Disclaimer: The Loud House and associated characters belong to Nickelodeon and Chris Savino.
marz-senpai: Thank you! I'm trying hard to make this one perfect.
TheAllSeeingEye4812: Haha! Yeah. Flip wouldn't care as long as he could make some money.
nuuo: Thanks! It's been fun but very tiring. I've had little time to myself, let alone write.
Mud and Love
By Lola Presents
Chapter 5
Lana lost all sense of time as she explored her body in ways that, until recently, seemed inexplicably gross. That is until the tree's resident squirrel began pelting her head with acorns, trying to scare away the intruder. After all, it needed to forage, and she was in the way.
Cracking her eyes and apologizing to the rodent, Lana noticed how late it was getting. While not yet noon, the sun hovered overhead, which meant it was time for lunch. Reluctantly pulling her hands from within her overalls, Lana slowly returned to reality.
Squatting beside the creek, Lana washed her hands clear of the sticky substance her body produced, but there was naught she could do about her panties. Her only hope was that nobody noticed. If she ran upstairs quickly enough, she might be able to change before anyone did.
Judging from the sun's position over the woods, Lana guessed she'd been there for a couple of hours. How many times had she trembled under her hand? A dozen? More? Despite the circumstances, she had never felt as alive as then and wanted much more.
As Lana retraced her path toward the house, her thoughts turned toward her sisters, especially the older ones. Was this what they did when they disappeared into the restroom or hid in their rooms? And what about their boyfriends? Or, in Luna's case, girlfriend.
The images made Lana slightly queasy. It was one thing to enjoy oneself, but allowing a boy to participate was beyond her. As much as the young girl loved and idolized her brother, she wasn't sure about letting him touch her in such ways, despite her body's insistence.
Until earlier, all Lana knew was that she loved her brother in a way that most sisters don't. All she wanted was to cuddle up to him and feel protected. However, her reluctance drastically began to change after her mother's discussion.
Between her lesson and self-release, something awakened within Lana, and after recalling her experience the night prior, not knowing what to do with herself, she had her answer. There was one glaring problem, though. She didn't know how Lincoln felt or if he'd accept her.
Lana's thoughts got cut short as she strolled into the backyard. The scent of grilled hotdogs and hamburgers assaulted her olfactory nerves, making her salivate heavily. Forgetting entirely about her ordeal in the woods, Lana passed by her waiting siblings effortlessly in the open air.
"Hi, guys!" Lana chirped before hustling into the house. "I'll be right back. I have to pee," she lied.
Lana had changed and freshened up within five minutes, joining her family in the backyard. The impromptu cookout was unexpected but entirely welcome. Everyone helped themselves to whatever they wanted as it got placed on the old wooden picnic table.
Smiling broadly, Lana sat down between her twin and Lucy, then began filling her plate. She was so relieved that nobody had suspected anything that she overlooked how quiet things had gotten. It wasn't until Luan, who sat opposite her, spoke up and alerted her.
"Hey, sis?" the budding comedienne inquired. "Where's your hat?"
"My what?" responded Lana, confused until she felt her head. "Dang it!" she barked. "I must've left it in the woods!"
"Well, you can fetch it later," interjected their mother, halting Lana's rise from the table. "Right now, you must finish eating and help clean up."
"What were you doing out there, anyway?" queried Lola before taking a giant chomp off her chilidog.
Oh, uh..." stammered Lana, settling back into her seat. "Nothing much. I was only exploring nature," she offered, which wasn't precisely a lie.
"Nothing much?" pondered Lana's little sister, Lisa. "I doubt that. I wouldn't call doing something so intense that you forgot your hat 'nothing.' You don't even go to bed without it."
"Okay!" barked Lana, turning slightly red. "Can we just drop it, please?"
"Fine," retorted Lisa, returning to her burger. "Whatever..."
A low, distant rumble echoed across Royal Woods as if on cue, signaling an incoming spring rain. The family patriarch shielded his eyes and gazed toward the horizon, assessing the situation. From experience, Lynn figured the storm wouldn't arrive until later, giving them time.
