Disclaimer: I own nothing of Magnus Scheiving or his lovely creation of Lazytown

A/N: First chap up.. This is second. (I can count now lol) On livejournal I have a load of icons for Lazytown, and soon I'm going to make some that go along with Age of Innocence. Should be fun. Anyone up for making free fan art? I know someone did, but I would like to credit whoever does and put it on my website. If anyone's interested please contact my email address which is located on my profile page. By the way, my livejournal username is msmadhatter if you want to know. I have Always a Way stuck in my head..Also.."You are a pirate!"

Oh My GOD! Age of Inn. got 1002 hits HOLY MALOELY

Two

Seconds seemed longer than hours as Sportacus and Stephanie stood face to face after two years of isolation, not saying a single word to one another. The rest of the gang stayed where they were, anxiously awaiting the official return of their happy-go-lucky friend. If Sportacus didn't welcome Stephanie back, there was sure to be trouble.

The look of awe in Sportacus' face was astounding. Stephanie couldn't understand why he wouldn't welcome her with open arms. True, she left after they fought, but after two years, you'd think someone would be over it.

Instantly, Sportacus pulled Stephanie over and hugged her tightly. A tear rolled down her cheek as she blushed. The kids took this as an opportunity to come out from their hiding spots and join Sportacus and Stephanie in a group hug. Carolena took a few steps into view, watching and admiring the smiles coming from Stephanie's group of friends.

"I'm so glad to be back, everyone!" Stephanie declared, "You guys have grown so much!"

Sportacus patted Steph's back, "So have you, Stephanie...So have you.."

Realizing the Italian girl was standing clueless amongst the trees, Stephanie called her over.

"This is my new friend Carolena. She's from Italy, and wanted to see America. And I..." Stephanie looked around, "wanted to come home."

Ziggy exclaimed joyously, "Welcome home, Stephanie! Welcome Carolena!"

After introducing everyone to Carolena, and Carolena to everyone, Stingy formed an idea to welcome their new friend by inviting her to play a few games with her such as tag and basketball. Agreeing to this, Carolena followed Trixie, Pixel, Stingy, and Trixie to the basketball court. Stephanie glanced at Sportacus. The gang knew Stephanie would want a word alone with Sportacus.

"So, Stephanie," Sportacus softly stated, "Do you think I'm just going to let you forget about when you left? True, I always say forgive your friends, but this is deeper than that. You left ... I tried to talk to you. I even called after you.. Why did you leave so abrubtly?"

Facing Sportacus, she noticed his eyes were watery, "I had to. You don't understand, Sportacus. I was so confused. I still am.. In Italy, some guys would ask if I was single, and I would say no. I don't love anyone else but you...and Robbie.. There's just something about him that makes me feel like staying by his side second after second. And then there's you...My knight.. I've loved you ever since I hit puberty. I know it sounds funny, but it's quite true. I only left so I could figure myself out. What I want..What I need..."

"And did you find all of that?" Sportacus moved closer to Stephanie.

She sounded let down, "No... I mean..I know who I am and I found myself, but I still don't know what I want...who I want. Sportacus, I can't help but think everyday, What if I made the wrong choice? This prevents me from picking you or Robbie."

"It's not a matter of picking, though. You know that. It's whether or not he can provide a good life for you or not. Whether or not he can be by your side in sickness and health..I don't want to sound like a preacher." Lowering his head, Sportacus fought back some tears. He didn't want Stephanie to see his weak side. He wanted to be strong for her.

Stephanie replied, "I know I have no answer for that yet..I never spent any time with Robbie.. I haven't really spent any alone time with you either. We're always with our friends."

"Perhaps," Sportacus looked into Stephanie's eyes, "you want to join me for dinner..We can talk and maybe you'll figure it out."

"I'd love to," Smiling, Stephanie went on, "but I think we should do more than dinner. Why don't we hang out before then. Go rollerblading...How about it?"

Sportacus grinned as though he had won a million dollars, "Sounds fantastic! I'll let you go visit everyone now.. See you around...five."

"Five it is." Stephanie turned on her heel with her smile still pinned on her face. She joined her other friends and Carolena in a game of basketball.

As the game finished, Stephanie told Carolena that she wanted to visit Robbie. So, since Carolena was tired, Steph showed her to a guest room in her uncle's house.

"Thank you, Steph. I'm going to take a little nap. I couldn't get enough rest on the way down here." Jumping onto a lilac colored bed, Carolena closed her eyes and welcomed sleep.

After drinking a glass of fruit punch, Stephanie left her house for Robbie's place. Bessie was seen outside, basking in the sun. Stephanie dropped by and said hello. Her uncle, the Mayor, was tending to some flowers. Sneaking up on him, Stephanie tapped Mayor Meanswell and scared the life out of him. They had a nice reunion, but Steph explained that she wanted to visit Robbie, so she would see her uncle later on.

The Lazytown Woods didn't look so scary anymore..Not after everything Steph had lived through. Walking proudly past the tall trees and rugged rocks, she noticed Robbie's house was very close. Steph took a deep breath and walked on. This wasn't going to be easy, seeing Robbie after the close attraction they had. Stephanie wasn't prepared to feel his lips on hers just yet. Her plan was to tell him that she needed to get to know him first.

Knocking on the door, Stephanie heard nothing. Maybe Robbie wasn't even home.. If that were the case, where could he be? Steph took the chance of knocking once again. No answer..

Where could he be? Steph thought. She decided to walk around Lazytown until she found him. Her search began by walking to the park. She figured if Robbie was in the middle of one of his plans, he might be in the most public place of Lazytown.

Sure enough, Stephanie laughed in self-amusement at the sight of a grown man putting a costume on that resembled a gang member's clothing. Quietly approaching the back of Robbie, Stephanie giggled under her breath.

"S'cuse me, Mister.." Stephanie laughed, "Have you seen Robbie Rotten?"

Robbie turned around and immediately grabbed Stephanie for a tight hug.

He took off a hat that was on sideways and practically sang, "You're home!"

"Yes, Robbie, I'm home!" Stephanie pushed away from her lovely villain, "Why are you in that awful disguise?"

"Oh.." He placed the hat in his pocket and smiled, "You know me.. I was up to no good again. If you hadn't showed up, I would be getting rid of Sportacus once and for all! Unless, of course, someone recognizes me...Like you have. So now I have no way of tricking him."

Steph smiled, "Well, not this time. I thought you would give up by now."

"No, How could I do that? I would have no fun if I gave up!" Robbie became quiet, "Besides, I spend my life devoted to making Lazytown live up to its name. You know that.."

"Of course, Robbie. I know that." Stephanie laughed along with Robbie, helping him unlink a chain that was stuck on his pant leg.

After taking the chain off, Robbie declared, "Maybe I need to take a day off. How about we stick together for the afternoon?"

"Sure," Blushing, Stephanie felt that her day would be both interesting and informative.