— SHAMELESS

— 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

let’s be friends!

sure ♡

2knightt is my fav outsider content blog ^_^

i have two polls and tou guys literally have to answer

like with dallas for example. YOU’RE the dallas in this universe and he’s YOU. like he’s totally obsessing over fictional you and is absolutely whipped for you after watching the movie ur in. id that makes sense

guys what the fuck should i write help me

— CINNAMON GIRL ¹

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

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

labels. darry’s point of view.

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

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

y/n toizer.

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

i don’t know what i’d do without her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

cookies, the ones soda and pony love.

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

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

she wasn’t wrong. she never was.

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

❝sugar, creamer?❞ she offered.

❝no thanks.❞

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

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

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

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

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

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

she was right, of course. i wasn’t.

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

and for that, i’d be forever grateful.

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

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

dallas winston johnny cade steve randle two - bit matthews

— CINNAMON GIRL ²

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

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

labels. sodapop’s point of view.

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

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

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

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

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

❝no, i’m not!❞ i’d shot back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

❝i promise love.❞

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

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

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

❝you guys too, charlie and matt.❞

matteo waved behind him.

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

she was our sunshine, plain and simple.

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

© MINA LEIGH 2024 - 2025

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

dallas winston johnny cade steve randle two - bit matthew

— 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

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

— SIGN YOUR NAME ACROSS MY HEART

written by mina leigh 𝜗᭪ , mike wheeler 𝔁 f! reader | wc 1325

summary. mike wheeler , member of the notorious hellfire club, has a hopelessly hopeful crush on you. it takes the simplest thing, a yearbook signature, for him to realize the feeling is indeed mutual.

labels. no definite description of reader, cheerleader reader, friendly & extroverted reader, introvert ­ mike, basically loser boy + popular girl trope.

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. hope you guys enjoy some mike wheeler! i just really miss stranger things right now.

should i just leave right here, right now? mike asked himself, clearly internally monologuing.

his frail legs shaking slightly under his black skinny jeans, wiping his sweaty palms on them, switching one hand to wipe while the other holds his yearbook.

i should just turn the balls of my feet the other direction and walk off, i mean y/n wouldn’t notice, right?

his thoughts of escaping running through his poor head were abruptly interrupted as another body jostled against him, laughing unapologetically as they, too, headed towards the object of mike’s affection.

It was whoever they were, along with at least three of y/n’s cheerleading teammates, and no less than eight screaming boys and girls (consisting of at least two teammates from lucas’s basketball team, if mike’s memory served him correctly) all holding their yearbooks out as if y/n were some hollywood star in california.

she could be one, mike mused. she certainly has the looks for it. and maybe mike might even feel better if it were just that. if it was just that y/n was practically aphrodite’s incarnate and people couldn’t take their eyes off her.

but, she’s just so good. she’s beautiful and athletic, yes, but she’s also caring and whip-smart and bright in every sense of the word. she constantly does volunteer work and has a ridiculously high gpa and smiles at everyone she sees, including himself, just because.

everyone loves her, and of course they do. how could mike blame them for seeing exactly what he sees?

a pang of something courses through him. it’s probably a bit of jealousy, a bit of uncharacteristic obstinacy, and a bit of (characteristic, dreadful) hope. if mike were less of a romantic, he might be able to see this for what it is: a fantasy.

he’s standing here, waiting his turn, as if the living, breathing portrait of goodness would choose him out of everyone. and, even worse, he can’t even muster fear within himself, because it’s y/n.

it takes mike a moment to register that everyone else has cleared out, and it’s just him and the person who plays the role of the sun in his universe standing face to face. mike just hopes that the blush he can feel starting at his pale neck reaching to the tips of his ears don’t show up where y/n can see it.