"Don't fret, kids," he addressed his startled children. "It shouldn't be here for another few hours. Still..." he sighed. "It might be a good idea not to waste too much time eating. You never know when the bottom will fall out."
Not letting the possibility of a shower damper their spirits, the family continued to blather on in celebration of Lori coming home for spring break. They always enjoyed Lori's stories from her time at college and hung on to every word she said.
They got so lost in their merriment, eating, chatting, or playing board games, that none noticed the wind pick up. Moving across the sky with increased speed, the darkened clouds crept overhead in less time than anticipated, and everyone gasped when the first drops fell.
"Dad!" exclaimed Lana suddenly. "I need to get my cap now! Before it pours!"
"Sorry, kiddo," her father consoled her. "No can do. You're only seven. I don't need you getting caught outside in a storm. Start cleaning up and get inside."
"Hey, Dad?" called Lincoln as he cleared the picnic table of trash and leftovers. "I can do it."
"I don't know..." sighed his father, considering the notion. "Lightning doesn't discriminate."
"Oh, come on!" declared Lincoln. "I'll wear my raincoat and galoshes if it makes you feel better. At least I'll be insulated."
"Well, okay," conceded Mr. Loud. Then, turning stern and pointing his finger at his son, he made one demand. "Go there, get it, and come straight back. No dilly-dallying. Understand?"
"Yes, sir!" barked Lincoln before dashing inside the house to fetch his wet-weather gear.
Lana's eyes widened as they tracked Lincoln across the lawn. Then, catching herself, she shook her head and returned to packing up the board games but came eye to eye with her twin, who stood there smirking.
"I saw that," muttered Lola so only Lana could hear. "You really are weird. You know that?"
"Shush!" whispered Lana, gazing around nervously. "I have no clue what you're talking about."
"Mmhm..." hummed Lola, folding the tablecloth. "I don't get what you see in him other than he's a good brother."
"I don't know," offered Lana, shrugging as she did. "He's got a cute butt, though."
"Ack..." Lola sputtered, sticking her tongue out and feigning choking.
As everyone finished cleaning up and headed into the house, Lincoln sprinted out the back door, heading for the woods. Hunched over to keep his face dry, Lincoln looked like a giant banana as he sped off in search of his sister's cap and everyone chuckled at him.
Not more than a minute after the last person entered the house, sheets of rain began cascading over the lot. While everyone else shook themselves dry and went about their business, Lana stood at the back door, peering out, trying to see any sign of Lincoln.
"Sweetie?" Rita inquired as she put away the food supplies. "Are you alright?"
"I guess..." whimpered the girl by the windowed door. "I'm worried about Lincoln, though"
"That's sweet, baby," smiled her mother. "But he'll be fine. He's dressed for the occasion. Plus, he's older and has longer legs than you. He should be back soon."
"Thanks..." muttered Lana, never breaking her focus on the woods.
However, Rita's words hadn't soothed the young girl, and she continued to stare intently at the break in the trees where Lincoln should eventually emerge. Holding her hands together near her chest, Lana nervously picked at a hangnail, causing it to bleed.
After Rita finished storing their supplies, she turned and gazed at her daughter. There was something off about her. Sure, she still wore her overalls, ratty old shoes, and a dark green tee shirt, but something was different. Then all at once, she noticed her daughter's hair.
With her cap on, Rita may never have noticed, but Lana's hair wasn't in loose ponytails anymore. She, or someone else, had styled it for her, and it looked great despite having a day to loosen up. Lana looked several years older than she was. Her little girl was growing up.
Every time a gust moved the tree line in the slightest, Lana grinned hopefully and bounced a little on her heels, only to sour again when Lincoln didn't appear. An action Rita observed while standing there, leaning against the counter with her arms folded.
Lana loved her hat, and everyone knew that. But it was only a hat. They could buy a new one at any time. The distracted mother couldn't help but wonder if something else was going on with Lana. She stewed around the house for days, then lit up when Lincoln helped her with her pet.
