Oh, fuck, this was a massive chapter to write. You guys see what I had to divide this in half. I could've made this a three-part arc, but I was already too deep into it. This is my first 10k word chapter. Now sit back, relax and enjoy
QOTD: The majority of you guys said that you enjoy the side character expansion. Who has been your favorite, and why?
I like making them feel like real people. I don't really have a favorite per se, but I enjoyed writing Mollie this chapter.
Now on to the reviews
Tristen: It's not likely, but hopefully, I can post a chapter before that.
NiteOwl18: Nice to know that I can write comedy centric chapters.
GaysStayWinning: Lincoln does have feminine traits/skills, so it wouldn't be that hard. It's a weird ego thing amongst the older sisters knowing that their brother wants to find a girl just like them.
Wolvenstrom: Lincoln being a lady's man, is a well-known meme in the fandom. I'm making the meme came to life. Of course, I'm making him oblivious towards it.
DaleJr.88: Hopefully, in the next chapter or two.
Guest(1): To answer your question. No. Lincoln and Jenny aren't together. People can go on dates without being a couple. I, too, am interested in Mollie x Lincoln.
Guestalt: All he was missing was the sparkles.
Jacob5395: Watch She-Ra and The Princesses of power, and you'll see what I mean. Haiku will appear in this chapter and Stella in the next(hopefully)
Guest(2): The Whitey Anne girl goes to his school as a background character. Obviously, there will be some weird interactions if they ever had a conversation in the show. Although she's probably a reference to Ronnie's original design. I'm planning more ways for the QTs to be involved in his life. The main 5 QTs are his schoolmates, which makes it easier for me. Mozzarella QT is a schoolmate, but I already had my set limit for the QTS.
I believe another scene will top that one. Whenever I get the chance to write it. I agree with you as these characters have potential. Cristina and Ronnie Anne could've been a Betty & Veronica situation. Maggie is an excellent foil to Luan, especially with the fanart of them. Haiku has played a more significant role recently and with the new episode that's coming out. Regarding the Mysterious Traveler, you'll enjoy what I have in store.
Mr. Haziq: Why don't they just call it that then? That's an understatement. Yes. More so, Bisky's true form for HxH. Also no. Lincoln would if he could.
Nicky: You got your wish.
OmegaDelta: She will, along with other girls.
Mr. ChubbySnorlax619: He'll get his rewards soon
Isom: These side characters have the potential granted majority of them were introduced when the series was primarily focused on Lincoln, but they expanded by focusing on other characters. The fifth season just started, and we don't know how Lincoln's school life has changed since he's separated from his main group. This can be their chance for characterization. Otherwise, I look at fanart, read other stories, search the wiki, and my personal headcanons. I search for the meaning of their names if they have one. This helps a lot along with the wiki when I'm trying to give them a personality or make them relevant in a chapter.
For, e.g., Cristina means anointed and follower of Christ. It's easy to make her religious. I'm not making her a fundamentalist. Renee means to be reborn, which has me concerned to a degree. Paige means helper or assistant. A lot of named characters have meanings associated with water. Lynn makes Lake. Rita, Maggie, Margo, and Mollie come from Mary or Margert, which can mean Pearl. I'll give a list of meanings from notable characters.
The Yates being aliens? Not what I was planning, but it can be interesting. I already scheduled one of the Yate kids to have a meltdown or slide down the slippery slope. Nah, I won't do that to Hugh. It feels cliché to me.
Guest(3): I'll probably do that later, but it won't be anything serious.
Several weeks have passed since the Loud parents started their campaign of morphing their children into well-rounded citizens. It had an extraordinary effect on The Loud House. Something that the neighborhood hasn't experienced in years. Silence. The neighbors were perplexed on what to do. Should they celebrate or be concerned?
Their parents' well-intended but overbearing attempts to allow them to reach their full potential has been grinding down the Loud kids. Once upbeat and vibrant, now dull and monotone. Automatons waiting for their next assignment.
WWWWWHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEWWWWWW! Pacowski blew on his whistle. Everyone lined up in front of him. "All right, scrubs. We're running the obstacle course today" The students groaned. They were just obliterated mere seconds ago from dodgeball. Now, this? Is that a hydraulic crusher?!
"Is it legal to have barbed wire in school" Girl Jordan whimpered at the sight of the fence? The coach poked her in the chest for that comment.
"You're first Miss Mouthy," Pacowski ordered the young girl as everyone followed behind her. "Come on, you runts. Nobody leaves until every last one of you finishes this course!" He yelled, watching his victim-students struggle against the course. Come on. It's not that hard. Pacowski glanced at Lincoln, smoothly traversing the path overtaking his classmates. The white-haired Loud slid under the crawl space and hopped through each tire like a hopscotch game. Lincoln stopped to observe the press's pattern. Up. Down. Up. Down. Up. He dashed, avoiding Rusty, who fell from the rope with burning pink hands. Pacowski winced in sympathy. Rope burns are horrible. Lincoln climbed up the rope and swung back and forth using the stone pillar to push himself off. He grabbed one of the bars of the suspended ladder and progressed to the top of the platform. Lincoln stood on top of it, taking a few steps back onto the edge, and sprinted. He leaped over the rest of the structure, barely missing the barbed wire fence. Lincoln landed on the solid gym floor, tumbling forward to negate the impact. He dashed to the finish line completing the course in first place. The coach checked his stopwatch. Under 2 minutes?! That's rather impressive.
"Nice work out there, Loud," Pacowski commented, glancing at his timer. "Take a seat over there" He gestured to the bleachers. Lincoln sat down, watching the rest of his classmates finish one by one. Girl Jordan was supported by Mollie and Cookie.
"Coach, my toenail fell off," Girl Jordan spoke on one foot.
"Loud! Take her to the Nurse's office," Pacowski replied. Lincoln marched towards her and lifted Girl Jordan in his arms.
"You okay there," Lincoln duly mentioned with her arms around his neck and shoulder to support herself.
"Mhm," Girl Jordan replied. She peered over his shoulder as they walked out the door—some of their classmates pouting at her fortune of being princess carried.
"Hey, Nurse Patti. We got a missing toenail," Lincoln said to the older woman. She rubbed her temple at the coach's brutal regiment.
"Just put her on the bed." Patti sighed. "I'll get my kit" Lincoln did what he was told, but Jordan's grip remained.
"You can let me go now," Lincoln brought up to his classmate.
"Oh, right, thanks, Lincoln," Girl Jordan replied with her eyes darting to the side. Nurse Patti returned with her First aid kit.
"Excuse me, Nurse Patti, but are you registered to vote" Lincoln announced robotically.
"I believe so," She said after thinking about it for a bit.
"You think, or you know, there's a difference," Lincoln answered back. He handed her a voter registration card and exited the room. The female occupants shared a look, wondering what happened to him. Girl Jordan offered a shrug in response.
The rest of the day dragged on unremarkably. It was dull. Boring even as the clouds blocked the warm rays of the sun. The final bell rang. Students were exiting their classmates wanting this school day to end already. Lincoln was at his locker, placing and removing books and storing them into his backpack.
"Um, Lincoln," A soft voice called to him. He looked around in search of it. Cristina was looking at the ground with her hands clasped together, twiddling her thumbs. "Can we talk please?" Lincoln sighed, closing his locker and turning to his former crush. "I want to say that I'm-"
"I'm going to stop you right there," Lincoln interrupted her by raising his hand. She was taken back by this action. "I know that your sister."
"Cousin actually," Cristina corrected.
