Corrode - [Charles Leclerc]

𝙊𝙩𝙩𝙤

Warning: violence

        "It's late". Joanne muttered when her hand gently brushed over Charles' chest she had been leaning against while standing at a table. "Liam's tired too". She added, her son was seated on a pillow on the floor while leaning against her legs. "Pierre will drive you home safely". Charles said and motioned for Pierre to come over to them. They spoke in French with each other while Charles asked him to take Joanne and Liam home. "Get up, honey. We're going home". Joanne said and Liam sleepily got up, reaching out for her hand to hold. Charles followed them through the restaurant, a lot of guests had already left the party before her. Pierre drove the car in front of the pavement and said he'd quickly get something from inside which he had forgotten. He was vague about it, so she guessed he just wanted to give them a moment.

Liam climbed into the backseat when Joanne opened the door for him and she closed it gently. She turned to Charles. "Look...". He started, his fingers brushing over her arm. "I haven't been in this kind of contact with a woman for about seven years. And you're in the same situation. Let's not speed everything up, let's not break each other's hearts". His voice faded slightly out while he drew her close. "I really want to get to know you, Joanne. Better than the contact we've had, however you know my job is an obstacle in that". His eyes glided over her face. "I want you to know that I want to try my hardest to see you as often as my job safely lets me". Joanne nodded slowly, knowing that her feelings wanted him to move in with them write away, to start a life with him rather tonight that tomorrow, yet she knew he was right. Joanne had a feeling that if he ever loved someone, he'd love that person more than anything else. She just had to be patient.

"I do want to spend more time with you, Charles". She replied. "Let's see what the future holds for us". She added. Charles hummed in agreement. His hand reached up and the rough edges of his fingertips caressed her face. She closed her eyes when he kissed her forehead, leaving a soft peck before he pulled away from her as Pierre returned to the car. "Sleep well, Joanne". A small smile curled his lips. "Goodnight". She smiled back and softly thanked Pierre when he opened the door for her. She got in and locked her seatbelt, her hand up in a small wave when they drove away. "Did you enjoy the evening?". Pierre asked, a smile on his lips as well. "It was really nice". Joanne answered. "I haven't seen him like that in a long time, you know?". He hummed, his fingers briefly gliding over the leather of the steering wheel. "Like what?". Joanne asked. "Happy, satisfied". Pierre summed up.

A small chuckle left her mouth, the heat returning to her cheeks, however it was dark enough for Pierre to not see it. "And you make his son happy, which is a direct way to win his heart". He said. "It was never my intention to get in contact with him through Jules, you know that right?". Joanne asked in a rush and Pierre laughed. "No worries, Joanne. I'm sure you haven't seen Charles before he came to pick up Jules from your house a couple weeks ago. We only could've thought you liked me a lot". He grinned next, which made her scoff with a laugh. "I'm sure you have a nice girlfriend". Joanne said next. "I do". His smile widened. "Caterina is her name, she's from Bologna. Because of her safety I didn't want her to live here in Monte Carlo, so I fly over to Italy as often as I can". Pierre explained. "We're trying to start a family soon". Joanne felt her heart clench at the sweetness. "I think you'll be a great father, Pierre". She softly said, making him look at her in a thankful way.

Pierre parked the car in front of their house and Joanne got out, opening the door to the backseat where Liam had fallen asleep already. "Hey, buddy. Let's get you to bed". She softly caressed his cheek to wake him up and he sleepily hummed and got out of the car while holding onto her hand. "Thanks for the ride, Pierre. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon". Joanne smiled. "Sleep well, you two". Pierre greeted before driving off. Joanne plucked her keys from her bag and unlocked the front door. She tugged Liam's coat off his arms and he went upstairs right away. Joanne locked the door behind her and quickly checked if all of the windows and doors of the house were closed and locked as well. Liam had undressed himself already and Joanne handed him his pyjamas. She had kicked off her heels in the hallway and was determined to hoist herself into her joggers soon too.