Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hello everyone and welcome to my Loud House fanfic. When searching for inspiration to write this fanfic. I saw a comic made by adullperson. Yes, that’s the name of the artist. I saw that comic and thought. This can work.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Loud House

Lincoln and Lori were driving away from Great Lake City after they said their goodbyes to the Casagrande's late afternoon. Mission Failed echoed in their thoughts. Bobby and Ronnie Anne decided to live with their extended family. The older siblings promised to call and text another each day to keep their love secure. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne agreed to a similar deal, but it was Lincoln assisting Ronnie on how to adjust to living with a large family. Her life got more chaotic

The long and quiet drive back to Royal Woods with only each other and the radio playing as company. They reflected on how easy it is to take things for granted when it’s right in front of you. Now it’s gone. Lori glanced at Lincoln during the ride home, wondering how he’s feeling about the situation. She clearly showed how she felt about her boyfriend moving with several emotional outbursts and fixing her ruined mascara. But what about him? They were close. Ronnie Anne wasn’t his girlfriend but Lori wished she was. It’s the perfect love story. Yet all love stories have their swarms of tragedy.

“She’s really gone,” Lincoln whispered as reality crushed him. They were at a stoplight. He was gazing out the window Lori observed his face through the window’s reflection. His sorrowful eyes glistened with tears as his lip quivered. Lincoln’s head sunk with quaky breaths. His sisters already had mountains worth of dirt on him so why add more to the pile.

Lori’s heart shattered each second she watched him. No one wants to see a loved one in such a state. Yet Lincoln’s holding it in. Why? She knows that she can get on his case like a lot, but they were still siblings. Didn’t he trust her? She did her best to comfort him while on the road by placing her hand on his shoulder. The floodgates burst. Lincoln embraced his sister letting his lamentations in her chest. Lori felt. Every. Single. Wail. Her brother unleashed.

“It’s okay, Linc. Just let it all out” Lori comforted, aware of what her outbursts were like. She gently his head as he continued to cry his soul out. Her top was getting soggy, but it was a minor price to pay to support Lincoln in his time of need. Lori used those few seconds to formulate a plan for Lincoln. She still had a two-hour drive to get back home but didn’t want him to sulk until then. Next to them was a woman in a red Honda Civic peered in into their van. Her gaze lasted too long for Lori’s liking. “HEY! A MOMENT OF PRIVACY PLEASE?!” She snapped using her drill instructor voice. The startled woman snapped her head forward. The light turned green, and Lori started to drive. Some people just don’t know how to MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS.

Lincoln became to calm down, letting out sniffs and hiccups now. He released his grasp on Lori. His face was soaked with tears and snot along with bloodshot eyes. Lori asked if he was okay. He only shrugged in response. Her eyes caught a turn sign for a burger joint. Lori turned and signaled into the lane. She found a parking spot and exited the van letting Lincoln collect himself for a few minutes then returned. Lori handed him a bag. Lincoln browsed through the bag. It contained a large fries with a bacon cheeseburger with extra onions. She was also holding a large coke and a chocolate shake and gave it to him. She had her own bag and beverage.

“Uh, Lori?” He questioned. He knows that his sister can genuinely be kind, but that was rare.

“You going to eat or what?” She asked, putting Vanzilla into drive, taking a sip of her Sprite. Lincoln offered some of his food, but she refused to say that she bought it for him, and she wasn’t that hungry. He slowly started to eat, not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth. His mood did improve a bit. Lori smirked, seeing him enjoy his food. He devoured his meal after a few minutes and unleashed a burp that would make Lynn impressed. Lincoln muttered a quiet ‘Excuse me.’ Lori waved it off. Lincoln was still in a somber mood but was better than before.

They arrived home in comfortable silence after some time and dump their debris in the trash before entering. The rest of the Loud sisters crowded them questioning what happened. The expression on the pair’s face gave them their answer.

“I’m heading to my room guys. I got homework to do” Lincoln mumbled walking past his sisters, heading up the stairs into his room.

“I’ll call you when it’s dinner time,” Lori said. He nodded. They heard his door closed. “We need to have a sibling meeting about this”

“What about Linky,” Leni asked, concerned for her little brother.

“The meeting is about him,” Lori answered. They quickly gathered in the Lori and Leni’s room. Lori gave them a summary of the events and the aftermath.

“Little dude’s taking it pretty rough,” Luna replied. The girls brainstormed for anything to help their only brother. However, their involvement in his romantic life often exploded in their faces literally in Lisa’s case. They concluded to not make a major deal out of it and allow Lincoln to heal. Dinnertime came around. For the first time in years. It was silent compared to the usual commotion that occurs in the Loud house. The girls tried to help in their conventional ways such as Luna with music, Leni with fashion, Luan with jokes, and Lucy with poems. Lincoln still participated in but little change. This cycle lasted for the entire weekend.

Monday. Every child’s least favorite day of the week unless it’s a holiday. No more fun or relaxation until the next weekend. The bell rung to signal the start of a new school day at Royal Woods Elementary. Students and teachers groaned dragging their feet back to class, preferring their souls ripped out instead. Lincoln couldn’t agree more. It’s almost a fact nobody like Mondays during a school week yet their mood shifts as time goes on.

Lincoln still has Monday Misery. He lacked his usual chipper attitude and enthusiasm. Mrs. Johnson called him out several times during class for being distracted. Clyde, Liam, Zach, and Rusty noticed his dour demeanor. They tried to cheer him up during lunch with jokes and invites to their favorite hangouts at their usual table. Lincoln only shrugged and sighed picking at his food.

“Hey, Lincoln. Where’s Ronnie Anne? We haven’t seen her all day.” Rusty questioned. The others agreed with him. Ronnie Anne was never late or absent. Plus, if everyone could bring Lincoln out of his rut. It’s Ronnie Anne. However, Rusty mention her name didn’t help Lincoln’s mood.

His shoulders slumped, and head lowered. He stood up, claiming that he lost his appetite and carried his tray and walked out the cafeteria. The group grew concerned about this situation. A question that they wanted to be answered is What about to Ronnie Anne over the weekend.

“Woah what did you guys think happened,” Rusty asked.

“Yeah Lincoln is sadder than a bull who lost his balls,” Liam said.

“Maybe the government got Ronnie Anne, and her family for discovering classified information or Lincoln was replaced by an alien” Zach offered one of his many conspiracy theories.

“Look I’ll talk to Lincoln to see what’s bring him down. We all know that involves Ronnie Anne in some way, shape, or form.” Clyde responded. The rest of the group nodded. Clyde and Lincoln were basically brothers.

“Good luck, Clyde,” Rusty said. Clyde thanked him and rushed to find Lincoln. He saw Lincoln after a few seconds walking with his hands in his pockets, barely acknowledging his surrounding almost bumping into several students.

“Hey, Lincoln, wait up!” Clyde yelling sprinting to Lincoln, who stopped upon hearing his name. The two began to walk in comfortable if not awkward silence in the empty hallway. The other students either have lunch or in class, “Hey man, you good?”

“Yeah. I’m. I’m fine” Lincoln mumbled looking at the ground.

“No, you’re not. Tell me what happened. Dr. Lopez always says it’s better to talk to someone about a problem instead of letting it fester like an old wound. Again what happened,” Clyde demanded wanting to help his oldest friend. Lincoln weighed his options. Tell Clyde or let the issue die. However, years of sisterly interrogations made him think otherwise. At least Clyde won’t act like a national emergency happened. Although they were relatively calm over the weekend regarding this issue.

“Remember when I said Lori and I were visiting Ronnie Anne and her extended family to try to convince her mom to let her stay in Royal Woods,” Lincoln replied.

“I take it that it didn’t work” Clyde acknowledged. He took Lincoln’s silence as his answer.

“I don’t know how to feel about this man. Yeah we can still visit, and video chat each other but … it’s not the same as having her around, you know?” Lincoln confessed.

“You’re taking this break-up pretty rough huh? Wait a sec does this mean Bobby and Lori broke up too?” Clyde asked, hopefully thinking now he has an actual shot with Lori.

“She wasn’t my girlfriend or anything like that, but she was the first girl I’ve felt that way for. This was better and different than what I had for Cristina,” Lincoln confessed. He recalls the embarrassing video exposing him kissing Lucy’s figurehead with a wig resembling Cristina’s hair. Cristina immediately swapped classes after that. The teasing, insults, people calling him Loser Lincoln lasted for weeks on end. Girls in school avoided him as he was contaminated.

It’s been months since the video and Cristina wouldn’t even acknowledge his existence. Ronnie Anne gave him hope. “Also no they’re still dating. They’re trying a long-distance relationship.”

“Alright, man. If you want to talk about it. Let’s do it after school.” Clyde responded, feeling disappointed about his chances with Lori but helping his bro Lincoln took priority. All the times, Lincoln helped him with his issues. It’s customary that Clyde does the same for him.

“Why after school, man?” Lincoln questioned with a raised eyebrow. Clyde grabbed Lincoln shoulder leaned in a while, shifting his eyes to scan the hallway.

“Lincoln. School isn’t the best place to talk about don’t you think? Besides it for your safety,” Clyde firmly answered.

“Wait a minute, my safety? Lincoln asked. He understood that talking about it during class won’t be a great idea due to the teachers calling upon them.

“Just trust me on this one, Lincoln,” Clyde replied. Lincoln paid no mind to it thinking it was just Clyde being paranoid again as they continued walking. They’re being followed.

“I don’t know the whole ‘for my own safety’ think but thanks, bro. I … I really appreciate it” He thanked Clyde by giving him a one-armed bro hug.

“Don’t worry about it, considering everything that happened.” Clyde waved off. The five-minute bell rung telling the students to get to your next class.

“By the way, what’s our next class?” Lincoln asked. A chill shot up Clyde’s spine sending his brain into panic mode. Clyde’s hair on the back of his neck stood up. He turned his head.

“Crap they know” Clyde whispered. His worst fears for the today were confirmed. The empty hallway wasn’t so empty after all. They were being stalked like prey. A pride of hungry lioness ready to pounce on their prey. Lincoln looked at Clyde in confusion. Who’s they? Clyde quickly grabbed Lincoln’s arm and stared directly into his eyes. “Lincoln, run.” He warned.

“What?” Lincoln asked fearfully before feeling their piercing gaze.

“I SAID RUN!” Clyde ordered, pushing him forward. “I’LL HOLD THEM OFF. BACK YOU FOUL BEASTS!” Lincoln sprinted as swiftly as his skinny legs can carry him. He only caught a glimpse of who was following him. Five girls around his age. He knew two of them being Cookie and Jenny, who are his classmates. The other three were unfamiliar to him as he didn’t know their names. However, they each had a distinctive feature. One was wearing a panda cap. A blonde with long hair wearing a thick white turtleneck sweater. Finally, who can only be described as shy as she was in the back, hiding behind the edge of lockers.

Lincoln stopped. His palms are sweaty, knees weak, and arms are heavy. He sat down, trying to make sense of what’s going on. He breathed in and out to calm himself. He waited for a few seconds to see if they were around, ready to ambush him like an assassin. Nothing. Students and faculty were just going about their day. Lincoln checked his watch. He had two minutes and thirty seconds to get to class. He got back up and speed-walked to his next class. Thankfully it’s one of his favorites being art.

Art was one of the few places Lincoln felt he can be himself. He remains vigilant on his way to art. Right now. A target on his back. He made to class with a minute to spare greeting his group. Clyde made it by the skin of his teeth gasping for breath and drenched in sweat looking worse for wear but not enough for the teacher to be concerned. Then came Cookie with a deadpan expression and Jenny who grinned and at waved at him. Lincoln nervously waved back.

“Hey, Clyde. You okay?” Lincoln whispered. He received a thumbs up and wheezing as an answer. The bell rang for the class to begin. Lincoln started to sketch, thinking about what happened in the hallway. Why did those girls appear? Is this why Clyde wanted to talk after school? How the hell did they get on top of the lockers without anyone noticing? Was this planned and were they following them the whole time? He understood Cookie and Jenny because they were classmates but what about the other three?

Class ended before he knew it and made his way to the next lesson. Lincoln felt the same piercing gaze. He couldn’t locate where it was coming among the horde of students moving throughout the hallway. He saw one of them hiding in the crowd. The shy one. She began to walk towards him, smiling with her visible eye closed and the other hidden by her hair. Should he run? Nope, the crowd is too congested. Confront her like a man? Lincoln is desperately trying to grab for a plan, so she moved closer and closer.

“Hey, Lincoln, let’s go or we’re going to be late” One of his friends yelled rescuing him. Lincoln ran to the safety of his friends.

“Thanks, guys,” Lincoln said gratefully for their help. Clyde told them whatever and are willing to help. Lincoln glanced behind him to see if the girl was still following. She stopped but continues to smile. A student broke his line of sight of her for a second to find her gone. It reminded Lincoln of Lucy but instead of appearing. It’s disappearing. He ushered his friends to get to class faster.

“Soon you’ll be mine, Lincoln. All mine,” The shy girl whispered to herself, holding a tiny figurine of Lincoln. She kissed it before going to class.

This cycle continued for the remainder of the day. Lincoln’s friends formed a defensive perimeter around him in class and never letting him out of their sight. Lincoln was appreciative of their efforts but was concerned as was all this necessary. He was in homeroom watching the tortuous tick waiting to be released. Lincoln kept an eye on Jenny and Cookie, who gave him glances during class. He never paid them much mind, but what happened at lunch. He wasn’t going to take that gamble.

The final bell rang, and the class cheered as they rushed out of the room with Miss Johnson reminding everyone about their assignment due for the week. Some of the students still lounge around in the class. Lincoln slowly packed his bag to buy himself some time, but he didn’t want to keep Lori waiting if she was outside already. Zach, Liam, Rusty, and Clyde were already out. He now must risk the gauntlet. He took his time as he kept a watchful eye as five huntresses made him a target.

He found his friends relaxing at a table and took comfort being in relative safety. However, living with ten sisters gave him a sixth sense allowing him to know if he’s being watched. Lincoln eyes shifted like a guilty man and turning his head to the sides so quick his friends thought his head would twist off.

“Lincoln you alright? You’re more nervous than a turkey on Thanksgiving,” Liam asked.

“I’m fine guys,” Lincoln stammered. Any male would be happy for females to chasing him until it happens. Fantasy turned into a horrifying reality. However, he had his team with him. If they’re together. They shall prevail.

BEEP! BEEP!

“Oh, that’s my ride. Later” Rusty said, grabbing his bag and made his way to his parents’ car. One team member down. Then Zach. Liam. Now just two remained. The duo known as Clincoln Mcloud. Sadly, the duo became solo as Clyde’s dads arrived. Clyde looked at Lincoln, not wanting to leave him to his unknown fate. Yet he must.

“Meet me at my house as soon you can” Clyde whispered as he gave Lincoln a bro hug. Lincoln watched him leave. Now he was alone. His body was tense with sweat slowly rolling down his face as his rapid heartbeat drummed throughout his ears. He remembered Lola’s breathing techniques that she used during her pageants.

