— CINNAMON GIRL ⁵

happy new year :3

— LEIGHBAYE’S RULES ™

all rights reserved. no part of this work and others with the tags, #minaleigh & #leighbaye, may be translated, used, or reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the author. unauthorized use, distribution, or claiming ownership of this work is strictly prohibited.

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

#rules for requesting a fic

♡ do use the ask box or submission form to make your request.

♡ do be specific about what you want (characters, pairing, scenario, etc.).

♡ do be patient; fics take time to write, and i want to give each one the attention it deserves.

♡ do check the tags and previous posts to see if a similar request has already been done.

#do’s and don'ts

♡ do feel free to suggest prompts or ideas, but don't demand a specific outcome.

♡ do respect my writing style and choices, don't try to dictate every detail.

♡ do understand that not every request will be accepted or written, don’t take it personally.

♡ don’t send multiple requests for the same fic idea; one request is enough.

♡ don’t request anything that goes against my stated boundaries or content warnings.

♡ i won’t do any age - ups of canonically teen characters. i been getting requests like these recently and no shame to your preferences but i can’t work around that scenario since it feels inaccurate. no exceptions.

♡ i won’t write smut, the most ill mention are mature themes, that’s all you will get.

♡ i don’t write for actual actors/celebrities, implying that i only write on the character you want me to portray them as.

finn wolfhard, jacob elordi ㄨ mike wheeler, nate jacobs ✓

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♡ you’re racist, homophobic, transphobic, or harbor any kind of bigotry.

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can you do another popular!readerxmikewheeler blurb please?😊

— COINCIDENCE

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , mike wheeler 𝔁 f! reader | wc 1400

summary. mike wheeler isn't the same boy he was last year. the hellfire club and d&d are his only escape from feeling like a nobody in his own school. she's hawkins high's brightest star, leading the cheer squad with a confidence that lights up every hallway, but when she stumbles upon mike during one of his campaign sessions, curiosity sparks-can two people from different worlds find common ground?

labels. popular cheerleader reader, extrovert reader, introvert mike, shy mike, touchy and affectionate reader.

warnings. add any if necessary

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. sabrina carpenter’s short n sweet album. i love it! my favorite songs have to be taste, good graces, juno, and don’t smile. enjoy ♡

hawkins high hadn’t changed much. the same squeaky floors, the same buzzing fluorescent lights, the same faces in the hallways. but to mike wheeler, it felt like an entirely different world. the one where he fit in had disappeared, replaced by one where he was just … invisible.

he hadn’t meant for it to happen. friendships drifted, people changed. lucas found a place on the basketball team, max had her own battles, el and will now resided in california, and mike? mike had the hellfire club.

most days, he liked it that way. the campaign room was a sanctuary, filled with laughter, dice rolls, and the kind of camaraderie he didn’t find anywhere else. but today? today was different.

the door creaked open, and he froze mid-sentence. ❝… roll for initiative.❞ his voice wavered slightly, eyes flickering toward the intruder.

it was her. y/n l/n, the girl everyone noticed. the head cheerleader, with that bright smile and the confidence that seemed to glow wherever she went.

she shouldn’t be here. this wasn’t her world.

her gaze swept over the room, lingering on the chaos of the game board and the scattered dice. ❝sorry, am i interrupting?❞ her voice was light, almost teasing.

dustin answered before mike could. ❝yeah, kinda. but, you know, stay if you want.❞ he grinned, clearly amused by the sheer absurdity of her being there.

mike’s cheeks burned. he ducked his head, pretending to be focused on the game. but he felt her eyes on him.

❝actually, i was looking for you,❞ she said, directing her words toward mike.

his head shot up. ❝me?❞

❝yeah. can we talk?❞ she gestured toward the hallway.

every pair of eyes in the room was on him. dustin gave an exaggerated eyebrow raise, and eddie leaned back in his chair, smirking.

❝uh … sure.❞ mike mumbled, pushing himself to his feet. his heart pounded as he followed her out.

the hallway was quieter, the hum of distant chatter fading as they walked further. she stopped near the trophy case, turning to face him.

❝so,❞ she started, crossing her arms over her chest, ❝what’s the deal with that game?❞

mike blinked. ❝what? d&d?❞

she nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. ❝yeah. it seems … interesting.❞

he didn’t know how to respond. was she messing with him?

❝why do you care?❞ his voice came out sharper than he intended.

her smile faltered for a moment before softening again. ❝i don’t know. i guess … i’ve seen you around. you always look like you’re having fun with your friends. and, well, it looks nice.❞

mike stared at her, trying to process her words. he wasn’t used to people outside of his circle being curious about his world. especially not her.

❝it is fun,❞ he admitted, his voice quieter.

her eyes lit up. ❝see? i knew it.❞ she stepped closer, leaning against the wall beside him. ❝it’s cool that you guys have something like that.❞

he shifted uncomfortably. ❝yeah, i guess. most people just think it’s nerd stuff.❞

❝who cares what most people think?❞ she shrugged. ❝you like it, right? that’s what matters.❞

his heart did a weird flip at her words. he wasn’t sure if it was her tone or the way she was looking at him —like she genuinely meant it — but something about this moment felt different.

❝thanks,❞ he said awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.

she smiled again, this time brighter. ❝anytime.❞

for a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of the school around them feeling far away.

