[ you know who sucks at keeping in touch? doctors. you learn this when you hang with them after a while. it doesn't mean that they don't like you. it just slips their mind.
which is why out of the blue gwen ends up with one ( 1 ) doctor messaging her on the bracelet. ]
[ oh good! you're answering which means you're alive and that is excellent! though really gwen you don't need to blush about name problems. ] It varies. I enjoy my name— Doctor, but it's not entirely practical as I think you can tell. Whichever name you feel comfortable calling me is just fine.
I kind of like calling you Doctor! I just wasn't sure if that was okay, since there are doctors here. But, if you don't mind... And I'm perfectly fine with being called Gwen. Most people call me Gwen. It's not exactly an inspiring name for nicknames to spring from.
There are but I'm— the closest one to our original self, so I suppose you can say I'm the one who it fits the most. [ casually throwing his other selves under the bus oops. ] But yes, I'd prefer it and— Gwen tends to come from things. I wanted to make sure you weren't fond of your full name. Or Miss Stacy.
I suppose you might want to know why— I'm getting in touch.
[ this is why you make friends with aliens, gwen, they say things you won't. ]
So, either way you would have enjoyed it. Oh, I do enjoy hearing that. But— I suppose my lack of phonecalls to say hello might have been the reason I did this one. You've been alright with everything, haven't you?
Yeah, actually. The flood was kind of crazy, but even the aftermath wasn't so bad. I think I've finally kind of.. figured out what I can do here, you know? How I can help. So, that's been nice. [ and I made a new friend, but, no, okay, this isn't a conversation with a parent after school, so. nope. ] How are you?
Crazy was one word for it though— it did remind me of one time with the TARDIS. Then again, it was— a volcano rather than a flood. But same rushing about principle. [ a pause. ] You think you've figured it out. Any chance I'd be able to hear about it?
[ oh right he should— probably answer her about how he's feeling. ] Good enough. Or— well, better— or at least perhaps better than I was. Did you do things with the runes that some of were doing?
Well, basically... I never considered going into a medical field back home, because the idea of dealing with patients directly, through the good and the bad, was a little too much pressure for me, but here it's kind of different. I can use my science know-how to help out, and it hasn't been as scary as I thought it might be. -- Well, scary's a big word. But. I always liked working in a lab because it was helping people, but there wasn't any pressure of a single person relying on the outcome of whatever I was doing. And- I'm rambling, sorry - [ a breath ] I started working with Dr. McCoy, in the clinic, and it's actually been... I've been able to help a lot more than I thought I would. It's been good.
Although I didn't try out the rune magic, no. I know it was supposed to help the gods, but I still don't really... trust it enough yet. To be honest. The magic, not the gods.
Gwen. I hardly mind the rambling. You're excited. It's a bit infectious in a way. There's nothing wrong with being excited about something you care about. Or enjoy. It's understandable though— the terror. I don't— even the best feel it and some times— well it wouldn't make you any less useful. [ but yes. ] I'm pleased to hear that though. You are telling him if you get too uncomfortable though?
[ secret caring with two oops. he laughs softly. ] But you trust the Gods. Others might have it the other way around. It's just as well that you didn't it— had an interesting, well, I suppose you'd call it a side effect.
Mhm! He can usually tell, though, when I'm out of my element. It's been an interesting learning experience.
I trust that the gods brought us here for a reason. That they wouldn't ask us to draw runes on ourselves if it would, ultimately, hurt us. But the magic that came with it didn't seem worth the- Nh-hn. I couldn't. [ a beat ] What sort of side effects did it have?
I imagine. All learning can be with the right teachers. Or experiences.
[ seriously half of his stuff he knows— the stories he could tell. ] Worth the? Oh, you can't just leave it at that. [ actual worst. ]
I— oh I can't quite call it a side effect, I suppose. Since that tends to mean something bad, doesn't it? But— it drew some of us closer together, so to speak. Made it— feel as if I needed to be close to those I care about. More than normal, I suppose.
Worth the risk of whatever happens when you over-power a lot of people who might have never had powers before? Well, I never did, at least. I wasn't too keen on the idea of freezing over my entire bedroom without meaning to.
Might not have had powers before. You forget some of have— or abilities from biology at least. I don't blame you for the fear but some of do some control. Besides. I didn't hear too many extra things, I doubt your bedroom would have turned into a palace of ice.
[ though there's a thought. ]
Also— nearly my default with who I found myself wanting to cuddle up to. We hardly have space between us. This time it was just— a bit more than usual despite the couch being relatively large. [ a pause. ] I also don't think he'd appreciate being called cute.
