Your Love is Mine

Burning Tension

As Pierre and Lando headed to the bar Max fell back onto his bed and thought about everything he'd said. "I wasn't wrong today was I? He is an asshole and a pity party. Maybe I was harsh when I said he acts as if he's only lost someone? NO! Why do I remotely feel bad. It's Leclerc. I'll waste not a minute thinking about him again!" Max decided a shower was what he needed to clear his mind so he got up and headed for the bathroom.

Charles on the other hand was fuming about the weekend. "Why has Max had it out for me all season?! I can't understand. Today drew the line though. I heard every word he said to Lando in his room, he yelled so loud, and he best hope it never comes up..."

As Charles took out his phone he noticed Carlos had messaged him:

Carlos
Can we meet? The team needs to speak to us but I think we best talk first.

...
Carlos
Mate?

Charles
Okay, sure. My room in 20 minutes.

He put his phone down dreading the talk. He knew exactly what the team was going to say, he knew Carlos was coming to try and figure out a solution but it might be too late...

Meanwhile...
Lando and Pierre had been at the bar for a bit. They were talking and laughing. Having their best friends fighting recently brought them closer.

Lando: I cannot stand those two any longer. What happened to the times they acted as human beings around each other? The times when everything was fine...
Pierre: Maybe the championship pressure fight got to them. I do have to agree though, they're becoming more difficult by the day.
Lando: It reflects badly on the teams as well. This has to stop.
Pierre: They just need to have a civilised conversation with each other. You know, see that their friendship is still there deep down?
Lando: Very deep.
Pierre: Haha yeah. I just wish there was something that could be done though.
Lando: Maybe there is...
Pierre: What?
Lando: I was just thinking out loud... but why don't we try something?
Pierre: I don't know Lando. Seems awfully difficult to even talk to one of them. The minute the other name gets brought up they want nothing to hear of it. Charles is right, interfering might end worse than we expect.
Lando: You're right... I just- nevermind. I'm going to go now Pierre. Thanks for this.
Pierre: Anytime. See you around.

***

The next day Max and Lando flew together back to Monaco. The flight was extremely quiet and definitely tense. Lando couldn't help but think of meddling and Max could see it in his face.

Max: Um- listen... yesterday I-
Lando: No need to explain.
Max: Just do yourself a favor Lando... don't try water a dead plant. Charles and I are just too different now.
Lando: Okay...
Max: Where did you go last night?
Lando: To the bar with Pierre.
Max: Oh, you and Pierre are really in the middle of this aren't you?
Lando: I guess... but it's fine. We're still friends
Max: I bet.
Lando: What's that supposed to mean?
Max: Nothing. Just... keep it that way. You guys are better off not in between this drama.
Lando: Yeah.

They went quiet again and soon enough the plane landed in sunny Monaco.

Lando walked down the stairs onto the tarmac and took in a breath as Max walked on ahead, clearly avoiding any further conversation. This is about to be a long summer...