#Off-highway electric vehicle

[metalmanauto]

Looking for Three-Wheeler Components? Metalman Auto Delivers!

Get high-performance three-wheeler components from Metalman Auto. We offer a diverse selection to meet your specific requirements. Our commitment to quality ensures long-lasting performance.

Metalman Auto Ltd. supplies robust and reliable commercial vehicle parts, ensuring top performance and longevity. As one of India’s first companies to offer complete metal fabrication, finishing, and assembly services, we cater to various OEM needs with high-quality products. Contact us at +91 240 665 2444 (Ext. 500) or email info@metalmanauto.com. As a trusted agri-vehicle components manufacturer, Metalman Auto Ltd. delivers precision parts that enhance the efficiency of agricultural vehicles. Our capabilities include sheet metal fabrication, tubular structures, and assembly, ensuring comprehensive solutions for OEMs. Established in 1986, we are a pioneer in metal component manufacturing.

[metalmanautoltd]

Best OEM Automotive Parts Supplier | Metalman Auto Ltd

We Are the Best OEM Automotive Parts Supplier: Excellence in Every Component Metalman Auto Ltd. is the best OEM automotive parts supplier due to our unmatchable quality. Our pioneering efforts in excellence and customer satisfaction have made us the top choice for a variety of Original Equipment Manufacturers and vehicles. In addition to 2Ws, which include EVs and ICE two-wheelers, the same is true for 3Ws, PVs, CVs, AVs, and OHVs. Moreover, we are masters in producing components that suit to white body goods, and we are excellent in contract manufacturing part of the eco-system for 2W EV OEMs. Cutting-Edge Technology for Superior Products We use cutting-edge technology to make top-quality automotive parts in Metalman Auto Ltd. Our cutting-edge manufacturing facilities are equipped with specialized machinery and the latest state-of-the-art equipment; these devices are designed to allow us to produce complex components to close tolerances, exactly matching the needs of all OEMs. To achieve exceptional accuracy and dependability, we integrate CNC devices, our in-house robotic, and modern manufacturing. Our robot is designed to conduct intricate welding and metal forming tasks; greater control power is used to rule-out human error, reduce waste, and make more precise finished goods.

Quality Assurance tools, AI and Machine Learning

We are building quality. We use AI and automation in the manufacturing process to ensure every produced part meets our high standards. Our AI system checks the production in the best case in real time and makes a look whether there are defects or inconsistent results that disqualifies the product. Through use of these advanced algorithms that analyze data from many points throughout the manufacturing process, we can diagnose and fix problems before they rear their heads in finished parts.

Besides quality checks, our AI software is also optimizing the finishing processes for us. Such tasks include polishing, coating and painting all the parts to make sure not only will they work as intended but also look good doing it. We can do this while focusing on processes that will deliver end results of lasting, more aesthetically-pleasing products with a protective coating built in.

Devotion to Innovation and Incremental Improvement

Innovation is the key to stay best OEM auto parts manufacturers, as we think at Metalman Auto Ltd. Our team is always on the prowl for cutting edge technology and new innovative methods to incorporate into our manufacturing processes. This involves incorporating the latest metal finishing equipment and techniques to improve the quality of our components, in terms of their performance and aesthetics.

We also appreciate the need to avoid complacency in our quest for greatness. Our team of engineers and technicians are continuously working to perfect our processes, reducing lead times and improving the efficiency across all aspects of operations. With a culture of innovation and building to continually improve, high-quality products are being released from us.

Our Valued Clients

Over the years, we have been able to work with some of the biggest names in automotive and industrial. Our clients are Hero, TVS, Gogoro and more from the Manufacturer side & Mahindra Electric| Honda Motorcycle | Ather Energy | Bajaj Auto CNH Industrial Epiroc JCB LiuGong Normet Sumitomo Riko Group Michelin Camso etc. These relationships underscore our dedication to quality, dependability and customer service as well the offering of premium products that cater to a variety of industry needs.

Various Automotive and Industrial Use Cases

We offer a wide range of components that are suitable for diverse vehicle types. We cater from the smaller two-wheeler parts (electric and ICE) to three wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, agri-vehicles and off-highway vehicles. Besides, we are experienced in white goods cosmetic part fabrication like washing machine front and rear panels and back covers so as to offer an extensive application field.

Why Metalman Auto Ltd. For OEM Automotive Parts?

When you source your aftermarket car parts from Metalman Auto Ltd., you are sure to be working with an OEM automotive manufacturer that prioritizes quality, innovation and customer satisfaction above all else. With how much we have been doing with cutting edge technology and never settling for less of a product when it comes to performance, the portfolio is well tailored to meet OEM demands from automotive or the industrial sector.

Please feel free to get in touch with us as soon as possible for more information regarding our automotive parts manufacturing capabilities and how we can provide your business with the highest quality components which are engineered tough enough to manage even punishing conditions.

[univdatosmarket]

The Electric Off-Highway Vehicle Market was valued at 7.36 billion in the year 2022 and is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 28.7% during the forecast period (2023-2030), owing to the ongoing process of shift happening towards sustainability in sectors like construction, agriculture, mining, and ports & logistics.

[luckydige45]

The global off-highway electric vehicle market size was exhibited at USD 1,964.50 million in 2023 and is projected to hit around USD 7,411.62 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 14.2% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2033.

[market-insider]

Off-highway Electric Vehicles: Evaluating the Industry Potential, Challenges, and Growth Prospects

An off-highway electric vehicle (OHEV) refers to a type of vehicle designed for off-road or non-paved terrain that utilizes electric propulsion. These vehicles are specifically built to operate in rugged environments, such as construction sites, agricultural fields, mining areas, and recreational off-road trails. OHEVs are equipped with electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries, which provide them with the necessary torque and power to navigate challenging terrains. They offer several advantages over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) off-road vehicles, including lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and quieter operation. The electric drivetrain of OHEVs provides instant torque, allowing for excellent off-road performance and enhanced maneuverability.

Gain deeper insights on the market and receive your free copy with TOC now @: Off-highway Electric Vehicle Market Report

Additionally, the absence of an ICE engine eliminates the need for fuel and oil changes, resulting in reduced maintenance requirements and improved reliability. With advancements in battery technology, the range and endurance of OHEVs have significantly improved, making them a viable and sustainable alternative for off-road applications. As the world moves towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions, off-highway electric vehicles are playing a crucial role in minimizing environmental impact and enhancing efficiency in various off-road industries.

The adoption of OHEVs has been steadily increasing across various sectors such as construction, agriculture, mining, and forestry. Many companies and organizations are recognizing the benefits of electric propulsion, including reduced emissions, lower operating costs, and improved performance. One of the critical areas of development in the OHEV market is battery technology. Improvements in battery energy density, charging speed, and overall performance are enabling OHEVs to have longer ranges and improved efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries dominate the market, but there are ongoing research and development efforts to enhance battery capabilities further. There has been a focus on electrifying larger and heavier off-highway machinery. Electric excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, and dump trucks are being developed and tested. These machines require significant power, and the advancements in battery technology are enabling their electrification.

The integration of autonomous technologies in OHEVs is gaining traction. Self-driving off-highway vehicles have the potential to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety in industries like mining and agriculture. Autonomy enables tasks to be performed with precision and consistency, reducing the need for human intervention. The development of charging infrastructure specifically designed for off-highway electric vehicles is becoming more prevalent. Companies are investing in charging stations and systems that can accommodate heavy-duty OHEVs and provide efficient charging solutions for large fleets. Various companies and organizations are forming collaborations and partnerships to drive innovation in the OHEV market. This includes partnerships between vehicle manufacturers, battery manufacturers, technology providers, and energy companies. These collaborations aim to leverage expertise and resources to accelerate the development and deployment of off-highway electric vehicles.

[cool-akashy-maximize]

Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market Technology, Solutions, Application, Price, Demand scrutiny and Growth Opportunities to 2029

Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market: was valued at USD 4.45 Billion in 2021, and is expected to reach USD 40.28 Billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 31.7 % during the forecast period (2022-2029)

Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market Overview:

The Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market competitive landscape comprises information about rivals. A firm overview, financials, revenue produced, market potential, R&D investment, new market efforts, geographical presence, business strengths and weaknesses, product launch, and application domination are among the topics covered. The following information is only relevant to the organization's focus on the Off-Highway Electric Vehicle market.

