#dock shelters

[dnkme]

The Importance of Loading Dock Shelters in Modern Logistics

In the fast-paced world of logistics, efficiency and protection are paramount. Loading dock shelters play a critical role in ensuring both. These structures, often overlooked, are vital in maintaining the integrity of goods and enhancing the overall efficiency of loading and unloading operations. Let's explore why loading dock shelters are essential in modern logistics and what benefits they offer.

What Are Loading Dock Shelters?

Loading dock shelters are protective coverings installed at the loading docks of warehouses, distribution centers, and other facilities where goods are transferred between vehicles and buildings. They typically consist of a sturdy frame with flexible curtains that seal the gap between the dock and the vehicle, creating a weather-tight seal.

Benefits of Loading Dock Shelters

Weather ProtectionOne of the primary functions of loading dock shelters is to protect goods from the elements. Whether it's rain, snow, wind, or extreme heat, these shelters ensure that the loading and unloading process is not hindered by adverse weather conditions. This protection is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of products, especially perishable goods and sensitive materials.

Energy EfficiencyBy creating a seal between the building and the vehicle, loading dock shelters help to prevent the loss of conditioned air. This means that the temperature-controlled environments inside warehouses and storage facilities can be maintained more efficiently, leading to significant energy savings. In the long run, this can result in lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Improved SafetySafety is a major concern in any logistics operation. Loading dock shelters contribute to a safer working environment by reducing the risks associated with wet and slippery surfaces, which can cause accidents and injuries. Additionally, they provide a more controlled environment, reducing the risk of contamination from dust, debris, and pests.

Enhanced EfficiencyLoading dock shelters streamline the loading and unloading process by creating a more organized and controlled environment. This can lead to faster turnaround times for trucks, reducing waiting times and increasing overall productivity. For businesses, this means quicker deliveries and improved customer satisfaction.

Extended Equipment LifespanBy shielding loading docks and vehicles from harsh weather conditions, loading dock shelters help to extend the lifespan of both the dock equipment and the vehicles. This can lead to lower maintenance costs and fewer disruptions in the logistics chain.

Types of Loading Dock Shelters

Loading dock shelters come in various designs, each suited to different needs and environments:

Rigid Dock Shelters: These are made from durable materials and provide a solid frame that stands up to harsh weather conditions and frequent use. They are ideal for facilities with heavy traffic and where maximum protection is needed.

Inflatable Dock Shelters: These shelters use inflatable seals to create a tight barrier between the building and the vehicle. They are particularly effective in maintaining temperature control and are commonly used in refrigerated warehouses.

Retractable Dock Shelters: These shelters can be retracted when not in use, making them a versatile option for facilities with varying docking needs. They offer a good balance of protection and flexibility.

Conclusion

Loading dock shelters are an indispensable part of modern logistics infrastructure. They offer numerous benefits, from protecting goods and enhancing energy efficiency to improving safety and operational efficiency. Investing in high-quality loading dock shelters can lead to significant long-term savings and contribute to a more reliable and efficient supply chain.

For businesses looking to optimize their logistics operations, understanding the importance of loading dock shelters and selecting the right type for their needs is crucial. As the logistics industry continues to evolve, these protective structures will remain a cornerstone of efficient and safe goods handling.

[nightowlqueen]

So in Astarion's Good route he breaks the cycle of abuse and chooses to NOT follow in Cazador's footsteps, gives the other spawn the chance to live and prove themselves, and starts caring about more then just his own safety.

Everyone is so proud of him for it, he's very happy after the fact, and deeply/sincerely thanks you for believing in him and loving him as he is.

And his reward at the end of the game (at least unromanced) is to... have to tearfully run off to find shade as the sun starts to burn him again. And that is the last time you see him in game.

But in his Bad route you help him sacrifice 7000 souls to ascend, keeps the ability to walk in the sun, and gets to start plotting world domination.

Larian I'm getting some mixed messaging here.

[six-demon-bag]

i cant get over the fact that my dog has a tail. a TAIL its so big and fluffy! it wags everywhere!! he hits himself in the face with it! amazing

[warehousesolutionvn]

TM Warehouse Solutions Co., Ltd. has many years of experience in the field of designing and providing solutions and equipment for factories and cold storage. We always aim to provide the best solutions and products for customers.

