#Electric Bike Events

[usmanmushtaq12]

The Power Behind the Pedals: Exploring Electric Bike Motors

Introduction

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, have taken the world of cycling by storm, offering a thrilling and eco-friendly alternative to traditional bicycles. One of the key components that make these bikes so popular is the electric bike motor. In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of electric bike motors, exploring how they work, the different types available, and the advantages they bring to riders.

How Electric Bike Motors Work

Electric bike motors, also referred to as e-bike motors or electric bicycle motors, are responsible for providing assistance to riders. They are designed to work in harmony with the pedal power of the cyclist, making the overall riding experience more enjoyable and accessible. Here's how they work:

Power Source: E-bike motors are powered by rechargeable batteries, typically lithium-ion. These batteries store electrical energy that is used to assist the rider when needed.

Sensors: E-bike motors are equipped with sensors that monitor various factors like speed, cadence (pedal rotation), and torque (force applied to the pedals).

Controller: A controller interprets the data from the sensors and determines how much assistance the motor should provide. It calculates the required power and sends it to the motor.

Motor: The motor, often located in the hub of the wheel (either in the front or rear), or the bottom bracket, provides the necessary propulsion by turning the wheels or cranks. There are different types of motors, which we will explore in the next section.

Types of Electric Bike Motors

E-bike motors come in various forms, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The three most common types are:

Hub Motors: Hub motors are located in the wheel hubs (either front or rear) and provide direct propulsion to the wheels. They are known for their simplicity and ease of maintenance. However, they can be less efficient on hilly terrain.

Mid-Drive Motors: These motors are located near the bike's bottom bracket, which is where the pedals are attached. Mid-drive motors utilize the bike's gears for more efficient power delivery, making them great for climbing hills and off-road riding.

Crank Motors: Crank motors are similar to mid-drive motors but are integrated into the crankset itself. This design offers a balanced and efficient power transfer while keeping the weight low and centered on the bike.

Advantages of Electric Bike Motors

Electric bike motors offer several advantages for cyclists, including:

Assistance: E-bike motors provide assistance, making cycling more accessible to people of different fitness levels and abilities. Riders can choose how much assistance they need, allowing for a customizable riding experience.

Extended Range: E-bike motors can extend your riding range by reducing the effort required to pedal. This is particularly useful for commuters and those looking to explore longer routes.

Eco-Friendly: E-bikes are a greener alternative to cars and motorcycles. They produce zero emissions and help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.

Health Benefits: Even with assistance from the motor, riding an e-bike still requires pedaling, which can promote physical activity and improve overall health.

Conclusion

Electric bike motors are the heart and soul of e-bikes, making them a practical and enjoyable mode of transportation. Whether you're looking to commute to work, explore new trails, or simply enjoy leisurely rides, electric bike motors can enhance your experience. Their efficient and eco-friendly design, combined with the power of human effort, offers a promising future for cycling enthusiasts everywhere. So, if you haven't already, consider hopping on an e-bike and experience the joy of riding with a little extra assistance from these amazing electric bike motors.

[batfambitches]

|| OPEN || Jason & ??? ||

“Don't even fucking start-” Jason told them as they got out of the car, pointing the wrench he'd been using to take off the shredded front tire on his motorcycle. “Did you bring me a spare tire?”

[mailnmail786]

Tata, a renowned leader in the automobile industry, has stepped into the electric bike market through its subsidiary Stryder, offering innovative and affordable electric cycles. #TataElectricCycle #TataEV #TataMotors #EVBike #ElectricCycle #EVRevolution  #GoGreen #EcoFriendly #TataInnovation #EV2025

https://www.techzonetricks.xyz/2025/02/tata-electric-cycle-2025-latest-models.html

[ulisefowler]

Exciting Ways to Promote Your E-Bike!

Are you passionate about electric bikes with removable batteries? The DYU brand offers fantastic options that combine style, convenience, and performance. With the growing popularity of e-bikes, promoting your DYU electric bike can be both fun and rewarding.

You can utilize social media platforms to showcase your rides, share your experiences, and connect with other e-bike enthusiasts. Engaging with online communities and attending local cycling events can also help you spread the word about your DYU bike.

Additionally, consider creating content like videos or blogs to highlight the unique features of your electric bike, such as its removable battery, which makes charging and maintenance a breeze.

With the right approach, you can inspire others to embrace the electric bike lifestyle and enjoy the freedom and excitement that comes with it. Happy riding!

[micheal406693]

Exciting Times Ahead: Should I Invest in an E-Bike?

Hey everyone! I'm really eager to share my thoughts on the booming e-bike industry, particularly focusing on the fantastic brand DYU. With the ongoing electric bike sale, I believe this is the perfect opportunity to explore the benefits of transitioning to an electric bike.I've been following DYU for a while now, and I must say, their commitment to quality and innovation is truly inspiring. Their e-bikes combine sleek design with powerful performance, making them a great choice for commuting or leisure rides. The convenience of an electric bike allows you to navigate through city traffic effortlessly, while also promoting a healthier lifestyle.Recently, I've noticed some amazing electric bike sale events where DYU is offering fantastic discounts. This is not just an opportunity to save money, but also a chance to invest in your well-being and the environment. E-bikes are eco-friendly, reducing your carbon footprint while giving you the freedom to explore your surroundings.I'm excited about the potential of owning an e-bike and the positive impact it can have on my daily routine. Whether it's for commuting to work or enjoying a weekend ride, I'm convinced that an electric bike from DYU will enhance my experience.Has anyone else considered making the switch to an e-bike? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Let's ride into the future together!

[csr762bike]

CSR 762 Electric Bike Launch Event

Gear up for an exceptional biking adventure at the CSR 762 bike launch event in Ahmedabad. Crafted to provide a unique riding journey, this electric marvel seamlessly blends advanced technology with an appealing design. Let's join the electric revolution and uncover the liberating thrill of riding with Svitch MotoCorp's innovative CSR 762.

[reasonsforhope]

Green energy is in its heyday. 

Renewable energy sources now account for 22% of the nation’s electricity, and solar has skyrocketed eight times over in the last decade. This spring in California, wind, water, and solar power energy sources exceeded expectations, accounting for an average of 61.5 percent of the state's electricity demand across 52 days. 

But green energy has a lithium problem. Lithium batteries control more than 90% of the global grid battery storage market. 

That’s not just cell phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, and tools. Scooters, e-bikes, hybrids, and electric vehicles all rely on rechargeable lithium batteries to get going. 

Fortunately, this past week, Natron Energy launched its first-ever commercial-scale production of sodium-ion batteries in the U.S. 

“Sodium-ion batteries offer a unique alternative to lithium-ion, with higher power, faster recharge, longer lifecycle and a completely safe and stable chemistry,” said Colin Wessells — Natron Founder and Co-CEO — at the kick-off event in Michigan. 

The new sodium-ion batteries charge and discharge at rates 10 times faster than lithium-ion, with an estimated lifespan of 50,000 cycles.

