Archive of Our Own

"Are we really doing this again?" Oscar asked, leaning against the counter. The McLaren social media team bustled around, getting everything ready for today's live. "I thought we agreed the last one was the last one."

Lando laughed, stepping between Oscar's legs and wrapping his arms behind his neck. "What else are we supposed to do? We have five weeks, Osc. It's longer than the summer break. They weren't going to let us get away with doing nothing."

They could have, Oscar thought. They could have just let them have this time to decompress. The start of the season had been brutal, and it was only three races. Having a few weeks before they had to be back in the public's eye seemed like a small price to pay for three DNSs between them.

"I'm pretty sure this is your fault." Oscar heard himself grumble, even as he set his hands on Lando's waist and pulled him closer. "You're the one who did the video asking the fans what they wanted to see over the break."

Lando came willingly as Oscar pulled him close, tucking his face against the Aussie's neck, his warm breath pulling a shiver from Oscar as it ghosted across his skin. "I would have rather done the Easter Egg hunt with you," Lando admitted. "I just get to beg people to decide what videos we were going to be forced to make."

"The egg hunt wasn't that exciting either." It was one of the better videos they'd made them do lately, but Oscar hated any of the ones they had to do alone. He much preferred having Lando by his side. "I did like looking at the cars though."

"You always like looking at the cars, love."

That was the truth, and Oscar didn't bother trying to refute it. He might spend more time in the garage with Lando's cars than Lando did. If he didn't drive cars for a living, Oscar would probably design them. They were his one true love, aside from the man in his arms.

Glancing over Lando's shoulder to look at the items the social media team set out for them to use in the video, Oscar frowned. "Baby? Do you know what we're doing in this live?"

They'd discussed grilling, but decided the risk to the drivers was too great, considering their rather poor track record so far. No one wanted to give them an open flame.

Particularly Lando.

Not that Oscar would be the one to tell him that.

"No," Lando admitted, not seeming fussed with anything going on around them. "I'm sure it will be ridiculous, and everyone will laugh at us."

That was practically a guarantee. With the first two lives, embarrassing Lando and Oscar had been the entire point. The third one was on their terms, but they were back to being the stars and not the directors. So this was probably going to be closer to the first two, if they had to guess.

"Are you two ready?" one of the media people asked.

They both shook their heads. Lando stepped back, straightening his clothes while Oscar immediately missed the warmth of his fiancée pressed against him.

At least they didn't have to hide this time.

"I think we're as ready as we're going to be." He stepped closer to the counter and realized immediately what they were being asked to do.

No, they weren't ready.

And the world wasn't either.

“Oh, Osc,” Lando breathed out, finally taking in the items on the counter. “This is going to be fun.”

Comments

4norrrris
They're doing another one!

OMG, they're doing another one!

This isn't an April Fool's Joke, is it?

lestappen4eva
I doubt it, considering April Fools was last week

So, yeah, I really do think they're doing another one

waiting-for-george-WDC
Is this one of those lives that got all of social media talking last year?

Like, the one where they apparently came out?

pasta-tree81
Yes, but after that live, there's been no mention of that ever again

So no one really knows

landoscarluv
We may not know, but we believe.

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

Lando and Oscar stood in front of a now familiar kitchen, staring into the camera with their usual PR smiles. Lando's smile threatened to break into something more genuine every time he glanced down at the counter, but Oscar elbowed him every time. "Behave," Oscar hissed under his teeth, though his smile grew brighter as well.

"Hi Papaya family," Lando started, looking back at the camera. "I know we told you that we'd done the last of these, but the PR team was running out of ideas for this unexpected break in the season, and this is what the majority of you wanted." He looked back down at the counter, then laughed. "Well, maybe not this specifically, but you wanted another live. So here we are."

As Lando spoke, Oscar stared at him, unbridled affection burning in his eyes. They'd discussed how they wanted to handle this after the last one and decided they wouldn't hide. But they would try not to say anything too direct either. Which was why Oscar rolled his eyes when Lando went completely off-script (not that there was one) and said, "So, as you can see, we're back in our kitchen, to do another one of these videos."

So much for not saying anything too direct.

Oscar raised his brows when he caught Lando's eyes. Lando paused, thinking over what he just said. "Oh," he mumbled, then shook it off. Nothing they could do about it now.

Comments

landoscarluv
"Our" kitchen?

Is that the confirmation we've been waiting for

55Carlando4
I mean, I think they were pretty obvious last time

mclarenduo481
Yes, but also, we don't really know, do we?

Our kitchen though?

Last time, they said Oscar was moving in with his person.

So, that would make sense if Lando was that person.

pasta-tree81
I wish they would just tell us.

I understand why they don't, but I wish they would.

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

"So, if you can't tell, the marketing team has what might be their worst idea yet." Oscar smirked at someone off to the side. "But it might actually be a lot of fun for the rest of you."

As he spoke, Lando bounced on the balls of his feet, looking over the dozens of bottles that were set out in front of them. "We're making cocktails!" He grinned as if he'd just won the lottery.

Oscar looked at Lando the exact same way.

"I'm not really sure what they are thinking. This one," Oscar said, with a nod towards Lando, "hasn't touched alcohol since his championship celebration. Enjoyed it a little too much, didn't you?"

Not even trying to hide his smirk, Lando shook his head. "It wasn't my fault. People just kept putting drinks in my hand. What was I supposed to do? Say no? That would have been rude."

Rolling his eyes, Oscar sighed. "Like you're never rude the rest of the time."

"I'm charming, and you know it."

The small, fond smile on Oscar's face said multitudes, but he still nodded. "Yeah, I do."

