"Where's Julie, is she okay?"
Gunnar took his time in answering USA's number one enforcer, he was tired as it had been an emotional day and long night making sure Julie stayed awake. And now here was the one responsible for her being here in the first place. It was with icy grey eyes when he finally spoke, "What are you doing here?"
Portman sighed heavily; his breathing came out in wheezes thanks to his broken nose and deeply bruised face. He took a few steps into the room but stopped when he saw his rival's sudden and severe frown, "I needed to see her. To say I'm sorry, that I hate myself for what happened, for all of it. I want to get on my knees and beg for her forgiveness even if I don't deserve it."
He wasn't sure what to think or do or say. It was clear that Dean was really sorry for what he accidentally did…again…to Julie. But did that mean the same wouldn't happen next time? Portman already made these promises to her before and look how that turned out. And above everything, Gunnar would make sure she would be protected, "I understand you need to talk to her. But Dean," he made sure they made eye contact as he told him, "I think you should wait until she's out of the hospital. This isn't the time or the place. She is still in a lot of pain and doesn't need this right now. So wait and do this later, for her."
Dean eyed the guy that Julie chose over him in every way, but this time the anger wasn't behind his thoughts, just deep, deep sorrow. "You're right," he admitted and looked to the floor, "take care of her and," Portman swallowed the tension down his throat, "let her know that I came by? Please?"
"I will," Gunnar agreed though he wouldn't tell her until she was ready to hear it, "I want to know one thing before you go. Are we done with the fighting? I can't stand to see her suffering because we don't get along. It has to end. I won't let her get hurt like this again. I can't," he paused, "I can't let this keep happening, not to her."
Portman immediately nodded, "It's over, Coach has been helping me with some personal stuff and…" Dean tripped over his own words before redirecting himself back on topic, "Julie shouldn't be the one to suffer."
Gunnar nodded sharply once and watched as he slowly backed out of the door. Now that he was alone he let out a long sigh, his thoughts focusing on Dean's words. He really hoped it was over now, for Julie's sake. Why she had to be the one to suffer because apparently Dean Portman was going through something personal was beyond him. And if he had to be the better person and offer that first branch of truce then he would do it. If it meant keeping her safe and happy he would do just about anything.
A few nurses carted the injured goaltender back into the room and even offered Gunnar smiles. News had quickly spread throughout the staff that these were the same players in the paper and they all found it cute and romantic that the foreigner remained at his girlfriend's side. Gunnar didn't even notice the attention he was getting as his gaze was immediately caught by the lovely blue eyes of Julie. Words weren't needed as they simply looked at one another.
He waited while they were told she would be released once the doctor gave them the clear. It was mentioned that it could be a while since the neurosurgeon was performing an emergency surgery on a little boy who fell out of a two-story window. It was a sad story and they both wished the kid the best.
The nurses turned off the light as they exited the room and Gunnar came to return to her side and gently placed her hand in his. Even with her tired eyes and head securely strapped down she was still the prettiest girl he'd ever seen.
"How are you feeling?"
A small smile lit her face, "Better with the lights off. Gunnar aren't you tired or hungry? You don't have to stay here, go get some rest or-"
"I'm not leaving," he cut her off with a strong desire to kiss her thoughts away, "don't pretend you wouldn't do the same for me."
"What happened?" she asked in a light voice, "You fought Portman, didn't you?" His silence answered her question just as well as any words could have. Julie's eyes turned sad and filled with worry, "I'm sorry."
"What do you have to apologize for; especially to me? Julie," he kissed her hand and offered her a smirk, "someone hurt the one I love."
She could see in his gaze that it was just that simple. Someone hurt her, accidental or not, and he couldn't just stand by and let it continue. He'd warned Portman before and Julie was now wondering who got the worst of the fight. From the look on Gunnar's handsome face she had a feeling that it wasn't him.
He kissed her hand again and they talked to themselves for a while longer before Wolf and Bombay were shown to the room. The nurses gave them the okay to sit with the two of them until the doctor was able to see Julie. Gunnar, of course, kept his focus on his girlfriend, but it wasn't lost to him how strange it was that the two coaches were basically on friendly terms now. Odd how certain circumstances could bring even the most unlikely people together.
It wasn't until just after 4 in the morning that an exhausted looking neurosurgeon entered Julie's room and finally released her. He and the nurses un-strapped her head and a thickly padded brace was firmly placed around her neck. She was told to wear it when traveling and whenever her head or neck became too sore. Then she was prescribed with some medication and finally the discharge papers were signed and she was free to go.
Gunnar kept his supporting arm around her as they left the hospital, got her medicine filled, and left in a van-taxi. They were all fairly hungry and decided to go to a diner that was open 24/7. Everyone kept the talking to soft tones even with the occasional laughter coming from their booth.
Bombay was explaining that he kept in contact with her very concerned parents the whole time. He told her that they wanted her to come home but she refused that immediately. Gordon explained to them that she was in good hands and they wouldn't let anyone or anything happen to her, she was still part of team USA and her injuries might heal in time for the next series. She was told to call them later in the day after she got some rest. Then he told Julie that she was going to stay in Miss McKay's room for a few days so the pretty instructor could keep an eye on her.
By the time they reached the hotel it was after 6 in the morning, which meant it was almost time for everyone to start waking up and start their day. Wolf told Gunnar to skip the team's early morning work out today and get some sleep. Even though it was made clear that he was fully expected to be present at practice in the afternoon.
