Even when I strip my illusions away, I have few peers.
[It was another reason that Faustino had started searching far and wide for ways to hone his skills, having already exhausted his avenues here. There was always the thought of joining the Varia and learning under their famed illusionist, but Faustino found the uniforms to have a terrible color scheme and too much fur. Besides, it would be a place that would force him to listen to a tyrant.
The mention of Al's abilities made Faustino shrug slightly, stirring at his drink idly.]
Al is gifted physically, but he's far too easy to read. He also has a bad habit of holding back when it comes to sparring with me.
I’ll have to crack down on him for that when I see him again, then. He’s my replacement in the event anything happens. [A dry smile.] I can’t have him be too obvious in a fight.
[Because he’s already decided on that, in his head. Faustino can be just about anything he cares to be; it’s impossible to deny his skill both in quality and range. Ciro is a clever fight, but it’s not something he really has an aptitude. Lancia would feel more guilty about it if the boy hadn’t said so himself, years ago, a child who knew his limits even back then. That’s a sharp mind better for going through the technical details of keeping a Family running. It’s intelligent minds like Ciro’s that keep a Family funded and secure, not the vicious strength of someone like Lancia.]
[And that leaves Al. There’s a lot of potential in him. Even unaided by his channels, he’s good at just about anything physical. With those, however, he becomes an army knife of ability, and the only thing that really is a problem is getting him to be as protective of other people as he is those he’s personally invested in. Lancia isn’t naive when it comes to this dark underworld he’s made his home in. He won’t make promises he can’t keep about surviving every encounter. Someone needs to be there if he’s gone, and he thinks Al fits the bill perfectly, once he's polished up his fighting skills.]
Anyway, since you’re so eager for a challenge, I guess there’s no helping it, huh?
[While death shouldn't be a big deal, not in the mafia where it was as commonplace as bread and butter, a small chill skimmed through Faustino's blood at the thought of Lancia needing to be 'replaced'. It was silly, an almost juvenile and childish reaction, but Faustino's movements stilled, his eyes narrowing dangerously.]
Replacement is a bit premature, isn't it?
[His voice was soft, chilly, with almost as much teeth as Al had. He had done his best to keep tabs on anyone who might be a threat to them, and had paid special care for Lancia. He'd been working on dispatching them as quietly as possible without catching anyone's interest, but to think of all of his hard work being in vain, well.
He forced himself to relax, turning his gaze away from Lancia, even though knowing the other man was right there and still breathing should have been comforting enough.]
None at all. [It was lighter, though his eyes were still burning.] Please continue to spoil me as you always have.
[Better to be prepared prematurely than leave his Family or his charges without someone and floundering. Yet a blind man could see the way Faustino is aggravated at merely the idea of him one day dying. In that way, Lancia supposes, he’s still a child. While it’s always painful, there’s still an understanding that any of them could die one day among the older members of the Family.]
[Although, in a morbid way, he guesses it’s sort of funny. He’s only in his 20s; when did that qualify as ‘old’?]
[Either way, it’s best to get Faustino’s mind away from that dark matter. Lancia nods back at the server to get their attention.]
Then I suppose I should start spoiling you with dessert, shouldn’t I?
[Though dessert wasn't enough to mollify him, not by a long shot, Faustino could accept the change in conversation. This was why forming bonds with people was so unnecessary and frivolous. People died, there was no escaping that, and in the mafia it was an every day occurrence. Faustino had been to more funerals than he could count, in this lifetime and the others that had been foisted onto him, and while it had deadened him to the deaths of people who didn't matter, he knew with certainty that for the people he had come to care for... Well. He hoped that Lancia managed to live a long life and die peacefully in his old age surrounded by those he loved and cared for. Any other options would not be pretty.
He made a small face, fine with playing the part of a spoiled mentee for now, leaning back in his chair casually.]
What will you do when dessert isn't enough to satisfy me, I wonder?
[It came off as a rather unsubtle purr, but Faustino could be pretty shameless when it came to his own desires. If it was someone else who he couldn't trust, he might not be as open, but he had little to fear when it came to his family. Wasn't that the whole point of having one?
He glanced upwards in thoughtful amusement, canting his head to the side.]
[It was said with a small smirk and a flippant toss of his hair out of his face, but Faustino was sure his heart was pounding treacherously loud in his chest. He would be surprised if Lancia didn't mention it, exposing a truth about himself always enough to make him a little anxious and wary. Still, he'd made sure the tone was joking enough that he could wave it off it the response wasn't satisfactory, but a small part of him wanted to see what kind of reaction he would get out of the other man.]
Having sparring sessions during the day isn’t enough?
