Archive of Our Own ^beta

When you're an F2 driver, no one gives you enough attention to actually ask your secondary gender or your favorite color. It's not like it's public knowledge, but when you enter Formula 1, they'd be showered with indiscreet questions, including revealing Bortoleto's favorite thing to do in his nests, his comfort foods, and his training songs.

But before the whole world found out that the Brazilian was an omega, Hadjar already knew; the alpha was sure from the first moment they met. It wasn't the smell that was blocked by kilos of fake pheromones or even Gabriel's simple lips that caught his eye, but rather his incredible personality, his always attentive and smiling manner. The alpha melted right away; he felt like he was finally about to experience a romance.

Some things a person in love would normally do is court, that is, buy all their favorite things, arrange dates, exchange messages, and occasionally hug. But what this lover did was create a title fight with the omega he wanted to impress. Of course, all drivers who win races like to show off to their future teammates, but when one driver falls in love with another, things can get a little tense.

1 - Monza - July 2024

P2 in qualifying, that's great for the main race, his eyes shining with the sudden sweat that was running down his forehead and burning. Good job. Hadjar listened to his engineer talking on the radio, fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Outside the car, taking off his balaclava, he firmly shakes the hand of today's pole position, Zane Maloney, with his impeccable smile, as he was swallowed by the arms of the Rodin engineers and mechanics.

_ You're going to keep your lead in the championship, qualifying helped you a lot. - Paul Aron laughs as he steps on the scale, helmet in hand and an ironic smile.

_ What? Yes, P2 is great… - Hadjar answers looking for the yellow car around him, the car that is always close to him.

_ Bortoleto couldn't make it back, he'll start in last position. - Aron answers, swallowing half of the water from his plastic bottle that was sweaty from the daytime exposure - But don't forget, I'm still alive in the championship, okay? - He laughs and walks away, leaving the alpha alone.

His driver side was happy to qualify ahead of his main rival, but his alpha side felt bad and worried about what might have happened. Watching the replays he understood, the Brazilian spun in sector 2 and ended up in the gravel, with no chance of returning to qualifying. The fight for the championship is further away. He needs to do something to try to make the omega happy, but it's not easy when you're the main rival and especially an alpha who doesn't look anything like an alpha: tall, wide, hairy arms and a deep voice. Exactly the opposite of Hadjar.

Although the omega didn't look much like one either, Gabriel was long-boned, tall, thin, with skin with few freckles and thin hips. Isack found him as perfect as any other omega, no other caught his attention as strongly.

Following his instincts, he finds the driver talking to some McLaren stewards, their orange uniforms shining in the sun and reflecting on Gabriel's slightly dark skin. Isack gives a silly smile as he gently approaches. Their eyes meet for a split second, he looks up, looking for a gap to talk. Gabriel finds it strange, but says goodbye to the men and turns to the Frenchman, eyes shining and mouth dry.

_ Hi, can I have your number? - Isack wants to self-harm, that was not at all what he had rehearsed to say. - stupid! stupid! stupid! stupid! - he internally yells, but still holds out the cellphone to Gabriel.

_ Hm? What? You have my number Hadjar. - Gabriel rolls his eyes, stressed, as expected, if he didn't have stickers stuck to his glands you would definitely be able to smell the irritation.

Bortoleto roughly snatched the phone from Isack's hands, scrolling through the apps and showing that he was also there in the drivers' WhatsApp group. With strange speed, he saved the contact and returned the phone. Hadjar promptly smiled and began to search his gallery to forward the video he wanted. Gabriel raised an eyebrow.

_ What is this? - Gabriel asks when he receives the almost two-minute video on his phone, an onboard footage, the halo with HADJAR written in large letters.

_ It's confidential, but it's the onboard of my lap today, I got P2. - Hadjar says smiling, his eyes seeking approval from Gabriel, who lets out an ironic laugh.

_ Are you kidding me? - Gabriel asks aggressively, handing the phone back to Isack and automatically starting to walk away.

_No, no! - Isack is confused and desperate. - I thought you might like to analyze sector 2 and see how you can improve for the race and…

Like an angel sent from heaven, Josep appears and hugs the Frenchman by the neck, who tries to quickly release himself and go back to talking to Gabriel.

_Hey Gabi! I need this guy here for a while, okay? See you later! - Pepe greets Gabriel with his charming smile, almost strangling Hadjar and dragging him away.

