Lyrics to Honey and the Bees by Owl City.

Birthday

"NOOOOO!" Lemy screamed at the top of his lungs; his voice was huskily and his throat raspy. Once the initial shock ended he sat in the bed, his chest going up and down fighting to take the precious oxygen to his body. Once he calmed, the cold air hit his damp clothes; he was covered in sweat.

Lyra woke up as she heard the scream; at first she was scared, thinking he might've hurt himself, but soon she realized what actually was happening. It was nothing new, and luckily she knew exactly what to do; she hugged her brother, not caring about his sweaty clothes. Lemy's heart calmed down, and instinctively returned the hug.

"Nightmares again?" Lyra asked, caressing his hair and his back. She's humming the same song that took him to sleep for the first time when he was a cub.

"Yes…" He responded, trembling in her arms.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No."

"C'mon Lem you can trust me. You don't have to keep it to yourself, it'll only hurt you."

"This time… this time was Lacy… she had the knife…" He sobbed over her chest; the fabric felt soft against his teary face.

"I understand… but it's over, nothing about that is real and they can't hurt you. I won't let anyone hurt you, I'm here Lemy, and will always be here."

He calmed down; her heartbeat helped a lot.

She went to sleep as well, his brother still hugging her as if he stopped she would go away. It had become a routine lately.

Lemy felt ashamed, like every time he showed weakness before someone; even if it is Lyra, the only person who knew him even better than himself. But those nightmares… this nightmare specially, it's always the same, just some little changes here and there but it's essentially the same shit.

That was the reason Lyra went back to sleep with him again. They both used to sleep in the same bed in the room Lyra shared with Loan, until he turned seven and decided he was big enough to take care of himself.

But since they came back from the camp Lyra has been sleeping with Lemy, protecting him from those nightmares that tormented him. Her presence alone kept them away, maybe his fight with Lacy yesterday detonated those episodes in his mind again. It made sense; she was the one with the knife this time.

"I'm sorry… I'm pathetic." He muttered; his face still on her chest.

"You're not, it's just… you have to stop blaming yourself. It's only normal for you to have those dreams after the…the camp."

"I just… I just want things to be like they used to."

"I know… me too." She planted a kiss on his forehead.

They stayed like that for the rest of the night. They didn't notice how long until the first sunrays entered through the window.

"What time is it?" He asked.

"6:20… do you want to sleep a little bit more?"

Lemy shook his head, tickling her nose with his hair. She laughed and buried her face on his hair; the scent of his shampoo filled her nostrils and sent a shiver down her body.

"Do you want to play guitar?"

Lemy nodded.

Lyra got out of the bed and went for the guitars that hanged from the wall.

She liked to take her own guitar to his room just for occasions like this. Marsha (Lemy's guitar) was an acoustic black mate Cort. Lemy loved her; he always talked about how much he loves her black skin. Mely (Lyra's guitar) was a blurred purple Oak Kiesel guitar, and her most valuable possession, even more than her golden cross necklace, and that's a lot saying. It was a unique guitar; Lemy gave it to her about a year ago, and no, that was not the only reason. You see, Kiesels aren't something you just go and buy. Each guitar has to be ordered. The guitar it's made to the owner's choice; each piece of wood and each string it's made to the owner's liking and Mely was made for Lyra. That was the only way he found to make here play with him.

The thing was, Lyra refused to play an instrument as…noisy and blasphemous as an electric guitar, besides it reminded her a lot to her mother. She was happy mastering the Cello, the Violin, the Piano, and lately the Lyra (pun intended); she thought it was dumb to be named after an instrument and not know how to play it.

She was pretty good playing the guitar, it was the first instrument she learned to play, but as a sign of anarchy against mom, she stopped playing it and she even sold the pair of guitars mom gave her. But Lemy loved guitars, and when he begged her to fill the formulary to request a Kiesel, Lyra had no choice… now she loved to play her beautiful guitar. She didn't even know how much money Lemy spent or where he got it from, but… you would have to kill Lyra if you wanted to take Mely off her hands.

They sat on the bed, and looking at each other, green over blue, they both smiled and started playing.

Lemy's agile fingers started to scratch the strings, and soon Lyra joined him, playing a happy harmony. Rock is cool to play with a joint; sometimes you can even taste the music. But it can't compare to how it feels to play with company, especially Lyra; and if you think tasting music is crazy, you don't know what it is to feel the music.

Lemy tried to sing, but his throat was dry as raspy. He stopped and started over.

