Sodapop Patrick Curtis - Blog Posts

I seen the post where you wanted something sad about the outsiders so maybe like, once Johnny and dally dies he becomes sadder and sadder every day. He completely stop watching sunsets but every once in a while he will look at the them despite the heaviness in his heart. He stops playing track because the running reminds him of when him and Johnny had to run away and when ever he sees and leather jacket his eyes fills with tears because they remind him of dally. He blames himself every day of the deaths of his two best friends despite soda pop and Darry telling him it wasnt his fault. He locks him self in his room most the time and just stares at his book shelf no longer having the motivation to read the books. He reads johnnys letter every night and bowls his eyes out till he falls asleep. I don’t know what else to put so there ya have it😅

That actually sounds amazing. In a sobbing on the bathroom floor kind of way. Thank you!

Soda and Darry actually have really bad and regular nightmares too but neither admit it. Darry doesn’t want to have to put that on his brothers and Soda because he doesn’t want to make anyone more worried or stressed than they already are.

I think that is so true! I feel like they would just manage to hide it from Ponyboy and each other.

Dallas with a fem!s/o that completely shuts down when she gets yelled at/when she is upset. (I DO THIS 😭💀)🫀

You and Dallas were having another fight.

You couldn’t even remember what started it.

“How many times do I have to tell you y/n?! I didn’t do it!” Dallas said to you.

Ah yes. Now you remember. A few girls from school started this rumor that dal was cheating on you.

“I know..I just-“

“You just what? You thought I would actually cheat on you?!!!!” His voice boomed around the the house.

You started to relax the muscles in your face, crying with no emotion. Your feet were glued to the floor. You couldn’t even bat an eyelash. Dallas had never yelled at you like that.

“..baby? Are you okay?” Dallas moved closer to you, grabbing your hands, caressing your knuckles with a worried face.

“….I’m sorry for accusing you. It was my fault. I should have known better than to believe those socs.” Your eyes glanced at the floor, avoiding his gaze.

“It’s alright, doll..you didn’t know.” He said with a small smile.

“Are you leaving me now?” Your lip quivered at the thought of losing Dallas. Especially over something so stupid.

His smile fell, turning into a frown.

“Of course not, baby..” he held you close to him, as if that if he let go, you would disappear forever. He couldn’t have that.

“I’m so sorry, dal” you said as more tears came rolling down.

“Hey, man. None of that. Come on babe..your too precious to cry..” He said, wiping away your tears gently.

He pressed a small kiss to your lips.

“…I love you, doll.” he said holding you closer to him.

He didn’t say it I’m a normal way. He said it in the most sincere way he could.

You smiled. “I love you too dal.”

You hugged each other all night, cuddling with your boyfriend.

He is yours just as much as you are his.

And nothing could change that. Ever.

— CINNAMON GIRL ⁷

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

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

labels. two - bit’s point of view.

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

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

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

she sees right through me, every damn time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

here she goes again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

she didn’t buy it for a second.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© MINA LEIGH 2024 - 2025

. . . prologue darry curtis sodapop curtis ponyboy curtis

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

— CINNAMON GIRL ⁵

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

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

labels. johnny’s point of view.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

she hesitates.

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

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

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

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

❝oh johnnycake! don’t make me cry ..❞

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© MINA LEIGH 2024 - 2025

. . . prologue darry curtis sodapop curtis ponyboy curtis

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

— 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

— 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

— 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