❝so,❞ she broke the quiet, ❝you gonna teach me how to play?❞

mike blinked. ❝you want to play?❞

❝why not?❞ she laughed, bumping his shoulder lightly. ❝maybe it’s time i tried something new.❞

he hesitated. ❝i don’t know … it’s kind of complicated.❞

she raised an eyebrow. ❝are you saying i can’t handle it?❞

his lips twitched into a small smile. ❝no, just… it might not be your thing.❞

❝let me be the judge of that, wheeler.❞ she grinned, and for a second, he forgot why he was nervous.

the following week, she showed up at hellfire. dustin’s jaw practically hit the floor, and eddie looked like christmas had come early. but mike? he was nervous.

still, y/n fit in better than he expected. she laughed at their jokes, asked questions about the game, and even rolled her first dice with an enthusiastic cheer.

by the end of the session, she was leaning into mike’s side, her hand resting lightly on his arm as she whispered, ❝this is actually fun.❞

his heart raced at the contact, but he managed a nod. ❝told you.❞

❝you’re a good teacher,❞ she teased, her fingers squeezing his arm gently.

he swallowed hard, feeling a warmth spread through him. ❝you’re a good student.❞

she smiled, resting her head against his shoulder for a moment. ❝thanks for letting me crash.❞

❝thanks for wanting to,❞ he replied, his voice soft.

over the next few weeks, y/n kept coming back. not just to hellfire, but into mike’s life. she’d find him in the hallway, throw her arm around him, and drag him to sit with her at lunch.

people stared. they whispered. but she didn’t care, and somehow, neither did he.

❝you’re different,❞ she said one afternoon, walking with him after school.

❝different how?❞ he asked, curious.

❝different good,❞ she clarified. ❝you don’t try to be someone you’re not. i like that.❞

mike felt his cheeks heat up. ❝thanks.❞

she stopped walking, turning to face him. ❝i mean it.❞

he met her gaze, her sincerity hitting him hard. ❝you’re… different too.❞

her smile widened. ❝different good?❞

he nodded. ❝yeah. definitely.❞

she stepped closer, her hand brushing his. ❝you know, i think we make a pretty good team.❞

he glanced down at their hands, his heart pounding. ❝yeah … we do.❞

her fingers intertwined with his, and suddenly, hawkins high didn’t feel so overwhelming anymore.

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

— CINNAMON GIRL ³

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , ponyboy curtis 𝔁 f! reader | wc 1000

summary. ponyboy reflects on y/n toizer’s unique ability to bring comfort and understanding into his life. he explores how her presence fills the void left by his parents and how she helps him navigate the complexities of growing up.

labels. ponyboy’s point of view.

warnings. mentions of grief, reflections on loneliness, and moments of vulnerability.

sometimes, it feels like i’m stuck in the middle of two worlds. darry’s world of responsibility and soda’s world of ease. then there’s me — floating somewhere in between, not sure where i’m supposed to land. i try to find peace in my books, in writing, in the quiet moments when everything isn’t so loud. but even then, it gets lonely.

that’s where y/n comes in. she has this way of making you feel seen, like you’re not just another face in the crowd. she listens when no one else does, really listens, and it’s something i’ve come to count on. she’s more than a friend; she’s family.

it was a saturday afternoon, and the house was unusually quiet. soda was at work, darry was fixing something in the garage, and i was stretched out on the couch with a copy of great expectations. the pages were worn, the spine cracked from years of reading and rereading, but it was still my favorite escape.

i was so lost in the story that i didn’t hear the door open until y/n’s soft voice broke through my thoughts.

❝you and your books, pony. always in another world.❞

❝that’s my favorite thing about you though.❞

i looked up, startled, but her smile put me at ease. she was standing in the doorway, her hands full of grocery bags.

❝what are you doing here?❞ i asked, setting the book down.

❝someone has to make sure you boys eat something other than bologna sandwiches,❞ she teased, walking into the kitchen.

❝you’re a lifesaver, i was just getting sick of bologna!❞

i followed her, taking the bags from her hands and setting them on the counter. ❝anyway, we’re fine, you know. darry’s been cooking more.❞

❝oh, i’m sure,❞ she said, her tone playful but unconvinced.

as she started unpacking the groceries, i leaned against the counter, watching her. there was something calming about the way she moved, like she belonged here, like she’d always been a part of our lives.

❝you don’t have to keep taking care of us, y/n,❞ i said after a moment. ❝we’re not little kids anymore.❞

she paused, looking over at me with a soft smile. ❝maybe not, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need someone looking out for you. and i don’t mind, pony. you guys are my family.❞

her words settled something in me, a reassurance i didn’t know i needed.

i love her so much, i hope darry marries her in the future.

later that day, after darry had joined us for dinner, y/n and i ended up sitting on the porch steps. the sun was setting, casting the sky in shades of orange and pink. it was quiet, the kind of quiet that felt full instead of empty.

❝do you ever feel like you don’t belong?❞ i asked, the words slipping out before i could stop them.

she looked at me, her expression thoughtful. ❝what makes you say that?❞

i shrugged, picking at a loose thread on my jeans. ❝i don’t know. it’s like … darry has his responsibilities, soda has his charm, and i just … i don’t fit. i’m not like them.❞

she was quiet for a moment, and i wondered if i’d said too much. but then she spoke, her voice soft but firm.

