Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Osc?”

“Yeah baby?”

“Is wearing all black a good look? Or a little too much?”

“Huh?” Oscar popped his head out from the bathroom, rubbing a towel roughly through his hair as he looked at Logan who was standing in front of the bed, rummaging through his suitcase. 

“Ah maybe, why? I thought you planned your outfits already?”

“I did but,” Logan glanced over his shoulder, a mischievous look on his face, “I kinda want to mess with everyone.”

“Mess with them how?” Oscar sighed.

“If they want to believe that I somehow cursed Williams then I want them to keep believing it. It’s funny.”

“If you keep leaning into it, I think you’ll give George grey hairs. I’ve never seen him that stressed out.”

“But it's funny! And this is my way of coping.”

“Has Nico been encouraging this?”

“Of course he has but that’s beside the point.”

Oscar sighed again as he tossed the towel into the bath and crossed the room to stand next to Logan, nuzzling at his mate and enjoying the soft peach scent. While he knew that Logan had needed time away from the paddock, the races he’d spent without Logan had been some of the hardest of his career and he was never going to take Logan being around for granted ever again. Even the simple pleasure of waking up next to his omega and getting ready together, he now savoured.

“You know,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Logan’s neck, just below his ear, “Zak and Andrea told me to make sure that I kept you happy and didn’t make you angry for the next two races. Just in case.”

“Hmmm did they? And did you promise you would?”

“I promised the day we mated that I'd keep you happy…but yes, I did promise them again.”

Logan laughed – and how Oscar had missed that sound, it truly was the most beautiful sound in the universe – as he turned away from the suitcase and wrapped his arms around Oscar, resting his head on his chest. “What time do we need to leave?” he murmured.  

“Not for another forty minutes or so, why?”  

Logan looked up at Oscar, moving his hands to rest on his hips as he captured Oscar’s lips in a kiss. “I think,” he whispered, “that we can make use of that time to make me very happy.”

“Are you sure?”

“Never been surer,” Logan looked away briefly, a faint blush appearing on his cheeks, “I’ve missed you,” he admitted, “I’ve missed being with you, i've missed your touch.” With that he pushed the suitcase off of the bed and sat down, pulling Oscar down on top of him. “Now come on alpha, make me happy.”

And how could Oscar refuse? He was, after all, just a young alpha with a very attractive omega. 

And…it had been a while. 

A whole three months…102 days…so he may not even need the whole forty minutes.  

But as it had been a while, Oscar found it nearly impossible to tear himself away from Logan.  

And so around an hour later, the couple found themselves rushing around their hotel room, trying to get all their things ready while Oscar declined call after call from Kim. When they eventually made it down to the lobby, Oscar’s trainer looked ready to chew them out until he saw the trail of hickies on Logan’s neck and took in the almost blissful, relaxed look on Oscar’s face. So instead, he just rolled his eyes and directed the couple towards the waiting car.  

“I hope you got it out of your system, it's going to be a busy weekend.”

“Hey Oscar's under orders to keep me happy or else I might curse the team.”

“Yeah yeah kid, whatever you say.”

Oscar grinned as Logan pouted, following his mate into the car. “Have you heard from Mrs Drew? How's Joey?” He asked to distract Logan and Logan’s face immediately lit up at the mention of their puppy.

“She says he's been good, I don't think he even knows we're gone to be honest,” he tilted his phone towards Oscar, showing him pictures of the small pup.

“Do you miss him?”

“Of course I do, he's my baby.”

“If you want another one, F2 and F1 Academy are around this weekend,” Kim called from the front seat, “you could find a pup to keep yourself busy.”

“Sexism,” Logan shouted, “Genderism or whatever. Oscar’s going to be the stay at home dad and I'm going to…do something.”

“I didn't mean it like that, I meant to keep you busy this weekend. You don't want to admit it but you were bored last weekend, you kept vanishing.”

“I was playing mini-golf,” Logan shrugged, “and I don't need to ‘adopt’ a pup. None of them would want me as a mom anyway.”

“Don't be daft, they'd be lucky to have you.”

“Eh, whatever. I'm not sure Alex or Nico would be thrilled about me adopting a pup anyway.”

“They'll have to get used to it at some point,” Oscar pointed out.

“Not anytime soon,” Logan shuddered, “besides a pup is for life not just for two races. I might not be around all the time next year, that's not fair to them and there's no saying that the pup would still be around either. I don't want to end up in another broken home or be the cause of a broken home.”

“That's a bit dramatic Lo,” Oscar chided, “all I'll say is that you did keep to yourself last week, it wouldn't be a bad thing to mingle a bit.”

“Mingle? Why would I want to do that?”

“Because everyone was asking after you in the pack room last week and in Brazil and in Mexico, Texas, Singapore and Baku. Try as you might to imagine that no-one cares but they do.”