"I know that your cousin made you apologize to me. Am I correct," Lincoln predicted. The red-headed nodded, confirming his theory. "I'm aware that the video was cringey and rather disturbing. I'll admit that." Lincoln recalled one of his most embarrassing moments. "You smacked my hand away. You treated me more like a freak than how I usually feel when I attempted to explain and apologize," He continued putting a dull orange safety vest."If my sisters and your cousins didn't do what they did," Lincoln stepped forward with a flat, blank stare gazing at her with his arctic eyes. "Would you even be here talking to me?"
Cristina was at a loss for words. If she said yes. He'll call her a liar who would instead hop in week-old trash than be in his presence. She still can't get those stains out and never will believe a word she says. If she said no. It'll confirm his negative view of her. She'll be labeled as a phony who's only doing this because she was made to. She prayed to God in search of a proper answer, but Lincoln took her hesitation as a response. "I thought so" He locked his locker, leaving her alone to retrieve Lola. They have an interstate to clean. Cristina let out a sullen sigh. This was expected, but she's not waiting until middle school. Cristina glanced down at her developing body, acknowledging that flirting or seduction isn't going to work. That's more Belle's style. Maybe in the next few years. A heavy crunch distracted her from her thoughts.
"I would say I told you so," Evelynn spoke while munching a pear. "But I told you so" She tossed the core into a waste bin. Evelynn walked towards Cristina, making her back touch the wall. "Did you honestly think it was that easy for you to be granted his forgiveness?" She leaned in closer towards Cristina, enjoying this moment of dominance once more. The redhead's face was a lovely shade of scarlet, feeling Evelynn's warm breath due to their proximity. "If you thought so, then you're a bigger fool than I thought" Evelynn stepped away from her and walked off. Cristina feverishly fanned her face to cool herself down. Sweet baby Jesus, there was that feeling again. She gave herself some light smacks on her cheeks to regain focus. Belle was waiting for her. Cristina opened the car door and locked in her seatbelt.
"So how did it go," Belle asked Cristina. The young girl shook her head. "Not that well, huh," Belle sighed as she expected this to happen. "Let me work my magic" She did a quick look over, making sure she's presentable. "Is my hair okay?" Belle asked, looking at her reflection in the overhead mirror. Cristina narrowed her eyes. "I'll take that as a yes" She sprayed some perfume on her. Now she's ready. "Wish me luck," Belle scanned the area in search of him. He has white hair. It shouldn't be that hard to find him. Her eyes landed on a nearby group of students at a table; three redheads and a black boy with glasses. Cristina told her that they were Lincoln's primary friend group. They should know where he is. She smiled and strutted towards them as males and females, both young and old, turned their gaze into her, wondering who she is and is she single.
"Excuse me," Belle said, causing Lincoln's friend group to halt their conversation.
"Bah, bah, bah, bah," The boys muttered. The girls rolled their eyes at the boy's reaction. This was worse than what happens with DiMartino. Although Belle had a pretty face and lots of bass, and we're not talking about dubstep complemented by a form-fitting yellow dress. Hopefully, puberty will bless them like that. Belle smirked at her results. This should be easy.
"Can you nice boys help me with something please?" She coaxed, keeping her smile. Rusty appeared front and center like the roadrunner.
"Happy to oblige," Rusty replied eagerly as a trail of dribble leaked from the corner of his mouth, causing her to take a step back. Christ felt his gaze on her body. He didn't even bother to look at her face as he continued to stare at her ample bust.
"Can you tell me where I can find Lincoln, please?" Belle declared, killing Rusty's enthusiasm.
"I'm right here," Lincoln chimed in, holding Lola's hand along with the rest of his younger sisters. "Lucy, tell mom to give me a good five minutes" The goth girl in her basketball uniform nodded and walked with her sisters to relay the message. Lincoln had seen better days. His eyes were dull puddles as bags formed along with a flat monotone voice. She knew that look after working in retail.
"Can you do this pretty girl a tiny favor, please" Belle fluttered her eyes. Lincoln didn't react at the attempt keeping his blank sheet.
"You still call yourself a pretty girl while you're in your twenties," Lincoln brought up with a rising brow.
"HA!"Mollie laughed. The older woman ignored that.
"Well, you see," Belle lowered herself down to Lincoln's eye level, grateful that she didn't wear heels today. "Cristina's really sorry about what happened" She clasped her hands together in a prayer gesture but adding more volume to her cleavage. "Can you please forgive her" Ah, the infamous puppy dog pout. "I know that you hate her, but I would really appreciate it if you did," Belle gave him a half-lidded look that made countless men bend to her will. "Come on. You would never ignore a lady in her time of need, especially with ten sisters after all" Yes, that should be the missing piece—his pride as a man and a caring brother.
"No," Lincoln calmly stated. She knew that this would be easy.
"Huh," Belle blinked owlishly. Wait, what did he say? No?
"Nice try with attacking my masculinity. I have enough confidence in myself to not fall for that trap," Lincoln said, dismantling her plea like a Lego playset. "My sisters are a special case. I love them, and they love me at least most of the time. Also, they use blackmail or one of those stupid coupons I made when I was younger," He continued. Mollie was interested in those special coupons. "I don't hate Cristina" This surprised everyone at the table. "Never said that I did" Belle stood back up. Damn, she needs stronger knees.
"Then why the cold shoulder dude," Zach commented, recalling the last couple of months.
"She didn't want to do anything with me," Lincoln sadly explained, remembering those days before pushing them back in his mind. "I was simply honoring her wish," Belle gave a sympathetic glance. "However, I will forgive her, but I'll be the one who decides and not before," He ordered. Where did this bravado come from? She didn't expect such a mature reply. He stepped forward with an outreached hand. "Is that acceptable?"
"Yes. That's perfectly fine" Belle smiled, shaking his hand in agreement as her respect for him increased. "I'll tell her the good news."
"Can you also tell to ease up on her 'apologies,'" Lincoln added on. "If she serenades me outside my window again. I'm going to lose it," He said with the first shred of emotion they heard from him all day. "It's like Pearl trying to apologize to Garnet after the Sardonyx thing."
"I will," Belle sweatdropped on that incident as she went back to her car. Lincoln took note and a slight interest in those swaying hips of her. His eyes subtly followed each movement. Will Cristina develop like that in the future? Maybe just possibly overall, hypothetically, he should forgive her earlier than expected. Cookie and Clyde each placed a hand on his head to stop him.
"Thank guys," Lincoln lightly blushed. Belle looked over her shoulder with a slight grin. Crap, she saw him.
"No problem," Clyde waved off. He was in the same boat during his crush on Lori.
"I thought your head was going to fall off," Cookie rolled her eyes. A click and a quick flash of light caught their attention.
"Oops," Rusty said sheepishly. He forgot to turn the flash off.
"Alright, hand it over," Liam ordered, putting his hand out to delete that photo off Rusty's phone. At the same time, Clyde gave him some tissues for the bloody anime nose minus the mess.
"He hates me, doesn't he" Cristina whispered as shadows covered her eyes, feeling the rumble of the car engine as they drove off.
"No, he doesn't," Belle reassured. Cristina watched their interaction but couldn't hear anything. She couldn't bear to look any longer.
"Yes, he does! Please don't lie to me, Belle" Cristina gripped the hem of her dress even tighter as teardrops stained it.
"He said he will forgive you," Belle replied. Cristina's eyes held doubt yet remained hopeful. "But it'll be on his terms."
"I still have a chance?" Cristina muttered, looking with shimmering eyes
"You still have a chance," Belle repeated as Cristina felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. "Just don't be as enthusiastic as last time."