“Okay, Lincoln. In and out. In and out,” He repeated. His mind and body were at peace. It worked. All he had to do was wait for Lori. If only it were that easy. His breath was caught when the hunting pack from the halls appeared a fair distance from him. And he was a lowly rabbit primed for the picking.

They had him surrounded and making their way closer and closer to him. Lincoln’s heart dropped with each inch. His lips were dry and gulped in anxiety. The man with the plan needed a plan. Now. Run? But run where and have Lori turn him into a pretzel about where he was?! Fight? Not even an option. He didn’t know how far Lori is. The only thing Lincoln can do is submit to their demands. The girls stopped and smiled at him. It didn’t comfort Lincoln. If this was any other situation. Lincoln would be ecstatic.

“Hey, Lincoln” The sweater girl smiled.

“Hey Caroline” Lincoln stuttered. Thankful that Rusty told him their names

“We noticed that you haven’t been yourself today,” Cookie asked, taking a seat next to him leaning close to him. “Is everything okay?” Her often stern face relaxed.

Lincoln was confused. Was he that obvious? Cookie and Jenny made sense as they were classmates. Yet why were the other girls here? They weren’t friends and in different classes. The question that remains. Why were they after him the hallway?

“Yeah you were off of it” Serena responded wearing her signature panda cap sitting on the other side of him.

“Really? Don’t worry about it. I just had a rough morning. That’s all” Lincoln grinned rubbing the back of his head. He was unaware how close the two girls were to him, and the other girls were tightening their fists at the pair’s antics.

“It sounds more than a rough morning considering your home life,” Evelyn the shy girl added.

Lincoln stumbled for an answer. Two girls at his sides and the other three in front along with the questions. This was an interrogation. Does he plead the fifth or tell the truth?

“Hey Twerp, hurry up!” Lori yelled, honking the honk. His savior. He bid his goodbyes to the groups and rushed to Vanzilla.

The girls sighed as they watched the van drive off. So close they collective thought. Mission failed

“Miss it by this much” Jenny groaned planting her head on the table.

“Don’t worry, there’s always tomorrow,” Evelyn comforted.

“We might not get tomorrow for what happened at lunch,” Caroline replied. The girls gazed down, ashamed at their actions. When they are heard that their obstacle, Ronnie Anne Santiago, was removed. They pounced and chased on Lincoln without thinking. Terrifying him.

“Jenny or I should’ve talked to him instead. Now he’s scared of us,” Cookie solemnly said observing how terrified Lincoln of them.

“We got to apologize or at least keep our distance from him for a while. This would give Lincoln time to recover,” Jenny replied. The rest nodded.

“Hey we can still get him guys, but we have to change our methods” Caroline added. They can’t swarm on him. One-on-one would be the preferred method. “QTs unite?” She placed her hand out. The other girls grinned and placed their hands on top of each other.

“QTs untie,” they said unison. “Better watch your back Lincoln Loud. You’ll be mine soon.” They collectively thought to themselves crafting a plan to claim superiority over the other girls.

A chill shot up Lincoln spine causing him to flinch and look around rapid for the cause. His sisters were concerned about their brothers’ actions.

“Yo dude you alright man?” Luna questioned.

“I’m fine Luna,” Lincoln said, feeling like a broken record. He needs to get to Clyde’s house. Now. He asked Lori to drop him off at Clyde’s home. Lori surprisingly agreed with no issue. Lincoln cheered to himself. Operation: Figure out why those five girls were chasing him and being suddenly kind to him while trying to get over Ronnie Anne’s moving away and find a shorter name for this plan is a go. There’s something else. A feeling he can’t shake off no matter he does. The haunting sense of Deja Vu. Something yelled at Lincoln about this unsettling yet familiar feeling but it’s new. He didn’t know what it was. Something changed but what. Lincoln pushed those thoughts away focusing on this later chat with Clyde.

Lisa read one of her books in the backseat. Something caught her eye too far for normal eyes but her glasses focused on it. She glared at the drone. Too advanced for anything in the current times. It vanished. Fury raged underneath her exterior as it vanished. This wasn’t good.

(Whistles) Lincoln sure got his work cut off for him. What are these QTs planning for little ole Lincoln? What Clyde going to talk about? Anyways thanks for reading. Review. Favorite and follow if you like. Have a good day.

Chapter Text

Lori arrived at the McBrides home. Lincoln thanked her and told her he’ll be back home before dinner. He walked to the door as they drove off.

“I wonder what Lincoln wanted at Clyde’s houses,” Luan asked, noticing how urgent Lincoln requested it.

“Probably something nerdy like comics, video games, ARGGH or whatever,” Lynn replied, nonchalantly tossing a tennis up and down.

“My best estimate is that Lincoln is relaying his worries to Clyde after what happened with Ronnie Anne. Clyde is the closest to our sole male sibling beside us.” Lisa answered with a lisp.

“Wouldn’t it be simpler if he just talked to us” Luna offered. They’re his sisters, making them his first option for help.

“Do I have to spell it out for you? The amount of time Lincoln mentions Ronnie Anne. We tend to go overboard ruining whatever plans he initially had as we outnumber him ten to one. Plus, we often ignore what he says. Clyde is the best option for Lincoln’s recovery as he won’t overreact compared to us and considers his words.” Lisa explained. “Besides spending time with close companions have been proved to be effective at overcoming grief.”

“I agree with Lisa. Our brother needs time to brighten his soul. A true companion can make even death a worthwhile experience.” Lucy blankly responded unnerving her family

“Dudette’s right. The good thing is that he’s talking it out instead of sulking in his room all day” Luna agreed albeit creeped out with Lucy’s answer.

Lynn groaned, rolling her eyes at this. “Can’t he just get it over already?” She replied. She received numerous glares for her answer. Lynn has never been the sensitive type when it comes to Lincoln.

“Oh. What’s your master game plan? Forcing him to do sports again. Or better yet find him another girl without him knowing because that worked so well the last time” Lori scoffed. Lucy, Lynn, Luan, and Luna had a look of shame on them. Their ‘attempt’ of getting Lincoln a Sadie Hawkins dance date nearly destroyed him and could’ve ended horribly. Four dates to dance and forcing himself to juggle between all of them. He confronted them about it. What did they do? Let him put out the dumpster fire that they created himself. Fortunately, it ended in a best-case scenario with each of Lincoln’s friends getting a date for the dance and Lincoln hanging out with Ronnie Anne at the arcade.

Lori gave them a strict scolding about their act and how easily that could’ve gone wrong. Granted, it was mainly out of the preservation with her relationship with Bobby but told how that might obliterate Lincoln’s faith and trust in them potentially hating them. Lincoln hating them was a universal fear among the Loud sisters. They’re already on thin ice after the Sister fight protocol and the Bad luck incident. They apologized while Lynn is a particular case, especially with the Bad luck. He accepted it, but they wonder if he simply did it to get it over with. It still breaks their hearts on how easy they stabbed their brother in the back.

“Our eldest sibling is correct. Our meddling is supportive yet counterproductive in Lincoln’s romantic endeavors, thus causing a lack of faith in us as he constantly hides any activity he does with Ronnie Anne. Allowing him to do things on his terms will yield better results. That also includes finding a suitable romantic partner.” Lisa commented

“If Lincoln does find a girl. Hopefully, she’s just as lovely and elegant as me.” Lola bragged, flipping her hair. Lana just squinted her eyes at her. “What? I’m a princess.”

“I’ve seen frogs more ‘lovely’ and elegant’ than you” Lana mocked.

“Oh! Do I have to make princess dresses?” Leni addressed.

“Don’t even think about it, Lola” Lori interrupted before Lola can open her mouth. Lola’s comment sparked interest among them about what Lincoln’s potential future girlfriend should be. “Can we please talk about this when we get home?”

Lincoln knocked on the door, then Howard came and answered it.

“Oh, hey, Lincoln. Come inside. Clyde told us you were coming.” Howard greeted.

“Thanks, Mr. McBride,” Lincoln said following the lanky red head man in the house.

Lincoln still get over how different the McBride’s house was to his. It was tidy to where you can potentially eat off the floor. Lana already did that for him. Quiet. Clyde often had to remind him that he was yelling. Spacious. The Loud House has more rooms such as a second floor and an attic but thirteen people with pets along with storing various awards and equipment. It felt cramped at times with a pair of children sharing a room expect Lincoln. Compared to the McBride’s home with just three people with two cats. The difference was noticeable, making it one of Lincoln’s few safe zones away from his chaotic family.

“Good day, Lincoln nice seeing you again,” Harold yelled from the kitchen. “Clyde’s in his room. Just call us if you two need anything. Also, Lincoln” Lincoln stopped to face Harold. “Clyde told us what happened with Ronnie Anne. He gave us a summary. Don’t worry about giving us the full story. I must respect doctor/patient confidentiality as a medical professional. Plus, I know what you're going through. Granted it’s a part of life. My best advice. Don’t let it get you down. Believe me. I saw my fair share of tragedies in years as a doctor and my relationship with Howie” Howard went to comfort his husband as they both remember the countless death threats, taunts, and insults they’ve experienced over the years. Still to this day.

“Hare-Bear is right Lincoln. Life can be rough. Some more than others. Like with Ace Savvy no matter how much the villains beat you down. Keep standing up. Besides, you and Ronnie can see and visit one another. Hopefully, it can develop into something more. If not find someone that made you feel as she did.” Howard sagely contributed. “Sorry about the drama bomb. Head to Clyde’s room for your ‘bro talk.’ We’ll bring you two some snacks later.”

Lincoln smiled and thanked them and made his way back to Clyde’s room. The advice the McBride’s offered stuck with him. Find someone else that made him feel the same as Ronnie? They were just friends, but he wasn’t against the idea of being in a relationship with her. He still remembers staring at his room ceiling recalling all good times they had together after he came back from Great Lake City. The jokes. Dance battles at Games and Grub. It’s all in the past now. She stayed then maybe they could have. He shook his head to get those thoughts and feelings out. She moved. Accept it. Lincoln thought. He knocked on Clyde’s door. Clyde opened his door and smiled upon seeing his friend.

“Welcome my man. Let’s talk.” Clyde said doing their signature handshake and letting Lincoln in his room. “Tell Dr. McBride what happened over the weekend.” He asked as they found some seats.

“Isn’t one of your dads already Dr. McBride?” Lincoln joked. The two shared a laugh.

“You got me there, bro.” Clyde snickered. “Anyway, back to the question.” He circled back to the conversation’s focus.

“Alright. I’ll tell you. It’s kind of a long one,” Lincoln said with a sigh. Those somber emotions returned to his shoulders,

“I got time,” Clyde replied, looking at his watch. Lincoln shrugged and told him about his time in Great Lake City. How he bonded and enjoyed his time with the Casagrande family. His reaction to Ronnie Anne staying her extended family. The ride back home and his moment with Lori which he didn’t mind telling Clyde. Clyde remains silent listening to get the full story and adding his five cents to parts of the story.

“Well that’s what happened, and now we’re here,” Lincoln concluded.

“How did your other sisters take the news,” Clyde asked fully aware of their meddling in Lincoln’s romantic life. There’s no way his sisters were going to let this be ignored

“Surprisingly, they were calm about it. My sisters still tried to help me, but it was subtle compared to their other methods. I guess Lori told them to ease up. Knowing them, they’ll still do it.” Lincoln added. They’re probably having a sister’s meeting right now.

“I know my dads talk to you about this. I suggest you take it, man. They know what they’re talking about. Plus Dr. Lopez would probably say the same thing as I’m trying to get over Lori or at least control myself around her” Clyde told. Lincoln smacked his ears, attempting to clear any debris, hoping that he heard his best friend correctly.

“Hold up. You’re trying to get over Lori? Why?” Lincoln questioned baffled yet happy at Clyde’s declaration. Clyde had a crush a Lori for years. He tried to help him over his sister on numerous occasions.

“Dr. Lopez told me multiple stories about guys who were obsessed with someone who didn’t like them romantically. They did anything and everything to get their attention. I thought she was making it up, but I checked out the stories.” Clyde explained with a heavy heart. “The news articles and reports. The things that those monsters did to someone that they claim they loved. I puked at the graphic details. The realization punched me. I was on the same path. I didn’t want to do that to Lori or you. I even tore down my poster of Lori” He pointed at the empty space on his wall while taking off his glasses to wipe his eyes. Lincoln hugged Clyde knowing how emotional he can get.

“Hey, hey, hey it’s okay, man. The good thing that is you acknowledged it and working improve yourself, so you don’t go that route.” Lincoln comforted. He’s a good guy making the route virtually impossible.

“The thing that sold it for me was when I was reading a news article and in one of the pictures when Dr. Lopez when she was younger. She was friends with one of the victims. I guess she trying to prevent history from repeating itself.” Clyde addressed frightened that she saw in him as a monster in the making. “Wait. I’m supposed to be helping you not the other way around,” He corrected himself on the situation.

“Sorry about that, man. There’s something I’ve meant to ask you since lunch. When you said, we should talk after school for my safety. Those girls chasing us. Was that what you mean about looking out for my safety? Also, who’s the ‘they’?” Lincoln asked, trying to make sense of the prior situation. Clyde looked out of his window and closed the blinds. He sighed preparing himself.

“Alright, Linc. It’s time that you know about the QTs,” Clyde ordered. These two weren’t the only having a discussion. Miles away the group that Clyde mentioned were having a meeting in a dark debriefing room about their target. Lincoln Loud.

“Welcome my fellow QTs to our meeting,” Caroline announced. “We received an update on our greatest enemy. Ronnie Anne has officially moved away over the weekend.” By pressing a button on her remote. Ronnie’s picture appeared on a projector screen labeling her as a threat.

“It’s true as it came from Lincoln’s mouth himself this morning around lunch, which can explain his mood for most of the day. Me and Shy heard it ourselves,” Cookie added as Evelynn nodded. Murmurs erupted among them.

“However, there are still threats to consider” Caroline commented as a collage of girls appeared on the next slide. “Such as Lincoln’s Sadie Hawkins dance dates and Cristina.” She informed the group.

“Excuse me? Why is Cristina still a threat? Didn’t she switch classes after that video came out” Jenny addressed wondering why Lincoln’s former crush is on their watch list. She transferred out their class.

“The classic old flame, Brown QT. A rekindled romance. We MUST consider that possibility” Caroline demanded before calming herself. “As for his dates. Four of his sisters being Luna, Luan, Lynn & Lucy were able to successfully convince their respective friend them to go on a date with Lincoln. They enjoyed themselves at the dance with him. We easily think of reasons why they able to agree.” She implied.

“He’s okay,” Cookie muttered, twirling her brown hair as her friends smirked. “Lincoln’s one of the better boys in our grade. Plus he can cook,” She remarked.

“He’s cute like a rabbit” Serena giggled. “I just want to find him carrots,”

“He isn’t judgmental and supportive, especially with his family. Have you seen the amount of effort he puts in helping Lola win her pageants” Evelyn mentioned as she blushed.

“That buck-toothed smile of his.” Caroline cooed as her face grew red.

