Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was supposed to be that kind of day.

You know, the kind of day where Max had not a single thought about anything other than his job. He was supposed to figure out if they should switch the engine producers from CFM LEAP to Safran. Most people would ask him why bother changing your engine producers if you are already making a 35% profit, but Max wasn't just most people.

The first thing he noticed, when he walked into his office in Castelli Romani, was the smell of expensive air freshener the cleaning staff used.

He knew that a small wine-producing town like Castelli Romani might not have been many people's first choice in finding a location for the office of an aerospace manufacturing company. But again, Max was not like most people.

Moreover, it wasn't as if he had built the actual industry here, he just headquartered its office here. He might not be the nicest person in the world, but he had enough empathy to not destroy the small town with the fumes, gases, and sounds that arise out of an industry.

No, the industry is better off in France. It was somewhere in the southwestern region of the country, but Max can't be bothered learning the exact location. Lando had told him it was empty far and wide and that it could handle the manufacturing, and Max went along with it.

At the moment, however, Lando, his assistant, was not in a good mood. He had a large scowl on his face, making him look even more like a small child than usual. Lando marched towards him, his hands tightened into a ball at his sides, eyebrows furrowed, and visibly panicked.

"Maxie, we've got a problem!" Lando exclaimed, storming towards Max with a distressed expression on his face. He grabbed Max's arm, tugging at it anxiously.

Max let out a soft hum as he scanned the area, noticing multiple eyes looking directly at them. He dragged Landos's hand away from his bicep and awkwardly patted Lando's shoulder, as he pointed to the elevator.

"When you encounter a problem, let's keep it between us," his father had once advised. "Panicking in public only amplifies the chaos." Considering some of the other advice his Dad had told him, this was one of the better ones.

"What is the problem, Lando?" Max asked as he pressed the button to the top floor and the elevator shut, closing his eyes and bracing for the bad news.

"You know how you made me meet with the government and ensure that nobody else could have their business anywhere within 2 miles surrounding this area?"

"Yeah?" Max's eyes now open. He had a good idea of what this is about.

"Well, I seem to have made a mistake," Lando admitted. "There's a coffee shop that managed to slip through the cracks. It's just around the block."

Max tapped his foot on the floor of the elevator as he heard the soft ding indicating that he was on his floor.

"You know assistants are supposed to make life easier right?"

Max stepped out of the elevator and made his way toward his office, Lando following closely behind. He unlocked the door and entered, gesturing for Lando to take a seat. Max walked over to his desk and leaned against it, looking at Lando with a mixture of amusement and annoyance.

Lando shifted uncomfortably in his seat and looked at him sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Max. I thought I had everything under control, but it seems there was a miscommunication with the government officials. By the time I found out, it was already too late."

To most people this might not be a problem at all, I mean it's just a coffee shop. But here is the thing, Max knew that the majority of customers in that shop would be his employees and he surely didn't like anyone profiting from his employees. He had never forgotten that wretched day when he found out that Lewis Hamilton managed to get all his best employees to work at his company.

Can you blame him for his dedication to safeguarding his employees' well-being and providing them with exceptional facilities? He had established his very own coffee establishment on the third floor, its brew may not be the best, but it brought a sense of unity among his workforce.

But now this new coffee shop, this, is going to become competition and Max wasn't pleased at all.

“What do you think we should do?” Lando asked, his gaze fixed on Max.

Max let out a sigh and moved away from his desk, taking a seat in his chair. He contemplated the situation, formulating a plan in his mind.

"I'll talk to the authorities and also pay the shop a visit in about an hour. But I don't want you going there with your... let's say, unique charm," Max replied, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Lando pouted, crossing his arms over his chest as he got up and walked towards the door. “You’re just scared they will love me and that I will quit here and join them instead.”

“Lando, out of all the employees, you’re the last one that I am worried about quitting.” Max’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Nobody in their right mind would tolerate all of your bullshit like I do.”

The last thing Max saw of Lando before he turned to focus on dealing with investors, was the same middle finger he had seen a million times before.

.

It was a sunny day.

Max wasn’t a weather guy, but he also never went out for a walk.

The cafe was larger than what he had expected for sure. Its expansive windows allowed sunlight to pour into the space, casting a warm glow upon the beige walls. Ivy vines gracefully climbed the exterior, reaching up to the sign at the top, giving the café a touch of natural beauty.

The Brew Box.

The name alone held a certain charm that outshone Max's café, which he had simply named The Coffee Shop without much thought. In retrospect, he realized it lacked the personality that a good name should possess.

There wasn’t anybody there but that makes sense, this was the time when everyone would be (hopefully) focused on work. But there have been people here before. The dustbin on the outside was almost full of coffee cups and paper plates.

Max took a last look at the exterior, noticing the blue LED sign saying ‘Open’ and then pushed the door open, walking inside.

It smelled like coffee beans. The interior welcomed him with its inviting beige walls, complemented by dark brown couches and tables. The atmosphere exuded warmth and comfort, beckoning him to stay. Intriguing artwork adorned the walls, with paintings seemingly inspired by the French Revolution, evoking a sense of history.

It was…. nice.

It was already better than his shop, of course. Max had originally planned on only having a conversation with whoever works here, but seeing how good the shop looked, his competitive flair sprung up. He just had to know whether the coffee was better than his own.

There were no baristas behind the counter at the moment, allowing Max to observe his surroundings. The lack of security measures struck him, a thought flickering through his mind that it would be easy for someone to take advantage of the café's vulnerability. However, he quickly dismissed the notion, reminding himself that he was here for a different purpose.

Max rang the bell located on the counter, leaning on his side as he tapped his fingers on the counter.

The door behind the counter opened and there was a sight that seemed divine.

The man was gorgeous, and even that word didn’t do him enough justice. His hair fell in disarray across his face, his green eyes sparkled with joy, and his lips were curled into a captivating smile. He adjusted his apron with grace as he approached Max.

“Stop ogling mate,” the barista said in a tone that suggested he was frustrated and Max was almost about to apologize before he noticed that the man was still smiling.

Max tried his best to pull himself together and smile at the man. However, he was pretty sure, his attempt just made him look even more stupid.

“Uhh…hi,” Max said, mentally scolding himself for sounding so stupid.

The man however beamed at Max, pointing to the board above him showing the drinks available.

“Hi! Welcome to the Brew Box. What would you like to have?”

Max's gaze shifted to the board, contemplating his options. "What would you recommend?" he asked, genuinely curious.

A mischievous giggle escaped the barista's lips. "Whatever is the most expensive," he playfully replied before quickly adding, "Nah, I'm kidding. I would personally recommend our mocha frappe. I believe it's the best we offer."

“Okay then, I’ll have that then,” Max replied, his hands slightly trembling.

“Alright! Can I get your name?”

“Max. My name is Max”

"Okay, Max. That will be €4," the barista confirmed.

Max handed a five euro note across the counter, and for a brief moment, their fingertips lightly brushed against each other, sending a surge of electricity through Max's veins.

“Here is your change.” The man replied, his tone still joyful “And you can take a seat. I’ll bring your drink to you.”

Max nodded his head, feeling almost certain that he would embarrass himself if he said anything more.

He sat down on one of the couches, hands running through his hair, and let out his first exhale in what felt like forever.

Fuck.

He had met the man a few minutes ago and he already had a massive crush. Max had almost always known he liked boys, much to his dad’s horror, but now this man had him feeling something he had never felt before. He had never felt this star-struck, had never been speechless but here he was.

The barista’s accent seemed different. It was European and from what he had heard of accents, he safely concluded that it wasn’t Dutch, British, Spanish, or German. Maybe he was French?

His eyes wandered back to the counter. The man was making his coffee, slightly swaying his hips to the music that was being played in the cafe. The barista turned around at that very moment, catching Max's eyes locked on him. Instead of shying away, he smiled warmly, seemingly unperturbed by the attention. Max felt his heart race, his thoughts spiraling into chaos.

He didn’t mind Max looking at him. He even seemed to like it. Max felt like he was going feral, he wanted to pull himself together but that seemed impossible when a literal Greek God seemed to be walking closer to him.

"Here is your Mocha Frappe. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope to see you soon," said the man, his words carrying a tinge of anticipation.

See Max soon? What was the barista playing at? A thousand thoughts ran in Max’s head as he slowly took a sip of the drink.

