*Chapter 7*
"Taffyta, must you embarrass me in front of everyone?" Vanellope snapped, feeling defensive.
"What?" Taffyta whined as the two got onto the Power Strip's train, "What did I do this time?"
"Making me talk about how I used to like Rancis, the whole 'close parameters' between Ralph and I. My head can't keep up with everything that's suddenly happened in the past two days." Vanellope sighed, her face flushed.
"Well, why does the 'close parameters' thing, between you and Ralph, matter?" Taffyta urged, trying not to sound too curious.
"It doesn't, just forget it." Vanellope sighed as she crossed her arms and put her hood up over her head. The train trucked along at a good pace, the tunnel it rocketed down was pitch black, but the train was dimly lit. Taffyta put a gentle hand on Vanellope's shoulder.
"Honestly, Vanellope," Taffyta smiled, "If you like Ralph, you can tell me."
"Ralph is my best friend," Vanellope growled, feeling annoyed, "Even if I did like him like that, I know nothing would ever happen."
"Well, why not?" Taffyta urged hopefully.
"Because! I'm just a little runt child to him," Vanellope said as she gestured her hands with uncertainty, her heart began to pound. She could feel Taffyta's gentle hand still on her shoulder.
"Vanellope, you used to be," Taffyta reminded her, "It's been two years and a whole decade upgrade since then. We're not like humans, Vanellope, these kinds of things almost don't matter."
"But it'd just be weird! He's known me as the two feet tall little dirty haired brat," Vanellope inhaled to keep going.
"But now he can know you as taller, older, and lovelier!" Taffyta interrupted, "Surely he won't keep that image of you, Vanellope. It's been two years, after all."
"Hmph," Vanellope sighed and slumped farther into her chair.
"The stuff he was saying to you yesterday," Taffyta said softly, "I know he truly cares about you. And now knowing that he didn't want to be apart from you after all this time just makes everything better."
"It's not like that, Taff," Vanellope breathed sadly.
"Maybe not right now," Taffyta urged.
"What is with you?!? You hated him not even forty eight hours ago!" Vanellope suddenly barked, "Now you're trying to play matchmaker on two gamers who aren't even close to being meant to be."
"I was only mad at him because I thought he wrote that note, Vanellope!" Taffyta barked back, "I always liked him, Vin, you know that!"
"I just wish all this tension and confusion would go away somehow… my stomach nearly drops every time he's near." Vanellope mumbled as she covered her face with embarrassment. Taffyta looked around before beaming in Vanellope's direction.
"Hey, the arcade is closed for New Year's next week. Maybe he'll ask you to the New Year's ball!" Taffyta smiled. Vanellope gave her a look of death.
"Does it look like I enjoy dancing?" Vanellope glared.
"You went last year, remember?" Taffyta nudged her.
"I only went because Rancis asked me to," Vanellope muttered.
"So, what if Ralph asks you?" Taffyta urged, "Would you say yes?"
"Why are you SO adamant about all of this? You're acting like Sugar
Rush needs a King or else we'll be unplugged," Vanellope argued,
"Are you doubting my abilities?"
"Technically, you're president." Taffyta corrected. Vanellope threw her hands up.
"So he'd be considered the first man!" Vanellope laughed in disbelief, "This is fantastic."
"I think you should go if he asks you," Taffyta smiled before pondering, "I think you should go no matter what. Maybe he'll go too!"
"And then maybe we'll get married at midnight and have a huge family of sugary, racing wreckers!" Vanellope mocked as she sat up and got in Taffyta's face a little. She then slumped back in her chair and shook her head; her black hair was a slight mess.
"That'd be so cool," Taffyta pondered, "Can I be the maid of honor?"
"I swear to User, Taffyta."
Vanellope calmly woke up the next morning, after a long game day. She smiled and crawled out of bed, her hair tangled and fuzzy. She rubbed her eyes and stepped over to the large French doors of her bedroom that led to her balcony. She was careful to step around the tile that Ralph had accidentally wrecked. She opened the doors, sending in the sweet early morning air. She gently began to comb through her tangled hair before there was a knock on her bedroom door. Vanellope slowly moved across her room wondering who would be visiting her this early. She peeked her heavy door open a small crack.
"Can we talk?" Rancis asked gently. Vanellope glared at him.
"That depends," Vanellope snapped, keeping the door just barely open.
