Archive of Our Own ^beta

         “-ax.  Max!” a voice exclaimed, making Max Verstappen, new head of the Verstappen Family, jolt awake from where he had dozed off in the back seat of the limousine he was riding before he groaned and pressed a palm to his head.

         “What?” he grumbled.  His driver, and good friend, Daniel Riccardo, motioned to his right.

         “There’s a flower shop over there.  Did you wanna stop and order some flowers for your father’s funeral tomorrow?” he asked.  Max frowned.

         “Are they even still open?” he asked.  Daniel shrugged.

         “Don’t know till you look” he replied, making Max look at him through the rearview mirror before he sighed heavily and exited the car, making his way over to the shop before he stepped inside, just as a young man holding an infant turned to look at him.

         “Oh!  Hello” he greeted, a small smile on his face.  Max blinked before he cleared his throat.

         “Sorry, um…I’ll come back tomorrow” he stated before he turned, about to leave when the young man quickly shook his head.

         “No, no, it’s alright!  We’re still open” he assured, making Max turn to look at him as he smiled.

         “How can I help you?” he inquired.  Max was quiet before he cleared his throat and walked over to him.

         “I need to order a bouquet of flowers for a funeral tomorrow.  Can it be done?” he asked.  The young man smiled and nodded.

         “Of course it can” he replied before he shifted the infant in his arms and pulled out a notepad, opening it to a blank page.

         “Can I get a name for the order?” he asked. 

         “Max” Max answered.  The young man raised an eyebrow before he smirked.

         “Just Max?” he teased.  Max blinked before he laughed.

         “Yeah” he replied.  The young man chuckled and nodded as he made a note before he closed his notebook and looked at him.

         “Alright, I should have it ready by tomorrow.  Is there anything else I can help you with?” he asked.  Max hummed and looked around before he noticed a single rose in a nearby vase, making him hum softly before he pointed to it.

         “I’ll take that” he stated, making the young man look over at the rose before he smiled and plucked it out of the vase, carefully wrapping it up before he handed it to him.

         “Here you go” he declared.  Max dipped his head and took the rose before he looked at him.

         “How much?  For the rose and the funeral bouquet?” he inquired.  The young man smiled and shook his head.

         “It’s on the house” he replied.  Max looked at him in shock.

         “But—” he started when the young man smiled.

         “I insist” he insisted.  Max was quiet before he nodded.

         “Alright…thank you” he thanked.  The young man nodded.

         “Of course.  I’ll see you tomorrow” he bid before he pressed a kiss to the infant’s temple and turned, heading towards the back as Max watched before he turned and headed back out to the limousine, getting in as Daniel looked at him in the mirror.

         “Find something nice?” he inquired.  Max was quiet and just looked at the rose in his hand for a moment before he nodded.

         “Yeah…I did” he replied.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning, which was raining and dreary and honestly the kind of weather one expected to have on the day of a funeral, Max had Daniel drive to the florist shop and park before he grabbed his umbrella and got out, only to pause at the sight of the young man struggling to get into the shop while trying to keep his infant from getting wet.  He then stood there for a moment before he quickly rushed over to him and held his umbrella over his head, making him look up in shock before he realized who was standing beside him.

         “Oh!  It’s you” he exclaimed, just as Max reached out and took the keys from him, quickly unlocking the door before he pushed it open.

         “Here you go” he murmured.  The young man smiled and dipped his head.

         “Thank you” he thanked before he headed inside, Max following after him as he walked over to the counter and placed his bag down, rain dripping from his curls.

         “You alright?” he asked.  The young man looked over at him and nodded.

         “I’m fine, just a little soggy.  At least Ollie isn’t too wet” he replied before he shivered, making Max look at him with a slight frown before he cleared his throat.

         “I don’t…mean to be rude, but maybe you should dry off.  You don’t want to get sick” he stated, making the young man look at him before he laughed softly and nodded.

         “Yes, I suppose I should” he replied before he looked at him.

         “Would you mind holding Ollie for me?” he asked.  Max blinked.

         “A-Are you sure?” he asked.  The young man smiled and nodded.

         “I am” he replied.  Max was quiet before he nodded.

         “Alright” he agreed before he reached out and carefully took the infant, Ollie, from him, holding him against his chest as the young man smiled.

         “Look at you.  You’re a natural” he praised.  Max huffed.

         “I doubt it” he grumbled.  The young man laughed.

         “Trust me, you’re doing just fine” he assured before he turned and headed to the back to dry off, Max watching him walk away before he looked down at Ollie, who was looking up at him curiously, and smiled slightly.

         ‘Cute kid’ he thought to himself, just as the young man walked out of the back, slightly drier than when he had entered the store.

         “Thank you for holding him” he thanked.  Max looked up at him and nodded.

         “No problem” he replied, just as the young man walked over and took a large white bouquet in a beautiful vase off a nearby shelf, placing it on the counter.

         “Your bouquet” he declared.  Max looked at the bouquet in shock.

         “Wow” he breathed before he looked at him and frowned.

         “Are you sure I can’t pay for this?” he asked.  The young man shook his head.

         “No, it’s alright” he assured, only for Max to shake his head.

         “No, I can’t accept that” he argued before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a large wad of cash, placing it on the counter before him.

         “Keep it” he instructed.  The young man looked at him in shock.

         “A-Are you sure?” he asked.  Max nodded.

         “I am” he replied, making the young man look at him for a moment before he looked down at the wad of cash and reached out, holding it in his hands.

         “Thank you…you don’t know how much this is going to help” he murmured before he realized what he had just said and looked up at Max with wide eyes again before he quickly put the cash down and held out his hand.

         “I’m so sorry, I’m being rude.  I’m Charles.  Charles Leclerc” he introduced.  Max smiled softly and shook his hand.

         “Max” he replied.  Charles chuckled and nodded.

         “Right.  Just Max” he teased.  Max laughed and nodded.

         “Yeah” he replied.  A comfortable silence then fell over them before Max cleared his throat.

         “Well, I uh…I better get going” he stated, making Charles’ eyes widen before he nodded.

         “Oh, of course, of course.  Forgive me” he apologized.  Max shook his head.

         “No, no…I needed a good laugh this morning.  Thank you” he thanked before he handed Ollie back to him and picked up the bouquet in his place.

         “Thank you again for this” he thanked.  Charles nodded.

         “My pleasure.  Take care” he bid, watching as Max turned and headed out of the shop towards the limousine that was parked outside before he noticed that Max had left his umbrella by the door, making his eyes widen before he quickly ran around the counter and over towards the front door, throwing it open only to find that the limousine had driven off. 

         “Oh…guess I’ll just have to…give it to him the next time I see him” he murmured before he looked at Ollie and pressed a kiss to his head before he turned and headed back into the shop to get ready for customers and the day.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile, at the cemetery, as Daniel parked the car, Max reached over and grabbed the vase of flowers before he made to reach for his umbrella, only to pause.

         “Damn it” he grumbled.  Daniel raised an eyebrow at him.

         “What?” he asked.  Max sighed.

         “Forgot my umbrella at the flower shop” he muttered.  Daniel raised an eyebrow.

         “That all?  I thought you had forgotten something important.  Or saw someone you didn’t want to” he replied.  Max huffed.

         “Trust me, there are a lot of people here that I don’t want to see…but I have to get this over with” he stated before he looked at him through the rearview mirror.

         “We’re going to the flower shop after this” he declared.  Daniel turned to look at him in shock.

         “What?  Why?” he demanded.

         “To get my umbrella back” Max answered.  Daniel looked at him incredulously.

         “Do we need to get it today?  We can’t just wait till tomorrow, when it stops raining?!” he exclaimed.  Max shook his head.

         “No” he answered before he grabbed the door handle and opened the door.

         “Now let’s go, before people start wondering if I even bothered to show up” he grumbled.  Daniel was quiet before he sighed, grabbed the spare umbrella he kept in the passenger seat, and got out as well.

         “Yes sir” he murmured.

~*~*~*~*~*~

After the funeral, which was short, simple, and to the point (as no one really wanted to spend a whole lot of time out in the nasty weather), Max and Daniel made their way back to the car, Daniel holding the umbrella over Max’s head as he got into the car before he made his way to the driver’s side and got in, closing the umbrella after him before he put it in the passenger seat as Max looked at him.

         “The flower shop” he ordered.  Daniel nodded.

         “Right away, boss” he replied.

~*~*~*~*~*~

A little while later, Daniel and Max arrived outside the flower shop, Max quickly opening the door before he made his way through the rain, which somehow had gotten worse between the cemetery and the shop, towards the shop and stepped inside, the little bell signaling his presence. 

         “Coming!” a voice called out before Charles stepped through the door leading to the back office, his eyes immediately widening at the sight of Max, who was practically soaking wet.

         “Max!” he exclaimed before he grabbed a nearby towel and quickly ran over to him, throwing the towel over his head.

         “You’re practically soaking wet!” he scolded, making Max chuckle softly.

         “Well…I did forget my umbrella here” he murmured, making Charles look up at him with wide eyes.

         “You…did you come here just for that?!” he exclaimed.  Max smiled slightly.

         “Guilty” he replied, causing Charles to huff and shake his head as he quickly ruffled the towel over Max’s head, trying to get as much water out as possible before he took a step back and shook his head.

         “I don’t think that towel’s going to be enough to completely dry you off…let me go and get you a bigger one” he suggested, only for Max to shake his head as he removed the towel from it.

         “I’m fine…don’t worry about it” he murmured as silence soon fell over the quaint little shop, neither man saying anything before Max sighed.

         “Um…thank you, again, for the flowers.  They…they looked really nice at the um…funeral” he murmured, making Charles look at him before he smiled slightly and nodded.

         “Of course” he replied before he tilted his head.

         “Can I…ask who the funeral was for?  You don’t have to tell me, of course, I know it’s not my place—” he started.

         “My father” Max answered, making Charles look at him with wide eyes.

         “Oh…oh I’m so sorry” he apologized.  Max shook his head.

         “Don’t.  It was a long time coming…and I’m just glad it wasn’t me who put him in the ground” he muttered, making Charles frown in confusion.

         “What?” he asked.  Max blinked and quickly shook his head.

