Hey you beautiful people. It's me, ya boi, and as I expected, the last chapter's feedback was less than stellar. I'll admit that it was quite a shift in tone for the story.
Don't worry. I'm not changing the story to go that route. It mainly served as a background chapter for 'Michael' and possibly explain why we haven't seen Lord Tetherby. Along the character redesigns like they look one way when they were revealed but had a noticeable change when they were reintroduced without explanation. Others were a change in skin tone, while Mrs. Bernardo was the most significant redesign. Seriously just look at her debut in "Jeers for Fears" and her reappearance in "Stage Plight."
MAJOR NEWS: We got a Tv tropes page!
Now back to our irregularly scheduled program. But first, the reviews.
Kidshorty: Lily finally got some characterization in this season, so here's to hoping.
Tristen: Nah, Man, we good.
NiteOwl18: He is a descendant of Lincoln but not his son. That's too early in the family lineage.
Wolvenstrom: Karens are infuriating no matter when you are or where you are from.
Dogspirit1: That chapter is a one-time thing that only provides an origin story for our traveler. However, it's going to get a bit more intense with Bumper Jr, not on that scale.
el-D-nagisa: Yes and Yes.
Nobody245: I have not read that story besides what I saw on Tv Tropes. I'm not going that far. That's beyond my current skill level. I'm not going that path because … Woah.
Just4FunFiction: I had a feeling that was going to be the reaction. Also, love your stories, by the way.
Guest(1): It is in a way, so don't worry.
Pirohiko-Baltazar: I'm going with St. James. Samatha means to listen well. Polly comes from Mary & Molly, so they have the same meaning. That's awesome!
Guest(2): I chose Lord Tetherby because no way, at least in my mind, can someone have a mansion of that size and style from teether balls. Maybe teether balls are a lucrative business idea, plus it's a cartoon. Something about that was suspicious.
Cristina has made it to one of the Loud comics/books, so she's still sort of relevant. I meant she's more popular than some of the QT ships. I'll use Paige but not now because I've been scratching my head on how to use her. She's a schoolmate of his, so there's that.
Funny enough that I'm planning to use Leni in this chapter.
Guest(3): Yeah, I figured that was going to the reaction
Tod Graymoon: Glad you thought so.
1: I feel those can be interesting or at least fun.
QOTD: If you can come up with a unique ship name for Lincoln and another girl. Who and what will it be and why? For me, Mollie x Lincoln will be Cannonball.
The past few days felt...strange, to say the least. Nothing particular happened, yet Lincoln couldn't determine what the cause of it was. The waitress at Games and Grub looked different. He brought it up to his friends, who gave his confused looks. What was Lincoln talking about? She always looked like that. Lincoln shrugged it off, thinking that he probably spent too much time around Lisa's chemicals again.
It happened again after his family's vacation. They drove past what used to be the Tetherby mansion. It wasn't there anymore. Wait, it wasn't there?! He did a double-take seeing a new building. Lincoln brought this to his family. They told him that the land plot was sold years ago, and construction was completed relatively recently. Lori showed him what was there now. The community center was a joint effort project from the neighboring towns and cities. It was to create unity and long term stability and sustainability while combating several issues.
It wasn't there before. It wasn't there before. The white-haired Loud stated, causing his family to worry about his mental state. Well more than usual due to him talking to an imaginary audience at random moments. Lisa ran a quick diagnosis by scanning him with some strange device. She concludes that he's mentally sound relatively speaking and that it was a simple lapse of memory due to a lack of exposure to the facility. They decided to leave it at that. Lincoln went to bed early that night. All those explosions from Lisa's chemicals, along with the late-night comic and video game sessions, were the likely source of his memory lapse. Furthermore, the new girl was officially coming to their school after a few tours. He needs to be ready to make a great first impression.
His alarm clock blared as Lincoln moved around under his covers. He smacked his lips while opening his eyes. Lincoln stretched and did his morning workout, wondering why he had a dream about him and his sisters were rabbits. Fifteen extra sisters. Lincoln shudders. No, that's a nightmare. He gets that he looks like a bunny but seriously.
A quick glance at his clock told him that it's still early. He better get in the shower before the rest of his sisters knew what he was doing.
Lincoln had his outfit primed and ready to meet the new girl. He cupped his ear. The ten-headed beast was still slumbering or preoccupied with other tasks. Lincoln quietly exited his room and went downstairs. The front door was right in front of him. Finally, a plan with a girl is working in his favor without his sisters meddling.
"Lincoln, what are you doing" Leni's voice demanded, stopping him in his tracks. Dang it. He turned around, seeing the rest of his sisters with her. Uh, no, this wasn't good. "And why do you look like you just came from the movie Grease."
