The Princess and the space cowboy Chapter 87: Guilt (part 1), a loud house fanfic

Chapter 87: Guilt (Part 1).

- …So, you guys are sure this is going to work? - Lana asked curiously to the two people in front of her, as she laid her back carelessly on one of the seats from the back row of Lincoln's Range Rover.

- No, Lans, not at all - Lola answered honestly, as she took a moment to turn her view from the front of the copilot spot back to her recently recovered twin.

- But we have to at least try - Lincoln completed her idea, taking his eyes away from the front to look at the mirror, a brief distraction from the familiar road that he was transiting on his way back to Royal Woods.

- Huh, weird, usually you're both pretty confident with whatever you're planning - Lana shrugged while giving her twin and her brother an all knowing look.

- Well, I mean, I failed to get Lynn back, so that's already not looking good for us - Lincoln admitted while sighing noticeably.

- I told you she was a lost case - Lola recalled while looking judgmental at her boyfriend - and I'm not letting you try that again, she could have hurt you more y'know? - She added while fixing the bandaid around Lincoln's broken nose.

- Geez Lols, Lynn is not the only one that can pack a punch in that family, don't think you can fully stop Linc here from receiving some more reminders… - Lana commented ironically with a sly grin towards her brother.

- Oh, believe me I know - Lola replied while redirecting her unamused expression at her twin, giving her a painful reminder of her own rage - But if they try anything, they'll have to go through me first - she added seriously.

- Lola you know I wouldn't let them-

- Quiet Lincoln, I won't let them hurt you further and that's final! - Lola stared fiercely at her boyfriend, making him quickly avert his gaze back to the road while breaking a sweat, earning a small chuckle from Lana.

- Damn Linc, you really have a weird taste on women - Lana chuckled sincerely, looking amusedly at the driver of the car.

- yeah… - Lincoln replied without much energy.

- … -

- …So, are we like, cool now? - Lana added seriously, crossing her arms and looking expectantly at her long lost brother.

- … -

- Look, I'm not exactly qualified to be the one angry at you Lans, let's just say that we both did crappy things and should work towards moving on from that - Lincoln remained focused on the driveway, stoic and serious - The most important thing for me was the fact that you were actually able to solve your differences with your twin, you guys should always work as a team, and I'm sorry that I played a part on why you two fell off so badly -

Lana quietly looked down, unable to answer.

- That said - Lincoln continued - I know I promised that I would not spill the truth, but both you and Liam should have been more careful sis, you barely have any income, your place is not in optimal conditions to receive a baby, and being a mother is hard work, take it from ours -

- Lincoln enough-

- No Lols, I may not be the best big brother in the world, but I'm still your big brother and I do worry about the both of you - Lincoln confronted his girlfriend with conviction, which made the teenager recede in understanding - Look Lans, I'm happy about you, really, and I can't wait to meet my niece, but the others are going to be very disappointed in you and will ask questions -

- …yeah - Lana agreed, still gazing down to her belly while rubbing it softly, feeling her baby inside.

- In fact, many are coming just to see you - Lincoln added - do you have anything to say without involving Liam? -

- Ehm, not really - Lana admitted.

- Figures, well then I guess I'll have to-

- Forget it Lincoln, I know what you're thinking - Lola interrupted the conversation once again, surprising the man in the pilot spot.

- Really? - He raised an eyebrow in clear confusion.

- Yeah, you were going to say that YOU got her pregnant weren't you? - Lola crossed her arms with a judgmental expression, clearly exposing her brother.

- Dang it, am I that easy to read? - Lincoln's expression suddenly softened as he looked funnily at his girlfriend, nothing escaped her anymore.

- Gross Linc - Lana interrupted with some degree of disgust - but, really? You would have put yourself at even more shit just to cover my mate? - She added with a raised eyebrow.

- Well of course, I can probably deal with it, and now I understand how much Liam matters to you - Lincoln said calmly.

- Woah, I could have used a brother like you back then - Lana commented in awe, at seeing the caring and selfless side of her once beloved brother back.

That is, until she saw her twin's hand, pulling on Lincoln's ear hard enough to make him complain.

- Ow, what was that for - Lincoln complained rather angrily.

