Time To Unwind

[Rob]

"Your ribs are fractured but not broken, other that that you have a few bruised bones, and definitely some strained muscles...possibly tendons."

Doctor Sullivan stands over his patient with a stern look in his typically twinkling eyes. He had to be firm with this one or she would be trouble despite her size. Secretly he was happy that the wrestlers from the main event were sent straight to the hospital. He wasn't sure that he could have tracked her down otherwise, or that he could have stopped her from further injuring herself by attempting to strangle Mr. Alex Cross.

He had to fight back a chuckle at the thought despite the accompanying disappointment that came with it.

His white bushy eyebrows scrunched in thought, as he continued to rattle off less serious injuries.

It was a shame to see the young couple together anymore, but perhaps he should say it was a shame to see how much young Alex had changed. It happened though in this line of work...

His thoughts and words were interrupted by his currently agitated patient. Who was still in her ring attire with her long black hair starting to fall out of her bun.

"Yes and otherwise cuts and bruises...can I go now?"

She was obviously struggling to remain respectful, and he had to chuckle when thinking about the hell she had given the medics. Thankfully Jason was used to her antics more so than the newer.

"No Lady Munin, you must let me bind the worst of your injuries, and take some light pain killers. IF you decide not to let me I will tell the company it is paramount that you spend at least two days in the hospital."

A long suffering sigh was the only safe answer she could give him. She grudgingly accepted the offered medication, and took it without further complaint.

"GET THE FUCK OFF OF ME!"

The command was screamed in anger, belonging to a low, rough voice with a mild Scottish accent. The bellow could have stopped a bull in mid-charge through fear.

Munin and Dr. Sullivan looked up quickly at the near roar. Munin wincing slightly at the sudden movement.

"Well then, it looks like there is no need for you to find your Mr. Jericho..."

Munin gave him a quelling look, but she was honestly relieved. If Jericho was well enough to bellow and raise hell he would be ok.

Soon enough, Jericho Cross walks into the tent, displaying a strangely less foul mood than initially suggested. Upon seeing Munin, he walks past the doctor he ignores completely, to stand by her side. Putting an arm under her chin, he folds it around her head, cradling it as he gently bring her into his chest.

Jericho: Well done, Munin.

With a dazzling smile she soaked up his praise, and allowed herself to relax fully into his embrace.

"Thank you...I was just about to come find you."

Jericho: How you feeling? That was some fight!

She hadn't realized how much she was starting to crave this contact with him. The simple embrace of his warmth and contact, and how much his praise meant to her. It was almost humbling the amount of care he treated her with, that this that was legendary for his harshness could be so gentle with her.

Jericho: How you feeling? That was some fight!

"I'm feeling a bit banged up, but I'm ok..."

Dr. Sullivan snorted at that estimate of her body's health.

"Saying you're ok is being a little overly optimistic, I am frankly shocked that you were capable of standing when you came in. The fact that you were still able to put up a fight is astounding."

Having voiced his opinion the veteran doctor set about finding the proper bindings for his patient's ribs. For the first time, Jericho acknowledges the doctor's existence, turning his head to address him.

Jericho: Put up a fight?

The doctor nodded his head, before realizing that the former wrestler likely expected more of an answer than that.

"Yes she came in fighting, she had to be lightly sedated so that she wouldn't further injure herself. She was rather determined to find you, or bash in Alex Cross's head. Whichever came first, though she seemed more concerned with finding you than anything. I have had her weapons sent ahead to her hotel room."

Jericho looked down at deseptively delicate looking woman in his arms, and was amazed once more at how precious she was becoming to him.

Jericho: Play nice with the doctor, Munin. You know Eva would tell you the same. What's the extent of her injuries?

Munin's only response to both men's amusement was little more than a grumble.

"She has two fractured ribs, minor lacerations, and bruises. Otherwise it is a simple matter of over exertion, she pushed her body too far. There is no way that she hasn't strained muscle and tendon."

The doctor pauses from his task to meet Jericho's intense stare.

"I will have to examine her before her next match, but if she takes care of herself she should be fine."

Jericho: All in all, not much damage, really. Given the circumstances, I mean.

While the two men were talking Munin felt her self giving into the numbing current of medication she had previously been fighting. She felt free to let herself go secure in the knowlege that Jericho was there, and that she would be safe in his arms.

He turns his head back to Munin, continuing to cradle her head.

Jericho: Sounds like you got off lightly, eh?

Munin's only reply was a careful nod of the head, and a single light caress against his forearm.

With a grunt Dr. Sullivan set everything that would be needed to treat the petite woman's injuries at Jericho's side.

"You can give thanks to her physical condition and a life of training for that. Even then its a miracle that most of her ribs aren't broken, and that she doesn't have a concussion.Though the lack of concussion could be attributed to an incredibly hard head."

Jericho: I know. She's tough.

For the first time Dr. Sullivan allowed himself a grin.

"Tough is one word for it. I believe you know how to properly bind ribs Mr. Cross so I will send you home with the proper materials and a small amount of medication. Persuade her to take it if you would."

