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Chapter Text

Bahrain, 31st March, 2019

"Carlos!" A voice sounded behind him as he was about to go to the team briefing. Of course, he recognised the voice right away, after all, it was Lando and he couldn't deny that he was very fond of him. Besides, his voice was quite unique but yeah, the shy rookie and at the same time his new teammate had him in awe, but how could he not? He was just amazing.

His last race had been pretty shitty, but Lando had been there for him and had just listened to him when he had been complaining about the race. And now he was there, too.

With a cautious smile, he turned to him, whereupon Lando already wrapped his arms around his neck. "I hope you know it wasn't your fault. If you hadn't had the problems, you would have scored a lot of points for the team today," he breathed into his ear.

Slowly he relaxed and just enjoyed his closeness. It was amazing how quickly he made him feel better, just because he...he was himself. "Thank you, Lando," he whispered back, burying his face briefly in his shoulder so that he could pick up his scent. "I'm much better now."

The younger one detached himself, with a small blush spreading over his cheeks, and examined his face. Even though his lips adorned a playful grin, his words seemed to flatter Lando.

"Uhm..." He stepped back and uncomfortably shoved his hands into his pockets. "I wanted to meet Charles, Max, Alex, and George later. If you want, you can join me. I'm sure the others won't mind."

"Really?" He asked. He had to admit, the idea sounded really good. He got along well with Max anyway, besides Lando, he was one of his closest friends out of all drivers. He only knew Alex and George briefly because Lando had told him about them and he had met them shortly after the last race in Lando's hotel room. He didn't have much to do with Charles, but the Monegasque was quite nice, he thought.

"Sure." Now, Lando put on his best puppy eyes and grabbed his hand. "Please say yes."

"How could I ever say no to you?" He remarked, and Lando blushed again. However, he smiled happily and quickly hugged him again.

"Good. Then I'll pick you up at your room just before eight," Lando decided before he ran past him to his driver's room. Smiling, he looked after him, then continued on his way to the team briefing.

In fact, Lando and he were the first to sit on the hotel roof at quarter to eight. The Briton had begged for blankets at the reception and apparently the staff couldn't resist his puppy eyes, just like him, because he had immediately got some – and also a small lamp.

On the roof, there were four benches around a small table. Lando left the things on it before turning on the lamp and then sat down on one of the benches with a blanket. For a short time, he wasn't so sure what to do. Should he sit next to him when there were three other benches available? Because that would mean they'd be fucking close. Of course, he didn't mind, but maybe Lando did?

This decision was finally taken away from him when his teammate raised the blanket invitingly. Immediately, he slipped next to him and smiled to himself as he could feel his warm body right next to his own.

"Do you ever miss your family since you've been living in England?" Lando suddenly asked him quietly. Surprised, he turned his head to him before nodding lightly.

"Sure. I mean, not just my family, but just Spain. The sun, the people, the culture...it's different in England than there," he replied thoughtfully. "Why?"

"I miss home. I haven't lived completely alone for too long, but I sometimes feel so lonely in this house," he muttered sadly.

"You can always call me when you feel lonely, and I'll come to visit you as soon as I can", he offered him and Lando immediately raised his head. His eyes sparkled as he smiled shyly, "Thank you, Carlos. I will definitely come back to that."

He returned his smile and put a hand on his thigh. He didn't know why he did that, but there was this incredibly sweet red blush on his cheeks again, and that was totally worth it.

"Too early, huh? That doesn't happen too often, we shouldn't get used to that," a new voice said cheekily. Immediately, they turned their heads to Max, who joined them with Alex, Charles, and Pierre. Pierre came too? Lando didn't say anything about that.

"Having a private date, you two?" Alex teased them further. Lando next to him only snorted offended, but still fist-bumped with them as they reached out. He did it like Lando.

"Where have you left George?" Lando asked the Thai Briton, who shrugged his shoulders.

"Believe it or not, George and I can actually be separated," he replied and sat down opposite them. Charles and Pierre also sat down together on a bench and Max said to Alex, "I'd rather leave the seat next to you to George, huh?"

The Thai Briton laughed slightly and rolled his eyes without any comment. Max, meanwhile, put down the six-pack of beer with a grin, before finally sitting down. The four of them got caught up in some kind of conversation, which they obviously had already started on the way here, so he turned back to Lando so that they could continue talking as well.

They nearly missed George arriving last after a short time and happily sitting down next to his best friend. Still, Lando and he didn't stop their conversation. They were far too absorbed in it - or rather each other.

Max interrupted them when he held out two bottles of beer and started asking questions about McLaren. After some time, Lando's answers became shorter and more irregular, until his head finally fell on his chest. Surprised, he put an arm around his shoulder and ran through his hair, whereupon the younger one hummed quietly.

With a soft smile, he looked down at him for a moment before returning to Max, who was just telling some funny story from last season with Daniel. He listened attentively to him, but at some point, the flash of a camera fell directly on him and Lando.

Slightly surprised, he looked at George, grinned slightly, while Lando hid his head deeper in his sweater to be spared from the bright light. When the photo was taken, George showed it to Alex, giggling, while Max shook his head about them.

"Tomorrow Lando will definitely hear of that again," the Dutchman smiled and took a sip of his drink. Yeah, he guessed that was right. Those three used every opportunity to tease each other, especially Lando, because of his age and size, as he had told him. If he cuddled up to him now, it could be a really long flight home tomorrow.

He stayed with the others for almost an hour until he found it was time for Lando to get into bed. However, he also knew he hated being woken up, so he pulled him on his lap, before grabbing under his thighs and then getting up with him. The smaller one murmured sleepily, wrapped his arms around his neck and his legs around his hip. Alex and George couldn't help but laugh at the sight.

"I think we'll go," he smiled a little. "It was a really nice evening."

The others said goodbye to them, or rather to him before he made his way to Lando's room. That's when he remembered he had to wake him up if he wanted to get his room card. Anyway, he couldn't imagine he hadn't woken up yet.

"Lando?" He, therefore, murmured cautiously, earning a grumble again. "Where's your room card?"

Tortured, Lando sighed before wrestling out of his grip, so he slowly let him down. He pulled the card out of his pocket and opened the door. Actually, he was about to say goodbye to the Briton when he suddenly looked at him, begging. "Carlos? Does the offer from earlier stand now, even though it's not my house?" He asked nervously.

Instantly, a gentle smile spread across his lips and he nodded softly. Relieved, Lando opened the door and pulled him in by the hand.

Less than ten minutes later, they were lying on his bed together, with his arms protecting Lando to make him feel safe.

He had already closed his eyes happily when he suddenly felt soft lips on his own.

Surprised, he opened his eyes again before he realised that it was really Lando who had kissed him out of nowhere. So he closed his eyes again and smiled in the shy kiss. He didn't know where Lando suddenly took the bravery to kiss him from, but everything inside of him was absolutely going crazy, so he didn't care anywhere, as long as that was really the reality.

When they separated, he could see in the dark that Lando had turned bright red. Embarrassedly touched, he buried his face in his bare chest. He could only laugh gently.

Lovingly, he breathed a kiss on his hair and whispered, "Sleep well, Lando."

Chapter Text

Bahrain, 1st April, 2019

Smiling, he ran through the hair of the younger one in his arms who was still asleep. So yesterday really happened, huh? The kiss, the cuddle, it was all real, and he was really happy about it because he probably never would have dared to kiss Lando. But now that they had already done it...

Smiling, he buried his face in his neck and picked up his scent, then laid his lips on the soft skin. Immediately, he received a reaction. Lando sighed softly and muttered something incomprehensible in his sleep, which made him smile.

He couldn't help but let his lips slide further over his neck to his shoulder. Now the Briton started to move and his breath got a little faster, which is why he let go of him again. Surely it would overwhelm him at first if he woke up while he covered his neck with kisses.

So he just kept his arms wrapped around him and waited patiently until he was fully awake. A few moments later, a slight murmur escaped his lips and he drove through his sleepy face, then he seemed to notice his touch. Immediately, Lando tensed.

Now, he couldn't bring himself to keep his hands off him. Smiling, he pressed another kiss on his neck and whispered, "Good morning, Lando."

"Uhm..." Confused and heavily blushing, he turned around in his arms to look at him. Now their faces were only a few centimeters apart, which only intensified his blush. Embarrassed, he slipped back and cleared his throat. "Morning?" muttered the otherwise so quick-witted man finally, very insecure.

"Did you sleep well?" He gently stroked his hair and hoped fervently that he was not overwhelming him. With big eyes, Lando nodded before he ran through his face again.

Through his fingers, he made sure, "It wasn't a dream?"

"No, it wasn't a dream," he confirmed, laughing softly. "You kissed me and I kissed you back."

"Hmmm..." he muttered, dropping his hands so he could see his smile. Much more relaxed than before, his head sank deeper into the pillow. "I still have to pack my suitcase."

This came unexpectedly but made him laugh and shortly afterwards, Lando also smiled. "Then do that, I'll go to my room and change. Will you get me when you're done so we can have breakfast together?"

He immediately realised that Lando's mouth was twitching a little as he stood up, but he tried to sound as unbothered as possible when he replied, "Yeah, sure."

"Eres demasiado dulce*," he said before he could stop himself, smiling. Actually, he didn't want to say it out loud, but he couldn't control it anymore. Fortunately, Lando didn't understand a word of Spanish and looked accordingly confused.

Laughing, he grabbed his shirt and his pants from yesterday and slipped into them. "Hurry up, will you?" He asked him, and Lando immediately nodded.

He had almost left the room when he heard a slight curse, which only widened his grin. He quickly interrupted his action, instead slipped back into the room and closed the door behind him. "Did you say something?" He asked, raising his eyebrows provocatively.

Lando sighed, caught, but then stretched out his arms towards him with a pleading look. He laughed lovingly and approached him. "You can talk to me, you should have understood that after yesterday," he teased him.

"Oh, yeah?" Now at last the playful grin crept on his lips again. "You know exactly what I want. And you can't resist me anyway, admit it."

"I like you a lot better like that," he breathed and leaned over him. "And you're right, too." he bridged the last centimetres between them and kissed him gently. Immediately Lando grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer to him. Now he was forced to steady himself beside his head, which caused Lando to tighten his arms around his waist.

Unfortunately, that moment had to end at some point, and it did when he broke the kiss. Before he could say anything, Lando pleaded, "Stay." He looked up at him with his puppy eyes and when he sighed heavily, Lando knew he had won.

"Five minutes, then you pack and then we'll go to my room together," he formulated a compromise, which he accepted with satisfaction. He laid down next to him again and Lando quickly made himself comfortable on him. Snorting, he put his arms around him. "So you're in need of cuddling in the morning, huh?"

"You'll have to get used to that if you want to be with me," he commented dryly, and he paused for a moment. Lando didn't just say that, did he? Lando didn't just assume that he wanted a relationship? Well, he was right with that but normally, he wasn't as self-confident as that. Which wasn't something bad, it simply surprised him.

Now, the smaller one seemed to notice what he had just said, and began to stutter in embarrassment, "Sorry, I- That- I didn't want to-"

He cut him off by just kissing him, grinning. The kiss lasted only for a brief moment, then he whispered to his lips, "I'll gladly get used to it."