         “Nothing.  Nothing” he replied before he looked at him.

         “How’s Ollie?” he asked, quickly changing the subject.  Charles smiled and nodded.

         “Good, good.  He’s currently down for a nap; this weather has been really helpful in keeping him drowsy” he replied, just as a large clap of thunder shook the sky, making Max and Charles’ eyes widen in surprise before a loud wail suddenly pierced the air, making Charles look towards the back office.

         “Oh no” he murmured before he quickly rushed to the back office, soon returning with a sobbing Ollie in his arms.

         “Shh, shh” he soothed before he looked at Max and smiled.

         “You know, I don’t think this rain is going to let up anytime soon…how about you call your friend in?  Can’t be too fun sitting in the car all by himself” he stated, making Max look at him in surprise before he laughed.

         “Yeah, alright” he agreed before he walked over to the door, grabbed his umbrella, and stepped out, opening the umbrella before he walked over to the car and tapped on the driver’s window, making Daniel wind down the window a smidge.

         “Yeah boss?” he asked.  Max motioned to the shop.

         “Come inside.  Weather’s not gonna let up so you might as well not be stuck in the car the whole time” he stated, making Daniel look at him in surprise before he quickly stepped out of the car and under the umbrella, both of them soon walking back to the flower shop as Charles smiled.

         “Hope you don’t mind me inviting you in…I just figured it would be better to be inside and not in a small, cramped car” he explained.  Daniel smiled.

         “Nah, I appreciate it” he replied before he looked at Ollie and smiled.

         “And who’s this cute little bugger?” he asked.  Charles smiled as he turned so that Daniel could see Ollie better.

         “Ollie.  My son” he replied.  Daniel smiled.

         “He’s precious” he replied, just as Charles looked at Max.

         “Would you mind holding him?  I’ll go make us something warm to drink” he stated.  Max nodded.

         “Sure” he replied before he reached out and took Ollie from him, carefully holding him in his arms as Charles turned and headed to the back to make them something to drink.  While he was making their drinks, Daniel looked over at Max and smirked.

         “Now I know why you wanted to come back here so badly” he teased, making Max shoot him a look.

         “Shut up” he grumbled before he turned his attention back to Ollie, who had thankfully calmed down and was now resting with his head against his chest.  Silence then fell over them before Daniel looked at him curiously.

         “Does he…know?” he asked.  Max glanced at him before he shook his head.

         “No” he answered.  Daniel whistled low.

         “Are you going to tell him?” he asked.  Max shook his head again.

         “No” he replied.  Daniel hummed.

         “Well then, if you’re not going to tell him, you should probably not come to this store anymore.  You’ve got a lot of enemies, you know, and if…if they find out that you have a soft spot, they will take advantage of that.  Might even hurt him or Ollie to get to you” he warned, making Max look at him before he sighed softly.

         “I know” he murmured, just as Charles stepped out of the back, three mugs of tea in his hand.

         “I hope you don’t mind tea…it’s all I had” he explained.  Daniel smiled.

         “Thank you” he thanked, quickly taking one of the mugs from him before he handed it over to Max, who took it and took a sip.

         “Thanks Charlie” he murmured.  Charles blinked, surprised by the nickname, before he smiled and nodded as he handed Daniel the other mug.

         “You’re welcome” he replied.  Silence then fell over the three of them as the rain continued to fall outside before Max took a sip of his tea and cleared his throat.

         “We should uh…get going” he murmured, making Charles and Daniel look at him in surprise.

         “Do you, uh…have to?  I mean, it’s still raining—” Charles started when Max nodded.

         “We do” he replied before he looked over at Daniel.

         “Don’t we?” he asked.  Daniel was quiet before he looked at Charles and smiled slightly.

         “Yeah, sorry.  I just forgot he has a business meeting, so we have to go” he explained before he looked over at Max.

         “I’ll be waiting in the car” he murmured.  Max nodded.

         “Thanks” he thanked before he looked back at Charles, who looked almost…disappointed, and smiled apologetically.

         “Sorry” he apologized.  Charles quickly shook his head.

         “No, no, don’t…I understand” he replied as Max walked over and passed Ollie back to him.

         “Thanks for the towel.  And the tea” he thanked.  Charles nodded.

         “Of course” he replied as Max flashed him a small smile before he turned and walked over to the door, only to pause as he looked over his shoulder at Charles.

         “See ya Charlie” he bid before he grabbed his umbrella, opened the door, and stepped out, Charles watching him walk back over to the black car sitting outside before he sighed softly.

         “Bye” he whispered.

~*~*~*~*~*~

After saying goodbye to Charles that day, Max made a point of trying to not visit the flower shop if he could avoid it, because really, there was no need for him to go, other than to see the florist with the gorgeous green eyes and adorable son, but soon it was his mother’s birthday and he knew that he needed to get her flowers because that’s what good sons did, so he made his way to Charles’ shop and stepped inside, making Charles look over from where he was working on another customer’s order.

         “Oh, Max!” he greeted, a bright smile on his face.  Max smiled.

         “Hi” he replied.  Charles turned to face him.

         “What brings you in?” he asked.  Max laughed.

         “I need a bouquet for my mom; it’s her birthday today” he explained.  Charles nodded.

         “Of course.  Does she have any particular flowers that she likes or—” he started when Max smiled.

         “I trust your judgement.  Surprise me” he replied.  Charles looked at him in surprise.

         “Are you sure?  I mean, it’s for your mother—” he started when Max looked him in his gorgeous green eyes.

         “Charlie” he murmured.  Charles was quiet before he nodded.

         “Alright.  Alright, um…just, let me finish up with this customer’s order and then I’ll work on yours” he stated.  Max nodded.

         “Take your time” he replied before he turned and began to walk around the shop, looking at all flowers that he had in there when Charles looked over at him.

         “Ollie’s…in the back if you want to see him.  He should be waking up from a nap soon” he stated, making Max look back at him before he nodded.

         “Alright” he agreed before he walked over to the counter and slipped around it, quietly making his way into the back office and over to where a bassinet was against the back wall, Ollie fast asleep inside.  At the sight of the sleeping boy, Max couldn’t help but smile fondly; what he wouldn’t give to live a normal life and have a family…but unfortunately, with the life that he lived, that would never be possible.  Just then, Ollie began to stir, making Max look down at him and smile as his big brown eyes looked back up at him.

         “Hi bubba” he murmured, just as Ollie reached up towards him, making his eyes widen before he smiled and reached out, carefully scooping him into his arms.

         “Did you have a nice nap?” he asked.  Ollie babbled, making Max laugh and nod before he walked over to the cushy rocking chair that was by the window and sat down, just as he noticed a stack of books on the shelf beneath the window.

         “Do you want a story?” he asked.

         “Ah!” Ollie replied, making Max grin before he reached over and picked up one of the books, a picture book that had a rather cute little bear on the front, before he opened it and began to read, trying to put as much feeling and emotion into his voice so that the story was as interesting as possible for the infant.  Once he had finished the story, he put the book down, just as a soft chuckle reached his ears, making him look up to see Charles leaning against the doorframe, a fond smile on his face.

         “How long have you been standing there?” he demanded.  Charles chuckled.

         “Oh…a while” he replied before he looked at him.

         “You’re surprisingly good at this” he stated.  Max raised an eyebrow.

         “At what?” he asked.  Charles motioned to him.

         “All of this.  Being a parent.  You’re surprisingly very good at it” he explained.  Max was quiet before he raised an eyebrow again.

         “That so?” he asked.  Charles nodded.

         “Mmhm” he replied before he smiled.

         “Your bouquet is done, by the way.  That’s what I came back here to tell you but…you were a little preoccupied” he stated.  Max laughed.

         “I was, wasn’t I?” he agreed before he pushed himself to his feet and walked over to him, handing Ollie off to him before he slipped out of the office, Charles following after him.

         “Oh wow” he murmured, looking at the beautiful array of flowers in the vase before him before he looked over at Charles and grinned.

         “Knew it was a good idea to just let you do your thing” he praised.  Charles blushed.

         “You’re too kind” he murmured before he cleared his throat and looked at him.

         “Max” he started. 

         “Hm?” Max replied.

         “Would you…like to come over for dinner?” Charles asked.  Max looked at him in surprise.

         “What?” he replied.  Charles shook his head.

         “It…wouldn’t be anything fancy like what you’re used to but—” he started when Max smiled.

         “I’d love to” he interrupted, making Charles look at him with wide eyes before he smiled, almost hopeful.

         “Really?” he asked.  Max nodded.

         “Yeah.  When uh…when should I come by?” he asked.  Charles hummed.

         “Well, I um…I close in a couple of hours so—” he started when Max nodded.

         “Alright.  I’ll pick you up then” he declared, just as a thought hit him.

         “Are you busy right now?” he asked.  Charles blinked.

         “Right now?  No.  Why?” he inquired.  Max smiled and motioned to the arrangement he made.

         “Because I want to drop this off to my mother.  And maybe introduce her to the florist who made it” he explained.  Charles blinked before he shook his head.

         “Oh, no, you don’t have to—” he started when Max looked at him.

         “I want to.  Please?” he asked.  Charles was quiet before he nodded.

         “Alright.  But I’ll have to bring Ollie along” he stated.  Max nodded.

         “Of course.  I wouldn’t expect you to leave him behind” he replied before he picked up the vase and made his way over to the door, Charles following behind as they both stepped out before Charles handed Ollie off to Max so that he could lock the shop behind them.  Once he had locked up, Max handed Ollie back to Charles before they both headed over to Max’s car, Max opening up the passenger door for Charles.

         “Well, aren’t you a gentleman?” he teased.  Max laughed.

         “Funny” he replied before he motioned to the car.

         “After you” he insisted.  Charles smiled and nodded before he got into the car, Max quietly shutting the door behind him before he opened the back passenger door and placed the vase on the floorboard so that it wouldn’t spill or tip, just as Charles turned to look at him.

         “Do you want me to hold it?” he asked.  Max glanced at him before he shook his head.

         “You’ve got Ollie.  It’ll be fine back here” he promised before he shut the door and walked over to the driver’s side, quickly opening the door before he got in and started the car, a small smile on his face as the engine roared to life.

