Work Text:
Lewis loves racing, driving is in his blood, but he loves every opportunity to do something special for George. George’s childhood wasn’t happy, he was a lonely kid growing up with too many big expectations, but now George has Lewis - someone who will do anything to make him happy. And if it means renting a private garden for a proper Easter hunt to create a magical day for his favorite boy, then Lewis won’t blink an eye while spending 30 000€. No money can be better than seeing George’s surprised smile and his blue eyes widened in childlike awe. George is his little one, he deserves to be spoiled and a small gathering with his friends is the perfect opportunity.
The Lagoon & Mediterranean Garden is perfect. It’s hidden behind the polished façade of Monte-Carlo Bay hotel and no one will bother them. In the middle of the garden is a lagoon with impossibly turquoise water, but the littles know they can’t come closer without their daddy. Around the lagoon is the lush garden - hundreds of flowers, palm trees, olive trees, low shrubs and more flora. Paths wind through the garden and treats are already waiting scattered around.
Everyone is waiting, only Lewis and George are late. Max nervously grips the white basket daddy gave him. What if George doesn’t come? Max is getting anxious, he doesn’t want to do the egg hunt without his best friend, but then he finally spots them. George waves to his friends, but then uncle Daniel steps forward with a headband with bunny ears, every little got one, but it suits George the best - the bunny ears match his hair and the little bunnies embroidered on his white cardigan. Lewis tucks George’s pacifier in the small chest pocket of his overalls and gives George the same basket every little has. Carlos reminds everyone the rules - no fighting, no stomping in the numerous flower beds or climbing on the trees. Esteban is worried Lance will do whatever he wants, but to be honest, his little one is slightly less rowdy after the mishap at the beach.
The littles run in different directions - Lando heads toward the flower beds, Lance hurries to search in the bushes and Charles goes near the lagoon so Carlos goes with him just in case Charles gets some stupid idea. George stays behind them, he looks kind of lost because his friends are already placing treats in their baskets and only George isn’t lucky. Max notices George hasn’t found anything yet so he runs back to him, Max sees George as a baby brother and baby brothers need protection.
George finally spots a colorful little bag sitting in the tall grass but before he can reach it, Lando is faster. He snatches the treat without a second thought and runs off to find more. George whines - this was his egg! Max stops next to George, he can’t let his baby brother sad. He grabs George’s hand and together they start searching around the large garden. Lando is already stuffing chocolate in his mouth and Charles becomes more interested in the Koi carps swimming around in the lagoon. It gives them chance to find treats. A little LEGO bunny there, a bubble blower over here, a small Hot Wheels car for Maxie, Kinder joy egg laying in the grass, a chocolate bunny under a bush. They have fun. Of course that Max would have more treats if he was egg hunting alone, George is slow, he stops to watch ants carrying seeds or a bee sitting on a colorful flower, but Max is surprisingly calm, he even gives his small bag of M&M’s to George.
Lewis has one more surprise - a petting zoo. Little bunnies, tiny chicks with their mommy hen, a few piglets and small goats, even a few lizards and turtles find their way in this small zoo. Daniel and Carlos call the littles closer, they can’t leave them alone for too long, otherwise they would eat all the sweets. Lance and Lando are interested in the different kinds of lizards while George and Charles cradle two bunnies in their arms. George is extremely careful, he strokes the bunny’s head using only the pad of his forefinger. Meanwhile Max observes the little chicks. They are cute little balls of yellow feathers and they keep hiding under their mother’s body. Max is fascinated, seeing the mommy hen carefully checking on her babies makes him think about his own mommy. Max feels sad out of nowhere which is dumb because he has the best daddy and friends and he has a basket full of sweets and other treats. So why is he sad?
Daniel notices Max went silent, he goes to see what made his little so serious. Daniel kneels down next to Max and they silently watch the small chicks until Max turns to his daddy with a frown etched on his face.
“Why didn’t my mommy protect me? I was her little chick too.”
Daniel wraps his arm around Max’s shoulders and sighs. What is he supposed to say? That everyone failed Max? His father, his mother. They failed him but in different ways and they might polished his talent and helped him to be one of the best, but Daniel is the witness of the damage they caused. Max is short-tempered and insecure, he easily fights and argues because he believes someone will love him only if he is the best.
“Maxie, you are my little chick.”
Daniel knows it’s not the answer Max wants to hear, he tightly hugs his little boy close to his chest and kisses Max’s pouting face. The little is still hesitant but George’s happy squeal forces them to turn around.
“Daddy, he is pooping!”
George is holding the small bunny whose round poop falls out of his butt. Disgusted Lewis is trying to get the bunny away but George quickly gets on his feet and runs to show the funny poops to Max. Max forgets about his gloomy mood, he joins George in laughing and petting the bunny. Despite the small hiccup, the day is a success. The littles are thrilled to get new toys and sweets and their caregivers are happy to see their boys having fun. When the sky starts turning from bright blue to dark grey and the littles are tired from running around and playing, the daddies usher them toward their cars. George and Charles cry a bit, they both really loved the small bunnies but they are just tired. Even Max, who is a big boy, is falling asleep in the car while his daddy drives home. Max’s eyes keep closing as he watches the familiar streets outside the vehicle and he slowly forgets the reason of his sadness, there is no reason to be sad when he is daddy’s little chick.