"Is this all you literally need?" Lori asked Lyra, looking up from the proposal for Lulu's birthday.
"It is aunt Lori," Lyra said dutifully.
Lori smiled."It seems literally reasonable. You did a great job planning this out." Lori said. She'd have to show this to her sisters in their meeting today but didn't expect addendums suggested for it. Lynn would be silent but present for the vote.
Lynn would abstain from voting altogether, however.
Disappointing but tolerable was often the best outcome that could be reasonably hoped for.
"Thank you, Aunt Lori," Lyra said, beaming with pride. "Everyone wanted to make sure the day was special.
Everyone precluding Lacy, was left unsaid.
Lori chuckled. "Though the theme may make Loan feel a bit nauseous," she said, flicking her eyes over Loan's half of the room.
Loan's half was with posters of the crimson Chin, a crimson chin bed, and a self-filled with Crimson chin toys featuring various iterations of the character and his villains, all in their original packaging. Many of her allowances went to adding her collection and a decent portion of the money she made for her videos.
Lyra's side was very spartan in comparison, its most defining features being a pride Flag stuck to the wall, a Bible resting on her dresser, next to a picture of her and Lemy with the Sharps.
Lyra gave a bemused smirk. "She's promised to hold down on her criticisms of Ace Savvy just for Lulu.
However, she insisted we all watch her ten-hour video essay on how Ace Savvy is inferior to Crimson Chin."
"Didn't she already make one of those"
"This would be part two. of a ten-part series."
Loan, although incredibly reclusive and introverted in her day to day to life, managed to formulate an online presence with a more dramatic persona of "Chiny:the woman-chin marvel."
While wearing a face mask she mostly reviewed movies and shows centered around superheroes. A lot of the time employing skits in the reviews about the adventures Chiny would get up to, members of the family would occasionally feature.
Lori didn't like to brag but she felt she was literally the best at playing Golden Locks
"You know it's probably time you start attending the adult meetings," Lori said. Every household member who had a job was over sixteen years old and was voted in by the adults of the home could attend and vote for the adult sibling meetings.
There vital decisions concerning the household were held.
Loan was given a similar opportunity but passed, probably for the best. Despite being over eighteen years old, she was, in many ways, less mature than her younger siblings.
Lyra gave a regretful smile and a shake of the head. "I'm honored for the opportunity, but I'm fine where I am right now. Besides, I don't think Liby is quite ready to take over my role as chairperson just yet."
Lori grunted in agreement Liby literally like her father, was incredibly nice; he wanted to mediate conflicts rather than dictate to anyone. Whenever two or more siblings were in a tussle, he'd try to get each party to see the concerns of the other and work on a compromise. But niceness didn't always bring order. Sometimes you need a firm hand to get people in line. Though she loved the kids, they could be a rowdy bunch who, on occasion, needed to be put in line else everything would devolve into chaos. Lori had hoped Loan could eventually develop into someone who could take the leadership role for her siblings, but she didn't. Besides their looks, Lori and her daughter didn't have much in common. She'd seen herself in Lyra, quite frankly, which was a bit comforting. There needed to be someone to keep the family focused when Lori and her siblings were gone.
Lori didn't know if her children would continue the unconventional practices of their parents. Still, she thought it'd be best she and her siblings habituated the kids to the practices that kept their family functional.
Lincoln, always one to plan ahead, had started a savings account to buy a second house for kids should they decide to start making babies together. This house was already almost overpopulated; they couldn't live comfortably with another ten members.
This contingency probably wouldn't be necessary, however
None of the ones amid puberty appeared to be interested in each other in any romantic sense.
When the topic was even broached, they'd look like they were about to gag.
In Lupa's case, she literally just said gag.
Which was fine. Lori never wanted to force her lifestyle on her children.
Still, it saddened her just a little to think in about twenty years down, all the kids would probably be out trying to make their own lives and families away from them.
For the time being, however, she cherished the time they had together now.
Lincoln scratched Lulu's head as the credits of the reboot of "The vampires of Melancholia." played on.
The tot had fell asleep in his lap cuddle agaisnt his chestl
Lupa had asked him to watch a show marathon, and they'd finished watching the first season.
"You know I still like my universe reboot version better," Lincoln told Lupa, who proceeded to punch his shoulder.
"Why?" she asked casually.
"For one thing, it was made by my sister Luce who poured her heart and soul into it," Lincoln explained. "The Edwin in my Lucy's reboot was ruthless, selfish and prone to egotism like the Edwin in the original show. He had opinions that could be considered considerably reactionary but expected for someone born hundreds of years ago. He could be an asshole. He got better, sometimes; sometimes, he just buckled down." Lincoln gestured towards the tv. "Here, he's sanitized; they cut anything problematic or interesting regarding him."
