Reach Out for the Amistad

a Loud House's fanfic

by sorrowXdarkness

oooOOOooo

"There! I think that should hold for now." Spoke Lincoln as he finished wrapping the cloth bandage around the girl. He carefully placed the foot down as the girl took a moment to look at his handiwork. Honestly, she was mesmerized by how well it came out. Almost like it was done by the registered nurse at their school. He definitely had time to perfect that craft as she felt the compression ease some of the discomfort. As she applied some pressure, the pain was tolerable. Good, she thought. At least now, she could return home without too much trouble.

"Thanks... I guess." Her voice betrayed the internal gratitude she felt for the white hair boy. Truth be told, she actually has a crush on him. Like all the other girls would agree, Lincoln was a unique boy in every regard. Unlike most of the boys at their school, he excelled in baking and crafting. Able to motivate someone in a more positive manner and sit there listening to the other person's rant. All it takes is someone to listen to expel some much needed steam. That was Lincoln Loud. Although she had her foot massaged during the weekend, she particularly enjoyed his hands on her foot. With the topical ointment, she found herself regretting the destruction of their bridge. The crossroad that represented their 'amistad' crumbled as she spoke those lines.

The way it was now, she was lucky if he would consider her a classmate. Then again, she did make the motion to transfer class and completely distance herself from him.

"Well, I should go. The nurse should be back soon. Don't try walking for too long, okay?" He advised her, giving a reassuring smile. That facial gesture was wasted on someone like her. Yet he still managed to remain courteous. It was evident with the method he handled her foot.

The simple nod was all she could muster as she averted her gaze. Any more of his appearance, and she might just say something to make their situation even worse.

In response to her looking away, Lincoln let out a sigh. Guess she's still mad about the video, he thought. It made sense. Something like binding her sprain ankle wasn't going to wipe the debt that easy. Standing up, he recomposed himself before giving his farewell. With his back turned to her, he began to leave.

She whipped her head back towards his fleeing figure. With each passing step, she felt the distance between them growing evermore. The typical Lincoln Loud that would trade his carrot sticks or half of his peanut butter and sauerkraut sandwich with her. The same Lincoln Loud that would listen as she rants about what her sister did to her. It was no secret that she was always bothered by her older sister and her antics. Unlike herself, her sister was taciturn and prefers to keep to herself. Athletic due to her time at the gym and yoga, her sister could give a guy a run for their money. Her fists held both speed and power as she brandished the name "TIMBER!" Every time she knocks out someone, the crowd would cry out "Timber" just as the body fell onto the ground.

And despite all that, she gets all the attention from boys citywide. They would knock on their house's door, asking her to give the box of chocolate or flowers to her sister. When did she become her public representative? Like seriously!

So it was because of Lincoln, she could maneuver each day with relative ease. But that was nearly half a year ago, when they were still friends. His body reached the doorway, about to walk away from her when she finally decided enough was enough.

"Lincoln, wait!" She cried.

Her hand reached out even knowing it wouldn't reach him, but her voice did as he slowly turned back to the girl. He was surprised by her abrupt cry. "Yeah?"

This was it. The chance to rectify her mistake from the past. "Um...well, could you help me back to my class?"

"Don't you want to wait for the nurse to come back?"

She shook her head. "Nah, I think I can manage now...thanks to you." She still couldn't look at him directly, but she kept her eyes towards his general direction. Preferring to look at his shoes instead, she gripped the seam of her dress as she awaited for his answer.

"Okay."

And like that, the air she held suddenly was released. It felt mystical as the weight on her shoulders were lifted. Was it that simple? It felt so much difficult in her head as the truth became stranger than fiction. He came to her side and helped her up.

"Do you still have your gym shoes?" He asked.

"Yeah, they're in my locker."

"Perfect! We'll make a quick detour. I think sneakers are more comfortable than flats."

Following his recommendation, the two slowly made their way to her locker. Lincoln made sure to keep his pace matching hers. Fortunately for them, her locker was located on the first floor. It took no more than a moment to open the metal storage as she searched for her white sneakers. Great, she internally cried out. Her shoes were not there. Maybe she left her gym bag in class.

"It's not here..." Her voice was soft as she began to worry. It was already a miracle that Lincoln still remained at her side, but part of her felt like she was pressing her luck. "I think...I left it in my class." She said, closing the locker door shut.

Lincoln nodded. "Alright, let's go." He kneed down and gestured for her to hop on his back.

"W-What?"

"You're class is all the way on the other side of school, right? It's faster if I carry you on my back." He said calmly.

There was nothing wrong with his logic. "I guess that's true." She looked at his back for a moment. "Well, if you insist." She grabbed hold of his shoulders as she hoisted herself onto his back. "I'm not too heavy, am I?" Cristina had to ask.

