One Wish Chapter 15: Duty to my clan, a naruto fanfic

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of it's characters or anything. Please don't sue the poor university student.

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Last time...

And did he say he was coming back?

The young kunouchi fell back on her bed.

The world was coming to and end.

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Chapter 14 : Duty to my clan

The next day Sakura was walking on pins and needles. She had hidden Sasuke's pack at the back of her closet, afraid Naruto or Sai would discover the incrementing piece of evidence. She had also tided her room thoroughly. Even the dust bunnies behind her desk were gone!

Her room looked fine, however Sakura, was not fine.

She expected Sasuke to come back any moment, from who knows where he had went. She had stayed in her apartment all day, it was funny how Sai and Naruto had stayed away from her the whole day…even during lunch.

Usually they would come to raid her kitchen by 12:10pm, the latest. Strangely, today she couldn't sense their chakra, they were giving her a 100 meter radius of space. And that was fine with her. They were most likely still scared from last night.

Serves them right! Calling me fat and eating carrot sticks in front of me!

xxx

Hinata ran past the market place, paying no heed to the villagers she bummed into, she had to find him, know that he was safe, alive, she had to find him soon. To make sure…

She bumped into a man with a cart of apples and managed to knock to its side.

"Hey watch it there!" The man stopped when he saw it was the Hyuuga heir, by this time she was already gone. The old man shook his head back and forth and bent down to pick up his apples.

"Ah kids these days."

Hinata ran to his usual training spot, what she found didn't make her feel any better. The trees had scorch marks, a few had some branches broken. Clearly a lengthy battle had gone one here. She leapt to the trees and made her way to another training area.

"Byakugan!" She searched and searched till her eyes strained and sill no sign of the person she was searching for.

"Oh Naruto-kun where are you?"

the inky haired kounouchi took a deep breath and headed north, towards the waterfall. Her mind going over what she had overheard and saw earlier that day. .

xxxx

It had been the usual morning at the Hyuuga main house. At promptly 8am, she had served her cousin, Neji and her father their breakfast after they had both finished their morning exercises.

However, when she had returned to the kitchens to put the dishes away, she found the kitchen to be in an uproar. When Hinata had inquired as to what was happening, a kitchen maid had quickly filled her in.

"Oh Hinata-sama, the grass countries Hokage's grandson and his entourage are coming today for lunch! Lunch!" Her eyes had bulged out, and black hair was spilling out of her bun.

"That only gives us five hours to prepare the house and a feast. Not to mention the head cook is sick! Oh what will we do?" She had been tearing away at her apron.

Hinata smiled. And grasped the maids hands in hers.

"Oh don't worry, Mika-chan I am sure you all will do a splendid job. And make the Hyuuga's very proud." Just then a little boy came running into the kitchen. Shouting his news to all.

"We have to prepare for 40 people! Some of the branch house members are coming!"

That sent the already crazed kitchen staff into a worse frenzy. Hinata's eyes widened.

"Well I shall help out in any way I can." The maid looked highly offended, horrified.

"No Hinata-chan we can not! It can not be…"

"That is an order…" her voice was hard, then she smiled, "Mika-chan." And the maid looked grateful for another pair of hands.

So they all had worked hard some cooking others cleaning. Thank kami-sama the Hyuuga were a serious lot, so no need for decorations just impeccable cleanliness.

By the 11:50am they had finished and Hinata was in need of a bath.

"Bye everyone, you have few minutes rest before the guests arrive." With a wave she was off to the bath room that only she and her little sister used.

Hinata made quickly made way to her room then proceeded to the bathroom. On her way she looked across the hand made garden past shrubs and koi pond. And saw the procession. She figured the man in the expensive silk was the grandson.

'Hmm he is young, and handsome. The grandson had dark violet hair that was very fine and long, ending below his shoulders. He had a sharp nose, aristocratic jaw and slanted light blue eyes. Naruto-kun's eyes are much more appealing. And she couldn't help but blush thinking about her boyfriend. A soft sigh escaped her lips.

And she found her eyes connecting with the violet haired mans.

"Epp!" She blushed harder, nodded her head in respect and ran off.

xxx

"Hyuuga-sama, I must complement your cook, this was a fine meal."

"Ah, thank you Haruki-san."

