The Damage You Caused - Max Verstappen

@downsideup1989 prompt request #18- "They were all so right about you." "Don't say that." "Hurts to hear the truth."

Summary: An explosive argument leads to emotions running high and Max saying something he doesn't mean. But can the damage be undone?

Side: Brother!Carlos

Word count: 2.3k

They'd been at it for nearly an hour, neither even remember how it started but it's since spiralled into something much more hurtful.

"If you would just listen-"

"No. I'm sick of listening. You've done nothing but bring me down in my life. Even now, you ruin everything for me." The words slice straight into y/n's stomach and tear up through her gut to her chest. She could be sick.

All she's ever tried to do is support Max.

Their relationship started all the way back in Toro Rosso when he was teammates with her brother Carlos. Both of them so young never actually expected the relationship to last so long, but it stood the test of time. Or it did till now.

"Ok." Y/n nods only managing to choke out that word before she leaves.

Not grabbing anything as she exits. Her phone and keys left behind in her bag and she leaves Max in such a shock over his own words as well as y/n's actions that he doesn't move to follow her.

By the time he goes after her, she's long since started running through the streets going to the only place she knows in Monaco that she can stay and not feel like such a burden.

Though she really should've picked up her bag before she left, because Carlos has no idea she's on her way and he might not even be in Monaco right now for all she knows.

Thankfully when she gets to his apartment the door opens reveal Rebecca who looks alarmed by y/n's appearance.

"Come in-Carlos!"

"What is-Y/n? What are you doing-Have you been crying?" Carlos frowns as Rebecca guides y/n inside and closes then door while y/n just falls onto her older brother hiccupping as he hugs her looking at Rebecca in confusion and mild distress. "Y/n?"

"It's over with Max." Y/n chokes out then hiccuping as she shifts back just enough for Carlos to look at her, wincing at the pain in her voice. "And I left everything there. I didn't even grab my bag with my phone-I would've called otherwise."

"What happened?" Carlos asks gently rubbing her back.

"I don't really want to-can I stay here? Just for a couple days then I'll go home."

"You can stay as long as you need."

"I'll go over to Max's and grab some of your stuff-Carlos, you can stay here and take care of y/n. Make her some of your pancakes. It's best if you don't try going over there and possibly fighting the man." Rebecca states knowing that Carlos can be very protective especially over y/n and has even given Max warnings in the past few months when y/n and Max hit their 8th anniversary.

But y/n needs her stuff, even if she can borrow things. Rebecca doesn't want to risk y/n going back and running into Max for something worse to happen.

"Pancakes sound really good right now." Y/n mumbles with a grateful smile to the model mouthing a thank you while Carlos agrees though he clearly wishes to be the one to see Max and smack sense into the Dutchman.

Rebecca leaves promising not to be long and Carlos sets y/n up at the kitchen island and begins making pancakes.

"He will find his brain and realise how stupid he is." Carlos states while y/n smiles sadly. "Pancakes will help. Especially my pancakes. This make everyone feel better."

"They really do."

Carlos sighs as y/n disappears into the guest room to go to bed, having an early night after her day which the latter half consisted of Carlos deciding to feed y/n into a coma.

"Did Max say anything?" Carlos asks finally asking his girlfriend the question that has been nipping at his mind for hours.

"He said it was a mistake and to tell her he's sorry." Rebecca sighs shaking her head. "Whatever he said or did, he knows it was wrong but I didn't want to make her feel worse by passing on the apology."

Carlos sighs shaking his head, he has never really had anything against Max dating y/n. In fact he always thought they paired well, whenever he warned Max of his behaviour he really just thought it was unnecessary but he needed to do it in a more playful way to remind max every one in a while.

"She wouldn't tell me anything."

"I'm sure they'll work it out." Rebecca smiles lightly then leaning over and kissing him. "You did your job of being a good big brother and taking care of her like she needed."

When morning rolls around, y/n seems to stay camped out in the guest room while Carlos answers the door to a boquet of flowers.

"Are they for me?" Carlos jokes to the delivery guy who very obviously fakes a laugh at the joke he hears too often from people who definitely aren't the recipients.

"Y/n Sainz?"

"She's still asleep but we can take them. I know who they're from." Carlos smiles before he sighs and takes the bouquet and carries it inside finding Rebecca sigh at the sight.

"Is there a note?"

Y/n appears seeming to have overheard the exchange and knowing what's awaiting her. She picks the note from the bouquet before scoffing and taking the flowers from Carlos as she shakes her head while the couple remain silent watching her open the bin and drop them into it.

"I'm going to shower then just get some fresh air. Might grab something to eat." Y/n states making the two nod, Rebecca shooting her a smile.

In truth, y/n looks rough. Her eyes are puffy and look sore, her cheeks of visibly stick and raw from tears, she's clearly trying to put on a front to recover some pride.

A shower does revive her a little but there's no denying whatever Max said has taken some light from her eyes.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Carlos offers not really sure leaving y/n to go on a walk alone is a good idea.

"I'll keep my location on, if I'm gone for more than an hour you have my permission to stalk me and bring me back." Y/n promises shaking her phone but she doesn't get to leave without a hug from each of them.

It took another week of flowers for y/n to finally decide she had to get out of Monaco, so she went back home to their parents who welcomed her home with plenty of comfort food and promised to keep Carlos updated on her condition.

She did really fall apart when she got home, not being able to be quite as strong once Carlos Sr held her in a hug. It was like the dam of emotion was knocked down and he ended up with a wet shirt from the amount of tears that fell.

Y/n had thought she'd marry Max and that they'd be together forever.

It was only a day after she returned home that Max showed up at Carlos' door.

"She's not here. You just missed her actually, she's at home." Carlos states then looking at the Dutchman who looks like he hasn't slept the whole week y/n has been gone, in fact he looks gaunt. "Whatever you did. An apology isn't enough and flowers really aren't enough."

Max's head has been an echo chamber of his own words and hearing someone else say what he's doing won't be enough. He's really struggling with it.

"Are you ok?" Rebecca asks noticing Max rub his palms on his jeans.

"Yeah, thanks for letting me know. I'll stop with the flowers." Max mumbles before taking off.

Max gets himself over to the Sainz' family estate within a matter hours, really proving that having a private jet pays off in more ways than he anticipated.

"No. You are not coming in. You cause the damage and we fix it, you do not get to come make things worse." Carlos Sr frowns refusing to let Max past the threshold, unlike his son he has no intention of going soft on Max.

"Please. I know I was wrong-I knew the moment I said it." Max states desperate to speak to the young woman as he sees her at the top of the stairway. "Y/n please!"

"Papa, it's ok. I will speak to him-alone." Y/n sighs really just not wanting to stress her dad out as she steps down the stairs, arms wrapped around herself as she steps towards the doorway, earning a kiss on the forehead from the older man before he shoots a glare at Max then walks inside while she steps out and closes the door just to reduce the chances of being eavesdropped on.

They both observe each other. Max in unwashed clothes, looking just as gaunt as he had when he left Carlos' apartment.

Y/n on the other hand, she was instructed to shower and has been fed to the point of bursting but she still looks hollowed out a little. He can see what he did.

"I don't know why I said what I say. It wasn't true. Any of it." Max states biting his lip. "Please don't hate me, y/n. I know you have every right to hate me and want me to leave you alone, but what I said wasn't true and you need to hear directly from me that that's how it is. And I should've came after you the moment you left-I never should've let you get as far as leaving."

Y/n has heard Max talk for hours, in fact one of the things she loves to do is listen to him talk. But this time she wants him to stop, she doesn't want to hear the pain he's in from his own words and how they hurt her.

"They were all so right about you." Y/n whispers making Max look at her utterly devastated. Knowing she's talking about the people who have torn into Max's character time and time again, the people who made comments about how y/n was too good for him. That she shouldn't be with him and how she needed someone who would treat her correctly.

"Don't say that." Max chokes out as tears well up in her eyes.

"Hurts to hear the truth. Because that's what you did to me. You can tell me there wasn't any truth but those thoughts had to come from somewhere unless you were just thinking of nasty to say that was a lie just with the intention of hurting me which is possibly even worse." Y/n states nearly void of emotion but her voice prickles with her heart break.

"It wasn't true. I was-I don't even know what I was thinking when I said that. But please give me another chance."

"This is the damage you caused, Max." Y/n swallows keeping her gaze trained downwards.

"I can fix it."