For Complete Market Insights, Access the Link @ https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/165261

Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market Dynamic:

Electric vehicles are amongst the most prominent technologies that help reduce air pollution. Thus, governments across the globe are implementing policies such as subsidies and tax rebate programs to promote the adoption of off-highway electric vehicles. Environmental and sustainability objectives drive electric vehicle policies that are supported across all governance levels. Governments of several countries globally are drafting tailor-made policies to support the electric vehicle market growth. Growing construction and mining activities in Asian countries such as China and India are increasing the demand for efficient electric vehicles for reducing carbon footprint and exploring other energy resources. Also, the fluctuating prices of crude oil are encouraging the consumer to adopt electric vehicles with high ROI.

Market Scope:.

To validate the market size and estimate the market size by different segments, top-down and bottom-up methodologies are utilized. The research's market estimates are based on the sale price (excluding any discounts provided by the manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler, or traders). To create percentage splits, market shares, and segment breakdowns, weights based on usage rate and average sale price are applied to each location. The percentage acceptance or usage of the given market Size in the relevant area or nation determines the country-wise segmentation of the main market and its sub-segments.

Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market Segmentation:

Based on Electric Vehicle, the HEV segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 62.5% in 2021 and is expected to dominate over the forecast period. These types of vehicles are designed to enhance the use of the internal combustion engine in collaboration with the electric powertrain. With the stringent emission norms by government authorities such as the U.S. EPA and the European Commission, the demand for hybrid propulsion off-highway equipment is growing and encouraging manufacturers to develop more environmentally friendly off-highway vehicles. Since 2017, off-highway vehicle manufacturers are essentially adopting hybrid engines, featuring diesel-electric propulsion systems. These diesel-electric hybrid drive systems allow users to run a slightly smaller engine at a lower rpm, providing fewer parts movement and high fuel efficiency.

Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market Key Players:

• DEERE & COMPANY • Epiroc AB • Hitachi Construction Machinery • Hyundai Doosan Infracore Co. Ltd. • Komatsu Ltd. • AB Volvo • Anhui Heli Co., Ltd. • Cargotec corporation • Caterpillar • Clark • J C Bamford Excavators Ltd. • CNH Industrial N.V. • LIEBHERR-International Deutschland GmbH • Narrow Isle inc. • Sandvik AB • SANY Group • Toyota Motor Corporation • Volvo Construction Equipment AB • Doosan Corporation

Market leaders are identified by primary and secondary research, and market revenue is calculated using primary and secondary research. The core study included in-depth interviews with key thought leaders and industry experts such as experienced front-line personnel, CEOs, and marketing executives. In-depth interviews with important thought leaders and industry experts, such as experienced front-line personnel, CEOs, and marketing executives, were conducted as part of primary research, while secondary research included a review of the major manufacturers' annual and financial reports. Secondary data is utilized to calculate percentage splits, market shares, growth rates, and global market breakdowns, which are then verified against primary data. The following are the key players of the Off-Highway Electric Vehicle market-

Regional Analysis:

Individual market influencing components and changes in market rules that affect current and future market trends are also investigated in the geographical component of the research. Some of the factors used to forecast market scenarios for various countries include downstream and upstream value chain analysis, technological trends, Porter's five forces analysis, and case studies.

Get a Sample PDF of the report at @ https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/165261

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market: Furthermore, the research assesses the impact of COVID-19 on the Off-Highway Electric Vehicle market. The fundamental purpose of this research is to help users understand the market in terms of definition, segmentation, market potential, key trends, and difficulties that the industry confronts across major regions. The paper provides a microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis of the overall impact of COVID-19 on the Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market. The report focuses on market share and size, clearly demonstrating the pandemic's influence on the worldwide Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market in the next years.

Key Questions Answered in the Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market Report are:

What will be the Off-Highway Electric Vehicle market's CAGR throughout the projected period (2021-2027)?

Which market category emerged as the market leader in the Off-Highway Electric Vehicle industry?

Who are the key players in the Off-Highway Electric Vehicle market?

What important trends in the Off-Highway Electric Vehicle industry are anticipated to develop throughout the forecast period?

How big will the Off-Highway Electric Vehicle market be in 2027?

In 2020, which business segment had the highest proportion of the Off-Highway Electric Vehicle market?

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[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #9

March 9-15 2024

The IRS launched its direct file pilot program. Tax payers in 12 states, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, Arizona, Massachusetts, California and New York, can now file their federal income taxes for free on-line directly with the IRS. The IRS plans on taking direct file nation wide for next year's tax season. Tax Day is April 15th so if you're in one of those states you have a month to check it out.

The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights opened an investigation into the death of Nex Benedict. the OCR is investigating if Benedict's school district violated his civil rights by failing to protect him from bullying. President Biden expressed support for trans and non-binary youth in the aftermath of the ruling that Benedict's death was a suicide and encouraged people to seek help in crisis

Vice President Kamala Harris became the first sitting Vice-President (or President) to visit an abortion provider. Harris' historic visit was to a Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Paul Minnesota. This is the last stop on the Vice-President's Reproductive Rights Tour that has taken her across the country highlighting the need for reproductive health care.

President Biden announced 3.3 billion dollars worth of infrastructure projects across 40 states designed to reconnect communities divided by transportation infrastructure. Communities often split decades ago by highways build in the 1960s and 70s. These splits very often affect communities of color splitting them off from the wider cities and making daily life far more difficult. These reconnection projects will help remedy decades of economic racism.

The Biden-Harris administration is taking steps to eliminate junk fees for college students. These are hidden fees students pay to get loans or special fees banks charged to students with bank accounts. Also the administration plans to eliminate automatic billing for textbooks and ban schools from pocketing leftover money on student's meal plans.

The Department of Interior announced $120 million in investments to help boost Climate Resilience in Tribal Communities. The money will support 146 projects effecting over 100 tribes. This comes on top of $440 million already spent on tribal climate resilience by the administration so far

The Department of Energy announced $750 million dollars in investment in clean hydrogen power. This will go to 52 projects across 24 states. As part of the administration's climate goals the DoE plans to bring low to zero carbon hydrogen production to 10 million metric tons by 2030, and the cost of hydrogen to $1 per kilogram of hydrogen produced by 2031.

The Department of Energy has offered a 2.3 billion dollar loan to build a lithium processing plant in Nevada. Lithium is the key component in rechargeable batteries used it electric vehicles. Currently 95% of the world's lithium comes from just 4 countries, Australia, Chile, China and Argentina. Only about 1% of the US' lithium needs are met by domestic production. When completed the processing plant in Thacker Pass Nevada will produce enough lithium for 800,000 electric vehicle batteries a year.

The Department of Transportation is making available $1.2 billion in funds to reduce decrease pollution in transportation. Available in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico the funds will support projects by transportation authorities to lower their carbon emissions.

The Geothermal Energy Optimization Act was introduced in the US Senate. If passed the act will streamline the permitting process and help expand geothermal projects on public lands. This totally green energy currently accounts for just 0.4% of the US' engird usage but the Department of Energy estimates the potential geothermal energy supply is large enough to power the entire U.S. five times over.

The Justice for Breonna Taylor Act was introduced in the Senate banning No Knock Warrants nationwide

A bill was introduced in the House requiring the US Postal Service to cover the costs of any laid fees on bills the USPS failed to deliver on time

The Senate Confirmed 3 more Biden nominees to be life time federal Judges, Jasmine Yoon the first Asian-America federal judge in Virginia, Sunil Harjani in Illinois, and Melissa DuBose the first LGBTQ and first person of color to serve as a federal judge in Rhode Island. This brings the total number of Biden judges to 185

[metalmanauto]

Metalman Auto: Your Trusted Partner for Passenger Vehicle Parts

We are a leading manufacturer of high-quality passenger vehicle parts at Metalman Auto. Our extensive catalog caters to various models and applications. Choose us for reliable parts and exceptional service.

[metalmanautoltd]

Metal Finishing for Automotive Parts: Advancing with Technology and Expertise

In the world of automotive manufacturing, metal finishing plays a crucial role in enhancing the durability, appearance, and performance of various components. At Metalman Auto Ltd., we are committed to delivering high-quality metal finishing solutions that meet the stringent demands of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). With our state-of-the-art technology, innovative processes, and dedication to excellence, we have positioned ourselves as leaders in the field of metal finishing for automotive parts.

The Importance of Metal Finishing in the Automotive Industry

Metal finishing is an essential step in the manufacturing process that involves treating the surface of OEM metal components to enhance their resistance to corrosion, wear, and tear, while also improving their aesthetic appeal. In the automotive industry, where components are exposed to harsh environments and extreme conditions, metal finishing ensures that parts not only perform efficiently but also maintain their appearance over time.

Leveraging Advanced Technology for Superior Metal Finishing

At Metalman Auto Ltd., we continuously invest in cutting-edge technology and equipment to provide our clients with the best metal finishing solutions. We utilize advanced CNC machines and automated robotic systems to ensure precision and consistency in every component we produce. Our investment in AI and machine learning software enables us to optimize our manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and improve the overall quality of our products.

