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

" how long... " - 28

~i thought about giving you all an extra chapter for today! 🫶

Also I'm super happy Ollie gets to race for this weekend! I wish K-mag a speedy recovery! I just know he would've loved today's weather.

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Carlos trudged into the Ferrari hospitality area, the usual thrill of being at the Austin Grand Prix dampened by the weight pressing on his chest. The buzz of the Texas fans and the excitement of race weekend barely registered.

It had been a week and a half since he’d spoken to Lando, and every day without him had felt emptier than the last. He tried to keep his focus on work, but without Lando’s playful presence in the paddock, the atmosphere felt hollow. Just as he settled into a chair, his teammate Charles approached, clapping him on the back.

- “Ready for media day?”

Charles asked with a grin, his upbeat tone a stark contrast to Carlos’ quiet mood.

Carlos nodded, managing a tight smile.

- “Yeah, ready as I’ll ever be,”

Cffvhe replied, but his voice lacked conviction. Charles’ smile faded, and he looked at Carlos a little more closely.

- “Hey, what’s going on?”

Charles asked, concern crossing his face.

- “You don’t seem like yourself. Is something wrong?”

Carlos sighed, glancing around to make sure there were no cameras or stray team members nearby. He felt a pang of hesitation, but the weight of keeping everything inside was too much.

- “It’s… it’s Lando,”

he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

- “We haven’t spoken since… well, since I messed everything up. I made a stupid mistake, and now… he’s gone, Charles. He’s hurt, and I don’t know how to fix it.”

Charles nodded, his face softening as he listened carefully. He let Carlos continue, offering him the support of a friend without pushing him. Carlos told him about Percy, the misinterpreted messages, the argument that had spiraled out of control, and the way he’d let Lando walk away without fighting for him. Finally, he sighed, dropping his gaze.

- “I know he needs space, but it’s killing me to see him here, knowing I hurt him like that. It’s like I’m standing on the outside, watching everything I care about slip away.”

Charles placed a reassuring hand on Carlos’ shoulder.

-!“Carlos,”

he began gently,

- “you messed up, yes. But people make mistakes. Lando has every right to be hurt and angry, but if you really care about him, then you give him that space he needs. Let him process it, and when he’s ready, show him you’re here to make things right. He’ll come around if he sees you’re willing to change.”

Carlos nodded, appreciating the encouragement, but the tightness in his chest didn’t ease. Before he could respond, he spotted Oscar approaching, his expression both curious and concerned.

- “Hey, what’s going on with Lando?”

Oscar asked, glancing between Carlos and Charles.

- “He’s been off all week. He’s even been… crying. He’s not the happy, silly Lando we all know. Did something happen between you two?”

Carlos felt his stomach drop as Oscar’s words sank in. He looked to Charles, who nodded and gently took over, giving Oscar a brief rundown of the situation. As Oscar listened, his expression shifted from surprise to anger. He turned to Carlos, his usually calm face clouded with frustration.