Matilda's Imagines

Willow: First Game

The stadium buzzed with excitement as fans poured in, cheering and waving banners for their beloved Matildas. Y/n could feel her nerves building as she tightened her laces, glancing over at the bench where Kyra was seated, crutches resting beside her. Nestled in Kyra's arms was three-month-old Willow, bundled up in a tiny Matildas jersey, headphones covering her ears to protect her from the noise.

It was Willow's first time attending a game, and Y/n couldn't decide if she was more nervous about playing or about how her daughter would handle the chaotic atmosphere.

"Relax, Mum," Kyra teased from the bench as Y/n jogged over during warm-ups to check on Willow for the fifth time. "We've got this. Right, Willow?"

Willow cooed softly, her tiny hand gripping Kyra's finger.

"She's fine, Y/n," Caitlin added, leaning over to ruffle Willow's dark tufts of hair. "Kyra might be a walking disaster, but even she can manage to hold a baby for 90 minutes."

"Oi!" Kyra protested, but her grin betrayed her amusement.

Y/n rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Alright, fine. Just... don't let her cry too much, okay?"

Kyra saluted. "Aye aye, captain!"

As the whistle blew and the game kicked off, Y/n felt her ADHD kicking into overdrive. She tried to focus on the match, but her eyes kept darting to the sidelines where Kyra was bouncing Willow gently on her knee.

"She's watching you!" Kyra shouted at Y/n, pointing at the baby.

"Kyra, she's three months old—she doesn't even know what soccer is!" Y/n called back, laughing despite herself.

"She's still your biggest fan!"

Midway through the first half, the inevitable happened. Willow started fussing, her face scrunching up as tiny cries began to escape her lips. Y/n froze on the field, her instincts screaming at her to run to her daughter.

Mini, ever the calming presence, intercepted her. "Focus on the game, Y/n. Kyra's got this."

Sure enough, Kyra sprang into action, standing awkwardly with Willow in one arm and her crutches under the other. "It's okay, kiddo," she murmured, bouncing the baby gently. She grabbed a bottle from the bag beside her and managed to feed Willow one-handed.

"Impressive," Macca commented from the sidelines, smirking as Kyra shot her a smug look.

"See? I'm a natural."

By the second half, Y/n had finally settled into the game, her nervous energy transforming into focused determination. With ten minutes left on the clock, she found herself in the perfect position. Caitlin sent a perfect pass her way, and Y/n didn't hesitate—she launched the ball straight into the back of the net.

The crowd erupted into cheers, and Y/n couldn't help but glance at the bench. Kyra was holding Willow up Lion King-style, yelling, "That's my girl!"

Y/n laughed so hard she nearly tripped on her way back to the center circle.

After the game, Y/n rushed to the sidelines, pulling off her jersey and immediately reaching for Willow.

"You did so good, bub," Y/n whispered, cradling her daughter close. Willow stared up at her, her wide eyes sparkling as if she somehow understood the excitement.

"You did good too," Kyra teased, slinging an arm around Y/n's shoulder. "But let's be honest—Willow stole the show."

"Obviously," Caitlin added, joining them with Mini in tow. "She's the real MVP."

Mini smiled warmly, her motherly pride evident as she looked at Y/n. "You've got quite the team cheering you on, Y/n. Both on and off the field."

Y/n felt tears prick at her eyes as she looked around at her teammates and down at her daughter. "Yeah," she murmured. "I'm really lucky, aren't I?"

As they packed up and headed home, Willow finally fell asleep in her car seat, her tiny fist clutching Y/n's jersey. Y/n sat in the backseat beside her, exhaustion settling in but her heart full.

Kyra turned from the passenger seat, grinning. "So, when's her next game? Gotta keep that streak going."

Y/n laughed softly, brushing a finger over Willow's cheek. "One step at a time, Kyra. One step at a time."

And for the first time in a long while, Y/n felt like everything was exactly where it was meant to be.