Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

March 6, 2:20 am 

Unknown

FCK YOU

YoU left me carlos

CARLos you said you wougld stsya with me fort tyje night

CARLOS

Unknown

Whoever left you it was worth it

Unknown

Whast

Wtfg Carlos tgats so mean

I HATE YOU

Unknown

I hate you just as much but sadly i’m not Carlos 

Unknown

What whio 

Who are you

Unknown

That’s a good question

Unknown

Ur not Crlos 

wtf are u doijg on myt phome 

GET OUT

Unknown

You’re the one who texted me

Unknown

Shut up ikm in a bsd mood

Unknown

I can see that

Unknown

Because why does he get tot win and not moi

I hate him

Unknown

Cuz he’s better duh

Unknown

NON IL L’ESR PAS 

Unknown

I don’t speak french. 

Anyway, Charles, you should probably stop here

 i feel like you’re going to regret that conversation tomorrow morning 

Unknown

HOW DO YOU KNWO ME 

Unknown

Pretty easy to guess

You’re as dumb as ever

Unknown

WHT

MAIS TA GUEULE AUSSI

Unknown

Again, I don't speak french.

Your drunk ass needs to calm down

Unknown

Ikm not evenr that drunk 

Unknown

Right.

Well sleep tight i guess

Unknown

WAIT

who are yu 

who’s tis 

Hello? 

Heeeloo???6

I have ur number but nmo name wirth it

HELOOO

Unknown

You’re awfully annoying, you know that?

Unknown

Tell me weho you are

Unknown

no

Unknown

VAA TFAIRE ENCULer

Unknown

I don’t know what you’re saying but sure

You can try tomorrow

Guess who i am when you’re actually functioning, i mean

Unknown

I can? really? 

Unknown

yeah

Unknown

Promise?

Unknown

What are you, 5?

Unknown

Jist dio it

Unknown

Ok ok i promise

Unknown

Godd.. good night 

Unknown

Good night charles 

Unknown number has changed your name for Dumb 5 yo

Unknown

AH FUCK YOU

March 6 11:25 am

Unknown

I know you’re awake

Dumb 5 yo

Mate give me a break

This is the most embarrassing shit i’ve done in my life

Unknown

You’ll live thru it

Dumb 5 yo

NO

fuck i’ll just stop driking

it’s my last time drunk ever

Unknown

Quite dramatic

Dumb 5 yo

shut up

Unknown number has changed your name for Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

GO FUCK YOURSELF

Unknown

Haha you’re easy to rile up

So, are you going to guess who I am?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I don’t want to…

you piss me off

Unknown

good to know one of my goals has been reached

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I know your someone who’s shit at least… 

Unknown

You’re*

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

SEE 

THAT’S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT

je te jure jsp tu es qui mais je vais te frapper

Unknown

Alright calm down

as a hint you talked about me earlier

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

???

I only talked about Carlos

You’re definitely not him

If you are this is a shit joke Carlos

Unknown

I’m not Carlos

But are you sure he’s the only one you talked about?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

yes?

Oh non putin

Fucking hell is this max

no wonder you’re annoying asf

Unknown

See it wasn’t that hard

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Why are you even texting me

Unknown

you’re the one who texted me first, you know that?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

You could have ignored me

would have made my day better

Unknown

Well you actually made my day better

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

What 

Are you making fun of me

Unknown

No no

Talking to you is fun

It’s entertaining

You’re not all formal you know? like some other drivers

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

oh

well um

thanks

Dumb dramatic 5 yo has changed your name for Annoying maximus

Annoying Maximus

I’m complimenting you and that’s how you thank me?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

That was a revenge for earlier

Annoying Maximus

Alright alright..

Anyway i got to go

team meeting in 10 minutes

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Oh ok

Annoying Maximus

Don’t look so sad haha

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I’m not

Annoying Maximus

Right.

