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David Couthard was regularly known to cause trouble within the paddock. If he felt someone had slighted him even the tiniest bit he would make a prompt decision to cause hell for the person who had incurred his wrath.
This week it was Sebastian. David noticed the Aston Martin driver had decided to have nothing to do with him and David didn't like that. A driver couldn't decide not to speak to him. That wasn't possible. He was a respected commentator and a driver had to give him an interview if he had requested it.
He wasn't sure what he had done to upset Sebastian but he was going to make them pay for snubbing him.
And he knew just how to do it.
You see. David knew Sebastian's secret. He knew Sebastian didn't feel comfortable around male pronouns. They would make them squirm if used around them.
Sebastian also wasn't so subtle. David had overheard them talk to Kimi about their preferred pronouns. To David it felt like a lot of old bollocks. Sebastian was clearly a guy and they needed to act like a guy. It wasn't like they were trans (and boy David would just love to out Sebastian as trans) and they clearly looked male. So why were they pissing about with the they/them pronouns?
David decides to make Sebastian uncomfortable. He corners the driver after free practice, walking at their side with ease and confidence.
"So Sebastian. Good weekend so far?" David asks casually.
Sebastian's jaw tightens but they nod. "Pretty good. Thanks."
"That's what I like to hear. A man like you ought to feel pretty good this weekend. The Aston is quick." David comments.
To his glee Sebastian swallows thickly and nods. "Yeah....yeah sure. Yeah I should."
"Because that's what you are. A man. You can hide behind silly genderless pronouns all you like but I know the truth." David shrugs casually.
The breath seems to leave Sebastian's throat and they turn to look at David with wide eyes. "What did you just say to me?"
"You heard me. I know how you feel about yourself and you are a freak. You're clearly a guy and no amount of hiding behind...what is it called? They/them pronouns will distract from what you are. A guy. End of discussion." David tells them.
Sebastian's breathing goes shallow as they start to panic. "You cannot say that to me. You cannot even fucking know...fuck."
"Oh but I do know. I know because you couldn't keep your mouth shut to Kimi." David moves in closer. "You're absolutely pathetic. You know that? Pathetic."
Sebastian stands up taller, eyes starting to get some fire in them. "You're the pathetic one. Coming to me and trying to intimidate me. Is this how you feel like a man? Trying to make me feel inferior? Hell I don't even feel like my gender and I still think I've got more balls then you."
David falters, having expected Sebastian to freak out, but no. He wasn't. Sebastian was furious.
"Sebby?" Kimi's voice distracts both of them, the Finn moving over with a frown on his face. "What's going on?"
"David here found out I'm non binary. He's trying to threaten me." Sebastian says coolly. "I was just about to suggest to him that he back down before he got into something he shouldn't."
Kimi's eyes alight with anger and he nods. "You know I'm in full agreement with you, Seb. These days one little message to Aston and you can get thrown out for threats and discrimination."
"I....I..." David shakes his head. "I was just joking!"
Kimi moves closer to him. "Joking? Well why didn't you say so? If you were just joking then maybe I'll just slap you instead of punch you."
"You wouldn't dare." David actually looks scared of him.
"For Sebastian? I would." Kimi promises, voice dripping with anger. "Get away from Seb now. Before I fucking kill you. You out them and I'm ending your pathetic career."
David nods quickly and turns on his heel and legs it away from the two drivers.
As soon as he's gone, Kimi turns to Sebastian and places a hand on his arm. "You okay Rakas?"
Sebastian nods gently, but they look beyond pale. "He won't out me. Will he?"
"He's afraid." Kimi snorts. "He's all talk no show. Trust me. He will leave you alone now."
Sebastian moves until they can hug Kimi, nuzzling into his neck. "God...what a twat."
Kimi hums in agreement and holds them tightly to him. "He's gone. It's just us again. I promise."
Sebastian pulls back a little and Kimi kisses their forehead.
"I love you. Let me take you to the hotel hmmm? Give you a break until the next session." Kimi tells them.
Sebastian nods and let's Kimi lead them up the paddock. They know the Finn would never stop protecting them and the thought gives them some comfort and peace.
They will be alright. They had Kimi. Even if they were outed, they would still have him. They would also have their team.
They were not alone.