A Hero's Welcome

by Nostalgiah

Lincoln was always into heroes as a kid so why not become one in real life. So Lincoln joins the Army. But when he comes back, he'll soon have to face his inner demons and finally come to terms with his forbidden desires that he desperately tried to ignore. (Cover art by Deviant Raccoon.)

14. Chapter 14: Now or Never

I'm back everyone! Thank you for all your reviews, support, and kind words. And shout out to any followers from California, Nevada, and Arizona. You guys have some beautiful views.

I'm actually surprised how many of you are Lucy/Lincoln fans. It kind of worries me for what I have plan for her. I hope I get it right or I'm definitely getting lynched. Coming in 2nd is Lincoln/Twins, specifically Lola which is also a cool change. I just worry about that because she is much younger if we are talking her actual age in the show. Lastly, coming in 3rd is Luna/Lincoln, with Sam/Lincoln coming real close which is ironic b/c Luna likes Sam. Keep an eye out for her, and for you Luna fans, read carefully. There might be a small hint in here.

1: That conflict w/ Lola isn't a bad idea but what I meant by more action is we'll see more of Lincoln's past overseas. The drama & plot involves his ptsd, jealousy, & another topic that could put his relationship with his sisters at risk.

DeltatotheDMZ & King: Lincoln's war buddies will show up again.

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I should also warn any "toxic" fans that 2 background characters will be introduced in this chapter that don't have names. I'll be using names given to them by a great artist you probably all know by now. For some reason the names trigger fans which I think is stupid but whatever, you've been "warned".

Lyrics used from Dreamboy/Dreamgirl by Johnny O. (1991)

Two Is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls (2009)

And custom lyrics from Bad at Love by Halsey (2017)

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March 20, 2028: Lori & Leni's room

Lincoln woke up with a sigh, feeling a delightful warm sensation on his chest and a pleasant smell of strawberries. He opened his eyes slowly as he was met with a sea of gold in front of his face. Lori's soft blonde hair was fanned out on her bare back as she slept soundly on top of Lincoln, resting the side of her face on his chest.

Lincoln stared at his beautiful sister, admiring her sleeping frame and trying not to move too much so he could enjoy this moment. Lincoln also enjoyed the feeling of her breasts resting on his torso as they lifted and fell with each breath.

She was naked, and that's when Lincoln once again couldn't believe last night's events. Here he was, his attractive older sister sleeping in his arms after a night full of fun, love, and lust.

Lori was always someone Lincoln wanted to feel accepted by. Being the oldest out of his siblings, it wasn't that rare to seek their love and affection. After all, Lori was like a guardian to them. She practically helped raise and watch over them. Lincoln never really showed his want for her approval but it was still secretly there. But as they got older is became harder and harder as Lori became more bossy and Lincoln had to be honest at times… a total bitch… but she still loved and cared for her siblings and Lincoln still loved her.

That love however grew into something more brotherly. Lincoln felt like life was teasing him as his forbidden feelings became stronger. Not only was he falling in love with one of his sisters but someone that was already taken, and acted like he was a nuisance. Lincoln thought he was crazy thinking he ever had a chance. But after their night out he actually got to express that love to her; in every way.

Just like with Leni, it was a night Lincoln would never forget. And his favorite part of it all was this moment right now, holding Lori close in his arms. Sure, the sex was amazing and out of this world, but it was the love that they shared that took his breathe away than their lust.

Every kiss they shared had Lincoln's heart skip a beat. Lori's joyful tears showed her true feelings pouring out. A part of it was probably due to the sheer amount of pleasure but Lincoln knew by just looking deep in her lovely eyes that it was more than that. During that moment he felt something so powerful surge all throughout his body. It was like this strong bond developing between the two. A bond that was eternal, and could never be broken. And lastly, was holding Lori against him, feeling their bodies connected, their heart's beating against one another in synch. Lincoln never wanted to let go.

Lincoln gently ran his fingers through Lori's hair as she slept, receiving a deep sigh as she nuzzled closer into Lincoln's chest.

"Mmm… I can get use to waking up like this." Lori sighed with her eyes still closed.

"Me too." Lincoln said as he continued to brush his fingers through Lori's hair.

She let out another soft moan before resting her chin on the top of her hands which were on Lincoln's chest, and stared dreamingly at him. Lincoln loved Lori's bedroom eyes.

"Whatcha' thinking about~?"

"Oh, just imagining waking up from a morning blowjob under the sheets," Lincoln joked.

"Now why do I feel like I've read that somewhere?" Lori teased back.

"Heh, I'm only kidding, Lori. I got that from one of Lucy's romance books."

"Pity… I would have done it too," Lori teased, giving Lincoln a wink.

"So not fair," Lincoln replied causing both of them to laugh.

Lori and Lincoln both let out a sigh and stayed quiet as they just lied there, enjoying each other's company. Lincoln scanned over her face, admiring her perfection when he noticed her demeaner change as if she was debating to say something.

"You said you had these feelings for a long time. Did you still have them when you were in the army?" Lori asked.

"I tried not to since one of my reasons joining was to 'cure' me from my feelings. I did push them back in my head… but yeah, I still had those feelings," Lincoln answered.

"Did you think about us a lot…? Not in that way I mean."

"Of course I did. Everyday you guys were on my mind; from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to bed. You all helped me get through it, and stay strong," Lincoln said as he started to lightly caress Lori's back. He then looked away from her gaze, remembering a time he did.

Now it was Lori's turn to see Lincoln's demeaner change, debating to share more.

"I remember this one time my group and couple others were sent to this old looking prison to try and clear it out. It took us two days to clear that place out and not once did they stop shooting at us. The first two or three hours didn't really faze me, but after a while it finally hit me… This is real. I could actually die here… I was still just a rookie. A lot of us were. But there we were shooting back whenever we had the chance…"

Lori staid silent as she listened to Lincoln continue his story. She didn't understand where this was leading but she feared it wasn't going to end well. And with Lincoln starring up at the ceiling only helped prove her theory.

"By the end of the first day I guess I just had enough… I slid down against the wall I used for cover and just sat there, holding my rifle like if it was a person… That's when I started calling for mom to myself… when I called out for you. I asked for you to take me away from this place, to tell me everything will ok, and that you'll protect me… like you've always had."

Lori felt Lincoln's arms hold her tighter as if he was afraid she'll leave, seeking comfort. Lori was afraid he was having another episode and tried to bring him back to reality. She rose from Lincoln's chest and held his face between her hands as she looked carefully in his eyes.

"You're safe now, Lincoln. Nothing's going to hurt you anymore. I'll always be there for you, Lincoln… always," Lori said with a soothing tone as she placed a soft kiss on his forehead.

"I'll always be there for you too, Lori. I love you… and I don't want to be separated from you, any of you," Lincoln said, holding her left hand against his cheek. Lori gifted Lincoln with a kiss on the lips before resting her head back on her brother's chest, drawing circles along his scars and listening to his heart beat. It was steady which reassured Lori knowing Lincoln was calm again. "… Sorry about that. I definitely killed the mood didn't I?"

"Don't apologize, Lincoln. We're family, we share things with one another. I want you to come to us if something's troubling you so don't be afraid to come to us ok? I'll always have time for my little brother," Lori told Lincoln. She thought back to times when she used to slam her door on him and yell at him saying she was 'busy' whenever Lincoln came to her for help. She hated herself for that, but now she was going to make it right and start acting like the sister she should have been all those years ago… with an added bonus of course. "And I'm lying here naked with my hunk of a brother soooo… you didn't kill the mood."

"Ha, well, glad to hear I didn't do that then."

"Good," Lori said, teasing Lincoln with a few reassuring taps to the cheek. "Now come on, we gotta get up and change. I have work."

Lincoln groaned, pretending to be annoyed, hoping to keep Lori in his arms just a few more minutes before looking at the digital clock on her nightstand. "Aww, come on Lori. It's still early for the others to be up. Just a few more-"

Lincoln turned his head back to look at Lori when he paused at the sight in front of him. While Lincoln was talking Lori had rose to her knees as she stretched her arms wide out causing the blanket covering them to slide off her back, exposing Lori's bare breasts. Lincoln was hypnotized as they starred back at him, slightly jiggling as Lori stretched her back. They were a thing of beauty. Lori was sure blessed with a perfect body, Lincoln told himself.

Lincoln realized he was starring to long and fearing Lori might get upset or see him as some perv, he quickly averted his eyes, keeping his eyes away from Lori's direction.

Satisfied with her stretching, Lori opened her eyes and looked back down at Lincoln with a smile. She saw that Lincoln was looking away from her as if he had done something wrong and had a faint blush on his cheeks. Lori was trying to figure out what was wrong when she looked down at her boobs.

"Really?" Lori said, sounding a bit annoyed. "We just had sex and you're embarrassed that you saw my tits?"

"Did you have to say it like that?" Lincoln asked, sounding even more embarrassed hearing his sister talk like that.

"That's what they are, Lincoln. My big round juicy tits," Lori teased as she held her boobs together.

"Alright I get it… I'm not a prude you know. I just didn't want you to catch me gawking and thinking that's all I care about and that I'm a perv," Lincoln said. "… Sorry, Lori."

