Supernatural Imagines

Stroke Things (RB)

While doing a panel with Rob and Rich, someone asks a question about Rob's stroke and they tell the story. You, being Rob's girlfriend, it got to you. Not because he was still with his ex wife at the time, or anything (you didn't really know him too well at that point). But because you're scared it will happen again. It's the first time you've heard the whole story.

Warning: This contains mentions of strokes, so if that will trigger you or it affect you, then I advise you not to read this one. It is loosely based on my own reaction to Rob's stroke story (there was a lot more ugly crying involved though, believe me).

Anyway, I think that's it. So, enjoy!
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"Hi, this question is for Rob. It might be a little personal, so you don't have to answer it if you don't want to. But, I was supposed to go to a convention two years ago. I ended up having to cancel it because my mom had a stroke. I was just wondering about your experience".

"Wow, um... first of all thank you for sharing that. Is your mom okay?".

The girl nods "Oh, yeah. She's okay now. Actually, she's here with me". He smiles "That's amazing. I don't mind talking about it. But the actual experience I don't really remember. Rich does though, so I think he'd be better at explaining it". I frown a little as I sit on one of the chairs on the stage. I start to chew on my lower lip nervously. Rob looks over at me and mouths "You okay?". I nod, giving him a small smile. As Rich begins the story, I stopped listening. I can't hear about Rob's stroke without getting emotional. It's not that I don't want to know what actually happened. I just don't want to hear about my boyfriend almost dying.

"Anyway. I was on the phone with him and he just seemed... off. He wasn't slurring his words or anything. But the fact that he changed his mind about going out with us was what made me realise something was wrong. So, I left and went back to the hotel to check on him".

I could already feel my eyes fill with tears, but I manage to blink them away. I sigh quietly.

"So, I got to his hotel room and went in. He was sitting watching tv. I asked him if he was okay and he just kinda paused and mumbled something about watching the game. So, I sat with him and watched the game too. At this point, I knew something was wrong. I made conversation with him and he started slurring his words and getting the simplest words wrong. I then asked him what we were watching and he said the football was a banana. And that's when I definitely knew something wasn't right. I called Misha, who was still out with everyone and explained the situation. I put him on the phone with Rob and he straight away told me to take him to the hospital".

I frown a little, feeling my hands starting to shake. I put them in my pockets so no one sees. Trying to distract myself from the story, I look at the audience, who are listening very intently. I then look over at the girl who asked the question. I could tell she was getting emotional now. I didn't blame her. I flinch when I feel someone put their hand on my shoulder. I look up to see Rob. He keeps the mic away from his mouth as he speaks "Hey, you okay?". I nod "Yeah". He gently squeezes my shoulder and then puts his arm around me before pulling me closer to him. I sigh, leaning into him a little. I feel him kiss my head briefly as he rubs my side comfortingly.

"The thing that struck me the most was what the doctor said to me. He told me that if I hadn't taken him to the hospital in time, Rob probably wouldn't be here. Or he would have speech problems the rest of his life".

I could feel tears threatening to fall as a horrible thought crossed my mind. I never would've met Rob if that happened. I wouldn't have got the chance to fall in love with him, or hear his voice, his laugh. Or see his smile. The way he has me pressed against his side in the middle of the panel and doesn't care what anyone thinks of it. He saw something was wrong with me, so he came over to comfort me. He wouldn't be here to do that.