Morning time came, Ronnie Anne had awoken, having slept pretty well. Today she had a goal though, she had to meet with her friends and make things right with them.
Checking out of the hotel, Ronnie Anne along with Lori, Bobby and Carlota were on their way back to the Loud House, her older brother behind the wheel as the young the girl felt eager to fix things.
"Can't wait to get home, I'm so glad that hotel issue was resolved, now we can stay with my family," Lori said.
"It wasn't totally resolved, we still gotta stay one more night," Bobby said. "That's the last time I'm booking a hotel in advance, next time we're going with those nightly inns."
"Or next time just ask Lori's parents, they're very hospitable people," Carlota said.
"I don't want to burden them, they have such a full house as it is," Bobby said.
"My parents love having you around though, and they definitely would have made room," Lori said. "I mean from the way they've made it sound, they were more than happy to let Stella live there."
"Speaking of Stella, I hope she, Lincoln and Sid had fun together last night," Carlota said, then turned to Ronnie Anne. "Shame you weren't a part of that."
"Like I said, I had to help Bobby out," Ronnie Anne insisted. "He needs me."
Carlota shook her head. "Please, we all know while that's accurate-"
"Hey!"
"It's not the full story," Carlota finished. "I know something's up between you and Sid. Carl's noticed as well, it's all he, CJ and Carlitos have been mummering about."
"Maybe they should learn to mind their own business then," Ronnie Anne said.
"Ronnie Anne, is something happening between you and Sid?" Bobby asked.
"No...not exactly," Ronnie Anne said. "It's just really complicated right now."
"Well I hope you figure something out, you and Sid are best friends after all, you both care a great deal about each other, it'd be a shame if you lost out on that over something that could be resolved," Bobby said.
"Yeah, I know that, and I am not going to let Sid go like it's nothing," Ronnie Anne said. "I've just had a lot on my mind that I'm still trying to process."
"You mean with Stella being pregnant?" Lori asked. "And that she and Lincoln are gonna be parents?"
"Yeah, pretty much," Ronnie Anne said, not wanting to go into anymore detail than that.
"It's a surprise for all of us, I'm still adjusting myself," Lori said. "That's why I'm doing what I can to make the progress easier for the, as is the rest of the family."
"Which means you just gotta keep doing what you can to help prima," Carlota said. "That would make Lincoln and Stella really happy."
"Yeah..." Ronnie Anne said, still unsure about certain things. "I just hope they know what they've gotten into."
"They know, I had a nice talk with Lincoln about it," Lori said. "He has faith he can do this because he loves Stella enough to want to do this."
"Now that's true love, any girl would be lucky to have a guy like Lincoln," Carlota said. "If he were a few years older...hell if he were single now I think I'd have gone for him myself."
Bobby briefly glared at his cousin through the rear view mirror, "Seriously?"
"Hey he's grown into a really handsome guy, hopefully Stella can fight away the admirers," Carlota said.
"She won't have too, Lincoln loves Stella too much to even think about another girl," Lori said. "I've seen it, lots of girls have given Lincoln their attention, not just from his looks but his personality. He gives off such a gentle vibe, very understanding, a good listener, he even had that warm charming smile. I don't want to sound arrogant but what the hell, that was my doing, me and my sisters. We used our feminine expertise to mold the perfect gentleman."
"Pfft, perfect gentleman," Ronnie Anne muttered.
"Oh you got that right Lori," Carlota agreed. "See every guy needs a girl by his side to bring out the best in him, Lincoln had ten girls to turn him into a fine young man."
"Lincoln knows how to cook, how to sew, how to give manicures, proper skin care, that I personally helped him with," Lori bragged, much to Ronnie Anne's annoyance. "How many guys can do that?"
"Even I have trouble with some of those things," Bobby said.
"Yes sir, Lincoln is the perfect boy and thanks to us, Stella gets to enjoy life with a guy who would do anything for her," Lori said, Ronnie Anne feeling even more frustrated. "It could have been any girl, there's lots of cute girls in Royal Woods, but I'm glad it's Stella, because some girls probably wouldn't have even appreciated what Lincoln could offer."
"Oh that would have been such a waste! I mean what girl would be foolish enough to not appreciate such attractive qualities in a guy?" Carlota asked. "Right cuz?"
"Right..." Ronnie Anne said, trying to sound encouraging.
"To think some girls wouldn't have even given Lincoln a chance, I mean I heard one girl found him so weird she switched classes!" Lori said. "I mean, yeah Lincoln can be a bit dorky but that's part of his charm too, he knows how to be relaxed."
"You'd have to be stupid to willing skip out on Lincoln," Carlota said, Ronnie Anne feeling a sharp pain in her chest.
"Yeah, thanks to me and my sisters, Lincoln turned out well," Lori said. "The perfect boy, the greatest boyfriend material, the best a guy can offer and the ultimate prize that a girl can receive."
"Ugh! We get it Lori! Lincoln's perfect!" Ronnie Anne shouted, surprising everyone in the car.
"Where'd that come from?" Carlota asked.
"Sorry, it's just that, you spent like the last ten minutes talking up Lincoln and how great he is, it gets kind of annoying," Ronnie Anne said.
"But you two are friends, you should be happy," Bobby said.
"I know we're friends but...the thing is, does Lincoln even like being considered all of the things you're saying he is?" Ronnie Anne asked. "I mean, doesn't it make him feel girly? Or at least just not masculine enough?"
"Oh Lincoln's over that," Lori said. "Besides he's plenty masculine, a good guy needs to be strong to the world, but sweet to her only, something Lincoln excells at, mostly at least."
"Sometimes the most attractive thing to a girl is when a guy isn't overly masculine," Carlota said. "See it helps to have a bit of both, a girl needs to be tough like a guy to get ahead in life, and conversely, a guy needs to be as sensitive as a girl to be the best husband and father he can be."
