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dancethroughthethunder · 24 days ago

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Bobby From High School Chapter Six: Goodness, Gracious, Great Balls of Fire!

Pairing: Bob Floyd x Reader

Word Count: 5.0k

Previous Chapters: Chapter 1 Of All the Gin Joints, Chapter 2 Two Coffees, Chapter 3 It’s Not Prom, Chapter 4 If Life Were a Musical, Chapter 5 I've Got You

Summary: The very first Friday night back since the Uranium mission finds the Dagger Squad back at the Hard Deck, as expected. With everyone in a celebratory mood, you and the team spend the night drinking and having fun. In all of your fun, you can't stop to think how lucky you are to have been brought into this group, and to get to love Bobby.

Author’s Note: We did it! The final chapter of BFHS, my beloved old friends to new friends to lovers story. I think I say this about everything I write but BFHS really has a special place in my heart. I just really want a night out with the Daggers at the Hard Deck. It's a little over the top but that's just their dynamic tbh. That's it for Tiger and Bobby (for now at least). Thanks for everyone who has come along for the ride! xoxoxo

Divider credit: @/saradika

tw: mention of alcohol/being drunk

It's the first Friday night since the uranium mission, and the Dagger Squad has all agreed to meet at the Hard Deck. Nobody has said it outright but there’s a clear agreement that everyone’s ready to celebrate with plenty of alcohol. Everyone’s excited about the success of the mission, and to be back home safely.

Bob is excited to see you. You met him at base when he first got back late Monday night, but he’s been so busy with after action reports, debriefs, and mandatory medical check-ins that you haven’t seen much of each other since. You should be there soon, having texted him that you were calling your uber a little while ago.

Bob is trying to focus on watching his friends play pool instead of keeping his eyes on the door, eagerly awaiting your arrival. Shifting his attention from Hangman, across the pool table to Rooster, the light catches his glasses just right and he notices a smudge on his right lens. He lifts up a few inches from his seat to grab his glass cloth out of his back pocket and takes his glasses off to clean them.

“Hi, I’m so sorry this sounds like such a cheap pick up line but do we know each other? You look so familiar.”

Bob looks up from his glasses to find a beautiful woman with a drink in her hand, standing there talking to him. He doesn’t need his glasses to recognize her, he’d know her anywhere. He laughs and shakes his head while he finishes cleaning his glasses, sliding them back on his face before leaning up to meet you for a kiss.

“Holy shit, Bobby Floyd!” You say with a smile.

“You’re ridiculous.” Bob laughs. “Hi darlin’.”

“Hi, Bobby.” You steal another kiss. “It was the perfect timing, I couldn’t resist.” You shrug, and Bob can’t help but think how lucky he was the first time you approached him like that, to have reconnected with you after all these years and now, getting to be your boyfriend.

“Tiger!” Hangman greets you, equally excited by your arrival as he is by the shot he just sunk to defeat Rooster. Ever since your interaction at the hospital after the bird strike, you and Jake have continued to be close. It baffles and delights the rest of the team, who can’t understand (but appreciate) the way that your friendship seems to balance him out from time to time.

“Jake.” You nod and greet the rest of the team. When Rooster just gives you a halfhearted wave instead of a normal greeting, you bite back a laugh at the look of defeat on his face before looking back to the shit-eating grin from Hangman.

Before you can pull up a seat next to Bob, Phoenix comes over to steal you away to the bar to get drinks. Bob takes the time to check you out. You’re wearing the same little ribbon in your hair that you wore when the two of you went to get coffee at Java’s. That first time you wore it, Bob tried his hardest not to think about untying that ribbon as a metaphor for unwrapping you, getting to know what’s underneath your clothes. This time, as your boyfriend, he gets a little more leeway in checking you out. This time, he knows exactly what you look like under those denim shorts, knows that the flattering cut of your shirt doesn’t do justice to your silhouette, to the way you look in his bed. You’re leaning forward, elbows on the bar just chatting casually with Penny and Nat and it’s a testament to Bob’s strength that he doesn’t drop everything to take you home right now.

He’s still a gentleman though, so he gives himself just one more second to stare before looking away, not wanting to leer at you in public.

