Archive of Our Own ^beta

Carlos was doing the traditional post-qualifications interviews in the pen after a really tiring day, not that tiring for the others but it seemed like everything was for him these days. Usually, standing there for a long time, explaining the same thing over and over again in different languages was easy for him. He knew what to say, how to make funny jokes and make up for the almost non-existent footage of his papaya car during sessions but it seemed like it was too much for him today. In the middle of a really easy sentence about his expectations for the race the next day, where he would start in a good position, black spots started to bother him, he tried to blink them away but at the same time he felt cold sweat dribble along his back and before he could do anything, everything turned pitch back. He just got time to hear the loud screams of the people around him and to realize that this was filmed and so many, too many, people would see this moment of pure glory.

Carlos is the definition of what an Alpha should be, the one every dad wishes to have as a son and, Omegas, as their mate.

When his parents knew they were expecting a baby boy, they were beyond happy and, Carlos Sr, his dad, had then decided that his son would have his name and wished his pup would follow his path in the racing world. He could already picture his little pup by his side at his races. Of course, Carlos Sr and his mate, Reyes, were really happy with their two other girls, they were so proud of their little family and wanted only the very best for them. 

As a renowned driver, both in Spain and internationally, Carlos Sr dreamed about teaching his little boy how to drive like him, having him by his side to his races and introducing him to the best junior teams. Carlos Sr got lucky by mating the woman he fell in love with, even if she was initially the one his dad had decided was the one for him, and who happened to be his true mate. And, thirty years into their mating, he couldn’t see himself without her, he would just die he thought , if she ever left his side. He wanted this for his son too, having someone by his side, just like he had, someone who would support him like Reyes did and had always done. That was how, while Carlos was still young and finding his way in motorsports, he made sure pretty (and suitable by his standards) girls would be there too, hoping his dear son would settle with one of them. They were usually daughters of his friends, or related to his business partners; that would be ideal. The only hiccup was that Carlos was entering his second year in Formula 1 and he was still yet to find a mate; that wouldn’t do, not for Carlos Sr. So he sat him down one afternoon, while they were both training together in their private gym.

"I’ve done everything I could for you so you could join your team, taught you everything I could" he started to say and Carlos already knew what his dad was about to say, because it was far from the first time they had their conversation. "And yet, the only thing I’ve asked you, you still haven't done it... said Carlos Sr in disbelief, sighing, as was putting the weights he used away.

Carlos gulped, trying to come up with something, anything. “I- I was so busy training and trying to make it that I didn’t have time to look for a mate yet, but I’m sure I’ll find her soon” he said nervously but still trying to look confident.

“I’ve told you a hundred times that fooling around won’t help you. And quite the contrary, it’s just lost time and energy. Having a real mate, someone who’s by your side is so much better for you and your career. You don’t want the tabloids to be talking about you only as a 'golden opportunity' instead of your abilities as a driver, don’t you? You’re a driver, not a socialite or whatever. So work on this, I only give you up to the summer break, until then, it won’t be your choice anymore” he said firmly, a heavy hand on his shoulder, heading to the door. His back to Carlos Jr, a hand on the handle, he added “I only want the best for you and your career, Carlos. It's for you own good”. 

Once he was sure that his dad was far away, Carlos let himself fall where he was, his knees giving up under him. He knew his dad only wanted the best for him, he knew it. Yes, he wasn’t the most affectionate dad, but that was because his love language was different. Carlos knew he was loved, knew his dad would give up his entire career if that could help him in any way, he would even jump in his car if that would help. Carlos understood really well that having a mate by his side would be amazing, he himself wished he had someone by his side. If only he could. 

After the pressure of presenting as an Alpha vanished, that he started to breathe a bit freer because he wasn’t a walking disappointment, he quickly understood what his dad wanted from him, what the next step was. And Carlos understood, of course he did. He was lucky to be born in his family, who had always supported him, asking him to find a supportive mate wasn’t a big deal, most kids weren’t that lucky, he heard of all sorts of abuse, of broken dreams. The only thing was, he didn’t love women. And he knew the world wasn’t ready for that.

This was how, over a year later, he was mated to a beautiful woman, Sofía. She was the same age as him and really ambitious with a career of her own. He loved that, loved how she also had her own dreams and goals and he loved to support her in every way he could. They were young, pretty young lovebirds, they were going to the gym together every day, giggling like teenagers, he was going to the library with her to study his data while she was working on her assignments, she would go to his races to support him. The perfect couple. And, quickly, fans fell in love with her when he introduced her as his mate. How could they not? She was lovely.

Carlos felt empty but he just got used to it. Loving Sofía was easy, she was a lovely person and making her happy somehow made him happy. He would watch her favourite romantic movies and learn from them; she especially loved it when he hugged her from behind while she was cooking —her passion and she was really good at that. Carlos liked the affection, but it never totally warmed him, not like it should have, at least from what other people were saying. He had been so worried when they mated, so anxious the bite wouldn’t take. He prayed as much as he could and felt so relieved when it was over. He knew that wasn’t what it was supposed to feel like but he couldn’t help it so he tried to relieve the guilt by making her as happy as he could, his way of saying 'I’m sorry you mated with someone who will never love you like you deserve to be'. He spoiled her to make up for it but everyone seemed to just see a dedicated man in love and that relieved him; at least, he was making something right. 

And then, his time at Toro Rosso came to an end for a new beginning, new adventures. Renault. Sofía was still by his side, unfailing support. In the meantime, she got her degree but she had to move abroad for the internship she was dreaming about for so long. Of course, Carlos promised her that they would be just fine, that he was so proud of her and that one year would go by quickly. They would be back together before they even had time to miss each other. She smiled, kissed him and went the other way, waving him goodbye with her pretty smile and pink cheeks. Being alone in their flat made him realize just how much he was used to her and, even if wasn’t ‘in love’, he still loved her somehow; it made his heart just a bit warmer. Platonic soulmates. Maybe that would be his life now, and he was fine with it, he could make it work.

