#minaleigh

[leighbaye]

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

spoiler . . . viewer discretion is advised ୨ৎ

[leighxcx]

@LEIGHXCX — mina leigh ♡

sixteen. hispanic. bisexual. writer. she/her. ₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ .

. . . ⟢ links to aid. lastpst, masterlist, & rules.

[leighbaye]

let’s be friends!

sure ♡

[leighbaye]

girl thank you so much ♡

@thottieonline

[leighbaye]

thanks so much for 200 followers ♡

[leighbaye]

— CINNAMON GIRL ᶠⁱⁿᵃˡᵉ

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , the greases 𝔁 f! reader | wc 1000

summary. features the greasers talking amongst themselves about y/n, how she’s always been a constant presence in their lives, and what she means to them. a few mentions of matteo and charlie, her younger brothers, but the main focus is on y/n’s role in the greaser family.

labels. lighthearted tone, mentions of family and friendship, and reflections on y/n’s impact on each character’s life.

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. chapter 8! the last one, this was so much fun to recreate and make it better for my following. this might me the last thing i write for a while. school started back up so ill be mia for a bit. feel free to send requests ♡

darry

❝you know, i always figured y/n would end up like one of those people who quietly fades into the background. but somehow, she’s always there when we need her, without even trying.❞

soda nodded in agreement. ❝yeah, like when things get rough and everyone else is losing their heads, she just … takes over without making a big deal about it.❞

ponyboy

❝she never really asks for anything. she just does what she has to do, and everything feels a little less heavy. i think that’s what gets me the most. she doesn’t need anyone’s validation to do what’s right, and that’s … rare.❞

johnny

❝yeah, it’s like she doesn’t mind putting herself last as long as everyone else is okay. she’s … i don’t know, the kind of person who makes you want to be better just by being around her.❞

two-bit

❝she’s the best at making people laugh when they need it most. i mean, i’m no slouch myself, but y/n? she’s got that knack for knowing when to say something and when to just listen. it’s like she gets us, even when we’re acting like idiots.❞

steve

❝i don’t get how she does it. i’ve seen people go through a lot, but y/n — she never shows the weight of it. it’s like she’s got this inner strength, y’know? she keeps everything together without even breaking a sweat. and it’s not just about her being the “mom” of the group, either. she genuinely cares, and i think that’s what makes her so different.❞

darry

❝yeah. she’s a lot stronger than people give her credit for. i think she has to be. raising her brothers, keeping everyone else in line, and still somehow managing to make us all feel like we matter … she does it all.❞

ponyboy

❝she’s also one of the only people who can get through to me when i’m being… well, me. when i get caught up in my own head, she just knows how to make me talk about it. and it’s not even in a way that feels forced. she just knows how to make me feel heard.❞

two-bit

❝yeah, she’s got this way of making you feel like you matter, when you’re at your worst. i mean, i’ve definitely had my fair share of screw-ups, but every time she talks to me, it’s like i’m not just the guy who tells bad jokes. i’m someone she actually cares about.❞

steve

❝she’s also the only person who can keep soda in check. not that soda’s bad or anything, but y/n just… knows how to get through to him. she makes him feel like he’s got this huge weight on his shoulders, but at the same time, she’s always there to remind him it’s okay to relax sometimes.❞

johnny

❝i think that’s what i like most about her — how she makes everyone feel like they belong. even if we mess up, she doesn’t let us feel like we’re failures. i’ve never felt judged by her. she just accepts us, flaws and all.❞

darry

❝i remember when she first started hanging around with us. it was just me, soda, and ponyboy, and we had our own way of doing things. then y/n showed up, and she … just fit. like she was always supposed to be here. her brothers, matteo and charlie, are a handful, but she’s always got them under control. it’s like she’s got this natural way with kids.❞

soda

❝yeah, she’s like a big sister to us, too. i don’t know how she does it, but she’s always there, always checking in, making sure we’re not getting into too much trouble. and if we do, she’s the one to give us that disappointed look that makes you feel like you’re five years old again.❞

two-bit

❝that’s the thing, though. she’s not just a second mom to us. she’s our friend. someone we can go to when we need to talk, or just … chill, y’know? she’s got this balance that none of us have. she’s one of us, but she’s also someone we can look up to.❞

