The Captain's Heart

twenty-one

2nd February 2022 - ten days old.

'Oh, Immy...' Leah says softly as she watches the Aussie make her way towards the front door on crutches and with a brace on her left foot as Kim follows behind with her suitcase. It was early this morning when the blonde realised that traveling to and from the airport would be far too long in the carseat for Rory and she's not quite ready to leave her for that length of time yet so it was agreed that Kim would go to the airport instead.

'I'm okay.' Imogen replies quietly as she reaches the front door.

'In you both come...' Leah says stepping to the side and holding the front door open.

'I'm not staying. I'll leave you to it but if you need anything, either of you, I'm only a call away.' Kim says as she slides the suitcase in the front door and Imogen immediately turns to hug her, slightly unsteady on her feet.

'Thanks, Kimmy.' Imogen replies softly.

'Rest that leg. Remember, keep it elevated and ice it to keep the swelling down.' Kim says and Imogen nods her head.

'I will.' Imogen replies as Kim moves to hug Leah who smiles.

'Thanks, Kim.' Leah almost whispers. The Scot leaves as Leah and Imogen slowly make their way into the house, the blonde locking the door behind them as Imogen instinctively makes her way through to the living room.

'A-Are you sure I'm okay to be here? I know you have a lot going on with Rory.' Imogen says quietly as Leah follows her into the living room.

'I can look after both of you... Make yourself comfy; do you need anything?' Leah asks softly as she briefly checks on the sleeping baby in her moses basket before making her way over to the sofa where Imogen is slowly lowering herself down.

'No, I'm good.' Imogen replies as Leah pushes the coffee table closer to the sofa and sets a pillow on it for Imogen to rest her leg on.

'What time are your scans and stuff tomorrow?' Leah asks as she sits down next to the brunette on the sofa.

'11... I can get a cab there though.' Imogen replies smiling as Leah drapes her arm around her shoulders.

'Rory and I will take you.' Leah says softly.

'Thank you.' Imogen replies quietly.

'I'm sorry you got injured, Immy.' Leah says.

****

'Hey, sleepy girl...' Leah says softly, her fingers running through the brunette's hair as her head rests on her chest.

'Mm... What time is it?' Imogen asks sleepily.

'A little after 11. Go through to bed and get some sleep.' Leah says causing Imogen to groan.

'You coming with?' Imogen asks.

'I can or I can sleep on the sofa. Whatever makes you most comfortable.' Leah replies and Imogen nods her head.

'Go on through and I'll get everything sorted here, bring Rory through with me.' Leah says and Imogen nods her head. She slowly gets herself onto her feet with the help of her crutches and Leah before making her way through to the bedroom as Leah begins to make sure everything is closed down.

'Come on, Rory... Let's go to bed.' Leah says softly. She makes her way through to the bedroom where Imogen is struggling to get the brace of her foot while sitting on the edge of the bed.

'Here, let me help.' Leah says. She settles Rory, who is still fast asleep, down in the moses basket stand before making her way round to the other side of the bed. Bending down, she unfastens the brace and gently removes it before setting it to the side as Imogen slowly swings her legs onto the bed.

'You okay?' Leah asks as she climbs into bed beside the brunette.

'Mm...' Imogen mumbles.

'What's going through that head of yours, Immy?' Leah asks softly.

'I'm scared, Le. What if it's more than just a sprain? What if I end up being out for months?' Imogen says quietly.

'If, and I mean if, it ends up being something worse than a sprain then you have a whole bunch of girls backing you entire way. We'll be right behind you and we'll get you back on the pitch as soon as physically safe for you.' Leah replies.

'Thank you for letting me stay here.' Imogen says quietly and Leah shakes her head.

'You can stay here as long as you want.' Leah replies smiling.

****

'She okay?' Imogen asks sleepily as she wakes to the sound of Rory's whimpers.

'Mm-hmm...She just needed a feed.' Leah replies popping the bottle into Rory's mouth as she leans back against the pillows.

'I can't believe how different she looks since I saw her before I flew out.' Imogen says, propping her head up on her elbow.

'She's changing every day, I swear. Are you okay? Do you need any pain killers?' Leah asks and Imogen shakes her head.

'I'm okay.' Imogen replies softly.

'You sure?' Leah asks and Imogen nods her head.

'How are you doing? I feel like it's been all about me since I got back and I've not even asked how you've been recovering?' Imogen says causing Leah to smile.

'I'm fine. Recovering as I should be; I'm able to drive now as well so definitely doing much better because I can travel a bit further with her, you know? Instead of just local walks...' Leah replies.

'That's good then. Gives you a bit more freedom.' Imogen says and Leah nods her head.

'Definitely.' Leah replies quietly.

'You can go back to sleep, you know... Don't let us keep you awake; she'll be back down in a little bit or I can go through to the living room until she's settled..' Leah says reaching her free hand down to tuck some hair behind Imogen's ear as the brunette smiles.

'Mm... What if I'm just happyily enjoying the view?' Imogen almost whispers causing Leah to smile.

'Then you're more than welcome to keep enjoying the view.' Leah says softly as she uses her free hand to gently pull Imogen closer to her.

'How was camp? Before the injury obviously.' Leah asks, the brunette's head settling against her hip allowing her to run her fingers through her hair.

'It was good... Was nice getting to see everyone.' Imogen replies shrugging her shoulders.

'Just a shame the way it ended.' Leah says and Imogen nods her head.

'It felt like I was away for much longer than I actually was... It's strange how quickly this place has started to feel like home.' Imogen admits causing Leah to smile. Smiling down at Imogen, Leah lets out a small sigh as her dad's words play over and over in her head 'don't push her away because of your past experiences'.

'You okay?' Imogen asks softly.

'Mm-hmm... I'm perfect.' Leah replies smiling.