Most fun? [ Okay, he said 'one of', but- ] C'mon - that's gotta be the cinema car. And the music carriage?
[ Oh, he likes them getting the music carriage. If just so he can have music on his SCA than actually hanging around in there (but, it does have certain perks for Inigo that Tidus can appreciate for his friend). ]
But I'm hoping it'll feel less - cramped, you know? I really hate the beds we have now. [ There's a tired sigh. ] Even without you coming down sometimes, there's barely any room. But having a double, and not watching other people come and go all the time?
[ Or having to care about them coming in? ]
I'm down. As long as there's still any rooms spare.
[ The tips of Inigo's ears are starting to grow warmer and warmer. At least it seems that Tidus caught on to the same advantages that Inigo explained to him earlier today - but he knows Tidus could have figured those out by himself too. It's not like he's totally dumb. ]
Hmm, I thought the same thing. We can look once we're done eating. [ There are quite a few couples on the train, right? Maybe they're all taken.. then again, knowing the train, it may just add more of those double rooms. Sleeping cabins seem to be just about the only thing it's actually generous with. ] But we should have some more room there, if it doesn't have bunks on all sides. And if those rooms still end up being small, I'll just give away my wyvern plush to one of the kids.
[ Look!! He can compromise too, b-bro!
Not that he wants to part with his only reminder of Gerome, but.. you know. He's a big boy. He could put himself over it.. without crying.. maybe.. ]
[ Tidus would question the sleeping cabins being generous, HE HATES THEM THE BEDS SUUUCK- ]
Whoa, threatening getting rid of the big girl? [ It's a girl, right.
Either way, Inigo gets a nudge on the arm from an elbow. ] Let's check things out before we make any decisions we can't take back. We can go straight there after dinner. I think we both need to agree to move in before we can take a look.
[ Which is dumb, but that's the train for you. ]
You see they have more fancy rooms too? Those rooms with the couches and TVs would be great for a meeting place. Way too small for Purple's tomorrow, though.
[ But Tidus wouldn't mind hanging out in one someday. It looks cosy. ]
[ Because it's exactly as Tidus is saying. Inigo only had a cursory glance, but it did seem like that space would be much too small to have such a large group in..
And what meetings do they really have, other than team meetings? ]
Do you want to have a fancy birthday party? [ It's a slight attempt at a joke, considering Inigo is still a bit flustered yet also relieved by Tidus's decision..
Especially since it's not like any of them can know when their birthday is, out here in the void. ]
[ Inigo, you just gave Tidus a wonderful idea, a wide smile pushing into his cheeks and his eyes gleaning when he looks at the other guy, like it's brilliant. And yes, like Inigo was talking about himself, too. That was absolutely what Tidus heard. ]
We can! Or just a big hangout with some friends! Somewhere private to chill out, have some food! Maybe we can even buy somethin' cool to try out!
[ He rolls his eyes slightly. (Very slightly. Inigo hasn't fully recovered yet from how today has been Such A Day.) ]
Oh, of course, because my birthday is clearly in the middle of the month Llama. [ What's up with the calendar system on this train. What's so wrong with using normal people months so people know when their birthday is? Sure, with how long he's been on the train, he figures his birthday has probably passed at.. some point.. but it's so hard to tell out here.
So he shakes his head, trying to shake off the thought, instead trying to think about something more productive. ]
I guess we could invite Dennis and Adam for hanging out in a room like that though. You know, to get to know them a little outside of practical talk too. Or we can tuck Taiki into the huge bed he deserves.
[ Before he can remark even a thing about Dennis or Adam, or what Inigo assumes either guy may enjoy when it comes to relaxing and hanging out, there's the final remark.
It causes Inigo to nearly choke on the bite of food he's got in his mouth. He only manages to save himself through quickly swallowing and then drinking some water right after before he can speak up again. ]
Now you want to celebrate Taiki's birthday?
[ ...
