Hello 2024, let's see how fast this year flops. I hope you all had a good Christmas and a good new years. I know I didn't because low and behold, I am single again and I burned my hand so now I have a mark for the rest of my life probably ahah. Really starting this year strong. I hope yours weren't as bad.

We have now entered chapter 13. Let's see what ideas come together this year from the first chapter of the year. I've been coming up with a couple ideas, so if you have any you'd like to share then please do. Enjoy reading and I'll see you near the end.

Christmas, the loud house

Today was Christmas day at the loud house. Everyone was gathered in the dining area for Christmas dinner. Of course, Lynn Sr cooked a beautiful turkey, and obviously had to have mashed potatoes, stuffing, baked ham, roasted vegetables and much more. However, the food laid untouched as everyone couldn't help but stare at the empty seat. The chair Lincoln, their only brother and son was meant to sit at for Christmas, empty. The family were hoping. Just hoping that Lincoln would come through that front door with his bag announcing, "I'm back!" and everyone goes to hug him and lead him to the chair to sit and have dinner with them. But that didn't seem as if it was going to happen. Not any time soon.

They all had bought Lincoln christmas presents, even Lilly who spent most of her allowance on just a small wrapped present for her big brother. They laid there untouched.

Lynn Sr cleared his throat, knowing what he had to say "We better eat while its still warm" and started to pick at his plate of food with his fork and knife.

Everyone else either started to eat a little of their own or just continued to stare at the plate. Saddened their brother and son wasn't going to be sitting where he was meant to.

Lilly seemed to be the most hurt her big brother wasn't here with them. She felt her eyes begin to swell with tears but immediately took her napkin and patted her eyes gently. Once the others saw her do this it caused them to do the same, or just let it all out.

Lori however, seemed to be the only one who didn't shed a tear, but instead said out loud to her sisters and parents "I guess its best he didn't turn up"

All her sisters looked up at her with a mixture of confusion and possible anger if they heard right "What did you just say?" Luna asked her. Lori looked Luna dead in the eyes and repeated "It's best he didn't turn up" then she looked back at her plate and started to eat little bits of it.

"How can you say that about him? We haven't seen him in forever! And you're saying its best he didn't?" Luna said standing up from the table. Lori threw her fork on the plate and stood up as well and pointed at her sister "Why else do you think he avoided you in London? HUH?!" Lori pointed out.

Luna immediately had a flashback to London. What she went through and what happened to Sam, her bandmates, Chunk and herself, it was traumatising for them all. Luna didn't say anything and instead just walked over to the living room, grabbing her jacket and car keys inside them. Rita got up from the table and went over to Luna "Luna! Please don't go! Lori didn't mean it, it's Christmas. We should be together!" Rita tried convincing her. Lynn Sr also got up and went to Lori "You apologise to your sister right now" he almost demanded her "After what she went through you cannot be telling her that"

Lori scoffed and pushed past her dad and pulled her car key out of her jeans pocket "Doesn't matter, I'm getting out of here, merry fucking Christmas"

"Lori Loud you don't speak that way in front of your sisters!" Rita said gesturing to the younger girls.

Lori rolled her eyes then tried to leave, the same as Luna but Rita stood in front of the door "No. I'm not letting you both leave"

Lynn Sr then joined up beside his wife "Both of you, make up, right now" Lynn Sr told them, like they were still kids. The pair just looked at each other and looked back at their parents. Neither spoke a word "You can't leave your family on Christmas day" Leni then got up saying as she walked over to her parents blocking them as well.

Lori muttered to herself but still wanted it to be clear to everyone as she said "If Lincoln can do it why can't we-"

*PUNCH*

Lori fell on her back after Luna took a surprising swing at her out of nowhere. Luna threw her keys to the ground then jumped on top of Lori and started to throw more punches at her face and body. Lori tried covering her face with her arms, but it was no use, Luna had the upper hand.

"YOU ASSHOLE YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HE'S BEEN UP TO! FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU!" Luna screamed as she continued to beat up her sister.