Comments

4norrrris
Oscar is down bad

my man, stand up

pasta-tree81
I would look at Oscar the same way Lando looks at Oscar

But he gets to do it whenever he wants

Oh to live their lives

lestappen4eva
I can't believe they're having them mix drinks

This is not what I expected but OMG it will be entertaining

Especially if they get to drink them

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

In his hands, Lando held a stack of cards, shuffling them mindlessly. "So, all of these have a different recipe for a drink on them. There are also questions on each card that we need to answer while we try to make the drink." He looked at the cards, then back at Oscar. "How many of these do we want to try?"

Letting out a slow breath, Oscar looked at the cards. "Let's say five for now? We can always add more if we want. But five seems like a good number."

"Can we drink five drinks and still be allowed on camera?"

Oscar laughed. "I don't know. They seem to think that we can, but that feels optimistic. I saw your victory party videos."

Instead of answering, Lando turned bright red and hid behind his hands. "I don't want to talk about it. Can we please not talk about it?"

Seemingly taking pity on him, Oscar patted his back. "Of course, Lan. There probably aren't any questions on the cards about that, either, so you should be safe."

The two of them looked at each other and then back down at the cards in his hands. "We totally should have looked at them before we started, huh?"

"Probably," Oscar sighed. "Too late now. How do we want to pick them?"

Lando shuffled the cards one last time, then spread them out on the counter next to the bottles. "Pick one, make drink, answer question, pick another?"

"As good a plan as any." The two of them looked over the cards, reaching out occasionally and then pulling their hand back. "Okay, Lan, just pick something. We need to do this already."

Drawing a card, Lando looked at it first, grinning broadly. He tucked it against his chest and glanced at his teammate. "Want to guess which one I pulled, Osc?"

"In what universe do you think that I'm going to correctly guess a random cocktail? Just tell me what it is."

Lando's grin only got brighter as he held out the card to Oscar. "Sex on the beach," he smirked, watching Oscar closely.

At the words, Oscar's face got so red, it looked like he might pass out. "Oh, that's, um. That's a drink?"

"Yep." Lando popped the p, trying not to laugh. "And a really good one too."

Comments

lightsout6323
Why does Oscar look so embarrassed about that drink?

4norrrris
He's always struck me as a water-only guy

Maybe with electrolytes

And hot chocolate, obviously

But I don't really see him as a drinker

mclarenduo481
I'm sure he lets loose occasionally

We don't see all sides of their personalities

But yeah, doesn't seem like a drink he'd purposefully pick for himself.

landoscarluv
I bet he likes it, though

I have a lot of friends who order that.

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

To no one's surprise, Lando took the lead on making the drink. He quickly gathered everything they would need and started to mix it all together. "You never told me you were a bartender," Oscar quipped as Lando cut an orange in half, juicing it into the shaker. "Is the freshly squeezed juice really necessary?"

"Yes, Osc." Lando's exasperated tone contradicted the warm smile he gave his teammate. "For some, you can just use orange juice from the bottle, but this one needs it to be freshly squeezed."

Oscar glanced at the camera and shrugged, clearly out of his element. "Okay, while you make that, let me see what the question is." He picked up the card, looking at the instructions that Lando barely glanced at. "Should I be concerned that you already know how to make this?"

"Don't question it," Lando told him with a devious grin.

Knowing when to leave it alone, Oscar looked back at the card. "Oh, people probably thought we were cooking today. This one is about food." He paused while the sound of the shaker in Lando's hands drowned out everything else. "What do we eat on a typical day? You want me to answer this one?"

Lando danced around with the shaker, doing a ridiculous little shimmy as he mixed the drink. "Yeah, you know what I eat too."

Looking back at the camera, Oscar nodded. "It isn't all that exciting. Every meal is carefully planned to ensure it has the right calories, protein, fiber, etc. Breakfast might include poached eggs, avocado toast with spinach, and some fruit. Lunch is often a salad with chicken, and dinner is usually something grilled or baked, like chicken or salmon, with vegetables and brown rice, perhaps. We're really lucky to have the chefs that we do at McLaren, because we can both find something we want to eat."

He glanced at Lando, who was now pulling a face at him. "He," Oscar continued, nodding at his teammate, "keeps trying to get salmon banned from the menu."

Lando nodded immediately. "I just think everyone would be happier if we didn't have it around."

"And by everyone, you mean you?"

Unapologetic, Lando shrugged. "I mean, I think you would be happier if I was happier, right?"

"Sure, Lan. Let's go with that."

Opening the shaker, Lando poured their drinks into glasses. He nodded towards the card. "When we aren't training and can actually eat what we want, we have a lot of pasta. Or Thai food. But mostly pasta."

"He's kind of obsessed," Oscar agreed.

"Like you aren't as well."

Not denying it, Oscar shrugged. "So, are we going to try this drink?" He picked up the pink concoction, staring at it with concern. "I'm not sure what to expect with this."

"You'll like it. It's sweet and fruity. This is one of those drinks where it's really easy to drink too many of them because you forget how much vodka is in there."

They both took a sip simultaneously, their eyes locked on one another. "Okay, yeah, that is good." Oscar looked at all the bottles around them. "How many different things went into this?"

"Only four! And the only alcohol is vodka. There are some that will be much more complicated if we pull them." They sat sipping their drinks, Lando grinning at Oscar every time Oscar took another drink. "You are going to be so fun by the end of this," he laughed, before finishing off his own glass.

Comments

mclarenduo481
They are going to be so drunk by the end of this

I didn't think they'd drink the whole thing.

lightsout6323
Why not? This is Lando we are talking about

And Oscar, who always seems to go along with whatever Lando wants.

This seems like the natural outcome of this challenge.

lestappen4eva
I wonder if McLaren marketing and PR are regretting all of their choices yet.

McLaren ✅
Not yet, but we will see how this is by the end

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

Setting aside their glasses, Lando gestured at the cards. "Your turn to pick one and make it, Osc." His flushed cheeks and lazy grin seemed even brighter on the camera. "I know you can do it."

