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God, Liam was tired. Last year had basically been a fight to keep his seat, plus with coming out as beta and being Nico's son.
He couldn't change his racesuit last year, something about registering issues, though standing in his driver's room, he quietly appreciated the small word along his waist. Rosberg. It still felt weird in a way, as he ran his fingers over it, feeling the different lettering instead of the usual 'Lawson', with the German flag (instead of the New Zealand one, since he'd gotten his super-licence there), sitting right next to the embroidered name.
"Hey Liam! We gotta have a quick debrief before free practice."
Liam was pulled out of his thoughts and staring at the mirror in front of him as Arvid would speak outside his driver's room, knocking a few times against the white, almost sterile door.
"Yeah, I'll be there. Give me a sec'."
Liam would pick up his racing gloves that were sitting on a nearby bench, before opening his driver's room door. He'd look over at Arvid, standing right next to the door's entryway.
"Thought you'd run off by now to the debrief."
Liam joked, earning a light shove from Arvid. Liam would laugh at that, as the two walked the short distance to the front of the garage.
"Eh, bit boring having all the questions lobbed at ya. Gotta make sure you're coming."
Arvid would joke back, leaving Liam to smile in amusement at that. It was well known sometimes that if you left Liam in his own thoughts he sometimes ran a minute to a few minutes late for things, so usually someone from the team, like Arvid or Liam's trainer Declan, would go and get Liam during these times in race weekends.
"Well, at least I have someone to keep an eye on me."
Liam replied, as the two rounded the corner into the garage, where Alan was chatting with a few of the engineers.
"True, considering ya dad is off doing whatever with Skysports."
Liam slightly, subtly paused at that, his lemon and grapefruit scent very briefly turing a bit tangy, before quickly going back to normal.
"Hey, I didn't mean it like that."
Liam would turn his head, looking at Arvid. Curses, he forgot how perceptive Arvid was, despite being a newly presented alpha that mostly smelt of sandalwood and dried rosemary.
"I know, I'm just, on edge I guess."
Liam replied, as the two waited on the sidelines for Alan to finish up his current conversation. He knew Arvid meant well, but with several media outlets comparing him to Nico, he'd been a little, stingy recently. Despite his consistent results.
"Understandably. I think it's bullshit aye, comparing you to Nico. Thought they'd learn after RB compared you to Max."
Arvid replied, earning a slightly exhausted but understanding chuckle from Liam.
"You think they would. But the media loves to piss us off."
Liam said back, leaning over to Arvid as he spoke, sinking into the familiar banter they had once more.
"Amen to that. Not as much as admin though."
"Not as much as admin."
Liam said between a few laughs at Arvid's comment, his face splitting into the usual smile he was taking on more often now.
"You're having a lively conversation there you two."
Liam would turn, along with Arvid, as the conversation was interrupted by Alan, who was finally out of his own conversation with the enginners.
"Yeah well, we were waiting for you to finish your own."
Liam replied with a casual tone, considering things had improved in his relationship with the team principal, sure things were expected of him and he knew that, but at least Alan didn't look down on Liam for being a beta last year. So he was thankful for that.
"True well, we should get into the quick debrief before FP1,"
Alan would reply back, having both Liam and Arvid pay attention as the man moved to talk car adjustments, setups, and so on.
Liam didn't quite realise going from a decent weekend to another media day another weekend would leave him sat on a media couch with Max and George taking questions that honestly were pointless or annoying.
Eventually, after hearing the same kind of questions given to Max and George, Liam finally get one. Though it wasn't really a wanted one.
"Liam, question for you."
Liam would pick up his microphone, and hold it near his mouth in response.
"Go ahead."
Liam would watch the reporter, it seemed to be someone from Skysports? Maybe Viaplay? He couldn't really tell, but the reporter seemed to look at someone then turn back to look at Liam as if getting the go to ask something. He'd feel Max and George almost, tense? Considering both of their scents seemed to grow a bit sour and rotten.
"Being the son of Nico Rosberg, is there ever a chance you'll end up having a sort of rivalry similar to the one he had when he won his championship in Formula One?"
