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Chapter Three
There was a flurry of activity in the center of the trainyard with the preparation for the upcoming race.
and most of the preparation was being done by Flare
"Hurry up with the paint Flare!" one of the coaches was shouting, "We gotta get this racetrack *somewhat* presentable!"
Flare grumbled, "And I'm sure *you* can't pick up a brush.." He muttered under his breath.
The coach in question was walking around with a clipboard, making sure that everything that needed to be done got done. She stopped to eye Flare's work.
Flare looked up at her, "It's getting done." He said simply, and went back to painting
"I can see that," she said, before turning to go yell at someone else.
Flare rolled his eyes, wondering why he had to help set up for a race he had nothing to do with.
A few minutes later the coach, Susan, returned to check up on him.
Flare looked up again, aware that somebody was standing over him. "What?" He asked coarsely
"I just wanted to see how things were going," she said mildly, "And I can see that they are going very well. You're nearly finished. Nice job."
"Then can I please go?" Flare asked. He had other things he wanted to do, most of these things including Blanche...
She consulted her clipboard, "I need you to go take care of the freight train, the usual engine is busy."
"And what's *he* doing today?"
"He's in training," she said simply.
"Is everybody training?"
"No, not everyone, but the usual freight engine is, and if you want a chance to make it home tonight under your own power I suggest that you get moving.
Flare growled, but got up, "and I assume I don't have any choice in the matter?"
"No you don't. The freight train must go through."
Flare rolled his eyes, "I'm on my way.."
"Thank you darlin'," she said without a hint of sarcasm.
Flare rolled his eyes, and ran out to fetch the freight train
The freight cars were waiting a bit impatiently.
"Hey... Your engine can't make it, so I'm filling in." Flare said simply. The truth was he didn't know these cars very well, and didn't know exactly what to expect
"Oh," the lead car said. There really wasn't much else that he could say.
Flare nodded, "So I guess we just hitch up, and do what we have to. We might as well get it done quickly. I'm sure you all have better things to be doing." Flare tried, hoping if he just treated them nicely, they wouldn't give him to much trouble.
"Ah yes, we have much better things to do then our run, which is of course, the high point of our day," one of the cars near the middle commented.
Flare couldn't tell if he meant that or not.
"So go already," the car said, hitching up.
Flare moved forward a little. The freight trains were heavy, but at least it was sunny out. "I don't exactly know the route" He called out behind him, "So you'll have to point me along the way."
The lead car nodded, "Take the right set of tracks until you come to the quarry," he smirked a bit, "Then stop."
"Alright." Flare started. Then something struck him... "Okay... now which is the right set of tracks?"
"The ones that lead to the quarry," was the innocent answer.
Flare growled. "Okay, *which* tracks lead to the quarry?"
"The right ones."
"Not funny." Flare growled
"It wasn't meant to be," the car answered.
Flare simply went silent, pulling them in a completely random direction. "Well, I hope we get where we're supposed to be going, because I'm unhitching you an hour before dusk, regardless of where we are."
"This isn't the right way! I told you to take the right tracks!" the car scolded, all of them hitting their breaks.
Flare was jolted backward, and had to fight from falling over on top of all of them
The lead car unhitched and stepped in front of Flare.
Flare met his gaze coolly
The car pointed down the tracks, "Do you see where the track splits into three?"
Flare nodded
"The right set of tracks lead to the Quarry."
"Then which tracks are the wrong ones?" Flare asked
"The other two tracks..."
Flare paused, for the first time getting it. He pointed to the tracks furthest to the right
"Yes." the car moved back into place, "Let's go."
Flare nodded, and let them hitch. He moved down the tracks quickly, feeling rather humiliated. There was something distinctly wrong about being outsmarted by a group of freight trains
"Oy vey..." one of the cars in the train muttered as they neared the quarry.
Flare pretended not to hear, as he stopped to let the freight cars unhitch... and do whatever they planned to do at the quarry.
The freight cars unhitched rather quickly and moved away from Flare to go to work.
Flare just stood back and watched
The lead car rolled over to him, "They didn't tell you what you're supposed to do huh?"
Flare shook his head. nobody had told him anything
"Oh. well then. you wait until we're loaded and then pull us over to station B."
"Okay." Flare said slowly
The freight car nodded.