Logan huffed and looked away, “it wasn't like I was hiding last week, everyone knew where I was.”

“It's a bit difficult for drivers to just walk into the garage to say hello though.”

“Don't antagonise him Osc, we don't know what he's capable of.”

“Bite me Kim.”

“Looking at the state of your neck, I don't think there's any space.”

“Alright alright both of you knock it off,” Oscar said with a sigh, placing a placating kiss to Logan’s mating mark but the omega didn't react.

“There's a couple of media guys around,” Kim advised as they pulled into the car park, “want me to drop you right at the gates?”

“Lo? Your choice.”

“It's fine,” Logan squinted at the small group waiting in the car park, “sorry for being a bitch.”

“Ah mate that's nothing, you should have seen Oscar the past few rounds, I'm used to it,” Kim called out as he pulled into a space.

Logan raised an eyebrow as he looked at his mate, noting the blush on his cheeks.

“I missed Logan,” he mumbled.

“Ah no, don't blame me for this!”

“I wasn't!”

“Serpensortia.”

“What the fuck Lo? What does that mean?” 

Logan just tapped the side of his nose, “I guess you'll have to tell Zak and Andrea that you didn't keep me happy,” he said with a grin as he got out of the car.

“What?” Oscar scrambled to follow him, “Logan wait, what does that mean?”

“You'll just have to find out,” Logan held out a hand to Oscar that the alpha quickly took, “I'd check for snakes in the garage though.”

“Snakes? Logan baby…”

“It's a joke Osc,” Logan laughed, “that was from Harry Potter. Come on, that was too easy.”

He laughed harder at Oscar's pout as they scanned their passes at the gate, trying to ignore the seemingly millions of flashes from the cameras.

“Logan!”  

Logan blinked, trying to clear his vision because there was no way that all his old mechanics were waiting at the entrance to the paddock with balloons and…was that cake? He shared a bewildered look with Oscar who just shrugged and waited for Logan to decide what he wanted to do.

He was half tempted to run back to the car and away from whatever this was but he’d never had any issues with his mechanics across his year and a half working with Williams. They’d been nothing but professional and kind to him, even when his mistakes gave them a horrendous amount of work. Still, just seeing the Williams branded kit made his stomach do somersaults and as he flexed his hands, he realised they were clammy and he looked desperately at Oscar, silently begging the alpha to take charge.  

Oscar’s face softened and he moved to stand in front of Logan, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before turning his attention to the mechanics.

“Guys-”

“We don’t want any trouble Oscar, we just want to talk to Logan,” a figure who Oscar was vaguely certain used to be Logan’s chief mechanic said as he tried to step around Oscar but Oscar moved with him, letting out a warning growl.

“I don’t think he wants to talk to you guys so why don’t you just move along yeah?”

A clamour broke out, the mechanics whispering amongst themselves and Oscar stepped back, trying to further block Logan from view. He had no idea what was happening but he knew none of the team had tried to reach out to Logan last week in Vegas so he didn’t know why they were picking now to try and speak to him. All he knew was that Logan was nervous, bursts of anxiety coming through the bond to accompany the sour scent that was starting to seep from his omega and that wasn’t allowed. No one was allowed to make Logan nervous or scared again, Oscar would rather die than let that happen again.  

He growled again as he reached a hand back to Logan which the omega quickly took, squeezing it hard as he huddled against Oscar’s back. “Look guys, not now okay?” he repeated, trying to figure out the best way to get Logan past the crowd without giving them a chance to speak to him and a glance around told him that the strange interaction was drawing attention.  

“Please?” the same mechanic spoke again, “we just need five minutes?”

“I said not now,” Oscar snarled, feeling his shoulders rise in annoyance, “can you just-”

“Logan?”

“Gaëtan?” In his peripheral vision, Oscar saw Logan peering around him as he race engineer stepped forward with a soft smile.

“Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

“I ah…” Logan looked anxiously between Gaëtan and the rest of the mechanics as he squeezed Oscar’s hand again before moving to stand next to him. “Ah sure.”

“Great!” The mechanics surged forward, halted by Gaëtan who kept them a reasonable distance from Logan.  

“What did we discuss?” Gaëtan hissed, the mechanics having the good grace to look chastised while Logan and Oscar shared a confused look.  

“Logan,” Gaëtan stepped forward, “we wanted to say that we’re sorry how it all happened. We do wish that we’d have a chance to say goodbye to you properly.”

“Errrrr, okay?”

“Whether we agree or disagree with what happened, we’re sorry you didn’t get the send off you deserved and well… we thought we could do that now.”

Gaëtan gestured and some of the mechanics moved closer, holding out balloons and boxes. “We got your favourite cake and some little bits and pieces, some mementos of your time with us.”

Logan flinched, barely noticeable to all but Oscar and Oscar knew he was thinking about the bonfire he’d had to burn all of his Williams kit.  

