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The Shadow of his Heart	By : Catspeaker Category: +G through L > The Loud House Views: 12692 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own The Loud House, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Lucy's phone vibrated to life and began to play a mournful organ dirge early in the morning. The teenager had been sleeping face down into her pillow, thick dark duvet wrapped around her body, the dark velvety fabric of the canopy on her bed closed.

Slowly she brought herself to wakefulness, as the alarm on her phone continued to assault her with Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Rolling over onto her back, she thrust her hand out of the canopy and smacked it around atop the nightstand next to it. Her fingers brushed over her candelabra, a skull, her book of poems and ahh yes there it was... on her book of poems, her phone.

Yanking it back into the confines of her bed she brought it up to check the time. 0700 am on a Saturday.

Siiiiiiiiiigh.

The things she did for love.

She couldn't let herself lay here any longer though, or she'd end up falling back asleep and then all of her plans would be for naught. She threw off her duvet, opened the canopy and stepped out with a large yawn, stretching her arms up above herself.

Clad in a long flowing black nightgown, her hair falling all over the place from bed head, she grabbed the clothes she was planning on wearing for the day, grabbed a towel, then headed out of her room to get a shower.

Normally at this time on the weekends Lucy wouldn't even wake up until at least 10, and sometimes as late as Noon. She would talk about the cursed day star and how it burned the flesh of night creatures such as her, which really just meant she preferred staying up late and sleeping in. That and Lincoln and her were the palest members of the family, they couldn't tan, they just burned. The sun was just an annoyance in Lucy's eyes.

But, she had decided she needed to get up early today, considering everything that happened last night. With Lincoln out of commission it now fell to her to make sure everything in the house ran smoothly.

She had to be the one to make sure her other sisters were doing what they were supposed to do, made sure everyone had something to eat, inform their other sisters the details of last night, and most important of all... that Lincoln was going to be taken care of.

She also had an afternoon lunch date with her best friend Haiku to further discuss certain...matters that she had brought up last night. Before she dared allow herself to do that however, she would need to make sure everything would be handled here.

The last thing she wanted right now, the very last thing, was her brother trying to handle everything like he typically did, while he was in his current state. No, he needed to take time for himself. He'd probably make some excuse about keeping busy to keep his mind off of it, but he needed his mind on it.

She needed him to be sad and depressed and in anguish. She needed him to work through those issues as quickly as possible, until he had recovered enough she could slide in while he was still vulnerable. It was being cruel to be kind, but Lincoln need to internalize it was over with Melanie and accept he was single again.
Right now romance would be the furthest thing on her brother's mind, but that didn't mean she couldn't show him how reliable she was. That she couldn't make sure when he thought back to this time, it was always Lucy who was there making sure he was alright and everything was taken care of.

Lucy was soon enough in the shower, washing off the previous day, she contemplated getting her hair color restored. Maybe that kind of dramatic new look would also help Lincoln re-frame her appearance too. She knew he wasn't used to her golden blonde locks, none of the family really were with how often she quickly dyed it the moments her roots began showing.

However taking on such a dramatic change would potentially help Lincoln symbolically see a new beginning. Besides, it was a look he wasn't used to seeing on her. It might be just different enough it would make him see her as a woman first, and a sister second.

It wasn't something she should do right away, but the more she thought about it the more it appealed to her.

After she’d made sure she was cleaned and refreshed, she took a moment to towel herself off and slip into the dress she’d chosen for today. Her goal wasn’t sex appeal, while she always wanted to look beautiful for him, even if he wasn’t aware of it, she was smart enough to know a warmer look was going to go much further than a sexy look today.

Of course, it still had to be her. Distinctive of her gothic mindset and sensibilities. The dress she’d chosen was almost elegant even if meant for everyday use. The fabric soft and loose, it dipped around the area of her neck and shoulders but didn’t reach low enough to actually expose any cleavage. Just showing off her beautiful pale flesh in contrast with the dark material. Its sleeves were long, tight down to her elbow where they then dramatically flared out, the material hanging down past her hips if her arms were at her sides. It had a very subtle lace pattern threaded over it, which wasn’t noticeable unless one was very close, or it caught the light and reflected it just right.

Overall, it hearkened back to a more dark ages aesthetic with a modern twist. Something a witch would wear, and well, Lucy did consider herself a practicing witch. From there it was back to her room to apply her makeup. Adding enough foundation to make her already pale cheeks even more striking. One of her lighter shades of black lipstick, followed by her eyeliner. Even if nobody saw her eyes, it was important to complete the whole look. You didn't half ass making yourself beautiful for the boy you loved, even if he was unlikely to see all of it.

She looked at herself in the mirror again, turning this way and that. All she needed was a basket with some fresh baked bread and she would look like some medieval forest witch off to visit her lover and brighten his day with the fruits of her labor. Well, she wasn’t going to be baking him any bread, but she would make his favorite poptarts and a cup of coffee for him when she decided to wake him up.

