Reviews :
Snake557 : YAY! The palace always could use more cuteness :)
*Chapter 14*
"... Would you be mad if I asked if we could hit up that one candy shop in downtown Vidrix, before we head home?" Vanellope mumbled cutely as her and Tessa lazily moseyed into Turbotime's glorious outlet, Vidrix city shone like a beacon of glassy white and blue on the horizon.
"No, just don't tell Zed," Tessa cutely side-eyed her mother and pulled out her phone, she began to thumb a few different options on her own screen before her and Vanellope were suddenly teleported straight to Thunderbird Arena, and though Vanellope had opened her mouth to retort Tessa's reply, and playfully challenge Zed's authority, she wildly flinched and looked about.
"... Wait, how the hell did you do that, did Lash or Turbo just teleport us?" Vanellope now quietly wondered, both women stood in a beam of Turbotime's morning sunshine inside the vast, incredible gape of Thunderbird Arena's very empty race lot.
A huge dome of an arena, a massive, gorgeous track fit for racing vehicles that hugged a green patch of fresh grass, the arena was silent, each seat was empty. An arena large enough to seat thousands of gamers, it stretched up into nosebleed seats that hovered in the shade of the dome's arch. Right at the head of the arena, on top of a jumbo screen, was the hidden nook of the Turbotime boy's lovely abode. Although it was a massive home tucked into the workings of the arena's dome structure, it looked absolutely dwarfed compared to the gigantic size of Thunderbird Arena. And incredible structure, an enveloping gulf of gorgeous, bright architecture, both Tessa and Vanellope stood near the outter part of the silent race track, near the garages and housing area for Turbo's, Nox's and Lash's race cars. Parked, cleaned, pristine and more than ready for a proper game day tomorrow morning, all three cars sat parked and quiet, the surrounding mechanical area and bay was tidy to perfection, it was obvious these four men weren't going to take their home for granted any longer, now that they had it all back and then some.
"Lash gave me waypoint permissions," Tessa's voice was hushed, the echoey mechanic bay was eager to grab on to any shred of their voice, though she raised her eyebrows in delight as she could hear other voices, far, off, being carried; manly voices that only murmured with the echo, making clear that company was close by, but not close enough to understand. She cutely gestured for Vanellope to follow, she figured Turbo and crew were likely deeper in the racing bay, an area where pit crew, arena crew and all sorts of other workers gathered during game day, though on a closed Arcade day, every Sunday, the only people found down here were Turbo and family. Tessa was aware Vanellope needed to speak to Lash, she carried on her's and Vanellope's quiet conversing as they passed by Turbo's incredible, dangerously vicious looking race car, "I'm just kidding, Zed doesn't care... I think he'd just be upset candy was being found outside of Sugar Rush."
"Mr. candy man is really taking his job seriously," Vanellope mumbled cutely, clearly playing, Tessa tossed Vanellope a sassy side-eye.
"Yeah, mom, you crowned us, did you expect less?" Tessa volleyed, Vanellope rolled her eyes and softly nudged Tessa's shoulder.
"Maybe we need to start spreading out, as Sugar Rush... Open a confectionary inside Vidrix," Vanellope shrugged, she wrinkled her nose and gave Tessa a curious little smile, "Didn't you tell me once that Lash secretly is a baker? Or something? I mean, he has Mara's coding... Together, they could probably whip up something grand."
"... Not a bad idea. Yeah, Lash likes to bake, Ace is constantly telling me all about the things Lash bakes for him, likely buttering Ace up," Tessa rolled her eyes with a smile, and as the two rounded a wide slope of a bend, they came upon a bit of an outdoor corridor, still inside the arena.
"Shit, I'd be doing the same exact thing if I was Lash, having full-on slept with his daughter, of whom is a User," Vanellope rushed in a mutter through her teeth, both girls giggled in knowing understanding.
This courtyard, of sorts, was enclosed within the arena but let in a solid amount of sunshine away from the domed slope of the arena's amphitheater-style architecture. Upon setting eyes upon the place, a large group of familiar faces could be seen across the stretch. A gorgeous courtyard with plenty of places to sit, as well as huge patches of grass all crowned with Vidrix's lush foliage and trees of all sorts, it was clear this courtyard was a proper resting area for Thunderbird Arena's crew. When not in use by crew, Turbo and family was often seen out here having group discussions or just relaxing. In this situation, the gorgeous beam of sunshine shone down on Turbo, Lash, Throttle, Nox and Theo, which also included their respective swap mates, Berri, Mara, Wren, Koko and Tatum. They all conversed in individual pockets of smaller groups, though Tessa was surprised to also see Zed and Finn in the center of the larger group. Knowing Tessa's and Vanellope's very lazy, slow mosey to Turbotime was untimed and easygoing, she figured Zed had helped Finn correct his code room problem and brought him to Turbotme for a continued, lazy day hang out.
