar’s steps were brisk, purposeful. He made his way to Lando’s room. 

He knocked. Lightly at first, then again, louder. No answer. He looked around to see if anyone was in the hallway but he was alone. 

“Lando? It’s me,” he called softly, pressing his ear to the door. Silence.

He knocked again. “I brought your stuff… from the paddock.”

Still nothing. His stomach churned uneasily. He glanced up and down the hallway before carefully fishing out the spare room key card he knew Lando had slipped him at the start of the weekend. A quiet precaution, just in case.

Oscar slid the card into the slot, the lock clicking open with a soft beep. The room was dim, the only light coming from the gap in the curtains where the Doha skyline glittered faintly in the distance. Lando lay on the bed, curled up tightly, his body drawn in as if trying to make himself as small as possible. His face was buried in a pillow, and the sound of his sobs in the room were suffocating. He didn’t stir as Oscar stepped in, closing and locking the door softly behind him.

“Lando?” Oscar’s voice was barely above a whisper, but it still broke the heavy silence.

The Britishman shifted slightly, turning his face just enough for Oscar to see the red puffiness around his eyes, the tear tracks glistening on his cheeks. His eyes flickered open, locking onto Oscar’s, but he didn’t say a word.

Oscar’s heart ached at the sight. He set the bag down near the door and crossed the room, his movements slow and careful, like approaching a wounded animal.

“Hey,” he murmured, crouching down beside the bed. “Jon said you came straight here.”

Lando’s lips twitched, almost forming words, but they never came. Instead, his face crumpled again, fresh tears slipping free as he turned away, clutching the pillow tighter.

Oscar didn’t hesitate. He climbed onto the bed, sitting close but not touching, waiting for a sign that his presence was welcome. “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to,” he said softly. “I just… I couldn’t leave you alone. Not like this.”

For a moment, the only sound was the faint hum of the air conditioning. Then, Lando’s voice broke through, raw and shaky.

“It’s not fair,” he whispered, his voice trembling. His grip on the pillow tightened so hard that Oscar could hear the fabric rustling, and the quiet sobs that followed hit the Aussie like a physical blow. Lando buried his face deeper into the pillow, his body trembling violently with each sob, as if the weight of the day was too much for him to bear.

Oscar wanted to reach out, to comfort him, but the moment his hand moved to Lando’s shoulder, the Brit flinched away, pulling into himself even more tightly, as if his own self-loathing had made him recoil from any kind of touch. He froze, heart breaking at the sight of the man he loved, so far gone in the depths of his spiral that he couldn’t even accept comfort, not from anyone. He stayed silent, watching the way Lando’s body shook with the force of his emotions, his shoulders hunched, as if trying to make himself smaller, as though the world would swallow him whole if he just made himself disappear.

“I… I just can’t…” Lando gasped, barely able to get the words out, his breath ragged with the weight of his tears. “I can’t do it, Oscar. I was so close, and they… they just…”

Oscar bit back the lump in his own throat, wishing there was something, anything, he could say to make it stop, to pull Lando from the depths of the dark pit he had fallen into. But Lando wasn’t hearing him, wasn’t hearing anything that wasn’t the deafening echo of his own failure.

“I was second,” Lando continued, his words coming faster now, as if they were being forced out against his will. “I would have passed Max, Oscar, and they just... they took it. A ten-second stop and go. A ten-second stop and go. The hardest penalty, for a yellow flag that I didn’t… That… It’s not just about the points, it’s about everything. About me. Me disappointing the team, throwing away all the hard work and risking the championship I spent years fighting for,” He hiccupped on a sob, his voice cracking under the weight of his self-doubt. “I didn’t deserve this. I don’t deserve anything… I’m sorry…”

Oscar felt his heart shatter. Lando was spiraling deeper with every word, suffocating under the crushing weight of his self-blame. Lando had fought so hard, clawed his way from 15th to 10th despite that horrendous penalty, a feat that would have broken anyone else. But Lando couldn’t see that. All he saw was a mistake, a failure, something that had ruined him, even if the rest of the world saw it as an unfair event.

“I don’t know why,” Lando whispered, his voice small and distant. “I’m never good enough. It’s always like this… never enough… I should have been better…”

Oscar swallowed the lump in his throat, struggling to push past the painful silence that filled the space between them. He moved closer, slowly this time, cautious of the distance Lando had placed between them. “Lando, please…” he whispered, his voice breaking.

But Lando didn’t hear him. The words seemed to bounce off the walls, lost in the sea of self-doubt that had engulfed him. Oscar could see it in the way Lando’s hands gripped the pillow with a desperation that broke his heart. Lando couldn’t see the truth, couldn’t hear the love that Oscar was trying to give him. All he could hear was the echo of that penalty, of the way it had torn him apart, piece by piece.

Carefully, Oscar extended a hand, holding it in front of Lando’s face. His palm was open, fingers slightly spread, silently offering comfort without pressuring him. He waited, watching as Lando’s body shuddered with another sob, his tears wetting the pillow even more. The silence stretched between them, thick with the sounds of Lando’s broken breaths, but Oscar didn’t move his hand. He couldn’t. He couldn’t abandon him now.

“Baby…” he whispered again, quieter this time, almost as if he were afraid to break the fragile stillness. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

It felt like an eternity before Lando finally shifted, his body jerking slightly as he let out another broken sob. For a moment, Oscar feared he hadn’t heard him, but then, slowly, hesitantly, Lando’s trembling hand reached out.

Oscar’s breath caught as Lando’s fingers brushed against his. His palm was warm, but it felt so fragile, so small in comparison to the weight of the emotions swirling beneath it. Lando’s hand hesitated for a moment, as if unsure whether to take the final step, but then, with a shaky breath, he closed his fingers around Oscar’s hand.

His heart fluttered, a glimmer of hope shining through the fog of despair that had clouded Lando’s mind. He didn’t pull away. He didn’t say anything at first. He just held on, gently, his thumb brushing over the back of Lando’s hand in a silent promise. He wasn’t leaving. He wasn’t going to let Lando push him away.

The silence in the room was thick, but it was different now. It wasn’t as oppressive. Lando’s breathing, though still shaky, had slowed slightly. He remained curled up, face still hidden in the pillow, but his grip on Oscar’s hand never wavered.

The Australian shifted, adjusting his position slightly to sit more comfortably, never wanting to break that connection. “Lando,” he murmured softly, his voice quiet but steady, “none of this is your fault. That penalty, it wasn’t fair. It was too much. You did everything you could.” He paused, his fingers squeezing Lando’s hand, urging him to listen, to hear him. “You’re still one of the best, and nothing changes that. That P10 was impressive considering everything baby.”

Lando’s body tensed briefly, as though rejecting the words, but Oscar didn’t stop. “And the Constructors’ Championship? It’s not over. We can still do it. We’ve got this, Lando. You and me, together. We’ll fight. We’ve got so much more ahead of us. This isn’t the end. We’re not mad at you, nobody’s mad.”

A small, shaky breath escaped Lando, but he didn’t say anything. The weight of everything, the race, the penalty, the crushing disappointment, seemed too much for him to process. 

“And I…” Oscar paused, taking a deep breath, his heart swelling with emotions he couldn’t quite contain. “I love you so much, Lando. More than I could ever put into words. Nothing, not even a race or a penalty, is going to change that.”

Lando’s hand, still holding his, tightened just a little, as though he was holding on to those words, to the promise they carried. He shifted again, his movements slow and tentative, but this time he wasn’t retreating. He was coming closer.

Oscar’s eyes softened as Lando finally, slowly, shifted his face from the pillow. He looked at him, his eyes red and swollen, his gaze hollow but filled with an almost desperate vulnerability. The pain in those eyes was more than Oscar could bear, but he didn’t flinch. He didn’t look away. He wasn’t going anywhere.

“Lando…” Oscar whispered again, his voice full of affection and warmth. “Look at me.” He gently cupped Lando’s face, guiding his boyfriend’s gaze back to him, wiping away the last traces of tears from his cheeks with his thumb. “You’re everything to me. Don’t ever forget that. We’re in this together. Always.”

Lando blinked, his lips trembling, but he didn’t say anything. His breath was still unsteady, but the crushing weight seemed to have lessened, just a little. Slowly, carefully, Lando uncurling from his protective ball, hesitating for a second, before shifting toward Oscar. He rested his head on Oscar’s lap, his body still trembling, but no longer with the same intensity.

Oscar ran a gentle hand through Lando’s hair, combing through the messy strands as he whispered soft reassurances. “It’s okay. You’re safe here, with me. You’re home, Lando. No matter what happens, you’re home when I’m here.”

He continued to stroke Lando’s hair, letting the motion be soothing, the quiet hum of his voice flowing over them like a comforting blanket. “I’m not going anywhere. We’ve got each other. We’re a team.”

Lando’s breathing, though still heavy, seemed to calm further as Oscar’s words wrapped around him like a shield. The tears slowed, and his body stopped shaking. The tension in his muscles slowly faded, and the weight on his chest lightened with each passing minute.

Oscar looked down at him, his heart full, watching as Lando’s eyes fluttered closed, the exhaustion of the day finally taking its toll. His breathing evened out, slow and steady, and for the first time that evening, Lando seemed at peace. Safe.

He continued to whisper softly, words that didn’t need to be said aloud but were anyway. “I love you, Lando. So much.”

Lando didn’t respond, but his soft, steady breathing was all the confirmation Oscar needed. He continued to stroke his hair gently. It wasn’t a perfect moment, but it was enough. At this moment, Lando was safe. He was here, in Oscar’s arms, and that was all that mattered.

Eventually, Lando’s breathing evened out, the tension in his body finally unwinding. He was asleep, his head resting on Oscar’s lap, the weight of the day finally lifted as the softness of sleep took over him. Oscar smiled softly, his heart full, and kissed the top of Lando’s head. He would have to be extra careful tomorrow morning when leaving the room but right now, he only cared about his boyfriend’s safety.

Chapter Text

Oscar blinked against the faint light of the early morning, his body stiff but his mind alert. He hadn’t slept much, but he hadn’t minded. All night, his attention had been focused on Lando, his boyfriend nestled against him holding on for dear life. At some point in the night, he had carefully adjusted their positions, lifting Lando’s sleeping form with a gentleness he hadn’t known he possessed. Now, they lay side by side, more comfortably arranged. Lando’s head rested on Oscar’s chest, his curls brushing against the fabric of Oscar’s shirt. One of Lando’s arms was draped loosely around his waist, and his other hand was clutching the fabric of Oscar’s shirt in a death grip, as if letting go might mean falling apart completely.  

His arms were wrapped securely around Lando, holding him close, grounding him. He had spent most of the night simply watching, running his fingers lightly through Lando’s hair or tracing soothing patterns on his back whenever his breathing hitched in his sleep. Even in unconsciousness, the weight of the past events seemed to linger, clinging to Lando like a shadow that refused to fade. He was trying to stay alert, knowing from the way his boyfriend’s shoulders were still tense, the awakening might be a little rough. He exhaled softly, tilting his head to press a kiss to the top of Lando’s head. His heart ached for him, for the pain he carried so quietly. But he also marveled at the strength Lando didn’t even realize he had.  

A faint noise broke the stillness, a sniffle, soft and tremulous. Oscar froze, glancing down to see Lando stirring. His body shifted slightly, curling in tighter, his grip on Oscar’s shirt tightening even more. When Lando’s face tilted up, Oscar’s chest constricted at the sight. Tear tracks streaked down his cheeks, his eyes swollen and red even as he blinked awake.  

“Lan?” Oscar murmured, his voice soft, filled with concern.  

Lando didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he let out a broken sob, burying his face into Oscar’s chest as if trying to shield himself from the world. His whole body trembled, curling into a tight ball as his hands fisted Oscar’s shirt, desperate and clinging. The Brit had dissociated so much last night that everything was coming back full force.

The Aussie’s heart shattered at the sight. He tightened his arms around Lando, holding him as securely as he could. “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he whispered, his voice steady and soothing,  shifting slightly so he could hold his boyfriend better. “Let it out, love. Just let it out. I’m here.” He knew it was going to happen again. He was ready for it.

Lando’s sobs grew louder, raw and unrestrained, his entire body wracked with the force of his emotions. His grip on Oscar’s shirt didn’t loosen, his fists trembling as he clung to him like a lifeline.  

“It’s okay,” Oscar murmured again, his hand moving to Lando’s back, rubbing slow, steady circles. “You don’t have to hold it in. Just let it all out. I’ve got you.”  

And Lando did.  

The dam burst, and everything he had been holding inside, every ounce of frustration, disappointment, guilt, and pain, came pouring out in wave after wave. He cried for the penalty that had felt so unfair, for the weight of expectations he hadn’t been able to meet. He cried for the fear of letting down the people who believed in him and for the helplessness that had gripped him as he’d watched everything unravel. He didn’t need to do any talking, his cries were holding enough sense.

Oscar held him through it all. He didn’t say much, letting Lando’s sobs fill the space between them. Every now and then, he whispered soft reassurances, words of love and comfort that he hoped would sink in, even if just a little.  

When the storm of Lando’s emotions finally began to subside, his sobs quieting into hiccupping breaths, Oscar pressed another kiss to his head. “You’re so strong,” he murmured, his voice steady but thick with emotion. “Even when you feel like you’re not. You’re stronger than you know.”  

Lando shook his head weakly, his face still buried in Oscar’s chest. “I—I don’t feel strong,” he croaked, his voice raw and broken.  

Oscar’s heart ached at the sound, but he didn’t let it show. “That’s okay,” he said softly. “You don’t have to feel it right now. But you are. You’ve been through so much, and you’re still here. And you’ll still be ready to fight on sunday. That’s strength, Lando.”  

Lando’s breath hitched again, but the tears didn’t start again. Slowly, hesitantly, he lifted his head, his tear-streaked face looking up at Oscar. “I… I just feel like I failed,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.  

“You didn’t fail,” Oscar said firmly, his hand cupping Lando’s cheek, his thumb brushing away the lingering tears. “One race doesn’t define you. A penalty doesn’t define you. You’re so much more than that. You’re Lando Norris. You’re my Lando.”  

The words seemed to hit something deep within Lando, his eyes filling with something other than despair, a flicker of something warm, something real.  

“And this isn’t the end,” Oscar continued, his voice steady, his gaze unwavering. “We’ve got one more race. One more chance. And I know you, you’re not the type to give up. You’re a fighter, Lando. You’ve always been a fighter.”  

Lando’s lip trembled, but this time, it wasn’t from the urge to cry. He clung to Oscar’s words, his breathing uneven but slowing, grounding himself in the steady presence of the boy who loved him.  

Oscar shifted slightly, leaning down until his forehead rested against Lando’s, their breaths mingling in the quiet space between them. “We’re going to fight, okay? Together. For this championship, for everything we’ve worked for. And no matter what happens, I’m going to be right here.”  

Lando closed his eyes, his grip on Oscar’s shirt loosening just a little, his body finally beginning to relax. But the fire Oscar had ignited was there now, flickering softly in the depths of his gaze as he opened his eyes again, looking at Oscar with something closer to determination.  

“We’ve got this,” Oscar said softly, his lips brushing against Lando’s in a gentle kiss. “I believe in you.”  

—

A good thirty minutes later, the room was full of Lando’s voice as he talked animatedly, his body now fully relaxed against Oscar’s. They were still tangled together on the bed, Lando’s head resting on Oscar’s shoulder, tilted up so he could look at The Australian, his fingers idly tracing patterns on his chest. His earlier tears had dried, leaving only faint marks that Oscar had kissed away.  

“…and that’s why I always pick Customs for my runs,” Lando was saying, his voice steadier, brighter. “The loot is way better, and the map just has so much more flow. Shoreline’s fine, I guess, but it’s such a camper’s paradise.”  

Oscar nodded, his lips quirking into a small smile as he listened. He didn’t particularly care for Tarkov, too much waiting, not enough action for his liking, but he’d made it his mission to steer Lando’s mind away from the heaviness that had consumed him earlier. If that meant enduring a detailed explanation of Lando’s loadout strategies, Oscar was more than happy to oblige.  

“Well Max complained a lot about you just dying all the time baby,” Oscar teased lightly, his fingers brushing through Lando’s curls absentmindedly. “Sounds to me like you’re stuck in a comfort zone. Maybe you need to branch out, try something new—like Call of Duty.”  

Lando let out a mock gasp, turning his head to look up at Oscar with wide, faux-offended eyes. “You did not just say that!”  

The youngest man laughed, the sound warm and infectious. “Oh, I did. Come on, you know you’d dominate. It’s just you, a gun, and mayhem. What’s not to love?”  

Lando scoffed dramatically, but the corners of his mouth twitched with amusement. “What’s not to love? Uh, I don’t know, maybe the fact that Tarkov actually requires skill? COD is just running and gunning like a maniac. Zero tactics.”  

Oscar raised an eyebrow, pretending to be deeply offended. “Excuse me? Are you implying I’m not tactical?”  

“Exactly,” Lando quipped, a grin breaking through his mock seriousness.  

Oscar gasped again, clutching his chest as if wounded. “Wow, okay. First you cry on me, and now you insult me? Unbelievable. The disrespect I suffer in this relationship…”  

Lando laughed softly, his voice carrying none of the heaviness it had earlier. He felt lighter now, like the storm that had raged inside him had passed, leaving him with clear skies and steady ground. Oscar had this power, he was that good with him. “You love it, though.”  

Oscar grinned. “I do. You’re a mess.”  

The words, spoken with so much love and humor, made Lando pause. He looked up at Oscar again, his gaze softening. “I really am a mess, aren’t I?” he said, his voice tinged with self-deprecating humor.  

The Australian shook his head firmly, his arms tightening around Lando. “Yeah, but you’re my mess,” he said again, this time with more conviction. His expression softened into something tender. “And I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world.”  

Lando’s chest swelled with warmth, the kind of deep, soul-filling love that made everything else feel insignificant. “You’re too good for me,” he said quietly, though his lips quirked into a small, playful smile.  

“Damn right I am,” Oscar teased, before breaking into a wide grin. He pulled back slightly to look at Lando, his eyes sparkling. “But you know what? You’re smiling. Oscar: one. Anxiety: zero!”  

With a triumphant fist pump in the air, Oscar let out a celebratory, “Yes!” His enthusiasm was so pure, so full of pride, that Lando couldn’t help himself, he burst out laughing, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep in his chest.  

Oscar froze mid-celebration, his grin widening as he stared at Lando. “You’re laughing,” he said, his tone brimming with awe. “Oh my god, I’m sooooo good at this. I’m basically a licensed therapist at this point.”  

Lando laughed harder, his body shaking with the force of it as he clung to Oscar. “You’re such an idiot,” he managed to say between breaths, but his tone was filled with nothing but affection.  

“And yet,” Oscar replied smugly, leaning down to kiss Lando’s forehead, “you love me.”  

“Unfortunately,” Lando teased, still smiling as he wiped at his eyes, not from tears this time, but from laughter.  

Oscar chuckled, his fingers brushing through Lando’s curls again. “See? I told you. You’ve got this, Lan. You’re stronger than you think. And next Sunday? We’re going to fight like hell. Together.”  

Lando sighed softly, his head resting back against Oscar’s shoulder. The fire Oscar had ignited earlier was still there, burning brighter now, fueled by the unwavering love and support of the boy holding him.  

“Yeah,” he said quietly, his voice steady. “We’ve got this.”  

Oscar pressed another kiss to his hair, his smile unshakable. “Damn right we do.”  

Lando shifted slightly in his arms, propping himself on one elbow, his fingers trailing lazily over Oscar’s chest. His head tilted, meeting Oscar’s warm gaze, a soft smile tugging at his lips. For a moment, he stayed silent, his expression thoughtful, before he finally spoke, his voice low and reluctant.

“Love…”

Oscar hummed, his fingers brushing through Lando’s curls. “Hmm? What is it?”

“You need to go,” Lando murmured, his voice carrying a hint of regret.

Oscar blinked, his brows furrowing. “What?”

“You need to go back to your room and pretend you’ve slept there then pack your bags for our flight,” Lando repeated, his hand coming up to rest on Oscar’s chest. “It’s getting too risky.”

Oscar sighed dramatically, pouting like a scolded child. “But I don’t want to leave,” he mumbled, tightening his hold on Lando as if that would change anything.

Lando chuckled softly, his thumb brushing over Oscar’s cheek. “I know, babe. But we can’t risk anyone noticing. You’ve already done more than enough just by staying with me.”

Oscar frowned, clearly unhappy with the idea of leaving, but he knew Lando was right. Still, he wasn’t going to make it easy. “Fine,” he said, sighing again. “But only if you thank me properly.”

Lando rolled his eyes fondly. “Thank you, Oscar,” he said, his voice teasingly formal.

“Not good enough,” Oscar replied, leaning and pressing a soft kiss to Lando’s lips.

Lando laughed against his mouth but didn’t pull away. “Thank you,” he said again, his voice softer this time as he kissed Oscar back.

“Better,” Oscar mumbled, capturing Lando’s lips again in a deeper kiss.

It quickly spiraled from there, with Oscar placing kiss after kiss on Lando’s mouth, his cheeks, his nose, anywhere he could reach. Each kiss was filled with an almost desperate kind of affection, as if he were trying to stockpile them for the days they’d have to spend apart.

The Brit laughed breathlessly, his hands framing Oscar’s face to gently push him back. “Okay, okay! I get it. You love me.”

“Damn right I do,” Oscar said, grinning as he stole one last kiss before finally relenting.

Reluctantly, he untangled himself from Lando and stood, stretching slightly before leaning down to ruffle Lando’s curls one more time. “I’ll see you in the lobby? Taking breakfast together as the good teammates we are?”

“Of course,” Lando nodded, his smile soft and grateful. “Thanks for staying with me, Osc. I mean it.”

Oscar smiled back, his expression tender. “Always, Lan.”

With that, he slipped out of the room, careful to move quietly as he made his way back to his own. Once inside, he quickly packed his things, making sure everything was in order before heading down to the lobby.

When Lando joined him a little while later, Oscar was already waiting by the hotel restaurant, his bag slung over one shoulder. He straightened when he saw Lando, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

“Finally,” he said, his tone teasing. “Thought you got lost on your way down.”

Lando rolled his eyes, but there was a faint smile playing on his lips. “You’re insufferable.”

“And yet, here you are,” Oscar shot back, winking as he fell into step beside Lando.

They made their way to the buffet, sliding effortlessly into their roles as teammates. The air between them was light, filled with playful banter that drew no suspicion from anyone around them.

Oscar raised an eyebrow as Lando loaded his plate with food. “Planning to eat the whole buffet, or are you leaving some for the rest of us?”

“Don’t start with me,” Lando shot back, though there was no real bite to his words. “I need this. Emotional recovery requires calories.”

The Australian snorted, shaking his head. “Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that.” He was intensely grateful to see his boyfriend like this after the complicated night they had.

Lando smirked, grabbing an extra croissant just to prove a point.

They settled at a table near the window, their conversation shifting to lighter topics, race pronostics for Abu Dhabi, funny moments from the paddock, anything that would keep the mood upbeat.

At one point, Oscar leaned in slightly, his voice low enough that only Lando could hear. “Are you doing okay?”

Lando met his gaze, his eyes softening. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “Thanks to you.”

Oscar smiled, his chest swelling with warmth. “Good. Just remember, we’ve got this. One race left, and we’re going to crush it.”

Lando nodded, his determination flickering back to life. “Yeah. We’ve got this.”

Chapter Text

The soft click of Lando’s controller was the only sound in the hotel room, a rhythmic, almost calming noise that punctuated the otherwise quiet space. The dim glow of streetlights from outside stretched long shadows across the walls, painting the room in shades of gold and blue. But inside, the only thing that mattered to Lando was the screen in front of him. Tarkov was his temporary escape, the game world offering him a rare moment of peace amidst the whirlwind of the season.

He was deep in the zone, fingers dancing over the controller as he tried to outmaneuver the chaos of the virtual battlefield. But, as usual, it didn’t go as planned.

“I’m dead, mate,” Lando muttered with a laugh, his voice betraying a mix of frustration and amusement as he slouched further into the chair, eyes glued to the screen. His character had just been taken down by an ambush, and he couldn’t help but find the humor in it.

Max’s voice crackled through his headphones almost immediately, the playful edge in his tone unmistakable. “Bob, you can’t keep dying like that!” Max teased, his fingers flying over his own keyboard, his character still in the thick of things as he tried to salvage the mission. Lando could hear the grin in his voice, even though he couldn’t see it. “You’ve been playing this game for days, and you’re still somehow the most useless teammate!”

Lando rolled his eyes, though he couldn’t suppress the grin tugging at his lips. “Key word—‘most of the time.’ You’re dying more than I am!” he shot back, his voice light and playful, the pout in his tone still audible despite the teasing. “And it’s not like I’ve got all my gear set up properly. I’m playing with my Mac, mouse, and just… luck.” He added a dramatic sigh for effect, even though he knew it wasn’t that bad.

Max’s laughter rang out through the headset, the sound carrying a familiar warmth. “I swear, mate, you make excuses for everything,” he said, his voice light but full of that mischievous spark Lando knew all too well. 

In the room next  door, Oscar was sitting crosslegged on his bed, phone in hand, computer on display and propped up against a pillow. When he came back from the gym session he had with his trainer, he took a good shower and heard Lando’s laugh through the wall, on stream. Missing his boyfriend's presence by his side, he decided to put Max’s stream on his computer and watch (even though he still does not like Tarkov). It wasn’t a secret that Oscar loved watching Lando play, he used to watch all the streams he could last year. This year was different, though. Lando wasn’t on camera anymore, choosing to keep his face out of sight. Still, just hearing him laugh, hearing his voice crack through the mic, was more than enough for Oscar. It wasn’t a secret to Max that Oscar would often tune into his streams, but what was amusing, almost ironic, was that Lando still hadn’t caught on. He had no idea Oscar was watching him. It had become something of a running joke between Max and Oscar: how long it would take for Lando to notice.

Oscar could see on the screen how exasperated Max was at Lando’s banter. He could hear Lando’s voice through the phone, the background noises of the game, the way his laugh would punctuate the conversation as he responded to his best friend. It felt like a small comfort in the silence of the room. It made the Australian itch to go and sneak into his boyfriend’s room once again. He sighed softly, leaning back against the pillows. The bed felt too big without Lando beside him. He hated it. Ever since Hungary, they had always shared a space when they traveled to races. This? This felt strange. It felt off, even though he knew why they had to do it. This was the reality of being in a relationship like theirs. 

He scrolled through the comments on the stream, laughing at some of the responses. “Lando’s gonna rage quit at this rate,” one viewer commented. Oscar couldn’t help but smile at the idea of Lando getting frustrated. Max was definitely enjoying teasing him about his failures in the game, and Lando’s playful responses made Oscar’s heart warm, even if it was through a phone screen.

During one of the games, it became obvious to Oscar that Lando was distracted. He knew his boyfriend well enough to pick up on the subtle tells—the way Lando’s character would stop moving suddenly or how his responses to Max would lag, leaving moments of silence that felt out of place. Each time Lando fell quiet, Oscar’s phone would buzz softly in his hand. Lando was texting him.

lan:

You’re back from the gym already? Pretty sure I heard your door a few minutes ago.

It’s a tragedy I couldn’t join you in the shower.

Max is roasting me on his stream, and I’m too fragile for this.

Oscar smirked as he crafted his reply. The idea of teasing Lando, who seemed to have just sacrificed his best friend to the enemy on the screen, was far too tempting to pass up.

oscar:

Don’t worry, baby. I’m sure you’ll recover from Max’s bullying… eventually.

By the way, you sacrificing him so recklessly just now? Bold move.

He sent the message and waited. It didn’t take long for Lando to notice it. On the stream, he stopped mid-sentence as Max let out a dramatic groan. Oscar was full of laughter now.

lan:  

It was a tactical move !

“You’ve got to be kidding me, Lando! Did you seriously just leave me to die?” Max complained, his voice tinged with mock betrayal. “We’re on the same team you idiot! And stop disappearing on me”

“I-I didn’t mean to!” Lando replied, clearly distracted, a trace of guilt in his tone.

Oscar could practically see the sheepish grin he knew would be plastered on his boyfriend’s face. Seconds later, his phone buzzed again.

lan:

Wait. Rewind. How do you know I sacrificed Max?

He let Lando stew for a moment, his mind undoubtedly racing to figure out how Oscar knew. Then, with a grin, he replied.

oscar:

You sound really good on stream, by the way. Maybe you should play even worse; it’s making Max even funnier.

“Bob I swear to god just concentrate we’re trying to play here,” Max said chuckling on the screen. 

Lando fumbled through his words. “Uh, yeah, Max, sorry about that. I just… got distracted, I guess.” His voice wavered slightly, betraying his realization.

“You? Distracted? Shocking,” Max said sarcastically. “By what, the wall in your hotel room?”

“Something like that,” he muttered and Oscar could imagine the redness that was coloring his boyfriend's cheeks. “I’m finishing this and I’m all yours Fewtrell.” Lando added and Oscar's phone buzzed again.

lan:

You’re watching the stream?!

oscar:

Always. You’re very entertaining when you’re terrible at Tarkov.

Oscar hesitated for just a moment before sending the next message, his teasing getting the better of him.

oscar:

You’re “all his,” Norris? Should I be jealous?

Oscar couldn’t help the quiet laugh that escaped him, waiting for Lando to see his response. He could practically feel the panic radiating through the thin walls of the hotel. On the stream, Lando paused mid-movement, his character standing still for a beat too long, drawing Max’s immediate attention.

“Bob? Hello? Earth to Lando?” Max’s voice was laced with mock concern. “You’re all empty promises.”

“I’m here!” Lando blurted, his voice a little higher-pitched than usual. “Just—um—checking something real quick.”

Oscar’s grin widened as he leaned back against the pillows, his arms folding across his chest.

The chat, of course, was picking up on everything.

“Lando’s distracted again, classic.”

“Max carrying as usual!”

Oscar rolled his eyes, though he couldn’t deny how amusing it was to hear Lando try and juggle everything. His phone buzzed again.

lan:

You’re evil. Evil boyfriend. 

The Australian chuckled softly to himself and typed back.

oscar:

I prefer “chaotic genius,” thank you.

The stream continued in the background. “Okay, seriously, man, what is going on with you tonight?” Max asked, exasperated but clearly entertained. “You’re always bad at Tarkov, but this is a new level. Are you multitasking or something?”

“I have troubles with my hotel room!” Lando replied, with a chuckle.

Oscar’s smirk deepened. Lando’s character suddenly moved erratically on the screen, spinning in a circle before getting downed by an enemy.

“Oh, come on!” Max groaned as his own character scrambled for cover. “Bob! You just got me killed too!”

“Sorry! Sorry!” Lando sputtered, his flustered tone making Oscar laugh aloud.

The Australian had to bite his lip to keep from making any noise that might give him away. He knew that if Lando heard him laughing like this through the wall, he’d get his revenge later. But for now, Oscar was more than happy to revel in the chaos he’d created.

Oscar’s gaze shifted back to the chat, where the viewers were relentless.

“Max sounds like a disappointed parent lol.”

“I love this, it’s too funny.”

Oscar’s phone buzzed again.

lan:

You’re banned from watching Max’s streams.

Another buzz, but this time it wasn’t from Lando. His eyebrows lifted as he glanced at the screen, the notification lighting up with Max’s name. He smirked, already imagining the frustration behind whatever the Brit had sent.

max:

Oi, stop distracting him. He’s useless enough without your help.

Oscar bit back a laugh, his fingers quickly tapping out a reply.

oscar:

He texted me first !

Max’s response was almost immediate, and Oscar could see him typing furiously on the stream while Lando was finally playing.

max:

Mate, obviously he did. But maybe try NOT replying for the rest of the stream? It’d make my life so much easier.

Oscar shook his head, leaning further into the pillows, his grin widening. There was no way he was letting up now.

oscar:

Sorry, Max. This is way too funny.

On the stream, Lando’s character took yet another hit—this time an instant takedown.

“And you’re yelling at me?” Lando groaned, voice tinged with exasperation. “I can see you on your phone, Fewtrell!”

Oscar bit his lip, fighting to keep his laughter quiet. He knew he was pushing his luck, but the chaos was too entertaining to resist.

Another buzz. Max again.

max:

I’m serious, Oscar. Stop.

Oscar’s grin turned wicked as he typed back.

oscar:

Serious, huh? You’re starting to sound like his dad, Fewtrell. Should I call you ‘Sir Max’ now?

The buzz of Max’s incoming message interrupted the quiet hum of the hotel room again, and Oscar swiped to read it, already anticipating the Brit’s growing frustration.

max:

Call me whatever you want, mate, just STOP distracting him. I’m begging you.

Oscar chuckled to himself as he read Max's last text. 

oscar:

Alright, alright. I’ll stop, but only because you asked so nicely.

max:  

You’re a menace Piastri

oscar:  

I know, my boyfriend tells me every day

He glanced at the screen of his computer again, seeing Max reloading another game while Lando was telling him he was ready to go again. With a sigh, Oscar typed out a final message to his boyfriend.

oscar:

Make me proud, yeah? Do well, I’ll be watching. I love you.

He hesitated for a moment, the warmth of his words lingering before he hit send. He could hear Lando’s usual soft chuckle in his head.

His reply came a few seconds later.

lan:

I love you too, Osc. Don’t be mad at me if I mess up though!

Oscar smiled, feeling the ache of longing in his chest, even through the screen. But then another message came from Lando, this time with a hint of something sweeter.

lan:

But hey, tell me when you think you’re going to sleep. I’ll stop gaming. I’ll call you on FaceTime and we can fall asleep together.

Oscar’s heart skipped a beat. It was little moments like this that meant the most—those quiet, tender gestures that always made the distance feel a little less far. As much as he hated being apart from Lando, hearing the genuine care in his voice made everything feel just a little bit easier.

His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before he responded, knowing full well what the offer meant and how much it touched him.

oscar:

I’d love that. I’ll tell you.

Chapter Text

The late afternoon sun was starting to dip behind the Abu Dhabi skyline as Lando and Oscar entered the hotel gym that was reserved to them, both dressed in workout gear. It had been a long, tense day. The team briefing earlier had left Lando wounded, the stress evident in the way his shoulders tensed and his jaw clenched, apparent consequences of the last gp in Qatar and the pressure of the last race coming full force. Oscar, ever the calm counterpoint to Lando’s restlessness, had suggested the gym session as a way to blow off steam. It wasn’t exactly planned, neither of them had warned their trainers about doing it together, but the spontaneity of it had made it feel more necessary. 

Jon and Kim were already there after getting texts from their drivers clearly not expecting to see them show up together. Jon looked up first, his brows furrowing slightly in surprise, while Kim gave a quick glance before returning to adjusting the weights on one of the machines. 

“You two? Together? In the gym?” Jon teased, a grin forming on his face as he approached. “What’s the occasion? Did hell freeze over, or is this your way of telling me you’re both secretly motivated now? I had to drag Lando to his session yesterday morning and he was whining like a child.”

Lando rolled his eyes, his lips twitching into a small smirk. “Well jet lag and all that you know? But you should be grateful and proud that I’m here now!” 

“We thought we’d mix it up. Doing it together,” Oscar said, his tone casual.

The session began with stretches, Jon leading Lando through a routine to loosen up his shoulders while Kim worked with Oscar. For the first few minutes, everything seemed normal, professional, even. But it wasn’t long before the subtle dynamic between the two drivers began to seep into the session.  

Lando, perched on a yoga mat, kept glancing over at Oscar, who was doing lunges under Kim’s watchful eye. “You call that a lunge?” Lando quipped, grinning as he stretched his arms above his head. 

Oscar didn’t miss a beat. “I don’t need commentary from someone who skips leg day.” 

Kim stifled a laugh, while Jon groaned. “Focus, Norris. Your form’s terrible.” 

“His form’s always terrible,” Oscar added, earning an exaggerated gasp from Lando. 

“Coming from Mr. Perfect over there? Please,” Lando shot back, sticking his tongue out. 

Jon and Kim exchanged a look, half amused, half exasperated. This wasn’t the first time the two had bickered like this, but there was an undercurrent to their banter today that neither trainer could quite place. The teasing wasn’t competitive; it was softer, more playful, fond even, as if there was an inside joke neither of them were privy to.

As the session moved to the weight machines, things didn’t improve. Lando and Oscar managed to turn the simplest exercises into a competition, challenging each other but in the best way possible. They were pushing each other to do better. 

“I bet you can’t do fifteen reps,” Lando taunted as Oscar settled into the bench press. 

Oscar smirked. “I bet you can’t do five without crying.” 

“Boys,” Kim interjected, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is a serious workout. Act like it.” 

“Tell that to him,” Lando said, gesturing to Oscar with a dramatic flourish. 

“He started it,” Oscar replied, deadpan, as he lifted the bar with an infuriatingly calm expression. 

By the time they moved to the treadmills, their antics had reached new heights. Lando set his pace deliberately higher than Oscar’s, shooting him smug looks every time he adjusted the speed. Oscar, not to be outdone, silently cranked his treadmill up until they were practically running side by side, glancing at each other out of the corners of their eyes like children racing on the playground. 

Jon sighed, muttering under his breath, “They’re insufferable.” 

“They’re ridiculous,” Kim agreed, though there was a glimmer of fondness in his tone. 

At one point, Lando slowed his pace, pretending to catch his breath, only to lean over and flick the stop button on Oscar’s treadmill. The machine ground to a halt, and Oscar stumbled slightly, catching himself with a glare. 

“Seriously?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. 

Lando grinned, entirely unapologetic. “You were falling behind.” 

Oscar rolled his eyes, but there was a twitch of a smile on his lips as he restarted the machine. “You’re impossible,” he muttered, just loud enough for Lando to hear. 

“And you love it,” Lando shot back, his voice low and teasing. But not low enough that Jon and Kim heard it and exchanged another look, this one heavier with suspicion. 

—

The gym session was winding down. The earlier playful energy had settled into something more relaxed, as both Lando and Oscar worked through stretches, their movements slower now, the intensity of the workout fading from their muscles. They were both tired, their earlier teasing giving way to a quieter behavior, the air around them less charged but still comfortably warm with the closeness they shared

Jon, standing across the room, watched Lando stretch his hamstrings with a careful, practiced ease. He hadn’t missed the subtle shift in the young Brit’s usual bravado, the way his shoulders weren’t as tense, the way his expressions weren’t as guarded. He was always a bit cheeky during workouts, a bit on edge and competitive, but today, he seemed almost... peaceful. Something had changed, but it wasn’t something Jon could place. He caught a glance of Oscar across the room, his eyes still slightly more focused on Lando than usual, but trying his best to remain professional.

Kim, ever the observer, had also noted a slight shift, but he didn’t say anything at first. Oscar had always been a little more reserved, especially when it came to expressing his comfort in public. Lando, on the other hand, was more open, more teasing, more playful. But now, the balance felt different. They were still interacting with that familiar energy, but it wasn’t the same friendly, competitive vibe. They were closer now, less cautious about the way their bodies moved around each other. Kim had been watching them for a while, but it wasn’t until the last few moments of stretching that he allowed himself to admit it, there was something there. Something more than just teammates.

“Alright, guys,” Jon called out, breaking the silence. “You’re free to go.”

He thought about it a little bit more while the kids were grabbing their stuff. It wasn’t like before. There was an ease between them now. Jon wasn’t blind to the quiet looks, the way Oscar occasionally caught Lando’s eye and smiled, the subtle way Lando reached over to pat Oscar on the back without thinking. It wasn’t blatant, just small gestures that could easily be brushed off. But Jon had seen these two enough to know something had shifted, even if they were doing their best to hide it.

Kim caught his gaze across the room, and the two shared a quiet look. It wasn’t a conversation, but it didn’t need to be. They both knew. Kim had watched Oscar from the moment he started with the team, reserved, always a bit distant but reliable, shy when it came to Lando. But the way they were together now? That was new. Kim chuckled softly under his breath as he finished stretching, wondering how long it would take Lando and Oscar to let it slip to them.

The two trainers began to gather their things, Kim tossing a towel over his shoulder as he spoke to Jon, low enough that it wouldn’t reach the drivers. “You think we’re the only ones who’ve noticed?” Kim asked quietly, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Jon let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “Yes, I think they’ve been pretty discreet, but there’s something there. I’m just waiting for one of them to admit it. It’ll come soon I think.”

Kim nodded, eyes still on Lando and Oscar as they disappeared into the hallway. “I don’t think they’re ready yet,” he said softly. “But we both know them too well.”

Jon chuckled, clapping Kim on the back as they started heading out. “We’ve got a front-row seat to their little show. And it makes me think, that is why they never want to do sessions at home now.”

—

Meanwhile, Lando and Oscar were in the hallway back to their respectives rooms, the quiet hum of the hotel only broken by their footsteps. Lando wasn’t in a rush to get back to his room. He was moving slower now, still feeling the tension from the workout working its way out of his body. Oscar, however, seemed restless. His eyes flicked to the sides, his steps quickening just slightly as they passed several rooms before his hand shot out and grabbed Lando’s arm.

Lando looked at him, surprised at the sudden movement. “What—”

Oscar didn’t even wait for him to finish his question. With a quick glance around, making sure no one else was in the hallway, Oscar yanked Lando toward the door to his room, opening it with a soft click. “Come on,” Oscar muttered, his voice lower than usual, but still playful. 

Lando raised an eyebrow, a half-smile tugging at his lips, still allowing himself to be pulled in. Oscar shut the door behind them with a soft thud, still glancing around to make sure no one had followed them into the hallway. “I don’t care,” Oscar said softly, his voice a little more intense now. “We’re sharing a shower, no one will be bothering us, and I’m not wasting time when you look this good all sweaty.”

The Brit laughed, shaking his head at the younger driver. “You’re impossible.” But he followed Oscar as the Australian moved toward the bathroom, not hesitating to grab his hand once more and pull him toward the shower.

Once inside the room, the door clicked shut behind them, and the soft hum of the hotel’s ventilation system filled the silence. Both of them moved without urgency, the energy from the gym slowly fading as they undressed. Lando paused for a moment, naked, watching Oscar’s body with a quiet appreciation as he removed his workout gear, the motions fluid and easy, his posture still relaxed despite the tension they’d shared earlier in the session.

Oscar caught Lando’s gaze for just a brief second, his eyes softening before he reached out, pulling Lando toward the shower. There was no need for words, just the subtle pull of his hand, the quiet invitation to be closer. As they stepped under the warm spray of water, their bodies pressed together naturally, the heat from the water enveloping them like a comforting blanket.

Lando let out a low chuckle as Oscar reached for the body wash, squirting a generous amount onto his hands. “You know,” Lando teased, voice still a little breathless from the workout earlier, “you’re really taking this whole ‘caring for me’ thing seriously.”

The younger’s smile softened as he gently began to rub the wash into Lando’s skin, moving his hands in small circles across his shoulders, his chest. “You deserve it,” Oscar replied, his voice warm and affectionate. 

The Britishman grinned at him, his lips curling slightly. “You’re definitely getting the hang of this.” He closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the sensation of Oscar’s hands on him. It wasn’t just the gentle washing that felt good; it was the closeness, the touch that spoke of something deeper between them, something no words could quite capture.

Oscar’s fingers moved lower, gently caressing Lando’s sides as he rinsed the soap from his body. “I know it’s just a shower, but it feels... nice, no? To just... be like this. I missed you like this.”

Opening his eyes again, Lando met Oscar’s gaze. There was a softness there, an intimacy and it made Lando feel like he could stay in this moment forever. “Yeah, I miss you too,” he agreed quietly, his thumb brushing over the back of Oscar’s hand in a gentle caress. “I never want to leave this shower.”

The Aussie chuckled, but it was a quiet sound, full of affection. “Well, we’ve got to wash your hair too.” His fingers worked through Lando’s hair, the water running down the strands as he massaged the special curl shampoo, that Oscar kept in his stuff, into Lando’s scalp. Lando tilted his head slightly, letting the warm water mix with the suds. Oscar’s fingers moved with careful precision, gently kneading the shampoo into the soft curls of Lando’s hair. 

Lando let out a soft hum, leaning into the touch. “That’s the best part,” he murmured. “I love when you do that.” His hands moved lazily, applying soap to Oscar’s chest, his touch light but deliberate, the foam from the body wash gliding over Oscar’s skin.

The latter smiled, a flush of affection creeping across his cheeks as he worked through Lando’s curls with the water spray to wash the shampoo away. “Well, I’m glad you like it.” He paused for a moment, then added, “I’ve got something else for your hair, though.”

Before Lando could ask what he meant, Oscar grabbed a bottle of curl mask from the little bag on the shelf beside the shower. He squeezed some into his hand and gently worked it through Lando’s hair, careful to cover every lock of it. The mask had a pleasant, sweet scent, and as Oscar massaged it into Lando’s curls, he couldn’t help but smile. There was something so intimate about this, washing each other, caring for each other in ways that felt both natural and tender.

Lando looked at Oscar through the steam of the shower, his lips curving into a small, fond smile. “I’m going to smell like strawberries for the rest of the week, huh?” he teased lightly.

With a chuckle, Oscar leaned forward to plant a quick kiss on Lando’s lips. “It’s your fault for having such pretty curls. Can’t leave them in a mess.”

Lando chuckled softly, his hands moving up to touch Oscar’s face. “You’re ridiculous, but I don’t mind.” His thumb traced over Oscar’s lips, a gesture so simple, yet filled with unspoken meaning. “You’re really good at this... at everything,” he added softly.

Oscar met his gaze, his hand brushing over Lando’s wet chest, his touch tender. “I just like making you feel good,” he said quietly. “And I like being close to you. I like this.”

The Brit smiled, the words settling deep in his chest, making him feel both grounded and a little lighter at the same time. He leaned in, his lips meeting Oscar’s in a soft kiss. He continued to move down Oscar’s body, feeling the soap-covered skin beneath his fingertips. His touch was gentle as he worked the body wash, his fingers tracing the outline of muscles he knew so well. Oscar’s chest rose and fell with each breath, his eyes closing for a second as Lando’s hands moved over him, their closeness intensifying the feeling of the water and the moment.

He smiled against Oscar’s lips as he rinsed the soap off his skin, his hands now moving to Oscar’s hair, massaging in the shampoo with the same care Oscar had given him. 

"You know," Oscar said after a beat, his voice low but teasing, "If you keep doing this, I’m going to get used to it."

Lando grinned, looking up at Oscar through the misty air of the shower. "I don’t think I’d mind that at all." he said, grabbing the spray and rinsing his boyfriend’s hair.

Oscar pulled away just slightly, his hands moving down to Lando’s waist as he washed the mask from his hair. “We should finish up,” he said, his voice low, but there was a playful glint in his eyes. “As much as I want to, I can’t have you staying in here too long. We’ve got dinner to go to, and we do not want to get caught.”

After a few more moments of rinsing and the final, quiet steps of washing, Lando turned off the water. Steam billowed around them as they stepped out of the shower, the cool air hitting their warm skin. Oscar grabbed a towel, gently wrapping it around Lando’s hair as he dried it, working through the damp strands with practiced care.

Lando tilted his head to one side, watching Oscar’s focused expression. “You really like taking care of me, don’t you?”

The Australian didn’t respond immediately, his fingers gently pressing into Lando’s scalp as he dried his hair, but the smile on his face said it all. He was content, in his element. “I just love you, Lando,” he said softly, his fingers moving down to Lando’s neck, trailing over his skin as if savoring the feel of him. “By the way, I couldn't tell you earlier, but I like you looking fresh, clean-shaven. It suits you.”

Lando smirked, lifting an eyebrow. “Oh? You like it clean-shaven?” he teased, his fingers grazing over Oscar’s hand. “I wanted a change this morning.”

Oscar leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against Lando’s jaw, his lips lingering as he pulled back, his gaze softer now. “It looks great baby.”

The older man smiled, his heart fluttering a bit at the sincerity in Oscar’s words. “I like that you like it.” He leaned in, his lips brushing over Oscar’s, stealing a quick kiss before pulling back. 

Oscar chuckled, a light blush creeping up his neck as he returned the kiss, slow and gentle this time. “I do like it,” he whispered, his hands moving up to cradle Lando’s face and caress the smooth skin. “I like all of you.”

They stood there for a while longer, in front of the mirror, the air thick with intimacy, as Oscar continued to gently dry Lando’s hair.

Chapter Text

Lando was sprawled on his bed, his phone resting in his hand as he leaned back against the pillows. The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the room just enough to make everything feel cozy, and the faint hum of the air conditioning was the only sound in the otherwise quiet space. Drivers' annual dinner had been a low-key affair (if you forget about George and Max’s beef) and he was happy to sit next to his boyfriend even in a room full of people. Oscar had looked stunning, almost distractingly so. His sharp features, the way his eyes caught the light, and that hoodie, it was almost criminal how good he looked.

But now, alone in his room, Lando felt a familiar restlessness creeping in. He missed him. He missed the way Oscar’s smile made him feel lighter, how just being in his presence made everything else fade away.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, his phone buzzed in his hands. He smiled before even looking at the screen. The message was from Oscar, and it was like the universe knew exactly what he needed.

osc:

You looked good today, baby.

First your outfit coming into the paddock, then MY hoodie at dinner? Gorgeous.

The compliment warmed him, a flutter of pride blooming in his chest. He could already picture Oscar’s grin, the way his eyes would soften when he said something like that. Lando’s smile grew as he typed his reply, his fingers moving quickly over the screen.

lan:

Not as good as you, though.

Blue suits you so well, it’s unfair.

Lando leaned back again, his heart beating a little faster as he imagined Oscar, the way his clothes clung to him just right, the way he looked when he caught Lando looking. It was always like this with him, like everything about Oscar made him feel alive in a way he couldn’t quite explain.

osc: 

I miss you 

lan: 

I miss you too, can we just go back to that cute shower we had yesterday? 

His mind wandered to the feel of Oscar’s skin under his hands, the soft steam surrounding them as they shared that intimate moment, their breaths tangled together. Not sleeping together this weekend had been a mistake, safety and rational thinking be damned. A new message from Oscar popped up, and Lando’s stomach did a little flip.

osc: 

I wish we could, I don’t think I enjoyed it enough.

I can’t stop thinking about you. 

Lando's heart skipped a beat. He typed back quickly, his fingers itching to reply

lan: 

You’re killing me with that. I’m in my bed right now, and all I can think about is you and about how I curse myself for being so damn rational!

He could imagine the smirk on Oscar's face when he would read that text, the same smirk that always made his heart race. 

osc:

I bet you look so good right now. 

A warm flush crept up his neck. Lando hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. 

lan:

Are you thinking about me?

His thumb hovered over the screen for a second, and when Oscar’s reply came, it was like the air had thickened in the room. 

osc:

I’m always thinking about you baby. 

I’m thinking about how badly I want to touch you, how you’d look with my hands on you.

Lando’s breath caught in his throat. That was a new game for them, but something about it felt so exciting. His mind raced, images flooding in, none of them innocent. He stared at his phone expectantly, trying to stay rational about it all, maybe it wasn’t like this at all. Oscar’s next message came through, and Lando’s pulse quickened. 

osc:

I’m picturing you right now, laid back, trying to act like you're not thinking about how I’d touch you, how I’d make you feel.

Heat bloomed in Lando’s chest and spread downward, his grip on the phone tightening. His breathing turned shallow as he reread the words, letting their meaning sink in. His body felt like it was betraying him, responding so viscerally to a few sentences on a screen.

lan:

You think about me like that a lot, don’t you?

osc: 

I think about you constantly. Every time I close my eyes, it’s you I see. I think about the way you’d look when I touch you, how you’d react… 

Lando shifted uncomfortably on the bed, the waistband of his joggers suddenly too constricting. His skin felt hot, his pulse erratic as he fought the urge to give in completely. But Oscar’s words weren’t just teasing anymore—they were a challenge.

lan:

You’re going a dangerous way Osc. You don’t know how badly I want you. Or you know it too well... It drives me crazy. 

osc:

Oh, I know. I know exactly what I do to you, baby. I know how responsive you get… how sensitive you are.

His fingers trembled, the phone a lifeline in one hand while the other moved almost instinctively, sliding beneath the waistband of his joggers. The soft press of his palm against himself sent a shiver up his spine, the sensation too tempting to resist. Heat curled low in his stomach, each word Oscar sent replaying in his mind, fueling the tension building within him.

In the quiet of his room, it felt safe to surrender to the pull, to let his thoughts and body align in ways he rarely allowed. His breathing grew uneven, his chest rising and falling rapidly as the pressure beneath his boxers intensified. His head fell back against the pillows, teeth sinking into his bottom lip in a vain attempt to keep the soft, needy sounds at bay. The ache deepened, spreading like fire, and every movement seemed to edge him closer to that maddening precipice of need.

lan: 

Fuck Oscar

osc: 

Isn’t that the other way around?

Losing it already? 

Lando’s head swam, his breath catching as a gasp escaped his lips. His hand moved slowly, teasingly over the growing heat in his joggers. He was helpless against the pull, every nerve in his body responding to the way Oscar’s words wrapped around him, leaving him no room to resist. His fingers fumbled as he typed back, desperate to keep the connection alive, to feed the fire that Oscar had so effortlessly stoked.

lan:

You think you can get me that desperate?

osc: 

I think I already did it, Lan. 

His breath came in shallow gasps, his heart pounding wildly in his chest as he fought to maintain some semblance of control. But it was futile. The tension in his body demanded release, and every deliberate movement of his hand beneath his joggers only stoked the fire. The heat building in his core was intoxicating, a need so visceral it made his head spin.

But it wasn’t enough. No matter how he touched himself, the ache only grew, refusing to be satisfied. His fingers hovered at the edge of his waistband, the temptation to slip beneath the thin fabric almost unbearable. Yet, something held him back—a nagging feeling, a thought he couldn’t quite shake.

It wasn’t right. Not like this. Not when he knew what he truly craved, what his body was calling for. It wasn’t just a touch; it was Oscar. The thought of his boyfriend’s hands, his lips, his voice—everything about him—made the need all the more unbearable. Lando groaned softly, his frustration mingling with desire as he clenched his jaw, caught in the intoxicating pull of wanting more but knowing it would never be enough without him.

lan:

I need you. Right now, I need you here.

There was a long pause before Oscar’s reply came through, and when it did, it felt like the air around him shifted. 

osc:

I know you do, baby. 

Imagine me touching you. Imagine me stripping you down, feeling every inch of you beneath my hands.

Lando’s breath hitched, and a low, needy moan slipped past his lips before he could stop it. His body was taut with tension, every word from Oscar sending waves of heat crashing through him. 

osc:

Imagine me kissing your neck, my hands slipping under your shirt.

The Brit squeezed his eyes shut, letting the vivid images of Oscar consume him. But it wasn’t enough. The phantom touch of Oscar’s hands, the imagined heat of his body—it all left him aching, desperate for the real thing. His hands trembled as he typed, no longer caring about restraint.

lan:

Fuck this shit. I need you. 

Now.

The message sent, Lando barely gave himself a second to think. He slammed his phone down on the bed, pulling his hand free from his joggers as his breathing came in ragged gasps. The sharp pressure in his boxers was unbearable, every movement a reminder of the ache begging for relief.

He couldn’t stay here. Not like this.

He stood quickly, adjusting himself with a bitten-off whine at the sharp sensation. Quietly, he opened his door, glancing both ways down the hall. When he found the coast clear, he slipped out, his movements purposeful, his body practically on autopilot. Every step down the hallway seemed to heighten his anticipation, the pull toward Oscar all-consuming.

When he reached the door, hesitation didn’t even cross his mind. His hand was on the doorknob before he realized it, and as soon as it clicked open, he stepped inside.

Oscar was sprawled out on the bed, his usual smug confidence evident in the lazy way he lounged. The moment their eyes met, surprise flickered across the Australian’s face, but it was all the confirmation Lando needed.

“Lando, what are you—”

The sentence never had a chance. Lando surged forward, crashing their lips together, his knees landing on either side of Oscar’s hips as he straddled him. A low, needy moan escaped Lando’s lips as their bodies pressed together, the friction sending sparks of pleasure through him. Oscar, clearly just as affected, gasped against Lando’s mouth, his hands flying to grip Lando’s waist.

Lando’s breath came in quick, uneven bursts as he pulled back slightly, their foreheads pressed together, his eyes half-lidded as he tried to regain some control. “I couldn’t,” he murmured, his voice low and shaky. “I couldn’t just imagine you… I needed you. I needed to see you, touch you, feel you.”

Oscar’s hands slid up Lando’s back, his fingers dipping beneath his shirt to graze warm skin, igniting shivers that made Lando gasp softly. The Aussie’s lips curled into that familiar, teasing smirk, though his eyes were darker now, filled with something deeper. “This is risky, baby,” he murmured, his tone both playful and serious.

“I don’t care,” Lando breathed, grinding his hips against Oscar’s as he spoke, his movements desperate and unrestrained. “I locked my door. And yours. I’ll be quiet—I promise.”

There was no waiting, no hesitation. Lando’s lips crashed against Oscar’s again, urgent and unyielding, as if he were trying to convey everything he felt with every press of his mouth. His hands roamed with purpose, slipping down to tug at Oscar’s shirt. There was no teasing, no holding back. Every touch, every kiss spoke of a raw, overwhelming need to be as close as humanly possible.

Oscar responded in kind, his hands gripping Lando’s hips firmly, guiding him into a rhythm that sent a shockwave of pleasure through them both. The world beyond the four walls of the room didn’t matter; nothing did except the heat building between them.

With one decisive pull, Lando removed Oscar’s shirt, his hands immediately seeking the warmth of bare skin. His fingers trailed over Oscar’s chest, every touch sparking another jolt of desire that coursed through his veins. He shivered as Oscar’s grip tightened on his hips, pulling him closer, the friction between them nearly unbearable.

“Please, please, Osc,” Lando begged, his voice a trembling whisper, raw with need and desperation. His chest heaved as he gasped for air, his lips parted and his gaze locked on Oscar. “Love, I need—”

“I know,” Oscar murmured, his tone deep and dripping with hunger as he leaned closer. “I’m on it, baby.”

