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Carlos' day could have started better.

Daniel went out drinking last night and decided to call him in the middle of the night and he couldn't fall asleep anymore. And now he has an enormous headache.

Perhaps he should have expected it. It's summer, the moment in which they have the most work at the agency, with the tours for summer events in clubs and swimming pools and, to top it off, they are short-staffed. Luckily, a new guy should come in today to help out.

Carlos shouldn't even deal with all this. He's not an event manager. He should be able to work from Monday to Friday, from 9 to 5, sitting behind a computer. Despite everything, though, loading and unloading trucks, or assembling and disassembling simulators or event games around the country, it's not that bad. Hopefully, two hands and an extra brain will help them organize everything better and not always have him and Daniel out and about. A rotation would be nice.

He enters the office and is greeted by the sight of Charles laughing his head off and Daniel, cradling a small cardboard cup of espresso with an edge of tiredness in his features, but still better looking than what he has the right to be after waking up Carlos and making him miserable. Carlos just grunts at Charles’ waved hand, throwing his backpack next to his desk and slumping in his chair. Luckily he got the big boss to buy the comfy one he wanted with the excuse of a bad back.

“What crawled up your ass and died there?” asks Charles when he gets his hysterical laugh under control.

“Ask your fucking coworker. He decided to keep me up all night” Carlos’ snarky response, though, is not matched with the kind of reaction he was expecting. Charles bursts out laughing again and even Daniel chokes a bit on his coffee.

“Are you high? It’s Monday morning. Why are you laughing like maniacs?”

Daniel manages to answer, between laughs that are almost sobs for how much he is trying to suppress them. “Because we were just talking about our new colleague’s preferences and you talked about me keeping you up all night. I’m not into that thankyouverymuch, ask the new guy if you’re feeling adventurous.”

At Carlos' confused face Charles adds, “The new guy is gay.”

Carlos blinks, looks at the other two men, blinks again and looks at them some more.

“Okay, I can understand the connection with the way I phrased the thing with Daniel but I don’t find it that funny” Carlos scratches the side of his head, “and to be honest I don’t understand why you needed to point out he is gay. The only important part is that he is good at his job and I’ll not have to do events anymore. Hopefully” he adds, before turning to his computer and turning it on.

Carlos doesn’t know who the new guy is. He was on his spring holiday when The Big Boss had the interview and, to be honest, he really didn’t have the time or energy to gossip about it with the people that were actually present for the meeting. He only knows that the guy is going to be working mostly as an event account but also helping with events if they are short-staffed and have too many events (which is common practice given how the big boss manages everything, but it's better not to say it out loud).

Thanks to his nosy colleagues now he also knows that this man is into men but that’s the extent of it.

That’s why he really doesn’t mean to do a visible double take and mutter a, very not polite, “Are you even allowed to work?” when The Big Boss enters the office followed by a curly mop of hair.

Christian Horner walks in with his usual calm confidence, his shirt neatly pressed, expensive watch catching the morning light. He gestures to the boy trailing behind him. Twenty-something, tousled curls, wide eyes, a hesitant but real smile.

“This is Lando Norris,” Christian says. “He’s starting today. He’ll be shadowing the team and helping out where needed.”

Lando gives a small wave. “Hi.”

Daniel leans forward from his desk. “Hi, new guy.” He grins. “Don’t let Carlos scare you off.”

Carlos rolls his eyes, half-turns in his chair. “Ignore him.”

Lando smiles a little more genuinely, eyes flicking from face to face. He looks grateful for the out.

Christian points to an empty desk across from Carlos. “You’ll set up there for now. We’ll get you sorted with access later. Carlos, Daniel, Charles, get him acquainted.”

He’s gone before they can protest.

Daniel swings his chair around with exaggerated flair. “So, Lando. We’ve heard things.”

Lando raises an eyebrow. “Things?”

“Rumors. Whispers. Like the fact you’re, what’s the word? Our diversity hire.”

Charles throws a stress ball at him. “Shut up.”

Carlos watches Lando carefully. He sees it then, the flicker of discomfort. The way Lando’s fingers twitch like he’s not sure what to do with his hands. The practiced smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Seriously” Carlos says, aiming a glare at Daniel, “can we act normal for five seconds?”

Daniel shrugs, then grins wider. “Define normal.”

Carlos just sighs and turns back to his monitor, but not before catching Lando mouthing a quiet thank you.

He nods, almost imperceptibly. No big deal. He doesn’t like assholes, that’s all.
But when he catches Lando staring at his own screen five minutes later with that same quiet determination and slight furrow between his brows, Carlos realizes something: the new guy might actually be really good at his job.

And something in Carlos settles. Maybe today won’t be so bad after all.

The agency’s office, a converted industrial loft with high ceilings and too much natural light, had its own rhythm. A chaotic symphony of ringing phones, clacking keyboards, shouted questions echoing off the exposed beams, and the occasional whirr of power tools from the warehouse.

Lando blended into it faster than Carlos expected.

By the third day, Lando already had his login credentials and was following Charles around like a quiet shadow, scribbling notes in a battered notebook with a cartoon duck pattern. Daniel teased him relentlessly about it, but Lando met the teasing with calm, unreadable expressions. He didn’t rise to the bait, just blinked slowly or offered a faint smile that didn’t give anything away.

“He’s like a sponge” Charles said during lunch one day. “Just listens and absorbs. Kind of eerie, honestly. But in a good way.”

Carlos observed from across the break room, eating microwaved pasta. Lando sat at the end of the table, watching a client demo video on his phone, one earbud in, tapping his fingers absently to some internal beat. He didn’t talk much, but there was a focus there, a quiet attention.

“He doesn’t say anything unless he needs to” Charles added. “I like that.”

Daniel scoffed. “Yeah, well, I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t make at least one bad joke per day.”

Carlos raised a brow. “So we shouldn’t trust you either?”

Daniel threw a grape at him. Carlos caught it with his mouth.

Still, it stuck with Carlos. The way Daniel dismissed Lando.

“Kid’s boring,” Daniel declared one afternoon after returning from a half-day activation event. “Did the water gun contest with him. No sense of humor. Just glued to his phone.”

Carlos frowned. “He was working, wasn’t he?”

“Still. No jokes. No chaos. Not a single sarcastic quip. What are we even doing here?”

“Maybe he’s just shy.”

“Shy or dull. Either way, not my favorite wingman.”

Carlos didn’t argue. But he didn’t forget it, either.

The next day, Lando stayed late finishing a spreadsheet Daniel had forgotten to update. Carlos walked past him on his way out, paused, and doubled back.

“You didn’t have to do that” Carlos said, leaning on the edge of Lando’s desk.

Lando didn’t look up. “I know.” Carlos hesitated. “Thanks, though.”

There was a flicker of a smile.

A few days later, Christian handed Carlos a clipboard.

“Madrid cleanup,” he said. “You and Lando. It’s just the dismantling of SolarWave’s booth. You’ll be quick.”

Carlos blinked. “Just us?”

“George is dealing with a load of broken fans and Daniel has a pitch. It’s not a big job. Go.”

Carlos didn’t mind. He liked teardown days. No stress, no clients breathing down their necks, just packing boxes and hauling things into vans. A satisfying kind of work.

He and Lando left early the next morning in one of their branded van. Carlos drove. Lando sat with his backpack between his feet, looking out the window with that same quiet, slightly fidgety energy.

“You okay with music?” Carlos asked, already queuing a playlist.

Lando nodded. “Yeah. Whatever you like.”

Carlos hit play. Indie, soft rhythms, mellow vocals. He tapped the steering wheel in time.

Fifteen minutes in, Lando spoke. “My dad listens to this band.”

Carlos laughed. “Great. I’m officially old.”

Lando’s lips curved slightly. “I didn’t say you had bad taste.”

Carlos shot him a look. “Didn’t say you didn’t, either.”

By the time they reached the event site, something felt easier. Not quite friendly, but familiar.

Dismantling the booth was smooth. Carlos tackled the light rig and power boxes while Lando neatly folded banners and wrapped cords with practiced ease. They moved in sync, rarely needing to speak. When they did, it was simple, easy.

“Zip ties?” “Left bin.”

“Done with the roll-up?” “Yeah, boxed it.”

They broke for lunch on the edge of the event grounds, sitting on flight cases under a dusty event tent. Lando passed Carlos a bottle of water.

