Lewis being OBSESSED with how y/n looks preggrs and being over protective at the same time unable to keep his hands off and y/n being equally obsessed with him and having the only craving is the man himself đđĽ
A/N: Honestly Lewis is the type to constantly post pictures of his girl's pregnancy
Lewis couldn't help but stare at you from down the paddock, the cold rainy weather in Canada wasn't doing anything to dampen the way you glowed. God, he was just so in love with you.
When Lewis found out you were pregnant, he was so ecstatic that he couldn't contain the secret the first person he called being Sebastian, who laughed as Lewis cried halfway through the announcement that you had to take over the phone call to explain. Sebastian immediately sent over the old Red Bull gear and even Ferrari, which made Lewis laugh.
Now, here you stood wearing a long black dress that hugged your small bump perfectly and Lewis just falls in love with you all over again, smiling softly and ignoring whoever was talking to him as he stared at you. "Lewis, LEWIS!" Lewis jumps and blinks staring at George and Carmen who giggle at the older man.
"You're so in love," Carmen sighs, Lewis chuckles and nods, but narrows his eyes seeing someone he doesn't know reach out to touch his child. "Y/n," You back up and smile brightly and rush over, "DOn't run," Lewis lowers his voice, and moves wrapping his arms around you, as you practically melt into his hold.
You always heard the rumors of how women get really weird pregnancy cravings, and yours has been your husband. It was weird, but ever since you hated not being close to him or just having his scent on you calmed the morning sickness or any other weird craving you had.
"Who was that about to touch you, and peanut?" Lewis whispers, and you sigh pulling him closer. "Don't know," You admit, Lewis's arms tighten and kisses the top of your head. "Stop letting random people touch you, I don't like it," You nod your head and Lewis can feel your hands move under his clothes and chuckles as your cold fingers have him shivering, yeah you were definitely trying to steal his clothes.
"When I change into my team gear, you can wear my sweater, okay," Kissing the top of your head you about melt thinking about how much you're going sleep so good when he's at practice. "I think I win best baby daddy," "Yea, you do,"
awww its soo cute
Oneshot, 1k, SFW + gender neutral
ďżźA/N: my first time doing a fic on tumblr đđ¤đť
His wound was healing faster than the doctors had expected, and Jang Hanseo found out playing dead wasnât as fun as it seemed in the movies.
He had to deal with watching from afar as Babel Group descended into chaos, without a Chairman or Vice; all his subordinates were at each otherâs throats for the seat.
Then he remembered his wish, that he could run the company on his own without the scar of needless death. That he would not run Babel the way his older half brother did.
Through this mental storm, a clearing came in the clouds as Hanseo found the perfect candidate for the next Babel CEO.
â Me?â You nearly exclaimed, but kept it low for your ex-bossâs sake. You were one of the few who knew that Hanseo was alive, and was not hoping to keep it that way. You wanted him to reveal himself and return to his position of power- but he said he didnât want anything to do with it anymore. Not after everything that happened to him.
You knew better than to pry into someoneâs personal business- especially if they used to be your boss- but something was different about Jang Hanseo.
How he walked like he was always being watched, the way his hands tremble when someone touches him the slightest and how his eyes shine in the smallest of praises.
â Er- yes, you.â He confirmed, still sitting upright in his hospital bed, his hair a bit messy from tossing and turning in his sleep.
You found out he was alive by accident.
You were visiting your friend who worked in the same hospital to gift them something in advance for their birthday. As you walked past the patient rooms, you spotted the notorious Hong Chayoung you saw in the news. Intrigued, you tailed her until she entered a private luxury room that had no other than Jang Hanseo lying inside.
He screamed as you did as well. Noticing how much of a panic he fell into, you took pity and sympathized with him. Although he was now nothing like the man you had once worked under.
You didnât know how to reply, and wasnât sure what was appropriate to ask or say. Sucking in a deep breath, you smiled warmly and gave a curt bow. â Thank you, Mr. Jang.â
He broke out into a gummy smile, a hand waving away the honorifics. â Itâs Hanseo, Iâm not your boss anymore.â
From then on, fabricating a not-so-fake will, you took on Babel Group and started a new era as you reigned profits back in. It was harder than it looked, as you spent restless nights up without a wink of sleep.
Although through all this chaos, you still found time to visit Hanseo time to time, updating him on the company and buying him snacks.
You noticed even if you did the tiniest things- like the first time you brought in a bungeoppang you had purchased from a street vendor outside- his mood would instantly light up, his smile rivaling the brightness of the sun. He acted like you had just eradicated all his debt or something, and as confused as you were, you found it endearing. You had no idea your ex-boss was so, so cute.
Childlike wonder filled his eyes whenever he talked about his Vinny hyung or Chayoung noona, speaking just like how a little boy would ramble on about Superman.
Before you knew it, your heart was racing every time you approached his hospital room; knocking on the door was nerve wracking as you tried to keep your emotions under wraps.
That was, until, he pulled this.
You werenât able to buy a snack this time around, as your schedule was too tight to even go slightly out of line.
Hanseo could tell you were tired, recalling his old memories as the puppet Chairman. The way you ran your hand through your hair, biting the inside of your cheek as you constantly took in deep sighs.
Months had flown and Hanseo felt so attached to you he decided he would tell the truth about everything. What happened on the night he âdiedâ, how he was so close to that Consigliere and what his past with the late Hanseok was.
His body shivered as he spoke candidly, as if he was reliving the past in this very moment. Suddenly, arms wrapped around his waist, bringing him into a hug. You patted his back softly in a soothing rhythm.
â You are so strong, Hanseo.â Was the first thing you had whispered to him through his subsiding tears.
Soon those sobs turned to silent cries and those cries faded into hiccups that transformed into an angelic laugh. A weight was released from his shoulders as he absorbed every comforting praise you threw his way.
Later, you had to let go of him, straightening out his blanket until his fingers weaved into a hold to yours.
â Could- could you, stay? Longer?â He piped up, only to fall into the abyss of another panic. â A little while! You donât have to, I mean. I know youâre really busy with the company- which I kind of forced on you to be honest- and Iâm so sorry for- mMH!â
Your lips were instinctively drawn to his, as if it lured you in.
Eyes widening in shock, blood rushed to his face as it colored his adorable face red. He melted into the kiss. Placing a hand on your face, he silently begged you to deepen the kiss as his heart pounded loudly in his chest. His heartbeat being the rhythm to the melody your lips had made, hands threading through hair and tunes spiraling out of mouths.
Seconds passed and you both parted for air, panting in the now tense atmosphere. You easily broke the said awkwardness as you whispered:
â Donât ever apologize, my prince.â
BONUS:
â And- and then I got kiSSED!â Hanseo exclaimed to Vincenzo, who smiled warmly at his excited tone and gestures.
â Iâm proud of you, Hanseo.â He said, patting his shoulder as the younger grinned. â Hopefully Iâll meet this lover of yours soon.â Vincenzo remarked, fiddling with the curtains of the hospital room. Hanseoâs gaze found itself focusing on the engagement ring that his hyung wore. His overactive imagination then wondered how it would be like to propose to you, to place a ring on your finger, to marry you, to-
Snapping out of his trance, he quickly replied. â Me too, Vinny Hyung.â Not shying away from the lovesick look that had taken over his face, he stared down into his fidgeting hands. â Prince...â He then mumbled under his breath, not wanting to say it loud enough for anyone else to hear.
This would be his own memory to keep- even from his dear hyung- that you had whispered into his ear, calling him your prince.
⨠the end â¨
ÂĄCosmic Girl Records!
a smau series in which y/n accompanies her boyfriend Ollie Bearman around the world whilst beefing with the 2019 rookies (especially Lando) and Charles.
spotify playlist here â¨
Part1: did you order pasta, miss?
Part2: singapore lovinâ had me a blast
Part3: new york, concrete jungle where dreams are made of
Part4: make tacos, not war
Part5: la mano arriba, cintura sola, da media vuelta, danza kuduro
Part6: might sound crazy but it ainât no lie, baby bye bye bye
Part7: gâday mate, how are ya?
Part8: meet me in shanghai?
Thanks for reading! - xoxo takimakiiiii
Summary: To which Y/n goes into premature labor for the birth of the twins, however, Lando is at the airport returning home and fears that he will not make it in time.
Words: 5.9K+
Warnings: Mention of childbirth, complications of childbirth, twins, pain (??), a little distressing, cute, romantic and happy.
Author: English is not my first language, so apologies for any spelling, grammar and slang mistakes that may be in the story. This is part of a small universe, but can be read separately. â¤ď¸đ§đˇ
Universe Of NORRIS TWINS
MASTERLIST
There were still three weeks until the twins' expected delivery date, but Y/n had already been feeling light, training contractions for a few days. However, he didn't tell anyone, not even Lando, that he was about to catch a flight to a race and would be gone for four days.
"Are you sure you want me to go?" Lando asked, taking her hands in his.
"I do. I'll be fine. My mom and Cisca will stay with me." She smiled, trying to convey confidence.
Lando sighed and nodded, leaving a lingering kiss on her forehead before leaving.
Days passed and that morning, Y/n woke up feeling strange. The contractions seemed to be stronger, but they were still spaced out for hours. She decided to ignore it and went about her day as normal while Christy, her mother, and Cisca were at home helping her.
As the day went on, Y/n began to notice that the contractions were becoming more frequent and painful. A discomfort in her lower belly began to appear, and for the first time, she wondered if labor was starting. Still, I didn't want to alarm anyone.
As they talked in the living room, Y/n suddenly grimaced, holding her belly and leaning on the arm of the couch as a stronger contraction came.
"Y/n?" Christy called, worried.
She took a deep breath before looking up at her mother and Cisca.
"I think... I'm in labor."
The silence lasted for a second before Cisca hurriedly stood up.
"OMG, we need to go to the hospital!" She exclaimed, standing up.
"Calm down, Cisca." Christy placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Are you sure, honey?"
Y/n nodded and carefully sat down on the couch.
"The contractions aren't regular yet, but... I've been feeling them for a few days."
Cisca's eyes widened. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN A FEW DAYS AGO?!"
Christy sighed, massaging her daughter's back. "Daughter, you should have told me sooner."
"I thought it was nothing..." Y/n muttered, biting her lip.
Cisca took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Then, let's go to the hospital now."
Y/n shook her head.
"Not yet. The doctor said we only need to go when the contractions get closer together."
Although reluctant, Christy and Cisca agreed to wait, but decided to monitor every detail. Christy took out her cell phone and began to time the contractions.
After a few minutes, Y/n looked at Cisca.
"Did Lando text? Is he coming back already?"
Cisca shook her head. "I haven't received anything yet, dear."
"Can you hand me your cell phone? It's over there on the counter." Cisca picked up the phone and handed it to her. "Thank you."
Christy continued to rub her back when Y/n unlocked her phone and saw that there were no messages from Lando. Her eyes burned and she placed the device aside, covering her face with her hands.
"I'm scared." Her voice was choked. "Lando should be here... the babies are too far along... I don't know if I can do it.
Cisca crouched down in front of her, holding her hand.
"You can do it, honey. You're strong. The babies might be a little early, but it'll be okay."
"Yes, you will." Christy reinforced, squeezing her daughter's arm. "Lando is coming, and you're not alone."
Y/n took a deep breath, running her hand over her stomach.
"Liam, Lola... stay calm, okay? Daddy's coming."
Cisca got up to get the maternity bags while Y/n tried to calm down.
An hour passed. The contractions had slowed down, but Y/n knew another one could come at any moment. Then, her phone lit up with a text from Lando.
'Honey, I'm boarding the jet now. In two hours I'll be home with you and the babies.
Y/n felt her heart tighten. Could she wait two hours for Lando to arrive?
She quickly responded.
'Lan...I'm in labor.'
He saw it at the same moment and, seconds later, the cell phone screen showed a video call.
When he answered, Lando appeared pale, walking quickly towards the jet.
"YOU'RE WHAT?!" He put his hands on his head, his voice filled with panic. "Oh my God, love, are you okay?! How are the babies?!"
Y/n tried to remain calm, but her voice still came out shaky.
"I... I'm fine. The contractions are still spaced out, but I think it's going to happen today."
Lando took a deep breath, trying to process.
"I'll be on time. I promise."
"Cisca and my mom are with me." Y/n turned the camera to show the two of them busy organizing their bags.
Lando shook his head.
"They need to take you to the hospital now."
"Not yet." Y/n replied. "The doctor said to go when the contractions get closer together."
"What if it speeds up all of a sudden? I don't want you having babies at home!"
"Lan, this wasn't supposed to happen for another three weeks. The babies can't come now, they need to stay a little longer." Her voice broke at the end, and a tear ran down her cheek.
Lando squeezed his eyes shut, his chest rising and falling rapidly. "Baby, it's going to be okay. I know it's early, but Liam and Lola are ready to come into the world. And I'm going to get there as soon as I can."
Y/n sniffed and nodded. "I wanted to wait for you..."
Lando closes his eyes for a moment, trying to remain calm, and says firmly: "Nothing will go wrong. You are strong, love. Liam and Lola have the best mommy in the world. I'm going as fast as I can, and if they decide to come before... then I trust that you will bring them into the world in the best way."
Y/n runs her hand over her belly and smiles with tears in her eyes. "Did you hear that, babies? Daddy's coming. But how about we wait for him?"
Lando smiles on the other side of the screen, visibly moved. He is about to say something else, but the call starts to fail. Yin realizes that the plane is taking off.
"I love you. I love you. I love you..." Lando repeats over and over, wanting Y/n to hear his words before the screen freezes and the call drops.
Y/n sighs deeply, holding her cell phone against her chest. Cisca places the delivery bag at the door, aware that the moment had arrived.
A new contraction arrives, more intense than before. Y/n lets out a moan and tears stream down her face, but this time it wasn't just from the pain-it was from fear. Christy quickly approaches, holding her hand tightly.
"Shh, my love... I'm here. It's going to be okay. You're strong, and I know you can do it."
Y/n lets out a sob, trying to control her breathing. "I want to go to the hospital. The pain is too much, mom... something is wrong."
Christy and Cisca exchange a worried look before nodding. Cisca grabs the bags while Christy helps Y/n to stand up carefully. Little by little, they leave the house, and Y/n leans on her mother, feeling another strong tightening in her belly. Lando's mother grabs the keys and locks the door, already sending a message to Y/n's doctor.
On the way to the car, Y/n cries softly, holding her mother's arm. "I thought we would have more time..." She murmurs, her voice breaking with emotion.
Christy runs her hand through her daughter's hair lovingly. "You've waited long enough, my love. Now it's time to meet your babies."
Cisca smiles as she gets into the car and looks in the rearview mirror. "I think Liam and Lola just want to meet their mommy, who they already love so much."
Y/n lets out a little laugh through her tears, feeling her heart warm with those words.
The drive to the hospital is long. Traffic is bad, the lights seem to take forever to change, and with each contraction, Christy holds Y/n's hand and helps her breathe. Cisca drives as fast as she can, trying to stay calm, but the worried look in the rearview mirror gives her away.
As soon as the car parks in front of the hospital, a nurse is already waiting for them with a wheelchair. Christy and Cisca rush out - one opens the door for Y/n, while the other grabs the bags.
Y/n hesitates for a moment before sitting down in the chair, holding her belly. "Lando isn't here yet..." She murmurs, concern evident in her voice.
Christy squeezes his hand. "He's coming, my love. But right now we need to focus on you and the babies."
"Honey, do you know how long there is between contractions?" The nurse asks.
Y/n responds with a shaky sigh. "They were an hour apart... but now they're closer."
When they enter the hospital, Y/n is taken straight to a room. Christy holds his hand until they have to part momentarily.
"I'll make your entrance, dear. Cisca will stay with you until I get back."
Cisca nods in agreement and smiles at Y/n.
In the room, the doctor who monitored the pregnancy performs some tests while the nurse checks Y/n's dilation.
"Three centimeters," the nurse says. "It's still too early to push. It may take a few hours to reach the ten centimeters needed for delivery."
Y/n lets out a shaky breath, looking at the doctor. "There are still three weeks until they are born..."
The doctor nods with an understanding look. "Yes, ideally they would stay a little longer, but twin pregnancies tend to come early. You were already receiving corticosteroids to help the babies' lungs mature, and we'll give them another dose now to make sure they're born strong."
Y/n nods, feeling a little more relieved. Closing her eyes for a moment, she tries to relax. Cisca sits next to her, holding her hand.
Shortly after, the nurse arrives with the medicine and applies it to Y/n, who takes a deep breath.
The nurse smiles at her before leaving. "You're doing great. If you need anything, just call."
And then, Christy returns to the room. "Okay, I've already checked you in and told Lando that we're here. I also sent a message to your father, and told him not to worry, that we're with you."
Y/n smiles, grateful. "Thank you, mom."
