Chapter Text
Max felt like the entire paddock was watching him. After a brief absence due to being excluded from the lineup because of his omega status, returning to the track was exceptionally stressful for him. The swarming journalists only intensified this feeling. Cameras, microphones, and camera flashes all created a suffocating atmosphere in which Max felt uncomfortable.
He clenched his jaw and determinedly made his way through the crowd toward the conference room. He knew a tough meeting with the press awaited him, but he intended to face it head-on. He took his place on the podium, with other drivers he competed against on the track seated beside him.
The press conference began with standard questions, but the atmosphere quickly turned hostile. The first question was particularly biting.
"Max, as an omega, aren't you afraid you'll distract the other drivers?" one journalist asked, with evident disdain in his voice.
Max answered with a smile, "If someone is so weak that my presence distracts them, maybe they shouldn't be driving in Formula 1 at all. Besides, how can I distract anyone when I'll be driving 20 seconds ahead of the second driver?"
"Relax, Max, I'd rather you distract us than drive away with a 20-second lead," Lando laughed.
"I assure everyone, the only time Max might distract someone is by pushing them into the gravel," Lewis added.
The next question was even more brazen:
"As an omega, shouldn't you be at home taking care of the house? Isn't that your place?"
"I don't think my daughter Sassy and my son Jimmy need my attention all the time. I don't have to give up what I love to take care of the house."
"You have kids?" another journalist asked, and the drivers, along with Max, burst into laughter.
"Of course! And not just me. Charles has a son, and so does Lewis," Max said sarcastically.
"Why have you hidden this from the world?" the journalist asked seriously.
"After the conference, please familiarize yourself with the wonderful invention called the internet and look up the information there. I think adequate preparation is fundamental in journalism. You lacked that today," Max retorted.
Another journalist asked another unpleasant question:
"Who's your partner, Max? Who do you spend your heat cycles with?"
Max sighed, trying to stay calm:
"Why such curiosity? Do you want to nominate yourself? Send your application to my email. I assure you, it won't be considered," Max said with a smile.
"I'd rather be alone for the rest of my life than with you. The question was about FIA regulations and the requirement to have a partner," the journalist snapped back.
"Yes, the FIA requires omegas to be paired. However, who the omega pairs with is secondary. The FIA doesn't care. They see the mating bite, and the matter is closed."
"How do you respond to rumors that you're paired with Daniel Ricciardo? After all, you've had a strong bond practically forever."
"The bond you're talking about is brotherhood. Let me make this clear: there's nothing between Max and me," Daniel clarified.
"As far as I know, we're at a Formula 1 conference, not on a cheap talk show. My private life is my business. Maybe we should ask everyone here the same question? Do you want to start? Go ahead! Share the details of your divorce case. How does it feel to be replaced by a newer model?" Max said maliciously, aiming at the journalist who turned red.
The atmosphere in the room grew tense, and the questions became increasingly aggressive:
"Is there doping in your scent-blocking patches?"
"Of course! The team mixes fuel with Red Bull and injects it straight into my neck," Max said sarcastically. "But seriously, no. I understand you need to look for a sensation since your questions are so unprofessional. I'm under medical supervision and also pass anti-doping controls smoothly. My only doping is my fans," Max replied coolly.
"Is Red Bull planning to fire you after this season? After all, such a team doesn't want an omega on their team," another journalist pressed.
"I understand you must be the team principal since you know what Red Bull wants. Besides, if Red Bull were to fire me solely because of my status, it would say more about them than about me. Fortunately, they appreciate my skills on the track," Max responded calmly.
The journalists didn't let up:
"Your physique doesn't resemble a typical omega. Shouldn't you be nice and delicate, don't you think?"
"No, I don't think so. Maybe let's start with the fact that stereotypes are outdated. My physique is the result of hard work. If you prefer stereotypical images, you're probably in the wrong place," Max answered with irony.
Finally, one journalist crossed all boundaries:
"Max, you're a bitch. As an omega and a lower race, you should be submissive. You should answer questions politely," he said, using an Alpha voice.
The room fell silent. Charles's instincts urged him to lunge at the journalist. He had only one thought in his head: Defend your omega. However, he knew they were at a conference and hadn't come out yet. At the last moment, he stifled a growl. But Max sent him a reassuring smile, signaling that everything was fine. This surprised Charles a bit, as every omega usually responded to an Alpha's voice.
