Unchartered Waters ✅

Chapter 140: A Celebration

Champaigne flowing, sprayed through the air. Beers being consumed, sprayed and showered. Confetti everywhere to be found. It was just part of the perks of being a NASCAR Cup Series race winner once again.

"You are absolutely amazing!" Ryan lets out as he pops up behind Chase, wrapping both arms around him. He wanted to plant a kiss on him right there, but knew the various eyes that were watching may have something else to say about that right now. 

"I thought you'd be upset that I beat you," Chase comments, actually very surprised by the embrace, but not taking any steps to break apart from him.

"You played your hand absolutely perfectly - and I can't wait to spoil your ass later. I love you, Chase." Chase just smirks back in response, giving a nod of approval, as he feels Ryan's arms start to slip away. It was that moment he realized something that would be missing from this victory lane, another set of arms - and only one more pair that would feel more special than what he just felt. 

"Ry...." Chase grabs for Ryan's hand, stopping him from totally disappearing from victory lane, which caught Ryan very off-guard. Normally they shared a quick embrace, conversation, and then Ryan disappeared to allow Chase to celebrate with his team. It was only once back in the motorcoach that everything poured out of them both.

"What's wrong?" Ryan hated to see the silence and almost downplay in emotion that he was getting in response right now. This was supposed to be a great moment. It was supposed to be a celebration. These moments didn't come often.

"Don't go, yet..." He then lets out a sigh as he pulls Ryan right back close to him, accepting another embrace as he wanted to make up for what he'd be missing - but knew these touches would never make up for that missing feeling. 

"You'll get to see him when we get home, get that hug, personal celebration. He'll be proud of you. Fuck. You probably gave that boy something to smile about and make his day a lot damn better than thinking of how he's feeling with what you did. He's probably getting a kick that you beat me to do it." Chase couldn't help but chuckle, picturing all the fun banter they'd be having if Alex was in Talladega right now with them, and knowing it'd just make that night's activities that much more fun. "Don't worry, I won't hog you so that way you can share it with hi-"

"My dad is with him, and I just had a couple drinks..." Chase glances at the beers that sat by the trophy with a sigh. "Looks like I'm pulling a favor because I can't even fly my ass home to see him." 

"You're a NASCAR Cup Series winner. You're Mr. Popular Driver. I am sure you can work out a way to get back to Charlotte without a problem." Chase nods his head, a slew of ideas already entering his mind immediately as he knew he wasn't going to waste a night away from Alex. "Like I told you, I'm proud of you - and we'll have our fun. Love you."

"Love you, Ry..." Chase then slowly lets him go this time, watching as Ryan walks off the stage and heads off into the crowd of people. There may be 100, 150 people that he was weaving through, but yet a pair of eyes never left him in the process, smirking in thinking what was possible later on.

Chase followed the protocol in victory lane, posing for the select images that they wanted from the victory. There were the sponsor representatives. They were the team members. It just seemed to go on, making the minutes tick by, and all he wanted to was escape and get back to home. 

He began to wonder how he was doing, wonder how the day had gone, whether it was a mess or stressful or just a simple day. He hoped for both Alex and his parent's sake it was a smooth sailing day. He also knew many thanks would be delivered to his parents, considering they'd be both upset they missed being there to watch him win. 

"We're done..." the NASCAR representative officially declares, which did not need to be stated twice as Chase scooped up the trophy in his hands, making his way down the steps off of the stage.

He makes his way through the infield and heading back to the motorcoach, knowing he could be changed in a matter of minutes - but debating whether it'd be better to stay in the firesuit. There was always after win satisfaction in one stripping the other out and spoiling them. What if he ruined that fantasy for Alex? Wait - was that even possible with how he was feeling?

Feeling it cling to every single inch of him, he couldn't weigh the thoughts anymore in knowing he wouldn't be able to stand wearing it any longer. He actually wanted to go the full shower route as he certainly stunk just bad as it stuck.

He makes his way inside the motorcoach, feeling his phone go off in his pocket with a smile. It was good to have crew members that were ready to offer favors. It was good to have crew members that knew how to fly just as him. 

I am guessing you don't want to fly back on the team plane, and leave your plane here. Would you like an escort back? I can whistle and blow and still come back a perfect zero.

I owe you, big time.....