For more information:

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[swagging-back-to]

if you wanna see some of the most vile abusive control freak ass humans just go into dog owning communities. r/dogs, #dogs on tumblr or instagram, dog training forums, dog groomers, etc.

[stonerzelda]

Sometimes i think abt the time i wrote a scathing review of a professor we had in college that fuckin sucked so bad and didn't seem to know wtf he was teaching or what any of us were saying/accused us of plagiarism when we'd ask to show the class a tutorial just to show how we'd made something lol and how mad he got about it even tho i was right lmao...small justice moment

[demonic-mnemonic]

Girl are you on tumblr dot com? Because your reading comprehension pisses on the poor

[ganikautomation]

Dock Shelter Manufacturers

Dock Shelter Manufacturers: Looking for top-notch dock leveler shelters from reputable Dock Shelter Manufacturers and suppliers in India? Look no further than Ganik Plastics. Our cutting-edge selection of dock leveler shelters offers a diverse range of capacities and specifications, ensuring smooth transitions and enhanced safety for your loading operations. Experience the benefits of our dock leveler shelters, meticulously designed to suit your facility and budget, while streamlining your daily dock operations. For personalized requirements, exceptional customer service, and customized solutions, get in touch with us today. Contact us at +919999864033 or simply fill out the form on our website.

[idealsealmfg]

The Prowess Of Top-Performing Dock Shelters

In the logistics and transportation domain, the efficiency and safety of loading docks stand as pivotal factors in ensuring seamless operations. Among the essential components, dock shelters play a critical role in safeguarding goods, enhancing energy efficiency, and streamlining loading and unloading processes. Let's dive into the world of top-performing dock shelters, their features, benefits, and why they are indispensable for modern warehouse operations.

Understanding Dock Shelters: Their Significance

Dock shelters are enclosures positioned around loading docks, creating a seal between the dock and the vehicle during loading and unloading operations. They serve multiple purposes:

Weather Protection: Dock shelters shield goods and personnel from external elements such as rain, wind, and snow, ensuring the preservation of cargo integrity.

Energy Efficiency: Properly sealed dock shelters prevent air leakage, maintaining internal temperatures and contributing to energy conservation.

Enhanced Safety: They create a safe working environment by reducing exposure to weather elements and minimizing the risk of accidents during loading and unloading.

Qualities of Top-Performing Dock Shelters

Durable Construction: Premium materials and robust construction ensure durability and longevity, withstanding frequent use and varying weather conditions.

Sealing Efficiency: Effective sealing mechanisms, such as adjustable curtains and compression pads, create tight seals around vehicles, minimizing air and debris infiltration.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Dock shelters that accommodate a range of vehicle sizes and types offer versatility, catering to diverse loading dock requirements.

Easy Maintenance: Designs that facilitate easy cleaning and maintenance contribute to the longevity and functionality of dock shelters.

Energy-Saving Features: Insulated materials and efficient seals contribute to energy conservation, reducing heating and cooling costs within warehouse spaces.

Types of Top-Performing Dock Shelters

Rigid Dock Shelters: Made of durable materials like wood or metal frames covered with fabric or rubber, these provide robust sealing for vehicles with consistent dimensions.

Inflatable Dock Shelters: Featuring inflatable airbags, these shelters adapt to various vehicle sizes and offer efficient sealing with enhanced flexibility.

Retractable Dock Shelters: With retractable frames, these shelters offer adaptability for different truck sizes, retracting to accommodate larger vehicles.

Curtain Dock Shelters: Utilizing flexible curtain materials, these shelters create efficient seals while allowing for flexibility in vehicle sizes.

Benefits of Top-Performing Dock Shelters

Cargo Protection: They safeguard goods from weather elements, ensuring their integrity and preventing damage during loading and unloading.

Energy Efficiency: Properly sealed dock shelters contribute to maintaining internal temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs.

Workplace Safety: By minimizing exposure to external elements, dock shelters create a safer working environment for personnel.

Operational Efficiency: Efficient sealing and adaptable designs streamline loading and unloading processes, improving workflow and productivity.

Cost Savings: Energy conservation and minimized damage to goods result in cost savings for businesses in the long run.

Factors to Consider in Choosing Dock Shelters

Loading Dock Specifications: Consider the dimensions, types of vehicles, and frequency of use to select a dock shelter that fits the specific operational needs.

