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Lance sighed as he got out of the car, P12 wasn't a disaster especially considering where he started but it still wasn't great. Especially when his teammate was able to get points. He allowed himself a brief whine while no one was around and then schooled his face into a blank canvas. No doubt the media would rip into his race, and he didn't want to give them any extra ammunition. He should be used to it, they all knew going into the season that they wouldn't be at the front but it was a bitter pill to swallow when he couldn't even fight for points. He took a deep breath trying to settle himself but could tell from the yearning in his chest that he wanted his alpha. And Checo was currently going through the motions for his podium and wouldn't be available to coddle Lance. The most he was going to get in front of the cameras was a quick cuddle. Still that would be better than nothing.
Deep in his thoughts Lance startled when he felt an arms drape over his shoulder. Glancing over he cooed happily at Antonio, the other omega echoing it.
"That was a good race so why do you smell so sad?" Antonio questioned and Lance blushed at how obvious he was being.
He let his eyes drift to the interviews where Sergio was just coming forward and Antonio let out an understanding noise.
"Ahh I see," he nuzzled Lance slightly, "but you can see him later, yes?"
Lance hummed and nodded before wincing. Here he was upset about the fact that he couldn't go and cuddle his mate and didn't get points when Antonio's mate was normally so far away and he was fighting for his career.
"I'm sorry Antonio."
"Whatever for?"
"For moaning when you and Marcus hardly spend any time together."
"Oh don't worry about it, we knew what we were getting in for when he signed," Antonio sighed, "besides maybe next year I'll be spending more time with him."
Lance whined at the idea of Antonio not being around and pulled the Italian in for a full hug.
"Don't even joke about it, you can't leave."
"It's not really my choice," Antonio replied sadly.
"I'll make dad buy the team," Lance joked, chest lightening as Antonio giggled.
"As long as we get to keep the white and red suits, I don't think I suit green."
"Oh nonsense, you suit anything."
"Hmm although I think only you and Checo suit pink."
Lance laughed, remembering when he and Checo first saw the colour scheme for the car and race suits. Checo had stared wordlessly at it for a few minutes while Lance tried to hold in his laughter. He remembered his dad commenting that pink was Lance's favourite colour and Checo rolling his eyes and saying that they were going to look like marshmallows. Lance had winced and shot his dad a look to stay quiet. People already thought that he only had a seat because of his dad, he didn't need silly rumours getting out about how Lance dictated the colours. He also didn't need Checo thinking it. He wasn't sure what to think about his new teammate. He'd heard Esteban's opinion of him, listened as his friend ranted about him time after time. He didn't want Checo to hate him and he certainly didn't want the type of relationship that Esteban and Checo had had so Lance decided to keep his head down at first and wait and see how things developed.
It had taken a while for them to talk outside of briefings, even longer for them to develop a tentative friendship. Things had been made even more awkward because of the idea that teammates were responsible for looking after each other if they had an unexpected heat or rut. It was unspoken and mostly unofficial but most teams had an agreement. Even if it was just making sure the other person was safe and had what they needed. Few pairs helped in the traditional sense but it wasn't uncommon for the drivers to have an agreement with other drivers on the grid. Lance and Esteban had blushingly figured something out early in their careers, both feeling like they could trust no one else with their heats and Lance knew that Charles and Pierre had something similar. Stumbling through a discussion like that with his teammates was something Lance had never gotten used to.
When he was teammates with Felipe, the Brazilian had taken charge of the situation, addressing it on only the second day of knowing Lance just so they were on the same page. The older omega used to simply help Lance to his driver's room and stand guard outside until Esteban arrived to help.
He also helped facilitate a similar agreement with Sergey as Lance had initially panicked when he found out he had an alpha teammate, thinking Sergey would expect much more out of him. But the Russian had no issues with not being involved with Lance and took his role as a protector very seriously, which Lance was sure Felipe was partly responsible for; the other omega had been fiercely protective over him.
When it came to Sergio, Sergey offered to help Lance as Felipe had done but Lance decided it was time he stood on his own feet about the subject. It had been an awkward conversation and Lance still shuddered when he remembered it, full of silence and stilted sentences. But the result was a situation similar to what Lance was used to.