Lupa had lost her smile.
Lincoln rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry, Lu, you know I like hanging out with you, but I don't think I can get into the show."
"Oh, I hate it too," Lupa remarked, her mouth quirking into that insufferable smile Lincoln had grown to be quite fond of.
"Then why did you invite me to watch this? Why did you punch me?"
Lupa gave a smile of an angel."Because I love to watch you suffer, and I like hitting you."
"What if I liked the show?"
Lupa shrugged. "You're not the worst thing to be around for a couple of hours."
"Aww, sounds like you like me," Lincoln teased in a sing-song voice. "You just want to spend time with me because you like me. I can't blame you. I'm a great guy."
"Aww, it sounds like you're asking for a pillow over your face tonight while your sleeping," Lupa sang back.
"Then we couldn't hang out anymore," Lincoln noted.
"I'd summon your ghost and turn it into my slave," Lupa began in Lucy's monotone. "Every day, I'd force you into back-breaking menial tasks that serve no purpose. Every waking second will be agony, and you'll wonder what cruel thing you did to justify such an existence in a past life."
"Doesn't sound that different from my life before I came here," Lincoln snickered. "You really want to be around me forever?" Lincoln.
Lupa looked away. She was still smiling as she reddened just a little. "Worse things to be around."
The two sat silent for the next couple of minutes, watching commercials until Lupa broke the silence.
"I've been thinking," Lupa began tepidly, "When we get my dad back, maybe I,could-don't know, visit sometimes you?" Lupa asked nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. "You know to watch some crummy shows, or in case I need to hide out from the cops."
He didn't know how to answer. He planned on forgetting this entire ordeal if he got home. Once he got back home, he couldn't lose faith.
He knew he would call the cops on Lisa for breaking her parole and sever all ties with her if she hadn't already made bank from her teleporter and moved out.
He knew it wouldn't lead to any harsh consequences for his sister. How many weapons from different worlds could the U.S military bring back? How many rare materials? How many cures for countless diseases?
In college, during a course centered around the cold war, he learned about how the U.S and USSR took in nazi scientists in gave them positions of power and respect in exchange for their research.
He could sympathize with the sense of betrayal the people who suffered under the Nazi scientists must've felt.
Hell, the degenerates in this household could probably have all their sins forgiven if their sister actually achieved interdimensional travel. Which was a truly depressing idea.
He could probably make money parading himself around as the first man who'd travel to another universe.
The thought, however, elicited a pang of rage at having his most fated accomplishment being his crazy sister's guinea pig. He was over a quarter done with his life, and that would be what he'd be known for?
Fuck off.
He'd fight to carve out a name for himself in the world, by himself, for himself. If he gave up on his dreams, he'd probably get a gun and_.
"I was just busting your nonexistent balls," Lupa said, cutting off Lincoln's train of thought.
Her smile was stretched.
"Your life is sad and pathetic enough without some kid showing up to hang with you out of pity."
Lincoln wrapped his right arm around Lupa, who scowled but didn't move away from him.
"It could always be sadder and more pathetic," Lincoln said. "If Lisa and your mother say you can work out a way to do this safely, you can stop by anytime. Any of you kids can, for whatever reason, if you don't feel safe or just need somewhere to blow off steam, I'll be there."
He was surprised that he actually meant the words and the measure of comfort they gave him before a monotone voice cut in.
"The proposal sounds wicked."
Lincoln screamed. Lupa screamed. Lulu woke up, seemed to not sense any danger, smiled at Lucy, and snuggled back to sleep on Lincoln's lap.
Lincoln took a breath to compose himself. He felt only a slight temptation to chastise the woman but knew it'd be pointless. Lions roared, dogs barked, and Lucy was scared. Lucy, when she visited, had been of an outlet for Lincoln. It felt relieving to be able to rant to someone without feeling judged or that he was scaring them. Lily would probably listen to his bitching, but he didn't feel comfortable putting his worries on a pregnant kid. Sometimes he wouldn't rant. They'd just talk about their day, and it was nice.
"When'd you get here?" Lincoln inquired.
Lucy shrugged."When the last episode of that abomination began."
Lupa chuckled. "I thought you liked abominations."
Lucy gently touched the face of Lupa with the back of her hand, who leaned into the touch. "Only abominations made with love."
"What are you doing here?" Lincoln asked.
"My sisters and I are having a meeting. We're going to discuss the little demon's birthday party in an hour." as far as he understood it, they were merely celebrating the day she got brought to this sideshow. Still, since no one knew when Lulu was technically born, the day made as much sense as any other, he supposed. He had already picked out his present for her.
He scratched Lulu's head, eliciting a purring sound.
Lincoln nonetheless frowned at the news." No one told me." he said, feeling a degree of offense even though he didn't cherish the thought of being around these degenerates.