Don't remind me

That some days I'm a windshield

And other days I'm just a lucky bug

As cold iron rails leave

Old mossy trails through the countryside

Both guitars were now synchronized; the sound produced merged and came as one.

The crowd and the bean field

Are my best friends but

Boy I need a hug

(Lyra) Boy I need a hug

They both smiled and played faster; the song is happy, cheery, like summer wind.

If the green left the grass on the other side

(Lyra) I would make like a tree and leave

But if I reach for your hand

Would your eyes get wide?

(Lyra) Who knew the other side could be so green?

Now is Lyra's turn to be the lead voice. Lemy observed, staring at her blue eyes and listening to the song; knowing that every word she's singing is for him. He knows Lyra is truly feeling every verse.

Don't remind me

I'm a chickadee in love with the sky

But that's clearly not a lot to crow about

Cuz when the stars silhouette me

I'm scared they'll forget me

And flicker out

And when the second verse starts, she winks an eye to him. Lemy laughed and lost a couple of chords. No problem, it didn't take them long to sync again.

I chase honey but I haven't seen the hive

Yeah I didn't look I didn't even try

But still my heart stops without you

'cause there is something about you

That makes me feel alive

They sing the chorus together; in the original version the voices had to take turns.

If the green left the grass on the other side

(I would make like a tree and leave)

But if I reached for your hand

Would your eyes get wide?

(Who knew the other side could be so green?)

We are honey and the bee

It's his turn again; he completely forgot about his nightmare, and now he's lost in the moment, lost to the song, to the music.

Backyards of butterflies surround me

If I fell in love with you

Like bees to honey

So let's up

And leave the weeping

To the willow tree

And pour our tears into the sea

They both are excited, looking at each other eyes. Lemy closed his, and raised his face to the sky.

I swear

There are a lot of vegetables out there

That crop up for air

Yeah I never thought

We were two peas in a pod

Until you suddenly bloomed

Then I knew

That I'd always love you

He locked eyes with her in that last part; he wanted her to know that he was talking from the heart.

Oh I'd always love you

Lyra blushed. She smiled, a smile reserved for him and him alone, she answers, feeling the same. Now they both were singing.

If the green left the grass on the other side

(I would make like a tree and leave)

But if I reached for your hand

Would your eyes get wide?

(Who knew the other side could be so green?)

The next part comes and they play a little quieter; reaching the end of the ballad.

And if I reached for your hand

For the rest of my life

(Who knew the other side could be so green)

By the time they finished they had to catch their breath; it was magic, the feeling of sharing to each other one of the things that truly linked them; the music. That's what they are: music; she played soft and sweet melodies with her cello, while he made the guitar scream with high notes, made the bass roar, and hit the drums with a fierce rhythm.

And when they play together, they're passion and sweetness, fierce and elegance, bravery and delicacy, hurt and comfort.

"Better?" She asked; her cheeks red and a drop of sweat fell from her forehead.

"Better." Lemy looked down to his instrument; Lyra's eyes are too bright to look at them.

Lemy couldn't see, he was focused on Marsha's strings, but Lyra was leaning towards him. She took a hand to his cheek, her blue eyes narrowed with a mist that blurred her sight, she was about to…

"Shut the fuck up! There are people here trying to sleep here!" the knocking on the thin wall made them flinch. It was Leia, hitting from the other side.

They looked at each other. Then they burst in laughter, which caused another round of knocks on the wall.

"We better get quiet; nothing good happens when she gets angry." Lemy said.

"Do you want to watch TV downstairs?"

"Don't you have to get ready for college?"

"I'll take the day; it's Loan's birthday after all?"

"Yeah, you're right."

They walked to the hall; Lyra walked downstairs while Lemy headed to the bathroom; he was used to "water" dad's flowers early in the morning, but today he was in a pretty good mood. Besides, any chance of relieving himself like a normal person was welcome.

Once done with his business, he looked at himself at the mirror. For a long time, he's been trying to get rid of the eye bags; they weren't as bad as when he returned from the camp, but quite noticeable. It wasn't for the nights he stayed awake, or at least that was not the only reason, but the nightmares were getting worse; not even in his sleep he had rest.

He splashed water on his face and passed his wet fingers through his hair, but it wasn't enough to get rid of the frizz. Sometimes he fantasized with cutting all his hair, but who said being cool was an easy job? And I know, maybe you don't think I look cool, but tell that to Slash, or Ozzy Osbourne, they rocked in their time.

Lemy walked to the first floor and then walked to the stairs in the middle of the hall; like I said, who the fuck designed this place?

