At The Palace
Usually, if a racer was injured, Ripplelina would call for one of her servants to sort them out. But the fact she was so insistent on getting Gloyd undressed, and the fact she thought he was adorable and the fact that her face shone when she said that was a whole new story. It made her want to help this particular racer. Perhaps it was her motherly instinct kicking in since she was pregnant? Gloyd popped some of the bubbles in the bath. It was a whole new take on him. Not to mention these whole new feelings he felt for an upgraded adult racer, let alone a Ruler. He breathed out and leaned back in the warm bubble bath, trying to forget all of what had just happened. The temperature of the water was just right, and the candy scent from the bubble bath was delicious. The candy corn themed racer had never felt so relaxed before! He closed his eyes and relaxed his body as if he was sunbathing. "So this is what it feels like to royal!" he exclaimed, smiling happily. Ripplelina shook her head as she sat nearby, making ripple patterns in the water with her finger. "Sometimes, being a Ruler isn't as relaxing as you think it is Gloyd." she said, sighing deeply, staring at the water. Gloyd straightened up, looking at Ripplelina, who was still staring at the water. "Oh, it's not?" he asked, confused. How can living in a royal luxurious castle NOT be relaxing. Ripplelina sighed and stood up and slowly began pacing around. "Think about it. You have to follow Rules, Royal Protocol, attend meetings, help run events, keep Sugar Rush running, fight battles...plus I'm pregnant! So it's extra stressful for me." She stared at the water sadly. "I rarely get time to relax at all, and I've been showing less and less love to all my fellow racers since I have been seeing you and the others less and less, but I guess being pregnant has its benefits of getting plenty of rest, as ordered by Dr Gourmet. And...seeing less of my husband. Ever since he took over my jobs, I only see him in the morning and at night. Sometimes I end up falling asleep even before he gets home, or sleep in so by the time I wake up, he's already left." She said sadly, her heart sinking. Gloyd felt sorry for the Queen as her sadness caused her to glitch. Then it suddenly hit him. No wonder why she was acting more different than usual! Because she's at home resting most days, she rarely gets to see any of the racers and express her love to them as if they were her own kids! So it's no wonder she expressed so much affection to him specifically! He blushed at the thought. All this time...she did it because she was lonely and wanted to give that love to someone. And Gloyd was the only one that came to visit her to keep her company in the first place! He looked up as she began to hum a tune. Gloyd stared at her, his cheeks beginning to heat up. Even her humming was beautiful, almost as beautiful as the first time he heard her voice earlier in the garden! He swam towards Ripplelina and leaned against the edge of the bath, gazing at her, love hearts floating around his head as she continued.
After a few minutes, Ripplelina stopped humming and looked up. "I'll leave you to it Gloyd, I have some things to take care of. If you need anything, just call for Mia ok?" The candy corn themed racer suddenly broke out of his love stare and looked up at her worriedly. "Y-you're leaving already?" he asked anxiously. Ripplelina smiled at him. "I'll just be down the hall in my bedroom Gloyd, no need to worry about me not being here." Gloyd shrunk back and whispered. "But...I do..." He covered his mouth, but Ripplelina had already heard. She looked at him with a big smile, glitching lightly. "Oh Gloyd!" she exclaimed, and leaned forward, kissing him on the cheek! He blinked, dazed. What had just happened? All he knew was that Ripplelina was so close that his heart was pounding to the point it hurt his chest and he felt something sweet and soft touch his cheek. He just nodded and watched her until she left the room and shut the doors. Once she had gone, Gloyd gently reached up and touched the cheek she had kissed. He sighed happily, small pink hearts popping around his head as he whispered to himself, "I'm never washing this cheek again." He then got out of the bath and took a towel from a nearby candy chair. He dried himself and tied the towel around his waist before striking a pose in the mirror. "Looking good there Orangeboar" he said, grinning hugely. He then turned to put his clothes on. He looked around. Wait, where were his clothes? Then he remembered. "Oh sugar! I don't have any clean clothes! Now what am I supposed to do?" He remembered Ripplelina took them on her way out of the bathroom, probably to be cleaned, and no way could he leave without anything to wear! And no way could he tell Mia about his need for clean clothes because of what happened earlier. He sighed and leaned against the edge of the bath. Then again, he had no choice. He had to see Ripplelina. She would know what to do. He breathed out nervously and, with just wearing a towel and having a limp, left the bathroom to find Ripplelina.
