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One
“Now I know why the penthouse wasn’t available” Charles smirks as Max invites him into his rather fancy hotel suite. It’s stunning, the floor to ceiling windows letting in the vibrant mix of lights from the city below.“Sorry” Max mumbles apologetically as he runs a hand up the back of his neck. He’s swaying slightly, looks jittery in a way Charles hasn’t seen before.“That’s okay, I was just joking” Charles laughs, it’s not like his own room is run down or anything, it’s perfectly fine given the amount of time he has spent in it over the race weekend. Max still looks concerned though, his brows are knitted together and his nose is scrunched up slightly .“Max, it is fine. It was a joke” Charles explains more softly. He is certainly closer with Max now than he has been in the past but he still doesn’t know him well enough to know if this is some sort of adrenaline comedown or not. The Dutchman’s eyes look a little glassy and he’s still shifting his weight about from foot to foot. Charles really had just come around as a favour to Checo, the Mexican catching up with him in the paddock and thrusting Max’s wallet into his hands to give back to him seen as they’re staying in the same hotel.“Fuck I’m sorry, I know” Max laughs but it comes out breathy.“Max are you -““I’m fine” Max eases himself down on the sofa. He doesn’t look fine though, in fact he doesn’t look fine at all.“Would you like me to call someone for you?” Charles tentatively perches close by as he gives Max another look over.“No” Max’s lips curl up into a half smile but the gesture doesn’t reach his eyes and they remain looking spacey.“I’m a little worried about you” Charles admits. Max doesn’t strike him as the easiest person to try and take care of, he normally has that self determination that makes him seem like he can do anything but right now he looks more fragile than usual.“It is just” Max makes a soft little noise as he seems to be weighing up his next words. Charles knows better than to launch in and push it, he sits back, lets Max try and work up the courage to finish what he is trying to say, “It is stupid really, I should be fine right? I have been reading about it though”“Reading about what?” Charles asks calmly.Max pauses again, the Dutchman is scrunching his hands up into balls and loosening the tension off as he shifts his weight about. This is obviously difficult for him, it doesn’t take a genius to work that out. He doesn’t necessarily seem reluctant to share though, just nervous.“Anxiety” Max smiles and lets out a small puff of air as he tries to laugh it off, “Don’t tell anyone”“I won’t” Charles promises, “You don’t need to be embarrassed though”“I’m not” Max answers quickly, “I’m just tired. Can’t sleep”Charles tries his best not to look at the empty cans of red bull scattered on the coffee table but Max clocks his discreet glance straight away.“It is water Charles” Max smiles, “They brand it up so it looks like Red Bull, but it’s water. Definitely don’t tell anyone that”“I won’t” Charles promises again, “Because actually that is pretty embarrassing”The Dutchman huffs out a laugh. It’s louder this time, more genuine, his eyes scrunching up as he giggles. It’s cute, Charles realises. In fact Max is pretty cute away from the track. It’s unusual to see him looking quite so vulnerable though and whilst Charles is no replacement for a therapist he knows he can at least provide a little comfort. If Max will let him that is. It’s one thing having the Dutchman open up a little but there’s clearly a fine line to be walked between helping and pushing him away.“How long have you been feeling like this?”“I don’t actually know” Max sighs, “it is not all the time, I just can’t sleep though. I guess since I have been single. Clearly I am codependent” the Dutchman jokes. Or at least tries to pass it off as a joke but Charles suspects there is a some truth in it.“Why don’t I stay for a while?” Charles offers.“You don’t have to do that” Max tries to straighten himself up, as if everything is suddenly fine. It’s clearly not though. .“It will save me going back to my shitty room” Charles grins as he draws another smile from Max, “You stole the penthouse away, you can at least let me stay a while. No?”Max rolls his eyes but his expressions are all soft and as he lets out another small breath he nods his head and relaxes back further into the cushions, “If you insist”“I’m gonna put a film on so we can just relax” Charles scrolls through the tv channels and puts something on that sounds inoffensive. The film isn’t really the point, it’s more background noise than anything.“You can have a Red Bull water if you want?” Max smiles at Charles, his breathing is evening out a little but he looks tired. The skin around his eyes is a little darker than normal and its hard to explain but Charles can almost sense the heaviness in the Dutchman limbs as he lounges back.“I might get one later” Charles grins, “Do you have more comfortable clothes?” The Monegasque has no real complaints about the skin tight jeans Max is squeezed into. They aren’t exactly fashionable but they do a pretty good job of hugging the Dutchman’s figure. They don’t look particularly comfortable though.“I don’t know” Max looks up at Charles, “Maybe”“Why don’t you go and look?” Charles encourages, “Throw on something warm and comfortable, it will make you feel better”Max nods, there’s not even a mutter of disagreement which Charles finds a little interesting because Max doesn’t always seems like the most compliant guy. He comes back dressed down in joggers and a large hoodie and Charles can’t help how his heart flutters at how soft the Dutchman looks in it.“You were right” Max hums as he curls himself up on the couch, “This is much better actually” The Dutchman wiggles around getting comfortable as he grips hold of a cushion, practically hugging it to his chest as Charles dims the lights.It’s not really the evening the Monegasque had planned. He has emails to send and plans to sort out for next week but this feels more important. Plus it’s always nice to feel that your presence is appreciated and Max really does seem to be settling the longer the film goes on. His breath calms into a steady rhythm and his eyelids start drooping closed as his head lulls forward.“Max” Charles coos, “Why don’t you lie down?”Max’s brow furrows just enough for the creases on his forehead to deepen and for a split second Charles thinks that he might have pushed it too far but the Dutchman’s features soften and he slinks down on to the sofa.“Thank you for staying” Max mumbles as Charles inches closer and eases the Dutchman’s head up on to his lap. It’s a delicate move, Charles’ hands lightly easing Max into position. Luckily the Dutchman moves pliantly and shuffles around to make himself more comfortable, head still firmly resting against Charles’ thighs.“Get a little rest Max” Charles soothes as he strokes his hand through the Dutchman’s hair, nice gentle pets that make the Dutchman’s eyes flutter closed and his breathing settle into a nice steady sleepy rhythm.*
Two