Y/n finally drags her gaze up to meet his own and sighs making him deflate as he realises he might've really lost the love of his life because of his own doing.

"Give me time. I'll find you when I'm ready to talk." Y/n states then she moves to the door and steps back inside leaving him there as the door clicks closed.

Max knew it was a waiting game and the longer he waited the more his chances dwindled. He was restless, waiting for the inevitable.

But after 2 weeks of torture.

Y/n called asking to meet him in Monaco at a dock where his yacht sits.

Probably a neutral spot where she get leave quickly once she tells him that he did too much and it's unforgivable.

When he sees her, she does look much improved than the last time they saw each other. An improvement he hasn't had, in fact he's sure he looks significantly worse from neglecting himself in the past few weeks.

"Hi, Max." Y/n smiles lightly while he manages a very weak smile. "I don't want to drag this out."

"Please don't go." Max whispers, voice almost unrecognisable.

"I'm not going anywhere." Y/n sighs then taking his hand into her own. "I really didn't think I'd come back to you. But then I heard my parents arguing and I remembered that they actually have had some pretty bad arguments and they never just left because one of them took something too far one time. But...Max, I can deal with arguments. Not nastiness. If you say something like that again then I'm out. I'm not going to let myself be treated like that again."

"Never again. I promise. I promise. Really I promise. never again. It should've never happened in the first place. I will never ruin things again. Because it was only me ruining things and I know that. I was trying to shift blame and that wasn't right or fair and you deserved better." Max promises with a wave of relief that nearly drowns him like he's fallen off the dock and into the water below.

"Let's get home then. I've missed you and the cats so much." Y/n smiles while Max laughs softly shooting forward and kissing her multiple times.

"We've all missed you a lot too." Max laughs with a grin he can't seem to wipe off his face.

Did You Eat? - Max Verstappen

@harrysperfectdimple prompt request #19 - "You're making me so fat and every time I complain you make me feel better by buying me more food."

Summary: Max just wants to make sure his girlfriend is eating properly and y/n is trying to maintain a "healthy" weight with an enabler boyfriend.

Themes/warnings: Unhealthy eating habits, distressed scenes about weight

Word count: 1.2k

Y/n loves food of all kinds, one of her favourite things to do while travelling with Max is try the new cuisines of whatever country they're visiting. Not always a luxury Max can indulge in since he has a diet he still has to try and stick to. But he does encourage y/n to eat as much as he can.

It's a habit of his that came as a result of their early dating life when y/n would "forget" to eat but really just put off eating for as much of the day so that when the last meal of the deal would come along she'd eat and then go to sleep to prevent any further eating. Obviously that was a concerning habit for Max to witness and he's worked to force her to break it.

For y/n it's come at a cost.

"Oh my god." Y/n gasps in a whisper to herself in horror actually feeling tears gather in her eyes as she sees how much weight she's gained. "Fucking hell."

Y/n sniffles deciding she'll have to dodge Max for the day since he's home.

So she finds some clothes that cover her body without feeling like she looks like a slob and gets herself out the bedroom finding Max already setting up on his simulator which is going to make her mission to disappear for the day especially easy.

"Hey, baby. You're dressed up. Are you going out?" Max asks with a smile since he's not on the simulator quite yet.

"Yeah, figured I'd run a few errands. Make use of a nice day. Might stop somewhere to eat." Y/n smiles lightly trying to make sure she plays off hiding her thoughts that are internally wrecking her already. "I'll see you later. Have fun."

"You too. Love you." Max smiles as she leans over and kisses him before standing up.

"Love you too."

Y/n's stomach was actually aching with hollowness from a day of actively avoiding food as she finally returns home nearly 9pm. She'd even taking herself to the gym for a 3 hour session to the point her whole body aches.

She just has to shower and then get herself to sleep.

"Hey, baby. Is that you?" Max asks appearing from the bathroom with a towel dangerously low on his hips and if she was feeling more confident in herself, she'd pounce on him. And he almost seems to be expecting exactly that as she stares at him for a moment.

"I uhh...I'm tired. I'm just gonna shower then head to bed." Y/n mumbles earning a small nod but she knows she's made a grave error.

Max is like a blood hound for sniffing out her off moods and she hardly even tried to hide it all. The lack if food making her mood completely out of her usual control.

Unsurprisingly Max follows her to the bathroom silently and hops up on the counter as she turns on the water and strips off. And he stays silent the whole time she showers while y/n completely avoids looking at him and rushes through the shower to try and just get herself to bed.

"You going to tell me what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. I'm just tired, it's been a long day and I've been busy. How was the races?" Y/n shrugs trying to dodge the issue entirely.

If Max clocks that she hasn't eaten, the whole effort for the day will be for nothing.

"Cuddle?" Y/n asks trying to soften the Dutchman who finally softens and smiles at the offer.

She's only hoping they can both fall asleep before her stomach starts making some wild noises. But she does make sure to put on a movie that is quite loud so that should hopefully mask any noises that do make her stomach known.

Thankfully the plan works but the next morning she pays the price and her stomach just aches while she feels so exhausted that she can't manage to drag herself out of bed even after realising that Max is already up and getting on with her day.

So she decides a day of bed rotting will be her choice of dodging food. Sadly for her Max has already clocked onto what she was doing yesterday and he appears ripping the blanket off of her with a determined aggression.

"Hey, what the hell? I don't feel well."

"I know you don't and you don't feel well because you haven't eaten in over a day and the fact that you thought I wouldn't notice is annoying." Max states coldly since he hates when she does this but he immediately softens when tears bring spring from her eyes. "Hey, what's wrong? Why are we having this conversation again?"

"You're making me so fat and every time I complain you make me feel better by buying me more food." Y/n hiccups while Max's eyes widen and he sits on the bed, gathering her body up to just hold her in his lap.

"Baby, what are you talking about you're not fat at all?" Max frowns while y/n sniffles.

"I weighed myself and I've put on 5 kilos, Max. That's not healthy and I see it-I have stretch marks on my thighs and my stomach and it's-"

"Stop it. Stop. Baby, you are so beautiful and I just want you to be healthy and eat because you need to eat." Max sighs shaking his head. "And I throwing them fucking scales away."

"Don't treat me like that. I'm not happy." Y/n mumbles while Max squeezes her a little.

"Baby, if you want to lose weight then you have to do it healthily. You can't just starve yourself." Max sighs and she hates him because she knows he's right but it's not any nicer to hear. "How about we just talk to a proper dietitian and nutritionist and Rupert can even get you working out with me and we'll find a healthy way for you to keep eating and to lose weight like you want-but you're not just losing weight till you dwindle away."

"Ok." Y/n mumbles with a small nod.

"Good girl. Now before we do all that. You are eating something. Healthy or not, you body needs food and that's why you don't feel good, and you're in a bad mood and you're unhappy."

"Fine." Y/n sighs before accepting a kiss while she smiles a little at the fact that she knows she's lucky to have a man who cares as much and in the way Max does. Even if she wishes he'd let her be unhealthy. She knows she does appreciate him being this way towards her. "Thank you."

"Anything for you, baby. I'm here to take care of you. I love you."

"I love you too, a lot."

"Now come on, I've got a bunch of food for you to choose from. I'll even spoon feed you."

1K notes View Post

mint--yoongs

2 months ago

Mini Verstappen Series Masterlist

Paring: Single Dad!Max Verstappen x Fem!Reader

At the end of 2020, Max Verstappen gets the surprise of his life when he finds out that his ex-girlfriend had given birth to a son, his son. A year and a half later Max's longtime girlfriend of 8 months finds out about his son Nico.

This is an ongoing series. I'm always adding to it. The masterlist changes often.

I do take requests for this. If there is anything that you want to see happen in this series just message me in my ask box. All of my normal request rules apply.

Reader Face Claim: Hande Erçel

Total Published Word Count: 78,420 Words

Disclaimer: This work below is fictionalized ideas and stories involving real people but does not directly reflect their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. Please keep in mind that this is a work of fiction, so enjoy it as such.

𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑂𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟

0.0. Prologue - [December 10, 2020]

Max finds out that he has a son. And it changes his world.

0.1. Be Something You'll Love and Understand [December 11, 2020] Outtakes

He knew that he should have called his mom yesterday but he was still wrapping his head around the idea of being a father.

0.5. The Moment You Smiled At Me - [December 27, 2021]

The evening that started it all for Max and Reader.

