Disclaimer: I don't own The Loud House, the brand, as well as all of its characters and settings belong to Chris Savino and Nickelodeon, all rights reserved.

Chapter 35: Conflict.

- Lincoln, kiddo, before you go, let's have a talk - Lynn Sr. was sitting on the common Loud couch, he had just put down the magazine that he was reading shortly after preparing the breakfast for his family, he just couldn't miss the opportunity to have a father-son talk, perhaps the most important one in his life, he then patted the spot to his left to signal his son to sit besides him.

- umm dad, can't we have this talk later? I really don't want to be late to the first period - Lincoln exclaimed impatiently, he was already placing his hand on the doorknob to open the main door connecting the house to the yard.

- it's just a minute champ, don't worry - The patriarch quickly realized that he didn't have much time, that he was holding his son back, he didn't want that, but the latest commotion in the house was something that he just couldn't avoid, he had to find out what was going on, he had to be there for his only son and his little pageant champion.

- Fine, dad, if it's about the "birds and the bees" then don't worry, I already know every…-

- NO, i mean, I supposed you are already aware of that, can't really control my son's browsing habits, I trust you're responsible enough, that said, be very careful of streaming or webcam sites! - Lynn warned his son of some of the dangers on the internet - however, that's not what I want to talk about today - he continued while remaining serious.

- Then what? - Through his impatience, Lincoln actually rose his left eyebrow, curiosity growing by the second.

- Son, i just want you to know that whatever may happen with you or your growth, that your old man will be there for you, you can tell me anything! - The aging man tried to lift the mood a little with encouraging words, only to be meet with a profoundly confused stare.

- Uh… thanks dad, I know that - Lincoln replied, his eyes twitching to the side in awkwardness, he failed to see the point of his dad's "interruption".

- Which is why, I won't judge, son, I know it's just a part of growing up, but look, when a boy and a girl sleep in the same bed past the age of 10, a lot can happen, I just want to make sure that you know what you're doing and that you can be aware and make a proper distinction. - The father of eleven children was struggling at finding the correct words to deal with the subject, he didn't want to intimidate his son by making him think that he was judging him, he clearly trusted the albino boy on always knowing what was best for his sisters, he knew that he was protective of them all and he also knew that his son would never hurt any of them.

But he was also a teenager, and he couldn't ignore that.

Lincoln was now looking at his dad with a bewildered and deeply disturbed face, he couldn't care less about how or why his dad knew about him and Lola sleeping in the same bed often, he couldn't even begin to comprehend how the man that raised him could even dare to imply that he would look at one of his sisters that way, let alone do anything to take advantage of them.

- What are you implying, dad? - Lincoln asked in a ferocious manner, making Lynn Sr. flinch a bit by the intensity of his expression.

- N-nothing, really champ! - Lynn raised his arms almost defensively at his own son. - Its just, someone came to me recently saying that you and your sister seem to be staying in the same room quite often, I'm not judging son, I know you wouldn't do anything to your sisters, I just wanted to talk to you to make sure that you knew what you were doing. - He continued, almost panicking at the scary presence that was his visibly enraged son at the moment.

- Look, dad, what Lola and I do in my room is not something that she feels comfortable sharing yet, but to even imply that I would be doing anything to her like that!? I… W-what's wrong with you! - to say that Lincoln was fuming, indignant, and offended to a personal level would have been an understatement - You know what, it doesn't matter, I really don't have time, I have to focus on my studies, and then later I'll be seeing my girlfriend at her house, so i'll be taking my leave, thank you! - Lincoln quickly rose up from the couch, heading to the exit door - oh, and also please tell your personal "spy" to mind her own business as well - he didn't even bother watching back as he slammed the door so hard, a family picture in a nearby wall almost collapsed.

The words of his son seemed to picture a clear image in the mind of the aging man, he meant well for his little girl, but his angry and rebellious teenage outburst, far from calming his suspicions, where giving him mixed signals, although he was still far from concerned about anything "weird" going on between his son and his daughter, the words of L.J. where starting to make sense.

"It's just weird that they spend so much time there and yet they never tell anybody what they are doing!"

He had also caught an important detail from his rant, apparently, whatever they were doing on his room, it was being kept a secret on Lola's request.

