As the youngest on the Matildas, Y/n was like everyone's little sister, whether she wanted to be or not. At 17 and new to the foster system, she'd found a home in the team faster than she could've imagined. Her teammates were relentless in taking care of her, and though Y/n appreciated the affection, sometimes it was a bit much-like when it came to ice baths.
The dreaded post-training routine loomed large. Y/n shot a pleading look toward Mini, who was already prepping her recovery tub. Mini noticed and shook her head with a smile.
"Come on, Y/n, it's part of the game. And you'll feel better after, I promise," Mini said, her gentle voice laced with a hint of motherly authority that Y/n couldn't argue with.
Kyra smirked from the side. "Better brace yourself, Y/n. I'll be in there cheering you on," she teased, crossing her arms as she enjoyed the moment. "Someone's got to make sure you don't chicken out."
Y/n groaned, her face twisting in exaggerated dread. She caught a glimpse of Steph, Catlin, and Charlie grinning like they were in on some grand joke. Steph leaned in, nudging her. "We all did this at your age. Think of it as a rite of passage!"
With no escape, Y/n steeled herself, inching closer to the icy water. She dipped a toe in and yelped, pulling back immediately. The team laughed, and Mini was there, steady as ever, holding her arm.
"Deep breath, Y/n. Just get it over with," Mini encouraged, brushing her hand over Y/n's shoulder.
"Alright, alright, let's just do it." Y/n took a breath, closed her eyes, and sank into the tub, her teeth chattering as the icy water gripped her legs. She let out a squeal as the chill hit, feeling the cold seep into her muscles.
"Stay still, you'll adjust!" Kyra encouraged, though Y/n was sure she heard a giggle. As promised, Kyra stuck close, her laughter only encouraging Y/n to stay stubbornly in place, if only to prove she could handle it.
Mini crouched beside her, whispering encouragements while Steph, Catlin, and Charlie hovered nearby, each of them tossing out supportive words-or, occasionally, a challenge that kept Y/n's competitive spirit flaring.
As the minutes ticked by, she felt the tension drain from her muscles, leaving behind only a faint, blissful numbness. The ache from the day's workout seemed to melt away.
"You did it, kid!" Mini cheered, reaching out to help her out as Y/n carefully wobbled to her feet.
Y/n shook out her arms, laughing at herself. "Alright, maybe they're not so bad."
"See? You'll be an ice-bath pro by next season!" Kyra laughed, ruffling her hair as the others joined in with grins and pats on the back.
And despite the cold, despite her resistance, Y/n felt warmer than she had in a long time. This was her family now, and they weren't about to let her go through any of it alone.