"I came to apologize," Rancis said softly, looking down. Vanellope glared at him for a long second before opening her door and letting him in.
"Fine then," Vanellope sighed, crossing her arms as Rancis stepped into her room. He immediately spotted the shattered tile by her dresser.
"Man, that guy truly knows how to ruin things, doesn't he," Rancis said plainly as he wrinkled his nose. Vanellope inhaled sharply.
"Unless you have a death wish, apologize and get out," Vanellope growled.
"I'm sorry," Rancis frowned, "After all the pain that wrecker has put you through, you can't expect me to act kindly towards him. I care about you, Vanellope."
"Thanks, Rancis," Vanellope blurted out, "I can handle myself, ok?
And he has a name."
"Fine," Rancis said cautiously, "I just don't trust him. I don't trust you being alone with him."
"He won't hurt me, Rancis, you're acting like he'll lash out at me and attack like some wild animal," Vanellope felt her heart ache for the skewed view some people had about Ralph.
"He certainly smells like one," Rancis wrinkled his nose. Vanellope furrowed her brow.
"He's my best friend, Rancis," Vanellope said deeply, "If you know what's good for you, you'll lay off the remarks."
"I'm sorry," Rancis said plainly, "I'm just not so sure about him."
"Well I am," Vanellope barked, her arms crossed. She inhaled to say more, but something outside her balcony doors caught her eye. Far off down the road, she could see Ralph and Felix slowly making his way to her castle. Vanellope's heart suddenly jolted and she glitched a little. Rancis gave her a funny look.
"You ok?" Rancis asked. Vanellope quickly ran to the bathroom as she mumbled a small noise of an answer to Rancis; she charged to her vanity. She began brushing her hair like crazy, hoping to get the tangles out. She shut the bathroom door and put day clothes on before quickly emerging, checking herself again in the mirror. She shot Rancis an annoyed look.
"Did you have anything else to say?" Vanellope asked in a rushed tone. She noticed Ralph and Felix getting closer and closer to the castle.
"Well, I-I wanted to also ask if maybe, uh," Rancis stuttered. Vanellope impatiently darted her eyes from him to Ralph, back and forth.
"Mhm, what is it," Vanellope rushed.
"Did you want to go to the New Year's ball with me?" Rancis asked with a charming smile.
"Mhm, yeah sure, if you knock off the crap about Ralph," Vanellope blurted out before pushing on him a little, "I have things I have to get done, I'll talk to you later Rancis."
"So it's a date!" Rancis beamed.
"Don't push your luck," Vanellope mumbled unenthusiastically, getting Rancis out of her room, "See you then." Vanellope shut the door and quickly began to tidy her room frantically.
"Well well, would you look who decided to show up," Rancis mocked as he came down from Vanellope's long, spiral staircase, which led to her bedroom. Ralph furrowed his brow and tried to remain cool. Felix gave Rancis a confused look.
"I have my eye on you, kid," Ralph glared.
"Looks like your cut healed!" Rancis sneered as he stepped closer. Ralph glanced at the spiral staircase and pushed past Rancis firmly. Felix quickly climbed the stairs, wanting to stay out of trouble.
"Looks like you grew!" Ralph mocked before stopping and sarcastically inspecting him. Ralph put his hand on the spiral staircase railing and leaned away, "No, nope, never mind."
"At least I have a date to the New Year's ball!" Rancis snapped as he began to step away.
"That sissy dance?" Ralph laughed as he began to climb the stairs.
"I'm going with Ms. Vanellope Von Schweetz," Rancis bragged. Ralph felt his heart drop a little, but remained a stone on the outside.
"What'd you do, bribe her? Ultimatum?" Ralph rolled his eyes.
"I'd like to see who YOU show up with," Rancis said sarcastically.
"You won't have to because I'm not going, Rancid," Ralph chuckled as he slowly climbed out of sight.
"It's Rancis!" Rancis cried in annoyance.
"Francis, right yeah, whatever," Ralph called before vanishing. Rancis stormed away.
"What an idiot," Ralph chuckled before coming to Vanellope's door. Felix straightened his hat as Ralph gently knocked on the door, "Guess who," He called gently.
"I think I have a good idea," Vanellope said softly as she opened the door, her smile wide and adorable, "Hi guys!"
"Hi," Ralph beamed as him and Felix were let into her clean room.
"Did someone call for a handy man?" Felix chimed, getting out his hammer. He glanced at the shattered tile by Vanellope's dresser.