Then, Lana's unwitting confession that morning prompted Rita to give her child the sex talk. As her daughter stared into the blustery weather, she wondered if her emotional state was due to her cap or something else. Either way, Lana's hormones were in full effect. That much Rita could see.
"Oh! There's Lincoln!" Lana suddenly screeched, pointing so quickly that she poked the glass, bruising her finger. "He made it! But..." she stammered. "I don't see my hat."
"Oh, honey..." cooed her mother, coming to her side. "Maybe he couldn't find it, or it got washed away," she explained. "Don't worry. We'll get you a new one."
Both women stepped aside as Lincoln burst into the kitchen before stripping from his dripping outerwear.
"Hey, Lincoln..." muttered Lana, looking most dour. "At least you tried. Thanks," she offered in consolation.
"What do you mean?" Lincoln sputtered, shaking some water from his hair. "I have it right here," he announced, lifting his shirt.
Lana's eyes lit up as they rested on her cap, the bill neatly tucked into her brother's pants, holding it steady. Then, without bothering to accept it, Lana lunged forward and hugged him tightly around the waist, resting her head again his exposed chest.
"Thank you so much, Lincoln!" she squealed, unable to stop smiling. "I love you so much!"
"Heh," chuckled the nervous young man. "It's alright. Just try not to lose it again. I almost slipped down the bank into the creek again."
Laughing at the thought, Lana backed away and reached for her hat.
"Thanks again, Lincoln. You're the best!" she emphasized before bounding off, Charles scampering along behind her.
Not ready to quit the celebration, everyone assembled in the living room, continuing to play board games, laugh, and pick on each other. Joining their siblings, Lincoln and Lana sat down to play Monopoly. However, no pieces were left, so Lincoln used a penny while Lana used a bobby pin.
The hours ticked away as they played games, watched television, and caught each other up on events. Before anyone noticed, the entire day passed, and their parents were busy preparing dinner. The scent of their father's cooking alerted them to the time, and everyone got ready.
The party didn't stop there, however. Lori continued to regale them with stories from her time at school. At least until she recounted her use of Lisa's hole-seeking ball, which garnered scolding from both their parents, not only that such a thing got created, but used as well.
After dinner, the youngest siblings began preparing for bed while the older ones settled on the couch with their parents for evening entertainment on the television. Once Lincoln announced the restroom was clear, the older siblings took turns, and eventually, everyone got in bed.
Exhausted, Lincoln lay in his bed, wearing nothing but his underwear and thinking of his sister. Lana had focused his attention two days ago, and a new sensation washed over him. Though it began as a brotherly concern, it quickly became something else entirely.
Lincoln was old enough to know the social and legal implications, but it didn't seem to matter. Though he'd tried to deny it and push it from his mind, she was always there to remind him of his feelings. Knowing how she felt about him didn't help matters either.
Lincoln's room was dark, and the little bumps that adorned it lay hidden in shadow. Lincoln closed his eyes only to heighten his sense of hearing. The sound of the water droplets hitting the room tormented him, distracting him from slumber.
Recalling how warm Lana's cheek was, pressed against his chest, Lincoln couldn't help but squirm in his bed. He wanted to hold her close, pepper her head with kisses, and tell her that he reciprocated. However, he knew where that would lead and tried to dismiss the thoughts.
For all her bravery in other aspects, Lana was a big chicken regarding storms and nightmares. She always had been and ran to cuddle with Leni in her sleep every time something happened. But tonight, she tried to muster the courage to get through it.
She could only think of Lincoln teasing her about her fears the next day, and she felt like crying. The storm seemed to have settled over their house, continually pelting it with sheets of water. Occasionally, there would be a flash of lightning, or a clap of thunder, scaring her.
Terrified, Lana used an old trick her father taught her to ease her mind. Lightning caused thunder, so by counting the second in between, you could tell if the storm was getting closer or moving away. On her first attempt, Lana counted off four seconds.
Lana then counted off five and six seconds on successive tries. Then, with no warning, the brightest bolt of lightning ever struck somewhere nearby, accompanied by the loudest, longest roll of thunder Lana had ever heard. Not bothering to get Lola's reaction, Lana bolted from the room.
