Leo was pulling up into the barely occupied parking lot of his large workplace.
After finding a spot to park his blue Plymouth Barracuda that had a flaming paint job, Leo put the car into park and silently looked at the large structure close by. Then he said. "Back into the fray I go." And with that, he undid his seatbelt and exited the vehicle. Leo locked the doors to his car before he made his way over to his workplace, or as others gladly called it..
Royal Woods Mall.
Upon entering the mall, Leo immediately noticed how the mall was decently full this time of day. After a bit entered the security office of the mall and made his way over to the guard lockers, or rather his locker to be more precise. The oldest Velazquest brother stopped in front of his locker and opened it, fishing his personal items out of his pockets.
Leo was thankful for being able to get a job at the mall, however he couldn't lie and say he didn't find the job to be incredibly boring from time to time because of the lack action from it. Leo wanted to get some extra money and he figured with his fighting skills getting a job working security would lead to some action.
When opening his locker, Leo sighed as he placed his belongings on the small shelf that was in it. He took out his own uniform that consisted of a white dress shirt, a black tie, a black cap with the word 'SECURITY' on it, and a pair of black pants. He shut his locker once he got what he needed and made his way over to the small dressing room that was exclusive to the security guards. Hence, why it's in the security office.
As he stepped into the dressing room and shut the door behind him his mind thinking of his responsibilities. He was aware of those responsibilities and they took on the forms of ten siblings aging from sixteen to one years old. He can recall a time when he stared high school he decided to discipline himself to become a more mature and strong-willed person, for the sake of his younger siblings. He wanted to be the man who could fill the role as a father figure to his siblings. Granted, he's their brother. But he refused to let that fact stop him. Jason Velazquest is such an excellent dad, and Leo... well he wanted to be just like his old man.
Leo walked out wearing the security uniform that almost clung a bit too tightly onto his lean form. Thankfully, it wasn't too tight as it was just loose enough to feel somewhat comfortable. It'll suffice, he thought.
"Alrighty." Leo flipped his cap once before putting it on his head, pulling back his cowlick in the process. "All I gotta do now is punch in and I'm good to go." He stated as that's what he got to doing next.
After punching in at the punch clock, Leo went to the door to the office Leo grinned as he pushed open one of the doors.
Two hours later..
"Err.." Lea grumbled with clenched fists at his sides as he walked aimlessly through the mall, doing his job as he were watching out to make sure no disruptive hooligans were causing any trouble. Much to his dismay, as he expected it to be, this day was just like any other for the teenager; uneventful and torturously boring.
So when his break finally came Leo being bored, sat back in his chair flipping through his phone waiting for his break to end.
He kept flipping till a text popped up from Lori. The contact information at the top of the screen read 'Queen of No' as he opened the window their messages were. Leo say the messaged sent to him.
-Leo, are you home?
-I'm still at work Queen of No, I miss you so much. I feel so bad for taking this extra shift, I'm sorry we couldn't hang out! :-(
-Oh Leo Lion Lollipop, you're going to make me cry! :-(
-It's okay, Dry those tears. I'll make it up to you. Dinner is on me!
-Too Late, I'm already crying! I'm sorry Leo, I love you so much, I'll text you back every chance I get!
-Oh no! Don't do that I'll never get work done! XD
-Shut up you jerk! XD
-You doing ok? You treating your sibs alright?
-OMG yes I can be a good older too Mr. Perfect... -_-
-Hey Mr. Perfect was my father's name call me Leo.
-Well I'm being better I stepped on Lincoln's toy and bought him a new one.
-Why'd you stepped on it?
-It fell on the floor and I accidently stepped on it.
-Why was it on the floor?
-Cause It fell there when I slammed the bathroom door.
-Why you slam the door shut?
-Cause I needed to go and Lincoln was hogging it.
-...
-What? He was.
-...
-...
-...
-OK FINE I KICKED HIM OUT AND BEFORE I KICKED OUT OF THE BATHROOM I KICKED OUT OF MY ROOM! THERE HAPPY!
-Lori we talked about this.
-I know It's just If I don't yell I feel they won't listen.
-You'll get there Lori I understand.
-:-) How did I get the most wonderful, understanding, and loving boyfriend in the whole world?
-I don't know, how did I get the most sweet, adoring, and beautiful girlfriend in the whole world?
-Because you deserve it! xoxoxo
-You deserve it more Babe!
-Oh? I wanted to ask do you remember when we first met?
Leo thought about it but couldn't remember.