However, it started to crumble when his life turned upside down once again. Renault tourned out not to be his home, he learnt it and had to deal with it. This was when McLaren entered the the picture, with many phone calls and emails and endless talks. Carlos Sr was always by his side, helping him to make the right choice and Sofía was always there to make everything better. They had just celebrated their two-year mating anniversary when Carlos met Love for the first time. It was the most unexpected thing, it just fell on him one odd day and changed his life forever. It was just supposed to be an appointment at the McLaren HQ, to explain to him the project, their goals and what he should be expecting. But here, in the middle of a lighthearted talk about sports, Carles felt it. The pull. That thing that no scientist had ever been able to explain, two souls greeting each other and never letting go. He felt a delicious warmth spread in his chest, enveloping his heart in a delicate hold. He looked around, lost for words, in the middle of an internal panic; he had to follow what was said, because who knows where he could end up if not here? But was his mate somewhere around here? Was it a team member? A mechanic? An engineer? ‘Carlos, deep breaths, it’s going to be okay’ he kept repeating until he calmed down and he felt cold again. So cold. Colder than he had ever felt.

“Carlos, are you alright?” he was asked, a hand on his arm brought him back down to earth.

“Yes, it’s the jetlag I think” he tried to laugh it off. 

Pretending to be the perfect Alpha with the most perfect mate is one thing, pretending to be in love with someone else when his mate is somewhere, reachable, was something else. But that also meant that Sofía had a mate of her own by this logic and he felt guilty again for preventing her from finding her true happiness. Why were things so complicated? 

He signed his contract, half because he was convinced of the project, half because his mate was somewhere around him and he had to know. He didn’t want to do anything, just to see them and make sure they were happy; that was all he needed to let go. 

The rest of the season with Renault felt weird as it always was because the team kept so many things from him, scared he would tell his new team about it. Sofía was busy again realizing her dreams and Carlos was proud of her, she looked so happy when she was doing what she loved the most. Somehow, when he was alone in their bed while she was away, he wished she had found her true mate, that she could laugh around with someone made for her as much as she was for them. It was maybe weird to wish such things, especially after a successful mating but it was just maybe his guilt talking; it would hurt a bit less to break her heart if it wasn’t his to begin with. Breaking the bond would be easier too, but what would his dad say if that happened? He sighed. He was hurting himself and his girlfriend with whom he mated over stupid reasons, was it who he was? So much for being called a 'perfect Alpha' he thought bitterly. 

Time flew quicker than he expected and Renault was only a memory, he traded yellow for papaya and he had a new life to build around Woking. Meeting new people was always something Carlos loved, he liked to hear about new things, new stories and write new ones too. What he didn’t expect was to know that his true mate was at the little gathering organized by the team to start the season and welcome him. He knew they were there, somewhere. His heart was beating so fast at the thought of seeing his person that would never be his — it kind of sounded like something writers from the 19th century would have loved to cry about, but not him, obviously, as it was his story and his heartbreak. As he was trying to catch his breath, a firm hand on the small of his back caught his attention, it was Zack Brown, smiling and a boy next to him, his new teammate. Carlos smiled and they exchanged small talks and their personal numbers and private social media accounts. He didn’t know why but Carlos told him he would take care of him, that he could just ask anything he wanted, that he wanted them to get along and not fight as they were there to rebuild the team, together. And Lando just smiled like Carlos was his entire world, eyes shining. But another voice made the bubble burst, Andreas Seidl, another one of their bosses, wishing they would get along well. Carlos was convinced there was something magnetic about his teammate, he couldn’t explain it with words, he just knew it. 

With the new season, new people to get used to, simulator, promotional videos and Sofía’s new internship, Carlos had barely seen his girlfriend and he noticed after a while that they exchanged fewer and fewer texts. As if they were now used to being apart. They didn’t spend Christmas and New Year's Eve together, it was the first time since they met. She said she had to work the very next day and she didn’t want to prevent him from enjoying his break. Carlos frowned when she said that because they planned to spend his winter break together and she said that she was really busy and wouldn’t have any time for him, that she wasn’t a uni student anymore, she had responsibilities now. Lost in words, he sent her her favourite flowers and chocolate to her flat and made sure she would have flowers two times a week and chocolate and pastries in the meantime. He understood what she meant, he sometimes had so little time that he felt guilty for making her wait for him, that was probably the same thing as she seemed happy for the flowers and posted them on her instagram.

Barcelona, winter testing. Sofía managed to make it and happily walked down the paddock to the papaya garage, she grew a fan of the sport thanks to Carlos. She was introduced to everyone in the team before she claimed her spot in the garage, absentmindedly watching the screens while she was using her phone. Lando seemed to be shy around her, but he was around everyone so Carlos didn’t notice a thing and went on with his life. She was at the team dinner, on Carlos' right side, while Lando was on his other side. For the first time in so long, Carlos felt at home, surrounded by people he liked and whom he wished he would be with for a long time. 

Carlos and Lando shared a flight to Melbourne, discovering in the plane that they had so much in common and things most people didn’t understand. Every time they were together, just the two of them, it felt like a bubble was wrapping them and keeping them from the rest of the world but it was so smooth that neither really noticed it, they just liked each other’s presence. Carlos could swear he had never felt more at ease than with his new friend, not even with himself; there was something about him that screamed home. He couldn’t know it but a certain young driver felt the same way because Carlos was totally his dream alpha, he loved his black eyes and prince-like hair and his full lips and his accent and his way of being and- yes, he had a teeny tiny little crush on his new teammate but that was just a harmless crush he kept telling himself, because it wasn't like he could have him; Carlos was happily mated and he would never look at him like he did. Lando learnt to accept it even if hurt, even if it broke his heart every time.

To Lando, Carlos had been his only anchor during the madness of his first weekend with photographers everywhere and people asking him things he couldn’t understand and if he hadn’t had his steady teammate by his side, he would have panicked, he knew it. Everything was just bigger in F1 than it was before in his career and that was scary. In the end, it hadn't been the weekend Lando had wished for, Carlos DNFed and was out of points but when Carlos saw his pout, he invited him into his room to play FIFA to cheer him up and he couldn’t resist Carlos’ puppy eyes.