Lincoln simply shook his head. "No. You're actually pretty light." He said as he began walking. His hands were on her legs. Something she noticed as she appreciated it, and the fact they were alone in the hallway. The rest of the walk was utter silence as the sound of his footsteps was all she could hear. The doors to each classroom were left closed as she felt they were the only one in the entire world. A couple of children left alone to their own device as the world became their very own canvas. Perhaps she was jumping the gun a bit, but she felt in that instant she could do practically anything. A surreal moment to experience for sure, she thought. Only a turn to the left and two classrooms down the hall away for their moment to end.

"Lincoln..."

"Hm?"

"I'm sorry...for everything."

Lincoln didn't reply right away. His feet were still moving, but his lips remained silent. Her mind began to drift to a dark spot as her fear arose from the very depth of the abyss.

"It's okay."

Cristina's eyes widened as she looked down at his head. He had his sights on the hallway, but there was nothing she could find that could negate what he just said. He actually means it, she thought. Just as they arrived at the door of her classroom, he finally took the moment to look at her. "I'm just glad we can talk again."

That did it. Cristina began to cry as she embraced the boy from behind. She apologized profusely for what she did; shunning him and getting her friends to do the same. Everything. She promised to be a better friend, just as long as they could rekindle what they once had. Lincoln spoke nothing but honey words as he reassured her they would see each other at the end of school. They have to start somewhere, so Lincoln offered to walk her home later in the day. When she returned to her class, her classmates instantly swarmed around her. The surrounding people completely blocked her sights on Lincoln as he disappeared back to class. Apparently, no one took notice of him and never bothered as they asked their questions.

With an overused smile, Cristina got her classmate to give her some much-needed space. And as the class's lesson resumed, she couldn't help but think more about Lincoln. After all, she considered him a precious friend that she gravely neglected and betrayed so skillfully and without much thought. Never again, she thought. Never again would she do that to any friend; especially to Lincoln.

oooOOOooo

"So, how's your foot so far?" Lincoln asked as the two walked on the cement sidewalk. Cristina insisted she could walk to her house without being carried. For the rest of the day, all her friends were huddling close to her. Anything she wanted, she got. If she tried to reach for her pencil, her classmate beside her would give her one of hers. If she needed to sharpen her pencil, Jon took it upon himself to make the journey in her stead. The list went on as the teacher began to do the same. So when Lincoln offered, she quickly shut down that idea.

Hearing her rants, the boy conceded. But only if she spent the rest of the day resting at home. No funny business. Cristina agreed. Knowing her sister, Cristina would probably spend the evening in bed.

"It still hurts...but I can manage for a few more steps." Cristina looked a glance at Lincoln. He still had his eyes on her ankle. "I'm sure my sister will be considerate of my injury. I'm actually looking forward to it." She commented. When they arrived at her house, she noticed something strange. Her sister's Impala was not parked in the driveway. And almost on cue, she received a text message from her sister.

BIG SIS: Sorry... I had to take care of something real quick. Be sure to lock the doors. I'll be home in an hour.

Well, that happened. Cristina took in a deep breath. Her chest rose as she continued to inhale before she began. "I DON'T BELIEVE IT! ARE YOU KIDDIN' ME?!"

Cristina Timber completely flipped. The one time she was looking forward to seeing her sister being nice to her for a change, and her sister wasn't home. She wasn't going to be home for an hour. She continued to scream out her frustration. For a moment, she felt the need to trade her sister for someone else's. Lincoln had a couple to spare, right?

Lincoln, getting the picture, redirected her attention to what's in front of her. He guided her to her front door. Since her older sister was out for a while, Lincoln offered to stay for a bit. Cristina, hearing that, agreed. With a sprained ankle, the last thing she wanted to be is alone. After a moment to call his parents, he got the okay to hang out.

Stationed in the living room, Cristina began feeling conflicted. Typically, when she has her friends over she would offer them something to drink. But because of her leg, Lincoln had to do everything for her. All because he got her to promise to rest her foot. When Lincoln returned, he brought out the cups and pitcher. In the container was a blend of 'juice' her sister made in the morning. A blend of aloe vera, water, ice and honey that her sister said was beneficial for the skin and digestive system.

"Are you sure your sister won't mind?" Lincoln asked.

"I'm sure. After All, she's trying to get me to eat and drink 'healthy' too. Besides, it would be nice for someone other than me to try out her concoction." She playfully said as she sat right up. With the drink for each of them, they both drank the content. It was sweet thanks to the honey, but felt a bit weird the first time for Cristina. With the cup in her hand, she turned to Lincoln. He already drank the entire cup. Guess someone was into healthy drinks in his household, she thought. Which would be true, courtesy of Leni.

After that, the both of them were doing their homework while they waited for the older sister to return. It was refreshing to have Lincoln helping her once more. She nearly forgot how much easier it was to have someone who could both understand the content and explain it as well. It didn't take long as they began packing their things. Cristina checked her phone, but her sister still hasn't returned.

