Cat's Corner: Hey folks! New Chapter! I just wanted to say thank you all for your very insightful reviews. A lot of you bring up some very interesting questions and angles I didn't consider, which forces me to answer those questions and make the story better. They're a joy to read and help improve my craft a great deal. Hopefully I continue to entertain you and provide you a story that's worth thinking of so in depth!
Morning, Sinverse
The first low orchestral notes of the Ace Savvy movie theme song began to slowly build within the dark, cramped, small room. Starting off with the rising horn section and harps it built up further and further in volume and energy, mimicking the slow rise of the room's single occupant. By the time the brass and drum section entered, Lincoln Loud had been fully stirred from his sleep.
With the theme in full gear, horns, drums, strings all playing at full volume in an energetic tone, Lincoln finally sat fully up on the bed.
His back felt a little stiff.
He wasn't quite used to sleeping in a single like in his youth anymore. Back home he had a full-size which allowed him to spread out just a bit more, keeping his limbs all closed together on the smaller size was cramping him up some. Part of him was beginning to regret taking his old room, but what other option did he have?
Looking with annoyance he grabbed his phone (not his phone, he reminded himself) and switched the alarm off. The other Lincoln had programmed in the same exact alarm that Lincoln himself used back home. It was one more of those similarities between the two that annoyed him. He really wanted there to be more differences between the two outside of the sister fucking. Sure, he also knew the other Lincoln was a victim and kind of pathetic, but did they have to have the exact same interests, passwords, and taste in things? Why didn't the other Lincoln like Crimson Chin more than Ace Savvy, or prefer Space Wars to Star Pioneers?
It was too early for all of this.
Six am.
God, when was the last time he'd gotten up at six am, and not just have happened to have stayed up until then? He'd been quite the early bird in his youth. He had to be to get up before his sisters and try to get things done. But in the last five years or so he didn't really have any kind of set schedule and had begun sleeping in.
Regardless, he'd agreed to fill in for the other Lincoln, as much as it annoyed him. The family was putting him up, even if they probably needed him to get their own Lincoln back, he wasn't about to sponge off of them. That and he didn't know what the financial situation of the family was. He wasn't about to let these kids starve because he lost their Dad's job for them. Even if they hated him, he was the one who put them in this situation, and Lincoln Loud didn't shirk responsibility.
Are you sure about that Lincoln? You sure you're not the asshole that cut your sisters out of your life? You sure you didn't abandon the responsibility to your sisters back home? Just like Lynn said you did.
Shut up, Shut up, Shut up, He told the intrusive thoughts.
It was another day without his anti-depressant and the intrusive thoughts were already starting up. Most likely not helped by his current situation at all he imagined.
Intrusive thoughts weren't like having a split personality, they were just negative, cutting thoughts of your own you couldn't control. Tearing yourself down whether justly or not. Lincoln knew this, but it was still annoying, questioning himself, second guessing himself. Thoughts he didn't like entertaining had been brought on by recent events, and he really just wanted to shove them all back into his mental closet.
He took a deep breath.
His mind quieted for the moment and he knew it was time to get ready.
Stepping out of his bedroom and into the hall, clad in his t-shirt and boxers he was greeted with…
A line leading into the bathroom.
Wow, that was surreal. Very very fucking surreal.
Liby was closest to the door, clad in her yellow Pajamas, retainer on, tapping her foot. Her resemblance to Luan was unmistakable, with her long auburn hair and head gear. Behind her was Lyra, in dark purple pajamas, looking sleepy but still standing with the quiet dignity she carried everywhere. Lyra's long hair was what really separated her from her mother, and her choice of more conservative sleepwear. Lacy was looking chipper and smiling despite the early hour. A long white and red night shirt with the number 2 on it that went to her knees. Lincoln was glad to see her smiling again, he didn't know what happened after dinner last night, but she seemed to have recovered just fine. Finally in the back was Lemy. The young rocker wore only a pair of light blue boxers, even his bandanna out of his hair, letting the brown frizzy mop obscure the upper half of his face.
It reminded Lincoln of his gothic younger sister Lucy.
A pang of guilt ran through him for only a moment, before he shoved it back down.
Those in the line turned to look at him as he looked back. Liby quickly turned away and faced the door, Lyra gave him a polite nod, Lacy gave him a big wave and smile, while Lemy yawned and gave him a thumbs up.
Lincoln gave an awkward smile and wave in return to the kids.
Lyra seemed to notice what was turning through Lincoln's mind and spoke up, "Father usually showers in his own bathroom in the morning."
Lincoln raised his eyebrow, "His own bathroom?"
Lemy yawned again and nodded as he replied, "Yeah, the one in his bedroom. Dad says he had to share the bathroom with all his sisters when he was younger and it helped him develop time management skills, so he makes up do the same but keeps his own."
Lacy looking like she wanted to be helpful chimed in, "If you really need to go Mr. Lincoln you can take my spot!"
Lincoln looked towards Lacy and gave a weak smile, shaking his head, "That's not necessary Lacy, but thank you."
Another sleepy yawning voice greeted their collection, as Loan, clad in grey sweatpants and a Lady Savvy shirt stretched over her frame, emerged from her room, "Literally unfair." For a moment, Lincoln thought he was hearing and looking at his sister Lori. Loan was the spitting image of her, and even sounded like her. But a closer look showed the slightly more disheveled hair, the meeker expression, and the little bit of extra weight that added to the girl's curves but gave her a tiny belly.
Lemy gave an annoyed frown at his eldest sister, folding his arms over his shirtless chest, "What are you complaining about? You don't even have to go to school. You could just go back to bed."
Loan looked to her little brother with a small frown of her own, "I gotta pee…and Lyra won't let me use the bottles anymore."
Lyra gave a groan and clenched her fists as she looked towards her roommate, a slight glare on her lips, "Because that's disgusting Loan, and you've moved past the point where you could barely leave the room!"
Loan frowned, more to herself than anything else, "I know, but…I don't wanna wait in line. I only kept doing it because it was just so much more convenient!"
Lyra only took on a slightly exasperated expression, slapping her forehead, "Aunt Lisa has said any of us can use her bathroom in the basement if it's really that bad!"
Loan gave a low pathetic groan and an awkward smile at her roommate, "I know but…"
Lyra looked right back, "But what Loan?"
Loan responded in a soft whine, "I don't wanna literally walk down all those stairs and walk all the way back up again!"
Lyra groaned loudly and slapped her hands over her face, "Lord grant me patience."
He looked down at Lemy after the Lyra and Loan exchange, "Is it always like this?"