Wessells said that using sodium as a primary mineral alternative eliminates industry-wide issues of worker negligence, geopolitical disruption, and the “questionable environmental impacts” inextricably linked to lithium mining. 

“The electrification of our economy is dependent on the development and production of new, innovative energy storage solutions,” Wessells said. 

Why are sodium batteries a better alternative to lithium?

The birth and death cycle of lithium is shadowed in environmental destruction. The process of extracting lithium pollutes the water, air, and soil, and when it’s eventually discarded, the flammable batteries are prone to bursting into flames and burning out in landfills. 

There’s also a human cost. Lithium-ion materials like cobalt and nickel are not only harder to source and procure, but their supply chains are also overwhelmingly attributed to hazardous working conditions and child labor law violations. 

Sodium, on the other hand, is estimated to be 1,000 times more abundant in the earth’s crust than lithium. 

“Unlike lithium, sodium can be produced from an abundant material: salt,” engineer Casey Crownhart wrote ​​in the MIT Technology Review. “Because the raw ingredients are cheap and widely available, there’s potential for sodium-ion batteries to be significantly less expensive than their lithium-ion counterparts if more companies start making more of them.”

What will these batteries be used for?

Right now, Natron has its focus set on AI models and data storage centers, which consume hefty amounts of energy. In 2023, the MIT Technology Review reported that one AI model can emit more than 626,00 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent. 

“We expect our battery solutions will be used to power the explosive growth in data centers used for Artificial Intelligence,” said Wendell Brooks, co-CEO of Natron. 

“With the start of commercial-scale production here in Michigan, we are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient, safe, and reliable battery energy storage.”

The fast-charging energy alternative also has limitless potential on a consumer level, and Natron is eying telecommunications and EV fast-charging once it begins servicing AI data storage centers in June. 

On a larger scale, sodium-ion batteries could radically change the manufacturing and production sectors — from housing energy to lower electricity costs in warehouses, to charging backup stations and powering electric vehicles, trucks, forklifts, and so on. 

“I founded Natron because we saw climate change as the defining problem of our time,” Wessells said. “We believe batteries have a role to play.”

-via GoodGoodGood, May 3, 2024

--

Note: I wanted to make sure this was legit (scientifically and in general), and I'm happy to report that it really is! x, x, x, x

[captain-huggy-bear]

hear me out casual dominance with quinn? like him guiding her non-sexually like choosing outfits for her

Finally writing some Quinn again? Me? I feel like i've neglected him, butttttt Clay has taken over my brain... Big requests/full fic/big idea requests are closed at the moment but drabble and prompt requests are still open. Writing Masterlist

You don't notice it until one of your friends points it out. The way that Quinn seems to naturally lead you, naturally take charge in the relationship. It's so casual, so subtle that to you it just feels natural, so simple. He's not overbearing or aggressively dominant, instead his dominance comes in a quiet form that suddenly seems so loud now that it's been pointed out to you.

It's the way your meds are always measured out ready for the week on a Sunday night. The way he always stocks your favourite food in kitchen even if he hates it or simply isn't allowed to eat it right now. How he decides what's for dinner based on your tastes and organises your lunches for work. It's the way you don't have to think about what to wear to an event because he's already picked something out, already got every accessory you could need and suggested how your hair should be styled. It's the way Quinn always fills your petrol tank and always makes sure the frost has been removed from your car every morning even if he has to pay someone to come do it while he's away. It's the way he has a bath already run for you after a bad day, telling you, not suggesting, to get in and relax while he gets your pajamas ready.

It's like now. The way he's shifted to your left side, placing himself between you and the road, his hand on the small of your back as you walk down the streets of Vancouver, fingers dipping to twist in your belt loops so he has a good grip on you just in case.

You lean into his side harder because you can, shoulders slumping, relaxing in the way you can only seem to do around Quinn. There's no need for vigilance, no need to worry about what anyone might think or how people might act because you're with Quinn. All those acts of gentle, quiet dominance have convinced your brain, rightly or wrongly, that nothing could go wrong when you're with Quinn. That Quinn will take care of everything and it's...it's nice. To have that part of your brain that usually worries, usually doesn't stop, just be quiet.

"You okay, baby?" He's shifting you, leading you around a dip in the ground that needs fixing, you barely even notice it, trusting him without a second thought to guide you safely.

"Mmm, just thinking."

"About?" His fingers tighten in your belt loops, tugging you out of the way of someone speeding down the pavement on an electric bike. "Watch where you're going!" Quinn calls out, a quiet sorry can be heard from the guy as he continues without stopping once.

"Sorry, baby, you were saying?" He smiles down at you like it's all so simple. Like leading you, watching out for you, guiding you is so easy. Like it doesn't even register with him what he's doing.

"I was just thinking about how you take care of me..." You're a little shy about raising the topic, not wanting him to stop, not wanting him to overthink it. But, needing to get it off your chest now that you've noticed it.

"Kinda of my job, baby?" The look Quinn gives you is amused, like it's obvious, like it's that simple. Like he doesn't realise he does more for you than most boyfriends do for their girlfriends.

"I..." Your hesitancy makes Quinn frown, fingers tightening on you, pulling you closer.

"You okay?" He stops you, pulling you off to the side of the street, guiding you nearer to a shop window, fingers reaching out to push your hair behind your ears so simple, so natural. An attempt to find out what has you worried, what has you acting so shy around him.

"You just...I don't know, you make my brain shut off..." It feels like you're admitting a big secret when in reality its a simple fact, a good thing, because your worries, your anxieties, your nerves all drift away around Quinn. He's your safe space, your comfort...so why does it feel so secret, so taboo to admit that?

"That a good thing?"

"I guess, I just...I don't have to think because you do it all for me."

"I can stop if you want...I..." The hesitation in Quinn's voice is the last thing you want, you don't want him to stop, you don't want him to over think it.

"I like it, I just, I guess I never noticed and I don't want you to feel like you have to do it...I don't want to be another thing for you to worry about." You look down at your feet, shifting uneasy because you worry that Quinn feels he has to take care of you, that he doesn't want to but does it anyway. Quinn already has so much stress on his shoulders, so many plates balancing. You don't want to be another thing that causes him stress.

The way he huffs out a laugh is relieved, fingers falling underneath your chin and lifting until you're looking at him. Quinn has a small smile on his lips, the sort of smile that's amused and soft, "Baby, I like leading you, I like taking care of you, making life easy..." He lets out a happy little sigh that makes your heart flutter, "I'm never not going to worry either, you're my girl. It's kind of in the job description."

"I just don't want you to get fed up with me I guess." Your smile is sheepish, starting to feel silly for worrying in the first place but needing that reassurance that he's not going to grow bored of you.

"Not possible, baby."

"You promise?"

"I promise, c'mon." Quinn's tugging you away from the shop window, arm tight around you as you walk down the street again. The conversation in the past, but his actions still ringing clear. You're his to take care of, he'll lead you, guide you, and it's not something he ever wants to stop doing.