“Ah thanks,” Logan murmured, carefully taking the boxes and making sure he wouldn’t drop them.

“Here darling,” Oscar took a couple, not happy that his hands were occupied when there was still a threat to his mate’s wellbeing around but he’d have to make do.  

“I know you probably don’t want to come back to the garage or hospitality so we thought we’d just catch you now. I’m sorry if we caught you off guard.”

“I was just surprised I guess,” Logan admitted, “I thought you’d be happy to see the back of me, especially now you have a younger, happier, better driver.”

Gaëtan frowned and some of the mechanics winced. “Sorry, I ah sorry that was stupid of me to say,” Logan said hurriedly, “I’m sorry you guys have had such shit luck recently.”  

Bullshit, Oscar thought, you’re not sorry. Well maybe only a little bit.

“Ah yes, well about that Logan. Well we just wanted to make sure there were no hard feelings. I know you and James didn’t get on so well but you were close with Alex and well Franco’s a good pup and-”

“Wait wait wait, where is this going?”

“Did you curse the team Logan?” Gaëtan asked bluntly, “Because we wouldn’t blame you if you did but at this point, we really need to-”

“Are you kidding me! Are you seriously kidding me? Did you get all this shit just to make me happy? Did you actually want to give me a send-off? I guess not, seeing as none of you have messaged me since Zandvoort. No, you just want me to lift that curse,” Logan spat, “well good job. I’m not doing shit for you. And we're keeping the cake,” Logan turned away, “come on Oscar, I need to find those candles and check the spirit levels.”

Oscar smothered a grin as he followed Logan through the paddock, the omega muttering to himself the entire time. Drawing alongside his mate as they reached the hospitalities he nudged Logan, “check the spirit levels? Are we putting up some shelves?”

“Oh, shut up, it was the first thing that came to my mind.”

“I think you’ve just made things worse.”

“I don’t care. How dare they come and speak to me now,” there was an edge to Logan’s tone that made Oscar pull them to a stop.

“Hey hey hey,” he searched Logan’s face, while also filtering through the emotions in the bond, “you’re really worked up over that.”

“Of course, I am,” Logan whispered and Oscar was horrified to see tears lining Logan’s eyes, “none of them messaged me at all after what happened and I know I could never say we were friends or anything and I know they had no say in it whatsoever but it hurt. And now they only talk to me because they think I cursed them, like did they even want to give me all this stuff? Or was it just part of the game.”

“Lo…baby, from what you’ve told me about your mechanics, I don’t think they meant it maliciously and ah,” he shushed Logan as he tried to argue, “I’m not saying you can’t be hurt by it but I’m just saying that I don’t think they thought it through very well.”

Logan nodded, looking away as he sighed. “I know,” he admitted, “it’s just…I did actually miss them, especially Gaëtan, I don’t like thinking that they never cared.”

“I’m sure they did, they’re just stressed and they’re probably more stressed now. They’re probably waiting for you to walk into the garage in a cloak and bring a plague of locusts or something with you.”

“I wish I had a cloak,” Logan muttered, making Oscar smile.

“I’ll buy you one for Christmas,” he promised, “I’ll even buy Kyle a matching one and you two can terrorise people together.”

“Too bad all this is happening after Halloween, it would have been a sick costume,” Logan smiled softly and leaned in to kiss Oscar.

“What was that for?”

“Do I need a reason to kiss my fiancé? But that was a thank you, again. You always know what to say to make me feel better.”

“I’ve had lots of practice unfortunately.”

“Hmm yeah,” Logan laughed, “I guess you have. Alright, come on, let’s get to McLaren before something else weird happens.”  

“Great idea, I think the cake is starting to melt.”

“Oh hey! Do you think it was Kyle?”

“Do I think what was Kyle?”

“This curse nonsense! Think about it, Williams started really having issues after Singapore and me, Kyle and Fred watched Singapore together and well, I had a little moment but that’s not what we’re talking about. I think it was Kyle.”

“I thought you said you couldn’t remember what happened that night?”

“Well not completely, I remember doing a lot of shots and waking up in the middle of Kyle and Fred in a nest in the bathroom because Fred felt sick but didn’t want to sleep alone but anyway, yeah I think it was Kyle.”

“Can I be there when you call him and tell him that?” Oscar laughed, smiling a thank you at the security who opened the door for him and Logan, “let me just drop these cakes with the catering guys and then we can-”

“Oscar! Logan!”

Oscar sighed as Lando crashed into Logan, making the omega stumble backwards and almost drop his box. “Careful Lando, don’t hurt him.”

“What’s in the boxes? Is it your birthday? Can I have some of the cake?”

“Jesus Lando, how much sugar have you had,” Logan laughed, “and no it’s not my birthday and yes you can have some cake.”