Liam blinked at that, visibly stalling at such a question. A reporter was implying he was going to have a Brocedes rivalry? He thought the reporter was frankly, fucking high.
"What?"
Liam blurted out before thinking. Though he quickly regretted that, as he watched the reporter seem to be proud he responded like this.
"Do you think would ever have a rivalry similar to your father's?"
The reporter repeated, though more simply. Liam's eyes were basically zoned in on the reporter, his mind running a million miles a minute. He didn't even notice both Max and George growing more annoyed at the reporter.
"I,"
Liam paused, attempting to collect his thoughts and try to remember his PR training. It was the least he could do for his poor PR manager.
"No I don't intend on going that far. Regardless of my past, somewhat badly aged quotes, I appreciate having a teammate and see them as a competitor sure, but I appreciate the friendships I have. And my father's situation was a very unique one, considering he'd grown up around Lewis, so the situation as a whole was far more emotionally loaded. There will never be another rivalry like that, really."
Liam managed to say, before putting down the mic. He didn't really want to talk anymore, to be compared to someone he couldn't meet in terms of well, everything.
"But being Nico Rosberg's son surely—"
"Enough questions about that."
Max would suddenly interrupt, glaring at the reporter with the intensity of a thousand suns. Liam's head turned to look at Max as he cut the reporter off, he'd never seen Max, and George, so, protective? Angry? Liam couldn't really place it.
"I'd have to agree with Max. Your questioning went far over the line of general rumours and speculation. As the head of the GPDA, such behaviour to a driver isn't okay."
George would add in, leaving Liam a little all over the place internally. He didn't know how to respond to such backing from two very talented drivers. He'd dig his nails into the tightly woven fabric of the sofa the three were sat on, somewhat awkwardly sitting to the side.
"But he—"
"Shut it."
Max would say, cutting the reporter off again. Liam silently wished he had that kind of confidence, though he assumed it came with being a four time world champion.
"Actually, no more questions. We're done."
Liam blinked, watching as Max would stand up and leave the room. Though he quickly found himself getting yanked up by George, then subsequently dragged out.
"Wh- hey! We can't just do that! Aren't there fines for leaving early?!"
Liam protested as George continued to pull Liam away, even though the three were out of the media room now, as it erupted with the noise of reporters.
"We can afford to pay it if we do get fined."
Max retorted, as he opened some door within the corridors in the paddock. Liam would get pulled in by George, then he'd trip, and fall into something very soft. Liam would bring up a hand, and it sunk into the material.
"What's this?"
Liam mumbled, turning over on what seemed to be a very big beanbag but it was filled with fluff instead of beans. He'd look around the room noting the array of blankets and, team shirts. Liam would blink a few times.
"It's a nesting room. There's one at every race."
George replied, settling down right next to Liam, while Max settled on the other side. Liam grew very stiff. He was not used to this, nor did he know about such a room. He'd usually stow himself away in his driver's room or hotel room when he was overwhelmed or upset.
"It seems you didn't know that."
Max would mumble from above Liam, making Liam shrink between the two men. It was a little hard for Liam to get used to so many scents, but he eventually made out Max's more mildew scent that had a twang of orange to it, and George's rather simple scent of vanilla and nothing else.
"No, I, usually just dealt with everythin' on my own."
Liam answered honestly, feeling a little bit unraveled around the omega and alpha considering how assertive they'd been in the media room. Then now they were, huddling around him like he deserved it, like he needed attention and touch.
"You mean to tell me, you, had been, nesting during race weekends on your own?"
George said piping up as Max's hand came over to gently run his fingers through Liam's sandy blond hair with it's brownish roots from years of bleach damage.
"Mhm."
Liam simply answered, giving a small nod as Max continued to play with his hair. He'd rest his head on George's shoulder for now, since it was at perfect resting height. Thank god George was as tall as he was.
"How'd, what happened with you last year? I remember offering to help you out a few times."
Max carefully asked, diverting Liam's attention from George's voice and now to Max's. He didn't know why he felt like such a pup again, but, he couldn't fight his body on this, as he just slowly unraveled some more. Everything was warm, and Liam felt like he was in some sort of perfume advert with Max and George's scents hovering around him.
