Maybe we're both ok with it Ch3
Summary- Max is new to being a single dad and is struggling, but maybe his miracle just walked through the door as the new PR manager. He can't help but wonder why she is so good with kids, and why she is a PR manager if she apparently doesn't have a degree in these things. Ch1, Ch2
warnings- mesogeny, miscardge, slut shaming, online bullying, cussing, kissing/making out, light sexual themes but no smut, evil intervier (sorry), jealousy, depression, anxiety, cheating, inscurity, I think that's everything, but if I missed something, lmk
note- this is the last part! I might write a full smut version if y'all want me to! Please let me know your thoughts, bad or good, whatever. I love comments! Next to come out is my Danny Ric one, I dropped a teaser for, so be on the lookout!
Max had awoken before his alarm that morning. Groaning with a stretch, he reached for his phone, all too bright; it displayed the time: 3:56 am.
“Fuck me,” he grumbles, a bit angry at his missed sleep, but he figured he might as well start the morning. His movements are a bit slow, his mind lagging behind, as it seems the only thing he can think of is that kiss last night, the feeling burned into him like something he’ll never forget, it's something he’ll never want to forget.
He's sitting on his bed drinking a bland cup of coffee when he gets a call from Luarent.
“Hello?” he answered, confused as to why Lurent was even up at close to 5 am. He figured that getting a call this early had to be at least a little important.
“How long have you and her been a thing?” Lurent's voice is not mad per se, but it is definitely stern. As soon as Max processes the words, his stomach drops. How does he know? Who else knows?
“How bad is it ?” he asks, taking a deep breath. “A series of photos of you two outside her hotel room last night…with both your faces visible’ Max runs his hand down his face, groaning he knows he's fucked, but he's not worried about the backlash on him, he's worried about the backlash on you. He can already see the comments from his ‘fans’ calling you every name under the sun.
“So when did it start?” Laurent repeats his question. Max sighs, rubbing a hand over his tired face. “That's a complicated answer.” He hesitates for a beat, his mind swimming with uncertainty. Even now, with everything hanging out in the open, anxiety churns in his chest. Max had been head over heels for you for a long time, but every time he thought about putting a label on whatever existed between you, nerves always tripped him up. What if he rushed you before you were ready? The last thing he wanted was to ruin the fragile relationship growing between you. He was scared—terrified, even— at the thought of losing you to a misunderstanding. So, instead, he waited. Hoping you knew how much you meant to him, but never wanting to do something you're uncomfortable with.
“We’re so fucked, huh? You muster the closest thing to a laugh you can with both Laurent and Max standing in front of you. Both are looking extremely worried.
“Do either of you care to explain why you two were locking lips like hormonal teenagers last night?” Laurent broke the silence first. Of course, he was a reasonable team principal; he didn't mind that you two were a thing. No, he would never stand in the way of love. But it was causing a bit of a problem online. While he knows none of the sponsors or anyone on the team will care enough about who Max is sleeping with to do anything, or even give it a second thought, he also knows how vicious the media can be toward drivers and their partners. Laurent already knew a bit about your old job and the reasons for leaving as your employer, and he knew you didn't want it shared, but he also knew it was only a matter of time before Max’s ‘fans’ crossed the line and found things like this out and shared it across the internet. Laurent is also sure you already know these things, but he wants to protect you and Max as much as possible. To do that, he needs to know everything. So he asks again, “Why were you two caught kissing? And when did it start?”
It's you who breaks the silence this time. “We kissed for the first time last night, and I'm sorry for getting caught. We should've been more observant.” You were careful not to apologize for being with Max because one, you weren't sorry, and two, you didn't want to make Max think you regretted it. In fact, regret was the farthest thing from what you felt about the kiss. You were a bit worried about how this would affect Max's reputation. Max hasn't been caught with another woman since his divorce, so you can't even imagine their reaction, but you're sure it's not great. You've seen how harsh people online can be.