He thought that instead of watching TV, he and Lyra could listen to some music, but he would have to go to his room for his cellphone and headphones…

His thinking train stopped abruptly when a long, feminine moan echoed in the house. Lemy froze, looked at his mother's door, and the moan sounded again. He couldn't help but stare at the door; the moans were occasionally interrupted by the sound of the springs of the bed bouncing.

His face got fiercely red; it wasn't the first time he heard his parents going at it like animals, but no matter how many times he heard it, it was always uncomfortable… and frustrating.

It was gross to witness what his mother and aunts felt when they were with HIM; it was a reminder of how important he is, how great Lincoln Loud is. The fact that he has a harem was a constant reminder of everything bad in his and his sisters' lives. It's a reminder of everything that's incorrect; it's a way to say that he not only does not regret what he has done, but he's proud of it and is willing to do it again, because who cares about a bunch of kids? Who cares if they're being bullied because they're freaks? Who cares if some of them are born with defects? Fuck the schizophrenic girl and the mute girl, let's roll the dice again and see what kind of abomination comes out. Even when it was bad to hear Aunt Lucy or Aunt Lola when they're… well, you know. Listening to his mother was by far worse, because those sweet and soft moans could be for Lemy.

Sigh. Forget what I said.

Lemy storms out of there angry and… kind of turned on. He went downstairs and sat next to Lyra; she gave him a cup of hot cocoa. He took a sip and leaned on her shoulder. They're watching TV, but it's so early the only thing on the air was either, infomercials, news or Sesame Street.

"Is everything ok?" She asked.

She knew him very well, sometimes it was good. Other times, not so much.

"He and mom are going at it." He wanted to lie, but it wouldn't work; she would find out anyways.

"Just ignore them. Don't let it get to you." She put her arm around his shoulders and drew him closer.

"But when I heard mom…"

"Don't think about that, and stay away from her."

"But I miss her… and I don't want her to be angry…"

"I know, but for now it's better to stay away, at least until things get calm, ok?"

"Ok. But could I play with her again?"

"We'll see. I don't like when you go to those sites; I don't even know why they let kids in, especially on school days." She took a sip of chocolate. "Your teachers have called me enough times just to tell me you fall asleep in class. I hope you don't get me in any more troubles this year."

She looked at him with hard eyes, but deep inside she enjoyed dealing with his problems.

"It's not my fault; with all those idiots I have to fight with and teacher Cristina… that woman hates me, it is hard to go unnoticed."

"Maybe it's true but don't give her reasons, and I've told you already there is nothing cool in fighting with those morons, you can always tell your other teachers or just walk away."

"And let them think that I'm afraid of them? I ain't a fagot."

"I know, but one day they'll hurt you real bad…"

He didn't say anything; never make promises you can't keep. He has enough with all those rumors about him being gay, and now he would have to run from the bullies? Just perfect.

Whatever they could do to me can't be that bad; last time I even took down one of them, but of course they retaliated with his other two boyfriends and beat the crap outta me. That's why I'm training with Aunt Lynn; I want to teach those bastards a thing or two.

Lemy rubbed his arm, remembering his fight with Aunt Lynn last night; he hoped she let him in her gym again. He's willing to fight again if necessary, even if it means to have his ass kicked. He really need those nightly workout sessions, they really help him get some sleep.

And now that the nightmares are back, any help is very well appreciated.

They remained silent, watching as Count Von Count counted bats. It wasn't the most interesting thing to do in the morning, but it was all they could do as they waited for their sisters to wake up, or their parents to stop fucking.

Loan was sleeping while hugging a stuffed Pikachu. Her half of the room she shared with Lyra was full of shelves with vinyl figures of various characters; from videogames and comics to movies and books. She also had some posters; most of them about hot girls with indecent clothes, and some others about demons taken out from hell. Lyra's half was full with instruments and a lot of books, most of them religious, and above the head of her bed hung a mahogany cross. The contrast was overwhelming, and now with all the party stuff (balloons, streamers and pennants), that room looked more weird (if that was possible).

What did you expect, man? In the past we tried to celebrate her birthday in the backyard, but all those time she refused to go because well, you know how she is. We stopped doing it years ago and now we do the party in her room. Besides, today's her special day; we won't even wake her up.

Right now Lyra, Liena and Liby are decorating the room in the quietest way possible; man, Liena is a professional in that, get it?

Ok, bad joke. When you live with so many people, some of their habits just stick to you.