Speaking of which, now that she was dressed and ready for her day, it was time to check on her beloved and see how he was doing. She said that again in her mind, ‘her beloved’. After the decision that she was going down this path, no matter what stood in her way, she had begun to mentally think of Lincoln in terms of already being hers. She knew she would need to be patient and take her time until she’d broken him down into accepting her as what they were always meant to be, but it felt so liberating to no longer stop herself from indulging in all the thoughts and feelings she’d always had.

Yes, she was checking on her beloved, and their sister Lily, who she assumed had spent all night with him. Gliding down the hall to her brother’s room, she very carefully and quietly opened the door, peeking her head in.

The sight that greeted her was such a sweet one. Her family could come together in such wonderful ways when they needed it.

Lincoln was indeed asleep still, laying on his stomach, but his head was in Lily’s lap, placed against her tummy. The little sister was awake, looking as if she’d just done so recently but didn’t want to move. She was gently holding her brother’s head, petting his stark white hair ever so sweetly while she leaned back against the headboard. When she saw her older sister, the sweet girl put her finger up to her lips in a shushing motion.

Lucy smiled and nodded her head as she carefully stepped into the room. She made no sound as she walked, Lucy was able to travel anywhere with a level of stealth that would make ninjas envious. Her voice came in a soft whisper.

“How is he?”

Lily continued to gently caress her brother’s hair as he seemed to be sleeping peacefully, she spoke in just as soft a tone, “Better, but still not good. He kept waking up, and he cried again, but I pretended to be asleep and just hugged him tighter.”

Lucy nodded, still smiling softly, “Good. But you need to get up now and get a shower and then I’ll make you something to eat.”

Lily frowned, “I want to stay here with him.”

Lucy nodded, “I know you do, however, you still need to shower and change and get your weekend chores done so you’ll be free to spend time with him when he wakes up.”

That seemed to make sense to the young girl, a little manipulation to get her to acquiesce, the promise of something greater if she did as she was told now. Lily nodded, and carefully, very carefully, she slipped out from under her brother, replacing her lap with his pillow. He mumbled something incoherent and squeezed his pillow tighter to himself as Lily stepped onto the floor.

The 9-year-old looked behind her, down at her brother’s sleeping form then leaned down and kissed the top of his head like he’d done so many times to her. With a nod she followed Lucy out of the room and then headed to her own to get a change of clothes and hit the shower.

Lucy had decided she would make breakfast for everyone this morning. While she wasn’t the talented chef that her Father and beloved were, she knew how to make eggs, toast, and bacon for the family without burning the house down.

As she headed down and into the family’s kitchen her phone began to vibrate. Fishing it out of the hidden pocket within her dress she flipped it over to the screen and saw the contact info, her sister, Lori Santiago.

Leave it to Lori to take ‘wait a day’ to mean call as early as possible. It was just those maternal instincts combined with being the eldest sister in their bunch that made her worry over all of her younger siblings.

As soon as Lucy hit accept and put the phone to her ear, Lori was already talking.

“Lucy, what’s going on, tell me the details, how’s Lincoln?”

Lucy frowned, she should have been asleep right now like normal, what was Lori doing calling her this early for the information.

“Good morning to you too Lori, how did you even know I was awake?”

Lori’s voice responded as if that had been a stupid question, “Uh duh, Lincoln’s going to be too upset to handle things like usual this morning, he’s probably still passed out after crying his eyes out all last night, so naturally as the next oldest you stepped up to the plate.”

Lucy blinked in surprise, it was scary how insightful Lori could be at times, but then as the eldest sibling she’d been responsible for all of them longer than the rest.

“How, did you know that?” Lucy asked with just mild annoyance at what she thought would be a surprise was so transparent to her big sister.

She could practically hear Lori grinning smugly on the other end, “Magic mom powers. You’ll get them too when you have your first child.” Lori gave a soft small giggle.

That scary insight did make Lucy feel a little worried. If Lori could predict her behavior that easily, could she also predict her plans for Lincoln? No, No, Lori was good, but she wasn’t omniscient. Lucy had managed to hide things from her over the years. Her and Lincoln would just have to be careful.

But the last thing she'd said had really caught Lucy off-guard, ‘You’ll get them too when you have your first child’. That had actually brought a blush up to the pale girl’s cheeks.

Children one day, with Lincoln? Lucy had never really thought about being a mother before, but suddenly she knew she wanted it. She wanted it with him. She wanted to have her brother’s child. A beautiful little boy or girl with his stark white hair.

Her sister’s voice broke her from her reverie.

“Anyway, fill me in, how’s Lincoln doing? You told us he broke up with Melanie, but not much else? God, I only ever met her once at the 4^th of July barbecue but she was obnoxious.”

Lucy responded, “He caught her having sex with another man at a party. He was sparse on the details besides that.”

