Connie was skating down the ice with the puck against her stick and looked up right as her jaw rammed right into the Devils player’s shoulder, Connie fell over onto the ice, her hand immediately going up and holding her jaw as she quickly got back up and hurried to skate off the ice.
Connie knew something was wrong, there was to much pain and to much pain that fast.
Connie hurried off the ice right to the trainers letting them guide her off the ice and down the tunnel to the medical rooms to start looking at her injury.
She spaced out during most of the time watching the game on the tv as the trainers checked on her until she heard someone walk in and looked over seeing Nick walking in with a grin directed at her.
Connie furrowed her brows not talking as the trainers told her not to, she saw him get into the fight on the ice and he seemed to be rushing off the ice after.
“We protect our own.” Nick simply explained with a grin as he walked over to her gently ruffling her hair like he always does, he knew he only hurt her finger and a broken finger was worth getting back for Connie.
Nick smiled seeing the thankful look she gave him as she couldn’t say it, “Is it bad?” Nick felt nauseated seeing the obvious pain she was in and it felt like one of his own kids was hurt.
Connie nodded yes as it was painful and she was very uncomfortable too.
Nick’s face soften and gently squeezed her shoulder with his good hand, “What can I do?” Nick softly asked her.
Connie made a call gesture and pointed to her self and Nick thought for a moment before asking, “Call your mom?”
Connie nodded slightly, she knew her parents more so her mom would be worried seeing her going off the ice and not coming back and she couldn’t call her right now.
“I will do that.” Nick softly promised her before the trainee called for him to head to the other room so they can splint his finger.
Once the trainers finished examining her with the game still going she got to change out of their uniform and into comfortable clothes and watched the rest of the game.
She turned back to the TV and barely a minute went by before Alex got into a fight against Nate.
Connie watched his fight intently as he fought for a good few minutes before the referees spilt them apart.
The trainers allowed her to have her phone once the game was over and they waited for the team to finish up and everything gets packed up before they all head to the airport to head back to Chicago.
Connie looked up as the door opened quickly and Alex rushed in with his suit on but messily and his tie hanging from his pocket, he let out a small sigh seeing her but still rushed right over to her.
“How are you? Are you okay?” Alex quickly rushed out scanning her face worriedly seeing her face wrapped up in a bandage specifically holding her jaw in place.
Connie reached out gently grabbing his hand and squeezed his hand softly stopping his from continuing and made him look at her eyes and she gave him a small nod reassuring him that she is okay.
“Is it your jaw?” Alex softly asked letting out small sigh of relief that she told him she was okay, Connie nodded once to his question, “Do they know if it’s broken yet?” Alex hesitantly asked.
Connie tried to clenched her eyes shut but hissed at the pain it caused in her jaw making her look at Alex with teary eyes answering his question.
“Oh Bubbles.” Alex softly cooed bringing her into a gentle hug being mindful of her jaw and gently rubbed her back.
Connie never really liked hugs growing up much and they always just felt awkward but she always endured them thinking it was just her being awkward.
But hugging Alex, like an actually hug not on the ice after a goal, it was comforting and something she surprising really enjoyed.
Alex just held her softly rubbing her back letting her be comforted for a few minutes before gently and reluctantly pulling back.
Connie gave him another thankful look and he just smiled.
“Come on we got to get to the bus.” Alex softly told her and backed up letting her stand up and he saw her suitcase and back pack next to the medical bed she was sitting in and grabbed them giving her stern look stopping her from grabbing them.
Alex carried their bags as they walked through the arena and out to the bus where most of the team were already sitting in.
Alex knew Connie really didn’t want to talk right now he just guided her down the bus and gave everyone a stern glance to leave her alone and brought her to the row where Kevin and Lukas sat across from.
Connie slid into the bench first and Alex sat down after.
Kevin and Lukas gave her concerned glances and Alex grimaced shaking his head motioning that her injury was not good.
Connie stared out the bus window feeling her pain medication slowly starting to finally kick in a little but not much.
The bus pulled up to the blackhawks plane at the airport and the team all slowly started getting off the bus and helping the staff load up the converter belt with all the luggage.
Alex set Connie and his bags on the belt and guided her to the plane not wanting her to try to help.