Sealing Efficiency: Evaluate the shelter's ability to create tight seals, preventing air leakage and offering weather protection.

Durability and Maintenance: Opt for shelters constructed with durable materials that require minimal maintenance for prolonged functionality.

Energy Efficiency Features: Look for insulated materials and efficient sealing mechanisms that contribute to energy conservation.

Compatibility and Adaptability: Choose shelters that accommodate various vehicle sizes and types for enhanced adaptability.

Integration of Technology in Dock Shelter Design

Advancements in technology are influencing dock shelter design and functionality. Smart sensors and automation are being incorporated to enhance efficiency, providing real-time data on dock usage, vehicle arrival, and shelter adjustment needs.

In the bustling landscape of warehouse logistics, top-performing dock shelters emerge as silent guardians, shielding goods, ensuring energy efficiency, and enhancing operational safety. Their role in maintaining a conducive working environment and streamlining loading and unloading processes cannot be overstated.

By investing in top-performing dock shelters that boast durability, sealing efficiency, adaptability, and energy-saving features, businesses secure their cargo, optimize energy usage, and bolster operational efficiency. These shelters stand as indispensable assets in the seamless functioning of modern warehouse operations, aligning with the ever-evolving needs of the logistics industry.

Here's to the unsung heroes of loading docks – top-performing dock shelters, safeguarding success in the realm of logistics and transportation!

[metaflexdoors]

Maintain Sterile Environments with Hermetic Sealing Solutions | Metaflex doors

Experience airtightness and controlled environments with our reliable hermetic sealing solutions. Enhance your loading dock operations with our advanced dock shelters, providing protection from the elements. Explore our range of hermetic sealing and dock shelter solutions, designed to optimize efficiency and security. Elevate your facility with our advanced sealing and shelter systems, prioritizing precision and protection. Trust in our expertise to provide superior solutions for your sealing and shelter needs.

[dnkme]

Discover reliable Dock Shelters for seamless loading operations. Enhance warehouse efficiency with weather-resistant solutions. Explore durable designs for secure cargo handling

[ethics-infinity]

At Surat, Ethics Infinity offers Dock Leveler, Dock Shelter, and Dock Seal at a competitive price call Ethics Infinity at +91 85111 43578.

[poppiesdigitallyinbloom]

shelter dock, loading, unloading #dock #shelter #loading #unloading #barreiro #barreirobynight #blackandwhite #blackandwhitephoto #blackandwhitephotography https://www.instagram.com/p/CpkNRS3McTw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[probablyintensemuses]

Dating Armando Aretas Would Include:

Grumpy x Sunshine Edition

🎧- Enchanted: Taylor Swift

pairing: Armando Aretas x black fem! reader

themes: grumpy x sunshine w/drabble

warnings: mentions of trauma & abuse, strong language, and a bit of gore.

authors note: I saw Bad Boys 4 again last night and it’s really refueled my Armando obsession, so more headcannons, drabbles, and fics on the way.

✨First Encounters✨

You and Armando meet in the worst of circumstances.

He, his father, and Marcus were on the run as wanted men, and you were the first person Mike thought to turn to after the attack at Tabatha’s.

Which he wasn’t wrong, you’d give your left kidney to Mike he’s saved you so many times.

You had let them into your small apartment, offering them clothes, food, and shelter until they could get in touch with the rest of the Ammo team and sort this shit out.

Armando had taken an interest to you then. Your house was warm and cozy, lived in. A small, plush couch, next to a coffee table littered with medical books. A kitchen stacked with teas and espressos , a dresser with vintage vinyls and a record player beside it. This was the kind of house he’d like to live in if he lead a different life.

You remember walking over to him, a picture of your parents and you when you were young in his hands.

“Those are my parents,’ you say. “I was ten then.”

Armando’s gruff exterior takes over though, and he doesn’t give you as much as a word back, let alone a thank you for feeding and housing literal fugitives.

You figured it was just him though and let it roll off you back like water.

You all got some sleep and the next day Mike asks you to drive them out to Dorn’s house on the dock. You agree and begin to load up the truck with guns, water, food, and extra clothes for the drive.

This is when Armando starts to question who you are and the legitimacy of your actions. Last person Mike trusted fucked them over, and he wasn’t having that shit again.

So he pulls his father aside and confronts him on the situation: you.