For the entirety of 2019 and the first half of 2020 Checo would simply guide Lance away from the crowds, although his touch did get gentler as time went on. There was a moment where Lance thought he might ask for more; the Alpha brushing his nose against Lance's mating gland when Lance was trying to get him out of the garage, causing the omega to tremble. He'd let out a whine which had seemingly snapped Checo out of it and he'd taken off in a run, hiding away from Lance for the rest of the weekend. It had left Lance feeling confused about his feelings for the Mexican alpha, and Checo's feelings towards him.
Things had gone back to being a little awkward after and it wasn't until his crash at Monza that things actually changed. When Lance had got back to the garage after being cleared by the medical team he'd holed himself away in his drivers room, wanting to lick his wounds in private. It was sometime after the race that Checo had carefully knocked on the door, sticking his head inside the room and Lance saw his nostrils flare as he breathed in the scent of an upset omega.
The scent sent Checo into a rut, the sudden rush of pheromones combined with his own unhappiness had in return triggered a minor heat for Lance. It was mild enough for both of them that they were able to keep a clear head but harsh enough that Lance whined and brought himself to tears whenever he wasn't in Checo's arms.
So for the rest of the evening and the next day they'd stayed in Lance's drivers room, huddled away from the world and talking about whatever came to mind. Lance couldn't remember them ever talking this much before and it finally felt like a barrier was being knocked down in their relationship.
Lance blushed as he remembered some of the things they talked about and the hesitant first kiss they'd shared when they'd felt their instincts recede. It all felt like such a long time ago, it felt like he'd been with Checo forever rather than almost a year. His mind drifted for a second as he considered their anniversary. The official date was also the anniversary of Checo's first win so he wanted to make sure it was a special occasion. It was also the longest time Lance had ever courted someone and it felt like a major milestone. Growing up he never thought he'd be able to court someone as amazing as Checo, who completed him so perfectly, never thought someone would want to be with him for that long. Checo made repeated promises that he would mate Lance one day, that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with him, always reassuring Lance about his feelings.
Lance knew they were waiting because Checo wanted him to be sure about his feelings, concerned that Lance would change his mind because he was so young. But Lance was certain he'd never feel the way he felt about Checo about someone else. He wanted Checo's mark on his neck, wanted to be able to show it off, wanted people to know he was claimed and that someone cared about him that much. He wanted people to know that Checo didn't care about his money, that he picked Lance because he loved him and the longer they waited the doubt crept in. They hadn't discussed it in months, for all he knew Checo had gotten cold feet. No, he trusted Checo would tell him if he didn't want him anymore.
He broke from his musing when he heard Checo's voice over the speaker and he instinctively cooed, blushing at the raised eyebrow Antonio directed at him. He nudged the other omega, giggling as Antonio nudged him back.
"So yeah I didn't have any water after like lap 1 so physically that was probably the toughest race I've ever done," Checo's voice echoed around them and the smile immediately slipped from Lance's lips as his head snapped around to look at his alpha.
He frowned as he took in Checo's appearance, even from a distance he could see that the alpha was pale beneath his usual tan and was breathing heavily. Lance whined, he wanted to get Checo away from the cameras and somewhere he could rest. He felt his fingers twitching, wanting to build a nest for his mate.
He stumbled forward, forgetting about Antonio as he pushed to the front of the weighing queue, ignoring the grumbles from the other drivers. The only thing on his mind was getting to Checo, and that meant getting weighed and getting through the legalities and paperwork.
He bounced from side to side as he waited for the beta FIA official who was fiddling with the scales, impatiently whining as the official scowled at him before waving him into the machine. Lance barely paused long enough for the scales to settle before he jumped off, making a beeline towards Checo who was chatting to Max. At first glance the Alpha didn't look too bad, he was leaning against the wall and rolling a water bottle back and forth in his hands. But on closer inspection he looked pained, a crease building in between his eyes as he squinted, and his skin had taken on an almost yellow tone. Lance spared a glance around to double check there were no cameras around before hurrying over to Checo's side, pressing close to his side.
Checo rumbled in surprise but wrapped his arms around Lance, rubbing his nose over Lance's scent gland.
Lance purred in response, taking a second to hide his face in Checo's neck breathing in the sweet spicy smell and grounding himself. He felt his lingering worries over his race melt away and he relaxed into Checo's embrace.
