Chapter Thirteen
Taffyta burst into Vanellope's room just as she was getting in the shower. She noticed the closed bathroom door and heard the water start running. Undeterred, she called out loudly, "Vanellope!"
The dark-haired girl heard her friend the first time, and with a sigh slumped against the shower wall. Of course, just like the rest of the amenities inside the castle, the interior of her bathroom was fit for a Queen. Her shower was large and grand, with beautiful mosaic tiles across the walls and glass doors. There was even a small bench to sit down on.
Pretending not to hear the persistent blonde, she scrubbed shampoo through her long, silky strands of black hair and let the soothing, hot water run over her tired body. Of course, her attempt at blocking out Taffyta's voice failed.
"VANELLOPE!" This time she screamed louder than ever; so loud, in fact, that those still gathered down in the kitchen could hear.
"Oh my sprinkles, WHAT?" Vanellope mumbled the first part before hollering back through the sound of the rushing water. As loud as Taffyta could be, she knew she could easily match her.
Meanwhile, Candlehead starting snooping through Vanellope's closet, pulling out and inspecting multiple garments whilst looking for something suitable. "Hey, Taffyta," she called to the blonde, "Do you know where she keeps her bathing suits?"
She had pulled out a few short sundresses, unsure of which one to pick. Taffyta gestured to the top left drawer of Vanellope's dresser before resuming her conversation. "Hey, we're going to the beach!" She cried out. "EZ Living! We're gonna pick out a bathing suit!"
Vanellope rolled her eyes and continued washing her hair. Great. I can't wait to see what they expect me to wear. Now things with Ralph are going to be ten times more awkward. "Okay," she called out half-heartedly, but she'd be darned if she just half-wittingly went along with whatever kind of scheme her sisters had in store for her.
She went about her shower as normal, if not a little faster than usual, considering she was a little anxious about what Taffyta and Candlehead were doing rummaging around her bedroom.
She finally finished washing herself up and proceeded to blow dry her hair and dress in some comfortable sweats and a T-shirt. After making her way out of the bathroom, she immediately noticed the messy tangle of swimsuits and sundresses piled up on her bed. She sighed at the sight of Candlehead and Taffyta sat cross-legged amongst the mess, quietly bickering about what they thought she should wear.
"Guys?" Vanellope asked, putting her hands on her hips and smirking in a half amused, half annoyed manner. "You know, I can dress myself just fine. Just because I'm President doesn't mean I need to have someone pick out my clothes."
The two girls looked up at her, their facial expressions completely different. While Taffyta bore a smug grin across her features, Candlehead simply smiled up at her sheepishly. "Yes you do," the blonde snapped back. "Today you do."
Vanellope sighed and heaved down on the bed with her sisters. "Gosh," she breathed, "I didn't even know I had this many clothes."
"I'm willing to bet we all got a few more items in our wardrobe from the upgrade rolling in," Taffyta conceded.
"Yeah," Candlehead snickered, "A few." The three sisters giggled softly and Vanellope began fingering through the array of bathing suits set before her. Taffyta held up a mint green string bikini set, beaming.
"How 'bout this?" She asked. "User knows Ralph won't be able to take his eyes off of you if you show up wearing this."
Images of the morning's prior "event" flashed back in her mind, and her cheeks flushed at the physical reminder of the feeling of Ralph's…
She jolted out of her reverie when Taffyta snapped her fingers insistently at her face. "C'mon, Vanellope, we haven't got all day! We wanna at least find some sort of spot by the shore."
"Uh-uhm," she looked down at the skimpy swimsuit that Taffyta held in her hands. She furrowed her brow. "Okay, that is way too revealing." She sighed, scratching her head.
"At least please tell me you're gonna wear a bikini," Taffyta whined. "I honestly can't wait to see Ralph's reaction."
"Fine, fine," Vanellope sighed, raising her hands up in defeat. "Just not...that."
"Okay, okay," Taffyta giggled, exchanging a knowing look with Candlehead. "I guess I should've known that wouldn't go over well."
Candlehead lifted up a more modest bikini, which, while still appearing to show off all of Vanellope's assets, provided considerably more coverage in the important areas. It was a lovely shade of pastel pink, and the bottom had a mini skirt attached to it, providing a little more modesty while still having the capability to show off her legs.
