A/N: Crap hits the fan here.
Also, just a heads up, there's a really long author's note at the bottom. Just warning you ;)
"W-what?" Lynn croaked out without thinking twice. They tried to look innocent, once. It would've worked again with their parents, but only Luan was good at theatre arts. Nothing would hide the shame in their deed, despite nobody suspecting. Their senses were sharper than before now. Hearts raced with every little thud, hope raised every time somebody was heard outside the garage, eyes darting themselves towards anything but their mom and dad sitting across them in chairs they put into the garage. Legs shook and Lynn's nearly even buckled from anxiety and slow rising panic. Everyone was their keeper despite their keen and innocent looks. Deep inside though, it was just paranoia sticking to them like glue.
Rita pulled the bridge of her nose with an angry growl. "I repeat. What. Did. You. Both. Do. Back. In. the. school?" She said in a very slow, tense manner. Her teeth grit the entire time. "Your Principal alerted me on this, so don't even ask."
The room felt so still, so quiet and peaceful. However, the looks on each and every person in the garage had the actual definition of conflict. The two siblings' stomachs churned in surprise, and a lump caught their throat in fear.
How in the world did Principal Ramirez find out!? Lynn and Lincoln were dumbfounded, left completely stunned wondering how in the world the word spread this quickly.
On a whim, Lynn could only mutter out a small, anxiety riddled excuse. Her hands on her back, fidgety fingers wiping off sweat from her wet palms. "We d-didn't do anything-"
"Oh really?" Rita shushed her. "I guess I should just call the school and tell them they've got the wrong number!- and that those two victims you two broke weren't actually assaulted by you both. Hm?" She asked, though her tone made it clear she was being sarcastic. Her arms crossed to her chest and tapped her foot in impatience.
Lincoln felt like his soul was gonna leave his body from fear. Looking at his sister, her natural complexion was gone and replaced with a pastel paleness that'd match Lucy's skin color. In an adrenaline rush to defend themselves, the memory of their lie back in the infirmary quickly struck like a surge of lightning. "Okay, we did! But t-they started it!"
Their dad whimpered slightly, as if betrayal shot him hard in the heart. His face scrunched up in a sad manner yet he shook his head in disapproval- showing that he was more than just disappointed. "Son, when did we ever tell you it was good to hurt people?"
Now Lincoln, telling them what's right is the better choice. But if they knew, then it wouldn't end up well for both of them will it now? The pain in dad's voice was enough to make him wish he turned back before the dead end, but he was way beyond that now. Sweat dripped down his face and he fidgeted.
"Cut us some slack, dad! Listen to us, they did it first. They bullied me and Lynn just decided to help!" Lincoln protested. "We never meant harm, but they-"
"They claimed that what you're saying is not true." Rita retorted angrily. "Now, hush. I never asked you to reason out what happened, only why." She said with clenched teeth, completely against their false testimony.
Both the siblings' hearts sank into the pool of their stomach acid. Why are they even shocked as to why they choose their side? They looked like the victims here for goodness sake! But when you think about it… they only got what they were expecting. Lincoln opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it as soon as realization hit him and terror enveloped his young but rotting mind. Getting defensive was NOT the way into proving they were innocent, then again they really weren't.
Wait, them? Did they mean that-
However, Lynn Senior wasn't so similar. Much to the chagrin of Rita. Lincoln felt the weight fall off his shoulders and Lynn let out breath she didn't know she was holding, slouching although standing. "But honey, maybe they're telling the truth. You really gonna believe two randos that sound like they'd be the type to lie their way out of somethi-" He reasoned out, only to be cut off by his irritated wife.
Yeah, dad's right! Why would mom really believe those two jerks over them-
She shot daggers at them before looking back at her kids "Shush, Lynn. Have you forgotten what the everybody, including those two boys said and showed us?" Rita asked, not waiting for a reply.
Oh no. Those two boys?
Lincoln somehow couldn't get himself to feel angry at how they were taking someone else's side. Somehow, his mind's depths told him You deserve this. They might've done wrong but you both started it. He knew that if they played favorites, then it was only because he guessed they were the better liars at this foolish game of treachery.
And this is why he hated politics.
Lynn Senior opened his mouth and nodded slowly in realization. "Ohhh, right."
How in the world did they both forget? Lincoln gulped, unclenching and clenching his shaky hands. Of course, they'd still be alive! Which is a big relief so now they aren't paying for hospital bills and all that but for the two Louds?
Oh no, no, no. Very bad news! Who knows what slack they've been telling everyone there? And why is mom being so vague about it? Other than her mentioning them claiming the other way around, nothing else was there for her to say. And wait, why did dad choose their side still? Was it because of sympathy for them or maybe there was something mom was… hiding?
"Moving on, why'd you both decide to skip down to the arcades instead of going back to class? Huh?" She asked firmly, sounding so intimidating for such a nice person.
She crossed her arms on her chest. "You must know we're here to hear your side of the story. So speak up!" Mom demanded.
A lump formed and constricted Lincoln's throat as his heart rate went faster, preventing him from saying a word. He looked to Lynn with a look of help, and she subtly nodded back at him when she turned at the same time. There was still no doubt their parents saw their silent signals, though. No, Man with the Plan. Calm down. He thought. As long as they both stand strong in their lie, then surely they'll prefer them over those two. After all, blood's thicker than water, right?
"Mom you see, we weren't going the arcade room. I just happened to be attending my business when those guys shoved me to the wall and started beating me…" He said uneasily, even more so as he saw his mom shake her head in dissatisfaction.
With a small mental encouragement, Lynn finally mustered the courage to act as natural as she could. "And I had my hall monitor duties-"
Ehh. And her self-confidence was gone just as fast. "Wrong answer. Try again." Rita remarked earning a skeptical look from dad. She sighed tiredly before elaborating. "Being a hall monitor doesn't mean you have rights to skip class, Junior. I would've understand if you were late but if you really did have an important duty, then tell me why your principal was never notified of any news of students deviating the rules aside from you two."
Wait, what was mom talking about? "W-what do you mean…?" Lynn asked nervously, before her synapses fired at her brain. Something felt… off about this entire thing. "B-but mom! Those two trouble makers skipped class too! I mean- how else would we have beaten up each other!"
