— CINNAMON GIRL ⁷

🖤 ₊˚⊹ — eldest daughter of the malfoy family (2) #DISCONTINUED

parring ➵ draco malfoy x sibling f!reader

summary ➵ the beginning of the end, the initiation ceremony.

age of parring ➵ 16 - 18

warnings ➵ angst, mention of pain inflicting, broken families, flashbacks.

extra ➵ thanks to @cafekitsune for banners, extremely special thanks to @helendeath for supporting this story! mind you this chapter is long, you are responsible for your consumption. first chapter here.

before you knew it, the following school year was rapidly approaching. apparently it was the perfect time for him to conceive the dark mark.

for whatever reason for father, lucius, thought it was best for your younger brother to receive the dark mark. not thinking about the mental toll it will bring him.

the next moment, you were in draco’s room helping him get dressed and ready out the door. you weee buttoning his blazer and you then ran you hand though his hair, keeping it down. you then sigh.

❝ are you ready? ❞ you asked in a soft spoken voice, genuinely curious about his wellbeing.

❝ i-i guess, still unaware how the process will go. ❞

you then sat on his bed, patting his silk sheets to a spot next to you. he took the hint and approached you and took a seat.

❝ well whatever you feel uncomfortable, just reach out to me okay? ❞

he replied in a hum, he cleared his throat forgetting how observant his older sister was. like the both of you were in a in a pact and however he felt it will affect how you acted.

❝ how did you, yknow deal with the aftermath of embedding of the mark? ❞ draco asked hesitantly, wondering how you would answer his question.

you then stared off into space, all of the sudden the ceiling captivated your attention as you vividly remembered how it went down.

it happened in a different circumstance, but that you couldn’t remember why and when it happened. you wanted to spare yourself from revealing to much or it would most definitely get your brother more anxious then he already was.

you were also sixteen years old when your left forearm was tainted with the mark. the bubbling of a cauldron filling your mind also being the center of attention, plus witnesses taking your branding as amusing.

the pain was excruciating. it felt as if you were being held in the one of three unforgivable curses, the cruciatus curse.

the noises of your soft cries and the hot tears streaming down your cheeks fillings your memory as the dark lord announced your current loyalty to him to the rest of the death eaters.

the glittering green skull with a snake protruding from its mouth was now visible, you rubbed and pinched your skin as you were trying to rub fast drying ink off your skin.

how much you needed to see your baby brother in that very moment.

the final vision you saw was back at the manor, you were embraced by your father and you choked back sobs as he caressed your head. trying to comfort his eldest daughter, narcissa with tears welling in her eyes wiped tears away from your eyes.

draco was only fourteen when this all went down, of course he want present due to his young age. he wasn’t aware until much later that you had the mark.

how much you pushed him away from you, afraid of how would then perceive you. how much he wanted to be there for his big sister but it hurt him how painfully obvious you wanted nothing to do with him until these uncontrollable feelings subsided.

as you told him everything he wanted to hear, you noticed how much facial changes he made. slowly and slowly worsening his mood as he took in how he sister handled that all on your own.

not even able to take a full breath in and out, you embraced him as tightly as you physically could. sniffing being heard as mumbled, because you laid your face into his neck.

❝ i-i just want you to know i will be always be here for you, im so worried for you draco! ❞

draco eyebrows furrowed, responding in a hug back is his breathing struggled hearing you be in undeniable pain hurtes him because what you faced will happen to him next.

just without emotional support from him, which filled him with guilt although it was never his fault. he was just to young and still naive.