I don't doubt people had control over their powers and abilities back at home, but it's different here, isn't it? The powers are ..Asgard powers, new to everyone on arrival, in some way. That's all I meant.
... Who did you end up wanting to cuddle up with?
[ it's kind of personal, and she's kind of got a :))-grin to her tone, but. well. curious. ]
I had telepathy at home. A version of it at least. But I suppose you do have a point. The react differently than what we're used to and the— intensity of them does shift a bit.
[ gwen really. really. put that :)) away. ]
My companion Jamie. Wonderful human. Scotsman, actually. Though— from a bit behind your time.
The person I was learning with, who also showed up here at the same time I did, left the city. And he was a friend from home, so it's really just a matter of association.
We don't but— it never hurts to have hope. I know how hard that is to— hope does wonders. Even if he doesn't come back, losing hope for the possibility of it occurring is nearly as bad.
Maybe. [ it's weird to think that she, of all people, lost hope, but maybe she has a little bit. having Peter here for only a month kind of hurt more than anything else. usually this pep talk is reversed though, and that fact isn't lost on her ] Yeah, we'll see. And there's nothing saying that someone else from home couldn't show up. I kind of keep hoping my dad will show up, but that's kind of a long shot.
I won't repeat myself, but you did just hear what I said. Besides, this is Asgard, in the time you've been here I do hope you've realized very strange things can happen. Even if they are long shots.
[ two pauses and sort of hums and it almost seems as if he might not answer before he huffs a little. ]
Oh! I— Susan. Or— forgive me you wouldn't know her by name. My granddaughter. There's others but— I do think I'd enjoy seeing her more than I can say. You remind me of her in a way.
I wouldn't say she uses too many words but— the asking too many questions might just be accurate. But— I hope that isn't you acting like asking too many questions is a bad thing.
Not a bad thing, just- Reputation-worthy. For a high school student, at least. Nobody likes the girl that won't stop asking question. [ although she sounds pretty cheerful about that so it's obviously not a sore spot ]
[ It took him a solid hour of pacing and mumbling to himself to actually come to terms with this. This - had to be some sort of hallucination. A fever dream, a nightmare born out of radiation poisoning, something, because there was no way that any of this was feasible. This wasn't the way the world worked. Science could be quantified, the extraordinary things that happened to him explained and replicated, but this?
This simply wasn't possible.
When he finally clicks his heels together and pinches himself enough times to make absolutely sure that none of it is going to send him home, wake him up, Peter does what he always does: investigates. The interface of the bracelet is easy enough, and he's eating some sort of stuffed bread when he actually sees her name. He chokes a little, slams his fist against his chest. Shuts the bracelet off, boots it back up, and realizes that his spidey-senses are gone: the goosebumps on his arms and the back of his neck are all his.
This has to be a mistake, a fluke, a cruel, cruel prank, but, all the same- ]
a/s/l?
[ His hands are shaking a little when he sends it. ]
18/f/NYC. Where are you? Landmarks? There's a map on your bracelet.
[ yeah, Gwen can play along. and also ask 2499847 questions in one text, like she wants to be as helpful as possible while simultaneously freaking out. her hands feel clammy and her head feels spinny and she knows the timing is too good to be true. too good because she needs this, right now she needs to see Peter Parker more than ever, more than anyone else. but she's reluctant to believe it's real in that she's sure he's not here to stay, considering the number of visitors that were popping up on the network and in the streets too. still, her worry about being able to handle only having him here temporarily isn't enough to deter her from getting up from her desk and leaving the welcoming hall before he even answers, intent on finding him as soon as possible. who knows how long he'll be here? ]
[ That was her. Sure, her name was right there, next to the message that had popped up, but the name wasn't so unique - she could've easily been a stranger. Peter hadn't been sure until right then, and he's suddenly glad he gets the chance to compose himself first.
His limbs feel like lead. ]
big park. bonfire. there are people singing. isn't this some weird alternate dimension? since when are smores an interdimensional constant? wasn't expecting that.
[ she starts heading for the center of the city at a walk that's a little more rushed than brisk, like she's afraid she'll miss him somehow if she doesn't get there fast enough. luckily, being the city native that she is, she's gotten pretty great at walking and texting without crashing into things. thanks, new york city streets. ]
It is a weird alternate dimension. Sort of. It might have taken your abilities, don't panic. It happens to everyone. I'll be there soon.
[ it takes her about ten minutes to get there, eyes squinting against the glow of the bonfire, and hey, okay, maybe she hasn't really been out and about since she got back from her trip home. it seemed pointless. and even right now in this big crowd, she still feels weirdly detached, like she shouldn't even be here. but yeah, she'll find Peter, and everything will be okay. it will be. ]
Peter? [ she not quite shouting, but she lifts on her toes to try and call out over the singing and everything else, slowly making her way around the outskirts of the fire ] Peter?
