He wasn't going to spy on them. Robbie decided that much easily, he wouldn't spy because clearly he didn't care. That would be ridiculous.

For someone who definitely, absolutely, one hundred precent, did not care – Robbie spent an awful lot of time thinking about the subject.

It must have only been two hours since Sportaloser took his Ella out to that nightmare of a school when Robbie developed his first noticeable tick. Sitting at his work station, looking far more put together than someone known for being as dramatic and sleep deprived as Robbie was should ever appear, he'd been doing just fine pretending to focus on his tinkering.

Honestly he was rather pleased to have been able to tick start that little hobby of his again. He wasn't out of practice thanks to all of his anti-sportacus devices and oddities, but he did find his hands tended to move a little too wide and quickly – unrefined in a word. These hands were more accustomed to big grand gestures and very haphazard designs; calling for delicacy again after all these months was no easy task. But he was getting there.

However, while the distraction was all consuming for those first two hours, by the third Robbie's foot had started to tap. Unnoticeable at first but when he began to wonder why his word area was suddenly jostling at regular intervals and found the culprits to be his own two feet – Robbie couldn't seem to stop noticing them.

Irritated but determined not to give an inch of ground to his traitorous mind, Robbie tried to fixate on his work. This became increasingly difficult as his foot kept on tapping, in short bursts of four at a time. Before long he wasn't actually seeing what he was doing as all of his concentration went to trying not to pay attention to his feet.

This went on for a further hour before the second tick developed.

Robbie only noticed he was periodically checking the clock after he'd done it the sixth time or so. This wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't been checking it almost every ten minutes on the dot, effectively dragging out the day. Realistically Robbie knew it was impossible for him to actually make the day longer just by watching the seconds trickle by, but it sure as hell felt that way.

Growling under his breath Robbie set his tools down, not having managed to get a single thing done since he first took notice of that damn tapping of his. Pushing himself up Robbie decided a new distraction method was in order.

It did not take long to exhaust them all. He tried food and when that alone did not work he attempted to combine it was some television but everything felt exceedingly tedious at best and aggravating at worst. Not to mention they all seemed to have something to do with school. Robbie had never doubted the universe disliked him but this was bordering on cruel and unusual punishment.

"This is stupid." Robbie remarked bitterly to the empty lair. Suddenly much emptier now he knew what it was like to have someone else frequenting it. "I don't care in the slightest! You can't prove anything." He insisted and was met with that usual heavy silence that just felt jeering.

That silence persisted for about one whole minute before Robbie gave an inch and muttered, "Maybe just a quick look."

Just like that he was up. The sudden jerk of motion was perhaps the most animated Robbie would be all day unless he decided to try his hand at running Sportacus out of town today. Unlikely considering how fixated he was on that thing he absolutely, one hundred percent, did not care about.

Calling down the periscope Robbie immediately tried to locate the children at the schoolhouse. It was fortunate that today the periscope was cooperative and did not attempt to land on his head as it dropped down.

When he finally found them Robbie was relieved to see they were all inside. Sitting down and quietly writing something that would no doubt bore him to tears. But this was good. Sitting inside and writing was safe. How much trouble could the kids get to in there?

"I mean!" Robbie jerked upright, realising that his train of thought was in no way demonstrating how little he cared. "They can't make any noise doing that! Yeah, that's what I meant…yeah."

Despite this he still stole one more glance. Sportacus was there too.

This was surprising to Robbie although it really shouldn't have been. Remembering their little bargain it made sense that Sportacus would stick close until the day was brought to a close. Still it stirred something foreign in Robbie's chest seeing Sportacus minding the kids in such a subdued manner. Hell it left Robbie a little unbalanced realising Sportacus was looking after his kid.

It was not…an unpleasant feeling exactly. Robbie tried to shoo it away all the same.

To the flippity fool's credit, he was able to keep up his painful need to exercise while also avoiding being disruptive. A few push ups and what looked like an exercise designed to play unholy strain on his legs as he sat up against the wall, legs bent with nothing to support him. Robbie's muscles burned in sympathy, or revulsion – Robbie couldn't be sure which.

Now satisfied that everything was fine, Robbie let go of a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding and tried to return to his own day. A nap would help he was sure. A nap would eat away the hours until this day was over and he wouldn't have to spend so much energy trying not to think about it.