When is Taiki's birthday? ]
Ugh, I hate that the months here are so odd. Taiki deserves a fun birthday party.
Don't you both? [ Deserve a fun birthday party? Actually... ] When's the last time either of you had a birthday party? Or got to care about your birthday?
[ He waves his fork in Inigo's direction. ] I was just saying about a vegan birthday cake 'cause Taiki wouldn't be able to eat any other kind of cake [ and would Inigo really want Taiki to not eat cake on his birthday?? ], but maybe we should do a big day for the both of you. What do you think?
[ Oh! ]
We could ask for a Ylisse dinner! I wonder if we could ask for a veggie and non-veggie option...
[ Sure, Tidus technically already said it - it's since neither of them got to celebrate their birthday properly in a long time. But Inigo doesn't think that's a good reason, okay. It's not like he ever missed celebrating his birthday once the world went to hell in a handbasket, hence why he looks so surprised now at him being included here. ]
I haven't had mine since I was really young, but that's exactly why I don't mind not having them. I'm not sure I'd even know what to do at a birthday party at this point. [ Considering how long there just haven't been any in Ylisse at this point. ]
Taiki should have one just for him! That way it's more special, right? And that way we can arrange everything to be perfect for him.
[ Instead of having to half mix it up with Inigo things. ]
[ Of course he's getting all this. Of course. Half of the train is like this, and man, would he be like this if someone decided he should have a cool day for himself? But Tidus is unfazed by Inigo's protests, a small pah all he gives any of that before he's digging in his fork into his food. ]
You just don't wanna be the centre of attention. [ Well, and the reason Inigo gave, but- ] Birthdays are overrated. You don't have to act any way! You deserve a special day, so does Taiki, so you should both have it! Good food, good friends, some presents just for you?
I know this gets rid of the surprise factor, but I guess we could keep it as a surprise from Taiki... say that I'm throwing you a surprise day, and ta-da-- surprise day for two!
[ WOW. What a call out. What a terrifingly accurate callout. But that doesn't mean Inigo can't protest it all the same! ]
Maybe I just want Taiki to have something nice without having to share it with me!
[ That reason is also very true, so it's the easiest protest to go for - it's one he doesn't have to lie for, especially since he'd definitely have to lie if he'd claim that he was fine about being in the spotlight. ]
Is that so odd? [ Surely Tidus gets the totally overprotective feeling they have over Taiki. ]
I don't think it's odd you're protesting. [ For the exact reason he called out, and his voice does dip into something softer, glancing at Inigo, though maybe he won't want to look at him right now. ] But I know Taiki would love to see you get some attention too.
The guy loves to share. And it won't be any less special if it's about you too.
[ Even if maybe, Inigo thinks it might be. Because his brain gets dumb like that. ]
And then there's a sigh. Then a groan. It almost seems like Inigo's face is about to just drop straight into the remaining food on his plate, but thankfully it doesn't - instead he just lets his head hang for a moment. Because he knows that Tidus is having an airtight argument here. ]
I guess you're right.
[ See! He can admit it when it's true! He knows Taiki wouldn't mind sharing, even if Inigo does think that makes it less special. ]
As long as it isn't some strange, big thing. I don't know how many people I can handle being there for me. [ And looking at him. And considering him the center of attention.
By Naga, the thought threatens to make his stomach turn right inside of him. ]
[ He nudges Inigo, arm to arm when he says it, more fond than anything else. A tease to sit on for a moment, no rush to continue. But he does like the sound of Inigo conceding, and he knows the guy must been feeling more uncomfortable than excited right now. Oh, he's going to be feeling nervous up to the day, isn't he?
This is exactly why they should do it. ]
It doesn't need to be a big thing. How about just us and some close friends? We can't fit the whole train in one of those rooms, and we want that nice one. [ And how many people would that be? ] You, me, Taiki... you'll want Roland I bet, Senku and Gen? Adam and Dennis would be fun to bring along. Della?