Hinata's father and Haruki , the Grass-hokage's grandson were sitting alone and dinning. Their was a pause in which Hyuuga Hiashi drank his sake.

"My Grandfather has told me much about you and your family."

"Ah."

xxx

"Is that all father is going to say?"

"Shhh!" Hinata shushed her little sister who simply rolled her eyes. Both Hyuuga sisters were listening in on their fathers conversation. It was the younger Hyuuga's idea. And Hinata had caught her sister on her way out of the house. There were pipes that ran around the house, and their was one room that held all the pipes, one just needed to open the right valve to the right room.

Hinata got up ready to leave. Listening in on her father didn't sit so well with her. And it would not be a pleasant scene when her father found out.

"I will see you later Hanabi-chan, make sure father doesn't find out." With her gentle smile she turned away.

Her sister grabbed the back of her pant leg and brought her crashing back to the floor.

"Ahh! Hanabi-chan what..?"

"Listen!" Hanabi thrust the tube into her sister ears and scooted closer so she could listen as well. Hinata had a worried look cross her face. What was so important that she had to listen ?

xxx

"My grander father has informed me about the marriage between my self and your eldest daughter."

"Yes. Hinata."

"I understand I am to stay here for seven days so that Hinata-san and I may get acquainted with each other. Before we are engaged?"

"Yes."

"Hinata-san has no admires? Excuse me if I may be so bold, I had noticed her earlier and she is very beautiful."

"None that I am aware of." Hiashi's voice had a hard edge to it.

"So she doesn't have a boyfriend?"

"None and never will. I personally make sure of this."

Haruki found it odd that such a beautiful young girl wouldn't have a lover. He wouldn't blame the fellow. But then again Hyguua Hiashi was such a strict man that he didn't doubt him.

I just want to avoid the drama is all. The sooner this is wrapped up the sooner I can get home and assist my grandfather.

Haruki took a sip of his sake. Before he continued to talk.

"I will carry out my grandfathers will. I understand you both have given each other you words. However I do have a few conditions."

Their was a lengthy pause.

"They are?"

"I understand that Hinata-san is a chunin. I simply ask that Hinata-san take the jounin exam and pass. I would also ask that she…."

xxx

Hinata ran, she couldn't to listen to the rest. Her father had said she would have suitors. Not that he had already set up a marriage agreement on her behalf. And Naruto…was he all right? Her father couldn't have known about them, could he? She had to check.

She was nearing the water fall. Hinata could hear cursing and scramming.

"Naruto-kun." He was alright, she could clearly see him arguing with Jirya-sama.

"Naruto-kun!"

The golden haired ninja looked up hearing his name, and split second later found him self tackled to the grass by his girl friend.

Jirya rolled his eyes, his young student got more action then he did. And that was SAD. He was clearly miffed. "Naruto this is not over, we will discuss this matter later." and poof Jirya was gone.

Naruto didn't bother look at the sanin, he was preoccupied. Who cared about yelling at Jirya peeking on girls when his girl was clearly distressed and whispering "your alive" into his shoulder.

He held her to him for a while letting her calm down. Holding her in a comfortable embrace while she clutched his waist.

"Hey Hinata-chan what's the matter?"

Hinata simply stared at him too nervous and worried to say anything.

What was she to do? Should she tell him the truth? How would he react? She didn't want to loose him. Nor did she want to disappoint her father.

Naruto cupped her face in his hands, and let his thumbs stroke circles on her cheek in a soothing gesture. She only gripped his black shirt more tightly.

"Ano N-Naruto-kun?"

"Yes?" His eyes were so warm and kind, so gentle and trusting. She couldn't hide this from him.

"May I kiss you?"

He grinned. "Only if you tell me what's wrong right after."

The Hyuuga heir only nodded her head once in a promise. That was good enough for Naruto. His lips softly touched hers, but that didn't seem to be what she wanted. The konuchi pushed him down on to the grass, molding her lips to his.

Naruto was surprised, Hinata wasn't always so…passionate. He usually started things up and she would follow suit. But he wasn't going to complain.

When she slipped her hands under his black shirt, Naruto groaned, she had never done that before. He was pleasantly surprised.