❝ i hate for you to go through this alone and just knowing i can be present makes me so relieved you have absolutely no idea! ❞ you hiccuped, whimpering.

you let yourself from a hug you know he needed. both of hands grabbing his face and making eye contact with him. his eyebrows furrowed, in a frown as he desperately tried to blink his tears away.

your fresh manicured fingers in a gentle manner rubbed his eyelids, you then kissed his temple as you always did. it was evident that it worked.

you pressed your forehead together looking at each other in a platonically loving way. reminding you of back when the both of you were kids.

the malfoy family, besides lucius, were now present in knockturn alley. where draco’s death eater initiation ceremony will take place.

as evident as it was, knockturn ally wasn’t the same as before. previously full of life, color, & and people of every blood status, it was now dark, gloomy, and isolated. reminding you of malfoy manor in a way.

how you wished to be home at this very moment, knowing you needed to prepare for the worst.

dressed formally, hair laid down held up in a ribbon. you made sure that your robes covered the dark mark. people were still around and you needed to have social awareness.

you and draco, in a quick pace, followed narcissa. stealing rapid glances around it seemed to be clear, you continued followed your mother and swiftly grabbed draco’s hand as the closer you got to the location he almost stayed put.

as if he even had a choice. it pierced you but it was the truth no matter what. little did the both of you know, harry potter, hermione granger, and ron weasley were watching you from a distance.

❝ harry, is it me or do draco, his elder sister, and mummy look like three people who don’t wanna be followed? ❞ ron asked as he observed with harry, which led with hermione whipping her head around.

then there you guys were, as mentioned previously, narcissa entering into a alleyway. and the sight of you and draco holding hands and following right away.

the golden trip exited, staying in a logical gap between the malfoy’s. awaiting for what revelation was about to arise.

the long alleyway lead to a staircase leading down, letting go of draco’s hand and lifting your dress just a few inches of the ground to prevent any tripping.

the next turn lead to the site of where the initiation would take place. borgin and burkes. you and narcissa entered simultaneously while draco stayed out, he makes eye contact with you as you held the door open for him. the ceremony would begin shortly.

the both of you were being lead to another room where the vanishing cabinet was stored. as that was happening, the trio went onto the roof as quietly and sneakily as the possibly could.

harry then observed through a window how close you and draco were than he initially imagined. the noticed the small detail of the matching stacking ring on the same finger. he thought it was a soft touch but let those thoughts subside.

you and draco ran your hands over every corner and crevice of the vanishing cabinet and exchanged in small talk in form whispers before narcissa and distracted draco by planting a kiss on her only son’s cheek, while you looked at other items the antiquarian held.

then the reason why you were held up here commenced.

a group of voldemort-sympathisers, including bellatrix lestrange and fenrir greyback encircled an old cauldron containing a bright green potion and, in the centre of the circle stood draco.

as draco extended his left arm, the potion in the cauldron exploded with light and, quickly, the group dispersed.

୨⎯ 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡 ⎯୧

— 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

🖤 ₊˚⊹ — draco & harry falling love with a prince would be like..

parring ➵ d.malfoy & h.potter x m!reader

summary ➵ both boys are undeniably in love with you, they are aware of your fondness for the both of them. which arose another rivalry between the boys.

age of parring ➵ 15 - 16

warnings ➵ n/a

extra ➵ credits to @cafekitsune for banners! this is lowkey self - indulgent. hope any of you recognize where the last name(s) is from :)) house neutral.

what a dashing young man you were, truly. that statement alone was what all students who have been attending hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry were thinking.

you were born into a royal family, many of whom happened to be absorbed into the remedy called magic.

a prince, if you will. y/n hanover - stuart fox.

you step off the gleaming hogwarts express, your arrival greeted with a mixture of curiosity and awe. as an american prince, your presence is already a subject of fascination, but being part of the most powerful magical family in the world adds an aura of mystique around you. your handsome features, kind demeanor, and humble nature quickly win over your peers, and soon, you become one of the most popular students at hogwarts.

from the moment you set foot in the castle, you catch the attention of two notable boys: draco malfoy and harry potter. both are drawn to your charisma and power, each wanting you on their side for different reasons. draco, with his aristocratic upbringing, sees in you a kindred spirit, someone who understands the burdens of legacy. harry, on the other hand, sees in you a beacon of hope and strength, someone who could be an ally in his fight against darkness.

