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 85: Red.
A man carrying a large pizza with cheese and pepperoni stands in front of the door leading to apartment 304 in the second tower from one of the many residential zones found in the "economic" parts of Great Lakes City, Illinois.
He rings the door, expecting to deliver the package.
- Finally! I swear these fuckers do this shit on purpose! - An angry female voice is heard from within the apartment, the man in question doesn't flinch at the coarse language employed, presumably, against him.
The door is opened with a thud.
- I hope you don't expect any tips, I ordered an hour ago, I swear if it's cold I'll shove it back to your fa- The female in question stops her rant… actually, she stops moving in general, her cold eyes focused not on the package itself, but rather…
Its delivery man.
Memories emerge, she begins taking a step back, without saying a word, then she takes a hold of the door.
Ready to slam it shut again.
- Sorry ma'am, but I can't just leave with this pizza here, I must implore that you let me in - The man doesn't flinch at her reaction, and, unprofessionally, starts inviting himself into her house, putting his foot at the base of the door, preventing her to move it.
She was cornered, that was it, somehow, she felt that this was going to happen eventually.
Same white hair, same stupid freckles, same buck-toothed shit eating grin.
The sisterfucker was here.
Lynn Loud jr. was still wearing the same sporty, red, sweaty shirt, a "1" number slightly covered in brown stains, she had also conserved her pony tail, descending from her now longer brunette hair and was now a just a little taller, other than that, a few differences were also here and there.
Like her belly, oh, and the fact that she was carrying a beer.
- She really let herself go… - Lincoln thought sadly at the revelation, but regardless, judging her looks was not how he was going to start this extremely important meeting.
And neither was asking her for a spare beer, but, oh, the temptation!
Regardless… he knows better now, so he forced himself to focus exclusively on the mission.
First, of course, the awkward silence, it was to be expected, Lynn had to be the one to start talking first, he knew that any other approach would result in a scandal to wake every other neighbor in the area.
Second, predictably, was the sudden transformation of her face, from the sight of someone who had just witnessed a murder to the visible shade of crimson red rising from within and adorning the expression of someone that was about to commit said murder.
Third, subsequently, was the painful reminder of the strength that characterized her, as Lincoln didn't even attempt to defend himself to the devastating blow that targeted his nose and sent him almost flying to the ground.
The floor was now covered in a shade of red from the blood dripping from his nose, as well as pieces of pepperoni from the now splattered pizza, he was sure that his nose had been misplaced and that he would need surgery to put it back in its place.
There goes his "charming" looks.
Silence, for a few minutes, as Lincoln tried his best to not think of the pain, standing back up and approaching the violent woman again.
- How did you find me? - She said… calmly.
- Why don't you ask her instead? - Covering his nose with his free hand, Lincoln turned his eyes to the other woman that was just exiting the apartment.
- Already making a mess I see, Lynn - Margo simply skipped past the brunette to center her attention on the man right there - Hi Lincoln, long time no see - She tried to greet the man politely.
- Hi Margo, how's it been? - Lincoln likewise turned her attention to her, making Lynn twitch an eye.
- As well as someone living with this parasite can be… - Margo said while glaring at Lynn, clear spite behind.
- Hey! Watch out, I help pay rent… sometimes… I can still babysit! - Lynn also turned her attention to margo, which only made the gym trainer glare at Lynn further, approaching her and grabbing her shirt with ill intent.
- You're lucky your brother is not asking to have that loan back, otherwise we both would be on the streets because of you! - She hissed while intensifying her glare.
- Loan? What Loan!? - Lynn was too shocked to retaliate.
- You think money grows on the trees Lynn? Where do you think I got the head start for the gym you absolute moron! Remember? The gym that you fucking ruined with your nasty attitude and your crazy luck charms everywhere? - Margo stared intensely at Lynn whole strengthening her hold.
- And you think I would have fucking accepted to have that gym if I had actually know that you were taking money from this depraved shithead? - Lynn glared back at her.
- Call him whatever the fuck you want Lynn, but this guy here was the only reason I haven't thrown you out yet - Margo spat back.
She then looked back at the man in question.