He thought it only fair they'd ask him his opinion on matters concerning the children he spent a lot of time essentially babysitting.
Do you realize you're not their actual daddy, right Linc?
The rational thought made Lincoln bite his lip in frustration at how absurd he was acting.
There was a slight crunch to Lucy's features that wouldn't have been noticeable to anyone who'd known the woman her whole life. Or at least a version of her. She was perplexed.
He couldn't even blame her. She knew Lincoln's feelings towards her and her sisters. She knew being around them more would increase the chance of either him or them(most likely them) saying something to cause an altercation.
He was a fucking idiot. He needed a smoke break.
He was about to hand Lulu over to Lupa and escape until Lucy responded.
"I'll broach the topic with my sisters," Lucy promised. "I'm truly sorry we didn't ask you to attend. We assumed you'd have no interest in such dealings."
He didn't.
Clarify right now, you fucking fat idiot.
She offered a quirk to her lips. A smile.
Don't feel guilty. Remember what she is. The following words out your mouth need to be_.
"Thanks," Lincoln said tiredly.
Fucking coward.
It's not as if they'll actually say yes to the proposal.
Coward.
"I'm pleased to hear you want a more active role in the household," Lucy continued. "We've asked a tremendous amount from you, and its' not gone unappreciated."
Liar.
Well, part-liar, at least.
Lincoln felt he could trust that Lucy and Lily appreciated him.
The others barely interacted with him beyond ordering him to do something or, in Luna's case, patronizing him about relaxing a little.
However, he didn't want to argue in front of the kids.
"Just trying to make the best out of a bad situation," Lincoln replied
Lucy nodded and sat beside Lupa, who promptly kicked her legs up on her mother's lap and snuggled into Lincoln's embrace.
"Wanna see something else?" Lincoln offered, his hand already raising the remote.
Lucy shrugged. "There is a pleasure in witnessing the despoilment of something holy and reacting to the sacrilege."
She could have just said you like hate-watching stuff, but that wouldn't be Lucy. Lucy always had to be dramatic.
"I hope you wouldn't mind if I accompany Lupa during her treks to your world."
Lincoln shook his head. "That'd be too much of a risk. There's no Lupa where I'm from_."
"Truly an inferior place." Lupa cut in
"Quite so. So there's no risk of some poor sap being yanked from their life. I'm sorry, but I can't risk you uprooting my sister's life." Lincoln appreciated she asked for consent, however. He knew he'd no power to stop her and her family from doing whatever they wanted with the technology should they develop it.
"Sigh. Your words are disheartening but logical."
"If Lupa comes over, I promise I'll try to keep her from looting anything and burning everything."
"Try," Lupa empathized.
"Thank you, but I'll admit my interest in coming to your world is more than maternal concern. I know my little monster would be safe in your care and not shame our family."
Lincoln felt a measure of pride at that. He didn't know why.
"I wanted to see my counterpart's art. I can't do what she's done at this juncture of my life, and I think it'd be interesting to see the world treat a Lucy Loud with the respect of a world author."
"I don't think it's too late for you." Lincoln retorted awkwardly. "You're still a young woman, and if you're anything like my Lucy, a great writer. But even if you don't become as big as I don't know, Stefani Michaelis, that doesn't mean you're bad at what you do."
Why are you trying to cheer her up? She is a rapist and pedophile.
Who's going through similar struggles as me. Besides, there isn't any harm to it. Lucy knew my feelings for her degeneracy.
"Some of the best authors I read don't usually make best-sellers, if ever. Besides, suppose you're anything like my Lucy. In that case, you know the fulfillment of just creating some you feel truly passionate about and putting it out to the world."
Lucy smiled at him. "Thank you, Lincoln."
Lincoln just turned and began commenting on the show's crummy intro. Lupa followed up with her own snark, and Lucy quickly joined in.
When the other sisters arrived for the meeting, Lincoln was disappointed to see Lucy go.
The first sibling meeting Lori ever held was when she was seven. Her parents had instructed them to pick out a movie themselves. Her parents were always big on a more anarchist and independent way of parenting in terms of the going on in the house. She didn't remember what they'd eventually agree on seeing. She did remember having to bribe her sisters with a portion of her Halloween candy to get her way.
Most of the sibling meetings were delightful. After all the business stuff got done, they could just sit around and chill, drink a little wine, and whine about life's difficulties outside the house. Sometimes they'd put on an impromptu talent show, and every so often, if everyone was in the right mood, have some risque fun.
The meetings got a bit tenser since the disappearance of their brother.
For the first couple since that fateful night, the first topic that got broached was Lisa's progress in getting their Lincoln. The same question elicited the same answer.