Our unique approach combines traditional metal finishing techniques with modern technology to deliver unmatched results. For instance, our use of AI-powered robots and automated bots allows us to achieve a level of precision and consistency that manual processes simply cannot match. These technologies enable us to produce components with extremely tight tolerances, ensuring that they meet the exact specifications required by our clients.

Our Commitment to Quality and Innovation

At Metalman Auto Ltd., we understand that quality is the cornerstone of our success. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in everything we do, from the raw materials we source to the final products we deliver. Our team of skilled professionals works tirelessly to ensure that every component that leaves our facility is of the highest quality.

To achieve this, we employ a combination of rigorous quality control measures and continuous improvement practices. Our state-of-the-art inspection equipment, such as coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and digital microscopes, allows us to detect and correct any defects before components are shipped to our clients. Moreover, our commitment to continuous improvement drives us to explore new technologies and processes that can further enhance our metal finishing capabilities.

Utilizing AI and Machine Learning for Process Optimization

One of the ways we stay ahead of the competition is by leveraging AI and machine learning to optimize our metal finishing processes. These technologies allow us to analyze vast amounts of data from our production lines and identify patterns that can help us improve efficiency and reduce costs. For example, by using machine learning algorithms, we can predict when equipment is likely to fail and perform preventive maintenance, thereby minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Additionally, our AI-powered software helps us optimize the parameters of our finishing processes, such as temperature, pressure, and chemical concentrations, to achieve the best possible results. This not only improves the quality of our products but also reduces waste and lowers our environmental impact.

The Role of Skilled Professionals in Metal Finishing

While technology plays a vital role in our metal finishing processes, we also recognize the importance of skilled professionals in delivering exceptional results. Our team of experts brings years of experience and a deep understanding of metal finishing techniques, enabling us to tackle even the most challenging projects. We invest in ongoing training and development programs to ensure that our team remains at the forefront of industry advancements and is equipped to handle the complexities of modern automotive manufacturing.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Metal Finishing for Automotive Parts

At Metalman Auto Ltd., we are proud of our reputation as a leader in metal finishing for automotive parts. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction drives us to continuously explore new technologies and processes that can enhance our capabilities. By combining state-of-the-art equipment, AI and machine learning, and the expertise of our skilled professionals, we deliver metal finishing solutions that set new standards in the industry.

Whether you are an OEM looking for a reliable partner for your metal finishing needs or a business seeking to enhance the quality and durability of your automotive components, Metalman Auto Ltd. is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive range of metal finishing services and how we can support your success in the competitive automotive market.

[carminecherry]

OUTPACE THE DAWN | mikey sano

this is part three of the series kill the lights

⇝ PAIRING: timeskip!biker!mikey sano x fem!reader

⇝ SERIES SYNOPSIS: after moving by yourself to tokyo, you black out at a party and wake up with a new friend. as she sweeps you up in her fast-paced city life, you feel yourself falling deeper and deeper for her mysterious brother. but something dark is brewing in the city. as his past threatens to resurface, mikey must fight not only physical enemies but the mental battle of his feelings for you. he can't resist you , but could he ever forgive himself if something happened to you? he'll love you selfishly and protect you savagely.

⇝ PART THREE LENGTH: 1.5k words

⇝ PART THREE WARNINGS: NSFW (18+ minors do not interact):

all characters are 20+; Alternate Universe! Canon Divergent. a friend from university invites you to his house party. as the drinks flow, you slip into a pleasant buzz. that is until a particular masked man makes his appearance, unveiling himself.

⇝ AUTHOR'S NOTE: a short chapter with a little spice at the end ;) more chapters coming soon! keep an eye on the tags and stay safe! <3

DO NOT INTERACT WITH THIS WORK IF YOU ARE A MINOR. BY CLICKING THE READMORE, YOU CONSENT TO VIEWING ADULT CONTENT.

You’ve always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie, ever since you were a kid. Roller coasters, laser tag, haunted houses, you chased that rush. As you clung to Mikey’s back, you felt that rush again for the first time in a very long time. That electric shock and the warmth that followed. You couldn’t hold back a howling laugh. The one you usually save for the steepest drops of a coaster. Your smile stretched from ear to ear and you felt the shoulders of the man in front of you bounce, his voice joining yours in an exuberant shout. 

His golden hair ripples in the wind. He revved the engine to your delight, feeling it course through you. Caution be damned. He wove through the cars on the street like a bolt of black lightning. Mikey threading the needle between the vehicles. Now he’s just showing off. All too soon you were at your destination.

He pulled the bike up to the corner, killing the engine. He gives your arms a rub, signaling for you to let go. You didn’t realize you were still clinging to him in a bruising grip. You peel yourself from him and swing yourself off the bike, still riding the wave of adrenaline. You whipped off your helmet and flashed Mikey a Cheshire smile. “That was so FUCKING cool!” You exclaimed, grasping for words to describe your feelings. “I mean- I mean! You’re seriously insane! Those moves on the highway were unreal. UHG! SO. Cool” You gushed with the compliments, alcohol and adrenaline taking over your voicebox.

The man gave no reaction but you saw he wouldn’t meet your eye. “It’s like I’ve been doing it since middle school, huh? Believe me now?” You nod enthusiastically. He huffs, seemingly not used to the praise. He swings his leg over the bike, rising and stretching. You’d almost forgotten your height difference. He rubbed his side and with sarcasm remarked, “I think you cracked a rib.” “ Ha ha . Even if I did, you can only blame your crazy driving. I thought you were trying to throw me off. I was hanging on for dear life.” You feign anguish dramatically before playfully punching him in the chest. 

“Oh god! Another rib!” He doubled over comically. You laugh, “I’m coming for your kneecaps next if you don’t stop messing with me.” He straightened, His crooked smile making its second appearance of the night. “Seriously, thanks for the ride” You say, looking away, not trusting yourself to not blush.

You looked down the street, your apartment about a block away, tucked behind some trees. He follows your gaze. “Let me get you home safely.” He offers. “No, really, it’s okay. I appreciate the ride.” You say, shaking your head. “Seriously, you were a lifesaver tonight.” He nods, mounting his bike. You hand him back the helmet which he stows. “Next time I’ll teach you three more things about bikes.” He jokes, leaning forward on the handlebars. “Next time?” You smile. “I’d like that.” 

With that you make your way down the dark street. You feel his eyes on you, but they are comforting this time. You feel safe as you round the corner and make your way into your apartment. As if on cue, the moment you click your lock into place you hear a bike engine roar to life. The sound fades to nothing and you collapse into your bed. The night's events replayed in your mind. A big smile still plastered on your face. You slip into a dream-filled sleep, still in your party clothes.

***

You feel fuzzy. Looking forward you see the broad shoulders and golden locks of the man seated in front of you. The translucent shirt draped sinfully across his back. You give him a squeeze, pulling your body closer to his. It’s warm when you rest your cheek in the space between his shoulder blades. You breathe in, it’s sweet and heavy like leather and toffee. 

Sitting there, melting into the heat of his body is soothing. He hums, you feel it vibrate through his back. You bring a hand up to rest on his chest. You feel the pounding of his heart beneath. Fluttering ever faster under your touch. He leans into your touch. You smile into his back. As if feeling this, he groans. Deep and low. You place a light kiss over his shoulder blade. His breathing picks up, the places where your bodies meet growing warmer. You feel it too, the impulse taking over, rational thought leaving your brain. 

You flatten your other hand on his stomach, feeling the definition there. You trace the shape, the places that dip in his lean core with your fingertips. The silky material glides between your touch and his skin. He twitches. Surely your feather-soft touch tickles. You continue, committing every muscle to memory. He groans again, the sound rising at the end. 

“Please.” He says quietly. “Hm?” you hum into his back inquisitive if not a bit teasing. “Please. I want… I need you to…” You pause your strokes over his midsection, his breath catching. “Come on, Mikey. I need you to ask me properly.” You say into his back lazily, planting a kiss to punctuate your statement. He holds back a whine, the corner of your mouth ticks up. You feel warmth pooling in your lower stomach. 

“Please… Touch me...” He says low, with an edge of desperation. A full smile tugs at your lips. “Good.” You kiss the meaty part of his back that joins his shoulder to his neck. You trail one of your fingers devilishly slow down the line between his abdominal muscles. Dragging it further down his lower stomach. You use your other finger to tease the sensitive spot on his chest through his shirt. The flesh rises quickly to a nub under your touch. You circle this sensitive bud with your fingernail. You feel the rise and fall as his breathing gets heavier with anticipation. 

