Work Text:
Daniel Howell sat down in the chair across from the interviewer. He hated this part of the job, but it was a necessary evil of his job. The job that he'd stumbled into quite by accident, six years previously. Talking about himself gave him anxiety, but he had a lot to say. The interviewer smiled politely and started.
"So, Daniel. Let's talk about your journey with McLaren. You bounced around a bit with different teams, different cars. What makes magic with you and McLaren?"
"It's the car. I'm not discounting what PJ and my team have been doing for me, because without them, I wouldn't be here. But the car. She and I have a bond."
Dan chuckled to himself at that comment, but it was true. He'd driven for Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and now McLaren, and there was something different about the way the cars drove.
"You have cultivated a great team with PJ Ligouri as your spotter and Phil Lester as your computer science whiz. How did that come about?"
The mention of Phil in the interview, sent Dan's heart into a spiral. He smiled angelically, and looked up to see the aforementioned man, standing next to the camera, directly in his eye line. He took a deep breath and spoke.
"PJ and Phil were a packaged deal. PJ came with me from Ferrari, and I knew that we were going to build one hell of a team from the ground up. And we did."
Phil smiled at him, blushing. Dan winked directly at him, and he watched as Phil's face went completely beet red. Dan loved seeing his partner's face when he talked about him. The interviewer and Dan spoke a few minutes more about the race, when the conversation shifted.
"You recently wrote a beautiful piece in the Sunday Times where you ended it with 'I'm here, I'm queer, deal with it.' How did that come about?"
"I was tired. But I was struggling. I have an amazing partner, who has wished to remain anonymous, who has been nothing short of amazing. And if I wanted to live authentically, it was time. I notified the team of my decision, and they've been supportive of it."
Dan was bored. He also knew that this was part of the job. Finally, the interview was over. He stood up and looked around, seeing only PJ, who he knew was also there for moral support. They walked off the interview set and Dan waited for some privacy, and was rewarded before he started speaking.
"Where did he go? I saw him."
"He knew it was scary for you to be seen with him, so he ducked out. He'll be at the shop in the back office."
It wasn't himself Dan was worried about, it was Phil. He knew that he liked their privacy, but he'd wanted to be at three of Dan's higher profile races. Dan knew what he needed to do.
"I want him there. In the winner's circle, when I win."
Dan said, knowing what he needed to do. He slid his phone out of his pocket, and sent Phil a text, getting into the car.
"Thank you for being my safe space. Thank you for being there for me when this career took off, and thank you for standing by me in private now. I don't want you to hide anymore. Please, be by my side when I win this race tonight. It's always been ours, Bub. And that won't change. I love you."
Dan sent the text and slid his phone back into his pocket. He was quiet the whole way to the track, and he smiled softly to himself, knowing what his next plan was.
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Phil Lester looked down at the phone and the text that had just come through. He'd knew Dan would want him there. He loved remaining anonymous, knowing Dan would come home to him after a win, and that special time afterwards was a blessing and a gift to him. Through all of the injuries, the lows of crushing defeat, the highs of the three biggest high profile wins to date, and everything in between, Phil was so proud of Dan. And he wanted to be there, torn between the privacy of their relationship and the publicity of it all. He smiled and typed away.
Phil:
"I want to be there Bug. I know it's always been ours. That's never changing."
Dan:
"Why do I feel a but coming?"
Phil chuckled at that. He had never anticipated making a joke in response to Dan's text. He sighed and just decided to put it all out there.
Phil:
"I know the team knows. And the public knows you're in a long term relationship. The response has been beautiful, and seeing how you've grown has made me so fucking proud of you. But now I'm the one that's terrified. What if I'm not what they want for you?"
Phil waited nervously for Dan's reply. But one never came. Phil assumed that he'd gotten busy with pre race stuff, but then the trailer door was ripped open, and Dan stood before him. He knew this mood. The last time he saw Dan this mad was when a rival driver took him out purposely. Phil knew not to say anything then. And he knew not to say anything now. Dan just stood there holding up their text thread to Phil.
"You listen to me, Philip Michael Lester, and you listen good. I do not give a fuck about what people think. I genuinely do not give a fuck about whether or not people think me being gay is awful for this sport. They know that we're a packaged deal. You and me. We've got sixteen years into this thing, Bub. This isn't a situationship. This isn't a fuck and leave sort of deal. This is our fucking life. And the only people who dictate our life, is us. Now, I won't pressure you to be there when I win. I won't. But I would love it if you'd be by my side."
Dan said, walking over to him. He kissed Phil gently as he walked past him to start getting ready for the race. Phil sighed and knew now Dan was in the zone.
But he was absolutely correct. The only two people who held their whole lives in their hands was them...and that's when Phil knew what his next move was.
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"Daniel Howell overtakes Leclerc for the number one spot! They have been competing all season, and this bodes well for Howell. Three laps left, and all he has to do is hold it!"
The announcers screamed into their mics. Dan came around the first turn, and had a clear advantage. He was pulling away quick.
"What's going on PJ?"
"You're fine, Dan. Just keep riding it how you are."
PJ knew Dan was nervous. They were exactly two miles to victory. PJ was crunching more numbers when he saw a movement in the corner of his eye. The empty seat next to him was now occupied and he turned his head to see Phil sitting there. Laser focused, headset on.
"PJ, talk to me! What do the numbers look like."
Phil shook his head to PJ and flipped the mic on his headset.
"The numbers are fine, Bug. The front stretch is clear. You'll be coming up on some traffic soon, but nothing you haven't handled. You've got this. I know you do."
And he flipped off his mic. He remained fixed on the race, and PJ grinned. He heard the audible gasp that came out of Dan's mouth when Phil spoke, and that was all the motivation Dan needed. He held the others off to take his first F1 championship.
"You ready to go, Phil?"
PJ asked, knowing what a big deal it was for him. Phil nodded once, and followed PJ down. Dan pulled into the winners area, and grinned. He got out of the car, and went to the first press person he saw.
"Dan, you finally achieved your goal. How does that feel?"
But Dan couldn't say anything. He saw PJ walk towards him, and behind him was Phil. He took off running towards Phil and the cameras caught it all. Dan smiled and pulled Phil into a kiss. It wasn't a sloppy one. It was full of the love and pride that was reflected in both their eyes.
"You made it, Bub."
"Of course I made it, Bug. Why wouldn't I be here to show my partner just how proud of him I am?"
Dan kissed him one more time and led him towards the interview area. He had the one thing he'd ever wanted, besides the Formula One title. He had his partner to show off, and show adoration to. And that was more than enough.