"Heh, you're such a dork," Lori said with a smirk before leaning down and placing another kiss on Lincoln's lips. "But you're my dork."

Lincoln smiled back, happy Lori payed no mind to him looking. He did make a lewd comment before, so Lincoln really didn't see what he was worrying about.

"Now get up. I don't want the others freaking out, seeing you naked in my bed," Lori said as she swung her legs off the bed.

Lincoln let out a groan as he stretched and got up, sitting on the edge of Lori's bed. He sat there admiring Lori once more in her birthday suit when she bent down to pick up her panties off from the floor and slid them back on. Lincoln started to feel his blood heading down south when he saw Lori's pussy peeking through her thighs.

Lori had looked over her shoulder, catching Lincoln starring at her again and playfully rolled her eyes. "Oh, so now you want to stare?"

"Hey, you said I could," Lincoln teased back. "And there is a lot to look at~. You know it's still early… Maybe we can-"

Lincoln was cut off when Lori had tossed his boxers in his face. "Get dressed, Lincoln."

Lincoln laughed as he pulled his boxers on. He then went grabbed his pants to put on when he looked over toward Lori's nightstand and noticed a group picture of Lori with her friends… and Bobby. He didn't want to admit it but Lincoln started to feel a bit jealous.

"You and Bobby still keep in touch?" Lincoln asked as he turned his gaze away from the photo.

"What?" Lori asked as she finished buttoning her blouse and turned around. Lori was confused by Lincoln's sudden change in topic. She didn't know why he would bring up Bobby, but when she saw the group photo and then her brother's face she knew what was going on. "Yes, But it's not like that, Lincoln. Yeah, I still care about him, but I don't love him that way. I love you, Lincoln. When we were together I felt something between us. Something strong, that felt right. I felt complete, like… like if you were made for me. What we have, Lincoln, is real and I don't care if others say it's wrong. I'm not giving this up."

"I felt it too, Lori. And I'm not giving up on us either. I'll fight to the end to keep you in my arms," Lincoln told her as he hugged her close. They shared another kiss before Lincoln let her go so they could finish getting dressed. "Also, I was thinking… since you and Leni are kinda my girlfriends-"

"Kinda?" Lori asked with an unamused face.

"Sorry, still not use to saying that. Anyway, since you and Leni are my girlfriends and I'm free a lot, I was wondering if I should get a job."

"R-really?" Lori said as she struggled to balance on one foot as she slipped her other foot inside her heel. "I mean you've been through a lot, Lincoln. Don't you think you should take a small break? Just settle in a bit longer?"

"I'm not looking for a career, Lori, just like a part time job to make some extra cash so I can spoil myself and you girls. I'll even make it flexible so I'll still have plenty of free time to spend with you all." Lincoln said.

"Well, as long as you don't work all the time… and Dr. Lopez did mention that a job can keep your mind occupied," Lori said, going through the pros and cons. "I guess that sounds like a good idea. But if I see you're working to much I'm making you quit… I still need my me time with my Linky-Poo~."

"Oh, don't you worry. There will be plenty of time for that~," Lincoln said in Lori's ear as he cupped Lori's ass and nibbled along her neck.

"Mmm~, I like the sound of that… But another time. I really have to start heading out," Lori said as she grabbed Lincoln's hands off her butt and backed toward her bedroom door.

"Wait, I just realized… shouldn't you have taken a shower? I heard sex has a smell to it, and I did… you know?" Lincoln asked, a blush staining his cheeks again.

"Cum on me? Yeah, I know. A nice fat load all over your big sister~," Lori teased, enjoying Lincoln's reaction. "Hehe, you're so adorable when you're flustered. But yeah, I should probably take a shower… But I won't. I like the scent of my little brother on me. I want people to know I had a fun time last night. They just won't know that it was with my brother~."

"You're wild, Lori… and I love it," Lincoln said with a smile.

"You haven't seen nothing yet, little brother. But I gotta go. I'll see you later," Lori said, kissing Lincoln on the cheek before playfully poking Lincoln's nether region. "And I'll see you later too."

Lincoln stood there in just his boxers as he watched Lori leave. Seeing now that he was all alone in his sisters' room and undressed reminded him that he really should put some pants on.

Walking down the hall, Lori wanted to see if Leni was sleeping in Lincoln's room and if she was to thank her. She didn't tell Leni she had plans to go all the way with Lincoln, but Lori guessed that Leni must have figured since she did on her first date that Lori would do the same.

She carefully opened Lincoln's door to look in, and just as she predicted, Leni was sleeping soundly in Lincoln's bed. It brought a smile to Lori's face seeing Leni snuggling with the stuffed polar bear Lincoln had won for her on their date.

"Leni… Leni~," Lori whispered as she gently shook Leni's shoulder.

"Hmmmm… Lori?" Leni groaned in her sleep as she slowly opened her eyes, adjusting to the morning light. "Is breakfast ready?"

"Sorry, sis, I didn't mean to wake you up so early. I just wanted to thank you. But I have to ask why'd you sleep in Lincoln's room?"

"I wanted you to have a great night like I did. You gave me my time with Linky so it's only fair that I give you yours… I love Linky with all my heart, but I love you to, Lori. I want us all to be happy," Leni said with her innocent smile.

"You really are the greatest sister a sibling could ask for," Lori said as she gave her sister a peck on the nose and stood back up to leave. "I let you get back to sleep. Love ya, Leni."

Before Lori could walk out, Leni called her name and asked her one last question. "Hey, Lori…? Did you have a nice time?"

"It was literally the greatest day of my life."

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March 20, 2028: Garage

It was in the afternoon as Lincoln was in the garage laying on the bench press, lifting the bar above him. Since Lincoln was now in the shape of his life and worked hard to get this dream body, he wanted to make sure to maintain it. He was still insecure about going to a gym, so he asked Lynn if she had any workout equipment around. Lucky for him she did and helped set up a person gym in their garage.

However, Lincoln was worried about Luna because she would sometimes use the garage to practice with her band if their studio was closed. It did work out for the both of them since all of Lynn's equipment was easily movable so when ever Luna wanted to have one of her jam sessions all Lincoln had to do was fold up the equipment and move it to the side.

Another plus side of having a personal gym/studio is that you can workout while listening to tunes which Lincoln was doing right know, lifting heavy weights as heavy metal blasted through Luna's speakers.

Lincoln was in his own little world, focusing on his workout as the music motivated him. It was like being back at base, minus the excruciating heat. But with each complete rep, the 'clang' noise from the bar hitting the rack seemed to be getting louder and louder, blocking out the music in the background. The metal on metal sound was like a prison cell being shut.

Lincoln dropped the bar on the rack with a groan as he finished. He sat back up, breathing heavy as he rubbed his temple, trying to ease his mind and let the surrounding noise come back to him. Lincoln then lifted his head up when a small towel was thrown at him, landing in his lap.

"You looked like you needed it," Lynn said as she walked inside the garage.

"Thanks," Lincoln said, catching his breath and wiping his forehead with the towel. "You need something or are you here to complain about my form?"

"Ha, well I just came to see what you were up to before I head out but now that you mention it, I guess I can go a quick round with you." Lynn dropped her sports bag and walked over to an open spot of the garage to do a couple warm up stretches.

"Lynn, I wasn't challenging you-"

"Too bad," Lynn said as she tossed Lincoln a pair of boxing gloves before putting on her own and getting into a fighting stance. "Let's see what you got, Captain America."

"Aren't you going to be late for work?"

"Those lovable brats can wait. They love when they can take a break," Lynn told Lincoln, still in her fighting position.

Lincoln shock his head with a smirk, seeing Lynn acting like her same old self. He put on the boxing gloves and got into position. Lynn was quick to make the first punch as her left arm extended toward Lincoln's face that he was lucky to dodge, taking a step back.

Lincoln barely had the chance to dodge when Lynn then brought her right fist which Lincoln blocked. He returned with a quick jab that Lynn could easily block. Lincoln didn't want to hurt Lynn so he decided to go easy on her. It's not like he had to; Lincoln's seen Lynn take some heavy blows before and shrug them off like they were nothing. But he didn't want to do any of that. Even if Lynn could get on his nerves at times, Lincoln could never hurt his sister and not regret it.

Lincoln threw a couple more light punches, some making contact with Lynn. But Lynn knew her brother was going easy on her. She started to go on the offense now, throwing more punches than Lincoln could block. She wasn't going fully hard on them but as each one that hit Lincoln she would try to encourage him to punch harder.

"Come on, Linc, hit me!" Lynn said as she punched Lincoln in the shoulder. "Quit holding back and punch me."

Lincoln not fully caving in decided to throw a slightly harder punch, but Lynn blocked it with her left before throwing a right hook, hitting Lincoln in his head. Lincoln stumbled back with a blur but shook it off as he threw two punches. But Lynn was able to give Lincoln a jab to his side as she mocked him. She then threw another punch hitting Lincoln on the cheek causing Lincoln to lose his balance. His headache was now starting to return.

*PUNCH*

'Come on!'

'*spit* For the last time, I'm not a fucking spy!' Lincoln shouted as he was chained to a chair.

*PUNCH*

'Liar! Why are you here?!'