"Hey, thanks for tutoring me in math, Lynn," Margo spoke, walking down the street.
"No, problem," Lynn replied. Those lessons were torture. Who was the wise guy that thought putting letters in math was a good idea? "I was surprised that Bolhofner recommended me for the State math bowl."
"Lynn, you made several A's back to back," Margo responded. "You got this. Maybe he'll give us a free pass when you win."
"Thanks, Margo. Also, cover your eyes," Lynn cautioned. Margo tilted her head in confusion. Cover her eyes? Lynn did it for her as the Yates drove pass with their blinding smiles
"Holy fuck, that's bright!" A voice yelled before crashing down. Lynn uncovered their eyes and saw Polly on the ground rubbing her eyes with her roller skates.
"Sup Polly," Lynn greeted, helping her up.
"What's up" Polly Pain replied as she regained her vision. She snickered at Lynn. "Nice outfit. You lost a bet or something" Lynn was wearing black Mary Jane shoes, white knee-high socks, brown cargo shorts, a white long-sleeved collar shirt with a red sweater vest and glasses.
"Oh, haha," Lynn mocked. "It's not like I wanted to wear this" The athlete explained her family's situation is becoming well rounded.
"Ew"
"Exactly," Lynn confirmed.
"That explains why you haven't been at roller derby lately," Polly said. "Were they the family with mirrors for teeth?"
"Yep," Lynn answered. Their dentist must be making a fortune of their teeth along with any toothpaste commercial. "Dad said they got a trophy room."
"For all of them?"
"Nope, just one of them," Lynn stated. "Bumper Jr. I think for mathematics," Polly whistled and was impressed. A whole damn trophy room for himself.
"Hey Ponytail," Mr. Grouse yelled. Oh, he was referring to Lynn.
"Hey Mr. Grouse," Lynn greeted back the elderly man
"What type of moves your brother has been using to get that redhead to act like that?" The elderly man asked. Margo and Polly glanced at another. Lincoln making moves on a girl?
"I have no clue," Lynn replied. "I got two calculators, and none of it adds up."
"Well, tell him to give this old man some advice if he can cause that reaction" Grouse went back inside.
"Is your brother crushing on someone?" Margo asked, wondering what the two were talking about.
"Ex-crush," Lynn stated, walking through the front door of her house. "You know that Cristina chick I was talking about" Margo remembered her talking about it
"Oh," Margo said. "Ohhhhhhhhhh," It started to click. "Wait, didn't she rejected him."
"Yep, but she's trying to apologize," The Loud sister replied back. "My bro is not in the mood" They sat down at the dining room. "Especially her latest attempt."
"The hell did she do?" Polly questioned.
"She sang Hello by Adele outside his window," Lynn commented
"Oh my god," Margo breathed.
"With sprinklers for added effect," Lynn added. "And a boombox."
"Oh my god," Margo repeated.
"What did he do?" Polly wondered.
"He sang Lucid Dreams," Lynn continued
"Oh my god," Her friends whispered. The two of the most infamous heartbreak and in your feelings songs of their generation.
"Does he need a girlfriend to get her to back off because I'm down?" Polly suggested. They stared at her. "What? He's a good looking kid and a damn good kisser from what I heard."
"One. He's handling it himself." Lynn counted. "Two. We don't want another Sadie Hawkins disaster." Polly agreed on that statement. "And three. Aren't you dating one of his friends?"
"UUUUUGGHHHHH!"Polly groaned, bringing a hand to her face. "Why does everyone think that? No, we're not dating" She set that straight. "I was maybe considering it, but I was just having fun at the dance."
"What shot that idea down?" Margo questioned, grabbing her math textbook.
"His eyes kept darting from girl to girl like a pinball," Polly replied, resting her chin on her hand. "Also bragging about being a 'ladies man,'" She said in air quotes. Her eyes narrowed. "It didn't help that he tried to get some girl named Sadie in on it to say there's enough of the Rustman to go around," Polly intimated his voice.
"Oh, he's one of those guys," Lynn groaned. According to Lori, they had a couple of self-proclaimed lady's men in school and some in their local high school.
"Yep," Polly said. "My offer about being your brother's date still stands," She offered with a smirk. "I saw him at the gym a few times, and he's looking like a nice piece of white chocolate."
"Get out," Lynn declared, pointing at the door.
"Later, future sister in law" Polly snickered as she skated out the door.
"Future sister in law" Lynn scoffed. "If I knew she was going to be like that, I would've set Lincoln up with you, Margo" The athlete laughed at the thought. "As if that's going to happen."
"Well…" Margo looked off to the side, avoiding her gaze. If Lynn was able to convince Polly that Lincoln was a catch. Maybe it won't be such a bad idea.
"OH, COME ON!"
The rest of the Loud clan returned after another day of being well rounded. Margo said her greetings to the family on her way before giving a quick glance towards Lincoln, who was carrying a tired Lola. She noticed his slight muscle tone. He still got ways to go. Lynn gestured, 'I'm watching you' towards her best friends. Margo raised her hands in surrender. The children relayed today's accomplishments to their parental units. Lori and Leni improved SAT scores with Luna teaching new citizens English registering them to vote in local and state elections. Laun solved the Royal Woods parking crisis. Lynn qualified and practiced for the upcoming State math bowl. Lincoln and Lola cleaned from here to Flint, which was beyond what was required. They made some quick cash by selling any recyclable materials. Lana graduated with Honors, even teaching the professors. Lucy made the team thanks to her ability to appear at any time. Lisa completed a full gravy set. The parents were impressed.
"Hey guys, you want to order some pizza to celebrate," Lynn Sr. offered. He held a take-out menu with his bandaged palm. Turtles have a sinister bite. "They have a special going on," They said no.
"Oh, okay, how about some ice cream instead?" Rita counter suggested. They refused, saying all that dairy makes them sluggish and it would stain their resumes before heading upstairs. No pizza or ice cream?! This isn't right. These aren't their kids
"We're failing our kids!" The parents muttered.
"Linky," Lola whispered. Lincoln entered her and Lana's room. "Why are people so ugly."
"Lola, that's not nice," Lincoln spoke, setting her on the bed.
"I don't mean physically," Lola countered. Lincoln lifted an eyebrow. "I mean how they act," He mouthed an `Oh.' "Why do people treat others like that? It's disgusting," Lola gritted her teeth as her eyes moistened. She saw signs and billboards saying three years and counting. Lola asked the other volunteers and workers about them. They replied, that's how long the water crisis has been going on. One of them demonstrated by going to a nearby water pump. Putrid brown water came out. Another one leaked orange. The water was contaminated with lead causing detrimental effects to the body, even death. "All to save money!"
Lincoln sat down next to her and brought her in close. She recuperated the gesture. "For some people, that's the only reason," Lincoln explained. Years of reading comics allowed him to know how twisted people can be. "Other times, it's because they can and get away with it," Lola held him tighter. "Even worse, people will see them as a good guy, or they see nothing wrong with their actions."
"It's not fair. It's not right," Lola growled with hot tears rolling down her cheeks.
"I know, Lola. I know Lola," Lincoln consoled, enjoying this moment of peace.
"Kids can you come down here please" Their mother yelled downstairs. Lola wiped her face. The pair walked downstairs hand in hand, and the rest of their siblings wondering what well-rounded activity they'll do next. All of their stuff was on the table with their parents looking apologetic. "Kids me and your father wanted to for how we acted lately."
"We wanted you guys to reach your full potential," Lynn Sr. spoke as Rita gently held his hand. "But, it was making you guys unhappy."
