— HOUSE OF BALLOONS

— 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

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

💜 ₊˚⊹ — lay me down

parring : dallas winston x platonic older f!reader

summary : pampering a drunk dally.

warnings : intoxication

age of paring : 18 - 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

୨⎯ 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡 ⎯୧

I JUST READ YOUR BEN'S BUNKER FIC AND IT WAS SO YUMMY! I'm not sure if it's your writing style or the way the Reader was depicted but I'm in love!! I haven't explored your blog for requesting rules or anything yet, but I'd love if you would write something similar to that fic for the losers! \(⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)/

— QUARRY PARADISE

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , the losers 𝔁 f! reader | wc 2700

summary. it was the hottest derry, maine has been. after a quick trip for ice cream, you convince the losers to take a small dip in the quarry. you all meet up later that day prepared and bike the way there, ready to feel the refreshing water coating your skin.

labels. girly girl reader, happy go lucky, sweet & shy reader, hyper feminine reader, no definite description of reader, reader goes by y/n, she/her pronouns, closest with richie toizer & eddie kaspbrak.

warnings. possible language, mentions of fear/anxiety, minor physical teasing (all in good fun).

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. i’m so happy you enjoyed it! i really didn’t think it would appeal to anyone but i really appreciate it babes! lots of love, this one - shot goes specifically to you. ♡

the sun was relentless, beating down on derry like it was trying to burn the small town into nothing. the ice cream in your hand had already melted half down your wrist, and you watched as the losers struggled to finish theirs before it became a complete disaster.

you couldn’t help but laugh as richie dramatically groaned, holding out his cone. ❝ i swear, if this thing gets any messier, i’m throwing it in the trash. ❞

❝ you wouldn’t dare, ❞ you teased, knowing full well richie would probably shove it in someone’s face before wasting it.

you sat on the curb of the ice cream shop, legs tucked beneath you as you felt the heat radiate off the sidewalk. derry wasn’t usually this hot, but today was different, and your friends were all trying to keep cool with their sticky, melting treats.

eddie sat beside you, carefully licking at his cone like it was a mission he had to complete without any error. his eyes darted over to richie. ❝ you do realize you’re supposed to eat it, right? not just complain about it? ❞

richie grinned, messy and smug. ❝ oh, eds, you know me so well. ❞

you wiped the drips of ice cream from your wrist, turning to look at the group. ❝ it’s too hot to sit here, ❞ you sighed, squinting against the sunlight. ❝ we should do something fun. ❞

stan raised an eyebrow, always the practical one. ❝ like what? the pool’s too crowded. ❞

you huffed.

❝ the quarry, ❞ you suggested, the idea hitting you like a breath of fresh air. ❝ it’s perfect! we can cool off, and it won’t be packed with people like the pool. ❞

there was a brief silence as everyone considered it. bill was the first to nod, his face already flushed from the heat. ❝ sounds good to m-m-me, ❞ he agreed, looking around to gauge the others.

you squealed, kissing his cheek all in good fun. ❝ thank you, thank you, thank you bill! i knew you would agree. ❞

he smilled softy placing his hand where your lips touched his face gently.

ben smiled softly, wiping sweat from his forehead. ❝ yeah, i’m in. we just have to be careful. ❞

❝ oh, come on, ben, ❞ richie groaned. ❝ it’s not like we’re jumping off cliffs. we’re just gonna swim. ❞

❝ actually, that’s exactly what the quarry is, ❞ eddie corrected, looking mildly horrified at the thought of jumping into the water.

you nudged him lightly with your elbow. ❝ it’ll be fun, eddie. we’ll just float around in the water, i promise. ❞

❝ if they do end up doing so, i’ll just accompany you regardless! ❞

he sighed, but there was a tiny smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ❝ fine, but if i get an infection, i’m blaming you. ❞

you laughed, standing up and dusting off your shorts. ❝ deal. let’s meet back up later. we can bike there together. ❞

later that day, you found yourself biking down the familiar path to the quarry, the warm air rushing past as you pedaled alongside your friends. richie rode beside you, tossing out jokes every few seconds, his glasses slipping down his nose as the wind whipped through his hair.