Before the "guard" could hit Lincoln again, Lincoln threw a hard punch nailing him right on the side of his face. But when Lincoln heard Lynn yelp in pain, he snapped out of his head and realized he just punched his sister, causing her to fall back.

"Oh, shit! Lynn, I'm so sorry!" Lincoln shouted as he ripped his gloves off and rushed over to Lynn. "A-are you ok?"

"Damn, bro… you got a strong punch there," Lynn smiled as she started to sit up from the garage floor.

"Lynn, I-I swear I didn't mean to! I thought y-you were… Fuck!" Lincoln said, grabbing his head in frustration. Lincoln would never in his wildest dreams lay a hand on his sisters. That first hit to the head brought back a painful memory which must have triggered something. Lincoln thought he was defending himself from a guard but it was actually all inside his head.

"Woah, Lincoln, relax. It was just one good hit. I'm fine," Lynn told him as she got back on her feet and took off her gloves.

"But Lynn, I hit you in the fa-"

"Lincoln! I'm fine…" Lynn said softly as she placed a reassuring hand on the cheek she hit. Lynn was much of the 'sappy' type, and really didn't know what to do in situations like this but something told her that she was to be blamed for. "I did something didn't I?"

"… That punch to the face and you're shouting was familiar. I… I thought you were someone else," Lincoln admitted, looking away from Lynn in shame.

"Oh… I uh… I- shit… I should have known," Lynn sighed, feeling awful. "Linc, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gone so hard on you… Gosh, I'm a piece of shit."

"Hey, don't say that. You don't have to apologize, Lynn. I just care about you right now… Are you sure you're alright?"

Lynn just shook her head with a chuckle, listening to her brother still worrying about her. Lincoln could have a broken leg and bloody nose and he would still make sure his sisters were ok. He really was such a caring guy. Lynn honestly couldn't believe Lincoln still never had a 'real' girlfriend. Lynn knew if he wasn't her brother she'd chase after him.

'What?' Lynn thought as she came to terms to what she had just said to herself. She quickly scrubbed that idea away and returned back to Lincoln waiting for her response.

"I'm good, Linc. You're acting like I've never been in a fight before. Anyway, I gotta run. I don't want those kids going soft on me," Lynn said as she picked her sports bag up, ready to leave.

"Wait, what? Lynn, you just got hit in the face. I don't think you should drive like that. Maybe you should wait a bit, put some ice on it or something," Lincoln told Lynn, looking out for his sister.

"Jeez, bro, you're overreacting. This is Lynn Loud you're talking about. Don't worry," Lynn said, walking out the garage before stopping and looking over her shoulder with a grin. "Besides… I lied. That punch was weak."

"Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that. Just take it easy, ok, Lynn?"

"Will do, Lincoln, but do me a favor and do the same… I care about you. See ya later, bro," Lynn replied as she left.

Lincoln went over to Luna's speaker and turned it off before leaving the garage as well and entered through the backdoor to the kitchen. He headed toward the fridge to grab something to drink when he spotted Leni walking down to the basement.

"Hey, Linky! All done exercising?" Leni asked in her sweet tone.

"Yep, now I just need to change and head out. I have to try to look for a job," Lincoln answered as he grabbed a water bottle from the refrigerator.

"Oh, you think I can come with you? I think it's like time I get back on my feet. Just for a while before I ask to go back to the fashion studio."

"Um, sure, Leni, I don't mind. But I'm sure that fashion place would re-hire you in a heartbeat. You were their best designer," Lincoln said.

"I know, I just want to take it slow. It's been like forever since I had a job."

"Alright, just let me change real quick and we can go," Lincoln said.

Leni nodded in excitement as she went back to the basement to do whatever she was doing. Lincoln took one last chug of the water before putting it back and walking out the kitchen. As Lincoln walked, he started to go over the choices of jobs he should look for. He knew he needed something with reasonable hours so fast food was out of the question, like if it was even on his list. He then wondered if his dad could use any help in the kitchen?

Lincoln was now entering the living room, still in his own little world when he looked up to see Luan who had just reached the bottom of the stairs. He stood there in a state of panic when he saw Luan playing with a green yo-yo.

"Hey, Lincoln! What's up? I just dropped off your sket-"

"Where did you get that?" Lincoln asked in shock as his eyes were glued to the toy.

"I saw it in your-"

"Where did you get this?!" Lincoln shouted as he yanked the yo-yo out of Luan's hand, startling her.

"I-I found it in y-your drawer," Luan stuttered. She didn't know why Lincoln was so upset but it was starting to scare her. "L-Lincoln you're scaring me. Are you feeling ok?"

"Do you know what this means to me, Luan?! Who gave this to me?! What if you broke this?" Lincoln shouted in anger. Lincoln hadn't felt this mad in years but seeing someone with Dylan's yo-yo sparked something inside him.

"I-I'm sorry, Lincoln," Luan said, trying to hold back her tears. Lincoln had never yelled at her like before. She can hear the rage in his voice and was terrified if she had just ruined her relationship with her brother.

"For once can you girls just give me some privacy…? Just… just leave me alone."

"I-if that's w-what you want Lincoln," Luan said on the brink of tears. She turned around and dashed up the stairs, hoping Lincoln couldn't see her crying. Lincoln, realizing what he just done, tried to call her back but was cut off by the sound of her door being slammed shut.

Lincoln looked back down at the yo-yo in his palm in disbelief. He couldn't believe what he had just said. He didn't mean any of that, it just came out. It was like if his 11-year-old self were saying those things and not himself. But it was already out there now, and Lincoln regretted everything.

'Good job, Lincoln. Now you hurt two of your sisters today.'

He walked up the stairs and went toward Luan's door, hoping he could fix all this and that she'll forgive him. He lightly knocked on her door and waited for a reply, but nothing came. He then placed his ear against the door to try and listen for her. He didn't hear anything at first but then he heard a sniffle and his heart shattered even more.

"Luan? Luan please let me in…" There was no reply. "Luan, I didn't mean any of that, I swear."

Lincoln stood there with his forehead resting against the door and his hand, imagining Luan's resting hers on the other side of the door. He looked down at the doorknob and wondered if it was unlocked. Lincoln thought about trying but he didn't want to intrude by just inviting himself in while his sister was probably crying her eyes out in her bed. Lincoln decided to let it go and give Luan her space. When she feels like coming out he'll talk to her then.

"I'm so sorry, Luan… Someone close to me gave me that toy and I just… lost it," Lincoln explained. "You have every right to hate me, Luan. And it may have come from my mouth but I swear to you, Lu, that wasn't me. The real me. I would never say that to you… I need my big sis, Luan. Always remember that."

'I love you, Luan… Please don't shut me out.'

Lincoln took a step back and left Luan with her thoughts before walking to his room to change. After changing out of his workout clothes, Lincoln stepped out of his room and glanced back at Luan and Luna's door. It was still closed and he didn't hear the door open or the floors creek, telling him that she was probably still in her room. He let out a defeated sigh and headed downstairs where he saw Leni waiting patiently in the living room.

"Hey, I heard yelling when I was in the basement. Is everything alright?" Leni asked with a concern look on her face. Lincoln knew if he told Leni that he yelled at Luan and made her cry that she would get angry at him, and frankly he deserved it. But he didn't want to trouble her and ruin her good spirits on wanting to find a job, so Lincoln did the one thing he hated to do to his sisters. Lie.

"Uh, yeah… I just banged my knee against the recliner is all. It really hurt."

"Oh… Well, ok then! Come on let's go!" Leni cheerfully said as she grabbed Lincoln's hand and lead the way out the front door.

---

March 20, 2028: Royal Woods Elementary School

The ride from home was a quiet one, well, mostly Lincoln. Leni was talking away in the passenger seat, but Lincoln mainly kept his eyes on the road, nodding and agreeing when ever Leni asked for his opinion. Most of the ride he was focused on Luan, replaying that image of her with tears in her eyes over and over again.

Lincoln hated to see his sisters cry like any other sane sibling would, but just like some of his sisters, Luan was one that really pulled at their heartstrings because she was always the happy one out of all of them so seeing their smiling sister down was always hard to see. Lincoln remembered being their trying to comfort her from the time he got beat up by a couple bullies trying to defend her to her first break up. But now he was the one to make her cry.

Lincoln had to make this right and find some solution, but he had to put that on hold at the moment. He had to stay focus on finding a job and help Leni with her search which was why they were here. Unlike Lincoln, Leni already had an idea for making some extra cash so Lincoln decided to head to the school first.

He thought it was perfect for Leni to be a teacher's aid since Leni was great with kids. She was so caring and loving that he knew she'd get hired. With a personality like Leni's you'd have to have a heart made of ice to say 'no' to her.

As Leni went inside the school to see if she could apply for a job, Lincoln decided to go check on one sister he knew was around and possibly free.

"Come on, Bridget, move those legs!" Lynn shouted as the girl passed the soccer ball to her teammate. That's when she spotted Lincoln walking along the field toward her.

"So, these are your 'brats' you were talking about?" Lincoln said as he approached Lynn, standing on the sideline.

"These are just some of them-… Hustle ladies!" Lynn shouted, interrupting their conversation. "But I still adore them… We're undefeated."