It had taken him a while to get her to move her hands from his shoulders. It was baby steps with Hinata. Even now all she touched when they were kissing were his hair and shoulders. He hadn't progressed much either, main reason being he figured he should take it slow with Hinata. Most guys had hit al least 3rd base if not home run with the girl's they had been dating for more then seven months.

The skin over his stomach was hot and the muscles flexed under her fingers, jumping at her touch. And it thrilled Hinata. She had been wanting to touch him more intimately, but was too shy. But now…she might never get a chance to do it again. That thought fueled her on.

She, as strange as it was, ached for him to touch her in places, that just thinking about it made her blush.

"N-Naruto-kun?" Her voice small and breathing labored.

"Yeah?" His eyes were glazed over and a shining blue, she adored those eyes. Hinata sat up and unzipped her trade mark white jacket tossing to the side, reviling a white tank top underneath.

"C-can I t-take your s-shirt off?" She was so cute when she stuttered. And as odd as the request seemed, Naruto didn't question her.

"Of course Hinata-chan." He sat up, with her still in his lap. Her hands fisted the material at his waist, she looked down at her trembling hands.

Why am I so nervous? Why are you always so nervous Hinata? This is your boyfriend , but for how long?

Naruto watched her chew on her bottom lip, she was thinking, so he decided to help her out. Large hands fisted over hers, startled Hinata looked into his eyes, he only smiled at her. They both pulled the shirt over his shoulders, and his necklace that Tsunade had given him swayed on his chest. Hinata turned more red, if possible.

Quickly averting her eyes to her lap where her hands rested. Naruto loosely held her waist with one hand while used the other one to run soothing circles on her back.

After a while Hinata hesitantly laid her head on his chest, listing to the rhythmic beats of his heart.

"So, Hinata-chan, now you have to tell me what was bothering you." He felt her go stiff, which made him tighten his arms around her.

xxx

They were a flurry of movements, she could barely keep track of them , all she saw were green and white blurs. And then Konoha's green beast was slammed against the ground, blood spurting out of his mouth. Tenten winced.

"Stand up Lee."

Rock Lee stumbled to his feet. He was seeing doubles. But that wouldn't deter him.

"AHHH" and he charged his team mate.

For the past two hours he had been his old teammates punching bag. Now he didn't mind, his goal, as most people were aware of, was to beat the Hyuuga Neji. Again they were off.

Tenten sighed and sat down on the rock, from where she had been watching the fight. Something was wrong with Neji. He was attacking with more ferocity then usual. She was going to wait until both tired or, Neji had knocked Lee out, to talk to him.

And by the sight off it, she wouldn't have to wait too long.

Konoha's green beast fell again, and he lay their for a while.

"Get up Lee, have you gotten so weak? This is un-like you. Up! You will never beat me with that kind of strength." Neji taunted. Tenten rolled eyes. Men, they should be called children.

In a flash she was standing in front of her old team mates fallen form.

"I think that's enough for today."

"Move aside Tenten, unless you wish to take his spot."

Cold aren't we? Well I'll just have to warm you up won't I? A mischievous smile came about the weapons specialist.

She grabbed his hand and in a swirl of white ribbons they were in a different clearing , far away from Lee.

xxx

"Arugh, Tenten!" Neji pulled his hands away from her, striding away from his girlfriend.

"Okay Neji ,what is bothering you?"

"Nothing." His voice clearly stating that she should leave the topic alone.

Tenten was worried now. Neji usually told her what was in his mind. And not many things bothered him.

Her voice was soft and calm as she forced the nervousness down. "Ne Neji-kun, it must be something important for it to frustrate you." He whirled around, angry eyes piercing her own. Tenten took an instinctive steep back.

Neji noticed her back you p in fear.

Kami-sama your such an ass hole, your scaring her. It's because of her your feeling this way. But I don't regret my decision.

He extended a hand to her. His voice gruff as he spoke. "Come here Tenten."

She came, quickly stepping into his embrace. They stood like that for a while, arms wrapped around each other. At last after a deep breath Neji spoke.

"Three weeks ago my uncle spoke to me about a marriage contract between my self, and the Grass Hokage's granddaughter."

Tenten went stiff.

Neji kissed the top of her head and continued to hold her.

"I declined , stating that I was opposed to the match, since I am already am involved in a serious relationship."

Tenten relaxed.