1. Mini Verstappen - [August 15, 2022]

You get a small surprise the first time you visit Max’s apartment.

1.5. Girlfriend? - [November 1, 2022] Request

You meet Nico.

1.8. Caught - [June 4, 2023] 18+ Outtakes

Lando swears he knocked before walking into Max's hotel room, maybe he should have yelled before opening the door.

2. Change - [November 26, 2023 + January 2, 2024]

It’s the end of the F1 season. Some things are changing for the Verstappen's.

SMAU #1. The Secrets Out - [December 31, 2023 - January 1, 2024]

3. A Lioness Protects Her Cub - [May 5 - 9, 16, 23, 2024] Request

Reporters are vultures and Max picks out a ring.

4. Day At The Karting Track - [June 14, 2024]

Nico starts karting. It opens a small can of worms.

4.5 The Engagement - [August 15 - 16, 2024]

He moved his hand over yours, moving the engagement ring that he placed on your finger, side to side.

SMAU #2. Through Max's Eyes - [March 8, July 30 - August 15, 2024]

5. Something Bad, Something Good - [August 17 - 19, 2024] Request

Reader deals with the haters on Twitter, Nico calls Reader Mama. Max claps back at the haters on Instagram like the malewife that he strives to be.

5.5 Time to Move? - [August 25, September 15, 2024]

When Max had brought up moving, it was because the lease on his apartment was going to be up at the end of the year. Maybe it was time to find a new place for all of you.

6. Race Day - [October 20, 2024] Request

Nico tags along with Max during a race day in Monza, well as much as he can.

6.1 White Wedding - [February 2, 2025] Request

Max and the Reader's wedding day. OG Wedding Headcanon with social media from their honeymoon.

6.5. Give and Take (Kind of Love We Make) - [February 28, 2025] 18+ Request (The Morning After)

Max had a plan in his head for the evening. He had mapped out the track before, and intended to keep to his strategy until they got home.

6.7. To Constantly Be Away - [March 9 & 10, 2025]

Second race of the season and Max is already having a tough time with the car. Missing his family only makes it worse.

7. From Three to Four - [April 4, 2025]

Reader tells Max that your expecting, he doesn't have the best reaction at first.

8. Stones To Throw At My Creator - [July 19, 2025]

He wasn't his father. He would never raise Nico like that.

SMAU #3. The Verstappens - [January 8, February 2, May 26, December 3, 2025]

8.7 Give Me Eyes To See - [December 8, 2025]

Nikita's first few days at home. Flashbacks to moments from the reader's pregnancy.

8.8 Nikita's First Christmas - [December 24-25, 2025]

Nico's first Christmas with his baby brother.

8.9 Ghost of Bittersweet Memories - [January 25, 2026]

A few of the drivers visit you and Max for the day, and you end up talking with Charles about a woman that he meets at an FIA event. (This is the conversation I referenced in Part 2 of Bittersweet.)

9. Glass Houses - [February 17, 22, 23, 2026]

When Raymond had called you about going and getting lunch, you should have known that something was going on.

9.5. All That I Can Give - [May 10, 2026]

Another Mother's Day and one of Nikita's firsts.

9.7. On Sleepless Roads, The Sleepless Go - [December 2-3, 2026]

It's the early hours of Nikita's first birthday, and you can't help but look back at the day you brought your son into the world.

SMAU #4. A Year in Moments - [February 10, May 28, August 2 & 27, October 22 & 31, 2026]

10. Redline - [May 25, 2027]

"I'm sorry, mijn leeuwin. I know you were excited to announce it to everyone."

10.5. Mommy and Me - [May 31 - June 6, 2027] Request

Late one evening after dinner Y/N brought up the idea to Max for her to take Nico out for the day.

11. X3 - [July 8-9, 2027]

“Hallo, kleine welp,” Max said.

11.5. She's Not Acid Nor Alkaline - [December 8, 2027]

Max and Reader have a night away from the kids in Santorini for the 2027 FIA Prize Giving Gala.

SMAU #5. Welcoming Another Verstappen - [2027]

12. Hey, Little Sister - [March 27 - November 20, 2028]

“You wanted this Max. You wanted her.”

SMAU #6. A Year to Celebrate - [2028]

12.5. Of Father’s and Children - [June 18, 2029]

Father’s Day 2029

13. The End of An Era - [November 2030]

The days leading up to Max retiring from Formula 1. The Article announcing his retirement. And the last race of his F1 career.

14. No Time To Die - [2031]

Max goes racing at Nürbergring and it doesn't end well.

15. Right On Track - [2036]

Checking in with the Verstsppens in 2036.

16. Letters From The Past - [November 17, 2038]

Max and Reader sit down to read the letters that Amelia (Nico's birth mom) wrote.

𝐸 𝒳 𝒯 𝑅 𝒜 𝒮

Pinterest Board

Playlist

Paring Evolution

Timeline

Dividers made by @cafekitsune | Banner made by me

Mini Verstappen taglist: @karmabyfernando, @barcagirly, @sachaa-ff, @iamahallucinationnn, @musingsbyshreya, @glow-ish, @nonsensical-nonsence, @fanboyluvr, @champomiel, @gothicwidowsworld, @lighttsoutlewis, @itsalwaysgay, @minkyungseokie, @mynameisangeloflife, @ursforever129, @aundercover, @bborra, @mindless-rock, @cixrosie, @barcelonaloverf1life, @taylorslovesswifties13, @konsti081, @mellowarcadefun, @smnthnclj, @brekkers-whore, @lpab, @thedecalcomania-blog, @xoscar03, @em-gvf01, @haikyuen, @shelbyteller , @geniusalpaca, @princessria127 , @mysticalnightenthusiast , @green-thots , @leah-also-known-as-creatoronwp

2K notes View Post

mint--yoongs

1 year ago

perpetual datejust

pairing: yoongi x reader

wordcount: 19k

glimpse: when the general public hears the name min yoongi, they know him as the world-famous model who’s beyond talented in his craft. when the modeling industry hears the name min yoongi, they remember you: his resolute, firm, and sometimes rude manager who always puts yoongi’s best interests at heart — no matter what.

alternatively, you’re yoongi’s manager and for the first time ever, you take a break away from him.

[ a lot of angst (not all the way thru i promise!!!), love is mutual but unrealized at first, wholesome heartwarming moments, emotional constipation + hint of codependency, yoongi does some rlly stupid things, so much yearning, mentions of sex tape + intercourse (not between the main pairing), jealousy, swearing, redemption arc (i swear!!!) ]

notes: first fic of 2022 <3 thank you so much for waiting patiently for this piece!! i have to say that although this is one of my angst-heavy pieces, this is perhaps the warmest fic out of all of them (take five, heartburn, hlwwf, lyiaik) !! this is my new favorite since you could see more of the emotional growth and development from the characters <33

as always, lmk what you think <3 send in feedback n love to my askbox anytime!! even replying to this post sends me over the moon :)

Keep reading

2K notes View Post

mint--yoongs

4 years ago

OMG..!!!! IM BEING BIAS WRECKED.....

seokjin x butter mv

I Miss You

; MCU!Jungkook x Reader

; Word Count: 2.5k

; Genre: Angst, fluff

; Warnings: Mentions of death, alcoholism, pregnancy, grief

; Summary: In one moment, half of the world disappeared with a single snap of Thanos' fingers. Jeon Jungkook is one of those struggling to cope with the aftermath.

: A/N: Inspired, obviously by the Snap/Blip in the Marvel Cinematic Universe! I hope you enjoy it, I randomly got inspired to write it. All written on my phone, so please excuse formatting on errors! If you enjoyed...please reblof and leave a comment or an ask telling my why you liked it!

4 Years Ago

"Hi...erm, my name i-is Jeon Jungkook. I'm here because…" He pauses, unable to get the words out. The memory is still so fresh in his mind, the pain just as strong as the moment it happened. Part of him wants to feel like he's experienced the worst thing in this room, but he knows he hasn't.

Still, it doesn't erase how much the incident hurt him.

"It's okay," The group leader, Jung Hoseok, reaches out and gently squeezes Jungkook's arm. "We all understand, take your time."

Swallowing hard, Jungkook nods tersely before taking a deep breath to centre himself.

"I'm here because my wife," His voice trembles despite how hard he's trying to compose himself. "My wife was taken in the Snap. And I'm not coping with it."

Finally, he let's the tears fall as the tsunami of grief washes over him.

