#automatic passenger counting system light

[sirowsky-stories]

Rocky Roads

Right, well this is one of two short stories I wrote the week after Halloween, obviously intending to post them around that time, only the post office in my brain lost the dang memo, so here we are.

Description: This is not a Pedro character story, just a little horror story about a woman who finds a strange rock. It's pretty much the classic "Thing" sort of vibe, just less gooey.

Warnings: This is a mini alien horror story, so you know, expect the usual horrific things.

Word Count: 925 Author's Masterlist Divider by @saradika-graphics

   It looked no different than every other amethyst she’d ever picked up, except that it was unusually big. The cave system was just half a mile from her little cabin at the edge of the desert where she usually worked, turning seemingly dull rocks into pieces of art.    But this one proved to be a challenge, which should probably have been a clue, since her equipment had never struggled to simply split a rock open before.

   Nevertheless, the stubbornness of the thing only managed to make her redouble her efforts, but when all else had failed, she finally decided to simply crush it with her hydraulic press. It wouldn’t earn her as much if she had to sell it in smaller pieces or turn them into jewellery, but at that point, she’d settle for anything.    Happily, the press worked.

   But her joy was short-lived when the first crack resulted in the entire room being flooded with bright blue light, so intense that even though she closed her eyes, it still stung them to the point where she turned away and put her hands over her face.    The press ground to a halt a moment later, automatically rising to its starting position, and then everything went quiet and still.

   She opened her eyes while still facing away from it, just in case, but since the room was only normally lit by then, she spun around to find out what had happened, only to instantly regret it.    Because between the two metal disks of the press, something was moving, trying to get out of the cracked stone.

   She stood frozen to the spot while she watched as something which had to be alien, or if not, then at least previously undiscovered, crawled out of the press and disappeared behind it. And although she didn’t get a good look at it, she could see that it was black, and not even like a raven’s feathers or a block of coal. No, it was as dark as Vantablack, the blackest black in the world, and she counted at least eight legs.

   One minute later, she was in her jeep and leaving the driveway, driving way too fast on the narrow gravel road under the moonless night sky, hoping that by the time she decided to go back out there, the thing would’ve left on its own.    She turned onto the interstate ten minutes later, gunned the engine as the tires finally had some good grip, and reached for her purse, which she’d thrown into the front passenger seat before setting off, to grab her phone.

   The purse was leather, so she was expecting the familiar smoothness of the material to greet her fingers, when instead, something dry and texturally similar to really fine flour except in a fixed shape, met her touch.    Unwilling to even entertain the possibility that the fucking thing had followed her into the car, she convinced herself that she’d imagined it and turned her head to look at the seat.

   The moment her eyes landed on it, registering that it was about the size of a corgi and that there were no eyes looking back at her, the thing suddenly moved, heading across the center console and directly towards her.    Panic set in like an instant fever, removing all thoughts of vehicle safety and every danger associated with uncontrolled driving, as she let go of the steering wheel and started trying to punch the thing away from herself, waving so manically that she managed to hit the wheel several times, sending the car off the road at a hundred miles an hour.

   It wasn’t long before another driver noticed that there was something in the ditch, over a hundred yards from the road, with a trail of broken plastic and pieces of metal littering the chaotic scene, so he decided to investigate, stopping his car so that the headlights were aimed directly at the wreck.    The jeep had rolled but it had landed upright, so when he reached the driver’s side, he could see the woman in the front seat.

   She was quite clearly dead, but he had to make sure, so he reached through the broken window to try and find the pulse point on her neck.    But the moment his hand passed into the car, something crawled up from the inside of the driver’s door, and then continued up his arm.    Waving and thrashing to try and get rid of whatever it was yielded no result, and in no time at all, it was crawling onto the back of his head, spreading its legs around the sides and over his face, and even though he tried to pull it off, he couldn’t seem to get a grip on the fucking thing.

   Screaming, since there was nothing else he could do, the last thing he felt was how something warm and slightly moist seemed to connect to his brain, inside of his skull, although he felt no pain, and then everything just sort of... seized.    Everything he was, his memories, his thoughts, it all just stopped and vanished, leaving him an empty shell, prepared to be filled with something new.

   From his car still on the hard shoulder of the interstate, the man’s five-year old daughter watched as her father climbed back into the car. And even though he looked exactly the same, she knew it wasn’t him.    Eons of evolution told her so.    But before she could do anything, the unknown man put the car in motion, and she was trapped.

THE END

[samholic]

Building Safer Roads with Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification

In every city, road safety remains one of the most pressing and persistent challenges. With rising traffic volumes, diverse vehicle types, and unpredictable road behavior, ensuring the safety of all road users—drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport passengers—requires more than just traffic signs and speed limits.

Today, cities are turning to smart technology to make roads safer. At the forefront of this innovation is Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification (ATCC)—a system that offers real-time, accurate insights into traffic flow and vehicle types, enabling data-backed safety interventions that save lives.

Understanding ATCC in the Context of Safety

Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification systems work by detecting, tracking, and classifying vehicles based on their size and type—such as two-wheelers, passenger cars, trucks, and buses—using a mix of sensors, radars, and video analytics. These systems run continuously, providing city authorities with precise data on where, when, and what types of vehicles are moving across the urban landscape.

When it comes to road safety, this kind of information is powerful. Instead of guessing where accidents might happen, traffic authorities can rely on ATCC data to pinpoint high-risk zones, understand unsafe driving behavior patterns, and deploy targeted interventions.

Identifying High-Risk Zones Before Crashes Happen

Traditionally, accident-prone areas are identified after crashes have occurred, often through police reports and public complaints. This reactive approach delays life-saving improvements.

With Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification, cities can take a proactive stance. By analyzing traffic flow, speed variations, and vehicle types across intersections and highways, ATCC systems can highlight zones where risky driving behaviors are more frequent—such as frequent lane changing, speeding by heavy vehicles, or mixed traffic conflicts.

These insights allow authorities to implement early safety measures, like installing speed bumps, redesigning intersections, or adding pedestrian signals before serious accidents occur.

Managing Speed with Real-Time Data

Speeding is a leading cause of road fatalities. However, blanket speed limits often fail to account for road-specific risk factors like vehicle type, lane width, pedestrian presence, or time of day.

ATCC helps solve this by providing real-time vehicle classification along with speed data. Authorities can identify if heavy trucks are exceeding safe limits on narrow city roads or if two-wheelers are racing during off-peak hours. This data supports the dynamic adjustment of speed limits and enforcement efforts tailored to specific conditions—making roads safer for everyone.

Improving Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

In most cities, pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable road users. Unfortunately, they’re often overlooked in traffic design due to a lack of data.

Advanced Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification systems can identify non-motorized traffic such as bicycles and even detect pedestrian movement in crosswalk zones. When this data is combined with traffic volume and vehicle classification, it offers a complete picture of road usage.

With this insight, planners can add bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, refuge islands, or signalized intersections in the right places—effectively reducing pedestrian and cyclist injuries.

Enabling Smarter Enforcement and Regulation

Enforcement is a crucial part of road safety, but deploying traffic police or surveillance equipment everywhere is neither feasible nor cost-effective.

That’s where ATCC helps. By identifying zones with high volumes of speeding, improper vehicle movement, or red-light violations (when combined with video systems), traffic enforcement can become targeted. Cameras and officers can be deployed precisely where needed—leading to better compliance with fewer resources.

In addition, Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification systems can be integrated with digital signage to provide speed warnings or real-time alerts to drivers in sensitive areas such as school zones, construction sites, or accident-prone curves.

Safety-Driven Infrastructure Design

Building safer roads starts with better design—and better design starts with accurate data. ATCC systems provide the information planners need to understand how infrastructure is being used, whether it’s a residential street or a national highway.

For instance:

If ATCC detects frequent heavy truck traffic in an area not designed for it, the road surface may need reinforcement.

If two-wheeler traffic dominates a narrow lane with high accident rates, a divider or lane expansion might be justified.

If school zones see increased morning congestion, authorities can schedule temporary traffic diversions or increase crossings.

Rather than relying on assumptions, cities can use Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification to design infrastructure that supports actual traffic patterns safely.

Real-Life Example: Targeted Road Safety Using ATCC

A mid-sized city in Southeast Asia installed ATCC systems at 50 intersections. Within months, data revealed a troubling pattern: buses and trucks were frequently speeding in areas with high pedestrian activity. Authorities used this insight to redesign road signage, install bus-priority lanes, and implement AI-based signal timing.

In less than six months, pedestrian injuries decreased by 30%, and average vehicle speed dropped to within legal limits. This real-world success shows how ATCC isn't just theoretical—it’s a proven solution to urban safety concerns.

The Future: AI-Enhanced ATCC for Predictive Safety

The next generation of Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification systems will integrate machine learning to predict safety risks before they arise. By analyzing historical patterns, weather conditions, and event schedules, these systems will be able to warn traffic control centers of expected congestion or risky driving zones in advance.

This predictive capability will transform road safety from reactive to preventive—reducing accidents, saving lives, and creating more resilient cities.

Conclusion: A Safer Journey Begins with Smarter Technology

Road safety is not just about enforcement or infrastructure—it's about knowledge. With Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification, cities gain the visibility they need to act swiftly, wisely, and effectively.

From identifying high-risk zones to enabling smarter enforcement and designing safer streets, ATCC systems are essential tools for every smart city aiming to protect its citizens.

The future of traffic safety is real-time, data-driven, and proactive—and it starts with Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification.

[shizukaseo]

Transforming Highways with AI-Based Traffic Management Systems

As our highways grow busier and more complex, the demand for smarter, more efficient traffic control is undeniable. Traditional traffic enforcement systems, dependent on human intervention, are often reactive, inconsistent, and limited in scope. Enter the AI-based traffic management system—a transformative technology that combines real-time analytics, automation, and machine learning to revolutionize how we manage and monitor highway traffic.

This blog explores how AI is redefining traffic management through vehicle detection, violation enforcement, and traffic classification, with real-world applications and insights to understand its growing importance in building safer and smarter roads.

The Core of AI-Based Traffic Monitoring

At the heart of an AI-based traffic management system lies its ability to collect and process vast volumes of real-time data. Equipped with cameras, sensors, and AI algorithms, these systems can identify, interpret, and act upon various traffic conditions and violations in real time.

From detecting license plates to classifying vehicles and tracking violations, AI systems offer unmatched speed and precision. Let’s break down the three core components powering this transformation:

1. Vehicle Make, Model, and Number Plate Detection

One of the most essential features of modern AI traffic management is vehicle identification. Advanced computer vision algorithms now allow for:

Vehicle Make & Model Recognition: Detects and categorizes vehicles based on appearance using trained AI models.

Number Plate Detection (ANPR): Reads license plates using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.

This technology is crucial for highway safety and enforcement. Authorities can:

Track Stolen Vehicles: Real-time tracking makes it easier to recover stolen cars.

Ensure Speed Compliance: By linking vehicle IDs with speed detection, violators can be automatically penalized.

Enhance Border Security: Enables region-wise data access and movement patterns of vehicles.

2. Real-Time Violation Detection

Road safety heavily depends on the ability to detect violations and respond swiftly. With AI-based traffic management systems, violations are detected automatically and enforcement actions are taken instantly, reducing the burden on human officers.

Common Violations Detected:

Triple Riding: AI identifies motorcycles carrying more than two passengers, a major road hazard.

No Helmet Detection: Computer vision tracks helmet usage to ensure compliance.

Over Speeding: Speed detection cameras linked to AI algorithms monitor speed limits.

No Seatbelt: Identifies drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts, especially in high-speed zones.

Wrong Direction: Detects vehicles traveling against traffic flow to prevent collisions.

Wrong Lane Use: Flags unauthorized lane usage (e.g., bus or emergency lanes).

Banned Vehicles: Detects commercial or high-emission vehicles in restricted zones.

No Parking/Stalled Vehicle: Identifies illegal parking or breakdowns to prevent traffic build-up.

The AI system’s ability to issue digital challans (fines), alert authorities, or guide law enforcement to violators ensures more consistent and efficient enforcement.

3. Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification (ATCC)

Beyond enforcement, highway authorities need to understand traffic behavior and infrastructure needs. Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification (ATCC) enables real-time monitoring and segmentation of traffic by vehicle type, time, and location.

Vehicle Classifications Typically Tracked:

2-Wheelers (Motorcycles)

3-Wheelers (Auto-rickshaws)

4-Wheelers (Cars, SUVs)

Light Commercial Vehicles (4/6-Tire)

Mini Light Commercial Vehicles

2 to 6-Axle Trucks

Heavy Commercial Machinery (HCM)

Tractors, Goods Auto, Buses, Mini Buses

Cycles and Light Goods Vehicles (LGV)

ATCC data enables:

Traffic Flow Analysis: Understand volume trends across time slots.

Infrastructure Planning: Identify needs for road expansions or maintenance.

Smart City Integration: Coordinate with broader intelligent transport systems.

Optimized Toll Collection: Dynamic pricing based on vehicle class and time.

Case Study: South Korea’s AI-Driven Highway Monitoring

South Korea has implemented an integrated AI-based traffic management system across major highways. The system combines ANPR, ATCC, and violation detection into a unified control center.

Results:

20% reduction in road accidents due to automated enforcement.

30% improvement in emergency response times.

Real-time updates for commuters through integrated apps.

Significant fuel savings from smoother traffic flow.

This comprehensive approach highlights the power of combining multiple AI capabilities into one intelligent system.

Benefits of AI Traffic Management on Highways

1. Enhanced Road Safety

AI proactively detects and prevents risky behavior, leading to fewer accidents.

2. Reduced Congestion

Traffic patterns can be optimized dynamically, minimizing bottlenecks.

3. Data-Driven Decision-Making

Authorities receive rich, real-time data to inform planning and investments.

4. Operational Efficiency

Reduces dependency on manual monitoring, freeing up human resources.

5. Environmental Impact

Fewer traffic jams = less fuel burned and lower emissions.

6. Smart Infrastructure Growth

Lays the groundwork for autonomous vehicles and future mobility solutions.

The Future of AI-Based Traffic Management Systems

The next generation of AI traffic management will be even more advanced:

Predictive Analytics: AI will forecast congestion and reroute traffic in advance.

Autonomous Enforcement: Drones and mobile AI units will handle dynamic situations.

Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication: AI systems will connect with smart vehicles to share real-time updates.

AI + IoT Integration: IoT sensors embedded in roads will feed AI models with infrastructure-level data.

As smart cities evolve, these systems will become central to urban mobility.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the benefits, certain challenges must be addressed:

Privacy Concerns: Data collection must follow ethical and legal frameworks.

High Initial Investment: Infrastructure setup is capital-intensive.

System Maintenance: Requires regular updates, calibration, and power backups.

False Positives: AI models need to be well-trained to avoid misidentification.

Conclusion: The AI Highway Revolution Has Begun

An AI-based traffic management system is not just a futuristic concept—it is actively reshaping how highways function. From identifying violations and classifying vehicles to enabling informed infrastructure decisions, AI is making highways safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

As we move toward a future of autonomous transport and intelligent cities, these technologies will become foundational. For governments, city planners, and law enforcement agencies, adopting AI traffic management isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a necessity for the next era of mobility.

[alitowing]

Best Light Duty Towing Trucks of 2025: Power and Performance

When your vehicle unexpectedly breaks down on the road, it’s an already stressful situation that no one wants to face. The last thing you need to worry about is whether the towing company you’ve called will be reliable, fast, and professional. Whether you're stuck on a busy highway, a quiet suburban street, or an isolated country road, a dependable towing service is absolutely crucial. In places like Halethorpe, MD, where traffic patterns are unpredictable, and road conditions can be less than ideal, having access to a trustworthy towing company becomes even more essential. Whether your car simply needs a quick jump-start to get moving again, or you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle needs to be towed to the nearest repair shop, having a reliable towing partner can make all the difference in how quickly and efficiently you're able to get back on your way.

In an area like Halethorpe, where daily commuting, local traffic, and unforeseen weather can create challenges for drivers, the need for a dependable and fast-response towing service is more important than ever. That’s why having a team you can count on to show up when you need them the most isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. When it comes to towing services, it’s essential to choose a company that understands the importance of quick, safe, and courteous service, ensuring that both your vehicle and your peace of mind are in good hands.

1. What Makes a Tow Truck “Light Duty”?

Before diving into the best trucks for towing, it’s essential to understand what “light-duty” towing means. Light-duty tow trucks are designed to tow smaller vehicles such as sedans, compact cars, motorcycles, and small SUVs. These trucks are generally able to handle vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds.

Types of vehicles light-duty trucks can tow:

Passenger cars: Sedans, hatchbacks, and compact cars.

