Just an Ordinary Girl

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Disclaimer: I take no credit for anything owned by the Nickelodeon people in "Avatar: The Last Airbender", I'm also making no money from writing this seeing as how I'm rather poor.

Note(s): Onto Sunday! Ahhh and the fic isn't even over yet! Much more to get done! Lots more drama! (As well as lots of hot Zutara action!) Let the good times roll! Enjoy!

Aw crap…Now the Alerts feel like working…My inbox is going to freak out most likely. (At least it's no longer broken. That was lame.)

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Just an Ordinary Girl

Chapter Fourteen: Ordinary Girls Are Worth Waiting For

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Katara awoke fairly early that Sunday morning. She could hardly believe it would her last day at the estate. It felt weird that she had grown so used to this lifestyle fairly quickly, and she hated to admit how much it would be missed. When she returned home it'd be going back to cereal for breakfast and vacuuming the house once a week. Back to her ordinary life. Noting how messed up she looked she stripped from her garments and turned on the shower. Soon the bathroom filled up with steam and she stepped in. It was a modern shower; she could take water spout down and actually aim where she wanted it to go. Once she got used to the water she squirted some shampoo into her hand and rubbed it into her hair. Within moments she began to relax as the smell of strawberry crème filled the air.

This would be her last day, so she knew she should make the best of it. She had no idea what happened to Aang and Zuko after she left but she hoped they were alright. As she washed her hair she thought about what she should do. There was no way she was going to get around seeing Zuko. It wasn't like she didn't want to see him; she just felt it might be awkward. The Prince was a man of mysteries and secrets. She had no idea of his opinion of her, how he felt, or anything. All she knew was that he found her tolerable after a while, he too had lost his mother, and he had an affair with one of her best friends. Katara still couldn't figure out for the life of her how that came about. It wasn't in her nature to form any time of physical relationship without there being love behind it. However, she knew it wasn't her place to chastise them because everyone had their own opinion of things and different ways of life. As long as she knew they were happy with their pseudo-friendship then she was perfectly okay with it.

Part of her admitted to being slightly jealous of the two. How could they have such a relationship without there being any emotional attachment? Were all guys like that, or just those with lives like them? It fascinated her how the two of them could be in a total lip-lock and yet say they felt nothing about it. To her, every kiss, every touch meant something. Her kiss with Zuko…She could feel something good, something welcoming. However, he kiss with Aang made her realize he wasn't the one for her. It didn't feel right. Maybe it was just because she was a romantic or a silly girl, she really didn't know. What she did know was that she felt she should give Zuko a chance…that is, if he decided he wanted her. This would be the day when that decision was made. She could only hope it would end well.

She then moved on and begun washing herself with the tallow soap as her mind shifted to thoughts of what to do that day. Since Friday, she and Zuko hadn't hung out together all that much. Perhaps this could be her chance to try to bond with him a bit more until it was time for him to make his decision. It wasn't too late for her to leave a good impression. She felt a little silly for worrying about such things, after all she was sixteen-years-old and here she was acting like a ten-year-old with a crush on a boy band. Thinking about Zuko telling her nice things and sweeping her off her feet filled her with butterflies and warm fuzzies. There was something about him that intrigued her…Maybe it was because she realized that deep down he was a person too? He also had a way of looking at her that made her wonder if he was looking through her instead, as if he saw something beyond what was right in front of him. She wondered if he had a romantic side too. Could this…be love? She really wasn't all that sure. It could've been more like a crush. Sighing, she rinsed off the rest of her body and stepped out of the shower, wrapping herself in a big towel. She might as well get ready for the day considering it would be her last.

Zuko didn't awaken until a little later in the morning. Light filtered into his room and caught him in the eye. Slowly he opened his eyes, grumbling at having to wake up after not getting much sleep. Sighing, he rubbed his eyes and rolled over onto one side, remembering who he had been sharing a bed with. Sure enough the space next to him was empty. He touched the spot with his hand and found it was still a little bit warm. That meant Aang had not left all that long ago. He smirked when he thought about how sweet the boy looked when he slept but then his expression changed to a troubled frown when he remembered why he had spent the night in the first place. The boy was still in a great deal of pain…The kind of heartbreak that could take a lifetime to heal. He had been rejected by the girl he loved most with all his heart. And he, Zuko, was the other man…The man the girl wanted instead. It felt like the ultimate betrayal. Even though they weren't the greatest of friends, he still felt incredibly guilty for it. He raised a brow when he found a note lying on the pillow Aang had used.

