Absence Makes the Heart Jolt
Chapter 5
The next morning, Sportacus was perched on the airship’s platform looking through his telescope, hoping to spot Robbie. If Sportacus could just find Robbie alone, then he could talk to him about Riki-Riki.
Luck was on Sportacus’ side because soon he saw Robbie strolling by himself to his favorite bench near the sports field. Tossing his telescope back in the airship, Sportacus flipped off the platform, landed in the square and made his way over to Robbie.
“Hi, Robbie.”
Sportacus’ cheerful greeting earned a shriek from Robbie, causing him to jump back a bit. Placing a hand over his rapid heartbeat, he glared at the sports elf.
“What do you want, you energetic jumping bean, aside from giving me a sudden heart attack?”
“Sorry Robbie, I was hoping that I could talk to you.”
Sportacus asked while a slight blush was coloring his face. Robbie quivered an eyebrow at Sportacus, who was in the process of straightening himself.
“I wanted to talk to you about Riki-Riki. It’s important.”
“Why would I want to talk about Riki-Riki with you, Sportanosy? He and I are merely acquaintances.”
“Please Robbie, I know he was the one who pulled all those pranks in Lazytown because he literally told me.” Sportacus began, then discreetly whispered; “Plus I believe he possesses magic.”
Robbie’s eyes widened a mere moment, however once he collected himself he inquired.
“Why would you assume he possesses magic?”
“When he shook my hand the day we met, it was tingling due to the residual magic left behind.”
Robbie’s face scowled while his hand curled into a fist at his side, he knew that Glanni had released a bit of his fae magic, but he didn’t know for what purpose until he recalled what Glanni mentioned to him yesterday.
“…my mere presence alone is starting to ruffle that elf’s feathers, so to speak.”
“Glanni, you idiot!” Robbie’s internal thoughts screamed; “What are you doing? Is this part of the plan or not?”
“Robbie?”
Sportacus’ voice broke Robbie from his daze. Robbie turned toward Sportacus to see the elf looking at him with a worried expression.
“Are you alright, Robbie?”
“I’m fine Sportaworry, just got stuck in my own head for a moment.”
Sportacus, relieved, replied; “I’m glad to hear that.” A slight blush appeared on his face, shaking that away, he got back to the matter at hand. “It’s really of great importance that I talk to you about Riki-Riki.”
Robbie sensing that nothing would deter Sportacus, given his serious expression, relented. Gesturing with his hand, Robbie led Sportacus to his favorite bench, where both men proceeded to sit down.
“Okay, Sportakook, what do you want to know?”
Sportacus began by telling Robbie about his suspicions that Glanni must have used magic to pull those pranks around Lazytown, plus even though he couldn’t understand himself he feels instinctively that somehow Glanni is dangerous to be around the kids.
“I’m also worried about you too, Robbie. Since you two seem to be close.” Sportacus concluded.
“I appreciate the concern, Sportaworry, but why all this concern for me. I’m your villain, in case you’ve forgotten?”
“Robbie despite our differences. I really consider you a friend.”
“Please, that's just your hero's prerogative talking. Your concern for me is feeble at best considering all the times I’ve tried to run you out of town.” Robbie grumbled, while crossing his arms over his chest.
Sportacus was shocked that Robbie thought so lowly of himself, it saddened him a bit, but he couldn’t place this feeling. All Sportacus knew was that there had to be some way to convince Robbie he was sincere, but since words seemed useless, Sportacus opted for the next step, action.
Cautiously so as not to rattle Robbie, Sportacus gently pressed his hand on Robbie’s shoulder. The light touch surprised Robbie, but he made no move to remove Sportacus’ hand. Sportacus took this as a good sign.
“Robbie, I care about everyone in Lazytown, including you.”
Robbie stared into Sportacus’ eyes trying to find any sign of falsehood. He found none, but then again he knew that Sportacus would never lie.
“Why…why would you care about me when all I’ve done is scheme against you?” Robbie meeked out.
“Oh Robbie, I know your schemes aren’t harmful, but there’s just something about you that makes me care about you and I don’t know what that feeling is, but it’s how I feel.
During his small speech, Sportacus slowly moved his hand to reach Robbie’s hand, which he gently grasped. Robbie, seeing their entwined hands, made no move to pull it away.
Instead he looked into Sportacus’ eyes and was astonished to see them gleaming with sincerity. Robbie could feel his face start to get warm, which formed a light blush on his face. However, before Sportacus could ask Robbie about the blush, a voice interrupted them.
“Am I interrupting something?”
Both men, startled moved away from each other, then turned to see the smirking face of Riki-Riki standing before them.