"My parents are the perfect example, they're a typical man and woman couple, but my mom knows when she needs to step forward yet she doesn't lose her motherly nature, while my dad can be sensitive but he's also firm and dependable," Lori said. "Girls like me, mom, Luan and Stella just seem to like guys who are masculine but sensitive. Bobby doesn't need big muscles to show me he's a man, the fact that he works hard is good enough for me."
"Aw, thanks babe," Bobby said. "And Ronnie Anne, remember that Stella's been with Lincoln for years, so he's clearly manly enough for her liking. You don't need to worry about Lincoln."
"Well, let's hope not," Ronnie Anne said. "I just hope they had a nice sleepover with Sid."
"Of course, if I know Lincoln, he probably kept her entertained really well," Bobby said. "They probably had an experience that brought them closer than they've been before."
"They're already pretty close, I mean how much closer can those kids get than?" Carlota asked, her cousin and friend seeming to agree.
At the Loud House, a trio of teens were still sleeping together, having gotten really comfortable together last night.
Stella was the first to wake up, sitting up to stretch her back, wiping some sleep out of her eyes. She looked aside and saw Lincoln sleeping soundly next to her, the boy not too decently dressed. Stella had gotten very intimate with her boyfriend in the middle of the night, having gotten quite the urge to do so very suddenly, most likely having to do with thoughts running through her head after both her and Lincoln got a surprise kiss from Sid.
As she recalled this, Lincoln himself slowly started to stir awake, subconciously hugging Sid while his eyes were still closed, groping her breasts in the process. "Hey Stella, good morning." Lincoln leaned in to kiss Sid on the cheek, thinking it was his girlfriend. Of course upon opening his eyes, he spotted their city friend, the boy quickly yelping as he jumped back. "Sid!?" He looked up and saw his actual girlfriend, "Stella!?"
"The one and only," Stella said, noticing Sid stirring awake.
"Why is there yelling?" Sid sat up, rubbing her eyes.
"Sorry, didn't mean to disturb you," Stella said. "Sleep well?"
"Like a baby," Sid said, winking at Stella. "Especially after the show last night."
Stella began to blush madly, as did Lincoln who seemed even more embarrased by the fact that Sid saw him and Stella getting intimate.
"So much for being a heavy sleeper," Lincoln lamented.
"I'm not gonna brag about it to everyone if that's what you're worried about," Sid teased. "I won't even tell them about me joining in."
"Excuse me!?" Lincoln shouted in disbelief. "You did no such thing!"
"Yeah, might have been after you feel asleep then," Sid said. Lincoln could not tell if she was joking or serious, so he turned his attention to Stella. "She's just kidding, right?"
"Eh, my mind's a blur," Stella said, smirking at her boyfriend. Oh Lincoln could only hope that didn't happen, that both Stella and Sid were joking around, unfortunately he does not know for sure.
Sid plopped off the bed, casually taking her clothes off, much to Lincoln's dismay, "Sid!"
"What? I'm just changing," Sid said, the girl not caring about being exposed in her underwear.
"You could at least wait, or head to the bathroom and do it," Lincoln said.
"Bathroom?" Sid said, then realizing. "I could use a bath actually, or do either of you want to go first?"
"No we're good, just make sure that no one else is in line," Lincoln said, checking the clock. "Actually it's pretty late in the morning, so you should be good."
"Sweet," Sid said, making her way out the room. "Catch you later!"
"Sid wait!" Lincoln called, trying to remind her that she left less than decent. "Ah whatever, not my problem." Lincoln then let out a massive sigh as he fell back onto the bed, "Oh boy. What a night."
"Yeah, it was certainly unique," Stella said, then took further note of her boyfriend's mood. "Hey are you feeling alright?"
"I don't even know what to feel," Lincoln said. "Last night you seemed to eager for sex all of a sudden, then you tell me not to move Sid and that doing it next to her would make things more interesting, now this joke about her joining in, if it is one."
"I wouldn't put too much stock in what Sid says," Stella replied.
"Still, why were you eager for it though?" Lincoln asked.
"I can't say for sure, it just came over me," Stella said. "I just love being intimate with you, it feels so natural."
"I love it too, but next time, we should exercize some caution," Lincoln said. "Whether Sid is joking about joining in or not, it still seemed irresponsible to just do it next to her."
"I know, maybe it was a bad move, I just felt a powerful urge," Stella said. "But let's say Sid were to really join in, would it really not sit well with you?"
"Not really, because you're the only girl I want to be with," Lincoln said.
"Such a romantic guy, I love that about you," Stella said as she leaned in to kiss him, pressing her body against his, the softness of her breasts rubbing against his chest. "Remember, I love you a lot. Nothing's gonna change that, no matter how many other girls happen to get in bed with us."
"I love you too Stella, you're the only one I want," Lincoln said, returning the kiss, rubbing his hands all over her body, placing them firmly on her butt, enjoying the feel of his girlfriend's tenderness, the two enjoying each other's affection for the time being.
After a few minutes, Sid had finished up and knocked on the door to the shared room, "Bathroom's ready!"
Stella turned to Lincoln, "Would it be alright if I go first?"
"Of course, ladies first," Lincoln said.
"Huh, almost surprised you didn't offer to join me," Stella teased.
"Well last time we came out of the bathroom together, Lynn looked kind of furious and made us check the tub for 'cleanliness'," Lincoln said. "Which sucks because the bathtub is the only place the two of us have private intimate moments."
"Hey there's also the basement, or attic" Stella said. "Even your old room."
"Well if we do it in the attic, we're going to fall through the ceiling, and that's gonna be very awkward for us," Lincoln said.
"Almost a shame Leni's coming back, we could have had this room to ourselves," Stella said. "I mean she's going away after the week ends but then she's going to stay here permanently after college."