[docjayfeather]

All of the Ren Lore i’ve compiled from his single player series and old streams

Favorite meal is roast lamb and roast potatoes

Has an ex-girlfriend

Hates One Direction

Was on a boating team in high school

His mother’s first cat’s name was Ebony

His single player world started in 1.2

Ren’s favorite language is Spanish

Ren has been to Spain several times

His brother had a dog named Rorschach

Ren’s favorite armor set in the original Diablo was the Moon set

Ren and his brother used to have to shower/bath together, then dry off infront of an electric fireplace. Through a series of events, young Ren got his butt stuck to the glass pane of the electric fireplace, and has had a scar on his butt since.

Ren has said “I always think about [Ren’s brother’s username] when I think about my butt”

Ren knows how to do a cats cradle

Ren used to have frosted tips

Ren’s favorite commander deck is Kraum/Tymna

Ren got kicked in the literal butthole by a horse

Ren likes burning things

Ren created a rigged marble slot machine in high school

Went on an introspection journey, visiting all the places he lived and all his jobs pre-YouTube

Did the insane thing of asking the lady who was now living in his first house if he could go inside and check out his old room

Ren had a patreon tier where he’d sent his patrons a “Ren Crate”, a lootcrate full of stuff

Ren doesn’t drink (anymore)

Officially has OCD

Ren loves apple juice

Ren loves driving games

Event manager for The Deftones once

Plays MtG on Sundays

Ren wants to retire with Doc

Ren’s wants his spirit animal to be a shark

Ren’s favorite book series is LotR

Ren is “below-average hairy”

Ren’s favorite season is Autumn

Ren’s birthday is October 11th

Ren is a slut for tiramisu and ice cream

Ren wants to open an LGS/tabletop cafe

Ren is not a religious person

Ren worked in a seedy pool bar

Ren almost got an upper back tattoo

Ren loves green tea

Ren is Left Handed

Ren was at one point a vegetarian for several years

Ren has lost his wallet multiple times, once leaving it on a train

Ren eats a whole lemon every day, and drinks lemon juice straight from the lemon

Ren got in trouble at boarding school for “trying to summon demons”. He was just playing MtG.

Ren has had a pair of lucky underwear since he was 18

Ren’s favorite ice cream is strawberry

Ren loved getting aggressively physical in rugby

Ren loves cinnamon buns

Ren used to have super long butt-length hair

Ren really liked playing with fireworks when he was younger. They’d bury huge ones in the sand near their house to make craters.

Ren loves Love Island

Ren can only sleep on his arm

Wears exclusively Star Wars socks and has matching pajamas

Beat Gabriel Nasif in a Magic Grand Prix

Ren hates Oysters

Ren’s favorite dog breed is a chihuahua??

Ren’s favorite dnd class is bard

Ren enjoys cleaning the bathroom the most out of any room

Ren’s favorite musical is Les Miserables

Ren has a favorite kitchen knife, and used to cook a lot.

Ren’s favorite tool is the hoe (of course)

Ren and Iskall used to play League

Never farts irl

born in the same city as J R R Tolkien

Ren named his first car Maximus

Ren is a bath person

Natural Mace Race runner

Ren really likes pet rats

Ren has a very consistent shopping day of tuesday

Ren has an extremely strict sleep schedule

Ren has 7 pairs of the same pajamas to wear 24/7

Ren has a BA in English

Ren does 100 push-ups a day

Ren does a 15k bike ride every day

Ren had a max weight of 110 kilos, is now down to 80

Ren uses youtube in light mode

Ren has seen Metallica live

Ren wore fake glasses in college

Ren has 20/20 vision

Ren has been in plays during school, and blinded the lead with glitter accidentally during one of them, trying to spice up his one line.

Ren has a “black book” of atleast 9 board game ideas

Ren gets pretty motion sick

Ren enjoys mosh pits

Ren really likes competitive monopoly and risk

Ren burned his eyebrows off with a bunson burner once

Ren still cries at The Lion King

Ren plays Ornn, Urgot, and Tristana in League

Ren was allegedly born in 1982

Ren drunk-puked into his shirt in a german taxi the night he met Doc infront of the people sponsoring them

Ren drives stick shift and loves it

Ren thinks he might have a gluten allergy

Ren puts butter in his coffee

Ren tried to write a YA fantasy novel, got 80k words in before scrapping it

Ren would like to live with Keralis hypothetically out of any of the hermits

Ren’s favorite superhero is wolverine

Ren has tinnitus 

Ren convinced Cleo to start streaming, partially leading to her going full time 

Ren once barbecued on radio in the studio 

Ren stayed on his ex-girlfriend’s floor for the first six months of him moving to england

Ren got kicked in the balls trying to sell tickets to musicals in Leicester Square 

Ren loves playing golf and tennis 

Ren hates soccer

Ren loves queues, maybe ironically maybe unironically

Ren drinks four cups of tea a day 

Ren’s favorite season is 3rd life

[usmanmushtaq12]

The Power Behind the Pedals: Exploring Electric Bike Motors

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, have taken the world of cycling by storm, offering a thrilling and eco-friendly alternative to traditional bicycles. One of the key components that make these bikes so popular is the electric bike motor. In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of electric bike motors, exploring how they work, the different types available, and the advantages they bring to riders.

How Electric Bike Motors Work

Electric bike motors, also referred to as e-bike motors or electric bicycle motors, are responsible for providing assistance to riders. They are designed to work in harmony with the pedal power of the cyclist, making the overall riding experience more enjoyable and accessible. Here's how they work:

Power Source: E-bike motors are powered by rechargeable batteries, typically lithium-ion. These batteries store electrical energy that is used to assist the rider when needed.

Sensors: E-bike motors are equipped with sensors that monitor various factors like speed, cadence (pedal rotation), and torque (force applied to the pedals).

Controller: A controller interprets the data from the sensors and determines how much assistance the motor should provide. It calculates the required power and sends it to the motor.

Motor: The motor, often located in the hub of the wheel (either in the front or rear), or the bottom bracket, provides the necessary propulsion by turning the wheels or cranks. There are different types of motors, which we will explore in the next section.

Types of Electric Bike Motors

E-bike motors come in various forms, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The three most common types are:

Hub Motors: Hub motors are located in the wheel hubs (either front or rear) and provide direct propulsion to the wheels. They are known for their simplicity and ease of maintenance. However, they can be less efficient on hilly terrain.

Mid-Drive Motors: These motors are located near the bike's bottom bracket, which is where the pedals are attached. Mid-drive motors utilize the bike's gears for more efficient power delivery, making them great for climbing hills and off-road riding.

Crank Motors: Crank motors are similar to mid-drive motors but are integrated into the crankset itself. This design offers a balanced and efficient power transfer while keeping the weight low and centered on the bike.

Advantages of Electric Bike Motors

Electric bike motors offer several advantages for cyclists, including:

Assistance: E-bike motors provide assistance, making cycling more accessible to people of different fitness levels and abilities. Riders can choose how much assistance they need, allowing for a customizable riding experience.

Extended Range: E-bike motors can extend your riding range by reducing the effort required to pedal. This is particularly useful for commuters and those looking to explore longer routes.