"Um, nothing" Lincoln smiled sheepishly, fearing that he was caught red-handed.
"Dig the leather jacket and shades, though," Luna complimented. Their brother had on a black leather jacket and shades with slicked-back hair that shined with gel.
"Hey Lincoln, you ready to meet the new girl at school today" Clyde's voice sparked from his walkie talkie." I got some great topics to discuss with her," His sisters gasped with a smile. A new girl is coming to school? And he wants to meet her?
"I'll have to call you back," Lincoln replied.
"Your sisters found out," Clyde stated matter-of-factly
"Yep," Lincoln stated blankly before shutting off the device
Leni stepped forward and circled around Lincoln, examining his outfit. His hair is slicked back, wearing black shades with red trim, a black leather jacket over a yellow shirt, and retains his blue jeans. "Not like this, you're not" She grabbed his hand and pulled him up the stairs. Leni ordered with a stern expression. The rest of the girls tried to follow them. "I got this"
"Um Leni," Lincoln muttered as she dragged him into his room. The fashion expert rummaged through his clothes and escorted him to her room with an armful of clothes.
"Put this on" Leni placed the outfit into his arms. He trusted her opinion and did what he was told. Lincoln changed behind a privacy screen while Leni went to her desk and retrieved a comb and brush, waiting for her brother to finish changing. "Are you done over there," Lincoln nodded. "Now, let's fix your hair" She gestures towards a seat in front of her desk mirror. Leni spent some time combing and brushing his hair. She glanced at her faintly shining utensils when finished. Thankfully Lincoln didn't over-gelled. Leni smiled and placed her hands on her hips, proud of her work. "There we go all better now for the new girl."
Lincoln analyzed his appearance. "Leni, this is how I always look," He replied, feeling like a cartoon character in their default outfit after several seasons.
"Exactly, that's why it's perfect," Leni answered joyfully. Her smile straightened into a flat line seeing Lincoln surveying his body, still unsure about it. "Linky, please look at me," He did as she gently embraced her younger brother. "I know that I'm not the smartest" She held him a bit tighter. "But I know that you don't need to change yourself to impress this girl" She remembered how they attempted to change Lucy's core identity. Luckily Rocky liked her for who she is. Leni isn't going to let her only brother make that same mistake. "If she doesn't like you for who you are." Leni looked into his eyes with a bright smile. "That's okay, but I still love you" A pair of pale arms wrapped themselves around his abdomen behind him
"As do I, big brother," Lucy replied affectionately, nuzzling into his back. Leni gave him a peck on the forehead." We all do."
"LINCOLN, YOU'RE MISSING THE BUS!" Lori shouted from downstairs. His eyes expanded as he checked his phone. Crap, she's right! Lincoln rushed out of the room and jumped from the top of the stairs. Luna opened the front door as he tucked his knees into his chest. Lynn tossed his backpack to him. Lincoln grabbed it as he swiftly put it on. He landed on the ground leaning forward, using the force to roll on his shoulders onto his feet, preventing injury. His sisters held several signs giving him a number for his performance. Lincoln paid no mind to it and continued to chase after the bus.
"Let's go, girls; we don't want to be late either," Lori spoke. The rest of the Loud siblings entered the family van. Leni had a melancholy look on her face as she locked her seatbelt. "You okay there, Leni."
"Linky doesn't trust us anymore," Leni whispered, yet it echoed amongst them. They didn't say anything as Lori started the car and drove off to school.
Lincoln sprinted past a man with questionable familiarity. Lincoln didn't recognize him or saw him before, yet he can't shake off that feeling. It's probably nothing as Lincoln had better things to worry about.
The bus driver sees a hint of white and orange in one of her mirrors. She squinted her eyes to focus on the image. It was a student and quickly hit the brakes at a nearby stop. Lincoln crashed into the pole. Several students onboard winced at the impact.
"Oh man, right in the collarbone," Lincoln groaned as he climbed into the bus rubbing the sore area as his schoolmates laughed. He scanned the bus searching for the new girl—orange bow...orange bow… orange bow. Ah, there she is. Hopefully he isn't too late to make a great first impression. Lincoln stepped towards the seat. Rusty was right. She is cute. Her legs were tucked, allowing her arms and chin to rest on her knees as she gazed at the floor with a slight frown. He took a breath to steady himself. "Hello, um, my, uh, name is Lincoln Loud."
"Nice to meet you, Lincoln Loud," Stella replied. He seemed nice. Is that white hair natural?
"So, you're new to Royal Woods?" Lincoln added, thinking it's going good so far.
