[There is a 'hello' on the tip of her tongue that just never makes it to open air as she is yanked into the apartment. She hadn't had long to parse it on the way in or out last time, distracted by Bandou on both counts, but it definitely didn't have an incredible pillow monument in the midst of the floor.
She gets the feeling they may owe his roommate a heartfelt apology for this, but she doesn't have the time to worry about that. Bandou, wearing her gift and leaning in for a kiss, takes precedence. Reaching up for him, letting her fingers find his shaggy hair, kissing him — it is all starting to feel familiar and it puts a smile firmly in place.
As nice as it feels, she keeps it brief. Just a greeting. Even if it puts a soft heat into her voice.]
Hi Saburouta.
[For Youko's part of the evening, she has a paper shopping bag held under her arm holding a rented copy of Kiki's Delivery Service, the promised pajamas to change into, the takeout menus that had made their way into her mail and looked promising, and some snacks and drinks she wasn't asked for but felt were necessary. Movies mean snacks, right?
She is also, for once, not wearing anything that could be mistaken for hanfu. Just a white t-shirt, jean shorts, and her hair in a braid.]
[ Forget any hostility he'd had when she first called him that name. It's all but forgotten. It's her name for him, it's said with fondness and care, and he's actually quite thankful for that. He'll sneak another quick kiss before finally letting her enter the room properly.
Then he's standing before the partially built, but still extra comfy looking fort, hands on his hips, looking as proud as ever. ]
It's not finished yet. I didn't wanna build it all without you. But we definitely have to give it an awesome name once it's done!
[ It's almost like something he'd been missing out on from his childhood is emerging. The gleefulness of his words as he points out the various items they have left to add on. Ideas for incorporating the tv better into its layout so they have the best viewing experience. Making sure his new blanket is saved for the final finishing touch. ]
Maybe we can combine our names somehow? And then what...should it be a castle, fort, manor, palace?
[For someone who never built a pillow fort before, whether as a child or as an adult, it had looked finished to Youko, but learning it was left unfinished, that she gets to do this with him makes her just want to pull him into another kiss. She holds back, choosing just to lean against him, and enjoy his energy and warmth for a minute longer. Then she's finding a temporary home for her bag, away from the pillow construction zone, and surveying what Bandou had done so far.]
Thank you for leaving some for me.
[Combining their names couldn't be easier or more compatible, but he doesn't seem to have realized it yet. She tilts her head up at him and bumps an elbow against him playfully, a delighted smile on her face.]
Taiyou — the last character of your name and the first of mine make the sun.
[ He stares past her for a moment, silently visualizing the characters in their names. Yeah, it would have taken him far too long to piece that together. ]
How did you figure that out so fast?
[ The usual pettiness lingers in his words, but it's more playful than actual jealousy. He thinks she might be the only one he may never get truly competitive with over trivial things. Thank goodness she's here to give her input before he's dubbed it something absurd. ]
It's perfect! Now, I'm gonna push the couch forward cause I think it's too far from the screen for us to drape Shouhei's sheets over the top. And then maybe move those to lean against the sides once I get it close enough?
[ pointing to the large couch cushions laying beside her, he indicates where he thinks they'll best support their masterpiece. ]
[She waits for him quietly, worried for a second that she had raised his competative hackles, only to smile and shrug when his voice lacks any annoyance.]
I used to be a good student. Language was where I had my best grades.
[Statements that just aren't true anymore.
Listening to him lay out their plan of attack, Youko looks at the couch, the cushions, and then him in turn. Even with the cushions all stolen for their operation, it is bound to be a heavy piece of furniture. She knows she can move it without hurting herself, but she doesn't know if Bandou can make the same claim.]
Should I move it? You might be able to tell what is 'close enough' better than me?
[ Hey, he might be skinny, but he's got supernatural King provided power to help a little. That and he doesn't want to make her move things by herself either. So he shifts to one arm of the couch and nods towards the opposite one for her to lift. ]
If we both move it maybe a meter closer?
[ Things can always be readjusted, of course. Since the t.v. is wall mounted, they're able to loosely drape the sheet over the top of it without fear that it could topple over. The other end lays evenly over the back of the couch to create a sheer overhang that lets just enough light in for them to not be shrouded in complete darkness. ]
[Quickly, and carefully so she doesn't dislodge any of the existing work, she makes her way to the other arm of the couch. They don't need to go toe-to-toe on strength just yet, especially not when this is something they're doing to spend time together.
The end product looks like a hidden base any kid would be proud of, even if they only got until it was time to clean up, and she thinks that count includes the two big kids who are going to use it.]