Christy strokes her arm. "Always, my daughter."
Cisca stands up. "I'll tell the Norrises too. I'll be right back."
"Thank you, Cisca." Christy smiles. "I'll take care of our grandchildren."
Cisca laughs. "Needless to say, you've already started."
Y/n lets out a weak laugh, feeling calmer.
Christy sits next to her, holding her hand and looking into her daughter's eyes. Now so grown up, a strong woman, married and about to have babies of her own.
"My love, I still remember the day I held you in my arms for the first time. You were so tiny... and now here you are, about to bring your own babies into the world." Y/n smiles weakly, still feeling the anxiety. Christy squeezes her hand tighter. "I always knew you would be an amazing mother. You have so much love in your heart, Y/n. Liam and Lola are so lucky to have you."
Y/n's eyes water. "What if I'm not strong enough?"
Christy runs her hand through her hair, her voice firm but full of affection. "You're already strong. You've been through so much, and look where you are. You've created a beautiful family, found someone who truly loves you, and now you're bringing these two little miracles into this world." Y/n closes her eyes, feeling a few tears fall. Christy wipes them away gently. "I'm so proud of you, my love. You've always been my brave little girl."
Y/n looks at her mother with emotion, her voice coming out as a whisper: "Thank you for being here... I couldn't do it without you."
Christy smiles and kisses his forehead. "I always will be, my love. Always."
And then a cell phone beeps inside the bag, Christy gets up and reaches for the cell phone inside and sees that it was from Y/n, smiling when she sees the screen lit up.
"It's a message from Lando," he said, handing the device to his daughter.
Y/n quickly unlocked her phone and opened the conversation.
Loveâ¤ď¸: "We're landing in 30 minutes. Are you at the hospital yet? I'll be right there!"
She smiled, feeling immediate relief at knowing he was so close. With slightly trembling fingers, she typed a reply.
Y/n: "Yes, I'm already at the hospital. The contractions are still bearable, so there's no need to run like crazy. Drive calmly, love."
Loveâ¤ď¸: "You know me, right? Running is part of my DNA. But I promise I'll arrive in one piece. I love you!"
Y/n: "I love you more. We're waiting for you, daddy."
After sending the message, he sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a moment and placing his hand on his stomach.
"Lando will be here in a few minutes," he said, his voice still thick with emotion.
Christy smiled, leaning forward and placing a loving kiss on her daughter's forehead. "So now you can relax a little. He's on his way, and soon you'll be together to meet these two little angels."
Before Y/n could respond, Cisca entered the room with an amused smile, holding her cell phone in her hand.
"I just told Adam and Lando's brothers. I think their reaction was even more intense than ours." He said with a laugh. "You should have seen the messages, it looked like they were freaking out!"
Y/n chuckled softly. "I expect no less from the Norris family." She commented, amused by the image in her mind of her desperate brothers-in-law.
"Flo, Cisca and Oliver's wife also sent their support to you," Cisca added, sitting down in the armchair next to the bed. "By the way! Flo already asked me to deliver flowers here for you!"
Y/n smiled, feeling their affection. "Tell them I appreciate it. And that they'll soon meet Liam and Lola."
Time passed and the contractions began to get closer together, but the dilation was still low. The doctor returned to the room to check the babies' heartbeats while the nurse performed some tests on Y/n.
Taking a deep breath, she looked at the monitor, listening carefully to the two little hearts beating loudly.
"They're both strong," the doctor said with a smile. "And look at their fast heartbeats. It's like they're ready to run."
Y/n chuckled softly. "Well, they're Lando's kids. And he's not exactly the epitome of calm."
The doctor laughed along. "That explains a lot."
The room was prepared for the arrival of the babies. In the corner, there were pink and blue balloons, some welcome cards and flowers sent to Y/n. Two large teddy bears were placed side by side, each with a name embroidered on the belly Lola and Liam. A gift from Y/n's father.
There was a knock on the door and Christy got up to answer it. When she opened it, a smile lit up her face. "Look who's here!!"
Y/n turned her head immediately, feeling tears well up in her eyes as she saw Lando standing in the doorway, holding a bouquet of flowers.
"You did it..." She murmured, sighing in relief.
Lando smiled and walked over to the bed, leaning down to kiss her forehead before looking into his wife's eyes.
"I told you I wouldn't miss this for anything." He handed her the bouquet and smiled. "To my strongest, most amazing girl. I love you more than I can put into words."
Y/n smiled and a few tears fell from her eyes, holding the flowers lovingly. "Thank you, love. I love you sooo much."
Lando then bent down to get closer to her belly, running his hand over her skin with an enchanted look.
"And you two, huh? You didn't even want to wait for daddy to get here." He joked. "But now everything is fine. Daddy came to help mommy, so you can rest easy." He looked up and only then noticed Christy and Cisca watching the scene with smiles on their faces. "Ah... I hadn't even seen you there." He said, laughing.
Christy laughed. "Don't worry, dear. We didn't mean to interrupt the moment."
Lando walked around the bed and hugged first his mother-in-law, then his mother. "Thank you for taking care of her and the babies."
"No need to thank me, Lan. We wouldn't leave her side for anything." Cisca said fondly.
"And now that you're here, let's leave you two to enjoy this moment." Christy added. She held Y/n's hand once more. "If you need anything, I'll be downstairs, my love."
"Thank you, Mom."
Christy smiled, kissing her daughter's forehead. "You're amazing, Y/n. Everything will be okay."
As soon as the two left the room, Lando turned his attention to his wife. But before he could say anything, he felt Y/n squeeze his hand tightly.
"One more..." She mumbled, closing her eyes as the contraction came.
Lando immediately grabbed her hand with both of his. "I'm here, love. Take a deep breath, this will pass. You're doing great."
Time passed and, with each contraction, Lando remained by her side, holding her hand, whispering sweet words and encouraging her. He felt her fingers tightening around his with increasing force, but he did not complain. Her pain was greater than anything he could feel.
And then the nurse came in again and smiled at Y/n. "I'm going to check your dilation, okay?"
Y/n nodded, taking a deep breath as a few tears ran down her face.
After examining her, the nurse smiled. "We are fully dilated. It's time to bring the babies into the world."
Y/n's heart raced. As the nurse began to prepare the room and equipment, she looked at Lando with wide eyes.
"I don't know if I can... I'm in a lot of pain, and it feels like there's something wrong with one of the babies."
Lando cupped her face in his hands and looked into her eyes, "Hey, nothing's wrong. They're okay, love. You can do it. I'm here for you."
The doctor entered the room with an excited smile.
"The time has come! Let's meet these little champions."
Y/n smiled nervously. "It seems so..."
As the equipment was sterilized and everything was prepared, Lando noticed that Y/n was watching everything with a frightened look.
He held her hand and called softly, "Love, lean forward a little."
"Why?" She asked, frowning but doing as he asked.
Lando smiled and swung a leg over to the other side of the bed, positioning himself behind her. "I'm making sure my first love is comfortable to bring my other loves into the world."
He hugged her from behind, holding her hand and kissing the top of her head, which was slightly wet with sweat. Y/n closed her eyes for a moment, feeling safer in his arms.
The nurse put on gloves and smiled.
"Come on, Y/n. When the next contraction comes, I want you to push as hard as you can."
Y/n took a deep breath, nodding.
The contraction came hard, making Y/n lean forward a little. Lando ran his hand over her back in a light, comforting caress, while holding her other hand firmly. She took a deep breath and began to push, trying to help Lola be born.
But pain, fear and fatigue quickly mixed together. Her breathing became ragged, and the contraction began to ease without her being able to finish the effort.
"I... I can't do it..." Her voice came out shaky, choked with tears that were building up. "I'm scared..."
Y/n laid her head on Lando's shoulder, tears streaming silently as her body shook with exertion.
The nurse gave her a gentle look, trying to calm her down. "You're doing great, honey. Just a little longer, we need to wait for the next contraction, okay?"
Meanwhile, the doctor monitored the babies through the ultrasound, paying attention to their heartbeats. Minutes passed, and then the new contraction arrived. Y/n took a deep breath and pushed again.
"That's it, Y/n, you can do it!" The nurse encouraged.
Lando leaned in close, whispering sweet nothings in her ear. "You're doing so well, love... our little girl is almost here."
But suddenly, the nurse frowned and looked at the doctor before muttering, "WAIT a moment, something's wrong..."
"What's wrong?" Y/n, panting, opened her eyes in fright.
Lando felt her hand grip tightly and tensed. "What's going on?"
The nurse manually examined the baby's position while the doctor kept his gaze fixed on the ultrasound screen.
"The umbilical cord is wrapped around Lola's neck. This is making it difficult for her to come out because the oxygen flow to her lungs is compromised. She is getting weak." The nurse explains.
Y/n's face drained of color. Her eyes instantly filled with tears, and her breathing became faster and more irregular. She squeezed Lando's hand tightly.
"She... she'll be okay, right?" Her voice came out in a shaky whisper.
Lando swallowed, feeling his heart hammer in his chest, but he kept calm for her. He kissed the side of her head and murmured, "Baby, trust them... Lola will be fine, I promise."
The doctor sighed and looked at the team. "We can't continue with a natural birth. We need to act quickly before her oxygen saturation drops any further."
He quickly left to call the OR team, reserving a room for the emergency C-section. The nurse began to organize the room and prepare Y/n.
Lando got up from the bed to stand beside her while the nurses adjusted the IV and monitors on her. The nurse explained everything calmly, but Y/n was already crying, distressed.
"Why is this happening? I was trying! Did I do something wrong?" She sobbed, turning her face to Lando.
He cupped her cheeks in his hands, resting his forehead against hers. "Hey, hey... this isn't your fault. You did everything right, my love."
"But I wanted to do this for them..." She whispered, her eyes filled with pain.
"And you still will, Y/n. You'll still bring our babies into the world, just in a slightly different way. What matters is that you're okay."
The door opened, and nurses came in with the gurney to take her to the operating room. Lando had to let go of her hand for a moment as they moved her, and the tightness in his chest grew when he saw the frightened look on her face.
"Lando..." Y/n called in a tearful voice, extending her hand.
He quickly grabbed hers and followed her as they pushed the stretcher out of the room. The nurse noticed Y/n's desperation and turned to Lando.
"You can come into the room and watch the birth if you want."
Y/n looked at him, eyes shining with tears.
"I'm going in, I just need to let our family downstairs know, okay?"
The nurse nodded. "We'll be heading up to the surgical floor, tenth floor. When you arrive, look for me at the nurses' desk, my name is Izzie."
Lando nodded and kissed Y/n's forehead as they entered the elevator.
"I'll be quick, I promise. I'll be there in minutes." Y/n nodded, but she was still nervous. "Soon, we'll be holding our babies."
She smiled weakly. "And you're going to be an amazing daddy."
"We already are. We'll just make it official in a little while." He chuckled softly.
The elevator doors closed, and Lando blew a kiss into the air before rushing out to tell his family downstairs.
Meanwhile, Y/n was wheeled into the operating room and prepped. The doctors explained the procedure, assuring her that they would pay special attention to the babies. They put the surgical cap on her and monitored her vital signs.
Sitting on the stretcher, Y/n listened to a nurse explaining: "We're going to apply spinal anesthesia, which will block the pain from the waist down. You'll feel touches and pressure, but no pain, okay?"
She nodded, but her breathing was fast. She looked around, missing Lando.
Before she could say anything, the door opened. Nurse Izzie walked in, bringing Lando with her. He was wearing a surgical cap and putting the mask on his face, smiling at Y/n.
"You came back quickly..." She sighed in relief.
Lando stepped closer, holding her hand. "And miss this moment? Not even if I were in another country."
She smiled at him, feeling immediate comfort.
The anesthesiologist came over. "I'm going to give you the anesthesia now, okay?"
Y/n nodded, squeezing Lando's hand a little tighter. Once they had applied the anesthesia to Y/n's back, they carefully laid her down on the stretcher, with the surgical field positioned so that she couldn't see the procedure.
"Now we're going to start the incision. You may feel some pressure, but no pain. If you feel anything different, let us know, okay?" The doctor explains some steps.
Lando squeezed her hand gently. "It's going to be okay, love. Lola and Liam will be with us soon." Y/n looked at him, feeling stronger with those words. "You've been so strong all these months... and you're going to be an amazing mommy now."
She smiled at him excitedly. "And you're going to be the best daddy."
The procedure began with precision and speed. Lando kept his attention divided between the surgery and Y/n, observing every detail with a mixture of fascination and anxiety. The environment around him was controlled, but the tension was inevitable. He watched the doctors and nurses working in a coordinated manner, monitors emitting rhythmic sounds, surgical instruments gleaming under the bright lights.
Time seemed to drag on until the doctor announced that they were about to take Lola out. Lando immediately looked at Y/n, and the two exchanged a smile filled with emotion and pride.
"Our first baby is coming, love." He whispered, squeezing her hand affectionately.
Y/n smiled back, her chest filling with anticipation. A few seconds passed, and then she realized that Lola had already been born, but something was wrong. Silence hung over the room. The cry she had been waiting for never came.
"Why isn't she crying?" Y/n's voice was shaky, her eyes filling with dread. "Why is our Lola so quiet?" She turned her head to Lando, searching for some answer.
Lando felt his stomach churn, fear seeping into every cell of his body. "What's going on?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady, but his tone held an undeniable urgency.
One of the nurses quickly took Lola to the next resuscitation table, while another began suctioning her airway. The pediatrician, keeping his tone calm and firm, explained, âShe was without oxygen for a while, but weâre managing it.â
Y/n's eyes filled with tears. She tried to move, but Lando grabbed her hand, bringing her back to him. "Baby, calm down... they're taking care of her. She'll be fine."
The doctor looked at Y/n with concern. "We need to keep going. Liam is almost here, but we need you to stay calm so your heart rate doesn't increase too much, okay?"
Y/n closed her eyes, sobbing softly, while Lando stroked her hair, trying to comfort her.
The seconds felt like an eternity. The silence in the room was piercing. Y/n's heart was pounding, insecurity suffocating her. Lando tried to stay strong for her, but the fear of losing his daughter made him restless.
Then, a low, hoarse cry filled the room. Everyone in the room smiled, and Y/n sobbed in relief, letting out a tearful laugh.
"There you go!" The nurse smiled, looking at the couple. "I just needed a little help."
Lando sighed, running his hand over his wife's still sweaty forehead. "Our little one is already causing drama."
Y/n let out a weak laugh through her tears.
The doctor smiled at the comment and then focused again. "Liam is almost here."
"I hope this one is calmer than his sister." Lando looks at his wife, smiling.
Y/n smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. Now that she knew Lola was okay, she could breathe a little easier.
Seconds later, Liam was born, and a loud, characterful cry echoed through the room.
Y/n closed her eyes, smiling. Her babies were fine. She was fine.
"This one came in already making a fuss." Lando laughed, looking at his son over the surgical field, still holding his wife's hand.
"That's how I like it." Y/n replied, smiling weakly.
As the doctors finished the procedure, the nurses examined and cleaned the babies. One of them came over with Lola in her arms and smiled at the parents.
"Do you want to meet your little girl?"
Y/n, still lying down, turned her head and saw the nurse approaching with her little girl. Her eyes filled with tears of happiness when she saw her healthy, breathing and extremely cute daughter there.
"Hi, my love... mommy's here." She whispered, touching the baby's delicate cheek.
Lando came closer and smiled, completely enchanted. "Hi, little princess. You gave us a scare, huh?" He gently caressed Lola's cheek. "But I can see that you're going to be just like mommy... you like to keep everyone on their toes.
Y/n laughed softly, still emotional. But her maternal concern soon surfaced.
"Why is she so small?"
The nurse smiled reassuringly. "This is normal for twin pregnancies. The babies share nutrients in the womb, so they are usually smaller at birth. But she is fine, strong and healthy."
The explanation calmed Y/n, and she nodded, looking at her daughter tenderly again.
A few seconds later, the other nurse arrived with Liam in her arms and approached the other side of the stretcher, near Lando.
"Hey, champ..." Lando murmured, completely enchanted by his son.
Yin smiled, touching his cheek affectionately. "My love, look at you! So beautiful and strong!"
Liam shifted in the blankets, seemingly searching for his mother's voice, which made Y/n and Lando chuckle softly.
"They're perfect..." Y/n whispered, watching the two babies with her heart overflowing with love.
"Just like you." Lando replied, kissing her forehead affectionately.
The nurse smiled at the couple, holding one of the babies gently. "We're going to take them for some tests and monitoring while you rest, Mommy. Just in case."
Y/n blinked a few times, still feeling slightly drowsy from the anesthesia. "Will they need to stay in the neonatal unit?"
"We will evaluate, but apparently it won't be necessary. Just one night for observation."
Relief washed over her, and she nodded with a small smile. Watching them be taken away was strangeâa tightness in her chest that only eased when she felt Lando's warm hand clasp hers.