“How can we trust her?” Armando says, not far out of earshot of you.

“She’s good for it, trust me.”

“Didn’t you say that the last time and we got sold out. Don’t forget there is fucking five million dollar bounty on our heads. We can’t trust no one!” He whisper-shouted.

Mikes shoulders dropped. “I saved her life when she was younger, and I used to work with her parents. Trust me, she’s not going to pull a fast one. Because if she was, she would have done it already.”

Armando looked over at you, you’re dressed in a tank top, and that’s when he notices the cuts and burns littering your left arm. He sucks in a deep breath eyeing Mike who looks at you with sympathy too. There’s a story there, he’ll piece it together later, but for now he guesses you’re his only hope of getting out alive.

✨Post-fallout ✨

After you didn’t screw them over, and got them safety to Dorn’s, Armando found himself limping towards your apartment, blood trailing behind his feet.

Mike had sent him, and for some reason, at that moment, your place felt like exactly what he needed.

With the last of his energy, he banged on your door. Shortly, you answered and immediately went into panic mode.

The moment you let him inside, Armando crashes to the floor, passing out.

You screech and get every first aide equipment you have on hand and begin to bandage him up and stop the bleeding.

It took two bloody, sweaty hours, but you eventually got him all closed up.

Armando woke the next morning in a bed he didn’t recognize. This sent him into a frenzy. He went to shoot up out of the bed, but the soreness of his injuries knocked him back down.

“Fuck,” he moaned, grabbing at his torso.

From the living room, you turn down your headphones at the sound of movement. Armando must be awake.

Two days of rest, not bad.

You move towards the microwave and reheat the breakfast you had made him, pour some orange juice, and bring a whole heck of a lot of water and pain-pills.

Tray in hand, you kick open the door and slip inside your bedroom.

“Good morning.” You smile, setting the tray on the bed by his side. “How do you feel?”

“What the fuck did you put in this.” Armando asks, eyeing the food.

“Eggs, bacon, and toast.” You snicker.

Armando lifts a piece of toast, taking a bite. “If I die from this, I’ll kill you.”

“Noted, Sarg.” You salute.

You watch Armando eat his food with a smile on your face.

Eventually he looks up at you scowling. “Why are you staring at me.”

You shrug. “I’m just happy you’re okay.” You say truthfully.

“Well,’ Armando takes a swig of water, downing the pills. “Go be happy somewhere else.”

Your shoulders drop and you let out a sigh, you knew Armando was tough, but geez, you practically saved his life. Would it kill him to be a little nice?

But still you smile when you say, “okay, well if you need me, I’ll be out in the living room studying. Feel free to roam around, I don’t mind.”

It was a couple hours before Armando had come out of your room, limping over to the kitchen and rummaging through your fridge.

“I’m making dinner right now,’ you say, pausing your television show. “It’s a roast with veggies.”

“I want a beer.” He grumbles.

“Well I don’t have beer, but I do have wine.” You say, pointing to you collection of reds and whites.

“ I don’t want wine.”

“Okay, so what do you want me to do?”

Armando comes over to you, cornering you into the tiny space between your sink and the counter. “Get me a beer.”

“Let’s start over,’ you stick out your hand for a shake. “I think we’re at a misunderstanding of our situation.”

Armando frowns at your response, grumbling Spanish curses under his breath and walking away, slamming your door like a toddler.

The roast was done, and eventually you got Armando to come and have dinner with you…kind of.

He sat on the couch and watched the news, for updates on the status for his search, and you sat at the table, contemplating what to do with him next.

✨Enemies, Friends, Roomates✨

Mike had told you harboring Armando would only be for a short while until he could figure something out with the D.A’s office….that was three months ago.

Eventually you got your bed back, Armando taking the couch, but not your sanity.

Living with Armando wasn’t easy. He was brash, stand-offish, stubborn, and mean.

You did everything to try and form some kind of bond with him, even buying him gym equipment offline, but it just never clicked for him.

Not until one night when you’re studying late for an exam and happen to fall asleep at the kitchen table, books all around you.

That’s when you fall into a nightmare. The man who ruined your life the star of the show, again.

It always starts the same. You and your parents living happily at the park. Your parents watch you as you swing higher and higher, giggles filling the air. Then a man appears at the edge of the park, beckoning your parents over. You scream and shout for them but they never turn back, they keep going to the man. And when he has your parents in his grip, he brandishes a knife, slicing them open.