"Go ahead then."
The car nodded and rolled back over to the others.
Flare watched, hoping there would be no more mischief. He just wanted to get home before the sun set
After the cars were finished loading, they returned over to Flare.
Flare nodded. That had been surprisingly easy. He started forward. They were heavier than before, but that wasn't a problem really
The cars rolled easily along behind Flare, deciding not to cause him more trouble.
Esmra snuck up behind Jennette.
Jennette was busy furiously brushing her hair.
"Hey!" Esmra smiled at her friend, obviously excited about something
Jennette turned around, "What's up?"
"I think I got me an engine."
"Really?" Jennette grinned, "Who?"
"Guess"
"Slick," Jennette guessed.
Esmra nodded
Jennette grinned, "Cool!"
"I'm not sure though... he seemed interested." Esmra was usually not the type to care much about engines, but race night was different.
"Really?" Jennette asked, "You mean like... more then just a partner for tonight?"
"I..." Esmra blanched... "Well, he seems to think so.. maybe... I don't know."
Jennette grinned.
"Well... lets not make things to complicated."
"Yeah sure," Jennette said, "But you never know..."
Esmra cringed a bit. "We'll see... and who have you got picked out for tonight?"
"well... I'm wishing that I could race with Fuse..."
Esmra shook her head... "does Blanche know this?"
"No, why?"
"You might try mentioning it to her..."
"why?" Jennette asked again, puzzled.
Esmra leaned in secretively, "The two of them have been... well, you know the way she is with engines."
Jennette's eyes widened, "Really? I didn't...I didn't know."
"It's Blanche... to be expected. I think she's seeing a couple others right now to though..." Esmra said comfortingly.
"Yeah..." Jennette said softly.
"You okay?"
Jennette nodded and smiled, "Well then, I guess I never really expected a chance with him anyway..."
"We'll find you an engine... maybe one of the internationals!"
Jennette nodded, cheering up considerably, "Have you seen them coming in?"
"Just glimpses." She leaned closer to Jennette, "The Japanese train is pretty hot, and he doesn't have a partner..."
Jennette grinned, "I think then, that I'd better work fast."
Esmra nods, "Can you believe the races are only a few hours away?
She smiled and picked up her brush again.
"Have you seen Blanche at all by the way?"
"Um... I saw her this morning..."
"With?" Esmra teased.
"With her solar engine," Jennette teased back.
"He's hers alright."
"Yeah, then he got pressed into working and I dunno where she ended up."
Flare skated into the coaches station. Blanche was supposed to meet him there. He was surprised to find only Esmra and Jennette.
Esmra broke out laughing. "Speak of the devil.."
Jennette giggled.
Flare found himself blushing uncomfortably... "UM... Blanche isn't here..." He said slowly
"Nope," Jennette said, "Is that what you came here for then?"
Flare nodded, "Yeah... have you seen her?"
"Not since this morning," Jennette started.
Esmra elbowed her. "Um... I think she's in the freight yard looking for you." She lied.
"Oh?" Jennette asked, "That's where she went?"
Esmra nodded, "So you'd better go find her. You know Blanche doesn't like to be kept waiting."
Jennette nodded and gave Flare a wink.
"Go on then." Esmra said
Jennette gave him a knowing smile.
"Um.." Thanks. Flare skated off.
Jennette waited until Flare was out of earshot and then turned to Esmra, "What's in the freight yard?"
"The international's"
Jennette grinned, "so why'd you send him there?"
"I figured it'd keep him out of our hands for awhile... and give us something interesting to hear about later."
"You are evil," Jennette giggled.
Esmra giggled back, "Besides, he probably has a better chance of landing on of them then he does Blanche."
Jennette giggled again, "Well then he could've given me a lift."
Esmra shook her head, "Your sounding like a certain sleeper we know..."
At that moment Blanche walked in, "and love." Esmra added quickly
Jennette looked up, "Blanche, hi!"
"Hey!" Blanche exclaimed, skating over to her friends, "You two checked out the internationals yet?"
"Sorta," Jennette said with a smile.
"A lot of them brought coaches with them... not that that really means anything
"Did the Japanese engine?" Jennette asked curiously.
"Not yet... but Anbi's been stalking him... I mean literally, stalking him."
"Oh dear..." Jennette giggled.
