Beyond the Track - Oscar Piastri bxb

The Next Step

Oscar sat in the back of the team's transport, his gaze fixed on the road ahead as the car wound its way through city streets back to the hotel. The post-race debrief had been brutal. He'd finished lower than he'd hoped, the mistakes from practice spilling over into the race. His team hadn't held back, pointing out the missed opportunities, the slower-than-usual laps. Every critique weighed heavily on him, filling his mind with the echo of their words.

He'd tried to brush it off as best he could, convincing himself he'd shake it by the time he got back to the hotel. But even as he walked down the hall, reaching his door and stepping inside, the disappointment still clung to him.

Nick was already there, waiting on the couch, his eyes lighting up the moment he saw Oscar. "Hey," he said gently, rising to meet him.

Oscar managed a tired smile, feeling the tension in his shoulders ease just a bit. "Hey."

Nick moved closer, wrapping him in a quiet hug, one hand rubbing soothing circles on his back. Oscar let himself lean into it, letting out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"I know it wasn't the race you wanted," Nick said softly, his voice full of understanding. "But you've had tough days before. This one's no different."

Oscar nodded, taking comfort in Nick's words. It was true—bad races happened. But somehow, this one felt different, the weight of the rumors and pressure lingering in his mind, making it hard to shake off the feeling of falling short.

They moved to the bed, Oscar holding Nick close to him. Oscar could feel his racing thoughts begin to slow, the frustration giving way to something calmer. Nick's hand found his, their fingers intertwining in a gentle hold.

"Thanks for being here," Oscar murmured, his gaze drifting over to Nick's face. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Nick gave a soft smile, his eyes warm. "I'm not going anywhere, Oscar."

A beat of silence passed between them, the moment deepening, and Oscar felt a surge of emotion he hadn't expected. The weight of the day's challenges, the unspoken fears and hopes, all seemed to fall away, leaving only this—this quiet certainty with Nick beside him.

He took a steadying breath, then spoke, his voice almost a whisper. "Would you... would you want to make this official?"

Nick's eyes widened slightly, and he shifted closer, a hint of surprise and excitement sparking in his expression. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Oscar felt a blush rise to his cheeks, but he held Nick's gaze, his voice steadier this time. "Yeah. I want you to be my boyfriend. If you want that too."

Nick's face softened, a smile spreading as he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Oscar's forehead. "I'd want nothing more," he replied, his voice full of warmth. "I'm all in, Oscar."

They shared a gentle, lingering kiss, the world beyond this moment fading away. For the first time in days, Oscar felt truly grounded, his heart full in a way he hadn't expected.

As they lay together, a newfound sense of peace settled over Oscar. Whatever the track had in store, he knew he'd have someone by his side, a partner to face the ups and downs with him.