As he speaks Munin rolls her eyes with a grumble. You can only sit there while others talk about you for so long before taking notice, even when medicated. All the talk of injuries reminded her of something that had temporally escaped her, and so she cuts off the good doctor as soon as he finished his comment.

"Did you let anyone look at your back?"

The Dread King scoffs at the question.

Jericho: Fuck no.

Munin carefully moves her head just enough to give the doctor an exasperated look.

"Doctor?"

His bright blue eyes twinkling with amusement he nodded his head in agreement. Perhaps these two would make a surprisingly good and interesting couple.

"I will add the supplies to the pile, I'm sure I have a bag around here somewhere."

The older gentleman set about gathering more supplies without another word, and carefully hid his amusement while he did so.

Jericho: I got beat with a chain, not mauled by fucking crocodiles, I'm fine. I mean, my back hurts like fuck, but it's nothing unusual.

Having given his medical opinion to the man way more qualified than he is, Jericho looks back to Munin. Munin's eyes were impressively unyielding if somewhat clouded.

Jericho: I'm fine.

"I am taking care of your back Jericho."

Jericho: You're the one with broken bones. You're the patient. I have a better bedside manner anyway.

Jericho had always heard how stubborn Munin could be, but dealing with it first hand was quickly becoming an experience in itself.

"That's fine, but I'm still taking care of your back. You can think of it as us playing doctor if it helps."

After a humorous smile, he stops suddenly.

Eyebrows raised slightly in approval he slowly nods at the thought.

"Nurse Munin...nice."

The older man cleared his throat, while Munin giggled at Jericho's words.

"I think now will be a good time to take my leave. Lady Munin I will be seeing you for a check up before the next show."

Not waiting for a reply the elderly man took his leave.

"Hmm I guess we should get out of here, but I'm really not in a hurry to move.".
Jericho: So don't. There's no rush. We can chill here and talk about your victory tonight.

"Ok..."

She snuggled into him, thoroughly exhausted, and more than happy to take the time needed for her head to clear, before trying to stand.

Kissing the top of her head, he keeps a hold of her and turns a little to one side, awkwardly reaching for the nearby chair. Unable to reach, ge tries with his leg. Hooking the underside of the seat with his foot, Jericho manages to pull it towards him. After all that, he decides Munin is probably too comfortable for him to move, and so, remains standing.

"If I wasn't so tired I would hunt him down. Maybe I still will I just need..."

She paused to yawn before continuing.

"I just need a moment."

Jericho: hunt who down? Kolic? You've already dealt with his backup. Let him stew.

"Not Kolic, Alex..."

Despite the weariness in her voice there was an obvious undertone of fury mixed with pain and promised violence.

With a sigh she finally dredged up enough energy to drag herself up into a sitting position. She knew if she didn't there was a high probability they would end up staying in the small tent far longer than she cared to.

Taking this opportunity to sit, he deliberately hides the pain in his back as he keeps his eyes on Munin.

Jericho: Don't worry about him, Munin. This is between him and I at this point, and I would prefer you not to get involved.

She meets his eyes with a small smirk.

"I'm not worried I'm pissed big difference. I would ask to see your back now, but it will likely be best to wait till we get to the hotel. Otherwise I will hunt him down..."

Jericho: The wee prick sneak attacked me when I was going for a fucking piss. I'm just glad I was able to hold it. He doesn't know much about keeping someone secure, though. He used the chain and didn't even attach it to anything, can you believe that? Rookie mistake.

Munin shook her head at him, slightly amused that he seemed more annoyed at how inept the attack was than the actual attack.

Jericho: Throwing me into things, he did right, I'll give him that. I'll also give him fucking piano wire round his throat, but due credit and all that. Human pinball is about all he's good at.

She began to remove the pins from hair as he spoke, allowing it to fall around her shoulders and waterfall down her back. She was still feeling the effects of the sedative, but was starting to feel less...foggy.

"So does this mean you will be making an appearance in Japan then?"

Jericho: Yep. One more atrocity in Japan to settle my business and I can enjoy the rest of my retirement.

She looked at him with careful curiosity, as she ran a hand lightly through her hair.

"Oh, and how does the Dread King plan on enjoying his retirement?"

Jericho: Supporting his queen, of course.
Giving her a smile, he puts his hand on the examination bed, reaching for hers.

She twined her fingers through his with a heart stopping smile.

"I can live with that, in fact I think we should start practicing for your retirement now. Ready to go back to the hotel room?"

Jericho: Whenever you're ready.

She swung her legs over the the table at his words, more than ready to leave the tent.

With a sigh she grabbed the bag that was set beside her, and braced for the inevitable pain hopping off the table would bring.

This would cease to be a concern, however, as Jericho stands up and puts his left arm round her shoulders. With his right arm coming round behind her knees, he scoops her up and turns from the table.

"Jericho you can't carry me the whole way."

Her eyes were full of laughter as she looked up at his handsome face. She was starting to think that being airborne would become a common occurrence with Jericho around.

It amazed her how quickly he seemed to be inserting himself into her life, and her heart.

Jericho: Ten quid says I can. Right to the room door.

