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Max didn't know what to think of Liam. Sure, he felt bad the guy had been taken out from the main Redbull team after two races last year, but somehow, Liam was doing so much better. As if last year never happened.
He'd turn his eyes away from Liam with huff, taking a sip from the lemon flavoured Redbull in his hand. He didn't know why he picked this flavour, lemon was alright he guessed. He'd stare at the bright yellow of the can, then Liam popped up in his head.
"Huh, lemon boy."
Max mumbled to himself, as he stood in the crowed room, full of drivers waiting for a meeting to happen. He'd lean back against the plastic chair he was sat on, still looking at the can in his hands.
"Is that can really that interesting?"
Max turned his head up and over to his right, Alex had sat next to him. He didn't expect it really, the Williams driver usually hung around George.
"I guess. Better than making small conversation."
Max replied to Alex with a shrug. He couldn't get that image of Liam out of his mind, with a lemon. So he just sat with it, hoping it'd fade off on it's own, like most of his thoughts did.
"True. But you seem to be thinking far more often now."
Alex would say, looking over at Max, his eyes naturally resting in the relaxed half-lidded state. Max would watch as Alex looked over at Liam, who was mid conversation with Oscar, before slowly looking back at Max.
"Why are you thinking about Liam?"
"I'm not thinking about him."
Max immediately said, attempting to shut down Alex's horrifyingly accurate tell of him. He forgot Alex sometimes was as perceptive as George. He'd feel Alex lean closer, he could feel the curiousity and amusement coming off the man.
"You are. Why?"
"I'm not."
Max protested, sinking down into the plastic seat a little more. He'd take another sip from the yellow Redbull can in his hand, hoping to veer Alex away from the topic.
"You are."
Max could feel Alex's staring, drilling into him. His mind kept thinking about Liam more and more, because of Alex, the thought of Liam wasn't fading away like it should.
"Fine I was. Just, he popped into my mind randomly."
Max muttered, giving a haphazard reply to Alex hoping the Thai man would back off. Luckily Alex seemed to back off, so Max was left alone with himself once more, trying to rid of any thoughts of Liam, and lemons.
"Hey uh, Max, can I talk with you for a sec'?"
Max blinked at Liam approaching him after the meeting, worrying a little that maybe the younger man caught him staring. He hoped that wasn't the case. But Liam looked, nervous. That was odd.
"Yeah,"
Max began to say, moving away from the main hall, somewhat guiding Liam into a quieter area further down another hall. So the other drivers wouldn't intrude.
"What is it?"
"I, well, I'm probably eh well, I don't know but,"
Liam paused, sighing, before attempting to get his words together. Max wasn't sure why Liam was stumbling so much over his words, it was like the guy had eaten a lemon before talking to him. Max quickly shoved the lemon metaphor out his brain.
"I may not have a seat next year. With, Tsolov basically, leading the F2 championship and, I was wondering if you knew any teams in uh, endurance that'd be interested in taking me on."
"Endurance? GT3?"
Max blurted out, absolutely confused. He'd watch Liam rub the back of his neck in embarrassment, turning his head away from him slightly.
"I love F1 but, seeing you in GT3 sorta reignited the interest I guess. Considering I did DTM only once after all."
Liam replied, letting out a nervous chuckle. Max noted Liam still wasn't looking at him. He selfishly wanted Liam to look at him.
"So you're asking if I know what teams to point you in the direction of?"
Max said, slowly. He'd watch Liam nod in confirmation. He was a little confused that Liam didn't just ask to be part of his GT3 team, did Liam not like him? Or did he not like the team? Max internally huffed in jealousy at that, and he didn't know why.
"Look I get if you can't, but, I just wanted to see if anyone would bite as all. Since I'm unsure if any of the other driver lineups here will shift."
Liam explained to Max, misunderstanding Max's visible jealously as irritation for being asked such a question. Max quickly reined in his expression, not wanting to push Liam away, he wanted to help him. To mentor him like he very briefly did back in 2019. He just wanted someone around him again that wasn't looking to beat him.
"No it's fine, I can send you a list of teams if you want that."
Max watched Liam's eyes light up a little, and he couldn't stop his brain from happily storing that away. He just wanted Liam, this lemon boy of a man, to be happy for once. To have stability.
"That'd, be great. Thank you."
Liam said to Max, giving the man a quick dap into a hug, before pulling away.