Zuko,

Thanks for everything. I know it's not entirely your fault. Even though you could've kept going after her, you stopped for me. I don't know if that means anything or not but it felt good just to have you there for me, you know? I love Katara and always will not matter what happens. Don't let me stop you from going after what you desire. I'll get over it in time.

By the way, you might want to watch where you put your hands when you sleep.

-Aang

He couldn't help but chuckle softly at the letter. There was something about it that made him realize it must've been fairly difficult to write. Aang was well aware of how he was starting to feel for Katara. Yet even though he was deeply in love with her, he was still willing to let Zuko have his chance. It takes a lot of trust for that to work. He could only hope it wouldn't crush what little friendship they had. There was something about Katara…The way she acted, how she was so airy and trusting…She was a mystery he wanted to solve. Even though he had been rather cruel to her in the beginning she still had faith in him. There weren't many people like that in the world. Even though he had only given her a chance out of a bet he realized that maybe there could be something more for him in her. After all the pain he suffered this week, she had been like a silver lining on his dark cloud. She was also very much different from June

Thinking about June he remembered that he had danced with her the night before. Knowing June she'd use that to spread a bad rumor about him because he had resisted her charms. She'd probably make up a big story about how he had been fawning all over her, begging to get back in her life, yet she remained strong and told him off and that's why he had run away. Just thinking about that made him roll his eyes. She was such a drama queen…This was why he stopped dating. Too much trouble. Especially since before he had only been around the rich and famous, a bunch of preppie snobbish girls who were too full of themselves to care about anyone else. However, Katara was different. She was humble and came from an average life. She's had real hardships and knows how to fend for herself…It intrigued him…She intrigued him…

He got up and changed his clothes, tossing off what he had slept in and slipped on normal everyday attire. This week he had worn a lot of suits and it started to bother him. Instead he put on a pair of black denim jeans, a dark red button-down shirt, and black boots. It never felt so good to dress casual! When he was done combing his hair and checking himself out in the mirror he made his way down to the kitchen for breakfast. To his rather pleasant surprise, Katara was already seated at the table reading a magazine and drinking a glass of milk. He smiled as he took the seat across from her.

"Good morning," Katara greeted him with a smile when he sat down.

"Hey," Zuko smirked and then thanks the housekeeper when she set a cup of coffee down in front of him. "Sleep well?"

"Yeah," though she was still smiling her eyes had a hint of sadness. "I was fine. You?"

"Could've been better," he shrugged and too a sip of his coffee. "Rather stressful night."

Sighing, Katara looked away for a moment before speaking up again. "Sorry…about last night…."

"I don't know what happened," Zuko gave her a serious look. "So you shouldn't apologize to me….However, perhaps you might want to explain…You know, why you ran out and left Aang broken in the hallway?" He didn't mean to be rude, but the whole fiasco rather upset him.

"He was…crying?" Katara's eyes shook with guilt. "I….He…"

"He what?" Zuko arched a brow.

"Aang…proposed to me…" she replied quietly, a few tears glinting in her eyes. "But I can't…"

Zuko looked at her with wide eyes. Proposed? Him? "You…don't want to?"

"No," Katara shook her head. "I love him as a friend…but that's it…There's someone else I like in that way…"

"Oh," Zuko replied, taking a sip of his drink to preventing from asking any further questions.

There was a long silence before Katara spoke up again. "I know he was here last night…"

"What?" Zuko blinked. "…How?"

"I saw him leave this morning," she told him. "That's the only explanation I could think of…He wasn't in your bed, was he?"

"I…erm…" he looked away, trying to keep from flushing in embarrassment.

"Thought so," Katara smirked and chugged back some of her milk.

"We didn't do anything," Zuko told her. "If that's what you're thinking. He just needed someone to spend the night with."

"I believe you," she nodded. "I know Aang better than that."

Sighing, Zuko looked away, trying to thing of some way to get the subject off of Aang. "So, uh, anything you'd like to do today?"