"Yes please, good sir," Vanellope chuckled, giving him the go ahead. Felix effortlessly fixed the tile back to picture perfect.
"Good as new," Felix smiled as he looked around; he had a twinkle in his eye, "Golly, you really know how to decorate. This room is flawless."
"Thanks, Fix-It," Vanellope beamed, giving him a small side hug.
"Anytime m'lady," Felix said as he tipped his hat to her.
"So," Ralph felt nervous as he made his way to Vanellope's balcony, "What was Rancis doing here?"
"He was just," Vanellope hesitated, rolling her eyes, "He came to apologize for what happened."
"You two are going to the New Year's ball together?" Felix asked innocently. Ralph's facial expression dropped further, though it was obvious he was trying to hide it. He shifted nervously on his feet.
"Unfortunately," Vanellope frowned as she looked down, wishing Ralph had gotten here sooner.
"You don't want to go?" Felix asked gently.
"It's not that I don't want to go to the ball," Vanellope frowned as she looked down, "I just, didn't want to go with Rancis."
"You wouldn't want to go alone, huh," Felix said sadly.
"It's kind of embarrassing," Vanellope stated humbly, looking away, "I have the choice of going alone and looking like a single handed, power hungry president, or going with a date and at least acting like I'm leaning towards attempting to find a 'King' for Sugar Rush."
"Sugar Rush needs a king?" Ralph said, wrinkling his nose.
"Not, technically," Vanellope stuttered, rubbing her arm, "I just think, it'd be best. Sugar Rush citizens are starting to worry."
"What she's saying is, she wants a boyfriend," Taffyta chuckled as she entered Vanellope's room. Vanellope shot her a look, her face hot red.
"Well it's not going to be Rancis," Vanellope practically growled, "He can take me to the ball, but that's just about it."
"Welp, you'll see me and Calhoun there," Felix chimed happily. Taffyta nodded in agreement.
"I'll be there," Taffyta said with a smile, "I don't have a date, but it's still fun going stag. I'll probably just hang out with Candlehead and some of the other racers."
"Are you going, Ralph?" Vanellope asked, trying not to sound to curious. Ralph frowned.
"Naw, those events aren't really my thing. I'd probably end up accidentally wrecking something anyways," Ralph said as he rubbed his hands together and sighed.
"You'll be missed," Vanellope stated with a frown. Ralph gave her a weak smile and nodded once with understanding.
"Well! I hate to break up the party, but we should probably head back. If I'm not mistaken, I heard the 'one hour' warning during our walk to the castle," Felix said with a sheepish grin, "Sorry to fix it and run, Vanellope."
"That's okay," Vanellope smiled, "Hopefully we'll all see each other soon."
"You know where to find us," Ralph smiled down at her. She nodded and smiled back, patting his arm.
Felix and Ralph said their goodbyes and quickly left Vanellope's castle. Vanellope watched them leave from her balcony, gazing after them until they were out of sight. Taffyta watched her from her room and shook her head gently.
"You're hopeless, Vanellope," Taffyta chuffed. Vanellope came back into the room.
"I can't believe I said yes to Rancis," Vanellope wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"Well it'll get him to shut up after the new year," Taffyta then pondered, "Either that or he won't stop talking about it."
"I'm not looking forward to this," Vanellope frowned, "It's the first New Year's I get to spend with Ralph and he's not even going to be at the ball."
"Maybe you can see him before hand, or afterwards?" Taffyta suggested. Vanellope walked away.
"It's not the same." She sighed.
"Why not?" Taffyta smiled in her direction, "Were you hoping for a New Year's kiss?"
"What? No," Vanellope scoffed, "Especially not from Rancis."
"There's always Ralph," Taffyta quietly proded. Vanellope mocked her and rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, funny," She sneered as she firmly sat down on the edge of her bed.
"I'm sorry," Taffyta said in all seriousness. She sighed and looked around, "I can try and keep you company during the ball so you don't have to hang out with Rancis the entire time."
"That would help," Vanellope said, looking desperately at her friend, "Thank you."
"What are sisters for," Taffyta said as she high fived Vanellope and headed for the door, "I'll see you at racin' time."
"See you then," Vanellope said softly as she heaved a long sigh.
"You're not going to the ball, Ralph?" Felix said with a frown. The two were headed back to Game Central Station. Felix was sat opposite Ralph on the train.