3 Years Ago

"Hi, I'm Jeon Jungkook. Two years ago...m-my w-wife was part of the Snap. I'm still struggling with it though, I miss her do much." Jungkook looks down at his hands, the knuckles bruised from the intense round of boxing he'd done the other night.

Exercise had become his refuge over the past year, a way for him to work through his emotions and calm himself. The physical exertion of running or boxing or weightlifting left him so exhausted that it was easy to fall into a dreamless sleep each night.

It probably wasn't a healthy habit, but at least he was doing better than some of the others in this Snap Survivors meeting. He knew for a fact that Jimin had relapsed with his sobriety the other month, the second birthday of his now gone husband, Taehyung, too much to handle. Jungkook knew because he'd become friends with them all throughout the past year.

Or those who came frequently, anyway.

Still, the exercise might help the dreams stay away but it did nothing to stop the pain whenever he thought of you. Of what could have been.

"I think I'm doing better and then I'll look something and remember a memory with her. I wish she was here."

2 Years Ago

"Hey everyone, most of you already know me but my name is Jungkook. My wife died three years ago in the Snap. I wish I could say that I'm moving on, but it's really hard. The more time that's passed...the more angry I get, you know?" He looks around the room at the other people seated there, gazing into their eyes and taking stock or their emotions.

"It's hard," Hoseok says, his lips twisting as he probably remembers the moment he lost his daughter. "I think it takes an incredibly strong person to not be angry at some point, so I think you've done well to last three years before finally reaching the point of anger. You're obviously a saint."

That makes everyone in the circle chuckle, some of the sounds more dark than others. Jungkook takes a moment to not Jimin's reaction, frowning in concern for his friend.

The slip from last year had been just that, a slip. He'd managed to get back onto the straight and narrow with the help of his close friends, which now included Jungkook and some of the others from this group. But Jimin was the angriest out of all of them, the hole left by Taehyung a jagged wound that bled rage and grief with each breathe. Sometimes, Jungkook wondered if Jimin was going to be one of those lost souls who simply never recovered from his loss.

The dark bags under the older man's eyes and his almost frail stature made Jungkook's heart hurt. All he wanted to do was wrap Jimin up so the poor man could never be hurt again.

"Not a saint, definitely not that. But...it was hard to be angry at something I didn't even understand. And even now, who do I get angry at? The Avengers? What's the point, that's like being angry at the sky for rain. It's not going to do anything, it's not going to bring my wife back. Thanos is dead, half the Avengers are dead and half the world is dead. One man being angry won't change it, but sometimes I can't help it." Running his fingers through his hair, Jungkook wonders if those were the right words to say.

It appears to have annoyed Jimin though, or at least touched on an exposed nerve. He had a lot of them.

"We can be angry, we can be angry at Captain America for not trying harder. At Thor for missing the shot. They're fucking superheroes, they were meant to protect us. They were meant to protect him! And all they did was watch as half the world fucking disappeared before they vanished too. We can, and we should, be angry." Jimin spits the words, each syllable laced with venom so strong it could have probably pierced even the skin of Luke Cage.

"Jimin, this is not the place for anger. You know that, we're happy to ta-"

A hand in the air cuts Hoseok off and Jimin snorts in obvious irritation.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. 'We talk through the feelings, we don't shout them.' I get it," Pausing, he looks at Jungkook before wincing. "Sorry, I interrupted."

"It's okay. I kind of agree and kind of don't. I'm mostly angry at why it was her. But I won't ever get an answer, none of us will. I'm just...still trying to come to terms with that, I guess. It's not like a person dying normally. I never got to bury her, or get to say my goodbyes. She just...vanished. We don't even know if they're really dead…"

1 Year Ago

"Hi...I'm Jungkook. I thought I was doing well. It's been four years since my wife was Snapped, and I was doing good. I was starting to move on. It felt like it was time, you know? To let her go and...to move on with my life. It was hard, as I haven't dated anyone else since I was twenty-one but I tried. Dating apps and all that, it was a weird experience. I don't think I really liked it, but I was willing to try. I had a few dates that went nowhere...it still feels like I'm cheating on her." Licking his lips, he paused to take a deep drink of the glass of water he'd taken.

Looking around at everyone else, he wondered who would still be coming in five or even ten years time. Hoseok was probably never really going to get over the loss of his daughter, and Jungkook felt like Jimin needed a permanent watch. But the others might move on.

Some already had, their absence felt but not envied.

"What made you feel like this though? Like you aren't doing well anymore?" It's Hoseok who asks it, his role as the leader of the group well cemented by now. His kind eyes have a tiredness behind them and Jungkook wonders what he was like before this all happened.

For a moment, he doesn't respond. Fiddling with a loose string on his jeans, he struggles to get his thoughts into order so he doesn't become a babbling mess. Not that anyone would judge him for that here, but still.

"Well, firstly it just felt wrong. I don't think I'm ready to move on romantically yet. I couldn't even kiss the women I went on dates with, so I'm not going to force myself yet." He said honestly, his cheeks flushing just a hint at his open words.

There was no rebuke from his fellow members though, instead they all remained silent and simply nodded along. It gave him the confidence to continue, even though a part of him was already wilting.

"I stopped the whole dating thing, but that's not what made me feel like this. I was doing okay, you know? I can talk about her without wanting to cry and it just...it felt...I felt good. So I decided it was finally time to go through her things. I, erm, I hadn't touched them since the Snap. It felt like it was permanent if I touched them or threw them out, so they just stayed there. But I finally went through her stuff and-" It's here that Jungkook finally stops, his throat closing on him suddenly whilst his eyes burn with tears.

He doesn't notice the sudden frown from Hoseok and Jimin, or the others who he's known for years now. It's been so long since he's broken down in front of them and they must be surprised at this.

"I went through her desk. I never touched it, didn't...it wasn't right. And in her drawer, there was this card. I didn't know why it was in there, but it had my name on the envelope. So I opened it up...it was a congratulations card. Inside it...there was a pregnancy test. It's been so long that the result had disappeared...but she'd...there was a message." Jungkook starts to cry, his lips trembling as his voice cracks.

It takes one glance to see the others are crying as well, realising just how much he'd lost that day.

"She was pregnant, we were going to have a baby."

Now

"Hey, I won't be able to make it to the meeting this week. I've got to go to a dinner with my parents and they're refusing to take no for an answer." Holding the cellphone between his ear and shoulder, Jungkook tries to not make any loud noises as he unloads the dishwasher.

He doesn't succeed though as one plate clatters to the counter top, the sound jarringly loud and he winces at it.

"Shit, no need to deafen me!" Hoseok laughs, his tone just as warm and friendly as it always is. "And that's fine, it's probably good for you to take a break for us anyway. We're always doom and gloom."

'Nah, it's good to talk, right? I feel a lot better nowadays and we get to do fun shit when we're not there. I remember how much you sucked at mini golf the other week."

That gets an outraged sound from Hoseok, almost too loud through the tiny speaker next to his ear but it makes Jungkook snicker in amusement.

"Excuse you! We can't all be good at everything we try." He can literally imagine the little triangle pout on Hoseok's mouth right now, causing him to grin even more.

"I take it we're not remembering that time I tried to fish? And fell in the lake? I don't think that classes as being good. But anywa-"

"Jungkook?"

For a moment, he thinks his name has come from his phone and he frowns at how feminine Hoseok suddenly sounded. But then he realises it's from inside his own house.

Jerking around, he's about to do the very manly thing of screaming before his mind finally catches up the mental exclamation mark of recognition that had lit up at the voice. For a second, the world comes to a complete halt and he becomes simultaneously hyper aware of everything yet also ignorant of everything.

He doesn't notice his phone clattering to the ground, the screen cracking even more than it already was, nor does he notice the glass he'd dropped shattering on the ground. Jungkook's entire world tunnels, his hearing and mind turning to white noise as he tries to comprehend what's happening.

And then you say his name again, bringing the world back into focus.

"Y/N?" Your name slips from his mouth, the syllables rusty from disuse and tinged with more than a hint of disbelief.

"Jungkook? What is going on? How has the house changed? How did you manage to move everything and why is your hair so long? What the fuck is going on?" Each word is so sweet to his ears, a melody he's ached to hear for five years now and yet something he'd accepted he would never hear again.

But here it is...and here you are.

