Disclaimer: Your memory can't be that bad… I still don't own the X-Men.

A/N: Glad to know my loyal ishandahalfarianites haven't forgotten me! It's been a while since my last full-fledged fic, as I've been churning out some one-shots – it's so odd to finally be continuing something, but I'm so excited about this puppy! It's been churning about in my mind for almost a year now, it's great to finally write it out.

Rogue14, heartsyhawk, wildcardrose, TotallyRiddickObsessed, Riderazzo, Chica De Los Ojos Cafe, dana, TheRealMai, grenwich, Ms.Rogue LeBeau, Quing, xX-BlAzE-Xx, Crunchie Lettuce, demiducky25, Freak87, darkstorm5000, & enchantedlight – Thanks for your reviews! Nice to see some familiar names, and some new ones too. Hope y'all stick around, there's much fun to be had!

EmeraldKatsEye, Calliann, & EE's Skysong: Ahh, all members of the "Die Belle" club, are we? Gosh, why would you assume that I'd kill her off? Just cuz I did it once before… She's not that bad, adding fun conflict to the story, and don't you all feel slightly bad for her? …Kidding, kidding! Believe me, I can't blame you for wanting her dead – I always do, but I don't know what her fate will be in this fic just yet.

A.M.bookworm247: Temptation? Extravagance? Gosh, such flattery, you're making me blush! As for a sadistic, bitchy Belle, well, she hasn't had much reason to be so yet. The key word being yet – she'll get there.

missy42: ishyfikie? That looks like the name of some sort of anime or something… As for Belle not dieing, I agree – watching her suffer is much more fun! Bwa ha ha.

Goddess Evie: 27 is the best number… Or am I just saying that for your benefit? ;-) I agree that Belle was rather weepy – we'll be seeing some character progression the next time she pops up, although that won't be for a while. Yup, tossing the fiancée into an already uber-dramatic love triangle, I'm so devious!

Eileen Blazer: A jealous, infatuated Julien, eh? Interesting… Great, now you're giving me distracting ideas! Ominous organ? Funny. Reminds me of the time I had an epiphany and heard a harp in the background – very creepy, that. Seriously. Glad you're all jittery and hyperactive – now you know how I feel! Not only when I get caffeinated, but also when I'm waiting for your updates, hint hint! ;-)

A Denial: Too much pressure! Can't breathe… Need oxygen! – passes out – Great, now you've done it – hope you're happy! ;-)

Seven Sunningdale: A brand name? How spiffy – I want a bobble-head! I didn't like the way the cartoon portrayed Jean-Luc – I always thought he was a lot more caring and fatherly in the comics (or at least, that's how I envisioned him), so that's how I wanted to write him. I've always been a sucker for the Guild characters…

SweetRevenge151: I informed you of this fic months ago, didn't I? Gosh, how twitchy you must have been! Sorry it took so long. Thanks for the Moz article – I informed my mother of the musical since she's become a fan ever since we took her to the show with us last October, so she's actually looking into a London vacation this summer! So cross your fingers, maybe I'll be able to see it…

Neurotic Temptress: The P card? Oh, you wouldn't! Wait, of course you would… You're cruel, but are you sure it would be effective? What if my horror is so great that it shocks my vocabulary into submission? And then where would you be? And yeah, I know you've been waiting for this for a long time – perhaps as long as I've been waiting for your stuff, eh? ;-)

Aro: Bugs Bunny voice? Yeah, I think it's just you. I always preferred Elmer Fudd. ;-)

Here we go, what you've all been waiting for… Enter Rogue, stage left!

Symbiotic

Chapter 2 – Sanctuary

February 2005

An engine roared as it propelled spinning wheels along once black asphalt, now stained white from winter's salt. A speeding motorcycle flew down the road towards the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters – towards something new. A new month had just started, and Remy appreciated the timing – because with it came new beginnings and better circumstances.

High-speed winds bit at the young man's face as he drove, his brown trench coat billowing out behind him. It provided little warmth in the cold northern winter, but he didn't care. The snow and ice prompted a pang of remembrance for New Orleans' humidity and sunshine, but he couldn't bring himself to wish he were back there – not when New York was his reprieve.