despite their initial intentions, both boys find themselves genuinely drawn to you. draco’s haughty demeanor softens when he’s around you, revealing a vulnerable side he seldom shows. harry’s wariness fades, replaced by a deep admiration and affection. as you navigate the halls of hogwarts, you find yourself forming bonds with both of them, enjoying their company and the unique qualities each brings into your life.

draco invites you to the slytherin common room, where you sit by the fire, discussing pureblood traditions and magical theory. bis eyes often linger on you, a mixture of envy and desire clear in his gaze. he’s captivated by your strength and poise, finding himself falling deeper each day.

harry, meanwhile, introduces you to his world of adventure and camaraderie. you join him in gryffindor’s lively common room, surrounded by warmth and laughter. his friends, ron and hermione, quickly accept you into their circle. Harry’s eyes light up whenever you’re near, his admiration for you evident in every glance and smile.

as time passes, both boys become increasingly aware of their feelings for you and the fact that you hold them both in high regard. this realization sparks a new rivalry between them, each vying for your attention and affection. draco’s subtle gestures of care and protection become more pronounced, while harry’s moments of bravery and loyalty shine even brighter in your presence.

one evening, after a particularly intense quidditch match where both boys played spectacularly, they each confide in their closest friends. draco, in the slytherin common room, speaks quietly to pansy and blaise, his voice tinged with frustration and longing. harry, in the gryffindor dormitory, shares his feelings with ron and hermione, his expression a mixture of hope and anxiety.

finally, the day comes when they can no longer keep their emotions bottled up. you find yourself in a quiet corner of the library, surrounded by towering bookshelves and the faint scent of parchment. draco and harry approach you together, their faces set with determination yet softened by their undeniable affection for you.

“can we talk?” draco begins, his usual confidence faltering as he glances at harry, then back at you.

harry nods, his green eyes earnest and pleading. “we both need to tell you something,” he says, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

you listen intently as they each pour out their hearts, confessing their love for you with a vulnerability that touches you deeply. draco’s usual arrogance is replaced by a raw honesty, while harry’s bravery shines through his nervousness. Both boys look at you with pleading eyes, desperately seeking your attention, affection, and perhaps even a relationship.

standing between them, you feel the weight of their feelings and the intensity of their emotions. you know that your response will shape the path ahead, not only for you but for them as well. with a deep breath, you prepare to speak, your heart open to the possibilities that lie before you.

“i always liked - no, loved the both of you so much.”

୨⎯ 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡 ⎯୧

ur sixteen but writing 18+ content?

yeah i don’t know what went through my mind but i know for a fact i won’t do it again because to give the benefit of the doubt i’m obviously not experienced so i won’t write anything of the sort anymore whatsoever. not only that but i find it difficult maybe for the first reason i listed before, first time and last time lol not necessarily a valid point but still worth to write it out for people to see

💜 ₊˚⊹ — lay me down

parring : dallas winston x platonic older f!reader

summary : pampering a drunk dally.

warnings : intoxication

age of paring : 18 - 20

extra : this comes from a completed one - shot project from wattpad that i had removed. orginal charaters (f!reader’s siblings in book) mentioned!

𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍 was a guy who liked to party, no matter what day of the week it was.

he had been kicked out of a party hosted by tim shepard. not because he threw up all over his couch, also because he had enough alcohol.

you had never talked to tim like that but this one particular night he called your house phone letting you know dallas would stop by.

❝okay, uh huh, thanks tim have a good night.❞ you hung up the house phone and continued painting your nails.

❝y/n why were you talking to tim shepard?❞ your little brother charlie asked glancing between you and his book.

❝dallas is coming to stay the night, he isn't feeling very well.❞ you said shaking your freshly painted nails waiting for them to dry.

❝he iswnt gonnba slweep on ma bhed!❞ the eldest brother matteo yelled from the bathroom as he was brushing his teeth.

❝he won't teo..❞ you whispered as you waited worriedly for dally.

𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗂𝖿 𝗁𝖾 𝗀𝗈𝗍 𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗀𝖾𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖻𝗒 𝗌𝗈𝖼𝗌? you thought till you heard a click of the front door.

charlie let dally in and closed the door as soon as he stepped inside the toizer household to prevent cold air coming in.