"Can you forgive us" Rita hoped with her husband.
"It's fine parental units," Lisa said out loud. "You wanted the best for us and became aware of your errors in doing so" The resident scientist stepped forward. "I believe this calls for a group hug" They did just that.
"Sooooooooooooooo...I can play in the mud again," Lana's eyes sparkled.
"Yes, you can," Rita replied, but Lana was already out the door before she finished her sentence.
"I can take this stupid thing off," Lynn pointed to her current outfit. Her mother nodded. "FREEDOM!" Lynn ripped off her nerd outfit, leaving only her shoes and underwear. Luna and Lola covered Lincoln's eyes to preserve his innocence seeing the athletes bare chest.
"You don't wear a bra, dude?" Luna raised an eyebrow.
"What's the point? I got mosquito bites," Lynn shrugged at her lack of cleavage. "Besides, I got nothing Stinklon hasn't already seen before" She let out a loud burp grabbing her soccer ball, and walked to the kitchen. "I'm getting a sub" The Loud family had their regular outside time once more.
"Hey Louds, we're heading to the postal museum," Bumper Sr. grinned along with his family. There's a postal museum? "How about you guys."
"We're just having fun," Rita responded. Bumper and Jancey raised an eyebrow.
"Fun? What's the point in that" Bumper Sr. questioned. They spent much of their lives, improving their skills. It yielded excellent results, but they never took the time in the concept of 'fun.'
"It's great to be well-rounded in this competitive world, but it's also great to know when to unwind and relax once in a while," Rita explained.
"Yep, there's no point in being the best if you can't enjoy what you're doing when you're burned out before you're thirty," Lynn Sr added on. The Yate parents never thought about it in that way before. They molded their kids into well rounded, respected, and responsible citizens. However, they can't recall the last time when their kids behaved like kids.
"We can always reschedule the showings," Bumper Sr. checked his watch. "How about it, everyone" Their eyes widened at the chance and rushed to the yard. Belle and Luna practicing their music. Beatrix learned how to play soccer from Lynn. She always wanted to join her old school's team but never got the chance. Beau dived into the wonderful world of comics with Lincoln. Lincoln gave the young Yate the educational comics his parents gave him early on. No one is too young or old comics. Beau took notice of his older brother playing with a wooden puppet. Bumper Jr.'s cheeks were slightly pink upon hearing the melodious laughter from one of the Loud sisters with her hair tied in a pink scrunchie. Beau tapped Lincoln's upper arm and gestured towards the scene. They shared a smirk.
"Wow, they look happier," Bumper Sr. whispered, marveled at what's occurring.
"They really do," Jancey said, standing next to her husband. "Maybe Royal Woods is what they... what we needed."
"Hey, you guys want to watch old people fall out of boats," Lynn Sr. offered the couple.
"Do I?" The couple smiled, heading inside with the Louds. It was a guilty pleasure of theirs. They spent some time watching those clips. The Yates asked the Louds for parenting advice. The Louds assured them that they were doing a fantastic job with their kids, but they need to let go of their well-rounded philosophy. Lynn Sr. told them about Karoshi or Gwarosa. Death by overworking. Rita followed up with some of her highly successful schoolmates, but they resented their parents as they forced them to be something they're not. They've been anything else and still be successful. Instead, they lived out their parents' dreams. Many, if not all, never contacted their parents again. This horrified Bumper, Sr. and Jancey. Were they doing this to their kids? Are they happy?
"We only wanted them to be their best selves," Bumper Sr. muttered while holding his wife's hand.
"And there's nothing wrong with that," Lynn Sr. replied, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're a good man, Bumper" The Yates shook their hands in thanks before exiting and walking with their kids back home.
"Soooooooooo who was that girl Bumper" Beatrix smirked at the blushing Jr.
"Her name is Luan," Bumper spoke, looking off to the side.
"Awwwwwww, someone's got a crush," Belle said in a singsong tone pinching his cheek.
"Wh-no she's just really nice," Bumper Jr. stuttered as his mind went to the braced beauty.
"Honey, I'm going to do it," Lynn Sr. declared. Rita blinked. "I've been thinking about it for a while now, but I have enough money saved up," He sighed. "I know it's stupid, but" His sentence was cut off by a loving kiss from his dear wife.
"It's okay, and no matter what, we'll support you," Rita comforted as they continued to cuddle on the couch. She got an idea. "Hey, the kids will be busy for a good hour or two, and I gave Lori the keys to get us some ice cream" The matriarch rubbed small circles into his chest. "Sooooo, we have the house to ourselves," She whispered sensually in his ear. Oh no. He remembered that tone of voice and glimmer in her eyes. It resulted in several of their children's birth.
"Can I stretch first," Lynn Sr. suggested knowing his wife can be rather feisty.
"Yeah, but I get to watch" Rita's Cheshire grin expanded as she escorted him to their bedroom.
Everything within the Loud House returned to its regularly scheduled chaos. Lincoln was delivering papers on his route early this morning. He turned his left-a house with a 'sold' sign. It must be the new girl that's transferring to his school later this week or month.
"Lincoln," Mollie called out. He stopped his bike with a newspaper in hand. "What are you doing here" She yawned in her pink shirt and purple striped shorts. The sun was barely out.
"Delivering papers," Lincoln stated, handing her the papers. "Just trying to help save up for a vacation," Mollie winched at the immense cost for a family of thirteen. She gave him a tip. "Oh, right, I almost forgot" He reached into his satchel and pulled out a menu. "Aloha Comrade has a special going on." Aloha Comrade? Russian and Hawaiian cuisine? "I'll see you later." Mollie took a peek at the menu. The dishes looked interesting. Their reviews have been increasingly positive lately. She opened it to see the rest of its contents. A small piece of paper fell out. A coupon. Did Lincoln put it there to sweeten the deal?
"Eh," Mollie shrugged. It won't hurt to check it later. Her stomach growled. Okay, she needs to eat, so she went back inside.
"Mollie, what happened?" Girl Jordan asked as she, Jenny, and Cookie with her entered the library. Each of them received an urgent text from her. They sat down at a semi-private section. Mollie's eyes were slightly widened and held worry and concern. Did something occur?
"I saw Lincoln's dad at Aloha Comrade today," Mollie spoked. O…..kay, and what else.
"That's it?" Cookie felt disappointed and annoyed that she came all this way for that.
"He could've been getting something to eat," Jenny brought up.
"That would've been okay if I didn't see him working in the back," Mollie whispered. This got their attention.
"Wasn't he an IT" Girl Jordan recalling career day. "You don't think he was laid off or something" Their hearts sunk for their white-haired classmate.
"Lincoln was delivering papers to save up for a 'family vacation' this morning," Mollie air quoted. "He gave me a menu and the coupon" She brought a hand to her head to comprehend this situation. Dad gets fired and finds another job. Lincoln just so happens to have items relating to said job. It was the perfect excuse.
"Does Clyde know about it?" Jenny added. They were basically brothers. He must know something about it unless he didn't know.
"I don't know," Mollie sniffed. "I would've seen him and his dads."
"Why didn't he tell them?" Girl Jordan wondered. They told each other everything thanks to being best friends. Another thought hit them. It has to be a recent event.
"It's probably a male ego thing," Cookie quietly suggested. No man wants to be viewed as weak. "Lincoln is smarter than he looks. He probably found out early now and helping his dad pick up the slack."