"No, didn't you hear me?" Ralph chuckled. Felix flinched.
"I-I did, I just am surprised," Felix fiddled his fingers and looked around, "I could've sworn you would've maybe… asked Vanellope, is all."
"Why would I ask her?" Ralph's face turned beat red.
"Ralph," Felix sighed, his face becoming serious, "I'm not a fool."
"No one said you were," Ralph mumbled, looking away. He shifted nervously.
"I know how you feel about Vanellope," Felix stated bluntly. Ralph shot him a look.
"What are you talking about, Felix," Ralph snapped, feeling tense. "I see the way you look at her," Felix said softly as Ralph rubbed the back of his head nervously, "Its completely obvious, Ralph."
"No one asked you, Felix," Ralph snapped.
"You like her," Felix stated boldly, a few other game characters down the train stealing glances at the two.
"You don't know me, Felix," Ralph barked as he glued his eyes to
Felix's.
"Ralph, if you don't tell her how you feel soon, you're going to lose her," Felix began to raise his voice, his eyebrows furrowed.
"Felix, shut up," Ralph barked louder.
"If you don't see her on your guys' very first New Years together, she's going to spend the whole night with Rancis," Felix snapped loudly, mostly everyone on the train now staring, "Is that what you want?" Felix suddenly stood, towering over Ralph's sitting figure for once.
"Of course that's not what I want!" Ralph hollered, feeling limited from standing because of the train's low ceiling. He sat still but glared up at Felix.
"Then what are you going to do about it, Ralph?" Felix shouted. Ralph flinched as he gazed at Felix, knowing he doesn't get this heated over just anything.
"I can't DO anything, Felix!" Ralph hollered, both guys' mere inches from each other's faces.
"You need to tell her how you feel before it's too late, Ralph," Felix said sternly and passionately, the look in his eye full of worry and hope.
"I don't feel ANYTHING," Ralph hollered, his face beat red and his fists clenched, "Now get out of my face Fix-It, before I wreck you beyond repair."
"You don't feel anything because you're just a stone cold, bad guy," Felix shouted as he took his hammer out of his belt and waved it in Ralph's face, "You aren't capable of love. You're built to let people walk all over you, aren't you!"
"FELIX," Ralph growled.
"AREN'T YOU!" Felix deeply shouted before Ralph yanked the hammer from Felix's hands.
"FINE, Felix! Fine! I love her! I love her more than anything!" Ralph's hollered, his face full of so many emotions, his eyes almost glassy with tears, "You don't know how complicated it is because you're married and don't have to worry about your reputation or whether or not falling in love with a character, that used to be a child a mere upgrade ago, is wrong or not! And now this little Rancid brat might end my life if anything were to happen between Vanellope and I!" Felix glared at Ralph.
"Don't you dare tell me I'm heartless, or aren't capable of love," Ralph growled as he stood hunched to get in Felix's face this time. Felix slowly sat down, smiling on the inside. "I have no control over this situation, so why throw my heart out on the line if I'm just going to be hurt! How do I know if she feels the same way about me? I've already been through too much hurt to put myself out there once again, just to be wrecked, myself!"
Ralph sat down with a loud thud, the train wobbling and the dim lights flickering. Everyone in their cab stared at the two in complete silence. Felix let a small smile make its way across his face. He gently pat Ralph's hand.
"Will you let me help you?" Felix asked gently, his reverse psychology trick panning out to his liking.
"With what," Ralph barked angrily.
"You're going to that ball, Ralph," Felix playfully demanded, "And you're going to knock her off of her feet."
"I can't dance, Felix, let alone make a good impression, look at me!" Ralph shouted.
"I'm not talking about professional dancing," Felix laughed aloud, "Even just showing up would probably make her light up."
"It's pointless, Felix," Ralph frowned, looking up at the train ceiling.
"It's only pointless if you don't try," Felix stated calmly, "So what do you say. I'll help you win the girl, if you at least go to the dance." Felix put his hand out for a handshake. Ralph glared at him, though he couldn't help but feel as if the cold front just put on him was just brotherly love. Ralph blinked a few times and stared at Felix's gloved hand. Ralph hesitantly shook his hand.
"Fine," Ralph chuffed, "But not a single word of this leaves us, Felix, or believe me, I will end your fixing days."
"Don't worry, brother," Felix beamed, "My lips are sealed."
