Matilda's Imagines

Crashed

The Matildas were basking in the glow of victory, their cheers and smiles radiating through the packed stadium. They'd thanked the fans, signed shirts, and posed for photos, the energy of the crowd fueling their celebration. Y/n, the youngest of the team, was bouncing around with a grin that lit up her entire face, her ADHD in full swing as she darted between teammates.

"Y/n, slow down," Mini called out with a laugh, watching as the teenager practically vibrated with excitement.

"But we won!" Y/n shouted back, spinning in a circle and nearly tripping over her own feet.

Kyra Cooney-Cross jogged over and ruffled Y/n's hair. "Yeah, we did, and now you're gonna crash, kiddo."

"I'm fine," Y/n insisted, though the slight wobble in her step betrayed her.

Mini, ever the maternal figure, stepped forward with her arms outstretched. "Come here, munchkin."

Y/n didn't hesitate, launching herself into Mini's arms. The hug was warm and grounding, a silent promise of safety and love. Mini wrapped her arms tightly around Y/n, gently swaying as the younger girl rested her head against her shoulder.

And then it happened.

Y/n's breathing slowed, her body relaxed, and before anyone realized, she had fallen asleep right there on the field, nestled against Mini.

"Uh, Mini?" Alana Kennedy said, pointing at Y/n.

Mini glanced down, chuckling softly. "Well, there it is. Told you she'd crash eventually."

Caitlin Foord grinned, snapping a quick photo of the heartwarming scene. "That might be the cutest thing I've ever seen."

"She's out cold," Macca said, leaning in to get a better look. "How does she even do that?"

Mini adjusted her hold on Y/n, cradling her like a small child. "She's been running on fumes all day. It was only a matter of time."

"Wait, you're gonna carry her all the way back?" Kyra asked, raising an eyebrow.

Mini smirked. "You offering to take over?"

Kyra held up her hands. "Nope. All yours, Mom."

Back in the locker room, Mini gently laid Y/n down on one of the benches. The teenager stirred slightly but didn't wake, her exhaustion keeping her firmly in dreamland.

"She's gonna hate missing the post-match snacks," Caitlin said, shaking her head.

"Don't worry. I'll save her some," Mini replied as she carefully began removing Y/n's cleats.

The rest of the team watched in awe as Mini seamlessly transitioned from soccer star to full-on mom mode. She swapped Y/n's jersey for a clean, oversized hoodie and slipped her into a pair of sweatpants.

"She's so lucky to have you," Alana said softly, leaning against the lockers.

Mini smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Y/n's face. "We all are. She's a part of this family now, and that means we take care of her."

By the time the team was ready to leave, Y/n was still fast asleep. Mini picked her up again, this time wrapping her in a blanket that one of the staff had brought over.

As they boarded the bus, Kyra leaned over and whispered, "She's gonna be so embarrassed when she wakes up."

Mini chuckled. "Maybe, but she'll know she's loved."

Y/n stirred briefly, her eyes fluttering open for just a moment. "Mini?" she murmured sleepily.

"I'm here, sweetheart," Mini said softly. "Go back to sleep."

And with that, Y/n nestled closer, a small smile tugging at her lips as she drifted off again, surrounded by the team who would always have her back.