Max stood up slowly, looking the journalist straight in the eyes:
"Hahaha, nice try. Unfortunately, your incredibly threatening Alpha voice doesn’t work on me. Your voice sounds more like a croak than an attempt at asserting dominance. Maybe you're frustrated because you'll never achieve what I, as a 'lower race,' have already accomplished. Thank you for the chat. No regards."
"And now, my dear friends, let me leave this room. I think you already know everything about me. Now let my colleagues answer a few questions. I feel like I've stolen the entire show," Max said sweetly.
He left the room, leaving behind confusion and silence. The journalists could say what they wanted, but Max was ready to fight for his dreams to the end.
***
Max left the conference room, exhausted after the intense questioning by the journalists. He walked through the paddock, trying to ignore the curious glances and whispered comments. He felt he needed a moment of peace and respite. With relief, he reached his huge, cozy nest, a place specially prepared by the Red Bull team where he could relax and be himself.
He closed the door behind him and immediately felt better. Inside, there was a cozy dimness, and soft pillows and warm blankets invited rest. Max removed the scent patches he had to wear during the races and finally could enjoy his natural scent. Lying on the bed, he began to breathe deeply. He realized that the scent of his partner was barely noticeable.
He slowly fell asleep, feeling the tension leaving his body. He drifted into a blissful sleep where all worries seemed distant. Suddenly, the gentle scent of his Alpha filled the air, waking him. He opened his eyes and saw Charles standing in front of him with a warm smile.
"Charles," Max said, smiling broadly.
"Max, you were amazing at the conference," Charles replied, sitting next to him. "I admire your courage and the way you handled yourself. I brought you something I think will make you happy." Charles pulled out a box of Belgian chocolates and a heart-shaped pillow infused with his scent.
Max laughed, taking the pillow and hugging it. "Thank you, Charles. That’s really sweet."
Charles sat closer, looking at him with curiosity. "Max, can I ask you something? Why doesn’t the Alpha voice affect you, even in such stressful situations?"
Max sighed and looked at Charles. "It's because of my father. When I was a child, he constantly used the Alpha voice on me. I was exposed to it for so long that I eventually became immune."
Charles nodded, understanding how tough that must have been for Max. "I’m proud of you, Max. What you went through only shows how strong you are."
Max felt a wave of gratitude and love for Charles. "Thank you for always being there for me," he said quietly. "Come, let’s lie down together."
Charles smiled and lay next to Max, wrapping an arm around him. They lay together, nestled against each other, indulging in a relaxing session of cuddling and passionate kisses.
The Dutchman lay snuggled against Charles, feeling the tension from the conference slowly leave his body. The scent of his partner had a calming effect on him, but he felt he needed more. He raised his head and looked into Charles’s eyes.
"Charles," he began hesitantly, "can I ask you something?"
"Always," Charles replied with a warm smile.
Max took a deep breath. "Could you take off your shirt? I want to feel your skin on mine and breathe in your scent without any barriers."
Charles didn’t hesitate for a moment. "Of course, Max," he said, gently moving away to take off his shirt. His muscular body, now exposed, radiated warmth and the familiar scent that Max loved so much.
Max moved closer, resting his head on Charles’s bare chest and closing his eyes. Their bodies now touched directly, and Max felt his own tension completely dissolve. He breathed deeply, absorbing Charles’s scent, a mixture of safety, strength, and love.
Charles wrapped an arm around him, gently stroking his back. "Feeling better?" he asked softly.
Max nodded without opening his eyes. "Yes, very much. Your scent always calms me, and now that I can feel your skin on mine, it's even better."
They lay there for a long moment, indulging in the closeness and warmth. Max felt his heart beat calmly in sync with Charles’s. This was the moment he needed after a tiring day – a moment where he could be himself, surrounded by his partner’s love.
Charles smiled, gently kissing Max’s forehead. "I’m always here for you, Max. No matter what."
Max looked at him with gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Charles. I don’t know what I’d do without you."
"You don’t have to know, because I’ll always be with you," Charles replied tenderly.