Motorcycles and scooters: Easy to transport with specialized towing equipment.

Small SUVs and crossovers: These trucks are perfect for everyday family vehicles.

Light trucks: Pickups and minivans are within their towing capacity.

In urban and suburban areas like Halethorpe, MD, light-duty tow trucks are highly popular because they’re maneuverable in tight spaces, making them ideal for quick response times. These trucks can get in and out of narrow streets, parking lots, and areas with limited space, providing more flexibility for towing in high-traffic zones.

2. Key Features to Look for in a Light Duty Tow Truck

When selecting a light-duty tow truck, several features set the best ones apart from the rest. Here are the key features to look for in a reliable, high-performance light-duty towing truck:

Power & Engine Performance A good tow truck needs a strong engine to pull vehicles without struggling. The engine should be able to haul the towed vehicle safely without overheating or losing power. Power is crucial, especially when towing on inclines or when handling vehicles with different towing needs.

Maneuverability In urban areas, maneuverability is essential. A light-duty truck needs to be easy to steer, especially when dealing with tight spaces like narrow streets, busy intersections, or crowded parking lots. Small, agile trucks can make a big difference when responding to emergency calls in Halethorpe.

Durability & Safety Durability is vital for any tow truck. Light-duty trucks need to be able to endure the stresses of constant use. High-quality suspension systems, durable frames, and solid construction materials can ensure that the truck lasts for years, even under frequent towing.

Ease of Use Modern towing trucks come with technology that makes towing safer and more efficient. Features like flatbed options, hydraulic winches, and automatic loading/unloading systems can improve the overall towing experience. These technologies reduce the chances of accidents and make it easier for tow truck operators to handle vehicles more effectively.

3. Top 5 Light Duty Tow Trucks of 2025

Let’s look at some of the best light-duty tow trucks of 2025. These models combine performance, power, and innovative features to make them stand out in the towing industry.

Truck 1: Ford F-550 Super Duty

The Ford F-550 Super Duty has long been a favorite among towing companies, and the 2025 model is no exception. It offers impressive towing capacity, powerful engine options, and excellent maneuverability, making it ideal for urban and suburban towing.

Key Features:

7.3L V8 engine with 430 horsepower

Towing capacity of up to 19,500 pounds

Advanced towing technologies like trailer sway control

Why It Stands Out: The F-550 is built to handle tough towing jobs, providing reliability, comfort, and versatility.

Truck 2: RAM 5500

The RAM 5500 is another excellent choice for light-duty towing. Its high towing capacity and heavy-duty construction make it perfect for both everyday towing and emergency situations.

Key Features:

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine

Towing capacity of 18,000 pounds

Heavy-duty rear suspension for added stability

Pros: Strong performance, excellent towing capacity.

Cons: Larger size might make it less maneuverable in very tight spaces.

Truck 3: Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

Chevrolet’s Silverado 3500HD has a reputation for being a durable, reliable truck that performs well in all types of towing situations.

Key Features:

6.6L Duramax V8 engine

Towing capacity of 20,000 pounds

Enhanced towing technologies like adaptive cruise control and stability management

Why It Stands Out: The Silverado is a well-rounded towing truck that delivers both strength and precision.

Truck 4: Isuzu NPR-HD

The Isuzu NPR-HD is a more affordable option for light-duty towing needs. It’s perfect for everyday operations in city and suburban areas where maneuverability is key.

Key Features:

5.2L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine

Towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds

Compact and agile design for urban environments

Why It Stands Out: Its smaller size and excellent fuel efficiency make it a great option for local towing.

Truck 5: Hino 338

Hino’s 338 model is a top performer in the light-duty category, featuring both fuel efficiency and advanced towing capabilities.

Key Features:

7.6L J08E-W turbocharged engine

Towing capacity of 17,950 pounds

Smooth ride with superior handling

Why It Stands Out: Hino trucks are known for their longevity and ability to handle heavy-duty tasks with ease.

4. Why Choose Us as the Best Towing Company in Halethorpe, MD?

At our towing company, we understand that you need fast, reliable, and affordable towing services when things go wrong. Here’s why we’re the best choice for light-duty towing in Halethorpe, MD:

Experience & Reliability We’ve been in the towing business for years, serving Halethorpe and the surrounding communities. Our experienced drivers know the area inside and out, ensuring that we arrive quickly and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

24/7 Availability Emergencies don’t happen on a schedule, so we’re available 24/7. Whether it’s the middle of the night or a busy rush hour, we’re just a phone call away.

Fast Response Time In an emergency, every second counts. We prioritize fast response times so that we can be at your location as soon as possible to help you out.

Affordable Rates We believe in offering transparent pricing with no hidden fees. You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for, and we strive to keep our rates competitive.

Local Knowledge As a locally-owned towing company, we have a deep understanding of Halethorpe’s roads and neighborhoods. This helps us provide faster, more efficient service.

5. Towing Services We Offer

We provide a wide range of towing services to meet your needs, including:

Emergency Towing: Whether you’ve been in an accident or your car broke down unexpectedly, we’ll be there to tow you to safety.

Roadside Assistance: From tire changes to fuel delivery, we offer essential roadside services.

Light Duty Towing: We specialize in towing smaller vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and more.

Flatbed Towing: Ideal for vehicles that need to be transported without being driven.

Winch-Out Services: When your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, we have the tools to safely winch it out.

6. Towing Costs and Prices

Towing costs can vary depending on factors like distance, vehicle type, and time of day. Here’s an honest breakdown:

Base Towing Fee: $50 to $100 (for short-distance tows)

Per Mile Fee: $3 to $7 (depending on distance)

Additional Fees: After-hours fees, winch-out charges, and other services may apply.

We ensure that all our pricing is transparent, so there are no surprises when you receive your bill.

7. Why 2025 is the Year for Upgraded Towing Trucks

In 2025, towing trucks are becoming more advanced, incorporating eco-friendly technologies and better performance capabilities. Some trucks are now equipped with hybrid engines for better fuel efficiency, while others feature GPS tracking and self-loading mechanisms. These upgrades are designed to improve service efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and minimize the environmental impact of towing operations.

8. How to Call for a Tow Truck in Halethorpe, MD

If you find yourself in need of towing services, here’s how to reach us:

Phone: Call us at (443) 763–7409

Website: Visit https://ali-towing.com/

Location: We’re conveniently located in Halethorpe, MD, and serve surrounding areas.

9. Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Here’s what some of our customers have to say:

John S.: “They were fast and friendly. My car broke down on the side of the road, and they showed up within 15 minutes to tow me.”

Amanda R.: “I needed a tow in the middle of the night, and this company was there for me. They made the whole process easy and stress-free.”

Call to Action

Need a tow truck? Call us now at [(443) 763-7409], and we’ll be there to assist you immediately!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a light-duty tow truck? A light-duty tow truck is designed to tow smaller vehicles, such as sedans, motorcycles, small SUVs, and light trucks. These trucks typically have a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, making them ideal for everyday vehicles.

2. How much does towing cost in Halethorpe, MD? Towing costs can vary depending on the distance, type of vehicle, and time of day. On average, base towing fees range from $50 to $100 for short distances. For longer tows, there is typically an additional per-mile fee, ranging from $3 to $7. Additional services, like winch-outs, may incur extra charges.

3. How fast can you respond to a towing request in Halethorpe, MD? We prioritize quick response times, typically reaching your location within 20–30 minutes in Halethorpe and nearby areas. However, response times can vary based on traffic, weather, and the complexity of the situation.

4. Do you offer 24/7 towing services? Yes, we offer 24/7 towing and roadside assistance services. Whether it’s the middle of the night or during a busy afternoon, we’re always available to help you out.

5. What types of towing services do you provide? We provide a wide range of services, including:

Emergency Towing

Roadside Assistance (jump-starts, tire changes, fuel delivery)

Light Duty Towing (cars, motorcycles, small SUVs)

Flatbed Towing

Winch-Out Services (when your vehicle is stuck)

6. Do you tow vehicles that are stuck off the road? Yes, we offer winch-out services to safely retrieve vehicles that are stuck in mud, snow, or other off-road situations.

7. Can you tow my vehicle if it’s in a tight or hard-to-reach spot? Yes! We specialize in maneuvering in tight spaces, whether it’s a narrow street, crowded parking lot, or tricky angle. Our light-duty trucks are designed for optimal maneuverability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right towing company and the best light-duty tow truck can make a world of difference when you’re in an emergency. With our professional service, fast response time, and top-of-the-line tow trucks, we’re here to help you in Halethorpe, MD. Whether it’s a breakdown, accident, or roadside emergency, we’ve got you covered.

[orbitalinstallationtechnologies]

How Orbital Installs Help Fleets With Automatic Passenger Counters?

In today’s fast-paced transportation environment, precision and data-driven insights have become essential to fleet success. One technology rapidly gaining traction is Automatic Passenger Counters, electronic systems designed to track and record the number of passengers boarding and exiting a vehicle in real-time. Far from a niche luxury, these counters are transforming how transit agencies, event shuttles, and private fleet operators manage daily operations. By providing accurate, real-time data, businesses can streamline routes, optimize schedules, and elevate the passenger experience. At Orbital Installs, we specialize in Counter Installation for a range of fleets, delivering robust solutions that seamlessly integrate into your existing infrastructure. Read on to learn how these systems revolutionize fleet management, reduce operational overhead, and provide a clear roadmap to improved services.

The Importance of Automatic Passenger Counters 

Modern fleets are more reliant on data than ever. Traditional manual counting methods can be error-prone, time-consuming, and require additional labor costs. Automatic Passenger Counters leverage technologies like sensors, infrared beams, or even advanced AI cameras to capture boarding and alighting information with high accuracy. This data is invaluable for:

Route Optimization: Identify under- or over-utilized routes and adjust frequency accordingly.

Budget Allocation: Make informed decisions on resource distribution and staff scheduling.

Compliance & Reporting: Provide documented data for government funding, compliance checks, or internal audits.

Enhanced Customer Experience: Monitor passenger loads to anticipate and manage peak times.

By replacing guesswork with real-time metrics, Passenger Tracking fosters an environment of data-driven improvements. Orbital Installs ensures each system is precisely installed, so you enjoy error-free data collection from day one.

Operational Benefits: More Than Just Counting

Some might see passenger counting as a narrow function. However, the real power lies in how this data integrates with route planning, ticketing, and broader fleet management. By merging passenger data with vehicle location and driver behavior analytics, managers gain a 360-degree view of daily operations. For instance, if a particular route sees consistently low occupancy, resources can be reassigned to more profitable lines. Meanwhile, high-occupancy routes can be served by additional vehicles or staff to boost customer satisfaction.

Over time, robust passenger analytics can also inform marketing promotions, including offering discounts on underused routes or adding premium services for popular lines. Our Automatic Passenger Counter Installation packages ensure each sensor is accurately mounted and integrated with your telematics, enabling an immediate, streamlined data flow to your dispatch or analytics portal.

Core Features of Modern Passenger Counting Systems 

Real-Time Tracking: Harness advanced sensors to capture boarding events in real time.

Adaptive Sensing: Certain systems calibrate themselves to varying light conditions, bus layouts, or seasonal apparel for consistently accurate counts.

Integration: Combine passenger data with GPS or route software, enabling deeper insights.

Data Storage & Reporting: Automatic or scheduled uploads to cloud-based dashboards or local servers.

Scalability: Systems can be expanded to accommodate more vehicles or integrated with additional modules like seat occupancy or fare collection.

At Orbital Installs, each Passenger Tracking Installation is carefully planned, ensuring sensors are placed optimally for minimal interference and maximum accuracy. We test each device and train relevant personnel on reading and interpreting the data.

Orbital Installs’ Approach to Automatic Passenger Counter Installation

As specialists in vehicle communication and telematics, Orbital Installs employs a proven methodology for Automatic Passenger Counter Installation:

Assessment: We begin by reviewing your fleet size, vehicle models, route complexities, and data requirements. This info guides our sensor and device recommendations.

Scheduling: Large fleets require strategic rollouts to minimize downtime. We plan the installation phases so your vehicles remain available as much as possible.

Installation & Calibration: Our technicians secure each sensor along doorways, calibrating them to filter out double-counting or environmental noise.

Integration: Passenger data merges with existing route management or dispatch systems, ensuring a single, consolidated platform.

Testing & Training: We confirm accurate data capture and train your staff on daily usage and troubleshooting.

Our commitment extends beyond installation, offering ongoing maintenance and updates to keep your passenger counters at peak performance.

Enhancing Vehicle Communication & Data Ecosystems

At Orbital Installs, we see passenger counters as one piece of a broader puzzle. Modern fleets also rely on telematics solutions, two-way radio systems, and advanced route optimization software. By weaving passenger data into your overarching vehicle communication strategy, you elevate the efficiency and decision-making potential. For example, real-time passenger loads can be relayed to dispatch teams via two-way radio, enabling them to route spare vehicles or staff effectively. This synergy between hardware components fosters a unified digital ecosystem, aligning with your daily or long-term operational goals. With each device properly installed and integrated, your fleet transitions from manual guesswork to data-driven intelligence—a hallmark of forward-thinking organizations in the mobility sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why do I need Automatic Passenger Counters when I can have staff count manually?A: Manual counting is prone to human error, becomes costly over time, and isn’t always feasible during peak hours. Automatic Passenger Counters deliver accurate, real-time data with minimal effort.

Q2: How accurate are these sensors in high-traffic conditions?A: Modern sensors are highly accurate—some boasting over 95% accuracy. Our thorough Automatic Passenger Tracking Installation process ensures your device is calibrated for your specific environment.

Q3: Will integrating passenger counters disrupt existing telematics or communication systems?A: Our technicians design integrations that complement, not disrupt, your current systems. Proper installation ensures data from counters flows seamlessly into your dispatch or analytics platform.

Q4: Does Orbital Installs handle ongoing maintenance and updates?A: Yes! We provide post-installation support, including periodic firmware updates, recalibrations, or expansions if you add more vehicles.

Q5: Can passenger data integrate with route optimization software?A: Absolutely. Our approach merges these metrics with route management, enabling dynamic scheduling and resource allocation based on real-time passenger loads.

Real-World Impact: Turning Data into Decisions

What does your fleet gain from implementing calamp or other advanced passenger counters? In short, better data transforms your daily operations. You can:

Optimize Fleet Size: Knowing exactly how many riders occupy each vehicle helps you deploy resources where they’re most needed.

Enhance Rider Experiences: Reducing overcrowding or ensuring peak-hour coverage fosters loyalty.

Improve Profitability: Detailed usage statistics guide marketing efforts and strategic route expansions.

Justify Funding: Government or private stakeholders often require passenger stats to substantiate grants and budgets.

These improvements aren’t theoretical, they translate into actual savings, improved satisfaction, and a stronger reputation. Orbital Installs ensures each system reliably captures data with minimal downtime or staff overhead.

Why Orbital Installs?

Orbital Installs stands out due to its:

Expert Team: Each technician is well-versed in advanced fleet hardware—from passenger counters to telematics.

Comprehensive Solutions: We integrate passenger counters into your existing systems, bridging two-way radio comms, route optimization, and more.

Quality Assurance: We meticulously test each sensor post-installation, verifying consistent accuracy and stable data transmission.

Scalable Deployments: Whether you run a handful of vehicles or a large-scale transit fleet, we design solutions that adapt to your growth.

Combining specialized knowledge, rigorous processes, and customer-focused values, we’re the prime choice for Automatic Passenger Counter Installation.

Conclusion

Data is king in modern fleet operations. Embracing, Passenger Counters goes well beyond counting heads—it ushers in precise analytics, route optimization, and heightened passenger experiences. Yet these benefits only materialize when devices are expertly installed, calibrated, and integrated. Orbital Installs offers a holistic approach that streamlines your adoption, from planning to deployment and beyond. Our seasoned technicians handle complexities like sensor positioning, software configuration, and end-to-end testing, all to transform your raw passenger data into powerful operational insights. If your goal is to enhance efficiency, reduce guesswork, and better serve your passengers, we invite you to reach out. Let Orbital Installs demonstrate how an Automatic Passenger Tracking Installation can significantly elevate your fleet’s capabilities and bottom line.

To Contact Us - https://orbitalinstalls.com/contact-us/ 

[nissanboerne]

Explore the Power and Elegance of Nissan at Nissanboerne.com

Nissan has long been synonymous with reliability, innovation, and style. Whether you're looking for a car that offers cutting-edge technology, exceptional performance, or sleek design, Nissan has a vehicle for you. At Nissanboerne.com, you’ll find the perfect blend of power and elegance in the Nissan lineup, tailored to fit the needs of every driver.

