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 83: Amends.
- I can't believe the mouse approved these awful movies, like, how could they do that to Galaxy Wars? - Exclaimed an angry teenager while sitting on her side of the shared bed that she had with her brother.
- I can't believe that you'd be more passionate about it that even I was at the time, but yeah, these movies sucked hard, I warned you - The brother in question replied patiently, crossing his arms with an "I told you so" face - Just because the new ones have a female lead doesn't automatically mean that they were going to be better -
- Hey! Episode VII was fine with her characterization… - Lola, still, tried to defend her original stance, but knew that she was failing miserably.
- So, still think that the prequels were trash? - Lincoln looked at her quizzically, trying to prove another point.
- Well I mean, they are, comparing rotten cheese to poop doesn't make the rotten cheese suddenly taste better… - Lola remained adamant in her position - But yeah, at least they did not assassinate some characters just because, I still can't believe what they did to that princess, what was her name again…? - Lola place a hand in her chin in thinking fashion.
- You mean Leia? - Lincoln intervened promptly, raising an eyebrow.
- Yeah, her… - Lola retained her thinking pose - …cute name - She added to no one in particular, lost in thoughts.
- I just knew the moment they killed the space cowboy, these movies were irredeemable - Lincoln rambled on his own while crossing his arms in frustration.
- …So that's where your "inspiration" came from - Lola turned to her brother with a mischievous smile.
- …Yeah, a little arrogant, but he was my favorite character and a good… anti-hero, he even got to be with the princess in the end - Lincoln sighed in admiration.
- And what about the original hero? Don't tell me you didn't like him just because he ended as a loner - Lola continued teasing him.
- Heh, funny you mention him, I was just thinking how episode V made Leia… kiss him, then they kind of just retconned that out by making them siblings - Lincoln said as he placed his hands on the back of his head and softly lowered his back to lay comfortably on his side of the bed, breathing calmly and closing his eyes.
- SO many things that happened on that movie and that's the one thing you remember? - Lola looked at him in disbelief, then mimicked his action, looked at the ceiling - She still made the right choice, the cowboy was far more attractive than her brother anyways - She said confidently.
- Hmmm, maybe you're right, who could have such poor judgement to date their brother? - Lincoln expressed with a sigh.
- Yeah, she'd have to be fundamentally fucked up in the head to do that… - Lola said with decaying energy while looking at the ceiling.
- …So, what was your diagnosis? - Lincoln said with a neutral tone.
- there's this thing called "Histrionic Personality Disorder" apparently, oh, and major depression, obviously, yours? -
- Well… there's OCD, and some degree of borderline thanks to good'ol PTSD… and… -
Suddenly, they looked at each other, they both knew they had something else to say.
- "Narcissistic behavior"? - They said in unison, sporting an ironic grin.
- Wow… I saw it coming from a mile away for me, but who would have guessed my big brother was carrying such an ego - Lola chuckled darkly at the thought, even after seeing his latest… development… she would have never guessed in a million years of kind, caring and selfless Lincoln Loud to go through that.
… "Selfless" as in: "I need people to give me attention, to feel needed around them, to get what I want later on, or else…"
She could not really relate, she had other methods to get what she wanted, after all.
- …can I confess something? - Lincoln didn't find it as funny, but he still retained a warm smile.
- You know you can, I'm all ears - Lola gave an encouraging smile in return.
- When I was feeling… jealous of you, I mean, of all of my sisters, and I got that crown… when I discovered that I had royal blood in me, and that I was a duke… had It not been because of how awful Morag acted… I would have probably done the same thing, I wanted to rule Loch Loud, I wanted to be respected, not for my actions, but just because I was powerful - Lincoln admitted shamefully, lowering his head in his pillow further.
- Hehe, I knew that already silly - Lola teased her brother with a knowing look.
- You… did? - Lincoln was wide-eyes, big discomfort dripping through his forehead.