He leaned against the door frame, watching as his sisters worked in synchrony like a Swiss clock. He wanted to join them, joke and play like old days. Remember I told you Loan's past birthdays were celebrated on this room too? Well, my sisters and I had a game: everyone would be quiet, but at the same time we'd do funny things trying to make the others laugh. The first one in waking up Loan would lose.

Lemy sighed, drawing Lyra's attention. She wore a pair of black jeans and a tight white t-shirt. On top of that she had a lumberjack shirt with square shapes on black and purple, and over her breasts rested her golden cross. It was weird to see her that casual.

Her eyes are not on her chest bro, stop looking.

Lyra used sign language to tell him to get the table in the living room.

He rolled his eyes and walked away; he wasn't annoyed, the truth he's happy helping his sisters. He's wearing one of those new pants Aunt Leni gave him the other day. Don't look at me like that, I ran out of clean pants. And to match, a tight shirt that showed his lean, slightly muscular body. The day isn't even that cold, he's wearing a brown leather jacket anyways; the less they could see the better.

He rocked that new look tho; when he got out of his room, Liena crashed against a wall because her eyes were glued at him. It felt nice to be noticed, but then it changed to regret a few moments later. Man, you should not be happy because your sister is in love with you. And even so…

Yeah, whatever; you're cute, big deal. Now move your ass and get that table.

Lemy put aside all the stuff over the table: a pair of cups with now cold cocoa (maybe he and Lyra should watch Sesame Street more often), and some magazines. You have quite the collection right there: from Animal Care (Lana), a lingerie catalog (Lola), passing by Rolling Stones (Mom), and some satanic shit written in a language I have never seen (Lucy) but what takes the prize it's an illustrated edition of Kama Sutra…

Lemy rolled his eyes defeated. He still remembers when he was ten and went downstairs to get a glass of water at midnight, and then he found his father being mounted by Aunt Lisa. He froze with fear, as the little boy he was; until then, he had only heard adults having sex behind closed doors. He thanked god his family didn't like to fuck anywhere in the house, especially in public, they were no perverts… okay, maybe they were perverts but at least they had a tiny little pinch of decency.

He watched the show until it ended; standing at the top of the stairs didn't allow him to watch his father's… Thank god for little miracles? So his attention was attracted by Aunt Lisa's naked and pearly breasts, even more to her expression when she reached nirvana. Don't get me wrong, it did not affect me at all; I didn't have my first boner that day, I definitely didn't run to mom's room in fear, and she never tried to… And definitely the fact that 90% of the porn I watch is about girls with glasses has nothing to do with that. Thanks heaven none of my sisters use glasses, or else…

I'm starting to believe you like when I get out of topic.

Lemy took the coffee table from end to end, and made an effort to lift it over his head; it wasn't even that big, but hell, it was heavy.

Remember I work out? Well, this is one of those times where I can show off. Yeah, it's heavy, but nothing I cannot deal with. As he walked upstairs, the sound of dozens of footsteps, plates and voices came from the kitchen. Dad got up early; like every year, he was in charge of the food.

He reached the second floor just in time to see Aunt Lana coming out of her room, her hair was a mess and the pattern of the mattress was marked all over her face…along with drool.

"Good morning Lem, do you need help with that?" She was wearing a long, old t-shirt with the zoo logo in front and an elephant on the back. It had to be an XL, it was so long it covered her underwear.

Little miracles, remember?

"No thanks, I got it. Aren't you going to work today?"

"Nope. You know it; today is Loan's special day." She said, scratching her butt over the t-shirt.

"Yeah, just confirming. What about Aunt Lola?"

"She will arrive by the evening; her flight left last night."

Lola is on a business trip in London; she's presenting the new designs for this fall. She was supposed to return in two weeks, but… Look, we might be a bunch of perverted sinners, but if there's something sacred in this house, it's the family. We've always been together, especially on special dates.

That's another fact that makes my life even worse; I'm not used to feel alone, but due to the contempt, disgust and hate other people feel towards us, I'm already get used to it. I even think I developed a thing for masochism. The way I see it, all that shit makes you stronger, it makes you feel like a rebel, it makes you feel special, but I always had my family with me. I had my sisters and my aunts to laugh at that people, but now…

Lana goes to the bathroom, walking past him and taking advantage he has his hands occupied to spank him. Lemy backed a little, trying to keep his balance and at the same time avoiding hitting the walls with the table.

"Hey!"

"Come on boy, if you don't want them to be touched then don't show them around… I like you pants…" she winked.

That's it. I'll dump them to the Salvation Army in the first chance I have.

