Episode 2: "Bliss (Part 2)"
DING-DONG!
The front door of the Loud House was opened by the family patriarch to reveal a young boy presumably around Lincoln's age. He had jet-black hair, a simple black jacket with black pants and shoes, a medium black belt with a silver buckle, a white button-up shirt with a protruding collar, a loosely worn black tie, a pair of sunglasses that hid his eyes, and a charcoal grey overcoat...as well as a certain frown of uncertainty.
"Yes, can I help you, young man?"
Well, for starters, I'm not a man, you old crook. "Is...Lynn here? I need to talk to her."
"Oh! Yes, yes. She's in her room."
Good to know, you poor excuse of a father figure. "Can I...come in?"
"Yes, of course." Lynn Sr. made the fatal mistake by letting the boy in and letting his guard down. The boy immediately shot for the stairs and searched around for Lynn Jr.'s room. When he found it, he didn't want to seem like an intruding pushover, so he knocked four times and waited for the door to open. The person who opened the door was not Lynn herself, but rather the personification of a stereotypical goth girl. Oi, she reminds a little too much of Lydia...
"Can I help you?"
"Yes, unfortunately. I'm looking for Lynn."
Lucy could clearly notice the boy's dry sarcasm and was about to call him At that moment, a brunette-haired girl − presumably the goth girl's roommate shot up from her bed and stared at the two people in the doorway. The boy she focused on more, and it was starting to make him uncomfortable.
"Lincoln?"
"No, but you're getting awfully close." The boy closed and locked the door behind him, something which visibly worried both Lynn and Lucy. "Speaking of awful...let's talk about things that are such. War, poverty, and...superstitions. You two are aware of the definition of "luck", right? If not, I'll just summarize it for you two girls to understand: it is success or failure brought about by chance rather than one's actions. One might say otherwise, but to me, there are three types of luck: the good...the bad...and the ugly. You two fit right in the latter category."
As he was monologuing about luck and its different types, Lynn and Lucy exchanged nervous looks while sharing the same thought: Does he know?
"Yes, I do know what happened, and frankly...I am not happy at the outcome. So...what do you have to say about yourselves?"
The two girls were sweating beads now as a tense silence followed before Lynn broke it. "I'm sorry... I really am...but whatever you're going to assume, not all of it is true−"
"Not all of it? You're calling me a liar?"
"No, no," Lynn waved her hands in innocence, "I didn't say that."
"You were thinking that." The boy's left hand dug into his left pocket. "Listen, I would appreciate it if I didn't repeat myself the information I'm going to give you. In other words, I'm only going to say this once, so pay attention, please." And pay attention they did.
"So, Lincoln..." Lauren continued helping her mom cut the pizza, "What do you like?"
"A regular pepperoni slice, please," Lincoln responded...with dubious reactions.
"Um... I'm pretty sure Lauren was talking about your interests, man," Lacey smirked as she ate her pizza. Lincoln blushed in embarrassment while the twins giggled in amusement.
"Oh! Well, I like comic books, manga, video games, science fiction and fantasy stories," Lincoln responded as he ate his slice.
"But of course," Lena remarked under her breath, "Typical interests for a boy his age."
"Say what you want, little sis," Leah crossed her arms and placed the odds in Lincoln's favor, "If it makes you feel better, Lincoln, I actually like comic books and manga...specifically Fist of the North Star."
"Yeah, Fist of the North Star is great and all," Lara interjected, "but nothing can top the pinnacle of awesomeness that is Scott Pilgrim!"
"Personally, I prefer Death Note," Lydia commented while eating and reading (what else?) a copy of Death Note Vol. 1.
"Cowboy Bebop." Lauren raised her hand...
"Sailor Moon!" ...right before Layla.
"Ghost in the Shell." Then Lacey.
"Ouran High School Host Club!" Then Laney.
"Fruits Basket." Then Liza.
"Black Lagoon." Then Lyla.
"Dragon Ball Z!" Then Lila.
"... Gundam Seed." Then Lena...begrudgingly.
"Poo-Poo! (Astro Boy!)" Then Leia.
"Sin City." David called as he washed the dishes.
"Wonder Woman." Audrey called as she gathered up the empty boxes.
"Neon Genesis Evangelion." Everybody looked up from their conversation and towards the front entrance. A young boy dressed in a black suit was hanging up his charcoal grey coat on the coat rack, an expression combining that of a frown and a smile crossing his face. When he turned around, Liza and Lara gasped and shot up from their seats in unison; they both gave a hug at the boy, whose smile increased as he returned the hugs and made his way towards the kitchen.
"Sorry I was late, you guys. I was helping Nicole with the party decorations."
"Oh! Is the party still on that week?" Laney accidentally talked with her mouth full, sending pizza chunks spurting across the table...much to the chagrin of Audrey, Lena, and pretty everyone else within a seven-year-inch of her.
"Well, knowing Nicole, Laney..." The boy tried to pry the twins off him and get a slice of meat lover's, "She isn't one to back down from a party." He then noticed Lincoln watching him from afar and flashed his most gentlemanly smile towards him. "Oh, hello. I didn't see you there until now. My name is Logan Lance, the middle child and only son of the Lance House. Pleasure to meet you." ... Whatever your name is.
