A/N: Hey everyone! I got some good positive response to the first chapter, and couldn't resist writing a second one! But the writing mused possessed me so much, I ended up writing more then I expected! So I broke it into two more chapters! Here's the first part, with the second soon to follow! As usual your reviews and views are always appreciated!
The Trolley to Sugar Rush arrived without incident, and soon enough, Ralph found himself strolling down the rainbow bridge taking in the vast scenic sweet filled vista of Sugar Rush.
He and Vanellope had already planned on meeting this afternoon in order to talk strategy for the DDR contest behind held. Ralph and Felix had surprised everyone in the last tournament held a few months earlier by entering, and winning it together of all things! The two 8-bit characters were surprisingly agile and light on their feet taking the contest by storm with a "Blue's Brother's" routine. Their victory made a kind of sense to the other denizens of the Arcade when it was pointed out they regularly scaled an apartment building every day with no safety equipment. To make things more interesting this second time around they had decided to enter with their respective female friends.
Respective female friend? Hmm wasn't that just another way of saying Girlfriend, Ralph wondered for a moment? Well of course Vanellope wasn't his "girlfriend", she was far too young, and well, she was Vanellope the kid and he were buddies not, well not that.. but technically she was a friend that was a girl. In Felix's case though it was his girlfriend, well no it was his wife. But Felix had been the one to couch the term as respective female friend, so maybe the point was Calhoun was Felix's wife, while Vanellope was…This line of thinking was quickly Ralph no end of confusion, so he tossed it all aside like a handful of broken bricks.
Maybe Vanellope was right, thinking was dangerous for him.
At the moment, as he crested the Rainbow Bridge and stepped past the side lines of the starting point for the daily random roster race, Ralph noticed he was beginning to feel better. Sugar Rush had really become a second home to him and stepping into the sugary, brightly lit racing kingdom always filled him with joy. Maybe it was the happy, sweet filled atmosphere, which seemed so much more welcoming then the perpetual twilight of the Niceland apartments, chased that was chasing his blues away. Or maybe it was the knowledge his best friend ruled over the kingdom, and he knew he'd always have a place here, as long as he was held important in her heart.
As he approached the random roster lineup starting area, he grabbed a handful of powdered donuts growing up from the ground. He began to munch on one of the donuts as he spotted his partner's distinctive racing cart, along with the small form of its owner.
Ralph smiled as he spotted Vanellope, the last remnants of the melancholy he was feeling earlier now completely chased away. Finishing off one of the donuts he began to close the distance between them.
Vanellope was rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet, hands stuck in the pockets of her hoodie as she seemed to wait impatiently for him. Patience wasn't one of Vanellope's strongest points, something Ralph chalked up to her code as a racer. He knew Vanellope was meant to live life at the edge, rushing at break neck speeds, and living for the adrenaline rush of a race. Consequently, she wasn't always keen on waiting when it came to things outside of the race track. "I waited who knows how many years to get my life back Ralph. I'm not about to start slowing down now!" She'd often say to him when he would tell her to cool her heels.
Vanellope had made sure to dry her eyes, comb her hair, and lock away her Ralph doll over an hour ago. If she appeared upset, it would make Ralph concerned… and Ralph, when he knew she was upset, would try to find out why and make her feel better. It was one of the many reasons she had such strong feelings for him, but it wouldn't do to get him suspicious now and begin asking questions Vanellope would be terrified to truthfully answer.
So for now she masked her inner turmoil to present the image he was use to, the tough, snarky, impatient girl who was his best friend. A large smile crossed her lips, showing her pearly teeth as she spotted Ralph making his way over toward her. He was eating a donut at the time, and Vanellope couldn't help but think how cute he looked with powdered sugar on his lips. She wondered if it would make kissing him taste all the sweeter, and a small blush began to creep over her features.
Luckily for her, Ralph didn't seem to notice one bit as he came to a stop, a smirk on his own features, looking down at her before he spoke. "How's my favorite brat doing? I keep you waiting long?"
Vanellope looked up at him with those large beautiful hazel eyes of hers, before she stuck out her tongue and replied. "No longer then usual Admiral Underpants…" She followed this by scrunching her face up and pointing at him "You.. you got a little something there, on your face, you know besides that mug you call a face.." she continued, teasing him as she pointed out the powdered sugar on his lips.
Ralph rolled his eyes before bringing one of his large ham hands up and wiped his lips clean, a smirk on his own features. "Oh, thank the heavens I have you to point these things out for me…"
This only caused another grin to come from Vanellope's lips. "Exactly, you'd be completely lost without me Ralph, wouldn't you?"
Ralph humored his small companion with a smile, before reaching over and ruffling her candy filled hair. "Oh, you got it sister. I'd be completely lost without you pointing out the obvious to me, ya little guttersnipe."
