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Gabriel was mostly secure in himself. Sure, there had been times when he felt less than or unimportant next to the other rookies, but for the most part, he was over the moon with joy at being able to compete in Formula 1. He might not have the best car on the grid, but his team was supportive, fun, and caring. Not to mention, he had the best teammate he could ever ask for.
Nico made Gabriel feel seen, genuinely seen for someone more than a driver. Nico gave Gabriel a sense of relief in the overwhelming and oftentimes harsh environment that followed any driver. He had found his safe place, his solace, within Nico Hülkenberg, and he couldn't ask for anything more. That everlasting fountain of joy only grew more when Nico had officially taken him out for dinner, solidifying their relationship with each other. No matter the result of a qualifier, sprint, or race, Gabriel knew he would have a place to go where he could let that stress go.
Oftentimes, Gabi would curl up with Nico on the large hotel beds after races, good and bad. He loved how warm and solid Nico was, giving him something to focus on rather than beating himself up. Nico would talk about whatever came to mind as he toyed with Gabi's hair, twirling the shirt strands to occupy his hands. Gabriel adored it. They created a comfortable and safe bubble for themselves. There was nowhere else in the world they wanted to be than with each other.
On days when Gabriel felt less secure in himself and his capabilities, Nico would whisper reassurances to him, letting the younger one cry into him until he calmed. No matter how long it took, Nico would never leave Gabriel's side until he was sure Gabriel felt good enough.
“I'm sorry,” Gabi would repeat, more times than either could count. He felt an overwhelming guilt for dumping things on Nico. On the awful days, he was convinced that Nico hated him, thought of him as an annoying adolescent unworthy of being kept around.
“No need for apologies, Gabi,” Nico would reply, kissing Gabriel’s curls, holding him close. He had long known the feeling of feeling less than competitors on track. It took experience to really understand that it was a normal feeling, one that would never truly go away, that lingered like the smoke from a cigarette. He would take forever if it meant helping Gabriel, his love, remember how truly remarkable he is, regardless of results or the media commentary, because he knew better than anyone that some things just take time.
And every time Nico sensed Gabriel had become dejected, he was right there next to him, reminding him countless of times how amazing he was in every aspect. Gabriel typically ended his sour mood in a fit of laughter, leaning against Nico as they shared the good and bad moments.
When Nico had bad days, it was different. Gabriel, still not as skilled as Nico was, would stumble about, trying his damn hardest to cheer him up and comfort him. He would cook and cuddle, kiss Nico’s face all over, and still, it didn’t seem like enough. However, no matter what Gabriel thought, all the effort he put into making Nico feel better was enough to remind Nico that Gabriel truly did care, even if he might not be the best at executing it.
The more time they spent together, the more confident Gabi felt in not only himself but also his capabilities. He started to grow more outgoing with his silly compliments, making Nico smile fondly and thank his lucky star for Gabi. Even Gabriel simply calling him “old man” had him falling even more in love with the younger man. Nico especially adored when Gabi would sneak little cheek pecks whenever the cameras were off, sharing smaller moments that they could hold close to their chests.
As time went on, Nico thought of himself as silly for ever being hesitant around his then-new teammate. At the time, in his mind, it had been easier that way. He regrets now more than ever not immediately starting to bond with Gabriel. Had Gabriel not shared new strategies and his eye drops, Nico truly believes they would not be how they are now. Gabriel is resting against his chest, watching whatever show has come on.
“Whatcha thinking about, old man?” Gabriel asks, not even looking away from the television.
Nico laughs and looks down at his boyfriend. “How’d you know?” he asks, tilting Gabi’s head up so they can look at each other. Gabriel smiles softly, giving the older man a sweet kiss.
“I know you,” was his reply, settling back against the blonde. “Now, spill. Because I know you are cooking up something in your big, beautiful brain. So…share with the class.”
“So impatient,” Nico teases, kissing him again. “Just thinking about how amazing you are and how adorable you are and how lucky I am and-” Gabriel groans and presses his face completely against Nico’s chest. Nico chuckles, running his fingers through his boyfriend’s hair. “What?”
Gabi groans once again, slowly lifting his head to look at Nico. “You’re so cheesy, old man,” he teases, scrunching his nose at Nico. It doesn’t take much for Gabriel to break character and start laughing, causing Nico to also begin laughing once more. Gabriel loved every bit of it, even what could be extremely cheesy to anyone else. Everything Nico did filled Gabriel with more and more love and admiration. “I love you,” he tells Nico, pecking his lips softly.
“I love you too, Gabriela ,” Nico says, smirking at Gabriel as he playfully glares up at Nico.
The back and forth never got old. It made amazing content, but even without being in the presence of the social media admin, the two never stopped “bickering like an old married couple” as many put it. Nothing ever stops them from continuing how they acted. They became more affectionate and flirtatious in public over time, neither confirming nor denying their relationship, but rather fueling rumors. They seemed, whenever they were both directly together, they were completely in their world, paying no mind to anyone else.