[ ... ]
Or maybe we should keep it a guy get-together... [ ... ] Young guys.
Only all the time. [ He mumbles in response, but then just lets Tidus talk on. Inigo is just going to shove some food into his mouth in the meantime, so he has something to distract himself with while he's trying to not overthink it.
Really. He is trying. He's trying so hard! Trying so hard.. to not overthink.. right now..
.. by Naga, he's overthinking already.
But there is apparently one thing that can make the overthinking train stop, since Inigo stops entirely when Tidus mentions those last two words. He stops chewing. Stops thinking. He just stares at Tidus, his cheeks slowly starting to grow pink. ]
Y- Bwyoung guws? [ Yes, his mouth is still full because he stopped chewing.
But Inigo quickly swallows. ]
I-I don't know, I suppose a guy get-together sounds kind of nice.. [ Is he trying to downplay his reaction from a moment ago?
[ It's okay Inigo, Tidus won't make fun of your mouthful there, 'cause that was the only funny thing to happen here, right. ]
Right? We can buy some magazines from other worlds, find a half-decent game from the games carriage [ that isn't for kids, ] spend the time chatting and having fun? It'll be great! We can act our ages.
[ Hey?? Hey? ]
We can invite Sizhui -- both of them. [ Heh heh. ] You still talk to the guy?
[ Well, the...not so new one. Or both. But please let Tidus know if you talk to the cute-faced guy. For reasons. ]
[ This is starting to sound more and more fun by the moment. And even if Inigo may not be mentioning as much out loud, it's still very much visible. It's like there's some light and excitement starting to build in his eyes the longer he listens to Tidus. Just browsing magazines, and playing games, and talking..
.. that does sound nice. ]
Yes, I.. I talk to them both. I haven't spoken as much to the new one, but I talk with the one who's been here longer a lot. We've slept together. [ He said he enjoys cuddling, Tidus. You don't understand. Inigo was so excited. ]
I'm not sure if they are used to those kinds of get-togethers, since they're from worlds closer to my own, but I do think they'd enjoy it..
[ He would have so made a sexual innuendo that would have gone over Inigo's head, if given the chance.
But the moment is lost as Inigo speaks on, and it isn't so necessary to try and bring it back around. Not when the whole idea is clearly growing on Inigo, and isn't that what he wanted to see? That's far better than expecting the guy to be a nervous animal about it for days. ]
See? Nothing wrong with trying something new, and we can include them too! Ask them about something they do back home, include it. We can learn about each other, and just have a good time.
[ And, taking a forkful: ] Dohn't souhnd so bahd now, dosh it?
[ And even though Tidus may be asking that question in the least elegant way possible, Inigo's answer is rather genuine. Rather emotion-filled, even, considering the way he smiles down at his own now practically empty plate is almost a bit shy, yet so truly happy at the same time.
It does sound nice. And much less high-pressure than the idea of a real birthday party. ]
.. do you think either Adam or Dennis likes cuddling? [ INIGO.
Is he joking. Is this a honest question.
(He already knows the preferences of all the other people involved, okay.) ]
[ Should he really care about what word Inigo uses for guy holding?? (Yes, yes he is going to.)
But that wasn't Inigo's question, and whether or not he's serious- ] Why don't you ask them? Just let them know you're not flirting with them.
[ Heh, well. He picks up his drink. ] Unless you are.
[ At least, Adam might get the wrong idea, just for dating a guy on the train. Then again, would Dennis too? Who knows, maybe it's just him who'd think that if a guy asked him.
...did he think that when Inigo first asked? Man, how long it's been...! ]
[ See, that last part is exactly what Inigo is thinking too, even if it's at a slightly different angle. ]
It's not like you thought I was flirting when I first asked you, right? [ .. then again, he had been terribly upset and crying back then, so that might have helped.
