Work Text:
Jake screamed as his leg throbbed. The man in the car yelled, panicked. He vaguely heard something shouting his name, but the white-hot pain radiating from his ribs expertly held his focus. Someone had a hand on his arm, shaking it.
“Jake, buddy, I need you to answer me,” The voice sounded vaguely like Rooster. Jake breathed in, his breath hitching as it irritated his ribs. “I’m good, I’m ok,” He wheezed. “Look at me then,” Jake forced his head up, flashing a small at his frenemy. “I’m just winded,” He wheezed again. “Hmm… I’m not so sure…” Rooster mumbled from beside him. “Uh, boys?” The man in the car called. “Yes, sir? Are you ok, are you injured?” Rooster asked, switching focus.
He should probably add some context.
Jake and Rooster had been walking to the base when a car swerved into them trying to avoid a cyclist.
Jake tried not to cry. The pain was very much strong and very much tear-inducing. “No, I’m ok… I called 911, the ambulance is on the way for him,” The man continued. Jake didn’t even try to decline the offer, he couldn’t even breathe properly at the minute. No doubt that’d be the first thing they test. “Hangman, I need you to tell me exactly what hurts,” Rooster said. He was now gently touching Jake’s uninjured foot. “Everything,” Jake wheezed again. “Ok, so definitely your ribs and or your lungs.” Rooster noted. “Anything else?” Jake was borderline tears.
“Um… my leg?” He stuttered. Jake had done enough medical training to know he was going into shock. Rooster hummed and began talking to the other woman. When he turned, Rooster knocked Jake’s injured leg.
The white-hot pain that burst from the small contact sent him straight into tears with a yell. Rooster turned around again, apologising profusely. “Oh god, Jake, I’m so sorry! Are you ok?” He frantically asked, hands dancing around the leg. Jake shook his head, unable to form words. If he opened his mouth, he would either vomit, cry, swear or all of the above.
“Hold on buddy, the ambulance is nearly here,” Rooster tried to reassure.
It was then Jake passed out from the pain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jake finally came to, in pain and in the hospital. He inhaled deeply, slightly surprised when his ribs didn’t protest. He turned his head left and right, finding Rooster in the chair by the bed. “Hey,” He croaked. “Hey, Jake… how’re you feeling?” Rooster asked. “Thirsty,” Jake replied, sitting himself up. His ribs ached a little, but not enough for him to continue laying down. “I can only give you ice cubs with the morphine, sorry bro.” Rooster apologised, handing Jake a cup full of little ice cubs. Grateful for the relief on his throat, Jake exhaled. “So what happened?” He asked, rubbing his eyes with his left hand. “You were hit by the lady's car,” Rooster replied, sitting back down. “What's the damage?” He asked. Rooster picked up a sheet and scanned through it. “Uh… it says 4 broken toes, hairline fracture to your right thumb, damaged muscle tissue in your right leg, 2 bruises ribs and bruised lung.” He read off. Jake inhaled. “Damn… so no work for me for a while, huh?” He tried to joke. “Nope, Cap has given you 1-week unofficial suspension, meaning…” Rooster paused for a moment, “You’re banned from even entering the building for 7 days.”
Jake groaned. “Stupid cyclist,” He grumbled. “But, he did say if the doc clears you before then, you can go to desk duty for 6 weeks.”
Jake groaned louder.