{ on the nights when the stars refuse to shine

[luckyspots]

[ Marinette had faced so much-- as herself and as Ladybug. No matter how bad things got, she'd always found a way to persevere because she had strong ties to hold her.

But at heart she was still just a young high school girl. Her heart hadn't yet fully matured and blossomed into that of a strong, independent young woman like she might have liked some people to think when she was running around as Paris' superhero. All it took was a very bad misunderstanding to crush her.

Finally-- finally she'd gotten up the courage to confess her love for real. At least... in a note. Yes, she'd signed it. She triple checked this time. But even though she was nervous, she'd had so much support from Alya, Nino... even some of her other classmates. It made her feel like... maybe this was really it. This time it was meant to happen.

Unfortunately-- the last person anyone would want to notice took notice of her slipping the paper in the bottom of his locker. Chloe had proceeded to pull the pink note back out and read it; an ugly sneer on her face. 'Oh no she doesn't--'

And that was how her heartfelt letter ended up pinned to the bulletin board for the whole school to see.

Everyone thought Adrien must have done it, and somehow the reactions even made her believe it. Or maybe it was just because her heart already felt like it had been broken into a million pieces; her pride crushed. The girl had just... run. Once she was out of sight, she made a hasty transformation into her Ladybug form and used it to cross the city as quickly as possible, wanting to put as much space between her and the scene of her rejection as possible. But when she reached the eiffle tower she was forced to stop; tears clouding her vision. That was when she heard his voice.

'What a shame... some people have all the luck. But not you, hmmm? Worry not. I am your friend. I... am on your side. Help me and I will give you the power to make those who's fortunes have outshone yours, dim and crumble.'

She didn't stand a chance against the darkening mark overcoming her miraculous. She didn't have the heart to fight it. ]

...I like the sound of that.

Comments

[luckyspots]

[ Camembert, huh... Well she supposed cats should like cheese, but it was an oddly refined order. Then again-- this wasn't just any cat, it was a kwami. And they were a pretty mysterious sort. But she doesn't have long to contemplate what she does and doesn't understand about them before Adrien took a step back and nearly toppled; sending her heart into an anxious panic.

Ladybug's strength was so much greater than her own... this was serious. If there wasn't so little time, she'd no doubt be beating herself up over it again. But there isn't time and all she can think is Adrien, please be alright... ]

R-right!

[ In an instant that sense of urgency clicked and Marinette knew she had to get Adrien out of here. And fast. Biting her lip, she hurried over to his side, gently taking his arm over his shoulders; asking him to just lean on her for the time being. If she could have transformed, carrying him to the nurse's office would have been easy, but right now that's not a safe option. But she wasn't going to let that stop her. ]

The nurse's office... it's just the next hall over.

[ She places an arm around his waist. In the urgency of the moment, it doesn't really sink in how close they are. All she can think about is how much she needs him to be alright.]

[impurrfect]

[ Words could never properly explain his gratitude for her being here now, her support providing enough for him so that he wasn't just gonna crash to the floor in an unconscious mess. He instinctually leaned against her when she'd asked him to, frowning a bit as he tried to fully focus his eyes on the world before him but that was becoming even more and more of a task as time passed.

He vaguely registered her arm around his waist, her warmth strangely comforting amidst the situation. ]

Lead... the way. That should work... for now.

[ Okay so this was definitive proof that Ladybug was quite fierce on her own, not just holding swift reflexes but packed quite the literal punch. He knew with that newly gained misfortune she'd given to him, his luck had run out and that the chance of having avoided her hit back then was next to none. Not that he'd ever hold it against her either way, believing it was wholly the akuma controlling her that had harmed him and not actually Ladybug.

He'd never thought that the partner he'd fallen for was his classmate, but nor was it entirely surprising the longer he thought about it.

Marinette was quick-witted, smart and rather creative, rarely backing down from situations that was honestly kind of admirable in his eyes. This was the same girl that managed to make the cover for Jagged Stone's new album and had it sell to the point of it being number 1 once again, helped arrange a proper class photo for Juleka and a number of impressive situations she'd fixed with that quick thinking of hers. Couple that with the strong, confident, and sassy attitude of Ladybug and she was absolutely everything he could ever want in a girl.

He absolutely loved her. No doubts about that. ]

Remind me... never to get on your bad side, okay? You pack quite the punch. It kinda... makes me jealous.

