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Ralph sighed as he sat on a bench in Game Central Station. Everyone either ignored him or turned the other way. Ralph didn't mind too much, he's put up with it for the last twenty-five years after all. Still doesn't mean it didn't hurt. Yeah he was big and a bit scary, plus a bit of a temper, but he's actually kind and caring deep down. He just wished others could see it, especially the Nicelanders. He doesn't blame them since he wrecks their homes. Though they technically destroyed his home for their own apartment building. So they were a bit even.
Ralph sighed again as he watched the other programs. Everyone seemed to get along with others, even others not from their games. Yet, he was the outcast out of everyone. He's tried to make small talk with others but he was never good with talking. Probably due to his lack of socializing skills. Though, he also never knew what to say. Sometimes he wonders how it comes so natural to others. "Yo Ralph!" Ralph blinked before turning to the source of the voice. It was Sonic The Hedgehog.
"Uh...hey Sonic." Ralph gave him a small but awkward wave, honestly caught off guard by the sudden conversation. "You ok there? You seem a bit down in the dumps." Ralph was surprised by the actual concern in his eyes. "Uh yeah...just thinking about stuff. Nothing too important." Sonic crossed his arms. "You sure? Cause I don't think you've noticed that the Arcade is opening in ten minutes." Ralph looked up at a nearby clock in shock. "Oh shoot! Thanks for telling me. I'll see you later!" But before Ralph even took five steps, Sonic quickly blocked his path.
"One more thing. Meet me in my game once the Arcade closes." Ralph couldn't even reply before Sonic ran off. "Ok?" Ralph said to nothing before continuing to run torwards his game.
Ralph rubbed his head as he got out of the mud. There were a few more players than usual today. But he was glad that the day was over. As he walked to the dump, the Nicelanders quickly fled into their recently fixed home. He did his best to brush off the mud from his clothes. That's when he remembered that Sonic asked him to meet him in his game. For a few moments, he debated if he should go or not. In the end, he decided to head towards the train station. After all, it wasn't like there was anything else for him to do.
After a pretty short train ride, he walked through the station torwards 'Sonic The Hedgehog 2'. He stepped through the gate and entered the train. As he sat down, he had to admit it was a lot nicer compared to the small train connecting his game. As the train traveled, Ralph had to wonder why Sonic invited him to his game. After all, it wasn't like they're best friends. In fact, he's pretty sure that he was close friends with Felix. So it was honestly confusing why he was inviting him over Felix.
Once the train stopped, Ralph got off the train to a stunning view. Bright sunny skies, green grass and hills, and a calm breeze. He hadn't ever been here before, and it was beautiful. "Hey Ralph!" Ralph turned as Sonic ran up to him. "Killer view right?" He asked and Ralph nodded. "Yeah. A lot different than the endless night in my game." He said before frowning. "So why'd you invite me?" He might as well get the question out early. "Cause I thought you needed a pal." Sonic replied with a small smile.
Ralph just stared in shock. "What?" Was all he could say. Sonic looked out at the landscape before continuing. "I've noticed for quite a long time that you seemed lonely. I didn't do anything hoping that things between you, Felix, and the Nicelanders would improve. But nothing changed, and you don't seem to have any pals. So I invited you here in hopes we could become friends. So what do ya say?" Sonic finished as he held out his hand for a handshake. Ralph continued to stare in shock but also felt overjoyed.
With a small smile, he carefully grabbed Sonic's hand and shook it. "Thanks Sonic. No one's ever done something like this for me before." Sonic grinned in response. "Your welcome Ral. From now on, you can come visit any time you like. Now how about a race? I promise to go easy on ya!" Ralph chuckled a bit. Feeling a bit bashful with the nickname. "Your on!"