Felix was unsure just when he started having romantic feelings for Ralph.
They've been best friends and odd-job partners for years. But recently, whenever the two would occasionally brush against each other, Felix's heart would begin to race, and he would have to hide the warm glow in his cheeks. And those butterfly feelings were getting harder and harder to ignore. Especially now, as the two of them sat together on the porch swing, sipping lemonade in the crisp evening air.
Today had been wonderful; filled with laughter and fleeting, light touches. With subtle, yet meaningful glances and light teasings. All culminating when the pair could reveal their hard work making over Vanellope's room when she came home from school.
She loved it, and Felix loved when the three of them held each other close; like a family.
They ate dinner together, enjoyed some evening games, and the little girl was gingerly tucked into bed. Which, again, dragged the handyman to the present, where he and Ralph were sharing this very private, intimate, yet awkward moment.
The bench was small, and forced them together. But Ralph still somehow felt distant. With his brows slightly furrowed, and eyes glued to his lap.
Felix swallowed, worrying that he'd overstepped. He thought that the larger man had been receptive to all his small hints and advances, but perhaps that was wishful thinking. Still, as uncomfortable as it might be, Ralph had the right to know about his feelings. And there was no time better than now.
"It's really nice out here," Felix said meekly. And it wasn't just for conversation. It truly was magical, with the soft breeze, fireflies winking, and moon shining brightly.
"Yeah," Ralph replied simply, further putting doubt into the handyman's mind.
No. He had to stand firm. Taking a moment's recovery, Felix sucked in a breath and opened his mouth.
"Uhm, F-felix?" His friend's deep voice cut him short. Ralph gulped, scratching his head nervously as he mustered up the next words. "There's no easy way to say this, but I have to say it…"
Felix sat frozen, terrified, and now certain that he'd upset his friend today.
"I…" Ralph looked the handyman in the eyes for the first time since they'd sat down together. "L-look, nothing means more to me than our friendship. But I…I have feelings for you. The— the romantic kind."
Felix's eyes went wide, which made Ralph second guess all the 'signals' he thought meant his friend may have felt similarly.
"I-I'm sorry," the large man sighed, feeling like he'd just slapped the handyman in the face. "I-it's ok if you don't feel the same…I just—I-I thought—"
A hand pressed itself firmly on Ralph's forearm, stopping him in his tracks. Looking back up, Felix's eyes were now filled to the brim with tears as he smiled.
"Oh Ralph," he chuckled, a few wet streaks running down his face. "I was about to tell you the same thing…"
"Y-you were?" the larger man blushed.
"Uh-huh," a small puff of relief escaped the handyman. "I— I have feelings for you too."
"You do?" Ralph couldn't quite believe it. Felix laughed as he rested his head on the larger man's shoulder. Slowly and cautiously, their hands intertwined between them, hearts beating wildly.
"I do."