Lemy looked up at him, his light brown hair plastered still to the front of his face. He gave a small smile and nodded, "Every morning dude…Uh I mean Lincoln…"
The sound of another door opening filled the hall and Lincoln looked back to see the faces of Leia and Lizy. They both gazed at him warily, with Leia placing her hands protectively on Lizy's smaller shoulders.
Lincoln looked back towards Lemy and sighed, "Think I'll go take advantage of your Dad's bathroom."
Lincoln turned and made his way downstairs and into the living room.
When he arrived, he caught sight of his sister Leni walking out of the dining room clad in a seafoam green robe, cinched at the waist. Her hair was a little messy from sleep, but even Lincoln was struck by how lovely she looked.
Lincoln's sisters were beautiful. Lincoln knew this on an objective level (while reinforcing to himself he had no sexual attraction towards them!). His sisters were true beauties, each and every one of them. Even Lisa who would deny it otherwise, was beautiful to him.
So why did they, why did they waste that beauty on him? Not him, him, but their brother? His sisters, the ones who were with a man, were all with a man of value, status, and looks that matched their own. But these ones were happy being with their dopey brother? Their brother who worked at the God damn Burpin Burger!?
It just didn't make any fucking sense.
He had these thoughts as he found himself entranced by Leni's loveliness so early in the morning.
It'd been long since he'd seen his sisters in any kind of sleepwear, long since he'd seen any of his sisters in anything he wouldn't see a stranger in. Something like this, seeing her in her pajamas so early indicated they were close, family. Being vulnerable before one another, expressing a sense of comfort with each other, where they weren't put together and ready for the rest of the world.
It struck him as intimate. Not in a romantic or sexual way, but in a way that showed what a bond the family had, and one he had previously had with his own family.
Leni spotted him, and flashed a warm, brilliant, welcoming smile that could melt icebergs.
Just seeing her smile at him like that put a crack in the concrete surrounding his own heart. It was so hard for him to hate her. Even when he told himself he was supposed to.
Her musical voice greeted him, that tender trace of affection floating in the air with it.
"Good morning Lincy, were you able to sleep alright?"
He was still in a slightly transfixed state as she approached him, a coffee cup in hand. When she reached him, she stopped and a look of cute concentration came over her features. Her brow furrowed, lips pursed as she reached up and pulled a stray piece of lint from his shoulder, gently brushed his shirt back into place afterwards.
It was a small act, but it spoke to that same level of familiarity, of closeness and love one had with those important to them. A small part of him, a part he absolutely hated, felt an intense, brief moment of warmth and nostalgia.
Leni had always fussed over him in such ways when they were younger. She had such an overwhelming kindness and warmth to her, and here it seemed almost magnified in the presence of so many more family members for her to fuss over.
He thought he should say something about boundaries with Leni, remind her that he wasn't her Lincoln, but he ultimately decided to just give up on it for now (And a small part of him didn't want to).
She wasn't trying to molest him, and he reminded himself she probably wasn't the one who initiated the crimes which transpired in their youth. She was just, gentle, caring, and sweet Leni…
He gave a sigh and stretched again, "Alright I suppose. Bed hurt my back a little, but I'll be fine."
Leni took on a concerned expression, "Lincoln, like, the bed in there is totes a king and is really comfy. We can both fit in it without even touching, and if you really don't wanna share, I'll sleep on the couch. I don't want you hurting yourself."
The look she was wearing seemed so genuine and concerned. That was another thing he hated. There was no hint of any kind of deception, any kind of desire to try and get him in bed to molest him. She just didn't like hearing her brother, even one from a different world, wasn't sleeping well.
He hated telling her no, even as he told himself mentally, he didn't owe her anything. He was tired, and cranky and wanted a cigarette and yet despite all that, Leni's concern and kindness felt like fresh water in the desert.
But he decided to spurn it all the same. Even if gently.
"Leni, I'd still prefer my privacy and I'm not putting you on the couch. I'll get used to it."
Leni closed her eyes as if she was trying to process her brother's rejection of her offer before she smiled softly back and nodded, "Alright Lincy." She looked over her shoulder before looking back to him, "Liena woke up early to make breakfast for everyone, there's some fresh coffee if you'd like."
Lincoln frowned as he looked over Leni's shoulder towards the dining room and back at her, without even realizing he was doing it, concern creeped into his voice, "Does she do that every morning? She's got school too, doesn't she? Should she really be doing that every morning?"
Leni looked back at Lincoln again and gave him an awkward smile, wincing slightly, "Well, like, typically Lincy makes the kids breakfast most school days."
Lincoln blinked and felt another wave of guilt come over him as he sighed and put his hand to his face.
"Right, of course he does."
Lincoln gave a gentle groan as he folded his arms and seemed like he was wrestling with something in his head, a moment later he spoke again, "Well whatever the case, she's not my kid but I don't want her grades slipping because she's not getting enough sleep overworking herself taking care of her siblings."
Leni bit her bottom lip, as a small look of guilt crossed her cheeks, her voice was soft, "Lincoln, you can't be suggesting that you do the cooking for breakfast are you? We're already asking so much of you."
Lincoln put his hand to his face again as he sighed, "I…I don't know what I'm suggesting right now Leni, I just know I can't shove all of this off on your daughter alright?"
When he looked back at Leni, he saw, she was practically glowing.
Her eyes were so wide, and her smile so bright and happy, and he knew it was exactly in response to what he'd just said. He sighed inwardly.
Was he really talking himself into more responsibilities with these kids? He didn't want to do it, but fuck, was he really going to be such an asshole that he'd pull away the very basic survival needs the other Lincoln did for these kids?
Leni pursed her lips and took on a determined expression, her hands coming up, fists balling, "It's okay Lincy! I'll take over while I'm here. I can do the cooking."
Lincoln looked directly at his sister, hearing her confident and proud statement, and couldn't help himself. Suddenly, his face split into a smile, and he started laughing. He started laughing hard, but it wasn't a cruel or mean laugh. It was a genuine laugh at his sister's earnestness while also knowing just how ill-suited Leni was to that statement.
"Leni, that's… that's really great you're volunteering to do so, but you can't even fry an egg! You remember when you tried cooking for us when we were kids? The Kitchen fire and Dad making you sign a contract you'd never touch the stove again?"
Leni even laughed in return, giggling despite herself. She smiled brightly, aware this was the first time she'd ever seen this Lincoln laugh and smile with genuine warmth. She was still smiling even as she replied in a gentle whine, "Lincy! That's totes unfair! You always bring that up when I mention cooking!"
Lincoln was suddenly struck by the oddness of what he'd just said, and what Leni had too. Both stopped laughing and looked at one another silently.
Lincoln spoke first, "Wait a minute, you set part of the kitchen on fire too?"