"Then what is the problem?"

"The bastard went and then fixed Hinata's marriage with the grandson." The kounuchi's eyes went round.

"Oh poor Hinata-chan."

"He hasn't told her yet, no one in the house had seen her since she left at noon. And the reason why this happened is because I declined the granddaughter. Hiashi feels obliged to offer his daughter. The grandson, Haruki, said he won't marry Hinata until she passes the jounin exams."

Tenten brightened. "Oh! Then all she has to do is fail them!" Neji let out a bitter laugh.

"My uncle will make sure she passes that exam, trust me." Tenten tightened her arms around his waist.

"Of course if I agree to marry the granddaughter, Hinata won't have to …" He didn't say the rest. The look in Tenten eyes stopped him. He smiled slightly, one hand cradling her check.

"Don't worry, Hinata isn't involved with anyone. She will follow her father wishes. Hinata is the Hyuuga heir. She won't dishonor her family. It may not make her extremely happy, but she will deal with it. It's her duty after all."

"..Yeah."

His lips fluttered across hers. A sudden thought crossed her mind and she pulled away from his lips.

"Neji-kun, if you were in Hinata's place what would you pick, the clan honor or…me?"

"Tenten, don't ask such foolish questions."

She stepped out of his arms. "It is not a foolish question Hyuuga, Neji. Answer it."

"Tenten, just be grateful that Hinata does what she is told." Her eyes widened.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Don't raise your voice at me, Tenten."

"The hell I will! Stop skipping around he bush and answer my question Neji." His eyes narrowed.

"You forget that I am branch family member, the fact that Hiashi-sama gave me choice is a blessing on its own. Its my duty to honor his wish's"

"What the hell? What is wrong with you Neji? The Neji I know would have fought something like this."

"I don't understand why you are all worked up, when I clearly don't have to 'fight' something like this."

"You don't get it do you? One more time Neji, I will ask this. Who would it be, me or your duty to your clan?"

"You know the answer Tenten, so why do you ask?" She took a few steps away from him. Eyes swelling with tears. Her hands fisted at her sides.

Neji didn't like the look she was giving him. It was pure hate and hurt.

"You bastard, I loved you! And this is what you would do to me? Leave me for your uptight , self serving clan? Do you forget that they are the ones that caged you?"

"TENTEN!"

"Save it!" Her voice equally loud. "You know something Neji? Go marry the granddaughter, spare Hinata the pain. She doesn't deserve to marry out of duty, you do!" With that she walked away. Giving her boyfriend more then enough time to stop her, talk to her.

Hyuuga Neji did neither.

He watched her leave.

xxx

"Um Naruto-kun…what.."

"Hinata-chan it's your choice, and whatever it is I will respect it." A gentle upward turn of his lips comforted her. She tighten her arms around his neck, burrowing her face in his neck.

"Oh Naruto-kun."

Naruto was worried, he knew Hiashi didn't really like him much. But this was Hinata's choice. It was her life and therefore her decision to make.

"Naruto-kun…I want to stay with you."

"Good, because I wouldn't let you leave me." Hinata laughed, her laughter ringing like small bells, it made Naruto feel better. She had chosen him.

Yosh! I knew she would. Who could resist me?

"I thought you said it was my choice, Naruto-kun?"

"Well hehe, I knew you would pick me, Hinata-chan. Now how to change your dad's mind. Hmm.."

"I don't know Naruto-kun I'm scared he will…"

"Shh." He put a finger on her lips.

"Don't worry about it Hinata-chan there is still a year and half till the jounin exams. By then we'll think of something." He winked at her. "In the meantime I'll think of a way to get your dad to like me!"

"Really everything will be okay?"

"Of course Hinata-chan."

But inside, Naruto was worried he had only so much time to think of something. And he couldn't mess this up.

xxx

Sakura woke up with big yawn, the first that ebtred her mind was, that tonight Sasuke would be coming back. Sakura was nervous and happy all at the same time. What would she say? What would she do? She ran through all the conversations they had…which all lead to pleasurable acts. They had skipped the whole, cinema date, dinner date, holding hands under the stars, getting to know each other better. And moved right on to making love.

She turned red.

