| WHEN THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND YOU
CHAPTER 6 Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin....all original characters/ideas are mine to claim. AN: Whoa..I made a mistake on the last chapter: I kept mixing up Nakamura with Nakayama....I've changed it though. Thanks so much for the reviews guys. I can't stop saying that. You are all amazing! Here's the next chapter just for all of you! Much love! Warnings: Rated PG13 just to be safe _______________________________ - Himura Estate - "What?!" Misao shrieked. Her eyes were like wide blue plates. "You're going to the Himura Estate?" Kaoru felt herself heat, as all eyes in the cafeteria looked toward her. Her eyes met with Megumi's, which blazed furiously. Kaoru scowled right back, breaking the contact by looking away. "Would you be quiet?!" Kaoru hissed, watching as Misao's her friend finally consumed french fry. "It's no big deal anyway." "No bid deal!" Misao repeated incredulously. "Do you have any idea what you just said? Do you know how many people would die to be in your shoes?" Kaoru shrugged and sighed, seeing Megumi stride up to her. "Kamiya-san!" She called. Rolling her eyes, Kaoru turned to face her. "Yes, Takani-san?" "You're going to Ken-san's estate, I hear. How conniving of you, Tanuki. Don't think you'll get anywhere though." The rest of the cafeteria had gone silent, watching the two face off. Kaoru sat in her place, facing Megumi, her hands clenched tightly together in her lap, her blue eyes flashing in exasperation. Megumi stood towering above her, a grand air around her as she flipped her long black hair over her shoulder, her face puckered with disgust. 'She's almost as bad as Himura.' Kaoru thought darkly as Megumi's friends tittered at Kaoru's given name. "Ah, Takani-san, it's just a project we have to do." Megumi frowned. "I heard you were familiar with him yesterday during chemistry. I have my sources you know. Do you honestly think you can call him by his first name so intimately without my knowledge?" Kaoru saw Misao open her mouth to say something, but she stopped her by holding up a hand. She didn't want a full-blown argument to take place. When Megumi saw that Kaoru wasn't going to give an answer back, she smirked, "See to it that you don't get any funny ideas about you and him - after all, Ken-san going out with a rat-faced girl such as yourself is a joke. Get a facial and do something with that horrid hair - someone might think you're poor." She had pulled the last straw: nobody insulted Kaoru like that and got away with it. This snob would not push her around, and she wouldn't back down. Kaoru usually brushed off the comments and sought instead to make friends. She had thought that perhaps if she could make clear to Megumi the misunderstanding, she'd be able to make another. But this - this was unacceptable. She would not stand for it. As Megumi turned to walk away, Kaoru's cold, unwavering voice cut through the murmurs of the room. "Why don't you get your own face-lift, then come back to me ya slut." Megumi froze, whipping around so quickly that her long black tresses flew wildly. "What did you just call me?" Heart hammering, Kaoru took a deep breath before answering, "I called you a slut." Megumi's face paled considerably with anger. Her delicate lips pulled back into a snarl. "Watch what you say, Kamiya-san....you don't want to mess with me. You'll see what will happen." With that, she walked away, towards the opposite end of the cafeteria. One of her friends gave Kaoru a shove, causing her to accidentally spill her milk all over herself and Tae-s uniform. The poor girl let out a startled cry, jumping to her feet. Misao let out a string of curses, handing out napkins. "I'm really sorry, Tae-san." Kaoru told her. "It's no matter, Kamiya-san." Tae said, taking the offered napkins from Misao. "What is with that girl anyway?" Misao asked, casting a dirty glare to the disappearing figure of Megumi. "Talking so dirty about you. I'm glad that you talked back to her; she deserved that." Kaoru shook her head. 