In one fluid motion, Oscar shifted their positions, gently pressing Lando onto his back, taking control. He moved with purpose, his hands deftly working to undress him, savoring every moment as he uncovered inch after inch of sensitive skin. His fingers trailed deliberately over Lando’s body, each caress earning soft gasps and shivers that only spurred him on. The Brit was impossibly responsive, every touch igniting sparks that made Oscar’s own resolve waver.

“Fuck,” Lando panted, his voice edged with frustration. “You’re wearing too many clothes.”

Oscar chuckled softly, the sound low and full of intent, as Lando’s hands tugged impatiently at the waistband of his joggers. The friction was driving Lando to the brink, and he couldn’t stand it any longer. With one determined pull, he yanked them down, taking Oscar’s underwear with them in a single movement. The sight of Oscar standing above him, breathless and bare, sent another wave of heat crashing through him.

The Australian stepped back briefly, getting his clothes definitely out of the way, his movements quick but deliberate as he grabbed a small bottle of lube from his suitcase. The anticipation crackled in the air like static, Lando’s chest rising and falling rapidly as he waited, his body thrumming with unrestrained need. His eyes stayed glued to Oscar, dark with want, taking in every detail of the moment.

Oscar’s eyes darkened at the sight before him, his lips curling into a small, knowing smirk as he watched Lando writhe beneath him. There was always something mesmerizing about seeing Lando like this—completely unraveled, desperate and raw. As he spread lube on his fingers, warming it with slow, deliberate movements, Oscar couldn’t help the rush of affection that surged through him, mingling with the heat of the moment.

He climbed back over Lando, positioning himself with ease and confidence. With a gentle but firm nudge of his knee, he parted Lando’s legs, leaving him utterly exposed. The vulnerability, paired with the trust in Lando’s eyes, sent a thrill coursing through Oscar. He leaned down, pressing soft kisses along the sensitive skin of Lando’s inner thighs, each touch drawing shuddering gasps and quiet moans from the older man.

Lando’s hand flew to his mouth, biting down hard to stifle the sounds that threatened to spill out as his body arched off the bed. The sensation of Oscar’s first finger sliding inside him made him tremble, and when the Australian added a second finger shortly after, Lando’s body responded eagerly, his breaths coming quicker. Oscar’s lips returned to Lando’s, swallowing his moans as he deepened the kiss, his fingers working skillfully to prepare him.

Minutes passed, each one stretching with unbearable tension as Oscar added a third finger, moving deliberately but purposefully, watching Lando’s face for every flicker of pleasure. Lando was barely holding on, his hips moving instinctively to meet Oscar’s touch, chasing the release he so desperately needed.

“Osc… Osc please,” Lando’s voice broke, his tone a mix of frustration and pure want. “I need… I need you. Right. Now.”

"Yeah?" Oscar grinned, withdrawing his fingers slowly. "You need me, huh?"

Lando whined at the sudden emptiness. "Oscar," he gasped, "Stop... stop teasing me."

"And why would I do that?" Oscar's voice was a playful challenge as he leaned in, trailing kisses along Lando's face, his hands roaming over Lando's body.

Lando squirmed beneath his touch, breath catching. "Oscar Jack Piastri, you’re going to get inside me now, because you love me so much," he breathed, his hands gripping Oscar’s back.

"Yes, I do love you very much," Oscar murmured, kissing him deeply. 

Lando's breath hitched in the kiss, his body arching as Oscar was sinking into him slowly, waves of heat and pleasure rolling through him. His nerves seemed to come alive, his mind drowning in the overwhelming sensation of being filled by the man he loved. How he loved that sensation. He gasped out Oscar’s name, his voice breaking into soft, needy moans as he clung to him, his fingers digging into Oscar’s shoulders. 

Oscar stilled, letting Lando adjust to the feeling of him, both of them breathing heavily as their foreheads pressed together. The warmth of their shared breath was grounding, a quiet connection amidst the intensity. “You okay?” Oscar’s voice was low, almost hesitant, the concern clear in his tone despite the way his body betrayed his own struggle for control.

The older man nodded slowly, his lips slightly parted as he tried to maintain control. His eyes fluttered, a haze of pleasure clouding them, a soft, contented smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It was clear how much he was enjoying this, every second of it. “Perfect,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “So perfect. You can… you can move.”

The Australian kissed him gently, their connection deepened in the rawness of the moment. Slowly, he began to move, deliberate and tender, his hands tracing patterns along Lando’s sides provoking shivers of pleasure. 

Lando let out a soft, shaky breath, his body instinctively responding to Oscar’s rhythm, muffling his moans into the skin of his boyfriend’s neck. Everything around them blurred as he lost himself in the sensation, every thought dissolving into pure feeling. The pleasure built steadily, each movement sending waves through him, his moans a testament to how completely Oscar unraveled him.

Oscar’s gaze never left him, filled with admiration and affection. He placed kisses on Lando’s cheeks, along his jaw, and softly on his lips, savoring each sound, each expression. “You’re incredible,” he murmured, his voice low and reverent.

Lando could barely form words, his voice breaking with each gasp. “Oscar…”  

Oscar’s movements grew slightly faster, but always mindful of Lando’s need for closeness. One of his hands locked on Lando’s waist as they moved together while the other went to cup Lando’s face, tilting it up to meet his eyes, and for a moment, everything else seemed to vanish. It was just the two of them, their breaths in sync, their hearts racing with the connection that ran deeper than anything either of them had ever felt.

Lando’s fingers traced the back of Oscar’s neck, tugging at the little strands of hair he could grab, pulling him closer, desperate for more, for every touch, every moment. His chest rose and fell quickly.

“You feel… amazing baby,” as he spoke, Oscar gave Lando another kiss, slow and deliberate, like he was trying to savor every second of this. 

The Brit’s world was consumed by the feeling of Oscar inside him, the way he moved, the way their bodies seemed to fit together perfectly. He felt as though he was unraveling, lost in the intensity of their connection. Each breath that left him was a soft plea, each movement a silent invitation. The overwhelming sensation built within him, and he could hardly contain it, his body trembling with the force of it.

“Oscar…” Lando’s voice broke through the haze, a warning, shaky and desperate. “I’m so close... don’t stop.” His words were barely a whisper, his chest rising and falling rapidly as the tension within him tightened unbearably.

Oscar’s control was slipping, but he kept his focus, determined to guide Lando through it, to make him feel every second. His kisses became more urgent, lips pressing against Lando’s in a rhythmic pattern, coaxing him through the mounting pressure.

Lando’s hands gripped Oscar’s back, fingers digging in as he gasped for breath. His body was trembling, his mind barely able to keep up with the wave of sensation crashing over him. “Oscar…” he moaned again, the word full of need, full of longing. He felt vulnerable, exposed, but safe in Oscar’s arms. 

“You’re so close, Lando,” Oscar murmured, his voice low and soothing, even as his own control faltered. “I’ve got you…” He guided Lando’s movements with expert care, matching his rhythm and giving him the space to let go when he was ready.

The pressure inside Lando was unbearable, the heat in his veins building and spreading, making it impossible to think of anything but the intense connection between them. “Oscar, I—" He gasped, his voice hitching as the first wave of pleasure hit him. 

Oscar leaned into him, their lips meeting once more as he helped guide Lando through the climax, their bodies moving in sync. Lando’s moans echoed against his mouth as the tension exploded, a flood of sensation washing over him, and in that moment, everything else faded away. The only thing that mattered was the feeling of Oscar inside him, guiding him, making him feel complete.

With a final, breathless moan, Lando’s body trembled as he came, his hands clutching at Oscar’s back, holding him close as the waves of pleasure surged through him. At the same moment, Oscar’s control finally snapped, and with a low groan, he followed, his own release spilling over, the intensity of it sending a shudder through him. 

—

Lando’s breath came in slow, steady gasps as Oscar collapsed beside him, both of them tangled in the sheets. Their bodies were still warm, sticky with sweat, and the silence between them was filled with the steady rhythm of their breathing. Lando shifted slightly, cuddling himself closer to Oscar, feeling the warmth of his skin against his own, the steady beat of his heart in sync with his.

Oscar let out a soft sigh, his fingers tracing absent-minded patterns on Lando’s back, his touch gentle and comforting now, a sharp contrast to the urgency that had consumed them moments ago. Lando leaned his head into Oscar’s chest, his arm draped across his waist as he nuzzled closer, the soft beat of Oscar’s heart lulling him into a sense of peace he hadn’t realized he’d been missing.

"Fuck," Lando murmured softly, the words slipping from his lips without thinking. "That was... everything."

Oscar chuckled quietly. "Yeah, it was," he agreed, his voice low and content. "You really wanted me, huh?"

The Brit smirked, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks even though he couldn’t help but laugh. "You have no idea."

"I could tell," Oscar replied, his voice warm and teasing, but there was something more to it, something deeper in the way he said it. He shifted slightly, his arm sliding around Lando’s shoulders, pulling him even closer. "I missed you too. We’re not doing a real good job about ‘keeping a respectful distance between us’ are we?"

Lando chuckled. “No we’re not. But I’m not the only one too weak to resist. And sleeping without you sucks.” 

Oscar’s smile softened, a mixture of affection and understanding in his gaze. He’d be a hypocrite if he didn’t agree a hundred percent with that statement. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Lando’s head, the soft gesture causing the Brit’s eyelids to grow heavy. The exhaustion from everything they’d shared earlier started to settle over him like a warm blanket. With a soft sigh, he snuggled closer to Oscar, letting out a quiet yawn.

"Getting sleepy, huh?" Oscar’s voice was laced with amusement, the teasing edge softening as he sensed the drowsiness taking over.

"Shut up," Lando muttered with a grin, his eyes already fluttering shut. "You’re comfy."

Oscar chuckled softly, a sound full of warmth, as his fingers began to stroke gently through Lando’s hair. "You’re comfy too," he replied, his voice steady and calm. "But you have to go back, baby. I’m sorry, but we’ve got FP1 tomorrow, and it’ll be risky for you to get out of my room this early in the morning."

Lando groaned softly at the thought of having to leave the comfort of Oscar’s arms, but he knew Oscar was right. They couldn’t afford to get caught or have their routines disrupted. He shifted reluctantly, the soreness from their earlier activities making every movement a reminder of how much he’d given in the moment. Slowly, he began to sit up, pushing himself up from the bed with a small wince.

Oscar watched him with a knowing look, his hand resting gently on Lando’s shoulder. "You okay?" he asked, his voice low.

"Yeah," Lando muttered, though his voice carried a hint of exhaustion. "Just sore."

With a soft chuckle, Oscar reached for one of his hoodies that was thrown over the chair near the bed. He handed it to Lando with a smile. "Here, take this. You’ll feel better with something of mine to cuddle with while you sleep."

Lando’s heart fluttered a little at the gesture, but he didn’t fight the small smile that tugged at his lips. He slid his arms into the hoodie, the fabric enveloping him in its warmth, a comforting reminder of Oscar’s presence even when they weren’t together.

"Thanks," Lando murmured, pulling the hoodie tighter around himself as he began to pull on his clothes again, the softness of Oscar’s scent lingering on the fabric. His movements were slower than usual, the soreness making him take his time, but as soon as he was dressed, he made his way back to his room.

Oscar followed him with his eyes, watching him slip out of the room, but the faintest smile remained on his face. He knew Lando would be back in no time, and he would always be there, waiting for him.

Lando paused at the door, turning back to look at Oscar one last time. He smiled softly, the hoodie pulling tight around his body like a cocoon, a reminder of the love and warmth he carried with him.

"I’ll see you tomorrow," Lando said, his voice soft but steady.

Oscar nodded, his smile never fading. "I’ll be waiting."

And with that, Lando stepped out of the room, the door clicking softly behind him. Even though they were apart, the warmth of Oscar’s hoodie stayed with him, a promise that no distance could truly separate them.

Chapter Text

Starfished across the bed, Lando lazily stretched, feeling the muscles in his back relax after a long day of racing. He held his phone above his head, the screen lighting up with his mother's name. She had called to check in, always the one to remind him to stay grounded, even when the pressure of the final race week was closing in. She’d reassured him, like she always did, about this last push for the championship. "You've got this, Lando," she’d said, "just focus on what you can control."

When the call ended, Lando dropped the phone beside him, letting out a long sigh. It had been a solid day on track, FP1 had gone well, with him securing second place. But FP2… that had been something else. He grinned, remembering the back-and-forth between him and Oscar, trading fastest laps like they were playing a game. It felt almost like flirting, their laps, close to perfect, pushing each other, not aggressively, but in a way that only they understood. He could still picture the smile on Oscar’s face when they saw each other after the session, a silent acknowledgment that they were both in this together.

The day had been productive, the results promising, but Lando knew that winning the championship wasn’t going to be easy. It never was, especially with everything on the line this weekend. Still, he allowed himself to feel hopeful, really hopeful, in a way he hadn’t for a while. Hopeful in his ability to finish strong, but also hopeful in Oscar and in the team. The way they pushed each other on track, the way Oscar made everything feel just a little lighter off track… 

His thoughts drifted fully to his boyfriend. He stretched an arm out to grab the hoodie Oscar had lent him yesterday after their… moment. The fabric was soft, and as he brought it to his nose, Lando couldn’t help but inhale deeply, taking in the scent of his boyfriend. There it was, the familiar mix of Oscar’s cologne. He smiled, feeling a flutter in his chest. He wanted to be close to him, wanted to hug him for real, to feel his warmth and his laugh, especially after such a day.

Before he could indulge too long in the thought, his phone buzzed beside him, and just as if Oscar was reading his mind from the room next door, his name popped up on the screen. Lando’s heart gave a little jolt, a small smile creeping up on his face.

osc:
Couldn't say it earlier but...
FP2 was so good.

Lando’s fingers hovered over the screen for a moment, his heart skipping a beat as he imagined Oscar on the other end, probably lying on his bed, staring at his phone with that look of amusement and calm excitement that only Oscar could pull off. He quickly typed a response.

lan:
You were incredible, love. I swear, you were on fire today.

It didn’t take long for Oscar to reply, and Lando’s heart warmed as he read his words. Simple, yet full of that warmth that always made him feel like everything in the world was just a little bit better when Oscar was around.

osc:
Then what does that say about you?

Lando grinned, feeling that familiar flutter in his chest. He glanced at the hoodie he held in his arms, the one Oscar had lent him just the day before. A small, playful idea sparked in his mind, and he typed his response.

lan:
Well, I’m pretty sure it’s the hoodie you gave me yesterday that made me so strong.

A moment later, Oscar’s reply popped up, laced with his trademark humor and charm. Lando could practically hear the mischievous grin in his words.

osc:
Shall I give you my entire wardrobe then? You’ll be unstoppable.
But... honestly, I’d love to get a win this weekend.

Lando laughed softly, his fingers brushing over the screen, the smile never leaving his face. Oscar had a way of making everything feel so easy. His easy confidence was one of the things Lando admired most, and it made him feel like anything was possible. Even when everything around them was chaotic and intense, it was just the two of them—no pretenses, no pressure, just understanding and support.

lan:
Yeah, a win would be nice.
But honestly, with you by my side, I already feel like I’ve won.

Lando felt the weight of his words as he sent them, a quiet truth that felt so real. It wasn’t about the title or the podiums. It wasn’t about the hype. It was about them—about this feeling of being understood, supported, and loved in a way that went beyond all the noise of the world.

Oscar’s reply came quickly, and Lando could feel the warmth in his chest grow with every word.

osc:
That’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said.
I’m lucky to have you, Lando. You know that, right?

His fingers lingered on the screen for a moment, staring at the text, the quiet sincerity of Oscar’s message settling into his chest like a gentle warmth. Lando smiled softly, his thumb brushing across the phone screen as if to draw the words a little closer. It was funny, he thought, how with just a few simple messages, Oscar had a way of making everything feel lighter, more manageable.

lan:  
I’m lucky to have you too. More than you know. 
So, how about we start winding down for the night so we’re ready for tomorrow? I’ll be ready in a bit to FaceTime you to sleep...

Oscar’s reply came almost immediately.

osc:  
You? Going to sleep that early?
I can’t wait. Let’s get ready for bed, then. 

Lando’s heart skipped a beat at the simplicity of it. 

lan: 
Want to be ready to kick everyone’s ass tomorrow

With a contented sigh, Lando put the phone down on the bed, pushed the hoodie away and sat up, stretching out his arms, feeling the weight of the day start to settle on his shoulders. The race, the adrenaline, all of it had taken so much out of him, and he could feel the exhaustion creeping in. But he couldn’t deny that the idea of talking to Oscar, of hearing his voice and seeing his face before they both drifted off to sleep, was enough to keep him awake just a little longer.

He stood up from the bed, grabbed a towel from where it was on the chair and walked toward his bathroom, thinking he’d take a quick shower to freshen up before settling into bed. He was already planning how he’d prop his phone against pillows and talk to Oscar until they both eventually fell asleep.

Lando unbuttoned his shirt as he approached the bathroom, his mind elsewhere, already focused on how comfy his boyfriend would look in a few minutes all bundled up in his covers. His shirt slipped off his shoulders and he dropped it to the floor, feeling the cool air of the hotel room brush against his bare chest. 

As he reached for the door, his fingers brushed against the cool handle. Without thinking, he twisted it, expecting the familiar resistance of his bathroom door, but instead, the door swung open.

Lando stepped through, already in his own little world, but as soon as he looked up, his brain caught up to the reality of the situation. He was not in the bathroom.

“Well, this isn’t the bathroom,” he muttered under his breath, realizing only now that the door, identical to the one to his bathroom, was actually the connecting door to Oscar’s room.

Oscar, who was standing in the middle of his own room, half-shirtless and equally surprised, froze at the sight of Lando.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Lando blinked, staring at Oscar in surprise, and Oscar stared right back, his eyes wide with the same shock and confusion. There was a brief, awkward pause where neither of them could find the words.

Finally, Oscar spoke, his voice soft and a little uncertain. “Lando... What the hell? There was a door?”

Lando’s heart skipped, a rush of laughter bubbling in his chest as he realized how absurd this was. “Uh... I didn’t know there was a door here,” he stammered, still a little thrown off. “I thought I was going to the bathroom.”

Oscar glanced behind him at the bed, as if he might find the answer there, and then back at Lando, a small, bemused smirk tugging at his lips. “Well... this is definitely unexpected, isn’t it?”

The Brit bit his lip, the realization hitting him like a wave. This was it. The door had been there the whole time. They could have been together, sharing a space, all along, if only they’d known. The warmth spread through his chest, and he felt his face flush slightly.

Oscar’s expression softened, his usual teasing smile melting into something gentler. “I guess... we could have been doing this all along.”

Lando's heart fluttered at the thought, and he felt a sense of relief, like the door had been waiting for them to find it. He gave a small, tentative smile as he looked up at Oscar. “Yeah, guess we’ve been a little oblivious, huh?”

The Aussie laughed, stepping forward, the earlier tension dissolving. “Well, now that we know, we don’t have to make the same mistake again.”

—

A few minutes later, they found themselves slipping into their night routines, side by side. Lando stood at the sink, brushing his teeth slowly, his gaze flickering up to the mirror every now and then to steal a glance at Oscar. Oscar, also brushing his teeth beside him, caught his eye and gave a small smile. The quiet ease of the moment felt... right.

"Hey," Lando said softly, rinsing his mouth, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty, as if he couldn’t quite believe this was happening. "You okay with this? The door and everything?"

Oscar gave a playful shrug, flashing him a grin that made Lando’s heart race a little. "Are you kidding? This is definitely the best surprise of the week."

Lando couldn’t help but smile back, feeling the warmth of Oscar’s words settle in his chest. "Yeah, me too," he replied, his voice softening. "It’s... nice. Really nice. I could have stayed here last night."

Oscar laughed, a quiet chuckle that made Lando’s chest tighten with something sweet. He met Lando’s gaze, eyes soft with that familiar warmth, and for a moment, neither of them moved. They just stood there, letting the silence speak for them.

Once they finished their routines, Lando hesitated for a moment, glancing over at the door that now felt like it held the promise of something new between them. With a grin, he reached for the handle, opening it wider, letting the space between their rooms feel even more like a bridge instead of a boundary.

"I’ll leave this open," Lando said, his voice low and almost tender. "Easier to slip back into my room tomorrow morning."

Oscar nodded, that smile still tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I like that." His voice was soft, but there was something warm and inviting about the way he said it.

They climbed into bed, their bodies instinctively finding their familiar spots. Oscar, always the warmer one, turned to face Lando, his back pressing lightly against Lando’s chest as they both settled in. It felt as if they had done this a thousand times before, their movements comfortable and effortless, like second nature.

Lando shifted slightly, adjusting the blankets, and then pulled Oscar closer, the way they always did when they were at home. Oscar’s head rested against Lando’s chest, his breathing slow and steady. The sound of his heartbeat was soothing, a quiet rhythm that anchored Lando in the moment.

For a long while, they didn’t speak. Words weren’t necessary. They simply lay there, wrapped up in each other’s warmth, the silence between them filled with a sense of quiet understanding and contentment.

Lando’s hand slid down to rest on Oscar’s waist, his fingers tracing idle patterns on his skin as he let his mind wander. He couldn’t help but smile, feeling the soft rise and fall of Oscar’s chest beneath his fingertips. 

Oscar let out a soft sigh, his body relaxing even further into Lando’s. He shifted slightly, reaching for Lando’s hand, lacing their fingers together. There was something comforting about the simple touch, the way their fingers intertwined in the dark.

“I’m glad we found this door,” Oscar whispered after a while, his voice barely audible in the quiet room.

“Me too,” Lando murmured back, his voice filled with warmth. 

Chapter Text

Oscar was curled under the sheets of his bed, his body slightly tense as he thought over the events of the day and the race looming ahead. It was the last race of the season, the final chance for him, Lando, and the entire team to clinch the Constructor Championship. They were on the front row tomorrow and they knew anything could happen.

His fingers fidgeted, tracing the soft fabric of the hoodie clutched in his hands. It was Lando’s hoodie, Oscar had taken it from the Brit’s suitcase earlier, slipping through the connecting door between their rooms, which he’d left ajar when he returned to his own. Lando had gone to spend the evening with his family. Oscar had barely managed a quick goodbye before Lando was whisked away after his media obligations, leaving Oscar alone in the paddock, going back to the hotel, the silence somehow louder in his absence.

The hoodie smelled like Lando, a familiar mix of fresh cotton, faint cologne, and the distinctive scent of his hair product. Oscar pressed it closer to his chest, drawing comfort from it even though he knew it was a little silly. But in moments like these, when his mind was racing with worries about the race, about his own performance, about everything riding on this one final opportunity, Lando’s hoodie felt like an anchor. 

Oscar’s eyes flicked to his phone, his thumb hovering over the screen as he typed a quick message to Lando. His fingers hesitated for a moment before he pressed send.

osc:

I miss you. Hope you’re having a good time with your family. 

He stared at the message for a few moments, waiting for the familiar vibration of a reply. But as seconds turned into minutes, there was still nothing. Oscar glanced down at the phone again, willing it to light up with a message from Lando. But the screen remained dark. No little heart emoji or playful comment from his boyfriend. Not even a quick acknowledgment that Lando had seen it.

He tried not to let frustration settle in. Of course, he wasn’t mad at Lando. He knew how important it was for him to spend time with his family, especially with the race tomorrow. Lando had been under so much pressure lately, and Oscar understood he’d probably get caught up in family things and forget about his phone. It was just... hard sometimes. Especially with everything riding on tomorrow’s race. He needed Lando here, with him, like they always were, together, facing it all as a team on and off track.

Oscar let out a breath, clutching the hoodie tighter. He turned his phone over in his hands, staring at the back of it. The screen stayed dark. He told himself it was nothing, that Lando would message him when he could.

He knew he should sleep. He had a race tomorrow, after all. And if he didn’t sleep now, he’d be exhausted when it was time to put on his helmet, to focus, to push himself for the championship. But sleep wasn’t coming easily tonight. His thoughts kept swirling, and with each passing minute, the weight of it all felt heavier. There was so much at stake. It wasn’t just about the race anymore. It was about everything, the team, the fans, their hard work all year, and the hope that they could finish strong. The championship would mean so much, not just to him, but to Lando too, so much to Lando.

Reaching for the small bottle of water on the bedside table, Oscar’s hand shook slightly as he took a sip. He stared at the darkened window, listening to faint sounds in the hallway and the distant murmur of conversations. He wanted to feel connected to Lando, to have that sense of reassurance, but tonight, he felt so far away from it. Without Lando there beside him, the quiet of the room felt all the more overwhelming. He turned onto his side, pulling the sheets tighter around him, pressing the hoodie to his face just a little more.

His thoughts wandered to earlier in the day, to the sight of Lando’s family. It had been a nice moment, something that clearly meant a lot to Lando, who had seemed so genuinely happy to see them after putting his McLarin on pole in qualifying. But Oscar couldn’t shake the feeling of being a little distant from it all. He wasn’t part of Lando’s family, not in the same way they obviously were. And though he understood how important it was for Lando and how he hadn’t wanted to be in the way, it had left him feeling... left behind. Alone. 

He glanced at his phone again, still no message. His fingers hovered over the screen once more, willing it to light up, but it didn’t. The silence felt suffocating.

Sighing, he pulled the hoodie closer again, curling into a tighter ball. He let his mind wander, trying to force himself to relax. The race. Lando. The championship. Tomorrow. There was so much to think about. But no matter how hard he tried to focus, his mind kept circling back to everything and all the pressure he felt.

Typing out another message, this one simpler, he sent it without hesitation.

osc:

Goodnight, Lando. I’ll be thinking of you

Setting the phone aside, he pulled the covers up to his chin and tried once more to close his eyes. Tomorrow was the last race. Everything rested on it.

—

After a few agonizingly long minutes, Oscar shifted onto his side, curling tighter into himself under the weight of the sheets. He buried his nose deeper into Lando’s hoodie. His mind was still a storm of thoughts, the race, the championship, the endless stream of "what ifs", and no matter how many times he tried to push them aside, they kept bubbling back up. The bed felt too big, too empty. 

The sound of distant voices in the hallway broke the quiet for a moment, and then, silence settled again. Oscar stared at the window, the faint glow of the city lights seeping through the edges of the curtains. He tried to focus on the steady rhythm of his breathing, willing himself to relax. He was so close to drifting off when he heard it: the soft click of a door opening.

His brow furrowed, his body tensing slightly as the sound registered. It wasn’t his door, but the one he thought to be Lando’s door. He told himself he must be imagining things, his mind playing tricks on him as he lingered in that hazy space between wakefulness and sleep. Maybe he was dreaming already, his longing for Lando manifesting in some subconscious sound. But then, not even thirty seconds later, he felt it: the bed shifting behind him, the dip of the mattress as a weight settled into it. 

For a moment, Oscar thought he was dreaming again, his tired mind fabricating the sensation. But then, warmth. A body pressed against his back, solid and grounding, arms slipping around him with deliberate tenderness, spooning his frame. The embrace was firm but comforting, a steady reassurance in the midst of the storm raging in his head. Oscar’s breath hitched as he felt lips brushing softly against the nape of his neck, the familiar touch sending a shiver down his spine.

“Lando?” His voice was quiet, barely more than a whisper, tinged with confusion and a trace of disbelief.

“It’s me love,” came the soft reply, Lando’s voice low and steady, the sound of it easing something deep in Oscar’s chest. 

Oscar shifted slightly, craning his neck to glance over his shoulder, but Lando didn’t let go. His arms stayed wrapped tightly around him, his hold grounding, as though he knew Oscar needed it. Another kiss was pressed to the back of his neck, lingering this time, and Oscar felt himself melt a little, the tension in his body starting to unwind.

“I thought you were staying with your family,” Oscar murmured, his voice still laced with surprise. “I didn’t think—” 

“I was always going to come back to you,” Lando interrupted gently, his tone matter-of-fact, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Oscar’s lips parted, but no words came out. He was still processing the fact that Lando was here, in his bed, holding him. He had convinced himself he’d spend the night alone, clutching a hoodie and pretending it was enough. But now, the warmth of Lando’s presence was undoing him, filling the empty spaces he hadn’t realized were so hollow.

“You didn’t answer my text,” Oscar said quietly, though there was no accusation in his voice, just a soft vulnerability he rarely let show.

“I know,” Lando admitted. “I saw it. I was with my family, and I didn’t want to send some quick reply when I knew I’d see you soon. I figured you’d already be in bed when I got here. I’m sorry I made you overthink sweetheart.”

Oscar hummed softly, his head falling back against the pillow. He was still clutching the hoodie, though now it was more out of habit than need. Lando was here, and somehow that made everything else fade into the background.

“You’re stressed,” Lando said after a moment, his voice barely above a whisper, but there was no judgment in it, only understanding. “You’re good at hiding it, but I can tell.”

Oscar’s first instinct was to deny it, to tell Lando he was fine, that he had it under control. But the way Lando’s arms tightened around him, the way he pressed another gentle kiss to his neck, told Oscar that he didn’t need to pretend. Not here, not with him.

“Yes,” Oscar said softly. He sighed, his body sagging a little more into Lando’s. “I just... There's a lot riding on tomorrow.”

“I know,” Lando murmured. “Believe me, I know. I feel it too but I want to believe in us.”

Oscar felt the tension in Lando too, the way his body was holding just a little tighter than usual, his breathing not as steady as it might have been on any other night. Lando was feeling it too, the weight of the championship, the expectations, the pressure. And yet, he was here, holding Oscar like it was the most important thing he could do.

“We’re going to be fine,” Lando said, his voice steady, though there was a quiet determination beneath it. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we’ve got each other.”

The Aussie didn’t reply, not right away. He let the words sink in, let them wrap around him the same way Lando’s arms did. The steady rise and fall of Lando’s breathing against his back, the soft warmth of his body pressed close, it all felt like an anchor in the midst of the storm.

“You didn’t have to come back,” Oscar said finally, though the words felt weak even as he said them.

“Yes, I did,” Lando replied without hesitation. “I couldn’t leave you alone tonight. And... I needed to be here too. With you.”

Oscar closed his eyes, his heart squeezing at the honesty in Lando’s words. He didn’t need to say anything more. The silence that settled between them wasn’t heavy or strained, it was comforting, filled with the unspoken understanding they always seemed to share. 

Lando’s hand shifted, his fingers brushing lightly over Oscar’s, coaxing the hoodie from his grip. “You don’t need this,” he said softly, placing it on the edge of the bed, his hand coming back and interwining his fingers with Oscar’s. “You’ve got me.”

The younger man smiled faintly, his eyes still closed as he let himself sink deeper into Lando’s embrace. The weight of the race, the championship, the world outside their little bubble, it all felt just a little lighter with Lando there, holding him close, grounding him. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but for now, this was enough.

Chapter Text

Lando was still buzzing with adrenaline, tipsy from the endless champagne showers, the blinding flashes of cameras, and the cacophony of cheers that still echoed in his ears. His steps were light as he hopped down the corridor toward his driver’s room, a wide grin plastered across his face. Every nerve in his body seemed alive, crackling with the electric high of the victory.

He didn’t notice the quiet footsteps behind him until a firm hand caught his elbow, tugging him off balance. Before he could react, he was pulled into his room, stumbling slightly as the door slammed shut behind him with a resolute thud. His head spun, and he blinked, already starting to protest when he saw who it was.

Oscar.

“Wha–” Lando started, but Oscar didn’t let him finish. 

The next thing Lando knew, he was pushed back against the cold wall of his driver’s room. The air was thick with heat and the lingering smell of sweat and champagne. Oscar’s eyes were dark, full of unspoken emotion, and before Lando could process what was happening, soft lips crashed into his, kissing him fiercely, as though this was the only thing that mattered in the world. 

Lando’s body reacted instinctively, his hands coming up to grip Oscar’s waist, trying to ground himself in the intensity of it. Oscar’s kiss tasted like champagne, sharp and sweet, but there was something deeper in it. Something raw. Lando’s heart raced, not just because of the victory, but because of the surge of emotion he felt in that kiss. It was all of it, all at once. That kiss tasted like happiness.

Oscar broke the kiss for a moment, their breaths mingling in the quiet tension of the room. His forehead rested against Lando’s, and his dark eyes bored into him with an intensity that made Lando’s heart skip a beat. “You were incredible out there,” Oscar murmured, his voice low and hoarse. “You carried all of it. For us. For the team.”

Lando let out a shaky laugh, his chest tightening with a mix of pride and disbelief. “You fought back,” he countered, his voice just as unsteady. “After everything... P10? You didn’t give up. Oscar, you—”

The words were stolen from him as Oscar kissed him again, deeper this time, slower, as though savoring every second. Lando’s hands slipped beneath the hem of Oscar’s fireproof, desperate to feel his warmth, to erase the last traces of distance between them. The kiss softened but didn’t lose its urgency, their emotions spilling out in every touch.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their foreheads still touching. The chaos of the night seemed distant now, dulled by the quiet, heady intimacy that filled the small room. Oscar’s lips curled into a soft, almost boyish grin as he pulled back just enough to meet Lando’s gaze.

“That race was so hot of you,” Oscar murmured, his voice soft but laden with sincerity, the kind that made Lando’s heart skip a beat. Despite the brutal race Oscar had fought through, his face was lit with a quiet happiness, the glint of pride unmistakable in his eyes.

Lando’s breath hitched, his mind racing faster than his car had hours earlier. “I—” His voice caught, and he had to swallow the lump in his throat. “Oscar, we did it. We—” He paused, his words faltering as his gaze locked on the unshed tears shimmering in Oscar’s eyes. His voice dropped to a reverent whisper. “We actually did it.”

Oscar nodded, a soft chuckle breaking the silence. “You held on, Lando. You held on, and you did it. McLaren’s back on top because of you.”

The words hit Lando like a punch to the chest, but not in a painful way. It was the weight of it, the magnitude of what Oscar was saying, of what they had accomplished together. Lando had felt the pressure all season, but especially in this final race, fending off the relentless Ferraris, knowing the championship was on the line. Yet here was Oscar, standing before him, putting it all on Lando’s shoulders, not as a burden, but as a crown.

Lando let out a shaky laugh, his hand coming up to cup Oscar’s face. His thumb brushed gently along Oscar’s jaw, his touch featherlight but grounding. “Because of you too,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. “You fought back after everything. You didn’t give up. You got back into the points for us, for the team.” His smile softened as he leaned in, their foreheads nearly touching. “You’re incredible. You’ve been incredible all year, my love.”

Oscar’s expression melted, the raw emotion between them filling the space like a tangible thing. His voice was a whisper, barely audible, but it carried the weight of the entire season. “We did it together.”

The words sent a rush of warmth through Lando, and he couldn’t hold back anymore. He leaned in, capturing Oscar’s lips in a kiss that was slow, deep, and filled with every unsaid word, every shared triumph, every unspoken fear they had overcome. It wasn’t hurried or frantic, it was deliberate, like they had all the time in the world to pour their emotions into this one moment.

Oscar’s hands found their way into Lando’s curls, fingers threading through them as though anchoring himself to this reality. Lando’s hands roamed across Oscar’s back, pressing him closer, desperate to feel him, to reassure himself that this was real. The taste of champagne lingered on their lips, mingling with the salt of sweat and the bittersweet tang of tears neither of them could deny.

Time seemed to stretch, the world outside fading into nothingness. The muffled sounds of the ongoing celebrations, the distant echo of voices, even the faint vibrations of music, they all fell away. In this room, it was just them. The heat between them was almost too much to bear, a fire ignited by victory, pride, and love that burned brighter than any trophy could ever symbolize.

But as the seconds ticked by, reality slowly crept in.

Oscar pulled back slightly, his breath heavy, his forehead resting gently against Lando’s. His lips were red and slightly swollen from their kisses, his eyes dark and searching. For a long moment, they stayed like that, the space between them heavy with unspoken words and emotions neither could put into sentences.

“As much as I’d like to stay like this,” Oscar murmured, his voice low and rough with restraint, “we can’t. Not here. Not now.”

The Brit nodded, the movement slow and reluctant, even as he pulled back just enough to meet Oscar’s gaze. “You’re right,” he admitted, though every word felt like a fight against what he really wanted. His hand rose instinctively, brushing a stray curl from Oscar’s forehead, his thumb lingering against the warm skin. “But I don’t want to stop.”

Oscar’s smile softened, the hint of a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes despite the gravity of the moment. “I know,” he said simply, his hand coming to rest over Lando’s, grounding them both. “But we have to—for now. I promise there’ll be time later. You’ll just have to be patient.”

A soft laugh escaped Lando, more exhale than sound, as he let his forehead drop back to Oscar’s for a moment. “Patient isn’t really my thing, you know.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” Oscar’s lips quirked in that dry, teasing way that only made Lando want to kiss him again. “But trust me, you’ll survive. Barely.”

Lando smirked, the tension easing just enough to let the moment feel lighter. “We’ll see about that. Tonight, though—you’re coming with us, right? To the club? Don’t think you’re getting out of this one.”

The younger man leaned in, brushing his lips against Lando’s in a kiss that was quick, almost casual, but still managed to leave Lando breathless. “Yeah,” he said, his tone amused but warm. “You’d probably drag me there anyway. You’re impossible when you want something.”

Lando grinned, his hand sliding down to give Oscar’s arm a playful squeeze. “I’m your impossible. And you’ll thank me later. Trust me.”

Oscar chuckled, shaking his head fondly as he bent to grab his cap from where it had fallen earlier. He started toward the door but hesitated just before reaching it, turning back to look at Lando. His expression shifted, the humor fading into something softer, deeper. “I’m proud of you,” he said, his voice quiet but steady, every word carrying the weight of his sincerity. “You were incredible today. All season.”

With those words, the Aussie filled a space Lando hadn’t realized was empty. A small, genuine smile tugged at his lips. “You’re not too bad yourself, Piastri.” He paused, letting the teasing edge drop. “Seriously, though. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. You’ve been everything.”

Oscar’s eyes softened, a flicker of emotion passing through them before he nodded once and turned back to the door. Without another word, he slipped out, leaving Lando alone in the quiet of the driver’s room.

Lando lingered for a moment, the weight of everything, of the race, the championship, and Oscar’s words, settling over him. He finally let out a shaky breath and grabbed his bag, tossing in his clothes with practiced efficiency. There was still so much of the night ahead with showers, celebrations, the inevitable chaos of dragging Oscar to the club, and yet, for now, he let himself bask in the quiet glow of the moment.

This was their victory, and tonight, they were going to celebrate it together. Every single piece of it had been worth it.

–

The club was alive with a chaotic energy, the pounding bass reverberating through every corner, lights flashing in a kaleidoscope of colors that seemed to pulse in time with the music. The air was thick with celebration, McLaren’s team in full party mode, their cheers and laughter blending seamlessly with the noise around them. Lando and Oscar had ditched their race suits for something more fitting for the night, Lando in a dark shirt that clung to him in all the right ways, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and Oscar in a sleek black jacket paired with a lighter shirt that gave him an effortless charm. Every time Lando caught a glimpse of him in the crowd, he had to fight the almost overwhelming urge to cross the room and kiss him senseless, consequences be damned.

The entire team had poured into the club, the weight of the season momentarily lifted, replaced by the high of their victory. Drinks were passed around, glasses clinked together, and voices rang out in shared joy. Lando found himself watching Oscar more than he probably should have, his eyes drawn to the Australian like a magnet. 

Oscar stood in a small group of engineers, his posture relaxed, his smile wide and easy as he laughed at something one of them said. When their eyes met across the room, it was like the rest of the world faded away. In that fleeting moment, no words were needed. The look they exchanged said everything, the pride, the joy, the love. Lando felt his chest tighten, a surge of emotion flooding him as he realized just how much this night, this victory, and this man meant to him.

He tore his gaze away with some effort and made his way to the bar, where a crewmate handed him a cocktail with a knowing grin. Lando raised the glass in thanks, taking a sip and letting the burn of alcohol spread warmth through his system. The noise and chaos of the club swirled around him, but it felt distant, secondary to the sense of fulfillment settling deep in his chest. He leaned against the bar, his eyes flicking back to Oscar every few moments, unable to help himself. Everything else felt trivial in comparison to the sight of him glowing under the club lights, a vision of pure, unguarded happiness. 

Somewhere across the room, Oscar’s laughter rang out, rich and carefree as he downed a shot with a few mechanics. Lando couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face, his gaze softening. Seeing Oscar like this, relaxed, enjoying the moment, stripped of the usual pressure and expectations, made him fall just a little harder. It wasn’t just the achievement of winning the Constructors’ Championship that filled him with pride tonight. It was Oscar. It was them. Everything they had endured, everything they had built, all of it culminating in this surreal, unforgettable moment.

As the night wore on, the party only seemed to gain momentum. Drinks flowed freely, and the music grew louder, the bass shaking the very foundations of the club. Lando, always one to embrace the spotlight, ended up at the DJ booth at one point, his hands on the controls as he played a few tracks to the delight of the crowd. The cheers from his teammates spurred him on, and he couldn’t resist hamming it up, grinning and throwing his hands in the air as the music surged. Oscar, to his surprise, joined him, his grin wide as he stood beside Lando, hands raised in mock enthusiasm. 

For a man who was usually reserved in public, Oscar was letting loose tonight. He danced– terribly, but with so much unselfconscious joy that Lando couldn’t stop smiling. His movements were awkward but endearing, and the sight of him so free, so unguarded, made Lando’s heart swell. The music pounded around them, the lights flashing in sync with the rhythm, and for a while, Lando lost himself in the moment. The adrenaline from the race hadn’t fully worn off, mixing with the buzz of alcohol and the sheer energy of the room. 

Hours blurred and suddenly it was 2 am, the celebrations reaching a fever pitch. By the time Lando stepped off the makeshift DJ booth, his head was pleasantly fuzzy, the alcohol working its way through his system. He spotted Oscar across the room again, leaning against a table, his jacket abandoned somewhere along the way. His hair was mussed, his cheeks flushed, and his posture was looser than usual. He was clearly drunk, a faraway look in his eyes as he sipped at another drink. 

Lando pushed through the crowd, his steps a little unsteady but purposeful. He reached Oscar’s side, nudging his shoulder against him lightly, drawing his attention. Oscar looked up, blinking as if trying to focus, a small smile tugging at his lips when he realized it was Lando. 

Without a word, Lando leaned in, his breath warm against Oscar’s ear as he murmured, “Let’s get out of here.” His voice was low, firm, but laced with a quiet kind of intimacy. The noise of the club seemed to fade as they stood there, caught in their own little world. 

Oscar’s gaze softened, his eyes searching Lando’s for a moment before he nodded. He glanced around the club, the crowd still in full party mode, but the air had grown stifling, the chaos overwhelming. With one last look at the celebration, he turned back to Lando, a smile on his face. 

Lando returned the smile, his hand brushing against Oscar’s briefly before pulling away. “I’ll wait for you at the hotel,” he said, his voice just loud enough to be heard over the music. 

Oscar didn’t reply, just nodded again, his eyes holding Lando’s for a beat longer before he turned away. Lando lingered for a moment, watching him go, his heart a mix of emotions he didn’t have the words for. Then, with a deep breath, he made his way out of the club, the cool night air a welcome relief as he stepped outside. It wasn’t the end of the night, not yet. For them, the real celebration was just beginning.

—

As the door clicked shut behind them, Lando felt a sudden wave of heat rush through his body, his head spinning slightly as he turned to face Oscar. They stood there for a moment, both of them a little tipsy, the last remnants of alcohol still swirling in their veins. 

Oscar moved first. His hands were on Lando’s chest, pushing him back until he hit the door, the cool surface against his back contrasting sharply with the warmth spreading through his chest. There was no hesitation now, nothing but the need to feel each other. Oscar kissed him fiercely, his lips urgent, pressing against Lando’s with an intensity that sent a rush of heat through both of them. The kiss was a messy mix of lips and tongs.

Lando’s hands found their way to Oscar’s back, tugging him closer, fingers grazing over the fabric of his shirt before pulling it free. Their lips parted briefly, both of them panting for air, their gazes locking with an unspoken understanding. 

Without a word, he started to undress Oscar, hands moving quickly, desperate to feel the skin beneath. Oscar mirrored the motion, unbuttoning Lando’s shirt with shaking fingers, both of them unsteady but determined, the heat between them building faster than they could keep up with. 

Shirts finally out of the equation, Oscar guided him toward the bed, and in a blur of motion, they were both falling onto the mattress, their bodies tumbling together. Their lips met again, even more urgently this time, as if they couldn’t get enough of each other. Their hands roamed over skin, Lando’s fingers tracing the lines of Oscar’s body, pulling him closer, while Oscar’s hands tangled in Lando’s hair, tugging him down as their kiss deepened. Lando was above him, sitting on his pelvis, his thighs on either side of his hips, straddling him and slowly moving to get friction. 

The world outside didn’t matter. The team, the champagne, they were all a distant memory now. The only thing that existed was the feel of Oscar’s lips against his, the heat of his body, the harness he could feel against his own and the way their hands seemed to seek each other out like they had been starving for this moment. 

Oscar’s breath hitched as Lando’s lips trailed down his neck, his skin hot under the touch. He moaned softly, the sound low and guttural, his hands sliding over Lando’s back, feeling the warmth of his muscles under his fingertips. They were both drunk, both a little unsteady, but it didn’t matter. Everything else felt distant, almost irrelevant, as they moved against each other, their urgency growing with every touch. 

Lando’s fingers were pressing against Oscar’s chest now, feeling the rapid beat of his heart under his fingertips, and it made everything inside him burn hotter. Oscar was breathing hard, his eyes dark and intense, but there was still that softness there, that tenderness that always seemed to linger when it came to Lando.

"God, you’re incredible," Oscar whispered, his voice hoarse, his hands sliding down Lando’s body, pulling at his pants. 

“I want to suck you,” Lando muttered back, his hands now gripping Oscar’s hips, pulling him closer, desperate for more. 

The words alone made Oscar moan, his breath hitching as Lando continued to grind slowly against him. Lando’s hands moved to the waistband of Oscar’s pants, fingers tugging at the fabric with a sense of urgency. He shifted, lifting himself to rid them both of the clothing that was in the way, his movements fluid and determined. As he finally freed Oscar’s length, Lando didn’t hesitate. He leaned in, his tongue brushing over the tip, savoring the reaction it drew from his boyfriend.

Oscar’s hand tangled in Lando’s hair, a breathless gasp escaping his lips as he tilted his head back, biting his lip to muffle a moan. The sight of Oscar’s reaction sent a thrill through Lando, and with a deep breath, he took him in, his mouth working carefully as he focused on giving the Australian exactly what he wanted.

Lando’s movements grew more confident as he took Oscar deeper into his mouth, his tongue swirling around the sensitive length, savoring the taste of him. Oscar’s body tensed in response, his breathing becoming shallow, as he gripped the sheets beneath him, his fingers still tangled in Lando’s hair, urging him on. The Brit’s mouth moved with slow, deliberate precision, the rhythm building as he listened to the sounds of his boyfriend’s pleasure, the soft moans that spilled from Oscar’s lips only driving him further.

He could feel the shift in his boyfriend’s body, the way he was trembling, on the edge of losing control. His own body responded, heart pounding in his chest, but he pulled back just as Oscar’s moans grew more desperate, pulling his mouth away completely.

Oscar’s head fell back, a frustrated whine escaping his lips, the sound laced with need. "Lando, please..." he breathed, his voice cracking with the frustration of being so close.

Lando looked up at him with a playful, yet intense gaze, his voice low, rough with desire. “I want you inside me when you come,” he said softly, the words leaving his mouth with an edge of anticipation. "I want to feel all of you."

Oscar’s eyes fluttered, his chest rising and falling as he tried to regain control, the words hitting him like a wave. He reached for Lando, his hand trembling as he cupped his face, his thumb brushing over his lips, desperate to taste him again. "Fuck, you’re killing me," he whispered, his voice hoarse.

Lando’s fingers trembled as he grabbed the lube from the bedside table, his heart pounding with anticipation. He handed the bottle to Oscar, their eyes meeting in a moment of silent understanding. The air between them was thick with desire, each of them craving the connection that only they could give each other. Without a word, he shifted, turning to lie flat on his back, spreading his legs in invitation, his chest heaving with every breath.  "Then show me," he whispered.

Oscar’s gaze darkened with need as he positioned himself above him, their bodies aligning with ease, like they had done this a thousand times before. The trust between them was unwavering, and Oscar’s movements were slow, deliberate, as he coated his fingers with lube, his touch gentle but firm.

Lando’s breath caught in his throat as Oscar’s first finger pushed inside him, the sensation thrilling. The stretch was welcome, Lando could feel the burn of it, the tension building as Oscar added a second finger, and then a third. He couldn’t help but moan, his body trembling with both pleasure and impatience.

The Australian’s focus was intense, his eyes never leaving Lando’s face as he carefully prepared him, wanting to make sure he felt good, that everything was just right. But Lando could hardly stand the slow pace, the teasing that felt like it was pulling him apart. His hips shifted restlessly, and he gave Oscar a pleading look.

“I need you, Osc,” Lando whispered, voice tight with need. “Please, please.”

Oscar paused, eyes filled with both affection and desire as he looked down at Lando, his lips curling into a soft smile. “I know,” he said, his voice low and rough. 

He pulled his fingers free, giving Lando just a moment to adjust to the empty feeling before reaching for himself, coating his bare length with more lube, his gaze never leaving Lando’s face. Lando’s heart raced as he waited, eyes locked on Oscar, desperate for what was coming next.

“You can ride me now,” Oscar said, laying back down, his voice steady but with a hint of strain beneath it. “Come here, baby. I want you on top.”

Lando’s pulse quickened at the words, and without hesitation, he moved to straddle Oscar. His hands rested on his chest, feeling the heat of him beneath his palms, as he lowered himself, inch by slow inch, until he was fully seated, their bodies pressed together in the most intimate way.

Oscar’s hands gripped Lando’s hips, steadying him as he adjusted, both of them gasping at the sensation of being so deeply connected. Lando’s breathing was erratic as he began to move, finding his rhythm, a moan escaping his lips as he rocked against Oscar, each movement drawing them closer to the edge.

The Aussie’s hands traveled up Lando’s body, caressing his chest, his neck and his face. “You feel so good, baby,” he murmured, his voice low and rough with desire. “So tight, so perfect.”

Lando's body was alive with each movement, the pleasure coursing through him in waves as he rode Oscar with growing urgency. His hands gripped Oscar’s chest, his fingers digging into the firm muscle as he moved, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his head thrown back. The view was erotic from Oscar’s place. Lando’s moans grew louder, his chest rising and falling with the pace he set.

Oscar’s hands were firm on his hips, guiding him with steady pressure, coaxing him to go deeper, to move faster. His eyes were dark with desire, his lips parted as he watched Lando with a mixture of awe and longing. Every gasp, every cry that left Lando’s lips seemed to spur him on, urging him to take them both higher.

As Lando’s movements became more frantic, more desperate, he felt the unmistakable shift, a wave of pleasure that surged deep inside him, making him gasp as his body instinctively tightened around Oscar. His back arched, a desperate moan escaping him as Oscar’s length brushed against the perfect spot inside him, sending a shock of pure pleasure through his body.

Lando’s hands trembled as they slid down to Oscar’s abs, his body trembling as the sensation intensified. He could feel the tension building inside him, the heat between them overwhelming. His pace faltered for a moment, but Oscar was right there, his hands guiding him, urging him to move faster, deeper. The pressure inside him grew, every inch of Oscar driving him closer to the edge.

Oscar’s voice broke through his haze of pleasure, low and breathless, a steady presence in the whirlwind of sensation. “Lan,” he breathed, his hands on Lando’s hips guiding him with an almost primal urgency. “You’re incredible. Keep going. Let go with me.”

Lando's moan was high and desperate, his body trembling, every inch of him craving release. The sensations were too much, too intense, but all he could do was surrender to them, surrender to the connection they shared, to the way they fit together so perfectly. The world around him seemed to blur, leaving only the feeling of Oscar’s touch, the sound of their breathless gasps, and the overwhelming tide of pleasure that was building between them. “I’m so close,” he gasped.

The younger man’s grip tightened on Lando’s hips as he helped him move. His own breath was erratic now, his chest heaving as he felt himself slipping, unable to hold back much longer. The tension between them reached a breaking point, both of them on the edge, their bodies trembling, each trying to push the other to that final, glorious release.

With one final, breathless cry, Lando felt the tension snap. His entire body shuddered, his vision blurring as pleasure overwhelmed him, sending him crashing over the edge. Oscar’s name was a desperate whisper on his lips as he found his release on Oscar’s abdomen, his body trembling with the intensity of it.

Oscar followed moments later, his hands gripping Lando’s hips as his own pleasure took over. His moan was deep, raw, his body stiffening beneath Lando as he came deep inside of him.

The Brit remained still, his breath coming in soft, uneven gasps as he sat above Oscar, the sensation of being so full still pulsing inside him. His body was trembling slightly, still buzzing from the powerful release, his mind a warm, hazy blur of contentment. The pleasure still lingered, clouding his senses, and the feeling of Oscar inside him was both overwhelming and comforting. It was like nothing else, intense, grounding, and it made him feel cherished, loved in a way he couldn’t quite describe.

Oscar’s hands rested gently on his hips, his eyes filled with tenderness as he watched Lando, his expression soft but full of concern. “Hey,” Oscar murmured, his voice warm and steady. “You okay, baby? You’re looking a little out of it.”

Lando’s head lolled to the side, a breathless smile tugging at his lips. “I’m... I’m good,” he gasped out, the words coming slowly. He could feel his pulse still racing, his body humming with the aftershocks of the orgasm. “Just... it was... so good.” He let out a shaky laugh, feeling slightly dizzy from the overwhelming sensations and the lingering effects of the alcohol. Everything felt a little surreal, like he was floating in a dream.

Oscar smiled back, his hands moving gently to Lando’s waist, his fingers brushing softly against the warm skin. “I know, I could tell,” he said with a quiet chuckle. “For me too, baby. Do you need help getting off of me?”

Lando nodded slowly, his body still feeling the aftereffects of the intense pleasure, overstimulated but not in a way that made him want to pull away. He loved the feeling of being full, of being connected with Oscar in such a deep, intimate way. The weight of Oscar inside him felt grounding, like he didn’t want to lose this connection just yet. He stayed still for a few more moments, closing his eyes as he basked in the comfort and warmth.

But soon, Oscar gently cupped his chin, lifting Lando’s gaze to meet his. “Let’s get you comfortable, yeah? I’m not going anywhere.”

His lips parted in a soft exhale of relief as Oscar slowly began to guide him off, the movement tender, almost reverent. Every inch that left him felt like a gentle pull, but it also gave way to a strange, bittersweet emptiness that had Lando’s chest tightening. It wasn’t that he wanted to stay in this position forever—it was just that the sensation of being so full felt so good, so right. But as Oscar carefully helped him lower himself to the mattress beside him, Lando relaxed, feeling the softness of the sheets beneath him.

Oscar moved with him, his hands gently sliding under Lando’s back to support him as he settled into the bed. Lando was still a little breathless, his chest rising and falling slowly as he tried to catch his breath, his head spinning in the best way. “You were amazing,” Oscar murmured, brushing a lock of hair out of his face as he looked down at him with quiet affection.

Lando’s lips curled into a contented smile, his body still trembling slightly from the intensity of it all. “You too... you really know how to make me feel... incredible,” he said, his words slurred from the lingering fog of pleasure and the warmth of the alcohol still in his system from the party.

Oscar gently shifted away from Lando, careful not to disturb the peacefulness of the moment. He looked down at his boyfriend, his heart full of affection as he saw the content expression on Lando's face. The warmth of the room seemed to reflect the warmth they shared, and Oscar couldn't help but smile softly.

"Stay here, I’ll be right back," Oscar whispered, brushing a gentle kiss to Lando's forehead before he carefully pulled himself away from the bed. His movements were slow, clouded by the haze of his orgasm and the alcohol. He made his way to the bathroom, the coolness of the floor beneath his bare feet a sharp contrast to the heat of his body.

Once in the bathroom, Oscar grabbed a washcloth and dampened it with warm water, letting it soak for a moment. He had a faint smile on his lips, thinking about how much they'd both enjoyed their victory and their celebration, the championship win and the joy of being together now seeming to settle in his chest, still making him feel light-headed with happiness.

Returning to the bedroom, Oscar’s heart swelled seeing Lando still lying comfortably, propped up on the pillows, eyes closed but a small smile lingering on his lips. Lando looked so at peace, and it made Oscar's chest ache in the best way.

Oscar climbed back into bed and reached for Lando gently, pulling him closer with the washcloth in hand. “Alright, just a little cleanup,” he murmured, his voice low but affectionate. He softly cleaned Lando up first, being careful not to cause any discomfort as he tended to him. Lando shifted slightly, letting out a soft sigh as Oscar wiped him clean, taking his time and making sure he was comfortable.

Lando blinked up at him lazily, his lips curling into a content smile. “I really don’t want to move right now,” he murmured, his voice still tinged with exhaustion, but also something deeper, an undeniable satisfaction, a sense of being completely taken care of.

“I know the feeling,” Oscar replied, his tone playful but soft. He cleaned himself off next, brushing away the remnants of Lando’s release from his abdomen.

Once finished, Oscar returned the washcloth to the bathroom and returned to bed, pulling the covers back up over them both. He snuggled up close to Lando, wrapping his arms around him as he laid back, his head resting on the pillow beside his boyfriend’s.

Lando shifted to face him, a dreamy look in his eyes. “What a night, huh?” he said, a little breathless, but his voice full of happiness. "I’m just… I’m so happy we won, and that we’re here like this."

Oscar grinned, pressing a kiss to Lando’s temple. “Yeah. It’s been… a wild ride. But it’s all worth it, especially now." He chuckled softly, his fingers brushing through Lando's hair. "I don't think it gets better than this."

Lando nodded, his eyes meeting Oscar’s with a shared sense of contentment. “I can’t believe we did it, Oscar. I mean, we—" He stopped himself, the words almost feeling too big to say in the quiet after the chaos of their win. He sighed happily, squeezing Oscar’s hand. “And we did it together."

“Together,” Oscar echoed, his heart swelling again. “Yeah. Together. I’m so glad we have this... everything.” His voice softened with the emotion of it all, the significance of the day settling over them.

There was a brief silence between them, but it wasn’t awkward. It was comfortable, the kind of silence where everything was understood without the need for words. They’d both been through so much to get to this moment, and now, in each other’s arms, it felt like everything was finally falling into place. 

