Matilda's Imagines

Extra Needed Support

Training was intense that morning, the crisp air buzzing with the sound of cleats pounding the turf and voices calling out plays. Y/n was a blur of motion, weaving through drills with the kind of hyper-focused energy only her ADHD could produce. Despite being the youngest and smallest on the team, she pushed herself harder than anyone, desperate to prove she belonged among the Matildas.

Mini, ever watchful, kept a close eye on her from the sidelines. There was something off about Y/n today—her movements were just a touch slower, her smile a little more forced. But Mini knew better than to push too soon. Y/n didn't trust easily, not after years of bouncing between foster homes. The team had all learned that patience was key.

The moment that made Mini's heart stop came during a scrimmage. Caitlin, known for her intensity on the field, went in for a hard tackle, clipping Y/n's legs. Y/n tumbled to the ground with a heavy thud, her body curling instinctively to absorb the impact.

"Y/n, you alright?" Caitlin asked, concern flickering across her face.

Y/n popped up almost immediately, brushing dirt off her shorts. "Yeah, all good!" she called back, grinning wide. But Mini saw the slight wince as Y/n rotated her shoulder and the way she limped ever so slightly as she jogged back into position.

Mini crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. Something wasn't right.

Later, as the team wound down, Kyra wandered into the locker room, humming a song under her breath. She pushed open the door to the small bathroom where the ice bath tubs were set up, only to freeze mid-step.

"Uh, what the hell?" Kyra blurted out.

Y/n was sitting in one of the tubs, her arms resting on the rim as she stared into space. But it wasn't the ice bath that caught Kyra's attention—it was the angry black and purple bruises blooming along Y/n's ribcage, stark against her pale skin.

Y/n's head snapped up, her cheeks flushing. "Kyra! Knock, why don't you?" she snapped, hurriedly crossing her arms over her chest.

"Don't 'Kyra' me! What's that?" Kyra demanded, pointing at the bruises.

"It's nothing," Y/n muttered, avoiding her gaze.

"Nothing? That looks like you got run over by a truck! Does Mini know about this?"

"No, and she doesn't need to," Y/n shot back. "It's not a big deal. I just bruise easy, okay?"

Kyra narrowed her eyes, clearly unconvinced. "Stay here."

"Kyra, no—"

But Kyra was already out the door, heading straight for Mini.

Mini found Kyra pacing in the hallway, her face a storm of frustration.

"Kyra, what's going on?" Mini asked.

"It's Y/n," Kyra said, running a hand through her hair. "She's got these massive bruises all over her ribs, and she's trying to act like it's nothing."

Mini's stomach dropped. "Where is she?"

"Ice bath. She's probably already planning her escape."

Mini strode toward the bathroom, her jaw set. Sure enough, Y/n was halfway out of the tub when Mini entered, her face twisting in guilt.

"Sit back down," Mini said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument.

Y/n hesitated but sank back into the water, her shoulders slumping.

"Show me," Mini said gently, kneeling beside the tub.

Y/n shook her head. "It's fine—"

"Y/n," Mini interrupted, her tone soft but unyielding. "Let me see."

With a reluctant sigh, Y/n lowered her arms, revealing the bruises in full. Mini inhaled sharply, her heart aching at the sight.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Mini asked, her voice breaking slightly.

"I didn't want to bother anyone," Y/n whispered. "It's not that bad."

Mini placed a hand on Y/n's knee, her touch light but grounding. "Sweetheart, you're part of this team now. That means you don't have to go through things alone anymore. You don't have to be secretive about stuff like this."

Y/n's lip quivered, and she quickly looked away. "I just... I don't know how to ask for help. I never had anyone to ask before."

Mini's chest tightened, but she kept her voice steady. "Well, you've got us now. And I'm not just your teammate —I'm here for you, like a mom. Moms don't let their kids hide injuries or suffer in silence, okay?"

Y/n blinked rapidly, her throat bobbing. "Okay."

Mini smiled softly, brushing a damp strand of hair from Y/n's face. "Good. Now, we're going to get these ribs checked out properly. And next time something hurts, you come to me, no matter what. Deal?"

Y/n nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek.

Kyra poked her head in, a sheepish grin on her face. "So, am I allowed to yell at her now, or is that a bad time?"

Y/n let out a shaky laugh, and Mini shook her head. "Maybe later. Right now, she just needs to know she's safe."

For the first time in a long while, Y/n felt like maybe she really was.