Too soon Lance forced himself to pull away, cupping Checo's face and running his thumb over his cheekbone.
"How do you feel?"
"I'm fine cariño, just a little tired."
"But you said you raced with no water, that's not fine Checo."
"Hey hey, easy," Checo reached up and placed his hand over Lance's, turning his face into his palm and gently kissing it. "I'm tired, that's the truth and a little dehydrated but I'll be fine."
Lance searched his face, looking for any hint that he was downplaying it but came up empty.
"Fine," he huffed, "If you're sure…"
Checo chuckled, "I'm sure Lance."
He opened his mouth to continue but before he could the officials started calling out that the podium ceremony was about to get underway. Checo's mouth twisted down and he stepped in to brush a chaste kiss against Lance's lips.
"I'll see you later cariño, you had a good race as well, we can celebrate."
"Wasn't that good," Lance muttered, ducking his head in embarrassment. He couldn't call his race good when he finished outside of the points and definitely not when he was standing next to the winner. Max was hovering not far away, trying to give them some privacy. When Lance glanced over he was grinning at something behind them and from the loud laughter he could guess who was holding Max's attention. He wondered what it was like for Dan to watch his mate do so well, whether he struggled with jealousy or whether it was drowned out by the immense pride. He wondered if Dan ever felt like he wasn't good enough for Max.
"Hey, where'd you go?" Checo's knuckles brushed Lance's cheekbone, as he interrupted Lance's thinking.
"Huh? I was right here."
"You spaced out for a second, is everything okay?"
"Yeah fine, I was just thinking, it's nothing," Lance shrugged, forcing himself to look Checo in the eye. He could tell the Alpha didn't seem convinced but he nodded, accepting the answer.
"Well I think your race was pretty good," Checo continued, "You finished higher than you started, and you didn't have any incidents so I count that as a good race which definitely deserves a celebration."
Even though he still wasn't convinced, Lance blushed at the dark look in Checo's eyes, mind immediately conjuring up the things they could do.
Checo grinned again, taking hold of Lance's hand and kissing his knuckles, whispering "I love you," before stepping away.
Lance cradled his hand to his chest, skin tingling from his Alpha's touch as he watched Checo, Max and Lewis make their way up to the podium. Keeping his eyes on Checo, they narrowed when he watched him stumble slightly up the stairs. He bit his lip as he turned away, holding back a sigh as he saw Joanne waving him down ready to start the media. He knew there was nothing he could do for Checo now, and he had to trust that he really was okay.
He fist bumped with Mick as he passed the German, the young Alpha's eyes watching something over Lance's shoulder. Glancing over, Lance laughed as he saw the huge car that Shaq arrived in now crawling with Redbull mechanics. Texas was weird. Fun but really weird.
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"Do you feel P12 was the maximum today Lance? Obviously qualifying P16 and then getting lucky with the penalties to start P13 but your teammate was able to make it into the points."
Lance fought back a moan at the question, if you could even call it that. It was getting towards the end of the interviews and so far nearly all of them had been badly disguised criticisms of his weekend. He could see the concerned looks that Joanne was throwing his way as he tripped over his words, only making half hearted attempts to defend himself but he found he didn't care that much. He was too tired to worry about what they were saying, he was more worried about Checo. He'd been keeping an eye on the Alpha as they moved around the media pen and despite seeing him drinking nearly continuously, he didn't look much better than when Lance had seen him before the podium. It looked like he was sweating out the water as soon as he was drinking it and somehow looked even paler. The temperature had cooled since the race but the sun was still beating down and the media pen offered little shade.
He fought back a whimper, wanting to get Checo somewhere quiet so he could rest. The journalist caught the noise and followed Lance's gaze, grinning as he spotted who the Canadian was looking at.
"Your former teammate certainly had a good race today, even without water. How do you feel about him finally having a car that allows him to fight for podiums on a regular basis and a teammate who actually pushes him?"