Max pulled him closer, their bodies entwined, and the kisses became more passionate. He felt the love and devotion of Charles fill every cell of his body. They were together, ready to face any challenge the future might bring. In that moment, nothing else mattered – it was just them, their love, and the closeness that was their greatest strength.
Max finally felt relaxed after an exhausting day, when their romantic moment was interrupted by the sound of a knock on the door.
Max sighed with displeasure, and Charles smiled, giving him a quick kiss before answering, "Who’s there?"
The door slowly opened, and Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris stood in the doorway. Seeing the situation, Lando smiled widely and covered Oscar’s eyes with his hand.
"Cover your eyes, Osc! You're too young; this is pure porn!" Lando joked.
Oscar laughed, trying to push Lando's hand away. "Stop it, Lan! I’m not a kid!"
Charles quickly reached for his shirt and put it on, despite Max's clear discontent. Max turned to their friends with a slight smile.
"What brings you here?" Max asked, sitting up more comfortably.
Lando approached and handed him a large blanket with lions on it. "We thought you might need something warm and cozy."
Max smiled broadly, accepting the gift. "Thank you, guys. That’s really nice of you."
Lando looked around the room, still smiling widely. "I see you’ve got it pretty cozy here, Max. Too bad I had to interrupt your romantic moment."
Charles laughed. "It's okay. Max and I can spend time together later. I'm glad you came."
"Oh, I'm sure you'll have a great time later," Lando said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"God, Lando, it's like you've never seen two people in love before," Oscar rolled his eyes, making everyone else laugh.
"But I haven't!" Lando protested.
"And who’s the kid here?" Oscar replied.
"Hey, it's not my romance with Mark Webber that's legendary in the paddock," Lando retorted.
"That's because you were too busy with Carlos's dick," Oscar said sarcastically.
"Guys, please, I don't want to hear about my teammate's love life," Charles interjected.
Max looked at Charles gratefully, then turned to his friends. "Do you want to stay for a bit? Maybe we can talk and relax together?"
"Is this an invitation to the famous nest everyone’s been buzzing about?" Lando laughed.
"It's an invitation that might expire soon," Max replied with a smile.
Lando sat in one of the chairs, sprawling out comfortably. "Sure, why not? We've got nothing better to do anyway."
Oscar sat next to Lando, smiling broadly. "This could be a great chance to chat and laugh after everything that happened today."
Max hugged his teddy bear, while Charles spread the lion blanket over Max’s lap. The friends began talking, laughing, and reminiscing about various funny situations from the track and their daily lives. The atmosphere turned light and warm.
Lando lay in Max's nest in the cozy relaxation room, holding his phone in one hand and wrapping the other around Oscar. He looked at Max and Charles, who were smiling, enjoying their friends' visit.
"Hey, what do you think about inviting the other drivers? Let's make it a bigger party," Lando suggested with a wide grin.
"A party? It's Thursday," Max pointed out.
"A cozy get-together in an adorable omega's nest," Lando corrected.
"Watch it, Norris, this omega is mine," Charles growled.
"Relax, mate, I’ve got my own Oscar!" Lando shouted back.
"Lando, it's still new, we weren’t going to announce it yet," Oscar scolded him.
"We understand, it's a secret," Max laughed.
"Yeah, we haven’t told anyone yet," Oscar confirmed.
"But congrats, guys. How long have you been together?" Charles asked curiously.
"Since the protest. The love atmosphere got to us," Lando laughed.
"I'm the father and mother of this relationship," Max shouted happily.
"You’re right, Max. So, should we invite the others?" Lando asked.
Max looked at Charles, who nodded approvingly. "Why not? More people, more fun."
Lando quickly typed a message in the drivers' group chat:
"Hey everyone! Maxi is inviting you to his huge and cozy nest. If you're around, come by! It’ll be fun :)"
A few minutes later, the door opened again, and Lewis Hamilton stood in the doorway holding several boxes of pizza and drinks. Behind him was George Russell, carrying a soft pajama set with prints of Lewis's and George's faces.
"Hey, guys! We brought something for the evening," Lewis said with a wide smile as he walked in. "I hope you like pizza."
George approached Max, handing him the pajamas. "We thought this would be a fun gift," he joked, and everyone in the room burst into laughter.
