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Normally, after a race weekend, Fernando would be asleep within seconds of getting back to his hotel room.
He hated to admit it, but his age was catching up to him. Gone were the days where he would head to the club within hours of the checkered flag. Now, all he wanted to do after a race was to collapse into a hotel bed and sleep the rest of the day away.
But this race weekend was different. Mark was with him this weekend.
You would think Fernando would be able to see his fiancé more, considering the older man had stopped racing nearly a decade earlier. But Mark was still working, even after leaving Formula 1. If he wasn’t at a publicity event, he was most likely doing some managerial work on behalf of his son, Oscar.
Though, most people did not know that tidbit. The paddock knew that Mark was the McLaren Driver’s manager, but not the fact that they were biologically related. Only a select few knew the truth, and Fernando happily counted himself among that group.
Still, it was rare that Mark and Fernando’s schedules lined up enough to allow them to spend time together. Even if Mark attended his races, usually Fernando was so busy, he could only make time for a simple dinner date with him.
But, that night was different. Not only was Mark in Singapore, but Fernando did not have another race planned until the following month. Since Mark was also free, this meant that the duo could finally have a proper evening together.
And neither of them wanted to waste a moment more.
It was rather late when the duo managed to make it back to the hotel room. The race had not finished until 11 pm after all. After media interviews and post-race discussions with the Aston Martin team, the couple did not arrive back to the hotel until close to 1 am.
But that was fine with them. It wasn’t like they intended to sleep any time soon.
The second they were back in their room, Fernando had his lips pressed against Mark’s. Mark did not protest though. Instead, he only laughs as he rests his hands on Fernando’s waist.
“Impatient much?” Mark teases.
Fernando rolls his eyes. “Stop talking.”
Fernando pushes his fiancé unceremoniously onto the hotel bed. Mark falls back onto the bed, but quickly pushes himself up, so he could tug at Fernando’s shirt.
Fernando leans down with a grin.
This was what he waited so long for. It had been torture for Fernando to see Mark around the paddock. Since Mark was there for work, Fernando was forced to act in a more professional manner around his fiancé. Meaning professional discussions, limited flirting, and certainly no kissing.
Now though, he could do whatever he wanted. After all, they were all alone-
And then, Fernando hears it.
A knock at the door.
Both men froze in place at the sound.
Fernando hopes it was just a fluke. Perhaps someone had gotten the rooms mixed up and knocked on his door by accident.
Then, to his dismay, his mysterious guest knocks on the door again.
Fernando gives Mark an apologetic look.
“I should go see who that is. It might be someone from the team.”
Mark makes a face, but nods. “Fine. See if you can get rid of them quickly.”
Fernando winks at him. “Give me five minutes.”
Fernando reluctantly pushes himself off his lover. He then hurriedly glances in the mirror and brushes his hair back, in an attempt to look more put together.
On the outside, Fernando had a calm demeanor, but inside he was more than a little annoyed. It was nearly 1 am in the morning, who on earth would be bothering him at this time of night?! All he wanted to do was get rid of his unwanted guest as soon as possible so he could get back to Mark.
So, Fernando quickly makes his way to the door and pulls it open.
“Can I help- Oscar?”
To his surprise, the person waiting for him outside the door was none other than Mark’s son, Oscar.
The young driver offers him a weak smile. Oscar was clearly exhausted, judging by the way he was leaning against the wall.
“I’m sorry.” Oscar apologizes, “I know it’s late.”
Fernando quickly shakes his head. His earlier annoyance had disappeared the second he realized who the mysterious caller was.
But now, Fernando was confused and more than a little concerned.
It was clear to him that there was something wrong with Oscar. The younger driver was fiddling around with some bead bracelet around his wrist, a gift from a fan no doubt. And while Oscar was smiling, it did not quite seem to meet his eyes.
“It’s fine Oscar. What brings you here?” Fernando questions.