"Y/N...you're here? This is real?" Jungkook doesn't even notice when he starts to cry, the tears following a pattern down his face that they've done many times over the years. But it's different this time.

"What...what are you-" Before you can say anything else, Jungkook is rushing over to you. His rubber soled house slippers crunch on the glass, ruining the soles but protecting his feet. He doesn't even notice, not when his trembling hands cup your face.

At the first touch of his fingertips to your soft skin, he bursts into heaving sobs of dual relief and agony. Five years of emotions comes bubbling to the surface, fighting for priority and he doesn't know what to feel.

He only gets a moment to recognise the bewildered look on your face before he's wrapping you in his arms, holding on so tightly. The feel of you against him, so warm and familiar yet foreign at the same time makes him cry even harder. You were here, you were back.

Jungkook's reaction must frighten you, and the combination of that and the obvious differences in both him and your environment in what was only seconds for you causes you to shiver in fear against him. Pressing your head to his chest, you try to comfort him even though you don't know what's wrong.

"Kook...what happened? What's wrong?" You ask softly, voice quivering as you try to take solace in his familiar body. But it's unfamiliar at the same time.

He's broader than before, his muscles more prominent and hair longer. A ring pierces one side of his mouth whilst two small balls are pierced into his brow and even more tattoos grace his arm. The changes are significant...and old.

"You're here, you're here. I missed you so much, oh my god, I missed you so much. I love you, I never stopped loving you, I found the card and I love our baby too, I swear." Jungkook rambles on, his hands stroking along your back almost like he's trying to imprint every line and curve into his mind whilst he cries, cheek pressing to your head.

You desperately want to know what happened, but you also recognise instinctively that your husband needs this. He needs to simply hold you, convince himself that you're here and not a figment of his imagination, so you wrap your arms around his waist and hug him back just as tightly.

'I'm here...I'm here, Jungkook. I love you too, it's okay. I'm here."

Moments You Wish You Caught on Camera

Max Verstappen x Reader

Summary... Six strangers. Six ordinary places. One unforgettable couple. This is a collection of short, cinematic glimpses into Max Verstappen’s life with the woman he’s loved since high school. Seen through the eyes of strangers who just happened to be in the right place, at the right time.

A/N: Happy reading. I loved writing this piece and I hope to write more pieces like this, with Max and other drivers. You guys let me know who you wanna see next. As always enjoy it and have a beautiful day!!!

If you enjoy this story don't forget to like, reblog, and comment your thoughts and feedback.

---

The Pediatric Waiting Room

— Sofia, a tired new mom running on a lukewarm oat milk latte, not expecting to witness a world champion be a world-class dad.

It was 8:07 a.m., and Sofia was already regretting not canceling the appointment.

Her youngest had just started cutting teeth and had been up at 3:15, 4:52, and again at 6:01—each time with a cry like she was personally offended by the universe. Her toddler was whining for screen time, the diaper bag was short one essential wipe packet, and her phone had just died after playing Cocomelon on repeat.

The waiting room was mercifully empty. Cold, quiet, sterile. Just her, a too-small chair, and a little boy whose nose was running like a faucet.

Then the door creaked open, and in stepped someone she almost didn’t believe was real.

First, the man. Tall. Athletic. Messy hair tucked under a cap. Hoodie. Sweat shorts. That kind of effortless “I’ve got my shit together even though I definitely haven’t slept” vibe.

Then the baby carrier.

A tiny girl inside, swaddled in a soft floral blanket, a yellow pacifier in her rosebud mouth. Peaceful.

Then the toddler on his hip—grinning around a banana biscuit, curly hair tousled like he’d rolled straight out of bed and into a Gap ad.

And then her.

The woman.

Clearly postpartum. Puffy eyes, leggings, nursing tank, hospital socks still peeking from her sneakers. Yet… radiant. And holding herself like she was used to being loved out loud.

Sofia couldn’t look away.

They settled into the opposite corner. The man gently set the baby carrier down first, then lowered the toddler into a seat with a whispered, “Remember our agreement? Sit quietly until snacks, yeah?”

The toddler gave a dramatic thumbs-up.

Y/N approached the check-in desk, voice low and melodic as she confirmed their appointment for baby girl’s six-week weight check.

Max—because now Sofia realized that’s who he was, Max Verstappen—leaned over the carrier, adjusting the pacifier and brushing a finger over the baby’s cheek. His hoodie bunched at the elbows, revealing the black-and-gray ink on his forearm.

“She’s still got those hiccups, huh?” he murmured to her, voice so soft that Sofia almost didn’t hear it.

“She’s just dramatic like you,” Y/N teased, returning to sit beside him.

“You say dramatic, I say expressive.”

She rolled her eyes affectionately, curling into his side.

Sofia turned her gaze back to her own child, who was gnawing on a toy giraffe like it owed him money, but she couldn’t help but steal glances at them.

There was a rhythm to them. An unspoken choreography. Max peeled open a pouch of applesauce, offered it to the toddler with practiced hands, and even remembered to wipe the crumbs off his chin without missing a beat.

Y/N shifted the baby, cooing when she stirred. “She’s getting fussy.”

Max was already unzipping the diaper bag. “Bottle?”

Y/N frowned. “Shit. I think I forgot it. I—” Her voice cracked with guilt. “I thought it was in the side pocket. I triple-checked. God, I’m so tired, Max.”

“Hey,” he cut in immediately, warm and gentle. “She’s fine. We’ve got options. We always do.”

“I didn’t bring a cover either,” she added quietly. “I’ll go feed her in the car.”

“No,” he said firmly, already pulling his hoodie over his head and handing it to her. “You stay here. We’re good right here.”

He used the hoodie to drape over her shoulder while she adjusted her top and helped the baby latch on.

“There we go,” he murmured, rubbing small circles into her back. “You’re doing great.”

The room was still, silent, except for the suckling sounds and the cartoon jingle still stuck in Sofia’s head.

After a few minutes, Y/N whispered, “I just… I don’t know if she’s getting enough milk. She pulls off a lot. I think I messed up something with my supply.”

Max shook his head. “Babe. She’s got cheeks like brioche buns and arms like croissants. She’s fine.”

Y/N huffed a laugh, resting her head against his. “Croissants?”

“You heard me. That’s pure Dutch baby chub. I know quality carbs when I see them.”

When the nurse finally called them back, Max scooped up the toddler, hoisted the carrier with his free arm, and glanced at Y/N.

“You okay, mama?”

She nodded. “As long as you’re right here.”

He grinned. “Always.”

Sofia watched them go, still stunned by what she’d witnessed: a world champion who didn’t care about being recognized, a mom who looked like a goddess in leggings, and a love that looked like it was built on inside jokes, sleepless nights, and endless grace.

She pulled out her phone to text her husband:

"We’re trying skin-to-skin tonight. And also, maybe don’t complain when I forget wipes. Just tell me I’m doing great like Max Verstappen did.”

---

The Tiny Café in Tuscany

— Luca, travel writer, espresso enthusiast, and recently dumped romantic.

It was a sleepy café tucked on the corner of a side street in San Gimignano—one of those blink-and-you-miss-it places where the tiles were chipped, the espresso machine screamed like an old woman in a mood, and the overhead fan wobbled dangerously every time someone opened the door.

Luca had been coming here every morning for a week, hunched over his laptop, pretending to update his travel blog while actually stewing over a messy breakup with a man who said things like, “I need freedom” and “You’re too intense.”

It was on day five, as he swirled the last bitter sip of his third espresso and stared blankly at the same paragraph for the sixth time, that the door jingled behind him—and he looked up.

The couple didn’t match the usual tourist aesthetic. No clunky cameras, no loud American voices. Just a man in a navy hoodie and black shorts—tall, relaxed, with sun-kissed skin and a quiet sort of confidence. His hand rested lightly on the lower back of the woman beside him, who was wearing loose linen pants and a tank top tucked in with no effort but all the grace in the world.

They were talking softly in a strange blend of Dutch and English—Luca caught pieces of both as they approached the counter.

“No, Max,” she laughed, gently elbowing him. “You had two yesterday.”

He mock-pouted, a hint of an accent curling around his words. “That’s called balance. Two yesterday, one today. I’m growing.”

The barista, clearly familiar with them, didn’t even ask for names. Just smiled and went to work preparing their usual: two cappuccinos, one extra hot, and a slice of fig-and-honey tart.

They slid into the table directly in front of Luca—angled just enough that he could pretend to be focused on his screen while secretly watching them over the rim of his coffee cup.

