Chapter Text
The garage was alive. Engines hummed and monitors flashed. Mechanics ran from one side to the other shouting updates. The smell of fuel and rubber hung thick in the air.
Lewis moved through it like he owned nothing and everything. A cream blazer over a soft silk turtleneck. Wide-leg trousers that swayed as he walked. Polished leather loafers clicked on the concrete.
Max spotted the tiny hesitation in Lewis’ step. One shift of weight, one small pause near the tire stack. Everyone else was too busy to notice. Max never missed a thing.
He acted without thinking. He dragged a folding chair into the middle of the garage. He planted it behind Lewis.
“Sit,” he said simply.
Lewis froze. His lips pressed together. Max’s hand nudged his elbow. “Max—” he started, unsure.
The garage went silent for a moment. Mechanics paused mid-screw. Engineers lifted their heads from screens.
Max crouched behind him. One hand rested lightly on the back of the chair. His gaze never left Lewis.
“Better?” he asked, low and teasing.
Lewis swallowed, heat rising in his neck. “I… yes. Perfect,” he murmured, soft.
Minutes passed. Lewis stayed seated, posture perfect. Max’s presence was steady behind him. Every so often his fingers brushed the small of Lewis’ back. Max leaned closer. His breath warmed the side of Lewis’ neck.
“You love it,” he whispered.
Lewis let out a soft, helpless laugh. “Too much,” he admitted.
Max pressed a kiss to the top of his head, careful, possessive. “You are mine. Always.”
Lewis tilted his head back and smirked beneath his scarf. “You’re ridiculous,” he teased.
Max chuckled. “And you love it,” he said.
The garage buzzed around them. Chaos resumed, but they existed only for each other.
Lewis straightened, adjusting his blazer. “I suppose I should thank you,” he murmured.
Max leaned back. “For what?”
“For being absurdly perfect,” Lewis said, voice soft.
Max tilted his head, a slow grin spreading. “You’re welcome. And this is just the first of many times.”
Lewis rolled his eyes but laughed quietly. He followed Max through the frenzy of the garage. Heart warm, fluttering. Hands itching to touch.
The smell of fuel, sweat, and ambition mixed with something else. Something warm and intimate. Max straightened and offered his hand.
Lewis took it without hesitation. They moved through the chaos together. Lewis felt cherished and adored. The garage could roar all it wanted.