"I just, went in my driver's room or hotel room. I didn't want to bother you. Especially when I got demoted from Redbull. I, didn't present until around spa last year anyways. I was, handling m' needs as a pup."
Liam mumbled, his face slowly hiding itself in George's shoulder. He'd whine as he felt Max's hand move his head, leaving it to face him. Liam would huff at Max, leaving the man to chuckle.
"Well, you need to handle things better. Even if you're a beta. You don't have to use this nesting room but,"
Max paused, looking over at George who'd quietly nod, his eyes flicking back down to Liam, who was blearily looking up at Max.
"At least come to one of us if you're feeling off again. Okay?"
Liam reluctantly nodded in reply, making the two men either side of him settle. He'd shiny a little, figuring he could get a nap in, it was only media day after all.
"Is Liam okay?!"
Liam's eyes cracked open slightly at the yell, but they weren't really focused all too well. That would take too much effort. Though from a little bit of shushing from both Max and George, Liam went right back to shut eyes.
"He's fine. Thankfully. I apologise for not trying to contact you Nico."
George would murmur as Nico came into the room, carefully hovering over Liam. It made Max chuckle.
"You can touch him Nico, he's your son after all. Though try to have a conversation about all this with him when it's not a race weekend?"
Max would say, patting down just in front of Liam, leaving Nico to sit down cross-legged.
"Yeah, I was planning on it. Just,"
Liam shifted a little in his sleep, plopping out of Max and George's arms himself and right into Nico's arms.
"Just didn't think it'd happen so soon. I underestimated today's media."
"Yeah. You did."
Max plainly said, George nodded in agreement with that. Today's media ran so much faster, throwing out headlines like it was free food. Liam would continue to shift in his sleep, getting comfortable as he nudged his head into the crook of Nico's neck, right next to one of the man's scent glands. He'd quickly ease in his sleep at fully smelling his father's scent, just like a pup would.
"Well, I'll let you be off with him. Considering he seems rather attached to you now."
"No, I, I'll stay here. I think, Liam likes being around more than just me now."
Nico replied, staying sat where he was. He would shift however, carefully setting himself between Max and George, where Liam was before, allowing the two to continue to be near Liam. He just wanted what was best for his son, and he was happy to see him making more connections on the grid.
It had been a day since Liam had that incident and fallen asleep in the nesting room, though the media hadn't really calmed down. He'd sigh, assuming he'd be dealing with this for a few weeks, but thankful to have some headphones on. It blocked out the noise of reporters calling his name like seagulls sqwaking at a pier.
He'd make his way past the Ferrari garage, to get to the VCARB one, only to be stopped by a familiar tattoed hand. He'd flick his eyes up, and slip his headphones off, reluctantly, and actually pay attention to Lewis.
"What do you want?"
Liam plainly asked, attempting to sound casual. He didn't really want to push his current irritated state onto Lewis. He'd notice though that Lewis looked, almost nervous. Which was odd, very odd.
"I was wondering if you'd want to go out for food or something after the race. I just, saw that you'd been dealing with a lot of issues with the media and thought you deserved a bit of quiet time as all."
Liam's eyes narrowed at Lewis's words. Lewis never approached him like this, not even last year when frankly, the media was far worse. He found it suspicious.
"Maybe another time? I've got dinner with,"
Liam paused for a split second trying to figure out who he could drag into dinner tonight.
"Nico, or well, Dad. But yeah."
Liam would say, figuring that would keep Lewis off of his back. Though he very quickly watched Lewis almost, sour at the idea, then see opportunity. Liam did not like that. He'd seen that expression far too many times before.
"Maybe another time then?"
Liam would stiffen as he felt Lewis's hand come to sit on his lower back, slightly patting it as if he was an acquaintance just being friendly. Liam's scent quickly grew bitter and sour, the lemon smell souring to ungodly levels and the grapefruit bitterness increasing to the point of a spoiled grapefruit.
"Maybe."
Liam mumbled, pushing Lewis's hand away with a light smack. He wanted to make it clear he didn't appreciate random people touching him. He'd watch Lewis almost hover his hand, before his entire body got closer.