Oscar moved his hand to brush across Lando’s chest, his touch tender and loving. “We’re both a little tipsy, aren’t we?” he said with a grin. 

Lando let out a small, satisfied laugh. “I think it’s the champagne."

The Aussie laughed softly, nodding. “Definitely the champagne. Not the numerous cocktails we drank at that party. But, honestly, it’s also just... us. This moment. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more… content in my life.”

Lando shifted closer to him, his head resting on Oscar’s chest as he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend. “I don’t think I have either,” he whispered, the words barely a breath against Oscar’s skin.

Oscar pressed a kiss to the top of Lando's head, pulling him even closer. "Here's to us, Lando. To everything we've achieved... and to what's ahead. I’m just happy to be doing it all with you."

Lando nodded, his body feeling heavy with satisfaction, but lighter than it ever had before. “Yeah, me too,” he murmured, eyes fluttering closed. “Here’s to us.”

And with that, wrapped up in each other’s arms, the two of them drifted into a peaceful, contented sleep, knowing that they had everything they ever wanted, each other, their championship win, and the quiet promise of more to come (like that horrible hungover tomorrow morning for example).

Chapter Text

The sun streamed lazily through the thin curtains, casting a warm golden glow across the bedroom as Lando stirred awake. His head throbbed dully, a telltale sign of the previous night’s champagne-fueled celebration, but the ache was muted by the overwhelming sense of contentment lingering in his chest. Slowly, he blinked the sleep from his eyes, the room coming into focus. It took him a moment to register his surroundings, Oscar’s hotel room, their discarded clothes still scattered across the floor. 

Lando turned his head, and his breath caught in his throat. Lying beside him, half-buried in the tangle of sheets, was Oscar, still deeply asleep. His face was serene, his features relaxed in a way that Lando rarely saw during the high-energy days of their racing lives. 

Oscar’s lips were slightly parted, his breathing steady and soft. His hair was a tousled mess, some strands falling loosely across his forehead, and Lando couldn’t help but think about how effortlessly beautiful he looked. The way the sunlight highlighted the freckles dusting Oscar’s face made them look like little constellations, scattered just for Lando to discover.

He shifted onto his side, careful not to disturb him. His own body ached from the previous night, but he ignored it, too captivated by the sight in front of him. His gaze traced every curve of Oscar’s face, from the gentle slope of his nose to the strong line of his jaw. His eyes lingered on the flutter of Oscar’s lashes against his skin, long and dark, and the way his chest rose and fell with each peaceful breath.

A small smile tugged at Lando’s lips. He didn’t often get moments like this, to just look, to take everything in. Their lives were so fast-paced, constantly moving from one thing to the next, and even their quiet moments together were often filled with conversation or laughter. But now, with the world still and Oscar asleep beside him, Lando allowed himself to simply admire the person he loved. 

His fingers twitched with the urge to reach out, to trace the curve of Oscar’s cheek or brush the hair from his face, but he resisted, not wanting to break the spell of the moment. Instead, he let his mind wander, imagining what Oscar might dream about, something peaceful, he hoped, something happy. Maybe it was about their win, or the way they’d celebrated. Or maybe it was something simpler, like the two of them spending a rare day off together, lounging around without a care in the world. Just like what they would do during all winter break.

He sighed softly, his smile widening as his gaze traveled lower, over the broad curve of Oscar’s shoulders and down the arm draped casually across his own waist. He felt a rush of warmth at the possessiveness of it, even in sleep, like Oscar’s body instinctively sought him out. The thought made his chest tighten, a mix of love and awe at how lucky he was to have someone like the younger man in his life.

He shifted slightly, resting his head on his folded arm as he continued to watch him, the minutes slipping by unnoticed. Each little detail, the faint crease between Oscar’s brows, the way his lips twitched as if responding to a dream, the way his hand flexed slightly against the sheets, felt like a treasure to Lando. He memorized it all, imprinting the image of Oscar in this peaceful state into his mind.

For the first time in a long time, Lando felt no rush, no pressure, no need to be anywhere but here. The ache in his head faded into the background, insignificant compared to the overwhelming sense of love and gratitude filling him. As he lay there, Lando realized he could do this forever, watch Oscar sleep, admire him, and feel the quiet reassurance of their connection. This moment, in all its simplicity, felt like perfection. 

The Australian stirred, a soft groan escaping his lips as he began to wake. Lando noticed the subtle shift immediately, the way his brows furrowed slightly, his nose scrunching as if trying to resist the pull of consciousness. His chest rose and fell a bit quicker now, his body slowly coming to life under the sheets, but he didn’t open his eyes just yet.

Another quiet sound escaped him, this one more resigned, and his head turned slightly toward Lando. The Brit couldn’t help the small chuckle that escaped his lips, low and fond, as Oscar’s face pressed into the pillow, clearly reluctant to face the day, or the hangover that undoubtedly awaited him.

“Morning, sweetheart,” Lando murmured softly, his voice laced with affection.

Oscar groaned again, his response muffled by the pillow. “No, it’s not morning,” he grumbled, his voice hoarse and thick with sleep. “It’s… it’s whatever’s after morning. Too early.”

Lando grinned, his heart warming at how disoriented Oscar sounded. “It’s like one in the afternoon, love.”

That prompted Oscar to crack one eye open, though it barely managed a squint as he glanced toward Lando. His hair was an even bigger mess now, sticking up at odd angles, and his expression was one of pure, unfiltered exhaustion. “Still too early,” he muttered, his voice rough and quiet.

The Brit bit his lip to stifle a laugh, his fingers instinctively reaching out to brush a strand of hair from Oscar’s forehead. The touch seemed to ground him a little, and Oscar finally opened both eyes, though they remained half-lidded as he blinked sluggishly up at Lando. His gaze softened almost immediately, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips despite the clear discomfort of his hangover.

“You’re staring,” Oscar mumbled, his tone light but his words slurred with sleepiness. He shifted slightly, the sheets slipping lower to reveal more of his bare chest. “How long have you been awake?”

Lando shrugged, his fingers idly tracing patterns along the edge of the pillow between them. “Not long. Maybe half an hour.”

Oscar let out a groan of protest, burying his face back into the pillow for a moment before peeking at Lando again. “You didn’t think to wake me?”

“You looked too peaceful,” Lando admitted, his voice soft and genuine. “Didn’t want to ruin it with whatever headache you have now.”

The Aussie’s lips curved into a small, crooked smile, his eyes crinkling just enough to show he appreciated the sentiment. “You’re too nice for your own good,” he teased, though his voice lacked any real bite. He shifted again, this time rolling onto his back with a heavy sigh, his head lolling to the side as he stared at the ceiling.

“God,” he muttered after a beat, his hands dragging down his face. “You’re right, my head’s killing me.”

“Same,” Lando replied with a laugh, propping himself up on one elbow to get a better look at him. “I think we might’ve overdone it last night.”

“Might’ve?” Oscar shot him a mock glare, though it quickly dissolved into a sheepish grin. “I’m pretty sure I’m at least 50% champagne right now.”

The image made Lando laugh again, the sound light and unrestrained, and Oscar’s grin widened despite his obvious discomfort. He reached up, his hand finding Lando’s and giving it a squeeze. “You’re in a good mood,” he remarked, his tone teasing but warm.

“Can you blame me?” Lando shot back, his voice quieter now, his gaze dropping briefly to where their hands were joined. “We won. You and me. We actually did it.”

Oscar’s smile softened, his expression taking on a more introspective quality. He turned his head to look at Lando fully, his eyes searching his face. “Yeah,” he said after a moment, his voice quieter now. “We did.”

The words hung in the air between them, a simple acknowledgment of everything they’d worked for, everything they’d achieved. Oscar’s thumb brushed over the back of Lando’s hand absentmindedly, and Lando found himself getting lost in the moment again, in the way Oscar looked at him, even with his hair a mess and his eyes heavy with sleep.

It wasn’t long before he let out another groan, this one more dramatic as he threw an arm over his face. “Okay, but seriously,” he said, his voice muffled slightly. “Who’s going to bring us water and painkillers? Because I’m not moving.”

Lando smirked, leaning down to press a quick kiss to Oscar’s shoulder. “Don’t look at me,” he teased. “I’m just as useless as you right now.”

Oscar peeked out from under his arm, his lips twitching with amusement. “Guess we’re stuck here, then.” 

Lando sighed dramatically, running a hand through his already disheveled curls as he shifted to sit up. The sheets slid down his torso, pooling around his hips, and Oscar’s gaze followed the movement, sharp despite his hangover. “Alright, fine,” he muttered, tossing a glance over his shoulder at his boyfriend. “I’ll be the hero of the day and get us water and painkillers because apparently, I’m an angel who loves his boyfriend very much.” His voice was teasing, but the fondness behind his words was undeniable.  

Oscar smirked lazily from where he lay sprawled on the mattress, his arms now crossed behind his head. “You won’t hear me denying that,” he replied, his tone low and warm, the edges softened by sleep.  

The Britishman stretched as he stood, the subtle ache in his body from the night before making itself known. He didn’t mind it, though; it was the kind of soreness he had come to appreciate. With a soft groan, he padded toward the door, completely unbothered by his nakedness.  

Behind him, he could feel Oscar’s gaze, heavy and deliberate, following every step he took. It wasn’t unusual, but in his post-sleep haze and with the warmth of last night’s memories lingering, it made Lando feel especially aware of himself.  

He turned his head just enough to catch Oscar’s eyes unabashedly fixed on him. “Are you going to keep staring?” Lando teased, raising an eyebrow but smiling nonetheless.  

Oscar didn’t even flinch, his lips curling into a slow grin. “Can you blame me?” he said, his voice a little rougher now. “I’ve got the best view in the world right here.”  

Lando laughed softly, shaking his head as he continued toward the bathroom. “You’re impossible.”  

“And you’re beautiful,” Oscar shot back without missing a beat.  

The comment stopped Lando for a brief moment, his hand brushing against the doorframe. He glanced back again, his expression softer now. “You really know how to make a man blush, huh?”  

Oscar shrugged, the grin on his face shifting into something more genuine, his eyes warm as they met Lando’s. “I’m just telling the truth. Now hurry up before I start getting emotional over how lucky I am.”  

Lando chuckled, shaking his head once more before stepping into the bathroom. It didn’t take him long to find what he needed, the cool tiles beneath his feet grounding him as he grabbed a glass and filled it with water. He spotted the painkillers in the cabinet, popping out a couple of tablets before heading back to the bedroom.  

The Australian hadn’t moved an inch, still sprawled lazily on the bed with an air of contentment that made Lando smile. He handed over the glass and the pills, watching as Oscar sat up just enough to take them, his movements slow but graceful despite the hangover.  

“You really are the best,” Oscar murmured after swallowing the tablets, his eyes catching Lando’s as he reached for his hand. “You know that, right?”  

“Yeah, yeah,” Lando replied, his tone light but his cheeks flushed. He also took one of the pills after his boyfriend handed him the glass of water back.

“Seriously,” Oscar continued, his voice quieter now, the teasing edge gone. “Thank you.”  

Lando glanced at him, the sincerity in his boyfriend’s gaze making his heart ache in the best way. “Always,” he replied simply, a soft smile playing at his lips. He let out a soft sigh as he slid back under the covers, the cool sheets brushing against his skin a soothing contrast to the warmth of the room. His body relaxed against the headboard, and he tilted his head slightly to look at Oscar, who was still watching him with an intensity that made Lando’s cheeks heat again.  

“Alright, what is it?” Lando asked, a hint of laughter in his voice as he caught the way Oscar’s eyes lingered on him, moving lazily over his body like he was a piece of art.  

Oscar groaned softly, running a hand through his tousled hair before flopping back against the pillows with a dramatic sigh. “I’m trying to decide if I’m more annoyed at this hangover or the fact that I can’t do anything about how ridiculously good you look right now,” he muttered, his Australian accent more pronounced in his groggy state.  

Lando couldn’t help but laugh, the sound soft and warm as it bubbled up. “Seriously? That’s what’s bothering you?” he teased.  

“Yes, actually,” Oscar shot back, his voice deadpan but his lips twitching into a small smile. “You’re just sitting there, all... naked and perfect, and here I am, my head pounding too much to even think about acting on it.” He threw an arm dramatically over his eyes. “It’s torture.”  

Lando snorted, shaking his head as he tucked one arm behind his head. “You’re so dramatic when you’re hungover, you know that?”  

Oscar peeked at him from under his arm, pouting like a scolded child. “You’re not even denying it, though. You know I’m right.”  

He laughed again, the sound making Oscar’s pout deepen. “I’m not denying anything nor the fact that I’m trying real hard not to devour you as well,” Lando said with a smirk. “But I think it’s hilarious that this is what you’re focused on instead of, I don’t know, the fact that we won the Constructors’ Championship last night.”  

Oscar made a low grumbling sound, his hand moving to rub his temple. “I’d be more focused on that if my head wasn’t trying to split in two,” he admitted, shifting to rest more comfortably against the pillows. He tilted his head to look at Lando again, his eyes softening. “But seriously, you are distracting, even when I feel like death warmed over.”  

Lando rolled his eyes, but his smile didn’t falter. “Maybe you should focus on rehydrating and letting the painkillers do their job instead of whining about how much you want to ravage me.”  

The youngest groaned again, his head falling back dramatically. “Don’t say it like that. Now it’s worse.”  

Lando burst out laughing this time, his laughter filling the room and making Oscar’s lips curve into a reluctant grin despite himself. “You’re really impossible, I mean it,” Lando said through his chuckles, his hand reaching out to lightly push at Oscar’s shoulder.  

“Impossible, but honest,” Oscar retorted, his grin widening just a little. His eyes softened as he looked at Lando again, and this time, there was less teasing and more tenderness in his gaze. “Seriously, though, you’re amazing, you know that? And not just because you look like this.” He gestured vaguely to Lando’s naked form, his grin turning sheepish. “You’re just... everything.”  

Lando’s laughter faded into a softer smile, his heart squeezing at the unfiltered affection in Oscar’s words. “You’re not so bad yourself,” he replied, his tone light but his cheeks flushed.  

Oscar hummed in satisfaction, his hand lazily reaching out to trace invisible patterns on Lando’s thigh under the covers. “I mean it,” he murmured, his voice quieter now. “Even when I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck, I’m still the luckiest guy in the world because I get to wake up next to you.”  

The older man shook his head, his smile widening despite the flush creeping up his neck. “You’re such a sap,” he teased, but the fondness in his tone was unmistakable.  

Oscar grinned at that, unbothered. “Only for you.”  

With a smile, Lando leaned back more comfortably against the headboard, his body still feeling the gentle ache of last night, but it was a good ache, a reminder of how much he loved and was loved. He looked at Oscar, his heart swelling as he watched the way his boyfriend’s eyes sparkled even through the hangover haze.  

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” Lando said softly, reaching out to run his fingers through Oscar’s messy hair.  

Oscar closed his eyes at the touch, a contented smile tugging at his lips. “I’m lucky for a lot of reasons,” he murmured, his voice drowsy and warm.  

Lando just shook his head, his smile lingering as he settled deeper into the covers, letting the moment stretch between them like the warm morning sun filtering through the curtains. He watched Oscar closely as the Australian continued to lie there, still pouting like a child who had been denied something. His eyes still followed every inch of Lando’s body, and Lando could practically feel the weight of his gaze, making him smile despite himself. His fingers absentmindedly ran through Oscar’s messy hair.

"You adorable, pouty thing," Lando murmured, his voice soft as his fingers massaged the back of Oscar's neck. "You know, I think we can find a happy middle ground here."

Oscar let out an exaggerated sigh, his eyes narrowing playfully. "Middle ground? What do you have in mind, oh wise one?"

The Brit smiled, his fingers trailing gently through Oscar's hair again. He took a moment to think, considering all the ways he could navigate this situation, wanting to keep things light while also making sure they both felt better after the post-victory, post-party exhaustion. 

“Well,” Lando began slowly, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “we could start by dressing a bit, you know, so you won’t be so tempted by my body.”

Oscar’s eyes immediately shot up to meet his, and Lando could almost hear the internal argument happening within him. "No," Oscar replied immediately, shaking his head as if the suggestion was entirely absurd. “I’m fine, really.”

Lando laughed softly, the sound warm and teasing. "I figured you'd say that," he replied, brushing a stray lock of hair from Oscar's face. "But hey, I’m just looking out for you. We wouldn’t want you to pass out from lust now, would we?"  

Oscar smirked, his pout turning into a grin as he rolled his eyes. "You’re lucky I love you," he muttered, before settling back again. “But until I absolutely have to, I won’t dress, nope.” But then, his stomach grumbled loudly, cutting through the silence like a reminder of reality. Lando’s grin widened, knowing the next phase of their plan would work.

"You’re hungry, aren’t you?" Lando teased, his voice light as he leaned over to kiss Oscar’s forehead softly. "I think it’s time to make us feel human again, don’t you?"  

The Aussie blinked, momentarily distracted from his poutiness by his growling stomach. "Yeah, that sounds good. We could, like... actually eat real food."  

Lando nodded in agreement, the teasing in his tone still evident. "Exactly. We’re champions, after all. We can indulge in whatever we want today. Who’s going to stop us?" He paused before leaning closer, his lips brushing against Oscar's ear. "You know what? I’ll order breakfast for us with room service. Some eggs, some pancakes, maybe even something greasy and unhealthy."

Oscar stared at him for a moment, clearly weighing the offer in his mind. The pout he had been wearing earlier was gone, replaced by a thoughtful expression. Lando could almost see the wheels turning in his boyfriend’s head, trying to figure out the best course of action. Finally, Oscar’s lips curled into a grin, a shift in his demeanor as if he’d reached a decision. "Yeah, okay," he said, the sudden enthusiasm in his voice making Lando chuckle. "Yes, yes, yes. Let’s get everything unhealthy. And, uh, you better get dressed, though. Nobody gets to see my boyfriend like that but me."

The curly haired man raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised by the shift in tone. "Oh, so now you want me to dress?" he teased, his voice dripping with affection, the playful teasing slipping naturally into his words.

His boyfriend didn’t even flinch at the joke, his grin widening. "Yes, yes, you’re mine," he said, his voice laced with a playful possessiveness that warmed Lando’s heart in a way he hadn’t expected. 

The words left Lando’s chest tight with affection, and without thinking, he leaned down to place a soft kiss on Oscar’s cheek. "You really do have a one-track mind, don’t you?" he teased again, his tone light but fond. "Alright, alright. I’ll get dressed."

Oscar snorted, clearly entertained by Lando’s teasing, but his gaze softened, the playful edge slipping away. "Thank you," he said, the words quiet and sincere, as if appreciating Lando’s willingness to humor him. "You’re too good to me."

Lando smiled, the genuine warmth in his chest evident as he pulled away, standing up from the bed. He stretched a little before heading to the dresser, quickly pulling on a pair of loose sweatpants and a simple shirt. As an afterthought, he grabbed a pair of fresh underwear and tossed them in Oscar’s direction with a teasing grin. "Come on, love, you too."

Oscar groaned dramatically from the bed, his voice muffled as he shifted beneath the sheets. Lando could hear the rustling of the fabric as Oscar begrudgingly complied, slipping into the underwear while still tangled up in the sheets. There was something undeniably endearing about the way his boyfriend acted so reluctantly, yet still gave in to the inevitable. Lando’s smile widened, and he picked up his phone to place their breakfast order.

The minute the food was taken care of, Lando returned to the bed, sitting down beside Oscar, who had finally managed to free himself from the sheets, now sitting up with a slight frown still lingering on his face. Lando could tell he wasn’t completely ready to let go of his grumpy mood yet. 

"Breakfast’s on the way," Lando said, brushing a few stray strands of Oscar's hair out of his face. "And I was also thinking... we should really take it easy today. No one’s going to bother us, anyway."

The Aussie’s eyes lit up at the thought, his slow smile a perfect mirror of his growing excitement. "No one’s going to bother us today, huh?" he mused, the idea clearly sinking in, his voice softer now, almost as though he were savoring the prospect of a quiet day with nothing but each other. "I like the sound of that."

Lando nodded, feeling a similar sense of relief at the thought. The weight of the previous night’s celebrations had left them both a little worn out, and the idea of simply staying in, wrapped up in each other, was something he could get behind. He ran his fingers through Oscar’s hair once more, savoring the small, intimate moment between them. "Everyone’s hungover or busy preparing for tomorrow’s post-season testing," Lando continued, his voice warm with the assurance that they were both free to do whatever they wanted. "So we’ve got the whole day to ourselves. No obligations. No interruptions. We can just... lie here, bask in our victory. Nap the hangovers away. And, just so you know," he added with a mischievous smirk, "I plan on kissing you senseless the moment we’re both feeling better after that nap. No interruptions."

Oscar’s expression shifted, a sly smile curling on his lips. "I’ll hold you to that," he said.

Chapter Text

The ride back to the hotel was quiet, the exhaustion of the last few days settling heavily over everyone in the car. The post-race testing had drained whatever reserves of energy Lando and Oscar had left, leaving them both slumped in their seats, eyes half-closed as the city lights of Abu Dhabi flickered past the windows. Their trainers, Jon and Kim, were seated in the front, their low voices blending into the hum of the car engine as they discussed whatever plans they had for the off-season. Neither Lando nor Oscar had the energy to chime in, their thoughts consumed by the promise of sleep and the bittersweet relief of knowing the season was finally over. Yes they won a championship but yes they had too much alcohol that night and apparently, sleeping all day yesterday did nothing to ease the hangover.

When the car pulled up in front of the hotel, the two drivers barely managed to haul themselves out of the vehicle before following their trainers inside. The lobby was quiet, a stark contrast to the buzz it had carried during the Grand Prix weekend, and the soft lighting only emphasized the weariness etched into their faces. Jon and Kim continued their conversation as they walked toward the elevators, but Lando and Oscar exchanged a brief glance, both of them too tired to say much of anything.

The elevator ride was similarly silent, save for the occasional beep as it passed each floor. Lando leaned against the wall, head throbbing after so much driving. Next to him, Oscar was no better, his head tilted back against the wall as he stared blankly at the ceiling. Jon and Kim glanced at their respective drivers, but neither said anything. They all knew the toll the season took, and these final moments before the holidays began were always the hardest.

As the elevator doors opened on their floor, the four of them stepped out, walking slowly down the hallway. Jon clapped a hand on Lando’s shoulder when they reached the hotel room doors. "Get some rest, mate," he said, his tone firm but kind. "You’ve earned it." Kim echoed the sentiment to Oscar, who nodded tiredly in response. 

"Thanks," Lando mumbled, his voice thick with exhaustion as he pushed open his door. 

"Yeah what he said," Oscar added, his words barely audible as he did the same.

Inside his room, Lando closed the door behind him and let out a heavy sigh. The space was quiet and dimly lit, and for a moment, he just stood there, letting the stillness wash over him. He dropped his bag near the entrance and kicked off his shoes. He still had to pack his suitcase but it was in Oscar’s room.

His gaze drifted to the communicating door that connected his room to Oscar’s. He hesitated for a moment, glancing at the clock on the nightstand. He knew he should give Oscar some time to settle in, but the longing to be near him was stronger than his patience. Deciding a few minutes was more than enough, he padded over to the door, his bare feet silent against the carpet. He turned the handle slowly, careful not to make too much noise, and slipped into Oscar’s room, their room.

The Australian was standing near the bed, pulling his hoodie over his head when Lando stepped inside. Oscar turned at the sound of the door clicking shut, his tired eyes softening when he saw Lando standing there. 

"You didn’t wait long, did you?" Oscar asked, his voice low and laced with amusement.

"Not long," Lando admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips as he crossed the room to him. "But I still have to finish packing and my suitcase is here and then we have to sleep so we can take our plane too early tomorrow morning, just like two responsible adults"

Oscar huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head as Lando came closer. "Because that’s what we are, yes."

Lando reached out, his hands finding Oscar’s hips as he closed the distance between them. His eyes lingered on Oscar’s face, taking in the way the faint light caught the edges of his features, the way his exhaustion didn’t dim the warmth in his gaze. Without another word, he leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his boyfriend’s lips. 

The kiss deepened, exhaustion momentarily forgotten as Lando’s hands slid up to cradle Oscar’s face, their foreheads brushing as their lips moved together in an easy rhythm. It was grounding, comforting, exactly what they needed to ease the tiredness and the headache. Oscar’s hands rested lightly on Lando’s hips as he pulled the Brit closer. 

So lost in their lovely kiss that neither heard the knock at the door to Oscar’s room. The sound of the handle turning, the quiet creak of the door opening, none of it registered until a voice cut sharply through their bubble of intimacy.

"Oscar, I—"  

The words barely reached them before they both jumped apart like they’d been hit with an electric shock. Lando nearly tripped over his own feet as he stumbled backward, his face flaming as his wide eyes darted to the doorway. Oscar’s reaction was no less dramatic, his hand flying to his mouth in shock as he took a hurried step away from Lando. 

Standing in the doorway were their trainers, Kim and Jon, both wearing expressions that could only be described as stunned amusement. Kim, who had been mid-sentence, froze for a beat before his lips curved into an unmistakable smirk. Jon, standing just behind him, raised an eyebrow, a faint knowing smile tugging at his mouth as he leaned casually against the doorframe.

Lando was the first to try and speak, but the words caught in his throat, coming out as an unintelligible noise. Oscar didn’t fare much better, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water as his brain scrambled to come up with an explanation. Both drivers were as red as tomatoes.

Kim, clearly enjoying himself, stepped fully into the room and closed the door behind him with a quiet click. "Well," he said, his voice carrying a teasing lilt, "this is… something."

Jon followed him in, crossing his arms and leaning back against the door as he surveyed the scene. "Not entirely surprising, though," he added, his tone far too casual for Lando’s liking. 

"What—how—why are you here?" Lando stammered, his voice higher than usual as he gestured wildly at the two men. 

Kim raised a hand, trying and failing to suppress a chuckle. "I just realized I forgot to remind Oscar about something, and I asked Jon to wait with me so we could head to the restaurant together afterward." His eyes gleamed with mischief as they flicked between the two young men. "Didn’t expect to walk in on… whatever this is."

Oscar groaned, dragging a hand down his face as he fought the urge to sink into the floor. "I thought I locked the door," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

The Brit, still flustered and very much on edge, turned to him with an accusatory finger. "You didn’t lock the door???" he demanded, his voice incredulous.

Oscar shot him a glare, though the pink staining his cheeks dulled the effect. "I thought I did!" he protested, his tone defensive. "But you were pretty distracting!"

That only made Kim and Jon laugh, the sound echoing in the room and making the two drivers feel even smaller. Kim shook his head, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "Distracting, huh?" he teased, earning another groan from Oscar and a strangled noise of embarrassment from Lando.

Jon stepped away from the door and gestured at the two of them. "Alright, then," he said, his voice steady but undeniably amused. "What’s going on here? Care to explain?" 

Both Lando and Oscar froze, exchanging a panicked look that only seemed to deepen the flush on their faces. Words failed them again, their mouths moving soundlessly as they tried, and failed, to come up with anything coherent. 

Kim’s smirk widened as he crossed his arms, clearly enjoying every second of their floundering. "You know," he said, his tone mockingly thoughtful, "I think this might be the first time I’ve ever seen Lando at a loss for words. Quite the accomplishment, really."

Lando shot him a half-hearted glare, still too mortified to summon anything more biting. "This isn’t funny," he muttered, running a hand through his already disheveled hair. His voice cracked halfway through the sentence, which only made Kim chuckle harder.

Oscar, meanwhile, was still frozen in place, his eyes darting between his trainer, Jon and his boyfriend, as though looking for an escape route that didn’t exist. When none presented itself, he let out a resigned groan and buried his face in his hands. "This is a nightmare," he mumbled, his voice muffled. 

Jon raised an eyebrow, glancing between the two drivers. "Nightmare? Doesn’t look like that to me," he said casually. His voice was calm, but the faint glint in his eyes betrayed his amusement. "Honestly, we’ve been wondering how long it would take for you two to slip up. Though I didn’t know it would be this fast"

Both Lando and Oscar’s heads snapped up at that, twin expressions of alarm painted across their faces. "Wait, what?" Oscar asked, his voice sharp with panic.

Kim laughed outright at their reaction, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, please. You think we didn’t notice? You’re not exactly subtle, boys. The lingering looks, the sneaky grins when you think no one’s watching, the way Lando practically glued himself to your side during that gym session we had a few days ago." He gestured vaguely between them, his smirk turning sly. "It wasn’t hard to put two and two together."

Lando’s face burned even hotter, and he stammered out something unintelligible before giving up entirely, sitting down on the bed and covering his face with his hands. "Kill me now," he groaned, voice muffled by his palms. 

Oscar, still mortified but desperate to reclaim some semblance of control, crossed his arms and fixed Kim with a weak glare. "You could’ve knocked louder," he accused, though the effect was ruined by the redness creeping up his neck. "And waited for an answer before just… barging in!"

Kim tilted his head in mock innocence. "Oh, I did knock," he said, his voice lilting with feigned sweetness. "Twice, actually. Thought you were just taking your time answering. Didn’t realize you were… busy."

"Busy," Jon repeated, a slow smile spreading across his face. He wasn’t even trying to hide his amusement anymore, and it made Lando’s stomach sink further. "Is that what we’re calling it now?"

"Jon!" Lando’s voice was a mix of exasperation and embarrassment as he turned to his trainer, glaring half-heartedly. 

Jon shrugged, his expression entirely unrepentant. "Hey! I’ve been waiting for this moment for months, so forgive me if I take a second to enjoy it."

Oscar groaned again, this time louder, and let his head fall back against the wall with a dull thud. "I’m never going to live this down," he muttered, his tone a mix of resignation and misery.

Lando, still flustered, shot him a sideways glance before turning back to Kim and Jon. "Alright," he said, his voice shaky but determined. "We can explain. It’s not what it looks like."

Kim raised both eyebrows at that, clearly unimpressed. "Oh?" he asked, leaning casually against the edge of the desk. "So you weren’t just—"

"Okay, maybe it is what it looks like," Lando interrupted hastily, his words tumbling out in a rush. "But it’s— god, why couldn’t I stay in my room longer." He paused, his face reddening further as he realized how that sounded. "I mean—ugh!"

Oscar, sensing Lando’s descent into complete incoherence, decided to step in, though he wasn’t exactly feeling much steadier himself. "What he’s trying to say," he began, his voice still uneven, "is that… we’re, um…" He hesitated, his courage faltering under the weight of their trainers’ expectant gazes.

"Together," Lando blurted out, finally deciding to rip off the bandage. "We’re together. Dating. Whatever. Okay? There. Happy now?" 

Kim and Jon exchanged a glance, their amusement palpable, before turning back to the pair. Kim’s smirk hadn’t wavered in the slightest. "Yes, we are," he said smoothly. 

"Fantastic," Oscar muttered under his breath, dragging a hand down his face. He turned to Lando, his voice rising in frustration. "And you—you didn’t think to maybe remind me to lock the door before kissing me?"

Lando spluttered, gesturing wildly in Oscar’s direction. "You’re blaming me? It’s your roo—"

"Alright, alright," Jon cut in, his voice steady and authoritative enough to silence them both. He gestured for them to stop. "You two can bicker about door-locking protocol later. For now, how about you both sit down, breathe, and tell us what’s actually going on here?" 

Oscar sighted before joining Lando on the bed, their knees brushing. 

Kim and Jon exchanged another look, one that spoke volumes of their shared understanding of the situation. They’d both been around those two long enough to know the subtle changes in their drivers, even before either of them could admit it. Kim had watched Oscar, his calm and reserved driver, begin to open up in ways that were practically miraculous. Jon, on the other hand, had been there with Lando from the start. He had seen all the highs and lows, the moments of brilliance and self-doubt. But even he couldn’t deny how Oscar had affected Lando. He had always been the life of the party, the person to keep everyone laughing, but in Oscar’s presence, there was a deeper comfort. Lando seemed less worried about fitting into the world, and more comfortable with just being himself.

As they exchanged glances now, Jon wasn’t surprised that it had taken this long for them to come clean. He knew the bond was there and was something special. He had seen how much the two of them grew closer and closer during those two years. This was just a happy new beginning to their relationship.

Kim was the first to break the silence, watching them with an almost fond expression. "So, it’s been, what? Days? Weeks?"

The Australian shifted uncomfortably, but Lando cut in before he could speak. "Three months, ten days, and approximately two hours," he said quickly, almost proudly. His face immediately flushed as he realized what he had just said. "I’ve been… keeping track, okay?"

Oscar blinked, a smile tugging at his lips. "You’ve been counting?" he asked, a mixture of fondness and amusement in his voice. "I didn't think you were that much of a romantic."

Lando, now thoroughly embarrassed, shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck. "It’s important." He glanced at Oscar, and for a moment, the chaos in the room seemed to fall away, leaving just the two of them in a quiet bubble.

Kim’s smirk softened, and he gave a small nod. "That’s sweet," he commented, though his tone was more amused than anything. 

Oscar shifted again, looking down at his feet. "We were, uh…" He hesitated, clearly unsure of how to frame it. "We just want to keep it lowkey, you know? We’re happy here in our little bubble. We don’t need or want the whole world to know what’s going on. It would be a nightmare. Just the people we care about, the people we trust."

The Brit nodded, his eyes meeting Oscar’s. "Exactly," he said softly, the sincerity in his voice cutting through the awkwardness. "We’re great here. We’ve got everything we need, and we’re happy, so why complicate it? We’ve been doing a pretty good job, it’s not that hard to play good friends in front of the public."

Jon gave them a knowing smile. "I get it," he said simply. "This world… It's a circus. It’s nice to have something private, something that’s just for you. No one can take that away. We’ve picked up on it because I know you well Lando, just like Kim knows Oscar"

Kim’s eyes softened slightly, the teasing edge still present but tempered with something more understanding. "Yes, Jon’s right," he said, crossing his arms. "It’s just nice to see you both happy. It’s like I can see the light in you, both of you."

Both trainers shared a final, knowing look, a silent conversation passing between them before they both gave the couple a warm, genuine smile. Jon, with his characteristic easygoing nature, clapped Lando on the shoulder lightly. "Well, then," he said, a twinkle in his eye, "You two enjoy your holidays. Don’t go overdoing it just because we’ve got some time off. Remember, relaxation is key. We’ll catch up soon enough for the new season."

Kim, still wearing that knowing smirk, nodded as he turned toward the door. "Yeah, you both deserve a bit of peace after winning that championship. Enjoy it boys."

As they stepped out, closing the door behind them softly, the room seemed to exhale, as if the weight of the moment had finally lifted. For a few seconds, Lando and Oscar stood still, each of them processing what had just happened.

Lando, still flushed with embarrassment, ran a hand through his hair, avoiding Oscar's gaze for a moment. "Well, I guess that’s that," he muttered, his voice a little hoarse. Then he turned to Oscar with a sheepish smile. "It’s gonna be a lot easier now not to lie about where I’m going for training when we’re at home, huh?"

His boyfriend’s face lit up with amusement, a small, knowing smile curling up at the corners of his mouth. "I guess so." 

Lando rubbed the back of his neck, still visibly flustered. "It’s not how I thought we would tell them but I guess it’s done?" He glanced over at Oscar, his words unsure, but the warmth in his eyes was unmistakable.

Oscar chuckled, taking a step closer to him, his expression playful yet tender. "I’m pretty sure they would have cornered us, they seemed pretty aware of it."

The Brit nodded, a faint blush still creeping up his neck. "Yeah, they know us too well." His voice softened, and for a moment, he seemed to lose himself in the quiet peace of the moment. 

“Okay, now how about we pack our suitcases and sleep until we can be home?” The Australian asked, his hand brushing against his boyfriend’s cheek. 

Lando smiled softly, his heart fluttering at the simple touch. There was something so calming about being with Oscar after that scare. They were both a bit unsteady but also happy that their trainers seemed so happy about them. He reached up to gently grasp Oscar’s hand, his thumb lightly tracing the back of it. "Yeah, sounds perfect. My head is still throbbing as hell" he agreed, leaning in enough to deposit said head against Oscar’s shoulder..

The latter grinned, his gaze flicking toward the suitcase still half-packed on the floor. "Let’s get this over with, then," he teased, kissing Lando’s temple.

Chapter Text

The morning air in Monaco was crisp and fresh, the faint hum of the city barely audible as Lando and Oscar stepped through the door of Lando’s apartment. They were both exhausted from the long flight back from Abu Dhabi, and though they had finally arrived at the sanctuary of home, their energy levels were far from celebratory. The early morning light streamed through the windows, casting soft light across the room, but even that wasn’t enough to shake off the weight of travel and fatigue.

Locking the door behind him, Lando was already planning how to spend the day, maybe a quiet breakfast, unpacking, then a well-deserved nap, when he turned to look at Oscar, who was unceremoniously dropping his bags onto the floor with a groggy expression. His boyfriend’s hair was a mess, his movements sluggish, and his lips pressed into a thin line that Lando recognized immediately as his " I hate being awake right now " face. 

The sight made Lando chuckle, the sound warm and light, cutting through the quiet. "You okay there, love?" he teased, leaning down to set his own bag beside Oscar’s.

Oscar shot him a half-hearted glare, his eyes still half-closed and his voice a low grumble. "No. I’m tired. And awake. And I hate it."

Lando couldn’t help but laugh again, his chest tightening with affection at how endearing Oscar looked in his sleep-deprived grumpiness. "You’re cute when you’re grumpy" he said, his tone playful.

The Aussie didn’t bother responding with words. Instead, he reached out, grabbed Lando’s wrist, and tugged him forward with surprising determination for someone who looked like he might fall asleep standing up. "Come on," he muttered, his voice heavy with exhaustion but firm in its purpose.

"Osc, what are you doing?" Lando asked, stumbling slightly as Oscar dragged him toward the bedroom, their bags forgotten in the entryway.

Oscar didn’t answer, his focus unwavering as he marched through the apartment like a man on a mission. Lando followed, amusement bubbling in his chest at the absurdity of it all. By the time they reached the bedroom, Oscar had already begun to peel off his own sweatshirt, tossing it carelessly onto a nearby chair. He turned to Lando, his expression still sleepy but his tone leaving no room for argument. "Take off your shoes and your sweatshirt."

Lando blinked, his laugh breaking the momentary silence. "What is this? Are you giving orders now?"

The younger shot him a look, his eyebrow raising just enough to make Lando grin. "Just do it," he said simply, already working on unlacing his own shoes.

Shaking his head but unable to suppress his smile, Lando complied. He tugged off his sweatshirt, tossing it onto the same chair as Oscar’s, and kicked off his sneakers, leaving them haphazardly by the door. "Happy now?" he asked, his tone teasing.

Oscar didn’t reply. Instead, he stepped forward, placing his hands firmly on Lando’s shoulders and guiding him toward the bed with an almost comical level of determination and a cute frown on his face. Lando laughed as he let himself be pushed, the back of his knees hitting the edge of the mattress. Before he could say another word, Oscar gave him a gentle shove, and he toppled backward onto the bed, landing with a bounce and an exaggerated "oof."

"Perfect," Oscar said, his voice muffled as he climbed onto the bed after him, his movements still slow and heavy with sleep. He arranged Lando’s body better and then settled half on top of him, draping an arm over his chest and tucking his face deep against Lando’s neck like a human-sized weighted blanket. "Good night."

Lando burst into laughter, his chest shaking beneath Oscar’s weight as he tried to stifle the sound. "Seriously?" he asked, his voice light and incredulous.

"Mm-hmm," Oscar mumbled, already sounding like he was half-asleep. "This is where I live now. Don’t move."

The Brit shook his head, his laughter fading into a fond smile as he held the boy sprawled across him. Oscar’s breathing was already slowing, his body relaxing completely as if he’d been waiting for this moment since the plane touched down. "Good night, then," he whispered, his voice full of affection.

Oscar’s breath deepened almost immediately, his body going slack as sleep overtook him in seconds. The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest, the warmth of his weight against Lando’s body, and the soft, gentle sound of his breathing were all Lando could focus on. He couldn’t help but smile fondly, a deep sense of contentment filling him. 

His fingers moved instinctively, gently weaving through Oscar’s messy hair, the strands soft beneath his touch. He loved how it felt to run his hand through the tousled mess of it, feeling the subtle movements of Oscar’s head as he nestled deeper against Lando’s neck, the brush of his nose and the faintest hum of his breath against Lando’s skin sending a wave of warmth through him. 

He couldn’t see Oscar’s face, but he didn’t need to. He could feel the way his boyfriend’s features softened in sleep, the way he seemed to melt into the moment, completely at ease. It was a peacefulness Lando cherished. He let his hand linger in Oscar’s hair for a moment, his fingers lightly grazing his scalp before resting gently on the back of his neck. Oscar’s soft breaths were steady now, and Lando’s own breathing slowed in time with his. He felt an overwhelming sense of affection wash over him, the kind of affection that made his heart ache just a little bit, so full of love that it almost hurt. How had he gotten so lucky? How had he ended up with someone like Oscar, who could turn even the most mundane moments into something beautiful?

The room was quiet now, only the soft sounds of their breathing filling the space, and Lando could feel himself being lulled into the same peaceful sleep as Oscar. The exhaustion from the long flight, the whole season, and the championship’s celebrations seemed to melt away as he lay there, his fingers still lightly touching Oscar’s back. The warmth of his body against his own, the steady rhythm of their breathing, the comforting presence of the person who had slowly become one of the most important parts of his world, it was all so soothing.

For a while, Lando simply existed in that moment, savoring the stillness, feeling the pulse of Oscar’s heart against his own. There was just Oscar, asleep on top of him, and Lando, completely and utterly in love.

Slowly, his own eyelids grew heavy, the pull of sleep stronger now, and he couldn’t help but give in to it. His hand slipped from Oscar’s hair, resting on the nape of his neck, and he allowed himself to sink deeper into the mattress. Oscar’s warmth was a blanket around him, the rhythm of his breath steady and reassuring, and it didn’t take long before Lando’s own breath evened out, joining the slow pulse of the room.

—

The soft light of the afternoon crept through the curtains, casting a muted glow across the room. A few hours had passed since they’d both drifted off, but the world outside felt far away and irrelevant. Inside the cocoon of the bed, the air was warm and heavy with the lingering traces of sleep.

Oscar stirred first, a soft groan escaping his lips as he shifted slightly, the weight of Lando’s arm still draped around his waist and his other hand lazily resting on his neck. He blinked a few times, his eyes squinting against the soft light, trying to make sense of the haze that clung to his mind. His body was still heavy with the remnants of sleep, muscles relaxed and pliant from the rest. His head was nestled against Lando’s shoulder, his cheek still pressed against the familiar warmth of Lando’s neck, and for a few moments, he simply remained there, breathing in the scent of his boyfriend’s skin, the smell of comfort and home. 

For a moment, he didn’t want to move. His hand, which had been resting on Lando’s chest, shifted ever so slightly, his fingers grazing over the fabric of Lando’s shirt before moving lower and slipping beneath the fabric, seeking out the warmth of his skin. It was an unconscious gesture that just spoke volumes about his ease in the haze of sleep.

Lando didn’t stir at first, his body still heavy with the deep pull of sleep, but the gentle, loving caress of Oscar’s fingers beneath his shirt slowly brought him back to the surface. The soft touch, warm and tender, traced over his skin, sending a shiver of warmth through him. It was a familiar sensation, one that made him feel safe, adored, and grounded all at once. The soft pressure of Oscar’s hand against his chest, the gentle sweep of his fingers, was enough to rouse him from his nap without any urgency.

Oscar watched as Lando’s eyelids fluttered open slowly, his sleepy gaze blinking a few times as his awareness of the present world slowly returned. There was a moment where he just lay there, eyes still half-closed, his face relaxed, the contentment of sleep still lingering in the curve of his lips. Oscar could see the shift in him, the way the sleepiness faded and was replaced with the same affection that always seemed to rise between them.

"Hi," Lando’s voice was hoarse with sleep, barely above a whisper, but there was warmth in it, the same comfort that Oscar had come to expect from him. His hand shifted slightly, resting on the small of Oscar’s back, pulling him a little closer, as if trying to hold onto the moment, to the peace they had found in each other’s company.

The Aussie smiled, his fingers still tracing little circles over Lando’s skin, not in any hurry to break the silence that hung between them. "Hey," he replied softly, his voice steady and warm, the quiet affection in it filling the space around them. He watched as Lando’s eyes cleared, still heavy with sleep, but now filled with a soft tenderness. The sight made Oscar’s chest ache in the best way, the affection he felt for the other boy swelling with every passing second.

“How long have you been awake?” Lando asked softly, his voice still hoarse from their nap. “Slept well, love?”

Oscar’s smile deepened, the warmth in Lando’s voice wrapping around him like a blanket. “Just a few minutes,” he replied, his tone light, almost teasing. “And yeah, it was amazing. I feel so rested now. What about you?”

“Me too,” Lando admitted, his lips twitching into a sleepy grin. He shifted beneath Oscar’s weight, just enough to tilt his head and properly meet the Aussie’s gaze. “You looked so comfortable.”

The younger let out a soft laugh, his fingers momentarily stilling against Lando’s chest before resuming their gentle motion. “Because I was comfortable. You’re comfy, baby,” he said, his words playful but undeniably sincere. 

“Glad to be of service,” The Brit teased, his voice still tinged with sleep. He leaned his head back against the pillow, his hand slipping up to rest against the nape of Oscar’s neck. “Do you want to get up?”

Oscar shook his head almost immediately, a boyish grin tugging at his lips. “Not yet,” he said softly, his eyes meeting Lando’s with a quiet plea. “Can we stay like this a bit longer? Please?”

Lando’s smile softened, his gaze filled with nothing but fondness. “Of course,” he murmured, his thumb brushing small, comforting circles against Oscar’s neck. “Whatever you want, love.”

The Australian nuzzled closer as he let out a contented sigh. “Thank you,” he whispered, his words barely audible but heavy with meaning.

They fell into another stretch of silence, the kind that was neither awkward nor empty but filled with the simple comfort of being close. Lando’s fingers trailed lazily along Oscar’s back while Oscar’s hand stayed beneath Lando’s shirt, tracing gentle patterns over the skin there. Time seemed to slow, the world outside their little cocoon fading away entirely.

But after a while, Oscar stirred slightly, moving his head just enough to bring his gaze back to Lando’s face. His expression was thoughtful, his fingers halting in their soft rhythm against Lando’s chest.

“Can I ask you something?” he asked, his voice low and tentative, as though he were carefully weighing each word before speaking. His eyes searched Lando’s face, the vulnerability in his question making Lando’s heart clench.

Lando tilted his head slightly, his own hand stilling against Oscar’s back as he nodded. “Of course, anything,” he said gently, his voice steady, his gaze never leaving Oscar’s.

“When did you realize that you… that you liked me?” Oscar’s voice was soft, steady, but there was an edge of curiosity in his tone, like he’d been holding onto the question for a while and had finally found the courage to let it out. His eyes stayed fixed on Lando’s face, the warmth in them making the older man’s chest tighten in the best way.

Lando raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a small, teasing smile. “Oh, you want the backstory?” he asked, his voice light, trying to mask the sudden racing of his heart. 

The Aussie nodded, his expression earnest. “I do,” he said simply. “We never really talked about it. Like, we happened, and it felt so natural, but… I’m curious,” he added, his lips twitching into a faint, almost shy smile.

Lando let out a soft chuckle, his hand resuming its lazy path up and down Oscar’s back. He took a moment to think, his gaze flicking toward the ceiling before settling back on the boy lying atop him. “Okay,” he said finally, his voice softening as his smile turned fond. “I think I knew I liked you before I was even willing to admit it to myself.”

Oscar’s eyebrows lifted slightly, intrigued, but he didn’t interrupt.

“When you arrived as my teammate,” Lando began, his tone quieter now, tinged with vulnerability, “I told myself I wouldn’t get close to you. I didn’t want to get hurt again. After Carlos and Daniel, I was so sure it’d be the same thing, that you’d eventually leave, and it would just… suck. I thought if I kept my distance, it wouldn’t matter when it happened.”

Oscar’s brow furrowed slightly, his hand stilling against Lando’s skin as he absorbed the confession. “But that’s not what you did,” he murmured softly, already anticipating the shift in Lando’s tone.

“No,” Lando said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You made your way into my life anyway. Slowly but surely, last year… you just happened. And it was impossible not to want you to be comfortable, to want you to feel like you could count on me. I was the senior teammate, after all,” he added, a touch of humor softening the moment. “But it wasn’t just that. Every time you came to me, every time we spent time together, I felt… happy. Not just proud of what we were as a duo, but something more. I didn’t realize it back then, though. I thought it was just me being proud.”

Oscar smiled softly, his chest tightening with affection as Lando’s hand brushed gently against the nape of his neck. He could see the slight flush on Lando’s cheeks, the way his eyes flicked between him and some distant point as if trying to anchor himself in the present.

“And then this year happened,” Lando continued, his voice dropping lower, more reflective. “We started spending more and more time together after races, in between them. And there was this one night… I think it was Suzuka?” He paused, his gaze growing distant for a moment before it returned to Oscar, warm and unwavering. “We were both exhausted, and you fell asleep on the couch next to me in my driver’s room. I didn’t even realize it at first, but you’d leaned your head on my shoulder.”

Oscar’s cheeks turned pink, his lips twitching into a small, bashful smile. “I probably drooled,” he muttered, but Lando shook his head, laughing softly.

“You didn’t,” Lando assured him. “But even if you had, it wouldn’t have mattered. I remember sitting there, trying not to move because I didn’t want to wake you. And I felt so… calm. Like, really calm. Like everything in the world could just stop, and it would be okay because you were there.”

The Aussie’s gaze softened further, his heart pounding against his ribcage as Lando’s words washed over him. 

“That’s when it hit me,” Lando admitted, a nervous laugh escaping him. “I liked you. Really liked you and I had for a long time already. And it scared me at first, but it also made so much sense. You’ve always made sense to me. Then Hungary happened…” He trailed off for a moment, a small smile playing at his lips as his fingers absently traced patterns on Oscar’s back. “And we started sharing a bed during race weekends. After that, everything just clicked in my head. I couldn’t deny it anymore.”

Oscar blinked, his lips parting slightly as he processed Lando’s words. His hand, still resting beneath Lando’s shirt, stilled for a moment before continuing its soft, absent-minded motion. “Suzuka,” he murmured, his voice quiet. “I think I remember that night. I was so tired, and I felt so… safe with you. Like I could actually let my guard down.”

Lando’s smile widened, his hand coming up to gently caress Oscar’s cheeks. “You always could, you know. Let your guard down with me.”

The younger man tilted his head slightly, his expression softening. “Yeah,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I know.” He hesitated for a moment, as though searching for the right words, then added, “Do you want to know when I realized I liked you?”

Lando’s smile softened, his eyes sparkling with warmth as he nodded. “Of course I want to know,” he said gently, his thumb brushing along the curve of Oscar’s cheek. “I’d love to know.”

Oscar bit his bottom lip, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks. He glanced down for a moment, seemingly gathering his thoughts, before meeting Lando’s gaze again. His eyes carried a mix of affection and nervousness, as though sharing this would expose a deeper part of himself.

“It’s a little embarrassing,” Oscar admitted, his fingers fidgeting lightly against Lando’s back. “But… I guess it started way before I even got to Formula 1.”

The Brit tilted his head slightly, curiosity flickering in his expression. “Way before?” he echoed, his voice a soft encouragement.

“Yeah,” Oscar said with a small laugh, his blush deepening. “When I was in F3, then F2… I used to follow your career pretty closely. You were already in F1, you know? Making a name for yourself and doing it with that same goofy charm that made everyone love you.” He paused, his lips curving into a small, nostalgic smile. “I looked up to you. You were this guy I really admired, not just because of how you were on the track, but because of how you seemed so… real. Like, approachable. You weren’t just another driver out there; you felt like someone people could connect with.”

Lando’s expression softened further, his hand settling lightly on Oscar’s waist as he listened intently. 

Oscar took a breath, his voice growing steadier as he continued. “When I was climbing through F3 and F2, there were times it was hard to imagine actually making it to F1. But watching you? It made me think, ‘Maybe I can do this too.’ You were like this constant reminder of what was possible if I kept pushing.”

The older man’s eyes glistened, his smile now a quiet, steady beacon of affection. “I heard about this but seriously, I had no idea it was… so important,” he murmured, his thumb gently tracing over Oscar’s cheek.

Oscar chuckled softly, the sound tinged with a hint of self-consciousness. “I didn’t exactly broadcast it. But yeah, I admired you a lot. And then last year, when I got the seat with McLaren… I was so nervous. Not just about being in F1, but about being your teammate. You were this guy I’d been looking up to for years, and now I had to work alongside you. I thought it would be intimidating or awkward, but—” 

“It wasn’t,” Lando interjected softly, his voice carrying a note of quiet confidence.

Oscar shook his head, his smile growing. “No, it wasn’t. Because you made it so easy. You didn’t act like some superstar who was too busy for the rookie. You treated me like I mattered from the start, and you went out of your way to make sure I felt comfortable. Whether it was cracking jokes to break the tension, or being patient when I had questions, or just… being yourself. You made my first year in F1 feel so much less overwhelming than it could have been.”

Lando’s chest tightened, a lump forming in his throat as Oscar’s words sank in. “That’s because you do matter, love,” he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. “You always did.”

The Australian’s hand slid up to rest against Lando’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath his palm. “And that’s why it was so easy to like you,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “It wasn’t just the admiration anymore. It was you. The way you laughed, the way you cared, the way you made everything feel lighter just by being there. I didn’t even realize it at first, but somewhere along the way, it stopped being about looking up to you and started being about just… wanting to be with you.”

Lando’s eyes glistened, his emotions now unguarded. He pulled Oscar closer, resting his forehead against his boyfriend’s as a wide smile spread across his face. “You’re going to make me cry,” he teased, his voice wavering slightly.

Oscar chuckled softly, a faint blush creeping up his neck as he looked into Lando's eyes. "I'm not trying to make you cry," he teased gently, his thumb brushing over Lando's chest. “I just—” He paused, his voice thick with sincerity. “You’re so easy to love. You always have been. It wasn’t just the fact that you’re talented or all the stuff you’ve achieved. It was you. The way you light up a room with your smile, how you make everything feel like it’s going to be okay, no matter what’s happening around us. You make people feel important. And, honestly, I’ve never met anyone who makes me feel like that more than you do.”

The Brit’s chest swelled with emotion at Oscar’s words, his eyes shimmering with something deeper than just affection. “Oscar…”

“So, by the end of last year, I already knew. I knew I liked you. I knew it wasn’t just admiration anymore. But it was hard, you know? I kept telling myself it was just a phase, that it was one-sided. I thought you couldn’t possibly feel the same, and I didn’t want to mess things up between us. We had this great friendship, this bond, and I didn’t want to ruin that by bringing feelings into it.”

Lando stayed silent for a moment, taking in every word. 

“But then Hungary happened,” he continued, his voice growing quieter, more reflective. “You stayed with me that night, despite it all. You stayed and you held me and it made me feel so sure about my feelings. Then we did it again, and again and again and I started to think that maybe, just maybe it wasn't one sided.”

Lando’s heart pounded as Oscar spoke, every word echoing through him like a quiet thunderclap. He could feel the weight of what they were sharing, the rawness of it, the tenderness. Oscar paused for a moment, his eyes dropping to the space between them before meeting Lando’s again.

“Then, after that fight we had in Monza, I… I couldn’t keep it in anymore,” Oscar confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. “You came to me and I just knew I had to kiss you. And when you kissed me back…” Oscar’s smile deepened, his voice full of warmth. “It was like everything just clicked. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.”

The Brit’s eyes softened as he listened to Oscar’s words, his heart swelling with a mixture of affection and gratitude. “I love this story so much,” he said quietly, his voice full of emotion. “I love hearing about how you felt. You’re incredible, Osc.” His voice dropped to a whisper as he added, “I’m actually so grateful you asked about how I realized my feelings for you because I got to see that sparkle in your eyes when you listened to me and I also got to hear yours.”

Oscar’s smile widened, his hand still resting gently against Lando’s chest. “Well, I loved your story very much too. It means a lot, Lando.” His voice softened even more, the sincerity in his words almost palpable. “I love you. I love you more than I thought I could ever love anyone.”

“I love you too, Oscar. More than you’ll ever know. These last three months, eleven days, and fifteen hours,” Lando continued, pausing to chuckle softly, “have been the best of my life.”

Oscar couldn’t help but laugh, a deep, affectionate sound that made Lando’s heart skip a beat. “You’re actually counting the hours, huh? I thought you were just showing off with Kim and Jon,” he teased gently, his eyes sparkling with fondness. 

Lando grinned, his cheeks flushed as he nudged Oscar playfully. “I can’t help it. Every minute with you is like a gift. I don’t want to miss a second of it.”

The Aussie rolled his eyes dramatically but couldn’t stop the smile tugging at his lips. “You’re so cheesy, but I love you for it. It was really smooth baby, well done.” he said, his voice full of affection and amusement.

Lando leaned in closer, his lips brushing against Oscar’s in a soft, lingering kiss. When they pulled away, both were smiling, their faces flushed with the sweetness of the kiss. Oscar laughed softly, still holding Lando close. “I think we’re both pretty cheesy,” he said, his voice light with love. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

With his fingers tracing soft patterns on Oscar’s back as he held him tighter, Lando’s voice was barely a whisper. “Me neither, love. Me neither.” He kissed him again, slower this time, savoring the warmth.

Oscar let out a contented sigh as he melted into the kiss, a sense of peace settling over him. He could feel Lando’s heart beating steadily against his own, the rhythm of it grounding him in the moment. This was everything he had ever wanted, more than he could have imagined. A permanent F1 seat, a constructor’s championship in his second year and his amazing boyfriend, he was on cloud nine.

When they finally pulled away again, breathless and smiling, Lando chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “I think we’re going to be kissing for hours at this rate.”

The Australian’s laughter bubbled up, rich and full of love, as he brushed his nose against Lando’s. “I’m not complaining.”

Lando’s smile widened as he kissed Oscar’s forehead softly, then pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. “You know, I could spend forever like this with you. Just us, laughing, kissing, and feeling like the luckiest guys in the world.”