"Believe us, mom! Can't you see our bruises? How much we'd suffer through all that?" Oh boy, did lying to his parents feel horrible. What a pitiful show he was giving them. Now he knew how Clyde felt when his stomach gets achy whenever he lies. He looked at his parents, mentioning forth for them to actually take in what he's saying yet his eyes were averted to the garage's door, wishing somebody… whoever it was, would save them from this hell on earth.
Rita seethed. "Lies." She mumbled out.
They knew something Lynn and Lincoln didn't know, and they both felt it.
Dad rubbed his temples. "Kids, as much as it hurts for me to do…" He trailed off, walking out of the garage and later coming back with an extra belt. Their eyes widened and fear struck their hearts with an arrow.
Lynn Senior continued. "If you don't stop lying, you'll have to pay the price. Now please, do what your mother says." He pleaded, not sounding like he was willing to do this to them.
Their heart rate went to an all time speed. Both of the siblings were sure enough a stroke could hit them at moment now. Now that is scary. Dad never used the belt on anybody but Lola before! Why was he suddenly sticking up for mom like this? Were they pulling out the United- Parents thing on them now like they usually do? It doesn't make sense to the confused Lincoln, his mind spinning as he tried to answer his own questions. But the biggest mystery of all is… why do they think- I mean know they're lying?
"Your dad's right. Now quit trying to avoid my questions. Answer me honestly, why did you both go slack off instead of heading to your respective classes? Don't even try making up a story, kids! CCTV cameras will prove you wrong, anyways!"
Oh. His heart stopped beating for a moment. It seems like his dumbass had forgotten about them.
The whole world stopped for both of them as the realization hit them. All this time, cameras were being watched on them. Who knows? What if there was one in the arcade room? No wait, that'd be stupid!
Stress struck the panic-stricken kids and they both went pale at the question. Jitters of anxiety tingled at them and the only words they could let out were poor excuses for sentences. They couldn't even mumble out a single word without stammering and falling over the place. It seems like the words they were trying to find were non-existent. Trying to figure out another lie in the last minute was a lost cause. Covering up would just widen the issue even more. Even then, as human beings, defense was just a part of their nature.
Lynn Senior put on a tough face and harshly slapped his belt against his hand, making sure they hear the echoing sound of leather to skin in the closed room of the garage. Both kids flinched at the sharp sound. "Speak. We aren't here to see you both acting like fools." He demanded firmly, quite a rare tone for someone as lovely as dad.
Well, no more use in trying to fake.
"S-see, I-I was actually making my way to class…" Lincoln croaked out. "Then…" He glanced at Lynn, but she didn't look back.
Rita injected impatiently, slamming a fist on her thigh. "Look, we know what happened. We're looking for the reason why here, Lincoln. Not how!"
He shrunk back. "We… we realized we were gonna get in loads of trouble anyways and the room was just at the very corner of the lobby so…" Lincoln trailed out the rest, his parents probably already got the idea. I mean, that technically was the reason. Even though bot even a single thought of it crossed his mind.
"As the oldest of the two, Junior, why didn't you control yourself and look out for Lincoln? You have the upper hand, and we constantly see you roughhouse with him all the time. Was that time really the right one to give him a treat? Knowing it was gonna cost both of you?" Dad asked with despair in his wavering voice, breaking their already cracked hearts. Especially Lynn's.
Lynn didn't respond, only looking down in shame for her actions. Her neck was starting to feel the strain from her lack of movement. Tears welled up in her eyes, she couldn't just blink them away so better go cover it than to stop it.
Anytime now, Lincoln thought. And she'll put all the blame on me. After their ehem- affair, Lynn acted a little out of character. Whether it was because of how she completely yearned for his affection once more or maybe it was because she couldn't conceal how she truly felt anymore, it was still a fresh perspective Lincoln looked forward too.
Though, he wasn't sure if she'd be like that to everybody else. And Lincoln was afraid. His mind nagged at him that she'll just turn her back on him to save herself. Maybe it was from her past actions or it was from the anxiety he felt being around her for the longest time, he didn't know. But something told him she would snitch, even if she wasn't Lola, or even if she's part of their Secret Siblings Club. He hated himself for being this way. For not trusting his own sister especially when she herself confidently confided in him. She wasn't… exactly one to control herself, and remembering some horrible experiences in the past, what if she'd become tactless out of a futile effort to save her skin?
However, her response was not one he expected.
"… I- I'm sorry." She let out in a broken whisper.
"You better be." Dad said, completely distraught. "You better be thankful that I still have a heart, because I would've punished you in the worst possible way right now."
Guilt was striking them constantly in the face with every disappointed word their parents were saying. It was almost as painful as a blow to the chin. Lincoln scratched at his denim jeans, feeling the rough fabric against his sweaty palms. He wanted to sit down by now, his legs already aching with dull pain and screaming out to him for a rest. But he could barely even move his body from the coldness of the room.
The room was pregnant silence for a while. The only sounds heard were the small creeks of the chairs as they moved in different positions, and heavy breathing. "I can't believe you two. Skipping class and abusing your roles as known students in the school. What were you both thinking!"
They all stayed silent as Rita made her speech, completely ranting about how unexpected it was for something like this to happen and have 2 other people involved in their children' mistakes. Heck, apparently they had to pay the damages because those two boys they 'assaulted' were now dealing with multiple injuries and the one with glasses even had his tooth fall off! She made it clear that they had to be both thankful that their parents weren't suing the Louds, otherwise it would be hell to pay.
Lynn took a subtle side glance at Lincoln, a small smile creeping up on her face. Her brother, the same wimp who helped her out years ago and just minutes prior, wasn't exactly the same wimp he used to be back then. This was her candle in this room of darkness, and she knew he was really getting better physically. He may haven't gotten credit for his selfless deed, but Lynn swore to herself she'll do anything for him for everything gratitude. A part of her wanted to brag about him, on how he saved in such a dilemma like a savior in disguise. But if word gets out that he was the one who beat the two to unconsciousness, then only God knows what happens next.
Lynn was sure they wouldn't believe it, seeing as to how wimpy he is. And if they shared what happened between her and those two jerks, ugh. No, thank you! She doesn't wanna burden them even more if they knew that little fact. Not that she was blaming herself for getting violated in such a way.