Max takes a step closer to you, almost protective. “But neither of us regret our actions….Well, I don't.” Max looks down at you, silently asking for your approval, and you give him a slight nod, allowing him to speak for both of you. “We will figure out the repercussions together. I know most people won't care, but for those who do, we can maybe do a small interview, or hell, I'll even answer questions about it in the media pin if that satisfies their hunger.” Max answers, standing firmly beside you, maybe a little worried that Laurent will take this badly and maybe even fire y/n. But that doesn't happen; all Max hears is a deep sigh from Laurent.
“I don't care that you two are dating, in fact, if it helps motivate Max, I think it's great, but it's not me that's the problem, it's the media. They have already dug, and know that y/n has been divorced before. And this hasn't even been public knowledge for 24 hours. I just want to warn you guys not to let what the media says about either of you two affect your performance during your working hours.” Laurent sighs once again, running his hand through his hair before starting again, “and we are going to have a meeting about this with the whole team come Thursday or Friday, so we need to figure out what information you want everyone to know and what information you don't”
After a little more discussion and promises to stay off your phone for the time being, Laurent decides to leave you and Max.
‘I'm sorry about your reputation….” you say, unable to look him in the eye now that you two are alone. You're scared Max, despite his words, will regret it; maybe he hates that you’ve stained his image in the media. But he doesn't let that thought linger in your head long before he's pulling you into a tight hug, his face buried in the crook of your neck, mumbling, “I don't know why you think I care, the media knows I bagged the hottest, most caring, perfect woman.” he pulls away, looks you in the eyes. You feel like melting his blue eyes bore into your soul, you feel so exposed, feel like he could see every part of you, the bad parts, the good parts, all of it. His eyes all over you made you feel like your whole body was on fire; it made you feel something you were maybe a little scared to address. All the fear goes away when he puts his lips against yours. His mouth moves against your so naturally, your lips enveloping each other, his tongue wipes your bottom lip, asking for permission into your mouth, and you give in easily. His hand travels from your shoulder to your cheek, deepening this kiss, while his other hand pulls you closer to his body. If that's even possible, his big warm hands envelop your entire cheek, his thumb making small circles as if your tongs continue to dance with each other.
It didn't take very long after Max left for curiosity to get the better of you. You slowly unlocked your phone that had been sitting on the nightstand all morning untouched, your hands trembling slightly as you hesitated over the screen. The air in the room seemed thinner, your heart thumping a little faster as you opened Instagram. Logging in was too easy; almost dangerous. Each new comment seemed sharper than the last, their words clawing their way under your skin. It was like a physical ache: shoulders stiffening, throat tightening, your stomach dropping with every hateful message from people you've never met. The urge to throw the phone across the room, burning hot in your chest, the hate feeding old insecurities. It was too easy to let them in, too easy to let their words nest in places you tried so hard to keep hidden. But you had work and that, at least that could pull you away from the endless scroll of hate comments—if only for a while.
You arrive at the paddock with a small pit in your stomach that only grows when you see people's looks. You slowly walk to your office to find a small bouquet, and a coffee on your desk with a note reading, ‘ since I can be open with it now love :)’ a small smile finds its way to your face while you admire the flowers sitting on your desk before you hear a cough from bhind you in your door way, turning around to find a very sung looking yuki.
“I would just like to say I called it.” He smiles at you as he walks up to take a look at the flowers, too.
“He's really a good guy, I think you guys are good for each other, you bring out the best in him, you know?” he says, giving you a warm, reassuring look, almost like he knew this was what you needed to hear right now.
“Thanks, that means a lot, Yuki.” You smile at him. He lets the moment settle in the air before his face falls to something closer to worry.
“Just to let you know, I've always loved having you in the garage and am always here when you need to talk about... anything at all.” You know exactly what he's talking about. There are thousands of people on the internet calling you everything from a gold digger and distraction to just some pr stunt or whore. You know he knows how it feels to have people hate on you for nothing other than existing. You know if anyone were to understand, it would be him. But really, it doesn't bother you, does it?
