——Given & taken, she’s already gotten used

             to displays of affection from the little red,

             & more than content to allow it. Whether

             it be the result of a day packed full with 

             studies & Ruby’s vigorous training, what

             ever the youth saw fit to spend time in the

             evening, Blake couldn’t bring herself to 

             force herself to turn that hoping, yearning

             smile down.

“ You’ve been kind of……distant lately, Ruby. ”