- Yeah, and how you manipulated us into staying in Scotland with the exclusive bathrooms excuse - Lola rolled her eyes - That wouldn't be the first time either Lincoln, I still don't fully forgive you for the Limo incident either, or for using me for your Dairyland tickets - She was now frowning visibly.
- Right… sorry about that - Lincoln looked down in shame about being reminded of other moments in which his selfishness got the best of him.
- Eh, it's ok, besides, the costume was silly, but you did look great with that crown… and seeing you so happy and proud using it, even though I knew you just wanted us to stay for your own benefit, I… may have played along with your trick - Lola confessed with a slight blush.
- Even though I was basically taking you away from school and pageants? - Lincoln continued looking with shame.
- Hey, feeling like royalty wasn't just your fantasy, and… I may have imagined sharing that throne with you at some point - Lola confessed further, blushing even harder
- Wait, so even back then - Lincoln looked surprised at his sister's confession.
- Well, kinda? I didn't know if I wanted that just for the fame, or to be with you, or both, but thinking about it either way didn't bother me that much - Lola continued her assault of truth bombs, referencing some of the talks that she had had with Dr. López in her many sessions.
- So, when I gave the crown away to Angus, were you… disappointed? - Lincoln asked curiously, wanting to inquire more on the honest side of Lola.
- On the contrary Linc, I was super proud of you, you showed me that you didn't need to wear a crown or to use force and intimidation to get people to like you, I was still afraid of making people lose respect of me if I acted with kindness at the time… and not soon after, I met… Meli - Lola answered calmly, but the mention of that name by her own account brought an extremely oppressing feeling on her heart, making her recoil a little and release some tears.
Lincoln saw that an immediately approached her for a warm hug, making her sniffs of pain stifle and recede after a few minutes, allowing her to return the hug.
- Shh, it's ok, remember, it's not your fault, it's not your fault, you were just a child, you were confused and hurt - Lincoln whispered softly to her ear, remembering all of the lessons that were taught by Dr. Robinson on how to deal with guilt.
- …Thanks - Lola said while being slightly muffled by the chest of her brother.
She then looked up, her eyes meeting his, and approached his face to place a soft peck in his lips.
- …Sorry, I know you want more, but-
- No, I fully agree Sunshine, we're not doing any of that until you turn 18 - Lincoln clarified with a kind look, never breaking his embrace with his lover - Healing is our priority right now after all -
- But… Lincoln, it's not because of me being… underage or anything… right? - Lola whispered with regret.
- … - Lincoln retired eye contact - … Sunshine, that is an important reason, and it was wrong of me to take advantage of you back then -
- Lincoln, please, I will repeat this a million times if I have to, to both you and Dr. López, it was not your fault! - Lola reacted strongly, increasingly tired of his stance - I wanted it, I was the one that insisted on it, heck… I even forced you once… - She lowered her sight, her hands recoiling into fists - … I'm sorry Linc, you're not a rapist, i'm sorry for saying that the other day, I just wanted you to hate me - She let out a few more tears - the one who corrupted you into doing that… was me, I'm nothing but a witch -
- Lola… - As if programmed to do so, Lincoln began softly caressing Lola's hair, before placing his hand on her chin to lift her face, making eye contact in the process - You can't put all the blame on yourself for that either, I also failed to note that you were suffering inside back then, I also though that having sex was the easy way out to feel better, and you were not ready for that… neither of us were - He couldn't help but to emit a grunt of dissatisfaction, but he shook his head and quickly returned to a more upbeat tone - But that doesn't matter anymore, we're better now and we'll wait until we're actually ready to do that, sounds good sunshine? -
- … Ok - Lola gave up, blaming herself like that wasn't healthy - But I seriously don't get why you would still date me, I'm not good for you Linc… -
- You'd be surprised at how much you've done to change me for the better Lols - Lincoln replied with a kind smile while caressing her hair - I just hope someday, you'll be able to see it for yourself -
- …Yeah - Lola nodded, trying her hardest to believe him - …I think I need to go - She said nervously, while standing up, going to their shared bathroom.
- One, I'll be checking Lols - Lincoln crossed his arms and sported an unamused expression.