Lance winced, that was his most hated kind of question because it played on all his insecurities at once. He was happy Checo had a good car and team behind him but it also made him worried. How long would it be before Checo realised he could have a better omega, someone that matched his level of talent. Someone like his new teammate. Logically he knew that was just his mind playing tricks on him, he saw how Max and Dan acted around each other and even if they weren't mated yet it was only a matter of time. And Max had even spoken to him at pre-season testing, reassuring Lance that he wasn't looking for anything but a teammate from Checo. Most of the time that was enough to keep Lance from acting too jealous but apparently today was just a bad day.
Lance muttered something about being happy that Checo was able to show his true speed and talent and made half a step away, trying to signal to Joanne that he wanted to leave.
The journalist wasn't giving up though as he hastily continued, "and would you like to address the rumours that Sergio has pushed back your mating once again and that Daniel and Max have been fighting about how close Checo and Max have become?" Lance blanched, stepping back and letting Joanne jump in and remind the reporter about the rule of no personal questions. Lance went to answer with a 'no comment' but as he opened his mouth he saw Checo stumble into Vicky and Max, his knees buckling and grabbing onto his teammate for support. Lance forgot about his own interview and ran across the pen, not caring that everyone was looking over to see what was happening. He reached the Red Bull pair as Max fumbled with his grip, Checo shaking heavily in his hold. Lance whined, his instincts rearing up at the sight of his mate like this.
"What happened?" Lance snapped as he went to Checo's other side, taking some of his weight as he gently nosed at Checo's neck.
"I don't know," Max fired back, "he was fine a second ago."
"Come on guys let's get him out of the sun," Vicky interjected, stopping Lance from making a snide comment in reply. The two omegas shared a glance before starting to lead Checo away, Lance whispering little words of encouragement in his ear. Checo mumbled something back, but it was slurred and so Lance just shushed him and continued focusing on letting out soothing pheromones. Checo rumbled weakly back, trying to soothe some of Lance's anxiety but the little knot in his stomach remained. As they rounded the corner, out of the sight of the cameras, Checo sagged a little more, giving up the pretence that he was okay. Lance whined loudly, this one more desperate than the last and tears sprung up in his eyes.
"Lance," Max called out, "come on, he'll be okay, we just need to get him inside."
Sniffing, Lance nodded and started walking again, staggering a little as Checo's weight slipped to his side.
Between them they managed to half lead, half carry Checo to the pack room, the Alpha stumbling along in between them.
The pack room was empty when they arrived, so they settled Checo in the corner of the l-shape settee, closest to the air-conditioning.
The Alpha sagged back against the cushions letting his eyes slip shut as he focused on his breathing, trying to hold back the vomit threatening to come up. His head was spinning, so bad that he still felt unsteady with his eyes shut.
He heard Max and Lance whispering, could feel the tension in the room and could smell the panic. There was a bitterness to the normally sweet scents he associated with his mate and teammate, and it left him with a bad taste in his mouth.
He cracked his eyes open just in time to see Max slipping out the door, leaving just Lance hovering a few feet away.
He wordlessly extended a hand towards Lance who whimpered softly, closing the gap quickly to clutch at it. Checo squeezed carefully their hands, rumbling lightly as Lance frowned at him, holding the back of his other hand to Checo's forehead.
"You're still really warm," he muttered, "and you're all clammy."
"I'll be fine, just needed a little rest," Checo tried to reassure but Lance moved away again, heading towards the small kitchen area. Pulling out his phone, he tapped away for a few seconds, squinting at the screen before grabbing a glass out of the cupboard.
I really need to remind him to get an eye test, Checo mused as he watched the omega whirling around the kitchen. He'd started noticing Lance having trouble reading things on his phone or small print over the last few months but so far Lance had resisted getting a test. He tried to play it off as not wanting to spend ages picking out a pair of glasses but Checo guessed that he was insecure over what it would mean for his career. As Checo tried to point out, plenty of drivers wore glasses but Lance constantly changed the conversation, and Checo had let it slide for a while. Maybe he was biased but in his imagination Lance looked adorable in glasses. Checo pictured a lazy Sunday morning, Lance's curls a mess, wearing glasses and one of Checo's oversized hoodies and let out a content rumble. Those quiet weekends with Lance were some of his favourites, sometimes even better than racing and he felt so blessed that he found his mate and had plenty of years ahead of them.
He was broken out of his thoughts by Lance holding a glass of water to his lips.
"Drink," he commanded, a serious look on his face.
