💜 ₊˚⊹ — Lay Me Down

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

— 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

maybe i was born to read fanfic and obsess over fictional men idk

— 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

may u do the gang with a significant other who is in a popular band or actor? up to four preference of course. lots of love!

୧ ׅ𖥔 ۫ darling, can i be your favourite? ⋄ 𓍯

REQUESTED: reader’s the coolest person ever and the gang’s their biggest fan!

tags/warnings: headcanons, gn!reader, reader is a singer/popstar!reader, gang is obsessed, reader is big time famous, near the end they got shorter because my tumblr started lagging.

ೃauthor notes⁀➷ hey my love !!! seen this after i posted and knew i had to get to work 🙂‍↕️ also while i was working on this, i got a req for actor!reader..ur in luck🤭

—

johnny cade

╰┈➤ now playing. — espresso, y/n l/n

how he bagged you, the world may never know. like seriously.

YOU’RE ON THE BIG SCREEN AND YOU’RE IN THE RADIO AND YOU GO AFTER JOHNNY CADE??? everyone was shocked. lives were CHANGED.

“you’re dating who?”

“..y/n l/n?”

“in your dreams maybe???”

“fuck you?”

nobody believed him because you confessed to him over the phone when you were touring 😔! you realized you really liked johnny when you had to be away from him for so long.

so for like that period of time, it was just call after call of you two giggling back and forth.

the gang, swear to fucking god, knew he was talking to someone but they thought he was lying about who he was talking to

UNTIL YOU CAME BACK!!!!

Then they were all,

“what the fuck….”

“can i like—borrow a 20?”

“DAMN”

spoil him. take him with you. protect johnny cade with ur money or else. i find you.

but seriously, pleaseeee make sure johnny lives the life he deserves ☹️ since you’re a singer, you make a FUCK ton of money

put it to good use (spending it on johnny cade)

hey! you’re all he talks about!! HE DOESN’T STFU THAT HE’S DATING SOMEONE THAT’S FAMOUS.

“what ‘bout you, lil’ boy? you got someone?”

“hell yeah. y/n l/n.😇💯”

“..the singer?”

“damn right, ‘the singer’!”

listens to your music when he misses you!!

OH MU GOD WRITE A SONG ABOUT JOHNNY CADE PLEASEEEE AND WEAR HIS JEAN JACKRT ON STAGE PLEASEEEEEEE

i can’t stress how much he loves you

he has photos of you everywhere. and anywhere.

steals magazines you model for to promote your albums<3

dallas winston

╰┈➤ now playing — nonsense, y/n l/n.

why would you pick him.

shame on you. you have celebrities flocking to you and you pick some guy in tulsa who’s in jail every friday.

tsk tsk. whatever makes you happy!

ANYWAYS

also, never shuts the fuck up about you. like seriously, somehow, you’re always the topic of conversation.

“yeah, that’s crazy that she slashed your tires. my LOVELY Y/N would never tho. did you know they sing? you’ve probably heard of ‘em-“

MAKES YOU WEAR HIS RINGS WHEN YOU PERFORM!!! AND SOMETIMES HIS LEATHER JACKET!!! DALLAS DGAF IF IT’S DIRTY OR NOT

He needs those freaks in the crowd to know you’re HIS—not theirs just because you’re famous.

if you ever collab with a dude he’s gonna fucking lose his mind i’m not kidding

“YOU’RE GOING TO THE STUDIO WITH WHO???”

“i told you-“

“yeah, i know. lets go.”

dallas invited himself btw.

dedicate a song to him and he’s literally gonna make EVERYONE listen to it. when it comes on the radio, he’s IMMEDIATELY turning up the volume.

“looking at you got me thinkin’ nonsense.”

“that’s about me, by the way.”

“WE KNOW.”

“YOU TELL US THIS EVERY DAMN DAY”

“yeah. where’s your partner that write songs about you? huh? take that shit up with someone else.”

