annamarie41

Latest Posts by annamarie41

Static Electricity - MV1 Fan fiction

Hello everyone,

I'm Anna. This is my first fanfiction in over 15 years, so please bear with me and be kind. English isn't my first language either, so I could bet that there are grammar errors, despite me going line by line eliminating them lol <3

Fan fiction and the community of the writers on Tumblr has been something that gave me so much help when my depression was hitting and I needed a safe way to dissociate from the reality. The beautiful pieces of fiction I had been able to read and relax to, have been so crucial to me, despite not realising it until now. All the stories and fan fics have inspired me to do what I used to love yet didn't do in over 15 years. I've noticed how much it also helps with my eupd.

So, a massive thank you and a gratitude (I've searched and manually added because im a dinosaur and not really used to anything other than simple blogs lol) to: @mv1simp @coff33andb00ks @sunny44 @verstappensrealwife @jenn-from-toronto @jarofstyles @kingasly @uglyducklingofthe2000s @onlyangel4 @f1fantasys @f1writingbyme @bunnys-kisses @inevesgf @maxtermind @pucksandpower @madridfangirl @thewispsings @livwritessometimes @hamilando @ham1lton @l3cv3r @coff33andb00ks @verstarppen @astonmartinii @archiverstappen @grogumaximus @jumpthestart @formula1simp @norris55s @eternally-racing @lolapiastri @lqvesoph @reigningmax @leclerc-s @starkwlkr @dilemmaontwolegs @disneyprincemuke @enchanteecherie @il-predestinato @thatnimrodmusician @browniesbagoftricks @verstappen-cult @f0point5 @tommydarlings @f1writingbyme @dreamersvinyl @thearchercore @thefrogsennaneverfound @maxverstappendaily @ricc3rodeo @leqclerc @charlesslut16 @phillydilly @evstostuff @lipringlrh @leclercss @golden-cherry @littlebitsmile @justanotherdrfan @kimis-gloves @piastrification @norrisleclercf1 @leclercvsx @tayytayy12 @formulaonesmut @thedirtygrid @thedirtygridd @vivwritesfics @theemporium @maplesyrupsainz @mariahcarreyyy @lecleastri @oscar-piastri @oscar-piastri-chaos @sinofwriting @peaky-shelby @blossom-works @midnightmagpiemama @nameless-ken @keanureevesisbae @eveningepiphany @0nlythrowharrybeaux @harry-on-broadway @fandom-chic @confessionbrain-writings @writingsfromhome @watchmegetobsessed @be-with-me-so-happily and everyone else who takes time and effort to put the stories out for others to read. I have listed everyone who I follow to show my appreciation for you and your art.

This story will be written in chapters as from a short drabble, I have ended up with 30 odd pages thus far.

Lots of love,

Anna

Without further ado, here's

*PLEASE NOTE: SEXUAL THEMES, INNUENDOS - UNDER 18 DO NOT ENGAGE* (this chapter is very mild so far, but upcoming chapters will definitely include smut. Read at your own responsibility) This is a work of fiction and all charasteristics relating to the F1 Drivers as well as the depiction of their lives are pure fiction (and all the dirty thoughts or observations I had of them lol) . Please do not copy

Static Charge - Chapter One

Chapter One: All about energy and other forces

It all started with a static shock.

It was late rainy summer, closer to autumn than summer, really. Clouds have opened as soon as Y/N had set off for work, without any indication of slowing down any time soon. It was the last thing you needed. You were about five minutes away from a full blown mental breakdown, just teetering on the edge between being able to function or not.

You quickly gathered your thoughts and wits, and after getting soaked for the last ten minutes on your way to work, you succumbed and called for a taxi. Probably only because you accidentally caught your own reflection on the side of the apartment building outside of Milton Keynes. Your hair was no longer neatly styled despite more than five different products that took infinity to tame your copper curls. You looked like you had just left a shower, whilst your white shirt did nothing to leave your black leather bra to the imagination of others.

If it was any other time you wouldn't care about any of these things, or about your heavily applied black liner leaving drip marks all over your cheeks. 

Any. Other. Time. You lingered in your thoughts, as your taxi signalled its arrival with an ever sounding beep that made you jump and dissipated any lasting thoughts. 

After providing the address to the driver and exchanging pleasantries, you have gotten your phone out and started forging a plan of how to salvage your first day at work in so very long, and in a completely new place on top of all that. 

