In honor of The Loud House's 8th anniversary, I decided to create this one-shot. Takes place during the story "Ghosted!" prior to Lori learning about Shanks Bogey and his role at Fairway U. Enjoy!
Night had fallen over Fairway University. But it had certainly been quite the day for Lori Loud, her brother Lincoln, and his best friend/the honorary 12th Loud, Clyde McBride. The boys had helped Lori get rid of a ghost that was haunting her all across Fairway.
Since it was very late and Fairway was 3 hours away from Royal Woods, Lori had convinced Coach Niblick to let the boys spend the night in the dorm since they would be picked up first thing in the morning by Lynn Sr.
Luckily, Coach Niblick understood that the boys were good ones and wouldn't cause any harm and made an exception as long as Lori kept an eye on them in her dorm. Lori promised to do so and Lincoln and Clyde promised to behave.
Lincoln had just finished getting in his pajamas and exited the floor bathroom. He came into Lori and Marisa's room. Marisa was out late studying at the library.
"Ok Clyde, you can go now." Lincoln said.
"Thanks buddy." Clyde said as he grabbed his pajamas and left to go shower.
"How does it feel spending the night in college 6 years early?" Lori joked.
"Kinda cool to be honest." Lincoln joked back. "But I'm happy being here with you again Lori. I really did miss you."
Lori smiled. "Aw thank you Lincoln." she said. "I missed you guys too."
"Yeah and it was pretty cool going after a ghost." Lincoln added. "Still… I wonder what its deal was with you. Why was it giving you a hard time?"
Lori shrugged. "I don't know. I wasn't even doing anything wrong. Just practicing for the Petoskey Open. At least I don't think I was disturbing him…"
"If only that ghost was more sentient like our Scottish ancestors in Loch Loud rather than just some small ectoplasmic blob." Lincoln murmured. "Oh well, Lucy knows more about ghosts than I do. Supernatural spooky lover and all…"
Lori chuckled. "That is true." she said. "Maybe I'll call her next time if you and Clyde are busy." she joked.
Lincoln chuckled back. "Yeah I guess so." he said. "But I'll always be ready for you to call… you know, if you think I'm good enough to help." he joked.
Lori froze while organizing her papers for class. Why did Lincoln say it like that? But then she remembered the words she had said to both him and Clyde when this whole ordeal started.
"I know. And also, I know you're the brains of the Clincoln McCloud operation, which is why I called you and not Lincoln."
"I knew you could do it, Clyde! Lincoln, I had my doubts, but you really pulled through."
Lori began to feel guilty. It may have not sounded much, but Lori didn't mean to say something like that to her own little brother. Clyde was helpful. But Lincoln was too. They were both equals in the Clincoln McCloud operation. Looking back, it sounded like Lori had put down her brother unfairly. Sure he could be a little immature at times. Reading comics in his underwear, going around dressed as Ace Savvy, David Steele, and ghost hunting clothes, and even he was no stranger to being involved in Loud sibling fights. But he always came through for his family in the end. His plans when they helped them all out, saving Loch Loud from Morag's tyranny, and even him willing to put up with hard classes inspired Lori to give living at Fairway a chance. And it worked out, especially since Coach Niblick put a stop to the shenanigans all across the floors that gave Lori a hard time. And tonight, both Clyde and Lincoln came through for Lori in getting rid of a pesky ghost because they cared.
Lori faced her brother.
"Um Lincoln? I'm sorry." she said softly.
Lincoln was confused. "Uh… okay? Um… what are you sorry for?"
"I'm sorry for having my doubts about you." Lori replied.
Lincoln blinked. "Um… ok. What brought this on?" he asked, still perplexed.
Lori sighed as she sat down on her bed. "I didn't mean to sound like I didn't believe you could help me with my ghost problem." she said. "I know that when it comes to the brains of both yours and Clyde's operation, you both are the heart and brains. I know you always come through for everyone little bro; your friends, our family, and even the town sometimes."
"Oh… well thanks Lori." Lincoln replied. "But you don't need to get yourself riled up over something like that."
Lori sighed. "I know but… you're my little brother. I'm supposed to support you and believe in you no matter what. And yet here I thought you wouldn't be helpful considering…" Lori trailed off.
"That I may be immature in how I would handle it?" Lincoln guessed.
Lori bit her lip. "...YYYYes." she admitted. She smiled. "But I was wrong to even have doubts in the first place. Sure some of your methods in handling that weird ghost were… a little odd and a bit unorthodox… but I can't argue with the results."
"Well thanks Lori." Lincoln smiled. "I will admit, it was annoying to hear you say that… but I'm not gonna dwell over that. I mean it's no big deal. After all, if I did that, it wouldn't be healthy. And I'm not making that mistake like with that note last year."