The vehicle screeched to a stop in front of the Institute's looming wrought iron gates. As he always did whenever faced with a fence or wall, Remy quickly estimated how long it would take for him to make it over the barrier – he simply couldn't fight the thieving instincts engrained in him. They didn't matter in this case, however. No, there would be no need to sneak on to this estate – it was his sanctuary, not a target.

Dismounting his precious bike, Remy sauntered up to the intercom inlayed in the brick. He pushed the button, listened to the buzz, and waited for an answer.

"Hello?" crackled a woman's voice from the box. "May I help you?"

"Bonjour (hello)," he greeted her politely, unconsciously laying on the charm even without face-to-face interaction. "De name's Remy LeBeau…"

"Oh yes, your father contacted me. We've been expecting you," came the reply. "Please, come in."

A second later the gates swung open, granting him access. Remy sat on his bike once more and started up the driveway. He took in the view of the lavish mansion in front of him and whistled, impressed. He had seen his share of rich abodes before, and while he felt nothing could compare to the Guild property back home (even though he was admittedly biased), Xavier's place was striking. This would be his home for the next while – hopefully as long as possible.

There was a woman serenely standing on the front steps, and he assumed that she was the acquaintance his father had mentioned – something was said about pickpocketing together in Cairo, but to be honest he hadn't paid very much attention. Remy had obviously been much more interested in the fact that he wasn't about to get married yet.

He took in her tall stature, her snowy hair, and her cocoa skin. He then noticed that, oddly enough, she didn't appear cold in the freezing temperatures even though she wasn't wearing a coat. Not wanting to keep her waiting, Remy parked his motorcycle, grabbed the duffle bag off the back, and strode towards her.

"Bonjour, mademoiselle!" he called out jovially as he neared, even stooping into a slight bow. "Pleasure t' meet y'! Had no idea mon père (my father) knew such belle femmes (beautiful women)."

She seemed to simply brush off his flirty compliment, impressing him. "Hello, Remy. My name is Ororo Munroe, although I am also known as Storm," she introduced herself, inclining her head. "It's nice to finally meet you. Jean-Luc has told me much about you."

"All good t'ings, I hope," he smirked, following her through the front doors and into the foyer.

Ororo smiled calmly, ignoring the comment. "Welcome to the Xavier Institute. Your father has fully informed me of your… situation, and you are welcome to stay here as long as you feel you need to. We simply ask that you aid the team."

"But o' course. I 'ppreciate yo' hospitality, an' I'll be glad t' help," Remy told her. He'd gladly play superhero if it would prolong the time before his wedding. With his acting skills, he could almost certainly drag out his pretend lack of control for a few years – after all, that was how long it took him to first learn to use his powers, and he imagined it probably took other mutants about that long to master theirs as well.

"That's good to hear. Follow me – I can show you around, and then take you to your room," Storm offered.

"Anyt'ing y' say, Stormy," he grinned, trailing her down the hall.

His comment was met with a raised eyebrow, but then she began her tour. "Down this way is the dining room…"

Remy played the dutiful listener until they reached one of the many rec rooms. It was there that some students had gathered – specifically, two girls, which caused the Cajun to stand up a bit straighter and turn on the charm.

"Jean, Kitty, this is our newest student, Remy LeBeau. Remy, this is Jean Grey, and this is Kitty Pryde," Ororo announced, gesturing to the two in turn.

Kitty offered an excited "Hi!" while Jean greeted him with a more refined "Nice to meet you."

"De pleasure's all mine," he smoothly said, taking both girls' proffered hands and placing a kiss on the backs of them. "Had no idea dat dere'd be such jolies filles (pretty girls) at dis school..."

They both blushed and grinned, although Jean managed to compose herself quicker than Kitty. Ororo simply rolled her eyes and pulled Remy along – Remy guessed that if she had spent time with his father then she was most likely used to the LeBeau flirting. "Come, there's still more to see. We may run into more of your teammates as well – the senior members have all graduated and work with the younger students, who are presently at school. You can meet them later."

"Sure, Stormy… Any mo' filles around?"

To Remy's disappointment, there didn't seem to be. Instead, he met Kurt and Scott in the lower levels – the young German boy seemed friendly enough, but the team leader looked like he needed to relax more. Well, he would simply have to serve as an easy target for Gambit to annoy – he would need one as a replacement for Julien. Summers had joined them for that portion of the tour, informing him of the various training regiments and explaining the significance of the X-men's technology. The thief had used his share of gadgetry in his line of work, but the team's resources were truly impressive.