It was better than anything he had ever tasted before. It made his cafe’s drinks seem like garbage. Max was pretty certain that he would have loved the drink even if it was crap because of the man, but the drink was still wonderful. God, this was so unfair. Max couldn’t help but let out a groan as he realized that not only was the cafe outshining his own in every way possible, he as a 25-year-old man, now had a crush on the cute barista.

Then his eyes caught something that made him feel like he was flying. Max's mind raced, his eyes wide, staring at the presence of a phone number scribbled on the accompanying napkin with a message: "Go out with me sometime? <3."

Bold.

He flicked his eyes back at the counter, just to notice that the barista was speaking to someone behind the door.

Max struggled to steady his trembling hands, hastily finishing his drink before rushing to the counter. Attempting to exude nonchalance (though he felt like an absolute loser), he pressed his palms against the smooth surface.

"Hello!" Max's voice emerged louder than intended, embarrassment washing over him.

The man turned around, his eyes sparkling. He looked confident, with the charm and grace of someone who knew how ethereal he was. He caught Max's eyes and beamed at him, dimples forming.

"Hi Max."

"Um.." Max stammered, in his fever to talk to the man, he had forgotten what he wanted to say.

Thankfully, the man seemed better at handling himself. He raised an eyebrow at Max and that fucker had the guts to smirk at Max. "Did you like your drink?" he asked, his accent thick.

"It was good."

A brief pause ensued, threatening to descend into awkwardness until Max regained his composure.

"You know, most people usually tell others their name before giving their numbers."

Shit, was that mean?

The man didn't seem to think so, a small snort leaving his mouth. "I didn't want to be just most people to you," he replied, winking at Max.

Max felt like the whole world was spinning. He fucking winked. He- He- that little shit.

"Well, someone special, may I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"

The man smiled at him, leaning on the counter towards Max, his lips dangerously close to Max's own.

"My name is Charles but I'm willing to be called whatever nickname you guys have in Dutch."

Max frowned, curiosity piqued. "How do you know I'm Dutch?"

"Guessed from your accent. It's surely not Italian" Charles retorted, sticking his tongue out at Max.

Max's nerves finally seemed to calm down. The man was comfortable enough with Max and seemed interested in having a conversation with him, so he might as well reciprocate.

"And you don't sound particularly Italian yourself," Max remarked, a hint of a sneer in his voice. He couldn't help but take note of how adorable Charles looked when he pouted. "French, I assume?"

Charles let out a gasp, bringing his hands in front of his chest muttering words, most likely curses, in French. It was distinctly French, Max wasn't a scholar but he too knew what putain meant.

"Can't believe you would do this to me. Now that I've been betrayed I feel like you don't deserve a date."

Max's eyes widened in genuine concern. Had he gone too far? Had he ruined everything?

"I'm so- so sorry, I didn't-"

"God, Max, shut up!" Charles interrupted, his eyes screwed shut as he erupted into laughter. Max stared at him, perplexed yet relieved. Charles took a moment to compose himself, his eyes meeting Max's with an adoring gaze.

"I'm not French, Max. I'm from Monaco," Charles finally revealed, another giggle escaping his lips. "I was just teasing. Of course, I still want to go out with you."

Max let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding.

"So, when do you want to go out?"

Charles paused and straightened up, a red flush forming on his face. He fiddled with his hands, his confidence from a moment ago seemingly fading.

"I'm free tomorrow after my shift at 6 p.m. Would that be suitable for you?"

Max scanned the Monégasque's face, a gentle smile forming on his face.

"6 pm tomorrow would be perfect, Charles," he said, loving the way Charles flowed off his tongue.

Charles caught his eyes again, the familiar smile returning to his face.

"Perfect, Max."

Max nodded, a smile still etched on his face. "I'll text you the details by tonight," he said, his voice filled with warmth that surprised even himself.

"Okay."

“Okay.”

Max took a few steps back, still marveling at Charles, before turning around and walking out of the shop. He moved outside the building, making the conscious decision of fixing his suit, and looked back for a final look at Charles.

Charles who was still looking at him, waved his hand, winking at Max, almost giving him a heart attack for the thousandth time that day. Charles turned around, walking into the back door, probably to talk to whoever was there earlier.

Fuck, Max couldn't be more thankful for hiring Lando.

.

"Nothing looks good Daniel, I either look like a manwhore or like a nerd."

"But you are both a manwhore and a nerd Max!"

Max flicked a middle finger at Daniel, letting out a groan as he fell back against his bed. He wanted tonight to be perfect, he would genuinely try to die if this date went wrong. He might have talked to Charles for 5 minutes in real life, but he would kill everyone and himself if he lost his chance with the man.

Max had spent the whole day distracted. His last fling had been with a girl called Kelly, she seemed pleasant but there was just something missing. Max just could not see himself with her for the rest of his life. He craved a connection, a person he could envision spending the rest of his life with. And he hoped Charles could be that person.

When evening arrived, Max decided to leave the office a little earlier than usual. He wanted to take some time to prepare himself for the date. He had called Daniel, his friend who lived in Australia, and asked his opinions on his attire.

Which was not going very well.

He had wanted to be interesting and not wear something basic, but unlike Daniel, funky clothes just did not suit him.

Charles would probably look good in anything.

*"*Max, trust me, you should stick with something you are comfortable in." Daniel's voice brought him out of his thoughts. "You are boring, but I mean, you don't want to spend your whole life not being yourself, no? Moreover, you are going to a fancy-ass French restaurant, I don't think you have the vibe to pull a jumpsuit off at some place like that"

Max blinked, brushing off the playful insults from Daniel. "Since when did you become so mature?" Max teased, feigning surprise.

Daniel responded with a cheeky grin and a middle finger. "Good luck, Maxie. Have a great dinner and an even better night, if you catch my drift.”

Max groaned playfully. "You're incorrigible. Thanks, Daniel. I'll see you later.”

Ending the call, Max took a deep breath and focused on his reflection in the mirror. He needed to be true to himself, to feel comfortable and confident.

He settled on a crisp white shirt, tailored black pants, and a black blazer.

As he stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie, Max couldn't help but feel a surge of nerves. He took a deep breath, reminding himself to relax and be himself. After all, Charles seemed genuinely interested in him.

5:45 pm.

The night sky was ablaze with stars as Max stepped out of his mansion, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the quiet street. He approached his sleek black Ferrari and opened the door with a sense of purpose. Sliding into the driver's seat, he took a moment to collect himself before starting the engine.

Max made his way to the agreed-upon meeting place for their date—an elegant French restaurant overlooking the city. He had arrived early with a mission and succeeded as he secured a quiet corner table with a view.

Max scrolled on his phone to prevent himself from overthinking, ultimately failing at that. Would there be that same spark between them that he had felt at the café? Would the conversation flow effortlessly? Would Charles even show up?

Just as the thought crossed his mind, Charles entered the restaurant. Max's heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of him. Charles looked effortlessly stylish in a tailored suit that hugged his frame, his hair neatly styled. Their eyes met, and a warm smile spread across Charles' face. Charles hurriedly walked over to Max, sliding his phone into his pocket.

"Max," Charles greeted, his voice loaded with warmth and excitement. "I'm so glad to see you."

Max stood up, returning the smile. "Charles, it's great to see you too," he replied, extending his hand for a handshake. But Charles had other ideas. He closed the distance between them and enveloped Max in a warm hug, leaving Max momentarily stunned but pleasantly surprised.

"Shall we?" Charles asked, gesturing towards the table.

Max nodded, feeling a renewed sense of confidence. "Absolutely," he replied, taking his seat opposite to Charles.

Charles opened the menu, letting his hand graze over each item, pausing in consideration at some of them. He let out a soft hum, looking up from the card at Max.

“What are you planning on having?”

Max shrugged nonchalantly. "I planned on letting you decide. After all, you're the expert in all things French," Max emphasized the word 'French,' flashing a playful grin at Charles.

Charles' eyebrows furrowed playfully, a mock pout forming on his lips. "Fuck you," he murmured, his soft tone contradicting his words.

Max, suddenly feeling very bold, wiggled his eyebrows at him. “So soon schatje? We've only been here for two whole minutes.”

