Double Trouble

[wreckofaguy]

[Ralph's life had changed quite a bit ever since the events of last month had taken place. Things had been in a whirlwind and Ralph was still getting used to his new life.

The biggest deal was having friends now. While he was close to Felix, he was even closer to Vanellope, and they often had adventures all over the arcade.

She was still settling into things as well and learning the ropes of her new position. There were things that needed to be taken care of, so she always had to stay after closing and make sure things went smoothly.

Ralph didn't mind waiting for her, they often met up at Tapper, the old bar game that was the most popular spot to hang out in. He's spent a lot of time in this game, he knew it and most of the regulars well.

Tonight, he's sitting at one of the corner seats, they gave him the most space, and he's sipping a root beer. He's facing the doorway, keeping an eye out for his best friend heading on through the doors.]

Comments

[wreckofaguy]

[Ralph sighs at this, he's seen the despair on the others all too well. Even though Q*bert and his friends hadn't been unplugged nearly as long as TurboTime's been, he could see the toll it took on them. And, they had people helping them out, giving them food and support.

The Twins didn't have that, they had to find whatever scraps they could take and never let anyone know that they were there. They were on their own, utterly alone except for each other.]

I know...and, I'm sorry.

Me and Felix are tryin' to come up with a way to help the homeless characters, but so far, we haven't had any good ideas.

[twintastic]

No, ya don't get it. Even IF ya somehow find somewhere t'put everyone, where's that gonna leave me n' Tic here? 'Specially if what you're tellin' us is true-

[He jerks his head away sharply, scuffing his shoe against the floor with a loud huff.]

S'no way we're ever showin' our faces in this place again.

[wreckofaguy]

[Ralph's been going back and forth on this, but he's finally come to a decision. After all, he owes the Twins, it's his fault their brother is dead.]

You're not exactly getting what I'm saying. We're thinking about putting everybody in our game. Including you. If you want.

We just haven't figured out the details yet. It's hard to find a solution everybody likes.

[twintastic]

[The two racers freeze, seemingly stunned by Ralph's proposition. Finally Tic speaks up, voicing his confusion as well as Tas's.]

You'd put....us in your game? ....even after what Turbo did...?

[wreckofaguy]

[Ralph leans a little closer to them.]

I don't see Turbo around here, now do I? [He gently prods Tic with a finger.] Unless you're masquerading as him, which if you are, you've got me fooled.

Do you know what I do see?

Two brothers, down on their luck, who could really use a job and a place to live.

[twintastic]

[Tic blinks a little, lifting a fist to again rub at his eyes before glancing over at Tas. He looks less than convinced by Ralph's offer, but on the inside he's really quite surprised.

If Ralph had it in him to look past everything Turbo had done and let his own two brothers stay with him in his game...then either he's got a heart that you don't find in most characters anymore, or he's just plain stupid.]

....I'd like t'see you convince Fix-It 'er....any of th'rest of them that we aren't as bad as Turbo was.

[wreckofaguy]

[Really, you could make a case for Ralph either way.

Whatever the reason is, he's decided to help the Twins out. His motivation for doing so is partially out of guilt and partially out of knowing a little of what they're going through. He's got a big heart, but, honestly, Ralph's not the smartest brick in the pile sometimes. He's far from dumb, but there are a few things that are just beyond him.

He nods.]

Well, I think Felix'll agree with me, and once he does, the others shouldn't be too hard to convince. Gene, might give us some trouble, though.

[twintastic]

....

[Again the Twins exchange a quick glance before looking back up at Ralph, falling silent. What Ralph is proposing seems too good to be true, but on top of that, why would they want to live in a place where they might be treated like outcasts? That sort of life would almost be more unbearable than just being homeless in general.]

Yeah well....we'll see.

[wreckofaguy]

[Ralph thinks for a moment.]

So, uh, how'll I find you guys once we got things figured out?

[They probably wouldn't want to tell him anything, but if they didn't, then he couldn't let them know what was going on.]

[twintastic]

...Bout th'only place you'll ever find us will be in this game right here. Otherwise we don't exist, got it? ..And I swear if ya tell anyone...

[It's not like Tas could ever hope to do anything to remotely hurt Ralph even if he wanted to, but right now the fact that everyone thinks they're dead is pretty important, and it's important that- as far as everyone knows- they keep on being dead.]

Can't guarantee you'll always find us here either.

[wreckofaguy]

[Ralph nods.]

I get that, I really do, but I've gotta at least tell Felix about you guys, if you wanna join our game. I'm pretty sure he knows how to keep a secret, especially an important one like yours.

[twintastic]

[Tas quickly waves a hand in dismissal. They've been back here too long already. Any longer and they'll risk being seen by someone else.]

Sure, sure, whatever! Just don't tell ANYONE else! Nobody but Fix-It, understand?

[wreckofaguy]

[Ralph nods.]

Got it, just Felix. Whatever he says, goes, so that should keep the others quiet, at least Gene, who's the loudest, anyway.

[twintastic]

[There's a pause, and then the Twins share a curt nod. Though they still can't say they fully trust Ralph, the offer of some permanent place to stay is nothing to sneeze at. It's much better than being stuck hiding in the station for the rest of their existences.]

Good, make sure it stays that way. ....And ya NEVER saw us here. Don't forget that.

[wreckofaguy]

[Ralph gives them a serious nod.]

I won't forget it, I promise. I won't even tell Felix where I saw you guys at.

[twintastic]

Good.

[That gives Tas a small feeling of relief, at least. Though they really have no choice but to trust Ralph, it doesn't sound like he'll betray them. It's surprising really, especially after everything he said he went through with Turbo.]

Anyways...we better scram before someone sees us, so just pretend ya passed out back here or somethin' if anyone asks.

[wreckofaguy]

[Ralph's knows a little of what the Twins have been through, and, it's his fault that their brother died for real. They've had more than their fair share of trouble, so if Ralph helps them out, that'll even the score a little.

He nods.]

I'll come up with something.

[twintastic]

[Tas just nods in return, this time without saying anything. Then he pauses to dust himself off, turns to Tic to whisper something in his ear, and then begins to head back down the hallway to the main room, being careful to stick to the shadows.

They've absolutely overstayed their welcome here in Tapper, but it was both time well spent and time wasted at the same time. All Tas knows is that they need to make themselves scarce....but he knows over the next few days, this will be the only thing he and his brother talk about.

...Or think about, really.]

[wreckofaguy]

[Ralph plops down on the ground, giving the Twins plenty of time to get away without him drawing any sort of attention to them before he leaves the hallway himself.

He's got a lot to think about, too. Namely, how to approach Felix with the subject. He had to find a way to word it carefully, without giving him too much information. After all, he had given his word.]