Chapter 36 – Not Reality, Actuality (Part 1)
Josh's Apartment…
Josh's Room…
Josh and Elizabeth get dressed. They pick up their clothes lying down on the floor. Josh gets some new threads from his drawers and closet. Elizabeth puts on hers wiping them down making them look perfect and not messy. Josh turns his head and looks at the other side of the room where Elizabeth is getting dressed. Elizabeth slides on her skirt and buttons the buttons in. Josh just watches, just staring at her. Elizabeth brushes some of her hair back to make her ponytail. She slightly turns and sees Josh is staring at her. Elizabeth blushes a bit, nervously looking around.
"Um', clears throat, 'Josh?"
Josh blinks still starring.
"Yeah?"
Elizabeth brushes some of her hair back behind her ear.
"You're starring funny at me."
"I know." Josh says grinning
Elizabeth gets more embarrassed.
"Josh." Elizabeth says straight forward
"What?" Josh asks smiling
"You're embarrassing me…" Elizabeth says covering her face
Josh fake gasps and walks on over to Elizabeth with no shirt on.
"Am I embarrassing you?" Josh asks getting closer to Elizabeth
Elizabeth steps back, keeping very close to herself.
"Yes. Yes you are Josh."
"I see.', sees something, 'If I'm 'embarrassing' you…why are you smiling huh?"
Elizabeth hides her face and keeps the fact that she's smiling hidden.
"You're smiling."
"No I'm not." Elizabeth denies covering her face
"Then let me see your face."
"No."
Josh starts toying with her more by touching her around her stomach and waist to make her drop her hands.
"Let me see your face."
"No Josh."
"Let me see your beautiful face Elizabeth."
"No Josh."
"All right fine…you asked for it."
Josh starts tickling Elizabeth and she dances around trying to stop Josh.
"Stop it Josh! I'm not enjoying this!"
"I am."
"Of course you are!"
"Show me your face."
"NO!"
"Bringing out the big guns."
Josh snaps his fingers and a small spark shoots out like a zapper. He plans on giving Elizabeth a small 'shock' to loosen her up.
"This will loosen you up."
"Josh!"
Josh quickly zaps Elizabeth quickly throwing his fingers at her around her body. Elizabeth yelps and screams as Josh chases her around his room.
"You enjoying yourself?!" Elizabeth yells running around
"Very much yes!"
"Josh, stop!"
Josh jumps in the air and lands right in front of Elizabeth. Elizabeth crashes right into Josh. She quickly tries to get away but Josh wraps his arms around her and holds her tight.
"Got ya."
Elizabeth struggles to break free of Josh's grasp. She keeps her hands on her face and tries to use her elbows to push Josh away. Josh just laughs and sees how Elizabeth is acting.
"You enjoying yourself?"
Elizabeth keeps her hands on her face.
"What do you think?"
"Show me your face."
Elizabeth whines.
"Noooooo…"
"Elizabeth." Josh says strictly
Elizabeth turns her head at Josh, still with her hands on her face. She slowly takes her hands off her face. Josh smiles seeing he's getting what he wants.
"That's it…almost there…"
Just as Elizabeth is about to take her hands off, she throws her head fast at Josh.
"Whoa!"
Elizabeth glues her face to the side of Josh's so her face isn't seen. Josh turns his head and nods.
"Oh I see, you just wanted a hug."
Josh wraps his arms around Elizabeth and Elizabeth puts her arms around Josh's neck.
"Yeah, I really wanted a hug."
"Well I don't mind giving you one."
Josh pats the back of Elizabeth's back. Elizabeth sort of smiles feeling this strong sensation and the mood of everything should be.
"This is how things should be."
Josh shrugs.
"Got to have some excitement."
Elizabeth opens her eyes and looks like she's just think of something. She narrows her eyes hard and smiles funny. Elizabeth backs up and now the two look at each other.
"See? That wasn't so hard."
Elizabeth closes her eyes and puts her hands on Josh's face.
"You are so cruel some times."
"Sometimes, but you like it."
Elizabeth smiles and moves forward. Josh leans down and kisses Elizabeth. The two share another kiss together and pull away.
"I think something needs to be said." Elizabeth says
"What?"
Elizabeth sighs, looks down and looks back up.
"Everyone here doesn't need to know about…us right?"
Josh thinks for a moment looking down at Elizabeth. He turns his eyes one way for a second and looks back down at Elizabeth.
"It doesn't have to be public knowledge. Do you want everyone to know about us?"
Elizabeth shakes her head.
"No."
"Neither do I. Besides, I don't want to hear this from Plague…', Elizabeth sort of smiles, Josh rolls his eyes, 'I'll never hear the end of it."
"Will gradually tell everyone."
"That's fair."
"As long as we tell them about the engagement, I'm fine with it."
Josh nods.
"Yeah, will tell them about the engage…', Josh pauses and slowly turns back at Elizabeth, 'Sorry, engagement?"
Elizabeth nods.
"Yeah, the wedding."
Josh blinks rapidly. His eye twitches and his voice gets lost.
"Wed-Wed-Wedding?" Josh asks with a high pitch
Elizabeth nods.
"Yes. Isn't that what comes next?"
"Uhh…" Josh says speechlessly
"Can I have E.D.I. look up wedding dresses for me?"
"Elizabeth…" Josh says with a blank stare on his face
"Vanellope would love to be the ring girl."