"Hello, Logan. My name is Lincoln Loud...the middle child and only son of the Loud House. The pleasure's all mine."
... Yep. Fuck me.
"Um...could you repeat that?"
"Oh...okay. My name is − "
"No, no, no, no, no! You don't need to repeat that, Lincoln! I just...needed to comprehend exactly what you said."
"Logan, I know that this is hard for you to understand," Audrey walked over and placed a hand on Logan's shoulder, "but Lincoln... He's going to be staying with us for a while."
"Well... Actually, it isn't," Logan sheepishly scratched the back of his head, "If there's a noble cause behind this event, then I'm perfectly willing to understand."
"His family are meanies, Logan!" Liza marched up to Logan and crossed her arms in frustration. "Well, aside from Lily."
"They accused him of being bad luck!" Leah waved her arms in the air like she just didn't care.
I know...
"They sold his bed and drawer!" Lara concurred.
I know that too...
"They locked him outside his house!" Lacey balled up her fists.
I...didn't know that...
"... Okay, then. Lincoln needs a room to sleep in."
"That's why..." − Oh, is Laney going to say what I think she's going to say? − "I took the liberty of moving his luggage into your room!"
Yep, that's what I thought...
"Listen, Logan... I just want to apologize for intruding on you and your family on such short notice. I mean, it's Christmas Break, and you have people busy with getting presents and/or visiting relatives and whatnot..."
"You don't have to apologize, Lincoln. You are stressed out, and that's completely understandable. It was your family's decision to think that you were a jinx in the first place, and they're paying the price."
Logan was helping Lincoln set up his bed for the nighttime...or, rather, he was brushing his teeth and changing his clothes first before helping him build his bed. He tried to do both of those things as quick as possible so he didn't feel like he (Lincoln) was doing all of the hard work and he (Logan) was doing all of the easy play. He changed into dark blue long-sleeve pajamas and rushed out of the bedroom, his toothbrush still in his mouth. He handed Lincoln the instructions for Part 1, while he kept the instructions for Part 2. Lincoln, while he was assembling the bottom half of his bed, stared in awe as the multitasking abilities demonstrated by Logan, who brushed his teeth and built the top half of the bed.
"Lincoln, stop staring and stop building," Logan made out through a paste-induced mouth, knocking Lincoln back into reality. Goodness, I hope Lincoln doesn't see me as nothing short of a Mary Sue. I mean... I am, and I can't deny that; it's my social skills beyond my family that need improvement. Lincoln, on the other hand...
"Right! Sorry, Logan!"
"You don't need to apologize, Lincoln. You just need to finish building your half of the bed."
Okay, Logan, you don't need to be condescending towards him. Just...ignore him. Ignore him until you see fit. His old family ignored him, so why can't you?
. . .
Because you're not supposed to. You're supposed to do the opposite. Care for him because his family neglected to do so. Yes, you've heard of them and saw what they did to him, the crimes committed deemed morally unforgivable. They – with the exception of Lily – deserve to rid in the Badlands...
...and that's putting it kindly.
"Logan? I'm done with my half."
Logan looked over to confirm his suspicions, nodding in reciprocation when he displayed his half to Lincoln. Moving them to the room's left side, the two boys lifted the top half and aligned the bottom of the top of the bottom half; Logan screwed the bolts in while Lincoln held the bars down. He then attached the ladder to the bed's right side, the finishing touches of a perfectly made cot. Sliding their respective mattresses in (foam for Logan; spring for Lincoln), they fluffed their respective pillows and dusted their respective blankets. While Lincoln went to the bathroom to get ready for bed, Logan climbed into bed and waited until he was gone to pull out his journal and write down his entry:
Okay, Logan, you don't need to be condescending towards him. Just...ignore him. Ignore him until you see fit. His old family ignored him, so why can't you?
. . .
Because you're not supposed to. You're supposed to do the opposite. Care for him because his family neglected to do so. Yes, you've heard of them and saw what they did to him, the crimes committed deemed morally unforgivable. They – with the exception of Lily – deserve to rid in the Badlands...
...and that's putting it kindly.
How do I know who the Loud Family are? Simple. I took a page out of that egocentric brainstorm's book and researched them. ALL of them.
The eldest Loud sibling is named Lori (Lauren #2): the perfect embodiment of the 21st century teen. The very thing society has come down to. Bossy, condescending, and occasionally aggressive, she has the second nastiest temper in the household, right behind our little b**** Lola (more on her later, though). Of course, she uses this to her advantage, doing whatever she can to assert authority and dominance over her youngest siblings. [BDSM much?] This is her defining trait and her fatal flaw. She is clearly insecure about her relevance in the family and thinks she's a self-absorbed shrew. Considering what's happened next, they may have a point. Her life in school, love, and especially family...are her life in ruins.
The second eldest sibling is Leni (Layla #2): the living personification of the phrase "kind, but stupid". She's actually one of the more likable sisters, in spite of the fact she seems to be suffering from some form of ADD. Let's not forget a nasty case of arachnophobia, too; yes, she momentarily overcame it when it came to that tarantula, but it's permanently gone not. So...strike one?
