Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Reputations ❯ part 5 ( Chapter 5 )

REPUTATIONS

PART FIVE

* * *

Duo hurried to log onto the net and entered a search site. He punched in a few key words and waited for results. He needed to know exactly what he was facing before he continued getting deeper into this mess. He had to know all that he could about Heero's situation, so he'll know what he's up against.

It wasn't long before he found what he sought. It was an old article, from the local library's database. He hurried to read the title:

Local scientist involved in a multi-million dollar research.

Duo frowned, but then read the article. It went on and on about the expensive and important research, done in the local university, which was located a few miles out of town and served the whole county. But it wasn't the research that interested him. It was the fact that the key word he had entered was there: Jay.

By what he read, the head of the project was one Doctor Jeremiah 'Jay' Cage, who had been in charged of the project ever since the beginning of it, seven years ago. It also told that the research began in quite some difficulties, for Jay didn't have the money he needed to execute it, and no one would donate. Now, the project was a success, and he had millions at his side.

Duo looked down at the bottom of the page and say related links. He clicked on one in random.

Local bank manager and his wife killed in a tragic car accident, leaving behind an only child; Police officials suspect foul play.

The article dated back to seven years from the other one, which was only a year old. Duo hurried to read it, scanning the pages for his key words. The name Jeremiah Cage was there again. He was the bank manager's older stepbrother, a doctor and a researcher in the local university, struggling to raise funds for his research. He had received custody of his brother's only child- Heero. It also mentioned that besides the child, the doctor had also inherited his stepbrother's large estate, his money and the rest of his property. He was to keep it until the eight-year-old child would reach legal age and be able to use the money.

Duo suspected that he did quite the opposite. That's where he got his millions! The figures he inherited were just enough for his research! And Heero didn't have any money left. He was just keeping him around as an excuse to use the money!

Fucking hell! Didn't the police see that? Were everybody blind, or did they just prefer to look the other way? That Jay dude did have quite a reputation, and was considered a VIP and an honor to the small middle-of-nowhere town. But at what price were they willing to keep that jerk in their town? The people in the school must know what went on there, right? They can't be that blind! And no one was doing anything! Everybody were turning the other cheek, turning their backs at Heero! What kind of a screwed up town did Joanna bring him to anyway?!

But he was glad that she brought him there. He was glad because now he could help. Now he could be with Heero.

* * *

The next morning, Duo got up extra early, even before the sun was up, and more importantly, before Joanna was up. He packed himself some small gear, sneaked quietly down into the kitchen and grabbed some food. He took all of his money, keys and left the house silently.

He made his way through town, running down dark and empty streets, for the town hasn't woken up yet. It took him about forty-five minutes of jogging, but eventually, he arrived to his destination. He came to a quick halt in front of the large and neglected house, taking a hide behind some bushes. He saw the black Lincoln was still there, shining in the early morning light. A few birds were sinning in the distance, creating a calm and almost surreal atmosphere, but Duo did not feel calm at all.

"Meow..." A familiar voice greeted and Duo looked down, seeing Kitty rub herself against his feet. He smiled slightly, kneeling down to ruffle the cat's furry head.

"Heya Kitty..." He whispered softly, caressing her. He turned and pulled some food out of his backpack, offering it to the white cat. "There ya go. For you and your kitties."

"Meow..." The small pet thanked him, licking his hand in affection.

"Mind showing me to the back?" Duo asked in slight amusement.

The cat whined again and picked up the small piece of food, using her mouth. She then headed back to the backyard; Duo got up and followed her.

On the way to the backyard, where he knew Heero's window was, Duo passed by another window, a larger one, which was partly covered by thick blinds. Just as he passed it, he could hear something fall and break, coming from inside the house.

"Useless brat! Look what you did!" A rough and angry voice roared, and Duo flinched at the horrible sound, coming to a quick halt.

"I'm... I'm sorry!" Another voice, weaker and pitiable, cried. "I'll... I'll clean it up..."