Charles' eyes widened with surprise, clearly not expecting Max's boldness. After a moment of shock, he composed himself, his flushed cheeks hinting at his excitement. Raising his hand, he signaled for the waiter to come over.

"Can we get two glasses of Blanc de Noirs?" Charles requested, his French flowing effortlessly. The waiter nodded, jotting down the order before departing.

“Are you okay with eating fish?” Charles asked, his face flushed with genuine curiosity.

Max nodded. “I’m okay with anything.”

As the waiter returned, placing two glasses on the table and pouring the dark blue champagne, Charles proceeded to order a Bouillabaisse and a Daube, a smile adorning his face. He then looked back at Max, his eyes filled with intrigue.

“So..Max,” Charles paused for just a moment, before continuing “What do you do?”

This Max could do. Max was always good at talking about his job.

“I am the CEO of Atelion Aerospace. We manufacture various sorts of planes.”

“You’re the CEO of that big-ass building nearby?”

Max chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Lucky you, right? You get to go out with a millionaire.”

"Lucky me, indeed," Charles responded, studying Max's face intently. "Tell me more.”

And so, Max dove into the details, sharing stories of his complicated relationship with his father, anecdotes about his beloved pets, Jimmy and Sassy, and even recounting the time when Daniel, in a drunken state, convinced him to sign up for a strip club subscription.

In return, Charles shared glimpses of his life—a loving father who had passed away, two brothers, and his younger brother's unwavering obsession with Formula 1. Charles spoke of Carlos, the barista he worked with, and Pierre, his closest friend from Monaco. He talked about how Brew Box had been created by his Godfather, Jules, and that he works at the shop to honor him.

“It’s my small way of remembering him you know? Jules was everything to me, and his death led me down a dark path.” Charles paused for a moment, collecting himself before continuing. “You might think it’s weird that I studied architecture just to become a barista, but it just felt right to me. The Brew Box means the whole world to me, I don’t own it, it’s owned by Jules’ dad but it means the whole world to me.”

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and what was intended to be a quick dinner turned into two hours of sharing and laughter. Charles made him feel seen, valued, and deserving of love and respect. It had been a long time since Max had felt this warm and full.

They finally decided to leave the dinner at sometime around 8:30 walking out into the cold night. The chill in the night air was refreshing as Max and Charles strolled down the dimly lit streets. Their laughter echoed through the quiet surroundings, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy between them.

Charles reached out to interlink his fingers with Max, sending a chill up his nerves. They found themselves in a small park, away from the bustling city. The moonlight cast a soft glow on their faces as they settled on a bench, their gazes locked.

"I had a wonderful time, chéri," Charles confessed, his face illuminated by the moonlight, making him even more captivating.

Max leaned in closer, his breath mingling with Charles’. "Me too.”

Their eyes danced with a mix of excitement and vulnerability, each yearning to take the next step but unsure how. Max took the gamble by leaning in and capturing Charles' lips with his own.

The kiss was delicate, but it was full of passion. It spoke of shared desires, unsaid feelings, and a bond that neither could deny. The world around them went away in that moment, leaving only the two of them, immersed in the embrace of their newfound devotion.

When they eventually parted, their foreheads rested against each other, and their breaths mingled.

"Max," Charles said softly, his voice full of affection and longing.

Max smiled, his heart pounding with delight. "Yes, Charles?"

"I don't want tonight to end," Charles acknowledged, barely audible above a whisper.

Max tightened his grip on Charles' hand, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Then let's make it last," he murmured, his voice full of newfound conviction.

"I think my place is closer," Charles said quietly, "it's only a few blocks away."

Max nodded and rushed forward, brushing his lips against Charles once more before tugging him along to where he had parked his car. "I'll take my car, though, I don't want to leave it on the road overnight."

Charles raised his brow at him. "What makes you think you can spend the entire night at my house?"

Max grinned at him, his heart racing at a rate he had no idea was possible. "I can leave if you want me to schat," he said.

Charles shook his head and ran a little quicker to get to Max's car. "I will fucking kill you if you leave right now."

Max chuckled, unlocking the car and opening the door for Charles. "You know, I've never been more motivated to stay alive," he replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Charles slid into the passenger seat, his gaze fixed on Max. "You better be," he said, his tone filled with playful warning.

Max closed the door and quickly made his way to the driver's seat, a wide grin plastered on his face. As he started the engine, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The night was far from over, and the possibilities seemed endless.

.

Max hated mornings.

But he probably wouldn’t have a problem with them if they were usually like this.

Charles's head rested on his chest, his eyes still closed. He remembered last night, all the passion and love in everything they did. He wasn’t the type to have sex on the very first date, but Charles was special. Charles had been special since the moment he had seen him in the coffee shop.

Max's thoughts wandered to their intimate moments, each touch and caress etched in his memory. The passion they shared was unparalleled, and it left Max with an indescribable feeling of fulfillment and contentment. From that moment on, no one else would ever be able to compare.

As the morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on their entwined bodies, Max gently brushed a strand of hair away from Charles' face, his touch filled with tenderness and affection.

However, Max's heart skipped a beat as Charles stirred awake, his drowsy eyes opening slowly. Anxiety crept into Max's thoughts, worried that Charles might regret their actions or view it as a mistake.

But to Max's relief, Charles let out a soft groan and lifted his head from Max's chest, moving to lie beside him. The sound of Charles's voice, filled with affection, broke through Max's fears.

“Good morning, cheri.” Charles's drowsy murmur brought him out of his thoughts.

“Good morning, Charles.” Max smiled at him, turning around to fully face him. He brought his hand over Charles’ hip bringing him even closer.

As Max and Charles lay intertwined, the morning began to unfold with a comforting sense of serenity. The world outside seemed distant and unimportant, as if time had frozen just for the two of them.

Lost in the moment, Max traced gentle circles on Charles' back, relishing the feeling of their bodies pressed against each other.

Charles shifted his gaze, his eyes meeting Max's, "Max," he whispered, his voice filled with tenderness, "Last night was... incredible. I've never felt this way before.”

Max's heart swelled with warmth, his feelings echoing Charles' sentiment. "I feel the same, Charles," he replied softly.

A gentle smile played on Charles' lips as he reached out to caress Max's cheek. Max leaned into Charles' touch, savoring the tenderness in his gesture. "I know this might be cheesy or even something I shouldn’t be saying so soon, but I can't imagine life without you now.”

Charles muttered “You are always cheesy” before he pecked his lips and they lay there, basking in the warmth of their affection, cherishing the intimacy they had found in each other's arms. It was a sanctuary from the outside world, a place where they could be vulnerable and authentic.

But as the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, reality gently tugged at their consciousness. They knew they couldn't stay wrapped up in their cocoon forever.

Reluctantly, Max untangled himself from Charles and sat up, a mixture of contentment and longing in his eyes. He extended a hand to help Charles up, their fingers intertwining as they shared a lingering touch.

"I wish we could stay here forever," Max whispered, his voice filled with a touch of wistfulness.

Charles squeezed Max's hand, his gaze filled with warmth “You probably could, but I live paycheck to paycheck cheri, I need to head to work. Also, Carlos would kill me if I didn’t show up because I was with you.”

Max wanted to say Charles to just quit, to come stay at his house and live with him, but that would be too soon. Yes their relationship, if it was even that, was moving fast but that would be too fast, even for them.

(Max made a mental note that he and Charles needed to talk about where their relationship was heading.)

But there was time for that later. Right now, he had to get ready for a meeting with Alex Albon, the head of Etihad Airways about a possible collaboration.

Max changed into his suit from last night and pressed his lips against Charles’. He had to head to his house before going to his office, he needed to wear something presentable for a meeting and much to his dismay, found out that Charles had no formal attire.

“Thank you for last night, schat.”

Charles gave Max a grateful smile and leaned in to place another tender kiss on his lips. "I'll be thinking of you all day," he whispered.

"And I'll be counting down the minutes until I can see you again," Max replied.

.

Max quickly freshened up, ensuring he looked presentable for the important meeting. He adjusted his tie, straightened his suit, and checked himself in the mirror one last time. Satisfied with his appearance, he grabbed his briefcase and headed out the door, ready to face the challenges that awaited him.

He might have been nervous about his date with Charles, but he was the opposite about business meetings. He knew the stake he had in the industry and knew that people would rather have him on their side.

Moreover, he liked Alex. He was honest, down-to-earth, and friendly.

