Beyond the Track - Oscar Piastri bxb

Quiet Conversations

Oscar's phone buzzed as he left the paddock, Nick's reply lighting up the screen.

Nick: Meet me by the overlook, past the west gate. I'll be there soon.

It wasn't far, just a short walk beyond the crowded grounds. Oscar slipped away quietly, leaving behind the remnants of the day's noise and buzz, feeling a relief wash over him as he reached the quiet overlook. The lights of the racetrack glowed softly in the distance, but here, surrounded by trees and shadows, everything felt still. Private.

A few minutes later, he spotted Nick approaching, and the sight of him—smiling and slightly out of breath—lifted Oscar's spirits in a way he hadn't anticipated.

"Hey," Nick greeted, his voice soft as he came closer. They exchanged a quick hug, an unspoken reassurance lingering between them.

"Hey," Oscar replied, his hand lingering in Nick's. "I'm glad you could meet."

They stood there for a moment, neither quite sure where to start. Finally, Oscar spoke, letting out a long breath. "I needed this. It's been... a lot." He tried to laugh, but the tension was clear in his voice.

Nick gave his hand a gentle squeeze, his gaze steady. "I know. You don't have to explain anything. People love to stir things up, but that doesn't mean we have to play into it."

Oscar nodded, the weight of the day easing a little. "It's just that, racing's everything. And now... people are talking like I've lost my focus. I don't know why it bothers me so much, but it does."

Nick's eyes softened, understanding lighting his expression. "Because they don't see what you put into it. They only see what they want. But you know who you are. And that's not something rumors or gossip can change."

Oscar felt his shoulders relax, Nick's words grounding him. This was what he'd needed—a reminder of why he'd let someone like Nick into his world, why he wanted this.

They leaned against the railing, the distant sounds of the track filling the quiet between them as they talked through the evening. Oscar shared the tensions, the pressure from his team, the balancing act he'd been struggling to manage. And Nick listened, patient and attentive, offering his perspective when Oscar needed it, his steady presence a comfort.

As the evening wore on, they walked along the edge of the overlook, taking the long way back toward the main grounds. When they reached the tree-lined path leading back, Nick paused, giving Oscar a gentle look.

"We don't have to decide everything tonight," Nick said, his hand brushing against Oscar's. "We can keep this as low-key as you need. Just don't lose sight of why you're doing all of this."

Oscar nodded, feeling a renewed sense of clarity. He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Nick in a quiet embrace, finding a reassurance in the simplicity of the moment. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he felt ready to face them, knowing he had something real to hold onto.

And as they lingered in the quiet night, Oscar knew one thing for certain—he wasn't alone in this, and he wouldn't let anything stand in the way of what they were building together.