On Top of Vanzilla

Takes place after Fool Me Twice, but before Friendzy and Head Poet's Anxiety. As you read, it'll be clear why this timing is important.

Friday nights are always a favourite to many, and for the Loud family, they were no exception. With another busy week finally over and the whole weekend to worry about schoolwork, everyone in the family was enjoying a well-earned rest. Which, as everyone in Royal Woods knew, meant utter chaos within the Loud house property. Oddly enough though, things were a little different tonight. It was significantly quieter than usual due to some of the family members being absent at the same time. For instance, Lisa was playing at Darcy's house. The 4-year old genius had grown very close to her first true friend over the past weeks and had been spending a lot of time with her. The entire family was very pleased with this and proud of her for giving her social status a much-needed boost. Though Lisa had insisted this was all merely a study to analyze the behavior of fellow children outside of her immediate family, her siblings could easily tell that she genuinely enjoyed hanging out with Darcy. Darcy's parents had agreed to bring Lisa home a little later.

Leni was spending her Friday night hanging out with some of her friends at the mall. A new smoothie bar had just opened and Leni was all over it. The group was also planning on catching a late-night movie later, so Leni wouldn't be back for a while.

Lynn had basketball practice at the school. This was normal for her.

The rest of the Louds were sprawled around the house engaged in their various activities. Rita was reading in the bedroom while Lynn Sr. was sorting out his tie collection in their closet (and attempting to hide the gaudier ones from his wife's view as he ordered them neatly). Baby Lily was sitting on her parents' bed watching a video on her little tablet.

In her room, Lori was talking to Bobby over the phone as usual. It was still hard for the young couple to be distantly separated, yet their bonds were strong enough to keep them from falling apart; admittedly, Lori was spending a great deal of time on her phone chatting away with him, though this was pretty much a habit she had with most of her contacts. For the most part, her phone usage was still much the same as before Bobby and his family had moved, if not more.

Lola and Lana were engaged in a match of Scream to the End, a game the twins had made up. Apparently, the objective of the game was to sit facing your opponent and scream at each other at the top of your lungs until one of the players passed out or was dying to use the bathroom. There was no time limit; it went on until a player dropped out. Lola could easily scream the pants off of anyone walking by, but alas, so could her twin sister and the family pageant queen hated to be beaten at anything. The tournament was currently being held in the basement by order of Rita. Even in the Loud house, there were limits as to how much noise they could all make (a whopping $200 fine in the future would later reinforce this rule). The basement was capable of muffing out noise better than the bedroom walls could.

Lincoln and Lucy were writing poetry in the attic, as far away from the twins' yelling as they could. This wasn't exactly Lincoln's idea of spending a Friday night, but he had had an exhausting day at school and henceforth decided to take it easy tonight. Living with 10 sisters had taught him that there was always something new that you can learn from them, especially when they each had such different interests. To be truthful, he was enjoying the slower pace of finding words that rhymed and venting feelings on paper. Of course, he didn't go nearly as deep as Lucy, but he enjoyed spending time with his younger sister. Besides, it was better than being Lynn's sparring partner. And although Lucy didn't say it out loud, she enjoyed hanging out with Lincoln too.

Luna was doing something…rather unusual. Instead of jamming on her beloved Logan V-80 or rocking out to music on her headphones, she was currently sitting on the roof of Vanzilla in the driveway and staring up at the night sky. To you or me, this may not be all that strange. But for the young aspiring rockstar who feasted on the sweet taste of rock and roll jams and got antsy whenever she was away from her music for too long, this was a rare sight to witness. A content sigh escaped her lips as her eyes trailed the stars in the blackened sky. It was a warm evening, with a light breeze brushing softly by. The stars were bright, but the full moon was brighter. To say the least, it was a very perfect night. She could hear muffled shuffling of feet and the faint yelling of the twins from the basement, but it wasn't enough to interrupt this from her.

Luna Loud had had a good day. She had completed a difficult Chemistry test this afternoon and had a relatively good feeling about it…plus it meant one less thing to worry about this weekend. After school, she had discovered one of her friends playing a smart looking keytar in an empty classroom, a talent he had never revealed to have possessed before until she burst in on him with an excited smile and a plea for him to jam with her and her fellow rockers sometime. He said yes.

But there was a greater reason why Luna felt relaxed. After her desperate search for her place in the world and her outstanding performance at the Royal Rumble, she no longer felt worried about her future endeavours of becoming a rockstar and was now at ease, knowing that whatever she ended up doing in life, nothing would ever keep her from loving music and sharing that passion with the world.