"Cristina, since we're waiting for your sister. Do you want me to massage your foot?"

He seemed so unfazed by what he just said. Unlike her as her face had a cherry mark streak across her face. Maybe his sisters got him to do it for them, Cristina thought.

"O-Okay...just don't press t-too hard."

He nodded. His fingers resumed the magic they once cast as Cristina felt that sensation again. She began to wonder if he wouldn't mind doing that for her every afternoon until her foot fully heals. And after several minutes, Cristina asked if he would do the other. "Sure." Swapping out one for the other, Lincoln began to work on her other foot. She tried to keep the sound to a minimum, but it was definitely a hurdle. "Are you alright?"

"Y-Yes...please, keep going." She replied, closing her eyes tightly as she covered her mouth.

"Are you enjoying it?"

"Y-Yes... I am, Linc-" She stopped midway when she realized that wasn't Lincoln's voice. Opening her eyes and turning to the source of that voice, she saw her sister beside her. With a smirk on her face along with both hands on each side of her hips, Quinlan stood in front of the two preteens.

"Sis! You're back so soon?" Cristina asked, pulling her foot back down and positioning herself right up again.

"Mm-mm." She replied as she then turned her sights on Lincoln. "My, I haven't seen your face in a while. I was starting to worry you might've moved out or something."

Lincoln shook his head in response. "No... I just became too busy lately. But when Cristina injured her foot, I offered to stay by her side."

"I can see that. You were really giving my sister a run for her money. Tell me, do you take requests?"

"Sis!" Cristina cried out. "Lincoln is my friend. Not yours. He was just trying to ease my pain."

"On the wrong foot?" Her sister's eyes stared at the bare foot that didn't have the cloth wrap.

"W-Well...you see...he"

"I offered to do both. Since I finished with one, it only made sense to do the other."

Quinlan stared at the boy. He really knew how to handle himself, even at the expense of her fun. Well, there will always be time to mess with her sister. But for now, she decided to leave her alone. Ruffling Lincoln's hair, she told the two she was going to cook something.

"Cristina, ask your friend if he's staying for dinner!"

"OKAY!" Cristina shouted. Lincoln wasn't planning to, but since they insisted, he did.

Getting off the phone, Lincoln explained that his sister was going to pick him up after his other sister's baseball match was over. It gave Cristina more time to talk to him and to hear how things have changed since they last held a conversation before today.

oooOOOooo

Honk Honk

"That's my ride." Lincoln said, gesturing to the sound.

"Aww... Well, okay. I guess we can finish later." Cristina said. For the last half an hour, the two were watching a movie in the living room. She stood up. Her plan was to see him off, but before she could, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Her sister insisted she stays where she was. Reluctantly, she nodded. Lincoln came to her and bid her farewell.

"We'll see each other in school tomorrow. Okay?" He said, reassuring her that they won't stop talking and seeing one another.

Instead of replying with words, Cristina pulled the white hair boy closed to her in a warm embrace. "Thank you, Lincoln. I'm going to prove to you every day how much I cherish you and our friendship." From there, she saw him leave with her sister. Her sister wanted to speak to his sister.

"Well, we're glad to have Lincoln over. It really made my little sis happy." Quinlan said as she spoke to Lori.

Lori's eyes lit up instantly. "Really? I'm not surprised. We really raised Lincoln to be very nice and considerate to girls." She began boasting, earning a sigh from the brother in question. "I'm also glad your sister enjoyed Lincoln's company. Maybe we should invite you two over for a family dinner sometime."

"We'll make plans." Quinlan replied as Lori shifted gears to back up. Waving her hand at them, she bid the two farewell. Walking inside, she spotted her sister looking at the seat beside her that Lincoln occupied during his visit. "Don't worry, sis. You'll see your boyfriend tomorrow."

"I know bu-" Cristina paused when she realized what her sister just said. "HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!"

"Right right. Well, let me get something from my room."

With her sister away, Cristina turned her attention to her phone. In her contact list, a new addition to her list of friends.

As she stared at his number, her finger tapped on the icon to message.

Author's Notes:

I really enjoy writing between Cristina and Lincoln. I only wish to see more of her in the actual show. Please leave a review and as always, until next time! -sorrowXdarkness

Oh, and one last thing. The character of his sister is not of my own creation. That credit goes to Whimfu1 and the story that solidified Quinlan as Cristina's sister; Age Gap. I hope I did some justice in writing their OC. I understand that Quinlan is taciturn in nature, but Lincoln is by no means a stranger to their household. And Whimfu1, I hope you don't mind me using one of your OCs. I won't deem it as my own, but I will acknowledge both creator and creation when used. It would make me happy to get some feedback from you. Well, onward to the next story. -sorrowXdarkness