"Same old competitive sister, haha. But it won't hurt to go easy on them once in a while. They are fifth graders, Lynn."

"Hey, I started when I still had baby teeth and look at me now. I'm number one," Lynn gloated. "Anyway, what brings you by? Please don't tell me you're still worried about the punch."

"No, I'm actually here with Leni. She's looking for some work here and I thought I'd stop by and look for you," Lincoln told her.

"Oh… you and Leni seem to be hanging out a lot lately," Lynn said, sounding a bit jealous.

"Yeah, I know… it seems unfair to the rest of you, but you know how clingy Leni can get at times. And since you brought it up, are you sure you're feeling fine?"

"Save it, Lincoln. I'm fine, see," Lynn said as she showed Lincoln her face. "No damages. I guess that punch really was weak after all."

"Yep, I guess I didn't ruin your face more than it is- Ow!" Lincoln winced, receiving a punch to his shoulder.

"Asshole," Lynn joked.

"Haha, I'm kidding, Lynn. I don't have any ugly sisters," Lincoln said before looking over to watch the game. "So, you coach the local schools' teams? Funny, I thought you did something else."

"I do, this is just a side gig. When I'm not playing professionally or training other athletes, I'm doing this. It's nice. It reminds me of how it all started."

"I'm glad you're happy, sis. Now if only I-"

"Hey coach! Can we please take a break? We've been running back and fourth for an hour now," One of the girls said as she ran up to Lynn.

"Fine… Ok, girls, take five!" Lynn announced, causing all the girls to collapse on the grass or walk over to the bench to grab a drink.

Lynn turned back to Lincoln to continue their talk, but before she could say anything, one of the girls that was standing by them randomly asked, "So, coach, is this your boyfriend?"

"What?!" Lynn chocked out as Lincoln started to laugh.

"I gotta say, you caught yourself a good one coach," The young girl said, causing Lynn to blush even more. It wasn't helping that Lincoln just stood next to her laughing.

"Hahaha, no, no, y-you have it all wrong. I'm her brother," Lincoln corrected.

"Ohh, well this is embarrassing. Ha, I bet you wished he wasn't, aye coach?" The girl teased.

"Damnit, Lindsay!" Lynn yelled as the girl ran back to her team laughing.

"Now I see why you call them brats," Lincoln teased.

"A pain in my ass is what they are."

Just then, Lincoln and Lynn turned around to see Leni charging in their direction with a huge smile on her face. Something told them that Leni must have got the job. She came over squealing like some kind of fan girl as she hugged Lincoln tightly.

"EEEE! I got the job, I got the job!" Leni cheerfully said as she let go of Lincoln then over to Lynn, hopping up and down.

"Congrats, Leni! I knew you'd nail it," Lincoln said.

"Yeah, Len, you'll make a great teacher," Lynn added.

"I got to see the class and oh are they just so cute!" Leni told them. "Now it's your turn, Linky"

"You're looking for a job?" Lynn asked, sounding surprised.

"Yeah, just to make some extra money before I decide what to do next."

"Then don't let me keep you waiting," Lynn said. They said their goodbyes and Leni and Lincoln walked back to the car as Lynn watched them from behind. She was happy to see Lincoln spending time with their sisters, doing his best to make up for lost time. But Lynn didn't know why she felt odd seeing Leni so attached to their brother. She knew Leni took it the hardest when he was gone but sometimes Lynn would catch her acting more than her usual self. Was she jealous?

While Lynn watched Lincoln and Leni walk away, Lindsay came back over, watching as well.

"So that's his girlfriend… Shame, I thought you two made a cute couple," Lindsay said, startling Lynn.

"L-Lindsay!"

---

March 20, 2028: Luna & Luan's room

Luan was curled up on her bed, tears running down her face as she heard Lincoln's car drive off in the distance. For a slight second she thought about allowing Lincoln in after she heard what he said through the door but opted out.

Luan hated the fact that all she's been doing lately is crying and acting nervous. She was never like this. She was always cheerful and confident, but now with these taboo feelings and Leni's confession, Luan was now falling apart.

Her problems were just beginning however when she heard a knock at her door and seeing Luna peeking her body inside. She had a look of concern written all over her face telling Luan that Luna must have heard Lincoln yelling at her.

"Hey… can I come in?" Luna asked.

Luan really wanted to be alone, especially now that her sister is seeing her as a crying mess. But Luan knew Luna meant well. She was her to check on her sister, and Luan felt that's probably what she needed.

Luan nodded, allowing Luna to enter as she wiped her eyes cleared from tears. Luan stood on the edge of her bed as Luna sat down in bean bag, facing Luan.

"You wanna talk about it?" Luna asked in a gentle tone.

"There's not much to talk about… You're here so you've probably heard it all," Luan told her, keeping her head down. "It doesn't matter anymore."

"What matters is if I have to go kick our brother's ass or not."

Luan got a good chuckle out of that but she wouldn't want that to happen even if Luna was being serious. He didn't do anything wrong; she was the one that technically started this mess.

"Heh *sniff* You don't have to do that, Luna. It's not his fault, it's mine… and now h-he hates m-me," Luan said as her tears started to return.

"Hey, come on, Luan, don't cry. Lincoln doesn't hate you. You heard him yourself, he can never hate us. I guarantee by the end of the day he'll be begging for forgiveness and you two can put this in the past."

"He does hate me, Luna. Why wouldn't he? All I do is screw up… I'm worthless, Luna. I should have never been born."

"Don't say that!" Luna yelled out as she stood up, angry at Luan's attitude. "You're not a screw up and you're not worthless. You're my sister. My best friend. Someone who I love dearly and could run to when I need help or just want to rock out with. I see a beautiful and confident woman in front of me and you need to see that too! I'm tired of you acting like this. You use to be so positive and full of life. You didn't give a shit what people said about you, but know you're the complete opposite. Why? Why would you say those things?"

"Because now I know I was just lying to myself, Luna… I'm just a bother to people. A loser who ends up pushing others away. And now someone I care so strongly about is gone and it's all because of me," Luan said. She regretted her decision allowing Luna in.

"You're not a loser, Luan! How many times do I have to keep telling you this? And Lincoln isn't gone. So, he yelled at you; big whoop. We got into fights tons of times and we still love each other. Now you're just acting like a child, Luan. Why do you even care that Lincoln is mad at you-"

"Because I love him!" Luan screamed out, standing up in her fit of rage. She stared at Luna for a few more seconds before collapsing back down on her bed and putting her face between her hands and cry.

Luna could only watch her sister in shock by her sudden outburst and more importantly what she had just said. She wanted to believe this was a cruel yet well planned prank her and Lincoln were on, but judging by Luan's crying Luna knew this was real.

"W-w-what?"

"*sniff* I-I love him… I love our brother," Luan admitted through her weeping. It was finally out. Her deepest darkest secret was out and now one of her sisters knew. Luan didn't want to spill it out but she just couldn't take it anymore. Luna was understanding her so the only way for her to was to let it all out. "Now you know why I've been like this… I'm a freak. A disgusting perverted freak. I should just runaway. I shouldn't be alive!"

"Hey, hey, hey, easy sis," Luna told her as she went over to Luan and sat beside her wrapping an arm around her to comfort her. "Shhhh… breathe, Luan, breathe. It's alright."

"No, it's not! I'm in love with Lincoln! It's wrong, and now you think I'm disgusting because I am!" Luan cried out as her crying became more erratic. "I'm a disgrace of a sister… I failed him. I failed you all… *sniff* You hate me don't you…? I don't blame you."

Luna had no clue what to say. She'd never imagined being in a situation like this. Who wouldn't? She had to think of something; Luan was a wreck and it was only going to get worse if she didn't say anything. Luna kept trying to come up with something but she was pulling blanks. She kept telling herself she couldn't relate in anyway, but she actually could. Luan was battling feelings in the realm of taboo, and as Luna thought deeper she realized she could relate… in a way.

"I don't hate you, Luan… You failed no one so get that out of your head. And you're not a freak… Sure, you have these feelings for our brother, but Luan…" Luna said gently as she turned Luan's face to look at her, and whipped her tear stained cheeks. "Who am I to judge? You're scared. Worried about your forbidden feelings… I know what you're going through, sis. I am bi after all."

"L-Luna, it's the 21st century. It's practically encouraged to be something other than straight… no offense… T-this is different," Luan replied.

"Ok, ok, I see you're point. But seriously, Luan, I'm not going to judge you."

"But-"

"Just hear me out. Luan, you're in love with Lincoln, and I can tell that he really means the world to you. So, who am I to stop you? Just because society says so? Come on, sis, you and I are punks; fuck what society says! And I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure there's some incest in the bible so forget that sin nonsense. It can't be a sin to love someone, Luan. Especially when you're willing to sacrifice everything for that one person."

Luan appreciated all that Luna was saying. She felt a little calmer now, but couldn't understand why Luna was defending her? She just admitted to being in love with their brother. One of the ultimate taboos and yet she wasn't grossed out at her.

"L-Luna I don't get it? W-why are you acting so… relaxed? You should be hitting me or something. Aren't you shocked?" Luan asked, trying to comprehend what was going on in her sister's head.