"You can go with them, love." She looks at Lando, already feeling very drowsy from the anesthesia.
Lando smiled, his eyes soft and full of affection. "I know... But first, I need to make sure my first love is okay."
He brought her hand to his lips and placed a kiss there. And then he stood by her side throughout the rest of the procedure and when they took her away for observation.
â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘
It was almost dawn when Y/n insisted on going to see them. Recovery from the anesthesia had been slow, and painkillers helped ease the pain, but the need to be with her children was greater than any discomfort.
With the help of a wheelchair and, of course, Lando, she finally made it to the pediatric ward.
Lando was different. Even with the dark circles under his eyes and the obvious tiredness, there was something about him that wasn't there before. A sparkle in his eyes, a smile that seemed impossible to contain. He looked at Yin as if he were seeing the love of his life transform before his eyes because that was exactly what was happening. She wasn't just his woman, his wife. Now, she was the mother of his children.
She held Liam in her arms, studying every little detail of the baby. He had delicate features, but the same way as Lando. His little nose, the shape of his lips, his serene expression. Everything she loved about her husband was there, condensed in that little boy who slept peacefully against her chest.
On the other side, Lando walked slowly, cradling Lola in his arms. The baby was so small that she seemed to get lost in the soft blankets they had bought for her. But her eyes were open, fixed on him, as if she already knew exactly who this man was who was holding her with so much love.
"You already know I'm your daddy, don't you, little princess?" He murmured, rocking her lightly. "I know I'm very handsome, hard to look away from."
Y/n chuckled softly, watching the scene with a smile.
"But don't get used to it, okay? You and your mom already boss me around too much, soon Liam will want to give orders too. I'll have to move to the garage." Lola just winked at him, and Lando let out a laugh. "Oh, so that's how it is? Are you going to pretend you don't understand?" He nuzzled her little face. "It's okay, I know you already love me."
The atmosphere was peaceful, with other babies nearby and a few parents sitting in the armchairs around them. The low sound of conversation and the occasional cry made the moment even more special.
Then a nurse approached with a warm smile. "There are visitors for the babies."
Y/n looked up and her heart sank as she saw, on the other side of the large glass window, the most important people in her life.
Cisca held Adam's arm, her eyes filled with tears of happiness. Y/n's father wore a proud smile, while her mother looked ready to cry. Flo, on the other hand, was restless, anxious to see her nephews.
Lando helped Y/n get up and walk to the window, with extreme care, he turned Lola in his arms so that everyone could see her. The little girl was sleeping peacefully now, surrendered to sleep, a pacifier in her mouth, which seemed almost bigger than her.
Flo smiled and spoke loudly for them to hear. "My God, that pacifier is bigger than her face!"
Lando laughed. "That's the cutest thing!!"
Christy and Cisca put their hands to their chests, completely enchanted. Y/n arranged Liam in her arms and lifted him slightly so they could see him. Her father's eyes lit up and he let out a laugh.
"He's all Lando!"
Cisca and Adam agreed, laughing. "Just like Lando when he was born!"
Y/n felt her eyes water, her heart aching at having her whole family there, even separated by glass. The squeeze of Lando's hand in hers brought her back. "They are already so loved."
She nodded, smiling excitedly. "From the first second."
Lando and Y/n exchanged a look before turning their attention back to the family.
"In a few days, you'll be able to hold them." Y/n said loud enough for them to hear.
"I can already imagine spoiling these two to the limit!" Cisca smiled.
Christy looked at her daughter, her eyes shining with pride. "You were amazing, my girl. They are perfect."
Y/n listened and smiled, feeling her heart overflow with happiness.
Lando was still talking to his family about Lola, but his attention turned to Y/n when he noticed the way she looked at the babies. Completely in love, radiant, exhausted, but happy in a way he had never seen before.
He bent down a little and touched her cheek affectionately.
"I love you, Mama Norris."
Y/n smiled, feeling her eyes fill with tears again.
"I love you more, Daddy Norris."
Lando chuckled softly, resting his forehead against hers.
Pairing: Max Verstappen x Francesca Howard (Original Character)
Summary:
Liam Lawson tries to flirt with Red Bullâs new CTO.
Turns out, sheâs Dr. Francesca Howard.
Also known as Max Verstappenâs wife.
And the mother of his son.
Oops.
Warnings and Notes:Â
....Poor Liam is really going through in this.
As always big thanks to @llirawolf , who listens to me ramble
Liam Lawson liked to think he had good instincts.
They had served him well in his racing careerâknowing when to attack, when to defend, when to push and when to back off.
But apparently, those instincts failed him spectacularly the day he walked into the Red Bull factory for his seat fitting and met Francesca Howard for the first time.
He had heard the name before, of course. Everyone in the industry had. Francesca Howardâbrilliant, ruthless, and the woman who had taken over as Red Bull Racingâs Chief Technology Officer after Adrian Neweyâs departure.
What Liam hadnât heard, however, was that she was also absolutely stunning.
She stood near the RB21 chassis, tablet in hand, deep in conversation with a few engineers. Her tone was sharp but calm, confident without arrogance, completely in control of every discussion around her.
And, Liam noted, she had a hell of a presence.
He adjusted the sleeves of his hoodie, rolling his shoulders back. He was good with first impressions. No harm in introducing himself, right?
He took one step forwardâ
And suddenly, he felt a hand grip his arm like a vice.
âNope.â
Liam turned, startled, to find Gianpiero Lambiase looking at him like he was the biggest idiot to ever walk into the Red Bull garage.
Liam frowned. âWhat?â
GP sighed heavily, like this was already too much effort. âDonât do it.â
Liam blinked, confused. âDo what?â
GP nodded toward Francesca. âWhatever youâre about to attempt over thereâjust donât.â
Liam scoffed. âIâm literally just introducing myself.â
GP leveled him with a look, looking at him like he had just tried to run slick tires in the rain. âAnd yet, Iâm still telling you not to.â
Liam folded his arms. âWhy? Is she scary?â
GP snorted. âNot to me.â
That wasnât an answer.
Liam narrowed his eyes. âAlright, whatâs the deal?â
GP sighed again, rubbing his temples like he was too old for this conversation. âLawson. I know you think youâve got game. But trust meânot this time.â
Liam tilted his head. âWhat, is she taken or something?â
GP didnât even bother looking up from his laptop as he muttered, âSomething like that.â
Liam hesitated, suddenly feeling like he was missing some critical piece of information.
But then he shook it off. How bad could it be?
âCâmon,â he said. âWhatâs the worst that could happen?â
GP sighed again, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like ârookies never learnâ before shaking his head.
âFine,â he said, stepping back and folding his arms. âDo what you want. But when this backfires, Iâm not saving you.â
Liam rolled his eyes and kept walking.
How bad could it possibly be?
At worst, Francesca Howard would roll her eyes at him and shut him down politely. No harm done.
So he straightened his shoulders and walked over.
He liked to think he was pretty smooth, after all.Â
Not in an arrogant wayâjust in a self-aware way. He had a certain charm, an easy confidence. People liked him. Women liked him.
What was the worst that could happen? Mild embarrassment? Heâd survive.
So he walked up to Francesca Howard, clearing his throat as she studied something on her tablet.
âMiss Howard,â he greeted smoothly, flashing his most easygoing grin. âLiam Lawson. Figured it was time we officially met.â
She looked up, brow arching slightly, her expression somewhere between amused and unimpressed.
âDr. Howard.â
Liam blinked. âHuh?â
Francesca tilted her head. âI have two doctorates. If youâre going to address me formally, at least get it right. Otherwise, you can just call me Francesca. Itâs my name.â
Liam froze.
Two doctorates?
Two?!
He cleared his throat. âUh. Right. Dr. Howard.â
Her smirk did not help his sudden feeling of impending doom.
Behind him, GP sighed loudly.
Liam could feel himself slipping.
Not in a physically tripping over a curb wayâthough, honestly, he wouldnât put that past himself at this pointâbut in a mentally trying to keep up and failing spectacularly way.
Francesca Howard was too smart for her own good.
Or, rather, too smart for his own good.
And she knew it.
âSo,â he started, recovering as best as he could. âTwo doctorates, huh?â
She gave him a patient smile, the kind teachers gave students who had just asked an embarrassingly obvious question.
âYes,â she said. âOne in Aerospace Engineering, one in Physics.â
Liam nodded slowly, stalling for time.
âRight. Cool. Just⌠yâknow, casual, two whole doctorates.â
Francesca smirked. âYou only need one to replace Adrian Newey. I like to be thorough.â
GP, still lurking nearby, snorted loudly.
Liam ignored him.
âWell,â Liam said, shifting his weight, trying to regain some sense of control in this conversation, âI guess itâs a good thing we have the best of the best in charge.â
Francesca hummed, looking entirely unaffected. âI know.â
Liam blinked. âYou know?â
âYes.â
âNo hesitation?â
Francesca shrugged. âWhy would I hesitate? Itâs a fact.â
Liam opened his mouth, then shut it.
Then opened it again.
Then shut it again.
There was no winning here.
Behind him, GP sighed loudly, shaking his head. âI told you, kid.â
Liam Lawson had officially lost control of this conversation.
Dr. Francesca Howardâtoo smart for her own good, owner of two doctorates, and completely unbothered by his attempts to charm herâhad thoroughly handed him his ass in a simple conversation.
And now, he was trying to figure out how to exit gracefully without admitting defeat.
(There was no graceful exit. He was so screwed.)
But before he could say anything else, a new voice cut in.
âYouâre making this too easy for her.â
Liam turnedâonly to freeze at the sight of Max Verstappen walking into the garage.
With a baby in his arms.
Liam blinked. What.
Francescaâs expression instantly softened, her entire demeanor shifting as she abandoned whatever she had been working on and zeroed in on Max and the baby.
âThereâs my boy,â she murmured, ignoring Liam completely as she reached for the baby, lifting him easily into her arms.
Liam blinked. What the hell was happening?
The babyâwho had Verstappen blue eyes and a suspiciously familiar frownâgiggled, grabbing at Francescaâs hair.Â
âDid Papa bring you to see me?â she cooed, pressing a kiss to his tiny forehead.
Max, standing there with all the smugness of a four-time World Champion who knew exactly what he was doing, crossed his arms. âHe missed you. Youâve been working too much.â
Francesca hummed, rocking the baby slightly. âThatâs because someone keeps breaking parts, Maxie.â
Max did not look even a little guilty.
Liam, meanwhile, was still trying to process the absolute madness unfolding in front of him.
Papa?!
My boy?!
MAXIE?!
âWhat,â Liam said, voice slightly higher than normal, âthe actual hell is going on?â
Francesca turned to him, just now remembering he existed.
She sighed but lifted her left hand, flashing a wedding band so obvious that Liam genuinely hated himself for not noticing it earlier.
Liamâs entire brain short-circuited.Â
âWeâre married,â she said casually.Â
Liam choked.
âYouâreâWHAT?!ââYouâreââ He pointed between them. âSince when?!â
Max grinned, looking entirely too pleased with himself. âA while now.â
Liam turned back to GP, who looked entirely unshocked by this development.
GP sighed. âTried to warn you.â
Liam needed a second.
Noâhe needed several seconds.
Because nothing about this situation made sense.
Dr. Francesca HowardâRed Bullâs new Chief Technology Officer, terrifyingly smart, and the owner of two doctoratesâwas married to Max Verstappen.
And, apparently, they had a whole baby together.
A whole baby.
Liam had spent months hearing rumors about who would replace Adrian Newey. Heâd even done his researchâlooked into Francescaâs background, her achievements, the way she was basically a walking encyclopedia of aerodynamics and engineering.
But nowhere in his research had it said, Oh, by the way, sheâs married to a four-time World Champion.
And definitely nowhere had it mentioned, They have a baby together, too.
Liam opened his mouth, then shut it. Then opened it again.
Then shut it.
Francesca, still holding the baby like he was the only thing in the world that mattered, raised an eyebrow. âYou okay, Lawson?â
Liam pointed between her and Max, looking vaguely like he was on the verge of a breakdown.
âYouâyouââ he sputtered. âThisâHow did nobody tell me this?!â
Max, clearly enjoying every second of this, shrugged. âWe donât exactly make announcements.â
âYouââ Liam gestured wildly at Francesca holding the literal Verstappen baby. ââYou have a whole kid together!â
Francesca tilted her head, unimpressed. âYes, Liam. Thatâs generally how it works when youâre married.â
Liam let out a strangled noise.
Max chuckled. âYou thought you had a chance with her, didnât you?â
Liam groaned, dragging both hands down his face.
GP, still entirely unshocked, clapped a hand on Liamâs shoulder.
âLesson learned?â GP asked, smirking.
Liam exhaled sharply, looking so very done with this entire team.
âRight,â he said finally, voice still slightly higher than normal. âSo, just to recapââ
He pointed at Max.
âFour-time World Champion, absolute menace on track, king of the grudge-holders.â
Max smirked. âCorrect.â
Liam turned to Francesca.
âChief Technology Officer, too smart for her own good, owner of two doctoratesââ
Francesca looked far too amused. âCorrect again.â
Then Liam gestured wildly at the baby.
âAnd now youâtogetherâhave a whole child?â
Francesca, unfazed, adjusted the baby against her hip. âWould you prefer we only had half a child?â
Liam let out a deeply pained groan.
Max chuckled. âYouâre making this too easy for her.â
Liam ignored him and turned back to GP, who was completely unbothered, like he had seen this exact scenario play out before.
âYou knew,â Liam accused.
GP snorted. âObviously.â
Liam threw his hands in the air. âDoes the entire team know?!â
Max shrugged. âThe ones who pay attention.â
Liam pinched the bridge of his nose. âYou know what? Forget it. I donât want to know.â
Francesca, still holding the baby like Liamâs existential crisis was just background noise, turned to Max.
âIâm assuming you didnât just come down here to break the rookie?â she asked dryly.
Max grinned. âNo, I wanted to see you. And I think Joshua missed you.â
As if on cue, the babyâJoshua, apparentlyâmade a happy babbling noise and patted Francescaâs face.
Francesca melted. âOh, my love, I missed you too,â she cooed, kissing his forehead.
Max leaned down and kissed Francesca, quick and familiar, like it was second nature.
Liam immediately looked away.
âRight,â he muttered. âNope. Thatâs enough for me today.â
Max pulled away, still looking far too pleased. âYou sure? I could tell you how we met.â
Liam pointed aggressively at him. âDonât. You. Dare.â
Max just laughed.
Liam exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down his face. âOkay. Fine. You win.â
Max raised an eyebrow. âWe were playing a game?â
âI donât know, Verstappen,â Liam muttered. âBut if we were, you won.â
Francesca, still very much focused on her baby, hummed. âI always win.â
Liam shot GP a pained look. âDoes she ever turn it off?â
GP snorted. âNope.â
Max, smug as ever, leaned in slightly. âSheâs always been this way, mate. You just had the misfortune of walking into it.â
Liam groaned. âIâm never gonna live this down, am I?â
Max grinned. âNot a chance.â
GP clapped a hand on Liamâs shoulder. âWeâll let this slide, since youâre new, but you might want to brush up on team dynamics before making a fool of yourself again.â
Francesca, finally tearing her attention away from her son, smirked at him. âYouâve learned an important lesson today, Liam.â
âOh yeah?â he deadpanned. âWhatâs that?â
Francesca tilted her head, eyes sharp with amusement. âThat Iâm completely out of your league.â
Max let out a bark of laughter.
GP clapped a hand on Liamâs shoulder, offering zero comfort. âYouâll be fine, mate. Just... maybe do your homework next time.â
Liam shot him a deeply betrayed look. âYou really let me dig my own grave, huh?â
GP shrugged. âI considered warning you. Then I didnât.â
Liam groaned. âThis is actual bullying.â
Francesca, clearly still amused, adjusted Joshua on her hip. âTo be fair, you also called me Miss Howard.â
Liam winced.
Yeah. That had been a mistake.
âRight,â he muttered, shaking his head. âMy bad, Dr. Howard.â
Max, absolutely no help at all, laughed.
Francesca pressed a kiss to Joshuaâs temple before looking back at Liam, her expression turning mockingly sympathetic. âItâs okay, Liam. Youâre not the first person to underestimate me.â
Liam groaned again.
âI wasnât underestimating you,â he muttered. âI was justââ He gestured vaguely. âI donât know! Trying to be nice!â
Max smirked. âBy flirting with my wife?â
Liam turned bright red.
âOkay,â he said quickly, backpedaling so hard he could have reversed an F1 car. âI wasnât flirting. I was justââ He waved a hand vaguely. ââbeing polite.â
GP snorted. âSure, mate. Whatever helps you sleep at night.â
Liam exhaled deeply.
