Finding Love After All

by Catxx

Summary:

Lance knew that he wasn’t well like around the paddock and had come to terms with that. But he never expected things to get to this level, but luckily there are people in his corner that will always be there for him.

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Lance knew he wasn’t the most liked person on the grid but he didn’t think the others hated him this much. Lance never expected to get a notification the last week of summer break in the grid wide group chat from Daniel.

Daniel: First ever Little/Caregiver week away was a success with all the littles making it a week to never forget

The picture attached show all the littles and their caregivers posing together. Max was sitting on Daniel’s lap, both smiling big. Lando was curled into Carlos’ side, half hiding behind the caregiver. Charles and Pierre were sitting beside each other with Charles smiling and Pierre staring at the little full of adoration. George was sitting with both his caregivers, with Alex sitting behind him so George was sitting between his legs with Lily was sitting beside them. Logan was Arthur were both curled around Oscar who had an arm wrapped around each little. It looked like they were on a boat of some sort in the middle of the ocean when the picture was taken. Lance felt his heart sink, why wasn’t he asked to join? He knows most of the people on the trip didn’t like him very much and he didn’t technically have a full time caregiver but they still could have invited him. He probably would have said no but an invite would have been nice. Lance watched as more notification poured in; the littles excited about their trip with their caregivers filling in all the details left out in their excitement. The other drivers on the grid were also replying with how great it was that they were all able to get together, that the littles needed time together. Lance watched as message after message came in but no one seemed to care that he wasn’t there. Until one message came through the brought Lance some hope.

Lewis: Where’s Lance?

Lance blinked back the tears that were forming in his eyes, almost smiling at the message but the next message through made the tears come back even faster.

Daniel: We invited him but never heard anything back so we just figured he was too good to come with us.

Lance couldn’t stop the tears now, full on sobbing as his phone fell on his bed. He was never asked to join on this trip, didn’t even know it was happening until today. And why was Daniel making his seem like the bad person. He always tried to act as normal as possible around the others. He’s never flaunted his dad’s wealth around in other people’s faces, as much as the press tried to paint that narrative, he never did. It’s why he’s always had trouble finding and keeping a caregiver. People outside F1 thought all this money was his and if they were his caregiver they would have access to it. Most left once they realized it wasn’t his money, it was his dad’s. Sure he had more the enough money himself but wasn’t nearly as rich as his dad and until his dad passed he wasn’t getting any of that money and even then it would be split between himself, and his sister. Lance just wanted someone to care about him.

Lance wasn’t sure how long he laid on his bed crying but his head was starting to hurt and his eyes were itchy. At some point he had reached out and grabbed his little Dalmatian stuffy, clutching the comfort item against to his chest to try and help him feel even a little better. He figured he must have been here for a while when he felt someone sit down beside him on the bed and rub his back.

“What’s up Lancey?” Chloe asked, concerned after hearing her brother crying.

“Everyone hates me.” Lance cried, trying to brush the tears away.

“No they don’t Lance. Lots of people love you.” Chloe tried to soothe her brother, continuing to rub his back.

“No they don’t! Look!” Lance grabbed his phone off the bed and shoved it in his sister’s face. She gently grabbed the phone and scrolled up through the chat until she got to the picture and messages from Daniel.

“I’m gonna fucking kill him. Scotty!” Chloe yelled for her husband.

“What’s up?” Scotty’s head popped around the doorway to see what his wife wanted. His brows knitted together seeing Lance laying on the bed crying and his wife trying to comfort him.

“Look at this.” Chloe held the out for Scotty to take. He carefully took the phone looking at the messages on the phone.

“I know he’s your best friend but if this is how he talks about Lance behind your back I’m gonna kill him. That’s not okay.”

“Maybe he did invite Lance?” Scotty tried defending his friend but even he knew it probably wasn’t true.

“Please you hear how he talks about Lance. I let it go before because it was racing related and it wasn’t my business to deal with. But now he’s purposely excluding Lance from plans and trying to make Lance the bad guy. We’re going to the first Grand Prix after the break and you’re going to talk to him and if you won’t I will and trust me no one wants that.” Chloe might not be a caregiver by nature but she was a big sister and she would always be protective of Lance no matter how old they got.

“I will I promise.” Scotty loved Daniel, almost like a brother but Chloe was his wife and if this was making Chloe and Lance this upset he needed to have a chat with his friend.

“How about we head to the theatre and watch some movies. Do you like that idea Lance?” Chloe asked. Lance had stopped crying but was clearly still upset.

“Please.” Lance’s voice was quiet and he seemed to sad. Chloe was determined to help her brother cheer up, not caring who she upset along the way.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Chloe and Scotty flew with Lance and Lawrence on the Stroll family jet to the Netherlands. Lawrence raised an eyebrow when his daughter informed him the two were joining them for the race but didn’t question it too much. He knew Chloe always wanted to support her brother and being pregnant meant that she wouldn’t be able to go to too many more races this year. He had no idea about her alterer motives and he don’t need to know; if anyone was more protective of Lance than Chloe it was their father. Lance was still quiet, sitting by himself at the back of the plane watching something on his iPad with his headphone in and his puppy on his lap. Chloe watched her brother from where she was sitting. She could tell Lance wasn’t as excited for this race as he normally was which made her want to slap someone. Chloe got up and sat down beside Lance who didn’t look up at her. She bumped her shoulders against his and he still didn’t say anything but did take a headphone out.

“Hey Lancey. Are you ready to be racing again?” Chloe tried getting something out of her brother.

“Guess so.” Lance mumbled, chewing on the skin around his thumb nail. Chloe grabbed his hand, pulling it away from his mouth. She grabbed the bag sitting by his feet, looking through it until she found a pacifier. She offered it to Lance who looked around seeing that Lawrence was occupied with something on his computer and Scotty was sleeping. Lance was still a little embarrassed by his little side, his parents and sister were all naturals and while Scotty was a caregiver he wasn’t Lance’s caregiver and it felt weird to have his sister’s husband look after him.

“It’s okay Lancey, no one will say anything if you want your paci. I promise.” Chloe reassured him, still holding the pacifier out. Lance hesitantly leaned forward, taking the paci in his mouth. Lance pulled his feet up onto the seat and leaned his head against his sisters shoulder while continuing to watch cartoons on his tablet.

After a while Lance was asleep leaning against his sister. Chloe was scared to wake him up so she stayed where she was sitting. She was really wishing she had brought her phone with her as they still had several hours until they landed and she wanted Lance to get all the rest he needed; she so didn’t move. Lawrence looked up at one point seeing Chloe was no longer sitting in the row beside him, that it was just Scotty there sleeping. He looked back towards where Lance had parked himself and smiled at seeing his two children sitting together. Lawrence sat his laptop to the side to join his children for a moment.

“Is everything alright with Lance?”

“Nothing you need to worry about dad, I’ve got it handled. If it becomes something that concerns you I’ll let you know.”

“Is that why you’re coming to the race, something to do with Lance?”

“Just trust me dad, you’ll be involved if needed. I promise.”

“Okay. Is there anything you want?”

“Can you just grab my bag for me. I don’t want to wake him up.”

“Of course.” Lawrence grabbed his daughter’s bag off the floor and brought it back to her. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of each of his children’s heads before making his way back to his seat. He had no idea what his daughter was up to but he trusted her to take care of it. If it was something to protect Lance he knew she could handle anything.

**

They were barely in their hotel room before Chloe was trying to push Scotty out of the hotel room.

“Chlo, slow down. Why the rush?”

“Go and talk to Daniel, now.”

“Why now? Can’t we at least get settled in?”

“No, now please because if I see him in the paddock this week I’m going to say something and it’s not going to be nice. I can promise you that.”

“Okay, just let me text him to see where he’s staying and if he’s in yet and if he is I’ll leave immediately I promise.” Chloe seemed okay with that answer and started unpacking. It only took a few minutes for Daniel to respond, saying that yes he was in his room and Scotty could come over.

Scotty was a little nervous on the walk to Daniel’s hotel and up to his room. He loved Daniel like a brother and even though he was mostly doing this to make Chloe happy even he wasn’t supper happy about how Daniel was apparently treating Lance. He was just hoping to get to the root of everything and find a solution to make everyone happy.

“Hey man, didn’t realize you’d be here this weekend.” Daniel said as he opened the door for Scotty.

“Yeah was a little last minutes honestly. Chloe wants to get to as many races as possible before she’s too pregnant and can’t travel anymore.” Scotty sat down on the couch beside Daniel.

“Makes sense. So how is she doing?”

“She’s great, we’re really excited. But I’ll be honest there is a reason why I’m here today.”

“Sure, what’s up?”

“It’s about Lance.” Scotty caught the look of disgust that briefly came across Daniel’s face.

“What about him?” Even his tone has changed now, sounding like Scotty was trying to talk about the worst thing in the world.

“Look it’s about the trip you took and messages you sent in the group. Lance showed us and he was really upset about it, which in turn upset Chloe as well. Look what happens during a race is whatever but purposely excluding him from something and trying to make him seem like the bad guy to the others is not okay.”

“So what you’re just your wife’s little puppy now? You knocked her up and now you’re doing whatever she says.”

“Daniel, dude. It’s not like that. Lance is my family now whether you like it or not.”

“Well I was your friend long before you knew Chloe or Lance so shouldn’t you be on my side? Look me in the eyes right now and tell me honestly that Lance doesn’t drive you fucking crazy.”

“Daniel he doesn’t. If you ever gave him that chance and tried to get to know him you’d see he’s not that bad. What’s your problem with him anyways?”

“He’s just another fucking rich cry baby who runs to daddy whenever something doesn’t go his way.”

“So Lance is that only person on the grid with rich parents and a dad who loves him?”