Luckily both Lynn Sr, Lynn and Lana pulled Luna off Lori. Luna broke from their grasp then picked up her keys and pushed Rita out of the way "GET OUT OF MY WAY"

There wasn't another attempt to stop Luna, they just let her go. Leni and Rita helped Lori up who's nose was bleeding, cheeks were bruising as well as her eye and chin "Grab the first aid kit!" Rita said to one of the girls who went and grabbed it from the kitchen. They leaded Lori over to the table for a seat. Everyone had gotten up and watched Luna drive away from the house. Lilly was still sat at the table shocked and still crying from before. All she thought to herself 'I want my brother'

The UK

Back in the UK, Lincoln was sitting in Peters living room with Sarah and Peters wife and daughter. They had come over for Christmas dinner and was now watching a Christmas movie along with Emma playing with some new toys on the floor. Sarah was showing her the ring to Audrey "It's almost as big as my one" Audrey said showing her ring to Sarah "Size doesn't matter! You know that" Sarah said to Audrey laughing.

Lincoln and Peters looked at each other and couldn't help but snigger a little to each other. The women didn't notice as they compared ring sizes. Christmas day was going well. Lincolns arm was still in a cast and sling and his forearm was still in a cast, it was going to take some more weeks to heal. Lincoln and Sarah did get presents for each other. Lincoln got Sarah a fiancé who returned in one piece from the mission haha, along with a necklace and a perfume she's been wanting to try. Sarah got Lincoln a new baseball hat which he was wearing. His hair was growing longer to the point where he wears his new hat he looks like a trucker. Sarah also bought a military watch with a black velcro strap for Lincoln so he can wear on his next missions. The presents were little, but it was enough to make them both happy. They also got presents for Peters, Audrey, Emma, Jack and Adams family too. The presents weren't much, but the amount doesn't matter, as long as its something they'd like.

"So!" Peters started "When's the big day happening" he joked even though Lincoln only proposed a couple weeks ago. Lincoln and Sarah looked at each other and laughed a little together "No idea. Still need to think about it"

"If you need any help I'd love to help you plan it Sarah" Audrey said offering a helping hand "Oh that would be helpful, thank you!" Sarah thanked Audrey.

Emma jumped up from the floor "Can I help too?" she asked. Sarah and Audrey were in awe Emma wanted to help them "Of course you can honey! You can help me pick out a dress to start with" Sarah said to Emma happy she wanted to help "Yay!" Emma said as she jumped to Sarah giving her a big hug. Sarah returned the hug "We have plenty of time to look"

Lincoln was happy to be around them, no drama, no fights, nothing bad happening. Nothing bad could possibly happen this Christmas d-

*Bzz bzz bzz bzz bzz bzz*

Lincoln felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He did his best to take his phone out of his pocket with his forearm in the cast. He was able to move his fingers obviously, but without being able to bend them normally it was a challenge "Need a hand?" Sarah asked him.

Lincoln admitted defeat and laughed "Yeah haha, that would be nice" Sarah giggled and patted Lincolns shoulder as she took out his phone for him and handed it to him. Lincoln saw it was his dad.

Since giving his phone number to his family they have attempted to call him or text him. Lincoln would return a text and answer a call or two. But most of the time he was either in the base or spending time with Sarah, which yeah it was unfair of him to do, but he was busy. And with the time difference it was difficult for them to know when to call him. If they called him at 6 or 7pm Lincoln would already be asleep, and those calls would come through at midnight. Lincoln stood up from the sofa "I have to take his, it's my dad" Lincoln held his phone as best he could in his hand and walked off outside into the back garden. It was cold and dark outside, but the light was on so Lincoln wasn't in complete darkness "Hey dad" Lincoln started.

"Lincoln! Son. How-how are you?" his dad replied, happy he picked up. Lincoln cleared his throat in the cold weather "Yeah, I'm okay" Lincoln said trying to not mention he broke his arm and his forearm.

"Just wanted to wish you merry Christmas. You didn't really wish it to us today so I thought I would" Lynn Sr said, almost like he was annoyed at it but not really.

"Sorry I've been busy this week, I haven't been on my phone recently" Lincoln excused himself "Is that all you wanted to call about?" Lincoln asked, thinking that was all his father wanted to say.

Lynn Sr sighed and took a breath for what he was about to say "Lincoln...your sisters got into a fight about you"

Lincoln just stayed silent, unsure how to even reply to his dads news. All Lincoln did was say "Who was it this time"

"Luna and Lori" his dad answered him "What was it about?"

Lynn Sr explained to Lincoln what had happened from the start of Christmas day. They were all expecting Lincoln to come through the front door after 3 years, give him presents and good food and ask him how he was. It's obvious that wasn't going to happen for them, or Lincoln getting to see his real family in ages.