- Maybe I'll have Rita talk to her - He thought while looking back at the magazine, the little princess was known for being fierce, but so was his wife, she just knew how to get the answers out of her family.

He was sure of that.

- Ok guys, my next trick will make sure to absolutely blow your minds – Lincoln announced confidently to the group, putting back his black cap from a mysterious place – babe could you give me a coin? – He asked his premium apprentice, Stella, who of course complied – now you will see this coin, as it passes through my arm, then my hand, and then…

- Oops! – The albino made a fake surprised the action, alerting the group – I think I lost it, mmm… where could it be… -

- Come on Lincoln, we've seen this one before, it's in Stella's ear. – Rusty said while continuing to eat his sandwich.

- Ohh, are you sure about that? Mmm… ok Rusty, although, may I suggest you to eat a little more carefully? – Lincoln began hiding his arms in a collected standing pose, giving a cautious warning to his friend.

- Whatever… - Rusty said while munching another bite until…

- Owww, what!? – He suddenly found himself cringing at the unequivocal feeling of his teeth chewing on a metallic object – What the… Lincoln that was painful! – An annoyed and embarrassed Rusty replied while trying to check for wounds with his tongue, an action that brought heavy laughter on the group, as well as a roaring applause on the aspiring magician.

- Thank you very much – Lincoln decided to present himself to the audience.

- At least some of the old Lincoln is still there – Clyde thought to himself among the loud sounds of applause from the group, he felt on the spotlight at the moment as the other tables full of more serious teenagers applied a judging look on the group of friends, but that didn't stop the praise for the improved tricks of the now 2nd best magician in Royal Woods.

- Wherever did he get that energy from though? - The grown ebony nerd remained suspicious, something really must be clicking for his relationship with Stella, but sure regardless, a change is a change.

- Linc, I'm so glad to have you visit my home today, that was really sweet of you! - Stella was hugging her boyfriend, unable to mask her excitement at the prospect of Lincoln getting to know the Zhau family.

- What do you mean cupcake? Of course I'd like to get to know you better! - Lincoln grabbed his girlfriend's hand while allowing her to guide him through the neighborhood.

Their talk on their way to Stella's house was rather uneventful, they couldn't help to laugh at Rusty's reaction for the trick, but Lincoln couldn't really get into any meaningful conversation, his mind stuck in between thinking what sort of first impression would he cause on Stella's family.

As well as that conversation with his dad.

- … anyway, that's a way you can do to quickly fix the air conditioner, I don't even know it was possible to get stuck in a heated classroom twice, hehe, seems like Mr. Bolhofner's soul lives in you right Lincoln? … Lincoln? - The filipino girl stopped her train of speech at seeing her boyfriend looking at the front to no point in specific, lost in thoughts.

- Snowflake, is anything wrong? - Stella questioned the albino boy.

- Uh? Ah yeah sorry! It's just that I've been having some problems with math homework, was planning on doing them on my own instead of having Lisa solve them for me hehe - he barely registered his girlfriends concerned face, but tried to bounce back and pretend innocence.

- Ohhhh is that so! Then let me give you a hand, I've been also studying hard for the test! - Stella replied excitedly, apparently eating Lincoln's excuse.

He was safe for now, Hopefully no more questioning.

- Ok Linc, we're here! - Stella proudly announced their arrival to her home, a relatively modest house about 10 blocks away from the loud residence, he couldn't believe that through his entire relationship he had never laid a foot on Stella's house, well, at least that was changing now.

The rest of the evening came and went, he had a most formal meeting with Mr. Ken and Ms. Lucy Zhau, Stella's parents, who immediately took a liking for him, to his relief, soon after, Stella invited him to her room, where they spent most of the time playing through Call of Honor and doing the Math homework, the sun was quickly hiding through the horizon as the time passed, Lincoln was enjoying his time with his girlfriend to the fullest extent, her overall presence allowing him to relax and forget the terrible exchange that he had earlier.

But of course, everything must come to an end.

- Ok Linc haha, i think it's kind of getting dark outside, maybe we have to call a truce - Stella unlogged from the arena that they were in, before walking to the console to turn it off.

Fun time was over.

- Oh, man does time pass quickly when you're having fun haha! - Lincoln laughed the sinking feeling of confrontation off - Well, I guess I must be heading over know, thanks for inviting me Stell, I really hope I can make some time off to see you again this week, this time the ball's in my court! - He replied confidently while holding her hands with his own, fingers entangled.