         “Ready to go?” he asked, looking over at Charles.  Charles nodded as he buckled himself in, Ollie held tightly in his arms.

         “Yes” he answered.  Max smiled.

         “Great” he replied before he shifted the car into gear and drove off, making his way to his mother’s house.

~*~*~*~*~*~

When they finally arrived, Max quickly got out and rushed around to the passenger side before he opened the door and took Ollie from Charles, allowing him to get out before he handed him back his son as he opened the back door and grabbed the vase, quickly slamming the door closed with his hip before he and Charles made their way towards the front door, Max soon ringing the doorbell.  They then waited a moment before the front door opened and a woman stood before them, her eyes wide with surprise before she smiled brightly.

         “Max!” she greeted.  Max smiled fondly.

         “Mama” he replied before he held out the vase of flowers to her.

         “For you.  Happy Birthday” he wished.  Max’s mother looked at the vase in surprise before she reached out and took the vase from him, admiring it.

         “Oh, why…Max, this is beautiful!  Thank you!” she thanked.  Max smiled and nodded before he motioned to Charles.

         “He’s the one who put it all together” he stated, making his mother look over at him with wide eyes.

         “You did this?” she asked.  Charles nodded.

         “Yes ma’am” he replied.  Max’s mother laughed and waved her hand.

         “Oh please, no need for such formalities” she replied before she motioned inside.

         “Please, come in” she insisted, only for Max to shake his head.

         “Sorry, we have other plans this evening.  We just wanted to stop by and drop off the flowers” he explained.  His mother nodded.

         “I see.  Well, you two must come back sometime” she insisted before she looked at Ollie and smiled.

         “And you must bring this little cutie too” she cooed.  Max and Charles laughed and nodded before Max took a step forward and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

         “Bye” he bid before he and Charles turned and headed back to the car, Max’s mother watching them leave with a small smile before she turned and headed back inside, the vase of flowers clutched tightly to her chest.

~*~*~*~*~*~

After leaving Max’s mother’s house, Max and Charles made their way to Charles’ house, which was quaint little home not too far from the flower shop.  Once they arrived, Charles and Max got out and made their way over to the front door, Charles quickly unlocking the door before he headed inside, Max following after him.

         “Cozy” he murmured as he looked around.  Charles smiled as he made his way to his bedroom to put Ollie, who had fallen asleep on the ride home, down for a nap.

         “Thank you.  It’s not much or very fancy but it’s home” he replied before he turned and made his way to the bedroom as Max continued to look around, a small smile on his face; there really was something warm and safe about the home that he had never felt at his own.  As he continued to look around, he noticed some picture frames on the mantle, making him walk over to it before he smiled even wider at the different photos of Ollie and Charles, his heart practically melting at the photo of Charles holding Ollie as a baby.

         “He’s precious, isn’t he?” Charles asked as he walked over to him, making him turn to look at him before he nodded.

         “He is” he replied before he turned back and looked at the photos again.

         “He has your eyes” he stated.  Charles smiled.

         “He does” he replied before he looked at him.

         “I’m going to start dinner, feel free to make yourself at home” he insisted before he turned and headed to the kitchen, Max watching him walk away before he followed after him.

         “Can I help at all?” he asked.  Charles looked over at him in surprise.

         “Wha-no!  No, no, you’re a guest!” he exclaimed.  Max shrugged.

         “I know but—” he started when Charles shook his head.

         “Absolutely not.  Now go sit.  I’ll call you when it’s done” he declared.  Max blinked before he laughed and nodded.

         “Alright” he agreed before he turned and headed to the living room, just as a cry came from Charles’ bedroom, making him look towards the room just as Charles poked his head out of the kitchen.

         “Could you check on him please?” he asked. 

         “Sure” Max replied before he made his way towards the bedroom and headed inside, walking over to where the bassinet was against the bed.

         “Hey bubba” he murmured, looking down at Ollie, who’s face was bright red as he wailed, before he reached down and scooped him into his arms, holding him close.

         “Shh, shh” he soothed, gently bouncing Ollie in his arms as the infant cried and cried before he sighed softly and stepped out of the room, making his way to the kitchen.

         “I think he’s hungry.  Do you have something I could give him?” he asked.  Charles looked up before he nodded and motioned to one of the cabinets.

         “Formula’s in there.  I just follow the instructions on the back of the can” he stated, making Max nod before he walked over to the cabinet and opened it, pulling out the can of formula before he looked over at Charles again.

         “His bottle?” he asked.  Charles pointed to another cabinet.

         “In there” he replied.  Max nodded again before he reached out and opened the cabinet, taking out one of the bottles before he got to work making it, all while trying to soothe Ollie in the process.

         “Patience, pet.  I’m getting your bottle ready” he promised.  As he continued to make Ollie’s bottle, Charles continued to make dinner until both were ready at practically the same time, making Max laugh softly.

         “Perfect timing” he teased, making Charles laugh as well as they walked over to the dining table.

         “Indeed” he agreed as he set dinner down on the table before he turned and held out his hands.

         “I’ll take him” he offered, only for Max to shake his head.

         “I’ve got him” he assured.  Charles looked at him in surprise.

         “Are you sure?” he asked.  Max nodded.

         “I am” he replied before he sat down, Charles quickly sitting down as well before he made two plates, placing one of the plates before Max.

         “I hope you like it” he murmured.  Max smiled and took a bite of the dish before he hummed.

         “It’s good” he complimented.  Charles looked at him hopefully.

         “Really?” he asked.  Max nodded before he took the bottle and placed it to Ollie’s mouth, Ollie taking it greedily as Charles smiled.

         “You’re really quite good” he stated, making Max look up at him and raise an eyebrow.

         “At what?” he asked.  Charles motioned to him and Ollie.

         “At being a parent.  Are you sure you don’t have any children?  You’re a natural” he praised.  Max blinked before he laughed softly and shook his head.

         “No, no, I don’t…I don’t have any children.  But I did have a younger sister that I helped take care of” he replied, making Charles hum softly as he watched him continue to feed Ollie.

         “Would you…ever like children?” he asked.  Max was quiet before he smiled softly as he looked down at Ollie.

         “Yes…I think I would” he murmured before he looked up at Charles and motioned to the dinner in front of him.

         “Food’s getting cold” he stated.  Charles huffed.

         “Yours is too” he reminded, making Max chuckle softly before he nodded.

         “Alright, alright” he agreed, just as Ollie made a noise of content, making him look down to see that his eyelids were drooping and that the bottle was loosely hanging from his mouth.

         “Looks like he’s happy now” he mused.  Charles laughed and nodded.

         “Yeah” he agreed before he held out his arms.

         “I’ll take him now.  You eat” he insisted.  Max nodded.

         “Alright” he agreed, carefully handing a sleepy Ollie over to him before he picked up his fork and began eating the meal Charles so graciously prepared for him.

         “This really is good, Charlie” he complimented, making Charles smile as he placed Ollie against him and began to gently pat his back in hopes of burping him.

         “I try” he replied.  Max chuckled.

         “Well, you did good” he praised, just as Ollie burped, making Max and Charles look at him before Charles pushed himself to his feet.

         “I’m going to put him down.  I’ll be right back” he promised before he turned and made his way to his bedroom, Max patiently waiting for him to return before he motioned to his plate.

         “Eat” he insisted.  Charles laughed and nodded.

         “I will, I will” he promised before he picked up his fork and began eating, Max doing the same.  Once they had finished eating, they picked up their plates and headed to the kitchen, Max holding out his hand to Charles for his plate.

         “Oh, no, Max, I can—” Charles started when Max shook his head.

         “You cooked.  I can clean” he insisted, making Charles look at him before he sighed softly and handed him his plate.

         “Alright” he agreed.  Max dipped his head.

         “Thank you” he thanked before he continued to clean up, first washing the dishes before he cleaned up the rest of the kitchen, making Charles shake his head.

         “You really didn’t have to clean, Max.  I could have done it” he argued, only for Max to look at him and shake his head.

         “I don’t mind, Charlie.  Honest” he promised before he looked down at his watch and sighed.

         “It’s getting late.  I should go” he stated, making Charles look at him with wide eyes before he frowned.

         “Do you have to?  You could just…stay the night” he offered.  Max looked at him in shock before he laughed softly and sighed.

         “While I would love to…I unfortunately have a pretty important early morning business meeting to be at, so…I can’t” he replied before he looked at him.

         “But maybe next time?” he suggested.  Charles looked at him hopefully before he smiled and nodded.

         “Next time” he agreed.  Max smiled and nodded.

         “Alright” he agreed before he headed over to the door and stepped out, only to pause and look back at Charles as he smiled again.

         “Goodnight Charlie” he bid before he turned and headed out of the door, quietly closing it behind him as Charles smiled softly to himself.

         “Goodnight” he whispered.

~*~*~*~*~*~

A little while later, when Max returned to his mansion, he quietly slipped inside and began to make his way up the stairs towards his bedroom when the lights suddenly flicked on, making him freeze and slowly turn to see Daniel standing at the bottom of the stairs, his arms crossed like a disappointed parent.

         “You’re late” he scolded.  Max huffed.

         “I was out” he replied.  Daniel raised an eyebrow.

         “With your florist?” he asked.  Max frowned.

         “You make it sound like a bad thing” he stated.  Daniel threw his hands up in the air.

         “Because it is, Max!  If you continue to spend time with him, your enemies are going to know and like I told you before, they’re going to use him against you!” he exclaimed.  Max was quiet before he huffed.

         “I know what I’m doing, Daniel” he assured.  Daniel crossed his arms.

         “Do you?  Because I’ve seen this happen before, Max, to your father and I don’t want to see it happen again to you” he snapped, making Max look at him in confusion before he slowly made his way back down the stairs towards him.

         “What are you talking about?” he demanded.  Daniel was quiet before he sighed softly.

         “I’m not sure you remember this…but when you were about…four or five, your mother was kidnapped” he explained, making Max’s eyes widen in shock.

         “Wha—” he started when Daniel nodded.