Ttyl

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

bye max

Chapter Text

March 8, 1:03pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

image.jpg Image of max from afar at the airport

Annoying Maximus

Wtf is that me

are you stalking me or something

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I saw you from afar yesterday but didn’t feel like talking to you

You look like shit btw, like you partied all night

Annoying Maximus

Says the one who drunk texted me

I would like to see what you looked like

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Would you? <3

Annoying Maximus

Not like that Leclerc

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

right

Annoying Maximus

I’ve been wondering

How come you texted me?

As far as i know you deleted my number after austria 2019

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Mate i have no idea i don’t remember much…

I think I went into the drivers’ group chat and clicked on it..

Annoying Maximus

That desperate to talk to me?

my my

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

If you think i would ever willingly talk to you maximus you are wrong

I wanted to talk to Carlos, remember?

i clicked on yours by accident

probably

you both have an A in your name

that’s confusing…

Annoying Maximus

First of all if u mix mine and carlos’ name because of a single letter, 

you’re dumber than i thought

Second of all, don’t you have Carlos’ number saved? 

Why go look for it on the drivers’ group chat?

March 7, 1:15 pm

Annoying Maximus

Are you skipping me because you know I'm right or because you’re embarrassed?

Both I assume

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Mate i don’t like you

you piss me off

go fuck off

Annoying Maximus

Says the one who was sad when i left yesterday

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I WASN’T SAD

I WANT YOU TO LEAVE 

LEAVE MY PHONE

Annoying Maximus

Alright

March 7, 2:10 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

See? I’m so much happier since you left

March 7, 3:21 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I got all the time in the world since i don’t have to answer your nonsense

March 7, 5:16 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Just finished my training what about you?

March 7, 6:01 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Max? 

Why is your annoying ass not answering?

I thought one of your goals was to piss me off?

March 7, 6:30 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

You’re not dead are you?

You can drop the act

March 7, 6:54 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

This isn’t funny

For all i know you could have been kidnapped or something

Not that i would mind

March 7, 7:22 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Max? 

Talk to me

i thought you were joking

I’m sorry i didn’t mean it

i like talking to you

March 7, 8:04 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Please

March 7, 8:17 pm

Annoying Maximus

So you do like talking to me

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I don’t

it was part of my plan

to make you answer

Annoying Maximus

You know Charles, it doesn’t cost much to be honest

though it’s funny to see you like that

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

like what?

Annoying Maximus

All embarrassed and in the wrong

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

shut up

Annoying Maximus

just admit you like me

I’ll give you a kiss if you do😘

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Nobody wants a kiss from you 

dumb dumb

Annoying Maximus

some fans do

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Fans don’t count they’re obsessed 

And more fans want to kiss me anyway

Annoying Maximus

Haha right you do have the pretty face card

i don’t have that privilege

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

That’s not true you’re pretty

not that i think you are

fans do

Annoying Maximus

Only the fans?

But thank you charles

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Mhm

Annoying Maximus

Sorry got to go

Next time we talk i’m going to make you admit you like me

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

In your dreams

Bye max

Annoying Maximus

Bye charlie

March 8, 00:46 am

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I do like you

Message deleted

Chapter Text

March 12, 4:30 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Yo mate

been wondering

are you gay?

Annoying Maximus

You know Charles, people don’t usually ask those type of questions blatantly like that

People don’t ask those type of questions at all, actually

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

But i’m curious

Annoying Maximus

Why

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Why not?

Annoying Maximus

That’s kind of gay, mate

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

No it’s not

Annoying Maximus

Yes it is

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

No I’m not gay

Annoying Maximus

Are you sure about that?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

yes

i’m as straight as a

banana

Annoying Maximus

Bananas are not straight mate

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

shut up

Annoying Maximus

So defensive

You’re not homophobic are you?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Of course not

i love gay people

in a platonic way

Annoying Maximus

Right…

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Just answer my question

Annoying Maximus

Well since you so want to know yes i am gay

well bi 

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

ok

Annoying Maximus

Are you going to stop talking to me because of it or something

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

nah

like i said i love gay people

i don’t like you tho

not cuz you’re gay

Annoying Maximus

 thank you for this information

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

you’re welcome

Did you have a crush on Daniel ?

Annoying Maximus

Where did that come from

Did you smoke something?

