Unchartered Waters ✅

Chapter 130: A Conversation

Chase quietly walks into the house, taking a deep breath as he tries to calm every nerve that was coursing through his body since the series of text messages. It was possibly why he had broken every speed limit on the way over, just thankful that nobody had caught in the process.

"Alex?" He calls out as he slips his shoes off, honestly surprised he hadn't been chased down by the dogs, especially Finn, at this point. However, the eerie silence just added to the anxiety he was already feeling.

He makes his way through the house, checking each room as he looks for his pray, the nerves growing more with each empty area. Where was Alex? Where were the dogs?

Though hearing the back door crept open, followed by the sound of paws, there was a thankful relief that left him immediately. That was all he needed to hear as next thing, the pair locked eyes with each other, both of them focused on the conversation shared, as well as the past 48 hours.

"Were you serious about what you said?" Alex questions, having read those messages over repeatedly, almost dialing Dale's number as he left Charlotte Motor Speedway earlier. He couldn't but worry and wonder if Chase was right with his thoughts. It made sense.....

"It just slipped out based on how you have been feeling and your messages," Chase stutters on his words, unsure what to say here on the spot. He wanted to do whatever it took to support Alex and be there for him, but yet he didn't want to overstep boundaries by simply worrying too much. Drivers got stiff and sore from wrecks - what do you expect hitting a concrete barrier? "The headache, to the awkward feeling you had today, just everything combined made my mind flash to that possibly being what it may be - or not. I don't know, Alex. I'm not a doctor. That's why I suggested maybe talking to someone." 

"I almost called Dale...." Alex leans back against the wall, taking a deep breath as he tries to release the current tension in his mind and worries. He thought seeing Chase would do that immediately - a sense of normal - but yet it was doing no favors. "I can normally get behind the wheel of the sprint car and do my thing, just get in that groove so quickly. But yet I couldn't find that comfort today. It just felt like I was almost outside myself at times. And then reaction time just seemed slower - I got more sideways than I should have, and had to burp it to get out of it. I never do that, Chase. Combined with as you said the headache and daze, lights just bugging me ou-"

"Would you like me to take you to the doctor so they can run a CAT scan and see?" Chase knew he could listen to the rambles all day long, but it wouldn't get them nowhere. He also knew the quicker diagnosed and beginning to handle, the better - and he was ready to do whatever needed to take care of Alex. 

"I would appreciate that. I'd go alone, but I'm worried...." Alex knew what a concussion meant - time off, uncertainty of his future. Nothing about that felt comforting given his feelings of a racecar driver, one who had to claw his way to this point. It brought anxiety and fears which he didn't know if he could handle. "It's going to be awkward having my teammate take me and offer comments in return, but fuck, I need you there, please." 

"You're right it will be awkward and I shouldn't probably do this in public, but I care about you too much to just let this slide and do nothing. Besides, I'm just being a caring teammate looking out for you." Alex smiles a little as it was decent cover, even if several others didn't understand just how far the looking out went. "I love you, Alex, and I will do whatever it takes for you." 

"I know...." Chase reaches over, clutching Alex's hand with his own as the pair lock eyes and share a smile together. 

"Let's go see what's going on, and we'll go from there. It may be nothing at all except for a bad dose of anxiety and worry. However, if it is more, I've got your back no matter what - and you will get through it. Remember, you have both Ryan and I. We're not going to let you fail." Alex nods his head as he takes a deep breath, trying to push the fears aside, but only feeling them grow in wondering what if. He didn't need any reminders of what was possible, having watched plenty of situations surrounding him. Just ask Dale. Just ask Kurt.

"Promise?" Chase nods his head as he clutches Alex's hand a little more, before pulling him into a hug. 

"Always. You were there for me when I needed you the most. Now it's time for me to do the same for you in return." He then gives him a slight kiss on the cheek. "I love you, and believe in you, no matter what anybody says or what happens. We're a team."