Though said in a less than serious way, he absolutely would. The pain in his back had become a dull ache in the hours since, and his t-shirt is currently stuck to him via the dried blood, but he doesn't care. As long as Munin was happy, that was it. His decision to go to her has become one of his best, especially given the effect she seems to have on him.

He may have rediscovered his humanity through treatment, but she brought it out even more in him, gave it strength. He never could have expected to enjoy it as much as he found himself enjoying it now.

"If it means I get to be nurse when we get back to the room I won't argue."

He smirked down at her amused with her mock bargaining.

Jericho: Like you were going to, anyway.

"I might have...ok no not really."

She smiled up at him shamelessly, there was no point in denying anything.

"I might have...ok no not really."

Jericho: Heh, that's what I thought.

With a careful movement of his left arm, he brings Munin's head close enough to kiss her forehead before he begins walking out of the medical tent.

Munin felt her blood heat, and her heart warm at the gesture.

"They said I have to stay in bed for a day, but they didn't say I couldn't do anything in bed."

Jericho's smile widened with both amusement and anticipation.

Jericho: Good. We need to keep your mind off the pain, after all.

"Whatever you say doctor."

He looked down at her with mock surprise.

Jericho: Co-operative Munin, eh? I could get used to that.

Leaving the tent, he turns and walks along the park, past the trailers en route to the street, determined that Munin's feet wouldn't make contact with the ground for the duration of the trip. Even if his back is hurting, and he's briefly forgotten the actual distance between here and their destination

"Jericho, I can walk..."

Jericho: I know. I saw you walk to the ring.

Her lips quirked at the smart ass comment, and she kept anymore comments she may have about walking to herself. They would be pointless since he had obviously made up his mind to carry her.

So instead they filled their trip back to the his hotel room talking about her match.

Jericho: I know I've said this already said this, but I'll say it again. You did extremely well tonight. You got through it in a way they'll never recover from, and I'm proud of you.

His praise made her want to topple mountains, and slay giants. Well in a way she had kinda done both tonight, maybe she should wait a little bit before doing it again.

"Thank you, I had a pretty amazing trainer."

She leaned against the hallway wall with the bag full of medical gear hanging at her side. She waited patiently for him to unlock the door. Despite her teasing off hand reply, it was obvious to him that she appreciated his praise.

Jericho: Well, I have to say, if you can put down four nutters on your own, there's really nothing more to help you prepare for. There's nothing you can't handle now.

"A wise man once told me there will always be a bigger fish. Though to be fair I think my uncle read that off a fortune cookie."

With a surprised laugh he fished his wallet out of his back pocket, and removing the key card unlocked the door. Pushing it open, he stepped to one side, using a hand to hold it in place.

Jericho: On you go.

She made her way into the room with her usual grace. If her injuries were causing her pain she was obviously being too stubborn to show it.

Placing the keycard back in his wallet, Jericho followed, shutting the door behind him. He stopped in front of Munin and placed his hands on her upper arms.

Jericho: So, next stop, championship gold?

"Yes, there isn't much choice in the matter. If we want things to improve in the company then we need more people to step up to drive the rest. I honestly hate titles most of the time."

The look on her face was almost comically resigned.

"But I believe my immediate future involves you in the shower. We need to get that shirt off of your back."

Jericho: Yes, nurse!

Slowly, he began to remove his t-shirt, but stopped upon discovering a problem.

Jericho: Ah, fuck. Stuck in place.

"Uh Jericho...you might want to-"

Deciding just to get it over with, he whipped his top off, a somewhat unpleasant sound reminiscent of a sticker being peeled becoming audible as it separated from the dried blood on his back.

Munin shoom her head at him with a sigh.

"Or you could have just left it on and let the hot water loosen it, but just tearing it off works too."

Jericho: That's why I did it. You coming with?

"I was planning on it, but if you would rather I not..."

She trailed off with a look of pure mischief, and despite her words her hands were already moving to undo her gear ties.

Jericho: I'll give you a hand.

She smiled at him, and used one hand to caress his face, gently tracing his scar with her thumb.

"Feel free to give me two. Two Jericho hands are always better than one."

Jericho: All yours.

With a mischievous, if suggestive smile, he put his arms round her waist, his hands resting on her backside with a playful slap.

The last effects of the pain medication were still working their way through her system like a fine whiskey. Loosening her muscles and easing her pain even as it loosened her tongue.

"All mine, I like that, and I don't think you fully understand how much someone marking your back infuriates me..."

Despite how serious her tone is her smile is teasing and more than a little suggestive.

"That's my job after all."

Smile stuck in place and liking the sound of that, he lets part of himself get lost in her dark eyes.

Jericho: Well then, maybe you've got a job to do tonight.

"Yes I do, its called take care of Jericho's back no matter his protest."

Jericho: You make too much fuss. It'll heal on its own.

Eyebrows raised she continues to trace her fingertips down his cheek to his neck. She grazed her nails against the skin of his neck as she made her way to his chest.

"You never know...you may find you my fussing enjoyable."

Carefully lifting her off the floor, he planted a deep kiss on her lips, keeping her close to him and off her feet.

Jericho: Maybe. Shall we discuss this further in the shower?

"You don't have to ask me twice".