Lori shuddered. "Neither will I." she said. She regained her smile. "But I meant what I said when Dad dropped you two off. You literally saved my life. You came through for me when I needed it."
Lincoln smiled as he moved to sit next to his big sister. "Of course I did! Why wouldn't I? You're my big sister and I'm always happy to help you. This, being your caddy, taking your shift at Gus', and I'm flattered that I inspired you to come back to college and give it a better chance… even if I didn't try."
Lori smiled as she side-hugged her brother. "And I appreciate it Linky. And the next time I need help from the Clincoln McCloud operation… I'll try to call you first."
"Thanks Lori-Loo." Lincoln said. "But hey, it won't hurt to call Clyde first. It's your choice. Besides, I know I can be a bit immature sometimes."
Lori giggled. "Hey aren't we all?" she joked. "I know I'm no stranger to the chaos in our house. Even if I do try to reel it all in."
"Some days are better than others." Lincoln shrugged. "But hey, you've gotten better from being the bossy oldest. I'd say you've matured a lot." He shifted his eyes. "Some sisters like Lynn, Lola, Luan, and Lana could use a bit if I'm gonna be completely honest with you big sis."
Lori laughed. "Oh I literally believe it." she said.
The two siblings shared a good laugh together.
"But seriously Lori, I'm not gonna hold a petty grudge like that." Lincoln said. "I know you believe in me."
"I always do. And I always will." Lori assured him. "And remember this Lincoln, no matter what anyone else says, just know that you are appreciated… for all you do for your family and friends. We all stand by what we told you at the castle. And I stand by that even now."
Lincoln smiled. "Thank you Lori."
"Anytime Linky." Lori smiled, ruffling his hair.
The two siblings shared a hug as Clyde came back in in his pajamas. He smiled at the siblings hugging.
"Aw that's sweet." Clyde murmured.
After Marisa returned to the dorm, she, Lincoln, and Clyde went to sleep. The boys slept in ARGGH! sleeping bags. Lori had just taken off her slippers before going into her bed. She then saw her sleeping brother and smiled as she came over, knelt down, and gave a small kiss on his forehead.
"Goodnight Linky. I love you." she whispered.
And Lori got into her bed and promptly went to sleep.
The next morning, Lynn Sr. had come back to take Lincoln and Clyde home.
"Alright boys, ready to go?" he asked.
"We are Dad!" said Lynn Sr.
"Will I see you guys at my tournament?" Lori asked.
"The three of us will be there." said Lincoln.
"But Leni's gonna be working at the mall, Luna's got a band gig, Luan's got a birthday party, Lynn had soccer practice, Lana and Lola have sleepovers with Skippy and Winston at our house with Pop-Pop watching them, and Lisa's gonna be giving a lecture at the observatory." Lynn Sr. added. "So it will be the three of us, Lucy, Lily, and your mother."
"That's fine." Lori said. "I know the rest will be supporting me from where they're gonna be that day. Bobby's gonna be working after all."
Lynn Sr. squeezed Lori in a tight hug, trying hard not to blubber and cry.
"B-B-By Lori-Loo!" he sobbed. "I'll see you soon…!"
"I-I'll see you too Dad…" Lori strained.
Lynn Sr. eventually let go and got into the driver's seat. Lori hugged Lincoln and Clyde.
"I'll see you two soon." she said. "And thanks again for your help."
"It was our pleasure Lori!" smiled Clyde.
And Clyde went into Vanzilla.
"Remember Lori, we'll always be there for you like you are for us." Lincoln told his sister.
"I'll literally always remember that." Lori smiled as she and Lincoln shared one last hug. Lori waved goodbye as Lincoln got in Vanzilla and the van drove away back to Royal Woods.
Marisa walked up to Lori. "You got quite the family, you know that Lori?" she commented.
"I literally do… but they're always there for me. And I appreciate that literally every day." Lori said fondly.
"Come on students, it's practice time!" Coach Niblick called from the field.
"Time for golfing!" the girls said in unison as they ran to grab their things.
As Lori ran, she remembered her conversation with her brother that night. She was happy that she had a brother like him in her life, always looking out for her and the rest of the family and even their closest friends. And she would always appreciate it time after time again.
CAST
Lincoln
Sawyer Cole
Lori
Catherine Taber
Clyde
Jaeden White
Lynn Sr.
Brian Stepanek
Coach Niblick
Daran Norris
Marisa
Burgandi Trejo Phoenix
Hope you liked the story!
The Loud House has really come a long way. Since the main TV show we've had two spinoffs, 4 movies; 2 animated and 2 live-action, and another animated movie coming soon (hopefully this year), though on Paramount+ this time instead of Netflix.
Keep up the good work Loud House crew!
Rate, review, and I'll see you all soon!