- Come in Linc, sorry for the mess - Margo's expression softened, waving her hand to invite the albino over to the couch, a disposable piece of furniture dirty with sauce stains, pizza and burger cardboards everywhere and laying in front of an old tv to the side of piles of beer.
"mess" was an understatement.
Lincoln simply made his way in and sat however he could find comfort in the small living room, Lynn could only watch while still being held by the collar by the far more athletic Margo.
- Great, now even my supposed "friends" have been contaminated by this shit, how does it feel to be a supporter of incestuous pedophiles eh, Margo? - Lynn managed to slap her hands away from her shirt, standing in a combative stance.
- So already a better person than you Lynn, and i'm NOT your friend, got it!? - The gym trainer slashed at her - Now listen to me well, you're going to have a talk with him, you're going to get your shit sorted out, and when I come back, you better have my fucking rent money in that table or you're out, did I make myself clear!? - She finished while spitting in her face.
After that, the ex-athlete shoved the brunette back into the apartment and stormed off.
A few more minutes of Lynn looking at the entrance door in disbelief passed, she had almost forgotten about the unwanted presence in her place.
Almost.
She stormed off to her kitchen one moment to retrieve another can of beer.
Then, at last, she sat at the other side of the couch, as far away from him as possible.
- Why are you here? - Predictably, this was going to be her next question, now that she was a little bit calmer.
She kind of had to.
- I came here to talk, Lynn - Lincoln also answered to the void while rearranging his nose, staring blankly at the (probably not working) TV.
- Well? You win Lincoln, you put my friends against me too, I'm all ears, apparently if I don't listen to you I'll rot in the streets, congrats little bro, what is it that you want me to talk about? - Lynn spoke sarcastically, before taking a deep sip of her beer, almost emptying the can in one go.
- Sorry about that Lynn, I wasn't aware that this "gym" was also under your management, all I knew was that an online contact that went by "Margo" was asking me for a Loan, I didn't expect it to be her until she walked to my meeting room - Lincoln tried to justify himself, telling the truth in this case.
- Sure thing bro, don't worry bro, you're always a little angel that just manipulates people on accident bro, that's how it has always been right bro? - Lynn continued rambling, chuckling darkly while emptying the can, she just threw it to some unknown place and crossed her arms.
- …You're right Lynn - Lincoln said to the air - You were always right - He sighed as he looked to the ceiling, laying himself in a more comfortable position on the hardened couch.
- About what? - This did catch Lynn's attention, as she raised an eyebrow at him.
- The hero business was never for me either - He likewise turned his head to center his eyes on Lynn.
- …Damn right it wasn't - She said averting her eyes.
- The high of getting praise from people for helping others was… addicting, and I thought that made me a good person - Lincoln confessed.
- … There were other ways of getting praise - Lynn looked to the front - For one, you could have actually helped yourself -
- Speaking from experience I see? - Lincoln did not fail to catch her inner contempt at those words.
- … - Lynn wasn't going to answer that.
- Lynn Loud Jr. the mightiest athlete of all Royal Woods , a promising star in at least 8 different sports, one of the only females on the world that was capable of beating male rivals of the same rank, the personification of success - Lincoln started rambling on his own, as his sister could only listen to it, not daring to make eye contact.
- A winner of uncountable trophies, the number 1, a valuable team member that didn't fully allow her own pride from taking away her teammates's contribution, like her friends Paula and Margo, who found success under her feet yet always remained supportive of her -
- … -
- Or well… that was the last thing I remember hearing about Lynn Loud Jr. before she fucked off to who knows where - Lincoln also chuckled darkly.
He turned to her, now with a legitimately concerned expression - First, I just want to know what the hell happened here? -
Lynn simply hid herself on her shoulders, unable to speak.
- Why is Margo treating you like that? - Lincoln insisted.
- … -
- … And Paula? -
- … -
- … I see - He gave up, there wasn't nearly enough trust to confide that with him.
- You've got to be kidding me - Lynn finally let out a word, but she was still hiding her face - I have to listen to this fag pretend to know anything about me or I'll rot in the streets, hehe - Lynn began cackling intensely, even though Lincoln was less than amused.
After her laughter faded, she finally turned to look at him, a most condescending expression in her face.