"Uh, do you want dinner on me at some point? Just as a thanks?"
"No it's fine, I'll take the dinner if you get signed to a team. How about that?"
Max replied, denying Liam's initial ask, hoping to spend time with him in celebration rather than a small moment of help.
"Yeah that'd be better probably."
Liam would pause as his phone began to ring. Max would watch as Liam would pull it out of his pocket, before his eyes widened at the contact.
"It's Alan I, sorry, bye-"
Max would wave Liam goodbye as he ran off, answering a phone call from Alan. Max walked in the other direction, a small plan forming in his head. Even if it was a little bit selfish.
The call with Dani and Jules had been going on for a little while now, mostly talking about the GT3 car and little improvements to be down on it, but eventually, the conversation slowly moved into Dani and Jules interrogating Max, because Max wasn't being as talkative as he usually was.
"So, Max, what're ya thinking about?"
Max would groan in annoyance at Jules's tone of voice, turning away from his monitor that displayed both Jules and Dani's curious expressions.
"First Alex, now you two. I can't catch a break."
Max mumbled into his mic, which he'd pulled up to his mouth, not wanting to lean back up on his desk chair.
"You can just tell us."
Dani would say, his voice chiming through Max's headphones.
"But it's selfish. I don't want to put that on you two."
Max replied, trying to be honest. It was a rather loose, new year's resolution of his, to be more honest about his more, selfish desires. Even if he was usually honest about things like the car, or his opinion on someone. But Liam, that damn lemony guy, just kept worming into his head.
"Yet you're the one running the team."
Jules would say, Max watched as the man rested his head on his hand in the view of the video feed on his monitor. He'd flick over to Dani, who seemed just as relaxed, if not, fine with whatever was about to be said.
"I,"
Max paused, his hand instinctively reaching for a pen he'd left on his desk, clicking the top over and over again.
"I was thinking about possibly signing Liam onto the team. If he uh, gets booted from VCARB."
Max confessed, before completely hiding away from his camera in embarrassment. He couldn't believe he actually said that. He then heard both Jules and Dani laughing in amusement and a little bit of relief.
"Really? That's it?"
Jules said between a few chuckles.
"But it's selfish. It'd put the whole team in jeopardy if I did that,"
Max said trailing off a little, finally back in view of his camera. His short brown hair a mess.
"And I don't even know if Liam would want on the team."
"Well, if Liam ends up on the team, Jules and I are perfectly fine with having him around. He was good in DTM that one year, no?"
Dani would say in reply, Jules followed with a few enthusiastic nods.
"Yeah he was, nearly won it if it weren't for him gettin' shoved out at the end-"
Max said, cutting himself off as he trailed into a grumble of dutch over what happened that year in DTM for Liam. He was grumbling as if he was personally responsible for Liam.
"You can stop grumbling, we know."
Dani said, which made Jules laugh and Max quiet in a slight pout or frown. It was unclear. He hated getting caught red handed, he could feel the tips of his ears heat up.
"Just, go ask Liam. See if he bites the bait you leave out."
"Alright."
It had been maybe, about two weeks since that discussion with Jules and Dani, and Max hadn't had a single moment alone with Liam. Somehow, everytime he thought he found Liam alone, someone would be near him. In particular, Isack. Who was Max's teammate by the way.
For some reason, Isack was suddenly glued to Liam like they were velcro. After another day of not being able to get Liam alone, Max's, what he refused to call jealously grew. Resulting in where he was now. Glaring at Isack who was happily chatting to Liam who seemed interested enough, but was also reading datasheets.
"He's not gonna take your man, if that's what you're worried about."
Max turned to look at Gabi, his glare turning to a slight surprise. He didn't expect Gabi to be hanging around the VCARB and Redbull paddock area. He watched as Gabi took a sip of some sort of lemon drink. Lemons were following him everywhere nowadays.
"He's not, 'my man' as you put it."
Max replied, putting the phrase 'my man' in quotation marks with one set of his fingers. His other hand was holding yet another yellow can of Redbull. His gaze shifted away from Gabi, naturally moving to glare at Isack again. Somehow in the span of a small conversation, Isack was now stood right beside Liam, his hands on the man's shoulders.
"You seem to act like it."
Gabi replied with a shrug, taking another swig of his drink. Max huffed, Liam wasn't his, he just, wanted to talk to him. For business reasons. He reasoned in his mind at least.
