Halfway to You

Beth walked into training alongside Steph and Jen, the usual pre-practice chatter happening around them. But today, she wasn’t really participating. She was quieter than usual, distracted—fidgeting with the strap of her bag, biting her lip, lost in her own thoughts.

She barely noticed when Jen nudged her side.

“Alright, what’s up with you?” Jen asked, squinting at her.

Steph glanced at Beth and immediately picked up on it too. “Yeah, you’re weird today. You’re doing that thing where you look like you’re going to throw up.”

Beth sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I’m just… nervous.”

That caught their attention immediately.

“Nervous?” Jen repeated, intrigued. “Why?”

Beth hesitated, knowing they wouldn’t let this go. She exhaled sharply before finally admitting, “I went to Viv’s house yesterday.”

Both of them reacted instantly.

Jen’s eyes widened. “Wait—what?”

Steph let out a low whistle. “Didn’t know you two were back on speaking terms.”

Beth winced. “We’re not. Not really.”

Jen raised an eyebrow. “Then how exactly did you end up at her house?”

Beth hesitated again before groaning. “I kind of… just showed up?”

Steph blinked. “Without her knowing?”

Beth nodded.

Jen let out a sharp laugh. “Oh, that’s bold.”

Beth huffed. “She wasn’t exactly thrilled to see me, let’s put it that way.”

Steph tilted her head. “But you’re nervous, so I’m assuming it didn’t go terribly?”

Beth sighed, crossing her arms. “I told her I wasn’t leaving until we talked. And if she wanted me to leave, she’d have to call the police.”

Jen snorted. “Beth, what the hell?”

Steph just stared at her. “And she didn’t call the police?”

Beth smirked. “No, she sighed really dramatically and let me in.”

Jen shook her head, still laughing. “You’re insane.”

Steph grinned. “So, you forced your way in, what happened next?”

Beth hesitated, then admitted, “I asked her out.”

Both Steph and Jen gaped at her.

“And?” Jen demanded.

Beth swallowed. “She said yes.”

Jen gasped dramatically, smacking Steph’s arm. “She said yes?”

Beth sighed. “It wasn’t the most enthusiastic yes, but it was still a yes.”

Steph grinned, throwing an arm around Beth’s shoulder. “That’s huge.”

Jen nodded. “Yeah, especially considering how she’s been acting lately.”

Beth exhaled. “I know.”

“So where are you taking her?” Steph asked, eyebrow raised.

Beth shrugged. “I was thinking of making dinner at my place. Something cozy, just us.”

Jen immediately narrowed her eyes. “Wait. You’re cooking?”

Beth rolled her eyes. “Why does everyone react like that?”

Steph smirked but then softened a little. “Do you need any help? You know, to make sure the food’s actually edible?”

Beth scoffed. “No, I’ve got it. I know she loves Thai food, so I’m going to try to make something nice.”

Jen looked impressed. “Okay, that’s actually really sweet.”

Beth nodded, chewing the inside of her cheek. “Yeah. I also thought about making the place look cozier. Just, you know, nice lighting, maybe some candles. I want it to feel like an actual date.”

Steph grinned. “So, full romance mode then?”

Beth huffed, looking down at her feet for a second before nodding. “I just… I want it to be good. I don’t want her to feel like I don’t care.”

Jen softened. “You really like her.”

Beth glanced up at them, exhaling before admitting, “Yeah. I do.”

Steph patted her back. “Then don’t stress too much. Just make it special.”

Beth nodded, still a bit nervous but maybe just a little more hopeful. “Yeah. I hope I don’t mess it up.”

Jen smirked. “Just don’t overcook the food, and you’ll be fine.”

Beth groaned, shoving her lightly as they made their way to training.

Beth and Viv hadn’t really talked after training. There had been a few glances exchanged on the pitch, but nothing more. It wasn’t unexpected, but Beth still felt the anticipation sitting in her chest, knowing that tonight was happening.

As she was finishing up in the locker room, she overheard Lotte talking to Viv a few lockers down.

“Are you coming over for dinner tonight? Just my parents and some family, nothing fancy,” Lotte asked.

Viv shook her head with a small, polite smile. “Thanks, but I already have plans.”

Beth tried not to react too obviously, but she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. Viv remembered.

