Chapter Text
After his 3 years of constant dominance in F1 2024 has turned out to be not his year. Don't get him wrong he has secured his 4th Championship under his belt but he was only 31 points ahead of Lando which made his dad not very proud. Why is he even trying if he is not the best of the best? On top of all, there is no way that he would claim the Constructors Championship as theirs again after McLaren's great car and strategies. So to say Jos was fuming would be an understatement. He started attending the races, he was calling Max every night to talk about his career, scolding Max because he chose to stay in Red Bull and not change to Mercedes and shouting at him accusing him of not trying hard enough he even sometimes pointed out the that he is spending most of his time with Daniel and told him that this was the reason he is failing.
So Max worked out restlessly, always in the factory or his home sim racing and analyzing what he did wrong. He sometimes forgot to eat and sleep and lost control of his simulator. All this time Daniel was texting him, sending him memes, and trying to cheer him up not knowing what he was going through but only knowing that he was not his normal self anymore. He tried his best to reply coldly to all of his texts even his selfies smiling wildly and updating him about how everything was going. He stopped going to the Visa RB paddock to see Daniel and held himself back so as not to talk with him during the drivers' parade and behind all the cameras.
Daniel is an optimist but he is nowhere near dumb. After some time he noticed the change in Max’s behaviors and tried to create ways to talk to Max. He always visited him in the Red Bull garage and tried to make his way through other people to be with Max. But Max was a freak and a monster just like his dad called him, he pushed Daniel away more and more to the point he stopped trying to talk to him but only checked his well-being via text, which Daniel interpreted it being not very great. So to put it simply Max was dreading going back to the Netherlands for Christmas break, back to his childhood home, back to where everything had started, the harsh words of his dad that cut through him like a knife, the not-so-soft head smacks after a bad go-kart race...
It was draining his whole energy. For the last race of the year, for the Abu Dhabi GP, he was surprised he got invited to fly in Lando's jet. Yes, they were very close friends but Lando always took his small jet and flew with his boyfriend Oscar to races. He is sometimes happy that he is not invited because of the way Oscar and Lando smile at each other arriving at the paddock, not wanting to imagine what the hell happened on that jet. But this invite was to his big jet, he thought that there would be many people so he accepted his offer.
Shit! He was late he was so late he should have again fallen asleep in his sim and did not pay attention to the time. He drove to the airport in record time and made his way through to Lando's jet. He was confused to see Lando's small jet waiting for him. Of course, the jet was big enough to fit 3 people but he did not want to be in between two lovebirds who could not keep their hands for themselves. But without thinking so much he made his way to the plane and climbed the stairs. He greeted Lando and the crew was preparing for takeoff. Then Daniel emerged from the bathroom to sit by Max. Max wondered where Osca- WAIT DANIEL IS HERE?!? Embarrassment was written all over his face. Sure Daniel is also very good friends with Lando but he didn't think Daniel would be there too. He was looking oh so soft in that oversized Enchanté hoodie with a clean-shaven face and grey sweatpants, Max had to try so hard to not hug him and breathe in his scent. He missed him so much.
After taking off Lando gave a little nod to Daniel and if Max hadn't mastered reading people (a gift from his abusive father) he would have missed it. Then he left heading to the kitchen/bar area behind the oak door.He was left alone with Daniel... Under normal circumstances, he would have loved to get some alone time with Daniel but he was acting like a fucking dickhead to Daniel. Now he was scared that Daniel hated him, of course, he hated him, he was such a shitty friend with a shitty family and he- "Max I am sorry whatever I did, I am sorry..." Daniel's voice started to crack. "But please talk to me, talk to me Max don't shut me down. I want to make up for what I did wrong please Max tell me." Max couldn't take it anymore. He doesn't want Daniel to be ever sad but being the reason that he is sad is worse than a kick to the gut. This beautiful boy, whose smile never faded is now looking at Max behind unshed tears.
Max opened his mouth but nothing came out. If he tells the truth he is never going to be able to be cold to Daniel to focus on driving and driving only. But seeing Daniel in pain hurts more than every word his father says... A tear trickles down Daniel's blotchy cheeks. And that seems to bring Max to the ground. He reaches his hand out to Daniel's cheek immediately only whispering no's but nothing different. Then Max cupped his face with both hands stroking Daniel's cheeks already feeling the growing stubble beneath his fingerpads. He started speaking softly "heyyy Daniel no, you didn't do anything schatje. I-I... My father... He is mad" "Why is he mad Max?” Daniel already knows the answer but hoping to hear a different thing. "He thinks that I don't give much importance to racing. He thinks that I should work out more and hang out less that is why I pushed you away. I don't want any fights in the house especially at Christmas. So I try to do what he says" "Oh Max he shouldn't have any say in what you do or don't but would you come with me to Australia for Christmas? What do you say? Ma and Pop love you. You would be more than welcome in Australia!" " Thank you but I don't want to disturb your family's Christmas." "Max c'mon I have known you for 8 years now you are my family on track and off track"
Max' tensed shoulders relaxed and a greatfull smile was plastered on his face. "I would really love that Daniel," said Max in a soft voice just above a pitch from whispering. After some time Lando came back and sat across them on the table shooting a knowing look to now-beaming-Daniel. Max was sure that Oscar not being here and Daniel and him being invited were not at all coincidences. The plane landed and the weekend passed like a Formula One car; noisy, chaotic, and super fast.