Other than that, training really oughta do the trick, and it made her even happier to know that she was the one who taught him the key to self- defense.
She frowned again once she was reminded of where they were at now. Even if they were in too much trouble now.
The entire time, his eyes were wide open. Not exactly looking at his parents in fear of seeing their terrifying, unhappy looks. But to say mom and dad were unhappy was an understatement, as their tone states. The emotional build up was getting heavier on them by the minute as mom ranted everything she felt, not holding back even a little. Lynn and Lincoln tried to ignore her harsh words and insults, how she'd say they were idiotic and dumb to do such a thing and how she expected better from them, especially Lincoln. But nooo, they both had to become the ones they were taught never to be! Mom wiped her eyes with the bottom of her palm, and they had to forcefully pry their eyes out from the sight. Man, no words could describe how painful their hearts throbbed right now
One bit her lip and the other shoved his hands into his pockets, while their reactions weren't exactly similar, they both wished to just curl up and hide from the rest of the world in shame. If only there was quicksand around so they could just slowly sink and get buried or a local sea shore so jumping and drowning would be much more quicker. Seems like having an untimely death is better than being alive right now. What was one moment of Heaven in a world of Hell?
"Lynn?" Mom's voice echoed in the room.
Both Lynn Senior and Junior raised their heads and looked at Rita all at the same time. This would've earned a snort from one of them but under some circumstances, the atmosphere was too heavy to even carry a single smile. "Not you, honey." She told her husband.
"Y-yes mom?" She asked quietly, her death glare shrinking her to two inches tall. Dang, could this day get any longer?
"Why did you not only skip class but also abuse your authority as a hall monitor?"
"Mom, believe me. I was gonna go to class but when I was…"
Lincoln listened along as Lynn explained how she went from doing her duties to supposedly going to class, but ended up dragging both of them into the locker because if he ended up walking on Principal, then both of them would be in trouble for different reasons; Lynn for not catching late students and giving them what they deserve and Lincoln for well… being late to class.
' Oh, so she was trying to catch Chandler that whole time.' So she was playing fair when it came to her job. Lincoln thought. Her mentality going like "Just cause your family, I don't go easy on you." And ending up with him getting the most torture at school. Great to know she was playing it fair in her job. At first he thought he must've been her ragdoll or something.
"I'm not sugarcoating any of this mom. Trust me. It was the only thing I could've thought of doing." Lynn desperately said, hoping the unconvinced look in her mom's face would lighten up a little.
It didn't.
She avoided her mom's demanding glare, and with a gulp she continued. " When we finally went out, you know what happened next..." Her voice trailed out, and oh right! Her other question. "And I-I didn't wanna beat them up, really! I gave them a warning but they… they assaulted us in there! It was the only way we could stop them!"
When Lynn finished her testimony, a pang of guilt hit her chest. Was it bad she was lying like this too easily? She was the one who started it after all, even though they were both warned of the consequences.
Lincoln listened to all of this and while he wasn't getting the credit at all for saving her, he didn't mind. As long as they got their butts covered, he guessed. Even though lying as such is doing very little to help them escape. But if he really did tell the truth- with him actually being the fighter and her the victim- would they really believe them? Knowing their trust has deteriorated with every lie they said? It would be a waste of time, so nevermind.
Their mom looked unconvinced. "Those two boys claimed the opposite: That you and Lincoln were doing something strange as they came in. You attacked them, so they only defended themselves." A chill went up his spine once he heard it. Will they ever wonder aloud what they did?
Lincoln's heart skipped a beat. Let's hope they won't.
Lynn gritted her teeth as her mom said their claims. Her fists clenched and unclenched in slow, rising frustration. Oh, if they weren't in this situation in the first place, those two would be digging their graves right now! What total pussies they were! They were getting attacked by her cause she already told them to back off, yet they didn't listen, so they had to pay the price! Those two were bigger and stronger, they could've so easily stopped her if they could. Plus, she wasn't exactly giving her all in her attack. It was only enough to fend them away!
"Now hold on, honey. Let's not take sides for a minute here." Dad neutrally said, being the ever so caring one. Rita nodded but sulked quietly. When it came to those two, it was dad who was more connected to the kids. No offense to mom, she just wasn't as free as he was.
Now this was the price she had to pay after getting violated by two boys? Getting all the karma of their wrong doing and not even actual justice? Without holding back, Lynn growled in irritation, and while it wasn't exactly in her typical volume, the whole room still heard it.
"Are you testing us, Junior?" Dad asked firmly, quickly holding his belt in place threateningly. That was enough to make her recoil and become paler than she already was. Geez, was dad really threatening today.
Curse this small room. "N-no dad." She squeaked.
Speaking of which, dad actually decided to step up the plate. "So, I'm confused." He thought out loud, tapping his chin in curiosity. "You claimed that they had hurt you both first, but how is it that they suffered more damage then you both? It's hard to believe that you two had knocked them both knowing their bigger than you!"
Lincoln wittingly thought of a perfect answer. "Well, I got Lynn after all." He said, glancing at Lynn with a genuine but small smile. "She-" Lincoln paused, wondering if he should continue the lie with him being the victim. Mom and dad didn't know which one beat them up, only generalizing it as both of them. It'd be hard to believe if he told him the actual truth, but he didn't wanna lie about her having the upper hand either…
You know what? I'll just shut the heck up.
"She did what?" Mom asked suspiciously, looking at his sister.
Lincoln shook his head and made his choice. He'd rather keep his mouth shut now than say anything else. "Nevermind."
Dad shrugged. "Makes sense knowing LJ did most of the damage." But then his face contorted to one of skepticism. "But wait… if they started the fight, why do you have less bruises than they do?"
Lincoln looks at himself and so did his sister. Oh, geez. She was right about that…
Rita tapped on her chin and hummed. "Hm. Seems like you're lying again, I feel it. Something like this is known as reverse psychology- trying to trick someone by reversing the entire story." She said, before breathing deeply to still her shaking. "Kids, we don't wanna pressure on anymore than what we're already doing, But if you don't tell us what really happened, then we're gonna pry it out by force!"
Of course it was a sense after all! Moms aren't psychic but according to Lisa, they have this thing called 'mother's intuition'. They both took it for granted when Lisa told all the siblings at one point but now… why didn't they listen!