“Damn, Bob. Look at Tiger. You’ve got a good one.” Fanboy slides up next to Bob, looking at you appreciatively. “Respectfully, I mean.” He adds after a second.

Bob turns to look at Fanboy, and chooses to be grateful that at least Fanboy is being polite about it, even if he was completely checking out your ass. Plus, he’s right, you are hot. In typical Bob fashion he blushes a little as he nods, and agrees with Fanboy, “the luckiest��.

Mickey slaps him on the shoulder in a proud bro manner before changing the subject entirely. “So, what do you think about getting everyone together for a Star Trek marathon one weekend?”

While Mickey and Bob are discussing the potential for a team movie marathon, hopefully Star Trek, you’re leaning against the bar chatting with Penny and Natasha while Penny pours your drinks.

“Alright, one rum and coke for you,” Penny says, sliding you your drink, “and an ale for you,” she says to Nat. “Let me grab your shots.”

“Thanks, Pen.”

Penny grabs two shot glasses and a bottle of tequila and fills them for you while you continue to chat.

“Now whose tab do you want them on?” Penny reaches over to grab two lime slices to go with the shots she’s placing in front of you.

Before Nat can object, you slide your credit card over to Penny as fast as you can. “Mine. Can you start one for me please and thanks?” You had been ready to go, getting your credit card out of your wallet and in your hand while talking so you could beat Nat to the chase.

Penny laughs at your urgency, “you’ve got it.” She says, taking your credit card down to the register to start your tab for the night.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Nat looks exasperated, “but thank you. Next one’s on me though.” She smiles.

“It’s been a long week for y’all. Consider it a token of my appreciation for dealing with them, a welcome home present, and a thank you for being Bobby’s front-seater.” You start out light hearted but by the end of your sentence, you’re looking right into Nat’s eyes, conveying your sincere gratitude and care for her and the team.

“That’s my job.” She says, kindly, pulling you in for a hug. “I’m so glad he has you.” You squeeze her a little tighter.

Pulling away, you turn towards the bar with a mischievous smile on your face. “Alright, you ready?” You pick up both shots of tequila, handing one to Nat.

“Let’s do this.” She laughs, knocking her glass into yours before you both toss them back. You make more of a face than Nat does as you simultaneously bite into your limes.

“One of these days I’m going to talk you into doing coconut rum shots with me instead.” You laugh, face still scrunched up.”

“But it’s so sweet!” Nat sticks her tongue out in mock disgust.

“Yes, and so much more palatable. I could knock that back like it’s nothing.” You sigh wistfully, trying not to laugh.

“Well, it’s still early. Maybe tonight’s the night.” Nat grabs her beer and you grab your cocktail and the two of you head back over towards the boys.

“Bobby told me he thinks everyone’s planning on getting pretty drunk tonight?”

“Oh without a doubt.” Nat confirms.

“I look forward to seeing what exactly that means for this group of hooligans.” You say, nodding in Hangman and Rooster’s direction.

“Oh, you and me both.” Nat says.

“I know, I’m just saying I think we can get everyone together, but I don’t know if we can get them to agree to watch them all at once.” Bob says to Mickey as you and Nat walk up.

“Watch what?” You ask.

“Mickey wants to get everyone together for a Star Trek marathon.” Bob says, sliding a hand around your waist.

“Oh. Hmm. You could start with the new ones? I feel like you can get the guys to agree to that. There’s something for everyone and it feels a little less dated.” You shrug.

“Bro, your girlfriend is a genius.” Mickey tells Bob before reaching over to give you a fist bump. “Thanks, Tiger!” He calls over his shoulder as he races over towards Javy and Reuben, already rambling about his idea for a movie night.

“What a doofus.” You laugh.

After a few minutes of chatting with both of you, Nat looks over at the pool table. You try not to smirk while you watch her eyes linger on Rooster.

“I’m going to go see how badly Hangman is kicking Rooster’s ass.” She says, pointedly ignoring the look you’re giving her as she walks away.

“Oh I bet she is.” You murmur to Bob, turning to face him directly. When you lock eyes with him, you suddenly look more serious than you did watching Nat walk away. “I’m glad you’re home, by the way. I know I’ve said it, but I want to say it again.”

“Thank you, honey. I’m glad I am too.” Bob’s hand is still on your waist, and his grip tightens now that it’s just the two of you in your own world.