Viv’s eyes flickered toward her briefly, just for a second, before she turned back to Lotte, continuing whatever conversation they were having. Beth didn’t catch the rest of it. Instead, she focused on getting ready, finishing up quickly before grabbing her bag.

Before leaving, she pulled out her phone, unlocking it as she stepped outside.

Beth: Is 7 good for you?

She stood by her car, waiting for a response. It didn’t come immediately, so she tossed her bag in the backseat, got in, and checked again.

A few minutes later, her screen lit up.

Viv: Where do we meet?

Beth chewed her lip, fingers hovering over the keyboard for a second before she typed back.

Beth: Come to my place.

She didn’t think much of it until Viv responded a few seconds later.

Viv: Oh.

Beth blinked at the message, then immediately realized what she must have thought.

Her stomach dropped slightly as she quickly typed again.

Beth: I didn’t mean it like that! Just for dinner, I promise.

She pressed send, hoping Viv would understand she hadn’t been trying to suggest anything else.

A moment passed.

Then, another message came through.

Viv: Okay. I’ll be there at 7.

Beth exhaled, leaning her head back against the car seat, letting out a small breath.

She had spent the entire afternoon preparing. She wasn’t sure if she was overdoing it, but she also wasn’t sure if she cared. If there was one night to go all in, it was this one.

The groceries were spread across her kitchen counter—fresh shrimp for the pad thai, dumplings waiting to be steamed, and a small container of strawberries and bananas for dessert. She figured dipping them in melted chocolate would be a nice touch—simple, but thoughtful. Hopefully thoughtful enough.

She had no idea if this was too much.

But she didn’t want Viv to come over and feel like Beth hadn’t put in the effort. Not after everything. Not after the way she had hurt her.

So she kept going.

She prepped most of the food before heading to shower, wanting to make things as smooth as possible for when Viv arrived. The fruit was already cut into neat bowls, ready for dipping later. She had chopped all the vegetables, so when the time came, all she had to do was throw everything together. It made her feel a little more in control—like at least one thing about tonight wouldn’t be chaotic.

After that, she cleaned the house, vacuumed, wiped down the counters, even fluffed the pillows on the couch—things she never really cared about unless guests were over. But this wasn’t just any guest.

She dimmed the lights, leaving only a lamp on in the living room and a candle on the dining table, the soft flickering glow making everything feel warmer, more intimate. She set the table properly—not just her usual casual setup, but something a little nicer, something that made it feel like an actual date.

Wine on the table, but also sodas, just in case. She had no idea if Viv wanted to drink, and she wanted to give her the option.

By the time everything was set up, Beth realized how fast her heart was beating. She exhaled, running a hand through her hair before heading to the bathroom to shower.

She kept it simple—nothing too fancy, but not her usual lazy sweatpants either. A clean pair of pants, a casual but nice t-shirt. Comfortable, but intentional.

She checked the time. Five minutes until seven.

Beth wiped her hands on her jeans as she heard the knock at the door. Her heart jumped slightly—why was she nervous? She was the one who invited Viv over. But still, she took a quick breath before pulling the door open.

Viv stood there, her posture a little stiff, hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket. She looked… good. Really good. The fitted top she wore highlighted her shoulders, her collarbones, the delicate chain of her necklace catching the dim hallway light. Beth had to force herself not to let her gaze linger.

"Hey," she said, stepping aside.

"Hey," Viv answered, stepping inside.

Beth closed the door behind her. They didn’t hug. Didn’t touch. Just stood there for a second, neither quite sure what to do. Beth cleared her throat, motioning toward the living room.

Viv glanced around as she walked in, eyes flickering to the small candle burning on the table, the warm glow of the lamp Beth had turned on. "Your place looks cozy," she said finally, her voice neutral.

Beth exhaled, a bit relieved. "Thanks. I, uh, cleaned." She winced at herself. Obviously, you cleaned, Beth. Great conversation skills.

Viv hummed in response, slowly pulling her jacket off and draping it over the back of a chair. The awkwardness between them was palpable.

Beth ran a hand through her hair. "Do you want something to drink? I’ve got wine. Or soda, if you’d rather."

"If you have wine, I’ll take that," Viv said, rubbing her arm absentmindedly before letting it drop.