The tension was rising, nearly about to blow, the way they never took their side and the memory of their sin and sudden exchange from those two students was too much for Lincoln. He didn't know what was gonna happen, but something felt wrong. His head throbbed in pain and his breathing got uneasy. He wanted to scream, wanted to tell, punch a wall, throw a tantrum and cry out to the Heavens and beg them for their mercy. They deserved this, he knew deep inside. This was their punishment, for what they've done. He was on the edge of frustration, and a question nagged inside his head like a broken recorder on full volume. It hurt to think, but everything felt so fast.
"Come on, tell us!" Mom pressured, and it seemed to be Lincoln's breaking point. The strings finally snapped and he loudly growled. Now if they wanted to truth, they'd have to get through his questions first!
His body hurt and trembled, his hands forming into fists so right the spot pressed was turning white. Lincoln panted with every passing second. Were they blind to what was in front of them? Cause it seems like it!
"We know we lied, mom! But why! Why!" He screamed hoarsely. "Why can't you see we need help! These bruises…" He pointed to their bodies.
"They aren't just made up, dad! And mom, we know we just wanted some fun but can't you see! We got hurt too, why do you guys care more about those two over us! Your children!" Lincoln yelled, going down on his knees and sobbing his heart out. The world was out of his hands, now. It was up to whoever was willing to save his young soul.
Their angry faces contorted into insulted, yet hurt ones. Mom ad dad's hard expressions got softer as they heard their son's pitiful cries.
"Son, we're doing this for your own good-"
"What good is in this when you never even asked us if we were okay! You never even got the time to wonder how we actually feel about everything!"
Rita's mother intuition hit like a flashlight to someone's face, completely walking her up and blinding her vision from what was really happening. Empathy triggered her heart, but she forced herself to stay put and resist the flash of light bestowed upon her.. "You know, Lincoln, you and Lynn lied so much today I'm not even sure what to believe anymore." She confessed
Boom, the bomb dropped. So trust wasn't confided in them anymore, huh?
"Yeesh. That's harsh, Rita " Dad mumbled out, earning a glare from her.
That was the last thing spoken as the room went silent, Lincoln's pity whining stopped and he could kneel there with his mouth agape. Lynn awkwardly stood beside him, not knowing what else to do, only bowing her head as to not let them see her face and putting her hands behind her back so they wouldn't see how much she was fiddling with her fingers as of the moment.
Dad coughed as to break the tension. "We know you're both okay, see! You two are completely alive, made it out of school breathing and in one piece. Unlike those boys you beat up!"
Oh, dad. They both thought. If only you knew the truth.
Ironic to think that they were lying to save their butts the entire way, but now they're just receiving a harsher treatment.
"You both need to be aware of this, since you two are acting like the 'Boohoo, woe is me' boy who cried wolf." Rita said bluntly. "This is why we're so up your cases! We all saw it in the hidden cameras: The four of you entering the arcade and exiting; with the other 2 completely wiped out. Plus, your lies are written on your faces. Even the nurse knew your story was fabricated! So either way, no matter how much you lie, we're still gonna punish you nonetheless!"
"We just need to know your side of the story, but this won't actually lessen your troubles." Dad added, bouncing his knee out of habit.
Wait? Even the nurse knew? Why didn't she say anything?
This is it. Lincoln thought to himself. It's time to go to… Lucy mode. Hope is lost, the solution is a lost cause.
"Fine! Do what you want with us! Life's already as bad as it is. Go on! Remind us of our mistakes, mom! We deserve it!" Lincoln wailed, taking time to breathe and kneeling on the ground with his hands pressed to the ground.
"Oh, now you're apologizing? You should've done that sooner. " Mom said. " Tell me in full detail, Lynn Junior. You're simply standing there like criminal hiding their crime. What ACTUALLY HAPPENED?"
Lynn uncomfortably shifted as she stood, avoiding the daggers shot through her simply by the unknown expressions on her parent's faces. She raised her head up to see how they looked like, if they were really waiting for her response. Oh. She quickly glanced back down the ground, starting at her shoes. Yup, they're waiting… very intensely.
Dad snapped his leather belt against his hand, the sound snapping in her ears and causing her to wince. Oh no, no, no! This wasn't going well- What did she mean!? This was going horribly awry! Now if she just lied one more time, she could envision it now: On her stomach resting on either dad or mom's lap as her rear end gets whipped harder than any of those locker room towels could ever do.
She gulped. 'No more lies.' Lynn whispered to herself. Getting ready to out into words the memories she had of what happened.
"Fine mom, I'll admit!" Lynn started. "I was just warning them to stop prying in my business cause that's what they were doing but somehow I lost control and I lunged at them!" She reasoned, throwing her hands on the air. When she saw their unmoved, unconvinced faces, she had to do something! Nobody was gonna get HURT today, not in her watch. These bruises they have… they're already enough for one day.
"I knew you did, Junior. With that temper of yours, I oughta send you to a therapist one of these days." Mom said, pinching the bridge of her nose.
Dad nodded knowingly. "Why'd you have to lie about it then? What did you think you were gonna get? Free tickets to Dairyland?" He chuckled sarcastically at his own joke, sorts ruining the entire mood.
Rita glared and nudged his arm. Really honey? Even at a time like this? Now they knew where Luan got her humor from.
"I'm sorry I lied okay!" She begged with a hand pressed on her chest, completely bordering on the edge of desperation. Just hoping, pleading that they wouldn't hurt them. Dad clutched the belt in his hand tighter, mom's frown grew wider.
"P-please, give me another chance!" Lynn had never been this desperate to anybody before, not even her brother. As strange as it felt to beg for mercy, it was the only possible thing she could do. She hated getting stuck in a pickle. It reminds her of those late days of 5th grade- saying goodbye to her buddies, forcefully becoming sentimental because of all the talks and the tears, and the never ending fear of growing up. It wouldn't ever happen again, as Lynn thought. She had gotten better and stronger, and would dive in any problem head on. If she was trapped, then duh! Find a way out! There was nothing she couldn't do in this world!
Today's drama though proved her wrong.
Very, very WRONG.
"I would've given you another chance…" She stood up and paced around the garage. " If I wasn't notified of the things YOU!" She pointed at her daughter accusingly and Lynn turned white. "-Did back there!"
