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"Fuck," Nico yelled as the camera panned to Latifi's wrecked Williams. "Fuck fuck fuck," he continued, running a hand through his hair as he started intently at the screen. Would this be a safety car or a full red flag? Neither was an ideal situation this late in the race but as long as Mercedes reacted sensibly Lewis could still win this. He'd been leading since lap one, he had to have this in the bag already.
Except Lewis didn't pit. And Max did.
"Fuck fuck fuck," Nico swore again, Max would now have fresher tyres and even if Lewis pitted now he'd be way down the order. But surely they wouldn't clear the crash in enough laps? But he wouldn't put it past the FIA to do something to ensure the race ended under a green flag.
He let out a low groan as he felt a cramping feeling in his stomach. If he didn't know better he would have thought the little bean inside him was objecting to his language. Lewis had teased him endlessly about the fact that the cramps seemed to appear when Nico swore. Although the doctor said it was more likely to be growing pains rather than the pup actually kicking considering how early he was in the pregnancy, the timing was suspicious.
"Okay yes sorry," Nico whispered, "but this is an exception."
Jenson chuckled from beside him, "Yeah you tell him little terror, swearing in front of babies is bad."
Nico shot a glare at the other man, "I told you not to call them that."
"Well it's kind of true, they're making you suffer."
Nico glared again but shook his head, glancing back at the TV. He may adore his little bean and was so happy he was pregnant but at the same time he couldn't wait to be done. Because Jenson was right. The bean was being an absolute terror. The morning sickness was still going and much to his general annoyance the bean decided on a new smell it hated every few days.
Lewis's concern about the sickness had grown as the weeks had progressed with no sign of settling down. Nico had always stated as long as he could keep down food it wasn't bad enough to warrant a visit to the doctors.
The turning point had been Brazil, when Nico had been unable to keep little more than water down on Thursday and Friday culminating in him swaying dangerously when he stood up on Friday evening. For a second, the world blacked out and when his ears stopped ringing he was cradled in Lewis's arms, the Alpha sounding more and more distressed. Once he was sure Nico wasn't going to faint again, Lewis had carried him to the Mercedes team doctor. Dr Bennett had tentatively diagnosed him with Hyperemesis Gravidarum and insisted that Nico go to the hospital to be thoroughly checked out. Nico had tried to get Lewis to stay at the hotel, arguing that Lewis needed to be rested for qualifying but Lewis had just ignored him.
The hospital had only confirmed the diagnosis, giving him anti nausea medicine and making him stay on an IV all night to get his nutrients back while Lewis snatched minutes of sleep at his bedside. Nico slept even less, concern over his pup keeping him up, as well as fears that he wouldn't be a good dad because his body was handling the pregnancy so badly. Upon being discharged in the morning, none other than Toto Wolff was waiting for them outside. The Alpha drawing Nico in for a careful hug when he saw the dark circles under his eyes.
Despite Lewis urging Nico to just fly home, Nico refused; cocooning himself in a nest at the back of the garage, tentatively munching on crackers while Roscoe whined next to him. There were only a few races to go, he could tough it out. Lewis needed his support more than ever, so it would take a lot more than sickness to get him to leave his mate alone.
However the next month had been tougher than expected. As Nico progressed into his second trimester the worse it became. Nearly every symptom possible during pregnancy Nico experienced; headaches so bad he couldn't get out of bed, bloating after eating the smallest amount and skin and hair so greasy it looked like he never showered or washed. The press had a field day catching Nico looking his worse and constantly commenting on how he was lacking the glow of pregnancy and therefore something must be wrong. Usually Nico would have simply shaken off the comments but his haywire hormones had more than once led to him crying over the articles. Lewis had been a godsend in that regard, always ready to counter the negative comments with nothing but love and joy for Nico.
So it hadn't been the easiest journey but he was dealing with it. Just a few more laps and then the season was over and they could all go home. They could celebrate the eighth world title with the team and then Nico could take Lewis back to the hotel and guilt his mate into giving him a foot rub.
It really was the least he deserved for everything…"Mother fucker!" Nico screamed as he saw the race control message flash across the screen.
"What the heck is that?" Nico asked, glancing towards Jenson in shock who also had a look of disbelief on his face.
"Wait wait," Jenson interrupted as Nico went to swear again, "he's only letting the lapped cars through who are in between Max and Lewis, not all of them."
"Is that even fucking legal?" Nico replied, running a soothing hand over his bump as he felt his insides twist.
He winced as he felt a harsher cramp and he felt Jenson's hand on his back.
"Easy Nico, remember to breathe," he muttered as the safety car peeled in.
