Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 20

POV : Lando

As Carlos put his phone back in his pocket, I notice his hands slightly shaking, and he seems very agitated. I look around, trying to find Piñon, but nothing tells me there was any urgency. I am very concerned about what's going on, but Carlos stays silent, only calling the dog.

— Hum, everything alright? I ask, and maybe I'm too stubborn but it really looks like he needs to talk about something.

— Yeah, yeah, don't worry. Should we go now?

He puts the leash back on his dog, whose fur is now looking terribly muddy. I can only imagine how thoroughly they'll have to wash him to get all of the dirt off. We then quietly go back towards the house, the sun slowly starting to set, colouring the sky in beautiful hues of red and orange. Amused, I remark:

— Hey, look, the sunset is a McLaren and Ferrari fan!

Carlos then absentmindedly looks up, a little smile quickly passing on his face before disappearing again. I don't know what's on his mind right now, but it definitely takes a huge part of it because that's not the Carlos I'm used to. He looks... Different.

— Yeah, very beautiful indeed, he then discreetly says, his tone barely audible.

I decide to let it go for now, understanding that I won't get anything more from him like that. It'll surely pass too, it's probably just a momentary thing and surely personal, so maybe I should stop trying to get him to tell me. But something in me tells me that I have something to do with it, and the thought makes me uncomfortable.

— So, would you like to play Fortnite with Max and I tonight? I decide to ask him, feeling dumb for not having proposed before.

— Hum, no thanks, I'm not very good at those games, and I actually feel a bit tired so don't worry I'll probably just go to bed! He politely declines, and I can't help but feel a bit sad because of his behaviour, it's clear now from the tone he used, he wants to put some distance between us. But why?

— Okay, as you want! But don't worry, I'm also shit at it to be honest! I try to alleviate the mood, at least getting him to smile a little longer this time.

We then peacefully continue to walk, and I suddenly ask if I can take the leash of Piñon, feeling adventurous and more confident with him. He agrees, and I feel our hands slightly touching as he passes me the handle, a little spark lightning my skin at the contact.

— Oh wow, he's so powerful even after all the running, how come he pulls so much? I swear if he tried to do like these sled dogs, he would be able to pull an F1 car!

I suddenly hear a frank laugh from the Spanish, and unconsciously smile in return, feeling happy to at least have achieved this.

— I doubt it, but yeah he does have a lot of strength, maybe too much actually! Do you know what his breed is supposed to be about? Hunting, and sometimes he does, once he returned with a dead mouse and I can tell you that my mom was not happy! But well he's a sweetheart otherwise, never breaks anything, rarely cries. A perfect fur baby.

The loving look on Carlos' face makes me melt from how cute it is. I could probably spend hours looking at him, hearing him describe how nice his dog is, and how much he loves him. Is that weird?

— Yeah I can tell! Well, do you mind taking him back? I don't think my shoulders are nearly as strong as yours for that! I say while glancing at the musculature of my ex-teammate.

— Yeah sure, here. He grazes my hand again, taking back the leash, and I start feeling a strange sensation unfurling in me. What is this witchcraft?