Nails and Polish

Felix knew his wife was as far from a girly girl as the sun was from the Earth. She only wore a dress if they were going out to a fancy restaurant. If it were her decision, she'd probably wear combat boots with said dress, which would be fine with Felix. He loved her uniqueness, and to be honest, he thought her beautiful even if she was covered from head to toe in sludge.

The closest to make up she wore was eyeliner and a bit of foundation. Felix secretly wished she'd skip the foundation. Her freckles were so darn cute and he delighted in counting them on the mornings when they could just lounge in bed, oblivious to the sun rising.

So, it was a surprise one day when Felix came home early to catch Tamora painting her toe nails.

Vanellope wore nail polish sometimes, when she was in the mood. The colors were usually bright and glittery, reflecting the girl's personality. One time when she and Felix were home alone, she somehow wrangled him into her painting his nails (how could he say no to her puppy eyes). She'd picked the color: a glittery Carolina blue to match his work shirt, of course. Tamora couldn't stop laughing the rest of the night after she saw the impromptu manicure, much to Felix's embarrassment. He was thankful he always wore gloves at work.

Tamora was sitting on the couch, foot propped up on the coffee table. Felix halted, and quietly watched her slowly and meticulously swiping the tiny brush over each nail, coloring her toes shiny true blue sheen.

A contented smile crossed Felix's face and he had the urge to capture the moment. Carefully, he slipped the cell phone off his belt, muted it, and snapped a picture of his lovely wife. He knew she'd give him the stare down if she caught him, and he was exactly right when Tamora's narrowed gaze suddenly met his eyes.

Felix's cheeks shone brightly as he hurried to hide the phone behind his back.

"Fix-it," Tamora began, voice sharp as a knife, "Don't you dare share that snapshot with anyone."

Felix saluted. "Yes, ma'am. It is safe in my phone; for my eyes only."

She glared at him for a good, long moment then growled, "It better stay that way."

Felix strolled over to her, taking a seat on the coffee table next to her propped foot. "What inspired you to paint your toes?" He tickled the bottom of her foot a little, making Tamora squirm.

"I used to wear it when I was a teenager," Tamora replied, shrugging. "Just felt like doing something different."

Felix stared admiringly at her shiny blue toenails. "Well, it's as pretty as a clear summer sky, Tammy." The compliment earned an eye roll from the receiver. "If you don't mind me askin', why this color?"

She paused to answer as a rare pretty shade of pink crept onto her cheeks. "It reminds me of you."

Felix beamed. "Awwww…Tammy Jean."

"Don't."

Felix laughed, gesturing to the unfinished foot that Tamora was working on when he was caught watching her. "May I?"

Tamora lounged back against the couch cushions. "Whatever steams your train, short stack." With a grin, Felix nabbed the bottle of nail polish and getting to work.