Lynn would glare at Lisa whenever she gave her answer as if it was her fault, there'd be chorus of dissapointed pouts and Lisa although not showing it on her face would clench her fists in shame.
Eventually, Lori put forward a motion of censure concerning the topic of their brother's rescue. No one would repeat the same desperate questions relating to their brother. If Lisa had any new information, she'd tell them.
Everyone except Lynn voted for the measure.
After the end of every meeting without farewell, Lynn immediately left.
It never failed to break Lori's heart just a little.
After getting through some of the more immediate concerns, bills, upcoming taxes, and budgets, Lori read out the kid's proposal; it was ambitious but doable.
Leni, of course, had the most tips on improving upon the children's initial ideas. This was one of the few topics everyone tended to listen to her on.
Lori was about to put the meeting to a close when Lucy piped, her voice as soft as ever.
"I propose we let Lincoln into the meetings."
There was dead silence for a moment. The silence was broken by a loud groan from Lynn.
"You want to give that fat fucker votes now?" Lynn asked incredulously. "Even if it's about a party for the_."
"I'd advise you to speak carefully, elder sister." Lisa cut in. She didn't break from her usual monotone.
Lynn sneered at her and began walking toward her. "Or what runt_."
Lori got between them. The last time the two had fought, Lisa dislocated Lynn's right shoulder. Lisa, in her brutality, made the break clean without risk of any long-term damage. Lori never enjoyed seeing her family in pain but hoped the lesson would temper Lynn's fierceness. Unfortunately, it didn't lessen her rage and aggression toward Lisa.
"Literally just say what you need to say," Lori said. "Or leave. You know the rules."
Lynn glared at Lori, who stared back. When dealing with someone belligerent, keep calm and make them match you.
You were literally the one in control.
"Even if it's about a party for the baby," Lynn growled. "We shouldn't give a parasite a say in how we run our home."
"He's been living here for nearly half a year," Lucy put in. "He's part of our home now."
"He's a parasite gobbling up whatever we slave to bring in, most of the time getting buzzed." Lynn teetered out in voice, trying to smother her anger.
"He does Lincoln's job." Lily put in quickly.
Lynn snorted. "Liam does the job. And only because Lola keeps fucking him as payment. All he does is show up there, play video games, sleep, and drink. Am I wrong?"
Lynn wasn't. Lori could sympathize with her frustrations with the man.
"Perhaps he'd act more invested in the welfare of our household if he felt he had a place in it." Lucy countered."We tell our kids that they have a voice in goings on in this house because we want them to know this is as much their domain as it is ours."
Lily nodded. "We should also remember he's been taken from his home; these past few months have been stressful for him. He didn't ask for any of this."
Lynn snorted. "I didn't ask him to deck my kid and call me a fucking pedophile."
"That's unfair. He didn't mean to hit Lacy," Lily argued back.
"He still did, and he never apologized for calling any of us a pedo."
Lynn looked around at her sisters.
"He's never raised a hand to one of the children since the first night." Lucy pointed out, sidestepping Lincoln's stated animosity against them.
"Whoopie-doo, I'll give the fat bastard a cookie," Lynn grated. "He's lucky we haven't put him in a goddamn coma until Lisa ships his ass back home.
Lily shook her head to Lola."You can't talk about him like that."
"Like what?" Lynn asked.
"As-as if his welfare doesn't matter_."
"You think he gives any more of a damn about us?" Lynn cut in with a growl. "If it wasn't for the fact he needs Lisa to get home and it'd land his ass in jail, he'd probably kill us."
"Okay, now you're just being hyperbolic," Lily exasperated. "He's never once threatened us."
"I have also never picked up any intent to harm us from his aura," Lucy interjected as though that was salient evidence. "If he's anything like our brother, he'd never hurt us."
"He's not our brother, though," Lynn said, unmoved. "He's an addict and a child-beater. He doesn't deserve our respect.'
"Dude," Luna interjected softly. "What about me?"
Lynn quirked an eyebrow at her. "What about you."
"I beat Lemy and Lyra. I left them to go benders plenty. Should I not be here?"
Lynn waved her hand dismissively. "You got better, you put in the work, and we love you for it."
"I got better because some blokes like you kept giving me chances," Luna responded. "I think Lincoln deserves at least one. Which of us hasn't sinned?"
Lisa intervened at this moment. "I have done a few actions that could be considered unethical_."
"Evil."
"Evil. I've still been given a chance for repentance. This Lincoln has shown our offspring care; he's never damaged the house or fulfilled our requests of him inadequately. It's fair to give him more voice. Our only brother would."
For the next hour each sister gave their assesment of the man and how he'd faired during his stay. A drunk. But a functional one. A bigot. But not to the extent he'd jeopardize his own safety over it or bring it up unless provoked.
The vote came out 9-1
Lynn snarled. "No one's ever on my side."