         “Your father did his best to keep her hidden from the rest of the criminal underworld, but they soon figured out who she was and kidnapped her.  Almost killed her too, but thankfully your father got there in time to rescue her.  But after that…they were never the same.  Your father became so paranoid that they were going to kidnap your mother again that he refused to let her out of the house…for anything.  And your mother couldn’t stand it, being cooped up in the house all the time as well as being married to a mob boss, so…they divorced.  And after that…well.  Your father was still so paranoid about the gang coming after your mother and sister that he made it his mission to take out the gang…and that’s what got him killed” he explained before he looked Max in the eyes and shook his head.

         “I don’t want what happened to your family and your father happen to you, Max.  I can’t go through that again” he croaked.  Max was quiet before he reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

         “I’m not my father, Daniel.  I won’t let anything happen to them.  I know what I’m doing” he assured before he turned and headed upstairs, Daniel watching him walk away before he sighed softly.

         “I really hope so” he murmured.

~*~*~*~*~*~

After his and Daniel’s little…talk, Max did his best to once again avoid Charles and the flower shop, but he was like a moth to a flame and he just couldn’t help himself.  There was something about Charles, whether it be his smile or his laugh or his personality, that just made him want to keep coming back for more.  So he did.  He visited Charles almost every day (when he didn’t have meetings or other business to attend to), took him and Ollie on different outings, and spent as much time with them as he could because he had never felt this happy before.  Daniel, of course, wasn’t exactly too thrilled once he found out that Max was still seeing Charles, but he wasn’t exactly going to stop him either because 1) Max was an adult and while he could advise him, he couldn’t force him to do anything and 2)…Max seemed happier.  And if Max was happy…then he was happy.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Then one evening, after spending almost all day at the zoo, Max and Charles were enjoying a simple dinner while Ollie sat in Charles’ lap, enjoying a bottle, when there was suddenly a knock at the door, making Max and Charles pause before Max looked at Charles curiously.

         “Are you expecting anyone this late?” he asked.  Charles shook his head.

         “No…are you?” he replied.  Max shook his head.

         “No…the only person who knows I’m here is Daniel…and he’d call if something was important” he stated before he looked towards the door and frowned.

         “I’ll go see who it is” he declared.  Charles shook his head.

         “You don’t have to…they’ll just go away if we don’t do anything” he assured, just as there was another, more aggressive, knock at the door, making Max look back at him.

         “I don’t think they will” he stated before he pushed himself to his feet and made his way over to the door, only to pause and pull the curtains on the windows by the door back slightly, his eyes widening at the sight of Fernando Alonso, another mob boss, and a few of his men standing outside.  He then stared at Fernando for a moment before he slowly let go of the curtain and took a deep breath.

         “Charlie…take Ollie and go to the bedroom” he ordered.  Charles frowned.

         “What?” he asked.  However, before Max could answer, the front door suddenly burst open, making Ollie cry out in fear as Max turned to look at Charles, who was looking at him with wide eyes.

         “NOW, Charlie!” he barked.  Charles nodded and quickly grabbed Ollie, who was still crying, before he ran to the back bedroom as Fernando and his men slowly strolled into the house, Fernando looking around lazily before he looked at Max and smiled.

         “Max.  How nice to see you” he greeted.

         “Fernando” Max snarled.  Fernando tsked.

         “Now now, Maxie, that’s not very nice” he chided before he looked at one of his men and motioned to the back bedroom.

         “Bring him” he ordered.  The man nodded and took a step towards the bedroom when Max stepped in front of him and gave him a look.

         “Where do you think you’re going?” he growled.  The man, however, didn’t answer and just shoved Max out of the way, only for Max to grab him and slam him into a nearby wall, pinning him there with his arm.

         “I won’t let you touch him” he snarled, just as Fernando sighed, almost boredly.

         “Honestly, Maxie, this is a fight you’re going to lose, so why don’t you just let me get what I came for and I’ll be on my way” he suggested.  Max shook his head.

         “Never.  I won’t let you touch him” he snarled before he pulled a pocketknife out of his pocket and flicked it open, plunging the blade into the man’s neck before he yanked it out and turned to face Fernando and the others.

         “If you want to get to Charles…you’ll have to go through me” he declared, making Fernando raise an interested eyebrow.

         “Oh…his name is Charles now, is it?” he asked.  Max snarled.

         “Shut up!” he snapped.  Fernando smiled, clearly enjoying this little interaction, before he snapped his fingers.

         “Bring me Charles” he ordered.  His men nodded and began to make their way towards the back bedroom but before they could get any further, Max cut them down, his eyes cold and his hands bloody like that of a trained killer.  As more and more bodies dropped like stones, Fernando let out an annoyed sigh and ran a hand through his hair before he reached into his overcoat and pulled out a gun, pointing it at Max before he shot him in the shoulder, causing him to drop to the ground with a cry of pain as Fernando slowly walked over to him and pointed the gun at him again.

         “Honestly, Maxie, we could have avoided all of this if you had just been a good boy…but you’re a stubborn bastard, aren’t you?  Just like your father” he growled.  Max snarled as he clutched at his bleeding shoulder.

         “Shut up” he hissed before his eyes fluttered and he slumped to the ground, unconscious, as Fernando stood over him, a small smile on his face.

         “Nighty-night, Maxie” he purred.

~*~*~*~*~*~

When Max woke up hours later, his head ached, his shoulder throbbed, and he overall felt like he had just been hit with a train.

         “Fuck” he groaned, just as the faint sound of wailing reached his ears, making his eyes widen before he quickly pushed himself to his feet and rushed to the back bedroom to find it empty, no Ollie or Charles in sight.

         “What the—” he murmured, just as a muffled wail came from the closet, making him look over at it in confusion before he slowly walked over to it and opened it to find Ollie on the ground of the closet, his face red and tear-streaked but thankfully unharmed.

         “Oh sweetheart” he whispered before he slowly knelt down and scooped him into his arms, holding him against his non-injured shoulder.

         “Shh, shh, I know.  I know, schat, I know” he soothed, pressing a kiss to his temple before he slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, dialing a number before he placed it to his ear.

         “Daniel.  I’m going to send you and address and I need you to come, immediately, and bring whoever’s available.  I’ll explain everything when you get here” he stated before he hung up the call and quickly went to his messages, sending a pin drop of his location to Daniel before he placed his phone back into his pocket and turned his attention back to Ollie, who was still crying, pressing a soft kiss to his hair.

         “Shh, shh.  I’m here.  I’m right here” he promised as he rested his forehead gently against his.

         “I’m right here.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

A little while later, while Max walked around the bedroom, bouncing Ollie in his arms, Daniel and one of their younger members and “family doctor”, Logan, arrived and ran through the busted down door, their eyes wide in shock at the sight of the carnage that Max had left before Daniel looked around the house in concern.

         “MAX!” he shouted.  Not even a moment later, Max stepped out of the bedroom, Ollie asleep in his arms.

         “Daniel.  Logan” he greeted as Daniel shook his head.

         “What the hell happened?!” he exclaimed.  Max sighed heavily.

         “Fernando came by.  Kidnapped Charles” he replied.  Logan frowned.

         “Who?” he asked.  Daniel huffed.

         “His lover” he replied, making Max look at him with a frown.

         “He’s not” he argued, just as Daniel gave him a look.

         “Oh don’t give me that, you guys are lovers, you two just never put a name to whatever the hell your relationship is” he snapped before he shook his head.

         “I knew this would happen.  I knew it would” he growled before he pointed an accusatory finger at Max.

         “You promised me.  You promised me that you wouldn’t be like your father and yet here we are!  Repeating history!” he shouted, making Max look at him in shock as Logan gulped and looked between the two nervously.  He knew Daniel and Max were close, closer than probably anyone in the “family”, but Max was still in charge and Daniel was his second-in-command who could be easily replaced if Max saw fit (not that he ever would but the threat was still there).  Daniel then sighed heavily as he ran a hand over his face.

         “I’m sorry, I didn’t—” he started when Max shook his head.

         “No…you’re right.  I made a promise that I wouldn’t be like my father and that I would keep Charles and Ollie safe and I broke it.  So you have every right to be angry” he replied before he looked at both of them.

         “But I’m going to get Charles back.  I have to” he declared.  Daniel nodded.

         “And we’ll help you do that” he assured, just as Logan looked at him.

         “But first we need to treat that shoulder of yours because it looks bad, boss” he stated.  Max hummed and looked at his shoulder, which was practically saturated at this point, before he nodded.

         “Yeah…probably a good idea” he agreed.  Logan nodded.

         “Alright.  My kit’s in the car.  I’ll be right back” he declared before he turned and headed out of the house as Daniel walked over to Max and gently took him by the arm.

         “Let’s sit you down, mate.  You look like you’re about to pass you” he murmured.  Max huffed softly as he shifted his grip on Ollie.

         “I honestly feel like it” he admitted as Daniel guided him over to the dining room and sat him down in one of the chairs before he reached out and took Ollie from him.

         “I’ll take him” he declared.  Max nodded.

         “Thanks” he whispered just as Logan stepped back into the house and walked over to them, his kit in hand.

         “Alright, let’s see what we’re working with” he murmured before he reached out and gently touched Max’s shoulder.

         “Gonna have to remove this to see what’s underneath it, boss.  Okay?” he asked.  Max nodded weakly.

         “Do what you have to do” he murmured.  Logan nodded and quickly placed his kit down before he opened it and pulled out a pair of scissors, quickly cutting Max’s shirt away from his body so that he could see the gunshot wound before he placed the scissors down and reached into his kit again, pulling out a pair of gloves and a small suture kit before he looked at Max again.

         “This is gonna hurt.  You gonna be okay?” he asked.  Max scoffed.

         “Can’t hurt any more than getting shot” he grumbled before he looked up at him and scowled.

         “Just get it over with” he snapped.  Logan laughed and nodded.

         “You got it, chief” he replied before the smile fell and a look of concentration replaced it as he picked up the forceps from his kit and carefully removed the bullet from his shoulder, careful not to dig too much into the muscle, before he placed the bullet down on the table and picked up his needle and thread, carefully threading the needle before he began to sew, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he stitched up the wound.  Once the wound was sewn up, he quickly tied the knot and cut off the excess thread before he took some gauze and wrapped up the wound, making sure it was nice and secure before he took a step back and nodded.

