sparks fly | m.verstappen

thirteen

XXIII. Tulip Bracelet

MONZA: September 2023

Race Day: Evangeline walked through the paddock with Lissie, the younger reporter was explaining the new video challenge she had thought of the night prior.

Both the reporters were too caught up in their conversation to notice that they had passed Max and Charles. As if on cue, the Dutch driver's attention was on the senior reporter.

Not really expecting it, Charles was pulled by Max to where the girls were walking to. "You know you can just call them- Angel! Lissie!" Charles called out, clearly struggling at being pulled by Max.

The two grils stopped and turned to see the two drivers. Lissie giggled and nudged Angel who was already looking at Max. The two drivers finally reached them.

"Thank goodness you stopped. I know I drive in Formula 1 but damn, being pulled by Max gave me whiplash." Charles said with a laugh. Angel chuckled, "Now why would you do that to your friend?" she asked.

Max smiled sheepishly, "Because you and Lissie are fast walkers." he answered. Angel rolled her eyes jokingly, "That's a nice reason. Don't you two have racers to prepare for?" she asked.

Charles smirked, "We do, but I think Max wants a good luck from you Angel." he teased. Angel's cheeks turned red and she pursed her lips, "Oh really now?"

Max shrugged, "If you will give me one." he said. Angel chuckled and walked closer to him, the Dutch driver smiled as she did. "I have something better to give." she said.

Lissie's eyes widened, "Oh my goodness." Charles snickered, "Just kiss him already." he said. Max and Angel looked at him, his face red while her eyebrows scrunched together.

"What- no never mind." Angel said as she turned back to Max. "Here. You better take care of it and give it back when you win." she said as she carefully took off her favorite bracelet; the crochet tulip she had received on her birthday.

Max froze when she wrapped it around his wrist, "I know you don't wear anything when you drive but please take care of it." she said. He gulped and nodded, "I promise."

The moment between the two however was interrupted by Charles and Lissie with laughter and squeals. "That is the most-" "Cliche and sweet thing I have experienced." Lissie cut the Ferrari driver off.

Charles shook his head, "Actually pathetic." he said. Max rolled his eyes and Angel chuckled, "Will you two just go? You both have a race." she reminded. As if there was a reminder that popped in their heads, they said their goodbyes and ran to their garages.

"I swear they're children." Lissie noted, chuckling fondly at their friends. Angel smirked, "More of a child than you." she said, the younger reporter huffed, "You are mean to me."

"Not really."

While the reporters were now back to focusing on their work, the two drivers finally reached their garages. Before saying their goodbyes and good lucks, Charles spoke, "Does she know?"

Max smiled to himself and looked at the bracelet around her wrist, "No." "Do you plan on telling her?" Charles asked. The Dutch driver nodded, "Yeah but not now."