At the sound of Heero's broken voice, Duo's heart sank with sympathy. He slowly turned and carefully peeked through the window. He was looking into a semi-dark kitchen, which seemed as neglected as the house itself. By a small kitchen table, across the window, sat a man, middle-aged, wearing an expensive suit and holding a newspaper in his hands. It looked like he had just finished his breakfast, for an empty plate and an empty cup of coffee were on the table next to him. To the left, by the sink, where piles of just washed up dishes were standing, was Heero. He was dressed in a ragged, old, and green tank top and warned out blue jeans, his exposed arms covered with bruises. There were no handcuff now, but still, the evidence of them being there were the red welts around Heero's delicate wrists. When Duo looked down, he saw the broken remains of what used to be a plate, lying scattered on the floor.

"I can't even trust you to do the dishes!" The man at the table screamed, throwing his paper to the floor. "Look at this mess!"

"I'm sorry!" Heero cried again, wiping away his tears while dropping down to his knees and hurrying to clean his mess. Duo winced as he heard the broken glass crack when Heero's knees crashed on the floor, crushing them.

"It just slipped... I didn't mean it... it just slipped..." Heero mumbled apologetically as he furiously cleaned the floor, using his bare hands, uncaring if he cut them open.

"Go to your room, boy! I have no time for this!" Jay yelled again, throwing his chair back as he got up.

"I'm just cleaning it..." Heero explained quietly, looking up at the man towering above him, while tears slid down his pale cheeks.

"I SAID THAT I HAVE NO TIME FOR THIS NOW!" Jay hollered, slapping the boy hard on the face.

Heero's head went flying to the side and he whimpered silently. Duo bit his lip down, struggling not to growl in anger.

"Didn't I tell you to go to your room!? I told you to go to your room!"

"I was only trying to..."

"I don't need you cleaning it up now! You made enough mess already! Go! To! Your! Room!"

"But--- but I did my chores... can't I... please... just a little..."

"You'll eat when I get back! Now go! I want you finished with your assignments by the time I get back! Is that clear?!"

Heero didn't answer, and Duo could see him bow his head down, looking at his bleeding palms.

"GO ALREADY!"

"Ye... yes sir..." Heero mumbled and struggled up to his feet.

Duo's eyes widened in shock and anger as he saw Jay grab one of Heero's wrists, yanking the poor boy towards him. He then snatched a pair of handcuffs from his back pocket and slammed it shut around the boy's wrist, and then at the other.

"I'll be home on Thursday, boy. Your work better be done by then!" With that warning, he shoved the sobbing boy out of the kitchen, and towards the laundry room. Duo watched as he pushed the boy into the room, and Heero crashed down to the floor with a silent cry.

"Now stay in your room!" The doctor called angrily, slamming the heavy door shut and locking it behind him.

Duo hurried to wipe the tears out of his eyes, and turned to look back at the old man. He glared at him, hatred in his eyes. He followed the doc with his gaze as he walked out of the kitchen and towards the door.

He hurried to go back to the front of the house, hiding behind some bushes. The sun was just coming out from behind a far away mountain, washing everything with dim light. The doctor soon came out of the house, and Duo held his breath, ducking deeper into the bushes. He dared a peek out, and saw the doctor, now dressed in a formal and expensive jacket, carrying a briefcase. He locked the house, with three different locks, and then he turned and walked down to the driveway, tossing his car keys up and down, humming quietly to himself.

Duo didn't dare to breathe until the car was out of the driveway and off into the horizon. When it was finally out of sight, he darted back towards the yard.

He quickly ran to the backyard, pushing different branches and bushes away. He hurried to climb up the pile of bricks, grabbing onto the metal bars over the window. He stood up on his tiptoes and peered in.

He saw Heero, still lying where the man had dropped him, head pillowed in his arms, back shaking as he was crying.

"Psst!" Duo hissed, hoping to catch the boy's attention.

But Heero just kept crying, head buried in his arms.

"Pssssst!" He tried again, louder this time. But Heero didn't hear him. Frowning, Duo looked around, searching for a way to get the boy's attention. He whirled his head back to face the window and quickly reached up and knocked on it.

Heero's head snapped up, wide and tearful blue eyes looking up at the window. He saw one hand holding onto the bars, while another came to knock on the window again. Standing up carefully, Heero slowly made his way to the window, wiping away his tears. He looked around him for a moment, trying to find something he could stand on to get a little higher, but there was nothing. He looked back up at the window, face uncertain.

