Sooo, that's it. The final chapter of my first LazyTown fanfic. Thank you so much for your comments and messages. They helped me to keep on writing and cheered me up. There might be some sort of epilogue, but I don't know, yet.

Thank you for reading! :)

„What?"

„The elf...he doesn't have pointed ears," Robbie repeated, slowly sitting up.

„Huh? I don't understand," Stephanie said, her face white, her eyes glistening with tears. „But we need to help Sportacus immediately."

„I'll carry him." Robbie stood up, swaying slightly.

„You?" Stephanie narrowed her eyes. „Why would you help him? You are responsible for all this."

„Shut up, kid." Pouting, Robbie bent down and picked the slightly smaller man up. „Bring him to my house," the Mayor suggested. He was still holding the fruit bowl in his hands and looked confused.

Soon, Robbie was sweating and grunting, because Sportacus was heavy, and Robbie was tired and exhausted.

But he somehow needed to do that. Yes, it was his fault. And he felt miserable. He had realized that he had never intended to hurt or kill Sportacus or the children. He had just wanted them to be quiet and leave town. But if it hadn't been to Sportacus, he would have done serious harm to them before. And this scared Robbie. What had he become?

He knew, he would never be entirely good, but maybe he could change a little bit.

Stephanie opened the door for them. Ziggy and Pixel followed Robbie and the Mayor. „Where...", Robbie panted, „where should I put him?"

„In the guestroom. Wait, I'll show you the way."

A neatly made bed stood on one side. On the other side was a cupboard on which an old tv screen sat. Next to it stood an old wooden chair. Robbie laid the unconscious Sportacus on the bed, and stepped back.

„He needs to be cleaned and patched up," Robbie said.

The others stood in the door, watching him.

„I can hook him up on my computer to see what's wrong with him," Pixel suggested.

„Shall I call for an ambulance?", the Mayor wanted to know.

„I could fetch some patches," Stephanie whispered.

„And what I can I do? I want to do something!", Ziggy piped up.

„Why don't you go away and let me take care of him?" Robbie glared at them with arms akimbo.

„I don't think that this is a good idea..." Stephanie looked at her uncle, who shrugged his shoulders. „Mr. Rotten, do you know what you're doing?"

„Oh, yes...I had to bandage myself up more than once."

„You heard him, Stephanie. Why don't you all go to your room, and I make you a hot cocoa?"

„You do that," Robbie stated, nodding.

„I bring you some hot water, and a first aid kit," the Mayor added.

„Thank you, Mayor." Robbie tried to smile at the other man, but he felt uncomfortable. Besides, he had never really thanked anyone else than himself.

Finally, he was alone with Sportacus. Carefully, he tugged at his trousers and his shirt. Undressing him was weird and Robbie couldn't believe, he was really doing this.

„You know, Sportacus, you really scared me," he quietly said, while brushing aside his golden locks. There were huge coloured bruises on Sportacus' chest and stomach. Blood was smeared across his face, but he still was beautiful. His muscles were bigger than Robbie had thought. And he realized that he had always admired the super hero. He was jealous of him. Robbie had tried everything, but he didn't gain any weight. He didn't build up muscles. He just stayed Robbie with his enormous chin and his dark circles under his eyes, looking skinny and unhealthy. But Sportacus was pretty. He was...perfect. Nobody should damage his beauty. Confused, Robbie shook his head. What was happening to him? He never liked other people. He never cared for other people. And now? It felt as if the ice that surrounded his heart had begun to melt. It was strange. He felt remorse. He felt pity and he was worried as hell.

A soft knock on the door made Robbie jump slightly. Mayor Meanswell came in, balancing towels, a bowl full of hot water and a first aid kit on his arms.

„How is he?", the Mayor asked quietly. „He's still out cold...but he'll live."

„Oh, my...can I do anything else for you?"

„No, Mr. Mayor. Please go away."

The Mayor frowned, but then he turned around and left the room.

Relieved, Robbie continued his examination.

When he lightly touched the bruises to feel for any broken ribs, Sportacus softly moaned and stirred.

