Closed For Better or Worse

[Nikko Blackwood]

Nikko wasn't sure if he had ever been in this much pain before. He had taken more bludger hits than he could count over the years, even as a keeper he wasn't off limits. Today was proof of that. He had taken more than a few hits in their match against one of the Canadian teams until suddenly one hit him right in the center of his back and suddenly he was falling. The next thing he knew he was gasping for breath and the pain in his leg and shoulder made it impossible for him to think straight. He blacked out again shortly after and came to in St. Mungo's. He had been there a few times for other sports related injuries but they had been nothing compared to this. Nikko tried to choke down the potion they tried to give him for the pain but it tasted awful and made his head swim even more. "Have you gotten a hold of my fiancee, no...that's not right. My wife." he mumbled to a nearby nurse. He and Aubrey had barely been married a month and he was already putting their vows to the test. A healer had come by and looked grim. There were a few more potions he needed to choke down before he heard quickly approaching foot steps and suddenly Aubrey was by his side. He thought he might cry in relief but he manged to keep his composure but eagerly reached for her hand, anything that might steady him in this moment.

 

[Aubrey Blackwood]

Aubrey was having one whirlwind of a day. Honestly. How was she supposed to handle any of this? Lifechanging news seemed to be the theme of the day. She rushed to the hospital the second she got the call, moving as fast as she could reasonably, shaking. If he thought she was going to forgive him for this, he had another thing coming. She didn't stop until she was by Nikko's side, pulling up a seat and wrapping his hand tightly in both of hers. "You jerk," She complained, pressing her shaking lips to his fingers. "You better wake your pretty rear and let me scold you properly," She shut her eyes, shooting unworded prayers out to the universe for her new husband. She was not about to become a widower- especially not today.

 

[Nikko Blackwood]

Nikko had closed his eyes for only a moment but opened them upon request. He tried to laugh but instantly winced. "I'm sorry." he croaked. He was tired but he was willing to push through and take whatever Aubrey had for him. He probably deserved it. Who falls off their broom as a keeper? "I'm sorry." he said again, his voice a little stronger this time. "I didn't mean to scare you. I don't know what happened." he said and tried to string together the events as he could remember them. "I was in front of the hoops and a bludger came out of nowhere, and then I was falling." he finished softly. He squeezed her hand as tears began to prick at the corners of his eyes. He was scared. He knew he would make it through this but he didn't know what the lasting damage would be. Would he make a full recovery? Would he be able to play again? Would he want to?