- Congratulations Linky, is that how you like to be called? My baby little bro achieved money, he can now talk over people's lives as if he knew everything - She then quickly turned that into a monstrous glare - Now I get Luan, the universe is a fucking comedy… - She sighed, then turned to her brother with an ironic grin - come on Linky, say it, I got the karma that I deserved didn't I?
- You're not making any sense Lynn - Lincoln was straight up confused at her rant.
- Oh come on Linky, aren't you happy now, you won! the big bad meanie sister finally got what she deserved, her life is a fucking mess, how dare she speak up about your romance story with your "princess", am I right? - A pulsating vein was starting to show on her neck, characteristic of Lynn losing her little will to remain civil.
Now Lincoln was out of words.
- And I guess now that the mighty Lincoln has the money and power to turn my friends against me, he probably used it to steal her away from mommy and daddy too, didn't he? - Lynn now spurted a sadistic grin.
Lincoln refused to answer that, though a part of him was quickly edging him to take a few breaths to meditate.
She was starting to get on his nerves.
- Lynn - Lincoln said while retaining his calm - Again, you're right, I did grow rich, I did use my power to manipulate people into getting what I wanted, and I did do nasty things to my family - He said while focusing on his breathing.
- … But there is a thing that you fail to realize - He faced her one more time - I didn't "win" anything Lynn, I was miserable, more than you can imagine, I isolated myself from everyone and anyone, I centered myself on one single recurring thought, and that thought made me almost commit the worst mistake of my life - At last, he opened up to his estranged sister, a look of sorrow in his bloody face.
- And that was? - Lynn was at least mildly curious to find out.
- …Hatred - Lincoln confessed with conviction.
At that, Lynn actually opened her eyes wide, unable to say anything back.
- Yes, Lynn, I am rich now, I can do whatever the fuck I want, and I do have a lot of contacts to get away with anything - Lincoln prefaced, looking seriously at his sister - And… I would still trade it all away in a whim if I could have my… our life back -
- Fuck are you taking about? -
- You know what I mean Lynn, how things were… back then… before I destroyed our family - Lincoln looked down in regret.
- …what? -
- Again, Lynn, you were right, I wanted to be a hero to my family… for the immediate satisfaction that it used to give me… then I realized… - He looked back at her - Being just her hero, her "knight" was actually easier, and she was always grateful for that, she simply made me feel better at myself, which is why I stopped caring about the rest -
Lynn was now wide mouthed as well, utter disbelief at his words.
- … I guess you can fill in for me there - He said ironically - Ace Savvy wasn't as cool anymore I guess, knowing that I was already number 1 in someone's eyes made it all the easier, and well… I know of someone that didn't appreciate my help anyways… - He remarked with leftover bitterness.
- … -
- Let me tell you something, Lynn, the reason why I've got some "commodities" now - He looked at her with a serious expression - What happens when a "man with the plan", a "master of convincing" and a "duke by birthright" all co-exist inside the mind of a boy who was disowned by his family, sent to live with an abusive aunt that hated his guts and stripped of everyone and everything he cared about? -
- Hold it right there, do you seriously expect be to believe you've had a shit life? Do you think I'll just take pity on you for your little sob story? - Lynn intervened while dismissing his speech with her hand - Last time I watched, you and the little shit had everyone running around your finger, defending your every action, you even had your little rat covering for you, I thought that by now you already had a full harem of demented bitches ready to follow your cock everywhere - She continued with spite - Oh wait, yeah! Maybe that's why you're here, you wanted me to join your club ain't that right, why just have one when you can have 10 right, let's all follow powerful, mighty Lincoln's dick and have a collection of retarded children! -
- What!? N-No what the fuck? I'm not like that Lynn, I'm telling you the truth-
- Come on Lincoln, admit it, that's what you meant with having "our" life back isn't it, bet my ass that you though we were all beggars for our dear brother's attention, how dare we have independent lives without "our" Linky helping us in everything, oh we need our dear brother so badly, RIGHT!? -
- WILL YOU LISTEN JUST FOR A MOMENT PLEASE? - Lincoln rose from the couch, tightening his fists to the point of hurting himself.
