Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Adrien was freaking out. Of all people, Ladybug was currently in his room!

Well, not actually the  REAL Ladybug Adrien though, while paced nervously, glancing at the couch where Sentibug laid still unconscious. Plagg floated nearby with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
 
He couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety as he attempted to process the surreal turn of events of that evening. A sentimonster form of Ladybug appearing and trying to seduce him. Being interrupted by the real Ladybug. The battle with Mayura and eventually Hawkmoth himself. Sentibug turning on her creator as soon as she got a hold of her amok. Him moving at the last second with his cataclysm and severing the link between Mayura and her creation making Sentibug faint from the shock.

He promised His Lady he would take care of her, and then took off to his room where they were currently.

He stared again at her, and noticed how she firmly grasped her amok in her hands even out of it, and sighed. He needed to remind himself. Sentibug resembled Ladybug in every way, yet she was a fundamentally whole different person. Was she even a person to begin with?

"Feeling a little out of sorts, are we?" Plagg remarked, a teasing lilt in his voice.

Adrien nodded, his expression a mix of concern and confusion. "It's just... I never expected something like this to happen. She's so similar to Ladybug, yet not her at all."

Plagg floated closer, examining Sentibug with a keen gaze. "Well, she's definitely got the spots and the charm, but she's a whole different story, isn't she?"

Just as Adrien was about to respond, Sentibug stirred on the couch, her eyes fluttering open. She sat up slowly, taking in her surroundings with a mix of confusion and curiosity. Adrien approached her cautiously, offering a reassuring smile.

"Hey there," he said gently. "How are you feeling?"

Sentibug blinked, processing the question as she looked around. "I... don't know. I think I'm okay. But I don't understand where I am or why I'm here, or even who I am exactly."

Adrien's heart went out to her, knowing the whirlwind of emotions she must be experiencing. 

"You are in my room, and safe. I know this must all be overwhelming for you. But I'm here to help in any way I can."

“Are you…” she asked, uncertain.

“Chat Noir, at your disposal” he smiled and bowed dramaticaly. “But you can call me Adrien.”

“Chat Noir?"she gaped, surprised. Then, her expression shifted with a frown and downcast eyes.

"Whats wrong?"

"I… Im sorry.” She said  guiltily avoiding his eyes.

“What are you apologizing for?” He said, confused. 

She seemed to hesitate a bit, curling into herself on the couch. “I tried to manipulate you. I tried to seduce you and betrayed your trust, tried to get your ring.” she mumbled, clearly regretting the events that unfolded that evening.

Chat Noir bowed down to her level in front of the couch, and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“That’s okay. It was all Mayura commanding you to do so. I know you didn’t have a choice” he smiled reassuringly. “Now, hard day uh? How about a hot shower and we can go from there. I can order us some pizza!”

She smiled back at him, nodding.

With that, Sentibug rose from the couch, still a little unsteady. Adrien guided her gently towards the bathroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As they arrived Adrien hesitated for a moment before gently addressing Sentibug, "Um, Sentibug, do you think you can detransform? It might be more comfortable for you to take a shower."

Sentibug looked down at her suit, puzzled. "I'm not sure if I can do it, but I can try," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Adrien nodded encouragingly, gesturing for her to go ahead. Sentibug closed her eyes, focusing intently on the transformation process. Slowly, the suit began to dissolve, revealing her bare form underneath, the exposing skin leaving Adrien’s heart beating a bit faster and gaze fixed on her as if mesmerized.
 
Of course, until he realized the exposing skin was starting to become TOO MUCH exposed skin.

Adrien's eyes widened in surprise as he realized Sentibug had nothing on beneath the suit. And that she had, in fact, a fully functional human body down to every detail.

"Oh, um," Adrien stammered, quickly turning away and covering his face. "I-I'm so sorry, Sentibug. I didn't mean to... I didn't know that... oh, um, here!" He grabbed a nearby towel and tossed it to her, trying to compose himself despite the sudden rush of heat to his cheeks.

Sentibug caught the towel, her expression unchanged, and wrapped it around herself without a hint of self-consciousness. "Thank you, Adrien" she said, her voice devoid of embarrassment.