[ He takes up Youko's hand and gestures to the rest of the empty apartment as if they're addressing the masses of a grand kingdom. ]
Behold Taiyou Castle! Forged by the hands of Saburouta the Strong and Youko the Beautiful!
[ Silly, he knows, but he can't help his nerd side showing when he knows she won't judge him for it. And it's only a moment longer before he's scurrying beneath the sheets to admire their work from the cushy interior. ]
[There is no way around it. She can't help giggling at his proclamation, but she lets it out, no smothering it. What's the point in them being silly if she can't laugh? She puts her free hand up to match the one he raised, smiling at him ear-to-ear and forcing a slight sway as he addresses the apartment at large.]
We're going to discuss our titles when I get back from... the pillow quarry?
[She gestures towards his bedroom when he finishes scrambling into their masterwork of bedding, and scoops her bag up from the floor, heading off to change.
It is a quick affair, and when she wanders back she is swimming in a fern green t-shirt several sizes bigger than she needs, legs seemingly bereft of pajama pants. She crouches down and peeks inside Taiyou Castle, ready to hand what remains in her bag off to Bandou and climb in herself.]
[ She'll hear a chuckle coming from beneath the grand overhanging of their castle at her clever renaming of his room. It feels so nice to be able to fully be himself, nerd and all. He's fully lost in the thoughts of how wonderful their time together has been thus far, so he startles slightly when she returns. ]
Ah, yeah! I mean, yes my Queen. Please, take your place at my side.
[ He takes note of her oversized pajamas once she's made her way inside the structure. ]
I know you get mad at me when I call you cute, but you can't tell me that isn't a cute look on you.
[The 'Queen' title makes her wrinkle her nose, laughing as she climbs in and plops down next him as elegantly as one can clambering into a pillow fort, almost immediately pulling her bag onto her crossed legs and digging in. She never thought a demotion would be delivered so charmingly.
Her rooting around in her bag slows down slightly at his remark, and she rolls her lips together, thinking over saying something. It's new, this thing between them, but he'd probably understand. At least the theory.]
I think this is a cute look, I just have some trouble thinking of myself that way.
[Shrugging, she resumes rustling around in her bag until she pulls out two still cold, brightly-colored cans of chu-hi and sets them on the blanket between them. Two bottles of cola join them. The rest of the bag — containing more of the snacks from her care package, plus some sweets — is unceremoniously dumped into a pile.]
I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I got lemon and peach. Then I realized I don't know if you like to drink, so I also got cola.
Okay, I'll stop saying it. [ He snatches up the lemon flavored chu-hi. The tartness if the citrus overrides the sweet just enough. ] But you can't stop me from thinking it~!
[ He crack the can open, taking a small sip before setting it down carefully beside him. Then he's crawling up to the T.V. so he can insert the rented film into the gaming console. Finally with the controller in hand, he shimmies back up beside her. ]
It's kinda hard not to drink with HOMRA's headquarters being a bar.
No, it should be the other way around I think. [She picks up the peach-flavored chu-hi that remains.] I should honestly try to be better about any compliments you'd like to give me.
[Seems like she didn't miss the mark. Youko balances the cold can against her knee to crack it open, taking a long satisfying sip of it before settling back against the pillows, holding the can in both hands and watching Bandou set things up, tilting her head slightly at him.]
HOMRA... is that what you call your 'clan'? [There might be a little bleed of airquotes in her voice, but there isn't any ill-will in it.] You're barflies?
Yup, HOMRA is the name of the Red Clan. And the bar's called Bar HOMRA.
[ The menu to the film comes up, but Bandou hesitates to hit play just yet. She's asked a question about his group and he's honestly glad she'd like to know more about them. ]
Kusanagi owns the place. He's Mikoto's right hand man and one of the original members. So we all just end up hanging out there. You should come there and meet everyone sometime. Anna would love your hair.
[Kusanagi, Mikoto, Anna — an expanding cast of characters in what she knows of Bandou Saburouta's universe, but they just pile up the questions in Youko's head. It seems it isn't quite the boys' club she had pictured from how Bandou spoke about them, not with an Anna in the mix.
Maybe the chief question amongst them is one she'll come to regret delivering so breezily —]
Red clan? Do you guys have a rivalry with a blue clan?
[ She's dead on with her guess. The immediate scowl he gets on should answer that well enough. But that doesn't keep him from verbally expressing his opinions on the group. ]
Yeah, and they're a bunch of assholes! The Blues think they control the entire city and can just show up and interfere in our business. The Blue King's lucky Mikoto likes fighting him so much, or he would've taken them all out by now.
[The vitriol in his voice almost has her spill a little of her drink, a narrowly averted first disaster in Castle Taiyou. She stares at him wide-eyed, voice pitching up in surprise.]