You let out a blood curling scream, slamming awake and falling to the group. Sweat sticks your curls to your face as you cry and gasp for breath.

Armando’s up in a second, swarming you.

“Estás bien?’ He pats you down, checking you out. “What’s happened to you?”

You can’t do anything but cry. The man who’s ruined your life, he’ll never leave you…he made sure of that in many ways. His latching to you is so deep that you can’t even escape him when you sleep.

You finally are able to get some words out, tell Armando, “I had a nightmare. I’m sorry.���

“Don’t apologize,’ he helps you stand. “Maybe you should get some sleep in your bed.”

You’re shocked by his response, but you’re even more shocked by the way he helps you to your room.

“What are you doing?” You asks, confused.

“You just flew out your chair from a nightmare, what do you mean what am I doing? I’m helping you.”

“Yeah, I get that…but you never help me.”

Armando sighs, holding his hands at his hips. “You gonna tell me what it was about, or should I leave.”

You sigh. “When I was younger, my parents worked for the Miami Police Department. They were detectives and before I was born they ended up helping catch this serial killer. His name was Gunter Bennett but the media called him “The Gutter” because that’s how he killed. Years later, somehow he escaped prison. That’s when he came for my parents. He killed them in the middle of the night.’ You take an uneasy breath, finding birth relief and shock when Armando’s hand slips into yours. “And I was sure he was going to kill me too, but he didn’t…he did worse. He kidnapped me and kept me at some shithole for three years. Three.”

You rile up your sleeves and show all your burns and cuts. Armando remembers them from the first day he met you.

“It’s how I got these. That sadistic bastard,’ you cry. “He tortured me.”

Armando feels something in him snap hearing your story and seeing the ways it’s effected you, even now. He knows what it’s like to be harmed and loose the people closest to you.

So he shocks even himself with what does next, scooping you up like a wounded bird and nuzzling under the blankets with you.

You whimper and sniffle in his arms and he just hushes you, stroking your curls.

“It’s going to be alright, niña bonita, he’s gone now.”

Slowly, the exhaustion of work, school, and your tears overcome you and you both drift off to sleep in each other’s arms.

✨My Lover✨

Armando was jealous.

You two had just spent the day out shopping, laughing and talking. Hell, you two live together! And yet you’re grinding on another man at the bar?!

The glass in Armando’s hand shakes and chips as he squeezes it further.

“Relax, muscle milk. You’ll break the glass.” Marcus says.

Armando scowls at him.

“I’m just saying, if you love her, tell her.” Marcus shrugs, walking away.

Armando scoffs. Love? Yeah right.

Did he feel close to you, yes.

Want to spend every breathing moment with you, yes.

Touch himself in the shower thinking about you, yes .

Oh fuck…he did love you.

Fuck! He loved you and you’re grinding another man!

Armando pushed out of his chair, it clattering to the ground in his wake.

He stalked over to you, grabbing your wrist and putting room between you and the man you danced on.

“ ‘Mando, what are you doing?” You stumble, clearly drunk.

“Let’s go.” He grabs you, chest heaving.

“Hey, wait!” You swat at him as he drags you through the bar and out the exit. “Why would you do that?” You whine.

“Because you’re drunk.” He rolls his eyes, slinging his leather jacket over your naked shoulders.

“I’m not!’ You whine, stumbling, luckily Armando catches you with ease. “I am.”

“You are. Let’s go.” He says, slinging you and carrying you bridal shower.

“Ah,’ you say, wrapping your arms around Armando’s neck and snuggling into him. “My knight in shining armor always takes such good care of me.’ You lean over, smacking his butt with a giggle.

“Shut up.” Armando says, resisting the urge to crack a smile.

Home, Armando tucks you into bed. He’s just about to walk away when you snatch his wrist, pulling him on top of you.

“Let’s play a game,” you whisper.

Armando rolls his eyes. “What kind of game?”

“Truth for truth. I tell you a truth and you do the same. “I’ll start.” You giggle.

“Tonight went exactly how I planned.”

Armando pulls back. “What do you mean by that?”

You shake your head and pout. “Uh uh. You’re turn.”

Armando sighs. “I don’t actually find you that annoying…anymore.”