- Oh No, I made Linky mad, he's probably going to rape me! How can helpless fucking Lynn on the verge of homelessness hope to DEFEND HERSELF!? - Lynn also rose, looking at her brother with the clear intention of starting a fight.
- Lynn, stop! I already told you, you were right, you were right about everything! My actions fucked over everyone, you're not the only one who lost all of her friends, you're not the only one who lost a family, I was a depraved sister and childfucker, I didn't think about the weight of my actions because I centered my world around one person, and now I just… want… to fix things - Lincoln lowered his fists and looked to the floor.
- Heh, bullshit, that nigger McBride would have followed you everywhere, you could quite literally be in jail and he would still trap himself with you like the faggot that he is - Lynn almost looked at his shit confession with hilarity.
- I would have said the same thing with Margo and you, and here we are - Lincoln countered with a sly smile.
- You don't know ANYTHING about my life Lincoln, watch out! -
- Yet you feel like you can make assumptions about mine? - Lincoln raised and eyebrow and crossed his arms - You didn't even give me a chance to talk Lynn, you left us without a single clue of were you were, I tried… everyone tried really hard to contact you back, mom and dad even contacted the police to search for you, we tried everything, it seems that not even Paula knew were you were, and Margo had also blocked us… You, disappeared Lynn, you lost contact with all of our family, do you even have an idea what everyone else is doing? - He exclaimed emotionally.
- … -
- Lori was avoiding the family until not long ago, it seems that the Santiagos fucking loathe my guts from what we could gather, she also got into a big fight with Bobby recently because she wanted to take care of Lily -
- … -
- Leni rejected an offer to go to France and open her own brand, just to watch over Lola -
- … -
- Luna and Luan are secretive of their lives, but I never saw them again on TV… something is wrong Lynn! -
- … -
- Lucy also rejected a scholarship for her career to permanently keep Lola company -
- … -
- … Lana is gone too… it's a mess really -
- … -
- Lily is miserable Lynn, she's living a hellish life right now in a house that is completely broken, do you think this is fair for her? -
- … -
- …and I know you probably don't care about her Lynn… But Lola is… not well, at all - Lincoln looked defeated to the floor at that one last mention.
- Well you can always fix that with some good dicking can't you? - Lynn attempted to mock his story one more time.
- …Lola has Genophobia, Lynn - Lincoln tried to correct her as calmly as he could.
But he was getting close to acting violent against her shit attitude.
- Fuck is that? -
- Let's just say, sex is the last thing that she needs right now - He looked seriously at her - Now, back on topic, our family is struggling Lynn, and trust me, if I know something about them, it's thanks to what Lily's been telling me, because it sure as hell is not because of me being an ideal brother trying to bridge them back together -
- What do you mean? -
- …At some point, I trusted a family that would take care of me and support me, no matter what, but well… I didn't get that, so then I did everything in my power to rise on my own… I didn't care who would get burned in the way, I wanted power and money, that's it, that's the ambition left in the mind of a man who lost everything, that's how I wanted to feel like being number 1 without anyone to support me - Lincoln retained his stoic look - Now, your turn Lynn -
- Huh? -
- Your path to being number 1, I want to hear it -
- Wha? -
- I'm assuming you were also looking to become "the best at everything", to then "rub it in our faces", I mean, considering you probably thought of yourself above this "family of degenerates" living in that "dumpster fire" of a house, isn't that right? -
- And I totally was, clearly, I left that madness before it went even deeper down the rabbit hole, what do you want me to say eh? Clearly you're proving my point! - Lynn defied her brother one more time.
- And… is… this, any better? - Lincoln pointed out the obvious flaw in her reasoning.
Lynn could only stare angrily.