"Huh?" Katara blinked at him in surprise. He was asking her what she wanted? This was new… "What I'd like to do? Um… I don't know…. Go for a walk?"

"I have an idea," Zuko grinned. "Why don't we go for a walk down the Strip? Then I could give you the real date we were supposed to have."

Katara's eyes widened and she smiled brightly with pure delight. "Really? You'd do that?"

"Of course," he replied with a nod. "I owe you."

"Thank you," she was very tempted to hug him but resisted. "This means a lot to me, coming from you."

Zuko sighed and the two went back to silence. One by one Katara flipped the pages of her magazine, taking the occasional sip of her drink. The housekeeper darted back and forth offering them different foods which they both politely refused. He sat there and nursed his coffee, keeping his eyes fixed on the girl across from him. This was her last day and he wanted to make sure she got the most out of it. Suddenly Katara looked somewhere passed him and arched a brow.

"Hey Zuko," Katara pointed to a row of coat hooks. "Who's black and pink jacket is that?"

"Huh?" Zuko turned around to look. Surely there was jacket there that hadn't been the day before. "Must be Azula's…She probably came home early."

"I've met her," Katara said casually. "She seemed nice."

"Sure," the teen scoffed. "She's always nice when she tries to make a good impression. Don't let her fool you, she's devious. Trust me."

She chuckled, "Sure Zuko, I'll take your word."

Meanwhile on the other end of the upper ring Aang rolled about in his bed. He couldn't stop thinking about Katara. She could have been his…He had been so close. Yet for some reason she refused him. She was his friend, so he had to accept the fact she didn't want them to be anything more. It was extremely difficult; his heart was still beating with his yearning for her. However, her happiness was what mattered to him the most, and if she was happier with someone else then so be it. He would watch out for her and protect her no matter what. Even rejection couldn't keep him from loving her. He'd just have to go back to admiring her from afar, harboring his love only for himself. He was also content when he realized even though Zuko may have been part of the reason, he had still been there for him. They weren't even technically friends and yet Zuko chose to be there for him instead of running after Katara. That kind of kindness Aang couldn't deny, no matter what. He practically owed Zuko his life now for that kind of sacrifice, and he knew he'd have to repay the debt one day.

Later that afternoon, a black limousine had dropped Zuko and Katara off at the end of a rather steep hill lines with shops. When Katara stepped out Zuko took a moment to admire her. She looked quite glamorous in her faded hip-hugging jeans, and her dark blue sequined tank top. Almost like the actresses he'd seen everywhere else. She'd definitely blend in well at the Strip. They thanked the driver and began their walk. Smiling, Zuko watched as Katara peered in windows and smiled at anything that caught her fancy. She was such a bright person to be around…Every smile seemed to light up his dark world. There was something about her, he realized, that he couldn't find in other girls. She had genuine happiness. It was something she felt not something that could be bought for her like the spoiled ladies of the upper ring. She actually could get satisfaction from the little things. It amazed him.

Smiling, he followed her when she darted into a shop.

"Hey Zuko," Katara gave him a big smile. "I want your opinion on some things."

"Oh?" Zuko arched a brow.

"Yeah," she darted about, pulling various articles off the racks. "I'm going to the changing room; I want to know what you think about some of this."

"Sure," he shrugged and followed her. "I don't see why not."

Zuko leaned back against the wall outside of the changing room and waited for her. Even though it was only a couple of minutes it seemed like days due to his impatience. He shuffled and looked around, feeling rather awkward in a ladies' store. Finally the door opened and Katara emerged. She wore a light pink floral sundress that came down to her knees. Giggling, she twirled around so the skirt flowed around her legs. Smiling, she looked at Zuko. "Well?"

"Um…" Zuko coughed. "It's nice, really. Looks good on you."

"You really think so?" she smirked and admired herself in the full length mirror. "I never thought pink would be a good color for me."

"You'd look good in a paper bag," he chuckled. "Trust me."

"Should I take that as a compliment?" Katara raised a brow and decided what to try on next. Smirking, she went back in to the changing room.

The second time she opened the door she wore a dark navy denim miniskirt and a bright red halter top. "How about this?"

"Eh…" Zuko shook his head. "The 'Wannabe Whore' look doesn't suit you."