“Your long run pace looked good” Charles comments as he breezes past Max into the Dutchman’s hotel room.“Is this some sort of espionage or something?” Max cocks an eyebrow in Charles’ direction.“Maybe” Charles grins, “I bought you something, you can see it as a bribe for information if you like” Charles is happy enough to keep things light because he has no idea how Max is going to respond to his gift. There are definitely nothing but good intentions behind it though“What is it?” Max’s eyes widen as he peers over at the large bag Charles has lugged into his hotel room. Charles hands it over and lets Max lift the gift out.“A blanket?” Max looks a little bemused.“A weighted blanket” Charles corrects, “I know you said you had been having a little trouble falling asleep and these are meant to help”“Really?” Max doesn’t look convinced as he gives the blanket the once over, “Does it do something special or something?”“It’s weighted” Charles says, although he guesses that isn’t quite the explanation Max was looking for as the Dutchman still looks confused, “I suppose it’s like getting a hug” Charles offers by way of a further explanation. He’s not exactly an expert or ambassador for these things, he’s just heard it is good for anxiety and thought it would help.“A hug” Max’s lips tug upwards and there’s just the lightest of red dusting across his cheeks, “That is - , you didn’t need to do that”“I know” Charles shrugs, “I just saw it and thought of you”Max’s face flushes a little darker and his smile gets a little wider, “I can try it. Although I don’t know why you would be trying to help the competition”“I want to fight you at your best. Always” Charles says confidently. And it’s true, he has grown up racing Max and has every intention of doing so for years to come and that means keeping the Dutchman nice and healthy. Besides, racing aside Charles wants Max to be contented, he deserves it.“You might regret this gift if I win on Sunday” Max smirks but then his eyes soften, “This is really nice of you”“It’s no problem. Have you eaten?” Charles picks up the room service menu and studies it, “ I was going to get something, if you want to eat together”“Sure” Max is busying himself ripping the blanket out of the packaging, “Just chicken, something simple”“I’ll order” Charles is already pulling his phone out of his pocket, “Why don’t you go and put that on your bed ready for later?”“Okay” Max hums as he pads through to the bedroom and Charles once again is left struck by how easily Max follows his instructions*Charles jumps at the knock at the door and goes to collect the food. It’s not anything special but as he sees Max tucking in he is at least pleased to see that the Dutchman is looking after himself.“This is good” Max mumbles between forkfuls of veggies, “Well not good, but it’s fine I suppose”“I should have just gone for a burger or something” Charles laughs, “This is okay though, you want to try?”“It doesn’t have anything weird in it does it?’ Max curls his nose up.“Depends what you call weird” Charles chuckles, “It is just an arabiatta sauce, here, try it” The Monegasque loads some of the pasta up on a fork and goes to pass it to Max but the Dutchman is already opening his mouth wide and seemingly waiting for Charles to feed him. Which is, different.The Monegasque leans a little closer and lifts the fork to Max’s lips, watching the way they wrap tightly around the fork and slowly slide off again. Charles swallows down the saliva pooling in his mouth as he sees Max lick across his lips.“Oh actually that is nice” Max hums.“Have another bite” Charles is already loading up his fork and moving it towards Max to see if he will repeat the action and once again the Dutchman opens up happily ready to be fed.“No more though” Max grins, “Now I think you are trying to sabotage me by feeing me up”“You caught me” Charles grins back, “Got to try something haven’t I? You are pretty unstoppable these days”Max laughs faintly but doesn’t respond but Charles quite clearly catches the way the Dutchman’s cheeks go red and the little flush of colour spreads to his ears.“You mind if I stay a little?” Charles sets his plate down and makes himself comfortable on the sofa. He will need to head back in a while, whilst he doesn’t have to be at the paddock until mid morning he still intends on getting an early night. He can spare a little while longer though.*“You want me to show you how to use the blanket before I go?” Charles asks as he gets up to leave for the night.“It is a blanket Charles” Max laughs, “ I drive an F1 car for a living, I think I can work it out”“Well yes” Charles laughs as the stupidity of his question but doesn’t give up entirely, “I just meant, why don’t I check it out and make sure I bought the right one. Weight and stuff. Save me the hassle of coming back for it if if you find out its the wrong one” Charles flat out avoids asking if he can tuck Max up in bed because he’s almost certain the Dutchman will launch him out of a window.“If it helps” Max shrugs, “I just need to go brush my teeth and get ready”“Okay” Charles nods, “Go get ready for bed and I will come through”Max hauls himself up from the sofa and makes his way through to his bathroom before turning back to Charles with a slight look of concern on his face, “I sleep in just my boxers, that is okay right?”“That is fine Max” Charles smiles, “just do what you normally do”“Cool” Max murmurs before disappearing off and getting himself ready for bed leaving Charles in almost stunned silence There is noway that Max is stupid enough to believe that Charles needs to hang around to check the blanket is the right weight. It’s almost proof enough for Charles that Max enjoys being looked after in one way or another. He’s just not entirely sure Max realises it yet.“I am ready Charles” Max calls, his voice drifting through from the bedroom. As Charles steps inside he tries to control his grin but Max is cuddled up in bed with the duvet cover pulled up to his chest and a pile of cushions around him. It all looks so cosy that Charles could quite happily clamber in. Instead he takes hold of the weighted blanket that Max has left tangled up at the bottom of the bed and straightens it out before pulling it over the Dutchman’s body.Max laughs awkwardly but is still smiling.“How does it feel?” Charles asks as he tucks in the edges around Max’s body.“I think it is okay” Max nods, “Actually it is kind of nice I suppose”“Not too heavy?”“No” Max shakes his head, “I think it is good”“Thats good” Charles hums, “I guess that is good night then”“Good night Charles, Thank you for showing me how to use a blanket” the Dutchman quips with more than a hint of sarcasm but as he closes his eyes he has a huge smile on his face.“Good night Max” Charles turns off the light as he makes his way out.*
Three