- I'll take that as a no - Lincoln sighed, before mustering his willpower to show his concern - I'm just curious sis, how did it end like this? What happened to Paula? why is Margo treating you like that? - He gulped slightly before expressing his next preoccupation - W-why are you so… uh, inactive? -
Lynn stood there for a moment, before tightening her fists and looking to the side,
- Fine, you want to know so badly, then here goes - Lynn conceded before taking a deep breath - Paula and I don't talk to each other anymore… because… - She expressed genuine difficulty at coming up with words - … Because I fucked up ok? I was trying to aim higher and higher and she just couldn't keep up because of her fragile bones, she was always breaking her leg in training, training! So i decided to cut her out of the team… that was about it - She finished while gritting her teeth, while she came up with the rest of the story - So after that I just went with Margo to the big games… and that's when I started… L-l-l-
- Losing? -
- AGH, don't say it! - Lynn shrieked back, covering her ears - So, yeah, that happened, and… after, not winning, the scholarship to Fairway, Margo and I decided to just carry on as roommates, and well… I took my chance to escape that absolute nightmare that was "home" - She got the words out, lowering her arms and looking to the floor.
- …But I still don't get it, you were already doing pretty good with Paula on the team, what gives? - Lincoln objected with a curious look.
- It was all easier when we actually had fans looking after us, we used to feel more… powerful, and we had some capable team members - Lynn continued looking down, with an unreadable expression.
- Huh? -
- Margo just kept saying that something in me had… changed, for the worse, that I was not sharing their victories anymore with some sick burpin' burgers, and that somehow that… energy… had been transferred to the games, and that it was making our games seem… more boring -
- Did Chandler have something to do with that? - Lincoln interjected, suspecting that his former bully had something to do, considering his relationship with Lynn, what little he got to know about it.
- …Who? - Lynn lifted her head and crossed her arms with a curious frown.
- Uh, you know? Chandler? The dude who used to pick on me? The one that you dated back in high-school? That you couldn't stop texting him for hours? - Lincoln raised an eyebrow, wondering the extent of Lynn's memory.
- Uh, oh, oh! - Lynn finally caught on to what he meant - Wait, you actually thought that he and I? - At this, for some strange reason, Lynn actually let out a genuine giggle - Like, that he and I… bwahahahahaha! - Her laughter continued, startling the albino further.
- I'm not getting what exactly about this is funny Lynn - He complained with a weirded out look.
- Let's see, in case you hadn't noticed yet Lincoln, I don't care about dating, never did - Lynn clarified while rolling her eyes - The "texting" that I was doing was just sending my data to countless talent agencies, as well as browsing for motivational videos and good luck rituals - She stated matter of factly.
Not quite realizing what she had just allowed to slip by.
- Wait… motivational videos? - Lincoln, however, did not fail to catch on.
- Oh… crap - Lynn facepalmed to herself - Ugh, why am I telling this to you anyways, fuck off! - She turned sideways and punched a wall, she then returned to her initial stern look.
- Well… now you've got my curiosity further Lynn, I'm sorry - Lincoln was not giving up - First, why were you looking for motivational videos, and Second, just why the fuck did you lie to all of us about dating Chandler of all people! -
At this, Lynn could not even center her view on anything, she gritted her teeth in frustration.
And the bomb went off.
- I DON'T OWE YOU ANY FUCKING EXPLANATION, I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE OPINION OF A SELFISH SISTERFUCKER, WHY DON'T YOU GO BACK TO HAVE HER SUCK YOU OFF AGAIN EH? THAT WAS CLEARLY THE ONLY THING YOU CARED ABOUT BACK THEN! - She screamed with venom, her face turning redder by the second.
No response came.
Lincoln and Lynn just stood still looking at each other, their eyes revealing a mixture of conflicting feelings all thorough, a few minutes passed, and Lincoln was still unable to move.
Then the color of crimson red in Lynn's face disappeared, her breathing stabilized, and her face contorted back to a serious expression.
- … I'm going for a beer - She said softly while turning around, expecting to leave the house.
Then she felt her hand being reached by another hand, stopping her dead in her tracks.
She lost it.
- DON'T TOUCH ME! - She turned around to land another punch to his face.
But this time around, her fist was stopped dead by her brother's other hand, who kept her on a firm grip.
- HEY, DROP IT, LEAVE ME ALONE! - Lynn tried to resist, struggling to remove her hands from her brother's grasp.
But right there, something that she never expected in her life was happening.
…Her brother was stronger than her.
Amidst the struggle, an object fell from below her sweater, catching Lincoln's attention, he let go of her to pick it up.