The Brazilian just snorts and rolls his eyes, taking advantage of the opportunity to leave with long and furious strides. - Who does he think he is? What kind of bad joke is this? - Gabriel asks himself, still irritated by Isack’s seemingly weird behavior.

_Dude! What the hell was that, man? - Martí says after dragging the other irritated driver for a few meters and shoving him into the Red Bull paddock kitchen.

_I just wanted to help!

_Are you stupid? How would you feel if I came to you with a video of my lap and said: ‘’Look here how it’s done, you idiot’’? - Pepe makes air quotes with his hands, laughing ironically.

_That’s not what I said. - the Frenchman says, thoughtfully, ok maybe he screwed up, but he really thought it was a good idea. - Besides, you’re a beta, you wouldn’t do that for me.

_ What the fuck does the fact that I'm a beta have to do with this? - Pepe asked, his mind like an old engine starting up, his expressions changing from confused, to surprised, to excited. - ARE YOU TRYING TO COURT HIM?

_ Don't scream, you idiot! - Hadjar jumps in fright, his hands flying at Pepe who dodges and runs away jumping, laughing and smiling - And yes, I am...

_ Oh, how incredible!!! - Pepe doesn't stop screaming, too excited. - But he's an alpha, right?

_ No, he's clearly an omega. - Isack rolls his shoulders - I can, you know, smell it.

_ His scent? I thought you used blockers all the time

_No, I don't need to, I just know. - the alpha says with his eyes shining, his hands clasped around his chest, romantically cute, Pepe gets more excited

_Then you need to give him a real gift!

That night, Hadjar leaves a box with two chocolate cupcakes decorated with little stars and a little letter at the door of Gabriel's motorhome.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, please accept this gift, and good luck tomorrow! :) Isack”

He shouldn't break his diet, but he eats both without blinking, smiling happily, feeling the sweet filling his mouth. The next day, during the race, he defeated everyone and won. The first Formula 2 driver to go from last place to first.

Almost late in the afternoon after the Formula 1 race, Hadjar's phone vibrates.

Gabriel Bortoleto: Thank you :D you brought me luck! The onboard too, great lap mate!

2 - Milan - November 2024

Gabriel is surprised at home, the doorbell rings several times in the morning, he wakes up still shirtless, regretting it immediately when he feels the cold hitting his chest. When the delivery man leaves, he carefully examines the gift he received. It is a plant, a Brazilian boldo, a small seedling with only 4 small leaves and 6 medium leaves, pruned in half and planted in a cute white pot with little dots drawn on the plaster. Before his mind asks who sent it, he decides to read the note that came with it, a digital letter, probably written by the owners of the flower shop.

I researched this rare plant on the internet, they say that their tea is good for omegas during the cold, it is November, and well, it is green like your team, congratulations on the new job! <3 Isack Hadjar.
_ Rare? That's boldo, at my grandmother's house there were thousands of leaves of it, running around the yard and climbing the walls. - he laughs to himself, silly, delighted even more than he should be with the cute gesture, but his mind immediately goes into conflict.

He takes his cell phone and opens FaceTime, searches through his contacts and dials without thinking, it rings for about 30 seconds, he thinks about giving up. When Hadjar answers, he automatically blushes, stares at Gabriel's sleepy face, cheeks marked by the pillow, wild hair and the collarbone highlighted by the wide bones, the impeccably tanned skin.

_ How did you know? - Gabriel tries to control his voice, slightly drunk from sleep and the feeling of receiving such a thoughtful gift.

_ Hm? Gabriel? - the alpha asks, confused - did he like the gift? Did he not like the gift? - Isack wonders to himself.

_ How did you know I'm an omega? - Gabriel asked.

_ I… I just felt. - Isack responded, quietly, almost whispering.

_ My scent? Fuck, I use blockers all the time… they’re not working so?

_No, no… I didn’t smell you, I just… you’re too handsome to be an alpha, and my body kind of recognizes you…

What? What the hell is this? Does my body recognize you? Wait, did I just admit that I think he’s handsome?

_Huh? Oh… yes! - Gabriel coughs and almost drops his phone, the camera for a split second showing his entire chest and abdomen with small hairs, once again Hadjar shivering completely.

_ Sorry, I shouldn’t have intruded… - Isack laments while trying to keep his composure after what he saw.