Nico felt his stomach sinking as they got underway again, he knew what was coming. The inevitably of the tyre difference would make this easy for Max.
"I can't," Nico muttered, tearing his eyes away as he heard the screams from Crofty.
He knew Lewis would try and fight back, but he knew it wouldn't be enough.
"And Verstappen makes the lunge and gets past Hamilton! The seven time champ has no answer to the fresher tyres of the Red Bull driver."
Nico let his eyes slip shut and his head dropped. "Fuck," he whispered again. As he heard the cheers from the grandstands he let out a soft whine, feeling his heart sinking. He felt a flash of anger and frustration through the bond before it went silent again.
This wasn't going to be a fun night. But he was going to be there for Lewis, screw his commitments to Sky - there was somewhere more important he needed to be. He straightened up, trying to collect his thoughts but felt his body sway as a wave of dizziness swept over him. He sagged into Jenson's side as he tried to keep control.
"Woah woah mate are you okay? Shit, sit down, sit down," Jenson helped him over to a chair in the corner of the sky room.
Nico leant down, forcing himself to take deep breaths. The dizziness was a new issue, and possibly the most annoying yet.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," he muttered as he heard Damon asking about calling for a doctor.
"It'll pass," he added, when he heard the long pause from his colleagues.
Taking one last deep breath he lifted his head and was greeted with the sight of Max crossing the line, the chequered flag falling and fireworks exploding.
"And for the first time ever, Max Verstappen becomes a world Champion!"
"Fuck," he whispered again.
He looked over at Jenson and held his hand out, "help me up," he instructed, "I've got somewhere to be."
The Brit did so carefully, making sure Nico was balanced before stepping back.
"I'll walk you to the garage, I have to get to the podium anyway."
Nico opened his mouth to argue - after all he was only pregnant - but Jenson shook his head.
"Nope don't even try and argue, you almost just fainted, I'm making sure you get to the Merc garage without any issues."
Nico sighed but nodded, letting Jenson lead the way out of the sky box and into the madness of the paddock. The fireworks were lighting up the sky and journalists were running around like headless chickens.
A couple caught sight of them and aimed their cameras in Nico's direction but Jenson waved them away, trying to shield Nico's face from the flashes.
Nico whined again as he felt pain in his stomach, but quickly gritted his teeth. This wasn't about him right now and the last thing they needed was pictures of him in pain floating around the Internet.
"Oi careful," Jenson shouted as one of the journalists bumped against Nico in their eagerness to get to the Red Bull garage, but they paid no attention.
"Jesus if they wanted an exclusive they should have been waiting outside the damn garage," Jenson muttered under his breath as they reached the back of the Mercedes garage.
"Will you be alright from here? I really need to shoot off."
"I'm fine, go get to the podium," Nico paused, taking a breath, "and congratulate Max for me - it's not his fault the FIA are shit."
"Sure mate, and make sure Lewis knows he's still a goat yeah?"
"As if I'd ever let him forget that, thanks Jens."
"Anytime, and don't forget to look after yourself, little terror needs you as well."
Nico sent a half hearted glare but nodded, running a hand over the bump, taking comfort in the weight.
As Jenson disappeared into the crowd Nico glanced up, seeing the fireworks still going off in the sky. For a second it took him back to 2016, running around the paddock knowing that all of the celebrations were for him. It felt like a million years ago and yesterday at the same time. His lips twitched upwards for a second as he remembered Lewis grudgingly giving him a hug for the cameras, the sour look on his teammates face. He remembered the look on Lewis's face at the gala as well, when Nico admitted that he retired because he wanted Lewis back. That he didn't want to fight with him any more, wanted to go back to how things were before their competitiveness engulfed them.
The journey back to one another had been long, and they'd almost self-destructed all over again but they'd made it. And that perseverance was what had given him the bean, was what had given him the mating bite on his neck and what had given him the love of his life. And that was worth more than any world championship.
Lewis hadn't lost since 2016 though, and to lose like this was infinitely worse than losing it in a proper battle. As well as Nico knew Lewis, he had no idea what he was walking into. He had no idea how Lewis was going to respond.
"Nico? Are you okay?"
Nico blinked as Susie stepped in front of him, Jack on her hip.
"Yeah, yeah I think… I uh don't know, I don't, I don't…" he trailed off, unable to put his thoughts into words.
Susie smiled sympathetically at him, "I know, I feel a bit helpless right now. I figured it was best to get this little guy out of there though." She bounced Jack slightly, drawing a giggle from the pup.
Nico winced at the words, "how angry is Toto?"