Lori sighed and paused a moment, then finally spoke again, “She doesn’t know this, but she was literally doing that boy a favor. Lincoln would have never broken up with that girl if she hadn’t done something like this. I know it’s going to hurt him for a while, but eventually he’ll realize how much better he is without her.”

Lucy found herself silently nodding before responding, “I agree. I’m glad you weren’t here to see the way she treated him like the rest of us did. I think you would have killed her, and knowing you, gotten away with it. At the least you’d know you could count on me to help you get rid of the body.”

Lucy could practically hear the smile in her older sister’s voice when she responded, “No one better I’d rather have helping me do so. Alright, then I know I can count on you to take care of our Lincoln. Bobby is upset too and wanted to call Lincoln directly, but I told poor Boo-Boo-Bear he’d have to wait to console his little brother.”

Lucy inwardly winced, there was an unspoken topic involving Bobby that she knew she had to bring up to Lori now, “Do you think, right now that would be a good idea?”

Lucy could hear the emotional frustration that came from Lori’s voice as she responded, “Lucy, that was 3 years ago, and you know Bobby had nothing to do with it. You know he still adores Lincoln, it’s not his fault it never worked out between Lincoln and Ronnie Anne.”

Lucy still wasn’t convinced, there was also a small part of her that was suddenly jealous and could think of nothing but the other girl that had been such an important figure in her brother’s life. The last thing she needed was him pining for his other ex when the lane had just been opened up for her.

“Still, I know he means well Lori, but I don’t think Lincoln needs the association of one of his other breakups on top of this one right now.”

Lori clearly didn’t like this. The eldest had wanted nothing more than Ronnie and Lincoln to work out. In Lori’s mind it would have united Bobby's family and her own even more than they already were, and Bobby did love Lincoln as the younger brother he never had.

Bobby had even cried when Ronnie had told them Lincoln and her were no longer seeing one another. It wasn’t fair that Bobby would remind Lincoln of Ronnie in his current state but she knew Lucy was right.

“Fine, fine. I understand. Alright.”

There was another pause, Lori wasn't going to push the issue, but she wasn't happy, “I gotta go, Marco and Lina are getting up and I have to feed them. Just, tell Lincoln his big sister loves him so much, that all his big sisters do. We’ll hold off on calling him right away again, we don’t want to overwhelm him. I have to call Leni now and let her know, she’s going to have the most trouble following the no calling Lincoln rule.”

Lucy didn't know if that would be the end of things involving Bobby and Ronnie Anne in this situation, but it was over for the moment, “Good. I’ll make sure he knows. Love you Lori.”

Lori’s response was quick and kind, “Love you too Luce, talk later.”

Lori hung up. Lucy put her phone on the counter as she rolled up her sleeves and began to get breakfast ready for the family.

Breakfast had gone over pretty well with everyone, Lana, Lola, Lisa, and Lily didn't seem to have any problems with the food, and even thanked Lucy for being so considerate in preparing it for everyone. Lincoln was still asleep while the girls were all eating with one another and discussed how they would approach things with Lincoln today.

Lucy mentioned she would be taking care of him until she left for her meet-up with Haiku at about 2:00pm, during that period the other sisters would have to step up and keep an eye on Lincoln while she was gone.

With Lily at the table they couldn't really discuss revenge schemes, but it was clear Lola wanted to get started on the preparation work and surveillance already. She talked around the subject, trying to get the go-ahead on it, but Lucy shut that down. It was still to early to start jumping right to revenge, but Lucy knew that was just how Lola expressed her love.

There was also the matter that today was technically one of Lincoln's work days. He typically alternated his Friday and Saturdays from week to week to help out at the restaurant, they were the busiest nights of the week and when he brought the most money home from tips. Lincoln was good, diligent, he rarely ever skipped out on it.

He'd also want to work like usual, regardless of his emotional state, the sisters didn't know if that was the best idea and maybe he should take the night off. Lola said she'd discuss it with daddy and get him to agree. It wasn't like they expected him to go and party, he'd just be sticking home with his sisters anyway.

A weekend at home was just what he probably needed. All of his sisters had their own friends and social gatherings they would engage in on the weekends, even Lisa liked to spend her Saturdays hanging out with her BFF Darcy and their friend group, but all agreed it wasn't a big deal to spend a weekend making sure Lincoln wasn't alone.

After all they knew, he would do the same for any of them.

Despite the elaborate breakfasts that Lincoln cooked for others, his own tastes ran to the end of being extreme in their simplicity. There was nothing he loved more than a bowl of sugary cereal or some toaster pastries. Despite the plethora of different things to try and eat that came with living in a house with a master chef, Lincoln just liked to keep it simple for his first meal of the day.

With that in mind, Lucy had popped in a pair of strawberry frosted pop-tarts after having brewed another fresh pot of coffee. She knew just the way her brother liked his coffee, she knew just the way he almost liked everything. It was important after all, a good wife had to know her husband to better be his companion.