Wait, really? There's really a blue clan?
[She had been joking, but business? Fighting?]
Saburouta, what is HOMRA? You've used clan and your friends, but...
[ For a moment he just looks at her confused. He can understand maybe not knowing his clan's name, especially if this is her first time being directly involved with them. But he's pretty sure everyone knows about HOMRA. Or at least Scepter4. The Blues work directly alongside the government of the city, often times even having say over them. And even if that wasn't known, there's no way she's never seen one of the Kings' swords appear in the sky and not asked about it. ]
I told you, that's our clan's name. HOMRA, we follow the third and Red King, Suoh Mikoto. The previous Red Clan was called something else, though. I don't remember what. But they all got obliterated when the former Red King's Sword of Damocles fell and created Kagutsu Crater. That's when Mikoto got picked as King. We slowly started to join him after that.
[And she sits there looking back at him even more bewildered. The sense that this was her neighborhood, but a little to the right hangs even heavier on her shoulders. Her brain is taking mental notes — Kagutsu Crater, Sword of Damocles — but it is all gibberish and she doesn't know where to begin picking it apart. Maybe the one that seems to sit at the forefront.]
I don't... this is the first I've heard any of this. Mikoto is the Red King? What do you mean he 'got picked'?
The Dresden Slate picked him, like it does with every King. I can't believe you don't know any of this.
[ But okay, she somehow missed all of this happening around her (or so he thinks must be the case). Maybe he needs to explain more thoroughly. He grabs his drink and turns towards her, sitting cross legged. ]
Okay, so the Slate's this big...slate thing. They found it in Germany a long time ago. Somehow it can give people supernatural powers. Right now the Gold King has it locked up in his tower since he seems to be the only guy who can control it from just handing out powers to everyone.
Kings get picked by the Slate. There's only seven of them, and they can decide to share those powers with members of their clan. They all kinda do it differently, but the way HOMRA works is, when you wanna join, you have to shake Mikoto's hand when it's on fire. If the fire doesn't burn you, you get this marking on you.
[ He lifts his shirt up a bit to show off the marking on his stomach. ]
And then you can summon fire, just like him. It's pretty awesome.
[The way Bandou delivers the information clues her in that this is basic knowledge she should have. And that this is nothing like the world she left behind. A truth about herself she supposes she has to both confront and tell him, especially when they're — well, whatever they are? How to go about that, how to even begin, gets swept right out of her head with that last revelation and she leans forward, eyes brimming with curiosity as she stares at him.]
Mikoto can summon fire? You can summon fire?
[Because of the mark? Because of his king? Because of a slate? Not fully thinking it through, she reaches out to touch him, to touch the marking, to feel the warmth again underneath her fingertips.]
[Don't mind the little noise he makes at the end of his answer. The mark's sensitive!]
Did you wanna see?
[Under her touch, a glow starts to emit. The slowly, a translucent red bubble starts to spread out around them. The edges of it flicker and spark like an odd mixture of flame and electricity. The heat in their confined space begins to rise slowly.
The smile Bandou has on shows just how proud he is of himself being able to have gained this ability.]
Suddenly, you saying your friends would win against me in a fight makes sense...
[As his power spreads out, the red encompassing them and the heat following, she watches with pure, openmouthed wonder, marveling at what he can do. Right up until she watches the flicker next to the cloth surrounding them and she panics, turning back to Bandou, pressing against his mark hard, fast, and with too much of her weight —]
[Seeing her with such wonder in her eyes over something he's capable somehow makes him feel even warmer inside. She's proud of him. Despite all the others in his gang calling him insignificant in his abilities, he's still been able to impress her.
Until she pushes him down in her panic. He topples backwards, somehow avoiding spilling his drink everywhere. The Aura surrounding them dissipates, bed sheets and pillows unscathed.]
It's okay, Youko. I wasn't going to let it burn you.
[With her heart in her throat, she looks all around them for any lingering sparks, ready to beat them out with a pillow if need be, and finding none stares down at Bandou, amazed.]
No, I didn't think you would. You wouldn't hurt me.
[Youko. She should move, she knows that, but she wants — if she might stop being 'Youko' to him with the next words out of her mouth — she wants to kiss him one more time. A souvenir for the worst case scenario. She slips her hands off his chest, down to rest on blanket-covered floor, and presses a quick kiss to his mouth.]
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She gets the feeling they may owe his roommate a heartfelt apology for this, but she doesn't have the time to worry about that. Bandou, wearing her gift and leaning in for a kiss, takes precedence. Reaching up for him, letting her fingers find his shaggy hair, kissing him — it is all starting to feel familiar and it puts a smile firmly in place.