“There you are!” Charles feels the relief wash over him in waves as he finally locates Max outside the nightclub.“Wh -”“Pierre told me what happened” Charles explains as he slips off his jacket and wraps it around the Dutchman’s shoulders. Max is still shivering although the wavering in his bottom lip seems to be from holding back his tears.“It’s nothing, I just want to go home” Max eyes Charles, “I can walk, I was just waiting for P - ““I told Pierre to stay, I’ll come with you” Charles rubs up and down Max’s arms to try and warm him up although he can’t tell if the Dutchman is shaking from the crisp breeze sweeping around or from the altercation at the bar, “Are you sure you are okay?”“I guess they were just not a fan” Max makes a half hearted attempt to laugh, “It is not -, It just took me by surprise”“I bet” Charles feels anger in the pit of his stomach, “They didn’t hurt you did they?”“No” Max shakes his head, “Just - “ the Dutchman motions down to where his shirt is soaked through, “Guess they didn’t like their drink either”“Fucking idiots” Charles curses, “Do you know why-““Called me a cheat” Max interjects, “Dickheads” The Dutchman breathes out shakily. Charles knows for a fact that Max is trying to put a brave face on things but he’s clearly a little shaken. It’s understandable, from what Pierre had said they came out of nowhere.“Lets just get you home” Charles reaches out and takes Max’s hand in his own as they make their way down the streets of Monaco. The Dutchman’s palms are cold but his fingers curl right around Charles’ as he lets the Monegasque lead the way. It’s mostly silent, Charles smiling reassuringly from time to time but Max seems withdrawn as he follows behind dragging his feet. He doesn’t even seem to care if anyone sees them hand in hand, although Charles supposes he doesn’t care either. It just feels nice.“I should have done something about it” Max mumbles as they get closer to his apartment block, “I just didn’t want to do anything that would get me suspended or something. You know?”“I know” Charles nods sympathetically and follows Max into his building and into the lift, “It would not have been worth getting in trouble for it”“Do you like the attention?” Max asks as he fishes out his keys and unlocks his door, “I would prefer if we could just race, you know, how it was when we were younger. Without all the other attention”“I don’t know” Charles shrugs, “I guess I like some of it but it’s a little much sometimes and - “ Charles trails off as he realises that now Max is safe in the comfort of his own apartment he is crying.“Sorry. Fuck I am sorry, it is the alcohol” Max sniffs back tears and tries to wipe his eyes but he’s still shaking and Charles feels his heart drop. It’s definitely not the alcohol, the Dutchman doesn’t appear to be intoxicated in the slightest.“It is fine to cry” Charles closes the space between them, hesitating only briefly before opening his arms wide and wrapping Max up in them. The Dutchman leans into it with his whole body, the sobs rattling against Charles’ chest as he lets him cry it out.*“I think we need to get you out of this wet top” Charles trails his hands under Max’s t-shirt that is drenched with beer and tentatively starts dragging it up across the Dutchman’s ribcage and over his head. Max's skin is a little sticky and as Charles soothes his hand over the broadness of the Dutchman’s chest he realises that the alcohol has already steeped through his clothing, “I think you should take a shower before you go to bed. What do you think?”Max sighs but doesn’t answer. His hair is damp and his body is sticky and Charles guesses that jumping in the shower is not what Max wants to do right now but he doesn’t deserve to go to bed and wake up with the smell of stale beer reminding him of tonight.“Max, would you please go and take a shower for me?” Charles tries a slightly different tact because Max has seemed to respond well to instructions in the past, “It would make me happy if you could be good and do that for me”The Dutchman’s expression is unreadable as he stands staring at Charles. The Monegasque is in two minds as to whether he’s done the right thing but then Max lets out a shaky exhale and nods before making his way into the bathroom.The Monegasque slinks down to the floor and sits outside the bathroom door, listening to the spray of the water cascading down, “Remember to wash your hair please Max” Charles shouts loud enough for Max to hear him above the thrum of the water.When the bathroom door eventually clicks back open Max appears with a towel slung low around his waist and water still dripping from his hair. Charles watches the blobs of water rolling all the way down the curves of his chest. Max looks good. Except Charles can’t focus on that right now because more than anything Max needs someone to take care of him in this moment, not take advantage.“I think I should dry your hair off a little” Charles hums as he guides Max through the Dutchman’s apartment and into the bedroom, “What do you want to sleep in? Boxers right?”“Yes. Charles you do not have to dress me.” Max smiles a little awkwardly, “I can get dressed for bed”“Why don’t you do that for me now?” Charles turns around so he’s facing the wall, “I won’t look” Charles hears Max laugh softly before the faint sound of footsteps rings out. By the time he turns back around Max is dressed in a pair of boxers and climbing into bed.“Your hair is wet” Charles frowns, “Can I at least dry it with a towel”“Sure” Max shrugs and shuffles back up in bed so Charles can wrap a towel around his hair and dry it off as best he can.“Your hair smells good” Charles leans in and inhales the nice vanilla scent radiating from the Dutchman, “Very nice”“I took it from a hotel” Max smirks as he lets Charles continue towelling off his hair. The Monegasque takes longer than is strictly necessary, massaging his fingers into Max’s scalp over the towel and listening to the low contented sounds is elicits.“I don’t think I will be able to sleep tonight” Max mumbles, “Do you think -, “Charles waits for the end of the question but it doesn’t come, “Do I think you will be able to sleep?”“Do you think you can stay?” Max breathes out shakily, “Sorry if that is too much”“No I am proud of you for asking” Charles beams.“Proud” Max snorts, “I am not a child”“I know” Charles rolls his eyes, Max seems to have mastered looking all cute and fluffy whilst simultaneously still being snarky.“But you will stay though?” The Dutchman follows up, a slight look of concern on his face.“Yes of course” Charles sets the towel, “I do think it is good that you asked for what you want, you should do that more often”Max makes another little snorting sound as he laughs, “I think GP might disagree with you on that”“Outside the car” Charles clarifies as he laughs and yes Max is right, he is more than vocal when he has his visor down and is trying to extract the most from the car.“Maybe I will try”“I would like it if you would try” Charles slips off his shoes and his trousers but decides to leave his t-shirt on as he climbs into bed next to Max, “Would you do that for me? Ask for what you want. I would like you to focus on that”“Okay” Max agrees as he closes his eyes, “I will try” The Dutchman turns on to his side away from Charles but shuffles backwards until he is only inches away from the Monegasque. Charles avoids wrapping his arms right around Max’s body, he wants to take care of him but he’s interested to see if the Dutchman is comfortable enough to ask for what he wants.Max sighs and shuffles around trying to get comfortable, It’s almost agony for Charles as he lies as still as possible but really he is trying to lay some type of foundations or framework for something greater. Max needs structure, he’s sure of it.“Charles” Max eventually whispers, “Would you… would you be like my weighted blanket?”Charles smiles to himself. Max is almost there. He would have preferred it if the Dutchman could have just asked for a hug but he gets the meaning and Max has really been through too much tonight to push him any further. He’s done well and deserves the treat that comes with that. Besides, Charles’ hands have been twitching since the second he got into bed, desperate to wraps themselves over the soft curves and muscles of Max’s body. Charles reaches out and snakes one arm around Max as he guides the Dutchman until his back is flush against his chest.“Try and get some rest for me Max” Charles coos as he inhales some more of the nice vanilla scented shampoo and closes his eyes.*