Meanwhile, in the Royal Bedroom, the Queen was sitting at the desk, writing. Her friend Mia was just looking over her shoulder. She always found it fascinating how Ripplelina could write from right to left instead of left to right. She looked down at her friend's swollen stomach. "So?" Ripplelina stopped writing and looked up "So what?" Mia smiled. "The baby's name. I mean, you have yet to find out whether it's a boy or a girl yet, so it's best to get a head start before you and Daimian find out the gender of your baby." Ripplelina tilted her head to one side, deep in thought. After some time, she shook her head. "No, when the time comes, I'll have the perfect name." She then resumed to her writing. "Besides, it has to be a name both me and Daimian can agree on, so I have to get his intake on it." Mia smiled and nodded. "Whatever you say Ripplelina. But shouldn't you be resting like the doctor ordered?" Ripplelina sighed. "I'm only two months pregnant Mia, I should be able to do a little work rather than rest all day. You know being on my feet has always been my thing. I can't stand NOT doing anything." Mia nodded. She remembered when they were kids, Ripplelina herself was the one that was full of energy, spunk and feistiness on the Track. Sometimes her mother, the Queen, would try to get her daughter to be a bit more sensible as her status was a Princess, but Ripplelina wanted to be herself, the REAL her. And the real her was definitely not sensible! She loved her parents, but didn't want to be ordered on how she should act or behave JUST because she was born of royal code. She wanted to live freely however she wanted like all her racer friends. They got to live however they wanted, why shouldn't she? Then her mother would remind her that she would one day become Ruler of all of Sugar Rush, so she was preparing her for that time, should it come soon. Ripplelina would understand that, and, for the time being, would even have lessons with her mother on how to be a Ruler. King Candy would say that Ripplelina didn't need lessons, and that she was already smart and beautiful enough to rule a Kingdom, while his wife would say their daughter needed the lessons to pass onto future generations of the Von Schweetz family. Ripplelina wouldn't be too happy to hear that. I mean, she barely had a boyfriend yet, and already her mother would be talking about Ripplelina having children in the future! It was kind of embarrassing, especially if she'd make a point about it in front of the racers! Ripplelina touched her baby belly. When she first fell in love, she promised that if she'd ever have a child, she would never mention about them having any future children. There wouldn't be any need to! Sure she would give them lessons to prepare him or her when they'd become King or Queen one day, but she'd also want them to live the life THEY wanted, young and free-spirited.
Mia looked on as Ripplelina was deep in thought, clearly remembering her childhood. "You don't need to worry Ripplelina. You'll have a beautiful child, and he or she will be raised the way YOU want to raise him or her." Ripplelina smiled. "Thanks Mia. I am excited to have a baby, just there's so much to prepare. Heck, I don't even know whether it'll be a boy or a girl!" Mia shook her head. "Don't stress yourself out, the only one who should be stressed is your husband, since he has taken over YOUR royal duties." Ripplelina smiled. "Yes, he's so sweet, taking over all my responsibilities so I have a stress free pregnancy." They then both turned their heads as they heard someone knocking on the bedroom door. Mia went to answer it, and was surprised to see Gloyd standing there in just a towel! "G-Gloyd!" Mia exclaimed. She glanced over at Ripplelina, who thankfully, had her back turned so she hadn't even noticed who came through. She shoved Gloyd back and quickly shut the doors behind her. Ripplelina looked up, and raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Mmmm" she muttered before resuming her writing.