Connie sat down on the window seat again and Alex sat on the seat next to her.
Connie was having a hard time keeping her eyes shut and Alex noticed and put the arm rest up between them and gestured for her to lay her head down on his chest.
Connie took a second looking like she was debating it before scooting closer and resting her head on his chest being careful not to touch her jaw againt him and his arm wrapped around her shoulder.
Connie was out within minutes.
“Is it bad?” Lukas whispered once Kevin and Lukas sat across from Alex and Connie giving a sleeping Connie concerned glances.
“They think it’s broken.” Alex whispered quietly back.
Kevin grimaced still looking worried at his best friend. Lukas gasped softly looking at her sadly.
Connie was fast asleep on Alex not moving at all the entire flight home.
Connie looked up at the stands in the Panthers arena seeing where all the moms were sitting and she waved at her mom smiling as her mom waved back.
Connie really enjoyed the past few days getting to spend more time with mom but also getting to show her mom her every day life.
Connie focused back on to the ice as the game started.
Right away she noticed she was getting hit a lot by the other team and they seemed to not want the puck anywhere near specifically her, she had multiple hits on her within a few minutes of the first period.
Connie groaned slightly as she was slammed against the boards and her breath got knocked out of her.
Connie took a few harsh breaths trying to breath as she stood back up and she looked up just as she saw Alex skating over and slamming the player that hit her into the birds making the panthers player fall to the floor.
Alex smiled when he looked over at her and saw her thankful look, he skated over to her and put his hand out for her from where she was still kneeling on the ice.
Connie grabbed his hand and Alex pulled her back up, “Thank you.” Connie softly mumbled quietly so only he heard her.
“Anytime.” Alex promised with a grin, he hated how much other teams seemed to focus and target Connie but he was happy to protect her.
Alex and Connie shared a smile before Connie blinked realizing she still was holding onto his hand and dropped his hand.
Connie’s mom Melanie was ironically sitting next to Alex’s mom Tara, the two mothers have become quite good friends over this mom trip.
Tara and Melanie shared a knowing look seeing how Connie and Alex were acting with each other and how Alex immediately went over to protect her.
Tara remembered when she saw Alex staring at Connie in the family room after a home game, She has never seen that look on her son’s before even with past girlfriends, she knew Connie was a special one.
Melanie has never seen Connie act the way she does around Alex and it’s not that noticeable but she knows her daughter and can tell Connie cares quite a lot for Alex.
It has been a rough past two days for Connie, having been confirmed her jaw was broken and needed surgery and having to wait to get surgery while she’s been in quite a lot of pain and moving at all makes the pain worse, also having to get use to drinking liquids so she has not been having a good time.
Connie knew her mom had a very important conference through out the week and made her mom stay there not wanting her to miss it and she promised to update her family on everything.
Since Connie didn’t have her mom with her and the team also got back from Jersey so late the team had asked someone to stay with her and Alex offered right away so he’s been staying with her for the last two days only leaving for a game and practice.
Connie was currently waiting in the hospital bed about to get taken back to finally get her surgery and hopefully get on the road of recovering and to get back on the ice.
Alex was of course with her sitting in the chair next to her and Jason was also there but not with his wife and daughter because they didn’t want to have newborn in the hospital for most the day, something that Connor completely agreed on.
Connie fiddled with her hands trying to not freak out about having surgery in a few minutes.
Alex put his hand on top of her hands, stopping her from fiddling and gave her a gentle squeeze, “You’re gonna be okay Bubbles.” Alex spoke to her softly reassuring her, “It will be over before you know it.”
Connie managed a weak smile.
Jason raised an eyebrow at the two smirking knowingly.
“He’s right.” The nurse spoke as she walked into the hospital room, “It will be over very quickly.” The nurse reassured Connie as she unlocked the wheels of her bed.
Alex squeezed her hands once more giving her an encouraging look before standing up and walking over to Jason and standing next to him.
Connie waved at the two as the nurse wheeled her out of the room.
“Such a sweet boyfriend you have sweetheart.” The nurse commented as she wheeled Connie down the hallways.
Connie’s eyes widened in shock and her cheeks turned bright red right away, she shook her head no, she was not dating Alex but she was confused why that the idea of her dating Alex made her feel this way.
