Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Huh. Max posted on instagram.” Lando says casually from his place on Charles’ couch, as if that wasn't earth shattering news for everyone else in the room. Well, maybe not earth shattering. Definitely surprising though. Charles, Pierre, George, and Alex all immediately check their instagrams.

You see, Max is a bit of an enigma to the people he goes to school with. He rarely talks with people, gets perfect grades, and is not afraid to rock someone's shit. That, the motorcycle, and the leather jacket that he seems to only take off when the school requires it. The small private school just couldn't take so much at one time. 

While Max is very private at school, his instagram account is not. Most of their school follows him because, well. Why wouldn't they? He is a bad boy cliche. Even if he’s not really a bad boy. He’s polite and has perfect attendance. But that just adds to the mystery that is Max Verstappen. 

At least, Charles seems to think so. 

He thinks about Max a lot.

Not that anyone else would know. He keeps that to himself.

Max posting on instagram is monumental for one reason. He’s never posted before. Not one single time. Not even a story. Until today.

“Well shit.” Alex says what they're all thinking. 

The post isn’t the ambiguous, aesthetic, try hard thing everyone figured he’d be the type to post. Nope, this is very much not that.

The first slide is just a picture of Max’s motorcycle with his hand on it. He has a cigarette between his fingers. Because of course he does. 

The second slide is a picture of Max and a girl. His sister, Charles hopes. His prayers are answered when he sees her account tagged, they have the same last name. They're both throwing up peace signs and grinning at the camera.

The third and fourth are just landscapes of the city. Which yeah, that's the aesthetic mysterious guy stuff everyone figured he would post.

The fifth is a picture of five hands, all holding shot glasses. Which, okay. Not super surprising, considering he’s almost eighteen and this is Europe. Still unexpected for many reasons. The most glaring being Charles never really got that vibe from him. He always seemed uptight in that specific ‘I don't leave the house, ever’ way. He’s also only spoken a maximum of four words to the guy, so. He digresses. 

Each of the hands have an account tagged to them. “Do you guys know any of the people tagged?” Charles asks the rest of the group curiously. The response is a chorus of no’s.

The horrors of going to a private school that is located in a big city, he figures. Only knowing their sparse student body.

The last is a group picture of five guys. The same ones with the shots, Charles guesses. They all look happy, at least. A guy with brown hair and a big smile has his arm slung over Max’s shoulders. All of them looked happy, on the edge of being drunk and leaning on each other for support maybe. Happy, though. 

Feelings well up in Charles’ chest. And he really does not want to think about that right now, in his living room, surrounded by his friends. So he pushes the feelings out and away from the forefront.

Pierre speaks up. “Who do you think they are? They obviously don’t go to school with us.” There's no debating that. Their school is small enough to where everyone knows everyone. 

“They probably go to one of the public schools. The one Max went to, before he transferred to ours.” That's the obvious answer to Charles. Well, if nothing else at least they know Max does have friends. They don’t have to worry about him being lonely and sad. He doesn't have to worry about Max isolating himself everyday at school.

Yeah, Charles is the only one worrying. 

“It is surprising though, that he has friends. I mean I don’t think I've seen him hold a single conversation.” Lando says as he stalks the other guys' accounts. “This Daniel guy seems chill though, and yeah he’s on the football team for one of the public schools in the city.” 

The other people in the room hum in thought.

“Did anyone else know that he smokes?” George asks thoughtfully. 

Alex replies with, “It’s not so surprising, really. With all that tension he carries, scholarship and all.”

He’s not wrong. Max has never been the type to slack off in class. Or outside of class. Basically anywhere in the school. Being here on scholarship means he’s smart. Comparatively most of the other students are just children of rich people. He has to work for his spot. It’s nice to see him carefree, even if Charles wishes he could see it in person. He’ll settle for an instagram post. If only Charles had the balls to have an actual conversation with him.

One day.

The opportunity came a lot sooner than he’d prepared for. 

Literally two days later on Monday.

An english project with partners. Charles knows damn well no one else in this class is going to ask Max. He also knows Pierre is not in this class and he’s the only other person he’d want to do work with. So it seems logical. To him at least. Probably not to anyone else inside this room or out of it.

He tries to psych himself up to ask Max, but he took too long, apparently. Someone has already approached Charles, “Um, Charles? Can you be my partner?” and wow, Charles is definitely looking at him with way too much awe for what he’s just been asked.

Because Max Verstappen has just asked him to be his partner for a school project and no Charles is not shaking. It’s just, had they been thinking the same thing? It’s not like they’ve talked to each other more than anyone else in this class. Does Max think he’ll be good at group projects? He’s totally average but he’s willing to put his all in this if Max thinks he can.

And oh, oops. Charles has definitely just been staring at him for way too long without giving an answer. Max is still giving him the same look though so maybe it’s a normal occurrence to be caught speechless by his presence.

Probably.

“Yes, of course Max.” Charles finally gets the words out of his mouth. “I was actually just about to ask you the same thing.”

A little spark of something ignites in Max’s eyes but he quickly nods and sits with Charles. They have the rest of class to go over what they’ll be doing. 

Charles really hopes he doesn’t make a fool of himself.

Max easily splits their roles up. Always checking and making sure Charles agrees. Charles thinks he would agree with anything that comes out of his mouth. 

Speaking of his mouth, Max is saying something he should probably be paying attention to.

“Where do you think we could work on this? The teacher said we have a few classes to work on it but honestly that probably won’t be enough…” He trails off and tilts his head, waiting for Charles’ response. 

Charles thinks long and hard about what he should say. So about two seconds of time goes by before he’s eagerly offering up the solution. “We could do it at my house. It’s usually pretty quiet there and my mom makes the best food. If you’re comfortable with that of course?” 

Max agrees easily, “That sounds good. What days are best for you? I’m pretty free throughout the week. Friday nights are the only nights I have something set every week. Then Saturday mornings but I'll be free the rest of the day.” 

Charles wonders what he does on Friday nights that keep him till the next morning. He won’t ask, of course. He’ll wonder though. 

“Okay, I have something tonight, but how about tomorrow? My mom can make you dinner too so you don’t have to worry about food.” He flashes the most charming smile in his arsenal.

Max blinks a couple of times, seemingly speechless in his own right. Charles preens internally at his reaction. “Yes, okay. That sounds good. What time?”

“Probably just after school. Gives us the most time to work on the project.” Max nods along agreeably. He pulls out his phone and hands it to Charles.

“Put your number in? For your address and other project related planning.” 

And just like that Charles has Max Verstappen's phone number. He didn’t even have to try that hard. Actually he didn’t try at all. Max was the one who did everything.

He’s never telling his friends about this. They'll give him so much shit.

And oh, Max is going to be inside of his house, his room . He needs to clean up immediately. 

As soon as Charles gets home from his piano lesson he picks up all of the clothes that are laying around and shoves them away, out of eyesight. He grabs all of the old wrappers and cups that he carelessly left on his bedside table. As soon as his mom sees him throwing away old trash and putting dishes in the sink she knows something's up.

“Oh? Finally decide to clean your room? Has the world also decided to end?” His mom says with that teasing tone mothers tend to use. Charles is so not amused.

“A classmate is coming over tomorrow to work on a project. I already told him he could stay for dinner if that's okay?” He says with an innocent smile.

His mother sighs in exasperation, but hugs him and kisses his hair.  “Of course you can bring your friend, honey. Have I met him yet?”

“Ah, no actually. We’re not really friends? I’m hoping that will change with time.” Charles says sheepishly, a touch of color reaching his cheeks.

“Oh, I see.” His mom says with a secret smile on her lips. “And what might his name be, dear?”

“His name is Max. I think I told you about him? He’s the smart one at school on scholarship. I really am glad we’re partners for this project. I would have been with someone I had no interest in otherwise.” The boy says with a relieved smile. 

“Max, hm? I think I know which boy you are talking about.” She says with a sad smile on her face. “Make sure that boy feels as welcome as possible in our house.”

Charles gives her a funny look but shakes it off soon enough. “Of course, mom. I do want him to be my friend.” He huffs at the thought of being anything other than welcoming to the guy he’s been plotting a relationship with for the past couple of years. 

“Right, of course. How could I forget?” She pats her son's head before he heads back to his room.

Charles continues to agonize over his room for the next hour.  

That night the only thing in his brain is Max.

The thing is, ever since Charles laid his eyes on the other boy he knew he was screwed. He’s always known there was close to zero chance of Max even just glancing at him. Max is just like that. Untouchable. Sure, he’s a seventeen year old boy but, but , he’s always seemed out of reach for everyone else. Maybe it’s because he’s not even rude to people. He’s just uninterested in everyone. Aloof. 

And suddenly he’s taken an interest in Charles ? Maybe he’s delusional for thinking someone asking him to partner up for a class is in any way a big deal but it is . For someone like Max it is. Maybe it’s presumptuous of him to think that way.

It’s just.

Charles has always been waiting for a chance to at least become his friend. Most everyone in their school has. 

He’s not going to give up his chance so easily after waiting so long for it. 

Because really, who wouldn’t . After all, Charles has always wondered. He’s been wondering this whole damn time. Suddenly he has the chance to know ? To know what Max is thinking at any given moment? To know even the small things. His favorite color. His favorite candy. How he prefers coffee… If he even likes coffee.

What he wouldn't have given to know these things. 

And now he can, and he hasn't even given anything up. 

So, no. Charles doesn't get much sleep that night. Once he does, though, it’s no surprise what his dreams are about.

Chapter Text

Max had never been the most social person to exist. 

It took him years to make friends with the guys. Him and Carlos having a tentative friendship due to unforeseen circumstances (a lunch period that had none of Carlos’ friends, he made due with Max). The group slowly forced Max to become one of their own, to his befuddlement. And just as he had become comfortable in his own friendships it was all whisked away from him.

His dad had forced him to go to this private school. Which, yeah cool and all, but all of his time and energy spent making friends went down the fucking drain. 

Now he's been at this new school for a couple years and really couldn’t be bothered with any of the people here. Zero of the people here have compared to his people. Carlos, Daniel, Yuki, and Oscar have always been his way of letting loose and enjoying life without the endless pressure put on him by his father.

Nowadays he only gets to see them on Fridays (unless an emergency arises), it’s mandatory for everyone to get together. His friends hadn't given up on him throughout the years, which is greatly appreciated by him on all accounts. He doesn't know where he’d be without them.

Yuki had convinced him to post on instagram. He didn't really see the appeal but figured it couldn’t hurt anything. The guys had giggled over his phone as he picked out the pictures he would use.

Oscar joked that the most important thing to him must be his bike since it was first on the photo dump. Daniel said he probably wasn't too far off. Max had fed into it even though it was obviously not the truth.

The post had gotten a lot more attention than he had initially expected. 

An embarrassing amount of people from his past and current schools had liked it. Which, odd. The only popularity he's had is from being top of his class, but then again because of that accomplishment he’s made zero friends in this new school.

Only one person that actually mattered liked the post in the end.

Charles Leclerc.

Max saying he couldn’t be bothered with any of the students in his new school wasn't technically a lie. He hadn't bothered with talking to Charles. He definitely had Max’s attention, however.

Such a bright person was bound to shine in his eyes and temporarily blind him.

Honestly Max just had to take the chance to have him as his partner in the silly english assignment they had due. It was due in two weeks and he does not want to be stuck with someone he’s not at least a little bit interested in for that long. He was delighted when Charles had said he had the same idea. Glad to have snatched him before any of the other kids in their class could get their grubby fingers on him.

Charles is certainly not bad in academics, he’ll try at the very least. Plus, he's rather interesting in Max’s eyes. Maybe they'll get to know each other and he’ll make a friend while also getting a good grade on a project.

He’s relieved when Charles offers up his own residence as a place of work. Max would rather have a seizure right then and there than have to explain that his house is off limits. 

He might if Charles asked though.

Maybe he’s got it a little worse for the other boy than previously realized. 

He should definitely work on that before they're together for hours on end. 

When Max leaves the school on that Tuesday and heads to the parking lot he realizes something. He does not know where Charles lives. He grabs his phone and types out a simple text asking for his address and letting him know he’s going to stop by his own house real quick to change into more comfortable clothes. 

He hops on his motorcycle and makes his way home. 

He wants to be out of this god awful school uniform as quickly as possible.

He goes inside the apartment his dad rents and b-lines it for his own room. He changes into sweatpants and a t-shirt, throws on his leather jacket and heads out the door. His dad is obviously not home at the moment or he would have made his presence known by now. 

Contrary to popular belief the reason he doesn’t wear bike gear isn’t because he thinks it looks cooler this way. They simply don’t have enough money for it. He’s lucky he even has his own transportation. 

He checks his phone to see Charles acknowledging his previous text with his address. Max types it into his maps and makes his way to a classmate's house. A classmate that isn’t one of the four pre-approved friends from the last school. This is totally fine.

If he’s grateful for one thing about the school it’s definitely the lack of parental involvement. His dad doesn't care what he’s doing as long as the grades stay up. He used to be dreadful when it came to watching his every move. He guesses that this school cares more about its students' vanity than the last one did. The only thing he gets these days is an earful and a half, which is basically nothing so he won’t complain.

Max arrives at a nice looking home. 

