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Fernando and Stoffel had arranged to meet up in Monaco over a free weekend. Although Stoffel had been a part of Aston Martin for a number of months, they hadn’t really had the chance to catch up since Stoffel wasn’t in the paddock during every race weekend. They had decided at a race weekend that since there was a break that they would meet up during the week when they were both free. Fernando would be in the simulator during the week so he had suggested the weekend if they were both in Monaco. Stoffel liked the idea and then asked if Mitch could come since the Kiwi had always been a big fan of the Spaniard.“That’s fine but if you’re bringing your partner then I’ll bring mine.” Said Fernando.Stoffel smiled. He knew about Fernando and Lance’s relationship so he figured that the Spaniard wouldn’t want his boyfriend to be left out.“That’s fine with me.” Said Stoffel.They agreed to meet in a cafe in Monaco which was one of Stoffel’s favourite cafes. Fernando had never been before and he wanted to go somewhere new.Saturday came along and both Mitch and Stoffel were in the cafe and had ordered before Fernando and Lance arrived. The two Aston Martin drivers arrived slightly late and Fernando looked sheepish as he rushed into the cafe ahead of Lance.“Sorry we’re late.” Said Fernando.He greeted Stoffel with a hug and patted Mitch on the shoulder.“I don’t know if you’ve ever been introduced to Mitch.” Said Stoffel.“Mark has had the pleasure of introducing me and besides, he’s always talking about Mitch whenever we meet.” Said Fernando.Mitch blushed. Someone cleared their throat and Stoffel felt bad as he remembered that Lance had followed Fernando into the cafe.“Sorry, Lance, how are you, mate?” Asked Stoffel.Lance shrugged. He looked tired and pale.“I’ve been better.” He said, quietly.“Have you ever met Mitch?” Asked Stoffel.“I don’t believe I have.”Mitch and Lance were introduced to one another before the Canadian sat down with Fernando at the table. Stoffel insisted on buying them drinks so he left Mitch with the two drivers whilst he ordered some coffees for Lance and Fernando. The Spaniard smiled at Mitch.“So, how’s Mark?”Stoffel and Fernando were having a great catch up even though Lance and Mitch were there too. It was nice for Fernando to finally get to hear about Stoffel’s Christmas trip to New Zealand. He was also happy to talk to Stoffel and Mitch about his relationship with Lance and his time at Aston Martin so far.Fernando did check in on Lance from time to time. He was rather quiet and he would only speak when he was asked a question or when he was correcting Fernando on something. Mitch felt like Lance didn’t want to be there but he had a feeling that Lance was ill and that’s why he looked so tired. He felt bad for the Canadian but he didn’t say anything as he didn’t want to interrupt Stoffel’s conversation with Fernando.Lance, on the other hand, didn’t care about interrupting as he began to feel under the weather. He stood up quickly.“Excuse me.”He rushed off towards the bathroom leaving Stoffel, Mitch and Fernando startled. They stared at one another before they carried on with their conversation. What they didn’t know was that Lance was currently in the bathroom throwing up in one of the stalls.After a while, Fernando noticed that Lance hadn’t returned from the bathroom and he began to get worried.“I think I’m going to check on Lance.” Said Fernando.“He didn’t look well.” Said Stoffel.Fernando stood up and headed towards the bathroom. There were only a few stalls in the men’s toilets and one of them was closed. Fernando then heard someone throwing up and he knew that it was Lance because no one else was around. He walked towards the stall and knocked on the door.“Lance, can you let me in?”There was a groan and then the toilet flushed. After a few minutes, the door unlocked so Fernando quickly stepped into the stall and locked the door. When he turned around, he found Lance on the floor leaning against the wall. He didn’t look good.“Oh, Lance.”The Canadian sighed.“I’m sorry.”Fernando crouched down so that he was sitting in front of Lance.“Why are you apologising?”“I didn’t want you to worry. I’ve been feeling like shit all morning but I figured that if I told you then you would cancel your catch up with Stoffel. I didn’t want you to do that.” Replied Lance.It was now Fernando’s turn to sigh.“Silly, I’m allowed to worry about you. You should’ve just told me.”Lance ducked his head down.“Can you move?” Asked Fernando.The Canadian frowned.“We’re going home.” Insisted Fernando.“Fernando.”“Don’t argue with me, can you stand up?”“I think so.”Fernando stood up and then reached out a hand to slowly pull Lance to his feet. He unlocked the door and slowly led him out of the toilets. They made their way back to the table with Fernando keeping a hand on Lance’s back the whole time. Stoffel and Mitch looked up with concerned looks on their faces when Lance and Fernando finally returned to the table.“Guys, Lance is feeling a bit under the weather so I’m going to take him home.” Said Fernando.“I’m sorry you’re feeling unwell, Lance.” Said Stoffel.“I should be apologising for ruining your catch up with Fernando.” Argued Lance.“Don’t be silly, you can’t help it if you’re ill. We’ve had a nice catch up whilst it lasted.” Said Stoffel.He smiled up at Fernando who smiled back.“Let him take you home, Lance.” Said Mitch.Lance nodded and Fernando knew it was time to move.“It was nice seeing you both.” Said Fernando.“Likewise, look after him.” Said Stoffel.“Take care, Lance.”Fernando smiled as he led Lance out of the cafe. He would be having words with him later about not being honest with him earlier that he was ill. It wouldn’t be the first time that Lance had hid a sickness bug from him.