Why Nissan?

Innovation That Excites

Nissan's slogan, "Innovation that excites," isn't just a catchphrase—it’s a promise. For decades, Nissan has been at the forefront of automotive innovation, introducing features that redefine the driving experience. From advanced driver-assistance systems to electric vehicle technology, Nissan of Boerne is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

At Nissanboerne.com, you can explore a wide range of Nissan models equipped with the latest tech. Whether it's the Nissan Rogue with ProPILOT Assist, a semi-autonomous driving feature, or the all-electric Nissan Leaf that’s leading the charge in sustainable driving, Nissan’s innovation shines through.

Performance Meets Precision

One of the hallmarks of Nissan vehicles is their performance. Nissan understands that drivers want a vehicle that is not only functional but also fun to drive. With powerful engines, precise handling, and superior road performance, Nissan cars offer an exhilarating experience behind the wheel.

Models like the Nissan GT-R and the Nissan 370Z showcase the brand’s dedication to speed and performance, giving sports car enthusiasts the power and agility they crave. On the other hand, SUVs like the Nissan Pathfinder offer the perfect combination of power and practicality, making them ideal for families who need both space and strength. Visit Nissanboerne.com to explore these models in more detail and find the one that fits your lifestyle.

Elegance and Style

A Design to Impress

While performance is key, Nissan doesn’t compromise on design. Every Nissan vehicle is crafted with precision and an eye for detail, making them as stylish as they are powerful. Whether you’re looking at the sharp lines of the Nissan Altima or the bold stance of the Nissan Armada, you can count on Nissan to deliver a vehicle that turns heads.

Nissan's signature V-Motion grille, floating roofline, and boomerang-shaped LED lights are just a few of the design elements that make their cars stand out. Inside, Nissan vehicles feature modern, luxurious interiors with premium materials, intuitive layouts, and advanced infotainment systems. Every ride in a Nissan is not only comfortable but also sophisticated.

Eco-Friendly Elegance

For those looking for style with sustainability, Nissan offers a lineup of eco-friendly vehicles that don’t skimp on elegance. The Nissan Leaf, one of the world’s best-selling electric vehicles, blends zero-emissions driving with a sleek, modern design. Its aerodynamic shape not only looks good but also improves its efficiency, allowing for more miles on a single charge. Discover more about Nissan's green initiatives and their stunning EV designs at Nissanboerne.com.

The Perfect Nissan for Every Driver

Nissan caters to a wide range of drivers, offering vehicles that fit various needs and lifestyles.

For the Family

If you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle, Nissan has you covered with SUVs like the Rogue, Pathfinder, and Murano. These vehicles offer plenty of space for passengers and cargo, along with advanced safety features that provide peace of mind on the road. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies includes features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning—keeping you and your loved ones safe at all times.

For the Thrill-Seeker

For those who live life in the fast lane, models like the Nissan GT-R and 370Z are perfect choices. These cars offer thrilling performance with turbocharged engines, exceptional handling, and a sleek, sporty design that’s built for speed.

For the Eco-Conscious

Nissan’s electric and hybrid models are designed for those who want to minimize their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance or style. The Nissan Leaf is a pioneer in electric vehicles, offering impressive range and innovative technology, all wrapped in a stylish package. The future of driving is electric, and Nissan is leading the way.

For the Adventurer

If you're someone who loves to hit the road and explore the great outdoors, the Nissan Frontier and Titan trucks are perfect for you. With their rugged build, powerful towing capacity, and advanced off-road capabilities, these trucks are built to take on any adventure.

Why Choose Nissanboerne.com?

Exceptional Customer Service

At Nissan Boerne, it’s not just about selling cars—it’s about providing an exceptional customer experience. The team at Nissan Boerne is dedicated to helping you find the perfect vehicle for your needs, whether you’re shopping for a new car, exploring financing options, or looking for service and maintenance support.

A Wide Selection of Vehicles

Nissanboerne.com offers a wide range of Nissan models, from compact cars to SUVs and trucks. Whether you’re looking for a new nissan titan in san antonio tx vehicle or a certified pre-owned Nissan, you’ll find a diverse selection that caters to every taste and budget.

Convenient Online Experience

With Nissanboerne.com, shopping for your next vehicle has never been easier. You can browse the entire inventory online, schedule test drives, and even apply for financing—all from the comfort of your home. The user-friendly website ensures a smooth and convenient shopping experience, with all the information you need just a click away.

Discover Your Dream Nissan Today

If you’re ready to experience the perfect blend of power, performance, and style, visit Nissanboerne.com today. Whether you’re in the market for a sleek sedan, a spacious SUV, or a powerful truck, Nissan Boerne has the vehicle for you. Discover the innovation, elegance, and excitement that comes with driving a Nissan. Your dream car is just a click away!

[tredderwrite]

Anywhere ~ Sapnap

Summary: late night drive w/ sap drabble :P

Word count: 800 ish

Pairing: Sapnap / gn!reader

Warnings: none

☆   ☆    ☆   ☆   ☆    ☆   ☆   ☆    ☆   ☆   ☆   ☆    ☆   ☆   ☆    ☆   ☆

“Hey” his voice rang through the room, hushed and hazy, harmonizing with the creak of your newly opened bedroom door. Your eyes immediately search for the clock, bright red digits flashing back at you, 2:37 AM. “Hi?” you retorted, voice still caught up in a dream state. Energy surged through the room with his upbeat tone, surprising for the very commonly known chill guy. “Wanna come with me for a drive?” he was hopeful, excited to even ask to have you with him, and even though you felt the warmth of the sheets beneath you tug at your tired mind, you couldn’t help but agree. “Sure, where?” “Anywhere, I don’t really have a plan…” Leaning forward you smiled at his antics, pushing your body fully off the bed in order to join him, jacket in hand.

He held the door, hand on the frame, guarding your head against any possible injuries from the hard metal, softly closing behind you. Circling the front bumper, he ran around the car to the driver's side, taking his seat before he turned to you, reaching right across your shoulders. A simple gest, really, but one that would solidify in your mind like a freshly scratched record, replaying the way his hand grazed against you as he pulled your seatbelt across your body, securing it gently. Your body blazing in a trail his knuckles softly passed. 

Quickly, he started up the car, not wasting time, though not much could be wasted at nearly three in the morning. And so it went, you watched the street lights flicker right above, casting shadows on your arms draped idly out the window, feeling the air weave through your fingers. Stopping at a red light he took the sensation away, pulling your body in now that it was gone, leaning back into your seat instead; automatically turning your head to look at him, maybe, more admire than look, yes, to admire him, unaware of how piercing your gaze had become. He felt your eyes on him, a familiar nervousness returning to his system as he turned to meet them, greeted by your smile which only seemed to worsen the color creeping up his face. 

“What?” he asked, almost choking on the cliche. You felt it too, a sudden urge to react at how laughable the situation truly was. But you had no better answer, so you let it play out.

“Nothing.” Upon your uttering, there was an immediate burst of laughter, both of you agreeing on the absurdity.

Whether it was the moment or the sleep deprivation, you found yourself speaking once again, “This is definitely your good side.” And though spoken through a quiet giggle, you hoped he knew you weren’t really kidding. Hard to tell when the boy beside you only shook his head, silently continuing your drive, the lights finally freeing you from their truth-serum prison. There was a change of pace this time, instead of his usual driving, you were met with a much stronger surge forth, your back pressed against the cushion of the passenger side, speeding down the highway unexpectedly. 

He didn’t exactly do it on purpose, barely even noticing the way his foot pressed down on the pedal, not paying much attention, over-focused on your words, and the heat burning up his cheeks; thankful for the dim lights. Allowing your head to fall to the side, you looked over at him once again, now through the big mess of hair flying all around your face, only catching whatever glimpse you could get before the air spun around you, covering your eyes. He kept the windows down, his hair flowing back, though unlike yours, his was fine-tuned, waving through slowly, every light passed sent rays down, illuminating the very outline of his hair, a golden halo forming with each. 

It wasn’t long before he stopped again, pulling in a lookout, right off the road. There was a thick silence wrapped around you both, dancing on the line between comforting and awkward, not the most desired of responses, but it put you at ease knowing he didn’t mind. A fact you’ve observed a while back, back when you started to develop your feelings for him, he was okay with almost anything you said, never once rejecting your praise. 

Your thoughts interrupted by the sudden flash of light right above you, signaling the door opened. He traced the confusion on your face for a split second, amused. 

“Come on!”  

Stepping out you watched him lean back on the hood, observing the stars above. Noticing your presence, he turned to face you instead, that same soft look he always gave you, just you. His arm stretched out, motioning you closer, and you fell right in, his shoulder right against your cheek. One look, not much, but it said enough.

☆   ☆    ☆   ☆   ☆    ☆   ☆   ☆    ☆   ☆   ☆   ☆    ☆   ☆   ☆    ☆   ☆

an: sorry this feels unfinished I've had this google doc open since july I had to get it out of my system

[reminiscingtonight]

Hold On

Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Word Count: 1869

Anon asked: Could I possibly request one prompt with Chord Overstreet’s hold on? For Wandaxfem!reader? I know it’s an angsty song but maybe it could on not such angsty ending? I luv you

Warning: Mentions of blood. Almost character death. Also, the words in the song may be a bit triggering (it sings about suicide) but I won’t be writing about that (just thought I’d include this in the warnings)

Taglist: @mionemymind, @supersourlemon13

Wanda’s got her foot down on the accelerator, pushing the car to go as fast as it can go. Every once in a while she shoots a worried look at the passenger seat. You’re sickeningly pale, all the blood from your wound staining what was once a light beige colored seat dark maroon.

Despite her best efforts to keep you awake you fell silent a couple minutes ago. Wanda was terrified. The highway seemed like it kept getting longer and longer, and no matter how fast she was pressing on the accelerator, she felt like she was driving in a nightmare she couldn’t escape from. She’s numb, the shock from finding you still lingering in her system.

How had it all gone so wrong?

---

“Are you seriously accusing me of cheating on you?” The door slam shuts behind the two of you as you follow Wanda into your shared bedroom. There’s a look of hurt on your face but Wanda ignores it.

“I don’t know what to think! You’re never home anymore, and wherever I try to find you you just say you’re busy!”

“That doesn’t mean I’m cheating on you!” She turns away from you and you groan in annoyance. There never seemed to be a day where the two of you weren’t fighting anymore. “Okay, Wanda, baby, babe.” It takes the third reiteration for her to finally meet your eyes. There’s flickers of red in them and you want to sigh. “You know that I would never cheat on you.”

“Then stop denying whatever the hell it is that you’re denying.”

There’s a subtle threat in the way her voice drops in the sentence. You’re a seasoned SHIELD agent so you could definitely hold your own. But there was no way you could fight off a pissed Sokovian witch. 

You decide to cut your losses.

“Fine, you want to know why I’ve been gone so often?” Wanda watches with confusion as you push past her to rummage around the drawer on your side of the bed. You pull out two plane tickets. “I’ve been trying to get enough time off so we can take a trip to Napa Valley.”

“Napa Valley?” the words are breathed out, almost in disbelief. It almost seemed like a lifetime ago when she had whispered her dream destination into your ear. In actuality, it happened sometime around the first couple dates you took her out on when you guys first got together years ago. Her heart clenches with affection as all of her anger dissipates. “You remember?”

Your face softens. “Yes. Of course I do.”

Wanda all but throws herself into your arms, guilt weighing heavily on her heart. You catch her, your arms automatically wrapping around her.

“I’m not cheating on you.” Despite how steady you keep your voice, she could still detect the hurt in there.

“Okay.” She sighs, sinking into your embrace. “I’m sorry.”

---

The doctors and nurses jump into motion the second she stumbles into the emergency room with you in her arms. With great difficulty they finally manage to pull you out of her grasp. She was clinging on so tightly to you, scared to let go. 

Wanda’s vision swims as tears stream down her cheeks. She watches as they attach you to monitors, trying to find your heartbeat. She feels lost, not knowing what to do, how she can help. There’s a hand on her shoulder, another on her back, leading her away from where you were lying deathly still on the table. She can’t seem to tear her eyes away from you.

All she can do is whisper two sentences under her breath over and over again. “You have to be okay. You can’t leave me like this.”

---

Everything was going great. At least it was until the third night of your stay in California.

“Oh my god, I was not flirting with her!” This was getting old. The two of you had just returned from lounging around the pool when Wanda angrily brought up your interactions with the poolside bartender. “I know that people can be insecure in a relationship but geez, Wanda, you take it to a whole new level.” You know you probably shouldn’t have said that, but you were getting tired of all of the accusations she kept throwing your way.

Her jaw clenches and you prepare yourself for some more berating. “Yeah, well normal people don’t bend down fifty times to pick up server trays the bartender keeps dropping on purpose.” Wanda knew for a fact that the bartender was doing it so she could ogle your form.

You roll your eyes at her, stilling the movement of the towel drying your hair. “She wasn’t doing it on purpose. And picking up a dropped tray is called ‘being polite’.”

“Oh please, it’s called ‘being a tease’. What, you get off on shaking your ass at random strangers?” Your mouth drops open, but she keeps going before you have a chance to defend yourself. “Do you even want this anymore? Us?”

“Where the hell is this coming from?” You stand up, taking a step towards your girlfriend. “What have I ever done to make you think that I don’t want this relationship? That I don’t want you?”

When she takes an equal number of steps back that you take forward you sigh, hand coming up to massage your throbbing temples. This was going nowhere. “Wanda wha--”

“Well maybe I don’t want you anymore, you ever thought of that?” The second the words hit the air the two of you freeze. She’s not sure why the words came out of her mouth but she definitely knew that she didn’t mean them.

Your eyes widen in disbelief before narrowing into thin slits. You throw your towel onto the floor.

“I’m going to get some air.”

Wanda watches with a sinking heart as you walk out.

---

Wanda paces the white halls. Up, down, up, down. She was going out of her mind. What was taking so long? 

She looks up when she hears heavy footsteps making their way to her. Her posture slackens a little bit but not by much when she sees that it’s Steve and Natasha.

“Wanda, what happened?” 

Wanda had called them while she was driving to the hospital. She knew that she was lucky the two of them were in the area on a mission. 

“I don’t know. They were in our hotel suite when I woke up, and I…” 

Noticing that she was shaking, Natasha cautiously places a hand on the young witch’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay, Wanda. We’re here now. You can calm do--”

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” Wanda pulls away from the redhead’s touch as if she’s been burned. “I’m out here helplessly praying that she’s going to survive this and I feel fucking useless!”

There’s a pained look across Natasha’s face. She had grown close to Wanda after she joined the team. Seeing her in so much pain hurt. 

Steve felt the same. Although you weren’t part of the team, you had basically wormed your way into their family. “She’ll be okay.”

Wanda shakes her head, tears falling faster than they have all night. “The last thing I told her was that I didn’t want her anymore!” Her hands fall to her mouth when a sob breaks out. 

Steve pulls her in tight, ignoring her pounding fists on his chest. 

“This isn’t fair. This shouldn’t have happened.”

---

The gunshot woke her up. 

Heart racing, she shoots up. Her hands instantly moves to the side of the bed to find yours. The blood drains from her face when her hand meets cold empty sheets. 

Rushing out of the bedroom she spots four unconscious men strewn around the living room. There’s a fifth one standing over you with a sinister look on his face. He doesn’t seem to notice Wanda, instead choosing to level his gun at you again. 

With a twist of her hand he hits the wall with a sickening crack. She doesn’t bother to check on him.

Running over to you, Wanda’s hand instantly finds and presses over the gunshot wound on your abdomen.

You’re gasping, trying to pull in a breath. “They-- I caught t-- they were c--” Your eyes roll into the back of your head, the loss of blood making it hard to focus and stay conscious.

“Hold on, oh god, hold on.” Using her powers she carries you to the car, ignoring all the horrified looks she gets in the lobby.

By the time she’s got you strapped in she’s shaking in fear of losing you.

“Please don’t leave me.”

---

Wanda’s not sure how long she’s been sitting in this room. You came out of surgery a little while ago, but you haven’t woken up yet. The doctor’s words echo in her ears.

“There were some post op complications. We just have to see if she wakes up. Only time will tell.”

Steve had caught her when she collapsed. He whispered soft reassurances to her, telling her that everything would be okay. But now him and Natasha were gone. They wanted to stay but they had to finish the mission they were sent here to do.

Wanda couldn’t feel anything. She was numb, no longer having any tears left to cry. All of her energy was gone.

Her hand finds yours. It was so limp and cold under her own. “You have to be okay. I can’t imagine a world without you by my side.”

---

“It’s been a month.”

Wanda ignores the ex-assassin standing in the doorway.