As no response came, Duo dared to sneak a peek at the window again. He gasped as he was immediately faced with a pair of tearful baby-blue eyes. The shock evident in those eyes made him doubt his plan for a second. But he quickly dismissed his doubts and shook his head slightly, and then smiled down at Heero. "Hey."

Heero was too shocked to answer. He just kept gaping up at Duo's heart shaped face, peering down his window.

Duo frowned as he saw Heero was still unresponsive. "Um..." He let out, wanting to break the silence, but having no idea what to say.

"What are you doing here?!" Heero whispered harshly, glaring up at Duo.

"Don't worry, he left." Duo blurted out, wanting to assure Heero that he was safe, but in the same time revealing to him that he was spying on them.

Heero's eyes widened and then flashed with anger. "You had no right to spy on me! What are you doing here, Duo?!"

"Helping you." Duo said, and handed Heero something through the window. "Here, I brought you this."

Heero looked up at Duo's hand, distrustful. He saw the boy was holding a small bag, full of... something.

Heero took a hesitant step forward. "What's in it?" He asked quietly, reaching up for the bag.

"Just some stuff I picked up at home." Duo answered, dropping the bag into Heero's arms. "It's not much, but I promise I'll do better next time."

Heero looked down at he bag in his hands and then slowly opened it. He was surprised to see two sandwiches and an apple inside. He snapped his head up to look at Duo.

"You didn't have to do this for me."

"I wanted to." Duo answered softly, trying to push himself higher and get a better look at Heero. He saw the boy look down at the food, smiling slightly.

"Tha-thank you." Heero let out silently, looking up at Duo, eyes tearful again, but not from sadness.

Duo smiled at him. "Don't mention it. Now," He looked around, and then back at Heero. "Lets see what I can do to get you out of here..."

"No! You can't!" Heero burst. "He'll... he'll catch you! He... He..."

"He won't be home for three days." Duo finished instead of him, voice cold. "And I'm not gonna let you stay locked in this room for so long!"

"But..." Heero tried to protest; searching for words that will help Duo see it was useless. "I can't leave... when he'll come back... and he'll see I'm not here... he'll..."

"I won't let him lay ONE finger on you, Heero." Duo said in determination, looking down at the frightened boy, his gaze stern and determined. "I promise you."

Heero swallowed, looking up at the braided boy in his window. The way Duo had just spoke... with so much strength, so much determination and resolve; he had almost made Heero believe it. There he was, the one Heero had dreamed of for so long, his knight in a shinning armor, here to rescue him from his prison. And just by looking into Duo's violet eyes, Heero could tell how serious and truthful he was. There was no trace of the joker he saw in class, but this hero, this strong and powerful hero, offering his hand to him. And he will be a damn fool if he'll refuse it.

"The house is locked." Heero finally said, looking down in disappointment. "I don't have a key."

"Don't worry." Duo comforted him with a smile. "I do."

Heero looked up, stunned and confused, but he had only managed to catch a glimpse of Duo's long braid as he jumped off the pile of bricks and then off to wherever he was going.

Heero frowned and walked closer to the window. "Duo?" He asked, a little afraid the boy had left him. "Duo?"

He whirled around as he heard noises coming from behind his door. He listened carefully, and could swear that he heard the front door creak open.

A few seconds later, his own door was flung open, and there stood Duo, a grin on his face and a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "Tada!" He called, smiling at Heero.

Heero couldn't help but smile back, only now catching a glimpse of the sophisticated lock-picking device Duo was holding. His smile widened and he choked out a small whimper, throwing himself at Duo. He was unable to hug him, because of his cuffed hands, so he just leaned against Duo's chest, burying his head between the broad shoulders and the long and firm neck.

Duo was surprised at the sudden burst of affection, but didn't refuse it. He closed his arms around the smaller boy, sliding his eyes shut and leaning his chin on Heero's head, inhaling deeply, still able to detect the faint remains of vanilla shampoo.

Heero leaned deeper into Duo as the boy held him tightly. He had nearly run out of the strength to go on, having been locked in here and abused none-stop for three whole days. And now, here he was, wrapped in Duo's strong and protecting arms, surrounded by his warmth and masculine scent. He sighed pleasantly, melting into Duo's embrace.

As much as he wanted to hang onto this sweet moment, Duo knew he had to get Heero out of there, to a safer, cleaner and warmer place. He detached himself a little from Heero, and looked down into his deep ocean-blue eyes. He smiled warmly at the boy.