As the day passes, your mind lingers on the fact that you and Max haven't clearly stated that you're dating. It's not that you don't want to be with him; Max makes you feel things you haven't felt in a long time, but you're scared that he doesn't want what you want. All thoughts come to a screeching halt when you hear a knock on the door, grabbing your attention from whatever TikTok you're supposed to be editing.
You open the door to reveal a particularly nervous-looking Max, unlike the calm and collected one he portrays in the media. This is a stark contrast, and it makes your heart flutter a little knowing this version of Max, the nervous lover boy, is a version reserved for you and Lily.
He steps in, closing the door behind him before looking up at you nervousness written all over his face, but his eyes are shining with something you almost want to say is love. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
“I know you weren’t expecting me, and this is kind of sudden.” Max fidgets slightly, running a hand through his hair. “But I want to tell you now, before we’re shoved into a meeting later today and forced to explain our entire relationship to every staff member.”
He takes a steadying breath, eyes searching yours. “Y/N, I love you.”
He hesitates, the words sticking for a moment. “I love how good you are with Lily. But it’s more than that.”
His voice softens. “I love the look you get in your eyes when you see the coffee I leave on your desk. I love the smile you try to hide when you do something good. I love how compassionate you are with everyone on the team.”
He lets out a shaky laugh, glancing away, then meeting your gaze again. “I love everything I know about you and—I want to love everything I don’t.”
“Please, give me a chance to prove I can be a good boyfriend.” He almost begs.
He swallows, emotion thick in his voice now. “I can’t even begin to imagine what you’ve been through, but I am not him. I will spend however long you need, proving that to you. I’ll be here every day telling you how much—”
You cut him off before he can finish, kissing him quickly but with intention. You feel him smile into the kiss, his hand tangling in your hair. When he pulls back, a blush creeps onto his cheeks. “Mijn liefje,” he smiles.
“I couldn't let you keep ranting, Max. Of course, I'd love to be yours.” You smile, resting your head against his shoulder, his arms wrapping around your waist as the butterflies subside, and a slight tingling settles over every surface of your body. You let the room settle in silence, not awkward, just comfortable, a silence where both of you can appreciate the love in the air.
“So what do you want to tell everyone? You ask, pushing your head farther into the crook of his neck. His hand comes up to your hair, slowly running through it, while he quietly thinks through his response.
“I suppose we tell them only what they need to know, you know that I fell in love with you at first sight, and you, the most perfect, amazing woman, said yes to me,” he said, peppering up your neck with kisses all the way to your lips.
“Max, I'm being serious.” You laugh, pull away, and cross your arms.
“I am being serious, schatje, that is exactly what I'm gonna tell them, then I'm gonna take you back into this office and show you just how much I mean it if you let me love,” he whispers, placing hot, open-mouth kisses on your neck, letting his hands roam your body. “Fuck baby, you don't know how much I've been thinking about this.” You let out a sharp breath when his mouth latches onto your neck, running your hands down his body, pulling him closer. You can feel his hard cock pressing against you.
“Fuck max, not now, I can't go into a meeting like this.” You whine, squeezing his arm, trying to get rid of the rising heat in your stomach that only gets worse at his deep mocking laugh.
“Like what, baby? A needy mess from just a few kisses? How cute,” he mocks, running his hands over your body, giving your tits a slight squeeze before backing away, taking a deep breath, “but you're probably right, baby, we can't have you soaking your panties all meeting” he smirks.
“So cocky, but I have work I need to focus on before the meeting, so you need to go and talk strategy, and I need to edit the next TikTok going up,” you half-joke, walking back to your desk, trying to focus on your work.
The meeting went as smoothly as you could expect. Most of the team is ok with it, but there are definitely a few side eyes. All that matters when you step out of the meeting is that you and Max are happy, and that you've both decided to do a small interview at the next PR to help the dust settle.