"Elizabeth." Josh says harder
"Calhoun would be a good bridesmaid."
"Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth looks back at Josh and sees the horrified look on Josh.
"Yes?"
"Please tell me you're joking."
Elizabeth shakes her head like she can't believe Josh thinks this is all a joke.
"Josh…I can't believe you think I'm joking."
Josh looks around nervously and quickly gets out of Elizabeth's grasps.
"Ahh Elizabeth…"
Elizabeth starts following a now nervous walking Josh.
"What's the matter Josh?"
"The matter? What's the matter? I think you're getting a little, better yet, far ahead of yourself."
"But Josh, to my understanding, marriage comes next."
"After one night, are you kidding me?"
"My books remember?" Elizabeth says with a smug look on her face
Josh shakes his head rubbing his forehead.
"Your 'books'. Your 'books', your 'books', your frickin 'books'. Elizabeth, look now."
"When should the ceremony be?"
Josh looks back continuing to walk backwards away from Elizabeth. Elizabeth continues to follow Josh along in her bare feet.
"Elizabeth.', Josh says pointing, 'Now listen."
"I really want to know your honest opinion Josh."
"My honest opinion? You want my honest opinion?" Josh asks backing up into his Bedroom Door
Elizabeth stands in front of Josh waiting for her answer.
"Yes, I would gladly like to hear it."
Josh nods nervously.
"Oh good. Well, I'll give it to you.', Elizabeth crosses her arms, Josh wipes his lips, 'I think your nuts."
Elizabeth nods with a smirk on her face.
"Really."
Josh nods.
"Mmm-hmm.', puts two fingers close together showing, 'Yeah. A little bit."
Elizabeth nods with a smile still on her face.
"Hey Josh."
Josh gets nervous.
"Oh God, what now?"
"You…surprised?"
Josh shakes his head continuously.
"Hell yeah!"
Elizabeth starts laughing and Josh sees. She points at Josh.
"I got you."
Josh just looks completely lost.
"Wha-What?"
Elizabeth steps back and Josh just watches. She sits down on the edge of his bed sliding on her stockings.
"Yesterday you said that I will 'never' surprise you.', Josh remembers and slowly starts to look upset, Elizabeth shrugs, 'I guess the only way to surprise you is to show commitment of some sorts.', Josh narrows his eyes really hard and bites his lip, Elizabeth just smiles, shaking her head looking down sliding on her stockings, 'Either way, I got you."
Elizabeth slides on her right stocking and grabs her other one. Josh walks to Elizabeth as she gets her stocking on her foot. He stops in front of her and Elizabeth looks up casually.
"Need something Josh?"
Josh narrows his eyes even more and kneels down in front of Elizabeth. Elizabeth just stares seeing how odd Josh is acting.
"I hope you have a very good reason for kneeling like that."
Josh slowly reaches out and grabs Elizabeth. Elizabeth remains calm as Josh forces her close to him.
"Elizabeth…if you tell, ANYONE…about what just happened…"
"Or what?"
Josh smiles funny and pulls Elizabeth's head closer to his.
"It will me more pleasurable for me then it will for you."
Elizabeth slowly gulps and Josh moves back. Josh walks to his closet to put on a shirt. Elizabeth takes a deep breath and slides on her stocking. Josh puts on a shirt and looks back at Elizabeth. He watches her stare at her bandage that she uses to cover up her pinky.
"You're going to put that back on?"
Elizabeth looks at Josh and back down at the bandage.
"Yes."
"Oh."
"You don't want me to?"
Josh closes his closet door and walks back to Elizabeth stopping in front of her.
"I don't see the need."
Elizabeth looks at her pinky and back up at Josh.
"It just feels strange not having it covered up."
Josh nods.
"I see."
Josh looks off to the side of his junk pile and walks to it. He moves some stuff out of the way as Elizabeth just watches. Josh uncovers some metal sheeting, computer chips, wire cutters and finally a small sewing and needle box.
"Is it in here?"
"Josh?" Elizabeth asks trying to see
"Hold on one second Elizabeth."
Josh opens the box and finds a thimble inside.
"Here it is. This might work."
"Josh?"
Josh walks back to Elizabeth and stands in front of her.
"Give me your hand."
"Why?"
Josh pauses for a moment.
"Give me your hand."
Elizabeth slowly gives out her right hand and Josh puts the thimble in it.
"Try this instead."
Elizabeth looks down and stares at the thimble. She tilts her head at it and pops it on her pinky. A perfect fit.
"Wow…amazing. It fits perfectly."
"It may not be a ring but something close."
Elizabeth smiles and stands up in front of Josh.
"It's close, but it's perfect. Thank you."
Elizabeth hugs Josh and he returns it.
"You're welcome."
"Thank you again."
Josh and Elizabeth kiss and Josh moves back.
"Let's see how everyone else is doing."
Josh walks to his door and Elizabeth just watches.
"Do you think we should walk out together?', Josh looks back, 'We don't want everyone to judge."
Josh thinks for a moment and agrees to the idea.
"If you can get out of here without using this door, go right ahead."
Elizabeth nods walking away. Josh turns around facing his door.
"I can handle that."
Josh grabs the knob of his door and looks back.
"What was that?"
Josh looks back in his room and sees Elizabeth…just gone.