Oscar swallows a bit. Suddenly, he can not meet Fernando’s eyes.
“…. I don’t want to be alone right now. Can I stay with you in your room tonight?” Oscar requests.
If it was anyone else, Fernando would have laughed before slamming the door in their face.
But this was Oscar. He could never turn him away, even if it meant his plans for the night would be ruined.
Besides, Fernando’s stomach churns as he looks upon the almost despondent look on Oscar’s face.
Oscar had never really been an expressive person. Even when he was a child, it was like pulling teeth for Mark, Oscar’s mother, and Fernando to get him to show any emotions. Usually Oscar would just shrug off his emotions, or downplay them.
Moments of vulnerability like this were rare for him. Fernando knew that if Oscar approached him, it meant that Oscar truly needed someone at that moment.
So, he nods.
“Sure, come in!”
Fernando raises his voice as he speaks. He hopes Mark can hear him, so he was not completely caught off guard when Oscar came in.
Oscar sighs in relief. “Thanks.”
Fernando moves aside to let him in. Oscar quickly steps inside and starts to take off his shoes. As he does that, Fernando locks the door and walks back to Mark.
When Fernando sees Mark, he quickly notices the annoyed expression on Mark’s face. If looks could kill, Fernando knew he would be six feet underground now.
“So. Who was at the door?” Mark demands.
Fernando sighs. “Well…”
Thankfully, Oscar chooses then to poke his head into the room. He smiles awkwardly as he waves at his father.
“Hi Dad.”
It was almost comical how quickly Mark’s attitude shifts. Within seconds, the older man was on his feet and across the room, a large smile on his face.
“Oscar!” He greets his son warmly and pulls him into an embrace.
To Fernando’s surprise, the young man didn’t fight his father’s affection for once. Usually, Oscar would laugh off his father’s clingy nature and push him away after a few seconds.
Instead, Oscar relaxes into the hug. He drops his head onto his father’s shoulder and closes his eyes, accepting the gesture.
Mark looks between his son and Fernando in surprise.
Fernando mouths, “ He’s upset. ”
Mark’s face immediately fills with worry and he pulls his son closer.
“Is everything alright? Why aren’t you in your room?” Mark questions worriedly.
“I don’t wanna be alone…” Oscar mumbles tiredly, “Fernando said I could stay with you guys.”
“Of course you can!” Mark assures him.
“Thank you…” Oscar mutters, still not moving away from his father.
Fernando and Mark exchange concerned looks. Then, Fernando pats Oscar’s shoulder.
“I’m going to go shower. I’ll let you settle in Oscar.”
Fernando hoped that stepping out the room would allow the father-son duo a few minutes to discuss the situation. He knew that Oscar preferred talking to Mark about more touchy subjects, rather than Fernando.
That was fine with him though. Fernando wasn’t as good as Mark when it came to comforting people. He was more than happy to let Mark handle that.
So, Fernando tries to spend as much time as he can in the shower. If he was lucky, Mark and Oscar would be finished talking by the time he finished.
Unfortunately, this was not the case.
When Fernando comes back into the room, Oscar was still clearly tense. The only difference now was that Oscar and Mark were now sitting on the bed, though Oscar still was leaning against Mark’s shoulder.
Mark shoots Fernando a small smile when he notices him.
“Ah, there you are.” Mark said, “I had an idea.”
“Oh?” Fernando raises an eyebrow as he takes a seat on a chair beside the bed.
Oscar moves away from his father, choosing instead to stretch his arms out, though he is careful not to hit Mark or Fernando.
“He wants us to watch a movie.” Oscar informs Fernando.
Fernando raises an eyebrow. “A movie?”
Mark nods. “Yes. I was thinking about watching that old Pixar movie… Cars?”
Fernando stifles a snort. It was amusing hearing Mark pretend like he had barely heard of the movie, considering Oscar had been addicted to it as a child.