He'd sighed and sent back a text.
-Sorry can't recall Lori.
-It was back when we were one my told me about it.
-Franklin Ave 16 years ago-
Lynn Sr. and Rita were enjoying themselves in the living room Lynn Sr. was bouncing a little Lori Loud on his knee while she giggled with excitement while Rita was reading a good book as she rubbed her pregnant belly.
Lynn Sr. and Rita decided little while after they were married that they wanted to have a big family easily 11 kids. However they couldn't just snap their fingers and have that, they had to plan and make sure they can get good jobs to feed everyone not to mention pay the bills and make sure every kid got attention, but they thought It'd be worth it in the end. They're big family will be a symbol of their love and they would cherish their children for the rest of their lives.
Lynn Sr. look towards his wife, "You okay honey you don't need anything? Tea, a pillow, say the word and I'll get it for you."
Rita laughed, "I told you honey I'm fine, all I need is this book and I'm good for the rest of the day."
There was a moment of silence before a truck was heard.
Lynn Sr. got up curiosity got the best of him he looked out the window and saw a moving truck followed by a car.
Lynn Sr. looked at Rita, "Someone decide to move right next door maybe later we should introduce ourselves."
Rita smiled, "Well that sounds like a good idea I just hope I can get up with the power of My own strength." She said patting her belly.
After Rita finished her book she asked Lynn if now would be a good time to go meet their new neighbors.
Lynn Sr. said it was and being careful with his wife helped walk her across the street while also caring Lori. There they saw a woman who had very dark skin tone with beautiful raven colored hair. She too is also pregnant she was currently sitting in a chair watching the moving men bring in the family's furniture while she held her own infant.
"Please be careful with that crib it took us forever to assembly." The woman said with panic as moving was always a pain she did not need to be worried about getting new furniture at least for a while anyway.
Lynn Sr. and Rita walked to the woman. Rita decided to start the conversion, "Hello I'm Rita this is my husband Lynn. We saw you moving in and we decided to welcome you to the neighborhood."
The woman look towards the married couple and smiled, "Oh hello it's nice to meet you I'm Elizabeth Velazquest. My husband Jason is inside he's checking to make sure the movers place the furniture where we wanted it. I'd help move it later after they place it inside everything but well.." She gestured to her pregnant belly.
"I wish we would we can understand, but we had little Lori here after we moved in." Lynn Sr. said before he gave a chuckle showing off Lori in his arms.
Elizabeth eyes sparkled, "Aw she's precious! Here's my little bundle of joy Leo he's one now. We decided to move here because of work I'm a therapist and my husband is planning on opening a comic book store."
Rita was shocked, "Wow those are big jobs! Was it hard to just come down to Royal Woods?"
Elizabeth nodded, "Well our families gave us support, but for how hard it was..it was a little hard, but Jason always wanted to open a comic book store and he's been saving money for years even before we were married and luckily I was able to find a place to put my doctorate to work. I'm going to be working with a Dr. Lopez who is a therapist in this town hopefully everything goes well it'd be nice to have our family grow up here."
Lynn Sr. smiled, "I completely agree we want to have a big family and watch them all grown up it's such a beautiful process." Lynn Sr said as he started tear up.
As Elizabeth was talking to the louds she noticed that the last thing in the truck was taken out, "Is that the last thing in the truck?"
The moving man nodded, "Yep this is the last of it congratulations you moved in ma'am."
Elizabeth cheered, "Finally now I can do more than sit on my butt."
After a couple of moments Elizabeth's husband came out, "Okay honey time to get off your butt outside and move it inside so you can rest."
Elizabeth sighed, "I know I can't move because of the baby, but can I do something?"
"No way you're not lifting a finger." Jason noticed their company, "Well hello are you part of neighborhood?"
Rita waved, "I'm Rita and this is my husband Lynn we live across the street."
Jason smiled, "Well that's great nice to have friendly neighbors, not even day one and we see a friendly face."
Lynn Sr. offered a hand, "Yep we're expecting a baby girl in the future still thinking of names."
Jason took Lynn Sr. hand and shook it, "We're expecting a baby boy hopefully one day our kids can become friends one day."
Elizabeth then took a breath, "Okay honey he hold Leo for a second I'm going to get up." She said a determine in her voice.
Jason took Baby Leo and Elizabeth proceeded to slowly get herself out of the chair.
Rita watched and she felt the fellow mother's pain being pregnant wasn't easy for any woman.