"I can just see her doing that." Esmra said wryly
"Well," Jennette said, "Perhaps he should be rescued."
"and you plan to rescue him?" Blanche asked
"Well, why not?" Jennette answered.
Blanche looked at Jennette doubtfully
"Well not all of us have engines falling all over us y'know," Jennette said,
Blanche just shook her head
"What?" Jennette asked.
"nothing." Blanche said quickly
"So who are you racing with tonight?"
"Well, I haven't decided yet. Probably Fuse, but some of the internationals are kinda cute to. Well, there are three heats so.."
"Fuse?" Jennette asked, "How're you gonna manage that?"
Blanche looked confused
"I mean, with Ruby..."
"Well, I'd hope that Fuse would be able to handle his own component"
"But he wants to race with you?"
"He offered."
"Oh," Jennette sounded a bit disappointed. Fuse racing with Ruby instead of her was one thing, but with Blanche was an entirely different matter.
"What's wrong?" Blanche asked
"Nothing," Jennette said a bit too quickly.
"Okay!" Blanche agreed, all to readily, "I'll see you to tonight then?"
"Yeah..."
"Kay," She smiled, "Angelina asked me to keep track of Anbi for her, so I'd better do that."
"okay," Jennette agreed.
"byes!" Blanche skated off, in search of the younger coach
Jennette tossed her brush down with a bit more force then needed.
"Jennette, hun, you okay?" Esmra asked, concerned
"I wanted him," she said simply.
"I know." Esmra said gently, "I'm sorry."
"Yes well," Jennette stood up straighter, "I bet Blanche won't get him either."
"Oh?"
"Nope, bet Ruby will."
"I hate to say this, but it sounds like Blanche already has him...Ruby *is* his component, not his coach..."
Jennette gave Esmra a bit of a Look. "I can be in denial if I want to," she said.
"It's up to you."
Jennette nodded.
Esmra picked up Jennette brush. "No sit still... I want to see what you look like with a braid."
"Alright," Jennette agreed.
The engine from Japan rolled across the freight yard to get a drink.
Anbi followed close on his heels, like an obedient puppy dog
He was trying very hard not to get annoyed with her, but she was pushing his last nerve.
"What are you looking for?" Anbi asked sweetly
"something to drink," he answered in heavily accented English.
"My mom's the bakery car. She has lots to drink, and good foods to." Anbi suggested
He nodded, "Perhaps you could, bring me something?" he asked.
"Why don't you come with me? I'm sure my mom would love to meet you." Anbi looked up at the Japanese engine dreamily
"I need to stay here."
"How come?"
"Because of the race."
Anbi wrinkled her nose, "So, because of the race you have to stay in the freight yard all day, when you could be exploring?"
"I want..." he hesitated, trying to think of the English, "To rest."
"Okay." Anbi agreed, "We can rest here."
"Anbi," he said patiently, "would you help me?"
"Of course!" Anbi agreed quickly
"Would you get me something to drink?" he asked.
"Okay, sure! What did you want?"
"Anything that you can find," he answered.
"'Kay! I'll be right back!"
He nodded.
Anbi skated off in the other direction
He let out a relieved sigh, and got up to find a place to hide.
Just then Blanche came skating towards him. She looked around, as if confused
"Hello," he said.
"Hi... um... I'm looking for the kid that was following you?" Blanche looked around, still expecting to see Anbi somewhere nearby. Had the Japanese engine said something to get rid of her?
"Oh. Yes. She went that way," he pointed down the tracks.
"She just left?" Blanche sounded skeptical
"She went to get me something to drink," he explained.
"Oh... alright." She smiled sweetly at him. "Her mom has me watching her." She explained
"ah I see," he answered.
"Well, see you tonight!" She said, just suggestively enough. "Just be nice to the kid, okay?"
He nodded, watching the pretty sleeper skate off.
Blanche skated quietly up behind Flare, trying not to draw to much attention to herself
Flare was sitting by himself, not wanting to deal with the other engines anymore. It never went well.
"Flare?" Blanche said, very softly
He turned around and smiled when he saw Blanche, who he didn't quite dare to think of as "his" coach yet. "Hi Blanche."
"Hey." Blanche smiled at him, but her voice was serious. Maybe she could just not mention things to him... he didn't *need* to know about her race plans
Something in her tone didn't sound right. "What's up?" he asked.
