Work Text:
Carlos was dreading this, he really was. Being a successful businessman surely has its ups and downs, one of them going to dinners, and the fancy ones were the worst.
But as Alicia says, he has to go, to attend them, otherwise people would think he doesn’t care enough, it is true though, he pays more attention to the job itself rather than making acquaintances.
But here he is now, about to get on a plane to go to a gala dinner.
He hates it, and he hates travelling for only a day. He doesn’t want to stay longer than necessary.
He has to go on a private jet, not from him, he won’t spend money just because. It is from the company organizing the gala.
The event is going to be in Monaco, like every year, and he admits he doesn’t like it. It is a country where people flaunt their money, most expensive car, jewelry, fancy food, yachts and private jets.
Carlos prefers something quiet, feeling quite like everyone, and he is lucky because he has a lot of money but he rather live a more subtle life, which was what he was taught.
He isn’t in every magazine, likes his privacy and is happy with it. He does attend to events, but no one takes his photo, because they don’t care, he is successful with his money and that’s it. And people believe he gets everything from his family, that’s ok, his father did help, but it was him to build this from the ground.
He went to the best university, graduated with honors and built this agency of management and now sponsoring Alpine cup for kids, well kids comparing to himself.
Once when he was young, he would like to compete, to feel the speed on him, but he also like what went behind the scenes. He likes negotiations, and looking out for the best interest of the drivers.
He also wanted to make a name for himself and not being linked to his father.
So, he is happy and quite proud of everything he did.
They all arrive at the hotel to get a shower and leave to the gala, his cousin and partner is there, unlike him Caco loves this, to get more clients and it is true, maybe they can convince someone.
After the shower, he gets dress in a smoking, prefers some jeans and comfy sweater for this weather.
It is cold outside, already feeling the winter and he rather be in his bed with his ipad figuring out what to do next, how can they get Pato a seat, he is trying for F1 but it seems almost impossible. Every seat there is taken, maybe in a few years’ time.
“Ready?” Caco asks.
“I have to” He simply answers.
They go in and everything is so fancy, it exudes money and power, he feels out of place. Everyone is there, they are immediately approach by a woman, tall and lean figure, and she leads them towards their seats.
They are seated with McLaren managers and other sponsors. It seems like every motorsport person involved is here. He recognizes Marc where Red Bull is, and there is some more familiar faces, from TV.
Caco is the one who goes to races, he stays back home, he hates flying and leaving one place to another.
He is engaged in conversations with Mark Webber, they have already met a few times and Carlos really likes to talk to him, they have a lot of things in common, always thinking alike.
Mark tells him, drivers are supposed to be seated in front, so far just a few have arrived, so the ceremony will begin after everyone is here.
After they run out of conversation topic, he feels kind of an awkward silence and it is grateful for his cousin, Caco breaks into a story and everything goes smoothly.
Until he sees him, Carlos watches Charles Leclerc enter the place and walk easy between everyone, dashing smile and greeting everyone that crosses his path. He has the world around his finger and he knows it, he is effortlessly elegant and charismatic, a manager diamond.
He is a gorgeous driver and a divine person, everybody wants him.
And one of the reasons Carlos was dreading to come.
Don’t get him wrong, it is not because he dislikes him, not at all. Not long ago he was the reason why Carlos would get up an oddly hours in the morning on a weekend, just to see him race.
He used to have a crush on him, he can now admit it. But can you blame him?
That guy looks like a model but is a driver. And Carlos can be sure they have a lot of things in common.
He was obsessed with Charles, seeing every interview, having every magazine he was on. It was embarrassing, and Carlos was starting his business so the chances he had to get near Charles were good, hang in the same circle.
And when he had the chance, he backed out, letting Caco be in that position, gave up everything he worked for, because he was afraid and finally rational.
Thinking clearly, he did not stand a chance, for instance he didn’t know if Charles likes men as well. Carlos can admit that in his university years he tried both and enjoy them. However F1 was really competitive and testosterone fill, and of course once Charles was there he was known for being a ladies man, and it’s okay he has fame, money and the good looks, it was meant to be.
It wasn’t meant to make Carlos jealous, wishing he was there instead, that’s when he realized that it was getting too much and if it scared Carlos he couldn’t imagine what it would be for Charles.
