Stephanie was released from hospital on Christmas eve. Thankfully so as she was getting extremely bored with nothing to do except watching TV. Her Uncle and Bessie had insisted she go home and get back into bed but unsurprisingly Sportacus had come to her rescue and said he would take her for a little walk, Promising to have her home immediatly if she became tired. Wrapping up in her warmest clothes, her hat and her gloves from her school bag that one of the other children had had the forethought to collect before the snow fell. She walked out into the fresh air and took a deep breathe. Her chest still ached slightly from where Robbie had given her cpr but she didnt care. She was infinetly grateful he knew what to do.

Stephanie was a little confused about Robbie. They had talked for a long time while her Uncle had driven Bessie back to Lazy Town and Sportacus had left to take a shower and get something to eat. He'd told her all about his daughter who she reminded him of. And how she had died about 6 years ago when she was 9 when their house had caught fire. His wife had died immediatly when the ceiling had fallen, Robbie had come to and though his heart broke at seeing his wife staring at nothing he had grabbed his daughter and made his way outside, not noticing his burns. She had been alright for a few minutes but then she stopped breathing and he didnt know how to save her. Watching The paramedics he'd felt hopeless.

After giving him a hug because he was crying he had appologised for always trying to get rid of her. She understood, it must be hard to see somebody who reminded you so much of somebody you had lost. They made a pact, She wouldn't go out to play until at least 11am so that she wouldnt wake him by being noisy and he wouldn't try to get rid of her anymore. They also talked about Sportacus, and how happy she was that they had found each other. Robbie was shocked, he hadn't expected acceptance, thought maybe his elf might want to keep it secret so the town didn't turn on him. And although some residents felt quite disgusted at the pairing, once shed given her okay Robbie found he didn't care so much. He didnt understand why her opinion mattered so much to him but maybe in his mind he saw that as his daughter accepting it. Stephanie shared alot with Robbie that day in the hospital. He was very easy to talk to and a great listener.She told him about how she had felt when being called an orphan, about how she'd seen her dad in a dream and also about the ever increasing feelings of seeing Sportacus like a dad. She made him swear he wouldn't tell him, and although he was sure it would make his elfs day, he promised the little girl he wouldn't. But only as long as she told him herself before the new year.

Thats why she was feeling nervous today, She knew he was going to take her for a walk and she wanted to tell him how she felt. But she was terrified, terrified he would laugh in her face.

Sitting on the beach outside and waiting, Shec couldnt help worrying about his reaction.

Sportacus was relieved to be back on his airship. He had never liked hospitals, they were too sterile and always had too much equipment and not enough room to move. But he had refused to go home the entire time Robbie and Stephanie were there. Despite Robbie being discharged he still didn't want to leave without Stephanie, He loved that little girl like she was his own daughter. Knowing Stephanie was waiting for him and reluctant to leave her In the cold longer than necessary he flipped and jumped onto his platform and down to the ground. Seeing her sat on a bench he smiled softly and made his way over.

' Hi Stephanie! how are you today?'

' Hi Sportacus! I'm okay thanks, just glad to be outside really.'

Sitting next to her he put his arm round he shoulders and pulled her close. Stephanie snuggled into him and let out a sigh.

' What's wrong?'

' Nothing I guess, I um, can I ask you something?' Feeling confused he sat forward and looked at her.

' Of course.'

Stephanie froze, she couldnt believe she was doing this. But looking into his baby blue eyes she knew he wouldn't hurt her. Not intentionally anyway.

'er, um, I just wondered , um, have you ever wanted children? ' She rushed out.

'Sorry?'

Standing up quickly, face red with embarrassment.

' oh um, nothing sorry, um bye!' Turning to run she stopped when she felt his hand close round hers.

' Stephanie I didn't hear what you asked. What did you say?'

Taking a deep breathe and keeping her head down to try and hide the embarrassed tears.

'I said, um, I wondered if you had ever wanted children.' Sportacus looked at rhe young girl in front of him. She wouldnt look up, and he knew this took alot of courage to ask him, and he knew he needed to tread carefully.

'Stephanie... Stephanie look at me please.' She looked up, but he could see the tears she was trying to supress.

'I suppose I haven't really thought about it much, I've been a superhero since I turned 18 and you dont usually find yourself in a relationship long enough to have a child. But I guess, yes I've always wanted one, never thought I could though seeing as I'm interested in men. Biology doesn't work that way.'She giggled despite herself and looked back at him. Hooking her arms round his neck she whispered

'You would be the best daddy In the world, anybody would love to have you as theirs. I wish you were mine.' Sportacus's breathe hitched, This is it, this I'd what she had been trying to tell him. Holding her close he held her tightly and said.

'I wish you were mine also Stephanie.'

'Robbie! Robbie where are you!' Robbie startled awake from his midday nap, seriously can he not get any sleep anymore! Groggily he recongnised the voice, though why he would think somebody else would randomly let themselves into his home he doesn't know.