"We'll figure something out," Lincoln said. "Anyway you should get showed up."
"See you in a few minutes," Stella said, making her way to the shower, leaving Lincoln alone with his thoughts.
"I still can't believe Stella was that kinky," Lincoln said. "Kind of strange, yet exciting."
Some time had passed, eventually Stella had finished up in the bathroom. After letting Lincoln know she made her way downstairs, feeling clean and refreshed.
"Hey gorgeous," came Lola's voice. Stella turned to see the young Pageant Queen glancing at her from behind the couch. "Sleep well?"
"Uh, yeah I slept just fine," Stella said, blushing a bit from the compliment. Lola has been really sweet to her the last couple of weeks.
"Good to know, girls as pretty as you need their beauty sleep to stay pretty," Lola said. "Pretty girls make for great company."
"Well yeah, you are a prime example of that Lola," Stella said.
Lola giggled a bit, not even bothering to hide her blush, "You're such a sweetheart, come here and I'll give you a reward."
Stella made her way over, allowing Lola the chance to kiss her on the check. Stella returned the favor with a kiss to Lola's head, the young pageant girl appreciating it.
"Oh brother," Lana said, the girl sitting against the couch, having noticed this entire transaction.
"Lola really likes Stella, I've never seen her this nice before," Adelaide said.
"It's been like this for the last couple of weeks," Lana said. "It's like Stella's become the most important person in her life all of a sudden."
"Well Stella is carrying your niece, or nephew, so Lola's just extra excited that she's gonna be an aunt," Adelaide said. "I mean, aren't you?"
"A little, though I don't know what it will even mean for me," Lana said. "I'm still a kid, so it's not like I'm gonna have much to do with the new baby."
"Well, you can just be like the baby's big sister," Adelaide suggested.
"I wouldn't mind that," Lana said. "There's a lot I can offer after all."
Seconds later, there was a knock on the door, which Luna answered, "Welcome back."
"Hey Luna, how was it last night with the extra guests?" Lori asked.
"Well Lana and Lola seemed to like their sleepover, I haven't talked much to Lincoln but Stella an Sid seem to be in high spirits," Luna said.
"Where is Sid?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"In the kitchen, finish up her breakfast," Luna said as Ronnie Anne made her way inside.
"I really hope it wasn't too much of a hassle with the Chang sisters," Lori said.
"It's all good Lori, Lana loves hanging out with Adelaide and you know how close Sid is with Lincoln, she's become one of his closest friends, just like Ronnie Anne and Clyde," Luna said.
"How has Clyde been handling this? I haven't seen him in a while," Lori said.
"He's been helpful, he's actually come by on occasion to help Stella get settled in," Luna said.
"Like I've always said, Clyde's a great kid, good heart," Bobby said. "Everyone needs that best friend in their life."
"Well why don't you come inside, did you get that hotel thing sorted out yet?" Luna asked.
"Mostly, we'll explain," Lori said as she went inside with Bobby and Carlota.
It wasn't long before Lincoln came downstairs, fully refreshed. "Nothing like a nice shower to start the day."
"Hey Lincoln!" Adelaide said, getting the boy's attention.
"Hi Adelaide, hi Lana," Lincoln said, making his way around the couch. "And good morning to you Lola."
"Sleep well Linky?" Lola asked.
"I slept like a rock," Lincoln said.
"You, Sid and Stella got up pretty late, even for vacation standards," Lana said.
"Yeah well, we kept busy last night," Lincoln said, hiding a blush. "Nothing special."
"That's fine, we were up pretty late too, we would have stayed up later but Lola wanted us to go to bed," Adelaide said.
"Hey I still need my beauty rest," Lola said. "You two were talking too loud."
"We were whispering actually," Lana pointed out.
"Loudly," Lola said. "Look you know me, if I don't sleep enough, I can't function in the morning, and then I get cranky."
"Pfft, you're always cranky, except when you're around Stella, then you're her biggest fan," Lana said.
"Well she's a pretty woman, my hope is that I can be as pretty as she is when I'm her age," Lola said.
"I think you got that covered Lola, I mean you're already pretty now," Lincoln said, rubbing Lola's hair. "In fact you're the prettiest girl in the sixth grade."
"Aw, why thank you Linky," Lola said, batting her eyes.
Lincoln heard Lana grumble in annoyance a bit, "Of course Lana's just as pretty, so the sixth grade has two incredible looking girls."
"Hey I don't need to be called 'pretty'," Lana said.
"I know, but I really do think you are pretty Lana," Lincoln said.
The girl began to blush, and she hated it, "Be quiet! I don't care about being pretty!"
"Come on, don't say that," Adelaide scolded. "There's nothing wrong with being pretty. I agree with Lincoln, you're a very pretty girl Lana, just like your sister."
"Alright, fine, I'm pretty, now can we drop it?" Lana asked. "I'm covered in grease half the time anyway so its not like it matters."
"Hey some boys like that in a girl, in fact what about that boy you had a crush on?" Adelaide asked.
"You mean Skippy? Yeah he's cute and I still see him sometimes, but I never got anything going with him," Lana said. "Unfortunately, only Luna and Luan lucked out during that Love Letter thing, the rest of us got nothing."
"Not true, Lisa's friends with the boy she liked, even if they're not dating," Lincoln said. "And Leni was already friends with the boy she liked, even if she moved on from her own crush."
"So don't give up hope," Adelaide said. "I mean, do you still see Skippy?"
"Sometimes, I gave him a love letter once, he found out it was me but he told me he wasn't interested in a relationship, not that it was me but he just didn't want a girlfriend yet," Lana said.
"And when was the last time you spoke to him about this?" Adelaide asked.
"Uh...not since then," Lana said. "Wait, you think I should try again?"