"Fine I'll go distract Isack for ya so you can talk to gatinho over there."
"Wh- hey!"
Max tried to protest, only to have Gabi quickly leave his side. He'd watch as somehow, the man quickly distracted Isack,the two now leaving the area, which left Liam alone, moving to look at his data properly. Max quietly apologised to Liam in his head, before walking over to him.
"Hm? Oh Max, what are you doing?"
Liam said, blinking up at Max, leaving Max's own brain to stutter a little. He had Liam's undivided attention but the words he wanted to say took a few seconds to actually come out.
"I, uh,"
Max took in a breath, attempting to collect himself.
"I talked to Dani and Jules about it and they're fine with the idea but, I was wondering if, you were fine with it obviously, if the GT3 team you could possibly join would be, uh, mine?"
Max managed to get out, before nervously swiping back hair that wasn't there before he settled his hand to rest on the back of his neck, refusing to look Liam in the eyes.
"Your GT3 team? Verstappen.com racing?"
Liam would say, in surprise. Max peered at Liam's expression for a moment, expecting offense maybe even annoyance, but he saw, absolute internal glee. That did not help reign in Max's growing interest in Liam. His mind quickly scrambling over the fact he'd made Liam happy, he, Max Verstappen, made this lemon boy happy.
"Uh, yeah. I get if you don't want to of course, but I just thought I'd put it out there."
Max clarified, not wanting to be too overbearing just yet. He didn't want to force Liam into a corner over his own selfish wants, considering he had a tendency to do that.
"I, I'd appreciate it yeah. And uh, it's looking like I'll be dropped for Nikola next year."
Liam replied, Max watched as Liam turned away, his expression a bit solemn. As if he'd become accustomed to being the second choice.
"Oh. I'm sorry, I,"
Max paused, carefully shifting closer to Liam, unconsciously placing his hand on the back of the man's neck. By the time he realised what he'd done, for some reason Liam had leant into the touch, so Max left his hand there.
"I hope that some teams are interested at least. Otherwise, you'll have a place at my GT3 team at least."
Max said, carefully running his hand idly up and down the back of Liam's neck, comforting the younger man.
"Hopefully, but, thanks for the offer as well. I'll think about it."
Liam replied, before his head turned to look up at Max, and Max was left a little confused. Maybe stroking the back of his neck was a bit too much? At least that's what Max figured.
"I was hoping maybe you could, maybe come to my hotel room tonight."
"Hotel room?"
Max mumbled, usually that was code for 'I want a quick fuck' in the paddock, but by the sudden panicked look on Liam's face that was not the case.
"Not like that! Just,"
Liam took in a breath, and sighed.
"Just to help me fall asleep. I've been having trouble sleeping lately and I'm worried it'll affect my performance if I don't get a handle on it."
Oh. Liam was asking him, Max, to come over to hotel room and cuddle him? Max was more than happy to oblige to that, though he reigned in some of that excitement, as to not spook Liam.
"Yeah sure, I can do that. Just send me your room number, okay?"
Max replied, giving a small ruffle of Liam's hair before pulling his hand away. It was like he was patting a slightly fuzzy lemon. He'd wave Liam goodbye, and walk off, perfectly content with that chat.
By the time Max had gotten to Liam's hotel room, it was late. He'd had a meeting that ran a bit long, mostly grilling into issues with the car he'd gone over about 50 times already now, but he was now finally in front of what hopefully was Liam's hotel room door.
He'd knock on the door about three times before it opened as he nearly went for the third knock. The open door revealed Liam stood there, in some black sweatpants, and a slightly small in length pink tank top. Max averted his eyes quickly from the hint of Liam's midriff, choosing to look up at him.
"Uh, come in."
Liam would say, breaking a silence between the two men quickly. Max easily slipped into Liam's hotel room as the man stepped to the side, he'd observe that it looked decent enough. Definitely not what he was used to, but nice enough. It was cozy. He preferred cozy over fancy in all honesty.
"Do you want me to,"
Max trailed off, gesturing to the bed, leaving words unsaid. He wasn't sure what Liam wanted him to do. He'd never, just cuddled before. He'd watch Liam walk over to the bed himself, and slip in before patting the spot next to him.
"I prefer t' be th' little spoon."