Leni slowly nodded, both her hands coming up to her lips, before she smiled brightly, "OH M GOSH! Your Leni did too?! So there are some things the same in both our worlds! I wonder how many more memories we share!"
Lincoln frowned. Cognitive Dissonance raced through him. He found himself both more comfortable and less comfortable at this revelation. There was at least some basis of shared events between his universe and this one, which meant his sisters here weren't complete strangers.
Part of him had already known this on an unconscious level. These girls didn't just look like his sisters, they acted like his sisters too. There were A LOT of similarities between him and their Lincoln as well. Which meant wider implications on how many events of their lives they did share with one another. But it was all things Lincoln didn't want to think about.
He shook his head, "It's not important Leni. Look, we'll figure something out for breakfast this week. I'm just, not going to let your daughter lose sleep taking care of everyone for me."
Leni gave a concerned frown to Lincoln, reaching forward and placing her hand on his shoulder. It was another one of those boundary violating actions, but one Lincoln wouldn't comment on. She spoke up, "Lincy, we all took care of one another when Mom and Dad were busy."
Lincoln responded in a gentle tone, "Yes, key words there being if Mom and Dad were busy. I'm not really Dad but, I'm here and I know how to cook, and I'm the adult. Look If…If, we have some of these similar memories…then I know at least both Lori and Luan can cook too, so I won't be doing it completely by myself every day."
Leni beamed at him again. He tried to remind himself she molested him, but being face to face with the sister who had always been so kind and sweet to him growing up it was difficult to muster any revulsion.
He quickly added, "IF…if I'm still here and I haven't gotten back to my world."
He turned away from Leni's look of admiration and warmth, trying to focus on anything else at the moment.
"Anyway, I'm down here to take a shower…and uh, I guess I need to know where my clothes are?"
Leni blinked and came out of her gentle reverence for her brother, happy to answer his question, "Oh! I took care of that for you Lincy. Follow me!" From there, Leni moved towards the master bedroom.
Lincoln followed Leni into the bedroom. As they entered, Leni pointed towards the neatly made bed, where he saw a pair of slacks, underwear, socks, a white button up shirt and a tie already laying out for him, "Here Lincoln!"
When Leni was certain Lincoln was following, she headed towards the adjoining bathroom, "And in here is the shower and bathroom Lincy."
He followed behind into the tidy, clean white tiled bathroom with its closet and full-sized bathtub built into the wall. Leni turned towards the bathroom closet and opened it, gesturing within, "Towels here." Before pointing towards a shelf in the bathing area that contained several different bottles, "Your shampoo, soap and shaving cream. Along with my own and some of our other sisters."
Lincoln looked back, and frowned to himself, old memories returning. How many times had Lori and Leni laid out his clothes for him? How many times had they helped him get him ready for his day? It had been practically every day when he was young. How many times did they make sure he looked his best for all his dates with Ronnie Anne? Or when he had to interview for jobs as a teenager, or his college scholarship.
Here Leni was, doing the same for him almost two decades later.
He nodded and gave a weak smile in response, "Uh, thanks Leni. Thank you."
Leni nodded, "Of course Lincy! Now I'm going to go get my own clothes out for the day, you go ahead and start the shower!"
Lincoln nodded before he turned from her, "Right. Alright, thanks again."
After Leni stepped out, Lincoln stripped off his clothes and started the shower up, obviously turning the handle to warm. Shortly afterwards he stepped in and was under the jet of hot water in moments, letting it run all over his body. It was relaxing and just what he needed over his tired and slightly sore muscles from the night before.
Lincoln noted his double had a nicer showerhead then he did. The water pressure was just how he liked it, precisely so, and for a moment he could lose himself in the sensation alone, basking in the comfort and warmth of the hot shower.
He got lost in his thoughts as he just let the water run over him. He had just agreed to helping make the kid's breakfasts, which would mean getting up even earlier than he planned. Ugh, why did he do that again? He'd just jumped to taking on that responsibility without giving it much thought. A vestige of his old self shining through, always eager to help others. It was annoying.
Of course, his sisters and he had all helped one another out as kids, sometimes with breakfast, but Dad was always the one who handled most of the cooking. It was a parent's job to make sure their kids were eating. Did that make him their parent?
No! He wasn't their parent!
Was he?
Just over a day and he was getting more tangled up in this family's life than he planned on. He had said he wasn't a doormat like that other Lincoln, so why the hell was he agreeing to all of this? For that matter, why didn't he feel more annoyed by it? He should really feel more pissed off about it all, but he just…wasn't. He didn't feel much annoyance about it beyond knowing he'd have to go to bed a little earlier.
Lincoln tried his best to clear his head and stop his racing mind. He stopped the thoughts and focused on nothing but the sensation of the hot war running over him. Of the relaxing sensation of the shower, of everything else in the world vanishing. Of the gentle hand sliding up over his left shoulder, giving it an affection squeeze. Of the sensation of a sponge being applied to his back and making smooth strokes over his skin.
He stood stock still for a moment, as his brain tried to process what the hell was going on. He looked up from the stream of water, opened his eyes and stared blankly at the wall ahead.
Leni's gentle humming filled his ears. The hand on his shoulder gave another affectionate and gentle squeeze, while the Sponge went to his lower back.
Lincoln whirled in place, wet white hair plastered to his head, eyes wide as he took in the sight of his older sister standing nude in the tub with him, a sponge covered with soap in her right hand.
For a moment, Lincoln just stared.
It had been two years since he'd seen a naked woman in person. Two years since he'd felt the touch of a woman. Two years being this close to naked feminine flesh, and Leni being so damn pretty didn't help things at all.
At 34, she still looked like she was 25. She was tall, and fit, and curvy in all the right places with wide hips. Water droplets flecked on her perfect, soft, round and heavy pale breasts, running down between her cleavage, over her smooth tummy and belly button, to her thatch of platinum blonde pubic hair, and down her thighs.
Lincoln's eyes traveled down over her entire form, despite himself, and back up again.
Leni just looked back at him curiously, before she closed her eyes, tilted her head and smiled.
Lincoln's body began to react, even as his mind started screaming…
Don't you dare!
Don't you dare!
Don't you dare!
But his anatomy refused to listen, so starved for a woman's touch, so desperate for naked feminine flesh, and being so close to one's naked anatomy, it threw caution to the wind, as his sun dial started pointing towards high noon.
This was at least enough to shock Lincoln from his complacency, as he finally, FINALLY found his voice to yell at his shower partner.
"Leni! What the Heck are you doing?!"
Leni opened her eyes and took on her cute confused expression as she looked from the sponge in her hand, to her other dimensional brother and back again. Her hand rose up and she placed it gently on his chest, beginning to scrub softly.
"Like, washing your back silly. Did you want me to start with your front instead?"