         “Not bad for field work” he declared.  Max nodded weakly.

         “Thanks Lo” he thanked.  Logan nodded.

         “Course” he replied, just as Max gripped the table and slowly pushed himself up, only to nearly collapse in a heap on the floor had Logan not stepped forward and caught him.

         “Woah!  Easy, boss, easy” he assured before he slowly sat him back down and looked at him with a small frown.

         “You should really rest, Max.  You’re in no condition to fight” he stated, only for Max to shake his head.

         “I have to…Fernando…will probably kill Charles if I don’t do something” he murmured, just as Daniel looked at him.

         “Then let us and Logan handle it while you rest” he urged.  Max shook his head again.

         “No…I won’t rest until Charles is safe” he stated before he pushed himself to his feet again and looked at Logan and Daniel.

         “Logan, take Ollie back to the mansion and check him over to make sure he’s not injured anywhere” he instructed before he looked at Daniel, his eyes cold.

         “You and me…we’re going after Charles” he declared. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location, Charles woke up to find himself tied to a metal chair in the middle of a dimly warehouse, making him frown.

         “Where am I?” he murmured, just as the sound of footsteps echoed through the room, making him look up to see Fernando walking towards him, a small smile on his face.

         “Ah…you’re awake” he greeted before he tilted his head.

         “How do you feel?” he inquired.  Charles growled.

         “Why am I here?  Who are you?  What do you want with me?” he demanded.  Fernando chuckled.

         “I…am a very old friend of Max’s.  His family’s, actually” he explained before he looked at him.

         “And you, my dear boy, are bait” he declared.  Charles frowned.

         “Bait?” he repeated.  Fernando nodded.

         “Yes, for Max.  If he’s the man I think he is, he’ll come in here, guns blazing, and if he’s not…then he’ll be right where I left him, on your lovely living room floor” he declared.  Charles frowned.

         “What happened to Max?  What did you do to him?!” he demanded.  Fernando laughed. 

         “Oh my dear boy…I shot him” he declared.  Charles gasped, his eyes wide in shock, and his heart suddenly stuttered as if he had been shot himself.

         “S-shot?” he whispered.  Fernando nodded.

         “Mmhm” he replied before he chuckled and shook his head almost fondly.

         “He’s quite a fighter, that Max…or the “Dutch Lion” as he’s more widely known” he explained before he chuckled again.

         “But like all big beasts that get too…aggressive, they have to be…put down” he declared.  Charles shook his head.

         “He’s not…he can’t be.  He can’t be” he croaked.  Fernando hummed.

         “Well, like I said…if he’s the man I think he is…he’ll come” he replied, just as the doors to the warehouse opened and Max and Daniel stepped inside, Max looking like the walking dead as he and Daniel slowly made their way over to them, his eyes cold.

         “Ah, Maxie.  You’re here” Fernando cooed as Charles looked Max up and down, his green eyes full of concern as he took in his pallor complexion and the way his body trembled slightly, as if he was using all of his willpower to keep upright. 

         “Let him go” Max growled.  Fernando hummed and nodded slowly.

         “I could do that…” he agreed before he suddenly pulled a gun out of his overcoat and pointed it at Charles’ head.

         “Or I could kill him in front of you” he declared.  Max snarled.

         “If you do that, I’ll be forced to kill you.  And I’d really like to not have to kill anyone else today” he stated, just as Fernando laughed.

         “Aw, is it because you don’t want your boy to see who you really are?” he sneered.  Max snarled again.

         “Shut up” he hissed.  Fernando chuckled again, as if he was enjoy this, before he looked down at Charles and reached out, grabbing him by the face.

         “Don’t you think he deserves to know, Maxie?  Don’t you think he deserves to know the real you underneath the kind and caring mask you’ve put on for him?” he asked.  Max growled and clutched the gun he was holding in his hand tighter, his body trembling with fatigue and rage as he glared at Fernando.

         “Stop it” he hissed.  Fernando tsked.

         “You’re just like your father, Max; you want to have your cake and eat it too.  But you know you can’t do that.  Not with the kind of lifestyle we live.  So you have to choose: either kill this man and prove to me that you haven’t gone soft or…” he started before he raised his gun and pointed it at him.

         “I’ll kill you” he declared.  Max was quiet and just stared down the barrel of the gun for a moment before he turned and looked at Charles, who looked back at him with fear-filled green eyes, before he slowly raised his gun and pressed it to the middle of his forehead.

         “Sorry Charlie” he apologized, making Charles’ eyes widen in horror just as a gunshot echoed through the air, causing Charles to flinch and turn his head away before he slowly opened his eyes and blinked in confusion as he turned to look back at Max and Daniel when Max suddenly knelt before him, his eyes full of concern as he looked him over.

         “Charlie.  Are you okay?” he asked.  Charles blinked before he nodded.

         “I’m…okay” he replied before he frowned and slowly turned his head to where Fernando had been standing.

         “What happened to—” he started when Max gently took his head in his hands and turned it so that he was looking at him.

         “Don’t look, Charlie” he instructed as Daniel walked behind Charles and cut his binds, freeing him. 

         “There we go” he declared, making Max look over at him and nod before he released Charles’ face and pushed himself to his feet, holding out his hand.

         “Come on.  Let’s get you outta here” he insisted.  Charles was quiet before he slowly reached out and took his hand, allowing him to help him to his feet just as he noticed something out of the corner of his eye, making him look over to see Fernando dead on the floor, a bullet between his eyes and a halo of blood encircling his head.  At the sight of the dead body, Charles’ eyes widened and he let out a soft gasp as he took a horrified step back, just as Max let out a soft, almost disappointed, sigh.

         “I told you not to look” he murmured.  Charles shook his head.

         “I—” he started when Max gently took him by the arm.

         “Come on, Charlie.  Ollie’s waiting for us” he declared, making Charles look over at him with wide eyes.

         “Ollie?” he repeated.  Max nodded.

         “Mmhm.  He’s waiting for us” he stated, making Charles look at him before he nodded.

         “Let’s go” he declared.  Max nodded again.

         “Okay” he agreed before he guided him away from Fernando’s body, his grip firm yet gentle as he led him over to the entrance of the warehouse, Daniel following behind.  Once they exited the warehouse, Max guided Charles over to the car and helped him into the backseat before he slid in after him, closing the door behind him as Daniel got into the driver’s seat and slammed the door, quickly turning on the car before he shifted it into gear and stepped on the gas, speeding off into the night.

~*~*~*~*~*~

When they arrived at Max’s mansion, Max quickly got out and made his way over to the front door to unlock it as Charles and Daniel followed behind, Charles’ eyes wide in shock as he took in the grandeur of the estate.

         “Wow” he breathed, just as Max opened the door and turned to look at him.

         “Charlie” he called out.  Charles hummed and looked at him.

         “Yes?” he asked.  Max motioned inside.

         “After you” he insisted.  Charles was quiet before he slowly walked over and stepped through the doors, his eyes widening even more in shock at the grandness when Logan walked over to him, a small smile on his face.

         “You must Charles, right?” he asked.  Charles looked over at him before he nodded.

         “Yes, I am” he replied.  Logan’s smile widened slightly.

         “I’m Logan.  Ollie’s upstairs in his room, if you’d like to see him” he stated, making Charles raise an eyebrow in confusion before he turned to look at Max.

         “His room?” he repeated.  Max looked at him before he nodded.

         “Yes” he replied before he looked at Logan.

         “Will you take him, please?” he requested.  Logan nodded before he looked at him.

         “You should come upstairs too, so that I can take a look at your shoulder” he stated, only for Max to shake his head.

         “I’m fine” he assured, just as Logan gave him a look.

         “Max” he chided.  Max was quiet before he sighed heavily.

         “Alright” he agreed before he motioned upstairs.

         “Follow me” he instructed.  Charles nodded and quickly followed him upstairs, silence surrounding the two men as they quietly made their way down the hall until they came to a room at the end of the hall, Max quietly opening the door before he motioned inside.

         “After you” he murmured.  Charles dipped his head.

         “Thank you” he thanked before he headed inside, his eyes widening in surprise at the gorgeous bedroom before he noticed the crib in the corner, making him quickly walk over to it before he looked inside to see Ollie fast asleep, his little fist clutching at the tail of a lion plushie.

At the sight of the plushie, Charles thought back to Max’s nickname Fernando had mentioned, just as a creak came from behind him, making him turn to see Max sitting on the edge of the bed, exhaustion practically radiating from him.  Just then, Logan stepped into the room, a first-aid kit in his hand, and walked over to him before he placed the kit down on the bed and looked at him.

         “You’re gonna have to take your shirt off, chief, unless you want me to cut it off.  And I don’t think you want me to do that” he stated, making Max glance up at him before he huffed and slowly removed his shirt, revealing his bandaged shoulder.  At the sight of the bandages, Charles’ eyes widened in shock and he let out a soft gasp as Logan took a pair of bandage scissors and snipped away the bloody bandages, revealing the sutured gunshot wound in Max’s shoulder.

         “Max” he whispered before he quickly walked over to him and Logan and cleared his throat.

         “Um” he started, making Logan look up at him curiously.

         “Yeah?” he asked.  Charles gulped before he motioned to Max’s shoulder.

         “May I?” he requested.  Logan blinked before he smiled and nodded.

         “Sure.  I’ll guide you through it” he declared before he handed him the gauze and the bandage, Charles taking them from him as he took a moist towelette and wiped away the dried blood, making sure to keep his touch gentle before he looked at Charles and smiled.

         “Alright, now, what you’re going to want to do is take a few pieces of gauze and place it over the stitches, making sure to keep your touch gentle, before you take the bandage and wrap it around the top of the bicep twice, creating an anchor.  Try to keep it taut but don’t take the stretch out of the bandage” he instructed, Charles nodding in reply before he placed the bandage on Max’s shoulder and did as he was told, making sure that it was tight but not too tight, before he looked over at Logan.

         “Now what?” he asked.  Logan smiled.