"I'll admit I'm surprised. I'd never expected to find out my sister has a thing for our brother, but Luan let's be real… Lincoln's hot. I don't blame you for developing these feelings. Hell, if we weren't blood related, I'd go after that," Luna said, reassuring Luan that there was nothing t be ashamed of. "Don't worry too much, Luan. I'll always have your back, sis. Now let's turn that frown upside down."

"W-wait, so you think I should like… tell Lincoln?"

"Well, you don't have to do it today or like in three years. But this is eating you up inside, Luan, and I'm not losing my corny joke teller of a sister. You either take the risk and tell him or don't and live with this pain until you get over it… and that's if you get over it. And remember, this is Lincoln. Even if you tell him and he doesn't feel the same, he'll still always love you as a sister. He won't shun you away, Luan" Luna stated. "But if he does I'll kick his ass so hard he'll forget the whole thing."

"You really going to beat up a vet that suffers from P.T.S.D.?" Luan mocked.

"Hey, I didn't say it was a perfect plan," Luna joked back.

Luan got a small laugh from that, feeling a lot better now that she could say she has an 'ally' in all this. She leaned over and hugged Luna close, as Luna returned the embrace, happy to see her bunkmate smiling again.

"Thanks, Luna. You really are the coolest person I know," Luan complemented as she gave her sister a small peck on the cheek. "*sigh* I still can't help but feel a little bad about this."

"Then I need to cheer you up some how and I know the perfect place. Me and the band are heading to the old abandon factory by the docks for a party. It's going to be sick. They got games, free food, and live music. What do you say? A girls' night out, just the two of us." Luna suggested.

"That does sound fun. And it could help to keep my mind off of things… Sure, I'm down," Luan agreed.

"Right on, dude! We're gonna have a blast. Now go change into something more fitting and meet me by the van in a couple hours." Luna instructed as she got up from Luan's bed to walk out the room. "This is going to be a night you'll never forget, sis."

Luna stepped out of their room to give Luan her privacy, and so she could make a few calls to see if this party was still happening. She felt proud of herself for comforting Luan the best she could, but was still a bit shock. 'Man, Luan's actually in love with Lincoln... I know there's fetish videos on that stuff, but to actually love your brother? I don't think I can see Lincoln in that way… Right?'

---

March 20, 2028: Royal Woods

The job hunt for Lincoln wasn't looking good for him. Him and Leni drove all around Royal Woods trying to look for anything that Lincoln found reasonable but with no luck. Lincoln thought they should just give up and drive back home. Lincoln pulled into a parking lot to turn around when Leni yelled at him to wait as she pointed to the restaurant across the street.

"Aloha Comrade?" Lincoln questioned as he stared out the window.

"Yeah, sometimes dad takes us here for dinner, and mentioned they needed extra help at the bar," Leni told him. "Oh, it'll be so sweet! Dad use to work here and now you will too. Like father like son!"

"A bartender? I guess that's kind of cool. I could be working late hours though… and I don't know much about serving drinks?" Lincoln pondered.

"It's easy! All you have to do is pour people colorful drinks, oh, and put a cute little umbrella in it! Then they get happy and laugh a lot," Leni said, remembering the time she drank a lot of those and felt funny. "Except when Lori gets those nasty tasting ones. Those make her cry for some reason."

"Well, it won't hurt to ask."

Lincoln pulled in front of Aloha Comrade's and they both exited the car as they walked toward the restaurant. The inside was still how Lincoln remembered it. He always liked the Hawaiian theme to it since he's always wanted to go there, but he wasn't crazy about them serving Russian food. Lincoln didn't even believe they did serve that kind of food. When his dad was working here he remembered him telling him that they actually served Cuban food which he thought was odd. He guessed it was to out beat their rival Caribbean Barn.

As they entered, Lincoln and Leni were approached by an employee, welcoming them. Lincoln told him that they weren't here to eat but to see if the bartending job was still open. The employee directed them to the back and to talk to the boss.

Entering through the kitchen doors, Lincoln and Leni were introduced to their dad's old boss, Sergei, the owner of the place.

"Ah, Lincoln, my boy, you've returned!" Sergei cheered in his strong Russian accent as he crushed Lincoln in a hug. "It is so good to see you! And Leni, my dear, you look as beautiful as ever! You remind me of my wife before she got fat."

"Hehe, thank you… I think?" Leni said.

"So, what brings you by? How is your father? Doing great things I hear. You know he was one of my best cooks."

"He's doing well for himself. But I'm here because I heard you need an extra bartender, and I was wondering-"

"You're hired!" Sergei announced, slapping Lincoln hard on the back.

"W-wait, really? B-but you didn't even interview me. I don't know anything about mixing and stuff like that," Lincoln informed him. He was happy he got the job but he didn't expect it to be that simple.

"Don't worry about that, I got a book here somewhere that'll help you. People don't really ask for crazy drinks like that so don't stress out,"

"G-great! Oh, but I'm only doing this part time…"

"It's fine, Lincoln. Friday and Saturdays are dance night so that's when we are the busiest. You can work then," Sergei told him. "I understand you and your family have been through a lot lately. Spending time with your family is the most important thing in my eyes so just let old Sergei here know and I'll take care of things."

"Thank you so much, Sergei! I promise I won't let you down," Lincoln said as he shook his hand.

"Wonderful! Now, the pay isn't the best but the tips are great. And looking at you now, I can tell the ladies will be throwing money at you like a stripper!" Sergei joked, patting harder on the back again. "I wish I had my old body back, looking just like you. Those were great times, serving the good old motherland."

"Aren't you from Wisconsin?" Lincoln said, giving Sergei a funny look.

"Hahaha, that I am! I just like to bullshit people."

"Well, thanks again, Sergei. I'll let you get back to cooking. I don't want to distract you and have a fire start because of me," Lincoln said as him and Leni were getting ready to leave.

"Ok, I'll see you soon, my boy. And give the family my best wishes."

Lincoln and Leni left the restaurant as they walked back to their car. Leni couldn't help stop hugging her brother, congratulating him. "I'm so happy for you, Linky! We have to celebrate!"

"Um, sure, Leni. You have any ideas?" Lincoln asked as they both entered Lincoln's car.

"Lori told me about this party that everyone's going to. She can't make it but we can go. It will be totes fun!"

"I guess I have some party left in me."

"Yey!" Leni cheered, clapping her hands cutely as she hopped in her seat.

---

March 20, 2028: The Docks

Luna and Luan arrived in Vanzilla as they parked facing the old abandon factory. It looked like any other boring building, but seeing the flashing lights inside told them that this was no ordinary building. They both hopped out as they followed other arrivals toward the factory.

Luna was pumped, ready to get her rock on, but Luan was a tad nervous as they continued down the way. Luan recognized this place and knew people would host a lot of parties here. You had to be in the know to know or know someone that could invite you. A lot of the popular kids in their old high school use to come to these events. Lori use to never invite them when she was younger because she thought we would embarrass her, which is why Luan felt uncomfortable being here. She felt she didn't belong.

"It's about time they hosted another one of these. I've been dying to get my groove on. And I love the look, sis. I'm digging the 90s grunge look," Luna said, bring Luan out of her train of thought.

"Oh, uh, thanks. I wasn't going for a look; just something simple," Luan told her as she looked down at her jumper dress, knee high socks, and converse.

"Well I like it. You look good."

They reached the entrance to the factory and banged on the door before a peek hole slid open. The man behind it was about to ask who it was until he recognized Luna and unlocked the metal door, greeting her with some kind of handshake.

As the walked through, Luan looked around, amazed at what she saw. The place was filled with people dancing, drinking or just doing their own thing. Who ever was running this had made a custom stage that had a DJ playing music and a pool that you could zip-line down into from a crane. They even made an empty cargo container into a bar.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Luna said as she wrapped her arm over Luan's shoulder.

"This place looks awesome!" Luan replied. She thought she might have spoken too soon when two topless girls in bikinis ran by her.

"Then stop looking and let's jam, dude!" Luna shouted as she grabbed Luan and pulled her into the crowd of people.

Luna started the night with a drink. Luan wasn't much of a drinker but she decided what the hell? It's only one drink. After that they went over to the mob of people on the dance floor and jammed out to pop to rock, to anything else the DJ decided to play. The live performances Luan loved too. It was just like a concert but free!

As one of the live acts had come to an end, Luna spotted her bandmates walking her way and waved them over. "Yo, George, Ruth, over here!"

"Hey, you made it! Right on," Ruth said, giving Luna a hug.

"Wouldn't miss this for the world, dudes. You, guys remember my sister, Luan," Luna said, introducing Luan.

"Yeah! It's great to see you, Luan," Ruth greeted.

"Definitely. Lookin' good, Luan," George told her, complementing her outfit.

"Hey, guys," Luan waved back.

"Hey, so where's Sam?" Luna asked, looking over her friend' shoulders. Trying to see if she was around somewhere. Ruth and George gave each other a worried look before looking back at Luna.

"Sam's not coming," George said, hating to tell Luna the bad news.

"She's having another one of her… 'moments' and is feeling down. Sorry, Luna," Ruth told her, apologizing as she saw Luna's smile fade away.

