#new teammate being oscar. danny was able to distract lando enough w laughter & whatnot but w oscar hes more quier so carlos’ absence is mor

[dellephone]

things you didn’t say at all + carlando

He says, “You will get the hang of it.” Meaning, the car that Lando still struggles to drive. He says, “You will get used to him.” Meaning, the new teammate that could never replace him. He says, “You will be okay.” Meaning, without him.

He doesn’t say, “I miss you.” It’s not really fair, Lando knows it’s not. Still, that doesn’t keep it from hurting. A dull ache that sits in his chest, a sharp twist when he looks at his new teammate, doesn’t find Carlos. It’s not fair. Saying the words wouldn’t change anything, would only make it worse. Still, Lando spoke them once, an “I miss you” mumbled into the phone, quiet enough for Carlos to ignore, which he does. And it’s— fine. He didn’t expect him to respond, anyway. That didn’t stop the ugly twinge in his chest that makes it hard to take a breath. But he understands, so he manages, breathes in, makes it through the rest of the phone call. Makes it through the next one too. He’ll make it through this, through this shitty car, through Carlos’ absence, through his new teammate, through the next one too.