After roaming round the room a countless amount of times Kurt ran a hand through his hair, he didn't know why he was getting so nervous and scared when it was only twelve o'clock. I mean he had plenty on time left before he was taken, well he didn't know how many hours to be exact because he could be taken any time tomorrow really. morning, afternoon or evening? Kurt had be replaying those three words in his head since he had started pacing and it wasn't helping one bit. Kurt let out a purr and then turned round to the mirror and began talking to his reflection.  

"Your purring now? Really Kurt? God get yourself together, you need to keep strong Damn it. Don't let your fear show you idiot!'' 

 He pulled at his hair before growling as he had pulled a strand from his perfectly shaped quiff. He picked up his hair spray, maneuvered the untamed strand back and sprayed till it stayed put. He kicked the dresser in frustration and let out a sob, sinking to the floor inbetween. He held his face in his hands and just cried, Kurt needed this. Even though he had cried with Carol earlier he still felt as if he needed to cry and cry till he had no tears left. One thing was for sure, he was not going to cry when he was with his master, he wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing him break down. No way.  Kurt stared down at the carved 'K' on his wrist soon it would be marked with another letter, the initial of his masters to be exact. Kurt had tried to mentally prepare himself for this but it never seemed to sink in to the fact that he would be plucked out of his own environment and made to be placed in a new, strange environment. In the back of his head a throbbing pain occurred, Kurt brought his hands up to clutch the back of his head and winced. Oh so now I'm giving myself migraines? Get. A. Grip. Kurt. Hummel. 

Kurt was startled by heavy footsteps climbing the stairs, he turned his head away from the door and put it in his hands. Finn was stood at the doorway frowning down at Kurt's half Shivering form. He strode over and sat down beside him, flinging a large arm around his shoulders. Kurt's head fell onto Finn's chest, he snuggled into his step-brother's embrace. 

''Dude.. Uh.. are you okay?'' Finn kept on frowning at Kurt. He wasn't usually this down, i mean he understood why he was down but never this much. Finn couldn't understand how Kurt had kept it together yesterday with the New Directions and with Burt this morning but why was he breaking down now? 

''I'm just feeling sorry for myself Finn, as usual.'' Finn tutted making Kurt then turn his head to stare in confusion at him. 

''W..What?'' 

''Dude stop feeling sorry for yourself, come downstairs with us and just relax and watch musicals or something.'' 

''I'm just scared. Not for my safety or anything like that, just that I'm scared in case i never see you guys again or the master i get is mean and makes me wear a c..collar and a leash...'' 

Finn's eyes widened. Shaking his head he carefully grasped Kurt's head and gave it a shake. 

''Hey! You were the one saying that whoever got you would not push you around. Kurt you are Kurt. Hummel. No one can push you around. Just be your normal snarky bitchy self. No offense.'' 

Kurt snorted at how well Finn really did know him. 

''Non taken. Your right i should just be myself and never change.'' Kurt wrapped his arms around Finn and smiled. ''Thanks for being a great step-brother, even though you found it awkward because i had a crush on you. Ew why did i ever like you?'' 

Both boys laughed and smiled as they continued hugging each other before Finn spoke up, rather loudly infact because Kurt nearly jumped out his skin. 

''Oh hey! You know how Rachel is like the biggest Nerd in the history of nerds. Well she was doing some research on Slave auctions and she found at least two within the state also one outside of Ohio. The first two are High Class Humans and the other one outside of Ohio is a Supernatural High Class District.  So it will probably be one of those three. They have website's, Rachel gave me the links on my phone lets check them out on the laptop.'' 

Kurt's eyes widened further than they had earlier. 

''Really !?'' 

''Yeah man they show masters that are in need or just looking for a slave, and it shows slaves.'' 

Kurt quickly reached under the bed for his laptop before sitting back down next to Finn. He switched it on and typed in his password. His hand's were shaking he could maybe be seeing his future master, oh god he  couldn't stop shaking. 

''Right, stop shaking and give me the laptop bro.'' Kurt passes the laptop over to Finn, who started typing in the address. Kurt's eyes widened when a picture came up on the screen asking if the person viewing was eighteen, well Finn was.  