❝ponyboy curtis, you belong just as much as anyone else. you don’t have to be like darry or soda. you’re your own person, and that’s more than enough.❞

her words hit me in a way nothing else had. i looked at her, my throat tight, and nodded.

❝thanks, y/n,❞ i said quietly.

she reached over, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. ❝anytime, pony.❞

my face quickly warmed up as she kissed my forehead.

one of my favorite things about y/n is how she never makes me feel silly for the things i care about. when i talk about books or poetry, she listens like it’s the most important thing in the world. it’s a rare thing, to be understood like that.

there was a time last summer when i was working on a poem for school. i was stuck, the words refusing to come no matter how hard i tried. y/n had stopped by, her arms full of lemonade and cookies.

mm, my favorite.

❝what’s got you so frustrated?❞ she asked, sitting down next to me at the kitchen table.

❝this stupid poem,❞ i muttered, shoving the paper away. ❝it’s supposed to be about something important, but i can’t think of anything.❞

she picked up the paper, reading the half-formed lines with a small smile. ❝why don’t you write about your parents? or your brothers?❞

i frowned, shaking my head. ❝it’s too hard.❞

❝then write about something that makes you happy,❞ she said simply. ❝write about the sunsets you love so much, or how it feels when you’re reading a good book. it doesn’t have to be perfect, pony. it just has to be you.❞

her advice stuck with me, not just for that poem but for everything else i wrote after. she made me believe that my voice mattered, even when i wasn’t sure it did.

as the night wore on and the stars came out, y/n stayed on the porch with me, talking about anything and everything. she told me stories about her brothers, about the antics charlie and matteo got into, and i told her about a new book i’d started reading.

it was easy, being with her. like all the worries and doubts faded away for a little while.

❝you’re gonna do great things, pony,❞ she said at one point, her voice full of certainty.

❝you think so?❞ i asked, my voice hesitant.

❝i know so,❞ she said, smiling at me.

and for the first time in a long time, i believed her.

© MINA LEIGH 2024 - 2025

. . . prologue darry curtis sodapop curtis you’re here!

dallas winston johnny cade steve randle two - bit matthews

hello hello !! i just found your blog and i love your writing style would you mind doing a dustin x reader fic ? hope you’re having a wonderful day !! <3

— RADIO CONNECTION

written by mina leigh 𝜗᭪ , dustin henderson 𝔁 reader | wc 1200

summary. you and dustin discover old outdated walkie - talkies that still work. you start talking to each other late at night, sharing those thoughts and dreams, slowly but surely falling in love through your late night conversations.

labels. no definite description of reader, gender neutral reader, shy & kind reader, reassuring dustin, new party member reader, worrying about being of use. dustin & suzie are only platonic friends here. party mentioned, max is readers best friend. mike doesn’t like reader. yet

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. this is my first ever time writing for dustin, so i tried to come up with a prompt suited for him. i hope this is well suited to your liking!

you pace around dustin's room, your eyes tracing over the multitude of trinkets and gadgets that adorn every surface. his room is a testament to his brilliant mind and boundless curiosity, and you can’t help but feel a bit out of place amidst it all. you hear him rustling behind you, dismantling his radio tower after yet another failed attempt to reach his friend, he met in know where camp, suzie.

❝ hey y/n, come here, ❞ dustin calls out, his voice full of excitement. you then turn to see him holding up two old, slightly battered walkie - talkies. ❝ look at what i found! ❞

you aren't gonna lie, it did startle you for a moment, what could possibly make him speak in a manner like this? you first looked over at him, but his eyes were met with the walkie - talkies.

you walk over, curiosity piqued. ❝ oh my gosh, wow! ❞ you let out content, eyes widening. ❝ do you think they still work? ❞

❝ only one way to find out, ❞ he grins, handing you one in the process. ❝ c'mon, step into the hallway and speak into it. ❞ he lets out like he was a kid in a candystore.

you walk out of dustin's room and into the dimly lit hallway, suddenly getting nervous focusing on what you were gonna say into the walkie - talkie. to put it quite frankly you putting way to much thought into this. your cheeks heat up, ❝ h-hi dustin can you hear me? ❞ when you heard yourself from his room, it came out choppier then you would've imagined, i mean they did look in very good condition you thought to yourself.

dustin's reply is just as garbled. ❝ i can… you… hold on… fix… ❞

seeing how the testing process was done with, you walked to his doorway with baby steps and peeked into his room. his eyebrows were furrowed with a hand rubbing his chin, perhaps in thought. ❝ what should we do? ❞ you asked gloomily as you return to his room, handing the walkie-talkie back to him. ❝ is there something you can do dustin? ❞ ❝ hm i think i could yeah, nothing a bit of tinkering can't fix, ❞ dustin assures you, already examining the device with a keen eye.

later that night, you lied in bed, the walkie-talkie dustin gave you sitting on your nightstand, right next to your walkman and cassettes. as soon as you returned home, you decorated you new prized possession with stickers and adhesive gems to your liking. you reach for it hesitantly, wondering if he’s still awake. finally, you muster the courage to press the button.

