"True Beauty"
"Come in." said Lincoln in response to the knocking on his bedroom door.
"You about ready to go, Linc? I have all my props ready downstairs." said Luan, dressed as Imaginary Friend Girl.
"Yup, just about. Just let me put my shirt on and I'll be all set." said Lincoln as he grabbed his shirt and put it on. He was going as Captain Hair.
Luan and her younger brother/assistant were going to entertain at a birthday party, the theme being "Unlikely Superheroes".
Making their way out the door, Luan on her unicycle, and Lincoln walking along and pulling a wagon full of Luan's props, Lincoln asked: "What is the kid's name we're entertaining for?"
"His name is Jimmy Lundersand. He turns six today. His mother says he loves video and computer games, things to do with superheroes and such. He also dreams of writing fan fiction. From what I heard, he is going to be Captain Pillow."
"Okay." said Lincoln in response to the unusual hero name, not noticing his sister's glum expression.
The two siblings arrived to the location, and were shown where to set up for their performance. During setup, Luan was not her usual chipper self. She was moving much slower than she usually would before performing. Lincoln did notice her change in demeanor, but dismissed it as her being focused for the upcoming show.
As the performance ended, and the children, and even adults cheered the sister and brother duo for their great performance, little Jimmy came up to Luan with a handful of dandelions. He handed Luan the 'lovely bouquet', and signaled her to bend down to him. Doing as asked, Luan bent to Jimmy's level, only for him to give her a kiss on the cheek.
"You're cute. Will you marry me?" said Jimmy as he grabbed Luan's hand and bent to a knee.
Blushing, Luan said "Well, aren't you a cutie! But this is all so sudden, you'll have to give me time to think it over!" said Luan as she returned the kiss to the little gentleman's cheek.
"Yes, other boys have a much better chance with her than you, I'm sure!" said Lincoln as he continued loading the props into the wagon, only to receive a kick in the shin from Jimmy.
"Ow! Why you little-" said Lincoln before he was cut off by Luan, urging him to continue the work. Rubbing his shin and giving Jimmy a dirty look, and Jimmy sticking his tongue out in response.
After being given the agreed upon payment, along with two slices of cake, which was shaped like a pillow, Luan and Lincoln head home.
Once again, Luan's expression was that very much unlike the cheerful comedienne. Lincoln saw this, and decided to ask Luan what was the matter when they got home.
"Alright, sis. I have noticed you have been acting different today. You are always so ready to go for a party, but today, you have been acting as if you just heard Harpo Marx died. What gives?" said Lincoln with arms crossed, looking at his sister who was sitting on his bed.
Giving up, Luan confessed, "Okay, Linc. I'll tell you. Today, a couple of boys were teasing me about my looks, the braces especially. They said I was ugly." said Luan, sighing and bringing a hand over her forehead.
"I know I shouldn't let that stuff get to me, but this is not the first time people have commented on my looks." said Luan as she plopped down on Lincoln's bed.
Going over to Luan, and pulling her up by the arm, Lincoln wrapped her in a hug. Luan returned the gesture, and let a tear fall down her cheek.
Still in the embrace, Lincoln continued, "Okay, sis. I am saying this not just as your brother, but as an eleven year old boy, whose eyes are perfectly healthy. The girl that I am holding in my arms right now, is a very cute girl. Your hair, your eyes, and your smile, braces or no, all come together to make an attractive young lady. Just like Jimmy (that brat!) said earlier, you are cute! Besides your looks, you're very kind. And using your talents to make others happy, that makes a very beautiful person if you ask me." said Lincoln as the two separated. "Forget about the idiots that say otherwise. They obviously do not know the true beautiful person that is Luan Loud!"
Luan just stared at her brother for several moments. Lincoln's smile never faded as he stared back.
Luan tackled her brother in an embrace as she said, "Thank you, Linc. You always know how to make a girl happy! She said as she kissed Lincoln on the cheek.
"And may I also say, you are kind of cute yourself, big boy!" Said Luan doing her best impersonation of Mae West.
Lincoln blushed as he chuckled.
"Happy to help, sis. I meant every word." said Lincoln as the two broke the hug.
"I love you, sis."
"I love you too, Linc." responded Luan with a ruffle of Lincoln's hair before walking out of his room.
The End
*A nod to JamesSunderland'sPillow in response to his roasting of me in "Carol Likes Luna" chapter 22!