Chapter Text
"Max if I've said it once before, then I've said it a thousand times, I don't think we are ready for more pups yet. So not." Charles told his pouting omega.
"But Charlie," Max whined before getting brutally interrupted once again.
"But Charlie what? I've said that we're not ready so we're not going there once again Max. End of conversation. Now can you go finish getting ready for the gala. Otherwise, we’ll be late." The alpha commanded, tying the laces to his shoes.
The travelling circus of Formula One had finally finished for the winter break, and they had been invited to attend for Max had been nominated for an award in the Omega category despite not racing this season. An award so prestigious that Charles had chosen to make a big thing of it notwithstanding the Omega’s protest; booking the honeymoon suite in the hotel to stop the night; a designer to custom make an outfit for his mate and arranging for Seb and Kimi to watch the little ones whilst they were away.
However, even with the grandeur of Charles’ plan, he’d forgotten one key issue, just like the old phrase, absence makes the heart grow fonder, Max was struggling with being away from his babies for the first night in ages, himself on the other hand, of course he was missing them but a part of him was also just enjoying having his mate to himself. Like how it used to be.
Truth be known he hadn't taken to parenthood like a duck to water like everyone had suggested, in fact it was quite the opposite. He struggled with the internal battle of was he doing the best for his pups. The alpha was providing everything they needed and more and he still didn't feel as if he was doing enough for them. The twins never seemed to settle with him either when Charles was on his own. They would scream, screech and shriek until Max returned. Making it very difficult for him to truly settle into his role of pack leader and protecter of his family.
Max entered back into the room from the bathroom dressed in his navy, pinstripe tailored jumpsuit designed especially for this event.
Charles gazed on in admiration, his heart swelling with pride at the sight of his mate. The jumpsuit hugged Max’s form perfectly, accentuating his hips and breasts while allowing him to move gracefully. The deep navy contrasted beautifully with the omega's hair and highlighted his post-partum glow that he had gained.
“You look stunning,” Charles said, a soft smile breaking through his earlier frustrations. He stepped closer, reaching out to adjust the collar that sat just so around Max's neck. It was a small gesture, but one that meant the world to them both.
“Thanks, Charlie,” Max whispered, the pout on his lips softening as he felt the warmth radiating from his mate. “I just... I wish the pups could be here. I miss them so. Even if it was just to kiss Jules and Julia goodnight…” his voice trailed off.
“I know you do,” Charles said gently. “But this is a big deal for you, and it’s okay to enjoy this night without them. We’ll be home tomorrow, and you can cuddle them until you can’t cuddle anymore.”
Max took a deep breath, trying to quell the wave of guilt that washed over him. He knew Charles was right—it was important for them to take a step back, to find moments just for themselves. Being so wrapped up in parenthood that they sometimes forgot to be each other's mates.
“Okay, but just this once,” Max said, a small smile breaking through as he grabbed his phone to check the time. “I still can’t believe you arranged all this. You really didn’t have to.”
“I wanted to,” Charles replied, his tone earnest. “You deserve this recognition. You’re an incredible omega, even if you didn’t race this season. And I want everyone to see how amazing you are.”
Max's heart fluttered at the compliment, chased away most of the uncertainty in his mind. “You can’t keep making me blush before we even get to the gala,” Max teased, turning to adjust the cuffs on his alpha's sleeves.
Charles chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’ll take that as a challenge.”
Pressing a firm kiss against Max’s scent gland as it oozed out his soft vanilla scent, he could almost feel his mate melt towards the affectionate touch sending a rush of warmth through Max’s aching core, reminding him of what he truly longed for. Moments like these were fleeting now, often overshadowed by the demands of the twins. But in this moment, everything felt right, and he savoured the feeling.
“Is that how you plan to distract me all evening?” Max asked, playfully raising an eyebrow as he pulled away slightly, smirking. “Because it’s working, you know.”
“Good. That was the idea,” Charles replied, returning the playful banter.
As they prepared to leave, Max felt a flicker of anticipation tinged with nerves. The gala was known for its glitz and glamour, but it was more than just a night out; it was a moment for him to shine and to embrace all he had worked so hard for. Charles took hold of his hand, grounding him.
“Ready?” Charles asked, his gaze steady and sure.
Max nodded, the earlier unease stirring in the back of his mind momentarily set aside as he focused on the warmth of Charles’ grip and the excitement of the evening ahead. “Ready.”
With that, they stepped out of their hotel room, and walked down the hotel corridor, the atmosphere around them buzzed with anticipation for the night ahead. Even if Max didn’t win the award, he knew from the way his mate looked at him that he was in for one hell of a night, and Max felt a thrill course through him; they were out, just the two of them. "Let's make this a night to remember," he said, a playful glint in his eye.
Charles paused and looked at him, a steely gaze etched in his features. “Does that mean what I think it means Max?"
"It can mean whatever you want it to mean Alpha."