'This is all Himura's fault.' She thought. In algebra and geometry, Soujiro didn't look too happy despite the fact that his usual smile was plastered into place. Kaoru, who sat beside him in that class too, nudged him gently with her elbow. "Na, Soujiro. What's wrong?" His soft brown eyes sparkled. "There's nothing wrong, Kamiya-san." He answered. Kaoru frowned. "Yes there is, you don't seem like yourself." Soujiro mentally cursed himself - his emotional barrier was seen through - he couldn't' have that. Pulling it back up, he managed to grin. "Oh, I just had a little problem with my physics test. The other day, I missed it so now I'm failing the course." Okita, who sat next to him as well, stiffened. "Kenshin made you stoop that low, ah?" Soujiro shrugged. "I don't really mind." "Like hell you don't." Kaoru cut in. She couldn't believe that Kenshin would go so far as to get his close friend to fail a course. "That arrogant jerk is treating you like trash." Soujiro struggled to keep his emotions in line. Half of him agreed with Kaoru, while the other half didn't like the way she trashed his friend. Seeing his distress, Okita came to the rescue. "Soujiro's just got to do a make up assignment, that's all. He'll be fine." Kaoru nodded. "Physics huh? I don't have that class this semester, but if you ever need help, don't hesitate to come to me. I'll try my best." Soujiro gave her a grateful nod. As Kaoru was reaching for her pencil case to refill her lead pencil, Megumi walked by, a bottle of ink in her hand. The bottle was full. The cap was off. It splashed all over Kaoru's uniform, staining her white collared shirt a dark black color. Having soaked her black blazer with milk in the cafeteria, Kaoru had asked permission to wander the school without it. However, now her inner uniform was ruined too - and she couldn't very well ask for permission to wander the school without that. "Oh my." Megumi chortled, "Oops." "What is the meaning of this, Takani-san?" Soujiro demanded. His pants had been included in the nasty joke. Seeing his flustered face, Megumi instantly started apologizing. "Oh, Seta-san, my utmost apologies. It was an accident. I.....tripped." Kaoru growled. "Sure you did." Megumi feigned being hurt. "Well, of course I tripped. Seeing you must have had an impact." "Take your seat, Takani-san," Okita told her, "before it happens again." His brown eyes blazed angrily. Megumi smiled sweetly at him, darting Kaoru an evil look. Okita frowned. "Who's stupid enough to use ink in a math class? We're supposed to use pencils!" "Kamiya-san, your uniform - " "I'm fine." Kaoru said quietly. When she was called to the front of the class to answer a question, she heard snide comments being made by some girls in the class behind her. She felt like she had never been so embarrassed before in her life. Soujiro spoke to her after class. His voice was filled with worry. "Kamiya-san, are the girls against you in any way?" Kaoru shook her head. "It's a matter of misunderstanding.....I can handle it." Soujiro brushed his bangs out of his eyes. "If ever...." "Please don't worry about me." She insisted, gathering her books. She jumped when a sudden crash of thunder boomed and buckets of rain began pouring down from the sky. It was strange; only a moment ago, the sun had been shining in the sky, but now it was dark as the night. A sudden flash of lightning lit the sky briefly, illuminating the town below for a few mere seconds. She jumped again as Soujiro suddenly handed her his blazer. Confused, she just looked at it. "Wear it." He told her gently. "It'll save you from embarrassment." "What about you?" She asked, taking it from him and he helped her into it. The sleeves were a trifle bit too long for her, but other than that, it fit fine. "You can return it to me by the end of the day." Soujiro quipped brightly. "I hear you're to meet with Himura-san today, anyway." Kaoru shrugged, flipping her raven black ponytail out of the confines of the blazer. "Thank you." She said, buttoning the front of it. "You're welcome." He answered, squeezing her shoulders gently, before exiting the room. Kaoru took comfort in his gentleness and his concern. She found she needed it badly. "Kamiya-san?" She heard a voice ask. She turned to see Akira standing at the doorway, waiting for her. "W-what? Oh, Kiyosato-san." She was the last one left in class, and she quickly made her way out, Akira falling into place next to her. Kenshin caught sight of Kaoru clinging onto Akira's arm again and couldn't help but bristle at the picture. He met Kaoru after school, as she was waiting for him as he had told her to by his locker. Her eyes had a faraway look to them, and he wanted to, for some reason, erase it. He didn't think before he spoke. "Did you wait long?" Surprised by his gentle and worried tone, she shrugged. "English was cancelled." He opened the locker door, enjoying the whiff of Jasmine coming from her that flew by when he did so. A bunch of letters fell at his feet. He made it a point that she saw it too. "Fan mail." He said cockily. "It happens all the time." "Good for you." She answered dryly. "Can't help it if I'm good looking." He said. She reddened at his comment. Soujiro, who ambled up with Okita and Aoshi, took her attention. She returned his blazer, thanking him for his kindness. Kenshin froze, staring