Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 72

Bit of an added chapter to close the second relationship too :)

There will be bonus chapters in a near future (when I get time again, I'm nearly done with this semester/finals) so don't go away yet ^^

Enjoy the read !

**********************************************

POV: Lando

— Come back to bed, I whine to Carlos, the sunlight making me instantly close my eyes again.

I groan in pain as my headache intensifies, result of our celebrations from yesterday. Or was it this morning? Whatever. It was good partying, that's for sure.

— Good morning too Lando, he chuckles, bringing me meds and water like the caring boyfriend he is.

I thank him before quickly swallowing the pills, drinking like I've not seen a drop of water in a year. Which, to be fair, is quite exactly how I feel.

— Did you have fun at least? I'm sorry I couldn't be with you most of the night, the team really wanted to party together, and I just went to bed afterwards. From the pictures on Instagram, you look like you did, at least!

— Oh fuck, I can't remember most of it, do you know if I did something silly? I hope I didn't embarrass Max or anyone else.

I grimace at the thought, knowing I can be quite a mess after a few drinks. I don't really like drinking, but when I do, I don't hold back at all. After checking my phone to make sure I didn't create any international mess, I let myself fall back on the mattress.

— We have to leave the room at 3pm, by the way, it's only 11am now, do you want to stay here for a while? Carlos asks me, gently climbing back in bed with me.

— Wait, is this your room or mine? Do they know we're...

— It's mine, I gave you the key yesterday, don't remember? Damn, I should really thank Jon for bringing you back here, there's no way you would have made it alone.

— Wait you asked him to? Seeing him nod, I smile. Aw you were worried for me, weren't you? Gracias Carlitos.

I punctuate my words with a kiss, melting as I feel him cupping my cheeks. I take a moment to just relax in his arms, our respirations synchronising after a while. It's so peaceful, and I'm happy to be able to finally enjoy a bit of calm with him, far from the craziness of Formula One.

There's still something lingering at the back of my mind though, and as always, Carlos knows when I'm thinking about something.

— Do you wanna talk or just cuddle? He asks quietly, arms tightening around me.

The warm embrace is so comforting and I feel myself almost going back to sleep, fighting to stay awake a few more minutes. I really want to tell him how I feel, completely.

— I was just thinking, I don't want to hide any longer, to feel bad when I want to take your hand in public. I know it doesn't bother you but-

— What? No, don't think that please. He interrupts me, his tone firm but surprised. I don't want to stay like this forever, either, you know. I love you so fucking much Lando, I don't think you realise, of course I want to make us official! There's nothing that would make me prouder than showing you off as my boyfriend, trust me.

— Then why do you always stay so vague when I ask you about it... I reply in a low voice, feeling a bit upset.

— I know Lando, I know I've not been very brave lately. I hope you can forgive me for that. But seeing how you've matured so much these last months, how you gained confidence and even came out to the world, it made me realise how important it was. Not only to you, or myself, but to everyone. And, I'm sure I told you already, but you make me so proud every day! You've changed, this year. But in a good way, in a way where you found yourself.