Checo obediently parted his lips, letting the water flow down his throat. Despite his near constant drinking since finishing the race, he still felt parched.
"We'll start with water, and then I found some Lucozades but I have no idea how old they are, the date is so faded but I sniffed one and it smells fine so I think we're good," Lance continued, "Max went to find Kimi and Sebastian so I just need to try and keep you hydrated until they turn up."
Checo went to speak but Lance just kept going.
"And Google says to have ice pops and stuff and I found a few but I think they're Lando's so I don't know about taking them. Actually, you know what? Screw that. I'll get the ice pops, Lando can moan at me later," he rambled, taking enough time to make sure Checo had a good grip on the glass before running back to the kitchen and throwing the freezer open.
Checo winced slightly as it slammed into the wall but his lips turned into a small smile as he watched Lance. He knew there was no point trying to stop Lance, he just had to let him be. There was no way to stop Lance when he went into mother hen mode. It was one of the things he loved the most about Lance, his ability to care about and want to look after everyone. It didn't matter if they were particularly friendly or not, if someone Lance knew was in trouble he'd help them. It had become more pronounced since Lance had become teammates with Sebastian; spending time around the pack omega was bringing out all of Lance's instincts. But Checo wasn't really complaining. For him and for his inner alpha it was good to see Lance settling into the pack and giving into his omega side more and more. It was revealing a softer side of Lance that Checo had previously only glimpsed.
He'll make such a great dad . The thought caught Checo off guard but he felt his smile growing as he imagined it. Of course he'd spent much time fantasising about having pups with Lance, he knew they both wanted them but not just yet. Lance would be the one who'd have to stop racing, who would have the most change and so any decision on when they started trying would be Lance's. He didn't mind waiting though, in his mind it was a certainty that they'd have one, along with mating Lance it was like a fixed point for their relationship.
Still the image of a tiny pup, with huge curls - because their hair together would be unruly and beautiful - a light tan and big brown eyes, following Lance around made his heart swell. He knew the omega would dote on their pup and would be spoiled rotten, and Checo knew he'd play a massive part in spoiling him. An image flashed through his mind of showing their pup around the garage, letting him sit in the car even though he'd be too tiny to see over the steering wheel. He rumbled, a happy warmth flooding through him.
The noise caught Lance's attention and his head snapped over staring at Checo. Checo snorted lightly as he realised Lance had paused with his arms completely full with ice pops and drinks bottles, eyes wide and cheeks flushed, and Checo rumbled again holding out his hand.
Lance squeaked, crossing the room and dropping onto the settee next to Checo, tucking up close.
He placed the numerous drinks within arms reach and the ice pops on Checo's lap, the Alpha resisting the urge to yelp at the cold.
Holding the back of his hand to Checo's forehead Lance let out a pleased hum, "You feel cooler already."
"I just needed a sit down, I might have overdone it with the media."
"Might have? You definitely did. You just raced for two hours without water, stood in the sun for the podium and then continued to stand in the sun," Lance chastised
"But I'm feeling better now and you're taking care of me so I'll be fine."
Lance blushed a little, ducking and hiding his head in the crook of Checo's neck as the alphas arms wrapped around him.
"You smell better, less burnt now," Lance muttered as he lightly scented the Alpha.
"I probably don't smell that good," Checo joked, "I'm going to need a nice a long shower later."
"Hmm or a nice bath?"
"Just because you want to cuddle," Checo teased, grinning as he felt Lance huff against his neck.
"I just don't want you falling over," Lance shot back, voice wobbling slightly causing Checo to squeeze Lance tight.
He took a second to take stock of how he felt before he tried to reassure Lance. His head had stopped spinning and he finally felt like the water was staying inside him rather than being sweated straight out. He was still a little warm but definitely better than before. All of which he repeated to Lance, who still looked skeptical but didn't argue anymore.
A comfortable silence fell over the pair and Checo let his eyes fall shut as he relaxed, letting himself relish in the podium and the feeling of having Lance in his arms. He couldn't completely shut off though as he noticed the bitter scent Lance had been emitting when they first got to the pack room was still attached to him and if anything, was a bit deeper.
Pushing his eyes back open Checo rolled his head to look down at Lance who was staring dead ahead with the same spaced out look he'd had before the podium. His forehead was drawn tight and Checo felt his stomach twist in concern.