''Sure you wanna see ?'' Kurt gave a strict nod. Finn clicked 'yes', what Kurt saw was two links. The choice was between 'Slaves' or 'Masters', Finn clicked masters and waiting for the screen to load. Kurt brought his hand to his mouth and furiously bit his finger to try and tame his shaking. It sort of helped but not really. The images of all pending masters appeared with a description of what they were looking for, most wanted Virgins or ones that could do hard labor. What annoyed Kurt was that none of the descriptions asked for love or companionship, well what did he expect? Finn scowled at some too, he read out one from a 24 year old lord vampire. 

''I am looking for a male slave, one that i can sink my teeth into. Literally. A pretty virgin who i can fuck senseless and one who can do chores and help run my business. A small but tamed boy, who is not going to act up when i present him to MY superiors. A slave who doesn't act up when i put his collar and leash on him. I do not want under any circumstances, someone who has lost their virginity, who is untamed or disobedient and someone who isn't startled by huge cocks.'' Finn growled at the end. 

''Cocky fuck! how fucking disgusting!'' Kurt put a hand on Finns are to calm him down. He was still shaking but comforting Finn helped him a lot. 

''Calm down Finn, its okay. Just stop getting angry, that wont necessarily happen to me got it?'' Finn nodded his head and exited the site, shutting the laptop down and hugging Kurt. 

It took a while to actually fully calm Finn because he was extremely angry, the thought of someone asking for a slave in that way. What if someone like that bought Kurt? He would probably forget humanity, Finn was pleading with god, If there is one that he never wanted Kurt to be bought by someone who wanted to call him a pet or walk him with a collar and leash, it was disgraceful and he didn't want that to happen to his step-brother. He had grown too close to him to see him be broken, he had seen Kurt desperately unhappy during the Karofsky incident but now it was different, he wanted him to be happy not sad and alone. Whoever bought Kurt would have to be nice and gentle, even if they had a bit of discipline or was a lord, he just wanted someone to look after Kurt, the thought of the vampire on the site made him shiver. How could someone ask for that? It made him feel sick, the thought of someone hurting Kurt or doing blood play or constantly breaking him by having sex constantly. They hugged for at least half an hour, Kurt had cried at one point but so had Finn. Kurt shivered more and more when he saw the time, the clock read '1:00pm' it would be 11 hours until Kurt could be taken, he decided to stop feeling sorry for himself, he gave Finn one last pat on the back before getting up and going to his closet, he had sent some of his clothes to charity, but kept half of his clothes, which was a lot actually. The slaves were always told to pack his or hers clothes so when they were being held at slave houses there clothes would be stored away and given back only if their new masters allowed it when they left. Kurt had already began packing his stuff sometime last week, he just had to get carol to wash the stuff he had on and then pack them, also some scarves he had in the closet. He was only allowed to have clothes in his case and it would be checked when he was in the slave house, but he didn't pack anything else, he had all his items stacked behind his photo of his mum. That was him he had his photo of his mum and others, his handkerchief and mums letter, Ipod and his bracelet. Hopefully his master would let him take his clothes. Stacking things behind the photo was a bright idea and Kurt was happy, he knew one thing that was a big rule. No one was allowed to touch his three items under any circumstances, it was law and it suited Kurt just fine. 

Snapping out of his day dream Kurt whispered to Finn who was staring at him. ''Come on Finn lets go bake a load of stuff and eat it all, we will get our parents to join in. Lets make the rest of this day awesome!'' Finn grinned and raced downstairs with Kurt. 

Blaine Anderson sat at his desk on the Thursday scratching his head, as he was getting irritated about finishing the contracts for other demons. He was a demon you see and a lord of their area. He controlled any demons and slaves. The only problem was that people were starting to disobey him as they saw him as weak, He is strong, infact the strongest of their community but if you didn't have a slave you were seen as pathetic. He had been pondering for day's and Nick had been telling him to go to a slave auction but he hadn't even been considering it till now. His father had sent him a letter giving him strict instructions. 

Dear Blaine. 

I am writing to inform you of the demon ball in two weeks, i expect to see you there. With a slave/mate. I am aware of three auctions that will be up next week, two of them are high class but the one i want you to attend is the 'Supernatural High Class Auction.' You shall find one and buy him at any cost, i will pay if you need more money but that should not be a problem. You know i am perfectly happy with your choice, i could put you on the website but i would rather not, it would look even more pathetic than you do now. No offense son.  