Adrien dared to steal a glance, taking in Sentibug's features as she stood there, still unaware of the situation. Her facial structure was distinct, with subtle differences from the image of Ladybug that he was familiar with. He couldn't help but wonder if this was truly what Ladybug looked like underneath her mask, or if the gaps in her appearance were merely filled with Mayura's creative interpretation.

He had to go through many things as he explained, such as how to use the hair products and how to turn on the shower. It seems she had little to no understanding of the most basic things. 

Adrien couldnt help but feel a pang of anger towards Mayura. To create someone and give it no prior knowledge of anything else besides what she needed just proved how disposable she and Hawkmoth though sentimonsters were.

As she took a shower and changed into comfortable clothes, Adrien couldn't help but marvel at her resilience despite her lack of understanding. She wasnt the same as Ladybug thats for certain, but maybe there was something of Ladybug in her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sentibug emerged from the bathroom, her damp hair clinging to her shoulders in dark, glistening tendrils. She had taken a quick shower, carefully following Adrien's instructions, and had donned his clothes in place of her usual suit. The oversized shirt and loose-fitting pants hung loosely on her slender frame, the fabric bunching up at various places. Despite the clothes being several sizes too large for her, Sentibug moved with a certain grace and ease, as if the garments had been tailored specifically for her.

Adrien turned to look at her as she entered the room, his eyes widening at the sight. He couldn't help but be struck by how different she looked in his baggy clothes compared to the sleek Sentibug suit she usually wore. Her slick black hair, now free of the constraints of the mask, cascaded down her back in a disheveled yet alluring manner. The remnants of moisture on her skin gave her an ethereal glow, emphasizing the natural radiance that seemed to emanate from within her.

"Wow, Sentibug, you look... different," Adrien remarked, trying to find the right words to express his thoughts. "I mean, you look great. It's just... you're not in your usual outfit, and you look so... human."

Sentibug looked down at the clothes, adjusting them slightly as she absorbed Adrien's words. "Is that good?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty.

Adrien smiled warmly, nodding in affirmation. "Definitely. You look... you look real. You look like you belong here, like you're part of this world."

Sentibug tilted her head, processing his words with a thoughtful expression. "I like that. I like feeling like I belong."

Adrien smiled, holding her eyes for a few seconds.

She took a step closer, her gaze meeting Adrien's with a newfound sense of connection. "Thank you for helping me with all of this. I wouldn't know what to do without your guidance."

“Its okay. Believe me, I understand.”. And it was true, to an extent. All this years in this cold house and a father who couldn’t care less he knew what it was like to feel displaced, to feel like not belonging. Luckly, he had his friends to help him out and he had found a place on them.

He knew however that with Sentibug things were on a different scale. To her, everything was foreign, and she was foreign to everything else. Now if his situation was bad than THAT must be terrifying. If anyone needed help and someone to have her back, it was her. And Adrien would be damned if he didn’t help her out with this too.

A flicker of determination appeared in Sentibug's eyes. "I want to know more about myself. I want to understand who I am. Can you help me with that?"

Adrien nodded, a sense of purpose settling within him. "Of course, Sentibug. We'll figure this out together."

Chapter Text

Adrien stormed into his room, his face a mask of anger and frustration. His father's words echoed in his mind, and the argument that had just transpired still hung heavily in the air.

Adrien had wanted to go on the school excursion with his friends, but his father, Gabriel Agreste, had flatly refused. Their disagreement had escalated, leaving Adrien feeling trapped and powerless.

Adrien slumped into a chair, running a hand through his tousled blond hair. "I can't believe him," he muttered. "He always thinks he knows what's best for me, but he doesn't understand. I should be able to make my own choices."

Sentibug, who had been observing from the shadows, emerged hesitantly, her presence a comforting one in Adrien’s mind.

 She had been created by the Peacock Miraculous, brought home by Adrien to be taken care of, but her short experiences with Mayura had given her a unique perspective on issues of control and choice.

Sentibug moved closer to him, hesitantly at first, placing a hand on his shoulder with concern as the silence fell heavily in the room.

