Rediscovering You

eighteen

11th April 2023 – one year and eleven weeks old.

She can't help but smile as she spots Imogen standing talking to Caitlin, Steph and a smaller woman who's name she's not quite sure of, as she makes her way out onto the pitch. She quietly makes her way towards the brunette who has her back turned to her causing Steph to smile as she continues their conversation in attempt to distract her from the blonde's arrival.

'Hey, you...' Leah almost whispers, her arms snaking around her waist from behind as Imogen's hands instinctively reach down to rest her hands on top of the blonde's.

'Hey... I was wondering when you were going to show up.' Imogen says smiling as she turns around in the blonde's arms. Both of them are extremely aware of the fans beginning to filter into the stadium so keep their interactions friendly.

'Le, this is Mini... Mini, this is Leah.' Imogen says softly as she gestures between the blonde and the smaller woman.

'It's so lovely to finally meet you, Leah. I have heard so much about you.' Mini says as she moves to hug the blonde as Imogen steps away.

'Mm... I've heard so much about you as well.' Leah replies.

'Where's Roo? Is your mum bringing her?' Imogen asks and Leah shakes her head as she glances over her shoulder.

'Nope, she's around here somewhere... She's with Alex, I promise I'm not just letting my one year wander on her own.' Leah replies causing Steph to laugh.

'Oh there she's.' Leah says smiling as Alex begins to make her way towards them with the toddler in her arms.

'Ready for her?' Alex asks and Leah nods her head. She watches the blonde place Rory down on the pitch, the little girl hesitantly taking a step before dropping down onto her bum.

'Oh oh...' Rory says throwing her arms up in the air as Leah jogs the short distance to scoop the little girl into her arms.

'Oh deary me... Thanks, Alex.' Leah says causing the blonde to smile.

'Who's over here? Will we go see?' Leah asks. She walks the short distance back to the group and can't help but smile as the little girl squeals and throws her arms out towards Imogen as soon as they're near enough.

'Mimi!' Rory squeals.

'Hey there, you.' Imogen says smiling as she takes the little girl into her arms and lifting her high above her head causing her to giggle.

'How are you finding it? Doing it on your own, I mean?' Mini asks causing Leah to smile.

'Yeah it's been a rollercoaster. I mean I've had my moments when I've longed to have someone there to take over when she was just screaming non-stop or when she had the seizure but it's been worth every minute of it.' Leah replies and Mini nods her head.

'Mm... They're worth every minute, aren't they?' Mini says softly.

****

'Hey...' Imogen says softly as she jogs to catch up with the blonde who's making her way towards the tunnel.

'Hi... Good game, you played well.' Leah replies glancing over her shoulder.

'Thank you. So did you.' Imogen says and the blonde laughs as she shakes her head.

'Le, it wasn't your fault. It's just how the game goes sometimes, isn't it?' Imogen says as she drapes her arm around Leah's shoulders and feels the blonde's wrap around her back.

'I fucked up.' Leah replies shrugging her shoulders.

'We all make mistakes.' Imogen says softly. It's only when they're safely inside the building, away from the prying eyes of everyone filling the stadium and the cameras, that Imogen stops and turns the blonde to face her.

'We all make mistakes. That mistake doesn't take away from the fact that you are a bloody good footballer, that doesn't take away from the fact that nearly a year ago you led that team to winning a major tournament.' Imogen says as she reaches up to cup the blonde's cheeks.

'You should be out there with your team.' Leah almost whispers causing Imogen to shake her head.

'I don't want to be out there. I want to be right here, with you.' Imogen says leaning forward to rest her forehead against the blonde's, giving her time to pull away if she wants. Smiling slightly, Leah closes the gap between them as she ever so softly brushes her lips against the brunette's. Her arms instinctively wrap around Imogen's shoulders as she pulls her impossibly closer to her.

'I've missed you so fucking much.' Leah mumbles against Imogen's lips, feeling the brunette's grip tighten where her hands are resting on the blonde's hips.

'I've missed you too... More than you could ever imagine.' Imogen says.

****

'I've never seen her like this.' Mini says softly as she glances over at Imogen who is whispering something in Leah's ear causing the blonde to laugh and cover her face with her hand as her head drops to rest on Imogen's shoulder. A few of them have opted to go out for some drinks after the game just to relax and have a bit of fun before club duties resume.

'She's so different with Leah, honestly. It's been like a complete 180 from how she usually is. I know she's always been quite affectionate with you but she's never really appeared to be like that with anyone else, until Leah.' Steph replies.

'I can see that.' Mini says.

'How's she been? Since everything that has happened?' Mini asks.

'She's been okay. She has her down days but she's a lot better than she was... It was rough, Mini. Beyond rough actually. There was a solid 8 days where I barely slept but I was too worried about what she'd do.' Steph admits shaking her head.

'I didn't realise it was that bad.' Mini says quietly.

'It was awful, Mini. I took time away from training because I just couldn't leave her on her own when she was in that state.' Steph replies and Mini sighs.

'What about Leah? How did she fit into that situation?' Mini asks.

'She didn't... Imogen pushed her away, wouldn't speak to her and then Leah had her own issues going on so they didn't speak for like five or six months. They're only just beginning to get back to where they were in the past few weeks, I'd say.' Steph replies smiling as she watches Leah turn her face further into the brunette's neck.

'Well hopefully it continues because love looks good on her, doesn't it?' Mini says and Steph nods her head.

'Mm-hmm... They're good for each other.' Steph replies and Mini smiles.

'How's she doing now? She okay?' Mini asks.

'Seems to be. She had a bit of a wobble a few weeks back after an incident but she seems to have worked her way through it.' Steph replies. They both watch as Leah settles in against Imogen's side, the blonde's hand resting on Imogen's lower stomach as the brunette kisses the top of her head.

'I think this is it now. They both seem to be on the right path forward... I do think they need to properly talk about everything that has happened but Imogen says they don't.' Steph says softly.

'They definitely need to talk about it.' Mini replies.

'Mm-hmm... I'm working on it, I promise.' Steph says smiling.