It wasn't like he didn't know all of his sisters favorite foods and just the way they liked things either. He did after so long of taking care of them, Lucy thought it was only fair he get pampered in return, and this was the perfect opportunity to really show him just some of what she was capable of.

It was almost 10:00am when Lucy ascended the stairs with the breakfast tray in hand. A clean plate in the center where she'd laid out the fresh pop-tarts, wrapped in paper-towel to trap their warmth. Coffee, heavy on the cream and sugar, in his favorite Ace Savy mug right next to a glass of orange juice. Finally, his daily anti-anxiety pill and a small sketch that Lily made and colored in at the kitchen table to go with the meal.

It was a large cartoon heart, with rainbow letters spelling out 'Good Morning Lincoln!' with Lily's signature. The girl had to be included in everything that was meant to help her big brother 'feel better' again and wouldn't take no for an answer.

In this case, as much as Lily had wanted to bring Lincoln breakfast with Lucy, Lucy had waved the girl off and said there were some grown up things she needed to discuss with Lincoln about what had happened. That had been, stretching the truth a little. Lily herself had seemed a little confused at the statement but had accepted it anyway, why would her big sister lie to her?

Which meant Lucy was going to begin the first step in showing Lincoln who truly had his best interests at heart.

Standing at the threshold of his door, it was still open just a crack from where Lucy and Lily had exited it earlier in the morning. The slender goth girl leaned over slightly, peering through the crack to make sure her beloved was still inside.

There she saw him, curled on his side, arm out stretched and laying against the wall. The blankets bunched up around his legs. He looked as if he'd been tossing and turning ever since Lily had left him, and he still had his clothes on from last night. He looked so vulnerable like this. So fragile, it pained her to see her older brother struggling even in his sleep, but she reassured herself once they were together he'd do nothing but sleep beautifully every night...

When she let him sleep that was..

That thought brought a hot flush to her pale cheeks as she allowed herself to indulge ever so slightly in the fantasies she'd often forced from her mind. Of her body sliding over his in the dark of the night, pressing her flesh to his own, breathing in his masculine scent, and finding out just how the sweat on his skin tasted.

She had to take a moment to herself then, catch her breath. She was getting excited, but it was to early in the game to make that kind of move.

Pushing open the door with her hip, she strolled in, this time not making an effort to mask her presence. Quite the opposite, Lucy was so naturally quiet she had to go out of her way to even be heard like a normal person when walking, she made sure to step a little more firmly, to make the floorboards under his bedroom carpet creak enough to be heard.

That seemed to do the trick, and a blurry eyed looking Lincoln, turned his head in her direction, yawned and began to stir. The boy focused his gaze on her as the world came into focus for him, and he eventually favored her with a small smile, “Hey Luce....”

Lucy finished crossing over to the bed and took a seat on it right next to him, before placing the breakfast bed tray over his lap. “Good morning Lincoln, I'm sorry for waking you up, but I think it's time to leave the realm of Morpheus.”

Lincoln gave a soft smirk even as he was still brushing sleep from his eyes. His younger sister was always so dramatic. He then looked down at the simple breakfasts plate in front of him, and was clearly touched.

This only last for a moment before he suddenly looked worried and reached down to grab the tray and move it aside, “Oh crap, it's morning, I need to get out of bed and---”

Lucy stopped him by placing her hand gently on his chest. She pressed softly against his heart, as her voice came out in a soothing tone, “It's okay Lincoln. It's been taken care of. Everyone’s been taken care of.”

Lincoln looked a little bewildered but slowly nodded his head, leaning back once more and looking at the food in front of him. Lucy gave him a soft smile, a genuinely happy and warm one, it was a rare smile reserved for those she loved, and Lincoln was the one she gave it to most.

She answered his question before he could even speak it, “I took care of it, everyone's fed, all we want right now is you to relax as much as you can after everything. Your sisters are here, all of the ones that live with you are not going anywhere today. We're on standby if you need anything.”

She saw the uncomfortable look go across his features. This wasn't attention Lincoln was unused to, or rather it wasn't unexpected. Being the only boy, and so close to each of his sisters, anytime they knew he had been hurt or upset, they were all ready to baby him.

Anytime he had caught a cold growing up, all of his sisters wanted to take care of him. Anytime he'd injured himself, they were falling all over each other to make sure he was okay.

She knew he was embarrassed about it. Lincoln was so used to being the caregiver, he didn't react well to care being given. That and she knew it had something to do with his masculinity. He was around a lot of estrogen growing up, and she knew he often felt as if he had to assert his manliness now and then and insist he would be fine when he was hurt.