To say you were anxious would be a fair understatement. You had no more than 10 minutes of sleep despite an endless amount of joints and random video shorts that normally do its job and leave you sleeping in less than an hour, tops. 

But this was entirely different. An event in a league of its own after everything you have endured and survived in the last ten years. Yes, you have come on top, current new job being only one of many more significant changes in your life as of late, but it hasn't left you unscathed. It still burns through you every day, despite all the hard work you've been doing in therapy, week by week religiously. You had to set an example to your child, that much you've learnt already. 

Thirty full minutes before the start of your first day, you've reached your destination and couldn't help but awe at the gorgeous buildings in front of your eyes. 

The Red Bull HQ in Milton Keynes glimmered in the heavily pouring rain along other well known headquarters that I have passed on the way as I settled the fare with the cab driver.

I felt all sorts of emotions and ways as I lit a cigarette and tried to calm and ground myself. 

I looked like a wet rat, no, a wet racoon that won a wet t-shirt contest. Wait, but that's American. Do we even have them in the UK? And if we were to, that would be probably only a uni thing. I've never heard of it though. As I was letting the random train of thought take me on an utterly wild ride of stupid and irrelevant thoughts, I was taken back to reality at the sound of low 'Hello' that was definitely spoken by a man.

At the sound of his voice I turned around and I definitely did not expect what I saw. In front of me stood three world champion in F1, Max fucking Verstappen. Fuck.My.Luck.

I gaped for slightly longer at him until at the very last minute I responded with a friendly yet uncertain 'Hey, You're rite?'

'I'm very rite’', thank you' he responded, smirking lightly.

I facepalmed myself internally, damn, not only do I look like I do, I speak the way I've spoken. 

'London rubbed on me I think' laughing lightly. He joined in before long. 

'Can I have twos?' he hesitated pointedly waiting for you to say your name 'please', he asked pointing to your cigarette. 

Shocked and taken aback you said 'Sure you can, never expected you to though Max'

'Oh and it's Y/N'

He took the cigarette from between your fingers as you brought your hand forward to him. 

He thanked you as your fingers brushed and a static shock went through you both.

'So what other expectations do you have of me, sweet Y/N?' He asked with a bright lazy smile as he inhaled slowly. 

You caught yourself holding a breath and gazing at him, before snapping yourself out of it and starting to answer before you thought of it; ' do you want a list now or later? ' you ironically mused with your finger on your chin. 

He stubbed the cigarette and started to laugh, in the meantime you fished a blister of chewing gum from your bag, popped one in and offered one to Max, which he took gratefully saying 'thanks'.

'I guess I'd like the whole list so I can confirm or disprove them so you have a more correct viewpoint of who I am,  so you can make a judgement yourself' he cheekily said copying your move with your finger on your chin, grinning not only with his mouth but also his incredibly blue eyes that you started to feel yourself staring at.

Max noticed your response to him and only started smirking harder.

'Okay.' You take a deep breath. You already embarrassed yourself for the upcoming eternity so there's nothing else you can do to make it worse, or so you think.

'Gym freak. Health freak. Unfazed. Detached. Honest. Unfiltered.' You list looking more at your fingers than at Max. 'Explosive. Big Dick Energy..'

you keep going not realising what you just said so with a swallowed gasp Max decided to toy with the situation and you a little.

'Okay. Okay.' He stopped you gently by putting his arm on your shoulder, whilst looking at you asking for a quiet permission to touch you. You nod and he continues ' Let me start confirming and disproving them all then, given you have quite a few of them.' He chuckles, his cheeks finally returning to normal after your previous, well, revelation or guess at his own personality you accidentally ventured.

You nod happily, blushing. 'Please continue Max.' You smile, not aware in slightest of what you said to him.

‘A little bit but only when I have to. Otherwise, quite lazy when it comes to gym, except for other cardio activities' he grinned and your face started turning a deeper shade of red. ' I eat healthy as much as I can, especially during the season but I've got a massive sweet tooth' he winked as he listed. 'More like fazed less and less by negative, unfair and cruel opinions that used to ruin my days and spoil any wins. It made me feel unworthy for long enough that I've just learnt to stop letting it' he said the last part quieter than the rest. It made you feel so disgusted in yourself. You felt your heart breaking for making him potentially feel that way by not thinking of what you said. 