A virgin would be best, someone who you can control and tame. A younger boy than yourself, one you can care for. Even though you are a very powerful demon Blaine having a slave you top your power. You do not have to claim him as soon as you get him but a mark on the neck would be best, Bite or just a mark its your choice. I expect to hear from you by next Sunday morning, if you have not got one by then i shall find one for you and i know you wouldn't like that.  

Your mother gives you her best wishes, She expects a letter back by the way, also get one of your servants preferably the most loyal to help you pick one. A girl would be best at helping you. I am counting on you Blaine, don't put the family to shame. 

Yours faithfully 

Everett Anderson. 

His father had not meant to seem cruel, but if you didn't have a slave by the time you were 20 years old, you were seen as pitiable. He would not be called weak, not anymore he would find a slave. One that he could control and keep by his side. He began writing his return letter to his father. 

Dear Father. 

I have viewed your letter and have come to a decision, you will not need to look for me. I will look and see when i have free time to go to this place. I promise not to let you or our name down. You have my word, i will take Ash, she is the best servant girl i have, she is loyal and i will find one that i can tame. Don't worry. Best wishes to you and mother. 

sincerely Blaine, Your son. 

Blaine sealed the letter in a golden envelope for return and shouted his faithful servant Ash. 

''Ash! Come in here please.'' A few seconds later the door knob twisted and opened to reveal a servant girl in a dress and long apron with her pretty brown hair tied back with a band.  

''Yes your highness what may i do for you?'' 

''Ash i have told you time and time again, you may call me Sir or Blaine when inside the mansion.'' Ash smiled. 

''I want you to give this letter to Claude, make sure he delivers it straight to my parents with no interruptions.'' Ash walked over to Blaine's desk and carefully took the letter out of Blaine's hand. 

''Of course Sir.'' She was about to walk out but Blaine held up his hand for her to stay. 

''Sit down Ash, i would like a word with you in private.''  

She gave a puzzled look but didn't want to question Blaine, as he wasn't very polite towards being questioned. she sat on the chair across the desk from him. She clasped her hands on her knees and waited to see if Blaine would be the one to speak first. However Blaine didn't speak, she took that as her to start. 

''What's wrong Sir, a...am i in trouble?'' Ash controlled her shaking. Blaine always found a way to punish bad servants. 

''No, no you are not. However i require you to join me on a trip next week, i haven't picked a particular date.'' 

''Sir if you don't mind me asking... what kind of trip?'' 

''Never be afraid to ask Ash. I would like you to accompany me to a slave auction.'' Ash's eyes widened, he had put off getting a slave for a year now, why was he finally considering it now? Oh his parents. 

''So your finally getting a slave? I thought you decided against it, as you were busy.'' Blaine held his head high and smiled. 

''My parents seem to think i need a slave to up my status some more.'' 

''What slave auction are we attending sir? I believe i heard some demons in the courtyard at last nights party talking about a Supernatural High Class auction, is it that one? I could find out where it is for you Blaine.'' He smiled, it had been the 2nd time this week she had called him by his name and it made him feel good to have at least one person not called him Majesty or Lord. 

''Yes that would be excellent Ash, please don't inform the auction i am coming, i shall arrive, buy a slave to my taste and leave.'' 

''Sir, what kind of slave are you looking for, i could travel to the slave house and see the descriptions of slaves or slaves that will be coming in. I assume from what you told me two years ago that it will be a boy you shall buy.'' Ash gave a small giggle which made Blaine laugh. She had been the first to know of Blaine's sexuality, he could count on her. His parents didn't mind, as long as he got a slave. Not many demons were homosexual but about a dozen were, there were many demons. Good and bad.  

''I am looking for a younger boy than myself, maybe 17 or 18. A boy who is a virgin. Small built but tall, not too tall but just a bit. Someone who cant struggle hard when put over my knee for punishment, just someone vulnerable and easy to control. Yes i would like you to travel there and see what's on offer and what dates the auction has.'' Ash frowned at the punishment part, a master could punish their slave any way they wanted but spanking was always the highest choice. Demons hits were always sore, she prayed that the slave wouldn't act up. It wasn't that she pitied who would become Blaine's slave, it was just that anyone who made Blaine mad regretted it soon after. His anger was bad but maybe a mate would calm him down and contain his emotions. 