A nap it was.

Settling down into his orange chair, making a point not to look at the clock or the periscope anymore. Instead he thought about how nice it would be if his eyes stopped aching from lack of rest and how little he had to worry knowing that blue elf was around to keep things from spiralling out of control. Those two thoughts were a great comfort to Robbie and without them he wouldn't have even had the slightest chance of sleeping.

Fortunately this did manage to successfully complete half of Robbie's desires. It did manage to pass a few hours, although he spent the entire nap uncomfortable. Tossing and waking on occasions only to blearily take note of how much time had passed since his eyes had last peeled open.

During the fleeting minutes he was well and truly asleep, Robbie had the misfortune of dreaming. None of these dreams ended up being coherent and when Robbie jerked awake with a start the memories of whatever had scared him out of sleep slipped away instantly. He was left with the unsettling feeling of being scared but not quite being able to remember what exactly had scared him in the first place.

Robbie did not try hard to remember. At best he'd discover the usual sorts of nightmares people talked about, falling or seeing faces in the dark. At worst he'd recall dreams of running, of being chased. He'd rather not remember that, would rather not start evading sleep just to dodge those dreams.

He did not try.

This uncomfortable almost-sleeping pattern continued for a few hours and Robbie was at his wits end with awaking terrified only to fall back into a light, not nearly satisfying, slumber only to repeat the process all over again. Finally, as he wrenched his eyes back open, feeling nauseous and more fatigued than when he had started, Robbie resolved to not close his eyes again.

Shrugging off the weight of an uncooperative sleep was challenging and Robbie spent a few minutes just letting his world spin back into focus as he sat up. Once the floor stopped tiling up at odd angles Robbie was free to direct attention to trying to drag everything back into focus. This took a bit longer and even once Robbie decided he could see well enough not to bump into things his vision was still blurring around the edges. Phantoms of dreams he didn't remember lingering at the corners of his eyes, occasionally making him take a second glance only to find empty space where he'd briefly anticipated seeing something red standing.

Clumsy was the word for the process of pulling himself out of a poorly thought out sleep. He knew that the sickness he felt and the ashen taste in his mouth were all just symptoms of a nap gone wrong and not actual illness.

It would clear up with little difficulty given enough time and something to waste away the taste – but for the time being he felt wretched. Which did nothing to help calm him when he did finally manage to shuffle his way back over to the observation deck and found that things were not at all how he had left them.

What was his niece doing outside with a soccer ball under her foot?

That's it. Robbie thought to himself, both too horrified and furious to allow rational thought the time of day. Today is the day I am going to kill that Sportaflipping idiot.

…
…

Ella was singing when she came home.

This time she walked on her own two feet, skipping and kicking at the ground on occasion as she repeated the same little wordless tune a number of times. With one hand dragging her school bag, which she didn't seem to be aware she was even doing, and the other neatly clasped in Sportacus's hand, Ella returned home in much higher spirits than she'd left in.

Sportacus couldn't be more relieved. Actually, he couldn't have been prouder of the kids. Pride was a rather natural feeling when the kids were involved.

Admittedly the day hadn't gone perfectly and Sportacus was now painfully aware that he had a glaring blind spot when it came to safely and calmly handling fights between the kids – but at the end of the day it all seemed to have worked out. Walking Ella back home rather than carrying her seemed to be a sort of sign he'd succeeded in some small way at least.

They were still growing and Sportacus had to remind himself sometimes that they were still prone to the same problems as all kids. Just because they were enthusiastic and well behaved most days did not mean they couldn't fall victim to greed or jealousy. They were certainly not immune to insecurity either.

That's just how human children were. How most children were. But they could also be kind and curious, and show a whole range of qualities that seemed lost in adults at times. Most of all children could be incredibly accepting. They saw the world in a way human adults just couldn't and this was – among other reasons – why Sportacus loved them so much.

So he was not surprised that by the end of the day the kids were getting along. Not without problems here and there but they were still warming to one another.

Soccer had seemed like a good idea, after they'd all finished up with some history lessons. Most of which Sportacus tuned out while working off some anxious energy by doing push ups. He was only allowed to stay if his obsessive exercising was kept quiet, so as not to distract the children.

He made it work.