Toying with the button of his pants, finally popping it open after a few rotations. You tug the zipper of his dress pants down painfully slowly. He groans again as the zipper reaches its base. You palm him through the fabric of his underwear. You’re not surprised by how hard he is, but his size is more than you expected. When you palm him again, his breath hitches with a small moan that is quickly bitten back. You feel the hot, wet spot over his tip grow wetter. “Please.” He pleads. 

You relent your teasing, giving him what he wants. Pulling down the waist band, allowing him to spring free of his confines. His breath shudders with the action. You touch him, the hot skin of his member is silky in your hand. You move around some of the liquid leaking from the tip, enjoying the sounds he makes as you do. You give him a full stroke. 

He does his best to hold back as his whole body twitches. You stroke him again, and then again. His noises are getting louder. “Good girl, fuck ! Yeah, just like that babe.” You’re building up a pace and rhythm, his hips moving to meet your hand. Your head is swimming in thoughts of him, inhaling his scent deeply. “Wait… Wait, slow down.” He says breathily. 

“Hm? So soon, Mikey? I thought you’d have more endurance. Are all those muscles just for show?” You love this, teasing him. He shudders again, you feel him throb in your hand. You slow your strokes but don’t stop. “Wait. Not yet.” He says. You remain silent, slowing but continuing your movement, testing the water. “I said wait.” With this, he removes his hands from the handlebars, grabbing your wrist.

You’re pulled from your seat behind him and swung around to his front. He catches you by your waist as he rights your position. You can’t complain about him manhandling you, he moves you easily, as if you’re weightless. In a matter of seconds, the two of you have switched positions. You straddle the seat, facing him. His pupils blown out, a flush across his cheeks. He’s beautiful. Before you can admire him further, he is pulling you into a bruising kiss. You let him, returning the kiss with equal intensity. His hands are up your shirt, massaging the soft flesh of your chest. You moan into the kiss. 

You feel that handsome, crooked smile tug one corner of his mouth up. He finally breaks the kiss, moving his mouth down to the sensitive skin of your neck. He licks long, firm circles into that spot that makes your whole body clench up and melt at the same time. You can’t hold back the noises pouring from your mouth. You could feel yourself coming undone under his touch. You grind into the seat beneath you, trying to build friction in the place he’s neglecting. He hums into your neck in a teasing tone. What a bully.

[seat-safety-switch]

It's a new age of motoring. The old world of inefficient, gas-burning, polluting vehicles is over, and now is the time for zingy cough drops that do 0-60 in four seconds and have a bunch of annoying dinging sounds that you can't figure out how to turn off. If you're the kind of person who rides on an elevator and thinks "this could use more JavaScript," the world is your oyster.

Of course, no matter how many touchscreens, gewgaws, doodads, and fart noises you throw at an electric car, someone still has to build the car. You could go to a boring, old-technology company that worries about things like "bolts that fit," or you could take a gamble. You could step into the future and invest in a Switch Motors platform for your next electric car.

Switch Motors is the only small, unproven brand you need to risk millions of dollars and the livelihood of your employees on. We know about making a reliable car, because we know everything about how to make an unreliable car. And like Thomas Edison said before he was deluged by telemarketers: goddammit, why doesn't this thing work? Here's an example of our focus. Switch Motors cars are guaranteed to have at least four wheels, or we'll provide you with a pro-rated discount.

Don't care about the "car" part of electric cars? We've got you covered, with several platforms based entirely on classic Malaise Era American cars. Customers will love the straight chrome bumpers, which are easy to bang back into shape when they have a little whoopsy-doo at highway speeds while trying to quit their Zoom call. And our powertrains are proven – they come from high-end Chinese electric forklifts that we source from only the finest AliExpress vendors. No Wish.com for you, oh no: we're premium all the way.

Paint? Friend, paint slows you down. Besides, it looks way cooler when the arcs the motors kick off are shooting across the skin of the car like a Jacob's ladder. Keeps carjackers away, too. And pigeons. And anyone with a pacemaker. Maybe we can do something to improve that last part, I've got some Toyota water pumps around here somewhere. Switch Health Solutions sounds pretty good.

[danshive]

Something I hadn't considered with Full Self Driving Teslas is that they don't "hear", and the obvious-in-retrospect implication of that:

It can't hear emergency vehicle sirens.

It can potentially see them coming, but there's hills, other vehicles, turns, curves, and all sorts of reason it might miss that there's a flashing light emergency vehicle on the way.

What's more, FSD is entirely being operated off of AI now. If it's using training data, most of which would be from highway driving... First, how much experience does the AI actually have pulling right and stopping for emergency vehicles, and second, how many drivers actually did the right thing in that situation?

The way things are going, maybe we don't need to worry about FSD emergency vehicle problems any time soon, but it sounds like they're inevitable without some extra, deliberate training, and some concessions on how the automation works.

Note for anyone not familiar with me: I do not own a Tesla, nor Tesla stock. I'm just fascinated by AI, stocks, and electric vehicles (which, for better or worse, means I hear about Tesla a lot).

[market-insider]

Off-Highway Electric Vehicle Market Valued At USD 4.42 Billion In 2021

The global off-highway electric vehicle market size is expected to reach USD 42.70 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 31.7% during the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The commencement of re-development projects and growing infrastructural developments in developing countries are significant factors driving the market growth.

Moreover, stringent emission regulations by government agencies, such as emission standards for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Commission, are driving the demand for off-highway EVs worldwide. Factors such as lower noise levels and vibrations, lower overhaul cost, and improved efficiency of these vehicles are further contributing to their demand.

Gain deeper insights on the market and receive your free copy with TOC now @: Off-highway Electric Vehicle Market Report

Electrically-propelled equipment offers advantages such as enhanced overall efficiency and accuracy and high maneuverability during operations. The electrification of off-highway vehicles provides multiple benefits; nonetheless, its penetration in the market is expected to be slow owing to factors such as inadequate charging infrastructure and limited storage capacity of batteries. The limitations of electrically-propelled equipment have provided an advantage to hybrid off-highway electric vehicles, which are considered a feasible option.

However, the high cost associated with the development of these vehicles is restricting their growth in the market. Furthermore, the electrification of the powertrain for an off-highway vehicle is under the radar owing to the possibilities of noise generation and diesel-powered engine emissions. Off-highway vehicles, including agriculture, mining, and construction equipment, are being electrified for better performance, emission control, and reliability.

In the construction equipment segment, most light-duty vehicles, such as small wheel loaders and small excavators, are Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV). Light-duty construction equipment needs less power and a smaller battery compared to large equipment. Various equipment manufacturers, including Caterpillar, Komatsu Ltd., and Volvo CE, are offering larger loaders and wheel excavators in hybrid variants.

In the mining sector, off-highway electric vehicles are used for decreasing the exhaust emission inside the mines. Moreover, the concept of electrification is predominant in the agriculture sector as the equipment can be integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the cost of ownership of the equipment is low. In December 2020, Monarch Tractor announced the launch of a fully-electric and autonomous tractor. It is a fully-electric smart tractor integrated on a single platform and equipped with AI. The tractor can collect and analyze over 240 GB of crop data each day during operation on the field.

[kisskissbanggang]

SLATED

[7.4k Words/30min. Read - Demon!Minho x Human!Reader - NSFW/Smut - First Time Rage, Playing With Fate, Getting Prolifically Dumped, Ouija Boards, Divine Intervention, Sorting Out Our Feelings, Violence and Threats of Violence, Death of a Side Character (Sort Of), Claws, Angels, Demons, Impulsive Sex, Surprising Use of Kim Seungmin]

[a/n: happy halloween! because two different users requested the same thing for my Trick or Freak event, here's a surprise full fic. 🧡]

[Masterlist | Feedback]

You were mad as hell. 

A feeling that was, at its inception, so foreign to you and now was fully realized. The sensation had taken a few minutes to settle, not unlike gaining sea legs. It began so small–a fragile, imperceptible thing–before it whipped up into a frenzy. This was nature taking its course. You were a thunder cloud on the verge of cracking lightning.

The note had been sitting on the entry table; Seungmin didn't have the gall to leave it at your bedside. No. You had roused late in the morning, serene and loved. Seungmin couldn't give you the peace of leaving the scrawled note in the loft of the cabin, and instead left it on the table where he’d first put his keys a couple days previously. 

I don’t expect you to understand, sweetheart, the note read, because I hardly understand it myself. All I know is I can't do this anymore. I hope you can forgive me.

You stood by the entry table at eleven in the morning, having previously been thoroughly adored just the night before, and currently buzzing with electric anger as you allowed yourself to enter this emotion you'd heretofore never let yourself fully experience… This was rage. 