Four
Charles sits at his table staring blankly at the stage. The FIA may (arguably) be pretty decent when it comes to running a motorsport series but they are definitely lacking something when it comes to award ceremonies. The lack of direction or coherence is almost painful. The Monegasque glances around, the majority of people seem to be on their phones or chatting amongst themselves.“It’s almost worth finishing fourth, do you not think?” Checo mumbles from where he is sat to Charles' left.The Monegasque tries not to laugh too loudly but the Mexican driver is not wrong. In fact, if Charles is out of the running for the Championship title next year he might take his foot off the accelerator just enough to slip back down out of the top three altogether. Maybe. Although he doesn't know if his competitive nature would let him and it would also mean he would not be around to look out for Max should the Dutchman happen to have to attend. Charles glances down at the time on his phone. Max has been gone for quite a while now. Charles doesn’t panic straight away, there is every likelihood the Dutchman is just trying to skip as much of the mundane ceremony as possible but he can’t help but get a bad feeling about the situation.“Be back in second” Charles nods towards Checo but the Red Bull driver almost looks to have nodded off. The Monegasque makes his way along the corridor and peers outside before checking the bathrooms.“Max it is Charles”“In here” the Dutchman clicks open one of the bathroom stalls. His bowtie is pulled loose and he looks paler than usual.“What’s wrong?” Charles tries to keep his voice as calm as possible,“Panic attack. I think” Max tugs again at his bowtie, “Help me”“Hey it’s okay” Charles coos as he lifts his hand to Max’s chin and tilts the Dutchman’s head so he is looking right him, “I want you just to take some deep breathes with me. In and out”Max does as he is told. His chest rising and falling in rhythm with Charles’. There is still a look of panic in his eyes though, even when his breath does start to slow to a reasonable level.“I can’t go up there but I don’t know why. I have done it before. I don’t know”“Don’t panic” Charles says softly, “You’re just feeling nervous, it is normal”“But I - “ Max seems to freeze“Max, look at me” Charles focuses the Dutchman’s attention back on him, his voice a little firmer now and whilst he has always enjoyed the more gentle approach with Max it is not like they have a world of time, “It will be fine. You just need to go up there and answer a few questions”“I feel like I’m going to not be able to speak”“No” Charles shakes his head, “You will be absolutely fine. You trust me to look after you don’t you?”Max nods, his pupils still blown wide“When you get up there you can just look for me in the crowd and pretend you are taking to me” the Monegasque explains slowly and calmly, “I will be so proud of you for doing that. Do you understand?”“Yes” Max nods his head but Charles isn’t fully convinced.“You look beautiful tonight Max” Charles continues as he starts to fix Max’s bowtie for him, pulling it up so its sat a little more smartly, just loose enough not to feel restrictive, “Look at you in your suit. So smart”“Charles”“If you really, really don’t want to do it then I can go out there and tell them you are not well but I believe that you can do it. You look amazing. Like a champion. Okay? And you deserve for everyone to celebrate you”Max is nodding along, his gaze no longer darting around quite so much.“I want you to go up there and smile and know that I think you deserve all the applause, yes?”“Okay” Max nods again, it’s a little more confident this time, a little more self assured.“I believe in you” Charles reassures once more as he straightens Max’s jacket and gives his hand a reassuring squeeze, “Go out there and do it for both of us okay?”*“I don’t know what came over me” Max is still buzzing as he lies in his hotel room bed next to Charles, “I am so sorry for being so fucking stupid but I did it right? It was fine”“You did good” Charles doesn’t even need to lie. Max was as natural as always, cracking jokes and smiling up on stage. Charles is under no illusions that Max actually enjoys the spectacle but the Dutchman came back to his seat with a nice warm smile as he held his trophy in his hands.“I looked at you the whole time” Max beams, “Fuck, ,someone on the internet is gonna notice that but I don’t care. Fuck I don’t know, I feel funny now. Like tired but not. Exhausted but -“ the Dutchman keeps rambling until his words are all jumbled up.“Max” Charles laughs softly as he tries to get the Dutchman to quieten down a little, “Its probably still adrenaline right?”“Yeah and fucking exhaustion” Max huffs out.And Charles gets it because panic attacks, from what he has heard, drain the body and yet the shot of adrenaline Max seems to have experienced tonight has geared him back up and now he is hovering in some strange in-between place.“I don’t know how to switch my brain off and my fucking blanket, I should have packed it. It helps you know. It is nice, helps my thoughts calm” The Dutchman is still speaking out seemingly every thought running through his brain. Even Charles’ hand soothing up and down his back doesn’t seem to be calming him.“I have an idea of something that might help instead” Charles suggests, Max seems a little giddy so he hopes he can get away with suggesting this without getting his head bitten off. It’s a little unusual but he suspects it really will help, “it’s a little bit like the weighted blanket”“Oh okay” Max blinks a few times and sucks in a heavy breath, “yeah I will try it then”“I haven’t told you what it is yet” Charles laughs, “Do you have ties here?”“Ties? Like for dress up?” Max’s face scrunches up, “Yeah there are some hung up in the wardrobe, I decided to go with the bowtie of course but-““Good” Charles interjects before Max can keep spitting out words. The Monegasque climbs out of bed and selects a few ties. They look expensive but he doubts Max will mind if they get a little stretched if it helps him sleep, “I am going to tie you up”Max makes a strange little whining sound as he suddenly sits up in bed, “Sorry, you are going to do what?”“It sounds odd I know” Charles chuckles, “but you can look it up online, people do it all the time. Its not sexual if that is what you are worried about”Max’s face flushes red in an instant. The colour travelling all they down his body in little blotches.