 After a few seconds, she spoke."I understand how it feels, Adrien. To not have a choice, to feel like you're being pushed into something you don't want to do."

Adrien turned to look at her, his eyes filled with curiosity. "You do?"

Sentibug nodded. "I may not have a father, but I was created by someone who controlled me. Mayura was… like a maternal figure to me, in a way. And I felt compelled to do her bidding. I just felt like I didn't have a choice, just like you feel now."

Adrien contemplated her words, realizing that there were more parallels between their situations than he had initially thought. "But, Sentibug, it's different for you. You were controlled by magic. My Father is just being stubborn."

Sentibug gently touched Adrien's hand, her expression earnest. "Bindings come in many forms, Adrien. Some are magical, but others are emotional, social, or even psychological. Just because yours isn't magical doesn't mean it's any less real."

Adrien sighed, his anger dissipating as he took in Sentibug's understanding gaze. "You're right. I guess I just need to find a way to stand up for myself."

Sentibug nodded in agreement. "And I'll be here to support you, just like you've supported me when I was being controlled. We'll face these challenges together, and find a way to break those bindings that hold you back."

In that moment, Adrien felt a newfound sense of strength and resilience. He realized that with Sentibug by his side, he didn't have to face his battles alone. They may have been bound by different forces, but their shared determination to overcome them would unite them in ways that no binding, magical or otherwise, could ever break.

As Adrien and Sentibug shared their heartfelt conversation, Plagg, who had been eavesdropping from the corner of the room, couldn't resist adding his own commentary. Emerging from the shadows, he floated over to Adrien with a mischievous glint in his emerald eyes.

"Hey, Adrien," Plagg began, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Your old man could use some of that stinky camembert. Might help him loosen up a bit, huh?"

Adrien glanced at Plagg, momentarily taken aback by his unexpected interjection. Despite the seriousness of their discussion, a small smile tugged at the corner of Adrien's lips at Plagg's antics. "Plagg, this isn't the time for your cheese jokes."

Plagg let out a chuckle, his tiny body shaking with amusement. "Oh, come on, kid. A little cheese humor never hurt anyone! Besides, it might make your old man less... well, cheesed off."

Sentibug tilted her head, siding her head in confusion. "Cheesed off?"

Plagg flew closer to her, a twinkle in his eye. "It's a pun, my dear Sentibug. It means he's angry or annoyed. But in this case, I'm talking about literal cheese!"

Adrien couldn't help but laugh at Plagg's play on words. Despite the tension that still lingered in the room, Plagg's lightheartedness brought a much-needed sense of levity. "Thanks, Plagg. We could use a little humor right now."

Plagg beamed, pleased with his successful attempt at lightening the mood. "Anytime, kiddo. Just remember, a good cheese joke can work wonders, even in the most serious of situations."

Sentibug observed the exchange between Adrien and Plagg, her lips curving into a small smile. Though she didn't fully grasp the context of the joke, the warmth it brought to the room was palpable. It was a moment of respite in the midst of their struggles, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, a bit of cheesy humor could offer a glimmer of hope and camaraderie.

Chapter Text

Sentibug sat quietly beside Adrien, the gentle night breeze rustling her hair as she listened intently to his latest scheme, Plan #237, on How to Finally Ask Ladybug Out On a Date. She couldn't help but notice the weariness in his voice as he paced around the rooftop and recounted the numerous attempts he had made in the past, all of which ended with the same familiar sting of rejection.

"So, I was thinking of surprising her at the park," Adrien explained, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "I'll have everything set up—her favorite flowers, some snacks, maybe even a small picnic. And then, just as the sun starts to set, I'll confess my feelings to her. It's a classic move, but it's also timeless. I just have to make sure everything is perfect."

Sentibug listened intently, her eyes widening with each detail he revealed. "That sounds so romantic, Adrien. I'm sure Ladybug will appreciate all the effort you put into it. Do you think she'll say yes this time?"

Adrien's smile faltered slightly, a hint of uncertainty creeping back into his expression. "I'm not sure, Sentibug. It's hard to predict how she'll react. But I have to keep trying, right? I can't give up on something that's so important to me."