[ It was likely the dizziness talking, but he still meant what he said despite it kind of being that he was trying to make light of the current situation the best he could. Hopefully not making her feel worse about it. ]

[luckyspots]

[ But in the same token, she can't forget that if she wasn't here this never would have happened. But that's only a stinging thought in the back of her mind right now; her everything focused on getting Adrien somewhere safe where he could rest. She felt better when she felt him rest some of his weight on her, able to support him down the hall. She stands strong, even without Tikki or her powers. Instead, what she got her strength from was her feelings for the boy in her arms. It helped her push herself and frankly made it possible to do things she might not have otherwise been able.

It's not a short walk in their current state, but she's patient with him, although she does give him a small push from time to time. As much as she'd like to let him take his time, if he lost consciousness here she was pretty sure she wasn't carrying him anywhere, much less down the hall.

Although he meant well, the words still made her wince lightly. More than once he'd made it clear that he didn't blame her at all. But grateful as she was for his forgiveness, part of her wished he'd at least accept that she was a little bit accountable for what happened to him. Not that she has any grounds to hope that he'd change his mind. ]

It wasn't a fair fight. I was up against some idiot who forgot how to fight back. Or is it against your nature to hit girls?

[ It still bothered her a little that he'd never defended himself; although her response takes a lightly sarcastic, teasing approach. Her worry was very serious. She wanted him to take better care of himself... of course she didn't want him to have to fight, but the idea of seeing him like this again-- maybe even worse-- she was terrified. She needed him. Safe. Healthy. Alive. How could she not worry after watching things go like that? ]

Okay, here.

[ Marinette turned the doorknob and kicked it open once it was free. She helped him inside; to the first bed. It was a tiring process but she was so glad they'd made it. ]

Lay down, I'll go get some ice.

[impurrfect]

[ As she'd helped him on the way to the nurse's office, he'd used every shred of his willpower to just keep himself walking along with her, those small pushes actually helping more than anything. He's quite stubborn, not wanting to put any more of a burden on Marinette than what already was at this point.

Being that his vision kept swimming more and more, darkness creeping in around the corners of the world he could see, Adrien almost completely missed the small wince of hers. Ah. He'd said the wrong thing, hadn't he? Opening his mouth to try and say something, he fell short and exhaled a small sigh while his gaze turned to the hallway while trying to compose his thoughts with minimal success. He was only drawn out from that when he registered she'd spoken to him, a sheepish smile curling his lips before he was even wholly aware of it. ]

No, that's not it. You should.. know I don't pull my punches, no matter... who it is i'm fighting.

[ This time had been different for so many reasons, and that he just didn't have it in him to try and hit her back. Not after she was already hurting from that one misunderstanding, and yes it had been an impulse thing to do - along with stupid - but in the end it had worked out, hadn't it? ]

I just... didn't feel right trying to hit you unless I absolutely had to. I didn't want to hurt someone I cared... no, loved with all my heart, even if it was the akuma in control of you. [ A touch of sadness lingered in his voice as he spoke then, his smile faltering some now. ] No... it wasn't a fair fight but... you can punish me later somehow for being careless, m'lady.

[ That wasn't really much of a joke as it was a real statement as he'd take any punishment for that, from her. Anything at all she wanted.

Soon enough they'd arrived and soon as she'd gotten him to the bed, he was more than a little thankful. Even sitting was a much better alternative than standing at the moment, barely managing a quick nod of his head as anything more would just increase the dizziness level he was experiencing already. ]

Y-Yeah... alright. Don't take too long, okay?

[ There was a sort of unspoken wish to have her at his side right now, but he left it at that before moving to lie down carefully as she'd told him to. This was much better, feeling the soft pillow beneath his head and taking quiet comfort within it. ]

[luckyspots]

[ So the reason he hadn't felt like he could fight back was because she was the one he was fighting. The admission creates a lump in her throat that was equal parts remorse and affection. Although she still couldn't let go of the blame; she knew that their feelings were the same. In her right mind, everything is very clear. She would do anything to protect this person, no matter what it meant for herself. To have such strong feelings returned was beyond her imagination. But more than his words now, he'd already proved the legitimacy of his claims, the words now only served to explain why she'd had to see him act that way. Of all the answers he might have given, it was probably the best, although it didn't ease all of her worries. She knew now that they were partners as much as they were anything else-- whatever else they actually were, officially or not. Danger would always lie between them. That was the nature of their roles.

