Disclaimer: The Loud House and associated characters belong to Nickelodeon and Chris Savino.

When Love Speaks

By Lola Presents

Chapter 6

Lola released her grip on her brother and stepped away. Giggling, she playfully swatted Lincoln's arm.

"What the heck, Lincoln?" she laughed. "I get back from the hospital, and all you can do is say I stink?"

Grinning nervously, Lincoln scanned the crowd for support, finding Lola's twin nearest.

"Lana?" he questioned, shrugging his shoulders.

Lana, being who she was, had to test things for herself. Leaning in, the tomboy gave her twin a big sniff. Her nostrils flared, and she immediately recoiled.

"Geez," she declared, holding her nose. "You do stink, Lols!"

"Fine," Lola conceded. "I was looking forward to a bath anyway." Heading for the stairs, she looked back at Lincoln. "I'll be Bach!" she said in her best Exterminator impression.

Looking at his watch, their father came to a sudden realization.

"Dang it!" he exclaimed. "I'm sorry, kids, but I must return to the restaurant. I trust you can handle things?" he announced, looking primarily at Lori.

"Sure, Dad," they replied. "See you tonight!"

Their father then said his farewells and left again.

Lola first visited her room, slinking upstairs, where she gathered some new clothes. Then waltzed into the restroom, turned on the spigot, and got undressed. Using her toes as a thermometer, she waited until the temperature was just right, then sealed the drain.

Measuring out two caps of bubble bath, she dumped them under the running water. The only thing left was to get her salon-grade shampoo and conditioner. Reaching up to the little product shelf on the wall near the tub, she eyed her targets and picked them up.

"Huh," she said, looking at the two bottles.

Both were empty. Lola furrowed her brows, set them aside, wrapped a towel around herself, and headed back out, stopping at the top of the stairs.

"Hey!" she called downstairs. "Who used all my shampoo and conditioner? They were full yesterday!"

"Oh, that was me, Lola," Leni resounded. "I'm sorry! I'll get you some more next time I'm in town!"

"How did you use two whole bottles in one day?" Lola asked, perplexed.

"Well, the instructions said to lather, rinse and repeat," Leni informed her. "So, that's what I did. At least, until I ran out."

"Oh, for crying out loud…" mumbled the pageant queen, throwing her arms up in exasperation as she shuffled back into the restroom.

The basin was quite full of warm water and bubbles. After Lola turned off the flow and settled into her bath, she used her parent's generic shampoo, rinsed, and applied the conditioner liberally. Soap in hand, Lola lathered up her body and splashed around until she was squeaky clean.

Then, she laid back and relaxed, letting the heat soothe her. It was customary for Lola to let the conditioner stay in her hair as long as possible for maximum softness, though it probably wasn't necessary. However, it gave her time to think about things.

With the noise associated with washing oneself out of the way, she realized her siblings were talking. The voices emanated from the ductwork, which reminded her of the time they believed their parents were getting rid of them.

As much as Lola had matured, she was still Lola and couldn't restrain her curiosity. Grinning, she moved closer to the vent.

Lincoln had just sat down on the couch, wedging between Luna and Leni, as Lucy walked up to her eldest sister.

"Lori?" she posited. "We need to talk about this guardian thing." Lucy wasn't one to complain about most things, but this needed to be said. "Lana and I can't keep doing this, you know."

"I don't see where you have a choice," Lori replied. "It was Dad's idea, not mine."

"Yes, but he listens to you," explained the goth. "Look, Lana may have it easier, seeing as they're roomies, but it's more difficult for me. Do you realize I slept on the floor outside his room last night? I woke up with a massive crick in my neck!"

"Well, what did you do that for?" Lori said incredulously. "Lola wasn't even home."

"Because I wanted to make sure he didn't hurt himself or anything," Lucy admitted. "But the thing is, you guys can't stay forever. You have to get back to your lives and families. Lisa and Lily aren't big or strong enough to do it, and Lana and I have other things to do. At some point, this needs to end."

"Maybe," agreed Lori, "but right now, I can't trust him."

"Ehem!" coughed Lincoln, quite annoyed. "You do realize that I'm sitting right here?"

Being talked about was bothersome enough. To have it done right in front of you was something else entirely. Standing, Lincoln moved where he could see everyone.

"Alright, listen up, guys," he demanded.

"I understand why some of you have reservations about our relationship. Hell, I struggled with it for six years!" Lincoln informed them. "But I'm in love with her, and it's not something I can turn on and off with a switch. You'll have to get used to the fact that she's not just my sister. She's also my girlfriend. Lola is still the same girl you've always known, and I'm still the brother I was. The only thing that's changed is how we feel about each other. It shouldn't affect you at all. The only way it would is if you let it."

"You say that now, but just wait," scowled Lori. "One lonely night, you'll find yourself in bed with her, get her pregnant, and ruin both your lives!"

"Speaking of which," said Lincoln slyly. "How old is your daughter, Lorianne?"

"You know full well that she's seven," Lori exclaimed. "And she has nothing to do with this, so leave her out of it."

