#racetrck

her heart is thundering in her chest, skipping every other beat as she walks from the baggage claim. nell had missed him. the way she feels towards robin maatsen is unlike anything she has ever experienced. sure, she’s had casual relationships, but this was different. nothing about what they are building feels casual. for the first time, she feels as though she may have found something that will last. gaze scans over the crowd, looking for that familiar face and his striking blue eyes. in films, she had seen where women would find their lovers and immediately run to them. rush to be in their arms. nell, as much as she was tempted, could not bring herself to be that much of a cliche. not yet.

“So,” he says, clapping his hands together, “how are we doing this?” He’s staring at the diagram in front of him like it holds the answers to the universe. “We’ve got all the,” he gestures vaguely at the pile of Lego, “whatever we need. And we’ve got the directions.” He glances at Robin. “Do you like Lego?” Kernes isn’t really an avid Lego guy, but he’s assembled a set or two. “That’s sort of awkward if you’re not. I’m not, not really. But I think we can do this. I’ve got faith in us.” He’s fully aware that he’s rambling, so he snaps his mouth shut and hopes he’s not blushing about it.

he didn't expect the question, didn't even expect to be directly addressed in any shape or form. certainly the surprise is evident on his face, regardless of how swift he manages to school his expression and feigning a seemingly casual level of indifference. his gaze lingers just briefly on the other driver before it drifts to take in the chaos unfolding and he shrugs. "truth ? think we ought to hope they tear each other apart sooner rather than later." only then does he let the mask slip a bit, finds himself actually grinning. teammates being at war with each other is very much the norm in their sport, though the rivalry rarely if every manifests in something that borders on a brawl. it isn't sportsmanlike... but it makes for excellent entertainment even without cameras there to capture the spectacle. "i'd say we should probably interfere. this will get gnarly and i'd rather not explain this to gia." it is with another glance that he lifts a brow, then, half curious, half teasing. "you enjoy this?"

' what is one thing you want out of your life ... ? don't worry i won't tell a soul i am not the sort of asshole people think i am , promise. '

Is it that obvious that he’s tired? He runs a hand down his face and gives Robin a rueful smile. He taps his pen against the notebook in his lap. He’s been writing down lap times and transferring telemetry from the computers to his notebook for the past hour and a half. It’s tedious work, but Antonin likes having everything in one place. “Probably.” He stands and stretches. “I think I’ve been sitting for too long.” His back cracks, as if to emphasize his statement. “Track walk?” He likes track walks. They help clear his head.

                       “  he’s going to be over the moon to see you,  le petit,  ”  mathieu coo’d,  nose brushing against the smaller’s.  his little clone in looks,  but acts so much like his father.  the pair now have a toddler on their hands, one whole year old.  days have felt like they’ve passed too quickly.  however,   he could not complain that he was able to dress nathaniel up in far more clothing now than he was able to before.  today was in support of robin.  their little one donned the same racing suit that his father wears;  the name maatsen embroidered upon the back.  the closer they get to the garage,  the more nathaniel begins to bounce in mathieu’s embrace,  and he cannot contain the laughter that spills from his lips.  “  ah,  are you excited?  do you know where you are?   ”  beaming with pride.  “  don’t give yourself away,  ”  he whispers to him,  peppering kisses upon a chubby cheek.  squeals soon leave their son’s mouth at the sight of robin alone.  immediately,  little hands reach out for him,  wanting nothing more than to be held by him.   “  mon cœur,  someone is very eager to see you,  ”  make that two someones.

                        mathieu thought it to be obvious.   longing glances,  touches that last a bit longer than they should,  finding any reason he could to keep him near,  etc.  he was,  by no means,  chalant about his feelings towards the other.  there were moments when he tried to swallow them down.  this is trouble for us both,  a thought that had left nearly as quickly as it had come.   robin had been assigned to protect mathieu;  their fathers had made certain.  his father had been one of maxime’s most loyal-  through thick and through thin,  he had been there for him.  protected him.  that was how robin was to be for mathieu.  of course,   he has been.   the most valiant protector one could ask for.  “  is it wrong of me?  ”  unable to face his gaze.  “  wrong to have fallen in love with you?  ”   he did not believe it to be so,  but others would.  the kingdom would.   he was to become their king;  marry a princess from some far-off kingdom,  one that would bring more riches to them,  one that would ensure their people would never struggle again.  surely,  it was the noble thing to do.  his heart spoke to him louder than his mind.   robin,  robin,  robin;  his heart sings out.  “   am i repulsive in my want for you,  my knight?   ”  he questioned softly,   grip tightens around the stem of his chalice.   here,   they were alone.  in this space?   it was only them.  no eyes nor ears within range to intrude upon this moment.  “  you must say the word if i am crossing a boundary.   ”

☏ ... he has never called him this late.  never.  still groggy,  he slowly blinks,  bringing himself back to consciousness.  “  don’t apologize,   ”  sleep evident in his tone.   regardless,  he answered.   he would always answer.  “  are you okay?   ”   mathieu questions,   a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.   something had to be wrong.  right?  “  robin,  ”  his name said with a tenderness,  “  if you need me?  you call me.  don’t apologize for needing me,   ”  because he needs him too.  “  talk to me.  what’s on your mind?  ”