“Sweet!”

“Don’t you dare!” Jon shouted from where he was chatting with Kim, “if you eat that cake, I’m adding in a workout.”  

Lando pouted and stuck his tongue out at his trainer, making Oscar laugh as he put down the boxes he was holding. “Remind me how old you are Lando?”

“Age is but a number, a love of cake is eternal.”

“Can I get that on a t-shirt?” Logan placed his box down next to Oscar’s and grinned as Lando immediately began poking at them.

“So where did these come from? If it’s not your birthday, why do you have cake?”

“Williams cornered us as he came in. They thought if they give Logan presents he’ll break the curse.”

“But there is no curse,” Logan added, “so now we just have cake.”

Lando shook his head, “nah mate, there’s definitely something going on. There’s some bad juju at Williams right now.”

“Bad ‘juju’…” Logan repeated, forcing himself not to roll his eyes.

“Yeah, like bad energy. You gotta admit that something strange is going on.”

“Or they’re just having a run of bad luck?”

“Do you actually believe that?”

Oscar regarded Logan as the omega considered the question. As much as Logan continued to deny his involvement, Oscar had his own suspicions. Not that he could accuse Logan of anything, he was quite enjoying himself at the moment.  

“Of course, I do,” Logan insisted, “there’s no such thing as curses.”

“Aren’t you from the south though? They have curses and voodoo and all that stuff?”

Thank god Lando didn’t have the same reservations about asking questions, Oscar thought.  

“That’s more Louisiana than Florida although there are legends about swamp witches and stuff.”

“You’re a swamp witch,” Lando whispered and Oscar couldn’t hold back his laugh at the look on Logan’s face.  

“Lando, I'm not a swamp witch.”

“That's exactly what a swamp witch would say.”

“Oh shut up and eat some cake,” Logan groaned, pushing a box towards Lando, “I take back what I said this morning, I don't want to mess with anyone anymore.”

“Is this all cake?” Lando questioned, not waiting for a response before he started opening the box closest to him, “uh no apparently not. What's this?”

Logan peered over Lando’s shoulder letting out a soft “oh” as he saw the contents.

A print out of the race results from COTA 2023, an exclamation point next to his name in 10th.

The same print out that had been on the wall at the Williams factory for almost a year, next to the vast trophy cabinet. Its absence had been the thing to solidify to Logan that he was being fired mid-season.

He felt Oscar join them, looking over Lando’s other shoulder.

“They kept it,” Logan murmured, reaching down to carefully pick up the print, tracing his name.

“What's on the back?” Lando poked at the back of it, trying to get a better look before Logan flipped it to reveal dozens of small scrawled messages.

First points Logie! 

Amazing job man! 

Congrats Logan!! We all know how hard you've been working to get this.

Pups first F1 points!

"I didn't know those were there,” he whispered.

“Look,” Lando’s voice drew Logan’s attention back to the box, “there’s a load of photos in here as well.”

Gently nudging Lando out of the way, Logan placed the print out on the table and started shifting through the photos. Each one a little snapshot of the past year and a half.  

Photos of him and the mechanics after a long night in the garage.

Him and Alex doing challenges for media.

Him scowling at a computer as he reviewed data.

Him and James.  

He felt Oscar’s hand on his lower back, a silent support and he gratefully leaned into the touch.  

He picked up one in particular, one of him, Alex and James in Miami that year and he bit his lip. “I look really unhappy,” he murmured as he gazed at his past self. To an outsider it wouldn’t be immediately obvious and he doubted whether Alex and James had even noticed but his eyes were sad despite the smile on his face.  

“You did,” Oscar agreed.  

He flipped through a few more of the photos and even in the ones from early 2023 he never seemed happy. “Huh, that's…” Logan swallowed heavily, “yeah…” he coughed weakly, trying to clear the lump in his throat. “I looked…”

“Yeah Lo,’” Oscar kissed his mating mark and nosed him in gentle encouragement.

“Did I really look…did I really seem that bad?”

“Yeah, you did. I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner, I'm sorry I wasn't as there for you as I should have been.”

“What? Oscar what do you mean? Of course you were there for me.”

“Not at the beginning of the year,” Oscar looked away from Logan’s intense stare, “I should have been there more but I was so overwhelmed, so distracted by everything that I wasn’t and by the time I saw it, it was like I couldn't get the look out of your eyes.”

“How about now? How do I seem now?”

“So much better baby,” Oscar looked back at Logan with a smile, rumbling gently, “you haven't stopped glowing since your test and that's how it should be.”

“God you're mushy,” Lando mumbled around a mouthful of cake.

“Pot kettle,” Logan replied, not taking his eyes off of his mate, “Oscar-”

"Ah sorry to interrupt but," Logan glanced over at the Mclaren team member who in turn pointed to the doors of the hospitality where Franco was hovering nervously, clutching a small box and glancing around, as if he was expecting something to take him out.