[ His enhanced abilities might be completely gone, but there's nothing inhuman about the way he sneaks up on her. She's as distracted as he is, just as rushed, and it's just his luck that she has her back to him when he stands and approaches.
Without warning, she'll feel his arms around her waist, his head over her shoulder and his cheek against hers. Peter is being dangerously casual right now, or at least trying to - but the desperation, the confusion is probably belied by his too-quick heartbeat, by the way his fingers grip a little uncharacteristically into the fabric of her shirt. (He just has to reassure himself that she's alive, breathing, moving under his touch, that she's not cold from digging herself out of a grave, that her neck isn't snapped because he couldn't save her-- that's all. Nothing too serious, really.) ]
So. No powers, but the people here do retain a love for chocolate and marshmallow treats. Good to know. Useful. Seriously, I'll just... file that away.
[ she doesn't start, but she does suck in a big breath, sort of rocks forward before she's leaning back into him. god, she's missed him, even though she just saw him at home, she can't help but focus on the part of her memories that were based here all this time, those few months without him. it's confusing, in a way, having a reason to try and mold her new memories in with her old, and her time in Asgard, but right now all she cares about is the fact that he's here and they don't have to worry about the dangers and whatever else of New York as long as he stays. that's worth focusing on, even if it makes her feel slightly... off.
it shouldn't make sense and it doesn't make sense, but it just is. and she has to accept that, for now.
still, she can't really think of, uh, words right now, at all, beyond I was so scared, Peter, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I can't believe you're here, I can't believe I'm here, please don't leave me and a lot of other really sad, really nonsensical things... so she ends up sort of tipping her head so she can turn around in his arms without pulling away. her arms wind tight around his shoulders once she turns, face pressed to his shoulder instead. is it possible to hide in a hug? because that's what she's trying for. not talking, just hiding. and squishing Peter. ]
[ What little bravado he'd been able to muster while waiting for her to show doesn't really slip away as much as it simply evaporates completely. She's hurting, hurting for a million reasons he might or might not know, just because he wasn't here. He wasn't here, and he couldn't protect her, when that was all that he'd ever wanted to do.
Peter pitches forward when Gwen presses her face to his shoulder, one arm coming up to catch the back of her head. He holds it gently there, even if there is something distinctly protective about the way he's embracing her.
This was all his fault. This was all his fault, a direct result of his stupidity, his arrogance, and when was he going to learn? How many more times could the people he loved pay for his mistakes before he ran out of people entirely? Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid, and not what he should be thinking about here, not what he should be thinking about now, because even if she's hiding in his arms, at least she's alive to do it.
Focus on that, Peter.
So he turns his head to the side, scattering a shaky kiss against the crown of her head. Maybe a bit of a dramatic reunion, but no one seems to be sparing a second glance at them, and for that much he's grateful. ]
[ not moving for a while, that sounds ideal. this is solid, it's real. it's safe. it's everything she hasn't felt since she woke up here in the city again. and it has nothing to do with Asgard, it has everything to do with what's going on in her head, her new memories. part of her is hoping he wouldn't remember, that he would have the same memories he did when he was here for that short time before. but he looks different, the same that she does. more mature, in a way. she won't let herself hope he hasn't been through what she has, but she has to ask- ]
Tell me you haven't been to the clock tower. That we haven't even graduated yet. [ she huffs, quiet ] What's the last thing you remember from home?
[ Which should be all the answer either of them needs. His fingers flex against the back of her head, his breath shaky, but he doesn't let go of her yet. ]
We both just graduated. That's all.
[ Stupid. Stupid, stupid denial, but he lived in it for so long at home - why not do it when she was there to play pretend with him? ]
[ she huffs a breath, and it's not really a sigh of relief but it's trying to be ]
Good. Good.
[ she's pulling back a little bit, though when her hands reach up to hold his face, it's just to lower him down to her level, press their foreheads together and just drink in all that closeness as much as she can. she can't really make out features when his face is this close, but she keeps her eyes open anyway, not wanting to miss anything ]
Are you feeling okay? The power thing- It's probably a little weird, right?
[ It's a quiet admittance, but he doesn't seem altogether too bothered by it. The fact that it's temporary helps a little, sure, but the fact that Gwen is here at all makes his missing abilities so insignificant that it's hard to care that they're gone in the first place.