“He’s got a nice butt too” Jenny chuckled.

Caroline cleared her throat, gathering their attention. “Ok, back to business. We must know who’s the main threat among the four,” She declared.

“It’s Haiku,” Evelyn stated. The group looked at her in surprise. They asked how did she obtain such knowledge? “Remember the whole yearbook thing him and Clyde did a few weeks ago. Haiku and Lucy are a part of the Morticians Club. They got in the picture with Haiku’s consent. Lucy didn’t do anything with it.” She revealed.

“So Haiku is the one we got to watch out for” Jenny acknowledged. “What about the other three?” She pointed to Polly, Giggles and Tabby.

“Nothing as of now. Plus those girls don’t seem to be friends.” Serena added with a shrug.

“Excellent as we don’t need a rival faction. Does anyone have anything else to add before we leave.” Caroline responded. The QTs shook their heads. “Alright then let’s recap the rules.”

“We’re friends yet rivals in romance. The pursuit of Lincoln Loud is a free for all. No sabotage yet help is allowed. Sharing Lincoln is an impossible goal. He chooses one of us or none of us. Choosing to pursue someone other than Lincoln is acceptable as love is a fickle mistress.” They whispered together. A knock came from the door, and a middle-aged woman with blonde wearing thick blue turtleneck sweater entered the room.

“Caroline, sweetie are you done with your little meeting?” The woman asked.

“Yeah, we’re done mom,” Caroline answered.

“Great! I make some brownies if your friends want any “Caroline’s mom responded. The QTs followed her as her brownies were to die for.

“So let me get this straight. There’s a group of girls that likes me as in likes me,” Lincoln started trying to make sense out of all of this. His fingers were massaging his head.

“Yep,” Clyde clarified.

“Now that Ronnie’s gone. They know they have a free claim on me,” Lincoln continued.

“Pretty much my guy,” Clyde nodded. Lincoln facepalmed, dragging his hands on his face in frustration.

“You mind handing me that pillow,” Lincoln mumbled as his frustrations soared.

“Sure thing, pal,” Clyde replied. Lincoln thanked him before taking a deep breath and shoving his face into the pillow, unleashing muffled screams. “Let it all out Lincoln.” He encouraged.

“Hey, guys I brought homemade fruit cups. Um is he okay” Howard chimed in upon seeing Lincoln tossing a temper tantrum while yelling into a pillow.

“He’s alright, dad. Just getting some of his anger out” Clyde waved off.

“Ah, the good old ‘Scream into a pillow’ method. Always a good emergency stress relief. Howard contributed. “I’ll leave these here in case you get hungry and let you two get back to whatever you’re doing” He exited leaving two cups on the dresser. Clyde got up from his bed and grabbed them, handing one of them to Lincoln who laying on the ground with the pillow still attached to his face. He sat up as he took it from Clyde’s hand. The fruit cup was a modest-sized container filled with a lovely array of various fruits such as cherries, blueberries, grapes, banana chunks, and honeydew.

“What am I going to do Clyde” Lincoln groaned while munching on some fruit. Oh man, these are fresh.

“Panic” Clyde suggested enjoying his snack. Lincoln glared at him for a bit. He eased his shoulders.

“That’s what you would do. I’m smart enough to know not to milk this like with my sisters when I was the tie-breaker between going to Dairyland or the Beach” Lincoln replied recalling how he had to break his back to atone for his actions as their family went back to the campsite. Again.

“How about asking one of them out?” Clyde suggested. It’s the most obvious idea. Put one and done. “Most guys would kill to have five girls that actually like them.” Lincoln pondered on that suggestion. Should he ask one of them out?

“I’m not against it, but it’s way too soon. I believe that’s what Lori calls a ‘rebound’ which according to her are never good. Plus, I don’t want her to turn me into an extra soft pretzel with cheese.” Lincoln responded now craving pretzels.

“Knowing your sisters. They’ll probably set you up with one of them or your ‘dates’ from the Dance again” Clyde added. Lincoln shuttered at how he Matrix dodged a bullet that night thanks to his friends.

“They probably will but as long as I keep calm about this. Things should be fine, hopefully.” He wished. Lincoln checked his watch and saw that it was around five o’clock. He needs to head home soon. He finished his fruit cup and thanked Clyde for the talk. They do their signature handshake before Lincoln set off back home. He said his goodbyes and thanks to Mr. and Mr. McBride. Harold asked if Lincoln needed a ride home. Lincoln declined his offer claiming that he’ll walk and that he needs to clear his head about some things. The large black man raised his hands signaling “Say no more” as a pleasant walk can clear a troubled mind. The couple wished a safe travel home as Lincoln went out the door.

Royal Woods was peaceful around this time. Kids coming back from after school activities or playing the park. Parents finished with their jobs for the day. Years of living in a literal loud house. It’s great to have tiny moments of peace and quiet. Lincoln took it all in as he walked back home. He wondered what his sisters are doing right now, probably doing their own thing. He hoped they’re not attempting to insert themselves in his love life. Again.

Oh, how little he knew.

“Alright Sibling meeting begins now” Lori ordered using her shoe as a gavel. “Today’s meeting will help decide what traits should Lincoln ‘potential’ girlfriend should have. Even though the Loud-Santiago romance shall hold firm” They started from youngest to oldest except for Lily who’s currently taking a nap in her room.

“An intellectual or someone to match wits with. I can’t have my male genetic counterpart reproduce with someone containing an underdeveloped brain,” Lisa started. The Loud sisters agreed as intelligence is a must in most relationships.

“A princess like me,” Lola bragged. Lana rolled her eyes at her.

“An animal lover that’s willing to get down and dirty in the mud” Lana added. Their house contains a lot of pets even more in Lana case.

“A logical choice as animal caretakers show high levels of empathy,” Lisa informed. Why be in a relationship with someone if you can’t emotionally connect with them.

“A lover of fine literature,” Lucy blankly spoke.

“A tough girl that can whip his skinny butt into shape” Lynn gloated tossing a tennis ball up and down.

“Great sense of humor that ‘Linc’ them together” Luan chuckled slapping her knee as they groan at her puns.

“Someone who can unleash some killer tunes.” Luna continued.

“Can you come back to me, please?” Leni whispered

“Behind every great man is a great woman. Someone capable of taking charge. That’s what Lincoln needs. What about you, Leni?”

“I guess as long as they love Linky for who he is. That’s fine with me.” Leni confessed. They were astonished that Leni could produce such a mature answer.

“Wow you really took this to heart,” Lori remarked. Leni nodded at her older sister.

“Linky loves us for who we are. He deserves someone will do that same. Like we always try to change him in what we want, especially you. That’s totes unfair” Leni articulated as she moved her hands as if to craft something then pointing her finger at Lynn “ I know I’m not smartest, but he still cares and didn’t give up on me like when he helped with my driving.”

“Hey, I care about him too. He needs to toughen up” Lynn retorted standing abruptly. “The world can and will chew up and spit you out.”

“For once Lynn is right. Lincoln’s sedentary lifestyle will have detrimental complications if not corrected.” Lisa spoke as Lynn smugly smirked as the smartest member of their family is on her side. “However, Leni has a point as well. Lincoln’s body isn’t as adapted to intensive physical labor as you are. His body can’t handle the stress as you, which can lead to heart and muscle problems similar to having too little exercise. There are reports of people, unfortunately, died from one or the other”

“Come on, I’m not that bad. He just needs to man up, that’s all,” Lynn replied. They groaned at her answered. Seriously Lynn, is that your answer for everything? For basically bullying Lincoln and even though her activities can fatally harm their only brother.

“Someone tells you to be more ladylike, trying to turn you into Lola or me. How would that make you feel?!” Leni shouted, irate at Lynn’s indifference towards Lincoln. “We already messed up with Lucy” Lola peeked at the chance to give Lynn a makeover but reconsidered on how uncomfortable it made Lucy.

“I’ll make them lose some teeth and tell them to accept me for who I am,” Lynn answered, unaware of her hypocrisy.

“Doesn’t Linky deserve the same? You can fight back. He can’t. Not with us.” Leni admitted. Lynn opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Leni was actually right about something. Twice. Lynn didn’t know if this was a sign of the apocalypse or Leni had a functional brain after all.

“Now I feel crummy,” Luna thought out loud. That feeling was mutual among the sisters as they reflected upon their opinions. It was selfish compared to Leni’s. Lincoln has been helping them as long as they could remember. Never in their lives has once Lincoln joked or mocked them for interests. Yet they do from him watching comics in his underwear, him going to Ace Savvy conventions in his homemade outfit and video games. Everything about him.

“Anything else about Lincoln,” Lori announced wanting to resolve this somber atmosphere.

“What about me?” Lincoln suddenly spoke, starling his sisters as he opened the door upon hearing his name. His sisters were scrambling for any answers. How didn’t they heard him open the front door and climbing up the steps?

“Oh um, we were … talking about … um” Lori stuttered with an uneasy smile.

“Lynn started her period!” Luan interrupted. Lincoln mouthed an okay as this was a private matter.

“DUDE!” Lynn angrily shouted as her face turned crimson, throwing the tennis ball at her prankster sister’s head. Luan narrowly dodged it. It was technically correct but out of all possible things. That’s what came out of Luan’s mouth?! Lincoln snapped his fingers, turning them into finger guns as he slowly strolled back to his room. Living with all girls have taught him a few things about how the female body operates. The sisters released a sigh of relief, hearing his door close.

“Nice save Luan,” Lori acknowledged.

“Rather unorthodox yet effective. A personal matter regarding the female body is an excellent deterrent,” Lisa agreed. The door opened again. Lincoln came back holding a Ziplock bag containing mini chocolates.

“Here you go, Lynn,” Lincoln said, giving it to Lynn.

“Hold up, is this your personal stash?” Lynn puzzled. Chocolate is like gold to the Loud siblings, often fighting for it. Each sibling has one either for personal consumption or currency in exchange for favors.

“Yep. I know chocolate helps after seeing it with Mom, Lori, Leni, Luna, and Luan. Plus it’s a difficult time for you. It’s the least I can do to help.” Lincoln explained. He and his father frequently had to barricade or hide whenever ‘Aunt Flo’ visits one of their family members. Lynn tried to give the bag back, but Lincoln placed it back in her hands. “Keep it. I got a few stashes in reserve. See you guys at dinner. I got a math test this week”

They watch him go back to his room. Lynn stared at the bag. It was filled with over a dozen of her favorite chocolate, Snickers. She held her head pondering about this act. Her brother willfully gave up a portion of his chocolates despite knowing it’s value in their house to assist her. It was an easy victory, but Lynn hates … no loathes anything easy.

“See what I mean,” Leni related to their previous topic. Lynn signed before launching a Snicker in her mouth. The twins look at the bag then at Lynn.

“You going to share that,” They said together. Lynn grabbed some of the mini Snickers and tossed it to them. “Also what’s a period.” The elder half of the sisters cringed at the explanation they were about to give to the younger ones.

Lincoln was at his desk practicing algebra and wondering about the knowledge Clyde handed him a while ago. A high pitch shriek broke his concentration, and many doors slammed. He chuckled, knowing that his home was back to normal, relatively speaking. Now if he only his school life would do the same.

The drone earlier today scanned his house. It focused on Lisa’s room and surveyed anything of interest. She had a barrier blocking some of it’s scanning capabilities but it found what’s looking for. The dimensional traveling watch.

This is going to be goooood. Looks like the QTs are about to make their move? How’s Lincoln going to respond to their advances? We just have to wait and see.

Anyways thanks for reading. Review. Follow and favorite if you liked the story. :)

Chapter Text

Lincoln, groggy, arose from his slumber, interrupted by his beeping alarm clock. Tuesday is the real least favorite day of the week. Everyone complains about Monday but Tuesday is a rough kick in the pants. He shut off his alarm and stretched. A series of cracks echoed throughout his body.

“OOOOOOHHHHH. That was a good one,” Lincoln moaned, feeling satisfied after popping his stiff joints. He yawned and smacked his lips, grabbed his towel, and made his way to the bathroom. Today was Lincoln’s lucky day as he was the first to get to the shower. All the hot water was for him. He entered the shower and stripped to his birthday suit. The hot water relaxed his body and soothed his mind. The bath has forever been one of the best places to solve life mysteries. Practice your singing skills and win imaginary arguments. Today’s life mystery is how is to combat these QTs? The man with the plan didn’t need a plan as plans were short-term. He needs a … strategy. Those were long-term. He needs a great strategy.

First step: analyze and know what you’re dealing with. Jenny and Cookie, aka Brown and Cookie(Still strange that’s her nickname as well) QT. These two are the critical threats, at least to him, as they have immediate access to him due to being classmates. Next is Caroline, aka Sweater QT. She’s the leader, according to Clyde. But Caroline doesn’t have as many chances to interact with him besides Lunch and gym. Thus, she’s a mid-tier threat. Finally Serena and Evelyn, aka Panda and Shy QT. Unfortunatel,y little information is available on them. Lincoln sees them in hallways and lunch a few times, but nothing concrete now. It makes a low threat yet a high risk as well as he had no method to counter them. The unknown danger is the deadliest threat. Particularly Evelyn, as she can disappear in an instant.

“Now what to do about them?” Lincoln washed his hair. “Transferring out of class is a nope. Plus, I’ll be leaving Clyde and the boys. I know the pain when your crush is so creeped out by you that you made them switch classes. I can’t do that to them.” He sighed, remembering Cristiana and the methods she used to avoid him. He thought swapping classes was the most of it. But no. She actively avoided him. Avoiding his gaze. Turning in the opposite walking direction upon seeing him becoming late to class a few times. Jumping into lockers to hide from him. Or ignoring his existence. Lincoln sighed again. “Oh man, I sound like Lucy.” Lincoln knows that the video was ultra-creepy and cringe-worthy. But was it that bad to act like he didn’t exist? Was he the problem? Was there something wrong with him? If it were somebody else, would she react the same way?

“Hey, Lincoln, hurry up already! You know the rules!”

His sister’s yelling broke his train of thought. Not wanting his anger, his sisters at the crack of dawn. He quickly turned off the shower. Wrapped himself in his towel and exited the bathroom to a line of his tired sisters forming up.

“Uh, finally, and I thought I took forever to get ready,” Lola groaned as she entered the bathroom.

“Oh, sorry, I was um thinking about stuff,” Lincoln replied, still soaking wet. The girls had seen enough generic teenage dramas to know what was up. Lincoln’s going through ‘Breakup’ withdrawal or Broken heart syndrome. He already went through the processing and crying stage. Now he’s in the moping stage, recalling all the good times they had together. Yet, this can lead to a repeat of the crying phase. Several tubs of ice cream of various flavors and a sappy movie marathon as a precaution.

“The shower does have a soothing effect on the body allowing the brain to wonder. Is that how you craft some of your unorthodox plans?” Lisa questioned. She often wonders how he was able create ridiculous yet successful plans in using his fellow genetically similar companions, such as the “Sweet Spot” incident. Granted, what took him a few months only took Lisa about 2.4256246321354652335474 secs. But who’s counting? Lisa recalls some of her older sister units talking about how Lincoln tried to get them seated beside him to make the Sweet Spot even sweeter. Also, getting them all ready on time in the morning. Lisa’s impressed with his memory and attention to detail allowing him to cater to their family’s needs.

