#lf1a.minific

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It’s post Brazil GP, the media circus has ended, most drivers have left, they’ve started phasing out.

GP’s surprised when Max rounds the corner, finally out of his race suit, eye lids a bit droopy snd a familiar red at the tips of his ears, the smile is still there though.

“You’re still here?” GP hums, opening one of his arms.

Max takes the invitation, ducks under and fits himself into GP’s side.

“Mhm.”

“Mhm?” GP mirrors, wrapping an arm around Max’s shoulders. “Cat got your tongue?”

It pulls a giggle from Max, who shakes his head from where he’s tucked under GP’s arm. “There’s no cats, silly.”

The giggle puts a soft smile on his face, confirming his suspicions. “Silly me, indeed. You okay?”

“Mhm.” Max hums again, a nod this time.

“Did you call Daddy yet? Bet he’s so proud of you, huh?” GP presses a soft kiss into the blonde mop of hair, regrets it immediately, cause Max has definitely not showered and now he’s got sticky champagne residue on his lips. He wipes it off with his sleeve.

The D-word gets him a bigger reaction than the tired but content little mumbles he’s been getting, Max untangling himself from GP to turn to face him, bouncing a little. “Yea! Yea, I did. He smiled this big!”

Max clenches his teeth together and grins as big as he can, straining his jaw. It pulls a hearty laugh out of GP.

“Did he? He’s good at that.”

Max nods, fiddling with his fingers before it seems like a light bulb goes off in his mind, the bouncing stops as a soft gasp leaves Max’s lips. “Did I show you my trick?”

GP wonders briefly where this will go. “What trick, buddy?”

Max’s outstretched is in his face in seconds. “Look!” He hums before he uses his free index finger to touch the tops of all five of his fingers, listing things off as he goes.

Pinky “I am good.”

Ring finger “I am kind.”

Middle finger “I am smart.”

Index finger “I am brave.”

Thumb “I am loved.”

GP looks a little lost for words, a funny feeling in his heart.

“Daddy taught me.” Max continues, that dopey smile back on his face. “It’s a trick to remember, in case I forget.”

GP pulls Max into a hug, pressing another kiss to his head, not caring about sticky champagne lips. “That’s a cool trick, bub.”

Max nods, sorta matter of factly because, duh, and pulls out of the hug. “You can use it too, I’ll teach you.” He hums already grabbing GP’s wrist and booping the top of his pinky with his index finger. “You say I am good.”

The funny feeling from before is back, his cheeks hurting a little from the smile that’s on his face, taking in a short breath.

hi! <3

oh love love love this pic lol

i think putting them on the same step would defeat the purpose of a time out a little bit but it gave me some thought so lemme just

There is paint everywhere.

“But Pa-”

“Shush.” Carlos cuts him off, shoving two of the table chairs out and away from the mess and steering his two boys to plant their bums onto them.

“You will sit, and you will shush while Papa figures out how to clean this up.”

Lando snaps his mouth shut, sucking in his lower lip to avoid pissing Carlos off even more because he knows he should feel scolded but the paint in his Papa’s hair is making it really hard for him to come across as intimidating.

Oscar is planted next to him, curling his hands in his lap as he too avoids eye contact with Carlos.

It’s not really a time out, sort of, Lando guesses, but he’s not facing a wall and he’s never this close to his brother either. There’s paint on both of their clothing and Lando sticks his finger into one of the blobs on his jeans, hiking up his sleeve so he can use the paint covered finger to draw a smiley onto his skin. He bonks his foot into Oscar’s to get his attention and it pulls a giggle out of the younger.

Carlos snaps his head around at the sound and he looks even more ridiculous now, hair sticking up and Lando claps his hands over his mouth and realizes his mistake a second too late as he tastes the yellow paint.

such a fun thing to think about! i think a lot of planning goes into it initially. Rupert has a talk with Max himself first, then Daniel and Max, then GP and Max before deciding he should probably get some… experience. if you will.