Still, the movie choice was slightly concerning. If Mark was worried enough to bring out the big guns, then the situation must be bad.
So, Fernando nods. “Good choice.”
Mark smiles. “Great!”
He then glances at Oscar. “Did you bring a spare set of clothes with you?”
Oscar shakes his head. “I headed straight here from the car.”
Mark lets out a sigh at that.
“Fine. I think I have some spare clothes that you can borrow. Go take a shower and I will try and find something for you to wear.”
Oscar gives him a grateful look. “Thanks.”
With that, Oscar quickly ducks into the bathroom and starts the shower.
Fernando could not help but chuckle a bit at his antics.
“I think he is trying to avoid a lecture.” he teases Mark.
Mark rolls his eyes as he stands up and walks over to his suitcase.
“I can lecture him later. What concerns me now is his behavior. I don’t know why he is acting like this.”
Fernando drums his fingers on the armrest of his chair. “He didn’t tell you anything?”
“Nothing.” Mark shakes his head as he kneels down to open the suitcase.
Fernando sighs. “Well, that shower was a waste of time then.”
Mark glances at him, “Well, I wouldn’t say that now.”
Fernando gasps indignantly.
“And just what are you insinuating?!” he demands
Mark hums as he rummages through his clothes.
“Nothing dear.”
Fernando huffs and crosses his arms over his chest. “You are lucky that Oscar is here.”
Mark examines one of his shirts. “Of course dear.”
Fernando grumbles at this .
First his date night was crashed and now his future husband was making fun of his hygiene. What a wonderful night this was turning out to be.
“Well, off that. What do you think we should do about Oscar?” Fernando said, trying to steer the conversation back to the original topic.
Mark ponders this as he pulls out more clothes from his suitcase.
“I think we should wait for him to open up to us. Forcing him to talk to us will only make him withdraw from us.”
Fernando sighs. “Fine. But did you have to suggest that we watch Cars?”
“Of course I did. We are trying to cheer up Oscar after all. And that movie always cheers him up.” Mark chides him
“When he was 8.” Fernando points out to him.
Mark waves a hand. “And it will work now. Trust me.”
Thirty minutes later, Fernando found out that somehow, Mark was right.
Oscar was wide awake as the children’s movie blares on the tv screen before them. He was lying next to Mark on the bed, watching with a smile as the animated cars drove around the circuit.
Mark, curse him, was already asleep, if his soft snoring was anything to go off of. This left Fernando alone with Oscar and Cars.
Fernando didn’t quite understand why Oscar was so intrigued by the movie. Oscar was not a bright eyed child anymore. He was a Formula 1 driver now, with two wins under his belt.
Yet, there was no denying the smile on Oscar’s face as he watched the movie. And despite his own grumbling, Fernando could not help but relax a bit.
At least the movie was doing a good job at cheering up Oscar.
Fernando let himself lean back against the back of his chair. Now that the initial dust had settled, he could not help but wonder about what had brought on Oscar’s odd behavior.
Oscar had done quite well in Singapore, earning a respectable podium finish alongside his teammate Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. It was far from his worst finish, or even weekend for that matter.
Fernando still shuddered at the memory of the hours following the Hungarian GP.
Well, whatever it was, maybe Oscar would tell them in the morning. After all, it was rather late and they had all been at the paddock for the entire day. He doubted Oscar would be up to discussing whatever was bothering him now.
So, Fernando let himself close his eyes, the sound of the movie slowly lulling him to sleep.
Then, suddenly, he felt someone tug at his shirt.
“Fernando…?”
Fernando opens his eyes in surprise. It takes him a moment to realize that Oscar was looking at him with a rather worried expression on his face.
“Oscar..?” Fernando mumbles quietly
Oscar smiles apologetically, “Sorry, did I wake you?”
Fernando shakes his head. “Of course not.” He lies.
He glances at the TV screen. Judging by their place in the movie, he hadn’t been out that long.
