stuttered words

5.

5. – 2022

Charles still couldn’t believe what he has just witnessed just a couple of weeks ago. Max was World Champion! Max. His Max. His Max, who still didn’t know about the feelings he had for him. When Max came back to his apartment later that night (Daniel was perfectly fine by the way, Max said he was dying of laughter when he entered his room, so no need for Charles to worry) the Dutchman might have noticed how uncomfortable Charles seemed to be when he had to explain their situation to Max. So, he let it slide past, and had a thought of starting to repair their broken relationship and instead of making Charles uncomfortable, he had decided to demolish the Monegasque in FIFA.

Charles had offered him to spend the night, so they could play as much as they wanted to. They were at their fourth round already (the Monegasque lost all of course) when Charles could not stay awake anymore. He told himself that he only needed a minute to rest, so he closed his eyes.

He had no idea what happened, when he woke up in the morning in his own bed, dressed just in boxers, the covers on the floor, realizing he have just had the best sleep of his entire life. Did Max take him to bed? Holy fuck: Charles blushed at the thought of the Dutchman undressing him. No, he needed to get those thoughts out of his head. He stood up, feet hanging from the bed, trying to find his slippers. When he found them, he slipped into the soft footwear, and went to find Max.

He found the Dutchman making breakfast in the kitchen. Charles decided to put his winding thoughts aside and help him. They had breakfast together, and he led Max out of the apartment.

This day has lived rent free in Charles’ head for the past year. After that morning, he knew he had to break up with Ethan. He felt guilty, but fortunately, his (now) ex understood him. Ethan truly was a great person. Instead of throwing a tantrum when he found out his boyfriend loved someone else, he accepted it, and thanked Charles for being honest with him.

And while we are speaking about breakups, Charles had no idea how he had not heard the news before: Max and Dilara already broke up a year ago! He could not believe why he did not know about that.

So now, he had no reason not to go to the traditional New Year’s party. He knew those were not made for him, since at every event, something life-changing happened to him. He still decided to go though. He later wished he hadn’t.

The party – as usual – was held at Daniel’s place. When the Monegasque entered the house, the blowout had already gone wild. He saw Lando blowing bubbles in the living room, while Carlos next to him was popping them making Lando angrier every second. He had enough when the Spaniard popped the biggest one, he had made, and started chasing the Ferrari driver. Daniel was doing a handstand next to his couch, while Max was taking a video of him, along with Alex wheezing next to him, almost out of breath. Speaking of Max and Daniel, later that night Charles couldn’t not see how the Aussie kept hugging Max, dancing with him, and not letting him go.

Why had been so stupid? Max told him, he has a crush on a man. Of course, it is Daniel! How could he not realize this before?

He stormed out of the house, his destination was meant to be the street, but Daniel’s house had so many doors, that he got lost and somehow ended up in the garden. Of course, it is always that place. He sat next to the pool, his feet hanging in.

After about ten minutes, he heard steps behind him, Max sitting down next to him.

- Don’t you want to celebrate? – The Dutchman asked.

- No, I am kind of tired… Can I ask you something? – this time, Charles was determined to get the truth out of Max.

- Sure.

- When you said, you had a crush, a couple of years ago… did you mean Daniel? – he waited anxiously for the answer.

- What? No. – Max laughed. – why do you think that?

- Well, - Charles stuttered - it’s just that you guys get along so well, and tonight, you were hugging him, and dancing with him, and I know that you don’t dance, so I thought maybe you dance just for him, and I-

- Charlie, slow down a bit. Are you jealous? – Max’s eyes were searching for Charles’ – I would gladly do all those things with you.

He got closer.

- I would love to hug you, until you push me away, – their thighs touched – I would dance with you, with the most pleasure, – Max stroked his cheek – but most importantly, I get along with you, but it’s not just that, which I want. – their lips almost connected. -  I want not just to get along with you, but to be with you, and make you feel good.

Charles could feel Max’s ragged breathing on his lips, the Dutchman’s hands caressing his cheeks… -

but also pulling away, when hearing voices coming from inside.

- Wh-

About 15 drivers broke out of the house, running towards the two of them, but not seeing them. Lando was the first one to be thrown into the pool, of course by the Spaniard who followed him right away. George was pushed in by Alex, who he had later pulled in with him. Charles could only feel the sudden pressure on his waist, when Pierre pulled him up, and threw him into the pool, later being pushed in by Yuki – the backstabber - as Pierre later called him.

Holy shit. – Charles thought.