Max unfolded the pajamas and laughed at the print. "Thanks, guys. This is... really unique."
Then Daniel entered the room, holding a honey badger stuffed toy and some drinks.
"Hey everyone, where’s the prettiest omega in the paddock?" he greeted.
"I'm the only omega in the paddock," Max replied.
"You set the trends, buddy," Daniel laughed, handing him the honey badger toy.
"Thanks, Danny. Freddy will have a friend," Max said, showing the lion toy.
"God, Max, without the scent patches, you reek of Charles," George observed.
"He doesn't reek. He smells like his alpha," Charles corrected, proudly puffing out his chest.
"So, the mystery partner from the conference is revealed. Charles 'Freakin’' Leclerc in the flesh," Lewis laughed.
Charles, smiling, threw a pillow at Lewis. "Quiet, Lewis. Now, share that pizza."
Lewis caught the pillow and burst into laughter, then started unpacking the pizza, laying it out on the table. "Alright, everyone, let’s eat!"
While everyone enjoyed the pizza, conversations flowed in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Lewis and George, noticing the closeness between Max and Charles, exchanged glances. Then Lewis asked, "So, Max, how is it being with Charles? You two look really happy."
Max looked at Charles with affection. "He's amazing. I feel really lucky to have him by my side."
George nodded with a smile. "It shows. It's really nice to see you together."
After a moment, Lewis added with a playful grin, "And those pajamas... they’ll be perfect for nights full of fun."
Charles, laughing, responded, "Quiet, Lewis. If you mention those pajamas again, I'll throw the whole pizza at you."
The conversations continued, and the topic shifted to the scents of omegas and alphas. "Max," Lando asked, "can you still sense our scents even when you're wearing those patches?"
Max smiled lightly. "Yes, I can. Even though the patches block my scent, I can still sense others."
"That's incredible," George said.
Daniel, always ready for a joke, chimed in, "Speaking of which, Max, we’ve got a little challenge for you. You have to pick which one of us alphas has the best scent. Of course, not counting Charles."
Everyone burst into laughter, and Charles made a mock-offended face, though his eyes were laughing with the rest. Max, slightly embarrassed but willing to play along, looked at his friends.
"Seriously, Daniel? You always have to come up with something," Max said, rolling his eyes.
"Come on, Max," Lando encouraged. "It's just for fun."
Max took a deep breath, thinking for a moment. He looked at his friends one by one, trying to choose without offending anyone.
"Okay, okay," Max began. "If I have to choose... hmm... George, your scent is really calming. It reminds me of a forest after the rain."
George smiled, surprised but pleased with the compliment. "Thanks, Max. I never thought of it that way."
"But," Max continued, "I have to say, Oscar's scent is very refreshing. It's like fresh mint. It's very... invigorating."
Oscar laughed, thanking Max for the kind words.
"Lando," Max added, "your scent is like a sea breeze. It's refreshing but also has something warm and pleasant, like the smell of the sun on the beach. It's very soothing."
Lando grinned widely, pleased with the description.
"And of course," Max added with a smile, "Lewis's scent is very unique. It's a mix of something very elegant, like expensive perfume. It always makes me think of class and confidence."
Lewis nodded, accepting the compliment with a smile.
"And Daniel," Max said, "your scent is like a warm, spicy aroma. It's like spices and wood. It's very intense and energetic, which suits you perfectly."
Daniel laughed loudly, pleased with the description. "I knew I had something special!"
"But at the end of the day," Max said, looking at his friends, "each of you has something unique about your scent. It's a part of you that makes you one of a kind. And I'm really glad to have you as friends."
"Alright, but who's number one?" Daniel asked, grinning broadly.
Max smiled back. "I won’t give you that satisfaction, guys. Each of you is special in your own way. The best scent is Charles’s. Of course, mixed with mine."
Lewis, always curious, delved into the topic of scents. "Max, tell us, how is it that we could never smell you on the track, even when you weren't using patches?" he asked, looking at him inquisitively.
Max leaned back slightly in his chair, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "It's a long story," he replied, drawing the attention of his friends.
"I know you've mentioned scent blockers," Lewis continued, "but what's the story behind the change?"