At this time, her younger sister, Luan, was in her and Luna's bedroom, struggling through her weekend's worth of high school homework. She had two big birthday parties to entertain at this weekend and wanted to make sure her work was done first. Luan didn't like to do her homework on Fridays, but her grades had been slipping lately due to putting Funny Business before school and felt the need to adjust her priorities a tad bit. She was proud of her little business, both with the laughs it brought to the kids and the extra pocket money it brought to her. The publicity and experience were one step closer to fulfilling her dreams of becoming a professional comedienne. However, her parents had made it clear that she needed to mind her academics too. As much as she felt reluctant to do so, Luan knew they were right and so here she was now.

The real problem was that her math assignments weren't making much sense. She stared at her textbook and then glanced at Mr. Coconuts, who was propped on a chair in the corner staring at her with his wonky eyes. Feeling frustrated with the math and wishing Lisa was there to help, Luan decided to take a break and plopped herself upon the covers of her bed, staring up at the base of Luna's bunk. She listened for the familiar sounds of the Loud house and only just noticed that it was considerably quieter than the usual levels on a Friday night. No exploding chemicals, no footballs thumping against the walls, no music blasting out of amps. Luan frowned. No music? Last she checked, Luna had eaten dinner with the family tonight and hadn't mentioned any plans for going out. Why weren't there mad beats blaring down the halls? Having lived her whole life with Luna, Luan knew that her favourite sister was known across Royal Woods for her music. To not hear any on a Friday night when she knew Luna was home made her suspicious. And since her homework wasn't getting any easier, the comedienne decided to look for her.

She got up and walked to the window thinking that maybe Luna was practicing in the garage. But the garage was dark, though the bright moonlight illuminated its roof. Luan was about to go ask Lori when she spotted something else in the moonlight. There, sitting on the roof of Vanzilla, was the sister she had been looking for. "What's she doing?" Luan asked out loud. She walked downstairs and headed quietly out the back door. As she approached the family van, she saw Luna's purple boots dangling over the side. Her eyes were closed and the breeze was brushing the tips of her short brown hair. Luan couldn't remember the last time Luna had looked so calm. She wasn't even strumming a gentle tune on her acoustic. There was definitely something wrong with this picture.

"Luna?" Luan spoke up. Luna opened her eyes and looked down at her. "Oh, hey dude," she said smiling. Luan had to tilt her head back to look up at her. "What are you doing up there?"

"Not much sis. Just enjoying the view. Listening to the sounds of silence, that's all."

Luan frowned with confusion. "But…why?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you out here and being so quiet? You're Luna Loud! The loudest of the Louds! It's Friday night and you're usually crushing music for the whole neighbourhood to hear. And in one way or another, it always lands you in treble! Get it?" Luan let out her signature laugh, while Luna merely rolled her eyes. "But really, why the sudden interest in being all silent?"

Luna was quiet for a moment and then answered. "Well, I guess I have Lucy to thank for that. I spotted her doing this once some time ago. When I asked the little dudette, she told me all this stuff about listening for the dead and all that bogus. But most of the gist that I picked up was that it calmed her down. Thought I'd give it a try. And the more I did it, the more I liked it. Even someone like me has gotta lay low from time to time don't you think? Just a little while of sweet solitude. I mean, don't get me wrong, music is my life, man. But everyone's got to take some time to reflect. Don't you ever feel the need to take a break from all your comedy biz once in a while?"

Luan was about to say 'no', but then started thinking a little more carefully. Comedy was her pride and joy, and making people laugh was her absolute favourite thing in the world. Truthfully though, she did secretly enjoy a small break from performing on stage or planning elaborate pranks, but she couldn't remember the last time she actually did that. "I guess so," she said feebly.

"See? We all need a break, even from our hobbies. I know that sounds outta whack coming from me, but…" Luna looked up at the stars again. "It's a sky full of stars, dude. And it's beautiful." Missing the song reference, Luan followed Luna's gaze to the black sky. The stars did look kind of pretty. She hadn't really noticed all this time how nice of a view their property had. Life had kind of occupied her from taking in her surroundings. Maybe Luna was on to something. "Can I join you?" she asked.

Luna smiled down at her. "Sure, dude!" She lent a hand down and helped Luan up onto Vanzilla's roof, the latter seating herself next to the former. They sat in silence for a while, gazing up at the sparkling stars and shiny full moon. The neighbourhood was bathed in its white goodness mixed with the soft yellow glow from the windows of various houses all along the street. There didn't seem to be a single car out tonight, allowing the steady sounds of the crickets and the distant noises of the town to be heard. Luan rested herself against Luna's side, settling herself comfortably as she breathed in the fresh night air. "You're right. This is rather nice." Luna draped her arm around her younger sister's shoulders. "Even better when you got someone to share the ride." Luan just smiled.