He almost forgot that all of his classmates are rich kids. Probably because he does everything in his power to actively forget everything about them, other than the one that he went out of his way to talk with and requested to be his partner yesterday. Now that he thinks about it, that was a very out of character move on his part. He won’t linger on the thought. 

He hops off of his bike and heads towards the front door. For some reason he feels like he’ll throw up if he rings the doorbell. He compromises with his mind and knocks instead.

The door opens rather quickly to a dimpled smile. Max squints at the brightness, afraid it might blind him permanently this time around. 

“Max! You’re finally here.” He has zero idea how to respond to someone other than Daniel addressing him so brightly. He pushes through for the greater good (his dignity).

“Hello, Charles. Hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long?” He steps into the house when Charles motions for him to, taking off his shoes when instructed. 

He waves Max off as if waiting for him was nothing. “Of course not, silly. No trouble getting here I hope?” Charles asks with a curious tilt to his head. Max is hopelessly endeared, even if he shouldn't be, considering they barely know each other.

“Oh, no. This side of the city is a lot easier to navigate.” Recognition ignites in Charles’ eyes. This neighborhood is nicer than anywhere near his own apartment complex, or any of his friends' houses.

It makes sense. Most of the houses near their school are nice, even if they’re more modest than the ones closer to the outskirts of the city.

“Good, then. I’d have hated it if you had gotten lost on your way to me. ” Charles grabs his wrist, which almost give Max a heart attack, and starts guiding (dragging?) him towards his room. 

How does one respond to that? Max decides not to.

“You have a nice house.” He says once they reach a room that can only belong to a teenage boy. Posters on the wall, PC set up on the desk, queen size bed? Definitely rich, then. This must be why his dad was pissed he didn’t start making friends as soon as he was accepted into their school. The connections or whatever. Max doesnt think he will ever give a fuck about that. “Room, too.”

“Thank you Max.” Charles is looking at him like what he said was a lot nicer than it actually was. He wants Charles to like him, though, so maybe he’ll keep up the compliments?

“Okay, we can just set up on the bed, maybe?” Charles has been staring at him intently the entire time he’s been in his presence.

Which is also kind of odd.

Charles is a bit odd maybe. 

Max doesn’t really mind, though, so they finally get comfortable on the bed with their computers out. The assignment really is simple, if time consuming. A ten page persuasive essay. They need to convince the reader to buy a product they both agree on. The teacher says she’ll know if one person does all of the typing (bullshit) so they’ll need to switch roles throughout the project. 

He knows that most of the kids in their school are smart enough, considering how tough some of the courses can be. But honestly? This is the most unnecessary shit he’s ever been assigned.

It’s all extremely boring. 

Though, Charles is trying his absolute best to make it the opposite. He has a mini-fridge in his room, and if that wasn’t crazy enough it’s actually stocked. It probably has more calories in it than his actual fridge at home does. 

He keeps asking Max questions about himself and with a lot more enthusiasm than expected. Especially considering how dazed Charles seemed when they were talking yesterday. 

Max answers as honestly as he can, but small talk has never really been his thing and he doesn’t really know why someone needs to know what his favorite number is. It's 3 obviously, but still.

Any questions he might have for Charles are maybe a bit too revealing, though. You probably shouldn’t ask someone you’re only just starting to know what it’s like being so beautiful and how they deal with all the unsavory attention. Max thinks it would be absolute hell but he’ll save it for a later date.

He sticks to the safe questions and learns that Charles has two brothers. One has already moved out and the other is younger and annoying. He prefers dogs but loves cats too. Apparently his love languages are gift giving and physical touch, Max will have to keep that in mind. He wants to be an architect in the future, which Max wouldn’t have guessed. 

He’s a lot more down to earth than Max was expecting. His laugh is beautiful, his winks are horrendous, and Max had no idea he would be like this. So nice and extremely easy to work with. He’s starting to wish he’d gotten to know hom sooner.

And Max wants to know him. He’s never felt this much pull to another person in his whole life and he really doesn’t know what to do about it.

After they’ve been working for a few hours an older woman knocks on the door and opens it without waiting for an answer. Charles’ mom, he assumes. 

“Dinner will be ready in a few minutes, boys. Be down as quickly as you can. It’s nice to meet you Max.” She’s out the door before Max can even respond. 

“You heard the woman.” Charles says, amusement colouring his tone. 

They put away their computers and head to the dining room. 

A boy a couple years younger than him and Charles is already at the table. Charles’ brother. 

When they get to the table Charles pulls out a chair and gestures for Max to take a seat. Max did not know guys did that for each other, he assumes it’s a rich person thing. His brother is trying to hide a laugh behind his hand, though, so perhaps not.

“Max, this is my brother Arthur.” Charles introduces, and he looks like he’s trying to force Arthur to behave. It’s a little funny.

“Hello, nice to meet you.” He shakes Arthur's hand.

“Nice to finally meet you, Max. I’ve seen you around school, you’re quite popular.” 

Max did not know that. He says as much. “Am I?”

“You didn’t know?” Charles asked with his eyebrow raised. “It’s hard for people to look away from you.” Max thinks he’s talking about the wrong person. The person that's hard to look away from is sitting next to him.

“That’s hard to believe.” Charles’ brow scrunches up and he goes to say something else but is interrupted by his mom and dad entering the room. 

“Chicken and dumplings for dinner, my boys.” Mrs. Leclerc puts a pot on the table, everyone takes turns getting their own.

It’s all very nice and Max is very out of his depth. He had no idea rich families could be happy, considering how miserable everyone at school seems to be. Maybe Charles’ and his family are the exceptions.

“So Max, I hope Charles has been a good host for you thus far?” Mr. Leclerc says it with a warm smile on his face and yeah Max has zero idea how to navigate the emotions that brings up.

“Yes, you don’t have to worry. He’s been very welcoming.” Max says before stuffing more food in his mouth.

Arthur snickers behind his own spoon. “I’m sure he has.” Whatever the hell that means. “Max, is it true you drive a motorcycle?” He asks as if that will make him forget the previous comment. 

It does distract him long enough to answer the question though. “Um, yes I do.” And it is his pride and joy. 

“Why not a car? Motorcycles can be very dangerous.” Mrs. Leclerc asks with motherly worry. Max’s face must be flushed from all the attention he’s receiving. 

“Ah, well…It’s the only thing that my dad could afford at the time I switched schools, you see. We don’t exactly live near enough to walk so…” Yeah, his face is definitely flushed. These rich people probably think he’s poor, which, yeah they wouldn’t be far off. It’s still embarrassing though. 

He would have had a job right now but his grades would end up suffering for it. He’d rather be poor and deal with rain occasionally than have his dad angry at him.

“...I see. Well at least you have a means of transportation.” He can’t really decipher what the look on her face means but it’s far less judgemental than he was expecting. 

“Do you live further in the city? Must be a long drive in the mornings if it’s too far to walk to the school.” Mr. Leclerc asks with a look in his eye and wow these people are hard to read.

“Just about thirty minutes if you count traffic, so not too bad.” Everybody at the table is quiet for a moment and Max is worried that he said the wrong thing. Glances are shared across the table and he’s sure that they're all about to judge him. 

They obviously don’t.

Next to him Charles purses his lips before he speaks with an unreadable expression. Maybe it’s another rich person thing to be able to mask thoughts so easily. Maybe it’s a Leclerc thing. “You make that drive everyday? Even if it’s raining?”

“Um, Yes? I have no other way of getting to school.” He says, a bit unsure. He doesn’t want to unsettle the mood further, even if he doesn't get what he said wrong.

And now everyone has a frown on their face. He should really shut his mouth.

“Can’t one of your parents take you?” Arthur asks quietly.

“No…” He debates saying more but decides it's not like it could hurt more than it already has. “It’s just my dad and he has to work.”

Everyone looks even more sad and Charles looks kind of pissed for some reason. He doesn’t really get it. Must be a rich person thing. All of his other friends hadn't batted an eye when he told them. They aren't having family dinners every night either though, so.

“Right. Okay.” Max is glad no one says anything about that. 

The conversation carries on to something about Arthur's day at school, thankfully. Everyone has finished their food by now but they are still sitting and chatting.

It’s odd. Max is used to families that avoid each other at all costs. His sister is the only person he ever wants to spend time with and they don’t even live together. 

“I hope we aren't keeping you Max.” Mr. Leclerc says after a bit. “Does your father expect you to be home at a certain time?” 

Max really hopes he doesn't bring the mood down again with what he's about to say.

“Not really…he doesn’t care much for curfews and stuff.” Mrs. Leclerc purses her lips but Arthur lights up.

“Lucky! You can really stay out however late you want?” Max has a feeling he’s never spent a single day of his life feeling like his parents don’t love him. He’s glad for that.

“I can.” He nods with a grimace on his face. “I won’t overstay my welcome though, of course. I can leave whenever you need me to.” Everyone at the table immediately shakes their head.

“Of course you can stay however long you would like.” Mrs. Leclerc says with finality. Everyone else agrees readily and Max has no idea how he charmed these rich people.

Everyone gathers their plates and puts them in the sink. Max immediately offers to do the dishes. “It’s my way of saying thank you for the delicious food.” He’d said, eventually they relented. Charles somehow forced his way into the drying role.

He’s still kind of shocked they don’t have an on demand house maid and chef or something, considering how much money they have. Eventually he’ll get over how normal these rich people seem. It'll probably take more than a few visits.

So here they are, washing and drying dishes like a married couple. Max isn’t upset in the slightest. 

“Max.” He looks over at the seriousness in Charles' voice. 

“Yes?”

“Next time it’s raining or cold or too hot, text me okay? I’ll pick you up and drive you to school.”

Max will not be doing that. It would be way too embarrassing for Charles to see where he lives. He normally wouldn’t really care but he actually likes this guy. 

“You really don’t have to do that, it’s not so bad honestly.” Charles’ face scrunches up in annoyance at his answer but honestly he just looks cute. He needs to stay in control of his thoughts.

“I really want to though.” Charles looks at him with puppy dog eyes and what the hell. Why is it working? “Pinky promise that you will?” 

Max can’t say no to that.

“...Fine.” He links their pinkys together with a sigh.

It’s worth it for the smile Charles gives him in return. 

Once the dishes are done they go back to his room. It’s about seven so they could theoretically get more work done but he has other classes he needs to work on and doesn't want to risk staying later than welcome. Before he continues on that train of thought Charles speaks up and soothes his worries.

“Want to stay longer but work on our own stuff from now on?” Does Charles seriously think he’s going to say no to that? 

They get situated on the bed again because, “This is absolutely the only option. Anything else would be uncomfortable and that’s gross.” as Charles had said. 

It’s better than doing schoolwork at home, if he’s being completely honest. Well, most things are but let's not focus on that. Charles will say something occasionally but they’re mostly just sitting quietly. Max is pretty caught up on his school work so he finishes up in an hour or so.

Once he’s finished with his work he closes his laptop. He puts the computer in his bag and lays back on the bed, tired from all the socializing he had to engage in today. Even if he had liked the company. He rests his eyes for a second before opening them again once he feels someone staring at him.

Charles is looking at him with that same intense look in his eyes as earlier. Max will probably never know what it means.

“Are you tired already?” Charles asks, shaking Max from his own thoughts.

“I guess so. I won’t fall asleep in your bed though, don't worry.” Max says with a reassuring smile. Charles doesn’t take the bait for banter though.

“I wouldn't mind if you did.” Okay, Max is not going to think about what that could possibly mean until he’s properly alone in his own bed. “But not at this very moment because I need your help with math. Pretty please?”

Max helps him with the math. He would've gouged his own eyes out if it were anyone else.

Charles finishes his school work soon enough. It’s closer to nine by now and Max figures it’s about time he leaves. 

“Max, why did you ask me to be your partner?” Charles asks him once his own laptop is tucked away in his school bag.

Max thinks about the proper way to answer this question without it sounding like he’s a freak weirdo. “I guess…you interested me? I also really did not want to end up with anyone else in that class for two weeks.” 

Well at least one question he answers today is the right thing to say, Charles is practically beaming. Max has to squint again.

“That’s good to know! I'm interested in you also.” Max’s face must be very red by now. “I hope we can be friends from now on? Not just partners for a school project.” Okay, so Max is freaking out a little bit.

This nice as can be, very handsome, very popular boy wants to be friends with him? Holy shit somebody needs to punch him in the face he must be dreaming. 

“I think that would be nice.” It’s such a loser thing to say but Charles looks like he’s about to explode from happiness so he probably won’t tear his hair out about it later.

“That’s just amazing. Thank you.” What the hell Charles is saying thank you to, Max has no idea. He’s not going to question it though. 

“Uh, you're welcome?” 

Charles just smiles at him again.

A short while later Max is heading towards the door, Charles in front of him. He had been sad when Max decided it was time for him to take his leave, but understood. 

Now they stand outside of the doorway to Charles’ house to say their goodbyes and whatnot. Max thinks Charles is just nice like that with friends. 

“Goodnight Max, I will see you tomorrow?” He takes Max’s hand into his own and Max’s heart almost stops beating right there in his chest. 

“Yeah, Yup. That will happen.” He stutters over his words a bit because why the fuck is Charles Leclerc kissing the back of his hand right now?

“Have a safe drive home.” He says and then lets go of Max’s hand so that he can hop on his bike. 

Max can only breathe properly again once he’s halfway home.

