Chapter 13
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. They are the property of JK Rowling.
A/N: I guess I should update more frequently as I'm starting to get threatening emails to update. Hey, it's not my fault! I've had this chapter done for a week and my Beta's never emailed it back therefore I'm dropping my Beta's and doing it myself. Anyways I have decided to do the AU for Harry/Laura, which I will get to later. I also decided to do the Harry/Fleur fic and have a pretty good idea for it however I wont do any of these things yet. I don't think I want to try to balance doing three different fics at once.
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Cho stood in the middle of the dance floored stunned. She and Harry shared what she considered a magical moment together. She was hoping that it would have been enough to convince Harry to come back to her but it obviously wasn't. He was still the same charming Harry, and although he looked a little older, he really hadn't changed at all. He was still the kind loving Harry she had always remembered. Pausing for a moment to take in what had just happened she immediately went after him. Going in the dirction, which Harry left she saw him heading out the balcony. Quickly following she ran out to an empty balcony. Looking into the night sky she knew she was still in love with him after all these years.
"We'll meet again Harry," whispered Cho into the night sky. Returning to her table she found her parents had been watching the entire time.
"Don't worry Cho, things have a way of working themselves out," said Mr. Chang. "He's got a pure heart and good intentions. I've known that since I first met him while you two went to Hogwarts. He just has a few things to sort out." Cho could not help but smile at her father's comments for she knew it was true.
"You always seem to know what to say dad," said Cho giving her father a hug. "I only wish I could be apart of his life and help him sort these things out." Starlet had been sitting there silently the entire time. She had seen many guys go out of their way to get Cho's attention but Cho did not seem to care about any of them. She wanted the one guy she couldn't have.
A/N: I will refer to Cho's father as Lt Gen Chang or Gen Chang when it has something to do with the military. If it is just in the wizarding world or something social none military related then I will refer to him as Mr. Chang.
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"Thanks for letting me stay the night Val," said Cho. "I'm too tired to go home right now."
"It's nothing. We haven't spent any time together in a long time. Why don't you stay the weekend and then go home?"
"That would be nice," replied Cho. She looked out into the night sky wondering where he was at that precise moment and what he was doing? Who was he with? Is he happy where he is? Valerie saw that Cho was not paying attention to anything she was saying and took a seat next to her friend on the floor.
"So you're coming for Christmas right?"
"What?"
"Christmas, are you coming?"
"Coming where?"
"Here!"
"Oh yeah, I don't know yet. It depends on what the family is planning on doing."
"Are you ok Cho? You seem kind of, out of it today."
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
"I saw Harry today, did you get a chance to talk to him?" There was a moment of silence before Cho replied.
"Yes, we shared a dance and then he disappeared."
"I see, did he say anything to you?" Once again there was another moment of silence.
"He said he was 'sorry' and left."
"Didn't you tell me he was hiding in the muggle military in the United States?"
"Yeah, that was when I saw him last before today."
"Isn't your dad a high ranking officer in it?"
"Yeah, but what does that have anything to do with it?"
"Can't he just order someone to do a search and find out where he is at?"
"I suppose he could with probable cause." Cho looked at Valerie who only smiled back at her friend. The idea was obvious to both of them but Cho wasn't too sure about this plan.
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"Ron, Harry left," said Hermione. "He disappeared out that balcony and Cho went after him." Ron sighed.
"At least he showed up to the wedding," replied Ron. "That was more than I could have hoped for. I'm glad he is ok though. I just hope he is happy where ever he is."
"He was a nice guy Ron," said Jennifer. "I only met him briefly but he seemed like a good guy."
"Yeah he is," replied Ron. "Let's not let this get us down. Today is the happiest day of our lives."
"Oh yeah, just wait until later tonight," said Jennifer flirtatiously. Ron knew exactly what she meant and grinned to himself.
"Poor Cho, she seemed so happy dancing with him and then he just left her," said Hermione. "I think she still loves him."
"I think so too," said Ron.