"Yeah, it's lonely being the new kid in town," Stella whispered, looking out the window feeling a bit homesick
"Maybe you just haven't met the right people yet." Lincoln gave her a smile. She couldn't help smile back.
"Would you like to sit down?" Stella offered, moving her backpack to the side. He took upon her offer. "I didn't think you were going to catch the bus."
"Good thing that I'm dressed like a traffic cone," Lincoln gestured towards his signature shirt. "The bus would never see me."
"You're funny, Lincoln Loud," Stella giggled, handing him a carrot stick.
"" Thanks" Lincoln took a bite. "I never got your name. I can't call you the 'New Girl' all the time."
"I'm Stella Zhau" She introduced herself to him. The pair chatted for the entire bus ride as Evelynn raised an interested eyebrow at this development.
"Holy crap, that was close," Michael muttered to himself, seeing Lincoln rush past him. One of the fundamental rules was almost broken: Never meet a direct ancestor. Vanzilla drove past him. Time slowed down as Lisa and Michael's gazes locked on each other. Michael made a gesture with his fingers akin to a salute towards Lisa. She maintained her composure despite the sinking hole in her stomach and gave him a nod. Why was he here?
"You alright there, dude" Luna asked the genius
"I'm perfectly fine, my musically skilled elder sibling," Lisa replied. She's not satisfactory as they slowly reach their destination.
Michael looked upon the Loud house with nostalgia. A beep broke him out of his daze. He chuckled. "You were never the one for simplicity, are you Professor" Michael continued to search in her database.
Filename: Cracking Time Travel.
The school bus arrived at Royal Woods Elementary, dropping off the students. They made their way to their respective classes. Lincoln and Stella walked together down the hallway.
"You have ten sisters" Stella tried to comprehend Lincoln's family situation. He nodded to confirm her answer, noticing how tall she was. "And you're sure that none of you guys are adopted" His white hair should be a dead ringer for that thought process
"Not according to my mom's stretch marks," Lincoln answered. They already had that scare." Which homeroom are you in?" She rummaged into her bag and pulled out a folder. Stella checked her schedule
"I'm in 5J," Stella remarked. Lincoln's eyes widen in recognition
"You're in my classroom," Lincoln responded. Stella smiled; at least she has someone she knows. They stopped in front of their class door. She looked down at her feet. "Hey, you're going to be fine" Lincoln opened the door for Stella, allowing her to barely occupy the classroom. He went to his seat while she went to
"Oh, hello there," cheerfully greeted, seeing Stella. "You must be Stella Zhau."
"Yes, ma'am," Stella answered.
"We've been expecting you. Go have a seat. We'll start soon," replied. Stella took a seat close to Lincoln as the rest of the students entered the room. Some of them whispered and chatted amongst themselves, wondering about the new girl in their class.
"Good morning, everyone," announced. The students replied back. "We have a new student today" She gestured towards Stella. "So let's give Stella Zhau a warm welcome to Royal Woods Elementary," Stella stood up, and they all gave her a round of applause. "Does anyone have questions for her?"
"Yeah, are you single?" Rusty asked before Zach lightly smacked him in the face with a notebook.
"Okay, any other question?" replied again, ignoring that statement.
"Where are you from, Stella" Lincoln questioned even though he knew the answer. Stella revealed that she's from the Philippines and can speak three languages: English, Filippino, and Chinese, with traces of Spanish. An exciting barrage of questions was shot her way that answered to the best of her ability. The bell rang for class to start halting their questions. The day went smoothly for Stella ... until gym class.
"Lincoln. Girl Jordan," Stella called out to them after gym class. They turned to her while going through their lockers. "What was that?!" Her hair was now disheveled, with strands of hair standing out as her eyes widened to saucers and her pupils narrowed to needlepoints. It was her first day with the obstacle course. Barbed wires and a hydraulic press?! "Was that normal? Or legal?" Stella straightened some of the hairs with her hand. "It can't be right?!"
"You get used to it," They said with an absent smile. That didn't help Stella at all.
"Just be glad that we didn't do dodgeball today," Mollie added, giving Girl Jordan a judgmental look. ""
"What? I'm not that bad," Girl Jordan replied. Everyone paused and blankly stared at her creating utter silence. Not that bad? Are you serious, Girl Jordan? She shifted her head from side to side feeling their gaze. "I'm not" Her classmates, aside from Stella, who was confused, slightly narrowed their eyes and leaned forward. Jordan turned to her friends. "Mollie, Cookie, Jenny. You girls know me. Am I really-"
"Yes, Yes, you are," Cookie bluntly responded.
"Oh, big time," Jenny nodded.