Shaking her head to clear it of such thoughts she entered her bathroom ready for her bath. Turning the taps on to full she threw in some bath salts, the aroma immediately soothed her frazzled her nerves. Sakura brushed her hair, before tying it into a bun at the top of her head. She pulled her night shirt over her head, and got another view of Uchiha's Sauske's handy work

"Damn the man, last time it took three days for the 'love bites' to disappear and that was with the help of creams!" Of course this time she hadn't bothered with the concealers, since...well no one was going to see them.

But she would be lying if she said she didn't like how they got there in the first place.

Sakura the ever observant Kounuchi noticed that Sasuke had a fond spot for the place an inch under left color bone…right over her heart?

That's ridiculous, Sasuke is not that romantic, it's only because that area is soft. With a roll of sea foam eyes, she dismissed the topic.

Sasuke seemed to change when they were making love, more approachable, less cold. More prone to a smile. He even winked!

"Ah Sakura, your only going to get hurt thinking like this. Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill."

xxx

The medic nin entered her kitchen at 10 am. She was getting lazy . She didn't have much to do anyway, besides paper work, read medical texts, and light work outs.

Again her mind strayed to Sasuke, her…

What is he to me?

"Hmm he isn't my boyfriend. He is an ex-team mate. What do you think baby?" She rubbed her tummy as she moved to the fridge. Taking a bagel out, then an egg, milk, and few strawberries. Her breakfast.

He doesn't love me.

"But I'm sure he cares about you, baby." She smiled. And poured her self a glass of milk.

"But what is he to me? A friend with special conditions. No that sounds too cheap." She sighed.

Our relationship has no definition. It's just Sasuke and Sakura.

"But you, lucky baby, will have a defined relationship with Sasuke, he's your daddy. And I, this beautiful women with pink hair, am your mommy!" A frown marred her cheery smile.

"But Sai is going to pretend to be your daddy. You don't have to call him that. You can call him ass, no, donkey, okay?" Again she was smiling and humming, while she made her breakfast.

"But you know baby, there are many little things about your daddy that I didn't know. I know he hates sweet things. He likes tomatoes. Does that mean he likes sour things. Just like his mood?" She giggled at her own words, and rubbed her tummy as she munched on her berries

But I really wonder, where could he have gone, and why is he coming back? I need some answers from that man.

"Well baby lets make a big lunch for you and me." A light bulb went off in her head. She could make dinner for her and Sasuke. Candles, and roses the whole bit. It would be nice and romantic, some thing normal couples would do.

"Sigh, this is going to be great! I'm sure your daddy hasn't eaten anything decent in a LONG while." With a bright smile Sakura set about her task.

xxx

Sakura fell asleep waiting for Sasuke to return. The candles had long since burnt out. The food was cold. And Sakura was fast asleep on the sofa.

That was how Sasuke found her when he returned at one in the morning. He decided not to wake her, and used her shower first. Bathing in rivers and lakes was nothing compared to a hot shower.

As he stood under the steaming water he thought of his current situation. One night with Sakura had resulted in her being with child, his child.

'Fuck. If Itachi or Orochimaru get a wind of this…Why you idiot? Why did you sleep with her?' It wasn't like there wasn't women lined up to sleep with him. It was easy to find a women who would share his bed with him, thanks to his looks.

But he for some reason he craved Sakura. Of all the women in the world, it had to be her. Sasuke was unsure of his feelings for Sakura. But he knew one thing, he would protect her and the child at any cost. Fate had put a new twist in his life and given him a responsibility he couldn't walk away from. His honor would not let him. Honor, duty and clan. Three of the most important things to him. Sakura and the child now embodied in all those three.

xxx

Was that her shower running?

I swear if that's Naruto in there, I'll break his hands! Half asleep Sakura sat up on the couch. She looked at the clock.

"Shit it's 1:35 am. And still no sign of Sasuke-kun. I wonder what's keeping him." Worry filled her, was he hurt? Sakura quickly stood up, ready to dress and wake up Naruto and start a search for Sasuke, when she heard the shower turn off. Sakura rushed over to her bath room ready to confront the culprit.

She banged on the door with her fist. "Naruto I swear if that's you in my shower…." The door open and she was assaulted by warm most air and an image of Sasuke, only in a towel?

"Sakura." His hair was ruffled dry, eyes looking through her soul, lips in a tight line.