"So since I'm fine, care to explain why you smell so anxious? And don't say it's because of me feeling ill, it seems deeper than that."
Lance blinked, eyes flicking to Checo's with a nervous look as he self consciously sniffed the air before dropping his eyes.
"Lance cariño, can you tell me anything, maybe I can help?"
Lance minutely shook his head, picking at his cuticles and not looking at Checo.
Checo frowned, placing the now empty glass on the table and pulling Lance back into his arms. The omega went willingly, snuggling down against Checo's chest with a sigh.
"I know you're worried about me but I worry about you, somethings wrong and I want to help," he tried again, concern growing as he heard Lance sniff hard.
"It's just my head," Lance whispered, voice thick and heavy.
Checo rumbled but otherwise stayed quiet, knowing that Lance would let it out.
The omega took a deep shuddering breath and Checo tightened his arms, nuzzling Lance, trying to reassure him.
"I just sometimes feel like I'm waiting for you to realise that you're too good for me," Lance continued and Checo felt his heart break.
"And I know you love me, I swear I know that deep down and I trust you," Lance twisted round in his arms so they were face to face, voice breaking in desperation, "but sometimes it feels like it's too good to be true."
"Oh Lance," Checo leaned down to press their lips together, trying to convey all his love through the kiss.
He felt Lance sigh into it, melting under his touch. He broke the kiss, bringing their lips together for another quick peck before he tilted Lance's head up so they were eye to eye.
Lance's eyes were wide, a vulnerability in them that Checo hadn't seen before. He brushed a stray strand of hair back, pressing a quick kiss to Lance's temple and then one to his mating gland, feeling Lance shiver under his touch.
"Do you know what I was thinking just now?"
Lance shook his head, confusion joining the vulnerability in his eyes and Checo smiled softly. He reached up and cupped the back of Lance's neck, running his thumb over the mating gland.
"I was thinking how lucky I was to have you as my mate, how you take such good care of me and everyone else and how proud I am that you're mine. I can't wait until we're mated and I can show you off, show everyone that you're mine."
He paused, feeling Lance tremble and watching as his cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink. Moving his hand from Lance's neck he trailed it down so it was resting on his stomach.
"And I was thinking how great of a dad you'll be one day, and how cute our pup would be."
Lance's breathing hitched but Checo kept going, "because that's what I want Lance, to be mated with you and have a family with you. No one else can even come close to you, no one else could make me feel the way you do."
Lance's hand clutched at Checo's, tears brimming in his eyes but he was grinning.
"I want that too, I really do. It's just sometimes the voices sound so convincing," he admitted.
Checo squeezed their hands, "can you tell me when you feel like this in the future? I don't want you feeling unhappy for even a second if it's something I can help with."
Lance nodded, letting out a soft coo as Checo nosed at his neck, lightly scenting him.
"I'm so proud of you for talking to me, I know it isn't easy," Checo praised.
"So proud," he muttered, leaning forward and capturing Lance's lips once again, this time the omega returning the enthusiasm. Checo deepened the kiss, pushing Lance into the settee and licking at his lips in an attempt to gain access. Lance parted his lips with a moan that went straight through Checo.
"Well it looks like you're feeling better."
The two jerked apart, Checo growling at the intrusion and shifting in front of Lance as he looked over. He relaxed when he saw it was Kimi, Sebastian and Max
His teammate looked sheepish, while Seb and Kimi looked indifferent to the scene they'd walked in on. He guessed they must be used to walking in on pairs at this point.
Seb sighed, shaking his head at them, "What's the number one rule guys? No sex in the pack room."
Lance squeaked adorably and Checo knew before he even looked that he was blushing. Seb grinned at the noise, crossing over to the pair and carding a hand through Lance's hair with a soft coo. He glanced around at the numerous bottles and the now partly melted ice pops and made a happy noise.
"Looks like you've got everything in hand Lance, although I might put a few of these back before they make a mess," he grabbed a handful of the ice pops, throwing one to Kimi and Max before placing the rest back in the freezer.