"Gloyd! What in the name of Sugar Rush are you doing without any clothes on?" Mia demanded as they stood in the hallway. Gloyd gripped the towel that was covering himself, his face almost red. "Umm..." He couldn't tell her he needed to speak to Ripplelina and ONLY Ripplelina. Mia stared at him. "You can't enter the Queen's bedroom looking like that! Where are your clothes?" Gloyd's mind kept racing. Should he tell her? What choice did he have? Mia was not going to let him speak to Ripplelina looking like this. He took a deep breath "Ok...ok. The reason why I'm not wearing my clothes is because –" "Is because I have them right here" a voice interrupted. Gloyd and Mia turned round, and saw Ripplelina standing there, a bundle of clothes in her hand, a calm smile on her face. Mia was taken aback by her sudden appearance. "Sugar cubes Ripple! I HATE it whenever you do that!" Ripplelina just smiled "Sorry Mia, it's a habit" she then walked over to Gloyd and handed him the clean clothes. Gloyd shakily took them "Th-thank you" he said, his voice almost a whisper. He then saw Ripplelina make a hand gesture behind her back, indicating for him to go and get dressed in her bedroom. He nodded gratefully before hurrying into her bedroom to get dressed. Mia just stared after him as she shut the doors. "Ok Ripplelina, what was THAT all about?" The Queen of Sugar Rush just smiled. "I'm just helping a friend out." Mia looks at her blankly "Okay..." she said uncertainly. "By the way, here is some first aid you asked for." Mia hands her friend the bandages. Ripplelina smiles. "Thank you Mia."
Gloyd was sitting on the bed and was pulling a clean T-shirt on. He then quickly looked up and gasped as he saw Ripplelina walk in. He hurriedly covered his naked legs with the towel. His heart was thudding rapidly as she walked over to him. "Are you still hurt Gloyd?" she asked gently. Gloyd shook his head. Even though the sugar crystals helped with cleaning his knee, he still felt some mild pain. The Queen smiled and got down on her knees in front of him. She noticed the racer's orange cheeks were turning red. She laughed fondly. "There's no need to be shy Gloyd, it's only me and you in the room" Gloyd gazed at her. 'I wish it would stay that way...' he thought. He suddenly shook his head. Where did THAT come from? Ripplelina gently pulled the towel away. "Oh, it doesn't look as bad as before, but I better wrap it up, just in case." She pulled out the bandage roll, gently took hold of his leg, and began wrapping up his injured knee. Gloyd watched her silently, his face soft, his eyes glittering, his orange cheeks burning. "You're...touching me..." he accidentally said out loud. Ripplelina looked up, startled "Say what now?" Gloyd suddenly realized what he said and quickly shook his head. "N-nothing! Nothing at all!" Ripplelina nodded and continued bandaging the candy corn racer's knee. After she had finished, she smiled up at him. "Ok, all done!" Gloyd looked down and noticed the thick white bandage on his knee. "Th-thank you..." he whispered. As he looked into her eyes, he could see so much life in those hazel orbs. And yet, despite the life they had, he could tell she was sad and lonely. He couldn't stand seeing her look so sad! Ignoring the pain, he got down from the bed and hugged the Queen tightly. Her eyes widened in surprise, but then she smiled and hugged him back. Gloyd breathed in her sweet raspberry scent. It was heavenly. He even managed to touch her hair as he hugged her, silky soft black waves stroking his hand. He trembled at the feeling. She was just perfect! His attraction to her increased and began turning to excitement, his heart thudding even faster, almost making him breathless. Was this love? Only love can make you this breathless! He then heard Ripplelina say in a soft tone, "What's this for?" Gloyd clung to her, and began to say things without thinking. "Because you need it. You are so lonely." Ripplelina smiled softly and nodded, then her eyes widened. "I understand Gloyd, but..." "Plus, you work so hard for all of Sugar Rush! And you deserve all the respect in the world!" Ripplelina smiled wearily, her eyes still wide. "That's very sweet of you Gloyd, but..." "AND you are the greatest Ruler we've ever had! You are kind, beautiful, and...and...and you have a great voice! And, uh..." He began stumbling over his lines as his excitement grew, trying to find many great traits to say about the Ruler herself. "GLOYD" He stopped when he heard a short sharp voice. He looked at Ripplelina, realising it was her who spoke in that tone. "I'm glad you're trying to say many wonderful things about me. And that is so sweet coming from such a cute racer such as yourself. But..." She leaned foward and whispered in his ear, "...can you put your pants on?" Gloyd blinked at her and looked down. Surely he had his...Liquorice sticks! He forgot to put his pants on! It would explain why he was just wearing his T-shirt and his underwear. And, even though he hadn't hit sweetery yet, his emotions took over as he hugged her and he just felt so excited to be with her. That was the worst. He quickly covered his area, smiling goofily at the Queen, his cheeks burnt orange, hoping she hadn't noticed. "S-sorry!" he exclaimed. She just smiled at him as she got up. "It's no problem Gloyd, just thought I'd let you know." She then calmly walked back to her desk and continued writing, as if nothing had happened! Gloyd breathed out a sigh of relief and calmed himself down before he went to pull his fresh pair of his pants on. Now, he might've been imagining it, but he SWORE he heard Ripplelina whispering to herself. "He's so cute!