“Wanda--”

“I’m not letting go. She’ll come back. She has to.” There hasn’t been a change in your condition but Wanda’s spent every day sitting by your side. She knew that this wasn’t healthy, that she should come to terms with the idea that you might never wake up. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

“Wanda.” Wanda closes her eyes, trying to ignore the pitying look Natasha’s sending her way.

“I can’t give up on her, Nat. She’s the love of my life. And I’ll keep loving her for as long as I can.”

---

“Please. Don’t leave me alone.”

---

“I’m not strong enough. You have to come back to me.”

---

“I still need you.”

---

Something wakes Wanda up. She’s not sure what it was. It was strange. There was a feeling that something was happening but she couldn’t figure out what it was. Her head’s still throbbing from not having a good night’s rest in a month, and she blinks, trying to focus.

Her heart stops when she feels a soft squeeze against her hand. She can’t bring her head up in fear that it was just her mind playing tricks on her. But then she feels it again, only this time, the squeeze was stronger and lasted longer.

A choked sob comes out when green eyes meet tired (E/C) ones. Your eyes were barely open, but they were open. Your voice comes out hoarse from the month of inactivity. “Baby.” She leans into the hand you slowly raise to her cheek. “Let’s go home.”

[millllenniawrites]

warmth (Poe Dameron x Reader)

words: 5.6k yes it is the longest thing on this blog shush

summary: The Resistance’s victory celebration quickly turns sour when their trusted Commander, Poe Dameron, recognizes a toxin in the air. This favourite doctor is the only one he trusts with the information he has. You’re the only one you trust to look after him.

warnings: smut (this is 18+ people); afab!reader; porn with plot; sex pollen so that automatically makes it dubcon; doctor!reader; swearing, drugs, dirty talk, Poe Dameron is so whiny when he’s horny holy fuck; bondage; oral (f receiving); unprotected sex (wrap it up folks); pet names (good girl, honey, sweetheart, baby); this relies on Poe’s spice runner past (the one I use in Helix, not the gross canon one) but it’s not directly dealt with and it’s super vague 

a/n: I was trying to find a place to feature Kade Sol who is my baby sunshine light of my life from the Helix series and I snuck him in here! also this was a worldbuilding writing exercise that somehow turned into the filthiest smut I’ve ever written so there’s that 

__

As the last First Order ship disappeared from the sky, a victory cry sounded through the Resistance fighters. Poe Dameron landed on the tarmac of Cida’s Travel Station, popping the hood of his X-Wing. He grinned, watching the rest of Black and Blue squadron land around him, all hopping out of their ships and rejoicing on the deck.

They didn’t lose anyone in the air today. That alone was cause for celebration.

It had been three weeks of trying to break the First Order’s blockade on the Cida system. King Caran had graciously accepted the help of the Resistance, backed by the New Republic’s ships, and allowed them to set up a temporary base on Cida Prime. In exchange for liberating their system, His Majesty had granted the Resistance usage of their hyperspace lanes, which would cut the transport time from the Hosnian system to D’Qar in half. An easy trade, if anyone had bothered to ask Poe.

Which no one did, these days. But he was doing his best. 

Kade, his captain, shook him from his thoughts as he called from the ground, “The King is asking for you, Dameron.”

He dropped out of his ship, quickly hugging Kade, grateful as always to have his best friend by his side, before jogging into the command centre of the makeshift air base, where King Caran and Admiral Ackbar were waiting.

“Commander Dameron,” the King’s booming voice sounded through the small room as Poe entered.

Poe bowed low, nearly folding himself completely in half. “Your Majesty.” 

A pair of Cidan guards’ in navy uniforms flanked him as he trailed behind the King and Ackbar. Poe found himself tuning out the negotiations, agreeing with Ackbar on instinct as the two men spoke. They took more twists and turns than Poe could count. He began marking various basins, leaking different coloured smoke as landmarks, in case he needed to find his way out. 

Not that he thought the King wasn’t deserving of their trust. This was a war. He just wasn’t going to risk it. 

As they entered what appeared to be the King’s office, Poe felt almost out of place. Like he was floating, a gentle burning feeling in his gut the only thing grounding him. 

In a turn of events Poe was not expecting, he found himself missing you.

He loved Kade. Of course, he loved Kade. His second. His partner in crime. But the flight home was sure to be a boring one without you.

It wasn’t tradition, necessarily. But each time the two of you had taken a mission together, it had been a resounding success. And on your way home, he’d celebrated between your legs. 

And you’d taken care of him after, like the good girl he knew you were. 

The burning moved lower, a sweet smell settling in his nose. One Poe recognized, from a time before the New Republic Navy. 

Fuck.

Voice panicked, “King Caran,” Poe stood, realizing he had interrupted the King. Breathing heavily, he scanned the room, eyes locking on a small stone in the corner. It sat on a warming plate, small tendrils of yellow smoke disappearing into the air.

Caran laughed, following Poe’s gaze. “You know your therapies, my boy.” The man seemed… pleased. Proud. “A gift, from us to you.”

“With all due respect, your Majesty,” Poe coughed, a phantom of the sensation he had only felt once before aching deep in his lungs. “Most organisms outside of the Cidan’s can’t handle Stiima the way your graciousness can.”

“My apologies, my friend. We thought that it would help to calm things. For negotiations, of course.” Caran met Ackbar’s eyes, anxiety evident. “Please understand it is simply the way we celebrate such a great success as we have seen today.”

“I understand, your Majesty.” Ackbar side-eyed Poe, concern evident. “Are you alright, Commander?” 

The ringing in Poe’s ears drowned out the last of their conversation. The next thing he knew, he was back on the tarmac, shouting, “Kade. Get everyone in the air. Now.”

He beelined for his shuttle, locking himself in the cockpit. Hand clenching as he felt himself relax into the passenger seat, the pain of his nails digging into his palm grounding him. 

“Poe, you good?” Kade banged on the door.

He didn’t answer, focusing on the 

Kade finally got the door open. “Poe, what the fuck?” 

“Fly.” Poe said through gritted teeth. “I need you to fly.” 

So Kade did. 

They didn’t dock to the main carrier, flying above it. They would wait until it jumped to hyperspace before they followed. 

Poe watched as fighter after fighter flew into the large ship. Ears filled with cotton, he barely heard Ackbar’s order over the comms for anyone in a shuttle to stay away from the ship.

Code Orange.

Quarantine protocol.

Poe couldn’t stop his mind from going back to you. The last time you were on mission together. The way your mouth felt.

Your eyes. 

The innocent way you would smile, naked and spread out under him… 

“Poe?” Kade asked, sitting forward in his seat. “Are you alright?” 

Poe hit a comm button on his dash, connecting him directly to command. 

“Commander Dameron, are you alright?” A young man’s voice came through his headset. 

“I need you to connect me to med.” 

“Is someone—” 

“Connect me to med, officer. I need to speak with the doctor.” 

*

You opened the hull door of Poe Dameron’s shuttle, a small case of bacta and other various medications tucked under your arm. Coughing into your mask as you entered the dark ship, you quickly located the panel to seal the door behind you, saluting the mech on the ground that would lock you in after the door eased shut.

The convoy had landed hours ago. The medic team had been slowly working through shuttles, administering antidotes to those that could take them.  

It wasn’t poison. You’d ruled that out early. But the obvious effects of dehydration were evident. Poe seemed to know what it was, from the way he sounded in the recording Ackbar had passed off to med, but no one else was familiar with the symptoms everyone seemed to be presenting. 

Looking around, you stayed still for a moment, letting your eyes adjust to the dark. You had been in his shuttle before; you knew you were in the cargo bay, and if you followed the wall to your right, you would find the ladder that would lead you to the cockpit. Your mission. The plan. Assessing Poe and Captain Kade Sol’s symptoms. 

But if you went to the left and pushed the thin black curtain aside, you would find the small closet that served as his bed on long missions.

Your bed, when you joined him. 

It was hard not to smile, remembering the long nights in hyperspace with the famous Commander. The way his curls tangled around your fingers. How his stubble felt against the inside of your thighs…

Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you shook your head with a small embarrassed laugh and began to work your way to the ladder.

Even with the grey cloth pulled tight across your mouth and nose, you could still smell the musk of the air, heavy in your lungs. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it had a true weight to it, like slightly overripe fruit or warm spices, much worse than the three shuttles you had cleared before this. The rungs of the ladder were warm like the air, slick with moisture, a telltale sign that Poe and Kade had done as asked. There had been no air circulating in the ship since they landed. If any of the airborne toxins had gotten into the ship, it wouldn’t have had the chance to escape outside. 

You smiled as your hands brushed their oxygen canisters, hearing the slow leak of fluid. Always thorough, Dameron…

Your hands grazed the small railing that guarded the catwalk to the cockpit as you made your way down to the sealed door.

“Commander Dameron? Captain Sol?” you called, hoping they could hear you through the dense metal. “It’s Doctor--”

The hiss of the door caused you to jump and you stepped back, taking in the form of the Captain. The large man nearly filled the doorway, dark clothes making it difficult to see him in the blackness of the ship. “I know who you are. Command came through a little while ago.” His voice as gruff as always, but he said it with a smile. “I’ve had no symptoms, but I figure you still need to check me out?”

“Yes, Captain.” You nod, “If you wouldn’t mind going back into the cockpit for me…”

He grumbled something you couldn’t make out but did what you asked, sitting in the only passenger seat in the small room, empty save for them.

“Where’s Commander Dameron?” you asked as you knelt in beside Kade, fingers on his wrist.

You ran through the basics of your training as he talked. 

“Poe didn’t get so lucky. Got hit worse than most people, from what we’ve heard. He was in the King’s office. Said something about a… diffuser?” When you nodded, he seemed to relax. “That’s why he made the call. Asked me to lock him up until a medic got here. He was specifically asking for you, so I guess we got lucky.”

You were grateful for the dark, hiding the way you flushed. “Guess so.” Unable to hide the warmth in your voice, you gave Kade a small smile. “There isn’t a brig on this ship. Where—"

“His quarters. Stun cuffs magnetized to the wall.” He seemed almost embarrassed, ducking his head. “I’m not sure what’s wrong with him, exactly. Just that he hasn’t really stopped making noise since about twenty minutes after we landed.”

You hesitated. Generally careful about the information you give out to patients, you weren’t sure it would be appropriate to explain, but Kade and Poe were a package deal. Rarely did you see one without the other. They’d been joined at the hip since long before they had defected to the Resistance together.

“It’s a potent aphrodisiac.” You murmured, standing behind him and tilting his head to check for discolouration on his neck, “Most people got hit with… well, let’s call it Level 1 symptoms. Loose tongue. Unable to really control what they’re saying, or at least not thinking it through. Level 2 are action: making choices you wouldn’t ordinarily make. The… aphrodisiac part. If you get to level two, we’ve found they wear off in about three hours. No antidote needed. Just fluids and rest, after it all. But you’ve been in here almost a whole day…” and Poe’s condition hadn’t improved.

“Which means what? He’s at level 3?”

There wasn’t a level 3. 

Coming around in front of Kade, you nodded slowly. “Was he complaining of… pain?” you flinched as you said the word, knowing the man had no idea what you were truly asking.

“Right before he asked me to gag him. He had moments he was lucid… basically told me to leave him locked up, no matter what he said.” 

There was only one other person that had said the drug hurt, and she had been fine for a few hours now. 

Kade chewed idly on his bottom lip, seemingly lost in thought. “Not easy being locked in while your best friend is raving like a madman.”

“The gag was a good call. He’ll thank you once he’s back to himself.” You tried for another smile. “You seem okay. Vitals are normal. Rosa is just outside. I’ll let her know that she can open the door. She’ll give you a mask and escort you to showers, and then back to your quarters. They’ll send a medical droid to check you out fully before you’re allowed to intermix with the base. Just in case.”

“Thank you, doc.” Kade stood, heading out the door to the rest of the shuttle. “Poe is—”

“I know.” You nodded, not really thinking through your words. “Closet. Curtain.”

Kade paused, turning to look at you for a moment. His eyebrow twitched, just slightly, before he dropped down the ladder. You appreciated that he hadn’t said anything, having a sneaking suspicion that he didn’t know you only off your medical reputation.

Your excursions with Poe were a relative secret, not wanting command to restrict you going on missions together because of your… you weren’t really sure what to call it. Enough people had stories about him that you knew you weren’t exclusive, but being with him was different. It had always been different. 

Though you supposed all the people he took to bed could say the same thing. 

You pushed the heavy curtain aside.

He was laid back on his cot, only one of his boots on. Poe struggled against his cuffs, attached to the wall above his head, and whined through the gag in his mouth. The bed squeaked and shook. It was a significantly less pleasant sound when you were standing there, not on top of him…

You shook your head quickly, a reminder that you were working, before you knelt on the ground next to Poe’s head. His eyes widened as he focused on you. Reaching for the fabric cutting into his cheeks, your fingertips grazed his jaw. “I’m gonna remove this, okay?” you murmured before eased the gag out of his mouth, letting the loop of dark cloth hanging around his neck.

“Sweetheart…” he whined the moment his mouth was free to move, his voice cracking around the dryness of his throat. You set your med case on the floor and opened it quickly, digging through bandages and bacta patches before finding what you needed. You lifted a small canteen to his lips, letting the water trickle into his mouth. He coughed, spluttering a little before he was tilting his head away, gasping, “Please, sweetheart. I need…”

You shushed him gently, swiping a cloth over his lips. Trying to distract him, you softened your voice, “You got everyone out before it could get bad, Poe. Everyone else is safe.” 

He turned his head to look up at the ceiling, seeming to relax a little. Your eyes found his throat. Watching him breathe, swallow, reminded you of the way his skin tasted… 

Fuck. 

You coughed again into your mask, murmuring, “I’ll be right back.” and ignoring the way Poe whined as you let the curtain fall behind you. 

Once you were a few steps away from him, you could breathe a little easier. The air was hot, fucking scalding through your mask, and you tilted your head back a bit to force yourself to breathe deeply. Slowly. Calmingly. 

You reached up, touching the pad of the in-ear to firmly press it into your head, “Rosa? You copy?” 

The woman’s high voice came through, louder than before. Her voice seemed to be directed straight into your skull. “Everything alright in there, doc?” 

“Everything’s fine. Commander Dameron has symptoms we haven’t seen before and I think I’m contaminated. It’s not bad. I can work through it. But I’m going to take my comm out just in case.” You really didn’t need command hearing your unfiltered thoughts.

She grumbled, “Maker. You sure you’re alright?” You swore you could almost see the way her eyebrows furrowed. 

“Yeah, Rosa. I’m good. Level 1 or less. Just make sure those doors stay locked until we come off it. Don’t open them for anyone. Even the General.” 

She turned on the link long enough that you heard her laugh before she said, “Sounds good. If we need you, we’ll come through the cockpit.” A brief pause, “Stay safe, doc.” 

“You too, Rosa.” 

Pulling the plastic out of your ear, you double checked that you had it turned it off before returning to Poe’s side. 

He relaxed the moment you were back in view, hips stilling on the bed. You tried not to stare at the obvious tent in his pants. 

His eyes seemed to focus better than before, saying quietly, “I heard you. Talking to Rosa. You shouldn’t have touched me.” 

He was right. It was probably your proximity to him that did it. But you had to do your job. That was your only priority, of course. Of course…

“Like I’ve ever been good at keeping my hands to myself with you around.” You froze as the words slipped past your lips, unable to stop them. 

He didn’t seem bothered by the sudden accidental honesty, but his eyes glazed over again, trailing over you. “I miss your hands…” he groaned, biting his lip and sending a wave of heat through you. 

“Careful, or I’m gonna put that gag back in.” Voice sounding forced even to your own ears, you sat down on the floor, your back resting against the bed. 

He mumbled something you couldn’t quite understand, until he repeated himself. “Take yours off. The… the mask. If you’ve got it…” 

He was right. If you’d already been exposed, there wasn’t any point in keeping it on. It was hot. There was no one in there but you. You weren’t hurting anyone. You could take the mask off. It would be fine. You—

“Sweetheart…” Poe groaned, rattling the cuffs. 

You ripped the mask off your face, tossing it near your medical kit. 

“G-good. Can you… can you please take my arms down, honey?” he tugged at the cuffs again. If you had turned to look at him, you would have seen the desperation you knew was painted across his features. “It hurts.”  

His whine sent a pang of guilt through you. “Why did you know what the drug was?” you asked, hoping it would distract him.

“It’s used in party drugs. The way it burns… it’s not like anything else I’ve ever—” He shifted, trying to get more comfortable, despite the way his pants were twisted around his legs from hours of struggling. The fabric stuck against him and pulled, and he moaned, guttural and sweet and chipping away at the wall of self-control you had haphazardly built against him. 