But that's why she had to find a way to get her powers back. She needed to be there to make sure nothing happened to him. They needed each other to find that balance; chaotic as it might be. That's why she knows that time and time again she'll forgive him-- no matter how foolish he could be at times. ]

Slow down, kitten. You're way too eager to offer yourself up for punishment.

[ She can't believe she's joking about this. She can't believe they're joking about this. Way too much has happened in the last half an hour.

Once she sees he's comfortable she relaxes a little. He's safe here. She would make sure of it. When he tells her to hurry, she smiles and gently reaches for his hand, giving it a small squeeze. ]

Don't worry... I'm right here. It'll just take a minute.

[ He's not the only one who feels the weight of being seperated. Just taking her eyes off of him, every fiber of her being is protesting it. She needs to see him. She wants to hold him.

But she needs to help take care of the swelling. This was her fault-- she wanted to be the one to help make it better. A quick rummage through supplies brings into her possession a few cloths, some antibiotic gel and an ice pack. She also prepares a small bowl of water quickly before returning to his bed. She sits on the edge and wets the corner of one of the cloths, gently dabbing at the blood marking his perfect face. ]

It doesn't look that bad...

[ Okay, it's a little bit of a lie. It's... not good. But then... he's still beyond attractive in her eyes. ]

[impurrfect]

[ The use of that familiar nickname comes as something that keeps a smile on his face for that moment, though he does shake his head briefly without thought. Not even having to look at her this time when he responds back. ]

If it's... for you, i'll accept and take on anything that I can. Punishment or otherwise.

[ It's spoken in equal parts as Chat Noir and Adrien Agreste, his tone soft and very much genuine. There wasn't a lot he wouldn't do for her, making him borderline reckless with how often he put his neck out to help her out; to make sure she was safe and that he could be as of much use to her as possible.

Losing her was not an option by any means.

Though he wasn't stupid enough to think he wasn't as important or anything of the like, knowing if things went too far that he'd just make her upset in the process. Kind of like how it was now. But all he can even focus on is the feel of her hand as it comes in contact with his own, squeezing it ever-so-slightly. That warmth tells him she's there for him, even before her words followed after. ]

Of... course. Do whatever you have to.

[ Oh man. When did his voice start sounding so distant to him? It's enough that Adrien had to frown a bit, taking in a deep breath before exhaling it. He promised himself that he'd stay awake until it was alright to, though his body kept protesting it through the way his senses kept trying to dull away and briefly cut the sounds in and out from his subconscious until she finally came back.

Among the dull, warm throb that came with injuries, it was the cool sensation of the cloth touching against his skin that had him open hazy green eyes to fix on her. They were partially glossed-over but more or less focused on her this time around, reaching a hand up somewhat shakily to touch against the skin just below the bruise on his cheek. It was low enough that the swelling hadn't quite been enough to close his one eye yet, so that was something, even despite the thin, visible line that lanced across the surface of the bruise. ]

Yeah? Say that to my father. Bet you anything he's gonna lose it when he sees all this.

[ A note of bitterness lined his voice just then, though he didn't seem to be too negatively upset about it. The small smile he wore said volumes of that in itself, soon beginning to soften into something more like relief afterward. ]

I personally don't mind it. Just... means I might actually not have to worry about photoshoots for a little bit.

[luckyspots]

[ Adrien did a good job of proving that the current state of his face didn't bother him, which was important-- there could be no denying that internally she was relieved he wasn't upset about the mess her actions caused. But despite that, what surfaces first is pure, unfiltered panic. It's so sudden and so dramatic that it's almost a little comical. ]

Oh my god-- he's going to hate me!! What am I going to do?

[ That's right. The crippling blow to her psyche was caused by none other than the idea of Gabriel Agreste's rage. And he was right to be mad. She was totally responsible for his son getting hurt-- more than he'd probably know, but... That wasn't the point! The point was this was her future father-in-law... in her dreams. Having him hate her, much less disapprove of her was about the worst thing her over-active imagination could come up with at the moment; the matter of her Miraculous aside.