_ No, I mean, yes, I, I, I-I loved it, thank you so much, that was so thoughtful… - Gabriel awkwardly responds.

_ You’re welcome!

The omega hangs up the call, his fingers shaking with anxiety, he laughs to himself. Does Isack think I’m handsome? He asks himself as he smooths the plush leaves of the boldo, ready to make some tea and warm up.

3 - Yas Marina - December 2024

Pepe won the Sprint. A blue sea swallows the beta, hitting his body with excitement and throwing him up. Champagne is swallowed by his clothes and he screams happily. But the celebration at Campos Racing ends quickly when Hadjar is called for a briefing where they point out all his smallest mistakes and how this will cost him the championship. In fact, it is already costing him, tomorrow is the last race and Bortoleto remains five solid points ahead, his last races were impeccable, while Isack's races were tense, to say the least.

The alpha walked rudely through the paddock, ignoring all the other drivers who tried to get close to him. His blocking sticker, stuck right on his collarbone, was bothering him a lot, his nails were already full of dead skin and his teeth were clenching his lips inside. He was so stressed and disappointed with his performance that he couldn't think of anything else. He was going to lose the championship, and he was going to lose to the omega he was in love with.

_ Shit Hadjar, you're an alpha? Who would have thought - the Indian driver Maini says, wrinkling his nose, speaking louder than he should and with a smile on his face, Gabriel standing still next to him, his face unreadable.

_ Hm? Yeah, why? Is there a problem? - the alpha answers growling, his teeth showing like never before, Gabriel widens his eyes.

_ Hey, calm down, mate, it's just that you can smell it from far away. - Kush says, then Hadjar gets scared, he smells his own smell in his gland and wrinkles his nose, strong, irritated. Disgusting.

Then Hadjar pretends to be indifferent and shrugs his shoulders. With long and quick steps he reaches the common area where there are bathrooms equipped, probably with odor blockers and thousands of personalized stickers. He sneaks through the doors and locks himself, searches hard in the small cabinet under the sink, until he finds a small bottle of blockers half full, they're not as good as stickers but they should do the trick. Just as he's about to turn everything around on his neck, a knock on the door startles him.

_It's busy! - he shouts.

_Hey, it's me... are you okay? - Gabriel asks from the other side, his deep, emotionless voice goes through the wood and touches the Frenchman's heart directly, his scent automatically becoming sweeter. 
He opens the door with reservation, fingers turning the handle and eyes meeting. - Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. - he repeats, internally.

_ Hi, are you okay? - Gabriel says reluctantly, his expression still confident, but with a bit of concern between his eyebrows.

_ Yes, yes, I just…smell like shit. I need to block myself urgently, sorry to make you feel this, it's horrible. - the alpha pushes his words out, too fast and meaningless.

_ Hey, it's not horrible, I like your smell, especially now. - the omega answers shyly, his usual smile showing his gums and perfectly aligned teeth.

_ You don't have to lie to me. - Hadjar answers restlessly, his sad but firm eyes staring at the other driver.

_ I'm not lying, I like it, I like it a lot. - Gabriel answers without thinking, his own smell would be strong now if it weren't for the stickers stuck all over his torso.

As the slightly unintelligent alpha that Isack was, he blinks twice and his brain spins some ideas, the first and stupidest one that comes to mind he does. In a quick act he rubs his wrists on his shirt and takes it over his head, making sure that all his sweat is deposited on the thin layer of polyester, he smells it and hands it to Gabriel who is scared and static.

_ What the hell are you doing? - the Brazilian asks with a confused and slightly irritated voice, nothing goes through his head as to why Isack would be doing this.

_ It's for you...

_ Why would I want your shirt?

Hadjar's brain freezes the moment he thinks it's a super stupid idea, he doesn't even know if Gabriel really makes nests, or if he would like to have a scented piece of him there, or if he at least feels something for the alpha. Everything was perfectly going wrong. But instead of apologizing, his stupid brain keeps talking.

_ For your nest, if you want. - he says timidly, his arm still extended towards Gabriel who is open-mouthed.

_ Hm? - Gabriel answers and his expression closes in anger. - At what point did I give you the idea that I wanted something of yours for my nest? - Well, at least he confirmed that he makes nests.

_ I, I-I… - the alpha stutters, his face turning red and pale at the same time, as if it were humanly possible.