"Doesn't it bother Ladybug to have to say no all the time?" Sentibug asked, her gaze fixed on the distant city lights.

Adrien let out a wistful sigh, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "I don't think she enjoys it, but she's just... well, she's just not interested in me that way. Yet. She… she just needs more time to know me and I’m sure she will come around, okay?" He said, arms crossed in defense.

"Love seems complicated," Sentibug mused, furrowing her brows as she processed the concept. "I don't really understand it. Can you explain?"

Adrien attempted to articulate an explanation, stumbling over his words as he struggled to convey the intricate emotions tied to love.

"Love is... well, it's like... it's this feeling you have for someone that's, uh, really special," he began, his voice wavering slightly as he struggled to articulate his thoughts. "It's like... you care about them a lot, and you want to make them happy, and you want to be with them all the time. But it's also more than that. It's like... butterflies in your stomach, and your heart racing, and your mind going blank when you're around them. It's... it's kind of hard to explain, actually."

Sentibug tilted her head, a puzzled expression crossing her features as she tried to process his description. "But why would you get butterflies in your stomach? Are there actual butterflies inside of you? And why would your heart race? Is it trying to run away?"

Adrien's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and amusement at her innocent questions. He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head as he attempted to simplify his explanation. "No, it's not actual butterflies or a runaway heart. It's just... it's a feeling that's hard to describe because it's different for everyone. It's like... you know when you see something really cute, and you get all warm and fuzzy inside? It's kind of like that, but for a person."

Sentibug nodded slowly, her brow furrowing as she attempted to grasp the comparison. "So, love is like feeling warm and fuzzy inside, but for a person instead of a cute thing? That's... interesting." She paused, her gaze drifting towards the twinkling stars above them.  "I've never felt that before. I've never felt any of those things you described. In fact, now that you said it… Im not sure if I can ever feel this way."

Adrien regarded her with a soft gaze. "That's okay, Sentibug. You might be... you might be aromantic."

The word hung in the air between them, and Sentibug's eyes widened as she considered the possibility. "Aromantic? Is that what I am? Does that make me weird?"

Adrien shook his head, reaching out to reassure her. "No, not at all. It just means you experience things differently. It doesn't make you any less human. You're still you, Sentibug, and that's what matters."

Sentibug processed his words, a sense of relief washing over her as she came to terms with this newfound understanding of herself. "I guess that makes sense. It's good to know there's a word for it."

“So is Ladybug also aromantic?”

Chat Noir's expression turned thoughtful at Sentibug's question. He considered his words carefully before responding, wanting to ensure he conveyed his thoughts in a reassuring and supportive manner.

"I don't think Ladybug is aromantic…" he began, his voice gentle. "From what she's told me, she seems to be... well, unfortunately, attracted to a mysterious boy." He chuckled softly, attempting to lighten the weight of the conversation as Sentibug mused on his words.

Adrien's eyes softened as he spoke, a reassuring smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he sat beside her, looking at the stars. "You know, just because Ladybug is interested in boys doesn't mean you have to be. You're your own person, Sentibug. Your feelings are yours, and they don't have to mirror anyone else's."

Sentibug furrowed her brows, mulling over Adrien's words. A sense of reassurance began to settle within her, a comfort she hadn't expected. "So, it's okay that I don't feel the same way as Ladybug does?" she asked, her voice laced with a newfound curiosity. "I don't have to be like her in everything?"

Adrien nodded, a smile gracing his features. "Absolutely not. You get to be your own person, Sentibug. Your thoughts and feelings are what make you uniquely you. Embrace that. Embrace who you are." His encouragement rang through the air, urging her to embrace her individuality without hesitation.

Sentibug's mind buzzed with a flurry of thoughts, her eyes distant as she pondered Adrien's words. "I wonder what I really like," she murmured, more to herself than to Adrien. "And how different I am from Ladybug. I mean, we're the same, but we're also not. It's confusing."

Adrien leaned back, contemplating her words. "It's normal to feel that way, Sentibug. It's all part of discovering who you are. Maybe we can figure it out together. We can try different things, explore different interests. What do you say?" he said, bumping his shoulder with hers.