❝dallas are you okay!?❞ you whispered yelled trying not to give him a headache.

❝mhm yea m' tired.❞ you looked up at his eyes forcing themselves open.

❝charlie go call matteo and help dallas get comfortable, im going to set the bed for him.❞

you said as charlie groaned as a protest but still complied.

you ran inside your bed room and removed your clothes and stuffed animals outta the way. you even fluffed the pillows for him and got a blanket for him.

you turned to the noises of your brothers grunting to push dallas into your room, clearly struggling.

❝finally!❞ matteo yelled as you shushed him not wanting dallas to get irritated.

they left and you sat on your vanity chair and took off dallas boots and his leather jacket and placed it on a place he can easily spot it.

you placed the blanket as dally shifted his position to get more comfortable, you felt giddy knowing dally was safe in the comfort of your home.

❝good night dallas..❞ you whispered thinking he didn't hear you.

❝i love you y/n.❞ dallas mumbled in response and you replied with ❝love you more dally, get some sleep.❞

you grabbed chocolate coins from your jewelry box and placed them on top of the nightstand so dally could have a sweet treat when he woke up the next morning.

୨⎯ 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡 ⎯୧

— CINNAMON GIRL ²

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

summary. soda reflects on y/n toizer’s impact on his life and how she’s been a source of joy and comfort for him, especially during tough times.

labels. sodapop’s point of view.

warnings. mentions of grief, brief reflections on parental loss, and family struggles.

when life gets tough, i try to keep smiling. i guess i learned that from mom. she always said, ❝don’t let the bad stuff take your shine, soda. the world’s got enough dark in it already.❞ i’ve held onto that, even when she wasn’t there anymore to remind me.

but sometimes, even the brightest smile can falter. and that’s when y/n steps in, like she always does, with her soft voice and kind eyes that seem to know exactly what i need to hear. she’s like a big sister to all of us, but to me, she’s more like sunshine on a cloudy day.

i remember the first time i met her. i couldn’t have been more than five, maybe six. darry had brought her over to play with us, and she had this laugh that made me want to laugh too, even if i didn’t know what was funny. she was already looking out for everyone back then — tying pony’s shoelaces so he wouldn’t trip, wiping dirt off my face, and making sure darry didn’t forget to take a break from whatever “important” thing he was doing.

❝you’re gonna be trouble,❞ she’d said to me, her hands on her hips and a grin tugging at her lips.

❝no, i’m not!❞ i’d shot back.

but she just laughed, ruffling my hair. ❝sure you’re not.❞

she’s been around ever since, like part of the family we didn’t know we needed.

that evening, i was leaning against the hood of steve’s car, trying to make sense of an engine that refused to cooperate. the heat of the day was finally starting to cool, but the frustration in my chest wasn’t.

❝you look like you’re about to punch something, soda,❞ y/n’s voice drifted over, light and teasing.

i looked up to see her walking toward me, a basket in her hands and a knowing smile on her face. she always seemed to know when i needed her.

❝just this stupid engine,❞ i muttered, stepping back as she came closer.

she set the basket down on the sidewalk and peered under the hood, not that she knew anything about cars. still, her curiosity made me smile despite myself.

❝what’s wrong with it?❞ she asked, leaning her elbows on the car as if she could will it to work through sheer kindness.

❝won’t start,❞ i said, shrugging. ❝been messing with it all day, and it’s driving me nuts.❞

❝that’s too bad, it’s a pretty color too. what a shame.❞ she huffed.

she then hummed thoughtfully, then reached into the basket, pulling out a bottle of coke and handing it to me. ❝maybe you just need a break.❞

i took the bottle, the cool glass a welcome relief in my hand. ❝thanks, y/n. you always know what to do.❞

❝that’s because i’ve had years of practice with you boys,❞ she said, her smile softening.

we sat on the curb after that, passing the bottle back and forth and talking about nothing in particular. it was easy with y/n. she never made me feel like i had to be anything other than myself.

