Alone In A Crowded Room (A Lestappen Story)

When We Met

When Charles was younger he'd often be bested by Verstappen, though he never held it against him. At that time he hadn't been Max Verstappen - he'd just been Max. Funny, goofy Max who had been one of Charles' mates. And then they'd crashed. It had all changed after that. Max had gotten angry and distant and snapped at Charles whenever he came near. It was almost as if he was a different person altogether. All because of a crash.

As they grew, so did their hatred until it reached the stage it had to now. Charles wanted to punch Max as he stood next to him with the pole position trophies. He'd placed third, what a surprise. It upset him to great extent the way Max smiled and how the corners of his eyes crinkled like it was real. Charles would have liked nothing more than to wipe it off his dumb face.

And that is exactly what Charles did the next day (in his defence, it was a mistake). Six laps after Charles' water ran out he lost control of the wheel just as he came near Max, sending his Ferrari right into the rear of the Red Bull.

Charles' ears were ringing and his vision was blurry when he came to. He was in another hospital room with another IV drip in his arms and another doctor telling him he was dehydrated. What concerned him, though, was the commotion outside.

"What happened?" He asked.

"The person you crashed into," The doctor said cautiously, "His car was on fire. He got out and fainted."

Charles' heart monitor started beeping rapidly, "Is he okay?"

"We are unsure."

"Can I see him?"

The doctor pursed her lips as if trying to make up her mind then said, "Just keep the drip in."

Charles wasn't sure why he was so concerned but all he could think of was if Max was okay. If the formerly funny, goofy Max would be fine.

The door opened soundlessly and Charles peeked in. The room was white and sterile and horrible but what was worse was the man laying on the bed, arms wrapped in bandages. "Oh my god." It was a whisper but it was enough to make the man's head turn.

Blue met green as they looked at each other for a long moment before he spoke, "Leclerc."

"Max," Charles couldn't help but feel guilty, "I'm so sorry." He moved closer.

"Go away."

Charles could hear the raw pain in his voice but . . . "You're alone."

"So are you."

"Are you okay? Do you need anything?"

"Looking to alleviate the guilt?"

"At least I know you don't have a concussion," Charles said, "Because you're still an asshole." And then he walked out not feeling any guilt, especially feeling none of it when Pierre and Alex were waiting for him in his room.

Charles didn't feel guilty at all, especially not when he remembered that Max's father was at the race and hadn't visited him in the hospital.

Especially not when he remembered taunting Max about not being able to look him in the eye. Especially not when he remembered the night they met off track for the first time. Max had just come second in the race, bested by Charles. He remembered Max's eyes were filled with tears like the night was full of terrors. Charles didn't know what the hell he was supposed to do so he'd gone to hug him and Max had flinched so hard from it so instead Charles slowly offered his hand to Max and Max had taken it, holding it like he was scared it was a dream.

Charles didn't know what happened to the old Max who was so full of laughter and cheer but he knew it had something to do with the old Max who was filled with despair and fear.

Heyo what's up guys?

So . . . I did a thing. In every chapter (Except for the prologue) I have put a song reference. 

So, challenge : If y'all can find them all then I'll update thrice a week instead of twice? This is renewed every week with that week's chapters and if y'all find the song for both chapters of a week I'll post on Sunday

Anygays, I hope y'all are doing well and may the odds be ever in your favour

Love,
Kai <3