At which Lola could only reply with a genuine smile.
- You don't have to worry anymore, I promise Sweetie - She winked at him before retreating to the bathroom.
- Son, you know you can always trust us, we'll be there for you no matter what you decide to do, I know that you're now an independent man with a terrific job and a splendid wife, but your dad an I miss you a lot, are you sure you don't want to visit us at Royal Woods one more time before you go? -
- … Sorry dad, I really want to visit you, but that place doesn't bring very good memories to me, my therapist recommended me to let go of oppressive places that bring me painful memories -
- I understand son, but you don't really have to approach… that family, you can just stay here with us for a weekend, play mini golf with us, Howie and I want only the best for you, wouldn't it be best to let go of the fear before deciding your next step in life? -
- … -
- Besides, that kid left Royal Woods a long time ago, you won't really have to interact with him anymore, come on, let your dear dads show you some fun things, we're all proud McBrides! -
- …I'll ask Penny -
- Wow, you really like reading now huh? - Lincoln commented with certain irony at the girl besides him laying down with a light novel in hand.
- You should try too, the Shōjo genre has some very interesting stories, here, read these - Lola responded without even turning her eyes from the story that she was glued to, while handing her brother a few of the scattered books splattered on her night table.
Lincoln took a moment of his time to observe the portraits of some of them, and he noticed among them a certain series that he knew from another format.
- Hmm, I think I watched the anime for this one - He remarked with hilarity while seeing the first tome of the Oreimo series - God, Lola you really are a brocon - The albino mustered all of his will power to not burst in laughter at the incriminatory evidence that was handed to him.
Lola looked annoyed to his side to pay attention to the book that he was holding, then realized her mistake very quickly.
- Right, I forgot to throw that one to the trash where it belongs - She said with some degree of spite.
- Oh, come on, replace "Visual novels" with "Light novels" and that's literally you - Lincoln had it, he couldn't contain his need to express the irony of everything.
- Haha so funny, how about I stuff that book in your mouth so that you read actual quality material with your mouth shut! - Lola threatened while glaring visibly with a slight blush.
Lincoln simply focused his eyes on hers with a raised eyebrow and an all-knowing grin while opening the reading material in question to land on a picture of the girl protagonist doing that same threatening stance to her brother.
- …I still can't believe I fell for a loser geek like you… again - Lola looked to the side and dropped her reading material to cross her arms with potty mouth, trying to hide her stronger blush.
And that made the man collapse in laughter, his energy behind making the blonde in question follow suit, giggling adorably to the sight of the dork.
- Hey! S-stop it, I only read it because I thought it was a comedy! - She still, regardless, tried to stop the man from mocking her taste - I didn't think that It was going to be about… that -
- A work called "My little sister can't be this pretty" and you didn't see that one coming, come on Lols, at least I'll admit to watching it because of that - Lincoln declared without an ounce of shame.
- You just outed yourself as a perverted siscon, you know that right, Onii-chan? - Lola pointed out with a sly smirk, getting the upperhand of the conversation.
- Wow, you even know the terminology, so proud of you sis - Lincoln replied with a teasing glare.
- Ugh, Have some dignity Lincoln - Lola facepalmed, realizing her failure at getting a reaction out of him.
- …Gave that away a long time ago Lols - Lincoln's mood suddenly changed, going into a thoughtful disposition.
- …Yeah, me too - Lola, likewise, redirected her attention to the book in front of her.
- So… you're actually… quitting modeling and beauty pageants? - Lincoln said with a deflated tone, looking at the ceiling of their room.
- … - Lola looked to the side - … I think there are better ways to make a living, predatory businesses like those were not helping my self-esteem that much - Lola admitted to the air, and unknown expression from the perspective of the albino.
- … I don't feel I'm in the position to say anything Sunshine, I don't know if my opinion is truly unbiased in regards to that, a part of me is just happy because that means there are going to be less male eyes on you…- Lincoln confessed with shame.
