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drones-of-innocence · 1 year

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One Step Closer

O~o~O

“Well, I won’t keep ya any longer. The countdown is about to start. Let me just say, Mr. Mario, it was a real pleasure to meet you!”

Mario grinned and shook his head. “Please, Felix. Just Mario.” he couldn’t help the nervous laugh that bubbled up. Tension from the whole night trying to fizz up inside him like the spritz in everyone’s champagne flutes. “The pleasure is mine. I would love to get to know you better.”

Felix’s bright eyes shone with wonder under the sweeping, colorful lights. Such a look of pure admiration. Mario was admittedly alarmed by the amount of people who looked at him in such a way that night. Seizing his shoulder, Felix shook his head. “You’re not 'just' anything, Mario. Believe me. You’re one spectacular fella.” he beamed. Then, seeing Mario’s eyes flicker over his shoulder to glance at Sergeant Calhoun laughing over her drink with Princess Peach, he leaned a little closer with a conspiratorial look. “You know, I can see the way you look at her.”

The music began to die down in preparation for the countdown. Mario swallowed hard and blinked at Felix. “Look at who like what?” he choked, heat rising in his face.

With a kind smile, Felix shrugged with one shoulder. The answer was obvious. “She gives ya the honeyglow, don’t she?” he patted Mario’s arm in a brotherly way. Offering his solidarity as he tilted his head in the direction of Sergeant Calhoun. “I felt it myself for my dynamite gal. Still do. It sets you alight, huh?” he asked warmly.

Mario’s throat went dry. Was it really so easy to see right through him? Felix had just met him! The icy grip of panic shot through his veins. Could the Princess see right through him? Oh no. He didn’t have the nerve to try to deny it. With all the dresses and suits floating by, chatting over their drinks, all the eyes stacked up on his back like the precariously balanced hors d’oeuvres carried around on silver platters. “Some—something like that.” he agreed, forcing a big smile when the Princess caught his gaze and waved at him. He managed to wave back, and Felix chuckled.

“You’re a legend, Mario. Wherever you go, the spotlight follows. It’s a real privilege to know someone like you.” Felix’s more earnest look reminded him to take a deep breath. “I’ll let you be. Happy New Year, my friend.”

His hand left Mario’s shoulder, and he winked before he went to return to his lady. Sergeant Tamora Calhoun, the terrifyingly stylish war hero, who welcomed the embrace of her beloved with a pleased smile. Mario blinked. The pair somehow fit together like two pieces of a completely different puzzle that formed a new and more perfect image together. He let out a sigh. “Happy New Year, Felix.” he said to himself. More couples began to come together throughout the grand hall, headed toward the central attraction.

“Look at you, Superstar!” he jolted at the sudden weight on his arm, and turned to blink up at Princess Peach with wide eyes. “Both of them are just so lovely, aren’t they? He wants your autograph. I think everyone in this room does. How are you handling the spotlight?”

Faced with her sweet smile, Mario couldn’t maintain his own. A small group nearby pointed and squealed at him. “Ahi,” he let out, almost going to rub the back of his head before he remembered the painstaking time he’d put into styling his hair. “It’s…Different,” he admitted.

It never felt any less surprising. He had a reputation. Notoriety. People paid attention to his name. When he’d received the invitation to the New Year’s ball that year alongside Princess Peach, it was determined by a short session of the main Mushroom Kingdom council that it would be best for the pair to attend together, as dates. Much to his surprise. In that case, he and the Princess were to match. The royal tailor drew up several potential options for what he might wear. Luckily, they offered him some agency. They actually quite appreciated his suggestion for a salmon-colored suit, with maroon accents that the Princess could easily correspond with additional accessories to. The sparkles were a little showy, but it suited the occasion well. In the end, the process was fun, and Mario did sincerely enjoy escorting the Princess around the room and meeting so many new people. Her strapless dress really stole the show, even if she insisted that he was the one under the limelight.

She had said he looked “dashing.” That lingering thought hadn’t left his mind, making his chest feel warmer and more tingly than a sip of his martini.

