Wrong number

26) the talk

"I think you had a lot going on at that time and I wasn't in the best place either, so let's say we forget it, right? We could start over. It would be better for the both of us." Max suggested as he looked back at Charles. They saw it the other night in Vegas, they see it now, they could never stay away from each other. Like two magnets, like the earth and the moon.

"Can I hug you?" Charles whispered in his ear. Instead of responding, Max turned to the side and put an arm behind his shoulders and hugged him tightly. Charles hugged him back and their fingers intervened when he put his arm next to Max's. They knew deep down they had to talk more. What were they now? What even were they before the fight? Friends? Boyfriends? It just confused them so they stayed silent. They tried to postpone the more important talk as long as they could. Max separated from the monegasque and looked in his eyes, losing himself in them. "What are we?" He had murmured.

It took Charles by surprise and he didn't know what to answer. He didn't know if Max loved him, if it was too soon. "I- huh I don't know really, that's not only on me to decide really. "Could we go talk more around coffee or something?" Max asked. Charles agreed and they got up. They knew they were far from done with the talk. Charles helped Max get up with holding his hand. Even after the Dutchman was following him. He didn't dare to let go as it was their first contact with the hug since a few weeks. Neither Max wanted to let go but they would eventually have too to go in their car.

They both got into their cars and Charles led the way to a small cafe he knew at the limit of Monaco near the beach. He hoped there wouldn't be too much people there. Max followed him in his Ferrari and they parked in the car park behind. Not trying to have attention on them. They got out and Max walked behind Charles. The monegasque asked for a table for two in French as the hostess clearly spoke French better. Max was a bit surprised by the sudden use of French and he could feel his ears getting red. Obviously his French accent would sound so good. Gosh he was definitely cursed.

They had a table near the back and they sat down. They wouldn't want people hearing them. Neither of them would want people to know they got married or that they could be more than friends. Even though some fans would be happy for them.

"So hum, you wanted to talk more.." Charles started the conversation awkwardly. "Yes I did. I know we have strong feelings about each other but this fight, it huh.. it stained us. It... broke the bond we had. And we need to trust each other again before doing anything. I know we're both hurt by this situation and we'll need to time to become close again. I know we can." "I know, I know..it's just I'd want everything back right now even though we can't." Charles took a big breath and looked away. He started at the sea, as blue and deep as Max's eyes. He could get lost and look at it for hours at a time. He now fully understood that he needed to take his time with Max. He couldn't lose him again. He was so scared after the fight but he was lucky enough that Max wanted him back and to be friends.

"I know we were quite close and were good friends, with strong feelings if you know what I mean. Do you want to just be friends. Not best friends, not anything big. Just two friends that work in the same sports and like to hang out." Charles said again, always pouring his heart out to Max. "Yeah of course. If this means we talked a lot again and hang out like we did, I want it. I missed it Charles. My weeks were so plain, I used to hang out and talk with you so often." The Dutchman smiled, happy to have his Charles back.

"So I'm guessing I could take you as my friend to the restaurant?" Charles said unsure. Max looked up and smiled. A genuine smile. "Of course."

Charles signalled to the waitress to come and make their check as he spoke in French. Max was once again surprised by it. His voice speaking French always hypnotised him so much. They got back into their cars and drove to a nearby restaurant. They entered and took a table in a more reserved place, for celebrities. They were now eating at a restaurant as good old friends.