"I agree." Haiku's elegant voice startled the group causing them to shriek. The librarian shushed them. "Lincoln is the dutiful son. The only son," The goth, took a seat. "His love for his family and others. It outweighs his sense of self" His classmates remember the energy project and how he became horribly rancid to achieve said goals. They respected him for it, but this caused even more worry. It morphed into fear for him when Haiku told them how he ran through a gauntlet of pranks to save Ronnie Anne. His willingness to run away to save his sisters, thinking that their parents would get rid of one of them. "It's admirably tragic." Mollie's chest tightened at the tale. Is this what he viewed himself? As expendable. A tool. Was his identity of being the 'Man with the plan' a desperate cry for help that his sisters and friends neglected over the years. He never showed any signs, or he hid them that well. The smile is the most deceptive facial feature. It hides pain, anger, regret, malice, fear, and sorrow.
"He's a freaking idiot," Cookie growled with a tightened fist as her anger slowly reached its boiling point. "It's not a crime to be selfish every once in a while, especially he has to live like that."
"He tried before, but...it yielded poor results," Haiku pointed out.
"Like," Jenny probed. Was it that bad?
"I can't say," Haiku admitted.
"Why not," Mollie asked.
"Lucy made me promise not to tell," Haiku adjusted her gloves. "It's a personal matter, and I was one of the three trusted with that knowledge. I will not break that trust." She boldly stated. They'll have to go straight to Lincoln if they want the full story. Well, if he wants to talk about it, that is.
"My opinion still stands," Cookie folded her arms. "That mindset is going to be the death of him one of these days" They heard a gasp and the clatter of fallen books. Cookie peeked behind one of the shelves. Her eyes narrowed. Cristina was on the ground picking up the books
"Um, hi," Cristina whispered.
"How much do you hear?" Cookie demanded of the former classmate.
"Enough," Cristina stood up. "And I want to help" They were skeptical of her offer. Should they? Haiku stepped forward and scanned her form and made her decision. She stuck her hand out. Cristina did the same, engaging in a firm handshake and sat with them. The group trusted Haiku, albeit slightly on this matter. However, they'll need all the help they can get on short notice.
"Fine, but I'm watching you, Red." Cookie declared. The girls spent some time formulating their plan, relying on Haiku's in-depth knowledge of Lucy's relationship with Lincoln. Man, this was harder than they thought. How does Lincoln do this? They eventually settled on an idea ready for the next school day.
It was lunchtime at Royal Woods Elementary. Students were making their way to the cafeteria or outside to bask in the afternoon sun. It's go time. The girls gave each other a look while Cookie had to take care of Plan B, leaving Girl Jordan, Mollie, and Jenny.
"Hey Lincoln," Girl Jordan called. "The girls and I are heading outside to eat. You guys want to come with us," Lincoln and his crew shrugged and followed the girls. Mollie placed a large blanket on the ground, and soon they sat down in a loose circle. "I invited some people," Lincoln ears twitched, picking up near-silent footsteps.
"Hey, Haiku," Lincoln greeted the goth behind him. Her sudden appearance made the rest jump in shock.
"You sensed my presence," Haiku grinned at his awareness, taking her seat next to him.
"Good afternoon," Cristina introduced herself to the group. The boys stared at Lincoln, who offered a blank gaze to his former crush. The air tensed with each silent second. What's he going to do? His arctic eyes pierced her being. He let a breath of visible frigid air. Lincoln scooted to the side, allowing her a space to sit down. "Thank you" She fixed her dress before sitting down next to him in a ladylike manner.
Clyde cleared his throat, breaking the silence."Ladies and gentlemen, should we commence the trades and samples," Everyone reached into their bags and revealed their lunches for the day. A standard meal such as sandwiches and chips from Rusty. Zach upgraded his tuna kit into a tuna salad. Farm fresh eggs and bacon with cherries on the side from Liam. Roasted chicken with homegrown vegetables and a cheerful note from Clyde. Girl Jordan packing carbonara. Jenny holding chicken, bacon ranch quesadillas. Cristina carried her three-cheese macaroni with mashed potatoes with barbecue chicken. Haiku and her array of crepes. Mollie with her shrimp alfredo. Finally, Lincoln and his piping hot lasagna.
"You've been holding out on us, Loud," Mollie whistled as the rest started to eat.
"Is that your dad's lasagna?" Rusty said.
"I did follow the recipe," Lincoln admitted. "It's technically not his, but I have his seal of approval."
"You made it yourself," Haiku queried at his culinary skills. He nodded.
"Cooking is my dad's territory, but I usually chip in early in the mornings to get everyone out of the house quicker," Lincoln explained, cutting a piece for himself. "Dad had to work late for a few nights, so I stepped up." Stepped up? Late shifts? It is accurate as they feared.
"Doesn't your mom help out?" Liam probed. Lincoln slightly winced.
"Oh, she did...once," Lincoln said. "According to my dad, she has the wonderful ability to burn water" They're not even going to ask. "I'd say I did a pretty good job."
"I'll be the judge of that," Mollie challenged, taking a piece for herself. It was good. Delicious even. "Girls, you gotta try this" Each took a slice. Their bodies shivered in delight resulting in red faces from the young lads. The lasagna was restaurant quality, and Lincoln made it himself? Good to know.
Lincoln looked down at his container. They took at least half of his meal. "Hey, can I have some of yours at least" Haiku's smooth hand reached under his chin and turned his face towards her and a crepe in her other hand.
"Say ah," Haiku smiled, feeling the warmth of his surprised face. Lincoln took a small bite of the crepe, tasting the soft strawberries and bananas covered with a smooth layer of Nutella. His eyes widen at the sweetness. It was subtle, yet made an impact. Lincoln continued to chew. "Satisfactory?" He nodded and swallowed with approval. Haiku eyes twinkled in triumph. Cristina took notes and did the same.
"Here, Lincoln," Cristina smiled, bringing her fork layered with gooey macaroni and tangy barbecue chicken to his mouth. Her hand underneath to prevent any of the contents from falling on the blanket. Lincoln hesitated yet took on her gesture. The bold flavor from the sauce melded with the smooth, mild taste of cheddar cheese. "You want another" Of course—buttery mashed potatoes.
"Have you thought of adding garlic powder or cayenne pepper? It'll give your macaroni an extra kick," Lincoln suggested. Cristina never thought about it before. She simply followed instructions. "Also, if you want to get rid of those lumps. You have to get in there" She'll have to use those tips later. Cristina smirked at Haiku. The goth took it as a challenge. Both girls quickly grabbed another portion of their meals and presented it to Lincoln
"Umm," Lincoln stammered. He was caught in a sweet-savory dilemma of cheese and chocolate. Lincoln recognized this moment from years of anime, much to the envy of his friends. The girls were similar as they're well-mannered and elegant yet distinct with Haiku being dark to Cristina's light. He's going to need some help
"Linky," Lola's voice cried out to him along with Lana. The brother let out a sigh of relief. "Can you help-is that a crepe?" The princess paused and pointed at his hand with sparkling eyes. Lincoln rolled his eyes and handed it to Lola. Lana had the same look on his lasagna. He gave her the container as she ate it sloppily. Lincoln reached into his bag and pulled out a blue protein shake bottle beads of moisture along its sides.
"Whatcha got there," Girl Jordan asked about the bottle. He's full of surprises today. He took a swing of it.
"A smoothie," He stated. The bootle blocked their view of its contents. "I got to thank Sam for the recipe" Who's Sam? they asked. Clyde explained that she was Luna's girlfriend. Zach smacked Rusty's mind out of the gutter.
"That's the rocker, right?" Mollie asked. Honestly, she should know his sisters by now. The Loud siblings nodded. "Some reason that doesn't surprise me."