"Um... nothing?"
"Oh." He smiled, looking at her.
Blanche wished he wouldn't smile like that. "Tonight's race night..."
"I know," he said with a bit of a wistful sigh. He wished that it wasn't at night. Then he'd show them.
"All the other coaches are going to be racing..."
"Yeah..." suddenly he realized what she was going to say, "You too?"
"It's... sort of a big event..."
"I know," he answered.
"Would you mind?"
Flare sighed softly, "If..." he started.
"If?"
"If I could race... would...would you...race with me?"
Blanche didn't answer this right away. "Flare... you're sweet..." She started
"I *am* fast," he said.
"Yes, when the sun's out." Blanche took his hand in hers, playing idly with his fingers
"So...if they raced... in the sunlight... would you race with me?" he asked.
"Yes."
His eyes lit up and he looked at her adoringly.
"Flare?"
"Yes?" he asked, gazing at her.
"Could I ask you something?'
He nodded.
"How many coaches have you been with... besides me I mean?"
He shook his head.
"Nobody?"
"Just you."
Blanche smiled, finding she liked this
"You're... the only coach that I've ever liked... I mean..." he didn't want to say 'loved' although that was true.
"Really?" Blanche was surprised
He nodded.
"You know I've been with other engines, right?" Blanche asked, quietly.
"Yeah," he said slowly.
"I'm nothing special to them."
"You are to me." he said.
Blanche leaned in, and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. "I think that's my favorite thing about you."
He cautiously leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
Blanche carefully leaned against his chest.
He started to kiss her on the lips.
Blanche kissed back... not a passionate kiss, just a small, sweet one.
He smiled against the kiss.
"Flare?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you want to race with me?"
He nodded.
"Lets race then. Just you and me. It's not dark yet.":
He grinned and stood up, "Alright."
"Lets see how fast you can go." Blanche said, and hitched herself behind him
Flare grinned, tilting his solar panels to get the most sun.
Blanche smiled as she watched this.
He started to go, picking up speed as he whooshed along the tracks.
Blanche gasped appreciatively, and held a little tighter to his couplers
Flare went faster and faster, the wind whistled past them.
Blanche let out a small, happy little scream.
Flare shot along the tracks, feeling a rush from his speed and power.
Blanche didn't say anything. she just enjoyed the ride.
Flare didn't want to stop, he could keep running like this forever with Blanche behind him.
Blanche gripped him tightly from behind, guiding him as she had been taught to.
Flare reached the end of the trainyard and continued on.
"Where are we going?" Blanche whispered.
"Anywhere!" he sang back to her.
Blanche laughed lightly, "Lets go then."
Flare took off again.
Blanche looked up at the sky, where the sun shone, sharing it's energy with Flare
Blanche let her grip loosen, just a tiny bit
Flare glanced back at her.
Blanche smiled at him, she was getting tired of holding on, but she didn't want the ride to stop.
He slowed slightly.
Blanche nodded. That was better.
Flare turned forward again and slowed a bit more.
Blanche worked on catching her breath. She was flushed, and excited looking
Flare came to a graceful stop.
"Flare! That was amazing!" Was all Blanche could say.
He smiled back at her, catching his breath slightly, but he wasn't very tired.
Blanche leaned back against him, clearly exhausted
He held her in his strong arms.
"We have to do that again sometime." Blanche said, almost limp against him.
He nodded, "Anytime."
"You know, the sun doesn't set everywhere at once..."
He looked at her curiously.
"It's always daytime, somewhere."
He smiled as he slowly understood.
"We could follow the sun.. someday."
"Why not now?" he asked, gathering her into his arms.
"You'd never have to sleep then." Blanche said, relaxed comfortably against him/
"I need to sleep sometime," he pointed out, although that didn't sound all that important to him.
Blanche laughed lightly, "And I do... sometimes."
"so we can sleep sometimes," he said.
That might be a good idea." Blanche said, sounding rather sleepy already.
He gathered her into his arms and held her.
Blanche sighed, happy.
"Are you tired now?" he asked.
Blanche nodded
"Maybe I should take you home..."
"Maybe"
He hugged her tightly.
Blanche hugged back, but otherwise didn't leave. She had entered a certain paradise she had never expected to find with Flare of all engines
"I'll take you home," he said.