The nurse raised a skeptical eyebrow seeing Connie shake her head no, “Well you better tell him that, he stares at you with so much love.” She could tell that boy is in love with Connie it was obvious with how he looks at her.
Connie didn’t respond but her brows were furrowed thinking if the nurse was correct but she was not sure what she felt for Alex but she could worry about that later as she was wheeled in to the Operating room.
Connie stared at the bright lights on the ceiling before the mask was placed on her face over her mouth as she closed her eyes.
Alex looked over at the sound of Connie’s laugh and smiled watching her chase around Nick’s sons and his daughter following Connie.
Connie’s family couldn’t join her for the family skate so she spent almost the entire time so far with all of the kids.
Alex noticed pretty quickly that kids just seem to adore Connie and she is pretty comfortable around them as well.
Alex was leaning against the boards just smiling as he watched Jason hand Connie his daughter Willow and Willow was immediately playing with Connie’s wavy hair.
A media girl skated over to Connie and handed her some bubbles that she could use to play with the kids and would always make really adorable content to capture.
Connie started blowing bubbles for all her teammates kids making the kids start to skate around trying to get all of the bubbles.
Connie made sure to blow a few closer to her so baby Willow could get a few as well but she didn’t realize a few landed in her hair and on her face.
Alex laughed softly as he saw the bubbles land on her face and she was so focused on the kids she didn’t even realize.
Alex skated over to them and Willow clapped her hands when she saw Alex making him smile and rub the top of her little head.
Connie smiled at Alex in greeting but was confused when he laughed shaking his head, “What?”
Alex just smiled and gently popped the few bubbles that were scattered across her face and hair, “You have some bubbles on you.” Alex explained sheepishly as he saw her freeze when he touched her cheek gently.
Connie cleared her throat confused why her face felt like it was burning, “Thank you.”
“No problems bubbles.” Alex cheekily grinned as he replied back.
“Bubbles?” Connie looked at him confused as she gently rubbed Willow’s back feeling the baby falling asleep in her arms.
“It’s your nickname now.” Alex simply shrugged. Alex may have been trying to find a new nickname for Connie for a while now.
Connie fondly rolled her eyes knowing she won’t be able to stop him from calling her that.
And she never did end being able to stop him from calling her that.
Connie let out a long sigh as she put away her final suitcase, she had just got back in to Chicago a few hours ago and Nick had picked her up from the airport so she could see his kids as they missed her a lot over the off season so she had lunch with them for a bit before their dropped her off at her apartment.
Connie’s apartment was furnished already as she kept her apartment from the year before so all she needed to unpack was her suitcases she brought with her.
She unpacked right when she got back home as she knew if she did not she would not un pack for a while.
She ran a hand through her freshly cut hair as she had really grown to love it being short since she first chopped it off a few months ago during her jaw recovery and knows she will continue to keep chopping it short, as it is so much easier to deal with especially with hockey.
She perked up hearing a knock on her front door and knew exactly who was at the door, she quickly got off her couch and walked over opening her door and beamed seeing Alex.
“Lex!” Connie happily exclaimed in a rare show of emotions and jumped onto her boyfriend hugging him tightly.
“Hi sweet girl.” Alex beamed holding her tightly, her legs wrapped around his waist and he carried her inside her apartment and shut the door behind them.
“I missed you.” Connie whispered against his neck nuzzling her face closer to him, She hadn’t seen Alex since a few weeks ago when he came out to see her in Vancouver and meet her family as her boyfriend.
“I missed you too.” Alex whispered back kissing the top of her head gently and rubbing her back softly.
Connie unwrapped her legs from his chest and stood up looking up at him with her arms still around his neck, her fingers played with the nape of his hair, “Hi.” Connie whispered softly to her boyfriend.
“Hi.” Alex softly whispered back looking at her fondly, he cupped her cheek softly making her eagerly lean into his touch.
“You’re staying tonight?” Connie asked hopefully wanting to sleep in the same bed as Alex again and being able to cuddled the entire night.
“Of course.” Alex easily agreed, having expecting to stay over and brought a small bag that he left in his car.