'Elf?' Sportacus rounded the corner and practically flew to his side. Grabbing Robbies hand he started pulling him to the entrance.

'Elf, Elf! Sportacus STOP!'They stopped, and Sportacus looked down at his feet like a scolded puppy.

'Right, now will you tell me what the blazes has got you in such a state?' Sportacus looked up at him and Robbie took a step back. Never before had he seen such excitement in his elfs gaze.

' I need your help.'

Mayor Meanswell was tired, The last few months had been stressful to say the least. He also missed his brother. He may not have seen him for a few years but he was still his baby brother and he would love him till the day he died. He sighed. Looking round at his office he wondered if this would be the last year he was Mayor. He knew he was getting old, he also knew he needed to slow down a bit or Stephanie may lose him aswell. But she has Sportacus, and Robbie. He thought to himself. He had seen how their relationship was developing. Many people thought he was dim to human emotions but he wasn't, he just didnt like to interfere. He felt sad that his brother couldnt be there to raise his daughter. He had made a mistake, and Milford knew it wasn't his idea to leave Stephanie in Lazy Town in the first place. But his brother loved his wife and would do anything for her. Sportacus, and even Robbie too, would love Stephanie the way she needs to be loved, they would easily be able to look after her, guide her. He sighed again and looked out the window.

Speak of the devil's and they shall appear. The Mayor's door slammed open and the two men rushed inside. Robbie pushed Sportacus ahead of him, indicating he should speak.

'Mayor... I need to ask you something...'

Christmas morning was beautiful. Fresh snow had fallen and children could be heard from open windows, screaming in delight from presents they bad received.

Although father Christmas was unable to bring Stephanie the one thing she really wanted she was also caught up in the miracles of Christmas. She loved all of her presents, she'd received new sports equipment and a new diary from her Uncle and Bessie. New pjs from Trixie, a note saying she could borrow Stingys soccer ball for one afternoon only, Pixel gave her a gadget that would allow her to play her music wherever she wanted and Ziggy gave her a new Lollipop.

She was just settling down for a quiet evening when she found her Uncle sitting in the lounge and watching the twinkling of the Christmas trees. Curling up next to him on the couch she took his hand in hers and laid against her head against his shoulders.

' Stephanie my dear, you know I love you don't you?'

'Of course Uncle Milford, and I love you more. Thank you so much for taking me in.'

The Mayor held her tight, letting silent tears fall down his cheeks and into her bright pink hair. Thinking about his brother, and what he had agreed to today. He knew it was for the best, but he couldnt help feeling that he was losing a little part of himself.

Knock, knock,Bessie answered the door and in walked both Sportacus and Robbie.

'Mr Mayor, Miss Busybody, Stephanie, I'm so sorry were late, we had something we needed to finish.'

The Mayor looked up and smiled.

'That's quite alright Sportacus, did you get it?'

'yes Mr Mayor, we did.'

Bessie squealed loudly, and trotted off upstairs muttering.

'oh I must get things ready.'Smiling at each other the two men crouched in front of the confused girl.

' Stephanie, would you like to go for a walk with us?' Stephanie's eyes lit up,

'Sure! let me go get ready!' And with that she ran upstairs. Milford sighed and looked at the two men before him.

'Are you sure about this?' To his suprise Robbie walked over next to him, put his hand on his shoulder and said.

'Yes, but are you Mayor?'

Milford looked back intently, hearing Stephanie talking to Bessie at a mile a minute.

' Yes, she deserves it, and so do both of you.'

Stephanie held Sportacus's hand as they trudged through the snow towards the playing field while Robbie followed a little behind smiling slightly at the genuine joy they were showing. Suddenly, Stephanie let go, spun and ran towards a shocked Robbie. Grabbing his hand she dragged him back towards Sportacus, also taking his hand and swung her arms between them as they carried on the treck. A couple of times they swung her up in the air by her arms, grinning at each other over her giggles. Finally getting to the field, The men sat Stephanie between them and each took a hand.

Robbie couldn't believe how much he had changed in the last few months, He now had his elf and he felt no urge to continue being a villian. This would be a change.

Sportacus was nervous, he and Robbie had been in HappyTown the entire day and he had the papers wrapped tightly in his pocket.

'Stephanie...'

'Yes Sportacus?' Sportacus stared into her innocent wide eyes.

'Now I need you to listen and your welcome to say no at any time but um... I.. er...' Sportacus felt Robbies hand on his shoulder, took a deep breathe and carried on..

'I was wondering if you would like to become my daughter.. officially..' Biting his lip and glancing at Robbie for reassurance. He watched as every emotion imaginable flickered across her face. Finally settling on extreme joy she flung herself at him, wrapping her arms round his neck and ultimately pushing him onto the snow.

'I'd love to' She murmured into his ear, crying as she did so.