"Oh… w-well that sucks. She was doing so well too, lately," Luna told them as they agreed with her. Luna wanted Sam to get out more and help her cheer up, but if she put herself in her shoes she'd probably be the same way. Sam did lose a brother after all. "I guess that means we can't preform now that we're down a member… Hey, Luan, can you do us a favor and tell the stage manager we can't play?"

"Sure, sis. I'll be right back," Luan said, rubbing Luna's back to comfort her before she turned around and left through the crowd.

"Don't sweat it, Luna. Sam will come around. She's a tough girl," Ruth reassured her as she gave her a side hug. "Let's just try to enjoy the rest of the night."

"Yeah, you're right… Come on, we should start with a toast," Luna said as she led the way back to the bar.

While Luna and her friends went to grab some shots, Luan was pushing her way through the crowd of dancing people to get to the stage. She managed to get by and headed toward the side of the stage, leading to the back where she spotted a guy with a clipboard.

Luan was going to take a guess and say that he was in charge of the live acts, and went up to him to tell him Luna and her band won't be playing tonight.

"Excuse me, are you the stage manage-"

"Name," The man asked, interrupting Luan.

"W-what?"

"You're name? For the list?"

"Oh, no, no, I'm not on the list. I'm Luan. I'm here for Luna Loud-"

"Oh, Luna Loud! Yeah, we've been expecting you. Funny, I thought there would be more of you. But who cares, you're up next!" The manager said as he started to push Luan on stage.

"Huh?! W-wait, no! I'm not a sing-

. . .

"TO FRIENDSHIP!" Luna and her friends shouted as they toasted their shot glasses.

Luna was starting to feel better now. Her friends were right; she should just chill out and have fun. This wasn't the first time Sam has felt down before, and she always seemed to pull through so Luna didn't have to worry as much as she was.

After they finished their shot, they all agreed to get their feet moving and head back on the dance floor. Luna left a tip for the drinks and turned to head back. But when she turned she accidently bumped into someone.

She apologized, looking up at the guy, but when she did she was stunned to see it was her brother!

"Lincoln?!" Luna said, surprised to see him here.

"Whoa, Luna, you're here too?! Hey, Leni, Luna's here!" Lincoln smiled, calling for Leni.

"Luna!" Leni said with glee as she rushed to hug her sister.

"Leni?! W-what are you guys doing here?"

"Lori told me about this place. We were gonna come together but since she couldn't make it I invited Lincoln. We're celebrating getting hired!" Leni told her sister before saying hi to Luna's friends.

"So, is it just you and the band?" Lincoln asked.

"No, I actually came with Luan to show her a good time. She was pretty upset before… I wonder how that happened?" Luna sarcastically said, giving Lincoln an accusing glare. She wasn't completely mad at Lincoln but he still made her cry, and that's something she won't let slip by.

"*sigh* So you heard…? I know what I did was wrong but I'll make this right, Luna," Lincoln stated, staying true to his word.

"You have a lot of explaining to do, lil bro."

"Linky, made Luan cry? W-why?" Leni asked, feeling heartbroken.

"Leni, I didn't mean to-"

"Uh, Luna…? Isn't that your sister?" George asked, tapping her on her shoulder as he and Ruth starred in disbelief at Luan on stage.

"Oh, no."

Luan was pushed onto the stage, leaving her all alone in the spotlight. She looked up to see the crowd of people start to cheer as all eyes where now on her. She never felt so nervous before in her life. She couldn't sing! That was Luna's field, not hers!

Luan looked around, hopping to find a way out of this. She thought of jut running off stage and not looking back. Maybe find a closet to hide in till the party's done. But that changed when her name was announced to the audience.

"Let's make some noise for our next act, Luan Loud!"

'There goes that idea.' Luan thought as the crowd cheered even louder than before.

Luan then saw the DJ waving her over and walked nervously in her direction. She was praying that maybe she would understand the mix up and help her out.

"I'm sorry, but there's been a mistake. I'm not a singer. I never signed up, my sister did! Please, can you get me out of this?" Luan begged.

"Using the sister excuse, huh? Haha, don't worry, you'll do fine. Listen, most of these people are probably drunk so they won't remember a thing. Just let loose and give it all you got," The DJ said as she handed Luan the microphone.

She took the mic with a shaking hand, asking herself if she really was going to go through with this? Sure, she does stand up in front of hundreds of people and posted videos, getting thousands of views. But to sing?! Luan felt her heart racing. She really wanted to run off stage but then she thought about her first big gig and how she chickened out. She was a laughing stock. She didn't show herself in public for weeks. She wasn't going to go through that again. No! She had to get through it. Like Luna said; she needed to believe in herself!

"So? What's it gonna be, princess?" The DJ asked, waiting for Luan's request to play.

Luan took a few deep breaths. If she was going to do this then she was going to go out with a bang! She wanted to express her feelings to the world. No more hiding, Luan, she told herself. She told the DJ the song she was going to preform and walked up to the middle of the stage.

Luan just stood there with her head down and eyes closed, focusing on her breathing until the she heard the start of the song and then the beat played. Luan gently bobbed her head to the beat, getting into the rhythm as she was ready to show the crowd who she truly was. Luan Loud.

"Got a boy right here in Michigan, with a smile so cute when I'm kissing him, but I never got the chance to make him mine because he fell in love with a thin white blonde. White hair boy with a love so true, I never told no one, thought we looked so cute. Both had way different things to do, but I always think about him when I'm riding through…"

Lincoln, Leni, and Luna watched Luan in complete shock. Not only did their sister actually stayed on stage to sing, but… she was good! Better than good, she was amazing! Luna felt this pride race all through out her. Her sister was a Rockstar!

"I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe that I'm that I'm in to deep… And jealousy, jealousy, jealousy, jealousy get the best in me. Look, I don't mean to frustrate, but I always make the same mistake, yeah. Always make the same mistakes 'cause… I'm bad at love, ooh-ooh! But you can't blame me for tryin'. You know I'd be lying sayin'; you were the one, ooh-ooh! That could finally fix me, lookin' at my history. I'm bad at love…!"

The crowd went wild, cheering Luan on. She was singing her heart out, showing her emotions through her movements and tone. She was hitting every note perfectly; raising her head back as she hit the high notes, and clutching her chest dramatically as she sang the emotional parts. Luna couldn't contain herself and joined in on the crowd screaming like a fan girl, supporting her sister. Luna kept shouting that 'that's my sister!' as Leni, Ruth, and George joined Luna cheering on Luan.

Lincoln cheered on as well but something felt odd as he listened closely to the lyrics. Was Luan singing about him?

"Yeah, I was so afraid. When you had left that day. Each time the feeling fades, each time the feeling fades… You know I'm bad at love, ooh-ooh! Oh, you know, you know, you know, you know. I'm bad at love, ooh-ooh…! Oh, oh…"

Luan ended the song like she started it. Her head was down, her hair covering her face, and both hands holding the microphone to her chest, giving her a sweet and innocent look. Luan looked like a little girl who had her heart broken, and that's exactly how she felt.

The crowd kept cheering as they all started to shout for an encore. Luan was flattered but she didn't even expect to get through the first one and do well. Luan quickly walked over back to the DJ, asking her what she should do.

"They're calling for you, Luan. Give what the people want. You don't want to disappoint them," She advised, giving Luan a wink.

Back in the crowd, Luna was talking with her friends and Leni, telling them how amazing that was, and how none of them would have guessed she had a hidden talent for singing. They were all so excited that they were oblivious to notice that Lincoln wasn't with them until Leni looked around.

"Hey? Where did Lincoln go?"

Luan finally caved in and decided to throw caution against the wind and give the crowd one last song. She felt she should do one with more of a happy meaning to it and told the DJ to play another song that she wished she could fully relate to.

"Oh, excellent choice. This one's a classic," The DJ commented before pressing play on her laptop.

The audience started to whistle and cheer as Luan stepped back in the spotlight and held the mic up to her face, ready to answer their call for an encore. Luan was more confident now, and jumped right into it.

"I still remember the first time you said that you loved me… You held me in your arms and said you'd never ever leave me… You'd never ever leave! And all these promises you've kept, have erased the past when I once wept. You made my fantasies come true. My heart belongs to you… You're my dreamboy! You show me your love in every way. You're faithful to me every day… Now I know that dreams come true… You're my dreamboy…"

Luan could see why Luna loved this. She felt it wasn't that different from her comedy routine. Standing up on stage to entertain people. 'Then again, so is a stripper… Heh, you sure stripped the fun out of that idea, Luan. Haha. I gotta remember that one.' Luan thought.

In that moment, Luan had looked around the crowd of people below her when she spotted Luna cheering for her. It warmed her heart to see that Luna was enjoying her singing. In Luan's eyes, Luna was a great singer so for her to like Luan meant a lot to her.

But Luan's smile didn't last that long when she saw Leni cheering next to Luna. What was she doing here? Did Luna invite her? Luan kept telling herself to deal with that later. Right now she needed to get through this song.

But just as Luan was about to sing the next verse, Lincoln appeared on stage, surprising her as he sang the next part.