“Daniel said I’m not fun,” Lando said after a long pause.

Carlos looked over. “Yeah, I heard.” Lando didn’t look at him. “Was he right?”

Carlos wiped sweat from his brow. “He’s not really the best judge of character.”

Lando glanced over, lips tugging upward. “I’m just… quiet. At first.”

Carlos nodded. “I figured.”

Another silence, but it was comfortable now.

“Don’t let him get to you,” Carlos added. “He talks a lot. That doesn’t mean he’s right.”

Lando tilted his head, and for the first time that day, really smiled. It was small but genuine. “Thanks.”

As they packed the last of the boxes into the van, Carlos said, “You did good today.”

Lando looked up from strapping down the crate. “Thanks.”

“You did this kind of stuff before?” Carlos asked.

“Sort of. I did events back home. Uni clubs, then some freelance stuff during COVID. Never big things, but enough to learn the rhythm.”

Carlos nodded. “You pick things up quickly.” Lando shrugged. “I like figuring things out. Quiet problems.” Carlos chuckled. “We’ve got plenty of those.”

The drive back was quiet, the kind of tired silence that felt easy. The sun was setting by the time they hit the city, and the sky was streaked in shades of pink and orange.

Back at the office the next morning, Daniel grinned across the open space.

“So, Sainz. You survived your road trip with the fun-sponge?”

Carlos didn’t hesitate. “Actually, it was pretty good.”

Daniel looked surprised. “Seriously?” Carlos glanced at Lando, who had just walked in with two coffees, one of which he silently placed on Carlos’ desk. “Yeah,” Carlos said. “Seriously.”

He didn’t mention the shared playlist on the drive back. Or the quiet jokes they exchanged while waiting for the freight elevator. Or the moment Lando rested his head against the van window and Carlos felt oddly responsible for keeping the ride smooth.

Some things didn’t need to be said.

Lando was still quiet. Still scribbling notes and fixing things before anyone asked. But now Carlos noticed the small things. The way he rearranged a cluttered storage shelf no one else touched. The way he checked in with Charles after overhearing him mentioning a supply mix-up. The way he left a sticky note with a password reminder on Daniel’s desk.

Carlos saw it all. And, quietly, he appreciated it.

Because maybe fun didn’t always come with chaos. Maybe it came with small kindnesses, silent effort, and a calm presence in a world full of noise.

And maybe, just maybe, Lando wasn’t boring at all.

Maybe he was just getting started.

That evening, Carlos found himself scrolling through Spotify, trying to find a song Lando had quietly hummed during their trip. He couldn’t place it exactly, but he wanted to hear it again.
He wasn’t sure why.

And when he saw Lando walking to the warehouse the next morning with a determined focus, Carlos watched him a little longer than necessary.

Not that he’d admit it.

Not yet.

Carlos didn’t know what he expected when Daniel gleefully handed him the event sheet with a devilish grin on his face. Maybe another client’s request for a pop-up summer beach bar in the center of a shopping mall, or a truckload of VR headsets needing urgent labeling. But no, this was an overnight activation in the hills near Imola, a high-end vineyard event that wanted sleek minimalism during the day and dramatic lighting and music at night.

“Oh, and there’s a catch,” Daniel said, tapping the paper as Carlos skimmed it.

Carlos raised an eyebrow. “There always is.”

“One bed.”

Carlos stopped flipping pages. “What?”

Daniel cackled, fully enjoying himself. “Hotel messed up. Booked a queen instead of two singles. Christian tried to fix it, but apparently the place is booked out for some influencer’s wedding. So either you and Lando spoon or one of you sleeps on the floor.”

Carlos rolled his eyes. “It’s two nights. We’ll survive.” Daniel snorted. “You say that now.”

Lando passed by, carrying a spool of LED tubing for the next day’s warehouse load-out. He didn’t look up.

“Does he know yet?” Carlos asked.

“Not my job to tell him” Daniel said with a shrug. “You’re his event buddy now. You tell him.”

Carlos waited until lunch to approach Lando. He found him in the break room again, sitting on the countertop with a protein bar in one hand and a spreadsheet open on his phone.

“Hey,” Carlos said. “You got the brief for Imola?” Lando nodded. “Yeah. Looks cool.” Carlos scratched the back of his neck. “Slight hiccup with the hotel.”

Lando blinked, attentive.

“They double-booked or something. Only one bed. I’ll try to sort a rollaway or whatever, but worst case, we share. That’s cool with you?” Lando hesitated for a beat. “You’re okay with that?” Carlos shrugged. “Long as you don’t kick.”

Lando smiled faintly. “I don’t. I barely move.”

Carlos grinned. “Guess we’ll find out.”

The vineyard was stunning. Acres of green vines stretched over rolling hills, framed by golden sunlight and white gravel paths. The crew had two days to set up a custom lighting rig, tasting booths, and a DJ platform that would rise from the middle of the vineyard’s small amphitheater.
They worked until sunset on the first day. Carlos hauled crates of uplights while Lando mapped out the cable pathways, his usual quiet focus paired with clear, concise instructions. They moved like they had in Madrid, efficient and wordless, with small gestures taking the place of conversations.

It wasn’t until they got to the hotel that things shifted.

The room was nice. Too nice. Hardwood floors, sleek black furniture, modern light fixtures, and yes, one very large bed in the center.

Carlos threw his bag in the corner and dropped onto the mattress with a groan. “Okay, this bed is dangerous. I might never get up.”

Lando hovered near the window. “I can sleep on the floor.”

Carlos pushed himself up on one elbow. “Why? You worried I’ll snore?”

Lando shook his head, quiet. “Daniel said you didn’t want to do events with me.” Carlos blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

“He said you asked not to work with me after Madrid. Said I was weird. That I’m... hard to get along with.” Carlos sat up fully now. “I never said that. Never even thought about it.” Lando turned from the window, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

Carlos stood, stepping closer but not too close. “Daniel’s an idiot. He says things because he thinks they’re funny. But he doesn’t speak for me.”

Lando watched him, skeptical.

“I liked working with you,” Carlos added, quieter. “You’re good. Focused. Easy to work with. And you don’t complain. That’s rare.”

A beat passed. Then Lando nodded, just once. “Okay,” he said softly. “We can share the bed.”

Carlos smiled. “Cool. I promise not to hog the blanket.”

They both stayed on their respective sides for most of the night, the vast king bed suddenly feeling too small and too large all at once. The room was dim, filled with the soft whirr of the AC unit and the distant rustle of vineyard trees through the open window.
Carlos woke to sunlight filtering through the curtains and something warm pressed against his side. For a half-second, he thought it was his pillow. Then he realized… Lando.

The younger man was curled toward him, one arm draped across Carlos' waist, their legs tangled beneath the sheets. Lando’s face was tucked near Carlos' shoulder, his breath warm and slow.
Carlos didn’t move. Not at first. He just watched the ceiling, blinking in the golden light, and tried to slow the unexpected thudding in his chest.

Then Lando stirred.

He froze, blinking up in confusion before realizing where and who he was holding.

“Shit,” Lando said, jerking back. “Sorry. I must’ve rolled over.”

Carlos caught his wrist gently. “It’s okay.”

Lando sat up, rubbing his face. “I didn’t mean-”

“Really. It’s fine.” There was a long pause.

Then Lando said, “I’m not gay.” Carlos blinked. “Okay?”

“I mean. I am queer. I like people. Not just guys. Just... whoever feels right.” Carlos nodded slowly. “Thanks for telling me.”

“I didn’t say anything before because everyone kept calling me the gay one and it just didn’t feel right to correct them. Not when I was new.”

“Daniel shouldn’t have said that,” Carlos said, voice low. “None of them should’ve assumed.”

Lando looked at him, eyes tired but earnest. “I just don’t want people thinking I’m something I’m not.”

Carlos met his gaze. “Then tell them when you’re ready. Or don’t. It’s your story.”

Lando nodded. And something passed between them, an understanding. A new kind of closeness.

They got out of bed eventually, showered in turns, and went back to work. The second day flew by. Uplights were tested. Final adjustments made. Clients walked through, nodded approvingly. The event started that night.
Carlos didn’t bring up the bed again. Neither did Lando.
But later, when they sat on a crate watching the DJ warm up, Lando leaned just a little closer.