         “Now, take the bandage and wrap underneath the armpit, over the top of the shoulder, and across the chest, making sure to pull tightly.  Then follow the wrap under the unaffected armpit and across the back before pulling the bandage tightly over the shoulder, looping it under the affected shoulder, and over the shoulder again, back across the chest” he instructed.  Charles nodded and did what he was instructed before he looked at Logan again.

         “Is this right?” he asked.  Logan grinned.

         “You’re a natural” he praised before he looked at him and pointed to his wrists.

         “Do you want me to take a look at your wrists?  Do they hurt at all?” he asked.  Charles frowned and looked down at his wrists, which surprisingly had no marks or any evidence of him being kidnapped and tied up, before he looked back at him and shook his head.

         “No, I’m alright.  Thank you” he thanked.  Logan nodded.

         “No problem” he replied before he packed up his kit and looked at them.

         “I’ll leave y’all to talk” he stated.  Max nodded.

         “Thanks Logan” he thanked.  Logan nodded and flashed them both a smile before he turned and headed out of the room, Max and Charles watching him leave before Charles turned and reached out, gently touching Max’s bandage with his fingertips.

         “Does it hurt?” he asked softly.  Max huffed.

         “Getting shot always hurts” he replied before he looked up at him.

         “But I’m okay” he assured.  Charles made a face, as if he didn’t believe him, before he sighed.

         “Can I ask you a question?” he asked.  Max nodded.

         “Always” he replied.  Charles was quiet before he looked him in the eyes.

         “Were you really going to shoot me?” he asked.  Max’s eyes widened and he quickly took his hands in his as he shook his head.

         “No.  No, Charles, I was never…I was never going to shoot you” he promised before he frowned.

         “Did you think I was?” he asked.  Charles was quiet before he shook his head.

         “I…I don’t…maybe?  It’s just that in the moment, your eyes became so cold and it’s like…I almost didn’t recognize the man in front of me” he admitted, making Max look at him in horror before he quickly guided him down onto the bed beside him and pulled him into his arms, hugging him tightly.

         “I’m sorry, Charlie.  I didn’t mean to scare you.  I just…I just had to keep Fernando distracted enough for Daniel to do something” he explained, making Charles hum softly before pulled away and looked at him again.

         “Can I ask you another question?” he asked.  Max nodded.

         “Of course” he replied.  Charles motioned to the room.

         “Why does Ollie have his own room here?” he inquired.  Max was quiet before he looked away.

         “I was…hoping to ask you to move in here…with me.  Before…all of this happened” he explained before he looked back at him.

         “I’m sorry, Charlie.  I really am.  I never meant for any of this to happen” he apologized.  Charles was quiet before he looked him in his icy blue eyes.

         “Who are you?  Really?” he asked.  Max was quiet before he sighed heavily, as if he was dreading the conversation.  Which he was.

         “My name is Max Verstappen, head of the Verstappen Family.  Otherwise known throughout the criminal underworld as the Dutch Lion” he explained.  Charles hummed.

         “The man who kidnapped me mentioned that name” he murmured before he looked at him.

         “Who was he, anyways?” he asked.  Max huffed.

         “Fernando Alonso, head of the Alonso family.  A ruthless man with a taste for violence and blood.  Our families are rivals in the criminal underworld; we’ve been fighting since I can’t even remember” he explained before he looked at him.

         “Do you know he kidnapped my mother?” he asked.  Charles looked at him in shock.

         “What?” he breathed.  Max nodded.

         “He kidnapped my mother.  For what reasons, I’ll never know, but I’m sure it was to intimidate my father, show him that he could get to those closest to him.  My father, thankfully, was able to save my mother but he was…never the same after that.  He was…paranoid, always worried about someone coming after us, so he…he locked my mother in the mansion, never letting her out unless he was with her.  And my mother understood in the beginning but…she couldn’t take it after a while, always being locked up.  Especially in a house with a man who she thought she knew but clearly she didn’t” he continued, making Charles frown.

         “What do you mean?” he asked.  Max sighed.

         “My father…never told my mother the truth about who he was.  He just lied and said he was a businessman when they first met, which wasn’t exactly a lie but wasn’t exactly the truth either.  He was a businessman just…an illegal one, if you will.  But my mother never knew about the “family”, about this life…and she felt betrayed.  She had two kids and she didn’t want them to have this sort of life so she told my father that she wanted a divorce and that she was going to take us with her.  My father however, argued that he needed someone to lead the “business” whenever he passed, so I had to stay.  My mother, of course, didn’t want that, so the divorce turned ugly.  They fought in court for god knows how long but in the end, I ended up with my father and my sister ended up with my mother” he explained before he looked at him.

         “I never wanted to become my father, but it seems, even now…I am him.  And I’m sorry” he apologized before he shook his head.

         “I’m sorry.  I endangered you and Ollie and I—” he started when Charles reached out and placed a hand over his.

         “Max” he murmured.  Max looked at him tearily.

         “I’m sorry, Charlie” he whispered.  Charles shook his head.

         “I’m not mad, Max.  Maybe a little…hurt that you felt like you couldn’t tell me the truth, but I’m not mad” he assured.  Max looked at him in shock.

         “You’re not?  I thought you’d be furious.  I mean…because of me, you got kidnapped” he stated.  Charles huffed.

         “And because of me, you got shot.  You could have died Max” he argued.  Max shrugged.

         “That’s just the nature of this life…the threat of death is always looming in the shadows” he murmured before he looked at him again.

         “And that’s something you have worry about, Charles, if you stay with me.  I can’t guarantee yours or Ollie’s safety.  I have enemies everywhere and while we might have eliminated one threat, there are still others.  And I don’t want to put either of you in danger.  I can’t…” he started before he paused and took a deep breath.

         “I can’t lose either of you” he croaked.  Charles was quiet before he looked at him, his eyes glistening.

         “I don’t want to lose you either, Max” he whispered.  Silence then fell over them for a moment before Max let go of Charles’ hands and scooted back onto the bed, patting the space beside him.

         “Come on, Charlie.  It’s late” he stated, making Charles look at him for a moment before he kicked off his shoes and scooted back onto the bed, tucking himself against Max as he pulled him close and pressed a kiss to his curls.

         “Good night, Charlie” he whispered.  Charles smiled as he curled himself into his embrace.

         “Good night, Max.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

Early the next morning, Charles was awoken by a cry, making him quickly sit up with a gasp and look around in confusion for a moment before he paused and noticed that the bed beside him was empty, causing him to frown.

         ‘Where’s—’ he started, just as another cry pierced the air, making him look towards the crib.

         ‘Ollie’ he thought to himself before he slipped out of bed and rushed over to the crib, looking down into it to find Ollie crying and reaching towards the air, as if he was reaching for something…or someone.

         “Oh sweetheart” he murmured before he reached down and scooped Ollie into his arms, cradling him close as he rested his head on top of his, gently rocking him back and forth.

         “Shh, it’s alright, sweetheart.  It’s okay.  I’m here, Ollie, I’m here” he soothed. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

A little while later, when Ollie had calmed down, Charles headed downstairs, Ollie resting in his arms as he looked around the large mansion, still in awe at the beauty and the size of the place, when Logan walked over to him, a small frown on his face.

         “Charles?” he called out.  Charles turned to look at him.

         “Oh…Logan, was it?” he asked.  Logan smiled.

         “Yeah.  Can I help you with something?” he inquired.  Charles was quiet before he tilted his head.

         “Have you seen Max?” he asked.  Logan hummed.

         “He and Daniel left this morning on a business meeting” he replied.  Charles blinked before he nodded slowly.

         “Oh…I see.  Do you know when he’s coming back?” he inquired.  Logan shook his head.

         “Unfortunately not.  Sorry” he apologized.  Charles was quiet before he nodded slowly.

         “Oh” he murmured, just as Logan smiled.

         “However, he did say that you’re than welcome to stay here as long as you like; you and Ollie” he stated.  Charles looked at him in surprise.

         “He said that?” he asked.  Logan nodded.

         “Mmhm” he replied.  Charles fell silent again before he smiled softly.

         “How thoughtful” he murmured before he looked at him again.

         “Do you mind dropping me off at home?  I’d like to change” he stated.  Logan blinked before he shook his head.

         “You won’t have to, since Max moved all of your clothes here.  Besides, he didn’t want you stepping back into your house until it’s been cleaned and we haven’t gotten on it yet” he explained.  Charles blinked.

         “Max moved all of my clothes here?” he repeated.  Logan nodded.

         “Mmhm.  They’re in the closet of Ollie’s room” he explained.

         “Oh” Charles murmured before he laughed softly.

         “Max really thought of everything, huh?” he mused.  Logan smiled.

         “That’s just the type of person he is” he replied before he tilted his head.

         “Can I take you anywhere else?” he asked.  Charles looked at him before he smiled.

         “Would you take me to the shop?  I’d like to start working on orders” he stated.  Logan nodded.

         “Sure!  Just let me go grab the keys and we can head out” he declared.  Charles smiled.

         “Thank you” he thanked.  Logan grinned.

         “Always happy to help” he stated before he turned and headed off to grab the keys for one of the many cars that Max owned while Charles headed back upstairs to change himself and Ollie.

~*~*~*~*~*~

A little while later, after Charles had changed, he and Logan headed to his shop, Charles handing Ollie off to Logan so he could unlock the door before he headed inside, Logan following behind.

         “Wow, now I understand why Max liked coming here” he murmured.  Charles looked over at him curiously.

         “Oh?” he asked.  Logan smiled as he shifted Ollie in his arms.

         “Of course he liked coming to see you, but he also liked being surrounded by flowers.  It reminded him a lot of his mother” he explained.  Charles was quiet before he smiled slightly.

         “Oh, I see” he murmured before he walked over to his workbench, slipped on his apron, rolled up his sleeves, and looked at Logan, a small smile on his face.

         “Feel free to make yourself comfortable, we’re probably going to be here all day” he declared.  Logan laughed and nodded.

         “Sounds good to me, boss” he replied.

~*~*~*~*~*~

After that, it sort of just became a routine, with Logan taking Charles to the flower shop to work while he stayed and looked after Ollie before they headed home to the mansion as Charles’ house still wasn’t ready for him to move back into.  Then one day, as Charles was opening up the shop, the keys fell out of his hands, making him groan softly before he shifted Ollie in his arms and bent down, about to pick them up, when someone else picked them up instead, making him look at them.