“Good.” Connie beamed and leaned up nudging her nose to his and pressing her lips finally to his.
Alex let out a happy and content sigh as he pressed his lips desperately to hers and his hand moved to cup the back of her head holding her to him.
Alex easily picked her up making her squeal with laughter and hold onto his tightly.
“We have a lot of cuddles to catch on my sweet girl.” Alex softly told her kissing the side of her head and carried her to her bedroom.
Connie just hummed happily laying her head on his shoulder as he easily carried her.
Alex gently tossed her into her bed and quickly plopped down next to her.
Connie quickly cuddled up to her boyfriend burying her self in his side. Alex brought his hand up and gently ran his fingers through her hair and scratched her scalp making her sigh satisfied.
“Tell me something.” Connie softly mumbled as she played with his free hand.
Alex smiled at her words and pressed a soft kissed the top of her head, he has learned that Connie is not the biggest fan of silence and likes something filling the back round nose or she starts getting in her head to much. Connie also is not a big talker and rarely says many words at once but Alex can ramble pretty well, Connie really enjoys just listening to Alex talk.
“Well, today i-“ Alex started telling her something from earlier that day as she just continued to relax more and more in his arms.
Alex spoke for a good while because he looked over and the sun was down and it was not pitch black, he looked back down at Connie and saw her eyes fluttering trying to stay open.
“My sweet girl.” Alex softly spoke as he rubbed her back to keep her eyes from shutting and staying shut, “I’m gonna go get my bag from the car and you can get ready to sleep?” Alex told her.
Connie grumbled unhappy about having to get up from her warm spot underneath his arm but knew he was right to go get ready as she knows she will regret it in the morning if she doesn’t.
She made another unhappy sound but nodded reluctantly and sat up sadly not touching Alex any more and yawning rubbing her eyes.
“I’ll be right back.” Alex promised and pressed a quick kiss to the her forehead and walked out the room and through her apartment to the front door.
Connie groaned but got out of bed and grabbed a pair of athletic shorts and a shirt that she has been wearing a lot to bed that she had stole from Alex.
She headed to the bathroom and did her night time routine quickly and rubbed her eyes walking out of her bathroom when she was done and she heard her front door open back up so she knew Alex was back.
She grabbed her phone as Alex walked back into her room and as he passed her he kissed the top of her head before heading into the bathroom to get ready for bed.
Connie plugged her phone in setting it in her nightstand before pulling her blankets back and flopping into bed and waiting for Alex to come back.
Alex finally came out do the bathroom in just a pair of basketball shorts and he tossed his bag on a chair in her room before coming over to her bed and seeing her falling asleep, he smiled fondly and gently got into her bed and Connie immediately scooted closer to him.
“Love you.” Connie mumbled quickly falling asleep as she cuddled into Alex’s side.
“I love you too.” Alex softly mumbled back kissing the top of her head and closed his eyes too.
Connie has been going insane the past few weeks, luckily she was aloud to finally do some type of exercise so she got to use the bike but no one would aloud her on the ice or even let her have her hockey sticks.
Nick had took all of her hockey sticks that were in her apartment when he found she was using her stick in her apartment and no matter how much she used her puppy eyes he would not budge.
Luke had the team lock the shooting room that Connie use to be in for hours everyday and no one is allowed to unlock it for her and again no matter how much she used her puppy eyes on her coach he didn’t budge either.
The doctors still won’t approve of her getting in the ice to practice at all, the only thing she was approved was being able to slowly skate around but with no stick only skating very slowly.
Connie was losing her mind. This was the longest she has gone her whole life of not playing hockey, even when she had broke her arm she still played hockey but just with her other arm.
Connie absolutely hated how much nothing felt right any longer as she could no longer find any peace without being on the ice.
Connie was sadly on her couch watching a show, she has watched more TV in the last few months than she has ever.
Connie grunted hearing a knock not in the mood for any visitors as she has been in a terrible mood after her doctor appointment and they didn’t approve for her to get her stick back or even start practicing.
Connie’s eyes soften slighty seeing Alex but still she was in a bad mood.
“Hi.” Alex softly spoke to her feeling bad seeing how upset she has been lately.
Connie nodded shorty raising an eyebrow at Alex.