He had to say the same for the team founder as well – he had met Charles Xavier himself, and despite him being confined to a wheelchair, Remy could sense an aura of power around the man. He was clearly a man that commanded tremendous respect, and yet he also carried a gentle, grandfatherly air.

The first thing Remy did was offer thanks for being accepted – he doubted it was every man that would invite a thief into his home. The Professor merely smiled and replied, "It was my pleasure, Remy. I don't turn my back on mutants that need help, and I'm sure staying here will be a positive experience for you."

The Cajun certainly hoped so… But then again, in his opinion, anything that wasn't being married to Belladonna had to be a positive experience.

On the way upstairs, they ran into the large Russian, Piotr. Remy had a feeling they would get along just fine – he seemed quiet, a good trait for him to have, especially since his room was right next to Remy's. That was their last stop, and Ororo left him there to settle in.

He thanked her, and then entered his new lodgings. He liked what he saw – ample space, an entertainment centre, a balcony that would provide easy access for sneaking out it the occasion arose… It did seem rather empty and blank though. It reminded him of a hotel – completely impersonal, a cookie-cutter model of a room. Remy nodded to himself and began to unpack, thinking his possessions might make the area a bit homier.

It wasn't a great success. He hadn't taken much with him – just clothes and the essential toiletries, thinking he could buy whatever else he needed here. His shirts folded in the dresser and pants hanging in the closet didn't add much character to the room at all. Perhaps he could get some posters, hell, maybe even a potted plant.

That could all wait though – the first thing he needed to do was scope out the mansion and get a feel for the place. It was probably slightly paranoid, but it was what any good little thief would do – and Gambit was certainly more than just a good thief.

- X -

The layout of the mansion was simple enough – he felt confident in saying that he already knew it like the back of his hand. Now Remy's wanderings were simply out of curiosity. As he walked past the library Storm had pointed out, he decided to go inside – they hadn't entered it earlier, and perhaps he could find a book with which to pass the time away.

Xavier had a wide-ranging collection. It certainly didn't emanate the luxury of the Guild's countless leather-bound historical volumes, but instead there appeared to be everything from scientific texts to romance novels – seemingly taking into account every possible taste the inhabitants could have.

Turning a corner, Remy started perusing the contents of a bookshelf when he froze, noticing somebody curled up on the window seat at the end of the aisle. He silently moved closer, and with each step, he liked what he saw more and more.

She was beautiful. That was the first and only word that his mind could come up with, and Remy LeBeau never could resist a beautiful girl. He could see her curves, encased in a purple shirt and a short leather skirt, her long legs wrapped in fishnets, her auburn hair with unique white bangs hiding her face from view… With the way the light shone in through the window and caused the white strands to almost glow, he could have sworn she was an angel, complete with halo. Dieu (God), but she made a sexy package. That's what she was, sexy…

Remy neared until he stood beside her. She didn't notice, too engrossed in her book – Poe, he observed. As was his nature, he decided to draw attention to himself, clearing his throat. He didn't intend to startle her, but he couldn't help but chuckle when her head abruptly shot up at the sound.

She glared at him, eyes flashing, and Remy got his first good look at her face – he found himself captivated by two emerald orbs and lush lips set onto pale white skin. The girl didn't even bat a lash at his demon eyes, and he had to smile. It looked like he had found something to occupy him during his stay at the Institute…

- X -

At the sound of a cough, Rogue jerked her head up with a start. She found herself looking up at a handsome boy in a trench coat, with messy auburn hair falling into gorgeous red-on-black eyes. Wait. Handsome? Gorgeous? That sounded much too out of character for her! Scowling at the fact that his presence made her think those things, and then because she noticed the smug look on his face, Rogue glared at the mysterious intruder.

"Who th' hell are yah?" she spat, angered at the interruption and curious as to who dared disturb her.

"Remy LeBeau, at yo' service," he declared, gallantly bowing. "An' y' are?"

"Readin'," she replied, turning her eyes back to the pages, not particularly caring if she wasn't being warm and welcoming to the newcomer. He had barged in on her first, so as far as Rogue saw it, she had the right to be a bit bristly. "Do yah mind?"