"-And Luna left and now your sisters and mom are taking care of Lori. They really miss you Lincoln, why can't you come home this one holiday?"

Lincoln didn't reply. Instead, he looked up at the night sky. The beautiful stars, the dark clouds, the moon. It was a beautiful night. It's been forever since Lincoln just looked up, seeing where he was and how he got there. Needless to say, Lincoln felt true happiness where he was.

"Son?"

Lincoln snapped out of it and looked back down from the sky "I'm sorry dad. I did want to be there, really. But something happened" he admitted to his father "What happened? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. I'm alive haha. Just broke my arm, I had to get surgery, it's no big deal" Lincoln tried saying like all he got was a scratch, but it was much deeper than that. Bone breaking if you will.

Lynn Sr was shocked and started to go into full anxious parent mode "What?! What happened? Is your arm, okay? Do you need us to come to you?"

"Dad! Dad! Relax. I'm okay. I just broke my arm. It's going to be okay" Lincoln shook his head but understood his dad's reason to worry. If this is how he reacted to a broken arm, god knows how he'd react if he told his dad he was shot a couple times "Jesus Lincoln. What am i going to tell your sisters and mother?" he asked his son.

Lincoln wasn't sure if his dad should tell the others the truth or just say flights were cancelled. But if that happened they would question why he never told them sooner "Just tell them..." Lincoln then turned around and saw through the glass door. His fiancé laughing with Audrey and Peters, playing with Emma on the floor. It made him smile seeing her "Tell them?" Lynn Sr asked since Lincoln went quiet.

"Tell them...I'm having a baby"

Lynn Sr then went quiet. Lincoln could hear his breathing, but no words were spoken from them "Hello?" Lincoln asked.

*THUD*

"Dad?!" Lincoln heard a mixture of all his family on the other end "Did dad just faint?"

Lynn Sr POV

Lynn Sr was laying on the floor in the living room. Passed out from obvious shock. The girls were helping him up "Dad? What happened?" Lynn Sr tried speaking but only stuttered a bunch of random words "I-I- oh- uh- Lin- wha?-"

"I'll get him some water" Lynn said running to the kitchen "I'll grab a cold towel" Leni followed Lynn to the kitchen too.

Lana and Rita helped Lynn Sr to the sofa next to Lori who was holding an ice bag to her lip "Who were you talking to?" she asked her dad.

Lynn Sr was talking to Lincoln quietly before he fell so the others didn't bombard him for a chance to talk to him. Leni and Lynn came back with a glass of water and a damp towel for his forehead. After a few minutes everyone was now in the living room wondering what had just happened once their father came to his senses.

He took a sip from the glass and controlled his breathing "I...w-where's my phone?" he asked removing the towel from his head. Rita picked up the phone and handed it to him. But she saw who the caller ID was "It's Lincoln?"

Everyone was shocked but did their best to stay quiet and let their dad talk to him "Dad?"

"Lincoln! Hi son- uh sorry about that. I guess that just hit me harder than I thought"

He was then about to ask more questions but saw his daughters and wife staring, wanting to know what had happened "Your sisters and mother are here...if you want to tell them as well" he said warning his son.

Lincoln laughed a little "I guess you can tell them"

Lincolns POV

Lincoln waited as he heard his dad tell everyone the news "Everyone! YOU'RE ALL GOING TO BE AUNTS AND A GRANDMA!"

There was silence on the other end. Lincoln laughed a bit "Hello. Dad?" he asked.

Still nothing.

He then checked his phone and saw he was still on the line with his father "WHAT-"

"LINCOLNS GOING TO BE A DAD?"

"I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT?"

"I'm GOING TO BE A GRANDMA?!"

"LINCOLN ISN'T A VIRGIN ANYMORE?"

Lincoln heard all the comments flood over and more were being said but he couldn't make them out. It wasn't until someone grabbed the phone "Lincoln? Is what your father saying true?" it was Rita.

Lincoln just nodded and laughed "Yes mom! It's true. And i proposed to Sarah as well...i forgot to mention that but-"

*THUD*

"Hello? Come on! Not again"

Later

The loud house

Rita was now sitting next to her husband with a cold towel on her forehead after fainting as well. Along with Lori sitting in between them it looked kind of funny as the rest sat around "Lincoln huh. Being the first to tie the knot" Lynn said as she sat on the floor with Lilly and Lana.