But this wasn’t a proper date, not exactly. This was all a stage, a political display, and nothing more. While that thought injected a cold sting into the occasion, Mario wouldn’t let it waste the night. It was such a privilege to be seen with her, to match, to laugh and make new inside jokes together. And the way she clung to his arm, hardly leaving his side at all despite both of them being pulled away by old friends or fans, made his heart skip a beat.

“Big breath. Raise your glass and act like you’re giving a toast to that group.” she murmured, prompting him gently as she had done all night. She knew how to handle fame and attention. He did as she said, taking in a deep breath and bringing up his glass just as another group waved at them. “Good. Now, imagine I’ve said something mildly amusing to your delicate sensibilities. Like how that man over there looks rather like a grumpy Cheep Cheep.”

Mario had to stop himself from spitting out his drink. “What?” he asked, blinking up at her with wide eyes and trying frantically to hide his grin behind his glass.

Peach beamed. “There’s your winning smile,” she teased, reaching up to touch his face for just a moment. “Now, let’s go or we’ll miss the countdown!”

Oh, right. The object of the occasion. Mario collected himself, still trying not to laugh. And frantically trying to ignore the new heat in his face where she had touched him. He offered his arm to her. Giggling in her sweet manner, Peach accepted his lead. He might as well have been on fire.

She really did set him alight. Mario searched the growing crowd, but he couldn’t find Felix.

All the glowing colors, the buzz of the room grew with anticipation until it was nearly electric. Still, Mario couldn’t really focus on much besides the Princess who held his arm with such relaxed familiarity. He couldn’t see the countdown; everyone else seemed to tower over him. But it must be getting close. He could hear excited murmurs, secretive whispers, hushed questions. Eyes flickering toward him.

The lights went dark. The crowd was fixed on the center of the room, and then the next moment they were all fixed on himself and the Princess. Mario blinked at everyone’s smiles suddenly facing them. His empty glass was taken by a waiter who disappeared just as fast. Peach pressed in closer, sensing the pressure. “Oh,” she hummed, surprised.

20…

Mario swallowed hard. He could hear pieces of their conversations. “...Kiss? Do you think they will? Isn’t it exciting? I wonder if they’ll kiss?” his eyes widened.

He looked up at Peach. She looked down at him, equal alarm in her eyes.

15…

The murmured numbers gained volume as more people began to chant the countdown. Mario gulped and went stiff when he realized he could hear the word “kiss!” being softly suggested along with the numbers.

Everyone was staring at them. Everyone was expecting them to bring in the new year with a kiss. Didn’t they know that he was just her guard? He wasn’t really her date, not like that! Surely, everyone knew. He had thought it was obvious; a plumber like him clearly didn’t belong next to someone like the Princess. Something stuck in his throat. This must be so humiliating for her. He didn’t want to dare to look back up. The heat crawled up his face, the attention coming down on him like blistering sunlight. A bead of sweat formed on his temple.

Peach stood closer still, reaching for his other arm so that they stood together under the attention. Mario didn’t even realize he’d rested his hands on her waist until she got his attention with a gentle squeeze to his shoulder.

10…

He whipped his head up to look into her eyes, ready to jump away from her. However, the Princess had a strangely placid, mysterious regard for him.

It wasn’t distaste, or disgust like he feared. He couldn’t read her at all.

9…

“It’s been a long year, hasn’t it?” she asked him.

Mario blinked. “...What?” he answered, intelligently. “Ehm. Yes.”

8…

She gave a soft smile, but it was the smile that hurt his heart because it somehow looked slightly sad.

7…

“I’m very grateful for you. I want you to know that you’re always the highlight of my day.” Peach smiled and averted her eyes.

6…

Mario’s eyes widened.

5…!

He could have sworn he saw her cheeks flush. “You’re so special to me, and to the Kingdom.”

4…!

Her eyes seemed to shimmer under the low lights, bringing him under her trance. “I couldn’t ask for a better guard to have at my side.”

3…!

“So I guess what I’m trying to say is…” Her hands came up to touch his face.

2…!

She leaned down. “Happy New Year, Mario.” she whispered.

1…!