After these words, Lando smiled happily again and breathed a tender kiss on his cheek. The fact that they had already clarified what was going on between them reassured him. Above all, that it had come from Lando, so he didn't need to push him. Everything was perfect.

"I don't remember anything from yesterday," Lando said drowsily as they just got on the plane.

"That's because there's nothing you could remember. You just talked to Carlos and then fell asleep," George teased him up before stowing his backpack in the compartments above the seats. As Lando and he sat down next to each other, their friends sat diagonally across from them.

Lando next to him sighed quietly and closed his eyes. "Do you want to sleep on my shoulder?" He offered him, but he just shook his head so he turned his attention to the other two. His gaze quickly met George's.

Then he remembered that he had taken a picture of Lando and him yesterday, and asked, "Can you send me yesterday's picture?"

"Sure," he nodded, pulling his phone out of his pocket.

"Which picture?" Lando hooked up irritatedly and really seemed to have missed it yesterday. Alex, George, and he exchanged glances, but stayed silent.

"Guys, which picture?" asked the youngest again and seemed to be getting a little more annoyed. His phone made a sound, so he looked at it and immediately started smiling. It was kind of sweet despite the poor quality due to the darkness.

"Thank you," he said to George.

"Carlos!" Stunned, Lando turned to him and looked at him as if to say 'I am your boyfriend, you must be on my side!' but it was way too sweet how he got upset. His teammate leaned over to grab his phone, but he had quickly taken it out of his range.

"That's not fair!" Lando hissed angrily. "Show me the picture!"

"Is the baby getting mad now?" came George's comment and he could see Lando tightening his jaw. He extended his hand to him, urging him to give hinter phone, but he didn't even think about giving in to him.

He looked at his hand, then his phone all the way to his face. Then he started smiling as he put his own hand in Lando's. The other two broke out laughing instantly, while Lando stood up to his gaze for a moment.

Then he withdrew his hand offended and blushed heavily. Mad, he crossed his arms in front of his chest before he muttered, "Oh, fuck you."

He was aware that his lips adorned a soft smile, but he couldn't suppress it. He would have liked to kiss his boyfriend and show him that he didn't mean to annoy him because he was just incredibly cute when he was mad.

"I'm sure Carlos would like to come back at your request," George snatched him from his thoughts and he turned to him in indignation.

Alex shook his head now, too. Finally, the Thai was also the one who unlocked George's phone and showed Lando the photo. Shortly after that, the plane took off.

Without commenting on the picture, Lando laid his legs on his lap, which he accepted with a smile, and unpacked his laptop to watch a show. Meanwhile, he took another look at Alex and George.

Alex had put his head on George's shoulder and George had put his own head on his. In addition, the younger one gently squeezed Alex's hand and drove his thumb over the back of his 'best' friend's hand.

Wow, he thought, how can they not see the obvious?

Smiling, he turned his gaze away and turned to his phone instead. Again and again, he looked out of the window, watched the passing clouds or even Lando, but again and again, his attention landed on the device in his hand.

It took them half an eternity before they finally landed in London and left the airport. He was happy to be able to move freely again after many hours. And apparently, his boyfriend felt the same.

"Home Sweet Home," he muttered happily and closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. An inappropriate comment almost slipped his lips, but at the last moment, he was able to stop uttering that thought aloud.

Instead, he leaned to Lando's ear and whispered, "I can't wait for us to be alone. Who knows what I'll do to you then."

Lando swallowed audibly and turned bright red, which only made his grin bigger. "We should go," Lando said in a scratchy voice, quickly saying goodbye to his best friends and pulling him by the wrist to the taxis. Laughing, he let them do this to him, could just reach for his suitcase.

"You're outrageous!" He hissed when they had found a taxi and put their stuff in the trunk.

"I'm sorry," he giggled, "I couldn't help it."

He stepped in, shaking his head, but he could see a slight smile forming on his face.

Of course, nothing happened between them that night. They just cuddled in Lando's bed, watched a movie, exchanged a kiss here and there, but that was all. Even like that, he was more than happy.

All that mattered to him was that Lando was finally in his arms.

Chapter Text

Woking, 20th April, 2019

In a good mood, he pulled the key to Lando's house out of his pocket, which his boyfriend had already given him yesterday when he had left. The actual plan had been that he would go to the MTC this and tomorrow morning and stay there all day, which is why he wanted to sleep at his own flat again. However, his appointments had finished earlier today than planned and tomorrow, he had to come later, too. And since Lando had given him his second key so that he could come into the house at any time, even when he was not there, he decided to surprise him.

Not quite silently, he opened the front door and closed it behind him again. After he had slipped out of his shoes, he shouted, "Surprise, babe!"

There were a few moments of silence, which surprised him. Shouldn't he be there? Actually, Lando had told him he didn't have much to do today and wanted to spend the day on the couch.

"Babe?" He repeated now, irritated, noticing the light in the living room, so he went there. Did he fall asleep during a show again? Typical, at least.

As soon as he had arrived in the door frame, he stopped again, because on the couch there was not only Lando but also George. His boyfriend had buried his face in his hands and he could only imagine how red he was right now.

George's gaze was at least as overwhelmed as his own. "George..." he said hoarsely and didn't know what else to add. His greeting to Lando had definitely been enough.

"Carlos," he replied dryly, raising his eyebrows. Lando made a desperate sound, so he looked at him, after all, it was Lando's best friend and not his. If anyone was going to tell George about their relationship, it should be him.

"Uhm..." Embarrassed, he scratched the back of his head before continuing uncertainly, "Yes, so this is such a thing between us-"

"Don't even try. You can't talk yourself out of this now," George interrupted him instantly, which he was damn grateful for. What the hell was Lando thinking? George wasn't stupid! Warningly, he raised his index finger and looked back and forth between them. "So, how am I supposed to understand the 'babe'? You guys are dating? You haven't settled down yet? Or do you sleep together regularly as 'friends', but haven't noticed that you are more than just friends yet?"

Still, a bit overwhelmed, Lando and he exchanged a glance, but the Briton seemed to have calmed down a bit. His tense shoulders fell down loosely before he muttered, "In fact, we don't sleep together."

"Well...," he mumbled more to himself because they had definitely gone further than just kissing, and didn't oral sex also count as 'sleeping with each other'? Actually, he didn't want to say this comment out loud, but it was already too late. George had heard it.

"Aha?" He grinned over both ears. "Looks like Baby Lando isn't such a baby anymore."

"We haven't slept together yet!" Lando continued to defend himself and was blushing. Just to provoke him, he said quite objectively, "Depending on what you count as 'sleeping together'."

Desperately he threw his hands in the air and tried to silence him with an angry look, but he just bit his lips, smiling. "I'm certainly not going to argue with you about what's counts as 'sleeping together'!" he hissed. "I don't think anything we've done is real sex."

"I do," he contradicted him instantly. George seemed to have had enough, because he interrupted their discussion now, "Boys! I'm not that interested in your sex life."

He just smiled innocently and walked the few meters to the sofa, where he sat down next to Lando. He had only one angry look left for him before he muttered, "You could have just shut your mouth."

"He could have, but then I wouldn't have had so much to tell Alex later," George replied provocatively and couldn't help laughing at Lando's stunned look.

"You're not going to tell Alex about this!" The youngest shouted in fright, and now, he laughed too, but George was not deterred.

"Of course, I'll tell him about it. He deserves to know and would never judge you," George insisted. Even though he didn't know Alex very well, he was well aware that his words were true. Otherwise, the two would never be friends with him.

So he rushed to George's help and wrapped an arm around his boyfriend's shoulder. "Look at it this way," he began reassuringly. "It won't happen that oft n Alex isn't at our meetings. So if he knows, we don't have to pretend." Smiling, he raised his other hand and placed it on his cheek before kissing him briefly.

Instantly, he returned that kiss, and when they broke away, he seemed to have relaxed significantly. Quietly he whispered an 'okay' and thus everything was solved. Happily, his boyfriend cuddled closer to him, solidifying his grip. Somehow it felt good that at least George knew about them now. Like that, they didn't have to hide from him and Alex in the future and he gladly accepted that.

George stayed with them for several more hours until he finally said goodbye and went home. While Lando had taken him to the door, he had remained in the living room, into which he now returned. Exhausted, Lando sat down on his lap and breathed some kisses on his neck.

He gently drove through his curls while he happily closed his eyes. "Is everything okay?" He still hung up carefully.

"All very well," he replied honestly, slightly brushing over his cheek with his thumb. "It's good that George is the first to know about us. Not really voluntarily, though."

"Sorry," he laughed slightly. "I didn't know he was coming and my appointments were changed, so I wanted to surprise you. Of course, if I'd known he was here, I wouldn't have come."

"All good. It's perfect as it is," he muttered, connecting their lips to a tender kiss, which he was only too happy to reciprocate.

Slowly, he drove his hands under his sweater and left them on one spot, but it wasn't long before he pushed closer to him. Demanding, his teammate bit him in the lower lip so that he opened his lips. He felt Lando's skin under his fingers gradually heating up as he tried to push even closer to him, which was no longer possible.

"Lan...," he mumbled and interrupted the kiss for a while to get a clear head again, because every time he kissed him like that, he was intoxicated. It was impossible to continue making any conscious decisions.

Innocently, Lando blinked at him through his long eyelashes, which caused him to grumble quietly. He was irresistible, really. Again, he leaned over to kiss him at least once more, but he had already crossed his fingers behind his neck and kept him close. It was no longer possible to back away now. But why should he, anyways? Lando would make him understand if something was bothering him.

So he just let himself go at his pace because Lando was more insecure than him, he should decide what they would and wouldn't do. In a perfect rhythm, their lips moved against each other and he continued to stroke his back, which was rewarded with goosebumps.

Eventually, it was Lando who interrupted the kiss. Breathless and flushed, he looked at him. Worried, he bent his head. "Aren't you feeling well?" He made sure. "Is it too much for you?"

"Oh, don't you dare stop now," he answered quickly, almost panicked, and tightened his grip a little. "Can we move this to the bedroom?"

For some heartbeats, he stood up to his gaze, wanted to make sure he really wanted to. However, when he couldn't see a bit of uncertainty, he nodded relentlessly and they moved into the bedroom. Even though they were alone in the house, he closed the door behind them because it felt safer.

Once again the smaller one got him involved in a kiss, let his hands run over his torso before he dared to pull the shirt over his head. Of course, he let him do it and watched happily as the heat returned to his cheeks.

"We can still stop," he reminded him, whereupon he moaned annoyed.

"Carlos, damn it," he hissed. "I want this as much as you do." He put his hands on his chest and pushed him back a little so that he fell on the bed. He willingly slid into a more comfortable position, before Lando already settled down on his thighs.

He liked that he became more courageous and active himself, but he would definitely make sure it didn't get out of control. He was no one who liked to take over the passive part of sex – especially not when it was Lando's first time.

Almost like in trance, the Briton traced his abdominal muscles, then looked up to him to make sure that it was okay. He nodded encouragingly and he continued with those tender touches.

He gave him some time to explore his upper body until he drove under his sweater again – this time intending to take it off of Lando as soon as possible. Of course, his boyfriend knew right away what he was getting at. He stopped for a moment and tensed a little, but loosened his muscles as soon as he looked him in the eye.