"Pretty much," Mollie remarked. Damn, that was quick.
"Wooooooowww really" Girl Jordan rolled her eyes. An idea popped into her mind. "Lincoln, am I as bad as they say," She fluttered her eyes, leaning in close to his body staring into his eyes while maintaining an innocent expression.
"Oh definitely," Lincoln answered as her friends snickered behind her. Girl Jordan let out an offended gasp, placing a hand on her chest. "You've been extra intense towards me lately."
"I'm trying to reclaim my dodgeball crown after that match," Girl Jordan replied. Stella is so lost right now.
"I'm pretty sure that was a one-time thing," Lincoln responded. He didn't decide which hurt more, the gym or that match. "Besides, you beat me in matches after that" Lincoln closed his locker down, startled to see Girl Jordan's intense grin and moderately unsettling glimmer in her eyes.
"Then I still haven't won yet," Girl Jordan whispered, closing the distance with mere centimeters worth of personal space left between them. "Until then, what I'm doing is just for funsies" The bell rang. "We better head to class," She replied as if that didn't happen
"I don't feel safe," Lincoln remarked as they walked back. "She doesn't know where I live, right?" He whispered to his male friends
"Not yet, at least," Zach stated.
"I'm in danger, am I?" Lincoln muttered. Yes. Yes, you are, but we haven't gotten to that part yet." Wait, what?!" Just let it happen, Lincoln.
"Okay, everyone, have a safe weekend, everyone. I'll see you Monday," Agnes announced. "Stella, a word please," Stella went to her desk. Did she do something wrong? "I want to know how you enjoyed your first day here."
"I would like to know too," Principal Huggins entered the room. "Hopefully, there weren't any trouble makers."
"No, sir," Stella confirmed. Huggins and Agnes nodded in approval of their students.
"Did any make a good impression on you?" Agnes asked.
"Girl Jordan was a great guide," Stella started. This was expected as Girl Jordan was one of their best and brightest students. "Also...Lincoln" Now this was interesting as they took notice of her barely rosy cheeks.
"Loud?" Huggins queried. She nodded and told them of her encounter with him on the bus to school today." Hm, I'll note of that" His eyes settled on the wall clock. "You better get going. Your ride is probably here," Stella said her goodbyes to them. The sounds of a pencil scribbling on paper caught his attention. "Mrs. Johnson, what are you doing?"
"I'm adding another option to the betting pool," Agnes replied. "I'm placing $10 on this one."
"You too," Huggins exclaimed. He gets enough of that from Cheryl. "Mrs. Johnson, their lives are their own. We should let them forge their romantic path and not make money from it," He replied, slid $5 towards her as he continued. "Pray tell who's winning" Agnes gave a soft chuckle handing him the list with the various tiers and events.
"Hey sweetie, how was your first day at school?" Stella's mother asked as her daughter walked with her down the hallway
"It was great, mom," Stella smiled." I made some friends today" Her mother let out a sigh of relief, grateful about this move. Stella waved her handed at a group of students sitting at an outside table. A boy with white hair and a girl with light brown hair in a braided ponytail waved back.
"I'm glad you're making friends," Her mother replied. "You got their numbers."
"You sure it's still rather sudden," Stella muttered. Her mother placed a hand on her shoulder.
"It's time for new beginnings, Stella. This isn't your old school anymore" She comforted her daughter. "If not, now then when?"
"Okay, mom, I'll do it," Stella replied. She went to the group. "Hey Lincoln and Girl Jordan"
"Hey Stella," Lincoln responded, looking up from a comic.
"Can we help you with something?" Girl Jordan said.
"Since I'm still new here in Royal Woods, so can I," Stella stammered as her mom gave her a thumbs up. "Have your phone numbers, please," She said with a bow.
"Sure"
"Fine by me" They added their contacts to her phone, telling her that they'll add her to the class group chat later. Stella thanked them as they walked to their car.
"See, that wasn't so hard," remarked. "Also, that's his natural hair color, right, or is it dyed?"
"Natural," Stella replied. Her mother took a second look. "I know it's weird, but it's probably some type of blonde" Genetics is a fickle creator. She sent Lincoln and Girl Jordan a quick text before heading home.
The recipients are making idle chit chat with their friends when their phones buzzed upon receiving Stella's message. Each sent their reply to the new girl in school. Rusty punched him in the arm because of that. "Ow, what was that for?!" Lincoln growled.
"You got the new girl's number on the first day," Rusty grumbled. He narrowed his eyes and pointed at him." You planned this, didn't you?"