Beth smirked a little, trying to lighten the mood. "Oh, drinking with me now? That’s risky."

Viv let out a short breath—not quite a laugh, but close enough that Beth counted it as a win.

Beth poured two glasses and handed one to Viv, their fingers brushing briefly as Viv took it.

Beth picked up her own glass. "To… uh, dinner?" she offered, lifting it slightly.

Viv raised an eyebrow but clinked their glasses together anyway. "Dinner," she echoed, before taking a sip.

Beth watched her for a second before turning back to the kitchen. "Sit down, relax. I’m almost done here."

Viv hesitated but then pulled out a chair at the table, resting her hands around her glass, tapping a thumb against the stem. She shifted in her seat, looking around like she wasn’t sure what to do with herself.

"So," she finally said, voice slightly forced. "What are you making?"

Beth stirred the pan, keeping her back to Viv. "I attempted to make Thai food."

Viv’s lips twitched, almost like she wanted to smile but was holding back. "You attempted?"

Beth huffed a laugh. "Yeah, well, don’t set your expectations too high."

Viv tucked her hair behind her ear, looking down at her wine glass. "I love Thai food," she admitted softly.

Beth hesitated for just a second before saying, a little more quietly, "I know."

Viv didn’t say anything at first. She just nodded slightly, her fingers trailing along the base of her glass. Beth peeked at her from the corner of her eye, watching how she tucked her hair again, a nervous habit. Why does this feel so fragile?

A few moments later, Beth plated the food and carried two plates over to the table—one with the Pad Thai, the other with dumplings. She set them down, then poured a bit more wine into both their glasses before sitting across from Viv.

Viv looked down at the food, blinking slightly like she hadn’t expected this much effort. "It looks… really good," she said, tucking her hair behind her ear yet again.

Beth smirked. "You haven’t even tasted it yet."

Viv met her eyes briefly, then looked back down. "Still," she murmured. "It looks nice."

Beth picked up her fork and gestured at Viv’s plate. "Well, go ahead. I need to know if I just wasted hours of my life or if I actually made something edible."

Viv hesitated for half a second before twirling some noodles around her fork and taking a bite. Beth watched closely as she chewed, waiting for any kind of reaction.

Viv swallowed, licked her lips, and nodded. "Not bad," she finally said.

Beth let out a dramatic sigh of relief. "Not poisoned?"

Viv shook her head. "Not poisoned."

Beth grinned. "That’s high praise coming from you."

Viv smirked slightly before taking another bite.

They ate in mostly silence after that, sipping wine, making small comments about the food, but the tension still sat between them. Beth tried not to stare too much, tried not to think about the fact that she was sitting across from Viv like this—like they hadn’t spent the last few weeks barely talking, like Beth hadn’t messed up so badly.

After a while, Beth reached for the wine bottle and refilled both their glasses. She cleared her throat. "So, uh… how was training today?"

Viv wiped her mouth with her napkin, shrugging slightly. "Fine."

Beth nodded slowly. "Cool, cool."

She mentally cursed herself. She used to be able to talk to Viv so easily. Now, every word felt like it had to be carefully chosen, as if one wrong move would shatter the fragile thread between them.

Viv swirled her wine glass lightly, eyes focused on the liquid as she spoke. "Lotte invited me to her place for dinner," she said casually, though Beth caught the slight hesitation in her voice.

Beth blinked, her stomach twisting a little. "Yeah, I, uh… I kinda overheard that. Sorry."

Viv hummed, not looking up. There was a brief pause, and then Beth exhaled, deciding to just say it. "I was relieved when you said no."

Viv’s lips twitched slightly, but she didn’t smile. Instead, she took a small sip of her wine before setting the glass down. "I had already agreed to come here," she said simply, as if that was all there was to it.

Beth froze for a moment, fork hovering above her plate. Something about the way Viv said it—matter-of-fact, like it was the most obvious thing in the world—made her chest feel tight.

She swallowed. "Right."

There was a silence between them, not uncomfortable exactly, but heavy. Beth shifted in her chair, glancing down at her plate, pushing the food around with her fork.

"This is weird," she admitted after a beat.

Viv finally looked up, holding Beth’s gaze for a second before nodding slightly. "A little."