What if they became like Romeo and Juliet? Their love story had just begun to have a real positive light at the end of the tunnel... what if it was over before it even really began?! He had the means and the power to separate her from Adrien like a classic love story.

All of this goes through her head in less than a minute; a rambling internal monologue powered by anxiety and fear. ]

I have to apologize-- oh no. What am I going to say? Should I bring flowers? [ An agonized pause. ] What do you even give someone like Gabriel Agreste? Breathe, Marinette... your future depends on this!

[ It's just an overflow of her inner monologue-- not that she even particularly meant for Adrien to hear it, but her mind is buzzing with so many things. It's probably a little bit of the left-over adrenaline mixed with some of her usual ability to overreact to situations. ]

[impurrfect]

[ After he'd tried to make some kind of light and positivity out of the situation, that reaction wasn't exactly what he'd been expecting. It took a couple of seconds for him to piece things together and get that the 'he' was talking about, must be in reference to his father since he'd been brought up not long before.

Adrien had no idea of what kind of panic was running through her mind right now, trying to figure it out and initially falling short. He wanted to ask for more clarification or what conclusions she was coming to, but then she was at it again with surprisingly speedy, rushed words. Her... future depended on this? Wondering what to give his stick-in-the-mud father?

He just blinked a couple of times mutely before a wide smile formed, followed by a small, gentle bout of laughter. Not aimed at her, but rather her frantic mess of thoughts being so all over the place like that. ]

The only thing my father should be given by anyone is a sense of humor.

[ Which was true, considering how bland and 'work-oriented' kind of guy his dad was. Adrien then slowly focused his eyes fully back on her with a soft, kind light within them, wishing he could comfort her more than this but something kind of needed said first. He'd have to make it quick as she looked more like a blurry figure than an actual person right now. ]

You don't have to apologize to him, Marinette. I'm not... telling him it was you that did this to me. He doesn't have to know the truth... besides... do you really want to tell him that you were an akumatized Ladybug or explain everything around how this happened?

[ The way he saw it was that if she said anything at all, it could incriminate her and bring her role as Ladybug to light in some unwanted negative form. ]

I'm... going to tell him something else. How this... really cute classmate of mine found me, all beaten up and brought me to safety after there was a mysterious attack on the school.

[luckyspots]

Uh, well... I...

[ Admittedly she hadn't thought about that. Because of her identity, she couldn't really think of telling anyone what happened here... even if lying about it didn't feel quite right in this situation. But what could she do? It really was complicated. Hopefully she wouldn't mess up his story if-- when-- she met Mr. Agreste in person. At least he had a story. If it were up to her, she can't imagine what would have come out of her mouth. She's... not a good liar.

His story isn't entirely false though. It's not 'future wife' or even 'girlfriend' but-- cute classmate? It feels like a step up. She'll take it gladly. ]

I hadn't thought about that. That's... probably for the best.

[ But it's becoming clearer and clearer that he's not really looking at her anymore. Or she should say that he can't focus on her anymore. Knitting her brows, she leaned in and pressed the cool cloth to his head; giving the wounds a last wipe before setting it down on the table next to her. She still has some things to tend to but first-- ]

You should rest. Leave everything else to me.

[ It wouldn't be difficult to apply some antibiotics and patch him up. But hitting the wall really messed with his head. He needed to get some sleep. ]

[impurrfect]

[ Even in the state he's left in now, he's still relieved she saw reason in what he'd said. The last thing he wanted was to be torn away from the one person in this world he felt he had the most connection with, just because of some misplaced words at the wrong time.

It wasn't long afterward that he registered the feel of the cool cloth against his head for just a brief, fleeting moment before it disappeared once again. Something he was sort of subconsciously worried would happen once he did drift off, fearing that once he lost consciousness that she'd not be there when he woke up later. Maybe it was a side-effect of his head-trauma making him think that, a soft noise escaping him even as his eyes slowly fell half-way shut.

The worst part about it hadn't just been the wall, but combined with that she'd put legitimate force into that punch when she'd come at him. Due to the akuma's powers she'd controlled, his cat-like reflexes had not allowed him to move in time, resulting in two things having happened in such rapid succession. The actual hit to the side of his head, followed by the extremely hard surface of the wall that met him as a result of the aforementioned hit.

He remembered his ears ringing, unable to think for nearly thirty seconds before having responded back to her. Hopefully this wasn't too bad as he was chalking it up to be. ]

I will... I trust you to... take care of me.