"How about next race weekend?"
Lewis would say, the almost, flirty tone making Liam shiver in disgust. He'd wrack his brain for why Lewis was suddenly being so forward, especially in public, but then he'd quickly understand. He was Nico's son. Lewis just wanted access to Nico.
"Actually, no. I'm, busy for a while."
Liam said, quickly blowing Lewis off, hoping he'd get the hint as he stepped away from the man, and moved to walk away from him.
"You can't be that busy."
Liam paused as Lewis's hand came up to rest on his shoulder again. It felt like a hot iron, like he was just a placeholder for Lewis to go back to Nico. He'd firmly smack Lewis's hand away, glaring at him. His sour and bitter scent was practically swirling in the air, gaining the attention of a few Ferrari mechanics who were working on the cars.
"I am that busy. Take the fucking hint."
Liam would snap slightly, just enough to bare his fangs, metaphorically, so Lewis would back off. Lewis didn't back off, and Liam was hating how he was at the head of Lewis's stubbornness.
"You don't need to be rude about it Liam."
Lewis said back, stubbornly getting closer to Liam again, and Liam audibly growled at Lewis. Which quickly made the older man step back. Liam did not growl often, even if he was pissed with someone.
"And you keep fucking touching me like I'm something for you to obtain."
Liam continued to snap bit by bit, not enough to blow up, but enough where you could practically see the water pipe staring to burst out just small sprays of water in warning.
"I'm not trying to obtain you Liam-"
Liam would watch as Lewis touched his shoulder again, and the metaphorical water pipe burst as Liam shoved Lewis away.
"Oh fuck off with that! I'm not fucking him, sure I'm his damn kid but frankly, you burnt that bridge years ago, and you still refuse to even speak to him unless forced to. So you can fuck right off!"
Liam snapped at Lewis, his sharp fangs fully bared in anger at Lewis, despite the audible click of cameras getting their shot for a news article, and the Ferrari enginners visibly stilling in shock at Liam, was a beta, going up again Lewis, an alpha.
"You-"
Before Lewis could finish, Liam would feel himself getting scruffed up by the neck, and yanked into an alleyway between the garages. He'd turn, looking up at an exasperated but worried Nico. He wouldn't try to get out of the scruff, no point in that.
"I'm sorry for snapping."
Liam mumbled pitifully, he realised that he'd fucked up big time, again. He couldn't help it, he just wanted Lewis to leave him alone. He'd look down, growing more upset.
"Hey,"
Nico's hands would shift, now not scruffing Liam by the neck as he gently tilted his head up, carefully wiping away the tears that spilt from his eyes. Liam was always a bit of a crybaby, whenever he got overwhelmed he'd just cry.
"It's not your fault okay? Lewis should've respected the warnings you gave him."
Nico would say, leaving Liam to whine as he pushed himself further into Nico's arms. His scent now more pitifully smelling, as if it was barely there.
"But I got too aggressive again."
Liam whined, burying his face in Nico's hands with a small sniffle as the tears slowly subsided. Nico sighed, gently ruffling the hair on Liam's head.
"And it's because Lewis decided to push your boundaries. You'll be able to deal with it, though we should probably go get your PR manager a box of chocolates, considering the headache you've now handed her."
Liam would nod in agreement, staying put in Nico's arms just a little bit longer, before slowly parting from him. Despite how easy it was to sink into a familiar presence, he knew he had to get back to the VCARB garage. Even if it meant he may get chewed out for snapping at Lewis.
"I'll, see you later?"
Liam would ask, looking over at Nico before he completely walked away.
"Yeah."
The day had been, luckily not too bad after his little snap, sure media outlets were now plastering every angle of the argument he had with Lewis everywhere, but at least they were being mostly accurate with what the fight was about.
He'd fish his hotel keycard out of his pocket, moving to unlock his door, only to be stopped by what very clearly was Isack's hand. He'd turn looking over to face Isack, expecting to meet his wrath for snapping at his idol, Lewis Hamilton, only to see worry on the french-algerian's face.
"Are you okay?"