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When Monday morning came around Harry was once again ready for work. It was not the happiest of days but he was ready for his daily routine. It was now mid August and had been about two months since he had started. Life seemed to be good since he had a nice car, decent place to live, decent pay and easy job. Still something felt like it was missing, and he hate to admit it but after the past weekend he knew he was missing a woman in his life. He knew that Lt Gen Chang had seen him at the wedding because they briefly made eye contact and acknowledged each other. As he walked into the office Linda let him know that the General wished to speak with him.
"You wanted to see me sir?" Said Harry as he stood at attention in front of his commander officer.
"Have a seat Lieutenant," replied Lt Gen Chang. Harry had a feeling he knew what the General was going to ask him and started to get nervous. "So did you have a good weekend Lieutenant?"
"It was outstanding sir." (A/N: I know it sounds weird but it's the official reply according to the Air Force manual)
"I'm glad you enjoyed the wedding, now onto business." Harry felt like he was about to die as the General brought up the wedding but remained silent. "I have a new assignment for you today. You can leave the paperwork on your desk for another day because a squadron of F-16's just came in. Captain Robertson and her men will be escorting the pilots to their temporary rooms. Today you will be inspecting our aircraft maintenance crew to see how they are doing. After you are finished you may take the rest of the day off." Harry was relieved that the General did not push the subject any further than he did. He was also happy that he did not have to spend the day in his office and was going to be out on the field for the day.
"Will that be all sir?"
"Yes Lieutenant, you are dismissed."
"Thank you sir." Harry started to walk towards the door.
"Oh Lieutenant, one more thing. I wont tell her where you are." Lt Gen Chang gave him a wink. Harry was surprised at this last comment.
"Thank you sir," replied Harry as he quickly left the office. His face blushing red with embarrassment as he grabbed his inspection board and left the office. He made his way out to the airfield as he saw Laura and her crew briefly chatting with the pilots who had just landed. He decided to make a quick stop over there before proceeding to the maintenance hanger.
"Well if it isn't the Wing Commander himself," said one of the pilots. Harry recognized that voice and knew exactly who it was. The pilot took off his helmet to reveal his identity.
"Your flying F-16's now Carlos?" Asked Harry. He was truly happy to see his friend but tried to keep a professional façade in front of everyone else.
"Ah come on, don't give me that bull crap James. We're all Air Force people here so give your buddy a hug man." Carlos grabbed Harry and embraced him in a manly hug. "Hey guys," Carlos turned to the other pilots who were wondering what was going on. "This was my Wing Commander from the Academy. He was my best friend from our Academy days."
"You talk about it as if it was a long time ago," said Harry smiling. He turned to the other pilots, "nice to meet you all." He then saw out of the corner of his eye that Laura was smirking at him. There was a moment of fear as Harry remembered everything he had told her Saturday night (or Sunday morning which ever you prefer). "You know we'll get together and catch up later Carlos. Right now I have to go inspect our maintenance crew and Laura, I mean Captain Robertson is waiting to escort you to your temporary rooms.
"Yes sir," said Carlos as he saluted Harry. Harry quickly acknowledged his salute and went to find the maintenance crew. After six straight hours of inspection, he was very tired and went back to his apartment. After a quick shower and changing into his civilian clothing he went and found Carlos at the Officer's Club with the other pilots.
"How's it going there Vice." (A/N: Remember he calls Carlos Vice because he was his Vice Commander at the Academy.)
"Pretty good here James, how about you?" Replied Carlos.
"Life is ok. Nothing great, nothing exciting."
"I hear you are the General's little bitch."
"Little bitch? Is that the word that's going around?" Harry chuckled at this. "I'm his XO."
"So basically you're his little bitch?" Asked Carlos sarcastically.
"In a nut shell yeah," said Harry as he laughed.
"So um what's going on between you and that Captain?"
"That Captain?" Harry gave him a look.
"You know who I'm talking about," replied Carlos. "I've seen the way she looks at you."
"There's nothing going on between us Carlos. She's my friend but that's about it."
"Friend's with benefits?" Carlos roared with laugher catching everyone's attention.
"Hey Vice, why don't you shut it!"
"Ok ok," replied Carlos who was trying to control his laughter.