"Elizabeth?', Josh looks around, 'Elizabeth? The hell she go?"
Josh opens his door and goes out into his Apartment.
Josh's Apartment…
Living Room…
Josh walks out into the Living Room and sees everyone around the table eating breakfast.
"Morning everyone."
"Morning Josh." Vanellope says
"Hey." Ralph says
"Morning." Calhoun says
"Good morning Josh." Felix says
"Guys."
Josh walks around the table and up to the contour. He pours himself a cup of coffee and blows on it cooling it off really quickly. Suddenly Elizabeth walks out of the Rooms and says hello to everyone.
"Hello everyone." Elizabeth says waving
(All at once)
"Morning Elizabeth."
Josh turns and sees Elizabeth walking his way. Elizabeth walks past Josh.
"Morning Josh."
Josh turns his eyes only seeing where Elizabeth is going.
"Morning Elizabeth."
Elizabeth leans up over the contour cutting herself something to eat. Josh watches and looks back at everyone.
"So, how was your night guys? Since I didn't see anyone here last night, you all must have been out doing something."
Elizabeth pauses and looks at Josh. Josh peeks out at the corner of his eye and sees the look Elizabeth is giving him. He looks back at everyone. Some of them look back at Josh.
"Well?" Josh says taking a sip of his coffee
"Well, Tamora and I went to a lovely restaurant." Felix explains
Josh nods.
"A restaurant. Nice. Classy?"
"Wonderful." Felix answers
"Expensive?" Josh asks
"Nothing we couldn't afford." Calhoun says smiling at the end
"Couldn't afford huh?" Josh asks slowly looking at Elizabeth
Elizabeth turns the other way not making eye contact. Josh shakes his head and looks at Ralph and Vanellope.
"So what did you two do all night?"
"Go on, tell him kid." Ralph orders
Vanellope drops her fork and spoon.
"I went to this awesome go-kart arena. It was really sweet to see everyone behind me."
"Racing huh?"
"Yep! It was awesome!"
Josh looks down at his coffee.
"I should have guessed.', looks at Ralph, 'And what about you Ralph?', Ralph turns at Josh, 'I doubt you just stood there all night watching Vanellope drive around in circles."
"I will have you know Josh I did something productive with my time."
Josh nods looking at his coffee.
"Did it involve wrecking?" Josh asks with a funny look on his face
Ralph blinks for a moment and Josh waits for answer. Josh looks back at Ralph and sees him looking down at his plate.
"Will was for a good cause."
"What?" Josh asks with a lost look on his face
Vanellope looks at Josh.
"He wrecked cars at some place which was full of them. They were all crappy too."
Josh tilts his head and thinks about that.
"You wrecked…junk cars inside a junkyard which were going to be wrecked in the first place. What a way to spend your 'productive' time Ralph."
"Okay Mr. Big Shot. What did you do last night?"
Josh blinks and Elizabeth completely freezes. He stares down at his coffee and acts funny.
"What did I do last night? I'll tell ya Ralph. Your old enough to know.', Elizabeth swings her head quickly at Josh with a shocked look on her face, he walks over to Elizabeth, 'Last night I did something that I never expected.', everyone looks at Josh walking to Elizabeth, Elizabeth remains calm just staring down at her food, Josh stops near Elizabeth, 'Last night it cost me a lot but…', looks at Elizabeth, 'It was worth every penny."
Elizabeth blinks and turns at Josh. She stares at Josh seeing the funny smile on his face.
"Wouldn't you agree Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth narrows her eyes, turns her head with a smiling face at everyone.
"I wouldn't know Josh, ha, ha."
Suddenly Elizabeth digs her heel down into Josh's toe. Josh shows signs of pain and quickly jumps back.
"Okay! Well…', Elizabeth brushes her hair back and acts normal, Josh walks around Elizabeth and does something she isn't expecting, 'What I did last night guys is kind of private.', Josh grabs Elizabeth's butt and she jumps with a shocked look on her face, 'So please don't ask me what exactly I did." Josh says walking ahead
Josh walks away and looks back at Elizabeth. Elizabeth tilts her head narrowing her eyes funny at Josh. Josh just shrugs and looks back at everyone.
"Have any of you seen Plague?"
Suddenly Plague SWOOSHES in without everyone noticing.
"I'm right here." Plague says sitting down on top of the table
Everyone turns and looks at Plague stretching out her arms above her head.
"So what did you do last night Plague?" Josh asks
Plague turns her head back at Josh and looks back down in front of her.
"What the hell are you talking about?
"Everyone here last night, went out and had some fun times.', Plague turns around with a lost look on her face, 'I was just wondering what you did."
"What are you talking about?"
"Elizabeth gave us some of the money we took from Siren', Calhoun explains as Plague looks at her, 'Gave us a lot of it actually." Calhoun explains smiling at the end
Josh sighs and turns his eyes at Elizabeth. Elizabeth sees Josh giving her an odd glance. She sticks her tongue out and Plague quickly looks at Elizabeth.
"What the hell Frosty?"
Elizabeth turns at where Plague's at. Plague swooshes out and reappears beside Elizabeth.
"I thought we were friends, couldn't give a girl a couple grand?"
Elizabeth spins around and sees Plague practically begging like a dog.
"Well you weren't around. Last time I checked, you weren't even here."
"Still could have gave a girl a ring."