❝ so, y/n, ❞ he said, leaning closer with a smirk, ❝ if eddie starts panicking, you’re on distraction duty. ❞

he didn’t have to tell you twice.

you grinned, swerving playfully to avoid a rock in the path. ❝ oh, don’t worry. i’ve got it covered. ❞

you arrived at the quarry, parking your bikes in the usual spot. the shimmering water below looked so inviting, and the heat of the day made the idea of jumping in even more appealing. you quickly peeled off your shoes, giggling as the others did the same, some more enthusiastically than others.

you were sporting a cute red gingham ruffled swimsuit underneath a pair of old jean shorts.

eddie lingered by the edge, eyeing the water nervously. ❝ this … looks a lot higher than i remember. ❞

richie rolled his eyes, already halfway to the ledge. ❝ that’s because you’re standing up here like a loser. come on, eddie, don’t be a wuss. ❞

you shot richie a quick look, gently tugging eddie toward the water. ❝ ignore him. he’s just showing off. we’ll take it slow, alright? ❞

eddie nodded, still not convinced, but trusting you enough to step closer.

ben, stan, and bill were already easing into the water from a lower point, avoiding the jump. you followed suit, dipping your toes in and shivering as the coolness spread up your legs. it was freezing at first, but the relief was immediate, making you sigh in contentment.

❝ oh my god, this feels amazing, ❞ you murmured, wading in deeper.

eddie, with your help, finally stepped in, wincing as the cold water hit his skin. ❝ it’s so cold! ❞

❝ don’t worry eds, you’ll get used to it, ❞ you assured him, giving him a small splash. ❝ just float, and you’ll forget all about it. ❞

as soon as everyone was in the water, it turned into a game of splashes and laughter. richie, of course, was the loudest, egging everyone on as he swam circles around you and eddie, trying to start a splash war.

❝ you guys are no fun, ❞ he teased, pushing his glasses up as he slicked back his hair.

you giggled, splashing him lightly. ❝ maybe we just don’t want to get our hair wet, ❞ you shot back playfully.

richie scoffed, clutching his chest dramatically. ❝ y/n, you wound me. ❞

the rest of the afternoon passed in easy joy, the cool water providing the perfect escape from the oppressive heat. you floated on your back at one point, letting the sun warm your face while the water kept the rest of you cool. you could hear the others splashing and joking around nearby, the sound of your friends’ voices mixing with the soft ripple of the quarry.

eddie floated beside you, eyes closed and content. ❝ thanks for making me come. ❞ he said quietly, barely audible over the splashes.

you smiled softly, turning your head toward him. ❝ anytime, eds. ❞

as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, you all reluctantly made your way out of the water, the air now feeling cool against your wet skin. you wrapped yourself in the towel you’d brought, sitting on the rocks to dry off as the others did the same.

richie flopped down beside you, shaking his wet hair like a dog. ❝ so, y/n, think you could survive a summer in derry without us? ❞

you glanced over at him, grinning. ❝ not a chance. ❞

you reached for beverly’s hand, accepting your touch of affection returned the favor and giggled along with you.

to turned to the losers and furrowed your eyebrows and smiled a bit as a small amount of heat rushed through your face. flustered.

❝ thanks for coming with me guys, i love you all so much. ❞

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

— CINNAMON GIRL ¹

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

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

labels. darry’s point of view.

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

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

y/n toizer.

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

i don’t know what i’d do without her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

cookies, the ones soda and pony love.

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

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

she wasn’t wrong. she never was.

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

❝sugar, creamer?❞ she offered.

❝no thanks.❞

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

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

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

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

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

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

she was right, of course. i wasn’t.

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

and for that, i’d be forever grateful.

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

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

dallas winston johnny cade steve randle two - bit matthews

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

— RADIO CONNECTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

— 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

🤎 ₊˚⊹ — give you the world

parring ➵ harry potter x m!reader

summary ➵ enjoying the honeymoon phase in hogsmede.

warnings ➵ n/a

age of parring ➵ 14 - 15

extra ➵ teenage boys grappling the concept of love. credits to @cafekitsune for banners!

harry knew from the moment he woke up that he was going to have a wonderful day. the both of you came up with a plan to have him sneak into hogsmede and have a first date as the both of you officially have the boyfriends title.

as much as harry enjoyed your company, he was nervous to say the least. he thought on how he was gonna have to follow you like a lost puppy as you show him all the best places to visit at hogsmede.

in appropriate winter attire, hidden by his late father’s invisibility cloak, he began to walk. fiddling with his fingers, he did not notice the weasley twins, fred and george, snickering at his obliviousness.

he was making foot prints on the heavy layer of snow, it was like he wanted to get caught.

as soon was the twins finished building their cute snowman, the lunged at harry, dragging him through the snow.

❝ guys leave me alone! ❞ harry cried out.

❝ clever harry. ❞ replied fred, followed along by ❝ but not clever enough. ❞ from george.

❝ besides, we’ve got a better way. ❞

❝ guys cmon, im trying to get to hogsmede! i-i have a date! ❞

❝ we know! with y/n, oh we mean your boyfriend eh? ❞ the twins said simultaneously.