She interrupted him once more before he could say anything, only this time her hand had left his chest and her fingers had settled over his cheek. She'd gently cupped it in her hand, her thumb over his cheekbone and she gently caressed it in an intimate manner. It was pushing the boundary of what a loving sibling did, but Lucy knew she could rely upon her own well known eccentricities to play it off.

“Lincoln...You're not getting out of this. We love you. It's your turn to be sad, and upset, and let us take care of you for a change.” she continued to give him that soft sweet loving smile.

She saw his reaction, he didn't pull away from her touch. He didn't even react as if it were strange or unwanted from her, he actually lifted his left hand up, and placed it over her right on his cheek. He gave it a squeeze as he looked down at the food in front of him once more. She could see he was struggling, trying to hold back fresh tears as the memories of what had happened to him were flooding back.

“Luce....I...” He tried to began before the words dried up in his throat, and he looked like he was about to break down again.

Lucy didn't hesitate, she scooted closer until she was right next to him. She wrapped both of her arms around him, pulling his head against her soft chest. There she brought her fingers up and began to gently run them through his hair.

“It's okay Lincoln, I'm here.” She whispered.

She could feel him shudder ever so slightly, his voice cracking as he forced the words out, “I still can't believe it. I still can't believe she—she--”

Lucy's fingers continued to run through those soft white locks she loved so much, down from the top of his head to the base of his neck, letting him use her chest as a pillow while he began to cry softly against it.

Lincoln's voice continued, “She, She she said she was Polyamarous, that, I should accept it, that I wasn't a good man if I didn't accept it.”

Lucy didn't think she could be angry at the bitch anymore, and yet Melanie had somehow found a way to make Lucy want to hurt her even further.

“Lincoln, that was just an excuse for her terrible behavior. You know that.” She whispered.

Lincoln's head nodded softly, and then his voice came back so pained and small, she could feel the self-loathing boiling up in him, “Luce, I almost. For a moment.” He bit his lip, and groaned, “A part of me wanted to say yes.”

She could feel his hands come up and take hold of her black dress, right at her hips and he squeezed as he buried his face into her chest, as if he was ashamed at himself. As if he couldn't bare for her to see his face.

Lucy's heart broke, seeing Lincoln like this. Seeing him beat down by the world so much that he'd willingly allow himself to be the plaything of a spoiled girl whose soul was absolutely ugly. It filled her with such grief. It made her resolve to be his woman even stronger.

“But you didn't Lincoln. You didn't, did you?” She asked.

Lincoln stopped for a moment, sniffed once, “No. I didn't, but I thought it.”

Lucy's hand slipped to the back of her brother's neck again, at the base, and gave it a gentle squeeze, massaging the muscle underneath, “Actions are what matter Lincoln. Thoughts can only take you so far. We all have our weak moments, and you didn't give it. I'm proud of you for that.”

Those words seemed to have an effect on her brother, they seemed to give him a little more strength. Lucy watched as his shivering seemed to stop. He took one deep shuddering breath, then seemed to calm, pulling away from her grasp, and leaning back against his headboard, staring up at the ceiling.

“I don't know what I did wrong Luce. I wasn't good enough, or I wasn't man enough for her, that she would need to--”

Lucy interrupted him, “Stop that. Stop that right now Lincoln. You know that's not the truth.”

Lincoln did stop, but he brought his gaze back down towards his sister, pain in his blue eyes once more, face pulling into a frown, “Then why Luce? Why does this keep happening to me?”

Lucy continued to feel her heart turning in her chest, twisting in pain. She hated this so much, hated that her brother was so focused on these bitches who weren't even worthy of the breath he exhaled. In a way though, she had to be thankful to them. It was only after so many of these terrible harpies had hurt her brother that she knew she was the only one suited for him.

“It's not you Lincoln, or rather it is you, but it's not what you think. You've always had terrible taste in girls Lincoln. You've done nothing but go after these girls who don't appreciate your sensitive and loving nature, they take advantage of it. It's something all of us know, and all of us have been so tired of seeing.”

That seemed to give Lincoln pause, he looked down at the plate in front of him again. His hands laid flat against his lap as he seemed to really let Lucy's words sink in. She could see the turmoil on his features, and she so desperately wanted to hold him again. If she could kiss his lips and banish the memories of all his previous heartbreaks she would do so. But she knew this was important. Lincoln needed to realize he had been going after the wrong women all his life. He needed to be put into a state where he doubted his own choices, so Lucy could make that choice for him.

She loved him so much.

Lincoln continued to look crestfallen, and then a sad little smile graced his lips as he looked back to her, “You guys really didn't like Melanie much, did you?”

That made Lucy smirk in return, once more she reached out and touched his face. She loved touching him, she loved being in his presence so much, and even in this moment she could be ever so slightly grateful to Melanie for letting her comfort her brother like this.

“No, none of us did Lincoln. But we love you, so we didn't say anything, we just wanted you to be happy.”

Lincoln continued to give that sad little smile, his eyes downcast, “I really don't deserve any of you..” he whispered softly.