“Please just try it, it will help calm your mind. And if it doesn’t I will just untie you” Charles hopes Max trusts him enough because he supposes this is rather a larger leap in their relationship, whatever their relationship actually is.“I don’t know” Max frowns, “What if - Will it actually help me relax?”“Maybe” Charles answers truthfully, he doubts it works for everyone so there are no guarantees, “I will keep it simple, just tie your feet together and your hands together, not tight, and you can lie there next to me on the bed.Max still looks like he is contemplating and computing all the possible outcomes, “You will not leave me alone right?”“Never” Charles assures as firmly as possible.“Try it then” Max agrees after a few moments of silent contemplation “But just. - you won’t tell anyone will you?”“Our secret” Charles promises, he had been expecting to answer a lot more questions but is relieved at how seemingly open Max is to the idea, “Has anyone ever tied you up before?”“No” Max huffs out an awkward laugh and gets even redder.“Okay, Put your hands together in front of your body for me”Max does as he is told, reaching out his hands and interlacing his fingers as he presses his palms together. Charles listens carefully to the way the Dutchman’s breath hitches as he starts to wraps the tie around his wrists. It’s not the most secure knot the Monegasque has ever tied but given Max is just going to be lying down he doubts it needs to be overly secure.“I am going to tie your feet now, put them together for me please Max” Charles inches Max’s legs up and slips a tie underneath them before tying it up at the front. Again, he keeps it light, the tie curling up almost into a bow shape, as he looks back he can’t help but smile at his work. Max looks beautiful all bound up on the bed.“I just want you to take some slow breaths for me now” Charles instructs as he makes himself comfortable next to Max on the bed, “Slow in and out and I want you to concentrate on how it feels to be all tied up next to me”Max makes a soft whimpering noise but closes his eyes and breathes slowly as instructed.“Just focus on your breathing” Charles repeats as he hears the little hitches in Max’s breath and waits for them to even out.“It feels a little -“ Max mumbles, “I don’t know,““You don’t have to worry about anything now, just lie there all tied up for me. Okay? Being so good”Charles keeps Max on his back despite thinking easing him on to his stomach might make this an even better experience. It’s best to go slow though, let things sink in. Max makes a few more low noises but eventually settles next to Charles and lets his eyes drop closed.The Monegasque hums contently to himself and decides to stay up a little longer before easing the restraints off. When the Dutchman wakes up the next morning he thanks Charles for the pep talk and for staying the night but says nothing about the ties that are now placed on the bedside cabinet.*
Five
“Come through and sit on the bed for me Max” Charles tries to keep things casual, but Max turning up at his apartment late into the evening is not a common occurrence. In fact Max turning up at his home is not normally an occurrence at all.“I would try this myself, maybe just the feet or something” Max starts to apologise again, “But I didn’t want to risk getting stuck and -““I am glad you came here” Charles assures once more, “You can always come to me for things like this” The Monegasque grabs what he needs from one of the drawers in his bedroom, as he turns back around Max is perched on the bed and waiting patiently, “Are you going to sleep here? Or do you need to go back home afterwards”“I was hoping ..” Max starts sheepishly, “That I could stay”“Of course” Charles feels a nice warm happy glow in his body, Max came to him and told him what he needed without any encouragement. All the little baby steps to get to this point feel worth it.“This is .. .. normal right?” Max asks as he eyes the ropes in Charles’ hands.“Perfectly normal” Charles hums, “Here, you can touch them first” the Monegasque hands over one of the coils of rope and watches Max trail his fingers up and down it.“They don’t feel rough” Max sound surprised and a little relieved.“No” Charles smiles, “They are nice right? This is not meant to hurt. It is meant to feel good for you”Max swallows. Thick enough for Charles to see the bob of his throat as his neck muscles contract.“If it hurts at all you have to tell me” Charles explains firmly, “Did you like the way I tied you up the other night or would you like to try something more?”Max drags his bottom lip against his teeth as he sucks in a breath, feet tapping nervously against the floor.“We could try lying you on your stomach if you would like?” Charles suggests, “Make the …” The Monegasque stops himself from using the word bondage, “maybe make it a little more elaborate”“On my stomach is fine” Max shrugs, “You have done this before? Not everyone has ropes at home”“I have done this before” Charles confirms, “Not for a while though”“Oh” Max purses his lips together but doesn’t question further, “How do you want me then?”And that really is a loaded question because there are so many ways Charles would like Max. Would like to tie him up and tie him down. Appreciate the stretch of his limbs and the flex of his muscles as he holds various positions for him. This, Charles reminds himself, is not about what he wants.“Do you mind taking your jeans off?” Charles doubts he is going to be bending Max into any positions if the Dutchman insists on keeping the rigid looking item on, how he even walks in them is a bit of a mystery.“Of course” Max jumps up and shuffles out of his jeans happily, “And my top? Can I take that off or is that too much?”“Top off is good” Charles waits for Max to drag his t-shirt up over his head, “Can you please lie on your stomach for me, legs straight. You can just leave your hands by your side for now”Max drops down, his weight pressing against the mattress as he gets himself comfortable, head turned towards the empty side of the bed, legs outstretched just as instructed. There’s a nice curve to his body and an expanse of pale skin that Charles can’t wait to get all bound up in the soft red ropes. This time Max really will look gift wrapped.“Remember, this is all about relaxation” Charles speaks in hushed tones, “So if anything hurts at any time you need to tell me and if you don’t like something just let me know”“I will” Max says quietly, his voice barely more than a murmur. He seems less agitated than Charles has seen him in a while. The Monegasque takes a hold of each of his arms in turn, easing them behind the Dutchman’s back. Just enough slack in the muscles to avoid strain but close enough that the wrists are almost touching, “I am going to start tying you up now”.Charles gets to work looping the ropes under Max’s wrists, it’s a little more elaborate than the hastily knotted ties from last time. Charles takes pride in the way he goes about it, making sure it looks just right. Firm enough for Max to get the sensation of immobility, loose enough not to cut into the skin. Below him Max breathes out softly.“Would you be okay with raising your legs so I can tie them? Charles runs one hand up the back of Max’s calves, feels the tiny hairs beneath his fingertips and way Max’s muscles tense and relax under his palm.