IN HIS ROOM HE HAS SOOO MANY POSTERS OF YOUUUUUU

cannot believe he got so lucky and bagged you

he used to pray for days like these😭😭🙏

ponyboy curtis

╰┈➤ now playing — work song, y/n l/n.

yes, i did make your song more poetic than the rest. that’s just what ponyboy is into and gets him crying.

did he get lucky? yeah. does he acknowledge that every waking moment of his life and devotes himself to making sure you never feel the burden of having to perform daily?

yeah

helps you write songs sometimes. ponyboy naturally has a poets soul so USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

GUVE HIM A FUCKING OEN AND PAPER AND HE’S WRITING A HIT SINGLE

omgomg if you credit him while at your concerts he might faint<3333

spoil him and his brothers.

his brothers are included because you see how much they’re struggling and it literally pains you to see the love of ur life get so frustrated over money

sneakily put money into darry’s wallet when he isn’t looking and ponyboy might just kiss u right then and there

it’ll take awhile for him to accept the help, but when he does—he’s so grateful to have an angel like u in his life😭😭💔💔💔

“i love you. did you know that?”

“of course i do, pony.”

“i should tell you that more often.”

uses a photo of you as a bookmark btw. it’s you in his favourite outfit you ever wore, performing the song you made for him.

ponyboy’s obsessed.

shoves ANYONE off the tv to watch you perform. he doesn’t care. and the gang lets him<3 cuz they know how much you mean to their little pony!!

not without teasing. never without teasing. ponyboy is never fucking free

“soda, it’s my turn on the tv.”

“what? you tryna watch your girlfriend?”

“…shut up.”

“look at you! what a loverboy, huh? you loveeeee her, don’t you?”

“man, just get off the tv!”

watches & listens to everything you’re in. wether it be interviews, music videos, etc—he can probably quote it. every part.

he’s so obsessed with you it’s not fucking funny

sodapop curtis

╰┈➤ now playing — that boy is mine, y/n l/n.

it couple. genuinely.

you got soda more publicity and modeling agencies have definitely hit him up LMFAO

he most definitely has modelled with you for covers :3c

BUT OTHER THAN THAT

oh u better fucking believe that the DX is always playing your music

SODA DOESNT CARE IF HE’S NOT ALLOWED TO TOUCH THE RADIO

he will. and he will be playing the song you made about him to remind the girls that go to flirt with him that he’s yours.

HE HAS A NECKLACE WITH YOUR INITAL ON IT AND YOU HAVE A NECKLACE WITH HIS INITAL!!1!1!1!1!1

flash it when paparazzi takes photos and he WILL put that photo in his wallet to show people when they ask about his partner.

CANT STFU EVEN IF HE FUCKING TRIED

soda makes u his whole personality

“sigh😔 y/n would’ve loved this beat..”

“SHUT UP ABOUT Y/N😒”

“NO?? I LOVE THEM!!!???”

LOVES PRACTICING UR CHOREOGRAPHY WITH YOU LMFAOOO

it’s so cute☹️☹️😔😔 soda might trip over his feet every once and awhile but he’s always laughing so hard with you when he does<3

darry curtis

╰┈➤ now playing — say yes to heaven, y/n l/n.

tries SOOOO hard to act like he doesn’t gaf that you’re singer but it’s so tough to not brag about it

the boys at work could be talking about their partners but when they go ask darry, he hides his grin and blush by looking down, running his hands through his hair.

“what ‘boutchu, kid? how’s the lover?”

“ah, y’know. they’re busy touring or in the studio.”

“eh?”

“oh—y/n l/n. they’re-“

darry cannot be stopped now. he won’t shut up about how great of a person you are, never letting the fame get to you.

ERAHHH HE STAYS UP LATE AT NIGHT TO WATCH YOUR PERFORMANCES WHEN YOU’RE AWAY!!!!!!! HE LOVES WATCHING YOU SWAY ACROSS THE STAGE!!

hehehehehe slow dance with him in the kitchen to ur unreleased songs you made about him…. 😈😈

PLEAEE HELP HIM FINANCIALLY PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

im begging you to just sit darry curtis down and try to convince him that, you giving him money to help around, isn’t an issue.

i don’t see darry moving out of the curtis house unfortunately, i think he will always view it as his parents house and it’s too sentimental.

so, don’t even bother asking him to move. but—do give him money. or sneakily pay the bills. whatever you have to do to help darry relax, please do it!!!

loves it when you sing slower/more relaxing songs

darry thinks it’s so attractive to hear your like soothing, breathy, and smooth voice.

he has a photo framed of you bowing toward the crowd below you, tightly holding the microphone that you had his name engraved in.

it’s currently beside his bed on his nightstand.

he looks at it every night before bed and every morning before work. <3

steve randle

╰┈➤ now playing — art deco, y/n l/n.

he’s feral. he’s fucking crazy about you.