❝ h-hello, dustin. are you there? ❞ you let out as soft as a whisper, feeling a bit foolish and bashful.

almost immediately, his voice comes through, clear and bright. ❝ hi y/n, it's dustin. do you copy? ❞

❝ o-oh! i didn't think you would answer so quickly, ❞ the corners of your lips turning upwards. ❝ i just ... i wasn't so sure if you'd still be awake, ❞ you admitted, laughing softly

❝ of course, I’m always up for a late-night chat, ❞ he replies warmly, emitting a soft chuckle hearing your voice. ❝ how are you feeling? ❞

you hesitate, unsure how to put your swirling thoughts into words. ❝ i don’t know … i guess i feel like i’m a burden to the party. ❝ i mean, I just joined, and sometimes it feels like I’m not really useful. ❞ honestly this was on your mind for a while, just never had anyone to talk to about it, besides perhaps your stuffed animals.

❝ why would you think that? ❞ dustin’s voice is full of genuine concern. ❝ you were recruited by max, right? ❞ ❝ i would assume she knows a good addition when she sees one. ❞

❝ yeah, but it’s just … there’s this tension, ❞ you admit. ❝ will is great. he’s been so welcoming and loves talking about d&d. lucas and i get along well too. we both think max is amazing. plus jane is super pretty and has very stylish outfits! but mike … it feels like he doesn’t like me. ❞

dustin sighs softly. ❝ mike’s a bit … odd. he’s only really been close to me, lucas, will, and el jane for so long. it takes him time to warm up to new people. but he will, I promise. ❞

❝ i really hope so dustin. ❞ I say quietly. feeling better by the minute ❝ it’s just hard, feeling like an outsider. ❞

❝ hey, ❞ dustin’s voice is firm yet comforting. ❝ you’re not an outsider. you’re part of the party now. and for what it’s worth … I think you’re pretty amazing. ❞

your heart skips a beat. ❝ r-really? ❞ you squeaked, your palm immediately landed on your mouth in disbelief

❝ yeah, ❞ he says softly. ❝ i … i like you. a lot. ❞

you stay silent for a moment, processing his words. ❝ i-i like you too, dustin,❞ unsure if he meant what he meant he said. like platonic like or romantic like? ❝ no like, ugh listen to me y/n. like i really like like you. ❞ he confessed. dustin almost instantly regreted uttering those words till about three seconds later .. ❝ well i think ... i think i also like like you too. ❞ finally whisper back, enphasis on the second like. a smile spreading across your face. hoping he reciprocated across the walkie - talkie.

you both spend the rest of the night talking, sharing your dreams, your fears, and everything in between. as the hours slip by, you realize just how much you should cherish this moment, and every moment with dustin from here on out. these whispered connections that bring you closer together.

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

— COPYCAT

written by mina leigh 𝜗᭪ , cassie howard 𝔁 f! reader | wc 2250

summary. after cassie & nate’s so called relationship was called quits. you became nate’s new hot girlfriend. cassie being cassie did everything she could do to win nate back. from copying your hair & makeup, your fashion choices, and even the way you portrayed yourself. analyzing your every move.

warnings. mentions of jealousy, obsession, stalking, unwanted attention, emotional manipulation, internalized homophobia, unhealthy behavior.

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. my first time writing a female character x reader. i wouldn’t call it wlw but maybe it could if you know what i mean. like just a girl obsessing over you! barely any dialogue by the way. CASSIE’S POV

i couldn’t stop looking at her. the way she looked at him. The way he looked at her. y/n wasn’t even trying— just laughing and being herself, nate’s hand on her lower back like it belonged there. the way he used to touch me.

there’s a tightness in my chest every time i see them together. like I can’t breathe, but I’m also addicted to watching. i hate it. but I can’t stop.

i stand at the edge of the party, my gaze darting between them. her hair is loose tonight, and i know that by tomorrow i’ll be doing the same thing. i’ll curl mine just like that. her outfit? It’s effortless, but it works. i’ll be ordering that exact top later.

it’s not that i want to be her. it’s that i have to be her. i have to understand why nate left me for her. what’s so special about her?

i know it’s pathetic. maddy would’ve tell me i’m insane, if she hadn’t completely cut me off after she found out about nate and i, and kat would probably give me one of her judgmental looks, but it’s not like i’m hurting anyone by copying her. it’s just a way to get nate’s attention back. to make him realize i can be what he wants — again.

i watch them for another second, the smile on y/n’s face curling into my mind, sinking deep into my thoughts. the way her lips look so perfect, a soft laugh falling from them as nate whispers something into her ear. his eyes trail her body, the same way they used to on me, but now they’re filled with this … desire that used to be mine.

beneath it all, it feels like she’s stolen everything from me. but i’ll get it back. as simple as that.

the first time i copied her hair, i saw nate look. just a glance, but it was enough. enough to make me think this wasn’t crazy. i could do this. if I could just be perfect, like her, he’d see it.

but tonight, watching them, i realize something feels wrong. different. It’s not just nate anymore. the more i stare at her, the more I feel this pull toward y/n herself. it makes no sense. i’m supposed to hate her. she’s the reason nate isn’t with me. she’s the problem.

but i can’t stop staring.

it’s not just her hair. or her makeup. it’s the way she carries herself. the confidence. the ease. i’m trapped in a cycle of fear and desperation. but she? she’s free. it’s slowly consuming me. at least i happen to be somewhat self aware.

that’s when i realize what it is — why i’m so obsessed. i’m not just jealous of her being with nate. i’m jealous of her. she’s everything i want to be. free, beautiful, confident … powerful. everything I’m trying to be.