         “Oh, thank you” he thanked before he paused, his eyes widening in shock at the sight of Max standing before him, a fond smile on his face.

         “Max” he breathed.  Max’s smile widened.

         “Hi Charlie” he greeted.  Charles shook his head in disbelief.

         “What…what are you doing here?  Where’s Logan?” he asked.  Max chuckled.

         “I sent him home, since I’m here” he replied before he turned and unlocked the door, pushing it open. 

         “After you” he insisted.  Charles was quiet before he stepped into his shop, Max following after him just as he turned to look at him.

         “I’ll be right back” he stated.  Max nodded and watched as he made his way to the back to put Ollie down before he looked around the shop and sucked in a deep breath as he shut his eyes; god he missed the smell of the shop.  Just then, Charles came out of the back and walked over to him, crossing his arms.

         “Where did you go?” he demanded.  Max huffed.

         “Business trip.  I thought Logan told you” he stated.  Charles gave him a look.

         “Was it actually business or something else?” he asked.  Max raised an eyebrow.

         “Do you not trust me?” he inquired.  Charles huffed.

         “It’s a little hard when I wake up and find your side of the bed empty” he replied.  Max was quiet before he sighed softly.

         “I’m sorry for leaving but…there was something that I had to do” he explained.  Charles raised an eyebrow.

         “Which was?” he asked.  Max fell silent again before he sighed heavily.

         “Meeting with the other families” he replied.  Charles frowned.

         “Why?” he inquired, now genuinely curious.  Max looked at him.

         “Because I wanted to let them know what Fernando did and that if any of them tried that again, or even dared to attempt it, that there would be war and that I would show them no mercy” he replied.  Charles looked at him in shock.

         “You…you did that?  For me?” he asked.  Max nodded.

         “Of course I did” he replied before he walked over to the counter and leaned against it, letting out a heavy sigh.

         “I wanted…to do things differently from my father.  I didn’t want violence; I just wanted a civil conversation and to leave with a warning.  My father…my father would have waged war the moment he knew you were inside the mansion and safe.  And that’s what he did, whenever my mother had been kidnapped; he was constantly fighting with the other families and I’m amazed he died when he did because honestly, he should have died much sooner” he explained before he looked at Charles.

         “I meant what I said about refusing to lose you and Ollie, so…I did what I had to do to make sure that I wouldn’t” he declared.  Silence then fell over them before Max sighed and shook his head.

         “I’m sorry I left without saying anything, Charles, I—” he started when Charles walked over to him and reached out, gently cupping his face in his hand.

         “Max” he murmured, making him look at him with wide eyes as he smiled softly.

         “I’m not going anywhere.  Okay?  Ollie and I aren’t going anywhere” he promised.  Max looked at him in disbelief.

         “You…you’re not?” he whispered.  Charles shook his head.

         “No” he replied.  Max was quiet before he reached out and pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly. 

         “Thank you” he whispered.  They then stayed like that for a moment, Charles comfortably tucked against Max, before he pulled away and looked at Max in the eye.

         “But you cannot just disappear without saying anything anymore, understand?  And no hiding anything from me either” he instructed.  Max was quiet before he nodded.

         “Alright.  But I can’t promise that I’ll tell you everything…there are some things that you just can’t know about” he stated.  Charles nodded.

         “That’s fine.  But for the most part—” he started.

         “For the most part, I promise to tell you everything” Max promised.  Charles smiled.

         “Good” he praised before he tilted his head curiously.

         “How did the uh…other families react when you…warned them?” he inquired.  Max chuckled.

         “They all seemed to be happy that I found something I wanted to protect so…I think they took it well” he replied.  Charles hummed.

         “Well, that’s good” he murmured before he rested against Max again, letting out a soft sigh as they stood in the quiet flower shop, the smell of flowers surrounding them, before Max chuckled softly.

         “You know, when I was on my trip, I stopped by a flower shop, because it reminded me of yours but…it didn’t smell the same” he stated, making Charles frown slightly before he pulled away and looked at him.

         “Didn’t smell the same?” he repeated.  Max nodded.

         “I always thought that all flower shops would smell the same, but they surprisingly don’t” he explained before he looked at him.

         “You know the quote from Shakespeare, “a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet”?” he asked.  Charles nodded.

         “I…believe so, yes.  Why?” he inquired.  Max smiled.

         “Well…when I was walking around the shop, I noticed some roses on display and decided to give them a smell” he explained before he unwrapped his arms from around Charles and walked over to one of the nearby buckets filled with roses, picking one up.

         “And while they certainly smelled sweet…they weren’t as sweet as those roses from your shop” he declared, making Charles’ eyes widen in shock as Max walked over and held out the rose to him, his smile turning fond.

         “For you” he offered.  Charles blinked and stared at the rose for a moment before he laughed and took it from him, looking at it fondly.

         “Brings back memories of when we first met” he murmured.  Max nodded.

         “It does” he agreed, just as Charles looked at him.

         “Do you remember how your mother invited us to dinner a while ago?” he asked.  Max blinked before he nodded.

         “Yes.  Why?” he inquired.  Charles smiled.

         “Well, I say we invite her for dinner over at our house” he declared.  Max raised an eyebrow.

         “Our house?” he repeated.  Charles blinked before he blushed.

         “Yes” he replied.  Max chuckled before he motioned to him.

         “Go on” he insisted.  Charles nodded.

         “Well, I just…thought it would be nice for her to come over.  Logan and Daniel could join us and we could just…have a nice family dinner” he suggested.  Max thought about it for a moment before he hummed.

         “It’s certainly been a while since she’s been back in the mansion…but I don’t hate the idea and I don’t think she will either” he mused before he looked at him.

         “I’ll go talk to her” he declared.  Charles nodded.

         “Okay” he agreed before he motioned to his shop.

         “I should…probably start opening the shop” he stated, making Max’s eyes widen before he nodded.

         “Oh, of course” he replied before he took a step forward and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

         “I’ll see you later” he bid.  Charles smiled and nodded.

         “See you” he replied.  He then watched as Max turned and headed out of shop before he looked down at the rose in his hand, a small smile on his face.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Later that afternoon, after a very long but very fulfilling day of work, Charles was cleaning up the shop when the bell over the door jingled, making him turn to see Max standing there, his eyes and smile fond.

         “Max” he greeted.  Max’s smile widened.

         “Charlie” he replied before he raised an eyebrow.

         “Ready to go?” he inquired.  Charles nodded.

         “Yeah, just let me get Ollie” he stated before he turned and headed to the back, soon returning with Ollie in his arms, Ollie immediately brightening at the sight of Max.

         “Ah!” he exclaimed, reaching out to the mob boss who just smiled fondly as he walked over and scooped him out of Charles’ arms, pressing a kiss to his temple.

         “Hello schat” he cooed.  Charles chuckled.

         “Looks like he missed you” he mused.  Max chuckled before he raised an eyebrow.

         “Like his father?” he teased.  Charles’ eyes widened before he blushed.

         “You flirt” he murmured.  Max laughed.

         “Only with you, my dear” he assured before he raised an eyebrow.

         “Shall we go?  We have dinner to prepare” he stated.  Charles looked at him with wide eyes.

         “Your mother said yes?” he asked.  Max nodded.

         “She did.  She said she was looking forward to it” he explained.  Charles smiled.

         “Well good.  I think it’ll be a nice time” he declared before he motioned to the door.

         “After you” he insisted.  Max smiled and nodded before he headed out of the door, Ollie in his arms as Charles followed after him and quickly locked the door, making sure to turn the “open” sign to “closed” before he walked over to where Max was waiting by the car, Ollie’s head on his shoulder.

         “Ready?” Max asked.  Charles nodded.

         “Let’s go” he replied.

~*~*~*~*~*~

When they returned to the mansion, Charles and Max got out and stepped inside, just as Logan and Daniel walked over to them.

         “We’ve already set the dining table and called the caterers, food should be here in about an hour or so” Daniel stated.  Max dipped his head.

         “Thank you, Daniel” he thanked as Logan looked at Charles.

         “Could I have your help with something, Charles?” he asked.  Charles nodded.

         “Of course” he replied before he turned and handed Ollie off to Max.

         “Could you go and put him down for his nap, please?” he requested.  Max nodded.

         “Sure” he replied as Charles followed Logan into the kitchen to see a vase and some lovely flowers on the kitchen counter.

         “I uh…I know Max’s mother likes flowers and we have a huge garden in the backyard with tons of them, since she liked to garden, and um…I thought I’d pick some to act as a center piece but I uh…I don’t know how to put them together to look nice.  Can you help me?” he asked.  Charles smiled.

         “Well, I think it’s only fair, since you were kind enough to teach me how to bandage Max’s wound” he replied.  Logan grinned.

         “Great.  Now…where do I start?” he asked.  Charles laughed.

         “Well, filling up the vase is always a good start” he replied.  Logan blushed.

         “Right” he murmured before he took the vase and walked over to the sink, quickly filling it up with water before he walked back over to the counter and put it down.

         “Now what?” he asked.  Charles smiled.

         “Just start placing the flowers inside and see what looks nice together” he replied.  Logan raised an eyebrow.

         “That’s it?” he asked.  Charles laughed and nodded.

         “Pretty much.  Bouquet arrangement is really just knowing how to take the flowers you’ve picked and arrangement in a way that makes them look good.  It’s always easiest to start off with “branchier” flowers, or flowers that have lots of leaves and have them on the outside and then fill around it.  Or you can pick a “spotlight” flower, one that kind of centers the piece and then build up around it.  But honestly, it’s designer’s choice” he explained.  Logan hummed.

         “I see” he murmured before he looked at the flowers on the counter before him and picked one up, placing it into the vase before he picked up another and stuck it into the vase next to it.  After each placement, he studied the arrangement for a moment before he began picking up and placing more flowers until he had a full bouquet.

         “Well?  Does it look okay?” he asked.  Charles smiled.

         “I would certainly sell it in my shop, so I’d say yes” he replied.  Logan looked at him hopefully.

         “Yeah?” he asked.  Charles nodded.

