Fic: Interconnection, Part 11b
Pairing: Mark Webber/Sebastian Vettel
Rating: M
Synopsis: Post-qualifying in Japan, Seb and Mark discover that hiding in plain sight is not as easy as it once was
Word count: 4,158
Disclaimer: Didn’t happen, never will. Don’t like, don’t read.
‘Did you like the rice cakes?’
The question from Christian caught Mark off guard. He wasn’t sure why - maybe because it seemed like such an insignificant topic post-race, or maybe because he’d thought they were done talking for the night. The team photo had wrapped up, he’d reiterated again that he didn’t think there was some sort of conspiracy with the extra pit-stop, and then he’d even bid Christian goodbye. Yet the team principal was back at his side a mere half hour later, initiating a conversation in the hotel lobby.
‘Uh, the mochi…’ Mark scrambled to answer more naturally. Christian was following him to the elevator - whatever small talk this was, it would have to continue for a few minutes longer. So he offered a smile and then answered in true laconic style. ‘Oh you know, didn’t want to pack on the extra carbs before the race.’
Christian nodded, though the way he was pursing his lips indicated that he wanted to ask something else. Indeed, he kept mum as more people arrived to wait for the elevator, a silence which seemed wholly unnatural to Mark.
Paranoid, the driver wondered if this was going to be a follow-up about Sebastian. After all, Mark had eased up on his public attitude towards his teammate, being ambivalent enough on the podium and even bit a friendly during the post-race press conference. In truth, he hadn’t been sure how to act - no one was to know that his poor getaway and risky three-stop weren’t the only things on his mind. Sebastian winning had personal implications - intimate ones - and this had caused a sort of balancing out effect. Civility, some would call the result.
Once in the elevator, Mark and Christian signed an autograph each, and soon enough they were walking down the hallway of their floor.
Which was odd considering Christian’s room was at the other end.
‘The rice cakes weren’t from a sponsor,’ Christian began. He gestured at Mark’s door as they approached. ‘I lied to Barbara - they were from me.’
Confused, Mark came to a halt in front of his door and didn’t make any move to enter. ‘Sorry?’
‘I was just checking this was definitely your room.’ The casualness disappeared from Christian’s expression; he was throwing around his weight now. He was boss.
Mark didn’t have a good feeling about this. He gripped the keycard in his pocket and tried to keep his composure.
‘Yes, this is my room,’ he said slowly.
‘And I confirmed that when I sent Barbara to deliver the gift.’
‘Mate, I’m not really - ’
‘I don’t want to have this conversation in the hallway.’
The age difference between them was not that great, but Mark felt like he was a schoolchild who’d been caught red-handed. It took all his strength to convince himself that there was no way Christian knew anything besides the fact there’d been a few meet-ups on the down-low - stuff reported by Sebastian’s people. Since he wasn’t one for unfounded disciplinary action, Mark responded as Christian would expect: with a no-bullshit attitude.
‘I don’t even know what this conversation is.’
‘Neither do I. But I want to speak to you and Seb - together - when we arrive in India.’
‘I thought you weren’t in the business of managing your drivers,’ Mark replied with a bit of bite. ‘Not that I even know what you’re referring to.’
Christian sighed and lowered his voice so it wouldn’t carry far. ‘I think someone should be present if you two are trying to mediate your differences. Sneaking around makes people talk. Gossip is not always kind.’
‘I’m not for team-sanctioned mediation. Or childish tricks, by the way. Next time, you knock on the door and ask what’s going on.’
The comment made Christian hum in disapproval. ‘Be careful what you wish for.’
Mark raised both eyebrows as Christian took a step back. Inside he was battling, but on the outside he had to stay strong. ‘So we’re done here?’
‘You can’t be cross with me. You understand I’m surprised you’re even talking to him.’
‘I don’t want to leave this sport with regrets. He’s currently a regret.’
‘It’s…unfortunate what happened with you two.’ He paused, taking a moment to recall happier moments, when his two drivers could actually tolerate each other. ‘You know what he cites as his biggest mistake in F1?’
‘What?’
‘The time he crashed into the back of you here in Japan.’
‘Yeah, well…No one even remembers a time when he was behind me.’ Mark pulled out his keycard from his pocket, eager to escape. ‘If I were you, I’d leave us alone.’
‘That’s exactly what I’m afraid of doing.’
Mark couldn’t find the words to respond. Because he was afraid too. For other reasons. Reasons involving him being balls deep into Sebastian, and creating a new set of regrets.
‘Goodnight, Mark. Send Ann my regards - haven’t seen her lately.’
Mark turned away as quick as he could. He might’ve made it to the chequered flag today, but somehow, he was still playing with fire.