Beth let out a quiet breath, running a hand through her hair. "I feel like I don’t know what to say to you anymore."

Viv twirled her wine glass between her fingers, eyes downcast. She didn’t speak right away, but when she did, her voice was quieter, almost cautious. “Are you regretting it?”

Beth stiffened. “No.” The word left her mouth without hesitation, too quick, too firm. She shook her head, exhaling. “God, no. Not that.”

Viv’s brows furrowed slightly, still not looking at her.

Beth leaned forward, her voice quieter now. “I’m just trying really hard not to mess this up.”

Viv glanced at her then, studying her for a long moment. “And how’s that going for you?”

Beth let out a breathy laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. “Not great.”

Viv huffed a small chuckle, finally taking a sip of her wine. “Yeah. I can tell.”

Beth sighed, sinking back into her chair. “I just don’t want to say the wrong thing. Or do the wrong thing. It’s like I’m walking on a tightrope, and one wrong step and I—” She gestured vaguely, as if mimicking a fall.

Viv tilted her head slightly. “You don’t have to do that.”

Beth frowned. “Do what?”

Viv met her eyes then. “Overthink every single word. I’m here, aren’t I?”

Beth swallowed, nodding slowly. “You are.”

Beth watched Viv closely, noticing the way she hesitated before speaking. “The dumplings are really good.”

Beth let out a quiet breath, shaking her head with a small smile. “That’s the only thing I didn’t make from scratch.”

Viv blinked, fork pausing mid-air. “Oh.”

She looked down at her plate, shifting slightly in her seat. Her fingers tapped against her glass, and for a moment, Beth wondered if she was overthinking it.

Viv cleared her throat softly. “Well… the rest is really good, too.”

Beth’s smile softened. “Thank you.”

Beth stood, gathering the plates, her fingers brushing against the edges as she stacked them. She had barely taken a step when Viv shifted in her seat.

"Do you need help?" Viv asked, already making a small movement to get up.

Beth glanced at her, shaking her head. "No, sit. I got it."

Viv hesitated, fingers tapping lightly against the stem of her wine glass. "Are you sure? I feel bad just sitting here while you do everything."

Beth huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head as she picked up the dishes. "You can make it up to me by telling me if you want dessert."

Viv tilted her head slightly. "Depends. What’s for dessert?"

Beth smirked. "Chocolate-covered strawberries and bananas."

Viv’s eyebrows lifted slightly in approval. "Sounds fancy."

Beth turned toward the kitchen, her voice carrying over her shoulder. "It’s really not. I just melted chocolate and dipped fruit in it."

Viv let out a small chuckle, leaning back into her chair again. "Well, in that case, I’d love some."

Beth nodded, disappearing into the kitchen. As she prepared the bowls, cutting the last pieces into neat sections, she hesitated before calling out, "Hey… do you wanna watch a movie after this?"

There was a pause. Not a long one, but just enough to make Beth’s stomach twist before Viv answered.

"Yeah, that sounds nice."

Beth exhaled softly, returning to the table with two small bowls, setting one in front of Viv before sitting back down. "What do you want to watch?"

Viv took a slow sip of her wine, considering. "I don’t know. What’s your usual go-to?"

Beth let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Honestly? It depends. Sometimes I want something actually good. And sometimes, I want the worst romcom imaginable. The kind that’s so bad it makes you question your life choices."

Viv smirked, picking up a piece of banana and dipping it into the chocolate. "That tracks."

Beth rolled her eyes but smiled. "Okay, then what about you? What’s your comfort movie?"

Viv hesitated for a second before shrugging. "I don’t know if I’d call them comfort movies, but… probably Pride and Prejudice or The Devil Wears Prada."

Beth blinked, a slow grin spreading across her lips. "Okay, that’s unexpectedly soft of you."

Viv’s lips twitched, but she just raised an eyebrow. "It’s called having good taste, Beth."

Beth let out a soft laugh, shaking her head as she reached for a strawberry. "I wasn’t judging. Just… surprised. I kinda expected something darker, I don’t know why."

Viv shrugged, reaching for another piece of fruit. "I like a lot of things. Just depends on the mood."

Beth hummed, considering. "Alright, then you pick. Since you’re the guest."

Viv gave her a look. "You made dinner, so I think you should pick."