Oscar’s heart swelled at the words, and he nodded, his eyes shining with affection. “Yeah. Me too. Forever sounds pretty damn good.”

The British’s hand cupped Oscar’s face gently, his thumb stroking over the soft skin of his cheek. “You feel like forever to me, Osc. I just want you to know that.”

Oscar’s eyes glistened with emotion, his chest tightened, and a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the kisses or the laughter. “I’m yours, Lando. For as long as you want me to be.”

And with that, Lando kissed him again, full of love and promises.

Chapter Text

The sun filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the room as Oscar slowly woke. He lay there for a few moments, soaking in the quiet of the morning, the kind of stillness that was rare after the whirlwind of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Championship and the exhausting season that had come to a close, well they still have to fly to Africa tomorrow for the Gala but still, it started to feel like holidays. 

Lando was still asleep beside him, his chest rising and falling in the rhythmic pattern of deep sleep. His face was relaxed, soft, the gentle curve of his lips making Oscar’s heart ache with affection. He could stay like this forever, just watching him. But instead of disturbing the peace, Oscar quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to make a sound.

Padding across the apartment, he made his way to the kitchen to brew some coffee and prepare the mug with tea for his boyfriend. The soft click of the machine starting up was the only sound that filled the air as he stood by the counter, waiting for the coffee to brew. His gaze wandered, idly tracing the familiar layout of the apartment, the clean lines of the modern furniture, the way the light danced across the polished surfaces. Oscar couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.  

Christmas. It was almost Christmas.

The thought flickered in his mind, uninvited yet persistent. It wasn’t that Lando disliked Christmas, Oscar knew that much. But Lando's approach to the holiday was different from his. Oscar, on his side, saw the season as an opportunity to fill his space with warmth, twinkling lights, and festive cheer, basically he loved Christmas so much. But Lando, as far as he remembered from last year when they had a visioconference before Christmas, had always kept things simple, to say the least.  

Oscar loved the idea of decorating his place, transforming it into something that felt like home. Every year, without fail, he’d look forward to it with the kind of enthusiasm that made him feel like a child again. And he couldn’t help but feel a little bit of that excitement rise in him again. He could imagine it clearly: the tree in the corner by the window, garlands draped over the surfaces, stockings hung with care, even if just for the aesthetic. The thought made his chest tighten with a sense of longing, a desire to share that joy of the season with his boyfriend. 

But then, reality crept in.  

This wasn’t his apartment. It was Lando’s. 

Oscar sighed, his fingers wrapped around the mug of coffee as he leaned back against the counter. He spent so much time here, weeks at a time, falling into a rhythm with Lando, knowing the apartment as well as his own, but it wasn’t his space to take over. The idea of decorating felt almost intrusive, as if he’d be stepping over a line.  

The temptation didn’t fade, though. It lingered, nagging at the edges of his thoughts. Oscar found himself walking through the living room several times, trying to picture where everything could go just like in the kitchen, a few minutes ago. 

What if Lando didn’t want it? What if it was too much?  

Oscar sat down on the couch, his coffee now finished, but his mind still wandering. The quiet of the apartment seemed to magnify his thoughts. 

Lando stirred from the bedroom not long after, his hair tousled from sleep, his smile lazy but genuine. “Morning,” he mumbled, plopping down beside Oscar, resting his head on his shoulder in that familiar, comforting way. 

The Australian froze for a moment, the usual warmth of Lando’s presence bringing him back to reality. Should he bring it up now? Should he ask if they could decorate together? But the words stuck in his throat, and instead of saying anything, he simply smiled and leaned into Lando, content to stay silent. 

The idea of decorating still lingered in Oscar’s mind, but for now, he kept it to himself, waiting in the quiet of the moment.

–

Oscar held it in for hours. He didn’t let on how badly he wanted to transform the apartment into a Christmas wonderland. Lando was still half-asleep when he joined him on the couch that morning, and Oscar was grateful for the quiet moment, but the urge to decorate never left. He wanted to pull out every ornament, every string of lights, every garland he could find and make the apartment feel like the holiday season was truly here.  

But he couldn't bring himself to say anything. He kept glancing at the corner of the room where he imagined the tree would go, at the empty shelves where some cute little decorations could sit. He couldn’t stop thinking about how perfect the apartment would look with a few touches of Christmas cheer, but he didn't want to impose.  

Lando didn’t seem to notice at first. They sat there for a while, talking softly about their plans for the days ahead. It was easy, comfortable. But Oscar couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. It wasn’t just the Christmas spirit, it was the simple act of bringing that spirit into their shared space.  

The morning wore on slowly, and Oscar found himself fidgeting in a way that was characteristic of him when something was bothering him. He shifted on the couch, tapping his fingers against his phone, then against the armrest, before crossing and uncrossing his legs. 

It wasn’t that he didn’t know how to take charge. He was confident in so many areas of his life, but this, this felt different. This wasn’t just about putting up lights or hanging ornaments. It was about creating something together. And yet, there was this hesitance inside of him. It was a new thing for him to feel, this discomfort with something that should be simple. But he couldn’t help it. The apartment, Lando’s apartment, wasn’t his to change, and he didn’t want to overstep.

He could tell that Lando noticed it, too. The way Oscar kept shifting, the quiet sighs he tried to hide, the moments when his gaze lingered on the corners of the room. Oscar felt Lando’s eyes on him more than once, and finally, after the fourth time Oscar glanced at the empty shelves by the window, Lando broke the silence.

"Hey," Lando said, from where he was sitting on the carpet, busy with his computer, his voice filled with a softness that only Oscar ever got to hear. "What’s up? You’ve been acting a little off this morning."

Oscar blinked, startled by the observation, and then immediately tried to play it off with a forced chuckle. "Nah, it’s nothing. Just... thinking," he mumbled, brushing a hand through his hair.

The Brit wasn’t buying it. He shifted from the floor to the couch to face Oscar, his gaze narrowing in that way that meant he wasn’t letting the issue go. He reached out, lightly touching Oscar’s thigh, grounding him, waiting for him to say something.

"Come on," Lando prodded gently. "You’ve been twitching around all morning. Something’s bothering you."

Oscar hesitated, his fingers curling into his palms. He could feel the words, the explanation, the explanation he had been holding in for hours, but it still felt silly to admit it aloud. It’s just Christmas stuff , he told himself. It’s not important . But Lando’s patient look, the way he was waiting for him, made it harder to keep it inside.

"I, uh..." Oscar began, his voice quieter now, unsure of how to frame it. "I just—" He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I want to decorate for Christmas, but I don’t want to overstep. I don’t want to make it feel like I’m... It’s your apartment, not mine, and I know you’re not that big on decorating for the holidays anyway, so it probably seems stupid, but I just... I do it all the time… and I really like the idea of doing it. I think it’d be nice."

Oscar let the words spill out, faster than he intended, but once they were out, he realized how much weight he’d been carrying all morning. It wasn’t stupid. It wasn’t something to hide. He just hadn’t known how to ask.

For a long moment, there was silence. Oscar braced himself for a response he wasn’t sure he was ready for. Maybe Lando would brush it off, tell him not to bother. Maybe he’d get uncomfortable and say that it wasn’t necessary. But then, slowly, a grin spread across Lando’s face. It wasn’t the teasing grin Oscar had gotten used to when they bantered or played games. No, this one was warm, soft, and understanding.

"You wanna decorate?" Lando repeated, eyes lighting up with surprise, followed by an amused chuckle. "Well, why didn’t you say so sooner? Of course we can do that!"

Oscar blinked, taken aback by the response. "What?" His heart skipped a beat, not expecting Lando to be so easy about it.

Lando’s smile only widened, and he nudged Oscar playfully. "Yeah, of course. I mean, it’s Christmas. It’s not like you’re asking me to rearrange the whole place into a theme park or something. We can put up some lights, a tree, whatever you want, love."

The Aussie felt like he’d been handed the most precious gift at that moment. He could feel his chest fill with excitement, something he hadn’t even realized was so tightly wound inside him. His eyes widened, and for the first time that morning, he felt something lift, a sense of relief washing over him.

"Seriously?" Oscar asked, almost breathless, the corners of his mouth tugging up in a smile that felt as wide as his heart.

"Seriously," Lando confirmed with a nod, and there was a genuine warmth in his eyes now. "Let’s make this place feel like Christmas. We’ll do it together." 

Oscar couldn’t help it, his face lit up like a Christmas tree itself. The hesitation melted away in an instant, replaced by a wave of joy. He started beaming, his grin so bright it practically lit up the room.

"Okay!" Oscar practically bounced to his feet, his excitement contagious. He couldn’t help it, he was thrilled. It was as if all the quiet tension from the morning had disappeared in an instant. "We can start with the tree, right? And maybe some garlands? Oh, and the lights! I love the lights!"

Lando chuckled, shaking his head at the sudden burst of energy. "Alright, alright, calm down, we’ve got time," he teased, but there was no hiding the affection in his voice. "Let’s get the boxes from the storage room first, yeah?"

Oscar nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling. It was the kind of easy happiness he hadn’t realized he was missing, the kind that came from just being able to share something he loved with the person who meant the most to him.

The apartment was going to look amazing.

The oldest watched Oscar for a moment longer, his boyfriend practically vibrating with excitement. But he noticed something, Oscar wasn’t just happy. He was practically glowing. His cheeks flushed with that familiar energy Lando adored, the kind that made him feel lighter just by being around it. 

But Lando also saw the way Oscar’s eyes flickered back to the shelves and corners of the room, as if assessing what little decorations they had. It was clear that, while he was grateful, he wasn’t entirely satisfied yet. And that made Lando’s heart soften even more.

“I’ll be right back,” Lando muttered, more to himself than anyone. He didn’t wait for Oscar to respond before he grabbed his jacket. 

Oscar, still distracted by the idea of what they could do with the apartment, barely noticed. He had already started looking through their collection of fairy lights and candles, trying to decide where to place them. Lando smiled at the sight of his boyfriend so absorbed in the thought before he slipped out the door. 

—

Less than an hour later, he was back, a box of new decorations under one arm and his phone pressed to his ear as he made a final confirmation. When the door clicked open, Oscar’s head snapped up from the pile of ribbons and candles he had laid out on the coffee table. 

“Lando? What—?” 

Before he could finish his sentence, Lando stepped inside, pulling in a large, heavy box that looked like it could contain something much more exciting than just a handful of ornaments.  

Oscar’s eyes went wide as Lando dropped the box onto the couch. “What’s that?”  

Lando grinned, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Well, you seemed like you needed more than what we had in here, so I thought I’d step it up a notch. I hope you don’t mind. I ordered a tree.”  

Oscar’s jaw dropped, his hands frozen in mid-air as he stared at the box in disbelief. “You... you ordered a tree?” His voice was soft, like he wasn’t quite sure he had heard him right.  

“Yep.” Lando leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, watching the way Oscar processed the information. 

Oscar’s face lit up like a Christmas light itself again. “You really—?” He stopped, staring at Lando as if trying to confirm that this wasn’t some kind of prank. Lando raised an eyebrow and smiled wider, amused by how stunned his boyfriend was.  

“I swear,” Lando said, walking over with the box and starting to open it. “Christmas spirit is in full force now.”  

Oscar barely contained himself, bouncing on his feet. “I can’t believe you did this. You’re not even really that into Christmas!” He practically skipped over to help Lando with the box, his enthusiasm a little contagious.  

“Yeah, well, I might not be into the holiday spirit the way you are,” Lando said, smirking. “But I’m into you and this makes you happy.”  

The Australian looked at him with wide eyes, as if trying to read between the lines. Lando met his gaze, holding it for just a moment too long, and Oscar’s breath hitched slightly before he kissed him. “This means a lot, you know. I really appreciate it.” He couldn’t stop the smile that bloomed across his face, brighter than any decoration in the box.  

He was still so bubbling with joy that he didn’t notice the tree being delivered and how Lando was already trying to wrestle it out of its packaging. Lando had no idea what he was doing; he’d never had a Christmas tree that required any more effort than just sticking it in a corner and calling it good. But Oscar’s energy was infectious. 

The boxes piled up quickly as Lando tore through the packing, revealing a tree that was perfect for the corner near the window, the exact same that Oscar deemed great earlier. Oscar’s face lit up even more when he saw it fully assembled in the living room, standing there.  

“Okay, this is... this is amazing,” Oscar breathed out, running a hand over the smooth branches, his fingers gently brushing against the soft, fake needles. “You really went all out.”  

Lando just shrugged, clearly pleased with himself. “I’m glad you like it. Now, let’s see what you do with all this stuff,” he said, gesturing to the various boxes of ornaments, garlands, and the massive roll of tinsel sitting on the floor.  

The younger man didn’t need any further encouragement. He immediately dove in, pulling out different ornaments and holding them up to see where they might go. “I think this one should go on the top,” he murmured to himself, already lost in his element.  

And just like that, Lando felt the holiday cheer creeping into his heart. He leaned against the wall, watching Oscar work, his mind still half focused on how easily his boyfriend had brightened this entire apartment with nothing more than a simple Christmas tree and his own infectious enthusiasm.  

Maybe he just needed his amazing boyfriend to enjoy celebrating Christmas like this. 

—

The entire afternoon stretched out before them, and as the hours passed, the apartment slowly transformed into a cozy winter wonderland. Lando found himself just as caught up in the festive spirit as his boyfriend. The process was far from orderly, Oscar insisted on rearranging the tree three times, trying to get the placement of the ornaments “ just right. ” Lando, ever the patient partner, just rolled with it, happy to watch Oscar’s enthusiasm grow with each new decoration that found its place.

The most important step was the tree, of course. Oscar insisted on fluffing the branches, making sure they were full and even before they even thought about the lights. Lando was just about to ask if he needed a hand when Oscar gestured for him to come here and started pulling out the LED lights from their packaging.

“Alright,” Oscar said, looking over his work as he draped the lights carefully, twirling them through the branches. “The lights go on first, obviously. We can’t have them last—trust me, it ruins the effect.”  

“Sure thing, sweetheart,” Lando said with a grin, watching as Oscar hummed to himself. Watching him lose himself in the task, his brow furrowed with concentration, his lips curving up every time he added a new touch, it was honestly cute.  

Once the lights were up, they started on the ornaments. Oscar kept pulling out one after another, inspecting each piece as though it were an heirloom. He’d make little happy noises when he found a perfect fit. 

“This one’s got to go here,” he said, placing a delicate gold bauble near the top. “Balance, you know? We want symmetry.”  

Lando chuckled, shifting to help hang some of the ornaments on the lower branches. “Symmetry’s overrated. It’s Christmas, just throw them on there.”  

Oscar shot him a playful glare. “You don’t get it. It’s about the vibe.”  

“Oh, yeah. Totally. I’m all about the vibe.”  

They spent hours decorating, taking turns getting more creative with the details, adding garlands, little snowflakes, and even a few silly reindeer figurines that Oscar insisted were necessary for “ full Christmas immersion .” And then, the tree was fully adorned, with a star on top.  

The atmosphere had shifted from casual to something entirely warmer. Lando couldn’t help but admire how cozy everything looked: the twinkling lights, the sparkling ornaments, the way Oscar’s eyes lit up every time he stepped back to take in their work. His boyfriend looked so young and so happy, it was endearing.

The Aussie wandered around the apartment, finally stepping back to admire the whole scene. The living room was now bursting with a warm glow, the tree the centerpiece of it all, with its soft light illuminating the entire space. 

“I think we nailed it,” Oscar said, his voice soft but filled with pride. He wrapped his arms around himself as he looked around, visibly pleased with the result.  

Lando walked over to stand next to him. He glanced around, a small smile pulling at his lips. “Yeah,” he agreed. “We definitely nailed it.”  

Oscar grinned up at him, then quickly grabbed a shiny red ornament, tossing it playfully at his boyfriend. “Okay, you’ve officially been roped into the full Christmas experience. You’re decorating this one.”  

Lando stared at the ornament, then at Oscar, incredulous. “Seriously?”  

He raised his eyebrows. “You have to add your own personal touch to the tree now. It’s tradition.”  

The Brit got up from the couch, holding the ornament in his hand. “Fine, fine. I’ll do it.” He inspected it for a moment, then smirked. “Pass me a marker.”

Oscar blinked, confused but amused. “A marker? Why?”

“Just trust me,” Lando replied, holding out his hand expectantly.

Shaking his head with a smile, Oscar rummaged through a nearby drawer and handed him a black indelible pen. Lando uncapped it with a flourish and started writing in big, looping letters across the ornament.

“What are you—” Oscar leaned closer, watching as Lando carefully scrawled L & O on the shiny surface.

“There,” Lando said with a satisfied grin, holding up the ornament proudly. He turned to the tree and hung it right in the center, stepping back to admire his work. “Now it’s our tree.”

Oscar stared at the ornament, his eyes softening as his grin faded into something more tender. “This is—,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “This is the best thing you could have possibly done.” He came up beside him, his arm wrapping around Lando’s waist as he gazed at the tree. The soft glow from the lights reflected in his eyes, and for a moment, everything felt still, perfect in a way that only moments like these could be.

Lando stood there, his eyes were wide with joy, sparkling like the ornaments hanging from the branches. There was something about the way he looked at the tree, his face lit by the soft glow of the lights, that made Lando’s chest tighten in a way he wasn’t expecting. It wasn’t just the tree, or the way they’d decorated together, though that was part of it, it was Oscar, standing there, looking completely content, completely at home. In this apartment. Their apartment, in some small way.

There was something about having Oscar here, making this space feel more like a home. He liked this apartment, and had liked it for a long time, especially after he’d moved in a few years ago, but with Oscar here, it just felt different. With Oscar around, the apartment felt… warm. Alive. Home.

Oscar wasn’t just his boyfriend, he was one of the most important things in the world to Lando. Then a thought crept in quietly, a subtle longing he hadn’t expected to feel: What if Oscar had a key to his place?

Lando shifted slightly, leaning against Oscar’s chest. A key. Not to move in together, not yet, but something that said this is yours, too. A way to show him that it wasn’t just Lando’s place, Oscar had his space here, too. And that he could do whatever he wanted in it. 

“Okay, now it’s perfect,” Oscar said, kissing his neck, then his cheek softly. 

Lando gave him a soft smile, his heart tugging, hands caressing Oscar’s arms wrapped against his waist. “Yeah,” he agreed, his voice a little quieter than usual. “It really is.” 

Chapter Text

Lando was standing in front of the mirror, his reflection scowling back at him. His fingers worked clumsily at the silk tie draped around his neck, the dark fabric refusing to cooperate no matter how many times he tried to loop and knot it. 

“Stupid tie,” he muttered under his breath, his voice edged with frustration. He tugged at the fabric, attempting the knot yet again. The result was a lopsided mess that had him groaning in exasperation. “I do this all the time. Like aaaaaall the time. Why the hell won’t you cooperate tonight?” 

Across the room, the bathroom door clicked open, and Oscar emerged, straightening the cuffs of his crisp white dress shirt. His tailored black suit and the perfectly knotted bowtie fit him perfectly, accentuating his frame and giving him an effortlessly polished look. His hair was styled as always, with a few curling strands brushing against his forehead. Just like a Disney Prince to be fair.

Lando didn’t hear him at first, too consumed by his battle with the tie, growing more frustrated with each minute. It wasn’t until Oscar spoke, his voice laced with amusement, that Lando glanced up. “Having some trouble there?” 

The Brit froze the moment his eyes landed on Oscar. The bowtie slipped from his fingers as his breath hitched. Oscar looked, well, there wasn’t a single word in Lando’s vocabulary that could quite capture it. Stunning? Gorgeous? Devastatingly sexy? All of the above? His suit hugged him in all the right places, and the slight smirk on his face made him look effortlessly confident. 

For a moment, he forgot how to speak. His mouth opened slightly, but no sound came out. His mind was racing in one direction only, a single, overwhelming thought: I want him. 

Oscar tilted his head, his smirk deepening as he took a step closer. “What? Did the bowtie finally got you speechless?” 

Lando blinked rapidly, shaking himself out of his daze. Calm down. You are not a teenager. You can handle your boyfriend looking ridiculously good without wanting to jump him. He swallowed hard, attempting to compose himself. “I—uh—yeah, the bowtie,” he stammered, his usual quick wit nowhere to be found. “It’s being… difficult.” 

The younger man’s chuckle was low and warm as he approached, closing the space between them. “Let me see.” He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against Lando’s chest as he took hold of the offending bowtie. 

Lando’s heart thudded heavily in his chest at the contact, his senses suddenly hyper-focused. The faint scent of Oscar’s cologne, a blend of cedarwood and something subtly sweet, filled his lungs, and the soft press of Oscar’s hands against him sent a thrill down his spine. He clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay still. We don’t have time for this. You can handle this. You’re an adult.

Oscar’s hands moved with practiced ease as he untangled the bowtie, his brows furrowed slightly in concentration. “You’ve done this a million times,” he teased lightly, his voice carrying an affectionate lilt. “What happened tonight?” 

Shrugging his shoulders, Lando huffed, his lips twitching into a sheepish smile. “I don’t know. It’s cursed or something.” He gestured vaguely toward the bowtie, his fingers itching to touch Oscar but knowing it would only derail them further. 

“Cursed, huh?” Oscar repeated, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “That’s one way to put it.” 

As Oscar worked, his eyes flicked up to meet Lando’s briefly, and Lando felt the air leave his lungs. There was something about the way Oscar looked at him, like he saw through every layer, straight to the heart of him. 

“You’re staring,” Oscar said, his tone teasing but his cheeks dusted with the faintest hint of pink. 

“Can you blame me?” Lando shot back, his voice dropping slightly as he allowed his gaze to wander over Oscar’s face, his lips, the line of his jaw. “You look… gorgeous.” 

The Aussie’s blush deepened, but he didn’t look away, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Well, thank you. But I think you’re just trying to distract me from the fact that you’re hopeless with this bowtie.” 

“Hopeless? Me?” Lando feigned indignation, his lips twitching into a grin. “I’ll have you know I’m perfectly capable. This bowtie is just… temperamental.” 

Oscar let out a soft laugh, shaking his head as he tightened the knot he’d expertly tied. “There. All fixed.” 

Lando glanced down at the perfectly knotted bowtie, then back at Oscar. “You’re a lifesaver.” 

With a smirk, Oscar smoothed the bowtie down against Lando’s chest before letting his hands linger there for a moment. “It’s part of the job description, isn’t it? Boyfriend-slash-bowtie fixer extraordinaire.” 

“Part of the job?” Lando echoed, his voice warm with affection. “You make it sound so official.” 

Oscar shrugged, his smirk softening into a genuine smile. “It is. And I take it very seriously.” 

Lando’s hand found its way to Oscar’s waist, pulling him just a fraction closer. “You’re dangerously good at this, you know,” he murmured, his voice low. “Not just the bowtie thing. Everything. Making me lose my mind… Shit, you look like a prince.” 

Shaking his head, Oscar’s laughter bubbled up again, soft and full of warmth. “If you don’t stop, we really will be late and we do not want to explain that to anyone. I have to go baby.” 

The Brit groaned dramatically, his head falling forward to rest against Oscar’s. “Fine, fine. But just because you’re right.” 

Oscar chuckled, his arms slipping around Lando’s waist as he pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “I usually am.” 

Lando couldn’t resist the temptation. With Oscar’s arms around him, the scent of his cologne and the warmth of his body making him feel dizzy, he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against Oscar’s ear. His voice dropped to a low murmur, sending a shiver down both their spines. 

“I’ll just have to wait until later to rip that pretty perfectly shaped shirt off your body,” he whispered, his breath hot against Oscar’s skin. His words were soft but heavy with promise, an undercurrent of mischief and desire threading through them. He let his lips graze Oscar’s ear as he continued, his voice dropping further. “You look so good right now, all dressed up… Like… You look unreal. How the fuck did I get so lucky.”

Oscar’s breath hitched for just a moment, but he quickly steeled himself. He forced his hands not to move, keeping them steady on Lando’s waist as he tried to keep his composure. Focus, Oscar. Focus. His mind raced as Lando’s words continued to echo in his ear, stirring something deep within him. He was acutely aware of Lando’s proximity, of how pretty he looked, the heat radiating off of him, and the way Lando’s voice seemed to wind around his thoughts like a thread, pulling him deeper into the moment. But Oscar was determined to remain the responsible one. They had a gala to attend, and Lando, well, Lando had a tendency to get a little carried away when they were alone, especially when he looked at him like that.

You’ve got this , he told himself, taking a slow, steady breath as Lando’s lips brushed his neck. You’re in control. You’re the calm one here.

“Lando,” Oscar finally managed, his voice steady despite the heat pooling in his stomach. He looked down at Lando’s face, his expression a mix of amusement and desire, and forced himself to remain calm. Stay focused. Gala first. Desire later.

The Brit’s chuckle, rich and teasing, vibrated against Oscar’s chest as he pulled back just enough to look him in the eye. “Well, you seem pretty calm for someone who just had their boyfriend whisper very inappropriate things in their ear five minutes before he’s supposed to leave,” he teased, his lips curling into a sly grin. 

Oscar swallowed, his heart racing at the way Lando was looking at him, but he held firm, keeping his gaze steady and composed. “I’m just a great actor I guess,” he said smoothly, his fingers tightening ever so slightly around Lando’s waist. “You’re the one who thought this was a good time to get me all worked up.” 

Lando smirked, his eyes darkening as he leaned in, letting his lips graze the shell of Oscar’s ear once more. “I don’t hear you complaining,” he whispered, his voice a low rumble. 

The younger man’s breath hitched again, but he forced himself to stay calm. I’m not going to let him win right now, later Oscar, later . His hands moved from Lando’s waist, giving him a light push on the chest. “I’m going to need you to behave, because I’m supposed to be downstairs in 5 minutes and you have to be in 10,” he said, his tone firm, though the softness of his words betrayed the undercurrent of need that was impossible to ignore.

Lando’s eyes flickered with amusement, his lips curling into a half-smile as he placed his hands on either side of Oscar’s face, gently tilting his head up so their gazes met. “Behave? Who do you think you’re talking to?” 

Oscar couldn’t help but chuckle, even as his mind raced to keep himself in check. “I’m talking to my boyfriend, who apparently has no regard for time or our upcoming obligations.” 

“Well, you might be right,” Lando pouted, his fingers slipping down to gently tug at the collar of Oscar’s shirt. “But it is unfair that I have to wait all night to get my hands on you,” He frowns. “We’ve got a few minutes before we have to leave. We can… take our time?” 

Oscar’s chest tightened at the suggestion, but he bit his lip, doing his best to steady his breathing. Stay composed. Just focus. He shook his head with a soft laugh, even as his body betrayed him, his pulse quickening. “I promise you baby, we will have all the time in the world later,” he said, his voice a little breathless despite his best efforts. 

Lando’s pout deepened, the playful glint in his eyes now tinged with a touch of mock frustration. He crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back slightly as if to give Oscar some space, though his body was still a breath away from the younger man’s. “You’re killing me, you know that?” he said, his voice a little exaggerated as he tried to suppress the grin tugging at his lips. “You’ve got me all worked up, looking sexy, and now you’re just going to leave me hanging?”

“Well you did all that “worked up” thing alone my love,” Oscar gave a soft laugh, trying to collect himself. He could feel his resolve slipping with every passing second in the charged atmosphere between them. But he couldn’t ignore the looming pressure of time, not with the gala waiting for them downstairs. “I’m serious, Lando. We’ve got less than five minutes for me to get out of here and your hair isn’t even done.” With that he gave a little nudge to his boyfriend, freeing himself from the hungry grip the Brit had on him.

With a pout that didn't waver, Lando stood there, arms crossed. "You are not being nice," he said finally, though the words were laced with mock annoyance. "But fine. I’ll behave." 

Oscar let out a soft laugh, kissing his lips in a swift move and slowly making his way to the door, adjusting his jacket. "I promise you," he said, turning back to shoot Lando a wink. "That tonight, I’ll make it worth the wait alright?"

With that, he was out the door, leaving Lando alone in the room. The promise of later swirled in his mind, and his pout turned into a faint, satisfied smirk.

"Okay," he muttered to himself, turning back to the mirror. "Now you have ten minutes to tame this thing."

He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated as a curl bounced rebelliously, not falling into place the way he wanted. Normally, Lando was pretty good at fixing his hair, but tonight, everything seemed to be conspiring against him. In the bathroom, the more he tried to smooth the curls, the more they bounced back into a wild mess. "Why won’t anything cooperate with me tonight?" he grumbled under his breath.

Lando tried to calm his breathing, pacing for a second to gather himself. There was no way he was going to let his hair ruin his night. He grabbed his comb, pulling at the curls with determination. “You’re going to look perfect, no matter what, Lando Norris,” he said firmly, though the tone of his voice was tinged with frustration.

He spent the next minutes battling with his unruly curls, using a bit of styling cream and redoing the front part twice before it started to settle into place. His hands moved faster now, no longer irritated but focused on the task at hand. Every time he thought he had it, one stubborn curl would pop up in defiance, making him sigh dramatically, only to smooth it down again with a determined swipe of his hand.

Lost in the rhythm of fixing his hair, he didn’t notice how time seemed to slip away, his attention completely absorbed in the task. He wasn’t watching the clock, not really, it was just him and his reflection, trying to make sure everything looked just right.

Finally, after what felt like hours of hair management, he ran his fingers through the curls one last time, satisfied that they looked passable, maybe not perfect, but good enough for now. He exhaled deeply, running his hand over his face and then reaching for his jacket. 

Just as he was finishing adjusting his collar, his phone buzzed on the table, pulling him away from the mirror. He picked it up with a half-distracted glance, seeing it was a message from Oscar. The words on the screen made his stomach drop.

osc: 

How is it even possible that you’re 20 minutes late? You were almost ready when I left, Lando.

Lando froze, his heart suddenly racing as the realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Twenty minutes late?

He quickly glanced at the clock on the wall, his eyes widening as he saw the time. Shit. He had been so focused on his hair that he completely lost track of time. How did I let this happen? He quickly grabbed his jacket and rushed out of the room, cursing under his breath. Oscar’s probably being eaten alive by the media now...

“I swear,” he muttered to himself, “I had one job.”

—

As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, the energy in the room shifted. Lando undoed his bowtie lazily, exhaling a satisfied sigh as if he had forgotten the tension that had brewed all evening. “Well,” he started casually, glancing over at Oscar with a small smirk, “that wasn’t too bad, was it? Fancy, but—”

He didn’t get to finish.

Oscar’s hands were on him in an instant, gripping the pans of his jacket with a force that made Lando stumble back against the wall. His breath hitched in surprise, his words cut off as Oscar’s lips crashed into his in a way that was both fierce and deliberate. It wasn’t a gentle kiss. It was hungry, possessive, and filled with every ounce of restraint Oscar had been holding onto all night. 

“Oscar—” Lando began, but his boyfriend didn’t give him the chance. 

“You,” The Australian growled against his lips, his voice rough and low, “have been driving me insane all night.” His hands slid down to Lando’s chest, fisting the fabric of his jacket as if he could tear it apart with sheer frustration, taking it off with no delicacy. “Do you have any idea what it’s like watching you look that good, tease me, and then having to act like nothing happened for I don't know how many hours?” 

Lando blinked, half-dazed, a cocky grin starting to form on his face. “Tease you? I wasn’t—”

Another hard kiss cut him off, Oscar biting at his bottom lip in a way that made Lando gasp. The sound only seemed to spur Oscar on. His hands moved to Lando’s shirt, and with one sharp motion, the sound of fabric tearing filled the room. Buttons scattered across the floor, bouncing against the polished surface as Oscar ripped it open, exposing Lando’s chest.

“Hey!” The Brit exclaimed, a mix of shock and laughter as he glanced down at his now-destroyed shirt. “Do you know how much this suit—”

“I really don’t care,” Oscar interrupted, his voice low. His hands slipped beneath the ruined fabric, fingertips grazing Lando’s skin, sending shivers coursing through him. “You can afford another one. Right now, I want you. Naked.”

Lando’s protests melted into a groan as Oscar leaned in, lips trailing down the column of his throat, leaving open-mouthed kisses that made Lando’s knees feel weak. His head tilted back against the wall, giving Oscar full access as his boyfriend’s hands roamed his torso, exploring every inch of exposed skin.

"You’re wild tonight," Lando murmured, his voice breathy, his body betraying any pretense of control he thought he still had. “I like that.”

Oscar pulled back just enough to meet Lando’s gaze, his dark eyes filled with a fire that made Lando’s breath hitch again. “You forgot, didn’t you?” he said, his tone almost accusing, though the faintest smirk played at the corners of his lips. “You started this, teasing me before we even left for the gala. And then you had the audacity to look this good all night.”

Lando chuckled, the sound weak as his resolve crumbled under the weight of Oscar’s intensity. “I didn’t realize it’d have this effect on you, me in a suit.”

“Oh, you realized, you realized because it had the same effect on you earlier,” Oscar shot back, his hands moving to Lando’s pants now, tugging it off with an ease that made Lando’s heart race. “But if you didn’t, you’re about to.” 

The younger’s lips found his again, but this time, the kiss was slower, deeper, and infinitely more deliberate. His hands slid around Lando’s waist, pulling their bodies flush together. Lando’s hands instinctively found Oscar’s shoulders, gripping tightly as the wall pressed cold and unyielding against his back. The contrast of the chill against his skin and the heat of Oscar’s body was almost overwhelming.

“Oscar…” Lando’s voice was a soft plea, his cocky demeanor entirely replaced by a vulnerability that only Oscar ever got to see. 

Oscar pulled back, just enough to look at him again. His hand cupped Lando’s jaw, thumb brushing over his cheek as his other hand slid lower, resting on Lando’s hip. His gaze was intense, taking in the flush that painted Lando’s cheeks, the slight parting of his lips, the way his chest rose and fell with shallow breaths. He was feeling how hard his boyfriend was getting too, it was… exhilarating.

“God, you’re beautiful,” Oscar murmured, his voice softer now, though no less fervent. “And mine.” 

And with that, he claimed Lando’s lips once more, his grip tightening as he shifted, pressing their bodies even closer against the wall. Lando could feel Oscar’s control, the way he was taking the lead. His lips trailed down Lando’s neck, his teeth grazing sensitive skin before biting just enough to make Lando gasp. The sound was music to Oscar’s ears, and he followed it with his tongue, soothing the mark he’d left behind. “You’re so sensitive,” Oscar murmured, his voice low and teasing. 

Lando’s hands, desperate to regain some semblance of control, tried to snake around Oscar’s waist, pulling him closer. But Oscar was quicker, catching Lando’s wrists and pinning them against the wall above his head with one hand. 

“Not yet,” Oscar whispered, his breath warm against Lando’s ear as his other hand roamed lower, tracing the faint lines of muscle along Lando’s torso. His fingertips danced over every inch of exposed skin, drawing soft shivers and gasps from Lando, who was quickly losing any ability to form coherent thoughts.

“Oscar,” Lando moaned, his voice trembling with need, his body squirming against the firm press of Oscar’s. “Let me touch you—”

“Not until I say so,” Oscar interrupted, his lips now moving to Lando’s collarbone. He sucked at the delicate skin, his teeth scraping just enough to make Lando arch against him, his head tilting back to give Oscar more access. 

The sound that escaped Lando’s lips was a mix between a moan and a whimper, his body trembling as Oscar’s kisses turned to bites, leaving faint red marks that would bloom into evidence of this moment by morning. 

“You’re driving… me insane,” Lando panted, his voice barely above a whisper. He struggled lightly against Oscar’s grip, testing his strength but secretly relishing in the way Oscar held him firmly in place.

Oscar only smirked, his hand releasing Lando’s wrists but quickly sliding down to his hips, keeping him pinned against the wall. “I told you I would,” Oscar said, his voice dark and sultry.

Lando’s hands immediately flew to Oscar’s shoulders, trying to pull him closer, but Oscar wasn’t finished. His mouth moved lower, lips and teeth exploring Lando’s chest now, his tongue swirling over a nipple before biting just enough to make Lando cry out.

“Fuck, Oscar,” Lando groaned, his hands gripping Oscar’s shirt tightly, trying to tug it off in his desperation to feel more of him. But Oscar wasn’t ready to give in yet. Instead, he grabbed Lando’s hands again, pressing them back against the wall. 

“Patience,” Oscar murmured, his voice like silk, his lips brushing against Lando’s ear as he spoke. “You teased me all night. Now it’s my turn.” 

He finally stepped back, just enough to look at Lando, his chest rising and falling heavily. His eyes raked over the man before him, disheveled and flushed, pinned against the wall with lips swollen from kisses and marks blooming across his neck and chest. The sight sent a jolt of desire straight through him, but Oscar forced himself to take his time. This moment wasn’t just about urgency, it was about savoring every second. 

Without breaking eye contact, he reached down to the buttons of his own shirt with his free hand, undoing them one by one with deliberate slowness. Lando’s gaze was locked on his hand, his lips parting slightly as the fabric fell open, revealing Oscar’s lean torso. He shrugged the shirt off and let it drop carelessly to the floor, then worked on his belt, sliding it free with a satisfying sound that made Lando’s breath hitch. 

“You’re taking your sweet time,” Lando murmured, his voice rough, but the underlying affection softened the words. 

Oscar tilted his head, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Good things come to those who wait,” he replied, his tone teasing but laced with promise. He kicked off his pants, leaving him in nothing but his black briefs, and finally stepped closer, their bodies nearly touching again. 

His hands found Lando’s waist, his thumbs brushing over the smooth skin there. “See?” he whispered, leaning in to kiss the corner of Lando’s mouth. “Now we’re even.” 

Lando’s free hands immediately moved to touch Oscar again, his fingers tracing over the ridges of muscle along his back, but Oscar caught his wrists again, guiding them gently to Lando’s sides. “Let me,” he murmured, his voice soft but firm. 

Lando’s lips twitched into a small smile, his eyes glinting with affection despite the heat of the moment. “You’re really taking this whole ‘in charge’ thing seriously tonight, huh?” 

“Only because you love it,” Oscar shot back, his grin widening before he dipped his head to kiss along Lando’s jawline, trailing down to the hollow of his throat. His lips were softer now, each kiss a mixture of tenderness and heat, leaving Lando breathless as his body relaxed under Oscar’s touch.

His hands slid down to Lando’s thighs, his fingers curling around them as he pressed closer. “Hold onto me,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. 

Lando’s arms instinctively looped around Oscar’s shoulders as Oscar lifted him effortlessly, his strong hands supporting Lando’s weight. The sudden shift in position made Lando’s breath catch, and he tightened his grip, his legs wrapping around Oscar’s waist as their bodies pressed flush against each other. The friction making the Brit cry out in pleasure.

The Aussie’s movements were unhurried but purposeful as he carried Lando toward the bed, his lips finding Lando’s once more in a kiss that was both deep and gentle, a perfect balance of passion and love. Every step was steady, deliberate, as though Oscar was determined to make sure Lando felt every ounce of his affection. 

When they reached the bed, he lowered Lando onto the soft mattress with care, leaning over him but keeping their bodies just barely apart. His eyes softened just for a moment, the affection between them always present, but as he moved, the shift in energy was palpable. He leaned down, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to Lando’s lips, before pulling back just enough to whisper against them, “Don’t move.”

The command was simple, but there was an unspoken weight to it. Lando, his chest still rising and falling with anticipation, nodded, his eyes dark with longing, but he obeyed. Oscar’s tone was sweet, tender, but there was something undeniably confident about it now, something that made Lando’s pulse race even more. 

Oscar’s fingers trailed down Lando’s body, so carefully and reverently that it felt like every inch of Lando’s skin was being worshipped. He took his time, his eyes never leaving Lando’s, the intensity between them building. The moment was slow, drawn out, and filled with anticipation. Oscar’s hand slid to the waistband of Lando’s underwear, his fingers brushing over the fabric before pulling it down. 

Lando’s breath caught, the cool air hitting his skin as his underwear was removed entirely, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. Oscar’s eyes raked over Lando’s body, the sight of him even more perfect than before, and he couldn’t stop himself from leaning down to kiss along Lando’s collarbone, letting his lips linger there for a moment. 

Then, with a soft but firm whisper, “Stay still,” Oscar moved to remove his own underwear, his gaze flickering down to the curve of his own body, his own hardness, before settling back on Lando. He wasn’t in a rush; in fact, every second felt like it stretched on forever, the tension in the air thick and charged. His eyes never left Lando’s as he moved with a fluid grace, undressing with confidence, letting the moment wash over both of them.

When Oscar was finally fully undressed, he paused for just a heartbeat, drinking in the sight of Lando before him, beautiful, vulnerable, and entirely at his mercy, though Oscar would never call it that. This was about giving and receiving in equal measure, but tonight, Oscar wanted to take the lead more than just being on top. 

“Are you comfortable?” Oscar asked, his voice soft but controlled. 

Lando nodded, his lips parted in a breathless gasp. "Yeah, just… don't make me wait too long," he murmured, a teasing smile flickering at the corners of his mouth, but it didn’t hide the deep need behind his words.

Oscar chuckled softly, leaning down to kiss Lando again, slow and deep, before he pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. “I won’t make you wait. I promise.”

He reached for the bottle of lube, his movements slow and deliberate, ensuring every part of this felt purposeful. The bottle clicked open with a soft sound, and Oscar didn’t waste time, his fingers slicking with the lube. 

“Keep your hands down, don’t move, don’t touch,” Oscar said once more, his voice laced with affection despite the command. 

Lando gave a low groan, shifting slightly as if to protest, but his hands remained obediently at his sides, clutching the sheets, eyes fixed on Oscar’s with a mixture of longing and trust. Oscar’s fingers traced the outline of Lando’s hips before slipping lower, gently parting his legs just enough to make his approach easier. He was careful, taking his time, watching Lando’s face closely to make sure he was comfortable. 

Oscar’s finger finally teased at the entrance to Lando’s body, applying just enough pressure for the tip to press in, and Lando inhaled sharply, his body tensing for a moment. 

Lando’s eyes met his. “Oh fuck, yes please.”

“Of course,” Oscar murmured, kissing the inside of Lando’s thigh before he slowly began to work his finger in. Lando let out a soft sound of pleasure at the stretch, and Oscar’s free hand moved to hold his waist, giving him stability. The initial, brief, discomfort faded quickly, replaced by the warmth of Oscar’s touch and the sensation of being filled, a pressure building in the most intimate of ways.

Lando’s breath hitched again, but this time it wasn’t from discomfort, it was from the slow, measured pleasure that Oscar was giving him. He moaned quietly, his hands gripping the sheets tighter beneath him. Oscar’s eyes never left his face as he moved, his finger working deeper, and when Lando’s back arched slightly, a soft curse fell from his lips.

“You’re so tight,” Oscar murmured, his voice thick with desire, but he continued to move slowly, coaxing Lando to relax around him. His lips ghosted over Lando’s skin, brushing against the soft curves of his neck, his collarbone, anywhere he could reach. Every kiss, every touch was designed to keep Lando present, to keep him connected to Oscar.

Lando’s breath came faster now, his body betraying the control he tried so hard to maintain. “Oscar, please…” he whispered, but his voice was low, needy, the words an invitation and a plea all in one.

Oscar’s lips quirked upward at the sound, a satisfied grin spreading across his face as he slipped in another finger, his thumb brushing over Lando’s skin as he began to move with a steady rhythm. 

“Patience,” Oscar said softly, though his voice was filled with lust and tenderness in equal measure. 

His movements were slow and deliberate, each one meant to stretch the moment further. He watched Lando carefully, paying attention to the subtle shifts in his body, the way his breath hitched, the way his lips parted, the flush that crept up his neck. Oscar loved how responsive Lando was, how every touch of his made Lando’s entire body react like it was built to crave him. 

Taking his time, Oscar slid a third finger in with ease, his thumb pressing gently against the skin around Lando’s entrance. He could feel the tension building in Lando’s body as he stretched him, and Oscar leaned in closer, his lips brushing over Lando’s collarbone, before whispering against his skin, “You like that.” The moment was thick with anticipation, and Oscar couldn’t help but feel a surge of pleasure in knowing just how much control he had over his boyfriend and how much said boyfriend loved it. 

As he continued to push deeper, he deliberately curled his fingers just enough to press against Lando’s prostate, the sensation sending a wave of pleasure through the Brit. Lando’s breath caught, and he squirmed beneath Oscar’s touch, his legs slightly shifting as he tried to chase the sensation. His voice, though low and strained, was full of urgency, “Oscar… please… I need you. I wanna touch you.”

“Patience,” Oscar chuckled softly, the sound dark and low, filled with both affection and desire. He kept his fingers in place, letting the pressure build for a moment before pulling back ever so slightly and then pressing again, this time harder, the movement deliberate. The reaction from Lando was immediate, a loud moan slipping past his lips as his body arched into Oscar’s hand. “Fuck, Oscar, I want you... now.”

The raw need in Lando’s voice shot straight through him, his body responding without hesitation. Oscar’s fingers slid out slowly, his eyes locking with Lando’s as he moved, hands working to position Lando’s body just the way he wanted it. His grip tightened on Lando’s hips, and he couldn’t stop himself from taking in the way Lando’s body trembled, how he was begging for it.

“You can touch me now,” Oscar murmured, leaning down to kiss Lando deeply, his lips hard and hungry against Lando’s, but the kiss was interrupted by a deep moan from both of them as Oscar positioned himself at Lando’s entrance. His breath came in ragged bursts, desire flooding his veins, but he still took his time, taking just one more moment to drink in the sight of the man beneath him whose hands were suddenly grabbing at his back. Lando’s fingers were digging in his flesh so hard he was sure he would get marks.

“You are ready?” Oscar asked, his voice low, almost a growl as his hands caressed the smooth planes of Lando’s body. He wanted Lando to be ready, to feel every inch of him when they finally connected fully. But he also knew Lando was beyond ready, his body showing it clearly.

Lando’s reply came in the form of a desperate nod, his eyes locked onto Oscar’s with intensity, his hands tugging Oscar closer, urging him on. "Yes... fuck, please. I need you inside me."

Oscar groaned at the rawness in Lando’s voice, that mix of desperation and trust that hit him deep. Slowly, he pushed forward, easing into Lando inch by inch, savoring the tight warmth that enveloped him. The two of them gasped, and for a long moment, Oscar just stayed there, buried deep, letting the feeling of their connection wash over them. 

The stillness between them was fleeting, though, as Oscar started to move, slow, deliberate thrusts, each one bringing them closer to the release they both craved. Lando’s breath came in ragged gasps beneath him, his hands clutching at his boyfriend’s skin as Oscar set a steady pace, keeping his control firmly in place.

The rhythm between them became frantic as the pressure built, the tension growing stronger with every movement. Oscar, still deeply focused on Lando, felt every inch of the connection between them, each thrust sending waves of heat coursing through him. Lando’s moans filled the air, the sounds of their bodies moving together echoing through the room, and Oscar could feel the way Lando’s body tightened around him, squeezing with every passing second. “I’m… Osc… I’m” he mumbled, incapable of forming a sentence, but Oscar knew exactly what he wanted to say.

“Come on, baby, let go…” Oscar breathed, his voice rough with need. He leaned down, his lips brushing against Lando’s neck as he kept the pace steady, drawing out each movement, savoring every moment.

Lando’s back arched beneath him, and he gave a breathless cry, his body shuddering as he reached the edge. Oscar could feel him tense, could feel the way he was trying to hold on, but it was too much. With one final push, both of them were sent over the edge at once, Lando's body pulsing around him, and Oscar following closely behind, the flood of release taking them both in a powerful wave.

—

For a long moment, neither of them moved. They lay together in a tangle of limbs, their bodies still shivering from the aftershocks of pleasure. Oscar could feel the weight of Lando’s body against his, the two of them breathless and spent, hearts racing in the quiet aftermath.

Oscar kissed Lando’s forehead, still holding him close, their bodies still intertwined, as he whispered, “I love you.”

Lando shifted slightly, his fingers brushing Oscar’s chest, a mischievous glint still dancing in his eyes despite the afterglow. “You know,” he said, voice playful but low, “we could shower and… do that again.”

The Aussie raised an eyebrow, a small laugh escaping his lips, still catching his breath. “Are you sure you’re up for that?”

Lando’s grin was all teeth, and he nodded. “I’m always up for more of you.”

Oscar smirked, his hand running through his hair as he tried to steady himself. “Well, when you put it that way…”

Chapter Text

The apartment was quiet, save for the hum of the nature documentary playing softly in the background. Oscar, as usual when it was “too early for a movie”, had insisted on it, his pleading eyes soft but determined as he snuggled up against Lando. The whole "nature" or “documentaries” thing wasn’t Lando’s scene, but he had learned, through enough time spent with Oscar, that he could endure it. Especially when Oscar looked at him like that. So, Lando had begrudgingly given in, phone in hand, flicking through messages and emails. But something was off.

Oscar was leaning heavily against Lando's chest, his face nestled against the warm fabric of his shirt. His usual vibrant home energy was absent, and though he still made a show of pretending to watch the documentary, there was a distinct difference in his usual behavior. Normally, during documentaries, Oscar was a font of trivia, facts and insights would spill from him, a never-ending stream of knowledge. But today, there was nothing. He barely spoke, his attention drifting. Even more alarming, his usually animated hands weren’t moving, idly swiping the air as he often did when he was excited about something on the screen. It was a thing only Lando could see when they were home and his boyfriend was so comfortable to let his inner self take over. But now that it wasn’t there, he was missing it a lot.

The Brit couldn’t help but notice the way Oscar’s body was pressed into him a little too hard, like he needed the contact for comfort. His fingers lightly traced along the top of Oscar’s shoulder, brushing against his warm skin revealed by the short-sleeved shirt he was wearing, and Lando furrowed his brow. The warmth was familiar, but something about it didn’t feel right. Oscar shifted slightly, a faint shiver running through his body. Lando could feel it in the way his shoulders trembled, despite the cozy warmth of the apartment. There was a faint tremble to his voice as he mumbled something about the documentary’s narrator, but his words were unfocused, disconnected, and Lando didn’t catch it all.

He glanced down at Oscar, his brow furrowing slightly. It was unusual for Oscar to be this quiet at home, he was usually filling the space with stories, details, and commentary. He loved talking about everything, from the smallest observations to the biggest experiences they had just shared. But right now, Oscar’s spark seemed dimmed. His eyes flickered toward the documentary, but they were unfocused, distant, his breath shallow, and his skin was too pale against the soft lighting of the living room. The warm flush of his cheeks stood in stark contrast to the rest of his complexion, adding to the worry that began to settle in Lando’s chest.

The soft thrum of Lando's phone vibrating in his hand broke the silence, but his attention didn’t shift. His fingers brushed against the side of Oscar's face gently, a silent inquiry in the way his thumb lingered against Oscar’s temple. Hot, temple.

“Oscar,” Lando murmured softly, his voice low, not wanting to disturb the fragile quiet between them but still worried. He wasn’t one to easily call out when something was wrong, but this… this was different. “You okay, love? You seem kinda off.”

Oscar’s eyelids fluttered slightly, but he didn’t lift his head from Lando’s chest. His hand, which had been lying limp across Lando’s stomach, twitched slightly, and he mumbled something in reply, barely a whisper. Lando had to strain to hear it.

“Just tired,” Oscar whispered, his voice hoarse, as though speaking took more energy than he had at that moment. His hand reached out, clutching at the hem of Lando’s shirt as if needing to anchor himself.

Lando frowned, the concern deepening in his chest. “You barely ate anything this morning or for lunch.” He paused, brushing a strand of hair from Oscar’s forehead, frowning when he felt the heat radiating from his skin. “Fuck you’re burning up.”

Oscar’s eyes flickered up at him, a half-hearted smile tugging at the corners of his lips, though it was weak and unconvincing. “I’m fine, just tired… travel and everything. All the running around, you know?” He blinked slowly, his eyelids heavy, and Lando could practically hear his body begging for rest.

But Lando didn’t buy it. He had seen Oscar tired before, but this was different. He was usually a little more vibrant, a little more alive even in moments of fatigue. But now, Oscar was quieter, withdrawn, and though Lando didn’t want to make a big deal of it, the niggling worry wouldn’t leave him.

“I know there’s more,” he murmured, his fingers brushing Oscar’s hair back from his face.

Oscar’s eyes fluttered closed again, the hint of a frown on his brow. “I’m fine,” he repeated, his voice still hoarse. “Just tired.”

Lando bit his lip, his mind racing. Seeing his boyfriend like this, it tugged at something deep in Lando’s chest. He didn’t like it. Not one bit. Oscar wasn’t usually the type to show weakness.

“Hmhm,” Lando murmured softly, though the concern in his voice was impossible to miss. He leaned back into the couch, pulling Oscar closer against his chest, his fingers slipping instinctively into his boyfriend’s hair. The strands were soft under his touch, but the warmth of Oscar’s skin against his fingers was enough to make his worry deepen. Lando’s hand lingered, brushing lightly, as though the motion alone might ease whatever was weighing on him.

Oscar hummed faintly in response, the sound barely audible, more a breath than a voice. The quiet filled the space between them, broken only by the soft, steady narration of the nature documentary playing on the screen. Normally, Oscar would be pointing out extra details, explaining some obscure fact with that excited lilt in his voice. But now, he was silent, his body slack against Lando’s, a stark contrast to his usual energy.

Lando hesitated, his gaze flicking down to the pale face resting against him. His gut twisted, the faint flush on Oscar’s cheeks might have looked endearing any other day, but now it only made him more certain. 

He reached for the remote and paused the documentary, the silence that followed making his own heartbeat seem louder in his ears. “I’ll be right back, alright?” Lando murmured, his voice low and steady, careful not to startle Oscar as he gently untangled himself. A soft, tired nod was all the response he got, but it was enough.

Lando moved quickly, heading first to the bathroom to rummage through the cabinet for fever medicine. In the bedroom, he pulled out the thick hoodie Oscar always gravitated toward when he wanted to be cozy, the sight of it bringing a faint smile to Lando’s lips. Then he grabbed an extra blanket from the closet, folding it neatly over his arm before heading for the kitchen.

There, he gathered a small assortment of snacks, crackers, some sliced fruit, tim tams, and a bottle of water. It wasn’t much, but Oscar hadn’t eaten properly all day, and Lando would make sure he got something in him, whatever. Balancing everything carefully, he made his way back to the living room, arms full of what he hoped would help.

When Lando returned, Oscar hadn’t moved much. He was curled in the same spot, eyes half closed, his chest rising and falling steadily. Yet, despite the warmth of the apartment, the faint tremble in his body hadn’t gone away. Lando set everything down on the table with quiet precision and got closer to his boyfriend, his worry growing as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from Oscar’s forehead. 

“Alright, love,” Lando said softly, kneeling down in front of Oscar. He gently tugged at the edge of the blanket covering him, giving him a soft smile as he held out the hoodie. “Lift your arms for me, love,” he murmured, his voice steady but full of tenderness.

Oscar hummed in response, lifting his arms without much protest. He was too tired to argue, too far gone in his exhaustion to do much other than follow the quiet commands Lando gave him. Lando gently slipped the hoodie over his head, pulling it down until it covered Oscar’s frame. The soft fabric hung loosely around him, and Lando tucked the hem of the hoodie into the waistband of his sweatpants before adjusting the sleeves so they fell just right. 

“There,” Lando said, brushing his fingers gently across Oscar’s shoulders. “That’s better, huh?” He could see Oscar’s faint smile as he nodded, though his eyes remained half-lidded, and the warmth in his face didn’t subside. 

Lando leaned down to grab the medicine and the bottle of water. He shook the pills into his palm, then held them out to Oscar, gently pressing them into his hand. “Take this, love,” he instructed, his voice gentle. “You’ll feel better in a bit. Promise.”

Oscar lazily complied, though his movements were slower than usual, as if the act of taking the medicine took more effort than it should have. After swallowing the pills with a sip of water, Oscar leaned back. The Brit let out a soft sigh, a mix of relief and concern, as he covered them both with the blanket, draping it across their laps. The blanket was just a simple gesture, but it felt like a small shield against whatever discomfort Oscar was feeling. Lando adjusted it so it was snug around them, tucking it around their feet, and then leaned back against the cushions. Oscar, instinctively, cuddled into him, his head resting against Lando’s chest again as his hand found its way into the crook of Lando’s arm. 

Lando placed his hand gently on Oscar’s shoulder, his thumb tracing slow, soothing circles over the soft fabric of the hoodie. For a moment, his attention flicked to the paused documentary on the screen. With a soft sigh, he unpaused it, letting the calm narration fill the room again. But instead of letting silence settle or allowing Oscar to drift into sleep once more, Lando decided to do what he knew might lift his boyfriend’s spirits.

First, though, he leaned closer, pressing a tender kiss to the top of Oscar’s head. “Hey,” he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper, “you’ve barely eaten anything today. Think you can have a couple of bites for me? Just something small, yeah?”

Oscar stirred slightly, tilting his head up to meet Lando’s gaze. His dark eyes were tired but still soft and warm. “I’m not really hungry,” he mumbled, his voice hoarse with exhaustion.

“I know,” Lando replied gently, his hand moving up to brush a stray strand of hair off Oscar’s forehead. “But you need something, love. Even just a cracker or two. I’ll feel better if you do.”

The Aussie gave him a faint, reluctant nod, and Lando reached for the small plate of crackers and fruit he’d set on the coffee table earlier. Picking up a slice of apple, he held it out to Oscar with a small, encouraging smile. “C’mon, just one,” he coaxed, his tone light, almost playful.

He sighed but took the slice, nibbling at it slowly. Lando’s grin widened, relief flooding through him at even this small victory. “There we go. That wasn’t so bad, was it?” he teased lightly, earning a half-hearted eye roll from Oscar.

Satisfied, Lando settled back into the couch, keeping Oscar tucked close against his chest. He glanced at the screen, letting the images of African wildlife wash over him for a moment. Then, with a soft laugh, he added, “Did you know a giraffe’s heart is so strong it can pump blood all the way up that massive neck? Bet you didn’t think I paid attention the last time you told me that.”

His boyfriend’s lips quirked into the faintest smile, his eyes flickering with just a hint of his usual brightness. “You remembered that?”

“Of course I did,” Lando said, his voice warm and teasing. “You’re always throwing random animal facts at me. How could I forget?”