Oscar looked over the cards, considering which one to pull. When he finally settled on one, he looked at his choice and flushed even redder. "Who picks these names?" he mumbled under his breath, though it was still caught by the mics.

"Come on, Osc. You're holding out on me. What are you making?"

Not speaking, Oscar handed the card over to Lando, his face tense as he waited for the reaction he clearly knew was coming.

It only took moments before Lando was doubled over in laughter. "You picked the easiest one, Osco! The easiest possible drink! Why do you look like I'm asking you to make a dry martini?"

Gritting his teeth, Oscar turned to look at the camera. "The card I pulled was a screwdriver. So now we're having a screwdriver after we had sex on the beach." He paused, waiting for the inevitable, a smirk barely starting to pull at the corners of his lips.

Lando froze for a moment, listening to Oscar speak. He blinked twice and then choked. "Oh my god, Oscah! You can't say it like that!"

Oscar finally broke, giggling at Lando's reaction. "Nothing I said is factually inaccurate."

"But...! But...! Oh my god, Osc!" Lando couldn't hold it together, laughing even more when he looked over at the deadpan expression that Oscar was barely holding onto. "I don't know why I put up with you."

"Yeah," Oscar said immediately. "You do."

Immediately, Lando's expression softened, and he nodded. "You're right. I do."

Comments

lestappen4eva
OMG, that was sweet

landoscarluv
These two are definitely dating.

I never look at my friends like that, let alone coworkers.

55Carlando4
Yeah, it would be weird to look at a coworker like that.

pasta-tree81
I couldn't believe Oscar worded it like that. I laughed almost as hard as Lando did.

waiting-for-George-WDC
He knew what he was doing. You could see the way he watched Lando, waiting for his reaction.

lightsout6323
If they aren't dating, I would be shocked.

And would tell them they should probably just date, because no one else will make them smile like that.

4norrrris
True.

Though no one else makes me smile like that either.

landoscarluv
Excellent point.

Maybe we all need to date them.

lightsout6323
I think those two would have something to say about that.

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

"Okay, Osc. You actually have to make the drink. You at least picked an easy one."

Oscar was thankful for that and grabbed a glass, setting it in front of him. Just vodka and orange juice. He could do that. He measured out a shot of vodka and poured it into the glass before reaching for the orange juice, just wanting this to be over.

Clearing his throat, Lando leaned closer. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"It's literally two ingredients, Lando. What could I be forgetting?" He truly looked baffled by the question.

Lando leaned his head against Oscar's shoulder, looking up at him through his lashes. "Yes, two ingredients. But also two people. Unless you wanted us to share the one?"

Without saying a word, Oscar reached for another glass, repeating his movements to measure out another shot of vodka. "Isn't there a question we're supposed to be answering?"

"Oh yeah! Let's see what this one is." Lando picked up the card. "Um, what are your favorite tracks to go to, not just for racing? Oh, that's a good one."

Oscar nodded. "That is a good one. I'm guessing they want to know about like the atmosphere and all of that?" He started pouring the orange juice into each glass.

Looking back at the card, Lando eventually shrugged. "I guess so? Let's assume that is what they meant." He grinned when Oscar handed him the freshly made drink. "Cheers! Okay, so your favorite track?"

"Spa." Oscar's answer was immediate. "I love everything about that track. I could race there every weekend and be happy. Plus, it's in Belgium, and you're always so happy there." He took a sip of his drink, doing his best not to grimace as he did.

"You are such a sweetheart," Lando sighed, drinking his own without issue. "And you have a heavy hand with the vodka. These are strong, Osc."

Oscar shrugged. "I followed the recipe. Not my fault."

Looking at the items in front of Oscar, Lando picked up the shot glass and held it up to the camera. "It is your fault that you used the wrong side of that shot glass," Lando pointed out with a laugh. "These are double the amount of vodka that is supposed to be there."

Groaning, Oscar put his glass down and turned to face Lando. "Did you know that I was doing that?" Lando nodded, unrepentant. "And you didn't think to tell me? Lando!"

Lando just batted his eyes at Oscar, failing miserably at looking innocent.

Comments

lightsout6323
Lando is a menace.

4norrrrrris
And Oscar is head over heels for him.

mclarenduo481
You're right and you should say it.

The way Oscar blushes every time Lando talks to him makes my heart do funny things.

landoscarluv
I want whatever they have. If it is romantic or platonic, I don't care. I want an Oscar to my Lando.

pasta-tree81
They are going to be so drunk by the end of this.

Especially if they let Oscar make any more drinks.

McLaren88
I am so disappointed in McLaren.

Allowing their drivers to act like this on camera for views. It is disgraceful.

mclarenduo481
Oh god, you're back.

I thought you had given up but that was wishful thinking, wasn't it?

55carlando4
Is this the guy?

4norrrrrris
Yep.

Welcome to the no fun zone.

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

To no one's surprise, Lando drank the entire screwdriver Oscar made for him. Oscar, on the other hand, continued to sip at his drink, but was only halfway through his. "Lan, you still need to answer the question."

"Oh right, favorite track? Mine's COTA. There is something about that race that is just so much fun. I love the atmosphere and the fans. The track is fun to drive, and we get to eat good food after it." Lando's cheeks were getting pinker, and his voice a little louder. "I also like Silverstone, for obvious reasons. And Melbourne for obvious reasons too."

Oscar blinked at him, his cup freezing halfway to his mouth. "What are the obvious reasons for Melbourne?"

"You, you muppet. You're always so happy there. How could I not love a race that makes you that happy? Besides, Melbourne is basically a second home at this point." Lando paused, thinking hard about something. "Third home? How many places do we live?"

Letting out a heavy sigh, Oscar took a much larger gulp of his drink. "Three, Lando, unless there is another home I don't know about." He gave Lando a pointed look, but Lando didn't notice, too busy putting his now-empty glass with the ones from the first drink.