"I was your age when I got together with Stella, it can happen to you," Lincoln said. "Just promise that when you two are ready to go that extra mile in your relationship, that you'll be better prepared than I was."
"Well yeah, I don't want to get pregnant at sixteen," Lana said, somewhat annoying Lincoln. "If all goes to plan, I should be married by the time I'm Lori's age," Lana said.
"Or whatever pace suits you," Lincoln said, holding back his annoyance.
"Yo, Lincoln," came Ronnie Anne's voice, the girl leaving the kitchen with Sid and Stella. "Finally done bathing?"
"Oh, Ronnie Anne? When did you get here?" Lincoln asked.
"Not too long ago," Ronnie Anne said. "Thanks for putting up with Sid for the night."
"It's no trouble, she's our friend after all," Lincoln said, blushing a little. "Very close friend."
"Yeah, we're really close," Sid said, blushing herself as she reminisced the previous night.
Ronnie Anne didn't get this but she figured it's a 'Gotta be there' type joke. "Well still, I'm glad you had fun, and honestly, I wish I were there last night with you."
"I wish you were there last night too Ronnie Anne," Lincoln said, trying to hard to sound upbeat.
Ronnie Anne raised her eyebrow again, Lincoln was acting a bit unusual. "Right...well things have just been weird for me. I mean it's been weird for you as well but, you know what, let's go upstairs, I have somethings to get off my chest."
"Uh, sure, alright," Lincoln said, making his way upstairs with the four girls.
"Huh, wonder what they could be talking about?" Adelaide wondered.
"Probably some older kid stuff," Lola said.
Adelaide seemed awfully curious, something about Ronnie Anne was different. She knows that as of late that her downstairs neighbor has not been in the best of moods regarding her older sister. Adelaide knows that Sid can be a handful but Ronnie Anne has always stuck by her side regardless, to know they might be at odds is a bit worrying, especially from what Carl had told her from his end. "I think we should go and see."
"How?" Lana asked.
"Don't you girls know your way around the vents?" Adelaide pointed out.
Lana seemed to have a lightbulb go off in her head as she deviously smiled at the idea passing through. "Follow me girls."
"Count me out," Lola said. "I am not crawling around in vents, on top of that I do not want to get caught eavesdropping on Stella."
"Yeah, wouldn't want to disappoint the girlfriend you wish you had," Lana taunted.
"Oh you are so immature, I aleady told you that I do not have a crush on her!" Lola said. "Whatever happened to the idea of platonic affection?"
"If you ask Lincoln, that thought is lost on this family," Lana said.
Adelaide looked a bit worried, "Uh...do I even want to know what that means?"
"No, now follow me," Lana said, leading Adelaide upstairs.
"Well, those two can do that, meanwhile I'm gonna eavesdrop where it matters," Lola said, making her way near the kitchen area.
Up in the room where Lincoln and the girls slept last night, the four friends were gathered around as Ronnie Anne began to speak.
"Alright, so I'm gonna come clean with you," Ronnie Anne began. "Now, I'm not sure if anyone noticed, but I've been a tad bit on edge lately."
"You don't say," Lincoln sarcastically remarked.
"Yeah, went right over my head," Sid snarked.
"Who would have thought?" Stella playfully asked.
"Alright, so you noticed, want a medal?" Ronnie Anne remarked, before taking a moment to recompose herself. "Sorry, making it worse. But yeah, I haven't been in the best mood lately, and it all started when I found out that Stella was pregnant. It took me by surprise and was a huge deal for me."
"Really? My girlfriend being pregnant is a huge deal for you?" Lincoln asked.
"Well yeah, I mean I know it affects you and Stella the most, but imagine how this is affecting everyone else, even the lives of your sisters are gonna change," Ronnie Anne said.
"They kind of know that," Lincoln said. "But go on."
"Yeah, well the point I'm trying to make is, this has been hard to deal with, seeing a friend my age about to become a parent means things are gonna change big time," Ronnie Anne said. "Taking care of a kid means you won't have as much free time to hang out with us, you'll be much more busy. Plus I'm kind of worried how you're going to handle it, I'd hate to see either of you struggle."
"I already have plans to make it work," Lincoln confidently reassured.
"Dude, sometimes I want to bottle and sell your optimism, you always sound so sure of things," Ronnie Anne said.
"Because I'm motivated," Lincoln said. "I want my kid to have a father he can be proud of, that means being a real working man and getting things done. I'm ready to do everything I can to make sure that me and my girlfriend can get through the troubles."
"I'll do my share too of course," Stella said. "After I give birth I'll of course try to bring in income myself."
"Where are you gonna work though?" Ronnie Anne asked. "At Lincoln's dad's restaurant?"
"Either there or Flip's gas station," Stella said.
"Lori would be pretty ticked off if you ended up working there," Lincoln said.
"Plus it's a waste of your talents," Sid said. "One thing you excel at is tech, and I always figured you and I could go into business together someday, use our creative minds to build tons and tons of artificial intelligence. Imagine being able to mass produce Breakfast Bot."
"Not sure if building a crap ton of robots is a good idea," Ronnie Anne said. "What if they betray us?"
"Pfft, two genius girls like us won't let that happen," Sid said.
"Building robots does sound fun," Stella said. "And it sounds like a great way to make lots of cash."
"Yeah, money won't be an issue, and your kid can grow up with the finest lifestyle," Sid said. "Not bad for a pregnant high school girl, you'll be ready to retire by the time you're Lori's age."
"Alright, so at least you might have a chance at a good income," Ronnie Anne said. "But there's still just the general responsibility."
"Raising a kid can't be that much different than being an older brother," Lincoln said. "I mean thanks to Lily I know how to change a diaper at least, I've even cooked for my sisters on occasion. I think I have a great work ethic."
"Aside from the strike your sisters told me about," Stella said.