Oscar hummed softly, leaning further into Lando’s chest, the faint smile lingering on his face. Lando kept the documentary playing, occasionally dropping more tidbits of information he’d picked up from Oscar over the past months. Lando smiled softly to himself, settling deeper into the couch. He didn’t care that he absolutely hated documentaries (that was a lie, he was starting to like them), or that he had to be the one to tell the facts today. As long as Oscar felt like himself again, it didn’t matter.

It wasn’t until Oscar’s breath deepened, slow and steady, that Lando realized the little game of sharing facts had come to an end. Oscar had fallen asleep, his body practically melting into the warmth of Lando’s chest. He let his hand gently rest against the back of Oscar’s head, his fingers tangling lightly in the tousled hair. His heartbeat was steady beneath Oscar’s head, and for a moment, Lando let himself enjoy the quiet, the warmth of the apartment, the feeling of his boyfriend curled against him. But as the documentary came to an end, Lando noticed the stillness in Oscar’s form, the way his body wasn’t shifting or responding to the screen. He was definitely asleep.

The peaceful calm of the apartment was still, and for a moment, Lando simply gazed down at the soft rise and fall of Oscar’s chest. His lips quirked into a small smile as he adjusted Oscar’s head on his chest, carefully leaning back against the couch as he planned his next move. 

Lando knew that it was time for bed, and as much as he wanted to stay in the comfortable silence, he could tell that Oscar needed a proper rest now. Gently, Lando slid out from under Oscar, carefully propping him up so he didn’t stir too much. 

“Come on, love,” Lando murmured softly, brushing a hand through Oscar’s hair. “Let’s get you into bed for a nice and deserved nap.” 

Lando leaned down, gently lifting Oscar into his arms with practiced ease, even though the younger man was taller than him. Oscar barely reacted, his body going limp and unresisting in Lando’s embrace. Lando marveled at how small and light Oscar felt against him, how vulnerable he looked, even in his sleep. It reminded him, yet again, how much he cared for him, how he wanted to take care of him, to protect him. He carried him down the hallway toward the bedroom.

When they reached the bed, Lando laid Oscar down carefully, making sure the covers were pulled up around him. He tucked the blanket around Oscar’s shoulders, smoothing it down and making sure he was cozy, but not too warm, it wouldn’t help with the fever. Lando looked at him for a moment longer, admiring the peaceful expression on Oscar’s face. 

He settled beside Oscar, resting a hand on the boy’s forehead, checking, just to be sure. He noticed the fever had slightly lessened, but Oscar still felt warmer than usual. Not burning up anymore but still.

“Still a bit warm, huh?” Lando murmured softly, brushing a strand of hair from Oscar’s face. His fingers lingered against Oscar’s temple for a moment, feeling the faint pulse beneath his skin. Oscar stirred slightly at the touch but didn’t wake, his breath still steady and deep. “You’re going to be okay after sleeping. It has been a few long days but now, now we can rest my love.”

He moved a bit closer, shifting onto his side so he could face Oscar. He didn’t want to leave, not just yet. He wanted to stay here, next to him, to make sure everything was alright before he finally let himself relax too. He gently adjusted the pillow under Oscar’s head, making sure it was supportive enough before brushing another kiss against his forehead. 

—

The afternoon had stretched into evening, and as the light outside softened into the muted glow of dusk, Lando quietly slid out of bed, careful not to disturb Oscar’s deep slumber. He paused for a moment at the edge of the bed, watching Oscar’s peaceful form under the covers. There was something so endearing about how soft and vulnerable he looked in his sleep. Lando had never wanted to do anything more than just be there, taking care of him, making sure everything would be alright.

But there was one thing he had to do.

He sighed softly, brushing a hand through his hair before he quietly left the room, making his way into the kitchen. He had planned to make dinner. Oscar needed to eat, especially after not having much during the day, and Lando wasn’t about to let his boyfriend stay hungry or with an empty stomach, even if he wasn’t exactly the best cook. 

Lando opened the fridge, squinting as he scanned the shelves. There wasn’t a lot to work with, at least, not in a way that made him feel confident. Some vegetables, a bit of chicken, and some pre-made sauces that were actually pretty decent, he thought. With a deep breath, he decided to make the best of it. 

After a few minutes of floundering, Lando decided to go simple. He’d make chicken with a side of sautéed vegetables. Nothing fancy. He set the chicken out to defrost, pulling out the pan with a bit of confidence. How hard could it be? It wasn’t like he was making a five-star meal.

It didn’t take long for Lando to realize just how much of a disaster he was making. The chicken, while it wasn’t burnt, was taking far longer to cook than he’d anticipated. The vegetables, on the other hand, were already starting to stick to the pan in places, no matter how much oil he added. His frustration grew with each failed attempt to make the meal come together smoothly. He grumbled to himself, hoping that Oscar wouldn’t notice how much of a mess he was making. It wasn’t as easy as it looked on all those cooking shows, that’s for sure.

“I swear, I just need a simple meal... Why is it always this complicated?” Lando muttered under his breath, looking at the nearly ruined vegetables.

Still, an hour later, despite his ineptitude in the kitchen, Lando pushed on, finally getting the chicken cooked through and the vegetables at least semi-edible. It wasn’t perfect, but it was something. He set the table quickly, a small smirk curling on his lips at the thought of Oscar’s reaction. Would he be surprised that Lando had managed to put together dinner without completely destroying the kitchen? Probably.

As he was carefully setting the plates on the table, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned around to see Oscar standing in the doorway of the kitchen, still bundled in his oversized hoodie, looking more awake but still not quite his usual energetic self. Oscar’s skin had regained some color, but he was still a little pale, his usual spark slightly dulled. 

Lando smiled, though it was tinged with concern. “Hey, look who’s up. You feeling better?” he asked, setting the last plate down on the table. He could see Oscar’s eyes flicking toward the food, a little surprised at the sight.

Oscar nodded slowly, though his voice still held a slight rasp. “Yeah, a bit. I’m not... not as cold as before, at least.” He reached up, running a hand through his messy hair as he came closer, taking in the sight of the dinner. “But... wow, you really did this?” he asked, his voice sounding a bit incredulous.

Lando chuckled, trying to hide the slight pride in his tone. “Yep, I did. It’s not much, but it’s food. You need to eat something, especially when you're not feeling great.” He reached over, feeling Oscar’s forehead once more, his touch gentle. The warmth was still a bit there, but it had definitely improved. “You’re cooler now, that’s a good sign. You need to take another med though, after eating, I counted.”

The younger man sighed, leaning into Lando’s hand a little. “Thanks,” he muttered, still sounding a bit out of it but grateful. He then looked back at the meal, raising an eyebrow. “And you didn’t burn the place down?”

The Brit gave an exaggerated sigh, shaking his head with a teasing smile. “No, I didn’t. I know you’re probably worried, but I managed to keep it under control. Barely.” He gestured to the table. “Eat up, love. You’ve gotta get some energy back.”

Oscar chuckled softly, his voice still hoarse. “You’re really full of surprises, aren’t you?” He sat down at the table, pulling his chair a little closer and resting his chin on his hand as he eyed the food skeptically for a moment before reaching for a fork.

Lando took a seat across from him, his gaze lingering on Oscar as he began to pick at the food, still not entirely convinced that Lando had managed to cook something edible. It wasn’t the best, but it would do, and it was the thought that mattered. 

“Is it... okay?” Lando asked cautiously, watching for any signs that Oscar might be disappointed.

The Australian took a tentative bite, chewing slowly, and then, surprisingly, he nodded. “It’s good, actually,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You didn’t completely ruin it.” He took another bite, clearly impressed. “Not bad at all, for a terrible cook.”

Lando’s chest swelled with pride. “See? I told you I could do it. A few minor hiccups, but we got there.”

Oscar leaned back a little in his chair, now feeling a bit better with the warmth of the food filling his stomach. “You always make everything sound easy, don’t you?” he said softly.

“Only when it comes to taking care of you,” Lando replied gently, reaching over to give Oscar’s hand a soft squeeze. “Now, finish eating. You need all the energy you can get.”

Oscar smiled faintly at Lando’s words, the warmth of his touch and the simple act of caring making him feel better than he had in hours. He ate another bite of the chicken, then a piece of the vegetables, feeling a bit more like himself with each mouthful. 

“Thanks,” he said quietly, his voice still hoarse but full of affection. “I really wasn’t expecting this.”

Lando leaned his chin into his hand, watching Oscar with a small, satisfied grin. “Well, I’m full of surprises, aren’t I? Who knew I had domestic skills hiding under all this charm?” He gestured vaguely at himself, earning a quiet laugh from Oscar, who shook his head but couldn’t quite hide his smile.

“You might want to practice a bit more before claiming ‘domestic skills,’” Oscar teased, his voice warmer than it had been earlier.

“Fair,” Lando conceded, leaning back in his chair. “But hey, no one can argue with the results. You’re eating, and you’re smiling. That’s all that matters.”

Oscar nodded, finishing the last bites on his plate. “It’s exactly what I needed,” he admitted softly, his gaze meeting Lando’s with quiet gratitude. “Thanks for taking care of me.”

“Always,” Lando replied without hesitation, his tone serious for a moment before he lightened it with a playful grin. “And now, as your self-appointed nurse, I’m prescribing bed rest and cuddles. Doctor’s orders.”

The Aussie groaned faintly but stood up with his empty plate in hand, still bundled in his oversized hoodie. “Fine, but I’m helping you clean up first.”

“No way,” Lando objected, gently taking the plate from his hands and setting it back on the table. “You’re still on recovery duty. I’ll handle the dishes. Besides, I already did the hard part, cooking.”

Oscar rolled his eyes but didn’t argue, instead letting Lando guide him back toward the bedroom. As they walked, Lando draped an arm over his shoulders, pulling him close. “Hot shower first,” Lando reminded him, his voice soft but insistent. “It’ll help.”

“Alright, alright,” Oscar muttered, though there was no resistance in his tone. “Bossy.”

“And you love it,” Lando shot back, earning a small laugh from Oscar as they stepped into the bedroom.

Once Oscar disappeared into the bathroom, Lando quickly tidied up the kitchen, the warm feeling of satisfaction lingering as he stacked the plates and rinsed the pans. It wasn’t about the cooking or the cleanup; it was about seeing Oscar smile again, hearing his laugh, and knowing he was feeling a little better.

When he returned to the bedroom, Oscar was already curled up under the blankets, his face looking noticeably less pale. Lando slid in beside him, tugging the covers up and wrapping an arm securely around his boyfriend.

Oscar hummed contentedly, nestling closer. “You really don’t have to fuss over me so much,” he murmured, his voice drowsy.

“Maybe,” Lando replied softly, pressing a kiss to his temple. “But I want to. That’s what love’s about, isn’t it?”

Oscar’s only response was a quiet hum of agreement as his breathing evened out, drifting off into sleep. Lando stayed awake a little longer, holding him close and smiling to himself, the quiet comfort of the moment wrapping around them both like a blanket. 

Chapter Text

When Oscar woke up that morning, the first thing he noticed was the empty, cold side of the bed. Lando’s side. He groaned softly, rubbing his eyes as he stirred awake, his hand brushing over the rumpled sheets where Lando usually lay. 

“Lando?” he mumbled, his voice still hoarse from sleep. There was no reply. 

Lifting his head, Oscar scanned the room, but it was clear he was alone. He let out another groan and buried his face in the pillow for a moment before forcing himself to sit up. The movement made him realize something: he felt much better than he had yesterday. The throbbing in his head was gone, and the icy chill that had gripped him was just a memory. A small smile tugged at his lips as he thought about how much effort Lando had put into taking care of him. There was no doubt in Oscar’s mind that his improvement this morning was entirely thanks to his boyfriend.

Throwing on a hoodie for warmth, Oscar slid out of bed and padded into the living room, glancing around for any sign of the curly-haired man. “Baby? Are you here?” he called softly, his voice carrying into the quiet apartment. Still no answer. 

Frowning, he wandered into the kitchen, hoping to find Lando there, but the space was empty. What caught his eye instead was a little post-it stuck to the counter. Oscar stepped closer, his brow furrowing as he recognized the familiar scrawl of Lando’s handwriting, a mix of neat letters and really bad spelling.

The note read:  

Hi love,  

Wen Went out to grab few tings things.  

I’ll be bak back soon.  

love you.

Oscar couldn’t help but laugh softly, shaking his head at the adorable attempt. Lando’s handwriting was almost perfect, but the misspelled words gave away his usual struggles with writing. He stood in the kitchen for a moment, the post-it still in his hand, his smile lingering. Typical Lando. Always a mix of chaos and heart. The note was so perfectly him, a little disorganized, but filled with care. It was hard not to feel warm inside just looking at it. 

He folded the note carefully and tucked it into the pocket of his hoodie. Then, deciding he couldn’t just stand around, he set about tidying up a little. He wasn’t entirely sure when Lando would be back but sitting idle didn’t sound appealing. It also gave him a chance to test just how much better he was feeling.

Oscar started with the kitchen, wiping the counter. As he moved, he found himself humming softly, an old habit that seemed to come back whenever he was in a good mood. He made his way to the living room next, folding the blanket Lando had wrapped him in the day before and fluffing up the pillows on the couch. 

The more he moved, the clearer his head felt, and by the time he’d finished, he realized he was actually hungry, a good sign. He wandered back to the kitchen and opened the fridge, scanning its contents. On the top shelf, he noticed a plate covered with cling film, sitting neatly and clearly waiting for him. It wasn’t much, but it was clear that Lando had gone out of his way to make something special. A few pancakes were stacked neatly, accompanied by a small container of syrup and another with fresh fruit. A crooked piece of tape was stuck to the plate, labeled: “For u.”

Oscar chuckled to himself, shaking his head. What did I do to deserve him , he thought affectionately. Still, he decided to wait until Lando got back before eating. He wasn’t sure why, but the idea of sitting down together, even if it was just for a quick meal, made him feel lighter.

Just as he was settling onto the couch, the front door clicked open. 

“Baby, I’m back!” Lando called, his voice bright and cheerful. The sound immediately lifted Oscar’s spirits, and he twisted around to see Lando step in, balancing a couple of bags in his arms. His curls were slightly windblown, his cheeks flushed from the cold morning air, and he was grinning as though nothing in the world could dim his mood.

“Where’d you run off to?” Oscar asked, standing to meet him. He took one of the bags from Lando’s hands, his movements still a little slower than usual but steady. “I woke up and thought you’d abandoned me.” He added, with a cute little pout.

Lando scoffed, feigning offense. “Abandon you? Never. I just went to grab a few things. You seemed so peaceful I didn’t wanted to wake you up,” He got up on his tip toes and pressed a quick kiss to Oscar’s forehead, his smile softening when he realized Oscar wasn’t as feverish anymore. “You’re looking a lot better. Not so warm anymore.”

“Feeling better too,” Oscar admitted, his tone quiet but warm. “Thanks to you.”

The Brit waved it off like it was nothing, but the pink that crept into his cheeks gave him away. “Just doing my job, love. Now, sit. You’re still in recovery mode, and I’m not taking any chances.”

Oscar smirked but didn’t argue, instead settling onto one of the kitchen stools while Lando unpacked the groceries. “I really don’t deserve you,” Oscar muttered, more to himself than anything.

Lando turned, a carton of eggs in hand, and raised an eyebrow. “What was that?”

“Nothing,” Oscar replied quickly, his cheeks flushing. But the smile that tugged at his lips betrayed him.

Lando’s grin widened as he walked over, leaning down to kiss the top of Oscar’s head again. “I love you.” 

Oscar’s smile widened and he pursed his lips to ask for a kiss, a real one. His boyfriend giggled at the sight but was happy to oblige. The kiss was slow, tender and full of love. When they pulled apart, both of them were looking at the other with sparks in their eyes. 

“Oh and,” Lando started, remembering something. “I got us something !”

“You did?” Oscar asked, frowning a little bit. 

“Yeah! You deserve to have a great day, doing what you like, so I got us something to do exactly that.” The Brit replied, going to another bag and pulling something neatly wrapped out of it. He gave it to Oscar, looking at him expectantly, hiding something else behind his back. “Open it.”

The Australian eyed him with suspicion, but curiosity got the better of him as he carefully unwrapped the package. His frown deepened when he pulled out the bright red sweater, holding it up to examine it. It was adorned with snowflakes and a reindeer right in the middle. “You’re kidding…” he murmured, his voice tinged with disbelief. “You got me a Christmas sweater?!”

The younger man’s excitement was practically jumping off him. “Nope,” Lando grinned. “I got us matching Christmas sweaters.” He pulled out his own sweater from behind his back—green, with snowflakes and a big, bold Christmas tree front and center.

Oscar blinked, his mouth falling open in shock. He looked at the sweater, then back at Lando, then back at the sweater again. "You... But... Lando..."

“Yes my love?” The Brit’s smile softened, fondness in his eyes. 

The Aussie’s eyes narrowed as if trying to figure out the absurdity of the situation. “You don’t even like Christmas!” he exclaimed, a mix of amusement and confusion in his tone. “You were all in for the decorating, but I thought that was it.”

Lando shrugged casually, his grin never fading. “I told you, I’ve never had anyone to make this time of year special for.” He stepped closer, his gaze warm. “Now I do. It’s our first Christmas as boyfriends, and I want to make the most of it, before we have to go home to our respective families. So yeah, I’m warming up to it. And making you happy makes me happy.” He paused, his eyes catching something in Oscar’s expression. “Hold on… Are you crying?”

Oscar blinked rapidly, but the tears were already there, welling up in his eyes. His smile, however, was blinding, a mix of disbelief and pure joy. "You really mean it, don’t you?" he said softly, his voice thick with emotion.

His boyfriend’s heart swelled as he reached out to gently cup Oscar’s face. "Of course I do, babe. You deserve a Christmas that’s as special as you are."

Lando’s words made Oscar’s heart swell, and before he could stop himself, he launched himself into Lando’s arms, laughing through his happy tears. His arms wrapped tightly around Lando’s neck, as if anchoring himself in this perfect moment. "I can't believe you," he whispered, his voice muffled by the warmth of Lando’s shoulder. "This is... this is so much more than I ever expected."

The curly haired man chuckled softly, holding him close. "I just want to see you happy love. Happy and healthy." He placed a gentle kiss on Oscar’s forehead, feeling the weight of everything that was making the moment feel so precious. 

When they finally pulled apart, Oscar wiped his eyes, still smiling brightly. "Okay, so... what now? I mean, I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. And technically, it’s still breakfast time, right?"

Lando laughed, his grin widening. "It’s lunch now, but we can make breakfast whenever we want. Who says you can’t have the pancakes I lovely made for you for lunch?"

On those words, Lando pulled away with a grin, heading toward the fridge to grab the plate of pancakes and fruit he had prepared earlier. He also grabbed the bottle of syrup. Setting everything down on the counter between them, he beamed. "Here it is." 

Oscar’s eyes brightened as pulled his new red sweater on. "You’re amazing, you know that?" he said, digging in eagerly. The combination of the pancakes, fresh fruit, and syrup was perfect, and he could feel his energy coming back full force as he ate. 

The Brit laughed, taking a bite of his own pancakes, looking over at Oscar. “I try” 

After a few more bites, the conversation naturally drifted into their plans for the day. 

“So," Lando started, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “What do you want to do this afternoon? I was thinking... Christmas movie marathon. Just you, me, the couch, and all the holiday cheer we can handle. I’ve got hot chocolate, popcorn. I think it’s the best thing to do for you to still rest a bit. I don’t want to risk you getting really sick.” 

Oscar’s face lit up at the idea. “That sounds perfect. I can’t believe how much you’ve warmed up to Christmas.” He paused and added with a playful grin, “Are you sure you’re not secretly a Christmas elf in disguise?”

Lando raised an eyebrow, his expression full of mock offense. “Hey, I’m just getting into the spirit. I told you, this year’s about making memories with you.” 

His boyfriend smiled, the warmth of the moment making his heart swell. "I’m really lucky to have you, Lando."

He leaned in, brushing his lips over Oscar's cheek. “I’m the lucky one, love.”

—

The glow of the Christmas tree lights and the garlands bathed the apartment in a warm, festive hue. The flickering light from the TV screen added to the cozy atmosphere, the soft whir of the fan overhead adding a comforting hum to the background. The two of them were nestled under a plush plaid blanket, snacking on popcorn and chocolate, with half-empty mugs of hot chocolate beside them. They were already on their second Christmas movie, the kind that was so cheesy it could make anyone’s heart melt, or brain for that matter. On the screen, the couple was dancing under the snow, looking completely lost in the magic of the moment.

Oscar was looking at the screen fondly, a soft smile playing on his lips. His eyes sparkled with that familiar happiness, the kind that only came when he was completely at ease. Lando, however, was looking at Oscar. His gaze lingered for a moment, soft and full of love. Oscar’s joy was infectious, and Lando found himself grinning, but not at the screen, he was grinning at the man sitting beside him.

Lando shifted slightly, the blanket rustling as he propped himself up on one elbow, watching Oscar as he continued to absorb the movie with that warm, affectionate look on his face. The Brit’s heart swelled at the sight, but it was then that an idea popped into his head. He sat up, a playful glint in his eyes, and reached for the remote. Oscar, still staring at the screen, didn’t notice at first. Lando pressed the pause button, and the sudden silence in the room caused Oscar to glance at him, eyebrows furrowing in mild confusion.

“What—why’d you pause it?” Oscar asked, his voice betraying just a hint of protest. “I was watching that.” His eyes were still soft, but there was a spark of annoyance in them.

The other man smiled mischievously, setting the remote down on the coffee table before standing up and stretching. “Yeah, I know you were,” Lando said, his voice light. “But I think it’s time for something a little... more personal.” 

Oscar blinked, looking up at him. “What are you talking about?”

Lando pulled his phone out of his pocket and unlocked it with a few quick swipes. He tapped the screen a couple of times, and suddenly, the familiar strains of a slow, romantic Christmas song began to play softly through the speakers. The sound of the music filled the apartment, replacing the silence left by the paused movie.

The Aussie was still sitting there, puzzled, his brows furrowed in a mix of curiosity and confusion. “Lando, what—”

He cut him off with a bright, confident smile as he turned toward him. He extended his hand toward Oscar, palm up, still standing in front of the couch. “Come on, Oscar. We’re going to dance. Just like that couple.”

Oscar blinked a couple of times, his face blank with disbelief. “Dance?” he repeated slowly. “But I don’t know how to dance.”

Lando chuckled softly, crouching down in front of Oscar and gently taking his hand. “I know you don’t. Me neither. But that’s the thing, isn’t it?” He looked into Oscar’s eyes, his voice softening. “It’s not about knowing how to dance. It’s just about... doing it. And there’s no one else here. It’s just for us. So, what do you say?”

The younger’s eyes searched Lando’s face for a moment, his lips parted as if he wanted to argue but couldn’t find the words. There was something in Lando’s gaze, an invitation to something simple and genuine, something that didn’t require perfection, just trust. Oscar’s heart raced a little faster, his chest tight with emotion as he slowly realized that Lando wasn’t asking for perfection. He was asking for him.

With a hesitant smile, he finally nodded. “Okay,” he whispered, “but if I embarrass myself—”

The Brit smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You won’t. Just trust me.”

He gently pulled Oscar to his feet, guiding him toward the middle of the room. The music played softly around them, a slow and romantic tune that filled the space between them. Oscar’s feet felt heavy at first, his body stiff and unsure, but Lando didn’t seem to mind. He moved around Oscar with ease, as if he had done this a thousand times, but for Lando, this was all new, too. This was something he wanted to share with Oscar, something that was just for the two of them, something that didn’t need to be perfect to be special.

“Relax,” he said, his voice soft as he gently placed his hands on Oscar’s waist, guiding him. “Let go of everything else. Just focus on me.” 

Oscar, still a little unsure, nodded, trying to shake off the awkwardness that lingered in his muscles. Slowly, he felt himself begin to relax, one hand on his shoulder, the other held by his boyfriend, his steps tentative at first but more assured with each beat of the song. Lando led, stepping slowly, guiding Oscar’s movements with the gentlest touch.

Then, with a playful grin, Lando spun Oscar lightly, making him stumble slightly, but it only made Oscar laugh, soft, surprised, and genuine. The laughter made the whole thing feel less intimidating. Oscar grinned back, his heart swelling with joy at how natural this felt despite how new it was. The warmth from the Christmas lights seemed to settle deep in his chest, and the quiet tenderness between them seemed to wrap around them like a second blanket.

He found himself swaying with Lando, laughing softly, and every step, every movement felt a little less awkward. They were no longer two people fumbling through a dance, but two souls connected. Oscar felt the music in his bones, not because of the rhythm, but because of the way Lando held him. It wasn’t about the dance at all. It was about the two of them being happy together.

As they swirled gently, Lando leaned in close to Oscar, his breath warm against his ear. “See? Not so bad, huh?”

Oscar smiled, his eyes meeting Lando’s. “I have no idea what I’m doing,” he admitted, but there was no embarrassment in his voice. “But this... this feels right.”

Lando’s smile widened, and for a moment, the whole world seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them, in their matching Christmas sweaters, dancing under the soft glow of the tree and the twinkling lights. A warmth settled in Oscar’s chest, not just from the heat of the room, but from the simple joy of sharing something so genuine with the person he loved.

“Exactly,” Lando murmured, his voice full of affection. “Just right.”

Chapter Text

The familiar crackle of gunfire and the pounding of frantic footsteps echoed through Lando’s headphones as he leaned into his screen, brows knit in concentration. Tarkov had its hooks in him again, a familiar escape that had resurfaced after those restless, post-Vegas nights leading up to the final races. But since returning from Abu Dhabi, his world had shifted to holiday mode: Christmas decorations, peaceful moments with Oscar, and much-needed rest. Gaming had taken a backseat.

Tonight, though, while Oscar was out for a night run in the cold air of Monaco, he’d decided to jump back in, craving a little chaos to balance out the calm. Or at least, that was the plan, if only he could stop getting killed every five minutes.

“Mate, again?” Max’s voice boomed through Lando’s headphones, followed by a loud, theatrical sigh. The sound of Max’s laughter rang out, clear and unrestrained, and Lando could see him on stream, throwing his head back and grinning like he’d just uncovered the greatest joke in the world.

“Shut up, Max,” Lando muttered, a mix of exasperation and amusement in his tone. Despite himself, he couldn’t help but laugh. “That guy came out of nowhere! What was I supposed to do? It’s not my fault he was camping in a bush!”

Max leaned closer to his camera, his grin widening as he spoke with mock wisdom. “Bob, you always blame the bush or whatever it is. Ever think it’s not the bush? Maybe, just maybe, it’s you. Y’know, being absolutely terrible at this game?”

The chat on Max’s stream exploded with comments:

“Max laughing at Lando is my serotonin.”

“He really said it’s the bush 💀.”

Lando groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “I hate you. And your chat. Every single one of you.”

“Aw, don’t be so dramatic, mate,” Max replied, his voice dripping with fake sympathy. “It’s just a game. No need to get salty.”

“Oh, sure,” Lando shot back, his grin turning mischievous. “Says the guy who screamed like a banshee when he lost his stash during Qatar. What was it? Five minutes straight of ‘ nooo, not my gear! ’”

Max gasped, clutching his chest in mock offense. “Absolute lies! Slander!”

He kept on complaining about this, but Lando barely heard it as his phone buzzed faintly against the desk. He glanced at the screen, Oscar’s name flashing in a notification, probably letting him know he was back from his run. A small smile tugged at Lando’s lips, the thought of his boyfriend’s return lingering pleasantly in the back of his mind. Still, he shifted his focus back to the game. Not wanting to get Max angry at him for being disturbed again by his beautiful and very interesting boyfriend. 

“Alright, ready up, Max. This time, I’m surviving to the end,” Lando announced, voice tinged with playful determination. His earlier defeats were already forgotten, much to Max’s vocal annoyance.

—

Two games later, and two more embarrassingly early deaths, they were deep in another match. Lando’s character crouched low behind the furniture, trying to listen for footsteps while Max barked frantic orders over the headset.

“Lando, cover the left! I said the left! No, the other left—”

But before Lando could react or even register what Max was shouting about, a soft creak sounded from the door behind him. His focus instantly broke as he glanced over his shoulder.

Standing in the doorway was Oscar, his presence quiet but grounding. Damp strands of hair clung to his forehead, still fresh from the shower he took when he came back from running, and he was already bundled up in his pajamas, a soft, oversized shirt and flannel bottoms. His posture screamed comfort, but it was the familiar look in his eyes, warm and heavy-lidded, that told Lando exactly what mood he was in. Sleepy Oscar.

The sight alone made Lando’s chest tighten with affection. He immediately abandoned his game, pulling his hands off the keyboard and reaching for his mic. “Uh, hang on, I gotta—”

Before he could finish, a burst of gunfire ripped through his headphones, followed by the harsh sound of the death screen.

“Lando! Seriously?!” Max’s frustrated shout echoed in his ears, but Lando barely flinched, cutting his mic without a second thought and taking off his headphones.

He turned his full attention to Oscar, his chair swiveling slightly as he leaned back with an easy grin. “Hey,” he greeted, his voice softer now. “You alright love? Need anything?”

Oscar didn’t answer. Instead, he stepped into the room with determination, his bare feet padding lightly against the floor. His movements were deliberate, and when he finally stopped in front of Lando, there was no mistaking the intent behind his quiet demeanor.

“You good?” Lando repeated, tilting his head as he studied Oscar’s face.

The younger man still didn’t answer, his usual evening quietness amplified. His cheeks still held a faint flush from his run, his movements slow, as if he was already halfway to falling asleep. He didn’t say a word as he stepped into Lando’s space, leaned down, and practically collapsed onto his lap, sitting astride.

“Wow hey there sweetheart,” Lando murmured softly, catching him as Oscar pressed their chests together, his arms wrapping lazily around Lando’s body. His head found its usual resting place in the crook of his neck, and he let out a long, content sigh. He brushed his nose lazily against the soft skin.

“Can I stay here for cuddles?” Oscar whispered, his voice muffled against Lando’s skin. “I’ll be quiet, I promise. I won’t disturb or anything. I just… I just want cuddles.”

Lando’s heart swelled at the request, a warm smile spreading across his face as he wrapped an arm securely around Oscar’s waist. “Of course, you can,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head, caressing his hair with his other hand.

For a moment, he forgot about the game entirely, forgot about Max yelling in his forgotten headset or the chat, probably spamming questions. All that mattered was the peaceful weight of his boyfriend in his arms, the quiet breaths against his neck, and the undeniable feeling of home that Oscar brought with him.

When the Brit put his headphones back on, Max’s exasperated voice crackled again. “Hello?! Lando? Did you rage quit or something? Where the hell are you?!”

He shifted slightly in his chair, careful not to disturb Oscar, who was now nestled so comfortably against him it was as though he had melted into his arms. Still cradling him gently, he reached for his mouse and unmuted his mic.

“Uh, sorry about that,” he said, his voice softer than before. “I got... uh, distracted. But I’m back.”

Max’s laughter came immediately, sharp and loud. “Distracted?! Again!?! Mate, you’re the worst. We’ve been carrying you all night, and then you disappear for a solid five minutes. What was it this time, a snack emergency?”

“Stop being dramatic, I’m here now,” Lando shot back, smirking faintly as he reached for his phone. As expected, Max’s texts were waiting for him in rapid succession:

max :

"Where the hell are you?"

"You can’t just vanish mid-game Bob we talked about this!"

"What’s going on???"

Lando quickly typed back with an amused smile. 

lando :  

“An intruder distracted me. All good now. Let’s just play.”

“I promise I’ll concentrate.”

max :  

“What intruder??”

“Oh wait, nvm, I know exactly who.”

“I do hope he’ll behave this time.”

He could see Max’s smirk on screen.

As the next match loaded, Lando’s demeanor had softened. His voice over the mic was quieter now, more relaxed, and his usual banter with Max and the others was still there but toned down. He could feel Oscar’s steady breathing against him, the comforting rise and fall of his chest grounding him. 

The Aussie had shifted slightly, nestling closer as he peeked at the screen, his cheek resting against Lando’s shoulder. His eyes, still heavy with sleep, were half-lidded but focused enough to follow the chaos unfolding on the game. He stayed quiet, aware of the stream, but his presence spoke volumes. Every so often, he would shift, just a small movement, adjusting to get more comfortable, or Lando would feel the soft, rhythmic warmth of his breath against his neck and the soft caresses of the young man’s fingers on his chest.

Lando couldn’t help but notice every little thing. The way Oscar’s hair tickled his jawline when he moved, the imperceptible hum of contentment that escaped him when he found a position he liked, and the comforting weight of his body pressed against Lando’s. It was grounding, soothing in a way that had nothing to do with the game or the world outside this moment. It should probably be studied, the way that man could make him feel so at ease. 

—

Hours passed in a blur of matches and occasional teasing from Max and from the chat, but as midnight rolled around, the exhaustion started to catch up with everyone. Lando was dying more than earlier if that was even possible and his best friend was completely desperate.

“Alright, that’s it for tonight guys,” Max announced, stretching and yawning loudly into the mic. “Bob is terrible at this but still, we forgive him. I mean, someone had to keep this stream entertaining.”

“Sure, Max,” Lando replied with a quiet laugh, his hand absentmindedly resting on Oscar’s back. “Night, mate.”

“Night, bush camper,” Max shot back, and Lando could see the stream’s chat exploding in laughing emojis as he disconnected.

As the game shut down and the room fell into a comfortable silence, Lando pulled off his headset, setting it gently on the desk. It wasn’t until then that he truly noticed the soft, even breaths against his neck, the warmth radiating from the figure in his arms. Glancing down, he found Oscar completely asleep, his face relaxed, his lashes resting softly against his cheeks. His arms were still loosely draped around Lando, holding on even in sleep, as though he couldn’t quite let go.

Lando’s heart melted at the sight. He brushed a stray curl away from Oscar’s forehead, his fingers lingering for a moment as he tried not to disturb him. The peaceful expression on Oscar’s face was a stark contrast to the chaos of their day, and Lando couldn’t help but marvel at how easily his boyfriend could find comfort in his presence.

Smiling to himself, Lando carefully shifted, reaching for his phone with one hand while keeping Oscar steady against him. He opened the chat with Max, quickly typing out a message.

lando :

“He fell asleep on me. You’re lucky I didn’t completely ditch the stream earlier.”

max :  

“Tell him I said he owes me for stealing my gaming buddy. Night to you both mate.”

Lando chuckled softly, the sound barely audible in the quiet room. He was careful not to wake the sleeping Australian curled against him, his soft breaths steady and warm against Lando’s neck. Oscar murmured something incoherent, the words lost to sleep but endearing nonetheless, as he nuzzled closer, seeking out more of Lando’s warmth.

Lando’s chest swelled with affection, and he couldn’t resist leaning down to press a feather-light kiss to the top of Oscar’s head. “Guess you really do make everything better,” he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath.

Shaking his head fondly, he adjusted his hold, wrapping one arm securely under Oscar’s legs and the other around his back. With careful movements, Lando stood, cradling Oscar’s smaller frame against him. The Australian stirred slightly, mumbling something unintelligible, but he didn’t wake. Instead, his head tucked further into the crook of Lando’s neck, his trust in Lando so complete that it made the Brit’s heart ache in the best way.

“Alright, sleepyhead,” Lando murmured, a soft smile playing on his lips as he carried him down the hallway to their bedroom. The apartment was quiet save for the faint hum of the heating and the distant glow of the Christmas lights reflecting off the walls. It felt warm, cozy, home.

Gently, Lando lowered Oscar onto the bed, his movements slow and deliberate as if afraid a single misstep would shatter the peaceful moment. He tucked the blanket up around Oscar’s shoulders, smoothing it out before brushing a hand through Oscar’s hair. Oscar murmured again, a faint smile tugging at his lips even in sleep.

Lando lingered for a moment, just watching him, the peaceful rise and fall of his chest, the way his lips parted ever so slightly as he slept. With a quiet sigh, Lando slipped out of the room to quickly change into something more comfortable.

When he returned, he slid under the covers beside Oscar, careful not to disturb him. As soon as he settled, Oscar instinctively shifted, his body seeking Lando out like a magnet. He draped an arm over Lando’s chest, burying his face into his shoulder with a contented sigh.

Lando’s heart swelled again, and he couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at his lips. Wrapping an arm around Oscar’s waist, he pressed another kiss to his forehead. “Good night, Oz. I love you,” he whispered, his voice soft and full of warmth.

Oscar mumbled something against his chest, unintelligible but clearly happy, and Lando chuckled softly, his own eyes fluttering closed. In the quiet of their little world, surrounded by warmth and love, Lando drifted off, holding Oscar close.

Chapter Text

A soft knock on the door echoed through the cozy apartment, pulling Oscar’s attention away from the tray he was arranging on the kitchen counter. He wiped his hands on a dish towel and glanced toward the hallway. His boyfriend was somewhere in the bedroom, presumably doing whatever Lando did when left unsupervised. “Baby, they’re here!” he called, setting the towel aside and heading toward the living room.

From the bedroom, Lando’s voice floated out, accompanied by the sound of a drawer slamming. “What? Already?” he exclaimed, his tone halfway between surprise and mild panic.

“Well yes, it’s 7pm,” Oscar turned the corner and stopped in his tracks when he saw Lando’s curly head pop out of the bedroom door frame. His boyfriend was shirtless, clearly mid-outfit change. “Why are you still undressed?” He asked, exasperated but amused. He gestured dramatically toward the door as he added while Lando’s head got back inside the bedroom, “Get a shirt on, young man. We do not want to traumatize our guests!” He rolled his eyes playfully at his antics before finally opening the door revealing Max and Charles, the latter leaning casually on the doorway with a smile. 

“Oh come on, as if it never happened to me to walk into their apartment and find them in ways I want to erase from my memory.” Lando shouted from the bedroom. 

Charles looked up, his expression instantly lighting with a grin. “Lando, you said you’d never mention that again!” he shouted toward the bedroom, his voice laced with mock indignation. Then, turning back to Oscar, he smiled warmly and added in a much gentler tone, “Bonsoir, chéri! How are you?” The Monegasque entered the apartment like it belonged to him and kissed Oscar on both cheeks, making the younger man chuckle. 

“I’m great thank you,” he replied with a smile, closing the door behind them. “And you guys? How are the holidays?”

“Don’t get him started, he only came back from Maranello last night,” replied Max with a wry smile, shrugging off his coat. 

“Yeah yeah that, but now? Now it’s time to finally relax,” Charles added. “But honestly, Lando, when you invite guests over, shouldn’t you be the one opening the door?”

“I’m coming!” Lando’s voice rang out from the bedroom. 

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed, followed by a dull thud and a string of muffled curses. Oscar, already stifling a laugh, glanced at Max and Charles, who exchanged knowing looks. Moments later, the door opened to reveal Lando wearing a nice casual shirt and comfortable black pants, his curls neatly styled. “Love, can you remind me to get that stupid nightstand out of our bedroom?” he said, seriously, before his eyes landed on their guests. “Hi, Max! Hi, Charles! Always really nice to see you guys,” he added with a bright grin, mostly sarcastic though.

Oscar’s cheeks flushed at the mention of “their” bedroom. His heart always skipped a bit every time his boyfriend mentioned his place as theirs. 

Charles, however, had clearly decided to make himself at home. “This place is so cozy,” he said cheerfully, his eyes darting to the Christmas lights strung across the room and the tray of food on the counter. “Très festif. You’ve done well, Oscar.”

The Aussie smiled, the heat in his cheeks now more from amusement than embarrassment. “How do you know it was me?”

“Easy, Lando never decorates for Christmas,” Max said with a soft smile when he saw the way Oscar looked genuinely pleased. “Charles did the same thing to our apartment.”

Charles smirked, nudging his boyfriend lightly. “You love it, you jerk. So, what’s the plan? Drinks first or straight to dinner?”

Before Oscar could answer, Lando jumped in with his usual flair. “Plan is,” he began dramatically, “we sit down in front of a game of Mario Kart to enjoy the magnificent aperitif that my amazing boyfriend has so carefully prepared—” He gestured toward the tray of snacks on the counter, a mix of crackers, cheese, and neatly arranged charcuterie. “—and then we order pizzas. Simple, classy, perfection.”

Charles stared at Lando, his expression falling into mock defeat as if his hopes had been shattered. “Wait. No home-cooked meal? You disappoint me Norris.”

Lando burst into laughter at the dramatic pout on the Monegasque’s face. “What? You thought I was going to cook?” He raised an eyebrow, feigning shock. “Charles, do you want me to burn down the apartment?”

Oscar snorted, shaking his head as he grabbed the tray and began carrying it toward the coffee table. “Yeah, one time he tried, the smoke alarm went off, and I banned him from the kitchen.”

Max smirked, looking entirely unsurprised. “Smart move. You might’ve saved lives.”

“Hey!” Lando protested, his voice a mix of indignation and laughter. “That’s slander. It wasn’t that bad. And I cooked you a great meal the other day!”

“Yes, that’s right,” Oscar gave him a pointed look, setting the tray down and folding his arms. “But still, you set water on fire, Lando.”

Charles burst out laughing so hard he had to lean against Max for support, tears forming at the corners of his eyes. “Water? How is that even possible?”

Lando waved them off, though his cheeks flushed pink. “Okay, that’s enough slander for one night. Mario Kart. Now. Before I kick you all out.”

“I’d like to see you try,” Max deadpanned, already heading toward the couch.

Charles followed, still chuckling under his breath as he gave Lando a playful pat on the back. “Don’t worry, mate. We’ll try not to judge you too much. For now.”

“Uh-huh,” Lando muttered, plopping down on the floor in front of the coffee table and grabbing a controller. “Oscar, back me up here. They’re bullying me.”

Oscar only smiled as he sat beside Lando, passing out drinks and snacks. “I don’t know. They might have a point.”

—

The game was already chaotic by the time everyone had settled into their spots. Lando and Max were fiercely competitive, their hands gripping the controllers tightly as they jostled for first place. Charles sat cross-legged on the couch, pretty calmed even though he’d been hit by more shells than he cared to admit. Oscar, the quiet man, had steadily crept up the rankings and was now gleefully overtaking Charles for the second time that round.  

“Seriously?” Charles groaned, watching his kart spin out from another banana peel. He shot Oscar a mock glare. “I thought we were friends!”  

Oscar gave a small, innocent shrug, though the mischievous glint in his eyes was unmistakable. “Guess you underestimated me.”  

“That’s my boy!” Lando cheered, sweetly nudging Oscar with his elbow while keeping his eyes locked on the screen. 

“Focus, Lando,” Max said, smirking as his kart zoomed past the finish line just milliseconds ahead of Lando’s. “Because I just won. Again.”  

Lando groaned dramatically, throwing his controller onto the couch. “I call it sabotage. That was rigged.”  

“Oh, sure,” Max replied dryly, leaning back and crossing his arms. “Keep telling yourself that, mate.”  

Charles pointed his controller at Max like it was a weapon. “Don’t get too comfortable up there, Verstappen. Next round, you’re going down.”  

The seriousness in the Monegasque’s voice made Max laugh, the sound a mixture of amusement and fondness. “Sure, whatever you say, liefje,” he teased, leaning back in his seat.

Before the competition could escalate, Oscar glanced at the clock and stood. “Should we order the pizzas now? I’m starving,” he asked, rubbing his stomach dramatically for effect.

“Yes, food,” Charles said, immediately perking up. “Let’s do that before I pass out from hunger.”  

“Okay, who wants what?” The Aussie said, holding his phone and already typing his order. 

“You choose for me love,” Lando replied, taking away things from their earlier appetizing. 

While he went to the kitchen, Max and Charles were deep in discussion about their own preferences. Charles, ever the Italian team enthusiast, started making an argument about the only proper way to enjoy a pizza, citing his experiences in Maranello.

—

As they waited for the delivery, Lando nudged Max toward the balcony with a grin, putting on a warm hoodie. “C’mon, mate. Fresh air before you embarrass yourself in the next round.”  

Max rolled his eyes but followed, taking his coat and stepping out onto the balcony. The chilly evening air greeted them, a stark contrast to the warmth of the apartment. The city sparkled below, the glow of Christmas lights adding a festive charm to the view.  

Lando leaned against the railing, his breath forming faint clouds in the cold air. Max stood beside him, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets.  

“Alright,” his friend said, tilting his head slightly as he leaned against the railing, his sharp eyes fixed on Lando. “What’s on your mind? You didn’t drag me out here just to admire the view.”

The cool night breeze ruffled Lando’s curls as he stood a few steps away, his hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie. He smirked faintly but didn’t answer right away, his gaze drifting over the glittering cityscape below. Monaco looked stunning at night, the lights reflecting off the water in a way that could almost distract him from the nervous energy building in his chest. Almost.

“I, uh… I wanted to talk to you about something,” he finally admitted, his voice quieter than usual, almost hesitant.

Max raised an eyebrow, his curiosity immediately piqued. “Go on,” he urged, crossing his arms as he waited.

The Brit shifted his weight from one foot to the other, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his hoodie. “It’s stupid, really,” he muttered, letting out a soft, self-conscious laugh.

His favorite rival snorted, shaking his head. “If it was stupid, you wouldn’t have brought me out here. Come on, spit it out.”

Lando hesitated for a moment longer, then let out a breath, bracing himself. “I’m thinking about giving Oscar a key to the apartment for Christmas,” he blurted out, the words tumbling over each other like he was afraid they’d get stuck if he slowed down.

Max blinked, caught off guard for a split second. Then a slow, knowing smile spread across his face. “Wow,” he said, dragging the word out. “That’s… big.”

“Yeah,” Lando muttered, scratching the back of his neck as his cheeks turned pink. “I mean, it feels right, you know? He’s already here most of the time. Half his stuff is in my closet, and I can’t even remember the last time I didn’t wake up with him next to me.”

The Dutchman chuckled, leaning his elbows on the balcony railing. “Sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. So, what’s stopping you?”

Lando shrugged, his gaze dropping to the floor as he tried to organize his thoughts. “I don’t know. It’s not like I think he’d say no or anything. I just…” He paused, letting out a frustrated sigh. “I guess I’m nervous about what it means. Like, I don’t want him to feel pressured. The key isn’t me asking him to move in or anything. It’s just… I want him to know this place can be his too, if he wants it to be. No strings, no expectations—just something that feels right for where we are.”

Max tilted his head, studying Lando with an expression that was equal parts amused and sympathetic. “You’re overthinking this, mate,” he said plainly, though his tone was warm.

“I know,” Lando groaned, dragging a hand through his hair. “But it’s a big step, isn’t it? Like, what if it freaks him out? What if it feels like I’m rushing things?”

Max’s gaze softened, and he reached out to clap Lando on the shoulder. “Lando, listen to yourself. You’re literally worried about offering him something he already has. Oscar practically lives here, doesn’t he?”

“Well, yeah, but—”

The blond studied him for a moment, his expression softening. “It means you’re serious about him. And from where I’m standing, it looks like he feels the same way about you.”  

Lando glanced back toward the living room, where Oscar was laughing at something Charles had said, his face lit up with happiness. A small smile tugged at Lando’s lips. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “He does.”  

Max followed his gaze, his own expression softening as he watched the scene inside. “So, what’s the problem?” he asked after a moment. “You know he loves you, and you love him. A key’s not going to scare him off. If anything, he’ll probably be thrilled.”

The curly haired man turned back to Max, his smirk returning but tinged with genuine gratitude. “You think so?”

“I know so,” Max replied firmly. “And for what it’s worth, I think it’s a great idea. Just do it, mate. He’ll love it.”

Lando nodded slowly, the nervousness in his chest giving way to something lighter, something that felt a lot like hope. “Yeah,” he said, more confidently this time. “You’re right. I’ll do it.”

—

While Lando and Max were out on the balcony, the living room was filled with soft laughter and the sound of Charles rifling through the bag he had brought with him. Oscar, sitting cross-legged on the couch with a glass of soda in hand, tilted his head in curiosity.

What are you doing?” Oscar asked, his voice light but tinged with genuine intrigue.

Charles straightened up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he produced a small, neatly wrapped box. The paper shimmered faintly under the soft light, tied with a thin ribbon that looked almost too perfect to unravel. He crossed the room with his characteristic confidence and held the package out toward Oscar.

“This is for you,” Charles announced, his tone casual yet warm. “An early Christmas gift.”

Oscar blinked in surprise, his grip on the glass tightening slightly. “For me?” he asked, his brows furrowing as he glanced between Charles and the box. “But it’s not Christmas yet. And I… I don’t have anything for you.”

The older man waved off the protest with an effortless flick of his hand, his expression as relaxed as ever. “That doesn’t matter,” he said, his grin never faltering. “You’re spending Christmas with your family, and I won’t see you before the new year. So I thought, why wait? Go on—open it.” He thrust the box closer, his insistence tinged with affection. “And don’t worry about getting me anything. I wanted to give you something. That’s all.”

Oscar hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on Charles’ earnest expression. The gesture caught him off guard—unexpected but undeniably thoughtful. Setting his glass down on the coffee table with care, he reached for the package. His fingers worked cautiously, peeling back the delicate paper with precision, as though the act of unwrapping itself deserved reverence.

Beneath the wrapping lay a sleek, handcrafted leather notebook. The rich, dark cover gleamed softly under the light, and as Oscar tilted it, the initials OP embossed in gold caught the glow, standing out against the smooth texture of the leather.

“Charles…” Oscar’s voice was barely above a whisper as he traced the embossed letters with his fingertips. His touch lingered, reverent, as if the notebook were a treasure too precious to handle carelessly. “This is amazing. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Charles replied, his grin softening into a genuine smile as he dropped onto the couch beside Oscar. He leaned back, one arm draped casually over the cushion, his other hand gesturing toward the notebook. “I thought you could use it. For your thoughts, maybe. Or to jot things down during race weekends. Something personal, just for you.”

The Aussie nodded slowly, his eyes still on the notebook as he turned it over in his hands. The scent of the fresh leather wafted faintly upward, grounding him in the moment. “It’s perfect,” he murmured, a small, genuine smile breaking across his face. “Really. I’ll use it all the time.”

Charles leaned back further, his body language exuding quiet satisfaction. “Good,” he said simply, his voice carrying the weight of sincerity. “I’m glad you like it.”

For a while, they sat in companionable silence. Charles glanced toward the balcony now and then, his expression unreadable but calm, before turning back to Oscar. His gaze softened, his lips curling into a smile that spoke of curiosity, humor, and perhaps just a hint of mischief.

“So…” Charles began, breaking the quiet with the same easy confidence he always carried. He shifted slightly, settling into the couch as though preparing for a long conversation. “What are you planning to give Lando for Christmas?”

Oscar, who had been absentmindedly running his fingers along the edge of the notebook froze mid-motion. His gaze dropped to the floor, and a faint flush crept up his cheeks.

“Ah, it’s… I don’t know if it’s a good idea,” he admitted after a moment, his voice quieter than usual.

Charles’ interest was immediately piqued. He tilted his head, eyebrows raised in curiosity. “Oh? That sounds interesting already. Come on, tell me. I promise I won’t laugh.”

The younger man hesitated, biting the inside of his cheek as he fidgeted with the sleeve of his sweater. He finally took a deep breath, gathering his courage. “So, for Christmas, I was thinking of getting Lando… a puppy.”

For a split second, Charles just blinked at him, processing the words. Then his eyes widened dramatically, and he made an exaggerated “O” with his mouth. “A puppy?” he repeated, his tone brimming with excitement. “That’s amazing! Why are you hesitating? Lando loves dogs. He talks about it all the time.”

Oscar’s lips twitched into a faint smile at the enthusiasm, but the worry in his eyes didn’t disappear. “I know he does,” he admitted. “He’s always talking about wanting one, and how he’s never had the time because of racing, traveling, everything. And now… I’m here. But…” He trailed off, fidgeting again.

“But what?” Charles prompted gently, leaning forward, clearly invested in the conversation now.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t want it to feel like I’m… invading his space, you know? A dog is a huge commitment, and it’s his apartment. What if it’s too much? What if he thinks I’m pushing him into something he’s not ready for? Like adopting a dog… with me.” His voice dropped even lower at the end, as if saying it aloud made the possibility all the more real.

Charles frowned, his expression thoughtful as he mulled over Oscar’s concerns. He tapped a finger against his chin before speaking. “Oscar, you’ve been practically living here, haven’t you?”

Oscar hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. “Yeah… I guess. I mean, most of my stuff is here now, and he’s the one who keeps telling me to bring more over. But still…”

“But nothing,” Charles interrupted firmly. “He calls this your bedroom too, right? Not just his? You’ve made this space your home together, even if it’s unofficial. I think he’d see it as a gesture of love, not as you crossing some line.”

Oscar bit his lip, clearly still wrestling with his nerves. “I don’t know. It’s just… such a big step. What if I’m overstepping?”

The Monegasque’s face broke into a wide grin as he clapped his hands together, startling Oscar slightly. “Non, non, non! This is perfect! A dog isn’t just a gift, it’s like starting another chapter together. Lando will adore it, I promise you. And if you’re worried about race weekends, you can leave the puppy with my maman. She already looks after Leo when I’m traveling. She’d love to have another furry friend around.”

Oscar blinked, surprised by the suggestion. “Wait, really? You think your mom would be okay with that?”

“Are you kidding?” Charles said with a laugh. “She loves dogs more than she loves me sometimes. And my sweet Leo gets lonely when I’m not home. The cats—Jimmy, Sassy, and Donatello—they don’t care about him, poor thing. A little friend would be good for him.”

Oscar chuckled softly at the mental image of Leo playing with a new puppy. It was almost enough to make him forget his nerves. “That’s… actually a really good idea,” he admitted, his voice brighter now. “Thanks, Charles.”

Charles leaned back with a smug grin. “See? Problem solved. Now, tell me, what kind of puppy are you thinking of?”

Oscar relaxed a little more, his shoulders loosening as he started to talk. “Well, Lando’s mentioned loving golden retrievers, but they’re way too big for the apartment, so I was thinking maybe something smaller. Like… a King Charles spaniel? He always says they’re cute when he sees one.”

Charles let out a loud laugh, his head tipping back as he clapped his hands together again. “A King Charles?” he repeated, his grin widening. “Très bien! They’re adorable, and perfectly suitable for an apartment. Lando is going to lose his mind when he sees it. You’re going to make his Christmas unforgettable, Oscar. We can go to the shelter if you want!”

“Yes, that would be great. Thank you.” The Aussie’s smile grew, the weight of doubt lifting slightly from his shoulders. “I hope so. I just want him to be happy.”

Charles reached over, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “He already is,” he said firmly. “Trust me on this.”

Oscar glanced at the clock as his phone buzzed on the table. The notification from the delivery app lit up the screen: Your pizzas have arrived. He stood up, brushing his hands on his jeans. “I’ll go grab the pizzas,” he said, shooting Charles a quick smile.  

“Need any help?” Charles offered, starting to rise.  

“Nah, I got it,” Oscar replied. “You stay and relax. Maybe think of more arguments for why a King Charles would survive Leo’s energy.”  

Charles laughed, leaning back into the couch. “Leo has infinite energy. You’ll need a miracle, not arguments.”  

The Australian chuckled as he headed to the door. After a moment, the familiar sound of Lando and Max’s voices floated in from the balcony, the two reentering the apartment mid-conversation.  

“I’m just saying,” Lando was insisting, “that you can’t just shove pineapple on a pizza and call it a topping. It’s—”  

Max interrupted him, rolling his eyes. “You’re wrong, and you’ll never convince me otherwise. Pineapple belongs on pizza.”  

Oscar walked back in, balancing the stack of pizza boxes in his hands. “Pineapple debate again?” he asked, his amused tone drawing both their gazes.  

“Always,” Max deadpanned.  

“Pineapple is a crime against pizza,” Lando declared firmly, stepping forward to help Oscar set the boxes down on the coffee table. He glanced at his boyfriend and tilted his head. “What’s Charles been bothering you about while I was gone?”  

“Who says I was bothering him?” Charles protested, holding up his hands in mock innocence. “And for instance, for once, I do agree with Lando about that horrendous thing you call toping”

Oscar laughed, sidestepping the real topic of their earlier conversation. “He gave me something, actually.”  

“Oh?” Lando’s brows rose as he looked between them.  

“Here, I’ll show you.” Oscar reached for the box Charles had given him earlier, carefully opening it and holding up the notebook for Lando to see.  

“Wow, that’s nice,” Lando said, genuinely impressed. He picked it up to admire the embossed initials. “Very classy. You’ve outdone yourself, Charles.”  

“Of course,” Charles said with a grin, crossing one leg over the other as if the compliment were a foregone conclusion. “Oscar deserves only the best.”  

“Looks like I have some competition,” Lando joked, handing the notebook back to Oscar.  

Oscar smiled, tucking it safely back into the box. “It’s perfect, really. Thanks again, Charles.”  

“Anytime,” Charles replied warmly.  

Max, meanwhile, had already claimed one of the pizza boxes and was opening it, the rich aroma of melted cheese and garlic filling the room. “Alright, enough talking. Let’s eat before these get cold.”  

“Agreed,” Lando said, grabbing plates from the kitchen and passing them around.  

The four of them settled in on the couches, the coffee table crowded with boxes and drinks. Oscar curled up next to Lando, who immediately draped an arm over his shoulders as he balanced his plate on his lap.  

“So,” Charles said through a mouthful of pizza, “what’s the plan for the rest of the evening? More Mario Kart? Or shall we introduce Max to the horrors of Just Dance?”  

Max shot him a withering look, but the corners of his mouth twitched upward. “I’m not dancing.”  

“You say that now,” Lando quipped, grinning. “But wait until the pizza kicks in.”  

Chapter Text

The quiet hum of the world waking up outside barely registered in Lando’s ears as he stirred, his face nestled against Oscar’s shoulder. His boyfriend’s steady breaths were the only sound in the room, a soothing rhythm that Lando usually found grounding. But this morning, something felt different, off-kilter, as if the weight of the air had shifted.  

Lando’s eyes fluttered open, his lashes catching the faint glow of dawn, and he blinked a few times to focus. Oscar was still fast asleep beside him, his arm draped loosely over Lando’s waist, their legs tangled beneath the sheets. The Australian’s face was relaxed, almost boyish in the soft light, his lips parted slightly as he breathed. Lando stared for a moment, taking in the sight of him, the peaceful rise and fall of his chest, the faint tousle of his hair.  