Max sighed softly, gathering his thoughts. "When I was younger, my father was very adamant about hiding my omega status. He was convinced I had to conceal my natural scent at all costs. So, he got me these strong pills that were supposed to eliminate my scent."
Daniel raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Seriously? Scent-blocking pills?"
Max nodded. "Yes. They made me undetectable to others. But they had terrible side effects. I frequently vomited, had headaches, and my heats became more unbearable."
Oscar shrugged sympathetically. "Sounds like a nightmare. What did you do?"
Max looked at Charles, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Charles encouraged me to consult a doctor. He advised me to quit the pills and try scent-blocking patches instead. The doctor warned me they could also cause some issues, but they were much safer."
George nodded with interest. "And how do you feel now, using the patches?"
Max smiled. "Much better. Yes, I still have minor side effects sometimes, but nothing compared to the pills. And at least now I can be myself without worrying about anyone figuring out my status."
Lewis began to joke, "Well, now that you're undetectable on the track, Charles won't have to worry about any competition."
Charles, who had been listening attentively, shrugged and smiled at Max. "Do I look worried, Lewis?"
"Imagine if the FIA regulations didn't exist. Max is the only omega in the field. He's unpaired. His scent fills the paddock. And Max's room becomes a museum of courting gifts," Lewis laughed.
"Hunger Games for Max's heart," Daniel said, laughing.
"Racing would become secondary. The main event would be who spends the most time with Max," George suggested.
"Stop it, guys, or I'll blush," Max laughed.
"But it's true. Imagine someone gives Max a courting gift, and he responds: 'Thanks, bro, nice flowers. It's not my birthday today,'" Lando said, mimicking Max's voice.
"And a lot of cheesy pickup lines: 'Hey handsome, I'd fight for you like Massa fought for the championship in 2008,'" Daniel laughed, observing Lewis's reaction.
"Your charm is so magnetic that you'd make a pit stop in my heart forever," George suggested.
"Your eyes shine so brightly that you could blind drivers even in the Monaco tunnel," Oscar added.
"Oh God, enough. This is so cheesy," Max laughed.
"But do you know what pickup line convinced Max?" Daniel began.
"Go on, Daniel!" Lando shouted.
"Hey beautiful, want to see my Grande Strategy in bed?" Daniel said seriously, and everyone burst into laughter.
Max laughed, feeling grateful for the company and support of his friends. He knew they could always count on each other, no matter what.
"So, Max, Charles, how did it all start? When did you realize you had feelings for each other?" Lewis asked, changing the subject.
Max and Charles looked at each other with a smile. Max spoke first. "We were practically destined to be together since childhood. We were always close. We circled around each other like two dumb idiots. Nothing moved forward because of the strict no-dating rule. I was always told I was only good for racing. It’s hard to date anyone as a hidden omega," Max explained.
Charles added, "Honestly, Max always acted like a jerk. An annoying, unbearable alpha. You even had this irritating bad smell—what was that?" Charles paused.
"My dad's clothes," Max laughed.
"Jos smells like crap," Charles stated.
"Jos is crap," Daniel concluded.
"But back to the point, Max really did everything to make himself unlikable," Charles began.
"Thanks, Charlie," Max laughed.
"It's true! But when you're really determined, anything is possible. Fun fact: I've had a crush on Max since karting," Charles said, kissing Max on the forehead.
"Oh God, Charles, that's masochism," Max groaned.
"It's love," Charles laughed.
"Look how the FIA sped up our relationship," Max laughed.
"I love it, but at the same time, I hate it. If not for the FIA, we might still be circling each other for years. If not for the FIA, you wouldn't be going through this nightmare," Charles sighed.
"Wow, that's amazing. A real hell-to-heaven story," George said. "Do you ever plan to come out to the world?"
Max sighed and nodded. "Yes, but as you can see what's happening now, I don't know if I'm ready for another round of questions like: 'Is Charles with you out of pity?'"
"You bombarded them like a champ today," Daniel consoled him.
"That press conference will go down in history. Especially the question about kids. That journalist is still in shock," Lewis laughed, and everyone burst into laughter. "But seriously, do you plan to come out?"
Max looked at Charles and replied, "We just want people to accept us as we are. We realize that when we're competing wheel to wheel, it will become incredibly challenging. But we’ll have to learn that what happens on track stays on track. What happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom."