A suffocating presence weaned on her. Flocks of birds scurried away from the area leaving discarded feathers. The group's mind shuttered, and hearts raced. Even the stoic Haiku was unnerved. Something's wrong here, and Lincoln was the source of it. Shadows covered his eyes. Lola and Lana were held back by him, ready to pounce on her like rabid dogs.
"What do you mean by that?" Lincoln's voice pierced the atmosphere. The sun's rays illuminated where he sat. He raised his head slightly. "Well," A single eye was visible only interested in the cold hard truth. Words froze and shattered in her throat, leaving her unable to speak. The group shook at his frigid demeanor. How he previously acted towards Cristina was a sunny day on the beach in Florida. They wanted to run but couldn't. His glare held them in place. Clyde attempted to speak for Mollie. Lincoln raised a palm stopping his companion from saying a single word. "Mollie can speak for herself" His attention was solely on her now. "What are you trying to say, Mollie Frelich" Lincoln demanded as his eyes narrowed to a razor's edge. Her body quivered as the hair on her neck stood erect, moistened by nervous sweat. Lincoln was judge, jury, and executioner if the wrong word or tone slips from her mouth.
The haunting howls of the winds held them still. Mollie struggled to find the words with Lincoln staring at her like an ambush hunter. "I...was trying to say that…" His legs muscles twitched. "I'm not surprised that your sister found a loving and supportive girlfriend that found a home with your family," She fretted with a shaky smile. He remained stone-faced. Lola and Lana found her answer acceptable for now. Lincoln reached the same conclusion as he finished the remains of his smoothie.
"What did you want me to help with again?" Lincoln inquired about the feminine half of the twins.
"Linky can you help me with reading again please" Lola pleaded.
"Sure," Lincoln agreed as she gave him a hug.
"Linky," Girl Jordan snickered.
"What." Lincoln shrugged. "Everyone calls me Linc. My sisters called me Lincy or Linky," He explained.
"And Ronnie Anne calls you Lame-o," Jenny brought forward. His cheeks turned pink.
"She's a special case," Lincoln whispered. Clyde took a sassy sip of his juice.
"What's a girl to do to call you Linky?" Mollie taunted.
"Probably if we're dating or married," Lincoln mentioned after thinking about it a quick second. Married? The stakes were raised. A mischievous grin emerged from Mollie's face.
"Don't even think about it, Missy," Lola ordered. They'll have to go through her first.
"Who's going to stop me? You?" Mollie challenged, standing up, looking down at the beauty queen. "You better get used to calling me big sister in the next ten to twenty years," Lola glared. Mollie glared back.
"Pardon?!" Lincoln questioned as the two continued their staredown.
"Lincoln," Lola spoke with a smile. "I like her. She's got spunk" Lola shook her hand in approval. "Let this be the start of a wonderful friendship."
"Likewise," Mollie replied cordially. That was easier than she thought. Cristina pouted on how swiftly Mollie got into one of the more difficult sisters' good graces.
"Oh no," Lincoln's got a bad feeling about this. He grabbed with his bag and Lola's hand.
"You're going to finish that?" Lana pointed to the bare chicken bone in Cristina's meal. Cristina shook her head. Lana grabbed it before giving it a sickening crunch. The students winced and shuddered at the sound. "Oh yeah, that's the good stuff," Lana replied, enjoying the bone marrow. She grabbed Lincoln's other hand and walked back to school. Mollie's knees buckled and gave way.
"You alright," Girl Jordan asked in concern.
"I think I peed a little," Mollie murmured due to the startling event with Lincoln not too long ago. They all slide back slightly away from her because of that comment. The group used the remaining lunch break to finish their meals and idle chit-chat while Rusty tried to put moves on the ladies, only to yield no results.
"That could've gone better," Mollie told her girl group after coming from the bathroom.
"It also could've been worse," Jenny added. Mollie sighed at her lackluster plan. Is this how Lincoln feels? It's no wonder he tries so hard.
"At least we gathered more insight on him," Girl Jordan consoled her downtrodden friend.
"Lincoln does have the making of a wonderful house husband," Haiku acknowledged.
Lincoln as a home husband? They all imagined it. After a tedious day, coming to a clean house with the smell of a delicious dinner accumulating in the air. The children's joyful laughter was eager to greet them with a warm hug as soon as they enter the door. There was their dear husband. Lincoln still had his charming boyish looks from all those years ago. He looked at them with those sparkling sapphire eyes and loving grin, saying welcome home.
Mollie shook her head, attempting to rid those thoughts. "I'll admit that I can see that happening" They continued to walk down the hall. "Working from home. Making dinner. Being an awesome father to our three kids," The girls continued listening to Mollies oddly specific fantasy." Yeah, so what if he has sparkling blue eyes. A charming smile," Her breath got heavier. She pulled her shirt collar to let loose some steam. "Or lips that can make a girl melt like butter" Jordan splashed water into her face to calm her down. "Thanks, Jordan"
"And you call me thirsty," Girl Jordan claimed. Cristina gave Mollie a napkin to wipe her face. "So where's Cookie" They haven't seen her since they departed for lunch. It's afterschool now waiting outside for their rides. She should be making her move now.
Cookie peaked from the corner with a decent-size box of cookies in her hands. There he is. Just go up there and say the line. You've gone over this countless times. She thought to herself. Cookie placed her product selling smile on. "Hey, Lincoln, you want a cookie," She asked in a sweet voice, presenting the box to him. Come on, just take it. They're nice, hot, and fresh out the oven.
"No, I'm fine, but thanks anyway," Lincoln replied with his usual cheerful tone, still feeling full from lunch. He went outside to walk home with Clyde. Cookie's face went blank, with her eyes empty from his refusal.
How dare he?!
The girls gazed at Lincoln, walking out the school doors. Well, was she successful or not? A solid bang knocking the hefty doors off some of its hinges answered their question. "LINCOLN LEONIDAS LOUD!" Cookie's face was rife with wrath gritting her teeth. Each step shook the ground leaving cracks in her wake. She found her target. Her hands gripped on the white box as if it was his throat as she furiously glared at him for his insubordination. Lincoln and Clyde gave each other a look before sprinting away. She gave chase. "LINCOLN, YOU'RE GOING TO EAT THIS WHOLE DAMN BOX OF COOKIES, AND YOU'RE GOING TO LIKE IT!" She shouted from the top of her lungs, ready to break the box over his head.
"If it makes you feel any better. I like your cookies," Clyde pleaded as he and Lincoln continued to run away from this madwoman.
"SHUTTHEFUCKUPCLYDE!" Cookie raged. Lincoln whispered something in his ear. Clyde reluctantly nodded before splitting off. It was him that she wanted. Lincoln ran into the park. She scanned the Ketchum park. Where did he go? How the name of Gordon Ramsey did she lose him. Why did he refuse? Didn't he like her cookies? He always ate them before. What's so different now? More importantly, why is this bothering her so much? She never really cared, but now she does. No man wants to be pitied. Cookie recalled the conversation at the library. That has to be it?! Your stupid pride! Is that why you didn't ask for help, you fudging idiot?! Her thoughts raged on. They were friends, at least she hoped so. Cookie made these just for him. He could've taken one only one. That's all she asked. She sniffed and rubbed her eyes. A tuft of white and orange behind a tree appeared momentarily in her peripheral view.
"Did she see me" Lincoln whispered to himself. The tree's shadow grew as Cookie lifted it from its base, removing it from the ground roots and all. Yep, she saw him. The brunette tossed in the tree in the air, stomping right in front of him. It landed firmly behind him, locking Lincoln between it and one of the deadliest creatures known to man. An irritated female. She slammed her hand on the tree next to his face with a brown cookie in her opposite hand.