"Take your claws out of my boy" Luna comes from her room, rubbing her eyes and barely awake.

"You had Lincoln last night; at least you could share Lemy." Lana said. They looked at each other; he feared there could be a fight at any moment.

"I told you to stay away from my boy, or else you'll be the one who will need a vet this time, bitch."

Both women look at each other, all they needed was a spark to explode.

Lana turned and got inside the bathroom.

He felt a drop of cold sweat on his forehead, and his arms getting numb. Sometimes his aunts didn't get along too well, and it always made him shiver.

Luna stops trying to burn down the bathroom door with her glare, and turn her head towards her son. Her expression went from rage to love.

"Good morning luv." That British expression said in that accent, now perpetual in his mother, sent a shiver down his spine, a shiver that stopped right at the end of his waist and caused a tickling on his belly; the fact that she only used "Luv" when she talked to him or his father didn't help either.

"Good morning… mom…" His cheeks went red just by saying that word, mom. Luna is not the most responsible in the house, but she's still his mother.

"Lana has been really close to you lately… I don't blame her."

"She's just thankful that I take care of Lizy."

Luna is wearing one of those really short t-shirt that exposed her belly and her waist; her bottom is barely covered by some sort black panties, leaving almost all her body exposed and showing her tattoos. The most…noticeable one, to say the least, is a tribal moon on her pubis. Her panties are so short he can see the whole tattoo.

"I'll play on The End of the World this Saturday, you wanna come?"

Lemy hesitated; Lyra just told him she doesn't like when he goes to that kind of sites, beside he doesn't want to be too close to his mother, at least not for a while…

Luna perceived his doubt, and her smile slowly faded.

"C'mon Lem, You don't like to rock with your mother anymore? Am I not cool anymore?"

"No… I mean yes… I mean…" Lemy choke with his own words. "You're the coolest mom in the world, and you know that."

Luna laughs, the expression on his face is cute.

"So?"

"Well… I…" Lemy look down in defeat."

She opened her eyes and looked away; remembering a few things that happened in the past, things she didn't want to bring back.

"Lemy, that night I was… I didn't mean to… well, I did but… I didn't mean to scare you." Now she's nervous. "I would never hurt you. You know it, right?"

"I know."

They both remained silent.

"I'll ask Lyra…" He bit his tongue, but it was too late. Just like with Lacy, he talked too much.

"Lyra…it's always Lyra. You know Lemy; she's not as innocent as you think." Luna looked at him with sadness in her eyes.

He looked down. If it were another person who doubted about Lyra, he would have thrown the bloody table on his head.

But she's mom; I love her and I admire her a lot. I don't know if you already have noticed, but I want to be like her.

"Alright, I'll go with you."

She smiled again.

"That's my boy!" she patted his head. Oh boy.

The whole family gathered in Loan's room with gifts in their hands. The whole room is decorated with balloons, party streamers, a "Happy Birthday" sign, and a Pony-shaped piñata hanging from the ceiling.

Leia was given permission to get out of her locking; she stood on a corner and watched at everyone with anger, especially at Lemy and Lizy. Lemy is sitting on a little chair with Lizy on his lap, trapped between his guitar and his chest, and Lyra is at his left with a violin in her hands.

Lincoln Loud is in front of everyone handing a special breakfast: waffles, bacon, fries, and a strawberry milkshake; a perfect recipe for a heart attack, and yet Lemy seems to want it too.

Lincoln gives the signal; Lemy and Lyra start play their instruments as the others started to sing the immortal song "Happy Birthday". The guitar and the violin are being played with such skill they cover the out-of-tone voices of the entire family.

The covers started to move, and from them emerged a mass of golden hair that soon revealed her face. Loan watched with confusion at first, she sees her father with a tray of food and the other members of the family holding gifts.

Normally, Loan could never be in front of nineteen people, especially being the center of attention; she would probably suffer a panic attack and hyperventilate. But the little crowd in front of her were her family; they would never hurt her, they were not monsters like the people outside, and even when sometimes the voices in her head tell her that they would betray her in the first chance, she ignores them, because thousands of times they showed they would always be there whenever she needed them. They would always accept her even when she didn't feel worthy.

The song ended; it is supposed to be preceded by a round of applause, but they don't do it since that makes Loan nervous. She was so embarrassed with all the attention she covered her face with the bandana Lemy gave her. Luckily it still was tied to her neck.

"Happy birthday, sweetie!" Lory said, hugging her warmly. She just turned 24, but to her, she would always be her little girl.