"Uh, what exactly did they tell you? Because I'm ninety-nine percent sure they exaggerated," Lincoln said.
"They said you didn't want to take out the garbage, because it was 'too hard', and you began a strike and it caused all the garbage in the house to pile up," Stella said.
"Hey they did just as much damage," Lincoln said. "No clean dishes, no laundry done, no phone service. Lori had to use our pet bird to send notes to Bobby."
Ronnie Anne chuckled, "Oh yeah, that was around the time Bobby thought Lori broke up with him because one of those notes went to Clyde instead and he told Bobby that Lori was dumping him."
"She nearly destroyed me that day," Lincoln said, remembering his oldest sister's wrath. "Point is they all had a hand in it, plus it was forever ago, I've moved past that."
"If you have more kids, you better hope they don't act as nutty as your sisters do," Sid said.
"It's hard when it's a bit family though," Ronnie Anne said. "Sometimes hell breaks loose."
"I think Stella and I can manage, but right now we aren't thinking about any more kids," Lincoln said.
"Maybe when we're both a bit older, I wouldn't mind having a large family," Stella said. "Your sisters are chaotic to be around, but it's easy to tell you all really love each other."
"All I care is that you both know what you're doing and that you have this under control," Ronnie Anne said.
"Well nothing's guaranteed, but we'll do our best," Stella said.
"So long as I have my family, confident as I am with my plans, I don't think Stella or I could handle this by ourselves," Lincoln said.
"You also have me and my family, remember that," Ronnie Anne said. "Especially with Lori and Bobby living together and being practically married."
"Aw, so that means you consider Lincoln like family," Stella said.
"Maybe you are like my sister," Lincoln said.
"Not what I meant at all," Ronnie Anne said. "It just means we're really tight. Not at all brother and sister like, just two really, REALLY close friends."
"Well I still apprecaite your kind gestures," Lincoln said. "You mean a lot to me Ronnie Anne, you're my best friend in the world, aside from Clyde."
"And me too right?" Sid asked.
"Yeah, you too Sid," Lincoln said. "You're both important to me, and I care about you both.
Also don't worry about me being a father, we can still hang out, even mom and dad hang out with their friends. I can find a sitter, I know plenty of potential sitters."
Ronnie Anne did feel some relief in hearing Lincoln's reassurance, even if something about it felt bittersweet. "Thanks Lincoln, means a lot, but speaking of best friends." Ronnie Anne turned her attention to her own bestie, "Sid..."
"Yeah Ronnie?" Sid asked.
"I'm sorry, I've been not so nice to you these last few weeks, and I should know better than you cast you aside," Ronnie Anne said. "You mean so much to me, I can't imagine life without you. I hope you can eventually forgive me for-"
Sid immediately hugged Ronnie Anne, "Already have!"
Ronnie Anne was a bit surprised by the sudden display of affection, not that she minded, it put her at ease as she slowly returned the hug. "Thanks buddy."
"Aw, I love a happy reunion," Stella said. "Since we're all together and in happy terms, let's go out and celebrate, I'm craving some ice cream."
"Sounds good to me," Sid said as she stood up. "Let's get to it."
The four had left the room, ready for their ice cream adventure. Up in the ducts, Lana and Adelaide had heard most of the conversation.
"Wow, Ronnie Anne was more worried than I thought she'd be," Adelaide said. She reached to grab her phone, "I should let Carl know that things are patching up between her and my sister."
"Honestly I didn't even notice the two were at odds," Lana said. "Also, I didn't think Ronnie Anne would be this worried for my brother."
"She tries to hide it but she has a big heart," Adelaide said as she sent the text. "I really like Ronnie Anne, she's really nice. It makes me happy that she and Sid are friendly again."
"Still, Ronnie Anne being that worried about Lincoln, something about that strikes me as weird," Lana said.
"Uh, weird how?" Adelaide asked. "Is it that strange that she cares about Lincoln?"
"Not that it's strange, but..." Lana couldn't word it well. "Alright, it's strange, something's up though."
"You worry too much," Adelaide said, finishing her text and putting her phone away. "Alright, that should settle things."
"Say, you and Carl, are you two a thing?" Lana asked.
"No," Adelaide bluntly answered. "I like Carl but more like an older brother, he is too immature to be anyone's boyfriend right now."
"Wow, harsh," Lana jokingly said. "I remember one time Carl was here, someone thought he was Lola's boyfriend. Boy was she mad."
"I think she was more mad that he didn't try to deny it," Adelaide said. "Of course you'd think Carl would try to lighten up, considering how often Lola beats him up every time he annoys her."
"I honestly think he likes it," Lana said. "Anyway let's get out of the shaft, getting stuffy up here."
"And you're in my private space," Lucy said, her random appearance startling the two.
"What the crap Lucy!?" Lana shouted.
"Can you like, teleport?" Adelaide asked.
"Sorry, I can't share my secrets with mortals," Lucy said.
Adelaide and Lana nervously glanced at one another as they awkwardly crawled past Lucy, not even wanting to be around this another second.
Later on, as planned, Lincoln and the girls had grabbed some ice cream from a store in town. The four were walking back to the Loud House, enjoying their scoops.
"Nothing like friendship ice cream, the greatest of all ice creams," Sid said.
"Any ice cream is great," Ronnie Anne said. "But yeah, having friends to enjoy it with makes it all the more sweeter."
"I'm just happy I can enjoy ice cream, my mom usually doesn't like when I have sweets," Stella said. "Of course now I'm eating for two so cravings win out."
"Just try not to have too many weird cravings," Lincoln said.
"No promises," Stella said, taking another lick of her ice cream.
As the two walked past the park, Cristina was seen eyeballing them as she sat on the bench. She absolutely loathed Lincoln and Stella, all the trouble the two have caused her, especially this past week. She hoped that exposing the pregnancy would be her advantage over Stella, showing the imperfections of the couple.