“Well of course not, but…”

“No buts Daniel. The way you’re treating him is not okay in any and you could get in trouble for it.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Daniel, Lance is a little, whether you like it or not. A little with no caregiver or friends on the grid because that’s how everyone sees him. Any caregiver he’s ever has has just wanted to get to the Stroll family fortune and none of the other littles on the grid want to be friends with him because you don’t like him. You’re influencing them and it’s not fair to Lance. You could’ve at lease invited him on the trip and if he said no and didn’t go at least it was his choice and not you lying to everyone about it.” Scotty could see that Daniel was getting upset with him but he was determined to stand his ground.

“Whatever. Look if that is all you wanted to talk about you can leave now. I’m never going to friends with Lance or even try. I don’t do spoiled brats.”

“No, we’re settling this now because if you and I don’t Chloe will be coming here and trust me you don’t want that so sit down and fucking talk to me.” Scotty was getting upset. He knows how much Lance hates being called names just because he’s got a dad that loves him.

“What the fuck do you want me to say? I’m not going to be his friend or anything even fucking close so what does it matter.”

“I’m not asking you to be his friend or anything. I’m just asking that you stop talking about him like he’s the shit on the bottom of your shoe. He’s still a person, no matter how rich his dad it and how much his dad loves him. Because if I remember correctly you’re good friend with Lando Norris who also grew up as a rich kid and has a dad who loves him.”

“But that’s different.”

“How? Because his dad isn’t as rich? It’s the same thing but because Lance doesn’t look to you for anything and won’t fall for your bullshit you don’t like him.”

“Honestly fuck you Scotty. You’re becoming just like them.”

“Well if this is how you feel and how you’re going to act then this friendship is over. Bye Daniel.” Scotty stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. He didn’t care what Daniel has to say about it anymore, clearly his mind was made up and there was nothing to be said to change it. He just hopes Chloe would understand that he tried and wouldn’t try and say anything to Daniel herself.

**

Chloe was sitting on their bed when Scotty entered their hotel room. He wasn’t that supervised to see Lance lying on the bed beside his sister with his back to Scotty. Chloe looked up form her phone when she heard the door open, smiling softy at Scotty.

“How did it go?” Chloe asked, voice barely above a whisper.

“Is he sleeping?” Scotty asked, nodding toward Lance. Chloe leaned over to see his face and nodded her head when she found that he was indeed still sleeping.

“Great because it went awful. Daniel said some pretty awful things about Lance and I may or may not have told him we can’t be friends anyone if that’s how he’s going to treat Lance.”

“Scotty I’m sorry that I cost you a friendship.”

“It’s alright. Clearly I’ve been seeing things with blinders on because I didn’t want to believe that my best friend could be like that but he showed his true colours and made me realize that he wasn’t as innocent in everything as we all though and has always know exactly what he’s doing. Plus the things he said about you were just as bad and I can’t my friend be talking bad about my wife.”

“Me? What do I have to do with anything?”

“Said that I was taking your side just because we were married and you’re pregnant with my child. Something about rich kids with dads who love them. That’s about when I lost my mind honestly.”

“What an asshole. Like Lance is the only one on the grid who grew up in a family with money and has a dad who loves him. God, I hate when that’s people’s only reason for not liking him. It’s not Lance’s fault other people’s dad's suck.”

“I know but it’s okay now. We’ll make sure that Lance is loved and cared for no matter what anyone does or says.” Scotty carefully sat down on the bed beside Chloe, trying to not wake Lance up. Chloe leaned against her husband, trusting what he was saying.

What they didn’t know is that Lance wasn’t really sleeping, just pretending so he could hear what they were talking about. Now he had to just lay there, knowing what he knows now and trying not to cry. He felt terrible for being the reason that Daniel and Scotty were no longer friends. He never should have told anyone about what happened, now Daniel was going to hate him even more than he already did. Everything sucked and Lance wasn’t sure what he could do to fix anything.

Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Summary:

Protective Sebastian and Lewis are introduced, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg honestly.

Lance eventually faked waking up and insisted that he was alright to go back to his room alone, not matter how much Scotty and Chloe tried pestering him. Once Lance was back in his hotel room he curled up in his bed and cried. He kept his puppy close to his chest and cried, he cried so hard and so long that he could barely breathe. Sobs catching in his throat, breathing shallow and choppy as he tried to catch his breath. Lance wasn’t sure what compelled his to grab his phone and press that contact but he would eventually be very thankful for it.

“Lance, what’s up?” Sebastian’s voice on the other end of the phone brought a sense of peace over Lance.

“Sebby.” Lance cried.

“Hey buddy what’s up? Why are you so upset?”

“Hate Lance.”

“Who hates Lance? I don’t hate Lance. Do you hate Lance?”

“Everyone. Thinks Lance dumb cry baby brat.” Lance sniffled, wiping his nose with the back of his hand.

“Well that’s not true. I don’t think you’re any of those things Lance and I know there are others who don’t. Who called you those things?”

“Daniel. Him and Scotty no longer friends. All because Lance stupid.” Lance slipped his thumb into his mouth, needing some comfort right now.

“Lance, you’re not stupid. Can you tell me what happened.” Lance didn’t answer, just continued crying. “Ok, are you alone right now Lance?”

“Yeah.” Lance mumbled, refusing to take his thumb out of his mouth.

“Ok, is there someone you can go to right now?”

“No, all hate Lance.”

“Ok Lance, listen to Sebby okay? Do you remember what hotel you’re in and your room number.”

“922.”

“Ok, good that’s your room number. Do you know what hotel you’re at?”

“Don’t know. Lance so stupid.”

“Hey, no you’re not. I can find your location for your hotel. Do you mind if I send someone to you. I’m in Germany and can’t be there right now but I will be as soon as possible.”

“Ok.” Lance mumbled, feeling tired now after all the crying.

“Don’t fall asleep yet. Okay, they’re on their way so can you open the door when there’s a knock Lance. I’ll stay on the phone until they’re there, okay.”

“Promise?”

“I promise Lance. I’m right here and I’m booking the first flight I can find to get to you okay.”

“Thank you Sebby. You the best.” Lance mumbled, feeling his eyes starting to close but Seb said to stay awake so he forced them open. It wasn’t long before there was a knock at the door.

“Answer the door Lance. Are you alright if I hang up now?”

“I okay Sebby.”

“Okay Lance, I’ll see you soon.” Lance sat his phone down and slowly got up. Lance was surprised to see Lewis standing on the other side of the door.

“Hey Lance. Do you mind if I come in?? Seb sent me to make sure you were okay.” Lance nodded, allowing Lewis into his room.

“Want Sebby.” Lance said, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand.

“I know and Sebby will be here as soon as he can, I promise. He wouldn’t lie to you would he?”

“No.” Lance sat down on his bed and grabbed his puppy.

“Is this your friend Lance?”

“Yeah. Puppy.” Lance held the stuffed animal up for Lewis to see.

“Does your friend have a name?”

“No just puppy.” Lance rubbed the soft fur on its back, letting the familiar motion soothe him.

“Are you tired buddy?” Lance shrugged his shoulders. He was tired after everything that happened today but he wasn’t sure if he could sleep with how fast his mind was running.

“Head full.” Lance said, hoping Lewis would understand.

“You’re thinking too much are you buddy? Well I can help. Do you have anything else besides your puppy that you need?”

“Paci.” Lance pointed towards the bag sitting on the chair in the corner. He didn’t always use his paci, usually just when Chloe gave it to him. But decided that if Lewis said anything about his paci that would give him a reason to kick him out. Lewis didn’t say anything just made his way over to the bag and pulled the green pacifier out.

“This one?” Lewis asked, showing it to Lance who nodded. Lewis moved back towards the bed, holding the pacifier for Lance to take. Lance grabbed it and put it into his mouth, as much as he sometime resented the pacifier it really did calm him down.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome Lance. Do you mind if I sit with you until you fall asleep?”

“It okay.” Lance moved over just a little but to allow Lewis to sit down. Lewis sat on the vacant spot, hand coming to rest in Lance’s hair. Lance moved closer until his face was resting against Lewis’ thigh. It didn’t take Lance long to fall asleep with Lewis’ presence.

Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Summary:

Sebastian is here to cuddle Lance and keep all the bad people away.

Lance made it through media day and free practice 1 and 2 without having to interact too much with anyone else on the grid. He avoided anyone who came close to him, hiding and even running away, the only person he couldn’t shake was Lewis. No matter where Lance seemed to try and hide Lewis always found him. Lance figured it was just because Sebastian asked him to keep an eye on him. Sebastian who still wasn’t here even though he said he would be here as soon as possible. Clearly Lance wasn’t that important and Sebastian had forgotten about him, just like everyone else. It’s okay he’s used to it by now.

Lance made his way to his driver’s room after FP2, skilfully avoiding both his dad and sister. He just needed a few minutes to himself to breathe. So, when Lance opened his door to see Sebastian sitting on the couch in his driver’s room he was shocked. Lance was frozen, the door shutting behind him as he stared at the man sitting on his couch. Lance could see where his puppy and paci were sitting on his comfy clothes on the other side of the couch, right where he left them, and Sebastian made sure not to disturb them.

“Hello.” Sebastian said, smiling softly at him. Lance didn’t wait any longer and threw himself at Sebastian. Sebastian chuckled, pulling Lance onto his lap and wrapping his arms around him.

“You’re here Sebby.”

“Yeah I am Lancey. Do you want to get changed out of your race suit. I see you got yourself some comfy clothes ready, very smart of you. Do you want me to help you get changed?” Lance wasn’t felling little before, didn’t plan on being little until after the race, but having Sebastian here and treating him so sweetly he could feel himself slipping.