“PUT ON THAT NEW Y/N SHIT‼️”

“why??”

“CAUSE I SAID SO?!1”

number one supporter. nobody comes close to him

AHHHH HE HAS A TATTOO DEDICATED TO YOU!!!! IT’S DEFINITELY A SONG LYRIC YOU WROTE ABOUT HIM IN UR HAND WRITING

when steve’s nervous he traces over it :3c

steve always finds himself, unconsciously, humming your songs while he works on cars!

i like to think his favourite colour is blue, so plsplsplspls wear blue (even if it’s a small accessory) to your concerts just so steve knows you’re always thinking about him.

he keeps little gifts, or rather the accessories you leave at his house, in a little box. he thinks they’re so cute and he will burn a building down before he lets anyone find out

two-bit mathews

╰┈➤ now playing — melting, y/n l/n.

“DID YOU KNOW I’M DATING Y/N? THE FAMOUS SINGER? YEAH, BET YOU WISH THAT WAS YOU😭😂!”

that’s every other sentence from his stupid lips!!

KNOWS EVERY LYRIC TO YOUR SONGS AND WILL SCREAM HIS FUCKING LUNGS OUT TO THEM!!!

attach a mickey charm to ur mic while you sing on stage and he’ll start foaming at the mouth..

two-bit’s all, “that’s for me.:mickey….me….me…mickey….”

he literally begs you to sing him to sleep

STEALS YOUR RECORDS/VINYLS???!!! HE HANGS THEM UP ON HIS WALL WITH SUCH CARE IT’S SO ADORABLE ☹️☹️

teach his little sister some of your dance moves and he might marry you tbh.

two-bit dreams of you and i’m so fucking serious

let’s be friends!

sure ♡

— 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

might have to write something for him ♡

ur elliot x m reader fic was so fire .,,, i hope u make more of it 🙏

— SHOONG

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , elliot fike 𝔁 m! reader | wc 1100

summary. jules was on her way home, riding her bike she passed by your house. she nearly fell off puzzled and a small chuckle of disbelief came out her mouth as she saw you embrace elliot and kiss his lips, after you denied being more than friends with him. which leads the both of you getting interrogated by her and rue.

labels. awkward like very awkward, emotionally mature reader, stubborn reader, y/n is obsessed with elliot, heart eyes for elliot, shy elliot, reader is more physically and emotionally expressive than elliot.

warnings.

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. i just needed to write something with elliot & male reader after remembering elliot admitted he fucked ❝ 4 to 3 ❞ guys when jules was interrogating him. sorry it isn’t to like smutty, hope you enjoy it either way. ♡

jules’s bike tires squeaked as she rode past the familiar stretch of your street, a shortcut she took almost every day. but something caught her eye today, something that nearly made her lose balance. her gaze snapped to the two figures standing near your front porch. she squinted, thinking maybe her mind was playing tricks on her.

but no. it was real. you — y/n —were standing too close to elliot, closer than just friends should. your hands gripped his jacket, your head tilted slightly, and then — oh god —you kissed him. on the lips.

her heart jumped, and she laughed under her breath, disbelief washing over her. she had asked, so many times, if there was more going on between the two of you. and every time, you denied it, brushing it off like it was ridiculous. but here you were, making out with elliot on your porch like it was nothing.

jules sped up, shaking her head. she knew exactly who to call.

you could feel elliot’s heart beating fast under your palm, the rise and fall of his chest uneven. his lips were soft, hesitant against yours, and you pulled back slightly, studying his expression.