"Hey, don't act like he was never going to get married! Or have a baby" Lola said sitting in the armchair with Leni, Lucy and Lisa sitting on each side "Hey guys?" Luan asked for everyone's attention "What are we going to do about Lincolns presents? We can't just return them"

"Why can't we return them?" Rita asked.

"Because i kind of threw out the receipt for mine" Luan answered honestly "Yeah i did the same, i mean he would never return it so why bother!" Lori chimed in with her sister.

"Did anyone else throw out the receipt for their brothers present?" Lynn Sr asked his daughters.

Everyone slowly raised their hand, even Rita! "Oh honey" Lynn Sr said looking at his wife "I bought him a new pair of headphones! He said he likes listening to music while working out" Rita said recalling the time he told her on the phone a while ago.

"I made him a beanie" Leni said proudly.

"Me and Lola both got him a toy gun" Lana spoke.

"What? Why a toy gun?" Lori asked her "Because he's in the army? Duh!" Lana said smacking the side of her temple gently and laughing "Yeah that's not better than a bonsai tree kit" Lori said smugly.

"Bonsai tree? What's that?" Lilly asked her big sis "It's a Japanese tree. It's small and people can grow them and trim them in order to draw life energies into a room. Essentially a tree that needs to be cared for and helps with stress" Lisa went on.

Lilly was confused then looked up at her sisters "It's a tree" Luan joked making her sisters laugh. Lisa just rolled her eyes "It will not beat my gift as i bought our brother a bear grylls survival book who served in the army in the UK much like he is" Lisa said referring to Lincoln.

"Okay girls! It doesn't matter who got our brother what! Should we all agree to send them to him?" Lori said taking charge. Everyone nodded in agreement "Okay. We'll work it out tomorrow" Lori then put the ice bag down then went to put her jacket on "I need to go and take care of something"

"Where are you going?" Lucy asked her.

"Just need to take care of something. I'll call you guys" Lori then fixed her hair as she left.

Lori's POV

Lori had been in her car driving through Royal Woods until she pulled up to an apartment building. She got out and made her way inside and up a couple flights of stairs. Lori then walked up to an apartment door like she knew where she was going. Obviously because she did, what the fuck am I saying.

*Knock knock*

She knocked on the door and held her handbag tightly to her waist. The door opened just halfway before the person said "Hello- oh" it was Luna.

Luna was standing in her and Luan's apartment wearing a hooded vest and panties. Obviously not expecting visitors nor had the time to put on some decent clothes. She probably opened it without thinking "Can we talk?" Lori asked her. Luna just looked at her and sighed through her nose "Fine"

Lori nodded thanking her and stepped in the apartment, closing the door behind her as Luna walked to the living area. The apartment wasn't anything fancy, it was liveable and half clean. Luan was the clean one to live with but since she travelled a bit for some shows out of Michigan, the apartment would be left filthy. Lori followed into the living area where there was a couch, armchair and TV mounted on the wall. Lori took a seat in the armchair while Luna plopped herself down on the couch, where there was an ashtray sitting next to her on the arm of the couch. It looked like there was a cigarette in it still smoking a bit.

"Didn't know you smoked" Lori pointed out as she put her bag down and took her jacket off. Lori was wearing sweatpants and one of bobby's t-shirts. The collar of the shirt had a little bit of blood on it but she didn't care. It was the least of her worries right now "Sorry about your shirt" Luna said while she looked at the TV flicking through channels.

"Don't worry about it. That's why laundry machines exist" Lori cracked a little joke.

Luna didn't pay attention to her sisters joke and instead put the remote down and took her ashtray putting it next to her on the couch pillow. She then took the cigarette from it and proceeded to light it with her lighter she grabbed from her table next to her. Lori took a closer look and realised it wasn't a cigarette, it was a joint "You smoke weed?" Lori said.

Luna rolled her eyes as she held the joint between her lips while she lit it, then proceeded to take a puff "Been smoking weed since i was 15 bro. Why do you think my voice has always sounded so scratchy?" Luna said after puffing.

"From your singing?" Lori said raising an eyebrow believing that to be true. However, it's obviously not true "Yeah. Great cover huh" Luna said chuckling a little then held her joint between her fingers. She looked up at Lori then leaned over handing it to her "Go on. Give it a try" Luna said shaking it a little at her sister.