As the adults were watching Elizabeth get up they failed to notice Lori and Leo looking at each other. They're both confused neither had met another baby before however neither were able to say much due to being infants however they did enjoy looking at each other.
Elizabeth finally was able to get up, "Okay I'm up that was the easy part now just do this for first of the year...yay."
Rita laughed, "I for one can feel your pain. Well we'll let you unpack if you want maybe we could get to know each other sometime be nice to have friends who are also starting a family."
Lynn Sr. nodded in agreement, "You're right honey you can never have too many friends."
Elizabeth took Leo back, "That sounds lovely let's plan something for the future right honey?"
Jason smiled, "I'm game just let me know ahead of time okay? Got to have time to get this one ready." He gestured to his wife.
Jason laughed as Elizabeth gave him a gentle push.
Lynn Sr. and Rita said their goodbyes and waved while walking back across the street.
-Back to the present-
-Wow even when we babies we hung out? That's crazy.
-I know right it's like we were fated to meet.
-I remember when we kids around the time Lincoln and Delilah we hang out alot. Man good times.
-Franklin Ave 10 years ago-
We Traverse the loud house from 10 years ago.
In one shot we saw a 7 year old Lori in a baby blue string dress playing with a toy phone and pretend to talk to invisible friends on the couch. Leni's 6-year-old self was sitting at the single couch chair with a big happy smile on her face wearing a mint green dress trying on shoes and hats that were much too big for her, Rita's shoes dangled right off her tiny feet as Lynn Sr. hats covered her head Leni's wavy hair which was long almost all the way to her lower back.
Luna Loud was listening to music in her Walkman dancing to the beat in her headphones, longer hair similar to Leni's, a light purple shirt, white earrings, a lighter lavender square-patterned skirt similar to the one she currently wears, white socks with blue stripes worn high, and black Mary Jane shoes
By the single dining room table was Luan 4 years old form with slightly baggy hair in a yellow scrunchie she was jumping up and down playing invisible Hopscotch with Line marks in the dining room carpet.
A 3 year old Lynn thick head of hair wearing nothing with a diaper was running and wiggling around a little laughing the way and the entire time mumbling and bumbling words out that had no intelligibility she was as happy as could be running around Luan's HopScotch playing.
Rita and Lynn Sr. were in their bedroom the mother of six was currently rocking her son back and forth in her arms so much time has passed since they started having kids both parents decide to take a little time off so they could take care of the daughters they had, but eventually Rita and Lynn wanted to have another child fast forward to now and Lincoln loud was born.
The two Loud parents were surprised after five girls they figured all their children would be daughters, but they are also excited they haven't raised a boy yet Lynn Sr. could teach Lincoln how to catch a ball and Rita could teach her precious little boy to walk.
Rita couldn't stop looking at little Lincoln as he slept in her arms, "I love this Lynn I love this so much he's so adorable I never want to let him go."
Lynn Sr. rubbed his wife's back, "I know honey but eventually he's got to grow he can't be our little man forever."
Rita pouted puffing her cheeks, "But he's so adorable! Lynn can't we just keep him this way forever?"
Lynn Sr. quietly chuckled, "If I had an anti-aging ray they'd stay my babies forever sadly though I don't own one."
Rita gave a smile, "Well maybe you should start making one Mr. keep our babies nice and young forever."
The happy couple chuckled suddenly they heard a knock at their door.
Lynn Sr. got up and checked he spotted Lori looking up at him.
Lynn Sr. kneed down to look her in the eyes, "Hey Lori Banana, what do you need?"
Lori grabbed her father's hand, "Daddy there is knocking at the door, but I can't open it you said don't open the door for strangers."
Lynn Sr. raised a eyebrow, "Strangers, let me check okay?"
Lori nodded and ran over to her mother, "Hi Lincoln, you're sleeping I can't wait for you to wake up." Lori said it quietly.
Rita smiled, "I'm sure Lincoln would love to see you when he wakes up sweetie."
Lynn Sr. made his way over to the front door the knocking continued and Lynn check the peak hole.
Lynn Sr. saw Jason Velazquest and a smile grew on his face.
Lynn Sr. open the door and was bombarded by several Velazquest Brothers.
"Hi Papa Loud!" Leo yelled.
"Yay! It's Mr. Loud!" David yelled.
"Yo dude! It's Papa L!" Tommy said.
"H-Hello Mr. loud, how are you?" Milton asked.
"Hi hi!" Johnny said on repeat.
Jason laughed, "Sorry Lynn probably should have called first."
Lynn Sr. chuckled as the boys were all holding on to him, "It's okay I'm used to it."