Daniel does the Saturday with them, gets Rupert familiar with Max’s nap times and comfort items, tells him where to find what, what snacks Max likes and triple checks Rupert has his phone number.

Sunday’s too busy for Daniel so GP’s with him that day and after the race they go over it again.

Max is sat curled up on the floor, one of his arms curled around GP’s legs as his head rests on his knee, flushed cheeks making his eyes look more blue as he stares up at Rupert, drinking his juice box.

“He doesn’t always drop after a race, something to keep an eye out for especially if he’s still having to face media. Regardless of a drop he usually likes his juice, don’t you buddy?” GP hums softly, the hand resting atop Max’s head gently scratching the blonde mop of helmet hair.

He gets an affirmative noise followed by a nod.

“Right, noted. Stock up on those.” Rupert smiles lightly.

“Daniel has a year supply I’m pretty sure. We should be okay.”

Max’s head perks up at Daniel’s name, glancing over at the door before looking up at GP. “Daddy?”

“Soon, buddy.” GP soothes gently, resuming his gentle head pats as Max relaxes back against him.

“He’ll ask for Daniel a lot, sometimes we have to disappoint him, but he’s gotten a lot better at having to wait for him. It results in the occasional tantrum, just call me when that happens, please. The first few times at least.”

Rupert nods again. “Of course, whatever keeps him safest.”

GP smiles, startled slightly as Max shoves the now empty juice box in his face, scrambling up from where he was folded onto the floor and finally joining GP on the couch. “GP?” The name is dragged out and whiny.

“Maaaax?”

Max huffs a bit, poking at GP’s chest. “Hotel?”

“Yeah, bub. In a sec. You wanna tell Rupert what we do before we go to the hotel?”

“Pee.” Max says rather quickly, and GP snorts.

“Yes, we have a bathroom break. You usually inhale the juiceboxes. Then what?”

“Shoes. Daddy ties. Or GP, or ….” Max waits a beat before shyly looking towards Rupert. “Or Rupe.”

Both men smile and GP makes an affirmative noise. “Right! Rupert probably knows how to ties laces, huh?”

Rupert laughs, nodding. “I sure do.”

“And we grab our bags, make sure everything is in it and we go find the car, right?”

Max nods. “Then shower at the hotel. Then food.” Max waits a beat again. “With Daddy?”

GP nods. “Daddy’ll be there bud.” He turns to Rupert then. “We always like to let him know what the night’s gonna look like. If Daniel’ll be going to the hotel with him. Or meet him for dinner or even only be there at bedtime. Keeps you calm knowing the plan, huh?”

Max nods, the flush deepening a bit as he curls into GP again.

“Makes sense.” Rupert nods, giving Max a reassuring smile.

There’s a bit more logistics before Max starts squirming with the need to pee, sliding off the couch.

“When you’ll come back, we can start on your laces!” Rupert calls after him, and it gets him a shy giggle in response.

so this ask is from weeks ago but if feels very fitting for today….. my guy was not speaking. anyway, on a lighter note:

“Not too talkative today huh, bud?” Daniel hums, smoothing Oscar’s locks down, the hair sticking up in all sorts of ways post nap.

Oscar’s ears and cheeks are still dusted pink, his eyes still a bit unfocused. He’s sagged against Daniel’s chest as he slowly drinks his juice-box, a bit leaking down the corner of his mouth that Daniel catches with his thumb.

Oscar doesn’t even answer the question, just stays all loose bodied on Daniel’s lap until the juice box is empty, the straw dropping from his mouth before he straightens, handing Daniel the empty carton.

“All done?”

Oscar nods as he rubs the sleep out of his eyes before carefully sliding out of Daniel’s lap before flopping down onto the play-mat and curling his legs in under himself as he plays quietly with the train set.

