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Carlos didn't think Charles would ever show him his hoard. He knows how precious and sacred a hoard is to a dragon. Of course, he knew Kimi had seen Sebastian’s own hoard but he didn't think Charles would ever grant him that privilege.
Charles surprises him, however, one day during their summer break. The young dragon takes Carlos’ hand and leads him through their Monaco apartment. Carlos is curious and excited to see where his mate is taking him.
Charles leads him to the one door of their apartment that's always locked and he can feel his heart beat faster. Behind that particular locked door is Charles' hoard.
“Mi Vida. Are you sure?” Carlos breathes out, eyes wide.
Charles nods seriously. “You're my mate. You need to see what's precious to me.” He takes the key from around his neck and he unlocks the door, pushing it open for Carlos.
Carlos takes a deep breath and walks inside, his eyes taking in everything inside the room. Everywhere he looks he is surrounded by things that scream Charles. There's trophies. Team shirts. Precious jewels and stones. His eyes catch on a stray Ferrari shirt of Sebastian’s but what truly catches his eye is the piles of old Ferrari shirts Carlos has worn. They take up some of the space.
And sitting on this mound of shirts is the chili crochet that Carlos had given Charles at the start of the year. The one Carlos had given Charles to always remember him.
“I knew you were mine when that happened," Charles says softly. “You were mine and I wasn't going to let you go. Not now. Not ever.”
Carlos shivers at his words, hearing the dragon just below the surface. “There's not as many jewels as I expected.”
“Who needs jewels when I have you?” Charles asks, a smile in his voice.
“Smooth.” Carlos laughs, turning to look at his mate. “This is beautiful. Thank you for showing me.”
“You're my mate. Whats yours is mine.” Charles says softly.
“So I can have all my shirts you hoarded back?” Carlos teases.
“No.” Charles huffs, shaking his head. “But you can see and admire my collection.”
Typical dragon answer. Carlos thinks to himself as he turns to face Charles, feeling delighted to see the dragon in his now golden eyes.
“I'm glad you kept the chili.” Carlos says softly. “I'm…I'm glad I mean this much to you.”
“If it was you or my hoard. I'd get rid of my hoard.” Charles says simply.
Carlos freezes. “You can't mean that? Dragons defend their hoards to their deaths.”
“You mean more to me than my hoard.” Charles says fiercely, moving closer. “You're my mate. You're gonna be mine forever.”
“But the memories….” Carlos trails off at the look in Charles eyes.
“Memories are nothing without you. You're the most precious thing in my life.” Charles says, his dragon still there, still coiled.
“So are you.” Carlos says gently, his hands resting on Charles’ waist. “You're the most precious thing in my life.”
Charles makes a pleased sound and moves in to kiss him, which Carlos happily returns.
Charles was his. Charles loved him more than his hoard. This was real and big and wonderful.
Carlos wants to stay with him forever. He would. No one will ever take Charles from him. Ever.