Jason clapped his hands, "Okay boys get off of Mr. Loud we got to talk."
"Aw!" All the brothers said.
Lynn Sr. patted Leo and David's heads, "Don't be sad boys, how about you play with the girls?"
"Yay!" The brothers yelled. They immediately ran to the sisters who were peeking from their activities, the sisters were happy as well to see the boys come over.
Lynn Sr. then look towards Jason, "So what did you want to talk about?"
Jason scratches the back of his head, "Well you see I wanted to know if it'll be okay to leave the boys here for a bit?"
Lynn was shocked, "You want me to watch over your kids?"
"Only for a little bit you see Elizabeth is still resting in the hospital. I'm supposed to pick her up today and well I can't have the boys being well themselves there, let alone take them to the hospital with me. Elizabeth really need some rest when she comes back here you get what I'm saying?" Jason said.
Lynn Sr. nodded, "Yeah when Lincoln was ready to come out I had to get Rita's father Albert to watch over the girls so I kind of get your situation, but I don't know where we can squeeze them how long do you plan to keep them here?"
"Well I just need you to watch them till 8:00 trust me by then these boys are all going to crash plus if your girls around they'll probably crash harder probably at 6:00." Jason said putting his arms together.
Lynn Sr. grabbed his chin, "Okay I'll watch over the boys, but that means in the future you got to watch over your kids and my kids got it."
Jason gave two thumbs up, "Got it, thank you now got to go get Elizabeth. Boys I have to help mommy watch over listen to Mr. and Mrs. Loud and be on your best behavior got it."
"Okay, Daddy!" The boy said.
Lynn Sr. waved goodbye as Jason took off to the hospital to help pick up his wife. Lynn Sr. closed the door and went to Rita and tell Rita about the kids. While that was happening the kids were playing. Lynn was running around with Johnny trying to tag her. Luan was playing with sock puppets with Milton. Leni was trying to put makeup on David while David was trying to bounce a ball. Luna was dancing with Tommy and Lori was amazed by Leo's video game skills.
Leo Velazquest literally loved to game. When he was six, his parents bought themselves a used Nintendo 64 and a box of games from a yard sale. Dad hooked it up in the living room and sat down with him and David. "This is Mario 64," Dad said and gripped the controller, "The best video game ever made."
At that age, Leo knew nothing about video games, but the moment the vibrant colors and silly red hat wearing character filled the screen, he was in love. He watched his father play through the first level with wide, adoring eyes. It was like a cartoon...but you were the main character. "Let me try!"
"In a minute, son," Dad said, "I just have to -"
"LET ME TRY, DADDY! LET ME TRY!" He kicked his legs and whipped his head from side to side, his face turning red and the tip of his tongue shooting lizard like though the gap where his front teeth should have been. Dad and David both looked at him like he was crazy - Leo never threw major tantrums (only little ones). "Alright, alright," Dad said and shoved the controller into his hands, "sheesh."
Leo had never known a moment of greater bliss. In one hour, he understood the game and the controls well enough to beat the first couple levels. By the end of the day, he was so good that Dad could scratch his already balding head. "I don't get it," he said, "It took me years to get this good. What's your secret, sport?"
Because he was a snotty little kid with missing teeth, he had no idea what his secret was. As he grew older - and better - he realized what it was: Passion. The only way to be good at something is to first love it. Love it with all your heart, love it with every fiber of your being, eat it, sleep it, breathe it, live it. You also have to keep doing it over and over and over and over and over again. But if you really love it, you'll do that anyway. From Mario 64, he jumped to 007 Goldeneye, also on the N64. When he beat that, he begged his parents to get him a used Playstation. He beat every game for it that he could get his hands on.
"Wow! You got a Game Boy Color, that's literally so cool." Lori's eyes turned to stars.
"Dad bought it for me he said if I was nice to my brothers I could get a Game Boy do you want with me Lori?" Leo asked.
"Okay, what games do you have?" Lori asked hopping up and down on the couch.
"I have Tetris it's cool blocks fall down and you have to make them explode by making them make a line." Leo said
"Okay, let's play that!" Lori said excitement.
Lori watched as Leo put in the game cartridge and turned on the Game Boy. She was amazed Lori didn't know many boys besides the ones from the Velazquest family so her seeing video games was kind of rare Leo was a master of them his dad always let the boys play them and of all of them Leo seem to know how to play them.
Leo was so cool in her eyes.
-Back to Present-
-That was a wonderful day. First time we all hung out too.