Fireworks. Peach pressed her lips to his. A soft, lingering kiss. The hall erupted with color and life. Deafening cheers. Mario couldn’t hear them. He couldn’t hear anything. Her floral perfume washed over his senses. All he saw were fireworks behind his eyes, like bright flaming bursts in the sky. His heart pounding like explosions.

He could have sworn he felt her smile into him.

She pulled away, and he had to blink himself out of the night show in his head. Flashing lights. Cameras. Thrilled cheers. Clinking glasses and couples kissing all around. Mario’s face must have been as red as his suit. Peach’s cheeks were about as pink as her dress.

They stared at one another. Mario couldn’t look away. Colored lights washed over her, the smooth curve of her shoulders and the elegant stretch of her neck. Banners drew up as confetti fell. The music returned, lively and energetic, as the room around began to dance. And they stood so still in the middle of the chaos, as if they were the eye of the storm.

Though, Mario felt like anything but. She kissed him. She kissed him! And it wasn’t like the friendly peck on the cheek she’d usually offer after rescuing her. No, there was intent behind this kiss. He realized he hadn’t let go of her waist.

Her hands were still on his face. Her thumb traced his cheek. Her piercing blue eyes fell away from his. “I’m sorry if I overstepped.” she spoke in a low voice, only for him to hear.

He had to will himself out of his stiffened state. “N—no. It’s okay.”

There was no way he would be able to explain that he’d never had a New Year’s kiss before. Or that he was so deeply in love with her that her kiss had ignited a wildfire inside of him that he wasn’t sure could ever be quelled. He wasn’t sure if it was pleasant, or if it hurt.

The attention still fell on them. Both of them had forced, plastered smiles.

Of course. It was for the crowd. That was all.

They were there to entertain, and nothing more. “Would you like to dance?” he asked, hoping he didn’t sound like he was in pain.

Peach nodded. “I would love to,” she agreed quickly.

He drew up her arm to rest on his shoulder, and adjusted his hand that rested delicately on her waist. They interlaced their fingers with the same shy grasp. He held her close and they swayed in time with the sprightly music. He didn’t want to look into her eyes; he was afraid of what he might find if he stared too long. They had practiced the steps so many times that he didn’t even have to think about it. He missed those sessions. Her laughter and smile were never strained.

They moved so naturally together. He wondered if she could feel it, too, or if she was ruminating in her head.

Through the buzz of the crowd, the attention having finally shed off their backs, he spotted Felix and Calhoun again. Lost in one another. A private conversation. Felix was pressing Calhoun’s hand against his cheek, and he turned his face to kiss her palm.

His eyes flickered up and caught Mario’s. He grinned, and made a motion with an invisible glass for a toast. Calhoun shot him a knowing grin.

A blazing impulse welled up within him. Perhaps it was the liquid courage, or just his own intrepid venture. Mario thoughtfully turned Peach’s dainty hand over in his own, observing the way they fit together. His gloved hand was so much larger than hers. The way she clasped him felt intrinsic. He wondered if one day, they could be like that reformed puzzle that Felix and Calhoun were. Two mismatched pieces finding a home in one another. He ran his thumb over her knuckles, before bringing her hand close to his face.

He glanced up at her, daring to look into her eyes. “Happy New Year, my Princess.” he murmured, and pressed her knuckles to his lips. A tiny kiss.

Peach parted her lips and took a sharp breath in, staring with wide eyes. Her cheeks flushed a lovely rosy shade. And she smiled, more radiant than any fireworks or flashing lights. When he pulled away, she was the one to renew her grip on his hand.

They shifted one step closer. She didn’t let go of him for the rest of the night.

O~o~O

The Mario household lay in a quiet stillness at 3:27am, only briefly interrupted by some clattering before all fell silent again.

Clean dishes stacked in the kitchen. A blanket thrown haphazardly over the couch. Luigi came out of his room, rubbing his eyes, and discovered a glittery suit jacket across the arms of a chair, and, upon further inspection, his brother laying on the floor.

Bowtie loosened. Dress shirt untucked. A hand running through his already disheveled hair. An anxious habit of his.

Wordlessly, Luigi came to sit beside his fallen brother, hugging his robe around himself.