Are you on drugs?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

What no

I’m just asking normal questions

Annoying Maximus

“normal” my ass

But yes i did have a crush on Daniel

As embarrassing as it was

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

It’s fine it’s Daniel who doesn’t

Annoying Maximus

Weren’t you straight 2 minutes ago 

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I don’t need to be gay to appreciate a man’s beauty

Annoying Maximus

true

March 12, 4:53 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Did you guys kiss?

Annoying Maximus

For fuck sake

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

What

Annoying Maximus

Nothing

But no we didn’t kiss

I would be worried if we did 

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Why?

Annoying Maximus

Mate

I was 17

That would make Daniel a groomer

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Oh right

Annoying Maximus

Yeah

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Maybe he would have been a 3 times world champion 

if he did

Annoying Maximus

I wasn’t 15

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Mmm true

Annoying Maximus

This was a really bad joke by the way

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Thank you

Annoying Maximus

of course

March 12, 6:04 pm

Charlie

Pierre 

Pierot

Charles?

Charlie

Est-ce que je suis gay? (Am i gay) 

Pierot

Mec (Mate)

Comment je suis sensé savoir ça moi (how am i supposed to know that)

Charlie

Jsp (idk)

Tu sais plus que moi d’habitude (you know more than me usually)

Pierot

ouais mais là mec c’est abusé (Yeah but you’re pushing it)

Je pense pas être capable de dire si t’aime avoir un zizi là haut (I don’t think i can tell if you would like a pp up there)

Charlie

ew

Pierot

Bah pt tu l’es pas en (Well maybe you aren’t)

Avec ta réaction (With your reaction)

Charlie

AH JE LE SAVAIS (I KNEW IT)

Pierot

…

Charlie

Quoi (what)

Pierot

Rien (nothing)

Mais pourquoi cette question? (why the question?)

T’aimes un gars? (you like a guy?)

Charlie

Jsp moi.. (Idk..)

Pierot

Ok je sais de quoi on a besoin (I know what we need)

Charlie

Quoi? (What is it?)

Pierot

Wikihow

Charlie

Olala

Pierot

Ok première question (ok first question)

À quelle fréquence tu penses à lui? Genre presque jamais, tous les jours, de temps à autre, etc (How much do you think of him? Like almost never, everyday, de temps à autre…)

Charlie

um… tous les jours.. (um… Everyday…)

Pierot

ok 

t’as une soirée et tu sais qu’il y sera tu t'habilles comment? (You have a party and you know he’s there, how do you dress?)

Charlie

normalement (normally)

Pierot

T’as son numéro? (you have his number?)

Charlie

Ouais (Yeah)

Pierot

Est-ce que tu comptes sortir avec lui ce weekend? (Are you going out with him this weekend?)

Charlie

Non

Pierot

Comment est votre relation? (How is your relation?)

Charlie

Horrible on dispute tout le temps (horrible we’re always fighting)

Pierot

T’as une nouvelle incroyable, tu le partage avec lui? (you got amazing news, you tell him?)

Charlie

Ça dépend c’est quoi… (depends what it is…)

Pierot

C’est quoi la première chose qui te passe par la tête quand tu te réveilles? (what’s the first thing going through your mind when you wake up?)

Charlie

Manger? Jsp mais définitivement pas lui (Eating? idk but definitely not him)

Pierot

Tu connais sa date d’anniversaire? (You know his birthday?)

Charlie

Ouais

30 septembre 

Pierot

Comment it te fait sentir? (How does he make you feel?)

Charlie

Il m’énerve (He pisses me off)

Pierot

Il entre dans la pièce, que fais-tu? (He enters the room you’re in, what do you do?)

Charlie

Jsp rien? (idk nothing?)

Ou je vais lui parler (Or i’ll start a conversation)

Pierot

Est-ce que tu t’es imaginé en couple avec? (Did you ever imagine yourself dating him)

Charlie

Ouais mais genre.. presque jamais (yeah but like.. almost never)

Pierot

Que pense tes amis à propos de vous deux? (How does your friends think about you two?)