“Yes” Max breathes out slowly and lets Charles ease his legs up so they’re at a ninety degree angle.The Dutchman’s toes curl as Charles starts to wrap the ropes around his ankles and tighten them up.“I want to attach your wrists to your ankles now” Charles starts to explain. Hogtied, would be the perfect way to to describe it but he’s not sure if that brings too many sexual connotations. Still, as he starts to connect Max’s bound wrists to his ankles he hears the Dutchman gasp, it’s quiet but rough and throaty. As he looks down he can see the back of the Dutchman’s neck is flushed.“You are all done now Max” Charles lets his gaze drag all the way down Max’s body. His heart racing in his chest and his breath coming out more ragged than he would like. It doesn’t exactly scream in control. And yet he’s pretty sure Max hasn’t noticed. The Dutchman’s eyes are dropped closed and there’s a nice blissful smile on his face. He looks contented, peaceful. Charles feels almost guilty for all the thoughts flickering through his head. All the different scenarios he would like to play out. Except Max doesn’t seem to see this as sexual and Charles rather likes that the Dutchman trusts him so much. So, instead of doing something he knows he will come to regret he settles himself down, fully clothed, on the bed and lets the television run on low in the background.“Thank you” Max whispers, his eyes fluttering open as he looks up at Charles through his lashes, a nice pink dusting along his cheek bones.“That’s okay” Charles hums as he runs his hand along one of Max’s arms, it’s the faintest of touches but he’s almost certain he can feel Max’s body vibrating against his touch as he tries his best to keep it tender and let the Dutchman drift off to sleep.*
Plus One
Charles feigns a smile as Max opens the door to his apartment, he tries to hide the disappointment in his voice but as he goes to speak its pretty evident that he’s not entirely happy, “I haven’t seen you in a while”“Sorry, busy” Max mumbles a half hearted attempt at an excuse as he welcomes Charles inside.“But are you okay?” Charles asks. Max has become a little distant lately which tugs at Charles' heart because more than anything else that has happened this year he has enjoyed the intimacy that they have been building between them. Or the intimacy he thought they had been building.“I guess” Max shrugs, “You want a drink?”“Just a water” Charles hovers awkwardly in the middle of the room, not quite knowing where to place himself. As he goes to take a seat he catches a bolt of red on the floor peeking out from the side of the sofa. As he grips his hand around it he realises that it is exactly what he thought it was.“Oh fuck” Max snatches the ropes out of Charles’ hands, “Forget you saw that”“Have you been using these? On yourself?” Charles asks feeling a little confused. He supposes it is technically possible to an extent but it doesn’t seem like it would be easy or adequate.“No” Max admits.And Charles' heart sinks, “Someone else?”“Can we not” Max’s face contorts. “It is embarrassing enough that I like it”“I don’t think it is embarrassing. I never did” Charles frowns. The thought of someone else wrapping Max up makes him feel light headed. It doesn’t sit right.“You don’t know everything or you might think differently” Max sighs, “I paid someone to do it, are you happy?”“You paid someone to..”“I paid a guy to tie me up and..and “ Max stammers, “And then fuck me”Charles feels sick. Max would prefer to go to a complete stranger than come back to him. He has no idea what he did wrong. His heart clenches so hard it feels like it’s stopped and he has to clutch at his chest to be sure it’s still beating.“And I couldn’t even do that right” Max looks angry and frustrated and like he’s about to burst into tears all at once, “I should have never let you do it in the first place”“Max” Charles jumps to his feet and goes to close the gap between them but Max shushes his back.“I did not go through with it. With the guy. I cancelled before he even got here” Max closes his eyes and lets out a pained laugh, “I was too scared, with someone I do not trust. it did not feel right. I would not have liked it.”“But I said to come to me if -““Did you not hear what I said Charles?” Max snaps, “I wanted him to tie me up AND fuck me. You want to do that? You want to fuck me too?”“Max - ““I am sorry” Max continues without waiting for an answer, “I really liked it. The way you were. I know you were looking after me, I am not stupid of course. It was nice and even the …” the Dutchman stops himself and takes a breath, “Even the bondage, it was - , it made me calm. It did. It really did. It was nice but then I came back here and all I could think about was you”“Max - “ Charles tries again.“I took advantage” Max breathes out shakily, “You were being kind and I. The things I have been thinking about you. About what you could do to me- ““Max please” Charles says firmly, the tone of his voice catching the Dutchman’s attention, “Can you sit down for me?”“See this again” Max sounds conflicted, “You tell me what to do and I want to. I want to so badly. I want to and it makes me feel… something”“It makes me feel something too” Charles admits, “Max, I have been gentle with you because you have been hurting and I would never turn it sexual unless.- ““Unless?”“Unless you wanted that” Charles catches Max’s gaze, “Max I did all those things because I wanted you to be happy but I also want you.”Max whimpers. It’s clipped and quiet but it seems to echo in the space between them.“Max, I want you to sit down for me now, I need to talk to you about something important”Max eases himself down gently on to the sofa. He looks a little dazed, his breath coming out in short sharp bursts.“I don’t want you to freak out” Charles smiles“Why would I freak out?” Max squeaks, “Charles -““Have you ever thought about bondage before?” Charles asks and Max shakes his head, “How about submission?”“Submission” Max repeats. It doesn’t sound like a question though, “Not before no but I - , I have been reading and watching..things” Max says rather vaguely.“Things?”“Porn Charles” Max huffs, “I have been watching porn.”“Okay” Charles nods, calmly, “It is not a crime to watch porn Max”“I know that” Max rolls his eyes. It’s so snippy that Charles almost second guesses how submissive Max really is, “But I don’t normally go around keeping people updated on my viewing habits”“Fair” Charles laughs, “Max I think you would benefit from letting someone take control. When you watched those films, whose place were you imagining taking?”Max doesn’t answer. Just nods his head knowingly.“It is about trust” Charles continues, as he watches the flush of red creep its way down the line of Max’s neck, “You trust me don’t you?”“Yes” Max nods, “But do you actually want -”“I want you” Charles heaves out a breath, “So much. I just need to know if you are going to let me take care of you? Real care of you.”“I would like that” Max whispers as Charles inches closer, the Dutchman’s breath is warm as it catches against Charles. The Monegasque leans into it, flicks his tongue over Max’s lower lip and listens to the whimper it draws out. Max’s mouth opens up slowly, enough for Charles to deepen things. Kiss Max slowly.
