my otp is Daniel Ricciardo/Getting Railed

Max looked around his empty living room. It was messy still, with Little Daniel's toys scattered about. Messy, but loved in. Lived in.

He didn't even want to clean up.

Little Daniel wasn't here. Blake had come to get him after Max had called, Vic's words ringing in his ear like an annoying alarm.

Little Daniel had cried when he had realized that Max wouldn't be leaving with them. He'd cried out for Max, looking over Blake's shoulder as they left the flat. Max felt each sob like spear to his heart. Sharp and quick like when the car was porpoising through the uneven surface at COTA.

It would be fine. Daniel would be fine, Max told himself. Grace was on her way and they all thought it best she stay with Little Daniel in his own flat. Max thought he saw the disappointment in her face when he had asked her to come. She had been confused, but he'd explained the conversation with Vic and Grace had simply agreed. Saying 'okay' as easily as her son had.

Max wondered if that was another moment to fight that he'd missed. Was this another grand over correction?

It didn't matter. It was already done. Little Daniel would be with his mother, where he should have been this whole time, and he would Exchange back in no time. Max would be here… picking up the pieces once more.

He bent to grab a toy car from the floor. Turning the painted plastic around in his fingers. Max felt his face heat and his chest hurt.