*Chapter 38*

Vanellope opened one eye and held her breath; memories of last night instantly made her face blush a hot red. She inhaled a deep breath, her new code awoken and shimmered like the sun underneath her vanilla skin. She smiled at the tingling sensation and opened her sleepy eyes wider. She gazed across her bed; Ralph was nowhere to be found. The sweet morning sun glinted into her room, as if the new day over Sugar Rush was sprinkled with honeydew drops. She softly sat up and gazed out across her bed and room. Her bed was an absolute wreck. She smiled a wide, sleepy smile as reminders all around the room confirmed that last night was not just a dream after all. She was happy to see that there was a rather large indent on her bed, next to where she lay, signaling to her that Ralph stayed with her through the night. She looked down as the blankets slid off of her chest; she was draped in nothing but Ralph's large, grey shirt. She took the thick, worn fabric in her hands and smiled as her heart swelled; she shoved his soft shirt to her nose and inhaled his familiar scent. She fluttered her eyes and looked around, curious if Ralph was still in Sugar Rush.

Vanellope gazed long and hard at her balcony doors. They were open wide, but her fluttering white curtains hid the outside view from her. Just as the wind picked up a little, the curtain fluttered away, giving Vanellope a glimpse of Ralph's large arm. She smiled wide as her heart practically leaped out of her throat. She clumsily crawled off of her bed and stood. She winced and looked down at the ground as she shoved her hands to her knees. She heaved a short sigh and grimaced slightly as her sore self and legs gently trembled. She stood up straight and tucked her hair behind her ears as she slowly, and weakly, made her way across her room; Ralph's large shirt tapped her knees as she went.

She softly pulled one of her large curtains aside and peered out to her balcony. Ralph was calmly sat on one of her large balcony couches, his hands were behind his head. He was wearing a comfortable pair of pants as well as another one of his red shirts; she figured he went back to his game earlier to get another pair of clothes. He gazed out to the scenery around him, Vanellope's large cherry blossom tree rustled in Sugar Rush's sweet, morning wind, sending small pink blossoms to flutter around the balcony and castle. The sky was dotted with fluffy clouds, the sun shone with confidence. Vanellope carefully took a few steps out onto the balcony, hoping not to startle Ralph.

"Good morning," Vanellope croaked with a sleepy smile. Ralph quickly turned to look at her, his face suddenly red. He beamed and opened an arm to her.

"Good morning, beautiful," Ralph said gently as she slowly sat down next to him; he wrapped his arm firmly around her and pulled his sleepy mate into his chest, "How did you sleep?"

"Deeply," Vanellope mumbled as she rubbed her eye and tucked her knees onto the couch. Her cheeks grew red as she smiled a little. Ralph's shirt, that she was wearing, practically tented over her, "Did you sleep here?"

"After what happened last night? Of course I stayed with you," Ralph said softly and sincerely with a smile as he looked down at her. His face was calm, yet glowed with knowing and maturity. Vanellope smiled and continued to rub her eye free of sleep.

"I-I, feel like my code downloaded new software, or something," Vanellope breathed with a chuckle, "The all new Ralph 3000."

"I hope you like the update," Ralph sneered as he tugged Vanellope into his chest; she rested her head on his shoulder and giggled.

"I love it," Vanellope said through an exhale with a smile as she gazed out past her billowing cherry blossom tree.

"I'm glad," Ralph said gently as he kept Vanellope close to him, loving her presence.

"I hope the update doesn't have any viruses," Vanellope chuckled as she nudged Ralph.

"Well, I've been living with it for the past thirty game years with no issues," Ralph sneered.

"I'm just playing," Vanellope sighed with a giggle as she pat Ralph's chest, she suddenly felt her heart drop, "Do, you think we…y-you know."

"Coded a baby?" Ralph said gently as he looked down at her concerned face, "I doubt it. It's really difficult to make new code. Usually you have share codes with someone at least a dozen times before being able to accomplish something that massive."

"Oh," Vanellope sighed gently as she lulled her head against Ralph's shoulder, "That's good. Not, that it'd be a bad thing, to uh..c-code, a baby, with you."

"Really?" Ralph said after a few seconds of silent shock, he gazed down at her with a touched facial expression. Vanellope smiled and beamed.

"Who knows what the future will hold," Vanellope chuckled, her face hot red, "For now, I'll just enjoy these code updates."

"I don't know, I might have to start charging you when the updates come out," Ralph said as he put his nose in the air. He gazed down at Vanellope with a small, playful smile.

"Yeah right," Vanellope laughed as she elbowed his chest, "I don't think you'd be able to hold out, if I refused to pay up."

"I went thirty game years without sharing my code with someone," Ralph laughed, "I can go for eons."

"Well," Vanellope leaned her face close to his neck and ear, "Now that you've had the honey from the hive, I doubt resisting is a part of your programming anymore."