Liam mumbled out, barely audible to most, but pretty easily heard by the keen ears of Max. Max gave a nod, carefully slipping into bed himself, now just in his boxers and an old Torro Rosso shirt that was far too big for him. He'd slink Liam to be just under his chin, resting his nose against the man's somewhat still recovering from bleach damage blond hair. At least it smelt nice.
"Did you shower before I came over?"
Max would say quietly into Liam's hair, watching as the man curled his back against Max's own chest and front. Max's hands sprawled out naturally, one resting on Liam's hip, the other against his chest.
"Yeah. When I got back from my own meeting."
"Just race stuff I assume?"
Max replied, looking down at Liam's somewhat let down expression. He assumed it was something to do with the whole, Liam being possibly dropped for next year situation.
"Mostly. But, I keep thinking maybe if I was better, I wouldn't be in this situation."
Liam quietly confessed, turning over slightly, Max's blue eyes taking note of Liam's face now nestled in the crook of his neck.
"Well, I know you're a more than capable racer. And you've been on a decent run."
Max reassured Liam, one of hands came up, idly scratching Liam's scalp, which the younger seemed to appreciate from the contented noises leaving him.
"Y' always say th' right things, asshole."
Liam mumbled into the crook of Max's neck, making Max lightly chuckle in amusement. He didn't know his words had that sort of affect on him. He always assumed that people would just hate what he said or look up to him like he was a god. And yet, Liam just, took comfort in the kind bluntness. Max wanted to keep this feeling, to keep someone like this around. It was selfish and he knew it.
"Really now?"
Max inquired, his tone slightly teasing. He didn't force Liam to move his head from the crook of his neck, instead he just continued to idly scratch the man's scalp, hoping he could lull him into sleep eventually.
"Mhm. Jus' the right amount of blunt."
Liam replied, slowly trailing off until he went quiet. Max would carefully turn his head to look down at Liam, noting the man was finally fast asleep. He'd cozy up a little more next to him, pulling up the blanket to cover the both of them.
"G'night Liam."
Max would say, giving a small kiss to the top of the man's head before shutting his own eyes, hoping to get a bit of sleep before tomorrow.
It had been a while since Max had cuddled Liam to sleep, to be honest he was craving it again, but he didn't want to intrude on Liam to he left it alone.
The Singapore race had concluded, and as Max sat in his driver's room, post an exhausting and hot race, towel draped over his head and neck, his head lifted up at a ping noise coming from his phone. He'd pick up his phone, opening the text from, Arvid of all people. Max was a little confused at that.
Arvid:
Yo Max. Liam's havin'
a breakdown. He
keeps asking for you.
Max:
What?
Arvid:
Look, I can't say much.
But he's refusing to
leave his driver's room.
Max would immediately get up at that, shoving his phone into his pocket and darting over to the VCARB garage. He'd weave in between people, before pushing open the door to Liam's driver's room and shutting it behind him.
He'd look over, the ice bath had been filled, but Liam was sat in the corner in a ball, just in his compression shorts, and, sobbing. Max carefully walked over to him, standing to his side a little but slowly easing his fingers into Liam's hair, sinking them down to the roots.
"Liam, it's me. Max. What's wrong?"
Max would ask Liam, crouching down now as his knees made an audible click. He'd carefully ease Liam's head up, attempting to make eye contact with the man.
"M' too hot, and it's hard to get into the ice bath, I don't know why it's so hard."
Liam sobbed out, his head falling into Max's outstretched hand. Max would pull his other hand away from Liam's hair, cupping his face with both hands and wiping away the man's tears with his thumb.
"Is it just the ice bath that's frustrating you?"
Max would carefully ask, not moving Liam yet, he could do that later. For now he needed to figure out why the ice bath was Liam's breaking point.
"N-no. S' everything. And, you haven't been around much either so I assumed you didn't like havin' to help me sleep and, I'm not good enough, and,"
Liam would trail off, another sob leaving him, leaving Max to quickly pull Liam in for a hug, pulling the man's head into the crook of his neck.
"Hey, hey, I did enjoy it. I just assumed you'd come to me whenever you wanted it. That's my bad for not saying that."
Max clarified to Liam, continuing to hold the man close as the last of his sobs wracked through his body.
"Y-you did enjoy it?"