“Please Sebby.” Lance said, rubbing his eye with his fist. Sebastian sat Lance down on the couch as he slipped out form under him, ignoring the whine from Lance. He grabbed the clothes from the end of the couch, first holding out Lance’s paci and puppy to see what he wanted. He took his puppy but shook his head at the paci, not needing it quite yet. Getting Lance out of his fireproofs and race suit and into new clothes would be a lot easier if Lance would put his puppy down, but because he kept the stuffed toy in one hand at all times made it much harder; Sebastian wasn’t about to tell Lance to set it down after the week he had so he worked around it. Once Lance was in the sweatpants and sweater Sebastian sat back down and allowed Lance to cuddle back into him.

“Did Lewis look after you the last couple days? If not, I need to have a word with him.” Sebastian asked, rubbing Lance’s back.

“Yeah. Sat with me until I sleep. Kept everyone away from me.” Lance could feel his eyes slipping closed but didn’t want to fall asleep quite yet.

“Good. Lance you can sleep if you need to, I don’t mind.”

“What to stay with you.”

“I’ll be right here Lance. Just take a little nap. It’s okay.” Sebastian continued rubbing Lance’s back, even reaching out and grabbing the paci and slipping it into Lance’s mouth. It didn’t take long for Lance to fall asleep, safely tucked in Sebastian’s arms.

**

Lance was still asleep when there was a knock on the door. Sebastian didn’t want to wake Lance up, so he didn’t move or say anything, hoping the person on the other side of the door would just come in. Just a few seconds later the door opened slowly, Chloe’s head peeking around the door. She smiled to herself seeing her brother sleeping against Sebastian. She always liked Sebastian, knowing that he would always look after Lance.

“Hey. Sorry was just checking on him. He didn’t answer my text and just wanted to make sure he was okay, but you’ve clearly got it handled.” Chloe whispered, not wanting to wake Lance. She knew that even though Lance was trying to deny it he wasn’t sleeping well and that everything from the last week was bothering him. She was just happy he was sleeping.

“I got him. I’ll let him sleep for a bit before waking him up and getting him to the hotel. You just go back and rest. I’ll message you when we’re back to the hotel.

“Okay thank you. I’m assuming Lance has told you everything that happened if your’e here.”

“He has and don’t you worry I have a plan to deal with it.”

“Thank you. I trust you to deal with it.” Chloe smiled and left the room, happy that Sebastian was here for Lance.

Sebastian allowed Lance to sleep for about an hour. He was able to slowly inch his way out from under Lance to pack up anything that Lance would need. Sebastian knew he need to wake Lance up and get him back to the hotel but he remembered how hard waking Lance up and how grumpy he was after being woke up, especially when he was little. Sebastian crouched down so he was in front of Lance. Lance who looked so peaceful that Sebastian hated to have to disturbe him but knew that sleeping for long periods of time on these couches were not comfortable.

“Hey, Lance. It’s time to start waking up. Come on baby, we need to wake up.” Sebastian gently shook Lance’s shoulder, not wanting to freak him out and Mae him upset. Lance stirred gently, but didn’t wake up, instead just turned over he he was facing away from Sebastian now. “Lance come on.”

“No.” Lance mumbled, trying to stay asleep.

“Yes Lance. I’m sure your bed at the hotel is much more comfortable than this couch. Don’t you want to go there and be comfy? Plus I can’t cuddle you properly where, don’t you want to cuddle?” Sebastian knew the prospect of cuddles would help wake Lance up.

“Cuddles.” Lance turned over just enough so Sebastian could see his face.

“Yes Lancey, cuddles. Come on, let’s go.” Lance still seemed reluctant to wake up and move but the though of cuddles with Sebastian was better than sleeping right now.

Sebastian got Lance packed up and down to the car he drove here. Lance dozed in the passenger seat on the way to the hotel, ready to go back to sleep in a proper bed. Lance wasn’t any help getting himself up to his room, Sebastian having to almost carry him from the elevator as Lance was ready to go back to sleep. Sebastian laid Lance down on the bed while he got his stuff unpacked. Lance was still awake, just barely, with his eyes almost closed again.

“Sebby.” Lance whined, reaching out for the older man.

“You’re okay Lance, I’m right here.” Sebastian decided that his stuff could wait until morning, Lance was more important right now. Sebastian was able to get into some pyjamas before climbing into bed with Lance. Lance immediately wrapped himself around Sebastian and was asleep in no time. Sebastian stayed awake for a bit longer, knowing that tomorrow would be a long day with some hurt feelings.

Notes:

Next chapter Sebastian takes on the rest of the grid and there’s no holding back.

Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Summary:

Sebastian is not here to make friends and isn't afraid to put Daniel in his place.

Notes:

It’s all going down here, it’s a big of a cliffhanger and kinda a part one of the next 2 chapters.

The next day Sebastian helped get Lance ready for the day, promising to see him between FP3 and qualifying. What Lance didn’t know was that Sebastian had a bigger plan, a plan to shame the grid for how they were treating Lance.

There wasn’t much time between the two sessions, but Lance spent the little time he did have curled up with Sebastian on the little couch in his driver’s room. Chloe was the one who came and got them, smiling softly at the sight of her brother sleeping. Between the two they were able to get Lance up and ready with minimal fighting from him. Lance was reluctant to leave, pouting at Sebastian zipped up his race suit before pressing a kiss to his forehead. Sebastian promised to be waiting for him when he was done as Chloe dragged him from the room. While Sebastian was waiting for qualifying to be over he was preparing for what was to come after. He knew people were going to be upset with him, but he wasn’t about to let them treat Lance they way they were. It was ending today.

**

Lance was tired when he stumbled through the door, falling into Sebastian’s open arms. Sebastian praised him, so proud of him for qualifying P6, praising him as he helped him get out of his race suit.

“I’m going to the little room after this. Are you coming with me or staying here? Scotty is coming with me but I’m sure Chloe will stay with you if you would like.”

“Lance not welcome there.”

“What are you talking about Lance? You’re a little, your always welcome there. Don’t you have your own room? All littles get their own room?”

“I was told that because I don’t have a caregiver full time I can’t use it.” Lance grabbed his puppy, fidgeting with its ear as he did when he was anxious.

“How about you stay here with Chloe while Sebby goes and has a little chat with the others.”

“Ok Sebby.” Sebastian stepped out just long enough to grab Scotty and Chloe. Chloe sat down on the couch with Lance who immediately cuddled into his big sister. Scotty and Sebastian left, knowing they were okay together. Sebastian had Lewis text the others earlier to get them all to gather in the little room so they didn’t know Sebastian was there. He’s been good so far at hiding himself, wanting his presence to surprise them.

Sebastian didn’t even bother knocking, just barging in the room. Everyone in the room jumped when the door banged open. Everyone was so shocked at seeing Sebastian that for several seconds no one moved. Sebastian wasn’t that surprised that Charles was the first to move, running to hug him.

“Seb, you’re here.” Charles wrapped himself around Sebastian. As upset as Sebastian was, Charles wasn’t the source of his anger, so he allowed himself to hug Charles back.

“I am. I need but there’s something I need to do, so we can chat later.” Sebastian directed Charles back to where he was sitting before facing the whole room. The whole grid wasn’t there but the ones he needed to talk to were there.

“Nico, can you please take the littles to one of their rooms for a bit.” Sebastian trusted Nico to look after the littles, he was a caregiver without a little who spent time with the littles and Sebastian knew the caregiver trusted him with the littles. It took a few minutes but before long all the littles were out of the room. When Sebastian heard the door shut behind them he turned to face the others, face stern.

“What’s up Seb? Didn’t think we’d be seeing you around here again.” Daniel joked.

“Don’t even. You’re most of the reason why I’m here.”

“What did I do?”

“What did you do? What didn’t you do.”

“Is this about Lance?” Daniel said, his tone shifting like he was talking about the worst thing on the world which just fuelled Sebastian’s anger.

“Don’t act like that. Like just saying his name is going to kill you when you’re the problem here. What has Lance ever done to you to make you act the way you do towards him?”

“You mean besides running me off the track and crashing me out?”

“Yes, because those are track issues, you leave them on the track. You don’t act like your in high school. You’re a grown ass adult Daniel.”

“Why are you getting on me?”

“Because you for some reason are the leader and whatever you do the others follow you. So because of that Lance is getting excluded from everything.”

“It’s not a big deal, daddy’s brat is fine.”

“Will it be fine if you lose Max and your status as a caregiver?”

“What?” That seemed to shake Daniel, more than anything else Sebastian has said so far.

“Yes Daniel, you can lose it all over this. Lance is a little and is protected under the ADLA, which the FIA and most countries we travel to support. DO you have any idea what that means?” Daniel shook his head. “Does anyone else know?”

“It’s the Anti-Discrimination Little Act. It just means that under no circumstances can little be discriminated against for any reason, especially by a caregiver.” Carlos said.

“What does that have to do with anything happening?” Daniel still seemed so nonchalant about everything that it was making Sebastian angrier.

“It means that the way you’ve been treating Lance, saying awful things about him and excluding him can be used against you. If you keep this up and there’s enough evidence against you you can loose everything. You’ll lose your caregiver status which means that you’ll lose Max. Is that what you want to lose Max?” Sebastian knew that it was awful to threat Daniel like this but he also knew that using Max was the only way to get Daniel to really listen.

“All this just because daddy’s boy can’t take a little criticism? Seems a little harsh.” Daniel snapped.

“It is what it is Daniel. Are you finally starting to realize just how serious this is?”

“I’m not the only one that hates Lance here, so stop signalling me out.” Daniel was done with this intervention.

“I don’t.” A small voice interrupted them. They all turned to see Max standing in the doorway. His lion blankie was tucked in his arms as he stared with wide eyes.

“What’s that buddy?” Sebastian asked.

“Max, you know you’re not supposed to open doors without a caregiver.” Nico looked to be a little out of sorts but Sebastian did thrust all six littles on him without any warning.

“It’s okay Nico, I want to hear what he has to say.” Sebastian said. “Go on.”

“Lance nice. Family nice. His dad protect Maxie.”

“Protect Maxie from who?” Sebastian asked.

