The Captain's Heart

thirty-two

14th March 2022 - seven weeks and two days.

'Right, what is mumma going to cook for Immy?' Leah says as she makes her way into the large supermarket, a basket cradled in the crook of her elbow as she pushes Rory's pram. Today is the day of their first date; she's opted to plan something in her house because she knows that this is all still so new to Imogen and she doesn't want to overwhelm her.

'What about a stir-fry? It's about one of the only things mumma can properly make, isn't it? Probably need to work on that before you're bigger and eating.' Leah continues.

'Maybe Auntie Wally can teach me how to cook some bits for you... Or Immy because she's a good cook.' Leah says smiling as she continues walking around the store. She's already bought a beautiful bouquet of flowers from a local florist and given the flat a clean when Imogen left this morning with strict instructions to come back at 6:30pm, giving the blonde plenty of time to get everything prepared. She's been on dates here and there since splitting up from Jordan but it's been a while and this is the first one in a long time that she feels proper nervous about.

****

Glancing up at the clock, Leah let's out a shaky breath as she reads the time. 6:18pm. The stir-fry is made and ready to be heated up when they're ready to eat. Rory has been fed, changed and is settled in her moses basket with the baby monitor allowing the blonde to keep an eye on her. The vibrating of her phone causes her to immediately reach for it, the brunette's name flashing across the screen to signal an incoming call.

'Hey... Everything okay?' Leah asks softly as she accepts the call and holds the phone up to her ear.

'Mm-hmm... I just- I'm here a bit early. Do you want me to wait in the car or am I alright to come up?' Imogen asks.

'Oh God no, come on up. Everything is ready up here anyway.' Leah replies smiling.

'Perfect. I'll be up in five.' Imogen says and Leah can hear the car door close. They end the call and immediately Leah makes her way over to the front door, opening it and leaning against the doorframe as she hears the brunette's footsteps making their way up towards her apartment.

'Hey, you...' Imogen says smiling as she finally reaches the blonde's floor.

'Hi... You look beautiful.' Leah replies softly as she takes in the brunette's outfit. They decided not to go too fancy considering they were just staying at home so Leah has opted for a pair of smart but comfy trousers with just a plain white tee while the brunette has a black slouchy jumpsuit on.

'Thank you... You don't look too bad yourself, Le.' Imogen says smiling as she leans forward to quickly press her lips against the blonde's before wrapping her arms around her.

'How's your day been?' Leah asks as they make their way into the apartment and she closes the front door.

'Good. Didn't do much, had a nice bath and went for coffee with Steph.' Imogen replies smiling as she turns to face the blonde.

'I've been looking forward to tonight so much.' Imogen says softly, her arms reaching up to wrap around the blonde's neck.

'Mm... Me too. I've made stir-fry for dinner. I've got a bottle of wine in the fridge and we've even got dessert.' Leah replies smiling as her hands settle on the brunette's waist.

'Well I'm being well and truly spoilt tonight, aren't I?' Imogen says smiling.

'Only the best for you.' Leah replies.

****

'So if we're really going to give this a chance then I think you deserve absolute honesty from me...' Leah says softly, her fingers gently running through the brunette's hair as her head rests on her chest.

'Okay...' Imogen replies cautiously causing Leah to sigh.

'I used to be in a very serious relationship with Jordan... We were together for a while, we lived together during lockdown.' Leah says.

'Jordan? As in Nobbs?' Imogen asks and Leah nods her head.

'Is that why you guys don't really talk much? I assumed you guys maybe just didn't get on but is it because of the break-up?' Imogen asks.

'Mm-hmm... It wasn't a bad break-up, we just grew apart which I think makes it worse because we don't hate each other.' Leah admits.

'D-Do you still love her?' Imogen asks quietly.

'I think- I'm not in love with Jordan, I haven't been in a very long time but I do think she'll always have a special place in my heart. She was my first really serious relationship and I think because of that she'll always have a place in my heart... I'm definitely not in love with her though.' Leah replies and Imogen nods her head.

'I've never been in a serious relationship. I just- I struggle to let people close to me. I struggle with the intimacy and everything that comes with it.' Imogen admits.

'Oh- I'm sorry. Have I been making you uncomfortable?' Leah asks, her hand immediately untangling from the brunette's hair.

'No. I just- It all feels different with you. I feel safe with you and that's something I've not really felt before.' Imogen replies grabbing the blonde's hand and returning it to its original position.

'It's not even just- I don't know how to explain it but I've always felt comfortable hugging you and stuff but I've still never hugged most of the national team... I don't think I've ever even hugged Caitlin or Steph. It's not just in a relationship setting.' Imogen says.

'Is that why you kind of back away when you score because you don't want the group hug?' Leah asks softly.

'Mm-hmm... It just makes me so uncomfortable.' Imogen admits.

'Why have you never said anything? The girls will back off if they know.' Leah says.

'Cause then it just makes me weird, doesn't it? The person who doesn't like to be touched.' Imogen replies.

'It doesn't make you weird, Ims. The girls would understand more than you think. They'd probably feel so guilty that they're making you feel uncomfortable.' Leah says softly.

'I don't want them to feel that way though. It's not their fault.' Imogen replies.

'And it's not yours either, Immy. It's just the way you are and that's okay.' Leah says.

'It's not always been like this. Mum always jokes about how I used to be like a koala because I always just clung to her.' Imogen replies.

'You'll tell me if it gets too much for you, won't you? If I get too much for you?' Leah asks.

'Mm-hmm...' Imogen replies. The room is filled with silence for a few minutes until Imogen lets out a small sigh and tilts her head to glance up at the blonde.

'Thank you for tonight... This has been perfect.' Imogen says.

'You don't have to thank me for anything... You deserve the world and I hope that I get to treat you more.' Leah replies smiling. She places a soft kiss on top of the brunette's head as they turn their attention back to the film playing on the tv.