In the end however, it just made Lincoln and Stella more popular, which she could not understand. Parents aren't suppose to be popular among kids, they're suppose to be lame and boring, yet now all the kids find it adorable that the longest going couple in their grade are about to have a baby. It actually made Lincoln more attractive to some girls because of how protective he was to Stella, and the envy of a lot of boy who wished they could have someone like Stella.
"This is so ridiculous! Lincoln Loud's not some knightly prince, he's a loser creep who got lucky!" Cristina kicked the ground. "And that Stella Zhau, so much for being little Miss Perfect, she gets knocked up, the ultimate in irresponsibility, and he gets more liked by others? It's total bullshit!"
Cristina was being pretty loud, this did attract the attention of the four kids, who looked their way. Needless to say, Lincoln and Stella did not look pleased.
"Great, it's Christina," Stella commented.
"Christina? Wait, she looks familiar, think I saw her on some video that got posted online, Lincoln was kissing her picture," Ronnie Anne said.
"Yeah she held one heck of a grudge over it," Lincoln said. "She's actually the one who told the whole school about Stella being pregnant."
"What a bitchy thing to do," Ronnie Anne said.
Cristina noticed that they were looking her way, "Hey! You losers got something to say to me!?"
"Let's just ignore her, she's not worth our time," Stella said as the four continued walking.
"H-hey! Don't disregard me! I'll come over there and make you notice me!" Christina shouted.
Ronnie Anne turned her attention to the bratty girl, "You know I could just knock her out."
"Don't, you'll get in trouble," Lincoln said.
"Eh, wouldn't be the first time," Ronnie Anne said, making her way toward Christina.
"Wait, that girl's familiar is that..." Cristina started to freak as she backed off. "Ronnie Anne Santiago!? Oh shit I gotra run!"
Cristina quickly booked it just before Ronnie Anne could get to close, "Coward, she can talk trash but the moment she has to fight like a woman, she hi-tails it out of here."
"I really do not like that girl," Stella said. "All because Lincoln had a crush on her."
"She has to be pretty stupid to be bothered by Lincoln liking her," Sid said. "Like what gives?"
"She has a reason to be upset, I mean I did unintentionally embarrass her," Lincoln said.
"That was five years ago, she needs to get the hell over it," Stella said.
Ronnie Anne met up with her friends, "Times like these, I'm almost glad I have that tough girl reputation from Royal Wood, prevents kids from messing with us."
"Not something you should be proud of," Lincoln pointed out.
"Don't be so lame, it doesn't bother me," Ronnie Anne said. "Let's head back already."
"No hurry, it's a nice day after all, let's just-" Suddenly Lincoln and his friend were covered in mud, a bicycle having whizzed past a mud puddle, splashing the four of them.
"Eat mud lame-brains!" came Chandler's voice as he and his friends sped off.
"Of course," Lincoln said, wiping off the mud.
"I really hate Chandler," Stella said, tossing some mud off as well.
Ronnie Anne wiped some mud away before glaring in Chandler's direction, "I'll be right back..."
Once again Ronnie Anne had dashed off to where the boy went, leaving her friends behind.
"I hope she breaks his arm," Sid said. "She's got the power to."
"Come on, let's make sure she doesn't get too carried away," Lincoln said, urging the others to follow.
Nearby Chandler and his friends were laughing near a giant rock at the stunt they just pulled. "Ha, I totally got them, bunch of losers never saw it coming." As they continued to laugh, they slowly started to stop the moment they saw Ronnie Anne standing nearby, and she was furious. The kids sped off, leaving Chandler on his own. "Hey, where are you going!?"
"Hey dickhead!" Ronnie Anne shouted, the boy looking up. "Time for an ass kicking!"
Chandler backed away feeling a little foolish that he stayed to gloat, but he also refused to run, purely out of pride, "Y-you shouldn't have come back here Santiago! Royal Woods is my turf now!"
"And now it's gone to hell, allow me to fix the crap you caused!" Ronnie Anne lunged in with two quick punches to his jaw, then an elbow strike to his stomach, a knee to his chin, ending with a massive uppercut, knock the boy over. She lifted him up by his shirt, looking him right in the eyes as blood dripped down his mouth. "Don't let me catch you screwing with my friends again. Or I'll make the next beating worse."
"Y-yeah, I promise," Chandler replied in fear. "I'll back off."
"You better!" Ronnie Anne punctuated her statement with a massive headbutt, knocking him out cold to the ground. "Estúpido!"
"Holy crap!" Came Sid's voice. Ronnie Anne turned around to see her friends in awe of the sight before her.
"You really messed him up," Lincoln said.
"Well he messed with my friends, and no one messes with my friends," Ronnie Anne said, leaving the scene. "Come on, let's get home so we can get changed."
Not too long later, the four kids had returned, Lori being the first to notice their appearance. "Hey, what happened to you four?"
"Chandler happened," Lincoln answered.
Lori looked unhappy, "Chandler, that boy who's been giving you a hard time the last few years? Did he get you all muddy!?"
"Hey what's happening!" Came Lynn's voice. It wasn't long before all of the Loud siblings as well as Bobby and Adelaide were gathered around, taking note of the muddy clothes. "Were you being picked on!?"
"Easy now, it's all good," Lincoln reassured, hoping to prevent his sisters from getting into overprotective mode. "Yes Chandler did this but Ronnie Anne beat him up."
"I left him unconscious," Ronnie Anne boasted. "I also probably knocked his tooth out."
"That stupid Chandler, glad you messed him up Ronnie Anne," Lynn said.
"I just hope it didn't make things worse," Lori said. "Of course if I were there I would have probably broken his arms."