"I think it's a mix of anger, frustration and disappointment - no one's really sure what happened."
"A fuc-fudging disaster is what happened," Nico muttered, blushing at the pointed look Susie gave him over his near slip up. Luckily Jack hadn't caught it, too occupied with a loose strand of Susie's hair.
Nico reached out and carded a hand through Jack's hair, cooing as he leaned into the touch.
"He's a little tired, convinced us he'd be okay but I think he's flagging. And I think he's missing Stoff," she murmured.
"I think we all miss Stoffel," Nico agreed. He'd certainly missed having the Belgian around the last few rounds but he'd come down with a bug after Qatar - at least that's what Toto and Susie had said. And well, Nico had had a bug before they announced the bean as well.
"Hmm at least after tonight we can all go home."
Nico nodded, about to reply when Jack whined and pushed his face into Susie's neck.
She shushed him, shooting Nico an apologetic look which he waved off. He'd stalled long enough, it was time he found his mate.
He drew Susie in for a quick side hug before heading into the back of the garage.
There was an edge to the atmosphere that Nico had never experienced before. Despite winning the constructors championship there were no celebrations happening. Which was to be expected considering the outcome of the race. It was a far cry from the ecstatic mood from Saudi Arabia.
It felt like all the hard work of the year was nullified. All the late nights trying to improve the car and planning the perfect strategies had been trampled upon by one decision. One interpretation of the rules that threw everything into chaos.
The first person he came across was Bono, the engineer leaning against a far wall with his eyes shut.
He cooed lightly, brushing against the Beta who startled, eyes snapping open.
He gave Nico a weak smile, tears brimming in his eyes as he blinked rapidly.
"Oh Bono," Nico whispered, slipping under his arm and pressing close.
The Beta responded by wrapping his arm around Nico, resting his head on his shoulder.
"I feel like I let him down," he muttered.
"No no no, no you did not," Nico exclaimed, pulling back just enough to look Bono in the eye. "You did nothing wrong, you've always had his back, this was nothing we could have defended against."
"Should have made him box," Bono replied, sounding utterly defeated.
"You know if he'd boxed they would have ended under safety car, it was so fucked up."
"He didn't deserve to have it end like this."
"No, he didn't," Nico whispered, pulling Bono back in as they turned their attention to the TV showing the podium.
Nico whined quietly as he took in the resigned look on Lewis's face. To the untrained eye he wasn't giving anything away, he was the picture of perfect stoicism. But Nico could see how Lewis was trying to keep himself together, he wouldn't want to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing him upset.
Even when the anthems were done, Lewis remained on the podium. He could have left, no one would have thought differently if he'd left, as Max had done in Saudi. But he stayed, pouring the fake champagne over Max who was so lost in the moment that he didn't even acknowledge him. Too busy celebrating with Christian, and despite everything Nico couldn't judge him for it. He knew how overwhelming it was, how everything else dulled around you. He doubted if Max was even aware Lewis was even on the podium.
"Gracious as ever," Bono muttered and Nico hummed his agreement.
It felt like forever until Lewis was making his way off the podium. The garage was becoming alive again as Toto whirled around trying to collect data to take to the stewards but Nico didn't have eyes for anyone other than Lewis.
"He'll be heading straight back to his room," Angela stated as she popped up next to Nico, "he wanted some space but I think you'd be the exception to that."
"I bloody hope so," he grumbled, pushing himself away from Bono with a groan, "God I can't wait to get home."
He drew Angela in for a hug, whispering his gratitude in his ear before pulling away again.
"Try and make sure Toto doesn't kill Michael, would be a bit of a downer on the evening considering we still have to celebrate winning constructors," Nico commented, drawing a grin out of Bono despite everything.
"Something tells me the party will either be dead or completely wild," the beta replied dryly.
Nico eyed the bottles beginning to appear around the garage, "I'm guessing completely wild. If Toto does anything embarrassing make sure to get it on camera for me."
Angela laughed, "of course, I'll make sure to get you plenty of blackmail material."
"See this is why you're my favourite," Nico teased, grinning as Angela swatted his arm.
"Go on, get out of here," James added as he wandered over, wrapping an arm around Bono's shoulders.
"Trying to get rid of me huh?"
"Nah, you always come back anyway - but there's somewhere more important for you to be."
Bono and Angela nodded their agreement and after a few more gentle prods Nico headed back out the garage, making his way towards the hospitality building.
He had a small nest half made up in Lewis's drivers room but it was going to need some improvements before Nico would let Lewis anywhere near it. His mate only deserved the best right now.
The hallways of the hospitality were practically deserted; most of the team were down in the garage, and had been planning celebrations for an eighth world title.