Blanche nodded
He released her and waited for her to hitch up.
Blanche didn't move
He hesitated and then scooped her up in his arms.
Blanche looked surprised for a second, but didn't argue
He shifted, holding her carefully and then started back to the trainyard.
Blanche rested her head against his shoulder, completely comfortable, and closed her eyes.
Flare walked back to the trainyard, not wanting to get back quickly.
Blanche slept.
Flare smiled, carrying her carefully.
Esmra met him at the edge of the trainyard. She cocked her head to the side, amused
"Shh," he said.
"What'd you do to her?" Esmra whispered, sounding amused.
"I just took her out," he whispered in an answer.
"looks like you killed her." Esmra joked.
"Did not." he looked down at the sleeping sleeper fondly, "I wouldn't..."
"Nah... we'll leave that to Ruby... Or Jennette maybe."
"What?" he asked.
"I wouldn't worry to much about Jennette though. she couldn't hurt a cow frozen to the tracks in December."
He nodded, "What did you mean by that?"
Esmra raised an eyebrow at Flare, and then shook her head. "Now that Blanche is asleep, do you know where to put her?"
"Her bed I guess..." he answered.
"You ever been in her house?"
"well... no..." he admitted.
For a moment Esmra looked as if she were going to show him, and then she just smiled, "good luck."
"Could you... show me where?" he asked.
"MAYBE."
"Maybe?" he questioned.
Esmra shook her head, "Yes." She agreed.
"Thanks..."
"You owe me, solar boy."
He sighed, "What do you want?"
Esmra sighed. "We'll talk later... lets just get Blanche home."
He nodded, "Thanks," he said again.
"Didja have fun?"
He smiled and nodded.
"looks like you did." Esmra said, with a knowing smirk, as they arrived at Blanches house.
Flare waited for her to open the door, as his arms were full.
Esmra did so. "Her room's the third door on the right... the door is always open."
He nodded and rolled in.
Esmra left with a shrug. She'd done her good deed for the day./
Flare settled Blanche down on her bed.
Blanche opened her eyes, and blinked sleepily.
He tucked her in gently.
Blanche kissed one of his hands lightly.
He smiled.
Blanche smiled back.
He leaned down to kiss her goodnight.
Blanche grinned at him, in her half awake state.
He kissed her lightly on the lips.
Flare knocked lightly on the door of Angelina's house
Angelina opened the door and smiled, "Come on in honey."
Flare looked at the waning sun a bit worriedly, but followed Angelina inside... he still had time. Maybe an hour if he was lucky
"What's brings you here?" she asked.
"Blanche..."
"Oh?" she asked.
Flare smiled dreamily
"Oh I see," she said with a smile.
"We raced."
"Have fun?" she asked.
"Yes! I mean..." Flare blushed.
She smiled.
"I want to race tonight."
"Oh," Angelina said softly.
Flare didn't say anything for a moment
She set a hand lightly on his shoulder.
"I... don't want Blanche to race with another engine." He admitted... he knew it was wrong to feel that way but...
"Did you tell her that?" she asked.
"No."
"Oh, well Flare honey, it's just one night..."
"Just one night?" Flare was a little doubtful... he'd heard enough story's about how Blanche spent her nights. He didn't believe any of them of course... not exactly...
"If it'll make you feel any better I'll keep an eye on her," Angelina said, "And besides, after racing with you, there can't be anyone better."
Flare smiled, despite himself. "She seemed to like it."
"How could she not?"
"There are plenty of reasons... for her not to like me."
"But there are plenty of reasons for her to like you too."
"Yeah... but there are plenty of other engines for her to like"
"But there are plenty of reasons for her to like you."
"But... this is going nowhere, and it's almost dark"
Angelina rolled over to him and gently brushed back his hair.
"I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Can you make it or did you want to stay here?"
Flare looked out the window, "Is it alright if I stay here tonight?"
"Of course it is," she said with a smile.
Flare nodded... it was still light enough that he was fairly awake, but he could feel his power just beginning to wane
"You can stay in the guest room," she said.
"That should keep Anbi happy"
She laughed and ruffled his hair.
"Is she going to race?"
"I hope not."
"She wants to?"
"Yeah, but I don't think that she's ready..."
