Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Bonus 2: What happened in Italy

Reminder: so this is completely fictional (not based on reality like the races), a sort of friendly getaway organised by Charles in Italy with a few drivers, between Monza and Sochi 21!
I'll leave you to discover what happened during this micro break, and was not described in the main story ;)

If you want to read again the Monza chapter to remember what happened better (McLaren 1-2 with Daniel and Lando), it's in chapters 66-67 ;)

Also sorry for the poor Italian at the beginning of the chapter, Duolingo only goes so far (had to use the translator for this one)

Sidenote: this was supposed to be one chapter, but I couldn't decide between the couples, so enjoy the two parts (the 2nd one is coming next week)

Warning: Smut

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POV: Charles

— Quindi ecco le chiavi, giusto per informazione, quante siete? (So there are the keys, just for information, how many are you?)

— Siamo...

I count quickly in my head, remembering who accepted my invitation. A few drivers couldn't make it, so we're left with me, Max, Carlos, the two McLaren drivers, Pierre, and Yuki.

— Sette persone.

— Allora non avrai bisogno dell'estensione della casa (Then you won't need the outhouse), he mumbles.

I barely register what the tenant said, and we continue to look at the house as he shows me around. There's a swimming pool, a huge villa with pretty stone walls, lots of plants, and a beautiful view. It's truly amazing.

Once everything is done, the guy leaves and I impatiently look at the time on the old and loud clock on the wall. I told the other drivers to get there around 4pm, so I could be sure to have the house by then. It's still only half past 3, and the deckchairs basking in the sun are looking rather attractive right now.

Monza was a bit disappointing as a member of Ferrari, this year, and even more seeing what McLaren achieved this weekend. But we have a bit of time to relax and reset before going for the final push, starting in Sochi. I figured it would be nice to spend a bit of time with Max outside of the track, but didn't want the chance to expose our relationship to the world just yet. So this was the solution, inviting other drivers as well. I really don't mind it, being friends with most of them anyways.

We've all been so invested, trying to get back to Mercedes and Redbull's level, and I'm sure we all need that short break. I know Lando and Daniel will probably tease us, but they kinda deserve the attention after that amazing weekend.

I close my eyes, the sun warming my tanned skin from this summer. Slowly, I let myself drift to sleep, knowing the guys will call once they arrive. I hope Max is first, so we can have a moment together.

POV: Lando

I'm still on cloud nine after this weekend, the podium and 1-2 finish a dream for my team. Plus, something huge also happened, as I ended up coming out last week. I really wanted to finally be free, if not with Carlos yet, at least to the world. And the air smells like pure happiness right now, as I park my car in front of the address Charles sent us. He's nice to do this, I think we're all very grateful for these mini holidays. Well, and I'm not going to lie, knowing Carlos will be there, and that there's a swimming pool and good wine, it's also a significant bonus.

— Hello? Yeah, I'm here, do I just go through the gate?

Charles answer positively, and I think I hear a slight sleepiness in his voice, like he just woke up. Two minutes later, and my suspicion gets confirmed.