Was supposed to be originally an episode about Ludwig and Torvald discover their common familial link.
Work Text:
(We open at a mall. Arnold, Nadine, Rhonda, Gerald, are seen making errands).
NADINE
— Geez, what a day !
GERALD
— Yeah, it was extraordinary. (They continue to discuss as they accidentally bump into Ludwig, who was present in season 5).
ARNOLD
(Gasps) — Wow !
LUDWIG
— Hey ! (He firstly approaches them with a menacing tone, but then, regains his composure, smiling gently). Nah, don't worry, kids, i'm not a bully anymore, i really apologize to all the mess i created. (He offers a handshake, and Arnold, after he hesitated, shakes this).
Actually, i'm just glad to see you, because you could help me.
RHONDA
— Help you with what ?
LUDWIG
— In fact, my dad remarried some times ago. His new wife has two kids and i do not know them very well.
GERALD
— And you need our help for that ?
LUDWIG
— Yeah. You know, it's a kind of thing i can't make myself.
ARNOLD
— It's Okay, we can help him, after all, i don't see why he could lie to us.
(At this moment, someone tries to walk in front of them, while they wait for pay their clothes. Ludwig taps him on the shoulder).
LUDWIG
— Excuse me sir, but we were first. (The man obliges and this convince Arnold and the others to help him / Of note of this episode, i would like to remember you that Arnold and his friends are now 16 years old.)
(The Scene shifts into a park, where Arnold and Ludwig are sitting. Rhonda, Gerald and Nadine join them.)
NADINE
— So, do you know about your new stepbrothers ?
LUDWIG
— Well, actually, they are more quasi brother and quasi sister, because we have no common parenting. I know, one is a fashionist (Rhonda glares) and the other one has a passion for entomology (Nadine glares).
GERALD
— Why do you know me ? I know Arnold is a great adviser but...
LUDWIG
— They like sport, just like you. I'm a great basketball, and i promised them i could give a few tips. But you're better than me. Plus, you used to live in a family with several siblings, so your help would be welcome.
GERALD
— I'm okay with it.
ARNOLD
— Ok, Ludwig, it's already a first great step if you are aware of your quasi sibling's passion. Now, all you have to do is to be yourself.
RHONDA
— Sweetie, can i see you for a moment ? (Arnold obliges, Rhonda goes with him).
Arnold, why do you persist into helping him ? He is a reformed bully.
ARNOLD
— Yeah, i know, but we owed him one. Plus, i've helped some other people who were not always nice. Remember when i helped Big Gino to reconnect with his cousin ?
RHONDA
— Yep. It's your good nature.
(They come back.)
ARNOLD
— Ludwig, when is the meet ?
LUDWIG
— In a couple of days.
ARNOLD
— Ok, we have some work to do...
(We see a montage in which the four help Ludwig with his family. At first, he struggles because it's not something he used to make, but as time goes by, he gradually improves. Screen turns black).
(The scene opens with Ludwig, and his quasi siblings, Leonard and Francine.)
LEONARD
— Hey, Ludwig, what's your favourite ladybug's type ? I've five personnally.
FRANCINE
— Hey, Leonard, leave him alone, he has to decide which shirt is better with my short. Is it the blue or the white ?
(Ludwig sits, and put his head in his hands. The others are worried.)
LEONARD
— Hey, Man, are you OK ?
FRANCINE
— Wha'ts going on ?
LUDWIG
— Ok, look. I know you try to be nice, and i genuinely appreciate to have you in my life. But it's just... Sometimes i fear i don't have some common grounds with you. (A tear briefly rolls from his eye and he quickly cleans it). It's also hard for me, as my parents divorced one month ago. (As he continues to speak, both Francine and Leonard sit at his right and left, respectively and listen to him with legitimate interest). It was just me and my dad, and seeing him with someone else, i admit i'm not very comfortable with it.
(Leonard and Francine glare at one another, and then talk to him, very gently).
LEONARD
— You know, we had the same problem. It's been some two months, that our dad and our mom divorced. We were at dad or mom's house, and then we learned about mom's wedding with our dad. We actually lied to you.
FRANCINE
— Yup, we are not great basketball players. We are sorry.
LUDWIG (smiling gently)
— It's ok, i presume we all tried to give the best of ourselves. But maybe we could find some others interest center.
FRANCINE
— Speaking of your mom , is she fine ?
LUDWIG
— Yeah, i suppose, since every time i visit her, she tells me she's fine. What about your dad ?
LEONARD
— He is very fine too. He enjoys watching some Alfred Hitchcock Episodes. And i admit he gave us this kind of passion.
LUDWIG
— Really ? I like it too. (They all begin to discuss about this show, as the screen turns black).
The End