*Chapter 24*

Ralph and Vanellope entered his game in complete and awkward silence. Vanellope gazed away from Ralph, her chin in her hand. She heaved a sharp sigh as the train tinkered into the station, coming to an abrupt stop. Vanellope gently tucked her hair behind her ears as Ralph exited the train. He extended a helping hand to her and smiled down at her with sincerity. Vanellope gazed at his hand for a few moments before staring up at Ralph; she remained motionless.

"You comin'?" Ralph asked gently, his hand still extended.

"Yeah," Vanellope breathed in an annoyed tone as she gently slipped her hand into his. He carefully helped her out of the cart.

"Do you want to go inside?" Ralph asked quietly after a few long moments of silence between the two. Vanellope looked away from Ralph and shivered a little.

"No, I'm ok," Vanellope said gently as she gazed down at the ground, her face blushed. She continued to shiver.

"Come on," Ralph said in a small whisper as he carefully and slowly wrapped his large arm around Vanellope's shoulders, "You look cold."

"Fine," Vanellope breathed gently as she leaned into Ralph just barely. To her surprise, Ralph was leading her to the Niceland building, "We aren't going to your house?"

"Oh," Ralph said as they both stopped walking, "Would you rather go there?"

"It's a little more private, isn't it?" Vanellope stated plainly.

"I guess," Ralph breathed, his face suddenly getting hot. He carefully began to lead Vanellope towards the town behind the Niceland building.

As soon as they approached his house, Ralph unlocked the door and swung it wide open for Vanellope. He sweetly let her in first before carefully shutting it behind him. He looked up to see Vanellope take her shoes off and adjust her dress. Ralph heaved a long sigh and rubbed the back of his head as he looked down at his new attire he had forgotten about. He hoped he had made a good impression on her. Vanellope gently sat down on his large couch, she kept to herself and avoided eye contact with Ralph. She inhaled a slow breath as Ralph carefully approached her. He stood a few feet away from her.

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind," Vanellope stated with a frown, tears billowing in her eyes, "Ever heard that expression before?" She said in a sarcastic tone.

"It wasn't my idea, Vanellope," Ralph said gently.

"Yeah, well you didn't have to go along with it," Vanellope snapped.

"The only reason I did, was because," Ralph inhaled a long, slow breath and looked away, "Because I was worried I was losing you."

"Losing me?" Vanellope said in quiet surprise as she looked Ralph square in the face, "You could never lose me, Ralph."

"I'm sorry," Ralph breathed as he sat down on the armchair across from Vanellope. He casually placed his elbows on his knees and connected his hands; he hung his head, "After what you said, in front of everyone last week, I was worried that I was the only one who actually was feeling something between us."

"Well, now that you've publicly humiliated me, and heard what you wanted to hear, we're all happy and candy smiles now," Vanellope said in a mockingly happy voice before slumping her shoulders and gazing down at the ground.

"I can tell that this is hard for you," Ralph said quietly, "It's hard for me too. I've never felt this way about anyone before, the way I feel about you."

"Ralph," Vanellope pleaded as she held her head, "I'm scared."

"Scared?" Ralph said as he gently stood, "Now that it's just you and I, you shouldn't feel scared," Ralph continued as he gently took hold of Vanellope's hands and made her stand to face him.

"Ralph," Vanellope continued to plead.

"Listen to me, please," Ralph said gently as he carefully put his finger under her chin to make her look at him, "I'm not going to continue to run in circles with you like this for the rest of my life."

"I'm sorry," Vanellope said gently as her eyes became glassier.

"The only reason you're scared is because this new thing we've both happened upon is uncharted territory," Ralph explained calmly, "It's something we haven't figured out. It's something our code hasn't solved. There is, truly, only one way to solve it."

"What if the outcome is poor?" Vanellope said humbly as tears spilled down her cheeks. She shut her eyes and moved Ralph's hand to her cheek; she buried into it, "I don't want to lose you, either, you know."

"You never will," Ralph chuckled as he stroked her cheek free of tears, "You can't let this fire of ours die."

"Ralph, I'm so sorry," Vanellope said through pleading eyes, "I'm so sorry I said that our first kiss meant nothing. Ralph, it was so special, and I'll remember it for the rest of my life."

"Me too," Ralph said kindly, "And, it's okay. I understand being put on the spot can make for some tense situations."

"I was worried that everyone in our group would think poorly of us,"

Vanellope frowned as her and Ralph gently let distance between them.

"Well, after tonight, I think it's safe to say they're very much aware of the situation," Ralph chuckled nervously.

"Taffyta and I got into a huge fight after you, Felix and Calhoun left that night," Vanellope said gently as she took a step away from Ralph to head towards his kitchen.

"I'm assuming everything turned out fine in the end," Ralph smiled as he followed Vanellope to his kitchen.

"Yeah," Vanellope breathed a sniffle as she composed herself, "If anything, it brought us closer as friends."