And Carlos didn’t lean away.

Back at the office the next day, Daniel spotted them coming in and pounced.

“So,” he said, smirking. “How was the one-bed sleepover?”

Carlos didn’t even blink. “None of your business.”

“Ooooh. Testy.”

“You think you’re funny,” Carlos said, grabbing his laptop. Daniel nudged Lando’s shoulder. “I’m just saying. Carlos has good taste. And you do look cuddly.” Lando stiffened.

“Not cool,” Carlos said sharply.

Daniel looked surprised. “Relax. It’s a joke.”

“It’s not even a good one. Don’t make him the punchline just because you don’t understand him.”

Daniel raised his hands. “Alright, alright.”

But Carlos didn’t stop there. Later, when Lando had stepped out for a call, he pulled Daniel aside.

“Stop that. He doesn’t owe you a performance or a label. So back off.”

Daniel was quiet for a moment. “You’re really protective of him.”

Carlos didn’t answer. Just walked back to his desk.

Carlos sat at his desk, the soft hum of the open office around him a familiar comfort. The afternoon sun streamed through the large windows, casting warm golden light across the desks and scattered event materials. He stared at the design mockup glowing on his screen but his mind was somewhere else… back at the vineyard hotel room with Lando, that awkward yet unexpectedly tender night pressed in his thoughts.

The office was a constant buzz of energy, but today it felt quieter. Maybe because Daniel was off on another event or because the summer rush had finally paused for a brief moment. Carlos was grateful for the calm, but his fingers tapped restlessly on the keyboard. He replayed the night over and over again, the way Lando had gently moved closer in the dark, the shy confession of being queer instead of just “gay,” and how Carlos had felt a flutter of something unfamiliar in his chest.

His reverie was broken when Charles leaned over, a mischievous smirk playing at his lips. “Hey, graphic wizard, got a minute? Daniel says you’re gonna be the one to help Lando on the next big event. You guys are the new dynamic duo or something.”

Carlos gave a short laugh. “Yeah, apparently. I’m still trying to wrap my head around that bed situation.”

Charles chuckled. “Poor Daniel doesn’t know what he’s unleashed.”

Carlos glanced up to see Daniel’s familiar, grin-spreading face walking through the door, arms loaded with coffee cups. “Speaking of the devil…” Carlos muttered.

Daniel spotted Carlos immediately, heading over with a triumphant smile. “How’s my favorite event partner doing? Heard you’re taking Lando under your wing. You know what that means, right? More late nights and shared hotel beds!”

Carlos rolled his eyes, but Daniel’s grin was infectious. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll survive.”

“Good,” Daniel said, plopping a coffee cup on Carlos' desk. “Because this one’s a monster. Three-day music festival in Milan. Outdoor stages, VIP lounges, vendor stalls… the whole shebang. And I hear you’re the brains behind making sure Lando doesn’t get lost in the chaos.”

Carlos snorted. “You mean to say I’m babysitting the newbie?”

Daniel raised his hands in mock surrender. “Only if he needs it. But seriously, I’ve seen how you two work together, it’s like magic. I think you’ve got yourself a partner in crime.”

Carlos smiled, the warmth in his chest growing again.

Two days later, Carlos and Lando met at the warehouse before dawn, ready to tackle the mountain of equipment that awaited them. The warehouse smelled of sawdust, metal, and a faint trace of coffee, the familiar scent grounding Carlos as they loaded up carts with wood panels, cables, and lighting rigs.

Alex and George waved from the loading dock, already deep in their routine checks and inventory lists. “Morning, you two!” George called out. “Ready to survive another festival?”

Lando smiled, adjusting his backpack. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Carlos caught Lando’s eye and raised an eyebrow. “You sound confident.”

Lando shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. “I learned from the best. Daniel made sure I knew the ropes, and how to avoid his terrible jokes.”

Carlos laughed, the sound echoing warmly in the cavernous space.

The drive to Milan was filled with light banter, road trip playlists, and the occasional strategic planning session. Lando impressed Carlos with his keen organizational skills and attention to detail, qualities that shone when they mapped out the festival layout and coordinated vendor schedules.

Once at the site, the work was relentless. They climbed scaffolding, threaded cables through towering trusses, and assembled booths in the sweltering heat. Sweat dripped down Carlos’ back, mixing with the dust of the setup, but every glance at Lando, focused, determined, quietly commanding, made the fatigue bearable.

During a rare break, Carlos watched Lando crouched behind the VIP stage, inspecting the wiring. The sun caught his hair just right, a halo of gold around his curls. Carlos felt his heart speed up again.

“Hey,” Lando said suddenly, looking up.

Carlos blinked, surprised to be caught staring.

“Thanks for having my back,” Lando added, voice soft but sincere. “I know Daniel’s not always the easiest, and you could’ve just kept your distance.”

Carlos shook his head. “You’re good at what you do. Besides, I’m not one to leave people hanging.”

Lando smiled shyly, a flicker of something hopeful in his eyes.

That night, after the final sound check and stage rehearsals, Carlos and Lando sat on a crate near the main stage, sharing a quiet moment away from the chaos. The festival lights flickered to life, bathing the site in colorful glows, and distant music thumped through the night air.

Lando pulled out his phone, scrolling absentmindedly.

Carlos nudged him. “Don’t check your phone so much. Live a little.”

Lando laughed softly. “You’re right. I guess I’m just nervous.”

“For what?”

“Just… people, noise, crowds. Sometimes I feel like I’m just here pretending to fit in.”
Carlos reached over, lightly bumping Lando’s shoulder. “You don’t have to pretend. You’re exactly who you’re supposed to be.” Lando’s smile grew wider. “Thanks, Carlos.”

There was a pause, a beat of quiet understanding.

“Hey,” Carlos said, voice lower now. “About the other night…”

Lando’s eyes met his. “Yeah?”

Carlos swallowed, nerves prickling his skin. “If you ever want to talk about it, or… whatever, I’m here.”

Lando looked down, then back up, and nodded. “I might take you up on that.”

The festival itself was a whirlwind. Crowds surged through the gates, artists took the stage, and the team moved like a well-oiled machine. Carlos and Lando found themselves constantly side by side, coordinating, troubleshooting, and sometimes just stealing quick smiles across the bustle.

One evening, as the headliner’s set ended, Carlos caught Lando laughing at a joke from one of the stage techs. The sound was contagious, bright and genuine. Carlos realized then that Lando’s easy humor was a balm, something he hadn’t seen from Daniel’s earlier assessment.

They wrapped up the event late, exhausted but exhilarated. The ride back to the warehouse was quiet, both lost in their thoughts.

The next day in the office, Daniel was quick to poke fun. “So, how was the big festival with the charming Lando? Any more bed-sharing situations?”

Carlos shot him a pointed look. “Knock it off, Daniel.”

Lando frowned, but Carlos stepped in. “Seriously, Daniel, stop making him the butt of your jokes.”

Daniel raised his hands, a mock apology. “Fine, fine. I was only kidding.”

Carlos leaned closer, voice firm. “It’s not funny. Stop.”

Later, when Lando stepped away for a call, Carlos pulled Daniel aside. “He’s not just ‘the gay one.’ You need to respect that.”

Daniel blinked, then grinned. “You’re really protective of him, huh?”

Carlos rolled his eyes but didn’t deny it.

As the days passed, Carlos and Lando’s friendship deepened. They shared lunches, swapped stories about childhood misadventures, and sometimes just sat in comfortable silence after a long day. The office and warehouse blurred together, a world of late nights, last-minute changes, and endless possibilities.
Carlos found himself looking forward to every text from Lando, every unexpected smile. And when Lando shyly asked if they could hang out after work, Carlos' answer was an easy, heartfelt yes.

The summer stretched ahead, full of promise.

The moment Daniel’s joke hit the room again, Carlos felt a cold wave crash over him. It wasn’t just the joke itself, it was what it represented. The careless, thoughtless way Daniel treated Lando like a caricature, a punchline. And Carlos was done letting it slide.
Carlos slammed his laptop shut with a sharp snap, startling the few people nearby. He stood up abruptly, the chair scraping the floor behind him as he fixed Daniel with a hard look.
“Daniel,” Carlos said, his voice calm but firm, “we need to talk. Now.”
Daniel turned around slowly, eyebrow raised as if Carlos had just asked for the moon.
“What’s up, man?” Daniel said with that infuriating grin, like he thought this was all a game.
Carlos took a deep breath, steeling himself. “The jokes. The way you talk about Lando. It stops here.”