"How?" Elizabeth asks with a lost look on her face
Plague sighs. Josh clears his throat and looks back at Plague.
"What DID you do last night anyway?"
Plague sighs and looks up annoyingly.
"I was asleep."
Everyone looks at one another and back at Plague.
(All at once)
"Asleep?"
Plague rubs her ear and walks around the contour.
"I passed out on my bed."
Josh chuckles.
"So you were here."
"Yep." Plague says annoyingly
"Huh…"
Josh and Elizabeth turn at each other with slight worried looks on their faces. Plague turns around and notices the two looking at each other.
"I was dead asleep. Nothing was going to wake me up.', Josh and Elizabeth sigh in relief under their breath, the two look down at their food/drink items and dig into them, 'But I don't know, maybe I was still dreaming…but I kept hearing some kind of screaming last night."
Josh spits out his coffee and Elizabeth chokes on her breakfast. Everyone sees Josh and Elizabeth choking.
"Josh you all right?" Calhoun asks
Josh coughs and sets down his coffee.
"Oh never better."
"Are you okay Elizabeth?" Felix asks
Elizabeth wipes her mouth with a napkin.
"I'm, I'm fine Felix. I just swallowed to fast."
Josh accidentally trips over his footing and Ralph catches him.
"Whoa!', Ralph catches Josh and sets him straight back up, 'You okay Josh?"
"Yeah I'm fine Ralph.', Elizabeth looks and picks up her plate, 'I put too much force into it."
Elizabeth drops her plate and the plate just smashes into a million pieces. Everyone looks at Elizabeth. Elizabeth stands there for a moment and Plague crosses her arms narrowing her eyes.
"Are you two all right?', Josh and Elizabeth both look at Plague, 'You two are sure really clumsy this morning."
(Same time)
"I'm fine.', Josh and Elizabeth look at each other, 'Are you sure?', everyone flinches seeing Josh and Elizabeth saying the exact same thing, Josh and Elizabeth look serious, 'I asked you first. NO I asked you first.', Josh and Elizabeth say at the exact same time, pointing at each other, 'Enough, I'm done."
Elizabeth picks up the broken plate while Josh just walks to the elevator and goes down to the Factory. Everyone just looks at one another wondering what just happened.
"Okay…', Calhoun says getting up, 'I think I'll go downstairs with Josh."
"I'll come with you." Vanellope says walking her plate to the sink
Vanellope walks to the sink and hands her plate to Elizabeth.
"Here you go."
Elizabeth takes the plate.
"Thank you Vanellope."
The elevator comes back and Calhoun gets on. Vanellope quickly rushes to it.
"Wait up for me."
Vanellope hops on right before Calhoun shouts it. The two girls go down. Plague narrows her eyes and slowly turns at Elizabeth. She watches Elizabeth wash the dishes and sees her acting more 'herself' then usually. Plague puts her hand under her chin and thinks about what just happened. She looks at Ralph and Felix and sees them talking and eating. Plague walks to them and stands between them.
"Hey boys."
"Whatcha need Plague?" Ralph asks
"I need you two to leave."
Ralph and Felix look at each other and back at Plague.
"I'm sorry?" Felix asks
"I don't need an apology Felix, I need you two leave right now."
"Why?" Ralph asks
Plague smiles funny and puts her hand on Ralph's shoulder as it slowly starts to glow red.
"I need to have a girl talk with Elizabeth for a moment so if you don't mind…"
Ralph slowly turns and looks at his shoulder. It starts to smoke a bit and he quickly looks at Felix. Felix gulps as Plague looks down at him smiling funny.
"You know, I just remembered, Tamora wanted to tell me something." Felix quickly says rushing his plate to Elizabeth
Elizabeth looks and sees Felix running by.
"Would you mind taking care of this Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth takes the plate.
"Absolutely." Elizabeth says taking the plate and putting it into the sink
Ralph slides out of Plague's grasp. He wipes his shoulder off from the hot smoke and gives his plate to Elizabeth.
"Got one more for ya."
Elizabeth turns around and takes the plate out of Ralph's hand.
"Thank you Ralph."
"Oh no, thank you."
"Bye Ralph." Plague says waving goodbye
Ralph looks back seeing Plague waving funny at him. Plague waves to Ralph like a mother would waving goodbye to her boy going to school. Felix pushes the button and the two boys go down. Plague turns slowly and watches Elizabeth wash the dishes. She walks to the contour and leans up against it. Plague begins to hear Elizabeth humming to herself. Then she starts dancing out her feet from the tango from last night. Plague watches as Elizabeth pops her feet side to side moving along with the tango rhythm. She leans against her hand and finally says something.
"Enjoying yourself?"
Elizabeth stops dancing and turns her head around.
"Oh I didn't know you were still here. Uh, yes. Yes I am."
Plague nods.
"Why?"
Elizabeth shrugs and looks back at the dishes.
"Can't a girl have a good time?"
"That depends."
"On what?"
"Why you're having such a good time."
Elizabeth washes a dish and thinks about Plague's question. Plague just stands there waiting for an answer. Elizabeth turns around.
"That's for me to know and you to find out."
Plague rolls her eyes and gets up off the contour.
"Okay. I guess I can do this the more heated way."
Elizabeth narrows her eyes and turns off the sink.
"The 'heated' way, what's that supposed to mean?" Elizabeth asks turning around
As Elizabeth turns around, she finds Plague right in front of her. Really close. Elizabeth looks up and down seeing how close Plague is.