"C'mon, lets get ya outta here." He whispered, raising a hand up and running the back of his hand against Heero's cheekbone.

Heero closed his eyes slowly, savoring the soft touch. He smiled weakly, holding Duo's hand in his.

Duo looked down at the gentle hands holding his, and again anger flared inside of him, at the sight of the metallic handcuffs. Still holding one of Heero's hands in his, he took the lock-picker and freed Heero from his restrains.

Heero opened his eyes and looked down at his hands, now free. He looked up at Duo, eyes shimmering with joy. He entangled his fingers with Duo's.

Duo smiled back at the boy, wanting nothing but to lean down and kiss those gentle smiling lips. But he didn't want to frighten Heero. He was still unsure about how the boy saw him: a mere friend, a rescuer, or perhaps something more than that.

"C'mon, Hee-chan, lets go."

* * *

He brought Heero home with him. It was still rather early, not even seven AM, and so Joanna and Tracy were still asleep.

"Good, they're not up yet. That means less explaining to do." Duo whispered as he closed the door behind them and locked it.

"Are you sure about this?" Heero whispered back, looking around in doubt.

"Yeah, no problem, as long as we stay in my room." Duo whispered back, walking quietly towards the stairs.

Heero followed suit. "How are you going to explain me being here?" He whispered once they began climbing up the stairs.

Duo shrugged. "Haven't thought 'bout that part yet."

Heero frowned slightly. "I don't want to cause any trouble."

"You won't." Duo said, turning to smile at him. "I promise."

Heero couldn't help but smile back at him. There was something very calming, very reassuring about Duo's smile. Duo's eyes, those violet pools radiated so much warmth and kindness, it was hard not to believe him.

They tiptoed their way down the hall and towards Duo's room. Duo locked the door behind them as Heero studied the large bedroom. His eyes drank in the sight hungrily, taking in the large, double, bed, the closet full of posters, the shelves loaded with CDs and a stereo, the discarded clothes lying around, all in all, a pretty typical sixteen-year-old's room. But then again, he had never had such a room, and was now looking at it with awe.

"You have so many things..." He let out, without even realizing.

"Nah, just some junk." Duo answered absent mindedly, clearing his stuff off the bed. "Nothin' really important."

"Oh." Heero let out thoughtfully, still looking around. "I wouldn't think so if I had all of this..." He whispered to himself.

But Duo had heard him, and it made him wince. It was so easy to forget that merely eight years ago, he had none of that. Not to mention that he had nothing at ALL before he came to the orphanage. He looked down in shame, straightening the folds on his bed sheets. "Yeah, I guess I forgot how to appreciate it." He said truthfully, coming to stand next to Heero.

Heero smiled shyly. "I didn't mean to offend you."

"You didn't. You were right." Duo assured him, placing a hand on Heero's shoulder. He was happy to see that unlike so many other times, Heero didn't flinch or anything. He was getting used to his presence.

"What now?" Heero finally asked.

"Now? Now I go to sleep." Duo declared, slumping down on his bed, kicking off his shoes. He let out a big yawn, stretching. "Man, I didn't sleep all night!" He said while yawning, dropping back tiredly onto the bed.

Heero just kept standing in the middle of the room, rubbing his arms distractedly, looking numbly at he bed, but not moving an inch towards it.

Duo arched an eyebrow at Heero's sudden silence. He sat up, looking at him, confused. "Hey, you hungry or something? Want me to being ya a drink?"

"Huh? Oh, no. Thank you..." Heero hurried to reply, letting go of his hand. He looked around nervously.

"Well, are you tired?" Duo asked, scratching his head. "Cuz I sure am..." He smirked inwardly as he saw Heero was refusing to meet his eyes. "You can have the bed if you want."

Heero's head snapped up and he gaped at him. "What?! No... no... It's okay. I can take the floor."

Humph! There was NO way Duo was going to let Heero sleep on the floor! Not after he saw that sorry-excuse-for-a-bed he had at home!

He got up and walked over to Heero, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Nah, it's all right, Hee-chan. You have the bed. I can handle the floor for one night."

Heero's eyes suddenly went dark. "Na-no! I don't want you to sleep on the floor! It's your bed."

