Matilda's Imagines

Stuck

Y/n stood at the arrivals gate of Sydney Airport, clutching her backpack tightly as she scanned the crowd. Her heart pounded with anticipation, nerves mixing with excitement. It had been six months—six long months—since she'd last seen her team, her family. What was supposed to be a quick one-week trip to visit friends in Japan had turned into a prolonged stay due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

She'd called and video chatted with the team constantly, but it wasn't the same. She missed the teasing, the hugs, the chaotic bus rides, and even Kyra stealing her snacks just to annoy her.

Now, finally, she was home. And she'd decided to surprise them.

The Matildas were gathered at their training facility, stretching and warming up before their morning session. Mini stood with her arms crossed, glancing at her watch.

"Alright, ladies, let's get started," she called out, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of sadness.

Kyra jogged past her, giving her a side-eye. "You're thinking about her again, aren't you?"

Mini sighed. "Of course I am. It's been six months, Kyra. I just want Y/n home."

Kyra groaned. "I miss her too, but don't go soft on me, Mini. She'll be back before we know it, and then she'll be annoying us all over again."

"I heard that!" Caitlin called from the sidelines, smirking. "Don't pretend you don't miss her stealing your playlist and dancing like a maniac."

"Yeah, yeah," Kyra muttered, rolling her eyes.

The group was mid-drill when the sound of a door opening echoed through the training ground. Mini glanced over her shoulder, ready to brush it off as one of the staff, but then she froze.

There, standing hesitantly by the entrance, was Y/n. Her backpack was slung over one shoulder, her familiar grin plastered across her face.

"Y/n?" Mini whispered, her voice barely audible.

The rest of the team followed her gaze, and for a moment, it was as if time stood still. Then chaos erupted.

"NO WAY!" Kyra screamed, sprinting toward her.

"Y/N!" Caitlin, Macca, and Alanna yelled in unison, joining the charge.

Y/n barely had time to drop her bag before Kyra tackled her into a bear hug, nearly knocking her over. "You're home! You're actually here!" Kyra's voice cracked, but she didn't care.

"I'm here," Y/n laughed, hugging her tightly. "Miss me, huh?"

"Shut up," Kyra muttered, though she clung to her like she'd never let go.

Caitlin and Macca joined the hug pile, ruffling Y/n's hair and bombarding her with questions.

"When did you get back?"

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"Did you eat properly in Japan?!"

Y/n couldn't stop laughing, overwhelmed by the warmth of their welcome.

Finally, Mini approached, her expression a mix of joy and relief. "You didn't tell me you were coming," she said, her voice soft but teasing.

Y/n pulled away from the others and launched herself into Mini's arms. "I wanted to surprise you," she mumbled, her voice thick with emotion.

Mini hugged her tightly, pressing a kiss to her temple. "You're home now. That's all that matters."

Later, the team gathered in the lounge, Y/n nestled between Kyra and Mini as she recounted her time in Japan.

"It was weird being away from you guys for so long," Y/n admitted, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her hoodie. "I felt... I don't know, kind of lost."

Mini reached over, squeezing her hand. "We felt the same, kiddo. But you're back now, and we're not letting you go anywhere anytime soon."

"Agreed," Kyra said firmly. "You're stuck with us, whether you like it or not."

"Great," Y/n deadpanned, though her grin gave her away.

As the team laughed and teased, Y/n realized just how much she'd missed this—her family, her home. And for the first time in six months, she felt whole again.