"Plague, what are you…"
Plague gets her face really close to Elizabeth. Plague and Elizabeth's eyes meet, her red and her blue eyes just sparkles. Plague nods.
"Uh-huh…"
Plague starts examining Elizabeth, backing up and looking down as she examines her.
"I see." Plague says putting her hand under her chin
"See what?"
"Hold up. I'm getting something else."
Plague starts waving her hand in front of Elizabeth. Her hand glows red as she starts to pick up images off of Elizabeth. Plague moves her hand up to Elizabeth's face and points her one finger at Elizabeth's forehead. She starts to seizure out a bit seeing an image of Josh in Elizabeth's mind for a split second. Plague shakes her head and looks at Elizabeth.
"I don't know what I saw…', Elizabeth gulps, 'But Josh is REALLY on your mind.', Plague steps back, 'Care to share?" Plague asks leaning up against the contour
"What did you just do?"
Plague crosses her arms.
"You may have ice powers but your body is still warm.', Elizabeth blinks, 'And when a body is in heat…there's always a dog who comes running."
Elizabeth gulps nervously and shrugs.
"I do not understand what you mean by that observation Plague."
Plague looks down and sees Elizabeth holding her hands together. She notices that she's not wearing her bandage no more.
"What happened to your band aid?"
Elizabeth looks down and covers up her right hand.
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth asks nervously
Plague rolls her eyes.
"The band aid that you've worn ever since you got here. You know, the one that covered up your entire right hand?"
Elizabeth nods remembering.
"Oh, that. I uhh…took it off."
Plague looks closer and spots the thimble.
"And replaced it with a thimble?"
Elizabeth nods smiling.
"Yep."
Plague sighs.
"Where'd you get it?"
"The thimble?"
"What else?"
"I found it."
"You just found it?"
"Yes.', Elizabeth nods, 'I just found it."
"Huh…"
Plague rubs her head and looks back at Elizabeth.
"You and Josh…', Elizabeth gulps a little trying to hide it, 'Are getting along really good huh?"
Elizabeth shrugs.
"He's a good friend."
"A good friend. Right. Right.', Plague says walking around, 'Just a 'good friend', is that it?"
Elizabeth narrows her eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"You and Josh were…acting funny…"
Elizabeth shakes slowly looking away.
"I still do not understand what you mean Plague."
Plague sighs hard looking up very annoyed.
"Cut the sweet act Elizabeth. It's written all over your face."
Elizabeth looks back looking like she's still denying whatever Plague is suggesting.
"You still won't quit will you?" Elizabeth asks smiling
As Elizabeth looks back where Plague is at, Plague swooshes out and disappears. Elizabeth looks around for where Plague's at but suddenly she reappears in front of Elizabeth which makes her jump.
"Oh!"
Plague sniffs really hard and Elizabeth narrows her eyes. She sniffs for another second making her eyes flip backwards into her head. Plague stops sniffing and moves back getting her senses back.
"Oh yeah. He's all over you."
Elizabeth gulps nervously brushing some hair back behind her ear.
"Ex-Excuse me?"
"Josh's scent is all over you…', Elizabeth gets super nervous and Plague spots it, 'So…Who was all over who?"
Elizabeth gulps really hard, slowly moving back bumping into the couch.
"Plague, I've never heard such…"
Plague waves her hand around.
"I'm not Vanellope or Sergeant Stuck UP. This is me Elizabeth…', Elizabeth rolls her eyes, 'You can go as mature rated as you want with me."
"I'm sorry?"
Plague sighs, closing her eyes and shaking her head. She puts her hand around Elizabeth shoulder and walks her back to the Kitchen contour.
"Walk with me princess. There's a story here that needs to be told."
"Or never given."
"Just wait, before you say no."
Plague and Elizabeth walk back to the contour together. Plague stands on one side and Elizabeth stands on the other side. Plague leans in as Elizabeth just leans against the contour. The two girls stare hard at each other.
"So." Plague says
Elizabeth shrugs.
"So what?"
"There's no one else here."
"I know that."
"Then you can go in great detail as much as you want."
Elizabeth shakes he head seeing how much Plague wants to know what happened between her and Josh last night.
"Plague…any 'detail' I give you, I wouldn't.', Elizabeth gulps nervously, 'Even if I did know what you were even talking about."
Plague sighs.
"Oh my GOD! Quit the 'nice' act and spill it already!"
Elizabeth sighs calmly and looks back at Plague breathing heavily. Plague's at the end of her rope, her aura is emitting off her body. Elizabeth takes in a deep breath and looks back a Plague.
"Josh et moi avons eu ... une expérience hier soir."
Plague shakes her head with a lost look on her face seeing Elizabeth speaking French to her.
"Whoa, wait, what?"
"It's French."
"I KNOW it's French. Tell me in English."
Elizabeth puts up her hand pointing one finger.
"You never said that."
Plague shakes her head like she's ready to draw out her sword.
"Oh hell no."
"Quoi qu'il en soit, ce que Josh et moi avons fait la nuit dernière sera conservée pour nous-mêmes et nos vies privées. Personne ici, surtout que vous peste saura jamais." Elizabeth says with a smile at the end
Plague looks pissed and biting her lip.
"ENGLISH. PLEASE!"