Eco-Friendly: E-bikes are a greener alternative to cars and motorcycles. They produce zero emissions and help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.

Health Benefits: Even with assistance from the motor, riding an e-bike still requires pedaling, which can promote physical activity and improve overall health.

Conclusion

Electric bike motors are the heart and soul of e-bikes, making them a practical and enjoyable mode of transportation. Whether you're looking to commute to work, explore new trails, or simply enjoy leisurely rides, electric bike motors can enhance your experience. Their efficient and eco-friendly design, combined with the power of human effort, offers a promising future for cycling enthusiasts everywhere. So, if you haven't already, consider hopping on an e-bike and experience the joy of riding with a little extra assistance from these amazing electric bike motors.

[eu-nicola]

jealousy

summary: you're jealous of a woman who approached Rafe

warnings: nothing

word counter: 2291

author's note: english is not my first language, writing something better but i left this here

You had known Rafe Cameron forever. Outer Banks was far too small for you not to cross paths with him every now and then, although you had always been from two completely different worlds. You were a Pogue, born and raised between sunsets on the docks and impromptu beach parties. He, on the other hand, was a Kook, living in the luxury and opulence of Figure Eight, surrounded by wealth that you had no interest in.

You had always thought Rafe was arrogant, self-centered, and often unbearable. And to be honest, he didn’t have a very different opinion of you. Every time you crossed paths at a party or on the docks, there were looks filled with disdain and cutting remarks. To him, you were a "loud Pogue," always ready to question him. To you, he was "the typical spoiled rich kid," used to getting whatever he wanted.

The funny thing is, you were both wrong.

Everything changed one night, one of those where the air was thick with salt, and the sky seemed like an infinite blanket of stars. You had gone to a beach party, invited by Sarah and Kiara, and, of course, Rafe was there with his usual entourage of friends. You had decided to ignore him as usual, but the events of that night wouldn’t allow it.

It all started with a sarcastic comment from him, something about how Pogues were always sticking their noses where they didn’t belong. You responded with an equally sharp retort, and before you knew it, you were engaged in an argument in front of everyone. You don’t exactly remember what you said, but it was enough to shut him up. Rafe gave you a look you had never seen before: a mix of challenge, interest, and something you couldn’t quite identify.

Later that same night, you found him alone, sitting on a rock near the water. It was rare to see him apart from his group, but something in you decided to approach him, maybe driven by curiosity or lingering anger. To your surprise, instead of continuing the fight, you talked. And for the first time, you saw another side of Rafe. A more honest, even vulnerable side. He talked about things you’d never have imagined bothered him, and you surprised yourself by being honest with him too.

That night marked the beginning of something neither of you expected.

At first, it was strange. It wasn’t like you suddenly got along. In fact, most of the time, you still argued, but the fights stopped being purely hostile. There was something electric about, a tension both of you pretended to ignore but became harder to hide every day. It didn’t take long before that tension spilled over.

The first kiss was an accident or at least that’s what you told yourselves afterward. It was during another argument, one that started over something insignificant but ended with both of you too close, too aware of each other. You didn’t know who made the first move, only that suddenly his lips were on yours, and everything you had thought about him crumbled in that moment.

From then on, things changed. You started spending more time together, first in secret, away from curious eyes and the judgments you both knew you would face. Surprisingly, it was Rafe who insisted on keeping your relationship private. “It’s complicated,” he told you once, and even though you didn’t like the answer, you understood why.

Still, the relationship progressed quickly. You spent almost every night at his place, though you never entered through the front door. He always found ways to make you feel special, whether it was sneaking you onto his bike to ride to the cliffs or staying up with you for hours, just talking. Despite your differences, you began to see how much you actually had in common.

Rafe, despite his confident, was someone with far too many inner demons. Sometimes, he would come home late, upset about something he wouldn’t tell you, but you found ways to calm him down. In turn, he was always there when you needed him. You learned to trust him more than anyone you ever had before.

Of course, it wasn’t perfect. Sometimes you fought, and you couldn’t help but wonder if what you had was sustainable. You were a Pogue, and that wasn’t going to change. He, a Kook, had a reputation to maintain, expectations to fulfill. Yet when you were with him, none of that seemed to matter.

What surprised you most was how much he truly cared about you. It was something you never would have expected from someone like Rafe Cameron. He treated you with a tenderness you never imagined he could have. When you were with him, you felt seen, like you were the only thing that mattered in his world.

The months flew by, almost like a sigh. You and Rafe were still together, closer than you’d ever thought possible at the beginning. What had started as something secret had become your refuge, a space where you could be authentic without the weight of the Pogue and Kook labels. But you couldn’t deny that being with him meant stepping into his world, a place you never quite got used to.

That night was yet another test of that.

You found yourself at an elegant party, one of those where everything about the atmosphere screamed "money." The music was soft, like a sophisticated murmur, and the place was filled with people who seemed all too aware of their status. The men wore perfectly tailored suits, the women donned dresses that probably cost more than your house, and everyone drank whiskey or champagne like it was water.

You had tried to fit in, wearing a pretty dress and styling your hair with care, but no matter how much you tried, you always felt like you didn’t belong. You stood near a table, idly playing with the rim of your wine glass, watching people chatter in small groups. Everything felt so superficial, so far removed from what you knew, it made you want to laugh.

Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted Rafe. He was a little farther away, at the bar, with a whiskey glass in hand. His eyes were almost glassy, a clear sign he’d already had more than enough to drink. Despite everything, he looked incredible, as always. He had that presence that made people stare, that almost arrogant confidence that drove you crazy but had also drawn you to him in the first place.

However, you weren’t the only one who noticed his charm.

A blonde woman, probably in her fifties, was approaching him. She wore an elegant dress that fit her perfectly, carrying herself with the kind of confidence that screamed she always got what she wanted. She stopped in front of Rafe and smiled at him, a smile that made your teeth clench.

You watched as she leaned in, introducing herself with a handshake. Rafe, drunk but ever charming, smiled back and soon they were talking like old friends. After a moment, they moved to a nearby table, sitting across from each other.

You weren’t the jealous type, at least not in the classic sense. You never felt the need to control what Rafe did or who he talked to. But there was something about this woman, about the way she looked at him and smiled, that made your blood boil. You couldn’t quite explain it, but you felt it deep in your chest.

You took a sip of your wine, trying to ignore it. But the discomfort didn’t go away, and before you could stop yourself, you were already walking toward them. You stopped next to Rafe, placing a hand on the back of his chair, and glanced at the woman.

She noticed you immediately and gave you a smile that seemed far too fake to be polite.

“Oh, hello,” she said in a high-pitched tone, as if surprised to see you there.

“Hello,” you replied quietly, keeping a neutral expression.

The woman shifted her attention back to Rafe, as if you no longer existed.

“Who’s she?” she asked curiously, gesturing toward you with a subtle tilt of her head.

Rafe glanced at you briefly before turning to the woman. It took him a moment, probably more due to the alcohol than anything else, but he finally answered:

“This is my, uh, friend.”