“I know it’s your job and you’re capable but I like it a lot better when you’re home safe with me.”

You feel guilty saying it, but it’s true. It’s not like you’re asking him to give it up, or confessing a deep hatred, you’re just admitting that you prefer it when he’s here. Which he understands, he also likes being home safe with you. You both know it, in lieu of answering Bob just leans forward and presses a kiss to your forehead. Neither of you move for a moment, you just sit there leaning against him with Bobby’s lips pressed to your forehead.

In the background, you hear Hangman cheer again, but your focus is fully on Bob. You’re just breathing him in, feeling him against you. You’re in the middle of a loud, crowded bar but as far as you’re concerned it’s just you and Bobby.

Well, it is until you’re interrupted.

“Alright, lovebirds. Time for some shots!” Hangman claps a hand on each of your shoulders.

“Isn’t it a little early in the night?” Bob raises one eyebrow in Hangman’s direction.

“Didn’t I just do one with Nat?” You ask at the same time.

“Exactly.” Jake nods.

“I don’t even know what that means.” Rooster says as he walks up.

“That’s alright bird boy, you don’t have to understand. You just have to buy them.” Jake says with a wicked smile.

Coyote comes up behind them, and claps a hand on Rooster’s shoulder, ready to steer him up towards the bar.

“It could be worse, you could owe everyone two rounds of shots?” You shrug.

“Oh, now Tiger, that’s more like it.” Jake whoops and you cringe, immediately, watching him take your words as an invitation.

“Two rounds of shots on Rooster!” Coyote says triumphantly while you cringe and mouth the word sorry to Bradley.

“Wow, what a man.” Nat teases.

“Yeah, yeah. I hate you all.” Bradley groans.

“I want to be offended, but I deserve that this time.” You lean over to Bob and Nat while Coyote and Jake practically manhandle Rooster in the direction of the bar. It’s entirely unnecessary given the lack of resistance Rooster puts up, but you’re pretty sure that it’s half the fun for them.

The guys return a few minutes later, and true to their word have two trays filled with enough shots for each of you to have two. You’re pretty impressed that they’ve managed to make their way through the crowd in one piece, with all shots as full as they were when Penny poured them.

“Tequila time!” Fanboy announces, setting down his own tray that’s filled entirely with salt and limes.

“Oh my god, are we making an entire production of this?” You ask Nat.

“It’s like you’ve never met them before. Of course we’re making a production of this.” She replies.

“Alright is it salt, shot, lime, salt, shot, lime?” Fanboy asks.

“No way dude, it’s salt, shot, shot then lime. Back to back, get them over with.” Payback insists while he passes shots out from his tray.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think Payback has a point. Get them both over with.” Bob says with a sigh. “After that first lime, you won’t want to do the second shot.”

“Atta boy, Bob.” Hangman cheers.

Somehow it’s agreed. In quick succession you’re each going to take a bit of salt, then two shots of tequila, and then you’ll bite into your limes.

“I was going to ask if you wanted to go to the Farmers Market tomorrow morning but now I’m thinking we’re going to want to spend the day in bed.” You tell Bob as you reach over to get your lime ready.

“What are we drinking to?” Coyote asks.

“How about to a successful mission and getting home safe?” You offer. “No? Too sentimental?” You read the faces around you and see slight smiles but nobody looks enthused by your idea. “How about to being the best of the best?” You try again. This time, everyone’s faces light up.

“To being the best!” The team cheers unironically, some of you holding your first shot and some holding both up in the air. In practiced unison, everyone takes their first shot though everyone falls out of sync for the second.

You have to admit, Bob and Reuben were right. It’s definitely much better to get through both shots and then have your lime instead of forcing yourself back to the tequila after the lime. Just like before, you screw up your face in reaction to the tequila going down your throat as you bite into your tequila.

Looking over at Bob, he’s got a little bit of lime on his face.

“Oh honey, you’ve got something right there.” You tell him.

“Oh, where?” He asks, bringing his hand up towards his face right as you lean in and press a messy, loud kiss to his lips.

“Right there.” You giggle.

“Get it, Bob.” Someone cheers behind you.

“Alright you freaks, what’s next?”