and deep down … i know i don’t just want to be her. i want her to notice me. maybe if she did, i wouldn’t need nate.

the next day, i go all in. my hair, makeup, outfit — all styled exactly like hers. i even spent hours studying her instagram, her poses, her expressions. i have it all down. but it’s not just about nate anymore. i’m doing this for me. i want her to see me. to notice me the way nate notices her.

when i walk into the party later that night, i feel the buzz of attention immediately. people are looking at me, but i don’t care about them. i’m looking for her. and then i spot her, standing by the drinks with nate. her eyes sweep over the crowd, and i wait, holding my breath, until they land on me.

she stares.

it was only for a moment, but i saw it. and something in me snapped, change.

i walk up to them, my heart pounding in my chest. nate barely glances at me, but i don’t care anymore. it’s her i want.

❝ you look … familiar. ❞

she says it with a raised brow, a smirk playing on her lips, and my stomach flips. she noticed. she sees me.

❝ do i? ❞ i ask, my voice quieter than i mean for it to be, but she’s still looking at me. she’s really looking at me.

❝ almost like a mirror. ❞

my cheeks flush, but before i can say anything else, nate pulls her away, his hand on her waist, guiding her to the next room. but i catch the way she glances back at me over her shoulder.

for the rest of the night, i find myself watching her more than nate. she moves with such ease, completely oblivious to the way i’m hanging on her every move. her every smile. every word.

weeks pass, and the obsession only grows. i study her. every little detail. i spend hours scrolling through her photos, reading every post, learning her habits. i don’t care if it’s wrong. i need to understand her, to know her. i start showing up wherever I know she’ll be. parties, the mall, even the café she frequents.

one day, i see her sitting alone in a booth at a diner. i feel my heart racing as i sit down at the table across from hers, pretending to be engrossed in my phone, but really i’m watching her. her hair is pulled back today, and i make a mental note to try it the same way.

and then, she looks up and catches me staring. my heart stops.

❝ hey, cassie, right? ❞ she says, her voice casual, like it’s nothing, like i haven’t been stalking her for weeks.

i nod, my throat dry, and she smiles. she waves me over, and i feel my legs move before my brain can catch up.

❝ come sit, let’s talk. ❞

i don’t know what to say. she’s so calm, so … collected, and here i am, a nervous wreck. but as i sit across from her, i can’t help but feel like maybe this is it. maybe this is the moment she’ll understand me.

hours go by, and we talk about everything — nothing. she’s so easy to talk to. i feel like i could spend forever just sitting here, listening to her voice, watching her lips move. and then she says something that sends a chill down my spine.

❝ i know what you’re doing, cassie. ❞

my heart stops. i feel my breath catch in my throat, and for a second, i can’t speak.

❝ what are you talking about? ❞ i ask, trying to play it off, but my voice shakes.

she leans forward, her eyes locking onto mine, and suddenly it’s hard to breathe.

❝ i see you, i always have been. i’m not blind. i do find it very flattering though. ❞

i feel heat rise to my cheeks. i can’t look at her anymore, but i feel her eyes burning into me.

❝ i don’t know what you’re doing at all, but if you need a friend i’m always here. ❞

the words hang in the air between us, and for the first time, i realize what i’ve been chasing. it’s not nate. it’s her. it’s always been her.

i don’t know how long we sit there, just staring at each other. the world fades away, and all i can think about is her. how i want to be her, how i want to be with her. it’s all so confusing, but at the same time, it’s crystal clear.

❝ i guess i wanted you to notice me. ❞

her expression softens, and for the first time, i see her as more than just competition. there’s something about her that pulls me in, something i can’t ignore anymore.

❝ cassie, i noticed you a long time ago … ❞

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

— TRANCE

written by mina leigh 𝜗᭪ , nate jacobs 𝔁 f! reader | wc 2500

summary. nate realizes he is the luckiest guy ever. fuck maddy, fuck cassie, he was plotting for you. you’re the most perfect girl that he could’ve ever asked for.

labels. y/n is used , she her pronouns used. nate fantasizes about you innocently and quite naughty, hyper feminine reader, pet names used, mentions of obsession, praise, & stalking, VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED.

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. i really recommend reading @annwrites multi - part fic ❝ exactly what he needs ,❞ paired with, yours truly, nate jacobs. as it was inspired by the masterpiece.

nate is in bed, staring blankly at the glow of his phone. it was some mindless scroll through his socials, yet it all felt dull. nothing grabbed his attention the way it used to. not the countless selfies of maddy’s perfectly angled poses, or cassie’s desperate attempts to catch his eye with the glossy smiles she plastered all over the screen.

he let out a breath, locking his phone and placing it face down on the bedside table. his hand trailed absentmindedly toward the blanket, pulling it up a bit to tuck you in, careful not to disturb you.

you were fast asleep beside him, your soft breaths falling into a steady rhythm. nate’s gaze lingered on you longer than it probably should’ve, his eyes tracing the delicate lines of your face. fuck, you were perfect. it was almost criminal how effortlessly beautiful you looked, even now. no makeup, no posing, no pretending. just you.

he leaned his head back into the pillow, the warmth of your presence next to him soothing yet electrifying at the same time. it wasn’t like when he was with maddy or cassie. there wasn’t that constant tension, that need to control, to manipulate. well, maybe a little. but with you, it felt… different. not better, but more intoxicating.