Lincoln looked exasperated, and pulled back from her touch, his back hitting the wall, "Why are you in the shower with me?!"
Leni only continued to look even more confused, as if Lincoln really was asking her silly questions, "Lincy, I just told you, I'm washing your back and totes taking my shower."
Lincoln groaned and put his hands up over his face, "I don't need you to wash my back Leni!"
Leni gave a soft, melodious giggle, "OH M Gosh Lincy! You can't reach your back by yourself!"
Lincoln kept his eyes covered with one hand and pointed out of the bathtub, into the bedroom, "OUT LENI! OUT! OUT!"
Leni's left hand came to her chin as she began to look around, her voice still so soft, confused, and innocent, God why did she sound so cute even when he was so upset with her?! "But I haven't gotten to wash off yet Lincy…"
Lincoln almost moaned in embarrassment and pain as he replied, "You can take your shower when I'm done with mine!"
Leni slowly turned away solemnly, as she sighed with a little exasperation of her own, "But I like, always take my Shower with you or Lori! I don't take showers by myself Lincy! Showers by myself are lonely!"
Lincoln practically barked back at her, "Well today you're going to start taking them by yourself! Get out and let me shower in peace!"
Leni turned to look at him fully, her shoulders hunching before she threw the sponge at his chest, forcing him to bring his hands down and catch it. He caught an eyeful of naked sister again, but more the unhappy and annoyed expression that was on her face.
"Fine Lincy! Fine!" Then her eyes went down between his legs, "But your Penis doesn't look like it wants me to leave!" She stepped out of the bathtub a "Hmmph!" escaping her lips.
Lincoln was absolutely mortified. His whole body turning red as he moved his entire body sideways and out of Leni's view. His flagpole standing at full attention and jutting forward despite how much he told it not to in his head.
As he heard Leni storm off, he dropped the sponge, grabbed the shower handle and cranked it over to cold.
Moments later freezing icy water dumped itself on Lincoln's body, causing him to yowl in pain that echoed throughout the house.
"DANG IT!"
Well, at least it did the job. Shrinkage took effect, and his hot blood was cooled. After that, the rest of the morning was easy.
0705 The Burpin Burger
Leni had been pretty mad at Lincoln after the morning was over, but he knew it wasn't a serious kind of anger. Christ above, it was almost cute. He realized only after the fact Leni's intentions had been completely innocent. She was just…she was just Leni. That's how she was. Her brain didn't work like everyone else's. She probably did shower everyday with either Lincoln or Lori and hadn't bothered to think to hard about not showering with him.
Even if the last thing she said to him before she got out still bothered him. Whatever, it'd been two years since he'd nailed Stella at the High School reunion, of course he was thirsty!
He put those thoughts out of his mind after pulling up in Vanzilla for work. From what he'd been told, the assistant manager had already opened the store at 5am, and his own shift was from 7 to 3. Lisa had told him to just spend his time in the back office for now. Apparently, their Lincoln had trained his employees well and they could run things without him needing to step in unless it was an emergency.
He waited in the parking lot, smoking a cigarette as he looked up at the fast food restaurant, with it's yellow slat roof and red brick exterior. The most noticeable part being the large sign with the company mascot, 'The Burpin Boy', a rotund black haired young man, letting out a belch. Back home Lincoln ate far too much Burpin Burger because it was cheap, quick and he often didn't feel like cooking. Clyde had put a stop to all of that, insisting Lincoln save money by buying groceries and cooking.
Clyde had been right of course.
Clyde was right about a lot of things. Clyde did something so few people did for him. Clyde cared about him. Clyde loved him and wanted nothing but the best for him.
Lincoln had the sudden realization that he hadn't seen or heard his best friend in over 24 hours. It was the longest he'd gone without getting even a text from him in over a year.
In the whole world, of everyone he knew, he felt like Clyde was the only person who never truly abandoned him, and he suddenly realized he hadn't been the best buddy to his best friend as of late. He took the other man for granted. He took his brother for granted. He pushed off his best buddy's concerns about his wellbeing and acted like it was annoying when Clyde asked after him.
Yet Clyde took it all in stride and never turned his back on Lincoln.
Lincoln suddenly found himself beginning to tear up.
He put his hand up to his face and hid his eyes. He swallowed down the emotion, the feeling of sudden complete loneliness and put on his brave face.
This was no time for tears. But he knew he'd apologize to Clyde when he got back and thank him for being the only lifeline he had left in his life.
Sniffling only once, breathing in, and forcing himself to be calmer, he took another drag from his cigarette, finished it off and flicked the butt out the window.
He stepped out of Vanzilla and headed inside. Already he could see a couple early morning customers milling about inside, standing in line and getting rung up.
As he stepped into the fast food joint, the electronic bell signaling his arrival he took a look around and noticed a few key differences between the one in his world and this one.
This Burpin Burger was…clean.
Very clean. Damn near spotless. Everything in it practically shined like new, from the electronic menus over the counter, to the yellow tiled walls and red pleather seats. The soda fountain's cups were perfectly stacked, there was no extra ketchup run off from the dispensers, and napkins were available everywhere.
A stark contrast from the one back home that showed signs of management who only cared about doing the bare minimum.
He turned and looked at the wall, and there the fucker was.
A framed picture of himself, smiling in his button up and tie, head set on. Underneath it read 'Our Store Manage: Lincoln Loud'.
Around it were several awards, 'Most clean store Southeast Michigan,' 'Most helpful Staff Southeast Michigan,' several years running.
Lincoln frowned.
So many other things he could have done with his life. From going into Journalism, to art, to business, and this dumbass knocks up his sisters and has to spend his life working at a freaking Burpin Burger.
A familiar voice brought him out of his thoughts. One that had a slight southern twang to it.
"Hey thar Boss! We're just getting through the mornin rush!"
Lincoln turned, and looked behind the counter, immediately spotting one of his old high school friends, none other than farm hick Liam Hunnicutt.
Liam was only a few inches shorter than Lincoln, had a lanky frame, with freckles on his cheeks. His most prominent features were probably the buck teeth he'd never gotten braces for, and his light red hair arranged in a bowl cut.
Liam was dressed in the typical red button up polo, hat, apron, and black slacks of a Burpin Burger employee. He wore a gold name tag, with 'Assistant Manager' above it. The man's brown eyes were practically sparkling as he smiled and waved to Lincoln.
Liam Hunnicutt was his assistant manager? Liam worked at Burpin Burger?!
It shocked Lincoln, because of how very VERY different Liam's life trajectory was back in his own universe. Back in his own world, Liam had gotten a scholarship with the help of Lynn and Lincoln to play baseball for Arkansas State where he studied agricultural science. Liam was only in college for two years before he was scouted and signed by The Atlanta Braves as their star Pitcher.
