Matilda's Imagines

Boyfriend: Hard game

The Matildas' locker room was filled with a quiet buzz of post-game chatter, but Y/n sat on a bench in the corner, her head down and shoulders slumped. It had been a rough match for her—missed opportunities, a few fumbles, and plenty of self-doubt weighing her down. She wasn't usually one to brood, but tonight she was struggling to shake the heavy feeling.

Mini noticed right away. She always did.

As the team began discussing their plans for their usual post-game bonding session—pizza, games, and plenty of laughs—Mini walked over to Y/n and crouched in front of her.

"Rough one, huh?" Mini asked gently.

Y/n nodded, biting her lip. "I just... I feel like I let everyone down."

"Kiddo, that's not true," Mini said firmly. "Every single player has off days. What matters is how you bounce back—and we're here to help you do that."

Y/n offered a small smile but didn't say much else. Mini glanced over her shoulder and spotted Luca waiting outside the locker room door. The idea struck her like lightning.

"Tell you what," Mini said, standing up and patting Y/n's knee. "Why don't we bring Luca along for the bonding session tonight? I think he might help put a smile back on your face."

Y/n's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly. "Really? You're okay with that?"

"Of course," Mini replied with a wink. "The more, the merrier."

Later that evening, the team gathered in one of the hotel's lounge areas, which they'd commandeered for their post-game hangout. Pizza boxes were stacked high on the table, and Kyra was already setting up a card game that seemed destined to spiral into chaos.

When Luca arrived with Y/n, the room quieted for just a moment. The team watched as Y/n clung to his arm, her usual reserved demeanor completely replaced by an unmistakable softness. She looked relaxed in a way they hadn't seen all evening, and the sight made Mini smile.

"Well, well, look who decided to join us," Kyra teased, though her tone was light. "Hope you're ready for the Matildas' version of a bonding session, Luca. It's not for the faint of heart."

"I'll do my best," Luca said, laughing as Y/n pulled him to sit down beside her on the couch.

Throughout the evening, the team couldn't help but notice how different Y/n seemed with Luca. Normally, she was fiercely independent, always insisting she could handle things on her own. But tonight, she stayed curled up against him, her head resting on his shoulder as his arm wrapped around her protectively.

"You okay, love?" Luca murmured quietly, his voice low enough that only Y/n could hear.

"Better now," she whispered back, her fingers playing with the hem of his hoodie.

The team watched the interaction with a mix of curiosity and affection. It wasn't every day they got to see Y/n like this—vulnerable, open, and completely at ease.

"She's like a different person," Caitlin remarked quietly to Mini, nodding toward the pair.

"She just feels safe with him," Mini replied, her voice tinged with approval. "And after everything she's been through, that's exactly what she needs."

As the night went on, the team made an effort to include Luca in their games and conversations, though they also took every opportunity to poke fun at him. Kyra tried to "interrogate" him during a round of trivia, while Macca and Caitlin grilled him on his own soccer skills. Through it all, Luca handled their antics with a good-natured smile, earning the team's grudging respect.

By the time the evening wound down, Y/n was nearly asleep, her head resting in Luca's lap as he gently ran his fingers through her hair. The team exchanged knowing looks but didn't say a word. Even Kyra, who was usually the loudest, seemed content to let the moment pass without comment.

As Mini walked Luca to the door later, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're good for her," she said simply. "Thank you for being here tonight."

"She's everything to me," Luca replied earnestly. "I just want her to be happy."

Mini smiled, giving him a nod of approval before turning back to the team. As Luca left, Y/n stirred on the couch, blinking sleepily.

"Where's Luca?" she mumbled.

"He'll see you tomorrow, kiddo," Mini said, sitting beside her and pulling a blanket over her shoulders. "For now, you've got all of us. We're not going anywhere."

Y/n smiled softly, her eyes fluttering shut. She might have had a tough game, but with Luca and her team by her side, she knew she'd be okay.