❝ fuck ,❞ nate muttered under his breath, staring up at the ceiling, the faint glow from the moon seeping through the curtains.

he didn’t know how he’d gotten this lucky. not that it was entirely luck. it took planning, scheming. nate wasn’t a man who left things to chance. no, if he wanted something, he took it. he figured out how to make it his, even if it meant crushing a few people along the way.

and you? you were the one thing he hadn’t let slip through his fingers.

the day nate first really noticed you, like really noticed you, something shifted in him. it wasn’t like with cassie, where she was a fleeting obsession, someone he could toy with to get under maddy’s skin. no, you were something else. something more.

it had been a regular day, or at least it was supposed to be. cassie had brushed past him in the hall, giving him a sad, hopeful glance after their situationship had gone up in flames. she didn’t matter anymore, not really. nate had already set his sights elsewhere.

and then, there you were.

you didn’t even notice him at first, just standing there with a few friends, laughing at something dumb, probably something insignificant, but to nate, it was like the world had tilted. your hair caught the light just right, that glossy sheen making him want to reach out, run his fingers through it. and your face —fuck, your face was everything. perfect lips, perfect eyes, the kind of face nate could stare at for hours and never get bored. you had that thing about you, that girl - next - door vibe mixed with something else, something unattainable.

you weren’t loud, weren’t trying to get attention like maddy or cassie always did. you didn’t need to. you had a natural confidence, something soft but undeniable. your style was all femme, skirts and cute tops, nails always done, everything just ... neat. clean. controlled. nate liked that. he loved that.

it was like the universe had handed him exactly what he’d been looking for.

but getting you? that was going to take work. although not that he ever had any difficulty getting what he desired.

nate spent weeks figuring you out. watching. waiting. it wasn’t stalking, not really, he told himself. he was just making sure he knew everything he needed to. where you liked to hang out, who your friends were, what kind of guys caught your eye. every detail mattered.

he’d show up where you’d be, casually at first, nothing too obvious. he made sure to talk to the right people, make himself seem approachable, even charming, though that part came naturally. girls liked nate. it wasn’t hard to use that to his advantage.

he noticed how your eyes would flick toward him sometimes, just a quick glance before you looked away, trying not to let it linger. it was subtle, but nate knew what it meant. you were interested. maybe you didn’t realize it yet, but you were. and he was going to make sure you realized it soon enough.

a few weeks in, he made his move. a simple conversation, nothing too forward. just enough to get you thinking. he complimented your shoes, your nails, shit like that. small things, things other guys wouldn’t notice but nate did. he saw everything about you.

he could tell you liked the attention. your smile was shy, a little flustered even, and that’s how he knew he had you. it was only a matter of time now.

the days passed, and nate played his cards perfectly. you’d started to trust him, let your guard down around him. you laughed at his jokes, blushed when he teased you, and nate reveled in it. every little thing you did only made him want you more.

he liked how soft you were. how feminine. it wasn’t just your looks, though those were enough to drive him crazy on their own. it was the way you carried yourself, the way you made him feel needed, wanted, like he was the only guy who could make you happy.

he’d make sure you never wanted anyone else.

nate was careful, though. he didn’t rush things. he let the tension build, let you get used to the idea of him being around. he didn’t want to scare you off, not like he’d done with cassie. this time, it had to be perfect.

and it worked.

the night he finally confessed, nate couldn’t hold back anymore. it had been driving him insane, keeping it all bottled up, the way he felt about you. it wasn’t just lust, though that was a big part of it. it was deeper than that, more intense. he wanted you in every way, needed you.

he cornered you after a party, pulling you aside when no one was looking. your eyes widened in surprise, but there was a hint of excitement there too. nate could see it.

❝ i can’t keep pretending, y/n, ❞ he started, his voice low, controlled. ❝ i’ve been thinking about you, about us. for weeks. ❞

you blinked, a soft flush spreading across your cheeks. ❝ nate ... ❞

❝ no, let me finish, ❞ he interrupted, stepping closer, his body just inches from yours. ❝ you’re perfect. everything about you. i can’t stop thinking about you, wanting you. ❞ his hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair from your face, and he smirked when you shivered at his touch. ❝ you deserve someone who sees that. who sees you. ❞

you stared up at him, your breathing shallow, and nate knew he had you right where he wanted.

❝ i hope you understand what i am getting at, i’m that guy, y/n, ❞ he murmured, leaning in, his lips just barely brushing your ear. ❝ i’m the guy who’s going to make sure you’re happy. no one else. ❞

your eyes sparkled, a mix of excitement and disbelief.

❝ nate... i didn’t know you felt that way, ❞ you whispered, biting your lip. ❝ i always thought... ❞

❝ what? ❞ he asked, his voice dripping with possessiveness. ❝ you thought you weren’t good enough? ❞ he let out a dark chuckle, his hand sliding around your waist, pulling you closer. ❝ you’re more than good enough. you’re mine. ❞

you stared at him, wide-eyed, but then you smiled —this soft, sweet smile that made his chest tighten.