“Just don’t make it a habit, alright. Get dressed breakfast is about to start in a bit” Lori cautioned. Lincoln nodded and went to his room. His shower thoughts resurfaced. When did the QTs start to like him? The better question is, why?

“I know what you guys are thinking. ‘You got five girls that like you, Lincoln. You should be happy’ To be honest. I kind of am, but it feels too good to be true.” Lincoln conducted his monologue while getting dressed. “One, maybe two, I can believe, but five?! The only person I knew who had more was my old tutor, Hugh and Ms.Dimarino, but she’s a different story. Hugh’s highly attractive, given that he was able to effortlessly charm all my sisters. Ever Lori! He didn’t know what he was doing. Along with being intelligent, generous and charming.” Lincoln sighed. “I’m none of those things. Maybe on my good days. But overall, nothing. I can barely get girls to talk to me outside of schoolwork and gym class. Cristiana straight-up ignored me. My Sadie Hawkins dance dates were due to my sisters. I’m still trying to figure out who they got them to agree. The only girl who sort of liked and interacted with me was Ronnie, but that’s because Bobby was dating Lori. I’m strangely okay with Haiku, granted she’s Lucy’s best friend, but I’m not getting my hopes up.”

“Calling Ace Savy. Calling Ace Savy. This is One-Eye Jack, do you read me?” Clyde’s voice interrupted Lincoln’s monologue. He grabbed his trusty walkie-talkie.

“Read you loud and clear, Jack. What’s the status report?” Lincoln answered getting into character.

“Oh, what’s the plan for dealing with the QTs when you arrive for school today?” Clyde asked. It’s not every day that you find out that five girls have a crush on you.

“Clyde. I have no clue about what to do.” Lincoln confessed. Clyde gasped in shock. The man with the plan doesn’t have a plan?!

“What do you mean that you don’t have a plan?!” Clyde yelled that such blasphemy. Granted, girls can be rather complex at times but not even a simple idea.

“I do have something, but it’s not even a plan. More like an outline. I know who’re the main threats being Cookie and Jenny. Caroline is in the middle. Serena and Evelyn are at the bottom as the unknowns, but that makes them scariest.” Lincoln replied. “It’s different from my usual plans as I got decent intel on whatever I’m doing, or it involves my sisters. But not this time.” He remarked

“So, what are you going to do against the QTs then?” Clyde questioned, trying to make sense out of it. “You never go into a warzone blind.” Lincoln pondered on that question. What is he going to do to combat the QTs?

“Nothing.” Lincoln shrugged. “I’m going to do nothing about it. I’m going to let it happen,” Clyde double-checked his walkie-talkie to make sure the audio wasn’t freaking out.

“Nothing,” Clyde repeated, hoping it was a glitch. “You’re going to do nothing about it?! Wh,y though?” Was his brother from another mother so stumped that he couldn’t craft a plan?

“A part of me thinks it’s a prank. Like, come on, Clyde. Five girls like me as soon as Ronnie Anne moved away. Plus, you believe in some weird stuff that Zach would think you’re nuts. You thought Bobby was cheating on Lori with a dog,” Lincoln responded. Clyde was about to retort, but found truth in his words. “Heck, Chandler can’t even get that many girls to like him. So what makes me so special?” He downplayed.

The pair was silent for a few seconds. They both know that they’re not the most popular or ideal guys. Their attempts at romance were largely unsuccessful. A heavy emphasis on misses

“I don’t know what to tell you, man. They saw whatever Ronnie Anne saw in you,” Clyde offered with optimism, trying to cheer his buddy up.

“Clyde, we were just friends. You’re my male best friend, while she’s my female best friend.” Lincoln blushed lightly. “Plus, our siblings were dating each other. That’ll be kind of weird”

“Mmhmm, whatever you said man,” Clyde smugly responded.

“Whatever,” Lincoln rolled his eyes when another question popped. “How did you learn about the Qts anyway?” Access to such information isn’t easy. Clyde revealed he caught them by chance after school during his baking club. He’s worried about them finding him out.

“Kids, breakfast is ready,” Lincoln was about to reply, but stopped upon hearing his dad's voice.

“I got to go, Clyde. I’ll see you later. Ace Savvy signing out.” Lincoln said. Clyde did the same. Lincoln went downstairs to eat, then get ready for school, hoping it’ll be a regular day when dealing with the QTs.

Tough coconuts, bunny boy. The QTs are each planning their attack plan. They’re about to strike with Lincoln, unaware of it, while waiting for the bus. He stepped onto the bus and took a seat as the bus took off. Lincoln looked out the windo,w allowing his thoughts to drift on how to handle the day's events.

“Um, excuse me, is this seat taken?” A quiet voice interrupted his thoughts. Lincoln turned to see that it was Evelynn. She was looking down while shuffling her feet with a slightly red face. “ I hope I’m not bothering you, am I?” She requested

“Oh, no. It’s okay.” Lincoln slid over to make some room for Evelynn. He can’t be rude

“Thanks, Lincoln,” Evelynn sat down next to him. The two sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes as the bus made it rounds. Her heart raced, finally gaining an opportunity to talk to him. When will she ever get this chance again? What will she talk about? HER HOMEWORK! “Can you help with question 16? I got x=8.36” She opened her bag and pointed to the problem.

“Really? I got 7.67.” Lincoln replied with a raised brow and quick scan of the problem. He never needed help with homework.

“Can you show me how you got that, please?” Evelynn asked. She took her notebook from her bag.

“Sure,” Lincoln agreed. “Can you show me your working?” Evelynn nodded and showed him her notes. He leaned over to her and analyzed the contents to find the source of error. “Oh there’s your problem. You forget to change the sign when you carried it over the equal sign.” He pointed out

Evelynn glanced over the notes. “Oh” She whispered upon seeing her miscalculation and began to make her corrections. “Like this, right?” Her book displayed the question.

“Yeah, you got it” Lincoln smiled. Evelynn blushed seeing his charming smile. There’s heavy traffic right now. Evelynn realizes her opportunity. She inhaled

“Um, can you help me with some of the other problems?” Evelynn meekly offered

“Might as well. We got time.” Lincoln agreed. Evelynn smiled, and her heart was doing its happy dance. She slid closer to Lincoln making their thighs touch. She can almost smell him. Her blush increased as she thanked whoever caused the traffic. The pair’s conversation soon became a part of the bus chatter along with topics such as tv shows, video games, movies amongst the students. The bus arrived at Royal Woods Elementary. The passengers exited and began to walk to their classes.

“Thanks again for the help Lincoln,” Evelynn told him as they got off the bus, making way to their respective classes.

“Don’t worry about it. Math is mental abuse towards humans, after all.” Lincoln joked. The two share a laugh.

“I’ll see you around,” Evelynn replied. Lincoln smiled as he waved her off. She blushed. Again, as she waved back, turning around to go to homeroom. Lincoln stared at her for a bit thinking that Evelynn was kind of cute. Her form disappeared when a student blocked his view of her.

“Okay, how” Lincoln questioned himself. He gazed at a nearby clock, noticing the time. “Oh no I need to hurry up, or I’ll be late” He started to jog to his fifth-grade class. Lincoln was unaware that Evelynn was watching him from a distance.

“Yes, I’ve finally talked to him. I’ve finally talked to him,” Evelynn giggled while clutching her mini-Lincoln figurine to her chest. “I can make my move without that brute Ronnie Anne getting in the way. You’ll truly have a girl that won’t hurt while claiming that she loves you. Doesn’t that sound wonderful, my snow bunny?” Evelynn cracked a wide unsettling grin staring intensely at the figurine. “Soon no more Shy-QT. I won’t be one of the love interests who just watch their love slip away and complaining about when they had the chance due to being too freaking shy. I already let that happen with Cristiana and Ronnie Anne.” Her face turned enraged, and she grabbed the doll. She quickly calmed herself. “Breathe Eve Breathe. Both are gone plus you’ve made in the first move. That should count for something, right? It’s all about baby steps” Evelynn kissed the mini-Linc, then glanced at a nearby clock. Her eyes burst out of her skull. “CRAP! I’M GOING TO BE LATE!” She sprinted to her class while a teacher yelled at her for running in the halls.

Lincoln made it to class by the skin of his chipped teeth. He took his seat and gave Clyde a fist bump. The class idly chattered amongst themselves. Some continued their conversations from the bus until the bell rang. They all settled down once their teacher entered the classroom

“Good morning, everyone,” Mrs. Johnson joyfully greeted her students.

“Good morning Mrs. Johnson” They greeted backed in unison.

“Unfortunately, I have some rather sad news today” Agnes told the class. Everyone began to mutter. “Principal Hoggins told me that Ronnie Anne Santiago was officially moved to Great Lake City sometime over the weekend. Also her school transfer papers have been sent in and confirmed, so she won’t be at Royal wood elementary anymore.”

Lincoln’s friends offered their sympathies, aware the two had a “special” relationship. Yet, some weren’t as sympathetic as Jenny and Cookie grinned and glanced at each other. What the two QTs didn’t know that new challengers were approaching in their very class.

“Alright, now that’s out of the way. Let’s start today’s lesson and take out your textbooks, “ Mrs. Johnson said to the class. The students groaned. Math first thing in the morning. Yuck. “We’ll doing section 8.1 even and 8.3 odd. This will help you review for the test on Friday. If you need help, just ask me, or you can work in pairs.”

“Hey, Loud,” A voice interrupted him. Lincoln glanced to see who called him. It was Cookie staring at him with a bored expression.

“Can I help you, Cookie?” Lincoln replied. He and Cookie don’t have the sweetest relationships, mainly due to the Girl Guru fiasco. That’s why it baffled Lincoln when he found out that she had a crush on him. She’s a sweet girl when selling yet she’s rather harsh to him, but that’s how the … cookie crumbles(rimshot)

“Listen, I left my math textbook home, and I don’t want to waste my time like an idiot. So can I share with you for the day?” Cookie bluntly stated. He sighed and brought his chair and textbook to her desk knowing better not to argue with a woman.

“Um, what are you doing?” Lincoln noticed that she moved closer to him. She gave him an annoyed glare.

“I’m moving closer to see the problems better. Duh!” Cookie scoffed as she slid her chair closer to him to where their arms are touching. Lincoln shrugged and began his work. Cookie glanced over to Jenny, who gave her a thumbs up. Cookie blushed furiously and started the assignment. Jenny chuckled and did the same, not wanting to be left behind. The class did their work in relative silence with the occasional chatter.

“Come on, Cookie, you should know this by now” Cookie grumbled to herself with a frustrated look. Lincoln gazed at her to see the issue. She was impatiently tapping on her notebook while glaring menacingly at a math question as if it was mocking her and everything she stood for. We’ve all been there.

“Do you need some help?” Lincoln asked, noticing her plight. He recalls the countless hours some of his older sisters spent on math problems.

“No!” Cookie barked. Lincoln flinched and slightly slid his chair away from her. He already deals with Lori’s and Lola’s wrath every week. No need to add to the list. Cookie noticed her error. She was supposed to get closer to him, not push him away. She avoided his gaze and took a deep breath. “Yes please”

“Alright, let’s see what the problem is” Lincoln responded, analyzing the question. Cookie felt her face heating up due to the proximity to each other. She couldn’t describe what he smelled like. Oranges? Mint? Whatever it is. She loved it. Now that she got proper look at him. Loud is cute. Handsome even. “Cookie. Cookie are you listening?” He asked.

“I um uh am, but can you go over it again?” Cookie stuttered, straightening her hair after being caught staring.

“Alright, for the order of operations to get the X. Here’s what we need to do.” Lincoln explained again. He showed her step by step how to solve the problem. Cookie mouthed Oh hearing his explanation and completed the question. Why does everything become more straightforward when you hear a classmate explain to you? They went back and forth. He explained the problems to her. Cookie asked for clarification, hiding a tiny smile when he wasn't looking. Jenny saw their interactions. She was rooting for Cookie but pouted, wanting it to be her turn already. Curse that random number generator. Mrs.Johnson also was watching the two. She was glad. Lincoln was starting to make more female friends, but will it blossom into something more?

“Not likely it’s still too early, but I do enjoy a great love story” Agnes swooned to herself as she graded some papers. The bell rang shortly after that. The students packed their bags for their next class. “Alright, students, I’ll see you later today.”

“Thanks for sharing with me, Lincoln,” Cookie said with a slight blush.

“You’re welcome, Cookie” Lincoln replied. Wait a minute. She called him Lincoln. Cookied called him Loud until. Maybe this is the start of a good thing. It was all well and good until someone uttered that cursed phrase.

“But Mrs.Johnson, what about the homework?”

“WHO’S THE BLOODY HEATHEN THAT DARES TO MENTION THE ACCURSED PHRASE?!” The class collectively thought to themselves.

“Oh, thanks for reminding me. Can everyone place your homework in the tray, please?” Mrs.Johnson told the class. The class grumbled. Those who did the homework were fine as those who did it in class. It’s just those who didn’t complete it was pissed off with Rusty being one of them.

The day was uneventful. Until everyone’s favorite/least favorite class being gym . They prepared for whatever torture the coach will have them endure for the day. They gathered outside, lined up and waiting for hell. A whistle blew, signaling that class is about to begin.

“Alright, class listen up I’m in a let’s say a ‘merciful’ mood today so light work.” Coach Pacowski chuckled. “We’ll be doing one lap. Stretches. A few warm-up exercises and a 4 by 4 relay race then head inside the gym and finish up with dodge ball. If things go smoothly. You’ll get an early lunch.” Everyone got excited about hearing upon this but were skeptical

“What’s the catch?” Mollie asked. Her mother owns a few businesses, which helped to notice when things were beginning to come too good to be true. Others nodded and muttered in agreement.

“What? A guy can’t be in a good mood every once in a while,” Pacowski retorted. He cracked a sadistic smirk. ”Unless you want me to go back to our usual regimen. I just got a new shipment of barbed wire. The type that holds rampaging bulls”

“Uh no thanks, we’re good” Girl Jordan stuttered. She covered Mollie’s mouth, not wanting to lose another toenail.

“Alright then,” Pacowski spoke and blew his whistle. “On the track now!” The students divided between boys and girls. The girls ran first followed by the boys who made it a competition to see who can finish first.

“Geez, we’re given an easy day. Why are they making it hard on themselves?” Jenny asked Lincoln as they jogged side by side.

“Probably trying to prove a point or something? It’s still not as bad as what Lynn does,” Lincoln replied.

“She’s the star player on different teams, right?” Jenny said. Lincoln nodded. “She can’t be that bad, right?” Lincoln gave her a blank expression.

“Lynn made board games competitive,” Lincoln responded in a deadpan tone. “When that didn’t work. She resorted to mundane things like brushing her teeth or taking the trash,”

Jenny stared at him. She thought Lincoln was joking. She reconsidered, given how chaotic some of his sisters can be, like Lisa. She’s like four. Yet Lisa's intelligent enough to be in 6th grade and craft advanced robots from spare parts in the janitor's closet.