It felt weird to be walking the halls with no one around, it made Nico feel uneasy so he hurried on as fast as he could. His ankles were beginning to ache from spending the majority of the day on his feet and he was looking forward to sitting down for a while.
Reaching Lewis's door he paused for a second, running his hand over the seven stars that Mercedes had placed on the door. He sighed at the spot left empty for the eighth. It would have to stay empty for a little longer but Nico had no doubt that there would be eight one day. More than likely next year. Losing made Lewis hungrier, having the fight this year had brought back a joy to him that Nico hadn't seen in a while. He'd relished in the challenge and even though this year had been hard with underhanded tactics and media jabs Nico knew Lewis had enjoyed every second of it. It was understandable, the harder the fight the sweeter the reward.
And Nico knew that Lewis would have the single minded focus to reclaim the title next year.
Pushing open the door Nico slipped inside, inhaling the soothing mix of scents inside. It smelt like home.
He cooed as he felt a twinge in his stomach, no doubt the bean reacting to the scents as well. It was the first time it felt like the bean had caused the pain, something about it felt different to the cramping he'd been getting.
"You miss being at home as well, don't you?" Nico muttered as he made his way over to the small bed. He eyed the nest but figured if he sat on the ground he'd never get back up again without help. If he was feeling this rough at only sixteen weeks he dreaded to think what the rest of the pregnancy would be like.
"I think you're going to end up being an only child," Nico continued as he lowered himself down, hands moving to stroke the blanket draped over the edge of the bed.
"If all the pregnancy is this bad, I'll never let you hear the end of it."
He relaxed back against the wall, letting his eyes slip shut again.
Lewis could be a while, even though Ang said he wanted to be alone, he could have been waylaid. Maybe he had time for a quick nap…
Nico jumped as the door slammed open, eyes snapping open as a hand flew to his stomach to protect his pup.
He relaxed minutely when he saw it was Lewis, the Alpha yanking down the sleeves to his race suit as he kicked the door shut.
"God, careful," Nico shouted as he tried to calm his body down from the sudden adrenaline rush, his heart beating double time as his stomach twisted.
Lewis looked at him in shock, like he hadn't even imagined Nico would be there.
"You scared the bean, are you happy now," the German continued, rubbing a hand over the bulge as he muttered apologies to the pup. He shot Lewis a half hearted glare that immediately slipped away as he actually took in Lewis.
He saw the exhaustion written into his face, the lines that seemed to have appeared overnight and now looked etched into his skin. He saw the tears building in his eyes.
"Oh Lewy," Nico cooed, jumping to his feet and crossing the room.
"I.. God Lewis," he wrapped his arms around his mate, pulling Lewis into his chest and angling his head so it was resting in the crook of Nico's neck. He focused on letting out calming pheromones, trying to soothe his mate.
They stood like that for what felt like hours as Nico felt the tension draining from Lewis's body and he sagged more and more into Nico.
After a while Nico's back began to protest the extra weight and Nico steered them towards the bed. He continued to let out soft purrs as he stroked a hand up and down Lewis's back, scratching the back of his neck.
"I just don't understand," Lewis whispered, the first words he'd spoken since getting back to the room.
"None of us understand, there's nothing you could have done differently."
"I could have taken it if Max had overtaken me in the race but that just felt so fake," Lewis continued, like he hadn't even heard Nico.
"I know, I know," he repeated, getting the idea that Lewis wasn't up for much more conversation than that.
Nico let his eyes slip shut as he held Lewis, feeling him tremble from the exertion of the race.
Leaning back slightly he stroked a hand down Lewis face, catching the runaway moisture.
"Did you want some water?"
Lewis nodded silently and Nico gently pushed Lewis away before standing. He made it two steps across the room before his vision swam alarmingly and he staggered, trying to find something to steady himself with.
"Nico?" he heard Lewis calling but it felt like it was through a tunnel.
He groaned loudly as the room continued to spin, and he felt his legs buckling.
He braced himself for the fall, to hit the ground but it never came.
"Nico? Nico?" he heard Lewis calling again as he was enveloped in careful hands and gently lowered to the ground.
"I'm fine," he forced out, "just give me a minute."
"This is not fine," Lewis argued, "Jesus Nico what if you were on your own? You could have seriously hurt yourself."
"But I wasn't alone, I'll be fine. It's just a new symptom that the bean is testing out. I'll take this over the nosebleeds any day."
"Don't joke about this please," Lewis begged, as Nico's vision finally cleared and he blinked up at his mate.
Somehow Lewis looked worse. Nico wasn't entirely sure how that was possible, but it was.