„Where am I?" Sportacus opened his eyes and tried to sit up.

„Shhhh, lie still," Robbie warned him, gently pushing him down again.

„Robbie? What are you doing here?" Sportacus asked, blinking.

„I'm taking care of you. You are in the Mayor's house."

„Robbie!" Sportacus repeated and a small grin slid over his lips. „You are alive!"

„Of course I am. You didn't think I was dead, did you? You did?" Robbie blushed. „You were worried about me?"

Letting his eyelids drift shut, Sportacus said: „Yes."

„But...it was my fault. I invited Paul to Lazytown. You should be mad at me. Or furious. Or disappointed. But you don't have to worry about me."

Sportacus smiled. „I like you, Robbie. And I'm glad you're alive. Is everybody else all right?"

„Well, Zippy, Paddle and the pink girl are fine..." Robbie began.

„But?" Sportacus tried to sit up once more, but Robbie pushed him down again. „You have to stay put. I know that must be hard for you."

„Who's hurt?" Sportacus asked alarmedly.

„You, silly. So be a good boy and do what I tell you." Robbie pointed a finger at Sportacus, who rolled his eyes, but didn't move anymore. While Robbie was cleaning the small wounds on Sportacus' face and arms, he said: „Listen, Sportasi...Sportacus. I'm sorry. I thought Paul would make you leave LazyTown for good. If I hadn't injected you with that liquid sugar, you could have fought him."

„Apology accepted," Sportacus replied through clenched teeth. Robbie wasn't really careful and it hurt and stung every time he touched him.

„I'm not a nice person. I guess I...what?" Surprised, Robbie froze, staring at the bloody cloth he was holding.

„No, I forgive you, Robbie. I just hope..." Sportacus paused, and took a deep breath which suddenly turned into a coughing fit. Patiently, Robbie waited until it was over.

„I hope," Sportacus continued, „you've learned something. But I think you've already changed..."

„You think so?" Surprised, Robbie looked at the tired super hero. Sportacus slightly nodded. „You helped me. And you apologized. That was really good of you, Robbie." Robbie felt uncomfortable. Was it really possible? Could he change? He thought of his lair, of the silence, of his inventions, of his cake and of his fluffy orange arm chair. No, he wouldn't give them up. Then he thought of Sportacus. The only person, whom he had told his story. He didn't want to get rid of him, either. His heart twitched, and Robbie sighed, feeling for the bandages. „I can't believe I'm saying this, but I liked talking to you. You listened to me, and you don't judge me. You're always nice to me, although I was nasty. Maybe...one day I can value that."

Sportacus smiled. „I'll always be there, when you need me."

Blushing, Robbie cleared his throat. „Errr...can you sit up for a moment? I want to bandage your ribs." Grunting, Sportacus obliged. He felt dizzy and wanted to sleep. He had been very surprised, when he had seen Robbie by his side. This was the first time that Robbie took care of him without setting up a trap or playing tricks. When Robbie put his arms around him to wrap his ribcage, Sportacus' heart skipped a beat and he laid his head on Robbie's shoulder, enjoying the closeness to the other man. Usually, he only hugged his little friends. But being so close to a grown up man was different. He liked it. Robbie smelled of dust and sweat and blood, and he was trembling with exhaustion. „Robbie, are you tired?", Sportacus asked. His breath tickled Robbie's neck and he flinched. „I'm really tired," he answered, easing Sportacus back on the mattress. „I will go home, now...and take a long nap."
„You could stay here with me," Sportacus said. Robbie stared at him. Yawning, Sportacus closed his eyes. Why had he just said that?

„I...", Robbie fell silent. Staying with Sportacus seemed more tempting than returning to his cold lair. But he missed it and he hoped that Paul hadn't destroyed it.

„I need to go home and check on my lair. But I could visit you tomorrow?"

With closed eyes, Sportacus whispered: „I'm looking forward to seeing you."