He leans in when she draws him down, bumping a soft and clumsy kiss right against her mouth, and privately he tries to memorize the feeling. Peter's voice is thick, but he's clearly trying: ]
Pretty sure that does make you out of my league again, though. Officially, I mean. Just so you're aware.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
voice » day 440? » shh just let it happen chrissy
which is why out of the blue gwen ends up with one ( 1 ) doctor messaging her on the bracelet. ]
Gwen?
voice » day 440? » eee embraces it
voice » day 440 » yes good
You are alright with me calling you Gwen.
voice » day 440
voice » day 440
I suppose you might want to know why— I'm getting in touch.
voice » day 440
I'm pretty curious! But I'm not against phonecalls just to say hello, either, so.
voice » day 440
So, either way you would have enjoyed it. Oh, I do enjoy hearing that. But— I suppose my lack of phonecalls to say hello might have been the reason I did this one. You've been alright with everything, haven't you?
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[ oh right he should— probably answer her about how he's feeling. ] Good enough. Or— well, better— or at least perhaps better than I was. Did you do things with the runes that some of were doing?
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Although I didn't try out the rune magic, no. I know it was supposed to help the gods, but I still don't really... trust it enough yet. To be honest. The magic, not the gods.
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[ secret caring with two oops. he laughs softly. ] But you trust the Gods. Others might have it the other way around. It's just as well that you didn't it— had an interesting, well, I suppose you'd call it a side effect.
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I trust that the gods brought us here for a reason. That they wouldn't ask us to draw runes on ourselves if it would, ultimately, hurt us. But the magic that came with it didn't seem worth the- Nh-hn. I couldn't. [ a beat ] What sort of side effects did it have?
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[ seriously half of his stuff he knows— the stories he could tell. ] Worth the? Oh, you can't just leave it at that. [ actual worst. ]
I— oh I can't quite call it a side effect, I suppose. Since that tends to mean something bad, doesn't it? But— it drew some of us closer together, so to speak. Made it— feel as if I needed to be close to those I care about. More than normal, I suppose.
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-- That's kind of cute, though.
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[ though there's a thought. ]
Also— nearly my default with who I found myself wanting to cuddle up to. We hardly have space between us. This time it was just— a bit more than usual despite the couch being relatively large. [ a pause. ] I also don't think he'd appreciate being called cute.
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... Who did you end up wanting to cuddle up with?
[ it's kind of personal, and she's kind of got a :))-grin to her tone, but. well. curious. ]
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[ gwen really. really. put that :)) away. ]
My companion Jamie. Wonderful human. Scotsman, actually. Though— from a bit behind your time.
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Not that I've practiced much.
[ not since Peter went home woops ]
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Because you haven't wanted to?
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[ peeeterrrrrrr ]
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Do you mind if I ask why?
whoa how did i never tag this back ahh
The person I was learning with, who also showed up here at the same time I did, left the city. And he was a friend from home, so it's really just a matter of association.
shhh it happens
Without him it doesn't seem— fun? Useful? [ a p a u s e. ] You wouldn't even want to do it to show what you can do later when he comes back?
[ when, not if because optimism!!! ]
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[ hm! ]
Is there anyone you're hoping will show up here?
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[ two pauses and sort of hums and it almost seems as if he might not answer before he huffs a little. ]
Oh! I— Susan. Or— forgive me you wouldn't know her by name. My granddaughter. There's others but— I do think I'd enjoy seeing her more than I can say. You remind me of her in a way.
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I wouldn't say she uses too many words but— the asking too many questions might just be accurate. But— I hope that isn't you acting like asking too many questions is a bad thing.
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day 465 - text
This simply wasn't possible.
When he finally clicks his heels together and pinches himself enough times to make absolutely sure that none of it is going to send him home, wake him up, Peter does what he always does: investigates. The interface of the bracelet is easy enough, and he's eating some sort of stuffed bread when he actually sees her name. He chokes a little, slams his fist against his chest. Shuts the bracelet off, boots it back up, and realizes that his spidey-senses are gone: the goosebumps on his arms and the back of his neck are all his.
This has to be a mistake, a fluke, a cruel, cruel prank, but, all the same- ]
a/s/l?
[ His hands are shaking a little when he sends it. ]
waaaah
[ yeah, Gwen can play along. and also ask 2499847 questions in one text, like she wants to be as helpful as possible while simultaneously freaking out. her hands feel clammy and her head feels spinny and she knows the timing is too good to be true. too good because she needs this, right now she needs to see Peter Parker more than ever, more than anyone else. but she's reluctant to believe it's real in that she's sure he's not here to stay, considering the number of visitors that were popping up on the network and in the streets too. still, her worry about being able to handle only having him here temporarily isn't enough to deter her from getting up from her desk and leaving the welcoming hall before he even answers, intent on finding him as soon as possible. who knows how long he'll be here? ]
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His limbs feel like lead. ]
big park. bonfire. there are people singing. isn't this some weird alternate dimension? since when are smores an interdimensional constant? wasn't expecting that.