"First of all, no," Lincoln answered. "Second of all, I was planning something different, but my sisters talked me out of it" He delicately placed his comic back into his backpack. "Furthermore, she gave her number to Girl Jordan as well."
"Mmmmhhhmmmmmm," The boys replied suspiciously at the Man with the plan. Lincoln rolled his eyes at his friends. He's good, but he's not that good. It's whatever he got better things to worry about right now, like that biology homework assigned. His ride arrived to take him home, unaware that Rusty has a plan of his own.
"EEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHH" Lori squealed excitedly as she drove to spend the weekend with the Casagrande's. It's been months since she's seen her Boo Boo Bear.
"Right in my ear, Lori," Lincoln grumbled with a finger in each ringing ear. He's here for the food and to see Ronnie Anne.
"I'm sorry, Lincoln," Lori replied giddily. "But to be a city girl. You must know the city" She can see the style, the glamour, the atmosphere. Roses by the dozen. Somebody has been watching too many Lifetime movies." Enough about me. How about you, ready to see Ronnie again?"
"You know it," Lincoln happily sighed." I missed her," Lori cracked a smile. Yes, the Loud-Santiago romance is still going strong. They arrived at the apartment complex. Lori grabbed her bags as they exited the van. The Loud siblings surveyed the area for that demonic horde of cats. They ran to the steps. A chorus of haunting yowls was summoned as the blob grew near. "I got it," Lincoln replied swiftly, grabbing a can of tuna, tossing it as far as he could. They received a warm welcome from the Casagrande's.
"I didn't know if you wanted breakfast or lunch after a long drive, so I made both" Rosa gestures towards the buffet on the table.
"Both, of course," Lincoln grabbed a plate as Rosa squealed and happily clapped. He dodged an attack from CJ's rubber cutlass. "How about dinner before we duel, Captain CJ."
"Fair enough," CJ shrugged. He was hungry too. Ronnie Anne entered the dining room and smiled, seeing her best friend in person again.
"Welcome back, Lame-o," Ronnie Anne greeted with a punch to the upper arm. Huh, it was firmer than last time.
"Hey Ronnie Anne," Lincoln replied, barely affected by her punch as he kept eating. He set his plate down, which Lalo helped himself to. "I got you something," Lincoln handed her a gift-wrapped box.
"Sweet Royal Woods sweatshirt," Ronnie happily remarked as she removed her signature purple jacket and replaced it with the yellow one. Better than smelling like a dog all day. She thanked him with another punch to the upper arm. Again no reaction. Either he's getting stronger, or that she's getting weaker.
"Ronnie Anne, Sameer is calling," Frida spoke from the kitchen with Ronnie's phone in hand.
"I'll call him later" Ronnie grabbed her phone and pressed declined. Lincoln wondered who Sameer was. Frida explained that he was one of Ronnie's friends. Lincoln hoped to meet her new friends. "Nononono. This weekend is just me and you" She wrapped an arm around his shoulder and walked to her room. "Come on, we got a lot of catching up to do" She dominated him in Muscle Fish for several rounds now. Lincoln didn't notice how close she sat next to him as Ronnie slightly leaned to him, allowing their upper arms to touch.
"Dang it," Lincoln grumbled after losing another round.
"Boom! Another point for Santiago," Ronnie Anne gloated at her victory. "Want to go another round"
"Maybe later" Lincoln got off the bed. "I want to see the city" He never got a chance to see it the last time he was here.
"Uhhh, there's barely anything to see," Ronnie Anne. "It's just tall buildings and smelly subway cars."
"Come on, honey, you know that's not true" Maria poked her head in the door. She and Lincoln blinked. Frida joined the fray.
"You better do it, mija, or we'll do this all day," Frida replied. Ronnie groaned, grabbing Lincoln's arm and see the stupid city.
"Come on, Frida, let's see what you got," Maria challenged as they helped themselves to their video games.
Ronnie Anne speed-walked unenthusiastically, rambling on seeing the same type of building for the last few minutes. Lincoln was able to keep up with her, but this is ridiculous.
"Hey, Ronnie," A group of kids called out to her. Ronnie ignored them, continuing to walk.
"Those kids are calling you," Lincoln gestured towards the group. Ronnie froze quickly, wrapping the Royal Woods sweatshirt around her waist, leaving her with a white tank top. Lincoln gazed at her. That was strange, although it's getting a bit warm.
"Didn't you hear us?" Sameer asked. He's a short boy with rugged brown hair and thick black eyebrows. He's wearing a yellow helmet, yellow striped sleeveless shirt, blue shorts, and red clogs. He's accompanied by Casey and Nikki. A black-skinned young boy with freckles and eye bags with a black and white checked backward baseball cap, a light pink shirt under a red hoodie, gray shorts, and white high tops with blue laces. Lincoln glanced at the girl. Man, he thought Stella was tall. She has blonde hair covering part of her right eye, wearing a sky blue hoodie, navy blue Capri jeans, and low pink tops with a purple skateboard in hand.
