Work Text:
Reddick pov~
Unlatching my window net it hit the side of my car with a thunk. I knew the press would be at my window before i could even get it open. I wasn’t in the mood after being in this hot ass car for the last three hours. I had hell to pay already and i knew damn well it was coming. The last laps were hell for not only me but the 17. Gimping back to pit lane on the second to last lap was not what I wanted to do today. Chris had to be pissed. My head was throbbing and the grand stand crowd wasn’t helping, or maybe it was the squeal of tires from Keselouski’s car. Time to deal with the mics shoved in my face.
Third person pov~
Reddick’s right foot was nearly on the ground when he received a shove. It was the “hell” he was due to pay. It was Buscher, the driver of the car he had just wrecked out of winning a race for the second week in a row.
“ What was that?!” “ what was that!? I have raced you clean!” He shoved Tyler to stumble back. “I know I fucked up! I’m sorry!” One of the 45’s pit members tried to wedge in between them. “no shit!” Chris was burning with rage. If it wasn’t for his hastily placed glasses and hat, Reddick could have seen his rage tinted eyes. “hey Chris-“ he gently grabbed Chris’s arm as he turned away with anger. Most likely to tame his desire to physically get involved more than he already has. Buscher shouldered off his touch and pointed at Reddick in a provoking manner. “we have raced each other for so long, what was that about?!” There was this pain in Chris’s voice that made his heart ache. Tyler has never cared about fellow drivers before, why does he care all of a sudden. “ as soon as I knew it wasn’t gonna work, I tried to back out and i caught you. The last thing I wanted to so was wreck your car, i could care less about my car.” He’d regret saying that later. “ i fucked up i’m sorry, i fucked up” Tyler was desperate. “ it doesn’t work for me. We don’t have that sticker on our car right now.” Chris spoke while Tyler was pulling off his helmet making it hard to hear him. He deemed that he could take it off now, he was hesitant at first hoping not to get decked in the face as soon as he pulled it off. “Huh” Chris got closer to his face to say his last line. Pointing dead at Reddick’s Talladega win sticker. “ I don’t have that sticker on my car right now. This means war.” He stormed off after that.
Tyler had a moment of somber silence. The crowd sounded muffled and the mics in his face became overwhelming. He gave shitty answers to all the questions but that meant he got to go in his bus and take a cold shower. That’s all he wanted.
Buscher pov~
What a pussy move. That fucking 45. What a bitch way to go out. “I don’t give a damn about my car.” What bull shit! Right now i just wanted to get back to my provost as fast as possible. I showed face for my teammate and that’s what mattered. Thank goodness my wife went home earlier. I don’t think she could get me off this angry high. I actually think our rocky relationship would only cause more shit. Losing again for the second week in a row, pathetic. Kyle Larson was on my shit list this week now Reddick. .001 yeah it was history but it was still shitty to be so close and it slipped away.
It was meant for when i won. That taunting black box has sat on the counter for a few weeks now. A gift from my teammate. It wasn’t cheep but we had agreed that when i won we would crack it together and drink till our hearts desire but tonight i need to drown. I need to open it and drink my sorrows away. It was screaming from the shelf. My fire suit was half shucked off hanging from my hips as i drug it across the floor to that whiskey bottle.
One sip~ I’m the good guy, the peace bringer. I’m not an angry person. Two gulps~ im supposed to be the nice one not threatening. Three chugs~ I’m a fucking clown a laughing stock that has missed weekend after the next.
Reddick pov~
Fuck my head is throbbing. I’m so tired. Chris. Fuck i feel horrible. A peace offering doesn’t sound like a bad idea. The last thing i need is a so called “ revenge move” killing me. The next thing i know I’ll be in a solid concrete wall at 200 MPH. I have some cookies? I’ve heard he's got a sweet tooth at least. I’ll just make these, shower, and take some Advil for this damned headache.
Third person pov~
*Knock knock*
Chris peeled himself from the cold tile floors where he haded. His fire suit still hanging from his waist. The ground felt nice on his fevered body. His mind now fogged and useless. He peeked behind his white curtain that covered the door window.
This fucker
“Go away!” Chris slurred.
“Chris let’s talk, please. I brought peanut butter cookies.”
At the end of his sentence he heard the air brakes huff. He was leaving. Chris was about to leave the drivers lot. Tyler couldn’t tell if he was drunk or had been crying but in either situation he did not need to be driving.
“Chris!” Tyler yelled from outside the bus. The million dollar Prevost cranked and started to move. Fresh cookies were discarded due to the new issue at hand.