Mario shook his head, muttering to himself without opening his eyes. He let out a long, heavy sigh. While this was typical behavior for his buzzed brother, who’d probably had his share of martinis as his drink of choice, Luigi raised his eyebrows when he noticed a distinctive swatch of pink across his brother’s lips.

He bit back a smile. “Un bacio?” he asked. A kiss?

Mario groaned and dragged his palms down his face. “I don’t know.” he mumbled, muffled into his hands.

Ah. Luigi nodded sympathetically, seeing the crease Mario’s brow. He patted Mario’s chest. “A heart that hurts is a heart that beats,” he reminded him softly. Something their mother used to say.

Watching the Princess and his brother dance around their feelings could be painful. But if Mario was really overthinking a direct kiss like that, he imagined it would be okay, eventually. But in the meantime, his brother would be hurting. No matter what he did, in his goofy head, he would never be good enough for Peach. But Luigi saw the way she looked at him, too. If only their feelings weren’t such a mystery to each other.

At least it seemed they were one step closer to knowing.

O~o~O

Inspired by @elitadream's gorgeous New Year's post! I also had One Step Closer by U2 playing on repeat while I wrote this 😆

Here's to the new year 🥂 Whether this is a moment of resolved change for you, a step toward growth or greater happiness, or even just another evening, I wish you all the best! 💖✨

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harmonytre · 8 days

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It's been 11 years I've suddenly been sucked back into a Wreck-It Ralph hyperfixation. Time to learn armor and kissing!

PSSSSSSSSSSST adding WIR to my Open Requests here if you'd like to drop by!

#wreck it ralph #fix it felix #fix it felix jr #sergeant calhoun #help I just realized she has the same last name as barney! HL fixation lolllllllll #HarmonyTRE #kiss #hero's cuties

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bashfulgnome · 4 months

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Merriment

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas everyone! Here's a short, light-hearted little fic for you all. Inspired by this conversation I had a few years ago with some friends. Credit to @guilty-as-battery-charged and @kittysfigurines24 for their parts!

Felix prepared to put the finishing touches on Niceland Apartments for Christmas, now that Mr. Litwak had left for vacation. From his perch on the eastern fire escape, he wrapped and stapled a cord of garland around the white brick ledge separating the eighth and ninth floors. Nicelanders milled about below him, busying themselves with stringing lights on the trees and bushes. The golden beams of the setting sun outside the doors of the arcade lit up the strands of tinsel lining the windows, and the handyman stopped to admire everyone's work. He had left Ralph and Vanellope in charge of the lights on the front of the building, since Ralph could easily navigate the vertical space without tools and had never had a chance to decorate before. His colleague presently climbed up and down the building, stringing lights as he went, while his friend glitched between rooms to secure the lights to hooks installed along the windowsills. "Almost done?" Felix jumped in surprise, looking up to see Tamora descending from the tenth floor's fire escape. She leaned in and gave him a peck on the lips. "I was just takin' in the second-prettiest sight around here before it suddenly got upstaged." He smiled and placed a hand on her leg. She grinned back and affectionately pinched her husband's reddened cheek. "With a honeyglow like that, we're not gonna need all those lights." "Well they're just about ready, and I've got the ledges all gussied up!" The handyman tied a red-and-gold bow to the corner of the garland setup. "How're the connections?" "All the bulbs are working," she replied with a thumbs-up. "I've got 'em wired up on three separate lines so the whole display doesn't have to go down if one strand burns out." "Aww thanks ladylove, that'll save me a lotta headache later in case anything takes a turn." They glanced over to where Ralph and Vanellope were finishing up, the wrecker and racer giggling at something as they threaded the ends of the wires together. "With those two, you can bet on it." Tamora leaned against the brick siding. "Best outcome's that the building's still standing." "I'm sure they'll do just fine, Tammy. Everyone’s—" "Hey Felix! All done!" Vanellope shouted from around the corner. "That's great, Vanny! You two go ahead down, Tammy and I'll be right with you!" Tamora spent the entire descent restraining a chuckle. Felix was just delighted that she felt the holiday spirit. A crowd of Nicelanders gathered around the front of the building as the four of them brought out the cables. "Ready?" Ralph shook out the cord one last time to remove any coils. "You do the honors, brother!" "Alright, drumroll please!"

