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

" they were ready to face it together... " - 39

~ extra chapter bc why not?

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Friday morning arrived faster than expected. The loud bang woke both Carlos and Lando from their sleep, causing them to sit up quickly, their surroundings still blurry from the sudden wake-up. It took a few moments for them to realize they had fallen asleep on the couch.

Lando chuckled softly, shaking his head as he stretched his arms above his head.

- "Well, this is comfortable,"

he teased, his voice a bit groggy. But before he could move away, Carlos pulled him down onto his lap with a mischievous grin.

Lando sighed, but there was a softness in his expression as he adjusted to the new position. He brushed a few strands of Carlos’s messy hair away from his face.

- "You’re not going anywhere yet,"

Carlos murmured, his smile widening as Lando moved the hair out of his eyes.

Lando chuckled and planted a quick kiss on Carlos’s cheek.

- "You’re lucky you’re cute,"

he teased. But before Carlos could reply, a loud bark interrupted them.

Both of them turned quickly, and they saw Piñón, Carlos’s energetic dog, standing at the back of the couch, tail wagging furiously.

Carlos sighed, looking at the dog with a mix of affection and frustration. He gently placed Lando on the other side of the couch and stood up. He whistled sharply, signaling Piñón to go outside. But Piñón, of course, had other plans. Instead of listening, he spun around in circles, barking even louder.

Lando laughed at the sight, shaking his head.

- "Maybe he’s just excited to see you,"

he joked.

Carlos, feeling a bit defeated, tried again. He pulled out a few dog treats from his pocket, holding them in front of him. This time, Piñón took notice, running straight to Carlos, happily jumping up to get his treat.

Carlos smiled and led Piñón to the back door, opening it for the dog.

- "Come on, buddy, let’s go outside."

Piñón, however, had another funny moment in store. He quickly ran through the doggy door, made for Carlos’s other dog, Oli. Lando and Carlos couldn’t help but chuckle as they watched Piñón squeeze through the tiny opening, somehow managing to fit despite being too big for it.

Once outside, Carlos gave Piñón the treat, and then grabbed a ball from the garden. He threw it, and Piñón immediately took off after it.

- "Go get it, Piñón!"

Carlos called, watching as the dog eagerly fetched the ball and brought it back to Lando.

Lando laughed, grabbing the ball from Piñón and throwing it again.

- "You're a little cutie, aren't you?"

Lando said, watching Piñón chase the ball once more. His laughter was bright and infectious.

Carlos turned to look at him, a soft smile spreading across his face. As he watched Lando laugh and interact with Piñón, something inside of him shifted. He couldn’t help but admire how Lando’s whole face lit up when he smiled, how his eyes sparkled with happiness, and how effortlessly he got along with everyone, including his family.

Carlos's heart swelled with love and admiration as he took in the sight of Lando’s curls bouncing as he turned to toss the ball again. Without even realizing, he found himself staring at Lando, completely captivated by the way he was so naturally, perfectly himself.