“Poe,” Meant to be chastising, the word landed somewhere in the realm of yearning and breathless. 

“Anything, sweetheart. Please.” Rolling his head back and forth on the bedroll under his head, he sounded close to tears as he whined, “I think my dick is going to fall off if you don’t touch it.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, helping to break the cloud of arousal circling your head. “I don’t think that’s a medically sound diagnosis, Commander.” 

“Say that again…” he breathed. 

“Medically—”

“No.” 

Your sharp intake of breath was the only sound in the shuttle. 

“Commander?” 

He tilted his head back, groaning, “You say my title and I can’t stop thinking about being inside you.” 

“It’s just the drugs.” 

“You know it’s not just the drugs.” You could have sworn it was a growl with the way the low sound of his voice tore through you. “I need you to touch me, honey.” 

“Will you stop talking if I do?” 

“Come lay with me and give me one hand back. Then I’ll stop talking.” 

Negotiating meant he was lucid, if only partially. 

“I thought you said it makes it worse if I touch you.” You squeezed your eyes shut, like that could block out the image that his soft gasps conjured in your mind. 

“It’ll get worse before it gets better.” 

“Always got a fucking answer for everything…” You grumbled, but it worked. Carefully, you eased yourself up off the floor and onto his small cot and leaned over him. One ring of the cuffs released with the click of a few buttons. 

After freeing the gag from around his neck and tossing it to the floor, Poe’s free hand immediately reached for you, gripping your thigh. Even though the thick fabric of your pants, you could feel how warm he was. “Sweetheart…” 

“You said you’d stop talking.” 

“Lay down. Lay down and I’ll stop talking.” 

You had agreed to it. And when his fingers dug into your thigh and the wave of relief washed over you at his touch, you weren’t about to argue. 

So you laid down, back to him, letting his free hand roam up and down your side. Under your shirt. Down under the top of your pants that he didn’t bother to undo. There wasn’t any focus to his movements. Where he touched you, you relaxed, and as his touch moved on, your skin burned. 

You didn’t notice the high-pitched whine leaving your parted lips until Poe’s hand came to rest on your throat. 

“Does it hurt?” He traced from your jaw to your collarbone, over and over, putting just enough pressure on your neck that you were gasping. 

“N-no… Are you…? Does it hurt for you?” 

“This is better. You being close makes it better.” 

“It’s just warm.” That was the only way to describe it. It was like he had set you on fire. Everywhere he had touched ached. 

He groaned, breath hot against your ear as he rutted his hips against you. “Let me help, sweetheart…” No amount of squirming was going to make the heat go away and you couldn’t figure out how he could be so slow about all of this. “I can make you feel good. I can make it go away. Please…” His fingers trailed across the exposed skin of your stomach, soothing the burning feeling that wracked your body. 

You gripped his wrist, bringing his hand up under the hem of your shirt, needing his cooling touch. Arching your back, your ass grazed him and you groaned together.  

“Please sweetheart.” he begged, voice low and sending vibrations through your back where he pressed against you. “Let my other hand down. I promise I’ll make it worth it.” He rattled the cuff still glued to the wall for good measure. 

He didn’t have to ask you twice. Rolling over, you shoved him onto his back and swung a leg over his hips. Grinding down as you reached over him, you released his hands, leaving the cuffs on the wall, up and out of the way. He was quick to flip you onto your back, hand cradling the back of your head as his lips met your neck. 

“Pretty girl…” Poe murmured as his hand tangled in your hair, wrenching your head back to expose your neck. “Such a pretty girl for me… so fucking sweet…” 

“Poe… Poe, please.” The whine left you before you could fully decide what you were begging for. Just more. More of him. His hands on your body. His lips on your skin. 

The heaviness of the air weighed you to the cot, your knees down to the thin mattress as he slotted himself between your legs – still fully clothed – and you fell apart in his arms. Gasping into his mouth, body convulsing, you could barely move with the way he was positioned above you. You couldn’t open your eyes. You could barely breathe with the way every small movement sent searing heat straight to your core. 

“Fuck.” His dark eyes focused on your heaving chest. “Do that again.” 

He fought with the ties on your pants, tearing the sides as he forced them down your legs, taking your underwear with them.

 It was all you could do to keep from screaming as he sunk two fingers into you. 

Each movement of his fingers battled the heat coursing through you and let you come back to yourself, if only for a moment. His other hand splayed out on your stomach to keep you still. He pushed your shirt up and you ripped it over your head. 

Your head spun as you realized he was still completely clothed. 

Leaning down, he sunk his teeth into the inside of your thigh. Where you expected pain, pleasure ran down your legs. Following his trail of bite marks with soft kisses, up closer to where you needed him, he blew softly on your folds and you cried out, bucking off the cot. 

You could hear the squeaking of the bed as you squirmed. Each laboured breath Poe took as he nestled himself between your trembling legs. The rasp in his voice as he murmured, “...wettest fucking cunt I’ve ever seen...” before he lowered his face to meet the apex of your thighs. 

His mouth on you didn’t offer the relief you were so desperately searching for. It somehow made it worse, every swipe of his tongue followed by a trail of fire. 

You pushed at his head but he barely responded. “Poe… Poe please… I need your cock…” 

He hummed lightly against you, his tongue working you slowly, like you weren’t threatening to burn up underneath him. 

Finally, you grabbed onto a handful of his curls and pulled. 

He only looked up in mild annoyance. Gripping your wrist tight, he forced your hand to the cot. “I’ve got you. I’ll take care of you.” Though the words were soft, his tone was gruff. 

Poe slowed his soft circles on your clit and you whined again, pushing up into his mouth. “Stay still.” He mumbled against you. 

Each of his motions were so methodical, you could have sworn you were the only one dealing with symptoms. Until he glanced up at you with his almost-black eyes. 

You stopped breathing.

You weren’t afraid. You could never be afraid of Poe. But you’d never seen him so unhinged. Like he was going to jump, and you were coming with him. 

He snatched up both your wrists, leaning over you. Tipping your head back, you tried to kiss him but he moved further, up above your head. 

In one quick motion, he locked both your hands in the cuffs on the wall. 

“I need it. Please. I need--” He didn’t finish the sentence, hooking his hands under your knees and spreading you out for him. His tongue found your clit again and you couldn’t hear your own scream over the rush of blood in your head. 

He’d always been accommodating. He took constructive criticism well and was determined to get you off, no matter what he had to relearn, when the two of you had fucked before. 

Now, he took each of those little pieces and, like he’d been given the code to your body, he took you apart. 

Every stroke of his tongue would have seemed planned if not for the way he moaned into your skin, the way he grinded his hips into the cot beneath him. You gave up fighting against the cuffs, instead focusing on rolling your hips against his face. 

He held still, letting you move the way you wanted. Letting you use his tongue. Guiding your hips. It wasn’t until he set you down and you opened your eyes that you realized that he was dripping with you.

His chin glistened as he sat up and yanked his shirt over his head. His eyes didn't leave yours as he undid his pants, shucking them off and tossing them somewhere with his shirt. You didn't care. You didn’t care where his clothes were or where yours had disappeared to. 

“My-- the cuffs. Poe, I need to touch you…” 

Your hands were in his hair the moment he released you, pulling his mouth to yours. He tasted of you, and the heaviness in the air, and the familiarity of him that you’d grown so intoxicated by. 

Ordinarily, he’d tease you. Just like this, your legs spread for him. He’d drag the head of his cock over you until you stopped threatening him, until you melted and became putty in his hands and your begging became wordless. 

But he didn’t have the patience. You could see it in his face. He angled his hips, sliding into you slowly. 

With this, there was relief. But it came as quick as it went and you were again whining under him, your cunt clenched tight around him. 

He pushed deeper, his face tucked into your neck. “Relax, baby. Relax. You’re so-- so fucking…”

You didn’t know how he was going so slow. You didn’t know how he managed to stop, only halfway inside you. 

All you knew was that you needed him. 

You pulled his hips into yours. After two orgasms, there was no resistance. He bottomed out, gasping into your mouth. “Pretty girl…” 

“Fu… Fuck me. Poe please please fuck me--” You pulled at his shoulders, his hair, grinding up into him as much as you could with him fully on top of you. “It hurts. Please…” 

Whatever well of self control he’d been drawing from seemed to have dried up. Snapping his hips into yours, he kissed you. 

His tongue dominated your mouth, not giving you space to breathe. Or think. Or do anything other than take what he was giving you. Your nails dug into his upper arms, leaving little crescent moons behind. His soft gasps of encouragement had you writhing beneath him. 

“Perfect little… You take me so well, honey. Like you were fucking made for me…” 

His words alone threatened to take you over the edge. 

The burning came to a throbbing head in your core and you arched up into him, trying to pull him closer. Deeper. Anything to quell the fire inside you. 

“Poe… Commander… P-please let me cum…” You weren’t in control of your words anymore. You weren’t in control of anything. “I need you.” 

You wrapped your legs more tightly around him and his hips stuttered but he wasn’t stopping. Not for fucking anything.

“Let me feel you, pretty girl.” He growled against your neck. 

And you unraveled. 

The relief washed over you in waves as you lay beneath him. Between each peak, you could hear your own panting, feel the way your body fluttered around him. 

You floated in the bliss.

Vaguely, you felt yourself roll over. Something cold dug into your side, but you couldn’t figure out how to move. Or figure out how to want to. 

Your chest was still heaving as he traced along your ribs. A warm body came flush with your back. Fire trailed his dancing fingers. 

“Sweetheart…” A soft moan at your ear. Breath, warm on your neck, sending a ripple through you. He pressed his hips forward, his hard cock sliding against your ass. “I need more. Please?” 

You shifted your aching hips back towards him. “Please.” 

*

You weren’t sure how long passed before you returned to normal – sated and thoroughly exhausted, but normal. Your skin no longer burned at the gentlest of touches. You could stand to look at him, to draw over the planes of his chest as he laid beside you without feeling the unyielding need for his cock inside you. 

Your fingertips traced gently over the straining cords of muscle in his neck and he shuddered. 

“You bit me.” He finally whispered. 

You dissolved into a fit of giggles, curled up against his side. His arm wrapped around you, pulling you onto his chest. 

“I’m sorry.” You laughed against his neck, kissing over the hickies you’d left behind. 

“Don’t be. It was hot.” 

“Where’d I bite you?” You propped yourself up on an elbow, looking down at him. 

He tapped his upper arm, right underneath a series of bite marks. Ducking your head, you kissed over them, murmuring soft ‘I’m sorry’s between pecks. 

“It’s okay. Really.” He tapped under your chin and you met his gaze. “Was that okay? We’ve never used cuffs or anything before and I’m really sorry--” 

You kissed him to cut him off. “I’m okay. I trust you. You know that, right?” 

He didn’t answer. Instead, he rolled on top of you, an intensity in his eyes that would have scared you if you didn’t know him. 

“I’m glad it was you.” Forehead pressed to yours, you shuddered as his soft breaths fanned across your lips. “I was hoping it would be you.” 

Your breath caught. Gently, you brushed away the curls that fell in his face, tilting your face up and bringing your lips to his again. 

He mumbled between kisses, “Can I take you for dinner?” You were too stunned to say anything, letting him kiss your bottom lip gently. He lingered at the corners of your mouth, leaving light kisses behind. “Hm? Will you let me take you out, sweetheart?” 

“On a date?” 

“If you don’t want it to be a date, it can just be a thank-you dinner--” 

“It can be a date. Can it be a date?” 

Giggling against your mouth, he said, “It can. I’d like it to be.” 

“We should probably get out of this shuttle first.” 

“Maybe put some clothes on before that?” 

“Maybe.” Your nose brushed his. “Maybe I’d like to kiss you first.” 

“Maybe I’ll let you.” 

[barnes-dameron]

i just read your mando x reader with hypothermia and i absolutely loved it!! it is one of my favorite tropes 😩 can i request a steve x reader with hypothermia? bc after reading that one and absolutely loving it, all i want is your take on how steve would react! i love you and your writing so much!! thank you 🥰🥰

Warming Up

*not my gif

Steve Rogers x reader

Word Count: 1.6k

A/N: So sorry this took so long. I wrote a good portion of it, and then 75% of it got deleted! I haven’t written anything in the Marvel universe in awhile, so this was a nice surprise. Pre-endgame, pre-infinity war, pre-Civil War. Gender neutral reader

***

Steve trod towards the Quinjet through the deep snow. The cold biting at his cheeks turning them to a rose pink, and his pants from the knees down were soaked. It was a simple mission in Northern Canada, during the time of the year where the snow was heavy and the wind was harsh. He told you to stay in the jet so at least you could stay warm. As he approached the quinjet, Steve’s heart began to pick up despite the cold when he saw that the light in the quinjet was off.

Steve began to sprint across the wintery landscape, kicking up snow as he ran towards the quinjet. Why was it not running? Why is there no sound? Why is the light in the cockpit off? He hurriedly opened up the hatch, the interior of the jet setting a chill down his spine; not from the cold but the thought of you silently suffering in this freezing temperature. It was enough to cause Steve to panic.

He opened the hatch to the Quinjet, and ran up the ramp, surprised to feel how cold it was; almost as cold as it was outside. The interior was dark, the only source of light coming from the windshield in the cockpit. Steve looked around and could not see the shape of your body in the haul. Treading carefully, he made his way to the cockpit. 

Steve hated the cold. He couldn’t remember much from his years being preserved in frozen ice, but the mere memory of his plane going down was enough for him to loathe it. He did remember shivering, the frigid air enveloping him, and his body systems shutting down causing him to sleep and wake up decades later. It was torture for him to be trapped. He thought that was how he would die, and he wouldn’t wish that on anyone...especially not you. 

Steve entered the cockpit, and finding you in the pilot’s seat, his heart dropping at the sight. You were curled up, huddled in the chair. Your skin was a paler color than usual, your body was shivering, goosebumps covered your skin, and your teeth clattered softly behind your frozen lips. Steve reached out a hand, pressing it to your cheek, and immediately retracting it after the brief contact. You were ice cold. Biting the inside of his cheek, Steve touched you again, placing two fingers on your inner wrist. He concentrated on finding your pulse, but it was weak barely even there. 

Quickly, Steve dragged you off of the chair and settled you on the floor. The window must’ve been the source; the cold air was seeping in. He noted that in his mind, making sure to let Tony know. Steve positioned your side to rest on his chest as he settled down on the floor next to you. He positioned your knees to press against your chest, while encircling your own arms around him. He then wrapped his arms around your figure, pressing you into his warmth. He placed your head to rest in the crook of his neck so the warmth of his breath could began to warm your face. 

As Steve held you in his arms on the Quinjet floor, his thoughts began to bombard him one by one. Why did he take so long on this mission? It was hardly a mission, mostly reconnaissance. He was supposed to scope out the area to see if the target of a potential threat were to show, but he didn’t. Steve could’ve left his post early, and it wouldn’t have made a difference. You wouldn’t be cold, and the both of you would be far away from here. Why didn’t he learn how to manage the Quinjet? Or just learn the basics for that matter? Whenever the Avengers went out on a mission, it was usually Tony or Sam piloting or handling the general maintenance and mechanics of the aircraft. His only experience was back in the 40′s, and he crashed that one. If he knew these things, he could’ve gotten the system working by now, filling the haul with heat and flying you back home. However, the only person who knew anything about the Quinjet was in his arms. 

It was all those reasons that Steve felt so helpless at this moment. Being a hero or even portrayed as a hero means that people automatically assume that he has no fear, and in truth, he didn’t have much to fear, except right now. The mere thought of losing you caused Steve’s head to pound with anxiety. And seeing you like this, frozen and fragile on the brink of death, it was enough to make his blood run cold even though the temperature outside failed to do so already. 

He didn’t know how long he stayed on that floor, praying for you to be okay and wake up from your slumber, willing all the heat from his body to leave him and go to you. Steve himself was beginning to doze off until he felt a shift in movement from between his arms. 

“S-S-t-t-eve?” you whispered, your teeth still chattering as you did so. 

Steve looked down to your face. Your eyes were barely open, but he could the pools of color beneath the eyelids. Hope surged within him as well as a burst of energy. 

“Hey,” he cooed, rubbing his hands over your arms. “Hey, it’s me. What happened here?” 

“I-I-I d-d-don’t-t-t k-know,” you stuttered out, snuggling closer to his warmth. “I-I-I f-fell asleep-p w-w-waiting-g f-for y-you.”

Steve nodded, then rested his head on top of yours. 

“Can you move at all?” he asked. 

“I-I c-can m-move m-my f-f-fingers,” you answered, holding up a weak hand and wiggling them before his eyes. “B-but n-not-t m-my arm-s or l-legs.” 

