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It all starts on a normal Tuesday evening during pre-season, Lewis lying next to Nico in bed, his laptop on his stomach and Nico already half-asleep.
He wants to sleep. He should sleep. He knows Lewis will get up at 6 am again tomorrow to go for his run with Angela and Nico would love to get his eight hours of sleep, thank you very much.
But Lewis keeps scrolling through some website, Nico can’t see what exactly from his position and he stifles a yawn, pushing his leg against Lewis’ below the blanket.
“Stop checking Reddit and go to sleep”, he murmurs but Lewis just huffs dismissively, not looking up and Nico pushes against his leg again, a bit stronger. “Lew- what are you even doing?”
He tries to look but Lewis quickly shuts the laptop close and shakes his head. “Nothing, just, eh, ... E-Mails. With Toto.”
“E-Mails?” Nico raises an eyebrow in disbelief but Lewis just nods, securing his laptop safely on the little table next to their bed so Roscoe can’t sleep on it again.
“With Toto?”, Nico asks and Lewis nods again. “Yep.”
“At 10 pm on a Tuesday?”
“Toto is a busy man, Nico, he doesn’t always have time.” Lewis clears his throat before he pulls his blanket over him and switches off the light, pressing a quick kiss on Nico’s cheek. “Night.”
Nico snorts amused before he falls back into the pillows as well. Lewis probably just looked himself up on Wikipedia again and doesn’t want to admit it.
Wouldn’t be the first time.
Not that Nico hasn’t done the same.
A couple of days later though Lewis suddenly walks into their living room, wearing a very familiar black T-Shirt and Nico frowns.
Is that-
But then Lewis turns around, falling on the sofa and pulling Roscoe on his lap and Nico shrugs before going back to answering some comments under his latest vlog.
It’s just, the T-Shirt doesn’t leave his mind, it looked so familiar and during dinner, Nico realises why. It’s the black T-Shirt Mercedes sold after Nico won his championship in 2016 and he narrows his eyes.
“Are you wearing my T-Shirt?”, he asks while helping himself to more rice and Lewis throws him an innocent look. “Why?”
They haven’t left the house today and Lewis probably put it on after his shower this morning. It’s just, Nico is pretty sure that the T-Shirt was somewhere in the far back of his closet. He wasn’t even sure if he still had it.
“Your T-Shirt.” Nico gesticulates towards Lewis’ chest but his husband just grins. “I have no idea what you mean.”
He refused to wear his own version of that T-Shirt after 2016 when Toto gave it to him and Nico always understood that - after all, he also didn’t want to wear Lewis’ victory shirts, as proud as he was and is of him.
But-
He shakes his head before going back to eating his dinner, telling himself not to waste any more thoughts on it.
It’s just a T-Shirt after all.
~
Nico travels with Lewis to testing in Barcelona in February, meeting up with the guys from Sky and he wants to get ready for their first broadcast from the paddock when Jenson raises an eyebrow, a smirk on his face.
“Nice shirt, Lewis!”, he calls out and Nico turns around with a frown, freezing when he sees Lewis wearing- what is he wearing?!
It’s a T-Shirt (which is insane if you asked Nico, they might be in Barcelona but it’s still cold) and Nico narrows his eyes when he reads the ‘Team Nico’ and the little ‘6’ below. There’s also a small print of his last helmet next to his former race number and Nico is actually speechless.
Lewis wears his new T-Shirt with some designer pants, Angela next to him looking a bit exasperated and Nico really can’t blame her. What-
“Thanks, mate.” Lewis laughs when he reaches them, casually sliding an arm around Nico’s waist and Nico raises an eyebrow. “Nice T-Shirt”, he comments dryly, “wish you had shown that much support when I was still racing.”
“Maybe he means Hulkenberg”, Jenson suggests and while Nico gives him an offended look (excuse you, he is World Champion-) Lewis just laughs again. “No, it’s about my Nico.”
He winks at him and Ted, who’s with them, grins. “Trying to channel Nico’s winning spirits to get that seventh title, Lewis?”
“Have to try everything, right? Valtteri is a strong teammate...” Lewis easily slides into interview-mode, keeping his arm around Nico’s waist and Nico is really glad the paddock (and world, for the matter) knows they’re married.
And takes it really well.
Lewis leaves a couple of minutes later, catching up with Toto at the Mercedes garage and Nico stares after him a bit dumbstruck, still not sure what exactly he’s supposed to think about that T-Shirt.
It’s kind of nice though and he takes a deep breath before he puts his media smile back on, turning to Jenson and Ted. “So, Latifi’s first season...”