Ella, of course, hadn't known how to play. Which Sportacus had definitely known going in but he let the surprise sink in for the other kids and just as he'd hoped they all jumped at the chance to teach her. Even Trixie who still didn't seem to like Ella being there, had been keen to show off just how good she was at the game by teaching Ella. Sportacus knew he'd have to talk to her about that habit of pushing her own limits just to show off one day, but for today it was harmless enough and Ella did genuinely seem impressed by just how far Trixie could kick a ball.

Far enough that Sportacus had to get himself up onto the roof to get it.

Encouraging Ella to actually play was pretty hard. At first, Sportacus had worried because she seemed to be panicking again, and he had learnt that when Ella panicked she fell back onto what he could only assume was a mimicry act of her father. Parroting words and attitudes he taught her. Needless to say these approaches were not welcome on the school playground, so Sportacus tried to keep her comfortable and confident.

Once the initial anxiety faded, Ella was left just a touch nervous. Looking at the worn soccer ball like it was going to bite her. Sportacus didn't have to step in this time at all however, Ziggy had been there, more than ready to offer support and encouragement. The eventual kick Ella gave the ball was far from skilful. She seemed to just throw all her weight behind it and thankfully managed to send it flying a good distance. They'd teach her about technique and aim later, it was enough that day just to see how her face lit up in unbridled excitement knowing she could kick it.

After that things went smoothly.

Rules were introduced and with Sportacus as their referee the game began. Ella had a surprising competitive streak once they started. She wasn't a big fan of the actual physical activity and Sportacus was sure she was going to quit a few times, but then Trixie would steal the ball away and suddenly Ella was right back at it. Losing did not seem to sit well with her.

Neither did a draw, which was what was eventually called.

Ella was frustrated and after a small huff to Ziggy, she managed to gather the courage to ask if they could play again. The look of surprise on her face when the other kids agreed was a little heart wrenching. Knowing she expected to be turned down. But the games continued and before long everything felt like it was as it should be.

"How is your knee?" Sportacus asked Ella gently as they walked up the path towards Robbie's not so secret lair entrance. "You sure you don't need another piggyback ride?"

The small tumble she'd taken on the playground had left Ella with a dirt smudge on her cheek and a scraped knee. Nothing to cry over according to the girl herself, although at the time she'd been a little upset by it. More embarrassed that she'd fallen than actually hurt. Sportacus wanted to make sure it was not still hurting her ego.

The positively beaming grin Ella tossed back up to him was assurance enough.

A few scrapes while playing games with friends were good for the kids, although Sportacus knew he might be a little overprotective at times. He had to let them make their mistakes and play a little rough from time to time or they'd end up reliant of him. If that happened they might get reckless, expecting that he'd always be there.

He'd like that to be true but…

"I'm fine." Ella chirped, breaking away from her song for a moment to answer him. To prove her point she did a little jump, hopping across imagined lines and cracks in the road. Sportacus let her go on ahead, smiling idly to himself as she skipped and danced. She was in a good mood and so the day could be marked a success.

What a relief.

Then as she was dancing Ella began to sing again. She'd fit in with the other kids and their songs, although it was obvious that dancing was her strong suit. It wasn't a bad signing voice but occasionally the notes rang too high or broke apart when Ella wasn't paying close attention to them.

It wasn't until Ella actually began to use words instead of humming the song that recognition hit Sportacus. He knew that song.

The sudden clarity of that nearly stopped Sportacus in place. Ella was far enough ahead of him now that she didn't notice her escort suddenly freezing midmotion and continued on her merry way, more words joining the song. Sportacus couldn't immediately place the feeling that settled over him when he recognised the song fully.

There was iciness to the emotion that made him think it was dread for just a moment but it left him feeling a little silly. The song itself was harmless and not all that creative. A simple list of numbers and a purpose, not unlike another nursery rhythm he'd once heard the children singing. Really there should be no reason this surprised him, it was not at all unlike the other songs children could learn.

So why was it so jarring to hear?

Then the final verse and line came again, only just audible given their distance and that same iciness coiled around Sportacus.

"and ten, for when you're ready to start again." Ella hummed merrily, a little spin and giggle following the line. Only to see Sportacus had fallen behind. Confused Ella stopped her song and waved to Sportacus. "Are you coming, Mr. hero?" She called back the good mood still obvious in her cheerful tone.