[But it’s a careful deflection as he looks over his charge, wondering. Before, the kiss to his face he’d been willing to dismiss as simply another thing Faustino did to rile or tease other people by stepping over the usually accepted lines. Something to throw him off during a spar.]
[But… This isn’t fighting. This is having a meal together, on their own and away from anyone else. If it’s a joke, he can’t see it.]
[...Maybe he should see what this really is.]
Still, if that’s all you want… Although does that mean you’re forfeiting dessert tonight?
[For a moment, Faustino was tempted to lay everything out bare for Lancia just so there was no room for calculated misunderstanding, but doing so would make him a hypocrite. Besides, telling someone something straight forwardly was the quickest and easiest way to be taken advantage of and hurt.
So instead, Faustino readied himself to brush it off when Lancia spoke again, giving Faustino pause. He glanced up at the other man, expression carefully guarded.]
It depends on what sort of sparring. Not every kind can hold up to a parfait.
[Despite himself, Faustino couldn't help but laugh at the idea of showing Lancia exactly what kind of sparring he was interested in, even if he had no doubt it would end poorly. Seeing the surprised look on his face when Faustino leaned in to kiss him or to claim more would be more than enough. It was a good thing his reputation proceeded him, as he could just chalk it up to his youth. A simple enough task.
Amused, Faustino leaned forward, resting his chin against the palm of his hand as he considered the other man.]
[When he’s older- Lancia snorts and rolls his eyes.]
I think any older and I’ll be retired with a nice house on the beach, and by then you’ll be a right hand man, or some other impressive thing. Now say yes or no to the dessert before I get mine without you.
[The thought of being the right hand man to the Don makes him raise an eyebrow, mostly because it wasn't something he had ever considered seriously. For one thing, right hand men tended to be slavishly loyal to the point of blindness, and while Faustino may be many things, slavish or loyal or blind weren't among them.]
Like the Don would want such a thing. He already thinks I get into far more trouble than I should. As a right hand man, I'll only make scandals.
[He chuckled lightly at Lancia's impatience, nodding.]
You say that like you won’t cause a scandal one way or the other.
[Yet it’s said with a grin as he waves the waitress over, giving their orders. Once their table is filled again with sweets, he glances back up to Faustino. It’s still amazing how fast time passes. To think that the troublemaking young man in front of him was once hardly higher than his waist…]
Once we get back, I’ll be busy, probably, talking with the rest of the guys about that territory issue, but I should be able to have some free time to myself tomorrow. What about you- does the don have plans to keep you busy?
I only cause scandals that are beneficial to me or won't harm the Don directly.
[It was said lightly, but even Faustino knew the lie was thin. The Don worried more than he should, and he saw some of the small scandals Faustino caused as some sort of personal failing. It amused Faustino to know that the Don saw himself as a parental figure to him and the others, considering he had no use for such a thing, especially this late in life.
He dug into his parfait as soon as it was delivered, relishing the treat, before flicking his gaze back up to Lancia.]
[But for now, there’s simply dessert and company to enjoy before they head back home.]
[The next days pass by as they always seem to do when Lancia manages to stay at the Family’s home for longer than a few days, and he enjoys it for what it is: keeping Al out of trouble by spending his energy on patrols around town which are just excuses for walks, making sure that Ciro doesn’t forget to eat or socialize, doing his work by checking in on that territory situtation with others of the Family, and, of course… sparring and talks with Faustino. Even as a schedule, it’s a lot to do, and the busyness of it all makes him content. After a while, of course, he gets sent out- and not just him, but his three charges as well for a job of their own. Taking care of the intrusive Family toeing the lines of their territory is easy enough, and all too soon he’s back home before the trio. That means he’s there to greet Faustino whenever he untangles himself from his own reports with the boss, smiling fondly at his charge.]
[The mission was a surprise to Faustino, a feat that he hadn't thought the Don would be able to pull off at his age and considering how fastidiously he kept tabs on everything.
It was a simple diplomacy mission, tasked only to meet with the Japanese Vongola Tenth candidate. While he couldn't care for the famed hitman turned home tutor, there were quite a few interesting people who had clustered around the seemingly frail and helpless Vongola Tenth. It was worth investigating for now, and it hadn't escaped Faustino's notice that they were still gathering guardians, and that the position for Mist Guardian was unoccupied.
The trip had been brief, but it was enough to give Faustino food for thought, so much so that when Lancia called to him, he almost started, eyes wide for a moment before he slipped back into his regular polished mask.]
Boring, quite frankly, but well. I have no scandals to report.
[He paused, tilting his head to the side as he smiled up at his mentor.]