at her ink-stained shirt. "What happened there?" He asked teasingly. "I didn't know you were a klutz too." "I'm not a klutz!" She cried. "It happened in Algeo. I - " "-In Algeo, you're supposed to use pencil, not ink, stupid." "I was using a pencil you jerk!" She cried. She was surprised when he suddenly threw his blazer at her. She caught it before it could hit her in the face. "What....?" "Wear it." He commanded softly. She felt a blush rise to her cheeks. When Soujiro had told her to wear his blazer, she hadn't minded but wearing Kenshin's was different. It even smelled like him. A piece of his long red hair was on the shoulder of it, hardly noticeable against the black color. She put it on self- consciously. "Thank you." She murmured. He looked away. After a while he retained his composure and said airily. "Don't think anything of it. You'll embarrass me walking around my house with a stained shirt." He turned his nose up in disgust. "And besides," he continued, "You look fat in white." "Himura-san!" Soujiro cried, aghast. Kaoru was at a loss for words. Kenshin snickered. "Hurry up, my limo won't wait forever you know." Kaoru's mind was dwelling on his last snide comment. "You idiot! Take that back!" Kenshin stuck out his tongue. "I can't do that - it was the truth." She caught sight of Megumi, walking stiffly away. Megumi had seen the whole scene with Kenshin and the blazer. A burning jealousy swept through her. She wouldn't let Kamiya get Kenshin, she promised. "Those guys never give up, do they?" Aoshi asked. "Not that I'm aware of." Amakusa replied, smoothly taking out a pack of cigarettes. Sanosuke came by, a frown on his face. "Geez, I wonder what's pissed Megumi off?" He wondered out loud. He took an offered cigarette from Amakusa, and then turned to watch Kaoru's and Kenshin's disappearing figures walk up to the door, still bickering. Kenshin fell back a couple of paces, as they neared the door. He held his hands up defensively. "After you." He told her, motioning to the twin oak walls. "I know how violent you are with doors." Kaoru growled beneath her breath, pushing it open. "And now you're an animal too!" He pointed out. "I am not." She retorted. "You're the pig." "Yeah, well you're an.....an asthmatic cow!" (*Inside joke - thanks Gi-kun!) "What?" She demanded, "What the heck is an asthmatic cow?" Kenshin shrugged, snickering again. "I liked the sound of that. But I guess I should have used the term 'asthmatic hippo.' You are, after all, fat." Outside was still pouring rain and some students had their book bags over their heads, rushing toward the bus shelters to get out of the downpour. As Kaoru held hers over he head and was about to proceed down the steps, Kenshin reached out and tugged on her hair, yanking her back in the process. "Ouch!" She screeched, as he stepped back inside. "What'd you do that for?" But she never got an answer from him, as he was already on his cell phone, telling the chauffer that he flatly refused to get wet by the rain and that he expected two umbrellas to be given to him immediately. In about 2 minutes, two men in suites ran up the steps handing the umbrellas to him. Kaoru scowled, taking one. "A little rain hasn't hurt anyone." She pointed out. "It will to me." He answered. "What?" He flashed her a seductive smile, similar to the ones in several of the photos he had pasted in her chemistry textbook. "My hair would be ruined. There's no way I'd get wet by rainwater." With a huff, Kaoru pushed past him, and walked out, into the rain. "You're a cow with an attitude!" He called, trying to keep pace with her. "You're one to talk." She threw back. "You're a pig with a big head." They were helped into the waiting limo, Kenshin getting himself a drink. It was much bigger than the last one she had been in, with more seats and more equipment. A symbol was on the back of the seat, embossed in gold. It read: M.R.I. She traced the symbol wither finger. "What does it stand for?" "It's a shortened term for Mitsurugi-ryu Inc." Kenshin answered, swallowing the rest of his drink. "My uncle owns the company." Kaoru was dumbfounded. This guy was a multibillionaire. She felt her knees get weak. It was approximately half and hour before the reached the estate. During the ride, Kenshin completely ignored her, turning his attention to the television, to a comedy show. It was as if she didn't exist. She didn't mind though - she would rather not argue with him. Besides, she liked his easy laugh, and how his eyes sparkled when he did so. She couldn't help but watch him - how he clapped his hands gleefully at certain jokes/puns, how eager he looked when something was going to happen, and how disappointed he was when it was a commercial. Her eyes traveled over his face; slim and smooth, his ragged cross- scar the only thing marring his complexion. His perfection. 