Lover II- ML

306. Instinct

AN: not fully proofread, but hope you all enjoy!

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Netherlands was a different kind of competitor.

The England changing room was... quieter than usual. No joking, no messing around, everyone simply got themselves ready while music played in the background.

The mood was still positive, smiles and encouragement was shared, but everyone knew how important today was.

If they lose, they're out.

It was that simple.

They couldn't even risk a draw with their loss to France. Today was a must win.

Kaia sat in her cubby with her eyes closed as she took slow and deep breaths, counting each slowly and calming her mind with each exhale.

Meditation had become her way of dealing with stress and worry. Whether it was stress like today, accidentally pushing herself too much mentally or just the stresses of having an energetic toddler.

Each and every type of stress was dealt with by a deep breath and a long exhale, putting oxygen into her body and calming her nervous system, lowering cortisol levels and shrinking her brain's amygdala.

Mapi always pulled a confused face when Kaia would say these words, but it didn't stop the blonde from sitting down opposite her wife on the gym floor and mirroring her breathing techniques, wanting the same benefit even if she didn't understand it herself. 

By the time Sarina came in for her prematch talk, Kaia's mind was as calm and focused as it could be.

Her obsessive mind had already meticulously taped the bottom of her sock sleeves white and she made sure to tape her wedding ring neatly as Leah tied her laces.

She was ready physically and mentally, ready to be the top level player she was.

Her performance against France was average and far below her own standards.

Her incredible free kick meant nothing with the result of the game, with the ball give aways, missed chances and goals they let in.

Against the Netherlands, they needed to be flawless.

Whoever won today would most likely get second place and go through.

Within ten minutes, Kaia had two shots directly on goal and an assist under her belt that Alessia finished off.

They were suddenly playing like a well oiled machine, slick and quick passes, clever plays and reading each other's movement as they attack.

It was a glimpse of the England who won their home Euros three years ago, the England who pushed Spain all the way to the final minutes in the World Cup final.

With the sudden loss of Mary Earps and Millie Bright, it did mean a quick turn around for their defence, relationships that needed to improve and long training sessions to do this.

But the fans were seeing it now, how Leah and Alex made very good defensive partners, how Hannah Hampton was growing in confidence each game and becoming more dominate in her box.

Behind the scenes, it was also a lot better. There wasn't tension between certain Chelsea players anymore, nor between the ironically named 'goalkeeper union' which never seemed to be united before.

Now England had three fresh faced and eager goalkeepers in the form of Hannah, Ellie and Khiara. They were just happy to be there.

All of that drama, Kaia tended to stay out of unless it directed the team whilst on international duty.