Nonononono he couldn’t leave. Tyler could see the headlines now “NASCAR star crashes his rv hours after devastating loss.” And his face would be plastered all over it.
Shit
Tires rolled faster as Tyler jogged next to it.
“Please let’s talk Chris.” It was useless there was no way he could hear him.
One last option, the dumbest option, the one thight might be dumber that the wall at 200 MPH.
Reddick jumped infront of the fast rolling Prevost. Hands out in desperation, his chest heaving, eyes squinted from the light and the impact brace. Screeching brakes and the sound of air brakes huffed again.
Reddic was illuminated by the headlights on the front of Chris’s bus. All of a sudden the door swung open.
“What was that!” Not the first time he's heard that tonight.
“There was no other way. I had to save you Chris!” The man finally emerged from behind the light and Tyler could see his face. His eyes were red and puffy definitely from sobbing. His breath smelt stout of liquor. Fire suit barely hanging on. He still had his damn driving shoes on.
“SAVE ME!!??” Chris now had fresh tears sliding down his face. Fuck he was mad.
“Tyler get in my shoes for a while. Try having the press all over you for being the second best. Try having everyone tell you better luck next time. Try having your teammate win tonight after everything I’ve been through. This sport is so unfair!” Chris had his head in his hands sobbing to the point his breath was uneven and gasping. Tyler stood stunned. Never has he felt like such a horrible person. His body reacted to Chris immediately. Slowly his arms wrapped around the man infront of him. Headlights still beaming on the two. Chris gripped his Jordan sweater and heaved. Tyler has never seen someone cry so hard. This was a full breakdown. An entire panic attack. He genuinely thought the man would combust under the pressure he has put on himself. Tyler pulled him closer. Lowering the two to the asphalt ground. His hand now deep in is strawberry blond hair. It wasn’t supposed to be right. A man comforting another man in such a was was frowned upon, but this felt oh so right. Reddick realized he wanted to just hold him longer, to whisper sweet nothings into his ears.
“lets go inside.” Reddick pulled his cheek to the top of Chris’s head and lifted off the ground. The driver of the 17 finally pulling himself from the other. He navigated the steps of his Rv and sat on the nearest seat. Tears slipped down his cheeks the liquor betraying him for letting all these emotions out. Reddick sits in the drivers seat of the coach knowing Chris is safely in a chair and comfortable, it took long enough to detach him from the jacket Reddick wore. The coach was put back in its spot before anything else happened. Tyler wanted to make sure that if anything the mans very expensive Rv was ok.
Turning the corner the man that almost killed him twice was Now back on the floor. It seemed the only place he drowns his sorrows, is on the cold hard floor with a bottle of liquor. Tyler shuffled to the fridge, opening the full stainless steel fridge he scavenged for a water. It was practically empty. There was no water to be seen. His fastnell bottle from his car was on the counter. Empty. Shit.
“Chris I’ll be right back-”
“Wait. Where are you going?” Chris looked up from his spot on the floor.
“I was just going to my coach to get you a water.” Tyler shook his head. “Oh ok,”
Chris put his head back on his folded arms.
Reddick pov~
He’s a fucking disaster. Chris looks like absolute shit, and he’s shit faced. I just wanted to say sorry again and give him some cookies. Now I’m babysitting a big ginger jackass. It’s just for a little. Get him to bed with a water and tuck the big bastard in.
Third person pov~
Tyler knocked on the door again. Two waters in hand, the container that had the cookies from earlier, and a bag of who knows what.
“Chris, drink this, you need some real fluid before you dehydrate.” Buescher was now on the couch. His fire suit still hanging from his hips. His face now dry from wiping it on the long sleeved under shirt.
Tyler was grabbing things from his bag. It was a Jordan drawstring. Possibly team issued. Digging for just a moment Tyler pulled out a small packet and dumped it in his water. Pedialite. He grabbed a protein bar from the bag and a cookie form the container. Handing it all to a very incoherent 17. The first thing he did was put the cookie in his mouth. Devouring the whole thing in one bite. His face lit up a little at the taste. Tyler sat at the table and pulled out his phone. It was awkward. Tyler could only be there for him while he worked out the breakdown. Not a single word was spoken until Buscher stood from the couch and pulled off his fire suit completely. Glancing over to the counter where he had left that whiskey bottle he blurted out. ”What did you do with my bottle?” He put his finger on the counter where it once sat. “I didn’t know where it was supposed to go so I put it back in the cabinet.” He pointed to the small slender cabinet by the fridge. “Don’t touch my stuff. Why are you here? What do you even care?” Chris slurred his words and put the water bottle on the counter next to him as he leaned on the farm style sink. “Because I don’t want you to get hurt. You would have left and wrecked this thing if I wasn’t here. I’m afraid you are going to get hurt worse.” Reddick set his phone down to give the drunk all of his attention. It took a moment for Chris to find the words for a comeback. “Physically or mentally because i think you already did a number on both. You hurt me mentally by screwing today up and now you are FUCKING ME by being here in my presence still!” Reddick got up. “I’m trying to be the bigger person here, do you not get that! I’m trying to help you, i already apologized for earlier. I tried to come here and apologize again but now here we are in another bickering match!” He heaved out. “Don’t you get it! I’m trying to help you by being here. I watched a grown man break in half a while ago. It scared me and especially after knowing that i’m the one that did it to you!”