'How did you get that?' She wondered. She gasped when he looked at her, his eyes piercing into her. His hand flew up to his scar. "It's ugly isn't it?" He demanded. "Well..." She stammered, "Well....." "I hate it." He said curtly. "I want to get it removed," He fingered the scar thoughtfully, "through plastic surgery." "Don't." Kaoru heard herself say. He met her eyes again, ignoring his T.V. show. He waited for her reason. "I mean, the scare isn't so bad. It-it makes you....you." She fumbled. He thought that over, his eyebrows wrinkling in confusion. As far as he was concerned, it was horribly disgusting and brought back bad memories. "If you hate that, then you hate yourself." She said looking out the window. "The scar is a part of you." He was silent before he smugly muttered. "You are strange." Kaoru glared at him, but he had turned back to his television show. A tiny mechanic voice suddenly spoke. "Young master, we will be arriving at the gate in one minute." Kenshin sighed. "Very well, computer. Switch the television off." "Of course." The tinny voice replied, and the television turned off. Kaoru looked around. "Where - " "A programmed limo." He said monotonously. "It lets me know things." He paused, taking up his backpack. "We're here." Outside, the rain had let up, casting a little light on the surroundings. A huge gate loomed over the limo. Behind the gate, Kaoru could only see an expanse of trees. The gate was rusty and old, leaving barely enough room for the small limo to enter. "Nice estate." Kaoru said sarcastically, eyeing the trees with distaste. "It looks more like a jungle, Tarzan." Kenshin returned a cocky grin. "It is a jungle - and I'm the king of it." "Now entering back gate." The computer piped. "The back gate?" Kaoru asked. "Why not the front gate?" "Oh, trust me woman, if you think the back gates' route is long, the front gates' is longer." He spat back, looking outside the window as well with distaste. "It will take approximately 5,6 minutes to get to the front of the house." Kaoru was going to open her mouth to make a snide comment but she wasn't able to. Her mouth fell open by itself, no words being formed. They exited the little expanse of trees to the biggest garden Kaoru had ever seen. It stretched for what seemed like miles. IT was decorated with beautiful flowers, and after a couple of seconds, she saw a football field, a tennis court, an in ground pool, a baseball diamond, and a track course. Ogled, Kaoru tried her best to close her mouth. Several small buildings were dotted here and there along the way. It was when she saw the house that she ban to understand - just a little - why Kenshin was the jerk that he was. If she thought Aikoku-Kashin was amazing - this building was beyond words. The only thing she found herself thinking of was: was that marble or brick? Lines and lines of maids and butlers began to filter out of the house to greet the young master home. Kaoru watched in fascination as about 30 or so of them lined themselves in 4 straight and even rows. Kenshin watched her carefully. Her mere delight, surprise, and wonder made him smile. He continued to watch her as she looked out with curiosity, trying to catch a better view of the building. "Now arriving at front door." The computer announced. "Thank you, computer." Kenshin said, exasperated. He had a different aura about him now. The arrogance seemed to have disappeared, replaced by resignation. He looked almost....bored. When the doors unlocked, Kaoru jumped, a chill making her body shiver. The men once again helped them out, taking Kaoru by the hand. "Welcome home, young Master." She heard the maids and butlers say in unison. Kaoru nervously stepped to stand next to him, fidgeting with her skirt. "Well met, all of you." Kenshin told them. He motioned with a flourish to Kaoru. "This is Miss Kamiya - a guest. My guest." He glanced toward her, seeing her nervously incline her head at her introduction. "You will treat her as you would me - with respect. I want a maid to always be at her every need. Am I understood?" "Yes, Master Himura." They chorused. "Good." They all bowed, this time toward Kaoru, welcoming her. She bowed back, thanking them all. Kenshin looked straight ahead as a single maid came forward to take a place next to Kaoru. He led the procession into the house. Kaoru couldn't believe her eyes as they walked into the foyer. It was huge! A grand chandelier hung overhead, the lounging chairs matching the thick red carpet that covered the stairs. She bit her lip to keep from oohing and aahing like an