"Why don't you head on back to my apartment and I'll introduce you to her," said Harry as he got up from his seat.
"Ok sure what the hell, I'm here for a week anyways. They are doing something with the planes and I'm supposed to fly it to Texas." Carlos got up and followed him out to his car. The whole ride to the apartment was full of small talk about who was doing what even though it had only been two months since they graduated. The two met up with Laura at her apartment who was busy cooking dinner when they arrived. They talked and watched movies until Carlos decided to head back and get some sleep. Harry was suddenly afraid now that he was left alone with Laura. He had not talked to her since Saturday night and was afraid of what she would think of him now. After Carlos left she quickly closed the door and turned to Harry.
"Can I have a ride on your broom?" Asked Laura. Harry was caught off guard by the question. He thought about it for a moment and realized there was a double meaning to that request and blushed red.
"What?"
"Can you give me a ride on your magic broom?" Laura saw him blush and quickly caught on. "You know what I mean!" Yelled Laura as she blushed as well. He was clearly not expecting this question. He looked at her as if she was crazy and she put on her best smile for him. "Please?" Harry's tongue was caught and could only nod. "Great, so um lets go get it." Laura made her way for the door but Harry stopped her.
"Accio Broom!" Yelled Harry as he pulled out his wand, waved it and said the magic words. His Firebolt came flying through Laura's balcony door and into his hands.
"Show off!" Harry chuckled at this comment. He turned and walked towards the balcony followed by Laura.
"Let's just hope people are asleep and won't see us or I could get into a lot of trouble."
"There's stuff flying around all the time on this base. I'm sure no one will think anything of it; certainly not a wizard flying on his broom. That reminds me; I thought only witches flew brooms?"
"Well witches do fly brooms but so do wizards. We have a whole sport called Quidditch that is based around flying on broomsticks." Harry proceeded in mounting his Firebolt. "Ok now do the same thing I did and grab onto my waist," instructed Harry. Laura did as she was told. "Ok now I'm going to give a little push and we're going to leave the balcony. I should probably tell you that this is a top of the line broom and was made for racing and playing Quidditch. It can go really fast but I'll try to go slow."
"Ok let's do it," said Laura as she strengthen her grip on his waist. Harry kicked off and they slowly floated into the air. He could tell that Laura was afraid because as soon as they left the ground she grabbed onto him even tighter. He flew several laps around the area slowly at first so that she could get used to the broom.
"Come on Harry; let's take the speed up a few notches." Harry immediately obeyed with out question and increased his speed. Her head was on his shoulder and holding on tightly as she got a view of the base and the desert. Being in the middle of the desert, the temperature had dropped tremendously from the day. The stars shined brightly as she was enjoying her first ride on a broom. They left the apartment area and flew around the base avoiding the airfield. They quickly passed over the Mess Hall, the Officers Club, and the Base Exchange. After flying over another living complex and they left the base to go out to the desert area before returning back to their apartment area. Before landing he did a quick loop at top speed and landed back on her balcony.
"That was amazing!" Yelled Laura. "I've never experienced anything like that before! Oh man that was way cool!"
"I'm glad you liked it," replied Harry. Laura was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement.
"That was really great Harry. I just want us to at least still remain friends, even if I now know that you have special powers."
"Thanks Laura." Harry gave him a warm smile as he mounted his broom. "I'll just be flying back to my room now."
"Good night Harry," said Laura as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Good night."
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Two weeks passed and Carlos had gone to Texas. Harry sat in his office one- morning finishing up some paper work when the red light lit up on his phone.
"Yes Linda? Yes send her right in." Laura walked into Harry's office with a very worried expression on her face.
"What's the matter Laura?" Asked Harry concerned.
"I have to tell you something," said Laura who was stuttering. She started to burst out into tears and Harry knew this was something important as she was a strong woman and never cried.
A/N: Damn a cliffhanger!!! I thought about not making it one but I think I'll put all the pieces together next chapter. Some people would have been really mad if I told what had happened and ended the chapter. I have chapter 14 written but I'm not satisfied so I'm going to spend some time revising it. Please R/R!!! The more reviews the more I'll be inspired to post.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. They are the property of JK Rowling.