Liam mumbled out, as his sobs slowly stopped, his head now rested against Max's shoulder, and Max was more than happy to let Liam continue that. He'd carefully wipe Liam's face of the last of the tears, making sure to be gentle.
"Yeah, but, why did this send you over the edge?"
Max carefully asked Liam, moving his head up with one hand. Sure their faces were close, but Max was more making sure Liam wouldn't lie to him, rather than having any other ulterior motives.
"It's just, everything. With still not knowing if VCARB is signing me next year I don't know if they even think I'm good enough. Despite the consistent points."
Liam would attempt to explain, and it only left Max mad. Not mad at Liam, but mad at VCARB and Redbull's management for dragging this all out. They were making Liam suffer for the sake of their own benefits. Max softly huffed, carefully slinking his arms under Liam's armpits to hold onto him better.
"Well, I know you're good enough, and how about we get you into this ice bath, yeah?"
Max would reply, carefully hoisting Liam up from the floor despite a slight whine of protest from Liam.
"But it's really cold. And you're comfy."
Liam would mumble half-heartedly in protest, somewhat holding onto Max, which Max chuckled at. He knew Liam was far too hot from the Singapore temperatures, and just deciding to be whiney for the sake of it. He appreciated that Liam felt comfortable to do that, considering most of the time Liam was either blunt or sassy to others.
"Well you need to cool down or you'll be too hot to do anything."
Max replied, carefully still holding onto Liam, but slowly easing the man into the ice bath. Which he watched Liam wince at the change in temperature, but eventually ease as he got used to it. Max continued to let Liam hold onto him, with himself now sat next to the ice bath as he opened up his phone to text Arvid that Liam was alright now.
A few minutes later, the door to Liam's driver's room would burst open making Max jump slightly, whilst Liam was unphased.
"Liam's okay?!"
Arvid practically yelled, making Max wince slightly. He'd gesture for Arvid to lower his voice and shut the door behind him.
"Yes, he's fine jeez, it's pretty obvious with him being in the ice bath now."
Max replied, looking over at Liam, who was still sat in the ice bath, idly looking over at Arvid, but his hand had managed to hold onto Max's free hand. Leaving Max's fingertips slightly touching the icey water. It was definitely cold. Max thought at least, before turning it attention back to Arvid, who was, staring at him and Liam.
"I uh,"
Arvid trailed off, Max observed a slight embarrassed blush emerging on his browned cheeks as he quickly moved to leave the room.
"I'll leave you two be, and I'll tell everyone Liam's fine, yeah!"
Max blinked as Arvid darted out the room as quick as he came in. He'd then turn his head to Liam.
"What the hell was going on with him?"
"He thinks we're dating."
Liam mumbled, causing a bewildered noise to leave Max. Liam laughed weakly at that.
"Wh- hey! Don't laugh at me! This is your problem as well."
Max protested, he could already feel the heat of blush crawling up his neck. But luckily it didn't go much further than that. He watched Liam's amused expression face him, and he was not amused.
"Maybe, but you're the one in the senior team here."
Liam teased, leaving Max to sigh. That was true, Liam could technically get away with it, but Max dating a VCARB driver? Yeah that'd call so many things into question, even if it was just a stupid and untrue assumption made by Arvid.
"That'd definitely make the offer I gave you a much more funnier reveal."
Max commented, which Liam idly nodded at, he seemed to finally be cooling down now. Max would feel the temperature in Liam's hand reduce, feeling less hot.
"You want out? Or do you want to stay in a bit longer?"
"Jus' a bit longer."
Liam mumbled in reply, still holding Max's hand. Max would watch as Liam idly traced each finger, knuckle, and nail on his hand. It was nice, just sitting quietly together for a little bit longer.
The end of the season was coming around, well, near it, and during that time Max had hung out with Liam a bit more. Making sure he was alright, actually doing things with him outside of race talk, and occasionally giving him tips on his driving.
Despite the consistent results, Max was a little confused as to why Liam hadn't been resigned with VCARB yet. When he poked around, and by poking around that meant asking Laurent Mekies what conversations he had with Alan recently, Laurent said for some reason the higher ups were taking longer to decide.
During yet another race weekend, such thoughts still being on his mind, he'd stare at the data from his car, hoping to sink himself into it before his mind went back to Liam's contract status.
"Hey. Max."
Max turned his head at the tap on his shoulder, looking over at GP, who was half reading whatever information he had on the tablet in his hands, and half looking at Max.