-Remember the day you confessed to me?~
-Oh boy here we go...
-Still gives me goose bumps.
-Bluebell camp 8 year ago-
Carol was one-upping Lori. A younger Carol receiving a medal award for selling the most Bluebell cookies, while a younger Leni is comforting a despondent, younger Lori.
"Don't feel bad, Lori. You sold almost as many cookies as Carol." Leni said resting her hands on Lori's shoulders.
Lori sighed, "Thanks Leni, but I think I need time to myself."
After Lori and Leni made it back home Lori headed to the tire swing in front of the house swinging it always made her feel better she made sure to check for bees in case any decide to claim it as their home, but after the coast was clear she sat down and swung back and forth.
After awhile she noticed Leo was walking over she gave a wave, "Hi Leo, what's up?" She said.
"I'm just checking on you, word on the walkie talkies is that you lost to Carol." Leo said crossing his arms.
Lori grew confused, "Walkie talkies?" But then Lori realized he was talking about the walkie talkies he bought for himself and Lori. Lori wanted a cell phone, but her parents told her she wasn't ready for one and they wanted to wait a couple years.
"Yeah David was trying to talk to Leni and Leni kind of blab that you lost so I kind of wanted to see if you feel kind of bad."
Lori pouted, "Stop saying kind of. I lost to Carol, Carol will always be better than me,"
"Aw don't be like that, Carol may have beaten you at selling cookies, but I'm sure there's stuff you're good at that she isn't." Leo said putting his hand in his pockets.
Lori shook her head and look down sadly, "No she beats me at everything if I enter a competition and she enters to I literally lose."
Leo looked worried he wanted to make Lori feel better, but he didn't know how. An idea came to him suddenly, "Hey Lori I want to give you something that I've been saving I was going to give it next Valentine's Day, but that's next year so maybe I can give it now."
Lori looked confused Leo wanted to give her a valentine this early that was weird, "I'm okay literally isn't it too early to give that kind of thing?"
Leo blushed, "Yeah I wanted to give you this on Valentine's Day, but you're sad now so maybe It be best to do It a little early close your eyes."
Lori looks confused, "Ok?" She closed her eyes.
Leo pulled out something from his pocket. He walked up to Lori and he ties it around her neck, "Okay. Open them up."
Lori looks down and sees a medal, "Leo..."
Leo's face turned more red, "I wanted to tell you that I like you like you for a while now I was going to put off till next year but I can't hold it in my feelings anymore You're such a great friend and you're nice and talented and I want you to be my girlfriend."
Now It's Lori's turn to blush she didn't know that Leo had feelings for her. The funny thing is she had feelings for him for a while, she didn't know if it was because he was the only boy that she could really call a friend or that they've been childhood friends since they were infants, but Lori did know whenever she was near Leo her heart would beat faster and faster.
"Leo I never dated before, but I would like to be your girlfriend." Lori said giving a shy smile.
Leo's heart nearly gave out at seeing Lori smiling face, "Okay you're my girlfriend and I'm your boyfriend now what do we do?"
"I don't know I never had a boyfriend before do we kiss?" Lori asked.
Leo made a disgusted face, "Ew! No way that's gross! Let's just I don't know hold hands." Leo said offering a hand.
Lori took Leo's hand and gave the squeeze, "How does this feel?"
Leo blushed and looked down, "I guess this is okay never had a girlfriend before so I guess this is dating."
"Do you want to go to your house and play some video games?" Lori suggested.
Leo looked up, "Yeah let's play some video games! I'll show you the cool new level I got to today."
Lori and Leo then made their way to Leo's house across the street holding hands the entire way.
-Back to the Present-
-Ah my heart still beats!
-You might have a problem with that Lori? Remember that one time back in middle school?-
-Royal Woods Middle School 5 years ago-
A young Lori is so excited about her new phone she runs into the cafeteria line without looking, starting a domino topple of students and ending with Chef Pat exiting the kitchen, and getting covered in soup. Pat glares angrily at Lori, who quivers and runs out.
After Lori rans out of the cafeteria she kept running and running until she eventually made it to the library.
"Oh my gosh! What did I do I can never show my face ever again. I'm going to have to wear a paper bag on my head worse they'll probably have to homeschool me!" Lori yelled.
People in the room shushed Lori.
"Lori?" A voice said.
Lori turned and saw Leo walking towards her with a book in hand, "Leo what are you doing here? You should be having lunch?"