"What are your faves other than Spa? Because I know you love more than that."

Oscar continued to sip his drink, finally finishing it before he answered. "Honestly, the same as yours. I love the barbecue in Austin; I would gladly eat that every day. Melbourne, because it's home. And Silverstone because..." He thought for a second before continuing, "Silverstone for the same reason you like Melbourne. I didn't get to fully appreciate the Landostand last year."

"Yeah," Lando admitted. "We were too busy trying not to drown in our cars. Okay, so I think that answered that question. Time for another drink?"

Comments

mclarenduo481
They're dating. 100%

"How many places do WE live?" Each other's home race is their fave because it is the other's home race?

4norrrrrris
Yeah, it's confirmed.

pasta-tree81
But it isn't. I mean, they still haven't actually said anything.

We all believe it is true, but still no true confirmation.

I bet we get one before the end of this live. With how many drinks they're having, I think it's practically a guarantee.

McLaren88
I will be so disappointed in McLaren if their drivers are dating.

Not only are they immature and lack the competitive mindset one needs to be successful, but they'd be setting a terrible example for those coming up in the lower formulae.

Though they already are, with this ridiculous drinking video.

landoscarluv
You are literally the only person not enjoying it. So maybe shut up and get out.

No one is forcing you to watch it.

55carlando4
Seriously, what is wrong with that person?

@McLaren, can you kick him out? That isn't the right kind of attitude for someone to have.

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

Lando grabbed a card without pausing to consider, his bright grin still plastered on his face. Until he read the card, and his expression dropped to a scowl. "What is this? I didn't think these kinds of drinks would be in there?" He blinked at the camera. "Not that this one is bad. I sometimes order it on race weekends. But yeah, not exactly in line with the rest of the drinks."

Snatching the card from Lando's hand, Oscar asked, "What are you ordering on race weekends? We aren't supposed to be drinking before a race, Lando." He glanced down at the card and rolled his eyes. "Oh, got it. Yeah, I think we needed this one." Oscar held the card up to the camera. "This is a mocktail, no alcohol involved. Probably a good thing, because someone is going to start oversharing if we have another drink this soon."

"Oi, I am delightful, and you know it." Lando bumped his shoulder against Oscar's, grinning fondly at him. "But yeah, I probably will. You know me too well. And if we keep drinking without something in between, everyone else will know also."

When he handed the card back, Oscar's fingers brushed against Lando's in a subtle but meaningful touch. The two shared a look, with Lando's bright grin softening into something more intimate. "Alright, mate, you need to make this for us."

"Mate?" Lando asked with a smirk. "Not what you usually call me, but sure."

Oscar rolled his eyes, shaking his head with a rueful chuckle. "I didn't think I was allowed to call you a pain in the arse on camera, but alright, if you insist."

They both smirked at something off camera before Lando turned back to Oscar. "That was just rude. I expect that you would be nicer to me!"

"That's your fault for expecting things I never offered." They bickered, giggles punctuating every sentence. "Okay, I think they're annoyed. We should probably do this or this live is going to be four hours long."

Comments

landoscarluv
Please let it be four hours long

I could watch this all day every day

mclarenduo481
They are so funny

Do you think they are always like this? Or is the alcohol making everything more ridiculous.

LoganSarge ✅
They are like this all the time. Can confirm.

The alcohol is just making them gigglier. Which shouldn't be possible for Lando, but here we are.

55Carlando4
Hi Logan!

Do you think Oscar is drunk yet?

LoganSarge ✅
Yeah, he's just trying to hide it.

Lando is harder to tell. He definitely has a higher tolerance than Oscar does.

But that isn't saying much

Isack_Hadjar ✅
Wait, this is what McLaren gets to do?

Oracle_Red_Bull_Racing ✅
Don't get any ideas, Isack

No one tell Max

MaxVerstappen ✅
Too late.

This is the only type of media day video I will do from now on

Or sim racing

lestappen4eva
This is the greatest day of my life

Oracle_Red_Bull_Racing ✅
Max, no

Isack_Hadjar ✅
Max, yes

MaxVerstappen ✅
See, I knew I liked you

We have decided

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

On screen, Lando had his tongue between his lips, carefully measuring out everything needed for a Shirley Temple. Watching with a smile, Oscar shook his head. "Lan, this isn't rocket science. There's no alcohol. Just guess."

"Says the man who gave us double the vodka in our screwdrivers," Lando laughed, spilling the grenadine as he did so. Lando eventually poured the ingredients into the shaker. "This is going to be the best Shirley Temple you've ever had, Osc."

He chuckled and nodded. "I'm sure it is. Should we answer the question while you are shaking? Also, pretty sure the directions didn't call for shaking."

"It's for the aesthetic, Osco!"

"Right." Oscar looked back towards the camera, then down. "Um, Lan?" He glanced back up, looking into the camera. "You can't see it, but we have a computer here, so we can see the comments. There are some very familiar names here, Lando."

As he finished shaking and cracked the shaker to pour into the drinks, Lando didn't even glance at the screen. "Tell Logan he's wrong. I don't know what it's about, but he's wrong."

"It's not just Logan."

Frowning, Lando stepped over and looked at the screen. "MAX! What are you doing here?! Oh, you know things have gone to hell when Max Verstappen shows up."

Comments

MaxVerstappen ✅
The same can be said for you, Lando.

landoscarluv
This is hilarious

lestappen4eva
It's nice to see that you two really are friends

And that the rivalry is only on track

55Carlando4
Kind of like Lando and Oscar

lestappen4eva
Exactly!

MaxVerstappen ✅
The only thing similar between my relationship with Lando and Oscar's is that we both begrudgingly tolerate him.

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

"Max! That's just rude. Oscar more than tolerates me, and you know it."