Daniel’s grin flickered but didn’t fade. “Oh, come on. It’s just a joke. You’re being too sensitive.”

“Sensitive? No, Daniel. I’m being respectful.” Carlos leaned in a little, his eyes narrowing. “You don’t get to make someone else the butt of your jokes just because you don’t understand them.”

Daniel laughed, the sound hollow. “I get it. You’re in his corner now. Big deal.”

Carlos' jaw clenched. “It’s not about sides. It’s about decency. About treating people like human beings.”

Lando was nearby, quietly packing his bag, trying not to get involved. But Carlos caught the way his shoulders tensed and his eyes flicked toward Daniel.

Daniel’s gaze flicked to Lando too, then back to Carlos. “You’re blowing this way out of proportion.”

“Am I?” Carlos shot back. “Because from where I’m standing, you’re the one crossing the line. Again.”

The room was silent but for the low hum of computers and the occasional cough. Some coworkers had stopped to watch, sensing the tension.

Daniel shrugged, a sarcastic smile on his lips. “Whatever you say.”

Carlos took a step forward, lowering his voice so only Daniel could hear. “Look, I don’t want this to get ugly. But if you keep it up, I won’t hold back.”

Daniel’s smile faded. “You really think you can threaten me?”

Carlos shook his head, voice low but steady. “No threats. Just facts.”

Daniel’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.

Later that afternoon, the office atmosphere had shifted palpably. The usual easy banter was replaced by cautious silences. Carlos could feel the weight of stares. Some supportive, some judging.

He found Lando sitting alone at his desk, staring at his screen but clearly elsewhere. Carlos hesitated a moment before walking over.

“Hey,” Carlos said gently.

Lando looked up, eyes tired but grateful. “Hey.
Carlos sat on the edge of the desk. “How are you holding up?”

Lando shrugged. “I’m used to this kind of thing, you know? People thinking they can label me or make jokes at my expense.”

Carlos frowned. “That doesn’t make it okay.”

Lando gave a small, wry smile. “No, it doesn’t. But I’m not sure what to do about it, except… not let it get to me.”

Carlos nodded. “You don’t have to be alone in this.”

Lando’s eyes softened. “Thanks, Carlos. That means a lot.”

One morning, Daniel pulled Carlos aside, away from earshot.

“Look,” Daniel began awkwardly, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I was just being dumb.”

Carlos studied him. “Do you really get it?”

Daniel nodded. “Yeah. I’ll try to do better.”

Carlos accepted the apology cautiously. “Okay. Let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

The warehouse had always been a world apart from the busy hum of the open-plan office, a place where the clatter of crates and the scent of wood and metal filled the air. Normally, Daniel tried to avoid spending too much time back here. It was where Alex and George worked. Men who thrived in physical labor and the chaos of event logistics, but Daniel preferred to keep his hands clean, managing from the front lines of the office.

Today, though, Daniel found himself lingering by the large open bay doors, pretending to check his phone but really watching. Carlos and Lando were working together on a new installation for an upcoming event, something involving wooden panels and intricate lighting that the client had requested. A project that wasn’t quite finished yet, so the two of them were here late, carefully piecing the setup together.
From where Daniel stood, the warehouse lights cast long shadows. The faint hum of the air conditioning was barely audible beneath the occasional clinks of tools and quiet laughter. And Daniel was fascinated, not because of the work they were doing, but because of the way Carlos and Lando interacted.

Daniel rubbed his chin, already thinking about what he could tell Charles or Max. “Wait till I get a read on this” he muttered under his breath.

Carlos, as Daniel knew, had a reputation around the office as the quiet, dependable graphic designer with a soft spot for late nights and a wicked sense of humor. People always assumed he was firmly hetero, especially since he had a girlfriend that Daniel thought was more than a rumor, something Daniel had actually tried to piece together months ago. He was convinced Carlos was just living a “normal” relationship life, the kind that everyone quietly respected.

And then there was Lando. The new guy. The “gay one” as Daniel had jokingly (and sometimes seriously) dubbed him in the office. Lando was sharp, funny in his own dry way, and good at his job. But Daniel had always seen him as a bit of an outsider, someone who kept his cards close to his chest. Daniel figured Lando wasn’t the type to get close to anyone quickly.

So imagine Daniel’s surprise when he saw how natural Carlos and Lando looked around each other now.

Carlos handed Lando a drill, their fingers brushing, and Daniel saw the faintest spark of something flicker in Lando’s eyes. The way Lando glanced down at their touching hands, surprised, then looked up quickly, a shy smile flickering across his face.
Daniel took a small step closer, pretending to read a list on his phone but not really looking at the screen. He was trying not to be obvious, but he couldn’t tear his eyes away.
Carlos laughed at something Lando said, a soft laugh, warm and real, and Daniel caught himself smiling at how natural it looked, the kind of laugh you only shared with someone you felt comfortable with.

The two men worked silently for stretches, communicating with small gestures and nods. When Carlos picked up a panel and struggled for a second, Lando reached out to help without hesitation, their hands briefly touching again.

Daniel’s mind spun. “Is this… something?”

He remembered the office chatter about Carlos' girlfriend, how Daniel thought he’d heard Carlos mention her name once during a meeting, a few months ago. So what was this then? A friendship? A work thing? Or was Daniel missing something fundamental?
He shifted his weight and watched as Carlos suddenly stopped working to fix Lando’s collar, smoothing it down with a tenderness Daniel had never noticed in him before. Lando stood still, eyes half-lidded, a flush rising on his cheeks.

“Okay,” Daniel muttered, “there’s definitely something here.”

He tried to analyze what he’d seen. Carlos wasn’t the type to be openly affectionate at work, certainly not with guys, at least, that’s what Daniel had assumed. But tonight, Carlos’ eyes softened when they met Lando’s, like they shared a secret no one else knew.
Daniel’s curiosity deepened. He made a mental note to watch this closely, maybe ask a few careful questions later. He could already picture the gossip chain lighting up when he spilled the tiniest detail.

Lando, who was usually quiet and reserved, seemed different tonight. More relaxed. More open. Daniel caught him smiling more than usual, and even throwing out a joke that made Carlos snort-laugh.

The pair worked their way through the maze of wood and metal, occasionally bumping into each other, exchanging brief, knowing glances.
At one point, Carlos caught Lando’s sleeve to keep him from tripping over a stray cable, and Daniel saw Lando’s surprised eyes flicker to Carlos’, then down to their hands. There was a hesitation there, like Lando wasn’t sure if the contact was welcome. But Carlos just smiled, reassuring.

Daniel chuckled softly. “Like I said: this is gold.”

He admired how Carlos seemed to take care of Lando, in subtle ways. A gentle touch on the shoulder, a small smile when Lando made a point, a look that lingered just a moment longer than necessary.
Daniel’s mind wandered back to all the times he’d teased Carlos about his “mystery girlfriend” and now he wondered if he’d been completely off the mark.
Carlos had always been a little guarded about his personal life, but this... this was something else. Something real.

He noticed how Carlos' stance changed when Lando was around: his shoulders relaxed, his smile grew wider, his whole demeanor softer.
Daniel realized he’d never seen Carlos look at anyone like that.

There was a beat where Lando leaned against a crate, tired but smiling, and Carlos sat down beside him. They spoke quietly. Daniel couldn’t hear what they said, but the easy silence between them spoke volumes.
Daniel pulled his phone out and quickly pretended to text, all while sneaking glances at them. They weren’t just coworkers anymore, that much was clear.

Daniel’s thoughts raced. Could Carlos be... into guys? Had he never told anyone? Was Lando the first person he was close to like this?

And what about the girlfriend?

Daniel felt a flicker of excitement mixed with confusion. He loved a good office mystery. And this one was unfolding right in front of him.

The warehouse felt smaller suddenly, the ambient noise fading as Daniel’s focus zeroed in on the pair.

Carlos brushed a strand of hair back from Lando’s forehead, a gesture so tender Daniel felt like a voyeur witnessing something private and precious.
He tried to push the thought away, this wasn’t his business, but he was hooked.

Daniel stayed long after the installation was finished, watching as Carlos and Lando packed up their tools together.