"Touché," Ralph grumbled.

Vanellope giggled before she slowly inhaled Sugar Rush's sweet morning air. She let out her breath before she slumped into Ralph's chest farther. He smiled and lovingly wrapped both his arms and hands around her small waist. She closed her eyes in a sleepy way and nuzzled the side of her head into Ralph's upper chest and shoulder. Ralph curiously watched her try to inch her way as close as she possibly could to him. He exhaled an amused chuckle before carefully hugging his hands around Vanellope's waist. He lifted her just barely before setting her sideways across his lap. Her legs draped over his thighs and rested on the couch next to him. He smiled a knowing smile as Vanellope immediately slumped into him, her arms latched tight around his neck. Ralph breathed a breath, almost of relief, and leaned his head against her covered chest. She hugged his head gently and nuzzled her nose into the side of his head. Ralph closed his eyes and suddenly felt a lingering want and need for the woman he had his arms tightly glued around, he knew their act of love last night permanently bonded him to her. He nuzzled her covered breasts through his shirt that she was draped in. His heart jolted with his new code as he pushed his ear harder into her heart beat.

Vanellope tilted her head a little and tried to curiously gaze down at Ralph. He clung onto her as if she was the spawn point to his game, a one up he could count on. She giggled silently and very tenderly pet the back of Ralph's messy bed hair. She felt her face get hot as he continued to nestle his face into her chest for comfort. His deep voice whimpered a small, knowing sound, as if he had found the sweetest check point in all of Sugar Rush. Vanellope exhaled a calm breath on the side of Ralph's head before she placed a few long, warm, lingering kisses just above his ear. Ralph squeezed his arms tighter around her before she could steadily begin to feel her rib cage lack the breathing motion it needed.

"Ralphie," Vanellope croaked just barely as she planted her hands nervously sprawled on the back and side of his head, "I-I'm having a h-hard time…b-breathing…!"

"O-oh," Ralph barked softly as he sat up straight and loosened his grip. He sat up and came eye level with his mate, "Sorry, I-I just…you're comfy."

"You're one to talk," Vanellope giggled. She inhaled a sharp, reviving breath as she swept her hand across Ralph's forehead lovingly. Her fingers were met with the soft hair above his forehead.

"I'm just bulky," Ralph sneered, his eyes gazed into hers earnestly. They shone with adoration for her.

"You're fluffy. Don't ever change," Vanellope said as she pushed her lips to his briefly before she carefully stood. Her trembling legs caused her to wince a little before she slowly began to make her way around the couch Ralph was still sat at, "Do you know what everyone is up to today?" She asked as she slipped from the balcony to her bedroom. Ralph stood and slowly followed her, his face red. He eyed her figure as his shirt, that she was wearing, draped over her voluptuous curves.

"I'm not sure," Ralph sighed as he longingly gazed at Vanellope, he hardly believed she was all his.

"Didn't you leave Sugar Rush this morning to get more clothes?" Vanellope asked as she rummaged through her dresser, pulling out a pair of comfortable pants.

"No, these clothes were in my bag from yesterday," Ralph said gently as Vanellope stumbled to put on her pair of pants; she winced and groaned as she held her lower stomach. Ralph frowned, "Are you okay?"

"Do you remember last night at all?" Vanellope said sarcastically with a small laugh as she straightened out Ralph's shirt that draped over her. Her knees trembled.

"I-I do believe I warned you," Ralph chuckled apologetically as he rubbed the back of his head.

"I know," Vanellope heaved a small sigh with a smile as she made her way over to Ralph, "I'm just sore, is all. No harm done."

"I hope not," Ralph said gently as he readied his arms, Vanellope gently melted into his body, hugging him around his center. Vanellope smiled and nuzzled her face into Ralph's warm and comfortable upper chest, just underneath his chin, her hands held his sides gently. Ralph exhaled a satisfied sigh and hugged Vanellope tight to him, his hands eased down her back slowly.

"Thank you," Vanellope breathed as she closed her eyes, Ralph fixed his eyes down at her curiously.

"For what," Ralph breathed as he hugged her close, he placed his powerful hand tenderly on the back of her head.

"For showing me more love than anyone has ever showed me before," Vanellope said gently into Ralph's chest, she glitched a little in embarrassment, her code showing electric purple, "Last night was amazing."

"I couldn't agree more," Ralph chuckled as he pet the spot on her shoulder where her code wigged, he was happy to see it kept its new purple color. Vanellope removed her face from Ralph's chest and sniffed the air in curiosity.

"What's that smell?" Vanellope asked.

"It smells like cake," Ralph said after a few moments as he looked around curiously.

"Taffyta's making her special breakfast donuts," Vanellope said in a surprised whisper before she darted her eyes to Ralph. Ralph flinched and stared down at her in a confused manner.

