Trackside Tensions (Carlando Landoscar Charlos)

Subtle Shifts

The soft glow of twilight settled over Monaco, painting the sky with hues of lavender and deepening blue. The city's usual buzz of luxury and excitement was momentarily hushed, as the drivers, weary from a long day of practice, sought solace in the quieter corners of the bustling harbor.

Lando Norris stood on a secluded terrace, the cool evening breeze tousling his hair as he gazed out at the yachts gently swaying in the water below. The distant clinking of glasses and muted chatter from the nearby yachts added a soothing rhythm to the scene. The serene view offered a welcome respite from the intensity of the day. He felt a familiar presence approach before he even turned to look.

"Thought I'd find you here," Carlos Sainz said, his voice warm with a hint of a smile. He leaned against the railing beside Lando, their shoulders brushing in that easy, unspoken camaraderie they had always shared.

Lando glanced at Carlos, his eyes reflecting the soft twilight. "Needed a breather. It's been non-stop lately."

Carlos nodded, his gaze scanning the horizon. "Monaco does that to you. The pressure here... it's different. But it's worth it." His tone was contemplative, as if he were musing more to himself than to Lando.

The two stood in comfortable silence, the kind that didn't require words. They shared a deep understanding that transcended casual conversation. Lando appreciated this about Carlos—the way they could be together without the need for constant chatter.

A soft murmur of voices from behind them drew Lando's attention. He turned slightly to see Charles Leclerc and a few other drivers gathered near the terrace entrance. Charles caught Lando's eye and offered a nod of acknowledgment, a slight smile touching his lips as he continued his conversation.

Carlos followed Lando's gaze, his expression shifting subtly as he observed Charles. It was a fleeting look of admiration, like a driver noting a particularly well-executed corner. The subtlety of the moment was not lost on Lando.

"You and Charles seem to be getting along well," Lando remarked casually, his tone light but with an edge of curiosity.

Carlos glanced back at Lando, his expression easy and untroubled. "Yeah, he's a good guy. We've been spending time together—getting to know the team, the car. He's got a lot of passion for this sport."

Lando nodded, absorbing the information. There was nothing inherently unusual about Carlos and Charles growing closer; after all, they were teammates. Still, there was a nuance in Carlos's tone—something softer, almost imperceptible. It hinted at a deeper connection.

"Well, as long as you don't forget about us back at McLaren," Lando teased, attempting to keep the mood light.

Carlos chuckled, the sound warm and familiar. "Never. You know you're stuck with me, no matter where I go."

"Lucky me," Lando quipped, but the warmth in his tone revealed that he genuinely meant it. The thought of the paddock without Carlos—the quick wit, the steady presence—was something he couldn't imagine.

The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted their moment. Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri appeared, their relaxed expressions indicating they'd been enjoying the evening as much as Lando and Carlos.

"There you two are," Max said with a grin as he joined them at the railing. "We've been looking all over. Oscar was starting to think you'd vanished to some secret yacht party."

Oscar rolled his eyes, though his smile was genuine. "Just didn't want you disappearing into some yacht party without us."

Carlos shook his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Wouldn't dream of it. Besides, Lando here wouldn't let me sneak off without dragging all of you along."

"True," Lando agreed, nudging Carlos playfully. "I know how much you love these things."

The group fell into an easy rhythm, their conversation flowing as naturally as the waves beneath them. Lando felt a deep sense of contentment, surrounded by friends who understood the unique world they lived in. Max's sharp humor, Oscar's quiet insights, Carlos's steady companionship—it all felt right, balanced, like a perfectly tuned car.

As the night progressed and the group made their way to a nearby beach bar, Lando couldn't shake a nagging sense of unease. Carlos and Charles, while still just friends, seemed to share a dynamic he hadn't fully anticipated. It wasn't jealousy, Lando assured himself. It was awareness—a subtle shift in the group's dynamic.

The beach bar was dimly lit, with strings of fairy lights casting a soft glow over the sand. The relaxed atmosphere was punctuated by laughter and music blending with the gentle crash of the waves. Lando settled near one of the fire pits, Max and Oscar on either side of him. Carlos and Charles were a few steps away, deep in conversation, their heads bent close together.

Lando watched them, trying to decipher the quiet exchange. There was something almost intimate in their interaction—a lingering look, a laugh that seemed a bit too genuine. It could have been the beginnings of a strong friendship, or perhaps something more.

Max caught Lando's gaze and raised an eyebrow. "What's on your mind?"

Lando shook his head, offering a slight smile. "Nothing. Just thinking about the race tomorrow."

Max nodded, accepting the answer without question. "Yeah, it's going to be a tough one. But that's Monaco for you."

Oscar leaned back, stretching his legs. "Whatever happens, we'll be ready."

Lando appreciated the quiet confidence in Oscar's voice, grounding him. He looked out at the water, the waves catching the light in a hypnotic dance. The night was peaceful, yet there was an undercurrent of anticipation in the air, like the calm before the start of a race.

As the night drew to a close, Lando walked back to his hotel with Max and Oscar, their conversation fading into comfortable silence. Yet, his thoughts kept drifting back to the terrace, to the way Carlos and Charles had seemed so at ease together. It was nothing, he reassured himself—just the start of a new friendship. Still, he couldn't help but wonder what it might mean for all of them as the season progressed.

Neither of them could foresee that by the end of the season, their intertwined fates would unearth buried emotions and secrets that would challenge everything they thought they knew.

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Short comment: Thanks for checking in:) 

I just wanted to let you guys know that I finished writing the final part of the story. There gonna be 59 parts here on wattpad. 

All the chapters are scheduled and uploads are from Monday to Saturday at 5pm. 

This is my first english story (also my first fanfiction) so comments and votes are much appreciated:)