He opens the door to the apartment as quietly as possible, practically tiptoes his way to his room. Once he’s tucked safely away in his bed he gets on his phone and follows Charles on instagram. As if it makes their friendship official or something.

He sighs and turns his phone off.

He really doesn’t know how to feel about all of this. 

Charles Leclerc just acted like Max of all people was the most interesting person he’s ever met the entire time they were talking. As if he wasn’t literally the only interesting person that’s ever set foot on the grounds of their god forsaken school. And he’s not the only one who thinks so, considering every other person in the school stares at him every chance they get.

Yeah, he’s never getting over this. 

The guys are never going to hear the end of it, bless them.

He also doesn’t know how to come to terms with his alleged popularity. Arthur had said it as if it were something obvious. Max knows people know who he is, he’s not naive. He figured it was because of his status as the only student in his grade that wasn’t disgustingly rich. He’s starting to doubt that now. 

He’s used to people staring at him. Used to people taking a few seconds to answer after he approaches them. He figured it was just a shock that a peasant like him would talk to someone who literally owns a yacht. He doesn't know if that’s the case anymore. So much to think about and so little ability to stay awake long enough to ponder it. 

He falls asleep thinking of green eyes and warm hands.

Chapter Text

Charles might be in love.

Scratch that. He’s definitely in love. 

Never in his life has he felt so happy around another human being. Max is just such a cutie, and he got along well with his family. Even if he said some very concerning things Charles is sure he can fix it.

Well maybe not fix it, but certainly make it better.

He will do anything to make it better.

His family agrees and even encourages him. They all talked last night after Max went home and they liked him. They’re fine with Max coming over whenever and his mom is ready to adopt Max. Charles would never allow that, though. She will just have to settle for son-in-law. 

Charles obviously knows that not everyone has the money that his family does. He also knows that people with less money usually feel weird about accepting gifts and such from people with lots of money. He wonders if Max will be like that, if not Charles will buy him a car.

Maybe not as soon as he would like to. He doesn’t want to scare the other boy off. Eventually though, it will happen.

In the meantime he will just get to know Max better as a friend. Friend!! He still can’t believe they’re friends. Anyway, he will start by giving him smaller gifts. Ones that can be written off in case Max is the type to reject the idea.

That is why he’s currently searching far and wide for the other boy. He knows they just spent an entire evening together but he really wants to eat lunch with Max, and give him the Red Bull he bought specially for him. 

Charles found out that it was Max’s favorite last night. He won’t be forgetting a single thing that Max told him last night if he can help it. 

He thought about him all night again, and then Max followed him to his dreams. Max must be an angel or something.

Charles thinks that maybe his thoughts might be a bit concerning, he also doesn't think he cares in the slightest. 

His friends are probably wondering why he’s not eating with them today but he’ll worry about them later. Right now his main concern is Max. Max has never been the type to eat lunch in the cafeteria so Charles is searching all the other lunch-eating spots.

He starts with the library since that makes the most sense for someone like Max. 

He’s right, of course.

Max is sitting there with his phone in one hand and a sandwich in the other. Charles thinks he’s the most beautiful person to ever exist.

Charles plops down next to Max and places the drink right in front of him. “For you.”

Max looks a little startled at his sudden appearance but quickly recovers. He puts his phone down and tilts his head at Charles. “Hello Charles. What is this for?” 

“This is your favorite, right? I wanted to get something for you.” Max slowly nods his head and takes the can. 

So, not opposed to smaller gifts. That’s good, he can work with that. 

“Thank you Charles. I appreciate it.” Max says it with the cutest smile on his face. Charles is going to explode. 

“Of course.” Charles is sure he has the stupidest look ever on his face. His mom had told him that he looks smitten, his brother said he looks five seconds away from jumping Max at any given moment. Charles had ignored both of them. 

“You can, of course. I didn’t think you would want to, considering you have a whole group of friends to eat with.” And Charles will have to dispel any thoughts like that immediately.

“I’ve eaten lunch with them everyday for years. They can survive one day without me.” It’ll be more than one day, hopefully.

“Okay…I guess I'll allow it then.” Max tries to hide his smile by taking a bite of his sandwich. Charles doesn't miss it, though. 

They sit in comfortable silence for a little bit. Charles is glad for it, he loves his friends but they can be a bit…loud? From time to time. Pierre is really the only one that doesn’t get under his skin every now and then. That's probably just because they’ve never not been friends. They met the other guys a bit later. 

Speaking of friends.

“So, Max.” Charles breaks the silence with a teasing smile on his face. “Do you think you'll ever make any other friends at this school? Or am I the exception?” He thinks he already knows what the answer will be. Something about Charles being the only interesting person in the entire school.

But then Max looks genuinely thoughtful for a moment and that makes Charles curious.

“Well actually, I might be open to meeting your friends if you’d be willing to introduce us? I’d hate for you to feel the need to pick between eating with me or them everyday.” Charles is even more delighted by that answer than he would have been, had it been what he was originally anticipating.

Max is willing to get to know his friends just for Charles? Oh he’s swooning.

“You don’t have to do that if you don’t want to, Max. I think I'll be able to handle the absolute hardship that is having too many friends.” He says with a huff. He wants to keep Max for himself as much as he wants to show him off to all of his friends.

“I think I would like to, though. They must be a little interesting if they're friends with you.” Max nods as if he’s already decided and won’t take no for an answer. Charles almost jumps him right then and there. Maybe his brother wasn’t too far off…

“Oh Max.” He says dreamily, his eyelashes would be fluttering right now if he had any less self-restraint. “If that's what you want I can make it happen. When were you thinking?”

“Hmmm Tomorrow? Maybe tomorrow at lunch?”

“That soon? Are you sure? They're going to be super annoying about everything. They’ll probably ask you five questions every second.” Charles wants to make sure Max knows what he’s getting into. 

“That is okay. You also asked me a bunch of questions.” Max says it with a snort and Charles is very offended, actually.

“But my questions were nice and wholesome! They will ask stuff that is weird and personal.” He thinks someone might have shushed him. He pretends that didn’t happen.

“Charles. It’s okay, really. I won't feel bad about ignoring questions that I don’t feel like answering.” Max says it with so much confidence that any fight Charles may have had leaves. He’ll have to let the boys know that he’s invited someone new to join their table at lunch.

They’re going to be relentless when it comes to figuring out who it is. He doesn’t know if he should tell them beforehand or not. It would certainly be funnier to see their reactions to Max just randomly sitting with them one day.

“Charles? What are you thinking?” Max asks quietly after he’s been quiet for too long. “If you really don’t want me to meet them, that's okay.” And now Max looks sad. Charles can’t have that. He grabs Max’s hand into his own.

“Of course I want you to meet them. You’re right, it would be easier for you to sit with us at lunch. I’m just thinking about how I should tell them. Should I tell them beforehand? Maybe I should just present you to them at lunch with no warning.” He really is excited for this.

Max is a little taken aback by the sudden enthusiasm, he gets over it quickly like he always does. “The latter would be my vote.”

Charles is glad that they’re on the same page. “Perfect. I was just thinking the same.” He kisses the back of Max’s hand before he can help it. Max is just everything. It’s totally worth it for the beautiful red colour that paints Max’s face, though.

And just like that it’s ruined by the bell going off. He sighs in annoyance before letting Max’s hand slip free from his own, immediately mourning the loss.

Max gathers his things and throws away his trash. That’s when Charles realizes that Max drank the entire Red Bull during the little time they were together. He made a good choice then.

They go their separate ways once they leave the library and Charles tries to focus on his school work for the rest of the day. He’s actually successful until his English class. English is his last class of the day and also the only class he has with Max, much to his sadness. 

The teacher has been having the class sit next to their partners for the next two weeks so they can work on their projects in any free time that might come up. Charles would be more glad for it but Max isn’t the type to talk during class, even if you’re friends. Charles is willing to settle for staring at Max’s face.

Max really is handsome. Charles probably looks like a freak right now but he doesn't really care. Max has a freckle on his upper lip and Charles is going to be totally normal about this. He does this thing where he cups his own cheeks when he’s concentrating, Charles loves it. 

He’ll probably look just as good in 10 years, even better maybe. Charles will know because they will be married, unless Max isn't one for marriage. Charles is okay with that as long as they're in love.

Charles wants them to fall in love and live happily ever after forever and ever. Maybe they can get a couple cats and a dog. Max likes cats.

They should probably have gone on at least one date for Charles to be thinking like this. 

It’s just. His parents were high school sweethearts and he sees every single day how in love they are. He’s always wanted that. He’s also wanted Max for about as long as he’s known of his existence. It only makes sense.

Charles will just have to wait, though. He doesn’t want to rush anything and risk the friendship they're building. Because yeah he wants them to be in love, he also doesn't mind staying friends if that's what Max wants.

He can see Max glancing at him occasionally throughout class, most likely due to Charles staring at him like a weirdo. 

Once class ends and they’re putting away their things Charles asks, “Sooo tomorrow after school will you come over to work on the project again? I have piano lessons on Mondays and Wednesdays so I can’t tonight.”

Max thinks it over for a second before nodding his head. Charles cheers internally. “Tomorrow should be good for me.”

“Okay, perfect! My parents will be out tomorrow night for some dinner party, so I'll probably just order in for us.” Max nods again. Charles is glad that their teacher is incompetent and lied about there being time to do the project during class.

As they are leaving the classroom and before they go their separate ways Max says, “See you tomorrow. Should we meet before lunch or should I just show up at your table?”

“I’ll meet you at your locker.” 

“Okay.” And then Max is walking away with a wave. Charles curses whoever made their lockers so far apart. 

When he gets home later he tells his family that Max will be coming over the following day. They are all fine with it but that doesn’t save Charles from the relentless teasing.

“So does your boyfriend know that you’re in a relationship or have you not told him yet?” Charles almost smacked his brother. 

Obviously they're not in a relationship. Everybody would know if they were. Charles isn't the type to be quiet about that kind of thing, especially if it was Max.

When he goes to bed that night, it’s with the thought of Max and his friends meeting. It’s gonna be so funny seeing their faces when they learn the person he ditched them for today at lunch was Max Verstappen.

And then of course Max will be in his room again tomorrow. He almost died when Max was laying in his bed last time.

Charles dreams about blonde hair and pretty lips that night.

Chapter Text

Max is nervously waiting at his locker for Charles.

Yesterday felt like a fever dream for him. He knew Charles liked him a little, considering the whole feeding him and wanting to be friends thing.

He just didn't know that Charles would want to see him outside of their scheduled school project time. So, when Charles showed up at his designated lunch spot he almost had a stroke. He’s glad, of course. Without that Red Bull to fuel him through the day he might have passed out.

Max isn't opposed to taking gifts from a friend, especially considering that Charles told him the other night that his love language is gift giving. He’s probably like that with all of his friends. Max is also poor and can barely afford Red Bulls regularly, so yeah he took it. 

He also doesn't want it to seem like he’s only friends with Charles for his money.

A real dilemma. If only he allowed himself to smoke during school hours…Alas, he doesn’t want the smell on his uniform. 

Anyways, if Charles continues to give food and drink related gifts then he’ll take them. If he gives anything that isn't digestible he’ll refuse at first and then probably give in easily. 

He’d feel too bad refusing Charles.

He ended up texting and telling the guys about Charles. It went about as he’d expected. 

Daniel said they need to meet immediately so that he can give him the shovel talk. As if he and Charles are in a relationship or something. 

Carlos told him to get in Charles’ bed as soon as possible so that he can rescue Max from the trenches. Max wants to be in his bed, yes. Not for his money though.

He pretends that that thought didn't just enter his mind. 

Yuki had said the same thing as Carlos, in more explicit words.

Oscar, being the only relatively normal friend he's ever had, said he was rooting for them and that love will prevail. Which, maybe he’s not that normal after all.

He actually hadn't even told them he had a thing for Charles, they just assumed because, “Oh my god Max. You’ve been gushing about this guy, out loud. You never do that.”

He’ll let the guys meet Charles eventually, just not anytime in the next month if he has his way.

Now he’s going to meet Charles’ friends. 

Totally not incredibly terrifying and heart attack inducing. 

He hasn’t spoken more than a sentence to anyone in this school (other than Charles) in the past two years and now he’s going to eat lunch with a whole table of them. All for a boy. He really has it bad for the other boy, embarrassingly so. This better be worth it.

All doubt leaves his brain when he sees Charles making his way over with a big smile on his face. 

“Max! How has your morning been? Are you ready to meet the guys?” Yeah, Max wants him. He will meet a thousand people if he gets to be with Charles. 

“Hello, Charles. It has been boring, I'm sure this meeting will be anything but.” Charles snorts at his response. 

“You’d be right about that. They already interrogated me about where I was yesterday during lunch.” They start to make their way to the cafeteria to get some food.

Usually Max gets here as early as he can so that he can deal with the least amount of people possible. Now there's a bunch of people staring at him with Charles and trying to make it subtle. 

“Yeah? What’d you tell them?” Max says, making a grab for one of those prepackaged sandwiches and a bag of chips. The lunch food is free at the school, the tuition fee from the regular students pays for it. Max is grateful that he doesn’t have to, he’d be a lot skinnier without it.

“That I got lost on the way and only figured it out when class was starting.” He says it with a grin that makes Max’s own mouth smile without his consent.