"Happy birthday, my little girl." Lincoln said joining the hug. Loan snuggled against her parents.

"Little? She's the tallest among us. She's a giant." Leia couldn't hold her anger. It was unfair; Loan was receiving all the attention while she was facing the wall.

"You wanna go back to your room, young lady?" Lana glanced at her. Her eyes were scary; sometimes even the animals were afraid of her.

"…No." Leia said, crossing her arms and sinking in her own bad mood like a crocodile in the water.

Everyone took turns to hug her; when it was Lemy's turn, Loan threw herself to his arms and sank her face in his neck. Lemy couldn't help but sniffing Loan's scent, which was kind of bitter because of her shower-every-two-days habit, but he didn't care.

I really have to stop doing that.

"I want my real gift."

"Will you give me back that?" He pointed at the bandana. Loan hid it behind her hands.

Lemy couldn't help but laugh.

"Eat first, you majesty. Or is it that you don't like daddy's special breakfast anymore?" Lincoln said.

"Yes, I like it…" Loan took the food tray from Lincoln's hands and started to eat.

His aunts left the gifts in the bed and walked out of the room, remaining just the kids, Lincoln and Lori.

While Loan was eating breakfast, Lincoln turned on the TV inside her room and pressed the play button to reproduce whatever his daughter was watching.

On the screen, an anime scene appeared: a city in the night, a brown haired girl and a black haired boy were face to face; the girl was crying and the boy was trying to stop her, but then outta nowhere…

"It's just as you heard! I rejected them all to confess to my sister! I'm a pervert who fell in love for his little sister!"

Everyone froze; the characters began to yell one to another; the guy swearing eternal love and the girl saying that it was gross.

Just to end with the brown haired girl saying…

"In real life, incest is disgusting!"

And then the guy said…

"Listen to me Kirino, don't go anywhere! Please marry me!" Those words echoed in the streets of that city, and then it began to snow. The background characters kept silent, watching the scene.

Just like the Loud family.

And with tears in her eyes, the girl said:

"Yes."

Lincoln, snapping out of his trance and with shaking hands turned off the TV. The room was silent, and now Loan was no longer blushed, but pale, looking at Lemy with fear. Lizy stops looking at the screen and glance towards his brother with her cheeks red hot but Lemy didn't notice.

Fuck dude, really? There are animes about this shit? What the fuck is wrong with Japanese people?

Tears formed in Loan's eyes, but everyone were too busy looking at Lemy to notice; they waited for him to yell something like the black haired guy on the TV.

This was the kind of situations that could easily cause a panic attack. Damn, is this how Loan feels every day?

"Who the hell brought a piñata? What are we, Mexicans?" Leia was looking at the paper crafted pony; she knows she's embarrassing herself, but she's decided to carry on. "And what kind of weeb shit is that? And we're having Italian food? This is the kind of stuff that makes us the laughing stock of the world."

At first nobody said a thing, but then Leia glanced at Lemy with expectation. "Do something, you idiot"

"I knew something was wrong with you, you're a fucking Nazi. Well, that explains a lot of things." He said. She threw a lifesaver, and he took it.

"Leia is not a Nazi" Lupa interrupted. "She's just a mean bitch."

Leia gave her the finger and faced the wall again. She was angry, but at the same time happy.

The adults caught the cue, secretly letting out a sigh of relief.

"Kids, watch your language" Lincoln scold them. He wasn't fooling anyone, he was as happy as the others.

And then everyone start to speak and argue with each other.

Loan hid her face behind the bandana this entire time. She whipped the tears away and smiled; her especial day wasn't ruined because of her.

The food was served at two o'clock; everyone devoured the lasagna while they watched Loan beating Lynn's ass in a fighting videogame. The brown haired woman was inches away of the screen moving the controller up and down pressing buttons like her life depends of it. Meanwhile, Loan just sat on the sofa with a bored expression and a lollipop in her mouth.

Lynn was sweating and jumping, not knowing the controller only responded when the buttons are pressed. Loan, with patience not proper of her, was throwing combos and combinations, dodging and blocking each and every move. When Lynn was about to lose, Loan did something with those agile finger of hers, and in the screen her character made an animation sweeping the floor with Lynn's and sending him flying out of the ring.

A round of claps and cheers were addressed towards her, while boos and insults were addressed towards Lynn, who was panting and sweating.

"I don't get it… I'm the best in this house and… how it is possible that I lost to a girl who spends the whole day in a sofa eating Doritos and drinking Pepsi?"