"Duh, obviously not" Ronnie Anne nervously chuckled. Lincoln and the group stared at each other, wondering who they were and why she was acting weird. Lincoln heard them loud and clear. Awkward silence commences.
"I'm Lincoln," Lincoln introduced himself, shaking Casey's hand. "I'm sure Ronnie told you a lot about me."
"Um, no, actually," Casey revealed. Lincoln gave her a slight side glance. Not even one tiny thing about him. "I'm Casey. That's Sameer and Nikki"
"Sup," Nikki replied, leaning on Sameer's head. Huh, this Lincoln kid is kinda cute. "How do you know Santiago?"
"He's a part of my rough and tumbled past," Ronnie Anne interjected
"The only thing rough-and-tumble was that church carnival ride that made us puke up our cotton candy." Lincoln laughed
"Welp, it was nice seeing you guys, but we got to go," Ronnie Anne dragged Lincoln away from them.
"You guys want to hang out for a while," Lincoln interrupted. They agreed to it. "You coming, Ronnie," He replied with a blank smile and chilly undertone. Ronnie Anne took a solid gulp before following them. Hopefully, Lori has a better time becoming a city girl.
Yeah, that was a no. Lincoln became increasingly frustrated with Ronnie Anne's attempts to prevent him from revealing that they were both from Royal Woods. Hip checking him into the foundation. At least it got rid of the ketchup stains. They were now in the tallest tower in the city. Ronnie distracted them by pointing a blimp, which they just missed. She can feel Lincoln's gaze judging her. He was getting sick of this game.
"Hey Ronnie Anne, it's pretty cold up here," Lincoln remarked, seeing a slight shiver. He looked down at the sweatshirt still wrapped around her waist. "Don't you wanna put your sweatshirt on?"
"Nah, I'm good, thanks" Ronnie Anne knew what game he was playing yet resisted the urge to chatter her teeth. Why was it so cold in here?!
"Then can I borrow it?" Lincoln asked, stepping towards her. "I'm getting cold."
"I think you're good," Ronnie Anne defended.
"Who decided that?" Lincoln raised an eyebrow grabbing one of the yellow sleeves. "Just let me borrow it real quick" She snatched the sleeve right back.
"Hey, what's your problem?" Ronnie growled. Lincoln pulled her into a corner to get some privacy.
"Ronnie, stop this charade," Lincoln demanded. She rubbed her arm. "I know you lied to them about being from uptown."
"Come on, Lincoln, that's ridiculous" Ronnie Anne avoided eye contact with him.
"Do you think I'm dumb, Ronalda" Lincoln narrowed his eye at her while she widened her eyes at him. What did he just call her? "What's so bad about Royal Woods that you had to lie about it for probably months now?"
"Just drop it, will ya Lincoln," Ronnie Anne demanded.
"Fine, you'll do whatever you want, but I'm not lying about where I'm from," Lincoln confronted, walking towards Nikki, Sameer and Casey. Ronnie Anne roughly grabbed his arm, pulling him back.
"Why do you have to mess everything up for me? I didn't ask you to come here in the first place." It took a few seconds for her words to reach her brain. She covered her mouth in shock. His sapphire eyes dimmed at her sentence. She hated it when he has that look in his eyes.
"You're right. I didn't have to come here" Lincoln pulled his arm back. "I wanted to come here because you're important to me. I thought I was important to you," He replied in a soft voice. "I guess I was wrong if you going this far."
"Lincoln, please wait," Ronnie Anne pleaded, placing a hand on his shoulder only for him to brush it off.
"I don't want to hear it right now," Lincoln turned to the elevator. "I'm going home" The elevator arrived and entered, not giving her a second glance before heading down. She watched the elevator descend to the ground floor and went to a window seeing Lincoln walk off. Ronnie rested her head and arms against the railing, watching him walk away. She messed up. It didn't help that she felt judgmental glares at her back. Ronnie Anne lifted her head up and turned, seeing the "Whitey" Anne that Lincoln was talking about. She was next to an unfamiliar girl texting on her phone, giving the doppelganger a side glance. She was slightly shorter than Nikki, wearing a plain white shirt with pink leggings under a black skirt and red boots. Ronnie didn't know her name but knows that she's commonly found at the mall back in Royal Woods. What did Rusty call her? Mall QT?