"May I?" He asked and plucked at the hem of his shirt. He hesitated for a moment, then he raised his arms a little. So he sat up and pulled the sweater over his head.

As soon as it had landed on the ground, Lando wrapped an arm around his body to cover it up, but he quickly grabbed his hands. He had expected him to try to protect himself, but there was no reason to.

Lovingly, he put a kiss on his shoulder and intertwined their fingers. "You don't have to hide. I think you're more than just perfect the way you are, okay? Nothing will change between us, I promise you. You're still gonna wake up in my arms tomorrow morning, and I'm still gonna be as attracted to you as I am now. If not, then even more," he whispered against his skin, then pressed several more kisses on the spot, with goosebumps spreading all over his upper body.

Wordlessly, Lando loosened his hands from his, buried them in his hair, and pulled him into a kiss so different from the one they had shared a few minutes ago. At that time, it was only demanding, but now it was rather slow and emotional as if Lando was trying to tell him that he trusted him and that was an incredibly great feeling.

Lando trusted him that he wasn't taking advantage of him, that he really had feelings for him, and he was right to do that because he would never let him get hurt.

Chapter Text

Guildford, 1st May, 2019

"We miss you, Carlos," his mother said on the phone and he sighed heavily. Yes, he may have neglected his family a little lately and focused on Lando, but he couldn't help it. They were so in love and he couldn't be separated from him for a second. 

"The Grand Prix will be in Barcelona in a week, so I'll see you there," he cheered Reyes up.

"Will you come with us to Madrid afterwards?" she asked hopefully and he didn't know what to say. Yeah, he liked the idea, because he loved and missed his family, of course, but Lando...

Maybe Lando would come along and he could introduce him to his parents and sisters properly. Enthusiastic about the idea, he started smiling. Oh yes, the Briton would certainly not mind and would be just as happy about the suggestion as he was.

"Yes, of course. I can definitely take a few days off before McLaren needs me back in England," he answered satisfied.

"That sounds great. I'll tell your father in a minute. He'll be happy, too. Oh, and I'll ask Ana and Blanca if they can come too," she said excitedly and he heard her walking around. 

"That sounds good, mamá," he smiled at her euphoria. Suddenly, the bedroom door opened and Lando walked in. Apparently, he was back from practice with Jon. He gave him a slight smile, but didn't want to interrupt his phone call, so he went straight to his closet. He pulled the cap off his head, revealing his sweaty hair, and then his shirt followed. 

He bit his lip harshly and looked at his boyfriend's now bare back. Maybe he wasn't the most muscular driver there was, but he thought Lando was more than just perfect the way he was. He also knew that he had to struggle with himself again and again, and he was all the more glad that he would get changed in front of him without being ashamed. 

Reyes continued to speak and her words also reached him somehow, but he was caught in his gaze. Lando just looked way too hot for him to take his eyes off him. The younger one had meanwhile picked out some fresh clothes and turned to him, which caught his eye. With a provocative grin, he was now also stripping out of his sweats. Lando stretched his ass out to him and he licked his lips for a moment. That little bastard...

"Carlos?" His mother's voice penetrated him after all. He continued to watch the younger one closely and muttered as if in a trance, "Hmmm?"

"I asked if we were going out for dinner on Saturday or have dinner at your motorhome?" she asked. "I could make a reservation."

"Going out sounds good," he muttered still completely absent. Lando just giggled and grabbed his things before leaving the room. He blinked a few times to focus back on the conversation with his mother. What was that?

It had never happened to him that just the sight of one person could distract him so much. Above all, he never expected it to be a 19-year-old with whom finally happened. God, Lando drove him absolutely crazy.

"Okay, I'll look for a restaurant near the track," Reyes suggested and he agreed. They continued talking on the phone for a while and then hung up.

He heard the noise of the shower and thought about whether he should join Lando or not for a moment, but decided against it relatively quickly. After all, he knew that after training one enjoyed a relaxing shower. If he was to join him now, it would probably not be so relaxed, even if Lando would certainly not be surprised. After all, he could figure out what he was doing to him. 

So he just sat on the bed and bridged the time on his phone until his boyfriend came back in. He now wore new sweats and a sweater while his wet hair stuck out in all directions. Smiling, he put his phone in his pocket before reaching out to him to cuddle up to him. Lando immediately followed his request and laid down next to him. 

"How was training?" He gently followed. He ran his fingers through his hair to get it back to the right places and breathed some gentle kisses on his forehead.

"Exhausting," he muttered, slowly relaxing under his touch. His head fell on his chest after only a few seconds and he closed his eyes. "I just want to sleep." 

"It's 2pm," he reminded him laughing. 

"Oh, perfect time for a nap," Lando muttered happily, and like that, he had not at all achieved what he had wanted with his statement. Nevertheless, he allowed his boyfriend to cuddle even closer to him. "Were those your parents you spoke to on the phone?" 

"Yes, my mother." he smiled softly as he looked down at him. "She just wanted to know if I would come back to Madrid after the Grand Prix." 

He seemed to have pulled Lando out of his relaxed state because he sat up instantly and glared at him sulking. "What did you say?"

"Uhm...that I'm coming," he told him irritated. Was that a problem for him now? "I was thinking you could come along and we could tell them about our relationship."

"You've... I... oh..." Lando's shoulders dropped suddenly and his head dropped. Suddenly, he wasn't so sure if he liked the idea anymore. He seemed almost overwhelmed which he didn't understand. 

"Lando, my family is really nice." Concerned, he slid closer to him and put one hand on his knee. "This is going to be fine." 

"I-I can't do that, Carlos," he mumbled depressedly. "I don't understand Spanish at all and would be so out of place."

"Nonsense! Everyone can speak English and I am there to translate everything," he tried to calm him down, but Lando got up and brought even more distance between them.

"You're moving a little too fast for me," he admitted dissolutely. The smaller one really seemed a little overwhelmed and he frowned. He moved too fast? Lando always said he wanted to be by his side forever, but now he didn't even want to meet his family? 

Now he realised how frustration was rising inside him. Did he really want to turn around when he wanted to take the next step?

"Lando, I want to tell my family that I'm in a relationship," he made clear in a firm voice. 

Lando then crossed his arms in front of his chest and fired back, "Then find yourself another boyfriend." 

Stunned, his jaw dropped and he was immediately silent. That was it. How did this conversation escalate so quickly? Weren't they cuddling in bed a minute ago?

"Repeat that again," he asked him, dangerously calm, and stood up as well. 

"Get a new boyfriend who will go your pace," he snorted. Again, he became quiet before shaking his head and running past him into the hallway. 

Immediately, it was as if Lando's sanity was restored. He quickly followed him and whispered, almost in panic, "What's going on?" 

"I'm leaving," he told him monotonously as he slipped into his shoes.

"What? Where-" Before he could finish speaking, he had left the house and slammed the door behind him with a loud bang. Actually, he had expected Lando to continue following him, but it remained quiet. 

So he got into his McLaren and steered it onto the road to drive home. God, Lando should've realised he didn't want anyone but him. He not only wanted to tell his parents that he was in a relationship, but that he was in a relationship with Lando. That was all he wanted. 

Angrily, he grabbed the steering wheel and drove on. During the drive home he had already calmed down a bit, but then he decided to go for a run to get his head completely clear. 

So he changed and started running. And damn it, that was good. He was able to switch off for a moment, focusing only on his breath. Finally, he managed to run his normal lap faster than usual. 

In a much better mood than before, he returned home and immediately moved into the shower. Then, his thoughts drifted back to the argument with Lando. Had he been too harsh? After all, he knew he was Lando's first real partner and he was still unsure about pretty much everything. Maybe he should show more understanding if he went too fast. Just hold him and make him aware that they were going at Lando's pace and he didn't want to pressure him. 

Because that was exactly what he had done earlier, putting pressure on him, which was an unbelievable mistake. He didn't want to lose him now that he had just got him. 

Determined, he turned off the water and got out of the shower. He quickly had some fresh clothes on, so it wasn't long before he was back in the car. This time, he drove all the way back to Lando and just hoped that his behaviour had not hurt him too much. 

The way back felt a lot slower than before, although he was sure he was going faster. When he finally stopped his car in front of Lando's house, he hurriedly got out and ran to the front door, where he dug out his key. 

As soon as he had opened the door, footsteps sounded from above. He quickly took off his shoes and walked to the stairs. At the other end, Lando stood rooted. He could spot from here that his eyes were red and felt a stab in his heart. It was his fault...

Lando had exchanged his shirt for a sweater of his, which was usually too big even for him. Gently, he spread his arms out and prayed inwardly that Lando would come to him. Instantly, life returned to his body. He ran down the stairs and launched himself into his arms, so he staggered several steps back. 

A soft sobs left Lando's lips as he pressed his face into his sweatshirt. "I-I thought you weren't coming back! I'm sorry I was so stupid!" He stuttered and solidified his grip as if afraid he was leaving again. 

His heart contracted again at these words. Why the hell did he leave?! Guilty, he pressed several kisses on his head and muttered, "No, I'm sorry, Lando. I shouldn't have left. I was wrong. If I'm moving too fast, you don't have to agree with my plans, that's perfectly fine, but don't say anything like that again. I don't want another boyfriend. Not now, not tomorrow, and not in five years. You're everything I’ve ever wanted." 

He now detached himself slightly from him and looked at him through wide eyes. "Really?" 

He gently put his hands on his cheeks and wiped away some tears before giving him a loving smile. "Seriously, Lando. I love you more than anything."

It was the first time he had said those words, but he had thought them so many times. If there was one thing he was sure of, it was his love for Lando. He had never been so attracted to someone as he was to him, and he should know that. 

Lando's eyes became glassy again and he slowly snuggled into his hands. He just looked deep into his eyes, then hesitantly returned his smile. "I love you too," his teammate finally confessed. 

Surprised, he held his breath for a moment. He didn't expect him to return those words yet, but they made him happier than ever before. So he leaned over to him and whispered, "You're full of surprises, huh?" 

He giggled in embarrassment and that was seriously the sweetest thing he had ever heard. Smiling, he bandaged their lips to a loving kiss, which was immediately reciprocated. Yes, that's what he envisioned in true love.

Chapter Text

Barcelona, 10th May, 2019

"We could also watch a movie in my room," he suggested as they were planning their evening and walking through the paddock between the practice sessions. Smiling, Lando nodded before taking a sip from his bottle.

"If all the journalists aren't as intrusive as yesterday and can finally get their hands off you," he then remarked, which made him laugh.

He wiggled his eyebrows and asked provocatively, "Jealous?"

"Because of what? That you get so much attention, or that they can't keep their hands off you?" He wanted to know and tilted his head slightly.

"Both?" He said, examining, to which Lando shrugged. Finally, he sighed, "Rather annoyed because they steal my boyfriend. As if we didn't have enough time for each other on race weekends without them."

His gaze softened by Lando's sad words. "Oh, Lando...," he muttered, wrapping an arm around his shoulder for a moment to pull him to his side as they continued walking. "Today I'm scaring off all the journalists so we can spend the evening together, I promise you."