"Is, that a bad thing?" Ralph wrinkled his nose.

"She only makes those donuts during breaks that the arcade has," Vanellope said excitedly as she gently wobbled out of Ralph's arms and steadily walked towards her door, "You haven't lived until you try one of her donuts."

"Are they really that good?" Ralph chuckled as the two made their way out of Vanellope's room.

"They're sweeter and softer than anything you've ever had," Vanellope smiled as the two came down her spiral staircase.

"Hmm, I don't know about that," Ralph mumbled as he gently tapped Vanellope's rear with the back of his hand. Vanellope yelped slightly in surprise and gaped at Ralph; he chuckled and put his hand up defensively, his face beet red. Vanellope swat his arm and quickly skipped away from him as best as she could in a giddy way, causing Ralph to quickly chase her.

"Real smooth, Wreck-It," Vanellope laughed as she played keep away with Ralph. The two stumbled down the long hallway to the kitchen, laughing and spirited. Ralph quickly scooped her into his arms and spun around a few times before setting her back down. She laughed freely, her new spirit was more lively and happy than ever before. The two stumbled into the sunny kitchen, their soft laughs carrying.

"Taffyta," Vanellope giggled as she wiped her eyes free of damp tears from laughing, she tried her hardest to steady her still trembling knees. She winced at the dull pain in her lower stomach and legs but easily covered up the struggle, "We could smell your donuts from all the way upstairs."

"I figured it'd get you down here," Taffyta laughed before she took a double take at Ralph as he entered the kitchen behind Vanellope. She raised her eyebrows in a surprised manner before shooting her eyes back to Vanellope. A small, knowing smile spread across her face. Vanellope glanced at Ralph, who was oblivious, before giving Taffyta a look of playful death, as if to tell her to keep her mouth shut about Ralph spending the night.

"It definitely did," Ralph chuckled as him and Vanellope sat down at the island. They watched Taffyta frost her special, doughy donuts in a luscious pink frosting.

"So," Taffyta started with a knowing smile on her face, Vanellope slumped her shoulders and glared at her, knowing what she was up to, "How did you two sleep?"

"Fine," Vanellope spat softly with an embarrassed giggle, desperate to get off of the hint of Ralph spending the night, "How long have you been up?"

"A few hours," Taffyta sighed as she eyed Vanellope, "How long have you two been up?"

"I've been up for an hour or so," Ralph started plainly, "Vanellope slept in."

"Long day at the beach got you bushed?" Taffyta asked as she shot Vanellope a smile; Vanellope's face turned hot red.

"Yeah," Vanellope mumbled, "The beach always tires me out."

"Huh," Taffyta smiled as she kept her eyes trained on the donut she was frosting. Ralph shot Vanellope a look as he slowly caught on, his face rapidly turning red. Vanellope stared into his eyes with a brief, knowing look, regretting coming into Taffyta's trap of a kitchen. Vanellope crossed her arms and lifted her head towards Taffyta.

"I was telling Ralph that these donuts are the greatest donuts ever made," Vanellope smiled.

"Darn tootin'," Taffyta chuckled, "They'll be done soon."

"Yum," Ralph mumbled to himself as he eyed the platter of donuts Taffyta was frosting. Taffyta glanced at the two of them, knowing they were harboring a secret. She bit her lip, plotting how to get it out of them. She schemed silently to herself as Vanellope stood and went to the fridge behind her.

"So what did you two do when you got back from the beach last night?" Taffyta asked plainly, she could practically feel Vanellope freeze at the fridge behind her. Vanellope whirled around and gave Ralph a look of annoyed worry. She gestured with her hands furiously, but silently, behind Taffyta, searching for words. She opened her mouth to speak, but inhaled sharply instead. Her facial expression was that of uncertain annoyance and blushed with knowing.

"Uh, R-Ralph and I just hung out on my balcony," Vanellope fibbed as she opened the fridge. She caught eyes with Ralph and furrowed her brows at him; he gave her a pathetic look, knowing that wouldn't fool anyone. Vanellope rolled her eyes and reached for the milk in the fridge.

"That's it?" Taffyta asked plainly.

"Yeah," Vanellope breathed as she poured her and Ralph a glass of milk. She came back around the front of the island and set both glasses of milk onto the counter, one in front of Ralph. He smiled at her gently.

"Thank you," He said quietly and politely to Vanellope. Taffyta stared at both of them as she clutched an unfrosted donut in her hand. She eagerly eyed them and inhaled a small breath as the two got closer to each other. She bit her lip as she watched Vanellope's hand reach out towards Ralph's shoulder, as if in slow motion.

"You're welcome," Vanellope said as she idly rubbed Ralph's shoulder in a loving way.