johnny

❝and she’s always the one who puts everyone else before herself. i’ve seen her stay up late helping matteo with his homework or comforting charlie when he’s had a bad day. i don’t know how she does it, but she’s always there for us.❞

steve

❝she’s a fighter, too. i don’t think anyone’s seen it, but i have. when things get tough, she doesn’t back down. not for a second. i think that’s why i trust her so much. when y/n says she’s got your back, she really means it.❞

darry

❝you know, i think that’s why we all stick together. y/n doesn’t just bring people together, she makes us want to be better. i don’t know how, but she does.❞

two-bit

❝yeah. it’s like, without her, none of us would be the same. we wouldn’t be as tight-knit, as loyal to each other. we wouldn’t be a family.❞

soda

❝y/n’s the glue. she’s the one who holds all of us together, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.❞

© MINA LEIGH 2024 - 2025

[leighbaye]

— CINNAMON GIRL ⁷

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , keith matthews 𝔁 f! reader | wc 1000

summary. two - bit’s perspective on y/n, highlighting her ability to see through his jokester persona and remind him of his worth. through two-bit’s eyes, we see how y/n’s kindness and understanding make her an irreplaceable part of their makeshift family.

labels. two - bit’s point of view.

warnings. lighthearted tone with underlying mentions of insecurity, two - bit’s reflections on his role in the group, and his deep admiration for y/n.

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. second to last chapter! thank you everyone for reading all the way to this point! reblogs are very much appreciated! lots of love ♡

most people think i’m all jokes and no depth. and hey, i get it. it’s easier that way — crack a joke, lighten the mood, and nobody asks too many questions. but y/n? she never fell for that act.

she sees right through me, every damn time.

i think the first time i realized how much y/n mattered to me was when we were all hanging out at the curtis house. soda and steve were arguing over some car part, pony was reading, and darry was working on god - knows - what in the kitchen. i was sitting there, flipping through a comic, when y/n came in with her brothers, charlie and matteo.

the second she walked through the door, the whole place felt … brighter. not in a cheesy, lovey-dovey way, ok maybe .. but like she just brought this energy with her that made everything a little better.

❝two-bit,❞ she said, smiling at me. ❝you’re not causing trouble, are you?❞

❝me? trouble?❞ i grinned, holding up my hands. ❝i’m an angel, y/n. pure as the driven snow.❞

she laughed, shaking her head. ❝sure you are.❞

that laugh, man. it’s the kind of laugh that makes you feel like you’ve done something right, even if you’ve been screwing up all day.

y/n gets my humor in a way not many people do. most folks think i’m just trying to be funny for the sake of it, but she knows there’s more to it than that.

one time, i was sitting on the curb outside the dx, cracking jokes with soda while we waited for steve to get off work. y/n showed up, carrying a bag of snacks for her brothers, and sat down next to me.

❝what’s so funny?❞ she asked, tilting her head.

❝just telling soda about the time darry tried to fix that leaky faucet and flooded the kitchen,❞ i said, grinning.

she chuckled, but then her expression softened. ❝you always know how to make people laugh, two-bit. it’s a good thing.❞

i shrugged, leaning back on my hands. ❝somebody’s gotta do it. keeps things from getting too heavy, you know?❞

she didn’t say anything for a minute, just looked at me like she was trying to figure something out.

here she goes again.

❝you know it’s okay to let things be heavy sometimes, right?❞ she said finally, her voice quiet.

i didn’t know how to respond to that, so i just nodded, my throat feeling tighter than it should have.

y/n’s got this way of grounding me, even when i don’t realize i need it. it’s not like she tells me what to do or anything — she just … reminds me that i’m more than the jokes i make.

like the time i got into a fight with some socs. it wasn’t a big deal or anything, but i ended up with a busted lip and a bruise on my cheek. when i showed up at the curtis house, trying to laugh it off, y/n wasn’t having it.

❝two-bit, what happened?❞ she asked, her brow furrowing as she stepped closer.

❝nothing,❞ i said, waving her off. ❝just had a little disagreement with some rich boys, that’s all.❞

she didn’t buy it for a second.

❝sit down,❞ she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

i sat, mostly because it was y/n and not darry telling me what to do. she grabbed a washcloth and started cleaning up the cut on my lip, her touch gentle but firm.

❝you don’t have to act like it doesn’t hurt, you know,❞ she said after a moment.