Elizabeth backs up and looks at E.D.I. on screen.
"E.D.I.?"
E.D.I. appears on screen.
"Yes Elizabeth?"
"If you would, translate this certain phrase to Plague when I leave the room."
"Of course Elizabeth."
Elizabeth turns around and looks at Plague. Plague, still with a lost look on her face just waits to hear another speech by Elizabeth in French.
"Josh a été absolument incroyable la nuit dernière.', Elizabeth closes her eyes, slowly looks up and recalls it, Plague narrows her eyes and watches as Elizabeth rubs her arms slowly up and down, Elizabeth finally opens her eyes and looks back at Plague, 'E.D.I., traduire cela peste. '12 Fois ... encore et encore'." Elizabeth says walking away and towards the elevator
Plague watches and sees Elizabeth going down. She quickly looks back at E.D.I.
"What the hell did she just say?"
"She said, '12 times…over and over again."
Plague thinks for a second and narrows her eyes.
"Wha… '12 times. Over and over again'? What the hell does that…', Plague realizes, throwing out her eyes and throwing her head in the direction of the elevator, 'Daaaaamn! White Lightning has a serious lighting stick on him. Ha!"
Plague steps forward swooshing out of there.
Factory…
Ralph and Calhoun go at it with each other seeing who's got the better chance at fighting husks. Ralph's giant hands or Calhoun's dead aim. Josh, Felix and Vanellope watch. Suddenly Elizabeth enters and sees the two going at it and Josh and them just watching. Elizabeth softly smiles and walks up behind Josh. She stops alongside him and Josh takes notice. The two share a brief smile at each other and look ahead. Josh continues to smile and suddenly, hears laughing. He blinks and looks around. Josh then finally looks at Elizabeth.
"What's so funny?"
Elizabeth turns brushing some of her hair behind her ear.
"Excuse me?"
Josh blinks and looks around.
"You weren't laughing just now?"
Elizabeth shakes her head.
"No. No I wasn't."
"Huh…"
Josh shakes his head and looks back up ahead. Ralph throws his giant fists into the ground to create a shockwave. Calhoun jumps back to avoid the shock, everyone else on the other hand feels it. Plague suddenly swooshes in. Everyone loses their balance. Felix quickly grabs Vanellope stopping her from falling. Josh grabs Elizabeth and holds her backwards as she looks up at him and he looks down at her.
"Got ya."
"That you do." Elizabeth says with a smile
The two just stand like that for a second. Plague just watches and slowly crosses her arms. Josh sits Elizabeth straight up, keeps his hands close to her to make sure she doesn't fall yet again.
"Can ya stand?"
"I think I can manage Josh."
Josh nods looking forward.
"Okay. I'll be here. Just in 'case'."
Elizabeth smirks at the corner of her mouth. Plague narrows her eyes and suddenly, Josh puts his finger on the back of Elizabeth's back and spins it around gracefully and slowly. Emitting a small shock with Josh's graceful touch. Elizabeth blinks rapidly feeling what Josh is doing. She smirks more and turns her eyes at Josh, who's looking straight looking like he's not doing anything. Elizabeth looks back up ahead and nudges Josh a little. Josh feels it and just looks cool.
Josh continues to guide his finger around more around Elizabeth's back. Elizabeth starts to look uneasy, but at the same time she looks like she's kind of enjoying it. She closes her eyes and begins bobbing around softly. Josh turns and sees Elizabeth is liking his 'shock treatment'. He continues spinning his finger around in circles and circles. Plague watches wondering what Josh is doing to Elizabeth. Suddenly Josh stops and Elizabeth opens her eyes. Elizabeth takes a deep breath and brushes back both sides of her hair behind her ears.
"You okay Elizabeth?" Josh asks with a smile on his face
Elizabeth turns looking hard at Josh. She looks back up ahead.
"Shocking Josh."
"Shocking? That wasn't shocking.', Elizabeth rolls her eyes, Josh smirks and looks back up ahead, 'This is."
Josh swings his arm around and slaps Elizabeth's butt with a more powerful shock. Elizabeth jumps throwing her hands behind herself.
"OHHH!"
Everyone stops band Plague shakes her head seeing the two acting the way they are. Everyone stares at Elizabeth and she looks around seeing she's the center of attention.
"You okay Elizabeth?" Josh asks
Elizabeth breathes slowly and looks at Josh. Josh just waits for an answer and suddenly Elizabeth starts hitting Josh on the shoulder as Josh deflects.
"Oh, oh! Hey, hey, hey! What?!"
Elizabeth walks away, a little steamed. Ralph, Calhoun, Felix and Vanellope just look lost wondering what just happened. Josh just sighs and throws his arms up.
"You have a little fun and it blows up in your face. Geez…"
Plague kindly moves out of Elizabeth's way. Elizabeth walks to the elevator and goes up. Plague thinks for a moment and snaps her thumbs. She swooshes out of there.
Josh's Apartment…
Elizabeth throws up the elevator door and walks further into Josh's Apartment. She stomps her feet around, walking in circles. Elizabeth sighs and puts her left hand on her butt cheek. She sighs softly and looks ahead. Plague swooshes in without alerting Elizabeth. Elizabeth rubs her butt cheek and Plague shakes her head.