“Put your shoes on.” Alex told her grabbing her favorite pair of sneakers by the front door and holding them out to her, Connie crossed her arms giving him a look, “Please bubbles.” Alex softly pleaded with pleading eyes making her soften slightly and reluctantly take the shoes out of his hand and slip them on.
“Come on.” Alex gently guided her out of her apartment closing the door behind them, his hand gently rested on her lower back as they walked through her apartment building and to the parking garage to Alex’s car.
Alex opened the passenger door letting Connie get in before he walked around hopping into the drivers seat and starting the car.
Connie didn’t say a word as she looked out the window the entire Alex drove them. She wouldn’t admit it now but it was nice getting some fresh air.
Alex pulled them into the personnel parking lot and watched Connie as she realized where they were.
Alex hopped out of his car and opened the door for Connie to get out, his hand rested on her back as he walked them into the blackhawks arena, it was extremely silent and only a few lights on that are always on.
Alex led them to the shooting room and shot Connie a mischievous grin pulling out a key and opening the door that Connie has not been allowed to step foot in for few weeks.
“Go on.” Alex softly encouraged seeing her looking longingly at her hockey sticks that were standing against the wall.
Alex knows how much Connie has been miserable not allowed to do anything hockey related and he knows she isn’t allowed to play because they are worried she would push it but he will watch and let her hit a few pucks knowing it will make her feel better.
Connie slowly walked over her hands shaky as she slowly reached out and grabbed onto her stick, Connie let out small sigh holding her hockey stick once again.
Alex tossed a few pucks on the floor and gesturing for her to hit them, he smiled watching her hit her first puck in weeks and the relief on her face as she stick handled with a puck once again.
Connie’s eyes watered at the incredibly kind gesture from Alex, “Thank you.” Connie couldn’t even put it into words how much she appreciated Alex letting her play anything hockey.
“Of course bubbles.” Alex smiled seeing how happy she looked and the sparkle that was back in her bright green eyes again. He would do anything for her to be happy.
Jason smirked as he watched Alex as they watched Connie be rolled out of the room in her hospital bed heading to her surgery.
“You are so whipped.” Jason laughed patting Alex’s shoulder, most of the team has noticed how much it a simple Alex is for Connie but no one can really tell if Connie feels the same back.
Alex whipped his head around shocked, “What! Psh no-”Alex stuttered trying to deny that he has feelings for Connie, like he has been trying to deny since he met her.
“Please it’s obvious Vla.” Jason interrupted his teammate, “Everyone can tell you have feelings for Bedsy.” It amuses everyone that knows about Alex’s feelings because he’s so much taller than Connie and he’s always walking behind her like her guard dog.
“I can’t.” Alex scoffed incredulously, he shouldn’t have feelings for his teammate especially one who is younger than and she doesn’t deserve to deal with his feelings for her while dealing with the pressure of the NHL.
“Why not?” Jason pressed not seeing a reason why Alex couldn’t have feelings for Connie.
“She’s younger.” Alex weakly protested, he’s been fighting himself for so long now not wanting to admit his feelings for her, “She’s my teamate.”
“Vla.” Jason sternly spoke maintaining eye contact, “She’s an adult, Connie is not that much younger than you trust me it’s not a big age gap between you too.” Jason understood Alex was worried as they are four years apart but also he knew Connie would never work with someone her age and Alex is perfect for her.
“And being teammates is not an issue. Who cares if your teammates what matters is that you’re happy and Connie makes you happy.” Jason saw first hand how much happier Alex has been this season being around Connie.
Alex furrowed his brows contemplating Jason’s words, he would not deny Connie does make him happy but he does not know if he makes her happy, “What if she does not feel the same as i do.” Alex’s question was the closest he has gotten to admitting his feelings for Connie.
“They she doesn’t.” Jason blunted told him, he had no clue if Connie felt the same she was hard to read but he does know Connie does care for Alex just not sure if it’s platonic or romantic.
“But you will never know how she feels if you do not ask.” Jason squeezed Alex’s shoulder reassuringly after seeing Alex’s dejected face.
Alex slowly nodded, he can’t lie to himself any longer and he can no longer deny it, he is in falling in love with Connie and he can’t stop himself, he has tried.