Charlie

Ils pensent qu’on s’aime pas (They think we hate each other)

Pierot

Alors mon ami (well my friend)

Ça dit que tu aime peut-être Max (it says you might like Max)

Charlie

Nah je l’aime pas du tout c’est pas vrai ce quiz (nah i don’t like him at all it’s not true that quiz)

Attend (wait)

Comment tu sais que c’est Max (How do you know it’s Max)

Attend non c’est pas Max (Wait no it’s not Max)

oublie ça (forget that)

Pierot

T’as dit que sa fête c’est le 30 septembre et qu’il t’énerve (you said his birthday is september 30 and that he pisses you off)

C’était pas trop difficile à deviner (It wasn’t hard to guess)

Charlie

Putain

Dit lui pas (don’t tell him)

Il rit déjà assez de moi (He laughs at me too much already)

Pierot

Tkt Charlie je dis rien (Dw Charlie I’m not telling him)

T’as qu’à lui dire si tu l’aimes (You can tell him if you like him, tho) 

Charlie

Je l’aime pas (I don’t like him)

Wikihow c’est jamais bon de toute façon (wikihow is never right anyway) 

Pierot

Si tu le dis (If you say so)

Charlie

Merci quand même (Thank you anyway)

Pierot

Tkt (dw)

Texte moi si t’as d’autre problème (text me of you have any more problems)

Charlie

Ok 

Ciao Pierre

Pierot

Bye Charles

Chapter Text

March 24, 11:02 am

Charlie

Salut 

t’es là aujourd’hui (you’re free today?)

Pierot

nan déso jsuis en France pour de la famille (nah sorry i’m in France for family)

Pk? (Why?)

Charlie

tkt (dw)

March 24, 11:08 am

Charles

Salut maman (hi mom)

Tu sais si quelqu’un est libre aujourd’hui? (You know if anyone’s free today?)

Maman

Désolé mon chou (Sorry sweetheart)

J’ai des clients aujourd’hui (I have clients today)

Lorenzo et Artur travaillent également (Lorenzo and Artur are working too)

Charlie

C’est pas grave merci quand même (it’s fine, thank you still)

March 24, 11:16 am

Charles Lechair

Yo mate

Are you free today? 

soy lago

Depends on what you mean by free

 I’m playing padel with carlos alex and george

But you’re free to join

Charles Lechair

Sorry can’t really right now but thanks for the offer

March 24, 11:30 am

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

…

 Hey

Annoying Maximus

Why does it feel like you don’t want to talk to me

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Because i don’t

You’re a last resort… 

Annoying Maximus

What reason has made oh great charles go talk to his worst enemy? 

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Oh shut up 

It’s cuz

You’re not allowed to laugh

I can’t build my ikea furniture

Annoying Maximus

Should i let you know that i’m very much laughing right now 

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Please don’t

Annoying Maximus

Ok but when you say can’t

it’s “I physically can’t”

or “i’m so bad it just doesn’t work”

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

…

I’m not bad

just

the shelf doesn’t like me ok

Annoying Maximus

Oh yes i’m sure the shelf hates you

mate ikea is the easiest thing

I don’t know how you can make it wrong

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I don’t know ok it just won’t work 

whatever i do

Annoying Maximus

Ok well what do you want me to do?

I can’t just come to your house and build it for you

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

…

Are you free today?

Annoying Maximus

ffs 

You’re really that desperate

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I’m not desperate it’s just

i’m tired 

please

Annoying Maximus

Charles

Are you ok?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Yeah yeah i’m fine

it’s just 

Nothing seems to work right recently

but whatever it’s fine

Annoying Maximus

if you say so

i’ll come to your house

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Really?

Annoying Maximus

Yeah

I’ll be there in 10

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Thanks

Annoying Maximus

Ofc

  March 24, 11:39 am

Annoying Maximus

Hey im downstairs

It’s my first time here

I don’t know your apartment number

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Oh yeah sorry

apartment 33

Annoying Maximus

??

my number?

my my

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

That doesn’t mean anything 

Don’t let it get to your head

Annoying Maximus

Mate you’re literally like inside of me

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Max

Annoying Maximus

Yeah ok this sounds wrong

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

stop talking 

just come upstairs

As Max walked through the hallway to the living room, his gaze fell on a strange mass on the ground. It was made of multiple angular forms, with metal bars going left and right, cutting through the figure. The video of Charles wanting to be an architect if not for formula 1 came to his mind, and the dutchman wondered if this thing was not some kind of… artistic craft. 