He saw Lando bump into Carlos playfully, and Carlos responded with an affectionate smile and a quick poke.

Daniel grinned to himself. This was going to be fun.

Before leaving, Daniel texted Charles: “Warehouse scene: Carlos & Lando low-key couple material. Thoughts?”

His phone buzzed almost immediately with Charles’s reply: “Shut up, really? This is better than office drama.”

Daniel leaned back against the wall, satisfied.
The night had given him more than he expected: a story unfolding right under their noses.
Carlos and Lando, whatever this was, were the new secret, and Daniel intended to watch it closely.

Carlos came in late the next morning, armed with a coffee that looked like it had too many shots of espresso and a face that dared anyone to talk to him. He dropped into his chair with a dramatic sigh, ruffling his hair as he blinked against the harsh office lights.
Daniel watched all of this with the lazy amusement of a man who’d been waiting to pounce.

“Hey, Carlos,” Daniel called out, sliding onto the edge of his desk with a theatrical flop that made a few pens and a stapler jump. Carlos looked up, blinking, momentarily startled by the intrusion.

“What do you want, Daniel?” Carlos asked, already half-smiling despite himself.

Daniel wiggled his eyebrows. “Just here to collect some juicy details.”

Carlos raised an eyebrow. “Juicy details? Sounds serious.”

Daniel nodded solemnly, folding his arms. “Very serious. The warehouse. You and Lando. Way too cozy for just work buddies.”

Carlos' eyes flicked toward the window, avoiding Daniel’s gaze for a moment before meeting it with a dry laugh. “We’re just building stuff. Nothing more.”

“You know,” Daniel began, swiveling his chair toward Carlos with a grin that was one part smug and two parts mischief, “most people get that look after a bad breakup. You look like someone who realized he’s in love with his coworker and now has to share a fog machine with him for the next two weeks.”

Carlos didn’t look up. “Why are you like this?”

“It’s a gift.”

“I want a refund.”

Daniel kicked back, hands behind his head. “You say that, but I make your life so interesting.” Carlos finally looked at him, deadpan. “You make my life a waking nightmare.”

Daniel gasped, placing a hand over his heart. “How dare you. After all we’ve shared.”

“What we’ve shared is an office, not war trauma.”

“Feels like the same thing sometimes.” Carlos rubbed his temples. “Do you ever stop talking?”

“Nope. Especially not when I’ve got hot gossip.”

“You are the hot gossip.”

Daniel’s eyes twinkled. “Exactly. I live to serve.”

Carlos sighed. “Please, just say what you’re going to say so I can brace myself.”

Daniel leaned in. “So, this thing with you and Lando…”

Carlos' jaw clenched. “There is no thing.”

Daniel held up a hand. “Let me finish. This thing that is definitely happening, even if you’re too emotionally stunted to admit it…”

Carlos groaned.

Daniel continued, undeterred. “Look, I don’t care who you like. I do care that you keep pretending you’re not acting like a middle schooler with a crush.”

Carlos glared at him. “I am a professional.”

“Sure you are. And I’m the Queen of England. Long live me.” Carlos threw a stress ball at his face.
Daniel dodged it expertly. “You can’t distract me with soft projectiles. I’ve got years of experience in annoying people into confessions.”

Carlos stared at him, resigned. “Fine. We’ve… hung out. It’s not a thing.”

Daniel leaned forward, grinning like he’d won the lottery. “Oh, my sweet summer child. It is so a thing.”

Carlos grumbled something in Spanish that Daniel was pretty sure translated to “I hate you with the fire of a thousand suns.”

Daniel beamed. “I accept your love and admiration.”

“You’re the worst.”

“I’m your worst. That’s what matters.”

Carlos tried to refocus on his screen, but Daniel wasn’t done. “So, what does Lando say about all this?”

“Nothing. Because there’s nothing to say.”

“You haven’t even talked about it?”

“We’re working. We don’t have time for… talking.” Daniel blinked.

“You’ve been spending 12-hour days building haunted castles together, sharing hotel rooms, and flirting over fog machine maintenance. And you haven’t said anything?”

Carlos crossed his arms. “Why are you so invested?”

“Because it’s better than reality TV, and I don’t have to pay a subscription. I get to watch this drama unfold live, with bonus sarcastic commentary from you.” Carlos huffed, but his lips twitched like he was trying not to smile.

Daniel leaned closer. “Just admit it. You like him.”

Carlos hesitated.

Then, quietly “Yeah. I do.”

Daniel froze. Carlos didn’t meet his eyes.

“I didn’t mean to,” Carlos added. “It just… happened.” Daniel was uncharacteristically quiet for a moment.

Then, gently, “So what are you going to do about it?” Carlos shook his head.

“I don’t know. We’ve still got the castle gig. And after that, who knows? He might not even feel the same.”

Daniel smiled, softer now. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. You’re not imagining it.”

Carlos gave a half-laugh. “You really think so?”

“I know so. And if I’m wrong, I’ll publicly apologize by wearing a sandwich board that says ‘Carlos Was Right, I Was Wrong’ through the office.”

Carlos snorted. “Tempting.”

Daniel sat back. “Anyway, I’m just saying, don’t wait too long. You never know how many haunted castles you’ve got left.”

Carlos looked thoughtful.

“Also” Daniel added, “if you ever do kiss him, I demand to know immediately. Preferably with pictures.”

“You’re disgusting.”

“And proud of it.”

Carlos sighed, a reluctant smile breaking through. “Fine. If anything happens, you’ll be the first to know.”

Daniel whooped. “Yes! My meddling pays off!”

Carlos threw another stress ball at him. This time, it hit.

By the time Carlos arrived at the event location the following morning, the sun was already beating down on the corrugated metal roof, heating the whole space like a tin oven even in a late October day. Dust particles floated lazily in beams of sunlight slicing through the gaps in the windows. The industrial fans whirred at half their potential, humming a low, repetitive drone as if they too were too tired to care. It was the perfect contrast to the cold chill they were about to manufacture inside the haunted house setup.

Carlos tugged open the sliding door and found Lando already there, crouched near the stack of black velvet drapes, sorting through labeled bins.

"Hey," Carlos called out, his voice echoing in the wide space.

Lando looked up, curls bouncing slightly, face flushed from the heat and effort. "Morning!"

Carlos stepped inside, dropping his bag by the door and heading over. "Did you sleep here?"

"No, I just wanted to get a head start" Lando said, then smiled. "Also… couldn’t really sleep. Too much in my head."

Carlos raised an eyebrow, his fingers grazing a roll of fabric. "Good things or bad things?"

Lando shrugged, standing up and brushing his hands off. "Both, maybe? But mostly… just things."

Carlos nodded, as if he understood. Maybe he did. The air between them was strangely charged today, like the static buzz before a summer storm.

They got to work quickly. The plan for the haunted installation was elaborate. An immersive haunted “castle” built inside a massive black box structure, complete with corridors, eerie lighting, fog machines, and themed rooms. The centerpiece was a fake dining hall scene: a long table draped in cobwebbed velvet, old candlesticks with LED flickers, and in the center, the pièce de résistance… a person could climb under the table, pop their head through a hole in the center of a silver platter, and pretend to be the dinner.

It was delightfully gruesome. It was Daniel’s idea.

“I still can’t believe the client approved this” Carlos said, carefully drilling brackets to support a panel.

Lando, kneeling beside him to arrange the draping around the “dungeon hallway” grinned.

“They were weirdly enthusiastic. Said it was ‘inspired.’”

Carlos snorted. “Inspired madness maybe. But it’s going to look incredible.”

Lando looked over at him, his eyes catching the light. “Thanks. You’ve really helped make it come together.”

Carlos met his gaze and felt a flutter he wasn’t ready to examine.

They worked in tandem, their banter keeping the atmosphere light despite the physical demands. As they pieced together wooden partitions and hung fabric to simulate stone walls, their bodies moved in rhythm, handing off tools, lifting panels together, crouching in tandem to staple fabric or adjust fixtures. Carlos found himself watching Lando more than necessary, catching the soft curve of his lips when he smiled at a successful corner turn, the little furrow in his brow when something didn’t quite line up.

“I swear this fog machine has a personal vendetta against me” Lando said, trying to adjust the nozzle.

Carlos smirked. “Maybe you wronged it in a past life.”

“It’s entirely possible. I probably owe it an apology.”