There's something magical about fresh night air. Not only does it clear your sinuses and can't resist putting your anxieties to ease, but thanks to the peace and solitude, you find that you're able to think much more clearly than in a stuffy house filled with distractions. There was no doubt that the cool, quiet atmosphere was calming Luan, something that wasn't normal for the perky, over-excited girl. There was almost no reason to stay calm when constantly having to stay afloat on the tides of life with 12 other people and numerous pets. Now, she concentrated on the sights and sounds around her and felt herself begin to relax. She liked this feeling. She liked it a lot.

A fleeting thought unexpectantly popped into her mind. "You really stole the show that night at the Royal Rumble. I don't think I really told you that."

Luna looked at her and beamed. "You really think so?"

"I know so! You looked so confident up there in front of everyone. It was like you knew who you wanted to be."

That ironic statement made Luna sigh. "Well, there's a funny story about that, sis. Let me tell you about it." The rocker proceeded to tell her sister all about the events that had led up to her successful performance that memorable night. How she had doubted herself of ever becoming a rockstar, and how she had nearly given up on music altogether just to secure herself a better place in her future. Luan listened to her with wide eyes and felt quite confused. "You were actually going to quit music forever?" Luna nodded. "Yeah dude. I was. It was really hard for me to do that, but it was even harder thinking that continuing to play would lead me to nowhere. But then Chunk helped me figure out that no matter what I end up doing, I'll always be free to do what I love. My axe and I will be shredding forever!" Luna struck a classic rockstar pose, throwing up the goats, tongue, and all. Luan laughed and then took a moment to think about all that Luna had said. "Wow. I had no idea. It kind of reminds me of the time I decided to drop comedy."

Luna smirked. "You mean the time you burned me in the shower?"

Luan blushed, still a little embarrassed about that. "Yeah, that time. But I wanted to give it up because I didn't think I was funny. You were still good at the thing you wanted to drop. Honestly, ever since that day, sometimes I still find myself still doubting whether I'm really all that funny or if I'm just annoying."

Her big sister looked at her, taking a few moments to carefully choose what she would say. "Well, that first part is true. But not the second. You gotta believe me when I tell you that you are funny. And you'll never stop being so. If that stack of cash you make every time you deliver a show at a little dude's birthday bash doesn't say 'success', I don't know what does! And besides, you cheer us up when days are dark and friends are few. Sure, your puns drive us bonkers and your pranks make us suffer endlessly, but…if you didn't do that, you wouldn't be you. The last thing we, especially I, want is for you to change yourself. You're perfect just the way you are, luv."

Luan was taken aback. She hadn't been expecting that sincere speech from Luna. It touched her heart to know that despite all the relentless pranks that she pulled on her, Luna still loved her the way she was nonetheless. Of course, she knew this already, but to hear it spoken out loud felt quite different. She collected herself and responded by wrapping her arms around her older sister. "Thanks, Lunes. That really means a lot. I think you're pretty perfect too."

Luna smiled. She then shifted herself to face Luan better before placing her hands on Luan's shoulders, massaging them gently, but firmly. Luan shivered comfortably as she let the relaxing motions wash over her. It was something Luna occasionally did for her and was exceptionally good at doing; both she and Lincoln could vouch for that. Years of playing guitar had made her fingers extremely strong and flexible.

The girls then heard faint voices from above them and they simultaneously looked up the house towards Lincoln's softly lit window. They could hear Lincoln talking to someone. Luan and Luna shared a knowing look. It was Friday night afterall and they both knew what that meant.

"Sounds like Linc's having his Friday night video chat with Ronnie Anne," Luan gushed, flashing a toothy grin.

Luna grinned too. "Right on the dot. His love is always right on time."

"You think they're doing alright?" Luan quizzed.

"I'd say so. You could tell he was really down for the first few weeks after she left. He's better now, but it's pretty clear he still misses her. I would too if I were in his place." She rolled her palms carefully on Luan's shoulders.

Luan gazed back at Lincoln's window again, feeling pity for her only brother. "It's still kinda sad though. He hasn't had all that much luck with his love life." She removed the scrunchie in her hair, letting her ponytail and the rest of her long hair fall down her back, which the breeze quickly picked up, letting them wisp in the air.