Lynn was free, but froze upon seeing the object in question.
Lincoln identified the object: An oval shaped reliquary amulet made of silver.
- H-hey, give that back! - Lynn panicked and tried to snatch it away, but again, the recently discovered disadvantage, as well as her shorter height made it impossible.
Lincoln turned his back on her and opened it.
2 pictures on both sides: One with Lynn, as a then 13 year old, and the other one…
It was him, his 11 year old happy self.
The two together, doing a dumb expression in front of the camera, Lynn picking her nose and Lincoln stretching his mouth with his fingers.
It all clicked together.
- …Lynn - Lincoln said softly while looking at the little object.
- … - She was now turning her back on him as well, lowering her head, not making a movement.
It all made sense…
- … She fucked your head badly - She said in a raspy voice.
- … I was already fucked up Lynn, you can't really blame a 7 year old for that - He clarified with a soft tone.
- … -
- …Why? -
- Huh? -
- Why did you act so distant to me? Why did you stop defending me against bullies? Why did you start acting like a bully? Why did you stop playing with me and Clyde? -
- … -
- … You were the best Lynn, we used to do everything together, even bathing for fucks sake! -
- … -
- … What happened? -
- … "You know, I am noticing a complete lack of balls in this room" - Lynn said in a tone all too similar to something she had said previously, as if quoting herself.
- What? -
- Did you actually think I was referring to soccer balls back then? -
- huh? -
- Seriously? Balls, Lincoln, guts, to fucking stand up for yourself! I was invading your space, you could have just told me off, I knew you didn't want me around in your room back then, but you never had the balls to just tell me up front, you had to just create this weird as fuck "romantic" dinner with me and Lucy so that we could chill -
- So… back then, you were just testing me? - Lincoln couldn't help to get slightly offended.
- Of, fucking, course! Do you think I actually snore that badly? And I don't like doing dutch ovens every 20 goddamn minutes you moron - Lynn facepalmed while still facing her back to Lincoln's.
- But why Lynn, I don't get it! -
- You needed to grow a pair Lincoln, it's as simple as that! Following me around everywhere as if I was some sort of invincible savior, well guess what? I wasn't, I told you didn't I? I was bullied on my first year of Middle School, you think Chandler was bad? You think I was bad? Well guess what! They don't hold a damn candle to the people I had to face in my first year there, or even the year before that when I accepted that match! -
Lincoln then remembered the story that Lynn told him back with Clyde as a "warning" of sorts to get through Middle School.
He didn't know about the game though.
- Wait, a game? What game? -
Lynn stood silent for a moment, as she recalled the painful memory.
- You wanna know why I always carry my good luck charm? -
- Huh? -
- I… didn't want that to happen ever again in my life -
- You lost that game? -
- No, we didn't "lose" - Lynn spoke more intensely - We were crushed, destroyed, annihilated, and publicly humiliated, they showed me how pointless it was to have stupid crap like "respect" and "sportsmanship" to losers, if you want to get back up, you had to do it on your own, not to rely on some clingy brother always telling you how great you are -
And a big epiphany occurred on Lincoln, for the first time in years, he had a different perspective on his entire relationship with his former "favorite" sister.
- … So that was your path at being "number 1" - Lincoln spoke mostly to himself.
- What? -
- You didn't want your weak, clingy brother praising you or treating you like his favorite sister -
- Yeah… that's what I just said -
- …But what about a stronger, more independent version of said brother? so that you could actually feel like if you had earned that number 1 place -
And once again, Lynn was rendered speechless, a subconscious though surfaced for the first time in her mind.
- But you couldn't have that, because as your brother grew "stronger", the "favorite sister" status was no longer yours, right? -
- … -
- Am i wrong Lynn? - Lincoln pushed her for an answer impatiently.
- …Stronger you say? What are you even talking about? How in the fucking hell did that little brat make you "stronger"? She spoiled you further with "expensive" gifts and turned you into a fucking slave of hers for her little "princess fairy tales", the only thing you did in the house other than jacking off like a loser was pleasing her or going to that group of friends that I helped you create! - Lynn snapped again.
- … "Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do, but to hold it together when everyone would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength" - Lincoln remembered a quote from the internet.