Vanellope leapt up with a devious smile and pounded her hands against Ralph's head as the wrecker pushed the two plugs together. For an instant, the crowd oohed and aahed at the lights, before dissolving into muttering and horrified gasps when they noticed the particular shapes. The word "PEE" (spelled out in appropriately yellow lights) shone proudly across the entire ninth and tenth floors of the apartment building, which otherwise stood resplendent in festive bows and ribbons. From somewhere in the crowd emerged a scandalized noise—between a yelp and a bark—that could only belong to Gene, but it was quickly drowned out by two distinct peals of laughter from the pair of best friends rolling on the ground. "Ralph! Vanellope!" Felix turned to them in a panic. He hopped up and waved his arms, knowing full well it was futile in hiding the spectacle from anyone who could see their screen across the arcade. "H-hey relax Felix, we—hah!—still put up the regular ones behind it," Ralph sputtered out. "Just gotta take down the yellow string and plug in the one underneath instead." "Yeah c'mon, we planned ah-ahead!" Vanellope chimed in, struggling to stand up and popping a candy cane back in her mouth. Felix sighed and put his face in his hands. He should've known that neither of them would've dissuaded whichever one came up with the idea. How they carried out the plan in plain sight was a mystery to him; it was almost impressive. He couldn't help but have a giggle at it himself. "Oh-heh-okay, okay you two, just please put those back to normal later tonight. At least the ground display is still all—Tammy Jean!" The sergeant, who had crept off in the confusion, snickered as she set the last lovingly-crafted wooden letter in place on the building's side lawn facing East Niceland. The display originally read "MERRY CHRISTMAS" in whimsical block lettering carved by Felix himself; her tampering had rearranged it to cheerfully announce "ASS TIME". After taking a moment to admire her handiwork, she strolled over to where the rest of the group stood and fist-bumped an uproariously-laughing Ralph and Vanellope, with a bewildered Q*bert looking on. "Nice one, Sarge!" "Sugarplum! You were in on this too?!" Felix, in disbelief, attempted in vain to cover Vanellope's eyes. "I needed a diversion and they needed a parallel circuit," she shrugged. He stood in silence for a minute, looking from the lawn display to the lights, to the concerned Nicelanders, to his family gathered around him. The diminutive man took a deep breath and let out the tension in his posture. "All right fellas, I'll admit when I'm beat. You got me. And..." He risked a glance at the cutesy wooden letters again and a snort escaped him. Well, it made his gal smile, and it wasn't insulting anyone. "...that is kinda funny—" "Don’t worry, we won't tell the 'stache over there," Vanellope nudged her head in Gene's direction and hopped onto Ralph's shoulder. The mayor still grumbled to himself about the lights, martini in hand, and luckily hadn't noticed much else. "I'm sure he'll have something to say to me about it anyways. He always does..." Felix sheepishly adjusted the back of his hat as the pair headed off to take down their extra string of lights. "Hey, if it makes you feel any better, consider that an invitation for later," Tamora grinned and pointed to her rearranged display before heading back to fix it. Felix stood silent for a few seconds, then flushed at the realization. "A-ah coming—lemme give you a hand with that, Tammy!"

—

Tagging some of my WIR buddies: @ask-icancraft-it @ashleybenlove @sgtcalhouns @coneygoil @kittysfigurines24 @fix-it-feesh @sadboytristan @make-it-mavis @datamining-your-heart @nijimarii @scarfboyxiv

Let me know if you would like your name added to the tags for future fics!

#wreck it ralph #hero's cuties #fix it felix jr #sergeant calhoun #wralph #vanellope von schweetz #my fanfics #fanfics #christmas

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ask-icancraft-it · 4 months

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Hardware

(( Another 'Little Moment' for the books! Tamora sends Felix on a mission to the grocery store, but will he be up to the task? )) ----- “Eoh-boy…” Felix briefly removed his hat to scratch his head.

In front of him was only a small sampling of what the ‘Feminine Care’ section the local grocery store had to offer. He glanced left and right at rows upon rows of products; different brands, different applications, sizes...how could he not help but feel a little overwhelmed?

