Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 25

POV: Lando

The sun slowly rises here in Spain, and I wake up feeling incredibly happy. Maybe it's because of the closeness of my ex-teammate, maybe not. But I choose to embrace the feeling anyways, enjoying life as it is, and mentally flipping off the girl who broke my heart. See, I can be happy without you.

The warmth engulfing me is so heartwarming, I could stay like this forever. It's just so nice to be in bed, having nothing to do, and... be with Carlos. Because as much as I'd like to ignore it, the fact that he's next to me definitely has a huge impact on how I feel.

Turning my attention to the man beside me, I feel my heart flutter when my eyes land on his face. He's incredibly beautiful, sleeping so peacefully and quietly exhaling. Maybe I'm crazy, but I can't stop staring at him. I should though, because he's gonna wake up anytime now, it's even surprising that I woke up before him. But who knows, maybe sleeping together had a calming effect on him as well?

I gently tuck away a strand of hair that fell onto his face, feeling braver than ever. At least here there's no one, and he's sleeping so... Nothing bad can happen, right?

— Thanks, I quietly whisper, not really knowing what I mean with it, but unable to stay shut.

A few seconds later, Carlos starts moving, and I quickly go back to my side of the bed, even though it is so small that it makes no difference. We're still every bit as close, but at least I'm not staring at him anymore.

— Hola, he says to me once he opened his eyes, and I swear I die when I hear him talk.

The raspiness in his voice and the use of spanish made me fold, and now I feel the blush creeping on my face. Why do I always have to get flustered by this man! But anyways, it's so sweet... I start to wonder what exactly is becoming our relationship. There's no way he didn't notice my reactions, every time!

— Hey, I answer softly, quickly looking away, fearing that he can read in my eyes all the affection I have for him.

— I was thinking, or more exactly dreaming, about going karting today, would you like that?

— Oh yeah, why not! Is it far away?

— No, actually there are lots in Madrid! And you know, one day I want to have my own karting group here, it would be so cool!

— Yeah? Actually... I'm not sure if I have to keep it a secret but, I also work on something like that for this year... Isn't it cool? I proudly say, feeling truly blessed to be able to have my own racing kart group.

— Really? That's amazing! So, we're planning kart for today then? I suggest we do gym this morning, and then this afternoon we go karting. Let's exercise a little!

Sighing at the mention of sport, I still answer positively and with a smile, already imagining what he'll look like after some running, or a few push-ups... Anyways.

We then go to eat a good breakfast, before splitting up to get dressed. I choose to put a simple but tight blue t-shirt, with some shorts and a beautiful pair of sneakers. I take a cap too, even though we're probably gonna stay inside.

— Should we go run a bit outside first, or do you want to go directly in the gym?

— Well... I look outside, noticing the menacing black clouds.

— Yeah, maybe not going outside today, he says again, and chuckles before entering the gym.

— Woaw! You have so many equipment! Do you really use them all?

— Well yeah, when I have time. But not all at once of course. Wanna know which one I like the most?

Intrigued, I nod and follow the Spanish man. He soon stops next to a strange machine, very close to the floor. I don't remember using it before, and carefully ask what it is about.