- Spurting nonsense now? - Lynn defied.
- What you failed to realize, was that by the time I was learning to become stronger, there was already a far better role model than you, a girl who spoke of her feelings regardless of what the world thought about it, a girl whose entire world fell apart and yet, she didn't give up, a girl who is currently searching for her lost twin, ignoring her own fear, just to make amends, a girl that was always stronger than both you and me - Lincoln declared.
- A deluded little bitch who always thought with her pussy rather than to use her fucking brain to realize the shit she was getting into, you mean? -
- Here I thought "strength" wasn't about the brain but about the "balls", didn't you just tell me that, Lynn? -
- … -
- Now you realize why Lola "won"? -
- Shut the fuck up! -
- Keep running away from the truth Lynn, that was what you always did best -
- Argh, just leave it! -
- And you're still doing it, aren't you? -
- Fuck you! -
- You don't need to explain anything else, now I know why you lied about Chandler, now I know why Margo fucking hates you, and what gives! Now I know why you're overweight! -
At last, Lincoln turned around, facing the back of his sister and making her flinch with the knowledge.
- This is what multiple defeats in life do to you, huh? Man, what a wimp -
- I said SHUT THE FUCK UP! - Lynn finally turned around as well, ready to use her fists again.
But as they were heading for the face of the albino, he grabbed them again, finally locking her in place.
And that's when he noticed the tears flowing freely through her eyes, as she felt herself unable to do anything about her situation.
- Here's a tip, Lynn, true strength is about overcoming the things that are hardest for you to even admit - Lincoln said with an ambivalent tone, focusing his eyes on her.
- … - She kept weeping, locked in place.
- You like wearing red, don't you? - Lincoln spoke softly - Well… I did to, I liked what it meant for Ace -
- … - She was now looking at Lincoln with heavy confusion.
- Red is the color of health, courage and vigor, an energetic pursuit of interests, an effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a reflexion of the strength required to fulfill your goals, whether it was to save the world, or to become the best at any sport - Lincoln searched in his memory for the information that he learned on color coding.
- … -
- And it's also funny, that Red is both the color of Love and Wrath, but then again, it is said that both are different sides from the same coin hehe - Lincoln recalled what his therapist had told him with mild hilarity.
- … -
- But, you know what I also learned? That Red is the color of Passion, regardless of what you do, regardless of how you feel about others, I always saw an enormous amount of passion in your craft Lynn! - Lincoln noted with emotion in his words.
- … -
- So seeing you lying to yourself about how you have just about given up on everything is not an easy sight to watch sis -
- Y-you don't know that - At last, Lynn spoke back, but she wasn't even making eye contact with the albino anymore.
- I've seen enough here, I'm sure of it -
- And what do you want me to do about it eh? You yourself said it, everything is fucked, doubt they even recognize who I am -
- Well… we can start with, uh, maybe, an apology? - Lincoln applied a quizzical smile to his estranged sister.
- … -
- I'll start, because I feel that it's only fair, Lynn - Lincoln prefaced while clearing his throat - Once again, you were right, what I did to my family back then turned everything into a steaming dumpster fire, I hurt everyone, but specially you, because I failed to realize that you still wanted me around, I closed my world to notice her and only her, and I know it's a little late to say this… But I regret deeply not going to those soccer matches that you had back when… you lost your confidence and… pressured your friends into playing better - He finished with a look of shame, which Lynn didn't failed to realize - … I'm sorry, I truly am -
Soon after, Lincoln realized that he was still holding her arms rather forcefully, he let go, not sure if that was a sure punch to his face or not.
But he was done arguing with the ex-athlete.
Lynn just stood there, looking deeply at his sorrowful eyes, knowing that the apology was real.
She turned to look on the floor, blushing slightly at the stupid words that were about to come out of her mouth.
- I-Im… s-s-sorry t-too - She let out with extreme difficulty - I-It's just… leaving the nest too quickly, and, wanting to forget it all, it messed me up badly ok? - She continued rambling - I truly felt like hating everyone in that rotten family and perhaps I still do! - She admitted painfully - …but… maybe t-that was n-not an excuse…to… and… ah Screw it! -
And then something mind-blowing happened, as the albino felt the mighty tackle of former football star Lynn Jr.