It also didn’t help that Tamora had been vague. Now that he thought of it, it was likely on purpose; she did love to bewilder him so.

But the handyman figured if he’d asked her the favor of picking up some hardware he needed, his gal would be just as lost as he was at this very moment. And there would be no shame in asking for some simple clarification…

“Hey, babe,” he could hear her smirk on the other end of the phone. “How’s it going?”

“I think you know how it's going,” Felix chuckled. “You’ve left me high and dry.”

“Is anyone else in the aisle with you?”

“There are a couple of ladies trying hard not to laugh, and there was another lost soul like me earlier… I think he went AWOL.”

“And you’re still standing your ground,” Tamora puffed with amusement. “I’m impressed.”

“Is the bar that low?” Felix frowned as he inspected a pack of tampons before placing them back on the shelf.

“It is,” the sergeant said with a wistful sigh. Finally, she’d found a partner who could empathize with that fact.

“Well, just tell me what hardware you need, and I’ll be sure to get it for you,” there was a long pause before a booming laugh made him jump.

“Hardware?” Tamora snorted. “Is that how your handy brain is making sense of everything?”

“Yes, it is…” Felix tittered, embarrassed. He hadn’t realized he’d said that word out loud. “Please be kind, I’m new to this.”

“No, that’s really great,” the sergeant laughed a little more. “I love it. I’ll end your suffering and send you a picture of what I usually get.”

“Thank you,” the handyman smiled. “Should I buy you some ice cream while I’m here?”

“...I love you,” that was a resounding yes.

“Love you too,” Felix chuckled. “I’ll be home soon.”

Ending the call, the handyman locked eyes with the lost gentleman he had seen earlier. With a reassuring smile, he gave the stranger a polite nod, lingering as he awaited his gal’s text.

#a rite of passage #getting pads for your gal #wreck it ralph #fix it felix #sergeant calhoun #crafty writes #little moments #hero's cuties

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sgtcalhouns · 3 months

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Skinny Dipping

hello!! here is the next installment of the Fresh Start series. time for these guys to clear the air a bit. enjoy!

We've been swimming on the edge of a cliff I'm resistant, but goin' down with the ship It'd be so nice, right? Right? If we could take it all off and just exist And skinny dip in water under the bridge

Felix shivered as the wind blew straight through his jacket, chilling him right down to the bone. His destination was only a couple of blocks from his hotel, so he hadn’t thought it worth the cab fare, but now he was beginning to regret his decision. He burrowed his face into Tamora’s scarf as far as he could without removing his hands from his pockets. With a quick glance up, he saw the sign up ahead—Iron Fitness. Now that his goal was in sight, he quickened his pace and approached the door.

He stepped inside and was immediately soothed by a pleasant warmth. The lobby was bigger than he had expected, with a large glass window providing waiting patrons with a view into one of the rooms where classes took place. The thump of loud music with a heavy bassline could be heard from inside, but it was muffled by the glass. Before he had a chance to look at the activities taking place inside, a voice called out to him.

“Hi! How can I help you?”

Felix turned to find the source of the cheerful voice, a perky woman with a high ponytail seated behind a large reception desk on the far side of the room. He took a few steps closer to her.

“Hi,” he began. “I hope I’m not intruding. Do you know if Tamora is here? Tamora Calhoun? I’m an old friend and I was hoping to say hello.”

Now that he was explaining himself, he was suddenly nervous. He hadn’t asked Tamora if it was alright for him to just stop by like this, and he hadn’t told her he was coming. Was this creepy? Maybe he should go.

“Her class should be finishing up any minute now; that’s her in our showcase room right now,” the young woman explained. “Feel free to hang out until she’s done.”

“Thank you,” he replied, feeling slightly comforted by the friendly demeanor of the receptionist. If it was strange or unusual for friends to stop by, she certainly didn’t let on.