"You think this is whorish?" Katara checked herself out in the mirror and perked up her bust.

"A halter top and a mini? Yeah," he told her. "That's what the girls wear when they try to get into the celebrity nightclubs. Try to flirt their way passed the bouncers."

"How do you know this?" she smirked at him.

"Believe it or not," Zuko flashed her a grin. "But I've been to a club or two in my life. I know what it's like."

"Whatever you say," Katara went back into the changing room and closed the door.

The final time she opened the door she was wearing the most beautiful outfit he had ever seen. She had put on tight knit black dress pants, and a tight-fitting top made from elegant red silk brocade with a phoenix pattern on it. "Okay, last one, what about this?"

"Nice," Zuko nodded but tried to make it not look too eager. "Very nice."

"Think so, eh?" Katara smiled and looked at herself carefully. "These colors were the last I'd expected to look good in. Guess I was wrong."

"What is it with girls and the need to bring guys along when they try on clothes?" Zuko scoffed, trying to get his mind off how good she looked. "Don't you have female friends for this kind of thing?"

"Hey," Katara shook her finger at him. "You're the one who suggested going to the strip. What made you think I wouldn't want to shop?" She sighed. "Coming here is a chance of a lifetime for me."

Zuko nodded. "That's right…This place must be really expensive?"

"This top," Katara pointed to the shirt she had put on. "Over nine hundred gold pieces. Nine hundred! The shirts I got at home maybe cost twenty!"

"Wow," he raised a brow. He had never really noticed such a drastic different in the prices of things before. Then again, he never bothered to look at the price tags anyway.

"Yeah," she sighed. "Now you see why this is major for me."

"I never really thought you'd be a true girly girl," Zuko remarked with a smirk, approaching her slowly.

"Well," Katara blinked thoughtfully. "I'm not really, it's just sometimes I like the feel of knowing I look good. You know?"

"Oh yes," he smiled briefly, stepping into the changing room and closing the door behind him. "I know."

Katara looked at him wide-eyed and stepped back against the wall. "…Zuko?"

Zuko merely smirked in response and placed his hand on the wall to brace himself as he leaned in close to her. "You look nice," he whispered as he closed the distance between them.

Hey eyes fluttering closed; Katara wrapped her arms around the neck and leaned into the kiss, brushing her lips softly against his. He responded by parting his lips, deepening the kiss. She murmured softly, parting her lips as well so she could give him a slightly open-mouthed his. His free hand trailed across her stomach lightly and rested on her hip as he probed her mouth with his tongue, seeking more contact. Katara let out a throaty noise that sounded almost like a purr and met his tongue with her own, stroking the tip of it. Groaning softly, he pressed himself up against her and his kiss grew more forceful, more demanding, and needier. She kissed him back as hard as she possibly could, gripping tightly onto his shoulders. Finally, and to their displeasure, the kiss broke so they could catch their breath and Zuko rested his head in the crook of her neck. She could feel his hot breath tingling against her sensitive skin.

"Zuko…" Katara whispered, bringing her hands up to push him back. "We can't…"

"Hm?" Zuko raised a brow slightly confused.

"Not here…" she ducked under his arm and went to open the door. "Not right now. If we were to do something it shouldn't be like we're a couple of twelve-year-olds keeping a secret from our parents."

"Alright," Zuko sighed and much to his dismay, stepped out. He was mildly disappointed that they could progress further even though it was probably for the best. They would've most likely got caught anyway. "By the way," he told her with a smirk before he closed the door. "Keep what you want, I'll pay for it."

"Thanks," Katara said through the closed door. "By the way, you're carrying the bags!" She let out a chuckle.

"Sure," Zuko smiled and leaned back against the wall.

Back at the estate, Azula had finally emerged from her quarters. Her expression was that of determination as she made her way down the hallway. It was as if she were about to break into a fist fight or march into war. Her deep amber eyes glimmered like they were plotting something all their own. She smirked when she stopped in front of her planned destination. The two doors to her father's office. Azula placed her hand on the wooden doorframe and felt around until she felt a crevice. She dug in her nails and pulled it up, revealing that it was a small down that held a key behind it. Grinning, she took the key and put it in the lock.