And look, Inigo is being nice enough to not mention how weird Tidus was about it. He knows by now that the other can't really help his different relationship to male physical affection compared to Inigo's. ]
[ Perhaps a bit pointed, because.. well. It had been at a time where flirting had just about been the last thing on his mind. And Inigo doesn't even particularly want to mention out loud when exactly it was, since discussing that day feels like picking at a scab. The possibility of reopening a wound.
He exhales. ]
Are you almost done eating? I really want to see these rooms.
[ In truth, this was never a line of questioning bound to go anywhere; Tidus can't even think of a single time he could take Inigo as flirting with him, but has he just been secretly oblivious!? --which isn't a scenario he believes either, but the mere line of questioning has allowed his single braincell to leave the station.
Fortunately for Inigo, his plate is indeed empty, all Tidus has left the drink he's been sipping from. But Tidus still needs to look down, then look back at Inigo. ]
There's no dessert?
[ bro don't you wanna see if they have any dessert on offer, bro bro-- ]
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[ Oh, he likes them getting the music carriage. If just so he can have music on his SCA than actually hanging around in there (but, it does have certain perks for Inigo that Tidus can appreciate for his friend). ]
But I'm hoping it'll feel less - cramped, you know? I really hate the beds we have now. [ There's a tired sigh. ] Even without you coming down sometimes, there's barely any room. But having a double, and not watching other people come and go all the time?
[ Or having to care about them coming in? ]
I'm down. As long as there's still any rooms spare.
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Hmm, I thought the same thing. We can look once we're done eating. [ There are quite a few couples on the train, right? Maybe they're all taken.. then again, knowing the train, it may just add more of those double rooms. Sleeping cabins seem to be just about the only thing it's actually generous with. ] But we should have some more room there, if it doesn't have bunks on all sides. And if those rooms still end up being small, I'll just give away my wyvern plush to one of the kids.
[ Look!! He can compromise too, b-bro!
Not that he wants to part with his only reminder of Gerome, but.. you know. He's a big boy. He could put himself over it.. without crying.. maybe.. ]
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Whoa, threatening getting rid of the big girl? [ It's a girl, right.
Either way, Inigo gets a nudge on the arm from an elbow. ] Let's check things out before we make any decisions we can't take back. We can go straight there after dinner. I think we both need to agree to move in before we can take a look.
[ Which is dumb, but that's the train for you. ]
You see they have more fancy rooms too? Those rooms with the couches and TVs would be great for a meeting place. Way too small for Purple's tomorrow, though.
[ But Tidus wouldn't mind hanging out in one someday. It looks cosy. ]
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[ Because it's exactly as Tidus is saying. Inigo only had a cursory glance, but it did seem like that space would be much too small to have such a large group in..
And what meetings do they really have, other than team meetings? ]
Do you want to have a fancy birthday party? [ It's a slight attempt at a joke, considering Inigo is still a bit flustered yet also relieved by Tidus's decision..
Especially since it's not like any of them can know when their birthday is, out here in the void. ]
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[ Inigo, you just gave Tidus a wonderful idea, a wide smile pushing into his cheeks and his eyes gleaning when he looks at the other guy, like it's brilliant. And yes, like Inigo was talking about himself, too. That was absolutely what Tidus heard. ]
We can! Or just a big hangout with some friends! Somewhere private to chill out, have some food! Maybe we can even buy somethin' cool to try out!
[ Something cool... maybe more games?! ]
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Oh, of course, because my birthday is clearly in the middle of the month Llama. [ What's up with the calendar system on this train. What's so wrong with using normal people months so people know when their birthday is? Sure, with how long he's been on the train, he figures his birthday has probably passed at.. some point.. but it's so hard to tell out here.
So he shakes his head, trying to shake off the thought, instead trying to think about something more productive. ]
I guess we could invite Dennis and Adam for hanging out in a room like that though. You know, to get to know them a little outside of practical talk too. Or we can tuck Taiki into the huge bed he deserves.