Robbie nodded and stood up. „Bye, Sportacus." When the other man didn't react, Robbie opened the door. Before he went out, he watched Sportacus for a moment. He looked peaceful and relaxed, the pain was gone from his face. Satisfied, Robbie walked back to his lair.

üüüüü

His lair was a mess. His things were spread everywhere. His disguises creased and torn. Paul had smashed his electronic devices and his precious inventions. His tubes had been shattered. Even the fabric of his favourite orange chair had been ripped open. Robbie staggered, stumbled and fell to his knees. He discovered his blanky under his upside down table. Sniffing, he grasped it and pressed it against his face. He was cold, everything hurt and he felt lonely. His only refuge had been destroyed. Paul had humiliated him, and it had all been his fault. Now he had no home anymore. He didn't know if he had the strength to rebuild his lair. And Sportacus didn't really need him. He had the children and the townspeople. Maybe it wasn't Sportacus, who should leave. Maybe Robbie should go away and start anew. Clinging to his blanky, he curled up on his armchair and started to cry. Finally, he fell into a deep, exhausted sleep.

üüüüü

When Sportacus woke up, it was nearly noon. He felt better, although his body was sore, and moving seemed not the best idea. So he just laid still and stared at the ceiling.

„Sportacus! How are you?" It was Stephanie. Slowly, Sportacus turned his head. Stephanie was sitting on the chair, her diary resting in her lap. She was pale, but she smiled happily at him. „I'm better. Are you all right?", he asked concernedly. „I'm fine. I was so scared, and worried, Sportacus."

„But you were brave, Stephanie."

The girl shook her head. „I left you, when you needed me."

„That's not true. You were always with me. Here in my heart, because you are my friend," Sportacus said warmly. „And you came back to help and protect me. I'm proud of you."

The pink-haired girl blushed slightly. „But in the end it was Robbie, who fought Paul."

„Really?" Wincing, Sportacus sat up.

„Yes. Pixel and he built a giant robot that could take Paul on. But Paul stole the remote control and ordered the robot to attack you. The robot smashed the cage. And then Robbie jumped on its back. I guess, he has never moved so much before."

„Has Robbie been here, yet?", Sportacus asked exitedly.

„No, I haven't seen him today. He was very upset that his plan went all wrong."

Sportacus sighed. „As long as he has finally realized that he can be our friend, it's ok."

Approvingly, Stephanie nodded. „Oh...by the way...I like your hair."

„My...hair?" Surprised, Sportacus reached up to touch his head. His blue hat was gone. „Oh...well...thank you."

„Is it true that you are an elf?"

„Huh? Why do you think that?" Sportacus was still patting his head, as if he couldn't believe that he had lost his hat. „Robbie said so..." Curiously, Stephanie bent forward to examine him more closely. Sportacus saw her cringe, when she spotted the cuts and bruises on his face.

„No, I'm not an elf. I come from a small island in the North Sea. There's one man in every generation, who is stronger than the others. He is selected to become a super hero and protect and help all living creatures. I had to practice every day and it wasn't always easy. But I know it's good to be there for others. So I kept going and I never gave up."

„Wow, that's awesome," Stephanie said in awe.

Smiling, Sportacus leant his head back. „You know what, Stephanie? I could eat some sports candy, now."

„You are hungry? That's good. I go and get you a healthy breakfast."

„Thank you, Stephanie."

„At least I can do something for you...I'm really glad you're feeling better."

After Stephanie had left, Sportacus looked around for some water. There was a bottle on the cupboard next to the first aid kit, Robbie had used. Carefully, tried to stand up. His legs were shaking, and he felt dizzy, but slowly he found his balance. He shuffled to the cupboard, feeling like an old man, who could barely lift his feet.

He noticed that he only wore his blue shorts and the white socks. He had to look ridiculous.

ÜÜÜÜÜÜ

Robbie woke up with a pounding headache. He had had a nightmare in which he had tried Sportacus, the pink girl and the other children. There had been a lot of blood and their screams were still reverberate in his ears. It was no use. He could only harm other people. He couldn't live with them. He had to be alone. Stretching, he fetched his big purple trunk and started to throw the things that weren't damaged into it. Once he was finished, he inhaled deeply and looked around his lair. This was the best place he'd ever had. Shaking his had, he locked his trunk and climbed up the ladder, pulling the heavy luggage with him. He hadn't even realized that he still wore his last disguise and that he had no striped suit left.