She cringed visibly as she stumbled back in shock. "I-I didn't do anything!" Lynn defended, her eyebrows furrowing and her mind spinning in confusion. She knew not to lie anymore, but it came out of her mouth on it's own accord!
"Don't lie to me anymore if you don't wanna taste leather, Junior!" Rita growled. " They told me everything. Those two boys Tony and Nick told me you were doing nasty things inside the arcade room." She cringed in disgust, snarling at her daughter, while all she could do was stand there in horror.
"I wouldn't have believed them but the nurse told me that you waddled like a penguin. Principal Ramirez brought us to the arcade room, and I was surprised by the mess!" Rita held her head to keep her from fainting out of strong emotions. "… And also the smell."
WAIT… WHAT DID THOSE JERKS SAY!?
"You really wanna get off in this room, then we'll help you."
Lynn Senior gagged at the memory, he could still smell the faint odor of… unspeakable things. Lincoln's cries died down hearing what she said and was left on the ground in utter shock. Mouth open wide to say something but his vocal chords were blocked by an unknown force. He still found enough energy and strength to say something, but it was quite hard to even get his throat working.
"After having 11 kids, you wouldn't expect us not to… recognize those red flags." He crossed his arms around his chest and blushed bashfully.
She gasped in horror at the memory, her pale face slowly turning noticeably flushed red.
"You're reacting to this! I knew it! Junior, you were doing something in there were you?" Rita exaggerated, implying she was suspicious of Lynn doing things out of the ordinary as she noticed her daughter's alarmed look. "Did you?"
Apart from the yelling and loud crying from Lincoln, Lynn Senior's head started aching from the stress of everything. Everything felt too much for him! It was already exhausting to handle other kids and a big restaurant, now this! His kids were possibly doing… things to each other and beaten up two other kids as well. It was a distant dream, wasn't it? He could just pinch himself to wake up right? When he realized he couldn't, an image was created in the depths of his mind: His kids…um… he couldn't even say, but he guessed that's at they did inside the arcade room. What is the absolute FU-
"I have to go." He said, quickly dismissing himself and leaving the garage to breathe.
They all didn't notice the absence of the only other boy in the room. Too busy with trying to figure out the piece with both kids conjuring up different things to prevent their mom from solving the puzzle. Lincoln already gave up, crying on the floor like a wimp. Lynn was beginning to get dizzy, but she had to stay strong. Her brother was there for her when she was down, now it was up to her to return the favor.
Was there use in lying now? Her promise to herself earlier was long forgotten, really proving to herself that when she reaches a mountainous peak, her faith diminishes fast.
She could just fabricate the story, right! Just like what Lisa told her when it came to the different types of mental defense!
"I-"
"Before you say anything, I'm sick and tired of you lying!" Rita shouted. "For your information, I stuck by your side the entire way through the talk with your Principal! In the end, she pulled out other students who allegedly witnessed something and told the rest of the story to connect the dots. You two aren't going anywhere!"
Pity sunk her heart and frustration boiled her blood. Along with everything going on, very much like Lincoln, her emotional springs were coiling up too tightly and that one statement from mom just made it all release in a heated tension, desperate to finally let go of the pain. Lynn panted as her face turned red, her eyes glowering with wetness and her chin trembling, trying to hold herself back.
In a way, she couldn't though. Not anymore.
"Fine mom, fine! You wanna know the truth?" Lynn angrily asked. Tears ran down her face and her anger vein throbbed, sweat dripping down to her neck.
"Yes, very much so!"
She breathed, mumbling here we go. Lynn closed her eyes and clenched her fist. My goodness, she didn't think she was gonna do this. But everything already went wrong anyways. If this was another one up their ass, then at least surely the argument is over.
"IT'S TRUE! I WAS DOING SOMETHING IN THE ROOM!" She yelled out with force, her defeated scream echoing in the room. Her voice wavered and her breath hitched. Despite being in the heat of the moment, her conscience still reminder her to stay vague unless she asked. One small bomb dropped and it's game over, fame on for both Lincoln and Lynn in their reputations. Not the good fame either.
Would she tell her she was touched in a horrid way? Lynn's stomach churned. No, no. She wouldn't. Nor is she ever planning to do it. That would… just make everything awkward and divulging in it was gonna be a hellhole to relive again.
Rita took this short pause to her advantage. "I knew it! What you did is shameless! Even by your standards!" She retorted. "Beating the two up all because they riled you up isn't a good excuse! Have you have any idea what you have done?"
She didn't wait for a single response before continuing. "One could've gotten into a coma, and the other could've died! They both had to be sent to the hospital for a proper check-up after I talked with them and it's all because of your selfish need to give Lincoln a treat and pull yourself in for it too! What do you get to say about that!"
Lynn clenched and unclenched her fist. Her breathing shallow and her body uneasy. You think it was my fault they did that to me? Huh? Is that all I am to you? A troublemaker? Her mind screamed with desperation. Tell me mom! TELL ME!
"THEY DESERVE IT!" She screamed, her head spinning like a tornado. A gasp was heard from her mom, and she was forced to stop what she was saying. The room suddenly quiet like it was all a movie suddenly set on pause.
"S-say that again!" Rita quickly grabbed the belt from Lynn Senior which was left on the bench and she quickly yanked her daughter by the hand and led her to the bench. "I dare you, Lynn!"
"I said, they-"
"Mom! Don't hit her!" Lincoln suddenly exclaimed, extending a hand out as a weak way of trying to get her attention especially when he was left forgotten in the back of the garage with them being close to the benches that were across him.
Rita turned her head to her only son with a huff. "Lincoln Loud! You do not talk to your mother like that!"
He ignored her. "Have you have any idea what we went through in there, mom?" Lincoln whimpered. "We didn't just go there for an escape, because it ended up turning into a complete hell in there!"
"Well, how in the world would I when both of you just keep lying! Plus, you weren't even supposed to be there in the first place! Whatever happened inside was just a consequence of your actions!"
OH, THAT DID IT!
Lynn watched in horror the entire way, taken aback by what her mom just said. Her eyebrows furrowed. Consequence? Consequence my ass! Was getting beaten up by bigger boys a part of the plan? Was getting hurt a part of her job? Was protecting her little brother and ending up the one down the karma? Did it!? Was she at fault for being the one getting violated!?
