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?

 

[Aubrey Blackwood]

Aubrey let out a choked laugh, pressing kisses to his knuckles. "Damn it, Nikko," She rubbed her cheek against his hand, clinging to it like a lifeline. "You've messed up my whole plan, I'm too emotional for this, gods, I'm so glad you're okay," She was babbling, her emotions a whirlwind. Nikko had been hurt, she needed to focus on him, but merlin if she could get herself together enough for the rational response. "It's okay, we'll figure this out, we're going to be okay," She continued to ramble, unthinkingly moving one hand to press lightly over her stomach. "I am far too busy to go back to the dating scene, you know, so you better stick around," She tried to scold him playfully, pressing another kiss to the inside of his wrist.

 

[Nikko Blackwood]

Nikko was momentarily pulled out of his own spiraling pity party as Aubrey spoke and he could hear the real fear and concern in her voice. He wanted to apologize again but he stopped himself. There wasn't anything to apologize for, he knew that even if the guilt weighed heavy in his gut. It was an accident and his luck ran out. "I'm ok." he said softly. "I'm ok and I'm right here." he said soothingly as he reached his free hand over to wipe away her tears. The movement strained his shoulder and he swallowed a groan. He knew it should hurt more than it did and the medicine was doing its job. "I'm on my deathbed and you're already thinking about dating." he joked but turned serious a moment later. "What if I can't play after this?" he asked softly, finally having the courage to voice his biggest fear. Who was he without the game?

 

[Aubrey Blackwood]

Aubrey giggled brokenly, leaning heavily into the mans touch. "Girl's gotta be prepared," She whispered back, taking a deep breath. She sat up a little, starting to fuss over him- adjusting his blankets, trying to brush his hair out of his eyes. "We'll figure this out," She reassured him gently. "We have savings, and I'll be home for a while, we can make this work. If you don't go back, there's more you can do. There's so much more to the Quidditch world than just playing on the team. We'll find something," She hesitated, before deciding he needed to know- perhaps it would take his mind off of things. "Actually, there is one thing," She bit her lip, nervous, and took a deep breath to steel herself. "Maybe... maybe stay at home dad might be a career choice to consider?" She offered gently, trying to place his hand over her belly- and the just there enough to notice baby bump that had sent her to the healer in the first place.

 

[Nikko Blackwood]

Nikko's eyes started to feel heavy. He felt miserable and even if the pain was easing for now he knew it would be back in the morning, but just having Aubrey with him made it all seem bearable. He closed his eyes and smiled at her joke, and tried to listen to her words and find comfort in them. For now he was still on the team, his fate wasn't sealed yet. For all he knew this was just a small bump on the path to a long career. He knew they wouldn't be homeless tomorrow but his worries about providing had only gotten worse after they got married. He never wanted her to worry about anything ever. "I know." he said softly as she tried to be pragmatic about everything. A soothing dose of reality to balance out his anxiety. His eyes were closed when she offered her last suggestion and for a moment he thought he might have been dreaming. But a strong ache shot through his leg to remind him he was very much awake. "What did you say?" he grunted as he opened his eyes in a flash and struggle to sit up despite his body's protests.