"Stop arguing with Max and answer the next question, Lan." Oscar looked at the card, smirking a little. "Oh, this is a good one. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?"

Lando's eyebrows jumped at the question, clearly not expecting anything that deep. "Do we want to go with serious advice or funny advice? I feel like people give me advice all the time, even if I don't want it." Oscar nodded immediately before Lando continued. "For the best ever piece of advice I have ever been given, I'm not sure. I've gotten some really good ones, particularly from Jon, Will, Osc, and my family. As cliché as it is, the best advice is to just be myself. It's easy in this job to get caught up in the competition and the media focus. The fans expect a certain version of us, both on and off the track."

Pausing, Lando gestured at the screen. "Take Max as an example. He showed up, so now he gets to be a part of it. He is always Max. What you see is Max. But people often want him to soften his words, make people feel better about themselves, instead of just telling them what he thinks. Max doesn't change himself for anyone. Meanwhile, I get told to be more like Max, to be aggressive and no-nonsense. But that isn't who I am. When I won the championship last year, it was because I listened to the advice to be myself. If I tried to be Max, I wouldn't have felt as comfortable, and my performance would have suffered." He glanced at the camera, blinking as if only just remembering it was there. "Yeah, so that's the best advice I've ever been given."

Oscar smiled fondly at him the entire time Lando spoke. "That's good advice," he said simply, earning a grin from his teammate. "For me, I think the best advice I've ever been given came from Mark."

"Ah, yes, Mawk Webbah."

Glaring at Lando, Oscar waited until Lando was done, though Lando's smile never dimmed, apparently unconcerned with the death look he was getting from his teammate. Probably used to it.

"Anyway, yes, Mark. He is my manager for a reason, Lando."

Lando raised a brow, challenging. "Yes, to keep you from having to deal with teammates." It was clearly an ongoing topic between them, even Oscar fighting off a smile. "I'm the worst thing that ever happened to you, right, Osc?"

"You said 'best' thing wrong."

The camera caught Lando blushing bright pink, even through his tan, as he stared at Oscar.

"Oh, so that's how I make you stop talking. Good to know." Oscar looked back at the camera while Lando sputtered beside him. "So the advice Mark gave me is similar to the advice Lando was talking about. His advice was to ignore what people are saying about me. The media can call me Iceman. Fans might think I hate my team. They can publish weird thinkpieces about my personal life. I can't do anything to change how people talk about me. I can only change how it affects me."

Comments

waiting-for-George-WDC
They both got really good advice

mclarenduo481
It's probably why they're such a good team

If they're being themselves and ignoring what people say about them, is there anyone who can stop this team?

lestappen4eva
Only each other

waiting-for-George-WDC
And Mercedes

mclarenduo481
Let's talk again after Miami

landoscarluv
So are we all just ignoring the fact that Oscar said that Lando is the best thing that ever happened to him?

4norrrrrris
For my sanity, yes, I am ignoring that

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

Lando stared at Oscar, the shaker in his hand forgotten. "You've told me things like that before," he mumbled, the camera only barely picking it up.

He smiled as Oscar bumped his shoulder against his. "Where do you think I learned it from?"

The two shared a moment, Lando visibly leaning on Oscar before he remembered what he had been doing. "Oh! Our drinks!" Handing one to Oscar, Lando held his up to toast. "Halfway through the live, baby!"

Oscar laughed as he took a sip. "This is actually pretty good, Lan."

"You don't need to sound so surprised. I know what I'm doing."

Finishing his drink, Oscar set down his glass and looked over at his teammate. "I'm aware, Lo.. Lan. I'm just impressed you did it without even looking at the recipe, that's all."

"Oh, that's okay, then." His cheeks were pink, whether from the alcohol or from Oscar remained unseen. "Want to draw the next card?" He fanned out the cards, waving them in Oscar's direction. "It's your turn."

With a heavy sigh, Oscar drew a card and then groaned immediately upon reading the cocktail. "Oh no. This one is too hard. I don't want to use the blender."

Laughing, Lando plucked the card from his fingers. "Okay, one, you make smoothies every Saturday morning, so you know how to use the blender, don't give me that. And two, this one isn't actually blended if you don't want it to be. Traditionally, it isn't."

Rather than waiting for Oscar to start picking out the bottles he needed, Lando grabbed two bottles and then several limes from a basket. "You can do this, Osco. I believe in you." He paused, then added, "But be careful with the measurements. Too much tequila and we won't be finishing this live."

Oscar ran his hand through his hair, looking at the bottles in front of him, over at his teammate, and then back at the camera, but there was no one to save him. "Will you at least help me with the shaking? I feel like I'm going to spill it everywhere."

"Of course, darling. Now, make us some margaritas."

He rolled his eyes, but started to measure everything out carefully. Oscar seemed to heed Lando's warning about the tequila. While he worked on that, Lando read the next question. "What does your perfect Sunday without a race look like? Ooh, that's a good one. Do you want to answer this one or should I?"

Oscar finished putting everything into the shaker, even squeezing the limes for fresh juice. "I'll do it. You shake this." He shoved the cocktail shaker at Lando and turned back to the camera.

"A perfect Sunday in general would be a race at one of those tracks that we mentioned earlier, with a McLaren 1-2 and all of our friends and family there. But for a non-race weekend, it would probably be sleeping in, because we really can't do that during race weekends. After that, the bakery for pastries and hot chocolate. Then, either going out for a drive or lounging on the couch watching movies. Basically just spending the day without having to be Formula 1 drivers. We love our jobs, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it's nice just to be Oscar and Lando."

Lando went to pour the drinks into the glasses, but paused. "You need to put salt on the glass first, Osco."

"Why do we need the salt? That sounds awful."

Rolling his eyes, Lando huffed. "Because it is traditional. And the salt makes the sweet and sour flavors come out more."