“Umm.. What’s this? Where’s your bookshelf?” Max asked hesitantly.

“Well… that’s the bookshelf?” 

Max turned his head to look at the monegasque. Charles' answer had a questioning tone, like he couldn’t quite believe it himself. His eyes were not better, skeptical, a bit maniac, pretty much like any other day Charles passed in the presence of ferrari. 

“...Are you sure this is a bookshelf? It looks like someone had a fight with it.” Charles rubbed his eyes, sighing deeply. He looked tired, the type of tired that’s not just settled with a good night of sleep. “I didn’t fight it. I don’t know what I did ok? Nothing’s working.”

Max wanted to reach out, give him a hug, rub his back soothingly, or just to put a hand on his shoulder, but he couldn’t. They weren’t like that , and Max wondered if they were even friends. They hadn’t really been talking at all before Charles drunk texted him, and now, some weeks later, he was in Charles' home, building Ikea furniture. Everything was going so fast, and he couldn’t really tell what was ok and not ok to do. 

“Hey, just sit down and relax. We’re going to start from scratch, alright?” Charles nodded and sat on the couch, his hand mindlessly playing with his rings. 

Max started to undo Charles' work, making sure he wasn’t breaking anything (if Charles hadn’t already done that). When he was finished, he turned around, Charles averting his gaze the moment their eyes met. 

“You didn’t call me so you wouldn’t have to do it yourself, right? I’m not some little servant, come and help me.” As he said those words, Charles' body tensed. “But.. everytime I touch it it goes like shit.. I'll just make it worse.”

“That’s why I'm here, Charles. I’m going to help you if it goes wrong. No way I'm doing your Ikea furniture by myself because you’re scared of it.” This seemed to wake up Charles a bit. “What do you mean scared of ikea furniture?! You’re such a dumbass no one is scared of that.”

Max snorted “Well it looks like you are.” Charles stood up and went to sit next to Max on the ground. “Shut up. Just watch me get this shit right.”

Max chuckled, taking the manual and opening it to the first page. He knew this would take a while, but he couldn’t seem to care much. 

March 24, 6:50 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Thanks for today

Ikea doesn’t like me and i don’t like them back

Annoying Maximus

haha

i could see that

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Hey i wasn’t that bad

Annoying Maximus

Mate

you were pretty bad

you managed to break a nail with your hands

How do you even do that

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Shut up

it’s cuz i’m so strong duh

Annoying Maximus

right…

thankfully there was some spare ones

They thought of you🥰

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

You’re so infuriating you know 

Annoying Maximus

Haha thank you

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

You’re welcome

Annoying Maximus

If you got any more scary ikea related things to do just text me

i’ll gladly help you

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

You just want to make fun of me don’t you

Annoying Maximus

Yes

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

knew it

well i’ll call you if i got anything else

bye max

thanks again

Annoying Maximus

bye Charlie

March 24, 7:00 pm

Charlie

Depuis quand les hommes sont aussi chaud (have men always been this hot)

Pierot

Mec quoi (Mate what)

Chapter Text

April 2, 9:54 pm

Annoying Maximus

Hey Charles

Are you finished with your team?

April 2, 10:37 pm

Annoying Maximus

Are you alright?

Just text me back ok?

April 2, 10:58 pm

Annoying Maximus

Charles?

April 2, 11:05 pm

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Why do these shit always happen to me

Max 

i keep making mistake 

i’m so shit

Annoying Maximus

Hey wait a minute

You’re not shit Charles

It was stroll fault you were ahead

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Stop lying

i literally DNFed 2 of the first 3 races

i have 6 points max

it’s my worst start ever

Annoying Maximus

2018 was worse

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

That’s not the point i was in a sauber

Annoying Maximus

Charles

First race of the season you have no power

Second race you receive a 10 places grid penalty but you’re still able to climb your way up to 7 from 12 which is amazing

Third race you get thrown into the gravel by stroll

Do I see anything in here being your fault?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Well the last one

Annoying Maximus

Charles.