"What?"
Max replied, rather blunt, but, it worked for him and GP at least.
"Liam's wanting to speak to you. He's just outside."
Max blinked. Liam? Was he dropped? Max sure hoped that wasn't the case. He'd quickly thank GP, then walk outside the garage, seeing Liam stood to the side. Albeit, a little awkwardly, but he was there.
"Liam? Why, why are you here?"
Max quickly asked, cutting to the chase immediately. He wanted, no, needed to know why Liam wanted to talk. To know if he'd been dropped. Because god he'd fight tooth and nail to keep him in VCARB if he has to-
"I uh, I'm not getting dropped but,"
Liam paused, sighing and rubbing the back of his neck a little.
"I thought about your, offer. And I think staying in VCARB won't do me any good in the long run, 'specially with Nikola comin' up the ladder eventually. So-"
"You want to join my GT3 team?"
Max blurted out, cutting Liam off unintentionally. Max's brain was running about frantically, he didn't want Liam to give his career up, but with no real shifts happening, he could understand where Liam was coming from. VCARB wasn't known for keeping drivers for very long.
But, if Liam signed onto his team, even if for a year at the least, that selfish side of Max keened at the idea a little bit. Having Liam all to himself. He'd shake his head a little, trying to shove that side of him very far down.
"I'd be happy to sign you, obviously but, fuck, that's a big change Liam."
"I know, but, to be honest, I don't exactly have much connections to be able to shoehorn myself into another team right now."
Liam replied with a small awkward chuckle. Max's brain quickly shifted and thought at that, it made sense. Because if Liam was signed to the GT3 team, maybe, the contract could possibly, well, having Verstappen.com racing oversee Liam's racing career. Max could technically be his manager if Liam wanted that of course. Because that meant Liam would have to say goodbye to his current one.
"I get it yeah, that uh, makes sense."
Max replied with a sigh, trying to slow his brain down. He tried to hide away the selfish excitement he had, instead trying his best to be more mature in this situation.
"If you are really wanting that, we could,"
Max paused, looking at Liam a little more intently, right in the eyes basically."
"We could have a discussion about the contract after this race weekend? I'd just need to get a basic one you can alter to your needs drafted up."
"That'd be great! Really, thank you Max."
Liam replied, looking the most relieved Max had ever seen him in recent years. Max would allow Liam to move forward and hug him for a few seconds, before the two pulled away from each other. He'd wave the man goodbye as he watched Liam walk away, back to the VCARB garage.
"So you're taking in Liam, finally."
Max turned at the voice, sighing at GP's statement.
"Hey, he's, likeable."
Max replied with a small amused tone, falling into the familiar banter he and GP had.
"Sure. Totally not because you want to have him attached to your hip at all times."
GP joked, which Max responded to by giving the older man a playful shove. Sure, GP was a little true on that but he wasn't going to admit it, especially because it was a little too much to divulge to his engineer on his thoughts about Liam. For now, he'd turn his focus back to the race weekend, trying to busy his mind.
Another few weeks would soon go by, and eventually the contract was signed. Liam was going to be on Max's GT3 team on a year by year basis, until either, an F1 team picks him up or he signs a larger, multi-year set in stone contract with Verstappen.com racing.
Max couldn't be happier on the outcome as it gave both him and Liam a lot of flexibility on the situation. And well, Max was teased by Jules and Dani further when he broke the news to them, though he was happy they seemed excited to meet Liam soon enough once the F1 season ended.
Though sitting on the long couch that was used for media interviews between multiple drivers, he knew the media storm had only just begun. Considering the news had been announced basically the day after Liam signed the contract, meaning Max would be getting many questions. Along with Liam. But, Max was at the hunting grounds of the media today.
"So, question for Max,"
A reporter would ask, it seemed to be someone from the guardian. He didn't particularly like that company but, he knew he'd have to behave a tiny bit. Considering the last time he interacted with someone from this company he stubbornly refused to talk until they left the room.
"Why sign Liam up for your GT3 team?"
Max knew that question was a little vague and open-ended for a reason. But he paid no mind to it. Usual media stuff.
"Well, the conversation started far earlier on, and it was at a time Liam was considering his options as a driver. Simple as that."
Max plainly replied, holding the mic in his hand just the right distance from his mouth. He was being as careful as he could be, he felt like George a little bit. Then again, he was sat right across from said Brit. Maybe the need for control rubbed off on him.