“Jos.”

“Max, you don’t say his name.” Daniel snapped which caused Max to flinch. Max had tears starting to gather in his eyes and he brought to corner of his blankie up to rub against his nose in a nervous tick.

“Max it’s okay. Come here. Tell me what happened.” Sebastian held his arms open as Max ran to him. Sebastian glared at Daniel over Max’s shoulder, daring him to challenge him.

“We were teenagers. Knew Lance was little. Lance knew I was little. His dad yelled at my dad because he hit Maxie. Let Maxie stay with them for a bit. Maxie like Lance, Lance nice.” Max said, a few tears having fallen. Whether it was because of Daniel yelling at him or remembering his childhood Seb didn’t know but he just hugged the little tighter anyway.

“Charlie like Lance too.” All the littles were now standing in the doorway, Nico behind them looking worn out.

“Yeah.” Sebastian held his other arm out and Charles quickly rushed to cuddle into him.

“He’s fun. Papa likes Lance too.” Charles directed his attention to Pierre.

“It’s true. Lance is not what people say he is. If you’d take even 10 minutes to get to know him you’d realize it too. He’s lonely without a caregiver and just wants to make friends.”

“For once I agree with Pierre. Lance doesn’t want to be seen as the terrible person everyone makes him out to be. He just wants someone to be there for him.” Esteban said, ready to defend his friend.

“Then you be his caregiver. Get him off our backs.” Daniel snapped.

“I’m not a caregiver. I’ve tried but it just doesn’t work, I don’t have the instincts that you guys have. I don’t always know what he wants and needs.”

“Whatever. Scotty can deal with the brat since he seems to only care about to Stroll family now, not a lifelong friendship. Who cares about those.”

“Daniel that’s enough. Lance doesn’t want me to be his caregiver and I don’t want him as my little. It’s awkward, who wants their sisters husband as their caregiver. I do what I can but without being his caregiver legally there’s not that much I can do.” Scotty was over Daniel’s pettiness.

“Scotty what do you even know about all of this? You’re not even a driver so your opinion doesn’t matter.”

“No I might not be a driver but I know seomthing about all this. I know how hurt Lance was by you message just a few days ago. I was there as he cried because you tried to turn you not inviting him into him ignoring you. I sat with him while he cried into is sisters arms, blamin himself for everything that happened. Not once did he ever say anything bad about you, just about himself.”

“Wait. Daniel I though you invited him.” Alex said, very confused as to what happened. He’s had his issues with Lance but it was mostly just teenage rilvery through George that they’ve all worked out. George had wiggled his way again between Alex and Lily again and seemed just as confused as to what happened.

“So what if I didn’t. Who wants a little brat without a caregiver on their vacation? He doesn’t have anyone to look after him so that would’ve fallen all on us. I wanted a vacation to spend with my little, not a a little who crises and need someone there for him all the time.”

“It’s really not that hard to look after two littles. Plus we all would have been there so it wouldn’t have been that bad.” Oscar said, both his littles back at his side.

“I just didn’t fucking want him there alright. He’s annoying and it was my vacation so I can choose who was invited or not invited.” Daniel snapped. Sebastian was glad Max was still standing with him as he started crying harder at Daniel’s yelling. Daniel didn’t seem to notice, his anger fully taking over. Sebastian caught Lewis’ eye from across the room, eye darting to Max. Lewis seemed to understand and quickly came towards them, leading Max away to the back of the room where it was quieter.

“Daniel you aren’t in charge here. If you can’t plan things and think of everyone maybe someone else should.” Carlos said. Carlos was starting to wonder if Daniel was always like this. When Daniel was with McLaren Carlos trusted him to look over Lando. But if this was how quickly he let his anger take over, not even caring that he was upsetting Max, then who’s to say he didn’t treat Lando like this. Carlos reached out to where Lando was standing just off to the side, not wanting to disturbed the adult talking, and grabbed his hand to pull him into a hug. Lando quickly cuddled into him, all the yelling and commotion scaring him.

“Whatever. Have fun with cry baby Stroll. Don’t come crying to me when daddy’s boy isn’t all you think he is.” Daniel stormed out, door slamming shut behind him. It was quiet for just a couple seconds before all hell broke loose

Notes:

How do we feel about this? What do we think the other littles and caregivers and the rest of the driver will have to say about this situation?

Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Sebastian honestly sure what to do. Just about all the littles were now crying with their caregiver desperately trying to calm them down but nothing seemed to be working. Max was the worst. He was just about hysterical at this point, tears coming out in gasping sobs as he tried desperately to catch his breath. Sebastian didn’t know a lot about Max’s life growing up but knew enough that seeing Daniel, his caregiver and person who was supposed to look after him, yell like that had clearly set him off and brought back terrible memories of his childhood.

Charles was refusing to detach himself from Sebastian, tears welling in his eyes but having yet to fall. Pierre kept trying to coax him into coming to him but to no avail; Charles was clinging tightly to Sebastian. Lando had planted himself on Carlos’ lap and didn’t look like he was moving any time soon. Sebastian thought he heard the occasional sniffle escape him but wasn’t too sure as Lando kept his face buried in Carlos’ neck while Carlos desperately tried to calm the little down. Oscar was trying to keep both his littles calm. Logan seemed vey anxious, eye full of tears darting around the room but not focusing on anything as he was cuddle into Oscar’s side. Charles’ distress seemed to be rubbing off on Arthur, he kept trying to get up and go to Charles but Oscar kept pulling him back, reassuring him that Charles was okay, and no amount of his crying was changing Oscar’s mind. George was sitting between his caregivers, holding one of each of their hands to ground himself. Esteban looked so confused as to what to do, he was the only one in the room who wasn’t a caregiver and seemed very distressed by everything that was happening around him. Nico and Lewis were trying their best to help the caregivers calm the littles but it didn’t seem to be helping. Scotty was standing just behind Sebastian watching the whole scene, not knowing what to do.

“Call Chloe and tell her to bring Lance.” Sebastian said, turning to Scotty.

“Are you sure that’s the best idea? This whole scene might stress him out.” Scotty knew how sensitive Lance was and if he found out this was all because of him he would feel so guilty and probably shut down.

“I’m sure. I think it might help the other littles to calm down.” Scotty didn’t seem too sure but stepped away to call his wife. Sebastian wrapped his arm around Charles and slowly walked the two towards where Pierre was sitting. Sebastian sat down with Charles between the two, keeping a hold of his hand but allowing Pierre to bring his little ito his side. It took a few minutes but eventually Charles fell into Pierre’s side but kept a firm grip on Sebastian’s hand.

It took a bit for Chloe and Lance to get there and by that time most of the littles had started to calm down. Lance still looked very overwhelmed, standing frozen in the doorway seeing all these people here. He wanted to run to Sebastian or even Lewis but both were occupied with other littles and Lance didn’t want to take them away. He then saw Esteban and rushed towards his friend. Esteban saw Lance coming and opened his arm as Lance ran into them.

“Hey buddy, what’s up?” Esteban rubbed Lance’s back, hoping to calm his anxiety. While Esteban wasn’t a caregiver he did know Lance and knew Lance would be anxious with all these people around, especially people he wasn’t super comfortable with.

“People. Too many.” Lance’s eyes were darting around the room, not focusing on anyone. Lance’s thumb came to his mouth as he chewed on the side, his puppy squished between their chests.

“It’s okay Lance, they’re not going to hurt you, no one is going to hurt you anymore.” Esteban wanted to hurt Daniel though. Sure Lance’s anxiety had always been high, but even this is a lot. There are people in the room who Lance gets along with but even that doesn’t seem to be helping, the fear Daniel had instilled in him was too much.

Sebastian had finally gotten Charles fully into Pierre’s arms and was able to let go of his hand. He slipped out and made his way over to Lance and Esteban. He put his hand on Lance’s back, seeing the anxiety in Lance’s eyes as they locked eyes. Lance looked ready to cry, reaching out and grabbing Sebastian’s hand.

“Lance it’s okay. No one here is upset with you I promise. Would I lie to you Lance?”

“No. Sebby no lie.”

“Come on, let’s go over to the others.” Sebastian fully took Lance’s hand, squeezing it gently. The rest of the littles had calmed down, Max was still sniffling from where he was curled up against Lewis’ side. But he was the one who saw Lance coming towards them first. He pulled away from Lewis and rushed towards the approaching pair. He wrapped his arms around Lance, who tensed up at the contact.

“I’m sorry. I no hate you. You friend.” Max was crying again, squeezing Lance in his arms.

“Maxie, let’s ease up a little bit okay buddy.” Sebastian said, seeing that Lance was getting anxious.

“Sorry Seb.” Max unwrapped himself from around Lance but stayed close.

“Max like Lance?” Lance was confused. He figured that because Daniel was Max’s caregiver he would hate Lance the most.

“Lancey nice. Lancey’s dad help Maxie. ‘Member?” Lance was confused as to what Max meant but then he remembered… Remembered being 14, Max 15 and his dad screaming at Max’s dad, possibly even hitting him when he saw Jos hitting Max. Max stayed with them for a bit until he two were needed in different place, Lawrence promised to make sure Max was safe. Lance didn’t realize Max remembered all that. It was over 10 years ago and was only for a couple of days.

“I ‘member.” Lance opened his arms, just slightly but keeping Sebastian's hand in his as he brought Max into a hug.

“I sorry about Daniel. Didn’t know.” Lance was surprised to hear Max call Daniel by his actual name, clearly something happened that Lance didn’t know about.

“Not your fault. Lance just stupid.” Lance mumbled the last part, not looking at anyone.

“Lance no stupid. Daniel stupid.” Charles said, rushing over from his spot with Pierre towards Lance and Max, wrapping his arms around the pair.

“Charles.” Pierre exclaimed.

“Sorry papa.” Charles said, still wrapped around Max and Lance. Lance wasn’t sure what to do or feel right now. He had convinced himself that everyone else hated him, he didn’t know how to feel about all this support from the others.