It should’ve been enough to make him smile, but instead, a dull ache settled in Lando’s chest, heavy and insistent.  

He exhaled quietly, careful not to stir Oscar, and tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling. The ache wasn’t sharp or overwhelming; it was the kind of sadness that lingered at the edges, quiet but pervasive, like a child clutching the hem of your shirt, refusing to let go. He couldn’t pinpoint its origin, couldn’t unravel why it clung to him so stubbornly. He only knew that it was there, unwelcome and stubborn, clouding what should’ve been another perfect morning.  

He shifted slightly, trying to adjust his position without disturbing Oscar, but the movement made the other man’s arm tighten instinctively around him, pulling him closer in his sleep. Lando froze, his lips twitching into a faint, bittersweet smile. As much as he wanted to stay in the cocoon of Oscar’s warmth, letting the steady comfort of his presence soothe him, he couldn’t. Not like this, not when his thoughts felt too loud, too messy, too much.  

Carefully, he untangled himself, his movements slow and deliberate. The bed creaked softly as he slipped out, the cool morning air a sharp contrast to the warmth they’d shared under the blankets. He hesitated, glancing back to check if he’d woken Oscar, but the other man remained still, undisturbed, his breathing as even as before.  

Lando’s bare feet touched the floor, cool against his skin, as he straightened and grabbed the hoodie draped over the chair nearby. Pulling it on, he tugged the sleeves down over his hands and shoved them into the front pocket, seeking comfort in the oversized fabric. He padded quietly out of the bedroom, his steps soft, as if the very weight of his mood demanded silence.  

The apartment was quiet, the kind of stillness that comes before the world fully wakes. The soft hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen and the faint rustle of the wind outside were the only sounds that accompanied him as he made his way to the living room.  

He sat on the couch, curling up against the armrest with his knees drawn to his chest. Christmas was only a few days away, and with it came their separation for a few days. Lando would be flying home to his family, back to his parents and siblings in the cozy familiarity of their home. Oscar would be doing the same, returning to Australia to spend the holidays with his own family. It was the plan, and it made sense, they’d both agreed to it without hesitation. Their relationship was still a secret. They still hadn’t talked about it to their families and they were fine like this for now. So going home separately for Christmas definitely wasn’t a big deal. Was it? 

Lando loved his family. He genuinely did. He missed them and looked forward to seeing them every year, to the traditions they’d built together. He wanted to go home, to be surrounded by that love and warmth.  

So why did the thought of not being with Oscar clouded his mind like this?  

He rubbed his face with his hands, exhaling a long, quiet sigh. It wasn’t as if this was the first time they’d spent time apart, definitely not. During weeks off, they both spent time with their respectives friends and families and it never was a big deal for Lando. But this felt different. This was Christmas, a time when Lando wanted nothing more than to be with his family AND be with his lover. Instead, they’d be thousands of miles apart, in different timelines and pretending that they’re just friends to the people they cared about most.  

He dropped his head against his knees, staring blankly at the floor. He hated feeling like this, so conflicted, so childish. It wasn’t like him to dwell on something he couldn’t change and something he was okay with in the first place. And it wasn’t like this was a bad thing. Spending Christmas with their families was good. It was right. So why did he feel like a kid being forced to part with his favorite toy? Why did the idea of waking up Christmas morning without Oscar feel like such a hollow prospect when it was weeks of preparation for this?  

The faint creak of the bedroom door broke the stillness of the apartment, drawing Lando’s attention. His head turned instinctively toward the sound, his heart giving a little jump as Oscar’s tousled head peeked around the doorframe. His hair was sticking up in odd directions, his eyes heavy-lidded with sleep, and he wore one of Lando’s oversized T-shirts that hung loose on his thighs, only slightly revealing his underwear.  

“You’re up already?” Oscar’s voice was soft, husky from sleep, and he rubbed at his eyes. “It’s way too early. What are you doing out here?”  

Lando quickly dropped his gaze back to the Christmas tree, trying to mask his expression. He pulled the sleeves of his hoodie farther over his hands, sinking deeper into the couch as he shrugged. “Just… couldn’t sleep.”  

Oscar frowned, padding into the living room with slow, shuffling steps. The chill of the wooden floor clearly got to him because he quickly tucked his feet up under himself when he sat down on the couch beside Lando. He tilted his head, studying him through half-lidded eyes.  

“Couldn’t sleep? Or wouldn’t sleep?” he asked, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. He leaned closer, nudging Lando’s arm with his shoulder. “Did you have a bad dream or something?”  

“No, nothing like that,” Lando replied, a little too quickly. He straightened up slightly, uncurling to appear more relaxed. “Just… I don’t know. Restless, I guess.”  

His boyfriend narrowed his eyes, unconvinced. “Right. Restless,” he echoed, drawing out the word like he was testing its weight. Then, without warning, he flopped down sideways on the couch, sprawling across Lando’s lap with a dramatic sigh.  

“What are you doing?” Lando asked, startled, his voice a touch higher than normal.  

Oscar smirked up at him, one arm hooking around Lando’s waist as he settled in, the other grabbing the blanket and covering them both. “Well, if you don’t want to come back to bed,” he said, his tone light and teasing, “then I’m just gonna bring the bed to you.” He nestled closer, pressing his face against Lando’s stomach.  

“Seriously, Oscar…” Lando huffed, trying to sound annoyed, but his voice betrayed him with a softness he couldn’t quite hide.  

“Shh,” Oscar murmured, tightening his grip around Lando like a human koala. “It’s too early for you to be brooding out here by yourself. Let me sleep on you for a bit. It’s cozy.”  

Lando didn’t argue. He couldn’t, not when Oscar was like this, warm and endearing in a way that made it impossible to resist him. Instead, he let out a small, defeated sigh, one hand instinctively resting on Oscar’s back while the other brushed through his messy hair.  

“You’re ridiculous,” Lando muttered under his breath, though there was no bite to his words.  

Oscar hummed in response, already half-asleep again, his breaths slowing as he melted into Lando’s touch. For a while, the room was quiet again, save for the faint ticking of the wall clock and the occasional shift of Oscar’s legs as he got more comfortable.  

An hour later, Lando’s hand stilled in Oscar’s hair, his thoughts drifting back to the ache in his chest. He tried to push it down, to bury it beneath the warmth of the moment, but it clung to him stubbornly. He didn’t want to disturb Oscar, not when he was so content, but his heart felt heavy. 

It wasn’t long before Oscar stirred again, his head lifting slightly to peer up at Lando. His brown eyes, still bleary with sleep, softened as they studied him. “You okay?”  

Lando froze, his gaze darting away as he tried to paste on a convincing smile. “Yeah. I’m fine.”  

Oscar raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “You’re a terrible liar,” he said flatly, sitting up just enough to rest his chin on Lando’s shoulder. “What’s going on?”  

“Nothing,” Lando insisted, but his voice cracked slightly, betraying him.  

—

The rest of the morning passed in a haze of quiet moments and failed attempts to hide his mood. Lando tried to act normal, tried to push down the sadness but it didn’t take long for Oscar to notice the cracks in his façade, right after lunch.  

“Why are you pouting?” Oscar asked at one point, his tone light but curious as they stood in the kitchen, loading the dishwasher.  

“I’m not pouting,” Lando replied, turning away to hide his expression as he busied himself with the counter.  

“You’re definitely pouting,” Oscar countered, stepping closer and peering over his shoulder. “You’ve been weird all morning, sad weird. Clingy, too.”  

“I’m not clingy,” Lando said defensively, though his voice lacked conviction.  

Oscar didn’t say anything. Instead, he reached out and wrapped his arms around Lando’s waist from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder. “You can tell me, you know. Whatever’s bothering you.”  

Lando hesitated, his hands stilling on the counter. He wanted to tell him, but the words felt tangled in his throat, caught somewhere between his heart and his head. Instead, he leaned back into Oscar’s embrace, closing his eyes as he let himself sink into the comfort of it. The quiet between them wasn’t tense, but it wasn’t easy either. It hung in the air like a fragile thread, stretched thin but not yet broken.  

“You don’t have to keep it to yourself,” Oscar murmured eventually, his voice low and gentle. 

Lando stiffened slightly. “There’s nothing to talk about,” he said, his tone sharper than he intended. “I’m fine. Just… drop it, okay?”  

The words were clipped, sharp, carrying a faint edge of irritation, and Oscar immediately pulled back a little, his arms falling away from Lando’s waist.  

“Okay,” he said softly, his tone even but tinged with surprise. 

Lando squeezed his eyes shut, guilt flooding him the moment the words left his mouth. He hadn’t meant to snap. Oscar didn’t deserve that, not when all he was trying to do was help, not when it wasn’t even that important. Lando turned around quickly, his hands reaching out to grasp Oscar’s arms.  

“Sorry,” he said, his voice cracking slightly as he looked up at Oscar with wide, apologetic eyes. “I didn’t mean to— It’s not you, I promise. I just…” He faltered, struggling to find the words, his throat tightening.  

Oscar watched him for a moment, his expression softening as he took in the way Lando’s shoulders hunched and his hands trembled ever so slightly. Without hesitation, he reached up to cup Lando’s face, his thumbs brushing gently over his cheeks.  

“Hey,” he said softly, his eyes steady and kind. “It’s okay. I’m not mad. Just talk to me, yeah? Whatever it is.”  

The Brit swallowed hard, blinking rapidly as he tried to keep the tears welling in his eyes from spilling over. His chest felt tight, like the words were clawing their way up but refusing to come out. 

“I don’t even know why it’s bothering me so much,” he admitted finally, his voice trembling. He looked down, his gaze fixed on the space between them as his hands fell to his sides. “It’s stupid. I know it’s stupid.”  

Oscar frowned, his hands still resting on Lando’s face. “If it’s upsetting you, then it’s not stupid. Stop telling yourself that.”  

He laughed weakly, the sound hollow and bitter as he shook his head. “It is, though. It’s ridiculous. I don’t even know why I’m…” He trailed off, taking a shaky breath as the first tear slipped down his cheek.  

The Aussie caught it with his thumb, his brow furrowing deeper. “Why you’re what?” he prompted gently.  

Lando hesitated, his hands fidgeting at his sides before he finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “Why I’m so upset about us spending Christmas apart.”  

Oscar blinked, clearly not expecting that answer. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze searching Lando’s face as if trying to piece together the full picture.  

“You’re sad about Christmas?” he asked, his tone soft and careful.  

Lando nodded, his hands curling into fists at his sides as the tears came faster now. “I know it’s not a big deal. We’re just going to our families, and it’s normal, it was planned and all. But I just… I don’t want to wake up without you. I feel like such a child for feeling this way.”  

His voice cracked on the last word, and he quickly raised a hand to swipe at his eyes, but it was no use. The tears kept coming, spilling over faster than he could wipe them away.  

The Aussie’s heart ached at the sight, and he immediately pulled Lando into a tight hug, one hand cradling the back of his head while the other rubbed soothing circles on his back. “You’re not a child,” he said firmly, his voice steady and reassuring. “You’re human. And you love me. That’s not ridiculous, Lando.”  

Lando buried his face in Oscar’s shoulder, his fingers clutching the fabric of Oscar’s hoodie as he let out a shuddering breath. “But it feels so dumb,” he mumbled. “I love going home for Christmas. I love my family. You love your family and you also love going back home for the holidays. Like, it's normal and I was fine with it! This shouldn’t be bothering me this much.”  

Oscar shook his head, resting his chin on top of Lando’s as he held him close. “It’s bothering you because it matters to you. And that’s okay. It’s okay to feel sad about it.”  

The older man didn’t respond immediately. Oscar didn’t push, just held him tighter, letting his presence do the comforting. After a while, Lando’s grip on him loosened slightly, and he pulled back just enough to look up at Oscar, his eyes a bit red and glassy.  

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t mean to snap at you earlier.”  

Oscar smiled softly, brushing a stray tear from Lando’s cheek. “I know. And I already forgave you, so stop apologizing.” He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Lando’s forehead before pulling back again. “You don’t have to hide stuff from me, you know. I’m not going to think less of you for feeling things. Mostly things I feel too.”  

Lando nodded, sniffling as a small, grateful smile broke through the sadness. “You do?,” he murmured, his voice still shaky but steadier than before.  

“Yes, I’ll miss you too. It’s going to feel weird not being with you on that special day,” Oscar said, his voice soft but certain. “I know we’re going to be apart for a few days only, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to miss you. You know that, right?”

Lando sniffled, wiping his eyes quickly, but he still couldn’t quite meet Oscar’s gaze. “I know,” he muttered, his voice full of self-doubt. “It’s just... it’s stupid to be sad about something that’s already planned. Like, it’s normal. We’ve both got our families, and we’ll be fine. But... I can’t help it.” He let out a frustrated sigh. “I’m sorry for messing up our day.”

The Australian chuckled, his smile gentle but amused. “You’re not messing anything up, Lando. You’re allowed to feel however you feel. Just because it’s something planned, just because it’s normal, doesn’t make it any less hard. I get it. I do.” He squeezed Lando’s shoulders. “I’ll miss you. But we’ve still got time. We’ve still got today and tomorrow. We will call, and we will text and all. Yes, it won't be like usual but... don’t go thinking I’m going anywhere.” 

Lando nodded, looking a little more reassured, but still unsure, as if the sadness was still sitting heavy on his chest. He shifted on the couch, pulling his knees up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. “Yeah, I guess. I just... it’s not like I won’t get to see you at all. It’s just... I don’t know. I feel like a little kid, honestly.”

Oscar reached for Lando’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Hey,” he said, lowering his voice in a mock-serious tone. “No more ‘little kid’ talk, alright? You’re allowed to feel whatever you need to. But you don’t get to call yourself childish. I won’t stand for it.” He grinned, poking Lando in the ribs lightly. “You’ve still got a few days to be in the same place as me, so let’s make the most of it, yeah?”

Lando couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, the tension easing from his shoulders. “You’re right. We’ve got until Friday night. I'll be alright.”

Oscar leaned in, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Exactly. And I’m not going to let you mope around while we’ve still got all this time. We’ll do everything we planned. We're still giving our gifts tomorrow.”

With a soft smile, the Brit toyed absentmindedly with the hem of his hoodie. The sadness from earlier had lifted just enough for his natural curiosity to sneak in, and he turned toward Oscar with a sly look.

“So, about the gifts…” Lando started, his voice light but loaded with intention.

Oscar didn’t miss a beat, his lips twitching into a knowing smirk. “What about it?”

“Well…” Lando drew the word out, tilting his head as he spoke. “I was just thinking, you know, that if you told me a little something about what you got me, it might make me feel better.” He fluttered his eyelashes dramatically for effect. “Don’t you want me to feel better?”

Oscar chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. “Nice try, Norris. But you’re not getting anything out of me.”

“Aw, come on,” Lando pressed, leaning in slightly as if to coax the secret out of him. “Just a hint. One tiny little hint. It’s for my emotional well-being!”

The younger snorted, his smirk widening as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Your emotional well-being, huh? That’s what we’re calling it now?”

“Exactly,” Lando said, nodding earnestly. “I’ve had a rough morning, in case you didn’t notice. This could really turn things around for me.” He paused, letting his lips curl into a hopeful grin. “Just one hint. I won’t ask for anything else, I swear.”

Oscar raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Oh, sure. That’s what they all say, and then suddenly you’re asking twenty follow-up questions.”

Lando gasped, feigning outrage. “I would never! I’m offended you think so little of me.”

“Uh-huh,” Oscar deadpanned, but the amused glint in his eyes betrayed him.

Lando huffed, leaning back against the couch and crossing his arms in mock indignation. “Fine, fine. Be like that. But for the record, I’m not going to tell you anything about my gift for you. Not even if you beg.”

Oscar laughed outright at that, the sound soft but genuine. “Oh, I am not usually the one begging. I can wait.”

The calm confidence in his voice only made Lando more determined. He sat up straighter, narrowing his eyes in a playful challenge. “Hey! If you weren't teasing me in bed I wouldn't be begging! Are you sure you don't want to know?”

“Nope,” Oscar replied easily, popping the ‘p’ for emphasis. “I like surprises.”

Lando groaned dramatically, throwing his head back against the couch. “You are no fun.”

Oscar poked him in the side again, grinning. “And yet here you are, laughing instead of moping. Looks like Oscar: two, anxiety: zero.”

The curly haired man couldn’t help but laugh at that, his earlier pout dissolving into a grin. “Alright, I’ll give you that one. But seriously, no hints at all? Not even like... what size it is? Or what color?”

The Aussie shook his head firmly, his expression smug. “Nope. You’ll just have to wait until tomorrow.”

“Not even if I guess?” Lando tried, his grin turning mischievous. “Because I’ve got some pretty good ideas.”

Oscar raised an eyebrow, intrigued but still resolute. “Oh, really? Let’s hear them, then.”

“Well…” Lando started, tapping his chin as if in deep thought. “It could be, like, a new hoodie. You know how much I love hoodies.”

Oscar gave him a flat look. “No, not a hoodie.”

He frowned, pretending to consider this. “Okay, fine. Maybe it’s something smaller. Like... a watch?”

Oscar laughed again, shaking his head. “Do I look like I’d buy you a watch?”

“Why not?” Lando said, pretending to be offended. “You don’t think I deserve a fancy watch?”

“Lando, you already own plenty of watches,” Oscar replied, grinning. “I’m not wasting my money on that.”

Lando gasped again, this time more theatrically. “Rude!”

His boyfriend rolled his eyes fondly, leaning back against the couch. “Keep guessing if you want, but you’re not getting anything out of me.”

Lando let out a defeated sigh, but his grin hadn’t faded. “You’re so stubborn, you know that?”

“You say that a lot,” Oscar shot back, nudging him with his elbow. 

The Brit shook his head, a small laugh escaping despite himself. “And you’re annoying.”

“And yet, here you are,” Oscar teased. “Wait, wait,” he said then, a slow grin spreading across his face. “Rewind. What did you say about me teasing you in bed?”

Lando’s cheeks flushed just a little, but he didn’t back down. He looked Oscar straight in the eyes, his arms folding over his chest as if he were daring Oscar to press further. “What? Isn’t it true?”

Oscar’s grin grew wider, the playfulness in his eyes turning a little more intense. He took a slow step forward, closing the gap between them, his presence suddenly a little more overwhelming. “Oh, I think you need to be more specific. Teasing you in bed, huh? What exactly did I do?”

Lando’s breath hitched for a moment as Oscar's proximity made everything feel a little more charged. He could feel his pulse quicken, and though his mind was urging him to stay cool, his body was giving him away. He shrugged, trying to act nonchalant, but there was an undeniable edge to his voice. “You know, the usual... teasing. Playing with me. Making me beg for you. You always know how to press all the rights buttons. It is unfair.”

The Aussie let out a low chuckle, his fingers brushing lightly against Lando’s arm as he leaned in a little closer, their faces mere inches apart now. “Oh, is that what you think I do? You think I make you beg, Norris?”

Lando swallowed, his throat dry, and for a brief moment, he felt his body betraying him, heart pounding and chest tightening. “Well, you do tease,” he replied, his voice quieter now, less confident than before. “And then I always say please.”

Oscar cocked his head slightly, eyes narrowing in playful contemplation. “Hmm… and you don’t mind, do you?” He stepped even closer, their bodies almost touching, his warm breath brushing over Lando’s lips as he spoke. “You enjoy it baby.”

The older man could feel his breath quicken, his pulse racing as the distance between them closed. He swallowed again, but his voice came out shaky. “Maybe. Doesn’t mean I can’t complain about it.”

Oscar's grin turned mischievous. He placed a hand on the counter behind Lando, effectively trapping him in place with no way to back away, his face inches from Lando’s now. “You complain, but you don’t stop me, do you?” Oscar’s fingers traced lightly down Lando’s arm, sending a shiver through him. “You like it when I make you beg. You like it when I take control.”

Lando’s breath caught, his mind a blur as he tried to maintain his usual confident demeanor. “Maybe I like it,” he murmured.

Oscar raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of amusement flashing in his eyes as he took a step back, allowing a little space between them. “I do know this,” His voice was smooth, almost a whisper, as if he were savoring the moment. “So what is it, then? You want more?”

Lando’s lips parted, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths, but no words came out for a moment. He opened his mouth, closed it, not quite sure what to say, what to do with the sudden surge of emotions and desire swirling inside him. Instead, he let his hands fall to Oscar’s waist, pulling him back in close, unable to resist any longer.

Oscar’s eyes darkened with amusement and something else, something more intense, as he let himself be pulled in. His breath mingled with Lando’s, the tension between them palpable. He leaned in once more, just enough to whisper, “You want me to stop teasing, or you want me to take it further, Lando?”

The Brit’s pulse raced, every nerve in his body alight, and yet he couldn’t bring himself to answer immediately. He needed to, though. He had to say something, anything, but his mind was clouded with everything Oscar made him feel. Instead of answering, he leaned forward and kissed Oscar, a deep, urgent kiss, as if all his unspoken words were wrapped up in it.

Oscar responded eagerly, kissing him back with a soft growl of approval, and just as Lando pulled back, breathless, he whispered, “I can’t stop teasing you. You’re just too easy to mess with.”

Lando smirked, a breathless laugh escaping him. “Maybe I like it when you mess with me.”

The younger man's grin widened, and with a final teasing touch to Lando’s chin, he pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes, the atmosphere thick with unspoken promises. “Oh, I know you do.”

Lando leaned in again, their lips brushing lightly before he whispered against Oscar’s mouth, “Then make me beg again.”

Oscar chuckled softly, his fingers trailing up Lando’s jaw, his touch light and tender, yet charged with something far more heated. With a playful glint in his eyes, he gripped Lando’s waist, lifting him effortlessly and setting him down on the counter. He positioned himself between Lando’s legs, his breath warm against his neck. Lando’s head tilted back as Oscar began trailing soft kisses along his collarbone, his hands gently roaming over Lando’s chest.

The Brit let out a low moan, his eyes fluttering shut, lost in the sensation of Oscar’s touch. “This… this is definitely a good way to make the most of these few days,” he murmured, his voice thick with desire.

Oscar’s hands worked deftly at the waistband of Lando's sweatpants, his voice a low murmur as he asked, “Lift your hips for me, baby.”  

With a breathy moan, Lando obeyed, shifting to help his boyfriend tug the sweatpants and underwear free. The cool surface of the counter pressed against his skin, sending a shiver down his spine.  

“What should I do to you, hmm?” Oscar teased, his voice dripping with playful intent.  

“Anything you want,” Lando panted, his voice shaky. “Please, just do something.”  

Oscar smirked, his confidence palpable. “That didn’t take long. You’re so easy to work up.”  

Lando shot him a sharp look, though his breathing betrayed him. “Not fair. You’ve been pushing my buttons all night, you knew exactly what you were doing before you even started.”

The Aussie leaned closer, his breath warm against Lando’s neck as he let his fingers trail teasingly over Lando’s hips. “Tell me, baby,” he murmured, his tone equal parts command and seduction. “Do you want my hand… or my mouth?”  

Lando shivered, the deliberate pace of Oscar’s question making his head spin. “I—I don’t care,” he stammered, his voice breathless. “Just… please.”  

Oscar chuckled softly, the sound vibrating against Lando’s skin. “That’s not an answer,” he teased, his lips brushing over the shell of Lando’s ear. “I want to hear you say it.”  

A groan replied, Lando tilted his head back as frustration and desire warred within him. “Your mouth,” he finally managed, his voice barely above a whisper. “I want your mouth.”  

The other man grinned, pressing a lingering kiss to Lando’s jaw. “Good choice,” he murmured, his tone laced with promise. His grin deepened as he gently guided Lando back, his hands firm but careful as he coaxed him to lie flat against the cool counter. 

“Relax for me,” Oscar murmured, his voice smooth and soothing as he traced his palms down Lando’s sides. His touch was light, deliberate, igniting a trail of heat wherever his fingers wandered.  

Lando swallowed hard, his eyes fluttering shut as he felt Oscar’s lips pressing slow, teasing kisses to his hip bones. The sensation made his entire body tense, his breath coming in quick, shallow bursts. Oscar let his mouth travel lower, his lips ghosting over the sensitive skin. Then, with a deliberate slowness that had Lando practically trembling, Oscar finally wrapped his lips around him.  

A sharp gasp escaped Lando, his back arching slightly off the counter. Oscar’s mouth moved with a practiced rhythm, his every action precise, focused, and maddeningly thorough.  

The Brit’s hands flew to the edge of the counter, gripping it tightly as he struggled to ground himself, overwhelmed by the waves of pleasure Oscar was drawing from him. “O-Oscar,” he choked out, his voice shaky, the sound somewhere between a plea and a moan.  

Oscar paused for just a moment, looking up with a smug glint in his eyes. “You taste even better when you’re begging,” he murmured, his voice rough with desire, before diving back in with renewed intensity. 

His pace quickened, his mouth working expertly over Lando’s length, drawing out a low, guttural moan from his boyfriend. Lando’s hands scrambled for purchase, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the edge of the counter, trying to anchor himself against the overwhelming pleasure.  

Each flick of Oscar’s tongue, each pull of his lips, sent Lando’s body into overdrive. His hips bucked involuntarily, his breath catching in his throat as he writhed under the onslaught. “O-Oh God, Oscar,” he gasped, his voice breaking. “I— I can’t…”  

Oscar hummed around him, the vibration sending shockwaves through Lando’s body. The sound was smug, almost daring, as if he knew exactly how far he was pushing him and loved every second of it. Lando squirmed, his legs trembling as he fought to stay still, though the effort was futile against the heat pooling low in his stomach.  

“Too much?” Oscar asked briefly, pulling away just enough to meet Lando’s half-lidded gaze, his lips wet and glistening. His tone was teasing, his expression almost innocent despite the wicked intent in his eyes.  

His boyfriend shook his head quickly, panting. “N-no, don’t stop. Please, don’t stop.”  

Oscar smirked, his hands sliding to grip Lando’s thighs, holding him firmly in place. “Good,” he murmured, before lowering his mouth again, this time taking him even deeper.  

Lando let out a broken cry. The Aussie’s movements became relentless, his mouth working him with a focused rhythm that had him teetering on the brink. Each pull, each flick of his tongue sent Lando spiraling further, his breaths turning into shallow gasps, his body trembling under Oscar’s touch.  

His fingers dug into the edge of the counter, his knuckles white as waves of pleasure crashed over him. “Oscar, I—” he stammered, his voice breaking, a mixture of desperation and warning.  

Oscar didn’t stop, didn’t slow. Instead, he glanced up through his lashes, his hands tightening on Lando’s thighs to keep him steady as he hollowed his cheeks, drawing a ragged moan from his boyfriend. Pulling back just enough to speak, his voice came low and rough. “Let go, baby. Come for me. I want to taste you.”  

The words tipped Lando over the edge, his body arching as he gave in. A sharp cry tore from his lips as his release hit, his hands flying to Oscar’s hair in a futile attempt to ground himself through the intensity.  

The Australian didn’t falter, taking everything Lando gave, his mouth and tongue working him through it. He swallowed with ease, his grip firm as he held Lando steady, his every movement deliberate, coaxing every last ounce of pleasure from him.  

When Lando finally stilled, his breaths coming in heaving gasps, Oscar pulled back with a satisfied smirk, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “You’re perfect,” he murmured, leaning up to press a soft kiss to Lando’s quivering stomach.

The Brit’s chest heaved as he slowly came down from his orgasm, his body still trembling, the remnants of pleasure coursing through him in waves. His breath was shallow, his skin hot. He let his eyes flutter open, still dazed, meeting Oscar’s gaze with a mixture of satisfaction and disbelief. 

Oscar’s hands were gentle as he pressed a kiss to Lando’s hip, his lips lingering just long enough to remind him of the lingering heat between them. “Lift your hips for me,” Oscar whispered, his voice tender, coaxing.  

Lando, still a bit breathless, obeyed without thinking, lifting his hips off the counter as Oscar slid his hands beneath him with practiced ease. The moment felt surreal, everything slowing down as the effects of pleasure ebbed away, leaving behind a soft buzz in his body. Oscar carefully pulled Lando’s pants and underwear back up, the fabric slipping over his skin in a delicate motion that made Lando’s heart race for a different reason now, satisfaction, not just lust.

He let himself settle back into place, the cool counter now feeling like a distant memory compared to the fire still lingering inside him. Oscar adjusted the waistband of his pants, making sure everything was in place. He took a moment to look down at Lando, his eyes softening, the earlier intensity replaced by a quiet tenderness.  

“How are you feeling?” Oscar asked, his tone light, but the concern behind it was evident. His fingers brushed over Lando’s arm, a touch that was gentle and grounding, offering something to steady him.  

Lando let out a shaky breath, straightening up, still floating in the afterglow, his body buzzing with the remnants of sensation. He couldn’t help the lazy smile that tugged at his lips, a warmth spreading through him from the inside out. “I—” He paused, his words coming slower now as he tried to piece together the hazy, euphoric feeling. “I feel amazing.”  

Oscar chuckled softly, his hand brushing through Lando’s hair. “That’s good, right?” he teased, but his eyes were soft, a hint of affection in the way he looked at Lando.  

The curly haired man nodded, wrapping his arms around Oscar’s neck. “Yeah,” he breathed out, his voice thick with the lingering pleasure. “It’s just… I don’t know how I’m supposed to even think after that.”  

Oscar smirked, running his thumb over Lando’s jawline. “That actually was the plan. I don’t think you need to worry about thinking too hard right now.”  

Lando let out a low, contented hum, a dreamy look in his eyes. But then, as his mind started to catch up with reality, a sudden realization hit him, and he chuckled, albeit a little weakly. “You… really did that here.”  

The Aussie raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “What, in the kitchen?”  

Lando’s laugh was light, but there was a genuine hint of disbelief in his voice. “In the kitchen, yes. On the counter.” He shook his head slowly, still processing the boldness of it. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at this counter the same way again.”  

Oscar grinned, the mischievous glint never fully leaving his eyes. “That’s the point.” He leaned down to press another soft kiss to Lando’s lips, his hands still lingering on his body, ensuring he was comfortable. “Something to make it memorable, right?”  

Lando smirked despite himself, his mind still clouded by the overwhelming pleasure, but he couldn’t help the soft laughter that bubbled up. “Yeah, you definitely made it memorable. Bold move, though.”  

Oscar chuckled, his thumb brushing along Lando’s cheek. “I like making things unforgettable.”  

The Brit sighed contentedly, his chest still rising and falling with deep breaths as he relaxed into the moment, his body slowly grounding back to earth. The dull feeling of the morning long forgotten with the safe reassurances from his boyfriend and his wonderful mouth.

Chapter Text

After a slow, intimate morning filled with lazy kisses and cuddles beneath the sheets, Oscar felt a gentle pull of time. He knew he needed to make the most of their quiet moments together, as he’d have to leave Lando alone later that afternoon to get his Christmas gift. It felt like a risky move, offering him with the puppy now, knowing they’d both soon have to head home to their families. But Oscar was confident it would be fine. After a few more lingering kisses and a leisurely lunch, Oscar finally tore himself away from Lando’s arms, promising he’d be back soon. Lando, always attentive, made sure to emphasize how important it was for Oscar to return quickly so they could exchange their gifts. He couldn’t wait for Oscar to see what he had picked out, and his excitement was contagious.

On the road to the shelter Charles had recommended, Oscar tried to calm his nerves. The Monegasque had insisted on joining him, claiming his "extensive expertise" when it came to anything dog-related. As they drove through the streets, Charles filled the air with his usual chatter, mostly recounting stories of his own golden retriever, Leo. The way Charles spoke about Leo, his words full of affection and fondness, made Oscar smile despite the busy thoughts in his mind.

“You know,” Charles began, “a dog isn’t just a gift. It’s a companion, a little piece of unconditional love. You’re not just giving Lando a puppy, you’re giving him family.”  

Oscar’s fingers fiddled absently with the steering wheel. “I know,” he said quietly, though his voice betrayed a touch of uncertainty. “That’s what makes it so… big, I guess. I just want to be sure it’s the right decision. For him. For us.”  

Charles spared him a brief glance, a knowing smile playing at his lips. “Trust me. This is the right decision. Lando’s going to love it. And if he doesn’t, well…” He smirked. “You can always give the puppy to me. Leo wouldn’t mind a little brother or sister.”  

That earned a small chuckle from Oscar, easing some of the tension in his chest. “Not so sure Max would be happy with that though.” He replied with a smile.

They arrived at the shelter just outside of Monaco, a modest but well-maintained facility surrounded by a stretch of green space where volunteers were already walking dogs. The sound of barking greeted them as they stepped out of the car, mingling with the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Oscar hesitated for a moment, taking in the sight of the shelter, before Charles clapped him on the shoulder.  

“Come on,” Charles urged, his enthusiasm infectious. “Let’s find Lando’s bestie.”  

Inside, the air was warm, carrying the faint scent of cleaning products and the unmistakable presence of dogs. A cheerful woman behind the counter greeted them, her face lighting up when Charles greeted the woman.  

“Welcome, welcome! It’s nice to see you both, what can I do for you?” she asked with a welcoming smile.  

“My friend,” Charles said, gesturing to his Oscar. “He’s the one looking for a puppy today. He’s thinking about a King Charles Spaniel puppy to be exact.”  

Oscar gave a polite nod, feeling slightly awkward under the attention. The woman didn’t seem to notice his discomfort and instead motioned for them to follow her.  

“Well, you’ve come to the right place. We have a few young dogs that might be exactly what you’re looking for,” she said as they walked down a corridor lined with kennels.  

The Australian heart thudded in his chest as they walked past rows of kennels, each one housing a hopeful face. Some dogs barked, their tails wagging furiously, while others sat quietly, their gazes steady but cautious. Each pair of eyes held a story, and each wag of a tail was a plea for connection.  

They stopped in front of a kennel where a small King Charles spaniel stood at the gate, its silky chestnut-and-white coat gleaming even under the dim lighting. The puppy, maybe six months old, bounded to the front, letting out a joyful bark, its fluffy ears bouncing with every movement. Its tail wagged so fast it blurred, a blur of excitement and energy.  

“This little guy is Toby,” the woman said warmly, crouching to the dog’s level. “He’s a bundle of joy, playful, affectionate, and full of life. He’s been with us for a week, and he’s already won everyone over. A perfect match for an active family or someone looking for a lively companion.”  

Oscar crouched down to the spaniel’s level, extending his hand through the bars. Immediately, Toby began licking his fingers enthusiastically, his tiny body wriggling with uncontained delight. A soft laugh escaped Oscar as he felt the puppy’s warmth and eagerness.  

“He’s adorable,” Oscar murmured, glancing up at Charles with a smile.  

Charles, leaning casually against the kennel with his arms crossed, grinned. “Lando would love him,” he said.  

Oscar chuckled softly, but his hesitation was palpable as he glanced at the spaniel one last time. Toby was undeniably charming, with his playful energy and wide-eyed enthusiasm, but something about him didn’t quite click with what Oscar was looking for. He knew Lando, perhaps better than anyone, and while the world saw him as a ball of hyperactive energy, Oscar understood the quieter, more reflective side of his boyfriend, the side that craved comfort and calm, not just endless activity. And as lively and adorable as Toby was, Oscar couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t the puppy meant for Lando. It just didn’t feel right.

Just as he was about to respond, a soft whine drew his attention. Oscar turned his head, his eyes landing on a kennel a few spaces down. The sound was faint, almost timid, but it pulled at something deep within him.  

Inside the kennel, nestled toward the back, was a tiny puppy, smaller than Toby and not more than four months old. Her fur was a striking mix of white and black, the patches blending together in a pattern that looked almost painted. She wasn’t bouncing or barking like the others; instead, she lay curled up in a corner, her wide, dark eyes peeking out cautiously.  

“What about her?” Oscar asked, rising to his feet and stepping toward the other kennel.  

The woman followed his gaze, her expression softening. “That’s Luna,” she said gently. “She was brought in a few weeks ago. Rescued from the street, poor thing. She’s very shy and still adjusting, but she’s got a sweetness to her that just melts your heart. She’s… well, a bit of a mystery, quiet, but there’s something about her.”  

The Aussie crouched down again, moving deliberately to avoid startling the tiny dog. “Hey, Luna,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.  

Luna’s ears twitched at the sound, and her gaze darted toward him. She didn’t move at first, her small frame trembling slightly, but there was a spark of curiosity in her eyes. Oscar extended his hand, palm up, and stayed perfectly still, letting her come to him if she wanted.  

After a long moment, Luna shifted. Her small, delicate paws moved hesitantly, carrying her closer in tiny increments. She stopped just short of his hand, her nose twitching as she sniffed the air. Finally, she inched forward and pressed her nose against his fingers.  

Oscar’s breath caught in his chest at the gentle, tentative touch. “Hi there,” he murmured, his lips curving into a soft smile.  

To his surprise, and the woman’s, Luna’s tail gave the tiniest wag. The motion was cautious at first, but as she sniffed his hand again, her body seemed to relax. The wagging grew bolder, her tail swishing back and forth. Then, in an unexpected burst of energy, she jumped up, her tiny paws pressing against the bars as she let out a small, excited bark.  

The woman blinked, a mix of surprise and delight crossing her face. “Well, that’s surprising,” she said, laughing softly. “That’s the first time I’ve seen her do that. She’s been so reserved since she got here.”  

Charles crouched beside Oscar, watching the interaction with a grin. “She’s got Lando written all over her,” he said. “Shy but once she’s comfortable, she’s unstoppable.”  

Oscar nodded, his heart swelling as Luna wiggled against the bars, her small body full of newfound excitement. “She’s perfect,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.  

Luna tilted her head at his words, her eyes shining with trust as if she understood. For Oscar, the decision had already been made. He knelt at the kennel door as the woman unlocked it, her gentle movements matching the tender atmosphere. Luna’s tiny form quivered with excitement, her earlier shyness giving way to a cautious trust. When the door swung open, she hesitated for only a second before darting forward and nuzzling against Oscar’s hand.  

“Come here, sweetheart,” Oscar murmured, his voice warm and soothing. He carefully scooped the puppy into his arms, cradling her against his chest as though she were the most precious thing in the world. Luna squirmed briefly, her little legs kicking with excitement, before settling into his embrace.  

As Oscar held her, Luna tilted her head up, her nose brushing against his chin. Then, without warning, her tiny pink tongue darted out, licking his cheek in a burst of affection. Oscar laughed, a genuine, unrestrained sound that softened the tension he hadn’t realized he’d been carrying.  

“She likes you,” Charles said, his voice teasing but kind as he leaned against the kennel gate.  

Oscar smiled down at the puppy, gently stroking the soft fur along her back. Luna’s tail wagged furiously, her whole body vibrating with happiness. “You’re going to have such a good life, Luna,” Oscar whispered to her, his words full of quiet conviction. “Lando’s going to adore you. He’ll make sure you’re always safe and happy. I promise.”  

The woman from the shelter returned with a small, brightly colored bow in her hand. “Every special girl needs a little something to mark the occasion,” she said with a smile, carefully tying the bow around Luna’s neck. The pink ribbon rested lightly against the puppy’s soft fur, making her look even more endearing.  

“She’s officially a princess,” Charles commented, grinning as he leaned closer to inspect the bow. “Fits her, don’t you think?”  

Oscar nodded, unable to stop smiling as Luna leaned her head against his chest. “Yeah. She’s perfect.”  

The woman stepped away briefly and returned with a small bag of supplies. “Here’s some food to get you started, and this is her favorite toy,” she said, handing over a well-loved plush fox. Its fabric was worn, but it was clear it had been cherished.  

He took the toy with one hand, holding it up for Luna to see. The puppy’s ears perked up immediately, and she lunged toward it with an excited yip, her tiny teeth playfully tugging at the plush. “You like this, huh?” he asked, chuckling as she clung to the toy.  

“She’s been inseparable from that fox since she got here,” the woman explained. “It’s her comfort item, so make sure she keeps it nearby, especially while she’s adjusting to her new home. The surprise is that she is already trained for her needs so she won’t be peeing everywhere. She is a smart girl. And she’s medically up to date.”  

Oscar cradled Luna closer, his heart swelling as the puppy relaxed in his arms, still chewing contentedly on the toy. “She’s going to be so spoiled,” he said softly, more to himself than anyone else.  

Charles straightened up, brushing his hands on his jeans. “Speaking of spoiled,” he said, his tone light but purposeful, “we need to hit a pet store. She’s going to need toys, a bed, a leash, bowls… all the works. Lando’s going to have to clear some space in the apartment.”  

Oscar laughed, glancing at Charles with a knowing smile. “You’re right. She deserves the best.”  

The Monegasque gave a mock sigh, crossing his arms with a playful smirk. “Good thing you have me. You’d end up buying half the store otherwise.”  

Oscar grinned, looking back at Luna, who was now snuggled against him with her eyes starting to droop. “You’re projecting Charles,” he said, his voice softening as he pressed a gentle kiss to the top of the puppy’s head. “But I think she’s worth it.”  

Luna let out a tiny contented sigh, her small body relaxing completely in Oscar’s arms. 

—

When Oscar stepped into the apartment, the cool evening air followed him in, but his focus was entirely on the small, neatly wrapped box cradled in his hands. The delicate paper shimmered slightly under the lights, and he could already feel the anticipation rising within him. He called out softly, his voice warm and playful, “Baby? I’m here.”

The familiar sound of footsteps quickly echoed in the hallway, and before long, Lando appeared in the doorway, his expression lighting up as soon as he saw Oscar. “Finally! I was getting worried!” Lando said, his voice laced with relief. He rushed forward, cupping Oscar’s cheek for a quick kiss, his lips lingering for just a second too long, as if savoring the moment. “What’s in the box?”

Oscar smiled, a quiet chuckle escaping his lips as he leaned in for a kiss. “Your gift,” he whispered, brushing his lips gently against Lando’s before pulling back with a soft smile. “But, please, go sit down first. It’s fragile.”

“Fragile?” Lando’s brows shot up in mock horror. “Oh my god, what did you do?” he asked, laughing nervously. He glanced down at the box, his excitement barely contained. “Hang on, I’ll take your gift too, just so we can make this easier.”

Before Oscar could even react, Lando dashed off toward the bedroom. He returned seconds later, moving with a bounce in his step that betrayed just how excited he was. Without missing a beat, he plopped down on the couch, his eyes wide with eagerness as he motioned impatiently. “Come on, give it to me!!!”

Oscar couldn’t suppress a laugh at the sight of Lando’s childlike excitement, his boyfriend practically vibrating with impatience. Walking over to him, Oscar lowered himself onto the couch beside Lando, carefully placing the box on his lap. “Careful, baby,” Oscar warned softly, his voice tender. “I really hope you’ll like it.”

Lando’s fingers hovered over the box for a moment, his curiosity piqued, but his excitement clearly getting the better of him. He looked up at Oscar, eyes gleaming with anticipation. “You’re killing me, Oscar,” he said, his tone full of playful exasperation. “What is it?”

Oscar’s smile softened as he watched Lando, the sight of him so genuinely excited making his heart swell. “Just open it, love,” Oscar said gently, his voice full of affection. “I really think you’ll love it.”

The Brit’s hands trembled slightly as they hovered over the box, the excitement and curiosity almost overwhelming him. His fingers brushed the lid of the box, and with a swift, delicate motion, he lifted it. For a moment, everything seemed to pause. Oscar watched him intently, his heart racing in his chest as he saw the exact moment Lando’s expression changed.

Inside the box, nestled in a soft bed of tissue paper, was a tiny King Charles puppy with a bright pink bow, her big brown eyes wide with innocence and fright, her tiny body quivering ever so slightly as she looked up at the Brit. Lando froze, his breath catching in his throat. His eyes widened, scanning the little puppy’s face, and then they flickered back to Oscar, a look of disbelief crossing his features. 

She blinked up at him, her small body trembling just a little more now, her tail wagging tentatively. Her gaze was full of trust, as though she knew she had found the right person. She let out a small whimper, but it wasn’t a scared sound, more like a tentative greeting. Lando’s mouth opened, but no sound came out at first. His entire body seemed to still, his face flushed with emotion as his heart seemed to stop and then race all at once.

Oscar watched, his chest tightening with affection as he saw the silent wonder in Lando’s eyes, the way he just stared at the little puppy, utterly speechless. Then, ever so slowly, the corners of Lando’s mouth lifted into the softest, most tender smile Oscar had ever seen. He felt his own heart swell, his breath catching in his throat as Lando’s eyes began to glisten, the first signs of tears welling up.

"Is... Is she... for me?" Lando asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he was afraid to believe it. His hands, shaking with emotion, reached down slowly to cradle the puppy, lifting her out of the box as though she were the most fragile thing in the world. His fingers brushed against her soft fur, and his eyes never left the little pup, still trying to process the overwhelming joy flooding through him.

Oscar nodded, his voice thick with emotion. "Yes, Lando. This is Luna, she’s 4 months old, a clean and smart girl and she’s yours." He paused for a moment, letting the words settle in the air between them. 

Lando's breath hitched at Oscar’s words, and before he could stop it, tears began to fall, one by one, rolling down his cheeks. He wiped at them quickly, almost embarrassed, but the tears kept coming. He didn’t even try to stop them anymore; they just spilled freely as he looked down at the puppy in his arms. She was warm, soft, and so small, yet so full of life. Her little tail wagged cautiously, and Lando’s whole body seemed to sag with a mixture of overwhelming emotion and joy.

“I— I can’t believe this,” Lando murmured, his voice cracking slightly. “She’s... she’s real. She’s here. For me…” He looked at Oscar, his expression a mixture of joy and disbelief. “You... you did this?”

Oscar’s heart nearly burst at the sight of Lando like this, overcome with joy, his voice soft and full of wonder. "I did," Oscar said quietly, nodding. "I know how much you’ve wanted this, how much you’ve talked about having a dog. She’s all yours."

Lando blinked rapidly, trying to regain his composure, but the tears didn’t stop. He cradled Luna closer, pulling her gently to his chest, his arms wrapping around her as if trying to protect her, as though she might disappear if he didn’t hold her tight enough. The puppy nestled against him, her little head resting against his chest, trusting him completely.

The Aussie couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. He reached out, gently brushing a hand against Lando’s cheek, wiping away the stray tears. "I’m so happy you love her," Oscar whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Lando shook his head, still overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the surprise. "Love her? Oscar, I... I don’t even have words. She’s perfect. She’s everything I never knew I needed.” His voice broke, and he had to stop for a moment, his chest heaving with the force of his emotions. "I don’t deserve this… I don’t deserve you. You… You got us a baby dog."

Oscar’s eyes widened at the word, his breath catching as he looked at Lando. “Us?” he repeated softly, his voice almost trembling, unsure if he’d heard correctly.

Lando sniffled, his smile breaking through his tears. “Yeah, us.” He glanced down at Luna, still nestled against him, her tiny body rising and falling with her soft breaths. “She’s not just mine, Oscar. She’s ours. She’s our baby. I mean, look at her, how could she not be? This little family you just gave me… it’s ours.”

Oscar’s heart swelled, the weight of Lando’s words settling over him like a warm blanket. He hadn’t expected Lando to say that—hadn’t dared to hope for it. He’d wanted to give Lando something special, something that would bring him happiness, but this? This was beyond anything he’d imagined.

“Lando…” Oscar whispered, his voice breaking. “You really mean that? I don’t want you to feel pressured about it, it doesn’t have to mean anything like this. I just wanted to make you happy, I wasn’t expecting anything, I don’t want you to think that I was imposing her to be my dog too.”

Lando’s laughter broke through his tears, soft and full of disbelief. He looked up at Oscar with eyes that shimmered with emotion, shaking his head as though he couldn’t fathom the words he was hearing.  

“You’re such an idiot, you know that?” he said, his voice thick but tinged with affection. “Why would you ever think that? Why would you think I wouldn’t want this to mean something? That I wouldn’t want her to be ours?”  

Oscar blinked, his lips parting in a mix of surprise and emotion. “I just… I didn’t want to assume. I didn’t want you to feel like—”  

“Shut up,” Lando cut him off, the corners of his mouth tugging upward despite the tears on his face. “Just… shut up for a second, okay?” He reached out, grabbing Oscar’s hand and holding it tightly. “You didn’t impose anything. You gave me the most amazing gift anyone’s ever given me. You gave us her.” He glanced down at Luna, who let out a tiny yawn as she snuggled into his lap, and then back up at Oscar. “And this year, you gave me us.”  

Oscar’s breath hitched, his grip tightening around Lando’s hand.  

“And speaking of gifts that should not pressure us…” Lando said, his tone suddenly shifting to something lighter, a flicker of mischief in his teary smile. He released Oscar’s hand for a moment and reached to the side, pulling a tiny box from where he’d tucked it into the couch cushion earlier. He turned back to Oscar, his grin widening as he held it out. “Your turn.”  

The Aussie stared at the box, confusion and curiosity flickering across his face. “What’s this?” he asked, his voice soft.  

Lando wiggled the box teasingly, his smile growing. “You’ll see. Open it.”  

He hesitated, his hands trembling slightly as he took the box. It was small, almost unassuming, wrapped simply in matte silver paper with a neat bow on top. He glanced up at Lando, and Luna, who was watching him with an eager, almost childlike excitement, before carefully undoing the ribbon and lifting the lid.  

Inside, nestled on a soft cushion, was a single key.  

Oscar froze, his breath catching as he stared at it. He blinked, his mind racing to piece together what it meant, but the realization hit him like a tidal wave. His eyes shot up to meet Lando’s, wide and filled with disbelief. “Is this—?”  

The Brit nodded, biting his lip to keep his grin from splitting his face entirely. “It’s the key to my place. To our place… if you want it to be.”  

Oscar’s mouth fell open, his fingers brushing over the key as if it might vanish if he touched it too firmly. “Lando…”  

“I know it might seem like a lot,” Lando rushed to say, his voice faltering for just a moment. “And I thought about waiting. I thought maybe I’d be pushing things, maybe it’d feel like too much too soon. But then…” He looked down at Luna, who let out a contented little sigh in his lap. “Then I realized that nothing about us has ever felt wrong. Not once. And this? This feels right. It doesn’t have to mean ‘move in with me’ if you don't want it to, it can just mean that this place is yours too and you can do whatever you want here.”  

Oscar’s hand flew to his mouth, his shoulders shaking as tears spilled freely down his cheeks. He tried to speak, to say something, but no words came out, only a quiet, overwhelmed laugh.  

The older man reached out, brushing a thumb over Oscar’s cheek to catch one of the tears. “You don’t have to say anything, you know,” he murmured. “I just… I wanted you to know how sure I am. About you. About us. About everything. I love waking up next to you, I love how you have a space in my closet. I love how I always call this place ours even though it isn’t official. For me it feels right, it doesn’t have to feel right for you.”  

“Here already feels like home for me,” Oscar let out a shaky breath, finally managing to find his voice. “You’re an idiot,” he whispered, his laugh breaking through his tears.  

Lando grinned, his own tears still falling as he leaned closer. “Guess that makes two of us, then. Two crying idiots in love”  

The Australian launched forward, throwing his arms around Lando and pulling him into a tight embrace, careful of the little pup. Lando wrapped an arm around him, holding him just as tightly, while the other hand cradled Luna to keep her safe.  

“Merry early Christmas, my love,” Lando whispered into Oscar’s ear, his voice trembling but full of joy.  

Oscar pulled back just enough to look at him, his face radiant despite the tears. “Merry early Christmas, Lando. I love you.”  

—

“Osc! Osc! She’s peeing on the pad!” Lando exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement as if Luna had just won a championship. He crouched down, clapping his hands enthusiastically and beaming at the tiny puppy. “You’re so smart, Luna. Such a clever girl!” His fingers gently brushed over her soft fur, rewarding her with pets. Luna blinked up at him with wide, innocent eyes, her little tail wagging tentatively. She didn’t entirely understand why her new human was so thrilled, but the affection felt good, so she leaned into his touch shyly.

“Told you she’s potty-trained, baby,” Oscar called from the kitchen, where he was rinsing a few dishes. “Well, mostly. She might still have accidents, but that’s normal. She’s still a pup, you know. It’s all part of the process.”

Lando turned his head to look at Oscar, his grin so wide it threatened to split his face in two. “I don’t care if she has accidents. She’s perfect. But look at her! She’s already doing it, and it’s only been a few hours!” He glanced back at Luna, who had finished her business and was now looking up at him expectantly. He scooped her up carefully, cradling her against his chest like she was the most precious thing in the world.

“Oh, I’m so going to laugh at Charles for this,” Lando added, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “My baby is better than his baby. It took him months to get Leo to pee on those stupid pads, and my Luna did it in just a few hours. I mean, come on, she’s a genius!”

Oscar chuckled as he walked into the living room, drying his hands with a kitchen towel. “You’re already getting competitive about the dogs? Wow, that didn’t take long.” He leaned against the doorframe, watching as Lando carried Luna around like a trophy.

“Of course I’m competitive,” Lando said, sticking his tongue out playfully. “Charles deserves to know that my dog is a prodigy.” He turned his attention back to Luna, pressing a kiss to the top of her tiny head. “You’re going to show all those other dogs how it’s done, aren’t you, Luna?”

Oscar shook his head, laughing softly as he pushed off the doorframe and walked toward them. “Where’d you even get this much energy? You’ve been carrying her around all evening, and you’re acting like you just won a race.”

Lando flashed him a grin. “Because I did! I won the best-dog-owner lottery. And,” he added, gently tugging Oscar toward the couch, “you’re part of this, so sit down and enjoy the victory lap with me.”

Oscar allowed himself to be guided, settling onto the couch as Lando leaned against him, Luna still nestled securely in his arms, her tiny paws clutching her plush fox. The puppy let out a small yawn, her tiny body relaxing completely, content between the two of them.

“Where’d you find her?” Lando asked after a moment, his voice quieter now, a soft curiosity replacing the earlier excitement.

“Well, Charles knew about this shelter,” Oscar began, his voice low and tender as he gently threaded his fingers through Lando’s hair, his touch a soothing gesture. “So that's were I went this afternoon. The woman who runs the place showed us a few puppies, but Luna, she just… she called to me. She was so quiet and shy at first, but when I looked at her, it felt like a sign. Like she was meant to be with us, you know?” Oscar’s gaze softened, his eyes distant as he spoke. “She told us Luna had been rescued from the streets just a few weeks ago. She’d been through so much, but when I walked up to her… she came right to me. She was so happy, so trusting, even after everything she’d been through. I just knew. I knew she was the one, and I knew you would love her, give her the kind of life she deserves.”

Lando’s breath caught in his throat. He pulled Luna a little closer to his chest, his heart swelling as he listened to Oscar’s words. The thought of Luna, so vulnerable and lost before, finding her way to them… it made everything feel so much more meaningful. “Oscar,” Lando said quietly, his voice thick with emotion, “she really was meant to be ours. You’re right. I can’t believe you found her for me... for us.”

Oscar’s thumb traced along the back of Lando’s neck, a small but significant gesture, grounding him in the moment. “I just wanted to give you something special. I wanted her to feel loved, to know she’s safe. And I knew you’d give her all that.” He smiled softly, but there was a hint of worry creeping into his eyes. “And I know she already loves you.”

The Brit kissed the top of Luna’s head, his chest swelling with a deep sense of affection for both of them. He looked back up at Oscar, his eyes wide with concern. “I just… I can’t believe she’s here. But, Osc, what about tomorrow? We’re both leaving to go home for Christmas… What are we going to do with her?”

The Aussie paused, his fingers stilling in Lando’s hair for a moment as he thought. He knew how important this was, how much Lando was already falling for Luna. “Well,” he started, his voice thoughtful, “I was thinking, it’s just a short flight to England. You could take her, Lando.”

Lando blinked, surprised by the suggestion. “You want me to take her to England?”

“Yeah,” Oscar said, his gaze steady and confident. “I mean, it's a shorter flight than to Australia. I want you to keep her, it’s your gift. I’ll have plenty of time to see her when we come back here for  New Year. And besides,” he added with a grin, “you’re the one who’s going to spoil her, aren’t you? She’ll be happy being with you and your family.”

Lando’s lips parted, a little taken aback, but he quickly gave in to the idea. “I mean… you’re right. She’s going to be with me, and it’s not like we won’t miss you anyway,” he teased, a grin tugging at his lips. “I can handle it. It’s just… she’s so tiny, Osc. I don’t want anything to happen to her.” He rubbed his hands over Luna’s soft fur, a protective instinct already starting to kick in.

Oscar smiled, a reassuring warmth in his expression. “She’ll be fine, Lando. And you’re not going to let anything happen to her. You’re going to take such good care of her. You’re the perfect person for her.”

The curly haired man chuckled. “Alright, I’m going to do it. I’m going to take my baby to England and spoil her rotten. She’s going to be the most pampered pup over there and my mom is going to love her.” He nuzzled Luna’s little head, pressing a gentle kiss to her tiny nose. “We’ll be alright, won’t we, little one? And we’ll call your other dad all the time!” Luna wiggled in his arms, her tail giving a happy wag in response, as if she were agreeing with him.

Chapter Text

Oscar distinctly remembered setting his alarm the night before, knowing he’d need the extra time to pack and enjoy the morning with his boyfriend and their new puppy. However, unless his alarm had suddenly grown fur and developed a habit of licking faces, something was amiss. 

Blinking awake, he found himself staring into Luna’s wide, innocent eyes as she perched proudly on his chest. Her tiny tail wagged furiously the moment she realized he was awake, and she leaned forward to resume her enthusiastic assault of face-licks.  

“Good morning, little one,” Oscar murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep. He chuckled softly, gently petting her head as she wiggled closer to snuggle against him. “You weren’t here when we went to sleep, were you? Did you sneak your way up here?”  

Luna gave a soft huff. She settled herself contentedly on his chest, clearly pleased with her work. 

Oscar turned his head slightly, glancing over at the other side of the bed. Lando was still fast asleep, his face peaceful and half-buried in the pillow, his messy curls tumbling in every direction from the night. Luna’s little antics hadn’t disturbed him in the slightest, and Oscar couldn’t help but smile softly at the scene. 