Fernando looks back at Oscar, “What’s the matter? Do you want to head back to your room?”
Oscar shakes his head. “No, I had a question for you.”
“What’s the question?” Fernando yawns as he tries to keep himself awake.
Perhaps if he was a bit more awake, he would have seen the warning signs of the conversation to come. Alas, he was still half-asleep at the moment.
Oscar bites his lip.
“Did you ever look down on Dad because he has never won the WDC title?”
Suddenly, Fernando was wide awake.
Oh great. Oscar had decided that now was the time to have a serious discussion.
Fernando shifts in his seat awkwardly and risks a glance at Mark. To his relief, the older man was still asleep.
Good. Fernando hoped he would stay that way throughout the rest of the conversation.
Fernando then turns back to Oscar.
“Not really.” Fernando shrugs, “It is an honor to win the title, but many great drivers do not manage to get the title before they retire. Your father is one of them.”
Fernando hopes that the question would appease Oscar’s late night curiosity. However, judging by Oscar’s expression, that was not the case.
“But you have won it twice!” Oscar reminds him.
“And your father would have won a title if the cards were right.” Fernando points out to him.
“Still, was there any point where you thought he was not good enough for you?” Oscar persists.
Fernando frowns. He had a nagging feeling that this wasn’t just a late night confrontation from a concerned son.
Oscar had never doubted Fernando and Mark's relationship before. As a child, it had initially confused him why his parents weren’t together, but Mark and Oscar’s Mother had gently explained the situation to him. And never before had he ever asked Fernando questions like these.
So that led Fernando to another suspicion.
Lando Norris.
Lando was Oscar’s current teammate, as well as his first boyfriend. He was also in the middle of his first bid for the WDC title.
Now, Fernando did not have anything against Norris. He seemed like a respectable enough person and he trusted him to be a decent boyfriend to Oscar.
But even he had noticed a shift in Lando’s behavior as the year had gone on. He seemed to be more emotional than before, though Fernando had attributed it to the stress of the media pressing this new title battle down the young man’s throat.
Perhaps something had happened between Oscar and Lando during the aftermath of the race. They had spent a good deal of time together afterwards, since they both had to attend the post race press conference.
So, instead of answering Oscar’s question, Fernando decided to tackle his theory head-on.
“Are you fighting with Lando?” Fernando asks.
Oscar freezes at that. He opens his mouth to respond, then almost immediately closes it, seemingly stunned. A long moment of silence passes, but Oscar eventually nods.
“…. We argued in the car back to the hotel.” Oscar admits quietly.
Fernando raises an eyebrow. “What was the argument about?”
Oscar shrugs. “He wanted to go out after the race but I was too tired to go after all the post-race stuff. We argued and he called me ‘boring’ before sulking and staring out the window for the rest of the ride.”
Okay, well it was not the best scenario, but it could be worse.
“Well, I’m sure you two can talk it out in the morning.” Fernando assures him, “But how does this tie into your questions about me and your Dad?”
Oscar was quiet for a moment. Finally, he sighs.
“… I’m worried Lando is going to break up with me soon. Because he might start thinking I am not good enough to be with him.” Oscar mumbles.
Fernando silently thanked whatever higher being was above for the fact that Mark was asleep right now. He knew that otherwise, he would be in for an hour-long rant about how Lando didn’t deserve Oscar.
Still, Fernando himself wasn’t too happy with Oscar’s thought process either. Besides, it seemed a bit…extreme considering the situation described.
“I don’t think he thinks that at all. And if he did, then you deserve a better boyfriend.” Fernando said.
“I don’t want another boyfriend. I want Lando.”
To his surprise, he can see tears start forming in Oscar’s eyes as he speaks. The young driver then begins to rant, his words nearly slurring together.
“I want to be there on the podium with him, not just third but next to him, at least a 1-2. I want my team to get their strategy together so we can actually enjoy each other's victories. I don’t want Lando to look at me and wish that someone else was there!“
Fernando frowns. “Oscar. You have had a long day-“
Oscar’s hands balled up into fists.