What hair color does he have now? It has been a while since we met.

But as much as he tried, he couldn’t get Charles out of his head. He voluntarily took the route where he had to pass the Brew Box and tried to peek inside. Much to his dismay, there was a crowd hiding the view of the counter.

Fucking idiots.

He shook his head, reminding himself to focus on the task at hand – the important meeting with Alex.

He entered his office to see Lando waiting for him, a Red Bull in his hands. Lando looked much more cheerful than he had the previous day and stared at Max with his eyebrows raised. Max knew in an instant that Daniel had told Lando all about his date with Charles. Max let out a groan as he met Lando’s teasing eyes

“Yes Lando, I had a great night. Now can we focus on the meeting?”

“Yes Max, we can. Also three cheers for me for finally getting you some action?”

Max hit Lando’s shoulder, causing the Brit to yelp in shock. Before he could reply, however, Silvia, the executive that had set up the meeting with Alex, called them into the conference room. Lando settled for glaring at Max instead, picking up the documents they might require before walking into the meeting.

Inside the conference room, Max greeted the attendees with a confident smile, his charisma filling the space. He exchanged pleasantries with familiar faces, including Alex, who was standing near the coffee table.

"Max, great to see you," Alex greeted, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Likewise, Alex," Max replied, shaking his hand with a firm grip. "I hope you've been well since we last met."

Alex chuckled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "You know me, always busy, but can't complain. How about you? How's everything going at Atelion Aerospace?"

Max returned the smile, settling into the conversation. "Things have been going well. We've been working on some exciting projects and expanding our reach in the market. I'm optimistic about the future."

"That's fantastic to hear," Alex remarked, interest evident in his tone. "I've been following your company's progress, and I must say, you're doing great things in the industry."

Max's confidence soared at Alex's praise. "Thank you, Alex."

The meeting continued, with Max and Alex discussing potential collaborations and business strategies. Hours flew by, and the meeting concluded with promising prospects for future collaboration. Max felt a sense of accomplishment as he shook hands with Alex, both expressing their eagerness to continue the discussions.

.

It was 6 pm and all Max wanted to do was to be with Charles.

The meeting had gone well, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t exhausted. After last night, sleeping alone just did not seem like an optimal choice. For the last 10 minutes, Max has been staring at Charles’ contact name, thinking about calling him.

He knew that Charles’ shift ended at 6, so it would be the perfect time to call him. The reason he had been staring at Charles’ contact for all this time, is simply because when he starts thinking about anything related to Charles, he just can’t stop.

Max also wanted to have a conversation with him about where their relationship was heading, and if he could be honest with himself, he could admit that it scared the shit out of him.

Finally, Max drew up the courage to call Charles. To his surprise, Charles picked up almost instantly.

“Hey, Max.”

Max couldn't help but smile at the sound of Charles' voice. "Hey, Charles," he replied, his tone laced with affection. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything.”

There was a brief pause on the other end before Charles chuckled softly. "Not at all, I was just finishing up with my shift. It's perfect timing actually. What's on your mind?”

“I was wondering if you wanted to come over to my place tonight? I can pick you up from the shop.”

“I was wondering if you would never ask.” Charles’ said, his voice sounding relieved.

"Great! I'll meet you outside the shop in half an hour then," Max replied, his voice filled with anticipation. "I can't wait to see you

“Well hurry up then cheri!”

Before Max could prepare to leave, however, his miniature demon in the form of Lando Norris popped up.

Lando entered the office, wearing an amused expression. "So, how was the meeting, Mr. CEO? Did you seal the deal?"

Max knew that the meeting wasn’t what Lando came to talk about, but he played along nevertheless. "We're on the right track, Lando. It went well, but there are still some details to work out."

Lando's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Well, I'm glad things are going smoothly for you, considering you've got your personal life sorted out too."

Max raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about, Lando."

Lando rolled his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, please. I saw that look on your face this morning. You're practically glowing. Spill the details, Max."

Max sighed, realizing he couldn't keep his excitement to himself any longer. "Fine, fine. I had an amazing date last night. His name is Charles, and he's incredible."

“What does he do?”

“Now, please don’t boast about this, but Charles works as a barista at the Brew Box.” Max rushed the words out before screwing his eyes shut, expecting the teasing that will come out of Lando’s mouth.

However, to his surprise, Lando remained quiet.

When Max opened his eyes, he saw Lando looking at him with a gentle smile.

“I’m so happy for you Maxie, you deserve to be with someone that brings out the best in you.”

.

As Max drove towards the Brew Box, his mind filled with thoughts of the amazing date they had shared. The warmth of Charles' smile, the sparkle in his eyes, and the way his touch sent shivers down Max's spine. It was a whirlwind of emotions that Max hadn't experienced in a long time, and he embraced it wholeheartedly.

When he arrived at the Brew Box, Charles was waiting outside, a wide grin on his face. Max's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, and he couldn't help but return the smile. They embraced in a tight hug, their bodies fitting together perfectly.

"I've been looking forward to this," Charles whispered, his voice filled with genuine excitement.

"Me too," Max replied, his voice soft and sincere. "Shall we head to my place?"

Charles nodded, and they walked hand in hand toward Max's car. The drive was filled with comfortable silence, their fingers intertwined and their hearts racing with anticipation. Max couldn't help but steal glances at Charles, admiring his features and feeling a sense of gratitude for the chance to be with him.

At the same time, he was worried about the conversation he planned on having with him. What if he and Charles had different ideas about where the relationship was headed?

As they arrived at Max's place, they stepped out of the car and made their way inside. The air was thick with anticipation and the promise of a memorable evening. Max asked Charles to sit on the couch and wait, as he went to pour two glasses of wine. He took a deep breath, calming himself before he went back to the living room.

Max sat down near Charles, close but not touching. Taking a deep breath, Max turned to face Charles, his eyes filled with both affection and nervousness.

"Charles, there's something important I want to talk to you about," he began, his voice steady but tinged with worry.

Charles looked at him, his expression curious. “Course, Max. You can talk to me about anything.”

"I've been thinking a lot about us, about where we stand and where we might be headed," Max started, his voice gentle. "I want you to know that I genuinely care about you, Charles, and spending time with you has brought so much joy into my life."

Charles nodded, his gaze unwavering, encouraging Max to continue.

"But I also want to ensure that we're on the same page, that our expectations align. I don't want to assume anything or take anything for granted," Max continued, “It might be too early to be having this conversation, so I would be alright if you didn’t know, but I wanted to ask anyways, to clear my head a bit. How do you see our relationship progressing?"

Charles listened attentively, his eyes filled with a mixture of understanding and appreciation for Max's honesty. He reached out and gently took Max's hand in his own, offering a reassuring squeeze.

"Max, I'm glad you brought this up," Charles replied, his voice soft and earnest. "I'm enjoying our time together. I haven’t had many relationships that lasted for anything more than two nights. But I want this. I want us. I don’t want to be just another fling to you, I want to wake up every day alongside you.”

Max felt a surge of relief washes over him. He gave Charles a grateful smile and nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"However," Charles continued, his tone gentle but hesitant, "I also want to take things one step at a time. I want us to continue getting to know each other, and building a solid foundation for our relationship. I want to be able to fully trust you Max, and that is going to take some time. You how they say everything that goes fast, eventually crashes? I don’t want us to be like that. To be honest, I already feel like we are going a little too fast.”

Max listened intently to Charles's words, his heart swelling with a mixture of gratitude and understanding.

“I understand. You know, it’s been three days since I first met you and I already feel like my life is meaningless without you. But I get what you mean, let’s take our time. We might have gone fast up until this moment, but let’s go slow from now hm?”

Charles leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on Max's cheek. "That sounds perfect to me, Max.”

They sat together on the couch, their bodies close but giving each other space. As they sipped their wine and engaged in lighthearted conversation, they reveled in the simple joy of being in each other's company.

As the evening unfolded, their connection grew stronger. They laughed, shared stories, and discovered new layers of each other's personalities. Max felt his heart open up, embracing the journey they were embarking on together.

.

It has been three months since their very first date.

And it would not be Max if he didn’t celebrate every milestone, would it? He and Charles had planned to both stop work that day and spend a day at the beach instead. Max was just hear for a minute to deal with an employee issue but he was glad to be leaving.

