Your Love is Mine

Confrontations

The next day Charles woke up on his boat slightly disoriented until he realized he had spent all night trying to figure out a plan to save his seat while keeping Max out of the way. He got up and walked over to the kitchen. After getting coffee he went back out and sat on the deck.

Hours of work and all he came up with was damage control press. That doesn't solve his problem forever and doesn't guarantee Max will stop instigating.
He eventually heard soft footsteps behind him and turned to see his lifelong friend Rosy.

Rosy: I saw you standing here. What's going on?
Charles: Too much.
Rosy: Max drama I take it. Why did you two stop being- well you two in the first place. There was undeniable chemistry and you simply gave up.
Charles: Firstly, we never were anything and secondly he was an asshole for a long time before I couldn't take it anymore. Now... well now he's put my seat at risk.
Rosy: What?! How?
Charles: I don't know I just know it's him.
Rosy: That's a pretty serious accusation, be careful.
Charles: He enjoys these fights Ro... and he is thoroughly enjoying watching my hopes of being a Ferrari champion slip through my fingers. He doesn't get papa and Jules are my driving force. I have- I have to-
He let out a shaky breath, the fear of the contract discussions weighing heavier now.
Rosy walked up to him and hugged him.
Rosy: It'll be okay. You'll be the champion you dream to be. If Max is fighting... fight back... give him hell if you have to.

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Max POV
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I was walking past the docks on my way to Lando when I noticed Charles wasn't alone on his boat anymore. I'm not entirely sure why but it didn't sit right with me. I had one goal and he was getting in my head. Shaking it off I proceeded forward until I reached Lando's door.

Lando: Max, you made it! Come in.
Max: Hey. What's the big plan you had?
Lando: A holiday. Like an actual holiday. This weekend. We're going to go Ibiza. We deserve a break.
Max: Ibiza? I'm in! This weekend as in two days from now?
Lando: That's the one.
Max: Sounds good to me.
Lando: Awesome. Wanna grab lunch?
Max: I actually wanted to go somewhere but thanks and I'll see you around.
Lando: Alright. See ya.

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End Max's POV
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After Max left Lando's apartment he phoned Pierre.

Pierre: And?
Lando: He's in. Now just get Charles to agree to go with you.
Pierre: I already phoned him last night. He's in too. He didn't hesitate to agree to a holiday.
Lando: So we'll meet in Ibiza.
Pierre: I hope this works Lan.
Lando: It should. I mean we need them to remember the fun we had as a group and that way they'll see what's missing.
Pierre: You're right. Let's see what happens. Excited for the break though?
Lando: Yeah, it's going to be great. See you Friday then.
Pierre: See ya.

They ended the call and Lando felt optimistic about this weekend.
Meanwhile Max made his way back to Charles' boat. He saw him still there looking over some papers. He was alone. Just what he hoped.
He walked towards the boat. As he got close it was like an invisible rope pulled him to stop him. Pushing any feelings aside he stepped onto the boat and approached Charles.

Charles: Trespassing now?
Max: What's your problem?
Charles: I should be asking you that. Why the hell are you messing with my seat?! A step too far Max.
Max: Messing with your seat?
Charles: Don't act like you don't know. You still mentioned how I wasn't so secure anymore.
Max: My only goal has been to piss you off and win the championship. I can see I'm in your head and hence you aren't secure in your own confidence anymore, not your seat. But good that Ferrari are realizing they have better options out there. Now if you please. I came here to ask you why the hell you're screwing with my contract!
Charles: Well well. Looks like we're both in a situation here. If I had the power to Max, I would have you thrown out of the sport entirely.

His eyes were cold as he stood mere inches from Max now. Max shoved him hard out the way.

Max: If anyone deserves a seat in the sport it's me. Maybe you're not aware but you're only in here from acts of pathetic sympathy. Let's say Jules races today, you think you'll be wearing that red suit?

Max gave a smirk as Charles found his feet again after being pushed down. He was unable to answer Max. He could see something in Max's eyes. Pain? Guilt? Regret? Charles opened his mouth to retaliate but between the look in Max's eyes and his words he closed his mouth and stepped back.

Max: I thought so.
Charles: Get. Off. My. Boat. Now!
Max: Gladly!

Max turned to storm off, his eyes catching a glint of metal in the sun. He stopped and looked at the metal hook on the edge of the platform. There was that rope again... only this time it was pulling him to the hook. Charles noticed Max looking at the hook. There was a pause, not a word was said, not a breath was taken until Charles spoke up.

Charles: Off!