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

No..

Annoying Maximus

You’re an amazing driver 

You’re not my number 1 rival for no reason

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Are you in your hotel room

Annoying Maximus

Yes?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Can i see you?

Annoying Maximus

Sure

Wanna play fifa?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

mhm

what’s your room number

Annoying Maximus

116

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

eh

Annoying Maximus

what

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

nothing

Of all of the things Max might have been expecting tonight, playing fifa in his hotel room with Charles Leclerc wasn’t one of them. He had knocked at his door, eyes red and hair messy, looking like he was about to crash down. They didn’t say anything apart from small “hey”s, their attention rapidly focused on the ps5 game that Max had already opened. 

Another thing Max wasn’t expecting was how bad Charles was at this. Actually, bad was putting it lightly. He was horrendous . If anything, the score of 8-0 (for Max of course) pointed at it undoubtedly. Charles kept playing, kept losing, while uttering very little words. 

Even so, it seemed to be doing what it was intended to do. As time went by, Charles’ shoulders relaxed, his body sinking more and more into the couch. He became more vocal, shouting offended “Mais non!” when Max scored, or laughing when the red bull drivers got a penalty. 

“Why are you so good at this… How do you keep winning so easily?” Charles asked at some point, and given by the tone of his voice, it seemed to go deeper than just fifa. Max let himself ponder for a moment, wanting to approach this the right way. “Well sorry Charles, I know you love your home team, but AS Monaco FC is pretty ass.” He paused, letting his words weigh on Charles. “You’ll have to wait for them to get their shit together to be competitive.” 

And then what Max was dreading the most happened, something that he knew was possible with how distressed Charles looked but that wanted to avoid at all cost. Tears. Tears that he could very much see falling on Charles’ cheeks right this instant. The dutchman immediately started to panic. Fuck, did what he said make him cry? As much as it was true, Ferrari was always a touchy subject for Charles. Maybe he should have watched his words a bit more. Max was lost on what to do. He liked to call himself a social nightmare, years on the road with his dad definitely affecting his ability to handle other people’s emotions. 

“Fuck Charles- Wait please don’t cry.” He reached his hand towards Charles, waiting for the other man to give him permission. “ Verdomd- I’m sorry I shouldn't have said that. I didn’t mean to make you cry-” 

Charles took Max's reached out hand in his own, which shut up the red bull driver immediately. The Monegasque shook his head, tears still falling freely. “Don’t apologise Max, it’s not your fault.” He said between sniffs. “It’s just- everything has been a bit too much recently, and- and- i don’t know-” 

Max didn’t wait for Charles to finish his sentence. He came forward, wrapping his arms around his waist, pulling him into a hug. Max had no idea what he was doing, but hugs always seemed to work well in rom-coms, so he went with that. Basing his real life actions on silly shows was 100% not healthy, but Max didn’t know any better. Charles fell into the embrace instantly, his arms going around the other man’s shoulders. He cried into the crook of his neck freely, while Max whispered soothing words through his ear. They stayed that way for a while, until Charles sob quieted and was too self aware to not be embarrassed. 

“Sorry.” He croaked out as he rubbed his eyes. Charles hadn’t planned on breaking down like that in front of his longtime crush rival. “This is so embarrassing..” he mumbled, keeping his eyes away from Max’s face. 

“Hey, Charlie.” Had the nickname always been this endearing? “Don’t apologise, everything’s fine. You did nothing wrong.” 

Charles took a deep breath, he wasn’t about to cry twice. That would be the death of him. Max opened his mouth again, sensing that Charles wasn’t about to initiate things. “Wanna talk about it?”