“I had a dream last night you forgot our anniversary,” Y/N said as she took the first sip of her coffee. “You gave me socks.”

“Were they at least good socks?” Max asked, pretending to be offended.

“They had race cars on them.”

He grinned. “So… on brand. What’s the problem?”

“You told me they were on sale.”

Max placed a dramatic hand over his heart. “Discounted love. Brutal.”

She leaned in, nudging her shoulder into his. “You know what’s worse? I still said thank you in the dream. Like a chump.”

“You’re a very polite chump.”

They laughed—quiet, unassuming, private laughter that made Luca feel like he was seeing something he wasn’t meant to.

He watched Max tear off a piece of tart and offer it to her on his fork. She opened her mouth with the same ease someone might accept a kiss.

The domesticity of it all—the comfort, the familiarity, the rightness—ached in Luca’s chest.

They weren’t checking their phones. They weren’t documenting the moment. They were just… being.

Max leaned his elbow on the table, fingers threading lazily through the ends of her hair as he spoke. “Do you remember that café in Bruges? The one with the green door?”

“The one where the waiter spilled a whole espresso in your lap?”

“Yeah,” he grinned, eyes soft. “I think that was the first time I realized I wanted this with you. All of it.”

She blinked, caught off-guard. “Because I laughed at you?”

“Because you didn’t care about the stain. You just said, ‘Well, now you match the chair.’ And I remember thinking… fuck, this is the person I want next to me when things go wrong.”

Y/N’s expression crumpled slightly with affection, her hand reaching to curl around his wrist. “You never told me that.”

“I didn’t have the words then.”

Luca was still staring when Max glanced up, eyes locking with his for a brief second.

Not in a confrontational way. Just a knowing look. Like he knew Luca had heard everything. Like he didn’t mind, as long as it made someone believe in something again.

He turned back to Y/N, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“You still get this little line here,” he murmured, brushing his thumb over the corner of her eye. “Right before you cry. You’ve had it since we were seventeen.”

She swatted at him. “Stop making me sentimental, Verstappen.”

“I’m serious. It’s my favorite wrinkle.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Wrinkle?”

“Expression line,” he corrected immediately, grinning like he was proud of himself.

They finished their cappuccinos slowly, not rushing, like they had all the time in the world.

And when they stood to leave, Max held the door for her—let her step out first like it was second nature—and tucked his sunglasses over the bridge of his nose without releasing her hand.

They disappeared around the corner.

Luca stared down at his blank document for a moment longer before finally typing:

“Sometimes love doesn’t need to be loud to be heard. Sometimes it just needs a morning, a fig tart, and someone who remembers your first wrinkle.”

And for the first time in days, he meant every word.

----

The School Fundraiser

— Camille, 27, first-year teacher, very overwhelmed, very underpaid, and absolutely not ready to witness Max Verstappen handing out juice boxes like a literal dad dream.

Camille had been teaching first grade for exactly four weeks and seventeen hours.

And she already knew that if one more parent tried to explain why their child didn’t need to follow “standardized discipline guidelines,” she would fake her own death and move to Spain.

The school fundraiser was supposed to be a “light lift,” according to her ever-optimistic vice principal.

Which was, apparently, a lie.

Because nothing about organizing a bake sale, a bouncy house, three food trucks, a dunk tank, a raffle, and a very temperamental face-painting volunteer felt light. Her hair was frizzing. Her shirt was stuck to her back. A juice box had exploded in her tote bag.

She was stress-sorting Capri Suns when she heard the murmurs.

“Is that…?”

“No way.”

“Wait, that is Max Verstappen.”

Camille looked up—half expecting it to be a false alarm or some dad who just looked like him. But no. It was him.

Walking across the school field in a white linen shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbows, sunglasses pushed back into his hair, a backpack slung over one shoulder… holding hands with his toddler.

Behind them was a woman holding a baby strapped to her chest in a linen wrap, her other hand gripping the shoulder of a little boy in a Lightning McQueen hat who was dancing along the pavement like the ground was lava.

They looked so normal. And yet, not.

Max squatted down to fix the toddler’s shoe, glancing up at his wife. “Did we bring sunscreen?”

Y/N patted her tote. “Already did them before we left.”

He nodded. “That’s why you’re the boss.”

The baby squirmed in the wrap, and Y/N bounced instinctively, her voice light. “You’d think we’d remember to bring the pacifier.”

Max reached into his pocket and pulled one out. “Already ahead of you.”

“God, marry me.”

He glanced up, deadpan. “We are married.”

She smiled. “Marry me again.”

They made their way to the games area, Max lifting the toddler up so he could see better. “Where to, kleine muis?”

The little boy pointed at the duck pond game with such confidence that Max saluted. “Duck game it is.”

Camille tried to focus on organizing the juice cooler, but her eyes kept trailing back to them—especially when they came to her table.

“Hi!” Y/N greeted. “Can we grab some waters?”

“Of course,” Camille replied, fumbling a little. “They’re… they’re cold-ish.”

“Honestly, cold-ish is perfect,” Y/N said with a warm smile. “We’ll take four.”

Max raised an eyebrow. “You don’t think the kids will go straight for the soda?”

“They can try,” she said, already tucking the bottles into her tote.

Max turned to Camille with a grin. “Let me guess. First year?”

Camille blinked. “How did you…?”

“The look of despair. I had the same one during my first press conference.” He said.

She laughed despite herself. “I wasn’t aware that despair was that universal.”

“It is. But you’re doing great,” he added sincerely. “This all looks amazing.”

Y/N nodded, reaching into her wallet. “Can we donate directly to your class?”

Camille’s heart skipped. “Oh—you don’t have to—”

“We want to,” Y/N insisted gently, tucking a folded bill into the donation jar.

Camille glanced down after they walked away and nearly choked.

A hundred euros.

Who just casually dropped that into a fundraiser jar?

The answer: apparently Max Verstappen’s wife.

—

An hour later, Camille was managing the chaos near the dunk tank when she saw them again—this time sitting on a picnic blanket beneath the shade of a tree. The toddler was in Max’s lap, licking an orange popsicle with sticky fingers. Y/N was lying on her side, her baby curled up against her chest as she wiped her son's mouth with a napkin.

“Easy, liefje,” she murmured when he got too excited and nearly dropped it.

“He’s trying to break his own record,” Max said, biting into his own popsicle and wincing. “Brain freeze. Why do I do this to myself?”

Y/N chuckled, tucking her bare feet under his thigh. “Because you never learn.”

He looked at her for a second too long.

Then, with all the gentle devotion in the world, he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her temple.

“I’m glad we came.”

She closed her eyes for a second, as if just letting herself feel the moment. “Me too.”

Camille tried not to stare. But it was like watching a scene from a movie that somehow escaped into the real world.

No drama. No noise. Just… partnership. Parenting. Love.

When the toddler reached up and touched Max’s cheek with a melting hand, Max just kissed his palm and said, “Sticky boy. My sticky boy.”

Camille went home that night and told her roommate, “Max Verstappen came to our fundraiser and made me believe in love again.”

And she wasn’t even exaggerating.

---

The Supermarket

— Zoë, 35, single, newly heartbroken, and very much just trying to buy oat milk and not cry in the produce section.

Zoë wasn’t in the mood to see anyone that day.

She’d cried in her car for twenty minutes in the parking lot, then sat scrolling through TikTok about “healing energy” while pretending she hadn’t just been ghosted by a man who once wrote her a poem about her freckles.

All she wanted was to get through her grocery list and be home before the sobbing resumed. The universe, however, had other plans.

Because as she turned into the snack aisle—debating between regular sea salt chips and the fancy truffle ones that cost way too much—she saw them.

Not in a tabloid. Not on TikTok.

In real life.

It was Max Verstappen.

Pushing a slightly scuffed shopping cart, baseball cap backwards, hoodie on, brows furrowed like he was solving a math equation instead of comparing two different brands of oat milk.

Next to him was a woman who could only be described as… anchored.

She didn’t look like a celebrity’s wife. She looked like someone who smelled like vanilla and fresh laundry. Her hair was tied in a messy bun. Her leggings had a juice stain near the knee. A toddler sat in the cart seat, happily munching on crackers.

And trailing behind them—barefoot inside Spider-Man crocs—was a little boy in a Red Bull jacket, holding a box of waffles like it was treasure.