Notes:

Real sorry for the delay in this chapter. Go a little stuck in the middle, I knew where I wanted to take the chapter but couldn’t figure out how to get there Hopefully the next chapter will be out much quicker.

Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Summary:

A chat is had with the caregivers and more secrets are revealed.

Between the hord of caregiver they were able to get all the little down for naps. Sebastian gathered all the others in the main room, needing to chat with them without the littles having the chance to interrupt them.

“So what has been going on for the last two years? How has this been going unnoticed and undealt with for so long?” Sebastian asked facing the others in the room.

“Honestly, I’m not sure. Somehow Daniel just took over when you retired, and we all just went along with whatever he said and did. I know that’s not an excuse and I’m not trying to make one. I just believed that Daniel was truly asking him and Lance just didn’t want to come. Figured that his best friend being married to Lance’s sister meant something but clearly it didn’t and we were all wrong. I’m sorry about everything.” Alex said. He honestly felt terrible about everything Sure he’s had his issues with Lance, but they were all forgotten on the track, and honestly most of them were probable stupid. There was also that period of time when they were teens when George and Lance had their issues in junior karting days but those days were long behind them and they were friendly now with each other. Alex had even watched Lance a couple of time for him and George to play together.

“I second Alex. I’ve never had a problem with Lance personally and should not have never go on for so long. I guess being new I just figured this is how everything worked so I never questioned it.” Oscar said. Oscar’s never been someone who likes to speak up especially if he didn’t know fully what was going on. He had just trusted his fellow Australian was doing his best to include everyone.

“I think we were all fooled by Daniel. His charm and charisma fooling all of us into trusting him. Trusting him with the most vulnerable people in our lives.” All Carlos could think about was Lando. For two years Carlos trusted Daniel with Lando when Carlos couldn’t be there himself. Who’s to say Daniel didn’t snap at him if he got upset with him. He saw how scared Lando was after seeing Daniel yell and had a feeling this wans’t the first time Lando had witnessed Daniel getting upset and if so Carlos needed to have some words with the other man.

“I just wonder how long this has really been going on. Clearly this isn’t something new if Lance got that upset so quickly and is this upset over it but how long had it really been going on? Is Daniel the first to treat Lance like this on the grid?” Alex said what really everyone was thinking but didn’t want to say.

“How have we all missed this for so long? I blame myself.” Sebastian knew this probably wasn’t new and was beating himself up for not realizing it sooner. He was Lance’s teammate for two years and was Lance’s first teammate who was a caregiver and tried his best to always be there for Lance. Even making Fernando promise he would look after Lance when he retired and it came who was taking his place.

“Where’s Fernando? He’s Lance’s teammate and a caregiver so he should be looking after Lance. Even if it’s not full time he’s legally required to help Lance if needed.”

“He never responded to my message and he’s the only one. Val, Zhou, Checo, Yuki and Kevin all responded and figured this was a caregiver matter and would stay away but would come if needed. Fernando did get the message but never replied. I can try again.” Lewis was looking at his phone, already typing before Sebastian started nodding his head.

“He’ll be here in 5.” Lewis said. It was quiet while they waited for Fernando. Most were thinking. Thinking about things they’ve missed it he past, things they could have done to help, things they noticed but just brushed off as nothing. Could any of them have helped Lance before it got his bad?

“What so important you needed me right now?” Fernando barged into the little room, not expecting just about everyone to be sitting there staring at him.

“Come and sit, we need to have a little chat.” Sebastian said, patting the empty spot on the couch beside him.

“About what?”

“About Lance.”

“What about Lance?” Fernando counted like he could care less, like talking about his teammate was draining to him.

“Have you noticed anything strange about him?”

“He’s a very strange boy Sebastian, you should know this.” Sebastian decided to ignore the dig at you younger man even though it made Sebastian upset.

“That’s not the point. Look, why aren’t you looking after him?”

“Why did I need to? He deosn’t want my help and even if he did I don’t want to. He’s too needy and clingy for me.” Fernando screwed up his nose, like he was disgusted that a little wanted to be looked after. Sebastian could feel his anger returning.

“You promised me you would look after him. I came to you personally when the news come out that you would be replacing me when I retired that you would be there for him.”

“Well I lied. I tried but he’s just so needy. I get he doesn’t have caregiver full time but I don’t want to be that person. I don’t need a whiny, bratty little annoying me all day. I have job to do and he was in the way.” Fernando shrugged, clearly not caring.

“He’s not whiny or bratty, he’s a little who needed someone and though you could be ther for him. I told him you’d be there for him.”

“Not my problem. If he wants someone to look after him he should have caregiver that’s not me.”

“That’s not my point Fernando. Legally you have to help him, it’s part of the ADLA and your contract. It’s part of every caregiver;s contract.”

“Not mine. Had it written out. Lawyers were too stupid to realize it until it was too late.” Fernando seemed very proud of himself. Proud that he didn’t have to look after his teammate who had probably came to him for help and was rejected because he didn’t have to, after promising Sebastian that he would look after Lance.

“I can’t believe you all, how fucking stupid and mean you all are. All your apologizing to me means nothing, sure I’m upset about everything but I’m not the one who’s been suffering for almost two years. The only one who deserves your apologies it is asleep in the other room. I’m not saying that you have to drop everything at any time for him but at least include him and allow him to use his little room.”

“Who said he couldn’t use his little room? Of course he can use it, it’s been empty. We just figured that Lance didn’t like it and preferred to be alone. But I guess like everything else we were wrong and told different things than what he was told.” Alex felt so bad. He has had negative thoughts about Lance, thinking that Lance just didn’t like to be around them. Clearly he was wrong and needed to be there to help Lance in the future.

“I hope that this conversation is eye opening and you take it all into consideration in the future.” Sebastian was really hoping the others learned and would remember this in the future.

Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Summary:

The littles all get a chance to say their piece and another secret is revealed.

It took a while before any of the littles woke up, with George being the first to wander out. It was clear that he was no longer little, having changed clothes and his blankie not in his hands like it normally was when he’s little. He still sits between Alex and Lily but it’s clear he was no longer little.

“Have we all really been that mean to Lance for the last couple of years?” George said, staring at the floor in front of him.

“George, it’s alright. It’s not up to you.” Alex tried soothing him because even though he wasn’t little right now they were still friends and Alex would always be there for him.

“But we should’ve realize it, should have seen the signs. He didn’t want to meet for play dates anymore and looked even more sad then he normally did.”

“Hey George, I’m not mad at you guys. You’re just little and it’s not up to you to to look after people and make sure they’re what okay. That’s the caregiver’s jobs. Okay George.” Sebastian said, not wanting the little to feel bad about this. He didn’t blame them whatsoever for anything that had happened.

“But we still could’ve noticed signs and mentioned it to someone to help.” George pulled his knees up onto the couch, setting his knees on top of them. Lily and Alex both tried to reassure him and comfort him to try and ease his distress.

“I agrees with George, we’re still at fault here.” Max said, coming out of his room. His eyes were still red and bloodshot, showing his distress from earlier and the fact that he cried himself to sleep.

“Max…” Sebastian said, patting the empty space beside him. Max fell heavily into the space. He wasn’t little but was still clearly upset by everything that happened earlier, feeling a little betrayed by Daniel as well. Sure him and Lance weren’t best friends but they were friendly with each other and always have been (Max would never forget the generosity of the Stroll family). Guess Max knew why Daniel always made an excuse when he asked for a play date with Lance.

“No Sebastian you don’t get it. As littles we need to stick together and be there for each other at all times. I mean Lance and his family were there for me when I needed them but I wasn’t there for him. It was my caregiver who was hurting him and I didn’t even realize it. What kind of friend am I?”

“Max you’re a great friend, I promise. Daniel was very sneaky about it. None of us knew until just a few days ago, we’re all to blame here. But we’re going to learn and be there for Lance as long as he lets us. Okay?” Sebastian ran his fingers through Max’s hair, head falling onto the older man’s shoulder.

“I guess so but I still feel bad.” Max couldn’t forget about what happened this afternoon. Daniel yelling at Lance and storming out, not even realizing he had upset Max in the process. It really made Max think, what else was Daniel hiding from him?

Logan, Charles and Arthur stumbled out not long after. The three were a odd pair, Arthur wanting to be with both Logan and Charles but nether were close to each other. But both Charles and Logan weren’t about to do something to make Arthur upset, his upset face was too sad for either of them. Charles pulled away from the other two, flopping down beside Pierre on the couch. He didn’t say anything, just laid his head out he other man’s shoulder. Arthur and Logan sat down with Oscar. Logan sat on the floor in front of him, leaning back against the younger’s man legs. Arthur sat down beside Oscar, silent as well. Everyone seemed to be so subdued, the talk earlier making everyone feel bad.

Lando was the last (besides Lance) to come out and the one one still little. He was rubbing his eyes with his fist, his blankie trailing behind him. He quickly rushed over to Carlos, plopping down onto his lap and burying his face in his shoulder.

“Lando, you alright?” Carlos asked, rubbing Lando’s back. Carlos knew that something was wrong, something was bothering Lando. Since they started talking about Daniel mistreating Lance Lando has been quiet and upset. Carlos didn’t know what was wrong but the pit forming in his stomach was enough for him to knew it wasn’t anything good.

“No.” Lando whined, keeping his face buried in Carlos’ neck, not wanting to face him or anyone else in the room.

“Lando, baby, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”

“Daniel mean.” Lando whimpered, trying to get closer to Carlos like they weren’t already fully pressed together. Carlos felt his heart stop, all his fears from the last few hours were coming true and he felt nauseous.

“Lando, please. Tell me you’re lying.” Carlos was panicking. He didn’t want this to be true but the fear in Lando’s voice wasn’t reassuring him at all.