"Carlos!" A voice suddenly sounded behind them, which he immediately recognised. They turned around and he saw his parents approaching them.

A little perplexed, he frowned. What were they doing here? They said they wouldn't be there until tomorrow morning.

"Well, I guess we can forget about our evening together now," Lando whispered quietly next to him. "I'll go to the motorhome."

He was just about to ask Lando to stay but he was quick to get away.

Shaking his head, he walked to meet his parents to greet them. He could understand that Lando wanted to give them time before he was officially introduced to them as his boyfriend, after all, he hadn't seen his family for a while now.

"You're early," he remarked as he pulled his mother into his arms and was pulled into a firm embrace by his father, afterwards.

"We postponed our appointments," Reyes explained to him. "We couldn't wait to see you again. Oh, we missed you so much!"

"I missed you too," he smiled slightly and drove through his hair still a little overwhelmed. "We could have lunch in the motorhome before I have the second free practice. What do you think?"

"That sounds good. I'm starving!" His father laughed. So he took them to the motorhome, while they talked about the last few weeks. When they arrived at the cafeteria, he spotted Lando sitting with Jon from afar. Besides, Rupert was standing at the buffet and looking around for something edible.

"Can we have lunch with Lando?" His mother asked him when she saw the young Briton and turned to him smiling. "It's time we finally get to know your teammate after you've always told so much about him."

"Uhm..." Uncertain he scratched his chin and watched his boyfriend, who didn't seem to have noticed their arrival yet. "I'll ask him." He quickly joined them and put one hand on each of their shoulders.

Surprised, they looked up from Jon's tablet, on which they were looking at some exercises. "Hey Carlos," the coach greeted him. "What's up?"

"Would it be okay if I sat down with my parents? They asked for it," he said. Immediately Lando began to rock his leg and gave him a nervous look, so he only briefly squeezed his shoulder encouragingly.

"Sure," Jon smiled. "But bring Rupert, too, please."

"Yes, sure, thank you!" He smiled and ran back to his parents, who had actually been engrossed in a conversation with his own coach. While Rupert sat down at the table, they got themselves some food.

With a tray, he deliberately dropped himself next to Lando and thus sat opposite his parents. Unobtrusively, he slid one hand on his boyfriend's thigh and stroked it gently with his thumb. Immediately, Lando sighed quietly before his tense shoulders sank a little.

"How does Carlos behave as a teammate? Is he nice? Or does he overwhelm you?" Reyes piled on the poor teenager with questions, who looked at her a little surprised.

"Mom, I think you're the only one here who's overwhelming him," he told her smiling, and she gave Lando an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry. I'm just worried that he won't behave the way we raised him," she said, which he commented with an indignant 'Mamá!'.

Now, the younger one giggled slightly next to him before saying, "There's nothing to worry about. He's the best teammate you could wish for as a rookie."

After these words, he began to grin broadly and looked at Lando, who returned his gaze lovingly. For a short time, he felt the need to kiss him but quickly suppressed the urge. Instead, he just petted his thigh again.

"Sometimes he overwhelms me though," Rupert added, which made everyone at the table laugh.

"That's nothing new," his father smiled and got his coach's approval. The six of them exchanged even more until Rupert and Jon went ahead to prepare everything for the next free practice. So there were only four of them left, whereupon Lando was also immediately more nervous. His calming touches didn't help at all anymore.

He knew Lando wanted to run after his coach so he wouldn't have to sit at the table anymore, but on the other hand, he didn't want to disappoint him. He was so fucking grateful to him for that because he was already aware of how overwhelming the situation was for him.

"So, how long have you been together?" His father asked quietly out of nowhere. Immediately, his head snapped to him as Lando choked on his water, which he was about to drink. Reflexively, he patted his back without looking away from his parents.

"What?!" Surprised, he raised his eyebrows and examined them very closely.

"Did you think no one would notice that you were groping Lando under the table all the time?" Reyes laughed and his teammate couldn't stop coughing. His head had already turned bright red. Whether it was just the lack of air or the embarrassing situation, he didn't know. Probably both.

"I didn't grope him, just calmed him down," he clarified, because by groping he certainly wouldn't understand that. He just wanted to give him some reassurance.

"Anyway." his father tilted his head slightly. "When were you going to tell us?"

His boyfriend made a pitiful sound as he continued to gasp for air. But he no longer patted his back, rather stroked it. Should he tell the truth? After all, it seemed no longer possible to cover it up anyway.

"This weekend. Lando was supposed to come with me to Madrid," he muttered, pulling his arm back as Lando calmed down. "And we've been together for a little over a month."

"Then you seem to be behaving really well, otherwise you wouldn't be together now, huh?" Reyes joked, casting a side glance at Lando, who was still staring at his glass in disbelief. "You've always had good taste, Carlos. No wonder you fell in love with him."

"Mamá," he softly warned her and gave her a pleading look, as those words would not make the whole situation any less unpleasant for Lando. She looked compassionately at him, while he put an arm around the smaller one, who still hadn't spoken a word of himself.

"Will you give us a moment?" He asked them because he knew that was the only way he could get through to Lando. Poor guy was totally overwhelmed...

"Of course. Where is the balcony?" asked his father. He quickly explained the way to them, and then they were gone.

"Lando... everything's okay." he looked at the younger one with concern, who had now relaxed a bit.

"That's not how I imagined our outing," he remarked, with the corners of his mouth twitching upwards, and he had to laugh for a second. He didn't think it would be that way either. Actually, he thought maybe they would tell them at dinner together after the race or something, but he didn't think they would figure it out on their own either.

"But it's still okay. Lando, you don't have to be afraid of them, I promise you." he gently drove over his back again and then looked around. "Shall we go to your room for a moment so we can have some peace?"

"Jon‘s there," he muttered, "and in yours is Rupert."

"Toilet?" He suggested instead, and Lando just nodded willingly. They put away their things, then went to the men's room and locked themselves in a cabin.

Luckily, no one else was in the bathroom right now, which is why he didn't hesitate a moment before pulling Lando to him. He gently bound their lips together and he sighed comfortably. Lando's hands found their way to his neck, holding him close to him.

When they broke the kiss, he gently stroked his hair. "What do you mean? Should we join my parents again?" He asked and smiled encouragingly at him. Lando only nodded slightly, grabbed his hand, and intertwined it with his own.

"I love you," he breathed as he gently squeezed his hand.

"I love you too," Lando replied and kissed him again briefly. Then they detached themselves from each other to make their way to the balcony together.

As soon as they met his parents again, his mother apologised, "We didn't want to overwhelm you, Lando. I hope you know that we will accept you into our family, after all, you obviously make our son more than happy. I've never seen him smile as much as he did today."

"Thank you," he smiled shyly, which made him smile, too.

His mother was right about what she said. Lando actually made him happier than he had ever been and he was incredibly happy that he was the one he introduced to his family as his boyfriend.

As the person he loved most and with whom he wanted to start his own family.

Chapter Text

Montréal, 9th June, 2019

Frustrated, he ran to Lando's driver's room after the race. It was a humble day for the whole team after Lando's race had to end early and he couldn't score any points with his eleventh place. Now they both probably needed some cuddling time.

So he entered the room without knocking and immediately looked surprised at the couch, on which not only Lando but also George was sitting. "Oh, hey George," he greeted him kindly, though very surprised. What was he doing here so soon after the race?

"Hey," he replied, straightening up immediately. "I was about to leave anyway, now it's your job to take care of Lando."

"No one has to take care of me, I'm old enough to take care of myself," Lando pouted, and immediately, they both smiled.

"Sure," George only commented. In the meantime, he took his previous place and wrapped an arm around his boyfriend with a smile.

"Remember what I told you!" Lando reminded his best friend, who had almost disappeared from the door but raised his hand again, as a sign that he had understood. Lando then placed his head on his shoulder and placed one hand on his stomach, whereupon he pressed several tender kisses on his forehead.

"How are you really, mi amor?" He wanted to know after the door had closed shut.

"Good...Good. I'm fine," he sighed heavily and snuggled closer to him.

"Are you sure?" He checked.

"Mhm," he muttered unenthusiastically to which he commented skeptically, "Very convincing, eh?"

"I-," the younger one started an attempt to explain himself, but then stopped and seemed to know no further. So he shook his head slightly, slipped away from him, and muttered, "I don't want to talk about it, okay?"

"Why not?" He asked, not really trusting the whole thing yet. Lando obviously had something on his mind that bothered him, so he should talk about it, too.

"Damn it, Carlos! Just please stop asking!" His teammate suddenly hissed at him with glassy eyes and he twitched slightly.

"Okay, okay." Defensively, he raised his hands and frowned slightly. What happened to him all of a sudden? "I'm just worried about you."

These words apparently brought down his walls, as, all of a sudden, he started sobbing and tears kept running down his cheeks. Concerned, he bridged the distance between them again to draw him into a firm embrace.

"Ay, mi amor," he breathed after a while in which he had calmed down a bit. "It was just a bad race. The next one will be better again."

"I-It's not t-the race," Lando whispered, preferring to hide his face in his shirt.

"What is it then?" He tenderly stroked his cute curls and hoped he would answer him, but instead, Lando sniffed, "I don't want to talk about it."

"Forget about that, Lando. You're not gonna hide this from me now. How long have you been carrying this around with you?" He definitely pushed him away and examined his boyfriend closely. Now he surely wouldn't let Lando shy away from the conversation.

"I don't know. Just before Barcelona...?" Restless, he dodged his gaze and wiped away a few tears.

"Before Barcelona?! That was over a month ago!" He remarked in shock. "What happened?"

"I don't want to talk about it!" Lando repeated immediately and suddenly seemed to find the door very interesting.

"Before Barcelona, there was nothing special, except-" He stopped himself when he remembered. Knowing, he nodded and started calmly, "Our fight."

"I-" Panicked, he got up, allowing him to walk through the room.

"What's the matter, Lando?" Deeply concerned, he watched the actions of his teammate, who seemed totally nervous, but still maintained, "Nothing! Really, it's fine."

"No, I won't let you keep trying to deal with this on your own! Lando, I love you and I want to be there for you," he made clear once more, stopping him with his words.

Lando gave him an uncertain look, seemed to wrestle with himself. Then he nodded and asked him, "But please promise me you won't break up with me."

"You're scaring me," he remarked, tense. Why would he say that? What would he tell him? Why would he want to break up with him afterwards?

"Please just promise me," he breathed in despair, and now his eyes sparkled suspiciously again. It didn't seem like he'd really done anything bad, and besides, he could trust him anyway, so he swallowed the lump in his throat and muttered, "Okay, I promise."

"I always feel so small and stupid next to you," it broke right out of him. At first, it made him immensely relieved that it really didn't go in the direction of cheating, but it wasn't really any better either. Sure, Lando felt uncomfortable in his body, but that was a whole different level. He had self-doubt...towards him?

"That-," he wanted to contradict him at once, but Lando wouldn't let him get any further.

"No, please let me finish, Carlos. I know you don't see it that way, but it's because you love me. But some people don't love me as much as you do, like your family." Trembling, he ran through his hair and distractedly evaded his gaze. "And I'm fucking scared they'll notice that compared to you, I'm just a... nothing."