Although both Max and Laurent have advised you to stay off your phone as much as possible, right now, that's easy to do. The paddock is its usual business, so you haven't even had time to really look at your phone since the morning. You know when you do, it's gonna be filled with messages from your concerned siblings you've barely talked to, old friends, and all the hate comments flooding your socials. You're just not ready to address that, and you know better than to push your own mental health right now.
You go back to your office, start editing a few things, and talk to some staff members about the upcoming interview Max has with Lando and Oscar about the championship. You don't miss how one of them mutters something about how ‘you're already favoring Max’ under his breath, but you let it slide; it's not worth your energy, and you know it's not true. If anything, you work with Yuki more than Max.
When your lunch break approaches, you head to the hospitality area to get something to eat. Sitting at a table in the back is Yuki, so you decided to join him, sliding into the chair next to him. You and he have become pretty good friends, so the conversation flows easily, mainly about work, until it inevitably comes around to you and Max.
“You know if they start treating you differently, I can hit them in the pit lane,” Yuki states, so casually like it wouldn't get him a penalty in the car he's already struggling with.
“I appreciate the offer, truly, but I don't think that is the best idea, plus I've barely even noticed.” You laugh a little at his antic, shaking your head, “although I haven't been on societal media at all, soooo,” you shrug your shoulders a bit.
“That's good, you should stay off it,” he says, picking at his salad.
“She should stay off what?” you hear a sweet voice behind you, turning around to see Charles and Alex both approaching with plates of their own.
“Social media,” you answer, scooting over to give the two more room.
“Ah, yeah, Yuki is probably right.” Alex takes a seat next to you while Charles settles over by Yuki. “Speaking of welcome to the club, I guess,” Alex jokes, bumping your shoulder with a soft smile that makes you feel better about the whole situation.
“Eh, I don't know, I think you should make an Instagram post showing how good everything is. It could stop all the talk,” Charles chimes in, looking pretty serious. You think about it for a second, but aren't sure if that'll actually work.
“That could be a good idea, but it sounds like too much of a gamble,” Alex replies, more just thinking out loud than anything else.
“Plus, Max and y/n are already scheduled to do an interview next week,” Yuki adds, against you being on any socials. He knows there's something more going on in your head than what you show him. He's seen you at one of your lowest points; you should probably trust him, but there was something so convincing about Charles's idea.
“I don't know, you guys, maybe Charles is right, people might stop talking if I show I'm unfazed.” You shrug. The idea has now rooted itself in your brain; you know there's no hope of talking you out of it now.
“If you think it's a good idea, but maybe bring it up to Max,” you say, shrugging your shoulders.
“Yeah, don't forget, we're always ready to defend you if needed, and don’t give a fuck about the media,” Alex reminds you gently.
The lunch continues peacefully with Alex getting your number and adding you to a small group chat with a few of the other wags.
Later that night, you were sitting in Max’s hotel room, watching some silly movie, lying comfortably, cuddled together. “You know I talked to Charles earlier,” you start.
“That's good, baby, you guys could be good friends,” Max sighs, rubbing your arm.
“Mhm, I hope so, but you know he mentioned that maybe I could post on Instagram or something about how unfazed I am, you know?” You suggest to max sitting up on your arms and looking him in the eyes.
“You're not unfazed, baby, I can tell,” Max sighs, sitting up. “If that's what you want, do it, I don't mind, but don't lie to yourself or to me. I know it matters to you how people perceive you, and I know the staff reactions hurt a bit—I can tell. I know you're trying to stay off your phone, but I watch your eyes get watery, and your breath quicken every time you even look at it. If you want to fool everyone else, that's fine, but don't try to fool me, too, love. Be honest with me—tell me how much this is hurting you and tell me what I can do about it.”
He hesitates for a second before continuing, his voice a little softer. “Honestly, it scares me too. Seeing your name and mine torn apart online, I worry about what we're risking, if maybe all this will be too much for us, or for you. The thought that you're hurting because of me scares the hell out of me. But I want you to know, even with my own fears, nothing could make me want to hide you, or us.” He looks at you, concern and affection mingling in his eyes, before kissing the top of your head.