There was more written on the stupid piece of paper: he could arrange a ride for you after the party; he was going to that wretched party after all; he was sorry.

Maybe there was another woman, you mused. Maybe you were the other woman. Why else would he ditch you to go to the bullshit party when he’d sworn up and down that he wouldn’t dare? Maybe this was all an illusion. There was a chance that you had been too trusting, too hopeful. Truthfully, honestly, and begrudgingly, you knew that this was a clear possibility from the beginning. Seungmin first saw your art only a month ago. He placed you in your first gallery two weeks later. The godawful Halloween party tonight was supposed to help you meet a possible buyer, a local gallery owner, but Seungmin himself advised you that this wasn’t the right event to meet a potential patron. Unless that wasn’t really the reason. 

You were still fuming. This was a helpless, raw feeling that you weren’t used to. You let the note fall to the floor, drifting like the fall leaves outside. The first order of business was to find your phone. Two days ago, you were cooing and poring over every inch of the cozy cabin as Seungmin serenely looked on, but now it was a suffocating prison cell. None of Seungmin’s belongings were left–he’d been able to fully clear out before you ever woke up, and took off in his stupid truck. That jerk, it was like he had never even been here, having vanished like some sort of phantom. Finally, you found your phone, having fallen off of the bedside table and into your open weekend bag on the floor. You took one look at the screen and hucked the piece of electronic garbage onto the bed. Just like you found two days ago, there was no cell service. Seungmin deserted you out here. Yes, Arcadia Shores was 15 minutes away–by car. That same trek by foot was easily an hour at least along the rural highway, up and down steep, forested inclines and navigating hairpin turns that vehicles took much too quickly. You were, for practicality’s sake, actually stuck out here. 

This was miserable. 

You forced yourself to get showered and dressed, still steaming with no release in sight. Following that, you packed up all your things and dumped your bag by the front door. It was one thing for Seungmin to abandon you out here with no practical way back into town, let alone back to your lonely little apartment, but it was another thing entirely for him to make you wait until after the fucking party for a goddamn ride. That was the part that was doing your head in.  

You were almost a little put off by how angry you were. This sort of felt like you’d been holding back for a long, long time, but that also meant that being this mad was sort of cathartic, maybe a little comforting. It was how alien the sensation was that made it difficult to contend with. Sitting down with a huff on the rickety, old couch in the cabin, you were taken aback by the first moment of true silence you were confronted with since you found the note earlier that day. You were suddenly struck by a feeling of unease, of restlessness. There might have been a possibility of going for a little walk around the property, maybe down to the creek behind the cabin, but that felt particularly helpless with the thickening gray clouds looming outside.

Sure, there were things you could do. Your small journal was stowed in your weekend bag. You could write your feelings out, be the bigger, calmer person. A notepad sat on the counter in the tiny kitchen, likely the same notepad that Seungmin wrote to you on. Maybe you could write your own letter, maybe pretend to say everything you wished you could in that moment.

How humiliating, though, being forced to process this all on your own after being miserably humiliated by the first man you ever let yourself sleep with within the first day of meeting him. 

He said he loved you within one week. He encouraged you to say it back. He’d had the nerve to sound nervous about how quick this was all moving, and you’d been foolish enough to think it was sweet.

No, you decided. Just because Seungmin forced you to deal with this on your own didn’t mean that you had to deal with it calmly, but no readily apparent reaction felt appropriate. The bookshelf across from you in the small living area was filled to the brim with all sorts of things–board games, atlases and almanacs, chapter books and miscellaneous compilations of classics… and something else.

Your eyes passed over it a few times before you truly noticed it, and once you did, you kept returning to it.

Wedged at the bottom of a dusty pile of old board games and puzzles, haphazardly stacked on top of the bookshelf was a ouija board.

You smirked when you properly let yourself notice it for the first time. In recollection, you’d never used a spirit board before, nor ever even had the chance to. These were always comically off limits. This was a toy that was supposedly evil, supposedly fraught with negative consequences.

This was something good kids didn’t do.

It was this singular thought, paired with your unprecedented anger that ultimately drew you nearer. Every nagging, fearful thought that ever stopped you from acting out replayed in your head while you got up from the couch. A floorboard squeaked concerningly underfoot as you crossed the modest living area, almost like the old floor could crack open and suck you under. Ignoring that, you pulled over a chair from the old kitchen table. The chair groaned when you climbed on top of it, wobbling in a way that made you hurry your actions. A book fell out of the shelf, practically flying off and onto the ground, and you peeked downwards to see what it had been. Hilariously, a Bible looked up at you, almost accusingly. The absurdity of this made you nearly laugh out loud. You settled on pulling the whole stack of games and puzzles on top of the ouija board down entirely, gingerly tip-toeing off your makeshift step stool before setting the whole heap on the floor beside the coffee table. 

You’d never done this before, but it seemed easy enough. In the aged cardboard box, there was a handsome wooden board with letters and words painted on. A heavy planchette sat on top, just big enough to fit perfectly in your palm. You cleared off the coffee table and knelt in front of it, before you suddenly realized that you felt nervous. This was fitting, probably, considering this was apparently a day full of firsts for you.

In the center of the heart-shaped piece of wood in your hand was a small, round lens made of glass. The surface was covered in dust, an interesting discovery given that the item had been sitting in a box, unexposed to the surrounding air. You pulled your sleeve over your palm to clean it off and placed the planchette on the board. At this point, you wondered how this was supposed to start. Were you supposed to greet the supposed spirits by starting at the “hello” painted in the corner, or was that for the spirit to theoretically signal its arrival?

Not that any of this was real, obviously. This was simply to pass the time. Maybe you’d make yourself some tea and try journaling after this. Outside, the impending rain finally began to come down.

You ultimately decided to place the planchette on a blank space on the board. Your fingertips lightly laid on the pointer’s edge, like you’d seen in movies. This felt ridiculous, which led to an acceptable first question.

“So,” you stiffly began, “this is bullshit, right?”

You almost laughed, the inquiry was so dumb. It was hardly even a joke. You waited a mortifying 30 seconds, feeling incredibly self-conscious, when you decided this whole endeavor was stupid and it was time to put the game back where you found it.

However.

When you went to retrieve the flimsy, old box from where you laid it beside you on the floor, you did a double-take and the box fell from your hands.

The planchette wasn’t where you left it.

It was sitting on top of “yes.”

Well, you were a sucker for a good sense of humor. And if this was a delusion like you were certain it was, your friends were going to get a kick out of it when you told them about that time you got callously dumped and stranded and started talking to spirits.

“Am I going crazy?” you half-heartedly asked the board. Much to your amusement and horror, the planchette moved on its own, sliding across the board until it sat on top of the “no.” You sat up on your knees, more attentive now.

“Does Seungmin love me?” you asked. What a pathetic question. You stared at the board, waiting. The wooden pointer slid off the “no” but it also didn’t slide all the way to “yes.” The planchette stopped firmly in the middle. “Fair enough,” you replied under your breath. Still, this was nowhere near cathartic enough for you. There were some regrettable desires sitting in your gut.

“Does Seungmin feel sorry for what he did to me?” you staunchly asked.

“No,” the board answered. You wrinkled your nose and grimaced, like you were suckerpunched. How embarrassing. That rage inside you ran like a bolt up your spine.

“... How do I make Seungmin feel sorry?”

The planchette moved down to the letters below. “A-S-K-M-E.”

“Ask you? Ask you what?”

“T-O-H-E-L-P.”

You gazed down at the board. This was all suddenly feeling far more serious than you’d originally set out with the intention of. 

But what could it hurt?

This was quickly becoming reckless.

You took a deep, shaky breath before you realized you were trembling. “How do I ask you?”

“N-A-M-E.”

“My name or your name?”

“M-I-N-E.”

 Your ribs ached on your rapidly beating heart. “What is your name?”

“T-O-O-L-O-N-G.”

“Too long?” you sputtered. “Are you kidding me? This was your idea. What can I call you instead?”

The planchette wavered for a minute before ultimately drifting, through the painted letters on the board until it landed on one.

M.

M? Just an initial? That seemed dumb, but it was what was being suggested. You took another steadying breath, but it wasn’t helping. There wasn’t a hint of confidence in your voice, instead betraying the full bundle of nerves in your throat. “Help me, M.”

The ensuing silence made you feel like an idiot.

None of this was real. This was all a surreal fever dream, and you were going to beat the snot out of Seungmin the next time you saw him because of it.

Or not, because you were a coward. The only reason he did this to you, surely, was because he knew you wouldn’t do anything about it. You felt sick, and that wasn’t even mentioning how you felt like your face was warm, like you were blushing.