“You still want to use the ropes” Charles murmurs in between pressing kisses against Max’s lips. It’s perfect, the way each little touch of lips makes the Dutchman keen. And Charles can’t even start to imagine the noises he can elicit from Max when he’s got him stripped down on the bed.“Yes” Max nods and makes a sad little noise as Charles pulls away from him.“Lets go through to the bedroom” Charles’ voice is light and soft. There’s plenty of time for firmness, time to explore a slightly rougher side to the dynamic. Not yet though, not when Max seems so contented with softness. Charles can work with this, prefers a lighter touch.*Max lets Charles lead him into his own room, his heart thudding heavy and hard in his chest. His brain already feels fuzzy, his thoughts distant, the only awareness he can feel is Charles’ fingers interlaced with his own and the lull of the Monegasque’s voice.“I want you naked this time” Charles is already easing Max’s top up and over his head, “Can you take the rest of your clothes off for me? ”Max feels the tremble under his skin and the goosebumps breaking out across his thighs as he slides out of the rest of his clothes. The Monegasque looks up, his gaze dragging down Max’s body. It’s scary. - almost. Charles has never seen him completely naked before.“You look good Max” Charles hums, “Very pretty”“Pretty” Max smirks, he’s not sure which part of him counts as pretty. It’s not the reaction he normally gets when he hooks up with people. Maybe his reputation precedes him but most guys seem to expect him to be a little aggressive. Describe him as hot, sure. But never pretty. They never look at him like he’s delicate. Or precious. They want rough Max, the media perception of Max. They don’t really want Max. And over the years he has just obliged. Given them what they want despite leaving himself feeling unsteady and unsure.“Very pretty” Charles repeats, “I can already tell you are going to be so good for me. Aren’t you?”“Yes” Max tries to swallow but his mouth feels like cotton.“We will go slow tonight” Charles assures, “We have plenty of time to work out what you like but if you need to stop I need you to say the word red for me. Can you do that?“Yes” Max nods, “A safe word”“Yes, red is the safe word” Charles smiles, and clearly Max has been reading up because Charles doubts he’s gotten that from watching porn. Or maybe he has, maybe the Dutchman is selective in his viewing.Max lies on his stomach on the bed just like Charles directs. He can feel the weight of his body against the mattress and the softness of the sheets hugging his skin“Hands outstretched above your head, wrists together” Charles directs, “If anything doesn’t feel right. Anything at all then tell me or use your safe word”Max hums his acknowledgement and lets his arms outstretch. The ropes go under and around. It’s not quite the calming experiencing like the first time. This time there’s a promise to it. Charles is tying him to do something to him, it makes his body shudder.The Monegasque’s palms move downwards over his back, soothing against his spine and over the curve of his ass and then there are hands gripping around his hips and inching them upwards until he’s face down with his ass in the air.“Charles” Max yelps on instinct, it feels exposing though. Especially when Charles’ hands glides between his cheeks and ease them apart.“Don’t worry” Charles hums, “I am only going to make you feel good. Do you have lubricant? Condoms?”“Cabinet. Bedside cabinet” Max breathes out and fuck he hopes he does actually have condoms in there. Charles doesn’t say anything though so Max assumes he’s managed to find one. It’s only then that it really hits him that Charles is going to fuck him and he can’t hold back the whining sound he makes.“Shhh it’s okay” Charles’ hand is back on his lower back, warm and comforting, “There’s just one more thing I want you to remember tonight” Charles speaks clearly, avoids giving Max any further stimulation so he’s sure he is listening, “You need to ask me for permission before you come”Max makes a choked out noise, his cock is already hard and at this rate he’s sure he’s going to be begging before Charles has even touched him, “I will”“Good” Charles coos, “See I knew you would be good at this”The Dutchman goes to say something. Anything. When he opens his mouth nothing but a noisy exhales comes out because Charles’ is inching his legs further apart and dripping lubricant down over him. Wet and tingly and a little cool against the heat of his skin.“I’m going to see how well you open up for me” Charles rubs slow circles around Max’s rim, the pressure makes him clench up, “Be good now Max”“I will” Max mumbles back as he grips his hands together and concentrates on the way his hole is tensing. Charles keeps stroking around the area. Slow and rhythmical until he starts to open up just enough to earn light pressure pushing into him and with it pushing out a string of little keening sounds.Charles wiggles the tip of his finger inside and waits. The tease of it makes Max want to sob, his cock is already dripping precum down on to the bed and his legs feel like they’re shaking against the force of having to keep his ass lifted in the air. Charles is slow though. Methodically as he inches his finger in. Twists and curls it. And it doesn’t matter quite how many times Max has been fingered, it still feels funny when that initial digit pushes into him. It still sends little white bolts of pleasure up his spine and makes him whine for more.The pad of Charles’ finger drags against Max’s rim as he works it in and out. Deeper each time. Long slow drags. All slick wet with lube. Max already feels hot as the clench in his stomach starts to spread around the lower half of his body.“Keep still for me please” Charles splays his other hand on Max’s back and holds him steady and in truth Max didn’t even realise he was rocking back and forth until he’s forced to hold position.“Good” Charles coos as he works another finger in beside the first. The extra pressure makes Max’s nerves tingle and its already almost too much. He pushes his head further into the pillow and pants out little moans. Lets Charles drag his fingers in and out and open him and praise how well he’s doing. Lets the Monegasque slide another finger in, work him until he can feel his hole gaping and his body pulling taunt as it builds to climax.“I’m gonna come” Max breathes out unsure, “No, can I come? Can I come?” The Dutchman corrects himself quickly“I haven’t even touched your pretty little cock yet” Charles hums and Max feels like he is about to lose it entirely. His body goes stiff. And fuck he doesn’t even care that Charles is calling his cock pretty. Whatever the fuck a pretty cock is. Max knows he’s not even small, not really. It sounds so much better than when guys groan how big he is though. It feels - delicate, somehow. HIs legs twitch and he can feel his hole gripping hard around Charles’ fingers. And he’s not sure he’s ever come without his cock being jerked or being buried in someone but Charles is still fingering him and he’s so close he can almost feel the pleasure rippling through his body.“Charles” Max cries out, desperate as the Monegasque’s fingers ease out of him.“You want to come around my fingers or my dick?” .“Charles- “ Max whines again, it sounds needy even to his own ear.“I need an answer please baby”“Baby” Max huffs out but then keens at the sound of it, “With you fucking me”“I’m going to untie you for this bit” Charles hums thoughtfully, “Next time I might keep you tied up, but I want you on top of me okay”“Okay” Max mumbles, his thoughts still muffled but just about following what is happening as Charles starts to loosen off the restraints. As Max eases himself on to his side he realises Charles is almost completely stripped off next to him and. Well it’s a quite a sight. The Monegasque is well muscled, tanned, all the things Max already knew but he’s also hard and not exactly small.“I want you on my lap” Charles directs as he climbs on to the bed and makes himself comfortable against the headboard, “Can you do that?” The Monegasque tears open the condom and rolls it down the length of his cock before motioning for Max to come and join him.The Dutchman shifts about and scrambles onto Charles. It’s hardly elegant but his hole is clenching around nothing and he needs Charles up inside his body as soon as humanly possible.
