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In a way it was obvious. To everyone but Max.
Maybe he suppressed the feelings for the other man because he didn’t want to think about being attracted to men or because he didn’t want to be known as the “gay” driver. Maybe it was to protect him if Charles didn’t feel the same. Or it was just because he didn’t want to know.
Maybe realising his feelings while kissing Charles softly after waking up wasn’t ideal but it happened.
It wasn’t on purpose it just felt right to lean even more into his space and press their lips together. If Charles was surprised he didn’t say a thing. They just stayed like this. Closed mouth kiss and still holding one another after falling asleep like that.
It was soft and quiet. Like nothing could disturb their peace and they were the only two people to exist or even just to matter.
Max pulled away a bit - “Is this okay?”
Charles didn’t even answer and just pulled him closer again to kiss him. This time it was just as slow but open mouthed. They also didn’t stay still. A hand along an arm, a back and fingernails leaving light scratches at each other's hair.
Their hands explored under shirts and under short hems. Just aimlessly grabbing at skin and enjoying feeling the other's body under their respective hands.
A grumbling stomach stopped them and they got up to make breakfast. During the short cooking part Charles was plastered to Max’s back and leaving tiny kisses on the side of his head, neck and shoulder. It made him feel loved.
They ate off the same plate and had short kisses sprinkled in. Not a lot of words were exchanged but there was no need for them.
Defining their relationship could be done in a few quick words. Boyfriends sounded almost too arbitrary for what they were. Lovers was better, yet very kitsch. But who cares if it sounded too sweet.
They didn’t announce anything to anyone. Truly outsiders could figure it out themselves couldn’t they.
The two of them didn’t hide anything really. In the paddock they were still close as often as possible. They still hugged more than everyone else. Them walking hand in hand became almost a boring site to see.
Them hugging and jumping around when Max won his 3rd Championship was beloved by the media and fans alike but it was seen as nothing more than them being overly friendly with one another.
Which really couldn’t be said for them kissing each other on the podium in Mexico later that year. And their following comment:
“We just fell in love over the summer - nothing special really”