- You know exactly what it is for, Lincoln Loud - Lola replied with equal amounts of impatience - What did you talk with Dr. Robinson again? - she reminded him rudely.

- Oh come on, I didn't say that just for validation, I wanted to help my sister for real - Lincoln responded with a frown, while rubbing his ear.

- Ok, what are you talking about? - Lana looked confused at the exchange that had just happened.

- Oh, it's just that our big bro here has a little hero complex - Lola looked back at her twin with a mellowed out expression - Especially for his sisters - she added rather snakily, turning her eyes ever so slightly to stare at him again.

- Hero complex? How come? - Lana kept wondering.

- Let's just say, some of his more "selfless actions" are not entirely genuine - Lola confirmed while her boyfriend simply shrieked in discomfort, hiding beneath the wheel.

- Really now - Lana actually glared slightly at him.

- …yeah, I guess having so many sisters around asking me favors all day made me see my worth through that - Lincoln quietly mentioned, still hiding slightly - Eventually, I came to realize that I was REALLY good at doing that so it kind of made me do it… less sincerely -

- Oh, I see… - Lana commented with a disappointed sigh.

- Sorry Lans - Lincoln admitted.

- But then, why did you stop helping us in our stuff? if you claim that you were doing that out of a weird "need", then you would still be doing just that wouldn't ya?

- That's… where I come into play - Lola interrupted once again, making her twin center her attention on her - I knew he couldn't resist helping us, so I made myself… extra problematic, he would always find a solution, and he would always spend time with me if I did that, of course, I wasn't really conscious about it, but it just worked so I kept doing it - She continued, looking sadly at him - Then I guess we both found a thing together that fitted our needs perfectly, where he could always be a hero, and I would forever have his undivided attention - Lola added, albeit in more of a whisper, lost in thoughts.

- And that was? - Lana kept questioning.

- I think that is enough with the questioning Lans - This time around, it was Lincoln who stopped the discussion at seeing the worsening state of his beloved's mood.

- Sorry, right, I won't press the subject further Lols - Lana recalled as well - But I still want to ask Linc, what about your friends? you were hanging more around then, making your life away from us, so it couldn't just be Lola - She pushed further in another tangent.

- … - Lincoln pondered - Well… it's true that I used to have some really good friends back then - He said quietly - …there was Stella, my then girlfriend, she was always telling me things that made my life easier and helped me cope with some… unwanted thoughts - The albino cringed noticeably at the thought, making the co-pilot shrug as well - and of course there was Clyde, he kept me in my toes and it was certainly fun to just hang out and watch some horror specials and play videogames with him… - He recalled somberly.

- Well there you have it, that seems normal to me Linc - Lana crossed her arms and winked at him, trying to lift his mood.

- Yeah… - Lincoln wasn't done though - …They were a good distraction, and we could always play pretend heroes, so that felt good -

- Huh? - Lana wasn't quite getting were her brother was getting at.

Lincoln lowered his gaze and trembled, facing the wheel of his car, with the current traffic jam allowing him to gather his thoughts.

- …We were the amazing Action News Team, a team of dedicated reporters that focused on bringing the light to any and all type of crimes in our school - He stopped, before continuing his train of thoughts - Back with Clyde, we were Ace Savvy and his trusted companion, One-Eyed Jack, ready to save whoever might need our help in Royal Woods - He stopped again, as he kept going - …or we were also expert spies like David Steele, ready to uncover heinous criminals that might endanger our world - He stopped yet again, before looking into the mirror, back to his sister - …See a pattern? -

And Lana could only stare in shock, as the realization just kept hitting her like a brick.

- Of course, it wasn't inherently a bad thing - Lola spoke again, against her therapists advice - He's a good person, I know that from my heart - She said as she brought her arms closer to her chest - But that is exactly what made him… corruptible - By now she was hugging herself, shame and guilt rushing through her at incredible speeds.

And Lana could feel it, she wanted to say something, Lola could not keep taking the entire blame for herself.