Leo gave a nervous chuckle, "Yeah you see the thing about that is...I have to get some studying done I'm kind of failing in history. So ignoring my bad grades what brings you here? Shouldn't you be having lunch?"
Lori started tear up and she grabbed Leo by the shirt, "I did something literally so embarrassing I might have to leave town!"
Leo grew curious, "What happened?"
After Lori explain what happened Leo had a neutral look on his face, "Well that definitely sounds like trouble, did you ever apologize?"
Lori shook him, "I was mortified. I can never show my face in the cafeteria again. Look, maybe you can do it?"
Leo frowned, "No, the apology has to be in person." Leo then grabbed her arm and pulled her to the cafeteria with Lori trying to get out of his grip.
Chef Pat exits the kitchen to stock up on oranges when she sees Leo and Lori standing in front of her. She growls, squishing one of the oranges and causing the remains to land on Leo's faces. Leo gives a annoyed look and wipe it off.
"Hello, Chef Pat. My girlfriend Lori wanted to tell you something." He glances behind to a petrified Lori holding him, then pulls her forward, causing her to yelp. Chef Pat angrily bounces another orange in her hand.
Lori nervously gulps, "So I was a tiny bit responsible for spilling soup in your hair and I just want to say I'm so sorry for that."
Chef Pat gave a deadpan look, "A bit? Because of you I got this thick and cheesy soup in my hair, I'm gonna have to shave her head."
Lori trembled in fear.
Chef Pat shrugs in an indifferent but acknowledging tone, "Well at least you had the guts to say sorry so your forgiven." She then walks off.
Lori breathes a sigh of relief.
Leo pats Lori's back, "Looks like your apology has been accepted."
Lori then passes out on floor.
Leo looks down at his girlfriend, "Lori? Oh snap!"
-Back to the Present-
-Ha ha ha. At least you were there to help. I could have ruined my whole middle school life.-
-Yeah now we're just surviving high school.-
-Ain't that truth. Even high school has it's ups and downs remember my Awkward phase...-
-Royal Wood's high school 3 year ago-
As Leo has grown so has his video game collection: Resident Evil, the first two Grand Theft Autos, Metal Gear Solid, Medal of Honor. He shoveled driveways in the winter, mowed lawns in the summer, and raked leaves in the fall, saving everything he made and putting it toward his gaming. He bought a PS2 when he was thirteen. He played everything. EVERYTHING. Even genres he didn't like.
And when the day was done and he went to bed, he had classic arcade games downloaded on his phone to help him fall asleep. Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Pitfall, Breakout, Mappy, Pole Position, even the infamous E.T., which was so freaking bad that it is often cited as the primary contributing factor to the Video Game Crash of '82. So many copies went unsold that they buried huge piles of them in the desert. It was bad, yeah, but not that bad. Of course, Leo loved gaming so maybe he was a little kinder in his assessment than he should have been.
During the rare moments that he wasn't playing video games, he was thinking about playing video games or otherwise engaged in the world of gaming. He watched every episode of The Angry Video Game Nerd twice, and made it a point to play all the games he reviewed. Some of them, he was right on the money. Others...he was just a big baby. "It's so haaaaard." No it's not. I beat it my first try, James. Tighten up. Then again, he was a comedian and if he knew one thing about comedians from living next door to one, it was that they exaggerate for the sake of humor.
For a while, he considered doing a similar webserie, but decided against it. AVGN had the market on bad games completely cornered and no one would want to watch a series on good games, would they? Boring. People wanted to watch something interesting, not a competent gamer playing an all-around great game. Pfft, what was interesting about that? Nothing. Nothing was interesting about it at all.
Or so he thought.
As the oldest of eleven, Leo was defacto in charge of his siblings and liked to think that he knew everything. Each day, like a normal teenager, he realized that he didn't. He was wrong just as much as he was right - just don't tell the others.
One of the things he was completely wrong about was people wanting to watch good gamers play good games. In hindsight, it made sense - people paid to watch good athletes play good sports.
That gave Leo an idea.
Mom and Dad only made so much and things were tight at home. Leo had to bust his hump to pay for games, his cellphone, gifts for Lori and other stuff. If he could make a little extra on the side doing what he loved, then...awesome. If he was good enough, he might even hit AVGN levels and make him living playing games.
Was there any job on earth more perfect than that?
At the beginning of June, he created a Twitch account and started streaming. At first, he had one, maybe two, viewers, but slowly, word got out and he watched in astonishment as his view count grew and grew. This was awesome! He even made money from donations.
