Maybe in another life-formula 1

Happy birthday to you

An: guys your comments give me lifee like honestly every time i feel like I can't write and want to rip my hair out when i see people interact it really motivates me so keep it coming.

Silverstone

Max wasn't expecting much when he sat down for lunch in hospitality, just a quiet meal with Brad before the afternoon's meetings. He was halfway through his plate when the atmosphere in the room shifted, pulling his attention toward the entrance.

Angelus had arrived.

The first thing Max noticed was the crutches. The second was how fucking awful he looked.

His hoodie, an old Red Bull one with slightly faded logos, was bunched awkwardly around his elbows from the way he gripped the crutches. He moved carefully, every step deliberate like he was trying not to let on just how much effort it took. His face was drawn, and pale, and his eyes already naturally sharp looked even more hollowed out, dark circles carved beneath them like shadows he couldn't shake.

Brad let out a low whistle. "Shit. He looks wrecked."

Max didn't respond, but his grip on his fork tightened. as max stared the whole team gathered in the middle of the room.

Then the entire room erupted into song.

"Happy birthday to you..."

Angelus visibly startled, blinking in mild confusion before registering what was happening. The entire team had gathered near the entrance, and Liz stood at the center, holding a cake with a simple '26' candle flickering at the top.

His lips twitched slightly somewhere between amusement and exasperation.

Max could see it in his face: he hadn't been expecting this. Maybe he hadn't even remembered it was his own birthday. Maxs mind briefly wondered to when he was the one holding the cake for him. When they would sneak away pieces and eat them even if they weren't supposed to.

When the song ended, Liz stepped forward with the cake, lifting it slightly toward him. "Make a wish."

Angelus, still standing there on crutches, huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "You really want me blowing all over this? I'm sick."

A few people laughed, and someone in the back called out, "Not stopping us from eating it, mate!"

Liz rolled her eyes. "Fine, you're off the hook. But at least take this." She pulled out a card from her back pocket and handed it over.

Angelus took it carefully, shifting his weight onto one crutch as he flipped it open. The inside was filled with signatures, scribbled messages, and the occasional crude doodle, classics.

"Bet half of these just say 'Get well soon,'" Angelus murmured, dry amusement creeping into his voice as he scanned the messages.

"Oi, some of us put effort into it," one of the mechanics protested, grinning.

Angelus looked up. "Oh yeah? Which one's yours?"

The mechanic squinted at the page. "Uh... 'Don't die before the next aero test.'"

Angelus laughed, shaking his head. "Real touching stuff thank you kev"

As he flipped through the messages, his fingers brushed over a particular note. The handwriting was familiar, tight, sharp, just slightly slanted.

"Your getting old, Can't wait to see how fast this team ages you"-MV

It sounded impersonal. Sarcastic But Angelus wasn't stupid. The assumption was right there. The assumption that angelus will stay.