Steve nodded again, looking around the cockpit, his eyes settling on a black trunk in the corner. He unwrapped his arms from around you and began to shuffle away, towards the trunk. 

“I’ll be right back,” he said, making sure you wouldn’t fall over. 

You stayed put as he made his way to the box, opening it to find contents of an emergency kit inside. He ruffled through the various objects, only picking up what he needed. Steve withdrew a flashlight, a thermal blanket, a tool kit, and a small portable heater that didn’t need to be plugged into anything. He returned to his spot beside you, wrapping you in the blanket and turning on the heater, directing it so the heat hits you. Steve resumed to his previous position, giving you all the warmth you need to feel normal. 

Steve didn’t measure the time passing by using a clock, but more so with your little achievements. After some time, you were able to move your limbs so that they were spread out instead of close to your body. After more time, you were able to move them around with full range of motion. Then after a while, you were able to speak without your teeth chattering. Every little thing brought joy to Steve as he saw light returning to your eyes, and color to your face. 

When you were ready, you got up, grabbed the tool kit, and went to fix what was broken on the jet. Steve trailed behind you, and stayed close to you the whole time. Feeding you tools when you asked for them, watching over your shoulder both to learn from you and admire how smart you are. It didn’t take long for the jet to come back to life; the lights flickering on, the engine beginning to hum, and the heat once again warming the interior. Smiling at your accomplishment, Steve helped you get to the cockpit, your limbs still a little weak and stiff, and settled you in the pilot’s seat. He watched you attentively as you brought the jet into the air and set the coordinates to the Avengers compound. 

“Let’s get away from this Godforsaken place,” you sighed heavily. 

“Please,” Steve responded, settling in the passenger’s seat somewhat besides yours. It was quiet in the Quinjet as you flew the craft back home. The events that occurred began to settle and weigh on Steve. He could’ve lost you. He remembered the slow pulse of your heart rate. If he would’ve placed his fingers on your wrist and felt nothing, he didn’t know what he would do... with you or himself. Steve looked up to see your profile outlined from the gradual returning light, your eyes shining with life, and he smiled. “I’m sorry.” 

He watched as you turned your head back to look at him, confusion traced in your eyes as you furrowed your brows at him. 

“For what?” you asked. 

“It’s my fault that you nearly froze to death,” he began, reverting his eyes a bit towards his lap. “It’s my fault that-”

“Was it your fault that the Quinjet powered down?” you questioned, your tone shifting to a more serious one, causing Steve to look up and meet your gaze. 

“No,” he answered softly. 

You gave him a lopsided smile, causing his heart to skip a beat. 

“Then it wasn’t your fault, Steve,” you replied. “Just because you’re Captain America doesn’t mean you have to carry all the world’s burdens.” 

“I was just so scared,” Steve revealed. “You were so cold, I thought I might’ve lost you. If I did, I don’t know what I would’ve done with myself.” 

“But I’m okay,” you reassured, giving him another smile. “Your love warmed me up.” 

Steve let out a little chuckle before turning his gaze to the window. It was not often that he got shy or bashful, but you always knew how to make him feel that way. Steve felt heat rise to his cheeks, knowing that his face was probably pink by know, but he didn’t care. The rest of the ride was ridden in a comfortable silence, leaving the events that transpired in the cold. The only thing that matter was love’s warmth that was present within the jet. 

***

Taglist:  @tangledlove27 @absurdthirst @caswinchester2000 @16boyfriends-and-me @notabotiswear

[sugaabooga]

Aim and Shoot Your Shot

Pairing: Taehyung x Reader

Genre: fluff, conartist!Taehyung, assassin!reader

Word count: 1.9k

Warnings: PG-13, mentions of blood, guns, death, scam artists, video games LOL (nothing to gorey or serious tho), some cursing, very inaccurate descriptions of assassins-ish/scam artist missions

Synopsis: It do be Valentine’s Day.

Gunshots fire. Bullets whizz past your cheek. The stench of fresh blood reaches your nostrils. And yet. As you walk through the blood pooling at your feet, you don’t flinch.

Your hand is steady, resting on the trigger and ready to turn the corner.

BAM.

A clean headshot is fired and you’re thrown back with spurts of blood shooting out your neck onto the dirt floor.

“Damn,” you mutter, roughly tossing your mouse aside at your 20th death.

“How the hell are you an assassin with a KDA of 6/20/3?” a voice snickers through your headphones as you lean back into your swivel chair and shut off the game client.

“Real life and games are different, I guess,” you shrug.

The line abruptly goes dead making you straighten up in your chair in confusion. “What?” you mutter, checking up on the headphone cords and pc wires.

“You gonna sit there all day?”

You whip around to see Taehyung, your group’s main conman, and your partner in crime. Literally.

“We got a call,” he says, tossing over your hat and mask and cooly walking out the door. You slip on your cap and mask, pulling on a black jacket over your all-black look, and shove on your white sneakers.

“You have got to teach me better aim,” you mutter as you hop into the passenger seat. Taehyung scoffs as he starts the van’s engine, driving towards the Kim family’s mansion where your team was stationed to take action at the shady networking party.

“Says the sniper,” he shakes his head.

You sigh. “I don’t know what it is. It’s just not the same.”

At the sudden silence, you glance at Taehyung’s side profile, never able to get used to his perfectly sculpted face as his eyes intently focus on the road before you.

“What’s the matter?” he suddenly asks, briefly meeting your eyes before turning right back onto the streets. You flinch at the unexpected interaction and shake your head.

“N-Nothing,” you hum. “Is… Eunji going in with you today?”

Taehyung nods. “She always does for these cocktail parties.”

“Right,” you mutter under your breath.

You don’t know what you have against Eunji. She had joined the team a month after you finished sniper training and attending the main missions. 

She took on the role as a con woman alongside Taehyung, acting as his plus one at these types of rich people events you guys attended.

Despite their visual charisma when Eunji held onto Taehyung’s arm and they both flashed their blinding smiles, Taehyung had always worked with you the best through the mere earpieces. He was good at flattering others and extremely observant, using his quick wit to navigate the areas. You were good at keeping him in check, giving clear, specific orders, and watching his back.

The two of you had effective communication as he gave signals through your binoculars for you to make the first shot. After one specific instance where Taehyung had experienced massive injuries and laid right under one of the notorious gang members, you had sniped the guy right off of him and weirdly, things started to change between you and Taehyung. Your friendship grew stronger despite the field of work the two of you were in and you found the both of you often relying on each other.

But nevertheless, Eunji was good at acting just like Taehyung which automatically earned her the position as the main con artist and appear as the perfect wealthy young couple at parties and business affairs. You had been ignoring the green feeling you got every time you had to watch them through your binoculars but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

Taehyung stifles a laugh, immediately catching your attention.

“Are you jealous?”

Your eyes widen at the unexpected question that makes your heart race in nervousness. “Why would I be jealous? Of who?”

Taehyung shrugs, an amusing smirk plastered onto his stupidly handsome face. Before you could retort, Taehyung stops the car towards the wooded area hidden from main traffic and hops into the back to change into his suit.

You snap out of your confusing emotions, reminding yourself that you were in on an important business deal with the infamous Kim family who believed Taehyung and Eunji was the Shin family from France.

You quickly retrieve your weapons and materials from the trunk and nag Taehyung to safely carry out the mission and not be rash like he often was. He responds with a mischievous smile and a flick to your forehead before heading towards the hacker, Kim Namjoon’s van to take note of any security obstacles and important individuals.

You quietly run through the back route that you had analyzed on the way here and make your way up to the building labeled Building B. You shove in your earpiece before setting up your equipment, keeping a sharp eye out for any suspicious movements around you. Dealing with the Kim family was always risky business.

“Testing. Cinnamon buns. Testing.”

You snort. “Wanna go on a cinnamon bun date with me, Yoongs?”

Yoongi, the other experienced sniper currently stands on the opposite building from you, setting up his own materials. He ignores your comment, as usual, and focuses on the main hall of the mansion.

“Honestly, I always thought you guys looked cute together,” another voice adds with a snicker that you join in on. It was always too fun teasing Yoongi.

“What!?” Taehyung nearly yells into your ear making you grimace at the sudden loudness.

“Taehyung. Please,” Yoongi grits. “And shut the hell up, Park. Make sure you don’t end up knocking out the wrong man.”

That had happened before.

“Is Taeji in?” Jungkook, the new recruit in charge of hand to hand combat, interrupts the mild banter through the earpiece.

You refrain from rolling your eyes at the combination of Taehyung’s and Eunji’s names that your dumb team members came up with and listen quietly to Yoongi’s confirmation of observing the main entrance.

“Jimin,” Yoongi suddenly interrupts the silence. You scan the ballroom and spot the man in question who was, as always, flirting with a random woman for absolutely no reason except shits and giggles. “You aren’t here to pick up a one-night stand.”

You let out a short laugh as you see Jimin tense up indicating his entire body’s suppression of rolling his eyes. He successfully maintains his signature eye smile in front of the bashful female bartender who slips him a napkin. Probably with a set of numbers written on them.

“Security system is officially down,” Namjoon informs. “Taeji, Y/N. Standby at target.”

You quickly get into position, peering through your gun at the tall glass windows on the side of the target room. Once you make sure it’s in place, you use your binoculars to keep a close watch on the surroundings. You sweep over Taehyung and Eunji’s positions as they converse with some of the guests at the ball.

“Kim Seokjin entered through the side entrance doors,” Yoongi reports.

“Naturally get out of the conversation,” Namjoon instructs. “Kim approaching ten o’ clock about 100 ft away.”

You watch Eunji tug on Taehyung’s arm and lean close to whisper something in his ear.

You roll your eyes. Was that really necessary to get out of the conversation? You knew Eunji harbored feelings for Taehyung and always made it a point to be extra touchy on missions where they were required to enter as a couple.

You sigh as Taehyung gazes down at her with his playful grin and wraps his arm around her, quietly saying their excuses to the guests and taking their leave to “coincidentally” bump into Seokjin.

“Y/N,” Yoongi’s quiet voice calls.

“Listening,” you murmur.

“Remember. Don’t shoot unless it’s a life or death situation.”

“Got it,” you assure him, remembering that one time you had accidentally pulled the trigger during a winning fight. Good thing you had missed it because that would’ve been an extremely difficult situation to clear up.

Namjoon instructs Taehyung and Eunji to lead Seokjin into the back room where the transaction was scheduled to take place.

“How is someone so evil so good looking,” you say once you get a proper look at the man’s visuals as he follows after Taehyung and Eunji without any suspicion.

Eh, Tae’s more of my type. You think.

Yoongi rolls his eyes when he sees Taehyung’s jaw tense at your words that had accidentally spoken through your earpieces.

“Make a move if you’re mad,” Yoongi snickers as you scoff believing it referred to you while Taehyung jolts in surprise.

After a flashing light signal, Taehyung naturally walks towards the windows, slowly drawing the blinds closed just in case any rival gangs or crews were also present on the scene. Namjoon and Yoongi were watching the room from their respective visible places while Jimin and Jungkook were getting ready for any surprise attacks a few meters from the door. You stay still in position, taking this time to stretch your limbs since you didn’t have a visible line of sight.

A few minutes pass in silence which was quite normal for these types of meetings. It’s only when these business transactions get gangs involved that things go haywire and blood is shed.

“Shit,” Taehyung’s familiar timbre voice comes in through your headpiece. You immediately grow tense as Jimin quickly asks about the condition of the situation.

“Transaction is complete,” Namjoon quickly clarifies. “I don’t know why Taehyung cursed. Yoongi and Y/N stay in your positions till the Kims completely exit. Taeji and Kook, hurry and head out into your vans. Jimin hang around for about twenty more minutes. Don’t end up in a motel tonight.”

Jimin giggles as he walks back out into the main ballroom. “I’ll try.”

“Geez Tae,” Jungkook sighs, walking out towards the back of the mansion. “I thought I had to bust in.”

“Sorry,” Taehyung says, walking out through the back still in his suit and practically glowing. He fidgets with his watch and fiddles the knife stuck around his hip. “Did you guys realize it was Valentine’s Day tomorrow?”

You turn away, putting your binoculars aside as Eunji suddenly perks up expectantly at Taehyung’s random inquiry.

“Y/N,” Taehyung calls with hesitance.

You sigh, kneeling at your gun and peering in through the scope just in case. “I’m here.”

Unfortunately.

“You free tomorrow?”

You pause, leaning back from the gun. Was he trying to make fun of your single ass?

You don’t realize that just twenty feet below you, Taehyung awkwardly paces around as Eunji squints her eyes and huffs away to her respective van.

“Tomorrow?” you ask in confusion. “You tryin’ to have a galentines or something because obviously I do not have any pla-”

“Dumbass. He’s asking you out for Valentine’s Day,” Jimin suddenly interrupts, immediately sending both Taehyung and your faces to flush red.

You gulp. “As in-”

“A date,” Taehyung finishes. He nervously peers up at the building you were standing on top of earlier. He’s able to spot your dark figure. You turn around, somehow meeting Taehyung’s eyes as the mansion’s lights illuminate where you both stand.

“This is nasty,” Jungkook mutters with a sigh, hopping into Namjoon’s van.

Ding.

“This isn’t what I meant by making a move,” Yoongi sighs, tossing aside his water bottle after taking a swig. “Public confessions are a thing now?”

You look away, digging into your back pocket for your vibrating phone.

Tae: Go out... with me.

You intake a sharp breath, looking down only to see Taehyung typing away.

“You’re just salty that you’re lonely,” Jimin hums back at Yoongi, entering the ballroom with a flirty grin directed at CEO Shin’s mistress.

Tae: I like you Y/N. Wanna be my valentine?

“Fuck you,” Yoongi deadpans.

You: :3 teach me how to aim?

Taehyung grins, looking back up to see you peer down at him from the ledge.

“FOREVER AND ALWAYS!” he yells with a boxy smile.

“We’re literally going to die,” Namjoon groans.

[vintagedolan]

Can you do a blurb of jealous gray hanging out with you and your college best male friend? Like y’all have gotten drunk together and have inside jokes and Gray gets a bit jealous but you reassure him that you and your friend are just friends and not anything else? I hope that makes sense

Although he’d been offered the opportunity not to be countless times, and had been called a liar for saying that he was, Grayson Dolan actually had been sober his entire life. He would joke and say that the shit he and Ethan did when they were younger was wild enough without a compromised mind, that he didn’t need any help to have fun. 

Which meant, at the end of the day, he had no idea how actions changed after three shots of tequila. And it seemed like everyone else at the party was in on the joke.

“Drink some of this please.” He held out a water bottle for you, his other hand holding your solo cup with his palm over the opening. You got distracted by the way his veins popped out in his hands.

“Why?”

“So I don’t have to carry you out of here in a few hours when the liquor takes over.”

You stuck out your tongue at him but took the bottle anyways, swigging down a few gulps that your organs were thankful for. 

“Y/N?”

You spun around at the sound of the voice, unsure if you were imagining it. You didn’t even realize that you’d stumbled a bit at your movements, considering Grayson had steadied you with a hand on your waist.

“Jacob? Oh my god! Jake! I thought you weren’t coming!”

It was instinct to run over to him, accept the hug that he gave you, so strong that your feet lifted up off the ground. He didn’t even look up to see Grayson’s hand still in the air where your hip had been a moment ago. 

“I heard you were gonna be here and I had to come. Finally took a break from studying?”

“Just for tonight. Had to get the college experience, yah know?”

“Oh, throwing up in a bar bathroom at Two Keys freshman year wasn’t enough of an experience for you? I held your fuckin hair and almost got kicked out cause they thought we were fuckin around in there, remember?”

“Holy shit, yeah, that bouncer was intense as fuck,” you laughed at the blurry memory. You’d been single then, and the rumors went on for weeks that you and Jacob were a thing. Realistically, you’d hadn’t had your eyes on anyone at the time - you didn’t find anyone until junior year. And you searched for him again, eyes lighting up when you found him in the kitchen where you’d left him. 

In any other situation, Grayson would have gone soft when you looked at him like that. But he couldn’t quite get the image of someone else holding your hair back at some random bar before he even knew you. As gross as it was, he would have much rather it been him than Jacob.

“Sup Dolan,” Jacob offered him a hand, an invitation for a bro hug. Grayson took it to be nice, smacking him on the back a little harder than necessary. When they released his hand automatically went to you, slotting you against him with your ass back against one of his thighs. 

“Baby do you remember that bouncer at Two Keys? The big guy with that snake neck tattoo?” 

“No, not really.”

“Oh. Well he definitely knew that my fake was sus, and Jacob had to convince him to let me in. Remember what you said Jake?”