üüüüü

Sportacus grasped the bottle with both hands. While gulping down the cool liquid he looked out of the window. He could see the town hall and the wall that surrounded the sports field. Suddenly, the bottle slipped through his fingers. Shocked, he stared at the man, who was sneaking along the wall, pulling a big behind him. It was Robbie, and he wasn't heading for the Mayor's house. He was leaving.

Forgetting about his bruised ribs, Sportacus opened the window and jumped out of it. „Robbie!", he shouted hoarsely, holding his ribs, „Robbie, where are you going?"

Surprised, Robbie looked up. He looked terrible, as if he had cried the whole night. „Go away, Sportacus."

Struggling to get back on his feet, Sportacus asked: „What's wrong? What happened?"

„Just leave me alone. You don't need me, and I don't need you. I don't need anybody. I want to be on my own," Robbie yelled furiously, glaring at Sportacus, whose face was contorted with pain.

„But Robbie, yesterday you wanted to be with me. And...and you took care of me. Why did you change your mind?", Sportacus rasped.

„I don't know. It's just...Paul destroyed my lair. I have no home anymore, and I'm all alone. You don't need me. You have all those noisy kids – although Puzzle was not that bad to work with. It's better, when I leave LazyTown forever," Robbie mumbled, avoiding to look at Sportacus.

„Oh, Robbie..." Sportacus sighed, still sitting on the ground. „Don't 'Oh, Robbie' me. I don't care if you're disappointed or angry with me." Robbie picked up his trunk again. „I'm feeling sorry for you," Sportacus continued. „You are a poor man, Robbie. No one ever showed you love. And now you can't accept people, who like you. I understand that, but I want to help you. Please, let me help you."

Shrugging his shoulders, Robbie turned away. „I don't need your help." He fell silent, because all of a sudden, he felt sad. It was a strange feeling. It was heavy and dark and depressing. Maybe he could stay just a little bit longer.

„You...", he croaked, „want me to stay?"

„Of course. Don't leave, Robbie. We could be friends." Sportacus felt for the wall for support, and slowly pulled himself up.

„Nah." Robbie shook his head. „You can't change who I am. I need my rest, and my cake and the silence and I'll always hate sports."

„Friends accept you the way you are. They tolerate your good and bad sides.I don't want to change you. I can only support you, if you want to become a better person. " Pressing one hand on his bound ribs, Sportacus reached out for Robbie. „Please, stay."

Robbie was confused. There were so many thoughts running through his head. And so many feelings tugging at his heart.

He was relieved, but he was insecure.

He was longing for a companion, but he feared that Sportacus would abandon him sooner or later. He was bitter and he missed the loneliness, but he felt a happy tingle in his belly.

He liked Sportacus, but he was annoyed with his sports candy, and his constant friendliness.

But when he looked at Sportacus, who could barely stay on his feet, he knew what to do.

„All right. I might stay. But you have to get back to bed. Why are you out here anyway, Sportasilly? Come on, Doctor Rottenstein will tuck you in." Sportacus' smile faded, when Robbie grabbed him, and slung one arm around his waist. New pain shot through his whole body, and he gratefully leant on Robbie. „You can be really nice, Robbie," he grunted.

„I wouldn't be too sure of that," Robbie replied, pulling Sportacus closer. The tickling in his tummy grew stronger, showing him that he had made the right decision. He giggled, as he walked Sportacus back to the Mayor's house. „Maybe I find some other ways to pick on you, when you're flipping around again and annoying the hell out of me."

Pushing the door open, Sportacus grinned.

„If you promise me that you stay with me forever."

„Eh, for how long did you say?"

„For ever, Robbie."

„Awkward," Robbie whispered, and then he led Sportacus back into the guest room.

fin