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It's weird having a break from racing. Ollie had gotten so used to the rhythm of the season and being constantly busy. It feels odd to suddenly have free time. Except… Now he's bored. So bored. And he misses Esteban. Normally they talk every single day but Ollie isn't sure if Esteban wants that now they are supposed to be on holiday. Esteban is surely hanging out with his friends and family and having a great time.
Then, though, a message from Esteban pops up. Ollie opens it immediately. He's not gonna pretend he's not totally attached to his phone and desperate for any sign of life from Esteban. Other people can be chill, maybe. Ollie is not chill. It's fine.
Anyway. Esteban’s message.
Iris says hi
A photo of Esteban's cat is attached. She is resting on Esteban's chest. His very shirtless chest. Ollie has to take a deep breath before he can respond. His cheeks are bright red so he's glad no one is around, watching him, right now.
She's so cute! Please send me more pictures, I'm so bored.
Esteban facetimes him instead. Ollie, of course, picks up immediately.
“Hi,” Esteban says enthusiastically, angling his phone so Ollie gets a perfect look at his chest and his cat and just a hint of Esteban's bright smile.
“Hi,” Ollie responds excitedly, “She really is very cute. And I've missed you. Is summer break always this boring or am I doing it wrong?”
“It's not always meant to be boring,” Esteban says, “But… But I have missed you too. It's odd, isn't it? Not being together almost every day?”
Esteban gently strokes Iris’s back and the cat starts to purr. It's a very soothing sound. Ollie is as endeared by her as he is by Esteban.
“You have Iris for company at least,” Ollie says.
Esteban concedes that that is true. But then continues, “I miss your company specifically, though.”
Iris meows, almost indignantly.
“I don't think she agrees,” Ollie murmurs. He bites his lip. “But I miss your company specifically too.”
Esteban's smile grows even wider. “Can we meet up, then?” he suggests.
Ollie nods eagerly. “Yes. Yes. We should do that.”
“You are cute when you are excited,” Esteban says softly.
“You are too,” Ollie says, his blush deepening. “Would it be completely ridiculous if I just flew to wherever you are tomorrow?”
“If you can get a flight, then yes please come,” Esteban says.
“I beat Max in a card game so he owes me a favor. I think he'll let me borrow the jet. Especially if I say it's important for my love life,” Ollie says.
“Am I your love life?” Esteban asks with a grin.
“If you want to be, then yes, absolutely,” Ollie says confidently.
“I want that,” Esteban says decisively. “I want that very much, Ollie.”
Iris meows. She seems to agree with them.
“I'm gonna hug you so much and kiss you so much when I arrive,” Ollie says.
Esteban just grins. Iris meows again. “I think Iris will want a few cuddles, too,” Esteban says.
“She'll get them, obviously. For keeping you company while you wait for me,” Ollie smiles.
As expected, Max is very happy to lend him the jet when Ollie explains it's because he has to go and kiss Esteban. He says some things about being safe on a first date and Ollie laughs and promises to text Max about it. Max really is such a mama duck! Ollie is going to tell Esteban all about it.
Esteban is waiting for him at the airport when he arrives and immediately wraps his arms around Ollie. Ollie buries his face in Esteban's neck and inhales his cologne. He finally feels whole again, here in Esteban's arms. Finally not so lost and bored.
They pull apart and stare into each other's eyes. Then Esteban kisses Ollie deeply. They are both blushing afterwards.
“Now take me to your fur baby,” Ollie says, taking Esteban’s hand.
Esteban smiles, “As you wish, babe.”
Maybe summer break isn't so bad after all, Ollie thinks. Not with Esteban around.