You raised an eyebrow at his choice of words but said nothing. The woman, who apparently was named Hollis, gave you another smile and nodded.

“Nice to meet you, Rafe’s friend.” Her tone was friendly, but there was something in it that set your nerves on edge.

After a few more comments, Hollis finally got up. Before leaving, she handed Rafe a card, which he accepted without hesitation. You watched as she walked away confidently, and once she disappeared into the crowd, you turned your attention back to Rafe.

“Who’s she?” you asked, crossing your arms.

Rafe rubbed his forehead, clearly feeling the effects of the alcohol, and looked at the card in his hand.

“She’s the biggest real estate agent on the island. Also, apparently, a cougar.”

Your reaction was immediate: a mocking laugh escaped your lips as you rolled your eyes.

“Oh, sure. The biggest cougar on the island.”

Rafe kept looking at you with that smirk you loved to hate. You knew what was coming; you recognized that spark of amusement in his eyes whenever he found an opportunity to tease you.

“So?” he asked, leaning a little closer to you, his warm breath brushing your skin. “Are you jealous?”

You stared at him without flinching, even though you felt the heat rising to your cheeks. You weren’t going to give in so easily. You raised an eyebrow and adopted a nonchalant tone, though deliberately defiant:

“Should I be, friend?”

That stopped him for a second, but only for his grin to widen even more. He leaned in closer, reducing the distance between you until your faces were dangerously close. You felt your heart begin to race, but you held your ground.

“Friend?” he repeated, his deep voice dropping even lower. He leaned in until his nose brushed yours, his teasing smile making you want to laugh and hit him at the same time. “Is that all I am to you?”

You bit your lip to keep from smiling but decided it was time to hit back.

“Maybe I should go find JJ.”

Rafe’s smirk disappeared for a second. You saw him tense, and before you could step back, he grabbed your waist and pulled you close, your chest colliding with his. His gaze locked on yours, intense and dangerous, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes that made him even more irresistible.

“Don’t tempt me. You know JJ can’t make you feel what I do,” he murmured, his voice rough and dripping with something deeper.

Your breath hitched for a moment, but you weren’t going to give in that easily. You looked at him with a challenging smile and raised an eyebrow.

“That sounds like a warning, Cameron. And you know I don’t like warnings.”

He smiled, that arrogant smile you knew so well, and before you could say anything else, he tilted his head, and his lips found yours. The kiss was so sudden you almost lost your balance, but his firm hands.

The world seemed to disappear in that instant. You couldn’t hear the murmur of the party or the soft clinking of champagne glasses around you. All you felt was Rafe, his warmth, his intensity, and the way his mouth claimed yours as if he was trying to prove a point.

When he finally pulled back, just enough for his lips to still brush against yours, he smiled again, triumphant.

“Are you going to run off to JJ now?” he asked in a whisper, his voice dripping with arrogance.

You rolled your eyes, trying to regain your composure, though the way your heart raced gave you away.

“You’re an idiot.” But you couldn’t help the smile tugging at your lips.

“And yet, you can’t resist me.” His tone was cocky, but there was something softer in his gaze, something that made you forget why you were even upset in the first place.

You gave him a small shove on his chest, though you didn’t make much effort to pull away from his arms.

“Next time I see you talking to Hollis or any other “real estate agent,” you said, emphasizing the words with a slightly mocking tone, “you better remember who I am.”

Rafe let out a low, charmingly husky laugh as he nodded.

“Believe me, baby, there’s no one at this party, or on this island, who could ever make me forget who you are to me.”

Your heart skipped a beat, but instead of showing it, you simply lifted your chin and looked at him with a satisfied smile.

“You better not. Because I’m not good at sharing.”

He looked at you as if you were confirming something he already knew, and before you could say anything else, he kissed you again, this time softer, as if he wanted to erase any trace of doubt from your mind. And as you got lost in that moment, you knew that, no matter how chaotic things were with Rafe, he would always have the power to undo you with just one kiss.

[brunettemarionette]

SOA as Romantic Tropes

The Sons of Anarchy characters as popular romance tropes.

♡ Jax Teller — Soulmates/Second Chances

Jax is the one who got away, the man you loved with every fiber of your being when you were both too young and too reckless to make it work. Back then, your relationship was a wildfire—passionate, all-consuming, and chaotic. You’d spend nights riding on the back of his bike, arms wrapped around his waist, feeling like the world couldn’t touch you. But the club, his family, and the weight of his destiny pulled you apart. It was right person, wrong time, and when it ended, it shattered you. Years later, after you’d both lived separate lives, you cross paths again—maybe at a gas station on the outskirts of Charming or at a bar where you didn’t expect to see him leaning against the counter, that same damn smirk on his face. The second your eyes meet, it’s like no time has passed. He’s rougher now, hardened by loss and violence, but the way he looks at you still makes your heart stutter. Jax doesn’t hesitate—he walks right up, cups your face, and kisses you like he’s been starving for it. From there, it’s a slow burn of rediscovery. You help him heal from the guilt and pain he carries while he reminds you what it feels like to be truly alive. The club life keeps trying to pull him away, but this time, he fights for you. You’re his soulmate, and no amount of blood or time can change that. It just took a second chance to prove it.

♡ Opie Winston — Childhood Sweethearts

Opie’s been in your life since you were kids, growing up in Charming together. You remember him as the lanky boy who’d share his snacks with you at recess and scare off anyone who messed with you. He was your first crush, your first dance at a school event, the one who taught you how to climb trees without falling. Life pulled you apart—his marriage, the club, your own path—but you never stopped thinking about him. When you come back to Charming after years away, he’s a widower, hardened by loss, but those familiar hazel eyes still light up when he sees you. You fall into old habits: late-night talks on his porch, fixing up his truck together, laughing about the dumb things you did as kids. The shift happens slowly—his hand brushing yours, a hug that lasts too long—and suddenly, you’re not just friends anymore. He’s hesitant, scared to love again, but with you, it feels like coming home. You’re his second chance at happiness, and he holds onto you like you’re the only thing keeping him steady.

♡ Happy Lowman — Opposites Attract

Happy’s the last guy anyone would picture with you. He’s the club’s enforcer. Silent, intense, with a body count that’d make most people run. You’re the sunshine to his storm, maybe a nurse who patched him up once or a florist who accidentally delivered flowers to the clubhouse. At first, he terrifies you, all grunts and tattoos, but then he keeps showing up—fixing your leaky sink, glaring at the creep who won’t leave you alone at the bar. You’re soft where he’s rough, chatty where he’s quiet, and yet it works. He’s drawn to your warmth, your refusal to flinch when he tells you about his darker side. You tease him until he cracks a rare smile, and he starts bringing you little things—a bullet casing he turned into a keychain, a cactus because “it’s tough like me.” You balance each other: you soften his edges, and he keeps you grounded. No one gets it, but when he pulls you close after a long day, it’s clear you’re his exception, the one person he’d kill—or die—for.

