Matilda's Imagines

Chef Talent

The Matildas had just finished a tough training session. The team was exhausted, their muscles sore, and their minds focused on their upcoming match. As they gathered in the lounge area of the training facility, everyone could feel the hunger setting in. It was time for dinner, and they all knew who to turn to—someone who always had the best meals prepared.

Y/n, the youngest member of the team, had a secret that she kept from everyone. Despite being a talented soccer player, her real gift was in the kitchen. Y/n loved to cook. It was a quiet escape for her, a way to calm her racing mind. But she had never shared this talent with anyone, mostly because she didn't want the attention that came with it. Instead, every time the team gathered for a meal, Y/n would bring in a delicious dish. And when they raved about it, she would simply shrug it off and claim that it was one of the kitchen staff who had prepared it.

"Y/n, you've outdone yourself again!" Caitlin exclaimed, digging into a plate of creamy pasta that melted in her mouth.

"Seriously, this is the best food we've had all week," Kyra added, practically inhaling her portion. "Whoever's cooking today should get a raise!"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure this isn't from the usual catering," Alana said with a grin, looking up at Y/n, who was sitting quietly at the end of the table, pretending not to notice the praise.

Y/n simply smiled and shrugged, not offering any explanation as usual. "It's just the usual. They're good at what they do."

The rest of the team exchanged knowing looks but didn't press further. Y/n had always been a bit mysterious about her cooking. They figured it was just one of those things that made her special—she didn't need the attention, and they respected that.

That evening, after dinner, Mini pulled Y/n aside in the hallway, a gentle smile on her face. "I need to talk to you for a moment, Y/n," she said softly, leading her toward the kitchen.

Y/n's heart skipped a beat. "What's up?"

"I'm not sure if you're aware, but the team has been asking who's been cooking all these amazing meals," Mini said, crossing her arms with a knowing look. "You've been keeping this secret for a while now, haven't you?"

Y/n's face flushed, and she glanced down at her sneakers, avoiding Mini's gaze. "I didn't want to make a big deal out of it."

Mini chuckled. "Sweetheart, you don't need to make a big deal out of it. But I think it's time you stopped pretending it's the kitchen staff. The team loves your food, and they appreciate your effort. You deserve to take credit for it."

Y/n hesitated. "I just... I don't want the attention. I don't like being in the spotlight. It's easier this way, Mini."

"I understand that," Mini said, her tone softening. "But, sweetheart, it's not about the attention. It's about you sharing something you're really good at with people who care about you. You don't have to hide anymore."

Y/n nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of Mini's words. She had always kept her cooking a secret, a private part of herself that no one knew about. But maybe it was time to let the team in, to allow them to see another side of her.

The next day, after another long training session, the team gathered in the lounge area for dinner once again. The usual chatter filled the room as they waited for the food to be served, but this time, there was a noticeable change in the atmosphere.

Mini stood at the front of the room, a small grin on her face. "Alright, everyone, before we dive into dinner, I want to take a moment to acknowledge someone."

The team grew quiet, looking up at Mini with curiosity. Y/n's stomach flipped nervously as she realized what was happening.

"I know we've all been raving about the meals we've been getting lately," Mini continued, her voice warm. "And there's someone here who deserves all the credit for those amazing dishes." Mini's eyes shifted to Y/n, and the room fell silent as the team turned to look at her. "Y/n has been quietly cooking for us all this time."

Y/n's face turned crimson as the team's eyes widened in surprise. She tried to hide her embarrassment, but there was no escaping it now.

"You've been cooking all this food for us?" Kyra asked, her voice filled with disbelief. "I can't believe we didn't know."

"Wait, you're the one who made that pasta last night?" Alana added, looking genuinely impressed.

Y/n bit her lip, shifting uncomfortably. "I didn't want anyone to know. I... I just like doing it for you all."

The team's response was immediate. Macca jumped up, grinning. "Y/n, you're a genius! This food is incredible! Why didn't you say anything?"

Alana and Caitlin joined in, both nodding enthusiastically. "We need to have a cooking day together," Caitlin said. "You've got to teach us your secrets."

Mini stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Y/n's shoulders. "See? You don't have to hide anymore. You're part of this team, Y/n. And we're proud of you, both on and off the field."

Y/n felt a wave of relief wash over her. The team wasn't looking at her like she had done something wrong—they were celebrating her talent, her generosity, and her passion for cooking.

"Thanks, guys," Y/n said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I guess I've just been scared that if people knew, they'd expect something from me. But I don't want to be a burden. I just wanted to make you all happy."

"You're never a burden, Y/n," Mini said, giving her a gentle squeeze. "You're part of this family, and we're here for you no matter what. So, let's enjoy this meal together."

The team cheered, lifting their glasses in a toast to Y/n and her hidden talent. Y/n smiled, feeling more at home than she ever had before. For the first time, she realized that sharing her gift wasn't about seeking attention—it was about connecting with the people she cared about.

And from that moment on, Y/n's secret was no longer a secret. It was a part of her that she could share freely, without fear. She was no longer just the baby of the team—she was a teammate who had something valuable to offer, both on and off the field.

And that made all the difference.