'Is that all Sir? I shall travel in a couple of days, i still have to get the manor in tact before Sir Nick and his mate Jeff arrive on Saturday. Today is Thursday so i still have time to venture into town for that meat that you demons are so fond of, if you would like?'' 

''Yes that is all and the meat shall do just fine, ah i just remember Nick would be joining me this weekend. I can finally get him to stop nagging me about purchasing a slave.'' Blaine smirked. 

''Of course sir, i must get going now if you don't mind. Oh i forgot to say, Lord Sebastian will be here tomorrow to talk about some files.'' Blaine's eyes filled jet black and he clenched his fist. 

''I hate him. He's always sticking his nose in where its not wanted. He's from Westerville yet he always has to travel here.'' Ash gave him a sympathetic smile. Sebastian Smythe was the lord of Westervilles demons, he was arrogant, lazy, mean and down right in your face annoying. He constantly tried to steal slaves off other demons, charming them and then draining their blood and soul, others he just fucked and left. Blaine couldn't do anything to stop him though, it wasn't his place to say. Blaine was stationed about five hours away from Westerville, Where he lived the full place was a home to demons, it was a small village not too small but still big enough. It was named 'Demonic' original i know but it was home. There was rarely any trouble around there, it was only when demons from other places arrived. Like Sebastian Smythe. Blaine growled at the fact he would need to be in Westerville with his slave for the ball, god everyone would be there. His family, friends, acquaintances and other lords of other places. It would be torture, he would keep his slave by his side, never taking his eyes off him. No one would take him, not even Smythe. 

''I know Blaine but just think it will only be for a little while, your slave shall keep you calm.'' Blaine waved his hand to dismiss Ash before getting up from his desk, placing files in the write drawers, Walking out, locking the door and heading to his chamber. He walked past servants, telling them he doesn't want to be disturbed for any reason. They nodded there heads so hard, Blaine thought their heads would roll off. He walked into his room, shutting the door and closing the expensive fabric curtains, to block the sun. He changed out of his shirt and dress pant's into silk pajamas and layed inbetween the satin sheets of his four poster bed. He quickly drowned the extra worries and thoughts from his head, to slowly close his eyes and sleep. Tomorrow would be torture for Blaine, he needed rest. Now. 

Burt Hummel smiled as he watched his son and step son scoosh whipped cream and flicked powder at each other, he would miss this. For sure. But he had the feeling in the back of his head he would see Kurt again. Even if it was for just one day, he had a vibe. Burt chuckled at the pair, he was glad they were finally getting bonding time but that would be over tomorrow. Sighing he walked into the living room to leave Carol to bake with the boys, he was a rubbish cook, he left it to Carol or Kurt.  

'Daddy, can a prince love a prince?'' Burt frowned at the memory. He hadn't handled that situation very well, with his wife dying and being left with Kurt. It had been hard but he would always regret his answer to that question, the words swirled around in his head haunting him. 'Absolutely not Kurt, where did you get that horrible idea?'' He wished he had given his son more support and took into account his son maybe was going to turn out gay. That was in the past now though, nothing to worry about, he had a healthy son who was out and proud. That was all that mattered. 

''Ah! Finn this is Marc Jacobs. MARC JACOBS!'' Burt heard Carol Chuckling.   

He shouted through to Finn. ''Run! Kurt the Fashion Gura shall kill you!'' He could practically see the scowl on Kurt's face.  

''Shut it dad! If you don't shut it, I'm not leaving my famous recipe for chocolate brownies!'' Burt laughed. ''Ill shut up Kurt''  

Kurt giggled very cutely, like he always did. Burt would definitely miss this. The Friday night dinners- oh wait there wouldn't be a Friday night dinner tomorrow, Kurt would be gone. Burt winced, he had not though about that before now. Well it would just have to be a Thursday night dinner, with baked cookies and muffins. 

''Hey dad! come try these!'' Burt smiled, he had been given the job of tasting since Kurt started cooking with carol, Finn was too busy licking the spoon and bowl.  

''Ok I'm coming, what is it this time?'' Kurt grinned as he held out a tray of muffins with either cream or pink icing and they all had a mini marshmallow on top.  

''the cream ones are cinnamon and the pink ones are strawberry muffins.'' Burt picked up a cream and pink one, took a bite out of the cinnamon muffin and licked his lips.  

