We're just friends...or are we.? |[ carlando]|

" special... " - 20

~hello loves, i wanted to post this chapter yesterday but I mentally couldn't due to Liam's passing. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. 🕊️❤️ (1D fan 4ever.)

Enjoy the chapter.

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Lando woke up to the familiar warmth of someone pressed close to his body.

He didn’t open his eyes just yet, savoring the moment, the feeling of safety and comfort that enveloped him. He breathed in deeply, and the scent that filled his lungs was one he had come to love more than anything—the sweet, subtle smell of coconut. It was a scent that had become synonymous with love and peace for him. He couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips as he let the moment wash over him.

Slowly, Lando shifted, turning over in the bed with deliberate care, not wanting to disturb the person beside him. His gaze landed on Carlos, who lay sleeping next to him, his face so relaxed and peaceful that it took Lando’s breath away for a moment.

The Spaniard’s dark hair was slightly tousled from sleep, his chest rising and falling with slow, even breaths. God, he looked stunning, Lando thought, a warmth spreading through his chest. It wasn’t just his looks—though Carlos was undeniably handsome—but the serenity that radiated from him in these quiet moments.

Lando moved closer, snuggling back into the warmth that Carlos provided, careful not to wake him. He felt the rise and fall of Carlos’s breathing against his own body, the steady rhythm soothing him. His mind wandered to how much he cherished these moments. Today was their last day together before Carlos had to leave for Spain to visit his family and friends, and while Lando understood the need for Carlos to see them, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of their routine being disrupted.

They’d been like this for two months now, ever since the season break had started, and Lando had never been happier. Every day spent together had felt like a dream—waking up to Carlos’s sleepy smile, lazy afternoons playing golf or paddle, the competitive edge they brought out in each other on the tennis court or during sim racing, the quiet moments where they’d bake something in the kitchen or share a quiet meal. It had all been so perfect, so easy, and now the thought of that ending weighed heavy on him.

He knew the 2022 season was just around the corner, only two and a half weeks away, but it felt too soon. The break had given them the time they needed to grow closer, to learn each other’s quirks and habits, to fall into a rhythm that felt so natural. Lando had come to rely on Carlos’s presence in a way he hadn’t expected, and he wasn’t sure how he’d cope with being apart again. Even if they were teammates, racing was different—it wasn’t this.

Carlos shifted slightly in his sleep, his hand resting lightly on Lando’s arm, and Lando stilled, holding his breath for a moment to make sure he hadn’t disturbed him. When Carlos remained asleep, Lando relaxed again, letting out a quiet sigh of relief.

He didn’t want to wake him, not yet. He wanted to hold on to this peaceful moment for as long as he could, to soak in the warmth and the sense of belonging that came with being wrapped up in Carlos’s arms.

Lando’s mind wandered back to the times they had shared during the break. The laughter, the teasing, the way Carlos would look at him with that playful glint in his eyes before challenging him to yet another round of golf or paddle. The way they’d fall into bed at the end of the day, exhausted but content, talking about everything and nothing until one of them fell asleep. It had all been so effortless, so perfect, and Lando wasn’t ready to let it go just yet.

He glanced over at the clock on the bedside table. The morning was still young, and they had a few more hours before they’d have to face the reality of Carlos leaving. But for now, Lando just wanted to enjoy the moment. He shifted slightly, pressing a soft kiss to Carlos’s shoulder, hoping it wouldn’t stir him from his sleep. Carlos remained still, and Lando smiled, feeling a sense of peace settling over him again.