Unbroken hopes|| Charles Leclerc x Max Verstappen(lestappen)Wildest dreams book2

The morning after: a new beginning

The morning sun filtered gently through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Charles stirred first, blinking slowly as he adjusted to the light. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he became aware of the comforting weight of Max's arm draped over him, holding him close even in sleep. The events of the previous day came rushing back in a blissful haze—walking down the aisle, the vows, the kiss, the celebration with everyone they loved. It all felt like a beautiful dream, yet here they were, waking up as husbands.

He turned slightly, just enough to take in Max's peaceful expression. His husband—Charles couldn't help the giddy feeling that surged through him at the thought. His husband was still fast asleep, his face relaxed, and his hair slightly tousled. Charles reached out, tracing a finger lightly along Max's jawline, committing this moment to memory.

As if sensing Charles' gaze, Max began to stir, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked a few times, then smiled sleepily as he focused on the man beside him. "Morning," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.

"Good morning," Charles replied, his voice soft and filled with affection. He leaned in to press a gentle kiss to Max's lips, lingering for a moment before pulling back. "How did you sleep, mon mari?"

Max's smile widened at the term of endearment. "Perfectly," he said, pulling Charles closer, their bodies fitting together as naturally as breathing. "Waking up with you like this... it's everything I've ever wanted."

Charles' heart swelled at Max's words, and he nuzzled closer, resting his head on Max's chest. They lay there for a while, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment, the steady beat of Max's heart under Charles' ear a soothing rhythm.

After a while, Charles spoke again, his voice a little more awake now. "Yesterday was incredible, wasn't it?"

Max chuckled softly, his hand running up and down Charles' back. "Yeah, it was. I still can't believe it all happened. It feels like a dream."

"It does," Charles agreed, his mind replaying the highlights of their wedding day—the way Max had looked at him as they exchanged vows, the laughter they shared with friends and family, the feeling of being surrounded by so much love. "But it was real. We really did it."

"We really did," Max said, pressing a kiss to the top of Charles' head. "And now, we have the rest of our lives to look forward to."

Charles lifted his head, looking into Max's eyes. "I can't wait," he said, his voice full of sincerity.

They lay there for a while longer, enjoying the quiet and the feeling of being in each other's arms. But eventually, their stomachs began to make their presence known, and Max laughed as his grumbled loudly, breaking the silence.

"I guess we should think about breakfast," Charles suggested, chuckling as he reluctantly pulled away from Max and stretched. "After all, we have a plane to catch later."

Max groaned playfully, reaching out to pull Charles back into bed. "Can't we just stay here forever? Forget the honeymoon, just order room service and never leave?"

Charles laughed, but there was a part of him that agreed. The idea of spending the entire day wrapped up in each other was tempting, but the excitement of their honeymoon was just as strong. "As much as I love that idea, we do have a pretty amazing trip planned. And there's always room service at the hotel," he teased.

Max sighed dramatically, but the smile on his face gave him away. "Fine, you win. Let's get breakfast."

They reluctantly left the comfort of the bed and made their way to the small dining area of their suite, where the hotel staff had already set up a breakfast spread. The table was laden with all sorts of delicious options—freshly baked croissants, fruit, eggs, bacon, and, of course, a pot of strong coffee. There was even a small bottle of champagne, a final toast to their wedding day.

Charles' eyes lit up as he took in the feast. "This is perfect," he said, taking a seat and immediately reaching for a croissant.

Max poured them both a glass of champagne, handing one to Charles before raising his own. "To us," he said, his eyes full of love and promise. "To the start of our forever."

Charles clinked his glass against Max's, his heart brimming with happiness. "To us," he echoed, taking a sip and savoring the moment.

They enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, taking their time to savor the food and each other's company. They talked about their favorite moments from the day before, reminiscing about the speeches, the dancing, and the way their friends and family had made the day unforgettable.

"I still can't believe how much effort everyone put into making it so special," Charles said, his voice full of gratitude. "It was more than I ever imagined."

Max nodded in agreement. "Yeah, everyone really came through for us. And Martin's set was incredible. I don't think I've ever seen Pierre dance that much."

Charles laughed at the memory. "Neither have I! And Daniel was in full party mode too. I don't think I'll ever forget the way he pulled us onto the dance floor."

"Or the way Lando kept trying to give us marriage advice," Max added with a grin. "Like he's some sort of expert."

"He means well," Charles said, chuckling. "It was just... perfect. Every part of it."

They continued eating, the conversation flowing easily between them. Eventually, as the meal wound down and the champagne bottle was empty, they realized it was time to start getting ready for the next part of their adventure.

Max glanced at the clock, then at Charles, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Think we have time for one last cuddle before we have to get ready?"

Charles pretended to consider it, but his smile gave him away. "I think we can manage that," he said, standing up and taking Max's hand. They returned to the bed, sinking back into the soft sheets, holding each other close.

They stayed there for a while longer, wrapped up in each other, savoring the last few moments of their wedding celebrations. But eventually, reality called, and they reluctantly began to prepare for their journey.

As they packed their bags, their excitement for the honeymoon began to build. They had planned the trip meticulously, choosing a destination that offered a mix of relaxation and adventure—a secluded island where they could unwind and enjoy each other's company, with plenty of opportunities for exploring and making new memories.

With their bags packed and ready, they took one last look around the suite, both of them feeling a pang of nostalgia for the place where they had spent their first night as a married couple.

Max grabbed the suitcases, and Charles picked up the small carry-on bags. They made their way to the door, but before they left, Max paused, setting the suitcases down.

"Wait," he said, turning to Charles. He reached out, cupping Charles' face in his hands, his expression serious but full of love. "I just want to say, I love you, Charles. I'm so glad we're doing this together."

Charles felt a lump form in his throat, but he managed to smile. "I love you too, Max. More than anything."

Max leaned in, kissing Charles softly, a kiss that spoke of all the love and promise they shared. When they finally pulled away, they were both smiling.

"Ready to start our adventure?" Max asked, picking up the suitcases again.

"Ready," Charles replied, his heart full as they stepped out of the suite, hand in hand, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives together.

As they made their way to the airport, the excitement of the honeymoon and the joy of their wedding filled the air. They knew that whatever the future held, they would face it together, as partners, as husbands, as each other's forever.