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

" any other way.... " - 40

~ chapter 40!!! I would have never thought I would continue this story this far!!

Also we hit 10.4k reads! I'm so grateful for each and every one of you! Gracias!! 🫶🏽🫶🏽

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Saturday arrived with a bittersweet goodbye as Carlos and Lando hugged Carlos’s parents before heading off to the airport. Their warm farewells were filled with promises to visit soon. Once at the airport, they boarded a private jet bound for London.

The flight passed quickly as the two played chess, Carlos pretending to struggle while secretly planning his moves, and Lando giggling every time he managed to steal an advantage. When they weren’t playing, they cuddled in the plush seats, enjoying the serenity of the quiet flight.

Soon, the jet touched down, and they gathered their belongings. Carlos insisted on carrying Lando’s bags, waving off his protests with a cheeky smile.

They retrieved Lando’s McLaren from the private airport garage and drove through the chilly London streets, heading toward Lando’s apartment.

Upon arrival, Carlos immediately claimed the bathroom for a shower, leaving Lando to change into cozy sweatpants and a hoodie.

After a while, the sound of water stopped, and Carlos stepped out of the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel. To Lando’s surprise, he was dressed in a sleek tuxedo adorned with a small Ferrari pin on the lapel.

Lando whistled, raising a brow.

- “And where do you think you’re going, all dressed up like that?”

Carlos grinned and approached him, his hands slipping casually into his pockets.

- “I’m heading to a premiere for Gladiator II with Charles. You know, the one we talked about last week?”

- “Ohhh,” Lando teased, walking up to fix Carlos’s slightly askew bowtie.

- “Fancy. Are you meeting anyone interesting there?”

Carlos chuckled and leaned down slightly to press a kiss to Lando’s cheek.

- “Hopefully Pedro Pascal,”

he said with a sheepish grin.

- “They said he’s going to be there, and I’ve been a fan of his since I was a kid.”

Lando rolled his eyes playfully.

- “You better not come back fangirling too hard, or I’ll have to bring you back down to earth.”

Carlos laughed, grabbing his car keys. He paused at the door, glancing back with a warm smile.

- “I’ll be back in a few hours, mi amor. Be safe and don’t stay up too late.”

- “You too,”

Lando replied, his voice soft as he leaned against the counter.

- “Enjoy yourself.”

With a wink and a blown kiss, Carlos stepped out, shutting the door behind him. Lando chuckled to himself and turned back to finish his sandwich, already missing Carlos’s presence.

Carlos’s car ride to the premiere was filled with anticipation. The thought of meeting Pedro Pascal made his palms sweat slightly, but he managed to stay composed. When the car pulled up to the red carpet, Carlos stepped out, his polished shoes hitting the ground as cameras flashed around him. He spotted Charles and made his way over, exchanging a quick hug before they posed for photos together.

They smiled, laughed, and placed their hands on each other’s backs as reporters and photographers captured the moment. Once inside, they were ushered to the interview section, where the questions ranged from racing to their personal lives. One interviewer turned to Carlos with a sly smile.