Except then there was a knock at the door. You gawked across the room, unsure if it even happened at all, until another knock came. On shaky legs, you got up on your feet and opened the door, just a crack. On the other side, damp from the rain, was a man dripping on the porch. He was young, maybe your or Seungmin’s age, with umber waves, somewhat flattened by the growing storm. There was a surprising softness in his intense gaze, his brows furrowed to keep his dark eyes dry. He grinned apologetically, a gentle, handsome expression.

“I’m so sorry to intrude,” he pleasantly began, “but can I borrow your phone? My truck broke down out on the highway and my phone is dead.”

The highway? While you weren’t too far from the road, there was a fork that ultimately led down here to the cabin. Still, you folded. As usual.

“I’m also sorry,” you winced. “I only have my cell phone, and there’s no signal out here… but you can come in, if you need. You can charge your phone while you wait for the rain to stop. I can make us some tea if you want.”

“Thanks,” the man replied, his grin spreading into an appreciative smile. He crossed the threshold and came in, shucking off his wet work coat and exposing a casual henley underneath. “Sorry for barging in. I know I already said that, but I know it’s spooky letting in strangers, especially on Halloween.”

“It’s a good thing I don’t think I’m worth the trouble,” you reassured him. You strolled into the kitchen and filled the kettle. “What’s your name, by the way?”

“You can call me Minho,” the stranger answered absently, still taking in his surroundings. “Neat cabin. You just renting, or do you know the owners? Mind if I look around?”

“Uh,” you attempted to answer, but Minho was already out of sight, peeking upstairs in the loft. The small stove bringing the kettle up to temperature creaked and moaned, mirroring your unease. Minho trotted downstairs and continued his tour, checking out the bathroom and deck. He made a few rounds of each room before he ultimately returned to the kitchen.

He looked perturbed.

“Alright,” Minho grumbled, almost out of breath. “This is a set-up, right? You’re fucking with me?”

You starkly leaned back against the kitchen counter, your hand resting on the handle of a drawer you hoped contained the knives and other cooking utensils. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Minho reeled. “Sure!” he sarcastically retorted. “You don’t know what I’m talking about. I get ripped out of my realm and plopped into yours, and the summoner isn’t even here!”

“The summoner?” you asked. “But I…”

“Sure,” Minho repeated. “You’re the summoner. I get here and it reeks of angels. The handprints of the Powers that be are fucking everywhere. You’re either the summoner or you’re one of the risen, or you’re fucking with me. Or–and there’s a big possibility of this–there’s a combination of the three happening here.”

The expression on your face must’ve been what convinced him of your honesty. Minho almost went pale, his eyebrows softening into concerned confusion and his hands dropping to his sides. “Holy shit,” he realized, “you’re not just the summoner… you're slated.”

“I’m what?” you scoffed. Your hand was still clutched around the handle of the knife drawer. Minho stalked closer, and you thankfully reacted. You yanked the drawer open and were relieved that you guessed right, wrapping your hand around the handle of a large kitchen knife. However, this wasn’t swift enough for the stranger. Minho clutched your wrist, easily taking the knife from you.

“I’m right. You can’t see it, but I can.” With this, Minho held the knife by its tip, as if he could show you whatever he was looking at on the handle. “It’s not as prominent yet, but it will be once you pass or accept the bypass. Not all the handprints in this cabin belong to you, but enough of them sure as hell do.”

“I’m sorry,” you flustered, “but what the fuck are you saying?”

Minho raised an eyebrow at you. At this distance, you could smell him. He had a masculine scent, but somewhat sweet, maybe a little cloying. Your heart was beating fast again. “What I’m saying is I can’t help you, angel, nor would I want to. I’m surprised you even managed to get me here.”

With that, he leaned away, letting the knife drop onto the hardwood, piercing it and making you jump in reaction. You stumbled after him as he walked to the coat rack.

“So you won’t help me?! And this,” you babbled, “all of this, this means you’re a spirit? You’re the spirit I summoned?”

The man sighed impatiently. “Yes, angel, you summoned me. And, given the nature of our exchange, I assumed you would’ve deduced I’m a demon by now.”

A charged pause shut you up for a second. The young demon seemed amused.

“What? You’re staring.”

“I, uh,” you stumbled on your words, “I was expecting more, like…”

“Horns?” he sneered. “A cute, pointy tail?”

You cringed compulsively in response. He was right. You had been picturing a mischievous little imp, not a… Well, not a hot guy, if you were being frank with yourself.

“Look, angel–”

“Stop calling me that.”

“Why? It’s true. You’re slated, you’re already on the path.”

You crossed your arms stubbornly. “It feels like an omen or a curse or something.”

“It’s none of those things. It’s only–as of this moment–your destiny.”

“But if you can already see these handprints, if I actually smell like an angel–don’t think I didn’t catch that, I still have questions about that–does that mean I’m going to die soon?”

Minho sighed again, sounding more like a groan this time, and firmly put his coat back on the rack. “I don’t know, angel. I’m not your Arbiter or anything. You’re probably about to be offered a bypass to ascend, like I said a minute ago.”

Your head was swimming. “What does that even mean? I just skip the dying part and become a fucking angel? That sounds insane.”

“Insane or not, it’s true,” Minho shrugged. “Hence all the reasons that I’m not going to help you. Can I put my jacket on and leave now?”

“Wait wait wait!” you cried, rushing over and putting your hand on his arm. His eyebrows shot up, looking from his arm to you. He was weirdly warm, but you did your best to ignore it. “Wait,” you pleaded again, “don’t you have some contract to stay? I’ve never been this angry in my entire life. All I want to do is make Seungmin sorry. You told me how to ask for your help and I asked.”

Minho looked at your hand on his arm again and back at you, conflicted as he frowned and shifted his weight from foot to foot. “No way,” he decided. “Sorry, angel. This is too much. I can tell you've never done a bad thing before in your life. Stay on your path and ascend, okay?”

With that, Minho peeled your hand off of him and finally pulled his jacket back on before breezing out the door. 

What a bizarre fifteen minutes that all was. 

The worst part was now you were somehow even madder. You grabbed your own jacket and shoes before heading out the door yourself. Obviously, Minho was already nowhere to be seen, but that didn't matter anymore. If some dumb demon wouldn't even help you, you’d go after Seungmin yourself. You trekked all the way back up to the fork up the road and out to the highway. Once you were out there, you stuck out your thumb for a ride and just started walking.

Being left alone with your thoughts like this was dangerous. However, you didn’t let yourself stop long enough to come to your senses. It was almost exhilarating to not only be this angry for once in your life, but to be justified in doing so. Like, you weren’t just going to make Seungmin feel sorry for what he did to you, but you’d be right. 

Even if you still didn’t know what you would do when you saw him.

You were twenty minutes into your march to Arcadia Shores when someone finally took mercy on you and gave you a lift, but it was already beginning to turn dark. A doddering old man, probably a local, looked sick over the fact that you were out on the side of the road. He asked what on Earth could possibly make you do such a thing in this rain, and on Halloween, no less. When you replied that it was because of a man, you were convinced he was on the verge of offering to help you regardless of whatever it was you were planning on doing. You told him to simply drop you off at Arcadia Lodge, the venue for the ridiculous party. He took this mission with stoic pride, and wished you luck when he dropped you off. 

Sprawling in front of you was a gracefully aging seaside resort, a huge property with its own beach and hemmed in by the woods on either side. The Halloween party was set to take place in the lodge's grand hall at its center. You warily approached the hotel, guests milling about in various degrees of costume. It was easy to feel out of place, not just because you weren't dressed for the occasion, but because you weren't even really belonging to this crowd. Arcadia Shores was pleasant enough to visit, but being a local required a certain level of financial comfort that you weren't privy to. Even as this occasion seemed to be more attended by younger family members, none of these people felt like anyone you would meet organically. That was what you needed Seungmin for. In these throngs of people, the gallery owner you were supposed to be introduced to was supposedly among them, but you’d never know it since your stupid ex wasn’t here.

The party was in full swing as the sun continued to sink under the horizon. It felt like it was going to be impossible to find Seungmin in here, and for a sickening moment, you almost doubted yourself for coming all the way out here. Then again, it was that overwhelming sense of being right that kept you steadfast in your objective. 

It was at that moment, as if it were a reward for remembering why you had to see this through, you caught sight of Seungmin. Your heart plummeted into the pit of your stomach. He was gorgeous as ever and–appropriately–dressed like a devil, looking more like what you'd originally guessed Minho would appear as. In the sea of partygoers, he stood out perfectly. You kept careful watch of him, hanging back and seeing if you could figure out whether or not he was here with anyone.