Chris stumbled to Tyler, his hand raised. For sure Tyler was about to get hit. This not only had turned into bickering Chris was going to swing on him. To Tyler’s surprise Chris set his hand on the shorter mans shoulder. His voice sounding shaken. “I’m sorry i lashed out on you earlier or tried hitting you with my bus. I’m- im just lost.” His eyes focused on the now crumpled up wad of Tyler’s shirt in his hand. “Hey man, it’s alright. I know you have a lot going on right now with racing.” Chris huffed “i wish i was only racing that i was having issues with. My wife and i are on rocky ground, my mental health is declining, and the stress of this is tiring.” Tyler held his bicep and gripped him lightly hoping to ground him. Tears streamed don’t the taller mans face. Fuck. Tyler was in a tight spot. The smaller man pulled himself to Buescher for the second time that night. His arms were tight around his shoulder blades. Chris on the other hand was trying to squeeze the life from his fellow racer, his face shoved into his chest. They sat like that for about twenty minutes. Just letting the man sob. Tyler pulled back “ wanna go take a shower and we can chill out a bit. Maybe watch a movie. We can just chat if you prefer that. Just i would like to keep the volume down because my head is throbbing still.” Chris looked up “that sounds nice. I’m sorry. I’m such a little bitch. I never let my emotions get the best of me but today is an exception i guess.” Tyler smiled. “Hey don’t fret. We all have our days. It’s been a rough road and you gotta let it out.” Chris put his hands to his sides. “It’s more less I’ve been sobbing in your arms and that’s weird for men to do. It’s weird for me to do. I don’t even cry that often.” “Hey it’s ok really, i wont tell anyone, and I’ll be here for you. I have days that i want to just sob my eyes out but it always makes me feel better when someone is there. Let your masculinity take a break, men don’t recognize their mental health enough.” Something pulled in Buescher’s heart. Fuck what was that. It was genuine kindness that he usually doesn’t get hit with.
“Ok i’m going to take a shower.” Chris made his way to the door separating the living room area to the bedroom. “No go ahead! ” Tyler wanted to sound as kind as he could.
It was only a few minutes later when he couldn’t take it anymore. Tyler’s head was throbbing. “Hey Chris?” He knocked on the door lightly. “Chris?” You could hear a slight shuffle. “Yeah man?” I small relief was deep in Tyler’s chest. “Do you have any pain killers? My head is getting worse.” The water was turned off and there was a shuffle. “Give me one sec.” Next thing Tyler knew the door opened and steam poured out of the bathroom. A towel was around the taller mans waist. A large bottle of Tylenol sat in his hand. “Here ya go.” He added the bottle to a very nervous Tyler. The body of the in front of him was exquisite. Not too built, just the right about of chub to make him look like an absolute teddy bear. Maybe the dad bod was nice to look at. His skin was glistening and his hair drenched. It was straight from a cheesy rom com.
“Thanks man.” His eyes focused on the others, trying not to get busted. “No problem, let me get changed and I’ll be right out.” “Ok take your time.” Sweat pants and a compression shirt was the last thing he anticipated from Chris. That’s what he wears to sleep? No? The shirt was tight. The big 17 on the front of it was a sign it was possibly a workout shirt. But the grey sweat pants whole new story.
“So what is your favorite type of candy?” The weird and abrupt question pulled Tyler from his thoughts. “Hm I’m going to say KitKats.” Tyler laughs. “Sorry i’m bad at conversations, i was trying to make small talk.” Chris rubbed his neck. “No no it’s ok, what’s yours?” Tyler pulled his foot on the couch and faced the other. Chris smiled “You know those nerds gummy things? I absolutely love them. I’m a sour candy guy.” “Ok ok fair i like them too.” There was a moment of silence maybe they both noticed it because it was awkward. “How’s your head?” “It’s better, still hurts but not as nearly as bad.” Chris got up off the couch. “I’m glad. I hate headaches.” He dug in the freezer for something. Pulling out a container of vanilla ice cream he offered some to Tyler with an eyebrow raise.
