Dusk was settling softly over the Lusail circuit, the track illuminated under the spotlights now that the crowds had thinned. In the near silence, Max felt a mix of pride and exhaustion. He had just won another race, but beneath the celebratory atmosphere, a nagging worry gripped him, and he couldn't shake it. He knew exactly why.
As the crowds mingled in celebration, Max searched for Charles. He had glimpsed him earlier, but something about his tired expression and hesitant steps hadn't felt right. It was subtle, easy to miss, but Max knew him well enough to notice. A feeling of unease pulled him through the crowd, determined to find him. Then, just out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Charles—off-balance, pressing a hand to his forehead as if struggling to stay upright.
Max didn't hesitate a second longer. He crossed the last few meters between them, his heart pounding as he reached out and steadied him with a hand on his shoulder.
"Charles?" His voice was gentle but tinged with worry. "Are you okay?"
Charles looked up, his eyes dulled with a fatigue that seemed almost unreal. Before he could answer, he swayed again, his strength fading. Max caught him just in time, his arm sliding around him to prevent him from falling. He murmured reassurances, his own breath hitching as he called urgently for the medics, holding him close until they arrived.
He stayed by Charles's side, unwilling to leave him alone for even a second. His heart raced until the doctors assured him it was only heat exhaustion and dehydration—nothing more. But his worry lingered as he watched Charles lying on the stretcher, still looking worn out, offering Max an apologetic smile that did little to ease his fears.
When Charles finally emerged from the medical center, Max was there, resolute. Charles flashed him a faint smile, trying to mask his exhaustion with a joke. "You should go celebrate your win, Max. You're the hero tonight, right?"
Max raised an eyebrow, his determination unyielding. "You're kidding, right? I'm staying with you. The celebration can wait."
Charles sighed, still trying to convince him to go, but Max remained steadfast, brushing off every protest. Without another word, he wrapped his arm around him, gently supporting him all the way to his car. As they drove slowly back to the hotel, the silence between them was comfortable, the closeness warming Max's heart. He stole glances at Charles, who was almost drifting off, his features softened by exhaustion.
At the hotel, Max led him to his bed, surrounding him with pillows, water, and blankets to ensure his comfort. Then he settled down beside him, resting a hand lightly on his arm, reassured by his warmth and presence.
"Why are you doing all this for me, Max?" he murmured, his voice soft, almost a whisper, as though he barely dared to ask the question. A pause hung in the air, then Max took a deep breath.
"Because..." he hesitated, searching for the right words but knowing he no longer wanted to hide anything. "Because I care about you, Charles. More than you know." His voice was tender, every word heavy with feelings he'd kept buried for far too long.
Charles looked at him, surprised, but a warm smile slowly spread across his lips. Max's heart beat faster, but for once, he felt no fear. This was the moment. Leaning closer, his gaze lingered on Charles's, silently seeking permission. Finally, his fingers brushed along his cheek, slowly closing the distance between them until their lips met.
The kiss was tender and soft, filled with a quiet vulnerability, as if they both feared shattering this fragile moment. But once they began, there was only truth. This was stronger than all the uncertainties, more real than anything else.
When they pulled apart, Max held his gaze, a small smile lighting his face as he gently wrapped his arm around him again.
"Now," he murmured, his voice full of warmth, "you should rest."
Charles looked at him with a hint of amusement in his eyes, but his hand found Max's, giving it a soft squeeze. "Stay with me."
Max felt a gentle warmth settle over him, the comfort of this shared moment making his heart swell. Without hesitation, he climbed onto the bed beside him, pulling him close as they sank into a quiet embrace. Exhaustion pulled at him, but it didn't matter; all that mattered was Charles, right here with him.
They drifted off in each other's arms, lulled by the warmth of their first night together, each one's steady breathing easing the other's worries. The world outside felt distant, and for once, nothing else mattered.
A/N
Here a new chapter, hope you enjoyed it 💕