"I see," Ralph smiled as he leaned his back against the counter, he crossed his arms and looked up to ponder, "So, do you remember that one time you threw a knife at my face and called me your boyfriend?"

"You caught that, didn't you," Vanellope said with a sniffle after a few short moments of lulling quiet.

"Certainly did," Ralph chuckled as Vanellope turned around to give him a sheepish smile.

"I-I just said that because I wanted to show Ibuki who's boss," Vanellope fibbed as she turned back around and opened a cupboard to look for a cup.

"I'm so sure," Ralph playfully agreed.

"I-I mean, I just wanted to make a scene, liven things up," Vanellope chuckled nervously as she began to scour Ralph's cupboards for a glass. Ralph rolled his eyes at her attempts and laughed.

"Well, you certainly succeeded," Ralph laughed as he reached behind himself and grabbed a glass out of the cupboard behind him.

"I'm positive, if it were the real deal, that she would've laid off and we could go on about our business," Vanellope said, a hidden tone of frustration in her voice, as she scoured for a glass.

"Looking for something, girlfriend of mine?" Ralph chuckled as he gently waved a glass in front of his face. Vanellope turned around and looked at him, her face bruised with blush.

"Would it be too forward of me to say that I like the way that sounds?" Vanellope said bashfully, after a few moments, as she gazed across the kitchen to Ralph.

"Considering all we've been through, you're right on cue with recent events," Ralph chuckled as he set the glass down on the counter.

"I can't believe you'd trick me like that," Vanellope chuffed as she took a step closer to Ralph, her arms crossed, her head down.

"I know, I know, I'm an idiot," Ralph said gently as he looked to the side, a small smile on his face.

"And," Vanellope prod as she slowly approached him.

"A real numbskull," Ralph sighed.

"And," Vanellope swayed her hips.

"A selfish diaper baby," Ralph chuckled as he caught eyes with Vanellope.

"And?" Vanellope beamed as she squinted her eyes at him. She softly took hold of both sides of Ralph's vest in her hands as she averted her gaze down to his shirt.

"A stink brain?" Ralph smiled down at her. She kindly averted her eyes back to his.

"The stinkiest brain ever," Vanellope smiled as she glanced at Ralph's mouth and stubbly jawline as he chuckled silently.

Ralph gently caught eyes with Vanellope; they both were speaking the same, silent language. A language Ralph wasn't even sure he understood fully yet. He gazed deep into her eyes, her soul was warm and content gazing back at him, but he could feel a twinge of tension in her eyes. She gently gripped his shirt a little as she relished in the whirl of confused tension she allowed herself to enjoy. The air around them suddenly grew thick, a palpable, intense mixture of purpose and want. Ralph gently lowered his head as an invitation.

Vanellope inhaled a small breath as the code over her heart suddenly bulged hot blue and zipped around a little, making it's electrifying sound. Vanellope gently jolted and caught her breath before gazing back into Ralph's eyes with a sheepish look. Ralph let out an understanding chuckle and shook his head slightly. Vanellope breathed a small, giggle like sigh as she pushed past her nervous self. She gazed up at Ralph with a knowing look. She was surprised to see Ralph looking at her with same intent, as if they each were about to implode. Just as Vanellope barely tugged on Ralph's vest, he leaned down to quell their dancing hearts.

As if following an intricate choreograph for two, they melted into each other, a cue they were instructed for. Vanellope slowly inhaled Ralph's familiar scent as their lips met. She gently pushed into him as the fireworks went off in her head. She felt as if she suddenly couldn't get enough of him, as if the kiss was a mere, proverbial tease. She inched her hands up his chest, silently enticing him in. Ralph calmly and confidently wrapped his arms and hands around the small of her waist, pulling her closer to him as he leaned comfortably against his kitchen counter. Vanellope felt her head grow light with desire as she stood on tip toes. She tilted her head gently to deepen the kiss and was surprised to feel Ralph follow suit. She firmly grabbed the collar of Ralph's soft polo, hoping he got the hint.

Their hearts danced in a fiery frenzy, Vanellope wasn't sure where this sudden spark of passion started, but she was praying to User it wouldn't end. She lovingly held her hands on Ralph's jaw, her heart jumping with the sensation of the scruff on his face. She quickly slid one of her hands down to Ralph's chest and kept it firmly over his heart. She pushed on him gently, as if to teasingly resist. She was pleased to feel Ralph push closer to her, eager to deepen the kiss; he didn't dare to let her go. Vanellope smiled on his mouth and let a small noise of satisfaction leave her lips. She could feel a smile on Ralph's mouth as she gently wrapped her arms around his neck. Ralph tugged her closer as his eager hands very slowly slid down her back.

"Ralph?" Came Felix's voice from outside as well as a few knocks on his front door.

Ralph and Vanellope jolted out of their moment and slowly emerged from being one. They kept their eyes shut as they gently panted on each other's lips. Vanellope gently slid one hand onto the back of Ralph's head and heaved a patient, yet annoyed sigh. She gently pushed her forehead against the top of the bridge of his nose. Ralph scrunched his face in annoyance, at the disturbance, and kept Vanellope close to him.

