Hate to race lestappen

Monaco 5

Max opened the door, already dreading whatever chaos awaited him. He barely had time to process before Charles launched himself at him, arms wrapping tightly around Max's torso.

"Max!" Charles exclaimed, his voice muffled against Max's chest. "You're alive!"

Max staggered back, groaning as his ribs protested the sudden impact. "Jesus, Charles! Get off!"

Charles didn't budge. "Missed you," he said, giggling.

Max's eyes flicked to Daniel, who stood at the edge of the driveway, grinning smugly. "What the hell, Daniel?"

Daniel raised his hands in mock surrender. "Don't look at me. You're the one who called."

Max groaned. "I didn't mean bring him here! I just—"

Daniel was already heading back toward the elevator. "Good luck!" he called over his shoulder, waving as he disappeared.

Max groaned, turning his attention back to Charles, who was now squinting at him. "What?" Max asked, exasperated.

"You look tired," Charles said, his head tilting slightly.

"No shit," Max replied, guiding him inside.

Just as they stepped into the living room, Victoria appeared from the hallway, her bag slung over her shoulder. She took one look at Charles and burst into laughter. "Oh my god, is this the great Charles Leclerc, savior and nurse extraordinaire?"

Charles perked up at the sight of her, his face lighting up. "Vic!" he said, stumbling forward to wrap her in a hug.

Victoria grinned at Max over Charles's shoulder.

"You're leaving?" Charles asked her, pouting slightly.

"Yep," Victoria replied, ruffling his hair. "Max is all yours now."

Charles turned to Max, grinning. "All mine," he repeated.

"Don't," Max warned.

Victoria snorted, patting Max on the shoulder as she headed for the door. "Good luck, you'll need it."

The door clicked shut, leaving Max alone with Charles, who had already made himself comfortable by flopping onto the couch upside down.

"Sit normally," Max said, crossing his arms.

"I am," Charles replied, his voice muffled by the cushions.

"You're upside down," Max pointed out.

"Better for thinking," Charles said, wiggling his toes.

Max groaned, walking over and dragging him into a proper seated position. "You're impossible."

"You love it," Charles said with a smirk.

"I don't," Max shot back, though the corners of his mouth twitched.

Charles stared at him for a moment before leaning forward conspiratorially. "Do you know what's crazy?"

"What?" Max asked warily.

"You're cute when you're annoyed," Charles said, giggling.

Max blinked. "You're drunk."

"Drunk, not wrong," Charles said, pointing at him.

"Stop talking," Max said, shaking his head.

"You're mean," Charles replied, pouting. "I took care of you all week, and this is how you repay me?"

"I didn't ask for your help," Max pointed out.

"You didn't," Charles confirmed, sitting up straighter. "That's what friends do, Max. We're friends, right?"