Then realization slapped her right in the face and she trembled. She didn't even know!
"SHE WAS MOLESTED, MOM! SHE ALMOST GOT RAPED!" Lincoln suddenly shrieked. "I'M COMPLETELY HONEST THIS TIME! THE TRUTH IS, SHE MAY HAVE ATTACKED THEM FIRST, BUT I WAS THE ONE WHO BEAT THEM UP AND KNOCKED THEM OUT WITH A CHAIR!" Lincoln fully admitted. "THE BRUTE WAS CHOKING HER, COMPLETELY DOING THINGS TO HER BODY AND FORCING HER TO LIKE IT! I COULDN'T TAKE IT, MOM!" He bowed his head, tears falling to the floor. "I couldn't…"
Lynn looked at Lincoln in disbelief, her anger and frustration quickly fading away and her heart skipped a beat with tears gently rolling down her red cheeks. She was completely witnessing the definition of utter horror, screw what Lucy always used to say. Well… this entire thing just went into a 180 degree spin from tense to just awkward. The whole engaging of that topic is making her paranoid like it was reminding her of the way she was violated and it was disgusting. Dang it, Lincoln. Why did you need to tell them this? For a pity effect, or just to make her suffer again and see hell?
Rita toned down and her red face, completely stone-cold with a hard frown became one of shock and sympathy. She loosened her grip on her daughter and looked at both of her sobbing kids. Then she narrowed her eyes in suspicion. Now how could she be sure they weren't lying?
Why in the world would he even make up a thing like that!
Just then, her eyes suddenly turned wide as saucers as a memory popped in her mind.
"She waddled like a penguin, Mrs. Loud. Something must've happened to her inside the room. " She recalled the nurse saying. Rita remembered how she felt angered by the thought of her daughter… having alone time in the worst place imaginable. As for why Lincoln was there with her, she shivered. She did not wanna know. No, no. She went gonna let a silly thought of her children… doing it with each other stop her. Ew, no way would they ever do such a thing!
"I also came across something interesting. On the bigger student- Nick's hand, there's a slimy, moist essence. Somewhere around the tip to the base of his fingers. It doesn't smell like anything, however, it resembles something- like…"
The nurse went near to Rita's ear and the mother blushed as she heard what she said. She gasped and a small theory came inside her head. No way! Her daughter was above boys! There's no way she… did it with that boy Nick! How else would he been here all bruised up? The cameras proved that the four of them went in separately; Lynn with Lincoln and Tony with Nick.
So did Lincoln do this? But why?
It didn't seem to make sense!
Realization hit her and snapped her synapses together in a fast moment. Her brain started grinding its gears and what was once shuddering, raging fury towards her daughter and son was now replaced with motherly instinct. She came to a single conclusion: So that weird smell, the way she walked strangely and from her acting so defensive was because her daughter was… getting touched terrifyingly and nothing else really suspicious happened between the siblings. So a part of the story was fabricated… by the boys.
And she believed them more than her blood.
Skipping class was wrong, beating up others was worse, but now that she knew the reason behind it all, tears spewed forth from her eyes, sliding gently down her reddish cheeks. She completely ignored the fact they missed class, that problem being a pea to what she just heard right now. It was one thing to hurt her children, but to claim their purity out of their beings was enough to make any parent shake in unchanged anger and tremble with unleashed distress. Rita dropped the belt she was gripping and kneeled, hugging her still standing daughter with all her might. Blood was thicker than water, they said. It seemed to be true because now her fury was quickly shifted to those two boys who violated her flesh and blood in a way no man should ever do unless after marriage.
"I-I'm sorry." She whispered out to Lynn, who was shaking and crying silently. Her hitched breaths and small whimpers aching her heart's ears and Lynn's tears staining her pinkish blouse. Lincoln finally stood up, trying to prop himself on the wall as he wiped his tears away with the back of his hand.
As different as they were, all the victims had the same question plague their minds; who knew just one school day could flip their lives over this quickly?
They finally went out of the garage, all three of them feeling heavy. Today's events were a total rollercoaster ride, only with less vomiting and more crying than anything else. Everything felt like a movie like they were watching it from a giant 3D cinema and it felt like they were living in the moment. Only this time, if they pinched themselves, their reality would snap them back awake and as it turns out; this isn't a dream. It was all real, from the start of the day to the slow rising climax and finally, the epic plot twist of the story. Lynn and Lincoln could only hope that if they were living in a series, then this would be where everything calms down before the timer runs out and it all happily ends like a cliché fairytale.
"Kids, I-I'm so sorry… I- I had no idea." Their mom's voice played in their heads like a broken recorder.
They simply nodded at her, having no more strength to speak. After all that yelling, who wouldn't lose their voice?
Rita swallowed, trying to start strong despite the tears running down her face. She wiped them with her palm and looked at Lynn and Lincoln. "Just rest up… we'll deal with all this later."
From there, they both went to their respective rooms. All their sisters inside the house looked at them in curiosity, probably wondering what just happened between them. Lynn and Lincoln avoided their gazes, self-conscious as if they knew what was going on and we're judging them by what they've done with eyes that shot daggers. Both of them didn't even look at each other, though took a glance or two at one another just to see how the other was doing.
Lynn ran up to her bedroom straight from the stairs and barged in, before shutting the door. She darted her eyes across the room and saw Lucy sitting on her bed writing a poem in her book.
Somehow she noticed without looking. "I'm gonna go leave." Lucy stood up and hurried out the door, shutting it just as quick. Hm, she must've known what was going on.
After making sure that the room was completely empty, Lynn sighed and locked the opening to the room. Her hands went and covered her face and she relaxed against the shut door. Leaning against it and sliding down to the floor, sitting on the ground completely. Her head was woozy from crying too much, and her eyes dry from the same reason.
What ever just happened… happened.
She couldn't even begin to think about it. Everything was like a blur, a very vivid blur. Lynn knew what happened minutes prior yet she couldn't comprehend- couldn't believe it. The sounds outside blocked her from thinking straight, a foggy cloud blinding her vision of thought. It was like pitching in the last inning with a tie, all the tension builds up and hope gets stronger and once the throw's been made, oh look at that! Hazeltucky's made it outta the park , folks! Squirrels lose 9 to 8! So sudden, she was still completely stunned. The whole world moved on but she was still left in a pause. Who would've thought they found out so quickly?