“Hey, you two, stop flirting unless you want extra lap,s” Pacowski shouted. The two blushed and kicked it into high gear leaving some of their classmates in their dust crossing the finish line in seconds.” I think you just broke your personal records.” They both panted desperately to restock their oxygen supply. Lincoln and Jenny had enough to gave each other a thumbs-up and went to their respective groups to conduct their stretches. Their warm-up exercises consist of push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and jumping jacks. “You guys finished?” Everyone nodded. “Can someone get the batons out of the storage room.”

“I got it,” A student replied as the coach gave him the key. The student came back with a box of brightly colored batons.

“Okay, you guys know how relays work, right?” Pacowski asked as there’s always someone who doesn’t understand the rules. The majority either nod or shrugged. “It’s simple. You run with the baton. You pass it to your teammate. Rinse and repeat until the last leg. The most important is that you don’t drop the baton. Got it?” Everyone got it. “ Alright we’ll divide the teams by numbers. When I tap you that’s your number between 1-4” He stepped in front of them. “One, two, three, four” He continued until everyone had a number. “Now make up your mind on who’s going what”

“So what’s the plan, Lincoln” Liam asked the man with the plan. Their team was Liam, Artie, Andrew, and Lincoln himself. Lincoln’s mind was calculating every equation he can muster right now.

“Okay, I got something,” Lincoln spoke. The game plan was letting Andrew go first since he was slowest then Artie, Liam, and Lincoln.

“You’re the last leg because again? I do not doubt your skills, but years of chasing chickens helped built some speed.” Liam offered.

“I know, but this is 4x4. It’s endurance not speed. I have to dodge and outrun things either on a daily or weekly basis in my house, plus Lynn forces me to help with track.” Lincoln explained. Liam found no flaw in his white-hair friend’s logic. Lynn can quite intense(obsessive) when it comes to sports. No further questions. They went with the rest of boys and sat down and waited to start as they watched the girls start their race.

“Who do you think is going to win?” Chandler asked as the whistle blew, signaling the girls to run.

“I’m going with Girl Jordan and Jenny’s team,” Lincoln spoke, and others nodded in agreement.

“Oh yeah, Larry. I’m going with Mollie and Kat’s team,” Chandler bragged, and others agreed with him.

“Let’s wait and see,” Lincoln smirked at his red-haired rival. They watch the relay until the moment of truth. The last legs were Jenny, Mollie, Sadie, and Joy. The girls received their own batons and rushed along the track with Jenny and Mollie in the lead. The guys are cheering their support along the other girls. It’s neck and neck, but Mollie is taking the lead. Jenny is low on fuel and dragging behind.

“Oh, come on Jenny you got this,” Lincoln shouted. Her eyes marked Lincoln’s position. He’s watching her. She can’t let him down.

“Alright, Jenny it’s time to show him what you can do.” She told herself. “This is going to hurt later.” She regained a part of her stamina and energy and caught up to Mollie through the power of impressing your crush. Jenny’s thighs are screaming at her to slow down, but her mind said no. Only a few meters to go on the final stretch. Mollie and Jenny are swapping the lead with each other. The baton slipped out of Mollie’s sweaty grasp, forcing her to slow down and stop to retrieve the baton giving Jenny the victory. Team Jenny shouted in triumph as Team Mollie groaned. Jenny’s supporters went to congratulate her

“Nice work there, Jenny” Lincoln went to give a high five. She walked towards him raising her hand to return it, but her legs waggled causing her to collapse. Lincoln was able to catch her before she hit touched the ground. “Woah you okay”

“Oh uh um yeah, I’m okay. Just tired that’s all.” Jenny stuttered, blushing heavy, staring intensely in his sapphire eyes.

“Okay, lovebirds, that’s enough,” Pacowski shouted, interrupting the moment. Jenny pouted wanting the moment to last a bit longer. “Loud on the track now.” He blew his whistle. The boys got up ready for their relay.

“I’ll take it from here, Lincoln. You know want to make coach angry. Again.” Girl Jordan offered to help her friend. Lincoln passed Jenny to Girl Jordan making his way to track. “So you and Lincoln huh?”

“Girl, I have no idea what you’re talking about” Jenny rolled her eyes as she was being supported by Jordan to make it to a bench.

“You know what I mean.” Girl Jordan teased and sat down on the bench. A whistle blew, signaling the start of the boy's race. “I’ve seen how you look at him” Jenny hummed innocently, ignoring her question.

“Who do you think will the race” Haiku spoke suddenly startling the two girls. “The spirits favor Lincoln’s team. They’re hardly ever wrong.” The girls were slightly freaked out, but this was nothing new coming from Haiku, yet they agreed with her statement.

“I’m going with Chandler’s team,” A fangirl smugly told them. Some of the girls overheard the statement rolling their eyes in annoyance. More of the girls chimed in offering their opinions on the potential winner. Rusty got a little support. Yet the majority went with Chandler. The final set was on track, waiting on their teammates. “You got this, Chandler. You’re the best” Chandler glanced over at his supporters and gave a bow.

“Lincoln, you better kick Chandler’s butt or else” Mollie shouted. Lincoln nodded and grinned getting ready as the 3rd legs were approaching. Chandler gave his baton first, granting him an early lead.

“Here ya go, Linc” Liam gave him the baton. Lincoln sprinted trying to close the gap. “Win this for the squad.” Soon Rusty then Trent came running. Chandler was taking his sweet time. He had this in the bag so why worry. That was quickly trashed when Rusty past him taking the lead creating great distance between them.

“I’m not letting this pizza faced string bean beat me,” Chandler muttered himself. Lincoln past him shortly after that. “Hell no. I’m not letting Rusty and bunny boy beat me in front of a crowd.”

“Aw yeah. It’s finally time for the Rust man to shine in the front of the ladies,” Rusty smiled. “Oh what’s up Lincoln”

“Hey, Rusty. Your shoes are untied by the way” Lincoln mentioned as he ran past his friend.

“Thanks, man wait what?” Rusty looked down, slowing down a bit. What do you know? His shoes were united, but that’s a later problem. He still got to win this relay.

“OUT OF THE WAY!” Chandler yelled, bumping him to the side. Rusty yelled at his action trying to speed up. He stepped on his loose shoelaces, falling flat on his face, launching his baton in the air. “You’re going down, Larry.” He tried to do the same to Lincoln. Lincoln stepped out of the way, giving the redhead the lead. The finish line is a few meters away. “That’s what I thought.” Exactl,y Chandler, you thought. Rusty’s baton came down, knocking Chandler’s out his hand onto the ground. “WHAT?!” Lincoln overtook Chandler, winning the race. “DOUBLE WHAT?!” Rusty regains his baton, coming in second. Trent is in third. Leaving Chandler in dead last. “HACKS! I CALL HACKS!”

“I told you the spirits favored Lincoln today,” Haiku retorted. She ignored yet enjoyed the laments of the losing team, especially the fangirls. Oh what a sweet symphony.

“When you’re right. You’re right. It’s kind of weird that Chandler lost similarly to me.” Mollie acknowledged. “I got to change my moisturizer, but that should knock Chandler a few pegs.” Team Lincoln nodded and giggled. Chandler can be a massive pain.

“Excellent work, everyone, especially you, Lincoln. You got potential” Pacowski grinned. “In the gym. Let’s end the day with some dodgeball. Also Chandler, I’ll deduct some points for poor sportsmanship on the track. Don’t try to lie. You know what you did, and I saw you.” Chandler kept his mouth and held his tongue as any agreement would be in vain.

“You only won because of dumb luck, Larry,” Chandler growled, but soon smirked. “You’re going to be in my domain, and you better be ready.”

Well, Well, Well, what does Chandler has in store for Lincoln during the dodgeball match?

Thanks for reading the story. Follow and favorite to keep updated. Leave a review for questions, theories or to show your support. Thanks again. Have a good day :)

Chapter Text

The students took a quick break after the race. They gathered in the gym and lined up at the basketball court baseline, waiting for Pacowski. He blew his whistle. Again. The coach must love that thing

“Okay, everyone. We’re ending today with dodgeball. Quick and simple,” Pacowski told the class. Everyone was excited; it’s almost over ,and grateful for the upcoming early lunch. Those long lunch lines are hell, the food is hot & ready, and the best tables are available. Some of them aren’t particularly excited about gaining bruises. Yet sacrifices are required. “The team leaders will be Jenny & Chandler.” He tossed a dodgeball to both of them. “Chandler will pick first since he came last in the relay,” Chandler grumbled at his recent embarrassment. “Then Jenny will pick 2, then Chandler will pick 2. Both of you guys will keep going until everyone is picked. Got it?” The two nodded. “So, who’s the first pick, Chandler?”. The redhead scanned his potential options, but he had already made his choice.

“I pick Girl Jordan!”He cracked a sly grin

. Gasps and fearful murmurs spread among the students. Girl Jordan or Jordan Rosato. She’s a lovely, friendly, and elegant girl. One of the top students academically & athletically in Royal Woods Elementary. The class representative, etc. But when she plays dodgeball. A flip switch. Jordan becomes brutal and merciless, destroying teams on her own.

She goes under various names in this state: The Dodge-ball Duchess. The Countess of the Court. The Raging Red Ball Berserker. They shudder in fear of her Burgeoning ball barrage. Being hit with one of those ruthless red spheres stings at most. One tossed by Jordan doesn’t hurt enough to cause injury, but man, she can make you feel it. Each student has at least one story of being on the receiving end of her assault. The remaining students are pleading and praying to be on Chandler’s team to avoid her wrath.

The first rule in dodgeball: No mercy

“Nice choice from the start,” Pacowski whistled, impressed at Chandler's actions. Girl Jordan walked over to Chandler’s side.

“Sorry, Jenny” Girl Jordan whispered apologetically, not wanting to harm her friend, aware of how … intense she can be in this sport. Jenny just waved it off, saying it’s cool.

“Pick your two,” Pacowski addressed to Jenny. She contemplated her options. GJ was her first choice due to her skills, and they worked great together. Wait a minute. Teamwork!

“ I pick Clincoln McLoud.” Jenny smiled. Chandler struggled to hold his laughter. Who? Pacowski thought to himself. Oh, Loud and McBride, he remembered.

“YES!” Clyde yelled, high-fiving Lincoln.”Finally, I’m not one of the last to be picked.” They walked to Jenny’s side.

“This should be a piece of red velvet cake with frosting,” Chandler snorted foreseeing an easy lunch and a regain of status. “Sweet and easy,” He picked his next teammate. The two continued until everyone been picked.

“Now that’s out of the way. You guys should know about dodgeball already,” Pacowski remarked to the nodding students. “This will be a 3-round match. We’re doing team elimination,” Simple enough, the class thought. “The winning team will go early while the losing team will clean up.” Of course, there was a catch. It got everyone pumped. Bragging rights and early lunch. What more can an elementary school student want? “ Everyone to a wall.” He instructed

“This isn’t good.” Clyde addressed their dire situation. “Chandler got most of the athletes on his team and Girl Jordan! We’re burnt toast.” The team murmured in agreement

“Come on, guys. We still got this. Right Lincoln,” Jenny grinned. Everyone started him. Um kind of put him on the spot right there, Jenny.

“So what’s your ‘master plan’ Lincoln?” Mollie taunted. Lincoln narrowed his eyes at her. Can they win? It’s possible but is it probable? Maybe.

“It won’t be easy,” Lincoln spoke. This is didn’t help their mood. “ However, we can still win. Girl Jordan is the main threat, but they know that.”

“Chandler would try to keep her in the game at all cost,” Mollie agreed. “Even if we knock her out. He’ll just bring her back in,” She suggested

“Exactly,” Lincoln smirked. “We just have to wear her out. We all have to make sure of it,” Was it really that simple? The team hoped but considering its GIRL FREAKING JORDAN. They got to do what they got to do.

“Not a bad plan,” Jenny replied, touching his shoulder in acknowledgment. Oh, he got toned shoulders.

“Yes, a united goal against a common enemy,” Haiku responded. Did they hear things, or did she sound excited?

“Form up, everyone!” Pacowski blew his whistle. Game time. Everyone was primed and ready gearing up to dominate their opponent. Ready. Set………..

“Um, coach Pacowski” A student spoke up after seconds of intense, awkward silence.

“Sorry about that,” Pacowski sheepishly blushed, putting his phone away. “One of my stories has FINALLY been updated after a few years.” The students let that slide.

WHHHHEEEEEEWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The teams pounced towards the red spheres of booms, but Girl Jordan was ahead of the pack. She passed as many as she could to her side while dodging any aimed at her. She ducked and slid back to the safety of her team. The ebb and flow of the battlefield were maddening. Teams losing and regaining members. Dodging, deflecting, and tossing dodge-balls to ensure their superiority against their foes. The goal: TO WIN.

The match is a stalemate. Lincoln’s eyes locked on Chandler. Sever the head, and the rest of the body will follow. Lincoln steadied his aim. “Breathe Lincoln, Breathe.” His focus sharpened. He launched the ball at Chandler, who was busy barking orders at his team. His eyes widened at the incoming projectile from the corner.

“Crap!” Chandler panicked. Losing the relay and about to be knocked out by Larry. Can this get any worse? The ball was stopped midair by another sparing his pride. Chandler turned his head. His ace, Girl Jordan, saved him. He quickly passed a nearby ball to her. She caught and launched it, striking Lincoln in the chest in a single smooth motion. “Looks like you ran out of luck there, Larry.” He mocked with a conceited smile

“Dang it,” Lincoln grumbled, rolling his eyes at Chandler’s taunt. He walked off the court and sat down on the bleachers with his teammates, sulking his head.

“It was a valiant effort,” Haiku spoke up, attempting to cheer up her friend.

“Look what good that did,” Lincoln sighed. Haiku stared at her best friend's brother. Lucy described him as the light that brightens up her soul. Caring. Optimistic. Excellent person to be around. She never heard Lucy speak of anyone in that manner. Haiku felt the passion and authenticity in Lucy’s voice. Thus she agreed to be Lincoln’s date to the Sadie Hawkins dance. Despite the significant blunder on his sister's part. She enjoyed herself and found a kindred spirit in Clyde. Haiku saw an honorable & altruistic spirit in Lincoln. He could’ve bragged to his friends about having many dates. Instead, he pushed his mind and body to its limits to please them. Being the only boy with 10 sisters benefited him in that endeavor. His plan allowed his friends to help find companionship during the dance. Even when his plans are self-serving. He found a way for his friends to benefit. He will enable others, but few help him. It’s time to add to that number.

“Lincoln,” Haiku called to him placing her hand on his knee, gazing directly in his eyes. “You tried that’s the important thing. Your efforts. Your struggles. Many heroes try and fail many times before they meet their goals. This is what distinguishes them from the irrelevant side characters. People will always remember those who did something instead of those who would have thought it was better to sit down and stay quiet. Which one will you be, Lincoln Loud.”