❝you know,❞ i said after a while, ❝sometimes i feel like you’re the only one who really gets me.❞

she tilted her head, looking at me with those warm eyes of hers. ❝why’s that?❞

i shrugged, picking at the label on the coke bottle. ❝i don’t know. it’s just … darry’s always so serious, and pony’s got his books and his head in the clouds. but you … you’re always here, y/n. you make things better.❞

her cheeks turned pink, and she laughed softly. ❝soda, you’re going to make me cry if you keep talking like that.❞

❝i mean it,❞ i said, looking at her. ❝i don’t know what i- i mean .. we’d do without you.❞

she didn’t say anything for a moment, just reached out and gave my hand a squeeze. it wasn’t much, but it was enough.

later that night, after the car was finally fixed and the sun had long since set, we all ended up at my house like we always did. the living room was a mess of bodies and noise — steve arguing with two - bit over a game of cards, pony curled up in the corner with a book, and johnny quietly watching it all with a small smile.

y/n was in the kitchen, helping darry clean up after dinner. i watched her from where i was sitting on the floor, the way she moved so easily around the space, like she belonged there.

❝you’re staring again, soda,❞ steve said, nudging me with his foot.

❝shut up, steve,❞ i muttered, throwing a pillow at him.

he just laughed, shaking his head. but he didn’t push it, and for that, i was grateful.

when the night finally wound down and everyone started heading home, y/n lingered by the door, her brothers already waiting outside.

❝you sure you don’t want to stay?❞ i asked, leaning against the doorframe.

she shook her head, her smile apologetic. ❝charlie’s still sick on top of already half-asleep on his feet, and matteo’s got school in the morning. but thanks, soda. maybe next time.❞

❝i promise love.❞

❝yeah,❞ i said, stuffing my hands in my pockets. ❝next time.❞

she reached up, brushing a strand of hair out of my eyes like she used to when i was a kid. ❝goodnight, soda.❞

❝goodnight, y/n,❞ i said softly, watching as she walked down the steps and into the night.

❝you guys too, charlie and matt.❞

matteo waved behind him.

as i lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, i couldn’t help but think about what i’d said earlier. about her being the only one who really gets me. it was true. y/n had a way of making everything feel lighter, like the weight of the world wasn’t so heavy when she was around.

she was our sunshine, plain and simple.

and if there was one thing i knew for sure, it was that we’d be lost without her.

© MINA LEIGH 2024 - 2025

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

dallas winston johnny cade steve randle two - bit matthew

guys what the fuck should i write help me

when mfs bring up the outsiders and now shawty know u a nerd 😞

— TASTE

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , nate jacobs𝔁 f! reader | wc 1800

summary. nate jacobs can't seem to let you go, even as he parades his relationship with cassie howard in front of everyone. behind closed doors, you're the one he runs to, the one he can't resist. every moment with cassie is tainted by your influence-your touch, your taste, your control over him. and you wouldn't have it any other way.

labels. ex reader, feminine reader, insecure cassie, manipulative nate, soft nate, etc

warnings. mature themes, infidelity, manipulation, explicit sexual content, toxic dynamics, emotional tension

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. based on sabrina’s first track off of her sixth studio album, short n’ sweet ♡

nate's presence was suffocating, the weight of his body pressing you into the plush carpet of your living room. his hands were everywhere at once-gripping your hips, sliding under your shirt, tugging you closer like he couldn't get enough.

you tilted your head back, a soft sigh escaping your lips as his mouth trailed down your neck. his lips were warm, insistent, leaving a path of heat in their wake.

❝you shouldn't be here,❞ you murmured, though your hands betrayed you, clutching at his shoulders.

nate didn't bother to respond. instead, he pushed you down flat against the carpet, pinning you beneath him with a smirk that sent a shiver through you.

❝stop pretending you don't want this,❞ he said, his voice low and gravelly, sending vibrations through the air between you.

his mouth moved lower, his tongue tracing patterns on your skin like he was creating art.

you tangled your fingers in his hair, pulling him closer as a quiet laugh slipped from your lips.

