Work Text:
Trust Lando’s friends to have mucked up the number of rooms on their luxury yachting trip. Trust them to book a place with one less room than they need. Trust them to be arguing over who has to share.
Lando gently rested his hand against Max’s back and stepped forwards to whisper something in Max’s ear,
“We can take it.”
The thought sent a shiver down Max’s spine. The thought of a whole week, undisturbed by his friends excited him. He felt a warm, red blush creep over his cheeks as he imagined the fun they could have together. All while being able to keep their relationship a secret. They would get the both of best worlds, they would be able to be intimate behind the closed door of their shared room while not having to endure the endless teasing of their friends. That was why they hadn’t told anyone yet, that and their relationship was still blooming, still in the honeymoon phase and they didn’t want to jinx that. Max nodded, trying to reign in his eagerness,
“I’ll share with Bob.” He said jokingly, nodding at Lando, “He’s the only one that doesn’t snore.”
Lando chuckled, “Uh.. Fine… Guess I can put up with your smelly feet just for this week.”
“Oi! I do not smell!” Max protested, finding it hard to wipe the smile of his face. They were pretending it would be a hardship when in reality, it was going to be the perfect week. Their friends just didn’t know why.
Once the bedroom door was shut behind them, Lando hungrily attacked Max’s lips. They knew they didn’t have long before someone knocked on their door, demanding they come to the pool but they had long enough. It was difficult, Lando’s hand was placed roughly over Max’s mouth, muffling the moans that escaped from his parted lips.
---
Lando cursed his brother. Ollie had taken it upon himself to find Lando love this holiday. What he didn’t realise was that Lando had exactly that waiting for him at the table. He had only left to get himself and Max a drink when a long-limbed girl had wrapped herself around Lando’s neck and started whispering in his ear. Instantly, Lando had frozen to the spot. What was he supposed to do when he was accosted by a stranger? A stranger set up by his brother no less. Lando tried to pry the intertwined fingers from around his neck but it was difficult. The girl was not giving up. All Lando could think about was how Max was probably watching, how he was probably freaking out right now.
With more force than intended, Lando pushed at the girl and span towards the table. Panic started to bubble as he realised Max’s chair was vacant.
“What the fuck Ollie. Stop trying to set me up…” Lando said, glaring at his brother before glancing around the table, making sure Max hadn’t returned, “Where did Max go?” He asked, trying to sound curious rather than panicked.
“Think he went back to the boat, said something about not feeling well.” Tom said before turning back to his cocktail with interest.
Lando made his excuses, mumbling something about checking up on Max and making sure he wasn’t ruining their room before rushing back. He knew Max wouldn’t be happy but he hadn’t expected the sight before him. The older man was curled in on himself, in a ball on the bed. Lando could hear the muffled sobs and could see his body shake.
“Max…” He mumbled softly as he sat down on the side of the bed. He reached out and gently caressed the exposed skin under Max’s hoodie, “Max…. That was just Ollie being a dick, don’t worry…”
“It would be so much easier if I was just a fucking girl. Then you wouldn’t have to hide me like your dirty secret.” Max spat angrily, weeks of building frustration finally escaping.
Lando sighed sadly, he hated when Max’s jealousy and insecurity got the better of him, “Is that all you think you are to me?” He said softly, voice breaking as the tears threatened at his own eyes, “You are so much more than that to me Max, believe me… I love you more than anything, more than fucking racing. I would give it up in a heartbeat for you.”
“Why don’t you go back out with that girl.”
Lando ran his fingers through his hair, they weren’t getting anywhere. “Because she isn’t you.”
“It looked like you were enjoying it.”
“Not at all Max, Ollie sent her over but she was persistent, I literally couldn’t get her off me.” Lando tried to touch Max but the other man tensed and pulled his arm away. “Max.” He said, his voice growing louder. He was annoyed that Max wasn’t listening to him. “Max! I love YOU! And only YOU!” He repeated, trying not to let his anger become overwhelming. Max looked such a sorry sight before him that he just wanted to pull him into a hug.
They spent the next few hours talking. Eventually, Max listened to Lando, let his words of love and kindness wash over him, to calm his aching heart. They decided to tell their friends of their relationship, to out themselves to those closest. This way, they didn’t have to hide in front of everyone. And it lessened Max’s insecurity.
After splashing cold water onto their red, puffy eyes, they returned to the top deck of the boat and climbed onto one of the sun loungers together. Max was between Lando’s legs, lying back against his muscled chest. It had been a long day, the pounding sun taking a toll on their bodies and they felt the familiar lure of sleep pull at them both. While waiting for their friends to return, they found themselves resting peacefully in a tangle of limbs.
When they returned, they were less than surprised to find Lando and Max sleeping together. At the sound of commotion, Lando peeled open his eyes and hushed his friends.
“Why do you think we booked somewhere with only 6 rooms?” Tom chuckled, smiling knowingly at Lando and Max curled together.
Ollie nodded, “And why do you think I kept sending girls over, I wanted to see how long before you told us the truth.” Lando could kill his brother. That was if Max wasn’t still sleeping soundly.
“How long have you known?” He asked curiously.
Ollie snorted with laughter, “Longer than you have I reckon..”