Or, at least, this was your plan until a hand clapped down on your shoulder. You spun, startled, to find Minho looking annoyed. 

“What?” you asked pointedly, matching his energy. 

“Look,” he sighed, “I'm surprised you made it out here, okay? You proved you could do it without me.”

“Too bad that's not my point,” you shrugged. 

“What is your point?” he groaned. 

You pointed across the grand hall to where Seungmin was socializing. “You already know, asshole! I want to make him feel sorry for what he did to me!” 

Minho’s eyebrows raised curiously, and yours did, too. You’d never called anyone an asshole before. Minho was looking past you, however, and you almost wondered why until you turned to see for yourself. As it turned out, Seungmin finally noticed you were here, but when you turned back to shoo Minho away, the demon was already gone.

Asshole, you silently repeated. You turned back around, and this was when your confidence crumbled. Seungmin was also gone. You frantically scanned the room, and caught sight of him exiting out the back of the grand hall. Costumed partygoers grumbled at you as you shoved past, running after him. The setting sun was working against you, but thankfully the various lamps and lanterns around the resort grounds helped you keep track of Seungmin as you rushed along behind him. You followed him out, beyond the proper resort property, and out to the scenic path up the hill to Arcadia Lighthouse. If he knew you were in pursuit, he showed no sign of it, never looking back over his shoulder as you both followed the path along the bluffs over the crashing waves below.

Your thoughts were racing again. What would you say when you finally caught up to him? What would you do?

Seungmin stopped suddenly in his tracks, causing you to do the same. Your breath caught in your throat. 

Your ex turned then, looking conflicted. “You weren’t supposed to come here!” he called out.

Words attempted to materialize in your mouth, and you choked on every one. Here was your moment, and you were fucking it up. You took a helpless step forward. All you could imagine was pushing that son of a bitch for what he did to you. Seungmin took a step back.

Right 

over 

the 

bluff. 

A gasp shot into your throat, ripped from your lungs as you sprinted over. You dropped to your knees and scrambled to look over the edge. Down below, Seungmin lay in a heap on the rocks.

The miasma of thoughts that had been falling in an endless avalanche through your head all day tripled, hitting a fever pitch that made you feel sick, before everything went silent. The words finally came.

“You asshole!” you screamed, so harshly that your eyes scrunched closed. “This was my moment, you jerk!”

Only the raucous waves replied, but soon, a tangible voice did as well.

“I’m sorry, but what the actual hell?”

The voice over your shoulder made you feel violently ill. You were going mad but, surely, this was all rational. Seungmin was down there, not up here and you were simply hallucinating. You opened your eyes, and you were immediately nauseous. Seungmin was not down on the rocks below the bluff.

With shaking eyes, you could hardly look over your shoulder. It had to be done, though. Your chin wavered as you looked behind you.

Seungmin.

“Are you kidding me?” he huffed, putting his hands on his hips. There wasn’t a scratch on him. Did you only imagine him falling? 

“Seungmin…” you finally uttered. “What are you talking about?” 

He threw his hands up condescendingly. “All of this just to be mad?! You’re not here to forgive me?!”

You pressed your hands into the dirt, damp from the sporadic rain, to get up to your feet. “I… Why the fuck would I forgive you?”

“Because you’ve forgiven everything else that’s ever happened to you!” he ranted. “This was such a sure fucking thing! And sure, there was some trepidation there at the end, but I was convinced you’d come to your senses when it looked like I fucking died of all things but no! I can’t believe I wasted all this time slating you.”

He growled the last part, and you almost didn’t hear it. You were too busy watching Seungmin materialize a goddamn sword, one almost as long as you were tall. The rain picked up again, making the gravel underfoot muddy and slick when you nervously backed up. When Seungmin impossibly held the imposing sword aloft, you saw it–the ghost of his halo–just a hint, but stunningly obvious once you understood it.

Minho was right. There were angel handprints all over the cabin.

They were Seungmin’s.

“Seungmin,” you nearly whimpered, “what happens when someone you slated doesn’t make the cut?”

The sword glinted despite there being no sun rays in sight. “I’ll give you one guess, sweetheart.”

You strayed from the path, instead running straight into the woods to try and lose him. Brambles and branches tried to catch you and trap you, and you tore past, your heaving breath blaring in your ears. Trees creaked and groaned behind you where Seungmin was following, until you tripped over a jagged rock lodged in the ridgid earth and landed in a clearing. A white light seemed to part the foliage behind you, and you scrambled back on your hands and kicking feet while you couldn’t help but stare in awe.

“I’m sorry it had to end this way,” Seungmin sighed, somehow clear as day.

“Me, too,” quipped a voice from behind you. You shot a crazed, unbelieving glance behind you.

“Minho?!” you exclaimed. 

Sure enough, your reluctant demon stood behind you on the other side of the clearing. His coat was soaked through, and at the end of his sleeves, you could see his fingertips had extended into blackened claws. In his hand, in contrast to Seungmin’s sword, was a flail.

“What did I tell you,” he grumbled rhetorically, “you were slated. And not just by anyone, but by the Powers that be.”

“What the fuck does that mean?!” you asked both men, fully exasperated. Seungmin looked over your new companion, apparently taking this all in.

“It means you need to fucking move, angel,” Minho sighed.

“I agree, sweetheart,” Seungmin frowned, lifting the sword again.

You scrambled away through the sodden grass right as Minho charged forward, deflecting Seungmin’s attack with a swing of his flail. Watching the two was a sight, arguing even while sparring with such formidable weapons.

“You don’t have any stake in this, accursed!” Seungmin hissed, yanking his sword free of the chain of Minho’s flail.

“Sure I do!” Minho scoffed, “I was summoned, wasn’t I?”

“You’re a common whore,” seethed your ex, drawing the sword up over his head for another swing. “A slave to any master who calls you.”

“How is that any different than your enslavement, you little prick?” rebuked Minho, practically giggling. “Our Father who art in Heaven is going to be pissed at you for losing this one.”

Another gasp pierced you when Minho failed to fully block this next attack. He fumbled back, landing against the thick trunk of an ancient oak tree. Seungmin smirked, a truly wicked expression that made your stomach twist in knots, and swung the huge sword back to get more momentum for a killing blow…

Except Minho had other plans. From under his jacket, he produced–of all things–a revolver. It was still intimidating, hefty with a long muzzle, and Minho pressed the snout to his adversary’s chest. Seungmin hardly had a chance to react before you all heard the hammer click into place.

You held your breath. Only the rain had any commentary to provide for a moment.

“Have her,” Seungmin spat. “She’s flawed, anyway.”

“That’s fine,” Minho retorted with a shrug. 

Seungmin’s glare narrowed, but instead of swinging for Minho, he turned his attention back to you. You feebly tried to retreat again, but not before a harrowing shot rang out through the deepening night amongst the trees. Your eyes snapped shut in terror, and remained so. This was far too much. Your head swam, until a warm hand gently grabbed your shoulder. When you opened your eyes, it was only you and Minho in the clearing. Even the rain had vanished. Seungmin was nowhere to be seen; rather, only golden specks of dust drifted in the air.

“What now?” Minho softly asked you. 

Your gaze could hardly relax despite your eyes feeling exhausted. “The cabin,” you uttered. “I left all my stuff. Take me there.”

Minho soothed a hand across your shoulders, rubbing your back. Serenely, the forest by the ocean bluffs melted away and left you in the familiar setting of the cabin. Your tea from earlier sat cold on the kitchen counter. The demon didn’t appear to be in a rush. He simply eased down to sit on the couch, observing as you got your bearings. There were still smudged flecks of gold dust all over him.

Your feet didn’t feel attached to your ankles. It was as though you’d been walking for days, the way your whole body sagged under the weight of the evening. This was so much to take in. Seungmin never loved you, more than likely. Infatuated with you, yes, but his ulterior motives stung more than him trying to dispose of you so savagely. You felt foolish. Embarrassment tugged at your throat. You’d all but scribbled his name down in the margins of notebooks, surrounded by little hearts. It had been so fast. It had almost felt innocent, the way you fell so wholly, so quickly.

Maybe you fell for him because of the whole angel thing.

Maybe it wasn’t even your idea from the start.

The thought made your bones feel like they were made of ice.

You finally moved from your spot in the center of the cabin’s living room, back to the kitchen. The Bible from earlier that day nearly tripped you from where it still lay on the floor. You stared at it, realizing that something had tried to stop you from summoning Minho. It may not have been Seungmin, but maybe you really weren’t supposed to stray from your path. You frowned and continued towards your objective in the kitchen. The mug was neutral in your hands–not cold, but only room temperature. You tipped the contents into the sink and watched the wasted tea seep down the drain.