"The bedroom is a sacred place," Daniel laughed.
"Oh God, you don't know how envious I am. Being in love is something beautiful," George mused.
"Agreed," Lando nodded.
"And how would you know?" Daniel laughed.
Lando, not realizing the weight of his words, replied with a broad smile, "Because I'm in a relationship with Oscar, idiot!"
Suddenly, the room fell silent. Everyone stared at Lando, who realized what he had just said. He looked at Oscar, who was looking at him with slight surprise but also with a smile.
"Seriously?" Lewis broke the silence, being the first to recover. "Lando and Oscar? That's great news!"
Oscar nodded, smiling. "Yes, it's true. We've been together for a short time."
Lewis, with a wide smile on his face, added, "Well, congratulations, guys! It's great that you found each other."
George, who looked the most surprised, said, "Wow, I'm really happy. It's wonderful that you two are happy."
Daniel, with his usual humor, approached Lando and Oscar, putting his arms around them: "So we have another duo in our team. How is it when both of you are alphas? Intense, huh?"
Lando laughed, "Yes, it's intense, but it's also something that connects us and strengthens our bond."
"Hey, Lando, Oscar," Daniel began with a twinkle in his eye, "it's great that you two are together, but I have to ask - who dominates during heat?"
Everyone in the room burst into laughter, and Lando and Oscar exchanged looks. Lando was the first to regain his composure and replied with a smile:
"Daniel, you know it's complicated. It really depends on the situation."
Oscar nodded, adding, "Exactly. Sometimes I take the lead, sometimes Lando does. It all depends on the mood and needs."
Daniel grinned broadly, "Good to know you guys can adapt. The important thing is that you're both happy."
George, still slightly surprised by the whole situation, asked curiously, "How does it affect your relationship? Isn't it difficult when both of you are alphas?"
Lando replied, contemplating for a moment, "It's a challenge, but at the same time, it's something that brings us closer. We have to communicate more openly and be really attentive to each other's needs."
Oscar added, "Yes, and it makes our relationship even stronger. It's not just about dominance but understanding and support."
Max, holding Charles' hand, smiled at his friends, "The most important thing is that you have each other and are happy. That's all that matters."
"Hey, Lando, Oscar, Max, Charles," George began with mock seriousness, "remember not to end up like Lewis and Nico Rosberg. We don't want any drama here, right?"
The whole company burst into laughter, and Lewis quickly reacted. He grabbed a pillow and threw it at George, saying with mock seriousness, "Don't mention that name around me!"
George caught the pillow and laughed, "Okay, okay, I promise not to bring it up again. But seriously, I'm glad we're all on good terms."
Everyone in the room smiled, enjoying their friends' happiness. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, and everyone felt they were part of something special. The meeting lasted long, filled with laughter, conversations, and mutual support. Max and Charles felt that they had true friends around them who accepted and supported them.
***
Charles felt happy, surrounded by people who supported him. He looked at Max, who was lying next to him, leaning against his chest. He smiled, seeing that Max had fallen asleep, his breathing calm and steady.
Noticing this, George whispered, "Hey, Charles, is Max asleep?"
Charles nodded, gently running his hand through Max's hair. "Yes, it looks like he had a long day. He needed the rest."
Lewis added with a smile, "He deserves it. After such a conference, anyone would be exhausted. Max was amazing."
"I fully agree," said Daniel, glancing at the sleeping Max. "He was brave and assertive. That wasn't easy."
Oscar and Lando, sitting close together, also joined the conversation. Lando said with a smile, "Max has always been able to handle tough situations. It's one of the things I admire most about him."
Oscar added, "And he has all of you as support. That's really valuable."
Charles felt even more appreciated and grateful for his friends. "Thanks, guys. Max is a special person, and your support means a lot."
George, looking at the sleeping Max, asked, "Do you think we should leave now so Max can rest in peace?"
Charles thought for a moment, then replied, "I think we can stay a little longer. Max is calm, and your presence is soothing for him. Besides, we're all enjoying this meeting."
Lewis smiled broadly, "Well said, Charles. We're here to support each other. Max feels that even in his sleep."
The evening continued, and friends carried on with their conversations and shared moments. Charles gently rocked Max, feeling his heartbeat slowly.