♡ Tig Trager — Forbidden Love

Tig’s wild, unpredictable, and totally off-limits. Maybe you’re a cop’s daughter, or worse, related to someone in a rival MC. The first time you meet, it’s electric. He’s all dark humor and suggestive grins, and you’re trying not to fall for it. You know getting involved with him is a bad idea; your family would flip, and the club would never approve. But Tig doesn’t care about rules. He sneaks you away for midnight rides, leaves flirty notes under your windshield wiper, and kisses you like he’s daring the world to stop him. The tension builds—stolen glances at club parties, secret meetups in abandoned lots until you can’t deny it anymore. He’s a mess of contradictions: loyal to the club but willing to risk it all for you, crude one minute and tender the next. You’re caught between worlds, but when he tells you he’d burn it all down to keep you safe, you believe him. It’s dangerous, messy, and undeniably addictive.

♡ Chibs Telford — Older Man/Younger Woman

Chibs is older, wiser, and carries the weight of a lifetime of scars—both literal and emotional. You’re newer to Charming, maybe a mechanic’s apprentice or a waitress at the diner, full of energy and sass that catches his eye. He calls you “lass” with that gravelly Scottish accent, teasing you about your “young folk ways,” but there’s a spark there he can’t ignore. You’re drawn to his quiet strength, the way he commands respect without raising his voice, and how he listens when you ramble about your day. At first, he resists, thinks he’s too old, too broken for someone like you but you wear him down with your persistence, sneaking into his orbit until he’s making excuses to see you. He takes you on long rides and shares stories of his past over whiskey, and soon, you’re the one patching him up after a fight, your hands steady against his battered skin. You bring light to his world, and he grounds you with a love that’s steady, fierce, and unshakable.

♡ Juice Ortiz — Fake Dating

Juice is your best friend in the club, the sweet, tech-savvy guy who’s always got your back. When your ex won’t leave you alone, or your family keeps bugging you about settling down, you rope Juice into pretending to be your boyfriend. He’s all in, goofy grin and all, showing up with flowers and holding your hand at the clubhouse like it’s real. You figure it’ll be easy—he’s adorable and easygoing, and you already spend all your time together fixing bikes or playing video games. But then it gets complicated: his arm around your waist feels too natural, and the way he looks at you when you laugh stops being an act. You’re sharing a bed one night after a club party, too drunk to care about boundaries and wake up tangled together. He’s shy about it, stammering apologies, but you pull him back, admitting you don’t want it to be fake anymore. Juice lights up, and suddenly, he’s kissing you like he’s been waiting forever. The club teases him mercilessly, but he doesn’t care—you’re his girl now, for real.

[vaspider]

Any advice for someone thinking about moving to the Pacific Northwest?

That kinda depends on where you are moving to! Here are the things I've found useful to know about moving to Portland:

I moved from Philly, where people tend to be more kind than nice, and here, people are more nice than kind. What I mean by this is that people in Philly will call you a jagoff while pulling over to change your tire in the rain, while people in Portland will smile while they keep driving. (This isn't universal, but it's real.)

Oregon has no sales tax. You'll pay a bunch of different income taxes in April, though, so make sure you pay attention to your mail in the beginning of the year so you get all your local taxes done.

Locals tend not to use umbrellas much. I tend to not just bc the rain is rarely hard enough to require one. Get a good raincoat.

Portland was one of the first places in the US to be wired for home electricity. Therefore, the grid needs upgrades, and a lot of the big lines are not buried as they are in other places and are vulnerable to ice. Make sure you have good home batteries for when we have ice storms.

Ditto, the streets don't get treated for ice. Make sure you have good boots and YakTrax or similar.

Pedestrians don't fucking look before they step out into the street. If people acted in Philly like they act in PDX, they'd get hit. If you're driving in the PNW, act like every pedestrian is about to do the most foolish thing ever.

Ditto PNW drivers. I'd rather drive to EWR on a Friday at 5 pm than try to cross the Willamette at rush hour.

TriMet still has a lot of room for improvement, but it's a lot better than any other city I've lived in. Get your Hop set up when you get here so you know you have money on it and all, even if you don't ride often, just in case.

The Oregon Zoo membership has an exchange thing where every month there are different local places you get free admission to. Getting a membership is generally less expensive than going twice in a year, and also, there's a bunch of other stuff you can do with that membership.

Choose where you wanna live as the place you're gonna do pretty much everything. Portland is largely set up so you can do everything you need within your neighborhood, which is nice. Pretty much the only time that I leave my neighborhood is when I have to go to a specialist doctor or to hang out with my cousins who live in SW or go to a special event.

Portland has a lot of cool shit you can do in your neighborhood - honestly more than I've seen anyplace else I've lived. There are hiking groups and bike rides and soap box derbies and all kinds of shit. Join local FB groups, look for posters... you'll see 'em.

If you consume weed regularly & qualify for a medical card, get one. The taxes on marijuana add up a lot faster than you think.

Some of the best food in Portland is at the strip clubs. No, I'm not joking. There's a law in PDX that if you serve alcohol, you have to serve Real Food, which has led to bars and clubs competing over how good their food is.

Food cart pods are the shit. Research your local food cart pods. You'll get some of the best food you've ever eaten and can take a huge group of people with different food needs to a local food cart pod and just have everyone go to different carts and get their own shit.

Look into who owns your local weed store. There are good Black-owned stores, and one of the most popular "chains" is/was owned by some deeply shady people who essentially bribed one of our Secretaries of State. So it does matter.

Be nice to the crows. There is a huge huge huge local murder & crows tell other crows if you're an asshole or you're cool.

I'm sure there's more stuff, but that's what I can think of while I'm listening to a podcast and my wife is driving us home.

[peachsukii]

𝐢𝐧𝐤 & 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 — band au: drummer!bakugo x artist!reader

Distortion is the hottest band in town, making waves in the underground scene with their unique sound. Led by your college best friend and music prodigy, Kyoka Jiro, alongside her misfit group of friends, they've been playing shows every weekend for the last few months and have gathered a decent following. You're whisked into the whirlwind of their rockstar lives when Jiro commissions you to design a band logo for their merch, reconnecting with her and meeting the members of the band. Your eyes immediately gravitate to their powerful drummer, Katsuki Bakugo. Fresh out of a nasty three year on/off relationship, he's not looking for anything or anyone while shutting out the world around him. He's focused on the one thing that keeps him sane; music. You're six months free of a breakup as well, looking to repaint your world with new colors and experiences, but turns out it's more tumultuous than anticipated. Explosive fights, newfound fame, clashing egos, dive bars, stolen kisses, black out dreams, messy exes and hard lessons; but somehow, love finds a way to bloom like a flower in the desert - deep in the hottest, driest wasteland of two broken hearts.

✮ content. rock/punk/alt band au. slow burn. meet cute. strangers to lovers, various smut. smoking/drugs/alcohol consumption. talks of emotional & physical abuse from past partners. angst with a happy ending. emotional hurt/comfort. mild violence. mentions of cheating from past partners. miscommunications. jealousy. brief long distance. stalking. attempted sexual assault (not from bakugo or the bakusquad!). bakugo & reader suffer from relationship traumas. bakusquad are in a band. friend breakups & makeups.