Lucy seized on the moment then, and did something Lincoln had never expected her to. Her hand was still on his cheek, she suddenly took hold of his chin, and directed his gaze up towards her. With her other hand she suddenly swept her thick dark bangs out of her eyes.

Lincoln was suddenly met with the sight of his sister's beautiful, deep blue eyes. She never let anyone see them, she always seemed to take some measure of pride in how her gaze was constantly hidden, yet here she was, as if baring her very soul to him. He could do nothing but stare back, trapped in her sight.

Her eyes were soft, and kind, and full of so much love as she spoke the next words with a finality and certainty Lincoln had never experienced before, “Yes you do. Yes you do. You deserve someone exactly like me. You deserve nothing but the absolute best Lincoln.”

Lincoln seemed to shiver under that gaze, she could tell he was getting goosebumps.

Good.

Lucy smiled, continuing to let him see the windows to her soul, and then she leaned forward, closing the distance between them ever so slowly.

Poor Lincoln was caught like a deer in headlights, at his sister's mercy, completely unsure what was coming next.

Then she was placing a soft kiss on his forehead. It wasn't where she really wanted to kiss him, but it was far to early for that. This, however, had been a statement of intent. She had communicated to Lincoln exactly what was coming. He deserved a girl like her. He deserved her.

When she drew back, there was a pair of black lips left on her brother's forehead where she'd kissed him. It made her feel warm inside, leaving her mark on him like that. If only she could leave something that would last just a little longer.

Siiiiiiigh.

She released his chin, and brought her other hand back down, letting the dark curtain fall over her eyes once more, hiding the vulnerable side of her she dare share no one but her beloved.

It had all had it's intended effect, her brother was blushing profusely. His cheeks were a deep red, and she could tell he was wrestling with some of her statements.

Good.

The smile on his face stopped being sad, and had become a genuine one, “Maybe you're right Luce.”

Lucy smirked back at him, “I know I am. Trust your sister in this.” She added then, planting more seeds she would harvest in the future, “No one will understand you like your family does Lincoln. No one will get you like we do. No one will get you like I do.”

Her innocent brother, if he could detect the undercurrent of what she was planting in his head and heart, he didn't seem to give any indication, and what he said next only made her more confident in her efforts, “You really are the best Luce.”

“I know I am.” She grinned again responding, “Now eat your breakfast. I didn't slave all minutes over a toaster for you to let your pop-tarts get cold.”

Her little joke actually brought a small giggle to him, and it made Lucy wish she could just kiss him all the more, “Alright, alright, but seriously Luce, thank you for handling everything like this. I know, I'm gonna be a wreck today.”

Lucy nodded, “We know Lincoln. We all do. But it's part of the process, you know that. Your sisters are here, and we love you, I love you.”

Lincoln smiled again, looking back at her, “I love you too Lucy.”

She never tired of hearing that phrase from him. He could say it over and over again, and she would never cease enjoying it. That affirmation of her brother's love. One day she knew he would say it with passion in his voice. She resolved to make it happen.

Lincoln picked up a pop-tart and shoved it into his mouth, taking a bite, before picking up the coffee and giving a sip. He looked surprised, then back at her with a smile and nod of appreciation, “Great Coffee Luce!”

She only smirked in return.

The rest of his breakfast went well, and Lucy told him to get a shower afterwards. Washing off the stink of the previous day would help him approach his new beginning one symbolically. He was going to cry again, he was going to be sad, he was going to have it rough, but Lucy was certain about one thing.

He would be hers. She would make certain of it. In his pain and in his grief, she would be there to wipe away his tears and comfort him. She would be the one to bring him out of that darkness, and into her own. A darkness which was warm, and comforting, and loving. A darkness which would never let him go, and never let him forget he was loved. A darkness which would satisfy him far more than anyone else ever could.

From there the day went on as normal as it could all things considered. Lincoln opened up a little more about what had happened to his other sisters, though leaving out some of the more lurid parts with Lily around.

With the rest of her sisters on Lincoln duty, Lucy was able to borrow the keys to Mom's car and head out to the Burnt Bean coffee shop where Haiku and her were to meet.

The Bunt Bean had been a staple of the Royal Woods community going on 50 years now. The independent coffee shop had managed to survive the influx of bigger chain stores over the years with the help of it's quirky reputation and regular open mic poetry nights. It was a well known hang out for those who considered themselves to have a poet's soul and was popular with college kids and the artistic.

Lucy and Haiku had been coming for years, the first time as a field trip back in elementary school when her mother had volunteered to lead the literary club. Over time it had become one of her favorite places to visit and now she was known as a regular among the more frequent patrons and staff, particularly for her own occasional poetry recitations.

It often meant rebuffing the advances of college boys who were taken with the gothic beauty, but Lucy didn't have a problem with that. Casually dropping her age made most of them back off, and the ones who didn't, well once they were outed as creeps, the staff would handle things.