As both women began to quietly make their presences known to the group of individuals, Vanellope raised her eyebrows in prickled delight as she took note that the drum of conversing began to slow to a halt. Every single pair of eyes softly lofted their way, and although both women were clearly highest in Sugar Rush's hierarchy, the lot of everyone's stunned gazes held tight to Tessa's aura. Vanellope cutely glanced to her first born and understood that everyone was likely gawking due to the fact that Tessa was never caught wearing a dress, though in this instance, she radiated the sun's warmth and beauty. An ethereal being that seemed to grab the universe's attention, Tessa and Vanellope pressed into the glint of sunshine in a lazy bee-line for Sugar Rush's King. Vanellope softly lofted her gaze about the group and, though she was just about to usher the group a kind hello, she raised her eyebrows in surprise as she noticed every single man, that had the ability to do so, quickly removed their hat or beanie, whichever was being worn; of these men were Turbo, Finn and Theo.
The silence and swift grapple of removed hats was enough to now cause Tessa to sheepishly gloss her eyes about the group and slow her movement alongside her mother. Tessa nearly frowned and now dropped that aura of radiated confidence she didn't even know she was sporting, though due to the sag, her eyes touched on Turbo's, who was now holding his beanie to his chest, stood tight to Berri's presence. With Finn and Theo in the same frozen gesture, stood next to Zed and Tatum, respectfully, Tessa finally furrowed her eyebrows in a stab of now grinning concern and finally lofted her confused eyes to Vanellope's. Although Tessa was sure Vanellope had an answer, Vanellope equally looked as confused and gave Tessa the same amount of bewildered fervor straight into her eyes; the group finally erupted into sweet laughter and chatter aimed at the two, to which Zed politely got down on a knee to show Tessa and Vanellope a swathe of sweet, utmost respect, respect that was always given, though in this instance of going the extra mile, he figured he'd play his Kingly part and make clear just who he thought was boss, the two Queens he looked up to.
"Well, shit, I'd kill to have an entrance like that," Nox suddenly garbled as he flagged his hand, everyone erupted into laughter as Nox began to head in the direction that Tessa and Vanellope had just come from, "Let's start from the top, I'll come walking out and all you guys bow and remove your hats, it'll be GREAT."
"Get back here," Koko grumbled in a smiling drone of cute annoyance as Nox sauntered back in defeat.
"I-I was wondering what the heck was going on," Tessa mumbled cutely as Zed got back to his feet and closed their gap, he warmly took her hand in his and easily gave Vanellope and equally as warm smile.
"You two are respected, it's not hard to see," Zed stated quietly to the two, though as Tessa and Zed held hands for a prolonged period of time, Vanellope blurt a giggle as Finn playfully took a proper stance before the two.
"Ladies and gentleman, we're gathered here today for the union of these two lovebirds," Finn droned playfully, causing the group to erupt into laughter, once more.
"Seriously, for User's sake, I didn't realize today was going to be so insanely centered around you two," Vanellope barked with a giggle as the group began to soften once more.
"Uh, hi, yeah," Berri's sweet voice suddenly blurt as she wedged in between her mother and father, she looked square into her mother's eyes and breathed a cute giggle, "I'm here to tell you that the second you put that dress away, you better put a tracking device on it, cause I WILL steal it."
"It's beautiful, Tess," Koko chimed warmly with a nod, to which Tatum eagerly agreed.
"Thanks, guys," Tessa bashfully giggled and tucked her hair behind her ears, and though Vanellope now knew to sag out of the continued sappy moment Tessa and Zed were continuously glued to, she felt a swathe of weird, gut-wrenching jealousy come over her.
She took a few steps away and loosely joined where Lash, Turbo and Throttle were stood, though Mara and Wren separated themselves and joined in on the group of girls that were continuing to cutely dote on Tessa's new aura of beautiful sunshine. A well deserved shred of attention, Vanellope was well aware Tessa was not one to grab for the spotlight nor be boastful in her achievements or beauty. Vanellope knew this was rare occasion, seeing Tessa in a dress, and the attention given to her was to be celebrated, though somehow Vanellope glanced in Zed's direction and felt the gaping hole in her stomach enlarge. The way Zed only had eyes for Tessa, the adorable little notions of whispers he'd ease into her ear, their lovey-dovey hand holding and sly looks of potential anticipation for just what they would do later, behind closed doors, Vanellope inhaled a stiff breath and looked down to her feet. Although she had just made awesome headway with Ralph, the night prior, she bit her lip and was desperate for the kind of attention Tessa was getting, from her mate. How badly she wished Ralph would properly pine after her again, like such, and though she knew it would take work and getting there again was a total possibility, she did everything she could to conceal her now soured attitude.
