Carlos had never hidden his hints about being someone to talk with if things went sour. From anyone else, it'd be a trap that would eventually kill him. Yet the spaniard was earnest enough for him to believe him. The door opens, and Max knows he's made a mistake by coming. "Max?" He calls with a hoarse voice that dances between surprise and acceptance. "Hi, Carlos." (modified) Title from Hey Brother by Avicii (Part of the ATIC verse, crossposted on AO3 under the user: Thecoffewitch)

He remembers wanting to say "I don't think you hate me, but I feel like you do." Carlos knew better than to say it because it'd show how much he needed his father's grace, and that would be the worst offense. A Sainz didn't plead, beg, or scream for acceptance. They earned it. Maybe Carlos was never meant to be a Sainz to begin with. Title from the song Te para tres by Soda Stereo (translated) (Part of the ATIC verse, can be read as a standalone. Crossposted on AO3 under the user Thecoffewitch.)

Suddenly, there's a cold spot on his forehead, and he finds himself surrounded by the scent of coffee and Bleu by Chanel. Before he can get properly lost in the smell, he feels a squeeze on the arm, and it hits him. The small coldness comes from Carlos. He's feeling his plump, perfect lips. Carlos is kissing his forehead. (Part of the ATIC Universe, can be read as a standalone. Crossposted on Ao3 under the user: Thecoffewitch.)

So maybe he couldn't control his car, the result of a race, or being considered a shadow for every Scuderia he drove for. Maybe the universe wanted to keep him an ocean apart from where the conflict kept escalating so he couldn't intervene. But this? This was his to change and, even better, a chance to take the reins. To take control. Crossposted on Ao3 Cover credit: carpsainz on twitter ♡