❝are you okay?❞ you asked softly, your voice warm, concerned.

elliot blinked a few times, cheeks flushed. ❝yeah … just not used to this.❞

you smiled, brushing his messy hair back. ❝you’ll get used to it.❞

he bit his lip, eyes darting around nervously. ❝i mean … us. people seeing us like this.❞

you rolled your eyes, giving him a playful shove. ❝we’re just two guys on a porch. who cares?❞

before he could respond, the front door banged open. you jumped back as if caught doing something illegal. there they were jules and rue, both staring at you, their faces a mix of amusement and shock.

rue was standing with the fattest fucking smirk on her face.

jules crossed her arms, eyebrow raised. ❝just friends, huh?❞

you froze, your mouth opening but no sound coming out. elliot scratched the back of his neck, glancing between the two girls and you. rue just smirked, clearly enjoying this too much.

❝looks like someone has some explaining to do, you caught bro❞ rue said, leaning casually against the doorframe.

you sighed, rubbing your face. ❝okay, fine. just .. come in. ❞

the four of you sat in your living room, the air so thick with awkward tension you could almost cut it with a knife. elliot sat beside you, his knee bouncing nervously. jules and rue perched on the couch across from you, their eyes laser - focused.

jules leaned forward, her voice slow and deliberate. ❝so. y/n. care to explain why you’ve been lying to us?❞

❝i wasn’t lying,❞ you mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

❝oh, really?❞ she laughed bitterly. ❝because i distinctly remember asking if there was anything between you two. and you were like, ‘oh no, we’re just friends.’❞ making her voice ten times deeper as if she was mocking you purposely.

rue chuckles at that, fucking bitch you thought.

❝we were just friends,❞ you argued, glancing at elliot. his face was beet red, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. ❝things … changed, i don’t fucking know.❞

rue snorted. ❝yeah, clearly.❞

❝i hate you.❞

❝i love ya too.❞

elliot finally spoke up, his voice quiet but firm. ❝it wasn’t something we planned. it just … happened.❞

jules narrowed her eyes at him. ❝so you’ve been sneaking around?❞

❝i mean, i wouldn’t call it that .. nah.❞

❝no!❞ you protested. ❝we weren’t sneaking around. we just didn’t think it was anyone’s business.❞

jules stared at you, her expression softening just a little. ❝you know we’re your friends, right? you didn’t have to hide this.❞

❝it be your own people ..❞ rue sighed, joking attempting to ease the tension.

i mean elliot made a amused expression. it worked kinda.

you sighed, leaning back against the couch. ❝i wasn’t trying to hide it. i just … didn’t know how to explain it. elliot’s different. i’m different with him.❞

elliot turned to you, his eyes wide and surprised. you hadn’t really said that out loud before.

jules looked between the two of you, her gaze softening even more. ❝okay, fine. but next time, don’t lie to me. or rue. we deserve to know what’s going on in your life.❞

rue grinned. ❝yeah, especially if it’s like really fucking crazy.❞

you rolled your eyes but smiled. elliot finally relaxed beside you, his knee stopping its nervous bouncing.

❝so,❞ jules said, leaning back. ❝how long has this been going on?❞

elliot shrugged, looking to you. ❝a few weeks?❞

you nodded. ❝yeah, something like that.❞

rue chuckled. ❝damn. and here i thought y/n was all emotionally mature. guess even he can be stubborn.❞

❝i’m not stubborn,❞ you muttered.

elliot smirked, finally relaxing enough to tease you. ❝you kinda are.❞

it deadass be your own people …

you shot him a look but couldn’t help smiling. ❝fine. maybe a little. but only because you make it hard to think straight.❞

his face turned red again, and jules and rue burst out laughing.

❝oh my god, you two are so corny,❞ jules said, shaking her head.

❝yeah, but it’s cute,❞ rue added.

elliot leaned closer to you, whispering, ❝you okay?❞

you nodded, squeezing his hand. ❝yeah. we’re okay.❞

jules cleared her throat dramatically. ❝well, we’re glad you two figured it out. just… don’t keep secrets like that again, okay?❞

❝promise,❞ you said.

elliot nodded. ❝promise.❞

as they got up to leave, rue winked at you. ❝laters, use protection, chlamydia is in these days. ❞

you groaned, ❝get the fuck outta my house rue ...❞

elliot laughed softly, his fingers still laced with yours. and for once, everything felt right.

© 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