_ That was disrespectful. - Gabriel almost shouts, his expression closed and threatening, he almost growls.

Gabriel slams the door shut in Hadjar's face. The thud of the door startles the alpha, who continues with his mental self-flagellation, wondering how incompetent he could be, both in his love life and in the Formula 2 championship.

With a start, he feels the door open again. Once again, Bortoleto appears with a frown on his face. The omega roughly pulls the sweaty shirt from Hadjar's hands. Hadjar can't say a word, just watches the door slam shut again. He smiles dazedly to himself.

No one questions it when they see Gabriel running to his motorhome with a blue shirt that is completely different from his uniform color in his hands. Martí answers a strange call from Hadjar asking him to bring him a shirt from the bathroom in the common area.

The Brazilian sleeps wrapped in the smell of the shirt and almost wins the next day. The Frenchman loses the start and doesn't recover positions. Bortoleto wins the championship and is interviewed by all the local reporters. He waves the Brazilian flag to all the lakes and his wide smile charms everyone around him. Not even the envy and disappointment of losing the championship can take away Hadjar's smile when he remembers that a piece of his clothing is in the omega's nest.

4 - Paris - Pre-season photos - February 2025

Paris is the city of love and Hadjar was excited for the start of the season. In January he received an important message from Gabriel congratulating him on his entry into Formula 1 and he wanted to return the favor. He walked through the familiar streets of the city and thought meticulously about what to do on Thursday, on photo day, when he would finally see his omega for the first time this year. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to be able to race alongside him again next year.

The Frenchman's heart seemed to explode, his tongue rolling between his teeth quickly as he swallowed and chewed over the words he wanted to say. His fingers tightly wrapped around a small bracelet, small gold-plated rings, delicate and strong, a gift of good luck, or a gift of confession of feelings, anything that Isack's confused and troubled mind could feel.

He can imagine Bortoleto's genuine and unique smile when he receives the gift, fingers curling around the thin metal, he would extend his wrist and receive the lock around his skin, it would be the perfect moment for a chaste and simple kiss on the gland of his arm, then they would look at each other and smiles would be exchanged, short steps would be enough to unite lips and a courtship pact would be sealed.

Then the Sauber team arrives and all the air escapes from the alpha's lungs. Dressed in black and green, Gabriel's skin shone against the lights, beautiful as a spring with drizzle, eyes the color of new wood highlighted by the strong white spotlights of the film studio. The alpha Nico led him slowly, thin fingers touching the omega's back and making Hadjar's stomach have thousands of butterflies flying, he didn't know if it was jealousy, or fear of losing something he didn't even have. Everyone hugged and smiled at the young Brazilian who paraded all his beauty.

He slowly walked towards the omega, trying to avoid the conversations shared between the 19 drivers and thanking all the attention that the driver in red caused. When he saw Gabriel's broad and tall back, the alpha reluctantly extended his free hand, missing a few centimeters. Maybe it was too bold to imagine that a perfect omega, winner, champion, handsome, would be free and willing to receive such a simple courtship gift from the driver of the mid-grid team.

_Wow, what is this Gabi?! - Oliver shouts, pulling Gabriel's hand hard, the movement made the omega go forward so Isack's hand just slid through the air, hitting back on his own thigh, humiliating.

_ Hey! Is that a ring? - Kimi now with an inviting smile on his face, raises his eyebrows. - A courtship ring? Is it a courtship gift?

The omega Bearman and the alpha Antonelli laughed, looking at Bortoleto with an amused face, who swallowed a large amount of saliva before starting to answer. The words didn't reach Isack's ears, the whole atmosphere becoming too heavy to breathe.

_ Who's the lucky alpha? I bet it's a strong guy who can tame you, or a very beautiful and tall alpha? - Oliver jokes and says these words as if they were nothing, hitting his elbow lightly on Gabriel's stomach, but the blow hits the Frenchman right away. Isack feels his eyes start to waver with small tears forming.

The Racing Bulls driver feels the small knots of the golden chain sinking between his hands, forming small circles on his palms and hurting his nails, his fists clenched. In his mouth, the fangs began to press hard on his lower lip, his body heating up and his lungs unable to breathe deeply. Gabriel feels that strange sensation when someone is watching you, he turns around and finds the alpha's black eyes open and his face closed.