Luna agreed. "Baby bro is growing up. And with it comes all kinds of strange things, especially love. Speaking of love…what about you?"

Luan looked at her. "What do you mean?"

Luna was smirking slightly. "I mean you and Benny, dude. Got any progress to report?"

Luan immediately began to blush. "N-no, not really," she stuttered. "We're still friends, you know? We hang out…we have Drama and English together..."

This made Luna smirk even more. It gave her great satisfaction to watch her adorable little sister so flabbergasted. Light-hearted, good-natured teasing was the norm in the family, but you would obviously never want to be the target being teased.

She nudged her sister playfully. "Aw, come on Lulu, you know you can tell your big sis anything. Have you gotten any closer since you gave him that letter?"

Luan's cheeks were positively burning by this point and admitted defeat to her sister. "Okay, okay…well if you must know…Benny and I have been hanging out a lot lately. I know he got my letter, but…I don't know if he knows it's from me. But ever since that day, he's asked if I want to hang out with him after school and stuff, way more than usual. But it's driving me nuts not knowing if he feels the same way about me as I do to him. I mean, does he suddenly want to spend more time with me because he knows I gave him the letter? Or is this all a huge coincidence and it'll become super weird if I mention the letter to him?"

She felt an odd mixture of emotions as she poured out her inner feelings to Luna. Benny had been the object of her affection for quite some time. He was one of the few people who genuinely laughed at and liked her jokes, and even cracked some of his own occasionally. Thanks to frequent rehearsals for school plays and forming study groups together, her little crush on him had had plenty of time to develop into stronger feelings.

Luna however listened to her and nodded slowly. Though she had never met Benny before, she had glimpsed him and Luan talking in the hallways of the high school once or twice, and it looked like they were pretty happy. Not many people outside the family could tolerate Luan's obsession for quick quips and wise cracks for long, so if this boy was everything Luan had told her about over the past months, he sounded like a suitable fit for her comedienne sister.

"Well, dude…I guess the best thing for you to do would be to just enjoy rockin' with Benny. You do have a rad time with him whenever you hang, right?" Luan nodded, her blush slowly dissipating. "Then I'd say don't worry. You're happy and he's happy. Maybe this is his way of letting you know how he feels. But I'd say cherish the moments together. Then, maybe later when the time's right, you can ask him if you really want to."

Luan processed what Luna had said and smiled. "Thanks Luna. I could try that. I guess I should consider myself lucky…at least he's not avoiding me."

Luna smiled too. "Exactly, dude. Every little thing is gonna be alright."

Feeling a little better, Luan decided to turn the tables. "So how about you and Sam? What did he think about your letter?"

Now it was Luna's turn to blush. Her whole body tensed, but for a different reason. There was a big difference between her love life and Luan's. She had not yet told anyone in her family that Sam was not a dude, but a dudette. Nor did they know that she was into girls in that way, for this was a secret she had held onto for a long time. Was this the right moment to tell Luan? Out of all her sisters, Luan was the one that she held her closest ties with. Though she could be mouthy and obnoxious, she was serious when it mattered and Luna knew she could trust her to keep a secret. Should she tell her now? Out under the stars in the quiet night with no one around to eavesdrop?

No. Not yet, she thought. Luna had already vowed that one day she would confide to her family about this, but she wanted more time to prepare what she would say. Right now, she would choose her words carefully and hope that Luan wouldn't press too deeply with the questions.

"Sam…seemed to like it. I'm just glad I had the confidence to finally deliver it."

Luan nodded, hoping for more. "But did he find out it was from you?"

Luna tensed again when she said 'he' …that just didn't settle right with her guts, but she had to keep playing along if she was going to postpone revealing her secret.

"I don't know, dude. But we've been jamming together after school, and hangin'. Just making music and having fun. Though I think Sam might be trying to figure out who sent the letter."

Luan couldn't help but let out a fangirl-like squeal. "Well, you should remain super secret and let him figure it out on his own! Give him the element of surprise when he finds out. That always works in comedy! And then you should say 'Congratulations! Now here's your reward!' WHAM! Pie in the face! Hahaha!"

Luna let out a small groan at this terrible idea as Luan held her sides laughing. "Oh, come on, you know I was kidding about the pie! But seriously Luna, I think you should wait for him to find out it's you this whole time."

Luna, sensing that this was a good place to end the conversation on this topic before Luan started digging for more information, put her arms around her sister, bringing them into a side hug. "Thanks, sis."

End of Part 1.

A/N: I feel like this is a good place to break; Part 2 will be uploaded soon. But in the meantime, feedback is always welcome. Bye bye!