“Did you write down whether it was the almond milk or oat milk that made her stomach weird?” Max asked, waving the carton slightly.

Y/N squinted at her notes app. “It just says ‘milk (weird tummy?)’ — which is completely useless. This is past-me setting us up for failure.”

Max sighed dramatically. “She’s going to be gassy for three days and we’ll never sleep again.”

“We never sleep anyway.”

“You’re not wrong.”

Zoë tried to duck behind a display of pretzels but ended up knocking a bag off the stack. It crinkled loudly. Mortifying.

Max glanced up — not with irritation, but mild curiosity — and when their eyes met, he gave her a small, polite smile. Then turned back to his wife like the world had narrowed back to just them.

“Do we have enough diapers?” Y/N asked.

“Define enough.”

“For two nights away and three ‘blowout emergencies.’”

Max tilted his head. “So… a hundred?”

“Give or take.”

He smirked and offered her the oat milk carton. “We’ll gamble. She’s had worse.”

Zoë followed them — not intentionally, just… coincidentally — into the produce section.

They were standing by the bananas when the toddler in the cart dropped her snack container and immediately began to whimper, tears bubbling up in her big blue eyes.

“Oh no, don’t cry,” Y/N cooed, reaching for it—but Max was faster.

He picked it up, brushed it off, and crouched so they were eye-level. “Hey, kleine prinses. Look—it’s back. Just a little floor spice. Builds immunity.”

The baby blinked at him, then gave a hiccupy giggle before popping a cracker into her mouth.

“You’re so weird,” Y/N said fondly, watching him rise.

“You married me,” he shot back, brushing his hands off on his sweats.

“And I’d do it again. But only if you promise to stop saying ‘floor spice’ in public.”

“I make no promises.”

The little boy—Ezra, they called him—was tugging at Y/N’s sleeve, holding out the waffle box.

“Can we get two? One for home and one for the car ride?”

Y/N crouched down, eyes level with his. “Do you promise not to eat them all before dinner again?”

“I pinky swear on Daddy’s racing helmet.”

Max gasped. “That’s legally binding. Now you have to behave.”

Ezra beamed as his mom kissed the top of his curls and stood back up.

They wandered past Zoë again near the bakery, Max now balancing a bouquet of tulips awkwardly in one hand.

“Who are those for?” Y/N asked, amused.

He shrugged, adjusting the flowers. “You. You’ve been in a mood lately and I like it when you smile.”

She blinked at him, stunned for a moment. “I’m not in a mood.”

Max raised an eyebrow.

“Okay, I’m maybe…slightly overwhelmed.”

“You’re allowed. But flowers still help.”

They shared a look so full of unspoken history that Zoë had to look away.

Later, while unloading at self-checkout, Max gently peeled open the baby’s fruit pouch and helped Ezra scan his waffle box. Y/N was half-asleep on her feet, leaning against the cart as he gently nudged her shoulder.

“Go wait in the car. I’ll finish up and load it.”

“You sure?”

He kissed her forehead. “Always.”

She left with the kids, and Max packed the groceries methodically, organizing by category.

Zoë stood frozen in line behind him, cradling her oat milk and sadness like a broken promise.

And then Max turned, caught her staring again, and—once more—just smiled.

Not like a celebrity. Not like a man who thought he was better.

Just a tired dad, happy husband, and guy who clearly lived for the people who called him home.

As he walked out of the store with a bag in one hand and tulips in the other, Zoë opened her Notes app and typed something new.

“It’s not the big gestures. It’s someone remembering oat milk, wiping cracker crumbs off your mouth, and handing you tulips in aisle seven because they just want you to smile again.”

---

The Train Station

— Matteo, 19, pizza delivery guy, chain smoker, and hopeless romantic against his better judgment.

He didn’t mean to stare.

But the girl was crying, and the guy was arguing with a vending machine, and somehow both things were happening like they’d done it a hundred times before.

Matteo was sitting on a bench at the Eindhoven train station, waiting for the 3:15. He was sweaty, out of cigarettes, and coming off a breakup where his girlfriend said he was “emotionally dense” because he forgot their six-month anniversary.

Whatever.

He wasn’t eavesdropping. He just… noticed things.

Like how the girl in the jean jacket had smudged eyeliner and messy hair twisted into a bun with a pen. And how the guy in the Red Bull hoodie kept slapping the side of the vending machine like it had personally insulted him.

“You’re not eating M&Ms for lunch,” the girl said, sniffling.

“I wasn’t going to. I was going to eat them for comfort,” he muttered, still jabbing the buttons.

“You literally have a race tomorrow.”

Max turned, grinning. “And if I crash, I want to know I died with peanut chocolate in my bloodstream.”

“Max.”

He sighed like it physically pained him, turned, and held out his arms. “Okay, okay. Come here, crybaby.”

She glared at him but walked straight into his hug. He wrapped his arms around her like he’d done it a thousand times.

Matteo watched her melt instantly.

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled against his chest.

“You’re allowed to be upset. Your parents were unfair.” He leaned down to kiss the crown of her head. “But I’m proud of you for coming anyway.”

She wiped her eyes. “I look disgusting.”

“You look like my future wife.”

Matteo blinked. He hadn’t expected that.

She shoved him lightly. “You’re such a liar.”

“Nope,” Max replied, tone light but his eyes serious. “I’ve known since the first time you wore that ugly jean jacket.”

“Hey!”

“You looked like someone who’d ruin my life.”

“And?”

“You did. And I love it.”

They were quiet for a minute, sitting on the bench beside Matteo. Close enough for him to smell her cherry chapstick and his cheap cologne.

Max reached into his backpack and pulled out a chocolate croissant wrapped in a napkin. “Didn’t get your M&Ms. Got you this instead.”

Her face lit up like a child on Christmas. “You remembered?”

“You always want croissants when you’re sad.”

“I do.”

Matteo saw it then—saw the whole damn thing. The beginnings of forever.

They were too young. Too reckless. A little dramatic. But there was something magnetic about the way they looked at each other, like they were already writing the rest of their lives in real time.

As the train pulled in and they stood, Max laced their fingers together like it was automatic. She leaned her head on his shoulder, still holding the croissant.

They walked onto the train like two people who didn’t know how rare that kind of love was. Who didn’t need to.

Matteo pulled out his cracked phone and wrote a note he’d forget about until years later:

“Sometimes forever starts at a vending machine. And the person who buys you a croissant instead of saying the right thing is the one who actually gets it.”

---

The Airport Lounge

— Helena, 42, business consultant, solo traveler, professional people-watcher, and casual believer in fate.

The Zurich airport lounge was surprisingly quiet for a Friday afternoon.

Helena had parked herself near the floor-to-ceiling windows with a glass of pinot and a half-read book she was pretending to finish. Her flight to Madrid had been delayed, and she was nursing the rare, delicious silence that came with noise-canceling headphones and no Slack notifications.

Until she noticed them.

They weren’t loud or dramatic. Just… still.

The woman sat curled up in the corner of a leather armchair, knees tucked beneath her, oversized hoodie swallowing her whole, damp curls loosely braided down her back. She had a book open on her lap but wasn’t reading it.

Instead, she was watching the man beside her — Max Verstappen, though it took Helena a moment to place him without the racing suit, the cameras, or the speed.

He looked softer like this.

He was seated slightly sideways in the chair, legs stretched out, thumb stroking lazy lines into her ankle where it rested against his thigh.

Her sock had a tiny embroidered mushroom on it. He was focused on it like it held secrets.

They weren’t speaking. Not really. Just occasionally exchanging glances, faint smiles, little movements that spoke volumes.

Max reached into his backpack and pulled out a tupperware container. “Eat,” he said simply, handing it to her.

“I’m not hungry,” she murmured.

“You always say that and then eat half of mine.”

She squinted at him. “Is it the good pasta?”

“The good one. From that place near the ferry.”

“…I hate you.”

He grinned. “You love me.”

“I do.”

Helena didn’t mean to watch. But it was hard to look away from something that looked so much like home.

After a few quiet bites, the woman reached over, tugging the hem of Max’s sleeve with childlike gentleness. “Do you have to go today?”

Max hesitated. “Yeah.”

He said it softly. Not coldly. Like he hated the truth of it just as much as she did.

She nodded, lips pressing into a tight line. “It’s just a few days. I’ll be fine.”

He didn’t try to talk her out of it. Instead, he reached into his hoodie pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Open it after I leave.”