❝i’m fine,❞ i muttered, but the way she looked at me made me feel like maybe i wasn’t.

the thing about y/n is, she’s not just kind — she’s smart, too. she knows when to push and when to back off, and she always seems to know exactly what to say.

like the time i was feeling like i didn’t really belong in the group. everyone else had their thing — darry was the leader, soda was the charmer, pony was the brains, and even johnny had this quiet strength about him. me? i was just the guy who made everyone laugh.

i was sitting on the porch, nursing a beer and feeling sorry for myself, when y/n came out and sat down next to me.

❝what’s got you so quiet?❞ she asked, nudging me with her shoulder.

❝nothing,❞ i said, taking a sip of my drink.

❝doesn’t sound like nothing,❞ she replied, her tone light but probing.

i sighed, staring at the ground. ❝sometimes i feel like … i don’t know. like i’m just the clown of the group, you know? like i’m not really good for anything else.❞

she was quiet for a moment, and i braced myself for some kind of pitying response.

❝you know that’s not true, right?❞ she said finally. ❝you’re the heart of this group, two-bit. you keep us all together, even when things get rough.❞

her words hit me harder than i expected, and for once, i didn’t have a joke to make.

❝thanks, y/n,❞ i said quietly, my voice rough.

❝anytime,❞ she replied, her smile soft and genuine.

if you ask me, y/n’s the glue that holds us all together. she’s always there, always making sure we’re okay, even when she’s got her own stuff to deal with.

she’s not just a friend — she’s family. and i’d do anything to make sure she knows that.

© MINA LEIGH 2024 - 2025

. . . prologue darry curtis sodapop curtis ponyboy curtis

dallas winston johnny cade steve randle you’re here! final

[leighbaye]

— 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

[leighbaye]

— CINNAMON GIRL ⁵

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , johnny cade 𝔁 f! reader | wc 1000

summary. johnny’s perspective on y/n, showcasing her role as a source of comfort and hope in his life. through johnny’s eyes, we see how her kindness and warmth help him navigate the darkness he faces, giving him a sense of belonging he’s never had before.

labels. johnny’s point of view.

warnings. mentions of abuse, trauma, and johnny’s feelings of worthlessness; themes of comfort and healing.

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. how is everyone enjoying this project? i hope previous and new readers are enjoying this as much as i am. are you having a great new year so far? lots of love, mina leigh ♡

most people look at me and see nothing. a kid who’s scared of his own shadow. a nobody. it’s easier that way, i guess. less expectations, less disappointments. but y/n’s never looked at me like that. not once.

she’s got this way about her — soft, sweet, like sunlight breaking through the clouds. it doesn’t matter how dark things get; when she’s around, it’s like i can breathe again.

the first time i met her, i was sure she’d ignore me like everyone else. i was sitting on the curtis’ front steps, trying to make myself invisible while the guys joked around inside.

she walked up the driveway, her arms full of books and groceries, and i tried not to stare. she was beautiful in a way that didn’t make sense in our world, like she belonged in a painting or something.

❝hey, you must be johnny,❞ she said, her voice soft but certain. ❝i’ve heard a lot about you.❞

i blinked up at her, unsure how to respond. people didn’t usually talk to me unless they had to, let alone someone like her.

❝uh … hi,❞ i mumbled, looking down at my shoes.

❝a shy one are you? you’re so cute, you remind me of my little brother charlie.❞

she smiled, and it wasn’t one of those fake smiles people give when they feel sorry for you. it was real, warm.

❝it’s nice to finally meet you,❞ she said. ❝the guys talk about you all the time. they care about you a lot, you know.❞

i didn’t know what to say to that, so i just nodded, my throat tight.

y/n’s different from anyone i’ve ever known. she doesn’t treat me like i’m broken, like i’m some kind of charity case. she treats me like i’m just … me.

there was this one time when i showed up at the curtis house after another fight with my parents. my dad had hit me again, and my mom had screamed at me until i couldn’t take it anymore. i didn’t know where else to go.

y/n was there, sitting on the couch with ponyboy. she looked up when she saw me, her expression softening.

❝johnny,❞ she said, standing up and walking over to me. ❝what happened?❞

i shrugged, trying to act like it wasn’t a big deal. ❝nothing. just … needed to get out for a while.❞

she didn’t push, didn’t ask any more questions. she just took my hand and led me to the kitchen, where she made me sit down and handed me a glass of water.