A/N: I guess I should update more frequently as I'm starting to get threatening emails to update. Hey, it's not my fault! I've had this chapter done for a week and my Beta's never emailed it back therefore I'm dropping my Beta's and doing it myself. Anyways I have decided to do the AU for Harry/Laura, which I will get to later. I also decided to do the Harry/Fleur fic and have a pretty good idea for it however I wont do any of these things yet. I don't think I want to try to balance doing three different fics at once.
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Cho stood in the middle of the dance floored stunned. She and Harry shared what she considered a magical moment together. She was hoping that it would have been enough to convince Harry to come back to her but it obviously wasn't. He was still the same charming Harry, and although he looked a little older, he really hadn't changed at all. He was still the kind loving Harry she had always remembered. Pausing for a moment to take in what had just happened she immediately went after him. Going in the dirction, which Harry left she saw him heading out the balcony. Quickly following she ran out to an empty balcony. Looking into the night sky she knew she was still in love with him after all these years.
"We'll meet again Harry," whispered Cho into the night sky. Returning to her table she found her parents had been watching the entire time.
"Don't worry Cho, things have a way of working themselves out," said Mr. Chang. "He's got a pure heart and good intentions. I've known that since I first met him while you two went to Hogwarts. He just has a few things to sort out." Cho could not help but smile at her father's comments for she knew it was true.
"You always seem to know what to say dad," said Cho giving her father a hug. "I only wish I could be apart of his life and help him sort these things out." Starlet had been sitting there silently the entire time. She had seen many guys go out of their way to get Cho's attention but Cho did not seem to care about any of them. She wanted the one guy she couldn't have.
A/N: I will refer to Cho's father as Lt Gen Chang or Gen Chang when it has something to do with the military. If it is just in the wizarding world or something social none military related then I will refer to him as Mr. Chang.
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"Thanks for letting me stay the night Val," said Cho. "I'm too tired to go home right now."
"It's nothing. We haven't spent any time together in a long time. Why don't you stay the weekend and then go home?"
"That would be nice," replied Cho. She looked out into the night sky wondering where he was at that precise moment and what he was doing? Who was he with? Is he happy where he is? Valerie saw that Cho was not paying attention to anything she was saying and took a seat next to her friend on the floor.
"So you're coming for Christmas right?"
"What?"
"Christmas, are you coming?"
"Coming where?"
"Here!"
"Oh yeah, I don't know yet. It depends on what the family is planning on doing."
"Are you ok Cho? You seem kind of, out of it today."
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
"I saw Harry today, did you get a chance to talk to him?" There was a moment of silence before Cho replied.
"Yes, we shared a dance and then he disappeared."
"I see, did he say anything to you?" Once again there was another moment of silence.
"He said he was 'sorry' and left."
"Didn't you tell me he was hiding in the muggle military in the United States?"
"Yeah, that was when I saw him last before today."
"Isn't your dad a high ranking officer in it?"
"Yeah, but what does that have anything to do with it?"
"Can't he just order someone to do a search and find out where he is at?"
"I suppose he could with probable cause." Cho looked at Valerie who only smiled back at her friend. The idea was obvious to both of them but Cho wasn't too sure about this plan.
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"Ron, Harry left," said Hermione. "He disappeared out that balcony and Cho went after him." Ron sighed.
"At least he showed up to the wedding," replied Ron. "That was more than I could have hoped for. I'm glad he is ok though. I just hope he is happy where ever he is."
"He was a nice guy Ron," said Jennifer. "I only met him briefly but he seemed like a good guy."
"Yeah he is," replied Ron. "Let's not let this get us down. Today is the happiest day of our lives."
"Oh yeah, just wait until later tonight," said Jennifer flirtatiously. Ron knew exactly what she meant and grinned to himself.
"Poor Cho, she seemed so happy dancing with him and then he just left her," said Hermione. "I think she still loves him."
"I think so too," said Ron.