Hey, on the bright side, they… didn't choke it up their throats right? I mean, they did suspect something fishy going on but it ain't anything confirmed their suspicions.
Lynn rubbed her temples. No, she only told them she did something. Not hey, I made out with my OWN flesh and blood, go figure! If that meant they thought she was dungeon crawling, finding nemo, jlling off or whatever they call it, then fine. Not really, that's gross knowing your parents think you do it. But… it's better than what really happened, to say the least.
Other than that, her mind was only focused on one thing that went on earlier. She started at the drawer across from where she was sitting. After a while of just trying to think, Lynn face palmed and got up. She went up to it and opened one of the drawers, finding her phone in sight. Plopping on her bed, she opened it and looked for the one contact she needed: Lincoln's.
"Hey, u there?" She texted and before pressing send, Lynn took a glance at her bedsheets. Exactly where she was, she thought. They… went beyond the home run. What a repulsive thought, but to her, it didn't just seem that way. Something about it made her- Lynn shook her head quickly to dispel the thoughts. No. Not the time to get hot and bothered.
Lynn waited for a response, which took probably forever. She couldn't just sit here and think! Although this girl can do pretty much everything in the planet, Lynn Loud did NOT do that. She couldn't just stay still without bouncing her knee, tapping her foot or throwing a ball to the wall. It would get her mind off what just happened, yeah.
Somehow though, her butt felt too comfy against her mattress. It seemed she couldn't move. Well, of course she could literally but even the mere movement of lifting her leg hurt. Lynn was all too familiar with pain, she experiences it on a nearly daily basis. Sprain ankle here, twist arm there, it was really common for athletes. Emotional pain is just as normal. Whether it's losing a game, missing the big shot, or getting injured and having to stay back at the dugout, Lynn knew how it really felt.
However, this felt different. Her body felt empty, so cold and dead. She couldn't feel anything at all. Warmth was what her mind screamed for and her limbs, they still work but it hurt her head to do so. The usual determination she had is gone, replaced with some unfamiliar feeling of… failure? Depression? Lynn wasn't sure. By the time she and Lincoln talked, the feeling went away. But throughout the whole day after the arcade room fiasco, this dull ached went with her and only really bothered her now that Lynn's mind was blank-ish.
Instead, her still clouded head ran back to flashbacks. A mental image of the unspeakable things they did on this very bed she was sitting on, her ears ringing with the suspicious lewd sounds they made as they consummated in their unholy deed. Lynn couldn't shake her head to try and push those thoughts away, after all, she never could. The images got more grotesque and less censored until she saw how it happened completely in her point of view.
Stop! Brain stop! Lynn tried to tell herself, the keyword being tried. Although her conscience hated every single dirty thought, her body seemed to react differently; breath started to get heavy, heart started besting slightly faster, was it her, or was the room getting hotter? And most of all, the worst thing she just couldn't ignore was the strong surge of tingles coming from her mind delivered in seconds to where all the action happened, the reason for her sinful desire.
"Oh my gosh, just kill me already." She thought to herself out loud. Lynn rolled her eyes and looked at Lucy's bed, in that way, none of these thoughts could take control. The same way Lincoln did to her- LJ go hit the showers or something!
She knew showering would be all for naught. Besides, somebody's probably in there right now. Lynn looked at the window, and oh the sun's going down now. This day's almost over. Great. If she closed her eyes tonight, maybe Lynn could wake up tomorrow and realize that none of this ever happened. And maybe she'd realize that it's all an extremely strange, wet nightmare.
The orange gleam of the sun's light reminded her so much of her brother's shirt, the same one thrown on the floor when they-
"Stop!" She smacked her forehead. Why won't these thoughts stop? Why? Why! WHY?
"Hey lil' dudette… you 'kay?" Luna's voice was muffled out the door.
Lynn yelped with a jolt and clenched her rapidly beating chest. "Y-yeah! I'm fine, Lunes! Don't worry about me!" She chuckled nervously.
"Whatever you say, LJ." She responded before the solace of Lynn's room returned. "She's probably just PMS-ing." A giggle was heard from the known pun machine in the house. Lynn let out a sharp exhale. Screw you, Luan.
The tingle in her loins was getting stronger. Lynn scanned the entire room for anybody, including the vents in case Lucy was watching her like the creepy weirdo she was.
Nope. Out of sight, out of mind.
For a short while, Lynn contemplated whether she should do it or not. Life's already messed up enough. What's one lil' 'session' gonna do about it?
With that thought in mind, she shrugged and proceeded to trail her hand south-
Ding!
Ah! What the heck!
Oh, right. She forgot about her text.
Lynn didn't even get to start, and she was already interrupted. That didn't bother her as much as it did, though. Her anger subsiding and getting replaced with an 'I don't care attitude at this point. She could've gone without it anyways.
With one swipe, she opened the message notification, and just as we guessed, it was from her brother.
She could've just went to his room or something but… yeah, they've been together long enough. If their family saw them, they'd probably be suspicious as to why she came in but didn't come out for a long time. Cause she only ever goes into his room to ask a favor that takes only like… 2 seconds to get through. And besides, with how she was feeling now, having him with her is an extremely bad idea.
Brushing it off, Lynn read his message.
"Yeah. What's up?"
They've been through so much. Yet he still had time to chat. Her heart warmed up in bliss, this is why she fell in love with him. Those little things that made him himself. What happened earlier was just the trigger to the sexual feelings she blocked out. Cause even when she is in love with her own family, doing it with them was just… it's too early for it, don't you think?
Lynn had a feeling that he wasn't really in the mood to talk deep inside. After all that happened, he and so did she, needed a big break. So Lynn knew to make this quick. Now, what was she gonna ask him again?
Right.
"Ima make this short… so whyd ya have to mom about wut happened in the end?" She clicked send.
It wasn't part of her plan to confess anything related to that. Urgh. The thought of it already made her wanna smash herself with the nearest baseball bat she had to forget the memory. However, Lincoln didn't share her brain. He was an entirely different person, so of course, he probably had a different decision. She wasn't mad or anything but she pondered, why?
Her phone dinged after a few seconds and he replied.