“Daniel ignore Lando. Leave him alone. Was so scared and lonely. Wanted papa but he yelled. He yelled at Lando papa.” Lando cried, tightening his grip on Carlos. Carlos held Lando tightly, hoping to ease all his fears from the past.

“I’m so sorry baby. Papa is so sorry carinó. I never would have left you with him if I had known. I’m a horrible caregiver and I’m sorry Lando.” Carlos wants to go back in time to all the times he left Lando in Daniel’s care when he had meetings with Ferrari and couldn’t be with Lando right away and take Lando with him far away from Daniel. Hearing how upset Lando was now he wants to take it all back and save him from all the fear and heartbreak.

“Carlos you’re not a horrible caregiver. You had no idea what was going on, none of us did. You did what you though was best at the time. If you knew what was happening would you still have left Lando alone with him?” Sebastian asked, standing up to move and sit beside the pair.

“Of course not.” Carlos grew defensive, almost yelling at Sebastian. He wasn’t really upset with Sebastian (just himself and Daniel) but he needed someone to take it out on and Sebastian was right there right now.

“Then you’re not horrible Carlos I promise. We all have lots to do to make up for the last few years but we’ll get there. We’ll all learn and change together.” Sebastian knew this was just the beginning of everything and there was a long way to go before the process of healing started. Not just for Lance but for all of them.

Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Lance laid awake in the room for several minutes. He heard the others leave their rooms and go to the big room but Lance didn’t have it in him to move just yet. He was big but continued to stroke the ear in his puppy, the familiar motion calming him even when not little. He knew he should get up and go with the others but he didn’t want to, couldn’t do it just yet. He could hear someone crying now and people getting upset again and knew it was something to do with him. He should have just kept his mouth shut about it all instead of being a big baby about it. This had been going on for years and he was mostly fine. Now Max was upset because Daniel yelled at him and stormed out, the other littles barely looked at him and the caregivers just followed Daniel like he was their leader and what he said was right. The pit in Lance’s stomach was growing bigger as the seconds passed. Lance didn’t know how long he laid away for when there was a knock on the door.

“Come in.” He said, figuring it was either his sister or Sebastian, honestly the only people he wanted to see right now. He wasn’t surprised to see Chloe’s head pop around the door, soft smile on her face.

“Hey, do you mind if I come in?” She asked, not wanting to invade his space if he wanted to be alone right now.

“No, it’s okay. You can come in.” While Chloe wasn’t a caregiver she knew her brother and knew he wasn’t little right now. She looked around the room as she approached the bed, the room that looked so empty. Besides the Montreal Canadian sheets on the bed, you would never know this was Lance’s little room and that made Chloe so sad. She unlocked the safety rail so she could sit beside her brother on the bed. She saw puppy in his lap and decided not to say anything about it.

“How are you feeling?”

“Awful. I’ve caused so much pain and for what? I could hear screaming and crying just a few moments ago. I know they hate me even more and don’t want me around. They’ll always like him more than me.”

“Lance no. Do you want to know what the screaming and crying was about?”

“About Lance.” Lance mumbled, not being able to look his sister in the eye and for her to tell him he was right.

“No Lance, Daniel did it to Lando too. Ignore him and yelled at him when Carlos asked him to watch him. Because you came forward Lando felt comfortable confessing to Carlos what happened. Do you understand, you’re helping the others feel comfortable talking about what he did to them too.”

“What? I though he loved Lando, everyone loves Lando. He’s like the picture perfect little. How could Daniel do that to him?” Lance and Lando weren’t close, probably the one Lance was the least closest with between all the littles on the grid but that didn’t mean that Lance wanted Lando to suffer like he did.

“Because he’s not a nice person Lance. We’re all finally seeing it Lancey and they’re going to do something about it, okay. He can’t hurt you or anyone else anymore, okay?” Chloe reach out and gently grabbed Lance’s face, forcing him to look her in the eyes.

“Okay.” Lance let out a shaky breath. It was all finally sinking in that they believed him and were going to help him. Daniel could no longer harm him.

“Are you ready to head back out to the big room, I think the others want to talk to you.” Chloe wipes the tears in his eyes away with her thumbs. Lance nodded, climbing out of the bed. He kept puppy in his hand, the stuffed animal providing big Lance comfort as well. Chloe lead Lance out to the other room where all the other were waiting. Lance looked around the room, trying to gage how the others were feeling about him. Lando was still sitting on Carlos’ lap, softly sniffling into his neck. The rest of the littles were sitting with their caregivers, smiling softly at him. The pitying looks for the caregivers was enough to make Lance want to run away from here and never come back. Lance didn’t know what to say or what to do but something about Lando hurting as well because of all this was making Lance feel awful, his chest tight. He slowly made his way over to where Lando and Carlos were sitting on the couch, sitting beside them when Alex moved over to make room when he saw the little approaching. Lance sat down but still wasn’t sure what to say, so he reached out and put his hand on Lando’s leg. Lando looked up, eyes still red and cheeks wet with dried tears when he looked at Lance.

“I’m sorry Lando.”

“Oh Lance, it’s not your fault about anything that has happened.” Carlos tried reassuring the little.

“But if I knew it was happening to someone else I would have said something sooner. No one else deserved that.”

“Lance, you didn’t either.” Lando said. He reached out and grabbed Lance’s hand from where it was resting on his leg. His grip with tight and Lance almost wanted to pull away but couldn’t at the same time.

“But I did. I deserved everything. I took it all so on one else had to, I didn’t want anyone else to get hurt so I took it all. He wans’t supposed to hurt the others, he told me he wouldn’t as long as I didn’t tell anyone what was happening and I didn’t.” Lance was crying again. Honestly he wans’t sure the last time he cried this much in one day.

“Lance exactly how long as this been going on?” Sebastian had it in his head that this was something new in the last year or two. It never crossed his mind that this has been going on for a lot longer than that.

“I don’t know.” Lance mumbled, head dropping down to look at his puppy on his lap.

“Lance please. I need to know.” Sebastian stood up so he could kneel in front of Lance. He lifted Lance’s head so they could lock eyes but Lance refused to actually look him in the eye.

“A while. Four or five years.” Lance brought his legs up onto the couch so he could burry his face in his knees. Lance didn’t want to cry again and he knew if he saw the look of disappointment in Sebastian’s eyes right now he would cry again.

“Lance you should have told someone. You don’t deserve this, no one deserves this. I don’t care what Daniel told you, you don’t deserve any of this, no one deserves this. Littles deserve to be protected and loved; caregivers don’t hurt littles. If they do they aren’t good caregivers who don’t deserve littles.” Sebastian wans’t fully thinking about his words until he heard whimpering behind him. He snapped his head around to where Max was sitting with Lewis, curled up against his side. Max had tears in his eyes again, clearly feeling little again. Sebastian was hoping that Daniel wasn’t anything like that with Max. Everyone knew about Max’s rough upbringing and the last thing he needed with his caregiver repeating his childhood.

“Max, I’m so sorry.”

“Though daddy was nice. Was always so nice to Maxy. But mean to Maxy’s friends. Don’t like daddy.” Max sniffled, hiding his face in Lewis’ side.

“No Max, don’t say that.”

“How can I like daddy when he is mean to other littles like Maxy? When’s daddy going to be mean to Maxy?” No one knew what to say to that. Who’s to say that there won’t come a day when Daniel turns on Max and hurts him? But no one wants to think about that.

“It’s okay. I can take it, I don’t mind.” Lance said.

“But that’s the thing Lance, you don’t have to take it.” Sebastian reached out and wrapped his arms around Lance, hoping to bring at least some comfort to the little through his distress.

Notes:

Sorry for the like month and a half between updates. I’m hoping to get the next chapter out soon. Next month I have a new series coming out so watch out for that, hoping to still update this as well.

Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Summary:

Some shit goes down and Daniel burns his last bridge.

The caregivers had all decided that it was best for everyone to sleep in the little room tonight, just in case anyone needed the extra help. They sent out for food, trying to keep as close to their diet plans as possible since they did have a race tomorrow. Some of the littles took some convincing to get to sleep, lots of stories and cuddles and reassurance that everything would be okay, but eventually they were all asleep with the caregivers crowded back into the main room.

“What can we do to make sure this doesn’t happen again? And is there anyway we can fix this at all?” Alex asked.

“As much as I hate to say this, we have to report Daniel. That’s two littles who have come forward about him mistreating them. The ADLA will protect both Lance and Lando. But the chances are that Max will be taken from him, and he’ll lose his caregiver status. I’m not sure what the FIA will do but I’m assuming that he’ll be dropped and possibly even banned from the paddock depending on the investigation.” Sebastian said. He hated what was going on and what could happen but it was the right thing to do for everyone’s safety.

“What happens to Max then?” Chloe asked. While she was pissed off more than anyone about what was going on but the last thing she wanted was for a little to be taken from their caregiver because of this. But honestly her brother’s safety and wellbeing was her main concern right now.

“I’m not sure honestly. At some point he’ll have to find a new caregiver but that will be up to him when the time comes.” Sebastian hated that about this whole situation, taking Max’s caregiver from him. Sure Daniel has never done anything to Max but who’s to say it wasn’t coming? Who’s to say Max won’t do something to set Daniel off on day and he’ll hurt the little. He’s hurt more than enough littles and Sebastian would be damned if he hurt anyone else.

“We’ll all do everything we can to keep Daniel away until this can get settles.” Carlos said. He was willing to do anything to protect Lando, especially now that he knew Daniel was hurting Lando behind his back.

**

The next day was a bit of a mess. None of the littles wanted to get up or race. The emotions of the day before was still making most of them not even want to be big. It took quite a bit of convincing and tears and even some bribery but eventually they were all ready to race. The caregiver stuck close to the littles, always making sure one of them with within arm length of them at all time. None of them saw Daniel until the national anthem. The caregiver put all the littles on one side with themselves and all the neutrals between the littles and Daniel. He looked pissed, glaring at all of them but mostly focusing on the back of Max’s head where he was standing in the middle of everyone. Max could feel Daniel staring at him but didn’t turn around, didn’t dare to even move and just stared straight ahead until the anthem was done. He felt an arm wrap around his shoulders and he jumped but when he noticed it was just Checo.