Isack blurted out, making Liam blink in confusion. The hotel door lock would beep then click open as his hand naturally settled the keycard against the door's scanner.
"Uh, I'm fine? Why are you asking?"
Liam would ask, wondering if Isack's worry was going to turn into anger. He'd rest his hand on the the door handle of his hotel room, turning it down to open, bug not opening the hotel room door just yet.
"Just, I saw what happened through the media. You don't deserve that."
Isack replied, sounding worried and frustrated. Liam paused as Isack grew closer to him, leading Liam to swinging his hotel room door open. He wasn't really sure why Isack had gotten so close. He felt like he was back in the paddock again, with Lewis close to him, and touching his back and shoulder and-
"Hey. I'm not going to touch you if you don't want it."
Liam blinked as Isack interrupted his thoughts, pausing in the doorway of his hotel room.
"I know, I just, have my own issues."
Liam mumbled, turning away a little before noticing Nico walking over. He was supposed to have a chat with his Dad anyway.
"I'll talk to you later yeah? I just need to chat to uh, my Dad."
Liam said, carefully easing Isack away from him, watching at the french-algerian walked away with a nod.
"What was that conversation about?"
Nico asked, finally getting over to Liam. Liam would watch as Nico observed Isack walk away, leaving Liam to sigh.
"He was just, worried. For some reason, it wasn't a bad conversation."
Liam replied, gesturing for Nico to come into his hotel room. He'd set his bag onto the floor, before sitting on the end of the bed in the room. He'd look over at Nico who was somewhat awkwardly stood near the stand where the tv sat.
"What did you want to talk about?"
"I just," Nico sighed, before sitting next to Liam on the bed.
"I want you to know that, I don't expect you to meet what I did. To be, me."
Liam turned his head to look at Nico at that. Sure the two had the occasional deep conversation, but Nico approaching this growing issue within the media and paddock was, surprising. Usually Liam has to get this sort of stuff out of Nico.
"I know. That's in part why I originally continued on with the fake last name. I preferred to be compared to myself, rather than be thought I was someone I wasn't."
Liam carefully explained, resting his hands on his lap for now. He'd watch Nico hesitate before speaking once again.
"I was aware of that. Then it all just sort of exploded out last year. I genuinely thought you'd be able to continue on your own, without my shadow. But the media and paddock decided to hang onto all narratives."
Liam would watch Nico speak, conveniently tip-toeing around the main issue. It wasn't the media or the paddock, it was what happened with Lewis.
"And we need to talk about Lewis."
Liam watched Nico still, and he'd very carefully slink his hand into holding Nico's hand.
"Hey, I'm not mad about him and whatever relationship you had before you decided to end that relationship. But, I think both of us need to make it clear he can't act like that. That I'm,"
Liam paused, looking down slightly.
"I'm not you. And I can't replace what you had with him."
"Yeah."
Nico said with a sigh, his hold on Liam's hand easing. Liam eased as well, thankful Nico took the topic well so far.
"I don't know why he's still so, obsessed about it. I stopped being involved with him many years ago. But, I'll make things clear."
Nico added with a firm nod.
"Just don't give yourself a heartattack while doing so."
Liam joked, earning a light shove from Nico. It makes Liam laugh a little.
"Okay, okay, you're not that old."
"Damn right in not that old. I'll still be around for much longer."
"True that."
Liam replied, resting his head on Nico's shoulder for now.
"Just know, I'll always be proud of you. No matter where you end up. Even if it's not Formula One."
Nico would eventually say after a few minutes of silence, earning a contented hum from Liam. It was nice to actually sit with Nico for a while, to be a very small family again amongst the chaos.
Eventually race day came around, Liam had qualified at P6 but bumped up to P5 after some penalty to Lando's car from something to do with floor height. Liam didn't really pay attention, but he was hoping for a decent set of points.
As the race went, he'd managed to dart past Oscar in P4, then halfway through he got past Lewis for P3. He was a bit jittery, the race was painful and hot with this heatwave going across Europe, and he was busy managing Lewis getting closer, and trying to catch the car in front of him, Max.
"Just keep calm Liam, only a few laps to go. You're doing beautiful tyre management, it's textbook."