Lori was sceptical "Come on, i never do anything like that" Lori said then looking at the TV. Luna laughed more "Yeah right. And mom and dad's liquor hasn't always been filled with water" Luna said sarcastically.

"H-how do you- Oh fucking God! Ugh! Give me the thing" Lori groaned as she took the joint from her sister, who was looking at her smugly

Lori never smoked before, but after Luna pointed it out, she did drink from their parent's stash of alcohol in their bedroom. Lori sucked it up and took just a small puff of the joint. The smoke filling her lungs immediately caused her to start coughing up the smoke.

"*cough cough!* oh my!- *cough!*"

Luna was starting to giggle more seeing her sister cough up her attempt at trying weed "You don't just cough it up! You're meant to hold it in your lungs! Wow you drink alcohol but never smoked before, damn bro" Luna said, although it didn't sound right. What do I know about smoking weed? Nothing.

Lori got her breath back and was breaking properly. She was about to hand the joint back to Luna but was tempted to try again after her sister made fun of her. Lori took another puff, this time a bigger one and did her best to hold it in her lungs before exhaling it out her mouth. Luna was impressed "Nice one" she said then took the joint back. Lori sat back comfortably in the chair "How long does this take to work?" she asked.

Luna shrugged "I don't know. A couple minutes, longer if you just ate"

Lori realised she didn't really eat anything at the table. Her stomach was growling loudly "Shit" she mumbled holding her stomach. Lunas stomach also growled, none of them ate dinner.

"Shit me too haha" Luna laughed as hers growled too "I think we have some food in the fridge" she said as she got up from the couch and walked over to the kitchen next door to them. Lori just sat in the armchair watching the TV. It was a cartoon from a while ago and for some reason being 27 years old, it still made her laugh.

Luna then came back with a couple containers of food and a fork "Dads been dropping off food for me for a few months now" Luna said as she sat back down on the other side of the couch closer to Lori "Which one do you want? Fried chicken or...what looks like fries with...cheese?" Luna said looking at it around the clear container.

"I'll have the fries...with the cheese" Lori said taking the container and fork then opening it. It was what looked like homemade fries with melted cheese, bacon bits, sour cream and tomatoes.

It looked good so Lori just took her fork and dug in. Luna had her fried chicken. It was crispy and crunchy as she took a bite. It was cold, but she didn't care, it tasted so fucking good. Lori felt he same about her fries, digging in straight away. Their hunger soon being cured. Lori tried speaking with her full mouth of fries "Oh my god! How does dad do it! It's literally too good"

Luna nodded along as she took more bites of her chicken. Crazy how you see people smoke weed in movies and shows and they just want to devour anything in their sight right?

Lori was surprised how good weed can make her feel, she should do this more often. Before taking another bite after swallowing nearly several others, Lori stopped herself and looked at Luna who was just lost in her fried chicken. Lori did remember she had to tell Luna something "Hey uhm. Can we talk for a minute" Lori asked while putting down her container on her lap. Luna swallowed her mouthful of chicken then put her container down on the couch cushion "Sure. Ahem! What's up?"

Lori then felt a rush of excitement for what she was about to say "We're going to be aunts!" Lori said shaking her hands a little.

Lunas face dropped in confusion "NO FUCKING WAY! SERIOUS DUDE?!" she screamed jumping up from the couch "YES WAY!" Lori said jumping up, nearly dropping her fries on the floor but not caring one bit as she hugged Luna.

"OH MY GOD! Wait! Is it Leni? Luan? Lynn?" Luna asked but Lori shook her head no "IT'S LINCOLN!"

"OH MY FUCKING GOD BRO!" Luna screamed hugging Lori back tightly "WE'RE GOING TO BE AUNTS!"

The pair screamed and jumped with excitement. Once they calmed down, they sat back down catching their breathes "Fuck me bro! Oh, what's Linc saying about it?" Luna said flicking her hair out of her eyes.

"He's excited...but that's not all" Lori said looking at Luna grinning "What?" Luna said even more confused what more there could be.

"WE'RE LITERALLY GOING TO HAVE A SISTER-IN-LAW!"

"OH SHIT! YESS!"