- …In that case, I'll also take responsibility, Lols - Lana said to the surprise of both of her siblings - Linc, I didn't realize we were only feeding you with validation as a result of our demands, looking back, I assume you felt like… living under our shadow right? - She waited for Lincoln to nod - Well…if there's one thing I do regret, is telling you that you're only good at supporting us, I shouldn't have gone with the flow of giving you a trophy just for being a good brother, you were clearly trying to find what you were good at and we all misguided you into thinking that you were there to… please us - Lana said regretfully, sharing Lola's guilt in the process and making her dear twin look at her in complete and utter shock -

- Lana! - Lincoln exclaimed loudly this time - You don't share any blame here, and neither do you sunshine - He said while softly lifting his hand to caress Lola's disturbed face, making her relax - I was the one that kept insisting on you leaving everything to me, you were just my little sisters, you couldn't know better, I even tried on many occasions to prove my worth through other means and abandoned you guys on many occasions - He continued confidently - And well… I did make for a good magician and negotiator in the end, so that doesn't bother me anymore, it's fine, really! - The albino returned a sincere smile to his sisters, before focusing again on the road, as the traffic jam had been dispelled significantly - Now, back on topic - He changed the subject - I won't say that I got you pregnant, but I'm gonna need to think of something on the spot, bear with me -

The three siblings had finally arrived to their first destination, having remained quiet for the rest of the road as Lincoln pondered on their plan regarding the tomboy sister.

They were now up for their biggest challenge yet, as they approached the place that now belonged to a man without a family.

Now, in front of a place of former commodities and the previous warmth that used to surround it, Lincoln took the first bold move and entered…

Lynn's table.

Inside, it looked exactly like how they remembered, classic style restaurant with tables arranged in small cubicles, all leading to the side of the counter that gave a glimpse to a kitchen.

…Well, actually, there was a small difference, as the usual view to the kitchen was now fogged by a curtain, meaning that no matter how hard they looked into it, the only thing they could see were shadows of utensils and kitchenware, and not a sight of their owner.

Other than that, it looked mostly normal, there were a few customers here and there, and of course, a few waiters coming up to their side to greet them excitedly.

Kotaro, being one such of them.

- Welcome to Lynn's table, shall I assist you on taking a seat - The man gave his usual polite greeting, having become accustomed to assisting his struggling friend and bandmate in his decaying business for what could only amount to a minimum wage.

But then, he actually opened his eyes.

- Hi Kotaro… it's been.. awhile - Lincoln shyly waved his hand, giving his hardest attempt yet at a smile, with Lola and Lana following after.

- Wait, I think I know you - Kotaro blinked, still caught of guard by the group of people in front of him, but he still wasn't sure - Unless I'm mistaken, wouldn't you perhaps be… Lincoln, Lola and Lana? - He clarified, more to himself than the recently arrived costumers, still trying to get over the disbelief.

- Yes, it's us - Lola, unamused at the exchange, stepped forward, arms crossed - Um, could you please call our dad over? - She said next, always in a serious mood.

- W-well of course, uh, r-right away - The asian man said as he quickly rushed over to the kitchen, hoping to meet his boss.

And the siblings waited, waited, and then waited some more, no one daring to do a thing about the delay, as they simply stood there, resisting the curious looks from the people in the other tables and trying to make anything out of the movement of shadows behind the counter.

And then the door to the kitchen finally opened.

But only Kotaro emerged from it.

- Uh, s-sorry guys, but - The man played with his fingers as he continued struggling to use the right words - It seems that your dad is… busy, right now, with the orders and all - He tried to add in as much of a positive light as he could - b-but if you want, I can t-take your order? - He said while drenched in sweat, waiting upon the expectant look of the siblings.

- How the fuck wouldn't he have time to see us, this is bullshit! - Lana exclaimed angrily, trying to approach Kotaro, arms raised and earning the unwanted attention of some of the customers.

But then, Lincoln stopped her, as he simply took a deep breath.

- Lana, it's ok - He said calmly - Thanks Kotaro, but we also have a busy schedule ahead and will be leaving - The white haired man concluded with a serene smile.

Lola said nothing of the exchange, as, likewise, she proceeded to turn around, grab Lana's hand, and force her to leave.

- What are you guys doing? Are you just going to leave that quickly, what about your plan, weren't you not going to give up that easily? - Lana complained as Lincoln and Lola kept guiding her outside of the restaurant.

Then, once they were out, Lincoln turned to look at his confused sister.

- What's the point Lans? - Lincoln asked with a sad expression.