"That hooligan even got your clothes dirty," Lola commented, looking distressed at what Stella had gone through. "Ooh, he better hope I never find him."
"It's been taken care of, come on now, no more fighting," Lincoln said. "What's done is done."
"You're being too nice Lincoln," Lynn said. "You should beat Chandler up yourself. That'll really keep you away from him."
"Or make it worse, like I said," Lori repeated. "It's understandable that Lincoln would rather avoid confrontation, it's always been his thing after all."
"I'll deal with Chandler if and when I have to, that's a big if since Ronnie Anne really kicked his butt," Lincoln said. "For now, I just want to take a bath and change. Of course I'll let the girls go ahead of me."
"Hey it's your house dude, you can go before me," Ronnie Anne said.
"Ladies first," Lincoln said.
"Who you calling a lady?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"Ronnie Anne, just take Lincoln's hospitality," Bobby said. "As for this Chandler kid, can we be sure he won't bother Lincoln or Stella again?"
"I'll keep an eye out," Lynn reassured.
"Alright good," Bobby said. "I don't want any more trouble for Lincoln or Stella."
"None of us do," Lori said. "I'll go take it up with the school if I have to, or Chandler's parents."
"Speaking of parents, where's mom and dad?" Lincoln asked.
"Oh they had to go pick up some dry cleaning, they should be back soon, but maybe wash off, they won't be happy to see you dirty, especially you Stella," Lori said.
"Go wash up Stella," Lincoln said.
"Yeah, we can wait," Sid said.
"Alright, see you in a few," Stella said, making her way upstairs.
"I can see why Stella doesn't like mud, she does not look good in it," Lana commented.
"Ugh, really Lana?" Lola asked. "Don't be so distasteful. A boy was picking on her, and Linky, are you really alright with that?"
"Well, no, I don't like anyone messing with my big brother," Lana said. "I'm just calling it like I see it."
"Well don't," Lola said, heading to the stairs. "I'm gonna pick out some nice clothes for Stella, he deserves it."
The other sisters began to disperse, still feeling rage and annoyance for what Chandler did, but would find their own way of revenge soon.
Lincoln turned his attention to Sid and Ronnie Anne, "Sorry you both went through that today."
"Not the first time we dealt with scumbags," Ronnie Anne said.
"Yeah, plus Ronnie Anne really kicked his ass, making it all worth it," Sid said. "Just let us know if he tries messing with you again, this time I'll kick his ass."
"Sid, no offense, but you're not really that tough," Ronnie Anne said.
"Hey, I can be tough!" Sid said.
"Please, we'd be better off getting Adelaide to kick Chandler's ass, you're more brain than brawn," Sid said.
"Oh, that's right, I can build a robot to beat him up!" Sid said. "We did it for our school club, I bet we can totally amp it up and teach it a bunch of fighting moves. I've been thinking, we can take that Muscle Fish came and program his moves into the robot!"
"That would actually be awesome, or maybe some Ace Savvy moves, we can use the crossover game they had," Lincoln said.
"You are blowing my mind right now!" Sid said.
"Hey easy you two, try not to get carried away, remember what I said about the robots, they might betray us," Ronnie Anne said.
"Actually, they're not likely too if you avoid the clichés," Came Lisa's voice, the girl walking into the room. "Sorry to have overheard, but you mentioned building robots, and as someone who dabbles with technology myself, I was thinking perhaps I can lend any assistance you may need."
"Totally, I could use your brain," Sid said. "I thought about using some robots to help Stella with her pregnancy, they can cook, clean, protect and do a bunch of other neat stuff. I bet we can make a robot that would be able to change diapers."
"I don't think I'd trust a robot with my baby," Lincoln said.
"Come on, do you want to change diapers?" Sid asked.
"Hey I used to change Lily, and even Lisa that one time," Lincoln said.
"Let's not delve into that," Lisa said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "But I do agree with Sid Lincoln, robotic assistance is the way of the future. Having two minds at this results in even better chances of it working."
"Or three if Stella wants to help, she does love technology," Sid said.
"Of course, her gift of assembly would greatly come in handy," Lisa said. "I've seen her work first hand and she's quite talented, makes me proud to be the aunt of her child."
"I don't mind her helping you, but would it be safe for her and the baby?" Lincoln asked.
"Don't worry Lincoln, I'll take precaution," Lisa reassured. "I do care about Stella's wellbeing after all, she has become quite dear to me, as any of our other sisters would agree."
"Except Lana," Sid said.
"Oh pish posh, whatever petty grudge Lana feels will soon blow over," Lisa said. "I mean she too admires how skilled Stella is with tech, perhaps she's still trying to adjust to the sudden change, with her about to be an aunt, I mean even I am still quite perplexed at the idea."
"I hope it blows over, Stella did sound pretty upset, she thinks Lana actually hates her," Sid said.
"I'll get to the bottom of that," Lincoln said.
"I still say give it some time," Lisa suggested. "She'll come around."
Lincoln decided to trust in Lisa, but if things didn't change, he would make them change. "Alright."
Suddenly Lisa's phone went off from a text message, "Oh, Darcy's trying to contact me."
"How is Darcy?" Lincoln asked. "I haven't seen her in a while."
"She's doing great, she's actually close to entering the honors program, all thanks to my tutoring," Lisa said. "That girl is quite intelligent, not quite a genius but very above average. I'm so proud of her."
"You two must be really close," Sid said.
"Yeah, I would say, the only way we'd be closer is if she became my significant other," Lisa said. "Not that she would but if I had to choose one, then why not a close friend."
"Lisa, that's not how it works," Lincoln said.
"Hey it worked for you," Lisa said. "Stella was your best friend, and you two ended up together. Close friendships usually mean good relationships, because you know the person so well already."
Ronnie Anne quickly glanced at Sid, remembering that she too said the same thing about Lincoln, which really had her wondering at the moment.