~
There are no new T-Shirts during the rest of the pre-season. At least not until they arrive in Australia and Nico groans inwardly when Lewis appears in the paddock again wearing a strange new T-Shirt.
It is once again Nico-themed, this time with a bright red ‘6’ on the front and two turquoise lines going down vertically on the sides and his logo on the back.
Nico stares at him with raised eyebrows, he left their hotel room a bit earlier this morning to catch a ride with Jenson and his other Sky colleagues and Lewis beams at him. “So what do you think??”
Well, Nico is mostly confused.
“It’s ... nice?”, he starts slowly, not really sure where this is going. “Where did you get it from?”
“RedBubble”, Lewis explains proudly, running a hand through his braids. “It’s basically fans designing stuff and you can get stickers from it or T-Shirts and hoodies or leggings or whatever.”
“And you decided to buy stuff about me?” Nico’s eyebrows wander even higher, he doesn’t really get the point of it but Lewis just grins. “I mean, you don’t sell your own merch, I had to improvise. And support my fans.”
“Wouldn’t they be my fans then if they make stuff about me?”, Nico asks dryly but Lewis just waves dismissively. “Details. Anyway, I need to go, see you later.”
He pulls Nico into a quick kiss and Nico smiles involuntarily when Lewis pulls back again. “Have fun.”
He watches Lewis leave with Angela, Roscoe next to him and he shakes his head amused. He has to admit it’s kind of cute.
~
He’s not sure if he should find it cute or not when Lewis arrives in Bahrain with yet another new Nico T-Shirt that now has printed former radio massages of Nico on it.
It’s still weird seeing Lewis going through with this phase (did he buy a T-Shirt for every GP?!) but Nico lets it slide, not sure what to say. If there even is a way to say something.
A few of the other drivers give Lewis odd looks but then again Lewis is used to them for his sometimes questionable fashion choices and Nico ignores Jenson’s shit-eating grin.
At least he has a husband who supports him publicly.
Maybe he should get a Lewis shirt.
~
Yeah no, Nico is going to take that back. He’s going to absolutely murder his husband and he glares at Lewis who just entered the paddock at Zandvoort with yet another new T-Shirt.
Not with a nice design. Or another radio message (not that Nico thinks his radio messages have been memorable anyway).
Nope. It has a picture of Nico on it. A picture of Nico in his race suit, lying relaxed on the ground, wearing headphones and sunglasses, looking quite relaxed and Lando would probably call it a meme.
Nico calls it bullying.
Daniel, who’s standing next to Nico, starts cackling loudly when he sees Lewis and Nico is very close to planning a double murder.
“Nice shirt, mate!”, Daniel calls out but Lewis just smirks, sunglasses on his nose. “Thanks, I thought I’d convey my mood pretty well for today.”
“Which is...?”
“I’m very relaxed, my mood is great.” Lewis flashes them an innocent smile while Nico grits his teeth, very close to just leaving. Lewis can’t be serious, can he??
“Nice.” Daniel fist-bumps Lewis, looking just as relaxed and Nico takes a deep breath before turning back to his interview partner, deciding to ignore his husband. “Anyway, Daniel, how do you think are your chances for a podium this weekend?”
He’s not going to give Lewis a reaction now.
He does that a few hours later when they’re back in their hotel room and Nico crosses his arms in front of his chest, trying his best to glare at Lewis.
“Do you want to explain your T-Shirt?”, he asks dryly and Lewis frowns, falling on the bed. “Why?”
“Because it has a picture of me on it?!” Nico stares at him but Lewis just waves dismissively. “They all know we’re married, babe, don’t worry about it.”
He pulls his phone from his pocket, scrolling through god knows what app and Nico is actually speechless. “This is not what I- I didn’t-“
“Did Daniel tell you if he’s going to extend his contract at Renault?”, Lewis switches the topic and Nico blinks confused. “Yeah no, he’s going to sign for McLaren but no one knows yet-“
“Hmm, good for him. I think he’ll definitely be more successful there”, Lewis muses, still not looking up from his phone and he engages Nico in a conversation about Daniel and F1 teams, not once bringing up the T-Shirt again.
Nico decides to let it slide.
~
He wishes he would’ve said something. Demanded an explanation.
They’re in Spain the next weekend and Nico has not seen Lewis much during the week, both too busy with their own projects and jobs.
He’s in the paddock again, Crofty and Martin next to him and they’re going live in just a few seconds-
“Welcome to our pre-race coverage on Sky! Lewis Hamilton decided to wear yet another interesting T-Shirt which we interpret as his ‘All is good but don’t talk to me’ mood - did we get that right, Lewis?” Crofty turns a bit so the camera can catch Lewis and Lewis grins, giving them a thumbs-up before he continues walking.