"I know I messed up okay," Ronnie Anne groaned, resting her head back into her arms.
"Then why are you still here? Hurry up before he leaves," Whitney Anne responded. Ronnie Anne sighed before going to the elevator. This is going to be a headache. The pair went back to watch the scenery. However, Mall QT can't help but think about that Lincoln kid. She smiled. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to get to know him a little more so she can have some fun with him. Adding him to her list. (Hey, now hold up! I haven't gotten to that part of the story. That's season 5 material right there. I just started season 3)
The Casagrande's were busy watching Tv when Lincoln entered in a foul mood. He quickly perked up, feeling their eyes on him. "Sorry, guys, there's uh a bit of family emergency, so I got to pack" Lincoln went into Ronnie Anne's room to retrieve his bag. Lori entered sobbing, looking like a total mess. Ronnie Anne arrived panting, putting her hands on her knees to catch her breath. Man, he's gotten faster.
"Where's Lincoln?" Ronnie Anne asked, taking deep breaths.
"He was packing," Maria answered. "Is everything okay?"
"Did something happen?" Rosa worriedly asked.
"I did something stupid." Ronnie, Anne remorsefully replied. She went to her room and found him packing up. "Lincoln, you can't leave. I didn't mean what I said before." His back was still turned to her. "I do want you here." He stopped packing and peeked over his shoulder. She wanted him to stop looking at her with those dead eyes. She didn't like them, hated them even, especially since she's the reason. It wasn't as bad as the "Bad Luck" incident, but she still didn't like it. "At least look at me, Lincoln" He turned to face her with his arms folded.
"I don't get why you had to lie about it," Lincoln stated.
"I don't know; maybe I thought that they wouldn't hang out with me if I wasn't a city kid," Ronnie Anne revealed, stepping closer towards him.
"Then they're not your friends if being a city kid is all they care about," Lincoln comforted his friend. She tenderly took his hands into hers.
"You're right, and I'm sorry," Ronnie apologized. Lincoln's brain had to reboot for a quick second. Did he just hear the rarest words on planet Earth? A genuine apology from a female? It must be a cold day in hell right now.
The devil was calmly listening to the souls of the damned and tortured when a cool breeze occurred. "Huh, getting a little chilly in here" He shrugged and got back to work. There's a lot of idiots coming to his domain in the next few years. 2020 is going to be excellent.
"Huh," Lincoln muttered once his systems finally reset.
"I said that you were right, and I'm sorry," Ronnie Anne repeated. She gently wrapped her arms around him, which he recuperated. Good god, he has a firm back, "How about we start today over?" She released her hug and locked an elbow with his. Ronnie Anne opened the door then half of her family fell on the ground due to leaning on it. "Is this what you go through?" She asked in a deadpan voice which Lincoln nodded in agreement. They went downstairs with their elbows still locked together.
"Man, I really need to redo this photo," Lincoln brought up, holding his complimentary photo in his hand.
"Sure, but I need to do something first," Ronnie spoke before seeing her group of friends. "Hey, I haven't been straight up with you guys" She put on her Royal Woods sweatshirt. "I'm actually from a small town called Royal Woods. We both are." She glanced at Lincoln for support. "I understand if you guys don't want to hang out with me."
"Oh, that's it?" Casey commented. "We thought it was something bad."
"Yeah, Ronnie, we don't care," Sameer added in. "I mean, I'm from Kansas."
"Hold up what?!" Nikki yelled. "Nah, I'm just messing with you," Lincoln and Ronnie Anne shared a smile, glad that everything worked out.
"You guys want to get something to eat. I'm suddenly craving garlic knots" Casey rubbed his stomach. The crew went to a joint arcade/pizzeria. Ronnie and Lincoln had their usual dance battle, with Lincoln winning by a sizable margin.
"Dude, where did that come from" Ronnie breathed, wiping the sweat off her face. She took off and tied her sweatshirt around her waist again.
"I've been hitting the gym lately," Lincoln confirmed.
"Wait, you and the gym," Ronnie Anne questioned. She knew him. Lincoln + gym doesn't add up.
"Remember the whole 'Well-rounded 'thing my parents went through," Lincoln brought up, grabbing their order from the counter.
"Didn't you stop?" Ronnie Anne asked as they went to a table where the rest of their friends were sitting.
"And miss my chance of being Ezio Auditore da Firenze," Lincoln responded. "I think not," Ronnie Anne rolled her eyes. He and his video games. The group chatted and ate for a while when Nikki's phone buzzed.
"Aw crap," Nikki groaned, seeing the sender of the text. She sighed and stood up. "I got to go, guys."