“Sounds about right.” 

Charles put his hand on his back(?!) to guide him towards the lunch table his friends are sitting at. They are already staring at them before they even get there.

Max vaguely knows all of them. Pierre is a childhood friend of Charles, he'd learned a bit about him the other night. Lando was in a bunch of his classes last year. Alex had actually been his partner for a project of their own, it was only for one class though. George is a bit stuck up if he remembers correctly. 

They’re all acting like they’ve just seen a ghost, though. He can’t tell if it’s because he’s poor like he’d originally thought or if Arthur was right about him being a little popular.

“Is it okay if Max joins us for today?” Charles asks the collective group, effectively shaking them out of their stupor.

They receive a chorus of yeses and Charles pulls out a chair for Max again. He sits down and opens his sandwich wrappings. “Hello.” He says it as pleasantly as he can.

“Hi Max!” Lando being the first to recover and go on with his day is predictable. He always seemed pretty easygoing.

Pierre clears his throat before looking at Charles and saying, "I'm guessing this is where you were lost to yesterday?” With one of his eyebrows raised.

Charles smiles at him sweetly. “Maybe,”

Pierre just shakes his head.

Charles rummages in his bag for a second before pulling out a Red Bull and placing it in front of Max. Max might just kiss him in front of their whole grade. He has self-control sadly. “Thank you, Charles.”

The rest of the guys are looking at them like they're a bunch of freaks, which he doesn't get. Doesn't Charles do this for all of his friends? 

“So are you guys friends now or?” George asks it with a furrow in his brow like he’s trying to figure out the meaning of life. It’s a little funny.

Max glances at Charles, wondering what his answer will be. Will he mention the project they have together or not?

“Yes, we’re friends.” And it really is that simple, huh? He told his friends every little detail of every interaction they'd had.

“Okay…”

They eat in silence for a whole minute before the questions start up.

“Max, is it true that you punched Esteban last year?” Alex.

“Are you sure you’re just friends?” George.

“How long has this been a thing?” Pierre.

“So that’s why Max followed Charles back on instagram.” Not a question but, Lando.

Max blinks a few times before answering Alex’s question. “I did punch Esteban. He was being a dick.” Max is glad the school hadn’t heard about that one. It could have been very bad for him. Luckily Esteban knew he was right and didn’t complain about it.

Charles answers Pierre. “Since…Tuesday we’ve been friends.” He says it with a self satisfied nod.

They both ignore George's question. 

“Will you be joining us from now on?” Lando asks it like there's a right answer and it makes Max a little anxious.

“Um, maybe? If you guys want me to.” Now they’re looking at him like he’s crazy again.

“Of course they want you to Max, why wouldn’t they?” Charles says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. As if there aren't plenty of reasons a bunch of rich teenagers wouldn't want to be around him.

And then everyone else is voicing agreement to what Charles just said and his ears might be red. “Okay then yeah, I'll eat here from now on.”

The rest of lunch goes on as if Max has always sat there at the table, next to Charles.

Overall, extremely anticlimactic. 

When they part ways to go to class, Lando walks the same way as him. They share their next class. 

“You know, I've never seen Charles look at someone that way.” Blood floods Max’s face so fast he’s surprised he doesn’t get dizzy. “People are going to be so jealous of both of you.” And then they’re in their classroom and Lando sits down as if he didn’t say something life changing.

Max tries not to think about it and focuses on class but Lando’s words are always floating around.

Then he’s sitting next to Charles for English and it’s terrible. Charles is staring at him the same way he did yesterday; like he wants to eat Max or something.

He doesn’t get any of this, not really. He’s never really felt like this before, all flustered and stuff. Never really understood it, when movies showed teenage pining. He gets it now, though. He could punch himself for not paying more attention to how they dealt with it in said movies.

Maybe he’ll try ripping his hair out of his skull.

He lets Charles know at the end of class that he’ll be heading home again to put on some comfy clothes before going to Charles’ place of residence. 

Charles tells him to just bring a bag with extra clothes to school next time, so he doesn't have to go all the way into the city. Max thinks he’s stupid for not doing that to begin with.

When Max gets home he can tell his dad is also there. Call it intuition or something but he can feel it in the air. 

He groans internally and tries to be as quiet as possible when he gets to his room to change. He thinks he might actually get out the front door without his dad hearing him.

“Is that you?” He could bang his head into the wall at the sound of his dads voice.

“Yeah, dad. Going out!” He gets out the door as fast as he can. Just in time to hear the drunken rant start before the door shuts behind him.

He’d been lucky not to see him much in the past week.

He makes it to Charles’ house without another hitch and is let in immediately after he knocks. 

“Max!” Charles always looks so happy to see Max and he’s still confused about why. Like logically he knows that Charles is interested in him, the boy in question and literally everyone else had made that much obvious. He just doesn't understand why. 

All that to say, he will be soaking all of the attention up and he will be happy doing it.

“Come on Max.” His hand is grabbed and his body yanked through the house. Charles just loves dragging him places, doesn't he? “My brother is not home so we should hurry with the project while it’s quiet.”

Max knows that Arthur isn’t loud, the whole family was home the other night and he couldn’t hear much outside of Charles’ room. He’ll indulge though.

They settle on the bed soon enough and Max realizes that Charles has stocked up on Red Bull in his mini fridge. Max might just fall to his knees. He knows they’re for him because Charles told him that he doesn’t really like energy drinks and avoids drinking them.

Even so, Max is soon in full school mode. “Do you think we can get about halfway done tonight? I don’t know if we’ll be able to work on it this weekend, other than maybe Sunday?”

Charles nods, “Yeah, let’s get five or six pages done tonight. I can refine it tomorrow and Saturday if you’re okay with that?” Max could cry at how much he is okay with that. He could probably(definitely) make out with Charles because of how okay with it he is.

“That’s great actually. I can read it over on Sunday and we can work on it more. I’d really rather be finished with it a lot sooner than Friday." Friday when it’s due.

“Yeah, that makes sense. When you come over on Sunday do you think I could pick you up? It is your birthday right?” That makes Max pause for a second because he kind of forgot his birthday was so soon.

“I guess it is, huh? How did you know?” Charles just shrugs his shoulders.

“I want to get something for you, maybe we can make a box cake over here? Before we start doing school.” And how can Max say no to Charles.

Maybe he’s getting a little too attached, a little too quickly. He doesn’t really mind.

“You want to make a cake with me? For my birthday?”

“Yes, of course. It sounds fun, no? I can pick you up for lunch and get you some take out, then we go to the store and get whichever flavor you want.” It does sound fun, is the thing.

Max loves his friends, okay? He really does. It’s just. They never do stuff like that. It’s always going out and partying, or staying in and drinking. It will be fun to do something like that, something teenage. Charles is perfect.

He hasn't had cake for a birthday since before his mom and sister were still living with them.

“Yes, it does. Thank you Charles.” He says it with the biggest smile he’s worn in a while. Some color rests on Charles’ cheeks and Max thinks it’s the cutest thing he’s ever seen.

“Okay, it's set then.”

They get to work, then.

It’s quick rolling, they get six pages in when it’s close to 6 o'clock. Max’s eyes feel like they’re about to fall out of his head from staring at the computer screen.

“Well, let’s take a break and eat something?” Charles is a genius. 

Charles orders something for them and they eat in the living room. Apparently they have more than one in the house and this is the casual one. What the fuck.

“I’ve been meaning to ask, what do you do on Fridays and Saturdays?” Charles asks him in between bites. 

Max debates even answering the question. It’s kind of embarrassing to say he gets shit faced every weekend. Maybe he’ll just leave some details out.

“I go out with some friends from my last school, we try to get together every week to hang out. I’m not the only one to transfer schools in the last couple of years.” Daniel ended up at one of the better schools after getting scouted for his football. Oscar ended up in the same school as Daniel, his family having moved the previous year.

So Yuki and Carlos are in the shit hole, Daniel and Oscar in the lesser shitty of the two. Then there's Max all by his lonesome in the rich people school. Well, not so lonesome anymore, he supposes. 

“Your friends? The ones in that instagram post you made?” Max almost forgot that Charles saw that, and liked it. So embarrassing.

“Yup. Those are them.” He takes a bite of food, it really is tasty. Maybe he should eat food at Charles’ more often.

“Tell me about them?” Max thinks it over for a second. What does he say about each of them…

“Well, Carlos was my first friend. He forced me into friendship one year when none of his own friends had lunch with him. Then the next year it was Oscar and Daniel that I had lunch with. They knew me from Carlos. They forced me to hang out with them.”

Charles hums in thought for a second before saying, “Seems like I would get along with them.” He says it with the smuggest tone imaginable. “Considering I was the one who made it official.” 

“Yeah, right. You’re lucky, I was a lot more resistant to them.”

“Makes sense, I am pretty irresistible.” Oh my god, Max is gonna punch him.

“Anyway! Yuki was the last one I met, he can be a bit…crude, to put it lightly.” Yuki must have been a sailor in another life.

“Crude? In what way?” 

“He’s terribly shameless. You don’t wanna be near him talking about someone he’s interested in to say the absolute least.”

“They all sound interesting, do I ever get to meet them?” Max knows it’ll probably happen, he won’t be able to keep Charles to himself for long. He doesn’t want it to be too soon, though. Maybe once he’s sure the guys won’t scare him off.

“Do you want to meet them?”

“Of course I do. They’re important to you, aren't they?” Oh Charles, Max could kiss him. 

He’s been thinking about kissing Charles a little too much…

“I guess…maybe you can come along on one of our Fridays?”

“I wouldn't be imposing, would I?” Charles says it with concern, as if he could ever impose on anything.

“You wouldn’t be, they really wouldn't mind. They bring extra people along sometimes too. It's more about us five being together and having fun, not exclusivity.” Plus Max knows they’ll be begging to meet Charles soon anyway.

“If you’re sure.”

They finish up their food and head back to the bedroom.

“Work on personal stuff now?”

They do, just like the other night. 

They don’t have as much to do tonight, though. Once they get caught up on all homework for the night they lay on the bed facing each other. Max really isn’t sure how he got here, with Charles.

Charles is a very sought after person in their school. He knows how to talk to people, he's friends with everyone. At the same time, it never seems like he gives his all to the people he’s around. He doesn't seem like he’s holding back anything with Max, though. Maybe they’ve both gotten too attached too quickly.

“Max…” Charles says it so quietly that Max almost misses it.

“Yeah?”

“Pack a bag of clothes on Sunday. I want you to stay the night.” Charles really doesn't pull any punches, does he? “Please?”

Yeah, Max wouldn’t have said no either way. “Okay, are your parents fine with that? It is a school night.”

“They won’t mind.”

Charles is just so ugh. Max feels the urge to bite him anytime Charles does something cute. Like right now. Like anytime they’re near each other. 

It gets close to 10 when Max decides it’s best to go home. This goodbye is even more baffling than the last one. Charles follows Max to his bike this time, he only opens his mouth once Max has sat down.

“Goodnight sweetheart, drive safely.” Max’s face must look like an actual tomato right now, looking up at Charles. To make it worse, Charles kisses the inside of his wrist this time. Maybe Max had an aneurysm and died.

He didn’t. Max musters every fiber of his being to respond. “...Goodnight Charles.” 

Max thinks about it a lot.

His dad is passed out on the couch when he gets home, luckily. 

When he gets in bed he thinks about how annoying his friends are gonna be tomorrow. He hopes that he doesn’t end up drunk texting Charles. He would genuinely rather die. 

Sleep reaches him eventually. 

He dreams about a soft smile and a warm bed that isn’t his own.

Chapter Text

Friday and Saturday had been boring for Charles. Well, maybe not Friday. Definitely Saturday though.

Friday had been the same as any other, with the exception of Max being part of it. They didn’t see each other the whole morning until lunch. Charles had snatched him from his locker and they’d gone together from there.

Lunch had been a lot more chill, the guys having accepted Max easily. Charles is glad for that.

Pierre had called him after school the previous day, before Max had been over. He was a little peeved that Charles hadn't told him sooner, but mostly wanted the details. Charles told him a little but didn’t want to spill too much about their time together.

Pierre teased him to no end about how he’s already in love. Charles hadn’t been too upset at that, he was right of course.

During lunch Lando and Max had gotten along, much to the surprise of Charles. They giggle together over gossip and Charles was just glad that Max is making more friends.

Later in the day when school ended he made sure to tell Max to have a good night with his friends and to stay safe.

He figures that Max didn’t listen very hard when he gets a text after midnight from the other boy.

It just read:

missinf you rn :P

With a picture of a very obviously drunk picture of Max attached. He was sprawled out on the floor, looking half asleep. 

Charles did not know how to react to that. He definitely didn't save the picture or anything.

He’d just replied with:

Stay safe, love.

Because of course he’s going to call the love of his life by whatever pet names he wants. As long as Max doesn’t protest.

The next day is bleh. The only Max he gets is a text saying he’s been fine and didn’t die.

Other than that he refines the essay that they’ve done so far and practices piano a bit. He asks his parents if Max can stay the night on Sunday during dinner that night and they don’t make much fuss. He loves them. His brothers however…

His oldest brother, Lorenzo, always comes for dinner on Saturdays. Him and Arthur had been a pain in the ass the rest of the night.