Finally, as the conversations began to die down, Charles noticed that the rest of the group was also starting to feel tired. "I think it's time for all of us to go to bed," he said with a smile. "Thanks for everything, guys. It was an amazing evening."
"Yes, definitely," agreed Lewis, gathering his things. "I'm glad we could spend this time together."
The rest of the group slowly started to gather their things, exchanging last hugs and goodnight wishes. As the door closed behind the last friend, Charles felt a sense of peace wash over him. He looked at the sleeping Max and smiled. Gently stroking his hair, he watched his peaceful sleep. He knew that Max needed rest, but he also needed to freshen up after a long day. He decided to wake him up so he could take a shower and change into something comfortable.
"Max," Charles whispered, gently shaking his shoulder. "Maxi, you need to wake up."
Max murmured in his sleep, then suddenly opened his eyes, clearly disoriented. "What? What's going on?" he asked, sitting up quickly. "I need to put on the patches! Someone might smell me!"
Charles smiled gently, taking Max's hand. "Relax, Max. We're alone in your nest. You don't need to worry about the patches. No one will smell you here."
Max looked at Charles, still a bit confused. "We're alone?" he asked, his voice starting to calm down.
"Yes, just us," replied Charles, helping him up. "Come on, let's go take a shower and then get you into something comfortable."
Max slowly got up, still a bit tired and disoriented, but let Charles lead him to the bathroom. Charles turned on the water, letting the warm steam fill the room before helping Max take off his clothes.
"This will be good, you'll see," Charles said, trying to make his voice soothing. "Just relax."
Max stepped into the shower, feeling the warm water wash over his body, washing away the fatigue and stress. Charles stood nearby, ready to help if needed, but giving Max space to relax.
A few minutes later, when Max came out of the shower, Charles handed him a towel and then helped him into a soft, comfortable pajama that he had specially prepared for him.
"How do you feel now?" Charles asked, seeing that Max looked much more relaxed.
"Better," replied Max, smiling weakly. "Thank you, Charles."
"You're welcome," Charles replied, hugging him gently. "Now let's go back to the nest and rest. Tomorrow is a new day."
Max nodded, grateful for his partner's support. Together they returned to the cozy nest, where Charles helped Max get comfortable. Max sighed with relief, feeling the warmth and security that Charles' presence gave him.
"I'm here, Max. I always will be," Charles whispered, hugging him tightly. Max felt a sense of peace wash over him, and his eyelids began to close.
"I know," Max answered sleepily. "Thank you for being here."
Charles smiled, watching Max fall asleep in his arms. He knew that together they would get through all the difficulties. This night was just one of many steps on their journey together.
***
The next day, Max Verstappen woke up with renewed energy. After a peaceful night in Charles' arms, he felt ready for the challenges the training sessions would bring. Charles was by his side from the very morning, supporting him and giving him encouragement.
The Friday practice sessions went unexpectedly well. Max felt confident behind the wheel, and his car performed flawlessly. Every lap was perfectly planned, and the lap times were impressive. During short breaks between sessions, Max spent time in the garage with the team, discussing strategies and adjustments that could further improve his performance.
On Saturday, the qualifying sessions came. Max was in great shape, his concentration at its peak. Every qualifying lap was better than the last, and his precision on the track was incredible. When the session ended, Max secured pole position, causing a wave of joy in his team. It was proof that hard work and determination pay off.
Sunday was race day. Max felt a mix of excitement and tension but was confident. Starting from the first position, he knew he had an advantage. When the lights went out, he surged forward, gaining the lead from the start. The race was full of challenges, but Max drove flawlessly, maintaining his lead over the competitors.
When he crossed the finish line first, his team exploded with joy. Max raised his hands in triumph, savoring the victory. But then he noticed some fans booing. Instead of letting it get to him, Max smiled to himself. He knew some people would criticize him no matter what he achieved.
He stopped in the pit lane and got out of the car. Taking off his helmet and gloves, he slowly pulled down his suit to reveal the T-shirt he wore underneath. On the white fabric was a large, black print: "Don't let your status ruin your dreams."
Cameras immediately focused on him, and photos of his T-shirt began to circulate worldwide. Max looked toward the fans, holding his head high. He was proud of himself and how far he had come. He knew that his story and determination could inspire many.