"Oh god," Logan groaned, "seriously?”

"People are taking this curse stuff seriously Logan," Lando grinned, "he's probably fearing for his life.”

"I didn't curse anyone!" Logan protested, glaring at Oscar as the alpha giggled.

"Yeah and I'm sure what you said when we left your mechanics really helped.”

"They annoyed me! Ugh okay whatever, I'll go and tell Franco I'm not actively trying to kill him.”

"I'm proud of you baby, go and soothe the pup.”

"Oh shut up or I'll curse you for real this time,” Logan teased, rolling his eyes as the Mclaren team around him shared uneasy looks at the words. "I'm joking! I'm not a witch!”

"That's exactly what a witch would say," Lando mumbled, yelping as he was elbowed in the side by Oscar.

“Uh hey Franco, how's it going?” Logan smiled at the younger driver, trying to take some of the tension out of his expression but Franco just shifted nervously and thrust the box towards Logan.

“I brought you a present! My mama sent them to me from Argentina and I thought that you might like them.”

“Ah thanks Franco but hey-”

“I actually want to speak to you,” Franco’s eyes darted around, suddenly looking impossibly young and Logan had to fight the urge to drag him into a nest and mother him. He wondered if this was how Alex felt when he came across Logan sobbing in a nest for the first time and he internally baulked at the thought, shoving the instinct deep down inside him. Franco was not his pup.

“I'm not asking for me,” Franco continued, oblivious to Logan’s thoughts, “I'm asking on behalf of my mama because she worries.”

Must be nice, Logan thought before mentally shaking himself. Nicole is your mom and she worries, he reminded himself.

“She worries a lot about me being so far away and racing but she accepts it but now, Logan she's scared for me,” Franco implored.

Logan just blinked in response as Franco paused for breath. He could feel Oscar's amusement in the bond and he mentally smacked him.

“She's scared for me, after these crashes and so I ask, not for me but for my mama, how can I persuade you to break the curse Logan?”

“Franco I-”

“No please please, I know I have done you wrong. I've taken your seat, it's a big dishonor to your talent I know but please Logan, for my mama, for my papa, I beg that you undo this curse or at least lessen the severity.”

“Franco Franco, sweetie, take a breath,” Logan soothed, as he placed the box down on a nearby table.

Sweetie?????? Where did that come from?????

“Please Logan.”

“Franco, I didn't put a curse on you.”

“Maybe not me but on the team? On the seat? I understand Logan, I do, you were treated terribly but please-”

“No no, Franco, I didn't put a curse on anything, on anyone.”

“But the crashes-”

“Are just bad luck,” Logan shrugged, “look Franco they happen, crashes happen. It's all part of being a driver.”

“But but-”

“Franco why don't you come and sit down yeah? Calm down a little,” Logan gestures at the small seating area in front of the hospitality. Sure he probably shouldn't offer to host a driver from a rival team - well rival was probably a strong word - but who was really going to mind? Everyone loved Franco.

“I uh,” Franco shifted nervously again and this time Logan couldn't stop the coo that slipped out, “I shouldn't. I need to review data from the race last year.”

Logan snorted, “hope you look at Alex’s and not mine, unless you only like to look at data from half a race” he laughed, hoping to get a grin out of the young alpha but Franco looked scandalised.

“You were sick Logan,” he protested, “and everyone said the conditions were terrible.”

“I was and they were. And if you feel sick at any point, you better stop as well.”

“Of course, of course,” Franco quickly agreed, “there is no question that I would.”

“Good because it's no good having a seat if you pass out in the car.”

“Yes I understand Logan,” Franco said solemnly and once again Logan found himself actively fighting the urge to coo at how serious he looked. “Anyway, I should be getting back. Ah your present,” Franco picked up the box again, opening it for Logan, “there's some Maté and some Sugus and Yapa and Mogul and-”

“Okay Franco okay, it all looks great,” Logan praised, “I'm happy I don't have a diet plan anymore, I can just eat all of these.”

Franco preened, smiling brightly as he passed the box over, “obviously you can share it with Oscar and anyone you want but you should make sure you have some.”

“I will Franco, don't worry.”

“So, there is really no curse?”

“Scouts honour,” Logan crossed himself, “I swear that I didn't do anything.”

“Hmm. Someone else must have done it.”

“Franco there's no such thing as curses,” Logan sighed but Franco continued, speaking over Logan.

“Maybe it was Oscar? Apparently he's been acting weird the whole time you haven't been around.”

“Weird? Weird how?” Logan twisted round to look at his mate, who seemed in deep discussion with Lando and one of the media team.

“Well I don't really know because I didn't know what Oscar was like before but I heard from the others that he's more quiet but also more irritable. And I don't mean that in a bad way, he has cause to be irritated, you were treated badly and he missed you but-”

“Did you say anything to you?”