Gordon led Julie and Gunnar to Miss McKay's room and she let the three of them in, despite a raised brow at USA's coach to see Gunnar Stahl with them. He waved off her unspoken question and made sure that his star goaltender was comfortable.
Gunnar was sitting on the bed beside his girlfriend, holding her hand with both of his and dreading the moment he would have to leave her. They were both tired and he wished he could fall asleep with her safe in his arms. As gently as possible he placed a kiss to her pale forehead and then her lips. It was undoubtedly the most feather-soft kiss they had ever shared yet it meant so much to both. He let out a small breath and smiled down at her, silently telling her he loved her just as he read her feelings for him in her sapphire gaze. It physically hurt to pull away from her, he could see that she wanted him with her just as much as he wanted to stay…and he would have if she was in her own room. With one last meaningful look over his shoulder the door was closed between them.
It took a good while for Olaf to rouse his sleepy best friend, and he watched with amusement as his team captain groaned and took his sweet time to sit up and stretch. Olaf questioned for an update on Julie and was told she was back in the hotel and was feeling better. It was clear that Gunnar wanted to go and check up on her, but there wasn't enough time. He hit the shower and they both raced over to the arena to make it just in time for their practice.
Even though their series with USA was tied at 1 a piece, their victory wasn't sitting well at all. The Ducks were forced to forfeit without having a back-up goalie. Since their little stunt last year the rule was updated and players weren't allowed to change gear in the middle of a game. Throughout the first half of the series Julie "The Cat" Gaffney had completely shut out Iceland. While the pressure was in the Vikings favor before the horrific accident there was still no telling if they would have won that game fair and square. Coach Stanssen started their practice off with an update on the Ducks number one goaltender, knowing that was the first thing they would want to know. The practice was good and everyone put their all into their efforts and felt prepared for the final game tomorrow.
Olaf stayed behind with Gunnar as he was talking to the rest of their team, they had more questions regarding Julie and all deeply expressed their worry for her. It was rather incredible at how close the two teams had grown. When they left the locker room Olaf went with Gunnar to the room Julie was staying in only to find several Ducks leaning against the wall or sitting on the floor in front of the door.
"Hey," Charlie greeted with a smile and nodded towards the door, "she's sleeping but Miss McKay said she would wake her up in a while then we can see her."
Gunnar nodded and took a spot on the wall between Adam and Dwayne, "She's exhausted, we didn't get back until 6 this morning."
"That late?" Connie asked after Olaf gave her a hug in greeting, "Coach didn't tell us that at our workout earlier, wow."
"Where's Dean?"
Several of the Ducks glanced at each other nervously but it was Fulton who spoke up, "He was here earlier but Coach wanted to talk to him first. Look Gunnar," the friendly enforcer eyed Stahl warily, "you guys had your fight. He's really messed up about what happened. Can't you let it go? For Cat?"
Gunnar downright glared at Reed, "I already have," his voice was firm and left no room for argument or doubt, "he came by last night to apologize to Julie. He agreed the fighting had to stop. It's not fair to her."
Fulton raised his hands, "Sorry dude, but don't forget we care about Cat too. You can't blame us for wanting to make sure all this bull-crap is over."
"I'm sure this doesn't need to be said," Olaf suddenly cut in, "but make sure your own teammate understands that. Might want to warn him that he's going to have a target on him in our next game, everyone is pissed at what happened. And they will want to back-up the captain."
"No," Gunnar told him, still angry at the unwanted confrontation, "we leave him alone. It's done Olaf."
The tall blonde shook his head but didn't say anything else. He was fine with that but seriously doubted the rest of their team would feel the same way. But if Gunnar told them all it was best to leave him be then they would listen. They all had to much respect for him to go against his word. Charlie turned grateful eyes to the fellow captain and then the door to the room opened.
Miss McKay's eyes widened as she took in the very crowded hallway outside of her hotel room, "Last I checked there were only three of you."
Connie grinned as they all watched Gunnar quickly step around their instructor and entered the room. She shrugged, "Ducks fly together, remember? Besides, we are just what she needs to feel better."
She then went in next followed by everyone else. Miss McKay told a few of them that she was heading down to the lobby to give them some time alone together. She would use the time to plan out their lessons for the coming week.
Julie smiled as she noticed her fellow Ducks filing in the room one by one. Gunnar was already on the bed next to her, resting his back against the headboard and had Julie secured under his arm. He didn't waste any time apparently as her cheeks were a little flushed, it was obvious they'd already shared a kiss.
Adam's gaze looked at her with sympathy, he hated to see that brace on her neck. He sat at the end of her bed before saying, "You know; you didn't have to hit your head just to keep Iceland from scoring."
Gunnar felt a small vibration of laughter from Julie and he shook his head at her even as a small smile pulled at his lips, "Anything to keep your shut-out against us, huh?"
Olaf laughed at that and sat next to Ken and Greg on the other bed. It was Goldberg who groaned and complained, "Just as I was getting used to skating without all the pads, too."
Averman snorted then smiled towards Julie, "So Cat, how are you feeling?"
Gunnar looked down at her and could see how relaxed she felt. His smile was tender as she eyed everyone in the room and quietly told them, "I'm great. Seeing my friends is exactly what I needed."