“You’re already taking after him,” Oscar whispered to Luna, his voice barely audible as he scratched gently behind her ears. “Sneaky and absolutely impossible to say no to.”  

Luna gave a tiny, triumphant yip, her tail wagging lazily as she nestled even closer into Oscar’s chest. The sheer trust and comfort in her small movements made his heart swell. He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Though I’m pretty sure you didn’t get up here all by yourself, hm? Because I know we left you in your bed in the living room, and I’m pretty certain the door was closed. Did your dad help you? Hmm? You’ve been here barely a day, and you’ve already got him wrapped around your little paws.”  

The pup responded with another soft huff, nuzzling her nose against Oscar’s shirt as if agreeing with his words. Her tiny body shifted slightly, settling deeper into the warmth of his chest.  

Oscar glanced back at Lando, still undisturbed and completely unaware of their morning mischief. The thought of the two of them conspiring together, even over something as innocent as this, made him grin. “Figures,” Oscar murmured, his fingers brushing tenderly over Luna’s soft fur. “Both of you are trouble. Adorable trouble, but trouble all the same.”  

He let out a quiet sigh, the affection in his chest almost overwhelming. “What’s gotten into me?” he asked softly, directing the question more to himself than the sleepy puppy. “It’s going to be absolutely impossible to say no to either of you now. I’m doomed, aren’t I?”  

He turned his attention back to Luna, who blinked up at him with wide, innocent eyes, her tiny tail wagging in steady rhythm against his chest. “What do you think, Luna?” Oscar whispered, brushing a fingertip over the soft fur of her head. “Should we wake him up and ask how you managed to sneak your way into bed? Or should we let him pretend he’s not an accomplice in all of this?”

Luna let out another soft huff, her little body relaxing fully into Oscar as though saying she was perfectly happy right where she was. Oscar chuckled under his breath. “Oh, I see how it is. No complaints from you, huh? You’re just going to let me do all the interrogating while you soak up the love.”

As if on cue, Lando stirred, his face scrunching slightly before his eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep. He blinked a few times, his gaze settling on Oscar and Luna, and a slow, dreamy smile spread across his lips. “Mornin’,” he mumbled, his voice raspy.

Oscar raised an eyebrow, though the fondness in his expression was undeniable. “Good morning. Care to explain why I woke up with our little troublemaker here on my chest? Because I’m pretty sure someone helped her get into this bed.”

Lando’s smile widened, and the faintest blush colored his cheeks as he shifted a little closer to Oscar, his voice still thick with sleep. “Well, she cried, and I woke up. I couldn’t just leave her out there alone, poor thing. She’s still settling in, and she missed us.” He turned his attention to Luna, who had now wiggled contentedly under Oscar’s hand, still not quite understanding why everyone was so excited about her. “Right, Luna?” Lando cooed softly, giving her head a gentle scratch.

Luna responded with a tiny yip, her tail wagging a little faster as though confirming that she was, indeed, very happy with the current arrangement. Oscar couldn’t help but smile, the sight of the two of them together making his heart swell. He reached out to run his fingers through Lando’s hair, gently tugging him closer.

“So, let me get this straight,” Oscar said with a grin, his voice dripping with affection. “You’re telling me that you, the one who was dead set on sticking to the rules, couldn’t resist helping her out of her bed and into ours?”

Lando sighed dramatically, though the playful twinkle in his eyes betrayed his embarrassment. “Guilty as charged. But you know, she looked so sad in her little bed, and then she was looking at me with those big eyes... How could I say no?” He laughed softly, the sound full of warmth.

“Well… Now that we’re all awake,” Oscar said with a small stretch. “We should probably start packing. I’ve got my flight early this afternoon.”

“Nooooooo,” Lando groaned, his arms tightening around Oscar as he snuggled closer, burying his face into the crook of his neck. “I really don’t want to let you go for Christmas.”

Oscar chuckled softly, rubbing Lando’s back in a soothing motion. “We talked about this, baby,” he murmured. “It’s just a few days, and we’ll be with our families. It’ll be fine. Plus, you’ve got Luna to keep you company.” He leaned back a little, meeting Lando’s gaze. “And don’t forget, I’ve got a key to this place now. I’ll always come back to you. We’ll be together more than ever, 24/7.”

Lando raised an eyebrow, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Wait… is that your way of saying yes to the key?” he asked, his voice playful.

Oscar grinned, his fingers threading through Lando’s messy hair. “Of course,” he said softly. “I want to be here with you, and now I’ve got an open invitation.”

The Brit’s face softened at the words, a wide, genuine smile spreading across his face. “I’m so happy.” He gave Oscar a quick, affectionate kiss on the lips before burying his face in Oscar’s chest again, breathing in the scent of him. “Alright, alright. That’s it. I’m not going to die of separation. It’ll pass quickly enough.”

Oscar laughed, his arms wrapping around Lando in a tight embrace. “That’s the spirit,” he said, pressing a kiss to the top of Lando’s head. “It won’t be long, and before we know it, we’ll be back in each other’s arms. And maybe Luna will help ease the time apart, too.” He gave the little pup, still curled up on the bed, a fond glance.

Lando looked over at Luna, who was still blissfully asleep, curled in a perfect ball into Oscar’s arms. “She’s going to keep me company, huh?” he mused. “I guess that’s not so bad. But still... I don’t like being away from you, even for a few days.”

“I know, love,” Oscar said softly, running his hand over Lando’s back. “But it’s not forever. And when we’re back, we’ll have all the time in the world to enjoy together. Christmas is going to be amazing, and then we’ll make up for the time apart, I promise.”

Lando nodded, a small sigh escaping his lips as he pulled Oscar even closer, unwilling to let go just yet. “You’re right, it’s just a few days. And it’ll be worth it to see our families.”

With that reassurance, Lando finally released his hold, though his reluctance was obvious. He slid out of bed, stretching with a groan before looking back at Oscar. “Alright, I guess we better start getting ready for real this time. I’ll pack as fast as I can so we have more time together before I go.”

The Aussie nodded, starting to sit up and stretch as well. “Sounds like a plan. And we’ve still got breakfast, right? We’ll make it count.”

Lando flashed him a grin, already moving toward the suitcase he had left on the floor. “Definitely. You and me, some pancakes, Luna... it’s going to be the best last morning together before you fly out. Let’s make it count.”

—

After a warm, quiet breakfast filled with the sounds of Luna playfully chasing after her toys and the soft hum of morning conversation, the time had come for Oscar to leave. Lando helped him gather his things, not hiding the reluctance in his movements, but there was no avoiding it now. Oscar had to go to the airport.

“Ready?” Lando asked, standing in the doorway, his arms crossed loosely as he leaned against the frame. The words came out light, but there was a trace of sadness behind them, his eyes soft as he watched Oscar gather the last of his things.

Oscar gave him a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he said, his tone teasing but warm. He set his suitcase down for a moment to step closer to Lando. “Come here,” he murmured, his hands reaching for Lando’s, pulling him into a tight embrace.

Lando’s arms enveloped him instantly, pulling him in so that their bodies were pressed together. Oscar rested his chin on Lando’s shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of him. “I don’t want you to go,” Lando whispered into his hair, his voice thick with the emotions he couldn’t fully express.

“I know,” Oscar murmured back, squeezing him tighter.

Lando pulled back slightly, his hands still resting on Oscar’s shoulders as he looked at him, his expression a mix of longing and determination. “I’ll drive you to the airport, you know,” he offered, his voice gentle but insistent. 

The Aussie shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips, though it was tinged with a bit of sadness. “It’s risky,” he said softly, brushing a hand across Lando’s cheek. “We can’t risk getting caught, you know how it is. The media’s everywhere.”

Lando sighed, nodding slowly. “Yeah, you’re right.” His eyes lingered on Oscar’s face for a moment. “Alright, then. But just... text me when you land in Melbourne, okay? I want to know you’re safe.”

Oscar’s heart swelled at the sincerity in Lando’s voice. “I will. Promise.” He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Lando’s lips, feeling the warmth and comfort of the moment. “And you have to do the same when you land in London,” Oscar added with a playful glint in his eyes, pulling away just slightly to meet Lando’s gaze.

Lando’s lips curved into a small smile, his eyes softening even more. “Deal,” he said quietly, his thumb gently brushing across the back of Oscar’s hand. “Just don’t keep me waiting too long, alright?”

Oscar chuckled softly, the sound light despite the heaviness in his chest. “I won’t,” he promised. “I’ll call you and all. And Luna will keep you company.”

The Brit looked over at Luna, who was now curled up in her bed, blissfully unaware of the bittersweet moment unfolding in the room. “Yeah, I’ve got her,” he said, his voice filled with a little more warmth. 

Oscar leaned in for one last kiss, deep and lingering, before pulling back with a sigh. “Now, I really have to go before I miss my flight.”

Lando nodded, stepping back and giving Oscar’s hand one final squeeze. “I’ll be waiting for your text,” he said, his voice low and filled with promise.

Oscar smiled, his heart heavy as he grabbed his suitcase, ready to head out the door. “I love you. You too Luna.”

With that, he turned to leave, his footsteps heavy as he made his way out of the apartment. As he stepped into the hallway, Lando stayed behind the door, watching him go, his heart a little more empty with every step Oscar took toward the elevator. When he closed the door, he stood there for a few more minutes before turning away and focusing on his pup, who had perked up from her bed and was watching him with her bright, curious eyes.

He smiled walking closer and crouching down, brushing a hand over her soft fur. “You’re going to have a very big adventure soon, little one. I know you’ve only just got here, but you’re about to fly in the sky with me.”

Luna’s tail wagged faster, her little paws stretching as she leaned into his touch, not quite understanding what he was saying but comforted by his voice. Lando’s smile softened as he continued.

“I’m taking you to London to meet my family. We’ll be on a plane, so it’ll be a bit noisy and bumpy, but you’re going to be a brave girl, aren’t you?” He paused, looking down at her with a tender expression. “You’ll meet my parents, my brother and sisters, and everyone.”

She tilted her head, as if trying to follow his words. Lando chuckled at the sight, imagining how she must be processing everything. “I know, I know, you’re probably wondering why we’re going on a plane, but don’t worry. You’ll be safe. I’ll be right there with you the whole time. And when we get there, you’ll have a huge yard to run in, and a bunch of people who will spoil you.”

He scratched behind her ears, feeling a sense of contentment. “It’s going to be so much fun, Luna. You’re going to be part of the family. And I think you and my mom are going to get along just fine.”

“Now, let’s get ready for this adventure. But first,” he added, glancing over at the empty space by the door where Oscar’s suitcase had once been, “let’s make sure we’re both ready for the trip. Just you and me, little one. It’s going to be a good few days.”

Luna gave a soft bark, as if to agree, and Lando couldn’t help but smile. He was nervous about the separation from Oscar, but the thought of the upcoming adventure, with Luna by his side, gave him something to look forward to. It wouldn’t be the same without Oscar, but he would make the best of it, and he knew that once they were all together again, it would feel like everything was right in the world.

Lando sighed, running a hand through his hair and shaking his head as he looked down at Luna. “I don’t have separation anxiety or anything, you know? Totally fine,” he said, his tone light but with a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Okay, maybe I do a little. But it’s alright. We’ll be okay, won’t we, Luna?” 

The puppy gave a little yip, as if to reassure him, and Lando chuckled softly. “Yeah, I guess we’ll get through this together, huh?”

Chapter Text

The soft glow of the early morning sun filtered through the curtains of Lando’s childhood bedroom, bathing the room in a pale golden light. He was already awake, lying on his side with Luna curled up against his chest. His fingers traced soothing patterns over her fur as she dozed peacefully, her small body rising and falling with each gentle breath. The house was quiet, the kind of comforting stillness that came with mornings at home, and Lando found himself enjoying the rare moment of calm.

His phone buzzed on the nightstand, the sound breaking through the silence and catching his attention. Carefully, so as not to disturb Luna, he stretched out to grab it. The screen lit up, and a smile spread across his face when he saw Oscar’s name at the top of the notification.  

osc:  

Finally landed in Melbourne. I’m ready for a warm Christmas to be honest. 

7 PM here, feels so weird knowing it’s like 8 AM at yours. 

Miss you already. 

Lando chuckled softly, imagining Oscar’s slightly exhausted but happy face as he sent the message. He quickly typed out a response.  

lan:  

Glad you made it safe, love. 

Take care and enjoy your family. 

Let’s call once you’ve had time to adjust to the jetlag, yeah?  

He paused for a moment, glancing at Luna, still half-asleep in his arms. An idea struck him, and he carefully shifted her onto the bed before switching to his phone’s camera. Lando snapped a quick picture of Luna, her ears flopping slightly as she blinked sleepily at the lens.  

He scrolled through his gallery, finding a photo he’d taken the previous evening after arriving in London. His mum was kneeling beside Luna, beaming as she held the tiny pup in her arms. Lando smiled at the memory, thinking about how easily Luna had won over his family. He’d panicked and explained her presence as a gift from a friend, conveniently leaving out that the "friend" was Oscar, his teammate, his boyfriend.

Adding the two photos to the chat, he quickly typed another message:  

lan:  

Here’s Luna with Mum last night, she already loves her. 

Said she’s a “perfect little Christmas angel.” 

And one of me now, since you’re probably missing this face already.  

Before sending, Lando snapped a new selfie, angling the camera to include Luna nestled against his side. His messy curls framed his face, and there was a softness in his smile that only Oscar seemed to bring out.  

Satisfied, he hit send, watching as the little blue checkmarks appeared next to his messages. He leaned back against the headboard, the warmth in his chest spreading as he imagined Oscar smiling at his reply.

osc: 

Miss you way too much already 

Kiss her for me 

Love you baby

As Lando leaned back against the headboard with a dopey smile, his phone still warm in his hands, a soft knock on the door broke the quiet atmosphere. He didn’t have to guess who it was, his mum had a way of always finding him in the mornings, especially when he was at home.  

“Lando?” Her voice was gentle. "You awake, love?"  

Lando stretched out as he carefully set his phone down on the nightstand and cleared his throat before calling back.  

“Yeah, Mum. Come in.”  

The door creaked open, and his mum stepped in with a warm smile. She was wearing her usual cozy sweater, her hair pulled into a loose ponytail, and there was a cup of coffee in her hands. She set it down on the bedside table, her eyes immediately landing on Luna, who had moved from Lando’s side to curl up near his feet.  

“Morning, sweetheart,” she said softly, her gaze lingering on Luna with affection. “And good morning to you too, little one.” Luna lifted her head sleepily, giving a tiny sound as if acknowledging the attention before settling back down.  

“Mornin’, Mum. Been up for a bit,” Lando replied, his voice still a little husky from the morning but warm with familiarity. He sat up straighter against the headboard and gave her a small, easy grin. “How are you?”  

“Oh, you know,” she said, brushing a hand through her hair as she perched on the edge of the bed. “The usual when it’s Christmas. I’m filled with joy and it drives your dad crazy.”  

Her eyes lingered on him for a moment, soft and thoughtful in the way only a mum’s could be. She tilted her head slightly, studying him. “You look happy, Lando. Really happy.”  

He blinked at the sudden observation, caught off guard. He shifted slightly, pulling the blanket up over his lap as if it would somehow shield him from her gaze. “Do I?” he asked, trying to sound casual, though his voice had a slight edge of nervousness.  

“Yes,” she said simply, her smile growing as she nodded. “Happier than I’ve seen you in a long time. There’s something lighter about you, like... I don’t know, like you’ve found your footing again.” She paused, her expression softening even further. “It’s nice to see, Lando. You’ve been through so much this year. It’s good to see my boy really smiling again.”  

Lando swallowed, feeling a mixture of warmth and discomfort at her words. He hated how easily she could read him, how quickly she could pinpoint the things he wasn’t ready to say out loud and he knew damn well where this conversation was going.  

“Well, you know, off-season and all that,” he said, scratching the back of his neck and avoiding her gaze. “It’s just nice to have a break, you know? Recharge a bit after that hectic year.”  

His mum didn’t buy it, not entirely, at least. She raised an eyebrow, her smile turning slightly knowing. “I’m sure that’s part of it. But this feels different, Lando. Like it’s not just the break that’s making you happy. It’s something, or someone, else.”  

His stomach flipped, and he felt the heat rise to his face. He glanced down at Luna before stammering, “Uh, what, what do you mean, someone?”  

Cisca chuckled lightly, clearly amused by his reaction. “Oh, come on. I’m your mum, Lando. I can tell when something, or someone, has put that spark back in you.” She reached over and gently patted his knee. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but I hope whoever it is knows how lucky they are to have you.”  

Lando’s brain scrambled for a response. He could feel the panic rising, his heart thudding in his chest. He wasn’t ready for this conversation, he hadn’t asked Oscar if they could say it to their families. “It’s not—,” he said quickly, the words tumbling out in a rush. “I mean... Just, you know... friends. Good friends. That’s all.”  

She narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression still kind but tinged with a hint of suspicion. “Good friends, huh?” she said, her tone teasing. “Like the same one who got you that adorable puppy, maybe?”  

He froze. His mind raced, searching for a way out of the corner he’d just been backed into. “Oh, uh, yeah,” he said, forcing a laugh that sounded far too nervous to be convincing. “Yeah, a... a good friend. You know. Someone who thought I could use the company with all the traveling and stuff.”  

His mum smiled again, but this time it was softer, almost indulgent. “Well, whoever they are, they were right. Luna’s adorable and suits you well. And if they’re the kind of friend who brings that kind of joy into your life, I’d say they’re pretty special.”  

Lando nodded quickly, his throat dry. “Yeah, he’s... I mean—they’re great. The friend, I mean. Just a really good friend.” He was rambling now, and he knew it, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself.  

Cisca tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of curiosity and affection. “Lando,” she said gently, “you don’t have to explain yourself to me. I just want to see you happy. And you are. That’s all that matters to me.”  

Lando swallowed hard, his chest tight with a strange mix of relief and guilt. He gave her a small, strained smile and nodded, hoping it would be enough to end the conversation.  

“Thanks, Mum,” he murmured, his voice quieter now.  

She patted his knee again before standing up. “Alright, I’ll leave you to it. But just so you know, it’s okay to let people in, sweetheart. Whoever this friend is, they’re obviously good for you.” 

With that, she picked up her coffee and headed for the door, leaving Lando alone with Luna and the swirling mess of emotions her words had stirred up. As she disappeared down the hall, Lando looked down at Luna, who was now contentedly sleeping again on the bed. He couldn’t help but smile at the thought of how much his life had changed in the past few months. How much he’d changed.  

A new buzzing snapped him out of his thoughts.  

Lando glanced at his phone, the screen lighting up with a series of messages from Oscar.  

osc:  

Alright, how do I get back home  

My sisters are the worst  

Free me  

Lando chuckled, the sound breaking the quiet of the room. He could already picture Oscar’s exasperated expression, brows furrowed and lips pulled into that tight, annoyed line he always wore when his sisters got on his nerves. He stretched, letting his fingers hover over the keyboard for a moment before typing back.  

lan:  

Already regretting the warm Christmas?  

You’ve been there, what, 30 minutes? Maybe less?  

He hit send and settled back against the headboard, a smirk playing on his lips. It didn’t take long for his phone to buzz again.  

osc:   

You don’t get it, mate.  

They’re literally monsters.  

I love them, but I swear they’ve been plotting my downfall since I walked through the door.  

Lando laughed out loud this time, the sound startling Luna from her nap at his feet. She looked up at him lazily, wagging her tail before nestling back into the blankets.  

He typed again, the grin still stretched across his face.  

lan:  

They’re your sisters; that’s their job.  

Besides, you love being their punching bag. Don’t lie.  

The reply came quicker than he expected.  

osc:  

I do not.  

They’re evil.  

They’ve already hidden my charger and stolen my hoodie.  

Free. Me.  

Lando could almost hear the whiny undertone in those texts, and it only made him laugh harder. He’d met Oscar’s sisters a few times, and they’d always been an absolute riot, sharp-tongued, endlessly witty, and entirely unrelenting when it came to teasing their brother. And Oscar? Well, for all his protests, it was painfully obvious he adored them, even when they drove him up the wall.  

lan:  

You’re wrapped around their fingers, love.  

Bet they just have to look at you a certain way, and you cave instantly.  

There was a longer pause this time, and when the reply finally came, Lando could almost picture Oscar’s sheepish grin behind the screen.  

osc:  

Shut up.  

Lando barked out another laugh, the sound filling the quiet morning. It felt good, this easy banter, the connection that stretched across time zones and continents. Even with thousands of miles between them, Oscar had a way of making him feel like they were in the same room, sharing the same moment.  

osc:  

Alright, that’s it. I’m done. Straight to bed. It’s 7 PM here, and I can’t keep my eyes open. The monsters drained me.  

He shook his head, smirking as he typed his reply.  

lan:  

Oi, no way. You’re not going to bed at 7 PM.  

You’ll never get over the jetlag if you crash this early.  

There was a brief pause before Oscar replied, and Lando could practically feel his boyfriend rolling his eyes through the screen.  

osc:  

You sound like my mom.

Lando, I’m literally about to collapse.  

I don’t think I’ve blinked properly since the flight.  

Let me sleep.  

Lando clicked his tongue, grinning as he imagined Oscar sprawled out somewhere, dramatically whining about his exhaustion.  

lan:  

At least wait until 9 PM, yeah?  

Trust me, future Oscar will thank me.  

osc:   

Future Oscar would prefer to sleep now.  

lan:  

Future Oscar doesn’t know what’s good for him.  

You don’t want to wake up at 3 AM feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck, do you?  

Another pause. Lando could tell Oscar was weighing his options, probably glaring at his phone while internally conceding that Lando was, as always, annoyingly right.  

osc:  

Fine.  

But if I pass out on the couch waiting for 9, it’s on you.  

lan:  

Deal.  

Just think, only two hours to go. You’ve survived worse.  

osc:  

Barely.  

But if you weren’t cute, I wouldn’t listen to you, just so you know.  

Lando’s grin widened at that, warmth spreading through his chest as he leaned back against the headboard, phone clutched in his hand.  

lan:  

Good to know my charm’s working from halfway across the world.  

Keep me updated on your battle against jet lag.  

Chapter Text

The late morning sunlight filtered softly through the blinds of the kitchen, casting a warm glow over the wooden table where the Piastri family gathered for breakfast. The familiar hum of casual conversation filled the room as plates clinked and coffee brewed, creating a comforting atmosphere. Oscar shuffled in, his hair disheveled, his eyes half-closed, still caught in the haze of sleep. Mornings weren’t his thing, never had been and much less were mornings with jet lag. His family knew better than to engage him in anything more than grunts and nods before he’d had his first cup of coffee.

He made his way to the counter, yawning and stretching as he opened the cabinet to grab his favorite mug, a plain black one that he always used at home. Without a word, he poured himself a generous amount of steaming coffee, his movements slow and almost mechanical. His sisters, Mae, Eddie, and Hattie, exchanged glances, the kind of silent communication siblings perfected over years of shared experience. His dad was there too, surprisingly. Maybe he was there to see him, he would think about this later. 

His mom, standing by the stove, glanced over her shoulder at her son and paused for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly before a knowing look spread across her face. 

Oscar plopped down into the empty chair at the table, taking a long sip of his coffee, his eyes still barely open. He leaned back, letting out a contented sigh as the caffeine started to trickle into his system. The rest of the family continued their morning routine in the kitchen, chatting about plans for the day, but their eyes kept drifting back to Oscar, or more specifically, the hoodie he was wearing. 

It wasn’t just any hoodie. It was the hoodie. Bright and bold, it was unmistakable, with “LANDO” emblazoned in massive letters across the front and back. One of Lando’s newer designs, it was vibrant and eye-catching, a clear statement piece. Oscar had been wearing it frequently over the past few weeks, but only in the privacy of Lando’s apartment (their apartment now) in Monaco. It was his favorite, the one he always reached for because it smelled like Lando, and the fabric was so soft it felt like a hug. He’d never worn it outside that bubble, certainly not with his family. 

His sisters noticed first, exchanging subtle smirks. Mae tried to hide her grin behind her cereal bowl, while Eddie elbowed Hattie under the table. Hattie looked like she was ready to burst into laughter, but a quick glare from their dad kept her in check. They all knew better than to poke the bear that was sleepy Oscar. Not yet, at least. 

Oscar remained oblivious, still sipping his coffee, his thoughts elsewhere. Slowly, the caffeine began to take effect, and his eyes opened a little wider. He blinked, glancing around the table. Something felt… off. The room was quieter than usual. His sisters were unusually composed, or at least trying to be, and his mom kept sneaking glances at him while busying herself at the stove. 

“What?” he finally muttered, his voice hoarse from just waking up. God he felt like he had been hit by a bus. He looked around the table, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

“Nothing,” Mae said quickly, her voice suspiciously high-pitched. “Absolutely nothing.”

“Sure,” Eddie added, failing miserably to keep a straight face. “Just enjoying breakfast.”

Hattie bit her lip, trying not to laugh. 

Oscar frowned, his groggy brain trying to piece together what was happening. He looked down at himself, but all he saw was the usual comfort of a hoodie. Nothing unusual about that, right? He shrugged, dismissing it, and took another sip of coffee. 

Finally, his mom broke the silence. She turned from the stove, wiping her hands on a dish towel, and walked over to stand by the table. Her expression was warm but curious, her tone gentle as she asked, “Sweetheart, are you alright? Is there something you’d like to tell us?”

Oscar froze, his cup halfway to his mouth. His heart skipped a beat. That question. The way she asked it. His half-awake-jet-lagged mind immediately jumped to the worst-case scenario. “Huh?” he managed, his voice slightly panicked. “What are you talking about?”

His mom smiled softly, leaning on the back of one of the chairs. She tilted her head, her eyes kind but probing. “Do you know what you’re wearing right now, sweetheart?”

He opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. “I’m just wearing a hood–” he started, before his eyes flicked to his reflection in the window, his heart sinking as the realization fully hit him.

Oh shit.

The hoodie. Lando’s hoodie. The one with his name sprawled across the front.

Oscar’s face flushed bright red as panic set in. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to figure out how to deflect. His mom’s eyes were expectantly soft, waiting for an explanation. His sisters were barely suppressing their giggles. Eddie was grinning like she knew exactly what was going on, and Mae was looking at him with a mixture of amusement and knowing. He could practically feel the questions circling, waiting for him to crack.

How did I get myself into this mess?

His mind buzzed with all the possible ways to get out of it. He could play it off, pretend it was nothing. But the longer he hesitated, the harder it became to hide it. He didn’t want to lie to his family, but he wasn’t sure about this conversation either.

“I…” Oscar trailed off, swallowing hard. “I don’t—uh…” His fingers fidgeted nervously with the hem of the hoodie, and he could feel his palms sweating. His eyes flicked between his parents, his sisters, and then back to the hoodie, which suddenly felt a lot more significant than just a piece of clothing.

His mom’s gentle expression didn’t change, though there was a spark of curiosity in her eyes. “Oscar,” she said softly, her voice like a warm embrace. “Is there something you want to tell us?”

“Yes Osc, is there something you need to tell us?” his dad added, with a sly smile.

Damn it.

“Okay, I…” Oscar hesitated, his heart pounding louder than the silence in the room. “I’m just wearing a hoodie… it’s no big deal.”

His mom smiled, but it was a knowing smile, one that made Oscar's insides twist. “Well, it certainly looks like you’re wearing Lando’s hoodie, sweetheart.”

Oscar froze, feeling like the world had just shifted beneath him. Shit.

His face was burning now, and he had no idea how to get himself out of this situation. He could feel his sisters’ eyes on him, and Eddie was doing that thing where she tilted her head just so, waiting for him to say something. Mae’s lips were pressed together, a tiny, suppressed smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Great. Just great.

The room was quiet for a beat, and then Oscar’s mom, ever the calm one, leaned forward a little, her tone soft but teasing. “If you’re wearing his hoodie, sweetheart, what does that mean…?”

He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the pressure rising in his throat. How do I answer this?

Oscar swallowed hard, looking anywhere but at all their faces. His palms were slick against his jeans, and he could feel a nervous energy making its way up his spine.

“I… uh…” Oscar glanced at his phone, as if it would offer him an escape. But it won’t, it never does. He couldn’t stop the next words from tumbling out, because, really, there was no use in pretending anymore. He had his back against the wall. His family would figure it out, sooner or later. “I’m dating Lando,” he blurted out, almost wincing at how fast it came out. It sounded so much more final when he said it aloud.

The room went silent for a split second. And then, all at once, his sisters let out a collective laugh.

“I knew it!” Eddie crowed, smacking the table triumphantly. “I knew something was going on between you two!”

Mae raised her hand, almost as if she were in a classroom, and winked at Oscar. “I bet on it. I knew you two were more than just teammates.”

Oscar’s stomach twisted, half in embarrassment, half in disbelief. “You had a bet?” He couldn’t help the incredulous note in his voice. 

Their dad chuckled lightly, running a hand through his hair. “I may have placed a small bet myself,” he confessed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I thought you were being a little too secretive lately.”

Oscar’s jaw dropped. “You—you—what?”

“Hey, you know how it is. We all could tell something was up.” His dad grinned, his voice light but full of affection. “It’s about time you two got together, honestly. I was just waiting for you to let it out.”

Oscar felt a strange mixture of shock and relief. He had expected to be embarrassed, maybe even a little awkward, but instead, his family seemed... happy? Proud, even? They weren’t shocked, they weren’t upset. If anything, they looked more pleased than anything else.

“So,” Mae said, trying to keep her composure, though her smile gave her away. “How long has this been going on, then? This whole thing with you and Lando?”

Oscar hesitated, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “A few months now…” He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling heat crawl up his neck again.

“Uh-huh,” Eddie said, her tone turning teasing. 

He let out a long, frustrated sigh, but there was a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. This is so much more simple than I thought it would be.

“I can’t believe you all had a bet,” Oscar muttered, shaking his head. His face was still flushed, but there was something warm about it now. Like a weight had been lifted. 

“Hey, we love Lando,” his mom said, her voice warm and reassuring. “We’re just happy for you.”

Oscar let out a breath, his heart finally starting to settle in his chest. Alright, now he just had to wait to tell Lando about this…

—

In the evening, when the house had finally quieted down, the questions had finally ceased and the time difference made it reasonable. Oscar sat cross-legged on his bed, his phone clutched tightly in his hands. The familiar, comforting scent of Lando's hoodie surrounded him, but instead of reassurance, it only added to the nervous energy buzzing under his skin.

What if Lando gets upset? The thought made his stomach twist. They hadn’t discussed telling their families yet. It was supposed to be their secret for now, a little bubble of safety amidst the chaos of their careers. And yet, here he was, about to tell Lando he’d accidentally popped it.

He stared at the screen for a long moment, his thumb hovering over Lando’s contact. His heart was racing, the same way it always did before a race, except this time, there wasn’t a green light at the end. Taking a deep breath, he pressed the button to start the FaceTime call.

It rang once, twice, three times. Each passing second made him more nervous, and he considered hanging up. But before he could, Lando’s face appeared on the screen, soft from the morning in England, his hair was a bit messy.

“Hey, love,” Lando greeted warmly, his smile lighting up the screen. “What’s up? You look—" His smile faltered slightly as he noticed Oscar’s expression. "—worried. What’s wrong?”

Oscar tried to smile, but it came out more as a grimace. He adjusted his grip on the phone, glancing away for a moment. “Hey, Lan. Um... nothing’s wrong, exactly,” he started, his voice betraying him with its nervous tremble.

Lando’s eyebrows drew together in concern. “Oscar…” His tone was gentle but insistent. “Talk to me. What happened?”

The Aussie bit his lip, his free hand fidgeting with the hem of the hoodie he was still wearing, Lando’s hoodie, the culprit of the day. He let out a shaky sigh, deciding there was no way to sugarcoat this. “So, um… I’m wearing your hoodie right now…” he began, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lando chuckled softly, tilting his head. “Yeah? You’re always wearing my hoodies. What about it?”

“Well… Hm, this one…,” Oscar continued, his cheeks burning. “It’s got your name on it. Big letters. Obvious letters. And, uh...”

Lando blinked, his expression unreadable for a moment before realization dawned on his face. “Wait. You took this one?” he repeated, his voice laced with both amusement and curiosity.

Oscar nodded quickly, his eyes wide and pleading. “Yeah. And my family, they—well, they asked me about it. And I panicked, I couldn’t lie when it was this obvious. And before I could think, I just… I told them. About us.” He paused, his voice dropping into a soft, worried tone. “I’m so sorry, Lando. I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. It was a stupid, sleepy mistake, and now they know. They all know.”

There was a long pause. Lando’s face remained calm, though his lips twitched as if he were fighting back a smile. Finally, he broke the silence. “Oscar,” he said, his tone soft but teasing, “are you telling me you outed us to your family because you were too sleepy to notice what hoodie you were wearing?”

Oscar groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Don’t say it like that,” he muttered, though his lips quirked up in an embarrassed smile. “But… yeah. Basically.”

Lando laughed then, the sound warm and reassuring. It wasn’t the reaction Oscar had expected, but it instantly put him at ease. “Oh, Oscar,” Lando said fondly, shaking his head. “That’s honestly adorable. I can’t believe you wore a hoodie with my name on it to breakfast and didn’t even realize.”

Oscar buried his face in his hands, groaning again. “Don’t remind me,” he mumbled, his voice muffled. “It was such a stupid mistake. And now everyone knows, and I’m scared I messed everything up.”

Lando’s laughter softened, and his expression turned serious but kind. “Hey, hey,” he said gently. “You didn’t mess anything up, okay? It’s just your family. They love you. And if they know about us now, it’s not the end of the world. In fact, it’s kind of nice, isn’t it? Not having to hide from them?”

Oscar peeked out from behind his hands, his eyes uncertain. “You’re really not upset?” he asked hesitantly.

“Of course not,” Lando replied firmly. “If you could imagine how many times in 1 day and a half where I almost spilled the beans to my mom or my dad because they noticed some changes. And how I had to tell them it was a friend who gave me Luna. I’m sure your family was fine about it, no?”

The Aussie nodded slowly. “They are,” he admitted. “They were actually… really nice about it. My sisters were laughing, and my mom said she was happy for us. Even my dad placed a bet on us getting together, apparently.”

Lando grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “A bet? Oh, I need to meet your dad again now and hear all about that.”

Oscar managed a soft laugh, his shoulders relaxing a little. “Yeah, well, you’ll probably get the chance now,” he said, the tension in his voice easing. “And, um… if you want to tell your family too, now that mine knows, I’d be okay with it. Only if you’re ready, though. No pressure. It kinda feels good, you know? Them knowing I have someone I love and who makes me happy.”

His boyfriend’s smile softened into something more tender. “Thanks, love,” he said, his voice full of warmth. “I do think I will because I can’t deal with almost spilling it every damn minute I open my mouth. And hey, next time, maybe check what hoodie you’re wearing before you walk into the room, yeah?”

Oscar rolled his eyes, but there was a fond smile on his face. “Yeah, yeah,” he said lightly. “Lesson learned.”  

His relief was fleeting as he heard the unmistakable sound of his sisters giggling outside his room. His heart sank. He barely had time to shoot Lando a warning look before the door burst open.

Eddie, Mae, and Hattie tumbled in, clearly unable to contain their excitement. Mae had her phone out, probably recording for her private stash of blackmail material, and Eddie had that mischievous glint in her eyes that always spelled trouble.

“Uh, guys?” Oscar said, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice. “What are you doing?”

“Hi, Lando!” Eddie greeted cheerily, ignoring her brother entirely. She waved at the phone with exaggerated enthusiasm. 

Mae leaned in next, her grin just as wide. “Hey, Lando. Long time no see.”

Hattie peeked over Oscar’s shoulder. “Hi, Lando! So, boyfriend, huh?” she said, her tone teasing but affectionate.

Lando, ever the charmer, took it all in stride. He waved back, his grin widening as he greeted them in turn. “Hey, Eddie, Mae, Hattie. I guess congratulations are in order for figuring out what your brother was keeping from you.”

Eddie snorted, plopping onto the edge of Oscar’s bed. “Please. It wasn’t exactly rocket science. The hoodie kind of gave it away.”

Oscar groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Why are you all in my room? Can I have one moment of peace?”

Mae ignored him entirely and leaned closer to the phone. “So, Lando, when are you coming to Australia? We’re officially claiming you as part of the family now we need another brother, this one is annoying.”

Oscar opened his mouth to protest, but before he could say anything, Hattie darted forward and snatched the phone out of his hands.

“Hey!” Oscar protested, scrambling after her, but she was already halfway to the door.

“Mom needs to say hi to her favorite driver!” Hattie called over her shoulder, dodging Oscar’s attempt to grab her.

“Give it back, Hattie!” Oscar yelled, his voice cracking slightly with frustration.

She bolted down the hallway, the sound of Oscar’s hurried footsteps behind her. She burst into the kitchen where their mom was preparing something at the counter. “Mom, guess who’s on Oscar’s phone?” Hattie sing-songed, holding the phone out triumphantly.

Nicole turned, a curious expression quickly giving way to surprise as she spotted Lando’s face on the screen. Her surprise melted into a warm, delighted smile. “Lando, sweetheart!” she exclaimed, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel before taking the phone. “How lovely to see you! How are you?”

“Hi, Mrs. Piastri,” Lando said, his voice warm and polite. “I’m good, thanks. How about you?”

Nicole clicked her tongue playfully. “Oh, please, call me Nicole. I’ve told you that before.” Her tone was affectionate, and her eyes sparkled with genuine delight. “I’m wonderful. Though I have to say, I’m a little cross with Oscar for not telling us about this sooner. We could’ve welcomed you into the family ages ago!”

“Mom! It was a mutual decision,” Oscar groaned as he finally caught up, stopping in the doorway. His cheeks burned with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. “Can I please have my phone back?”

Nicole ignored him completely, her attention still firmly on Lando. “Honestly, I should have guessed. The way he talks about you, Lando, it’s so obvious.”

Lando chuckled, his smile softening with affection. “Well, in our defense, we weren’t sure when the right time would be. But I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It most certainly is,” Nicole said with a knowing nod. “We’ve always been fond of you. And now that it’s official, you’re part of the family, which means we’ll expect to see much more of you. Oscar can’t keep you all to himself.”

“Mom!” Oscar groaned again, burying his face in his hands. “You’re embarrassing me.”

“Oh, hush,” Nicole said, waving him off without a second glance. She turned her focus back to Lando, her expression as warm as ever. “So, what are your plans for Christmas? I’m sure you’ll be spending it with your family, of course. But make sure to send them our warmest wishes, alright? Or else know you could have come here.”

Lando’s grin widened, his voice sincere. “I will tell them. Thank you, Mrs. Piastri.”

Nicole gave him a mock-stern look. “What did I just say about calling me ‘Mrs. Piastri,’ young man?” she said with a laugh. “You’re one of us now. That’s final.”

The Brit nodded, his smile turning brighter. “Alright, Nicole. That means a lot to me. Thank you.”

Oscar finally stepped forward, his embarrassment reaching its peak. “Okay, Mom, you’ve had your fun. Can I please have my phone back now?”

Nicole handed it back reluctantly, her smile still bright. “Fine, fine. But don’t think this is the last you’ll hear from me, Lando.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Lando replied with a wink.

Oscar grabbed the phone and turned on his heel, marching back to his room. His sisters were waiting for him, their expressions smug. He glared at them. “You three are the worst.”

Eddie shrugged, unbothered. “You love us.”

“Debatable,” Oscar muttered, shutting the door firmly behind him.

Lando was still laughing on the screen when Oscar flopped onto his bed. “Well,” he said, his tone dry, “that went about as well as I expected. I told you they were monsters and you didn’t believe me yesterday.”

The Brit grinned, his eyes warm. “Your family’s amazing, love. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

Oscar huffed, but he couldn’t fight the small smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, I guess they’re not so bad.”

“And hey,” Lando added, his voice softening. “For what it’s worth, I think we’re going to be just fine.”

“Yes, Yes we will be.” Oscar couldn’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed by everything that had just transpired. His mom’s warm welcome of Lando, his sisters’ teasing, and the sheer unexpectedness of it all left him a little breathless. He glanced back at the phone, where Lando’s face still lit up the screen. The familiar warmth of Lando’s smile made him feel more at ease, though the blush on his face still hadn’t completely faded.

Lando’s voice broke through his thoughts, soft and affectionate. “I love you, Osc,” he said, his tone so gentle it made Oscar’s heart swell. “I’ll see you soon, okay? I'm gonna tell my parents as well. I'll keep you updated alright?”

Oscar’s breath hitched slightly. “I love you too, Lando. So much,” he whispered. “I'll wait for your text” He couldn’t help but smile as he pressed the end call button, the screen going black for a moment. For a brief moment, he just sat there, staring at the empty phone screen, feeling the warmth of Lando’s words in his chest.

With a soft sigh, he slipped the phone into his pocket and stood up from his bed, still feeling a little giddy despite his earlier embarrassment. The truth was, he was happy. Happier than he’d ever been. 

He dragged his feet back toward the kitchen, already anticipating his mom’s reaction. As soon as he entered, Nicole turned to look at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She didn’t say anything at first, but there was a knowing look on her face that made Oscar feel even more exposed than he already did.

Oscar cleared his throat, his cheeks still pink from the interaction with Lando. “So, uh, that was… that was fine, right?” he mumbled, trying to sound casual as he moved toward the counter.

“Oh, it was more than fine,” she said, crossing her arms with a playful smirk. “I’m very happy for you, Oscar. And very happy that Lando’s officially part of the family now.”

Oscar couldn’t help the way his heart skipped at her words. “Yeah, well, it’s not like I planned to tell you like that…” he trailed off, feeling his voice become quieter. “But I’m glad you guys took it well.”

She smiled knowingly and moved closer to him, her tone becoming softer. “You don’t have to explain yourself, darling. I’m just glad you’re being true to yourself.”

The young man didn’t know how to respond to that, so he just gave her a small, awkward smile. Nicole spoke again. “Actually, I was thinking... We should add Lando to our family group chat. Don’t you think?”

Oscar’s eyes widened, the words taking a moment to settle in. His heart fluttered with surprise. Family group chat?

“Wait, what?” he stammered. “You want to—what? But we just... I mean, you just found out today, Mom.”

Nicole laughed softly, walking over to the fridge and taking out a jar of jam to put on the counter. “Darling, he’s your boyfriend no?,” she said with a wink. 

His heart leapt. He hadn’t realized how much he wanted that. A piece of his mind had been holding back, unsure whether he was ready for this kind of openness, but now that his mom was suggesting it, hell, making it happen, it felt right. It felt like something he’d been secretly wishing for without even realizing it.

“Mom…” Oscar said softly, his voice catching. “You really mean that?”

“Of course I do,” Nicole said, her smile genuine. “Lando’s a good person, and he clearly makes you happy. I want to make him feel welcome here. It’s not just about you two now, this is about family. All of us.” She hesitated for a moment, her expression softening. “You’ve kept so much inside for so long, Oscar. But I think Lando is the one you can finally share everything with. I’ve always felt like you were kind of holding yourself back to fit in but I’ve seen the way you are with Lando and it amazed me to see how much you are at ease with him whether you were together or not at that time.”

Oscar swallowed the lump in his throat, suddenly overwhelmed by how much love and support was coming his way. “Yeah, okay,” he said, his voice almost a whisper. He felt a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I’ll add him. I’m sure he’ll be… excited.”

Nicole chuckled, her eyes lighting up with amusement. “Excited? He’ll probably be over the moon. And now, he’ll be able to join in on all the ridiculous family conversations we have. You know, like the one about how you keep stealing my shoes.”

Her son groaned, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. “I don’t steal your shoes.”

“Oh, please, you’ve been caught, twice,” Nicole teased, her tone playful but warm. “I know it was for one of your sisters but still.” 

Oscar was quiet for a moment, letting her words sink in. And suddenly, the idea of having Lando not just as his boyfriend but as a part of his family felt like everything he’d ever wanted. It felt right. So incredibly right. 

With a smile that matched his mom’s, he grabbed his phone from his pocket and unlocked it. He opened the family group chat, a flood of old messages from the family’s usual banter filling his screen. He hovered over Lando’s name for a moment before finally typing.

osc:

Hey, Mom says I have to add you to the family group chat now. Hope you’re ready for this mess.

He added him right after sending the text, feeling a warmth spread through him as he saw the little bubbles appear on the screen, knowing that Lando would be part of this chaos now. 

Chapter Text

Okay, it was time. He’d waited long enough. Today was the day. No more hesitating, no more almost saying it accidentally every time he opened his mouth. He was ready now, or at least determined enough to try.

Everyone he cared about was here: his mom, dad, brother, sisters, sister-in-law, and even Mila. The whole family. This was the perfect moment. He just had to get it over with.

He sat up in bed, steeling himself with a deep breath. He could do this. Sliding out of bed, he made a beeline for the kitchen, knowing that’s where they’d all be by now. Luna’s excited barks reached his ears as he got closer, and he spotted the puppy darting around Mila, who giggled uncontrollably at Luna’s antics. She’d stayed in the living room overnight, and now she was fully energized.

This is it, he told himself as he paused just outside the doorway. Just walk in there and say it.

With one final push, he stepped into the kitchen, all eyes briefly turning to him as he entered. His mouth opened, ready to spill the words he’d been practicing in his head all morning.

But nothing came out.

“Morning,” he blurted instead, his voice a little too loud and strained. He cleared his throat, heat rushing to his face. “Uh, good morning.”

That was it. That was all he managed to say.

Everyone greeted him back, their attention quickly returning to their conversations, coffee mugs, and Luna’s antics. He stood there for a moment, frozen in place, before awkwardly making his way to grab a cup of tea.

Alright. Not this time. But later. He would do it later. Definitely today.

—

Okay, this was it. The perfect moment. Everyone was gathered in the living room, relaxed and in good spirits. Lando sat among them, Luna curled up contentedly in his arms, her tiny tail wagging lazily as he scratched behind her ears. His brother had just asked how the puppy ended up with him, and Lando figured this was his chance.

He could do it now. He could mention Oscar. Just slip it into the conversation casually.

“Well, she’s my Christmas gift,” Lando said, his voice bright with pride as he glanced down at the little bundle of fur. “A friend gave her to me.”

Damn it, Lando.

The words hung in the air, and nobody seemed to notice the hesitation in his tone, or if they did, they didn’t say anything. His brother just nodded, smiling. “Pretty awesome friend you’ve got, then.”

“Yeah,” Lando muttered, his gaze dropping to Luna as he ran a hand gently along her back. His chest tightened slightly, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior.

Safe to say, he didn’t say it then either.

—

Lando was boiling. The words were trying to get out of him and he couldn’t keep it any longer. Why the hell was it so difficult to tell his family? He had been dying to say since he came home 2 days ago. Oscar had told his family yesterday, accidentally, sure, but still, he did.

Today, Lando had spent the entire day trying. Twice now. And both times, he’d chickened out. Now it was evening in London, and Lando was still sitting on this couch, still saying nothing.

His leg bounced restlessly, his fingers twisting and tugging at the hem of his shirt. He was supposed to be playing the board game spread out across the coffee table, but his mind was elsewhere, spiraling with frustration. Why couldn’t he just say it?

A gentle hand on his knee startled him, bringing him sharply back to the present.

“Darling? You alright?” his mum asked softly, her head tilting as she gave him that familiar concerned look. “It’s your turn.”

Lando blinked at her, his mouth dry, and before he could stop himself, the words spilled out like a dam breaking.

“I’m dating Oscar.”

The room fell into stunned silence, every eye snapping to him. Lando could practically feel the weight of their gazes, the questions piling up in the air, but he couldn't stop now.

He shifted in his seat, his heart racing as everything he’d been holding back for months came rushing out. "I—yeah, we’ve been together for almost four months now." He chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I fell for him way before that, though. It wasn’t... it wasn’t some sudden thing, you know? It just kind of... happened. And it’s been one of the best things to happen to me in so long. Even winning my first grand prix comes second to this!”

He took another breath, his voice gaining momentum as he went on, the words coming faster now, like he was racing against his own nerves. "We’ve had our challenges, obviously, and the media. But I swear, Oscar, he just... he makes all of that noise feel so meaningless. It’s like he knows exactly how to make me forget about all the crap that’s said about me online. He just... makes it all disappear."

Lando paused for a moment, glancing around the room to see if they were following along. He saw the mix of confusion and curiosity in their eyes, but there was something else there too, warmth. And that gave him the courage to keep going.

"He just... he makes me happy. Even when I’m at my lowest, when I’m feeling down or everything is falling apart, he’s the one thing that keeps me going. I can’t even explain it, but being with him just... it feels like the easiest thing in the world. It's only been 4 months but it feels like forever already."

Lando’s gaze softened as he looked down at Luna, who was peacefully curled up on his lap. "And Luna... she’s our puppy, not just mine. He gave her to me as an early Christmas gift, actually. It wasn’t a friend, like I told you, it was Oscar. He gave me Luna. He picked her for me on thursday and I don’t know how I got so lucky. But... I did. And he’s just... amazing. Everything about him, just—"

Lando caught himself, the words tumbling out faster than he could organize them. "I—I gave him a key to my place, too. I want him to be there with me, you know? I want to wake up with him every day. I want him to be part of my life. I don’t know what else to say... it’s just... I love him so much. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. And yeah, I miss him so much right now. I... I get this crazy separation anxiety when he’s not around. It’s like a hole in my chest. And I didn’t even want to come here without him, but I couldn’t—I didn’t know how to bring him with me and he's got his own family. So I came alone, and I’ve been thinking about him every second."

Lando paused again, his breath catching in his throat as he finally looked up at his family. “I’ve wanted to tell you all this since the day I got here, but Oscar and I, we hadn't talked about it. And then... Well, Oscar kind of... he accidentally told his family yesterday. So... I guess that makes it official now.”

He laughed weakly, his fingers brushing through his hair as he felt a mix of nerves and relief wash over him. "So, yeah. That’s it. I’m dating Oscar. I’m in love with him."

The room was still quiet. He felt the weight of their attention, waiting for a response, and he wasn’t sure what he expected, but somehow, the silence didn’t feel as heavy as before.

The silence didn’t last long. A moment later, Lando’s dad, Adam was the first to break it, her eyes brightening as she grinned at him. “Well, it’s about time!” he exclaimed, his voice warm with affection. “You’ve been glowing these past few months. Honestly, I had a feeling it was someone special. You’ve been different, happier.”

Lando blinked in surprise, his heart swelling at her words. “You noticed as well? I thought it was just mom.”

“I've been in the paddock a few times for the last races as well. I should’ve known, now it seems so obvious how you act together,” he teased, nudging him gently with his elbow. “You were always so stressed, and now you look... well, like you’re actually enjoying life for once. I’m so happy for you, my boy. Oscar’s a lucky guy.”

“Lucky guy? I’m the lucky one,” Lando replied, his grin widening as he looked down at Luna. “He’s just... he’s everything I didn’t know I needed.”

His mom, Cisca, looked over at Lando with a soft, knowing smile, her eyes twinkling. “I’m so happy for you, darling,” she said warmly. “I’m glad that this person making you happy is Oscar. I really am.”

Lando felt his chest tighten at her words, his smile faltering slightly. He’d been so nervous about how his family would react, and hearing them say that they knew he was happier because of Oscar... It was like a weight had been lifted.

“Thanks, Mom,” he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. He let himself be pulled into an embrace by both his parents. His two sisters grinning happily while his brother patted his knee with a proud smile.

He felt his heart swell with affection for his family, the love and support he’d always craved now filling the room. It felt like the best gift he could have received.

Cisca’s gaze softened as she watched her son, her maternal instincts catching the subtle flicker of sadness in his expression. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm, her touch grounding him. “I can see it now,” she said quietly, her voice filled with understanding. “Something’s been missing. You’ve seemed... incomplete since you came home.”

Lando looked down, his smile faltering slightly as his thoughts drifted. The longing he’d been trying to suppress bubbled to the surface. “Yeah... I miss him,” he admitted, his voice soft and raw with honesty. “Oscar’s in Australia, and it’s hard—so much harder than I thought it would be. Especially at Christmas.” His gaze shifted to Luna, who was still happily playing with Mila on the floor, her tiny tail wagging. “I never cared about Christmas before other than family dinners and all,” he said, his voice almost a whisper. “But he made it special. He made it feel like something worth celebrating. And now, it just feels... empty without him.”

Cisca’s hand remained on his arm, her warmth reassuring him. “Darling,” she said gently, her voice steady and kind, “do you want to be with Oscar right now?”

He hesitated, the conflict clear in his eyes. He glanced at his mother, searching her face for any sign of disapproval. When he found none, he exhaled, the weight of his emotions spilling out. “Yeah,” he admitted, nodding slowly. “I do. But... I thought you wouldn’t want me to miss Christmas with you all.”

Cisca’s smile deepened, a tender mix of pride and love. “Oh, Lando,” she said, her voice soft but unwavering. “I’ll miss having you here, of course. But this is your first Christmas with him as your boyfriend, isn’t it?”

“It is,” Lando replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. His cheeks flushed slightly as he admitted it, the thought of Oscar bringing a glimmer of happiness back to his face.

“Then go, sweetheart,” Cisca said simply, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

Lando blinked, his brows knitting in uncertainty. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice tinged with hesitation. “I mean, I don’t even know if his family would be okay with it. I don’t want to impose.”

Before Cisca could respond, Adam, who had been quietly watching the exchange, stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Lando’s shoulder. “Your mom’s absolutely sure,” he said, his tone playfully stern but full of affection. “But we do have one condition.”

Lando raised an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

Adam grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “We expect both you and Oscar here in January, understand? We’ve had you here for a few days, and you’ve been moping around like a lost puppy. We can’t let that continue. Call his family, Lando. You’ve got nothing to lose.”

The words hit Lando like a warm wave, washing away his doubts. His family’s support filled his chest with a sense of relief and excitement he hadn’t felt in days. He laughed softly, shaking his head in disbelief. “Alright,” he said, his grin widening. “I’ll ask them. Thank you.”

Cisca reached out and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “That’s my boy,” she said, her voice thick with pride.

Oliver, who had been lounging nearby, chimed in with a loud cheer. “Go get your man, little brother!”

The room erupted in laughter, and Lando joined in, his laugh bright and uninhibited. It was the kind of laugh that came straight from the heart, the kind only those who truly knew him ever got to hear. For a moment, the whole family basked in his happiness, their love for him radiating like the glow of the Christmas lights twinkling around the room.

---

The warmth of Lando’s laughter still lingered in the air when Cisca clapped her hands together, a knowing smile lighting up her face. “Alright,” she said briskly, glancing around at her family. “If you’re leaving soon, we’d better get the presents. No way you’re going without opening yours first.”

Lando blinked in surprise, his grin faltering slightly. “Wait, what? You don’t have to rush anything just because of me.”

“Nonsense,” Adam said, waving a dismissive hand. “Christmas is about family, and if you’re going to spend the rest of yours with Oscar, we need to make the most of the time we have left. Right, Cisca?”

“Exactly,” Cisca confirmed, her tone decisive. She motioned for Oliver to start gathering the gifts stacked under the tree. “Oliver, bring them here. And let’s try to keep Luna from tearing into anything, hmm?”

Oliver snickered as he crawled under the tree, tugging out a pile of brightly wrapped gifts. “I’ll try, but she's got that puppy energy. Not sure even Santa could keep her in line.”

Lando laughed, his gaze softening as Luna bounded over to him, tail wagging furiously. He scooped her up, holding her close as she licked his cheek. “Alright, fine,” he relented. “I’m keeping her in my lap. She’s part of this family now too, isn’t she?”

“Absolutely,” Cisca said warmly. She scratched Luna behind the ears before gesturing to the pile of presents now sitting on the coffee table. “Go on, Lando. Start opening.”

The next few minutes were filled with the sounds of crinkling wrapping paper, laughter, and cheerful exclamations as Lando worked his way through the stack. There was a sleek new gaming headset from Oliver, a new set of digital art furniture from his parents and a polaroid device from his sisters. It was the gathering of all his passions, other than racing. It was always so nice to get these sort of things for Christmas because he family knew exactly what he loved

Lando swallowed hard, his throat tightening as he fought back the sudden wave of emotion. “Thank you all,” he said, his voice quieter now. "You'll only get to open mine on Christmas Day. I decided."

Cisca leaned over, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “Merry Christmas, darling.”

As Lando glanced around the room, at his smiling parents, his playful siblings, and Luna now snoozing contentedly in his lap, he felt his heart swell with gratitude. This was what family was about, love, support, and the unshakable bond that made leaving a little easier.

“Alright,” Oliver said, breaking the moment with a grin. “Now that you’ve got your presents, when’s your flight? You’re not skipping out on Christmas dinner, are you?”

Lando laughed, shaking his head and checking his phone. “No, don’t worry. I’m staying for dinner. My flight is supposedly in the night. But don’t expect me to leave any leftovers. I need energy to surprise Oscar… If I actually do it…"

Chapter Text

Nicole sat in the garden, her coffee steaming in the crisp morning air as the dogs chased each other across the lawn. It was a peaceful start to Christmas Eve, the kind of moment she cherished before the day became a whirlwind of activity. Her phone buzzed on the table beside her, and when she saw Lando’s name on the screen, a warm smile spread across her face. She had been expecting to hear from him sooner or later after that phone call a few days ago. She knew already from the few moments she saw him in the paddock that he was a bubbly and chatty young man.

lando:

Hi Mrs. Piastri

I mean, Nicole. 

I hope it’s okay that I’m texting now. I have no idea what time it is in Australia, but it’s 10 PM here.

She chuckled softly, sipping her coffee before typing her reply.

nicole:

Hello Lando! 

It’s 9 AM here, so don’t worry about it. 

What can I do for you, darling?

It didn’t take long for his next message to come through.

lando:

Oh right! It's the 24th in Australia already. 

Merry Christmas Eve! 

So,

I, uh… told my parents about Oscar and me about an hour ago, and my mom got so excited she told me to take the first flight to Australia. 

And I found a flight that leaves at 1 AM here and arrives at 10 AM on the 25th in Melbourne. 

So I wanted to ask, would it be okay if I came over with a puppy for a few days?

Nicole’s heart swelled as she read his words. She could picture his nervous energy even through the text.

nicole:

Lando, I’ve told you before, on the phone days ago, you’re more than welcome in our home. I’m so glad it went well with your family! 

