Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 53

POV: Carlos

I'm quite happy with this race, even though the podium was just there. But there's something else in my mind since a moment, and it's urging more and more lately. I want my family to know for Lando and I, they seemed so supportive when we were there, I don't want to hide this from them.

I left him sleeping though, and I don't want to bother him again today, I think he deserves the rest. It never makes me happy when another driver crashes, or has a problem during a race, but especially if we're talking about Lando.

When we were teammates, it was easier to explain why I was so worried for him, why I looked out a bit more when it was him next to me on track. Now, I can't say it's for the team's sake, and everyone clearly knows we still have a special relationship. Hopefully they don't know how it really is, although I don't think I would mind. But for him, I'd wait as long as he needs.

I go to bed after taking a well-earned shower, my muscles relaxing as I lay down. It doesn't take long before I drift to sleep, a pillow between my arms. I wish it was Lando, though.

***Monday***

A loud ringing wakes me up, the alarm on my phone blaring at maximum volume. It's barely 8 a.m, and my sleepy eyes struggle with the luminous screen. Finally, I manage to turn it off and fall back on the mattress. I have to get up though, because my schedule of the day is quite tight, with numerous events to attend and videos to film.

Sighing, I start dressing myself and leave the room to go eat breakfast. I'm happy to see that the McLaren crew is also there, as I'm still very close to some people I used to work with. But I smile even bigger once I notice the curly haired man entering the room. Lando looks magnificent, as always, his hair shining with strands bouncing around his face.

With a quick wave, I greet him and we shake hands with a knowing smile when he finally gets closer. Having to pretend to be only friends with everyone around is quite fun though, doesn't change much from how we acted before, in the end.

— Seems pretty tight between Redbull and Mercedes no? A mechanic chimes in the conversation, as we all passionately talk about the current situation.

— Yeah for sure, but I feel like Max has it in him this year, the car's great, but Lewis with seven... yeah I don't know, it's definitely going to be interesting for the rest of the season. I wish we could pretend to this battle too...

Lando seems a bit sad, talking about the people crushing us for now. Both Ferrari and McLaren aren't really in it this year, we all hope the upgrades will make some magic but... As fierce competitors, it's sometimes hard to do our best and get overtaken because the others have a better car... I know it's how it is though, a team's sport.

Trying to uplift his mood, I put my arm over his shoulder, which makes a few people glance before they return to their conversation.

— We'll win soon, don't worry. A nickname is right by my lips, but I manage to hold it in. Maybe it's not for right now, but each thing happens at the right time. We can only work hard anyways!

After that, we all continue talking and eating, before I have to rush and come back to my hotel room. I'm taking the few things I need for the day when suddenly I hear a knock on the door, curious at who it could be.

— Lando?

As I open the door, he rushes inside, before hastily kissing me. In his precipitation he forgot to close completely the door behind him, and I quickly shut it before returning the kiss. My hands immediately find their place on his waist, a buzzing energy coming off his body.