❝you don’t have to talk about it,❞ she said, her voice gentle. ❝but you’re safe here, okay? no one’s going to hurt you.❞

i nodded, the lump in my throat making it impossible to speak.

she’s always been like that, y/n. never forcing me to say or do anything, just letting me be. it’s not something i’m used to, and sometimes it scares me.

i remember one night when we were sitting outside, just the two of us. the stars were out, and the air was cool. i was quiet, like always, and she was humming some tune under her breath.

❝do you ever wish you could just … disappear?❞ i asked suddenly, the words slipping out before i could stop them.

she turned to look at me, her eyes full of something i couldn’t quite place.

she hesitates.

❝sometimes,❞ she said softly. ❝but then i remember all the people who’d miss me if i did.❞

i looked away, my chest tightening. ❝i don’t think anyone would miss me.❞

she reached over, her hand resting lightly on mine. ❝that’s not true, johnny. i’d miss you. the guys would miss you. you matter more than you know.❞

her words hit me like a punch to the gut, and i didn’t know what to do with them. no one had ever said anything like that to me before.

❝oh johnnycake! don’t make me cry ..❞

y/n’s got this way of making you believe things you didn’t think were possible. like maybe, just maybe, there’s something good in the world after all.

there was this one time when we were all hanging out at the lot, just messing around. i was sitting off to the side, watching the guys goof off, when y/n walked over and sat down next to me.

❝why don’t you join them?❞ she asked, tilting her head.

i shrugged. ❝i’m not really good at that stuff.❞

she smiled, nudging me gently. ❝you don’t have to be. they’re your friends, johnny. they like having you around, even if you’re just sitting here.❞

i didn’t say anything, but her words stuck with me.

y/n’s like a light in the darkness, and sometimes i wonder how someone like her ended up here, with us. she’s too good for this world, too good for me.

but she never makes me feel like i don’t belong. when she looks at me, i don’t feel like a scared kid or a screw - up. i just feel … safe.

and that’s something i’ll never take for granted.

© MINA LEIGH 2024 - 2025

. . . prologue darry curtis sodapop curtis ponyboy curtis

dallas winston you’re here! steve randle two - bit matthews

[leighbaye]

— CINNAMON GIRL ⁴

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , dallas winston 𝔁 f! reader | wc 1000

summary. dallas’ perspective on y/n, delving into his tough exterior and how she manages to reach the vulnerable parts of him he keeps hidden. through dallas’ eyes, we see the impact of her unwavering kindness and how she brings a rare sense of peace to his otherwise chaotic life.

labels. dally’s point of view.

warnings. mentions of dallas’ rough upbringing, and brief references to violence and criminal behavior.

life’s a fight. always has been. you either take the punches or you throw ‘em, and i’ve never been the kind to just sit there and take it. the streets taught me that. new york taught me that.

but for some reason, y/n never needed to fight. she could walk into a room and somehow everything got quieter, calmer. like even the meanest bastard wouldn’t dare cross her. i used to think it was because she was soft, too sweet for her own good. but now i know better. y/n’s tougher than most people i’ve ever met. just in a different way.

the first time i met her, i thought she was a joke.

it was a couple years back. i’d just started hanging around with the curtis boys and their little crew. didn’t trust any of them yet, not really. but they had my back in a fight, and that was good enough.

y/n was sitting on the couch at their place, holding pony’s arm and telling him to quit squirming while she bandaged him up. he’d taken a tumble during a game of football, and the kid was whining like he’d lost a leg or something.

saw two other kids, looked just like her. the younger boy spoke.

❝im so sorry pony! i didn’t mean too, i’ll do anything to make it up to you!❞

i already don’t like him, why are his glasses so big?

pony, one i was familiar with replied.

❝don’t worry ‘bout it charlie, we were just playing around ... ouch! y/n … that hurts.❞

❝you’re fine, pony,❞ she said, her voice calm but firm. ❝just sit still.❞

i leaned against the doorframe, watching her. she didn’t look like she belonged in a place like this — too clean, too pretty, too … good.

❝who’s this?❞ i asked, jerking my chin toward her.

❝that’s y/n,❞ soda said, grinning. ❝she’s like our guardian angel or something.❞

❝angel, huh?❞ i smirked, crossing my arms. ❝doesn’t look like much to me.❞

y/n glanced up then, her eyes meeting mine. they weren’t soft like i expected. there was steel in them, and it threw me off.