As nice as it feels, she keeps it brief. Just a greeting. Even if it puts a soft heat into her voice.]
Hi Saburouta.
[For Youko's part of the evening, she has a paper shopping bag held under her arm holding a rented copy of Kiki's Delivery Service, the promised pajamas to change into, the takeout menus that had made their way into her mail and looked promising, and some snacks and drinks she wasn't asked for but felt were necessary. Movies mean snacks, right?
She is also, for once, not wearing anything that could be mistaken for hanfu. Just a white t-shirt, jean shorts, and her hair in a braid.]
What did you christen your masterpiece here?
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Then he's standing before the partially built, but still extra comfy looking fort, hands on his hips, looking as proud as ever. ]
It's not finished yet. I didn't wanna build it all without you. But we definitely have to give it an awesome name once it's done!
[ It's almost like something he'd been missing out on from his childhood is emerging. The gleefulness of his words as he points out the various items they have left to add on. Ideas for incorporating the tv better into its layout so they have the best viewing experience. Making sure his new blanket is saved for the final finishing touch. ]
Maybe we can combine our names somehow? And then what...should it be a castle, fort, manor, palace?
[ These are the important questions! ]
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Thank you for leaving some for me.
[Combining their names couldn't be easier or more compatible, but he doesn't seem to have realized it yet. She tilts her head up at him and bumps an elbow against him playfully, a delighted smile on her face.]
Taiyou — the last character of your name and the first of mine make the sun.
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How did you figure that out so fast?
[ The usual pettiness lingers in his words, but it's more playful than actual jealousy. He thinks she might be the only one he may never get truly competitive with over trivial things. Thank goodness she's here to give her input before he's dubbed it something absurd. ]
It's perfect! Now, I'm gonna push the couch forward cause I think it's too far from the screen for us to drape Shouhei's sheets over the top. And then maybe move those to lean against the sides once I get it close enough?
[ pointing to the large couch cushions laying beside her, he indicates where he thinks they'll best support their masterpiece. ]
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I used to be a good student. Language was where I had my best grades.
[Statements that just aren't true anymore.
Listening to him lay out their plan of attack, Youko looks at the couch, the cushions, and then him in turn. Even with the cushions all stolen for their operation, it is bound to be a heavy piece of furniture. She knows she can move it without hurting herself, but she doesn't know if Bandou can make the same claim.]
Should I move it? You might be able to tell what is 'close enough' better than me?
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If we both move it maybe a meter closer?
[ Things can always be readjusted, of course. Since the t.v. is wall mounted, they're able to loosely drape the sheet over the top of it without fear that it could topple over. The other end lays evenly over the back of the couch to create a sheer overhang that lets just enough light in for them to not be shrouded in complete darkness. ]
That works okay, right?
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[Quickly, and carefully so she doesn't dislodge any of the existing work, she makes her way to the other arm of the couch. They don't need to go toe-to-toe on strength just yet, especially not when this is something they're doing to spend time together.
The end product looks like a hidden base any kid would be proud of, even if they only got until it was time to clean up, and she thinks that count includes the two big kids who are going to use it.]
I think so. Want to christen it now?
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[ He takes up Youko's hand and gestures to the rest of the empty apartment as if they're addressing the masses of a grand kingdom. ]
Behold Taiyou Castle! Forged by the hands of Saburouta the Strong and Youko the Beautiful!
[ Silly, he knows, but he can't help his nerd side showing when he knows she won't judge him for it. And it's only a moment longer before he's scurrying beneath the sheets to admire their work from the cushy interior. ]
Go get changed and I'll set the movie up!
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We're going to discuss our titles when I get back from... the pillow quarry?
[She gestures towards his bedroom when he finishes scrambling into their masterwork of bedding, and scoops her bag up from the floor, heading off to change.
It is a quick affair, and when she wanders back she is swimming in a fern green t-shirt several sizes bigger than she needs, legs seemingly bereft of pajama pants. She crouches down and peeks inside Taiyou Castle, ready to hand what remains in her bag off to Bandou and climb in herself.]
Am I permitted entrance, your highness?
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Ah, yeah! I mean, yes my Queen. Please, take your place at my side.
[ He takes note of her oversized pajamas once she's made her way inside the structure. ]
I know you get mad at me when I call you cute, but you can't tell me that isn't a cute look on you.
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Her rooting around in her bag slows down slightly at his remark, and she rolls her lips together, thinking over saying something. It's new, this thing between them, but he'd probably understand. At least the theory.]
I think this is a cute look, I just have some trouble thinking of myself that way.