“Darts?” Coyote suggests, and you and Fanboy offer to bring the trays back to Penny and grab another round before meeting everyone back over by the dart boards.

“So I’ve been thinking some more,” you say as you set the trays down on the bar and grab a cup of peanuts for Bob, “I think you get everyone to agree for a movie night at your house or Bob’s and then when they get there, just put Trek on. If you ask them in advance, they’re going to whine about it but once it’s on they’ll enjoy it. So don’t give them the option.”

“Dude, you really are a genius.” Fanboy says appreciatively while the two of you balance everyone’s drinks.

“Someone’s gotta be the brains around here.” You joke, making your way back towards the team where everyone seems to be arguing about the teams for darts. Everyone, but Bob, that is. He’s claimed a seat off to the side and is just watching everyone with an amused smile on his face. Always ready for a rescue, Nat steps in to help you and Fanboy pass out drinks and soon you’re left with just yours and Bob’s.

“Do I even want to know?” You ask, sliding up to him as you hand him the cup of peanuts and a beer.

“I’ve been here the whole time and I’m not even sure I know.” He shakes his head, amused.

“Well, they’re your team.” You shrug, taking a sip.

“Exactly, I got assigned to them. You chose this.” He says, as if choosing to be around this group is the craziest thing he’s ever heard.

“You got me there.”

Bob holds out a shelled peanut at the exact second you go to reach for one out of his cup. Sometimes romance is fresh flowers at the market and sometimes it’s a shelled peanut at a Navy bar at the exact second you want it, and as long as it’s with Bob, you couldn’t ask for anything more.

You hook your foot around the leg of Bob’s chair and in one swift movement, pull him closer to you. He’s clearly not expecting it and nearly topples into you, not ready to brace himself and laughing from the shock. But you were ready, so you just maneuver yourself even closer in a move that was somehow a lot smoother than it should have been.

“Hi, Bobby.” You smile up at him, laying your head on his shoulder.

“Hi, beautiful.” Bob smiles as you reach a hand up to brush aside a piece of hair that’s fallen onto his forehead.

“Wanna know something?” You ask brightly.

“What’s that, darlin’?” His eyes scrunch just a little bit, trying to figure out what you’re going to say.

“I love you.” You say, like it’s your first time: smile wide, and face a little flushed.

“I love you, too.” Somehow your smile gets even wider before you kiss him again.

For two people who aren’t the biggest proponents of PDA, the few kisses you’ve exchanged tonight are practically scandalous. Whether it’s fueled by the tequila in your system, the joy and adrenaline of being reunited post-mission, or the infectious energy the entire team is giving off, you’re not sure. Hell, it’s probably some combination of the three.

Still, for most couples out on a Friday night, it’s tame. You’ve exchanged a grand total of five kisses all night (one to the forehead), and Bobby’s hand has a respectful grasp on your waist. You’re an affectionate drunk, and you’re both comfortable in your little corner by your friends. Besides, you’d be lying if you said you hadn’t seen Jake do much worse over the few months you’ve been coming to the bar with everyone.

Eventually, the two of you turn your attention back towards the rest of the team, watching the game of darts. Bob tries to explain it to you, until Hangman notices you watching. Always one to put on a show for an audience, Hangman and Coyote start implementing all kinds of tricks to their throws while Phoenix and Rooster groan and boo them each time.

Finally, you’re not quite sure why, maybe it’s the look of annoyance on Rooster’s face, maybe it’s the overexaggerated drawl that Hangman is using, but you eventually burst into laughter. And it’s loud. The type of laughter where trying to stop to explain what you think is so funny only makes you laugh harder. For a brief second, everyone looks at Bob expecting him to be able to clue them in. But when Bob just shrugs his shoulders, it sets off a ripple effect through the rest of the team. After you, Fanboy bursts into laughter, which prompts Payback and Coyote. This makes Bob laugh, which finally gets Natasha and despite their best efforts not to give in, soon Rooster and Hangman do too and the entire group is laughing without knowing why.

Eventually the laughter dies down and you suddenly realize how badly you need to pee, which isn’t all that surprising given how many drinks you’ve had. You stand up from your seat next to Bob and wordlessly make your way over to Nat where you grab her hand and take off towards the bathroom. Nat seems to know exactly what’s on your mind as she silently follows you, hand in hand.