Liam's engineer's voice crackled through his ears as he drove, and he somewhat was appreciative of the familiar voice, but also wanted quiet as he continued to pay attention to the familiar clunks, whirrs, and hums of the car.
Another lap would go by, and Liam briefly flicked his eyes up to the timing screen. Lewis was 2 seconds behind and Max was about 3 seconds ahead. Liam had a very small opportunity to get ahead of Lewis, even if it meant getting on the back of Max's car gearbox.
"Just a little more,"
Liam mumbled to himself, the drink straw untouched due to his habit of not drinking during races. His car roared around the corners, getting further from Lewis. His late-breaking was paying off, allowing him and the car to glide through corners and fling into the straights.
One more lap.
"Holy shit!"
Liam screamed over the radio line, passing over the finish line in P3. P fucking 3. Sure it wasn't P1, but it was damn podium. He was buzzing with god knows what as he pulled his car up to the P3 plaquecard.
"Good job mate."
Liam looked up as he was mid getting out of his now turned off car, Max was stood there, helmet still on, but there in front of him. He'd take Max's hand, letting the man pull him into a hug. The two soon pulled apart, far too hot to be so close for too long.
"I'm just surprised the car got so high up."
Liam replied to Max amongst the chaos as the two watched Kimi run over to the Mercedes team who quickly embraced him.
"You doubt your abilities but,"
Max would pat Liam's back, before nodding his helmet wearing head towards where Liam's team was stood. The Dutchman's orange themed helmet gently glinted in the sunlight.
"Your team is waiting for you. Go celebrate."
Liam would nod in response, quickly running over to his team, loudly celebrating as Liam jumped into their many arms, he felt a few joyous smacks to the top of his helmet in the process.
Eventually he'd go through the whole cool down room process then he was stood on the podium. It felt weird, standing as the Italian anthem played for Kimi, the champagne sat in front of him as things continued.
He'd peer down, seeing the team watching him, even Arvid was there waving at him. His eyes flitted across the area below eventually spotting Nico. He looked proud of him. Liam's heart swelled at that, he'd proven he was more than just a duplicate of Nico but, his dad was watching his first podium. And his dad was proud of him. He'd shakily sigh, focusing back at the sky above as the anthem continued.
Suddenly though the anthem faded out and the chaotic opera music would start. Before Liam could actually get the champagne bottle in his hands open, he'd suddenly get sprayed by Max right against the side of his face and neck, leaving him laughing as he eventually managed to get his own bottle open, spraying Kimi who quickly joined in on the chaos, leaving the three to spray each other with champagne.
The champagne burnt, leaving Liam to wipe it away from his eyes, but man it felt good to be up here, on a podium, seeing his hard work showing for something. He'd sigh, deciding to tip the champagne bottle up to his lips, taking a swig from the alcoholic beverage, before putting it back down. He was pretty sure he heard a few camera clicks pointed his way. Then again, Max and Kimi were stood near him.
"You have a fun podium ceremony?"
Max would say, walking over to Liam as the celebrations on the podium slowed down. Kimi seemed to have run off elsewhere to celebrate with his team.
"Yeah, it was nice."
Liam replied, making his way down the stairs that lead to the paddock. He'd wipe his face again, feeling the stickiness of the champagne.
"That champagne is gonna stick for a while. I'd recommend a shower when you get back to your hotel."
Max replied with a hearty pat to Liam's back, causing Liam to stumble a little but quickly find his footing.
"Yeah, I will don't worry about that."
Liam replied, waving Max goodbye as he made his way back over to his team's garage.
"Liam!"
Liam turned at the voice, stopping in front of the VCARB garage as Nico ran over to him, pulling him into a hug. Liam would smile at that hugging Nico back as the man hoisted him up slightly, leaving Liam to laugh and hold on.
"I did it."
Liam would say to Nico, smiling down at his father. Nico happily smiled back.
"You did. I'm so proud of you."
Nico replied, causing Liam to hug Nico tighter despite still being picked up. He was Nico's son, there was no contest, but he was also himself.
There was hope in waiting a little longer after all.