“C’mon, girls just wanna have fun!” You both said it at the same time and then busted out laughing, leaning over so far that Grayson held your waist to make sure you didn’t fall over. Jacob reached out on instinct too, a hand going to your shoulder that Grayson wanted to swat away. 

“Why was it always Two Keys? Something always went wrong at Two Keys bro,” you laughed, racking your brain for more memories and jokes that the two of you had shared in your early college days. 

Jacob remembered one first, a night where the DD had taken the two of you to taco bell and a mild sauce had exploded all over the both of you in the backseat. Or the time he’d forgotten he had a chemistry exam in the morning and you’d tried to sober him up as quickly as you could with a baguette and too much water. 

In any other setting, Grayson would have walked away and cooled down. But there were too many guys he didn’t know, and you were too drunk to keep up with your drink on your own, so he sat there and seethed as he listened to all the stories that came before him. 

You weren’t sure how long you talked with Jacob - it was rare that you got to see each other at the same party anymore, and you soaked up every minute of it until the alcohol in your system started to take over, making you yawn.

“Ah, the yawn. Yeah man, she’s probably out for the count,” Jacob sighed.

“Thanks. I’m aware.” He knew your signs, and it pissed him off that Jake did too. 

You gave Jacob a final goodbye hug, one that was a bit too tight for Grayson’s liking - he kept his hand on your lower back the whole time, reaching with the other to put your cup in the sink. 

Five minutes down the road and you were asleep in the passenger seat. Usually, he’d lace his fingers through yours, but he left your hand empty on the middle console for half the drive, a little vindication to himself. But he still held you up on the groggy walk into the house, still helped you take your makeup off, helped you change into one of his shirts. 

You were still his girl, even if the night hadn’t gone the way he’d wanted it to. 

He’d calmed down a bit, been able to remind himself that you were home with him, getting into his bed and curling up to his chest and not Jacob’s, but his mind was still spinning, only screeching to a halt when you got a text message.

Of fucking course. 

You opened it, squinting at your screen. Your phone was right in front of his face, and he couldn’t help but read it along with you. 

So good to see you tonight, I missed you! You were right about Grayson, he seems like a good guy. And he’s jacked so I know he can take care of you no matter what trouble you get into lol. I’m glad you’ve got him, need someone to take care of my bestie when I’m not around. Good luck with your hangover, ask him if he’ll send me his back workout tomorrow haha

Grayson deflated with every word he read. You talked about him when he wasn’t around, you talked about him with Jacob, you said nice things. And there he was, acting like a dick all night when you were just excited to see your friend. The guilt started to rise, and he fought it off by nuzzling his face in your hair. 

“M’sorry,” he mumbled.

“For what?”

“For being a dick.” 

You didn’t have the energy to reprimand him - in all honesty, you hadn’t really noticed. 

“I guess I should be thankful for him actually,” he said, making you lean back so you could see his face.

“He kept you safe before I was around to do it. I hate thinking about you at a bar by yourself, so I’m glad he was there to look out for you.”

“And he’s just a friend. Always has been,” you reminded him. “And I’m in bed with you, and I’ve never been in a bed with Jacob. Well, one time we had to sleep on an air mattress but I pushed him off in the middle of the night on accident and he slept on the floor cause he thought I was mad. I wonder if he remembers that,” you mumbled, smiling at the laugh it got out of Grayson. 

“I’m sure he does.”

“This is a lot more comfier than an air mattress. And I won’t kick you off, I promise,” you said, words starting to run together as your fatigue started to catch up again.

“Yeah, uh, please don’t,” he chuckled, tightening his arm around your shoulder. “Get some sleep, I love you.”

“Love you too. Only you.”

[shizukaseo]

AI Based Traffic Management System: Enhancing Traffic Insights with Recon’s Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification (ATCC)

Managing traffic flow efficiently and intelligently is a cornerstone of modern urban planning and infrastructure management. Today, the complexity of road networks, vehicle diversity, and growing urban populations demand smarter solutions than ever before. This is where an AI based traffic management system comes into play, and Recon, a leading product in this space, offers a cutting-edge solution: Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification (ATCC).

In this blog, we will explore how Recon’s ATCC transforms traffic monitoring and management by providing accurate, real-time vehicle data, empowering authorities, urban planners, and businesses to make smarter, data-driven decisions. We will also discuss how AI traffic management systems like Recon help optimize traffic flows, improve safety, and support sustainable urban growth.

Understanding the Need for an AI Based Traffic Management System

Before diving into the specifics of Recon’s ATCC, it’s important to grasp why traditional traffic management methods fall short today.

Conventional traffic monitoring often relies on manual counting, simple sensor loops embedded in roads, or camera footage reviewed by humans. These methods are:

Time-consuming and error-prone

Limited in scalability and adaptability

Unable to classify different types of vehicles accurately in real-time

Incapable of integrating with modern smart city infrastructure

An AI based traffic management system leverages advanced machine learning and computer vision to overcome these limitations. By automating data collection and analysis, AI systems provide continuous, precise traffic insights that enable proactive traffic control and planning.

What is Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification (ATCC)?

Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification is a specialized function within AI traffic management systems that detects, counts, and categorizes vehicles passing through a specific point on the road network.

Recon’s ATCC solution uses AI-powered cameras and sensors combined with intelligent algorithms to:

Detect every vehicle passing a checkpoint, regardless of speed or weather conditions

Count the number of vehicles accurately in real-time

Classify vehicles into categories such as cars, trucks, buses, two-wheelers, and more

This classification is crucial for understanding traffic composition, which in turn helps in designing targeted policies and infrastructure improvements.

How Recon’s ATCC Revolutionizes Traffic Data Collection

Recon’s ATCC is more than just a counting tool, it’s a comprehensive system that delivers actionable traffic intelligence.

Real-Time Data Capture with High Accuracy

The heart of Recon’s ATCC is its AI engine trained on diverse datasets to recognize vehicles reliably. Unlike older sensor technologies that struggle in adverse weather or lighting, Recon’s cameras combined with deep learning models work effectively day and night, rain or shine.

Detailed Vehicle Classification

Vehicle type data is critical because different vehicles impact traffic flow, road wear, and pollution differently. Recon can differentiate between:

Passenger cars

Commercial trucks

Public transport vehicles

Two-wheelers and motorcycles

Bicycles and electric scooters

This granularity helps cities and businesses understand traffic dynamics far beyond just vehicle counts.

Seamless Integration with Broader AI Traffic Management Systems

Recon’s ATCC doesn’t operate in isolation. It integrates smoothly with other modules like traffic signal control, incident detection, and predictive analytics. This enables a holistic approach where data from ATCC feeds into systems that actively manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and respond to incidents rapidly.

Practical Applications of Recon’s ATCC in Traffic Management

Recon’s ATCC solution is versatile and can be deployed in various scenarios to maximize traffic efficiency and safety.

Urban Traffic Monitoring

City traffic departments use ATCC data to monitor peak traffic volumes, identify congestion hotspots, and analyze traffic patterns over time. This data supports dynamic signal timing adjustments and infrastructure development decisions.

Highway and Expressway Management

On highways, knowing the mix of vehicle types is vital for safety and maintenance planning. ATCC helps detect heavy truck volumes that accelerate pavement wear or identify accident-prone areas where certain vehicle types dominate.

Corporate and Industrial Campuses

Recon’s ATCC helps private campuses manage internal vehicle flows by understanding vehicle type distributions, optimizing parking layouts, and scheduling deliveries to minimize congestion.

Event Management

Temporary traffic spikes during large events can be managed better with ATCC data, allowing organizers to plan alternate routes and improve vehicle dispersal post-event.

Benefits of Using an AI Based Traffic Management System with ATCC

Enhanced Decision-Making

With accurate, real-time traffic counts and classification, city planners and traffic managers can base decisions on facts rather than estimations or outdated reports.

Improved Traffic Flow

By feeding data into adaptive traffic signal systems, ATCC helps reduce delays and smooth traffic movement, especially during peak hours.

Increased Road Safety

Understanding vehicle types enables targeted safety measures, for instance, deploying more resources where heavy trucks frequent or protecting vulnerable road users like two-wheelers.

Environmental Impact Reduction

Knowing traffic composition aids in designing pollution control measures such as low-emission zones or prioritizing public transport routes.

Case Study: Recon’s ATCC Transforming Traffic Management in a Smart City

Consider a metropolitan city struggling with increasing traffic congestion and pollution. The city installed Recon’s ATCC system across major junctions and highways. Within weeks, the city traffic department gained access to detailed traffic volume and vehicle classification data.

This empowered them to:

Adjust traffic light timings dynamically based on actual traffic types and volumes

Implement better lane management for trucks versus passenger vehicles

Plan future infrastructure expansions more effectively by understanding vehicle mix trends

As a result, the city saw smoother traffic flows, fewer accidents in critical zones, and better air quality management strategies, demonstrating the real-world value of AI traffic management solutions like Recon’s ATCC.

Recon: Pioneering the Future of AI Traffic Management

Recon’s Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification solution exemplifies the transformative power of AI in modern traffic management. As cities and private enterprises seek smarter, data-driven ways to manage traffic, solutions like Recon offer:

Scalability for large urban areas and specialized campuses

Flexibility to adapt to evolving traffic conditions and emerging vehicle types

Integration capability with broader Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) for connected mobility

With the future leaning heavily towards smart, sustainable, and connected cities, Recon’s AI based traffic management system with ATCC is a critical enabler for safer, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation networks.

Conclusion: Why Recon’s AI Based Traffic Management System is a Game-Changer

Traffic management is no longer about manual monitoring or fixed schedules. It’s about leveraging technology to see clearly, react quickly, and plan smartly. Recon’s AI based traffic management system, especially its Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification solution, provides the insight and control needed to navigate today’s traffic challenges.

By adopting Recon, cities and enterprises gain:

Precise, real-time vehicle data

Better understanding of traffic dynamics through vehicle classification

The ability to make informed decisions that improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability

Recon is not just a product, it’s a partner in building the smart traffic ecosystems of the future.

[stxrrywildflower]

hypothermia

pairing - spencer reid x reader

summary - you and derek go to extreme lengths to save a victim

warnings - injury, mentions of case, cursing

word count - ?

cold.

all you felt was cold.

you could barely remember where you were or what had happened.

your senses felt frozen.

all you could manage to do was shut your eyes.

___

the team arrived in portland, oregon a few days prior.

it was march, meaning the temperatures barely passed the the mid-fifties at the high, and dropped extremely low during the night. even snow fell on the ground as you landed, resulting in everyone on the team adding an extra layer or two.

the unsub was killing women and disposing of their bodies on the streets lining the beaches. it was becoming extremely difficult to narrow the suspect pool down, due to the large population.

hotch ordered you and spencer to go to the morgue and look at the previous victims to find out what you could.

“he must have some sort of emotional tie to to the ocean. it would explain why the unsub chooses that location,” spencer spoke from the passenger seat.

you nodded, “possible grew up on the coast or maybe even lost someone to drowning.”

upon arrival at the morgue, the two of you made your way inside. you both greeted the coroner before grabbing gloves. as you moved around the victims bodies, spencer talked to the man about what he could figure out.

“they’re not drowned. there’s a puncture wound in her foot, probobly died from a heart attack,” you concluded.

with that, you and spencer returned to the police station to alert your team about what you had discovered. while walking towards the doors, the wind picked up causing you to hug your jacket a little tighter. spencer pulled you closer to him to keep you warm.

the next four days were agonizingly slow. another body had been found, but it had the exact same marks as the others with nothing different. if anything, it slowed your investigation down rather than help you.

the team worked long hours, desperate to find a lead. and finally, after those four days, they found one.

hotch sent you and morgan to investigate the suspects house that night. it was dark and very cold. upon arrival, you found it was empty. but with further investigation, you two concluded that this defiantly was your guy.

pictures and articles on these women were pinned on the walls as well as an article about a little boy drowning in a riptide a month or so ago.

“stresser,” you informed morgan.

as you two were walking out of the house, a red car sped out of the garage of the house and down the road. you managed to catch a glimpse of the driver and passenger; it was the unsub and his current victim. thankfully, she was alive.

morgan jumped into the drivers seat as you got into the passengers seat. he sped off, following the car the best he could. at one point, due to the darkness and wind, you lost the car.

however, a few moments later, after driving around, you saw the red care carelessly parked on the side of the road. the unsub was dragging the girl, who was gagged and tied at her wrists and ankles, towards the end of the pier.

“unsub located, he has a girl with him. location is the pier just off of south street,” you spoke into your communication system.

you and morgan slowly stepped out of the car and took a step towards the unsub who had a sly grin on his face. he held an automatic rifle which was pointed at the girls head.

“morgan she has weights on her,” you informed your fellow agent.

“you don’t have to do this man!” morgan shouted, “just let the girl go. we can tell the judge you cooperated. let her go.”

the next moments happened all so quickly. the unsub pushed the girl off of the pier into the water. due to the weights attached, she slowly began to sink to the bottom. the man then pointed his gun at morgan. you fired a shot, killing him instantly. you and derek shared a quick look before taking off sprinting off of the pier and diving into the water.

the team arrived just in time to see you and morgan go under. rossi and emily went over to the unsub, checking his pulse before concluding him to be dead. the rest of the team stayed on the beach, narrowing their eyes at the water, no sign of you or morgan anywhere.

after hitting the water, your entire body tensed up. the water couldn’t have been more than 35-40 degrees. you managed to pry your eyes open, just enough to see the light from derek’s flashlight.

the water was pitch black and you needed to find the girl. you were both loosing oxygen quickly and no doubt the victim was too.

after then more seconds of desperately searching, you saw the woman floating towards the bottom of the water. as quickly as you could, you grabbed your pocket knife and sliced the ropes. the process was painfully slow, and with each moment, you felt yourself in more and more pain.

finally, the ropes fell and you took one arm while derek took the other. after pushing off the ocean floor, you made it to the surface, gasping for air. you used your spare hand to push back your hair as you frantically looked around.

in the distance, you could make out your team as well as the police standing on the beach. your whole body was shaking as you couldn’t believe how far out you were. slowly but surely, you began to swim towards the mainland.

in your mind, the process seemed to take forever. your boots finally made contact with the sand, allowing for you to stand up. you and morgan hauled the victim onto the sand where the emt’s were waiting.

you and derek, however, seemed locked in place, still standing waist deep in painfully cold water. spencer was helping the emt’s after orders from hotch but looked over when he heard a large splash. his head turned just in time to witness morgan collapsing, just after you went down. thankfully, emily and hotch were there to catch you both.

“w-who are you. where a-am i,” you spoke shakily, mind incredibly fuzzy.

the pain began to increase throughout your body, but it seemed to attack your head the most. after your legs went out, your arms were next. they were holding emily’s arms but then dropped. your head rolled to the side. upon looking at hotch, derek was having the same results.

“medics!” hotch shouted.

“hey y/n, i need you to stay awake. keep those eyes open. come on y/n, please,” the woman who you couldn’t quite remember in front of you pleaded. the next few moments were a blur as you couldn’t follow her demands and instead shut your eyes.

once the second wave of emt’s arrived, you and morgan were quickly loaded onto stretcher’s and rushed to the hospital. the team stood on the beach, still processing what happened. hotch and emily were starting to feel a little sick from entering the water to help their team.

“i know we all want to get to the hospital but it’s already late. everyone go back to the hotel and get changed and we can go to the hospital afterwards,” hotch spoke to his team.

as everyone began to walk back to to the car, spencer stopped, tapping his hands against his leg as he looked at the ocean. j.j. noticed this and made her way over, placing her hand softly on his shoulder.

“talk to me,” j.j. spoke with a calm tone.

“hypothermia is one of the most dangerous medical conditions out there. your body literally shuts down after being in the water for only a few minutes. but y/n and morgan were in the water for a long time. i’m just so worried,” spencer struggled to get out.

for a genius who knew so much, he had run out of things to say.

“spence, the doctors are going to do everything in their power to help them. you have every right to be worried. derek is your best friend, besides me of course,” j.j. joked, causing spence to smile slightly, “and to state the obvious, you’re so in love with y/n. you two have known each other for practically forever and she’s your girlfriend, of course you’re going to be worried. but for now, all we can do is go back to the hotel and then the hospital.”

he nodded slightly before allowing j.j. to lead him to the car and to the hotel.

spencer changed into a comfortable button up with a sweater overtop before meeting the team back in the lobby. everyone made sure to bundle up, especially after the situation with you and morgan, before they made their way to the hospital.

after using his status as an fbi agent for a little leverage, hotch managed to get the nurse to give them some information. you and morgan were currently in the icu but that’s all they received. the nurse permitted two members of the team to stay overnight while everyone could return the following morning. at that point, full medical information could be released.

spencer was as easy first choice. j.j. was nominated to be second. she was the closest with spencer and would be the best moral support. the team echoed their goodbyes to the two before promising to be there tomorrow morning right when opening hours started.

the two were led to an area where they could sit and rest for the night. it wasn’t outside of yours our derek’s room which wasn’t ideal, but spencer and j.j. accepted it. the two collapsed into the chairs, each pulling a blanket over themselves before slowly drifting to sleep.

the following morning, the team re-grouped in the waiting room of the hospital. surprisingly, spencer and j.j. had managed to get an actual good night of sleep.

