Emotions
Characters: Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Series: Till Death Do Us Part
Rating: G
February 18, 2009
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Jeff slowly walked up to the steps, eying his lover. Today was never a pretty day as it brought forth the worst of memories and emotions. Ever since 2001, he knew it was hard on Dale and he wished he could make it easier. This particular time, he found Dale lying in the lawn chair, eying the sky.

“Hey.” Jeff said quietly as he watched Dale. He was curious as to how he was feeling and if today was better than others.

“Hey.” He heard Dale respond quietly as he sat down.

“How are you?” He watched Dale stand up, walking over to the railing edge. Talking about emotions wasn’t an easy thing for Dale at anytime. Jeff then slowly joined him, hoping he’d open up. “I know it’s hard, but I know you can handle it well. And anyways, I’m here for you.”

“Thanks.” Jeff then smiled, glad he got through.

“Do you want to talk?” Jeff then moved a little closer, trying to read Dale’s emotions. Sometimes he liked the company well other times he’d rather be left alone. He noticed a tear or two fall, knowing this time would equal comfort as he pulled Dale close to him.

“I miss him so much, Jeff.” Jeff then got Dale to lean his head on his shoulder, knowing it’d be tears and comfort based on previous years. He then led Dale to the swing, where they sat down together as Dale broke into more tears. All day he’d tried to be strong, but he couldn’t take it anymore. His emotions had bottled up and he knew they had to come out. “I wish he was here with me.” Jeff started rubbing Dale’s back, knowing this was only the beginning.

“I wish he was too, but we can’t change the past.”

“I know, but I needed more time with him.” Jeff then wiped Dale’s eyes, knowing he had to clam him down.

“I know, but you just got to cherish what you had. You can’t live your life in the past.” Jeff then looked away, knowing his own situation. He wished he had done some things differently and experienced things differently. He then wiped his own tears, knowing he had to lead by example. Though Dale noticed the tears when he went to lock eyes with Jeff.

“Are you okay?” Dale knew of Jeff’s situation with his dad. It wasn’t as glamorous as some would hope and Dale knew Jeff wanted things differently.

“Yeah, I’m okay.”

“We can talk if you want.”

“No, I’ll be fine.” Jeff then buried his head in Dale’s shoulder, letting his own tears fall.

“You’ve got a chance to change how things are.” Jeff then looked up hopeful as Dale was right. He did as he had time to spend with his dad still.

“I know, but I wish things were different – for us both.” They both then let their own tears and words drift forward, knowing finally maybe they’d be free some more.

THE END