“I’ll have some. Thank you.” With that Chris pulled another bowl from the cabinet and spoon. He set the bowl in the others lap with a smile. Sitting closer than he had before. It was quiet but nice. Just having the presence of someone there helped.
Buscher pov~
He looked uncomfortable. Maybe it was the pain in his head. I feel so bad. He definitely didn’t want to hear me cry about my problems tonight but he would have left by now. Right? This ice cream is amazing it’s the same one I’ve had before maybe it was the whisky still fucking with me. Or maybe it was him.
Reddick pov~
Damn I didn’t want this ice cream. I was trying to be kind. My head was not handling it well. the cold was just not it. He visibly looks happier right now at least. His eyes looked happy. Especially stuffing his face with the combo of my cookies and ice cream. He looked over at me with a mouthful of goodness and smiled. I would be fibbing if i said he wasn’t attractive doing that. Maybe i see him as a closer person than i thought. No I can’t.
Third person pov~
Chris plopped his bowl in his lap. His head slid down the back of the couch onto Tyler’s shoulder.he laid his hand to Tylers leg. He could feel the 45 tense up.
“I’m still so fucked up.” A genuine laugh bubbled up from his throat. Tyler could feel his whole face heat up. Damn it. He was so charismatic even in his roughest time.
“Why are you so tense Tyler? If it wasn’t apparent we are good now. No hard feelings man.” His face was so close to Chris’s face. His breath brushing his neck. “I’m sorry if i bothered you. I know you probably want to just go to your coach and go to sleep.” Tyler was flushed, “No no you’re not a bother. I actually enjoy the company. I’d just be sleeping anyways.” His hands were tangled into each other, palms sweating.
“Hey man I’m sorry, i hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable.” Chris raised his head from Tyler’s shoulder. He was nervous. “How about i just go.” Tyler stood up quickly and gathered his things.
“Wait, you don’t have to leave yet. We can hang out for a little longer.” Chris grabbed his arm. His touch was gentle. Under his hand Tylers skin was burning though there was a jacket in the way. “Please don’t go yet.” It was a quiet plea but it sure sounded like a plea.
“Listen i don’t feel all that good right now.i don’t know what it is but i don’t feel good.” Tyler held his head.
“If it’s me bothering you you can tell me. I wont bother you again, i just want you to tell me if i made you upset. Im not mad about the wreck anymore. You made my day better by just being here with me.” His hand slid down to Tyler’s and he held it tight. “I was going to drive off earlier and i hoped i would get hurt.” Chris wrapped his arms around Tyler again. “I was going to die Tyler.” Reddick could feel his heart pounding. Why was he so anxious? As hard as it was to move under all the stress Tyler pulled his arms around Buescher and put a hand in his hair. His hand was softly leaving circles on his short strawberry cut. “Please don’t do that again.”
I couldn’t tell you how it happened but Tyler was back on the couch with Chris across his lap. His hair in his hand again. That tight ass shirt sprawled across him. It wasn’t hidden in any way that the 17 was starting to fall asleep. His puffy eyes fluttered every few seconds indication the sleep about to take over.
Buscher pov~
The damn window was cracked open. The early morning Carolina sun was beaming in my eyes waking me at the crack of dawn and once I’m up, I’m up. Tyler was asleep still. His head leaned in the wall next to my couch. Before i began my morning routine i tossed a blanket over him, something about him was… cute, peaceful, content. First thing i did was start breakfast. It’s usually my morning run but Tyler was here and i wasn’t going to leave him to wake up to an empty coach. Pulling out all the things i needed as quietly as possible i made my way outside to the burner on the front of my rv. The less noise i can make in there the least likely i am to wake him. The track was peaceful. Most of the race fans had packed up or were packing up. The fields looking more and more empty by the second. Some of the drivers had left too or at least their busses have. The track was silent compared too the roar of engines and bright lights. Now there was a nice breeze and not a cloud in the sky. It’s not too late for a run but first breakfast.
Reddick pov~
Last night was a blur. All i know is that I’m not in my rv and by myself. The first thing i did was look around. Chris was missing from the couch so i had assumed he would be in his bed, no not there? His room was very tidy and his bed had to be a California king. It was massive. I was convinced he left until i heard a light mumbling outside. As soon as I registered the voice as Chris the door swung open. Apparently he was cursing the pan he was holding. A stack of pancakes, eggs, and bacon towered the tray he held.