Instead of arguing, Oscar just shrugged and did what he was told. The salt barely stuck to the rim of the glass, but it was the thought that counted. "Alright, let's try this."

They both sipped the drink, Oscar grimacing at first before he paused. He took another sip, and his eyebrows jumped. "Actually, that's really good. I didn't think I'd like that."

"Have you never had a margarita before?" Lando looked shocked, staring at Oscar in disbelief. "I know we have made margaritas in the past."

"Yes," Oscar conceded, "but they are usually strawberry-flavored and blended. I didn't think I'd like this type. But I do. We should make this on our next Sunday without a race."

Lando nodded eagerly, finishing his drink in three large gulps. "You left that part out of our perfect Sunday. We try to cook dinner, but it almost always fails because we get distracted. So then we order in and make some sort of fun drink. I love those Sundays where it's just us."

With a sigh, Oscar nodded. He smiled softly at Lando. "Those are my favorite Sundays, too."

Comments

4norrrrrris
So is that the confirmation we are looking for?

pasta-tree81
Yes and no.

mclarenduo481
Definitely not a secret anymore.

Private, but not secret.

lestappen4eva
Look how happy they are.

pasta-tree81
Look how happy Oscar is. I would die if anyone looked at me the way he looks at Lando.

4norrrrrris
Same.

landoscarluv
I love them so much.

And they love each other so much.

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

The two of them fell quiet for a moment, both of them reading the comments on the screen. They shared a look. With a small shrug, Lando bumped his shoulder against Oscar's. Neither said a thing about what they were reading, eventually turning back to the stack of cards in front of them.

"One more drink, Lan. You pick. Whatever you want."

Lando looked through the cards, reading each drink before settling on one. "Ah, perfect," Lando grinned. "Since Max decided to show up in the comments, we'll make this for him. But we get to drink it. Sorry, Max." Lando did not look the least bit sorry.

He held up the card to the camera. "We're making an easy one for the last one, mostly because I think we're both buzzed, and if we have to do anything complicated, it's going to be an utter disaster."

"And while we know you all like watching us be utter disasters, this season has been disaster enough for us. So we'll stick with the easy drink. Which is?" Oscar took the card from Lando's hand. "Oh, yeah, gin and tonic makes sense with the whole Max comment. You know, I'm not sure I have ever tried one before."

Lando grabbed the two bottles they would need. "Really? It's not my favorite, but not terrible. I have an opinion of what they taste like, but I want you to try it first." He winked at his teammate and started to measure out the gin. "What's the question for this one?"

Humming, Oscar flipped the card over. "Um, what is your favorite holiday memory from the last year? Oh, that's a tricky one."

"Why tricky?"

Oscar just stared at Lando, whose brow furrowed for a moment before realization dawned on him. "Oh, yeah. Hmmm, maybe a second favorite holiday memory from the last year?"

Comments

pasta-tree81
What are they talking about?

What holiday memory are they so worried about sharing?

waiting-for-George-WDC
Logan, Max do you know what they are talking about?

MaxVerstappen ✅
Yes

LoganSarge ✅
Yes

waiting-for-George-WDC
And.....?

LoganSarge ✅
Not our story to tell. If they share, that is on them.

pasta-tree81
I bet they started dating this year.

Probably Valentine's Day.

mclarenduo481
It would make sense with the timeline.

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

Back on screen, Lando was adding the tonic water to both glasses. "So, second favorite holiday memory this year? New Year's was pretty great. Went out with a bunch of friends and celebrated together."

"And by 'went out' what he means is that we rented a yacht and spent the entire night out on the water under the stars." Oscar took the glass from Lando's hand when Lando looked at him in shock. "What? You should be specific."

Lando's mouth open and shut a few times before he finally shook his head. "You're unbelievable. How drunk are you, Osco?"

"Probably drunker than I should be on camera, that's for sure. But that is their fault." He pointed behind the counter, grinning in an easy way the fans rarely got to see. "One more drink, Lan. You think I'm going to like this one?"

Lando recovered as quickly as he could in his inebriated state, and shrugged at Oscar. "Really hard to tell. People either love it or hate it. Max obviously loves it." Glancing at the screen in front of them, Lando rolled his eyes. "Max says because it's the best. I disagree but when do Max and I agree on anything?"

"You two agree on a lot, actually. I think you both just like to be stubborn in front of the cameras. It's what we all love about you."

Eyes widening, Lando nudged Oscar's hand. "Drink that and stop talking, love."

Oscar's smile spread across his face in response to Lando's words. He took a sip, wincing almost immediately. "It tastes like a Christmas tree. People drink that willingly?"

Unable to hold back his giggles, Lando set his own drink down before folding in half, laughing at Oscar's description. "You aren't wrong. It is very...plant-y."

"Planty? Is that a word?"

"It is now."

Comments

landoscarluv
They're dating.

mclarenduo481
Forget that, they're married.

waiting-for-George-WD
Forget that, they're in a thropple with Max.

MaxVerstappen ✅
OH NO THEY ARE NOT

DON'T EVEN SUGGEST SUCH A HORRIFYING THING

Oracle_Red_Bull_Racing ✅
Max, we have talked about this.

MaxVerstappen ✅
You have talked. I'm choosing not to listen.

Isack_Hadjar ✅
I'm pretty sure I would have known if that was the case.

Neither of the McLarens ever come around Red Bull.

Like, ever, as far as I can tell.

Oracle_Red_Bull_Racing ✅
Isack, we have talked about this too.

Why do we even bother having meetings?

MaxVerstappen ✅
That is what I've been saying.

Oracle_Red_Bull_Racing ✅
Max, no.

MaxVerstappen ✅
MAX, YES

McLaren ✅
< Live Now >

"Alright, it seems that chaos has broken out in the comment section because someone suggested that we...." Flinching back as if burned, Lando yelped. "Oh god, no. Max is right. And I never say that."