Charles sighed, trying to gather his thoughts. “It’s just… I’m trying my best, you know? And it just looks like Ferrari isn’t giving as much as I am. We’re so far away from how 2022 started, and- and I’m starting to think it might be my fault. I keep making mistakes-”

“Charles.”

His rambling was cut off.

“It's not your fault. You’re doing your absolute best and it’s not your fault that Ferrari is struggling. Remember what I said through text? I don’t take anyone as my rival. You’re special Charles, and you will always be. Ok?”

Charles took a shaky breath and nodded rapidly. He squeezed Max’s hand to show his gratitude, and Max squeezed back, while gently rubbing circles on his knuckles. “Merci, Max.” The dutchman gave him a small but warm smile, which sent something in Charles' stomach which he put aside to analyze later (he will 100% not do it).

Charles' gaze then fell on the clock, the hands showing 2am. He cringed at that, knowing he needed his sleep if he wanted to catch his plane tomorrow. “I should probably go. I need to at least sleep a bit.”

“You can sleep here, if you want.”  Charles froze at his words. “I won’t let you walk in the middle of the night back to your hotel, you can just crash here.” 

Charles just agreed with a simple “ok”, his mind absolutely fried, not functioning anymore. What do you mean he was going to sleep with the Max Verstappen? That seemed impossible. That also seemed like something that would give him a heart attack in a second.  

“Do you want the bed or the couch? I really don’t mind taking the couch just so you know.” 

Charles paused. Of course they were not actually going to sleep together. The monegasque can’t tell if he’s relieved or disappointed. 

“I’ll take the couch. That’s the least I can do for how you helped me.” Max put a hand on his shoulder before answering. “You don’t owe me anything Charles, but alright.”

They went to bed pretty fast after that, both exhausted from everything. 

When the lights were all out, Charles spoke again before any of them could fall asleep. “Hey Max?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks again.”

“Of course, Charlie.” 

April 3, 7:10am

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Hey sorry I have to leave

I think ferrari is a bit mad about the results they’re making us do an early meeting before we take our plane

Sorry if my alarm woke you up

April 3, 8:23am

Annoying Maximus

A bit but that’s fine

Also they shouldn’t be mad, it's not you guys’ fault that their car is shit

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Max please

Annoying Maximus

I said what i said

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Just shut up

But Max

Thank you

Annoying Maximus

For what?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

Shut up you know for what

Annoying Maximus

Haha I’m just trying to rile you up

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

It’s working

I hate you so much

Annoying Maximus

No you don’t

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

yes i do

Annoying Maximus

I know you love me Charles

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I’m scared that i do

Shut up

Annoying Maximus

Alright haha

But Charles, if you have any more troubles you can reach out to me, yeah?

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

mhm 

merci Max

Annoying Maximus

De rien

Chapter Text

May 6, 5:40pm

Unknown

Allo

Unknown

Hi?

Who’s this?

Unknown

It’s Charles

Unknown

Charles?

The annoying French one?

Unknown number has change your name for French Lul

French Lul

I’M NOT FRENCH

Unknown

Looks pretty french to me

French Lul

Shut up Max

I’m not here for that

Unknown

Then why are you texting me?

French Lul

I’m here to

ugh

say sorry

Unknown

What

Are you ok

Where’s the real Charles

No way he would apologize at all

French Lul

Shut up

i’m sorry for putting you in the barrier

even if you deserved it

here i said it

Unknown

Wow

This moment needs to be a national day

on this day, may 6 2012, Charles Leclerc has done the unthinkable

French Lul

Shut up

Just so you know my dad forced me to do this

Because you don’t deserve it

You are extrememly annoying 

Unknown

figured as much

extrememly…

French Lul

What 

Unknown

That’s not a word

French Lul

Yes it is

extrêmement 

extrememly 

same thing

Unknown

You’re just writing it in french

extremely

French Lul

Je vais t’en mettre une tu vas voir

Unknown

French.