Whatever, none of them will be home during the day so they’ll have the kitchen to themselves when they bake the cake. 

Speaking of, he did of course get Max a present. He went out and bought him a pretty silver bracelet.

He noticed that Max doesn't wear much jewelry, and while he doesn’t expect Max to start just because Charles got him something, he figured he might as well. Max’s pretty wrists deserve some decoration. 

Maybe he’ll get some rings if Max is willing.

Now it’s Sunday morning and Charles is doing all of the hygiene things. Showering, shaving, brushing his teeth, putting on deodorant and cologne..etc. He wants to be as presentable as possible.

He texts Max for his address as soon as the clock hits 11:30. Max does a couple minutes later, so Charles gets in his car and drives. The area of the city isn't the nicest, but Charles was expecting that. He pulls up to the apartment building and texts Max to let him know.

Max is out the door soon enough with an annoyed look on his face. As soon as he sees Charles he brightens up, though. Charles preens at that.

Max makes his way to the passengers side and gets in. “You really shouldn’t bring a car this nice around here.” He says it with one of his eyebrows raised.

“Happy birthday.”

Max rolls his eyes but he’s smiling so Charles doesn’t mind it. “Thank you. What's for lunch?”

“Whatever you want, baby.” He says it with an awful wink and watches the colour on Max’s cheeks.

Max decides that he wants fast food. Charles doesn't mind so they go through a drive through and eat in the car.

“So you had a good night on Friday?" Max groans loudly and Charles laughs at him.

“Don’t even. That was so embarrassing.” He’s covering his face with his hands and Charles can't have that. He moves Max’s hands away.

“Don’t worry, It was cute.” Max doesn’t hide his face again.

Once they finish eating Charles drives them to one of the grocery stores his family frequents. He holds Max’s hand as he drags him to the baking section. 

“Okay, which flavor?” Charles looks over at Max scanning the options.

“Just plain vanilla if that's okay? Can we do the orange coloured frosting too?” The way that Max is looking at him in that moment almost makes him melt.

“Yes, of course.” Charles grabs the frosting while Max carries the cake mix. Charles pays for everything and they head home.

The cake baking process is as silly and carefree as he’d hoped it would be. Max isn’t a bad baker apparently, the cake comes out of the oven looking good. The frosting job is shit though. 

Charles pulls out a candle and lights it. “Blow it out now!”

Max has a happy look in his eyes and Charles wants to keep it there forever and ever.

Max blows out the candle after Charles sings the birthday song beautifully. Charles cuts them both a slice and it’s not too bad, way too sugary, but decent. 

He puts a cling seal over it after they're done and they’ve cleaned up their mess. Max wouldn’t let him just leave it. It’s been a couple of hours since he snatched Max up and it’s been great if you ask Charles.

Now they're heading to Charles’ room so they can start on their school work. Before that though, he grabs a wrapped jewelry box and hands it to Max. “Happy 18th. Don’t feel too bad if you don’t like it.”

“Charles. You didn't have to get me anything else, you’ve already done so much today. I'm sure I'll love it though.” He tears off the wrapper and opens the box with a stunned expression. He takes the bracelet out with tremors in his fingers.

“Can I put it on your wrist?” Max nods his head wordlessly and sticks his arm out. Charles does as asked and admires it where it lays.

He looks at Max’s face for any reaction and sees glassy eyes and a small smile. 

“Thank you, Charles. For all of it. This has been the best birthday I've had in a while.” 

And suddenly Max is hugging him, of course he hugs back. He hugs Max with all the power he has to make it comforting. “Of course, Max. You don’t even know how glad I am that I could do this for you.”

They hug like that for a long minute before separating, Charles doesn't let them go far though. He cups Max’s cheek and stares into his eyes. Max looks away shyly then and Charles lets go, grabbing his hand instead, dragging him towards the bed. 

Charles wishes they didn’t have to do any school work today. They do, sadly. They try to get it done as efficiently as possible, even with the hours they have ahead of them. It’s obvious that they’re both a tad distracted, though. 

The hours pass by slowly and they get to the final page. Charles is ready to pass out from the screen exposure. He looks at Max in a similar state and decides the proof reading can be saved for another day.

It’s still relatively early in the day, but late enough that naps are off the table. Maybe they can play some video games or something. Switch one screen for another.

“Max, should we take a break?” Max nods gratefully so they put away their computers and stretch, giggling at the popping of their bones. “Wanna play FIFA? We have a play station in the living room.” He’s really wishing right about now that he’d said yes to having a tv in his room. He doesn’t want anyone up in his and Max’s business. 

“I’ve never played, I'll probably suck.” Charles doubts that, but secretly hopes that's the case. He loves the game but he’s absolute shit at it.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine at it, but if you hate it we can switch games.” Max seems fine with the idea so they head to the living room. He’s sure at least one member of his family is lurking somewhere in the house, he can only pray that they don’t bother them.

He explains the controls and stuff to Max, he already knows the rules of football. His friend, Daniel, had forced them to go to all of his games when they were at the same school, according to Max. 

Turns out Max doesn’t suck at the game, sadly. He’s great at it, actually. Charles doesn’t mind, the smile on Max’s face makes up for it. 

Charles whines about unfairness by the third game lost and they switch to Mario cart. It’s more evenly matched now, more competitive. His mom comes in a little later and tells them dinner is ready.

He goes to power down the console and notices how quiet Max has been since his mom had been there. He looks over and sees a contemplative look on the other boy's face. “Max? What are you thinking?”

Max looks at him, he seems to debate with himself about whether to answer or not. He decides to, apparently. “Does your family always have dinner together?”

“Not every night, no. We have them often, though.” Charles wonders why Max is asking. He doesn’t think Max has the best relationship with his dad, he doesn’t want to be invasive by asking. Maybe he should.

“That's nice.” Max says it with a sort of sadness that Charles knows he’s never felt. “You have good parents.” Charles doesn’t really know what to say to that. 

“I do.” Charles grabs his hand and has him stand so they’re face to face. “You’re fine with eating dinner with everyone? We can eat in my room if that’s what you’d prefer.” He doesn’t want Max to feel uncomfortable.

Max shakes his head quickly. “No, it’s fine. I liked eating with them last time.” Charles is glad for that. He’d hate for Max to not like his family. “It’s just new, I guess.” Charles gets it, well he doesn't get it but he knows what Max is saying. 

They head to the dining room and Charles pulls out a chair for Max. He knows that he doesn’t technically need to, but he wants to. His mom and dad raised him to be a gentleman and he will, no matter the gender of his preferred partner.

Max sits down and Charles follows suit. His family ask Max questions as they eat, nothing crazy luckily. Just his favorite classes and what he likes to do in his free time, stuff like that.

Max’s response to that last one was a little concerning, though.

“Um, I do school mostly. Don’t have much time for anything else.” Which, yes he definitely should. They are in the same grade and while school takes up a lot of time, Charles still has plenty of time outside of homework. His mom is a bit confused too, he can tell.

“Just school? Certainly there's a little time outside of that.”

“I do go out on Fridays with my friends but that’s all any of us really have time for.” His mom looks at him, like he needs to do something about that. He will, of course.

“Max, what do you want to do after high school?” His dad asks later, once everyone's finished eating and they’ve been chatting for a bit.

“Ideally I would get my bachelors and then go to law school. I will probably be able to get a few scholarships.” Charles isn't very surprised by that. Max would probably be a good lawyer.

His dad must think so too. “That's a good aspiration. You definitely have the capabilities for good scholarships.” Max’s ears turn red at that, it’s cute.

“Thank you, sir.” Charles knows that his dad will love that. He hates it when Charles' friends call him by his first name. 

This time it’s Charles who does the dishes, Max taking care of the drying. He would normally whine about doing chores, he’ll make an exception for Max. It’s just so domestic and Charles loves it.

“Charles, when's your birthday?” It makes sense that Max would ask that, it's not like people normally know random classmates' birthdays. Charles only knew Max’s because their math teacher last year would always wish them happy birthday. He just happened to memorize Max’s. “I remember it being a little after mine during math last year.” Charles would have giggled if Max weren't right next to him.

“It’s on the 16th of October." Max hums in thought.

“I want to be able to do something fun for you too. I just don’t know how I could, I mean I don’t know how I could buy you a good present.” Charles is glad that Max isn’t shy about voicing things like that. At the same time he doesn’t want Max to worry about things like that.

“You don’t have to worry about getting me anything. I’ll probably end up doing something with the boys that night, you’re obviously invited to come with us. Actually, I might force you to come with.” He chuckles like it's a joke but he's deadass. “You being there will be the present.”

Max still seems a little uncertain about not getting him anything, but he doesn't say anything. “Okay, I guess that's fine then. What do you think we’ll end up doing?”

“Probably go to some party or night club or something. Lando is always in charge of that side of things. My parents are usually reluctant to let me do that kind of thing but I'll be 18 .” Max nods at that.

They finish with the dishes and head back to Charles’ room. Charles remembers that he forgot to ask an important question. “Um Max, I forgot to ask if sleeping in the bed with me is okay for you.” He knows some people are a little weird about that kind of thing and he is fine with it. He’ll just grab a cot or something. 

Max doesn't seem to mind though so that's good. “That’s fine with me.”

“Do you shower at night or in the morning? I shower in the morning.” They will have a couple free bathrooms in the morning so they won't have to worry about conflicting routines if Max does.

“I usually shower at night if that’s okay?” Charles doesn’t know why Max is asking, he’s not going to deny him a shower or something. 

“Yes of course, I have a bathroom connected. If you didn’t bring your own stuff, feel free to use mine.” Max nods and grabs his bag, he goes through the bathroom door and disappears from view. Charles changes into his sleepwear while Max shuffles about in the bathroom.

Charles decides to be productive instead of rot in bed on his phone. He needs to work on one of the assignments for his art class. Luckily he did have some foresight and it’s already close to being done, just needs some finishing details.

He tries not to think about Max showering in the next room over.

He’s pretty successful, surprisingly.. He looks up from his desk when the bathroom door opens to Max in his sleep clothes. Charles almost dies from how soft he looks.

Max is wearing sleep shorts and a tank top. It’s revolutionary, truly. Charles is definitely staring.

“Your water pressure is wondrous.” He says it with a towel dragging across his hair. Charles might be drooling.

He snaps out of it soon enough when Max makes his way over to him. “I’m just working on something for art.”

Max hums in thought as he looks at the drawing. Charles is a bit nervous, although he has no idea why. He knows it's good. “It looks super good. What is the premise of the project?”

“It’s just supposed to be a charcoal drawing of how we view beauty in its personified form. Our teacher is pretty shit at her job so I usually don’t stress too much, she’ll give me an A either way.” It’s true. He’s never gotten worse than that from her.

Max raises a curious eyebrow, “Hands are your beauty personified?”

“It may be a bit unorthodox but, yes. There's a lot that goes into it for me, you see. Hands are the creators of most things. My art, my house, my favorite food, they carried me when I was small. Gift giving is my love language, yes. But physical touch is also important to me.” Charles grabs Max’s hand and interlaces their fingers. “See? My hand can hold yours” He says it with a cheeky grin.

Max huffs at his audacity. “I guess I get it.”

“I also didn’t want to do something basic, that would have been boring.” Max rolls his eyes with a smile at Charles’ dramatics.

Unfortunately, Charles has to finish this or he really will get a bad grade on it. His hand slips free from Max’s. “I’ll be done with this soon enough, you can lay down or do whatever you want.”

Sadly Max listens to him, he goes and lays down on the bed. Charles stares longingly, Max in his bed without him. Ugh, he has much more incentive now.

He finally finishes up his work and looks over to see Max on his phone. Charles quickly goes to the bathroom and washes his hands of all the charcoal. He goes back to the bed and pats Max’s knee to get him to move so he can pull the covers down and they can get under them. 

Max puts his phone away so they are just laying there facing each other. “I hope you had a good birthday, Max.” He says it quietly, unwilling to break their peace. 

“The best.” They lay there smiling at each other.

“Do you mind if I turn off the lamp? I probably won’t go to sleep anytime soon but it’s way too bright.” Max voices his approval and Charles does just that. He grabs his phone and scrolls through all his socials for a while.

He starts to get a little tired and looks over to see Max already passed out. He smiles and puts his phone away to get his own sleep. 

It takes him less time than normal to lose consciousness. 

He dreams of pretty hands and gentle touches.

Chapter Text

Max wakes up from the best sleep of his life to arms around him and an alarm blaring. 

He remembers where he is quickly enough, hard not to when the guy spooning him is Charles Leclerc. “Turn that shit off.”

Unfortunately Charles needs to let go of him to do that. His own alarm is going off so he reaches over and turns it off. He forgot to change it, he doesn't have to wake up as early since he doesn’t have a thirty minute drive to the school to worry about.

He buries his face in the bed as Charles sits up. “Gonna shower.” Charles tells him, voice rough with sleep. It’s so hot, Max needs to wake up more before he starts talking without a filter.

“Okay.” He says into the pillow, as if Charles could understand that. 

Charles rubs his back and then shuffles to the bathroom after grabbing some clothes. Max has however long it takes Charles to shower to process everything. Yesterday was literally out of a dream.

Charles is out of a dream. Genuinely Max has dreamt about him.

Nothing compares to the real thing, of course. 

Charles had been so nice. He’d done everything right. Max might be in love.