Daniel watches him a bit before he decides to grab a book, enjoy the quiet together, lips curling into smile every time Oscar whispers a soft little “Choo-choo” or grumbles as he makes the little conductor do checks on the train. 

Oscar’s too in his thoughts to notice Daniel had gotten up from his spot and made dinner, startles when his fellow Australian drops to his knees in front of him with a soft smile.

“Food’s done, bubba.”

Oscar scowls at him and Daniel snorts, brushing a bit of Oscar’s fringe back. “You can play trains after, or do something else. You had a good nap, can stay up for a while hm?”

Oscar studies Daniel’s face for a moment, scowl softening before he nods and scrambles up onto his feet.

“Osc?”

The sound of Carlos’ voice carried through the house and Oscar quickly wiped his hands on his pants, swallowing before he turned towards the sound.

“Mhm?” He hummed as he almost bumped into Carlos when he rounded the corner, giving him his most innocent smile. “Hi,”

“Hi,” Carlos mimicked, biting back a soft smile as he brushed a hand through Oscar’s hair. “What were you doing?”

“Nothin’!” Oscar quipped, still working on his most innocent smile as he swayed a little.

“Nothing huh?” Carlos hummed. “Not eating any sweets?”

“Nuh uh!” Oscar said, immediately shaking his head, his floppy hair falling into his face due to the movement.

Carlos gently brushed it out of his face. “If you say so,” he said softly. “So when I go check there will still be 12 cupcakes on the counter?”

Oscar’s tummy did a little flip, because there definitely would not be 12 cupcakes on the counter if Carlos went and counted, but the little had figured that there were so many that one really would not be missed.

Even so, Carlos couldn’t prove it was him who ate them.

So he nodded. “Yea,”

“Let’s go count,” Carlos said, gently grabbing Oscar’s hand as he pulled the little into the kitchen up to where the cupcakes had been cooling down.

“One,” Carlos started, all the way up to ….

“Eleven, huh. That’s silly. Let’s try again.”

Carlos counted again, but ended on eleven once more.

“One is missing.” Carlos said, biting back a snort as he caught Oscar’s eyes. “Do you know where it went?”

Oscar shook his head and Carlos made a show out of opening drawers and cabinets. “Maybe in here… or in there, or…”

He grabbed one of Oscar’s arms, lifting it and digging his fingers into Oscar’s armpit briefly, pulling a loud giggle out of the boy who tried to squirm away. “Or under there, or…”

He lifted Oscar’s shirt, poking his tummy. “I think it’s in there.”

“Nuh-“

Before Oscar could finish, Carlos swiped his thumb over his cheek and held it up for Oscar to see.

It had chocolate smudged all over it and Oscar’s denial got stuck in his throat, his eyes flicking up to meet Carlos’ which didn’t hold a hint of real anger.

And so Oscar turned on the charm, the puppy eyes a sheepish little smile as folded his arms behind his back.

“Huh?”

Carlos snorted. “Huh? No huh. You’re a cupcake thief.” He said, grabbing a cloth to wipe the rest of Oscar’s face. “You’re naughty.”

“I was hungry,” Oscar whined, squirming as Carlos wiped his face, stilling when he put the cloth down.

“And you couldn’t have grabbed a banana?”

“My tummy asked for cupcakes specifically,”

The “specifically” came out a little lisped and it melted most of the sternness Carlos was trying to maintain.

“Hmmm. Specifically huh? I get it. My tummy wants cupcakes too sometimes. Are you allowed to lie to me though?”

A soft pout appeared onto Oscar’s face. “No….”

“Why?”

“Cause…” Oscar sighed, eyes flicking down. “Cause, cause it can get me in trouble if you don’t know what’s really going on.”

“That’s right.” Carlos said, gently tipping Oscar’s chin up to meet his eyes. “Cause I have to keep you safe, right? Can I keep you safe if you’re not honest?”

“No.”

“No.” Carlos hummed. “It’s good that you know, no more telling lies. Okay? Those pretty eyes won’t save you every time.”