The door opened and she snuck in, closing it quietly behind her. The office was so orderly, like it was something out of a catalogue. Everything looked as though it was where it belonged, as if everything had its own place. Not a single speck of dust or grain of filth in sight either. For a moment, she was so amazing at how organized her father was…Very much like herself. However, she knew what she came in for. She went over to his desk and felt around several cupboards and drawers until she found what it is that interested her. It was an old album that contained pictures taken from when before Zuko was bored. She sat in his chair and flipped through it not even bothering to take note of all the history it contained. It was as if she was looking for something in particular and grinned in wicked delight when she found it. She had pulled out a faded packet of parchment and put the book down. This was what she wanted…Her father's will.

The failure of the fire had led her to this. Azula had to admit the fact her brother survived brought a problem to her. Not only had she failed in getting rid of him, but now if the law found out she would be arrested for attempted murder. She took the will so she could confirm for herself if her efforts were in vain or not. Flipping through it, she read every word until she got to what mattered most to her…Just as she had thought….In the event her father were to pass on the entire estate and family fortune would all go to Zuko and his descendents because he was the first born. However, in the event he should pass on as well everything would go to Azula instead. This brought a wry smile to her face. Now she knew for sure…Not only could she silence Zuko but she would inherit the Estate as well. Like killing two birds with one stone.

Meanwhile, back at the strip, Zuko and Katara had been seated at a table for two in the back of the room. The hostess made sure of this to keep them from being noticed. Smiling, Katara looked at Zuko as she sipped her hot chocolate. She explained that because she had to drink coffee often because of her early school schedule, when she went out she liked more mellow beverages. Zuko smiled at her and sipped his espresso. As for him he could never get enough of the stuff. It was what kept him going strong most of the day. The more caffeine the better. They sat in silence, soaking in the warmth of each other's company, until Katara finally spoke up.

"So..." Katara blinked. "Think this is better than our first date?"

"I'm not sure," he smirked. "I kind of miss insulting you."

"Ha hah," Katara rolled her eyes at him. "How amusing, you're trying to be coy and failing miserably."

"Sarcasm isn't your strong point," Zuko told her.

"Just as humor isn't yours," she retorted with a grin.

"I'd say something about your taste in fashion but I won't," he gave her a rather cocky smile.

Katara scoffed, "Thanks. Like you're an expert."

"Those magazines seem to think so," Zuko shrugged. "They seem to think I'm a fashion god or something."

"Yeah, well," she pursed her lips. "What do they know? It's not like they live with you."

"True," he nodded. "Unlike you…Would you consider yourself an expert on me?"

"Hm." Katara pondered the thought for a moment, taking a sip of her cocoa. "I don't think so…Haven't been around you long enough. I do know you're rather pouty."

Zuko rolled his eyes. "I'm not pouty; I just tend not to smile for no reason."

"Then I guess nothing ever makes you happy seeing as how you only smirk," she grinned.

"Hey…" he glowered. "I've smiled…Just not often…."

"Only a few times from what I noticed….Around me," Katara looked away in an attempt to cover her blush.

"So?" Zuko looked at her with a bit of concern. "What's wrong with that?"

"Zuko…." She said quietly, locking him in a serious gaze. "Do you like me?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" he arched a brow.

"Exactly what I said," she sighed. "Do you like me?"

It took him a moment to ponder this…. "…..Yes," he nodded. "I do like you…somewhat."

"Are you being honest," Katara lowered her gaze. "Or are you hiding something?"

"No," Zuko shook his head. "I'm not…It's true. I do like you a bit, Katara." He had considered mentioning the pseudo-bet he had made with Aang but realized it was all in the past and didn't matter anymore.

"Like me enough to want to see me again even after I leave?" she raised a brow at him.

"I don't know…." Zuko sighed and looked away. "I'll have to think about it."

The truth was, Zuko really did want to see her again. He had made up his mind the night before, and even confirmed it with himself after reading Aang's letter. Even though Aang was still hung up on her he felt Zuko should have his chance. In his heart he knew Katara was different from the other girls. She wasn't rich or fabulous, she didn't sing like an angel, or dance like an idol. Katara had come from an average life…Just an ordinary girl. The only thing remarkably special about her was who she was, not her position or her accomplishments. That was what made her stand out from the rest in his eyes. He also had to partially thank her for bringing him closer to Aang. Even though he was unsure of their status he'd like to think they were on more than a flinging affair terms. He hoped that one day things could be put behind them and they could be real friends. Katara was the one to thank for giving him that hope. If she hadn't come into his life it would be Aang she was dating that moment and he probably never would've seen him again.