❝and you must be dallas,❞ she said, her voice steady. ❝i’ve heard about you.❞

❝yeah? what’d you hear?❞

❝that you’re trouble.❞

i grinned, stepping closer. ❝and you’re not scared?❞

she smiled back, just a little. ❝should i be?❞

i didn’t know what to say to that, so i just shrugged and walked away. but that was the start of it, i guess. the beginning of whatever this thing is between me and her.

y/n’s different from anyone i’ve ever known. most people take one look at me and decide i’m not worth their time. hell, half the time i don’t blame ‘em. i’m a mess, and i know it.

but not y/n. she sees through all the crap, like she’s got some kind of sixth sense for knowing when someone’s not as tough as they act.

there was this one night, a few months after we met. i’d gotten into a fight with some socs down by the tracks. they jumped me, four against one, and i didn’t exactly come out on top. i managed to drag myself to the curtis house, bloodied and bruised, thinking maybe darry could patch me up.

instead, i found y/n sitting on the porch, reading some book i didn’t recognize.

❝what the hell happened to you?❞ she asked, her eyes going wide when she saw me.

❝just a little disagreement,❞ i muttered, trying to brush past her.

but she wasn’t having it. she grabbed my arm, surprisingly strong for someone so dainty, and pulled me inside.

❝sit,❞ she ordered, pointing to the kitchen table.

i thought about arguing, but something in her voice made me shut up and do as she said. she grabbed a towel and some ice, cleaning me up without a word.

❝you’ve got to stop doing this to yourself, dallas,❞ she said after a while, her voice quiet.

❝doing what?❞ i asked, wincing as she dabbed at a cut on my forehead.

❝acting like you don’t matter,❞ she said, her eyes meeting mine. ❝like it doesn’t matter if you get hurt.❞

i didn’t know what to say to that, so i just looked away.

it’s funny. i’ve been through more fights and close calls than i can count, but the only thing that’s ever really scared me is the thought of losing y/n.

i don’t mean that in a romantic way or anything. it’s just … she’s the only person who’s ever made me feel like i’m worth something. like maybe i’m not as screwed up as i think i am.

she’s always there, no matter what. when i screw up, when i push people away, when i do something stupid that lands me in trouble — y/n’s there, not judging, not lecturing. just … there. in a good way.

there was this one time, not too long ago, when things got really bad. i’d been arrested again, and when i got out, i didn’t want to see anyone. i holed up in my crappy little room, trying to pretend the rest of the world didn’t exist.

but y/n didn’t let me. she showed up one afternoon, knocking on the door until i finally let her in.

❝what do you want?❞ i asked, my voice rough.

❝to check on you,❞ she said simply, stepping inside like she owned the place.

she didn’t say much after that, just sat with me, her presence steady and grounding. after a while, i started talking — about new york, about my parents, about all the crap i never tell anyone.

and she listened. she didn’t try to fix me or tell me everything was going to be okay. she just listened, and somehow, that was enough.

y/n’s the kind of person you don’t expect to find in a place like this. she’s too good for it, too good for any of us, really. but she stays anyway, and i don’t think i’ll ever understand why.

all i know is, i’d do anything to protect her.

© MINA LEIGH 2024 - 2025

. . . prologue darry curtis sodapop curtis ponyboy curtis

you’re here! johnny cade steve randle two - bit matthews

[leighbaye]

— 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

[leighbaye]

happy new year :3

[leighbaye]

— 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

[leighbaye]

— CINNAMON GIRL ᵖʳᵒˡᵒᵍᵘᵉ

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , greasers 𝔁 f! reader | wc 886

context. a glimpse into y/n toizer’s life and her connection to the curtis brothers and their group of friends. this multi - part fic explores the bond y/n shares with the boys and how they view her as their “second mother,” a central figure in their lives.

labels. mild language, mentions of familial struggles, and emotional themes of loss and responsibility.