_Hm? Oh! Hi Isack! Good to see you! - Gabriel's smile fills Isack's vision, but it's not enough to make him smile back, he just wants to cry and his heart points out how stupid and prepotent he was to think he would have a single chance.

But then he looks at the omega's neck, unmarked, empty, clean and shiny. There is no claim. But this is the 21st century, that doesn't mean anything.

_Attention! everyone in their positions! - a short girl screams at the top of her lungs, her heels clicking on the floor making funny noises.

Before he can say something stupid or instantly run away, Tsunoda's hand is firmly gripping his bicep. He loses eye contact with Gabriel and it hurts, it tears his heart from the inside out. Stupid. Hadjar just wants to get out of there.

But he is forced to pose for photos, the atmosphere feels like a funeral and everyone clearly misses Daniel making his jokes and drawing the attention of the photographers. Yuki keeps staring in disgust at the blue jumpsuit fixed to Lawson's body and Charles gives Carlos surgical glances, who rolls his eyes every time in disapproval. No one but Lando and Oscar seem comfortable in that place. Isack's smiles are so fake that the editors will probably have to improve his face, as if nothing else about him were enough on its own.

When released, he runs bitterly to his hotel. Not even the comfort of clean sheets can suppress the pain in his heart. But he blames himself, how arrogant he was to think that he could be the chosen one. That Gabriel would one day accept an alpha shorter and less strong than him. That Gabriel would choose a loser, a runner-up, who lost his prominence in the middle of the season and only moved up to F1 to replace a hole in the grid.

His phone vibrates but he doesn't answer. He throws it at the wall along with the bracelet. Both crack and fall to the floor. He cries and closes his eyes, wishing he could wake up without this feeling. Sometimes he wishes he were a strong, handsome alpha, with wide arms and a clenched jaw. Or maybe everything would be easier if he were an omega, letting his eyes shine and receiving gifts to be enchanted, his mouth pleading for us and the need to be charming. Or maybe if he were a beta he wouldn't have to go through any of this, his height wouldn't be tied to any tiresome hierarchy.

But he wanted Gabriel to want him so much that it hurt deeply. He wanted to be his alpha, and he wanted him to be his omega.

5 - Bahrain GP - April 2025.

Like a biblical prophecy, the season was turning out to be a disaster. Every race had at least one safety car, and two of them were caused by Hadjar, and his outspoken mouth made the FIA ​​take aim at Visa Cash APP RB. Punishments were piling up on his super license, and the financial consequences were taking away his hopes of having his contract renewed.

Every time he looked at Gabriel, his heart ached. Unfortunately, he was looking for marks on the omega's intact neck, which contrasted with the white, marked skin of his teammate. He lied and omitted information to avoid being interviewed together; the media day felt like a prison, and he couldn't look at the Brazilian's hands without feeling his skin peeling. He wanted so much to see his bracelet being delicately placed on that wrist, but now it was a scratching metal tucked away at the bottom of his suitcase, where his feelings seemed to be too.

They didn't talk, they didn't exchange messages or compliments, mainly because neither of them were making any progress with their cars and teams. Gabriel's message was never answered, it was too painful. Even though no alphas showed up in the paddock. Gabriel didn't smell like anything, just a huge smile and attractive eyes. Hadjar knew he needed to keep his distance to be respectful and take care of his heart.

The universe must have been playing with his feelings when he felt a sweet but sickening scent travel down the hallway and burn at his bedroom door. Three imposing knocks woke him from his trance, he reluctantly walked to the door. And when he opened it, he was in for a surprise.

Gabriel was standing still, his eyes looking down, and next to him was a strange man holding his arm roughly, he looked irritated. Hadjar couldn't help but growl low at seeing the omega being touched like that.

_Omegas can't walk alone after 8 pm. - the man said roughly, his deep voice negatively affecting Gabriel's ears and his eyes twitched. - Even more so in heat! - he spit out the words as if he were disgusted.

Bortoleto stared deeply into the alpha's eyes, as if seeking relief and comfort in him, but he only found confused and lifeless eyes. Hadjar didn't know what to do, but his instincts made him move. He made room for the Brazilian to enter his room, passing by him and lightly touching his arms, an inexplicable cold hit the back of the alpha's neck. He slams the door in the guard's face and turns to Gabriel, who was already sitting on the Frenchman's bed, his feet shaking. He doesn't look at the alpha.