Duo rolled his eyes. "Ch! I can see we'll get nowhere NEAR sleep if we continue like this. Tell ya what," He smiled, gesturing at the bed. "It's a big enough bed, two can sleep in it." He turned to look back at Heero. "If you don't mind, that is."

Heero studied the bed for a long while, biting down his lower lip in thought. He then smiled slightly, this sweet little smile, and looked at Duo. "I don't mind."

Duo held himself from grinning. "Good." He walked over to his closet, rummaging through the mess that went there. "I'll see if I can find something a little more comfortable for ya." And a little less smelly...

He turned and threw Heero a large gray tee shirt and a pair of sweatpants. "Here, the best I can find. I hope it fits." He added as he saw Heero looked down at he large shirt. He didn't have anything that will suit Heero's slender figure, and this was the best he could do.

After examining the fresh clothes, indulging himself in their clean smell, Heero looked up at Duo, face shy. "Can you turn around please?"

Duo held himself from sighing and just nodded his head. "Sure." He turned so his back was facing Heero, and waited for the boy to change. He was a little disappointed that Heero was still so shy around him. But it made sense. He shouldn't expect the boy to act so freely next to him after knowing him for such a short time, not to mention his little betrayal earlier. He guessed he'd just have to take his time with Heero. Maybe the boy was not as 'willing' as he had thought. Maybe he was wrong and the boy was only looking for a true friend to be with him. And if that's what he had to be so he can stay with Heero, so that's what he'll do. He'll do anything to be with him and to keep him from harm.

"Okay, I'm done." Heero's quiet voice whispered after some time, and Duo turned around. He chuckled a little as he saw the clothes he had given Heero were nearly twice his size. He was practically swimming in them.

Heero scowled at Duo's chuckle. "Don't laugh!"

"I'm not laughing!"

"Yes you are!" Heero argued, glaring.

"I'm sorry." Duo let out, chuckling again. "It's just that you look like my kid sister!"

"I do not!" Heero protested again, still glaring.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, Heero. Just forget it..." He mumbled with a light laugh, walking over to the bed.

"I don't look like a girl..." Heero muttered under his breath, crawling up on the bed as well. He settled on the side closer to the wall.

Duo lay down beside him, on the other side. He looked up at Heero, offering his blanket. "I've got only one."

"We can share." Heero answered quietly, taking the soft blanket and covering them both up.

Duo smiled as he watched Heero snuggle into the covers, nuzzling his face against the pillow. He was lying on his side, facing Duo, curled up within himself, reminding Duo of a little angelic baby when he slept. He felt this urge to put his arm around Heero's smaller form, but held himself from doing so, for he was uncertain as to how the boy would react.

Heero's blue eyes suddenly opened, and he looked deep into Duo's eyes.

"Duo?"

"Hmm?" He hummed softly, wanting so bad to reach up and caress Heero's soft cheek, to push that adorable string of hairs out of his eyes.

"Can I ask you for a favor?" Heero continued quietly.

"Anything."

At that, Heero smiled shyly, snuggled closer to Duo and put his arm around him.

Duo stiffened at first, shocked. But when he felt Heero's body tense, for he was probably thinking he had done something wrong, Duo brought his own arm around the boy and pulled him closer. He felt Heero quickly relax and heard him sigh pleasantly, melting deeper into the warm embrace, burying his face in Duo's firm chest, his other hand coming between their bodies, clutching onto Duo's dark shirt.

Duo smiled, looking down at the angel resting in his arms, and reached his second hand to caress the top of the boy's head, resting right under his chin.

"Thank you..." Heero whispered sleepily into Duo's chest.

"Shhh... there's no need to thank me..." Duo whispered back, fingers playing with Heero's dark and soft messy hair. "Just sleep now."

Again Heero let out a pleasant sigh, body relaxing even more. Soon all Duo could hear were Heero's slow and steady breaths, as he was deep asleep. He allowed himself to drift into slumber as well, holding onto the warmth of Heero's body. There were only he and Heero at that perfect moment. No gang, no school, no angry parents and no torturing monsters. Only their two hearts, beating against each other in union.

* * *

Seven thirty AM and Joanna's angry pounding against Duo's door, snapped the two boys out of their sleep. Duo cursed silently as he saw they only managed to catch one hour of sleep, and looked down at Heero, still held in his arms, stirring awake.