''Gotta hand it to you kid, these are delicious.'' 

''I cant take all the credit! Carol helped too.'' Carol smiled as Burt finished the muffin, he was always a fast eater. ''Now this one.'' She pointed to the strawberry one. 

''Oh and of course it would taste delightful too.'' Kurt squeaked which startled Finn. ''Hey dude that actually sounded cute!'' All of the family burst into tears of laughter. They would all miss this and losing Kurt was going to be hard but they never gave up hope, to the thought of seeing him again.  

After hours of countless baking sessions, Carol started on dinner. She had told Kurt to go and relax for a while, she didn't want him cooking or doing any work for that matter. At first she had no clue of what to make but opted for Kurt's favourite meal, her famous spatchcock chicken. Flame grilled of course with a Chilli coating and tomato puree. She decided to add vegetables, as Kurt would fuss over not having at least three of his five a day. She grabbed Desiree Potatoes, Baby Carrots and Bubble and Squeak cakes. Also Kurts favourite. She wanted it to be perfect, she grazed the chicken with a various amount of herbs and spices and prepared it for the oven. Once it was set to cook for an hour, she got to work on preparing the potatoes, Carrots and Bubble and Squeak cakes. Once it was all in the oven cooking she set a timer to remind her when it was ready. She looked up at the clock and frowned. She hadn't even realized it was this time, with all the baking and chatting it hadn't occurred to her it was now this late. The clock read '18:00'. 6 hours. 6 hours until it would be Friday. Kurt 17th birthday. The day he would be taken away from his family. The day he would be took away to a slave house, to be taught how to act like a real slave. This would shatter her husbands heart, to see his blood son be taken away and be forced into a strange environment. She hoped it didn't affect Burt's heart, she pleaded if there was a god, to keep Burt in good health.  

''Carol you alright in there?'' Carol was brought out of her trance by Kurt's sweet angelic voice. 

''I'm great, thanks Kurt.'' She left the food to cook and walk through to the lounge to see Kurt, Finn and Burt laughing at Kurt's videos as a kid. He was always a sweet little boy, who wore unusual fashion and acted different than other young boys, unlike some who played football and played with their action men, Kurt stuck to tea parties and clothes. He always knew how to make his dad smile. After Elizabeth died it had been hard on the family. Burt didn't know how to handle Kurt coming out, he had wished Elizabeth had been there, she would have been more understanding and helpful towards the situation.  

Carol left the doorway she had been standing in to head towards the couch and sit beside her step son. The family enjoyed the videos for an hour, only to be brought out of there reminiscing by the ovens beeping. Carol got up from her place on the couch and headed towards the kitchen. Shouting behind her a short 'Prepare the table' to Finn and Burt, as expected Kurt rose too, only to be stopped by Burt who had placed his hand on Kurt's chest. 

''Sit down son. We will handle this.'' Kurt chuckled and sat down in his previous place. He glanced at the clock it was now 19:30, he had four and a half hours left till he could be taken away from Ohio. He wasn't stupid he knew that Carol, Finn and Burt had been staring at the clock throughout the day. People say if you look at a clock constantly time goes slower, how wrong they are. Today had gone in too fast for Kurt' liking. He stood up from the sofa and walked over to the window, staring out he exhaled. Without thinking he spoke aloud.

''There will be a van there soon. Four and a half hours to be exact. I will be taken to some slave house to be degraded, humiliated, disciplined and trained all to be bought by some arrogant self-centered smug snobbish guy. Maybe someone like that vampire will buy me, the one Finn showed me to be exact. It probably will happen knowing my luck. Why not top something else on my problems. God isn't real he never helped me one bit. If there is one he must hate me enough to do this to me.'' Kurt winced when he realized he had spoke his thoughts. He slowly turned round hoping no one had heard him but he was wrong because there stood Finn, Carol and Burt, staring at him with wide sad sympathetic eyes. Kurt's eyes too widened. Why didn't he just keep his mouth shut? Why did he open his stupid mouth?  Everyone stood in silence for a minute or two until Carol spoke up to try and get rid of some of the tension.