Nico stares after him, his brain still hung up on the picture on Lewis’ shirt. It’s yet another T-Shirt with an image of him - Nico - in the paddock, wearing headphones and sunglasses, looking a bit grim and annoyed but content.
Nico is actually speechless.
And feels a bit ridiculous.
He can’t believe his bloody colleagues picked up on this and he debates quitting his job when Crofty continues talking.
“Unfortunately, we can’t give you an update on Lewis and what his plans for Spain are this year but luckily his husband is here to give us an update on Lewis’ form-“
Nico forces himself to smile his fakest media smile while answering Crofty’s questions through gritted teeth, ignoring Ted’s and Jenson’s amused looks during lunch later.
He’s going to have a word with his lovely husband later that day.
~
The problem is just that Lewis seems to magically disappear every time Nico gets close and he’s getting really tired of their cat-and-mouse game in the paddock.
They’re in Monaco after Spain which normally means Lewis sleeps at home. It normally means they have more time together before they live and sleep in separate hotel rooms again.
And yet Lewis comes up with some ridiculous excuse to always leave the flat around 6 am and Nico doesn’t even argue, too confused and done with what’s going on.
He knows Lewis, knows his antics and he has no idea what’s going on.
And then Lewis enters the Monaco paddock in leggings and Nico chokes on his water while Sebastian and Charles both burst out laughing.
They are leggings with Nico’s face on them
With his face being in a very unfortunate position, his mouth directly above Lewis’ crotch
“This is atrocious”, Charles comments and Seb raises an eyebrow impressed. “Didn’t think you’d know such fancy words, kid.”
“George taught me.” Charles grins but Nico ignores their banter, too horrified by Lewis’ leggings. He can’t be serious. He can’t-
“What the actual fuck?!”, he hisses when he manages to pull him behind a few motor homes before lunch but Lewis just smirks. “So your mouth can always be on my dick.”
He shrugs nonchalantly and Nico is not sure if he wants to laugh or scream. “You can’t be serious-“
“I am.” Lewis pats his back and kisses him before he steps back, stretching a little. “And besides, they’re quite comfortable. See you later.”
He winks at him before leaving, strutting down the paddock as if he owns it (and, to be fair, he probably does), leaving a speechless Nico behind.
It doesn’t get better though.
When he goes for lunch Jenson and Daniel are both wearing a Nico T-Shirt as well. With his fucking face on them.
It’s a picture of him during one of the press conferences, with his arms crossed in front of his chest and visibly pouting (Nico doesn’t even remember from when that was) and Daniel beams at him when he spots him.
“Nico, mate, look!” He proudly shows him his T-Shirt and Nico can’t help but feel a bit mocked.
“Did Lewis give you them?”, he asks dryly and Daniel nods while Jenson grins. “They’re great, I love them.”
Nico begs to differ.
Is it too early to start drinking yet?
~
It’s another day in the paddock, Nico still hasn’t gotten around to talk to Lewis about his new fashion obsession (and apart from that their relationship has been quite normal) and Lewis enters the paddock in Baku with yet another T-Shirt with Nico’s face on it.
This time it’s a close-up picture of Nico grimacing and Lewis doesn’t speak to anyone for the rest of the day - he’s clearly not in the mood for interviews.
When Valtteri passes Nico, looking like he wants to say something, Nico just glares at him. “Don’t say a word, Bottas.”
Valtteri just grins and quietly takes a sip from his coffee before he continues walking and Nico decides he needs to put an end to this.
He bursts into the Mercedes garage, ignoring Bono’s confused look and a few grinning mechanics, heading straight for Toto who seems to be in a deep conversation with Stoffel.
“We need to talk”, he declares and Toto looks up confused, Stoffel grinning. “Nico, I didn’t expect you here to-“
“Make Lewis stop wearing these absolutely hideous outfits!” Nico glares at him and Toto looks genuinely overwhelmed. “You mean-“
“The T-Shirts and the leggings, exactly.” Nico crosses his arms in front of his chest and Toto leans back, Stoffel quietly disappearing over to a few mechanics.
“You want me to tell your husband that he can’t wear clothes with your face on them?”, Toto repeats slowly and Nico nods forcefully. “Yes.”
“Nico, I can’t do that-“
“Why not?! You’re the team boss-“
“Because I really don’t care what he wears in private as long as he wears his race suit when he’s in the car.” Toto shrugs and Nico scowls before he turns around, leaving the Mercedes garage again.