- Well, I guess I don't have anything going on this Saturday, maybe we should go and see the latest Galaxy wars film, dad's a total geek about it and I kind of want to see what's the fuzz all about - Stella excitedly proposed, hands still entangled with that of her dear boyfriend as she lead him outside.

- Hmmm, i was kind of thinking on going with Clyde… - Lincoln pondered - But what the heck, deal, I'll pick you up at 6:00PM! - He immediately got rid of any doubt and approached his girlfriend to give her a quick peck on the lips, eliciting a soft and cute giggle from the tall girl.

- Bye handsome~ - Stella had a dumbstruck expression as she waved her hands at her loving boyfriend, who was now walking on his way home, just why did he have to be so adorable!

- That boy is gonna be my downfall~ - She thought to herself.

- I'm home - Lincoln entered the Loud residence, expecting to find some sister scattered between the couch and the kitchen, while his dad was cooking something delicious and his mom attended Lily, he was frankly ready for anything at this point, he was ready to apologize to his dad for his rudeness (Even if he still feels offended about it).

But nope, there was nobody here, not in the first floor at least, guess he was a little late for dinner, not that he felt hungry or anything.

As he went on his way to climb upstairs, he briefly thought about going to his father's room to apologize, but quickly decided against it, in the instance that his mom was there, he definitely wasn't feeling like explaining the situation to her as well.

Without further interruption, the albino decided to quickly head over to his room, a little privacy time was long overdue, he knew from Liam that Lana was home so there was going to be no Lola tonight.

He approached the door and… wait, why is the light on?

Oh no…

- Hi Linky - Lola softly greeted her brother as soon as Lincoln opened the door leading to his room, she was sitting on his bed and using her palm to indicate him to sit besides her.

- L-lola? What are you doing here? Isn't Lana home? - Lincoln whispered his concern in case that anybody could be peeking.

- Oh don't worry, she's busy doing… stuff, in her room - She quickly deflected Lincoln's main concern, but not the other problem.

- Look sis, I thought we promised, no story and no staying while Lana Is here. - Lincoln felt the authority to remind the princess of their little "Deal".

- Yes, I know, I didn't come for that Lincoln - Lola matched his seriousness, reminding him that she was perfectly aware of the conditions, this made Lincoln's frown soften.

- Oh, ok, then what brings you here sis? Any issues with Lana? - The teenager quickly adopted a supportive attitude while sitting at the other side of his bed, reaching a hand behind Lola's shoulder.

- No, don't worry Linky, I'm not having any problems with anything really - She quickly turned her face to see him in the eyes, showing him a smile to ease his concern.

God, why is he so understanding?

- It's just… there is this awesome dance that is being held in my School to honor the 100th Anniversary of some founder and what not, and it is for all the students in elementary - Lola began explaining the situation, an evident blush forming in her cheeks, which fortunately, Lincoln failed to catch - And well… they said that participants were free to invite someone from outside the school - She began fiddling her fingers while looking to the side - a-and, well, I was maybe t-thinking - Lincoln couldn't believe how vulnerable his sister was looking at the moment, stuttering and sweating, very unlike Lola Loud.

- Of course I will! - Lincoln quickly interpreted what his dear princess was trying to say - I'll be your dance partner if that's what you want - He then put an arm on his little sister's shoulder as a sign of support - Just tell me when it is and I'll be there! - He said confidently.

Nothing will get in the way of his little princess's happiness.

- YES! Thank you Linky, you're the best! - Lola jumped in his bed and threw herself at him, planting many kisses in his cheek, making the boy respond in ticklish laughter while returning the hug.

So warm~

- Ok so please get yourself ready, I'm sorry Lincoln but that orange shirt won't do, we need to get you an actual suit, tomorrow I'll be helping you find the perfect one - Lola sassily commented while looking demanding of his presentation, catching the albino off guard.

- Ok wow wow sis, it's ok no need to rush things, just tell me the date and I'll make sure to arrange a rental suit or something - Lincoln tried to instill order on his impulsive sister.

- Well Lincoln I'm sorry but where going to need to be quicker than that - The blonde insisted.

- But why the Rush? - Lincoln complained.

- 'cause it's this Saturday - Lola explained.

- WHAT!? -