They’ve always seemed lovely and clearly adore you. I had no doubt they’d be supportive.

A brief pause, and then:

lando:

But I don’t want to interrupt your family’s Christmas.

She rolled her eyes affectionately.

nicole:

You’re family now, Lando. I don’t want to hear another word about “interrupting.” 

Did you say puppy?

lando: 

Yes, Luna. She’s Oscar’s and mine. 

He gave her to me as an early Christmas gift. 

Here, a pic of us with her, the day he brought her home, last thursday.

The image came through, and Nicole’s smile widened at the sight of Lando and Oscar grinning with the fluffy little puppy nestled between them.

nicole:

Oh, how sweet! You all look adorable! Of course, it’s perfectly fine to bring her.

lando:

You’re sure?

nicole:

Absolutely. Besides, Oscar’s been moping around because he misses you. Take the flight, Lando. I’ll come to pick you up from the airport, and we can surprise him. How does that sound?

lando:

Surprising him sounds perfect. 

Though I'll have to refrain from texting him because I might tell him everything. Thank you, Nicole. Can’t wait to see you all.

Nicole smiled fondly at the thought. 

nicole:

I should be thanking you, and your parents, for sharing you with us this Christmas. I’ll send them something to show my appreciation. Keep me updated, and have a safe flight, darling.

lando:

I will. Thank you so much!

Nicole set her phone down, a soft laugh escaping her. She could already imagine the look on Oscar’s face when Lando would be here tomorrow morning, a mix of shock and utter delight.

—

An hour later, Nicole was in the kitchen rinsing her mug when she heard the soft creak of footsteps descending the stairs. She turned, setting the mug on the drying rack, and watched as Oscar appeared in the doorway. His shoulders were hunched, his hair a tousled mess, and his lips were pressed into a pout that reminded her of when he was a little boy sulking over a missed dessert.

“Oscar, darling, are you alright?” she asked gently, her motherly instincts immediately kicking in.

“Yeah, Mom,” he replied shortly, though the tightness in his voice told a very different story.

Nicole tilted her head, giving him a knowing look. “You don’t look alright, baby. Come on, it’s Christmas Eve. What’s wrong?”

Oscar hesitated, shuffling to the counter and leaning against it with his arms crossed. His gaze flickered downward, avoiding her eyes, and for a moment she thought he wouldn’t answer. Then he sighed, dragging a hand through his hair in frustration.

“I’m sorry, I just… Lando was supposed to text me after he told his family, and I haven’t heard anything since our call the other day,” he admitted, his voice soft. “I texted him, and he hasn’t even read it. I know i just woke up but still I thought…”

Nicole hid her smile behind a sip of water, carefully schooling her expression into one of mild concern. She knew exactly why Lando hadn’t responded, he was currently scrambling to pack for a last-minute flight to Melbourne.

“He might just be busy, honey,” she offered, though she felt a little guilty for the lie.

Oscar’s eyes shot up to meet hers, his brow furrowed. “Busy? Mom, he always makes time to text me. Even when he’s swamped. What if… what if he’s mad?” His voice cracked, and Nicole could see the worry etched into his features. “What if he’s upset that I accidentally outed us the other day, and he just hasn’t told me?”

Nicole set her glass down and closed the distance between them, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Oscar,” she said softly but firmly, “I promise you, Lando isn’t mad. He didn’t seem the least bit upset when we talked to him yesterday, did he?”

“No,” Oscar admitted reluctantly, but his frown didn’t fade. “But what if he’s just pretending he’s okay? What if he—”

“No buts,” Nicole interrupted gently, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “You’re overthinking this, baby. I know it’s hard not to spiral, but trust me, everything will be fine. Lando loves you. He’s probably just... caught up in the holiday rush. It's starting to get late in England, yeah? Maybe tomorrow?”

Oscar sighed heavily, his posture sagging as if the weight of his worry was too much to bear. “I guess,” he muttered, though his tone was far from convinced.

Nicole’s heart ached for him. It wasn’t like Oscar to be so openly vulnerable, but it warmed her heart to know that this relationship had brought out a softer, more emotional side of him.

She leaned in and pressed a kiss to his forehead, just like she had when he was a little boy with scraped knees or a bruised ego. “You’ll see,” she said with a soft smile. “Everything will be alright.”

He lingered in her embrace for a moment before nodding, though the crease in his brow remained. “Okay,” he mumbled. “If you say so.”

Nicole watched him shuffle into the living room, his head down and his steps slow. He collapsed onto the couch, pulling his phone out of his pocket and staring at the screen as if willing a notification to appear.

She sighed, leaning against the counter as she watched him. Her heart swelled with a mix of love and anticipation. By this time tomorrow, all of his doubts and worries would be replaced with joy and laughter. She could already picture the look on his face when Lando would walk through the door, surprise melting into sheer happiness.

Turning back to the sink, Nicole began rinsing the dishes with a renewed sense of purpose. She needed to make sure everything was perfect for tomorrow, not just for Christmas but for the moment when her son would realize just how deeply he was loved.

She then spent the next hour watching Oscar from the corner of her eye as he sat in the living room, curled up on the couch with his phone in hand. Every few minutes, he’d unlock it, scroll through his notifications, sigh dramatically, and then lock it again, only to repeat the process moments later. It was almost endearing, almost.

At one point, he muttered something under his breath about “bad Wi-Fi,” to which Nicole bit back a laugh. The Wi-Fi was perfectly fine; it was his patience that was fraying.

“Alright, Mr. Grumpy,” she said brightly, walking into the room and clapping her hands together. “I’m not letting you sulk on Christmas Eve. You love this day too much to spend it glued to your phone.”

Oscar glanced up, his brow furrowed. “I’m not sulking.”

“You’re sulking,” she replied with a knowing smile, crossing her arms. “What happened to the Oscar who used to bounce out of bed at six in the morning, begging to prepare everything for Santa so he would get lots of presents the next day?”

Oscar huffed, his lips twitching as if he wanted to smile but was trying not to. “That was a long time ago, Mom.”

“Not that long ago,” she teased. “I remember one year, when you were about six, you were so excited for Christmas that you snuck into the living room at four in the morning to ‘check if Santa came.’”

Oscar groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Mom…”

“I’m not done,” she continued, grinning. “You managed to open all the presents before anyone else woke up, but you were so proud of yourself that you didn’t realize you’d unwrapped your sisters’ gifts, too. The girls were furious.”

“I apologized!” Oscar protested, his voice muffled by his hands.

“You apologized after we made you rewrap everything,” Nicole corrected, laughing at the memory. “And I still have pictures of the terrible job you did, tape everywhere, paper ripped. It was adorable. And you still do a terrible job at wrapping nowadays.”

Oscar finally looked up, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. “I was a kid. You can’t hold that against me forever.”

“Oh, I absolutely can,” she said with a wink. “But my point is, Christmas is your favorite time of year. Let’s focus on that instead of moping around.”

Oscar rolled his eyes but stood up, stretching. “Fine. What do you have in mind?”

Nicole smiled triumphantly. “Well, your sisters will be back from shopping soon, and we can start baking cookies for tomorrow. You’ve always been my best cookie decorator. Though I'm a bit scared knowing what you did to that gingerbread house on the video Mclaren posted.”

“I’m your only cookie decorator,” he pointed out, though the playful tone in his voice reassured her that he was loosening up. “My sisters are terrible at it.” 

---

By noon, the house was livelier. Oscar’s three sisters had returned from their shopping trip, bags in hand and chatter filling the air as they unloaded groceries and last-minute gifts. While the girls unpacked, Nicole checked her phone discreetly, her heart skipping a beat when she saw a message from Lando.

lando:

Hi Nicole, I just boarded the plane! 

I’ll see you all in 21 hours. 

Thanks again for everything.

Didn't texted Oscar at all because I think if I do, I'll spoil the surprise

So I hope he is okay 

She smiled, typing back quickly. 

nicole:

Have a safe flight, darling. 

I'll pick you up from the airport tomorrow morning 

He's been sulking all morning long, but I'm handling it, don't worry.

She slipped her phone back into her pocket, her excitement growing. The thought of Lando walking through their door tomorrow made her heart swell. 

---

The rest of the day was filled with festive chaos. Nicole kept a close eye on Oscar, determined to keep him distracted. They baked cookies, each family member taking a station, rolling dough, cutting shapes, decorating with vibrant icing. Oscar, as expected, got competitive with his sisters over whose cookies looked the best.

“Mine are definitely the prettiest,” Hattie declared, holding up a perfectly frosted Christmas tree cookie. The green icing glistened, and tiny sugar pearls sparkled like ornaments.

“You mean boring,” Oscar shot back, carefully sprinkling crushed candy canes over his star-shaped cookie. “Mine have flair. Creativity. Personality.”

“More like a mess,” Eddie teased, pointing to a blob of red icing smeared across his wrist.

Oscar smirked. “Messy is modern. You wouldn’t understand.”

Nicole shook her head, laughing as she slid another tray into the oven. “Oscar’s competitive streak strikes again,” she said. “I hope you realize no one’s judging your cookies.”

“Speak for yourself,” Mae quipped, lining up her creations on a cooling rack as if presenting them for an art exhibit.

The kitchen filled with the warm, sugary aroma of baking cookies, mingling with the sound of Christmas music playing softly in the background. By the time the first batch was cooling, the counters were a colorful chaos of half-used icing tubes, sprinkles scattered like confetti, and a light dusting of flour that had somehow ended up on everyone.

As Nicole reached for a clean cloth to wipe down the counter, Hattie couldn’t resist stirring the pot further. “Remember when Oscar tried to make a gingerbread house by himself?” she asked, her eyes glinting mischievously.

Oscar groaned loudly, setting down his rolling pin. “Why do you always bring that up? I think I’ve embarrassed myself enough this year. Did you see that McLaren TikTok I had to film with the gingerbread house? That should be enough to last a lifetime.”

“Because,” Hattie said with a grin, “you’re fun to embarrass.”

Nicole chuckled as she wiped flour off her hands. “That gingerbread house was unforgettable, though. He refused to follow the instructions. Decided he didn’t need them.”

“It’s called improvisation,” Oscar muttered, though his lips twitched with a smile.

“Improvisation that led to the walls collapsing four times,” Nicole reminded him. “By the end, he was covered in frosting and still insisted it looked ‘modern.’”

“It was modern,” Oscar defended, crossing his arms.

“Sure, darling,” Nicole said, patting his shoulder. “Modern in the way a tornado is modern.”

The room erupted in laughter, and even Oscar couldn’t keep a straight face. He grabbed a handful of flour and pretended to toss it at Eddie, who ducked behind Hattie for cover.

“No food fights,” Nicole warned, though she was laughing too.

---

By the time dinner rolled around, Oscar seemed to have relaxed somewhat, though Nicole could tell he was still holding onto a thread of worry. They shared a meal full of laughter and teasing, and Oscar even cracked a few jokes himself.

After the plates were cleared and the dishwasher hummed in the background, the family naturally drifted toward the cozy living room. The Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner, its twinkling lights casting soft patterns on the walls. Wrapped presents rested beneath it, adding to the festive warmth. Nicole carried in plates of cookies, setting them on the coffee table as the sisters debated what movie to watch.

“The Grinch,” Eddie declared with an air of finality, and the others quickly agreed.

“Classic,” Mae said with a nod, plopping onto the couch and patting the spot next to her.

Oscar hesitated for a moment but eventually let himself be pulled down between Hattie and Mae, who wasted no time cuddling up to him. “Good choice,” he murmured, a faint smile gracing his lips. The Grinch had always been one of his favorite Christmas movies, and it was a rare moment where he seemed completely at ease.

As the movie began, the room filled with laughter. Eddie’s running commentary and the sisters’ teasing remarks about the Grinch’s antics had everyone chuckling, Oscar included. Nicole settled into her favorite armchair with a contented sigh, her gaze flickering between the screen and her children.

But it was Oscar who held her attention the most. He laughed with the others, his head resting lightly against Hattie’s shoulder, but Nicole noticed his hand gripping his phone a little too tightly. Every so often, he glanced down at the screen, unlocking it with a quick swipe and frowning almost imperceptibly when he saw no new messages.

Nicole’s heart ached for him. She had a good idea of what—or rather, who—he was waiting for. Lando hadn’t messaged him in hours, keeping their plans carefully under wraps, but it was clear Oscar had noticed the silence.

Hattie must have picked up on it, too, because at one point, she plucked the phone from his hand with a mock-scolding look. “No phones during The Grinch,” she said, slipping it onto the armrest beside her. Before Oscar could protest, she wrapped an arm around him and pulled him closer. “Now relax and enjoy.”

“I'm supposed to be the big brother here,” he grumbled but happily cuddled close to his sisters.

Nicole hid a smile, silently thankful for Hattie’s gentle interference. She knew her son well enough to recognize that he was trying to mask his disappointment, but with Hattie’s arm around him and the infectious laughter of his siblings filling the room, he seemed to relax.

As the movie went on, Nicole allowed herself to relax as well. She watched as Oscar’s laughter grew louder, more genuine, until it filled the room alongside the others. It warmed her heart to see him happy, even if she knew the worry was still there, lingering just beneath the surface.

She resisted the urge to tell him what was coming tomorrow. It would be so easy to let the secret slip, to reassure him and watch the tension melt from his face. But she held back. The surprise would be worth it.

One more day, and the boy she adored so much would have everything he was quietly longing for, and so much more.

—

“Alright,” she said, standing up and clapping her hands after the credit rolled on the tv screen. “It’s time for bed. Santa won’t come if you’re awake.”

Oscar rolled his eyes but stood, stretching. “Goodnight, everyone,” he said, heading upstairs.

Nicole watched him go, her heart full. Tomorrow would be a day to remember, one that would remind Oscar of just how deeply he was loved.

As she cleaned up the remnants of their evening, Nicole couldn’t help but smile. Christmas had always been about family, and now, they were gaining someone special.

—

Oscar lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling as the soft glow of his bedside lamp painted faint, shifting shadows on the walls. His phone rested on the pillow beside him, its screen dark, yet he couldn’t stop his hand from drifting toward it every few minutes, unlocking it only to find no new messages.

The silence of the house, usually comforting, felt oppressive tonight. Everyone was safe, happy, and together, but it left Oscar alone with his thoughts, thoughts that were anything but kind.

Why hadn’t Lando texted him yet?

He rolled onto his side, clutching the corner of his blanket as his mind spiraled. A knot twisted tighter and tighter in his stomach, each anxious thought feeding the next. What if something had gone wrong? What if Lando had told his family, and it had blown up in his face? Maybe they’d reacted poorly, and he was too upset to reach out. Worse, what if Lando had realized the situation was too much to handle? What if he’d changed his mind?

Oscar groaned softly, burying his face in the pillow, trying to block out the intrusive thoughts. “No,” he muttered under his breath, voice muffled. “That’s ridiculous. Lando wouldn’t just… disappear. He’s not like that.”

He tried to steady his breathing, to force some sense of logic into the swirling chaos in his mind. Lando was busy. It was Christmas. That’s all it was. He had a family to spend time with, just like Oscar. It didn’t mean anything.

But the logic did little to calm him.

Nicole’s voice echoed in his head, soothing and confident, as if she were sitting right next to him. Everything will be alright.

But what if it wasn’t?

Oscar flipped onto his other side, the blanket tangling around his legs. His stomach churned uneasily. He thought about the smile Lando had worn the last time they’d spoken, a bright, genuine expression that seemed to light up even through the dim glow of their phone screens. Lando had been so excited about telling his family, so sure it would go well.

Wouldn’t he have told me if something went wrong?

Oscar sighed heavily, his chest tightening as he reached out for his phone again. Unlocking it for what felt like the hundredth time that night, his heart sank when he saw his texts still unread.

He set the phone down, gripping the edge of his blanket as doubt gnawed at him. His gaze drifted to the corner of his suitcase, half-zipped and sitting near the foot of his bed. It was the hoodie that caught his eye, Lando’s favorite hoodie.

Oscar hadn’t told him he’d taken it. He hadn’t meant to, really. When they’d last said goodbye, Lando had hugged him in that hoodie, warm and safe, and the scent of it had lingered long after. When Oscar packed for his trip home, his hands had grabbed it instinctively, slipping it into the suitcase without a second thought.

Now, without thinking, he got up and walked to the suitcase. Kneeling, he unzipped it quietly, his fingers brushing over the soft fabric of the hoodie. He pulled it out, the familiar scent immediately filling his senses, faint cologne, a hint of laundry detergent, and something that was just so Lando.

Oscar clutched the hoodie close, a lump rising in his throat as he sat back down on the bed. He pulled it on over his head, the fabric heavy and comforting against his skin. Wrapping his arms around himself, he curled up beneath the blankets, burying his face in the oversized hood.

“He loves me,” Oscar whispered into the quiet of the room, as if saying it out loud could make it feel more real. “He told me he loves me.”

He thought of the way Lando always smiled when they were together, the way he would reach out to touch his hand, even in the smallest of ways. He thought of the quiet moments when Lando whispered soft reassurances, the laughter they shared, and the warmth of his voice when he said those three simple words: “I love you.”

Lando wasn’t someone who left people behind. He wasn’t someone who made promises he didn’t keep.

Oscar squeezed his eyes shut, gripping the hem of the hoodie tightly. “He loves me,” he repeated, a little louder this time, as if trying to drown out his doubts. “He wouldn’t just… stop. And it's stupid because I know it.”

It was Christmas. It was going to be okay.

The sound of his sisters’ laughter from earlier in the evening echoed faintly in his mind, mingling with the memory of Lando’s smile. The ache in his chest didn’t disappear entirely, but it softened. He took a deep breath, then another, letting the scent and weight of the hoodie lull him into something close to calm.

As he finally turned off the lamp and let the room fall into darkness, he hugged himself tighter. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but for now, he reminded himself of one undeniable truth.

Lando loved him. And that had to be enough.

Eventually, his breathing slowed, and he drifted into an uneasy sleep, Lando’s hoodie wrapped securely around him like a promise.

Chapter Text

The living room buzzed with muted laughter and the rustle of pages turning as the girls sprawled lazily across the couch. Christmas morning had arrived, but for Oscar, it felt off. He sat on the edge of the couch, scrolling aimlessly through his phone, hoping for a message that hadn’t come. His jaw tightened as he swallowed the growing frustration.

"Where’s Mom?" he finally asked, his voice betraying the simmering irritation he couldn’t quite hide.

Mae glanced up from her book, her smirk soft but knowing. "She went out to grab something. Said it was a last-minute gift." Her tone was light, but there was a flicker of understanding in her eyes. Mae always knew when something was off with him, though she didn’t push.

Oscar sank back into the cushions, his phone slipping from his grip as he ran a hand through his hair. "Right," he muttered, though his mind wasn’t on his mom’s errand. It was stuck on Lando. Two days. Two whole days of silence after their last call. After Lando had said, I’ll text you after I talk to them, I promise. But no text had come. Nothing.

"You okay, Osc?" Mae’s voice softened. The teasing edge she usually wore was gone now.

"No," he admitted, his gaze falling to the floor. "Lando still hasn’t texted me." The words felt heavy, and for a moment, he hesitated, as though saying it out loud would make it worse.

Mae sighed, shutting her book and shifting closer. "Oscar, come on. It’s Christmas. He’s probably asleep, you know, time zones and all that."

"I know," Oscar muttered. But logic didn’t ease the ache gnawing at him. What if something was wrong? What if— No, stop. He shook his head, trying to wrestle down the spiral of thoughts.

Before Mae could respond, the front door creaked open, and Eddie’s voice rang out, full of excitement. "Mom’s back!"

Oscar perked up, his attention flickering toward the hallway. For a moment, the tension eased. Maybe this would finally get the day moving.

"We can do presents now!" Eddie practically bounced as he shouted, his enthusiasm filling the room.

"Yay," Oscar replied flatly, forcing a half-hearted smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

And then, Hattie’s voice cut through the noise, shrill and brimming with excitement. "OH MY GOD! Oscar, come here! You have to see this!"

Oscar groaned, slumping further into the couch. "Hattie, I’m not moving. Whatever it is, I’ll see it from here."

"So that’s how you’re saying hello to me?"

The voice. Low, warm, and unmistakably British. It was impossible. It couldn’t be.

Oscar shot up, his heart pounding so loudly it drowned out the world around him. He stumbled toward the hallway, his breath catching in his throat. "Lando?"

And there he was. Standing in the doorway, suitcase in one hand and a small carrier in the other. His dark curls were slightly disheveled, his eyes shining with that familiar spark of mischief. He was here. Actually here.

"Lando," Oscar breathed, his voice barely more than a whisper. His legs felt weak, his mind reeling. How? Why? He blinked rapidly, half-convinced he’d imagined it.

Before he could find the words, Lando closed the distance between them, setting the carrier holding Luna down and pulling him into a hug. The impact was so sudden, so full of warmth and relief, that Oscar froze for a moment before his arms wrapped tightly around Lando, holding him like he might disappear if he let go.

The ache, the frustration, the unanswered questions, they melted away as Lando’s familiar scent and the press of his body against Oscar’s anchored him in the moment. He was here. Here.

Overwhelmed, Oscar buried his face in Lando’s shoulder, his breath hitching. "I—I can’t believe you’re here," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Surprise," Lando murmured, his grin audible even without seeing it.

Oscar pulled back slightly, just enough to look at him, his hands still gripping Lando’s arms as if to confirm he was real. His eyes burned with unshed tears, and a smile broke across his face, brighter than any he’d worn in days. "You’re insane," he said, the words shaky but filled with joy.

"I couldn’t stay away," Lando admitted softly, brushing a strand of hair from Oscar’s face. The Australian was already pulling him into another hug.

Oscar tightened his arms around Lando, his breath catching in his throat as the disbelief began to dissolve, replaced by a wave of overwhelming joy. "You’re really here," he whispered, the words trembling with a mix of wonder and relief. He bent slightly, resting his head on Lando’s shoulder, as if needing to physically ground himself in this moment.

"I am," Lando murmured, his voice a steady reassurance against the storm of emotions swirling in Oscar’s chest. He pulled back just enough to look Oscar in the eyes, his grin softening into something more tender, more personal. "And I have a good reason for why I’ve been quiet. I promise."

Oscar blinked rapidly, his heart hammering so loudly it seemed impossible that Lando couldn’t hear it. He stepped back slightly, but his hand lingered on Lando’s arm, clutching it tightly, as if afraid that letting go would cause him to vanish. His voice came out shakier than he wanted. "You better have a good reason. I thought... I thought maybe you didn’t want to talk to me anymore. Or worse."

Lando’s laugh was warm, filling the air between them like a balm. "Ignoring you? Never. That’s the last thing I’d do." He shifted his suitcase aside and leaned casually against the wall, though the gleam in his eyes betrayed his excitement. "Okay, listen. Remember how I told you I was going to tell my parents about us?"

Oscar nodded cautiously, the memory still fresh. It had been the last time they’d spoken, Lando’s voice full of confidence, promising to update him after the conversation. And then—nothing. Two days of nothing.

"Yeah," Oscar admitted, his voice quieter now. "And then you just... disappeared."

"Right, well, there’s a reason for that," Lando said, his grin growing. "Things got... a little wild. I told them everything. About us, about how much you mean to me. And my mum—being my mum—she decided something needed to be done."

Oscar blinked, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, after hearing me go on about you, she just looked at me and said, ‘Do you want to be with him for Christmas?’" Lando’s smile turned almost sheepish. "And when I said yes—because obviously, yes—she told me to stop wasting time and get on a plane."

Oscar’s lips parted, a sharp intake of breath caught in his chest. "She... she told you to come here?"

"Practically shoved me out the door," Lando said, his laughter breaking through the moment. "She booked the flight herself, then I texted your mum to plan everything, and the next thing I knew, I was boarding a plane at one in the morning on Christmas Eve."

Oscar’s eyes widened, his head shaking slightly as if trying to process what he was hearing. "You’re serious?" His voice cracked, the words trembling with disbelief.

"Dead serious." Lando’s expression softened, and he reached out, brushing his fingers gently across Oscar’s cheek. "I couldn’t text because I was on the plane. And honestly, I didn’t want to ruin the surprise. I wanted to see this exact look on your face."

Oscar’s mom, standing in the doorway with a knowing smile, stepped forward. "It was a team effort," she said lightly. "I couldn’t say no when he texted me with the idea."

Oscar’s gaze darted between his mom and Lando, his breath hitching again. His chest felt too tight, too full, like his heart was trying to burst free. He looked back at Lando, his voice barely above a whisper. "You did all of this... for me?"

Lando smiled, his hand still resting against Oscar’s cheek. "Of course I did. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be today than right here, with you." His voice dropped to something softer, something that wrapped around Oscar like a warm blanket. "Because I missed you. Because I love you."

Oscar’s knees felt unsteady, his throat tight as he struggled to form a coherent thought. "You’re... you’re insane," he managed, his voice cracking with emotion.

"Maybe," Lando teased, his grin bright and easy. "But you’re worth it."

For a moment, Oscar couldn’t move. He couldn’t speak. The weight of everything, the silence, the uncertainty, and now the sheer joy of Lando’s presence, pressed down on him, overwhelming and beautiful all at once. And then, suddenly, he was moving, throwing his arms around Lando again, holding him so tightly it was as if he feared letting go.

"You’re the best Christmas gift I’ve ever had," Oscar murmured against Lando’s shoulder, his voice thick with emotion. His tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, but he didn’t care. This moment, this feeling, it was perfect.

"And you’re mine," Lando whispered back, his arms tightening around Oscar. For both of them, the rest of the world fell away, leaving only the warmth of each other.

Oscar reluctantly stepped back, though his fingers lingered on Lando’s arm as if reluctant to let go entirely. His gaze shifted to the small carrier resting beside Lando’s suitcase, his face lighting up. "Okay, fine, I’ll stop being all mushy now," he said, though the flush on his cheeks betrayed him. He nodded toward the carrier, his grin widening. "But I have to say hi to Luna first."

Lando laughed, stepping aside with a playful wave of his hand. "Go ahead. She’s been missing you almost as much as I have."

Oscar knelt down, the sight of the tiny puppy’s wide, soulful eyes instantly melting away any lingering tension. "Hey there, Luna," he murmured, his voice soft and filled with affection. He unzipped the carrier, and Luna immediately wriggled out, her tail wagging so hard it seemed her whole body was moving with it.

As Oscar scooped her up into his arms, Luna showered him with enthusiastic licks, her tiny paws batting at his face. He laughed, a light, carefree sound that filled the room. "I missed you too, little one," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.

From the couch, Mae smirked, her tone teasing. "Well, glad to see who the real favorite is here."

Oscar didn’t even look up, too absorbed in cuddling the squirming puppy. Luna nuzzled into his neck, and his heart felt impossibly full. "You’re perfect, Luna," he murmured, running a hand through her soft fur.

Lando crossed his arms, pretending to pout. "Alright, alright, enough of the puppy reunion. I did kind of interrupt present time, didn’t I?"

Oscar finally looked up, blinking as if emerging from a dream. "Oh, right! Presents!" he said, his excitement rekindling as he set Luna down gently.

Oscar’s mom stepped forward, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Well, since I helped Lando pull off this little surprise, I figured he deserved something too." She reached behind the couch and handed Lando a neatly wrapped package. "It’s not much, but I hope you like it."

Lando’s brows lifted in surprise. "You didn’t have to do that," he said, though his grin betrayed his delight.

"Of course I did," she replied with a wave of her hand. "Now open it."

Carefully, Lando peeled back the paper to reveal a sleek, leather-bound sketchbook. His fingers brushed over the smooth cover as he looked up, his expression soft. "A sketchbook?"

Oscar’s mom nodded, her smile warm. "Oscar mentioned that you like to draw. I thought you might need a fresh one."

Lando glanced down at the sketchbook again, clearly touched. "This is amazing. Thank you so much," he said, his voice quiet but full of sincerity.

Oscar beamed, his chest swelling with pride. "See? My mom gets it."

"She definitely does," Lando said with a soft laugh. He turned the sketchbook over in his hands, then looked back at Oscar, his eyes sparkling. "This is perfect. But honestly, just being here with you is enough."

Oscar felt his face heat, his smile softening. He stepped closer, his arms slipping around Lando’s waist. "Well, I’m glad you’re here too," he said, leaning up to press a lingering kiss to Lando’s lips. When he pulled back, his voice was firm, though his tone remained playful. "And I’m not letting you out of my sight today."

Lando’s laughter was warm as his arms tightened around Oscar’s shoulders. "Good, because I don’t plan on going anywhere."

Oscar smirked, resting his forehead against Lando’s. "Perfect. Because this is exactly where I want you to be."

And for the rest of the day, he kept Lando close, savoring every moment of the best Christmas surprise he could have ever imagined.

—

The evening unfolded with a kind of magic that Oscar hadn’t quite anticipated. The day had already been filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and an abundance of hugs as Lando integrated effortlessly into the close-knit family dynamic. But as the rich, savory aroma of Christmas dinner wafted through the air, mingling with the crackle of the fire and the soft hum of holiday music in the background, Oscar found himself in a state of quiet bliss. It wasn’t just the traditions or the festive ambiance—it was the man sitting beside him, blending into his world as if he had always belonged.

At the dinner table, Lando was a natural. Despite the exhaustion shadowing his eyes and the faint flush on his cheeks betraying the strain of the long-haul flight, he was charming and attentive, diving headfirst into every conversation as if he’d known Oscar’s family his whole life. Mae was, unsurprisingly, quick with her quips and teasing remarks, which Lando handled with ease, his laughter filling the room in a way that felt like sunshine breaking through clouds. Hattie was equally playful, her dry wit meeting Lando’s energy halfway, and even Eddie, usually quieter in larger gatherings, engaged, asking thoughtful questions that Lando answered with warmth and enthusiasm.

Oscar sat back for a moment, content to watch the scene unfold. His family, the people who meant the most to him, had embraced Lando without hesitation. It wasn’t just polite acceptance or surface-level niceties; it was genuine. Mae’s teasing was laced with fondness. Hattie’s wit was sharper than usual, as though she had already decided Lando could handle it. Eddie’s quiet smile carried a level of approval Oscar rarely saw. And his mom, her gentle encouragement and occasional quiet glance toward Oscar said more than words ever could.

Oscar’s heart swelled as he handed the bowl of mashed potatoes to Lando, their fingers brushing lightly. It was an innocent, fleeting touch, but it sent a ripple of warmth through him. Lando glanced up at him with a quick, soft smile, and Oscar couldn’t help but smile back. Every glance, every word exchanged at the table, carried an unspoken intimacy, like they were sharing a secret amidst the chatter.

Lando’s voice broke through Oscar’s thoughts, his tone playful as he praised the food. "I swear, you guys have the best Christmas dinner I’ve ever had. If this is what I can expect every year, I’m moving in."

Hattie snorted, shaking her head. "Didn’t I say? The moment he tries it, he’s never leaving."

Lando grinned, raising his fork as if making a toast. "Can you blame me? Roast potatoes are life-changing."

The laughter that followed was easy and genuine, and Oscar found himself leaning closer to Lando without realizing it. He couldn’t take his eyes off him. Lando, flushed and tired but still so vibrant, sitting at the heart of his world. It felt surreal, this quiet, ordinary moment that carried so much weight. 

"Are you sure you’re okay?" Nicole’s soft voice cut through the din, drawing both Lando and Oscar’s attention. Her expression was warm, but there was a note of concern in her eyes. "I know you’ve had a crazy-long flight. You’re looking a little... tired."

Lando waved her off with an easy smile, though the corners of his eyes crinkled with fatigue. "I’m good, Nicole. Just starting to get jet lagged. But trust me, I’m fine. This is worth it."

Oscar’s heart tightened. He could see it now, the subtle signs that Lando’s energy was waning. The way he leaned back in his chair a little more than before, the slight heaviness in his voice as he answered Eddie’s question about his favorite childhood memory. Yet, even in his exhaustion, Lando never faltered. He laughed, joked, and gave everything he had to make this evening as special for Oscar as it was for him.

By the time dessert rolled around, the weight of the day had fully settled on Lando’s shoulders. His responses grew softer, slower, and every so often, his gaze would drift before he caught himself, blinking rapidly as if trying to shake off the sleep threatening to pull him under. Even Luna, curled up on the couch after an eventful day, had given in to her own exhaustion.

Oscar leaned closer, his voice low enough for only Lando to hear. "Hey," he murmured, brushing a lock of hair from Lando’s forehead. "You don’t have to keep pushing yourself. You’ve been amazing."

Lando blinked at him, his lips quirking into a small, tired smile. "I don’t want to miss anything. I’m happy, Osc. Really."

Oscar’s chest tightened, the simple sincerity of those words wrapping around his heart like a warm embrace. He reached for Lando’s hand under the table, squeezing it gently. "You’ve already made this Christmas perfect for me. But it’s okay to rest now. You’ve done more than enough."

Lando hesitated, his eyelids drooping slightly as he nodded. "Okay," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just a few more minutes."

As Lando leaned against his shoulder, his head resting there with a quiet sigh, Oscar felt a wave of gratitude so strong it nearly overwhelmed him. This was what love felt like, not grand gestures or sweeping declarations, but quiet moments like this. A warmth that settled deep in his chest, a sense of rightness that made everything else fade away.

For the first time in a long time, Oscar felt like he had everything he needed.

—

After those few more minutes, Oscar stood slowly, his hand still entwined with Lando’s, feeling the familiar warmth of his boyfriend’s palm in his own. With a gentle pull, he coaxed Lando to his feet, steadying him as the weariness made him sway slightly. Lando blinked slowly, his movements sluggish, and Oscar couldn’t help the fond smile that tugged at his lips. "Come on, love," he murmured, his tone soft and reassuring. "Let’s get you settled."

Lando let out a small, tired laugh, his voice hoarse from the long day. "I should... say goodnight to everyone first. Don’t want them to think I’m rude."

Oscar glanced at his family, who were still scattered around the living room, basking in the warmth of the evening. The remnants of laughter hung in the air, the hum of contentment wrapping around the space like a soft blanket. He nodded, squeezing Lando’s hand gently. "Yeah, but just quick goodnights. You’re barely staying upright."

Lando chuckled again, but the sound was quieter this time, the exhaustion pulling at the edges of his voice. Turning toward Nicole, he managed a sleepy smile, his boyish charm still shining through despite the fatigue etched on his face. "Thank you... for everything. Dinner was amazing."

Nicole smiled warmly, stepping forward to ruffle his curls before pressing a kiss to his forehead. "You’re welcome anytime, Lando. Now go rest, you’ve been a trooper."

Mae and Hattie chimed in with their own goodnights, Mae teasing, "Sleep tight, lovebirds."

Oscar’s chest tightened with affection at the sight of his family embracing Lando so warmly, as if he had always been a part of their world. Eddie offered a quiet smile, his goodnight simple but sincere, and Luna wagged her tail lazily from her spot on the couch, seemingly too full and content to move. Oscar gave her a quick scratch behind the ears before turning back to Lando.

With the goodnights said and the family dispersing to their rooms, Oscar guided Lando down the hallway toward his childhood bedroom. The space felt smaller than it had when he was a teenager, but it was cozy, filled with the kind of memories that made it feel like home. He pushed the door open, the faint scent of fresh linens meeting them as the room welcomed them inside.

Oscar glanced at Lando, who was swaying again, his eyelids drooping heavily. "Let’s get you out of those clothes," he said softly, his voice carrying a tender lilt. He reached for Lando’s jacket, carefully slipping it off his shoulders before helping him into a pair of his old pajamas, too big for Lando’s frame but perfect for comfort.

"You’re good at this," Lando murmured, his voice slurring slightly as he allowed Oscar to guide him. "Taking care of me."

Oscar laughed quietly, the sound tinged with affection. "I’ve had practice. You’re not the easiest patient, you know."

Lando smirked faintly, but his response was cut off by a yawn that seemed to take all his remaining energy. Oscar helped him toward the bed, pulling back the covers and watching as Lando all but collapsed onto the mattress, his body sinking into the softness with a sigh of relief.

Sliding in beside him, Oscar reached out instinctively, pulling Lando close. The smaller boy nestled against him, tucking his head beneath Oscar’s chin as he curled into his warmth. Oscar’s heart swelled, the simple act of holding Lando making everything else fade away.

"You’re amazing, you know that?" Oscar whispered, his fingers brushing gently through Lando’s curls. "Flying all this way, fighting through the jet lag just to spend Christmas with me."

Lando hummed in response, his voice a sleepy murmur. "Worth it... you’re worth it."

Oscar pressed a kiss to Lando’s temple, his lips lingering for a moment as he let the weight of Lando’s words sink in. "I love you," he whispered, his voice barely audible, as if the quiet intimacy of the moment demanded reverence.

"Love you too," Lando murmured back, his words muffled against Oscar’s chest but filled with warmth. He shifted slightly, his body molding closer as he let out a contented sigh. "Best Christmas ever."

Oscar smiled, his heart feeling impossibly full as he traced small, soothing circles on Lando’s back. He stayed like that, holding Lando as the steady rhythm of his boyfriend’s breathing slowed, each rise and fall of his chest a reminder of the love they shared.

In the quiet stillness of the room, Oscar allowed himself to bask in the moment. This, he thought, was everything he had ever wanted: Lando by his side, safe and sound, their world reduced to just the two of them. There was no noise, no chaos, no distance, only love, tangible and unwavering.

As Lando’s breathing deepened, his body finally succumbing to sleep, Oscar tightened his hold just slightly, silently promising to keep him safe, to always be his anchor. And as the night settled in around them, Oscar let his own eyes close, the peace of the moment carrying him into dreams where Lando was always by his side.

Chapter Text

The morning sunlight filtered through the blinds of Oscar’s childhood room, casting soft streaks of golden light across the bed. The warmth of the Australian sun was gentle but insistent, nudging the world awake. Lando stirred, groaning quietly as he tightened his arms around Oscar, who was still sprawled out beside him. Their legs were tangled under the blanket, and Lando’s face was tucked against Oscar’s shoulder, his breath warm against his skin.

“Mmm... morning,” Lando mumbled, his voice gravelly with sleep. His eyelids fluttered but refused to open fully, his body still heavy with jet lag.

Oscar shifted slightly, turning his head so he could press a soft kiss to Lando’s temple. “Morning,” he replied, his voice tinged with affection. His fingers brushed lazily through Lando’s messy curls, savoring the peaceful moment. “You sleep okay?”

“Jet lag’s a killer,” Lando murmured, his words half-muffled against Oscar’s skin. “But yeah, I slept... I think.” He yawned and buried his face deeper, as if trying to steal a few more moments of quiet comfort.

Oscar smiled, resting his chin against Lando’s head. They stayed like that for a while, basking in the kind of intimacy that felt effortless, unspoken. The muffled sounds of the household stirring downstairs, the clink of dishes, faint chatter, and the barks of the dogs, Luna’s little yaps, barely registered as they clung to their bubble of quiet contentment.

Eventually, Oscar shifted, his need for caffeine beginning to outweigh his desire to stay cocooned in bed. He carefully untangled himself from Lando, who grumbled a little but made no effort to stop him. Oscar reached for the blanket, pulling it up over Lando’s shoulders in a gesture so instinctive it made Lando’s lips twitch into a soft smile, even with his eyes still closed.

“I’m going to make coffee,” Oscar said softly, leaning down to brush a quick kiss against Lando’s forehead. “You want some? Or do you want to sleep a bit longer?”

Lando groaned, turning onto his side but keeping his face buried in the pillow. “Shower first, coffee later,” he mumbled, his voice groggy.

Oscar chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “Alright,” he said warmly. “I’ll be downstairs. Don’t fall asleep in there, though.”

“Mmhm,” Lando replied, already half-drifting back to sleep.

Oscar smiled as he slipped out of the room, the floorboards creaking softly under his bare feet.

It took Lando a few more minutes to muster the energy to move. The bed was far too comfortable, and his body felt as though it had been weighed down by the lingering effects of travel and the exhaustion of the past few days. But eventually, he stretched lazily, letting out a quiet groan before dragging himself up and padding into the adjoining bathroom.

He moved sluggishly, stripping off his clothes and leaving them in a pile by the door. The tiles were cool against his bare feet as he stepped into the shower, turning the handle until the water came streaming down. It was warm, perfectly warm, and Lando let out a long, contented sigh as it cascaded over him, washing away the last remnants of sleep.

For a few blissful moments, he simply stood there, his eyes closed and his head tilted back. The sound of the water, the steam curling around him, and the heat soaking into his muscles, all of it worked together to lull him into a state of near-tranquility. He could almost feel himself waking up properly, the fog in his brain lifting little by little.

And then, he opened his eyes.

At first, he didn’t register it. His gaze swept across the tiled wall in front of him, his mind still slow to process details. But then he saw it, a dark shape clinging to the wall, motionless but undeniably there.

It was a spider.

Not just any spider, a big, hairy, menacing spider, its legs splayed out as if to assert its dominance. It was perched in the corner of the shower, right near the edge of the tile.

Lando’s breath hitched. His entire body tensed.

“Stay calm,” he whispered to himself, though his voice was already shaky. “It’s just a spider. A very large, horrifying spider. It’s not going to... to jump at me or anything.”

But then the spider twitched.

Panic surged through Lando like an electric shock. His brain scrambled to come up with a plan, any plan, but the only thing he could do was react.

“AAAAAAAH!” His scream echoed off the bathroom walls, high-pitched and absolutely panicked. “OSCARRRR! HELP! HEELP!”

The sound tore through the quiet house, startling everyone downstairs. Oscar’s family froze mid-conversation in the kitchen, and Nicole nearly spilled her tea.

“Is that...?” Nicole started, but Hattie interrupted with a knowing smirk.

“He’s definitely seen a spider,” she said, barely containing her laughter.

Oscar, who had been sipping his coffee at the counter, was already on the move. He set his mug down with a decisive clink and bolted up the stairs, his heart racing, not with fear, but with a mix of concern and mild amusement.

“Lando?!” he called as he reached the bathroom door.

He flung it open and froze for half a second, taking in the scene before him.

Lando was pressed into the farthest corner of the shower, dripping wet and clutching a towel around his waist like it was a lifeline. His eyes were wide, his expression equal parts terror and desperation, and he was pointing toward the corner of the shower where the spider sat.

“There!” Lando yelped, his voice trembling. “Get it! Do something!”

Oscar stepped into the room, his lips twitching as he fought the urge to laugh. The spider, while admittedly larger than the ones back in England, wasn’t nearly as terrifying as Lando’s reaction made it out to be.

“It’s not going to hurt you,” Oscar said gently, grabbing a tissue from the counter.

“It might! This is Australia!” Lando shot back, his voice shrill. “Everything here is designed to kill you!”

Oscar couldn’t hold back a chuckle this time as he carefully approached the spider. It remained still, oblivious to the chaos it had caused. With practiced ease, Oscar coaxed it onto the tissue and carried it toward the window.

“You’re lucky this isn’t one of the deadly ones,” he teased, sliding the window open and releasing the spider outside.

“Not funny Piastri,” Lando finally exhaled, his shoulders slumping in relief. “I’m never showering alone here again,” he muttered, still clinging to his towel.

Oscar turned back to him, his expression softening. He walked over and wrapped his arms around Lando, pulling him close despite the fact that he was still soaking wet.

“Welcome to Australia, baby,” Oscar said, pressing a kiss to Lando’s damp hair.

Lando groaned, leaning into the embrace but still muttering, “I’m not sure I like it here anymore.”

“You’ll survive,” Oscar teased, his grin widening. “Come on, let’s get you some coffee.”

Oscar helped Lando dry his hair, their movements fluid and familiar. Once his damp curls were tamed, Oscar handed him a fresh shirt. Lando grumbled under his breath about Australian wildlife as he pulled it over his head, but the corners of his lips betrayed the faintest hint of a smile. They stood side by side at the sink, brushing their teeth in synchronized motions, their reflections moving in perfect harmony. Lando glanced at Oscar through the mirror, toothpaste foam on his lips, and Oscar couldn’t resist leaning over to plant a quick kiss on his cheek.

“Charming,” Lando said with mock exasperation, his voice muffled by the toothbrush in his mouth.

“Always,” Oscar replied with a grin.

Once they were ready, the pair made their way to the kitchen, where the Piastri family was clearly waiting with barely contained amusement. Hattie sat at the table, her chin propped in her hand, watching the two enter like it was the highlight of her morning. Nicole stood by the stove, stirring a pot of something delicious-smelling, while Mae and Eddie were already seated, their eyes lighting up with mischievous glee.

“Morning, spider warrior,” Hattie called out, her grin widening.

Lando shot her a glare as he slumped into a chair. “I didn’t fight it. Oscar saved me.”

Oscar, already sipping his coffee, smirked. “Saved is an understatement. You screamed loud enough to wake the entire neighborhood.”

“It was a very reasonable reaction!” Lando protested, gesturing wildly. “That thing moved, Oscar. It moved with intent. I swear it had malice in its eyes.”

The family erupted into laughter. Nicole turned away from the stove, her amusement soft but evident. “Oh, Lando, you’ll have to toughen up. Spiders here are just a part of life. They’re more scared of you than you are of them.”

“I don’t buy that for a second,” Lando muttered, taking the coffee Oscar handed him with a huff.

“You’re lucky it wasn’t a snake,” Mae chimed in, her tone entirely too cheerful.

“Mae!” Nicole scolded, though she couldn’t quite hide her smile.

“What? I’m just saying!”

Lando groaned, dropping his head into his hands. “Why did I think coming here was a good idea again?”

Oscar leaned over, giving his knee a reassuring pat. “Because you love me,” he teased, his tone light.

Lando peeked at him through his fingers, his lips twitching despite himself. “I do, but I’m seriously reconsidering the depth of that love if it means staying in a country where everything is trying to kill me.”

Another round of laughter rippled through the room. Nicole shook her head fondly, setting a plate of scrambled eggs on the table. “You’ll survive, Lando. You’re tougher than you think.”

“Debatable,” Lando replied, but the warmth in his tone betrayed him.

Oscar slid an arm around Lando’s shoulders, pulling him close as the teasing continued. Despite the jokes at his expense, Lando couldn’t help but feel at home amidst the laughter and warmth of the Piastri family. For all his complaints about spiders and snakes, he wouldn’t trade this morning, or the boy sitting beside him, for anything.

Breakfast was a lively, boisterous affair, filled with teasing, stories, and laughter. Lando, despite his earlier apprehension, found himself easing into the whirlwind energy of the Piastri household. His laughter became more frequent, his body language more relaxed, though he still occasionally shot wary glances toward the ceiling corners.

By the time the plates were cleared and everyone scattered to their respective tasks, Lando seemed far more at ease. Nicole watched with a fond smile as he and Oscar slipped away to the living room, their heads close together as they shared a quiet laugh.

The rest of the morning was a blur of warmth and chaos, with Lando swept up into the Piastri family’s world. Each of Oscar’s sisters seemed to find an excuse to rope him into their plans, whether it was helping Hattie rearrange bookshelves, debating Mae over the best Christmas movies, or swapping inside jokes with Eddie.

Meanwhile, Oscar settled on the floor with Luna, the puppy, who had latched onto him as if making up for lost time. His fingers moved gently through her fur as he occasionally glanced toward Lando. Each time, his face softened, his eyes reflecting pure, unfiltered happiness.

Nicole noticed this with a full heart. The way her son’s gaze lingered on Lando, the way his smile seemed wider, his laugh lighter, it all told her what she already knew. Lando had stolen her son’s heart, and now, bit by bit, he was doing the same with the rest of the family.

“Alright, everyone,” Nicole called as she entered the living room with a tray of steaming mugs. “Time for a break. Hot chocolate’s ready!”

The family gathered around, falling into the well-worn comfort of shared stories and memories. Oscar and Lando ended up squeezed together on the couch, Luna curled at their feet.

“Hey, Lando,” Hattie began, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Want to hear some embarrassing stories about Oscar?”

Oscar groaned, throwing his head back against the couch. “Hattie, no. Not this again.”

“Oh, absolutely yes!” Lando exclaimed, grinning as he kissed Oscar’s cheek in apology.

Mae leaned forward, her laughter already bubbling up. “Remember when he tried to decorate the Christmas tree by himself? He was so determined not to ask for help, and he ended up knocking the entire thing over.”

Oscar groaned again, his ears tinged red. “I didn’t knock it over, it just… tilted.”

“Sure,” Eddie teased, smirking. “And that’s why we found you tangled in tinsel, sitting in the middle of the wreckage?”

Lando burst into laughter, leaning into Oscar’s shoulder. “I wish I’d been there. Little Christmas elf Oscar causing chaos? Priceless.”

Oscar nudged him playfully. “Careful, or I’ll tell them about the time you left all your luggage at the airport.”

“That was one time!” Lando protested, feigning indignation.

“Oh, or the time he fell asleep during a family dinner and drooled on his plate,” Eddie added, chuckling.

The room erupted in laughter as Oscar covered his face with his hands. Lando was practically in tears, clutching his boyfriend’s arm.

Nicole sipped her hot chocolate, her gaze flicking between the two boys. The banter, the laughter, the way they instinctively leaned into each other, it was effortless, natural, and undeniably full of love. Seeing her son so happy, surrounded by family and the boy who clearly adored him, filled her with quiet joy.

Oscar groaned dramatically as the laughter died down, throwing his arms around Lando and pulling him close. "Alright, that’s enough. You’re all banned from talking to my boyfriend. He’s mine!"

Lando, caught mid-laugh, blinked in surprise before grinning. “Oscar, what—”

“I mean it,” Oscar said, his tone playfully serious as he plastered himself against Lando. “You’re all trying to steal him with your jokes and stories. Well, too bad. He stays right here. Forever.”

Hattie raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “Forever? That’s a bold claim, Oz. What if he wants to escape your clingy grip?”

“Not happening,” Oscar declared, his grip tightening as he buried his face against Lando’s shoulder. “This is my territory now. You all can go find your own Lando.”

Mae burst into laughter, shaking her head. “Oh, please. Like anyone else could handle him screaming at spiders.”

“Or losing his luggage,” Eddie added with a giggle.

Lando chuckled, resting his head against Oscar’s. “You know, I think I’m okay with it. As long as your sisters promise to keep telling me embarrassing stories about you.”

Oscar gasped, pulling back just enough to look at him. “Traitor! I thought you were on my side!”

“I’m on the side of entertainment,” Lando teased, pressing a quick kiss to Oscar’s forehead.

Nicole watched the scene unfold, her heart swelling. It was rare nowadays to see Oscar like this, so open, carefree, and entirely himself. He’d always been the responsible older sibling, the steady one. But with Lando, there was a lightness to him that warmed the room like a crackling fire on a cold day.

“You’re ridiculous,” Oscar muttered, but his smile betrayed his faux annoyance as he leaned back against Lando.

“And you’re adorable,” Lando replied, wrapping an arm around him and giving his sisters a mock triumphant look.

“You two are disgusting,” Hattie said with a laugh, but her eyes softened as she exchanged a glance with Mae and Eddie. They all knew what this moment meant, to see Oscar so utterly happy, unguarded, and loved.

Nicole set her mug down, her voice gentle as she spoke. “It’s nice to see you so happy, Oscar. And Lando… thank you for bringing this side out of him.”

Oscar’s cheeks flushed, but he didn’t pull away from Lando. Instead, he held him tighter, his grin widening. “Yeah, yeah. You’re welcome.”

Lando smiled softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from Oscar’s face. “I think he brings it out of himself. I just get to be here to see it.”

The room grew quiet for a moment, the warmth of family and love settling over them like a cozy blanket.

“Well,” Eddie finally broke the silence, smirking. “If you’re staying forever, Lando, you’re going to have to start taking turns with the dishes.”

Oscar groaned. “He’s my boyfriend, not your chore helper!”

“Forever comes with responsibilities!” Hattie quipped, and the teasing began anew, laughter filling the house as the family embraced this new chapter in their lives.

Chapter Text

On the morning of the 28th, the day of their departure. Lando was the first to wake up. It was early, way too early. He shifted slightly and turned toward his boyfriend who was still sleeping, still out like a light. The young Australian was holding him, arm wrapped around his waist, nose against his shoulder. He was laying on his stomach, head turned towards Lando. He was beautiful, Lando took a minute to admire that raw beauty. 

He held out his arm to grab his phone on the nightstand. He looked at the time and it was saying 8:30AM. He groaned, knowing he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. Their flight was only in the late afternoon so it wasn't the time to wake Oscar. 

He gently kissed his boyfriend’s forehead, brushing away a few strands of hair. "Sleep my love, I'll come and wake you later." he whispered. 

Oscar mumbled something in return but stayed asleep. So Lando untangled himself as slowly as he could. When he got out of the bed, he grabbed a hoodie, putting it on despite the hot weather here in Australia.

He made his way downstairs and immediately got greeted excitedly by the Piastri's two family dogs and his little puppy Luna. He cupped her in his arms while she wagged her tail happily. 

When he entered the kitchen, he put Luna down to make some coffee. He still had troubles with mapping where everything went in the Piastri household so of course he spent the next 10 minutes trying to find the coffee. 

He was in the process of opening the same cupboard again when he heard footsteps. He turned around to see Nicole making her way into the kitchen.

"Oh, hi," Lando said with an apologetic look. "Did I wake you? I'm sorry I was just looking for coffee."

"No darling, I was already awake." Nicole replied with a gentle smile. "I thought one of mine was awake. Coffee is right in front of you Lando." 

He slapped himself on the forehead. "I'm stupid," he said. "Oscar is still sleeping, though I do not think it surprises you. If he's anything how he is home in Monaco here, he's a pain in the ass to wake." 

"Yeah he's the worst," she chuckled. "He's always sleepy and grumpy. Glad to know he's the same outside of here." 

Lando handed her a cup of coffee. And she made a hand sign for him to follow her in the garden to take their coffee.

After sitting on the chairs, letting the dogs run around the garden. Well, Luna did more of a trying to run and failing than actual running. 

Sipping on her coffee, Nicole turned towards Lando. "Darling?" She asked. 

"Hm?" He looked at her. 

"I already told you a lot this past few days with you here but, thank you for taking care of my boy. He looks at you like you hung the moon and the stars." She told him with a sincere smile.

"I do think he is the one who did" he replied looking down at his cup. "I haven't really been the greatest boyfriend all the time we've been together. We've had our ups and downs and I'm really glad we managed to overcome everything you know? But still, he's the best thing that ever happened to me and I still almost messed it up multiple times. I'm scared I'll do it again." 

"That's how relationships work you know?" She told him. "It's messy but it's how you make it work. Nothing can be absolutely perfect, I'd be worried if it was. Because the downs makes you both better partners and better persons, because you learn from them and you don't do the same mistakes." 

By the time the clock struck 11:30 AM, the house had fully come to life. Lando, however, couldn’t stop glancing at the time. Their flight wasn’t until the mid afternoon, but they still needed to pack, get organized, and say their goodbyes. And Oscar, his sweet, perpetually sleepy boyfriend, was still very much unconscious upstairs. Oh how he would be mad not being able to enjoy his last morning here.

Finishing his second cup of coffee, Lando decided it was time to wake him. He grinned mischievously as he ascended the stairs, formulating a plan.

"Good luck waking him up Lando!" Hattie shouted from the couch. 

"Don't need luck, just my face is enough for that," he replied, sticking his tongue out. 

Nicole and the girls laughed at his banter, watching him climb the stairs like a man on a mission.

When he entered the bedroom, he found Oscar still sprawled on his stomach, tangled in the sheets, blissfully unaware of the world. His cheek was smushed against the pillow, hair even messier than usual, and his arm was stretched across Lando’s side of the bed as if reaching for him in his sleep.

The sight made Lando’s heart squeeze lovingly, but his grin only widened. He quietly climbed onto the bed, settling himself just above Oscar. For a moment, he simply admired him again, unable to help himself. Then, unable to resist any longer, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Oscar’s temple.

“Oscar,” he whispered, his voice teasing. “Time to wake up.”

Oscar groaned faintly but didn’t budge.

“Hmm, stubborn today, are we?” Lando muttered to himself, already anticipating a battle. Deciding subtlety wasn’t the way to go, he shifted his weight, and launched himself onto Oscar’s back like a human pancake.

Oscar jolted awake with a muffled “Oof!” He tried to squirm away, but Lando wrapped himself around him, peppering kisses across his face and neck.

“Lando!” Oscar groaned, his voice thick with sleep. “What are you doing?”

“Waking you up, obviously,” Lando said brightly, grinning as he kissed Oscar’s cheek.

“By trying to suffocate me?” Oscar grumbled, though his voice betrayed the sleepy laughter bubbling just beneath the surface.

“You love it,” Lando shot back, nuzzling into the crook of Oscar’s neck.

Oscar made a half-hearted attempt to push him off, but Lando only tightened his hold, wrapping his legs around him and refusing to budge.

“C’mon, love, you’ve been asleep forever. The whole world’s awake, we take the plane in less than 5 hours and you’re still here, drooling on the pillow,” Lando teased, his voice warm with affection.

“I don’t drool,” Oscar mumbled indignantly, finally cracking one eye open.

“Mm-hmm,” Lando hummed, clearly unconvinced. He shifted slightly, propping himself up just enough to hover over Oscar’s face. “Seriously, though. We need to pack.”

Oscar let out a dramatic sigh, burying his face in the pillow. “Five more minutes.”

Lando laughed, the sound light and melodic. “Oh, no, no, no. I’ve already let you sleep way past five minutes. Get up, or I’ll—”

“Or you’ll what?” Oscar challenged, his voice muffled.

Lando’s grin turned devilish. “Oh, you don’t want to know.” Without waiting for a response, he attacked, digging his fingers into Oscar’s sides in a merciless tickle assault.

Oscar let out a surprised laugh, writhing beneath him. “Lando! Stop! Okay, okay, I’m awake!”

“Say it again,” Lando demanded, pausing his tickles but keeping his fingers poised threateningly.

“I’m awake!” Oscar repeated, breathless and laughing.

“Good,” Lando said smugly, leaning down to press a quick kiss to his lips.

Oscar huffed, his face still buried in the pillow. “You’re insufferable.”

“And yet, you love me,” Lando shot back, rolling off him and flopping onto the bed beside him.