2 months later

It was now February. 2 months have passed since Christmas and so far it was going well. Lincoln and Sarah were planning their wedding all while Sarah had to go and meet her best pal, the toilet. The sickness really did get to her and she was going to the toilet to puke just about every day nearly. She was glowing though after 2 months of being pregnant. But it was taking its toll. Nevertheless, Lincoln did his best to be there for her and call and text her when he was away to check up on her.

Lincoln was at the base in one of the simulation rooms helping set it up for a different squad to do some training. His arms thankfully healed within the 2 months, he was expected to wait longer for them to heal but it was quicker than he thought. So now he had full use of his arms. He was setting up one of the "terrorists" which were always just mannequins dressed in ski masks and holding fake guns taped to their hands. Yes, it was almost like they were filming with low budget, but it worked. Lincoln was in the middle of getting the hostage room set up with Ava who was helping him set it up.

"How's the pregnancy been?" she asked Lincoln.

They were working in the room for about an hour not even saying more than a word to each other. Other than greeting each other with a "hey" and a "hello"

Lincoln didn't turn around but spoke "Yeah, it's been going okay. I think she's finding it difficult but I'm doing my best I can to make it easy for her" Lincoln shared with her.

Ava smiled while putting a ski mask over her mannequin's head "Remember i was pregnant and gave birth to my son so if you need any advice or have questions i can answer for you" Ava offered. Lincoln thought for a second but shook it away believing his question to be stupid. Ava noticed then turned around "Something you wanna ask?" she asked.

"Well...uhm- Were you scared? When you found out you were pregnant?" Lincoln asked her turning around as well to face her.

Ava did smile a bit "Yeah, I was. I was scared shitless. I was only 20 and my ex was 22. Asshole left me and my son the day after i told him we're going to be parents. I didn't need him, and i don't need him now" Ava went on "I love Alex so much. I never want anything bad to happen to him"

Lincoln nodded while listening "I understand. I never want anything bad to happen to my kid too"

"Just don't leave her. I can tell you're a bit scared, but she's probably scared too. But she has you with her, she'll be in good hands" Ava said smiling at Lincoln.

Lincoln smiled back and nodded "Thanks" he said.

"I'm going out for a smoke break. You want one?" she asked while taking out her pack of cigarettes her pocket "No I'm good for now" Lincoln said.

Ava shrugged then walked out the room while leaving Lincoln to keep setting up "You won't leave her will you" Lincoln looked behind him and saw where Ava's mannequin should've been, was David. David was standing against the wall with his arms crossed, like he was waiting around for Lincoln "What?" Lincoln asked him.

At this point Lincoln wasn't bothered by David anymore, his presence was basically just having a friend there. He still thought of his dead friend as still his friend "You're not going to leave your girl are you?" he asked again but clearer this time.

Lincoln stared at him "How could you ask me something like that?" Lincoln asked him as he stepped closer to David "Just asking. Some dads would just abandon ship and move away"

"You know any?" Lincoln asked. David nodded and continued "It's common. I had friends in school who would either come home to one parent, or both but in different houses. Just don't ditch her man" David said "I don't need advice" Lincoln shrugged off and continued putting together the mannequin. David sighed then walked up behind Lincoln and grabbed his shoulder. Lincoln immediately pushed David off him "DON'T FUCKING TOUCH ME YOU DEAD ASSHOLE-"

"Lincoln?"

Lincoln looked at the door frame to the room and saw Ava standing in the middle of it looking confused at Lincoln. Lincoln realised he just shoved the mannequin he was talking to on the floor, its arms falling off when he did. Ava groaned "Come on mannn it took me forever to tape those arms on" Ava then went to fix it, not even questioning Lincolns yelling...or did he yell?

He shook it off and went back to what he was doing.

Later

Lincoln was now in the store. He saw he was getting texts from Sarah, complaining about her pregnancy and the sickness, as well as the cravings. She texted Lincoln about craving chocolate, peanut butter, ice cream, steak, pasta? And even strange ones like ice cubes, toothpaste, raw onion? Not even cooked? Just raw onion?- DIRT? CEMENT? TOILET PAPER? CHALK? BRO THIS LIST CAN'T GET WEIRDER- FURNITURE POLISH? My god I never thought I'd find this shit googling strange pregnancy cravings bruh.

So being the good fiancé Lincoln was, he walked to the nearby store near their flat to pick up some of the cravings Sarah was craving. While walking around the store, Lincoln grabbed ice cream, some small chocolates, peanut butter, pasta and even a steak, that would be their dinner for tonight haha.

