The calm before the storm - Max Verstappen x Charles Leclerc

25

It was Saturday morning and we got ready to go to the qualifier. I took a cold shower and went about my morning routine as usual. Charles had to wait for me because I was slow as usual. On the drive to the Circuit we hardly spoke as Charles was focused on qualifying, as I had been too.

Once there, I saw that all the drivers had already arrived before us. we went past all the garages for Ferraris. We ran into Lando and Oscar outside their garage. "today is my day" said Lando and laughed. "when Francesca is here I know I'll be fine" Charles laughed and put his arm around my shoulders. "I thought she was our mascot not just yours" Lando said shocked and looked at me.

It was only then that Oscar spoke for the first time. "stop looking so surprised about that" Oscar laughed and nudged Lando. "I'm rooting for you in the Ferrari garage" I said giving him an honest smile before we had to move on. Once there, Fred came walking and looked extra happy. "hi Russo" he said giving me a welcoming hug.

I felt so welcome by all the drivers and by Fred. The Ferrari team felt more like a family than my own family did. I hadn't spoken to my dad in over a month and after that night I had started to feel a lot better.

"the qualifying starts soon so get ready Charles" were the words that made me stop daydreaming. Charles gave me a kiss and walked towards his car as I stood to the side of everything to stay out of the way. When Q1 and Charles I went towards the screen to check how everyone was doing. Charles had a very good time, so did Lando, George and Pierre. Q1 was finished and Charles headed for the garage.

Q2 started and I saw how Simon was fighting not to come under the stretch. I thought it was hot standing in the garage so couldn't imagine how hot it must have been for all the drivers. Max was fastest as usual which was not surprising. Q3 started and Charles' car looked very promising. But of course there would be something that would ruin it. Max. Max drove like an idiot and crashed into Charles' car. I could hear Charles getting angry which was understandable.

Q3 was finished and Max would of course only start tomorrow. When Charles entered the garage, nothing could calm him. I didn't want to be scolded by him when he was so upset so I gave him some space so he could calm down first. I saw Max pass the Ferrari and something hit me. All the anger I had built up against Max and his behavior towards Charles made me lose control.

I walked towards Max with determined steps and called out to him. He turned to look at me in surprise. "what the hell is your fucking problem Max" I said angrily and I couldn't care that there were people who could see. "You think you're the best on the court, but you're not and your behavior towards me these past few days is unacceptable," I scolded him.

I saw his blue eyes darken and his body language showed that he was angry but surprised that I scolded him in front of everyone. "take care" Max said making me even angrier. "You're so fucking pathetic Max" I yelled at him. I saw him looking around because everyone was looking at us.

Max took a step closer to me but I stood still, I was too angry to care and I knew he wouldn't do anything in front of everyone. "I hate you Francesca" he said in almost a whisper. "Oh really? I hate you too Max" I saw how something changed in him. I just couldn't figure out what it was. He took a step closer which this time made me a little scared

"Charles is looking for you Frankie" I heard a voice behind me which made me turn around. It was Carlos. I turned and glared at Max before turning and walking Carlos to the garage. "Thank you for coming to save me" I said as he put his arm around my shoulder. "saw that it could end badly" he said in a serious voice.

I walked over to Charles who had now calmed down a bit. He gave me a forced smile when he saw me. "can we hurry to the hotel" he asked as he changed. Today he didn't want to stay longer than necessary so he skipped taking a shower.

I sat quietly while he changed. It was completely silent in his room. I could hear my own heartbeat. "You are brave to scold Max in front of everyone" Charles said to break the silence. Although his voice was serious, I could hear a hint of pride. "He has no right to behave like that" I said and was immediately irritated by his behavior today. "no one has dared to go against him before" said Charles and leaned forward to give me a kiss on the forehead.

"someone has to be the first" I laughed nervously which made Charles laugh too. We were ready to leave the circuit when it started to drizzle. "can the day could get worse?" Charles said to himself. I used my jacket as protection from the rain while we walked to the car.

We had arrived at the hotel and stepped into the elevator. Just before the doors closed, Max stepped in. The silence was as loud as a normal day at the Circuit. No one dared to say anything and I hardly dared to breathe. Charles was clearly annoyed and muttering to himself. "damn idiot" I heard Charles say and apparently Max did too because he turned around very quickly. "What did you say" Max asked even though he had heard. I didn't dare check up on Max and instead put my focus on Charles.

"obviously you heard what I said mate" Charles snorted at Max. I was completely paralyzed because I was worried where it would lead. It felt like the seconds turned into minutes inside the elevator. The guys had a staring contest with hatred in their eyes. There was no more than hatred in the eyes before the doors opened again. I was so happy that the doors have opened.

"come on Frankie" Charles said and took my hand. "you don't own her" Max said in a cold voice. Now it was my turn to look at Max with hatred in my eyes. We went out before max towards our room. "what's his problem" I burst out the second we closed our door. "dont worry absout him" Charles said in a comforting voice. The rest of the evening was quiet. Charles was focused on beating Max tomorrow while my head replayed what had happened during the day.