"That bad, huh," Lash muttered darkly to Vanellope, to which she flinched and peered tight to the three men that stood near her; Turbo, Lash and Throttle held in suspended softness, their creepy gazes held tight to Sugar Rush's previous Queen, and though Vanellope wanted to remain soured, she took note that Turbo still had his beanie clutched to his chest in respect for Vanellope's presence, making clear to her that the respect given wasn't just reserved for Vanellope's first born.
"What?" Vanellope prod with a furrow of her brow, though she heaved a hot sigh and looked off the second Lash gave her a knowing smirk of understood irritation, as if to make clear that all three beings, before her, could see right through her, "Yeah, I WAS ahead of myself, but... It's fine."
"You come for another alignment?" Turbo daintily questioned, his deep, raspy voice was quiet and only for their ears, whilst the rest of the group now loudly began to chatter and bicker amongst themselves.
"I mean, no, but it's easy to fall out of line with myself," Vanellope furrowed her eyebrows, rubbed her forehead in irritation and laid eyes on her daughters, as well as Zed, "I-I... I notice myself getting jealous, easily. I had a break-through with Ralph last night, and was feeling pretty good about myself, but then..."
"Tessa comes in wearing the dress of the century," Throttle's voice cutely glossed their tiny group, to which all three men erupted into soft laughter and shook their heads in knowing understanding. Throttle gave Vanellope a sweet smile of apology, "It's easy to compare yourself to everyone else when your own home situation isn't so solid, at the moment. It's not to say it's not getting better, you just have to give it time."
"Doesn't help that there's no swapping involved, your majesty," Turbo's grumbly voice cautioned as he gave Vanellope a knowing look, to which Vanellope sighed and crossed her arms.
"Trust me," Vanellope grunted, she eyed all three boys in sneaky cuteness, "I don't suspect you boys would be willing to help me out with an idea I had, would you?"
"We're all ears," Lash sweetly stated with a nod, and with all three of their handsome gazes held tight to Vanellope's, she inhaled a shaky breath and felt a further flood of confidence come back to her.
"I'm aware that swap is what's going to really get the ball rolling, what's REALLY going to get Ralph and I back on our game," Vanellope urged as she gestured her hands, "I could EASILY go home and just make clear that we have to get it done right NOW and that's final, and... He'd comply, I know he would, but... I don't know, I guess I just-"
"Want it to be special? So much time has passed since you last swapped, I'd want it to be special, too," Throttle encouraged gently, Vanellope eagerly nodded.
"I convinced Ralph to go on a little getaway with me, and..." Vanellope gestured her hands to continue on, though Lash raised his eyebrows in sweet delight.
"Might I suggest Vidrix's ocean side resorts?" Lash cooed, he side-eyed Vanellope and cocked an eyebrow, "Private beach, room service, gorgeous rooms fit for Kings and Queens..."
"I was going to ask your advice, and... Maybe help me price them, I think we were wanting to stay next Saturday and Sunday night," Vanellope prod cutely as Lash pulled out his phone and began to quickly type away at a few options. Vanellope dart her eyes to Turbo and Throttle, both men stole glances to each other in cheeky, grinning understanding as Vanellope shyly carried on, "Y'think you can just let me know which place is best? I'll reserve a room later."
"I'll do yah one better, I already got you covered, your majesty," Lash cutely chirped with a nod as he finalized a few things on his phone, Vanellope wildly furrowed her eyebrows as Lash tossed her a sweet, cheeky little smile, "Got you the best room on the best beach, at the best resort in Vidrix."
"... Whiplash," Vanellope stabbed with an incredulous grin, she dart her eyes between all three men and gaped a little as Turbo and Throttle cutely smiled down to their feet in knowing understanding; due to Lash being given Turbotime's reigns, he did anything he could to make sure everyone was covered from head to toe, a full run down of luxury and wealth he was more than happy to share. Vanellope gently clutched her chest and gave Lash a dumbfounded, grateful look of floored delight, "Lash, you did NOT have to do that."