You know, when you say that kind of thing, it just makes me think you have something planned.
[It’s said as amiably as always, but that had definitely been an interesting reaction from him. Not a lot is liable to get him trapped in his own thoughts like that and, if he is, usually Lancia would expect it to be while he’s in his own room, or while he’s with one of the others. What’s got his attention like that?]
[A pity that bluntly asking doesn’t always lead anywhere with Faustino. Lancia is just as likely to get a tall tale teased at him than the truth. So he gestures for the gardens.]
If it’s dull, then I suppose I won’t get to hear any interesting stories. Want to spar to get your blood flowing again?
[This was why having a house and a Family was so dangerous. They became one's weakness, a place where Faustino could feel his guard slipping even without his notice. If he did so here, then where else might he falter? The Don and the rest were quick to harp on how Family should give one strength, but Faustino had yet to see what the strength was. Family just meant having more people to lose, more people to protect, and more weaknesses. Faustino had no use for such things.
He surveyed Lancia, smirking coyly.]
Perhaps I do. Maybe it even involves you.
[The suggestion about sparring made him laugh lightly, but he headed out into the gardens all the same.]
Can you think of nothing else that might get the blood flowing?
Well, if I take you out for a walk around town, Al might get jealous.
[A playful jab; Al would give up just about anything for Faustino if it was asked of him. Jealousy isn’t much of a factor. Matching his long stride to his charge’s, Lancia fondly lets his hand rest along his shoulder.]
Besides, it’s the only thing I can offer you that no one else can. I know if you want to, I don’t know, go dancing for a night on the town, then you of all people could find just about anyone.
[And there are other things, too, but… that feels more than a little inappropriate to say around his young charges.]
[It was said just as flippantly back, Faustino heading towards the cleared out portion of the gardens where an adequate space for sparring had been cleared, hair fluttering after him.
The second portion, as well as the touch, made him glance up slightly in surprise, before Faustino let out a small laugh. He made no move to dislodge the other man, even going so far as rewarding the contact by patting his hand gently, if a bit condescendingly.]
I'm sure I could teach you the steps if you wanted to learn them, egregio signor.
Oh, and give you a chance to laugh at me when I trip over my own feet?
[Flicking Faustino’s hand away with his fingers, Lancia chuckles. It’s not really true, they both know it. While being a decent fighter doesn’t always mean being a halfway decent dancer, Lancia used to play around when he was a little younger- dancing, cards, drinking, normal things for a young man. That was before he got a little more responsibility, of course, both in terms of the Family and because he’d gotten three children who’d proven to be more than a little of a handful.]
[For now, he gives another flick to the back of Faustino’s ear before pulling away. Right now, he’s mostly dressed down, so he doesn’t worry too much about having to undress a little.]
I wasn't aware that my opinion meant so much to you that it could hold you back.
[It was said casually and teasingly enough, but it pleased Faustino nonetheless even if Lancia had only said it to get out of any uncomfortable situations. Though Faustino prided himself on his ability to read other people, to get under their skin and into their heads, Lancia remained a mystery to him in some ways. Did he still only regard him as a beloved student, a young traumatized child that their Don had taken in all those years ago? Or, perhaps, was he becoming aware that they were no longer children and was faltering over how to deal with the change? For someone so straight forward and honest, he could be difficult to read.
He swatted half-heartedly against Lancia's flick of fingers, instead adjusting his gloves tightly around his hands, giving the other man a confident smirk.]
Have I ever given you reason to complain in this sort of dance?
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badliifechoiice22016-01-08 10:36 am
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[It was another reason that Faustino had started searching far and wide for ways to hone his skills, having already exhausted his avenues here. There was always the thought of joining the Varia and learning under their famed illusionist, but Faustino found the uniforms to have a terrible color scheme and too much fur. Besides, it would be a place that would force him to listen to a tyrant.
The mention of Al's abilities made Faustino shrug slightly, stirring at his drink idly.]
Al is gifted physically, but he's far too easy to read. He also has a bad habit of holding back when it comes to sparring with me.
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[Because he’s already decided on that, in his head. Faustino can be just about anything he cares to be; it’s impossible to deny his skill both in quality and range. Ciro is a clever fight, but it’s not something he really has an aptitude. Lancia would feel more guilty about it if the boy hadn’t said so himself, years ago, a child who knew his limits even back then. That’s a sharp mind better for going through the technical details of keeping a Family running. It’s intelligent minds like Ciro’s that keep a Family funded and secure, not the vicious strength of someone like Lancia.]