_I'm not in heat. - Gabriel murmurs, his low voice almost inaudible, he pauses for a few seconds that seem like hours. - Not yet...

Isack absorbs the words, they hit like a cold wave on the shore and explode droplets of salt water everywhere, he feels dazed. Gabriel's sweet scent made his nostrils flare, but with time it became softer. He remained silent, and indirectly summons the Brazilian to continue his explanation. The omega's eyes took a while to find their way to the alpha's.

_I'm sorry. - Gabriel says, his voice broken and tense, Hadjar's facial expression collapses at the same time. - sorry for what? for invading his hotel room? for bringing his worried scent? for having continued to avoid Hadjar after everything? - he thinks to himself.

_Hm? - Isack tries to keep his composure and keep his voice steady, his body hurts and his instincts scratch his throat, asking him to hug the omega in front of him, but Gabriel is not fragile, and he has an alpha. His mind was confused as hell.

_By coming to your room, I got desperate. - Bortoleto takes a deep breath and pours out explanations, Isack's attentive ears burn with each word, the room seems so small that it suffocates his thoughts - He didn't let me walk alone until I got here.

_What happened? - Once again the alpha tries to control himself, the omega's scent corrodes his feelings so much, he is not allowed to smell an omega in preheating, who belongs to another alpha, this is disrespectful in every way.

_I... I-I... - Gabriel starts to speak but his voice fails, he curls his fingers in his dull gray t-shirt, sweat running down his neck, Isack shivers.

_I need you to explain so I can help you.

_ I don't need your help...

What? He just shows up at night in the alpha's room, being escorted by an aggressive man and doesn't need help? Of course he doesn't need help. He already has an alpha, who is probably tall, strong, or a beautiful and delicate alpha. He is not a failed runner-up. Hadjar just huffs in frustration, his eyes darting to his own hands, his mind searching for a delicate way to ask Gabriel to leave. They don't even talk anymore.

_ I need a scent item. - Gabriel mumbles the words almost incomprehensibly, Isack can't believe what he heard

_ I don't understand… - the alpha says, his voice without malice, but confused, if he had no blockers the scent would probably invade the omega like a punch.

Bortoleto lets his emotions escape, his eyes fill with tears, probably from shame, his face flushed with sweat or it's the hormones of pre-heat. It's disrespectful to leave like that, but he had already rolled around in bed more than once, nothing was being enough. An omega is not advised to go out in the lobby of a hotel in the Middle East, and all the aggravating factors were there when he left smelling pre-heating, without blockers, just wearing sweatpants and a thin t-shirt, and went to the reception to ask for another driver's room number. A security guard escorted him before the alphas on the floor smelled his hot scent. In panic, he said that Hadjar was his alpha, and he wanted to take refuge in the Frenchman's room. Which wasn't such a lie.

_ Alpha, I need your scent, the shirt you gave me doesn't smell like you anymore, I'm going into preheating, can you give me something else scented? - Gabriel pours out the words, mumbling with deer eyes and Isack's brain short-circuits.

What? He called him alpha? He wants a scented item? This is confusing in so many ways. Isack can't think. His mouth opens and closes several times but no sound comes out, it's as if his vocal cords had been cut.

_You know what? Forget it, I shouldn't have come here... I'm sorry for bothering you. - The Brazilian stands up abruptly, until then Hadjar hadn't realized that he was still standing, blocking the door

_No, wait, please Gabi. - He straightens up, trying to look bigger, his body betrays him when he shivers when he touches Gabriel's bare arm. - I.., why do you want a scented item from me?

Gabriel sighs, his mouth is dry and small pieces of skin are coming off around his bruised lips, he had bitten so much that small lines of blood were forming. Even though the touch was pleasurable for Isack, he lets go of his hand and cuts off the contact. It's disrespectful to touch an omega's wrist so hard that it's not yours.

_I know you hate me, I got used to your smell! - Gabriel screams, his voice hoarse and partial - But you gave me that shit for my nest, now I... I need this... I know I'm not the perfect omega, but I didn't think you would go back on it... I'm not like other omegas, I'm not handsome and I don't go out with alphas like that, I don't need one to spend my heat but I need your smell... - Tears run down Gabriel's cheeks and his saliva stops him from speaking, his voice no longer comes out. - What the hell am I doing? - he whispers to himself.