❝ i didn’t think i’d be good enough for you, ❞ you admitted softly, looking down for a moment.

nate’s grip tightened around your waist, his hand firm as he pulled you closer, his lips brushing your temple. ❝ fuck that, y/n, ❞ he whispered, his voice thick with a mixture of desire and triumph. ❝ you’re everything i’ve ever wanted. ❞

your arms wrapped around his neck as you hugged him, pressing your face into his chest, and nate let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.

he buried his face into the curve of your neck, breathing you in, his hands gripping your waist as he smirked against your skin. you were his now. completely his.

and nate wasn’t letting you go. not ever.

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

— CINNAMON GIRL ¹

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , darrel curtis 𝔁 f! reader | wc 1000

summary. darry reflects on his lifelong friendship with y/n toizer and her impact on him and his family. this chapter delves into the bond they share, the weight of his responsibilities, and how y/n has been his constant anchor through it all.

labels. darry’s point of view.

warnings. mentions of grief, financial struggles, and family responsibilities.

life doesn’t give you much room to breathe when you’ve got a family to take care of. it’s not something i complain about — it’s just the way things are. i’ve got soda and pony to think about, bills to pay, and a roof to keep over our heads. sometimes, it feels like i’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. but there’s one person who always seems to lighten the load, even when she doesn’t realize it.

y/n toizer.

she’s been my best friend for as long as i can remember. we grew up on the same block, running through sprinklers in the summer and building forts out of whatever junk we could find. even back then, she had this way about her — soft, sweet, always smiling. it didn’t matter if the world was falling apart; y/n could make it feel like everything was going to be okay.

i don’t know what i’d do without her.

the day had been long — too long. work at the roofing company was slow, and when you’re paid by the job, that’s never a good thing. i was tired, sweaty, and had about a million things on my mind when i heard the familiar sound of her laughter coming from the front yard.

there she was, sitting cross - legged on the grass with charlie leaning against her and matteo tossing a football with soda and pony. her sundress was bright against the fading light, her hair catching the golden hues of the setting sun. for a moment, i just stood there, watching.

❝you gonna stare all day, darry, or are you gonna come say hi?❞ she called, her voice teasing but warm.

i shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. i walked over, wiping my hands on my jeans. ❝someone’s gotta keep an eye on you lot. last time you were here, soda ended up with a busted lip.❞

y/n laughed, the sound light and easy. ❝that wasn’t my fault, and you know it.❞

i sat down on the porch steps, resting my elbows on my knees as i watched the kids play. it was like this every time she came around. y/n had a way of making the house feel fuller, like it wasn’t just me holding everything together anymore.

❝how’s work?❞ she asked after a moment, her voice quieter now.

i sighed, running a hand through my hair. ❝same as always. slow. but we’ll manage. we always do.❞

she nodded, her expression thoughtful. ❝you know, if you ever need anything —❞

❝i know, y/n. but we’re fine.❞ i cut her off, not unkindly. i knew she meant well, but the last thing i wanted was to lean on her more than i already did. she had her own family to take care of.

she didn’t press the issue, and i was grateful for that. instead, she leaned back on her hands, looking up at the sky.

❝do you ever think about how different things could’ve been?❞ she asked softly.

i frowned, glancing over at her. ❝what do you mean?❞

❝if our parents were still here,❞ she said, her voice barely above a whisper. ❝yours, mine… maybe life wouldn’t feel so heavy all the time.❞

❝ studying at the same university together, we always are.❞

it wasn’t often that y/n talked about her parents. they’d passed away in a car accident when charlie was just a baby, leaving her to step into a role she hadn’t been ready for. not that you’d ever know it. y/n had taken on the responsibility of raising her brothers with a grace that still amazed me.

❝maybe,❞ i said after a moment, my voice low. ❝but you’ve done a damn good job, y/n. you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of.❞

she looked at me then, her eyes shining with something i couldn’t quite name. ❝neither do you, darry.❞

later that night, after y/n had taken her brothers home, the house felt quieter than usual. soda was sprawled out on the couch, snoring softly, while pony was tucked away in his room with a book. i sat at the kitchen table, a stack of bills in front of me and a pen in my hand.

the numbers didn’t add up, no matter how many times i went over them. i rubbed a hand over my face, frustration bubbling under the surface.

❝you’re going to give yourself wrinkles, you know.❞

i looked up, startled to see y/n standing in the doorway. she held a plate of cookies in one hand and a thermos in the other.

cookies, the ones soda and pony love.

❝what are you doing here?❞ i asked, though i wasn’t upset.

she shrugged, setting the plate and thermos on the table before sitting across from me. ❝couldn’t sleep. figured you’d still be up.❞

she wasn’t wrong. she never was.

she poured two cups of coffee from the thermos, pushing one toward me. i took it with a small nod of thanks, the warmth seeping into my hands.

❝sugar, creamer?❞ she offered.

❝no thanks.❞

❝what’s on your mind?❞ she asked, her voice gentle.

i hesitated, but something about the way she looked at me made it impossible to lie. ❝everything. the bills, the boys, work … it feels like no matter how hard i try, it’s never enough.❞

her expression softened, and she reached across the table, placing her hand over mine. ❝darrel curtis, you’re one of the strongest people i know. but you don’t have to do it all on your own. you’ve got me. you’ve got the boys. you’re not alone in this.❞

her words hit me harder than i expected. for a moment, i couldn’t speak. all i could do was nod, the lump in my throat making it impossible to say anything.

she stayed for a while after that, talking about nothing and everything, her presence a balm to the ache i didn’t even realize i’d been carrying. by the time she left, the weight on my chest felt a little lighter, the world a little less daunting.

as i lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, i couldn’t help but think about what she’d said. about not being alone.

she was right, of course. i wasn’t.

because as long as y/n toizer was around, i knew i could face whatever life threw my way.

and for that, i’d be forever grateful.