So he pulled away from everything Formula 1 related, until a year ago, when Pato became his client and he was good to go back, ready to push all the past away from him and focus. He would get a girlfriend, Isa was there for him, until recently where they decided to take different paths.
Charles is still walking to his seat and he makes himself look away or he will get caught.
So he is good, he totally doesn’t have feelings towards a certain Monegasque driver, he just finds him attractive.
He stays there and finally, 5 minutes after the celebration begins, Jeff is the host for today and thanks everyone being here and the awards will be handle.
He has to give the trophy for this year Alpine series winner, the one he sponsors so he has to be here. Someone comes to get him from the table and leads him backstage as he waits his clue to come out.
As he makes his way to the stage it is difficult to see past it, it is the spotlight on them and he prefers that way or he would probably be frozen on the spot.
He hands the trophy to the winner and congratulates him before stepping out and making his way towards his seat, he feels the stares on him and turns to find green bright eyes staring at him and then laughing to something someone beside him said, so Carlos turns away embarrassed and almost sprinting towards his seat.
He can’t believe Charles Leclerc stared at him, and probably mocked him because he was so out of place, this is a nightmare.
Maybe in the past he would be more embarrassed and leave, but he is a grown and powerful man, he shouldn’t feel like this. There’s now a short break and he stands up to get something stronger than champagne to get through this.
He goes to the bar and orders a scotch neat.
As he is waiting he hears “I will have the same” in a beautiful accent, and he knows who is beside him. He memorized his accent and tone of voice, of course Charles is beside him. The universe hates him to put him in this situation, feeling like is a test. “It is not my cup of tea.”
And he is talking to him, Carlos thanks the barista and turns to his side, finds Charles looking in his eyes, like a staring contest.
“Should have order something else.” He knows Charles was not talking about the drink, but he needs to act cool, a charmer as his cousin says.
Charles giggles “Got a sense of humor.” He says.
“Carlos Sainz.” He introduces himself, feels like the right thing to do.
“I know.” Carlos cocks an eyebrow and Charles immediately widen his eyes “You were in the stage a while ago, and Lando also told me.”
“Right.” Younger Carlos would have freaked out.
“So, a management agency and sponsor for Alpine series, impressive.” Charles doesn’t introduce himself, he must be used to getting recognized.
“Thanks” Carlos says and raises his glass in time with Charles and sips a bit of it. He needs more alcohol for this, but he has to keep his cool. “Longest contract on Ferrari, il predestinato, and a manager’s dream. Impressive.”
Charles blushes and smiles, still looking at Carlos in the eyes. “So how come you are a manager but I never saw you until today? You must go to events all the time and races.”
Carlos shakes his head “Actually, most of the time my partner goes to this things, I prefer a low profile.”
Charles nods in agreement. “Believe me, if I could, I would skip this things. I prefer racing”
Carlos would have answer something but he didn’t know how, and the host was once again coming out the stage. “We better return to our seats.” He says. “It was nice talking to you, Charles.”
Charles is about to speak but Carlos raises his glass, and leaves for his seat. He may be rude, but he can’t handle this. He thought it was over and it is probably not.
Caco watches him as he arrives “What were you talking about?” He says discreetly.
“Nothing.” Carlos answer is short hoping that his cousin gets it.
“Carletes, did you talk to him about management?” Apparently Caco doesn’t get it.
“He knew about us.”Caco answer to that is a huge smile.
“Maybe he can hook us up with some drivers, or maybe he wants to change managers.”
“Stop it, he doesn’t want that.” Carlos ignores his cousin excitement “But just so you know, we barely talk about anything.”
Caco nods and drops the subject.
Carlos listens to the host and claps when everyone is, he is elsewhere though, still replaying the conversation with Charles, he could have chat him up a little more and give him his business card.
He curses himself, but there’s nothing he can do now. So he just needs to focus.
As the night goes by, he doesn’t need to go to the bar, he is not avoiding it but he prefers to stay seated, lets his cousin mingle and talk to everyone. He does make conversation but near him and doesn’t move a lot.
He doesn’t cross paths with Charles, once again, and he is not sure if it makes him relieved or disappointed.
He leaves to get some fresh air, he sometimes needs to be alone with his thoughts.