Vanellope giggled as she felt Ralph's massive hand run through her hair. She knew it was an innocent gesture on his part, but couldn't help leaning up into his large strong hand, almost like a cat being pet. She hoped he didn't notice just how much she enjoyed his touch. "See, this is why you should have accepted my offer to come live with me in the castle. I don't know how you even get through the day without me around. Felix must work over time in taking care of both you and Tamora."
Ralph felt his hand lingering for a moment in Vanellope's hair. It was just so, soft. So inviting, and she really did seem to enjoy it. His voice was softer as he replied. "I manage okay for a stink brain, and besides, when ever I can't figure something out, I can always come ask my little partner in crime here."
Vanellope favored him with another giggle, and it made Ralph reflect on just how much he enjoyed hearing her laugh and seeing her smile. On his saddest day (not that he had much of those now), Vanellope could lift his mood with a simple smile.
"Well, at least you're smart enough to come to that conclusion dummy. You ready to go practice our moves so we can win that trophy?" She asked brightness in her voice.
"You got it kid. Let's get a move on. No way I'm letting Felix win this one!" Ralph replied before hopping on to the back of her cart. Vanellope jumped into the driver's seat and started the cart up. "Oh and remind me, later on I have something I wanna talk to you about" he added as they began to peel off. Vanellope shrugged but gave a nod back at him, looking curious for a moment before she piped up. "What you need reminding of when to change your diaper?" She smirked at him, before Ralph frowned back at her. She smiled apologetically and added "Don't worry Ralph, don't worry, I'll remind you." With that they were off, headed toward Diet Cola Mountain.
This was their typical ritual, a ritual Ralph had become comfortable with. He'd visit Vanellope, they'd exchange their usual friendly jabs at one another, and then they'd head to their destination. They didn't spend all of their time in Sugar Rush, but they spent enough of it. Enough that Ralph honestly wondered if he should have taken her offer up to live in the castle with her. Of course she'd brought it up again a handful of times here and there over the year, but Ralph always thought of it as a joke. It was only recently he began to seriously wonder if he'd be better off, with how much time he spent here. To enjoy getting to see Vanellope every morning before work, and come back to her when it was closing time. No, No why was he thinking like that? That didn't make any sense… and besides, there was something to say for his cozy little home back in his own game.
For Vanellope this was the ritual she loved and yet had begun to despise all at the same time. Yes, she loved seeing Ralph, yes she loved their friendly put downs back and forth. She loved their little games with one another, but she wanted more. So much more. She wanted to tell him how she was feeling. She wanted to hug him, she wanted to kiss him, She wanted to know if there could ever be anything more between them…but Ralph? Well Ralph wasn't the sharpest guy when it came to these things. Oh of course he was smarter then everyone gave him credit for, but she didn't think he'd ever put two and two together. Why should he though? She knew in his eyes she was a child. Oh she knew he treated her with respect, treated her as an equal, but that was the paradox. She had the body of a child, and she was programmed to act like one at times, but inside she knew she felt real feelings, real desire for her best friend. Not the puppy love of a small child who didn't understand these complex emotions.
The meet up ritual was her own personal frustration and joy all at once. Whether it was meeting in Sugar Rush, or Fix-it-Felix, or anywhere else for that matter, she couldn't really respond how she wanted to in her heart. At the same time, it was the moment she got to see him, and so she loved it all the same.
The Trip to Diet Cola Mountain wasn't a particularly long one, given Vanellope's speed and skill at racing, and during the trip the two fell into a comfortable silence with one another. There was no need for more words as they enjoyed one another's company.
After arriving in the secret hide-away which only the two of them knew about, Ralph hopped off the back of Vanellope's cart and began to stretch and crack his back. He turned toward his pint sized companion as she stepped out of the cart and looked up at him with an eager expression.
Ralph was the first to speak.
"Okay…so here's the deal short stack, if we're gonna win this thing, we gotta come up with something that'll really knock their socks off." Ralph explained, his expression taking on that serious tone that Vanellope found adorable. Ralph always took such frivolous things like this seriously, and it was a trait Vanellope found endearing.
"But Ralph, you don't even wear socks. You know, it's why your feet always smell so bad. You sure you want to fill the dance club with foot funk?" Vanellope giggled softly.
Ralph rolled his eyes and sighed before looking back at Vanellope again, gesticulating with his hands in her direction. "Ha…Ha… very funny kid, you know what I mean."
Vanellope hopped up and landed on Ralph's shoulder, sitting back against his head while folding her legs. "Of course I know what you mean meat head… I'm just teasing you."
Ralph gave a soft smile at that, letting her know there were no heard feelings as Vanellope went on excitedly and with purpose.
"But okay, okay, so listen…I have a really good idea on how we can win this thing."
A look of curiosity came over Ralph's features as he turned his eyes toward the pleasant soft weight which was currently sitting on his shoulder. He had his own idea on what they should do, but now wanted to hear Vanellope's first.
"Oh really? Well do tell President Von Schweetz, what's your idea for scoring us the gold?"