“No no,” Franco said hurriedly, “he has not really said much to me which is fine-”

“That's not fine Franco, he shouldn't be acting like that to you. I'll have a word with him later,” Logan tried to soothe but Franco still looked worried.

“Please do not fight because of me, I only came on behalf of the curse, I did not want to cause any issues.”

“You haven't Franco, don't worry about it. Now do you want me to walk you back to Williams? Or do you want to stay and split some of these treats?”

“I really should be getting back.”

“Let's go then, I'll just tell Oscar that I'm going okay?” Franco nodded eagerly and Logan quickly walked back over to his mate, passing over the box.

“Ohh more sweets,” Lando leaned over Oscar, trying to see better and Logan flicked his ear.

“If there are any of those missing when I get back, you'll be in trouble.”

“When you get back? Oscar repeated over Lando’s splutters.

“I'm just going to walk Franco back, say hi to Alex, see the world, all that jazz.”

“I thought you said you didn't want a pup?”

“This doesn't mean anything, I'm just being nice.”

“Whatever you say Lo. I don't have press or anything until the afternoon so let me know where you end up.”

“Course,” Logan quickly kissed Oscar before returning to Franco and ushering him down the steps of the hospitality, “right let's go, before James accuses me of kidnapping you.”

“Don't worry Lolo, I won't let him say anything.”

Lolo, Logan mouthed to himself, shaking his head slightly. "Thank you Franco but I can fight my own battles.”

“You can but it doesn't mean you should have to.”

“No…I guess you're right. I'll let you and Oscar handle any disagreements going forward.”

“It would be an honour,” Franco held a hand over his heart, “No one will cross you again.”

“I trust you,” Logan replied, dodging a couple of mechanics and going silent as he took in the paddock. Despite everything that had happened since August, the paddock remained the same. Mechanics and technicians working behind the scenes while the drivers faced the public's expectations and demands.

He stayed well out of the way as a couple of fans approached Franco, smiling softly as he watched the young alpha interacting with them. While his time in F1 had never been what he had hoped, it had always brought him joy when fans had come up to him or cheered for him and he was glad that Franco was growing his own fan base of supporters.

“Hey Logan!”

“Oh hey Esteban, you good?” Logan tore his eyes away from Franco greet the French beta.

“Yeah yeah all good. Great work in your test the other week, I'm sorry I didn't catch you in Vegas last week.”

“No sweat, I didn't really go out a lot honestly, I think I was still adjusting.”

“I get that,” Esteban said with a kind smile, “it's hard being on the outside when you were on the inside. Anyway we should try and catch up properly this weekend, it's great to have you back in the paddock.”

“Ah yeah sure,” Logan glanced over at Franco who was now hovering a few steps away and shuffling impatiently, “look mate I'll catch you later yeah?”

“Absolutely! Yes, ah Logan it's just amazing to see you back.”

“Ah huh,” Logan waved awkwardly and ushered Franco along, “well that was nice but-”

“Logan!”

“Hey Lance, how are y-”

“Dad’s looking to invest in Indycar,” Lance blurted out.

“Oh ah great?”

“Do you know which team would be best? Or what team you might be involved with? A little insider knowledge?”

Franco let out a small growl, ducking his head apologetically at Logan’s glare who then sighed as he looked back at Lance.

“I can't say anything about what I might be involved in Lance but it's great that your dad wants to invest in Indy.”

“We're good though right?”

“Why wouldn't we be?”

“Just checking Logan,” Lance glanced over at Franco, “I'll let you get on. It's good to see you back.”

“Thanks Lance,” he watched the older omega hurry away, “god that was weird. What's gotten into everyone today? And speaking of,” he turned to Franco, “why did you growl at Lance? That's rude.”

“I know, I'm sorry Lolo,” Franco pushed his hands deep into his jacket pockets as they started walking again, “it's just…everyone is bothering you and you don't like it.”

“Oh, what makes you say that?”

“Your scent of course, it's less sweet now, more…stale. You don't like being bothered.”

“It's not that I don't like being bothered, I just…I can't tell if they're being sincere.”

At Franco's questioning look Logan sighed and continued, “did they actually miss me and want to catch up or are they more concerned that I'll curse them?”

“They like you,” Franco said simply, “and I think they miss you very much but I also think they're concerned. Lance had no radio last week, Esteban pitted and no one was there…they're not taking any chances.”

“I haven't cursed anyone,” Logan muttered, “maybe I need to announce that live on TV.”

“Maybe.”

“Oh god,” Logan muttered under his breath as he saw Checo making a beeline for him, “hey Checo-”

“Sorry we cannot stop,” Franco interrupted, placing himself between Logan and the Red Bull driver, “any offerings can be left at Mclaren.”

