Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Daytona. Just that one word will bring a grown man to his knees. It is the golden track, the one that is sacred beyond all others. It is the pinnacle of the racing world, and to win it is to become a part of history.

The skies over the infamous track were a crystal clear blue. A slight breeze made its presence known on this warm January day. Emily Fallon looked around for the radio station's trailer, unfamiliar with the setup around her.

Emily knew she was in trouble. She didn't know a thing about the sport, except that the drivers risked their lives to bring entertainment to the throngs of fans that spent way too much money on just one race. But she figured this would be a great opportunity for her. The new owner of the radio station was a huge NASCAR fan, and he had gotten a deal to broadcast the races on his stations. He had hand picked Emily to be a part of the team. She would do commentary and play by play action alongside her morning show partner Jim Weathers.

Now Jim knew NASCAR. Emily knew Jim wouldn't let her hang herself out to dry. They had been doing the morning show for WKXY in Charlotte for a little over a year. They had great chemistry, the ratings for the station climbing steadily since they started their on air shenanigans. The deal with the NASCAR races was simple. They would do a Sunday version of their show from wherever the race was being held, and then on Mondays they would be back in their home studio. It meant a lot of traveling and very little free time, but Emily didn't mind. She had worked hard for this, and was determined to keep on working her way up the ladder. Plus the huge raise and the perks weren't bad either.

As if fate had it in for her Emily found the trailer, by bumping right into it. She rubbed her sore cheek and looked up to see Jim setting up their equipment. She hated heights. They had to broadcast form the roof of the trailer in order to get a good signal. She sighed as she started her ascent up the silver ladder.

"Bout time you got here Darlin. Thought maybe I was gonna have to send the brute squad out to look for ya."

Jim always had called her Darlin. It was her pet name, just like sometimes she would call him Old Man. But she would never call him that on air. Just to his face. Emily looked around and realized how high up she was. She made her way for the nearest chair and sat down, relieved to not be near the edge.

"Now Darlin, don't tell me you're not gonna help me with this stuff." Jim said jokingly as he unpacked the headsets for them. He knew very well what her answer was going to be.

"You might have to send that brute squad, just to help me get down. Remind me again why I said I would do this." Her breaths were starting to become heavy as she really hated being so high up.

"You are doing this because it's a great way to advance. That and you have to help me find a husband. I know at least one of these hunky drivers ain't straight!" Jim flamboyantly waved his arms around, which sent Emily into a fit of laughter. That's why they worked so well together. Emily knew she had nothing to worry about with Jim. He was her best girlfriend, and besides that his mind was always on which celebrities he could prove to be gay.

"I didn't know this was a comedy club. I thought I was coming up here for an interview."

Emily turned to see a tall gentleman in a red suit climb the last few rungs of the ladder. His eyes twinkled with mischief as he saw the last bit of Jim's act. His smile was bright and Emily swore she saw him wink at her. His horns were definitely sticking out of his head.

"Hi. I'm Dale Earnhardt Jr. I'm here for an interview, although it looks like I've run into a circus." He stuck out his hand to Emily, who stood up and walked over to him as if something was telling her to. She forgot about her fear of heights at that moment.

"Hi. I'm Emily, and this is Jim. We're the morning crew for WKXY. Have a seat Mr. Earnhardt, won't you?"

"Thanks, but you can call me Junior. Everyone else does. Mr. Earnhardt was my dad."

Dale took a seat as Emily made her way to help Jim get one more headset. "Now that man I know is straight. He would be perfect for you Ems." Jim said as he handed the equipment to her.

She playfully smacked his arm. "Not my type. But maybe he can help you on your quest. Besides, he's a pretty boy. I doubt if I would have looked at him if he was on the street."

"Well Darlin, he's made you forget about how high up you are. That has to account for something. Besides, the pretty boys always have a devilish streak. Trust me I know. I've had my share." Jim winked at her and she again smacked his arm, this time harder than before. If Jim's first mission in life was to find a husband for himself, his second was to find a husband for her. "Besides, I can see it now. You get married, I'm your maid of honor, you throw the bouquet, I catch it, and some handsome man sweeps me off my feet. Oh Ems, please say you'll aim for me!"

Emily balled her hand into a fist. "Oh I'll aim for you all right."

Dale turned around to see the two of them struggling against each other, obviously having a good time. He sighed. He hated this part of the stardom. He just wanted to be back in his trailer, doing anything but interviews, photo ops, or press parties. "At least someone is enjoying themselves." He sighed.