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[ And there, he pops the the food into his mouth, chewing... but not completely finished before the thought in his head needs to come out. ]
We can do somethin' relaxing with Taiki! How about a dinner? A vegan birthday cake?
[ Fool, you think he's going to give up on the birthday angle just yet?? ]
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It causes Inigo to nearly choke on the bite of food he's got in his mouth. He only manages to save himself through quickly swallowing and then drinking some water right after before he can speak up again. ]
Now you want to celebrate Taiki's birthday?
[ ...
When is Taiki's birthday? ]
Ugh, I hate that the months here are so odd. Taiki deserves a fun birthday party.
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[ He waves his fork in Inigo's direction. ] I was just saying about a vegan birthday cake 'cause Taiki wouldn't be able to eat any other kind of cake [ and would Inigo really want Taiki to not eat cake on his birthday?? ], but maybe we should do a big day for the both of you. What do you think?
[ Oh! ]
We could ask for a Ylisse dinner! I wonder if we could ask for a veggie and non-veggie option...
[ Tidus is thinking. ]
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[ Sure, Tidus technically already said it - it's since neither of them got to celebrate their birthday properly in a long time. But Inigo doesn't think that's a good reason, okay. It's not like he ever missed celebrating his birthday once the world went to hell in a handbasket, hence why he looks so surprised now at him being included here. ]
I haven't had mine since I was really young, but that's exactly why I don't mind not having them. I'm not sure I'd even know what to do at a birthday party at this point. [ Considering how long there just haven't been any in Ylisse at this point. ]
Taiki should have one just for him! That way it's more special, right? And that way we can arrange everything to be perfect for him.
[ Instead of having to half mix it up with Inigo things. ]
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You just don't wanna be the centre of attention. [ Well, and the reason Inigo gave, but- ] Birthdays are overrated. You don't have to act any way! You deserve a special day, so does Taiki, so you should both have it! Good food, good friends, some presents just for you?
I know this gets rid of the surprise factor, but I guess we could keep it as a surprise from Taiki... say that I'm throwing you a surprise day, and ta-da-- surprise day for two!
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Maybe I just want Taiki to have something nice without having to share it with me!
[ That reason is also very true, so it's the easiest protest to go for - it's one he doesn't have to lie for, especially since he'd definitely have to lie if he'd claim that he was fine about being in the spotlight. ]
Is that so odd? [ Surely Tidus gets the totally overprotective feeling they have over Taiki. ]
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The guy loves to share. And it won't be any less special if it's about you too.
[ Even if maybe, Inigo thinks it might be. Because his brain gets dumb like that. ]
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And then there's a sigh. Then a groan. It almost seems like Inigo's face is about to just drop straight into the remaining food on his plate, but thankfully it doesn't - instead he just lets his head hang for a moment. Because he knows that Tidus is having an airtight argument here. ]
I guess you're right.
[ See! He can admit it when it's true! He knows Taiki wouldn't mind sharing, even if Inigo does think that makes it less special. ]
As long as it isn't some strange, big thing. I don't know how many people I can handle being there for me. [ And looking at him. And considering him the center of attention.
By Naga, the thought threatens to make his stomach turn right inside of him. ]
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[ He nudges Inigo, arm to arm when he says it, more fond than anything else. A tease to sit on for a moment, no rush to continue. But he does like the sound of Inigo conceding, and he knows the guy must been feeling more uncomfortable than excited right now. Oh, he's going to be feeling nervous up to the day, isn't he?
This is exactly why they should do it. ]
It doesn't need to be a big thing. How about just us and some close friends? We can't fit the whole train in one of those rooms, and we want that nice one. [ And how many people would that be? ] You, me, Taiki... you'll want Roland I bet, Senku and Gen? Adam and Dennis would be fun to bring along. Della?
[ ... ]
Or maybe we should keep it a guy get-together... [ ... ] Young guys.
