A/N: I know it has been a long time since I uploaded, but believe me – this is not over and I have not given up. Thank you so much for all of your support. I am always so grateful for just views alone. Here you are, Happy Holidays.

Chapter 18: Frosting

Robbie and Steph reached her home in a slow, quiet manner. They did not speak much. There was far too much to absorb. Stephanie felt spurts of tears trying to attack her. Although this brought her mind back to dark places, she felt safe knowing Robbie was by her side. They entered the house and took off their shoes. Robbie left his wig on the kitchen table. He said it was to remind him to put it back on before her parents returned home.

"I can make the batter if you can spray the cupcake tins with the butter spray." Stephanie gathered things out of various cabinets and drawers. She said, "I think keeping busy will be good for me."

"Then I will stay out your way, dear." Robbie smirked and added, "I can't complain where sweets are involved."

Stephanie stumbled over Robbie calling her 'dear.' He wasn't always this nice to her. She was scared to know more of this side of him. Then again, it was intriguing to know Robbie was more than a cold-hearted villain. She made vanilla batter while Robbie stood in silence, watching her. He wondered how she had survived high school this far, and why she had never talked about it when she visited. Then again, with Sportacus being super-clingy, there was no question why she kept her pain inside.

"So," Robbie began. "Do you think Sportacus would help you if he were here?"

"Really? You're asking me about your enemy?" Stephanie put the cupcake tins into the oven. She turned around and added, "You are nuts. Sportacus wouldn't be helping me. After years of knowing him, he is not the same man. He's changed."

"What do you mean?" Robbie asks. "I thought you two were like peas in a pod or something."

Stephanie took out a mixing bowl to start on the frosting recipe. She takes a moment for deep breathing and fighting away bad thoughts of a pervy hero.

With crossed arms, Steph asks, "Why are you – well, why were you spying on me in school?"

"I don't think I should answer this." Robbie adds, "I don't want you to distrust me or get angry."

"Really, Robbie? I think we have both had enough bullshit for one lifetime. Spill the beans, or no cupcakes."

Robbie leans against the kitchen counter and stares at the ceiling. He says, "Sportacus wanted to know if you liked him. He wanted me to kind of find out what your deal is."

Stephanie mixed the frosting to buy some time to think. She didn't understand why Sportacus was suddenly obsessed with her. He clearly only cared for himself. He cared for his Sporta-ego and nothing more. As Stephanie stopped the electric mixer and the frosting was ready, she felt calm. With Robbie Rotten in her kitchen being honest, she truly had nothing to be angry at.

"There was another piece," Robbie blurts. "Another piece to this I think you'll kick me out for. I am a villain, after all."

"Try me." Steph licks some vanilla frosting from her finger.

Robbie sees the bite of frosting disappear and stutters, "H-h-hate him. I was going to make you hate him. Somehow. Without you ever knowing it was me, Robbie."

"Yeah, because every transfer student happens to know Sportacus from Lazytown, right? Look, Robbie, I'm sure you would have figured it out. Either way, you don't need to worry. I'm sick of him."

"What?"

Stephanie laughs and replies, "Don't have a heart attack, sweety. I . . . You want some frosting before the cupcakes use it all?"

Robbie nods. Stephanie dips her finger in to the mix and points it at Robbie. He stares at her finger, confused.

"I'd grab a spoon but then we wouldn't have any left when the oven goes off. A finger's frosting capacity is perfect for tasting."

Stephanie, so sweet. I never knew this side of her. Boy that Nate is a real jerk. Mmm. Frosting.

Robbie kissed the frosting from Stephanie's fingertip. He loved vanilla.

Stephanie's face burned red and emotionless like a ruby gem. She lowered her hand as if it was a loaded weapon and she turned back to the oven. Inside, her heart began pumping blood to the beat of a villain's melody.

The oven timer beeped. Cupcakes emerged, lightly browned and smelling of childhood memories.

Stephanie takes a rubber spatula from a drawer and hands it to Robbie, allowing him the pleasure of dressing the cupcakes. Stephanie runs into the living room and puts on one of her music mixes. She stands alone for a minute or two, trying to breathe.

"I figured you might want the fun part," She says to Robbie. "so I put some music on. Um, do you think I can show my face in school tomorrow? Everyone must think I'm a baby. I cry too much, Robbie. I cry a lot. I'm unhappy in school. Losing my best friend to a skank was really hard. I really liked him."

Robbie stops frosting the cupcakes and closes in on Steph. He cups her chin and stares square into her eyes.

"Pinky," He says. "You may have lost a high school best friend. But you haven't wasted several years being friends with a spandex-wearing man . . .Not Sportacus."

Stephanie feels Robbie's hand on her chin and the fireworks that explode in her stomach. She pulls away and laughs nervously.

"I'm just saying," Robbie adds. "I'm a swell guy. Look at these cupcakes. Not a drop of frosting wasted. I'm the next Betty Crocker, and you can share in my glory if you want. Besides, your high school is miserable. There's no fun. All drama. All bologna. Maybe tomorrow we can bring the fun back. I might have a plan."

In the seconds Robbie spoke, Stephanie realizes two things: He is undeniably handsome when portraying his mischievous side . . . and . . . she is falling in love. Robbie, in a few days' time, showed more affection and concern than her friends and family over the past eighteen years of her life. And here she stands, eating cupcakes Robbie and her made together in her parents' house miles away from a town she envied. Away. Away where Robbie sought to spy but lent a shoulder – a heart – when no one would.

As for Robbie, well he is only starting to realize what sweaty palms feel like.

"What is your plan?" Stephanie breaks a wall of silence and depth. "Do we need to get your other costumes?"

"No, Stephanie. You and me. That's all we need."

Both of their lungs caught a silent but sharp breath at the comment.