Breaking all protocols, Hadjar firmly holds Gabriel's shoulders and makes him sit back on the bed, he brings both their faces closer and brings his hands to the omega's warm and wet cheeks. He makes repetitive movements with his thumbs smoothing and collecting the tears. He tries to make his body exude pheromones, but the only thing he feels is guilt and fear. He is a terrible alpha who is making this beautiful omega suffer.

_ Please say something. - Bortoleto takes a deep breath trying to stop crying, and begs, his voice breaking, Isack's heart aches deeply.

_ It wouldn't be respectful, you have an alpha… - Hadjar answers, his gaze focusing on the way Gabriel's chest rises and falls trying to stabilize his breathing.

_ What? I don't have an alpha... I mean, I have you, but you hate me and would never be with me, so… - The omega can't control his words, he's vomiting all the feelings he's kept for the last year, at least he'll come out of there feeling lighter.

_ Ollie said you have an alpha, you have a ring. - Isack says, his words automatically hurt him, he hasn't gotten over the omega. - I thought you wanted it because you accepted my courtship gift... but then you showed up with that - He stops to breathe once more, Gabriel's eyes are wide. - But I understand, I wouldn't want myself as an alpha either...

_Isack. - Gabriel interrupts.

_I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be disrespectful to you, I shouldn't...

_Isack. - Gabriel tries again, now using one of his hands to imitate the alpha and hold his cheek, they both stare at each other, fireworks run through the Frenchman's veins.

_I didn't know you were courting me...

The French driver's eyebrows automatically furrow, his gaze turning into something confused, and Gabriel smiles at how cute it looks, like a puppy when he learns something new.

_ Pepe told me that … all I had to do was give you the presents…

_ You should have warned me, and not just given me those things, I thought they were friendship gifts, but then you started ignoring me…

_ I thought you had an alpha, so I kept my distance… I didn't want to have to face the person I'm in love with being someone else's - Isack answers and immediately regrets it, he admits that he's in love with the Brazilian, his eyes soon widen, but Gabriel smiles instantly.

_ I never thought you'd want me, I'm not, like all the other omegas, small and delicate... - the Sauber driver says, he stops staring at the alpha to look at his legs, long and covered by the sweatshirt.

Isack's body burns so brightly that he feels like he's going to burst into flames instantly, the omega's scent overtaking his olfactory senses and acting directly on his brain. He then gathers his courage, grabs Gabriel's hand with his right hand and lifts the Brazilian's jaw with the other. He takes a deep breath and moves closer. He lets their lips touch gently, a thread of electricity running between their bodies. A chaste and simple kiss, lips enveloped in each other's heat, with no room for anything else.

_ You're beautiful... you're perfect. - Isack says as he separates their mouths, only to receive Gabriel's approach. - I love every part of you, I'm in love with you.

A relief runs through Gabriel's mind, he struggles not to start crying again.

_ I'm in love with you too, my perfect alpha, you're the only one I want, forever. - The Brazilian says, leaning his nose into the crook of Hadjar's neck, his hot breath hitting the European's tanned skin, comfortably intimate. If he had known things would be like this, he would have asked for another scented item sooner.

_Can I court you? Do you accept it? - the alpha says still shyly, taking advantage of the position of Gabriel's face to kiss the omega's sweaty temple.

_Yes, you can, alpha…

+1 - British GP - July 2025

Binotto rolls his eyes when he has to go to the front of the Paddock for the third time this week to receive packages sent to his driver who is being courted. All of them without a sender's name, but the recipient was obvious. Small flowers, sweets or savory snacks that were not easy to find in Europe, suspiciously closed and dark bags with what seemed to be clothes. All the other drivers are watching the movement, but no one but Yuki dares to say anything, especially since the alpha has asked for help on how to show his love so precisely.

The Japanese driver enjoys Isack's captivated eyes as he delicately passes a bow over the small box, he admires his work twice before putting it in his pocket. A wide smile fills the alpha's face as he leaves, without team clothes, without the weight of a lost championship, just being himself.

In England it is summer but at night the cold hits the hair on the back of Gabriel's neck, who is perfectly dressed and waits in front of the agreed restaurant. Italian food is not that good in the city of Silverstone, but it was the reservation they got after much insistence and support from Nico. As soon as Hadjar arrives, he plants a delicate kiss on the Brazilian's lips, fingers intertwined.