Oscar bit back a soft smile. “I’m sorry,”

“I doubt it. I bet it tasted way too good to be sorry,” Carlos chuckled, giving his bum a playful swat.

lolol. this had given me thoughts:

Daniel hadn’t expected the outburst. Oscar’s usually pretty calm and quiet when he plays, especially with the train set he had picked out himself.

Not today though, apparently, because one of the wagons just nearly hit Daniel in the face.

It’s pulled his attention from his phone towards the boy with a look of surprise, watches Oscar’s eyes shoot daggers at the piece of plastic across the room, arms crossed over his chest, cheeks flushed.

He looks utterly adorable, like a cross kitten if you will, but Daniel knows he cannot let that go.

“Oscar, sweetheart.” Daniel hums, putting his phone down. “Trains are not for throwing, baby. Can you pick that up please and put it where it belongs?”

“No.” Oscar’s answer is short and immediate, frustration clear in his tone.

Daniel sighs softly, straightening a bit. “Oscar,” he says again, a bit firmer this time. “Please go pick it up.”

Oscar’s glare shifts from the piece of plastic to Daniel, and while the boy probably thinks he’s being very intimidating, all it does is make Daniel want to coo. “No.” The glare is accompanied by an impressive pout.

God damnit, Carlos had always been better at the whole discipline thing.

Daniel takes a breath. “One,” he says, mostly because he needs time to think about how to handle this.

Oscar doesn’t flinch, maintains eye contact even, the little shit.

Daniel waits longer than a second, mentally preparing himself for a possible tantrum before continuing. “Two.”

Oscar’s scowl grows, lips jutting out into an even deeper pout, arms crossing tighter around him with a huff. “No no no no, no!” The way Oscar shakes his head makes his hair bounce and it’s utterly adorable. Daniel thinks about banishing scissors so no one will ever be able to cut it.

Except there’s no time to think about that, he’s got world’s most adorable toddler throwing a tantrum to deal with.

“Oscar,” he warns gently.

Oscar doesn’t budge.

“Three,” Daniel says, a little sad, as he pushed himself up from the couch.

The power of three never fails to amaze Daniel, because suddenly Oscar is scrambling up from the carpet, already making his way over to his throw victim while blurting out a different tone of “No no!”

Daniel halts, watches Oscar snatch the wagon up before turning to face Daniel again. “No I don’t wanna …” he trails off then, realizing Daniel never actually gave him a consequence of what would happen after he got to three and promptly bursts out into tears.

“Oh, buddy.” Daniel sighs gently, stepping forward. “Danny hold you?”

With Oscar, he usually always asks.

There’s no doubt Oscar wants to be touched though, because he sort of flings himself at Daniel, wagon clutched into his hand as Daniel hoists him up, already humming some soothing noises as he gently rocks the boy as they move back to the couch.

“Shhh,” he hums, fitting Oscar in his lap as he sits back down, his fingers gently going up and down his spine. “We’re gonna be quiet for a bit together, ok? You can cry, sweetheart.”

He’s always been a fan of implementing these time out adjacent quiet time sessions with the boys when he feels they need a moment to calm down but it doesn’t feel beneficial to actually put them in time out where he can’t hold them.

He checks his watch and decides of 5 minutes of no speaking, just gentle soothing noises and soft touches before he speaks again, pressing a soft kiss onto Oscar’s hair.

The crying has quieted down to sniffles, one hand still clutching the train while the other has fisted into Daniel’s jumper.

“Those are some big feelings, huh buddy?”

Oscar nods, a sas hiccupy sniffle leaving him.

“You wanna talk about them?”

Oscar pouts, reluctantly letting go of Daniel’s jumper to wipe at his eyes before looking up at Daniel.

“Dandy,”

It comes out sort of whiny and the nickname pulls a smile out of the elder.

“Yes, bub?”

“The train wasn’t clicking.”