"Duo open the door!" Joanna called angrily, knocking on the door. "Open it right now! I had enough of your games, young man!"

"I'm sleeping!" Duo called back, voice heavy with sleep.

"I don't care if you are, you open this door right now or I'll-"

"What's the fucking point?! I ain't got no school ta got to!"

"Duo! Open this door at once! I'm not done talking to you!"

Duo rolled his eyes. "Later Joe! I'm sleeping!"

Heero looked up at the door, and then back at Duo, eyes shimmering with doubt and sorrow.

"Mom! I'm gonna be late to school!" Tracy's little annoying voice called from down the stairs.

"I'm coming honey, just a second!" Joanna called back, then turned to glare at the door again. "You just wait until I come back form work, Duo! Then you'll see what I'm gonna do to you!"

Heero winced, and Duo's embrace around him tightened.

"Don't worry." He whispered to him soothingly, nuzzling his nose in Heero's dark hair. "She won't do anything."

"I got you into trouble." Heero whispered sorrowfully.

"Don't worry about it."

The front door slammed shut and the sound of Joanna's angry steps were heard form the outside, her high heels tapping on the pavement.

"But she's angry..." Heero cried, pulling Duo closer to him, tightening his grip around the braided boy.

"Shhhh... don't worry 'bout it, Hee-chan. She'll get over it." Duo soothed, stroking Heero's hair gently, his hand trailing down to caress his cheeks. It was so easy, so natural, to be touching Heero like this. And the boy didn't seem to mind much, so Duo just carried on, kissing Heero's soft hair, trailing his lips down to his earlobe, then further down to his neck, nibbling it lightly with his mouth.

Heero moaned silently, unconsciously tilting his head aside, giving Duo more room for his exploration. "I don't want her to be mad at you..." He whispered, panting a little as Duo's tongue played with his earlobe.

"Forget it..." Duo rasped, shifting position so he was more like lying on top of Heero, the Japanese boy lying on his back, head tilted sideways, lips parted as he took in quick breaths, his eyes closed in pleasure. Duo smirked and came down again, this time sending kisses down Heero's slender neck and down to his chest.

"She's just worried about you." Heero said between panting and silent moans of pleasure.

"She's worried about Tracy, not me." Duo answered absent mindedly, now lying on top of Heero, his hand sneaking up under Heero's shirt. His fingers found the boy's nipples and he began to tease them, slowly caressing them and squeezing them until they hardened.

"I think you're... you're wrong about... about that... Duo... nnn..." Heero managed to mumble as Duo's hands and lips teased him. "I think she cares about you deeply..."

"I'm not her real son." Duo informed him, distracted as he lifted his shirt up a bit, exposing the golden skin of his abdomen. He let his hands trail over it a bit, feeling, touching and probing, until he couldn't wait anymore and bent down to lick the hard plane of muscles.

Heero's stomach muscles fluttered in response and he let out a choked cry of pleasure, thrusting his head into the pillow. His breathing became harsher. "It doesn't... doesn't matter if you are..." He rasped between sounds of pleasure, looking up at Duo. He reached up a slim hand and caressed the braided boy's face. "She cares for you, otherwise she wouldn't get so angry."

At those words, Duo ceased his ministrations and turned to look down at Heero, face puzzled. "Is that how you explain what he does to you?" He asked, voice suddenly cold, devoid of all the lust that was there before.

Heero looked deeply into Duo's eyes and held that gaze for a long time. After a few moments of intense silence, he shook his head, looking away. "No, he doesn't care about me."

"Then how can you tell Joanna does?" Duo asked, coming off of Heero. He sat down beside the boy, and looked down at him.

"Because, I... I don't know. I just do." He mumbled, still unable to look Duo in the eyes. "You yourself said she won't really do anything to you."

"Yeah, beside make my life miserable." Duo snorted, slumping back down on the bed.

Heero turned to face him, face sad. "I really wish you could see how lucky you are, Duo. How lucky you are to have a mother."

"My mother is dead."

Heero pouted, looking away, staring up at the ceiling. "Yeah, but Joanna is alive." With that, he turned over to lie on his side, his back facing Duo. He snuggled into the covers and closed his eyes, ready to go back to sleep.

Duo just continued watching him, confused.

Part 6

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