He seemed thrown off for a second by her apparent lack of interest, but quickly recovered. "Readin'? What an odd name f'r such a belle fille," he mused.

She rolled her eyes, annoyed already. "Th' name's Rogue, Cajun. Now scat!"

"Rogue," Remy repeated, swirling the word around his mouth and testing it as one would a fine wine. "Ahh, now dat seems t' suit y' more, mon chère (my dear)."

"Yo' chère? Wow, yah sure work fast, don'tcha?" she muttered, trying to go back to her novel, but finding she had lost her spot.

"Come on, why don' y' put down de book an' take me on a tour o' de mansion, henh?" he suggested, as if the offer was something so tempting that nobody would be able to resist.

Nobody except Rogue, that is, who wanted to laugh at his delusional belief that time spent with him was a privilege. "Ah'm busy, swamp rat!" she burst out, glowering at him once more. "Leave meh alone!"

"Swamp rat? Well, wit' a pet name like dat, chère, how can I resist y'?" he asked teasingly, sitting down next to her.

She couldn't believe his persistence! The Mississippian quickly scooted away from him, not enjoying the intrusion of her personal space – which extended further than most people's boundaries, and for good reason. He just pouted at the action, and tried to get closer yet again.

"Look, back off! Ah don't like people gettin' so close tah meh!" Rogue shouted, jumping to her feet and stepping back.

"Dat's a shame," Remy frowned. "Why ever not? 'M sure y' could have any homme (man) y' wanted, wit' beauty like yo's… An' believe me, dis Cajun's definitely offerin', chère."

"Yeah, whatevah. Ah'm sure th' fact that mah skin sucks th' life force outta people will rescind that," she grimaced, crossing her arms in front of her.

"Dat's yo' power?" he questioned with interest. Rogue noticed an odd glint in his eyes when she nodded, confirming it – it wasn't fear, like with most people. She didn't know quite what it was… Intrigue, maybe? "Nope, m' offer still stands," he continued, an insufferable smirk back on his face.

She couldn't help but snort derisively. "Why don'tcha go play with one o' th' other gals? Ah'm sure Jean an' Kitty would fall all over yah."

Remy mock-gasped, placing a hand to his chest as if scandalized. "Nevermore," he joked.

"Argh!" she grunted, throwing her hands up in the air in frustration before turning on her heel and stalking out of the library. Thankfully, the swamp rat had the good sense not to follow her.

The Southerner fumed as she stormed down the hallway, heading for the sanctuary of her bedroom. She was beyond aggravated – just when she had finally been able to get the others to give her some space, some arrogant jackass had to waltz in like he owned the place and harass her! Although it was nice to know that the others had missed her while she was gone and wanted to spend time with her, she did need her alone time – but Remy LeBeau had ruined that. Rogue prayed that his obviously limited intelligence would be enough to prevent him from ever doing it again.

- X -

2 weeks later…

Rogue didn't know why she had thought the Cajun would have enough sense to learn from their first encounter and leave her alone – maybe it had just been wishful thinking on her part. It was now obvious that she had no fairy godmother or magic lamp, because her wishes just wouldn't come true. Everywhere she went he seemed to instantly materialize, ready to flirt with her at a moment's notice, and it annoyed her to no end.

Was it due to the embarrassment? Partly, she supposed. But more of it was because she was well aware he just saw her as a challenge, as a girl he enjoyed riling up, and he should have deduced by now that she wasn't interested in playing his game, or in being a conquest. Yet, here they were, two weeks after his disastrous first impression, and he still wouldn't give it up!

It was especially ill timed that Remy had to make his grand appearance in February, of all months – for today was Valentine's Day, Rogue's least favourite day of the year. Normally there would be cause for a bout of depression after seeing other couples holding hands or kissing, and she would sensibly remind herself that it was just a corporate holiday concocted by greeting card companies to sell more goods in the lull between Christmas and Easter – which was true. But this year, with Remy LeBeau determined to woo her, February fourteenth was marked by a sense of dread rather than depression.

She had no doubt that Remy would attempt use the so-called "romance" permeating the air to his advantage, and she wasn't wrong. Returning to her room after a training session with Logan, Rogue found a bunch of roses and a box of chocolates sitting on her bed. She had to admit that the roses were beautiful, but the fact that they came from him deadened their appeal. Besides, bribing her with candy and flowers, the stereotypical Valentine's gifts? How unoriginal.