“You're right, it hurts to know that these people think that I'm not good enough for you because it scares me that you’ll think the same. You're the fucking Formula One world champion who makes millions, and I'm some elementary school teacher who barely got a job as a fucking social media manager!” You weakly cry before letting your shoulder fall, and your voice gets quieter in defeat. “And I come with so much baggage, it's not fair,” you frown at him.
He laughs, “Baby, your ‘baggage’ makes you a person, and I love you for every aspect of you, not just the ‘good’ things; if anything, it's me who’s not deserving of love from such a phenomenal woman.” Of course, he's good at reassuring you and keeping you from spiraling. HE’S FUCKING PERFECT.
“Ok, but I do want to lie to the masses,” you give in, putting your head against his chest.
He laughs, bringing his hand to play with your hair. “Then I'll help you craft the perfect post, schatje.”
Like by maxverstppen1, yukitsunoda0511, charles_leclerc and others.
Yourusername l am more than good enough for him.
User1, she may be just some gold digger, but at least she's pretty.
Yukitsunoda0511 thats my bestie y'all!!
Yourusername we aren't even in texas why are you using y'all
User2 why is Max fucking this ugly bitch
User3 hating on his gf that he's obviously head over heels for isn't gonna get him to fuck you.
User4 thats what I said as soon as I saw her.
Alexandrasaintmleux a gorgeous, talented woman!!
Yourusername says the prettiest woman I know!
User5 im so sick of wags in F1
User6 god you can just tell she's a slut
User7 oh! I think I recognize her! miss. y/n?
User8 what??? You were in her class???
User7 no, my kid was! She’s a great teacher. I think she left cuz she had a kid or something not 100%
User8 no way she has a kid! Crazy
User6 the slut probably doesn't even know the father
User9 max isn't gonna fuck you user6
User7 update: I asked my wife, and it turns out she left because she had a miscarriage.
User10 @/f1gossip you see this?
User11 maybe I like her !!!
User12 god, why would Max even sleep with this slut
Liked by user14 and others
F1gossip turns out that Max Verstappen's new gf (y/n y/l/n) has been confirmed to not only have an ex-husband but also to have gone through a miscarriage before her divorce and change of career. Thank you to the person who knew y/n during this time in her life who provided us with photos and this quote. ‘She [y/n] had changed completely as a person after losing her baby….. She was like 5 or 6 months along, I'm not sure.’
Alexandrasaintmleux WTF is wrong with you??
User13 I may not like her, but this is a GROSS invasion of privacy.
User14 so she's completely useless?
User13 dude?? You actually have issues.
User15 @/user13 is right.
User16 first you expose her obviously secret relationship with Max, and then you tell the world about her sensitive medical history??
Charles_leclerc why does anyone think this is ok??
User14 bc max deserves better.
Lewishamilton this is disgusting.
User13 he’s entirely right.
User15 this poor girl obviously didn't want any of this. She just fell in love after something obviously very rough.
It was quali Saturday, which was fast approaching. You had just made your Instagram post last night, trying not to focus on the comments or the ever-increasing voice in your head. It's hard, but at least it gives you something to address in your next therapy session. But what people had said had continued to haunt your ever-waking thoughts. It felt like it had seeped into your bones, accompanying the profound sadness that already lived there, making your joints stiff and your body heavy.
Still, in the midst of scrolling and letting your thoughts spiral, your phone buzzed with a message. Yuki had sent you a meme—a silly cat video that he knew would make you smile—and simply added, "Thinking of you. Don't let them get to you." For a second, the weight lifted, just enough for you to breathe a bit easier. The comfort wasn't huge, but it was there, a small reminder that not everything was pain.
You were standing in the paddock watching some old interview when your phone began to buzz in your back pocket. You pull it out slowly, like you're scared it'll continue to burn you, as it has in the past days. When you see a message from the group chat Alex added you to. You ignored it and put the phone back in your pocket, but of course, there were messages of support that would come before you even knew you needed them, and of course, Max was by your side before you were even aware of anything outside the Red Bull grudge. Of course you had no clue, of course you told him to get back to quili, of course you take a break when both him and yuki are in the car… of course you see the post.