Liam was a god damn millionaire who lived in Georgia and had been to the World series multiple times.
And here, here he was a dang Burpin Burger assistant manager?!
Lincoln forced a smile, he had to keep up appearances even if the sight of one of his old friends in this state broke his heart.
"Hey Liam, uh yeah. You got everything under control here?"
Liam nodded his head, flashing another buck-toothed smile as he went back to coordinating the cashiers who were ringing people up and the fry cooks in the back, "Yer darn tootin Lincoln! You can go ahead and head back, get started on the Monday emails like usual, I got the homestead here!"
Lincoln gave a thumbs up and then made his way behind the counter. The other employees all smiled and nodded their heads, giving him various greetings and hellos. Seemed as if he was well liked by the people that worked under him.
He made his way to the back, past the break room and a supply closet, pass the refrigerator and staff bathroom, and to the brown door with the sign that had his name on it. After fishing around with the large number of keys he had, he managed to find the right one, and let himself in.
The office was nothing too special, but just like everything else it was clean and orderly. A brown desk with a computer on it, a metal filing cabinet, a plant in the corner near the window, a Timely Comics Calander on the wall and…the pictures.
So many, many pictures.
Pictures of his children and his sisters.
Not his children and sisters he reminded himself, his doubles. It seemed if Lincoln ever needed motivation or a reminder of why he kept working, he only needed to raise his head up and look around to see it.
Lincoln collapsed into the grey office chair, turned to the computer and fired it up.
He had no fucking idea what to do.
A few hours Later
Lincoln had tried to understand and parse out the deluge of work emails his double had received over the weekend, but he barely understood what any of them meant or were talking about. It seemed most of them didn't need any kind of a response at least and the one or two that did he was able to get by with a simple acknowledgment of reception.
The one interesting thing he'd noted though, was an email from HR saying they were disappointed he was turning down a promotion to regional manager status. That had caught him off guard. The email had been practically glowing in it's praise of Lincoln, which made it all the more curious why he'd turn down the chance to make more money.
But Lincoln quickly realized why his double turned it down. It would involve lots of traveling and more hours. Meaning he'd be at home less. No doubt his double didn't want to spend more time away from home than necessary.
After that little revelation, Lincoln spent some time diving into his double's life a little more. Checking out his social media presence and looking into his bank account, he wanted to explore more of the other Lincoln's life.
It wasn't difficult to break into any of these, as his double used the same password, same pin number, same damn bank and everything he did.
The other Lincoln's social media presence was smaller than his own. His 'friends' were mostly the members of his family, along with a few of his employees. He didn't have Clyde, Rusty, Zach, or Stella in his friends list. The only one of the old crew he had was Liam, and Lincoln figured that was probably more out of the Burpin' Burger connection than anything else.
Lincoln wasn't exactly as close to his old friend group as he was when he was younger, but shit, he still kept in touch with most of them! This Lincoln had all but abandoned his friend group. It took him a moment to think about why, but it made sense the more and more he thought about it.
He was afraid of being discovered.
That was the simple truth. His old friends were close to him, they knew how close Lincoln was with his sisters, they knew his family. If they were close, most likely his friends would put it all together, figure out what was going on.
So this Lincoln had chosen to cut ties with his friends. He had chosen his sisters over them.
This Lincoln had to keep everyone he was once very close to, at arm's length. It was the only way to keep up the ruse and make sure nobody knew what was really going on.
When Lincoln really thought about it, he was surprised the Louds of this universe had gotten away with the situation for as long as they had been. Nobody seemed to raise an eyebrow at the number of Loud girls who had ended up single mothers, with the self-sacrificing brother who had decided to take all their children in.
Maybe it was just his left over reputation as the good helpful brother that deflected suspicions there.
Maybe there were a few people who suspected but didn't say anything. His conversation with Flip last night started taking on a new meaning for Lincoln. Did the old merchant have his suspicions?
It wasn't his business what happened to the family in the long run. If they ended up getting found out, well as long as it wasn't with him there. If anything, maybe his presence and actions would help deflect things for the other Lincoln, he wouldn't be doing anything untoward with this Lincoln's sisters.
After snooping around his double's social media, he'd looked into the bank account and saw this Lincoln had far more savings than he did.
It didn't surprise him too much. Of course he would save more money with all the kids he had. That just made sense. But it was seeing how the Burpin Burger manager was pulling down more money than him that really pissed him off. Fuckin Burpin Burger manager was making more money than him!
Of course, Lincoln's own earning potential was higher, if he hit it big in the comic industry, if he could demand a higher amount of cash per page done, and through selling off his original art. But on average, his double was bringing home more money, if not by leaps and bounds.
The other Lincoln wasn't exactly rolling in cash. His income could be effectively called, Lower middle class. But the other Lincoln was more financially stable than he was.
What made the difference was all the deposits from his sisters.
Yes, it seemed all of the sisters but Lily deposited at least some amount of money into Lincoln's account every two weeks or so. That's what was really making his double flusher with cash than he was. But of course, the sisters weren't going to make their brother take care of their kids all by himself. He could see who was contributing the most and who the least.
God the family was pathetic compared to his own. All his sisters were rich, it seemed like the ones here were just getting by.
It was still a little insight into how the family functioned, Lincoln was clearly the head caretaker of the children so needed the most financial help, so the sisters did their part.
After that, he spent some time really digging around in his double's phone…and came to regret it almost right away.
Snooping around in the photo collection and gallery there was of course lots and lots of pictures of his family. The kids and sisters, pictures taken that went back at least two years. Lincoln was sure they went even further back but most likely his double backed up the rest on the Cloud to make room for more.
That wasn't what had disturbed Lincoln though, no that had been the folder that was full of naked pictures and videos of his sisters and him.
Lincoln had made the mistake of playing one of the video files, only to be greeted by the sight of Lisa… She was completely topless, and her perky round breasts, capped with large dark red nipples were wrapped around what was clearly his double's length. Her hands pressed into the flesh of her tits, causing it to well up between her digits, as she slid them up and down, spittle running down from her lower lip to coat her brother's dick while jerking him off. She grinned at the camera, eyes half lidded, speaking in a sultry tone, whispering dirty things about how much she loved her 'big brother' and talking about how much she had 'missed doing this' when she was in prison.
Lincoln practically threw the phone across the room, before scrambling to run over, pick it up, and exit the video with a sigh.
So the family liked making explicit content and sharing it with one another huh?
That was something he'd need to drink into oblivion to get out of his head.
After eating up the first half of the day, Lincoln decided it was time for a cigarette break.