Just like that, over the next few weeks until the Bahrein Grand Prix, they spent almost all of their time together because that was the easiest thing in the world and that was so comforting and Lando kept telling himself that this was already so much more than he thought possible and that he shouldn't be greedy. When Lando finished 6th in his second race, he got a bone-crushing hug and praises for his performance making his head spin and his heart sparkle and he couldn’t get the feeling of Carlos’ arms around his body out of his mind, just thinking about it was so comforting. “You did so well, I’m so proud of you” he was sure he could have died of happiness. They grew even closer over the next weeks, learning everything they could about each other. Carlos was sure he had never smiled as much in his entire life, his heart felt so light and warm. They were somehow always attached at the hips but their team loved it because they were easier to manage that way, people seemed to love their blossoming friendship, 'bromance' they said and it was good for the marketing, so all was good. 

As the Spanish Grand Prix was about to start, Carlos’ home race, they spent less time together because there always were journalists or people around him, asking for his time and Sofía was there too. And they didn’t manage to see each other until the media day of the Monaco Grand Prix, without reflecting much, Carlos just engulfed him in a warm hug when he saw him around the hospitality; he had missed his young teammate so much. It was around this moment that Carlos started to have a weird cough, it sounded really deep and worrying and it happened so suddenly.

He was alone in Woking, Sofía was in New York for an important job, he couldn't get to his family, his dad was on a plane to go to a race track with his mom, his sisters had other things to do, so calling Lando seemed like the greatest thing to do. When he heard his teammate cough over the phone, Lando immediately offered to drop by with some medicine and who was Carlos to refuse? The only thing was that during the two days that Lando spent inside his house, he hadn’t coughed a single time. They had spent their time training, going cycling together and running too, Carlos cooked for them and tried to teach his teammate but that had been more difficult than he thought it would and they played games or watched movies. What Carlos didn’t know was that Lando knew what they were. He had the feeling of it the first time they had run into each other at a track many years before. He had tried to reach out to him but never managed to, he was always too far away and now that he had him close, he didn’t know what to do because he was sure of it but Carlos looked happy with his girlfriend, she was a good person too, he just wasn’t lucky in this life. Even if it hurt and ripped his bleeding heart because he wanted nothing more than to cuddle with his mate and always be by his side as more than a friend, but what they had was better than nothing. He often wondered if Carlos, being mated, could know that he was his mate, too. Or maybe Lando had the misfortune to be linked with someone already taken and he would be alone for the rest of his life. But, when he thought about it, it wasn't that bad, because there were other things that Carlos didn't know. Both laughed about whatever virus attacked Carlos being scared of Lando, and that was it. Lando never mentioned the break-down he had when he got back home when he realised what all of this meant.

The weird cough went back as soon as Lando left his house because he had things to do and Carlos tried hard to respect that. Carlos was still surprised that, even when it was just the two of them, Lando was still wearing scent blockers. He understood that he did during race weekends or at the factory, as it was mandatory, but all the time? He didn’t know how to ask and had never really been around Betas, so maybe it was different for them? He tried to google it because it couldn’t be healthy to wear those all the time —and maybe because he was also a bit curious about his scent, just a little bit. But nothing came up, just endless articles about the dangers of scent blockers. He just wished it wasn’t him making Lando uncomfortable, that would be the worst for him. 

After the cough settled into his daily life, he started to feel weak. It happened to him to have to stop in the middle of his training sessions because he was feeling too weak and on the verge of fainting to continue. Rupert, his trainer, was growing more and more worried. Not only that, but they also couldn’t find where that awful cough was coming from even if they ran all the tests and exams in the world and he couldn’t understand why his usual training sessions were now too much for him, it had never been the case before. Carlos would often feel dizzy, usually when he moved a bit too fast. He initially thought he had iron deficiency but his blood test came back rather good. His doctor thought that he was maybe just tired but Carlos told him he had never slept so much. He was somehow always tired, everything was an effort to him now. And, now, a few months after the cough began, he fainted while being live during an interview, that was the icing on the cake, just what he needed. Of course, everyone was worried, so he told them that he was just tired and probably stood up for too long. Lando was waiting for him inside the hospitality when he came back from the medical centre for a precautionary checkup and he hugged him so tight that, to Carlos, it felt like coming home. They spent the rest of the evening together because Lando didn’t want to leave his side, even for a minute. They cuddled for the first time, making their hearts oh-so-full and warm. As Carlos was about to send a text to Sofía, he already had one from her. 

I hope you’re feeling better, you really scared me there.
When you’re back, I’d love us to talk for a bit, yeah?

Carlos was anxious on his way back home, certain it would be a talk about his health, how he wasn’t properly taking care of himself. But that wasn’t it. She softly sat him down and told him the truth, her truth. She thanked him for being such a good mate, that she enjoyed their time together but that they needed to come to the truth: they weren’t true mates. She told him that what he was experiencing was called 'bond sickness': his Alpha refused to live without their true mate now that it knew they were close to them, so it was slowly poisoning him, out of pain and sorrow. She wasn’t mad at him because when they met, she also had pressure from her family to settle down, to find someone suitable and he had been perfect for her. She told him that she loved how involved he had been, how he helped her reach her dreams and that she would move abroad to work for the company she had always wanted. She wished they could remain friends and that he should now make a step closer to his true mate, his teammate and take to care of him. She hugged him, losing herself one last time in his sweet scent, before leaving, taking once again a plane, but this time for a new beginning in her life, without turning back, because she didn't want Carlos to see her tears. She knew that she was doing the right thing but Carlos had been there for so long, it was scary to let go, even if she knew it was the quickest path to hapiness and her true mate, too.