“But it’s not just today!” Oscar snaps, “ It’s been haunting me every night, almost all season! Lando is out there winning races and fighting for the championship and I can barely match up to him. I was 40 seconds off from him today!! 40! It’s humiliating!! I-“
“ Oscar. ” Fernando interrupts the rant gently, but firmly.
Oscar falls silent, though he did take a shaky breath.
“Sorry… I didn’t mean to say all of that.” He said sheepishly.
Fernando shakes his head. “It’s fine Oscar. It’s very late, you are probably more exhausted than you realize.”
Fernando looks over at Mark to see if the rant had woken him up. For a brief moment, he could have sworn he saw Mark’s hand twitch toward Oscar. But the moment is gone before he can confirm it.
For the most part, Mark seemingly slept through his son’s outburst. He turns over in his sleep though, turning his back on the duo.
However, Fernando could not help but feel quite unsettled by Oscar’s words.
Oscar had never really expressed real doubt in himself or his abilities before. He usually tried to focus on improving himself, rather than dwelling on his shortcomings.
It was honestly a little hard for Fernando to listen to.
“You know, you are being a little hard on yourself.” Fernando said
Oscar sighs. “Are you just saying that because you have to?”
Fernando snorts, “How long have you known me for Oscar? You know I wouldn’t say something like that without reason. Your mother and father are the ones who butter you up, I don’t.”
“You are still a parental figure to me.” Oscar shoots back.
Fernando waves off his comment. “Yes, but I am the realistic one. And that means I have an objective enough opinion for you to turn to, since you brought this up to me and neither of them.”
He barely fights back a grin as Oscar sends him a glare.
Checkmate.
“So,” Fernando says, “Do you want my actual opinion or are you just going to watch the rest of the movie while sulking?”
Oscar groans, “I should have stayed in my room.”
“But you didn’t.“ Fernando cheerfully reminds him.
Oscar makes a face at that, but waves a hand. “Fine. Go ahead.”
Fernando hums and leans against his hand.
“Well, I think you aren’t giving yourself enough credit. You have something special when it comes to racing Oscar.”
Oscar rolls his eyes. “I thought you said Mom and Dad were the ones who said stuff like that.”
“I said they butter you up. I am speaking objectively here. Didn’t you just win a grand prix a few weeks ago?” Fernando points out..
Oscar hesitates. “Well, yeah I did. Took a few years off my life from stress but I did.”
“Right! And you were so good in the lower leagues, McLaren dropped Ricciardo for you.” Fernando smirks, “And Alpine was so desperate for you to stay that they attempted a lawsuit. People see your talent Oscar.”
Oscar frowns, “But that debacle was over a year ago.”
Fernando snorts at that. “And you think you wouldn’t have a seat if you looked around again? I’m sure there are other teams who would be interested in signing you.”
Oscar shakes his head. “Ferrari and Mercedes have a line up already planned.”
“Red Bull doesn’t”. Fernando hums.
Oscar stares at Fernando in shock. He has to fight back a laugh at the image Oscar made with his bugged out eyes.
No wonder he was known for his odd facial expressions.
“Dad would never let me even dream of it.” Oscar protests.
“You underestimate how petty your father is.” Fernando winks. “You think he wouldn’t pull something if he thought McLaren was screwing you over?”
“Max Verstappen is still at Red Bull.” Oscar reminds him.
Fernando shrugs, “He won’t stay past his contract. Red Bull will need a new golden boy after that.”
Oscar scrunches his nose. “I don’t think that would be something I would be fit for.”
“Well, you are still a Red Bull kid in their eyes. Your dad is still a rep for them. And you practically lived in the Milton Keynes factory whenever you were here.” Fernando said.
“That was because Dad was there all the time! If I wanted to spend time with him, I would have to be there too.” Oscar defends, “Besides, I don’t know if me and Horner would get along.”