[ With his consciousness almost gone now, he wills the last set of words out the best he's able to. Though the words got a little further apart the longer he spoke until he'd drifted off completely. ]

Don't let me forget that... I need to ask you something really... important when... i'm awake... again...

[luckyspots]

[ Adrien's trust was precious to her. She wouldn't let him down again. Marinette knew unfortunately very little about the medical field. Injuries and illnesses... she didn't have a lot of experience with them, much less a case like this. It made her a little anxious-- but she still had hope that when Tikki purified the akuma, everything would be put back to the way it was. Including any outstanding injuries. Naturally that meant she'd probably lose her memory at that time, but if that was the only way, then she'd gladly give them up for his safety.

Everyone else must have been evacuated. It didn't sound like there was anyone still here. This situation would probably confuse the town just as much as it did them. After all, Ladybug hadn't purified the akuma, things were still broken, but the akuma was nowhere to be found.

Things were still...

Oh no.

When she'd failed to purify the akuma the first time, Stone Heart's statues had remained-- the lasting effect of his powers. Would... would what she'd done to Adrien remain as well? He'd been Chat Noir at the time, so there was some uncertainty as to whether or not it could really latch on to him or if it might affect Plagg. She had a lot of things to worry about while he slept.

Including what Adrien had said. He wanted to ask her something important? What could it possibly be? As if she didn't have enough to worry about already, she caught herself panicking over what he might say to her when he woke up. But she couldn't just worry. The whole time she was thinking through these things, she was working dilligently to patch Adrien up. She administered antibiotic ointment to the open wounds and bandaged them up-- keeping the squares of fabric as small as she could so as not to make it look any worse than it already was. Mr. Agreste would already be worried sick no doubt, not to mention their friends.

All that worrying was tiring though. It was a good few hours before she could but at some point she finally just... passed out. The chair nor her position looked entirely comfortable, and some of her concern remained etched on her sleeping face. But she never let go of Adrien's hand and that was enough to help her sleep peacefully for a little while. ]

[impurrfect]

[ Within his unconscious, dreaming mind, it was nothing like the real world.

Fields of vivid, bright green grass and the scents of flowers passing on the breeze. Underneath a large oak tree, it's cover of branches and rustling leaves provided shade for him and someone else. She smiles down at him with warm green eyes and delicately brushed golden-blond locks kept in a ponytail over one shoulder. His mother.

Her fingers ran through his hair in soothing, gentle movements as her gaze trailed upward and to a well-dressed man standing nearby them. He too had properly kept blond hair, with sharp, bespectacled blue eyes, but he wore a smile as he looked to her. A moment immortalized within a dream; a far-off wish of what he wanted in his life again, with his mom and dad both around and happy. Closing his eyes for a moment, Adrien exhaled a breath and just listened to the breeze as it blew through the tree above before it seemed to disappear just as quickly. The light he felt beneath recently closed eyelids lingered before just as quickly being extinguished, and when he made to take in his surroundings once more?

Gone was the peaceful, sweet environment filled with love and happiness, replaced with something else entirely. Broken buildings, the acrid scent of smoke reaching his nostrils and the tangible feeling of aching bones, bruises and hurt all over his body. One gaze to his hand showed the gloved hand of Chat Noir's costume against the ground, a darkened sky above him and something else apparent. A shadowy figure stood nearby, eyes dark and foreboding but he couldn't make out his appearance other than a smirk and the hand that outstretched before him, and at the end of it was a very beaten up, injured Ladybug held by her very neck. A familiar voice sounded then, one he knew too well. Hawkmoth.

"You've failed to give me your Miraculouses many times before now. This time I won't allow you both to foil my plans. Say goodbye to your precious Ladybug."

Just for a second, her wide blue eyes met his with a pleading gaze before the man snatched up her Miraculous with one hand, and in the other? Adrien felt his blood turn into ice as Hawkmoth released his hold on her, the suit fading away as she began to fall down from the top of the Eiffel tower where they must have been fighting. He didn't even register the scream that ripped past his lips as he pushed himself to his feet and jumped after her, hands reaching out for Ladybug... no, Marinette's hand outstretched toward him with a look of sadness and terror on her face.

No. He had to. Save her. Move faster... I can't...!