Sentibug's expression brightened as she turned to Adrien, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "That... that sounds nice. I'd like that, Adrien. Thank you for understanding."

Adrien reached out and squeezed her hand gently. "Of course. We'll take it one step at a time. You're not alone in this.”

Chapter Text

Nathalie meticulously reviewed Adrien's schedule for the day, her sharp eyes scanning the detailed list of appointments and obligations. Adrien stood nearby, restlessly shifting his weight from one foot to the other, a faint sense of boredom creeping in as she made minor adjustments. The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow over the room and highlighting the rigid lines of the meticulously organized planner on the desk.

"Alright, Nathalie, what's next?" Adrien inquired, hoping for a swift conclusion to the task. He couldn't help but sneak a glance at the clock, mentally tallying the hours until he could escape the confines of his busy day.

Nathalie's expression remained composed as she carefully reviewed the final details. With each subtle alteration, she displayed a precision that mirrored her meticulous nature. Adrien watched her attentively, catching the slight furrow of her brow as she double-checked an entry.

Nathalie stood with unwavering composure, her gaze sweeping across the meticulously arranged room, as though ensuring that every detail was in its rightful place. Adrien fidgeted near her, feigning interest in the schedule she was revising. In reality, his mind was far from the mundane tasks she was meticulously organizing. He couldn't shake the restlessness that seemed to pervade every inch of his being.

Nathalie paused, her hand resting gently on the doorknob as she cast a final sweeping glance over the room. Adrien held his breath, sensing an unspoken tension lacing the air. When she turned her head to meet his gaze, her usual composed demeanor softened slightly.

"Yes, Adrien, everything is set for the day," she reassured him with a faint smile. "You have a busy schedule, but I believe you're well-prepared for what's ahead."

With that, she departed, leaving Adrien to exhale a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"Senti, you can come out now," he called out, his voice hushed. He didn't want to risk Nathalie overhearing. "It's all clear."

A soft thud followed his words, and Sentibug appeared over the bookshelf, her yoyo coiled around her waist. "Finally," she muttered, her nose scrunching up. "That hideout had the most awful smell. I think I might've found Plagg's secret stash of cheese."

Plagg materialized with an indignant huff. "It's not just any cheese, you know. It's a rare vintage brie that requires a delicate nose to appreciate. Clearly, you just don't have the refined taste buds for it. You can go hide somewhere else if you're going to complain."

Sentibug rolled her eyes playfully, then turned to Adrien. "How are you holding up, Adrien? What's on the schedule for today?"

Adrien let out a sigh, rubbing his temples wearily. "The usual. Photo shoots, meetings, and more photo shoots. Sometimes I wish I could just escape all of this and have a normal day for once."

Sentibug watched with curious eyes as Adrien methodically organized his school bag, neatly arranging each textbook and notebook in its designated compartment. The question had been lingering on her mind for some time now, an inquiry that she couldn't quite shake off.

"Why do you always obey your father's orders?" she ventured, her voice tinged with a genuine sense of confusion. "There's no magical binding that compels you to follow his every command, is there?"

Adrien paused for a moment, his gaze flickering towards Sentibug before returning to the task at hand. He let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders sagging imperceptibly as he considered her question. "It's... complicated," he finally replied, his tone weighed down by the weight of years of emotional turmoil.

He glanced back at Sentibug, a sudden thought crossing his mind. "Do you have Nathalie's schedule memorized?" he asked, hoping to divert the conversation to a more neutral topic.

Sentibug nodded, her expression brightening with a sense of purpose. "Yes, I do. Nathalie enters your room a total of four times a day, every day. Three times when you're present, checking on you at 7:00, 17:00, and 20:00," she recited, her voice unwavering in its precision. "And once at 13:00, when you're not here, just to make sure everything is tidied up."

Adrien's lips curled into a faint smile as he listened to Sentibug's accurate recollection. "That's right," he affirmed, a sense of gratitude coloring his words. "Nathalie's meticulous adherence to her schedule has been a saving grace in more ways than one. It's part of what allowed me to slip away unnoticed as Chat Noir for as long as I did. So, stick to the plan, Sentibug! It's our best shot at not getting caught."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

With Adrien's departure, Sentibug found herself lounging on the sofa, idly toying with her hair. The minutes ticked by slowly, and before she knew it, a heavy sense of boredom began to settle in her chest. She let out a wistful sigh, her mind wandering to the morning's events.