Turning around and exiting her room, she decided to head for Remy's – she simply couldn't give up the opportunity to mock him for his lack of creativity. As she neared his bedroom, however, she heard him speaking. Stopping in the doorway, Rogue could see him lying on his bed, his phone cradled between his ear and his shoulder. He was rubbing little circles over his temples, and she could plainly see that he wasn't enjoying his conversation.

"Oui, Belle, I miss y' too," he sighed – clearly out of annoyance rather than yearning. He paused, listening to the person – Belle, he called her? – continue to speak. "Oui, I wish I was back home… It's goin' slow, t' be honest. My control might take a while… I know, I know, but we been over dis… But just hearin' yo' sweet voice is motivatin' me, I want t' get back t' y' as soon as possible…"

Rogue had to keep herself from scoffing in disbelief – was the listener actually buying that garbage? Even she could tell his declarations of affection were about as honest as a used car salesman's pitches.

Walking away before he noticed her, Rogue shook her head in disgust. He was playing some sap back down South while trying to play her as well? He had some gall – she was willing to bet that within a second of hanging up the phone he would have been back to flirting with her. She couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor girl, whoever she was – although if she honestly believed him then she couldn't be too deserving of Rogue's sympathy.

Grabbing the box and bouquet from off her bed, the girl began to head in the opposite direction, looking for Jamie. On the way to the rec room (there was no doubt he would be there – his addiction to video games had to be unhealthy), Rogue plunked the roses down in one of the mansion's many vases. She thought that they might as well be enjoyed by all, since she would have just thrown them out. Then finding the Institute's youngest member, she sat down next to him.

"Hey, Jamie," she greeted him.

"Hi Rogue!" he piped up, but never took his eyes off the television screen.

"So, Ah've got somethin' fo' yah," the Goth informed him with a smile. "Remy bought theses chocolates, an'-"

"Chocolates?" the boy perked up. His sweet tooth appeared to override his need for computer-animated violence, and he paused the game to look at the box Rogue held in her hand.

"That's right," she nodded, handing them to him. "Yah want 'em?"

"But I'm not supposed to have a lot," he frowned. "Dr. McCoy says they make me too hyper."

"Aww, some special treats on Valentine's Day can't hurt. Just do meh one thing."

"What?" Jamie asked curiously, looking ravenously at the package.

"After yah eat 'em all, make sure yah spend th' whole day with Remy, 'kay? As a thank-ya fo' buyin' them. Ah bet he'll even play some video games with yah," Rogue suggested with a malicious look on her face, which Jamie didn't notice – he was far too busy ripping open the wrappers and stuffing candies in his mouth.

"Mm-hmm," he nodded, his mouth too full to form words as he ravished the bonbons.

"Great," she chuckled with a grin. Perhaps this Valentine's Day wouldn't be so bad after all, watching a frazzled Remy deal with multiple youngsters bouncing off the walls…

- X -

2 weeks after that…

Unluckily for Rogue and his girl back in New Orleans, accepting defeat was a phrase that did not appear to be in the Cajun's lexicon, because here he was, at the end of an unsuccessful month of attempts, still endeavouring to charm her. Persistence could be an admirable trait, but not in this case. He was impervious to her glares, and not even various projectiles directed at his thick head had any effect on him, so the Goth had taken to simply avoiding him altogether.

She had managed to elude him so far this evening while bidding her teammates and teachers goodnight, and then trudging up the stairs to her bedroom. As she was about to enter, she let out a relieved sigh, glad she would finally have some freedom from her unrelenting, self-appointed shadow – but then an accented voice called to her from down the hall.

"Chère, dere y' are! Not goin' t' bed wit'out wishin' me une bonne nuit (a good night), are y'? Or offerin' t' let me join y'?" Remy leered as he came closer.

Rogue let out a mental groan, reluctantly turning to face him. "Goodnight, swamp rat," she forced herself to tell him, plastering on an artificially cheerful grin. Perhaps trying a new approach and being cordial to him would lessen her appeal as a challenge, but she doubted even she could keep up a façade of politeness for long when facing him.

Remy blinked, and she took satisfaction in the fact that she had perplexed him. "Well, y're in a good mood t'night… Usually y' don't smile, even a fake one, 'less y're 'bout t' hit me wit' somet'in'."