[Shrugging, she resumes rustling around in her bag until she pulls out two still cold, brightly-colored cans of chu-hi and sets them on the blanket between them. Two bottles of cola join them. The rest of the bag — containing more of the snacks from her care package, plus some sweets — is unceremoniously dumped into a pile.]
I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I got lemon and peach. Then I realized I don't know if you like to drink, so I also got cola.
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[ He crack the can open, taking a small sip before setting it down carefully beside him. Then he's crawling up to the T.V. so he can insert the rented film into the gaming console. Finally with the controller in hand, he shimmies back up beside her. ]
It's kinda hard not to drink with HOMRA's headquarters being a bar.
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[Seems like she didn't miss the mark. Youko balances the cold can against her knee to crack it open, taking a long satisfying sip of it before settling back against the pillows, holding the can in both hands and watching Bandou set things up, tilting her head slightly at him.]
HOMRA... is that what you call your 'clan'? [There might be a little bleed of airquotes in her voice, but there isn't any ill-will in it.] You're barflies?
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[ The menu to the film comes up, but Bandou hesitates to hit play just yet. She's asked a question about his group and he's honestly glad she'd like to know more about them. ]
Kusanagi owns the place. He's Mikoto's right hand man and one of the original members. So we all just end up hanging out there. You should come there and meet everyone sometime. Anna would love your hair.
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Maybe the chief question amongst them is one she'll come to regret delivering so breezily —]
Red clan? Do you guys have a rivalry with a blue clan?
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Yeah, and they're a bunch of assholes! The Blues think they control the entire city and can just show up and interfere in our business. The Blue King's lucky Mikoto likes fighting him so much, or he would've taken them all out by now.
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Wait, really? There's really a blue clan?
[She had been joking, but business? Fighting?]
Saburouta, what is HOMRA? You've used clan and your friends, but...
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I told you, that's our clan's name. HOMRA, we follow the third and Red King, Suoh Mikoto. The previous Red Clan was called something else, though. I don't remember what. But they all got obliterated when the former Red King's Sword of Damocles fell and created Kagutsu Crater. That's when Mikoto got picked as King. We slowly started to join him after that.
Did you really not know about us?
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I don't... this is the first I've heard any of this. Mikoto is the Red King? What do you mean he 'got picked'?
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[ But okay, she somehow missed all of this happening around her (or so he thinks must be the case). Maybe he needs to explain more thoroughly. He grabs his drink and turns towards her, sitting cross legged. ]
Okay, so the Slate's this big...slate thing. They found it in Germany a long time ago. Somehow it can give people supernatural powers. Right now the Gold King has it locked up in his tower since he seems to be the only guy who can control it from just handing out powers to everyone.
Kings get picked by the Slate. There's only seven of them, and they can decide to share those powers with members of their clan. They all kinda do it differently, but the way HOMRA works is, when you wanna join, you have to shake Mikoto's hand when it's on fire. If the fire doesn't burn you, you get this marking on you.
[ He lifts his shirt up a bit to show off the marking on his stomach. ]
And then you can summon fire, just like him. It's pretty awesome.
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Mikoto can summon fire? You can summon fire?
[Because of the mark? Because of his king? Because of a slate? Not fully thinking it through, she reaches out to touch him, to touch the marking, to feel the warmth again underneath her fingertips.]
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[Don't mind the little noise he makes at the end of his answer. The mark's sensitive!]
Did you wanna see?
[Under her touch, a glow starts to emit. The slowly, a translucent red bubble starts to spread out around them. The edges of it flicker and spark like an odd mixture of flame and electricity. The heat in their confined space begins to rise slowly.
The smile Bandou has on shows just how proud he is of himself being able to have gained this ability.]
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[As his power spreads out, the red encompassing them and the heat following, she watches with pure, openmouthed wonder, marveling at what he can do. Right up until she watches the flicker next to the cloth surrounding them and she panics, turning back to Bandou, pressing against his mark hard, fast, and with too much of her weight —]
Wait. N— Not inside! I believe you!
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Until she pushes him down in her panic. He topples backwards, somehow avoiding spilling his drink everywhere. The Aura surrounding them dissipates, bed sheets and pillows unscathed.]
It's okay, Youko. I wasn't going to let it burn you.
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No, I didn't think you would. You wouldn't hurt me.
[Youko. She should move, she knows that, but she wants — if she might stop being 'Youko' to him with the next words out of her mouth — she wants to kiss him one more time. A souvenir for the worst case scenario. She slips her hands off his chest, down to rest on blanket-covered floor, and presses a quick kiss to his mouth.]
I didn't know any of that. Does most everyone?
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