Beth hesitated, eyes flickering toward Viv’s for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but if I pick something dumb, you’re not allowed to make fun of me."

Viv smirked, lifting her wine glass again. "I make no promises."

Beth grabbed the remote and settled onto the couch, keeping a comfortable distance between herself and Viv—not too close, but not too far either. The space between them felt intentional, a quiet acknowledgment of the uncertainty still lingering between them.

She scrolled through the streaming options, fingers tapping idly against her thigh as she debated what to put on. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Viv shifting.

"I’ll be right back," Viv murmured, standing up.

Beth nodded, barely glancing away from the screen as Viv disappeared down the hall toward the bathroom.

Alone, Beth exhaled deeply, rubbing a hand over her face before turning her attention back to the TV. She hesitated for a moment, then, almost without thinking, scrolled to Pride and Prejudice and pressed play.

By the time Viv returned, Beth had already set the remote down, adjusting the pillow at her side as she glanced up.

Viv sat back down in the same spot, barely hesitating before looking at the screen. Her lips parted slightly as she took in the title, then she turned to Beth with a small, surprised smile.

"You picked Pride and Prejudice?" she asked, a soft lilt of amusement in her voice.

Beth shrugged, a little too casual. "You said it was one of your favorites."

Viv’s smile lingered as she curled a leg beneath herself, getting comfortable. "I did."

Beth flicked her eyes toward her for a second before looking back at the screen. "I pay attention sometimes, you know."

Viv hummed, sipping the last of her wine before setting the glass on the coffee table. She didn’t say anything else, but Beth caught the way her shoulders seemed to relax just a bit more as the opening notes of the movie played.

Beth had been watching the movie, but her focus drifted when she caught a small movement beside her. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Viv shifting slightly, her arms tucking a little closer to herself. It was subtle, but enough for Beth to realize—Viv was cold.

Without a word, Beth reached for the throw blanket draped over the back of the couch, unfolding it before offering it to Viv.

Viv glanced at her, a little surprised. Then, instead of just taking it for herself, she hesitated for a second before spreading it over both of them, shifting slightly closer in the process.

Beth swallowed, suddenly hyper-aware of the way their legs brushed beneath the fabric. She could feel Viv’s warmth now, closer than before, and despite the awkward edges of the night, something about it felt... natural.

They stayed like that, both quiet, their attention on the screen. The movie moved through its soft, slow-burning romance, each lingering glance and quiet confession filling the space between them with something unspoken.

Then, it happened.

Viv’s fingers brushed against Beth’s once—just barely. A light, accidental touch, like she had shifted without thinking.

Beth didn’t move, but she felt it.

A minute later, it happened again. This time, it wasn’t accidental.

Beth’s heart stuttered in her chest.

Viv was hesitant, fingers grazing Beth’s like she wasn’t sure if she should pull away or keep going.

Beth exhaled, barely a breath, before deciding for both of them.

She turned her hand over, palm up, giving Viv the space to make the next move.

Viv hesitated—just for a second.

And then, carefully, she laced her fingers through Beth’s.

It was tentative at first, the way Viv’s grip curled around hers, shy but deliberate. Beth responded by squeezing back, grounding them both in the moment.

They just sat there, holding hands under the blanket, their fingers warm against each other’s.

She gave a gentle squeeze, grounding them both in the quiet moment.

Still, she wanted to be sure.

Beth glanced sideways at Viv, her voice coming out softer than she intended. "Is this okay?"

Viv didn’t look at her right away, but Beth saw the small smile flicker at the corner of her lips. Her grip on Beth’s hand tightened slightly before she finally answered.

"Yeah," she murmured. "It’s okay."

Viv shifted closer, just a little. Not enough to make a big deal of it, but enough that Beth felt it. Enough that Beth noticed the way Viv’s thumb brushed lightly against hers, absentminded, like she was still getting used to the feeling of their hands together.

Neither of them said anything else.

They just stayed like that, fingers intertwined under the blanket, sharing the quiet, as the movie played on.

As the credits rolled, the warmth of Viv’s hand suddenly disappeared. Beth felt the absence immediately, the way Viv’s fingers slipped from hers, leaving behind only the ghost of their touch.

Viv shifted beside her, straightening her posture, her whole body stiffening just slightly. “I should get going,” she murmured, not quite looking at Beth.