- Our dad hasn't seen Lincoln in 5 years, you went missing, and I was his "precious little angel" 'till I was taken away by mom - Lola continued for him, a conflicted expression plastered across her features.

- What about it? - Lana interjected with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms - Why don't we wait until the restaurant closes? -

- There are not that many customers today, and there's enough employees to keep the place running while he attends us, this isn't a matter of availability Lans, you said it yourself, it's bull - Lincoln stated with a serious expression - He's a man that clearly couldn't get over his own guilt, there's nothing else to see here, If he couldn't even take a second of his time to see us, then the message is clear - The man added with spite.

And Lana looked at Lola, for she sort of already knew what she was going to say.

- …We'll try to rebuild this family, with or without a father - The ex-pageant prominence concluded with leftover bitterness.

- Well, that was a bust - Lana commented with some degree of anger, as the trio kept driving the road - But who needs him anyways? If he can't let go of stupid shit from the past, then he doesn't deserve to meet his granddaughter! - She continued ranting, mostly to herself.

- Lana, please don't talk badly of him, he's still our father - Lincoln, of all people, jumped in defense of the man.

- Lincoln! You of all people should agree with me! He fucking disowned you, you lived in the streets for awhile didn't ya? No fucking "sin" should ever justify that! - Lana reacted harshly, positively shocked at Lincoln's comment.

- Yes, he did hurt me, a lot… and I completely broke his trust, his family, and even his ex-wife, sounds like a fair deal, doesn't it? - Lincoln smiled awkwardly as he looked at his sister through the mirror - the question is, what do I get out of hating him now? Other than a massive headache and a need for booze? - He added quizzically.

To which Lana couldn't really find an answer, as she sighed and kept looking through the window.

- It's probably better that way, at least he won't find out that we got back together - Lola suddenly spoke from her spot, as she mimicked her twin's action of looking at the window.

- I already told you sunshine, if you feel like this is only going to make it worse, we can end it right now, I'll handle this as a brother - Lincoln sensed his girlfriend and prepared a solution.

- And drop all of those years of work to get your ass? Not a chance! I gave you many chances to run and you didn't, so now you're stuck with me, got it? I didn't argue a billion times with Dr. Lopez on dating you again for nothing; you're a piece of work Lincoln, but you're MY piece of work - Lola chuckled slighly, to the surprise of the other two passengers, as she quickly put up a confident smirk and lovingly gazed at her boyfriend while placing her hand on top of his.

Which made the albino blush harder than a tomato and make a stupid smile, barely focusing on the road to gaze at his beautiful girlfriend.

- Kinda counterproductive to tell me that knowing what we're about to do sunshine - Lincoln whispered with longing while lost in her eyes.

- I know, but I'm allowed to enjoy the present~ - Lola said sultrily while winking at her man.

- Yeah, before you two love birds cause a scene, I think we're here - Just in time, Lana interjected to the extreme display of affection and reminded the couple of their destination.

The two quickly recomposed and made the hard decision to park on a place that Lincoln swore on never visiting again.

Flip's food and fuel.

As Lincoln was still struggling at coming up with something to say in regards to Lana's unexpected situation, the trio soon realized that they didn't really have enough preparation to go to that house yet, so they decided to take a quick detour to have a momentary break while they thought of something.

Too bad the closest place for that had to be this dreaded store, regardless, the Albino pushed through alongside his sisters.

Subtlety not required, the trio got out of the car and headed to the local, opening the entrance door with zero care for whoever could be inside.

Fortunately it was just ol' Flip, counting the money on the table with a sly grin while Nacho, the raccoon, cleared one of the tables with his tail, glaring at the balding man.

- Hey Flip - Lincoln approached the counter, this time with no intentions of making friendly talk.

- Heya, huh, is that ya, Loud? - Flip, shockingly, answered in a more polite manner and remembered Lincoln instantly.

- Yeah, hey give me 3 Flippees, pure Strawberry, Orange with sprinkles and… any preference Lana? - Lincoln acted disinterested and turned around to ask his sister.

- mmm… - She scratched her chin while glaring at the flavor list - Strawberry would be fine - She shrugged her arms.

Which made Lola question her loudly.