Haiku was already sitting at their usual table when Lucy arrived, sipping on an espresso patiently.

Lucy and Haiku had been friends ever since they met in elementary school. Haiku was actually the girl's name, her full name being Haiku Roberts, the daughter of a mixed race couple who both worked as professors at Wayne State in Detroit.

Haiku much like her best friend also embraced the gothic lifestyle and fashion. She had been Lucy's constant companion and best friend since the two had met in the Mortician's club when they were 8 years old. While they'd had their disagreements and conflicts over the years, they always came back together, and Lucy considered her to be the person she could trust most in the world.

At 5'6, she was more than a few inches shorter than her best friend, and was an even starker contrast to her boyfriend Clyde who was 6'4. Also like Lucy, her skin was a pale alabaster, and her hair was long and dark. Unlike Lucy though, where Lucy's dark hair seemed to absorb the light, Haiku's reflected it, having a natural shimmering shine that spoke to her hair being naturally dark unlike Lucy who had to dye hers. Also, unlike Lucy, Haiku didn't hide both of her eyes, but rather enjoyed having her flowing black hair swept over her left eye, leaving only her right exposed, the dark brown peering out at the world as if judging it.

Today, Haiku was wearing a flowing violet dress, that cinched at the waist with a simple black belt that locked with a skull. Finger-less mesh gloves ran up to her elbows. It was a look that Haiku had worn some variation of since her childhood.

When Lucy approached, Haiku smiled, put down her mug and then stood to embrace her best friend. Both girls shared a hug, before sitting back down at the table again, facing one another.

“How's your brother doing?” Haiku asked.

Lucy didn't see any point in false pleasantries, neither did Haiku for that matter, both would rather speak the truth, no matter how unpleasant it might be, “Terrible. But he'll survive.”

Haiku nodded, “I can't say I'm upset that Melanie and him didn't work out. I know Clyde wasn't the fondest of her, and I don't think either of us would have enjoyed going out with her and Lincoln anywhere.”

Lucy nodded, “I can't say I blame you. She did fill the air with a toxic essence of entitlement and that terrible knock-off perfume she always wore.”

Haiku took a sip from her mug before she fixed her best friend with a questioning frown, “Well, she's in the past. Which brings us to our current issue, the one you hinted at on the phone.”

For the first time, Lucy found herself completely nervous and afraid as she faced down her best friend. What she was about to admit she knew, was something the vast majority of society wouldn't accept. As much as those in her subculture enjoyed tawdry novels and stories of forbidden romance, it was another thing entirely to try and do something that was both illegal, morally questionable and held as repugnant by society. She feared saying these words and talking about this subject would cause her to lose the closest friend she'd had all her life. At the same time she needed to tell someone.

Lucy looked down at the table, clearly afraid of saying anything. Her hands perched on the edge as she struggled to form words, to broach this topic.

She became aware then, of Haiku's hand having slipped across the table, and taken hold of her own, squeezing it tightly.

“Lucy, I'm not here to judge you. I might tell you it's a bad idea, but I'll always be your friend.”

Lucy returned the squeeze to her hand, and kept a firm grip on Haiku's own. She was trying to keep her breathing under control, as the fear of letting this all out was still overwhelming her suddenly. If she spoke it to someone else, out loud, it really would become real. So far, despite everything she'd said to herself mentally, she could still backtrack. She could force it back into the bottle, force herself to resume the normal relationship she had with Lincoln, even if it hurt to do so. But to tell someone else, that would make it the most real it had ever been.

Haiku spoke again, “Lucy...I don't know if you remember, but did you know I originally had a crush on your brother?”

Lucy was taken off guard by that, but the memories she had tried not to think of had come rushing back. Over the years, Haiku coming and visiting often, spending time with her older brother when he was home. The way she would look at him, and laugh at his jokes, the way she would ask him about his interests.

It was true, Haiku did have a crush on her brother, Lucy had been all to aware of it. What was worse, is that Lucy DID approve of Haiku. If anyone was worthy of her brother, it would be her best friend. The girl she had trusted with so much over her life. The one who was her favorite person to spend time with, outside of her brother.

So why hadn't she let Haiku and Lincoln date? What had been the reason? Was it because Lincoln had been with Ronnie Anne at the time? No, there were periods where Ronnie and Lincoln weren't together anymore, and Haiku could have been perfect for her brother then.

Haiku interrupted Lucy's thoughts, “But...” She paused, “I noticed how, uncomfortable it made you. Every time I started to get closer to your brother I watched you die a little inside. I didn't know what to think at first, but I eventually decided my friendship with you was much more important than a boy. Eventually, through Lincoln, I met Clyde, and I have absolutely no regrets. Clyde is an amazing boyfriend, and I'm lucky to have him. But Lucy, I'm starting to realize, when you were uncomfortable watching me get close to Lincoln, it was more than a little sister being protective of her brother, wasn't it?”