"You know…', Elizabeth jumps and spins around seeing Plague is there, 'Whatever shit you and Josh are into…that's your business.', Elizabeth sighs rolling her eyes, 'but you shouldn't let him push you around so much like that. There are many, MANY ways to get even. Or push him around."
Elizabeth takes notice, but avoids eye contact with Plague seeing she's interested.
"Oh…', Elizabeth says looking down, 'Like…what?" Elizabeth asks finally looking at Plague
Plague sees Elizabeth finally looking. She smirks and waves her hand to make Elizabeth come closer.
"I'll speak perfect English for ya."
Elizabeth walks closer as Plague 'explains'.
Cyrus's Secret Layer…
Cyrus is missing from beside his desk. It's empty in the giant room. Suddenly a light switch is turned on from inside the Bathroom. Inside the Bathroom, Cyrus leans against the sink looking down. Cyrus spits spitting out some of his virus, orange, red-ish spit. Some of it more red then orange. He slowly looks up seeing his reflection in the mirror. Cyrus's eyes shine bright orange. He shuts them and reopens them. Cyrus's eye color lightens up and he looks back down. He starts to unbutton his shirt and slides it off. The shirt falls down on the floor and Cyrus looks back at the mirror and sees massive scars and rupture skin parts all around his body from his virus.
Cyrus grabs hold of his heart on his chest. He holds it tightly showing he's going through some massive pain. With his left hand over his heart, Cyrus grabs hold of the sink and suddenly his virus starts to 'grow' around the sink like a fungus. It spreads all over and goes across over the mirror a little. Cyrus continues this process for a few more seconds and finally let's go.
"Ah…."
Cyrus breathes slowly. The massive scars and rupture skin around his body start to enclose a bit. Looking like there healing when Cyrus spreads his virus around. Cyrus picks up his shirt and puts it back on. He shuts off the light and exits the bathroom. Cyrus walks to his desk and gets ready to sit down, but as he sits down his chair moves around his desk and into the darkness. Cyrus watches and sighs slowly.
"Come out Darkness. And give me my chair back.
Slowly, Darkness comes out of the dark slowly pushing Cyrus's chair. Cyrus watches as if he's in pain while Darkness waits.
"Today." Cyrus orders
Darkness pushes the chair forward and around the desk. Cyrus stops it and puts it where it's supposed to be. He falls down catching his breath. Darkness notices Cyrus acting funny.
"You look like you're in pain."
Cyrus puts his hand on his face and leans against his desk.
"I have…a terrible headache."
"Take some aspirin." Darkness says walking around
"There's not enough aspirin in the world to help me Darkness."
"Your right. Only children right?"
Cyrus takes his hand off his face and looks hard at Darkness. Darkness stops and looks back as well.
"It's a process."
"A very SLOW process if you ask for my opinion."
"Which I didn't. I didn't give direct touch to any of those brats. So the process is taking a bit longer then I thought."
"Cyrus the Virus, the man with the plan is stumped. That's a first."
"Screw you Darkness."
Darkness sighs.
"Siren is in F.B.I. custody."
Cyrus looks away.
"I know."
"That's two down."
"I know." Cyrus says more annoyingly
"That only leaves three of us left."
"I, KNOW."
"You sure?"
"You sound worried Darkness."
"I'm not worried. I'm just…thinking ahead. Just like you."
"Well whatever your 'thinking'. I have a surprise for Josh incase he gets you or Driver."
"Get me? You sure about that?"
Cyrus looks back at Darkness.
"Let me remind you Darkness, I'M running this show."
"I take orders from you?"
"Yes."
"To hell with that."
Darkness starts moving shadows around Cyrus. Cyrus looks down and sees the darkness around him moving closer. He looks back at Darkness.
"Take it easy. I get cranky when things aren't going my way."
Darkness tilts his head and eases up a bit.
"Don't treat me like TK or Siren. I won't end up like them."
"You won't Darkness. You won't. If I can somehow get Elizabeth then my life would be so much easier."
"Elizabeth? What the hell do you need her for?"
Cyrus sighs looking down at his desk. He keeps his head down.
"She is the key to all of this. If I can get her without running into him…"
"Him? You mean Litwak?"
"Yes. Who else?"
"Sounds like you're scared of him."
Cyrus throws his head up.
"I'm not scared of him!', Darkness stands his ground, 'I can't afford to run into him while he and all his little game friends are with him. I need to get him away from Elizabeth so I can get her. I need her unharmed and brought to me."
Darkness sighs looking around. Cyrus looks down and Darkness looks back at Cyrus.
"What do you need?"
Still looking down, Cyrus smiles and looks back up dropping his smile.
"I need Elizabeth Darkness. I need her and I need Josh away from her."
Darkness nods with confidence.
"Okay. What do I get out of this?"
"What do you want?"
Darkness thinks for a second putting his hand under his chin. He thinks for a second and looks back at Cyrus.
"You hold onto that thought Cyrus.', Cyrus just blinks, 'When the time comes, when I ask for what I want, you better give me it."
Cyrus slowly nods. Darkness turns around disappearing into the darkness. Cyrus looks down at a file and opens it. The piece of paper on top says, 'MENTAL INSTITUTION'.
Josh's Apartment…
Living Room…
E.D.I. suddenly finds something on screen and alerts everyone.
"Attention everyone! Attention. May I please have your attention."
Everyone stops what they're doing exactly and walk to the TV. Josh hops over the couch and sits down.