"On camera."

Lando sighed and shook his head. "Fine, I never say that on camera. But yeah, I promise that is NOT the truth, and never will be. Max, you're a lovely bloke, but no." He sighed and took a sip of his own drink for the first time. He scowled. "It really does taste like a Christmas tree. It's not terrible. Just very... evergreen."

Next to him, Oscar started singing the words to Oh Tannenbaum softly under his breath.

"Oh god, he's singing. This has been the best and worst idea ever." Lando turned back to the camera, moving just a little so he was standing in front of Oscar, pushing his teammate back a bit. "Alright, so McLaren PR is going to have a field day with this one, but they can talk to Marketing and together they can all work it out together. Until then, we're going to sign off, and I'm going to make this one drink some water and take some paracetamol so he doesn't wake up hungover in the morning."

Lando waved at the camera, and Oscar waved over his shoulder in the same general area. "Thanks for watching. This really is the last one. For real this time."

"Probably," Oscar added just as the camera went dark.

Comments

mclarenduo481
What was that?

pasta-tree81
I can't believe McLaren allowed that

I can't believe Lando and Oscar agreed to it

landoscarluv
Do they know that Lando just called Oscar "love" on camera?

mclarenduo481
Maybe? I think Lando is almost as drunk as Oscar is, so who knows if either of them knew what they were saying.

pasta-tree81
Do you think there were other people on their romantic boat ride under the stars for New Year's or do you think it was just them?

landoscarluv
Probably just them, staring out at the lights of Monaco, being happily in love

55Carlando4
I really doubt they are in love

Infatuation, maybe

I just don't see love

mclarenduo481
Then you must be blind

landoscarluv
If anyone looked at me the way those two look at each other, I would propose on the spot.

pasta-tree81
Remember when they were both wearing rings right after the championship, in that last live?

You don't think....?

landoscarluv
OH MY GOD

I WANT ANSWERS

mclarenduo481
I think we got our answers.

4norrrrrris
Who knew that drunk Landoscar would be the answer to most of our questions?

waiting-for-George-WDC
I think we all could have guessed that would be the case. We just didn't think we'd actually get drunk Landoscar

McLaren88
This team is an embarrassment. Maybe they should focus on beating Mercedes rather than appealing to new, uninformed fans.

mclarenduo481
Maybe you should learn to enjoy when they give us nice things.

"Osco, I need you to drink some water, right now," Lando said, unable to stop laughing the moment the cameras turned off. "You are going to regret this so much tomorrow."

With a sigh, Oscar sat on the ground in the middle of the kitchen, not even bothering to find a chair. "I already do. This was a bad idea."

Lando sat as well, facing his fiancée and taking Oscar's hands in his own. "Okay, so we probably aren't going to fool anyone anymore, and you are going to have one hell of a hangover, but I don't think it's that bad."

They both forgot that the Marketing team was still standing there, awkwardly trying to clean up around the drivers who had decided to just sit in everyone's way. "It might be bad, Lando. Apparently, you called me love. I didn't even think about it because I'm drunk and you call me that a lot, and I forgot we were on camera. Oh god, what else did we say and do?"

"One, Osc, you are not that drunk. You saw me after the championship. That was drunk. This is just tipsy. Though, for you, you're definitely still going to have a hangover. I knew that the moment you started singing."

He chuckled as Oscar's head fell forward, groaning in defeat. "How much damage control will we need to do?" Lando didn't think they'd done anything too out of control, nothing that they would need to apologize for. But they did make the team's life more difficult.

Though this whole thing was their idea, so Lando didn't feel bad for them.

"Osc, love, I think we should get off the floor." He glanced up at the marketing team. "We'll get out of your way in just a minute."

They just waved him off. They were well used to the two McLaren drivers just having a moment in the middle of everyone's way. It happened far more often than either Lando or Oscar ever noticed.

Lando stood, helping Oscar to his feet as well. Tugging on his hand, it took a minute for Lando to get his stubborn lover moving. Oscar stood like a statue. "Osco, move your feet," Lando laughed. He tugged harder, leaning back to use some of his weight. It worked, pulling Oscar off balance and into his arms. "Well, that worked. Come on, you muppet."

Now that he was finally moving, Oscar followed obediently, holding onto Lando's hand tightly, as if he was the only thing keeping him firmly on planet Earth. With a gentle push, Lando shoved him onto the couch and then climbed onto his lap, determined to enjoy this version of his fiancée that he rarely got to see.

Oscar's arms wrapped around Lando immediately, holding him close. "Why did we agree to that again?"

"You ask that every time." Settling on Oscar's thighs, Lando reached up to cup Oscar's face gently. "Because for some reason, we love the team, and we love our fans, and we'll put ourselves through a lot in order to keep them both happy."

"I don't love the team that much," Oscar grumbled, leaning his face into Lando's hands.

All Lando could do was laugh, then kiss the petulant look off Oscar's face. "Love, you wouldn't still be here if you didn't." The things McLaren asked of them were far beyond what most teams required of their drivers. And they both knew that if they wanted, they both could find a seat somewhere else in a heartbeat.

But they stayed because they believed in the team and in each other.

"I guess," Oscar grumbled, but Lando could see him fighting against a smile. "I tolerate them"

"Whatever you say, darling."

Lando stayed where he was, carding his hands through Oscar's hair and watching as the other man relaxed more and more into the sofa. He smiled as Oscar's breathing started to slow and even out, the combination of Lando's gentle touch and more alcohol than he'd drunk in years putting him to sleep despite the team around them working to clean up.

One of the team members approached, and Lando looked over at them, silently warning them against waking his teammate. "Are you two going to address this with the fans now?" they asked, gesturing between the two drivers. "I don't think we have much plausible deniability left after that."

"Yeah, we'll figure something out. And we'll warn you before we do anything." Lando had some ideas, but he didn't want to make any decisions without Oscar's input.

