Getting closer

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The hand on Oscars knee stayed there until the desert came. Their conversation was already back to Landos holiday, the plans for the next weeks, Carlos telling them about him and Charles doing some funny challenge, ... and of course Carlos's win.

As the evening wound down and the plates were cleared, Lando stretched and stood up from the table, a satisfied smile on his face. "Alright, guys, this has been awesome, but I think it's time we head back. Tomorrow's another big day.

Carlos nodded, pushing his chair back and standing up. "Agreed. Thanks for tonight, it was great to unwind a bit." Oscar smiled, rising from his seat as well. "Yeah, thanks. We needed this."

They made their way to the car, laughter and camaraderie filling the cool night air. Carlos again took the wheel, with Lando and Oscar both in the back seat. The drive back to the hotel was filled with more light-hearted banter and reflections on the race, Carlos's victory still a glowing highlight of the conversation.

As they pulled into the hotel parking lot, Lando glanced back at his friends. "Alright, let's get some rest. Big day tomorrow."

They exited the car, Carlos accompanying his friends into the lobby. The night settling around them like a comfortable blanket. Once inside, Lando patted Carlos on the back. "Congratulations again, man. You were incredible out there." He hugged the tall driver, before stepping back a bit, waiting for Oscar.

"Thanks, mate," Carlos replied, his grin wide and genuine.

Oscar stepped closer, his eyes reflecting the warm light of the lobby chandeliers. "Carlos, I wanted to say it again too. Congratulations. You really deserve it." His voice was soft, filled with admiration and something deeper that made Carlos's heart race. The Spaniard looked at the young aussie for a second longer, he hadn't notice hoe the dark green really brought out the others eyes, or the way his smile tilted a bit to the right.

Carlos met Oscar's gaze, their eyes locking in a moment of unspoken connection. "Thank you, Oscar," he said quietly. "It means a lot coming from you."

They lingered for a second longer than necessary, the world around them fading into the background. Lando, sensing the moment, took a step back. "Alright, I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight!" He gave a playful salute and headed towards the elevator. There he stopped clearly waiting for Oscar, as he didn't press a button, but aware that his friends may want a moment to themselves.

The Briton noticed the usure eye on him, so he just went on his phone answering some texts from his friends and trainer.

Turning back to each other, Carlos took a step closer to Oscar, his hand brushing lightly against Oscar's. "Thank you for being here tonight. It made the victory even sweeter." Oscar smiled sweetly, his fingers curling slightly around Carlos's. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

The worries Oscar had felt as they talked about going tonight, were long forgotten. They stood there for a moment, the buzz of the hotel lobby a distant hum, their world centered only on each other. With a gentle squeeze of his hand, Carlos pulled Oscar towards the elevators. "Come on, let's get some rest. Tomorrow's a new day, but tonight... tonight was perfect."

Lando didn't mention anything, only pressing the button as he saw the couple walking over. Carlos gave him a thankful smile before repeating "Good night to you two." Before he turned towards the parking lot. He didn't turn around, but Oscar kept his eyes on the well trained back anyways until the elevator door closed.

Together, him and Lando made their way to their rooms. They were silent, both mellowing in the good vibes of the evening. As Lando stopped in front of his room he turned to Oscar "I am happy you came with us. I had a lot of fun." The younger smiled happily "Yeah, thanks for inviting me. And helping me with the clothes." He paused for a moment "And you know..."

The moment he had felt with Carlos still felt too fragile to speak about it out loud. But Lando understood "Your welcome, always." He opened his room door "See you tomorrow, Oscar." The Briton gave him a last long, warm hug. His teammate returning it "See you Lando." And he was off to his won bed.

When he finally fell into his cushions the strain if the day washed over him. The aussie felt exhausted. He couldn't wait to spend some time with his family tomorrow. Logan had promised to stay two more days as well, so the two old friends could spend some time with Oscars family who had "adopted" the American as another son.

The next day Oscar was enjoying a much-needed break with his family. The sun was shining, the sky a perfect blue, and the familiar sounds of home filled him with a sense of peace. Beside him, Logan laughed as they shared stories and reminisced about their racing days.

"Man, it's so good to be back here," Logan said, taking a sip of his drink. "I can see why you love it so much." Oscar smiled, glancing around at the vibrant scenery. "Yeah, there's no place like home."

They spent the day exploring the beaches, playing a bit of beach volleyball, and enjoying the local cuisine. It was a perfect day, filled with laughter and the kind of camaraderie that comes from years of shared experiences on and off the track.

Later that evening, as they relaxed around a bonfire on the beach, Logan snapped a picture of Oscar and his family, posting it on social media with the caption: "Best time in Australia with the Piastri family! #Blessed #Friends #RacingFamily."

Meanwhile, back in Europe, Carlos was scrolling through his social media feed when he stumbled upon Logan's post. He stared at the picture, a mixture of longing and jealousy stirring in his chest. Seeing Oscar so happy, so relaxed with Logan, made something in him twist uncomfortably. Without thinking, he opened his messaging app and typed out a quick message to Oscar.

* Hey, saw the pic Logan posted. Looks like you're having a great time.*

Oscar's phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen, a smile spreading across his face when he saw Carlos's name. He quickly typed back a response.

* Hey! Yeah, it's been amazing here. How are things with you?*

Carlos felt a small pang of relief at Oscar's reply. At least he wasn't too busy to reply quickly.

* Pretty good. Just a bit jealous of your vacation. Wish I could have stayed aswell*

Oscar read the message, his heart skipping a beat. He had wishfully thought that there was something special about his bond with Carlos, but seeing the words made it feel more real, more intense. He carefully typed

* It would be even better if you were here.*

Carlos smiled at the response, his jealousy melting away to be replaced by a warm, comforting feeling. He typed back quickly.

* Next time, we'll plan something together. Deal? We could invite some of the others*

Oscar's eyes sparkled as he read the message.

* Deal, sounds really nice.*

Carlos felt his heart lift, the distance between them seeming a little less daunting. He could almost hear Oscar's voice, the easy laughter, the warmth.

*Enjoy the rest of your trip. Talk soon?*

* Definitely. Take care, Carlos.*

As Oscar put his phone away, he glanced at Logan, who was watching the exchange with a knowing smile. "Carlos?" Logan asked, raising an eyebrow.

Oscar nodded, a little embarrassed but mostly happy. "Yeah. Just catching up." Logan laughed, shaking his head. "You two are close. It's good to have friends like that." Oscar smiled, feeling lighter than he had in days. "Yeah, it is."

The rest of the evening was filled with more stories, more laughter, but Oscar's mind kept drifting back to Carlos, and the promise of what was to come. And in his hotel room, miles away, Carlos fell asleep with a smile, thinking of the next time he'd see Oscar, and knowing it would be worth the wait.

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