French Lul

NON 

I SAID IT I’M NOT FRENCH

I’M MONÉGASQUE

Unknown

That’s basically the same thing

French Lul

No it’s not

You’re just uncultured

Unknown

Ok then what’s the capital of Ivory Coast

French Lul

What is that

Unknown

You don’t even know-

French Lul

I DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS IN FRENCH

Unknown

STUPID USE YOUR LOGIC

CÔTE D'IVOIRE

BASICALLY THE SAME

French Lul

NO IT’S NOT

Unknown

Answer the question

French Lul

Why would i know what the capital is

Unknown

It’s Yamoussoukro

See who’s uncultured now?

French Lul

Literalely nobody knows that

You should focus on racing

Unknown

Literally*

And guess who’s winning most of the race and who isn’t?

French Lul

ta gueule

you’re a nerd

French Lul has change your name for Nerd

Nerd

Prefer being a nerd than dumb

French Lul

You know girls prefer dumb cute guys over nerds who can’t keep their mouths shut?

Nerd

I like guys

I don’t like girl

Who said i want a girl

French Lul

What

Why wouldn’t you

Nerd

I like

Because i’m focused on racing duh they would take too much of my time

French Lul

I think you just can’t get yourself dates because of your boringness 

Nobody wants you

French Lul has change your name for dateless Nerd

Dateless Nerd

Wow thank you

Think that if you want i guess

even if it’s not true

French Lul

You’re welcome I know it’s true

Dateless Nerd

Well if so how come you don’t have a date either

French Lul

That’s because no girl is up to my level

I get many love letters through the year you know

Dateless Nerd

That’s pretty obnoxious

French Lul

abnox what

Dateless Nerd

god you’re so dumb

French Lul

You just can’t see what i see

Dateless Nerd

That doesn’t mean anything

Maybe all french are like that

French Lul

I SAID I’M NOT FRENCH

Dateless Nerd

YES YOU ARE

YOU SPEAK FRENCH

YOU’RE OBNOXIOUS

YOU’RE A PAIN IN THE ASS

YOU LOOK GAY

HOW IS THIS NOT FRENCH

French Lul

I AM NONE OF THESE THINGS

i mean i speak french

and i don’t know what obonoxous mean

BUT I AM NOT A PAIN IN THE ASS

if we keep your logic YOU ARE FRENCH

because YOU ARE A PAIN IN THE ASS

Dateless Nerd

YEAH BUT IM NONE OF THE REST

1/3 doesn’t make me french

French Lul

well you know what 

i bet you are onboxoious 

WHICH MAKES 2/3

which is more than half

which means 

french 

Dateless Nerd

wow good job charles you can do math

why are we even arguing about that

i’m literally not french

French Lul

Well you started it

calling me one of them

Dateless Nerd

I mean

French Lul

STOP TALKING

if you say one more word about being french

i will put you in the barrier during the next race

and there will be no remorse 

Dateless Nerd

…

french.

French Lul

That’s it

French Lul has blocked dateless Nerd

Dateless Nerd

Really?

French Lul can not see your messages 

Dateless Nerd

That’s so petty

I’m just going to wait for you to get over your big head

May 7, 7:23am

Dateless Nerd

Charles?

You’re probably sleeping you’re such a late sleeper

May 7, 1:03pm

Dateless Nerd

Aren't you going to deblock me?

I want to annoy you more

May 7, 6:01pm

Dateless Nerd

Charles

Please

I like talking to you

my dad never lets me have those things 

It’s fun when we fight like that

Charles

Charles

May 8, 3:56am

Dateless Nerd

fuck you

Dateless Nerd has blocked French Lul

Charles Leclerc will never see those last messages

April 10, 3:56am

Annoying Maximus

Charles

Look what i found

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Dumb dramatic 5 yo

WHAT

MDRRR

we were such angry kids

Annoying Maximus

Annoying too

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I think you we were cute tho

Annoying Maximus

You mostly

Haha for real

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

I blocked you in the end if i remember correctly

Annoying Maximus

Yes i was so mad

i wanted to talk you more

i miss

haha yeah that was pretty funny

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

You had a knack for making me mad 

still do actually…

Annoying Maximus

It’s in my blood

Dumb dramatic 5 yo

At this point i’m think it’s true

i gotta go now 

see you later?

Annoying Maximus

yeah see you Charles