Francesca, clearly having had her fun, glanced at Max. âI have a meeting soon. Can you take Joshua?â
Max nodded, easily reaching for the baby. âOf course.â
The moment Joshua was in his arms, he lit up, giggling happily as Max bounced him slightly.
Liam watched, still trying to adjust to this absolute fever dream of a reality.
Max Verstappenâthe most intense, hyper-focused, emotionally guarded driver on the gridâwas a whole dad.
And, somehow, it actually suited him.
Liam shook his head, still slightly dazed. âI need to sit down.â
Max chuckled. âYouâll get used to it.â
Liam seriously doubted that.
Francesca, still smirking, patted his shoulder. âDonât take it too hard, Liam. You never stood a chance.â
Liam groaned.
Max grinned. âWelcome to Red Bull.â
Hello there! Love your work on the Max Verstappen x reader fiction. If it isn't too much, can I request an angst based on the song " All I wanted was a coffee" by Samantha Ebert? You can decide the ending but, a gut wrenching angst with kelly is appreciated. Thank you!
I hope you like this, I tried to use the song in the way that I saw fit. The reader has many insecurities and bit of mommy issues. Mention of cuts and bleeding.
{Readerâs POV}
Max and I started dating soon after he got out of a really long relationship with his ex. With Max being a Formula One driver; the details of his past were general knowledge, did I wish I didnât know? Yes. Because in the pictures of Max and Kelly, you could see his eyes sparkled and he would smile so bright sometimes and I felt like I never got to know that Max. But every relationship is different; I couldnât compare it, could I?
Max was loving, I mean every boyfriend is. He would sometimes forget important stuff but he was a busy man with an even busier job.
But it hurt when I saw Max with P or Kelly for that matter. His eyes would light up; I just felt like crap every time he met them, but Max never noticed. At the end of the day, Max was always around P while she was growing up, it was a given she missed him, right?
It got worse when Kelly started coming to races and meeting Max. The worst was yet to come; the other girlfriends started to side eye me whenever me and Max would interacted as if Max was Kellyâs boyfriend.
I was in the bathroom when I heard them; they were talking about how Max and Kelly looked cute together, they were the model family, that Max deserved better. Kelly even talked about all the gifts he got her and P recently. I just sat there in the cubical for a very long time.
I waited, I was dumb I know but no oneâs loved me before and the fact that Max was willing to love me even for a moment felt like relief. I didn't want to let him go, I couldn't not when there was a chance he would come back.
I waited like always, Max was always away having dinner with P since she missed him. She missed him a lot ever since we started dating. I never said anything since Max was like her father figure but it hurt.
One of those nights, I was sat drinking whiskey, it was in Maxâs alcohol cabinet. The bottle was almost over. The snacks finished up soon after the third glass. I was sat on the floor, glass in hand when Max walked in. âWorldâs best dad everyoneâ I sang. âHow much did you drink?â He laughed. He laughed at me. âYou know my mother was rightâ I said, trying to get up. âShe wasnât really the best mom, now was sheâ Max commented. âYeah but she was right about a lot of things and she was right about how difficult to love I wasâ I laughed. Max looked at me with sadness in his eyes, âdonât pity me Max.... How could Kelly steal you from me?â I cried. Max said nothing. âNo no sorry sorry, how can something be stolen from me when it was never mine to begin with.â I laughed bitterly taking the last swig from my glass. âThe alcoholâs gone Max, just like your feelings for me or did you ever have them to begin with?â I slurred.
âY/N Iâ Max began. âNo Max, youâre not at fault. Itâs my fault for coming between 2 lovers. You shouldâve told me that you loved her, I wouldâve never dated youâ I cried for the first time tonight in front of Max. As I steadied myself, the whiskey bottle fell down, and I tried to pick up the pieces but ended up cutting myself. âHehe look Max Iâm bleedingâ I giggled holding up my hand. âY/N letâs clean that upâ Max said trying to hold my hand. âNO, Kelly wonât like it. Iâm not a home wrecker...or maybe I amâ I laughed bitterly. âLet me help youâ Max pleaded. âYou look at me with so much concern for the first time since we started datingâ I pointed out. Maxâs eyes bore into mine. I tried to walk away but ended up stepping on the glass. âLook Iâm bleeding from my foot now too. At least now people can see that Iâm hurt since Iâll have bandages all over me. My heart ache gets missed every time. Maybe now, they might see my hurt, for onceâ I said with fresh tears forming.
âMothers are always right. Iâm unlovable, always been. If only I was pretty, if only I was a model, if only I was thinner, if only I wasâŚ.Kelly Piquet, then you wouldâve loved me. But Iâm me, Iâm plain old difficult to love, Y/N thatâs why Iâm unlovableâ I chuckled. âLetâs go to the hospitalâ he pleaded again. âNo, Iâll take care of myself. Donât worry about me anymore. Iâll be out of your hair before you know it. Then you can have your happy ever after with Kellyâ I laughed bitterly. âDid you ever love me?â I asked. Max was quiet. âI was just a rebound wasnât I. Tell me you really loved me even for a secondâ I begged. âIâm sorry.â He said.
I grabbed my phone with my other hand while bleeding on to the floor; âdonât worry. Iâll clean your place before I leaveâ I said looking at the trail of blood I was leaving and dialled my phone calling the only person I knew in Monaco, the only person who didnât hate me or talk badly about me, Lewis. âLewis, Hi....I need to go to the hospital. Iâm bleedingâ I giggled. âAre you drunk? How did you hurt your self? Where are you?â He asked concerned. âYes, yes, home no wait, Maxâs homeâ I answered. I heard him sigh. âWhere Max?â He asked. âHeâs hereâ I said looking up at Max. âAsk him to take you now?â Lewis suggested. âNO, we broke up, and ex-boyfriendâs donât take their ex-girlfriendâs to the doctorâ I explained. âWhat?â He asked shocked. âPlease Lewis, it hurts. Can you come soon?â I asked. âIâll be there soonâ Lewis said and cut the call. I sat there and looked at Max, âThe whiskey tasted sweet as always and you sobered me up so fastâ I sighed looking at the mess I had made.
Lewis came to take me to the hospital; he did not speak to Max. I guess even he knew what was going on. I didnât see Max again after that either.
summary: charles has been a bit too distant during your pregnancy, and what max said about his own child brought some ugly truths to the surface, hurting you in the process. charles realises his mistake, but it's just too late for you to believe him.
pairing: husband! charles leclerc x fem! pregnant! wife! reader
part two!
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The quiet unlocking of the door was what had woken you, Charles was sure of it. He hadnât wanted to, mostly because he knew heâd say something stupid and piss you off. He wouldnât mean to, but he would. Thatâs what the start of the season was, thatâs what becoming a father was, thatâs what the stress did to him.Â
âHey handsome,â you smiled sleepily from the coach, all bundled up in blankets as some random Netflix series played on the screen.Â
âHey beautiful,â he exhaled harshly, then turned to you, (fake) smiling. âYou alright?â
You nodded. âJust tired,â you yawned. âWant to head to bed?â
He nodded with a groan. âYes, please.âÂ
He helped you up off the couch and it hit him how close you were to giving birth. You were in the third trimester, heavily pregnant with a slightly complicated pregnancy. He grimaced when he saw you grabbing your back in pain.Â
âAlright?â he asked as you winced.Â
You took a deep breath and continued on to your bedroom. âFine,â you said through gritted teeth, the pain easing.Â
He led you over to your side of the bed and helped you lie down. He pressed a kiss to your forehead and turned out the lights, ready to sink into his side of the bed after his exhausting day.Â
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He woke up to the sound of vomiting. It wasnât usual to hear, but it had gotten less frequent as the pregnancy went on. âYou alright baby?â he called out.Â
His question was met with more vomiting. He huffed as he pulled himself out of bed and walked to the bathroom, looking at you hunched over the toilet. He frowned and knelt beside you, holding your hair. After another few minutes the vomiting stopped and you looked up at him, exhausted and sick.Â
âFeels any better?â he asked. You shook your head and he frowned again, pulling you into his chest. He smoothed a hand through your hair as you leant against him, trying to calm yourself down. âItâs alright,â he soothed. âYouâre alright.âÂ
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Brunch was going to be hell on earth for both of you, but you still both dressed up and got in the car, pretending to be excited about the family luncheon.Â
âCan you believe Max said he wouldnât miss a race for the birth of his baby?â you scoffed, scrolling through your phone as Charles drove to his motherâs house. âPoor Kelly.â
Charles gulped beside you. Heâd been dreading this conversation for weeks, unsure when to have it. Itâs not that he didnât want to be there for the birth of his child, he did, badly, but he couldnât throw away championship points for anything. Heâd make an exception if it was a sprint race, but other than that⌠he couldnât chance it. âWell, he has a good reason to,â he shrugged nervously.Â
You turned your head to him, shock painting your features. âAre you joking right now?âÂ
Charles shrugged. âNot really. Heâs the World Champion and he needs to stay on top this year, especially if itâs his last year, which heâs thinking it might be. I understand where heâs coming from.â
You were both quiet for a minute, taking in what heâd said.Â
âSo what about us?â you asked in a small voice.Â
âYouâre due on a non-race week,â he shrugged. âWe just hope she doesnât come earlier than that.âÂ
He didnât dare look over at you, scared of what he might see. He knew this was selfish, but he couldnât piss away his chance at being champion, not when heâd worked his entire life for it, not when his parents, family, and friends gave up so much. Â
âOh,â you breathed out, trying to stop yourself from crying. âAlright then.âÂ
The rest of the car ride was silent, you watched the streets of Monaco whip by you as Charles drove up to his motherâs house, and you thought. Thought about giving birth alone. Thought about how Charles had promised you heâd be there. Thought about how shitty it felt to be second to his job. You wiped your unshed tears away before you walked inside.
When you walked inside, Pascale instantly knew something was wrong. Charlotte immediately took you away to chat together, and Lorenzo was too busy giving out to Arthur about breaking up with Jade to notice, but Pascale noticed. She saw the way Charles watched you from across the room, trying desperately to catch your eye, to gauge your reaction, something.Â
She pulled him aside. âWhatâs wrong?âÂ
He sighed. âMaman, itâs nothing-â
âWhat did you say to your wife?â he demanded. He looked down, ashamed. He knew he was in the wrong, but he still felt justified, though that justification was slowly dwindling.Â
âWe were talking about how Max wouldnât miss a race for his baby, and I said Iâd do the same,â he admitted.Â
âExcuse me?â Lorenzo inserted himself in the conversation. âWhat the fuck is wrong with you?âÂ
Arthur was even looking at him in disgust, Arthur. âCharles, thatâs not right-âÂ
âYou donât get to talk, alright?â he shot at his younger brother, who quietened out of shock. âAnd what else am I supposed to do? Every single year in Formula One I feel the championship falling away from me! Y/n understands-â
âShe shouldnât have to,â Pascale interjected. âDo you want that little girl? The one your wife has been carrying without complaint for 8 months?âÂ
Charles nodded vigorously. âOf course I do-!âÂ
âSo you should be there for the woman whoâs carrying her! She has been pregnant basically on her own for the past 8 months, either you were racing, or training, or enjoying your break - which meant doing extreme sports that she cannot do! That woman loves you too much to see how youâve been treating her, and itâs sad, Charles. She does everything for you, and youâre even entertaining the idea of not being there for her while she goes through possibly one of the most painful experiences of her life? Are you insane?â she argued, shocked at her own son's selfishness. âIf you cannot see that the woman you love is more important than a race win, you should really just let Y/n go and find a man that actually loves her. Not one who is more focused on his personal goals than the goals of his family. Your father and I raised you to be a racer, yes, but first and foremost we raised you to be a good person. And being a good person means being a good husband and father to your family, which is just starting.âÂ
Charles stood there for a moment in silence, ashamed of his behaviour. âYouâre right.âÂ
âI know I am,â she scoffed. âGo make it right with Y/n, now.âÂ
Charles scurried off to find you in the garden with Charlotte, she had her arms around you as you explained everything that had happened, how distant Charles had been, what heâd said about the birth, everything. Charlotte sent him a particularly withering look as he stepped out into the sun, and he knew he deserved it.Â
âCan I talk to my wife?â he asked, standing behind you.Â
âSheâs busy right now Charles,â Charlotte scoffed. âIâm just trying to calm her down from crying. Come back later.âÂ
His heart broke slightly, he knew youâd been taking the burden of the baby a lot more than he had (obviously), and he thought he was being gracious by not bringing it up. He thought he was doing the right thing by giving you space, but he was just subconsciously trying to ignore the fact that his life was going to change drastically and that he was scared. Still, he never thought heâd be the one to make you cry.Â
âPlease,â he begged.Â
You gave Charlotte a nod, and she smiled at you sadly, then left you to talk. He took the seat she had been sitting in and placed a hand on your thigh. âIâm sorry,â you whispered. âIâm ruining the whole day.âÂ
His heart actually broke then. He was being a dick, he was in the wrong, and you were apologising. What the actual fuck? He shook his head, squeezing your thigh. âNo. If anyone ruined today, it was me. My selfishness has been ruining this entire pregnancy for you,â he admitted. âAnd Iâm sorry.âÂ
You stared up at him in shock.Â
âYouâve been doing this on your own since day one, and thatâs my personal failing. Iâm sorry that I was so⌠distant. I was busy getting in my own head about my career, when the most important thing was right in front of me. Iâm sorry, and I hope youâll forgive me,â he took your hand and squeezed, looking at the ground.Â
âCharles, I know what I signed up for when I married you,â you admitted, dropping his hand. âI know youâre ambitious, I know you want to win, and I know you wonât stop until youâre the best. Sometimes it just⌠gets to me that Iâm not enough for you, that our family isnât enough for you. Itâs just⌠hard sometimes, alright? And if Iâm being honest this is a bit too much too late. I know my place in your life, and Iâve accepted it. I just hope you prioritise our daughter more than you prioritise me,â you tearfully explained before getting up and going back inside.Â
Was that really the standard heâd set for the love of his life? Surely not? He had to fix this, and quick.
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ferrari masterlist
pairing: max verstappen x rbr!engineer!reader
summary: the rb21 is unfixable-the whole world knows that, now-but you've become so much more than just his engineer and they should know that too.
a/n: i just...max verstappen...and thank you guys sm for the love you've shown this series! here is the last part <3
part one / part two / part three
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The moment you step out of the storage room-you figured that out when Max shoved you against a nice metal rack and some probably important things crashed to the ground-reality crashes down on you like a tidal wave.
You just kissed Max Verstappen.
Max Verstappen just kissed you.
You don't know how it can get worse, but it will. He looks completely at ease, like he didn't just change the trajectory of your entire life in the span of a few heated seconds. Meanwhile, you feel like you're about to combust. Your lips are still tingling, your mind racing, and youâre suddenly hyperaware of the noise outside: the team is still celebrating, the media is still circling, and maybe you're being a little dramatic but people will want answers that you can't give.
Max notices your panic before you can even say anything. He leans in slightly, lowering his voice. "Breathe."
You shoot him a glare that lacks any real venom. "Don't tell me what to do."
His lips twitch. "Then don't look like youâre about to pass out." Which is ironic, because if he hadn't kissed you senseless, you probably wouldn't look like...whatever you look like right now. You need a mirror. Your hair is all messed up from the frenzy-his is too, though it suits his post-race look-and you straighten the collar of your shirt.
Damn you. You shove past him, desperate for space, for air, for something that isn't Max Verstappen and his infuriating ability to act like everything is fine. Your body betrays you, though, because even as you move, you feel his warmth lingering, his presence like a gravitational pull you canât escape.
And then, as if the universe is determined to make your life a nightmare, Christian Horner appears. The devil himself.
You barely manage to school your expression into something neutral as he approaches, eyes sharp, mouth set in a line that promises nothing good.
"Max." He nods at Red Bull's star driver before turning to you. "We need to talk."
Max doesn't move. "She's busy," he quips.
You whip your head toward him, eyes wide. "Max."
Christian doesn't look amused. "Now."
You sigh, throwing Max one last look before following Christian into one of the back offices. The second the door closes, he lets out a heavy breath and pinches the bridge of his nose like he's trying to will away a migraine.
"You know why we're here."
You cross your arms, steeling yourself. "If this is about that stupid interview-"
"Stupid?" Christian cuts you off and his eyes narrow quickly. "Do you have any idea what you just walked into? The media is losing it. The fans are in a frenzy. And now I have PR breathing down my neck asking if Max Verstappen is in a relationship with one of his engineers."
This isn't good. No, not at all. Today is not a good day to have Christian Horner mad at you. "It's not-"
"It doesn't matter what it is," Christian interrupts. "Believe me. The only thing I care about is what it looks like."
You don't have an argument for that. Because he's right. Perception is everything in this sport, and right now, the perception is that you are tangled up in something that no team principal wants to deal with.
Christian sighs and it's like all his fury is evaporating. "Look. I really don't care what you do in your personal life. I don't even care what Max does, as long as he keeps winning. But I need to know if this is going to be a problem."