Taffyta suddenly threw her arm up and launched an unfrosted donut right at Vanellope's stomach. It smacked into Vanellope's upper stomach, making her code suddenly bulge and make an electrifying, confused noise. Her code shot up her arm quickly and bulged all over Ralph's shoulder, both of them glitched in a hot purple mess, their code was fresh and shiny, new and alive. Taffyta gaped and threw her finger towards Vanellope, her eyes alive with joyous surprise. Vanellope gaped and tried to brush off her confused code. Ralph lulled his head back and gazed up at the ceiling, preparing for the worst teasing of his life.

"TAFFYTA!" Vanellope hollered loudly, her face beet red in an angry and embarrassed facial expression.

"I KNEW IT!" Taffyta squealed as she jumped up and down a few times, her finger still pointed at Vanellope.

"Oh here we go," Ralph mumbled up to the ceiling.

"Taffyta," Vanellope whined as she put her hands on the counter, she gave her a pleading look, her face bright red.

"Whose idea was it to come down here and hang out with Taffyta?" Ralph said to Vanellope before sarcastically looking around with a playful smile, "Oh yeah. YOU." Vanellope wrinkled her nose and winced at Ralph before Taffyta loudly spoke up.

"You guys have the same code," Taffyta said in a girly, playful way as she moved her hands around in excitement.

"My code has always been purple," Ralph teased as he bashfully looked around, knowing he was fooling no one.

"Don't beat a dead horse, Ralph, she knows," Vanellope slumped into her chair, giving Taffyta a death glare of embarrassment.

"You gave yourself away by wearing his shirt, Vin," Taffyta chuckled with a wide smile.

"What's all the fuss about?" Candlehead said as she gently entered the sun filled kitchen, her hair was down and she too was still in her pajamas.

"Oh, nothing," Vanellope said as she shot Taffyta yet another death glare, "Taffyta's just making her special donuts."

"Oh, yum," Candlehead smiled as she sat down at the island next to Vanellope with everyone. Suddenly there was a knock on the castle door, it echoed throughout the large hall and made its way to the kitchen. Ralph inhaled a deep breath and quickly stood, the bar stool he was sat on screeched on the kitchen tile suddenly.

"That would probably be Felix and Calhoun, and since this couldn't get more awkward and the fact that I will use any excuse to leave for a few minutes because of said awkwardness… I will gladly get the door," Ralph chuckled as he stepped away a little bit, waving his hand, "No no, don't get up, allow me, please." Vanellope and Taffyta bursted out laughing as Ralph quickly left the kitchen.

"What was that about?" Candlehead asked as she wrinkled her nose. Vanellope rolled her eyes before gazing at Taffyta, preparing for more teasing.

"Oh, I don't know," Taffyta sighed as she frosted more donuts, "Maybe just the fact that Vanellope's embarrassed that I found out about hers and Ralph's little secret."

"What secret?" Candlehead asked eagerly as she leaned onto the island counter a little.

"Oh, my User, it's nothing," Vanellope barked as she gave Taffyta a playfully annoyed look.

"It most definitely is SOMETHING. Don't make me throw another donut at you," Taffyta snapped as she hovered a donut in Vanellope's direction. Vanellope flinched, her code just barely glitched in fear. Candlehead furrowed her eyebrows.

"Hey, isn't your code usually a minty blue color?" Candlehead asked innocently, Taffyta shot Candlehead a look and nodded with a beaming smile.

"Used to be, yeah!" Taffyta smiled and pointed her finger at Vanellope. She wrinkled her nose and gave Vanellope a teasing look, "Her and Ralph code swapped."

"What!" Candlehead hissed as both girls beamed at Vanellope. Vanellope rolled her eyes and playfully glared at the two girls.

"Why are you guys so shocked?" Vanellope barked quietly, hoping Ralph wasn't hearing their conversation.

"I'm surprised you survived the event!" Candlehead laughed as her and Taffyta looked at each other with knowing looks. They laughed together as Vanellope heaved a sharp sigh.

"I-I actually am too," Vanellope said quietly, her face beet red. She looked away wistfully.

"Was it incredible?" Candlehead whispered as the two girls gazed at her eagerly, both of them beyond curious, "I've heard swapping codes is absolute magic."

"It was," Vanellope breathed as she looked over her shoulder, hoping Ralph hadn't come back, she leaned closer to her friends and beamed, "He definitely sticks to his 'wrecking' reputation."

"Oh my User, Vanellope," Taffyta laughed as she covered her ears for a few moments.

"Why is your code purple now?" Candlehead asked curiously.

"Because Ralph's code color was a bright red," Vanellope explained softly, "Blue and red makes purple."

"Will your code ever stop being the purple color that it is now?" Candlehead asked with a chuckle, Vanellope shrugged

.

"Nope," Taffyta smiled at Vanellope, "Once you swap codes with someone, they remain a part of you, forever."

"I think I can live with that," Vanellope smiled as all three girls giggled.