Lincoln, being shocked, would have been an understatement. Flabbergasted? Bewildered? Astonished? Is there even a word in the human language to describe how he feels right now? He’ll ask Lisa to get him a Thesaurus. He’s usually the one giving motivational speeches. Clyde is more clinical, while Ronnie’s more blunt and direct. His sisters … are okay. This is the first time someone ever did this for him. “Oh um uh thanks, Haiku.” He gave her his signature smile.

“Lucy tells me how you’re always helping your family, but regrets not doing more to help you. Also, you’re welcome.” Haiku gave a tiny smile slightly averting her gaze as she moved her hair above her ear. Now she understood what Lucy meant. His smile is illuminating. “Any plans yet?”

“The guys and I have formations planned. They’re still in beta,” Lincoln revealed, picking his brain as the match continued. Haiku raised an eyebrow. His friends nodded. Formations? What is this warfare, but life is an eternal battle. “Hey, Haiku, have you heard of the Phantom Strike?”

“No, but I’m listening,” Haiku answered, intrigued, leaning in close to hear Lincoln’s explanation.

Jenny watched the scene. AW HELL NAW! She thought. Code: Midnight Eclipse is in effect. Shadowalker is making her move on White Knight. “You’re going to get it, Jordan.”

Girl Jordan turned her head at the scene, giving a dismissive smirk to her friend. “No, I didn’t think I will” She spins the ball on her finger, keeping the grin despite being the last member on her team. “ Besides, they’re serving chicken nuggets and chicken alfredo at Lunch today. I’m not missing it again.” Orchestral music appeared starting somber but grow in intensity.

Golden wind

“Um, where is that music coming from?” Mollie asked, bewildered at the swift changes in events.

“Oh no,” Some students whispered with sweat dripping from their faces. They recognized the music slowly making their way off the court to avoid Jordan’s wrath. They forget the rule. NO MERCY!

Jordan threw the ball, striking a student in the leg(One!). The opposing team swiftly retaliated with a barrage. Jordan gracefully dodged the assault catching one in her hands(Two!). She leaped into the air with Mollie in her sights. Target acquired. Mollie sees her chance only to be thwarted by Girl Jordan, launching another ball into her shoulder(Three!). Jordan rolled out of the way of an incoming dodgeball. She picked it up, tossing it back. The student jumped over it happy, thinking he’s safe. The ball ricocheted off the wall hitting him in the leg(Four!). One target left is Jenny, the team captain. The friends stared at each other with a dodgeball in their hand, waiting for the other to make a move. Jordan tossed first.

Jenny deflected it rather than firing back. Jordan rolled out of the way, grabbing another ball on the floor. Jenny rushed to a nearby dodgeball, but it was knocked away before she grabbed it, making her take a step back. Jenny’s moment of distraction was pivotal to Girl Jordan’s victory launching the red sphere into her dark-skinned friend’s shin(Five!)

(PENTAKILL! ACE!)

Coach Pacowski blew his whistle, marking the end of round one. “Point goes to Team Chandler” His team cheered from the stands, chanting ‘Girl Jordan!’ in the light of their victory. Girl Jordan blushed at attention, sheepishly waving at her group. “We’ll start the 2nd match in the next five minutes.”

Jenny sighed as she walked over to her team. She knew that she was going to lose, but it was hardly a pleasant experience. Her group crowded around Lincoln. He was making gestures, pointing to their nodding teammates.

“You got a plan there, Lincoln?” Jenny asked, taking a seat next to her white-haired classmate.

“We’re finalizing it now,” He nodded and went over the plan with Jenny. “Everyone remembers their roles?” They nodded in agreement.

“This better work, Loud,” Cookie said. Lincoln smiled back.

Jordan applied the same strategy, but was exhausted from the last match. The steady rhythm of the court favored neither team. The tempo increased as Jordan was in overdrive, firing cannonballs at her foes. Her team resupplies her with ammunition and supports her as swiftly as they can.

“You sure this is going to work, Lincoln?” Rusty ducked and dodged the wrath of Jordan

“I’ve wrestled pigs that are gentler than this,” Liam grumbled while covering his head.

“Chill, we got this,” Lincoln reassured. Jordan got slower, inaccurate, and sloppier in this round. Chandler’s team is barely picking up their weight. “LET’S GO SNAKE FORMATION!” Lincoln, Clyde, Liam, Zach, and Rusty aligned themselves, respectively. “Left, right, right, duck, jump, left” The group obeyed Lincoln’s commands, dodging each projectile coming their way.

“Can somebody get those nerds?” Chandler gritted his teeth, wanting to go to lunch already.

“Mollie, Jenny, Haiku!” Lincoln shouted as a dodgeball narrowly missed him, hitting Zach instead.

“On it!” Jenny replied. The trio passed several dodgeballs to the boys before joining the formation. Jenny took the chance to stand behind Lincoln. A quick, subtle little touch here, and there wouldn’t hurt, right?

“You ready, Jenny?” Lincoln’s voice interrupted her thoughts. She suppressed her blush with a quick nod. “ Activate Hydra mode. Strike!” The beast launched a brutal wave against Chandler's team. Some of the heads leaning to sides to get a better shot with hits and misses. The hydra split up losing some of its heads as their foes retaliated. Two grew back, making it stronger allowing for more efficient strikes in another assault, claiming more victims. The beast separated once more satisfied with its onslaught.

“Jordan, get Lincoln!” Chandler commanded, getting frustrated at the turn of the events losing the majority of his team.

“On it!” Girl Jordan confirmed. Jenny was the enemy leader, but now Lincoln is the threat. Lincoln and G.Jordan locked eyes with each other dodgeball in hand. The two shared the same thought. Take them out. Jordan grinned. A lone bunny about to be devoured by a hawk. An easy target. Lincoln tensed up at the sight of the most dangerous creature in existence. A smiling female. He has the bruises as proof. Lincoln needs to take Jordan out. NOW! Jordan, keeping the smile, shot a ball at him. He jumped, avoiding it but striking back. Jordan stepped out of the way with ballerina grace. Lincoln continued his attack with support from his team. Jordan twirled, sidestepped, jumped, taunting Lincoln as he failed to end her. He launched another at her. She tilted her head, avoiding the shot.

“Come on, Lincoln, is that the best the 'Man with the plan' can do-Ooof.”Girl Jordan giggled when a dodgeball knocked the air out of her holding her midsection. When did he? She glazed across the court to see Haiku peeking over his shoulder with a tiny smirk, saying ‘Gotcha.’ “The Phantom strike. Well played, Loud, but you won’t next time.”

“Girl Jordan, you’re out,” Pacowski blew his whistle. Jordan walked over to the bleachers. Her team stared slack-jawed in disbelief. Lincoln, Loud & Haiku. Out of all people eliminated Girl Jordan.

“Time to end this. Alpha Assault,” Lincoln commanded as several teammates lined up beside him

“Alpha wh-?” A brown-haired student asked, but a volley prevented him from completing his sentence, taking him and some of his team.

“Clyde. Double Trouble,” Lincoln said. His best buddy nodded at the plan. Clyde aimed high while Lincoln went low. Lincoln shot first, causing a short-haired girl to collide with a heavy-set male in an attempt to dodge.

“Hey, watch where you’re going, will ya?” The boy barked.

“You were in my way,” The girl barked back. Clyde took his shot, killing two birds with one stone.

“ Point goes to Team Jenny,” Pacowski signaled the end of round 2. Team Jenny erupted in cheers.

“Don’t get comfortable. We still have one more round,” Chandler replied to their cheers.

“Dope plan MVP,” Jenny congratulated Lincoln. Lincoln smiled at Jenny, making her meekly blush.

“She’s right, Lincoln. It was a well-executed method to assert our unyielding dominance over adversaries,” Haiku offered her support.

“It wasn’t my best plan.” Lincoln humbly bring down their praises. The ‘unyielding dominance’ thing unsettles him to a degree.

“Not with that attitude, Loud,” Mollie said playfully, bumping into his shoulder. Lincoln rolled eyes walking to the bleachers for a quick break

Lynn paused. She turn her head in the direction of her brother’s school. Her teeth ripped into her meatball sub with a surprised expression.

“You alright, Lynn,” Margo asked.

“I don’t know.” Lynn replied, confused on what she’s feeling.”But I feel a sense of pride towards … Lincoln of all people.”

“That’s strange because?” Margo questioned. She knows that the two didn’t have the best sibling relationship. Why was it strange to be proud of your younger brother?

“Don’t get me wrong. I love my little brother,” Lynn responded. Margo raised questioning eyebrows. “First of all, not like that and gross,” Lynn cringed at the thought. “Maybe Stinkin finally grew a spine or something awesome in sports.”

The final round. Winner takes all. Who will enjoy the spoils of war? Who will scavenge for meager scraps? Both sides' energies are sapped. No more rapid assaults. No more shifting ebb and flow of the court. A battle of attrition is the name of the game. Who can outlast whom?

“How you holding up,” Jenny whispered to Lincoln, taking light breaths. Their clothes were stained with sweat.

“I’m ... Whoa, alright,” Lincoln ducked before replying.” I don’t know how long can ho-JENNY GET DOWN!” He tackled her to the ground, avoiding a dodgeball that darted over them, implanting itself into Rusty leaving an imprint on the wall. “You alright, Jenny?”

“Yeah, but” Jenny shyly avoided eye contact with a blush. “You’re on top of me,” Lincoln blinked owlishly before his simple mind began to comprehend the situation at hand. His face turned a bright shade of scarlet. Jenny quickly swapped positions before he can utter an apology. A dodgeball bounced off her shoulder. “Consider us even” She walked off to the benches. Lincoln sat up, surveying the field. He’s the last person on his team against a strong enemy team.

“Aw crap,” Lincoln grumbled. Chandler’s team is enjoying their odds.

“Well, well, well. It looks like little Larry is alone. I hope you like cold food.” Chandler and some of his team chuckled. Lincoln remained silent.

“Lincoln, it’s cool, man. You can chicken out. We’re okay with it,” Rusty yelled in an attempt to support his white-haired buddy. Others are in agreement with Rusty’s statement. Lincoln remained silent.

“They’re right, Larry. Just save yourself the embarrassment. I guess today isn’t your lucky day,” Chandler keeping the cocky attitude. Something in Lincoln snapped upon reading the word luck. He despised it. Lincoln remained silent with blank expression gesturing Chandler and his team to Bring. It. On. “Your funeral” His team lined up, ready to end this once and for all. Lincoln took a deep breath focusing on the task at hand. Win.

“Come, Lincoln, you got this,” Jenny whispered. Chandler launched the first offensive. Lincoln was a statute allowing the ball to get closer. Chandler smiled. Game. Set. Match. Lincoln keeping the blank look tilt his head to side, missing him entirely. Chandler gritted his teeth.

“What are you guys waiting for?! An invitation or something. Let’s hurry up already,” Chandler ordered frustrated, thinking this was going to be an easy match. His team unleashed brutal barrage. Lincoln remained.

“LINCOLN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Clyde shouted in fear. Lincoln was undeterred. His form was loose, calm yet ready to move to a beat. He smoothly maneuvered his body. Left. Right. Right. Down. Roll. Hop. Left. Twirl. Never missing a beat, letting his moves flow like a stream, evading every obstacle coming his way. Lynn's commands barked in his ears.

“Nice moves Loud,” Pacowski whistled. Impressed with his student, wondering where did this come from. Lincoln’s team cheered for his performance yelling for him to keep it up and don’t stop. Lincoln ignored their cheers. Each move must be calculated and coordinated. Not a step too soon nor too early. This was the final level. He mustn’t lose concentration years in hectic home prepared him. He can’t afford to fail! Not here. Not now.

“Man, the boy, got some moves.” Jenny grinned. “Hey, Clyde, could Lincoln always moved like that.” She asked but Clyde shrugged.

“I wonder what spirits allowed him to move in such a way,” Haiku whispered mesmerized by Lincoln’s skills.

“Nope,” Clyde shook his head.”The only times I’ve seen my bro like was his Dance Battles with Ronnie Anne or trying to survive the havoc known as the Loud House.” Of course, it went back to Ronnie Anne. Although Lincoln needs a new dance partner at Games and Grubs.

The onslaught continues. Chandler's irritation levels soared by the second. They. Just. Can’t. Hit. Him. Whenever they think they got a hit. He moves as if the ball were in slow motion. A stupid step. A dumb duck. A spinning hop. Oh, great, now he’s doing flips. He must be getting tired by now. Lincoln misstepped and slid into a split, holding his body up with his hands. Just what Chandler wanted. Chandler and co see their moment to finish off Lincoln. Or what is it? Lincoln’s eyes widen. He brought his left leg forward with a hand in the air then his other leg into a crab position. Crossing his left leg around his right then pulling the right behind him putting him back in the first stance. He continued this movement gaining momentum with each rotation. The cheering continued even the coach is on Team Lincoln.

“He’s getting drained. He can’t keep this up all day.” Chandler sneered over the whole ordeal, ordering another volley. Lincoln kicked his right leg in front of him. Using both hands to support himself. Swung it back while leaping forward with his left. He landed on his back using the momentum to spin his body on the ground turning it over, landing in a crouching stance.

He waited. He knelt, placing both hands on the ground, straightening out his legs. Lincoln raised his leg bend his knee. He kicked his other kick while swinging his next leg under it. He pushed off the ground, rolling over his shoulder returning to the home position. Now his arms on the floor, supporting his legs in the air. Swinging one leg over the other rolling on his shoulder. He transfers momentum flowing from each side of his body keeping its balance becoming a tornado. Debris is diverting its path to avoid the storm. He didn’t know what he was doing but he did it anyway.

“How isn’t he getting dizzy?” Cookie questioned watching Lincoln’s countless rotations

“I want to do where and when he learned how to do this,” Mollie pondered for a bit.”Maybe he’s trying to impress someone.”

“I know I’m impressed,” Jenny admired with a longing look at Lincoln. She took a quick and subtle snapshot of him to save for later.

“Tssh Jen post them in group chat later,” Cookie whispered. Jenny winked, putting her phone away before Pacowski sees it. They continued watching Lincoln’s performance wondering how he’s not getting hit while spinning. He ended with a one-armed handstand while gently touching a knee with the next one. Lincoln landed on his feet and shrugged as if what he did was normal.

“Nice Just Dance routine Larry. Really nice, but you’re still going to lose,” Chandler mocked. He put his hand out for a teammate to give him a ball, only grasping air. “ Um, hello, I’m waiting. Hand me a dodgeball so we can go to lunch.”

“Uh, Chandler, you may want to take a look,” Girl Jordan said. The redhead surveyed his team. His side was empty drained of ammunition. He turned his head; all the balls were on Lincoln’s court whose casually tossing a ball up and down.

“Chill out, Chandler. All we need to do is catch one.” A short bald boy said. “Easy as pi-UUUHHHH” Lincoln launch a dodgeball straight into his chest, leaving a nice him sized dent into the wall. “So, this is how Rusty feels.”