The ground moved closer and she was so far away, reaching his hand out as far as he could, but she was falling too fast. There was a moment then, where she gave him a sweet smile, tears falling from her eyes as the ground came closer and closer until--

Adrien's eyes snapped wide open, breaths heavy with panic for a few moments until he registered he was in the waking world again. Did that mean what happened wasn't a dream? He didn't know how long he'd been out but the most relief came when he found a figure fast asleep nearby, her hand holding onto his without fail. She was alive... it wasn't that awful nightmare. It was enough that he gave her hand a small squeeze, though not trusting himself to really move just yet. ]

...Marinette...?

[luckyspots]

Mm... [Blinking sleepily, Marinette slowly came to. At first she didn't realize what she was doing here. Then she saw her hand linked with Adrien's and her eyes widened-- everything rushing back. The events of the day replaying in a rush in her mind. She has a lot of things to worry about but right now there's only one she can think about.]

Adrien...?

[Panic rose to the surface, but... Adrien was safe. He was hurt, but... he was safe now. Her hand tightened on his instinctively.]

...how are you feeling?

[The moment her head was clear, she was inspecting his face for any signs of discomfort.]

[impurrfect]

[ The longer he lied there, coherent and awake was more time for him to briefly remember the events that had happened prior to his being in this bed. Her hand was like a lifeline with it's warmth, keeping him grounded and he was infinitely thankful for that.

However. If anyone had told him this morning that he'd be ending his school day prematurely, getting his stupid self beaten around AND then professing his love to the girl he'd long since given his heart to? He wouldn't have believed it, but here they were and after the gut-wrenching nightmare, Adrien was thankful Marinette was here. That made it easier for him to put on a light smile, not seeming to be in any real pain for the time being. ]

Not too bad, now. I think resting a bit really did wonders for my head, but I don't think I'm gonna be doing anything crazy again for a while.

[ His tone was light, good-natured to match his smile and he truly seemed more at ease now. The dizziness was sort of in the back of his mind, likely to spring up if he moved too quickly or without warning. So it meant this kitty was going to end up being house-bound for a while. ]

[luckyspots]

[ Hearing it, Marinette is able to breathe a sigh of relief. While she still felt uneasy about everything that happened, part of her couldn't help but see Adrien smile and feel like everything would be okay after all. Although it's almost just as much a relief to hear him say he won't be doing anything crazy for a while. She'd hoped she wouldn't have to argue the issue. ]

Good. Good...

[ She's still holding Adrien's hand; afraid that if she lets go now, she won't have the confidence to take it again. The warmth grants her a small sense of relief. He's okay... he's okay... ]

Everyone's already gone home. But... people will probably start looking for us soon.

[ They're going to have questions and she can't even imagine what she's going to tell them. No-- it's not so much a problem for her as it is for Adrien. After all, she was akumatized... she shouldn't remember anything. But they'd probably have all kinds of questions for him. But she wants to avoid putting him through that at all costs. That's all she can think right now. ]

[impurrfect]

[ Thing was? Adrien was the agreeable one; Chat wasn't nearly as much. So while he sounded fine with not doing anything too crazy, that other half of him didn't feel as if this would be too much of a deterrent but he left that unspoken.

Marinette's hand was warm, and he didn't want to let go of it one bit so that much was completely fine with him. She felt like the one thing he'd been searching for his whole life. Someone who was able to love him and take his own love equally in return, giving him something that his own personal life lacked since his mother's disappearance. ]

Yeah... Knowing my dad, he'll have a whole search party out for me or something. [ Sighing, Adrien shook his head. Sure, he overexaggerated a little, yet it didn't sound so preposterous on the one side of things. ] Your family's probably going to be worried sick about you, Marinette.

[ Then he remembers that he did have something important to ask her, and he couldn't exactly do this once everyone found him. People would be asking him all the questions to a story he had to partially lie and fabricate, due to the nature of his whole being Chat Noir and all. Though he was good at seamlessly coming up with excuses for things so that shouldn't be a problem, leaving him to focus on the matter at hand.

Something that causes a touch of color to rise to his cheeks and his grip on her hand tightened just a touch. If he'd been wearing that mask and the facade that came with it, this would be so much easier. ]

You remember earlier when I said I had something important to ask you before, right? I think now would be a perfect time to do that... I mean... if it's alright with you.