"Is your mom picking you" Casey commented. The blonde gave him a curt nod. "Hurry up before she sees us with you."
"What's the deal with her mom?" Lincoln queried. Nikki's sole eye sadly gazed down at the table.
"She doesn't really like us," Sameer said, taking a bite out of his olive pizza.
"You guys are cool, though," Lincoln wondered. What's the deal with her mom?
"She doesn't hate them specifically," Nikki replied, feeling a bit uncomfortable
"Her mom likes to wear a certain red hat," Ronnie answered, helping him paint the picture. Lincoln analyzed the group. It clicked. Ronnie Anne was Hispanic. Sameer was Arabic. Casey was Black. Besides him, Nikki was the only white kid.
"Ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh," Lincoln remarked. He finally got it. "She's one of those people" Yep, her mom is prejudiced with a healthy degree of racist.
"Yep, I better go before my mom creates a scene. Again" Nikki grumbled. "I'll see you guys later" She walked outside and went to the fountain and took a seat on the steps. A crimson truck with several Trump stickers pulled up. Nikki entered and sat in the front chair with tense silence. It reeked of alcohol as Alex Jones played on the radio. Great, he's talking about QAnon. She didn't want to listen to him for the car ride and put in her earbuds. "Relax, Nikki, it's only for the weekend," She told herself, ignoring mother's excessive and incorrect rants.
The group went their separate ways going home as it was getting late. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne were relaxing on the couch, watching television. He went to the kitchen to get them something to drink during the commercial break. A notification appeared on his phone. Ronnie glanced at it. It's a text...from a girl called STELLA?! Lincoln returned with two cold beverages in his hand and sat back down. He replied to the text and went back to watching the show.
"Lincoln, can I ask you a question?" Ronnie said with a smile that offered no safety. Lincoln almost choked on his drink. Oh no. This is one of the phrases that Bobby warned him about. "Who's Stella?"
"She's the new girl at school," Lincoln answered truthfully. "She wanted my help with some homework."
"That's it?" Ronnie Annie replied with a raised brow swirling her drink around.
"That's it," Lincoln repeated. She placed her drink down on the table. Ronnie leaned into his chest with her back, supported by his thighs. Is she...Is she cuddling with him? Lincoln paid no mind despite his utter confusion, unaware that Frida took a quick photo for her scrapbook.
The weekend came and went quickly. The Loud siblings send their goodbyes to the Casagrande's only to find their van being towed. They gave the tow truck a fair chase.
"Hey Santiago," Nikki called out to Ronnie, leaving her brother, Lori, and Lincoln to chase after the truck. She's not running in this heat. "Save ya a hotdog."
"Oh, thank you," Ronnie Anne said, making her way to the group and sat with them.
"Speaking of which, when's your boyfriend visiting again?" Nikki asked, causing Ronnie to choke on her hotdog.
"Yeah, we barely got to know him," Casey brought up. "He's a cool dude" Ronnie regained her breathing.
"Hey, Hey, HEY! He's not my boyfriend," Ronnie Anne stammered. "Yeah, he's a totally awesome guy to be around with and kinda cute," She muttered that last part. "He's not my boyfriend."
"Soooooo, he's single," Nikki probed.
"Yes, at least the last time I checked," Ronnie Anne replied.
"Well then, maybe the next time he's around, I could-" Nikki suggested rubbing her chin when Ronnie Anne pounced on her.
"Si tanto como el olor de mi Lincoln. Mi bebé conejito de miel. Te voy a rasgar en pedazos y alimentar a mis gatos. ¿ENTIENDES?!" Ronnie Anne threatened and shoke the skinny blond with a wide eyed glare.
"Ronnie, chill out. I was just playing," Nikki replied fearfully.
"I'm not!" Ronnie Anne shouted when her phone rang. She cleared her throat, releasing Nikki. "Sup Lame-o, you finally got your van back."
"Yeah, we're on our way back right now," Lincoln answered in the passenger seat.
"Alright, tell the guys I said what's up," Ronnie Anne smiled. "Hopefully, they're not too salty about you texting the new girl over the weekend."
"Psssshhhh." Lincoln scoffed. "What do you think we're going to do? Fight over her?" He replied, potentially tempting fate. "That's stupid" He chuckled
If only he knew.
Welp, that's over and done with. I know you guys are happy that Stella is finally here. Just in case you missed it. We have a Tv Tropes page for this story. Man, it feels good. I should do something special for this, but I don't know what yet.
I hope you guys enjoyed the story, especially now that we're back on its format, and thanks for reading.
Follow and favorite if you liked the story. Leave a review for any questions, concerns, queries, or show your support. Have a fabulous day and happy Thanksgiving.