Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 57

POV: Lando

When Carlos told me we were going to have dinner together, I got excited. But when he added that his parents would be there too, I might have felt anxiety rushing suddenly through my body. I understand how eager he is to make our relationship official, at least to our close relatives. But it's so early, I'm not ready, I feel like I'll never be.

And yeah, his parents are very kind and always treated me like a son anyways, but this... it might be different. Carlos told me they reacted really positively, and that everything will be fine. And it will probably be. I'm just a bit tense, and we're only Saturday afternoon.

There's still quali in a few minutes before though, and I'm confident in the car today. It's still not enough to hope for a front row, or even the second, but I'm hoping on a good position in the points.

— Ready? My engineer's voice snaps me out of my thoughts, and I hop in the car, completely focusing.

Q1 is a literal mess. Two red flags, both Tsunoda and then Mick Schumacher crashing their car. I'm through though, but many of the dominant teams too, which doesn't really help. I end up 8th in Q3, feeling like I pushed the car to its limit. It's frustrating, for sure, but I'm not too sad considering the car just in front of me is the Ferrari of Charles. Carlos is 5th, which means I'll have to pass two cars if I want a chance to overtake him. Hard, but definitely not impossible.

And of course, it's Max in pole position. Both Mercedes are just behind though, which is starting to feel normal now. Just imagining myself in their seat, fighting for wins and the championship, it must be incredible. I love Max, he's a great friend here on the grid, but if I could steal his car I'd do it in a heartbeat, for sure!

After the talk with the team to interpret the data of today's qualifications, it's time to go back to the hotel. Or more exactly, go prepare myself before Carlos comes pick me up, driving us both to the small restaurant he literally privatised for us. Us and his parents.

Sighing, I try to decide between the very few choices of clothing I have, my suitcase now completely empty and everything messily thrown on my bed. I want to be discreet, in case fans see us, but also make a good impression so...

Glancing at my face in the mirror as I finally choose something simple, I grimace seeing every detail of my skin. Carlos' words replaying in my mind, I see myself blushing heavily in the mirror, before having to look away. He said I was beautiful.

I decide to spray a little perfume, I don't know if he likes it but... people usually like someone more if they smell nice so I guess it could help with his parents? I'm really stressed, I realise while quickly finishing to put my shoes on. I check my phone and notice that Carlos texted me a few minutes ago, letting me know he's already there.

— Ah shit.

I run a hand through my hair to try and make it presentable, while hurrying outside towards the hidden entrance of the hotel. There are always some crazy fans waiting at the main entrance, and although I enjoy their love and passion usually, I don't really have time tonight.

— Wow you look amazing! Carlos greets me, a huge smile on his face paired with a faint rosiness on his cheeks.

— Thanks! You too, what's this? I say while tugging lightly on his neatly folded tie.

— Hey! He chuckles. Just wanted to look nice for tonight, and I have to admit my parents gifted me this but I never wore it, he grimaces cutely, and we both laugh while getting in the car.

Seeing Carlos and chatting with him helped me relax a little, and we soon arrive to the restaurant, someone immediately coming to park the car. Once again, I let myself be the passenger, and I must admit it's nice, when it's my boyfriend driving. And I got to choose the music, what else could I ask for?