As for Lori at some point in her preteen or early teenage years, she had acne and wore glasses and braces, which she describes as her "awkward stage." This made her high school life well awkward for a bit and high school was already awful the last thing someone need was to be different.
One day things took a turn for the worst for Lori. It had been a usual day in the school's cafeteria. Lori and Leo always ate their lunch with their friends together. Even into their sophomore year, they were always seen together. Lori had been the first to reach their usual spot, ready to dig in. Instead she heard a unpleasant voice.
"Looks, girls," a snide voice rose behind her, "It's Lori."
Darn it.
The smart thing to do would have been to ignore them, but teens weren't smart, as they surrounded her, three grade girls who all seemed somehow much bigger than her even though they were only a year or less older. The leader, Jenny Diamond flashed a cold, tight lipped smile and crossed her arms with a flourish, her hip cocking to one side. Lori looked her over she was pretty, fashionable, and so stuck up she needed a telescope to see her feet. Ahoy, thar they blow. Her friends were equally stylish...and equally mean: Claire, a black girl with big hoop earrings and clad in a denim jacket, the hem of which rested just above her stomach (I take it you put your little sister's on by mistake), and Bell, who really had no place making fun of anybody with all the zits and whiteheads on her face. She wore a black sweatshirt with queen across the chest in white cursive.
Lori took a deep breath. What were they going to make fun of this time? Her clothes? Her teeth? The fact that she got a free school lunch? That was the most annoying thing about these girls - you never knew.
She tried to look on the bright side and turn all of life's lemons into lemonade, but, let's face it, there is no bright side to being picked mercilessly apart by people who were bigger, richer, prettier, and all around better than you, to having your every flaw held up and ridiculed day after day after day. And don't say oh, honey, you're beautiful, like Mom does. She had two eyes and owned a mirror, she was very well aware that she was ugly.
She stole a quick look around - the lunch stood largely full and, wouldn't you know it, not a teacher in sight.
Sigh.
If someone's bullying you, tell. Okay, but how can I do that when the faculty is all MIA?
Uncrossing her arms, Jenny reached out and Lori flinched in expectation of a slap, scratch, or poke. Jenny's fingers brushed her hair, and the older girl sniffed. "A prime example of what knot to do. Get it?"
Jenny's toadies giggled, and Lori's face burned with a mixture of righteous indignation and shame. "When's the last time you brushed your rat nest, Lori?" Jenny asked in a patronizing tone and batted her eyes mockingly. "It's been a while, huh?"
"No," Lori said, even though, come to think of it, it had been a while. She didn't exactly, you know, what do they call it? "Take care of herself." There were so many things to do and think about that brushing her hair kind of fell by the wayside. She'd rather hang out with Leo, or her siblings, or text her friends, daydream, play golf. How could she do any of that stuff if she spent all her time trying to look pretty? Her looks mattered, sort of, but not...like...all that much.
Jenny chuckled in the back of her throat. "You guys know what Lori's favorite movie is?" The corners of her mouth sharpened and she leaned in; Lori cringed, and hated herself for it. A cruel glint shone in Amanda's eyes, and when she answered her own question, she spoke slowly, her pink glossed lips carefully pronouncing each letter. "Tangled."
Claire and Bell threw their heads back and laughed snottily. Jenny pursed her lips and crossed her arms again. "What's her favorite food?"
The blush on Lori's cheeks deepened and she hung her head in humiliation.
"Knot-chos."
Bell and Claire laughed even harder.
Was her hair really that bad? Her fingers tingled with the urge to check, but she resisted it; the key, she had learned, was to not let them know they were getting to her. If she pretended not to care, they'd go away.
"I think I see gnats jumpin' around," Claire said.
"I smell it," Bell gagged and pinched her nose. "Do you even take baths?"
"Yes, I take a bath every night," Lori retorted.
She wasn't lying that time, she really did bathe daily. Hey, she might have to fix her hair or ditch her acne, but she wasn't dirty. At least she didn't think she was. Now she really wanted to sniff her armpits and make sure she didn't stink - did she put deodorant on this morning? She didn't think, but to be fair she was in a hurry today.
Jenny snorted. "Do you wash your hair every night?"
"Yes," Lori said truthfully. She was starting to get mad. Why couldn't they just leave her alone? Why are some people so mean?
"It doesn't look like it," Jenny said. "It looks nasty." She flicked her eyes distastefully up Lori's body and wrinkled her nose. "Just like the rest of you." Shaking her head in disgust, Amanda turned and held her hand up, a signal for her troops to follow, "Gezz, butterface you stink! No wonder Leo is dating Carol now."