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When Monday morning came around Harry was once again ready for work. It was not the happiest of days but he was ready for his daily routine. It was now mid August and had been about two months since he had started. Life seemed to be good since he had a nice car, decent place to live, decent pay and easy job. Still something felt like it was missing, and he hate to admit it but after the past weekend he knew he was missing a woman in his life. He knew that Lt Gen Chang had seen him at the wedding because they briefly made eye contact and acknowledged each other. As he walked into the office Linda let him know that the General wished to speak with him.
"You wanted to see me sir?" Said Harry as he stood at attention in front of his commander officer.
"Have a seat Lieutenant," replied Lt Gen Chang. Harry had a feeling he knew what the General was going to ask him and started to get nervous. "So did you have a good weekend Lieutenant?"
"It was outstanding sir." (A/N: I know it sounds weird but it's the official reply according to the Air Force manual)
"I'm glad you enjoyed the wedding, now onto business." Harry felt like he was about to die as the General brought up the wedding but remained silent. "I have a new assignment for you today. You can leave the paperwork on your desk for another day because a squadron of F-16's just came in. Captain Robertson and her men will be escorting the pilots to their temporary rooms. Today you will be inspecting our aircraft maintenance crew to see how they are doing. After you are finished you may take the rest of the day off." Harry was relieved that the General did not push the subject any further than he did. He was also happy that he did not have to spend the day in his office and was going to be out on the field for the day.
"Will that be all sir?"
"Yes Lieutenant, you are dismissed."
"Thank you sir." Harry started to walk towards the door.
"Oh Lieutenant, one more thing. I wont tell her where you are." Lt Gen Chang gave him a wink. Harry was surprised at this last comment.
"Thank you sir," replied Harry as he quickly left the office. His face blushing red with embarrassment as he grabbed his inspection board and left the office. He made his way out to the airfield as he saw Laura and her crew briefly chatting with the pilots who had just landed. He decided to make a quick stop over there before proceeding to the maintenance hanger.
"Well if it isn't the Wing Commander himself," said one of the pilots. Harry recognized that voice and knew exactly who it was. The pilot took off his helmet to reveal his identity.
"Your flying F-16's now Carlos?" Asked Harry. He was truly happy to see his friend but tried to keep a professional façade in front of everyone else.
"Ah come on, don't give me that bull crap James. We're all Air Force people here so give your buddy a hug man." Carlos grabbed Harry and embraced him in a manly hug. "Hey guys," Carlos turned to the other pilots who were wondering what was going on. "This was my Wing Commander from the Academy. He was my best friend from our Academy days."
"You talk about it as if it was a long time ago," said Harry smiling. He turned to the other pilots, "nice to meet you all." He then saw out of the corner of his eye that Laura was smirking at him. There was a moment of fear as Harry remembered everything he had told her Saturday night (or Sunday morning which ever you prefer). "You know we'll get together and catch up later Carlos. Right now I have to go inspect our maintenance crew and Laura, I mean Captain Robertson is waiting to escort you to your temporary rooms.
"Yes sir," said Carlos as he saluted Harry. Harry quickly acknowledged his salute and went to find the maintenance crew. After six straight hours of inspection, he was very tired and went back to his apartment. After a quick shower and changing into his civilian clothing he went and found Carlos at the Officer's Club with the other pilots.
"How's it going there Vice." (A/N: Remember he calls Carlos Vice because he was his Vice Commander at the Academy.)
"Pretty good here James, how about you?" Replied Carlos.
"Life is ok. Nothing great, nothing exciting."
"I hear you are the General's little bitch."
"Little bitch? Is that the word that's going around?" Harry chuckled at this. "I'm his XO."
"So basically you're his little bitch?" Asked Carlos sarcastically.
"In a nut shell yeah," said Harry as he laughed.
"So um what's going on between you and that Captain?"
"That Captain?" Harry gave him a look.
"You know who I'm talking about," replied Carlos. "I've seen the way she looks at you."
"There's nothing going on between us Carlos. She's my friend but that's about it."
"Friend's with benefits?" Carlos roared with laugher catching everyone's attention.
"Hey Vice, why don't you shut it!"
"Ok ok," replied Carlos who was trying to control his laughter.