“I think it wants snacks” Carlos said. “Or a blood sacrifice.”

“Do we have any expired Halloween candy in the cursed box?”

That cursed box, of course, was Daniel’s brainchild. Labeled “DO NOT OPEN – CURSED CONTENT” it contained the most bizarre collection of props: a motion-activated clown skeleton, rubber rats, and one extremely suspect jack-in-the-box.

They opened it anyway.

The clown skeleton shrieked every time they walked by.

Carlos nearly dropped a can of paint the third time it went off. “Daniel needs professional help.”

Lando giggled. “Oh come on, it’s kind of entertaining.”

“I’m putting it in his car.”

“Please do. But film it. I want to watch him scream.”

Later, Carlos stretched overhead to staple a gauzy curtain into the faux window frame, while Lando held the ladder, peering up at him.

“You’re good at this” Lando said.

“Being tall?”

“That too” Lando teased. “But building things. And making it look effortless.”

Carlos flushed and stapled a bit too forcefully. “Years of practice. I used to help my uncle with theater sets.”

Lando tilted his head. “I didn’t know that. That’s cool.”

Carlos climbed down, turning to find Lando closer than expected. Their eyes met, and the moment lingered, heavy with something unsaid.
They moved apart slowly, neither quite sure who stepped back first.

As the day wore on, their casual interactions shifted. A brush of fingers while passing tools. A soft nudge of shoulders when squeezing past each other. Each small touch burned in Carlos’ awareness longer than it should’ve.
They took a break with coffees, sitting on the location’s floor amid wires and fabric rolls.

“This is the weirdest workplace date I’ve ever been on” Lando said casually, biting into a muffin.

Carlos choked slightly on his drink. “Date?”

Lando’s eyes sparkled. “What else do you call building a haunted castle together, sharing snacks, and making awkward eye contact every ten minutes?”

Carlos shook his head, laughing. “You forgot the skeleton clown.”

“Ah, yes. The romantic ambiance.”

Carlos nudged his sneaker against Lando’s. It lingered.

They resumed working, but now, something buzzed between them. Like a secret waiting to be spoken aloud.

When they reached the final setup, the cursed dinner table, Carlos inspected the hole in the center. “All right, brave soul. You’re up.”

Lando saluted and slid under the table. His curls popped through the platter hole, expression mischievous. “Behold: Lando à la carte.”

Carlos burst out laughing. “You’re the most charming main course I’ve ever seen.”

He moved around, arranging fake grapes and a rubber turkey leg near Lando’s head. “This is so absurd. It’s perfect.”

“Can you tie that last drape?” Lando asked. “It’s bunched.”

Carlos crouched down to fix it and caught their reflection in the large mirror across the room, installed so visitors could see themselves sitting at the haunted table.
In the reflection, Carlos saw himself kneeling beside the table, gaze fixed on Lando’s head on the platter. Lando was smiling faintly, eyes on Carlos. Their mirrored versions looked intimate. Like they belonged to a private moment.

Carlos swallowed hard.

“You okay under there?” he asked.

“Sort of stuck. Can you give me a hand?”

Carlos ducked beneath the table, crawling into the cramped space beside Lando. The air was warm and smelled faintly of paint and wood. Their knees bumped.

He offered both hands. “Come on, I’ll pull you.”

Their palms pressed together, fingers locking instinctively. Carlos tugged gently, and Lando moved, but his knee caught the table leg, and he stumbled forward.

Carlos caught him.

Under the table, shadows dancing from the flicker of the fake candles, Lando landed against him, chests touching, faces inches apart.

They froze.

Carlos could feel Lando’s breath, warm and unsteady. His own heart pounded.
Lando’s fingers curled slightly into his shirt for balance. Their eyes locked. No laughter now, just tension. Awareness.

Lando’s gaze dropped to Carlos' mouth. Slowly. Deliberately. Then back up.

Carlos' breath hitched.

Lando leaned in the tiniest bit. Carlos met him halfway.

The kiss was hesitant, unsure, but sincere. A whisper of lips, soft and exploratory. Lando’s hand rose to Carlos’ jaw, anchoring himself. Carlos let go of Lando’s waist only long enough to draw him closer, steadying them both as the table creaked faintly above them.

In the mirror beyond the table, the flickering candlelight caught their shadows.

When they pulled apart, it wasn’t abrupt. Just a slow, reluctant end. Lando leaned his forehead against Carlos' for a moment, eyes still closed.

Carlos chuckled breathlessly. “Well… I guess I’m dessert?”

Lando let out a quiet laugh, soft and a little overwhelmed. “Definitely sweet enough.”

They emerged from under the table, flushed and blinking into the light.

The mirror reflected them both. Lando stared at their image, cheeks pink, lips a little parted.

“I look like I’ve been caught doing something I wasn’t supposed to” he murmured.

Carlos glanced at the mirror. “Were you?”

Lando didn’t answer. Just smiled, softer this time.

They finished the last touches of the haunted castle with more silence than words. But it was a full silence. Content. Charged.

When they finally declared it complete, the lights were dimmed to test the ambiance. Green uplighting casts eerie shadows. The corridor to the dining room glowed red. And in the center of the room, the table waited.

Carlos stood beside Lando, watching the room come to life. “We did good.”

“Yeah” Lando said. “We really did.”

Carlos glanced sideways at him. “Want to do another walkthrough? Check the audio?”

Lando nodded. “Only if you’re my escort through the haunted hallways.”

Carlos held out an arm dramatically. “Sir, it would be my honor.”

They laughed. But beneath it, something else stirred. Something certain.

This story, whatever it was, was only just beginning.

The night had arrived like a velvet curtain dropping over the city, cloaking it in October's cool embrace. The warehouse had transformed into a haunted marvel, complete with flickering torches, atmospheric fog, eerie sound effects, and a winding path through dimly lit corridors that led to the grand haunted castle centerpiece. People lined up outside, laughing nervously as the first screams from inside drifted through the walls.

Inside, the staff was abuzz with last-minute touch-ups and costume adjustments. Carlos, dressed in a velvet-lined long coat with brass buttons and a dramatic cloak, adjusted the collar of his outfit in the reflective glass panel just outside the fake crypt. His hair was perfectly tousled, dark eyes outlined subtly to give him that haunted, mysterious aura. Lando stood beside him, a matching aesthetic with a more mischievous flair, halfway between a ghostly court jester and a gothic prince, his curls haloed with a crown of twisted silver wire.

"You good?" Carlos asked, glancing sideways.

Lando grinned. "I look like a cursed fairy tale. So yeah. Totally good."

They bumped shoulders. It was nothing, barely a nudge, but it felt like everything. The kind of everything that had been happening more and more frequently over the past few hours.

Meanwhile, Daniel stood near the entrance of the haunted corridor in full Dracula regalia, fake blood on his chin, and a clipboard in hand. Charles, beside him in a perfectly tailored Phantom of the Opera outfit, was sipping from a blood-red cocktail glass with a straw.
Daniel peered around the corner, catching a glimpse of Carlos and Lando giving last-minute instructions to the actors stationed in the dungeon section. He narrowed his eyes.

"Okay, am I imagining it" Daniel said, "or are they acting like they’re married now?"

Charles followed his line of sight and tilted his head. "They’re definitely touching more. Like, soft-touching. Elbow nudging. Shoulder leaning. That kind of domestic nonsense."

"Right? And the way Carlos just fixed Lando's costume collar like he was adjusting a corsage on prom night?"

Charles took a long sip from his straw. "Oh yeah. We’re witnessing something. The vibes are practically Victorian."

Daniel scribbled something dramatic on his clipboard. "Note: Carlos and Lando are now the reigning power couple of this haunted house."

"A ghostly romance" Charles added. "Haunting and horny."

"Beautiful."

As the first groups filtered in, the haunted experience began in earnest. Guests shrieked, actors popped out from behind fake stone walls, lights flickered on perfect cue. Every piece of work Carlos and Lando had meticulously built came to life.

And everywhere they went, they moved like a unit.

Carlos would guide a team member, and Lando would swoop in to adjust something over his shoulder. Lando would crack a joke to calm a nervous actor, and Carlos would smirk, eyes trailing after him for a beat too long. They moved efficiently, but with an ease that spoke of deep familiarity.