✮ info. all characters are 24/25 years old. reader co-owns an art gallery and has a BFA. reader's artist alias is "glxtch" (glitch). bakugo drives a custom built orange & black Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. relationships: momojiro, kirimina, ex-bakucamie, ex-dabi/reader.

『 rating: explicit (18+) | status: in progress | word count: 2.4k | ao3 version 』

✮ band name: Distortion

Kyoka Jiro. lead singer, electric guitar (Barista - Degree in Music Production)

Denki Kaminari. electric guitar, backup vocals (Waiter)

Eijiro Kirishima. bass, backup vocals (Bartender)

Katsuki Bakugo. drummer, backup vocals (Bike Mechanic)

Mina Ashido. keyboard, backup vocals (Makeup artist)

Momo Yaoyorozu. band manager (Marketing assistant)

✮ vocal inspirations

Kyoka Jiro ⇢  addie amick (halocene)

Denki Kaminari ⇢  rory rodriguez (dayseeker)

Eijiro Kirishima ⇢  tim mcilrath (rise against)

Katsuki Bakugo ⇢  eric vanlerberghe & acoustic (i prevail - harsh vocals)

Mina Ashido ⇢  maggie lindemann

✧. ┊ 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧 (𝟐.𝟒𝐤)

In the middle of the night, six months apart, the stars align and allow yourself and Bakugo to make the much needed decisions to save yourselves from drowning in loveless relationships.

✧. ┊ 𝐕𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤: 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝

A glimpse into the past, memories of a ghost that keep you up in the middle of the night and stalk you wherever you go.

✧. ┊ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐎𝐧𝐞: 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞

It's been seven months since you've successfully escaped from Toya, free of his abuse and finally free to live your life the way you planned. New number, name, hair, car — you've recreated yourself from scratch. With no social media footprint to be tracked by your past, you're focused on your art and thriving in your hometown at the local gallery. The universe, however, has other plans for you the day some punk with a scowl on his face sulks into the gallery to put up a flyer for his band's show that weekend.

✧. ┊ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐰𝐨: 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐥

Sitting in a diner with Distortion's drummer at 3AM was not where you planned to be, but after the events of the night, knew you couldn't leave Bakugo alone. Who knew an explosive breakup could be cushioned with coffee and pancakes? And maybe, just maybe, sparks something unknown.

✧. ┊ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞: 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 (𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧?) 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬

✧. ┊ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫: 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐄𝐧𝐝

✧. ┊ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞: 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 (𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬)

✧. ┊ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐢𝐱: 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐀𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐱 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬

✧. ┊ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧: 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞

✧. ┊ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐄𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞

✧. ┊ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝐈𝐟 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐀 𝐋𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮

✧. ┊ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐞𝐧: 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞

✧. ┊ 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤: 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝟏-𝟐-𝟑-𝐠𝐨!!

✮ pinterest board + playlist.

✮ wanna join the ink & rhythm taglist? sign up here! ✮

『 © peachsukii & zanarkandskylines on archive of our own — please do not steal, plagiarize, modify, translate or repost any of my content. Do not use my content for AI purposes. 』

[tortillamastersblog]

♕ No Matter What - Part 2 | Lena Luthor ♕

Pairing: Lena Luthor x reader

Warnings: none

Summary: Working as Lena’s bodyguard turns out to be more boring than anticipated. Yes, there have been several attempts on her life right before you were hired, but since then… nothing.

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist

________________________________________________

It’s been three weeks and the only words spoken between Lena and I since I started have been anything but personal.

I get to her apartment in the morning to accompany her to the office, then sit around outside her office, sharing light conversations with Jess every now and then before following her into a high end restaurant for lunch where she meets her best friend Kara Danvers, or some business partners.

After lunch it’s back to the office until dinner, which she usually orders in.

It’s only in the late hours of the night that she finally decides to go home. I obviously accompany her all the way until she’s at her front door where she bids me a polite goodnight before shutting the door in my face.

The next day is the same, and so is the one after that. It’s like clockwork. Until it’s not.

I’m running exceptionally late today because the electricity in my apartment building shorted out in the middle of the night, effectively resetting my alarm clock and deleting the alarm I set for this morning.

In a haste I pulled on some clothes, brushed my teeth and fixed my hair, leaving no time for breakfast.

I rushed out of the door and downstairs, struggling with the lock of my bike for a second before jumping on and pedaling as though my life depended on it.

Now, fifteen minutes late, sweaty and breathing heavily, I get to Lena’s apartment building. I rush inside and shove my bike into the janitors closet, ignoring Ann’s laugh behind the reception desk.

I’m just about to call for the elevator when it dings and the doors open to reveal an annoyed looking Lena Luthor.

“You’re late,” she states, moving to brush past me, but then she notices the state I’m in. “Why do you look like that? Did you run here or something?”

I wipe a droplet of sweat off my forehead and grimace. “I biked, actually…” The unimpressed raise of an eyebrow I receive has me quickly adding, “But that’s not important. I’m so sorry for being late, Ms. Luthor. It won’t happen again.”

Lena’s eyes rake over me once more, only this time she seems more curious than scrutinizing.

“It better not,” she quips and for a moment I can’t believe that she’s actually joking.

I follow her outside and open the backdoor of the waiting car. She slips inside and I follow after her, signaling for the driver to go once we’re both buckled in.

The ride is uneventful, so is the trek from the car to her office. However when she stops in front of Jess’s desk instead of walking into her office, I almost run into her.

‘Ms. Luthor, what—?”

“Jess,” Lena says, ignoring my surprised exclaim. “Could you please grab Y/N a new shirt from the lab storage room? Something a little less sweaty?”.

Oh my God…

If I died right now I honestly wouldn’t care. Anything would be better than this.

Jess hurries off immediately, leaving Lena and I to our own devices.

I don’t dare to meet her eyes, but then she laughs softly and I look up to find her smiling at me.

It’s the first ever genuine smile she’s directing at me and it makes my stomach flip.

“Don’t be embarrassed. It just shows that you actually care about your job,” she says and it’s almost enough to assuage my embarrassment if it weren’t for my stomach growling the next second.

Please, just kill me.

Instead of making a big deal out of it, Lena just crosses her arms with an amused smile and says, “How about some breakfast?”

I’m about to decline, but then my stomach growls again and I agree with a shy nod. “Yes, please.”

We enter her office and she asks me to take a seat on the couch while she rearranges some of her meetings to accommodate for the turn of events.

“Ms. Luthor, you really don’t have to do this, I know you’re busy and—“

Lena raises her hand, effectively shutting me up. “Nonsenses. I want to do this. I want to get to know you better,” she hits return on her keyboard, presumably sending off an email to her staff entailing the details of the change of plans and gets up to join me on the couch.

I frown and bite my tongue to prevent myself from asking but why now?

She hasn’t made any effort to get to know me these last couple of weeks. What’s changed?

First the teasing earlier and now this impromptu breakfast.