"Okay, calm down," Lincoln said, holding his hands out defensively. "Only, add nine months for pregnancy, and you get roughly eight years. You're twenty-three. Right? Which means…"

Luan gasped, following Lincoln's reason intently.

"Lori!" she cried as she came to a stark conclusion. "You got pregnant at seventeen!"

"That's right, Luan," acknowledged Lincoln.

"You hypocrite!" scolded Luan, her sisters backing her with lowered lids. "How can you stand there and lecture people about sex before marriage if you did it too?"

Luan stood there, folding her arms and tapping her foot incessantly, waiting for a reply.

Lori's face went crimson, and her eyes began to water.

"Yes, it's true," she admitted sadly. "Please don't tell Mom and Dad, okay?"

"Lori, Mom's a freaking dentist, and Dad manages a restaurant," Lincoln reminded his eldest sister. "Don't you think they're capable of common-core math? Trust me, they know. Probably the only reason they never said anything is because they love you, just like they love us, and as an excellent friend once told me, when love speaks, you listen."

Lincoln paced in the silent aftermath for a moment before continuing his monolog.

"Listen, I may still be the guy I always was, but I've also grown a lot, and I don't mean physically. I understand integrity, respect, and honor, alright? Lola wants to continue with pageantry, and I will honor that," he told his sisters.

"Also, I respect her as an individual. I do not own her. She can walk away anytime, and I'd have to accept it. Finally, I will always be honest with her. If there's a problem, we'll discuss it," he continued.

"You don't have to worry about getting into our business. We're perfectly capable of handling things ourselves, and there is no way I would ever do anything to risk her happiness or health," Lincoln finished harshly.

The young man looked upon his audience, going from one awed face to the next.

"Anyway, I believe I've made my point," Lincoln said more pleasantly. "Are there any further concerns?"

Timidly, Lana raised her hand and began talking once Lincoln acknowledged her.

"Why did you choose Lola?" she muttered indignantly. "I mean, what am I, chopped liver? We're twins, for goodness sake!"

Narrowing his eyes in concern, he knelt before Lana, sitting on the coffee table.

"Lana…" he said gently. "You're great. But please, don't be jealous, alright? I'd still have to choose, even if I had been someone unrelated to you. Just because it's me, it doesn't change anything. Lola and I are just closer. That's all. Understand?"

Lana laughed so hard she almost fell backward off the small table.

"I'm not jealous, you ding-dong! It's just..." Lana responded incredulously before going quiet. "I have never had a boyfriend, and when the only guy close to me picked my twin, I started to feel like something was wrong with me."

Lincoln pulled her into a warm hug.

"Oh, Lana, there's nothing wrong with you," Lincoln assured his sister. "You are wonderful, and the right guy will come along. I promise. Besides, I might know somebody that may have a little crush on you."

"Really?" Lana gasped, her eyes widening as she bounced on the balls of her feet. "Who? Who! I gotta know!"

Lincoln stood and ruffled his sister's hair, knocking her cap off. It was not the same red cap she used to wear everywhere, including while bathing. That one wore out years ago. This one was new, in good shape, bigger than her last one, and still red.

"Maybe later, sis. Right now, I have other things on my mind."

A young princess sat in a tub of water. She'd heard the entire exchange, and now, her face softly grinned and fought back the urge to cry tears of joy. Lincoln truly loved her. So much so that he'd stood up to Lori. Nobody did that; nobody.

To top it all off, he'd vowed to make her dreams come true. But, after spending so many years pursuing it already, Lola felt like maybe it was time to repay the favor. His commitment to her was endearing, but he also needed some closure.

Lola decided, then and there, that she would do whatever it took to make Lincoln feel loved and complete.

Finally, she rinsed the conditioner from her hair, stepped from the tub, and drained it. She then blow-dried her hair, put on her fresh clothes, and left the bathroom.

Skipping down the stairs, she arrived in the living room where her siblings had assembled, then hugged Lincoln around the neck and kissed his cheek.

"I hope I smell better now," Lola playfully teased her brother.

Lincoln sniffed the air, even though he knew she would no longer reek.

"Ah, much better, Lola-bear," he purred, looking into her eyes as his stomach rumbled loudly.

"Are you hungry?" she asked sweetly, gazing into his eyes. "I am and thought I'd make us some lunch," she offered, heading for the kitchen.

"Hold up!" shot Lynn. "Who are you, and what have you done with Lola?"

Everyone present began laughing, some so hard they had to hold their sides.

"What?" asked the target of their giddiness. "I can cook now, remember? That is, ever since Lincoln taught me how to read. Now, everyone, stay put. I'll be back in a few with some treats."

Lola skedaddled out of the living room, leaving her siblings to ponder what had come over her. However, they mainly rubbed their stomachs in anticipation of something delicious to eat. It didn't take long before they started conversing once more.

This time, there was no lingering animosity or scowling brows. Lincoln smiled as it reminded him of times past. Seeing his sisters getting along again and not threatening to rip his limbs off was satisfying. Things may work out after all.

Eventually, the discussion died down as someone turned on the television. The channels flipped until they landed on Dream Boat.