Carlos had been devastated. She was a huge part of his life and she had always been either next to him or a phone call away. He thought that he felt cold in the previous years, but that was nothing compared to how he was feeling now. He was just glad he managed to express himself, to thank her, for everything and wishing all the best to her. He looked online at what a bond sickness was and he had to agree, he had all the symptoms. He had known, deep down, for a long time that Lando was more than just his 'teammate' or his 'platonic soulmate' like many said but he couldn’t bring himself to think about it while he had his girlfriend by his side, he just told himself that they were just really close because they shared many hobbies. The thing was, knowing something and doing something about it were two different things and Carlos had always been terrible with expressing his feelings. Sofía had been the one making the important decisions, even the one about breaking their bond. It felt weird not to be bonded anymore, but he knew it was for the best, for the both of them. He still made sure to send Sofía flowers to congratulate her on her new job and wish her all the best once again. Announcing the break up to his family had been tough because they loved her and after his sisters got pups of their own, they were waiting for Carlos to do the same. Carlos Sr had remained silent for a long time, and to Carlos, that was worse than anything, because he could feel the disapointment. He spent the week after the bond was broken at his family house because even after, his body was growing weaker and weaker as the days went on. His family was really worried because they knew him and his hyperactivity and him sleeping all the time wasn’t normal. And going to bed at 9 PM was far from being normal, and even less the fact that he slept in the mornings. Carlos' parents thought that it was because of the breakage of the bond, that it was maybe normal to create this type of symptoms.

The first days, Carlos Sr even thought that his son was leaving in the evening to party somewhere like he did when he was a teenager. One night, as he was on his way to check if Carlos was still inside the house, he heard half-coughing, half-throwing up coming from his bathroom. He, of course, was worried and ran to him and gasped when he saw the drops of blood in the white sink. Carlos Sr didn’t even have time to say something before Carlos fell backwards, he just had time to catch his dear son in time or he would have feel down on the floor. Carlos Sn knew he could seem tough from afar, but he really wasn’t. He loved Carlos with all his heart and would do just anything for him. He held him to his bed and helped him to settle comfortably as Carlos started to wake up, dazed. Carlos S, moved his hair from his forehead and let his hand there, gently carressing his black locks, just like he did when Carlos was a little kid and he had nightmares. 

“What’s going on with you?” he whispered softly and Carlos wasn’t sure he had ever seen him so worried. 

“I don’t know” he said back, closing his eyes. “I went to see many doctors but they don’t know either” he weakly shrugged. 

Carlos wasn’t sure if he was dreaming or not, but he thought that his dad petted his hair until he fell asleep, letting out comforting pheromones, like he did when he was still a pup.

The next race, in Germany, had been pure torture and Carlos was sure that he fainted at some point during the race, luckily nothing bad happened and he quickly focused again. He knew that people were also worried on social media, because even if he wasn’t the most liked driver, he had lost weight, a lot, and he had been pretty much dead online for weeks now and people were wondering why was Sofía in New York and not with him and there was also Lando, and he didn’t know what to say, what to do. He tried to be himself around him but he was always tired so it was difficult to spend any time with him even if he really wanted to. There were so many unsaid things between them but neither knew what to do about it. Carlos tried to find energy in the fact that the Hungaroring was the last one before a long time, he would have time to heal before the second half of the season. He didn’t know how he did it, but he managed to finish fifth during one of the hardest races of the season but he couldn’t even celebrate the result, he just fell asleep right after, in his hotel room while he was trying to get changed. 

This was when Lewis entered the picture. Like many, he had a soft spot for the young Brit, maybe a bit more because he was also a McLaren baby, his old and first home. He never really had the chance to really talk with to the Beta, just small talks here and there and little jokes. But when he saw his name on his phone at the begginging of the summer break, for some reason, he knew it was serious. He excused himself from his date and left the table to take it. At first, he didn’t understand anything, because he was crying too much. Lewis offered to drop by but Lando refused, saying he didn’t want to bother him but Lewis insisted, he knew something was wrong and as the pack Omega, he had to be there, no matter what. So, without giving him the choice, he drove to his house. And what he found was way worse than the worst he had expected. Luckily, he had the code to enter the house and the sour smell of distressed Omega scared him. He tried to calm down, he maybe was just sick or someth- No, he heard cries, something was really wrong. He ran up the stairs, to Lando’s bedroom, when he saw him lying on his bed, his body shook by painful sobs. It broke his heart. Kneeling by the bed, he pushed Lando’s damp hair back, petting it in the process.

“I’m here, pup. I’m here” whispered Lewis, kissing the top of his head. “Can you tell me what’s wrong? Please, Lando” he begged, nuzzling his cheek, trying to comfort.

“I’ve ruined everything” he sobbed even harder. Lewis couldn’t handle the sight, so he got on the bed and manhandled him so he was laying against his chest instead, to hug him tight.

“What are you talking about, hm?” he murmured, rubbing his back in a comforting way.

“Carlos” he only managed to say before crying even harder. 

“Carlos is a good pup, I don’t think you could have ruined anything” he tried to reassure. He didn’t spend much time with him but he knew he was a gentle and well-mannered Alpha from what he had seen in the pack room.,"And he loves you much" he tried to say but Lando interrupted him.

“You don’t get it” argued Lando back. “You don’t understand!” he almost yelled.

“No, I don’t” conceded Lewis. “So, please, tell me, pup” he tried to say, as gently as possible.

After a while, when his tears dried a bit and he was only sniffing from time to time, Lando moved to grab his phone, still damp with previous tears and handed it to Lewis with shaky hands.

Sofía (Carlos's mate)
Hi Lando, I hope everything is going well for you. I would have preferred to have this conversation in person but the sooner, the better.
Carlos is sick and there is nothing I can do to help.
I knew very well when I met him and when we mated that I wasn’t his true mate, that he wasn’t mine. I knew needed to settle down and so did Carlos, so it was a win-win situation.
I know you are his true mate and I have accepted it for a long time. I know that you know he is yours and I am surprised that his mother called me this morning because she was really worried about him.
I'm not trying to guilt trip you or anything but it's bad and he needs you right now, as soon as possible.
I thought that he was already by your side, that he was healing being close to you.
Lando, he and I broke the bond over a month ago because I knew he was sick because you were both far away from each other and that was what made him suffer. He was always feeling fine when he was close to you.
I appreciate that you respected my relationship with him but he is yours.
Please, take care of him, he deserves it. And you deserve it too.
I know he loves you and I just wish you both happiness. So, please, Lando, do something for him.