The comments flood your screen, thousands and thousands of comments all about you, all about your baby…. Some nice, some even from drives, but that's not what you latch onto, of course, it isn't. You can't help it when internally you agree with the comments calling you not good enough, calling you a failure of a mother, you're gonna read them, and you're gonna latch onto them, and thousands of people who are just confirming the fears that you keep buried in the deepest parts of your mind. The comments have found their way into the part of your brain that never lets you forget everything wrong with you, the part of your brain you haven't even bothered to bring up to your therapist. But a brake could only last so long. The drivers have interviews you have to watch and guide once they get out of the car, so you push it back. You have work to do.
You're waiting at the Media pen entrance when Yuki gets out of the car. Unfortunately, he got out in Q2, so Max is still on track.
You great yuki with a smile, “You did so well, you were just .02 off of Q3. Amazing pace.” You pat him on the back with a smile.
“Yeah, pace today was great, now I just have to get through media so I can eat dinner,” he smiles at you as you both enter the media pen. The questions come almost immediately about all sorts of things, and Yuki answers them smoothly with practiced precision. That is, until he gets the first one about you.
“So, Yuki, how do you feel about your media producer seducing your teammate?” Your body stiffens at the sound of the question, your eyes lock on the interviewer, then back to Yuki. He looks like he could kill someone, but it's kinda your job to stop that from happening, so you grab his arm and shake your head, telling him to leave it and just answer.
“I don't know if I would say it was seduction, I kinda just think they fit together…and to be completely honest, I rooted for them the whole time, even before they started talking. Plus, y/n is amazing with Lily… also, it's none of your business who max dates and why. Y/n is one of my closest friends in the paddock, so please don't paint her in a bad light.”
“So she has gotten both of the redbull drivers?” the interviewer mumbles, but doesn't give Yuki a chance to respond before she starts again.
“So you said she was good with Lily, do you think it's because of her past?” You instantly feel the bile rise to your throat through the reminder of not only everything you've been through but everyone backing up your insecurity online comes rushing to the front of your mind there is a sharp sting in your eyes, and you need to hide in the bathroom before you vomit all over yuki, but you can’t, you have a job you have bills to pay. You're squeezing the inside of your hand so hard you're almost certain there will be crescent shepherd marks on your palm. Your mind is swirling a million miles a minute. You hear Yuki's calm voice breaking through your thoughts, “It doesn't matter if it's because of her past profession or just in her nature, but either way it's none of your business,” he states, grabbing your hand and leaving for the following interview.
“Thank you,” you whisper as you both step out of the media pen, surrounded by the other drivers and their pr mangers, even some girlfriends. You can tell some of them have seen the post, obviously none of the drivers, as they've been busy all morning, but by the looks, the other media teams are giving you, you know they seen it the thought makes your stomach and mind twist, you feel like you cant be sure if the looks are out of judgement or pity…either way you dont want it.
You walk with Yuki back to the paddock in silence. You know he also notices the look, but he seems a little confused, assuming it's just a late reaction to you and Max’s relationship. That is, until you’re both inside, sitting somewhere in the Red Bull motorhome, he's on his phone, and you're journaling, feeling, and thinking you'll be brought up in therapy next week. You almost feel it in the air when he sees the post; you swear it feels sharper, colder in here than it was mere seconds ago. Then the silence is broken.
“You know?” is all he asks, already knowing the answer to his own question, but he wants to hear it out of your mouth. He wants to gauge how much this affects you, but you don't let him; you take a deep breath and gather your composure.
“Q3 is almost done, I’m going to get Max, we’ll be back in a little bit.” You breathe out as you get up and walk to parc ferme to get max. He had placed 4th, so there was no podium, so straight back into the hell people call a media pen.