“But-”

Franco growled softly at Checo and grabbed Logan's arm, pulling him away.

“Franco-”

“I know, I know, that was rude. I will apologise to Checo later but you did not want to talk to him.”

“Franco, I was going to say thank you but yes definitely apologise to him later pup.”

Franco chirped happily, pushing close into Logan's side for a moment and Logan once again found himself fighting his instincts to nuzzle the younger driver.

The two fell into silence again as they closed in on Williams but Franco remained close to Logan's side and on the lookout for any other drivers.

“Do you want to come inside?” Franco asked when they stopped outside Williams, “I'm not sure if Alex is here yet but we can see?”

“Ah, no. Not today Franco,” Logan replied, staring over Franco’s shoulder at the hospitality and he shivered involuntarily.

“Would you like some maté?” The younger driver seemed anxious still and despite everything Logan found it charming, it seemed so at odds with how Franco had come across in the media.

“I've never had it,” he admitted, watching as Franco’s eyes widened.

“Stay here, I will go and make some. Stay here Lolo,” and with that he dashed off into the building, leaving Logan behind. 

“Lolo? Since when does Franco have a nickname for you?”

“Alex!” Logan spun around at the voice, instantly stepping into Alex’s open arms with a happy purr.

“Seriously, I didn't think you'd spoken to Franco since everything happened?” 

“I haven't,” Logan admitted, stepping back after a moment and fistbumping George as a hello, “he just kinda showed up at Mclaren with some presents.”

“Did it work?” George questioned, a strange intensity in his eyes that made Logan wish he'd gone inside with Franco.

“Did ah what work?”

“The presents. Did you break the curse?”

“Oh god George not you too.”

“Because if it's presents you want, I can arrange something, anything. Anything you want Logan, I can get it for you.”

“George-”

“Look I can't keep seeing Alex like this Logan, please, please,” George clasped his hands together, “please Logan, undo this curse.”

“He's been a little stressed,” Alex said gently, taking George's hands in his, “Georgie, we've been over this. Logan hasn't cursed me, have you Logan?”

“No no no, of course not. I fixed the lego car and I ah...I'm at peace with everything.”

“The Lego car?” George repeated, “what car?”

“It's okay Geogie,” Alex soothed again, “that doesn't mean anything.”

“But it could! It could be Alex, don't you see?”

Logan took half a step back at the wildness in George's eyes and he poked the bond, summoning Oscar. 

“George,” Alex repeated, firmer this time, “Logan didn't curse me. I believe him. It's just shit luck.”

“I…” George sighed, “I know. I'm sorry Logie, I didn't mean to accuse you at all. It's just…it's been a hard few races.”

“Yeah, it's not been that fun to watch honestly,” Logan kicked at the ground, scuffing his trainer, “Even with…everything, I don't want you and Franco to do badly. I don't want the team to do badly.”

“I know pup, come here,” George held his arms out and Logan eagerly sank into the embrace.”

“Hi mom, hi dad,” he mumbled against George’s chest, purring as he heard George laugh.

“Hi pup, it's good to see you.”

“I'm sorry we didn't spend much time together last week, maybe I wasn't as ready as I thought I was.”

“It's okay Lo, we're just happy your back and looking good,” George shifted backwards to thoroughly look at his pup, “you do look good Logan, much more relaxed. How are you feeling?”

“Better. Way better than you know,” Logan trailed off with a wave of his hand, “being back in a car helped a lot more than I thought it would. It was great to be driving again.”

“And it seemed like it went well, at least from the timings and everything,” Alex praised, happily scenting the younger omega.

“It did,” Logan grinned, “it really did.”

“So are we looking at the newest Indycar rookie?”

Logan shrugged, his scent dipping slightly, “who knows. There's plenty of talking still going on but I don't know.”

“Just say the word and Lando can mysteriously vanish,” Logan cooed as Oscar appeared next to them and wrapped an arm around his mate, “and then we can talk Zak into giving you a seat.”

“I'm not sure Carlos would be too pleased about that.

“Eh, I'm sure he'll be okay with it,” Oscar shrugged. “So what's been going on?”

“George has just been questioning me about the curse, I believe he said he can give me anything I want.”

“Ahh and what did you ask for love?” Oscar teased.

“I'm still thinking about it, maybe a sibling for Joey?”

“A human one or a dog one?”

“Not sure that George can just steal a real baby Osc.”

“Well-”

“Don't even think about it George,” Alex warned, “no stealing children.”

“I could get him another F2 driver? Kimi maybe?”

“Kimi is still a child," Oscar pointed out.

“Enough talk about kidnapping children, I don't need a grid pup,” Logan insisted, "and whatever do you mean another F2 driver?"

"Nothing," George shrugged, "just that you and Franco seem close Lolo."

"That means nothing and Franco isn't even an F2 driver any more."