"It's curious because now you can't sit since Loan kicked your ass, get it?" Luan made fun of her while shoving her fork in the spaghetti.

Normally, the whole family wouldn't find Aunt Luan's jokes funny; sometimes they were so bad you wanna hit your face against the wall, but this time everyone laughed, which made Lynn angry.

"I want a rematch!" Lynn points towards Loan, who is laughing nervously.

"No. This is the fifth time you lost. Let the girl eat something." Lincoln scolded.

"I want to keep playing…" Loan was setting a new game.

"Come on honey, you gotta eat something. Besides, it's your favorite." Lori said.

They had been playing the whole day since this morning; race games, shooters and sports. A lot of Loan's games had been played during the day, and each and every one of the Louds had been humiliated.

Loan is happy; though she always plays online with strangers, she doesn't have any friend to play in person. Well, the sin brothers have no friends at all except for Leia and Lacy. However, Loan really enjoys when a member of the family plays with her, and who does it more often is my father; he also enjoys that kind of stuff, that's why she's really close to him.

But whatever, it doesn't bother me at all. I'm definitely not jealous that Loan has another favorite.

"Loan, come here and say ahh" Lemy took a spoon full of ravioli towards her mouth. Loan looked at her brother, then at the screen, and then at her brother again; she put the controller aside and opened her mouth.

Her cheeks turned red. This kind of attention was new to her; yeah, she and Lemy had things in common and their relationship "healed" with the events of the last few days, but he has never done something like this, at least not with her. And too this was the reason why Leia and Lacy stared at him, they wanted that too. Even Lulu wanted that; she was on top of his head pulling his hair demanding food.

Lunch time was over; it was time for the cake and the gifts.

Loan blows the candles on a hyper-realistic cake that resembled a Mario Bros. scenario. The cake is so well done it includes the Mario Bros. characters; Lacy immediately took Yoshi and put it in her pocket while nobody was looking, she left the scene whistling like nothing happened.

While Lemy and the girls left their gifts in the table, they walked to get a piece of cake.

The first one was Lyra; it was only fair since she's the elder one.

The complete soundtrack of all The Legend of Zelda games in orchestra version, collector's edition. Loan was delighted.

Liena gave her a bunch of jars with preserved food; peaches in syrup, preserved pears, jelly and more. For a girl who spends her life eating candies it was perfect, and even better, everything was from her garden.

She wished her a happy birthday, saying "I love you" in sign language. Loan looks at her, not understanding what she's saying, so Lemy have to translate.

Liby, who hasn't said a word since the happy birthday song, got up and gave her a makeup kit. Loan looked at her confused…

"Just in case you want to use it, since you are beautiful..."

Loan hugs her.

"I'm not beautiful; I'm weird and I smell funny."

"You both are beautiful, so stop saying such things." Lemy couldn't help but respond. Sorry man, but I just can't stay quiet when someone is badmouthing my girls, not even they.

Oops, I did it again.

Both of them blushed, and then smiled. By the tone of his words he was serious.

Lacy gave her the last version of FIFA for her PlayStation Zero.

"It's not a real sport, but… anyways I can cheer on you whenever you play it."

Lupa got up and gave her something that resembled a blueprint case enveloped in black wrap with a white ribbon on top.

Loan took off the cap and extracted the paper inside; it was a picture of herself drawn anime-style wearing a sexy red dress that at the same time looked like an armor. In one hand she has a black shield while in the other a big golden sword.

"I know you like anime so… You look like that girl." Lupa said with her emotionless voice.

Loan hugged her with glee. Lemy couldn't help but wish Lupa had given it to him; she looked beautiful.

I wonder if she has a copy of that.

Lemy looked at Leia and made a signal. Leia glared at him and handed her gift to Loan.

"I asked my mother for help."

Loan opened the box and took out a… costume? It looks like a Princess Zelda outfit… if she worked in a club for gentlemen.

Loan blushed fiercely.

"I don't… Why would I use this…?"

"Lizy, give her your present." Leia demanded. She obviously wasn't in the mood to give explanation.

The little blonde hopped from Lemy's lap, which became her favorite place to sit, and handed her an envelope.

"Leia and I sold lemonade, and we used the money to buy this for you."

Loan opened the envelope and took out two tickets for the Comic-con in San Diego; she let out a high pitched scream and almost jumped on the bed.

"B-but I heard they sold out in just one hour."

"Mom has contacts, but if you want to go, you'll have to use the costume I gave you." Leia said with that vicious grin of hers.