Oscar holds up the little wagon, before pointing an accusatory finger in the direction of the rest of the train set.

“It wasn’t clicking?” Daniel hums, brushing a hand through Oscar’s lock. “Was that frustrating, baby?”

Oscar nods, lips jutting out into another pout.

“Did throwing the wagon fix it?”

Oscar sighs softly, eyes looking down. “No.” He whispers.

Daniel smiles encouragingly, hand brushing past Oscar’s cheek. “Can you think of something you could’ve done to help you with fixing it?”

Another big sigh leaves Oscar. “Ask you.” He mumbles, looking up at Daniel again.

“Me?” Daniel gasps, brushing at Oscar’s wet cheeks. “You think silly old me can fix the train?!”

The ridiculous tone Daniel has taken on pulls a soft giggle from the boy. “Yes you!”

hi bean <3

thought something up just for you:

Daniel’s seen those videos on social media, where parents put their kids’ carseat on the porch of the grandparents’ house, knock, then run away.

He’s thought about it..

Except Max doesn’t fit in a car seat, and GP isn’t his grandpa.

But Daniel desperately needs a babysitter, Max picked up a nasty ear infection after a late night swim. The two week break in between race weekends had been a major blessing and allowed Max to get on antibiotics and have a break. But with a triple header coming up, Max’s first flight back to the track was rapidly approaching and of course Daniel had a super important meeting that couldn’t be rescheduled meaning Max would have to fly by himself.

Usually not a big deal, Max was plenty capable of staying out of headspace when needed but Daniel worried about the pressure on his ears while in the air and not being able to go to someone for comfort.

Bring in GP.

DR: *3 attachments*

GP: Cute.

GP: typing…..

GP: What do you need?

Daniel snorted.

DR: I can’t send you cute pictures of Max?

GP: You can. I just know a bribe when I see one.

Daniel rolls his eyes at that, biting back a smile. The next couple of text messages consist of him politely asking (begging) GP to fly out to the next race with Max, reminding him of his ear infection and sharing his worries, sending one more cute picture of Max for good measure.

GP really doesn’t need convincing, but he’s appreciative of the pics.

- -

Max loves planes. Little Max loves them even more.

Max is standing in front of the big window in the lounge, both hands clutching the straps from his backpack that he’s wearing, staring at planes taking off and landing.

“Wow,” he breathes, turning around to gasp at GP. “Did you see?”

“Mhm,” GP a fond smile on his face as he watches Max’s amazement. It’s even cuter with the soft flush on his cheeks and his tired eyes, the melatonin gummy probably starting to take effect.

“Planes are cool.” Max responds, spinning back around to press his face into the glass, something that has GP up and out of his seat, gently redirecting the younger to take a step back.

“They are.” GP agrees, hands now on Max’s shoulders, gently pressing. “You’re cool.”

Max grins, wide and toothy as he looks back at GP. “You’re cool!”

“You’re cooler.” GP hums, a soft chuckle escaping at Max’s wide grin, the expression filling him with warmth. “Like, the coolest.”

“Nuhuh,” Max chuckles, shaking his head. “Race cars are the coolest.”

GP snorts a little. “I sorta agree. But you’re right up there with them.”

“Together.”

GP’s face must be questioning, cause Max rephrases.

“You, me and the race cars together on top of the coolest list!”

GP laughs, nodding, pulling Max into his chest.

They’re told their plane is ready shortly after, getting on and settled goes pretty smoothly. Max’s order of business usually starts with getting Leo out and placing him into his seat to do up his seatbelt, because

“He has to be safe for take off!”

It’s helped with Max’s more clingier moods, when getting him off of Daniel for take offs turned into temper tantrums or emotional break downs.

As soon as the light turns off, Max is fiddling with his seatbelt, snatching Leo up and climbing into GP’s lap instead.

Max melts into him, settled against GP’s chest like he’s meant for there, one of his hands gripped around Leo’s paw, using it to trace shapes into GP’s chest, up his neck, his face.