"Want a cookie now, Lincoln" Cookie smiled hauntingly and possessed an aura of malice.
"Sorry, I was just full from lunch today, and I have a dental appointment coming up," Lincoln explained, hoping to appease her.
"Oh," Cookie stated. Well, this is awkward. "Why did you say that then" She placed her hands on her hips.
"You never asked," Lincoln added. Damn, he's right. She took a seat next to him. He took the Cookie from hand. "Since you wanted me to try them so badly," Lincoln took a bite. "Hey, these are really good," He replied.
"Well, of course. I made them," Cookie responded. "I added an extra ingredient today" Lincoln's chewing slowed to a halt. He glanced down at her body with widened eyes. What extra ingredient. Cookie took notice of the gaze. "No! I added cinnamon. Cinnamon," She assured. No way she's adding 'love nectar' to her cookies. "Hey, wanna finish this with me," Cookie offered with a blush.
"Sure," Lincoln smiled. He saved some of them in advance for himself or to blackmail. He meant to convince his sisters. She took a bottle of ice tea. The pair ate in comfortable silence, enjoying the serene atmosphere. "You really outdid yourself today," He complimented.
"You know I won't mind doing this for you every day," Cookie whispered.
"Hmmm," Lincoln replied.
"I said don't expect this every day" She recanted her statement reaching for the last Cookie at the same time as him feeling his warm hand. They paused as their face brightened. "You can have the last one" He broke it in half and gave the other piece to her. Cookie uttered a silent thanks. The sun was getting low. "We need to get home soon. I know that Clyde warned your sisters about you being late or whatever" They both got up and dust their hands. "You got something right here" She went in close to him and brushed off the cookie crumbs on his cheeks and licked her thumb. He looked at her in surprise. "What. I'm not going to waste a good cookie." Cookie locked her arm into his. "And you're walking me home for me having to chase you" Lincoln let it happen as he knew better than to argue with a female. They arrived at her home a few minutes later. A medium-built man with light curly brown hair and cast on his hand opened the door
"Oh, there you are. I was wondering where you were," Her father said as she entered her home. He recognized Lincoln from the airport being in his underwear, along with his dad. "Chased you a bit after refusing to eat something she made." Lincoln nodded. "Showed strength far beyond what's humanly capable" Lincoln nodded again. "Just like her mother," They said their farewells.
"I'm back," Lincoln greeted his home. Leni swiftly embraced him.
"Clyde told us what happened. Wait," Leni replied. She gave him a quick sniff. "Why do you smell like perfume?" Another one. "And chocolate chip cookies?"
"You were with a girl and had cookies, and you didn't bring us any," The loud sisters assembled. He pulled out a bag of his remaining cookies. This silenced them immediately as their eyes followed it. Lincoln tossed it away from him as they scrambled to retrieve the prize, using it to escape to his room and locked his door. That should buy him a good seven minutes of peace.
"So big brother," Lucy said affectionately with a smile on his bed. She went through the vents again. "What happened between you and Haiku at lunch today" He attempted to step away. "It's either me or the rest of our sisters" Lincoln looked at his door and Lucy, who patted a spot on his bed. Lincoln sighed and took a seat. This tale will be a lovely addition to her book.
"Hey mom," Mollie said, looking from her dinner plate.
"Yes, dear," Her mother replied, taking a pause from her laptop. She needed a break from all those spreadsheets.
"A...friend of mine's dad got laid off," Mollie continued. Her mother arched a brow over her glasses. "He was an IT but now working at Aloha Comrade," The matriarch groaned. What is it with companies outsourcing their resources to foreign countries
"I take it this 'friend' is a Lincoln Loud," She predicted with a familiar mischievous smirk. "And you want me to help him," Her daughter blushed and nodded. She got up from her chair and gave Mollie a hug. "You really care about him, don't you" Mollie held her a bit tighter as an answer. Her mother's brown eyes glanced at their wall block. A quarter past nine. "It's time for bed."
"Okay, goodnight mom," Mollie yawned, walking past a framed photo of younger Mollie, mother, and father. She laid down in her bed as her thoughts settled on a certain white boy before falling asleep.
"Rachel, forward those emails to marketing," An older Mollie in her thirties commanded.
"Yes ma'am," The young girl typed on her iPad 25L
"Johnathan, I wanted that report from yesterday," Mollie spoke to one of her executives. He scrambled an excuse, and he'll be right on it. She sighed. It's tough being the CEO of the largest company in Michigan and the USA. Her watch beeped as the sun started to set, marking the sky with violets and vermillion from her top floor window. It's time to head home. Mollie walked to the empty elevator and pushed the ground floor button. She pressed the automatic unlock on her Ford. Mollie can easily afford several Rolls Royces but chooses not to and drives off.
She glanced outside her window, smiling at the state of Royal woods. After all, it's her home, and had the means to improve it along with the rest of Michigan. Detroit has been restored to its economic glory. Flint has the highest quality clean water, even better with those bastards rotting in jail. Royal Woods and Michigan have been rated among the top ten best places to live and raise families. Buildings are up to standards. Education produced consistent impressive results. Abysmally low crime rates. Clean and renewable energy. The minimum wage rivaled Finland. Everyone was happy. The urban turned rural as she made it closer to home. Her house was a sizeable cozy cottage style home. Extravagant yet simple. It was far away enough to grant her and her family some privacy with a lakefront view. She opened the door, and the smell of lasagna welcomed her along with him.
"Welcome back, honey" Her dearly husband greeted her from the kitchen wearing his classic orange shirt. His elegant sapphire glimmered with obedient love and admiration upon seeing her. Lincoln went and embraced her.
"Hey, babe," Mollie smiled as he took her blazer and briefcase. "Ahem," She pointed to her lips.
"Oh right," Lincoln remarked, kissing her. Mollie was still taller than him, yet it didn't intimidate him. He placed the items down as she sat on the sofa with a groan. "I take it to work was rough today," Lincoln knelt and massaged her sore feet.
"I swear some days I'm surrounded by idiots," Mollie ranted. Misogynistic idiots devaluing her position simply because she's a woman. Other CEOs encouraged her to cut corners, endangering the lives of her employees. Politicians attempting to gain her support to employ bills and policies that would've sent her back a literal century. The biggest fools were those playboys and wannabe feminists trying to get her to leave her husband. He's a liability, they said. He's holding you back, they said. You need a real man. An upgrade. Fucking. Idiots.
Lincoln was there for her the whole ride. Mollie smiled, looking at her awards and achievements on the shelf. His support made it easier for her. She chuckled at their days back in elementary school and how she used to tease him. How he claimed that his actions were simply thanks for saving him and his family from poverty. He still helped her long after that fateful day. Mollie helped conquer his demons of self-doubt and feeling worthless to where he ran himself ragged to feel he had some level of value. Some harmful words were released that day, but they recovered and were made better from it. Therapy helped too.
He still had that dorky smile she loved so much. She looked down at him. He was never lanky, gaining some muscle over the years. Lincoln became an aspiring cartoonist, creating several Royal Flush comics issues that made Stan Lee proud, along with art for major video game companies and series. She was proud of him, and he was proud of her.
"Hey, where are the kids?" Mollie wondered. The house was too quiet.
"Lola took them for the weekend," Lincoln answered as he continued to focus on his task.
"Lincoln," Mollie purred. He looked up at her half-lidded eyes. Lincoln meekly avoided her gaze with red cheeks. "You know what that means don't you" She smirked seductively, licking her lips.