"Don't worry, I'll go whit…" Lincoln was about to offer himself to go with her; even when he works on the comic industry, he's just an inker; he gives color to the scenes and the comic in general. It wouldn't be the first time he goes to that kind of events with his daughters; in fact, the last year he went two times, and in the last one Loan remained calm most of the time.

But before Lincoln could even finish…

"I want to go!" Lemy yelled as high as he could. When he realized everyone stared at him, he tried to fix it. "I mean… it would be interesting, and I heard there'll be a music section, so I might as well give it a chance…"

Loan looked at him, and then she nodded with excitement.

"Yes, I want you to go… I mean, if you want… I want… yes…" Loan looked really happy, at least until she looked at the costume.

"And I will use a stupid costume if you want."

Normally he'd never go to that kind of events; it'd be full with virgin, fatty geeks and other kind of dorks. And while he was just one of those (guess which one), the idea of Loan going in a trip with that man alone wouldn't let him sleep.

Leia looked at her with anger. You didn't expect your plan to backfire, did you?

"Well, it's my turn." Lemy gave her a big box wrapped in turquoise wrapping paper.

Loan opened it, stared at it for a couple of seconds trying to figure out what it was.

"It is a video recorder, a microphone and a camera."

She looked at him, and then at her gift again.

"Look, I've seen there's a ton of idiots on the internet that are making big money playing games and uploading videos about it, so if those idiots can do it, you can do it ten times better."

"Me? A streamer? That means I'll have to show my face on camera… I don't think I can do it."

"It's perfect; you won't see anyone, you'll just have to play the games, talk about it and that's all! Maybe a little edit here and there to add memes or funny stuff then all you have to do is upload it. You don't have to talk or see them."

Loan thought about it, a smile formed on her lips.

"Would you help me?"

"Alright, but just with the technical stuff. I'm not the best player."

Loan looked at him with dearness, and then hugged him.

"Thanks Lemy, I love you."

"I love you too." For a moment they looked at each other; Loan's eyes are like her mother's: a unique shadow of blue, but hers are pale, almost turquoise.

"Alright, now it's the turn of the adults." Lyra interrupted. Lemy flinched, almost jumping; he looked away with a noticeable blush on his face.

The rest of the day went quick; they played videogames with Loan, and everyone lost to her in a pretty humiliating way. In the late evening, Lola arrived to the house and after scolding her daughter, she started handing the souvenirs she bought in London. After that she hit the piñata with the stick, and then she ate cake with her nieces and nephew until night.

One by one they went to their rooms and after a moment just remained Loan, Lyra and Lemy.

"Well ladies, I'm out." He said, taking his handful of candies and heading to his room.

"Lemy…" Loan's shaking voice stops him.

"Yes?"

"Would you… sleep with me?" Loan was looking at the wall; she hanged the draw Lupa gave her.

Lemy thought for a moment, not knowing what to say, and then he looked at Lyra; needless to say she was in the same situation.

"Loan I don't know…"

"Lyra always sleeps with you, so why can't I?"

"Because…" Lemy's mind was blank.

"Please, for my birthday?" Loan looks at him like a puppy in the street hoping to be adopted.

Lyra thought about it with her gaze down.

"No."

Her answer is so cold and cutting Lemy felt it in his own guts.

"But…" Loan tried to convince her.

"I said no. Lemy, go to your room, Loan, you'll sleep here."

Loan looks at her with anger and then stormed out of the room.

Lemy looked at Lyra; he's angry, and he knows she only wanted to protect him but… She's Loan, and I told you already she's not as strong as the others, and Lyra should have not talked to her like that.

"Lyra, that wasn't necessary."

"Yes it was. And what's all that about going with her to the Comic-Con?"

Lemy looked away.

"You must be strong, Lemy."

"I can, Lyra, I can be strong. But Loan… she can't, and you know it."

They were in his bed; Lyra was fast asleep, but Lemy couldn't even close his eyes for more than three minutes. Maybe it was the sugar in his blood, or maybe he wasn't in peace because he knew sleeping with Loan was the right thing.

But Lyra is… Lyra, I can't ignore what she says, even when sometimes her decisions hurt my sisters.

Not too long he starts to feel the heaviness in his eyes; he doesn't want to sleep, because he knows who will hold the knife in his dreams. Want a clue? Today's her birthday.

Birthday.

Kings of Leon.

nobodyreallyimportant: I'm mostly correcting grammar mistakes and adding more stuff, to do it I had to take down the other chapters.

Najee: Thanks for the review man, really apprecated it!