After these words, he noticed his heart tightening and the lump was back in his throat, too. In the meantime, tears welled up his eyes as well. That was how he felt? Ever since they had fought? Or did it go back even longer? Why didn't he notice?

"Don't say that again," he whispered faintly. "Please don't say that ever again."

"It's true, Carlos! You're my first relationship, I'm just a naive boy compared to you! You could have so many better partners and your family will realise that as soon as they spend more time with me!" Lando shouted and seemed to go crazy if he kept talking.

He quickly reacted and grabbed his hand to interlock their fingers before he gently directed him on his lap. He wrapped his free arm tightly around his hip to show him that he would hold him.

"You listen to me now," he began sternly, yet softly. "I only want you, Lando. I've never loved anyone as much as you, okay? You have to believe me, that's true. And I don't ever want to hear you say you're nothing, because you're not nothing! You're so much more than anything I've ever dreamed of, and I love you for every little thing about you. And my family knows and sees that too. Everyone knows how incredibly happy you make me, how good this relationship is for me, and they also know that you're a great young man. You're loving, nice, you make everyone around you laugh and so much more, no? These are all qualities about you that are special and make you unique. It's okay that I'm your first real boyfriend. In fact, I think your insecurities are pretty cute, especially when your cheeks turn red when you feel uncomfortable." The effect of his speech was that this very red blush crept on his cheeks, which is why he caressed his heated skin lovingly. "Just like right now.

"I'm sorry I'm like this," he whispered powerlessly and sank against him, so he pulled him even closer.

"I love you for being the way you are," he corrected him, before breathing a tender kiss on his temple.

"I love you too," Lando replied quietly. While he closed his eyes, he just held him and made sure he really calmed down.

"And you've been carrying that around since our fight?" He gently followed.

"No, I've already talked to George about it," the younger one admitted, looking at him uncertainly as if he didn't know if he would be mad at him for talking to George but not him.

"In the future, I want you to talk to me right away about something like this, okay? You never have to worry about annoying me off with your problems or anything. I don't like it when you're unhappy," he reassured, giving him an affirmative smile. "Oh, and don't think I'd break up with you because of that. Because I love you a little bit more than before now."

"Really?" In disbelief, Lando's eyes widened and he just had to give him a short kiss.

"Of course. Everybody gets insecure, everybody has worries. It's just important to share them, and the fact that you just did that shows me how much you trust me, no?" He said, brushing over his cheek again.

"Of course I trust you!" Lando fired back almost shocked, before he curiously asked, "What are you worried about?

"I'm worried about you, mostly. That I'm losing you, that I sometimes ask too much of you, or that someone your age will show up who you think is better," he confessed to him, shrugging his shoulders thoughtfully.

"You're worried about that?" Stunned, He tilted his head and now he even had to laugh slightly, "Sure. That's what it's like when you love a person. I can't imagine life without you, and then I'm afraid of what it would look like if it did. Probably pretty boring."

"You don't have to worry about that, like at all, Carlos," Lando promised him, wrapping his arms around his neck. "You're the best thing for me. It can't get any better."

"That's very soothing to hear," he whispered to his lips and stole another short kiss.

"Thank you for listening to me." The younger one leaned his forehead against his, looked deep into his eyes.

"Always and everywhere, mi amor," he guaranteed him and now, Lando bandaged their lips into a much longer kiss.

It was a promise he would definitely keep, he knew it. He wanted to see Lando happy and above all, he wanted to be the one who made him happy. He wanted to be there for him when he wasn't, wanted to hold him, to support him. He hoped Lando really knew that he could always come to him at any time.

Chapter Text

Capri (Italy), 13th August, 2019

Wrapped only in a towel around his waist, he entered the bedroom, but immediately stopped in the door frame when he saw his boyfriend lying in bed. He was lying with his back to him, had his legs pulled to his chest, and he could see him playing with his fingers, which he always did when something bothered him. He had thrown himself into one of his oversize hoodies and put on sweats, so he knew what was going on right away.

Sighing, he walked to the closet and slipped into boxer shorts, just left the towel on the floor carelessly, because there were more important things now. Lando had been strangely quiet all day, didn't even want to go to the beach. After he had dragged him along, he was lying on the towel all the time in his T-shirt, didn't even make a move to go into the water.

By now, he knew about his self-doubt. He knew he wasn't just the crazy, happy young man everyone thought he was. He had – like many others at his age – a lot to struggle with himself and there were days when he just wanted to crawl into bed and hide. Such a day seemed to be today, which also explained his choice of clothes at over 30°.

After their fight, before he had met his parents, they had had a long conversation about the self-consciousness that had plagued him since their relationship. He often felt uncomfortable in his body and became insecure, and of course, it affected their relationship.

Then, of course, there was the conversation in Montréal, when he had confessed to him that he was doubting so much more than just his body. Never in his life would he forget his stiff, pain-filled look when he had said he was nothing compared to him. He had uttered the words so convincingly as if they were a fact. But they weren't. He was something very special for many people on this planet, his own greatest happiness, and hopefully, he would realise that at some point.

He was able to take some of that insecurity away from him, but not all of it – and it would take quite some time.

Lando was so lost in his thoughts, he didn't seem to notice he was there until he laid down with him. Carefully, he snuggled up behind him, put an arm around his hip, and grabbed his hand so that he would stop playing with his fingers all the time. Instantly, he pressed against him, intertwining their fingers, making him smile slightly.

"Hey," he breathed into his ear and pressed a loving kiss on his neck, then another. Lando breathed out audibly as he did that before he relaxed a bit. "Aren't you a little warm in that sweater?" Concerned, he leaned on his free arm so he could look into his face.

"Not really," his boyfriend muttered, turning his head to him for a moment and then back to the side.

"Okay." he breathed another gentle kiss on his cheek before dropping back to his side. He pulled him closer to him to give him the closeness he needed. He heard him breathe shakily several times and felt his grip tightening around his hand, so he drove his thumb down the back of his hand.

"I love you, Lando," he whispered, resting his chin on his shoulder. "Very much."

Slowly, Lando began to move again. The younger one loosened their hands and then turned around in his arms. When he was finally able to bury his face in his neck, he sighed. While his left hand found its way into his hair, he let his right hand tenderly wander over his body. Again and again, he stroked his side, drove up to his thigh and back again. It took quite a while for it to elicit the desired response but finally, Lando completely relaxed.

When he had reached that point, he slipped his fingers under his sweater. Lando reacted briefly, wanting to pull back, but in the next moment, he cuddled closer to him and let him stroke his fingertips over the warm skin.

"Are you sure you're not too warm?" He asked again, now that the younger one felt noticeably more comfortable. This time, it took a while, then he whispered, "Maybe a little."

"What do you think about taking it off?" He asked, pulling his hand out from under his sweater at the same time. Instead, he put it on his cheek, turned his head towards him, and let their lips meet. Immediately, Lando's hands were placed on his chest as he returned the kiss.

After they broke away, he sat up. "Come on, let's get you out before you melt in there," he suggested. Lando looked up at him, nibbled on his lower lip, and still didn't make any move to follow his movement.

It took several more moments before he finally nodded, sat up as well, and let him take off his sweater. After that, they went back to their previous position.

"Better?" He wanted to know and got another nod back promptly. "Very good."

For several more minutes, he let the silence work on them, continued to stroke his back again, but consciously stopped in front of his butt so as not to unsettle him again.

"By the way, I love you too," Lando broke the peace which made him smile.

"I know," he gently returned. He stroked over his butt to his thigh, but contrary to his expectations he did not shy away from this touch. Instead, he felt his lips pressing on his neck, and then Lando put his leg over his. So he let his hand rest on his thigh.

"Are your parents gone yet?" The younger one backed his head a little to look at him, and he couldn't help but brush his other hand through his hair for a moment.

"Yes, they left about half an hour ago and my sisters are in a bar with some local people", he told him. "Why?"

"Do you want to watch a movie?" He asked with his puppy eyes, which he usually couldn't resist. Today, though, he could as he had other plans.

"Better idea: We put our swimwear on again, pack up food and spend the evening together with a picnic at the beach. When we come back, we can still watch a movie," he made the counter-proposal. The beach would be almost deserted and only with him, he would probably feel more comfortable half-naked, after all, there was no part of his body that he had not seen before.

"Okay," the Briton agreed and got a quick kiss from him as a reward. Then he jumped out of bed.

"I'm going to get some food in the kitchen, you're going to change, yes?" He grinned, and without waiting for an answer, he left the room. It was good that he got involved in his planning because he didn't want to let him get entrenched. He really didn't have to hide for anything.

In the kitchen, he collected everything he could use for a picnic and, together with a blanket, stuffed it in his backpack. When everything was packed, he went back to the bedroom to change as well.

Lando had actually already changed, now stood only in swimsuits in front of the whole body mirror and looked at himself in it. The dissatisfaction was clearly visible on his face as he turned back and forth and looked at himself from all sides.

"Stop it."

At his stern voice, Lando shuddered and immediately turned to him, caught. With rapid steps, he went to him to pull him to his chest. "You know what I see when I look at you?"

"Hm?" His teammate hummed quietly and cuddled himself familiarly to him.

"I see a beautiful young man. More beautiful than any other person on this planet. Someone who shines not only from the outside but also from the inside. Someone who makes everyone around him happy with his good heart." He lovingly turned him around so that he could look at himself again in the mirror and put his head on his shoulder. "And above all, I see the love of my life."

Satisfied, he watched as Lando‘s eyes became clearer again and his gaze flashed over his body again. He gave him a moment to accept his words, then he kissed his shoulder gently. "Let's go."

In a good mood, he went to the closet, quickly changed his clothes, and then gave Lando a sweater for later when it would get colder. He took the backpack, grabbed his boyfriend's hand, and pulled him out of the house with him.

The beach was not far, only a five minutes walk. Arrived, they spread their blanket and put their things down. The sun was already setting, dying the sky into beautiful orange, but the temperature was still very pleasant.

"Shall we go in the water?" Inquiring, he turned to his boyfriend, who had apparently found his smile again. Happily, Lando approached him and wrapped his arms around his neck. The next moment their lips met.

Smiling, he returned his kiss, while driving to his thighs and lifting him up. He giggled quietly into the kiss, letting him carry him to the water without releasing the kiss.

The water had become cooler, but it was still bearable. Nevertheless, Lando squealed in surprise, when he was already up to his waist in the water so Lando also made contact with it. Instantly, the Briton held on to him.

"It's cold!" He complained immediately and he laughed lovingly.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Besides, we can warm each other up," he remarked. Lando rolled his eyes slightly, but then loosened his legs around his hip, so he was fully in the water. He took a deep breath, then he dived through the surface. Smiling, he watched him reappear and drive through his hair, trembling.

"It's still cold," Lando said, sulking.

"Then come back," he asked him and spread out his arms. Of course, he didn't let himself be told twice, but gladly complied with this request and pressed himself directly to him.

Smiling, he looked into the horizon, which was slowly turning pink. It was perfect. He had the man in his arms, whom he loved above all else, and they watched the beautiful sunset together.

There was nothing better for him than that.