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. revamping my first ever work from wattpad, this was truly my best idea just executed very poorly & i was desperate to fix it to my fulfillment. i really hope this reaches my target audience. without further ado, i wish this project shows everyone potential in enjoying. thank you all so much ♡

there’s something about the early evening that seems to freeze time. golden light spills across the cracked pavement, turning everything softer, warmer, even if life in tulsa rarely ever is.

y/n toizer leaned against the rickety fence outside the curtis house, the hem of her sundress swaying lightly in the breeze. her eyes followed her youngest brother, charlie, as he chased after soda and ponyboy with a whoop of laughter. next to her, matteo, taller and already wearing the sharp edges of teenagehood, leaned with crossed arms, watching the chaos unfold.

❝why do i get the feeling they’re going to break something?❞ y/n let out, nudging matteo lightly with her elbow.

❝because they always do,❞ matteo replied dryly, though there was a hint of amusement on his face.

the screen door slammed open, and darry stepped out, wiping his hands on a rag. he looked older than his twenty years, the weight of responsibility written in the lines on his face and the strength in his shoulders. still, when he saw y/n, his expression softened in a way it rarely did for anyone else.

❝you’re too soft on those kids, y/n,❞ darry said, but there was no real heat in his voice.

y/n tilted her head with a smile, her eyes sparkling with affection. ❝they’re just having fun. besides, it’s not like you’re any better. i seem to remember you teaching soda how to climb that tree last summer.❞

darry chuckled, shaking his head. ❝you’ve got a good memory.❞

it was true. she always remembered the little things — like how soda hated peas but loved mashed potatoes, or how ponyboy preferred books over ball games, or how two - bit had a soft spot for anything with a joke attached to it. she remembered how johnny flinched at loud noises and how steve’s bravado hid the fact that he just wanted to be seen.

and then there was dally, the wild card. even he softened around her, though he’d never admit it outright.

when the curtis parents had passed, y/n had stepped in as naturally as breathing. she was there to help darry when he didn’t know how to balance keeping a roof over their heads and making sure soda and pony still had a childhood.

at the same time, y/n had her own family to care for. her brothers needed her just as much, if not more, and she often stretched herself thin trying to be everything for everyone. but she never complained. it wasn’t in her nature.

later that evening, the boys were sprawled out in the curtis living room, the air filled with lazy conversation and laughter.

y/n sat on the couch, her legs tucked neatly under her, a half-mended shirt in her lap. two - bit leaned against the armrest, grinning as he recounted some exaggerated story, while soda rested his head in her lap, contentedly half - asleep.

❝y/n,❞ ponyboy said suddenly, looking up from his book. ❝why don’t you ever get mad at us?❞

the room quieted at his question, all eyes turning to her. she paused, her fingers stilling on the needle and thread.

❝mad?❞ she echoed, tilting her head.

❝yeah,❞ pony continued, his brow furrowed. ❝you’re always so nice, even when we mess up.❞

y/n’s smile was soft, almost wistful. ❝it’s not that i don’t get upset, pony. it’s just … i know how hard life can be. for all of us. sometimes, kindness is the only thing that keeps us going.❞

johnny, who rarely spoke up, murmured, ❝you’re real good at that, y/n.❞

❝at what?❞ she asked gently.

❝at making things better,❞ he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

the room fell into a comfortable silence after that, the kind that only existed between people who truly cared for one another.

as the night wore on, y/n gathered her brothers to head home. charlie was half - asleep, leaning against her side, while matteo walked ahead, his hands shoved into his pockets. darry walked them to the gate, his hand resting lightly on the small of y/n’s back.

❝you know, you don’t have to take care of everyone,❞ he said quietly.

y/n looked up at him, her expression unreadable for a moment before she smiled. ❝i know, darry. but someone has to.❞

❝besides, i want to.❞ y/n let out in a whisper.

he didn’t argue, because he knew she was right. but as he watched her walk away, her silhouette fading into the dark, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry. she gave so much of herself to others, and he wondered if she ever kept anything for herself.

❝take care of her, matt,❞ darry called softly to her brother.

matteo glanced back, his expression serious. ❝always.❞

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

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

dallas winston johnny cade steve randle two - bit matthews

[leighbaye]

I AM ABSOLUTELY LOVING THE MIKE WHEELER X POPULAR GIRL READER LIKE NEHEHDNDHD

its so cute i exploded

We need more 🤌

(I ask respectfully 🙇‍♀️)

— A DREAM WITH A CHEERLEADER

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , mike wheeler𝔁 f! reader | wc 1700

summary. mike wheeler, a shy and awkward member of the hellfire club, has been harboring a massive crush on you ever since he first saw you cheering at one of lucas’s basketball games. despite his insecurities, his friends max and dustin help him gather the courage to talk to you. with their advice and a bit of luck, mike might finally close the gap between his daydreams and reality.

labels. cheerleader reader, feminine reader, use of y/n, shy and awkward mike, hellfire mike, reader is into it though.

warnings. mild language, social anxiety, fluffy awkwardness.