“Leo loves you.” Max murmurs around his thumb.

“How ‘bout Max?”

Max nods immediately, movements starting to slow down as sleep begins to pull at him.

“Max loves you.”

“And I love Max, and Leo, of course.”

Max smiles around his thumb, pressing the lion into GP’s face as he makes a kissy sound.

“So nice,” GP hums, fingers brushing through Max’s hair. “Your ears okay?”

Max nods, bringing Leo down to hold closer, snuggling his face into GP’s chest.

GP cherishes these moments, where he selfishly doesn’t have to share Max with his Daddy, where all the Little Max love is all his. He wraps his arms around Max, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

“Sleepy?”

Max murmurs something that sounds like affirmation.

“Sleep, buddy.” GP hums, thumb tracing over Max’s eyebrows. “Love you.”

Since I’m a bit greedy can I please request a few words about Maxy having a very clingy day? Doesn’t want to be more than 5 cm away from Daniel at all times.

Either because of something sad that has happened or just because Max just wants to be closeclose.

No worries not ofc, you’re awesome regardless 🥰

aw i appreciate you so much, always love having you in my notifs, genuinely. your support means a lot 🫶🏻🥹

- - -

Especially in the beginning of their dynamic, Max always needed a lot of reassurance after any sort of discipline, needing to be reminded that he’s actually forgiven, something Daniel will make sure to adequately remind him off.

The post tantrum sniffles always break Daniel’s heart a little, when Max is curled into his chest, nose not yet blown so there’s shaky snotty inhales every 15 seconds or so.

He makes sure to press soft kisses to Max’s forehead, mumbling reassurance until the the sniffles are all gone.

Daniel holds Max’s hand taking him to the bathroom, hoisting him up on the counter and helping him blow his nose before taking a warm cloth to his face to get rid of the stray tears. There’s a soft little sigh that leaves Max when Daniel finishes.

It’s too early for a nap, and he really needs to get some food in Max first too.

“Daddy make you some lunch?” He asks, putting both hands on Max’s knees and squeezing gently, standing in front of him. “What do you want, Muffin?”

Max seems to think for a couple beats. “Açai?”

“Good choice, bub.” Daniel praises, patting Max’s thigh. “Hop on down.”

Max follows instructions and immediately searches for Daniel hand again, pressing himself into Daniel’s side.

In the kitchen, Max follows Daniel around like a shadow, so much so that they keep bumping into each other. Max seems a little on edge about it at first, until Daniel starts making funny boink or bump noises every time they touch, pulling soft little giggles out of Max. Much better.

“You want yoghurt in it too?” Daniel asks, pulling the container out of the fridge and holding it out for Max to see.

“Daddy do?”

“Hmm.” Daniel nods, setting it down on the counter. “Daddy wants some, you don’t have to if you don’t want to, ok? But you are allowed some.”

“Max too.” Max answers, so soft Daniel barely catches it.

“Come help, Daddy.” He hums, moving Max closer to the counter and handing him the spoon. “2 scoops please.”

Max diligently spoons 2 scoops into the first bowl, before missing a bit on the second spilling some on the counter.

Daniel anticipates the worried look on Max’s face and swipes his finger over the counter, plopping it into his mouth. “Secret treat.”

Max’s shoulders relax immediately, soft smile playing at his features as he spoons in the second scoop.

He hands Max a butter knife then, to cut up some strawberries while Daniel handles the banana. One of the strawberries ends up on the floor after one of Max’s cuts and Max snaps his head around to gauge Daniel’s reaction.

“Uh oh!” Daniel hums. “Looks like that one is for Jimmy or Sassy, quick, drop another one so they don’t get jealous!”

Max’s eyes go wide, the good wide, and with a little chuckle he drops another strawberry before completely abandoning them and pspspspspspsing around to house to try and get them to come over.

Daniel finishes their lunch.

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