'Max. I apologise, I really do. I haven't thought of how judgemental and unfair that sounded when I just listed it.' You quickly say looking straight into his eyes. Now it's you putting your arm on his shoulder looking for permission. He gave you a curt nod as he started 'Y/N. It's okay' Max said quickly but you interjected, "Please, let me finish Max.' You said softly but with assertion. He nodded before you continued. 'I hate that I could make anyone think about a dark time in their lives or feel unworthy or irrelevant in any way. I know how that feels and it's not okay. When I said unfazed, I didn't mean it negatively. Not at all. I meant it as someone who doesn't care about opinions and does what he does best unapologetically. I have gone on multiple tirades on tumblr over the years explaining to people why you are the champion who's only starting.' You said pointedly with so much passion in your voice and your face that Max found himself being taken aback by your candour. 'It really is okay Y/N. I promise but I appreciate your honesty and passion' he said, smiling slightly content. 'Oh and I definitely need your tumblr handle so I can read all these tirades as my bed time story' he continued cheekily. 

Your cheeks were burning as you muttered 'not a chance in hell Mr Verstappen." 

'He'll see', he smirked and smiled. 

'What's next... oh, yeah, detached' he carried on as you stopped him ' We really don't need to carry on, honestly' you ramble quickly, embarrassed. 

'I know we don't have to, but let's carry on, I'm actually finding it quite fun. Way better than Twenty Questions.' he said smiling. 'O-okay' you said, grabbing another cigarette before offering one to Max.

' Are you trying to be a bad influence on me Y/N?' He smirked, taking it between his fingers and taking your lighter from your hands to spark your cigarette first between lighting his up and returning your lighter. 'Thank you.' You muttered shyly putting the unruly curls on your face behind your ear.

'Ok, detached. Sometimes, I guess. I detach myself as a coping mechanism and don't always realise until afterwards. Other moments, I just don't care. Especially if there's nothing I can do in the situation or it's an unfair situation.' 'Just "like the inchident?"' You ask cheekily. 'Exactly like the inchident!' He laughed heartily. 'I think honest and unfiltered can go together. I cannot stand dishonest people and I've encountered a fair share over the years. So I do what I say and mean it. Sometimes it's not like I mean it, I just speak before I think or can filter what I say. If you know what I mean' you nod thoughtfully looking at Max blushing. You know exactly what he means not realising yet how true that rang.

'Explosive. Well,  I can't really disagree with that but I would prefer passion fuelled. I am normally very chilled and my Mad Max persona only makes itself known on track. Sometimes.' He said shyly scratching the back of his neck, before a smile took over his face.

'Now the last one and definitely my favourite so far' he looked at you pointedly whilst you looked at him with oblivion and nodded with interest.

' I wouldn't go as far as to venture that I'm big, more like average, I guess' he continued smirking 'but if that's the energy I exude, I'll take it.' He finished saying...

How the hell did you tell him that and not notice in the slightest? He must think I'm so unprofessional, bordering on awkward and ick giving, you sighed with a wide eyed look on your face that you couldn't control . You were cringing internally as you've never cringed before. He was looking at you, as you still tried to get any words to leave your mouth, smiling profusely. He found you and your lack of filter so refreshing and intriguing, despite not knowing you for more than 15 minutes so far. It’s great to be able to speak to someone who wasn’t overly obsessed with Formula One, in Milton Keynes of all places, too. Normally, people would either behave as if they knew him or just suck up to him for their own gain. Y/N seemed to be different from any other person he has met so far, with a lack of filter so serious that it could have competed with his own.

'So, I gotta know Y/N' he said smiling with a Cheshire cat-like grin, 'what about me screams Big Dick Energy to you?'

If you could only get the ground to swallow you whole at that precise moment, you thought wistfully trying to phrase some sort of response for Max.

'Wh- Wh- Um.' She gave monosyllabic answers, still unable to speak until she took a deep breath in and looked him straight in the eye with a low ‘Do I really have to spell it out for you Max?' You chuckled nervously, getting further embarrassed.

He nodded eagerly with an ever present smirk on his face. ‘Will you actually answer or are you going to deflect?' He said eyeing her currently with a challenge that left his lips still hanging in the air between the two of them. 

'Of course I will answer despite the humiliation of the epic proportions that will follow. So I think your BDE comes from your dedication to whatever you do. Sport-wise, obviously! You are very confident bordering on cocky and yet you are so, so kind to others, a truly remarkable human trait. Next would be your appearance and how despite not really caring what you wear, you look fooking handsome and fuckable in any outfit. Rideable thighs and a dash of Mad Max attitude' you continued, too deep inside your head you didn't even realise how what you were saying could be easily interpreted as a heavily unwanted sexual advances for the star driver that HR could fire and sue you for. As you were listing all the things the mental image in your head took you from reality. Why wouldn't it though. In your head Max was sitting on his streaming rig in shorts and shirtless, with his shorts hiking higher with every single one of his subtle movements. His glutes tensing and releasing as his arm were engaged fully in the simulator, driving with ease and perfection. 