You hesitate. "Define 'a problem.'"
Christian levels you with a look. "Are you going to be a distraction? To him? To yourself?"
Your mind flashes back to the kiss, to the way Max looked at you like you were the only thing in the world that mattered in that moment. Your heart stutters.
"No," you say, more firmly than you feel. "This doesn't affect my work."
Christian watches you for a long moment, then nods. "Good. Then handle it."
You swallow. "Handle it?"
"Either shut it down or control the narrative," he says. "But I don't want any more surprises."
You nod, even though you don't know what exactly you're affirming with that nod. The problem is, you don't know if you can shut it down. You don't know if you even want to.
When you leave the office, Max is leaning against the wall, waiting. Of course he is.
He leaps up when he sees you. "What did he say?"
"That I need to handle it," you explain.
Maxâs expression doesnât change. "And are you going to?
"I donât know."
There it is again. You can't read Max Verstappen. He asks, "Do you want me to?"
All your problems come from the same thing-you should say yes, no, whatever it takes to shut down all this that's happening. You should make him go on some press circuit and laugh it off as a misunderstanding, to make sure your name isn't attached to his ever again. You should be walking away from this mess because it's not part of your job description and getting involved with an athlete never seems to end well. Even if it's Max Verstappen.
But you don't.
You never do, it seems.
Instead, you look at him: the way his jaw is clenched, the way his fingers twitch like he wants to reach for you but won't unless you let him, and you keep making the same choice.
"I think," you say carefully, "we should talk."
Maxâs lips curve slightly. "Dinner?"
You groan, shoving his shoulder. "Not helping."
His laugh is soft, but there's something else in his eyes now. Something serious. "Then letâs talk."
It's been a long time coming, but right there, you realize you're past the point of no return.
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The ride back to the hotel is suffocating. Not the air-no, the air-conditioning in Max's car is great, thankfully, because it sure cost a lot-but because Max is sitting next to you, silent, his fingers drumming against his thigh so close to you if he shifts just a little his hands will be on yours. You push that thought aside. Now's not a good time to get worked up over him. Not now.
You should say something. You should clear the air. But every time you open your mouth, nothing comes out. Instead, you replay everything in your head: the kiss, the way he looked at you after, Christian's warning, and the way Max had asked if you wanted him to handle it. Like it was his responsibility. Like he was willing to do whatever you asked, even if it meant pretending none of this ever happened.
The thought unsettles you more than it should.
"You're thinking too much."
You blink, snapping out of your spiral. Max is watching you instead of the road. Stupid, stupid.
You roll your eyes. "And youâre not thinking at all."
He smirks, eyes darting back forward for a moment before they rest on your face. "Thatâs not true. I'm thinking about dinner."
"Max, this isn't a joke." You let out a frustrated sigh, turning to face him.
"I know." He's suddenly serious, his voice quieter. "That's why we should talk. Properly. Without Christian breathing down your neck."
You hesitate. You know he's right. You can't keep avoiding this, can't pretend that what happened in the storage room didn't just flip your world upside down. But you also don't know how to have this conversation without risking everything.
Max waits patiently, letting you come to your own conclusion. He always does that. He gives you space, but never too much. Always just enough to make sure you donât run.
"Fine," you mutter. "But not dinner. We saw how that went."
He raises a brow. "Drinks?"
"No."
"A walk, then."
You sigh, but you don't argue. You suppose a walk is neutral territory. You can talk without the pressure of sitting across from him at a table, without the weight of eye contact that lasts too long.
When you arrive at the hotel, you don't give yourself time to hesitate. You step out, waiting for him, and he follows without question after tossing his keys at the valet. There's a cool breeze, and you focus on that instead of the way your fingers still tingle from where they brushed against Max's earlier.
You walk side by side, the silence stretching, but it isn't uncomfortable. It never is. Thatâs part of the problem, isn't it? It's always been too easy with him.
"I meant what I said," Max finally says. "I don't want this to be a problem for you."
"It's not that simple, Max."
"It could be."
You huff out a short laugh. "For you, maybe."
He stops walking, and you do too, turning to face him. There's something in his expression that makes your breath catch.
"I like you," he says, and your heart stutters. "And I think you like me too."
You swallow hard. "Max-"
"I know it's complicated. I know Christian is watching us like a hawk. I know you're worried about your job, your reputation." His voice is steady, unwavering. "But I'm not going to pretend this isn't happening just because it's inconvenient."
Your mouth feels dry. It does sound simple when he's saying it.
"Tell me to stop. Tell me this is nothing, and I'll walk away."
You hate him for that. Hate him for putting the choice in your hands, for making you responsible for whatever happens next.
But you don't tell him to stop. You don't say anything at all. You look at him clearly: this man you've watched grow up from a boy. You've seen him destroy things in fits of rage after bad races, you've seen him beam like the sun, and you've seen the way his eyes turn stormy oceans when they look at you. He sees you too.
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bahrain 2025 post-race interview
ââ ⢠ăťâ¸â¸
y/n đ gee, max, you're going to get to my ego
y/n đ first "my everything," then "the constant"
y/n đ and what's that about always? i don't believe that.
my mashed potato Are you referring to us or you being the constant? Because I don't believe in that either, but you have me as long as you want
y/n đ are you SERIOUSLY CHECKING YOUR PHONE DURING AN INTERVIEW
y/n đ sorry for all caps i just like it a lot when you get all romantic
my mashed potato i know â¤ď¸
ââ ⢠ăťâ¸â¸
a/n: max verstappen and 3-post series are very special to me
⪠â đđđđŚđ đ đ max verstappen x fem! reader ( fluff ) fic summary . . . You spend a season runningâfrom him, from the feeling, from everything it could become, you call it a game, a fun chase. But in the end, under the lights of Abu Dhabi, something finally gives (3.1k words)
( main master list | more of max verstappen ) ( requests )
Venice, Italy â The Balcony
Venice smells like rain and old stone, like secrets exhaled from the cracks of a city that remembers everything. The air is thick with the ache of something ancient, ghost stories that cling to damp bricks and kiss your skin when youâre not looking. The Grand Canal glimmers below like a mirror that only reflects the past, gondolas gliding with a lazy elegance that belies the electricity in your chest.
You're on the balcony, fingers curled around cold iron, your silk dress slipping from your shoulder like itâs trying to escape before the storm hits. But the storm isnât in the sky. Itâs behind youâsix feet of tension and temptation, wrapped in Dutch stubbornness and Red Bull blue.
âYou keep finding me,â you murmur without turning, eyes on the water, on the world, on anything but him. But your voice is softer than your smirk, tinged with something dangerously close to longing.
Max steps closer, his presence like thunder. You can feel it before you hear it. The air tightens.
âYou keep running,â he says, each word low and even, but thereâs something trembling beneath the surface. A ripple in the calm. A warning.
You turn just enough to meet his gaze, and it hits youâharder than it should, as always. That ridiculous face of his. Beautiful in a brutal kind of way. All edges and sharp lines softened only by the strange gentleness he saves for you alone. His eyes, glacial and guarded with the world, melt when they land on you.
And you hate that you love it.
âIt wouldnât be fun if I didnât,â you say, letting your smile curl slow and wicked like the smoke of a dying candle.
Heâs too close now. The kind of close that sets off every alarm in your body but makes you want to stay anyway. He plants his hands on either side of you, caging you in without touching youâjust heat and threat and want, radiating off him in waves.
âYou left me in Amsterdam,â he says, voice a blade that nicks something just beneath your collarbone. âAgain.â
You arch a brow. âPoor baby. Did you miss me?â
His jaw ticks, eyes darkening just a touch. He doesnât answer. Doesnât blink. Doesnât flinch.
And that silenceâit says everything.
Your heartâs racing, traitor that it is. You wonder what would happen if you said yes. If you told him you missed him too. If you told him you keep running not to escapeâbut to be chased.
âTell me,â Max whispers, his breath a brush of fire against your mouth, âdo you ever miss me?â
You donât speak.
You kiss him.
And the second your lips crash into his, itâs war. His hands fly to your waist, your hair, your jawâgripping like heâs terrified youâll vanish again if he lets go. You drag your fingers through his hair, yanking just to hear that sound he makes when he loses control.
Heâs never gentle with his love. Itâs always been a wildfire. And thisâthis is an inferno. Burning every city youâve touched, turning history into ash.
But you let him.
You always let him.
Paris, France â The Empty Bed
The morning is quiet in that cruel way only Paris knowsâsilver light slicing through the curtains like judgment, the kind that peels back the night and asks, what did you think this was?
Max wakes slowly, the warmth of dreams evaporating as his fingers search for you in the sheets. Heâs still half-asleep when he reaches out, expecting the curve of your waist, the softness of your thigh, your breath dancing against his neck.
But all he finds is cold linen.
And silence.
His eyes crack open, and the room tells him the story before his brain does.
Youâre gone.
Again.
The pillows still hold the ghost of your perfumeâamber and something floral, sweet and defiant. The scent clings to the air like a dare, like a memory that refuses to leave, and it makes his chest tighten in that infuriating way only you can.
The sheets are twisted, evidence of a night spent tangling and unraveling. His hoodie is draped across the armchairâyours now, apparently, because you steal things you donât ask for. Like hoodies. Like hearts.
On the nightstand, he sees it. That familiar scratch of your handwriting, scrawled in black ink on hotel stationery like you were in a rushâor maybe you just didnât care.
Je tâaime bien plus quand tu dors. I like you much more when you sleep.
He stares at the note for a moment too long. Not blinking. Not breathing. Not sure if he wants to laugh or scream.
âFucking hell,â Max mutters, dragging a hand over his face. His voice is low, wrecked from sleep and something worse.
You always do this. Slip away while the world is still dim, while his guard is down. Like a thief who only wants the thrill of the chase, not the prize. Never the prize.
And he should hate it. Hate you. Hate the games, the vanishing acts, the lipstick on his collar and the cigarette burns in his soul.
But he doesnât.
Instead, he sits up, bare-chested and exhausted, the note still in his hand like a brand. His thumb smudges the ink, and it feels like desecration, but he doesnât stop. He never stops.
He reaches for his phone, voice steady even as his pulse betrays him.
âCall Lena,â he says to no one in particular, to the room, to the ghost of you still echoing in the corners.
A pause. Thenâ
âBook me a flight to Tokyo.â
Tokyo, Japan â The Hotel Room
The door clicks shut behind you with a soft finality.
Tokyo hums behind the glass, neon lights bleeding into the night like bruisesâred, violet, electric blue. The air tastes like rain and sakura petals, like a story just starting even though itâs been written a hundred times before.
And heâs already there.
Max Verstappen, framed by the window like something out of a fever dream. Arms crossed. Eyes unreadable. Jaw tight. Still wearing Red Bull team gear, like he came straight from the paddock, still humming with engine heat and fury and the weight of a thousand expectations. But none of them matter now.
Not here. Not with you.
Your pulse stutters in your throat. Just a beat.
âYouâre in my room,â you say, voice even, but thereâs something sharp under the surface. Surprise, maybe. Or dread. Or hope youâre not ready to name.
He doesnât flinch. Doesnât move. Just watches you with that lookâthe one thatâs both fire and glacier, the one that melts and freezes you in the same breath.
âThis is new,â you say again, a touch more amused this time.
âYouâre predictable.â His voice is calm. Icy. Like he rehearsed this moment on the plane. âEvery time you run, you come here.â
You click your tongue, letting the silence stretch as you cross the room, hips swaying, heels clicking against the polished wood like punctuation marks in a poem no one dares read aloud.
âAnd yet . . .â you purr, eyes glittering, âyou still chase me.â
You reach outâjust the ghost of a touch, fingers aiming for his collar, for something realâand thatâs when he moves.
Fast.
His hand closes around your wrist, not hard but firm, pulling you into him like gravity always wins.
Suddenly, itâs skin on skin. Heat on heat. Breath shared and shallow. Youâre close enough to feel the thunder of his heart. Or maybe itâs yours.
âI donât want to chase anymore,â he says, low and rough and dangerous.
Your smirk wavers, just for a second. A crack in the mask. âThatâs a shame.â
You twist, slipping from his grasp like smoke between his fingersâlike you always do.
But Max follows. He doesnât give you space to run this time. He crowds you back, herding you across the room with silent fury until your back hits the glass. Tokyo sprawls out behind you in chaotic beauty, but all you see is him.
âYou think this is a game?â he growls, voice like gravel wrapped in velvet.
Your eyes narrow. Your chin tilts up like a dare. âIsnât it?â
His hands land on your hips. Not to restrain. To anchor. To remind.
âNot to me.â
Then he kisses you.
Not gently. Not sweetly.
He kisses you like punishment. Like confession. Like heâs empty and youâre the only thing that can fill the void.
Itâs teeth and tongue and fingers in hair. Itâs breath stolen and given back. Itâs every late-night call, every whispered donât go, every bruised heart and burning look. Itâs everything heâs never said carved into the curve of your lips.
When you finally pull apart, gasping, dizzy, wreckedâ He doesnât let go.
And for once, neither do you.
Monaco â His Apartment
It took a lot to get you here.
Phone calls you ignored.
Voicemails left in the middle of the nightâraspy and tired and a little desperate.
A dozen texts that never quite said please, but every word was laced with it.
And finally, Max himself. At your door. Rain-soaked and stubborn. Eyes wild with something too tender for a man like him.
He said your name like a confession. Said come with me like a vow. Said I donât want to chase anymore with his voice cracking like the sky.
And somehow . . . you said yes.
So now youâre here.
Wrapped in one of his hoodies, perched on his marble kitchen counter like a question heâs still afraid to answer. The sleeves swallow your hands, and the hem brushes your bare thighs. You look too soft in his space. Too dangerous.
Because this isnât a hotel.
It isnât Tokyo or Madrid or a back alley in Singapore.
Itâs his home.
And the sunlight in Monaco is different.
Softer. Gentler.
Less about the thrill of pursuit, more about the ache of what comes after.
Max moves through the kitchen like heâs done this beforeâlike this is normal. Like you are.
Heâs barefoot, hair still damp from the shower, eyes focused as he flips something in a pan with the kind of precision that usually only lives on race tracks.
Itâs unnerving.
This quiet. This domesticity.
The hum of something almost peaceful blooming in your chest.
You stare. Unblinking. Curious. Like he might vanish if you stop.
âWhy are you looking at me like that?â he asks, without turning around.
You hum, stretching lazily, your back arching like a cat in sunlight. âIâm trying to decide if youâre real.â
That gets him. He turns, spatula still in hand, expression unreadable but eyes locked on you like youâre the only fixed point in the world.
âAnd?â
You swing your legs. Feet bare. Heart not quite. âJuryâs still out.â
He huffs a laugh, low and warm, shaking his head like youâre something ridiculous and holy all at once. He mutters something in Dutch under his breathâsomething you canât quite catch but feel all the same.
But heâs smiling. Small. Barely-there. Real.
And it hits you, quietly, like all the best truths do:
This is what it looks like when a wildfire learns to stay.
The CĂ´te d'Azur â Mid-Summer
Youâve never spent more than one night with Max.
Itâs always been fleeting. A few hours wrapped in linen sheets, breathless silences in penthouse suites, the distant hum of a city that never quite felt like yours. Always a whisper of what could beânever enough time to see it through.
But then summer arrives like a dare. And somehow, he convinces you to stay.
At first, you think itâs a trap. Some beautiful illusion disguised as realityâa mirage with his arms around you and the Mediterranean just outside the window.
But the days bleed into one another with startling ease.
Mornings become late afternoons.
Late afternoons become dinners on the balcony, wine-stained laughter and fingers interlocked beneath the table.
And suddenly, youâre not counting hours anymore.
Youâre just . . . here.
And itâs disorienting. The way he touches you nowâlike youâre made of something delicate. Not fragile like glass, but rare like a secret he never wants to lose. Like heâs not trying to catch you anymore, just hold you. Just keep you close enough to memorize the shape of your stillness.
One afternoon, you find yourselves on a quiet stretch of beach.
The sun melts over the horizon in shades of gold and fire, and Max lies beside you, one arm flung carelessly across his eyes, the other tracing patterns on your stomach. His fingers are lazy. Warm. Reverent.
âStay,â he murmurs, almost too softly to hear.
You glance sideways, catching the shadow of him behind golden lashes. âI already am.â
He turns, props himself up on an elbow. The sand clings to his skin. His voice, however, is clean and clear.
âNo.â Thereâs a catch in the word. âStay after this.â
The wind tugs at your hair. The sea sighs behind you. And your throat tightens like it always does when he shifts the rules of the game.
âMaxââ
âIâll win for you,â he says, sudden and sharp. Like a promise heâs been holding on his tongue all week.
