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They weren’t supposed to be outed like this.
It started small. A blurry photo, a gossip tweet, a smug little blind item. Then it exploded: headlines, speculation, long-lens shots of Ruben and Sonny boarding a plane together. A grainy image of them at a quiet beachside restaurant. Ruben’s hand brushing Sonny’s.
By morning, journalists were everywhere.
Outside the paddock. By the hotel. Even camping near their apartment.
At first, the team did damage control. No comment. Private matters. Focus on the championship.
But it didn’t stop. And it wasn’t just rumors now. It was insults. Comments about Sonny’s reputation. Ruben’s leadership. Gross little insinuations. A few old-fashioned team bosses asking if this kind of “relationship” was appropriate in the sport.
And Sonny? Sonny snapped.
The media room was full. Crammed with reporters, cameras, flashes popping like fireworks. The PR manager looked like she might faint.
Ruben tried to whisper, “You don’t have to do this”
But Sonny had already walked to the mic, leaned in, and smiled like a wolf in silk.
“So. Since apparently every journalist in Europe wants to know who I kiss when I’m not on track... fuck it. Let’s talk.”
Dead silence.
Ruben put his head in his hand.
“I’m with Ruben,” Sonny said, calm and clear. “Yes. That Ruben. My boss. The team principal. The guy who still makes coffee at 5 a.m. when I’m having a bad pain day.”
Flash. Flash. Flash.
“We didn’t plan to come out like this. We didn’t think it was your business. And frankly? It still isn’t.”
A few gasps.
“But since y’all want a show, here’s your headline: ‘Old driver who had one second chance in everything is in love with Brilliant Bastard Who Looks Great in a Suit.’ Tagline: ‘Turns Out, Team Harmony Actually Exists.’” He grinned.
“And to the people asking if this ‘influences my driving’?” He snorted. “Yes. It makes me faster. Because he believes in me. Because when I get off the track, he holds my hand and tells me I did enough even if I didn’t win.”
Another reporter raised a hand. “Sonny, do you think being in a relationship with your team principal creates a”
“Oh my god, I swear,” Sonny cut him off, “If one more person talks to me like I don’t have a brain just because I’m dating someone hot and rich and deadly smart, I will throw a trophy at someone.”
Laughter burst out in the room. Some of it stunned. Some of it warm.
“Anyway,” Sonny finished, eyes sweeping the room. “We love each other. We work hard. We’re not hiding anymore. If you don’t like it, that’s a you problem. If you do like it — thanks. And if anyone touches Ruben with a mic like they did yesterday, I will bite.”
Ruben groaned. “You promised you wouldn’t threaten to bite anyone.”
“Oops.”
Later, when the press calmed and the sun started to set, Sonny sat with his head on Ruben’s shoulder, watching the chaos trickle away.
“You okay?” Ruben murmured.
“I meant every word,” Sonny said.
Ruben kissed his temple.
“I know. And I’ve never been prouder to be yours.”