Max greets you with a big smile. Even though he isn't starting in the top 3 tomorrow, he knows he can still win from 4th, so he's happy. Plus, he gets to see his beautiful girlfriend, so that's always a bonus.
As soon as he sees you, he can tell something is wrong. As you both walk to the media pen, you are briefing him about the question that Yuki had been asked and what he should be prepared for, intently glossing over the question about you. Max interrupts you about halfway to the media pen, looking at you.
“What's up, baby? You seem off,” he says, grabbing your hand, providing you a small sense of comfort in the wave of emotions you have been feeling in the past hour. The warmth of his touch sends waves through your body. You resist the urge to melt into his body, seeking the comfort you know he can give you, but you can't here, so you just smile at him.
“It's ok, baby, can we talk later? Maybe with some ice cream and Lily on the phone?” you request quietly, calming at the feeling of his thumb rubbing small circles on your knuckles. He smiles back at you. “Ok, baby, we can get whatever you want to eat,” he says, letting go of your hand before walking into the media pen. You follow closely behind him. Most of the questions are about his feelings starting from p4 in the race, there are some questions about Lily and why she's missing, a little bit of team drama, and a few tame questions thrown around about you, that is, until you get to the same interviewer who had ruined your time with Yuki. She smiles, and you swear there is something sharp and cold in her eyes. You feel your body brace for whatever she's about to say.
“So, Max, I don't know if you've seen the post about addressing your Girlfriend and her past…” Before she can even finish, Max looks at you and sees the fear on your face, and the way your body is already tense before she even finishes the question. He doesn't know exactly what's wrong, but he can tell you're uncomfortable. “Whatever it is you're about to say is none of your business.” Max takes a firm, reassuring grip of your hand before looking back up to the interviewer, who looks particularly mad.
“Well, don't you think your fans deserve to know?” she asks, clearly, just trying to get a rise out of him, and she should be glad he's dating his PR manager and doesn't want to create more work for you.
“I think we are done here,” he says, taking a deep breath before walking off. He moves on to the interviews, keeping you close by his side.
When you both come out of the media pen and can hide from prying eyes in his driver's room, he takes your face in his hands before kissing both cheeks.
“What's wrong, schatje?” Max asks, looking down at you. You take a moment to bury your head in his chest, allowing your body to melt into him and relax fully.
After a few minutes, you take out your phone and show him the post. As he reads it, his face twists with anger at first, then with concern for you.
The first thing he does when he puts your phone down is scoop you up in his arms, bring you over to the couch, muttering sweet nothings in your ear, before pulling away looking serious.
“How are you feeling, schatje? And don't lie to be. I know it's not good,” you sigh, letting your body relax into him and closing your eyes before muttering, “I'm just so frustrated and tired, Maxie.” You get up off him and sprawl out on the couch, allowing your feet to hang over the side and your head to rest on his lap.
“I'm sorry, my love, but I think I know what can fix that,” Max says, letting his hand come down to rest on your shoulder, his thumb rubbing small circles into your skin. You hum contently, closing your eyes and letting every muscle in your body give in to the intense need to relax around max.
“A FaceTime call with Lily and then ice cream and sushi while watching those shitty reality tv shows you pretend to hate?” you suggest, opening one eye and peeking up at him.
“Whatever you want, schatje,” he smiles down at you and kisses you.
And that's exactly what you get that night: you lie in the hotel room with Max, cuddling up by your side, his hands placed gently on the slope of your waist, leaving small kisses on your shoulder. Your body is completely relaxed; you feel the tightness leaving your muscles at the reverberation of his voice whispering sweet nothings against your skin.
“We’ll call Mom and Lily later, schatje. I want to spend this time appreciating you,” he whispers against your skin, peppering small kisses.
“Mmmmm, how are you gonna do that, my love?” you ask, turning to face him.
“Any way you want, schatje, he kisses your shoulder, “I have some things in mind if you're ready for that baby,” he says, sliding on top of you, peppering kisses down your stomach, pausing to look you in the eye, slightly asking for permission. You give him a small nod, and that's all he needs to start, his thumbs hook in your panties pulling them all the way off, leaving you in only his baggy team kit.