"… And you have brought me happiness. I treasure the day when we first met. Never ever gonna let you go, because I love you so! You're my dreamgirl! You don't neglect me in any way. You make me feel special every day. Now I know that dreams come true…"

Luan watched as her brother sang to here. It was like something out of a dream, hearing Lincoln sing those words to her. This was completely unexpected. Now, Luan really felt like running off stage. She couldn't continue like this. As a duo. But Lincoln kept looking at her as if he was waiting for her to join in. Maybe it was his smile or his crystal, clear eyes but Luan couldn't say no and continued the song… as a duo.

Once they finished the song, Luan felt this sense of accomplishment. She had just sung in front of a building full of people and with the love of her life. As the crowd cheered, Luan surprised herself by hugging Lincoln as he returned the hug back.

Lincoln and Luan walked off stage and headed back to find the others when Luna and the rest of the group rushed over, praising her performance.

"Holy shit, Luan, that was fucking awesome!" Luna said as she spun her sister in a strong hug. "Where did you learn how to sing like that?"

"Hahaha, I have no idea! I-I just sing a lot in shower I guess," Luan replied. "I also share a room with a musical genius."

"Shoot, I might have to pass on that title to you after today."

"Yeah, Luan, you were really great out there," Lincoln complimented her, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"T-thanks, Lincoln… Y-you were great up there too," Luan said with a blush. It was now Leni's turn to squeeze her in a tight embrace, telling her how wonderful she was. "Haha… e-easy, Leni. Y-you're hurting m-me."

"Oh! S-sorry… You were just like so amazing," Leni said, letting her sister go from her hug.

"I think this calls for another round of drinks," George offered.

The group walked back to the homemade bar as Luan received praise by random people, passing by. Luna was right, Luan thought. This was a night she'll never forget.

As time went on, the gang decided to just relax and hangout out by the game room. Lincoln, Leni, George, and Ruth were playing beer pong, joking around as they tossed the small white ball into the row of cups. Luan was leaning against a table by herself, stirring her drink as she watched the game from the sidelines.

She smiled every time she saw Lincoln and Leni smile or laugh. She loved seeing her siblings happy… but she wished she could get rid of the nagging feeling inside her. She was jealous.

Leni practically had it all. She was talented, loved by all, beautiful, and most importantly… she had Lincoln's heart.

Luan didn't want to be mopping around right now. She had just done the performance of a lifetime. She should be out there enjoying the rest of the night. This was supposed to cheer her up, not bring her down.

Luan just let out a sigh as she finished the rest of her drink in one sip. She didn't want to get drunk but it would knock her out. She could end the night on a high note. Singing a love song with Lincoln.

She decided follow through and order her self another drink. But before she could leave, she was stopped by a gentleman that approached her table.

"Hey… Luan, right? I uh… wanted to say you were really good up there," The man asked, standing in front of Luan.

Luan starred up at the guy, and flashed him a small smile, appreciating his kind words, but wanting to be left alone.

"Thanks. I do birthday parties too," Luan joked.

"Heh, I'll keep that in mind," He joked back. "So, I noticed you were sitting all alone, and was wondering if you'd like to dance?"

Luan had a feeling this leading up to that. She's experienced many guys randomly coming up to her after her 'blossoming' she'd like to call it. She thought about turning him down like all the others, but then an idea came to Luan. Could she make Lincoln jealous if she danced with this guy? He was a decent looking guy.

But as soon as she thought it, she threw it away. She was disgusted at herself, stooping so low to try and make her brother jealous just to try and get his attention. 'I really need to get my shit together.'

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm not really in the mood to dance," Luan politely declined.

"Well, we don't have to dance. I mean there's plenty of other things to do."

Luan was now getting annoyed. This guy was really not taking no for an answer. She thought about screaming at him to get away to see his reaction. Lincoln would definitely come over and beat him up which made her chuckle. But even for Luan that was messed up to do. Lucky for her, though, Luna was watching the whole thing from the bar and noticed the announce in Luan's eyes. She walked over to try and save her sister, but her idea was sure to mess Luan up.

"Hey, babe! Here's your drink."

'Babe?'

Luna walked up beside her and placed the drink on the table as she starred at the guy in front of them. "So, who's this? This guy bothering you?"

"Sorry to intrude. I-I just wanted to see if she wanted to hangout."

"Sorry, buddy, but she's taken," Luna said, giving Luan a wink.

Luan was yelling in her mind at Luna, asking her what the hell she was doing? Her face wasn't helping Luna's lie, and judging by the guys face, he wasn't buying it either. The screaming idea was sounding a lot better right about now.

"Really? You two are together? No offense but she doesn't look like a-"

Without any warning, Luna grabbed Luan's face and kissed her hard on the lips. Luan's eyes bugged out and moaned in protest, taken back by her sister's action. First, she admits her taboo feelings for her brother, and now here she was… kissing her sister! And the thing that scared her the most was that it felt nice.

This wasn't the type of plan she would have came up with to get some guy to leave her alone, but they've come this far so Luan decided to just follow Luna's lead. She closed her eyes and kissed back. Luna surprised her one last time as she raised the stakes, holding the back of Luan's head, deepening their kiss.

Luna broke the kiss with a pop as she pulled back, and stared at the guy with a smug look while Luan stared at Luna in shock with her lips slightly parted, questioning if they really did just kiss.

"You were saying?" Luna told him with a satisfied look. She loved these types of reactions.

"I uh… I guess I'll be going then," The guy said as he walked away.

Luna turned back to Luan and noticed that she still was in a state of shock. She hoped she didn't break her sister to badly. "Heyyy… so… you ok?"

"W-we… we just-"

"Yeah, I know, not my best idea. But hey… it worked," Luna said, thinking of the bright side. "I got that trick from Carol and Lori when some guy tried hitting on Lori."

"Carol and Lori?" Luan said, sounding like a disappointed father.

"Ok, now I'm just making things worse. I think it's a good time we start heading back home," Luna suggested.

They were going to tell Lincoln and Leni it time to go when on cue, Lincoln popped up in front of them as they turned to leave.

"Ah, jeez, Lincoln. You startled us. Listen, I think it's time we start heading back. It's getting late," Luna said.

"I was actually just going to tell you the same thing… Playing beer pong with Leni wasn't such a good idea," Lincoln said as he pointed over his shoulder.

Luna and Luan looked behind Lincoln and saw a drunk Leni standing on the table laughing, about to lift up her shirt and flash her boobs. They were both happy that George and Ruth were there as they reached for Leni and helped her back down the table, stopping her from showing hundreds of people her chest.

They wished Luna's friends a goodnight and left the party, walking back to their cars as Lincoln carried a drunk Leni. None of them have ever seen Leni drunk before, but now they learned that she was just as friendly as her normal self.

"T-this was totes f-fun! We got to dance, and s-sing… a-a-and sing," Leni said happily, stumbling with her words as Lincoln helped her to walk to their car. "I love y-you g-guys… Especially, Luan! Y-you're just soooo nice, and funny. We h-have so much in common. It's almost like we're sisters!"

'You have no idea, Leni,' Luan told herself, agreeing that they do have a lot in common. They're both in love with the same guy. Their brother.

"Oh, man, mom and dad are gonna kill me," Lincoln said, freaking out about when their parents find out Leni got drunk at a party on his watch.

"Relax, dude. Mom and dad aren't going to find out. I know a remedy that's great for hangovers," Luna reassured. She then looked over at Luan and noticed she had been quiet since they had left. Luna had a gut feeling that it wasn't the kiss since they were walking next to each other, but none the less she still felt a little bad for doing that to her with out your knowledge. She then remembered the incident with Lincoln. She had to get him to solve this mess and she had a plan to make him do that. "How about you let me take Leni off your hands while you take Luan?"

"What?" Luan said quietly, mostly to herself as she stopped in her tracks.

"You sure? I don't want her to throw up in the van or be a handful for you," Lincoln said.

"It's fine, bro. I've covered for Lori tons of times when she's come home drunk."

"Alright, you're the boss."

"Yey! R-road trip!" Leni slurred.

Once they reached Vanzilla, Lincoln helped Leni in and buckled her up, making sure she was secured. While Lincoln was busy with Leni, Luan pulled Luna to the side to ask what she was planning.

"Luna, what are you doing?" Luan whispered, fearing that another one of Luna's plans will back fire.

"Making things right again."

"Ok, Leni's inside. I managed to keep her occupied by giving her a map. So, you ready to go?" Lincoln told them. Luan looked at Luna, and by reading her face told her that she had to do this to get some sort of closure.

"Y-yep," Luan replied.

"Alright. We'll see you back at the house, Luna."

---

The car ride back felt awkward in Luan's eyes. Lincoln tried to make small talk here and there, but Luan would only give him short simple replies. This was torture for her. To be alone in a car with Lincoln on a night drive, barely saying a word, and after their so called 'argument'.

She snuck a glace over to Lincoln and saw his thumb tapping around the steering wheel, indicating to her that he was nervous too. He looked back to check up on her, and for split second they locked eyes before Luan quickly looked, away, returning to street view outside the passenger window.

"S-so, um… you were really great back there. Never knew you had a hidden talent for singing," Lincoln said, trying to start up another conversation.

"T-thanks…" Luan said shyly as she looked down in her lap.