- WHAT!? But you have always hated that one! Look, there's blueberry and quite enough mud everywhere! - Lola was shocked beyond any point of understanding, the biggest surprise of the day by far, she simply directed her finger to the menu with a glare at her twin.

- Well, I dunno, I felt like trying the other one, maybe it's just one of those weird "pregnancy cravings" - Lana answered nonchalantly, which made the Albino besides them chuckle slightly.

He then turned around to the still greasy man and his cheeky grin was gone just like that.

- 2 strawberry and 1 orange with sprinkles, how much? - he asked with no energy.

- Well, that'll be seventeen chief - Flip added with an expression that revealed a mixture of confusion and… sadness?

- Here, take the change - Lincoln simply slammed a 50$ bill, leaving the guy at the table in shock - Use it for your "child welfare" program, I assume we can sit on the counter now? - said the white haired man with evident sarcasm in his voice.

And then, the balding man did something that left not only the albino, but the two women by his side in shock.

Flip took the money on the table, and gave it back to Lincoln.

- Look fam, take the cash, yer Flippees are f-f-free - The balding man said with an expression of… guilt?

And Lincoln's mouth fell to the ground.

- W-why!? - He shrieked, still full of suspicion.

- It's been awhile since ya last came Loud, I saw the incident with the scooter lady the other day and felt bad about doing nothing - Flip added with sorrow - raw truth is that my place has been falling hard since ya Louds stopped coming - he scratched his back with some effort, flinching a little to what he was about to say - I realized I drove ya people away with the ol' flip treatment, so I just wanted to say… sorry fam -

And Lincoln froze slightly, he did NOT see that one coming from sleazy, greedy Flip of all people, which made him stand awkwardly on top of the counter.

After a while, his face elicited a very small, but noticeable smile.

- Apologies accepted, good to be back here, Flip - He extended his hand for a formal handshake.

- Deal's only free for this round chief, after that, I won't reject the bill Loud, no change and NO refunds - the man continued counting his money, leaving the albino with his arm raised.

Predictably, Lincoln simply lowered his hand, waited for Flip to fill the drinks and headed to the counter with his sisters.

- Woah, I guess everyone has a first - Lana composed from the initial shock and commented on the miracle.

The man that almost corrupted her then innocent 7-year old heart was actually giving something for free!?

- No kidding, it's almost too good to be true! - Lola, likewise, commented while taking a sip of her flippee, as she paid attention to Lincoln opening his - Wait a moment! - She stopped her action and grabbed Lincoln's Flippee forcefully, heading back to the counter, leaving the man in a daze

- Excuse me, he asked for sprinkles! - Lola place her hands on her hips while aggressively staring at Flip.

At seeing this, Lincoln quickly got up from his place and reached the counter.

- It's ok sis, I like it like that too - Lincoln tried to intervene to ease up the situation.

- yeah, listen to ya brother ma'am - Flip, likewise, clung to Lincoln's stance while raising her arms defensively,

- Lincoln, you asked for something a certain way, and you will GET IT that way, look, I'm glad you're trying to go back at being like your old self, but you can't just let people step all over you again! - Lola turned around to glare at her brother, then quickly redirected her attention back at the fat scammer.

- And you - She pointed a finger at him - I'll stand here until you fill another one, with sprinkles! -

- Wow now ma'am, I gave ya those for free, beggars can't be choosers - Flip replied with slight indignation.

- Here - Lola dropped her own 5$ bill at the counter - Now, get moving! - She commanded in a tone so fierce, it made Flip quickly rush to prepare the drink.

And now even Lincoln had to look away from the scene from slight embarrassment, he loved every quirk of his girlfriend, including her fierce attitude, but he couldn't help but feel some shame at getting exposed by her karen moments.

He started looking to the entrance door as his girlfriend fixed his order.

He saw someone entering the place, apparently not focused on the world around him, as he continued texting on his phone.

He immediately recognized that someone.

That someone also looked up, meeting his gaze for the first time in years.

And his immediate reaction was to turn back.

Lincoln anticipated that, so he quickly took a run, blocking the door with his arm just in time, leaving the other man without means of escaping.

Destiny had given him one chance, and he wouldn't miss it.

- Please, let me go - The person tried his hardest to remain calm, avoiding eye contact.

- Not this time around, I have something to say, and you will listen, Clyde -