''Come on lets go have din-dinner.'' The two boys followed their parents into the kitchen, where Burt and Carol sat together with Finn across from Burt and Kurt across from Carol. Through the whole meal they stayed silent, from the awkwardness of Kurt's small speech. He hadn't meant for it to be for them to hear, it was for him mostly. His dad looked sick, Burt was not angry at Kurt's speech, just upset that his son thought about that and had been thinking about it all day. When everyone was finished everyone landed their eyes on Kurt who was slowly rising from the table and whispering to Carol. 

''Thank you Carol. The meal was delicious. Now if you don't mind I'm going upstairs to spend these last hours in my room. Alone.'' Carol smiled softly at the first part but gasped at the last part.

''Kurt. No you cant spend these last hours by yourself. Please we will talk about your feelings, just sit down. Please.'' He stared into Carols pleading eyes, then glanced at Finn and Burt who had the same expression.

''Please try to understand. I just want to be alone. I want to have my own space, just for these last hours. Please. I'm not going to get time for myself when I'm bought am i? I'm begging you three, please don't make me stay down here.'' The trio glanced at each other, frowning before nodding.

''Okay son we respect that.'' Burt's voice cracked but still held its usually rough vibe.

Kurt walked round the table, hugging his dad tightly who whispered in his ear. ''I love you son.''

''I love you too dad. So much but promise me one thing. Don't chase after me when they take me. Please. It will only make it harder on me and you and everyone else for that matter. Please promise me. Please.''

Burt blinked back tears. ''I will try son. I will try.'' Kurt gave a hug to Finn whispering in his ear that he was glad to have him as a step brother and that he was proud of him. He hugged Carol after, no words were exchanged. Carol knew all that Kurt felt she didn't need to hear anything more. The hugs he gave Finn and Carol were so different than him and his dad's exchange it was more heartfelt and full of emotion. Kurt gave them all a soft wave and mouthed 'I love you all.' The trio nodded in understanding.

Kurt made his way up the stairs after leaving the kitchen, he walked into his room and let a couple of tears fall from his eyes. He found himself humming the tune of Roots before Branches, then to actually singing it softly, they wouldn't hear him, the TV was too loud and he was grateful for this moment, he needed it. The song gave him hope, if he had roots he can get the branches to be strong and to come back here with his family. Hope. Courage. Was all he needed. 

So many things 

To do and say

But I can't seem 

To find my way

But I wanna know how

I know 

I'm meant 

For something else

But first 

I gotta find myself

But I don't know how

Oh, why do 

I reach for the stars

When I don't have wings 

To carry me that far?

 I gotta have 

Roots before branches

To know who I am

Before I know 

Who I wanna be

And faith 

To take chances

To live like I see

A place in this world 

For me

Sometimes 

I don't wanna feel

And forget the pain 

Is real

Put my head 

In the clouds

Oh, start to run 

And then I fall

Seein' 

I can't get it all

Without my feet 

On the ground

There's always a seed

Before there's a rose

The more that it rains 

The more I will grow

I gotta have 

Roots before branches

To know who I am

Before I know 

Who I wanna be

And faith 

To take chances

To live like I see

A place in this world 

For me

Whatever comes 

I know how to take it

Learn to be strong 

I won't have to fake it

Oh, you're understandin'

Oh, but when you come 

And do it best

There ain't nothin' 

To stoppin' east to west 

(I'm not sure 

if this is right)

But I'll still 

Be standing 

I'll be standing

I gotta have 

Roots before branches

To know who I am

Before I know 

Who I wanna be

And faith 

To take chances

To live like I see

A place in this world

I gotta have 

Roots before branches

To know who I am

Before I know 

Who I wanna be

And faith 

To take chances

To live like I see

A place in this world 

For me

I gotta have 

Roots before branches

Once he had finished the last line of the song he walked towards the bathroom to wash and do his hair, so he was clean before he went. His belongings were sorted into the case with his pouch of precious belongings on the bed ready for him to hold on to and never let go. Little did Kurt know he would be leaving soon, outside a van was parked behind some trees, they were waiting. They had been in Ohio for three days picking up slaves. Kurt Hummel was next on their list and they could tell he wouldn't go with a fight but he would go quietly. 

After washing Kurt put on comfy sweat pants and a jumper, if he was comfortable in the van he would be okay for a while. At least until they got to the slave house, that was when he would rebel. That was when he would fight. There was no way he was giving up that easily, if someone wanted to buy him. Well let's just say they were in for a wild ride.