         “Absolutely.  It’s beautiful Logan, I think Max’s mother will love it” he assured.  Logan grinned.

         “Thanks Charles” he thanked before he picked up the vase and made his way over to the dining room, placing the bouquet in the middle of the table just as the doorbell rang, making him and Charles look towards the front door before Logan hummed.

         “That must be the caterers.  I’ll go help Daniel” he declared before he turned and headed out of the dining room, Charles watching him walk away before he looked around the beautiful kitchen and let out a shuddering breath as butterflies began flittering around in his stomach.  He wasn’t normally a person who got nervous, but he was meeting Max’s mother properly for the first time and well…he wanted her to like him.  As he stood there, letting his nerves take over, he didn’t realize someone was coming up behind him until arms suddenly slipped around his waist, making him jolt in surprise before he looked over his shoulder to see Max look at him in mild concern.

         “What’s the matter, schat?” he asked gently.  Charles blinked before he let out a soft sigh.

         “Oh, Max.  It’s you” he breathed.  Max smiled slightly.

         “Just me” he assured before he frowned.

         “What’s wrong?” he asked.  Charles shook his head.

         “Nothing, just…nerves” he replied.  Max raised an eyebrow.

         “Nerves?” he repeated.  Charles nodded.

         “Yeah…I want your mother to like me” he explained.  Max was quiet before he chuckled softly and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

         “You don’t have to worry, she will” he assured.  Charles raised an eyebrow.

         “How can you be sure?” he asked.  Max smiled. 

         “Because I know my mother.  She’ll like you Charlie.  I promise” he promised.  Charles nodded.

         “Alright.  I believe you” he replied before he leaned against him and let out a soft sigh as Max tightened his arms around him and held him close, both of them standing in the kitchen in a comfortable silence when Daniel, Logan, and the caterers stepped into the dining room, making Max and Charles look at them before Charles glanced back at Max.

         “We should help them” he murmured.  Max nodded.

         “Alright” he agreed before he removed his arms from around his waist and let him slip out of the kitchen before he followed after him, both men walking over to help set the dinner table for that evening.  Once they had finished setting up, the doorbell suddenly rang, making everyone look over towards the door before Max turned and made his way towards the door as Daniel and Logan took their places at the table while Charles headed upstairs to wake Ollie from his nap, Max soon returning with his mother on his arm.

         “Oh my, this looks lovely” she breathed.  Max smiled.

         “It was Charles’ idea” he explained.  His mother raised an eyebrow.

         “Oh?  And speaking of Charles, where is he?” she inquired.  Just then, Charles appeared, Ollie in his arms.

         “Sorry, I had to get Ollie” he explained before he looked at Max’s mother and smiled.

         “Lovely to see you again, ma’am” he greeted.  Max’s mother laughed and waved her hand.

         “Oh please, call me Sophie.  And it’s lovely to see you too, Charles” she replied, just as Max motioned to the dining table.

         “Please, mama.  Sit” he insisted.  Sophie nodded and took her seat at the head of the table before she smiled as Max and Charles took their places beside her.

         “It’s been a while since I’ve sat around a full table…I must say I’ve missed it” she mused before she looked at the men, her smile widening.

         “Shall we dig in?” she inquired.

~*~*~*~*~*~

After dinner, which was delicious, Sophie and Charles sat in the living room, Ollie comfortably resting in Sophie’s arms.

         “He’s precious” she murmured as she gently stroked his cheek with her thumb.

         “What did you say his name was?” she asked.

         “Ollie” Charles replied.  Sophie smiled.

         “Ollie” she murmured.  Silence then fell over them before Sophie looked up at Charles and smiled.

         “Max told me you were nervous about meeting me.  Is that true?” she asked.  Charles blinked before he blushed deeply and nodded.

         “Yes” he replied.  Sophie laughed. 

         “How cute” she cooed before she shook her head.

         “You have nothing to be nervous about.  I have no objections with you and Max being together.  In fact, I’m rather happy you two met” she admitted, making Charles look at her in surprise.

         “You are?  Why?” he inquired.  Sophie smiled.

         “Because Max needs someone who’s not a part of the mob…to remind him that there’s more to life than…this.  And I think you can be the person to do that” she explained before her smile grew.

         “And because I think you two look quite cute together” she added.  Charles blinked before he blushed, the blush going all the way up to his ears just as Max walked over to them and raised an eyebrow.

         “Mama?  What are you teasing Charles about?” he inquired.  Sophie looked at him and smiled as she shook her head.

         “Nothing, darling.  We were just talking” she replied before she looked at her watch and hummed.

         “It’s getting late.  I should get going” she mused before she placed Ollie into Charles’ arms and pushed herself to her feet, Charles also pushing himself to his feet before he and Max followed her over to the front door, Max looking at her with a small frown.

         “Can I take you home, Mama?” he asked.  Sophie laughed.

         “Darling, I drove here all by myself, I think I can drive myself home.  I’ll be perfectly fine” she assured.  Max frowned.

         “Are you sure?” he asked.  Sophie looked at him fondly before she reached out and gently cupped his face in her hand.

         “Max.  I’ll be alright” she promised.  Max looked at her for a moment before he reached up and gave her hand a squeeze.

         “Alright.  Be safe” he bid.  Sophie smiled and nodded as she slipped her hand away from his cheek and turned to leave when Max looked at her.

         “Mama” he called out.  Sophie turned to look at him.

         “Hm?” she replied.  Max motioned outside.

         “I’ll walk you to your car” he offered.  Sophie shook her head.

         “Max, that really isn’t necessary—” she started when Max looked at her.

         “Mama.  Please” he insisted.  Sophie was quiet before she huffed softly and nodded.

         “Alright” she agreed before she looked over at Charles and smiled.

         “Goodnight, Charles” she bid.  Charles smiled.

         “Goodnight Sophie” he replied before he took Ollie’s hand and waved goodbye.

         “Say bye-bye” he cooed.  Ollie grinned and let out a little squeal, making Charles laugh and Sophie smile before she turned and headed towards her car, Max making to follow when he stopped and turned to look at Charles.

         “I’ll be right back.  Why don’t you go ahead and head on up to bed?” he suggested.  Charles nodded.

         “Alright” he agreed before he turned and headed upstairs, Max watching him walk away before he grabbed the door handle and closed the door behind him as he followed his mother to the car.

~*~*~*~*~*~

While he walked his mother to her car, Charles headed upstairs and made his way to Ollie’s bedroom, stepping inside before he walked over to the bathroom that was attached to the bedroom and stepped inside, quickly walking over to the tub and turning on the water.  While the water warmed up, Charles removed Ollie’s clothes and placed them on the counter before he walked over to the tub and knelt down beside it, plugging it up before he waited for it to fill up a couple of inches and once it was at the perfect height, he turned off the tap and carefully placed Ollie into the water, making sure that it wasn’t too hot before he began to bathe him.  Once he was squeaky clean, he took him out of the water and drained the tub before he took a towel and gently dried him off, Ollie falling asleep as soon as he was done, making him smile softly as he pushed himself to his feet.

         “Come on, sweetheart.  Let’s get you changed and into bed” he murmured before he turned and headed out of the bathroom, making his way over to the dresser full of Ollie’s clothes.  Once he was fully clothed in his PJ’s, Charles placed him down into his crib and tucked his blanket up to his navel before placing the little lion plushie beside him.

         “Sleep tight, sweetheart” he whispered.  He then stood there for a moment, watching as Ollie drifted deeper into sleep, when arms suddenly went around him, making him smile softly as he looked over his shoulder to see Max looking down at Ollie with a fond expression on his face.

         “For the Dutch Lion, you’re as quiet as a mouse” he teased, making Max look over at him before he chuckled softly.

         “Am I now?” he asked.  Charles hummed and nodded as he relaxed against him, both men looking down at the sleeping infant, before Max gave Charles’ waist a gentle tug.

         “Come on, schat.  It’s late” he murmured.  Charles nodded and allowed Max to pull him over to the bed before they both crawled into it, Charles tucking himself against him as he wrapped his arms around him and held him close.  They then laid there in silence for a moment, just listening to the other’s heartbeat, before Max hummed softly.

         “You know, I asked my mother if she’d like to do something like this again…and she said yes” he murmured.

         “She did?” Charles asked sleepily.  Max nodded.

         “Mm.  I honestly thought she wouldn’t have wanted to step foot into this place but…she said that she missed the family dinners and that…the mansion feels much warmer than when she lived here.  And I think that’s because of you” he declared.  Charles pulled away and looked at him in confusion.

         “Me?” he repeated.  Max nodded.

         “I hardly used the house other than to hold meetings and to sleep in…now it’s got some life in it.  And you brought that with you” he explained before he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his hair.

         “Thank you” he whispered.  Charles shook his head.

         “But I didn’t do anything” he argued.  Max chuckled softly.  

         “You didn’t have to.  You were just being you” he murmured.  Silence then fell over them again before Charles cleared his throat.

         “Max?” he started.

         “Hm?” Max replied.  Charles was quiet before he took a deep breath.

         “I…I know your mother gave us her blessing but…you don’t have any regrets, do you?  About me…and Ollie?” he asked.  Max shook his head as he pulled him close.

         “No.  Not at all.  Why do you ask?” he inquired.  Charles shook his head.

         “No, I—” he started when Max pressed a kiss to his hair.

         “Charlie.  I have no regrets.  About you or Ollie” he murmured before he pulled away and looked him in the eyes.

         “Do you remember what I said about the rose in the other flower shop?” he asked.  Charles nodded.

         “Yes” he replied.  Max nodded.

         “Exactly.  I could have any rose in the world that I wanted, but I don’t just want any rose.  I want a specific rose, with a specific smell.  And that rose can only come from your shop” he declared before he reached up and cupped his face in his hand.

         “You’re my rose, Charles.  I only want you.  And Ollie of course.  But you and only you, Charlie.  No one else.  Okay?” he asked.  Charles nodded.

         “Okay” he whispered.  Max smiled and nodded as he moved his hand from his cheek to the back of his head and pulled him against him, pressing a kiss to his hair.

         “Goodnight, my rose” he whispered.  Charles smiled as he tucked himself closer to him and shut his eyes.

         “Goodnight, my lion.”