“Uh oh,” Several students spoked, summarizing the mood. Number one rule in dodgeball: NO MERCY. Lincoln did just that. His aim was precise. His strikes swift. The impact was intense. He was a sharpshooting missile launcher. They were target practice. Eliminating them one or two at a time. Fake outs. Direct Hits. It didn’t matter. He’s here to win ... and eat lunch. He threw one at Chandler who jumped out of the way thinking he’s safe. The ball ricocheted off the floor colliding in his face mid-jump landing on the ground. Girl Jordan grabbed the dodgeball from Chandler’s face and walked over him staring intensely at Lincoln. Lincoln holding the same expression, stared back at her. The court held a deafening silence.

“It’s the final confrontation. Deciding who’ll be supreme and reap the spoils of war,” Haiku whispered, praying for Lincoln's victory, and she wasn’t the only one, too.

“Nice show Lincoln but it’s curtains for you.” Girl Jordan chuckled. He rolled his eyes, hearing that joke before from Luan. “Take a dive, Linky. You won’t win” Lincoln took a stance. He’s ready. “So you’re staying. Fair enough but don’t say I didn’t warn ya.”

Battle auras erupted from their forms, marking where they stood. The pressure skyrockets. A dominant orange for Lincoln and a lovely yellow for Jordan. Neither backed down. Jordan made the first move. Lincoln tumbled out the way and retaliated. She arched her body to the side. The pair danced attacking, dodging, weaving, and parrying. Sweat cascaded off their bodies with each move. Both teams were cheering for their champions. Jordan never knew that Lincoln can endure as much as her. Living with 10 sisters must a high-intensity workout. Wait this isn’t the time. Chicken nuggets are calling her name.

The two stopped, exhausted, taking deep breaths. Neither of them can endure for much longer. Their teams called out their names. The next move will finish the match. Jordan wiped the sweat off her face with a determined look. She pirouetted, charging up the force behind her final strike. “Rosato Wrecker Requiem!” She shouted, launching the ball with all her might sending shockwaves throughout the gym. Jordan grunted in pain as it shot through her arm.

“The heck was that?” Principal Huggins uttered to himself, feeling the slight rumble. He shrugged, thinking nothing of i,t going back to reading his comics.”

Lincoln braced for impact. His eyes widened. Muscles tighten, teeth grit once it made contact. Lincoln skid a meter back, holding his stomach. The squeezing of his shoes echoed throughout the gymnasium. The crowd held their collective breath in anticipation. Coach Pacowski had his whistle ready to announce the results. Who’s the winner? Who’s the loser? Lincoln kept his head down. Jordan apologetically smiled at Jenny yet proud of her victory, holding her sore arm.

Lincoln looked up with a wide smirk. He caught it. Placing one hand on top of the other. The crowd's jaw hit the floor with a thud and widened eyes. Clyde cleaned his glasses, ensuring he still sees correctly. Haiku's eyes comically popped out. Girl Jordan's face was marked with bewilderment. Lincoln stepped towards Jordan, handing her the ball.

“Only my sisters call me Linky,” Lincoln calmly told her.

Pacowski gave them their point and the victory to Lincoln’s team. His team burst with a celebratory fervor at this momentous moment. Lincoln L. Loud defeated Jordan Rosato, the Dodgeball Duchess. They rushed off the stands to praise their hero and champion, lifting him up, chanting “LINCOLN! LINCOLN! LINCOLN! LINCOLN!” on their way to lunch. Lincoln understood why Lynn enjoyed winning sports. He could get used to this. Wait, was someone touching his butt?!

Lynn stopped and planting her face against a window in view of her brother’s school with a starry-eyed expression.

“Um…. Lynn. We’re going to be late for Social Studies,” Margo feeling concerned about her friend/teammate.

“I’m going to hug the everliving snot of out my brother,” Lynn simply said. Margo owlishly blinked with raised eyebrows

Jordan still holding the ball. Lincoln gave back to her, watching him as he’s lifted off in celebration. She’s attempting to fathom. “What just happened?” She muttered to herself. Not only that, she felt strange. She can feel inside her. No, not gas. Her face was heating up. She continued to gaze at Lincoln. He looks … different. He looks the same but better for some reason. Jordan thought he was kinda cute. Now he looks good. Real good. Handsome even.

If bunny boy doesn’t bring his bootylicious butt cheeks back over here. So, help me, God!

“What the hell was that?!” Jordan fearfully muttered frantically searching for who and where that thought came from. Pacowski blew his whistle, telling them it’s time to clean up, giving some a bag to put the dodgeballs in. “Now, I understand why you like him, Jenny.” She smiled and gathered the equipment.

Scanning...

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Jordan Rosatto

Complete

Welp that was fun and entertaining. I wonder what’ll happen next. Do you get the anime references? Anyways thanks for reading. Review. Follow and Favorite if you enjoyed the story.

Chapter Text

They've won. The victors were battered, bruised, and bloodied(slightly). But to the victors go the spoils after a hard-fought and deserved victory. They exited the changing room triumphant. Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of their labor, making their way to the cafeteria.

“Awesome skills out there, Loud,” A student praised. 

“Yeah, you totally rocked,” Another added on. More offered their praise and congratulations to their white-haired champion. Lincoln attempted to wave it off, claiming it wasn’t that impressive. Jenny came to Lincoln’s side, wrapping her arm around his neck, drawing him close to her face.

“Yeah, it was, hero,” Jenny smiled, enjoying the contact and the victory. She made a good choice when making the teams.

Lincoln blushed at the proximity, feeling the warmth of Jenny’s cheek.  “Come on, you guys. It’s no different from what I do when I’m home, dodging all types of crap,” He stated.

“Still impressive, Loud,” Mollie replied, showing her gratitude with an elbow nudge.

“But…” Lincoln doubted.

“Lincoln. Just savor your victory,” Haiku interjected. She placed a hand on his shoulder, appearing on the other side of him. She gave him a quick smile. “You’ve earned it,” 

“Great now, he got cute girls on each arm too,” Rusty grumbled in slight envy of his friend’s fortune. This feeling is mutual among some of the boys in the class.

Hostility noted

Jenny gave the goth an intense glare daring her if she wanted to meet the spirits in person. Haiku stared back raising an eyebrow at Jenny’s sudden hostility but complied. 

“Think you can do that again, my man,” Zach questioned. The class stared at Lincoln. He pondered for a moment. Can he do it again?

“I don’t think so,” Lincoln revealed. His team groaned at this information.” I think it’s one of those totally epic one-time things that comes out of nowhere. I might be able to do it again, but not soon”  He placed a hand on his lower back. “My back is killing me right now.” Lincoln groaned from the backlash. Does Lynn has something to deal with it.

“But you good, right?” Jenny asked. Lincoln nodded as they entered the lunchroom. A batch of food came out hot and ready. They rushed to get first pickings.

“Jenny… we’re here,” Lincoln remarked. Jenny was still holding on to him. Their faces had matching shades of pink. She removed her arm and created some distance. 

“Awesome work on the court,” Jenny coughed to clear the atmosphere still blushing

“Yeah, you too Jenny,” Lincoln whispered, recalling their moment in the final round. “I’ll...I’ll see you later,” He waved her before joining his group at their table.

“Yeah…” Jenny dreamily whispered, watching him sit down at a table with his friends.

Cookie walked over, placing her elbow on Jenny’s shoulder. “You’re drooling again,” She told her ebony companion. She snapped out of her daze and wiped her mouth. "I think you’re in the lead.”

“Sweet, who's next?” Jenny asked feeling confident. The pair walked to an empty table, placing their bags down.

“Serena,” Cookie replied. “She has lunch with us next period. We need to talk to her about Haiku,” Jenny nodded. Shadow-walker is casting her spells on Paladin.

“Okay. Nobody is going to ask about the music during gym,” Mollie complained. She held her tray wondering about the music. Several students shook their heads. “Seriously? No one?!” More shrugged. “Am I bugging or something? UUUUHHHHHHH!” She faces planted on the table taking a sip of her cranberry juice.

The bell rang minutes later. Serena enters, smiling as she sees her target. She approaches their table. Rusty spits out his soda. A girl is approaching them. Willingly. He gave a signal to Liam and Zach. It’s their time to shine. Each struck a pose to impress the ladies. Well, lady, in this case. Lincoln and Clyde turned around to see what in the world their friends are looking. It’s Panda QT. Lincoln calmed himself. Standing his ground. No more running. 

“Hey Serena,” Lincoln spoke, turning to face her while his friends are … flexing.

“What’s up, bunny boy?” Serena cheerfully replied. She ignored his friends' attempts to attract a girl. Lincoln screwed up his face in confusion. “You heard me,” She said with a smile.

“Nobody calls me Bunny boy,” Lincoln responded, annoyed at the nickname.

“Yes, we do,” Everyone in the cafeteria said in unison, even the principal on the PA system. Lincoln facepalmed at this revelation.

“You got the white hair, buck teeth, and you’re eating carrot sticks,” Liam answered. “You’re basically Bugs Bunny with your plans,”

Lincoln paused, analyzing himself. He was able to reply, raising his finger but continued to munch on his carrot sticks. 

“I heard about what you did in dodgeball today.” Serena sat next to him. “I guess today was your lucky day, bunny boy.”

Lincoln's mood turned somber with silent rage upon hearing that word. Luck. That four-letter made him into an omen amongst his own family when all he wanted was me-time. She looked down at him gripping the fabric of his pants. Was it something she said.

“Lincoln doesn’t like the word ‘luck,’” Clyde clarified. He implied about best friend upset. “You see his sister, Lynn gets … how do I say this in the nicest way possible when it comes to luck.”

“Obsessed,” Rusty deadpanned.

“Psychotic,” Zach added.

“Nuttier than squirrel poop after raiding a peanut factory,” Liam continued.

“I was going with passionate but let's go with that,” Clyde retorted. He padding Lincoln's shoulder.  Lincoln exhaled, releasing his hold on his pants

“Is she that bad?” Serena turned towards Lincoln with a gentle look. “Rabbit feet are lucky.”

“She’ll offer up my feet as a sacrifice to the softball gods or whatever,” Lincoln scoffed. Clyde patted his back in support. What the hell are softball gods? Serena thought. She reconsidered, asking but seeing how upset it made Lincoln. She stopped. Although it would explain the squirrel suit. What else are rabbits known for Serena thought to herself?

“What about Lunar based abilities” Serena spoke. Lincoln turned and raised an eyebrow. Moon powers? Sounds interesting. “There are tons of stories about moon rabbits. Chang’e a Chinese moon goddess had a rabbit companion who makes her an elixir of life.”

“Kinda sounds like Kaguya,” Zach whispered to his friends, who nodded in agreement.

“I still felt that was a cop-out,” Serena replied. “I enjoyed the Buddist and Shinto aspects, but she just came out of nowhere” She complained. Kaguya had no build up or mention besides that one clan named after her.

“You like Asian culture,” Lincoln faced her. Her knowledge of said subjects isn’t common. You have to research these things.

“Of course. It’s how my parents met,” Serena smiled. She talked about how her parents met each other while staying abroad in China and fell in love. Serena caressed her panda cap. “My mom said I kicked when they were at a panda exhibit. They named me Serena as pandas often represent peace and tranquility.” 

“At least you’re named due to an important event while I’m named after a president.” Lincoln chuckled. He slid closer to her. She blushed at this act. “Can you tell me about more animal symbolism. It sounds awesome,” Serena grinned. He leaned in closer and whispered in her ear. “Plus, I’m in a bit of a rut with my art and this can help a lot,” She forced herself not to make a sound upon feeling his warm breath on her ears.

“Ooooookkkkkayyyyy,” Serena stuttered as her face heated "What about the Chinese Zodiac. I know that Pokemon does with that the Firestarters. The most recent is Scorbunny” Lincoln blinked. Did her mouth blurred? The conversation continued from there. Comparing and learning various mythological creatures and how they can be adapted into a comic besides the generic Greco-Roman creatures. His friends watched in shared envy.

“As much as I love him like a brother. Sometimes I hate his fortune” Clyde declared watching his bro bond with a QT

“Mmhhhhmmm” They all took a sip of their drinks.

“Haiku, you’ve been staring at my brother for a while now,” Lucy told her living companion. Haiku quickly composed herself, removing her hand from her chin, clearing her throat, straightening her hair and dress. “I know something happened between you two within the last hour. Your energy is brighter.” 

“Yes, we did,” Haiku admitted. “I felt a connection between us. It was like what I had with Clyde at the dance yet different.”

“How did it feel,” Lucy asked. Is her ship finally coming true?

“It felt … warm,” Haiku smiled at her confession. “When you asked me to be Lincoln’s date. I took it as a little sister’s admiration for her older brother,” Lucy shifted a bit. “Now, I understand why you spoke highly of him. He is a wonderful person,” Haiku shyly blushed, looking at Lincoln with longing.

“He and I always had a special connection being the black sheep among our siblings,” Lucy sadly recalled. Haiku wrapped her arm around her gothic gal pal. “We’re easy targets among a sea of gold and brown. Lana and Luna share similar interests being music and animals, but … Lincoln is the only one that truly understands and appreciates me.” Her throat burns as the breaking words flowed out. “No judgment. No insults. No desire to change who I am. He completely accepts me.” She began to whimper, “I hated myself for betraying him at the ‘Bad Luck’ incident. All the time, he was there for me. I wasn’t there for him,” Haiku embraced her tightly, ignoring the snot and tears on her dress. She needed support that took priority.

Lincoln’s big brother instincts were tingling, causing him to halt his conversation with Panda QT. His vision scanned the area. Lucy grasping onto Haiku in one of the dark corners of the lunchroom, giving them some privacy.

“Sorry, Serena can you excuse me for a bit” He quickly stood with a worried face. She glanced at where he was looking and saw one of his younger sisters with Haiku. She agreed, knowing that he loves his family. He thanked her and sprinted to the dark duo. Rusty saw his chance. He jumped over the table to take Lincoln’s spot

“Say Serena if you ever wanted too…” Rusty attempted to charm the Panda

“Hey, I’m borrowing her for a sec. Thanks,” Cookie interrupted, dragging Serena with her.

“Dang it,” Rusty facepalmed. 

“Lucy, are you okay,” Lincoln asked worriedly. The two looked at him in surprise. How did he know? “Did your favorite character die or one of your shows or books got again” He gently hugged Lucy. She hugged back. Haiku observed the interaction keeping a hand on Lucy’s back. They do have a unique bond. “You want to talk about it, Luce.”

“It’s a rather private matter. She’ll tell you when she’s ready,” Haiku answered for her blubbering friend. Lincoln decided not to pry any further. 

“You want anything to drink?” Lincoln softly asked. Lucy nodded. “A Blackberry iced tea for Lucy and a Straw-Raspberry for you, Haiku?” 

“Oh no, Lincoln, do you don’t have to,” Haiku said as it was Lucy who needed support, not her yet impressed that he remembered her favorite flavor. She probably mentioned it once.

“Too late made up my mind,” Lincoln chuckled. “Considered it as thanks for being my sister’s friends” He walked off and went to the cashier.

“Incredible isn’t he” Lucy sniffed with moist red eyes. 