“Where are they going?” Fanboy asks.

“Who knows.” Hangman replies.

Meanwhile, you and Nat are making your way through the crowd to the bathroom, her hand still tucked into yours while you weave through people. There’s a pretty large group in khaki who clearly preferred to come right to the bar instead of change, though you think that part of it might also be guys who want to fit in with the crowd in hopes of drawing the attention of a woman who loves a uniform.

“Thank god there’s never a line here.” You tell Nat as you push the door open.

“One perk of being a woman in and around the Navy - no bathroom lines.”

“To the patriarchy!” You say with a sarcastic salute. Nat snort laughs as you make your way into a stall. The second you sit down, you feel the world spin for just a second, just enough to realize exactly how much alcohol is coursing through your bloodstream. You’ve never understood the phenomenon of realizing how drunk you are in the bathroom, especially since you were recently sitting with Bobby so it’s not like your first time sitting. But as always it still applies to you.

Meeting Nat back out by the sinks, you wobble for a second looking in the mirror, you two of you bursting out in laughter again.

“Please tell me you’re as drunk as I am.” You giggle, washing your hands.

“Yes ma’am.” This time it’s Nat’s turn to salute jokingly, the movement so ingrained in her that despite her best effort, the form is still perfect. Watching her in the mirror, your jaw drops.

“Nat. We have to take a mirror selfie.” You say, as though it’s the most important idea you’ve ever had.

“Oh my god, yes.” She replies, with the same amount of importance.

The two of you continue laughing, taking selfies together, just enjoying having a moment of girlhood - the experience of laughing with another woman, drunk in a bathroom.

“Okay, okay, we should get the guys to take a picture with us, to commemorate or what the fuck ever.” You say, nodding along with your own idea.

“You get to be the one to tell the boys.”

If you didn’t already know you were drunk, your reaction now would make it clear. Instead of groaning at the prospect of trying to wrangle the team into one, nice photo, you light up, excited by the idea and grab Nat’s hand again as you practically run out of the bathroom and back to the team. As soon as you can be spotted through the crowd of people, Bob tilts his head curiously, seeing the excitement and speed with which you’re approaching. You’re so set on your mission that you don’t notice Fanboy walking a few steps behind you and Nat.

“Darlin?” Bob asks, once you’re in hearing range.

“We’ve had –” Nat bumps you with her hip, “– I’ve had the best idea. We’re taking a group photo.” You declare.

Unsurprisingly, you’re met with blank faces, and a lack of excitement.

“Come on, chop chop.” You say, undeterred by the silence. “Alright, all of you get together like you like each other. I want one nice one of the team first.” You say as you tug on Mickey’s sleeve to pull him closer to Bob. You’re flitting around, a woman on a mission, as you move and guide each aviator exactly where you want them, before taking a couple steps back and fishing your phone out of your pocket.

Everyone is together in a row, smiles on their faces and arms around each other.

“Come on, put your arms around each other, it won’t kill ya.” You say, snapping photos all the while.

“What are you, our mom? Is this the first day of school?” Hangman jokes.

“You’ve got it, kiddo, now smile nice and pretty.” You retort, taking what ends up being one of your favorite photos of the night. The whole team is smiling and laughing together, arms around each other, except for the few hands that still have a beer in them. It’s a great photo, almost shockingly good, given how drunk you all are.

“Alright,” you say, lowering the phone, “one more.”

“Oh come on, Tiger.” Hangman whines.

“Bob, can’t you stop her? She’s your girl.” Payback jokes.

“No way, I’m smarter than that. Just give her another minute.” Bob tells them while you grab the nearest person with both hands free. You give the girl your phone before darting into the group, determined to make it nice and quick.

Unfortunately, the combination of speed and tequila-driven lack of balance doesn’t do you any favors. On any other night, it wouldn’t have been noticeable but with all eyes on you from the team, waiting for your presence to take a photo and get back with it, everyone’s eyes go wide as you stumble, losing your balance just enough. But Bob’s got you. Always on the lookout, always anticipating your needs, Bob reaches out to steady you before you can actually fall, and tugs you into his side for the photos. On the other end of the group, Hangman makes some characteristically snarky comment and once again you’re all laughing.

