Chapter Text
Walking in the Wind
-----December 17th 2021-----
"If that means getting to see you again, I wouldn't mind screaming a bit", Daniel only realised the second nature to what he said as Max started to grow red again. He had to think back to the times when Max easily followed up, even in front of the press. They would bring sexual undertones in any conversations they had. The public loved them for it and Daniel had finally found his equal. Other drivers would stare at them blankly and backpedal immediately if they were brought into the equation. Only Lando and Carlos seemed to be able to keep up. These were some of his happiest memories in the paddock.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean it like that this time", Daniel couldn't hold back his laughter, watching Max not even being able to look the waitress in the eyes as she brought them their dessert. "I do like seeing you flustered again after all these years. You've grown too used to my jokes back then."
Daniel wanted to slap himself. Flirting really isn't what he should be doing right now. He asked the waitress for more wine and started filling his mouth with food to stop himself from talking. He sneaked a glance at Max who was drinking wine himself, a small smile on his lips. Okay, Daniel didn't fuck up yet. Max may have changed over the last three years but he knew that Daniel didn't.
"Couldn't say I missed them", Max joked back, the heat in his face finally dissipating, "Checo's way funnier than you." Daniel had seen some promotional videos from Red Bull. Saw Max and Sergio doing all the stuff he would have done with him, had he stayed in Red Bull. He had watched a lot over the years. Saw Max joke just as easily with Pierre and Alex but grow alongside the Mexican.
Perez had a family, Daniel even had the pleasure to meet his son in Mexico. He had always been a calm and patient man even if Daniel annoyed him. And Dan noticed how that must have rubbed off on Max. The Dutchman may have gotten snarkier on the team radio from what he had seen. But the calmness and confidence he observed on press Thursdays and in after race interviews must be Perez's influence. He often didn't believe when Max said he felt no pressure when asked about the championship fight, but he knew Max could have never answered those questions so patiently if not for the Mexican being a comforting presence. Daniel was glad to see Max moved on and matured.
"Good for you, you have him next to you for another year after all. Maybe he'll even secure you another championship", Daniel meant to keep his voice light but the indication that he left and I wish I could be there next to you out was obvious enough. He didn't mean Red Bull. He was happy at McLaren. The crazy Brit next to him was refreshing and freeing. Yes, he was still only the second driver but he had found his peace with it and Zak was always there to support both of them equally should things change.
Lando often hung around Carlos and Daniel had come to appreciate the time to focus on himself. He was of course still involved in mischief Lando came up with and enjoyed the deranged interviews he had with him. Daniel truly felt like there was no better team for him mentally than McLaren right now. But he had never stopped missing Max in his time off. The Dutchman had so easily integrated himself into his private life, whether it be flying to another country to party or stay in to enjoy a cheat day. It was hard to let it go back then.
Daniel could feel the tension in the air and regretted ever accepting the invite to dinner. He knew flirting was his second nature, how did he expect to get through this without getting hurt? Max had evidently moved on, he had heard the rumours about Kvyat's ex. Daniel had his fair share of partners in bed too over the years but he just hadn't found the person that fitted themself so seamlessly into his life like Max did. He was close to saying I love you once, just to maybe trick himself into being able to let go. But he knew how unfair that was towards the girl and broke up with her instead. It wasn't her fault he was stupid enough to hang onto something he decided to end.
"Daniel…" Max's voice was too soft. Smooth as he said his name. A fraction of uncertainty in it and Daniel was ready to storm out of the restaurant. He was tired of feeling. His emotions and decisions haunted him for the last 3 years, this would just mark all his mistakes in stone. He saw that Max recognized the panic in his eyes.
"No, don't run. Stay. Please. Do not make the mistake I made in Spain."
Spain? Oh.
"I ran right before you could tell me you liked me too. I'm not letting you run before telling you I still love you."
Daniel didn't let his brain process the information given to him. Instead he stood up and dragged Max up to meet his lips. Hands in his golden hair, cheeks meeting the unfamiliar stubble of the younger, holding him close, feeling the electricity running along his skin as Max put his hands on Daniel's chest to keep his balance, kissing back.
"I missed this. I missed you. So much", Max whispered as they separated for air, "but we're still in public and I'm going to pay for dinner this time." Daniel let out a hushed laugh, giving him another short kiss before settling back into his seat.
"We'll talk more later but just know I was talking about you with Victoria."
"What did I say back in Spain? 'I'm glad it's because of me'?" Max laughed and Daniel didn't want to hear anything else for the rest of his life.
"And I told you a few years ago I'd always want you by my side no matter what shit I said. Maybe you should have taken that more seriously hm?"
"Yes my lord, my deepest apologies for being a first class asshole. I beg for that championship to soften thy disposition and accept this humble servant back in thy heart", Daniel only allowed himself to look away from a glowing Max for a second as he gave a mock bow.
"I never let you leave it"
And maybe Daniel did ruin his shirt by leaning into his food to steal another kiss.
Oh how it feels to be a king beside you