Matilda's Imagines

Cold

The Matildas had taken to calling Y/n their "little mascot." At just 15, she was the youngest on the team by a few years, and the way she latched onto her teammates made it feel like they had adopted a little sister. But her past, the scars she tried to hide, meant she was carrying more weight than most kids her age. And the team knew it, too-especially Mini.

Mini had stepped into the mother role as naturally as breathing. She watched over Y/n, encouraged her, and set firm boundaries when Y/n needed them. Their bond was special, rooted in Y/n's trust, which took time to grow but blossomed in the warmth of Mini's unwavering support.

One night, after a particularly cold match, Y/n sat shivering on the bench, her fingers numb and her cheeks red. The game had been brutal, the wind biting and sharp. She held her arms around herself, trying to stop her teeth from chattering. Mini spotted her, and without a second thought, crossed the field.

"Hey, sweetheart," Mini said softly, crouching down in front of her. "You're freezing."

Y/n looked up, forcing a brave smile. "I'm fine. It wasn't that cold."

Mini chuckled, gently pulling her into a hug. "Liar." Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she unzipped her thick, warm jacket, tugging Y/n closer. "Alright, in you go," she said, wrapping the jacket around Y/n as if she were a toddler being bundled up.

Y/n giggled, blushing but not resisting as Mini enveloped her, zipping her inside the coat so she was cocooned in warmth. Mini's arms wrapped around her securely, and she could feel Mini's steady heartbeat through the thick fabric. It was the kind of safety she'd rarely known, and she melted into it, letting herself relax.

"Better?" Mini asked, her voice a soft murmur as she lifted Y/n to her feet, keeping her zipped up like a kangaroo with a joey.

"Much better," Y/n mumbled, her face tucked against Mini's shoulder. She felt silly, in the best way-silly and safe, like a kid who knew she was loved.

As they walked off the field together, Kyra spotted them and laughed, jogging over with Steph, Catlin, and Charlie in tow.

"Well, would you look at this!" Kyra teased, grinning as she gave Y/n's cheek a playful poke. "Our little mascot, getting the royal treatment."

"Hey, it's cold!" Y/n protested, laughing even as she huddled closer to Mini.

Steph crossed her arms with a smirk. "Honestly, I think this should be a regular thing. Mini can just carry you everywhere like this."

"Or we'll get you a little backpack with Mini's face on it," Catlin joked, making everyone burst into laughter.

Mini rolled her eyes but hugged Y/n a bit tighter. "Don't give her any ideas," she said, though the fondness in her voice was unmistakable.

As they walked toward the locker room, the team chatting and laughing around her, Y/n felt herself relax completely, her heart swelling with a warmth that had nothing to do with Mini's jacket. These moments, these silly, sweet times with her team, were becoming the happiest she'd ever known.

And as long as she had Mini to tuck her in after cold games, with her big "sisters" cheering her on, she knew she'd never be alone again.