âEvery race. Every championship. Iâll give you everything. Whatever it takes. Just . . . donât leave.â
You let out a soft, startled laugh. Because what else can you do? He already wins. He already conquers the world at 300 kilometers per hour.
âYou already do that,â you say, your voice a breath away from shaking.
He shakes his head, brushing a thumb across your cheek, his touch feather-light but grounding. âNot for me,â he whispers. âFor you.â
And godsâitâs terrifying. The way he says it. Like itâs simple. Like it doesnât change everything.
Because you were never meant to be loved like this.
Not so completely. Not so sincerely.
You were born to run. To vanish. To slip between fingers and leave only the echo of your laughter behind.
But lying there, in the afterglow of a half-formed future, Maxâs heart beating steady against your shoulder, your fingers tangled in the space where promises go to rest . . .
You wonder. And yet. Maybe you donât want to run anymore. Maybeâfor onceâyou want to stay.
Round Fourteen â Singapore
It took weeks for Max to convince you.
Calls that stretched into the early morning. Messages you left on read. Voice notes you almost didnât listen to. He begged without shameâtold you he didnât care if you stayed in the paddock or the hotel or halfway up Marina Bay Sandsâhe just wanted you there.
And god, you wanted to say no. But the way he said your name made it sound like home. So you came.
You wore black. Slipped into the paddock with quiet grace and sunglasses big enough to hide the hesitation in your eyes. Max spotted you immediatelyâgrinned like the sun came back just to light up the weekend.
He kissed you like heâd already won.
But then Sunday came.
And Max didnât.
The win streak snapped like a rubber band, loud and cruel. A slow pit stop, a strategy that unraveled, traffic that swallowed him whole. He didnât even make the podium.
And the thing isâyou didnât care.
You didnât care about the trophy or the points or the standings. You only cared about himâthe way he clenched his jaw, the way he avoided your eyes after the race, the way his hand slipped from yours before you could ground him in something softer.
But somewhere in the mess of post-race silence, a horrible thought bloomed.
You ruined it.
You, with your cursed presence and clumsy heart. You broke the rhythm. The magic. The momentum. He had begged you to come, and you came, and he lost.
So you left.
Quietly. No note this time. No cryptic French.
Just your absence. Your perfume in the sheets. Your toothbrush missing from the sink.
And when Max returned to the hotelâtired, aching, and already looking for youâyou were gone.
He stared at the untouched wine glass you left behind and felt the loss like a punch to the ribs. And then he assumed the worst.
She left because I didnât win.
Because thatâs what you do, right? You chase winners. You haunt champions. You donât stay for failure.
Something cracked open inside him that night. Not anger. Not even grief. Something quieter. Something hollow.
So he did what he always does.
He drove.
Japan. Qatar. Austin. Mexico. Brazil. Vegas.Â
Every race, he drove like he could undo the loss in Singapore. Like he could put the broken thing between you back together with lap times and champagne.
And he won.
God, did he win.
But every time he looked up at the crowdâat the garage, the grid, the VIP loungeâ You werenât there.
No slow smile behind oversized sunglasses. No click of heels across the concrete. No ghost.
Max kept driving. But the victory never tasted sweet again.
Abu Dhabi, The Final Race
Lap 58 of 58.
Nineteen wins. A season written in gold and sweat.
A symphony of records shattered, rivals silenced, legends carved into carbon fiber.
Max takes the checkered flag like a man possessed. Not with hunger. Not with fury. With purpose.
He parks the car. Throws the wheel aside. Climbs out to the roar of a world on its feet.
And still, he feels . . . incomplete.
Until he sees you.
Not in the VIP suite.
Not hidden behind tinted paddock glass.
Youâre on the other side of parc fermĂŠâleaning against the rail, heels digging into the concrete, that unmistakable silhouette framed by twilight and floodlights.
For a second, he thinks heâs hallucinating.
The ghost heâs been chasing all season.
But then you tilt your head, and that teasing, infuriating smile curves across your lipsâso real it knocks the wind out of him.
You came.
You came to him.
And god, it guts himâbecause for once, youâre not the one disappearing into the smoke and silence.
Youâre not the one he has to run after.
This time, you found him.
Heâs still standing on the podium when his eyes catch yours again.
They hand him champagne. He barely notices.
His gaze never leaves youânot through the anthems, not through the trophy lift, not through the artificial rain of celebration.
Because nothing else matters. Not the title. Not the cameras. Youâre here.
Later, in the half-lit quiet of his hotel suite, you walk toward him like a slow exhale, barefoot and sure, wearing one of his shirts like you never left in the first place.
You press a kiss to his jaw, soft and smug. âYou look hot when you win.â
Max laughs, breathless, the sound cracking open something inside him.
âI win for you,â he murmurs, mouth brushing your skin.
You donât run.
You donât vanish with the sunrise.
You stay.
Fingertips in his hair, lips at his throat, body tucked into the space beside him like you were made to be there all along.
And maybeâjust maybeâthe chase is finally over.
Or maybe . . .
Maybe this is what it feels like when you both stop running.
Summaryâ Max has to say goodbye to the little sister he took under his wing
The beginning of this fic is based on this video
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP81gqepM/
Taggingâ @ironmaiden1313
Warning character death sad angsty read at your own risk
Max sat on the chair next to y/n's bed looking down at the girl. His friendship with her was important as she was like a little sister to him. Even then he saw himself in the younger girl â another version of him, hardworking and dedicated to the sport.
Max always thought Y/n would make it to Formula One if it wasnât for the accident. She would have been a possible contender for the second Red Bull seat, which Max would do anything to make happen. Just like heâd do anything to wake her up.
He thought back to when they had that interview when y/n joked saying that âMax wasnât allowed to retire until they were teammates,â something that he was fine with.
"Hi, I'm Max Verstappen, and I'm a Miami taxi driver," Max joked. Y/n smiled at the camera and introduced herself, "Hi, I'm Y/n l/n, and I'm an F1 academy driver."
The two drivers were seated in the rear of the car, with Max holding a can of Red Bull, and Y/n clutching her water bottle. They both were wearing a Red Bull team polo shirt and a hat to match.
Max turned to Y/n and teased, "That sounded better than my intro," which led to a chuckle from both of them. "Stroopwafels or Poffertjes?" Y/n asked, sparking a friendly debate. "I would go with Stroopwafels, but that's only because I think I had too many Poffertjes when I was growing up," Max replied with a grin. The interviewer then asked about their most memorable races.
"For me, it's Barcelona because my first win was there," Y/n said, smiling and nodding her head. "Winning my first Formula 1 race, as well " Max responded with enthusiasm. "That was your first win in Barcelona, right?" the interviewer clarified. "Yep, Barcelona is good to us," Max confirmed, looking over at Y/n. "Yeah, Barcelona is good to us," Y/n chimed in.
The memory of the thrilling moment lingers vividly in her mind. She vividly recalls the exhilarating instant she surpassed Lia Block just as they crossed the finish line, securing first place. Her veins pulsed with adrenaline as she gingerly rose from the car, feeling the weight of her legs and the trembling sensation. With a triumphant smile, she emerged from the car and dashed toward the barrier where her team awaited, leaping into the air amidst the cheering crowd. Y/n's heart pounded wildly in her ears, reminiscent of the thundering sound of galloping horses in full stride.
The interview moved on to discussing their racing career and their experiences. Y/n shared how she started in karting and worked her way up through the motorsport ladder. Max chimed in, recalling his karting origins as well as the passion and dedication throughout his journey. The interviewer asked, "What's the best part about being a driver?"
Max answered, "It's the adrenaline rush of racing and the feeling of success when you win a race." "I agree," Y/n added. "The thrill of racing and the satisfaction of improving." The interview continued, and the conversation shifted to their off-track lives.
"What's your favorite pastime outside of racing?" the interviewer asked. "I like to relax and spend time with friends and family," Y/n replied. Max chuckled and added, "I'm a bit of a video game enthusiast."
"I've learned that playing video games requires as much focus and skill as racing," Y/n teased. "So, Max, any special someone in your life?" the interviewer jokes, prompting smiles from both drivers.
Max chuckled and jokingly replied, "Yeah, my two cats." Y/n joined in, chiming in with, "I have a goldfish, does that count?" Causing everyone around them to laugh at her statement. The interview took a lighthearted turn as they began discussing their favorite tracks and memories.
"Apart from Barcelona, what's your favorite track?" the interviewer asked. "Spa," Y/n responded without hesitation. "The Belgian crowds are amazing, and it's a historic track."
Max nodded, adding, "Spa's a good one. For me, it's hard to beat my home track, Zandvoort."
âOooh I love Zandvoortâ y/n responded with a gleam in her eyes. Max grinned, looking at Y/n's enthusiasm. "I knew you had good taste in tracks," he teased. "Zandvoort has a unique atmosphere, and the fans are passionate." The interview moved on to questions about their relationship, and the conversation took a more serious turn. "It's no secret that you two have a close relationship," the interviewer said. "How would you describe your bond?" Max looked at Y/n, waiting for her to respond. Y/n smiled and spoke with confidence, "We're like siblings. We know each other inside and out, and we can rely on each other no matter what." Max added to her answer, saying, "We support each other both on and off the track. It's a rare connection, and I'm grateful for it." The interviewer smiled and nodded âAnd lastly do the two of you see yourselves as teammates in the future?â They asked.
Max looked at Y/n, and they both smiled before Max responded with a hint of determination. "That's the plan. Y/n and I have been working together for years, pushing each other and learning from each other. Together, we could make history." Y/n nodded in agreement.
âI also told Max that heâs not allowed to retire until we become teammatesâ Y/n jokes. Max chuckled and jokingly retorted, "I guess I'll have to stick around for a bit longer, then." Y/n smiled, adding, "You better keep that promise. We have big dreams to fulfill." The interviewer wrapped up the interview, expressing gratitude to both Y/n and Max for the insightful conversation. As they walked out of the studio, Max turned to Y/n. "You know, you have a way with words." Y/n shrugged, "What can I say? We're a great team." "We are," Max agreed, putting his arm around Y/n's shoulder. "But I have to admit, you saying that I can't retire until we become teammates was pretty funny."
âOh I was seriousâ Max chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Are you saying you'll try to block my retirement?â Y/n shrugged with a mischievous smile, "If that's what it takes to become teammates, then you bet I will."
Max shook his head in amused disbelief. "You're something else, you know that?"
Y/n just smiled, enjoying the lighthearted banter between them. âTrust me Max I knowâ
Wiping away the tears from his eyes Max's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the hospital room door opening. A nurse entered, checking on Y/n's vitals and making sure everything was alright.
Taking a moment to observe the girl, Max couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Despite the steady beeping of the heart monitor, Y/n lay eerily still in her bed, her condition critical.
The nurse, sensing Max's concern, walked over to him. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder rubbing her thumb against his shoulder.
âYou should go home and get some restâ the nurse suggested in a soft but firm tone. Max scoffed at her statement he wasnât exactly in the mood for unsolicited advice from anyone at the moment.
"How is she doing?" Max inquired, his voice filled with worry, he didnât care about anything else that wasnât his friend.
The nurse glanced at Y/n's chart before responding, "Her condition remains critical, but no change so far."
Max nodded, staring at Y/n's still form, praying for some sign of improvement.
âI meant what I said before Mr.Verstappen you should go home and rest. I donât think your friend would want you to sit here and beat yourself up over something you canât control.â The nurse says with a tight-lipped smile and a soft tone.
Max turned his attention back to his friend. He reached out to hold Y/n's hand, feeling the coolness of her skin against his own.
"Come on, Y/n. You've got to pull through," Max whispered, his voice cracking slightly.
Max closed his eyes, recalling the memory of the accident vividly. He could still hear the sound of the collision and the sight of Y/n's car spinning out of control. It was a scene that he had replayed countless times in his mind.
He remembered the rush of fear and adrenaline when he first saw the accident and the way his heart stopped when he realized it was Y/n in the mangled car.
Max clenched his fists, the emotions from that day flooding back to him. The helplessness he had felt as he watched the paramedics rush to the scene, the desperate hope that she would be okay. And the sickening feeling in his stomach when he was informed of the extent of her injuries.
Y/nâs skin was covered in dark purple bruises and cuts that were covered with gauze, curious Max reached over and grabbed the folder that contained the information about Y/nâs injuries. She had eternal bruises and a fractured rib followed by two broken ones; her femur, the radius, and the ulna in her right arm were also broken. The more Max read on her injuries the more he felt sick to his stomach.
Y/n also had a small hairline fracture in her skull instinctively Max touched the side of his head from when he had his big accident back in 2021 during the Silverstone Grand Prix realizing how lucky he was. Continuing reading the charts y/n was also punctured by a piece of carbon fiber slicing through her Kidney, Liver, and aorta artery causing major blood loss the more Max read about y/n the sicker he felt.
The accident had happened during a pre-season Barcelona test. It was supposed to be just a routine session, a chance to try out some new car parts and strategize for the upcoming season.
But things went awry when Y/n lost control of her car on the rain-dampened track. Her car skidded out of control, slamming into the safety barrier with a sickening crunch.
The impact had been severe, and Max's heart stopped as he watched the chaotic scene unfolding before him. Max watched on the monitors as the medics worked on pulling her bloodied and unconscious form from the wreckage.
In that instant, Max's world had shifted. The laughter and banter they had shared just moments ago in the interview room now felt like a cruel echo of the present. As he sat by her bedside, holding her motionless hand, all Max could think about was how unfair life could be.
Somehow by the grace of god, Max was convinced that he should go home, shower, and rest. Sighing Max walked into his apartment tossing his keys onto the table by the door he was also greeted by his two cats Jimmy and Sassy who he was grateful to see.
âHi guys,â Max says squatting down to pet the cats who were happy to see their dad. âAre you hungry?â Max asked walking into the kitchen to feed the cats. Once the cats were fed and happy Max went to his bedroom turning on the light he walked over to his dresser picking out clean clothes to put on after his shower. Emptying his pockets Max plugged in his phone to charge while he was showing.
In the bathroom, Max gazed at his reflection in the mirror. He appeared worn out, with a complexion flushed and swollen from tears. His eyes were bloodshot and stung from sleep deprivation, and the dark circles beneath them were a deep shade of purple. Once Max took in his appearance he turned in the shower to the desired temperature of water and stripped out of his clothes.
The hot water felt good on his sore muscles, something Max was grateful for in that moment. He stood there underneath the water until it turned cold. That's when Max got out of the shower and got dressed. It wasnât long after his shower Max got into bed for the night sleep welcoming him as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Max was woken up by the sound of his phone ringing groaning out in exhaustion. He sat up in bed and looked at his phone to see who was calling him. Max felt his heart race at the sight of y/nâs calling him. Max immediately. Answered her phone call.
âMrs. L/n is everything alright?â Max asked, standing up to pace around his bedroom.
Max was met with silence from the other end of the phone âOh Max Iâm so sorryâ Mrs. L/n lets out shakily and Maxâs heart breaks even more than it already was.
âNo no she didnâtâ sheâs still here she has to be,â Max says in denial refusing to accept the harsh reality that his friend was gone.
"Max, I'm sorry. Sheâs gone," Mrs. L/n says, letting out a broken sob, and with a single sentence Max's whole world came crashing down around him with a choking sob and an anguishing scream.
âââ-
The warmth she felt was a kind of warmth that radiated from the sun and she also felt safe, which was kinda ironic since the last thing she could remember was her car spinning out of control just before crashing into the barrier before her whole world had gone pitch black and cold.
Opening her eyes Y/n noticed that she was lying in soft green grass looking around she noticed a group of people standing around a freshly dug grave. Confused, Y/n stood up brushing off the black dress pants she was wearing. Black pants that she didnât remember putting on hell Y/n didnât even remember how she got here in the cemetery.
The closer y/n got to the group of people she realized that these were her closest friends and family. Looking around she noticed Max who stood tall and composed, dressed in a black suit as he looked out over the funeral service. It was a beautiful ceremony, yet the grief weighed heavily in the palpable air.
As Y/n approached the group, no one seemed to notice her presence. They were all deeply immersed in the funeral service, their faces etched with grief and sadness. The air was heavy with a mix of sorrow and acceptance, a stark reminder of the reality they were facing.
Her parents were seated in the front row, silently weeping. Max stood nearby, his gaze fixed on the open grave where her coffin would soon be lowered.
Feeling out of place and utterly confused, Y/n tried to approach Max, hoping to get his attention. But as she neared him, her body passed directly through him, making her gasp in surprise.
Max didn't react, not even seeming to notice the feeling of her presence passing through him. It was a surreal and unsettling experience for Y/n, who couldn't make sense of what was happening.
a realization dawned on Y/n as she took in her surroundings, the people gathered at the funeral, and the grave that was awaiting her. She remembered the accident and the blackness that followed, the absence of any feeling or sensation.
"Am I...am I dead?" she asked aloud, her voice barely above a whisper.