"I hope I didn't embarrass you when I… you know, jumped on stage… I like that song too."

"I-I mean it was a surprise, but… it was nice," Luan said, finally looking up at Lincoln. Oh, who am I kidding? It was magical.

There was another awkward moment of silence as Lincoln approached and stopped at a red light. Lincoln let out a sigh and as he turned to her, Luan knew Lincoln was going to bring up the topic she dreaded to hear.

"*sigh* Luan… about what happened… I want to say I'm sorry. What I did back there was… well, it was a dick move. I-I don't know what made me say those words, but I swear I didn't mean any of it," Lincoln told her with eyes of forgiveness.

"I-it's fine, Lincoln. Besides I'm the one that-"

"No, it's not fine. I yelled at you. I… I made you cry," Luan looked at Lincoln and saw how hurt he felt. He looked like he wanted to cry. "I don't care about some alone time. I have ten amazing sisters who make my life an adventure! Like you… We laugh, joke around, play pranks on the others. Funny Business was one of the greatest times of my life! I can't live without you, Luan… I need you."

Luan's heart felt like it was about to explode from the overwhelming love she was receiving from her brother. This whole time she was blinded by her won selfish needs when she should really be happy that she could now spend all the time in the world with her one and only little brother. Maybe Lincoln didn't love her like how she loves him, but he still loves her as a sister, and that was something still meant the world to her.

"I just wanted you to know that, Luan… but if you're still upset at me then I don't blame you. I don't know if I could even forgive myself…? I really have become a monster." Lincoln said, lowering his head in shame.

"You're not a monster," Luan said, placing her hand over his on the gear stick as she starred directly in his eyes. "You're my brother. My sweet caring brother that I love. We both made a mistake, but it's over now. Let's just put this in the past… Oh, and the light's green."

"Heh," Lincoln chuckled as he continued down the street. "Thanks, Luan… but I still want to make it up to you."

"Lincoln, I just sang in front of probably every college student in Royal Woods, and got an encore. I don't think you owe me anything," Luan told him. She made a mental note to check her social media to see if anyone posted her singing.

"Still, I want it to come from me. If you're not tired, how about we stay up downstairs on the couch and watch one of those crappy B-rated movies? It'll be like old times."

"Well… that does sound kinda fun. But I get to choose the movie," Luan told her brother.

"Sounds like a plan," Lincoln said with a huge smile. Luan returned the smile, happy that there wasn't nothing between them now. A part of her knew Lincoln wasn't mad at her. She guessed she just needed to hear it from his own mouth.

As they continued on their journey, Lincoln had raised the volume to the radio, recognizing the song, and surprised to be hearing it on the radio. Luan recognized the song too, but cursed the heavens in her head as she listened to the lyrics. It was like if the universe was teasing her… or Luna calling in the radio station to request this song.

"Wow, talk about a throwback. Hey, how about one last duo, songbird," Lincoln teased as he drummed against the steering wheel.

"I-I don't know? I mean-"

"Come on, Lu, I'll start us off," Lincoln said as he started to sing along with the song. "…'Cause when I close my eyes and drift away… Come on, Luan, you know I can't do this alone."

Luan didn't really want to do this because of the lyrics, but she did enjoy seeing Lincoln smiling. And she did like this song, even if it was a typical romance song. Might as well, Luan thought.

"I think of you and everything's ok, I'm finally now believing…" Luan added as she jumped in.

"That maybe it's true, that I can't live without you. Maybe two, is better than one. There's so much time to figure out the rest of my life, and you've already got me coming undone… And I'm thinking two is better than one…" Lincoln and Luan sang together.

Lincoln had his eyes on the road, having fun singing along with his sister, but for Luan it was a different story. Sure, she was having fun as well, but unlike her brother, Luan was singing from the heart. She could relate to this song. It was like if she was actually telling Lincoln exactly how she feels. It hurt that she couldn't really tell him, but this moment was still a dream come true. She was so lost in their combined singing that Luan didn't even realize she still had her hand on Lincoln's through the entire ride.

---

Back home, Lincoln and Luan arrived a few minutes before Luna and Leni did. Luna had put Leni to bed and called it a night as well as she went to catch some "z's". Lincoln went to change into something more comfortable and went downstairs to get the TV set up while Luan got ready.

"Soooo? How'd it go?" Luna asked, looking over her top bunk.

"I-it went well," Luan answered as she started to undress.

"I think it went more then alright, with that goofy smile of yours."

"Ok, ok, you got me… heh, we started singing in car," Luan told Luna, feeling her cheeks heat up. "We're having a movie night to make it up to me."

"I told you it would pass. But don't let me waste your time. You got a stud waiting for you downstairs," Luna teased. "And sorry about kissing you, Luan… I hope I didn't ruin anything between us."

"It's cool, Luna… But if I'm ever in that situation again, warn me next time."

"Haha, will do, sis… I have to say though… You're a petty good kisser," Luna said, grinning at Luan's face turning a bright red. "Night, sis."

"Goodnight, Luna," Luan said as she changed into her pajamas.

She thought about putting on something a bit more showing, wondering if she could catch Lincoln starring at her, but opted out, choosing to keep it family friendly. She decided to forget about her feelings for her brother for just one day and enjoy a nice night. As brother and sister.

Luan put on her baggy 'Spongebob' covered pajama pants and her 'All That' t-shirt, sticking with the theme of her favorite childhood channel. She walked downstairs and hopped on the sofa, tucking her legs and feet under her as she watched Lincoln pick through the selection of movies in his hand.

"You know what you want to watch?" Lincoln asked.

"How about Plan 9 from Outer Space?" Luan answered.

"Vampire aliens it is," Lincoln announced. He opened the case to the movie and turned on the DVD player. But before Lincoln could put the movie in, Luan looked at the movie title page on the screen and told Lincoln to stop.

"Actually… how about we see this instead."

"Beauty and the Beast?" Lincoln said, puzzled.

"Yeah, I loved this movie as a kid. Why, is there a problem?"

"N-no, no, it's fine! I just didn't think you'd like princess movies," Lincoln said as he put the B-rated movie back on the table and walked over to sit on the couch.

Luan, feeling more courageous, snuggled up next to Lincoln, resting her head on his shoulder. He lifted his left arm and wrapped it around her, making it comfortable for her and pressed play on the remote.

This is nice, Luan thought as she leaned further into her brother. She liked the fact that he didn't mind. They use to do this when they were much younger whenever the family had a movie night. She remembered when Lincoln was little, her and her sisters would argue over who got to cuddle with Lincoln. Those where great memories. Ones, Luan always cherished.

"You know, you kind of look like Belle," Lincoln commented as they both stared at the screen.

"So I've been told," Luan said. All of her relatives had told her that. It didn't help either, that she had a similar yellow dress like the one in the movie.

"Does that mean I look like beast? You know, because I'm big, scary, and mean."

"I don't know about all that," Luan teased. "Your more of a gentle giant… and your definitely not as hairy."

"Ha, that's true," Lincoln laughed as they continued the movie.

Moments later, Lincoln woke up, looking at the screen as the credits ran. Lincoln figured he must have dozed off during the movie. He looked down to his left to check on Luan when he saw that she was passed out. She had a faint smile on her face as she slept peacefully next to Lincoln. He had to admit she looked cute.

Looked glanced at the time on the DVR and seeing it was late, got up and turned off the TV, leaving Him and Luan in the dark. Lincoln went over to Luan and carefully slipped his arms under her and picked her up as he started to walk toward the stairs, carrying Luan bridle style as she slept.

Traveling up the stairs, watching each step and making sure he didn't bang Luan's head, Lincoln reached the door to her room and quietly opened it as he carried her inside.

He slowly walked over toward Luan's bed, trying not to wake up Luna who was snoring from the top bunk. He managed to pull the blanket back and gently placed Luan in her bed, tucking her in. He gave Luan a soft kiss goodnight on the forehead and turned around to head back. But before he could take the first step, a hand grabbed his wrist.

"Stay," Luan whispered with her eyes still closed.

Not being able to say 'no' to his sisters, Lincoln pulled back the sheet and crawled into bed with Luan. He placed his head on the pillow and pulled back the blanket to cover them as Luan moved closer to Lincoln, wrapping an arm around his stomach, and rested her head back on his shoulder.

"Goodnight, Luan… I love ya," Lincoln whispered as he let closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep.

"I love you too, Lincoln…" Luan whispered back, holding her brother a little closer, not wanting this night to ever end. "Even if you may never know how I truly feel… I'll always love you."

---

A/N:

Thank you for creating & sharing your amazing art Sketchtoons! Keep doing you, amigo.

And another big thank you to my best friend Tot for allowing me to use a scene from his fic!

Sorry for making this chapter kind of a musical. Music helps me with my creative process. I was only going to use one song but two of them related to the story so I couldn't choose just one. I have a dumb reason for why I picked Halsey but it was because every time that song came on in my car, for some reason I pictured that if Luan could sing that she would sound like that. Maybe it's just me but I like to think Luan can secretly sing. Her roommate is Luna after all.

If you want to get an idea of Luan's outfit, look up 'Blossom outfits'. It should be the first picture but if not, it should show a character resting her arm on another girl. It's from a 90's show.