'Do you always objectify other men as heavily as that or am I just that special?' Max asked, smirking with a dark blush on his cheeks, as he finally managed to steal your attention back from your own head.

'You'll be disappointed to hear that not only do I objectify other men, I objectify other women too as I'm bi.' You smirked at him, feeling more at ease with him despite the inappropriate comments you've made towards him. ‘Not in a perverted way though! I just can appreciate human beauty’ You added quickly before he could consider getting a restraining order (or Non-molestation order) against you.

' You are right. I am disappointed. I think I should be a sole victim of your objectification from now on. That way all other potential victims are okay.' He laughed heartily with adorable crinkles around his eyes. ‘So, you think that I’m beautiful?’ He asked teasing you and prolonging your torture as he smiled lazily and took a small step in your direction.

'How extremely selfless and philanthropic of you Maxie, to take all that burden on yourself for the betterment of others.' You winked and laughed and he joined in too. ‘Do I really need to blow your ego up any further though? You own mirrors so you must have encountered your beauty by now.’ You finished quietly and subconsciously started biting your lip to ground yourself and stop your face from turning darker than it already was.

'Maxie? Are we friends who give each other nicknames already? We've just met'. He teased, ‘but yes, I’m incredibly humble and altruistic’ he winked. ‘I do own mirrors, but we must be seeing completely different things Y/N.’ He finished quietly struggling to look into your eyes when his sight was drawn to your bitten lip. He breathed deeply, seeing as your teeth were drawing blood, yet you stood in front of him completely nonchalant.

You rolled your eyes and said 'We have only just met yet we were discussing your Big Dick Energy moments before. Figures.' You shrugged your shoulders as you smiled lazily before continuing ‘You are a gorgeous human being, but don’t let all these compliments get to your head though Maxie. ’ As soon as you finished speaking, your breathlessness increased and you automatically carried on the assault on your bottom lip just as moments before.

'That we did.' He smiled with content. 'It's so interesting to see myself through your assumptions and guesses, even when some of them are incorrect.' He smiled mischievously. ‘All these compliments were enjoyable and boosted my ego quite a bit, just in time for the upcoming races. For some of the things though we’ll agree to disagree Y/N’ He laughed as you rolled your eyes at him dramatically.

'Now it's only fair for you to comment about any assumptions I've made of you so far. What do you think, Y/N? He asked somewhat cheekily and it made you only worry about what first impressions you must have given him; Inappropriate. Unprofessional. Dirty minded. Unfiltered. Odd. I was still deep in my thoughts, with a deep sigh that left my lips being the only sound that I’ve given as a response to Max’s suggestion, when Max's voice brought me to reality.

'Introverted. Extremely intelligent. Kind,' he carried on with his list looking you straight in the eyes, 'caring, artistic and passionate.’ He ended. ‘So, how far off am I?’ He asked with a small, gentle smile as he kept his unwavering gaze on you.

‘Introverted - Absolutely spot on!’ You nodded feverishly ‘after any human interaction I need to recharge my social battery alone. I enjoy my own company a little bit too much, but I know it’s a comfort thing as my therapist says.’ Max thoroughly nods, waiting for you to speak. ‘I wouldn’t say “extremely” intelligent.’ You rolled your eyes purposefully.‘I enjoy learning and succeeding so take it as you will.’ ‘ I think you’re being very modest’ Max said looking you in the eyes, as you tried to avert your gaze and failed.

‘Thank you Maxie but perhaps we should agree to disagree as you have mentioned previously’ You shyly and quietly thanked him, hating the attention and all the compliments. It’s not like you hated it as much as you struggle to deal with it and end up being the most random and weird version of yourself. Been there, done that. ‘No need. I meant it, and there’s nothing to disagree about. You’re simply lovely and exceptionally bright, but please continue’. You nodded with a dark crimson still on your cheeks and took a deep breath before you carried on ‘I think I am kind.’ You said quietly as if afraid to be heard. ‘I try to be the kind of person that makes me and my boy proud, so I do try to treat others to the best of my abilities, not always succeeding. Sadly though, I should probably add gullibility here, as people do try to take the advantage of my kindness and take it for granted.’ You finished sadly and quietly with glassy eyes as your tears threatened to fall. 