He sits up in bed to slowly get used to real life again. He never wants to go back home, mainly for the boy that’s currently showering, mostly for this bed. He would die for this bed.

He is so going to spill his guts, again , to the guys. When he was with them on Friday he would not shut up about Charles, he's so glad they decided to stay in at Oscar’s instead of going out. He would've ended up yapping away to an unsuspecting stranger.

He’s not happy with Yuki for making him send Charles that drunk text and picture. So embarrassing.

He’s glad Charles didn’t mind at least. He’d said it was cute actually, which almost had Max crying in happiness. 

Max seriously doesn't know how to navigate these kinds of emotions. He knows logically that he and Charles probably fancy each other, Charles literally calls him pet names (he loves it). He just doesn’t know how to approach something like that with another person.

He’ll just wait for Charles to say something, maybe.

Then there's the issue with what to get Charles for his birthday…He’d looked and it’s on a Tuesday, arguably the worst day a birthday could be on. So they’ll go out on a school night and party a bit, there's no way Max is going to drink. He has his grades to worry about. He won’t mind watching everyone else, though.

He wants to get something for Charles that will be as memorable as the bracelet on his wrist. The bracelet that he’s never taking off, ever. He’s never worn much jewelry, mainly the lack of ability to acquire it. Now he has a bracelet that is basically Charles’ declaration of love for him. 

Well, maybe he’s getting a little ahead of himself.

Still, it’s from Charles so it’s perfect.

He’ll have to get something equally perfect for the other boy. With the zero amount of money he has…

He must have been zoned out for longer than anticipated because Charles is opening the bathroom door. He’s wearing boxers and an undershirt, he must have wanted to wait a little longer before putting on that stuffy school uniform. Max totally gets it, buy at the same time he’s probably five seconds away from jumping Charles.

“Bathrooms all yours,” Charles says with a smile as he makes his way closer to the bed, and subsequently Max (lord save him). “My mom usually has breakfast ready by the time we’re out.” 

His family really is perfect, it’s crazy.

“Yeah, okay.” He gets out of the bed and immediately mourns its warmth. He grabs his bag and heads to the bathroom that is connected to the room, which is crazy.

He does his morning stuff, like brushing his teeth and fixing his hair. He gets dressed in the stupid uniform and heads out the door.

Charles is fully dressed now, sitting on the bed with his bag next to him. How does he manage to look so good this early in the morning? Max suspects witchcraft.

Charles looks up and stands to meet him. Charles grabs his hand, “Did you sleep well last night?” Did Max sleep well last night? That was the best sleep he’s gotten in his life, he tells Charles as much.

“That was the best sleep I've ever gotten. I never want to sleep anywhere else.” He’s probably being a little too honest right now. Charles is looking at him with that intense look again, though, so probably not too much.

“That’s good. Maybe you should stay over more often.” Max would love that, he’d probably kill for that actually.

“I would love that.” Charles nods as if it’s settled.

“Let's go get breakfast and then head to school. Arthur has to go with us, he’s not old enough to drive himself.” They head to the kitchen and load up on pancakes. All the while Arthur is giving them sideways glances. Max does not want to know what that boy is thinking right now.

On the way to school Charles holds his hand, it’s so everything. Charles tells him to leave his clothes bag in the car since he’ll be driving him home after school.

He doesn’t really want to do that, go home. He’ll just have to look forward to the day he can move out for good. He needs a job, first. Maybe he can afford his fathers anger if it means moving out. 

The rest of the day is normal, though people seem to be looking at him more often. Gossip spreads quickly among smaller schools, he knows. It’s probably something about him and Charles arriving at the same time.

As soon as he sits down at lunch Lando is leaning in and telling him, “Everyone thinks the two of you are fucking.”

Max face palms. “Like just fucking? Not even in a relationship?” They’re whispering to each other so no one else hears.

“I think it’s split. Half think you’re going to be married by the end of the month, the other half think you’ll be tired of each other by the end of the week.” Lando rolls his eyes.

Max sighs and wishes the former were true.

The rest of the day goes by, bland and unoriginal. It gets a little interesting during English, only because Chalres is sitting with him. He desperately hopes their teacher forgets to send them back to their previous seats once the project is done with.

Once class is over they head out, back to Charles’ car. Apparently on Mondays and Wednesdays Arthur gets a ride home from a friend, because of Charles’ piano lessons. Max had been worried about taking too much of Charles’ time taking him home, Charles had waved him off and told him his lessons were further into the city either way.

When Charles drops him off at his place he takes a deep breath. His dads car is parked right next to Charles’. Before he gets out of the car Charles grabs his hand. “Maybe you can come over tomorrow? We can proofread the essay.”

It’s a good idea, then they won’t have to worry about it. Max is just curious about one thing, is this a sleepover thing or just coming over? He doesn’t wanna ask in case Charles says no.

Charles must read his mind though, “You’ll stay the night, yes?”

“If you'll have me.” Charles nods and lets go of Max’s hand.

“Have a good evening, sweetie.” Max highly doubts that will happen, he nods anyway.

The evening is not the worst, actually. His dad yells but it’s not for too long until he’s fucking off to be a bitch about something else. He does his school work and calls with Daniel for a bit. He’s not allowed to call his friends unless he goes out on the front patio, too loud inside or something (bullshit). He doesn’t mind, it lets him light a cigarette to destress and all that. Two birds with one stone or whatever.

Max tells him all about Charles and how comfy his bed had been. Daniel tells him to ask Charles out, as if Max has any idea how to do that. Daniel tells him it's simple “Max, all you have to do is say ‘Charles it’s meant to be, whatever shall we do with this love but make beautiful babies?’ Exactly like that.”

Max would have strangled him, had he been there in person. “Dude! That’s so weird, we’re literally both guys. It doesn’t work like that.”

“Maybe not, but it’s the thought that counts.” Whatever the hell that means.

Max doesn’t sleep as well that night as he would've liked.

The rest of the week is great. Max wishes he and Charles became friends a lot sooner. He likes being able to gossip with Lando during lunch. Charles had told him he was glad for them two getting along, he’d said “With me and Pierre being a duo and George and Alex being one Lando was probably a bit left out by accident.” That made Max even more glad that he was friends with him.

He likes staying the night in a loving household that eats dinner together whenever they can.

Max is basically over at the Leclerc house every other night. He concentrates better there than in his own room. He loves the warm bed and the warm water. He loves Charles.

He gets along well with Arthur too. When he’s over there on Thursday they end up playing video games together while Charles catches up on school work he procrastinated. He was a much more difficult competitor at FIFA than Charles had been.

He finds out that Charles is actually very good at playing the piano. Charles showed him the piano room (of course they have a whole room for it) when it was time for him to practice and wow. Max is in a trance the whole time watching Charles play.

They turn in their essay on that Friday, Max is sure they will get a good grade. He doesn’t turn in mediocre work.

He would have had Charles meet the boys that night, if not for Charles being busy with rich family stuff. He had some fancy person thing to attend to, so Max goes out with the boys without him. 

He does get sent a picture of Charles in a suit though, so all is forgiven. Charles just looks so good Max wishes he got to see it in person.

Max does have fun with the boys, though. They go out this time around, to a party hosted by a guy called Jackson Wang. Max doesn’t know him but Daniel does. He’s halfway to being drunk and cuddled up with Carlos on one of the couches.

“You know, you and Lando would get along really well.” He tells Carlos, wondering what it would be like for his and Charles’ friends to meet.

“Yeah? That’s your private school best friend? The one you’re not in love with.” Max rolls his eyes, they’ve all been like this the whole night.

“Yes, that one. I can already see you two frolicking in a meadow together…” Carlos raises an eyebrow at Max.

Lando had been stalking Max’s friends on instagram and thought Carlos was cute. Max promised to put in a good word, Lando forced him to.

“Show me a picture,” Carlos says with a sigh. Max cheers, he wants his friends to like each other.

After pulling up Lando’s profile he lets Carlos take his phone to scroll. 

They all stay with Oscar that night, he has the nicest house. He also has the least present parents, which is really saying something.

Max passes out quickly, sharing the bed with Oscar.

He wakes up the next morning with a terrible headache. He groans loudly and gets smacked on the shoulder for it. 

After 10 minutes of laying there like a dead fish he grabs his phone and squints at it. He had more than one text from Charles.

His immediate thought is that he drunk texted again. When he checks that's not the case, thank the lord.

The texts are just asking if he wants to stay the night and meet his older brother. He does, of course. He lets Charles know and sits up, stumbling his way to the kitchen. It’s noon and he needs water and an aspirin. 

Charles texts him back soon enough to send him his location and he’ll pick Max up. 

Max looks awful most likely, in old clothes and alcohol on his breath. 

He still tells Charles of course. 

He goes to the bathroom to try and fix his appearance and take a piss.

It’s hopeless so he just goes to the living room where the rest are. “I’m leaving!” A middle finger is directed his way.

“Have fun with your boytoy!” Fucking Yuki.

Once Charles gets their Max is pulling the hood of his jacket up and getting in. “Hey.”

“Hello there.” The amusement is obvious in his voice. He doesn’t say much else, just starts driving.

“How was your dinner party or whatever it was?”

“Boring. The only saving grace was George being there too. Also the food was great.” Max nods, he doesn’t know much about that stuff but he can imagine. “What about you? How was your night?”

“It was fine. Some party.” Charles grabs his hand.

“I’ll try to make it next time.” Max smiles at his caring tone.

They make it to Chalres’ house and Max frowns when he looks at the bed. Charles notices immediately because of course he does. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t have any clothes. These probably stink.” 

Charles just hands him some of his own clothes and shuffles him into the bathroom. “Take a shower while you're there.”

Well, damn.

He does as told, and brushes his teeth while he's at it. He has his own tooth brush in there now.

The clothes are probably oversize on Charles, because they're a little big on Max. He loves them. 

When he gets back into the bedroom Charles is already laying there on his phone. Max shuffles over and flops down next to him. He watches Charles scroll absentmindedly from his place next to Charles’ shoulder.

“Do you think your brother will like me?” That makes Charles pause and turn off his phone. He turns so they’re facing each other.

“Of course he will. He’s heard lots about you.” That makes Max’s face heat up.

“If you’re sure…” 

Max dozes for a while, still tired from the previous night. Charles shakes his shoulders lightly and tells him that his brother is there.

Max checks the time and it’s still early, 4ish. Charles tells him he’ll come over that early so they can visit with each other. Max kind of gets it.

He wakes up more and steals himself. He doesn’t know why he’s so nervous, he’s already met the others.

They head out to the living room and Charles’ brother, Lorenzo, is already there with Arthur. Charles introduces them and it’s simple after that. They all play mario cart for a while, Max isn’t as good at this one so he’s not too upset at losing. 

It’s funny to see Charles all competitive, though.

He finds out that Lorenzo is the best out of the three brothers at FIFA, so of course they’re forced to play against each other.

Max is better, but not by much. He’s also only known how to play for about a week, so he thinks that’s pretty good. 

Soon enough Mr. Leclerc comes to fetch them for dinner.

It goes well, he thinks. Lorenzo asks him a few things occasionally, otherwise they all act like this happens every week. 

He finds out that Lorenzo will take over the family company, so Charles is free from anything to do with it. Hence the interest in architecture, Max guesses.

Once dinner is over Max and Charles don’t actually end up doing the dishes this time. Lorenzo does it with Mrs. Leclerc, even after Max has offered. That leaves Max and Charles to do their own thing. 

Charles is at his desk doing some drawing with colored pencils. Max is on the bed doing an assignment for math. He’d finished most of it, just a couple questions yet to be completed. 

Charles finishes his drawing before Max finishes his math so he can tell Charles is waiting. Charles walks to the bed and sits down and continues staring at him.

Max is glad he doesn’t mind the staring or he would have gotten fed up a long time ago. He finishes soon enough and looks up at Charles. “Can I help you with something?”

“Yes, actually.” Charles sounds serious and Max is a bit freaked out. He puts his computer up and gives Charles his full attention. “Feel free to tell me to shut up if I'm overstepping but, what’s up with your dad? I know you live with him and stuff but sometimes you say things that are a bit concerning and I'm just worried…” He trails off.

Max purses his lips and thinks about how to answer the question. He’s never been the type to shy away from talking about this kind of thing (jokes about it really), but it's Charles. He doesn’t think Charles will treat him any differently but…it's still embarrassing. 

He might as well, “He’s not so bad anymore. He used to be worse, you know?”

Charles’ brow furrows. “What does that mean, Max?”

“He works a lot more, so I don’t see him much. When I do he usually just yells a little.”

Charles’ eyes narrow and Max thinks he can read him a lot better now than when they first met. “But he used to do worse?”

Max nods, it’s true. When he was at his old school nobody cared about the bruises on random kids, even if the random kid is smart. “Yeah, luckily private schools question a lot more than public ones do.”

He’s sure Charles knows what he’s talking about. When he first joined there were lots of rumors that he got into fights all the time, because of all the bruises he’d carry. The truth is the only fight he’d ever gotten into during his time there was with Esteban. 

“Oh, Max.” He doesn’t want Charles to worry about it.

“You don’t have to worry about it, though. He doesn’t do anything when my grades are the best.” That was the wrong thing to say for reassurance.