"Oookaaaayy," Vanellope said slowly, scratching her chin as she eyed the bathing suit with scrutiny. "Maybe that could work. It's definitely cute. I guess I'll try it on." She hastily plucked the two pieces from Candlehead's hands and smiled weakly. "Be right back." She hurried into the bathroom to give it a whirl.
A few minutes later, she emerged, somewhat shyly.
"Daaaannnggg girl!" Taffyta exclaimed, her eyes widening.
Vanellope blushed lightly and looked down at herself. She crossed over to her floor-length mirror and looked at herself from different angles. Of course, the bikini did show off her stunning figure, and she had to admit, she liked the way it looked, but she still felt nervous about wearing so little around her bumbling wrecker- especially after their earlier incident.
"If Ralph isn't stumbling all over himself when he sees you, I'll be shocked," Candlehead admitted. She turned to the pile of sundresses and picked up a simple white, flowy one that looked about knee-length that had thick straps and swirls of the same pastel pink laced throughout.
"Here," she offered, bringing the garment over to Vanellope.
"Thanks," she murmured, taking it gently from her green-haired friend. She slipped it on easily over her head and smiled. "Much better," she laughed lightly, smoothing the soft fabric down under her fingers. "I guess I'm ready to go." She slipped on a pair of comfortable sandals and smiled at her friends. "EZ Living it is."
The trio of girls made their way downstairs, where everyone else was waiting. Azalea was the only one that was nowhere to be seen.
"Did you guys invite Lea?" Vanellope queried, looking back and forth between Taffyta and Candlehead.
"Uhhh, no, we didn't think to," Candlehead admitted softly. "I guess I'm still used to it just being the five of us."
"Huh," Vanellope murmured, stopping and scratching her head, "Maybe I should go find her. I'll see if she wants to come with."
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Ralph leaning against the kitchen counter. When he glanced over and saw her, he noticeably straightened, eyes widening slightly. She tried not to pay him much attention.
"Okay," Taffyta responded, "Just, if she decides to come, tell her to hurry up, okay?"
Vanellope nodded and headed off in the direction of her wing again. She passed through the sitting room, but instead of walking up her staircase to the left, proceeded to the opposite side of the room and took the stairs leading up on the right. She made her way to Azalea's closed door and knocked on it gently. "Lea?" She called.
"Come in!" Came the bright and peppy response. The dark-haired racer opened up the door slowly and saw her green-haired sister laying comfortably in bed. Her stomach was flat against the blankets and her legs were interlocked behind her, sticking up towards the ceiling. She was dressed in white cotton shorts and a baggy blue T-shirt. "Hey!" She greeted. She was wearing glasses, surprisingly, but even more surprisingly, she had a book propped up in front of her.
"Hey," Vanellope responded softly, smiling in a bemused manner. "I didn't know you liked reading."
"Oh, it's nothing," Azalea replied casually, sitting up and closing the book firmly before setting it down behind her. She sat with legs crossed 'Indian style.' She pushed the book further away from Vanellope's sight and smiled pleasantly. "Just, you know, cheesy romance novels, and the sort."
"I see," Vanellope replied, taking a long glance around the room. The color scheme consisted of mostly pastel pinks and purples, as well as white. The walls were white with glittery sprinkles, much like her cart. The floor had a soft round rug by the door, which was pink and purple striped. The furniture was sleek and white, and the hardwood floors were a pale cream color. Her billowing blankets and pillows were pastel pink with swirls of lavender. "I like your bedroom," she complimented.
"Thanks," Azalea replied with a small giggle. "Is there anything you needed?"
"Oh, uh, I actually was wondering if you wanted to come over to EZ Living with us," she stammered sheepishly. She nervously twiddled her fingers. "We were gonna go swimming at the beach and stuff."
"EZ Living?" Azalea questioned, furrowing her brow.
"Right, you've never been outside of our game, have you?" Vanellope asked rhetorically. "Well, it's one of the other arcade games. When we have a free day like this, a lot of people like to head over there and have fun. It's really beautiful. It has beaches that go on forever, and a lot of EZ Living locals. They're not the brightest, though if you know what I mean. But it's pretty cool. The jungle is supposed to be really cool."
"I see," Lea murmured, seeming to ponder her invitation. "I'm afraid I've gotta pass this time around. I don't feel much like going out today. I think I'm just gonna stay in and read."