idiot. Another maid came up, taking Kenshin's backpack from him. "Welcome home, young Master." Kenshin dipped his head respectfully at her words. "Nakamura-san, my uncle is present?" "Of course." "If you would." He said stiffly. She bowed graciously, making her way up the stairs. Kenshin turned to Kaoru. "Kamiya-san, please.....compose yourself." "Compose myself?" She asked, not liking the tightness in his voice. They looked up to see a large figure making its way down the stairs. Nakamura was a few steps behind him, very small in comparison. The figure stopped looming over the two. "And this is?" The figure asked, beady eyes falling on Kaoru. His gaze made her even more uncomfortable in comparison to Aoshi's. "Kamiya-san. Kamiya Kaoru." Kenshin said. He turned to Kaoru, the prideful look gone. "Kamiya-san, may I introduce you to Hiko Seijuro, Master of the M.R.I and my uncle." "N-nice to meet you, Sir." Kaoru said nervously, bowing. "Yes...." Hiko looked her up and down scrutinizingly, "...welcome." His voice was very deep. "Make yourself at home." Kaoru almost lost her voice giving him a wavering smile. "Yes sir." She had never met such a rich and powerful guy before. According to her, he was good looking despite his rugged appearance, but nothing to gawk over as Okon and Omasu liked to do. He turned, his long black hair trailing after him. He had an air of superiority as he walked away. "If you will excuse me." Kenshin said, his cocky attitude back. "I'll be with you in a moment." Kaoru jumped as the maid that had been assigned to her picked the thread of Kenshin's hair off the blazer. It made her remember to return it. Kenshin took it from her, making faces at her stained shirt. Fifteen minutes later, Kaoru was steered into another room, chained into the latest style of clothing. Kenshin was also changed - into a black baggy sweatshirt and baggy red pants, matching the words "PHAT" on his shirt. Scribbled under the letters it said, "Pretty Hot And Tempting." Talk about conceited! He turned around to see her, fidgeting again. "Look, I really didn't have to..." "It'll have to do." Kenshin sighed. He rather liked what she was wearing - a purple shirt, slung on one shoulder. A picture of an animated monkey head was on the chest, the only thing coloring it. She wore tight black jeans, her hair partway up. To him, she looked down to earth good. He didn't dare say so, instead acting indifferently. He led them into another room, where he sat on the floor, his chemistry textbook out on a low table. "Let's begin." He announced. Kaoru sat next to him, pouting. "I don't have a textbook, so I'm going to have to share." He glanced up as she said that. "No wait," She said holding up a hand, "that word isn't in your vocabulary is it? You're a rich kid - you don't ever have to share." She mimicked in a high pitched voice. Kenshin grinned. "Yep, every word correct." Kaoru rolled her eyes. "In any case, I'll have to purchase a new book." "I've got it covered." He said. "Don't worry about it." About to say something, she changed her mind, darting an uncomfortable glance over her shoulder. "Na, Himura.....I'm very uncomfortable with your servant being so...attentive." "It's her job Kamiya." He answered. "It's normal for rich people to have maids." Nevertheless, he turned to the maid saying, "Yamada-san, you are dismissed for now." She bowed and left the room. Feeling much more comfortable, Kaoru got down to work. She had everything planned: the materials, the procedure and even several equations they might use. Kenshin was amazed, finding it hard to keep up with her. Because they shared the text, he enjoyed her being close to him. He got carried away by her lilting voice, and snapped out of it when she asked him to do something. Making a mistake, he held out his hand expectantly, without looking up, still inspecting the equation. "I need an eraser." "I don't have one." She said, after rummaging through her pencil case. "What do you mean you don't have one?" He demanded. "I need an eraser!" Exasperated, Kaoru dropped her pencil case, throwing her hands into the air. "I can't give you one if I don't have one." "I said I - " "I know what you said dammit! Stop being such a spoiled brat and cross your mistake out, ya twit!" He began to complain, telling her she was too cheap to get an eraser and because of her, he'd have to start all over again. She ignored him, taking up the book. "Did you finish the Titration Chart at least?" Kenshin grumbled. "Yes." He yawned. "We've been at this for almost 2 hours already. It's not due for another week or so." Kaoru nodded, closing the textbook. "Okay, we'll work on it another day. We're almost done." "Good." Kenshin said, "Another minute