He and Charles had practically moved in together, with Max’s closet being filled with Charles's clothes. Max was waiting for the right time to ask Charles to fully move in with him.

They had taken it slowly as promised, slowly gaining the trust of each other. Charles meant everything to Max. He would give Charles the whole world if he asked, and all Charles asked was for Max to be with him. He had made Max promise that he would leave the office as soon as the employee issue was over. And Max would be damned if he broke that.

“And if that would be all Nico, I have to leave.”

“That would be all sir, thank you for showing up.”

Max nodded a curt goodbye to Nico as the other man left the room. Before Max could gather his things and leave, however, Lando entered.

“Lando, I am sorry but I don’t have time right now. You know I have to pick up Charles.”

“Max… I-I’m really sorry to ruin your moment but..”

Max looked at Lando with surprise, not expecting the Brit’s comment.

“Max… I don’t think you remember but, you talked to the government about relocating the shop no?”

Then it hit Max.

Fuck.

Max's heart sank as Lando's words registered in his mind. He remembered now—months ago, he had entertained the idea of relocating the Brew Box to a different area due to potential business opportunities. However, with everything that had happened since then, the thought had slipped his mind entirely.

His mind raced as he realized the consequences of his forgetfulness. The government might have already made a decision, and it could potentially impact Charles and his job at the Brew Box.

"Lando, what did they say?" Max asked urgently, his voice filled with concern.

Lando sighed, his expression grave. "Max, they've decided to go ahead with the relocation. They've already notified the owner, and the Brew Box will have to shut down or move to a different city.”

God, he was going to be the reason Charles ended up jobless. Once Charles finds out that he had used his power, to ruin the coffee shop that Charles loved, he would never talk to Max ever again. Charles had loved that fucking shop, and over the months Max loved it too. It was for Jules. Jules, who Charles loved the most.

"Lando, I messed up," Max admitted, his voice filled with regret. "I need to fix this. Do you have any suggestions or know someone who could help?”

Lando's disappointment softened into concern as he realized the gravity of the situation. "Mate, I might know someone who might be able to assist. Let me make a few calls and see what can be done.”

"Do you think Charles knows?” Max asked, his tone soft.

Lando looked at him with pity in his eyes, Lando looked at him with thousands of expressions, but never pity, This was a first.

"I don't know for sure, Max, but it's possible that Charles might already be aware of the situation. The government usually notifies the affected parties in advance. But we won't know for certain until we talk to him."

Max nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of how Charles would react. He felt a mixture of guilt, anxiety, and fear gripping his heart. He had let Charles down, and the weight of that realization was heavy on his shoulders.

"I need to talk to Charles," Max said determinedly, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency. "I need to be honest with him and explain everything. He deserves to know the truth, even if it means he'll be upset with me."

Lando offered him a soft smile.

“Honesty is good Maxie, now hurry up. I’ll do my best at my end”

As Max arrived at the Brew Box, he parked his car and took a moment to collect his thoughts. He knew that honesty was the only way forward, even if it meant facing the consequences of his actions. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the car and made his way inside.

The familiar aroma of coffee greeted him as he entered the bustling coffee shop. He spotted Charles behind the counter, focused on serving the few customers there with his usual warmth and charm. Max's heart ached at the thought of what he was about to share with him.

Walking up to the counter, Max caught Charles' attention. Charles looked up and smiled, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes when he saw the seriousness on Max's face.

"Hey, Max," Charles greeted, setting down the cup he was holding. "Is everything okay?"

Max took a moment to gather his thoughts, trying to find the right words to convey his remorse and explain the situation. He reached out and gently held Charles' hand, seeking comfort and connection.

“Can we talk?”

Charles looked at Max, his concern growing, but he nodded and gestured toward a quiet corner of the coffee shop. They made their way to a small table tucked away from the busy counter, finding a semblance of privacy amidst the bustling atmosphere.

As they settled into their seats, Max took a deep breath, his eyes locked with Charles's. "Charles, I need to be honest with you. There's something important I need to tell you, and I want you to know that I deeply regret my actions."

Charles's brows furrowed, a mix of worry and curiosity on his face. "Max, what's going on? You're starting to worry me."

Max held onto Charles's hand, his grip tight and steady. "A few months ago, I had a conversation with the government about relocating the Brew Box. I.. the reason is a long story, but with everything that has happened since, I completely forgot about it."

Charles's eyes widened in surprise. "Relocating the Brew Box? Max, why didn't you tell me about this?."

Max's gaze dropped, guilt weighing heavily on his shoulders. "I know, Charles, and I'm sorry. I didn't think about the consequences of my actions, and now the government has decided to go ahead with the relocation. They've already notified the owner, and it means that the Brew Box will either have to shut down or move to a different city."

Charles's expression shifted from surprise to a mix of disappointment and sadness. He withdrew his hand from Max's grasp, his voice tinged with hurt. "Max, how could you not tell me? The Brew Box means everything to me, and you've kept something this significant from me."

Max's heart ached at the pain in Charles's voice. He reached out, attempting to bridge the distance between them. "Charles, I'm so so sorry. I should have told you, and I take full responsibility for my mistake. I understand if you're upset with me, but please know that I never wanted any harm to come to the Brew Box. I love you, and I love what the Brew Box represents for both of us.”

Charles looked down at his hands and rapidly blinked his eyes to prevent tears from flowing, Max’s heart broke into pieces at the fact that he had made Charles cry. He had been the reason Charles is hurting. After all the effort and trust put into their relationship, Max had completely broken it. He wanted to say something, to make Charles feel better somehow, but he knew it wasn’t possible. This cannot be sugarcoated.

Max expected Charles to scream at him, to tell him that he never wanted to see Max ever again, or even hit him. Nothing prepared him for what Charles did.

Charles finally looked back up at Max, his voice sounding like it was going to break down at any moment. “You must truly hate me, to give me the best three months of my life and then say that you love me right when you also tell me that you are the reason something you know I care about is going to be shut down, hm?"

Max's heart shattered at Charles's words, the pain and anguish in his voice cutting through him like a knife. He could see the hurt and confusion in Charles's eyes, and it tore him apart to know that he had caused this pain.

"No, Charles, I don't hate you," Max croaked out, "I love you more than words can express. I never wanted to hurt you or the Brew Box. I made a terrible mistake, and I'm so fucking sorry for not telling you sooner. I should have been honest with you from the beginning, and I take full responsibility for my actions."

Charles looked at Max, tears streaming down his face, his voice choked with emotion. "But why, Max? Why did you want us to relocate? Why didn't you tell me? We promised to be open and honest with each other. I- I believed you.”

Max tried his best not to reach out and wipe Charles’ tears. Charles needed space right now, not Max making it even more complicated. Instead, he tried his best to explain his intentions.

“Charles, I..” Max took a deep breath, conquering all the courage he had left, “I had asked the government to do this before I met you. I just… had a thing with the government about no other business being within 2 miles of my own. They agreed, of course, and I brought in a lot of money for them. But Lando had done something wrong and I found out that this shop had been established here. I came to the shop for the first time to tell you that you need to pack up but then I saw you. And you, you shook up my whole world and I mean this truly from the bottom of my heart Charles, I forgot about the government. For the last three months, I forgot about everything that didn’t have you with me in it. Fuck, if I had already known you I would have never let this happen.”

“So, if I hadn’t been there, you would have no problem with ruining a bunch of people's aspirations?”

“No… Fuck.” Max ran his hand through his hair, and he decided to be honest, “Yes Charles, I would have not cared.”

Charles stared at Max, his heart sinking at his words. The realization hit him like a tidal wave, leaving him breathless and devastated. He had believed in Max, trusted him with his heart, and now it felt like that trust had been shattered.

"Are you kidding me, Max?" Charles's voice quivered with a mix of anger and hurt. "You would have been fine with ruining the dreams and aspirations of all the people who work here, who pour their heart and soul into this place? And you didn't even think about the impact it would have on me, on our relationship?"

Max reached out, his voice filled with desperation. "Charles, I know it sounds terrible, but I need you to understand that my world shifted when I met you. You became my priority, and everything else seemed insignificant in comparison. I forgot about the government, about the Brew Box, because being with you consumed me."