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Really. He is trying. He's trying so hard! Trying so hard.. to not overthink.. right now..
.. by Naga, he's overthinking already.
But there is apparently one thing that can make the overthinking train stop, since Inigo stops entirely when Tidus mentions those last two words. He stops chewing. Stops thinking. He just stares at Tidus, his cheeks slowly starting to grow pink. ]
Y- Bwyoung guws? [ Yes, his mouth is still full because he stopped chewing.
But Inigo quickly swallows. ]
I-I don't know, I suppose a guy get-together sounds kind of nice.. [ Is he trying to downplay his reaction from a moment ago?
Oh, absolutely. ]
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Right? We can buy some magazines from other worlds, find a half-decent game from the games carriage [ that isn't for kids, ] spend the time chatting and having fun? It'll be great! We can act our ages.
[ Hey?? Hey? ]
We can invite Sizhui -- both of them. [ Heh heh. ] You still talk to the guy?
[ Well, the...not so new one. Or both. But please let Tidus know if you talk to the cute-faced guy. For reasons. ]
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.. that does sound nice. ]
Yes, I.. I talk to them both. I haven't spoken as much to the new one, but I talk with the one who's been here longer a lot. We've slept together. [ He said he enjoys cuddling, Tidus. You don't understand. Inigo was so excited. ]
I'm not sure if they are used to those kinds of get-togethers, since they're from worlds closer to my own, but I do think they'd enjoy it..
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But the moment is lost as Inigo speaks on, and it isn't so necessary to try and bring it back around. Not when the whole idea is clearly growing on Inigo, and isn't that what he wanted to see? That's far better than expecting the guy to be a nervous animal about it for days. ]
See? Nothing wrong with trying something new, and we can include them too! Ask them about something they do back home, include it. We can learn about each other, and just have a good time.
[ And, taking a forkful: ] Dohn't souhnd so bahd now, dosh it?
[ nomnomnomnom, let him eat his tuna happily. ]
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[ And even though Tidus may be asking that question in the least elegant way possible, Inigo's answer is rather genuine. Rather emotion-filled, even, considering the way he smiles down at his own now practically empty plate is almost a bit shy, yet so truly happy at the same time.
It does sound nice. And much less high-pressure than the idea of a real birthday party. ]
.. do you think either Adam or Dennis likes cuddling? [ INIGO.
Is he joking. Is this a honest question.
(He already knows the preferences of all the other people involved, okay.) ]
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[ Should he really care about what word Inigo uses for guy holding?? (Yes, yes he is going to.)
But that wasn't Inigo's question, and whether or not he's serious- ] Why don't you ask them? Just let them know you're not flirting with them.
[ Heh, well. He picks up his drink. ] Unless you are.
[ At least, Adam might get the wrong idea, just for dating a guy on the train. Then again, would Dennis too? Who knows, maybe it's just him who'd think that if a guy asked him.
...did he think that when Inigo first asked? Man, how long it's been...! ]
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It's not like you thought I was flirting when I first asked you, right? [ .. then again, he had been terribly upset and crying back then, so that might have helped.
And look, Inigo is being nice enough to not mention how weird Tidus was about it. He knows by now that the other can't really help his different relationship to male physical affection compared to Inigo's. ]
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Were you?
[ when was... the first time... ]
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[ Perhaps a bit pointed, because.. well. It had been at a time where flirting had just about been the last thing on his mind. And Inigo doesn't even particularly want to mention out loud when exactly it was, since discussing that day feels like picking at a scab. The possibility of reopening a wound.
He exhales. ]
Are you almost done eating? I really want to see these rooms.
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Fortunately for Inigo, his plate is indeed empty, all Tidus has left the drink he's been sipping from. But Tidus still needs to look down, then look back at Inigo. ]
There's no dessert?
[ bro don't you wanna see if they have any dessert on offer, bro bro-- ]
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