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It is a weird alternate dimension. Sort of. It might have taken your abilities, don't panic. It happens to everyone. I'll be there soon.
[ it takes her about ten minutes to get there, eyes squinting against the glow of the bonfire, and hey, okay, maybe she hasn't really been out and about since she got back from her trip home. it seemed pointless. and even right now in this big crowd, she still feels weirdly detached, like she shouldn't even be here. but yeah, she'll find Peter, and everything will be okay. it will be. ]
Peter? [ she not quite shouting, but she lifts on her toes to try and call out over the singing and everything else, slowly making her way around the outskirts of the fire ] Peter?
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Without warning, she'll feel his arms around her waist, his head over her shoulder and his cheek against hers. Peter is being dangerously casual right now, or at least trying to - but the desperation, the confusion is probably belied by his too-quick heartbeat, by the way his fingers grip a little uncharacteristically into the fabric of her shirt. (He just has to reassure himself that she's alive, breathing, moving under his touch, that she's not cold from digging herself out of a grave, that her neck isn't snapped because he couldn't save her-- that's all. Nothing too serious, really.) ]
So. No powers, but the people here do retain a love for chocolate and marshmallow treats. Good to know. Useful. Seriously, I'll just... file that away.
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it shouldn't make sense and it doesn't make sense, but it just is. and she has to accept that, for now.
still, she can't really think of, uh, words right now, at all, beyond I was so scared, Peter, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I can't believe you're here, I can't believe I'm here, please don't leave me and a lot of other really sad, really nonsensical things... so she ends up sort of tipping her head so she can turn around in his arms without pulling away. her arms wind tight around his shoulders once she turns, face pressed to his shoulder instead. is it possible to hide in a hug? because that's what she's trying for. not talking, just hiding. and squishing Peter. ]
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Peter pitches forward when Gwen presses her face to his shoulder, one arm coming up to catch the back of her head. He holds it gently there, even if there is something distinctly protective about the way he's embracing her.
This was all his fault. This was all his fault, a direct result of his stupidity, his arrogance, and when was he going to learn? How many more times could the people he loved pay for his mistakes before he ran out of people entirely? Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid, and not what he should be thinking about here, not what he should be thinking about now, because even if she's hiding in his arms, at least she's alive to do it.
Focus on that, Peter.
So he turns his head to the side, scattering a shaky kiss against the crown of her head. Maybe a bit of a dramatic reunion, but no one seems to be sparing a second glance at them, and for that much he's grateful. ]
Hey.
[ A little hoarsely. ]
I missed you.
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[ not moving for a while, that sounds ideal. this is solid, it's real. it's safe. it's everything she hasn't felt since she woke up here in the city again. and it has nothing to do with Asgard, it has everything to do with what's going on in her head, her new memories. part of her is hoping he wouldn't remember, that he would have the same memories he did when he was here for that short time before. but he looks different, the same that she does. more mature, in a way. she won't let herself hope he hasn't been through what she has, but she has to ask- ]
Tell me you haven't been to the clock tower. That we haven't even graduated yet. [ she huffs, quiet ] What's the last thing you remember from home?
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[ Which should be all the answer either of them needs. His fingers flex against the back of her head, his breath shaky, but he doesn't let go of her yet. ]
We both just graduated. That's all.
[ Stupid. Stupid, stupid denial, but he lived in it for so long at home - why not do it when she was there to play pretend with him? ]
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Good. Good.
[ she's pulling back a little bit, though when her hands reach up to hold his face, it's just to lower him down to her level, press their foreheads together and just drink in all that closeness as much as she can. she can't really make out features when his face is this close, but she keeps her eyes open anyway, not wanting to miss anything ]
Are you feeling okay? The power thing- It's probably a little weird, right?
[ forever concerned yep ]
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[ It's a quiet admittance, but he doesn't seem altogether too bothered by it. The fact that it's temporary helps a little, sure, but the fact that Gwen is here at all makes his missing abilities so insignificant that it's hard to care that they're gone in the first place.
He leans in when she draws him down, bumping a soft and clumsy kiss right against her mouth, and privately he tries to memorize the feeling. Peter's voice is thick, but he's clearly trying: ]
Pretty sure that does make you out of my league again, though. Officially, I mean. Just so you're aware.