When the moment had arrived, back on the bluff, all you wanted to do was push Seungmin.

And he fell.

For a confusing second, you wondered if you would cry about any of this, before you realized you already were.

You hardly got a moment to let it sink in, though, because Minho was there. He looked almost impatient as he pulled you into a comforting embrace. You clutched onto his damp jacket.

“Were you supposed to let me die?” you asked into his chest.

“It doesn’t matter, angel,” he answered. “That prick was out of his mind.”

“He loved me,” you weakly insisted.

Minho stroked your hair. “Only conditionally. They all do.”

“What do I do now that I’m not slated anymore?”

“What were you doing before? Do whatever you want.”

You were both silent for a while, holding each other in the kitchen. A weighted pull kept you clinging to him, likely similar to how he continued petting your hair. He reluctantly stopped after a time. “I should go,” he murmured. When he pulled away from you, he seemed surprised to see you searching him with your eyes. 

“Don’t,” you pleaded, shaking your head. “I’ll just summon you back.”

The way Minho kissed you in that moment made you blush, flooding you with heat. He cupped your face, his claws gently pressing into your skin while he held you to him. The progression of what came next was so graceful yet so charged. Minho kissed you, all the way up the stairs and into the loft, but he gasped when you pushed him away. He clutched the railing opposite the bed, chest rising and falling as he watched you. You warily opened his jacket, watching him for the most minute reactions as you peeled the article of clothing off of him. He had on a holster underneath, carrying the intimidating revolver from back in the clearing. A breath seemed to catch in Minho’s throat when you slipped the gun out and held it in your hands, inspecting it.

“Careful, angel,” he gently cautioned you..

“What would’ve happened differently if you decided to help me from the beginning?” you asked, before tossing the gun onto the old quilt covering the bed.

“Knowing you were slated?” Minho asked. His hands needily grasped your hips in wanting. “I would’ve demanded devotion. Non-negotiable.”

“Devotion?” you echoed, easily as you let him herd you onto the bed with another kiss. “Of your master?”

“Of me,” he huskily clarified. “As long as I’m out here, and you called me, you’re my master. I only want the same devotion I’m giving you.” 

Minho’s groan more resembled a growl the first time you kissed his neck. “You’re devoted to me?” you implored.

“Seeing what you did with your slating, angel, I’m devoted to you in more ways than one.”

A hunger erupted in you that you’d never experienced before. It was like you’d never eaten a proper meal and were suddenly faced with a feast. Your faithful demon grunted when you tugged at his henley, pulling the shirt up over his head and dropping it off the side of the bed. He didn’t rush you, choosing instead to simply watch as you moved to match him, removing your jacket and shirt underneath.

“If I was slated,” you wondered aloud, “and I was going to be offered a bypass to ascend… Is there an equivalent in your realm?”

Minho’s gaze shook in a way that told you that you’d just unleashed a dangerous possibility. That same hunger you felt, he felt it, too, and it was liable to consume you both if you kept indulging it. “Careful, angel,” he repeated.

“Maybe I’m still slated,” you slyly grinned, pulling Minho on top of you in the bed you’d previously shared with Seungmin only the night before.

“You don’t know what you’re asking for,” Minho half-heartedly argued, all while you pulled at his belt, and your starving teeth and tongue coaxed moans from his throat. When you threaded your fingers into his hair, he keened, wincing despite his blissful expression. His hands hardly tried to pry yours off of him.

“I’m asking for your devotion,” you rebutted. 

His hands stopped trying to halt your actions. “Well then,” he breathed, “that’s all you had to say.” Minho’s hands smoothed up your thighs and easily removed your jeans. The tips of his clawed digits ghosted over your bared skin. 

“Would we still be doing this if you had helped me from the beginning?” you asked.

Minho took his time answering you, instead opting to get a taste of you between your legs. You were impressed to feel him retract his claws before his fingers caressed into your depths. The inhuman warmth that radiated off of him seeped into your core, making you dizzy. You weren’t the only one, either, apparent from how Minho practically came up for air to check on you. 

“There was no chance I was ever going to help you, so no,” he admitted. “The second I felt the energy in here, the energy coming off of you? I wanted no part of it.”

“And now?” you probed him.

Minho seemingly stopped himself from answering right away. He paused, absently kissing the inside of your thigh while chewing on a thought. “If you’re asking for a bypass,” he said carefully, “I want to know why.”

Your heart quickened in your chest. “I never felt this free before. You were right earlier. I’d never done anything bad before in my life.”

“This isn’t just about being bad, angel,” Minho said, wrinkling his nose at you.

“I know that,” you argued. “But the only reason I’d never done a bad thing was that I was terrified of judgment. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. I wanted to be perfect.”

Minho shook his head in disbelief. “You’re already perfect enough.”

“That’s why I want it,” you insisted. “I never felt at peace like this before. I want more, whatever that means in your realm.”

“I understand that,” Minho answered stoically. “But I can’t simply offer you a bypass. Your ex–Seungmin, he used as his name? He could do that because he’s a Power. Well, he was.”

“Are you going to be in trouble?” you worried.

“No, angel,” he reassured you. “Not when the Arbiters see how reckless he was being. He’ll be recalled and reincorporated. As for letting you join me like he was going to offer you… I might be able to do something similar.”

“So devoted,” you affectionately teased. 

Minho pulled at your hip, sliding you underneath him as he crawled up between your legs and absorbing your quip in stride. “How can I not be? I said no to you because I refused to be the one who influenced your path. That being said, if you’re choosing this, I’d do anything I can to make you happy.”

“Why me?” you marveled. The quilt pulled and stretched under you as you clutched at it, the way Minho teased himself up against your wetness driving you mad with desire.

“The blessed one wanted you because of all the potential inside you. I can feel it, even right now. You’re potent. The Powers saw you as a divine being, but they only connected the dots between your spotless record and all that energy.”

“So you just want me to yourself?”

“Not at all,” Minho shook his head. “I watched you deny your slating and stray from the path to go your own way. You went after what you wanted despite me refusing to assist you. Angel, you pushed Seungmin without laying a hand on him. You just wanted it bad enough. There’s something powerful in you, sure, but I'm in awe of you. It’s rare to meet humans like you.”

You met Minho’s gaze and he held it, unrelenting as his effusive warmth rocked into you. His moans made you ache between your legs, the way his lovemaking was so methodical yet so raw making your head spin. The difference between him and Seungmin was stark, a thought you never predicted you’d have, but it was glaringly obvious. Whereas Seungmin lauded how reserved you were, how modest and shy you seemed to be, Minho actively encouraged each sigh, each cursing gasp that escaped you. You didn’t feel stifled into trying to be quiet and pretty as Minho ravaged you. Instead, the corporeal spirit on top of you shivered and shuddered as he explored you and experienced you, adoring and savoring the tryst as a whole.

“What’re you going to offer me, Minho?” you finally asked him, your voice almost hoarse from the impassioned overuse of it.

“Let me be with you, angel,” he pleaded, burying his lips in the crook of your neck as he angled his hips into your sweet spot. “I’ll show you everything that I can without taking you to my world, and when we’re ready… I’ll make that journey with you.”

“Do it,” you impulsively demanded. “What do you need from me?”

“Nothing,” Minho assured you. He jolted and groaned when you thrashed against him, his perfect member drilling into your core just right. “Nothing but you. Just let me have you, angel.”

“Take me,” you whimpered. “I’m gonna–oh, fuck, Minho, it’s too much, I can’t–”

“You can,” your lover urged you. “I got you, angel, just let it happen.”

You clutched wildly onto each other, Minho’s sharp fingertips raking into your waist where he held you as he brought you to your peak. The precipice approached quickly, almost violently, and wracked you to your bones. You never recalled practically feeling an orgasm in your neck before. Minho wasn’t far behind, seemingly biting down into your shoulder for support more than possessiveness when he arrived at his point of no return. He cried out, bucking into you as he spent himself deep inside you, that warmth almost feeling more like boiling in the feverish rush. 

Minho eased down onto the bed as gently as he could without collapsing on you, trying to catch his breath. “Unbelievable,” he marveled. 

“What’s that?”

“I’d always been warned that humans are too fragile to mate with,” he explained. “I’m beginning to think this was all part of some grand plan. Maybe this was meant to happen.”

“You mean I’m slated,” you giggled. Minho nodded in a daze. The quiet surrounding you felt ominous, but the air in the cabin was charged. You felt electric. “What now?” you asked.

Minho wrapped his arms around your waist and laid his head on your chest. “Whatever you want, angel,” he vowed. “You already have my devotion.”