The team seemed to accept that it was the best they were going to get. With a quiet wave, they let themselves out, letting the flat fall back into the silence that indicated they were the only ones there.

Lando rarely got the chance to just look at Oscar, without the other squirming under the attention. Asleep like this, he looked even younger; the pressures that came from being a driver no longer evident on his features. Lando brushed his hair back, unable to resist the temptation to kiss his forehead, his cheek, his nose.

Slowly, Oscar started to stir, not quite waking but not as restful either.

"I adore you," Lando whispered into the room. He had no idea that when Oscar joined the team, it would lead to this. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect that the shy rookie would be his soulmate, his match. It took some time, the two of them dancing around one another, but once they realized that what they felt was real, neither had looked back.

It had survived the championship fight. It had survived the media scrutiny. It had survived the team's concern and disbelief when they learned that their two drivers were in a romantic relationship.

This thing between them had survived so much that Lando knew without a doubt that they could withstand anything.

Even publicly coming out.

"I adore you too," Oscar muttered, his eyes fluttering open. A soft smile tugged at his lips. How could one person be so sweet and soft off the track and so ruthless on it? Lando didn't understand, but he would never, ever complain.

He grinned at Oscar. "Hi."

"Hi, my love," Oscar replied, his hands gripping Lando's hips a little. "Did they leave?"

Nodding, Lando let himself collapse onto Oscar, tucking his face against his neck. "Yep. Just us now." Lando greedily took the comfort offered by Oscar and his embrace. It made it easier to say what came next. "They said we could come out. Officially. If we wanted to. They just want a warning first." Lando found that he wanted to. No more hiding. No more double entendres. Just the two of them as they actually were.

Years ago, he didn't think he would ever feel comfortable sharing that part of himself with the world. When he and Oscar found one another, Lando became even more protective of their privacy. These live videos had tested how far they would and could go to hide it.

Now, hiding just felt unnecessary. The world would accept them or it wouldn't, but Lando no longer cared. He had everything he had ever wanted in life. A world championship and a man he loved more than anything in the world. He got to race cars with the love of his life.

Why wouldn't Lando want to share that with the world?

Oscar tilted his head, his sleepy eyes taking in Lando's face. "Do you want to?"

Normally, Lando would defer and get Oscar's opinion first. Oscar's opinion was the only thing that mattered to Lando 99% of the time.

But this time, Lando answered immediately. "Yes." He took in Oscar's surprised face and backtracked a little. "Only if you want to, Osc. Whatever you are comfortable with. But..." How to explain this? "I hate having to hide you. I hate the fans thinking they have a chance with you. I hate the tabloids all guessing at our relationships with other people. I want to shout from the rooftops that you love me. It feels like a miracle, even now."

Oscar stayed quiet, the silence dragging between them, no longer comforting. It felt smothering, oppressive. Lando searched for words to fix whatever problem he'd just caused.

"You..." Oscar started, then immediately shook his head. "It feels miraculous that I love you? Lando, loving you is the easiest thing in the world. It isn't a miracle. It is simply a fact. I would always love you. In every world, in every life. But you loving me? That is the miracle."

Lando was already shaking his head, wanting to disagree, but Oscar continued. "I know what you are going to say. But it doesn't change the fact that I idolized you long before I knew you. And now, I fall asleep holding you every night. If you had told me six years ago that Lando Norris would say yes to me when I asked for his hand in marriage, I would have called you crazy."

"It's not crazy. Because you said yes to me, too. And I will be grateful for that every day for the rest of our lives." Lando couldn't stand it any longer, leaning in to kiss Oscar with every bit of love he felt for him. His love still tasted like the gin and tonic, a little sweet from the shirley temple, and underneath it all, the taste of the man he would do anything for.

Trading kisses for a few minutes, eventually Lando pulled back, looking at the love of his life. "So, what do you think, Osc? Should we come out?"

Oscar didn't hesitate, nodding almost immediately. "Yes. Let's do it. Do you have an idea?"

"I have two ideas," Lando said with a grin. "Do we want to be traditional or do we want to be dramatic?"

His lover knew him too well. Oscar chuckled, shaking his head. "Whatever you want, Lan. Which means, tell me the dramatic idea."

"Can you just trust me? You'll know when it happens."

Oscar just rolled his eyes. Trusting him on the team and in the relationship.

Lando didn't think he could love him any more than he already did.

Lando had a moment planned. But the conditions had to be perfect. With the way the season was going, he didn't think the conditions would happen so quickly, but the moment he crossed the line in Miami in P2 and heard that Oscar was right behind him, Lando knew.

Giving a nod to the PR team, the only warning they would get, Lando headed for the cooldown room and the podium.

He grinned at his teammate as he stepped onto the podium. Oscar narrowed his eyes, immediately suspicious. They listened to the Italian and Austrian national anthems again, and then the moment arrived.

He'd known what he wanted to do, but as he watched Oscar fight the streamers, Lando knew he would never get a moment as good as this.

As soon as the champagne was gone, Lando stepped up to his teammate, who was so concerned about the confetti that he didn't see Lando approach. Lando stepped up to him, grabbed the streamers still tangled around, and kissed Oscar right there in front of everyone.

Distantly, he could hear the gasps and the cheers, Kimi's laughter, and the cheer of the Mercedes team member up there with them. But what mattered most was Oscar staring at him, eyes shining as his hands settled on Lando's hips, keeping him close. "Well, you said you wanted to be dramatic."

"I don't think there's any question now," Lando answered, grinning at Oscar.

Oscar didn't say another thing, just pulled Lando in and kissed him once more. A kiss that answered every question and said everything they wanted to say. Live.

LandoN4✅ and OscarPiastri ✅
Which sounds better? Norris-Piastri or Piastri-Norris? We can’t decide.