"What did you find E.D.I.?"
E.D.I. shows scans of maps circling specific locations.
"I believe I have found interesting locations Cyrus is looking at."
Everyone looks shocked and impressed at the same time. Josh quickly stands up.
"Seriously? What are these locations?"
E.D.I. begins to show off the locations. Plague bumps into Elizabeth's shoulder and she turns. She bobs her head and Elizabeth looks at Josh and back at her. Elizabeth gives off the face of, 'What? Now?'. Plague nods and Elizabeth looks back at the fridge. She sneaks out of the crowd and walks towards it. Elizabeth grabs a Popsicle and walks back to the group. She takes the wrapping off ad stands next to Josh. Josh on the other hand, not paying attention to Elizabeth looks hard at the screen.
"Why would Cyrus be interested in these places?"
Elizabeth sticks the long Popsicle in her mouth and looks at Josh.
"What do you think Josh?"
Josh shrugs slowly looking at Elizabeth.
"I don't know. I'm not Cy…"
Josh pauses seeing Elizabeth sucking on the Popsicle in her mouth. Elizabeth acts casual as she licks and slurps the Popsicle in her mouth.
"Hmm? What was that Josh?"
Josh blinks slowly snapping out of it.
"Uhh…I said…"
"Josh?" Vanellope says looking up
"Huh?"
"Josh!" Vanellope yells
Josh slowly looks down seeing Vanellope is pulling his hand down.
"What's going on?"
"Uhh…', Josh looks back at Elizabeth seeing her doing her think with the Popsicle, he blinks trying to concentrate, 'What I was saying was. If Cyrus is uhhh…"
Elizabeth turns her eyes only at Plague. Plague smirks and Elizabeth smiles seeing her 'plan' is working like a charm. Elizabeth looks back at Josh. Josh walks out in front of everyone, he tries to concentrate not looking at Elizabeth. Elizabeth continues her routine while Josh is peering back and forth looking at everyone and Elizabeth.
"If Cyrus is interested in these places. I think a few of us should check it out."
"I'm in." Ralph says
"I'll go to." Felix says
Josh claps his hands.
"All right. Boys night out. Sorry ladies not this time…', Josh peers at Elizabeth and sees her sticking the Popsicle in her mouth all the way, 'Uhhh…let's go! Now please!"
Josh hops over the table and jumps over the couch. He looks back and sees Ralph and Felix just standing there.
"Today!"
Ralph and Felix jump and catch up to Josh walking past him. Josh shakes his head and quickly hurries to the elevator.
"Will contact you all in a few hours." Josh says quickly walking to the elevator
Plague looks at Elizabeth and bobs her head forward to pursue Josh. Elizabeth nods and catches up to Josh.
"Josh. Josh wait!"
Josh pauses nervously and slowly turns around, but doesn't look at Elizabeth.
"Uhh…uhhh what Elizabeth?"
Josh keeps his hand on the side of his face not peering at Elizabeth. Elizabeth sees Josh is avoiding eye contact. She smiles and takes out the Popsicle.
"How long you going to be gone for?"
Josh shrugs.
"I don't know. A few hours."
"Oh. Okay. Just wanted to know."
"So now you know."
"Josh?"
"Yeah?"
"Look at me."
"Why?"
"Just do it."
Elizabeth licks the tip and Josh spots it at the corner of his eye. Josh quickly looks away and starts to laugh nervously.
"Elizabeth…what are you doing?"
Elizabeth shrugs.
"Hmm? I don't know what you mean."
Josh looks around and sees everyone looking. He finally looks at Elizabeth.
"Is this how you want to play it?"
"Play what?" Elizabeth asks biting the tip off
Josh feels a cold shiver go up the spine of his back. He steps a little closer to Elizabeth whispering.
"If you're trying to get back at me for what I did to you earlier…I promise you, it'll go a lot worse for ya."
Elizabeth tilts her head holding the Popsicle around her lips.
"Is that a promise?"
Josh starts to laugh as Ralph and Felix continue to wait. He backs up and points his staff at Elizabeth as he backs up.
"You can bet your rips on it sweetheart." Josh says shutting the door to the elevator
Elizabeth smiles moving the Popsicle stick at the corner of her lip. Josh hits the button and goes down. Plague walks up beside Elizabeth as she continues to stare straight ahead.
"Round won for you princess."
Elizabeth turns and Plague turns. The two girls stare at each other…and high five each other.
The Garage…
Josh throws up the door and the three men walk to the truck.
"So where are we heading first?" Ralph asks
Ralph jumps in the bed. Josh and Felix hop inside.
"Will start with the closest and make are way back."
"Sounds like a plan."
Josh spins the wheel around and Ralph holds on tight. He drives straight towards the door and out the three men go.
End of Chapter 36
Preview of Chapter 37
With Josh, Ralph and Felix out checking these point of interests Cyrus is looking into, it's just the girls back at Josh's Apartment. But something goes horrible wrong. When the three come back, the entire Apartment is trashed. Dead husks everywhere. And someone goes missing, Elizabeth. Tracking her by earpiece, Josh and the gang travel to a Mental Institution. Why has Cyrus brought Elizabeth there? And Josh meets someone he never saw coming. Next time on Wreck-It Ralph: Cyrus the Virus, Chapter 37 - Not Reality, Actuality (Part 2) Finally