Chapter Text

Monza, 8th September, 2019

"What a race," Lando muttered, looking at him in a mixture of frustrated and yet somehow satisfied. He could guess why that was. Frustrated, because it was only P10 in the end and more points could have been possible, but at the same time satisfied, because he had gained 6 positions as well. So Lando's race had definitely been better than his own.

"Yes, it was great. Simply lovely," he answered ironically and dropped on the sofa in Lando's driver's room.

"Next race, we'll both score a good amount of points again," his boyfriend said cheerfully as he sat down next to him.

"Maybe I shouldn't even race around my birthday," he mumbled, and immediately, Lando looked at him, even though he knew he wasn't serious at all.

"Let's not overthink your bad luck too much, shall we?" suggested the Briton, before he slipped closer to him. With a soft sigh, he put his head on Lando's shoulder and enjoyed him stroking his hair.

For a few moments, it was quiet between them, then he came up with a new topic that, strangely enough, had hardly come up in the last few days.

"What's the plan about Alex?" He chucked up, after all, there were usually daily conversations between George and Lando about the Thai, who wasn't really having the best time of his life right now, but didn't want to talk about it either.

"As far as I know, George wanted to talk to him this weekend," Lando replied shrugging his shoulders.

"And did he?" He asked further and looked up at him in interest.

"He hasn't called yet. Yesterday, he said Alex was avoiding him a bit." Lost in thought, he turned a strand of his hair around his finger.

"You're really worried about him, aren't you?" He breathed gently and grabbed his other hand, whereupon a sorry smile crept on his lips.

"Hmm...," he said. "He's our best friend and George...well, it's pretty obvious George isn't over him."

"I've noticed that myself," he agreed with him and squeezed his hand.

"Somehow I had imagined things differently with Eileen. He rushed it," his teammate nodded, looking pretty depressed. "I thought if he took it slowly, she might help him get over Alex, but like that..."

"I know. He's trying to forget his pain," he searched for an explanation.

"Right now, I just want him to break up with her and really fight for Alex," he complained and let his hand slip out of his hair. "I never should have talked him into this whole Eileen thing. It was clear from the start that this was not going to work."

Shocked, he sat up straight again and looked at him skeptically, before he started sternly, "You're not blaming yourself for that now, are you?"

"But this is all my fault! Alex's is fucking hurting inside and outside, George, too, when they both just deserve to be happy," he grumbled dissatisfied and ran through his face. It almost seemed as if he had given up hope that everything would work out between his best friends. "Seriously, these two are probably the nicest souls on the planet."

"I know, mi amor. I know," he said sympathetically because he had already noticed how pure they were. They were always friendly and respectful, supporting each other in their trio for years. However, they were going through a difficult time, which is why their behaviour lately was not necessarily the most appropriate.

"Hey, look at me, Lando." Lovingly, he took his face into his hands and turned his head towards him. "Everything's going to be fine, right?"

Weakly, Lando nodded and he pulled him closer to him to kiss him, but as feelingly the whole race weekend, their little moment would be destroyed when the door was torn open.

"He ran away from me!" An angry George slipped into the room and the door closed behind him with a loud bang.

A little surprised, he exchanged a glance with Lando, who still had his lips slightly opened because of the kiss. Slowly he withdrew his hands and turned to the Briton, who was obviously out of his mind.

"There is such a thing as 'knocking', thank you very much. We could have done something else," criticised Lando at first, completely ignoring what was said.

"Alex ran away from me!" repeated George, so he just did the same as Lando. Stunned, he shook his head over them. In moments like these, he had the feeling that they often just talked past each other in good conscience.

"Why?" Lando finally wanted to know, frowning irritatedly.

"I don't know. If he had stopped, I might have had the opportunity to ask him about it, but as I said, he ran away when he saw me," George sniffed and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"He needs help," his boyfriend said at once and got a strong nod in return.

"Obviously. We have to make a plan. Have you got time on Thursday? I have a day off," George suggested.

"Yes, Thursday I'll be able to take some time for you," the younger one agreed and the Williams driver was relieved.

"Now calm down, George," he also jumped in as he looked at him anxiously. The taller one still seemed totally agitated, his breath was too hectic and his legs were shaking slightly.

"Yes...yes, I'm sorry. I didn't want to disturb you," he suddenly mumbled guilt-consciously and he quickly calmed him down, "It's alright. Why don't you sit down first."

Both George and Lando gave him a thankful look and in fact, the former accepted the offer.

"I don't know what I did to him," he said helplessly, as he finally sat next to Lando, who petted his back soothingly.

"It's all going to work out again, Georgie," he encouraged the older man, even though he had just doubted it. It hurt a little that he tried so hard to stay strong for his two friends and thus put his own needs in the back.

It took George a while to calm down, then he apologised for the disturbance ten times before going back to his motorhome. Meanwhile, Lando straightened up and gathered his belongings.

"You're going to check on Alex, aren't you?" He guessed and got an unsure look back from him.

"Yes. After all, I'm pretty much the only person he's letting in right now," Lando sighed heavily.

"Will I get something of your time later?" He wanted to know, as would be satisfied with half an hour of cuddling.

"Absolutely. I can't let you sink into your thoughts about the race," his boyfriend joked and stuffed his sweater into his backpack.

Interested, he rested his elbows on the back of the sofa. "How do you plan on distracting me?"

"Let me worry about that," he smiled as he picked up his backpack. "Shall we meet in your room then?"

"When?" He asked, tilting his head.

"I'll talk to Alex, then I'll drive back and then I'll have to take a shower, so it can surely take another hour." He shrugged his shoulders briefly and then added, "Depending on how chatty our superstar is."

"Let's take a shower together. Saves water and we can be together sooner," he made a counter-proposal, which made Lando giggle right away.

"I doubt that our shared showers really save water," he winked at him.

"But the other argument is good," he thought, and immediately, Lando replied, "Very good indeed. So good you convinced me."

He then stepped to the sofa and leaned down to him. Smiling, Lando put a hand to his cheek, then their lips touched tenderly.

"I'm looking forward to it," he whispered into the kiss and stroked under his shirt.

"Me too," his teammate replied quietly. One last time, they kissed, then he disappeared from the room and he got up to go to the hotel.

Late in the evening, they laid on the bed together and enjoyed the pizzas that Lando had ordered from the hotel's restaurant. He leaned on his torso very satisfied, always looking at the laptop on which a movie was running.

Lando had been right, the shower had not become so water-saving, but all the more beautiful. Nevertheless, they were both pretty exhausted and couldn't really focus on the movie anymore. Much more, they tried, by all means, to stay awake, which became more and more difficult.

Yawning, he put aside their now empty pizza boxes and moved a bit which made Lando murmur. "Let's get ready for bed, mi amor. We can finish the movie another time," he said caringly.

Lando looked at him with very small eyes but was still meant to joke. "I think we'll have to start all over again."

"Probably," he smiled, swinging his legs out of bed. Together, they got ready for bed, then they cuddled back under the blanket.

He gently stroked Lando over his bare back and pressed a small kiss on his lips. "Sleep well cariño."

"Hmmm, you too," he replied sleepily with his eyes closed. Happy, he closed his too and drifted off after a few minutes.

Chapter Text

Los Angeles, 8th November, 2019

"Who wants to cook today?" asked George, as they strolled through L.A. in the afternoon and looked at the different sights.

"I'm pretty sure Lando hasn't cooked yet," Alex immediately replied to his boyfriend and gave him a revealing look, whereupon he smiled, "And it better stays that way."

"I can help him," he joined the conversation. Although he had only cooked on the second day, he liked it, so he would have no problem taking it over again. In addition, he was probably the one who would be least annoyed by Lando's non-existing cooking skills.

"He's going to hurt himself as soon as he does something," Alex giggled and unfortunately he couldn't disagree with him on that point. They had already cooked together a few times, but it had never ended well. All the time, a bruise would adorn the skin on his hands or even his forearms – however that had happened to him.

"That's right again. Maybe I should cook by myself," he doubted, and now Lando snorted beside him indignantly.

"Guys, I can hear you," the youngest reminded them.

"Are you sure you don't want help? I could help," George just passed over Lando, tilting his head in question.

"I can also help!" complained Lando. He looked at his boyfriend briefly and raised one eyebrow critically, then turned to the other two again.

"Or we order something," Alex suggested.

"But we already ordered food yesterday," he remarked skeptically and scrunched his nose thoughtfully. "I really can cook, guys. That's not a problem."

"Hello?!" Lando jumped up and down in front of them and waved his arms frantically around the area so that they were forced to stop. However, George ignored him again when he made a new proposal, "Or we split up for today and have a couple's night each. Everyone does what they want."

Instantly, he nodded violently, because he still had something on his to-do list, which he immediately told the others, "That sounds good. I wanted to go to Venice Beach with Lando anyway."

"Good to know," Lando murmured stunned and now he gave him an apologetic look since they had left him out of the planning. However, he often made it very difficult for them with something like that, because his moods could change so fast from one side to the other that he often couldn't decide what he wanted now.

"Then that would be decided," Alex nodded happily and reached for George's hand, whereupon his boyfriend happily intertwined their fingers. Although they were in public, they had hardly been recognised once in the past few days, so they have not given up on the proximity of their partners.

He wrapped his arm around his boyfriend's shoulder and gave him a short kiss on the cheek. Immediately he stopped pouting, but grinned over both ears again, which also made him smile.

In the evening, they sat together on the beach. On the way there, they had picked up food at a take-away burger shop, which they had enjoyed. Now they watched the gentle waves, which always splashed to the shore, and had some drinks – him a beer, Lando a coke.

After a while, Lando put his head on his shoulder. Smiling, he looked down at him and pressed a short kiss on his hair.

"Hey." Just seconds later, their little moment was destroyed. They broke away from each other and he prayed that it wasn't a fan of theirs, otherwise, they would be in real trouble. However, the young man did not seem like a fan. He was dressed only in swimming trunks and smiled nicely when he expressed his concern, "You look like you can play volleyball. Would you like to play with me and my friends?" He pointed to a few other people standing around a volleyball net.

Immediately, he was interested. He wasn't the best at volleyball, but he enjoyed the sport in his free time and he hadn't played it for far too long. "Oh yes, I'd love to, but your feeling is betraying you. We're not that good," he laughed and tried to get up when Lando suddenly said, "I don't feel like it, but you can go."

Surprised, he turned to his teammate and asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, sure," he confirmed with a faint smile, which wasn't really convincing. Torn to and fro, he looked at his boyfriend. Was it really okay for him if he played with the others for a while? But he said so, why would he lie to him?

"Okay, if you say so," he decided and stood up.

"Nice, let me introduce you to the others. I'm Luke, by the way," the stranger said to him as they went to his friends.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Carlos," he introduced himself and accepted his handshake.

It was really fun to play with them and he got in much faster than he had thought, but it was also very exhausting. He quickly got warm, so he soon took off his sweater and t-shirt underneath.

The group was very nice and he got along very well with a woman from his team – Sophia. She was quite energetic and was incredibly happy about every point they scored.

It must have taken him roughly 45 minutes to understand why he found her so sympathetic; her character was very much like Lando's. Shit, Lando! He had been playing volleyball with them much longer than he had actually wanted!

Distracted by this train of thought, he looked around for his boyfriend who was just getting up and clapping the sand off his pants. What was he doing?