“Sorry didn’t mean to scare you. Carlos asked me to walk you back to the garage.

“Thank you.” Max mumbled, glad he didn’t have to try and walk back on his own.

“Of course. I don’t need to know fully what’s happening. Carlos gave me a brief version and trust me I’ll keep you safe.” Max did trust Checo, while he wasn’t a caregiver by nature, he was a father and was a great friend to Max since they’ve become teammates.

Looking around he saw that all the littles had an escort back to their garages, while Daniel was being held back in conversation by some of the others. George was being led by Lewis back to Mercedes. Lando had Oscar and Carlos on either side of him. Logan and Alex were walking together. Pierre had his arm around Charles. Even Lance had Esteban with him. Max hated that it came to this but was glad they were able to work together to protect everyone. Max just knew after the race would be a shit show.

And boy was he right. He was upset about not winning his home race, but Lando clearly had the better car this weekend if he was winning with a 20 second margin over everyone else. A podium was better than nothing and he got to stand up there with to of his closest friends so he didn’t have much to complain about honestly. After finishing with the podium he made his way to the TV pen for his interviews so one could be done. Lando and Charles were right in front of him when someone grabbed his arm. He screamed, not knowing who was gabbing him. He turned around to come face to face with Daniel.

“Shut up and stop causing a scene.” Daniel hissed, tightening his grip on Max’s arm.

“You’re hurting me.” Max whimpered, trying to pull his arm away.

“You’re coming with me.” Daniel tried pulling Max away but Max wouldn’t move.

“Daniel please. I don’t want to. Please. Let me go.” Max felt tears welling in his eyes and he tried pulling away again, desperate to get away from the harsh grip on his elbow.

“Max. Stop now.” Daniel pulled Max, causing Max to trip over his feet and almost fall.

“HELP! PLEASE HELP ME!” Max yelled, still trying to pull away from Daniel.

The rest of the drivers in the media pen turned at the yelling. They ran towards the voice, recognizing that it was Max. They watched Daniel try and pull Max away. The jumped into action; Lewis and Checo grabbing Daniel, forcing him to release Max’s arm. Max fell to the ground at the sudden loss of stability. Lando and Charles rushed to Max’s aid, sitting on the ground with him and pulling him into a hug between the two.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Lewis said, pushing Daniel against the wall. Some of the other caregivers circled them, one to stop the media from seeing what was happening and also to protect Max from Daniel. The other littles were hanging at the back, not knowing what was about to happen.

“Get the fuck off me. He’s my little and he’s not listening so I’m taking him home.” Daniel tried pushing against Lewis to get to Max again but it wasn’t working, Lewis was stronger than him and there were too many people in the way.

“Not happening. You stay away from Max, and all the littles.”

“You can’t tell me what to do with my little.”

“Yes we can. After everything that’s come to light in the last couple days yo’ve lost the privilege to be his caregiver.” Lewis was pissed at Daniel. How dare he act like he still has any say over anything right now after everything that’s happened.

“Get the fuck off me. Max, let’s go. We’re going home.” Daniel couldn’t see Max but he knew he was still here.

“No you’re not. Get out of here before enough get hurt.”

“Whatever. I’ll be back for him.” Daniel finally pulled away from the hold on him, shoulder checking Lewis as he stormed away.

“Come on, let’s go.” Sebastian approached, having heard the commotion and made his way over. The littles didn’t need convincing, flocking to Sebastian. The caregivers followed, even some of the neutrals following as well. A plan needed to be put into place, Daniel could not have access to the littles anymore, their safe was seriously in danger.

Notes:

I’m hoping to update this more often now that I don’t have any more series to write right now. I might be starting another story in the nearish future. If you’d like a sneak peak check out of one-shot Getting Away and Getting Help and let me know if you like it.

Chapter 11: Chapter 11

“He needs to be reported now. He’s come after Max now as well. Who’s to say he won’t go after the other littles if he gets the chance.” Sebastian as furious. The littles were all in their rooms, sleeping off the race and excitement that followed. Sebastian gathered the rest of the grid to devise a plan of action.

“I agree. It’s not safe anymore. We should stay here tonight, as many of us as possible. The more of us there are, the less likely he’ll be brave enough to try something.” Lewis was furious. Daniel had ruined any chance of trying and changing their plans.

“That’s a good plan. We’ll rest tonight and tomorrow we’ll report him. We need to prepare Max as well, as horrible as Daniel has been he is still Max’s caregiver. He deserves to know before hand what’s about to happen. And no matter what happens we need to be there for him and not let him be taken away.”

“We will all help look after Max until he can find another caregiver.” Carlos said. All he could think about since watching Daniel grab and yell at Max was how many times that happened to his little Lando. How many times was Lando scared, and too scared to even talk to him about what was happening.

**

The next morning was hectic. The littles were all still scared, some even waking up in the night from nightmares about what happened after the race. Max has yet to speak. He’s just been sitting by himself in the corner with his lion stuffie and pacifier. Caregiver and littles have all tried talking to him but nothing was working, he refused to speak or move. Sebastian barely convinced him that he either needed to eat or have a bottle. Max had taken the bottle, sipping on it as he sat silently in the corner. The other littles were sitting with their caregivers who were doing their best to keep them happy and calm. Lance had locked himself in his room, spending most of the night crying from guilt. Just about everyone had tried to get him to come out but it was no use, the feeling like everything was falling apart because of him was too much for him. He hated himself and if he could go back to a week ago when he told his sister about what happened he wouldn’t. He’d continue to suffer in silence so that this a never had to happen.

“Ok, after lunch while the littles are sleeping a representative from the ADLA is coming. They’ll probably want to talk to the littles, especially Lance, Max and Lando. I thought a nap before might be better so they’re not tired and cranky.” Sebastian aside in the midst of the chaos.

“How are we going to get Lance out of his room?” Checo asked. He had been fully informed about everything that had happened and he was rightly upset. He did his best to look after Lance while they were teammates and after but as he wasn’t a caregiver there was only so much he could do and ha hated it. Lance deserves both love and comfort and not all the hate he gets.

“We’ll figure that out when the time comes. Let’s just hope everything goes well.”

**

The littles were all sleeping in their rooms when there was a knock at the door. Sebastian opened the door and on the other side were two ADLA representatives; one male and one female ,both neutrals.

“Hello I’m Jennifer, this is my colleague Nate. We’re here about a clam of a caregiver mistreating littles.”

“Yes come on in. All our littles are sleeping currently, we thought we could talked while they slept.” Sebastian said.

“Yes of course. We need to talk to all littles involved and if they have caregivers. Is the caregiver being reported here?”

“No he’s not. I’m not sure where he is. After yesterday’s incident he left and no one has heard from him.”

“Let’s start with yesterday and we can go back from there.” Everyone sat down, the ADLA representatives stood in front of the others. While no one knew exactly what has going to happen they all knew if wouldn’t be great.

“Yesterday after the race was finished, three of the littles were waiting to talk tot he press when one was grabbed and pulled away by Daniel. He grabbed the little very harshly, yelled at him and tried to pull him away. Luckily we were there to stop him but the little has been very scared since, refusing to eat or talk to do anything really. It was Daniel’s own little who up until yesterday he was very sweet and caring with.”

“It says in the report that there were two other littles who were mistreated by this caregiver. Could you tell me a bit about them as well.”

“Yes Lando and Lance. Lando and Daniel were teammates for two years and until the other day no one knew anything ever happened but Lando came forward and told us that Daniel would yell at him and leave him alone purposefully when he asked for his caregiver. He seemed very shaken up when Daniel yelled the other day, like it wasn’t the first time Daniel yelled in his presence. Lance is a complicated story. Lance’s sister is married to Daniel’s best friend so there a understanding that Daniel would watch over Lance but the opposite happened. We though that this was a new development but Lance confirmed the other day that this has been happening for years but he didn’t want to get Daniel in trouble so he kept it to himself and just suffered in silence.”

“Would we be able to talk to them? It would help very much in the investigation to hear their stories directly from them.”

“We can try. Give us a couple of minutes to try and wake them.” Sebastian stood up from where he was sitting amongst the other caregivers.

“Do you want to speak to the other littles of just those ones?” Pierre asked. He would wake Charles if needed but knew that too many sleepy littles awake at once would be awful.

“Just the three for now. If we need to talk to the others we’ll let you know later.” Sebastian, Lewis and Carlos stood up to go and retrieve the sleeping littles. It took several minutes before the three caregivers and three sleepy littles were reappearing. Carlos was carrying Lando who refused to take his head out of his caregiver’s shoulder. Max and Lance were holding Lewis and Sebastian’s hand (respectively) as they walked back into the main room. The littles seemed nervous about the strange people in the room, shrinking back against the caregivers.

“Let’s sit down boys. They’re just here to ask some questions. You don’t have to answer any questions that make you uncomfortable but the more you answer the better it will be.” Sebastian spoke to all the littles.

“Bout da-Daniel.” Max asked, looking at Sebastian from where he was sitting against Lewis, big blue eyes shining with tears.

“Yeah buddy.”

“Don’t want to. No. Lance no.” Lance panicked, trying to run away. Sebastian caught him, pulling the little against him.

“It’s okay Lance. He’s not here, you can say whatever you want. Okay?”

“Scared.” Lance whispered.

“That’s okay, but the more you say the better it is.” Sebastian led Lance back to the couch where he sat between Max and Sebastian. Max reached out and grabbed Lance hand,whether it was to comfort Lance or himself no one knew but it seemed to help them both.