“Ah, I knew it!” You laugh.

“Knew what?”

“Game over.’ You slump and snore, pretending to sleep.

“Stop it, you knew what?” Armando lifts you.

You bop his nose. “I knew that you loved me.”

Armando’s eyes get big. “What?”

“Me and kelly paid that guy to dance with me. We knew you’d get mad and that was all the proof I needed.”

“You’re a dick.” He starts to walk away, but you grab him by his belt loop.

“Okay, I’m sorry.” You pull him back. “But you don’t have to be shy.” You hiccup.

Armando grumbles, nuzzling his face into your stomach. “And why’s that?”

You lift his head, angling it to face you. “Because I love you too.” You lean forward, placing a firm kiss onto his plump lips.

Armando reciprocates, opening his mouth turning the kiss fierce and hot. He climbs on top of you, mumbling against your lips. “And I thought you were supposed to be the nice one.”

You giggle. “Feels good to be bad for a change.”

[froggiewrites]

Did I Say That Out Loud?

Pairing: Ace x Reader

SFW

Summary: You and Ace get lost in a snowstorm. While Ace is fine in the cold, you need warming up, and he's willing to help. Warnings: Fluff, Huddling for Warmth, Accidental Confession Word Count: 1.2k Notes: This is a short thing I wrote to break myself out of a funk I got into with a different, longer piece. I just had to write about Ace huddling for warmth, he's perfect for it! Crossposted from Ao3

There are few things you can rely on in the Grand Line. There’s danger around every corner, both from the environment and the pirates filling every inch of it. There’s few people you trust, and fewer who deserve it. But up until now, you would have said you trusted Portgas D. Ace with every fiber of your being.

And then he got you lost.

“I could have sworn it was around here.” You have no idea where here even is, your vision filled with nothing but white as the snow continues to fall. You’d always trusted his directions, knowing his survival skills were finely honed from his childhood, but you’re suddenly reminded he grew up in a jungle nothing at all like the snow capped peaks of the mountain you’re currently stuck on. He’s scratching his head, checking a map that looks absolutely nothing like the terrain around you.

“Ace.” You try to keep the anger out of your voice, but with the way his shoulders tense you can see you failed. “Do you have any idea where we are right now?”

“Um.” He looks back at you, puppy dog eyes wide and asking for forgiveness. “We’re on the mountain?”

“Oh my god.” You put your head in your hands, which are rapidly losing feeling from the cold. Your gloves are not thick enough for the temperature right now, the gentle snow from when you docked slowly growing closer and closer to a blizzard. “We’re gonna die.”

“We’re not gonna die.” You feel a warm hand on your head, grounding you and pulling you from the panicking bubbling in your chest. “We brought food and water, we’re gonna find shelter, and we’ll wait out the storm. It shouldn’t last long.”

“How do you know that?” You peek up at him through your lashes, and see nothing but his smile, soft and reassuring.

“A storm like this shouldn’t last longer than a day at most.” He sees the panic on your face again, and he continues. “I know a day sounds like a long time, but we have enough supplies for at least a few, if we ration, and we passed a cave on the way here that seemed pretty protected from the elements. We’ll really be fine, I promise.” He gives you that boyish smile that makes his face light up like the sun, the one that always makes your heart race.

You nod at him tiredly. The hand on your head shifts to fall around your shoulders easily and effortlessly, and he pulls you under his arm for a quick side hug. You expect him to pull back, but you see his brows furrow as he pulls you closer. “You’re freezing.” His free hand grabs one of yours and he hisses slightly at the feeling of your ice cold fingers. “Oh god, you’re really freezing. Let’s hurry.” His hands warm further, the heat seeping through your thin gloves and inadequate coat, and he begins to pull you forward in the snow.

You find the cave relatively quickly, thankfully, and Ace quickly makes a small fire for you two. He looks especially beautiful in firelight, like he was born for it. You don’t often get to admire him like that, usually only seeing him bathed in flame in battle, but in this peaceful moment you finally get to take your time memorizing his face in the gentle orange light. His freckles look particularly charming like this, and you suddenly have the urge to kiss them.

The cold must be getting to you. Another shiver racks your body, and you realize that it really is, your lips feeling numb and the cold floor beneath you doing nothing to help the situation. You wonder how long it would take for someone to die of exposure. 