“That he is” Haiku smiled.

“You know if you two ever got married. I’ll be proud to call you sister,” Lucy mischievously smirked. Haiku stuttered in embarrassment as Lucy giggled at her reactions

“Holy crap, did you heard that” Cookie whispered to Brown & Panda QT, who nodded in agreement. They barely heard the two said but gathered the crucial details “Haiku is making leaps and bounds ahead of us.” 

“So what if Haiku got a little crush on Loud” Mollie scoffed, eating her fries. “He’s slightly better than most of the guys here, but come on him?”

“I think Lincoln is a pretty cool guy,” Jordan counter-argued. The QTs agreed. 

“Oh please, you’re only saying that because he beat you in dodgeball,” Mollie retorted. Girl Jordan shrugged, saying perhaps. “Who seriously has a crush on that nerd.”

“You do,” Girl Jordan revealed. "Quite a bit ,” Mollie choked on a fry. She coughed and beat her chest to clear her throat.

“Huh… wait, wh...at,n-n-n-ooo. I-I-I-I don’t have a crush on Loser Loud,” Mollie stammered, blushing furiously offering futile resistance.

“It’s always Lincoln this. Lincoln that. Or ‘I’m totally going to beat his cannonball record this time’” Jordan taunted bringing up the facts. Mollie hmphed, ignoring what Jordan said.

“Oh hey Lincoln” Jenny declared.

“WHERE?!”Mollie freaked out, looking frantically around for him. "Is my hair okay? I don’t stink do I?! Crap I probably do!” She worried

“Mollie chill,” Jordan holding in her laughter. Mollie paused. She got played.

“I hate you, Jenny,” Mollie grumbled in embarrassment. She placed her head down hoping nobody else saw what she did. The table laughed. The QTs took notes on the situation. 

The bell rang again as everyone packed up for class. The loud siblings said their goodbyes until afterschool.

Lincoln and Haiku walked together in the hallway for a few minutes until they arrived at Lincoln’s class.

“This is my stop. I’ll see you around Haiku,” Lincoln said stopping at the door.

“Likewise,” Haiku replied. She turned around to walk off but stopped. “Lincoln,” He turned towards her, wondering what she wanted. Haiku stepped towards him to gently wrapping her arms around his torso embracing him. “You’re a wonderful, Lincoln Loud. DON’T let anyone tell you different” She released him and went her merry way until she was out of sight. He entered his class in a daze wondering if he was dreaming. If so. Then he needed to stop eating peanut butter and sauerkraut sandwiches with spray cheese before bed. Woah, she smelled nice.

Afterschool couldn’t come soon enough. Lincoln was putting his books in his locker when his phone vibrated. It was from the family group chat. 

“Hey, there was an accident causing a major traffic jam. Yes, I’m fine but I’ll be an hour late,” Lincoln read off Lori’s text. Luna said she already caught a ride with Sam. Lynn said that she’ll walk home as she needed the cardio. Lincoln closed his locker and went to find his younger sisters. He found Lucy talking to Haiku. “Yo Lucy um… hey, Haiku,” He said softly when greeting Haiku.

“Greetings Lincoln” Haiku replied with a blank look.

“Lori said that she’ll be late due to a traffic jam,” Lincoln informed Lucy.

“I’ll tell Lisa and the twins, but Lisa probably knows already by now,” Lucy blankly responded. “I’m heading to the library to catch up on some reading.”

“Same here. I got some inspiration for sketches,” Lincoln turned his attention to Haiku. “You want to come with us.” He offered.

“As enjoyable as that sounds. I must decline” Haiku respectfully rejecting pulling out a smartphone with a vampire bat case showing a notification from mom saying that she’s here. “A bid thee adieu until next time,” She elegantly took her to leave exiting through the first door.

“Lincoln, are you coming?” Lucy spoke up breaking Lincoln from his daze. He snapped out of it and followed her. 

“Looks like someone had a good day today” A pale mature lady with raven hair smiled at her daughter from the rear-view. 

“I did mother,” Haiku letting a tiny smile breakthrough. She got interested

“Is it a boy?” The mother teased. Haiku blushed to fix her gloves.

“You can...say that,” Haiku nervously admitted. Haiku’s mother cooed that her daughter has a crush. 

“Okay, where is it” Lincoln whispered while searching the shelves. “Ch, Ch, Ch, Ch ah here it is. Chinese zodiac & mythology.” He grabbed the medium-sized book and found an empty table. The library is typically empty around this time with the occupants being students who wanted a quiet place to do some work. Lincoln reached into his bag grabbing blank sheets of paper and a pencil case. He turned on his phone and began drawing. “Cinderace is an awesome Pokemon.” Lincoln said. His body buzzed. There’s that weird feeling again. Something. Something wasn’t right. His brain and spinal cord tingled messing his sense of time. What year was it? A digital cyan obstructed his vision.

“Lincoln?” A voice called out his name snapping him out of it. He turned to see Caroline holding a few books in her arms. “What are you doing here.” She asked.

“My ride’s late, so I’m using the free time to draw,” Lincoln answered. “How about you?”

“My mom gets off around 4,” Caroline replied taking a seat next to him. “Whatcha drawing?” She questioned.

“Serena told me about moon rabbits, so I’m making a hero off that,” Lincoln explained, gesturing to the books. “I’m going with a cosmic theme but having time deciding whether or not making them a unique individual or species,” He wondered on the possiblities

“Go with the species. Gives it the Ben 10 vibe,” Caroline suggested. Lincoln pondered about it. It can work. Ben 10 has 10,000+ aliens as an adult so he probably has one. 

“Okay, the hard part is what planet is it like,” Lincoln countered. Ben 10 showed like 10 planets or so Ben’s aliens with some inhabiting the same world.

“It has to be a Goldilock planet,” Caroline stated. Lincoln looked at her in confusion. “It’s like Earth not too hot nor too cold. It’s just right for supporting life,”

“A grassland or forest planet then” Lincoln questioned. Rabbits are abundant in those biomes.

“Yeah, but that way too cliche’. Rabbits are also found in deserts,” Caroline retorted before a lightbulb flashed. “Why not all 3. This can lead to various subspecies with different adaptations. The planet can have multiple moons with a weak red sun. Oh, my stars! The tides and ocean currents. Wait, are they the dominant species? Are there predators they must worry about” Caroline continued to ramble on about the planetary aspects and celestial bodies and how it would affect the species. Lincoln listened to her use words and terms only Lisa could decipher. Caroline stopped when she didn’t allow Lincoln to speak.”Sorry, I got excited. You probably think I’m weird” She raised her sweater to cover a portion of her face.

“I live with 10 sisters. Almost nothing surprises me anymore,” Lincoln consoled as he knew the feeling of having your interests being the butt of someone’s joke. “Should we call the desert species ‘Dust Bunnies’” He joked to lighten the mood. She chuckled lightly hitting his arm. “That did give me some ideas. You write the background information while I draw the various species.”

“Deal!” Caroline eagerly agreed. He slid her a piece of folder sheet. The two began to work trading and sharing ideas about creating an entire civilization. “Now the names” They were stumped. Why is creating the name always the hardest part?!

“We’ll deal with that later” He slid closer to see what she created. She can smell his cologne. Caroline created an elaborate list such as government, military, religion, cultural norms etc. “Holy moly. This would’ve taken me months to get this much”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Caroline boasted, flipping her hair.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Lucy spoke suddenly shocking the pair. Caroline grasped onto Lincoln in fright. Where the hell did she come from? “Lisa told me that Lori is here. You know our eldest sibling reacts.”

“I got to go. I’ll see you later,” Lincoln told Caroline, quickly packing his bag exiting the library. Lucy stared at Caroline. The blonde started to sweat. Lucy walked off to avoid invoking Lori’s wrath.

“Sweet Alpha Centauri,” Caroline released her breath. “Who knew that an 8-year-old could be intimidating?”  

Lincoln was rushing to get to Vanzilla. He didn’t want to piss off Lori. He turned sharply around a corner bumping into a red-haired girl, causing both to fall on the floor.

“Sorry, are you okay” Lincoln apologized standing to help the girl up.

“I think so,” She thanked and grabbed his hand. “Thanks...Lincoln?!” The girl exam

“Cristina?” Lincoln repeated. She quickly withdrew her hand as if he was diseased and ran off. Lincoln let out a deep sigh begrudgingly walk to Vanzilla. Christina hid behind a row of lockers watching him walk out the front door. She turned to find Lucy intensely staring at her with a scowl. “Um… hi?” Lucy walked pushing her out the way. Cristina sighed walking away heading to Glee club.

“There you are. I was wondering where you were,” Lori said when Lincoln and Lucy entered the van. Lori started the car and began to drive home. “You okay twerp,” She noticed that he didn’t say anything during the ride. That was usually Lucy’s job. He had the same look when Ronnie Anne officially moved away.

“Cristina,” Lucy answered in his stead holding his hand. That name alone brought silence. Lisa slid over laying her head on her genetically similar companion's arm. She didn’t particularly care for human emotions as they’re often illogical. But she did care about his feelings. Luan leaned forward from the backseat giving him a hug. The twins couldn’t do much because of their seatbelts. Leni can only offer a sympathetic glance to her dear brother. Lori tightly gripped the steering wheel. Only Carol Pigdey made her feel such UNGODLY AMOUNTS OF RAGE. The ride home was silent with only the sounds of traffic in the background. They arrived home. Lola & Lana, immediately hugging their big brother when he stepped out of the vehicle.

“What’s up fam” Luna cheerfully greeted, strumming her guitar. She stopped seeing their dour demeanor. “Woah, what rain on y’all parade.”

“We’re going to have a sibling meeting in a bit. Get Lynn. It’s a Code: C” Lori told the rocker

“Crap a Code: C,” Luna leaped from the couch dashing through the kitchen opening the back door. Lynn was practicing her bat swings.” Lynn, we got a Code: C!”

“Can it wait? I’m in the middle of someth-” Lynn shouted. The words struck a home run in her brain causing her to stop mid-swing. Code: C. Cristina! “What are we waiting for?! Let’s go already,” Lynn sprinted back inside. 

“Woah where’s the fire” Lynn Sr. asked seeing Jr. rushing back inside

“We got a red alert, OG” Lynn replied running up the stairs. The patriarch gasped. Red Alert again?!

“I’ll get Lincoln and hide in the bunker. There’s a box of chocolates upstairs. Your mother knows where it is,” Lynn Sr. panicked. 

“It’s Code C for Lincoln,” Luna clarified. Lynn Sr. calmed down and made an ‘O’ with his mouth. He was still confused. “It’s Cristina pops.”

“Was that the girl Lincoln had a-” Lynn Sr. said before Luna covered his mouth.

“Yeah, but we don’t talk about it,” The rocker whispered. She let go of his mouth and went upstairs. Lynn Sr. whipped out his oven mitts to prepare for dining.

“The sibling meeting begins now,” Lori ordered beating a table with an old shoe. "The order of today’s meeting is to get the 411 from our brother.” Lincoln had seen better days. He was wrapped and covered in an array of pillows and blankets while being cuddled by Leni.

“Okay, then. I helped someone with their math and again with one of my classmates” Lincoln started off

“Nice to know there are more brain cells in this family. Who were they pray tell,” Lisa spoke, getting interested.

“Evelynn, while we were on the bus and Cookie one of my classmates,” Lincoln answered. This got the girls interested.

“What’s your relationship with them?” Lori questioned, wondering about these girls.

“Evelynn is an acquaintance, but she seems nice pretty shy though,”Lincoln responded. “Cookie and I don’t have the sweetest relationship but that’s how the cookie crumbles.”

“I get it,” Luan chortled. Lola threw a pillow at her face.

“Sometimes she’s nice, and sometimes she’s mean at least to me.” Lincoln continued. The older sister passed glances to each other. “I actually got her to laugh surprisingly” Luan whispered a ‘Nice’ “My team won the 4x4 and dodgeball. I was the MVP, according to Jenny and my team during dodgeball.”

“You the MVP? Was Girl Jordan on your team. I heard she’s a beast,” Lynn scoffed wondering if that was the feeling she felt during lunch.

“Yes, and no, she was the other team.” Lincoln retorted struggling to get his phone out. He showed them a video during the 3rd match.

“WOOOOOAH bro since when you could get down like that?!” Luna shouted excitedly, watching her bro’s choreography. He’s natural flowing like water. “Are you breakdancing? Oh no not the knee”

“I want to see when you become the MVP,” Lynn said. It’s just him and GJ now. She watched Jordan launch a powerful shot at her bro. The sisters flinched at the impact. “You catch it. Awesome work, Stinkin.”

“We got an early lunch, too,” Lincoln grinned. “Serena taught me about animal symbolism for a bit.”

“Who?” Lola questioned

“She’s the girl that wears a lot of panda gear,” Lincoln said. Lola recalled seeing a girl like that around the school.”

“Apparently, everyone calls me Bunny boy,” Lincoln grumbled at the nickname.

“Wait you totes like didn’t know,” Leni added. Lincoln stared at Leni shaking his head. Man even Leni knew about it.

“Lucy and Haiku called me over to help with their poetry,” Lincoln lied protecting his favorite ghoul. “Nothing really happened until afterschool. I went to the library to kill time. Caroline and I talked for a bit helping me with a character. I think you’ll like her Lisa. She likes astronomy and ecology.”

“Yes, another intellectual. A description of her please” Lisa lisped.

“Light long blonde hair with bangs wearing a white turtleneck sweater,”Lincoln confirmed. “Lucy told me you were here” He addressed Lori before his expression turned somber. “I bumped into Cristina. We ended up on the floor. I helped her up. She thanked me before realizing who I was then … removing her hand from mine as If I was a freak. Well more than usual and ran off.”

“It’s true. I saw making it one of the few times I’ve felt rage,” Lucy growled.

“How did it feel?” Lori consoled. She and some of her friends went through similar experiences in the past.

“You think after the first 23 times. You get used to it,” Lincoln sniffed with watery eyes. “But you don’t. It hurts. It really hurts,” He whispered the last part with tears smoothly flowing out. He stood up, “ I’m heading to my room. Tell dad I’ll be late for dinner.”

“Oi Linc,” Lynn shouted before he opened the door. He turned with tired red eyes. What are you going to mock him for having emotions like any normal human being? She approached him then softly hugged him. Lisa cleared her glasses & Lucy opened her bangs. Luan pinched herself. This was not an illusion. Lynn showing affection?! Lily waddled to the pair ignorant of what’s happening but didn’t want to miss out on hugs. Leni got in on it too. Then Luna, Lucy, Lori, Lola & Lana, Lisa, and Luan. Embracing their only brother is a massive group hug.

“Guys, it’s getting hard to breathe,” Lincoln choked out. They each reluctantly released him with Lynn being the first and the last to let go. She sat back down watching him shut the door.

Oh shit! Cristina is back! How will the QTs react to this and the threat of Mollie, G.Jordan Haiku, and now the Return of Cristina? Place your bets next time on Dragon Ball! Wait wrong show but I see some awesome fanart.

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