A/N: Thank you for reviewing! I am so glad to be back on here. 2014 was so crazy: Got married and for Christmas I found out my husband and I had a little package from the stork! I have a little love bug growing inside of me, due in early August. I'm not big on sharing personal things on websites, but Fanfiction has always been good to me. I love you all, thank you for being the best fans ever. As always, Happy reading.

Softy

We are almost out of the woods, Robbie and I. I can hear faint orchestral music coming from Lazytown. The acrobatic show has probably begun already, but that's no matter. As long as this awkward silence between us stops soon, we should be fine. Our walk has been quiet; I've wanted to say too much to even speak a word. Robbie has no idea that this fortune person is about to set every member in Lazytown on a horrible path. By distracting Robbie, however, his future should already be alright. I need to keep him from getting any ideas to create a nightmare-machine. So far, so good.

"Alright," Robbie startles me. "Before we go over to the baseball field, I have to ask you something."

Caught off guard, I merely nod.

Robbie asks, "What's with you wanting my help all of a sudden? I understand I am the Master of Disguise, but you hate me. All of you hate me. I am a villain, not some prankster. So, Pinky, what's the deal."

I avoid the true reason without lying, "I don't hate you, Robbie. You may be Rotten, but I'm not like the others. I've never really seen you in a completely dark manner. You probably won't believe me, but you and I have a lot in common. Over the years, I've learned not to judge anyone. You never know how people turn out. And plus, Sportacus could never hold a fire to you; you are more realistic than anyone here. Be serious, who eats vegetables every single day? Not me. Sportacus' expectations are too high. Someday . . . someday it might drive him mad." My mind flashes back to seeing Sportacus run after me with ragged clothes and disheveled hair.

"You mentioned earlier that he was a bit on the perverted side. Did something happen? You don't have to tell me, but I'd like to know. I do care." Robbie's concern calms me. His soft voice adds, "He's such a goon."

"Nothing , actually." I lie, "I have gotten a weird vibe from him more times than I can count. I had some nightmares, too. Nothing to worry about. I really appreciate you asking, Robbie. I had no idea you cared."

He coughs and straightens his back, trying to appear as his normal angry self. He says, "I care, but I'm not a softy. Now, let's do this."

Getting to know Robbie all over again is making me fall in love with him all over again. I can tell my heart is pitter-pattering for him, and it sucks that I cannot say anything about it. I've seen movies where time was altered horribly and distorted beyond all recognition. At this point, I want that. Yet, I'm not sure what is right or wrong with my actions here. I need to be cautious, even if it means holding back feelings for my villain.

We arrive at the baseball field. I see Pixel, Ziggy, Stingy, and Trixie sitting in the bleachers. Uncle Milford is standing next to Bessie, chomping on popcorn as they walk to where the others are. In the distant field, acrobats are warming up. We came just in time. Robbie and I stand still for a moment, making sure no one recognizes us. I doubt anyone would think I would dress in something like this, but it doesn't matter if they know who I am. The plan will only work if they believe Robbie is a true magician. We've had no time to practice, but there is always a way.

"Hello lovelies," A strange, raspy voice sends chills down my back. An elderly woman with silver hair and blue robes approaches Robbie and I. Her wrinkled forehead gives me the impression she is either never happy or constantly concentrating. She smiles and has no insecurities on flashing her cracked and missing teeth.

Robbie naturally closes the gap between our hips. "Can we help you, Maam?"

"Have you come to watch? Or will you be performing?" Her vocal chords must have been rubbed against sandpaper. "You are both very well-dressed."

I notice this woman has one green eye and one brown, almost black.

"Who are you?" I ask.

She replies, "Lorna Luna, my sweet child. And you? Are you two going to join this entertaining night with your own act?"

"Yes we are," Robbie replies. He says, "And I am Robert the Great. This is my assistant for the evening, Stunning Stephanie."

My cheeks warm.

"Very well," Lorna replies with a scowl. "Come along, the acrobats are going first. We are here on tour. Kind of testing the waters of these small local towns. After our shows, we shall report back to our Head Honcho. He will be able to tell which town will benefit more from a carnival and freak show. We've never been to these parts."

"Our warmest welcomes, then, Madam." Robbie tips his hat out of respect. "Come on, Pinky, let's find a seat for now." He takes my hand in his and drags me from my frozen spot.

I hope he doesn't notice how sweaty my palms are.