He stepped over to the glass and watched as Tamora led her class through their exercises. She had told him that she taught the most intense class at the gym, and now he could see what she meant. Someone who didn’t know her might think she was angry, given the way she was shouting instructions, but Felix knew better. This level of intensity tended to come out when she was enjoying herself, and he could see the slight glimmer of pride in her gaze as she watched over her students. They had clearly been working hard, judging by the amount of red faces and sweaty shirts in the room, and Tamora had always found a profound satisfaction in pushing others to achieve their best. It was a big part of what had made her such a good sergeant, and why she was chosen to lead basic training. He couldn’t help but smile to himself; he loved seeing her in her element like this.

The music in the room came to a stop, which seemed to mark the end of the class. Tamora imparted words of encouragement as her students gathered their things and left, each one wishing her farewell on their way to the locker rooms. Felix fidgeted nervously as she glanced out into the lobby and locked eyes with him through the window. Her eyebrows raised in surprise, and he responded with a small wave and a weak smile. This had seemed like such a good idea before, but now that the moment was here, he was beginning to question his decision. It was too late to back out now—she was leaving the classroom and coming out to see him.

“Hi,” he said sheepishly as she drew near. The warmth in the building that had been so comforting a moment ago was suddenly unbearable, and he found himself wishing he hadn't bundled up so thoroughly.

“Hey,” she said, coming to a stop a couple of feet away from him. She appeared to be confused by his presence, and there was something else he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

“Sorry to barge in on you like this,” he began. “In one of your messages yesterday you mentioned that you were usually free around this time, so I thought maybe…”

He trailed off as her eyes widened ever so slightly and he suddenly recognized that she was nervous. It was out of character for her, and it made him feel unsettled.

“You know what, you’re probably busy,” he said, taking a step backward. “I shouldn’t have come by. I’m sorry I bothered you.”

The sudden change of course startled her out of her nerves, and she took a step closer.

“Felix, it’s okay,” she assured him. “You’re not bothering me. What did you want to say?”

He took a deep breath and steeled himself to say the words he had rehearsed in his mind all morning.

“I want to thank you for everything you did for me last night,” he said. “I was hoping maybe I could treat you to a coffee and we could talk about things.”

Tamora paused. Yesterday, all she wanted was to sit down and talk things out with Felix, but after the confession he had made last night, the idea made her anxious. Her feelings for him had been kept safely guarded for three years now, and she wasn’t prepared for him to dig them back up. He sensed her hesitation and began to fidget nervously.

“If now’s not a good time, I completely understand,” he said. “I just thought it might be good for us to clear the air.”

She glanced briefly up at the clock and weighed her options. All morning, she had been wrestling with uncertainty; what was he truly trying to convey by telling her he wished he'd fought harder for her? Was he trying to tell her that he wanted to rekindle their relationship? Did he even remember saying it? If she declined his invitation, she would only sit and stew in her feelings all day. If she talked to Felix, at least she might have some sense of clarity.

“Alright,” she agreed. “There’s a coffee shop across the street. Give me ten minutes to get cleaned up and I’ll meet you there.”

By the time Tamora entered the small coffee shop, Felix had already ordered their coffee and found a secluded table near the window. At the sound of the small bell over the door signaling her arrival, he stood, giving her a smile. He pulled out her chair as she drew near, waiting until she was settled before taking his own seat.

“I went ahead and ordered for you,” he said. “Let me know if it’s not right and I’ll get you something else.”

She picked up the warm mug and took a thoughtful sip, unable to hide her surprise when she discovered that the beverage was prepared exactly to her liking.

“It’s perfect,” she replied. “Thank you.”

They shared a smile that felt strangely intimate. It pleased him more than he cared to admit that he still knew her so well.

“So,” Tamora said, clearing her throat, “how are you?”

“I’m okay. Tired, but I feel more embarrassed than anything else,” he admitted. “Havin’ to call Ralph this morning and explain my drunken behavior is something I never want to do again.”

He chuckled at his own expense and Tamora gave him a sympathetic smile.

“He was worried about you,” she replied. She looked down at her coffee as she finished her thought. “So was I.”

“I’m so sorry,” he said. His voice sounded heavier than it had a moment ago, and Tamora looked back up at him. “That talk we had about our breakup brought up some feelings that I wasn’t expecting and I just didn't know how to talk to you about it.”

She could see in his eyes that this had been weighing on him.