[And that leaves Al. There’s a lot of potential in him. Even unaided by his channels, he’s good at just about anything physical. With those, however, he becomes an army knife of ability, and the only thing that really is a problem is getting him to be as protective of other people as he is those he’s personally invested in. Lancia isn’t naive when it comes to this dark underworld he’s made his home in. He won’t make promises he can’t keep about surviving every encounter. Someone needs to be there if he’s gone, and he thinks Al fits the bill perfectly, once he's polished up his fighting skills.]
Anyway, since you’re so eager for a challenge, I guess there’s no helping it, huh?
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Replacement is a bit premature, isn't it?
[His voice was soft, chilly, with almost as much teeth as Al had. He had done his best to keep tabs on anyone who might be a threat to them, and had paid special care for Lancia. He'd been working on dispatching them as quietly as possible without catching anyone's interest, but to think of all of his hard work being in vain, well.
He forced himself to relax, turning his gaze away from Lancia, even though knowing the other man was right there and still breathing should have been comforting enough.]
None at all. [It was lighter, though his eyes were still burning.] Please continue to spoil me as you always have.
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[Although, in a morbid way, he guesses it’s sort of funny. He’s only in his 20s; when did that qualify as ‘old’?]
[Either way, it’s best to get Faustino’s mind away from that dark matter. Lancia nods back at the server to get their attention.]
Then I suppose I should start spoiling you with dessert, shouldn’t I?
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He made a small face, fine with playing the part of a spoiled mentee for now, leaning back in his chair casually.]
What will you do when dessert isn't enough to satisfy me, I wonder?
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[Secrets, something nice with Al and Ciro… Well, he’ll figure something out. Amused, gestures at him.]
Do you mind giving an old man a hint for when that time comes?
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[It came off as a rather unsubtle purr, but Faustino could be pretty shameless when it came to his own desires. If it was someone else who he couldn't trust, he might not be as open, but he had little to fear when it came to his family. Wasn't that the whole point of having one?
He glanced upwards in thoughtful amusement, canting his head to the side.]
Can I ask for anything?
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So long as it’s not some priceless treasure that’d cost me an arm to get, I don’t mind hearing you out.
[Not that it’ll happen, since riches don’t seem to catch Faustino’s attention besides as a means to an end, but he should understand what he means.]
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[It was said with a small smirk and a flippant toss of his hair out of his face, but Faustino was sure his heart was pounding treacherously loud in his chest. He would be surprised if Lancia didn't mention it, exposing a truth about himself always enough to make him a little anxious and wary. Still, he'd made sure the tone was joking enough that he could wave it off it the response wasn't satisfactory, but a small part of him wanted to see what kind of reaction he would get out of the other man.]
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[But it’s a careful deflection as he looks over his charge, wondering. Before, the kiss to his face he’d been willing to dismiss as simply another thing Faustino did to rile or tease other people by stepping over the usually accepted lines. Something to throw him off during a spar.]
[But… This isn’t fighting. This is having a meal together, on their own and away from anyone else. If it’s a joke, he can’t see it.]
[...Maybe he should see what this really is.]
Still, if that’s all you want… Although does that mean you’re forfeiting dessert tonight?
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So instead, Faustino readied himself to brush it off when Lancia spoke again, giving Faustino pause. He glanced up at the other man, expression carefully guarded.]
It depends on what sort of sparring. Not every kind can hold up to a parfait.
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[But of course- this is Faustino. Sometimes he still acts like Al and Ciro don’t mean the world to him. So Lancia gives him an out.]
Or show me, if that’d be easier.
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Amused, Faustino leaned forward, resting his chin against the palm of his hand as he considered the other man.]
Maybe when you're older.
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I think any older and I’ll be retired with a nice house on the beach, and by then you’ll be a right hand man, or some other impressive thing. Now say yes or no to the dessert before I get mine without you.
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Like the Don would want such a thing. He already thinks I get into far more trouble than I should. As a right hand man, I'll only make scandals.
[He chuckled lightly at Lancia's impatience, nodding.]
I can't let you have one alone, can I?
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[Yet it’s said with a grin as he waves the waitress over, giving their orders. Once their table is filled again with sweets, he glances back up to Faustino. It’s still amazing how fast time passes. To think that the troublemaking young man in front of him was once hardly higher than his waist…]
Once we get back, I’ll be busy, probably, talking with the rest of the guys about that territory issue, but I should be able to have some free time to myself tomorrow. What about you- does the don have plans to keep you busy?
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[It was said lightly, but even Faustino knew the lie was thin. The Don worried more than he should, and he saw some of the small scandals Faustino caused as some sort of personal failing. It amused Faustino to know that the Don saw himself as a parental figure to him and the others, considering he had no use for such a thing, especially this late in life.