Lewis was halfway through the texts when Lando fell on top of him, unconscious. He didn’t know what to do but as he was about to call Seb, Lando slowly came back to. He was about to say something when Lewis finally realized that Lando smelled like distressed Omega when Lando wasn’t an Omega, or not officially at least. Lewis gently tilted Lando's head to have a look at his neck and he gasped when he saw the state of it. His scent gland was fully swollen and red and it looked like it was infected. He hated the blocker that was on top of it. Carefully, with the tip of his fingers, he brushed the side of his neck.

“I’m going to take that awful thing off, okay?” he whispered. He knew Lando was about to protest but he didn’t give him time before he pulled it off. Lewis needed a few seconds to collect himself. “Lando, baby, it looks- really ugly, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible”.

“I- I can’t” he said weakly.

“Pup, you being an Omega isn’t the issue here, no one’s going to judge you and even less me. But that could be really dangerous for you. You understand, hm?” Lando nodded. “I’m really proud of you for reaching out to me but now you just have to let me take care of you, baby. What about starting by calling Carlos? I promise you’ll feel better once he’s by your side”.

“But I’ve messed up his life, I don’t think he’d want to see me right now” he whispered and Lewis was scared that he would cry again. “It’s my fault if he lost his girlfriend and-”.

“Lando, by what I’ve just read, it looks like he’s suffering because he is away from you, you are his mate, and being by your side will help you too. You will talk about all of this after you’re both feeling better. Does he know that you’re an Omega?” he said softly. When he felt Lando tensing he understood. “I don’t know him well but why would he reject you because you’re an Omega? If she sent this to you, it’s because she knew it would be alright, don’t you think?”. 

Lewis tried to call Carlos a couple of times but didn’t get a response. He tried using Lando’s phone but that didn’t help either. So he called Sofía and she worked her magic and less than ten minutes later, Lewis had Reyes on the phone. He quickly understood that there was no making Carlos take a plane in the state he was in. He explained to her what was happening to Lando, that he truly needed his mate by his side, and soon. She immediately understood and promised she would do everything she could. Lewis needed just a phone call to have a plane ready and took a sleepy and out-of-it Lando with him, driving them to the airport. Once they were settled on the plane, he sent a voice message to Seb to let him know about the situation, as he was the pack Alpha. He quickly replied, he was on his way too. Lewis thanked him and asked him to thank Hanna, his mate, for looking after their pups and letting him go in the middle of the night right at the beginning of the break.

In the meantime, Reyes sent Lewis the address of the private clinic. Lewis held Lando in his arms out of the plane and into the taxi, keeping him close as he was drifting in and out. He asked the driver to park in front of the entry while they got out of the car and thanked him when he did so. Reyes was waiting for them with a nurse in the entrance hall and they quickly made their way to Carlos’ room. He tried to explain as best as he could what he knew to Reyes as he couldn’t speak a single word in Spanish but their nurse spoke English, which would also be a relief for Lando, Lewis was certain of it. Lewis entrusted them with Lando, because he really needed some care too, especially for his neck. Lewis and Reyes had just arrived in the waiting room when Seb arrived too. Lewis breathed a sigh of relief when he noticed him, falling into his arms. 

“I can’t believe it” he whispered. “He- It happened to him too. They promised it would never happen again” he added, his eyes wet. Seb hugged him tighter, promising he would never leave his side. 

The nurse took care of Lando's neck and ran some tests before letting him inside Carlos’ room. They were told about the situation so the room was ready for them. At first, nothing happened, they were both sleeping, helped by the heavy medicine they had been given. But, after a while, Lando woke up, he felt like floating. He looked around but didn’t understand where he was but that didn’t really matter to him because he could only focus on his Alpha lying in the other bed. He looked so thin and pale, it was sickening, so without reflecting, he got up on his wobbly legs and made it to the other bed, managing to fit next to his Alpha and drowning in his rich scent, it was so comforting even if it smelt wrong becasuse his Alpha wasn't feeling great. Without noticing, he started to purr, wishing he could be forever by his mate's side. He drifted in and out of sleep for a long time, until he felt Carlos move a bit next to him.

“Lando?” he asked, confused.

“Hm?” And turned around to look at him, at his tired dark eyes, only half opened.

“You're here” he whispered and Lando didn't know if it was a question or an affirmation so he just cuddled closer and Carlos used all his strength to hold him with a loose grip. 

“I'm here” he said, nodding.

They remained silent for a long moment, not knowing what to say. Lando thought that he had fallen back asleep but he suddenly felt shaky hands reaching for his, he helped him by intertwining their fingers, purring at the sight of Carlos’ bigger hand around his. With his head on his chest, one of Carlos’ arms around his back and the other in his, he fell back asleep, still feeling weak but already feeling better.

In the waiting room, a doctor called Lewis and Seb in her office. They didn't like how severe her face was. Seb put one of his hands on Lewis’ thighs, a silent support. 

“Let's start with Mister Norris. We're lucky you brought him here, he is suffering from a severe suppressant poisoning, we think that the fact that his Omega could sense his mate close but without being able to have him sped up the process, but with his mate close and the creation of a pheromone bubble, he should heal quickly. About Mister Sainz, he was suffering from a severe bond sickness, for the very same reason. Given the stage of it, we think he might have been suffering from it for a long time, but he will heal. We're confident that before the end of the week, they will already feel better and you will be able to visit them” she explained. 

“Thank you doctor” Seb said. “Are they feeling better already?”

“They are” she said, more confidently. “That's the reason why we're not too worried. Mister Norris’ neck is already healing as we're talking". 