After he pulled his pants on, which took a while considering the bandage, and just he kept his eyes darting around the bedroom. He could've asked the Queen herself for help, but felt he made too much of a goof of himself already. He looked round as he saw Ripplelina writing on a scroll, humming a tune to herself. Now that made him curious. Sometimes, if there was a special event and she'd summon the racers if she required their assistance, she'd sometimes be holding a scroll or even writing on one. Apart from racing, writing seemed to be her other passion. Surely it was boring? But then again, why was she into it like racing? Perhaps he should ask her? Well, he was in the same room as her...and he was so close he could practically taste that sweet raspberry scent emitting from her... 'Ok! You're getting ahead of yourself there Orangeboar! Just play it cool!' He thought vigorously. All he had to do was ask her what she was doing right? Should be easy...and yet...he was suddenly so nervous to even talk to her! He took a deep breath. Be a man! "What are you doing Your Majesty?" he blurted out. He held his breath. He saw her stop writing and heard her sigh "Gloyd, I told you, Ripplelina is fine." Gloyd shrunk back a little. He then felt a bit worried. Was she annoyed at him all of a sudden? Perhaps, considering that she preferred for the racers to call her by her actual name instead of her Sugar Rush Title. He swallowed, "What are you doing, Ripplelina?" The Queen then turned her head. "I'm just finishing something important" Gloyd, still intrigued, slowly slid off the bed and managed to limp over to her. "Can I see?" Ripplelina continued writing. After a few moments of silence, without turning around, she said. "Orangeboar, you should be resting." The candy corn themed racer just didn't seem to care. Just looking at her seemed to make him forget about the pain in his knee. He suddenly got the urge and grabbed her, hugging her from behind, his arms wrapped around her waist, his head resting against her back as he stood up on his toes. Ripplelina's eyes widened in shock as she felt a pair of arms wrap around her. She turned round. "Gloyd! What are you–" Gloyd clung to her. He just couldn't let go of her, he just couldn't! "You're so lonely! Please, just let me hug you!" he begged. After getting over the initial shock, Ripplelina's face softened. She stroked the racer's brown hair lovingly. How could she refuse such a sweet boy? Gloyd's eyes then widened as he felt himself being gently picked up. He looked up to see who it was. It was Ripplelina. She smiled as she sat him on her lap. "Thank you Gloyd. That is very sweet of you." Gloyd blushed as he felt her hand push against his stomach until he was resting against her chest. He could feel her heart beating, and it made him smile and relax. He felt more at ease now that he was EVEN closer to the Queen of Sugar Rush. 'I guess having that fall was worth it!' he thought, secretly thrilled as he gazed up at her, his eyes shining.
Oh no...Gloyd's sweetery has come too early! I think he may have to revaluate things about how much he can say and do. Even boys get carried away when it comes to having crushes, just as much as girls! But it is sweet that his love for her has grown in just a short period of timen! What do you think will happen next? Be sure to favourite and leave a review!
Sweetery - Sugar Rush version for puberty!