Daniel watched them from a perch above the main corridor, arms folded. Charles leaned on the railing beside him.

Carlos and Lando were at the far end of the room, testing some audio cues. They stood shoulder to shoulder, heads bent together over a control panel, Carlos pointing at the console, Lando nodding and fiddling with a dial. It was ordinary. It should’ve been ordinary.

But it wasn’t.

“You seeing this?” Daniel whispered, eyes narrowing.

Charles nodded, slow and deliberate. “The Dream Team™ just got dreamier.”

Carlos leaned over Lando, muttering something with a grin. Lando laughed, bright and unguarded, and without thinking, reached out to tug the edge of Carlos' hoodie sleeve, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Daniel gasped, clutching Charles’s arm. “Did you see the sleeve tug?”

“I saw the sleeve tug” Charles hissed. “We are witnessing flirtation in the wild.”

“I thought Carlos had a girlfriend?”

“Apparently not. Also, Carlos is currently looking at Lando like he’s a dessert tray.”

“Yeah, like a I’ve-been-good-all-year kind of dessert tray.”

They watched as Carlos brushed lint off Lando’s shoulder. Not dramatically. Not in a showy way. Just a gentle, familiar movement. But the effect? Devastating.

“I think I’m getting cavities” Daniel said.

“From the sweetness?”

“No, from the smug energy Carlos is radiating. My god, he’s so soft it’s suspicious.”

Lando turned toward Carlos, said something that made Carlos laugh, head tilted back, hands on hips, and Daniel actually had to fan himself with a fake bat prop.

“This is unfair. Carlos used to be grumpy and efficient. Now he’s all… sunshine in a flannel.”

“Lando Effect” Charles said. “He’s powerful.”

As the guests kept arriving, the castle truly came to life. Costumed coworkers slipped into character, and the whole team moved in synchrony. But none more so than Carlos and Lando.

They didn’t even seem to realize it.

Carlos would be checking lighting while Lando adjusted props, and somehow their paths always brought them closer, without trying. At one point, Carlos steadied a swinging lantern just as Lando reached for it. Their fingers brushed. Neither flinched.

“I’m going to lose my min” Daniel whispered, watching from behind a fake suit of armor. “That was a hand linger. There was lingering.”

Charles took notes on his phone. “Documenting all suspicious soft touches.”

They both watched as Carlos reached out instinctively to steady Lando, who was climbing on a small stool to adjust the velvet canopy above the banquet table. His hand lingered at Lando’s waist a second too long.

Daniel let out a low whistle. "He’s gone."

Charles nodded solemnly. "Rest in peace, our straight coworker."

The crowd that night flowed through the installation in waves, and every time the guests made it to the centerpiece dining room, they paused in awe. The blood-red lighting, the ominous mirror across the table reflecting flickers of movement, the chillingly still actor pretending to be the head on a platter, all of it landed perfectly.

Later, during a brief lull, they sat against the back wall of the warehouse, sipping water and sharing candy stolen from one of the trick-or-treat baskets.

Carlos glanced at Lando, his tone light but eyes intent. "You good?"

Lando nodded, sucking on a lollipop. "Yeah. Surprisingly. You?"

"Better than I expected."

Lando smiled. "Even with the possessed clown in the corridor?"

Carlos groaned. "I hate that thing."

"I love that you hate it."

As Lando leaned over to adjust the candlelight from the centerpiece, Carlos bent beside him to secure a hidden speaker. Their shoulders touched. Their hands moved like they knew the same choreography.
And for a moment, just a moment, Lando looked up into the mirror.
He saw Carlos' reflection. Saw how close they were. Saw his own soft expression.
And flushed.

“DID YOU SEE THAT?” Daniel hissed to Charles, nearly toppling a candelabra.

“I saw it. Mirror gaze. Mirror gaze, Daniel.”

“God, they’re gonna kiss again, I know it.”

“They kissed?”

“I have sources.”

“Your immagination is the source.”

“Exactly.”

Meanwhile, the haunted castle ran smoothly. Guests screamed in delight, marveled at the twisted hallway illusions, and took hundreds of photos with the head-on-a-platter table.

Carlos stayed mostly behind the scenes, ensuring fog machines didn't glitch and sound cues hit perfectly. Lando, ever the showman, occasionally acted as a spooky host, delighting kids with his terrible Dracula accent.

But every time they crossed paths?

More lingering glances.

More quiet smiles.

Once, Lando walked past Carlos holding a fake raven prop. Carlos stopped him with a hand on his elbow.

“What is that?” he asked.

Lando grinned. “Our official mascot. I named him Claude.”

Carlos tilted his head. “Claude the Raven?”

“Claude Featherstein, to be precise.”

Carlos laughed, warm and low. “You’re ridiculous.”

“You like it.”

Carlos didn’t deny it.

Daniel turned to Charles, aghast. “They have inside jokes now."

“Yeah. The emotional intimacy is… a lot.”

“They’re gonna have matching tattoos by next week. I can feel it.”

By the time one of the biggest group filed through the exit, the warehouse buzzed with praise. Everyone was exhausted but glowing. The setup had been a hit, and no one had been accidentally hit by the skeleton clown. A true victory.

Carlos and Lando stood near the entrance again, watching the guests leave. Lando’s hair was a little messy from the wind machine. Carlos reached out without thinking and tucked a curl behind Lando’s ear.

Daniel screamed into the void.

Charles offered him a juice box.

“Do you think they even realize how obvious they are?” Charles asked.

“No. They live in a bubble of haunted castles and soft touches. I’ve never been so happy and frustrated at the same time.”

Carlos and Lando finally turned away from the entrance, heading to the back to begin cleanup. As they passed, Lando’s fingers brushed Carlos’ again, brief, barely a touch.

But Carlos' smile said everything.

Daniel appeared, flopping down beside them dramatically. "You guys are sickening. I love it. Please tell me you kissed already so I can die in peace."

Carlos choked on his water. Lando turned scarlet.

"Just say yes" Charles said, arriving with two cups of cider. "For our health."

Carlos tried to deflect. "Aren’t you supposed to be working the dungeon scene?"

Daniel grinned. "It’s on autopilot. The ghost bride is killing it tonight."

Lando laughed, flustered but pleased. Carlos met his gaze, something warm and private passing between them.

Daniel watched it happen and sighed. "God, they’re in love."

Charles nodded. "It’s disgusting. I want more."

As midnight approached, the energy shifted. The crowds thinned, but the haunted house felt more alive than ever. In the low light, with only the hum of fog machines and the occasional shriek from a delayed actor, everything slowed.

Carlos and Lando stood together by the entrance of the banquet room, watching the last group wander through. Carlos leaned in slightly.

"We did it."

Lando nodded. "We really did."

The table glowed red in the mirror’s reflection. Their silhouettes stood side by side, close enough to touch.

"Thanks for being my haunted castle partner" Lando said softly.

Carlos turned to him, voice just as low. "Anytime."

In the shadows, away from the final footsteps and fading screams, they stood quietly. The weight of everything that had passed, and everything just beginning, settled in the space between them.

Daniel and Charles, watching from the wings like theater critics at the premiere of a long-awaited play, raised imaginary glasses.

“They are so doomed,” Daniel whispered. “They’re going to fall in love and be insufferable.”

“Can’t wait.”

“Let’s start planning the fake wedding.”

“I already made a Pinterest board.”

The office was still waking up.

Outside, a pale Monday sun struggled through thick clouds, casting a lazy light over the city’s streets. Inside, the hum of computers booting up mixed with the occasional clatter of chairs and murmurs from early risers claiming their desks. But at the center of it all, in the kitchenette near the coffee machine, sat two self-appointed experts on all things “Carlos and Lando”, Daniel and Charles.

Daniel, his hoodie half zipped, leaned against the counter, swirling a nearly empty cup of black coffee. Charles perched on a stool, phone in hand, scrolling like it was the most important job in the world.

“So, let me get this straight” Daniel said, voice low but conspiratorial. “They spent the whole weekend together.”

Charles didn’t look up but smirked. “What else do you call it when they both disappeared Friday night and reappear Monday with that sort of glow? I mean, Carlos actually smiled. Voluntarily.”

Daniel grinned. “It was suspicious enough when they were just coworkers during the event. But now? There’s something different.”

Charles looked up now, eyes sharp. “You think they finally...?”

“Hooked up? Dated? Co-habitated a haunted castle of love?”