‘It’s okay Schat, that’s people’s fault not yours. Despite being taken advantage of in the past, you still give all of yourself to others. That’s a remarkable trait.’ Max said gently squeezed your shoulder. ‘What’s next?’ you wondered as you wiped your eyes ‘Caring can probably go together with Kindness as I feel you can’t have one without the other.’ Max nodded thoughtfully. ‘Okay, so artistic. I would have to agree, art helps me to process and make sense of the world. It calms me and makes me feel better. I paint, draw, sing and write. Anything that allows me to present the chaos that’s happening in my head in a meaningful and personal way. Making art gives me joy and I love when that joy spreads.’ Passion was seeping at your seams as you listed your coping mechanism. ‘I love the community I am a part of, that has not only welcomed and accepted me, but also encouraged me to share my writing and develop as a writer thanks to them.  Are you artistic at all Maxie?’ You paused your rambling with a gentle smile on your face as you questioned. 

‘No, I cannot say I am at all, Y/N, but I do appreciate the art in the world and the beauty of it. I know it can be a vessel for emotions as my sister, Vic, is very artistic also. I’m glad to hear that you use it as a way of release.’ Max smiled kindly. ‘Maybe one day, I will be lucky enough that you’ll share your writing with me’ He encouraged. Well, I knew full well that it wouldn’t be happening at all or any time soon, at least. You were working on your novel and poetry at the same time as writing raunchy fanfictions about Formula One drivers and footballers. If that ever got out, you’d never live it down and would be teased mercilessly for eternity. I hummed in a bid to answer him and yet to avoid any agreement and therefore a possibility to lie to Max. ‘Now for the last one on the list so far, passionate.’ Max remembered with a twinkle in his eyes. ‘I’d probably say it’s partially being passionate and partially being very ambitious and fighting with myself to get what I want. Sometimes I feel like I treat my beliefs and morals too seriously, as I will not cease fighting until everything is fair and equal. Very idealistic, I know. I want to make a small impact on this planet during the short amount of time I’m here. Not selfishly for myself, though, for the upcoming generations’ You said, somewhat ashamed of yourself and your outlook on life. ‘That’s beautiful Y/N, and you should be proud of it rather than ashamed. There’s plenty of people on this planet who are bitter, hateful and angry for no reason. You see the good, even when there’s plenty of bad. Hold onto that no matter what.’ Max said seriously. Your soaked curls fell onto your forehead and Max took the opportunity to gently push them behind your ear. During your conversation (or bonding session, if you will) with Max, I was in a bubble where nothing else mattered. To the point that I haven’t noticed that it stopped raining, despite the heavy fog and dark rain clouds that surrounded you.  ‘ I would argue I was actually very spot on with my assumptions of you.’ Max teased.

‘I can't disagree with you here Max, despite that I think you went quite heavy on the compliments there. You wouldn’t want me to get a big head and an overblown ego now, would you?’  you said shyly, giving him a small smile.

(for the purpose of this story Red Bull HQ isn’t a standalone building away from any other building. In this story, RB HQ has multiple Companies’ Headquarters in the same vicinity, somewhat like if you imagine any UK high street, but in a building complex, if that makes sense. If it doesn’t, I’ll go as far as drawing it out. Lmao)

Both of your gazes lingered on each other as you were stuck in a trance and unable to get the words out. You stood there for a moment longer and as Max was thinking of a response, your alarm ringtone snapped your attention back to reality. 'Holy fucking shit!' You've exclaimed worriedly ' It's 8.55 am and I start work in five minutes' you started stubbing your cigarette butt flustered. ' It's okay Y/N. You're not late and you still have 5 minutes.' He tried to reason with you, 'So where exactly do you work, Y/N?' He asked with interest. ‘Maybe, we could carry on with our conversation Y/N during another cigarette break?’ Max asked with a smile whilst scratching the back of his neck. 'Same building as you Max, Market Research and Media Advertising department.' You smiled with a cheshire cat-like grin. It was now Max's turn to gape a little at what you said. You smiled brightly and winked at his face full of surprise.

'Well, it looks like we're definitely becoming friends today then Y/N, as that's where I'm supposed to spend my day' He smiled widely and stubbed his own cigarette ' Come on, then. I'll show you the way.' He started walking towards the glistening HQ. 'No, Max!' You've exclaimed! 'Look at me! I look like an absolutely drenched homeless racoon with a liking towards punk clothing' You sighed disappointingly. It was the last thing you wanted to look like for your first day. 'But if that is so, you're making a very good looking raccoon, messy curls or not'. He smiled reassuringly at you. 