Charles pulled his hand away from Max's reach, tears streaming down his face as a mixture of anger, hurt, and betrayal overwhelmed him. "How could you be so selfish, Max? You forgot about everything that didn't revolve around you, and now I am facing the consequences. I told you countless times about how much this means to me. How much Jules means to me, and you’re telling me that you did not care about that once? Did you ever even care? How do you want me to tell Carlos that the shop is shutting down? The Carlos that built this with love and dedication? What do you think Jules would feel if he knew that I am in love with a man that crushed his dreams?"

Charles shook his head, wiping away his tears. "I don't know if I can trust you anymore, Max. Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and you've shattered it.”

Max nodded, his heart heavy with regret. "I understand, Charles. I'll give you the space you need, and I'll be here when you're ready to talk. Just know that I love you, and I'll do whatever it takes to earn your trust again.”

Max watched as Charles stood up from the table, his body trembling with a mix of emotions. It was clear that Charles needed time to process everything that had been revealed to him. Max respected his decision, even though it tore him apart inside.

"I'm sorry, Max," Charles whispered, his voice laced with pain. "But right now, I can't be with you. I need some time to think, to figure out if I can ever trust you again."

Max fought back tears, nodding in understanding. He didn't want to push Charles further away by pleading or begging. He knew that actions spoke louder than words, and he had a lot of work ahead of him to make things right.

"I'll give you the time you need," Max said, his voice filled with genuine remorse. "Please know that I'll be here, waiting for you. And I'll do everything I can to make amends."

Charles didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the floor as he turned and walked away, leaving Max sitting at the table with a heavy heart and with one single thought:

I’ll fix it. I’ll fix me.

.

Days turned into weeks, and the distance between Max and Charles grew. Max respected Charles's need for space and refrained from reaching out, even though every fiber of his being wanted to hear Charles's voice, to hold him and tell him how sorry he was.

During this time, Max immersed himself in work, throwing himself into projects and meetings to distract himself from the pain. But no matter how busy he kept himself, he couldn't escape the emptiness in his heart. He longed for the day when he could see Charles again, to have the opportunity to make things right.

He spent countless days reaching out to various governments, begging them to reverse their decision. He got them to pause the relocation ideas for 10 months but that wasn’t enough. He needed them to allow the Brew Box to stay there. He needed them to completely terminate their no businesses for a two-miles contract.

He had spent countless nights crying alone or talking to Daniel. He had tried to reach out to Carlos and apologize, but all Carlos had said was that he was not interested in hearing anything Max had to say.

Amid his efforts, Max also took time for self-reflection. He realized the depth of his selfishness and how it had hurt the person he loved most. Max attended therapy sessions to address his flaws and work on becoming a better partner. He committed himself to personal growth and understanding the importance of considering the needs and dreams of others.

He understood the extent of the effort his Dad had on him. How Max still, even after all he had done to him, wanted to believe his Dad was a good person. How his Dad had made him think only about his job, and not about the well-being of anybody else. He worked through the betrayal he felt when Lewis had packed up and left with all his best employees.

It was the worst months of his life, but it was necessary if he even wanted a shot at being with Charles again.

One day, as Max was engrossed in his research, his phone rang, jolting him out of his thoughts. It was Lando, his voice filled with excitement.

"Max, I have some news," Lando said eagerly. "I managed to get in touch with a government official who might be willing to reconsider the Brew Box's relocation. It's a long shot, but there's a glimmer of hope."

Max's heart leaped with a renewed sense of possibility. "Lando, that's incredible!"

Lando explained the details, mentioning that the official wanted to meet Max in person to discuss the situation further. They set a meeting for the next day, and Max felt a surge of determination. This was his chance to make things right, to fight for the Brew Box and Charles.

The following day, Max arrived at the designated meeting place, nerves tingling with anticipation. He met with the government official, explaining the situation in detail and expressing his deep regret for his past actions. Max made it clear that he was willing to do whatever it took to rectify his mistakes and ensure the survival of the Brew Box.

After a lengthy discussion, the official agreed to reconsider the relocation decision and Max felt like he was on top of the world. The Brew Box was saved, Charles would still be here. Maybe he would even have it in himself to forgive him.

When he went back to his house to sleep alone again, he finally sent his first message to Charles in seven months.

“Charles,

How are you? I hope you’re doing better.

I’m making an effort to be better here. Therapy twice a week is exhausting but it’s working. I’ve been reaching out to other businesses who had wanted my help, whom I’ve rejected because I saw no gain in it.

I know that you wanted space, but I just wanted to tell you myself that the Brew Box is not going anywhere. I met with a lot of officials over the past months and they finally agreed to destroy the no-business in the surrounding two miles contract.

I know that it might never work out between us again, but I love you, I’ve loved you since the day we first fucking met and I’m so sorry that I ruined everything. I don’t think I’ll ever get over you. It might be a little cliche but you ruined everyone for me Charles Leclerc, and I am the reason that we ended. I hate myself for hurting you and I swear, if we had another chance, I would love you right. You don’t have to reply, but I just wanted to let you know that if you ever need anything, I’m here.

Love,

Max”

Max stared at the message on his phone, his heart pounding in his chest. He had poured his heart into those words, hoping that they would convey his love, remorse, and determination to make things right. It was a risk, reaching out after so long, but he couldn't bear the thought of never expressing his feelings to Charles.

Hours turned into days, and Max anxiously checked his phone, waiting for a response that never came. Doubt began to creep into his mind, and he questioned whether reaching out had been the right decision. Maybe Charles had moved on, maybe he didn't want to hear from Max anymore.

But just as Max was starting to lose hope, a message notification finally appeared on his screen. His heart raced as he opened the message, and relief flooded over him as he read Charles's words.

"Max,

I'm doing better, thank you. I've been trying to process everything and find my sense of balance. It's been a journey, to say the least.

I'm glad to hear that you've been seeking help and working on yourself. It takes a lot of courage to confront our flaws and strive to be better. I hope your therapy sessions are helping you find the growth you're seeking.

I appreciate you letting me know about the Brew Box. It's a relief to hear that it won't be shutting down. I'm grateful that you fought for it, even after everything that happened.

In all honesty, I don't know what the future holds for us. I still have a lot of healing to do, and trust to rebuild. But I can't deny the love I still feel for you. It's complicated, and I need time to figure things out.

Thank you for your offer of support. Right now, I think it's best if we take some space and focus on ourselves. Maybe in time, we can find a way to reconnect and rebuild what we lost. But for now, let's take it one day at a time.

Take care, Max.

Charles"

Tears welled up in Max's eyes as he read Charles's message, a mix of emotions swirling within him. It wasn't the answer he had hoped for, but it was a glimmer of hope. Charles's words indicated that he was open to the possibility of reconnecting in the future, and Max held onto that hope tightly.

He took a deep breath, his heart heavy but filled with determination. He understood that healing would take time, and he respected Charles's need for space. Max replied to the message, his voice filled with love and acceptance.

"Charles,

Thank you for your honesty and for taking the time to respond. I understand that we both need to focus on ourselves right now. I'll respect your need for space and work on becoming the person you deserve.

Just know that I love you deeply, and I'll be here, waiting for a chance to prove myself and rebuild what we lost. Take all the time you need, Charles. I'll be patient and continue on my journey of self-growth.

Take care of yourself, and know that my love for you will always remain.

Love,

Max"

With a heavy but hopeful heart, Max pressed send, feeling a renewed sense of determination. He knew that the road to rebuilding their relationship would be long and challenging, but he was ready to face it head-on. Max would continue to work on himself, learn from his mistakes, and be the partner that Charles deserved.

.

It had been almost a year and a half from the day when Max had last been to the Brew Box.

Max had remained committed to his personal growth and self-improvement. He continued therapy, delving deep into his past and addressing the underlying issues that had influenced his behavior and decisions. Max confronted his demons, working to become the best version of himself now not just for Charles, but also for his well-being. He started to find joy in helping others, something distant and new for him.

Max also poured his heart into his business, eventually deciding to change to Safron as their primary engine producer. “New beginnings.” he had told Lando as the justification for the switch of producers.

He also stayed away from the Brew Box and spent effort encouraging more small businesses to flourish in the area. He increased employee benefits, not with the intention of selfishness but with general compassion. He worked with entrepreneurs to help them establish their businesses, not only in Castelli Romani but also all around the world. He funded various programs to help underprivileged people all around the world get an opportunity to improve their lives.

