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

Level on Points, Ready for Paradise

The summer sun hung low over the Hungaroring as the final race before the summer break came to a thrilling conclusion. The paddock buzzed with excitement, reporters scrambling to capture reactions from the teams, and fans roaring in the grandstands. Charles stood atop the podium, the trophy gleaming in his hands, the Monegasque flag waving proudly behind him.

Max stood beside him, a grin tugging at his lips as he looked at his husband. The two were now tied on points heading into the summer break—a rivalry rekindled, a championship perfectly balanced. The media was having a field day. But for Max and Charles, the upcoming weeks were all about switching off. The break they had been craving was finally here.

They'd fought hard for the first half of the season—Max reclaiming his fifth title the previous year, unstoppable after the regulation changes that had favored Red Bull again, even without Newey's genius. Ferrari had built a rocket of a car for Charles, but engine failures had robbed him of crucial victories. It had stung, not being able to defend his title. Yet, here they were in 2027, head-to-head again, and this time, the fight was far from over.

The private jet hummed softly as it soared through the twilight sky. The race weekend in Hungary had been fierce—neither had given an inch—but now, seated comfortably on Max's jet bound for Monaco, the tension had lifted.

Max lounged back in his seat, legs stretched out, a glass of water in his hand. His racing suit had been swapped for casual joggers and a plain black tee. Across from him, Charles sat cross-legged on the cream leather seat, scrolling through photos on his phone from the weekend, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"So," Max broke the comfortable silence, glancing over the rim of his glass. "Level on points, huh?"

Charles looked up with a grin, locking eyes with him. "Couldn't ask for a better scenario, could we? Makes the second half of the season interesting."

"Interesting is one word for it," Max chuckled. "You mean stressful."

Charles laughed softly, shaking his head. "Admit it, you love it."

Max smirked, raising a brow. "Maybe. Racing you when you're at your best? Always."

The moment lingered—a shared understanding between them. The rivalry that defined their careers, the love that defined their lives.

"But," Charles said, leaning back with a stretch, "no racing talk for the next few weeks. Summer break means summer break."

Max nodded in agreement. "Deal."

Charles set his phone aside, his smile widening. "I can't wait for this holiday. It's been too long since we spent time with everyone."

Max's expression softened. "Yeah. Feels like forever since we saw your brothers and their kids. And my mom's been texting nonstop about the trip."

"I know! The kids are so excited. They've been begging to go surfing with us," Charles laughed, brushing his fingers through his messy hair. "I told them you'd teach them."

Max groaned, though the smile tugging at his lips gave him away. "Me? Why do I have to be the instructor?"

"Because you're good at it?" Charles teased, nudging him with his foot. His talent wasn't with surfing, even though his husband wasn't much better. It would still be fun.

Max narrowed his eyes, though he couldn't suppress his grin. "Fine. But only if you come too. I'm not dealing with them alone."

"Deal."

The jet dipped slightly as it began its descent toward Monaco. The city's lights glittered below, reflecting off the dark waters of the Mediterranean. The sight always stirred something comforting in both of them—home.

Max glanced out the window before turning his attention back to Charles. "What else do you want to do? We've got a whole few weeks of sun and no racing."

Charles hummed, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Definitely beach days. Maybe a few dinners by the marina. Oh! And we have to take the kids to that new playground they opened. Arthur said it's massive—zip lines, climbing walls, the works."

Max chuckled. "Guess we're babysitters now."

Charles shot him a playful look. "Oh please, you adore them. Don't pretend otherwise."

Max leaned his head back against the seat, closing his eyes with a dramatic sigh. "They're too energetic. Makes me feel old."

"You? Old? The same Max Verstappen who spent half of last summer karting with them until sundown?"

Max cracked an eye open, smirking. "Touché."

They both laughed, the fatigue from the race weekend finally beginning to melt away. The promise of days spent swimming, surfing, eating good food, and relaxing with family sounded like paradise.

"Oh!" Charles perked up. "And I want to visit the zoo again. The kids loved it last time."

Max groaned, dragging his hand over his face. "The zoo? Really?"

"Yes!" Charles insisted, his eyes gleaming. "Come on, Max, you know you love watching the penguins. Don't deny it."

Max couldn't help the burst of laughter that escaped him. "Fine. But only if we can leave before the reptile house. You know I hate snakes."

Charles grinned mischievously. "No promises."

As the jet touched down, they both fell into a comfortable silence, the anticipation for the holiday ahead buzzing between them. The media would no doubt spend the entire break hyping up the title fight—two drivers, two champions, equal on points. The storyline couldn't have been written better.

But right now, none of that mattered.

Max reached over and took Charles's hand in his, their fingers intertwining easily. "Ready to turn off the world for a bit?"

Charles squeezed his hand, his smile soft. "With you? Always."

The jet doors opened, and the warm Monaco air drifted in. They stepped out together, the city lights welcoming them home. Tomorrow, they would pack their bags and head off for weeks of sun-soaked beaches, laughter with family, and moments that mattered far more than any championship.

But tonight, they would rest.

Because the battle would continue soon enough.