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. based on faye webster’s song “dream with a basketball player.” merry christmas those who celebrate & happy new year.

i saw you first during lucas’s game last month. you were standing at the edge of the court, wearing your cheer uniform, waving your pom-poms in sync with the rest of the team. but for me, you didn’t blend in — you stood out. the way you smiled, like it didn’t matter if your team was losing or winning, it hit me. i couldn’t look away.

since then, it’s been … bad.

❝dude, you have to stop staring,❞ dustin said during lunch one day, waving a fry in front of my face. i blinked, realizing i’d been watching you across the cafeteria again. ❝it’s borderline creepy at this point.❞

❝i’m not staring,❞ i muttered, looking down at my tray, heat rising to my face.

shit, max is here. why did she decide to sit with us today?

max, sitting next to him, rolled her eyes. ❝no, dustin’s right. you’ve been mooning over her for weeks, mike. either do something about it or stop whining.❞

❝just because i don’t sit with you everyday doesn’t mean i can’t see how obvious you are drooling over her.❞

❝i’m not whining,❞ i protested, but they both gave me a look. i groaned, slumping forward. ❝it’s not like she’d ever go for someone like me, okay? she’s …she’s perfect. and i’m just —❞

❝a nerd?❞ max supplied helpfully.

❝thanks,❞ i grumbled.

dustin leaned in, lowering his voice like he was about to deliver some top-secret intel. ❝listen, y/n’s cool. cooler than you, sure. but she’s not, like, untouchable. she talks to lucas all the time, right?❞

❝lucas is on the team.❞

❝exactly. so you already have a connection.❞

max smirked. ❝just go up to her and say, ❝hi, i’m mike, and i think you’re really pretty. want to hang out sometime?❞ see? easy.❞

❝not easy,❞ i muttered. ❝she’d laugh in my face.❞

❝or,❞ dustin said, ❝she might not. look, dude, the worst that can happen is she says no.❞

i didn’t want to admit it, but they were right.

it took another week — and a shit ton of convincing — but eventually, i agreed to let them help me.

max decided the best plan was to catch you after school when you weren’t surrounded by your cheer squad or basketball players. i was already regretting this.

we spotted you at your locker, stuffing books into your bag.

❝okay,❞ max whispered. ❝just walk up and say hi. be normal. don’t overthink it.❞

❝don’t overthink it,❞ i repeated under my breath. easy for her to say. my palms were sweaty, and my heart was pounding like i’d just run a mile.

i approached slowly, each step feeling heavier than the last.

❝uh, hey,❞ i blurted out when i reached you. smooth. real smooth.

you looked up, surprised but not annoyed. ❝oh, hey. mike, right?❞

you knew my name? that alone nearly made me short - circuit.

❝yeah, that’s me,❞ i said, my voice cracking slightly. i cleared my throat. ❝uh, i just … i wanted to say hi.❞

❝hi,❞ you said, smiling. ❝how’s it going?❞

❝good! great. i mean, yeah. you?❞

you laughed softly, and it was the nicest sound i’d ever heard. ❝i’m good. tired, though. practice was brutal today.❞

❝yeah, i bet,❞ i said, nodding like an idiot. then, before i could chicken out, i added, ❝so, uh, i was wondering if … maybe you’d want to hang out sometime? like, get a milkshake or something?❞

your eyebrows raised, and for a second, i thought i’d made a huge mistake. but then you smiled again, and it felt like the sun had come out.

❝sure, mike. that sounds fun.❞

❝really?❞

❝really,❞ you said, pulling a pen from your bag and scribbling your number on a scrap of paper. ❝call me, okay?❞

i nodded, speechless, as you handed me the paper and walked away.

later, dustin and max found me standing in the same spot, still holding the paper like it was a golden ticket.

❝you did it!❞ dustin cheered, clapping me on the back.

max smirked. ❝told you it wasn’t that hard.❞

maybe it wasn’t. but to me, it felt like a miracle.

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

[leighbaye]

— 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