Spring showers were the worst. It was humid and muggy out, which only fed the clouds. Likewise, Lincoln only attained a light sleep, nothing near the rest his body needed. Twitching in his sleep every time a clap of thunder rolled outside, his dreams became troubled.
His current nocturnal vision featured a science-fiction setting where he and his siblings conscientiously moved through a derelict spacecraft, looking for supplies and survivors. However, the ship got infested with alien lifeforms that would jump out as they drew near.
One by one, Lincoln's sisters got taken or killed by the aliens, and his apprehension grew with every occurrence. Eventually, only he and Lana remained. Holding her close, they moved down the corridor to the bridge, where they could bring the ship's defense systems back online.
Reaching their destination, Lincoln typed in the code to open the bulkhead, but as it opened, there was a loud explosion and...
"Lincoln?" said a voice, interrupting Lincoln's dream.
That wasn't the ship's artificial intelligence program, was it? Why would it be questioning him at a time like this instead of giving evacuation orders?
"Lincoln!" cried Lana again, standing beside her brother's bed.
"Huh? What?" Lincoln stammered as he awoke in a fright, swinging his arms about as he sat up.
Slowly, Lincoln's dream faded into oblivion from whence it came, and his consciousness came to the fore. Glancing around in the dark, Lincoln settled his eyes on his sister, standing forlornly and frightened beside his bed.
"Lana?" he yawned. "What are you doing awake? Did you need something?"
"Uh huh..." muttered the girl, staring at her brother's bed. "I'm scared. Can I sleep with you tonight?"
"Uh..." stammered Lincoln, flopping backward onto his pillow. "Don't you usually go to Leni with things like this?"
"I know, but..." sighed Lana desperately. "I wanna sleep in here tonight. Please?" she begged.
"Fine," whispered Lincoln, folding his covers back for her. "Just get in quick before you wake anyone else."
"Okay," returned Lana as she climbed into the bed and scooted as close to Lincoln as she could, wearing only her panties and nightshirt.
Lincoln threw the covers back over them and settled into bed, trying to go to sleep again. Though, he found it difficult with his beloved sister trembling at every noise outside. Pursing his lips, Lincoln realized it would be a long night and wrapped his left arm around her.
Instinctively, Lana grabbed his hand and held it close to her chest, occasionally nuzzling it whenever lightning flashed, or thunder roared. Nestled into Lincoln, and having the covers pulled to her eyes helped somewhat, but she still flinched.
Lincoln lay there for the longest time, feeling Lana's heat radiate through him, enjoying her hair's fresh, youthful scent, desperately trying not to become aroused as that might frighten her even more. Yes, she'd received the 'talk' and knew what to do, but she wasn't ready. She couldn't be.
Over the following hour, the storm began to move away, and the noise settled. While a few drops still hit the roof, the standing water rushed through the gutters as it drained off, and the rafter above creaked as the weight lifted, keeping them both awake.
While Lincoln was more than capable of falling asleep, Lana was another matter. Her senses had become heightened due to the fight or flight instinct, and she found herself unable to relax enough to sleep. Instead, she fidgeted beside her brother, enjoying his company, such as it was.
Lana still gripped Lincoln's hand, and with the storm subsiding, her thoughts turned to her brother, and soon, her body reacted. The tingly sensation between her legs made itself known, slowly encompassing her whole. Unable to fight off the feeling, Lana did something unexpected.
Closing her eyes, Lana slowly moved Lincoln's hand down her torso and onto her pelvis, her previous reservations disappearing in the rush of hormones. Then, resting it on her moist mound, hidden beneath a thin layer of cotton, she moaned softly and exhaled deeply.
Shocked into rigidness, Lincoln fought against her advances and tried to pull away from her. However, Lana's passion had given her strength beyond her years, and she held firm.
"What are you doing?" stammered Lincoln, shaking in a strange mixture of fright and desire.
"Lincoln..." whispered Lana breathlessly, her eyes still focused on the back of her eyelids. "This is going to sound crazy, but I'm in love with you and need you to touch me."