A tackle which quickly turned into a hug… followed by desperate whimpers.
And Lincoln knew what he had to do, as he returned the hug, and stood there, for at least 5 minutes, as his tougher sister poured years worth of repressed emotion on his chest, he himself letting go of a few tears while now proudly spurting a warm smile.
After that unexpected moment of warmth, Lynn retired herself from her brother's chest and used her hand to retrieve some boogers from her aching nose.
- Nevermind, you know I suck at apologies, so I'll do it my way - Lynn said with a nefarious grin as she lifted her punch, targeting Lincoln's shoulder, ready to strike her "Apology punches".
Lincoln quickly retracted back a little, hiding his arm.
But it was useless, as Lynn quickly caught up and landed two.
- Two for flinching! - She said amusedly, reusing her old trick to tease her brother.
- Dang it, i thought you had forgotten that - He said while rubbing his arm.
- Too bad Stinkoln, you don't just get to see me cry without paying for it! - Lynn said while crossing her arms confidently - That's how I play my games, all "passionate" as you say - She winked at him teasingly.
And Lincoln couldn't help but to direct a smile, she was… back! … ?
- So… the others… miss me right? - Lynn said with retaliation, returning to a more insecure expression.
- Absolutely, as long as you can also forgive… her… then we should be good to go! - Lincoln added hopefully.
- Well I mean, given that she finally took the L, I assume she moved on to better things - Lynn said confidently.
- Uh, well… actually… - Lincoln found himself in a serious pickle.
- You… moved on from her… right? - Lynn's expression turned a quick 180, her initial face of peace transforming rapidly into a creepy smile as her pulsating vein reappeared on her neck.
He honestly should have seen that one coming… Not much worth in acknowledging past mistakes if you are not going to fix them, he could see Lynn's point on that.
Lynn's love for her family is passionate, but so is her hatred for things she deems wrong.
Nobody said anything about accepting his relationship with Lola, after all.
Lincoln was now standing behind the entrance door, knowing that the woman inside the apartment wouldn't open the door again.
He only had a few more words to say.
- It's kind of funny, Lynn, but I'm happy to know that I'm your "Good luck" charm now… I mean, considering that you used to see me as a symbol of… bad luck - Lincoln took a deep breath, still using the door for support - You know? Sometimes, the things that seem impossible to forgive are more trivial than what one can initially think, I myself felt that I would not forgive you easily for… well, you know, the whole, "forcing me to sleep outside and selling my stuff" thing and all - He continued - But, I moved on fast, kinda surprising I know, to think that I was still wearing that squirrel costume when I decided to support you in your game - He emitted a faint chuckle - But really, I was just happy to see you… smile -
Predictably, no sound was heard from inside the apartment, but he just knew that she was listening.
- You're right Lynn, I was and still am a sisterfucker, there was a point in which I didn't just want her praise or her gratitude for my actions, I just wanted her to be happy as well, and that smile of hers was enough to fuel my resolve and give me the strength for anything - He continued pouring his true heart to the woman on the other side of the door - I understand if you are forever disgusted at what I just said, but it's a reality Lynn, I can't change that now - He insisted, taking another breath - What I can change though, Is how I was treating you all, but specially you, to try and become a better brother without expectations behind, to leave my ambition behind… and maybe, just maybe… -
Silence
- To save our family -
After finishing his words, Lincoln simply got up from the door, ready to leave, but he said one last thing.
- I left something for you, please don't think of it as part of my apology, I would never try to "buy" your approval, but I figured it would amend your situation with Margo, as it is partly my fault; check bellow the part of the couch were I was sitting… and if you can… please come to our old house for Lola's birthday, we have something important to say -
And Lynn, who was indeed listening to everything, simply walked over to the couch and threw the pillow off, to get full access to the hidden part of the couch.
And there were at least 5 full stacks of Benjamins in it, which she grabbed with rage.
Just enough to buy the damn apartment and throw Margo off if she wanted, but she doesn't take pity gifts from anyone!
Lynn Jr. works on her own!
… Lynn Jr. works on her own