"Ah, coming!" Shaking his head to try and put it back in its right mind, Sportacus ran to catch up with Ella. The girl had gotten surprising distance between them, already pulling herself up the ladder to Robbie's hideout.

Unlike Sportacus, Ella did not seem terribly fussed about requesting entry. It may have just been a child's lack of forethought on the matter of house etiquette or it might have been that Ella felt at home here. Enough that knocking was no longer required. Instead she simply tried to pry the hatch open, struggling with its weight until Sportacus came to her aid.

Once it was open Ella was already scrambling down, giving Sportacus little time to even make sure the hatch was well and properly up. He chalked up her energy to excitement, no doubt having all sorts of things she wanted to tell her uncle about school.

Likely with a little bit of bragging that it wasn't as bad as he said included in that mix.

That was fine. Robbie didn't think school was really as bad as he had made it out to be. Probably. Maybe. The jury might still be out on that one actually…

With a small amused huff and roll of his eyes Sportacus set out after Ella. He was certain it would be okay to do so even though they had not strictly requested access to Robbie's lair. He'd thought it was perfectly acceptable to be returning with Ella in his care, except the moment Sportacus entered the shoot he was hit with a wave of energy that was rather unpleasant.

It prickled at his skin and his crystal began to glow just a bit. Dim enough that Sportacus wasn't concerned it was about to alert him to any real danger to the citizens, but noticeable enough that it might just be warning him to be careful. That was…unusual.

Now a little tentative about this, Sportacus continued down the rungs of the ladder until he set foot in Robbie's lair. The moment he did so the feeling escalated, becoming an all-out assault on his senses. Momentarily thrown and at a loss for words Sportacus tried to make sense of what he was feeling while simultaneously attempting to fight the goose bumps breaking out along his arms.

Apparently Ella didn't feel any of this shift however and gleefully rushed into the central work area of the lair, calling her uncles name happily. "Robbie! Robbie!" She jumped a few times, demanding the attention of her uncle who Sportacus had not immediately noticed. Which again was odd because Robbie was just standing there. Arms crossed, back ridged with his eyes narrowed on Sportacus.

Now he'd been glared at plenty by Robbie specifically. But this glare felt just a shade shy of being murderous.

Never before had he felt as though a child was the one protecting him, but Ella was still there demanding Robbie's attention and the moment his eyes broke away from Sportacus he felt a wave of relief roll over him.

In an instant Robbie's demeanor changed. He went from staring near literal daggers at Sportacus to crouching down in front of his niece, hands quickly brushing over her shoulders and arms. It took a second but eventually Sportacus realised that Robbie was looking for injuries. Ella seemed more frustrated than confused at first, annoyed that her uncle wasn't recuperating her excitement but then Robbie let out a heavy sigh that sounded relieved and Ella's irritation just drained right out of her.

This would not be the first time her uncle or father had done this, checking to see if she was hurt. Ella was trying not to be impatient, trying to understand that they were only concerned – but there was nothing wrong with her! She wanted to tell Robbie all about school, tell him all about this wonderful new game they played and he was busy fretting over imagined injuries.

Finally Robbie met his niece's gaze and managed a sort of queasy smile, still reeling from his earlier panic. "Well?" He asked, giving her the enquiry she needed. "How was the day in hell?"

Again Ella's face lit up and she began to excitedly talk about the other kids. Sportacus kept a good distance, still able to feel the source of the unfriendly vibe from Robbie despite his being distracted.

As she spoke he noted that Ella got almost all the kid's names wrong with the exception of Stephanie and Ziggy and he was sure she did it on purpose. Just as well because it must have pleased Robbie judging by the amused smile on his face.

An expression that became far less jovial when Ella mentioned that she and the kids hadn't hit it off well. A topic that thankfully she was extremely vague about.

Ella had just moved onto how she thought Trixie had a slingshot that was far too cool for her when Robbie's eyes narrowed in on her leg and he let out a squawk that made Sportacus flinch.

Oh. Right…the knee.

"What is this?" Robbie nearly shrieked at Sportacus, upright in and instant and pointing at the nervously smiling elf.

He looked like there was nothing that he would have liked more than to advance on the elf and do…something. Honestly it was unlikely either of them knew what Robbie would actually do if he had approached Sportacus. For the hero's part he liked to think that Robbie wouldn't resort to physical violence, but the look in his furious eyes said that chance was slim.