If only she could have accompanied Adrien to school. Perhaps if Adrien mustered up the courage, he could ask Ladybug to loan him the Mouse Miraculous, allowing Sentibug to discreetly hide in his pocket. The thought brought a flicker of excitement to her otherwise lackluster daydreams.

Wishing for some form of entertainment, Sentibug glanced at Plagg, who was lazily floating nearby, eyeing her with a mischievous glint in his emerald eyes. Before she could voice her thoughts, Plagg let out a teasing chuckle, the sound reverberating in the otherwise silent room.

"What's the matter, Sentibug? Feeling bored already?" he quipped, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

Sentibug pouted, her brows furrowing slightly as she glared at the Kwami. "I just wish I could've gone with Adrien. It would've been fun," she lamented, her voice tinged with a hint of longing.

Plagg rolled his eyes, feigning nonchalance. "Trust me, school is overrated. That's why I skipped it," he replied, a smug edge to his tone.

Sentibug furrowed her brows, uncertainty creeping into her features. "Is that really true, or are you just saying that to keep me company?" she mused, a note of skepticism lacing her words.

Plagg let out an exaggerated sigh, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe a little of both," he admitted, his gaze softening as he regarded Sentibug. "But seriously, you're not missing much. School is a drag. Be glad you're here instead of stuck in some stuffy classroom."

And what, do I say, is your take of entertainment?”

Plagg smirked mischievously

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Plagg noticed Sentibug's puzzled expression as he suggested making a prank call. "Oh, Sentibug, you've never made a prank call before, have you?" he asked, floating closer to her to explain. "It's when you call someone and pretend to be someone else, usually to play a trick on them. It can be really funny if you do it right."

Sentibug's eyes widened with understanding as Plagg clarified the concept. "Oh, I see! That does sound like fun. I've never done anything like that before," she replied, her curiosity piqued.

Plagg nodded mischievously. "Well, let's give it a try then! Come on, I'll show you how it's done," he said, beckoning Sentibug to follow him to the phone.

Sentibug trailed after Plagg, watching intently as he picked up the phone and dialed what she assumed was a private line. As the phone rang, Plagg gestured for Sentibug to listen closely.

"Hello?" came Gabriel's voice through the receiver, his tone composed and professional.

Plagg cleared his throat, preparing to put on his best impersonation. "Hello, Mr. Agreste, this is... um, this is Roger from the construction company. We've, uh, we've encountered a little hiccup with the new project at the fashion house. We might need you to come over" he improvised, trying his best to sound serious.

Sentibug listened with growing amusement, watching as Gabriel's voice became instantly attentive. "What kind of hiccup? " Gabriel inquired, his concern evident in his voice.

“Oh the worst kind!”

“What?? Those incompetent…”he grumbled angrily, but quickly gaining his composture again. “Nathalie will be there within a few minutes.”

“Thank you for your understanding mr. Agreste!! ” Plagg said, barely controlling himself “ by the way, she should bring a glass of water too, there is no telling when this hiccup will stop!”

There was a tense silence on the other end. Gabriel's voice, when it came, was cold and stern. "Who gave you this number? How did you manage to get access to it?" he demanded, his rage palpable through the phone line. Both of them were trying their best, but couldnt help to let some strained giggling over the phone. “ANSWER ME OR I’LL MAKE YOU SUFFER SEVERE CONSEQUENCES!!” he blew up.

Both of them couldn’t hold themselves back, as they burst out laughing non-stop, tears filling their eyes.

As they hung up the phone ignoring the fashion mongul’s screams on the other side, Sentibug's laughter subsided into a contented smile. "That was hilarious! I never knew prank calls could be so much fun," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Plagg nodded in agreement. "See? It's all about the timing and the delivery. We'll have to come up with more of these in the future. Maybe next time we can get Adrien in on the joke!" he suggested, already brainstorming their next mischievous endeavor.