The third eldest sibling is Luna (Lacey #2): the free-spirited "rocker" of the bunch. This sister's a strange case; there's nothing wrong with her exactly, given her bond with Lincoln is the strongest out of the entire siblings. However, her peers have chalked up the source of their contempt to one thing: bisexuality. Indeed, her crush on a fellow female classmate has elicited quite the mixed response. Some welcomed her, others shunned her, and the remaining few remained neutral. I'm one of those remaining few. Oh, to heck with it. Strike two.
The fourth eldest sibling is Luan (Laney #2): the aspiring comedienne. The sibling who somehow finds herself back at square one no matter how many times she tries to be nice. Pulling a series of recurring pranks on your family during April Fool's Day? That's a mistake. Pulling a large-scale prank in a dilapidated hotel, possibly endangering your family in the process? That's a whole other kind of mistake. In fact, an innocent baby being placed at risk is well enough to get you on the Justice Department.
The fifth eldest sibling is Lynn (Linda #2): the family athlete. The main reason why Lincoln was here invading my home and personal space right now. Yes, he may have conjured up the bad luck lie in the first place, but he was a decently justifiable reason and managed to learn his lesson. But did Lynn? No. No, no, no, no, no. You know what really grinds my gears about this girl? She's a sore loser, a mean-spirited bully, and (get this) a full-fledged Karma Houdini. It's only gotten worse since the days spent with this flat character progressed, and she is quite possibly my least favorite sister because of this. Of course, my argument made against her is not as nearly as one-sided as the other people on my list.
The fifth youngest sibling is Lucy (Lydia #2): the occultist. Unlike my actual sister, Lucy is sarcasm and cynicism galore, with no realistic expectations for life and any of its challenges. That being said...I do appreciate her admiration for poetry and Gothic authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. Plus, her crush on that kid with curly red hair (or was it straight black?) is just too adorable. I wish Lydia would be more open; otherwise, she'll be acting like either that guy from Split or that girl from X-Men. Anyway, strike three.
The fourth youngest sibling is Lana (Lara #2): the self-proclaimed tomboy. Efficient in plumbing, automatic repair/machinery, and exotic animals alike, Lana is not afraid to get her hands dirty, no matter what the circumstances are. This makes her sibling rivalry with her twin sister Lola all the more entertaining and complex; they love each other, but they don't show it. This also benefits towards the rest of her family, as she is a decent enough person who truly cares for them. Strike three.
The third youngest sibling is Lola (Liza #2): the pageant contestant. Hello, square one, my old friend; I've come to talk with you again. In terms of her personality/characterization, think an evil cross between Princess Morbucks and Darla Dimple. She was sassy, smart-mouthed, and just plain spoiled. That was putting it nicely. At worst, she was arrogant, conceited, and manipulative. Not only that, but her compassion was often overshadowed by her conceit. Did we mention that she has quite the nasty temper?
The second youngest sibling is Lisa (Lena #2): the self-proclaimed brainiac. A child prodigy in her own right, she is known for her dry and sarcastic sense of humor...which unintentionally contrasts with Luan's highbrow and hyperactive brand of comedy. So, you never can tell whether or not she's actually joking. On one hand, you have a boorish jerk with a heart of gold; on the other, you have an egocentric jerk with a heart of jerk. At least she has a morality pet in her new best friend.
The youngest sibling is named Lily (Leia #2): the cutie honey. Like Lisa, she seems to be smart than she looks; in this case, she is aware of her surroundings in spite of her age. Stilling learning how to properly communicate, she somehow understands her siblings no matter the situation. She is undoubtedly cheerful, rarely cries, and truly loves her siblings. She and Leia would most likely get along as a result.
And of course, the middle child is named Lincoln (Logan #2): the straight man of the family. We both receive no respect and serve as mere punching bags in a family riddled with estrogen brigade. However, we both love our respective old families long before they turned their backs on us...and we both love our new ones.
Lyla and Lila are the only sisters with no counterparts of their own. And I know why...but nobody else does.
And nobody should. If they did, well...
Expect all hell to break loose...literally.
Logan tucked away his journal for safekeeping just as Lincoln emerged from the bathroom. Unbeknownst to him, Lincoln had secretly listened to every word said. Apparently, Logan had a habit of reading his words aloud. He appreciated that he didn't fire Leni, Luna, Lucy, Lana, and especially Lily warning shots; and oddly felt satisfied when he did towards Lori, Luan, Lola, Lisa, and especially Lynn. However, the section centered around him and Logan really made him think...but not enough to miss the next few parts. Are Lyla and Lila not really a part of the Lances? If so...
Logan, on the other hand:
Orange pajamas, in contrast to my navy blue. How fitting... As the lights turned off and the boys tucked themselves into their covers, Lincoln had one more question for Logan to answer.
"Do you hate me, Logan?"
"... Of course not. I just need time to get used to one more occupant."
"... Oh. Okay then. Good night, Logan."
"Good night, Lincoln."
Aw... You did remember his name...
