Chapter Text
Charles POV:
*A post-season 2025 party in the Ferrari motorhome*
It’s a very lively night tonight. The atmosphere, filled with the laughing and chattering of familiar faces and the blasting music, often accompanied by very off-key singing (probably Lando) and some surprisingly impressive worm dances by Carlos.
He was always a good dancer.
Or at least he is to me.
I’ve always been fond of Carlos, and us being so close to each other during his time in Ferrari has made me grow feelings for him.
But I’ve seen how close he is to Lando and how much he loves him…
He even opened up about his love for Lando to me a while before he confessed to Lando.
Yes, it did break my heart, but I understand where he is coming from. These two have always had that tiny spark in their relationship and had stayed close since Carlos’ time in McLaren and even until now.
But I’ve moved on from that a while ago…
I'm standing around in the quietest corner of the party, holding a drink in my hand that I haven't even taken a sip of yet. The room around me filled with joy and celebration. I'm not really in the mood to celebrate anything.
Besides, what is there to be happy about? We got no podiums this season, and our performance wasn't the best either.
Lewis already has his whole career to be happy about. One season won't bring him down.
But me?
Zero championships. A few wins. I'm just pretty useless to this team.
Useless.
It's only when I feel someone tap my shoulder lightly that I come back to reality.
It's Max.
I let out a breath and the tension leaves my shoulders a bit.
Max is one of the closest friends I have and the man I can trust most. Someone I can always rely on.
He leans against the wall next to me, also holding a drink of his own.
I turn my head slightly to see him, “Hey Max.”
“Hey Charlieeee. What are you doing here all quiet in your own motorhome?”
“Nothing, I'm just tired…”
“Still sulking about the season? Come on man. You know that wasn't you doing bad. We all know it. You pushed through with that car and somehow made it top 5 in Abu Dhabi!”
“I know…it's just…” I trail off, not knowing how to continue because, in fact, I don't know.
Max frowns.
I grip my cup a little tighter. Oh my gosh…why does he look so cute…
He then goes on to start glazing my driving and roasting my team, and soon we're having a full conversation and laughing about a lot of things.
I don't know how he does it, but he did it.
Max excuses himself to the bathroom and I get pulled into a range of different party games I didn't think I'd enjoy tonight.
“Come on Charles! You can do it!” Pierre cheers, trying to hype me up whilst we play a game of beer pong.
I chuckle, “Mate, it's like a thousand miles away from me!”
“Just do it man! It's not even that far!” Pierre insists.
Yeah right, it's all the way across the entire room.
Max comes back from the bathroom and the party continues in a blur of game and silliness. If it wasn't for him, I don't think I'd be enjoying tonight as much as I am, even with all the things I say to myself.
And those eyes…I cannot forget those beautiful eyes…