Charles laughed, shaking his head. “Oh god, they’re so subtle. But I swear, if looks could kill, Carlos would be a murder weapon.”

Daniel chuckled. “Seriously, you saw that sleeve tug on Friday? Like a live rom-com.”

“And the way Lando kept brushing his hand against Carlos’ arm? It was like they were sending secret messages in Morse code.”

“They were” Daniel insisted. “I’ve been decoding all weekend.”

Charles raised an eyebrow. “You and your spy skills.”

They shared a look, half amused, half gleeful.

“Honestly” Daniel said, “I’m impressed. I mean, the Halloween event was a massive hit, but all I could focus on was those two and their little... dance.”

Charles nodded. “Yeah, and did you notice how Carlos was way less grumpy? More… sunshine in a flannel. Which is suspicious in itself.”

Daniel sipped his coffee. “The Lando effect. It’s powerful.”

“Too powerful.”

Daniel leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. “I wonder if they actually slept over. Like, for real.”

Charles’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I bet on yes. And that’s why Carlos has been practically glowing. Not just from the caffeine.”

Daniel nodded slowly. “Wait until they get here. We need to get more intel.”

The faint sound of the front door opening was a signal.

Daniel straightened his posture. Charles pocketed his phone.

The game was about to begin.

Carlos and Lando stepped into the office, the soft murmur of early morning conversations rising around them. Daniel and Charles were already stationed at the coffee machine, leaning casually, exchanging knowing looks that practically screamed gossip incoming.

Daniel grinned as Carlos and Lando approached. “Well, well, the Dream Team returns.”

Charles smirked. “Look at you two. Radiating weekend vibes. Spill the tea.”

Carlos raised an eyebrow, reaching for his mug. “What, you want a full weekend report? I’m not sure we’re allowed to disclose classified information.”

Lando laughed, grabbing a coffee pod and sliding it into the machine. “Especially with all that mysterious rom-com montage stuff you’ve been speculating about.”

Daniel chuckled. “Come on, you can’t blame us. After Friday’s super professional haunted castle event, we all need to know: what happened between Carlos and Lando outside of work?”

Carlos took a slow sip of coffee, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Maybe we discovered new haunted corridors.”

Lando nodded in mock seriousness. “Yeah, like an escape room with zero exits.”

Charles snorted. “Right. Because your weekend obviously involved very little productivity and a lot of soft touches.”

Carlos shot Lando a quick look, and Lando grinned back with a shrug. “What can we say? Chemistry happens.”

Daniel leaned closer, voice dropping. “We saw some of it. Not everything, but enough to fill a dozen spreadsheets.”

Charles grinned. “Specifically, the part where Carlos kept looking at Lando like he was a dessert tray. And the ‘sleeve tug’ incident?”

Carlos rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “You two really notice everything.”

Lando laughed quietly. “It’s kind of impressive.”

Daniel held up a finger like he was making a formal point. “That’s our job. The official Office Couple Watch Committee.”

Charles added, “And we’re very thorough.”

Carlos exchanged a glance with Lando, a silent conversation passing between them, playful, soft, charged with warmth.

Lando’s voice dropped, leaning in just a bit. “We might have been a bit... lovey-dovey.”

Daniel feigned shock. “A bit? Try obvious.”

Charles smirked. “It’s cute though. We approve.”

Carlos and Lando just smiled, neither denying nor confirming.

Later, the office hummed with work, but Carlos and Lando moved through the day in a bubble of quiet connection.

At their desks, they sat side by side, screens glowing, fingers occasionally brushing as they reached for the same document or handed over a pen.
Lando glanced over, catching Carlos looking at him with a soft smile that made his heart skip.

Carlos cleared his throat, trying to look busy. “You’re distracting.”

Lando teased, “Am I? Good.”

During a brief lull, Lando walked over to Carlos' desk, pretending to “accidentally” bump into him.

Carlos barely missed a beat, his hand lingering a moment on Lando’s arm as he steadied him.

Their eyes met, no words, just the quiet pulse of something growing stronger.

In the break room, they laughed over shared snacks, their shoulders brushing repeatedly like gravity pulled them closer.

Charles, passing by with a raised eyebrow, muttered to Daniel, “They’re killing me with all this subtlety.”

Daniel nodded. “It’s like watching slow motion love unfold.”

At one point, Carlos handed Lando a sticky note with a joke written on it, something dumb about ghosts and coffee, and Lando laughed, eyes sparkling.

“Keep those coming,” he said softly.

Carlos grinned, “Only if you promise not to steal all the good ones.”

As the day wore on, they moved in tandem, a quiet rhythm perfectly synced: a touch here, a glance there, a shared smile that said more than words ever could.

It was mid-afternoon when Charles, passing near Lando’s desk, caught sight of something that immediately piqued his curiosity.

“Lando” Charles called out, feigning casualness but already grinning, “what’s that?”

Lando looked up, a flicker of embarrassment flashing across his face as he tugged lightly at the collar of his shirt.

Charles leaned in, voice dropping conspiratorially, “You can’t hide it forever, you know. That bright red mark on your neck... or collarbone? Is that…”

Daniel suddenly appeared, peering over Charles’s shoulder with wide, gleeful eyes. “Ohhhhhh. That’s definitely a bite mark.”

Lando shot both of them a mock glare, but the smile tugging at his lips betrayed him.

Carlos, who had been nearby assembling some files, looked up at the exchange and gave a small, knowing smirk.

Daniel, clearly reveling in the moment, began to wave an imaginary flag. “I’m declaring this official now: proof positive that the Dream Team™ spent some quality weekend time together.”

Charles nodded, fingers steepled like a courtroom judge. “The mark looks fresh. Did it hurt? Was it playful? Gentle? Is Carlos a good lover?”

Lando laughed softly, shaking his head. “I’m not giving you the full crime report, detectives.”

Carlos stepped closer, voice low and teasing, “It was an act of passion. But don’t worry, it was consensual and really appreciated.”

Daniel gave Carlos a pointed look. “So, you were the culprit?”

Carlos shrugged, cheeks coloring faintly. “Guilty as charged. But it’s not like I left a ransom note.”

Charles quirked an eyebrow. “You left a love note. That’s way better.”

Lando, still tugging at his collar, sighed with exaggerated exasperation. “You two are relentless.”

Daniel chuckled. “We take our office couple monitoring very seriously.”

Charles nodded. “It’s our civic duty.”

Daniel grinned, eyes sparkling. “Besides, seeing you two all cute and lovey-dovey? It’s the best part of Mondays.”

Carlos raised his coffee mug. “Cheers to that. And to surviving all your relentless interrogations.”

Lando smiled warmly at Carlos before turning back to Charles and Daniel. “Guess we can’t hide our weekend escapades anymore.”

Charles grinned. “Oh no, this is just the beginning. You two are officially under surveillance now.”

Daniel added with mock solemnity, “Prepare yourselves for endless teasing, banter, and the occasional strategically timed love advice.”

Lando laughed softly. “We wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Carlos nodded. “Yeah, we’re taken, and very happy about it. So, Daniel, Charles... be nice. Or else.”

Daniel put up his hands in mock surrender. “Deal. But we make no promises.”

Carlos and Lando exchanged a glance, their smiles full of quiet happiness.
Lando reached over, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Carlos’ ear, just as Carlos’ hand found Lando’s resting casually on the desk.

Daniel sighed dreamily. “This is officially the best office drama ever.”

Charles winked. “Seriously, I might need popcorn for this.”

Carlos chuckled. “You’re both insufferable.”

Lando grinned. “But we love you for it.”

Daniel smirked. “Love you back... especially if you keep making Mondays this entertaining.”

Carlos looked at Lando, then back at Daniel and Charles, mock serious: “Don’t get used to it. Lando’s off the market.”

Lando gave a playful nudge to Carlos. “Taken and off-limits, fellas.”

Charles laughed. “We’ll try to behave... but no promises.”

Daniel grinned wide. “Until next weekend’s mystery unfolds.”

Lando and Carlos shared a private smile, fingers still entwined subtly on the desk.

Carlos said softly, “Whatever happens, it’s good to know we have our own little haunted castle right here.”

Lando’s eyes sparkled. “And a whole team ready to be our delightfully annoying ghostbusters.”

They all laughed, the moment light, warm, and full of promise.