"So Liam willingly went to you?"
The reporter asked, there was clearly more they wanted to ask, to imply. Max had to avoid rolling his eyes at that.
"Yes. And I left the offer on the table."
"So you didn't force him into the contract to spite Redbull Racing?"
Max had to hold back a 'are you fucking stupid?' comment at that. No he wasn't being a petty bitch, selfish a little around Liam sure, petty? No.
"No I didn't. My, known frustrations, are a result of a new regulation car. And Verstappen.com racing is tied to Redbull."
Max replied, pointing out the obvious. He still was sponsored by Redbull. So there was no point in trying to separate himself from the brand he'd practically ingrained into his own branding.
"Aren't you concerned this will ruin Liam's career?"
Max nearly snapped rashly at that, but he had to hold himself back. For his team, for Liam.
"The contract is year by year until Liam decides for himself. I'm not pushing him either way. I offered the position to him because,"
Max paused for a second, collecting in the words he wanted to say in his mind.
"Because I feel he is a talented racer. Not just in Formula One. And, this allows for Liam to race, to show his skill more. Because I know he has it, and I know teams will want it."
Max would explain, eventually putting his mic down on his side, to prevent him from talking about Liam too much. He'd feel George give him a sort of 'oh, you're that happy with him' sort of amused but light-hearted look, but Max chose not to engage much. He'd said his piece, and he was happy with it.
"And what about Jules and Dani? Are they happy with this decision?"
Max had to hold back a sigh at that. Obviously the reporter would try to figure out if Jules and Dani were upset, despite the fact they pushed him into making the decision in the first place. Then again, the public didn't know about that.
"They're happy to have a new teammate."
"So they're perfectly fine having someone their, teammate and technically boss, recruited from Formula One?"
Max's hand gripped the mic he was holding a little tighter. He hated reporters like this, always trying to dig for a reaction or a hint of discontent. Why couldn't they accept things were fine? A small huff of air left Max, but before he could reply, George of all people spoke up.
"Many people in the racing world are familiar with such line-ups that can be because the boss you have knows someone. It's not uncommon. And if Max's colleagues were truly not happy with it, I believe they have the full ability to take that to Max directly."
George would say, glaring at the reporter. Max would blink in shock at that, surprised by a back-up from George. Maybe the season had built up some anger in George that he didn't know about. At least that's what Max assumed.
"What he said."
Max would add, slightly gesturing to George with his free hand. He'd watch the reporter shrink back a little and say the usual 'no more questions', not expecting well, George to defend Max. It probably be a headline soon. Max thought at least, as the room faded into the usual murmur while another reporter got their notes together.
"Make sure he's happy, yeah?"
Max turned his head at George leaning over, and whispering into his ear. His eyes instinctively narrowed in response.
"What do you know about him?"
Max muttered quietly in reply to George keeping the conversation hushed.
"Not a lot. Heard most about him from Alex but,"
Max would watch George's expression turn a sort of amused mischievous.
"You're clearly liking him a lot."
Max turned his head away at that, feeling heat on the tips of his ears.
"You're overreaching."
"Am I?"
Max didn't respond to George's amused tone, somewhat embarrassed that his infatuation was that obvious. He just, wanted to make Liam happy, that's all it was.
Eventually the media day would come to an end, and as Max sat in hotel room, typing at something on his laptop next to the shut curtains, the door to his hotel room would open. He'd look over assuming his trainer, or something, but he was met with Liam.
He'd given a copy of his keycard to the man just as this race weekend started, he just hadn't expected Liam to use it so quickly. He'd pull his hands away from the laptop, and flip the blue-light glasses on his face up onto his head.
"Liam? I'm surprised you're in here."
Max would say, watching Liam walk over to the bed, then just, lay on it. The back of Liam's maroon shirt rode up a little, giving Max a view of Liam's tanned lower back. Max quickly averted his eyes away, figuring out there was no time for that while Liam was laid flat on his hotel room bed, face first into the pillow.
"M' tired. And your hotel room bed is bigger."
Liam replied, his voice muffled by the pillow. Max would laugh a little, walking over and carefully shifting Liam's head to lie on it's side against the pillow. He forgot how nice Liam's hazel blue-green eyes looked, like a pretty drink you'd have with some lemon pie on a winter's day.