Vanellope lept off of his shoulder, before running off to her nearby shortcake bed and rooting around at the nearby makeshift shelf. She grabbed a portable stereo rushing back with equal speed and plopping it down between the two of them.
"Alright Ralph, you really have to listen. This idea is gonna put us at the top!" She beamed happily before hitting the play button and stepping back. As she once more brought those wide beautiful eyes upon him.
Ralph had folded his arms, looking on patiently while he watched her prepare, getting lost in those eyes for a moment. Vanellope really did have beautiful eyes, he'd noticed it before of course, but lately it seemed-
His thoughts were interrupted as music began to play out from the stereo. Hungry Eyes, by Eric Carmen began to fill the little cave.
Ralph blinked several times before he responded in an alarmed tone. "You want us to do dirty dancing?!"
Vanellope began to leap up and down excitedly while nodding. "Yes! Yes! I can be Baby and you can be Patrick Swayze, cause no one puts me in the corner Ralph! No one! They'll never see it coming, we can Tango it up and knock them off their seats!"
It was a gamble, Vanellope knew it. Tangoing was romantic dancing, something that would mean she'd have to be close to Ralph. She wanted so much to show him she was more then what she appeared to be, and this was a chance to do so!
Ralph felt a sudden…flutter in his stomach as he looked down toward Vanellope. Tangoing, well yes it was a dance which required technical skill, and trust between the two dancers involved, something he and Vanellope both had. But there was also something about the prospect of doing such a dance with her that made Ralph feel, light headed.
Ralph cleared his throat, looking shy suddenly, one of his massive hands coming up behind his head. "I uh…I dunno about this one kid… I mean, how do you even know about Dirty Dancing in the first place?" He folded his arms once more as he turned and brought his quizzical gaze back down upon her.
"Every Girl loves the movie Dirty Dancing…Doi!" Vanellope answered back in a matter of fact tone.
While the statement wasn't 100% correct, Ralph knew enough it was generally true. Still there was another reason beyond just his discomfort he knew this wasn't the best idea. "Alright, that may be the case, but here's the thing. I got it on good word that's exactly the same dance Tamora and Felix are gonna be doing."
Vanellope looked crushed for a moment, her dreams dashed, as she put her hands into her hoodie and gave a large shrug and sigh. "Well okay then smarty pants, what do you suggest we do?" There was no getting around it, if Felix and Tamora were going to dance to that song, then it made no sense for her and Ralph to as well. She only hoped Ralph's choice would give her a chance to pretend, at least for awhile the two of them were more then they appeared.
Ralph didn't say a word. Instead he reached into his overalls and came out with a battered cassette tape. He walked over to the Stereo and popped it in, rewinding a bit, before hitting play. Vanellope rolled her eyes and laughed "Still livin in 1981 huh Ralph?"
"Hey, give me a break. I didn't have a whole lot before last year yaknow." He responded annoyed, before continuing. "Now shush, the music is gonna start"
Vanellope rolled her eyes once more but returned his look with a smile, keeping her hands stuffed into her pockets for the moment. Soon enough the sounds of brass horns, and piano began to filter out over the stereo. It was music from a time long ago, big band swing but nowhere near as fast a tempo as Vanellope thought it should be. Soon enough she was looking up toward Ralph, one eyebrow raised in question. "Ralph, what is this? It sounds old, and I mean I know your old and all, but still…"
Ralph sighed as he answered her. "It's swing time… Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.. I'm gonna be Fred Astaire and you're gonna be Ginger Rogers.., it'll be fun and classy"
"Because you're the pinnacle of class huh garbage boy?" Vanellope snapped back, that smart smirk on her lips again.
Ralph groaned and slapped his hand over his eyes, dragging it down his features before he looked back at her. "Listen kid, Felix and Calhoun are gonna be doing the Dirty Dancing thing, everyone else? They'll probably be dancing to some of that J-pop, techno dubstep nightmare stuff that DDR usually plays… we're gonna be different with this, and it's what will pull us ahead… besides, the dancing will be fun, you just have to give it a chance."
Vanellope still looked skeptical, she was also upset Felix and Tamora had stolen her idea on how to get closer to Ralph (well okay, they hadn't really stolen it, but still!), but she trusted Ralph knew what he was talking about. "Well, alright, if you say so big guy, I'll give it a shot."
Ralph smiled as he reached down and scooped her up in his arms, giving her a tight squeeze. Vanellope felt butterflies flutter in her stomach, and a flush creep over her features, as she eagerly returned the hug. "Thanks kid, you're the best, ya know that?" Ralph whispered to her.
Vanellope was always flustered when Ralph was like this. It was moments like these she wished could go on forever. When she found her voice, it was softened while she responded. All while trying desperately to keep her cool. "Yeah, Yeah, I know. Let's get started."
Soon enough, Ralph had put her down, but kept hold of one of her hands. He twisted her in a sudden pirouette, as he began to show her the classic moves for the music which was playing. "Alright brat, I know you can keep up with me! Let's have some fun!"
Maybe this old music wouldn't be so bad after all….