A/N:

Hey guys! Sorry for the delayed update for this, and the shorter-than-ever content of this chapter. This summer has been pretty hectic for me, and I'm just trying to get back into the swing of things after being busy for a while and not getting the chance to write as much. I'll try to get another chapter out for you tomorrow, though sadly I cannot guarantee it. I've had a little bit of a writer's block, which kinda shows in this chapter. But I promise I'm not giving up on this story. I'm in way too deep for that. Anyway, I'll try and keep on top of the updates as much as possible. Just bear with me for now. Thanks guys! Love you! ^_^

Chapter Eleven

Ralph wasn't sure how he found himself in the situation he was caught in. Vanellope's supposed sister, Azalea, stood in front of him, smiling eagerly up to him, moments after the brunette's angry departure.

She put her hands on her hips and gave him a flirty smile. "Uhm…" Ralph shifted uncomfortably back and forth, unsure of what to say. His thoughts drifted back to Vanellope, and his heart ached slightly at how upset she seemed. He looked everywhere but at the smarty in front of him. "So, uh, I guess you're part of the upgrade, then?"

She giggled softly. "Yeah," she replied. He glanced down, furrowing his brow at the mischievous glint in her eyes. This girl is strange. She gently twirled a strand of her ponytail in her fingers. "I was coded as Vanellope's sister. So now, looks like she'll have to make room for one more in the castle."

"I'm sure that won't really be a problem, considering, you know, it's a castle...It's not really lacking in room." She laughed way too much for what he had said, playfully putting a hand on his arm. I hope she realizes that wasn't a joke.

"So, what's your name? Ralph?" She questioned. He shifted slightly so her hand fell away from his arm.

"Uh, yeah." Didya even need to ask? After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, he heard a sudden burst of mingled laughter erupt from the kitchen. He looked curiously over to the doorway. "I'm gonna head in there," he stated before somewhat clumsily hurrying towards the other room. He was surprised to notice Azalea didn't follow him. He didn't look back to see where she had gone, however. He stepped into the kitchen and smiled lovingly, eyebrows lifting at the sight he was greeted with.

Vanellope was surrounded by all three of her Sugar Rush encased her in a friendly embrace, and she sat at the center, giggling loudly. "Okay, okay!" She exclaimed, her voice muffled underneath the mass of bodies around her. "You're suffocating me!"

Ralph's grin grew wider. He felt a sudden surge of appreciation towards Taffyta, Candlehead, and Rancis. He had mixed feelings about them after Vanellope was restored to her rightful place, but he found himself slowly warming up to them. He was glad she had someone to comfort and care for her when he couldn't.

He approached the cluster of smarties and they slowly separated, laughing and sharing sneaky glances with each other. Vanellope looked up at him, a small flush creeping over her face. She flashed him her signature smile, but something in her eyes read uncertainty and even betrayal.

"Hey," he greeted softly. "Uhm, you okay?"

"Yeah," she answered softly. "It's just been a hectic day."

Ralph nodded in understanding. Behind the counter, Rancis, Taffyta, and Candlehead chatted softly. "So...that girl, is she really your-?" He cut himself off, staring at Vanellope intently.

"Yeah," she sighed, scratching her head in contemplation. "I don't know about her yet."

"She seems friendly enough," Ralph admitted, eyeing her to see her reaction.

"Yeah, well," Vanellope huffed, turning away and frowning. "She's really reckless on the track. Tried knocking me off of it today."

"Really?" He asked incredulously.

She sighed in response and nodded. "Anyway," she continued, looking up at him. "I don't wanna talk about her right now."

"Oh, o-kay," he conferred. "That's alright."

Him and Vanellope turned towards their three other friends, and chatted absentmindedly for a few minutes before Azalea came traipsing quietly into the kitchen.

She stood near the back of the room, observing from afar, going mostly unnoticed by the others. She observed the group dynamics. She noticed the friendly and sometimes affectionate banter between Ralph and Vanellope. She also took notice of their wistful glances towards each other, as if they were each harboring an unspoken longing. She smirked. There's one more thing.

She could also tell that Taffyta and Rancis held an unspoken tension in their relationship. Every now and then, the blonde would flash him a flirty smirk and he would stare at her in confused wonder, cheeks lighting up like a flame.

Meanwhile, as the minty-haired girl observed from a distance, Vanellope felt her heart surging with new, thrilling emotions. She finally felt a genuine sense of companionship with her fellow racers. It was like she was realizing that they really cared for her; she got the sense they would stick by her side no matter what. What happened in the past didn't seem to matter.

She gave Ralph a small smile and he gave her one back, looking happy but also concerned. His brow furrowed as he looked down at her tenderly. As her friends chatted eagerly in the background of her thoughts, she drifted happily into a peaceful reverie. Even amongst all the chaotic happenings and alarming feelings, she could feel the pieces of her world slowly but surely coming together.

Ralph, her best friend first and foremost, still continued to be a blessing in her life. She leaned into him affectionately, resting her head comfortable against his chest without thinking, and closed her eyes. Sighing happily, she smiled and let the tiredness from that day's racing seep into her bones as she relaxed comfortably into her favorite wrecker.

Ralph felt his face flush slightly and looked down curiously at the brunette. Her chest rose and fell softly, and it looked as if she had already fallen asleep. Taffyta and Candlehead exchanged a knowing look and giggled quietly. Ralph looked up at them with a bewildered expression on his face.

"What?" He barked, his cheeks flushing darker.

"Nothing," Taffyta replied slyly, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Just an inside joke."

Ralph rolled his eyes. "Whatever," he grunted. Yet, as he looked down at the sleeping form resting against him, a flood of tender affection filled his heart and he gave the resting figure a small smile. If only she knew, he thought to himself. How much she means to me.

He protectively wrapped an arm around her, bringing her close. The three smarties gave him teasing looks. "What?" He groaned. "I don't want her to fall of the stool, for User's sake!"

Rancis chuckled and shook his head; his eyes sparkled with the same knowing glint as Taffyta's. Candlehead leaned against the counter, smiling playfully at him. None of them responded.

He shook his head, somewhat disgruntled but still unexplainably joyful at the feeling of feminine warmth residing in his arms. Deciding it would probably be more comfortable for her, and also secretly wanting to touch her hair, he gently released it from the bun it was in, letting his fingers linger a moment too long and brushing them carefully through the long black tresses that cascaded around her form.

He smiled to himself. Thankfully, he could feel the eyes previously held on him turn away and heard the three Sugar Rush gamers return to their casual banter. He felt his heart flutter unexpectedly in his chest, and swallowed the lump forming in his throat. Vanellope crinkled her nose slightly in her sleep and shifted, bringing her arms up against her chest and resting her small hands against him. He blinked rapidly, not sure of the clashing emotions taking up residence inside of him.

A swell of admiration for the sleeping girl awakened within him. She looked so peaceful, calm, and...cute. His face flushed darker than ever at the thought. It was somewhat endearing to see her in such an innocent and vulnerable state. Usually she held up a defensive barrier, and pushed forward a snarky, playful attitude. As much as he loved that side of her, he also found something inside of him longed to be around for more moments like this.

Part of him wondered what she was like when she let her defenses down. He wanted to know, more urgently than ever before. Something inside of him pushed at these feelings, warning him he was trekking into dangerous ground.

You shouldn't feel this way, his gut told him. It's not right. She was just a little kid. He felt his stomach twist nervously and he let out a sigh.

This update will be the death of me.