“Oh my god, Max.” Charles is looking at him with a horrified expression. Max doesn’t know what to say to make Charles feel better. “What should I do about this? I want to help but I don’t want to accidentally make it worse or something.”

Max doesn’t understand what Charles is talking about. He’s done everything to help him.

“Charles…” Max grabs his hand, a big step considering Charles is usually the one initiating physical contact. “You’ve already done so much, can’t you tell? I don’t think I could be happier than right now.’

Charles puts his other hand on Max’s knee, whether it’s for Max or himself he doesn’t know. “If you’re sure. Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.”

And that’s that. 

Max really doesn’t want to dwell on stuff like that, it brings down the mood and makes everyone uncomfortable.

He knows it’s a new thing for Charles, parents sucking. He’s glad Charles has parents that love him unconditionally. He also knows that Charles would gladly yank him from his dads house and have him live at the Leclerc’s forever.

He would gladly do just that.

He just doesn’t want Charles to get tired of him too quickly. He’s fine with the back and forth for now.

That night they start a show together on Charles’ laptop, they promise each other not to watch it without each other. Max doesn’t know where he would watch it, unless it was in Charles’ house. They don’t have much streaming at home.

The show is fine; entertaining. They watch it for a long time, it’s the first time Max has stayed when it wasn’t a school night. He’s not too tired anyway, he slept most of the day away.

It’s late when they get to sleep. Charles has his arms around Max, the first time it’s happened before sleep. 

Max gets it. He holds on just as tightly in return.

Chapter Text

Charles wakes up with hair under his nose and rhythmic puffs of air on his neck.

Max with his arms around Charles’ waist, Charles with his over Max’s shoulders, their legs intertwined. It’s warm and Charles never wants to move. They haven’t gotten to have a morning like this yet, where they can just sleep in. Charles is going to savor this. 

While Max is asleep he thinks about all the things said the previous day.

Max’s shitty dad.

He doesn’t want Max to be around that, ever. He knows he can’t just force Max to live with them, his parents like Max, that doesn’t mean they want him their full time. He also doesn’t want Max to get tired of him or something, that would be terrible.

Max had said Charles was doing good, though, he’ll just have to keep doing what he’s been doing.

Max is 18 though. He can move out of that place whenever he wants.

Charles won’t push. 

For now, he’ll soak in the day. The entire Sunday that he has with Max. Max will not say no to staying the night again, he knows. He has an extra school uniform in Charles’ closet.

Maybe they can stay in bed all day and watch that show they were watching last night.

Soon enough Max begins to shuffle as he wakes up. Charles is used to grumpy Max in the mornings after he doesn’t get enough sleep. He isn’t used to sleepy Max that has gotten the perfect amount of sleep to be content. It’s the best thing ever.

Max has a sleepy smile on his face as he looks up at Charles and yeah, Charles is going to marry this boy.

“Morning, Charlie.” Max says it with his eyes barely open, and Charles might have giggled because he’s finally nickname status! Even if Max is half-awake and probably incoherent it counts.

He can be so normal about this.

“Good morning, Love. Sleep well?” Charles brushes some strands of hair off of Max’s forehead.

“The best.” He’s glad that Max feels comfortable enough to sleep well in his bed. It makes him so happy in fact, he might be going a little crazy with it.

They stay in bed for a long time, until Charles has to get up to piss. Curse his bladder. 

He showers and brushes his teeth while he’s in there. When he exits the bathroom Max gets out of the bed and does his own morning stuff. Charles checks his phone and sees it’s not too late, only 10am. 

Max is back in the bed soon enough, they do end up watching that show. Then both of their stomachs rumble at the same time, it’s probably because they're soulmates. Do soulmates get hungry at the same time? Probably.

They grab some food and eat in the living room, Arthur is watching some guy on youtube. It’s pretty entertaining so they end up staying there for a while. 

Later he practices his piano while Max sits on the couch. The piano room is one of his favorites in the house, he loves to play for Max.

Overall the day is perfect and amazing. 

They sleep cuddled up together and Charles is so happy he might ascend.

This week is just as good as the last. 

Max stays with him every other day again, it’s amazing. 

He knows that the rumors are rampant throughout the school. People can be nasty when they want to be. He doesn’t pay it any mind though, he doesn’t think Max does either. 

He ends up yapping on the phone for hours with Pierre on one of the nights that Max doesn’t stay with him about how he’s supposed to ask Max to be something more. He doesn’t want to assume but he would be an idiot to not notice that his feelings are mutual. 

Pierre is trying to be helpful, really. Charles is glad for it, of course. It’s just…Pierre can be a little unhelpful when it comes to this kind of thing. Lord bless the day that boy has a crush.

“Charles, trust me. All you have to do is go up to him and say some shit like ‘Max, you’re the love of my life. Let's get married today .’ and then boom! You’re married.” Charles wishes he were joking, but no. Pierre is being dead serious.

“That’s not how it works! I have to be charming and stuff.”

After that he just forces Pierre to listen to his plan.

On that Friday he finally gets to meet Max’s friends. Charles is driving Max so he doesn’t drink that night, can’t damage precious cargo and all that.

They arrive at the club and quickly find the guys. Max introduces him to everyone, it seems like one of the guys also brought along a plus one. 

Daniel seems chill enough, he knows he's probably the closest one to Max.

Carlos is probably his favorite just from first impressions. He’s funny, and would probably get along well with Lando.

Yuki is definitely what Max said he would be. He makes a lot of sexual jokes, at everyone's expense. It’s funny enough that Charles doesn’t mind, if he did he thinks Yuki would tone it down.

Oscar is the one with the plus one, Logan was his name. They're definitely a thing, they’ve been dancing together for about half an hour and it’s getting a little indecent.

Daniel warns him at the beginning of the night that Max gets a little clingy when he has something in his system. To say Charles is curious would be a major understatement. 

He finds out soon enough when Max forces him onto the dance floor. When they dance together it’s not nearly as obscene as Oscar and Logan had been. It’s probably too wholesome for a place like this..

They giggle together and have fun, though. So Charles loves it.

Once Max gets tired of dancing they go back to their booth and Max is basically cuddling with him. The others don’t even bat an eye so he assumes it’s normal.

He gets talking to Carlos and they have a bit in common. 

He gets told, “You’re chill for a rich guy.” more than once that night. He takes it as the complement that it is.

They all say their goodbyes later that night, it’s really sappy and cute. Mainly because Max hugs everyone as tightly as possible and then flops into Charles’ arms as if it’s his last stop. Drunk Max really is cute.

Charles drives them home and forces Max to change into his night clothes before getting into his bed. 

The rest of the weekend goes by quickly, lots of school work gets done because, unsurprisingly, Max is great at getting him to do his assignments. His brother makes fun of him for that too, the brat.

When Lorenzo comes over again on that Saturday it’s a lot more chill than the last. 

Last week was fine, of course. Just a bit more tense with a new person at their full family dinner.

He’d had a call with Lorenzo beforehand if he was okay with Max being there. He knows that those dinners are usually for just them so he didn’t want anyone to hate it. Luckily, his family are just as crazy about Max as he is so everyone has been fine with it. 

Fine enough with it that they wanted him there again for the second week in a row. 

That’s great because his family doesn’t really appreciate any of his other friends. Pierre is the only other one they kind of like, and that’s mostly due to his constant presence. They tolerate George, mainly because they're friends with his parents. They kind of hate Lando and Alex for no reason. Well, Lando calls them both by their first names, the dumbass.

He usually had to have friends over only when they were out of the house. So, yeah. Them liking Max is proof that they’re meant to be.

Dinner was good and Max is happy, so it's perfect. 

They all play video games that night until Lorenzo has to go home.

Then, Charles and Max go back to his room and do their own thing on their phones. Showing each other something funny occasionally. 

Sleep that night is good, it always is when Max is laying next to him.

Sunday is much the same.

Lots of lazing around, a little piano. They watch a movie with Arthur in the living room. It’s an okay movie. He misses some of the middle when his mom calls him to talk with her.

He’s a little nervous, he always is when his mom talks to him like this. Out of nowhere and like he’s in trouble or something. “Mom? What do you want to talk to me about?” The anxiety must be present on his face or in his voice, his mom’s expression softens.

“You’re not in trouble, do not worry. I just wanted to talk about Max.” Now he’s even more worried, is his mom going to make Max come over less often?!

“Um, okay…”

“Me and your dad have been talking…It’s obvious that boy has something going on at home.” Yeah…so? Charles is thinking of the worst case scenario for this conversation. “That’s why he’s here so often, yes?”

Charles nods, that’s right. He wants that boy away from that apartment as much as possible. “Yes, it’s not too much right?”

“No, of course not, my boy. We just wanted to make sure that you have been taking care of him like you should.” Oh, that’s it? 

“Of course I am.” 

His mom nods, pats his shoulder, kisses his forehead and says, “Perfect. I just wanted to make sure.” And she’s walking off.

That was weird.

Charles doesn’t dwell on it.

Monday is fine. Max doesn’t stay with him that night so it’s automatically a little bad. Otherwise it’s okay.

He does end up having a hard time going to sleep that night. His little plan seems more stupid the more he can’t seem to get comfortable in bed.

He tries to dispel those thoughts, Pierre had said it was totally going to work.

Maybe Charles shouldn’t trust Pierre’s word on something like this…

Chapter Text

Max had been agonizing over what to get Charles for his birthday for two weeks.

He knows Charles said just him being there would be the present (and holy fuck, how does Chalres just say shit like that???), but he’d still wanted to get him something. It’s the day of and yeah he’s got nothing.

He wanted to do something like Daniel had for his 17th birthday. It was one of those diy gifts that you love because of the time put into them. He obviously wouldn’t get Charles a lighter that has the word ‘cunt’ bedazzled on the side of it, but something of the same idea would have been nice.

Max thinks of a thousand things to get Charles and nothing feels right. Too expensive, not enough, too complicated. It didn’t help that every time he’s with Charles he completely forgets about it. Stupid lovesick brain, doesn’t it know this is life or death?

He’s absolute shit at anything creative, of course. Otherwise he would have painted something. He doesn’t know what but it would have been amazing. 

Now he’s headed to school with no present in his arsenal and dread in his heart. He also slept for approximately 2 hours last night. So.

Maybe he can learn how to crochet and give Charles a super late birthday gift…No, he doesn’t have shit to buy the yarn for that.

He really should have learned pick-pocketing when he’s had the chance.

These are the consequences. 

Ugghhhh. He’ll just have to make it up to Charles once he’s not a broke student. So about 8 years from now…(stupid law school)

Anyway, he gets to the school and goes through the first half of his day like he wasn’t feeling super guilty about this.

When lunch hits and Charles appears at his locker Max dispels any lingering depression, not wanting to make this about himself. “Happy birthday Charles.”

“Thank you Max.” Charles is smiling and Max is on the verge of screaming, because seriously why couldn’t he have just robbed someone. Then the sun that’s burning his eyes could have a present, at the very least.

“You’re an old hag now, Charles.” That makes Charles laugh and Charles laughing makes Max proud of himself. “Welcome to the club.”

“Glad you could have me, it was lonely without you.” He takes Max’s hand and drags him towards the cafeteria. “You are taking a nap before we go out tonight.” Damn, is his lack of sleep that noticeable?

Max would love a nap, either way. 

The whole table sings for Charles, loudly. It’s a little embarrassing with everyone staring at them but it’s silly so he’s fine with it.

Other than that a bunch of people come up to Charles to wish him happy birthday. Max is pretty confident that he didn’t know half of them. Pretty impressive considering the size of their student body.

Charles seems to know most of them, though. Max doesn’t know how he keeps up with all of that. He’ll assume it’s a rich person thing.

When he’s not glancing at all of those people he’s listening to Lando talk about some teacher drama. Max has no idea where Lando got this information and he seriously doesn't want to know. It’s interesting enough, though.

After lunch he says his goodbyes to Charles and heads to class.

Once English rolls around he is dead on his feet. He might as well actually be a zombie, Charles notices and scratches his nails across Max’s scalp. He almost passed out right at their desk.

On the way back to Charles’ house he stays awake with every once of his being. He passes out soon enough once he’s tucked away safely in the bed. It’s great sleep, like it always is in Charles’ bed.

Max wakes up a few hours later to Charles running his knuckles down his cheek. “Time for dinner.” That makes him groan because he was sleeping so peacefully. Charles holds his hand as they make their way to the dining room, Max wonders when they’ll make it official. 

They’re basically dating, just without the label. And without the kissing and the…Max doesn’t finish that thought, for his own sanity. Obviously they aren't in any hurry, but if Charles doesn’t make a move soon Max might have to actually initiate something for once in his life. 

If they do end up…dating, he wants them to last. 

He knows they’re young and inexperienced but he doesn’t really see how he can feel this way for anyone else. It’s stupid, but Max has already thought about what their lives will look like in the future. Max doesn’t mind dogs, he won’t mind getting one. As long as he gets a few cats in return. 

They already live together more than half of the time. They wouldn't have to worry about being incompatible that way. They’ll just have to talk like this later, closer to graduation and closer to college. When they’re actually in a relationship, because they will be in a relationship.

He doesn’t want to jinx anything.

Dinner is good as always, Mrs. Leclerc made Charles’ favorite pasta for his birthday. They just eat ice cream for dessert. 