"Uhm, excuse me a minute, I'll be right back," he quickly said to the others and got a nod back, so he quickly jogged to Lando.

"What are you doing?" He gasped out of breath when he had gotten to him.

"I'm going home," he told him monotonously, evading his gaze. "Alex and George are watching a movie I've been wanting to watch for a while and they asked me if I wanted to join them."

"Okay, I'll just get my clothes and let the others know, then we can go," he answered, turning around again so he could do it. If Lando wanted to go, of course, they would.

"No, you can stay," he interrupted his action instantly. "You're not going to like the movie anyway."

"But-" he interrupted himself, didn't quite know what to say, and then went on, irritated, "We wanted to spend the evening together."

"But obviously we're not," commented Lando and looked him in the eye. Immediately he recognised the wounded glimmer in it, which stabbed him in the heart. He should have known. He should have known by his strange smile that it wasn't okay for him to just leave him alone.

"I thought it would be okay for you if I played with the others?" He breathed tenderly and tried to reach for his hand, but he quickly pulled it back.

"It is okay," he quickly waved off. "But I'm bored, so I'm leaving."

"I can stop playing with them and-," he continued steadfastly, but Lando wouldn't let me finish, "Bloody hell, Carlos! Why don't you just keep playing and let me go home? As I said, you're not going to like this movie anyway, okay?!"

Frightened, he shrugged back at his angry words and needed a moment to recover. He took a deep breath and finally mumbled, "Okay, then...Then have a nice evening with Alex and George."

Without another word, Lando turned around and walked back in the direction they had come from. Meanwhile, he went back to the others, shaking his head slightly to get rid of his oppressive thoughts.

He didn't really get into the game anymore. He just couldn't concentrate anymore because the guilt plagued him unbelievably. His first mistake had been to agree to volleyball at all, but the worst mistake was that he had actually let Lando go home alone. That was fucking stupid. He should have shown him that he would rather spend time with him, especially since he knew how badly Lando needed reassurance in such situations so that he wouldn't feel...well, non-essential somehow.

"Guys, I have to go, but it was really nice meeting you," he told them at the next break and then said goodbye to most of them with a handshake before he strapped his clothes and headed home. He had deliberately not exchanged numbers with them. First, because he didn't like giving his number to strangers anyway, and secondly, because he didn't expect to have time for them again during his vacation. That was not the whole point of their holiday.

Nearly half an hour later, he arrived back at the cottage. He quietly opened the door and immediately heard the sounds of the TV from the living room. He hurriedly took off his shoes before following the sounds.

But as soon as he had looked into the living room, he stopped like rooted in the door frame. George was lying on the sofa, Alex had made himself comfortable on him. There was no trace of Lando, however, and he felt him panicking. Did something happen to him?!

"Hey, isn't Lando here?" He immediately asked, causing two surprised pairs of eyes to land on him.

"He's upstairs in your room," Alex immediately reassured him with a smile. "But you should look for him urgently."

Relieved, he took a deep breath, even though the second part worried him a little. However, he was aware Lando was hurt. "Yes, I know. Good night to both of you."

The couple replied to his words while he was already running up the stairs. It was very quiet upstairs and he decided to get ready for bed in the bathroom before joining Lando. So he brushed his teeth and undressed himself to the boxer shorts, then he gently entered the bedroom.

It was already dark, but he quickly realised that Lando wasn't asleep yet. So he dropped the clothes carelessly on the floor and laid down with him.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have played with the others and let you go on your own," he immediately apologised.

"It's okay," Lando whispered weakly, shrugging his shoulders. "Sometimes I act strange, I know that. I confused you with that. You couldn't help it."

"Yes, I could have," he immediately contradicted him. "At the latest, I realised that it bothered you when you wanted to leave. I should have understood what you wanted."

"No one can understand me," he breathed and closed his glassy eyes. "Or no one wants to, but that's okay. I know I'm just the childish Formula One driver you can't take seriously. And I can't blame you for preferring to hang out with people your own age."

"Bullshit!" He was immediately frightened when he watched a tear making its way down Lando's cheek. He took a deep breath, then gently placed a hand on his cheek and wiped away his tear. His boyfriend immediately opened his eyes to look at him sadly.

"Don't say that," he begged him softly and drove his thumb over his skin again and again. "You're not the childish Formula One driver, but so much more. Some people are quick to judge, but they don't know you as well as your friends and family. Because every one of them will agree with me when I say that you are unique and perfect. And with all your sides – the childish, but also your sensitive and especially your sometimes reserved sides. You're so loved, Lando. And from so many people."

According to his words, his lower lip trembled suspiciously, so he preferred to lean over him and kiss him gently to distract him. Immediately, his hands buried themselves in his hair, holding him close to him. Lando moved his lips emotionally, which quickly made the kiss more intense. He asked for permission with his tongue, which was immediately granted, and stroked over his body with his hands, then left it on his butt.

When they broke the kiss, it took him a few moments to get back to reality. "I wouldn't react that way to a kiss if you weren't something special," he assured him with a smile, eliciting a slight laugh.

Then his gaze became more thoughtful again. His fingers played restlessly with his hair and he put his hands back on his waist.

"Before you turned to me, you..." He hesitated for a moment and bit his lips uncertainly, before continuing, "You looked at that woman all of a sudden...differently. Why?"

Sighing, he looked past him. Of course, Lando had noticed his look when he had realised Sophia reminded him of Lando. "I've noticed that she's a bit like you, which is why I found her the most likable of all," he said honestly.

"Only likeable?" Lando hooked.

"Only likeable," he confirmed and sealed his statement with a kiss. "Just because she reminded me of you doesn't mean I'm attracted to her. First, she's not you. Secondly, I have a wonderful boyfriend who I would never cheat on in my life because I love him so much. And thirdly, she's a woman. So the chances of me developing feelings for her are about...minus a million percent, I'd guess. You can't get rid of me so fast." During the last sentence, he winked at him and he immediately relaxed.

"Idiot. I don't want to get rid of you," Lando laughed still lovingly and he raised a hand to gently drive it through his confused curls.

"Then you should be glad that I don't want to get rid of you either," he replied more seriously.

"I'm very glad about that. I love you more than anything, Carlos," he whispered, drawing him closer to him. But before their lips could meet again, he breathed, "Forever ever, mi amor."

A happy smile spread across Lando's face before he allowed them to kiss delicately.

Chapter Text

Los Angeles, 9th November,2019

Deeply intrigued in his book, he turned to the next page, whereupon Lando – like every time he turned a page – grumbled because he had to take his hand off his back. Smiling, he put it back on the spot where his sweater had slipped up a bit and drew small circles on his skin.

It was still relatively early, but somehow he couldn't sleep well after yesterday, even though they had talked about everything. However, Lando didn't seem to be able to sleep when he wasn't with him anymore, because five minutes after he had laid down on the sofa with a book, he was lying between his legs. Another five minutes later, he was already asleep again.

"Good morning. You're awake even earlier than I am," remarked George as he entered the living room and found them.

He cast a rather doubtful look at Lando and then remarked, "More or less awake."

His words elicited a crooked grin. "I'll make coffee, you want some?" asked the Briton and he nodded in reply before he disappeared into the kitchen.

He put the book aside and tried to sit up lightly, but immediately, his boyfriend grabbed his shirt and muttered, "No."

Shaking his head, he at least managed to lean his back against the armrest, so that he sat halfway. But that was all Lando allowed.

A few minutes later, George came back with the coffee, and he took a few sips.

"So you've sorted out everything that was between you?" The younger man then broke the silence and gave him a curious look.

"Yeah, I think so," he replied.

"Good." A smile flew over George's face as he looked at them before he followed up, "What's the plan for today?"

Shrugging his shoulders, he ran through his hair with his free hand, which of course made Lando protest again immediately. "I wanted to make up for yesterday's date. Spend the evening with him," he then said and placed his hand on the back of Lando's head, which he gently scraped.

George sighed quietly and seemed to have something on his mind. Finally, he asked, "What happened, if I may ask?"

"We were asked by a group whether we would like to play volleyball with them. Lando didn't feel like it, but he wanted me to go, so I did. But somehow I stayed with them longer and then Lando went home," he explained guiltily to him, even though that was only a short summary of what had happened yesterday.

"Hm," he thoughtfully took another sip from his cup.

"I know it was stupid," he sighed before George would say it.

"Yes, it was," he agreed, pausing again, before surprisingly gently continuing, "But it's okay, Carlos. Don't worry too much about it."

"How could I not worry about it? I love him and I hurt him," he breathed without understanding. Why was George on his side when he had hurt his best friend?

"You know...," George began, looking at him. "I've known him a little longer than you have, and believe me when I tell you he's been much better since you two have been together. Maybe you hurt him yesterday, but that was once. Otherwise, you'll make him so fucking happy with your loving kindness permanently. And it's been almost seven months."

Surprised, he stared at the Williams driver and didn't know what to say. Did he mean that? Did he really have such a big influence on Lando? "Wow, I-I...seriously?"

"Yes, of course," he immediately confirmed. "Have you never noticed that?"

"Not really. I just got to know him like that," he replied shrugging his shoulders, and then looked down at his boyfriend. "He always puts a smile on everyone's lips. I didn't think I had any influence on that."

"Have you never wondered why he was so happy every time you were there, even though he'd been struggling with self-doubt for years?" George chuckled with a smile.

"Well, if you put it that way...," he muttered thoughtfully and had to admit that there was something to that.

"You make him fucking happy Carlos. And that's a fact. So stop punishing yourself for yesterday," George reassured him and gave him a sympathetic smile as his gaze wandered back to Lando.

"I just want what's best for him," he said honestly.

"You're the best thing for me, okay?" Lando jumped in, sleepy, and immediately, they both looked at him. His boyfriend returned his gaze for a moment before he gave George a meaningful look, whereupon he stood up.

"I'll go check on Alex," he announced, and then left the room.

"George's right, Carlos. Please don't beat yourself up. Do you think I didn't notice how restlessly you slept?" said Lando, frowning slightly.

"I-I...I'm sorry," he stumbled out.

"What are you sorry for?" Lando chucked up, irritated.

"Well, yesterday. I was an asshole and-," he started, but didn't get any further.

"Stop it," the younger one interrupted him decisively and shook his head. "We've sorted it out yesterday. It's alright, okay?"

"I just can't stop thinking about it. Why is no one mad at me anymore except for myself?" He desperately wanted to know and tugged at his hair.

"Because there's no reason to be mad at you," Lando said, but he could only disagree, "Yes, there is. I-"

"No, I don't want to hear this," he interrupted him again before he could continue, and then said, "Carlos, I love you and you could hurt me thousand times more, but I wouldn't judge you because sometimes you get hurt in a relationship. I hurt you yesterday, too, but you're not mad at me either."

"Yes, because I made a stupid mistake," he explained.

"Which wouldn't have happened if I had just let you come home with me," Lando said, and now, he didn't know what to say, after all, it was true. He wanted to go with him, but Lando wouldn't have let him.

Satisfied that he couldn't talk back, his boyfriend smiled. "Now stop thinking about it, okay? Mistakes are human. Even though it's hard for you to admit you made a mistake because you're usually flawless."