This process made him discover one thing about himself. He loved making people happy. The smile of a poor agricultural laborer when he found out that his daughter's education was now financed, the kiss an elderly woman placed on his forehead when she found out that she didn’t have to worry about her medical expenses anymore. But the most emotion he felt was when a single father clung on to him, sobbing his eyes out as Max’s help with his business had allowed him to get a home for him and his daughter.

As time passed, Max's efforts began to bear another fruit. The community noticed his genuine support and the positive changes he brought to the area. Max's reputation shifted from that of a cold-hearted businessman to someone who genuinely cared about the well-being of others.

Despite the progress he was making in his personal and professional life, Max couldn't shake off the lingering ache of missing Charles. He often found himself reminiscing about the moments they shared, the laughter, the intimacy, and the deep connection they had formed. Charles was always on his mind, a constant presence in his heart.

Max knew that he would never get over Charles, but he also knew that he had to respect the boundaries Charles had set. He couldn't force his way back into Charles's life. All he could do was focus on becoming a better person and hope that someday, fate would bring them together again.

And that day came in about two weeks.

Max was in a meeting discussing a new project when his phone buzzed with a message. His heart skipped a beat as he saw the name displayed on the screen—Charles.

With trembling hands, Max opened the message, anticipation and nervousness coursing through his veins. Charles's words filled the screen, and Max's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and hope.

"Max,

It's been a while since we last spoke, and I hope this message finds you well. I've been following your journey from afar and the positive changes you've brought to the community. I must admit, I'm proud of you.

Over the past years, I've done some thinking. I've come to realize that I still care deeply about you, Max and that our connection was something special. I've seen the impact you've had on others, and it reminded me of the person I fell in love with.

If you're open to it, I would like to meet and talk. I believe we both have grown and changed and maybe, just maybe, there's a chance for us to find our way back to each other.

Let me know if you're willing to take that step.

Regards,

Charles"

Max's heart raced as he read Charles's message, his emotions a whirlwind of hope and excitement. It was the moment he had been waiting for, the opportunity to reconnect and rebuild what they had lost. A smile spread across his face, and he quickly composed a reply, his fingers trembling with anticipation.

"Charles,

Reading your message brings both joy and relief to my heart. I'm glad to hear from you, and I'm thrilled that you're open to the possibility of us reconnecting.

The person I've become today is in part because of you, Charles. You were the catalyst for my transformation, and I can't thank you enough for that. I've missed you every single day, and I've never stopped loving you.

I would be honored to meet and talk, to see if there's a chance for us to find our way back to each other. Just let me know when and where, and I'll be there.

Love,

Max"

With the message sent, Max felt a sense of hope wash over him. He knew that rebuilding their relationship wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to put in the effort and fight for their love.

Days passed by, and Max's anticipation grew as he awaited Charles's response. Every passing moment felt like an eternity, and Max found himself constantly checking his phone, hoping for a message from Charles.

Finally, on a quiet evening, as Max was going through some paperwork, his phone buzzed, signaling a new message. His heart leaped in his chest as he saw Charles's name once again on the screen. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves, and opened the message.

"Max,

I appreciate your willingness to meet and talk. It means a lot to me that you're still open to the possibility of us finding our way back to each other.

There's a place that holds a special meaning for both of us—the beach we were supposed to go to on that day. I suggest we meet there, in the evening, just as the sun begins to set. It feels fitting, like a chance to start anew as the day turns to dusk.

Let's meet there tomorrow, and we can see where this journey takes us.

Regards,

Charles"

Max's heart fluttered with excitement as he read Charles's message. He had never been to that beach after that day, afraid of seeing what could have been, but Charles was right. It held a significant meaning for both of them. With a smile on his face, Max quickly replied, his fingers moving eagerly across the screen.

"Charles,

Thank you for suggesting the beach. I can't think of a better place to begin our journey anew.

Tomorrow, as the sun sets, I'll be there.

Love,

Max"

The night passed slowly for Max, a mix of anticipation and nervousness keeping him awake. He spent hours reflecting on their past, their shared moments of laughter, and the deep connection they had formed. Max felt a surge of gratitude for the chance to make things right and rebuild what they had lost.

Finally, the day of the meeting arrived. Max spent hours leading up to their meeting preparing himself mentally and emotionally. He had lengthy discussions with both Lando and Daniel and also had an unexpected call from Carlos.

“I know how much he loved you Max, and I hope for the sake of your life that you do not hurt him like that again. You do not want to see me in my Spanish fury, trust me.”

“But do YOU forgive me, Carlos? I consider you a friend you know.”

“I don’t know Max. But the chances of me forgiving you will largely increase if Charles forgives you.”

Max dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit, reflecting the significance of the occasion, and made his way to the beach. He bought a bouquet of lilies, which represented new beginnings.

As he arrived at the beach, Max's heart skipped a beat. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the sand and sea. The sound of waves crashing against the shore created a soothing melody, calming his nerves. Max took a deep breath, grounding himself in the present moment, and waited.

Minutes turned into what felt like hours, but Max remained patient. He knew that this meeting was a pivotal moment, one that required time and space for both of them. And then, amidst the beautiful backdrop of the setting sun, Max caught sight of Charles approaching.

Time seemed to stand still as their eyes met, and Max felt a surge of emotion wash over him. Charles was still the most beautiful man he had ever seen. His hair was a little longer and he had chosen to wear something more casual, by wearing a button-up shirt along with some jeans.

He could see the mixture of apprehension, hope, and love in Charles's eyes. They stood there for a moment, taking each other in, before Max took a step forward.

"Charles," Max said softly, "Thank you for coming. I've missed you, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to talk."

Charles nodded, his gaze filled with a mix of apprehension and hope. "Max," he replied, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "It's been a long time.”

“It has.”

“I..” Charles twisted his rings, something Max knew he did when he was nervous. “I’ve been reflecting a lot in the past year or something you know? And I tried really really hard to forget you.”

Charles paused and Max felt his heart break a little,

“I went out on dates, I even slept with people I didn’t really want to because I wanted to get you out of my fucking head. But you just would not fucking leave.

A lump formed in Max's throat as he reached out, gently placing his hand on Charles's trembling one. "Charles," he said softly, his voice filled with remorse. "I'm so sorry, I never ever wanted to hold you back from happiness."

Charles looked up, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "But that's the thing, Max," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I realized that true happiness lies with you. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't erase the love I felt for you. And that scares the shit out of me."

Charles removed his hand from Max’s to wipe tears from his cheek.

“I can’t. I just fucking can’t see a future without you, no matter how hard I try. And I want to fucking hate you for that you know? But then you message me. You tell me that you are becoming better- for yourself, for me. You tell me that you still love me and expect me to be okay with that.”

"Charles," Max said, his voice filled with tenderness. "I understand why this scares you. I never wanted to cause you pain, and I never expected you to be okay with everything so easily. I just wanted to be honest with you.”

Charles took a deep, shaky breath, his eyes locked with Max's. "I don't know if I can trust you again, Max," he admitted, his voice trembling with both fear and hope. "But what I do know is that I still love you, and I can't ignore the feeling that maybe, just maybe, we have a chance to rebuild what we lost. I don’t want to go out on a date with another guy and find all the ways he is different from you. But I also can’t be in a relationship I’m not secure in.”

Max nodded, understanding the weight of Charles's words. "Trust is something that takes time to rebuild," he said, "I can’t promise you that everything we are fine from here, but I’m willing to fight for us, I always am.”

Charles reached out, tentatively intertwining his fingers with Max's. "I want to believe you, Max," he whispered, tears streaming down his face. “But I need to see the change firsthand you know? I don’t want to be a fool by trusting you blindly again.”

Ouch.

Charles removed his hand from Max’s again, “I want to be friends Max, I want to put this behind us and focus on building a bond again until one day I am one hundred percent sure that I can trust you.”

Max couldn’t trust his voice, he was certain he would start crying if he said anything more, so he settled for a soft “Okay.”

Charles nodded, a small smile forming on his lips amidst the tears. "Thank you, Max," he cooed. "I appreciate it"

Max's heart swelled with determination. He knew that rebuilding their relationship would be a long and tedious process, but he was willing to put in the effort and prove himself to Charles. They had taken the first step towards healing, and that gave him a glimmer of hope for the future.