in the same room with you will drive me insane." "Excuse me - you've already driven me insane. Working with you has that effect." Kenshin got to his feet wearily. It surprised Kaoru when he leaned down, offering her his hand to help her up. As he did so, he was saying, "Who really cares about the Titration of a strong acid and a strong base anyway?" Kaoru took his hand. "Apparently, Saitoh-sensei does." Kenshin scrunched up his face. "I hate the stupid error analysis." The way he made that face made Kaoru think he was cute. A moment passed in silence. "Ah, Himura-san....." "Hn...?" "Why are you still holding my hand?" He looked down to see himself clasping her hand tightly. Surprised, he let go. "You have no right to hold my hand!" He cried. "You're the one who took my hand ya nerd!" She pointed out. The door opened then, and Nakamura-san poked her head in. "Young Master, your request has been done." Kenshin nodded. "Thank you, bring them in." In confusion, Kaoru tried to make sense of what was going on in their conversation. She couldn't, and watched instead as two butlers entered, bowing together in Kenshin's direction. Each held a platter. On one was a book, on the other was clothing in plastic. Kenshin motioned for them to give the objects to Kaoru. "Your new chem. Text and uniform." He said. "To replace those that were ruined." Bemused, Kaoru inspected both items for flaws. Satisfied she could find nothing, she thanked him. "No problem." He answered absently. "It's late." Kaoru looked outside the window. "Yeah, I'd better get going." The sun had already set, the night snuggling into place. She couldn't very well go home at that hour: past experience taught her it was dangerous. Sensing her thoughts, Kenshin stuffed his hands into his pockets and said casually, "Might as well get you driven home. I know you won't be able to make your way to my front gate. I can see you don't exercise too much." Irked, Kaoru took up the challenge. "I bet you anything you'd collapse on your way to your front door! Or do you need your butlers to carry you there? Seems they do everything for you." Kenshin glared at her. "Are you saying I need to have people assist me?" She feigned surprise. "Oh, does that mean you can do something on your own? I'm impressed. Like what though, I can only wonder." "You really annoy me." He said, brushing his bangs out of his eyes. "You're just jealous. Reality is harsh: I'm rich, and your poor. In my terms: you're a servant." Kaoru's face reddened. "A servant?" She cried. "And you look like one too - homely and ugly....." She felt tears sting her eyes. She couldn't cry - she couldn't! So what if she was poor! "You're a heartless, indifferent brat!" She cried. "I hate you!" He saw her tears and instantly felt guilty. Though none streamed down her face, he wanted to make up for what he had said. That response hadn't been the one he was expecting. And her slap was definitely a surprise. He staggered back a step. It reminded him of Nakamura's blow the other day, but this was much worse: it had come from Kaoru. As she was going to slap him again, he caught her arm by the wrist. She used her other hand, but he caught that as well. Upset, she kicked his legs out from under him, causing him to land on the floor, but he brought her along with him. Struggling under his hold on her wrists, she bit him, causing him to cry out. They wrestled for a while, each trying to gain the upper hand on the other, until Kenshin eventually won, his hair spilling over his shoulders in long red strands. Kaoru was one impossible girl, not easy to subdue. He pinned her against the floor under him, breathing hard. She was breathing just as hard, her chest rising and falling in heaves. She glared up at him, her blue eyes blazing. Suddenly, a figure stepped into the bedroom. "Oh, I'm sorry.....perhaps I shouldn't interrupt. But such things would work better without the clothes." A deep voice rambled. Kenshin's face reddened. Kaoru's matched his perfectly. They both looked up to see Hiko smirking. Behind him stood Sanosuke, Okita, and Soujiro staring dumbfounded with big eyes. To Be Continued..... _____________________ AN: Hey all! There's the chapter for you! Interesting..........now they're going to have to do a bit of.............explaining. *Winks* I've put an inside joke in here and a saying I make Hiko say in almost all my fics. Big thanks goes to Ashley 'cause she helped me with the lab assignment. I don't have chemistry: I dropped it. *gags* But she let me borrow her notes. THANKS AGAIN TO ALL MY REVIEWERS!!! Reviews make me so happy!!!!! Reviews = chapters! Don't forget, ne! CHAPTER 7 (Home) (WTWRAY) |
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