That was his greeting, her name, he then walked passed her and into her bedroom.

"What..?" Sakura blindly followed him. What kind of a greeting was that?

She flicked on her lights, just in time to see him pull a white tank over his chiseled abs. Black ninja pants already in place. His hair still wet and clinging, made him look all the more …tempting?

Yes she wanted to devour him.

Down girl! I think he can see that you are ready to jump him. Sakura let out a deep sigh and plopped down on her bed. She settled for eyes his bare feet, he had nice toes, very manly. He had nice toes. The big one had a nice squared clean nail and all the other were smaller in size...

xxx

Sasuke was leaning against her desk opposite her bed watching her study his feet with rapt attention.

Odd women, why is she studying my feet? Oh well the sooner this is done the better.

"Sakura sign this, I already did. The sooner we get this over with the better."

Curious she caught the scroll tossed at her. Notching the rich paper and the fancy ribbons. She carefully unfurled the scroll.

The words printed in fancy red ink at the top took her breath away. Sakura almost pulled a Hinata and fainted.

Marriage Certificate

However, instead of fainting, Sakura quickly scanned the paper, yes it was definitely was for her and Sasuke. He had outlined even where she would stay, what bank accounts she and their children could use and a slew of other official gibberish, including land holdings, investments etc.

To say the least, Sakura was surprised. She had dreamed many, many oh so many times of marrying Sasuke. But like this? By signing a fancy scroll in her bedroom, dressed in blue cotton shorts and a white tee-shirt?

xxx

Every girl dreamed of marrying someone who they loved and who loved them back. Having a big grand wedding with that person. Of course she had taken into account that Sasuke wouldn't like a big grand wedding, so she had decided a small garden wedding, with close friends and family.

Maybe in late spring with all the Sakura petals floating around them it would be a traditional wedding. She figured Sasuke would object to a western wedding. A small reception would follow afterwards. Where Sasuke would whisk her away and they could express their devotion to each other in the most intimate of ways…

Sakura knew she was asking for a lot ,but she could still have her wedding couldn't she? Didn't she deserve this much? A decent ceremony with a least her close friends? Did he have to turn her world upside down in ever damn possible way?

Couldn't he just say he loved her once? Just ONCE? Did he love her? Or that he cared about her? If he did she would sign the paper, dash her dreams of her perfect wedding. Screw the wedding, she just wanted to be married to someone who cared deeply about her.

xxx

Sakura looked up and lowered the scroll.

She tried very hard to make sure her voice didn't shake. It wouldn't be a good idea to cry right now. She needed her wits about her.

"Why?" Her voice came out strong, almost normal with the barest of hint of waver to it. Sasuke however, picked it up.

Their was a soft pause while he shoved his hands deep into his trousers.

"Isn't it obvious?"

Her voice was stronger now. "No Sasuke it isn't, that's why I am asking."

His eyes narrowed. That was the only physical indication of his growing frustration at her lack of cooperation.

This was such a simple thing he couldn't understand why it was so hard for to understand.

"I will not allow my child to be born a bastard."

Just as I had thought Sasuke.

"Do you care about the baby?" She was aching to ask if he cared about her.

"Of course. I want to be able to provide for my child. And the Uchiha coiffeurs are plentiful, no child of mine will ever have to worry about the comforts of life. I want to give the baby my name and clan honor that comes with it."

xxx

It all made perfect sense to Sasuke, he would not dishonor his clan or Sakura, nor would he withhold his child, his/her birth right as the Uchiha heir. His honor demanded he do this for Sakura and the baby. He was partially if not completely responsible for this situation, hence his duty to take care of Sakura and the child.

He knew it was fast and unexpected. But Sakura was a smart girl. She would understand the advantages. Nevertheless, when his old team mate didn't say anything for a while. He added.

"I will not shrike away from my duty nor my responsibility and abandon my clan."

xxx

By clan he meant the baby Haruno not you.
Sakura stood up.

"No." She threw the scroll back at him and turned away.

xxxxxxx

TBC...

AN: Thank you all so much for the reviews! You guys are the reason i still update! I should write a wearied and whacked fics (like this isn't) they seem to get more reviews...and update once a week...those seem to get more reviews too. shrug I'll think about it. It's odd how only 1.5 of those who read have reviewed.