Plenty of Time

"Then why use it at all?" she asks.

"Because, despite being double-edged, I've learned to use the technique only in either situations where I am even with the enemy and need to tip the scales, or when I need something to even the scales out."

"So, that's basically two-thirds of the time!" she points out. "And that one-third time when you don't

"Well, it's come out to be more like only one-quarter of the time," you inform. "Sure, I used it on Clamhawk and Val-yor, but they both fell under the needed requirements."

Blackfire huffs and puffs as she gets up and walks away.

"Blackfire, come back," you say as you follow her.

She turns around and looks at you.

"So that's why you were so tired after fighting Clamhawk? Because of the toll your own attacks took on you?"

"Yes," you say, "but it's not as bad as it was the first few times I did it. My joints and muscles still get sore, but nothing a good massage can't fix."

You hold her close.

"And you do give great massages."

Blackfire smiles, and kisses you again.

"Awww," the other girls say.

"You two are so sweet despite being criminals," Nuh says, smiling with her eyes.

"Such levels of sweetness should be criminal," Rabsy says, hopping back to the computer. "Your ship has another few hours until that coat is done, then we need to put on one more."

"Wait, Rabsy," you say, "I thought that only one coat was needed."

"Where'd you hear that?" he asks rhetorically. "My ears are the biggest here and I didn't hear that! Your ship needs another coat so that the paint won't wear away so fast, seeing as how fast those rockets can jet-propel it! The faster the blaster, the more you pour on, I always say."

"Since when?"

"Since you brought in that ship."

"Then I guess we're grounded for a bit longer," Foxy says. "But I guess that isn't too bad, since it means more time around you." Her tail brushes up against Rabsy again.

"Foxy, you naughty minx!" he says with a wink.