The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, crashing down on her with the weight of finality. She wasn't just injured or in a coma; she had lost her life in the tragic accident.
Tears welled up in Y/n's eyes, her chest feeling tight as the reality of her situation sank in. She had been so focused on her dreams and ambitions, so determined to become a Formula 1 driver, and now it was all over.
She looked at her parents, grief-stricken and tearful, and then at Max, a man who had become like a brother to her through their shared passion and friendship.
The weight of sadness and regret settled deeply in her heart as she watched Max standing there, stoically carrying on without her. As the ceremony continued, Y/n realized that she was nothing more than a specter, an observer of the event that marked her death. She was a ghost, unseen and unheard, a silent witness.
The realization was both heartbreaking and surreal. She had dreams, aspirations, and a future that had all been snatched away in a single instant.
At that moment, Y/n just wanted to reach out and touch Max, to tell him how much he meant to her and how much she would miss him.
But she knew it was futile. She was trapped in this ghostly state, unable to interact with the living world in any meaningful way.
All Y/n could do was watch from the sidelines as her friends and family said their final farewells, her heart aching with a mixture of sorrow and longing.
Soon the funeral came to an end and y/n watched as Max placed a single flower on top of the coffin.
âVaarwel Zus,â Max says with a whisper.
As Max stepped back from the grave, the finality of the situation weighed heavily on him. Y/n saw the grief etched on his face, mingled with a sense of loss and acceptance.
"Vaarwel," Max whispered again, his voice filled with nostalgia and sadness.
Y/n watched as her mom approached Max, her voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. Tears streamed down her face, and she struggled to find the right words.
"Max," she said, her voice quivering, "Thank you for being there for my daughter. She always spoke so fondly of you. You were like family to her."
Max, his expression filled with a hint of sadness, placed a comforting hand on her mom's arm.
"Y/n was also family to me," he replied softly. "She was one of the strongest and most determined people I've ever known. I'm honored to have been her friend."
Y/n smiled faintly as she listened to their conversation. Despite the circumstances, it warmed her heart to know that Max cared deeply for her and that their bond extended beyond their shared passion for racing.
âOh Max you should have been there" She got the call for pre-season testing in Barcelona. She was so excited I've never seen her so happy Y/n was excited to become your teammateâ Mrs.L/n says
Max's eyes softened upon hearing those words. He remembered how Y/n had joked about them becoming teammates, and a pang of sadness hit him. That dream would never become a reality now.
"I remember," Max responded, his voice filled with nostalgia and regret. "She deserved that chance. Y/n had more talent and determination than anyone I knew."
Mrs.L/n nodded, tears still streaming down her face. "She looked up to you, you know."
Max looked down, guilt and sorrow filling his heart. "I should have been there to guide her, to support her. But it's too late now."
Mrs.L/n reached out to grasp Max's arm gently. "Don't blame yourself, Max. You were an excellent friend to her. Y/n was an amazing girl, but fate had other plans."
Max's eyes met Mrs.L/n's, and he saw a mixture of pain and acceptance. "I'll always feel like I could have done more. She was so young, with so much potential and ambition."
Mrs.L/n's voice trembled as she spoke again. "She had so many dreams. She wanted to make her mark in Formula 1."
"And she would have," Max said, his voice filled with conviction. "Y/n was born to race."
They stood there in silence, the weight of the loss hanging heavily. Max's mind was flooded with memories of Y/n - the laughter, the banter, the shared passion for racing. The emptiness she left behind felt immense.
The connection they had was unique, and now with Y/n gone, Max felt the absence more than ever. He could only hope that wherever she was, Y/n was surrounded by peace and happiness.
Mrs.L/n looked up at Max, gratitude filling her eyes. "You were like a brother to her, Max. Thank you for being there for her. Thank you for being a part of her life."
Max gently squeezed her arm, his voice cracking with emotion. "I was lucky to have her as a friend. Y/n was one of the best people I've ever known. She'll always be in my heart."
They stood there, two people connected by a profound loss, each silently honoring the memory of Y/n. The bond they shared, forged through their love for her, would endure with time.
Mrs.L/n hugged Max tightly, her body trembling with grief. "Please take care of yourself," she murmured. Max nodded, holding her close and providing comfort and unwavering support.
"I will," he assured her. "I'll make sure to honor Y/n's memory and continue living passionately. That's what she would have wanted."
They shared a moment of silent understanding before Mrs.L/n pulled back, her eyes still filled with tears. Max stepped back, watching as she walked towards the car with her husband and children, leaving him alone at the graveyard.
Y/n stood there with tears streaming down her face as she listened to her mom and friend talk about her. All she could do was smile sadly at the two of them as they had their conversation. She watched as her mom and Max had one last hug before parting ways.
âGoodbye, Mom I love you,â Y/n says, reaching out fingertips lightly brushing against her mom's arm causing her to falter in her steps looking over to where her daughter stood, seeing nothing she shook her head and kept walking the car.
Y/n turned to look at Max who stood firm in his position âThank you Max for everythingâ she said reaching up to try to wipe away one of his tears.
Max was overwhelmed by a sense of comfort that washed over him as If it was warm and comforting. Looking up and around, Max couldn't shake the feeling that Y/n's presence was with him. He was certain that she was right there with him.
âThank you for everything Y/nâ Max says, smiling a small smile.
âtot ziens broerâ Y/n whispers before going into the light.
Don't Blame Me | MV1
Max Verstappen x Reader
Summary: Y/N would do anything for Max, even if it means falling from grace.
Warning(s): Mild Language, Minor character death, mystery, crime, y/n is a mob boss but I didn't specify that. Max supports his girl's rights and wrongs. This is like, my 'fuck you' to the new FIA regulations. I reccomend listening to Taylor Swift's " Don't blame me" it's heavily inspired.
"And baby, for you, I would fall from grace. Just to touch your face. If you walk away..I'd beg you on my knees to stay"
The lights of Las Vegas shimmered like scattered jewels against the dark Nevada sky, their glow reflected in the streams of champagne that had soaked the paddock. The grandstands were still buzzing as fans filed out, their chants and cheers echoing in Maxâs ears even as he sat in the quiet solitude of his driverâs room.
He hadnât changed out of his race suit yetâhis gloves were tossed onto the couch, his helmet discarded on the floor beside his boots. His hands trembled slightly, a cocktail of adrenaline and raw fury coursing through his veins.
Max had been closeâso close to securing his championship. With every lap tonight, he had felt it, tasted it, seen the finish line and the trophy. But it wasnât the second-place finish that had soured his mood. No, it was what had happened after, live on international television, with millions of fans watching.
Heâd sworn at an FIA official.
The memory burned like acid in his mind, replaying on a vicious loop. The moment had been fleetingâa frustrated curse muttered under his breath during the cooldown lap, caught on a hot mic. But in this sport, fleeting moments had consequences. The fallout had been immediate. As Max sat there now, scrolling through his phone, the headlines were already popping up.
âVerstappenâs Outburst: Will the FIA Penalize the Championship Leader?â
âF1 Star Caught Swearing at Official â Points Deduction Incoming?â
âA Championship in Jeopardy?â
He tossed his phone onto the table, running a hand through his sweat-dampened hair. He could still feel the weight of the Las Vegas heat, the oppressive pressure of the race, and now the heavy burden of his own temper.
The door opened softly, and he didnât need to look up to know who it was. He would recognize her presence anywhere.
âMax?â Y/Nâs voice was warm, soft, like the first rays of sunlight after a storm.
He glanced up, his breath catching for just a moment. She stood in the doorway, radiant as ever, her tailored black dress clinging to her figure with an elegance that made her look like she belonged in a royal court, not the chaos of the paddock. Her hair framed her face in soft waves, and her sharp eyesâthe color of polished obsidianâseemed to cut straight through him, seeing everything he tried to hide.
Her beauty had always mystified him, but it wasnât just that. There was something about her, something deeper, something he couldnât quite name. It was the way she carried herself, with an effortless grace and a quiet authority that even the most powerful people respected. She was warm and affectionate with him, but beneath that, there was an edgeâa darkness he couldnât place.
But he loved her. He loved her fiercely, deeply, with every part of himself. And in moments like these, when the world felt like it was caving in, she was the only one who could steady him.
She stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. The soft click of the latch felt final, sealing them in their own little world.
âYou were amazing out there,â she said, her lips curling into a small smile as she approached him.
Max shook his head, his frustration boiling over. âAmazing doesnât matter if I lose everything because of a stupid mistake. Did you see the headlines? Theyâre already talking about a points deduction.â His voice cracked slightly, betraying the fear beneath his anger.
Y/N knelt in front of him, placing a hand on his knee. Her touch was light, soothing, but her gaze was steady. âMax,â she said softly, âyou need to breathe.â
âI canât,â he snapped, though his voice lacked venom when he looked into her eyes. âI worked so hard for this, Y/N. Theyâre going to take it away from me over One. Stupid. Word.â
Her other hand came up, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. Her touch lingered, gentle but deliberate, and Max felt his pulse quicken. She had that effect on himâalways had. There was something intoxicating about her, something that made him feel like he was standing on the edge of a precipice, ready to fall but knowing sheâd catch him.
âYouâre not going to lose anything,â she said, her voice calm but firm. âDo you know why?â
Max let out a bitter laugh. âWhy?â
âBecause youâre Max Verstappen,â she said simply, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips. âYou donât crumble. You donât let anyone take whatâs yours. And more importantlyââ She leaned in, her lips brushing against his temple as she whispered, ââbecause I wonât let them.â
A shiver ran down his spine. There was something in her tone, something unshakable and resolute, that made his anger falter.
He pulled back slightly to look at her, his brow furrowed. âWhat does that mean, schatje?â he asked, his voice quieter now, almost hesitant.
Her smile widened, but it didnât reach her eyes. There was something almost predatory in the way she looked at himâa sharpness that made his chest tighten. âIt means..you donât need to worry about the FIA. I'm sure theyâll come around.â
Max stared at her, his mind racing. There it was againâthat edge, that darkness he couldnât define. He didnât know everything about her, and sometimes that scared him. But as he looked at her now, at the fierce determination in her gaze, he felt something else: safety. No matter how mysterious or dangerous she might be, he knew she would never let anything happen to him.
âY/NâŚâ he began, but she silenced him with a kiss.
It was slow, tender, and yet there was an urgency beneath it, a fire that made him forget the chaos of the night. Her hands slid up to cup his face, and he leaned into her, his anger and fear melting away in her embrace.
When she pulled back, her lips were curved into that same enigmatic smile. âTrust me, my love,â she said. âEverything is going to be alright.â
He wanted to believe her. He did believe her. But as he watched her stand and move to the window, her silhouette framed by the neon lights outside, he couldnât shake the feeling that she knew something he didnât.
âWhat did you mean when you said you wonât let them?â he asked cautiously.
Y/N turned to face him, her expression soft again, though her eyes still held that unreadable gleam. âIt means Iâll do whatever it takes to protect you,â she said simply.
Her words should have comforted him, but instead, they sent a strange thrill through himâa mixture of awe and unease. He had always admired her sharp mind and unwavering confidence, but now, for the first time, he wondered how far she would go for him.
He stood and crossed the room to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. She fit against him perfectly, her warmth anchoring him. âYouâre incredible,â he murmured against her hair.
She tilted her head up to look at him, her smile softer now. âSo are you,â she replied. âAnd youâre going to win this championship. No one can take that from you.â
He nodded, resting his forehead against hers. âAs long as I have you, Iâll be okay,â he said quietly.
Y/Nâs smile widened, but there was something almost mischievous in it. âAlways,â she promised.
Max held her tighter, burying his face in her shoulder. He didnât see the flicker of satisfaction in her eyes, the way her lips curved into something darker for just a moment before she kissed his cheek.
Whatever storm was coming, she would handle it. For Max, she would do anything.
______________________
The hotel room was dark except for the faint glow of the moon filtering through the sheer curtains, it was quiet. Max lay sprawled on the plush king-sized bed, his body turned toward the door.
Sleep had found him reluctantly, but even now, as the faint hum of the air conditioner filled the room, his dreams flickered with images of the track and the ever-present storm of pressure swirling around him.
The soft click of the door opening stirred him slightly. His brows furrowed, and his body shifted on the bed, muscles taut for a brief second before he relaxed again. It was her. Even through the haze of sleep, he knew it was Y/N. Her steps were light, deliberate, as though she were trying not to disturb him. After all, it was past midnight, everyone was supposed to be asleep.
Max cracked one eye open, catching a glimpse of her silhouette. She slipped into the room with the quiet grace he had always admired, her figure lit faintly by the moonlight. She closed the door softly behind her, the latch clicking into place. He didnât move or say anything, caught between sleep and wakefulness, but he tracked her as she made her way to the bathroom.
The soft sound of water running reached his ears, and Maxâs lips twitched into a faint, sleepy smile. Y/N always had her routines. No matter how late it was, she would wash up, cleanse the day away before joining him in bed. Tonight, he noticed, she moved a little slower than usual, her pauses lingering as though tired and lost in thought.
The bathroom light clicked off, plunging the room back into darkness. He heard her padded steps as she made her way to the bed. The mattress dipped under her weight as she slid under the covers, her movements careful to avoid waking him.
But Max wasnât fully asleep. His eyes fluttered open slightly, just enough to catch the outline of her face as she settled beside him. The faintest scent teased his nose, and his mind stirred in curiosity. It wasnât her usual perfumeâthe luxurious, rich fragrance she always wore. No, this was something softer, floral, almost sweet. It clung faintly to her, just enough to be noticeable.
He made a quiet noise in his throat, half-formed words lost to the haze of drowsiness. Y/N turned slightly, her head shifting on the pillow, her movements almost instinctive.
âShh, baby, sorry I was lateâ she whispered, her voice a soft murmur in the dark. Her hand reached out, brushing lightly against his arm. âGo back to sleep.â
But Max, even half-asleep, couldnât resist her presence. He shifted closer, his body seeking hers as if by instinct. His arm looped around her waist, pulling her flush against him. His face buried itself in the crook of her neck, and the faint floral scent washed over him again.
âYou smell different,â he mumbled, his words slurred with sleep.
Y/N let out a soft laugh, almost too quiet to hear. âDo I?â she replied, her tone light and teasing.
Max hummed, his lips brushing against the delicate skin of her neck. He didnât have the energy to press further, the pull of sleep too strong. Instead, he kissed her there, his lips warm and lingering, a quiet gesture of affection that spoke volumes more than words ever could.
Her body relaxed against his, melting into his embrace. Max felt her fingers trace light, soothing patterns on the arm draped across her waist. He sighed contentedly, the tension he hadnât even realized he was carrying slipping away.
âI love you,â he murmured, the words slipping out before sleep finally claimed him.
Y/N didnât reply immediately, but he felt her fingers pause for the briefest moment. Then, she leaned her head back slightly, her lips brushing against his temple.
âI love you Max, I would do anything for you, anything, now go to sleep babyâ she whispered, her voice like a lullaby.
The room fell silent again, save for the soft sounds of their breathing. Y/Nâs eyes remained open for a while, staring at the ceiling, her mind far away even as her body stayed still, slowly her mouth turned into a smirk, and her eyes closed.
____________________________
The golden light of the Qatari sun filtered through the sheer curtains of the hotel room, casting faint patterns on the walls. Max stirred in the plush bed, the weight of sleep still heavy on his limbs. His mind clung to the remnants of dreams, hazy and indistinct, as the soft hum of the city below began to creep into his consciousness.
A faint vibration buzzed from his bedside table, pulling him further from the depths of slumber. With a groggy exhale, Max reached for his phone, squinting at the screen. It was a message from his teamâs media coordinator, brief and urgent:
"Turn on the news. Now."
Max frowned, the words igniting a flicker of unease in his chest. He tossed the covers aside and padded over to the television mounted on the wall. The room was still dim, the only light coming from the muted glow of the TV as he switched it on.
The screen came to life, and the familiar logos of international news outlets filled the frame. A grave-faced anchor was speaking, her voice carefully controlled yet tinged with the urgency of breaking news.
ââconfirmed that a high-ranking FIA official was found dead in his home late after midnight. Preliminary reports suggest that the death may have been caused by poisoning, though authorities have yet to release an official statement. The substance identified appears to be a botanical toxin, indicating a possible case of premeditated murderâŚâ
Maxâs heart thudded in his chest, a cold wave of disbelief washing over him. Poison? Murder? It was surreal, the kind of news youâd expect in a crime drama, not in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
The footage shifted to an image of the officialâs residence, a sleek and modern house surrounded by police cars and investigators. The camera zoomed in on a bouquet of delicate white flowers being carried out in a plastic evidence bag. The reporterâs voice continued in the background, detailing the discovery of the toxin in the flowers.
Max ran a hand through his hair, trying to process what he was seeing. His thoughts churned, tangled and scattered. He wasnât sure how long he sat there, staring at the screen in disbelief, before the soft creak of the bedroom door drew his attention.
