Matilda's Imagines

Ribbons

It was another sunny day at the Matildas' training camp, and Y/n, the youngest on the team, was feeling right at home. At 17, she was treated like the team's baby, and while some might have found the constant fussing overbearing, Y/n soaked it all in. After all, she'd never had a family like this before.

Mini, the team captain and her self-appointed mother figure, was in full "mum mode" that morning, making sure Y/n was drinking enough water and had all her gear ready for practice.

"Y/n, did you eat breakfast?" Mini asked, hands on her hips, fixing the teen with a firm look.

Y/n rolled her eyes playfully. "Yes, Mum. Caitlin made me toast."

Mini nodded, satisfied, and ruffled Y/n's hair. "Good. Now don't slack off today—you've been getting too comfortable nutmegging Kyra in scrimmages."

Kyra, overhearing the comment, leaned over with a mock-offended gasp. "Excuse me, Mini, I let her do that. I'm just boosting her confidence."

Y/n smirked. "Sure you are, Ky."

After training, the team gathered for their usual cool-down routines. Y/n was chatting excitedly with Hayley Raso, who had recently introduced her to her signature ribbon tradition.

"Wait, so you match your ribbon to the kit every single game?" Y/n asked, wide-eyed.

Hayley grinned. "Of course! It's my good luck charm. Gotta have the right ribbon to bring the right vibes."

Y/n clapped her hands together, her excitement bubbling over. "I love this! Hayley, you have to help me do it too. Starting next game."

Hayley laughed. "Alright, kid. But if we're doing this, we're doing it properly. You'll need Steph to braid your hair first."

The next game day arrived, and Y/n was buzzing with anticipation. She'd spent the morning convincing Steph Catley to braid her long hair into something worthy of Hayley's ribbons.

"Steph, please. You're the best braider on the team, and I need it to look perfect," Y/n begged, clutching a handful of brightly colored ribbons.

Steph sighed but couldn't help smiling. "Alright, sit down. But if we're late for warm-ups, Mini's going to kill me."

Y/n beamed and plopped onto a bench. As Steph worked on her hair, Y/n kept twisting around to watch.

"Stop moving, or I'll mess it up!" Steph scolded, lightly tapping Y/n's shoulder.

"Sorry! It's just so cool," Y/n said, grinning ear to ear.

Once the braids were done, Hayley swooped in to tie the ribbons with precision. She'd chosen two—one green and one gold—to match the team's home kit.

"There we go," Hayley said proudly, stepping back to admire her work. "Now you're officially part of the ribbon tradition."

Y/n turned to the mirror and gasped. "It's perfect! Thanks, Hayley. And you too, Steph!"

Alanna Kennedy walked by, shaking her head with an affectionate smile. "You're spoiling her. She's going to expect this every game now."

"I'm okay with that!" Y/n called back, grinning.

When the team took the field, Y/n felt unstoppable. The ribbons bouncing with every step gave her an extra spark of confidence, like she was carrying a piece of her team's spirit with her.

Throughout the game, Kyra teased her every chance she got.

"Y/n, don't let the ribbons distract you," Kyra joked during a water break.

Y/n stuck her tongue out. "You're just jealous you don't have matching ones."

Mini walked over, overhearing the exchange. "Alright, enough bickering. Focus on the game, you two. And Kyra, stop picking on your sister."

The word "sister" made Y/n's heart swell. It wasn't something she'd heard directed at her often, but from Kyra—and the rest of the team—it felt genuine.

By the end of the match, Y/n had played one of her best games yet, even earning an assist. As the team celebrated, Hayley nudged her shoulder.

"Told you the ribbons bring good vibes," she said with a wink.

Y/n grinned. "You're right. They're magic. Can we do purple next game?"

Hayley laughed. "We'll see, kid. We'll see."

As the team walked off the pitch, Mini draped an arm around Y/n's shoulders. "You did great out there, Y/n. And the ribbons suit you."

Y/n beamed up at her, feeling more at home with her Matildas family than ever. For the first time in a long time, she knew she belonged.