Fernando chuckles. “You think any of my Team Principals liked me in the end? Or vice versa?”
“You like Stroll.”
“I like the paycheck Stroll gives me.” Fernando corrects him.
Oscar snorts. “Fair enough.”
Fernando ruffles his hair. “See? You have options.”
Oscar moves his head out of reach.
“When it comes to a seat. Not exactly when it comes to a boyfriend.” Oscar said.
Fernando fights back a groan at that.
Oh right. Lando. That was the start of all of this.
Fernando sighs. “Well, what has Lando told you in the past? Has he ever said he wanted to break up wth you?”
Oscar frowns. “… Well, not exactly. But he could still be considering it..”
Fernando drums his fingers on the armrest as he considers how to approach the issue.
“What do you think of Lando?” He finally questions.
Oscar’s face turns slightly pink. He risks a glance at his sleeping father, before lowering his voice.
“I think he’s… amazing. There’s nothing I don’t admire about him. Especially after this season, it’s incredible to see how far he’s come.”
Despite his sadness, Oscar’s eyes still light up as he talks about Lando.
“I know it’s been hard for him, but I think he’s done a great job of handling the stress. And we’ve had our differences, especially after Hungary and Imola, but he’s always talked it out afterwards with me.”
Fernando smiles a bit at Oscar’s words.
“Well, do you think he is the type of person to string someone along for kicks?” Fernando asks.
Oscar hesitates. “Well no. But maybe he is trying to prevent tension between me and him. Especially with the championship battles heating up.”
Fernando gives Oscar a look. “Has he given you any indication that he doesn’t want to be with you?”
“No…” Oscar shakes his head.
“Do you really think he doesn’t want to be with you? Or are you just worried he’s mad at you because you don’t want to go out tonight?” Fernando presses him.
Oscar was silent for a few minutes after that question. Eventually though, the McLaren driver starts to grumble.
“When you word it like that I sound like an idiot.”
Fernando chuckles. “No, I think you are just tired and over thinking things. See how you feel after you sleep.”
Oscar reluctantly nods. “Fine… But at least let me finish the movie.”
Oh right. The movie.
Fernando glances at the screen. From what he could tell, they were at the part where the blue car was showing the race car around.
“I never understood why you liked this movie.”
Oscar pouts. “I’m not the only one. Lawson does too.”
Fernando smirks. “Did Lawson also pretend to be a race car when he was a kid?”
Oscar’s face turns bright red.. “Why did Mom have to tell you that story?”
Fernando grins, “Because it is her favorite story about you as a kid. And it’s more funny than ‘My five year old refused to let me walk him to school’.”
“Remind me never to let her be alone in a room with Lando. He would never let me hear the end of it.” Oscar groans.
Fernando snorts. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
The duo settled into a peaceful silence for a few more minutes. Judging by the way Oscar’s eyes were starting to droop, he was starting to doze off.
That should have been the end of the discussion. Oscar was appeased and about to fall asleep, which meant that Fernando could relax himself.
Yet, something still bothered Fernando. In the back of his mind, he wonders why Oscar had decided to come to his room in particular.
Sure, Oscar didn’t want to be alone, but he was well liked across the grid. Logan may have been kicked out of the grid, but Oscar could have gone to Zhou or even Charles about his current situation.
Why had he sought his father and his soon to be step-father?
Fernando ponders the questions for a few minutes. Eventually, he decides it was easier just to ask Oscar.
So, he nudges Oscar’s shoulder.
“Oscar?”
Oscar blinks up at him, clearly half asleep by that point. “Yes?”
“Why did you come to my room?” Fernando questions.
Oscar raises an eyebrow. “Tonight?”
Fernando nods. “Yes. Why did you come to my room after your fight with Lando?”
Oscar yawns. “I knew Dad would be here. And I figured it would be nice to spend some time with you guys. I haven’t seen you guys in a while.”