"Is it now?"
Max would tease, carefully brushing away some strands of Liam's hair. The strands reminded Max of strings of lemon zest. He didn't know why Liam reminded him of so many lemon related things. But hey, he likes a bitter and sour taste sometimes.
"Mhm, much bigger."
Liam said with an idle nod against the pillow below him. Max couldn't help but quietly stare at him, taking on all his features once more, he didn't even notice his eyes trailing down, looking at Liam's naturally resting in a pout lips.
"Why you starin' at my lips?"
Max blinked, turning his head away with a small blush coming up his neck, though his hand was still resting on the top of Liam's head.
"No reason."
Max mumbled in reply, not exactly wanting to unpack all of, that.
"You want to kiss me."
Liam would say, looking directly at Max. Max eventually felt as Liam's hand came up, and forcibly moved his head to face him. He quickly felt the blush on his neck grow.
"I, it'd be inappropriate. I'm technically your boss."
He could feel the heat migrating as he replied to Liam, now feeling it on his cheeks and tips of his ears. His hands shifted, now nervously tugging at the bedding below him.
"It's technically. And, as you said in that little interview you had today,"
Max watched as Liam sat up, his face growing closer to Max's own face.
"My contract allows me to make my own decisions."
Liam murmured, and before Max could react, Liam's lips collided with his. Max would instinctively kiss back, but he'd quickly pull away. His brain racking over the fact he was technically Liam's boss, but his selfish side wanted to continue kissing him, to have those most intimate parts of him.
"I fuck, Liam you-"
Max cut himself off, his hand hovering near his lips, where he could still feel Liam's lips on his own. They tasted like a lemon.
"Do you not want to do this?"
Liam asked, his voice sounding a little dejected but also careful. Max's head immediately turned to Liam at that, his body thinking before his brain did.
"No I do, it's just, fuck, I don't want to take advantage of you."
Max explained, because despite all his selfish and possessive desires, he didn't want Liam falling into the trap so many Formula One drivers, including himself at one point, fell into.
"Max, you're not taking advantage."
Liam said, sitting up on the hotel room bed. Max would sit next to Liam, his body tilted in Liam's direction.
"I'm fine with this, really."
"You're sure?"
Max would ask, carefully placing his hand next to Liam's leg. He didn't want to completely touch him, not yet.
"Never been more sure."
Liam replied, and Max would feel Liam's lips collide with his once more. Fuck, he could taste the lemon lip balm Liam always wore, and he could feel his warmth. Max's hands shifted before he could stop it, coming to Liam's hips, some of his fingers slid into the loops on the kiwi's pants.
"Fuck, that lip balm is gonna be the death of me."
Max muttered, pulling away for air as the two had quickly gone from kissing to making out for the sake of making out, rather than anything more intimate just yet. His head rested on Liam's shoulder, lightly pressing against it.
"The lip balm? Really?"
Liam replied, his tone amused. Max would sigh at that, looking up at the man from his head's place on his shoulder.
"It tastes like lemon."
Max mumbled, it didn't really make sense in all honesty. Considering his little relation between Liam and lemons was a him thing. He'd hide his face against Liam's chest even more.
"That's what you're worked up about? Lemons? You have a bad experience with em' or something?"
"No, more some idiot decided to associate lemons with a certain someone."
Max would confess, leading Liam to laugh.
"Okay, note to self, you think I'm a lemon boy."
Liam would say, leaving Max to groan in protest. The two eventually were laid on the hotel room bed, with Max half on top of Liam. Though Max's hands had migrated to Liam's hair.
"You're gonna use this against me."
"Most definitely. I'll pavlov your ass."
Liam joked, leaving Max to chuckle in reply. He'd shift up a little, still playing with Liam's hair.
"Though 'nuff of that, we need sleep."
"True."
Max replied, shifting to sit up on the bed. He'd look over at Liam, who had only come in here with his phone and hotel keycard.
"You need to get anything or are you alright?"
Max watched Liam put his phone and keycard onto a nearby nightstand, which also happened to have Max's phone on it as well.
"No, I'm good. These clothes are only for when I'm in the hotel so,"
Liam would shrug, before shifting back over to Max and laying down. Max would give a small noise of confirmation, lying down next to him.
For now it was nice and quiet, allowing both Max and Liam to fall in a peaceful sleep, close to each other.