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”You won’t come here to cause a scene. Not right now. He doesn’t need this stress.”
Lando focuses on his own limbs, keeping his position, and taking a deep breath. He is not built for resisting alphas. Not really. If Max decided to fight dirty, Lando’s changes wouldn’t be good, but he is ready to fall protecting his friend.
It had been a terrible day, and the usual pleasant air in his home – coffee and oranges is stained by the scent of sickness, and bright, metallic copper, blood. George’s own minty scent is dull and weak in the air, but just minutes ago Lando had been in the bedroom with him, brushing hair off his friend’s forehead, and kissing his cheek. ”Do you need anything?”
He had brought the older omega fresh water, and some strawberry and banana slices, watching him slowly munching them.
Hour by hour they had been getting through this together.
”Nobody thought about telling me that my omega has to get an abortion, and could use some support?”
Not Lando’s business. In the similar circumstances Carlos would have been by his side through every step, keeping his possible opinions to himself, and prioritizing Lando’s comfort. He trusts his alpha one hundred percents, but Max and George’s relationship is not that old or that simple. Lando wasn’t going to ask questions, when George pulled him to the side after the last race, mentioning he had a problem that needed to be fixed, and asking if Lando was going to be free and in Monaco.
”Don’t take that fucking attitude”, he snaps, eyes flashing omega silver, and a snarl rising from his throat. Lando takes a step back, still making sure his body is between Max and the apartment. "How did you even know?"
"He smelled different. I didn't get it at first, but then..."
”Let him in.” Such a tiny voice. Lando doesn’t let his gaze wander away from Max whose blue eyes are softening. ”Love”, he simply sighs.
”Are you really, really sure?” he asks, eyes still locked on Max.
The scent of mint and pain. George comes to stand right behind him, rubbing Lando’s shoulder comfortingly. ”I am. Thank you for defending me. You are a great friend.”
Glancing over his shoulder Lando lets his arms fall to his sides. Max and George move simultaneously, meeting in an embrace, the alpha holding his omega like something scarily fragile.
”I’m sorry.” George is almost sobbing, but Max is putting two fingers on his chin, gently raising his head. ”You don’t have to apologize, love. Is there anything you’d allow me to do to help?”
”Can you just stay? If it’s okay to Lando, of course?”
Lando is traditional in some ways, and he hasn’t allowed any other alphas spending any extra time in his den since mating Carlos, but he’d make this one exception. George is still in pain, clearly wanting to go back to his nest in the guest room, and Lando wouldn’t be pushing him to walk to Max’s place right now.
”Of course. Max, would you like something to eat?” he is offering.
”No, not right now, but thanks for the offer, and thanks for letting me stay here.” Max has the manners to give him a bashful, grateful smile. George is not too clear-headed right now, but Max likely understands Lando’s reasons and his discomfort.
Max kicks his shoes off. Putting his arm around his omega he leads George forward. The minty scent is still pained and strained, but Lando is smelling something lighter too, when Max’s fresh lime scent wraps around George. Maybe his presence would be a good thing.