15 minutes later, he had managed to sneak out the back door and stand against the back of the building, cigarette in hand, breathing in his sweet, sweet nicotine. He had no idea how anything in the restaurant functioned.
No idea how the fryers, shake machine, or any of that worked.
That wasn't completely true, he'd helped out enough at his Dad's restaurant over the years he knew how to cook a variety of things, and work some of the equipment. But there was a big difference between making burgers at a fast food joint, and making home cooked quality meals in a family restaurant.
Which meant the longer he was here, the more suspect it'd be if he didn't help pitch in here and there.
Fucking Christ, he was going to have to watch training videos if he was here for too long.
As he leaned against the building, one foot up against it, he took another long drag from his cigarette and looked up to the sky, blowing a cloud of smoke.
The back door opened up, and he turned to watch as Liam walked out, right past him without even seeming to notice him, carrying a plastic garbage bag over one shoulder. At first, Lincoln thought he might be throwing something away, but then he watched as Liam walked right past the dumpster, looked around conspiratorially, and headed towards an old beat up pick up truck Lincoln was certain belong to the hick.
When Liam reached the pickup truck, he opened the bed and pulled a cooler closer to him. Moments later he popped it open, and then reached into the bag.
Lincoln became aware of what Liam was doing then.
The guy was stealing hamburger.
More than a couple of pounds of it too.
Damn, how bad were things for Liam that he had to steal hamburger meat from this place?
Liam placed the hamburger packs into the cooler, closed it up, and then turned in place suddenly catching sight of Lincoln looking right at him.
The bumpkin froze in place like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Lincoln watched as his old friend's face turned beat red with both embarrassment and shame, and then his whole body just sort of became slack, his shoulders slumped, and he stared at the ground in front of him with guilt.
Slowly, Liam began to march over towards him like a man on death row. Each step slower than the first. When he reached Lincoln, he just let out a big long sigh, before looking up at him and speaking in a sad drawl.
"Well, I guess I'll turn ma ID and uniform into you and clock out. I'm sorry for dissapointin you Linc."
Lincoln stared blankly back at Liam, as he took a drag and replied, "Liam, what the hell are you talking about?"
Liam looked confused, hand coming up to the back of his head, "I was stealin hamburger meat Lincoln, It's the unused stuff that expires in a few days, but I know corporate policy is ta throw the stuff out. I'm technically stealin'."
Lincoln narrowed his eyes, and frowned as he took another drag, "Have you been taking meat for a while Liam?"
Liam continued to look guilty, and nodded his head, "Things been rough back home Linc. I'm real grateful you gave me this here job after I lost the farm and Memaw passed. But my brother-in-law went back to Prison, and he's not getting out anytime soon, so I had to take ma sister and niece in. They didn't have anywhere to go. Problem is, now there's even more mouths to feed, it's why I keep askin to pick up extra shifts."
Lincoln frowned again and sighed. Back home, Liam had bought a farm just outside Atlanta, built a mansion on the property and moved his whole family in. Farming was now a hobby he loved doing in the off season.
Seeing how poor he was here and knowing Liam had lost the thing he was the most passionate about, it broke Lincoln's heart further. He thought he had things bad at home, but shit, at least he only had himself to take care of.
He looked off for a moment, before he looked back to Liam, taking another drag from his cigarette before replying, "You know what's also against corporate Policy Liam?"
Liam continued to look crestfallen, shrugging his shoulders, "I… I dunno boss, are you gonna press charges against me?"
Lincoln responded flatly, "Smoking on company grounds, but here I am. Fuck Corporate. Fuck charges"
Liam looked up. His eyes hopeful as Lincoln went on.
"Fuck Corporate. You think I care if you're taking meat we don't need? You think I'd fire you when I need you so much? Forget all that Liam…"
Liam continued to look hopeful, but still cautious, responding softly, "But Lincoln, if Corporate caught you they'd-"
But Lincoln cut him off, "Look, I'm store manager, right? So, what I say, goes. You're in the clear here. You take whatever you need, it's better you're getting use out of it then throwing the shit away."
Liam looked a little uncertain, but slowly nodded his head, "Ya sure about this Lincoln?"
Lincoln smiled and nodded, "I'm sure Liam. Don't worry about it, you just keep my smoking habit a secret."
Liam threw his arms around Lincoln and squeezed him tightly in a hug, "Oh yer the best friend a guy could ever ask fer Linc! Best boss to ever have as well!"
Lincoln gave a nervous laugh as he pat Liam's back with his free hand, "Heh, no problem Liam, what are friends for? Hey, let's get back to work, and from now on, wait until the end of your shift before taking it. You don't want that stuff spoiling when it gets warmer out."
Liam pulled back and gave Lincoln a salute, "You got it boss!"
Lincoln flicked his cigarette butt away and the two went back inside.
Both were unaware of the person watching them from a sedan, sipping on a cup of coffee.
Later
After getting back into his office, Lincoln had decided to waste some time playing some browser games. He doubted his double could afford the number of videogames Lincoln himself had with so many children to take care of.
It was about thirty minutes after his cigarette break when he heard a knock at his office door. He felt a little nervous but knew he wouldn't be able to dodge off employee questions about operations forever, so he just responded, "It's open!"
When the door opened, it was not who he was expecting it to be.
Standing there in a pair of blue jeans, a white button up shirt, and a smart light blue spring jacket was none other than his eldest sister Lori. Her thick blonde hair was perfectly coifed as always, and she held a plastic lidded coffee cup in one hand. Lincoln was more surprised to see the visible gun holster under the jacket carrying a Glock.
She seemed to appraise him with her blue eyes and gave him a shrewd look.
Closing the door behind her, Lori entered and took a seat in the chair in front of his desk. She folded one leg over her knee, and then her arms as she stared him down.
Lincoln just looked right back at her, further and further confusion on his face.
"What Lori?"
Lori regarded him coolly, "Well, I see you're already literally putting my brother's job in jeopardy in your first day here."
Lincoln looked right back at Lori with a frown and uncaring look, "What do you mean Lori?"
Lori stared right back, "You know exactly what I mean Lincoln. The thief."
Lincoln frowned and fired right back, "You think I'm just going to let Liam and his family just starve like that? Really? It'll be alright, that shit was set to get thrown out anyway. It's just a waste of food otherwise, let him have it."
Lori raised her eyebrow, her features still an uncaring mask, "You really think that?"
Lincoln looked more annoyed, "Yes, I really think that."
And then suddenly Lori's features softened completely, and she shot a warm smile in his direction.
"Good, that's literally what I wanted to hear."
Lincoln only looked back at her confused, "What? What the hell do you mean Lori?"