“So ah anyway," Oscar interrupted, "what's happening there?” he nodded towards the garage, where a member of the Williams team was waving around a stick, some smoke coming off of it.

“Oh that's sage,” Franco stated, making the group jump as he popped up next to them and handed Logan a cup, “your Maté Lolo.”

“Thanks Franco but what do you mean it's sage?”

“Sage is supposed to defend from evil spirits,” the young alpha said solemnly and Logan had to fight back his groan.

“Seriously?” he asked, “who's idea was that?”

“James asked us all to come up with ideas, he said it couldn't hurt to try it. We're trying everything, Alex even went to the temple.”

“Really? Mate…”

“I know, I know but I had to try it and I've got these as well,” Alex held out his arm, making his sleeve pull up to reveal dozens of bracelets, “my mom's family have been making and blessing these. Oh Franco, that reminds me, I've got some for you as well.”

“Amazing! Thank you!”

“You two are ridiculous,” Logan said while shaking his head, “you'll be asking me to bless you next ...oh no come on guys,” he groaned as George, Alex and Franco's eyes lit up, “you cannot be serious.”

“We must try everything.”

“Yeah I’m with Franco, I'd like to at least finish a race at some point. Please Lo, it won't take a second.”

“Oh for fu…fine, give me a bottle of water. I can't believe I’m doing this,” he sighed, “Ah okay, let me think.” He closed his eyes and clasped the water bottle to his chest. “Racing God's, I ask you now in these drivers' time of need, to bless this water. May it free those it touches from curses, may they finish a race, may it ah…prevent them from crashing. I ask the racing gods that Alexander Albon Ansusinha and Franco…ah Franco, do you have a middle name or anything?”

“Alejandro.”

“Thanks. I ask that Alexander Albon Ansusinha and Franco Alejandro Colapinto be freed from any curse and be protected from ill will. In the name of Giuseppe Farina, Max Verstappen and Aryton Senna, amen.”

“That was beautiful Logan,” George sniffled as Logan opened his eyes again, “very moving.”

“Thanks, I guess being forced to go to church as a kid did come in handy,” he opened the bottle and gestured to Alex and Franco, “okay bow your heads.” Dipping his fingers in the water he flicked it at their foreheads and then for good measure, tipped the water bottle over their heads. “If that doesn't work nothing will.”

“Right,” George clapped his hands, “I think to seal the deal, we need some pack nesting.”

“Don't you guys all have things to do?” Logan asked as George put an arm around his shoulder and started walking towards the pack building at the end of the paddock. 

“Nah, nothing that can't wait.” 

“Ah okay…am I even allowed in the pack building anymore?”

“What? Of course you are Lo,” Oscar caught up with the pair and pressed close to Logan's other side, “you're still pack.”

“But I'm not a driver.”

“Neither is Nico, you wanna tell him he can't nest with Lewis?”

“It will be nice to nest with you,” Franco added, “we can have a Williams drivers nest.”

“Excluding me then,” Oscar muttered.

“We can make an exception just for you Osc, as long as you actually participate in nest time and don't just sit in the corner and glare at people.”

“Oscar! Have you not been nesting?”

“I couldn't, it didn't feel right to be in a nest that you didn't make.”

“Oh for god's sake, no wonder everyone was saying you were so grouchy.” As they arrived at the pack building, Lewis was standing outside pocketing his phone. “Hey guys, Nico says hi. It's a shame you just missed him. George, Logan, please call him when you get a chance.”

“Will do Lewis but excuse me, I need to make a nest,” Logan barely glanced at his grid grandparent, more focused on making his mate a nest. Gathering materials from the shelves lining the room, he and Alex fell into a natural rhythm as they started building the nest and Logan found himself purring as he relaxed into his instincts. But they wouldn't completely settle.

He tossed a blanket aside, trying another one but that still didn't feel right. Sitting back on his heels he looked around, letting out a mournful whine as he tried to figure out what was wrong and then his eyes landed on a figure standing just to the side of the group.

Franco.

Pup.

Nests were ordinarily built around pups, trying to maximise a sense of safety and security and Logan knew his nest wouldn't feel right until Franco was in it. “Oh for fucks sake,” he's muttered before holding out a hand to Franco. The alphas eyes widened but he quickly hurried over and didn't fuss as Logan placed him in the centre of the nest and continued to work around him, oblivious to the other people in the room.

Lewis grinned as he watched Logan work around Franco, the younger alpha practically vibrating with happiness. “Congrats Oscar, it's a boy.”

“Huh?”

“I think Logan’s adopting Franco.”

“Does that make us grandparents?” George asked, pulling a face with Alex who had stepped away to let Logan perfect the nest on his own, “blimey I don't think I like this.”

“Tell me about it. Guess I better give Nico the heads up that he's now a great-grandparent.”