They both were silent, Charles looking out at the sea and Max looking at Charles.

“Wanna take a walk? There is a new place for burgers, a few minutes away from here.” Max asked, hoping to initiate conversation.

Charles turned to him, drying his cheeks one last time to ensure he looked presentable. “Okay.”

As Max and Charles walked along the beach, the sound of waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation. They talked about their experiences over the past year and a half, sharing both the challenges they faced and the personal growth they had undergone.

Max talked about his journey of self-reflection and improvement, explaining how therapy had helped him confront his flaws and become more aware of the impact of his actions.

Charles listened attentively, his expression a mix of emotions— understanding along with a glimmer of hope. He shared his journey of healing, the struggles he had faced in trying to let go of the love he still held for Max, and the realization that their connection was something truly special.

As they continued to walk, their conversation gradually shifted towards lighter topics, reminiscing about their shared memories and the laughter they had once shared. The familiar chemistry between them began to resurface, reminding them of the deep bond they had once cherished.

Max couldn't help but steal glances at Charles, his heart fluttering at the sight of him. There was an unspoken longing between them, a desire to bridge the gap that had formed during their time apart. Yet, they both understood the importance of taking things slow and rebuilding their trust organically.

And Marcy’s Burgers tasted so much better with Charles alongside him.

.

Over the following months, Max and Charles dedicated themselves to rebuilding their friendship. They spent time together, engaging in activities they once enjoyed, such as exploring new cafes, taking long walks in the park, and even indulging in movie marathons.

Max made a conscious effort to show Charles the changes he had made in his life. He showed his commitment to personal growth, not just through his words but through his actions. He continued therapy and actively sought opportunities to give back to the community.

With each passing day, the walls around Charles's heart began to crumble. He witnessed Max's efforts to make amends, to grow and change, and he couldn't deny the impact it had on him. Through their renewed friendship, he realized that forgiving Max didn't mean forgetting the past. It meant acknowledging the pain and choosing to move forward with an open heart, trusting that Max was genuinely committed to their future.

As time went on, Max and Charles found peace in their renewed connection. The laughter returned to their conversations and the ease with which they interacted felt like coming home. They discovered that the foundation of their relationship, built on a deep understanding and shared experiences, was still intact.

One day, when they were watching Minions: The Rise of Gru, Charles moved closer to Max, resting his head on Max’s shoulder.

Max's heart skipped a beat as Charles leaned against him, a wave of warmth washing over him. He gently wrapped his arm around Charles, holding him close. They watched the movie together, their bodies intertwined, and the world around them seemed to fade away.

At that moment, Max felt a sense of peace and contentment he hadn't felt in a long time.

After the movie ended, Max turned to Charles, his voice filled with affection. "Charles," he said softly.

Charles looked up, meeting Max's gaze with a tender smile. "Max," he replied, his voice filled with the familiar warmth. "I've… missed this feeling, this sense of comfort and safety. I never thought I would have it again, but being with you... it's like finding my way back to happiness.”

Charles took a deep breath, his eyes shimmering with determination. "Max, I want to take a chance on us," he confessed.

Max felt the same feeling he had first felt when Charles had given him his number on that napkin. He felt like he was flying and there was no one to take him down. His eyes widened and his grip on Charles’ waist tightened. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes, he had spent years waiting for this moment.

A surge of joy and relief flooded through Max, and he couldn't help but beam at Charles. He wanted to tell Charles so many things but he couldn’t form the right words. Instead, he chose to move his face closer to Charles, giving the other man the power to close the gap between them.

Charles took the opportunity, allowing their lips to softly brush against each other. It was a tender and delicate kiss, filled with the unspoken emotions that had built up between them over the years of longing and separation. The world around them seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the warmth and familiarity of each other's embrace.

Time stood still as their kiss deepened, the connection between them growing stronger with every passing moment. It was a kiss filled with hope, forgiveness, and a renewed sense of love.

When they finally pulled away, their foreheads rested gently against each other, their breaths mingling in the space between them. Max's voice was barely a whisper as he spoke. "Charles," he murmured, "I've missed this. I've missed you."

A soft smile graced Charles's lips, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I've missed you too, Max," he confessed, his voice filled with tenderness. "More than I can put into words.”

TWO YEARS LATER

“Come on cheri, you need to work out a lot more.” Charles's teasing brought a pout to Max’s face.

“I work out 3 days a week schat, I’m more surprised why I don’t have a six-pack yet.”

Charles broke out into laughter, as he stopped for a minute, more for Max than himself.

Max didn’t know why he had the idea to go out for a run with Charles in the peak of summer. All he knew was that he would be leaving for Germany for a business deal tomorrow and that he wanted to spend every waking moment of today with his Charles.

Max huffed, pretending to be offended by Charles's laughter. "Hey now, don't laugh at my fitness aspirations," he teased, playfully nudging Charles with his elbow. "Besides, I think I look pretty good without a six-pack."

Charles's laughter subsided, and he turned to Max, his eyes sparkling with affection. "You always look good to me, Max," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "Whether you have a six-pack or not, it doesn't change how much I love you."

A smile spread across Max's face, his heart swelling with love for the man standing next to him.

As they continued their run, the familiar rhythm of their steps matching each other, Max couldn't help but reflect on how far they had come.

Charles had changed from being a barista to the co-owner of the coffee shop. He and Carlos were an excellent team, and the shop soon became a brand name, featuring all over Italy and even in France.

Max continued to expand his business ventures, making Atelion Aerospace, the biggest aerospace manufacturer for airlines in Europe. He had gained a good reputation for donations, funding, and helping out small businesses.

As they reached the end of their run, Max and Charles slowed down to a walk, their breathing gradually returning to normal. They strolled hand in hand along the beach, the sound of crashing waves providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

"I'm going to miss you," Max admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "These business trips always make me appreciate the time we have together even more."

Charles squeezed Max's hand, his gaze filled with understanding. "I'll miss you too, Max," he replied softly. "But I know that distance won't break us."

“Doesn’t make being away any less terrible though.”

Charles nodded in agreement, leaning over to press a kiss on Max’s cheek. “So we have to make the most of today right?” he whispered into Max’s ears.

Max turned around to look at him with a raised eyebrow.

“When did you get so bold schatje?”

Charles chuckled, his cheeks tinged with a playful blush. "I've learned a thing or two from you," he replied, his voice filled with a mischievous tone. "But I suppose it's just a testament to how much you've changed me."

Max grinned, pulling Charles closer and wrapping an arm around his waist. "Well, I'm glad I could bring out your reckless side," he teased, his eyes sparkling with affection. "So, what do you have in mind for making the most of today?"

Charles leaned in, whispering in Max's ear, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and desire. "How about we have a beach picnic and watch the sunset together? Just the two of us, enjoying the peacefulness of this moment."

Max waited for Charles to continue.

“And maybe later we could watch the new Greta Gerwig movie.”

“Only watch the movie?”

Charles threw his head back and laughed. “Why, of course, cheri! What did you think?”

Max just shook his head and tried to pout at Charles, but failed miserably as he couldn’t stop himself from smiling.

Hand in hand, they walked back to the Ferrari, their Ferrari, their steps light and their hearts full of love. They drove to a nearby grocery store, picking up their favorite snacks, a bottle of wine, and a cozy blanket. The sun was beginning its descent as they arrived at the beach, casting a warm golden glow over the sand and sea.

They found a secluded spot on the beach, spreading out the blanket and arranging their picnic. The sound of waves crashing against the shore created a soothing melody as they settled in, their gazes fixed on the breathtaking view before them.

As they shared bites of food, sipped wine, and engaged in light-hearted conversations, time seemed to stand still. The world faded away, leaving only the two of them, their love, and the vibrant colors of the setting sun painting the sky.

After it had darkened considerably, and both of them agreed that there was no view to admire except each other, they decided to leave. Charles carried the various baskets, leaving Max behind to roll up the carpet.

“Hurry up cheri, I want to watch that movie,” Charles shouted as he walked towards their car, turning around to wink at Max.

Max looked out at the dark sea once again, before reaching into his pocket. There inside a small navy blue colored box, sat a small diamond ring. It was simple but elegant, and Max was certain that it would look stunning on Charles’ hand.

“Soon,” Max whispered to himself, “Soon, I swear.”