That evening Aang made his way back to the Royal Estate. Despite what had happened, there was no way he was going to miss the Prince's decision. If he said no to Katara then maybe he'd get a second chance…If he chose her then well, at least he'd be there to give Zuko his blessing. He really didn't know how the older teen felt about Katara. There was a feeling he did care about her and possibly wanted her but after what had happened the night before he wasn't as sure. He knew things would never quite be the same between them, especially if one of them had Katara. There would be no more random flings. Even though there was no romance behind them, Aang still found the whole ordeal to be a great deal of fun. As a child he had always been fond of games and this one had been the greatest one he had ever played.

Sighing, Aang weaved his way through the throngs of people all gathered for the same thing. Dozens of reporters and their cameramen were there, all waiting for Zuko and Katara. Every television station, website, magazine, and newspaper wanted to be the first to reveal Zuko's decision. It was rather sad to see them all pathetically stand there, holding out their microphones and notepads, waiting for him. Finally and found an empty spot off to the side of the small stage that had been set up for the announcement. From there he could see everything. Oddly enough, it would be the perfect seat and he didn't even realize it yet.

Finally the crowed cheered as the long black limousine pulled up and Zuko stepped out with Katara close behind him. Cameras flashed away as guards kept the fans far away as the two made their way up to the stage. Katara took a seat in the chair set up especially for her and Zuko stood behind the podium, testing the microphone. Neither of them noticed Aang off to the side, watching them. Before Zuko could speak, Sumire, who was given the task of hosting the event, stepped up with a microphone of her own.

"As you all know," she announced with a smile. "Our lovely contest winner Katara," she motioned towards where Katara sat and the crowd responded with cheers and a few boos from some jealous fans. "Got to spend the week with the Prince. Tonight is the night when he makes his choice. Did something spark between them? Has a relationship blossomed? Tonight will be the night you all get to find out!" She then nodded, "Prince Zuko, if you'll please…"

Meanwhile, while Sumire was speaking, something had caught Aang's attention. He saw something glint out of the corner of his eye and glanced towards the estate. In one of the windows he saw a figure hidden in shadows. A maid perhaps? He wasn't sure, one of the windows then parted slightly. However, he shrugged it out. It was a warm night. It was probably someone trying to cool down a room. He then shifted his attention back to Zuko and Katara.

"Thank you," Zuko stood up and spoke into the microphone. "After spending a long, long week with her….Man, was it long." Several people giggled. "And after getting to know Katara after all these days and finding out just the type of person she really is, I've come to a decision." He smiled.

Again, something caught Aang's attention. This time he took his a deep breath, closing his eyes, and concentrated on blocking all the noise around him. It was a form of meditation he had learned from studying with the monks. Slowly the sound of Zuko's voice and the crowd drifted away and he focused on the sound coming from the estate. Loud footsteps, ruffling, and the opening of a case. Then…a click…..No…..the sound of the cocking of a rifle! Aang's eyes shot open.

"When it comes to Katara," Zuko announced and the crowd awaited with baited breath, "I-"

However, Zuko was cut off when a loud gunshot was heard and Aang jumped in from out of nowhere. "Get down!" the young teen shouted as the bullet flew through the air and hit him right in the back of his shoulder. His body going limp he fell on the two of them, knocking them back. Both Zuko and Katara looked up in shock, not realizing at first what had just happened. It wasn't until Katara saw the blood coming through the back of Aang's shirt did she let out a deafening scream.

"Aang!" Katara cried out as she gently flipped him over. His breaths were slow and shallow and his eyes half lidded.

"I'm sorry…Katara…" Aang whispered as he slipped into unconsciousness. Though still alive he was very weak and losing bloody fast. It would take a miracle to get him to safety in time.

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Note(s): Even more drama! That's Chapter Fourteen for you! I hope you all like it thus far. More will come soon! Let me know what you all think! Thanks for reading!

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