The girl shrugged, opening the door and stepping into the refuge of her room. "What can Ah say? Ah'm just glad tah get away from yah fo' a while."

With that, she slammed the door on the confused boy, for once looking forward to her rest if it meant finally having some peace and quiet without the Cajun around.

- X -

March 2005

Remy woke up early on Saturday. Tossing and turning and trying in vain to fall back asleep, the Cajun eventually gave up and very reluctantly emerged from the warm cocoon of his bed. He decided he might as well head down to the kitchen and satiate the rumbling in his stomach.

Tugging a pair of sweatpants on over his boxers and tying the drawstring around his waist, he opted to forgo a shirt, since he was much too lazy to pull one out. Remy then stumbled down the stairs, his brain still foggy from its waking haze. Most members of his profession were night owls, and he was no exception – the wee morning hours threw off even the most graceful of thieves.

Entering an empty kitchen, his stomach growled once more and prompted him to head for the refrigerator. Remy quickly gathered up the ingredients needed for his patented Cajun omelette, and within minutes the mouth-watering smell of eggs and spices filled the air.

Apparently somebody else thought the scent was appetizing as well – as he walked over to the cabinets to grab a plate, he heard a husky "Mmm," come from the doorway, and turned to see who had walked in.

When he saw it was Rogue, Remy couldn't help but grin – and not simply for the fact that he relished each opportunity to exasperate her. For once she wasn't wearing as many dark garments, or as much makeup – and although she was certainly still beautiful when she did, she looked absolutely stunning now. The faded denim of her jeans hugged her shapely hips, she wore a forest green shirt that would accentuate her eyes, and a small smile actually played around her lips, making him wonder whether she knew there was somebody around to see her like that.

He didn't think she had noticed him yet – she just casually meandered into the room, eyeing the frying eggs curiously. Grabbing a fork from the counter with a gloved hand, she stole a small piece and tasted it, savouring it as if she had been deprived food for weeks – only to gasp at the spiciness. Remy wondered why – when he had made hot Cajun dishes on his nights to cook, she had eaten them without a problem… Now if only she would sample the other hot Cajun dishes he was prepared to offer her, he thought with a smirk, before sneaking up behind her.

"Too hot f'r y', chère?" he asked with a grin, watching her shriek and twirl around.

When she faced him her jaw dropped, and the girl took a few steps back. Remy had to fight a slightly hurt frown at the fear on her face – Rogue hadn't been afraid when she had first seen his unusual eyes (which was rare), so why did she seem so nervous now?

Trying to play it off, Remy smirked. "Y' like what y' see?"

She recovered quickly, glancing at his half-naked body with a playful look. He expected a scathing retort, but to his surprise she seductively responded, "I sure do…"

What was wrong with her? That was simply too out of character for the sullen Southerner. Was she doing this purposely, to throw him off? If so, she was definitely succeeding. With the way she was ogling him, it almost seemed like she was seeing him for the very first time. Although maybe that was a good thing – was she finally giving in to his advances? Had he finally succeeded in his goal of breaking down the barriers around the Goth girl? Had he accomplished his challenge of winning the Rogue over, thereby solidifying his self-appointed title as the King of Hearts?

Remy peered into Rogue's eyes to see if a teasing glint was present, only to find those deep green jewels gone – in their place were blue orbs of less dazzling vibrancy. His brow furrowed, and the baffled man was just about to ask what was going on when she spoke.

"Oh, sorry, I don't know what I'm thinking! I should probably introduce myself," she grinned brightly, an expression he had never caused to grace Rogue's face before. "I'm Carol, Carol Danvers. And you are?"

Ooooh, Carol. I'm sure nobody saw that coming… But what's she doing? Why is she in control of Rogue's body? What the heck-a-roony is going on-diddly-on? Sorry, I had a Flanders moment there…

Next chapter – answers to those very questions! Fancy that. Plus, Remy is intrigued by this little twist in his game…

It might be a while before my next update – I'm swamped this month, with 3 papers to write and finals coming up. All I can promise is that I'll update eventually! Reviews might help though… And if you're really itching for something more to read from me, you'll be glad to know that melancholic and I finally updated our joint fic, "Chase"! We'd love if you'd go check it out. ;-)

Toodles,

– ish –