"Congratulations on the points Seb, oh and congratulations for winning Max," Lance piped up making Checo rumble happily, a burst of pride flooding through him and he pressed a quick kiss to Lance's temple. Even with everything going on he was still courteous and congratulatory without any prompting. God could Lance get any more perfect.
"Thank you Lance, your suggestions from data certainly helped me after the pit stops," Seb replied, causing Checo to glance down in surprise.
Lance caught his gaze blushing, "it was nothing, just something I spotted," he mumbled.
"It wasn't nothing, it was a good spot," Sebastian praised and Lance ducked his head again, the sweet smell giving away his happiness.
"Such a good teammate," Checo whispered in his ear, "you make me more and more proud."
Lance just wiggled even closer, purring at the words.
"If you're feeling better I'm gonna head off," Max remarked, "I wanna go find Dan before they start doing debriefing."
Kimi snorted at the words, "Just make sure Lando isn't around, we don't need a repeat of Zandvoort."
Max whined as Checo and Seb laughed, "that was one time and I still don't get how he didn't smell it before he came in. Should have been enough of a warning," he said sulkily.
"Just be careful," Seb added, "and maybe lock the door this time."
Max scowled again but bared his neck to Kimi before disappearing to find his alpha.
"One day those two are just going to come to the track mated without any warning," Seb commented, shaking his head.
"One day Max is going to turn up pregnant," Kimi countered, making Seb shudder.
"No time soon I hope, I don't think we'd survive a baby with their genes just yet, although it would be cute."
Lance squeaked softly and Checo instantly knew he was thinking about his words earlier, rumbling as he got another flash of their future pup.
Seb caught the noises and glanced over, a stern look in his eyes, "you two don't have anything to share do you?"
Checo felt himself shrink under the eyes of the pack omega but cheekily replied, "not yet."
Lance cooed, brushing his nose and then lips over Checo's neck, the Alpha turning his head to meet Lance's lips, sucking on his lower lip.
"No no no, stop it," Seb yelled, throwing the remains of his ice pop at the pair, hitting Checo in the head.
"Rule number one guys," he reminded, "we haven't had an incident since 2016 and I'd like to keep it that way."
Checo huffed, shaking his head to dislodge the ice pop stuck in his hair and glanced down at Lance who had a glint in his eye.
"Wanna head back to my driver's room then?" Lance suggested, waggling his eyebrows.
Hearing Seb splutter in the background Checo grinned, smile softening as he pressed a kiss to Lance's temple.
"That sounds nice, but I'm still a little tired. I wouldn't mind just a little nap in a nest."
As much as he wanted to tease Seb a little more he did just want a nap. He knew they wouldn't get long together because Redbull would have a number of podium celebrations planned but anytime was better than nothing.
Lance's eyes widened as he hurriedly looked around for nesting supplies.
"Why didn't you say something?" he snapped as he dragged a blanket off of the back of the settee and Checo just shrugged in response.
As Lance began to assemble the nest on the floor in front of Checo, Kimi cleared his throat.
"We'll leave you two to it," he said, catching Seb's arm to lead him to the door.
"If you start to feel any worse go and find a doctor," he added, "but I think Lance is well in control."
Checo hummed his agreement, slipping into the pile of blankets and pillows waiting below him and patiently allowed Lance to fuss around him as the two older drivers left, shooting the pair fond looks as they did.
Checo rumbled as Lance tucked a blanket around his shoulders, the omega sitting back on his knees as he surveyed his work with a smile. He took hold of Lance's hand and pulled him close, wrapping him in the blanket as he gave Lance a more thorough scenting.
"You're so perfect," he praised, "there's just something about you that drives me crazy and there's no one quite like you. So so perfect, and all mine."
Lance sighed, letting his eyes slide shut as he relaxed in his Alphas arms, body tingling as Sergio continued scenting him, his instincts soothed by the action.
"You've stolen my heart, I could never be without you now," Checo continued, "And I was thinking, maybe we should think about a mating date?"
Lance preened, purring heavily as he rearranged himself so his legs were wrapped around Checo's waist, pressing as close as he could to his mate.
He searched Checo's face and saw nothing but love and adoration shining in his eyes.
"I think that sounds perfect," he answered, curling down into Checo's neck; feeling the Alpha running a hand through his hair and peppering kisses on his mating gland.
He guessed Texas wasn't so bad after all.