"Yes," Lincoln answered
"Yes, what?" Mollie ordered, putting on hand under his chin, making him look in her eyes.
"Miss Mollie," Lincoln replied like a loyal servant as he removed her purple lace underwear. The suit stays on. Those were the rules. She partly opened her legs wide enough for him to between them
"Good boy. Now for your reward," Mollie placed on a hand on his head, playing his snow-white hair slowly pushing him in with his tongue out. She's been waiting for this all day. He's almost there and-
BEEP!BEEP!BEEP! BEEP!BEEP!BEEP!
Her alarm clock awoke from her slumber. She never wanted to destroy something mercilessly so much in her life. Mollie placed a pillow on her face and screamed loudly. Where do dreams end before the good part?! She dragged herself out of bed. She's going to need a cold shower. Her morning went as usual. Shower. Breakfast. Get dressed for school. Now she has a job application in her hand. Mollie needed to find Lincoln. He can be found in the art room before class on some days. Hopefully, he's there. Thankfully he was sketching in his book, probably drawing the pain away.
"Hey Lincoln," Mollie greeted in her usual bravado clutching her Canadian penny in her pocket.
"Morning Mollie" He looked up for a brief moment. She can't back out now. It's now or never.
"I saw your dad at Aloha Comrade," Mollie stated. There's no need to lie or hide from her.
"Yep, I'm glad he got promoted to co-chef in under two months," Lincoln replied. Wait, promoted to co-chef. That's not a bad deal. He explained that his dad always wanted to be a professional chef, but eleven kids placed that dream on hold. "If everything goes well. He can have his own restaurant next year."
"Oh," She muttered gratefully that it was a simple career change.
"What's that" Lincoln pointed at the paper in her hand.
"Nothing," Mollie uttered, putting it back in her bag. "We need to head to class" He checked his watch. She was right. They need to go to Mrs. Johnson's class with minutes to spare, allowing them to chatter amongst themselves. Mollie told her friends that it was a false alarm. At least they've been closer as friends. That was one benefit they agreed.
It's time for the finals of the state math bowl. Hundreds of teams have reduced to dozens then a handful, leaving a few individuals remaining. The final round had Lynn Loud Jr. and Bumper Yates Jr. Each of their families cheered for their respective child. The score was tied between them. So the judges called for a brief recess to tally up the overall winner from their previous rounds.
"I'm surprised you even made it this far," Bumper Jr. began. Lynn raised her brow in her nerd outfit, taking a water break
"I'm just as surprised as you," Lynn retorted. She knew the smell of trash talking.
"But this isn't a sports stadium," Bumper gloated with a smile. "This is academia—my domain. And I'm not losing my streak to some meatheaded brute" The announcers called for them to return. "And you'll see why" He strutted into the room and sat with his family
"The hell is his problem," Lynn whispered and did the same
"The winner of this year's State Math bowl is…" An announcer stated. Bumper Jr. stood up and walked, ready to receive another trophy. "LYNN LOUD JR. !" He stopped in his tracks as the Loud family cheered. Wait?! He didn't win. Bumper Jr. glared at the results. His jaw dropped at the difference in score. It was a three-point gap. Three. FUCKING. POINTS. He watched her take the first place trophy that's supposed to be his from the start. Lynn shrugged, seeing the trophy as no big deal, but she can see why Lisa likes to show her intelligence. They handed him his second-place award. It mocked him to the core
"It's okay, son" His father wrapped his arm around him. "You can't always win them all," Bumper Jr bit the inside of his cheek. "Besides, it shows that you haven't reached your full potential yet, meaning you can still become better" The senior offered these words of encouragement to his successor. However, it fell on deaf ears as he continued to glare at the athlete with hateful venom. Better? Better?! He was the first son of the Great Yates, yet he lost some fucking butch that barely count beyond the number of fingers and toes in her first math bowl.
"Can you hold this to me, please? I need to use the bathroom," Bumper asked, keeping his appearance
"Sure, son. We'll meet you in the car," Bumper Sr. took the trophy. Junior walked away into the hallway, finding a somewhat secluded area.
"That fucking bitch" Bumper Jr. snarled, punching a wall. He grunted in pain. His hand turned slightly red with broken skin on his knuckles showing tiny hints of blood. "You'll rue this day, Lynn Loud Jr. You won't get away with mocking me. I shall have my revenge. I'll show why I'm a Great Yate" He was so caught in self-deluded and rather pitiful revenge on this perceived slight. Bumper never noticed the man watching and listening to his rant.
"This is going to be interesting" The man observed the young Yate walking away. He exited the building and looked up. He never knew that a starry night sky would be so beautiful. "I wonder how you'll react to this new enemy Lincoln."
He already knew the answer glancing at his forearm. A technological masterpiece materialized. The man pressed a sequence of buttons as a holographic screen appeared, showing different windows. All had the same thing—Lincoln and Bumper Jr in various scenarios. Lincoln posing as a fake friend to humiliate him and reveal his actions. Bumper being incompetent and failing everything as Lynn overcoming every setback he throws at her. Lincoln proves why he's the better planner exposing Bumper and alienating him from his family. A bruised and bloodied Bumper begging and pleading for mercy like a sniffling cub. Lincoln had his foot on his neck, looking upon him with indifference. A desperate Luan is attempting to convince her only brother to please reconsider at least for her.
The options were endless, but the question is when. Only time will tell. The man reached into his coat pocket, watching as the Louds and Yates drove off to their respective homes. He clutched the interdimensional watch, wondering. Is Bumper Yate Jr. a worthy yet disposable pawn? Or will he find someone else? Someone a bit closer to home, perhaps.
Christ, this was a doozy, and it took me less than two weeks to do. I'm going to need a break after this one. Nah, I have something in mind for the next chapter. It's a traveler-centric chapter. It'll probably be a shorter chapter than usual.
Thanks for reading. Follow and favorite if you like the story. Leave a review for any questions, concerns, or queries. Thank you, and have a fabulous day.
Fun Fact: One of the definite signs of being a writer is that you search the meaning of characters' names. I'll give a list of what the Loud-Whatever Rita's maiden name is names mean from oldest to youngest
Harriet: Home ruler. It has origins in France and Germanic
Albert: Noble and bright. It, too, has Germanic origins.
Ruth: Friend. Companion. A vision of beauty. Originates from Hebrew
Shirley: It comes from old English, meaning bright, clear, and meadow.
Rita: Pearl in Greek or Daisy in Spanish.
Lynn Sr/Jr. Lake in Welsh. Soft, mild, flexible in Old Germanic.
Lori: The laurel tree or sweet bay tree symbolic of honor and victory. This makes sense due to her incredible golf skills.
Leni: Sublime. Torch, beautiful, light, bright, and shining. She's the pretty one among the sisters and has the most upbeat attitude.
Luna: Spanish and Italian for moon.
Luan: This was an interesting one. It means lion in Albanian, moon in Portuguese, and bells in Chinese. It's an old Irish name takes to being unisex, meaning warrior, strong and warlike.
Lincoln: The Lake Settlement.
Lucy: Light or born at dawn. Oh the irony
Lana: It has multiple origins, with the most common meaning being light. Little rock in Gaelic. Calm as still waters in Hawaiian
Lola: Lady of Sorrows.
Lisa: This one surprised me the most. It means God is my oath, and God is abundant. I believed they named her this after the Mona Lisa.
Lily: It comes from the flower, which means pure, passion, and rebirth.
Let's add Myrtle since she's Albert's girlfriend. Myrtle is a plant associated with love, peace, fertility, and youth.