You sighed loud and visibly and pouted following Max to the HQ.

In the reception Max introduced you to a girl close in age to you, Mercedes. 

Her warmth and kindness made you smile at her as she prepared your ID pass and department issued phone, laptop and tablet. 

It didn't take long before you were saying goodbye to her and following Max to the elevator to get to the correct department. 

The elevator ride to the third floor didn't take long at all but your less than presentable appearance mocked you all the way in the floor length mirror. You had a plan to get here early, find a bathroom, dry your hair and your shirt, even tidy or remove your makeup, but the universe had a funny way of ruining your plans forever and instead you ended up meeting your biggest F1 crush after Sebastian Vettel. Max looked at you curiously through the glass, 'Penny for your thoughts?' He asked.

'Meeting you has gone against my carefully curated plan of fixing my wet raccoon presence' you sighed but continued 'Yet it was a very enjoyable conversation apart from a few highly inappropriate statements from both of us' you smiled and winked at him. 

Before Max could recover from your flirty wink and respond, the elevator doors opened and you arrived at the Market Research and Media Advertising department. Max opened the glass door signalling for you to go first. You did and thanked him for the gesture. 

The reception for the department was sleek and modern with a healthy amount of indoor plants of various species.

'Hi Y/N, Hi Max' said a gorgeous woman with dark blond pixie cut and forest green eyes. 'Mercedes told me you guys were on your way up. I'm Elsa, by the way, and I'm the receptionist for this department so we'll be seeing each other a fair amount.' She said excitedly with a sexy French accent and a massive smile on her face. 

'It's lovely to meet you Elsa! I'm so excited to be able to work here, despite my poor appearance.' You said kindly, though still somewhat ashamed of yourself. She stepped forward and gave you a hug and two cheek kisses, in the European way of greeting. 'I'm a hugger' she laughed ' and as much as your appearance worries you, you cannot control the weather . Unless you're Storm, that is.' She giggled and made you feel so much at ease. 'No, I'm no Storm.  I think Ms Marvel would suit me better.' You giggled. 'What about you Elsa?' You asked curious. 'Ahh Diana, Wonder Woman' she stated proudly without much thought. 'And who would you be Max?' Elsa asked Max amused. 'Lucifer’ he deadpanned 'the misunderstood angel' he said with a grin before realising what he just said. Both you and Elsa couldn't stop your giggles at Max's confession. 

' The Bible version or the TV series version?' You laughed musing making Max blush when he realised that his first choice of a superhero was not even a superhero but the sex crazed, drink and drug dabbling devil with anger issues and knack for punishment.

'Erm... The TV series. I get your point An' he stated shortly as his cheeks burned.

'What a bunch of superheroes we are.' Elsa grinned, 'well, not Max really but you get the point.' She cheekily laughed and her dimples became more prominent. You joined in the laughter as soon as she said it.

Before Max had any chance to respond Elsa said 'If only Maggs in PR and Marketing heard that, our Max would be doing supernatural shit for his marketing videos and challenges..' Max groaned loudly 'What is it gonna take for you to keep this information away from the PR and Marketing? And Maggs especially!' He asked deflated, knowing the battle was lost. 

'Are you suggesting bribery Mr Verstappen?' You gasped conspicuously, putting your hand on your heart for added dramatic effect. Elsa laughed heartily and winked at you in agreement.

'Mr Verstappen? You were calling me Maxie just moments ago when we were discussing my Big Dick Energy.  Why do you treat me as a stranger now? I'm wounded.' He smirked and copied your dramatic stance from mere seconds earlier.

Your face turned crimson red as soon as he said that, in disbelief that Max would say it around his work colleagues. Once again you were rendered speechless as Elsa spoke up 'Maxie, I've heard before but discussing his Big Dick Energy, and on the first day, that's just new.' She said with a smirk on her face. 'Any particular reason for that?' She spoke poking fun at you and laughing heartily.

‘I misspoke accidently, that's all’ you responded with a bright red hue on your cheeks. ‘However I believe the bribery that Max was about to offer, would be much more creative than my mistake’.

Max groaned as Elsa agreed, and just as he was going to sell his soul to the Marvet Research and Advertising department, a voice bellowed, stopping him in his tracks.

'Max!' The three of you turned to the source of the voice, that turned out to be no other than Christian Horner.