"Ooh!" declared several of the girls. "Dream Boat!"

"I haven't watched this in ages!" announced Lori. "I didn't even know it was still on the air."

Together, they sat and watched fools fall in love, fight, and fall in love again. Several of the Loud sisters bet on who got voted off, which was always fun. No money got involved, of course, only favors or bragging rights.

Soon, a fabulous scent wafted into the living room, enticing the group's taste buds.

"Whatever Lola's cooking smells amazing!" cried Lynn as her mouth watered. "Hey, Stincoln, go peek and see!"

It had been some time since Lynn had called him that hideous name. Though this time, Lincoln didn't mind. Having them all together under one roof was a blessing.

"I'll try," he said, smirking.

Lincoln rose and padded his way toward the kitchen, but just as he entered it, Lola spied him and shoved some of her ingredients back into the refrigerator.

"Oh, no, you don't, mister!" Lola spat, chasing him out with her spatula threatening to flatten him. "You have to wait, just like everyone else. Now, go. Enjoy yourself."

Walking back into the living room, he limped for dramatic effect and sympathy.

"No, go, ladies," he told them. "I barely made it out alive!"

Lori smiled as the others laughed and guffawed at Lincoln's theatrics. She couldn't help but see that her brother had not changed and that his relationship with Lola hadn't altered anything.

"Hey, Lincoln," she beckoned as he sat back down. "I'm sorry I was so hard on you before. I was just trying to keep you from making the same mistake I did."

"I'm sorry?" queried Lori's brother. "Are you saying Lorianne was a mistake?"

"Uh, no, that's not what I meant," mumbled Lori. "It's just that, well, you know, I…."

"… can't think of an actual mistake because you didn't make one?" finished Lincoln. "Sis, you did nothing wrong. You just felt that way due to what other people told you. Forget about it. I understand."

As the episode of Dream Boat was coming to a close, Lola began setting the dining room table, partially visible from the living room.

Curiously, the assembled horde watched as she brought out place settings, empty glasses, and a large bowl of something with a spoon hanging out of it.

Several smaller containers, and a pitcher of what looked like tea, followed. Once Lola completed adorning the table, the young lady turned and joined them in the living room.

"Lunch is ready," she announced, clasping her hands excitedly by her midriff.

At once, everyone stampeded to their old seats, not having forgotten where they had sat over the years.

"Wow!" declared Lana. "This looks amazing!"

"Yeah, and it smells even more delicious," Lynn added. "What is it?"

Smiling at her accomplishment, Lola pointed out each dish.

"For the main course, I made baked ziti. There are sides of green beans, corn, and some dinner rolls. And, in case Lincoln doesn't like it, I made a plate of peanut butter and sauerkraut sandwiches," she said, beaming.

"Can I eat now?" pleaded Lily. "I'm hungry!"

"Lola," Lincoln stammered, ignoring Lily's question. "This is amazing, but you didn't have to go through this much trouble. Sandwiches and chips would have been enough," he said, looking at her in awe.

Lola had cooked for them before, but nothing like what lay before them now. She had outdone herself, and Lincoln couldn't help but wonder why.

"Yes, please? May we consume our food now?" added Lisa. "The scintillating effect of this nourishment has my gastric fluids churning."

"Oh!" cried Lola, also ignoring the recent question. "There's one more thing."

Stepping to the cabinet, she opened a drawer and pulled out a neatly folded newspaper. Placing it in front of Lincoln, smiling again.

"Look!" she requested, tapping the paper with her finger.

Lynn lowered her head to her plate.

"Ugh! I can't wait much longer!" she complained.

Lincoln took hold of the paper and stared at it. There, circled in pink crayon, was an ad.

"Apex Industries, L.L.C. is now accepting applications for a new location in downtown Royal Woods. Artists, Authors, Layout Specialists, and support staff are needed immediately. Salaries range from $15,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on experience. Internships are available," he read aloud.

Setting the paper down, he gazed at Lola.

"I don't understand. Do you want me to work? I haven't even graduated yet. Working would cut down on the time we could spend together," he reminded her. "Besides, I thought you were going to continue with pageantry."

Lola nodded vigorously, grinning broadly.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked tenderly, not wanting to cause a scene or diminish her enthusiasm, having noticed something different about her other than her behavior. "Wait, Lola, where's your tiara?"

"Oh, for heaven's sake," complained Luan. "Can't you play husband and wife later? We're starving here!"

"It's on my vanity," Lola replied. "The way I see it, I don't need it anymore. Girls who do pageants are generally insecure about themselves and fixated on making themselves pretty so that boys will notice them," she explained.

"I did both. But now, I have you, and you're better than any award I've ever received," Lola continued softly, laying a hand on his arm. "Listen, I've had your attention for six years, and while I appreciate it, I think it's high time you have mine."

"You deserve it, and I want to see you do great things," she said before nodding toward the food. "Eat, and after lunch, you can go into town and claim your dream career. I'm not taking no for an answer, either."

"Well, you heard the lady!" exclaimed Lincoln. "Dig in!"