“You said he had a suppressant poisoning, do you have more information?” asked Lewis, frowning.

“Not for the moment but we're looking because it is written in the files that he is a Beta when we know it is not the case. I would advise you to talk about this with him when he is stable”. 

“Of course, thank you Doctor”. 

Lewis and Seb, before leaving for their hotel, walked to the room the two youngers were sharing and saw, through the window, that they were cuddling, their hands intertwined, small smiles on their faces. That was all they needed to see. 

“They're already better” whispered Lewis, leaning on Seb, finally smiling. “I was so worried, he even fainted on me, I didn't know what to do”.

 Seb kissed the side of his head. “You did amazing, look at them. You did that”.

“Not alone but I'm relieved they're there, together and obviously in love, I can almost see the little hearts floating around them” he giggled.

“You'll find your person too, Lew” he whispered. 

Lewis had a bitter laugh. “It's not like I can but thanks” he smiled but it was forced.

“You know that if I could, I would have run over him with my car but you told me you needed me more by your side than in prison” he laughed and that made Lewis laugh as well. “But I mean it, you're still young and you haven't found your mate yet, it's never too late”.

“Seb, I love you, you know that, but you're literally mated with the girl you fell in love with during high school, you're like high school sweethearts in your thirties with cute pups, you can't get it”.

Instead of replying, he brought Lewis in a tight hug, rubbing his back. “I'll always be by your side, that's better than nothing”.

“That's nice, I appreciate it” he smiled, hugging back. 

Back inside the room, when they woke up again, their minds were more clear, it was time to talk. But that was so hard. Carlos thought that, as the oldest, it was his responsibility to start but as he didn't know what to say, he took their intertwined hands and kissed the back of Lando's.

   “I don't know what to say, I'm lost for words but I can feel that you're the one. I don't know how you feel, how things will be for us, but I can't be away from you and I don't want to” he whispered. 

   “Since when do you know?” asked Lando after a moment.

   “That you are the one?" Lando nodded. "A little over a month. That my mate is somewhere at McLaren, the end of last year”.

   “You didn't know?” said Lando suddenly with big eyes.

   “No, I didn't” he answered, feeling a bit awkward about it. “I'm sorry”.

   “You don't have to be sorry about it” he said shyly. “That's maybe because you already were bonded”.

   “Since when do you know?” Lando remained silent. “I won't judge you or say anything, I promise you can trust me” said Carlos softly.

   “A few years” it was barely over a whisper and Carlos immediately hugged him as close to him as possible. “I- I've met you at a race track and I knew. I also knew that you had an amazing girlfriend with whom you were mated so-” he gulped and sniffed. “In a way, it was a good thing”.

   “Because you had to be a Beta?” dared to say Carlos, his voice so soft. Lando nodded. “I'm so sorry I didn't notice it” Carlos added, genuinely, before kissing the top of his head, his curls brushing his nose.

   “You don't mind?” This broke Carlos’ heart, the vulnerability, the fear of being left behind.

   “Why would I mind? You could be anything I'd still love you, cariño. Sub-genders don't mean anything, no?” He smiled when he felt Lando nod against him. 

   “What are we going to do?” 

   “About what?”

   “This” said Lando, frustrated that Carlos didn't get it.

   “I'm teasing you” he smiled, kissing his curls once again in apology. “We can do whatever you want, as long as you're close to me” he confessed.

   “I'd like that. I mean, I don't think I'm being dramatic if I said I would literally die if I was away from you right now” Lando laughed. 

   “If that makes you feel better, I'd die too” he laughed as well. 

   “I'm scared” said Lando, after they stopped laughing.

   “I am too but I want to believe that we will be okay”.

   “We're not even out of the hospital” giggled Lando. 

   “We will, we still have a few weeks to heal, hm? And I also have you just for myself right now as no one can enter” Carlos tried to lighten the mood.

   “Will your family… accept- this ?” dared to ask Lando. “I know mine will. My mom told me I can love whoever makes me happy” he confessed. 

   “They will” said Carlos confidently. “My dad had always wanted me to have a mate, to have someone by my side, he never specified it couldn't be a man” he said cheekily. “I know he just wants the best for me. And he wants me to be happy. So I'm sure he'll accept it over time and warm up to this” he added, gently rubbing Lando's back. “He might take you on a ride, though, you might throw up but you're a racing driver, he'll like that”.

   “That sounds wonderful” he laughed. 

   “We all went through his rides, you'll survive” Carlos laughed too.

   “And you threw up?”

   “I did. Each time, to be more precise. But I survived”

   “Is that why you're in f1 and not doing rally?”

   Carlos laughed. “That could be one of the reasons actually”.

   “I'm glad you're in f1 though because I wouldn't have met you otherwise and you wouldn't have been my teammate” he pouted.

   Carlos wanted to taste it but he didn't know if it was a good idea.

   “You can- if you want to- I mean- I wouldn't be opposed- no, I would lik-” soft lips were on his, interrupting his panic because Carlos got it, of course he did. It was soft and tender and- He loved him. When Carlos moved away a little bit to catch his breath because he was still feeling weak, Lando followed him, not wanting to be away from him. 

   “I don't know if that's the right time but, what happened to you? I mean, you still look good- you always look good but- I don't know, you- seemed down for the last months, can we- can we talk about it? Because you're like out of breath and we haven't done much- not that I'm judging you or something because it sounded rude but-”

   “Lando” called Carlos, cupping his cheeks. “It's okay, I know I look bad, I wouldn't be here otherwise” he had a small giggle. “I didn't know but I was sick because my Alpha wanted you but we couldn't have you, but I'm going to be fine now. I still feel weak but I haven't coughed a single time and my body isn't hurting. I don't think I'm able to go for a run just now but I'm already feeling better, thanks to you”.

   “We're freaking idiots” Lando had a hysterical laugh.

