George Russell/Max Verstappen ; Rated E
COMPLETE - Chapter 7/7 - Words: 91,050
Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence; Angst with a Happy Ending; Hurt/Comfort; Illegal Racing; Homelessness; Internalized Homophobia; Jos Verstappen's A+ Parenting; Max Verstappen Needs a Hug. Bottom!Max/Top!George.
Red string theory: belief that people who are destined to be present in each other’s lives are connected by a red string, and life will bring them to meet again despite time, circumstance, or distance.
See also: coincidence, fate, or chance.
————
“Well, nice to meet you officially then, Max,” George says as they step away.
For a brief moment, Max thinks this is it. He’s been unmasked, George knows who he is, finally remembers him. But when he looks up, the man is as surprisingly casual as he’s been since they got out of their cars, no recognition in sight. He sighs in relief, nodding as he watches how George offers his hand.
“Yeah. Nice to meet you, George Russell,” he mutters. He delights in the laughter it earns him, George’s palm warm against his own.
—
Jos Verstappen had a son. A gifted child, a prodigy, promised to a solid racing career- Until he vanished without a trace. Jos pretends the kid simply didn’t have it in him, lacked the drive, tells whoever will listen the boy bolted away as soon as he could.
Truth is, Max has been drifting aimlessly for years, since his father threw him out the door, and crushed any attempts he’s made to pursue his dream. He goes from place to place, race to race in underground circles, with no goal in sight but the next thrill to come. Until a chance encounter with two-times championship winner George Russell, who’s grown weary of being at the top of his game, changes things.