Corrode - [Charles Leclerc]

𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙚

A couple days had passed ever since Charles had showed up at Joanne's apartment near midnight. Joanne had not seen him since, but he had called her in the meantime to let her know he was doing well and his wounds were healing quickly too. His crew was going after the men who attacked him. She didn't mean to sound obtrusive, however she still let the question whether they were going to see each other again soon fall over her lips. Charles had chuckled soflty at that, admiring the eagerness that slightly hinted in her question. He had suggested to meet up soon, however his agenda was a mess at the moment and he would call her back as soon as he had a proper plan. Joanne was satisfied with his reply. She was in a bright mood the past week and the hours she spend at school seemed to fly by. It was thursday already and the week nearly came to an end.

She parked her car at the parking lot of the school and Liam jumped out of the car with his backpack swung over his shoulders. "What will we do today, mum?". He asked while they walked into the school building and Joanne greeted some of her colleagues they came across on the hallway. "We'll continue with the reading and writing assignment". Joanne replied and she fished the keys of her classroom out of her bag. Liam groaned in response. "But we've been doing that all week already". He protested as he walked into the classroom after her. "I know, darling". Joanne chuckled. "And it has to be finished. You want to go to the next grade, right?". She asked and he nodded with a sigh. "If we finish it today, I can read you from the book or we can watch a movie tomorrow. Is that okay?". She hummed while opening some windows. "Okay!". Liam said and sat down behind his usual desk.

"I'm going to get some tea". She said and briefly walked out of her class to the small kitchen that was situated in the school building. "Morning, Joanne". Her colleague, Daphne, said. "Hey". Joanne smiled in response and poured some water in the boiler and switched it on. "I noticed that Leclerc guy is here more often". The blonde lightly mentioned while she watched Joanne pick out some tea. Her dark eyebrows rose before she turned to Daphne. "Yes, he picks up his son or drops him off". Joanne replied shortly. "Last time you left with him, are you two together?". She didn't even try to hide her curiosity. "I don't know, are you together with that guy who drops off his two daughters every morning?". Joanne replied, causing Daphne to blink. "Our sons are good friends and we happen to get along". She dropped her tea bag in her mug after pouring the hot water in.

"Well, I'd be careful with him if I were you". Daphne had a scowl on her face. "Jealously looks really ugly on you, Daphne. Have a great day". Joanne snarled and took her mug and left the kitchen. Wow, a nice chat with her colleagues wasn't possible anymore either. Her eyebrows were still furrowed together in irritation when she got back to her classroom and she put her mug down on her desk. "Joanne,-...". "Sod off, Daphne". She hissed without a thought and then looked up to see Charles in the doorway, his eyebrows lifting up at her tone and he was slightly confused. "Oh, Charles". Joanne felt her face turning hot. "Hey, Ms. Hinds!". Jules chirped and skipped through the classroom to get to Liam. "I'm sorry". Joanne muttered as she made her way to Charles. "Morning didn't start so well?". He asked with a chuckle, his arm rose above his head to lean against the doorway.

"Curious colleagues and conspiracy theories about us being together". Joanne rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "People really have nothing better to do". She added. "Hey". He said, his free hand brushing over her wrist. "It's only eight fifteen in the morning. You have enough hours to make this day as bright as you are yourself". He softly said, causing her lips to curl slightly upwards. "I'm not so bright at the moment, but alright". Joanne protested lightly. Charles smiled a little and looked down before looking over his shoulder. His hand moved to caress her face and he lifted her chin before pressing a light peck to her lips. "What about now?". He asked and she smiled, gnawing down at her lower lip. "I think the other kids will be here soon". Charles said as he looked down at his watch. "I'm in a meeting this afternoon, so Pierre will pick him up". He explained and she nodded.