“Fine,” I say, a little impatient but Lena doesn’t seem to notice, or she just doesn’t care. “What would you like to know? I feel like there’s hardly anything you don’t already know after reading my resume and the extensive background check your security team did on me.”

Lena’s eyes widen for a split second before she recomposes herself. She shifts in her seat and nervously straightens out her blouse. “Actually, I never took a look at any of that.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “What? But then who—?”

The question dies on the tip of my tongue when Lena meets my eyes with a sheepish smile. “Sam took care of everything.”

Ah, that explains why she hasn’t asked about the honorable discharge. She doesn’t know.

I don’t know if I’m supposed to feel relieved or offended. Relieved because it means I don’t have to talk about what happened, or offended because I know almost every little detail about her by now and she doesn’t even know where I worked before agreeing to this position.

For instance, I know that she’s an excellent chess player, she hates Salmon, she takes her coffee black, she doesn’t like tequila, and she’s not one to shy away from a glazed donut every now and then.

“I only really know your name,” Lena continues with a hint of regret in her voice, “which is a shame because you’ve proven yourself to be competent and discreet.”

The corner’s of my lips twitch involuntarily at that last part because I know she’s referring to the time last week I walked in on her doing a dorky victory dance when she managed to solve an equation on her whiteboard.

She’d gone pale when she realized I was there, but I just acknowledged her with a nod and set down the coffee she’d asked for before leaving the office again, not losing a word to anyone about what I’d witnessed.

“Well, alright then,” I say, the tension melting away. “Ask away.”

Lena perks up and clasps her hands together in her lap. “When’s your birthday?”

“November 12, 1990,” I reply easily. “Almost three years older than you.”

“You know my birthday?”

I shrug. “It was in Sam’s briefing on you.”

Lena looks surprised and slightly alarmed. “What else did she tell you?”

“Not much,” I admit with a small smile. “Just the basics like your birthday, where you went to school, and your favorite restaurants.”

Lena visibly relaxes and gets right back to questioning me. “Good, so what did you do before accepting this position? Sam briefly mentioned you were in the Army, but that’s about it.”

There it is. I don’t want to get into this too much, so I recite the answers I’ve been practicing ever since it occurred to me that she would want to know why I’m no longer serving. “I was, yes, but before Sam approached me about this job I was living off some savings and a the little money I made teaching self-defense classes.”

Savings… more like separation pay that followed my honorable discharge.

It’s so ironic that it’s called an honorable discharge when I feel like I was anything but that in the moment it counted the most.

“Really, that sounds interesting,” Lena says, bringing me back to reality. I’m glad she doesn’t ask any follow up questions, but then she continues and my stomach drops. “And what about siblings? A sister maybe? Or a brother? I’m sure you know all about my brother.”

She laughs self-deprecatingly, not realizing I’ve frozen in my seat.

“No. No siblings,” I croak which seems to get her attention. Her brows furrow in concern and she opens her mouth to say something, but in that moment Jess returns with a black shirt in one hand and a brown paper bag in the other.

I jump to my feet, glad about the interruption and take the shirt from Jess. “Thanks, Jess.”

“No worries,” she chimes, obviously not picking up on the vibe in the room. “Here you go, Ms. Luthor. Two French Toasts and a Pain au chocolat.”

Lena gets off the couch as well and takes the paper bag and it’s only then that I notice the sweet smell it’s emitting.

“I’m gonna go change.” I hold up the shirt for reference and don’t indulge Lena when she sends me a pitiful look. Of course she knows that something is up after the way I just reacted to her question.

I leave quickly and find a bathroom to change in. My shirt is no longer soaked in sweat, but I know it will start smelling over the course of the day, so I change into the new shirt.

It’s a bit small around my shoulders and strains around my arms but it’ll have to do. I exit the stall and splash some water on my face by the sink.

When I look up and meet my own eyes in the mirror I scoff.

Coward.

The white L-Corp logo over my chest reminds me where I am and I banish any thoughts of Noah from my mind. I grab a paper towel and wipe my face before practicing an unbothered smile in the mirror.

After a couple of tries I manage one that even convinces myself and return to Lena’s office.

She’s taken the food out of the paper bag and placed it on some napkins on the coffee table. She’s also managed to organize some coffee which is steaming in two mugs next to the food.

“So, French toast, huh?” I say lightheartedly which causes Lena’s head to snap up.

She eyes me curiously for a second (her eyes momentarily darting to where the shirt is cutting into my biceps) but when she can’t find any traces of my emotional turmoil she takes a seat on the couch and reaches for her coffee.

“Yes, it’s from my favorite breakfast place down the block. I hope you like it.” She sounds just the tiniest bit self conscious which makes me melt a little on the inside, so I take a seat next to her and pick up one of the sugary treats.

I take a bite and hum in delight. “This is great!” I take another bite before swallowing the first and groan. “Wow. I can’t remember the last time I ate something like this.”

When I look up Lena’s watching me over the rim of her mug, hiding a satisfied smile. The awkwardness and tension from ealier has vanished completely and for the first time I think I catch a glimpse of the friend Sam has described Lena to be.

She is a cutthroat business woman, yes, but it seems underneath the tough exterior she’s just like everyone else, proud when the food she got to pick is to someone’s liking.

I take another bite, and another, and another until the French toast is gone and the only traces of its previous existence are the powdered sugar on my hands and the maple syrup around my lips.

I wipe my hands on a spare napkin and take a sip of coffee before getting rid of the maple syrup with the same napkin.

Lena’s only on her second bite when I look her way, but I honestly couldn’t care less about how I just inhaled that treat. I was starving and like I said, it’s been a long time since I’ve eaten something as good as this.

“So,” Lena starts, gracefully setting down her half-eaten toast, “How’d you meet Sam?”

I laugh and sit back, trying not to eye the Pain au chocolat too obviously. “We grew up together. She was living down the block and when her mom kicked her out when she got pregnant we took her in.”

Lena’s eyes widen. “Really? She never told me about that.“ She ponders over the new information for a moment while my eyes dart back and forth between her and the Pain au chocolat. “So that’s why she’s so protective of you.”

I don’t know what exactly she referring to, but I know what she’s talking about. Sam’s always been like that, defending me whenever she deemed it necessary while I’ve always been there for her and Ruby.

“I guess,” I say with a chuckle. “She’s like a sister to me.”

Lena smiles at that, her eyes twinkling with something I can’t quite place as she leans forward to pick up her toast again. “I can see that,” she says, taking a bite. When my eyes drop to the Pain au chocolat once again she notices and smirks.

“Go ahead,” she mumbles around her mouthful of food, gesturing at the pastry with a jut of her chin. “Take it.”

I beam and reach for it, ready to devour it in a few large bites, but then I think better of it. I pick it up and rip it in half as best as I can, taking one half while putting the other back on the napkin and sliding it in front of Lena.

“There, now it’s fair.”

Lena’s eyes widen slightly and she swallows thickly before taking a big sip of coffee to hide tinge of red that’s made its way to her cheeks.

Maybe this year won’t be so bad after all.

________________________________________________

Welp. This story is shaping up to be longer than anticipated…