Corrode - [Charles Leclerc]

𝙎𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞

        "Happy birthday, honey". Joanne softly sat down on the bed next to Liam, who sleepily opened his eyes. "Yes, it's my birthday!". He chirped then when he sat up. Joanne smiled and kissed his cheek before she pulled him in for a hug. "Get dressed, alright? I'll show you your present during breakfast". She said and he nodded. Joanne stood up and made her way downstairs while Liam dug into his closet to get dressed up for this birthday. They were going a little earlier to school, so they could decorate the classroom. Liam wanted to treat the class to cupcakes, so Liam and Joanne had spend yesterday evening baking enough for all of the kids. Joanne poured in two glasses of orange juice and made him a bowl of cereal while she cut off a slice of bread for herself. She waited in the kitchen for him to come downstairs and she had left his present on the table meanwhile. Liam came through the hallway and hopped on the chair opposite of her. "Can I unwrap it?". He asked eagerly.

"Of course". Joanne smiled and handed him the present. Liam unwrapped the ribbon and started pulling on the paper, meanwhile Joanne made sure the glass of orange juice was out of his range and wouldn't be knocked over. Liam's eyes widened when he saw the Hot Wheel box. "Wow!". He exclaimed. "You can build it yourself till you think it's perfect. Then you can put in batteries to drive it around with the remote". Joanne said and he nodded. "Thanks, mom". He smiled and hopped off the chair to hug her once more. Joanne was happy that he liked his present. Liam kept glancing at the box and she knew he would want to get start on it rather today than tomorrow. Nevertheless, they finished breakfast and she urged him to collect his backpack and his lunch that was in the fridge. Liam also carried the bag with the cupcakes that were wrapped in foil. She quickly checked her phone and watched Liam waiting at her for the door.

She had another surprise for him, but it had to arrive yet. Joanne made her way to the hall when she heard the engine rumbling and nearing her porch. "Is someone here?". Liam asked. "Go see who arrived, honey". Joanne smiled and Liam twisted the doorknob to open it. Joanne followed him outside and saw Charles parking the car. The lights flickered and Liam laughed with delight while he approached the car. It was the Lamborghini he admired so much when they visited Charles' car collection. Jules opened the car door and balloons flew out, which made Joanne wonder how it all fitted in there. "Happy birthday!". He yelled at his friend before running up to him. The boys hugged each other. Joanne walked up to Charles and he met her halfway after admiring how beautiful she look in the white, long sleeved shirt that was tucked into a beige pencil skirt. He still didn't know how she balanced so perfectly on those thin heels that lifted her legs and her curves so beautifully.

"I swear you're more beautiful every time I lay my eyes on you". Charles grinned as he pulled his hands from the pockets of his slacks and reached out for her. Joanne grew warm inside when his hand slid from her waist to her lower back, pulling her close and into his chest. "Thank you, Charles". She smiled, resting her hand on his upper-arm before it moved to his face as he kissed her. "Here are the keys". Charles said as he held up the keys of the car. "You can drive him around today". He smiled at her. "I think you should do it". Joanne said, looking into his crystal eyes. "Me?". He asked. "Bonding is never a bad idea. I can take Jules to school with my car. I don't think four people will fit in there". She chuckled. Charles let out a breathy laugh. "Well, alright". He agreed. "Do you have any plans tonight?". Charles asked her, but she shook her head. "We can go out for dinner, the four of us?". He suggested. "Let's ask the party animal himself". Joanne said and called for Liam to come up to them. "Happy birthday, buddy". Charles smiled as he crouched to Liam's level. "Thank you!". Liam beamed.

"I'll be driving you to school today, do you mind?". He said then. Liam heavily shook his head. "Can I, mom, please?". Liam looked at his mother. "Of course, honey". Joanne laughed. "Next to that, I thought it would be nice to have some dinner tonight, with all of us". Charles said. "Yes! Can we eat fries?". Liam asked immediately. "I'm sure the restaurant will have all the fries you want, Liam". He chuckled and moved to stand up straight again. "Why don't you pack a small bag as well?". Charles asked as he turned to Joanne. His voice was soft and his fingers brushed over her elbow. "Just to stay the weekend and get used to the possible future of living in my apartment". He said and Joanne could sense he didn't want to force her, but he was eager to have her around a lot at the same time. She decided to comply to it. "That's alright. I will tell him later after school". She giggled and Charles nodded, the corners of his mouth moving upwards. "I'll drive after you to school, okay?". Joanne said then and unlocked the doors of her car.