Charles approached him, hugging him tightly. "You were amazing, Max," he said with pride in his voice.
"Thank you, Charles. It's all thanks to you and everyone who supports me," Max replied, returning the hug.
He knew that this win was just one of many steps on his journey. He wasn't going to give up or let anything stop him from achieving his dreams. The fans' reactions didn't matter when he had people beside him who truly supported him.
As they stood together, celebrating success, Max felt he was on the right path. His status didn't define him as a driver or as a person. It was his determination, passion, and love for what he did that were crucial. And he intended to move forward, no matter the obstacles that might arise.
***
After Max's victory, everyone was excited and ready to celebrate. Daniel, George, Lewis, Lando, and Oscar gathered in the Red Bull garage, planning how to honor this great success. They quickly decided that an exclusive club, known for its great atmosphere and excellent music, would be the best place.
George swiftly typed a message in the drivers' group chat:
"Hey guys! How about celebrating Max's win at Club Deluxo? Let's meet there at 9 PM! 🎉"
The others responded immediately, expressing their excitement:
"Sounds great! See you there!" wrote Lewis.
"Can't wait! It's going to be epic!" added Daniel.
However, neither Max nor Charles read these messages. After an emotionally charged day on the track, they returned to their hotel room, finding solace in each other's company. The atmosphere was calm and intimate. The room was dimly lit, and soft music provided the perfect backdrop to their moments together.
Max sat on the bed, removing the scent patches he had worn all day. Finally, he could be himself without hiding his true scent. Charles moved closer, wrapping his arms around him. The pleasant scent of their pheromones hung in the air, making them feel even more connected.
Max smiled at Charles. "Thank you for being here with me," he whispered.
Charles responded with a kiss, gentle and passionate, letting all their emotions flow freely. Their moment became even more intense as they began to undress, yearning to feel the closeness of their skin.
They surrendered to the ecstasy of their feelings and passion, forgetting the world outside. Every touch, every kiss was an expression of their deep love and devotion. Their bodies intertwined in a dance full of passion, exploring every possible form of closeness.
Meanwhile, at Club Deluxo, their friends waited for Max and Charles, enjoying themselves and celebrating Max's success. The atmosphere was joyful and full of laughter, but the evening's protagonists were missing.
"They must be running late," Lando noticed with a smile, sipping his drink.
"Or they're having their own celebration," Oscar chuckled, looking at the rest with a knowing smile.
***
Max and Charles finally decided to join their friends at the club. After spending intimate moments in the hotel, they changed into elegant yet comfortable clothes and headed to Club Deluxo. Stepping inside, they felt the pulsating music and saw their friends already having fun at the bar.
Lewis spotted them first and called out with a smile, "Hey, latecomers! You finally made it!"
Daniel couldn't help but laugh, adding, "We were wondering if you'd honor us with your presence at all!"
George, with a wide smile, hugged Max and Charles in greeting. "Did you have more important matters to attend to?"
Max, slightly embarrassed, replied with a smile, "Sorry for the delay, but we had some... matters to discuss."
Charles, trying to keep a serious tone, added, "Yes, very important matters."
Daniel couldn't resist teasing, "Those 'matters' that require closed doors and covered windows, huh?"
Lando joined in with a laugh, "Don't worry, we have those 'matters' sometimes too."
Max and Charles just smiled, taking the jokes in good spirits. They knew their friends were happy to have them there and to celebrate Max's victory.
Raising his glass, Lewis called out, "To Max and to all the 'matters' that need attending behind closed doors!"
Everyone burst into laughter, raising their glasses.
Daniel, approaching closer, added, "And now that you're finally here, we can properly celebrate. Max, Charles, how about we hit the dance floor?"
Feeling the atmosphere full of joy and support, Max replied, "With pleasure! But first, I need to order a drink. Charles?"
Charles nodded, ordering two drinks at the bar. Once they received their drinks, they joined the rest of the group on the dance floor. Together, they celebrated Max's victory and their friendship, dancing and laughing until late into the night.
Despite the jokes and banter, each of them knew they had something special. They were not just rivals on the track but, above all, friends who supported each other and rejoiced in their successes.