Max celebrated his 4th Championship in the Hotel considering that there are no proper bars in Abu Dhabi. There were a few people at the party so it was calm. Lando and Oscar were chatting with Carlos and Charles, though Carlos trying to hold a very drunk Charles on his feet while Charles tried to cling to him like a koala. Logan and Alex were dancing and Yuki and Pierre were eating a traditional dish at the bar table. There were also other drivers, some family, and some reporters but it was cozy and considerably quiet for a party. Of course, Daniel was there too, lightening up the dark room with his blinding smile. "Hi Maxy whatcha doin’” slurred Daniel as he plopped down next to Max throwing his arm over the back of Dutchman's stool. Max stiffened a little bit recalling his dad's words but then Daniel's smell hit him reminding him that he was safe.
"C'mon pretty boy we gotta celebrate" Max', cheeks heart up at the name Daniel called him and damn, hearing such a word coming out of Daniel's mouth is doing something to his insides. Daniel literally dragged him over to the bar where Carlos was trying to peel Charles off from the dirty bar table. "Charles, isn't it already too much for one night amor? Come on let's go to bed love." Charles whined but obliged leaning toward Carlos and letting the Spaniard carry him. Max nodded to Carlos already feeling bad for him knowing that they both have to deal with Charles' hangover in the morning.
"4 tequila shots please" said a voice behind him. And the bartender started to pour the drinks and cut lime. Daniel chugged one right away when the bartender pushed the drinks over to them Daniel scrunched his face as the burning alcohol ran through his throat. Max just sighs and takes a shot, he too cringes at the taste. For all these years celebrating wins, championships, and all other things he couldn't get used to the taste of alcohol. Daniel tapped the third one to the bar table and said "to Max" then waited for Max to join him "Yeah to Max" said the blonde and they both chugged it down letting a comfortable silence settle between them. But then Yuki's voice rang through the thick silence. "Hey, you guys know where Lando is?" Alex replied from the other hand of the bar "Yeah mate he and Oscar headed to their rooms mushy and all I feel bad for you guys count yourself as lucky if you are able to even get 3-4 hours of sleep, the walls are thin" Yuki groaned to that information but he left nonetheless Pierre trailing behind him.
By this time Daniel was getting really drunk Max decided that it was time to get up “Daniel come on let's get you to bed before you do something that will embarrass you in the morning". Daniel tries to stand up and nearly slams to the floor if Max weren't there to catch him. He then drags Daniel out of the bar after saying goodbye to Alex and Logan who are also getting ready to go up to their room. The elevator dings as the doors open. The younger boy carries the Aussie to his room and after a bit of fumbling he fishes Daniel's room card from his jeans and opens the door. After laying Daniel down to bed he decides that letting Daniel sleep with his shirt which stinks of alcohol and his jeans is a bad idea so he softly asks"Dan I am going to make you comfortable by taking these clothes off of you and finding you a new fresh pair of clothes, is it okay for you" a weak "hmp" came from the Aussie. "Please use your words for me schatje? I don't want to make you uncomfortable" "Yes Maxie s’kay" replied Daniel after a beat.
So Max got to work. Dressing him and taking his shoes off then finding a loose pair of T-shirt and shorts. “You are shivering get into the sheets” he cooed softly. And who is Daniel to not follow Max’s words? He wriggled into the sheets, Max covered his body and whispered “Sleep well Daniel good night” but Daniel was already sleeping soundly.
Max left the room closing the door with a soft click heaving a sigh as soon as the door was closed. Throughout his separation from Daniel, he became aware of his feelings toward the Australian. This terrifies him to his core. He has been feeling strongly about Daniel for a long time -since he left Red Bull- but he was scared to name the feeling he was experiencing because if he put a name to it there is no going back. With long strides, he walks back to his room deep in thought. His alarm feels like it is ringing inside his head. He groaned and rolled over in his bed to turn it off at the same time battling with a splitting headache. He was only able to get a maximum of two hours of sleep because his thoughts ran wild in his intoxicated brain. He had never experienced a feeling like this before, he had some celebrity crushes in the past but no one had ever made him feel this horrible and happy at the same time. He was scared of himself, what would his father say? What would the commentators say? Most importantly how would Horner react? Would they fire him? What would he even say to them? Yeah surprise the three-time world champion is in love with my ex-teammate. He knows that the other drivers are happily in relationships and still have their seats but his father's words, and self-doubt always find a way of making him feel miserable.
He got dressed with a dizzy head, threw all his belongings into his luggage not giving a damn if they end up all wrinkled, and checked out of the room. Daniel, looking as wrecked as Max looks, was waiting for him in the luxurious lobby of the hotel creating a contrast with the fancy furniture, standing in an oversized t-shirt and shorts creating a full Adam Sandler fashion look.
He was able to crack a smile when he saw Max for him it was instinctual it was something that never tired him. “Hey, Max doing alright?” Yeahh I guess so I have a raging headache but I can cope with it.” Said Max in a tired voice. The atmosphere shifted and suddenly Daniel’s smile dropped and he focused his eyes on the floor like a kid knowing they did something that they were not supposed to. “I wasn’t not a lot of trouble last night, was I? If I was I am sorry you were supposed to celebrate your championship not look after me like I am a little kid I am so sorry” “Ohh Daniel it was OK I don’t mind it and after all, you were the one who looked after me when I started racing and protected me from Jos’ temper. At least I could look after you when you needed me. I really don’t mind it” Daniel’s heart fluttered in his chest recalling all the silly things they have done together in their Red Bull era. “Oi, c’mon golden boy, we got a plane to board to The Great Southern Land” Max chuckled at the effort that Daniel had put in to make him laugh, he was so lucky to have a friend like Daniel. The plane ride was silent. After having a couple of Advils both of them were fast asleep on the ride back home.