- I'm not saying that you're wrong, I don't know if I feel comfortable with hyper-competitive environments like those anymore, and male attention is not something I can say that I miss that much - Lola admitted with understanding.
- But, it was your dream Lola! and I know I played a part in ruining that for you… - Now it was Lincoln's turn to feel bad - Please don't make that decision because of me - Lincoln inquired seriously, he didn't want to be the sole reason for his beautiful partner missing her chance of achieving her dream.
- Actually, no offense Lincoln, but I wasn't even thinking on you when I made that decision - Lola replied kindly, despite the harshness of the intent behind it.
- None taken - Lincoln dismissed the notion with honesty - So, what are you planning on doing now? - He then asked curiously.
- …promise you won't laugh? - Lola prefaced nervously while digging on her nightstand for something.
- I promise - Lincoln said without an ounce of doubt.
And trusting his word, Lola pulled a laptop of her own, then opened the lid to showcase the screen display, once in the OS, she dug through her archives to open a folder with many document files, then proceeded to hand over the laptop to her brother.
What Lincoln saw left him speechless, countless of drafts, snippets, and even some long, almost completed…
…novels.
- …You, did this, all on your own? - Lincoln was positively impressed, there were at least 3 original story ideas among the almost complete documents, and about 10 others in the form of drafts or synopsis, stories ranging from epic sci-fi to romance, and even a detective novel.
- …Let's just say I had some free time, what with not even being allowed to do basic chores in that house thanks to… them - Lola mentioned shyly, averting her eyes away from him.
Which made Lincoln worry slightly, remembering their "mission" ahead, it had been three months since their turning point from hitting complete rock bottom, since they made a promise to at least attempt to fix things with them, only once they actually felt capable of handling themselves.
Months worth of cleaning, exercising, mental preparation, planning and gathering of courage after, he knew what had to be done, even though the words of his own therapist had warned him of this, he had an idea in mind, one that he made for the sake of his loved one, and nobody was going to deter him once he decided to put things into action.
- Mmm, about: Operation "Make amends" - Lincoln changed the subject, focusing on their objective at hand.
- Finally, you thought of a shorter name for our operation - Lola changed her mood as well, expressing a degree of hilarity for this "character development" coming from the man with the plan.
- Lola, focus - Lincoln caught on to her joke, but wasn't in the mood - I think I'm ready -
- …are you sure? - Lola's expression, likewise, turned serious, and a little fearful.
- As much as I can possibly be - Lincoln retained the serious mood.
- …ok, I trust you - Lola closed her eyes for a moment, trying to take away the fear from her system, and remembering his promise to control his wrath - Whose gonna be first? - She then asked curiously.
- Lynn - Lincoln said without a gram of doubt.
- What!? - Lola shrieked in complete disbelief - Lincoln, we don't even know where she is, nobody knows where she is, she disappeared remember? - She continued with a violent tone, before receding a little - and besides… I don't think there's hope for that one - She looked down while saying that.
- Actually, I think I might have a lead! - Lincoln replied confidently, making the girl by his side look back at him, bewildered.
Right after, he pulled his phone and revealed a certain chat window, a debtor that owed him a large sum for some Loans that he gave away on trying to build a gym, which unfortunately for her, failed horribly.
Margo's contact.
Author's Notes: I'm back! Dropping by with this chapter so that my dear audience can prepare for what's to come for this arc, hehe. aand I'll be posting the A/N's at the end of the chapter from now on.
tylerdunkley82: I'm really glad to know that it impacted you emotionally, I also felt a complete emotional rollercoaster while writing "WRATH". Indeed, Lincoln and Lola are going through a lot, but the most important thing was the fact that they didn't give up, and though they can't just rely on the story to fix their issues, I at least made sure that it would clear out any doubts that they could have had in regards to their feelings.
SuperLuigiFan18: Thank you for taking your time to answering my questions! The parallelism between the story and their real life struggles is one of the parts that i've worked on the hardest in the fic, so it's really nice to know that you find it to be one of the better aspects, and I completely understand the concerns in regards to the missing family members, but hey, the answers are coming ;)