Chapter Text
They were at their motor homes when it happened. Pierre was having a late dinner, sitting at the back of the lonely dining room. Esteban was doing a final run though before practice tomorrow. The rain pouring cleared the walkway of the people working into the night. The worry about the race kept the teams focused on the weather maps, calculations and strategies. No one was even thinking about love relationships this close to important points.
The clock hit midnight like always, except the world changed for two people. They held their wrist at the same time, minds filled with pictures of each other, past and present, smiles and cries of friendship. A small mark, barely visible almost a freckle, now decorated their left hands forever connected to their hearts. Their hearts were beating an unfamiliar rhythm, pulling strings out in the rain, pulling towards the other. Fear kept them both in place, too many unresolved conflicts standing between what the universe saw as true love.
Esteban didn’t know what to do now. No numbers were important enough that he couldn’t look over tomorrow. Maybe there was a chance to make things right, maybe they could be together again. The magical call of his forever love that he imagined was not the one he got. What should he do now, call or go to him, maybe wait for Pierre to make the first move. The silence in the room felt heavy on his chest, making it too hard to stay inside. Putting on a rain coat he decided to walk around to clear his head, try to come to terms what just happened. The prospect that he would bump into Pierre came to him mind but knowing the Frenchman hated the rain he knew the chances weren't very high. The night air kept their secret hidden for now, Esteban knew Pierre was loved and appreciated by the other drivers who will probably find out in the coming week. Their opinions on him could end this before it had the chance to begin.
Walking in the pouring rain did help his beating heart, but it also brought about a more sinister thoughts. Ones of romantic dates in parks and restaurants, maybe a go carting race like the old times, maybe he can surprise Pierre with football tickets. It seems the feelings he had during their youth weren’t gone after all. The shadows around and jacket’s hood masked the reddish tint that covered Esteban’s face. He remembered their innocent childhoods without the drama, media and fame distorting everything.
The only proof of this feeling was the memory of one of their sleepovers where Pierre was so tired he didn’t make it past 10 pm. He slumped on the couch next to him while Esteban played some game barely paying attention. The moment he turned around to see the sleeping form of his friend a single thought came to him mind: kiss him. Late at night when he can’t sleep, sometimes when drunk his mind would play this image, taunting him about what could have been.
His legs knew where to go, who to look for as did the midnight sky. Moving between the motor homes and trucks he looked to the lit windows of the building. Standing by one of the roofs he waited not knowing for what. Fate maybe? But she had already said what she thought. Millions of scenarios were going though his head as he scanned the lit rooms. God he really felt like a stalker.
Movement by the door saw a man walk outside, putting Esteban’s heart in his throat. Without a second of hesitation the man turned towards him and started walking. He knew he should off turned around and ran, to hide the shame he felt, the shame of being the one who chose come here. Standing in front of him he could see now it was Danil, the Russian's expression a mix of intimidation and softness.
He put his hand on Esteban’s shoulder and gave him a smile, “Second floor to the right, last door. Good luck.” And just like that he was gone down the walkway. So Pierre saw him. Shit. Might as well end this today.
As slowly as he could and trying not to drag too much rain, he slipped inside the motor home. They probably got the staff to leave already, which he was very thankful about. One step in front of the other he got closer to the door, his heart breaking in the process. He made a mental note to stay calm, not only as to not draw attention but also not to get angry at what Pierre would say. The decision was as much his as it was Esteban's.
For some reason he didn’t knock, just opened the door a little before he realised what he did. Still it was too late so he peaked a little inside, locking eyes with Pierre sitting on a chair, who looked a little taken aback but not scared. He didn’t say anything, the sound of the rain amplifying their presence to one another. There was no time to waste, so Esteban bit his cheek and entered the small room, closing the door behind him. Back against the door he waited, they both did for some help.
Both couldn’t speak, too many things to say, to talk about them would take more than a night. Pierre stood up and in a few steps his frame was in front of Esteban both hands holding his face, a soft kiss placed on his lips. There was no reason to ask him why, Esteban knew.
“I love you.” came from the soaking driver the moment they separated. He needed to say it, his friend needed to know as he was still a little scared to admit.
“I know. I love you too.” Pierre’s smile lit the room like no other and this time it was directed at Esteban and no one else.
The scars would take time to heal but they will, as the stars saw that night nature heals all in the end.