While looking at which type of pasta to buy, Lincoln could see at the corner of his eye someone was approaching him. So he looked to the side out of curiosity "Damn man you caught me haha!"

Lincoln looked at the man, he looked older than him. Dressed in blue jeans with workers shoes on, a rain jacket on and a beanie "You don't remember me do you? It's alright i forgot yours too haha! It's Tommy- PC Tommy Vince" he stuck his hand out. That was when Lincoln remembered, the officer who he met again at the drunk dads house "Ohhh Tommy!" Lincoln laughed shaking his hand "I remember now! Lincoln" he said introducing his name again.

"How are you mate? Still in the army?" he asked him to which Lincoln nodded "Still in the police?" Lincoln asked. Tommy nodded "Yeah I'm in the ARV now" Tommy said.

Lincoln raised an eyebrow unsure what ARV was. Tommy noticed and laughed once again "Ahah yeah i forgot, American! Its armed police"

"Oh, so you guys do have guns" Lincoln joked "Very funny mate" Tommy laughed with Lincoln. Tommy then noticed Lincolns trolley of food "You doing your shopping" Tommy said "You know you could just buy a premade dinner instead of going all out on...steak and pasta?" Tommy said because it was sounding like an odd combo.

"Haha no no! My fiancé is pregnant and she's been craving this stuff, so i thought I'd surprise her" Lincoln said. Tommy nodded "Good man! And congrats! I had no clue you were engaged"

"Yeah well I'm happy it's happened, i can't wait. If you want, you're free to come" Lincoln offered an invite "Thanks man. Hey, I'll give you, my number. Can get a beer one day" Tommy said taking his phone out and giving Lincoln his phone number. Lincoln accepted it into his phone.

The pair exchanged a few more words then went on their separate ways, continuing their shopping.

*Bzz bzz bzz bzz*

Lincoln pulled his phone out and saw Lori was calling him. He stopped in his tracks staring at the caller ID 'Lori' unsure of what to do. Without even giving it a second thought, he answered it and lifted the phone to his ear.

"Hello?" he asked.

"LINCOLN! Hey twerp" Lori said laughing. Lincoln shook his head "What's up" he asked as he kept pushing his cart "Yeah i don't know if dad told you, but we still have your Christmas presents here at the house. If you want, we can send you them to London" Lori offered.

Lincoln wanted to say no, it would be a lot of hassle, but he didn't want to make them more upset than they already were he didn't turn up for Christmas.

"Uhm...yeah okay. I'll send you my PO box" Lincoln accepted.

Lori was however confused "Why not your home address? Wouldn't that be easier?"

"No no if you ALL bought me a Christmas present, then it would be less hassle for the mailman to get them to my house. I can just pick them all up at once" Lincoln said.

"Okay! That makes sense. I'll let you know when we send them" Lori said.

"Okay" Lincoln then went to hang up but heard Lori again "Hey uhm. Can I ask you something" Lincoln answered back "Sure" he said.

"...Are we ever going to meet her? Your fiancé?"

Lincoln knew this question would come up sooner or later "Uh I don't know. I'm always busy and I don't think she can fly over, because pregnant" Lincoln said but Lori outsmarted him "Why don't we come to London? We can get a hotel" Lori proposed.

Lincoln was about to fight against the idea, but he was stumped, he did come up with something "But I'm always on call. So, if something came up short noticed I'd have to go without question" he said not wanting her to feel disappointed if he had to leave randomly.

"I think we are willing to take that risk for a week" Lori said smugly.

Lincoln went to say more but really couldn't "Well uh...i can't find any reason why you can't" Lincoln admitted defeat.

"Cool! Can't wait to see my lil bro!" Lori said hanging up the phone.

Lincoln tilted his head back and sighed "Just a week. You can manage a week" he said while pushing his cart to continue his shopping for Sarah.

WELL that one was shorter than normal but i hope you enjoyed reading the chill/dramatic chapter. Also hope you guys enjoy the new character Tommy, i feel it would bring action outside of the army for Lincoln being friends with an armed police officer. And soon to come, Lincoln will meet his family! Might be next chapter, or who knows, you'll have to stay tuned haha.

Hope your 2024 is going well and i am excited to see you all in the next chapter!