Your Love is Mine

Deal? Deal.

Max walked off the boat leaving Charles in a pretty foul mood. He started pacing and managed to scratch his arm on the hook.
Charles: Dammit
He took a step back and looked at the old silver hook now a tarnishing bronze and so vividly recalled the first time he scratched his hand on it.

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3 years ago

Charles: I said to put it here!
?: Don't ask for help then
Charles: Okay wait. You're right, it makes more sense there.
?: Exactly!
Charles: Just give it here.
?: Come get it.
Charles: Ugh! You're exhausting
He reached out and took the hook.
Charles: Shit
?: What?
Charles: I cut my finger open, I thought you filed the hook down?
?: I thought you were going to do that
They looked at each other and laughed at their lack of communication.
?: Sorry, here, use this cloth. I'll go get a bandage...
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Shaking off the memory Charles pondered on Max's words. Maybe Max was right, he's gotten in my head but I'm still more than ready to battle him after the summer.

As Max walked away he tried to understand what was happening with the contracts. If both him and Charles were at risk it was the teams' decisions. There was nothing he could do other than prove he's supposed to be in Red Bull. Although this stressed him, he had to shift his focus to this weekend. A break was just what he needed. No press, no drama and absolutely no Charles. Perfect. He continued on his way until he got stopped by someone.

Olivia: Max! How are you? Oh it's been so long!
Max: Olivia. I could be better and if I remember correctly I told you to leave me alone. I'm-
Olivia: Oh but we used to love each other's company! I know you didn't mean it. How about lunch this weekend?
Max: I am far from interested thank you.
Olivia: Come on, I know you're back for holidays now so let's catch up. She moved closer to him and held his arm lightly.
Max: I have plans this weekend. Away from Monaco.
Olivia: Oh? Well maybe I can join?
Max laughed at this comment.
Max: Sorry but no. Let me tell you again, I am not interested. See you.

He shook his arm free and walked on. Olivia had been interested in him since they met in a coffee shop a few years back. She was a stunning lady: long blonde hair, green eyes and a body that would turn every man's head but for some reason Max found that recently he really wasn't interested in her like he usually was. I mean it was her looks that caused him to approach her first but now he couldn't stand her and he didn't know why.

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Charle's POV
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After Max left I pondered on his words for a bit. He was not right for throwing Jules' name out like that. Although those words kept playing over in my head I couldn't help but remember the worry that arose in his voice when he mentioned his contract.

Given that we were both under threat something needed to change. I went out after him to see if maybe, just maybe, we'd be able to cooperate and work some plan out. I noticed him but stopped when I saw one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen approach him. She seemed very friendly with Max. I couldn't help but get annoyed by the sight of her with him. Maybe it was because someone like her can do better or I just didn't like seeing Max happy and laughing with someone. No it can't be that because I couldn't care. It's definitely that she deserves better.

Soon enough they parted and I ran after Max. Eventually I caught up to him.

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Charles: Max!
Max: Yeah? Ugh, what do you want?
Charles: We need to talk about F1. It isn't ironic that we're both at risk to lose our seats.
Max: Well if you weren't such a pain in the ass the whole time I'd actually be able to attend press conferences without starting a fight.
Charles: Max, we need to make a plan.
Max: A plan? Okay how's this: you stay the f out of my way and I'll be able to get through a weekend calmly.
Charles: Whatever, I should've expected you to not care. Never mind that this could cost you a championship winning team.

Charles turned to walk away but Max stopped him.

Max: Wait. It sickens me to say this but you're right. What should we do?
Charles: Let's just try not be enemies in front of the teams or the press.
Max: I'm not pretending to be your friend all of a sudden Leclerc.
Charles: Come on, you really think I meant that? Let's just try tolerate each other publicly. Privately I will always hate your guts.
Max: Fine. Public act of tolerance. Deal?
Charles: Deal.
Max: If that's all, I'd like to actually enjoy the rest of my day thanks. Hope I don't see you around.
Charles: Feeling's mutual.

Max and Charles walked off in opposite directions. That was the longest they'd managed to go without actually arguing. They both knew that what they had planned would be hard but they had no choice as the first half of the season was already over. It's was in their hands. Will this actually work?