“You go as hard as you want to okay?” Charles directs, “I will help you”“Okay” Max’s eyes go wide as he feels the blunt pressure at his hole. It's persistent for a second, feels like he can't quite stretch wide enough but then the head pops in past the rim and he lets out a satisfied moan. And really he should take this slowly. Inch Charles into him and give his muscles time to adjust but instead he sinks all the way down in one movement.
Bottoming is not his normal go to. Although more accurately he just ends up with people looking for a top. Which he finds a bit ridiculous because he’s not sure he really gives off ‘top’ energy but then again you can never tell. He feels pretty proud of himself though, taking Charles’ full length in one movement. The Monegasque also seems pleased, rewarding him by sucking bruises down his throat.“You can come whenever you need to okay?” Charles hums as he licks along Max’s collarbone.The Dutchman keens and wiggles his hips around trying to get used to the hard line of Charles’ cock inside him.
“You look good sat there” Charles smiles, “We should do this more often, get you say on my lap just looking all pretty for me”The Dutchman closes his eyes, nuzzles against where Charles is stroking his hair. It’s all so much. The tender touches and the soft little praises and the fact his hole is stretched wide and he can feel his skin sticky where he’s leaked precum all over himself.As he starts rolling his hips Charles gasps. It’s deep and raspy and Max needs more of it. Needs to hear Charles moan. Needs to know he can make Charles moan. Can make him feel every bit as good as he feels in this moment.“So good” Charles say breathlessly as his hand wraps around Max’s cock and starts to work up and down. Max feels himself already throbbing against Charles’ palm. And fuck, it’s been a long time since he's done it like this. In fact, now he thinks about it he’s not sure he’s ever been held in someone’s lap before. Ever started bouncing his hips up and down until he feels the breath being knocked out of him. Charles' cock drags against his insides and fills him back up each time he sinks right down. It feels good but his muscles burn as he keeps going.
“Charles - “ Max doesn’t even need to finish his sentence because Charles starts bucking his hips up to meet his movements. Fucks into him hard as the Dutchman keeps grinding down.“So pretty Max” Charles coos again, “There’s so much I’m going to do to you. Fuck you’re going to be so perfect, I just know”Max moans but doesn’t argue. Perfect, it feels almost unachievable and yet Charles says it so assuredly that Max starts to believe that maybe he could be perfect for him. He could let Charles tie him up however he wanted, let him use him and look after him and make him feel good. He could do all that for Charles. Could do all that for himself.“Come on pretty. Come for me now Max” Charles' grip tightens and his wrist twists and Max feels his whole body pulse, his cock jerking as he comes all over Charles' hand. His body shakes its way through his orgasm and his movements slow until Charles is just fucking up into him. His hole feels hot, burning but he flutters his eyes, lets Charles keep thrusting into him until the Monegasque comes with a long drawn out groan. It’s only then that Max allows himself to collapse down against Charles' body exhausted.*“Tickles” Max smiles as Charles runs a damp cloth around his torso attempting to clean up the sticky mess that’s been left plastered all over him.“So you are ticklish, interesting” Charles smiles.“No” Max says, “I mean yes I am ticklish and no I do not like to be tickled. At all”“Okay” Charles pouts, “I won’t. I promised to look after you didn’t I?”“About that” Max breathes out. His body still vibrating with the afterglow or adrenaline or just relief that is simmering under his skin, “What …. Now?”“Now?” Charles hums as he deposits the cloth back into the ensuite and circles around the bed and clambers in next to Max, “Well now I do exactly what I promised”The Monegasque wraps his arms around the Dutchman’s waist and pulls him close, “If you want me to of course”“I want you” Max replies, although he’s not sure that is the real question.“Does it bother you?” Charles curls his body around Max’s, the Dutchman’s back pressed to his chest as he noses along his neck, “the idea of being submissive”“No” Max says, “It is not bad is it?”“Not at all” Charles smiles as he presses his lips in the sensitive little spots below Max’s ears, “I think it’s pretty brave that you know what you want and can ask for it”“Brave”Charles can sense the eye roll.“Okay not brave then” Charles laughs, “It is good though. It means I can give you exactly what you need”“And what do I need Charles?” Max questions.“Someone to look after you. Someone you can trust. Someone who can let you know that you are loved” Charles decides it is getting a little too sentimental for a first evening, “and someone to fuck you senseless over and over”Max laughs at that. Loud and unashamed, “I like the sound of that” The Dutchman pauses and then clarifies, “All of that, I like the whole thing. You make me feel good.”“You make me feel good too Max” Charles smiles. And it’s true. Because Max has clearly been missing something in his life recently. But whatever he is missing, Charles thinks he might be missing the opposite piece. And as much as he’s been able to help Max the last few months, he’s also felt more fulfilled than ever.“Good night Charles” Max whispers, he already sounds like he’s trying to fight off sleep. The weighted blanket is bundled up at the edge of the bed but Max seems too fucked out to care.“Good night Max” Charles grins as he closes his eyes and cuddles up against the Dutchman ready for them both to get a good nights sleep.Tomorrow, well tomorrow is hopefully the first day of something new and exciting.