Chapter Text
Nico pried his helmet off with a huff, shoving the paper with his weight printed on it in his helmet.
He didn’t care if he got a little chubby, he needed ice cream after this Qualifying. So much ice cream.
“You’re cute”
Nico stopped, turning to face the Briton abruptly and frowned.
“Not funny” he muttered before setting his helmet down and sinking into the couch.
He really needed to walk this off but right now he wishes he could sink into the couch and disappear.
“Whatever you say, Princess” Lewis snorted, plopping down next to him.
Nico sat bolt upright, ready to give Lewis a piece of his mind but before he could the Brit placed a hand on his cheek and stroked at his cheekbones. He felt himself relax slightly.
“You did good, walking it off” Lewis whispered, his hand drifting down to rest on Nico’s aching shoulder. He pressed his fingers down to ease the knot there.
“You were laughing while they were filming me, pissed off” Nico muttered, a little miffed at how the camera only caught him when he was angry.
“I was smiling because you reacted honestly and chose to walk it off instead of flip out.” Lewis confessed, moving Nico’s head so that the German would face him.
“Nico, I’m proud of you.”
Nico stared at Lewis, blinking. For a split second he was almost certain Lewis was a teen again and they were both in the same team except so much younger and more hopeful. When he opened his eyes everything changed, they were in Formula 1 and Nico was losing his mind a little but the look on Lewis’ face was the same.
Lewis believed in him.
Lewis has always believed in him.
“Mr. Hamilton? Mr. Rosberg? It’s time for the press conference.” The reporter beckoned to them, breaking the tension. Lewis refused to move, still staring determined at Nico as if the longer he looks affects how long Nico is going to believe it.
“We’ll be right there” Nico smiled, dropping the facade as soon as the reporter scuttled away.
“They’ll be needing their champion” Nico sighed, nudging Lewis’ hand away. The Brit moved his hand only to clutch at Nico’s, adamant on making his point.
“They need both of their champions” he insisted, twining their hands together. Nico could only smile, nodding.
“Okay” he answered, looking at their locked hands contentedly.
“Okay…”