“I thought you said I was a manager’s dream. Yet you are avoiding me.” Carlos closes his eyes, of course he won’t get to be alone, not in an event like this. He feels his heart racing, pounding, reminding him of his long time crush.
He opens his eyes to find Charles staring right back at him. “Not avoiding. Just mingling with possible clients.”
“And I can’t be one?” Charles asks with hope in his eyes.
That takes Carlos by surprise. “You want to become our client?”
“I want you.” Carlos widens his eyes in surprise, never in his wildest dreams he could imagine this. “What I mean is, I want to be partners for Alpine series.” Ah, that makes more sense. “I love F1 and right now is my life, but it won’t be in the future. I would like to prepare ahead.”
Carlos nods in understanding. “I get you, but you are still really young. It will be years before that.”
“Carlos, I don’t need a lesson. I just want you to know I am interested in becoming partners. It will be good for the both of us.” And Caco would certainly smack him, for being so stubborn.
“Okay, yes. I would like that. Here’s my agency card.” Carlos says handing a card. “Alicia will put you up to date and coordinate a meeting.”
Charles accepts the card but says. “Can you give me your number? I prefer to handle this personally.” Charles says while handing Carlos his phone so he can enter his number.
“Yes, of course.” Carlos says while calling his phone, letting it ring. “Done.”
Charles grabs his phone back, and lingers kind of wanting to say something else. “I lied before.”
Carlos looks at him so he can elaborate.
“I’ve known you for a while, I first saw you in an F3 race in 2021, I was there because of my brother. I’m not going to lie I thought you were too young for managing.” Charles laughs and Carlos does too. “And I did ask around and search a lot of information, not much was there. I know you are low profile because I’ve been following you around and you only assist the F3 and Alpine series, with their calendar being a lot different to F1.”
Charles pauses and looks up the sky. “I can’t believe I’m telling you this.” He breathes out. “Somehow Carlos, the moment I first saw you I was completely hypnotized, maybe. I just felt attracted towards you, a man I don’t know and never say even a word to. You are the reason why I attend to every event I can, also it is expected of me, because I wanted to see you and have a conversation with you, maybe something else.” Charles licks his lips expecting something from Carlos.
Carlos breathes out “I feel attracted to you.” It’s the only thing that comes out from his mouth. He is in shock and doesn’t know what to say. “I would follow F2 only for you, see every race and watch every interview. I did follow F1 until we had the opportunity to be there, with you there as Ferrari superstar. I am not going to lie, I felt intimidated. You can laugh, but it is the true. You are still intimidating, a diamond.” Carlos approaches him and touches his arm.
Charles lets out the most divine sound and says “Please, Carlos.” They are impossibly close.
“What Charles?” Carlos says right above Charles’ lips, wishing he could close the gap.
“Let’s leave, my house is near.” Charles says stepping away. “Meet me at the parking valet in 15 minutes, that’ll be enough.”
Carlos nods, and grabs Charles’ arm to pull him in, and finally closing the gap, Charles immediately starts reciprocating the kiss, and they move their lips slowly, tasting each other. Charles wraps his arms around Carlos’ torso, and Carlos wraps his around Charles waist.
They both stay there for a while, like they have all the time in the world.
Charles breaks them apart and puts some distance in between. “Better make it 5 minutes.” Charles says out of breath and leaves.
Carlos stays there in shock but fill with happiness.
He goes to his cousin and says he has to leave, Caco is about to protest but “I may have made a deal with Leclerc for the Alpine series. Tell you later.”
Caco gives him a hug and lets him leave.
As he is getting out the venue, he doesn’t know if Charles is waiting for him outside or is he coming in a car. He goes to text him but feels a hand in his waist. “Ready?”
Carlos nods and they both get in a Ferrari, he still doesn’t like the attention towards the car, but if it’s Charles then he tolerates it.
“So, you really want to be partners or just want me?” Carlos breaks the silence as Charles drives and puts his hand on Carlos’ leg. It feels intimate and Carlos has to control himself.
“Do I have to choose?” Charles answers while they are in a traffic light and they stare at each other, Carlos shakes his head. “Good, I want both.”
Carlos is finally happy and maybe he will stay in Monaco for a couple of days.