Before he could disagree, he had already drawn him into a loving kiss, which he immediately reciprocated and which once again emptied his head.

"Did you say anything about a date?" Lando asked excitedly and sat up on his thighs as he drove under his shirt. He quickly put the coffee aside, which had almost found its way to the ground several times now.

"Have you been awake that long?" He chucked in surprise, but Lando only grinned innocently and pulled him into a sitting position so he could take off his shirt.

"Not here," he whispered to his lips after Lando had involved him in another demanding kiss. "We should go upstairs."

"No, then George knows we've finished talking," he breathed back and let his hands run over his back. "Alex is asleep for at least half an hour more and George is not going to leave him so quickly to look for us again. So, right here and especially right now."

"But we have to be quiet." He definitely grabbed the hem of his sweater, which he pulled over his head before embracing his hip and kissing him again. Meanwhile, he directed Lando on his back, whereupon he pushed himself closer to him.

Somehow, his teammate always managed quite promisingly to distract him from his actual thoughts.

"Oh, you can buy popcorn over there!" Lando wanted to pull him in that direction with sparkling eyes, but at the last moment, he was able to solidify his grip around his hand, so he was forced to stop.

"You just had ice cream," he reminded him, pulling him closer.

"So what? We did exercise this morning," he fired back and he snorted horrified, knowing that he meant the sex on the sofa.

"That doesn't count," he taught him.

"Why? Burning calories is burning calories," Lando contradicted and he had to smile. He was unbelievable.

"I love you," he told him quietly, placing his hand on his cheek before he pulled him into a kiss.

Satisfied, he sighed into the kiss and wrapped an arm around his torso, their other hands were still intertwined.

"Get a room!" Alex suddenly shouted to them and he just thought that the Thai Briton needed a lesson so he wouldn't interrupt their moments in the future.

He got Lando to open his lips slightly, and soon the loving kiss became a rather lustful one. They were standing in the middle of L.A., where everyone could see them, and we were making out. Maybe not the smartest idea, but it was pretty intoxicating anyway.

When they broke away, he realised how tightly Lando had clapped at him, because now, he loosened his grip. His boyfriend looked at him breathlessly, pupils blown wide, and he couldn't help but kiss his sensually swollen lips again – but this time only shortly.

"I love you too," Lando still had not lost the thread despite everything and smiled sweetly at him, whereupon he kissed him tenderly again.

"Now it's really enough," said Alex, pushing them apart slightly as he gave them a warning glance. "You're drawing all the attention to yourself like that and you don't want that."

"Sorry," Lando nodded. But as soon as the Thai had joined George again, his boyfriend cuddled himself familiarly to him and wrapped his arms around his torso.

"Do you want to just stay here and we'll pick you up later?" George teased them and immediately, Lando looked up, as if he wasn't even so averse to the idea.

"No, cariño, we're going with them," he warned him, pushing him away with a heavy heart, but grabbing his hand so they could go on.

Smiling, he noticed that he was living the dream. They were able to exchange kisses in public and be happy together. They were just Carlos and Lando, a normal young couple, and not Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris, the Formula One drivers.

Chapter Text

São Paulo, 13th November, 2019

Smiling, he stroked Lando’s hair and enjoyed how he pressed closer to the touch while he sighed softly. It should really be forbidden to be as cute as he was.

Now he leaned to his ear and pressed several tender kisses underneath. “Feliz cumpleaños, mi amor," he breathed before kissing a trace to his lips.

When their lips finally met, he felt him start to smile as he put his arms around his neck lazily.

“Hmmm...," the smaller one grumbled happily into the kiss, which he broke shortly afterwards.

“Can I say something or will it get too sappy for you?” He asked, examining, and Lando blinked a few times to get used to the light.

“How sappy would it get?” In the end, his words were swallowed a bit, as he had to yawn.

“Like ’I love you more than anything else, you are my world and just perfect',", he suggested, raising an eyebrow as Lando scrunched up his face.

“Okay, in that case just be quiet, please," his boyfriend muttered and stretched his muscles. Then he put his hands back around his neck to bring him closer again.

“I thought so," he smiled against his lips. “Happy birthday, though. I’m looking forward to another year with you as a teammate and, above all, the man by my side.“ He kissed him several times, which made him smile again.

“Man," he then repeated happily. “I’m not a teenager anymore."

“Feels different, doesn’t it?” He giggled and Lando grinned immediately, “Yes, totally!”

“Mhm," he returned ironically as he placed a hand on his hip. “I love you, Lando."

“I thought you didn't want to be a sap?” the younger one teased him to which he rolled his eyes laughing.

“That’s not sappy, that’s the truth.“ With a wink, he poked his nose and watched the blush spreading over his cheeks.

“Sap!” Lando complained.

“Yeah, I know. But you like it," he giggled and kissed his nose.

“Maybe just a little bit," Lando whispered back. “Can we please change the subject?”

Smiling, he nodded, even though he had quite enjoyed the conversation. It was really fun to embarrass Lando, to get him out of his comfort zone, and he always liked to do it.

Late in the evening, they arrived back at the hotel after having had dinner in a nearby steakhouse. Lando got more and more touchy on the way home and he could only imagine what he was getting at.

“It was a beautiful day," the younger one smiled as they left the lift together, and let his hand run over his back.

“It was," he agreed, before adding teasingly, “And it’s not over yet."

“Tempting," grinned his Briton, and willingly let him pull him into a kiss that immediately became more demanding. Lando's hands now slipped under his shirt as he pushed him back further until he pressed him against the nearest wall. A lustful gasp escaped him and he happily nibbled on his lip.

“One step further and you’re in one of your rooms, but that seems to be too much to ask," another voice suddenly sounded, and they immediately separated in fright. He released Lando, who escaped a terrified ’M-Max!'.

“Don’t worry, I’ve known for a long time anyway. Pretty much everyone in the paddock knows it." He waved it off relaxedly and he could see Lando frowning.

“Is that supposed to reassure us?“ Lando hissed and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“I don’t know, does it?” Max asked the counter-question. At the same time, he got closer to Lando again and put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.

“No!” said the man in question. Well, seemed like my 'calming down' worked perfectly...

“Then it shouldn’t," the Dutchman smiled and tilted his head. “Did you have a nice birthday?”

An annoyed groan escaped him on this question and Lando seemed rather impatient, too. They had to hold back in the paddock all day. The small talk, which Max wanted to start now, did not really help their needs accordingly. Especially not after the kiss, which was just a foretaste of what would follow as soon as they were alone.

So he was forced to say kindly, “Max, excuse us, but I have a present for Lando that I would like to give him now."

“I know what you’re getting at, Carlos," their friend still laughed deeply relaxed, and shrugged his shoulders. “Then let’s talk another day. Have fun and maybe pay attention where you make out.”

With a last wink, he continued his way past them, while he preferred to drag Lando to the room with him, where they could not be disturbed any more.

“Are we really that obvious?” Lando hooked, insecurely, as soon as the door had fallen into the lock.

“Don’t worry about it, please. Not today, and especially not now. There’s a better way to spend our evening," he clarified and grabbed his hand, “Maybe the drivers know, but that’s all, okay? Besides, we really don’t have to hide from them. The way I met them, they’re all open-minded and kind."

“Okay," he breathed much more calmly and hugged him tightly. Lovingly, he wrapped his arms around him, giving him the security he just needed.

A short time later, he lifted his head again and flashed at him resolutely. His hands buried themselves in his sweater before he pushed him onto the bed. Smiling, he let it go over him, but of course only because today was Lando's birthday.

17th November, 2019

Beaming, he turned to the spot where he had just spotted Lando. A few minutes ago, it was announced that Lewis had been given a time penalty, which is why he moved up to P3. His first podium and of course he wanted to celebrate with Lando, but he was shocked to find that he was gone. He had been there just a minute ago!

“Where did Lando go?” He asked Rupert, who was standing near him.

“I don’t know, he seems to have gotten an important call," he shrugged.

“Hm, okay," he sighed and was aware that the dissatisfaction was written on his face.

“Don’t look like that, you just got a podium, Carlos!” His coach reminded him immediately, which elicited a faint smile.

“Alright, alright.“ Defensively, he raised his hands, while his gaze slid towards the exit of the pit once again. Where was Lando?

Sometime later, they were told by Zak that they were all allowed to go to the podium together as a team since the official award ceremony was over. So together, they went there and when they were all supposed to pose for a picture, someone pushed between him and Rupert.

Surprised, he turned his head towards the person and smiled when he saw Lando. They didn’t have the privacy or the time to talk, so he left it to stroke his upper arm and show him his proudest smile before several pictures were taken.

The rest of the evening, they spent with the team, celebrating the podium. Finally, Lando and he helped with the packing before Lando pulled him on the track.

There was nothing to be seen from the hustle and bustle of the race as they walked silently next to each other. It was dark and above all empty, which was very convenient for them. As soon as they were out of sight of the people in the pit lane, Lando wrapped an arm around his waist and pressed some tender kisses on his cheek as they walked on.

Overjoyed, he closed his eyes as he pushed him closer to him. Although he was enjoying the atmosphere, he still had one question that kept him busy. “Where did you run off to before?” He muttered and opened his eyes again to look at him.

Sorry, he blinked at him. “George called that Alex was devastated. I had to stay with him while George was doing the briefing,” he explained to him and he frowned.

“Is he better now?” He chucked up anxiously. He could only imagine that it was hard for the Thai to lose his podium place after driving a great race.

“I think George will take good care of him," his boyfriend replied thoughtfully before a smile crept on his lips. “And I’ll take good care of you."

“No one has to take care of me, I’m fine," he laughed warmly and pressed him again briefly. Suddenly he stopped, which he immediately did, too, irritated.

“I know, babe, but I still want to be with you," Lando breathed, putting a hand to his cheek. Instantly, he snuggled into this touch, which is why he stepped one step closer to him until there was no space left between them. Lando’s eyes beamed up at him with love as he retorted, “Congratulations on the podium. You’ve earned it after your great race."

“Thank you, that means a lot to me," he whispered back, resting their forehead against each other. "Take it as a late birthday gift."

"No front, but I would have preferred an own podium," Lando giggled as he relaxedly closed his eyes.

"Ouch." Playingly offended, he put a hand on his chest, which made Lando laugh again. "I'll take that personally."

"Just have in mind that I love you more than anything else," the younger one whispered and he watched his features dreamingly now. There was nothing on this planet that he would trade for seeing Lando happy. Every time, he beamed as he did now, his heartbeat got faster and he couldn't help but admire him.

Gently, he placed two fingers under his chin, tilted his head slightly, and kissed him lovingly. Lando's one hand came to rest on his neck to draw him even closer automatically. And even though the kiss was very intense, they didn't mean to go further, they just wanted to show their love to each other.

"Yo también te amo por encima de todo*, mi vida," he mumbled against his lips. Lando probably didn't get what name he just called him, he was way too far gone, which he clearly knew as he felt his dreamy smile against his lips.

Mi vida. My life. It was nearly an understatement for what he actually felt for Lando. Never had he loved someone as strongly as he loved his teammate, who was the centre of his world. He couldn't live without him anymore.

And he was sure of one thing: He wouldn't have to.