"I just hope you think carefully about it," Lincoln said. "Don't just go with Darcy because it's easy."
"I won't, females aren't my first choice anyway, but of course I have yet to experiment the idea," Lisa said. "I know I like males, I don't know if I like females. So far no female has enticed me, but Darcy can come close."
"I really don't think that's how attraction works," Lincoln said.
"It can, if you're willing to see it from that hypothesis," Lisa said. "Especially given Lola's recent change in demeanor?"
"Huh? What change?" Lincoln said.
"Heh, you're so naïve sometimes Lincoln," Lisa said, walking off. "Always keep an open mind."
"Hm, open mind huh?" Ronnie Anne said to herself.
"Did you say something?" Sid asked.
Ronnie Anne shook her head, "It's nothing, hey after we're done showering and changing, wanna play some video games?"
"Sound good to me," Lincoln said. "I have a bunch of games I wanna crush you with."
"Oh it's on," Ronnie Anne said, eager for the challenge.
The rest of the week was mostly uneventful, there hadn't been that many problems, no sign of Christina or Chandler, likely out of fear of what Ronnie Anne would do to them.
Lincoln and Stella enjoyed the company of their two friends, though as time went on, something felt a bit different. Sid had a unique bond with Lincoln and Stella, one she loved very much and it did seem to relax her enough to be chill as she used to be, with Ronnie Anne appreciating her company once more. Of course Sid felt closer to Lincoln and Stella too, especially after that one night, a very unique experience for her.
And of course, things with Lana have not improved much, which worried Lincoln, the boy hoping to figure this out soon. Of course Lola and Adelaide were a bit worried, but Adelaide had faith in Lana's siblings to right this wrong.
Even Ronnie Anne felt different, something about what Lisa said really stuck in her mind as he hung out with Sid. The girl spent a lot of time trying to weigh her options, hoping to come to a conclusion soon.
By the end of the week, everyone had said their 'good-byes', Leni returned to College and Lori went with the Casagrande group back to Great Lakes, where things would take an interesting turn.
When back in the apartment, Ronnie Anne and Sid sat together a bit, reminiscing the past week of fun they had.
"It's great isn't it, despite being pregnant at least Stella can still have fun with us, Lincoln too," Sid said.
"We'll enjoy whatever time we have together," Ronnie Anne said. "But I think that even after all this, we'll still be able to have fun with Lincoln and Stella, we'll just have a new friend along for the ride."
Sid had a sudden realization regarding the baby, "Think it'll call us Aunt Ronnie Anne and Aunt Sid?"
"That'd be dope," Ronnie Anne said. She wouldn't mind bonding with the baby, she would love it in fact, even if part of her wished that baby was hers and Lincoln's, but she has to remember and respect that Lincoln and Stella are together. But in the topic of romance, there is something she felt inclined to ask. "Sid, question..."
"Yeah?" Sid asked.
"Do you...still have a crush on me?" Ronnie Anne asked.
Sid looked a bit surprised, she hadn't thought much about her crush all week, but looking at it, she never really lost the feelings she had for her friend, "Yeah...but I'll work on it, I promise not to bother you about it."
"It's not that I'd be bothered, I am curious though," Ronnie Anne said. "Why do you have a crush on me? Like what about me is attractive to you?"
"Uh, well, for starter you're really pretty," Sid said.
"Alright, glad to hear that I got the looks," Ronnie Anne joked, getting a laugh from Sid.
"Funny too, you always make me smile," Sid said. "You're also really kind, you made me feel right at home when I first moved here, I really appreciate that."
"You helped me adjust to life here too," Ronnie Anne said. "You're the best part of me living here."
"Aw, that's another reason I have a crush on you, because you're sweet and you make me feel like I'm worth something," Sid said. "Dang it Ronnie Anne, don't make me fall in love with you. I know we'll never be together."
"...I...I might be willing to try," Ronnie Anne said.
Sid almost couldn't believe her ears, she even stopped to pick at her ear canals to make sure she wasn't hearing things, "Come again?"
"If you want to try dating, then I'm up for it," Ronnie Anne said.
"Wait, REALLY!?" Sid asked, not believing her ears. "But, what made you change your mind? I mean I'm happy you did but, why?"
"I don't know, maybe because I had time to think this week, maybe because being around Lincoln and Stella made me want someone, and maybe it's because well, if I'm gonna be with someone, I want to be with someone I already care about," Ronnie Anne said.
"But, you told me you didn't like girls that way," Sid said. "You don't have to do this just to make me happy."
"I'm not, I'm honestly just curious," Ronnie Anne said. "We'll take it slow though, date for a bit and see where it goes. If I enjoy it enough, I'll consider you my girlfriend."
Sid squealed in excitement and hugged Ronnie Anne tightly. "Oh I'm so happy! I'll be the best date possible for you!"
"Glad to hear," Ronnie Anne said, returning the hug. "Here's to us."
Sid pulled away, "Uh, should we kiss?"
"We're not quite there yet," Ronnie Anne said. "But you can kiss me on the cheek if you want."
"I'll take it," Sid said, kissing her potential girlfriend on the cheek. "I'll make you happy, I promise."
"I know you'll do your best to keep that promise," Ronnie Anne said, bringing Sid in for more hugs.
Just outside the door, Carl could not believe his ears, the boy quickly pulling out his phone, "Gotta tell Adelaide!" He went to find his brothers, "Yo! CJ! Carlitos! I got something to tell ya!"
Romance wasn't only in Great Lakes, back in Royal Woods, Lincoln and Stella were both in the boy's old room, Lincoln holding Stella close to him, having just finished a session with her.
"I love you Lincoln," Stella said, slowly drifting off to a peaceful slumber.
"I love you too Stella," Lincoln said, kissing her head as he too drifted off to sleep.