“i can take you to agent y/n and morgan’s took where a doctor while then brief you,” the nurse told the group.

they were lead to a different floor and down the hallway. the nurse motioned for chairs to sit in while she went to go get the doctor later. a moment later, another women appeared in front of them, introducing herself.

“first of all, agent y/n and morgan will be okay,” the doctor spoke causing a relived sigh to echo through the hallway, “but, both have sustained serious injuries. hypothermia is the obvious one. y/n and derek were in the freezing water for an extremely long time causing their bodies to almost shut down completely. i’ve never seen two patients cases mirror each other but y/n and derek’s do. y/n’s heart stopped for a quick few seconds but quickly started beating again. moments later, derek’s stopped also. thankfully, both are hooked up to iv’s and are recovering nicely. the only problem is, it may take awhile for the two to wake up. they really should have died, and i am unsure how they’re still okay. without their selfless efforts, the woman who is now in recovery would be dead. so i wanted to thank your team for their actions.”

the team processed the doctors words. “can we see them?” emily asked. “yes of course, we put them both in one of the larger rooms. it’s room number 503, three doors down on the left,” with one more smile, the doctor then left.

entering the hospital room, the team paused. you both had thick blankets covering your bodies, a slight buzz sounding from the electric heater inside. spencer looked at you first. your lips were still a slight shade of blue and your fingertips had a few black marks on them. derek was the exact same.

spencer teared up at the sight of the two of you. he collapsed in a chair by your bedside first. he pressed his lips together and rubbed his temple. all the team could do was wait for you two to wake up.

a week later, at around 10pm, derek woke up. the room was dark and the hallway lights were dim, as it was past visiting hours. he went to sit up but his muscles were weak. it took a large effort to move his hand to the ‘call nurse’ button. after pressing it, he moved his head to the side where you were still laying. a few moments later, a nurse entered the room. “good to see you awake agent morgan, how are you feeling?”

“not great. what happened?” derek asked.

“you and agent y/n went into the freezing ocean to save one of the victims. luckily, she has since been released. for the two of you, your hearts both stopped momentarily as a side effect of the hypothermia. but, with lots of rest and recovery, you two should be fine.”

derek nodded to the nurses words before leanining back into the hospital bed.

at close to 4am, you woke up. you felt the same way as derek did but managed to move your head to the side. derek was sitting up, looking at some magazine the nurse must have given him.

“hey kid,” derek spoke softly.

you moved your hand up to your head. “remind me to not go swimming ever again during the winter,” you first spoke resulting in derek to laugh. soon after, a nurse came in, checking over you first before changing the iv’s. “your team should be here in a few hours, they’ve visited everyday,” the nurse told you with a smile.

true to her word, once visiting hours, you heard talking from outside of your room. the doors opened seconds later. spencer immediately rushed to your bedside, hugging you softly as you did your best to return it.

“you’re amazing,” spencer spoke before cupping your cheeks and kissing you softly.

the two of you stopped when morgan called over, “hey lover boy, no hello to me?” loud laughs echoed through the hospital room as relief washed over the team that you two were okay.

[timextoxhajima]

Member: juyeon bec idk

Genre: fluff and lots of uwu because i’m feeling it :<

Category: Playlist Feels One Shot

Word Count: 1.7k

“time will be frozen for us”

most people associate something with someone. 

be it the watch your father gave you, or the stuffed plushie that your mother used to play with you before you fell asleep. 

yours was the sound of the door clicking open, even when it’s past midnight. 

usually you would’ve rolled yourself out of bed and ran for the door like you had five seconds left to live, but the ache in your back and the mild headache throbbing inside your skull was making the regular chore too much of a hassle.

“i’m back-- oh?”

you take a deep breath, legs warm under the blanket and the night light of your room painting the walls an amber yellow. the shuffling of his feet against the floor tells you he was walking towards the bedroom where you were stuck to your bed, and you look up at him, one arm under the pillow.

he looks down at you, his blank expression quickly replaced with worry and concern when he realises you wouldn’t be in bed on any other normal day, especially not when he’s returned from his busy schedule.

“are you... okay? i was expecting you to jump on me or something when i walked through the door,” he doesn’t bother to put his bag down, his free hand dropping his keys on the nightstand next to the bed near to you. 

the feverish sensation washes through you with each small breath you took as he presses his palm onto your forehead, and flips it over to press the back of his hand.

“aw... no,” he kneels down next to you and lays his head on the mattress, pulling your hand into his. “are you aching anywhere or is it just fever?”

“my back’s aching and my head’s going to kill me if it doesn’t go away soon, otherwise i’m fine.”

juyeon pouts and trails his eyes from your face to your fingers, playing with the edge of your nails while you let your fever runs its course.

“okay, well...” he pulls away, and him taking his warmth with him makes you feel slightly empty. “i’m gonna go make you some tea before i hop into the shower and--”

“noooo juyeon,” the whine was so annoyingly apparent, you couldn’t stop the laugh that ran up your throat as you reached out and grabbed his wrist.

juyeon smiles and chuckles at your whining, thumb reaching down and brushing your forehead. “no tea? what is it you need then?”

you gulp and start to press and play with the veins and knuckles on his hand. “i want to go out and see some stars.”

his face brightens, but dims back into confusion and disapproval, despite the smile never once leaving his lips. “stars? it’s one in the night, sweet pea. and on top of that, you have a fever.”

“what if i said i knew stars would make me feel better?” your other hand finds his wrist and you gently tug on it, your neck slowly aching from the need to look up at him even though you were lying down. he scans you from head to toe, and he watches you with skepticism while you fiddle with his hand.

“pleeeeaaaassseeeeeeee?” pulling up his palm to your face to let him hold your cheek, the pout on your lips only making you wonder if it was the fever talking. 

you see a flash flit across his pupils, and he sighs in defeat, his heart completely giving into what you wanted instead of what you needed.

“yay,” you giggle and use his arm as a support to sit yourself up. 

“but we are coming back once your ache starts to worsen and if you sneeze -- just once -- and we’ll come back immediately, okay?” he helps you off the bed and he hands you one of his sweaters to pull over your already thick, baggy shirt. “you’re lucky my schedule tomorrow isn’t in the morning.”

you bare your teeth in mischief with a smile, and the sight of him wrapping his fingers around the car and house keys makes you feel instantaneously better.

the pick-up truck was given to you by your father, and that was the thing you associated him with. he’d always wanted to get you a nicer, newer car, but all the memories you had with your parents in that old vehicle was just priceless. 

you were lucky your boyfriend knew how to work his way around cars, else your father would’ve sent the pick-up truck to be dismantled. 

juyeon throws some pillows and blankets into the backseat of the truck while you get in the passenger’s seat, and it wasn’t a surprise to see him climbing onto the cargo bed and spraying some disinfectant on it.

the drive to the field nearby was nothing short of juyeon telling you how his day went; and you couldn’t help but laugh at eric falling off the chair during the vlive they did in the evening. 

the boys weren’t the only ones who actively teased him about it. 

it wasn’t long before the pick up truck rumbled it’s way through the tall grass of the field and away from the trees that lined the roads. you were short of sticking your entire head out the window like a dog, the cold, midnight wind brushing past your skin and leaving light, delicate kisses. naturally craning your head to look upwards, you immediately start to gape and wander at the beauty of the little markings the heavens provided you. 

once in the middle of the field, juyeon pulls the car into parking and turns off the engine. you walk round the car and open the backseat to take some of the pillows while he took the blankets, and the both of you throw it into the cargo bed. he picks you up and you crawl under the blankets, eyes starting to glue themselves to the breathtaking view of the sky. 

the entire vehicle jerks when juyeon hops in on his own, and he crawls under the blanket with you, arm sliding under your neck and around your shoulders to hold you close to him. 

your right ear presses against the left side of his chest, and his slow heartbeat becomes music to your ears, alongside the peaceful chirping of crickets in the grass all around you. 

juyeon had brought you out to stargaze on your first date, in this very spot, with this very pick-up truck, and it’s been your favourite place to heal since then. you don’t remember a time coming here without juyeon either.

the scent of grass and dew filled your nostrils and the gentle breeze was making it all the more easier to breathe. you would’ve caught a cold if you were alone, but the blankets coupled with the warmth you were feeding off juyeon was enough to make you forget about your fever. 

“if you’re uncomfortable or you feel your fever getting worse, we’re going home, alright?”

he whispers into your hair and pecks you on the crown of your head, his free arm reaching behind his head to prop it up atop the pillow. your left hand circles around his stomach, and your legs start to tangle with each other’s under the blanket. 

“i could totally sleep right now,” you smile into the material of his hoodie, and you snuggle into his comfort as if you weren’t already glued to him like tape. 

“it’ll be really funny if we both fall asleep here and we’ll get cooked by the morning sun when we wake up tomorrow.”

you laugh at his comment, and your eyes automatically open again to revel in the gorgeous sight of faraway planets and stars. 

you stay quiet against him for how long, you weren’t sure. time always seemed to fly past like it was nothing when you were with him. though it made you sad sometimes, to know that every second couldn’t be pulled into eternity, but you also knew that juyeon must’ve been someone special for you to feel so happy with, you couldn’t feel the effects of time. 

his gentle fiddling with your hair and circling on your shoulder drives you further into bliss, the scent of him starting to mix with the calming dewy scent of nature. 

if only this really could be your eternity. the things you’d do to drag this moment out forever. 

time did it’s job and continued running relentlessly, and juyeon squeezes your shoulder to tell you that it was now three, and you needed to get home to rest up properly.

you were reluctant at first, but wherever juyeon was, it would be home to you.

juyeon lets you shower first, so by the time he was in bed with you, your spirit was already half gone into the wonderland of dreams and cotton candy.

instinctively, you lay your head on his chest again, palm flat right next to your nose and his arm absorbs the warmth of your neck, fingers resting on the skin of your shoulder. 

“are you feeling better though? after seeing the stars?” his voice rumbles through his chest, and you grin to yourself upon knowing that you heard it through his skin. 

“i don’t need to see stars to feel better, i just had to find an excuse so the both of us won’t pass out so early.”

you feel him shift his head and a small laugh exposes itself as little bursts of air into the crown of your head.

“aw,” he cooes, kissing you on the forehead. “i’m sorry i’ve been so busy these few weeks. my schedule will definitely lighten up in a month or so, so please bear with me, would you?” 

you hear the apologetic tone in his voice, and it breaks you a little. angling your head upwards, you push yourself up with enough effort to peck him on the lips for comfort.

“i’ll wait for you no matter how long it takes,” you return to your previous position and snuggle even harder if it was possible. “even if it takes a million years.”

his left hand finds the one that was on his chest and he interlocks his fingers between yours, the sensation drilling warmth and bliss throughout your entire nervous system.

“if that’s your way of saying ‘i love you’, then i love you too.”

[generalfoolish]

Ramikadyc

Ramikadyc: commando state of mind

Rating: 18+ (minors take a hike)

Warnings: FLUFF, grief, mentions of loss, blood mention (blink and you'll miss it), some musings

Word count: ~1K

Pairing: (eventually!!!) Din Djarin x F!reader

Summary: Two Mandalorians talk about loss

A/N: Hey babes! This is part of the #mandomay2021 prompt list. This was 15, so I'm still off, but I have more time tomorrow! Sorry, I always get so busy on the weekends. I'm moving house, so it's been kind of crazy. Also, may get sexy next time. I know it's been pretty tame. This is mostly fluff though. Enjoy 💕

Masterlist | Atin | Ad'ika

Let me know if you want to be tagged!

You were firmly planted in the passenger seat, and you were trying your best not to pout. Din had a million complaints about your ship, and the creature comforts you had allowed yourself. You had only managed to sneak your bedroll on board, before he had hustled you back to his ship, and prepared to take off.

In return for the cartel leaders, Dune had gotten you another lead. A big lead. Toydaria, despite aligning with the Galactic Republic, had become a prime area for holdouts. Imperials had been messing with the locals, and when the New Republic had gotten wind of it, they'd all but dismissed the concerns.

Regardless of the implications for the denizens of the Republic, it meant that you and Din were free to chase down the rumors yourselves.

You thrummed your fingers against your knee, the cloth soft under your skin. And again, your mind wandered to what freedom you had. Freedom to hunt down the animals still loyal to the Empire. Freedom to show your face, and bare your heart to the man you loved. Freedom to choose your next strike.

Your mind settled on Din, and you considered his sacrifices. It seemed he was trapped behind them, and you wished he could taste freedom as well. After Toydaria, you'd suggest a trip back to Dagobah. His thoughts seemed much quieter after seeing his son.

"How was your covert?" You asked him, the silence shattering around you. He tossed you a quizzical look over his shoulder.

Even now you saw how much he gave. The Crest had automation, and could navigate itself. But, Din was controlling the ship through space. He'd told you earlier that he didn't think the Crest's system would hold up to the meteor belt you were going through.

"Ramikadyc. You know, very militant. We learned many forms of fighting, and survival. But, it wasn't bad. It gave me structure. I was very thankful for it, they saved me." He lamented, not for the first time. You had to admit, they had raised Din well. He embodied Ramikadyc more than anyone you had ever met. Resilient and confident, nearing arrogance. His experience was similar, but so different to your own.

Your clan was a matriarch. Your father was off fighting more than he was home. Once he left, and never returned. You were an adept fighter, to be sure, but your buir had wanted you to be strong in every way. “This was the way,” she had told you while teaching you to stand up for the oppressed. “This is the way,” she had told you while making sure you knew the systems that mandalorians were welcome in. This was her way, a different way to Din's covert, but the same ideas supported them. To make a new generation stronger.

"What about you, ad’ika? What was your clan like?" He asked, stealing another glance at you. You wondered how you looked in the low light of space, the briefest illuminations glancing off stray meteorites. You wondered if he truly found you beautiful like this.

“Different, but the same. Less militant, but insistent all the same. It was up to my buir, and it was only my brothers and I.”

“You never speak of them.” He reminded you, softly. You closed your eyes and willed the last images away. Blood soaked stones, dented durasteel, and echoes of screams ringing through the halls.

“They were younger than me.” You told him, talking as softly as he had. “Full of wonder and life. I had to flee the covert. I didn’t have anything, except a ship and armor for some time. They had insisted that our buir get the ship. There were two of them, twins. I...miss them constantly.”

“I was an only child. I cannot imagine your grief. I’m sorry you lost everyone, mesh’la.” He had switched the navigation system on to give you his full attention, and now he reached out. His skin was smooth on yours, his gloves had done their job. You relished this time with him, unsuited, so you could feel and see all of him.

“Thank you, Din. I know you have had your fair share of grief.” He nodded tightly, and squeezed your hand.

“You should rest, it’ll be boots down as soon as we get there.” He leaned closer and pecked you. It was chaste, but his familiar scent filled your nose. Always smoky, like a campfire, and leather. You wanted to take him back to the bedroll, and wear yourself out on him. You feared you’d never get rest on your own.

You didn’t offer, though, You knew his answer. He’d purse his lips, as if in thought, and then gently decline. He’d blame the ship’s controls, but you knew that he could easily switch to automatic controls. You wondered if this had anything to do with his earlier behavior.

Giving Din a smile, you turned and slipped downstairs. You passed by the weapons, and grimaced knowing the darksaber was in there. Din had seemed...scared. You had never seen it before, his fear. But it had charged the air when the darksaber was out. As if the sword were feeding on the negative energy. You blanched, now hidden from your lover, to think that he was losing even a part of himself to something he wanted no part of.

As you curled into bed, you wondered, not for the first time, if Bo-Katan would take it easy on Din. If she would fight without gusto, knowing that Din didn’t want to do it at all. You’d heard the story, Din had told you, him offering the darksaber, yielding to Bo-Katan. Was it hubris that stopped her? She would be hunting him down, looking for the saber. It would be best if they stayed away from Grogu, so Bo-Katan would have no leads to him.

You closed your eyes, and tried to quiet your mind. Meditation was a lost art on you, so counting bantha it was. You barely registered it when you felt strong arms encircle you.