As bad as she felt about it, Vanellope felt a vague sense of relief come over her. She was her sister and all, but she couldn't help but feel there was something...off...about her. You're probably just being crazy and paranoid.
"Aw, well, okay," she responded lightly. "Well, have fun with your book. Wish you could come along, but I'll see you later!" Azalea flashed her a beaming grin before settling back down with her book. She scurried back out of the bedroom and closed the door softly behind her.
Maybe it was just because she didn't know her very well yet, but she couldn't help feeling a little uneasy around the minty-haired racer. She sighed and headed back down the staircase and traipsed hesitantly into the kitchen. Soon her thoughts were replaced with worries about the day, and just what Ralph would think of her attire - if he even noticed anything. Maybe that prospect scares me even more.
"She's not going," she announced to the others as she plodded into the kitchen. "She said she wants to stay in and read. She did look pretty comfortable," she admitted, beginning to wonder if maybe her coded sister had the right idea.
"Well, that's too bad for her," Taffyta insisted, tugging on Vanellope's arm. "And there's no way I'm letting you turn around and get back into your pajamas. Come one, today is gonna be awesome."
"Jeez, what's got you so worked up?" Vanellope prodded somewhat grumpily. "It's not like we're going somewhere amazing. It's just the beach, right?"
"Have you ever even been to EZ Living?" Taffyta questioned, exchanging a glance with Candlehead. "C'mon, Vanellope, where's that playful energy all gone to? It used to be you were practically bouncing off the walls at the mention of some place new."
Vanellope sighed. "I guess this update has taken it's toll on me." She glanced over at Ralph, who was eyeing her with a half-amused, half-confused stare. "Besides," she whispered to Taffyta, "I don't want things to get weird between me and Ralph."
"Oh, it's okay," she laughed, brushing her off. "Just be yourself! Seriously, just treat him how you always have; this update thing doesn't have to be such a big deal."
"I guess you're right," she admitted, glancing at her loveable wrecker again. "Something just feels so different. I can't quite figure what it is."
"Don't worry about it," her blonde friend eased. "Just have some fun!"
Vanellope smiled slowly at her. "Okay, okay, fine...I suppose you're right."
"When am I wrong?"
The group of five wandered through Game Central Station towards Ralph's outlet, so he could stop by and change, and see if Felix and Calhoun wanted to come along. "We'll wait here," Taffyta decided, as the group came to a halt in front of the entrance. "You and Vanellope go in," she concluded with a smirk, glancing in between the two.
Vanellope rolled her eyes. "Okay," she sighed. "Come on, Stinkbrain!" She called, turning and rushing towards the outlet. Ralph blinked and raised an eyebrow at Taffyta before quickly following after the short brunette.
After catching up with her, he noticed she was purposely avoiding eye contact. They strolled silently towards the dinky train, a veil of tension hanging over them.
"Okay," he grunted. "I thought we were going to forget about this morning," he complained.
"What do you mean?" She asked coyly, cocking an eyebrow in mock innocence. "Nothing happened this morning."
He felt a light blush rise to his cheeks. "Right," he mumbled. "Of course."
Out of the corner of his eye he saw her smile. He couldn't help but grin himself. "Okay, enough of this awkward silence mumbo jumbo nonsense," he declared, suddenly swooping his arm down and in one smooth motion sweeping her into the train car in front of his. She let out an oof as she slid gracelessly into the seat.
"Hey!" She exclaimed, pulling herself up and glaring at him in playful annoyance. "I can get into the cart myself now, thank you!" He grinned at her as he forced himself into the tiny green car behind her.
"Sure you can," he teased slyly. She rolled her eyes and pulled herself up the the top ledge of the car, swinging her legs over so they hung into his car. "Hey, watch it," he joked. "There's not enough room in here as it is."
"Huh, really?" She pondered, scratching her chin in an exaggerated motion. She began to swing her legs wildly and haphazardly; they swung in arcs in front of his face and bumped repeatedly against his knees.
"Okay, okay, knock it off!" He laughed. "I get it, you're all big and grown now. You sure don't act like it!"
Crinkling her nose at him, she swung her legs faster and more insistently in his space. "Now you're asking for it!" She exclaimed. She lightly bumped her shoe against his cheek. "Bad Wreck-It!"