   “No, I don't think so. I think it was bad timing, for both of us, and society's weight on us, don't you think? I needed to mate with someone because that was what was expected from me and you had to hide your true self because that was expected from you. I know most of the pack will be accepting and some fans too but people will be awful knowing we're mates. McLaren had Lewis, a fellow Omega, so they will accept you, I'm sure of it, but people have been awful to him and I'm scared it will happen to you because everything is easier when you're an Alpha. I'm scared they might try to blame you and hurt you for what we have”.

   “So, you're fine with us not being… public?”

   “Cariño, I will do everything I can to protect you, your wish is my command”. 

   Lando kissed him again, with more confidence this time, it felt really good but Carlos quickly, a bit too quickly for them, needed to push him away to breathe.

   They spent the next few days talking, cuddling and kissing. Carlos helped him to make a nest, so they were more comfortable and both started to gain their strength back. Lando loved to see colours back on his mate's cheeks. Carlos made sure to look after his mate's neck, carefully applying the creams they were given and it already looked better. 

   Finally, after a few more days, Lewis and Seb went back to Spain to look after them. Lewis was the first to enter, as an Omega they should accept him better —they knew Carlos had never been a problem in pack rooms, but they wanted to make sure. Lewis greeted them, sitting at the border of their nest.

   “I'm so so happy to see you two already back to health. You're glowing” he beamed, genuinely happy for them. “You're not officially mated yet, but congratulations! What you have is so precious, I hope it'll make you happy for a long time” he smiled. Carlos was around at that time, of course he heard the unsaid, ‘not like it was for me, but I still kinda wish it had been’ it was bitter and he knew it still hurt. Instead, Carlos thanked him and invited him to their nest, with Lando's approval, letting him cuddle Lando as much as they wanted, his Alpha was totally at ease. Carlos could sense Seb still at the door, so while the Omegas were busy, he got up to the door, but it was still too fast for his healing body so Seb caught him before he fell, helping him to stand.

   “Please take it easy” he said with a smile but he sounded genuinely worried. “Let me help you, sweet”. 

   “Thanks” Carlos said to Seb when the four of them were settled into the nest. “I'm glad that you're here, thank you”.

   “That's why we're here for” the two oldest said at the same time.

   They talked about everything, what happened to Carlos and then to Lando and what they would do. Lando wanted to come out as who he was, an Omega “because I know you're here, it makes me feel at ease. I know you'll always be by my side, no matter what” he said to Lewis. And they agreed that this should stay between them only, they didn't want everyone to know. Seb and Lewis accepted, promising they would keep it a secret.

   Quickly, they were released from the hospital and both the Sainz and the Norris were at the Sainz’ home, waiting for them. Carlos didn't have time to make one step out of the hospital's room that his father was hugging him. “I'm sorry I didn't know but I'll always support you” he whispered and before he knew it, Carlos had tears in his eyes. “Thank you, papá. Thank you for everything, I know you have always wanted the best for me”.

   Cisca, Lando's mom, was also hugging her beloved son, telling him how scared she was but how happy she was that he had found himself a mate, even if she would have preferred a first meeting in better times.

   The drive to the Sainz’ home was quiet but it was a comfortable silence. Carlos and Lando were in the backseat, while Carlos Sr was driving, Cisca in the passenger seat, Spanish pop music playing in the background. The lovebirds were holding hands, just happy to be with each other. They knew it wouldn't be easy, but they had each other now.

   Their families were happy for them, maybe the fact that they both almost lost a son helped them to accept it, but that didn't matter. They agreed that they needed time for themselves and as they still had a full week before they should start training again, the Sainz offered them to go to their property in Portugal, just the two of them. Of course, they agreed, beyond happy. Nobody said anything about it but they all knew they were talking about mating during that time. Both families saying they would meet before the end of the break to celebrate was clear enough. 

   The food was delicious and Carlos was happy to see them all but he was still feeling weak and easily tired. So, right before midnight, he excused himself to go to sleep, telling Lando he should spend a few more hours with his family when he saw him starting to stand up. Carlos was standing behind him, his hands on his shoulders, he kissed the top of his head before wishing a good night to Lando's family, hoping to see them for breakfast the next morning. 

   When Lando went to sleep as well, it was almost dawn because he had a lot to say to his parents. He smiled when he saw Carlos fast asleep, on his back, in the middle of the nest he did on his bed. He tried to be as discreet as possible, so as not to wake his sweet mate when he settled against his warm body. He did a bad job apparently because strong arms wrapped around his smaller frame to keep him close —as if he would even try to escape. When he thought about it, this whole year seemed surreal to Lando: he got into Formula One, for real, scored points, was loved by the fans, got his mate as his teammate and even managed to end up with him (even if both almost died in the process of this happening), and now, even their families accepted them. He couldn't wait for their little escapade, he wanted them to be mated already, so no one could break them apart.

   He had been woken up with sweet touches on the skin of his back as a sneaky hand had slipped under his oversized shirt during the night. He loved the feeling on his bare skin, that was so comforting. He started to purr, to let his Alpha know just how much loved this. And he got sweet kisses on his hair in return. 

   “Morning, cariño” he said, with his morning voice.

   “Morning” he yawned, stretching to cuddle closer, already used to each other.

   “Did you sleep well?” Lando nodded. “You had nice dreams?”

   “Was too tired to dream” he giggled. “But sleeping here, in a real bed, is so so much better than the hospital”. It made Carlos smile.

   “Of course" he kissed him, just because he could and he loved doing it. "And I can already smell delicious food”.

   “Can we stay here a bit more?” asked Lando with a pout and his big puppy eyes. Of course, he got what he wanted.

   “Do you want me to take this off?” Carlos asked, pointing at his black t-shirt. “You can say no but it should feel better”. The younger one nodded and in no time, they were both shirtless, their warm skins touching and, yes, Carlos was right, it felt so much better, especially as the older one was gently rubbing his back in comforting shapes. “Have you ever… cuddled with someone like this before? I just want to know so we can follow your pace better” he said after a few minutes.

   “No, just the usual hugs with the pack and some of my friends”.

   “And have you been with someone?”