Beth swallowed down the flicker of disappointment, nodding as she reached for the remote to turn off the TV. “Of course.”

They both stood, the air between them feeling different now—more careful, more uncertain. Beth moved toward the hallway, grabbing Viv’s jacket from where it had been draped over a chair. She turned back, hesitating for a moment before holding it out to her.

Viv took it with a quiet “Thanks,” fingers brushing against Beth’s briefly as she did.

They stood there for a second, neither of them quite sure how to navigate the end of the night. Beth cleared her throat, tilting her head slightly. “Did you ... like it?”

She wanted to say this right—wanted to make sure she didn’t ruin whatever fragile thing they were building back.

“So… is this a one-time thing?” she finally asked, voice softer than she intended. “Or would you like to…” She trailed off, swallowing, feeling uncharacteristically nervous.

Viv blinked, her expression unreadable at first. Beth felt her stomach tighten. Maybe she shouldn’t have asked—maybe she should’ve just let it be, let tonight end without pushing for more.

But then, Viv gave a small smile, barely there, but enough to make Beth’s chest loosen just slightly.

“I liked it,” Viv admitted, voice quiet but sure. She hesitated for a second, as if debating what to say next, then continued, “Maybe next time I could cook? Or we could go to a restaurant?” She let out a small breath, looking almost shy. “I don’t know.”

Beth’s smile grew, warmth spreading through her. “I would love that.”

They stood there, close but not touching, both seemingly aware of how the air between them felt heavier now. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, but it carried something else—something neither of them seemed ready to name just yet.

Beth was about to say something, to make a joke, to lighten the moment, when Viv moved.

For the briefest second, Beth thought—hoped—Viv was going to kiss her.

Her breath caught, her body tensed, but instead, Viv simply reached out and pulled her into a hug.

A tight, lingering hug.

Beth barely had time to react before her body moved instinctively, arms wrapping around Viv just as tightly. She breathed her in, the familiar scent of her filling her lungs, and she let her eyes flutter shut for a moment.

Viv didn’t let go immediately. It felt like neither of them wanted to be the first to move.

When she finally did pull away, she stepped back slowly, like she was reluctant to create space between them. Her hands lingered on Beth’s arms for a second longer before she fully retreated.

She met Beth’s eyes, something soft and unreadable in her gaze, and with a small, almost bashful smile, she murmured, “See you tomorrow at practice.”

Beth barely had time to respond before Viv turned and slipped out the door.

Beth lay in bed, staring at her phone screen, thumb hovering over the keyboard. She hesitated for a second before typing.

Beth: Did you get home okay?

She didn’t really expect a quick response. It was late, and Viv wasn’t exactly the best at texting back. Maybe she had already gone to bed.

But then, her phone buzzed.

Viv: Yeah, I just got in. Thanks again for dinner, it was really nice.

Beth smiled, her fingers tapping lightly against the screen.

Beth: I’m really glad you came.

A beat passed. Then another. She exhaled, turning onto her side, trying to ignore the way her heart picked up a little when her phone buzzed again.

Viv: I wanted to kiss you.

Beth blinked, rereading the words.

Viv: But I got nervous. It felt like maybe I shouldn’t. Sorry.

Beth felt something warm settle in her chest, a slow smile pulling at her lips. She could almost see Viv hesitating before sending that—fingers hovering, second-guessing herself.

She didn’t even think before replying.

Beth’s stomach flipped. She sat up a little, running a hand through her hair, her lips tugging into a slow smile. She could practically picture Viv as she typed that—probably lying in bed too, hesitant fingers hovering over her phone, wondering if she should hit send.

Beth didn’t hesitate.

Beth: I really wanted to kiss you too.

She hit send before she could overthink it.

Her phone buzzed again, and she swore she could feel her heartbeat in her fingertips.

Viv: Oh.

Beth laughed softly to herself, shaking her head. God, she liked her so much.

Beth: Oh?

A pause.

Then—

Viv: I don’t know what to say.

Beth exhaled, her smile not fading.

Beth: Then don’t say anything. But you don’t need to hesitate.

It took a minute before Viv answered.

Viv: Maybe next time, you don’t either.

Beth bit her lip, grinning at her phone.

Beth: Deal.