"Why don't you head on back to my apartment and I'll introduce you to her," said Harry as he got up from his seat.
"Ok sure what the hell, I'm here for a week anyways. They are doing something with the planes and I'm supposed to fly it to Texas." Carlos got up and followed him out to his car. The whole ride to the apartment was full of small talk about who was doing what even though it had only been two months since they graduated. The two met up with Laura at her apartment who was busy cooking dinner when they arrived. They talked and watched movies until Carlos decided to head back and get some sleep. Harry was suddenly afraid now that he was left alone with Laura. He had not talked to her since Saturday night and was afraid of what she would think of him now. After Carlos left she quickly closed the door and turned to Harry.
"Can I have a ride on your broom?" Asked Laura. Harry was caught off guard by the question. He thought about it for a moment and realized there was a double meaning to that request and blushed red.
"What?"
"Can you give me a ride on your magic broom?" Laura saw him blush and quickly caught on. "You know what I mean!" Yelled Laura as she blushed as well. He was clearly not expecting this question. He looked at her as if she was crazy and she put on her best smile for him. "Please?" Harry's tongue was caught and could only nod. "Great, so um lets go get it." Laura made her way for the door but Harry stopped her.
"Accio Broom!" Yelled Harry as he pulled out his wand, waved it and said the magic words. His Firebolt came flying through Laura's balcony door and into his hands.
"Show off!" Harry chuckled at this comment. He turned and walked towards the balcony followed by Laura.
"Let's just hope people are asleep and won't see us or I could get into a lot of trouble."
"There's stuff flying around all the time on this base. I'm sure no one will think anything of it; certainly not a wizard flying on his broom. That reminds me; I thought only witches flew brooms?"
"Well witches do fly brooms but so do wizards. We have a whole sport called Quidditch that is based around flying on broomsticks." Harry proceeded in mounting his Firebolt. "Ok now do the same thing I did and grab onto my waist," instructed Harry. Laura did as she was told. "Ok now I'm going to give a little push and we're going to leave the balcony. I should probably tell you that this is a top of the line broom and was made for racing and playing Quidditch. It can go really fast but I'll try to go slow."
"Ok let's do it," said Laura as she strengthen her grip on his waist. Harry kicked off and they slowly floated into the air. He could tell that Laura was afraid because as soon as they left the ground she grabbed onto him even tighter. He flew several laps around the area slowly at first so that she could get used to the broom.
"Come on Harry; let's take the speed up a few notches." Harry immediately obeyed with out question and increased his speed. Her head was on his shoulder and holding on tightly as she got a view of the base and the desert. Being in the middle of the desert, the temperature had dropped tremendously from the day. The stars shined brightly as she was enjoying her first ride on a broom. They left the apartment area and flew around the base avoiding the airfield. They quickly passed over the Mess Hall, the Officers Club, and the Base Exchange. After flying over another living complex and they left the base to go out to the desert area before returning back to their apartment area. Before landing he did a quick loop at top speed and landed back on her balcony.
"That was amazing!" Yelled Laura. "I've never experienced anything like that before! Oh man that was way cool!"
"I'm glad you liked it," replied Harry. Laura was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement.
"That was really great Harry. I just want us to at least still remain friends, even if I now know that you have special powers."
"Thanks Laura." Harry gave him a warm smile as he mounted his broom. "I'll just be flying back to my room now."
"Good night Harry," said Laura as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Good night."
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Two weeks passed and Carlos had gone to Texas. Harry sat in his office one- morning finishing up some paper work when the red light lit up on his phone.
"Yes Linda? Yes send her right in." Laura walked into Harry's office with a very worried expression on her face.
"What's the matter Laura?" Asked Harry concerned.
"I have to tell you something," said Laura who was stuttering. She started to burst out into tears and Harry knew this was something important as she was a strong woman and never cried.
A/N: Damn a cliffhanger!!! I thought about not making it one but I think I'll put all the pieces together next chapter. Some people would have been really mad if I told what had happened and ended the chapter. I have chapter 14 written but I'm not satisfied so I'm going to spend some time revising it. Please R/R!!! The more reviews the more I'll be inspired to post.