❝ don’t worry, we’ll get you there. ❞

❝ we’ll show you a quicker way. ❞

❝ if you pipe down. ❞

❝ let me go, cmon guys! ❞

❝ now harry, come and join the big boys! ❞

after escaping fred and george with the marauder’s map in his possession, he came out of the recommended one - eyed witch passageway, he found himself in honeyduke’s cellar.

he looked around, checking if the coast was clear, he lifted a tile slightly so only his green orbs could absorb his surroundings.

he lifted himself off the ground, tip toes to stairs that lead up to honeyduke’s. he quickly covered himself with the invisibility cloak as he stepped up, knocking a box of clutter in the process.

harry couldn’t believe his eyes. there were shelves upon shelves of the most succulent - looking sweets imaginable. creamy chunks of nougat, shimmering pink squares of coconut ice, fat, honey - coloured toffees; hundreds of different kinds of chocolate in neat rows; there was a large barrel of ‘every flavour beans’, and another of ‘fizzing whizzbees’, the levitating sherbet balls that ron had mentioned before.

you stood standby, although you and your boyfriend came up with the invisibility cloak hogsmede break in, you never planned where to meet. so made use of your trip to honeydukes to buy yourself some sugar quills.

you dropped some sliver sickles and one galleon on the counter and made your way to the door, only to be pulled by a unknown force, you smiled to yourself knowing it was harry.

it was your turn to drag him, a ❝ oomph! ❞ escaping his lips. coming to a secluded area, harry snatched the cloak off him and reached out, wrapping his arms around your neck.

❝ hey there harry. ❞ you said to him lovingly, wrapping your arms around his waist, with your neck resting on his shoulder.

it hurt your back a bit since the height difference between you and harry was noticeable, regardless of hitting puberty it was like he stunted in growth.

we aren’t gonna tell him though.

you let go and stunned harry by resting your hands on his sides giving them a hard grip.

❝ i’m glad you made it love. ❞ you pecked his check adoringly.

❝ i-im sorry if i took to long, fred and george- ❞

❝ don’t worry about it harry, what matters is that you are here now right? ❞ harry nodded in response.

❝ ready for our honeymoon? ❞ you asked him teasingly and he felt heat rising in cheeks and you intertwined your hand with his.

the both of you made it inside the popular pub, the three broomsticks, choosing a secluded area for the both of you, perhaps to snog comfortably, perhaps not.

you ordered two butter beers with extra cream on yours. you pulled out a sugar quill and handed it to harry

❝ thank you y/n. ❞ harry said softly, ripping into it right away.

❝ my pleasure harry. ❞ you cupped his face and kissed his forehead making his eyes flutter.

the both of you talked about how the term was going with dementors on the loose and his passion for quidditch.

how mesmerizing it was to see, practically the love of your life, ramble about quidditch, expressing his love for it using dramatic hand movements.

you caught him off guard by reaching out for his hand and placing it on your lips.

❝ w-what are you doing? ❞ he yelped out, not even bothering to smack his hand off you.

you kissed each knuckle, smiling against his palm.

❝ you’re so beautiful harry, im such a lucky boyfriend. ❞ you expressed your content in spending time with him alone

he giggled as you let go of his, now pampered, hand. he took a large chug of his last bit of butter beer before putting the glass down.

❝ i could say the same y/n, i mean your so handsome.. ❞ he whispered locking his emerald eyes in contact with yours.

you chuckled. ❝ i know! ❞ you then stood up grabbing your things as he did the same.

❝ oh shit harry, wait! ❞ you gasped quietly.

❝ h-huh, what’s wrong, do i have something on my face? ❞ he looked away embarrassed noticing the sticky feeling of butter on his lips.

you grabbed his chin, forcing him to look up at you and without hesitation you leaned down and kissed him.

harry’s eyes widened as you did so, this was your first kiss, on the lips at that.

he noticed you looked so.. so nonchalant.

you eyes closed, breathing in deeply. he doesn’t know it but, inside you where screaming internally.

harry responded by shutting his eyes and kissing back. which surprised you to say the least.

you let go first, readjusting his glasses for him.

❝ i love you harry. ❞ you whispered in his ear.

before he could respond you walked by him and turned back, pointed to the exit of the pub signaling to leave.

he stood there in a trance, not blinking once. before he could say it back, you had been already opening the door, holding it waiting for him to go though.

❝ w-wait y/n ! ❞

୨⎯ 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡 ⎯୧

ur sixteen but writing 18+ content?

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

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