Saved by the bell moment to remember and cherish forever, you thought, there's no way I'm letting Max get off that easily after the embarrassment he caused. 

'Christian! How are you doing? How was your break?' Max asked before giving Christian a hug.

'All good, thanks! The break was good but too short as always.' Christian laughed ' and what about you?"

'Yeah, it was good and relaxing, thanks. All I needed to come back and perform for the rest of the season.' Max responded earnestly, earning a thoughtful nod from Christian.

'Hello Y/N, welcome to Red Bull team. We're very excited for you to join our team and we've heard so many great things about your work.' He welcomed you and shook your hand kindly before turning to Elsa 'Hi Els. Things good?' 'Yes boss, thanks for asking' she responded kindly.

'Good! Now that we are all caught up, let's grab some coffee and get comfortable in the conference room B for the rest of the day. There's a lot to discuss and cover and all your insight is more than needed.' He announced on the way to the Conference room B. 

Christian left the room to grab some files and Elsa went to collect the breakfast and delivery for the room.

You put all your stuff on the desk, just as Max did the same. You've plugged your laptop, tablet and phone and as your devices were updating, you decided to look for Elsa and prepare your coffee. 

Before you got up to leave the room, you turned to Max, ' Maxie, would you like some coffee or red bull?' You asked, smiling softly. 

' Don't worry about the coffee and Red Bull, Elsa gets our orders delivered' he smiled, 'but I could do with a quick cigarette in your company' he said.

'Are you trying to be a bad influence on me Maxie?' You've asked, quoting his earlier statement boldly.

'I think you're bad enough without that Y/N' he smirked and winked at you offering his hand to help you stand up. 

'You have no idea just how bad I am Maxie' you smirked as you grabbed his hand and got up to follow him outside despite the lingering tension between the two of you.

The rain subsided and instead of downpour, there was only a light drizzle. You certainly welcomed that change, as rain and foggy weather just made you depressed and stuck in your thought more than usual, just as you were right now. Just as soon as you've sparked your cigarette up your phone started ringing. Unusual given that everyone in your life knew what today was. You apologised to Max and picked your phone up.

' Y/N speaking, how can I help you please?'  You spoke curtly.

‘Ms Y/LN, apologies for a phone call, it's Debora Smith from Central Junior School’ you feel like your breath got caught in your chest. ‘ There has been an altercation involving your child and another boy that he tends to have issues with. We wouldn't be calling you if it wasn't urgent, but your son is in the Saint Elsbeth hospital with his collarbone and wrist broken and multiple lacerations on his face.’ In that moment, you have gripped the building gate and physically had to hold yourself up, with tears threatening to escape. 

‘How has this happened? ‘You asked firmly with your voice unwavering. ‘Well, Ms Y/LN, you are aware that there have been multiple incidents with your son in the last weeks and he has been struggling to settle in our school. Most of the time, we suspect he is the instigator and we struggle to get through to him.’ You breathed deeply, with the rage cruising in your veins ‘ I cannot say, I'm surprised with how you chose to phrase that. I think you are too busy covering your ass, to have any empathy for an eight year old boy to worry about his physical state after he has been, for the lack of better word, battered at your school where I have trusted you to take care of him. Additionally, from his very first day I'm your school I had to inform you daily of the abuse and harassment he had been receiving ‘from the bullies and nothing that you've done about it, despite his adhd diagnosis being in progress. You have failed him as a child and me as a parent repeatedly, and after today's events and what my child had to endure expect a call from my solicitors and a lawsuit on your hands. I do not give you permission to make any medical decisions in my absence, as I'll be there in 20 minutes, additionally I am officially informing you that this phone call has been recorded given the severity of the situation. Goodbye.’ You threatened pointedly and ended the call after hearing the doctor gulp in response.

'Remind me to never get on your bad side Y/N' Max said, not realising fully that your world felt like it was falling apart at that very moment. 

'Y/N? Are you okay?' Max asked gently since you didn't even respond in any way.

You shook your head as tears fell down your face and you experienced a violent panic attack that shook you to the core.

Max was by your side instantly, guiding you to a bench and trying to get you to breathe with him. It was failing as you were fully consumed by the panic attack. 

He knelt in front of you and grabbed your hands in his, with his thumb drawing circles on them. 'Y/N, look at me.' He continued but you didn't even react.

'Schat. Look at me and match my breathing' he ordered in a lower, more dominant voice than you've ever heard from him before. It managed to somewhat snap you for long enough to search for his sky blue eyes. 