"Really? Enough with the Wreck-It, already!" He sighed. "Okay, enough." He grabbed her ankles and held her legs still in front of him. A small fit of giggles burst out of her and she flung her head back in an even louder fit of laughter. He smirked and felt a bloom of fresh color spread across his face.
The train slowly kicked into motion and started slowly creaking through the wire towards his game. When Vanellope finally stopped laughing, she looked back down at him and wiped a fake tear from under her eye. "You're no fun!" She complained teasingly, all while grinning her toothy grin at him with no restraint.
He rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Yeah, right."
His grip on her ankles loosened slightly, and he suddenly became aware of the contact of his hands with the bare skin on her legs. His face flushed brighter. She looked down at his hands, seeming to come to the same realization, and tensed up slightly. Her cheeks heated up a similar shade to his own.
They waited the rest of the ride out in silence, and as the train creaked to a rickety halt, he released his hold and pulled himself out of the car, while she gracefully hopped out beside him. "See?" She snickered, putting her hands on her hips as she looked up at him. "I can manage myself just fine."
Ralph found himself unwittingly scanning her figure, as his eyes instantly darted to her hands' position on her womanly hips. He quickly brought his eyes back up to hers, and he noticed a smirk slowly grow across her features.
"Earth to Ralph, you in there somewhere, bud?" She teased, snapping her fingers for him to pay attention.
He rolled his eyes. "Come on," he grumbled, cheeks flushing. "Let's go find Felix and Calhoun."
They found the couple hanging around the front door of the Niceland building, dressed down in comfortable clothing for the day.
"Hey, Ralph!" Felix instantly greeted, beaming almost as brightly as the sun.
"Hey, Felix, Calhoun," Ralph greeted back.
"Wreck-It," Calhoun affirmed with a nod. She looked at Vanellope and greeted her with a small nod the same.
"Oh, and hi Vanellope!" Felix exclaimed warmly, flashing her the same huge grin he had shown Ralph.
"Hey guys!" She said with a smile. "You wanna come to EZ Living with us?"
"Oh, golly, as nice as that sounds, we're actually looking forward to just spending the day together and hanging around home," Felix admitted, sharing a secretive glance with his wife. "I do hope you guys and gals have fun though!"
"Oh, okay. You too!" Vanellope answered with a small smile. Ralph exchanged a knowing look with felix and leaned over to murmur something in his ear that she couldn't quite decipher. Whatever it was, it caused Felix's whole face to light up and turn a blazing shade of red.
Ralph chuckled and started walking away, while she stood there, befuddled for a few seconds before realizing that Ralph was leaving and scurried after him.
"What was that all about?" She questioned, staring up at him with her brow furrowed. He smiled sheepishly and shook his head.
"It's nothing, kid."
Her face heated up a bright shade of pink and they continued down the trail for about a minute before she pushed herself in front of him and turned to face him, forcing him to halt.
"Listen!" She declared firmly, stomping her foot on the ground with emphasis. "I'm not a kid anymore! So stop treating me like one!" She put her hands on her hips and unknowingly puffed out her chest. She spread her legs out slightly in a posture conveying dominance.
Distracted, Ralph let his eyes wander briefly back down her curvy figure, passing over her shoulders and trailing down over her full breasts and hips, then down past her thighs. He slowly raked his gaze back upward, and she felt every second of his wandering search. Her face warmed and a lump formed in her throat as his eyes finally stopped to meet hers. His smile fell away and his eyes grew dark.
They held this moment for what felt like an eternity, eyes locked in an intense staring contest.
Ralph felt a piece of his resolve and his resistance to this change dissolve as he continued to stare at the beauty in front of him. It felt like his world was crumbling down around him, his sanity was slowly being ripped to shreds. Something in his heart tugged incessantly at his senses; the girl standing before him unwittingly held the better half of his heart in her hands. And now, she wasn't just a little girl. He knew she was right; she really had grown up. Now those warm loving feelings towards his best friend were heating up into something much more difficult to describe. He knew he no longer viewed her the same way, and he never could. Every day something new was making itself known to him, whether it was the beautiful hazel glow of her eyes, the deeper, smoother more feminine lilt of her voice, the heart-melting sound of her contagious laugh, the fullness of her lips and the way they smiled so tenderly at him- he slowly felt himself falling more and more in love with every part of her.
By User, why does this have to be so difficult?