You step out of the shower, reach for a white, fluffy hotel towel, wrap it around your body, and step out to find Max already on the phone with his mom and Lily. You sneak around them, getting ready for bed and dressed, before popping into frame while Lily shows her dad a picture she drew with grandma. When she sees you, she visibly lights up.
“Y/N! Hi! Did you see what me and grandma drew for Daddy?” she asks, jumping up and down on the other side of the phone. She never fails to make you smile.
“No, honey, I didn't. Will you show me again?” you ask, sitting beside Max, both of you only halfway in frame.
“Ok, so this is daddy, and he's driving his car back home to me!” she says excitedly, pointing at parts of the incomprehensible picture.
“Then this is you in the back with daddy, so you can come see me. And this is bluey!” she continues to explain the picture, and your heart melts, you almost cry when you feel Max squeeze your head. Looking up, he has the sweetest smile on his face, and you know they both have you wrapped around their fingers, and maybe you're ok with it.
It's been two years since you and Max went public, and you love him just as much as you did then, maybe even more. Sometimes you find yourself looking back on that whirlwind first year, remembering the nerves right before your first team meeting as a couple, the way Max would slide a coffee across your desk with a reassuring wink, and the nervous laughter you both shared as rumors swirled online. The nights watching races with Lily curled up on your lap, the gentle way Max held you when things got overwhelming—those memories still feel close, woven into each day you share now. Even after everything you've both endured, the love has only grown stronger, steadier, and more certain with time. Now you were about to take what felt like the biggest step in your life, and you are terrified, but as usual, Max is there for you.
“I don't know, Maxie, I'm scared, what if I'm bad at it now?” You pace around what is now your and Max’s kitchen.
“Baby, we both know you're gonna do amazing, no need to be anxious. Remember what your therapist said? If you have done everything to prepare, then you have nothing to be scared of,” he gently reminds you, getting up from the table, walking over to you, and kissing your shoulder before giving your lips a gentle kiss, letting the warmth of his body spread into your body, relaxing you.
“You're right, I'm ready for this,” you state, then kiss his cheek. You get up, grab your to-go coffee cup.
“Do I look good?” you ask, giving him a little spin.
“The prettiest teacher I've ever seen, schatje,” he smiles at you before standing. “I’ll make sure that Lilly is ready to go,” he tells you, walking back to her room.
The warmth of this little life you and Max created together spreads through every part of your body, and you fidget with the engagement ring on your finger. Waiting for Lilly to ride to school with you, she's excited for her first day of kindergarten, and you're excited to get back to what you love.
You've been back to teaching for a few years now, but you're currently on summer break along with Lilly. You're watching Max race every opportunity you get. Sometimes it's just you at the race, Max’s mom insisting she watch Lilly to give you guys a bit of alone time. That's what's happening this weekend, and thank god, because you're currently in the bathroom holding a pregnancy test while Max is in the room, none the wiser. The minutes of waiting feel like hours until two small lines appear and you almost break into tears, but you have to tell Max.
“Max, can you come in here?” you ask, trying not to let your voice break when he appears in the doorway. You feel the weight of everything leave your shoulders. You slowly bring the test out from behind your back, shaking with nervousness. You hear Max gasp as he takes your hands before wrapping his arms around your waist and spinning you.
“We're gonna give Lily a sibling!” he has the biggest smile on his face before placing a kiss on your cheek.
“Important question, though, how do you feel, Schatje? And before you answer, know I'll be here every step of the way, no matter what.” he looks at you, making sure you know he means it. You smile back at him.
“I couldn't be happier, but just in case, can we wait to tell everyone?” you ask, not wanting to get everyone excited just in case history repeats itself, but you know it won't, you can feel it.
Max nods before picking you up again, bringing you to the bed, peppering kisses all over you, the whole time. He is completely and utterly in love with you; he couldn't be happier that you walked into his life that day.
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