“You alright over there?” He gives an easy smile, but you can see the tension behind it. He’s genuinely concerned.

“I’ve been better.” You struggle to speak over the chattering of your teeth. He seems entirely unbothered by the cold, of course, with his powers, though he’s still wearing a thick black coat just for the sake of it. His face is painted with concern as he approaches you, nose scrunched adorably in thought, but you see his eyes light up with an idea. He reaches you, settling close, before he begins unbuttoning his coat and revealing his bare torso.

“Ah–um–Ace?” He slips his coat off, and you’re torn between admiring his physique and worrying about him catching a cold, no matter how impossible you know that is. He doesn’t acknowledge your confusion and concern, instead wrapping his coat tightly around you, engulfing you in his scent.

“Are you still cold?” He leans closer, and you can barely focus on his words over the smoky scent of his coat.

“Um, a little?” It comes out as a question.

“Hm.” He puffs out his cheeks a little in displeasure. “Well. I have one more idea.” Without any warning, he abruptly pulls you into his lap, his strong arms wrapping around you as your frantically adjust to keep your head from pressing directly between his pecs. You end up with your thighs on either side of his hips, your hands on his chest, your noses brushing together.

“Is that any better?” He’s staring intently into your eyes as he asks. You can feel his breath on your face, feel his heartbeat beneath your hands, see every freckle painted across his face.

God, what I wouldn’t give for you to kiss me right now.

“What?”

Oh.

Oh no.

“I–” You try to push away in panic, but his arms keep you in place.

“Do you mean that?” His breath is against your lips, so hot compared to the chill around you.

You want to tell him no, to insist he misheard you, salvage some of your dignity, but then you register the intensity of his eyes as something you weren’t expecting: hope.

“Yes.”

His lips crash against yours as he pulls you impossibly closer, the heat radiating off of him seeping into you down to your very bones. His strong hands come to rest on your hips, and your hands wander up to tangle in his raven hair. You can hardly feel the icy cold anymore, can hardly feel anything but Ace pressed against you and his soft lips on yours. He nips lightly at your bottom lip, and you easily part to allow his tongue to explore.

His hands begin to wander up your back, under your shirt, and you feel your skin heat beneath his touch. You can’t tell if he’s using his devil fruit or if it’s simply the chemistry between you, but either way you feel warm and safe. You’d stay like this forever if you could.

Eventually you’re forced to part for air, panting, and he gives you a cheeky smile. “Are you warmer now?”

“Hmm…” You trace your fingers down his chest, trying not to grin too widely when he shivers. “I think I’m still a bit chilly, actually.”

“Want some help with that?” He’s smiling so wide the edges of his eyes are crinking with joy.

“If you wouldn’t mind.”

His lips meet yours once again, and you completely forget about the storm raging outside.

[deadtired-highkeyenergetic]

Burn

My heart always hurts when I watch the cutscene where Astarion burns under the sun. Dammit Larian Studios

Summary: You chase after Astarion when he runs away from the rising sun and remind him that you chose him.

You watch as blue lines crawl across his skin, steam rising as the sun eats away at him once more, now that he is free of the parasite. You hear the panic and sadness in his voice as reality sets in — he is no longer immune to the sun, condemned forever to live in the shadows. His ruby red eyes lift to meet yours as his skin scorches, an apology falling from his lips and he rushes to find shelter before you can say anything.

“Astarion!” You shout, watching his fading figure. He doesn’t look back, of course he doesn’t, he doesn’t have the time to when all he can think about is how his skin is searing. Your other companions remain rooted but your legs find an extra burst of energy and soon you find yourself hot on your lover’s trail, desperate to find him.

“Astarion!” You call out, panting from the exertion. Running like that just after defeating a Netherbrain was not a good idea, and you can feel your head spinning. You squeeze your eyes shut, trying to steady yourself and lean against the nearby wall, getting as much air into your lungs as possible.

“Astarion,” you gasp, forcing yourself to keep moving, telling yourself that the vampire was suffering more than you were. You stagger onwards, barely remembering where you last saw him and pray that he hasn’t gotten far.

You make your way to a stack of crates hidden behind a docked ship and find a figure huddled in the corner, shaking. You stumble towards the figure, fingers hastily fumbling for the clasp of your cloak which you throw around the figure’s shoulders, pulling him into a tight hug.