Third person pov~
“Oh good morning sunshine.” Chris’s bright smile emerged from the doorway. “I made breakfast for the two of us!” He set the plates on the table and reached for utensils. “Thank you! It looks great.” Reddick plopped on the seat across from him. “listen i make a mean pancake, so You have to let me know what you think.” Tyler was down. He loves pancakes. “How do you like your coffee?” Chris turned around, still holding the handle to the cabinet. “Im good I’m a tea guy. coffee gets my heart going too much. But think you!” “Oh well it looks like I have one earl grey and a hibiscus tea?” Chris turned around from having his head stuffed in a cabinet to see Tyler perked up. “I’ll take the grey please, that’s my favorite.” Chris gasped, “me too! But today I’m feeling coffee.” Sitting back at the table Chris set down a cup of tea, three types of sugar, and honey. It was excessive but Tyler couldn’t have been happier. Once the 17 had sat down Reddick began eating. “You didn’t have to wait for me. You’re the guest.” Tyler waved his hand. “No it’s common courtesy.” First thing to put in his mouth was a piece of a fluffy pancake. Chris was patient to see his reaction. It was pretty obvious what his opinion was without a word. Tyler’s face went from surprise, to contentment, to pure joy. “You weren’t joking, that is a mean pancake.” Tyler filled his face with a bigger bite than the last. Chris smiled, a content smile, but the softest one he had in the last 24 hours. “Here take another, there’s a stack.” Chris plopped another in his plate. “ thank you, you didn’t have to do all this.” He look a careful sip of tea. Chris rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Well you took care of me last night and that couldn’t go unpaid. I really do appreciate it.” Tyler felt that heat again. That creeping warmth across his face that damn feeling. “Don’t worry about it Chris. I have to make things right for myself.”
Chris turned his gaze back to the food in front of him to avoid Chris. His face was written with of all things… anger and a hint of pain. “So last night was for your own ego?” Tyler’s eyes darted up. “Well slightly… it was putting a mental toll on me knowing i did wrong.” A huff came from the other. Part of Chris wanted to just believe Tyler did what he did last night because he genuinely cared about him and maybe even had feelings other than just kindness of his heart. “So that’s it? You didn’t help me because you wanted me to feel better, you just wanted to toy with my feelings? Is that why you wanted to leave when i showed the slightest bit of kindness back?” Chris stood from the table to show some kind of dominance.
Tyler put his hands flat on the table. He was so confused. “No this is a huge misunderstanding! You don’t get it! Why would i console you the way i did if I wasn’t emotionally trying to help you? I wanted to leave because i was uncomfortable and I didn’t feel ok!” That didn’t help his case. “Oh so you wanted to leave because i made you feel uncomfortable!? If you were so uncomfortable why didn’t you leave? Why did you spend the night with me and let me sleep on your lap of all things!?” Tyler stood up now. “Do you not understand what you are saying Chris?! I was scared of what i was feeling! You felt the same way I’m assuming because you are so cautious about my affection toward you!” Chris stood completely struck, its adding up. They didn’t want to accept that this was more than a friend helping a friend through a hard time, this was a man helping another man and slowly feeling an attraction. “Chris last night i was uncomfortable because your smile gave me this unruly feeling, like my heart was going to explode, i can still feel the fire your touch left on my arm. I don’t like the idea of me falling for a man because of the repercussions but the feeling I’ve had in the last few hours isn’t normal.”
Tyler huffed with pure focus in his eyes that threatened to open flood gates. He hated that look on Buscher’s face. The 17 looked like a deer in the headlights and animal trapped in the corner at the same time. But with one solid motion he caged Reddick in a hug. It was rough. Not is an aggressive way but a more calming and grounding motion. “I just wanted to hear that from your mouth.” His words were almost a whisper but Tyler heard each one loud and clear. Each one bounced around in his brain a million miles per hour. His hands grabbed at the tight shirt. Chris pulled back with the feeling of warm tears hitting his back. “Tyler I’m sorry again. Im so so sorry, i wish i could have just fucking said it but I’m a coward. please, don’t cry.” The 45 still looked star struck. Chris wiped tears from under the other’s eyes with a curled finger. “We can work this out. We can figure it out together. We can, i promise. I’ve never felt this way. Please tell me we can do something.” “Chris…” Tyler put a hand on the other’s chest. His eyes shifted thinking about what he would say. “Next time please be outright. I hate arguing, but yes I’d be willing to figure something out. If that is only a small adjustment like spending time together. We can start small.” His hand gripped the tallers shirt. “Ok, lets start with this.” Chris pressed a small kiss to Tyler’s temple and pressed his cheek to the top of his head. Tylers light cries turned into a small giggle. “That’s a good start.”