This one becomes your second favorite photo, in a few months you’ll end up printing and framing a copy for each aviator, ignoring the teasing comments about how sappy you are. It’s clear how much you all mean to each other. Even more so than the team photo earlier, everyone is laughing and smiling at each other, the joy shining clearly in your faces. But your favorite one is the one taken seconds before, where everything is the same except you and Bobby are turned to look at each other, smiles wide, in the aftermath of your near-fall.

But for now, you all smile while the stranger you grabbed takes one last photo before you tell the guys they’re free. While they make overexaggerated comments about the horror you put them through for a photo, you thank the girl and take your phone back, not even bothering to check the photos out before sliding it in your pocket.

You all go back to standing around, telling stories and swapping jokes until a familiar song starts playing on the jukebox. It’s the same Shania Twain ballad that you and Bobby danced to the night before your first date.

Immediately, you turn to look over at Rooster who shrugs.

“This one wasn’t me, Tiger.”

Before you can interrogate the rest of the team, Bob’s hand moves from around your waist to hold your hand.

“Whaddya say darlin’, wanna dance?” This time, Bob doesn’t need the encouragement from the team to get him to ask you.

“As if I’d ever say no to you.” You say sweetly, following your boyfriend to the dance floor. Like last time, Bob pulls you into him and you rest your head on his chest. This time, Bob’s grip is a little bit lower, and a little bit tighter around your waist. Over your head, Bob shoots Nat a wink and mouths a thank you to Mickey for having gone to queue the song for him right before you and Nat got back from the bathroom. The two of you spend the rest of the ballad swaying together before, exactly like before, Bob spins you into a dip again. You’re still giggling when you right yourself and lean up to press a sweet kiss to his lips. Your giggles are contagious and it makes an almost sickeningly sweet image, the two of you in the middle of the dance floor, drunkenly giggling through your kiss.

Shockingly, Nat manages to hold the rest of the team back just long enough for you to pull away from the kiss before they all swarm you.

“Piano time!” Coyote announces.

“Piano time?” You ask.

“Oh, Tiger, I hate to admit it but you’re really in for a treat.” Hangman says, with a nod towards the piano where you see Rooster taking a seat. Rooster makes a show of sitting up nice and straight before nodding at Payback who unplugs the jukebox. You expect an outrage, and while there’s some definite confusion, most everyone turns their attention right to the piano. Clearly, this isn’t the first time this has happened, you think.

“C’mon darlin’.” Bob says, as he and Nat lead you through everyone else in the bar to circle Rooster with the rest of the team.

You’re all definitely causing a scene the way you hoot and holler along to the opening notes of the familiar song. It might be your first time witnessing this, but you fit in perfectly, squeezed in between Bob and Nat, cheering Rooster on. You spend the rest of the song dancing, more high energy than you might expect as you all sing exaggeratedly to one another.

On the first kiss me baby you lean in and kiss Bob, as expected. You’re still aware that this is more PDA than the team has probably ever seen from you, but you’re all drunk enough and you and Bob are sweet enough about it that nobody seems to mind. Plus, the song practically demands it. The second time the lyrics come around, you shock everyone by pressing a kiss right to Nat’s cheek before she delivers an incredibly dramatic ooh that feels good that has you laughing so hard you have to lean your weight on Bob so as to not fall over.

It’s entirely possible you’ve never had a night exactly like this one, nor have you ever known anyone like this group. You don’t think you could be full of more love or joy if you tried. Not that you go out often, but when you do, you’re always a loving, cuddly drunk. So while Rooster plays, you look around at this team, and then at Bob, feeling so lucky.

You’ve been lucky to know this man as long as you have, and by god are you lucky to get to love him the way you do. You’re so glad everyone is home safe from their mission, and while you’re likely to be exhausted tomorrow, you’re having the time of your life dancing and laughing with your friends. With one final burst of energy, you all yell out the last line of the song, goodness gracious, great balls of fire! You make quite the picture, the way you’re all centered around Rooster, this ridiculously handsome group of people that has turned into a family, and right behind the piano bench, are you and Bobby, arms around each other and big smiles, just the way it’s always been meant to be.

#my writing #bob floyd x reader #bobby from high school #top gun maverick fic #top gun maverick fanfiction #bob floyd fic #bob floyd fanfiction #bob floyd x you

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