Villain Number One

the kids: GASP! Robbie Rotten!?

sportacus:

He led the way through town, and out past the last building. The haunted house was actually a barn. Someone had once moved out here and tried to breed horses on the land, but then decided to quit for some reason known only to themselves. The barn was now used every year for the haunted house, the multiple hallways of stalls making it perfect for such an occasion. 

As usual, any openings in the barn were covered by black tarp to avoid anyone getting a sneak people before they were actually inside (and to avoid people trying to use them as exits). The only indications of activity inside the barn were the shouts and howls from the scarers, and the startled screams from the participants. 

Sportacus’ face lit up when he heard the screams. Normally, he would not be happy to hear people in distress, but when he knew it was just people having fun, he loved it. 

And that’s exactly what he did, he followed along- though not at the same pace by any means... he just wasn’t as agile, he was too lazy for that kind of speed. (Of course, there was also the matter of making sure he didn’t look too excited- as despite his general attitude, it was... nice, to actually be welcomed company to someone.)

“Hm, feels a little weird to see you happy to hear screaming. You’re usually zipping and flipping and flopping away to go save whoever is making all that racket.”

 However, he didn’t seem that bothered, merely rolling his shoulders and nodding at that question. However, that sudden grab made him flinch- not because he thought Sportacus would hurt him or anything... Hell, that man wouldn’t even hurt a fly, from what he could tell... He just couldn’t quite seem to get used to it.

“That’s right.” He said cheerfully. “The haunted house will be opening soon. I like to get their early because the scarers have less enthusiasm after they’ve been at it for a while.” 

Certainly, he was deep in denial to any idea of it being anything more than that, that he might... tolerate, the sporty blue elf. The thought alone made him cringe.

Robbie scoffed at that question. “No need, I’ve already got one.” 

He popped back down the entrance for a moment, then seemingly out of nowhere, he pulled on a coat- magenta and fluffy... a bit showy, but it served its purpose.

For a moment, he was tempted to simply change his mind- just to see the disappointed look of Sportacus’ face... but something kept him from doing so, and he wasn’t sure what. Probably because it would feel a bit like... kicking a puppy.