"hey, u should thank me yo ass didn't get beaten by her"
Hey, he was right, but dang was that a savage line. If he was here right now, his ass would've been the one kicked. Right when she was about to angrily roast him, another message was sent. "XD lmao"
Bruh. Lynn's ire was rising, he should be grateful she's in love with him. That and also because he's her brother. She took a deep, relaxing breath before texting again. "dude, Im serious."
"So am I."
Lynn looked at wall in wonder. What did he freaking mean by she should be thankful? If anything, she should've been pissed. This was the one thing she NEVER wanted mentioned, ever.
Buuut, she knew he only did it for a good reason. But still.
"Care to explain?"
For a good few minutes, she waited before another message was received.
"Hey, I saw u were gonna get hurt. It was the only thing I thought of doing to stop mom from hitting you. Besides, they needed to find out eventually. You deserve justice, Lynn."
Tears flowed freely from her eyes as she read the message. Her heart warmed and her toes curled inside her shoes. That numb feeling earlier was gone now, replaced with something she knew was love. Dang, Lynn hated herself for acting so girly. But screw it, this felt euphoric. Even more so than intercourse itself! Oh, Lincoln… you're too selfless.
"that's deep… Thanks bro." She replied with a gentle smile on her face. Thank the heavens nobody was here right now to see her.
"r/im14andthisisdeep" Lincoln said.
Well, that completely ruined the sappy mood. Much to Lynn's liking at the same time chagrin.
"ure such a fag. Jerked off to any good Ace Savvy mags lately?"
For two kids who just went through the most traumatizing thing to ever happen, they were surprisingly happy. They haven't had a chat like this in a long time, and it's funny to think that it's only sparked by a small yet serious question. It felt weird to Lynn, seeing her brother in a new light earlier. But she expected it, puberty had its ways. And while joking about this matter was awkward for the teen, I mean, Lynn had the guts to pounce on him like that so this was just pure irony if she told herself it was weird. It was even weirder knowing they were way too awkward together in the room but now acting like really close buddies via text.
Was it because of the sexual tension they felt earlier?
" You'd kno, dyke" The reply said.
Their conversation eventually became one full of dirty jokes and just funny insults ranging from tame to extreme. Lynn's pretty sure Lincoln's weirdened out by what the whole entire chat has become, but hey, the dork started it. The convo was full of laughs and all in all just weirdly stupid stuff, something they both needed in this day full of grief and despair.
He sent. "And here I thought we were gonna pretend everything is normal."
Lincoln proceeded to send a gif of a dog sitting on a chair eating cereal with fire on the background, telling himself "This is fine". Making Lynn chuckle at the sight.
"Well yeah, but I guess we got carried away. Again."
"Oof, fine by me. Just don't pounce on me like a horny teenage girl." She blushed but laughed when she read that.
"lol but ur talking to one rn" Alright, she wasn't exactly lying here.
"geez wtf has this chat become"
She knew it. Lynn was already weirded out though, not to lie. But she laughed anyway, knowing this was their one-way opportunity to feel happy again. But now that she's finally gotten her answer, Lynn's mood switched and now she wanted to play with something.
"Okay, I'll stop. Well, Stinkoln, apart from all those jokes, we really took a hit back there did we?"
"Uhuh. Speaking of which, u alright there?" This was probably the most overused question of the day.
"I'll live. Hbu? U were crying like a fricking baby back there XD"
" Need me to remind you of what happened back at school?" Man was he starting to become savage. " And yeah, I can manage."
" Fair enough." She smiled. "Hey, bro… thanks for all that. You know you didn't have to do all that for me."
"Oh but I did. You're my sister, and well you know… I love you." Her heart fluttered and a tingling burn rushed to her cheeks.
Lynn wanted to cry again. But she also wanted to punch something. Whatever she could do that didn't rely on expressing her emotions through words, so this was the time to finally end the conversation. Even if it means all those heartwarming, stomach-churning feelings disappear. She hated them anyway.
It would be good too. To not remind her of why her life turned upside down in a single day.
"Ur so cheesy lol. But yeah. Tnx. I think I gtg now."
"Where ya even going? Didn't mom tell us to rest?"
"nunya beeswax bro"
And with that, she turned off her phone. She set it on her lap with a goofy lovesick grin on her face as she sighed happily. Well, that was a great stress reliever. Not as good as boxing or working up a sweat but kinda close. It still struck her as odd how Lincoln showed his less serious side though. After all that happened, maybe he did need somebody to talk to after all.
A/N: LMAO That ending got me wheezing while writing this XD. I laughed way too hard at my lame joke, to be honest, don't mind me. So anyway, we got their talks and questions cleared out and the drama is finally starting. I'm here to officially confirm that Tony and Nick are okay, just not in the exact right place. Eh, but who cares about those jerks? They'll live. Lol.
Now I want you my dear readers to tell me how I did writing this arguing scene. Was it too melodramatic? Was it just meh? Or was it on the good or higher scale rating? This is my first time writing a long argument scene that took quite some analyzing and I need advice to improve. I also just realized that this is my longest chapter written ever with 10k words including this note. So anyways, I wanna see it from your perspective. And hey, it would be nice to hear what you think of this story as one piece. Come on, the review button is totally free! ;)
I also wanna apologize for causing any fog out there. I've been pretty vague as to why I deleted those NSFW scenes in this story. Though the rating is still M, I have to announce that this story will no longer have smut. Or won't be explicit, at least. If you read this story only for dem lemons, then I'm sorry but there isn't any available left. And just as I said previously, drama will be the one in focus just as promised in the summary. The reason as to why… I'd prefer not to say really. Though, unless you're desperate to know, just hmu with a pm.
Also, there was a time I said fanart was gonna be released soon. Well, I wasn't lying on that. So eventually, I'll announce where exactly I uploaded them. For now, Twitter is backing me up and I post updates there from time to time. Check me out on @_LoudDefender with the username being LoudDefenderWrites.
My previous author's note was sorta rushed so here I am now explaining everything clearly. After all, it's been a while since I've talked with you my readers. And while I don't reply to the reviews, I'm taking note of every single one and appreciating everything. :)
There's still more to come in the next chapters and as for the two siblings, just when they think everything's turning out for good…
It's only gonna get crazier!
So this has been Beyond Two Siblings Chapter 10: Fessin' to the Messin' and now I'll see you all In the next chapter!
Thank you for reading!