He dug into his parfait as soon as it was delivered, relishing the treat, before flicking his gaze back up to Lancia.]
I'm never too busy for you, egregio signor.
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[But for now, there’s simply dessert and company to enjoy before they head back home.]
[The next days pass by as they always seem to do when Lancia manages to stay at the Family’s home for longer than a few days, and he enjoys it for what it is: keeping Al out of trouble by spending his energy on patrols around town which are just excuses for walks, making sure that Ciro doesn’t forget to eat or socialize, doing his work by checking in on that territory situtation with others of the Family, and, of course… sparring and talks with Faustino. Even as a schedule, it’s a lot to do, and the busyness of it all makes him content. After a while, of course, he gets sent out- and not just him, but his three charges as well for a job of their own. Taking care of the intrusive Family toeing the lines of their territory is easy enough, and all too soon he’s back home before the trio. That means he’s there to greet Faustino whenever he untangles himself from his own reports with the boss, smiling fondly at his charge.]
So how did things go?
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It was a simple diplomacy mission, tasked only to meet with the Japanese Vongola Tenth candidate. While he couldn't care for the famed hitman turned home tutor, there were quite a few interesting people who had clustered around the seemingly frail and helpless Vongola Tenth. It was worth investigating for now, and it hadn't escaped Faustino's notice that they were still gathering guardians, and that the position for Mist Guardian was unoccupied.
The trip had been brief, but it was enough to give Faustino food for thought, so much so that when Lancia called to him, he almost started, eyes wide for a moment before he slipped back into his regular polished mask.]
Boring, quite frankly, but well. I have no scandals to report.
[He paused, tilting his head to the side as he smiled up at his mentor.]
And what of yours?
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[It’s said as amiably as always, but that had definitely been an interesting reaction from him. Not a lot is liable to get him trapped in his own thoughts like that and, if he is, usually Lancia would expect it to be while he’s in his own room, or while he’s with one of the others. What’s got his attention like that?]
[A pity that bluntly asking doesn’t always lead anywhere with Faustino. Lancia is just as likely to get a tall tale teased at him than the truth. So he gestures for the gardens.]
If it’s dull, then I suppose I won’t get to hear any interesting stories. Want to spar to get your blood flowing again?
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He surveyed Lancia, smirking coyly.]
Perhaps I do. Maybe it even involves you.
[The suggestion about sparring made him laugh lightly, but he headed out into the gardens all the same.]
Can you think of nothing else that might get the blood flowing?
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[A playful jab; Al would give up just about anything for Faustino if it was asked of him. Jealousy isn’t much of a factor. Matching his long stride to his charge’s, Lancia fondly lets his hand rest along his shoulder.]
Besides, it’s the only thing I can offer you that no one else can. I know if you want to, I don’t know, go dancing for a night on the town, then you of all people could find just about anyone.
[And there are other things, too, but… that feels more than a little inappropriate to say around his young charges.]
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[It was said just as flippantly back, Faustino heading towards the cleared out portion of the gardens where an adequate space for sparring had been cleared, hair fluttering after him.
The second portion, as well as the touch, made him glance up slightly in surprise, before Faustino let out a small laugh. He made no move to dislodge the other man, even going so far as rewarding the contact by patting his hand gently, if a bit condescendingly.]
I'm sure I could teach you the steps if you wanted to learn them, egregio signor.
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[Flicking Faustino’s hand away with his fingers, Lancia chuckles. It’s not really true, they both know it. While being a decent fighter doesn’t always mean being a halfway decent dancer, Lancia used to play around when he was a little younger- dancing, cards, drinking, normal things for a young man. That was before he got a little more responsibility, of course, both in terms of the Family and because he’d gotten three children who’d proven to be more than a little of a handful.]
[For now, he gives another flick to the back of Faustino’s ear before pulling away. Right now, he’s mostly dressed down, so he doesn’t worry too much about having to undress a little.]
We’ll try this kind of dance first.
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[It was said casually and teasingly enough, but it pleased Faustino nonetheless even if Lancia had only said it to get out of any uncomfortable situations. Though Faustino prided himself on his ability to read other people, to get under their skin and into their heads, Lancia remained a mystery to him in some ways. Did he still only regard him as a beloved student, a young traumatized child that their Don had taken in all those years ago? Or, perhaps, was he becoming aware that they were no longer children and was faltering over how to deal with the change? For someone so straight forward and honest, he could be difficult to read.
He swatted half-heartedly against Lancia's flick of fingers, instead adjusting his gloves tightly around his hands, giving the other man a confident smirk.]
Have I ever given you reason to complain in this sort of dance?
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fudge thought i replied to this
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end scene??