"I think anywhere we go in this User forsaken arcade, ONE of our friends is bound to find us at the worst possible time," Ralph whispered with a small chuckle.

"Let's just pretend we're not here," Vanellope silently whispered on Ralph's mouth, she opened her eyes just barely.

"Felix may be cheerfully naive," Ralph replied in a whisper on Vanellope's lips with a gentle chuckle, "But he's not stupid."

"Maybe he'll go away, let's just not answer the door," Vanellope whispered on his mouth in return. She eagerly leaned closer to Ralph, both their eyes closing again. Ralph gently pulled her in again as his hands smoothly slid up from her curvy hips to the small of her back, their hearts still racing. Vanellope slowly, but eagerly, let her lips sink into Ralph's once more. He tilted his head gently and eased into the kiss, he carefully held his precious flower with his wrecking hands. She felt her heart practically jolt clear out of her chest as every inch of Ralph's curious palms slid slowly up her back and sides.

"Ralph, I know you're in there," Felix stated in an annoyed, yet caring, way as he knocked a few more times. Ralph put a stop to his curious venture; he figured being interrupted was for the better. He wasn't sure where his instincts would've led him. The two practically had to pry themselves from the addicting situation. Vanellope pushed her palms to Ralph's chest and inhaled a shaky, lingering breath; her eyes curiously gazed up into his. She bit her bottom lip with an innocent, teasing smile, her cheeks were blushed rosy with want.

"I don't think he's going to leave," Vanellope sneered as she wrinkled her nose.

"I could be in the Niceland building for all he knows, how many more times are we going to be interrupted?" Ralph said quietly as he rolled his eyes, his face flushed. He tried his very hardest to hide the creeping smile that wanted to burst from his mouth. Vanellope chuckled quietly and gently removed herself from Ralph as he carefully left their situation, and the kitchen. Vanellope slowly followed with a dizzy smile, her legs weak. Ralph gently opened his front door wide and gave Felix a look of slight annoyance. Vanellope stood a ways behind Ralph in the walkway, barefoot, her expression more dazed and happy.

"What do you need, Felix," Ralph chuckled, trying to sound as if the two were busy. Felix looked surprised.

"Taffyta told me you got sick," Felix said in a caring way as he glanced at Vanellope. He suddenly looked sheepish and leaned closer to Ralph, "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

"Just probably one of the biggest steps in my romantic little life, here, Felix. No biggie," Ralph said quietly and sarcastically down to Felix with a small chuckle as he lulled his head, he then gave Felix a confused look, "I'm not sick, why would Taffyta say that?"

"Felix!" Taffyta shouted as she quickly came running down the road, she looked flustered, "Sorry Ralph, I tried to stop him."

"But you said he was sick," Felix said in a confused way, "I wanted to make sure he was okay!"

"Felix," Taffyta barked with a laugh as she grabbed his arm and began yanking him down Ralph's stoop, "I said him and Vanellope got sick of the party so they left! To make nice! They're making up…get the hint!"

"O-oh!" Felix chimed as he shot Ralph an apologetic, sheepish look, "Sorry guys…"

"It's ok," Vanellope laughed as she linked arms with Ralph, "I think it'd be fun to go back. I can finally go with my boyfriend."

"You guys sure?" Taffyta chuckled as her and Felix made their way down the stoop of Ralph's home.

"Why not," Ralph laughed as he held Vanellope close, "I just hope Swizzle isn't too upset."

"Are you kidding, that kid doesn't even know half of his competitors names," Taffyta laughed as her and Felix happily walked towards the Niceland train.

"We'll catch up with you in just a second," Ralph called with a smile as he looked down at Vanellope. She gazed up at Ralph through true, hazel eyes. She smiled a loving smile and gently pat his chest.

"Okay. No more messing around," Ralph breathed with a small smile as he held both of Vanellope's hands, "Vanellope,"

"Yes?" Vanellope beamed up at him, knowing exactly what he was going to say. The two were silent for a few moments.

"Will you be my girlfriend?" Ralph asked gently with a small, hopefully smile. Vanellope chuckled and nodded a little.

"Of course I will," Vanellope said with a wide smile and a small giggle.

"Great," Ralph breathed as he slumped with relief.

"Do you really think after all we've been through tonight that I would've straight up said no?" Vanellope laughed and shook her head.

"You never know," Ralph chuckled before looking around, as if searching for something, "So, how to we go about making this official?"

"Um," Vanellope squeezed Ralph's hands and glanced back into his house, "I-I think we already checked that off of the list, there, buddy."

"O-oh, right," Ralph chuckled, his face red.

"Here, we can do this," Vanellope smiled as she let go of Ralph's hands and fiddled with the small, elegantly cream and mint green flower pin on her dress. She raised it in front of Ralph with a smile before she gently pinned it to Ralph's vest on the left side of his upper chest.

"Perfect," Ralph smiled with sincerity down into her eyes.