Raising his hands in a fashion he dearly hoped was pacifying; Sportacus took a few steps forward. "Robbie, I-" Then he immediately backpedaled when that earlier feeling that had caused pins and needles became so heavy that it was nearly forcing the air out of his lungs. So Robbie was actually angry enough to influence the magic within his lair to turn against Sportacus. Okay, that was…exceptionally mad. Angrier than Sportacus had ever imagined Robbie being.

"You promised!" Robbie snapped and despite how livid the man actually was, he still somehow managed to sound somewhat childish with those words. "You promised me Sportacus."

"Robbie." Sportacus tried again, not attempting to step forward a second time. "It's just a scratch."

"And we had a deal."

The words came out so cold and flat that for a second Sportacus wasn't standing in Robbie's lair anymore. He didn't even think he was looking at Robbie anymore. Instead he was stranded, somewhere he didn't quite recognize with someone he might not have known as well as he thought he had. For a moment Sportacus was afraid.

Because he knew the repercussions. He knew the dangers of a deal broken and he'd taken it all the same. But he had been so sure that it was all fine,

Ella had been returned safely and while the day had not gone without a hitch – she was still safe wasn't she?

'The fine print.' Sportacus vaguely remembered his grandfather telling him as a child. Afi had been so talkative when it came to magic, even more so when it came to the magic of little and hidden folk. It was something of his specialty; fairies in particular had always sparked his interest. If Sportacus had to guess on where Robbie's magic spawned from he'd have guessed it was one of those. "It's all in the fine print," his Afi had said, "careful they don't tangle you up in it."

It was the games of little winged folk and forest dwelling seelie to trick and capture those foolish enough to make a deal without thinking it through. It was not impossible to best them at their own game, but of course, it was still their game. But Robbie hadn't been playing it, surely not. The deal wasn't made in some underhanded attempt to trick Sportacus into anything – it was made because he needed the insurance that Ella would be okay.

It…well Sportacus thought that's what it was. He knew Robbie to be tricky by nature but he never believed him capable of any real harm.

Looking at his situation currently, he began to doubt that belief.

Feeling as though he was now in very real danger, Sportacus took another step back, now painfully aware of where he was. This was a territory. The territory of a currently very upset magic user that had a deal to bind him with. He was not his brother, to be in such a predicament was not a common occurrence for Sportacus. Magic wasn't even a strong suit of his – yet here he was, drowning in it.

"Robbie, please." Sportacus stressed the man's name, pleading with him to just calm down. "It's just a scratch. I promise it's okay."

"Look what good your promises are!" Robbie sneered, causing Sportacus to wilt a little bit under his gaze. "I should have expected as much! You heroes are all about pretty words, but when it comes down to it you're all just—Ow!" Robbie jumped sharply, the sudden movement breaking the tension in the air and freeing Sportacus from the constricting energy that Robbie's glare forced down on him.

Rubbing his arm and looking rightfully shocked Robbie glanced down at Ella, her hand still poised in a grabbing motion towards him. "Did you just pinch me?" Robbie asked, both appalled and shocked by the sheer childishness of it.

Ella, wholly unrepentant, gave her uncle another little warning pinch and once again he yelped. This time putting some distance between himself and his terror of a niece. He ended up coming to a stop, sitting against his horrendous orange recliner. "Stop that!" He demanded shrilly, rubbing his sore arm with a little more dramatics than the situation actually called for. "What's wrong with you?"

"You're being silly." Ella chided right back, sounding just as aggravated with her uncle as he was with her.

"Silly?" Robbie gasped, aghast by the accusation. "I am not!"

"Are too!" Ella shot back and Sportacus had horrible mental images of this escalating into a genuine back and forth of those two arguments in an endless loop. Mercifully Ella wasn't done. "I'm fine, see?" To prove her point Ella gestured to her knee where a number of bandaids had been slapped on. All of those had come from Robbie's over packing. "You gave me bandaids and I used them. All safe and sound."

There it was.

Of course. Sportacus could have kicked himself it was so obvious. The deal had a requirement that apparently neither of them had factored in. Ella felt that everything was okay, that she was – in Sportacus's own words that morning – safe and sound. So the deal still stood to fulfil all the requirements. That was a massive relief, but it also meant that all of this was purely from Robbie's own anger.

