Matilda's Imagines

New Friend

It was a crisp morning at the Matildas' training center, and Y/n was already bouncing around, full of energy, as usual. The team had gathered for their regular morning practice, but something was different today. There was a buzz in the air that had nothing to do with soccer balls or drills.

"Alright, everyone, gather around!" Tony, the team's coach, called out, waving his arms to get the attention of the players. Y/n, who had been mid-conversation with Kyra about the latest soccer match, immediately snapped to attention and joined the others.

"What's going on, coach?" Macca asked, raising an eyebrow as she glanced around, trying to figure out what the unusual gathering was all about.

Tony smiled, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "I've been thinking for a while now, and I think it's time we had a little help. So, I've got a surprise for you all."

At that moment, the door opened, and in walked a large, fluffy dog, its tail wagging excitedly. The dog had a black and white coat, ears perked up, and bright, curious eyes. It was a border collie, and as soon as it entered, the entire team froze, a collective gasp of surprise filling the air.

"Meet Ace," Tony announced, grinning from ear to ear. "Our new team mascot... and hopefully, a bit of a companion for all of you."

The dog bounded toward the players, clearly excited, and the entire team erupted into laughter. Y/n's eyes grew wide with wonder as she watched the dog approach, her ADHD-fueled energy matching Ace's own enthusiasm. She immediately crouched down, holding out a hand for Ace to sniff.

"Oh my god, he's adorable!" Y/n exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. She couldn't help but giggle when Ace nuzzled her hand, licking it in greeting. "He's so cute!"

The team watched with smiles as Y/n's usual energy shifted from manic excitement to calm adoration as she sat with Ace. The dog's presence was already having a soothing effect on her.

"This is just what we need," Kyra said, grinning at Y/n as she watched her interact with Ace. "Looks like he's already got you wrapped around his paw."

Y/n looked up, her face lighting up. "He's amazing. I love dogs, but I never had one growing up. I—" She stopped herself mid-sentence, realizing she was getting a little too excited, her words tumbling out faster than she could process.

Mini, who had been observing with a soft smile, stepped forward. "Hey, Y/n, how about you take him for a walk later? Maybe it'll help you focus for a bit before practice," she suggested gently, always knowing how to help Y/n channel her energy.

Y/n nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling. "Yeah! That sounds awesome! I could use a walk to calm down." She immediately stood, almost pulling the dog with her, and motioned to the rest of the team. "Who's with me?"

Everyone laughed, but there was something more than just a new dog bringing warmth to the room. It was the way Y/n responded to Ace. In a way, the dog became a grounding force for her, a way for her to channel the whirlwind of her ADHD into something calming and positive. It was as though Ace knew exactly what Y/n needed.

Later that afternoon, after practice, the team gathered in the lounge area of the training center, a little more relaxed after their intense workout. Y/n was sitting with Ace, her legs crossed and a book in her lap, but her attention was clearly more focused on the dog than the pages in front of her.

Mini sat down next to her, placing a hand on Y/n's shoulder, and smiled softly. "How's Ace treating you, kiddo?"

Y/n grinned, scratching the dog's head as he lay with his head resting on her lap. "He's perfect. I swear, I've never felt so calm. It's like he knows exactly when I'm getting overwhelmed." She paused, looking at Mini with a serious expression. "He helps me focus. I don't know why, but when I'm with him, I feel like everything slows down. I don't know how to explain it, but... it's like my brain isn't racing all the time."

Mini's heart warmed as she looked at Y/n, understanding exactly what she meant. "It's the bond you two have. Animals have a way of sensing when we need them the most." She gently squeezed Y/n's shoulder. "I'm glad he's helping you, honey."

Y/n looked up at her with a soft smile. "Thank you, Mini. I never thought having a dog around would make such a difference."

"Sometimes the simplest things help the most," Mini replied, her eyes filled with care. "You're doing great, Y/n. I'm proud of how you're managing everything."

As the weeks passed, Ace became a regular part of the team's life. Tony made sure to incorporate Ace into their practices, allowing the dog to run alongside the players or fetch the ball as a fun addition to their drills. Y/n's bond with the dog grew stronger, and her focus during training noticeably improved.

Ace would be at the sidelines, watching as the players trained, and if Y/n ever started to get too overwhelmed or distracted, she would spend a few minutes with him, stroking his fur and calming down before rejoining the team. It was a small routine that made a big difference.

During team dinners, Ace was always by Y/n's side, lying quietly on the floor while the players ate and chatted. He seemed to bring a sense of calm to the entire group, as though reminding them to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the present moment.

One evening, after an intense match, the team gathered to unwind and relax. Y/n had been particularly focused during the game, her usual hyperactivity kept at bay with Ace's quiet presence. As she sat beside him, watching the rest of the team celebrate their win, Mini leaned over, a thoughtful look on her face.

"You've come a long way, Y/n," she said quietly, her voice full of pride. "I'm really proud of you."

Y/n smiled, looking at Ace, who was nestled comfortably by her feet. "I think Ace has had a lot to do with that," she said softly. "It's like having someone who understands when I need a moment."

Mini chuckled softly. "Sometimes the best teammates are the ones we least expect."

As the night wound down, Y/n's focus was more centered, her energy well-balanced, all thanks to the quiet but steady presence of Ace, the newest member of the Matildas team.