Lori settled back, relaxing and dropping the façade, "I mean it's what I wanted to hear Lincoln. I've been hearing good things about you, but I needed to be sure. I wasn't happy watching you smoke outside, but seeing you let Liam off the hook when you caught him red handed confirmed it for me."
Lincoln leaned forward, placing his head in his hand, elbow on the desk, "Confirmed what Lori?"
Lori only smiled, "You really are our brother. You might be from another universe, and you're more than a little grumpy, but you are Lincoln Loud. Our Lincoln's been letting Liam get away with taking the left-over stuff here for a couple months now. Liam just wasn't aware of it."
Lincoln groaned, "So what, this was all some sort of test? Really?"
Lori leaned forward, folding her hands together as she regarded Lincoln, "Yes, it was. Lincoln, I had to be sure you were safe around my family. That we can trust you. I'm still going to have to watch you, all of us are, but more and more you're showing us we can trust you. More than that, you have a good heart just like our Lincoln."
Lincoln rolled his eyes, "Yeah, only I didn't turn my sisters into my own personal harem."
Lori gave a soft chuckle, it wasn't bitter or angry, but it seemed to find some measure of absurdity in Lincoln's statement, "Is that what you really think Lincoln? You think we're our brother's harem?"
Lincoln looked a little flustered as he responded, "That's what it seems like to me. You all have kids with him."
Lori sighed and shook her head, before she fixed him with a smile, "Lincoln, while we all love you. We all love having sex with you, like literally you're amazing at it…" She fixed him with a half-lidded smile, Lincoln flushed and looked away, Lori continued.
"But as much as we may enjoy it with you, and you were required for the children, our relationship isn't all about you. It's about all of us Lincoln."
Lincoln looked back, flushing still, before he cleared his throat and responded, "What do you mean Lori? How is it about all of you?"
Lori sighed, as if she was trying to explain something to a child, "Lincoln, when I came back from Fairway and transferred to Wolverine University, do you know who I did it for?"
Lincoln began to look more curious, a slight frown touching his lips, "Well if it wasn't for me, then who was it for?"
Lori smiled softly, "It was for all of you, don't get me wrong. Literally all of you. I missed you all so much, but mostly…it was for Leni."
Lincoln blinked several times, eyes going wide…
"What?"
Lori looked off, a gentle flush on her cheeks, rubbing the back of her neck, "It was for Leni. I love you all but Leni, she's my best friend. I love you Lincoln, well…the other you, he's my husband and partner, as I love all my siblings, but Leni is my soul mate. We don't have separate beds Lincoln, and we do shower together every day we're home with one another."
Lincoln blinked again, a deeper flush coming to his cheeks, "Leni she—"
Lori put her hand up gently, "She called me and told me what happened already." Lori chuckled, "Seems like your body enjoyed her attention. You know if you look in the bottom drawer in your bedroom you'll find her collar, and mine, if you ever want to-"
And then Lincoln was interrupting her, putting his hands up waving them back and forth, "Okay, Okay that's enough! I don't need to know the details of your sexual escapades!"
Lori gave another soft laugh, before she looked back to Lincoln again, "But it's like that for all of us Lincoln. We're all united together, we all love one another, but we also have our own…. I don't want to say primary partner, but we have the person we're inherently closest too. Leni and I, Luan and Luna, Lola and Lana…"
Lincoln looked off with a frown, rolling his eyes, "Lynn and Lucy, right?"
Lori chuckled again, it was beginning to annoy Lincoln, "Actually it's literally you, Lynn, and Lucy."
Lincoln blinked, turning and looking back towards Lori, "Wait, what do you mean?"
Lori grinned, raising her eyebrows suggestively, "Lincoln, you're the closest in age to both, they were always closest to you as kids. When it's one of their turns, the other come over often to be with both of you. Why do you think Lynn took your rejection so personally?"
Lincoln huffed, "Uh, because it's Lynn, and she never takes failure or rejection well?"
Lori frowned and sighed, "Okay you have a point there, but there's more to it. Lynn and Lucy are the ones your closest to. Lynn was so jealous when she wasn't your first."
Lincoln groaned as he began rubbing his temples, "Just… who was my first? If it wasn't Lynn, how did this whole fucked up situation with us all begin?"
Lori fixed Lincoln with another frown, "It's not my place to tell you that. The sister you were first with will have to tell you herself, if she decides to. All I can say is, when I came home you were already practicing a new form of love with some of our sisters, and I joined shortly afterwards. You showed me how to love you, Leni and the rest of our sisters in a deeper way."
Lincoln began to look exasperated, his hands going out wide, "But what about Bobby!? How could you leave him?!"
Lori looked confused for a moment, "Bobby?" before recollection dawned on her face, "Oh, you mean my old High School boyfriend! Lincoln that was literally 15 years ago. I don't even think about Bobby anymore. Bobby was a sweet guy but, family was more important to me. It's more important to all of us."
Lincoln shook his head, "I just don't get it Lori. I just, you were married to him back where I'm from!"
Lori rose her eyebrow again, "Wait, what do you mean by that? Am I not married to him anymore?"
Lincoln suddenly winced, and a sad expression came over his face, he looked down at the desk, "Bobby got killed in a robbery at the Mercado around five years ago."
Lori took on a sympathetic expression, her voice dropping, "Oh…I'm, I'm sorry to hear that. How did I, I mean she, how did she handle it?"
Lincoln leaned back in his chair and breathed out, "Not well. She was damn near hysterical for a minute there. Mom moved in with her for a few months, until she left for Florida. Then I moved in with her for about half a year until it seemed like she could function again. Helped take care of my nephew."
Lori listened quietly, looking towards Lincoln, nodding her head before she spoke again in that soft tone, "What's she like? The other me, what is her life like and her son?"
Lincoln looked off again as he sighed, "She always comes back every Holiday to see Mom and Dad and those of us who drop by for the celebrations. I mean she's pretty much the same to me. Bossy, overly emotional, still addicted to her phone. Sound familiar?" Lincoln fixed Lori with a smirk.
Lori gave a soft laugh as her cheeks flushed. She played with a strand of her hair, "I literally don't know what you're talking about Linc."
Lincoln found himself smiling as he went on, "She's the best female golfer in the world. She's done seminars on empowerment and leadership for young girls. Has lots of licensing deals. Has a real nice house down in Florida. You know she lives right next to Carol."
Lori rose her eyebrows, blinking a few times, "Carol Pingrey?!"
Lincoln nodded, "Yeah, your old friend Carol was a big help after the move with everything. Lori and Bobby Jr are close to Carol's family."
Lori's eyes went up, looking even more interested, "Bobby Jr, that's my son?"
Lincoln smiled and nodded once more, "Yup, BJ as we like to call him. He's going to be turning 11 pretty soon. Real good kid. Even if I feel a little bad for him for even more than the death of his father…"
Lori rose her eyebrow, "Oh? Why's that Lincoln?"
