Star-Crossed

Ch.12

*Chapter 12*

The two left Ralph's house and began heading towards the train station. Ralph's game cabinet quickly began to hum with life as other Nicelanders and Qberts characters began to leave their houses and mingle. They waved at a few Nicelanders on the way to the train station. Vanellope stayed close to Ralph, feeling more comfortable with him with each passing day. They walked almost in sync, the harmony about them still relevant. They quickly boarded the game cabinet's train and putted into Game Central Station.

"I'm not looking forward to tomorrow," Ralph chuckled as he helped Vanellope out of the train. They stepped out of their outlet and into Game Central Station.

"Whynot?" Vanellope questioned as they stopped outside the outlet. Ralph looked around with a smile.

"Having yesterday and today off has spoiled me," Ralph chuckled.

Vanellope rolled her eyes playfully as the two began to walk to Power Strip's station. Ralph walked a step or two ahead of her, just for the sheer fact that his larger stride got him farther. Vanellope skipped a few times to keep up; she suddenly realized that this is something she's had to do within the whole time span of their friendship. Even though she had just finally realized it, she understood that it was mildly annoying. She wanted to avoid nagging him to slow down. She pondered before gazing down at his hand by his side. He waved at a few other bad guys that they passed, Game Central Station was slowly becoming active with life.

Vanellope bit her bottom lip and subconsciously held her breath. She gently reached out and slipped her hand into Ralph's. He instinctively clenched his hand tight around hers but looked down at their hands in a confused manner. He slowed his pace and gazed down at her with a mildly stunned facial expression. She avoided eye contact with him but pushed into him a little, holding his bigger hand tight. Ralph immediately beamed and tucked her hand tighter into his. He inhaled deeply, puffing his chest a little and straightening his back. He suddenly felt this sense of pride sweep over him; he not only was thrilled at Vanellope's small act, but with that one simple action, he suddenly had a gorgeous girl on his arm. Something he never thought would happen. He hoped everyone was watching as he gladly slowed down to tend to Vanellope's pace, getting the hint.

Both Ralph and Vanellope melted into a comfortable, knowing silence. They both suddenly seemed to glow; instantly, all eyes were on them. People smiled and began whispering to each other. Vanellope smiled and put her other hand on Ralph's lower arm. He softly tugged her closer to him, causing Vanellope to chuckle a small, girly laugh. Suddenly their little ember of love was being fanned. It was now out in the open, and they radiated confidence as they practically parted the crowd in Game Central Station. They finally made their way down to the Power Strip's station, mostly all eyes on them. The train hadn't arrived yet, so the two casually stopped in the waiting zone, still locked hand in hand. Vanellope tried to hide her beaming, closed mouth smile.

"You pull off the bare foot look quite nicely," Ralph said softly, only audible to her. Vanellope's heart jumped as she gazed up at him through tender, hazel eyes.

"Ralph inspired," Vanellope sneered playfully as she wrinkled her nose. Ralph chuckled and rubbed the back of his head with his free hand as the train quickly pulled into the station; it's doors slid open.

The gamers that were standing around suddenly began to pour onto the train. Ralph and Vanellope squeezed onto the train, still locked hand in hand. When it came time to sit down, Vanellope figured they'd end their little hand holding session, but to her surprise, Ralph hung onto her. She beamed, obviously not minding. They sat close to each other, the train more than half full. She squeezed his hand as if to silently thank him for not letting go; she enjoyed this new venture of theirs, she excited for what could possibly come. She heaved a long sigh and smiled at him casually, though their hand holding suggested otherwise.