This is ridiculous, he’s going to-
“Looks like you’re not really a lucky charm, Nico, eh?” Paul’s voice makes Nico stop dead in his tracks and he slowly turns around, eying his Sky and former F1 colleague suspiciously. “What do you mean?”
“Lewis missing Pole by 0.046 seconds...” Paul smirks and Nico grits his teeth. “As far as I know Lewis has won every race wearing my T-Shirt”, he claps back, crossing his arms in front of his chest and god he’s pissed, “so I wouldn’t be too sure about that, Paul.”
He leaves before Paul gets the chance to say something and Nico is really done when he reaches the hotel.
Lewis wins the race the next day.
~
It’s the German GP where Nico seriously considers getting a divorce.
The day actually started quite normal. Nico has done a few interviews with Max and Charles before chatting with Romain and he actually considers getting a second breakfast with Daniel and Jenson when he sees Lewis entering the paddock.
It’s not a T-Shirt. It’s also not another pair of leggings.
It’s-
“I want that skirt!” Daniel exclaims stunned and Nico is close to strangling him, Jenson bursting out laughing.
It’s a skin-tight white mini skirt with hearts in the colours of the German flag on them and in each heart is, in italics, ‘Nico Rosberg’ written.
It’s the most hideous piece of clothing Nico has ever seen and he feels his cheeks heating up. Literally every person in the paddock is staring at Lewis stunned, Ted actually speechless and Nico takes a deep breath.
It’s not the fact that Lewis wears a skirt. He did that before and he knows Lewis really couldn’t care less about performative gender norms and heteronormative standards.
And Lewis looks really good in skirts. Just not this one with that horrible design and Nico decides enough is enough when Lewis stops in front of them, a grin on his face.
“Morning-“
“I’m getting divorced”, Nico interrupts him and while Daniel and Jenson seem to have the time of their lives Lewis just laughs. “Why?”
“Have you seen yourself?!” Nico stares at him speechless. “From the two of us, you’re the one who’s supposed to have some fashion sense!”
Lewis just keeps grinning before he offers him his hand. “Want me to explain?”
“Please.”
And it better be a fucking good explanation or Nico is really going to consider that divorce option again. And take Roscoe with him.
They wander a bit away from all the journalists and drivers, stopping in front of a few trees and Lewis turns serious, clearing his throat.
He takes a step back, biting his lip and Nico raises his eyebrows, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “I’m listening.”
“Look, I just-“ Lewis sighs, looking a bit nervous all of a sudden. “I never really showed you any support during- while we were teammates and I know we were teammates and all but I- I also never really said anything nice about you in the media after and I wanted to make it right.”
Nico stares at him dumbfounded - that is the last thing he expected and Lewis shrugs helplessly. “I want people to know that I care about you and love you and am proud of you. And just talking about you in interviews would’ve seemed a bit forced.”
“That’s ... not what I expected”, Nico admits quietly and Lewis flashes him a small smile. “I’m full of surprises.”
He is and Nico awkwardly clears his throat. “Why the shirts and leggings and ... that?”
He makes an undefined gesture towards the skirt and Lewis smiles softly. “Look, I love them and I love showing everyone that I love you and care about you and am proud of you and you don’t have your own merch so I had to improvise.”
“Because I feel stupid having merch when I’m not even an F1 driver anymore-“
“Michael also has his own shop-“
“Yeah but Michael is a legend-“
“So are you.” Lewis captures his lips in a soft kiss and yeah, okay, Nico is really blushing now.
“Shut up”, he mumbles against his lips but Lewis just laughs and shakes his head, pulling him closer. “Absolutely not.”
They rest their foreheads against each other and Nico breathes out slowly, his hands taking Lewis’.
“And I thought you wanted to mock me”, he mumbles but Lewis immediately shakes his head, his eyes widening. “No! I really just- thought it was a nice idea to show support-“
“The leggings and skirt might have been a bit too much”, Nico says, a grin working its way on his face and Lewis laughs. “Maybe. But I do like them.”
Nico sighs, pulling Lewis into a hug and resting his chin on his shoulder, breathing in his familiar scent of expensive perfume, motor oil and just Lewis. “I’ll bring out some merch and then you can wear it, okay?”
“Can I help you design it?” Lewis looks genuinely excited and Nico can’t hold back his smile any longer. “Sure.”
As long as it’s no skin-tight white mini skirts with German hearts with his name in them.
His husband really is an adorable idiot sometimes and Nico hugs him a bit tighter, counting himself incredibly lucky.
He wouldn’t want Lewis any other way.