“Who would like to start?”

Chapter 12: Chapter 12

None of the littles moved. They didn’t know what to do. Lando still hadn’t pulled his head out of Carlos’ neck so he wasn’t talking anytime soon. Max didn’t know what to say because up until yesterday Daniel had been nothing but wonderful and loving to him, so what was he supposed to tell them?

“I will.” Lance had forced himself out of little space. Once Sebastian woke him up he knew he couldn’t be little right now, forcing himself to be big. This conversation couldn’t be had by little Lance.

“Lance, you don’t have to say anything you don’t want to. The more you sat they better it couldn’t be but don’t force yourself to say anything that will upset you too much. We all understand this is hard for you.” Sebastian rubbed Lance’s back.

“It’s okay. I can do it Sebastian.” Lance couldn’t but he knew he had to do it.

“Okay Lance. How long has all this been going on?” Jennifer asked, pen and paper ready to take notes.

“I don’t know. A while. Three years or more. It’s been on and off but this season it seems like it just keeps getting worse and worse. I’ve never felt included on the grid. I’ve never had a full time caregiver like the other littles on the grid so I’ve never felt like I could be with the others. Daniel has never made me feel included, going as far as purposefully excluding me because I don’t have a caregiver and according to him wouldn’t come anyways so why bother inviting me. There’s text messages proving it. It’s not just that, he also promised my sister and her husband he would look out for me, his childhood best friend is married to my sister. My sister’s a neutral but he’s a caregiver and there was an understanding that Daniel would look out of me. He didn’t have to be my caregiver but they both thought he was making me feel included and looking after me if needed. I never told them otherwise until a fe days ago when my sister caught me crying after the other caregivers and littles went on a trip together during the summer break and Daniel purposefully left me out because I don’t have a caregiver and he didn’t want to look out for me during his trip. I probably wouldn’t have gone anyways but it was just the fact I wasn’t invited at all the bothered me and made me feel even more excluded that I normally do. It dosen’t help that the people on the grid I’m closest to all aren’t caregivers so that can’t look after me, they try but they don’t have the instincts caregiver naturally do. My teammate also apparently wrote out having to look after me in his contract even though he’s supposed to where he’s a caregiver and I don’t have one full time but it’s whatever. I don’t care anymore, I know it’s never going to change because Daniel is everyone’s favourite and I’m just the guy with a rich dad whose seat is paid for and who doesn’t deserve it anyways.” It was like Lance started talking he couldn’t stop, pouring out everything he’s been holding in for years now. He didn’t allow himself to cry, he’s already cried enough over someone who just thought he was an inconvenience. Daniel didn’t deserve any more of his tears.

“Lance. I’m so sorry about everything. I never had any idea any of this was going on.” Sebastian felt like a terrible person. He had never suspected that Daniel was treating Lance in any negative way. How could he never notice anything?”

“It’s alright Seb. I never wanted anyone to know. I was fine dealing with it until one of us retired then it wouldn’t matter. I never wanted this to happen but I also never wanted it to happen to anyone, that’s also why I took it. I figured that if Daniel let all his anger out with me he wouldn’t hurt the other littles, I was already wrong.” Lance’s gaze shifted over to Lando. “If I knew it was happening to another little I would’ve said something years ago.”

“Lance, you’re not responsible for what happened to Lance, alright? Daniel made that choice all on his own. You never did anything wrong?” Sebastian squeezed Lance hand. He hated how down on himself Lance was getting and it was making Sebastian sad.

“Sebastian is right Lance. This is not your fault and you never should have had to deal with any of this, especially for this long. You did what you thought was right but it’s not your fault. Daniel took out some kind of internal anger out on you and some other littles.”

“I though all these years that I deserved it.” Lance whispered.

“Lance, no one deserves this treatment, no matter what. You did what you thought was right at the time, but now that you know the truth you know you didn’t. If you think of anything else, tell us please. I hate that you’ve been holding this in for so long.” Sebastian wanted to cry. All this time Lance has been suffering and keeping it to himself. All this hurt by someone who was idolized by drivers and fans, even Sebastian could admit that he was always impressed with Daniel. All that was out the window now, knowing how he was treating Lance. No self respecting caregiver would treat any little this way.

“Thank you Lance for your honestly. What you’ve said is enough for us to revoke his caregiver status. Would we be able to talk to Lance now His statement is import too.” Nate spoke for the first time. They turned to where Lando was still curled around Carlos.

“Lando, they need to talk to you.” Carlos nudged Lando. But Lando refused to move and while it make look like he was asleep tot he other Carlos knew better. Knew he was faking it to get out of talking about what happened. “Lando please.”

“I don’t want to.” Lando mumbled, refusing to even lift his head from Carlos’ neck.

“I know you don’t. But the quicker you do that quicker it will be over. Then we can leave. We can go get pup-pup and have a nap. Okay?”

“Scared .” Lando whispered, finally lifting his head out of Carlos’ neck to look around the room.

“Lando, no one here is going to judge you or get upset with you. I promise.” Sebastian knelt in front of the little, reassuring him with kind words.

It took a few minutes for Landon to respond, clearly bringing himself out of little space. His eyes were clearer, more focused on the task ahead.

“It was always very subtle. Sometimes I would ask to go and see Carlos and he would say no. Told me Carlos was busy and he would come get me once he was finished. Then he’s leave me to go and get Max and normally I was little and knew not to leave my room while little, to wait for a caregiver. Sometimes I would just sit in my room and cry because I was lonely and just wanted someone to care for me. Sometimes he would yell at me. Tell me that I was too clingy, and whiny and no one wanted me around anyways. It was hard, those words hurt so much, made me feel like I wasn’t important and didn’t matter. Now hearing what Lance was going through for several years, my two years seem like nothing and like I’m overacting.”

“Lando, no. You’re important, and you shouldn’t compare your struggles to anyone else’s.” Carlos said, pulling Lando close to him. He hated himself for not seeing something was wrong during that time. He knew Lando was sad for those two years but he always just assumed that was because of his moving teams. When Daniel was released and Oscar was announced as Lando’s new teammate Lando was excited and now Carlos knew why and could feel the pit in his stomach.

“Not Lando’s fault?” Carlos could tell Lando was slipping into little space as tears filled his eyes.

“No baby it’s not your fault. I promise.” Carlos held Lando’s as he cried, all the emotions from the past several years coming out all at once.

Chapter 13: Chapter 13

“We have everything we need in order to take further action. Does anyone else have anything to add to what’s already been said.” Jennifer closed her notebook, tucking it into the bag looped over her shoulder.

“Max, do you want to say anything?” Sebastian turned to Max who was sitting off to the side, listening to what everyone had to say about his previous caregiver.

“No, I never knew. Until today when he grabbed me and yelled at me he’s never been anything but loving and caring to me. There’s been some comments about other littles, mostly Lance but I ignored them. I’m sorry.” Max felt tears slipping down his cheeks, he never wanted any of this to happen and never imagined Daniel would treat any little like that.

“Max this is not your fault. You never knew and I know if you did then you never would have let this go on for this long. We’re going to be here for you in any way possible. I’m staying around for a bit, help with Lance. If you want to stay with us I know Lance won’t mind.” Sebastian rubbed Max’s back. He knew it would be an adjustment for the little but they would all be there to help him in anyway that he needed.

“Yeah, we can all have one big sleepover. I think puppy and Lion will be friends with each other.” Lance tried making it exciting for Max. Max didn’t say anything, just smiled sadly. Lance knew Max wasn’t upset with him but he still felt guilty about everything. If he had just kept his out shut, none of this would have happened.

“I think everyone should go back to their hotel rooms for the night. Get some proper sleep before flying out.” Sebastian said.

It took a while for the caregivers to gather up their little and all their stuff but eventually everyone was in cars on the way to their hotels. Lewis agreed to come with Sebastian to help with Lance and Max. They were staying in Lance’s hotel room. Lewis was going to his hotel and Max’s to get their stuff while Sebastian took the boys with him. Unsurprisingly Chloe and Scotty were waiting in Lance’s hotel room. Lance rushed towards his sister, cuddling into her arms.

“It’s over.” Sebastian said, settling his bags down with Max trailing behind him.

“Thank you so much. I wish I could stay but I’m getting very pregnant and need to head back home and probably won’t make it back to another race this season. Promise me you’ll take care of him for me.”

“I promise. I’ll keep him safe and happy for as long as I can.”

“Thank you.” Chloe pressed a kiss against the top of Lance’s head, who was already falling asleep int he familiar embrace of his big sister. Sebastian took Lance from her so her and her husband could head to their own room.

Once Lewis arrived he helped get the boys ready for bed. Lance was almost asleep so it didn’t take much to get him changed into some pyjamas and into bed. Max was silent as Lewis helped him bathe and get changed. The two boys shared the bed, curled up with thier respective suffies and pacifiers. Once both boys ere sleeping Lewis and Sebastian flopped down into the couch. They knew it was going to be a long ride with lots of challenges ahead but they knew they were in it together and that’s all that mattered. They were prepared to do whatever was needed to help both boys recover.

Notes:

This is a very short chapter and the end to this section at the story. Next chapter will be a time jump and be closer to the end. There’s probably 3/4 chapter left maybe a couple of more depending on how everything works out. I’ve already started the next chapter and hope to have it done by the end of the month.

Notes:

Do you like this and want me to continue? I’ve read several F1 ageplay fics but there’s never one with Lance so I wanted to make Lance the star but maybe make his suffer a bit…
This will not be Daniel Ricciardo friendly at all, just a warning. He’s not a good person in this fic, especially to Lance and I don’t want to hear anything about it. This is nothing against him as I don’t know him but this is my fic so I can choose to villain.
Not sure when I’ll update. I have a couple more chapters written but want to se how people feel about it first before writing more chapters.
Tags will change as the fic progresses but these one are just a good starting point so you can kinda see where it’s going.