"Hey, I'm serious. I'll be fine, I guess I just stood up too quickly," he tried to reassure but fresh tears appeared in Lewis's eyes.
"Hey hey hey, Lew I'm okay I promise," Nico whispered, reaching up to touch their foreheads together.
"I can't lose you," Lewis murmured.
"You won't, I'm not going anywhere."
"I almost lost you once though-"
"And that was a long time ago," Nico interrupted. "Lewis I'm not going anywhere, I promise."
"I just… after today, losing like that I couldn't…"
"Shh it's okay, I'm here," Nico cooed, "although could you help me to the nest, because this floor is a little uncomfortable."
He squeaked as Lewis lifted him bridal style, nuzzling close into Nico's mating mark as he carried Nico to his small nest in the corner.
He put Nico down gently, kneeling beside the nest while Nico fussed with the blankets and pillows trying to make it perfect.
After a few moments he nodded his approval and pulled on Lewis's hand, tugging him into the nest.
He arranged them so they were laying face to face and wrapped an arm around Lewis, holding him close.
Lewis joined their lips for a slow kiss, both pushing feelings of pure love and happiness through the bond.
"I'm serious though," Lewis spoke up after pulling away, "I need you to be okay because if I lost you I genuinely don't know what I'd do. You're my rock Nico, my mate, my universe. I couldn't have another year like this without you beside me."
"You won't have too, because I'm never leaving you. You're stuck with me and the little terror for life now."
Lewis raised an eyebrow, "the little terror?"
"Oh that," Nico laughed, "It's Jenson's nickname for the bean. I think I've spent too much time around him."
"You're not a terror," Lewis whispered, cupping Nico's stomach, "you're just opinionated, just like your Vati."
"They can be opinionated without causing all these issues," Nico grumbled but internally he was melting. Lewis talking to the bean always played on the primitive part of his biology.
"Shh don't listen to mean old Uncle Jenson, you're perfect little bean and I can't wait to meet you - but Vati is right, maybe you can take it easy on him hmm? He's such a good Vati already, looks after me all the time and I think he deserves a break."
"Lewis…" Nico whispered, feeling tears springing to his eyes, and he leant forward brushing their noses together.
He gasped suddenly as he felt a twinge in his stomach, hand shooting to his stomach.
"Nico? What's wrong?" Lewis questioned frantically.
"Shh for a second," Nico grabbed Lewis's hand and rested it on the side of his stomach.
They sat in silence for a second, Lewis watching Nico curiously before his face lit up.
"Are they…?" Lewis breathed out, and Nico nodded shakily.
"They just kicked."
That definitely felt different from the cramping, a distinctive twinge and his body just knew that was the pup.
"Of course they kick after you talk to them," Nico grumbled.
Lewis rumbled, sending shivers down Nico's spine as he curled closer.
"It's not a competition," his mate reminded him.
"It's always a competition," Nico muttered.
The Alpha huffed but didn't say anything, choosing instead to hold Nico flush against him. He pressed his face into Nico's neck, savouring the scent of his mate and using it to ground himself. He still hadn't really processed what was happening, that he'd had the title ripped away from him. But at least now he felt calmer.
In the end, another title would have been nice. A way to prove to the world that he was worth more than they thought, to cement himself fully into the record books alongside his heros. But right now, holding his mate in his arms and feeling his pup kick for the first time, he didn't need anything else.
He placed featherlight kisses along Nico's mating mark, keeping the bond fully open so the omega knew exactly what Lewis was feeling. The pure adoration he had for Nico grew each day, and even though Nico grumbled about the effects the pregnancy was having on his body, Lewis thought he'd never looked better. Each time he caught Nico rubbing a hand over his stomach he felt his heart swell with pride. It wasn't just the typical primal pride at seeing his mate pregnant either, it was seeing how well Nico was coping and taking each symptom in his stride. It was also seeing how happy Nico looked in those quiet moments when he thought no one else was looking, the softest smile would come over his face as he caressed the bump.
Nico purred, letting out a burst of sweetness as he tilted his head to capture Lewis's lips.
"So are we staying here or heading back to the hotel?" He asked after pulling away.
"I think I just want to go straight home. Toto said he'd arrange a plane, said he understood if we wanted to skip out on the party."
Nico yawned, "sounds good to me, I've missed being home."
"Home it is then," Lewis replied as he pecked Nico's lips once again.
The fall out from today could wait. The inevitable outpouring of frustration from the fans, legal battles and interviews could all wait. Today was for reminding himself exactly what he had, and what he was going to gain.
His racing career might not be forever, but his family was.