Chapter 4-Sprouting Feelings

Ralph went to Game Central Station and went to Cassandra who was standing in the courtyard. He was holding flowers that he took from Felix's garden. Cassandra was smiling when she saw Ralph come over.

"Ralph, how cliché and predictable, yet charming of you to bring flowers to me." Cassandra responded.

"Well, I didn't know what to do in this situation, but I was told that I should bring these." Ralph responded back.

"You try hard, but strangely, it pleases me." Cassandra commented as she took the flowers from Ralph's hand and sniffed them "And you're lucky because these are my favourite. I wanted to take you to my game, so let's go."

As Ralph and Cassandra were walking through Game Central Station, Ralph had been feeling nervous and noticed some faces acting strangely.

"It's strange." Ralph commented "It's like everyone's staring at us."

"Well, I never notice anyone who looks at me, and I don't think you should either." Cassandra answered.

Ralph and Cassandra had entered the game Clashing Spirits together. Ralph was amazed at the finely crafted scenery. They continued walking through the game being too nervous to talk to each other, but they finally broke the silence when they reached the temple. When they were at the entrance, Cassandra took off her shoes and socks.

"What are you doing that for?" Ralph asked.

"After the game hours, they don't allow footwear in the temple." Cassandra answered, right before she looked down at Ralph's feet "You're good, though. I've never noticed that you never wear anything on your feet."

"That's just how I roll and I'm good on my feet." Ralph responded "It gives a connection between me and the ground that surrounds me."

"Are you serious about that last part?" Cassandra asked giddily.

"No, and I don't know anyone that does." Ralph answered.

"Actually, there are some people around here who are like that. They walk barefoot because they said its a clever way to connect to the ground below." Cassandra commented "But I don't want to lead into a discussion on feet."

Ralph and Cassandra went inside the temple and begun to walk around. Ralph had noticed that inside they kept records of the game.

"So, where are you listed on these rosters?" Ralph asked.

"I'm only a new addition. I've been working hard to achieve the fastest fight time, most consecutive wins, all that kind of stuff." Cassandra explained.

"You know, Vanellope has ambitions like that in her own game." Ralph commented "She says she wants to be the best racer in the whole game."

"What's it like being friends with Vanellope?" Cassandra asked.

"It's really great, it's like we're each other." Ralph answered "We're clever, humourous, and mischievous."

"I agree with you on that one." Cassandra commented before chuckling.

Ralph and Cassandra end up walking towards a table where they sat down on opposite sides. They were both about to be served noodles which were being handed to them. Later into the dinner, they started talking and laughing. Ralph was in the middle of talking about his former events.

"So, I end up on the race track all covered in green slime." Ralph explained.

"Are you serious?" Cassandra asked after laughing.

"Yes, it was like I was portraying 'the Incredible Hulk' and the next thing I knew I'm inside a donut." Ralph continued explaining.

"Wait, did you end up rolling around everywhere?" Cassandra interrupted.

"I was like in a chase, but the next thing I knew I was trapped on the ground being beat up by the candy police." Ralph explained even further.

Cassandra had then started to laugh at a certain point where she had told Ralph to stop. She drank from her cup of tea before continuing the conversation.

"Wow, much chaos ensues in your life." Cassandra commented.

"Yes, it's like my life is a movie." Ralph commented back.

"Why can't I live like you Ralph?" Cassandra suggested "You've basically travelled out to every game in this arcade. You've basically redefined yourself as a villain. You know your logic follows by the yin and yang concept. In your game, you and Felix are two halves of the same whole, which flow peacefully together to ensure a working serenity."

"Well, you don't know what it's like to be to me." Ralph explained "But I can see that I have been a great influence to all of the bad guys out there."

"There are villains in my game, but they are commented favourably because they always look so awesome." Cassandra explained "People always want to play them and they are always designed to be either big and hulking or suave and debonair. However, it's hard being a girl in this game, even though I've been made to look all beautiful and all. Most of the players here are boys, so they always look down on me. They don't realize that I'm strong, sturdy, and not to mention cunning. Can you tell me that you'll one day take me to these games you've jumped repeatedly through?"

"I can definitely take you there, I mean, if you're up for that kind of thrill." Ralph agreed.

"Of course I am. Don't be silly." Cassandra commented.

After they had dinner, Ralph and Cassandra walked back to Game Central Station. It was later in the night when it was less crowded. However, from a high vantage point, Vanellope and Taffyta were spying on them using binoculars to see what they were doing.

"So, when can I see you again?" Cassandra asked.

"I don't know, but maybe you should come visit me at my game if you are interested." Ralph suggested "But I'd have to talk to Felix first. He's like the main man in charge."

"I'd love that." Cassandra commented.

"You know, I don't want to say goodbye to you right now." Ralph explained.

"Then don't." Cassandra replied "We already know that we're going to meet again soon."

Vanellope and Taffyta were still nearby spying on Ralph and Cassandra through the balcony with their binoculars. They were fighting over their space.

"I can't see a thing." Taffyta invoked "Move over."

"Hey, I called this spot from the minute we walked out here." Vanellope invoked back.

Ralph and Cassandra had moved their heads closer to each other. However, Vanellope and Taffyta were still fighting up to the point where they fell down, but landed safely because they weren't that high up. It made noise up to the point where Ralph and Cassandra ceased movement.

"What was that?" Cassandra asked.

"No idea, but I don't know why anyone would be making noise like that." Ralph answered "But I'm kind of surprised that—"

Before Ralph could complete his sentence, Cassandra went up to him and kissed him on the lips. Ralph was speechless due to the fact that he was being kissed for the first time.

"See you tomorrow, Ralph." Cassandra said as she walked away.

Ralph was still silent up to the point after Cassandra went back to her game. Ralph was walking to his game, but then stopped to break his silence.

"Vanellope, I know you're out here spying on me." Ralph shouted.

Vanellope had ended up coming out of hiding before Ralph, whilst Taffyta ended up running back to Sugar Rush.

"Ralph, my main man, how did your date with Cassandra go?" Vanellope asked.

"Maybe I should ask you." Ralph replied in a disappointing tone "Vanellope, you're great and all but I don't want you to spy on me, especially when I'm with Cassandra."

"Wow, you're really headstrong about her." Vanellope commented "But come on, why do you have to be so harsh?"

"Listen, you're a little kid and I don't want you to invade my romance life." Ralph explained.

"Ralph, I may be young, but I'm not just some kid, I'm your friend." Vanellope explained back in a harsh tone "I just want you to be honest with me and I'll be honest with you. By the way, I saw you being kissed for the first time. Congratulations, Ralph, you are now a man."

Vanellope had started chuckling which made Ralph make fake laughs.

"Alright, I'm going to walk you home." Said Ralph "Is that okay with you?"

"Okay." Vanellope agreed "By the way, what was it like kissing Cassandra?"

"Magnificent!" Ralph answered excitedly.