"I wish you both luck."
She grinned, "Thanks. It'll be all I can do to keep her from racing."
Flare nodded, heading towards Angelina's guestroom
She followed him with a glass of milk and a plate of cookies.
Flare couldn't help but smile at this
"They're fresh," she said with a warm smile.
"The best kind"
She smiled and set the plate down next to the bed.
Flare took a bite. "I'll see you in the morning?"
She nodded, "and I'll tell you all about the races."
"Let me know who won."
"Of course," she pulled the blankets back.
Flare lay down, his consciousness waning with the light
She pulled up the blanket, tucking him in.
Flare closed his eyes... feeling a mixture between contentment, and slight embarrassment
She kissed him lightly on the cheek, "sleep well."
Flare nodded tiredly
"Want me to turn off the light?" she asked.
Flare nodded
Angelina flicked off the light and left the room.
Fuse sat in his living room, sparking occasionally.
You BASTARD!" Ruby threw another plate against the wall that separated the kitchen from the living room, watching it smash into a million pieces
He ignored her, trying to convince himself not to fry her.
Another broken plate... this one was thrown very near where Fuse was sitting.
"Ruby..." he started.
"I'm gonna frelling kill her!!" Another crashing plate.
"Ruby, it's not your fault..."
"go to hell!" this time she through a plate right at Fuse
Fuse let out a lightning crack and caught the plate.
just in time to get another plate flying towards his face
He ducked. "Ruby, I will let you race tonight..."
Ruby stopped, wanting to hear what he had to say
"If you want to race with one of the nationals I won't stop you."
Ruby's face twisted, and she through a rather large, rather sharp knife right at him. "And... and you think you can just dump me anytime you please?"
"Who's dumping you?" he asked, stepping aside.
"You are!" Ruby glared at him
He took a step towards her.
She grabbed another knife... this one considerably bigger
He took another step towards her.
She through the knife at him, with all her might
Fuse didn't move.
Ruby glared
Fuse stood still as the knife came hurtling towards him.
Ruby bolted forward, and pushed him out of the way
The knife landed harmlessly in the wall.
"You idiot." Ruby hissed
Fuse regarded her.
Ruby didn't move from her position, pressed up against him. Her face was still angry though
Fuse held her firmly.
Ruby tired to back away.
He didn't let go of her.
Ruby stomped on his foot.
He flinched but held her tightly.
"Let go!" Ruby said, struggling
"No," Fuse glared at her, not letting go.
Ruby kicked him again
Electricity surged through the both of them.
Ruby went limp
"I could forbid you to attend at all," he threatened.
"Like I'd listen."
"You would have no choice," he said.
Ruby just glared at him, knowing all to well what that meant.
"I trust you know what I mean by that."
Ruby nodded
"Good."
Ruby relaxed against him.
He held her.
"I hate you." She whispered, but she didn't seem to particularly mean it
"Sure you do."
Ruby didn't say anything in response.
He just stood there holding her.
"You'd be better off racing with me." Her voice held a hint of warning in it
"Racing is a rough sport," he started, "I wouldn't want you to get hurt."
"Yeah... right."
"What would I do without you?" he asked.
"Fall into a state of constant disrepair
"Exactly," he said.
Ruby straightened a bit in his arms
He pulled her closer to him and kissed her.
Ruby didn't kiss back right away
Fuse didn't mind, kissing her firmly.
Ruby waited a few more moments, and then kissed back
"All better?" he asked after a few minutes.
"Yes"
"good girl," he purred.
"Get going..." she said... quite eagerly, go race.
"Ruby..." he started.
"what?"
"If you would do something for me tonight."
"Yes?"
"There is an engine that might beat me if he makes it to the final..."
"who?"
"The train from Great Britain."
"You mean..."
"He's called the Prince of Wales..."
"So that's my new racing partner." Ruby sounded amused
"Now don't make it too obvious," he said.
"I won't."
"And don't hurt him either, just... don't let him win."
"I'm a repair truck. Anything I do, I'll fix"
"that's my girl," he said fondly.
"Now, are you ready to race?" Ruby smiled at him.
He nodded.
"Then go."
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Somewhat."
"Tomorrow, after I win..." he trailed off suggestively.
"After you win." Ruby grinned at him.
He smiled.
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