❝where'd you learn to do that?❞ you teased, your voice dripping with mock curiosity.

nate looked up at you, his eyes dark with something you couldn't quite name.

❝you know exactly where,❞ he said, his smirk growing wider.

your stomach flipped at the implication, your mind flashing to cassie.

poor, oblivious cassie.

you hated how easily nate unraveled you.

or maybe you didn't.

because when he was like this - hungry, desperate, completely at your mercy - it was hard to care about the mess he made of everything else.

later, when the two of you lay tangled together on the floor, his head resting on your stomach, you ran your fingers through his hair, enjoying the quiet.

❝what do you even tell her?❞ you asked, your voice soft but cutting.

nate didn't answer right away, his fingers tracing idle patterns on your thigh.

❝nothing she doesn't want to hear,❞ he said finally.

you laughed, a short, sharp sound.

❝and she believes you?❞

he shifted, propping himself up on one elbow to look at you.

❝she believes what she needs to,❞ he said, his tone matter-of-fact.

you shook your head, a small smile playing at your lips.

❝you're such a liar, nate.❞

meanwhile, cassie lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling.

her phone sat untouched on the nightstand, the unanswered texts glaring back at her in the dark.

she told herself not to overthink it, to trust nate.

but the nagging feeling in her chest wouldn't go away.

you weren't sure when it had started — when nate became more yours than hers.

maybe it was the way he touched you, like he couldn't bear to let you go.

or maybe it was the way he talked about her, his voice filled with an odd mix of detachment and pity.

but most of all, it was the way he couldn't seem to stop coming back to you.

❝does she know?❞ you asked one night, your voice cutting through the quiet.

nate looked up from where he was tracing your collarbone with his lips.

❝know what?❞ he asked, his tone almost bored.

you smirked, tilting your head to meet his gaze.

❝that every time she kisses you, she's tasting me?❞

his lips twitched into a small smile, his hand sliding up to cradle your jaw.

❝no,❞ he said. ❝but i think she suspects.❞

it wasn't just physical between you and nate.

it was the way he looked at you, like you were the only thing keeping him grounded.

it was the way he talked to you, his voice softer, his words laced with a vulnerability he never showed anyone else.

and it was the way he let you see him — not the version of himself he showed the world, but the raw, unfiltered truth.

you didn't pity cassie.

she was a grown woman, making her own choices.

but there was a part of you — a small, quiet part - that wondered what it must be like to be her.

to be the one nate came home to.

to be the one he kissed in public, the one he called his.

but then you remembered the way he looked at you, the way he touched you, the way he came to you in the dead of night when no one else could see.

and you knew you had something she never would.

cassie stood in the kitchen, staring at the clock on the wall.

it was almost 3 a.m, and nate still hadn't come home.

she wanted to call him, to demand answers, but something stopped her.

she didn't want to hear the excuses, didn't want to confront the truth she was already beginning to suspect.

because deep down, she knew.

she'd always known.

when nate finally pulled himself away from you, the sun was just beginning to rise.

he sat on the edge of your bed, his back to you as he pulled on his shirt.

❝you don't have to go,❞ you said, your voice softer than you intended.

he turned to look at you, his expression unreadable.

❝yes, i do,❞ he said.

you nodded, biting the inside of your cheek to keep from saying anything else.

he leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss to your forehead before straightening up.

❝i'll see you soon,❞ he said.

and just like that, he was gone.

as you watched him drive away, a strange mix of emotions settled in your chest.

you told yourself it was the last time, that you wouldn't let him back in.

but deep down, you knew the truth.

he'd always come back to you.

because no matter where he went, no matter who he was with, he couldn't escape you.

you were the taste on his lips, the whisper in his ear, the ghost that haunted his every move.

and that was something no one - not even cassie - could take away.

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

nobody asked but im working on coming out with another nate jacobs one - shot

spoiler . . . viewer discretion is advised ୨ৎ