The music is so calm, small speakers play melodies that hit straight into Isack's skull. Today he is going to order. Gabriel eats and smiles, messy hair and impeccable brown eyes. Hadjar feels like he is going to die before he can enjoy this moment, his heart is beating fast. The omega gently brushes his legs against the alpha, fingers intertwined on the table, the atmosphere is perfect, smiles exchanged.

_I have a gift for you. - Gabriel says, breaking all expectations and freezing Hadjar's brain.

The Brazilian unties Hadjar's fingers and takes a small object out of his pocket. His eyes shine and the alpha's tremble. Gabriel looks serious but shy, the most beautiful omega Isack could wish for.

_My grandmother gave this to me at the beginning of the year. It's from my family, she gave it to me for luck, but I have all the luck in the world for having you in my life. - The omega says, opening his hand slowly, revealing the ring, that ring, which Hadjar thought was a courtship ring. - She told me to give it to the most important person to me, when I found it, I intended to give it to you in the pre-season.

He stops his speech when he feels the heavy but affectionate gaze of the Frenchman, his half-open mouth forming a shy smile.

_You are my alpha, and I want to be your omega. - Gabriel says with a low and tender voice, it feels like a kind of warm and soft fabric reaching Isack's ears, who lets his smile open and he touches Gabriel's hand.

_It would be an honor for me. - Isack says with a trembling, happy voice, small explosions of serotonin run through his brain.

Gabriel slides the heated metal from his hand over the ring finger of Isack's right hand, it fits perfectly, as if it had been made for him, they both smile as if it were the last moment they would have together. Although it may be, tomorrow there is a race, and they put their lives at risk. But not now, now everything was perfect, except for one thing.

_I need to tell you something. - Isack says seriously and sees Gabriel's face close, his expression goes from worried, to haunted, to sad, and then to worried again.

_ Is it about your heat? We'll get through it together, I can do this for you, I'll be good, I promise. - Gabriel says with owl eyes, his skin turning pink as his cheeks rise to the height of his nose.

_ No, that's not what I meant! - Isack says quickly, he chokes at the way this information was thrown in front of him, he wants to have sex with his boyfriend, obviously, but that wasn't the subject. Boyfriend.

_ What? I can be good for you, you don't want me? - Gabriel says the words with a choked voice, Isack wants to self-flagellate until he understands where the subject has become.

_ Of course I want you! You are my perfect omega, the most beautiful of all! I adore every part of you and I find you stunning! - Gabriel blushes at Isack's words, he shakes his head when he sees that his thoughts are flying. - What I wanted to tell you is that you messed up the delivery of my gift to you.

_ Hm? - Gabriel says with curious eyes while the Frenchman reaches into his pocket, taking out the little box with a delicate green bow.

_ I will never stop courting you, you deserve all the best gifts, but I wanted to know if you accept this gift, as a proposal for you to be my boyfriend. - Isack says with a calm voice, but inside he feels like a ship crashing into an iceberg, if Gabriel refuses he will sink

_ Alpha, this is so beautiful! - Bortoleto smiles as he opens the box, the bracelet, now properly arranged and with new engravings, I & G engraved in white gold and a small ‘’eu te amo’’.

_ Don’t call me that, I’ll be embarrassed. - Isack’s face red and flushed with embarrassment, but the happiness in Gabriel’s eyes makes everything better

_ But you’re my alpha… or… would you prefer me to call you boyfriend? - Gabriel says with a mischievous look, playful as always, extending his wrist to Hadjar’s height, who used his skillful fingers to fasten the clasp.

He gently kissed the scent gland on Gabriel’s wrist, exactly as he had dreamed.

They walk slowly along the dark side of the highway. It's dangerous, but they like taking risks. It's their lives. The only thing that can't happen is for them to get separated. Who would have thought that the Formula 2 champion and runner-up, rivals for just a few points in the championship, forced to compete, were destined to be together.

_ By the way, did you know that she has a boldo in her house? It's not uncommon, at least not in Brazil... but it warmed me on cold days. I took such good care of the plant...

Hadjar shrinks back, embarrassed, his cheeks flushing when the cold wind touches his face. Bortoleto looks into his dark eyes and brings their faces closer. He leaves a warm kiss on the alpha's lips. On his finger, the ring gently touches the bracelet. Courtship gifts. Gifts for life.