   Lando thought that he should maybe be ashamed, he was over 19 now, he would be 20 in a few months but he wasn't, maybe because he was using his mate's chest as his personal pillow at that very same moment.

   “No, was waiting for my mate” he said with a grin. “And it took him a bit of a time to notice me”. 

   “You have such a dumb mate then, baby”.

   “You think so?” he giggled.

   “I know so. Can you imagine him getting sick because he didn't know how to tell you after already taking so long to notice” he laughed, playing with Lando's hair. 

   “Will we mate during our holiday?” Lando asked innocently out of nowhere just because it popped into his head at that specific moment.

   “If you want us to, yes. Otherwise, I'm sure we can wait for a better time” reassured the older one. “Do you know how it happens?” Lando shook his head. “You want to know?” He nodded. “Okay, thank you for being honest” Carlos whispered, kissing once again the top of his head. “We don't need to sleep together, you know what I mean” he giggled. “Just kissing will be enough, then, you let your instincts take over, I promise it's easy. You'll know where and how to bite. It hurts a little but not for long”.

   “Where was your… last mark?” asked Lando, a bit unsure. 

   “Around here” he pointed at his shoulder. “But I barely have a scar now”. It was true, Lando tried to look for it but there was almost nothing. “Do you know where you want to bite?” asked Carlos.

   “I'm not sure. And where did you bite her?” He wasn't sure if he wanted to know but his mouth was faster than his brain sometimes (most of the time).

   “At the same place but I’m sure it faded as well”.

   “Is there somewhere you'd like to have your mark? Because this time it's permanent, you won't be able to get rid of it” Lando said, serious.

   “I fully trust your instincts, cariño. I'm sure the mark will be pretty, no matter where it is”.

   “I'm not sure you should” he replied, with something in his voice that Carlos didn't like. 

   “What do you mean?”

   “I'm not sure my instincts are trustworthy, they're numb. I won't know how to do it” he murmured. 

   Carlos held him closer to him. “Baby, if it makes you feel bad, we can do it another time, hm? I trust you, your instincts have been perfect so far, I don't think you should be worried. I can bite you first, so you can learn and decide to do it right after or later, hm?”

   “Can't you do it now? I'm scared it might make me anxious if I have to wait for that long” he said with a small, vulnerable voice and big eyes.

   “Is it really something you want?” asked Carlos, moving them so he could look at his eyes. 

   He nodded. “Please” he said softly.

   “Okay” said Carlos, letting out a breath. “Do you trust me?”

   “I do”

   “Please, lay on your back for me” he asked, his voice deeper than it was seconds ago. Lando loved the focused expression on his face, his dark eyes only on him. “If you change your mind, please tell me”.

   “I will, I promise” he said, on the verge of losing himself in his mate’s pretty eyes. 

   Two large hands gently pushed Lando's naked shoulders down until they were resting on the bottom of the nest. Carlos made sure his head wasn't in an awkward position before settling over him, his own weight resting on his arm, so as not to crush the younger one while he was also straddling his hips. Carlos took a few moments to look at his mate, his beautiful eyes, cute nose and pretty parted lips. How he was waiting for him to do something and letting him do anything, trusting him. Then, he leaned in, kissing his lips in slow, meaningful kisses, taking their time to discover each other even more. He caressed his soft cheeks with the tip of his fingers before moving his lips down his mate's jaw. A sweet rain of kisses fell down his neck, making Lando moan and the older was already addicted to his mate’s sweet sounds. He carefully moved away for a second, to look at Lando one last time, making sure he was ready; he nodded, even baring his neck for him. Carlos kissed him, letting his instincts take over and his mate seemed to love it, reciprocating the kiss with the same passion, gently pulling at Carlos’ hair. He cupped Lando's cheek, softly stroked the skin before moving down, kissing in the middle of his chest and moving down to his nipples, making Lando’s back arch. He smirked and nibbled at one, letting his other hand carefully pinch the other, but he quickly moved up, kissing and licking the skin until he reached his mate’s collarbone. He spent a long time here, gently biting the skin, following the bone with his finger, trying to find the perfect sport. When he finally found it, he kissed the skin right below Lando’s left collarbone and bit. It hurt, a lot, and Lando opened his mouth to let out a silent scream but the next second, it vanished, a sweet and delicious warmth spreading through his entire body as Carlos was licking at the wound, trying to make it better. When he felt the hand in his hair unclenched and heard the younger one purring, he knew it did well. He moved away from the mark to look at Lando, his eyes were still clouded but he looked relaxed and happy.

   “Hi” whispered Carlos, once again stroking his cheek. 

   “Hi” said Lando, with the biggest smile he ever had. 

   “Are you okay?” still asked the older one.

   “Hm” he nodded, smiling. “I feel so good, thank you Alpha” he giggled.

   For some reason, Carlos wanted to bite him again, because he was being way too cute and adorable. But he fought it and instead rubbed their noses together, enjoying the sound of his mate’s laugh at the action. He then moved to lay on his side next to Lando, holding him in a loose grip, kissing his temple from time to time. He was certain that he was sleeping when he felt little kisses on his neck, he smiled and looked down, just to cross his mate’s beautiful light eyes. 

   “Can I?” he asked with the softest voice ever and Carlos nodded, letting him do anything he could want, being putty in the hands of his mate.

   Lando didn’t really register what he was doing, one moment he was kissing the side of Carlos’ neck, the next one, his teeth were deep inside his skin while his other hand was delicately holding his neck, his thumb stroking the skin in comforting shapes. The feeling took Carlos by surprise because he understood why people's eyes were shining when they talked about their mates, that truly was the greatest feeling he ever felt. They needed a long time to come to, just holding each other, sharing lazy kisses, just to make sure it was real. The feeling of the mate bond was comforting in a way nothing could ever match, being able to feel the other was a totally different level of intimacy and they both knew that, as long as they had each other, they would be fine. And they also knew that nothing and nobody would ever be able to tear them apart because their love was too strong for that to happen; they almost died because of it, they would now protect and cherish it forever.