Fernando blinks at him in surprise.
“You came looking for us..?” Fernando asks.
Oscar nods . “Yeah. I missed you guys.”
“You see me almost every weekend.” Fernando points out, “And your Dad goes to a lot of your races.”
Oscar gives him an exasperated look. “That’s different. I see Fernando Alonso every weekend.My manager goes to the races that he can. I don’t see my Dad or my soon to be step-father a lot.”
Fernando felt his lips twitch at that.
He wasn’t used to Oscar calling him that. For years, they had danced around the topic of what Oscar should call him. Various names had been tossed around, but none had quite seemed to stick. At some point, Oscar had just started calling him by his actual name.
But for some reason, Fernando couldn’t help but enjoy this new term.
“Step-Father huh? I haven’t even said ‘I do’ to your father yet.” Fernando said.
Oscar yawns once again. “So? You are basically my step-father already. You’ve been around for over a decade, so I think you deserve the title.”
“So are you going to call me Step-Father now in the paddock?” Fernando grins.
Oscar shoots him a look at that. “Absolutely not. For one, Charles would kill me.”
Fernando snorts. “Still on that bit?”
“It gets me another home race.” Oscar shrugs.
Fernando let out a long sigh. “I see how it is. A bit is more important than your familial bonds.”
Oscar groans. “Never mind. I am calling you Fernando for the rest of my life.”
Fernando pouts. “Well that’s a pity. And here I thought we were bonding.”
“Right…..” Oscar rolls his eyes and settles back in to watch the movie
The rest of the movie passes with a comfortable silence. Oscar’s eyes slowly closed as the ending song began to play.
As the credits rolled for the movie, Fernando carefully adjusts the blankets so that Oscar and Mark were covered better.
Oscar shifts a bit as he does this. For a moment, Fernando was worried that Oscar would wake up again.
To his surprise though, Oscar blinks up at him and smiles sleepily.
“Thanks… Father.”
And with that, the young driver’s eyes shut once more. Within a few minutes, Oscar was clearly asleep.
Fernando could not help but stare in wonder at the image in front of him. A warm feeling blossomed in his chest as he took in the sight of the sleeping father and son duo.
Then, the tranquility of the moment was suddenly broken by the sound of his phone going off.
Fernando raises an eyebrow but takes out his phone from his pocket.
To his surprise, there was a message waiting for him from Mark.
| Mark: Thank you for talking with him.
Fernando glances at his partner. Mark seemed to be sleeping at first, but upon careful inspection, he realized that the older man’s snoring had stopped.
Sneaky little shit.
| Fernando: How much of that did you hear?
| Mark: All of it. did you really think I could sleep knowing he was upset?
| Fernando: You could have fooled me with your snoring earlier.
| Mark: Very funny Fernando.
| Fernando: Well, anyway. He's just having a bad weekend and got into a lovers spat with Norris. It’ll pass by tomorrow.
| Mark: Well I know that now. Regardless, thank you for talking with him.
| Fernando: It’s fine. I didn’t mind it. Didn’t think he knew you were coming here though.
| Mark: He probably figured we would share a hotel room since we were engaged
| Fernando: Well, he was right. But this wasn’t exactly the night I had in mind when we decided to spend time together after the race.
| Mark: It wasn’t mine either. But I can’t say I’m too disappointed.
| Fernando: I agree.
| Fernando: But you are making this up to me once Oscar leaves 😉
| Mark: No flirting while Oscar is here.
| Fernando: This is cruelty
| Mark: Good night Fernando.
| Fernando: Fine. Good night.
Fernando grumbles, but puts the phone down on the bedside table as quietly as he could. Then, he yawns a bit as he settles back into his chair to sleep for the night.
As he shuts his eyes though, Fernando cannot help smiling just a bit.
Maybe it wasn’t the night he had planned. But somehow, he still ended up enjoying it in the end.