Things You Didn't Say at All

The escape pod touched down onto the empty station floor. Ralph disembarked thanking Sergeant Calhoun for her help to save Sugar Rush. Before Felix could hop out, Calhoun cleared her throat and said, "You're an all right soldier, Fix-It." But what she really wished to say was, You impressed me with your bravery to stick by my side even when facing certain death.

Felix beamed up at her. "Thank you, ma'am. Just doing my job." You were amazing out there.

The corner of her lip smirked up. You didn't have to stay. You could have left at any time. I'm willing to die for my duty, but you didn't have to if you chose not to. "Same here."

"I'll see you around?" When can I see you again?

Calhoun nodded. "I'll be around." When can I see you again?"

Felix smiled. "Great!" Wish I could kiss you again. "Well, goodbye, ma'am."

This isn't goodbye. It can't be goodbye. Not when I just found you. Before he could hop out of the escape pod, Calhoun spun him around and laid a furious kiss on him. She pulled away as abruptly as she initiated, grinning like a cat. "Around." I'll find you, Fix-It.


Things You Said When You Thought I was Asleep

There were some things Tamora didn't want to admit when her boyfriend was awake. Like the fact that she thought him so adorable that it made her insides squishy and warm and she wanted to grin like an idiot just thinking about his cuteness. Marine sergeants didn't have time to act like lovestruck fools!

The only chance Tamora had to admit these secrets was when Felix was asleep.

On nights she'd stay at his apartment, she'd wait until he was sound asleep and just stare at his peaceful form. She had to admit that it was an odd habit, a bit on the stalkery side, but it was the only opportunity for her to just enjoy looking at him without judgement. He was the wildcard in her life; the unexpected second chance to love again.

The first few times she did this, Tamora just watched him. The way his tiny chest rose and fell was a stark contrast to the barreled chested men she fought alongside, but Felix's compact form was absolutely enduring.

He'd often sigh in his sleep and snuggle further into his pillow. Tamora would smile and long to cuddle up next to him. But she never did. Maybe it was because their relationship was fairly new and in that awkward, unsure phase. Or maybe she didn't want to disturb his peace and continue to watch her favorite late night handyman channel.

One night, she gave into her itchy fingers and gently combed her slender digits through his mop of neat brown hair. Another night, she chanced tracing a lite line along his jawline with her fingertip.

Her explorations continued every time she'd stay over. A hand resting on his knee, a feathery kiss to the forehead, a boop on the nose. Tamora was thoroughly enjoying her "Felix" time, all unbeknownst to the one she was playing with.

One night, she leaned over him when his back was to her and whispered in his ear something they had yet to confess to each other, "I think I'm in love with you, Fix-It."

What Tamora didn't see that night was the content smile that crossed the handyman's face as he enjoyed her secret routine of thinking he was asleep.


Things You Said When You Were Scared

Tamora stared into the mirror at the image she thought had died alongside Brad on their wedding day. The gorgeous white dress, the triangular incrusted veil, the fingerless lace gloves. Every piece of her former self was present and it scared the living daylights out of her.

"Ready, Sarge?" a young voice asked and Tamora caught sight of Vanellope beside her in the reflection.

"I don't know," she answered, trying desperately to keep a tremble from her voice. She felt the blood draining from her face and her heartbeat quickening at rapid speed; a panic attack was rearing its ugly head at her doorstep. "I need to talk to Felix."

Vanellope scrunched her nose. "Isn't it bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding?"

"I just need to talk to him!" she snapped. Vanellope looked up at her wide-eyed and concerned. Tamora counted to 5 as she breathed in and added more calmly, "Please Van, can you go find Fix-It for me?"

The little girl saluted then scurried off as best she could in her impractical princess dress. A couple minutes later a frantic knock echoed from the door.

"Tamora?" she heard Felix call. "You needed me, darlin'?"

She walked over to the door. "I'm having an attack," she replied simply. He'd know what she meant. They'd racked up hours of discussion about her PTSD, and Felix always tried his darnedest to help keep her calm when a panic attack was on the verge.

"Are you keeping you're breathing regulated?" he asked immediately.

Tamora exhaled. "Trying to."

"Good, hon. Keep breathing." She could hear the scratch of Felix's gloves on the wooden door. He probably wanted to break down the barrier to get to her, but she hadn't given him permission and Fix-It always respected her wishes, even the unspoken ones.

"The other day when Ralph and I were working our house," the It-boys had spent nearly a week building hers and Felix's new house in East Niceland, "he used my hammer and accidentally flung it over the apartment building." He chuckled lightly, the sound comforting her just a tad. "It nearly hit Gene."

Tamora focused on Felix's soothing voice as he talked for a few more minutes about the goings and comings of the past week. She kept breathing finally feeling her heartrate slow and the intense pressure on her chest subside.

"Tammy Jean?"

"I'm here, Felix," she replied softly, pressing her whole right side against the door, wishing to be closer to him. "I'm ready."

A relieved sigh came from the other side of the door. "I love you, Tammy. Can't wait to see my beautiful bride."

"Love you, Fix-It." As long as her little handyman was there to focus on, she'd make it through this and happily walk down the aisle towards the rest of her life with him.