Before Charles’ parents retire to their room for the night Mrs. Leclerc makes Charles’ and Max promise to be safe and be home by a reasonable hour. They do promise, but Max doesn’t know how well that will be kept. He knows he won’t be drinking but he has no idea about Charles. 

They watch something on youtube with Arthur until it’s time for them to head out with Lando and the others.

On the way to the address Lando had sent Max asks, "Do you plan to get super drunk tonight for your birthday?” He wouldn’t fault Charles if he did, just wants to be prepared. 

“No, I'll probably just have one or two. I want to remember tonight.” He says it with a smirk and Max has no idea what that means. He gets it though, he would rather die than be hungover at school. It's happened once, never again.

They get to the house the party is at, that same Jackson guy again. Maybe his and Charles’ friends aren't as far apart as originally thought. The house is big, lots of rooms to hide away in. It feels like it was built to have a party, if that makes sense. The Leclerc house is big too, Max just can’t see a bunch of young people trashing it like this one.

They all congregate in one of the bedrooms and Max gets to talking with Alex, finally. Hanging out outside of school gives him the chance to actually get to know the other guys. Charles wasn’t lying when he had said they tend to stick to their duos.

Alex is funny, Max likes him. He just doesn’t get why he’s such good friends with George of all people. Whatever.

Eventually he gets talking to Pierre. He gets a little freaked out when they talk to each other, mostly because he’s so close to Charles. It only takes about 3 minutes for him to chill out, though. Pierre is a lot more chill than he was anticipating. 

George is the only one he doesn’t get along with super well. They’re not going to fight or anything but they obviously don’t like each other. For Max it’s because he’s exactly the kind of rich kid he and his friends joke about. He doesn’t know why George doesn’t like him but he’ll just assume it’s because he’s poor.

Later they all separate with Lando, Alex and George dancing. Pierre is off who knows where with someone. Max and Charles find themselves lounging about on one of the couches.

Charles had been telling the truth when he said would only have one or two drinks tonight. He’s been nursing the same drink for hours at this point. Max doesn’t get it, he starts to wonder if Charles just isn’t one for drinking. Then he starts to spiral in his head, what if Charles thinks Max is trashy for how much he drinks?? It’s only once a week but when he drinks he drinks .

Charles, ever the observant one, places a hand on his thigh. “Everything okay?”

Max doesn’t want him to worry so he deflects. “Yes, just feel bad about not being able to get you a gift.”

Charles huffs, as if it doesn't matter one bit to him. “Max, really. It’s fine, just you being here with me is better than any gift.” Max will never get over how casually Charles says stuff like that. He’s totally blushing right now.

“Even so, I would have liked to have gifted you something.” Charles hums in thought for a moment.

“If you’re so worried about it there might be something you can do to make it up to me.” That’s only a little bit ominous.

“Yeah? Like what?” It’s the least he could do to pay back all the good Charles has done for him.

“Only if you really want to, of course.” Charles is cupping his cheek and oh , is this about to be what he thinks it’s going to be? It totally is, Charles is leaning in and brushing their noses together. “Do you want to?” 

Obviously he wants to. He has since Charles pulled out that damn chair for him to sit. “Duh, oh my god.” 

Max closes the distance between them and they’re kissing. Max might be dreaming right now. But he’s not and Charles is licking into his mouth like he means it. Max gives as good as he gets, as good as he can with the little experience he has.

This has been a long time coming. Three whole weeks if you’ve been counting, longer if you count the years of distant pining. 

Charles is grabbing his hip and pulling him closer, so now he’s sitting on the other boy's lap. This is all so much.

Max never knew that kissing would be like this. He never got the hype when people kissed on tv, and he never got the hype when Oscar went on romantic rants about it. He totally gets it now. It’s like he can shove all of his emotions for Charles into his body this way. He loves it.

Once their mouths have separated Max just has to say something. “Is this what 18 does to a person?”

Charles smirks at him, with his hands squeezing Max’s thighs and all. “Not so much of a hag now, am I?” 

Max snorts at him, this dumbass. “Whatever.”

Then he gets an idea. 

“Wait, I think I have a better present.” Charles raises an eyebrow at him.

“Oh yeah?” Max nods and leans down further, nosing at Charles’ neck before latching on. He didn’t see himself as the possessive type, really. He just knows Charles is a little weird and will probably enjoy this.

He’s right, Charles is definitely into it. Charles is running his hand through Max’s hair as he sucks a couple bruises into his skin. When Max pulls away he can tell that Charles is breathless. 

Max would feel bad about doing all of this in another person's house where other people can see, but he’s sure other people have done worse on this couch. Charles definitely doesn’t feel bad, he’s grinning so brightly Max almost shields his eyes. “You’re so perfect.”

Max doesn’t know how to react to that other than blushing. Charles has his hands around Max’s waist now, and Max is pressing on one of the marks he made. Maybe he is a bit possessive. “So what? We’re boyfriends now?” 

“We’re married, of course.” Max giggles at that, against his own consent. “Just need the rings.”

“If that's all it takes then sure, we’re married.” And they’re kissing again. It’s a sweet kiss, really. Way too sweet for this place. But it’s nice and Max loves it so much he might actually die.

After a while he rests his head on Charles’ shoulder. It’s too late for how early he has to get up in the morning. With Charles rubbing a hand down his back he might just fall asleep. “Want to go home?”

“Only if you want to, it’s your day.” 

“I do, don’t worry. We just need to tell the guys before we disappear.” Max nods and clambers off of Charles’ lap.

He finds Lando and bids him goodbye. Lando squints at him and then grins. “You finally got it figured out?!” He yells over the music.

Max smiles and nods, “It’s gonna be all over the school gossip.” He’s not looking forward to it, but at the same time he is. Everyone is going to know where Charles got that mark from. Who he got it from.

“Good for you!” Lando hugs him goodbye and then Charles is guiding them out of the chaos.

Charles took the same amount of time bidding the three others goodbye as it took him to do the same with Lando.

He’s glad neither of them drank much, the drive home is peaceful. Max showers as quickly as he can and flops into bed with Charles. Arms are immediately around him and he loves this. He can’t wait to tell the boys, they’re gonna be so proud of him. They’d all thought he was going to die alone just two months ago. 

“Goodnight Charlie.” Charles just grunts and nuzzles further into Max’s neck.

The next morning he wakes up with a bare hand on his back. He likes the warmth and wonders why Charles hadn’t done it all along. Then he remembers that regular mates don't go shoving their hands up their friends' shirts. He’s glad they aren't just friends anymore. 

Charles gets out of bed to shower and Max goes back to sleep. He wakes up again, Charles telling him it’s time to get up. 

While he’s in the bathroom he wonders what the difference will be between ‘friends who like each other’ and ‘dating’. They’d already basically been like that.

He finds out pretty quickly that Charles is a lot more touchy. 

When they’re in the car there’s always a hand on his thigh. When they’re walking the halls there's always an arm around him. Max gives as good as he gets, of course. At lunch he won’t hesitate to play with Charles’ hand to focus on something. During English when Max is bored as all hell? His head is resting on Charles’ shoulder. 

Max is still at the Leclerc’s a lot. He’s also still at his own place sometimes. His dad notices something is up eventually. He doesn’t say anything but Max knows he knows. He’s just glad his dad has never been the homophobic type. For all of his awful traits, he couldn’t give less of a fuck who you fucked. Max is glad he at least doesn’t have to worry about that.

Overall it’s amazing and he couldn’t be more happy with his life right now. His friends had been predictable. They’d congratulated him and then went on about how they couldn’t believe he could actually pull. Ugh.

Max is glad they like Charles, at least. 

Chapter Text

Charles feels like the luckiest man alive.

He has the best boyfriend that could ever exist. Max is just everything. He is sweet and knows just what Charles is feeling. They’ve been together for a few months at this point and Charles can’t imagine life without him. 

They’ve already talked about what life will look like after they graduate. They both know they’ll end up doing their undergrad at the same college, so they don’t need to worry about that. They’ll share an apartment together, bless his parents. They will probably both end up working for any extra costs they will need. 

It’ll be tough but he knows they will work it out when trouble arises. He knows that Max feels the same way.

When they’re cuddled up together under the covers of his bed, he knows this is it for him. He doesn’t care how young they are and what the odds are. 

When he sees the way Max interacts with his family, he knows. When their friend groups meet each other and immediately hit it off, he knows. When Max is sucking a bruise into his skin, he knows. They’re made for each other.

When he thinks about jumping Max now, he actually can. Well, the romantic kind of jumping. He loves when he can sit in Max’s lap, or when Max can sit in his lap. He’s not picky. 

Basically anytime they’re around each other he loves. He’s sad Max still goes home every now and then, but he knows not to intervene. 

He’ll just have to wait until graduation, then he’ll have Max all to himself. Maybe they’ll even get a few pets.

They’re laying in bed together right now. It’s cozy and warm and Charles is so grateful he can have this. He can’t help himself when Max’s neck is so close to his face, he bites down. It gets him a startled yelp from Max, which he laughs at. 

Charles is used to having a few marks on his neck, he shows them off proudly. Even when the teachers in their school look at them with disgust, he doesn’t care. They’re from Max.

His parents don’t mind, so it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. 

Max doesn’t have them on his own neck as often, mostly because he has a little more shame than Charles. He doesn't mind, of course. It’s a personal preference thing. Max prefers leaving the marks. 

Max has his own way of showing off their relationship. He wears the jewelry that Charles has been slowly adding to Max’s collection throughout their time together. Their matching rings included, of course. Charles loves it.

Occasionally though, Charles wants a physical mark on Max. Like right now, for example. He’s needing a little bit of skin between his teeth and Max is breathing about as heavily as he normally does when Charles does this. “Charles…”

“Hm..?” He licks over the red skin once before pulling back to look at Max’s face.

Max kisses his nose and if that isn’t the cutest thing in the world. Then his mouth is being kissed and all thought leaves his brain. He doesn’t think he’ll ever not be a loser when it comes to Max.

Max is pulling away much too soon and reaching for his laptop. “There’s a game on right now. I totally forgot about it!” And then Max is pulling up some stupid football game. He’s been all about it since they started playing FIFA, he actually has a team and actually watches the games. It’s hell for Charles.

Max absentmindedly cards his fingers though his hair though, so Charles doesn’t complain too much. He lays his head on Max’s chest and promptly passes out, the sound of the crowd cheering lolling him to sleep.

When Max and Charles had decided to introduce their friend groups they had been a bit nervous. They had no idea how it would go. Luckily they all loved each other, if a bit too much.

They had been right about the obvious, Carlos and Lando had hit it off with each other. They talked the whole night, but they both fear commitment so that’s going to be terrible for everyone. The pining is unbearable.

The ones that weren't obvious but should have been in hindsight were Pierre and Yuki. They’re a couple of freaks, the two of them. Charles swears they talked to each other for one minute maximum and suddenly they were making out in a corner. They didn’t let each other go after that. Surprising, considering Pierre’s terrible game.

The others got along, but platonically (for everyone's sanity). Charles is glad for that and they all get together every once in a while. 

The guys are fun to be around, sure. They just can’t shut their mouths about Charles and Max being “weird little freaks” about each other. Charles doesn’t get what they mean by that.

Him and Max aren’t the ones dry-humping on each other in public at other people's parties, cough Yuki and Pierre cough. George said he would rather they do that than have to look at the way they stare at each other, Max huffed and called him a perv.

The first time they had said they loved each other was mundane in a way.

It was like any other day, they were doing school work on the bed when Charles got a message. He’d left something at his piano lesson the day prior and needed to grab it before the place closed that day.

He let Max know of the predicament and asked if Max would go with. Max said he was too tired and Charles could go without him. Charles was just glad that Max felt safe enough with his family to be there without him. 

He got into some presentable clothes and kissed Max goodbye. “I love you, be back in a bit!” He’d said it like it was the one-hundredth time and not the first.

Max didn’t miss a single beat, “I love you!”

And that was that.

Charles knows that Max wants to get back in contact with his Mother once he graduates and moves out. He is fully on board, of course. Just a bit nervous about meeting her and Max’s sister.

He’d found out recently that Max still talks to his sister occasionally, it’s just rare. He says it’s because his mom doesn’t want her daughter anywhere near his dad. Charles wishes she didn’t have to lose Max for that.

He doesn’t say much other than comfort about the situation. He doesn’t think he could give any helpful advice.

 Occasionally Charles will draw or paint Max. They’re always his best works. He thinks it’s because of the love you can see shine through in the lines.

For Christmas that year Max had made him a gift. It was a little crochet lion, Charles almost cried. He knows Max probably got the money for the yarn from his parents but it’s the thought and time that matters to him.

He asked Max how he had made it without Charles finding out. Max had told him, “A magician never reveals his secrets.” Like a dork.

That summer they’re going on a vacation, like every other summer. 

This time is a little different, though. Max will be there. He’s so glad his parents approved of it, he wants Max to see what it’s like to go on a vacation. Max had told him they only ever stayed in local hotels as their ‘get aways’ and that was only when they were very young.

It will be his last family vacation before he’s not living at home anymore.

Charles can’t wait until they’re living in their humble apartment and living like university students. He already knows what kind of pets they’ll be getting.

He eagerly awaits the days that they can live happily ever after together. As happy as two working class folk can. He won’t leech off of his parents forever.

Until then he will just have to love his Max as always.