“I was really hurt. I had accepted the way our relationship ended, but finding out it wasn’t how I thought it was made it feel brand new again,” he explained, staring down into his coffee cup. He took a deep breath and looked back up into her eyes before continuing. “But that is not an excuse for the way I’ve treated you.”

“Felix,” she said, staring at him in disbelief, “none of this would have happened if I had been honest with you from the start. You don’t need to apologize.”

Suddenly, those icy blue eyes of hers boring into his were too overwhelming for him to look at. He shook his head firmly, casting his eyes downward once more.

“Yes, I do,” he said. “I lost control of my anger and said terrible things to you, and then I got so drunk you had to come get me. And even after everything I had just done, you still took care of me.”

His brow furrowed as he reflected on his recent behavior.

“When I look back at the past couple days, I don’t even recognize myself. I don’t think I’ve ever raised my voice at you before.” His voice cracked as the realization sank in. “I thought I was better than that.”

“You’ve also never gotten drunk with Gene,” Tamora said, ducking her head in an effort to meet his eye. “And, to my knowledge, you’ve never injured yourself kicking a wrought-iron trash can.”

His confusion only lasted a moment before a laugh broke free from his chest. It was brief, but it was enough to ease the tension between them.

“You’re right about that,” he said, a hint of a smile still lingering on his lips. “I guess there’s a first time for everything.”

“Just try not to let there be a second,” she teased.

As he took a sip of coffee, Tamora took a moment to look at him — to really look. She’d never seen him so worn down: his eyes were somehow both puffy and sullen, red eyelids contrasted against the purple shadows outlining his eye sockets. Although his nose and cheeks were always flushed when the weather was cold, she knew the deep pigment on his nose was likely a result of excessive nose-blowing rather than the climate. She hated knowing that she was the one to cause him so much pain. He finally allowed himself to look back up at her and her gaze softened.

“Felix, it’s okay,” she said. “I’ve done my fair share of stupid things when I was angry. I understand. But that’s not who you are.”

His eyes began to water and she briefly regretted saying anything. But she recognized the relief on his face, and when she reached across the small table to place a comforting hand on his arm, she felt his muscles relax under her grip.

“Thank you,” he said.

She gave him a reassuring smile.

"I know there's more that we should talk about, and I want us to be able to have those conversations," he explained. "But I think I need a little time."

Tamora nodded in understanding.

"I know."

He reached for a napkin and dabbed at the corners of his eyes before any tears could fall.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your day like this," he said. "I just couldn't leave town without making sure we were okay."

His emotions had calmed considerably, but she could tell that he still hadn't fully allowed himself to let go of his guilt. She hadn't realized until now how important this conversation was to him.

"We are," she said, giving his arm a squeeze. "We're okay."

"Good." He gave her a watery smile.

"Now," she began, reaching for her coffee, "how was your big, important meeting this morning?"

He took a calming breath, grateful for the change of subject.

"It was good. They've started talking about putting together the team that’s gonna run the new location,” he explained. “They want to bring some people from back home instead of hiring a brand new team.

"Sounds to me like there might be an opportunity for a promotion," she nudged.

"They haven't made any decisions," he said, waving off her suggestion. "But they do want me to be a little more involved in the next few months, so it looks like I'll be back soon."

"Oh, looks like there might finally be someone around who recognizes all your hard work," she said.

"We'll see," he said, unable to hold back his smile at her words. "I was hoping we could make plans the next time I'm here if I promise not to drink."

It surprised her to see him joking at his own expense; just a few moments ago, he had been agonizing over his drunken behavior. It was a relief to see that he seemed to be moving past it now. In the past, he let things like this eat away at him for months, and it was refreshing to see him maturing in that aspect.

"I'd like that," she replied.

They shared a smile across the table.

"And since it looks like you're making a habit out of visiting here, those plans had better involve a shopping trip for a new coat."

#hero's cuties #wreck it ralph #fix it felix #sgt calhoun #wir fanfiction #my fic #DUDE i have been struggling with this for so long #i couldn't decide where i wanted to take it next but i think this is honestly the most logical next step #because felix would not just go back home without talking things out first #anyway. IS there a promotion coming?? hmMMM??

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