“Star,” you breathe, relieved. You feel his arms slide around your waist tentatively, cautiously hugging you back.

“Why are you here?” He whispers. The scent of your lifeblood fills his nose, causing fangs to peek out but he holds himself back, holds the hunger back.

“For you, of course.” You continue to hold onto him tightly. “I’m not leaving you alone, not ever.”

“Why?” He can feel you, feel your warmth, your touch, but a part of him still nags at him, trying to convince him that this is all just a dream, that you want nothing to do with him, not when he is confined to the darkness. He runs his fingers through your hair, taking in the fact that you’re here with him, that you came for him when you could be out in the new dawn with the others.

“Why? Because I love you, I’m hopelessly in love with you and I don’t want a future without you.” Your fingers ghost over the burns, an ache in your heart when you see how badly the sun has burnt him. Even as the sun scorched him, he still took the time to apologise, to look you in the eye, to tell you of how much he enjoyed the journey.

“Even if it means being unable to live in the day? Being unable to feel the sun on your skin?” The words cause a lump to form in his throat. He wants to push you away, tell you to find someone else, someone better. You deserve so much better than whatever he can give you, you deserve to be able to live with the sun warming your skin, you deserve —

“Yes. I know what it means to be in a relationship with you, I know it means never seeing the sun again, never feeling its warmth, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay if it means I get to spend the rest of my life with you.” The fierce fire he fell in love with back then burns in your eyes, daring him to deny you your choice and he feels himself falling for you all over again.

Your devotion to the people you care about, the lengths you would go for each of them, the love you had for those around you. He had once found all these traits foolish, but now they were his saving line, the reason you were currently kneeling by his side, tenderly caressing the rough burnt skin of his cheek as you firmly declared your intent to remain by his side for the rest of your life.

You pull the cloak over his head and shoulders, ensuring they cover as much of his skin as possible.

“I look terrible, don’t I?” He gives a hollow laugh.

“And yet still so beautiful. It’s not fair how you can pull that off.” You chuckle, tilting your head to offer your neck to him.

“Drink up,” you say with a smile so bright it blinds him. “Then we’ll head back to Elfsong Tavern and discuss what to do next.”

He tugs at the cloak around him. It smells of you, the scent deep and warm. He buries himself in it, grateful for the protection it provides and gently rests his lips against your bare neck. His fangs prick your skin, and then dig deeper as blood begins to flow into his mouth. The cracking blue lines on his skin start to fade, his usual pale likeness coming back as he drinks your precious lifeblood, savouring every drop freely given.

“Thank you,” he whispers against your neck.

“Anytime,” you murmur back, holding him close. It always brings a sense of comfort, feeling him in your embrace, breathing in his scent. You hold him for a while longer, basking in the feeling of his cold undead skin against your warm living skin until the others find the both of you.

Your group makes its way back to Elfsong Tavern while shielding Astarion from the sun’s rays. The walk is filled with a quiet yet comfortable silence, exhaustion from the day’s fight and thoughts of the future that lay ahead setting in.

Everyone files into their own rooms, leaving you and Astarion standing in the corridor, facing one another.

“You really mean it?” He asks. He has to confirm, he has to make sure that he is making the right decision to entrust a part of his future to you.

“Mean what?” You tilt your head quizzically.

“That you don’t mind staying with me.” He shifts his weight from one leg to another, playing the corners of the cloak over his head.

“I mean it. We’ll find a way to get you walking in the sun again, and if we cannot, then I don’t mind spending the rest of my life in the shadows.” You take his hand in yours, squeezing it tightly. “You’re all I need, you’re all I want in this future of my choosing. I hope I’m in the future you choose as well.”

In the future he chooses? He…oh right. Cazador is dead, there is no master to tell him what to do, to control his every move. He can decide what he wants to do next, where he wants to go, who he chooses to spend his time with.

And he wants to spend it all with you.

“Of course you are, my love. There’s no one else I’d rather have.” He flashes his usual smile, eyes softening at the way you light up upon hearing his words.

“Then…let’s start planning it, together.”

“Together.” He agrees, liking the way his new future sounds. Even if he had to skulk in the shadows for eternity, maybe such a life wasn’t so bad with you around. He would have you to wake up to, be able to hold you, be loved by you, even if he had to burn under the sun.

He wouldn’t have it any other way.