“Is this a love letter?”

“It’s a maybe-you-won’t-murder-me-for-being-gone-so-long letter.”

She smiled, but Helena saw the way her fingers tightened around the paper.

“I left little notes in your bag,” Max added. “One in your book, one in the snack pocket, and one in your makeup bag.”

“That’s excessive.”

“That’s love,” he shrugged.

Helena found herself blinking rapidly.

She wasn’t used to seeing people who still made space for each other like that. Who weren’t rushing, glued to their phones, or distracted by other people.

Just present.

After a while, Max stood, stretching slightly. His flight had been called.

He reached for his carry-on, then paused and knelt in front of her.

“C’mere,” he said softly.

She leaned down, and he kissed her — not rushed, not showy, but full. Her hands slipped into his hoodie, his thumb brushed her cheekbone, and Helena knew she wasn’t the only one watching now.

But neither of them cared.

When they parted, Max rested his forehead against hers for a beat. “See you Monday.”

“See you Monday.”

She didn’t cry. She didn’t cling. But as he walked away, she held that letter to her chest like it was armor.

Helena watched her breathe in slowly. Then she tucked the note into her book and picked up her phone—not to scroll, but to open the photos app.

She was scrolling through pictures.

Ones of Max. Their kids, probably. A dog, maybe.

Every one made her smile in that quiet, half-wistful way that meant: I’ll be okay, but I miss you already.

Helena turned back to her wine thinking about how beautiful of a relationship they had.

809 notes View Post

mint--yoongs

2 months ago

WELCOME BACKKK I MISSED YOUR FICS!!!

can i please request a angsty mafia max fic where they are arranged in marriage and get married and he’s distant not cold or rude but he’s just busy and due to a attack he has to leave the reader (his wife) alone with his family esp Jos and the man makes it his personal mission to destroy her and he constantly belittles the reader and makes her feel bad and causes her to have anxiety attacks and max walks in on one of those instances and losses his mind and then gets all protective and angsty confessions idk I hope you write this

A Good Husband

Keep her safe. Keep her safe.

Warnings: Blood, death, murder, mafia au

Standing in the doorway of her bedroom, Max stared at her.

He hadn't been a good husband in the two weeks they had been married. Cold and distant, the man the rest of the world thought he was. Not the man he knew himself to be.

He stared at her. His wife, his ring on her finger.

If he had been given more time, if he had been allowed to fall in love with her, would things have been different? Would she have been sitting in her own room in his house, book in hand as she ignored him? Or would she have been in his lap, reading through her book as Max gripped her hips?

They were supposed to have a serious talk, but Max couldn't bring himself to step inside of her room. Her room. He wasn't going to invade her space if she didn't want him to.

Fuck, what did she think of him? Did she think him a monster? It wouldn't have surprised him if she did. All of the stories told about him, the years of blood on his hands.

A sigh left his lips as he turned around and walked out of the room. She didn't want to see him, he knew it. Their serious talk could wait.

Max returned to his office. Blood stained the furniture, something he didn't care about until now. Now, he hated it. Now, he wanted the bloodied chair gone. Nobody was allowed on that chair, nobody but the cats. Anybody entering his office had to sit in the uncomfortable chairs in front of his desk, or they had to kneel at his feet.

Work was hard when he was thinking about her. It was his fault, her being here. She was the one he had picked out, not quite realising the consequences.

Gunshots.

But that was nothing, there were always gunshots in his house. His men shooting each other was nothing new. As long as nobody got hurt, Max didn't care.

But then they grew louder, closer to his office. That wasn't right.

Grabbing his own gun from his desk drawer, Max left his office. Voice, unfamiliar, hushed whispers, filled the hall. Max followed his instincts, walked down the hall to her bedroom.

Keep her safe. Keep her safe.

Footsteps on the stairs, but Max was quicker. He managed to get into her bedroom before running into anybody. Snapping her book shut, she stared at him. "What?" She almost barked, her face set in a glare.

If Max was gonna be distant, she was going to be cold.

"We need to go," he said quickly, his voice hushed.

Her stony expression became a frown as Max pulled her up.

Footsteps outside of the room. Too late to run.

"Get under the bed," he hissed.

"Max-"

"Just do it!"

She crawled under the bed, panic ringing in her ears. From under the bed, she could see as the door swung open. Gunshots rang out in quick succession, bodies hit the floor. With every lifeless face that fell in front of her, she released a scream.

Four men, piled on top of each other. They all seemed to be staring at her, hands stretched out towards her.

She crawled out from under the bed, another scream leaving her lips as Max grabbed her. "It's okay," he whispered, discarding his gun. "I've got you. You're okay."

His hands smoothed over her hair as he shushed her, did everything he could to sooth her. "I'm gonna get you somewhere safe," Max whispered as she began crying, body shaking as she sobbed.

Somewhere safe. The Verstappen stronghold was the safest place around. High walls, plenty of men and security systems to protect them. With no other choice, that was where Max took his wife.

It was just a shame his father was there.

The Verstappen stronghold. As soon as Max arrived, Jos put him to work. It was just like when he was a boy, working so hard for the approval of the man he could never please.

It was like he had forgotten all of his independence the moment he entered his fathers house. Bowing his head, doing whatever was asked of him. Abandoning his wife to do whatever his father asked of him.

He didn't know that his father was interacting with his wife, didn't know the horrible things being said to her. Why would he know? He hadn't been a good husband, she had no reason to tell him.

The distance was nothing new for them, even if Max hated it.

No, he had to do something about it.

When he walked into the tiny room that had be given to her, he didn't expect her to be crying. She had been so tough up until that point, so damn resilient through everything. But, now, she was crying.

"Hey," he said gently as he strode over to her. Carefully, he unfound her arms from around her legs and pushed his fingers through her hair, trying to get her to lift her head. "What's the matter?"

She tried to speak, but no words left her lips. Max did the only thing he could think of and pulled her to lay against her chest. He didn't know how cruel his father had been, hadn't quite fathomed that to be a possibility.

"I know its been hard," he whispered, fingers moving down her back. "I don't want our marriage to be like this, this terrible. I want to to a good husband to you."

Another sob shook her body as she turned towards him. Her arms found their was around his neck.

"I chose you," he whispered, his lips finding the top of her head. "I'm going to show you why."

Her hands fisted his white shirt. "Don't let him come near me," she said through her sobs. "Get me away from him, Max, please!"

"Who?" He asked, every movement still soothing.

"Your father."

Max didn't need to hear anything else. If his wife wanted to get away from Jos, Max would get her away.

You all know I love my mafia aus (literally wrote a mafia au novel) - anyway, requests are opeeeen

955 notes View Post

mint--yoongs

3 years ago

Oh my god... this is sooo beautifully written... i cried😭😭

POV

Imagine as you lay across his lap, he breathes hums of your favorite song that he memorized just for you.

Imagine as your vision blurs because he’s such a pretty sight to fall asleep to.

Imagine as a warm smile spreads across your face and you whisper your love to him because he has to know.

You don’t know why the urgency of your feelings is there but the warmth of his hand sweeping your hair across your cheek is enough to halt any thoughts.

Imagine as his eyes grow teary because he loves you so deeply and he cannot picture life without you.

Imagine as he places a shiny ring on your finger because he never plans on leaving your side.

Imagine as you smile warmly up at him and whisper ‘yes’ before you fall asleep to his gentle humming.

Imagine being in love.

Now imagine his point of view.

Imagine as he cradles your head with gentle hands like he’s carrying glass.

Imagine him trying to steady his breathes long enough to hum your song because you look so confused and he just wants to settle your mind.

Imagine he watches your eyes glaze over and his body strains to hold his weight and your own without breaking.

Imagine him glancing away to wipe his tears because your smile is slowly tearing him apart and you whispering your love is the same as whispering goodbye.

Imagine his eyes growing teary because you’re getting colder and colder and he can’t do anything to stop the slowing of your heart.

Imagine him placing a shaky hand on your cheek to ground himself and hold you one last time.

Imagine as he slides a ring onto your finger, the ring he was supposed to propose with tonight at your birthday, the ring that promises you’ll be with each other until the end.

Imagine as sobs heave through him and he struggles to continue humming your song as you whisper ‘yes’, because he finally has his answer but this isn’t how he wanted it.

Imagine as his scream rips through the air when your eyes close.

Imagine being in love until death do you part.

Imagine breaking his heart.