Y/N emerged, wrapped in a hotel robe, her damp hair draped over one shoulder as she used a towel to gently dry the strands. The scent of her freshly washed skin reached him, a subtle blend of soap and something warm, clean, and uniquely hers.
Her eyes met his, and she smiled, a soft and familiar expression that always seemed to ground him. She crossed the room with effortless grace, leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead. Her touch lingered for a moment longer than usual, as if sensing the weight of his thoughts.
âWhatâs got your face looking like that?â she asked, her voice still husky from sleep.
Max gestured toward the TV, his gaze fixed on her as she turned to look. The screen was now displaying a photo of the deceased official, alongside snippets of speculation from various commentators.
Y/Nâs expression didnât change at first. She tilted her head slightly, her brows drawing together in a faint show of interest. But Max noticed the tiniest flicker in her eyesâa glint of something he couldnât quite place. It was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by her usual composure.
âWell,â she said, her tone light but thoughtful, âthatâs⌠unexpected.â
Maxâs jaw tightened. âUnexpected doesnât even begin to cover it. Poisoned flowers? It sounds insane.â
Y/N turned to face him fully, her towel draped over her shoulder now. She placed a hand on his cheek, her thumb brushing against his skin in a gesture meant to soothe.
âMaybe itâs best not to get caught up in it,â she suggested. âIt doesnât concern you, does it? You have a race to focus on.â
Her words were reasonable, logical even, but they didnât sit right. Max searched her face, his gaze lingering on the curve of her lips, the serene confidence in her eyes.
âYouâre not even a little curious?â he asked, his voice low.
âOf course I am,â she replied, stepping back toward the bedroom. âBut thereâs nothing I can do about it, and neither can you. Come on, Max. You should start getting ready.â
Max nodded slowly, though his eyes remained on her as she disappeared into the other room.
_______________________________
The sun beat down mercilessly over the circuit, its glare reflecting off the freshly polished cars and shimmering asphalt. Max stood near the paddock, his sharp eyes scanning the bustling crowd. The day was a blur of activity, with team personnel darting about, fans crowding the stands, and journalists swarming for their next soundbite. But amid the chaos, Maxâs mind was elsewhere.
He had been pulled into a whirlwind of media duties almost the moment he arrived, barely getting a moment to himself, let alone to find Y/N. The gnawing guilt was persistentâhe hated not being able to see her before the day kicked into full gear. It had become a ritual for him, a grounding moment amidst the madness of race weekends. Y/N had a way of centering him, her presence a soothing balm against the constant pressure of being the reigning world champion.
He sighed, adjusting the cap on his head as he prepared for yet another round of interviews. His answers came out on autopilotâstock phrases about tire strategy, team confidence, and the race aheadâbut his gaze flickered restlessly over the sea of people, searching. And then, finally, he saw her.
Y/N was weaving through the paddock with an easy grace, her movements unhurried despite the frantic energy around her. She wore a light summer dress that flowed around her like a whisper of wind, her hair catching the sunlight in a way that made her look almost ethereal. Max felt his chest tighten, his lips twitching into a smile before he even realized it.
There was something about seeing her like thisâcalm, at ease, untouched by the frenzy of his worldâthat made his heart ache in the best way. It was moments like these that reminded him why he loved her so deeply. She was his sanctuary, his constant in a life that often felt like it was spinning out of control.
She noticed him then, her eyes lighting up as their gazes met. She waved, her smile wide and genuine, and Maxâs guilt faded, replaced by a warmth that spread through his chest.
She was here, and that was all that mattered.
But before he could excuse himself to meet her, a journalist called his name, snapping him back to reality. Max nodded in acknowledgment, forcing himself to focus as the interview began.
He was midway through answering a question about tire degradation when the reporter paused, pressing a finger to the earpiece in his ear. The change in his expression was immediateâhis brow furrowed, his posture straightening as if bracing for impact.
âExcuse me,â the journalist muttered, turning away abruptly.
Max blinked, thrown off by the sudden shift. âWhatâs going on?â he asked, but the man didnât respond, already hurrying toward a group of FIA officials clustered nearby.
A loud chime echoed through the circuit, followed by an announcement over the PA system:
âAttention all personnel. The race has been postponed... All drivers are to return to their respective team garages..immediately.â
Confusion rippled through the paddock like a wave, whispers and murmurs growing louder as everyone scrambled to figure out what was happening. Max glanced around, his pulse quickening. This was unprecedented. Races didnât just get postponed without an urgent reason.
He pushed through the throng of people, his eyes scanning for Y/N again. Relief flooded him when he spotted her standing near the Red Bull garage, her expression calm despite the chaos around her. She was waiting for him, her arms crossed loosely as if this were just another day at the track.
Max reached her in a few long strides, his hand immediately finding hers. Her fingers were cool against his, and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as they joined the rest of the Red Bull team heading into the garage.
âWhatâs going on?â Max asked her, his voice low.
âIâm not sure,â Y/N replied, her tone even. âI heard that some cops were here, but no one seems to know the details yet.â
Max nodded, though his unease only grew. The garage was bustling with activity as team members huddled around monitors, trying to piece together what little information they had. The drivers from other teams were filing into their respective areas, their faces marked by the same confusion that Max felt.
As they stood in the corner of the garage, Max turned to Y/N, his thumb brushing absentmindedly over her knuckles. âWhere were you earlier? I didnât see you before the interviews.â
Y/N tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful. âI was just catching up with someone I knew from before,â she said, her words casual.
Max raised an eyebrow, curious. âWill you see them again?â
For a moment, she didnât respond, her gaze meeting his with an intensity that made his heart skip a beat. Then, a small, satisfied smile curved her lips, and she shook her head. âNo,â she said simply. âI donât think I will.â
Her answer lingered in the air, heavy with an unspoken finality that Max couldnât quite decipher, and before he can ask her anything, he hears a commotion from the hospitality.
Max glanced at Y/N, his brows furrowing. âWhatâs that about now?â he asked, already walking towards the noise.
âIâm not sure,â Y/N replied, as she followed him out of the room.
The noise grew louder as they approached the main lounge, and Max felt the muscles in his shoulders tense. People were rushing toward the large television mounted on the far wall, their voices overlapping in a chaotic hum. Engineers, PR officials, and even a few journalists stood shoulder-to-shoulder, their eyes glued to the screen.
Max nudged his way through the crowd, Y/N close behind him. His heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of the bold, all-caps headline plastered across the news ticker:
BREAKING: FIA PRESIDENT ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO MURDER OF OFFICIAL.
The image on the screen was enough to stop him in his tracks. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president himself, was being escorted out of a building in handcuffs, flanked by stern-faced officers. His usually composed demeanor was gone, replaced by wide-eyed panic as he struggled against the officersâ grip.
âWhat the hell is going on?â Max muttered, his voice barely audible over the din of the room.
The reporter on the screen continued, her tone grave:
âSources within the investigation have confirmed that the death of a high-ranking FIA official last night was caused by poisoning. Specifically, a toxin derived from the flower known as Lily of the Valley. Evidence linking FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to the crime was uncovered earlier this morning, leading to his immediate arrest. The FIA has announced that a new acting president will be appointed while a thorough investigation into internal corruption is conducted.â
Max stared at the screen, his chest tightening as the implications sank in. The FIA presidentâthe figurehead of their entire sportâwas being accused of murder. And not just murder, but something so calculated and premeditated that it involved the use of a rare, deadly toxin.
Beside him, Y/N remained unnervingly calm. She didnât gasp or murmur like the others; instead, she stood silently, her gaze fixed on the screen. For a fleeting moment, Max thought he saw the faintest flicker of something in her expressionâamusement, maybe, or relief. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by her usual unreadable calm.
Before Max could even begin to process the shocking revelation, the tide of the crowd surged toward the exit. A new commotion was building outside, drawing people out of the hospitality lounge in waves. Someone muttered something about seeing it liveâseeing him liveâand the collective curiosity became too much to contain.
âMax, letâs go,â Y/N said quietly, her voice steady amid the chaos.
He didnât think twice. Reaching for her hand, he let himself be pulled into the stream of bodies flowing toward the paddock. The crowd was a cacophony of voicesâquestions, speculations, and disbelief tumbling over each other in an endless loop. Max clung to Y/Nâs hand, weaving through the throng until they found themselves near the front of the growing mass of spectators.
As they pushed closer to the source of the uproar, Maxâs stomach twisted at the sight before him.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem was being escorted out of the FIA headquarters, flanked by two grim-faced officers. But this wasnât the composed, authoritative man Max was used to seeing. This man looked broken, almost unrecognizable. His usually impeccable suit was now crumpled and stained with sweat, his hair disheveled, his face a mask of panic and fury.
He was shouting, his voice hoarse and raw with desperation. âI didnât do it! I didnât do it! Youâre making a mistake!â
Max tightened his grip on Y/Nâs hand, his heart hammering in his chest. The scene was chaotic, surreal. Journalists shouted questions, their cameras clicking furiously as they tried to capture every moment. Paparazzi pushed against the security barriers, their lenses trained on the disgraced president.
Sulayemâs struggles only made him look more deranged. His eyes darted wildly, his movements jerky as he tried to pull away from the officers.
âYou have to believe me!â he yelled, his voice cracking. âThis is a setup! I didnât kill anyone!â
The officers remained stone-faced, their grips firm as they led him toward a waiting car. The crowd around them buzzed with speculation, their voices blending into a chaotic symphony.
âHe looks insane,â someone near Max muttered.
âCan you believe this? Poisoning? This is wildâ
Max barely registered the words. His gaze was locked on Sulayem, his mind reeling. This was the man who had presided over the sport, who had wielded so much power and influence. And now he was reduced to thisâa wild-eyed, shouting man in handcuffs.
Suddenly, Sulayemâs gaze snapped toward the crowd, his eyes scanning the faces as though searching for somethingâor someone.
And then he saw Max.
For a moment, time seemed to slow. Sulayemâs eyes locked onto Maxâs, and his expression twisted into something primalâanger, desperation, and fear all rolled into one.
âYou!â Sulayem shouted, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade. âYou donât know! Sheâs crazy! She did this!â
Maxâs breath caught in his throat. He wasnât sure if Sulayem was even speaking to him specifically or just shouting into the void, but the intensity of the manâs gaze made it feel personal.
âSheâs not who you think she is!â Sulayem screamed, his voice rising to a fever pitch. âSheâs dangerous! Sheââ
The officers shoved him forward, cutting off his words as they guided him into the back seat of the car. The door slammed shut, muffling his continued shouting, and the vehicle began to pull away.
The crowd erupted into a frenzy, the sound of cameras clicking and voices shouting almost deafening. Max felt frozen in place, his mind struggling to process what he had just witnessed. Sulayemâs words echoed in his head, unsettling and inexplicable.
Beside him, Y/Nâs hand tightened around his, grounding him. He turned to look at her, searching her face for⌠something. A reaction, an explanation, anything. But her expression remained calm, her gaze steady as she met his eyes.
âLetâs go,â she said softly, her tone gentle but firm.
Max nodded numbly, allowing her to guide him away from the chaos. But as they walked, Sulayemâs words continued to haunt him, gnawing at the edges of his thoughts.
Sheâs not who you think she is.
____________________________
The hotel room felt like a cocoon of silence after the storm that had unfolded earlier in the day. It was as though the whole world had shifted, and everything outside these walls was just noise, a distant hum that barely reached their sanctuary. The soft, distant chatter from the streets of Qatar, the echoes of excitement and chaos from the track, were now muted as Y/N stood by the window, staring out at the city lights.
She had always been good at keeping her emotions in check, ever since she was young. The weight of the world had never felt heavy on her, because she had learned long ago how to let things slide off her, like water on a slick surface.
But today was different.
She could feel the pressure weighing on Max, could see how the events of the day were eating at him, gnawing away at the edges of his focus, his usual confidence. He was quieter than usual, his mind occupied by something far more unsettling than the drama that had unfolded.
Even after Christian had called to tell Max that the swearing ban had been lifted, and that his championship points would be reinstated, it had done little to cheer him. The smile that had stretched across Maxâs face had been brief, barely a flicker before the weight of everything else crushed it again. His eyes, once vibrant with determination, were now dull and distant, fixed on something he couldnât touchâsomething he couldnât solve in the way he would his carâs setup, or the strategy for the next race.
The news of the race being postponed for another two weeks hadnât helped either. Max hated downtime. He hated the uncertainty, the lack of control. The race was all that had mattered for so long, and now, with it taken from him, all that was left was space to think. And that was the last thing Max Verstappen neededâmore space to overthink.
Y/N could see it in the way his hands clenched at his sides when he wasnât paying attention, or how his jaw tightened when a thought seemed to hit him too hard. He was lost somewhere, and she wasnât sure if he would ever find his way back.
She pushed herself off the window frame and walked over to where he sat on the couch, his eyes glued to the screen in front of him, but she knew he wasnât really seeing it. He hadnât been seeing anything for hours. His mind was somewhere else.
It was then, as if the universe aligned, that she knew. She could feel it in her bonesâthis was what he needed. She walked over to him without a word, the soft rhythm of her footsteps steady in the quiet room.
She knelt down beside him, letting her arms wrap around his shoulders, pulling him close, burying her face against his neck.
The warmth of his skin against hers soothed the ache in her chest, the unspoken pain that had settled there ever since she had seen the look on his face during the arrest.
Maxâs body tensed for a moment, his muscles rigid beneath her touch, before he relaxed into the embrace. She smiled against him, feeling his breath shudder slightly as he kissed the side of her neck, his lips pressing gently to her skin. His scentâclean, fresh, with a hint of something unmistakably Maxâwrapped around her, grounding her.
She moved back, gently placing her hands on his face, urging him to look at her. When his eyes met hers, they were full of something unreadable. For a moment, his gaze lingered on her, searching her expression like he was trying to decipher something. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but she could see itâhe was looking for a sign, something that would pull him out of the turmoil.
"Were you wearing a new perfume last night, when you came to bed? " His question is unsure, hesitant, as if he doesn't want to know the answer but he can't help himself.
"It's Lily of the Valley, one of my favourite flowers, I only use it for some occasions" she looks at him, waiting for him to react. Maybe this was it, he would push her away in disgust and alarm, and it all would've been for nothing.
The moment stretched, thick with unspoken words, and she waited. She wasnât going to push him. He looked surprised, only for a brief moment and with another blink, the surprise was gone.
Then, as if a weight had finally lifted, his shoulders relaxed, and a soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips. It was fleeting, but it was there. The tension in his body dissolved just enough for him to pull her closer, his arms wrapping around her in a protective, almost desperate embrace.
Max held her tightly, burying his face in the crook of her neck, his breath warm against her skin. His hands tightened around her, her's going to rest on his chest, but this time it wasnât out of tension. It was something elseâsomething raw, something that spoke of trust, of the shared understanding between them.
Maxâs voice was low, rough, like he hadnât spoken in too long, like he needed to say these words to her, but they had been stuck inside him for a while.
âI love you so much, Y/N,â he murmured, his lips brushing against her forehead. His breath shuddered slightly as he said it, and she could feel the truth of it in every fiber of his being. It wasnât just a declarationâit was a plea, a surrender. A quiet admission that, no matter what happened, no matter how hard things got, she was the one he held onto.
Y/N smiled softly, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw, memorizing the feel of him, the warmth of his skin against hers. There was no hesitation in her touch. She knew, deep down, that sheâd do anything for him. Anything to keep him close, to keep him safe, to keep him loving her the way he did.
âI love you so much, Max,â she whispered back, her voice thick with emotion. âSo, so much.â
Her heart was pounding now, a steady rhythm that matched his own. She could feel it in the air between them, the undeniable truth of their love, the pull that had always been there, even in the darkest of moments. It was raw, it was real, and it was everything they needed.
She didnât need to say it again. The words were unnecessary. Everything was in the way she held him, the way their bodies fit together like pieces of a puzzle that had been made for each other. In that moment, with the weight of everything else fading into the background, it was just them. Together.
Maxâs hands tightened around her, pulling her closer, and Y/N closed her eyes, savoring the moment. The world could fall apart outside, and it wouldnât matter. Because in that moment, Max was all that mattered. He always would be.
And as he kissed her temple, his breath warm against her skin, she knewâwithout a doubtâthat she would do anything for him.
âDonât blame me,â she thought, her own voice, soft but certain in her head. Love made me crazy. And if it doesnât, you ain't doin' it right.
And she was doing it right. She always would.
Oh Lord, save me, my drug is my baby
I'll be usin' for the rest of my life
Usin' for the rest of my life, ohh-oh
________________________________________
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I'm dropping of the face of earth for some time, this is a small parting gift, I would like to make it clear I'm not planning any one's murder in my downtime. Thank you.
JulesâĄ
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