Lincoln gave a soft chuckle, "Because he's a total dork just like his Uncle Lincoln. He's basically into everything I like. When I was down there with him, we spent a lot of time together. It was fun." Lincoln took on a slightly nostalgic expression before he added, "Out of my nieces and nephews he's the one who's most interested in what I do. For some reason he thinks I'm cool."
Lori gave a soft laugh in return, "Really? That's hilarious."
Lincoln looked curious, eyebrow raised, "Why is that hilarious?"
Lori smirked, "Because my daughter is literally the same. She's the biggest dork in the world next to her Father."
Lincoln looked surprised again, "Wait what? Really?"
Lori chuckled and nodded, "Yes, really. I think it's adorable. She's always loved everything her father was into, you really loved raising her and watching her eyes light up every time you introduced her to something new. Your videogames, Ace Savvy, Arrgh, all of it. She really is a chip off your block."
Lori suddenly took on a very downcast expression, a sad smile coming over her lips, "That's why, she took it so hard when you were forced to leave. That's why she's had difficulties she's only now starting to overcome."
Lincoln thought maybe it also had something to do with her mother and father also being brother and sister but decided to keep his mouth shut. "What do you mean when I was forced to leave?"
Lori shook her head, "That's more personal family business. It won't matter if you end up getting home soon. If you stay here with us a little longer, maybe I'll let you in on the whole sordid story. Some of us hate Mom and Dad for it, for how it all went down. I just miss them."
Lincoln rose his eyebrow, "Did they move or…"
Lori replied flatly, "They're dead. A Car accident a few years back. Before we could really reconcile everything."
Lincoln felt a strange feeling wash over him hearing that. A feeling of sudden sadness despite himself. He frowned, unsure of how to react. It wasn't like it was his parents that died, but for some reason it felt like it. Given his complicated relationship with his father right now, he was surprised he still felt saddened.
Lori saw the discomfort and sadness washing over Lincoln and gave him a comforting smile, "Yeah, like I said, it's complicated, even with them being gone."
Lincoln sighed as he looked back towards his eldest sister, "It's complicated where I'm from, and they're still alive."
Lori frowned as a silence slowly fell between them, before she decided to question him once more, "Lincy…I have to ask. It sounds like, things aren't great with the family in general where you're from. I really don't spend any time with Leni? We're all too busy to see one another? Why do you seem so…angry about everything Lincy?"
Lincoln frowned as he heard Lori using the petname his sisters had for him. He rarely heard it in his own life, and it was a reminder that he was getting complacent, talking to this Lori as if she hadn't engaged in unspeakable acts with him.
He'd just been talking to her and carrying on without remembering what she had done. Remembering the entire reason why his double was trapped in this life.
His gaze flicked to Lori's gun, and the badge he saw clipped to her belt, "So you're a cop here, right?"
Lori blinked, looked down and then back up to him and nodded with a small smile, "Yes, you're looking at Detective Lori Loud, one of Royal Wood's finest!"
Lincoln only stared hard right back at her, "So when I was being molested, why didn't you put a stop to it instead of joining in? Why have you let this whole chain of grooming and molestation go on in your own family?"
Lori frowned heavily, suddenly looking down and sighing.
Lincoln continued to glare and frown at her, "Yeah, that's what I thought. Don't worry about the status of my family and sisters, when your own have done far far worse."
Lori began to rise slowly from her seat, "Okay, I think that's my cue to leave. I just want you to know Lincoln, I don't blame you or hate you, or even dislike you for your ignorance on our situation."
Lincoln scoffed, "Oh is that what it is? I'm just ignorant on grooming, molestation and statutory rape huh? How do you even wear that badge and not feel like a complete hypocrite?"
Lori looked as if she was doing her very best to maintain her composure and keep her temper in check. She ignored Lincoln as she made her way towards the door. When she reached the handle, she glared back at him angrily over her shoulder.
"You know, you might think what we have is wrong, but I'd literally take it over what you and your sisters have every single time."
Lincoln just rolled his eyes at her as she walked out.
Evening, Loud House Residence
Lincoln hung outside in the backyard, smoking what he planned on being the last cigarette of the day. He'd mostly kept to himself after he'd gotten home, and even skipped out on eating dinner with the family, telling Leni he was tired after work and just needed to rest.
That had been a lie.
He just didn't want to face the family after his run in with Lori earlier and everything with Leni and the kids. He'd been here for two days now, and he'd almost let his defenses down. It was time to distance himself, take a step back and keep to himself.
He didn't want or need to get caught up in their lives.
That's not what it is. It's because you like their attention too much. You want them to dote on you and love you like they used to. You're afraid of just slipping into their brother's role. God you're so fucking sad and pathetic.
Lincoln frowned and did his best to ignore the intrusive thought.
But he knew there was some truth to it, and he hated it.
He took a sip of his beer. The headaches were going to start tomorrow.
Three days without his antidepressants and he'd volunteered to make breakfast for the kids still.
He should of never had accepted that. He blamed Leni for it. Blamed memories of his ditzy blonde sister who'd always been so reliant on him, looking at him with such need and worry.
That's not at all what happened. You volunteered yourself for it. Because you want their approval, you still desperately want your big sister's approval. Fucking coward.
Lincoln took another deep swig of his beer, downed the whole thing, and then pitched it into the garbage can nearby, swearing at himself.
"Shut the fuck up."
He heard a young male voice suddenly respond, "You know that's 10 cents you're throwing away."
Lincoln looked over and saw Lemy outside standing next to him.
Lincoln quickly stubbed out his cigarette and coughed nervously, trying to cover for his actions, "Yeah, well, I was just, listen just to better than me, okay?"
Lemy looked up at him, hands in the pockets of his Jean jacket. He looked earnest as he spoke up with a sigh.
"I want you to know, I'm on your side."
Lincoln rose his eyebrow as he looked at the kid with a confused expression.
"What do you mean on my side Lemy?"
Lemy looked off, a frown on his lips, "My Mom and aunts and Dad… what they did, I know it's not right. I know it's wrong."
Lincoln looked at the kid silently, unsure of what he was supposed to say. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he had a feeling something was going on he wasn't aware of.
Lemy just looked off, gave a nod and continued.
"I just wanted you to know. That you're not alone."
Lemy flashed him a weak smile, and then turned and made his way back into the house.
Lincoln sighed and followed him in about 5 minutes afterwards.
Whatever was going on in this family, he had a feeling he'd stepped into something he really didn't want to.
Cat's Corner: Next time we finally see how things have been going on with Sin Lincoln in the safe verse! See you then!