The Captain's Heart

thirty

8th March 2022 - six weeks and three days.

She can't help but smile as she feels the brunette's arms wrap around her waist as she presses her face against her back.

'Hi, there...' Leah says softly, her hands resting on top of Imogen's.

'Morning.' Imogen replies smiling.

'How'd you sleep?' Leah asks, her thumb brushing across the back of Imogen's hand.

'Like a log... Did Rory sleep through the night? I didn't hear you get up with her at all?' Imogen asks and Leah shakes her head.

'Nope, she woke up like three times? You were completely out for the count every time though.' Leah replies. She gently loosens the brunette's hold on her before turning around to drape her arms over her shoulders.

'I'd like to take you on a proper date... If that isn't too fast for you?' Leah asks softly causing the brunette to smile.

'When were you thinking?' Imogen says.

'Monday. Gives me time to plan things and you guys have the game on the Sunday so it gives us the Monday free.' Leah replies and Imogen nods her head.

'Sounds perfect to me.' Imogen says.

'You sure? I don't want you to feel like I'm pressuring you into any of this?' Leah asks watching a smile appear on Imogen's face.

'I would be more than happy to go on a date with you, Le.' Imogen replies reaching up to cup the blonde's cheek.

'I can't wait to take you on a date, treat you like a queen.' Leah says smiling.

'I don't need anything fancy, Le...' Imogen replies softly.

'Well we'll need to have a little tag-along anyway... I'm not ready to leave Rory.' Leah says and Imogen nods her head.

'That's perfectly fine. No need to worry about that, Le.' Imogen replies.

****

'Look at them two...' Caitlin says quietly gesturing to where Leah and Imogen are at the treadmill, the blonde jogging while the Aussie rests her head on the frame as she smiles at the blonde.

'What about them?' Lia asks.

'Well look at them... Look at how close they are?' Caitlin replies.

'They've been close practically since Imogen signed... This is nothing new.' Lia says shaking her head.

'But they've not been like this in weeks. They came to training this morning, together... They haven't been doing that lately.' Caitlin replies causing Lia to sigh.

'They've both had a lot on, Cait. Imogen has been injured, Le's adjusting to being a mum... Maybe they just got overwhelmed and needed space.' Lia says.

'Maybe they've just finally realised they're made for each other.' Caitlin replies.

'Caitlin, don't go meddling. I swear, you leave them alone to figure out whatever is going on.' Lia says raising her eyebrows and causing the brunette to sigh.

'I think they maybe just need a push in the right direction.' Caitlin replies and Lia shakes her head.

'I think you just need to mind your own business. We are not getting involved in this, Caitlin. I have said it time and time again, if they're supposed to be together then they will be together.' Lia says.

'Has Leah not said anything to you? I mean does she even like Imogen? Clearly she does.' Caitlin says.

'Honestly? The way you're acting, I wouldn't tell you if she'd said anything to me. You need go let this go and let them figure everything out on their own.' Lia replies shaking her head.

'Seriously? You wouldn't tell me?' Caitlin asks and Lia shakes her head.

'Of course I wouldn't because if I was to turn around and tell you, for example, Le liked Imogen then you'd run with that. ' Lia replies.

'I wouldn't.' Caitlin says.

'You absolutely would.' Lia replies.

****

'You're distracting me.' Leah says raising her eyebrows at the Aussie who grins.

'I'm not even doing anything...' Imogen replies shaking her head.

'You're being you... That's distracting enough.' Leah says smiling.

'Well I'll just leave then I guess...' Imogen replies shrugging her shoulders.

'No. Stay... Please?' Leah says.

'What are your plans for tonight?' Imogen asks.

'Do we not have that team bonding night at Kim?' Leah says.

'Oh shit we do. I'll need to get clothes from my place.' Imogen replies.

'I can drop you off there if you want when we leave? I mean I did drive you here.' Leah says and Imogen nods her head.

'Are you bringing Roo?' Imogen asks and Leah nods her head.

'Mm-hmm... Of course our little tag-along is coming.' Leah replies smiling. The room is filled with silence for a few moments until Imogen lets out a shaky breath, her eyes darting around the gym before settling back on the blonde.

'C-Can I kiss you?' Imogen asks quietly watching the blonde's eyes widen.

'What? I-Uh-' Leah stammers causing the brunette's cheeks to turn a pale shade of pink as she immediately shakes her head and turns to walk in the direction of the changing rooms. It takes a few moments for the blonde to rush to her feet and follow the brunette, not having to worry about Rory who's being well and truly spoilt with cuddles by Beth and Steph.

'Ims...' Leah says softly as she makes her way into the changing room where the brunette is sitting with her head buried in her hands.

'I'm sorry. I just- I don't know.' Imogen replies shaking her head but refusing to look up at the blonde who moves to kneel down in front of her.

'You took me off guard, Ims... Please don't take my reaction as me not wanting to kiss you because my god that couldn't be far from the truth.' Leah says resting her hand on the Aussie's knee. Using her finger to gently tilt the brunette's head up to face her, Leah's eyes flicker between the brunette's big brown eyes and her lips before she gains a slight nod from the other woman. One hand rests on Imogen's cheek as she leans forward to capture her lips with her own and Imogen's hand reaches out to cup the back of the blonde's head, her fingers tangling in the blonde hair. Pulling back slightly, Imogen can't help but smile at the blonde as her forehead remains rested against the other woman's.

'Hi...' Imogen almost whispers causing Leah to laugh.

'Hi, there.' Leah replies.

****

'I don't even want to go to team bonding anymore.' Leah mumbles against the brunette's lips as she pulls her flush against her front causing Imogen to smile.

'People will get suspicious if we don't turn up.' Imogen says softly, her hands draped over Leah's shoulders as she sits on the edge of the counter with her legs around the blonde's waist.

'Fuck people... I just want to stay in and cuddle with you.' Leah replies causing Imogen to shake her head.

'I'm not ready for the entire team to know something is going on so I'm gonna need you to come to team bonding with me and act normal.' Imogen says causing the blonde to sigh.

'For you? Of course... Let me go get stuff ready for Roo and then we can head to yours to pick up stuff, yeah?' Leah asks and Imogen nods her head.

'Mm-hmm...' Imogen replies smiling as Leah leans forward to press a final quick kiss against her lips.

'Five minutes, ten tops.' Leah says as Imogen untangles her legs from around Leah's waist before the blonde makes her way towards the bedroom.