"Yes I did... You're important and integral to every single person underneath Sugar Rush's sun, which branches to Turbotime. I want you and Ralph to do nothing but relax and source that romance you're clearly needing," Lash humbly stated as he rested his hand to his broad chest, he gave Vanellope the warmest smile he could muster, "How about, Saturday night, we align you and Ralph and send you two on your merry way, not a worry in Arcade."
"How do I even begin to pay you back? Those resorts are so expensive," Vanellope urgently complained, to which Lash firmly furrowed his eyebrows in a mildly incredulous grin and shook his head.
"Don't you dare pay me back, I don't even care about that," Lash barked with a laugh, he shook his head and shrugged, "There clearly needs to be a breakthrough and getting you and Ralph back on top is priceless."
"You can pay Lash back by jumping over this hurdle with Ralph," Throttle shrugged, Lash bobbed a nod and grinned.
"Deal, easy," Lash cutely encouraged, to which Turbo snapped his fingers in an idea that had just sparked him, he looked down to the ground in sweet contemplation and bit his lip.
"Y'know what... I'm gunna make this more interesting," Turbo muttered, he cleared his throat and broadened the decibels of his deep voice to cast upon the entire group of people in the courtyard, nearby, "Hey, guys, I have a bit of a proposal, and I need your guys' attention."
"You already proposed to Berri, you're doing it again?" Wren loudly wondered in genuine confusion, to which Turbo beamed an annoyed grin and furrowed his brow.
"I mean... I can," Turbo shrugged as Berri gave him a sweet smile and cutely waved him off, though as everyone stepped closer to Turbo, and his small group, he inhaled a readied breath and stepped more into the center of said union of both groups, "I propose, next Saturday evening, after the Arcade closes... One final race."
"A race," Zed piqued with an excited smile, everyone in the group began to murmur quiet notions to one another, alongside curious, stolen glances.
"Whose racing?" Theo wondered with an eager smile, to which Turbo cocked an eyebrow and lofted his eyes tight to Vanellope's; she raised her eyebrows in a sting of hot delight.
"I challenge Vanellope and Zed to a three-man challenge, the race of all races," Turbo's confident voice splayed the courtyard, to which the group now began to grow louder in excitable chatter.
"What's the occasion?" Nox prod as he put his hands on his hips and shrugged, clearly down for the nonsense, he side-eyed Turbo in sneaking suspicion and patiently awaited Turbo's explanation.
"Think about it... You have one of the best racers in Arcade, the original glitch herself," Turbo sweetly gestured to Vanellope, who shyly looked down to her feet and eased a small smile. Turbo's deep voice pressed on as he peered tight to Zed's gaze, "You have the scary opponent no one has raced before, Mr. Unbeatable."
"I'm rusty," Zed grumbled as he rubbed the back of his head, to which Turbo gestured to his chest and gave the group a cocky little smile.
"And then you have me... The crazy old kook that started it all," Turbo's voice leveled in sly knowing, he eyed Vanellope and Zed in sweet challenge and shrugged, "Whatdoyahsay?"
"I'm in," Zed encouraged, the group loudly cooed whoops of excited notions, though as everyone eagerly peered to Vanellope, she bravely inhaled a deep breath and took a few steps closer to her two opponents, who now loosely stood in a circle.
"You're on," Vanellope stabbed in encouraged fervor that finally came back to her skin, she sank her hand out in between both men, to which Turbo rested his hand atop the back of hers, and Zed's atop the back of Turbo's.
"My money's on Zed," Lash called, the group loudly erupted into confused laughter as they peered back to him with wide smiles of irritation.
"THANKS," Turbo grunted, everyone continued to laugh as Lash shrugged.
"Think about it! You and Vanellope have a game day, Zed's gunna spend ALL of Saturday resting and amping up, and you guys are gunna be racing running on fumes," Lash wheezed with laughter, contagious enough to keep the group going.
"I JUST said I was rusty!" Zed urged as he gestured to his own chest, and though Vanellope was extremely excited for this challenge, she eyed Turbo in sneaking suspicion.
She knew, full well, this was Turbo's way of adding that extra element of heightened fun to her's and Ralph's impending little mini-moon getaway, and though she felt as if she had fallen right into his trap, she bashfully glossed her eyes about the group and felt gratitude hit her between the eyes. How adamant her family was to keep her and Ralph's stronghold at the helm of this nonsense, Vanellope knew she had struck gold when it came to having the coolest family unit to call her own. Eager for just exactly what Saturday evening was going to look like, as well as hopefully her's and Ralph's fully rekindled bout of romance well into the following day, she now felt excited to get back to Sugar Rush and tell Ralph all of the good news.