❝ hi ❞ y/n says. her voice is soft, much softer than mike is used to, only ever hearing it up close when she’s yelling out supporting words to the basketball team, and he wonders if that’s how y/n always talks to people one-on-one.

he also wonders if that’s how y/n ever talked to lucas, a memory of him feeling the most uncomfortable he’s ever felt after seeing her talk to him making each other laugh and acting casually with each other seeing y/n playfully smack his shoulder clouded his thoughts. its not everyday you see your crush talking to one of you best friends like, since forever. well not that i’d know, he internally chastises himself.

y/n is smiling and her eyes crinkle at the corners and mike doesn’t have it within himself to look away, even as he abruptly pushes his yearbook out in front of him and holds it there. mike’s heart skips a beat as y/n grasps it carefully, as her gorgeous eyes skip over his face again, as she uncaps a pen to start writing.

without a yearbook to hold on to, mike is left waiting with shaky hands and trembling legs, trying to grab on to just a fragment of a thought so he doesn’t float away. unsurprisingly, the first one he can seize is still distantly about y/n. it’s dustin’s voice, echoing once again in his head, just as it recurrently had since they last talked. about life, about love, about y/n.

❝ you need to go for it mike ❞ dustin had urged, his face unusually grim and serious. ❝ you need to let yourself have things, at least once. ❞

mike takes a breath, remembering all of his years - long longing and misery and idealism, and tries. he opens his mouth to say something, anything. if he can stomach it, he’ll ask for y/n’s number or, at least, say something that y/n could respond to.

he can give himself one conversation. he can give himself one syllable so he can at least say that he gave it an honest shot, so the flavor of regret he’s bound to taste will wash away faster.

but y/n closes the yearbook, and mike closes his mouth.

y/n holds the book out away from her, the same way mike had. like there was something burning inside it that she needed to let go of.

❝ here you go ❞ y/n says, closer to a whisper than anything mike’s ever heard.

something seems off. and mike can’t tell if it’s just that he feels caught out, with y/n looking at him as he was thinking about his irrepressible crush, or if it’s really right there in front of him. y/n is still smiling, but it’s small and a bit strained. her lips are pressed together and she looks… red? there’s a tinge of pink across her cheeks, coating her perfect features. She looks exerted.

of course she does, she just finished her cheer practice, you lovesick idiot. mike barely stops himself from covering his face in embarrassment. this is what he gets for trying, for thinking too hard and making himself look like a total and utter imbecile.

so, he overcompensates.

❝ wow uh thank you, so much, y/n really, ❞ mike replies, rushed and vaguely fearful. the adrenaline has worn off and he’s starting to feel the comedown of this prolonged period of stress.

he can’t tell if he wants to say more or if he merely, momentarily, considers it, but it doesn’t end up mattering. his traitorous legs betray him and spin him around, pushing him onward in the opposite direction.

now mike can feel the flush of deep, burrowing shame rising to the surface. he cringes and keeps walking.

once he’s far enough away, mike decides to open his yearbook and take a look at y/n’s signature before he inevitably throws up on it and renders it illegible.

mike doesn’t have to look long. he knows y/n’s handwriting, just like everything else even tangentially related to her, by heart. and he’s relatively certain that he’ll see what y/n has left behind in seemingly every other yearbook: a simple ❝ y/n ^_^ ❞ that evokes the image of her toothy, genuine grin without fail.

what he finds, though, leaves him frozen in the middle of the hallway. he is so taken aback that his limbs don’t even shake. It’s just his heart—his foolish, faithful heart—that does a little dance.

he gets stuck on his own name, ❝ mike ❞ in y/n’s charming scrawl. he never told y/n his name. he didn’t even dare to dream that y/n remembered his face.

mike reads on and lets a little gasp of laughter escape. he can’t tamp down his uncontrollable smile as his eyes trek across the words over and over and over again, as he quickly closes the book and opens it again to make sure the words haven’t somehow flown away.

he grins, wider than he can ever remember, before closing the yearbook again with finality and hugging it tightly to his chest. y/n’s words cycle through his mind, becoming new fragments for mike to grab on to. he doesn’t need to open his yearbook to be able to re - read the words that traveled straight to his heart. to be honest, he could probably recite the message word for word, letter for letter, with his eyes closed:

mike,

i think you’re cute

if you also think i’m cute

maybe we can do something about it ^_^

xxx xxx xxxx

have a summer as beautiful as you

y/n ♡

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024