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

. . . prologue you’re here! sodapop curtis ponyboy curtis

dallas winston johnny cade steve randle two - bit matthews

— CINNAMON GIRL ⁶

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , steve randle 𝔁 f! reader | wc 1000

summary. steve’s perspective on y/n, showcasing her ability to bring balance to his fiery personality and help him navigate his insecurities. through steve’s eyes, we see how her unwavering support and understanding make her an essential part of their tight-knit group.

labels. steve’s point of view.

warnings. mild language, steve’s frustration with himself and others, and introspection about his place in the group.

there aren’t a lot of people who can put up with me. not really.

don’t get me wrong, i know i’m not the easiest guy to be around. i’ve got a temper, i get loud, and i don’t always think before i say something. most people either give up on me or just ignore me altogether.

but y/n? she’s different.

what a doll she is, truly.

i remember the first time i really noticed her. i mean, i’d seen her around before — she was always hanging out with the curtis boys, watching out for ponyboy or keeping soda in line. but we never really talked much.

it was a hot summer afternoon, and me and soda were in the garage, working on some old junker that barely held itself together. i was getting pissed because the stupid thing wouldn’t start, no matter what i tried.

❝stupid piece of —❞ i yelled, slamming the hood shut and kicking the tire for good measure.

❝you’re gonna break your foot doing that,❞ a soft voice said from behind me.

i turned around, ready to snap at whoever it was, but stopped short when i saw her. y/n was standing there with a glass of lemonade in each hand, her head tilted like she was trying to figure me out.

❝what do you want?❞ i muttered, wiping my hands on a rag.

❝thought you guys might need a break,❞ she said, holding out one of the glasses.

i hesitated for a second before taking it, mumbling a quick thanks. soda grinned, already halfway through his drink.

❝you have a lot of patience.❞ she said after a moment, nodding toward the car.

i snorted. ❝you call this patience? i’ve been cussing at it for the last hour.❞

she smiled, and it wasn’t one of those pitying smiles people give when they think you’re being dramatic. it was like she actually understood.

❝sometimes things don’t work until you stop trying so hard,❞ she said, setting her glass down. ❝maybe you just need to let it sit for a while.❞

i didn’t know what to say to that, so i just went back to fiddling with the engine, her words echoing in my head.

y/n’s got this way of making you feel like you’re not as messed up as you think you are. it’s not like she tries to fix you or anything — she just … gets it.

she really, i mean really does.

that’s something i love about her.

there was this one time when i got into a fight with soda. i don’t even remember what it was about, but i was pissed. i stormed out of the garage and went to cool off in the lot, kicking at rocks and muttering to myself.

a little while later, y/n showed up. she didn’t say anything at first, just sat down next to me and stared up at the sky.

❝you wanna talk about it?❞ she asked after a while.

❝not really,❞ i grumbled, crossing my arms.

she nodded, like that was fine with her.

❝sometimes it’s better to let it out, though,❞ she said quietly.

i sighed, running a hand through my hair. ❝i just … i don’t know. sometimes it feels like soda doesn’t take me seriously, you know? like i’m just his sidekick or something.❞

she turned to look at me, her eyes soft but steady. ❝steve, you’re more than that. soda’s lucky to have you, and he knows it. we all do.❞

her words caught me off guard, and for a second, i didn’t know what to say.

❝you really think so?❞ i asked, my voice quieter than i meant it to be.

she smiled, nudging me lightly with her shoulder. ❝i know so.❞

y/n’s one of the only people who can calm me down when i’m worked up. it’s not like she tells me what to do or anything — she just has this way of making me see things differently.

like when i’m in the middle of a rant about something stupid, she’ll just listen, nodding along until i run out of steam. then she’ll say something simple, like, ❝it sounds like you care a lot about this. that’s not a bad thing, you know.❞

and just like that, i’m not as mad anymore.

i don’t think she knows how much she means to all of us. she’s always there, always helping, but she never asks for anything in return.

there was this one time when we were all hanging out at the curtis house, and darry was stressing over bills or something. y/n just got up, grabbed a broom, and started cleaning without saying a word.

❝you don’t have to do that,❞ darry said, looking up from the kitchen table.

❝i know,❞ she replied, her tone light. ❝but it helps, right?❞

that’s just how she is. always helping, always making things a little easier for everyone else.

sometimes i wonder how she does it. how she can be so … good, even with everything she’s been through.

i mean, she’s got her own brothers to worry about, her own problems to deal with. but she never lets it show. she just keeps going, like she’s got this endless well of strength that the rest of us can only dream of.

if i’m being honest, i don’t think i’d still be around if it wasn’t for y/n. she’s one of the only people who makes me feel like i’m more than just some loudmouth grease monkey.

she sees me. the real me.

and that’s something i’ll never forget.

© MINA LEIGH 2024 - 2025

. . . prologue darry curtis sodapop curtis ponyboy curtis

dallas winston johnny cade you’re here! two - bit matthews

im so mad