Lori glared, "Your lying! Leo is my best friend and boyfriend he would never leave me!" Lori snapped.
Jenny jumped back, but she kept her cool. She had to look tough in front of her girls, "Oh you didn't know Leo is talking to Carol right now probably gonna dump you at lunch."
Lori got up and Jenny was a little scared. Did she go to far was Lori gonna beat her up? Lori then ran off and left the room while the three bullies watched in fear.
Lori looked around for Leo, 'Leo where are you? Please let Amanda be wrong!' As Lori turned the corner Lori's heart sank as she watched Leo engaged in conversation with Carol Pingrey during their lunch. A pang of jealousy pricked at her, and for a moment, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. She watched a moment as Carol giggled and placed her hand on Leo's arm. Lori's tears fall.
Leo noted Lori and waved, but he also noticed her crying and walked to her with Carol following.
Unable to take anymore Lori was about to run, but Leo caught up to her and grabbed her arm.
Lori shook her head, "Let go!"
Leo turned Lori, "Lori what's wrong, why are crying? Why were you gonna run?"
Lori closed her eyes refusing to look at Leo, "Jenny! She told me your with Carol now...you cheated on me.."
Leo's eyes widen, "What?! No! I would never do that! Please let's just talk."
Lori opened her eyes and she saw Leo's eyes staring at her filled with concern.
Lori took a deep breath, "Ok." Lori then explained to Leo and Carol, "And that's what happened…" Lori finished her story. Leo's hands tightened at his sides while Carol was shocked.
"Those girls. I hate high school." Leo said.
"I'm sorry...I shouldn't have believed her, I'm so stupid." Lori apologized.
"Don't be." Leo tried to keep his anger at bay. "It's not your fault. I'd like nothing more to give them a piece of my mind."
"I-it's okay, Leo." Lori said sadly.
"It's not though!" He shouted out causing the girls to cover their ears. "Dang it!" Leo suddenly punched a locker causing a dent.
"Lori, listen!" Leo turned backed to Lori. "You're beautiful, okay?!"
Lori nodded, tears started leaving her tear ducts again.
"No if, ands, or buts. You are my beautiful girlfriend! Nothing will change that! Do you understand me?!" She nodded again.
"Umm, Lori." Carol nervously looks at Lori.
Lori looked towards Carol, "Yes, Carol?"
Carol rubbed her arm, "Leo loves you alot, the reason Leo and I were talking was cause he wanted us to try and be friends."
Lori was shocked, "Really?"
Carol nodded, " He told me you think I'm better than you?" She pauses, and gets slightly sheepish, "I kinda thought it was the other way around."
Lori is now confused she was about to say something but stopped herself.
"I mean, you made the varsity golf team, you have siblings who all look up to you and you have Leo who is such a amazing boyfriend." Carol chuckles, "And don't get me started on your hair, I will never have volume like that." Carol laughs, and picks up her own hair, "This takes like, six cans of dry shampoo, and it's still flat."
Lori was amazed, "Wow we could have been friends literally this whole time?"
"Kinda ridiculous when you think about it huh? Do you want to become friends now?" Carol asked.
Lori jumped and grabbed Carol's hands, "Yes let's become friends! I would love that!"
Leo looked between the two girls, "So no more sad faces right ladies?"
Lori smiled, "Yeah everything is fine now, hey what if we took a selfie together?"
Carol nodded and walked to her.
Lori and Carol got close together. They both bring Leo closer to them and taking out their phones out.
Leo blushed, "Hey what gives?!"
Lori chuckled, "What you're just taking a selfie with two beautiful girls? Nothing wrong with that.~"
Lori and Carol press their cheeks into Leo's and take the selfie.
-Back to the Present-
-Man that was a crazy day Leo Lion Lollipop, but at least Carol and I are friends.-
Leo noticed his break was ending so he decided wrap things up.
-Babe, you know I want you more than anything in the world. But you know if we keep this up any longer, you'll never stop! My break is gonna end!-
-That's why you are the best for me lollipop. Alright, I'm going to text later. Love you Leo. xoxoxoxoxo
-Love you too Queen of No, night night
Leo closed his messages while he was texting Lori he would occasionally take out a small box that contained a beautiful ring. It was the fruit of several hours of extra work. But it was worth it. All for a formal marriage proposal in the future.
Leo figured why not buy a ring early. You know? He give it to Lori when the time is right.
The End.