Which in turn meant that Robbie might have been a bit stronger than Sprotacus had expected.

Begrudgingly Robbie looked over Ella again. Not yet willing to believe it was really alright but his niece was resolute, continuing to stare at him just waiting for him to break. And eventually he did just that.

All the tension fled from Robbie's body and he slumped forward with a grumpy sigh. Then, without lifting his head and still clearly sulking, Robbie dragged up his arm and made an inelegant gesture for his niece to come over. Ella on the other hand began to grin and was more than happy to join her uncle, shuffling down onto the floor next to him. She wasn't at all put off when he rested his hand atop her head, although she did voice some complaint when he ruffled her hair.

He mumbled something under his breath and Ella laughed, catching her uncle's hand in her own and giving a little squeeze. "You and papa are so silly." She said again and Sportacus could just hear Robbie muttering a disheartened, 'am not' but beyond that he didn't say anything else.

What was difficult now was the escape.

Sportacus knew he should go. He could still feel the air around him shifting unpleasantly, not at all pleased with the elf's presence. It had seemed to stomach him before this, but with Robbie's ire there came a new lack of tolerance for Sportacus. But he risked drawing Robbie's attention again if he did and…honestly he had a few new questions of his own.

The first being, do you know a song of numbers?

Because his niece sure did and Sportacus did not know to even begin approaching that topic.

But right now he knew he'd be pushing his luck if he stayed, let alone if he started needling Robbie's mind for information. Robbie seemed adamant that there was nothing unusual about Ella's behaviour or the strings of magic tied around her and the town. But Sportacus was beginning to become more and more unconvinced of that.

Sportacus tried to sneak away, not something he had much experience with. He'd just grabbed the first rung of the ladder when Ella's voice caused him to hesitate "Tomorrow I'm going to win at soccer too." Ella mused not realising that was going to set Robbie off. Sportacus could have guessed his reaction but still winced when Robbie made a choked sound of dismay.

"Tomorrow?" He whispered, horrified. "There's a tomorrow? There's more of this? Haven't you graduated already, one day is enough isn't it?"

Despite himself Sportacus turned to look back at the pair and noticed that Robbie's gaze was now completely void of anger. Replaced with absolute misery. Looking at Sportacus as if to beg him to somehow change the school system with just a word. Smiling apologetically Sportacus shrugged helplessly. In response Robbie sank back against the lounge with a loud whine of complaint, prompting more giggles out of Ella.

"Fine. Fine!" He groused with an angry huff. "Go and have fun in your stupid, unexciting school. I don't care at all. Why would I care if you spend your time in that boring place?" Once Robbie got going they both just sat back and let him go through the motions. Even Sportacus was willing to wait the hissy fit out, despite his every nerve wanting to get right out of that lair.

Once he realised they were indulging him Robbie began to simmer down with a scowl for both of them. Then finally he looked at Sportacus and muttered the words as though they were too painful to say any louder or clearer. "I don't suppose that deal of ours could be extended?" Part of Sportacus glowed, happiness blossoming in his chest as he thought that this meant that not only was he forgiven but Robbie actually trusted him enough to ask for that.

Another part of Sportacus wanted nothing more than to run in the opposite direction. Not daring to risk provoking Robbie again.

The two different feelings clashed and wared for the upperhand until finally Sportacus came to a compromise. "That's fine." He allowed with a smile. Robbie looked understandably surprised, peering at Sportacus like he'd lost his mind even though he'd been the one to ask. Robbie was a little less surprised when Sportacus added a hasty amendment to the deal. "Just a promise between friends."

Understanding dawned on Robbie's face and he nodded, not bothering to clarify in words the change to their deal. No magic this time, no contract or binding deals. But of course he was still compelled to say.

"No one said we were friends, Sportaflop."

Sportacus paused for a second, hands still on the ladder as he considered how to respond to that. Because…they were friends weren't they? Sportacus certainly thought they were and Robbie's behaviour had never really bothered him in the past. But he'd been given quite a shock tonight and now Robbie's declaration left Sportacus a little uncertain as to where they stood.

But finally he shrugged that doubt off and made to leave the lair finally, calling back a simple. "No one needed to."

…
…

For the second time a letter had arrived in Busy City. This time it was not at all unexpected.