forever, with me. | charlos

Charles Leclerc never expected his life to shift because of something so small-a crying baby in a restaurant, a stranger's arms holding him steady, a calm that came too easily.

Clover liked him instantly.

Carlos Sainz noticed. The way the crying stopped. The way his baby relaxed against Charles' chest. Desperation made him bold, and before Charles could think too hard, Carlos made an offer that felt impossible.

"Work for me."

Charles hesitated. He told himself it was only a job-better pay, shorter hours, a chance to finally save for his dream. Nothing more.

Carlos told himself it was temporary. Just help. Just someone Clover liked.

But days turned into routines. Mornings filled with fog and soft laughter. Late nights with tired eyes and shared silences. Clover became the quiet reason they kept circling each other, closer than either planned.

"I don't need you," Carlos insisted.

"I'm not staying," Charles lied.

Yet every glance lingered too long. Every goodbye felt heavier. Somewhere between responsibility and comfort, something neither of them named began to grow.

Two lives colliding in the smallest ways.

And in the space between a child's laughter and unspoken feelings, Carlos and Charles find themselves falling-slowly, unexpectedly, and far too deeply.

"I didn't plan to want you,"
"But I don't know how to stop."