' I-i'- I can't. Breathe. ' You gasped, terrified.

'You're gonna be fine Y/N. I won't let anything happen to you. I'm here with you. Schat, copy my breathing. In, and out. Again. In, and out. Let's go, again.' He continued firmly but kindly. 

You slowly started following him looking in his eyes, following his instructions and trusting him in that extremely vulnerable moment. 

When you finally started breathing normally, the tears streamed down your face as you sobbed. Max held you close to his chest letting you soak his Red Bull t-shirt telling you to let it all out and rubbing your back soothingly.

' I have to go right now' you sobbed 'my boy is in the hospital and I need to be there'.

Max took you back to the Conference room to grab your stuff back and to explain to Christian the emergency you were facing. 

All the way up in the elevator Max said nothing. He was close to you, with his arm on your shoulder, but he was deep in his thoughts. 

He couldn't understand how you could be so friendly and flirty with him given you had a boy at home. He thought how lucky he must be to call you his. He couldn't understand how you thought it was okay to lead the conversation into the inappropriate, when you obviously didn't say anything about being taken. Max's head was filled with all the different thoughts about you and 'your boy' that he didn't realise that the elevator had reached your floor. You were out of the door when he realised how deep inside his thoughts he had been.

As soon as you entered the room, both Elsa and Christian stood up away from their work worried, seeing your tear stained face.

'Y/N, what's going on?' Both Christian and Elsa asked simultaneously with an evident worry painted on their faces. It only made Y/N sob uncontrollably as Elsa held her in a hug. Elsa then gently took Y/N out of the room to find her a clean Red Bull t-shirt and a comfortable pair of trousers.

' When we were outside having a coffee break, Y/N has gotten a phone call from the hospital saying that there has been an accident and that 'her boy' had altercation and ended up in hospital with a broken collarbone, wrist and face alterations’ Max repeated what Y/N told him during the panic attack. ‘ Y/N then got very upset saying that her lawyers, sorry, solicitors will be in touch with the place. She then had a severe panic attack outside that lasted 10 minutes and only now is somewhat able to communicate. It was heartbreaking and terrifying.' Max carefully recalled.

'Are they taking a fucking piss?!' Christian had exclaimed, taking Max aback with his outburst. 'How the fuck do they think it's okay for a boy to end up with injuries like that in school?!  He's not even nine! For fuck sake!' Christian was furious, to say the least. Max furrowed his brow as he realised what Christian was talking about.

'She's got a child?' Max asked, surprised.

'Yes Max, an eight year old called Adam. He suffers with Adhd and had been bullied in schools for quite a while' Christian responded ruefully ‘ when Y/N accepted the position with us, she had to move his school. She's done it weeks ago to let him assimilate there, but from day one there were issues and Adam kept coming back more hurt and depressed. I told her that if there's a need, I'll get our solicitors involved but she wanted to deal with it herself. I swear I'm gonna get that school shut down!’ Christian explained.

I was such a dickhead, Max thought. She was hysterical because her world was ending at that moment because her child was in the hospital, yet I was too worried of my hurt feelings to think of her. I was such a selfish prick and I want to, no, I need to make it better. 

'I'll drive her to the hospital and stay with her, if that's okay' Max started unsure. 'Yes, Max, go with her right now and keep me updated. Our solicitors will deal with the school and if that's not enough, I will get my private solicitors involved,' Christian said, still fuming on behalf of Y/N. 

Max saw Y/N with Elsa in the reception and he grabbed her bag and wrapped his arm gently around her shoulders.

'Keep me updated Max! And let me know if you guys need anything.' Elsa said before Y/N and Max left the department. Max nodded to Elsa before getting into the elevator.

Before the elevator doors fully opened Mercedes stood there with a sad and sombre look on her face, 'anything you both need, let me know. I'm here if you need me Y/N' she said, giving Y/N a heartfelt hug before letting them leave the building. 'Thank you' You timidly said to her, so grateful for the support.

Max led you to the parking lot where his black Ferrari was parked. He opened the door for you and asked you to get in, you nodded and got in.

‘Y/N, I'm so sorry!’ ‘Max, thank you so much! You both spoke at the same time.

I hope you enjoyed it! 'm welcoming all constructive criticism and advise! <3 Slow burning so far.

Oh, and the biggest, heartfelt 'thank you' to my friend Paris. If it wasn't for you this story would never see the light of day. Thank you for building my wings up :*

May the next few months be a period of beautiful transformation