Lucy had been silent the whole time her best friend seemed to expertly dissect what was going on in her heart. She was all but coming out and saying it for Lucy herself, but seemed to lead it up and leave it for Lucy to confirm those suspicions. To be brave enough to say the rest.

Lucy took a shuddering breath, and she noticed tears were now running down her cheeks, “I love him.”

She stated simply enough, “I love him Haiku, I love him so much I can't take it anymore. I can't keep going like this hiding. Without letting him know, and without at least trying to get him to return my feelings.”

Lucy reached up and wiped at her cheeks with her free hand.

She heard a deep sigh come from Haiku, and her voice respond, gentle and kind, “Oh Luce....what are we going to do with you?”

Lucy sniffled once, and forced a smile, “Lock me up in a sanitarium until I escape and become a deranged killer in the neighborhood years later.”

Haiku smirked at her friends joke, “Well, I suppose that is one direction we could go with. Much as I'd admire you for doing so, I'm thinking we resort to less dramatic means.”

Lucy spoke softly, “Siiiiiiigh. Less dramatic than being in love with your own brother and dreaming of him making you his woman?”

Haiku blinked her visible eye, Lucy was certain she'd blinked both, but it was more striking with the way her hair hid the rest of her features, “You really do have it bad for him. You have for awhile, haven't you?”

Lucy leaned forward now and propped her elbow on the table, head in hand, “All my life Haiku. All my miserable life.”

Haiku gently released Lucy's hand, now that she was confident her friend was no longer in need of it, and went back to sipping her espresso.

“You're really certain about this then Lucy? You know you could never have a real open relationship with him, not with out drastic measures. Maybe you two could move somewhere no one knows you, and live openly there, but your family, I don't think they'd ever accept it. You'd have to keep it hidden from them too..”

Lucy gave another groan, “I know, I know, I know it's going to be hard. I know. But I have to try, I have to do this Haiku. Even if it means we have to hide it. I can't keep being in the shadow of his heart.”

Haiku gave another sigh of her own, and then stared down into her now empty mug.

“In some ways it's almost romantic, but in others it's a terrible idea. But, you're my best friend, and I love you.”

Lucy looked up as she heard those words, fixing her best friend with a soft, sad smile.

Haiku continued, “If Lincoln agreed. If he loves you too in this way, then nobody could really stop you anyway. Well, lots of people could stop you, I more just mean I know you two would do it. Even I know your brother can't say no to you. So it's better if you have someone, helping you.”

Lucy's smile widened, looking ever so grateful to her best friend, reaching forward across the table and taking hold of both her hands, “You'll help me? Actually help me with this?”

Haiku gave a slightly sardonic smirk as she replied, “What kind of person would I be if I didn't help my best friend fuck her brother.”

Lucy winced hearing that, even as it caused a snort of laughter to come from her, Haiku laughed as well.

“Well, it sounds terrible when you put it like that!” Lucy replied.

Haiku gave a slight shrug and smiled, “Well it is terrible. But then, that's the life we've embraced since we were children. I just hope you're prepared for how bad all of this could end up being. This is playing with fire Lucy, real fire. This could tear your family apart. Is it worth that? Is your love for Lincoln worth more than the love of your family?”

Lucy didn't even hesitate, “Yes. It is. If I can have him, nothing else matters. He is all I need. Besides, even if the worst happens, they'll forgive him. I don't care, I'll take the blame.”

Haiku looked surprised again, a slight frown going to her lips, “You really are damned, aren't you Lucy?”

Lucy smirked in reply, “Come on Haiku, we're both witches, if we believed in real damnation we would have traded in our pentacles for crosses years ago.”

Haiku gave a little shrug, “I suppose that's true. Though come to think of it. Goddess help me, I think I have an idea for how you could get things really moving with Lincoln.”

Lucy sat up suddenly, looking more excited, squeezing Haiku's hands again, “What is it?! Come on Haiku, tell me!”

Haiku looked away for a moment, as if she was trying to decide if she was really going to continue down this path with her best friend. A moment later she seemed as if she'd made up her mind and replied, “Well, you know we have the Harvest ritual coming up with the Coven.”

Haiku and Lucy had become practicing 'Pagans' when they'd turned 13, finding a local community in Royal Woods had been easy, there was already so much overlap with the local goth community. Now both girls had regular meet ups where they would practice their 'craft' together with others.

Lucy's family didn't have any issues with it. It was just seen as another eccentricity of the girl. She'd been playing with Tarot cards and holding seances since she was a child. Moving into actual occultism had been a natural fit for her.

The local coven was part of a network of others that communicated and sometimes gathered with others throughout the state of Michigan. Being only 16, Lucy didn't get to travel to see them all, but loved to participate in anything the local coven did.

Lucy nodded, and then a look of surprise came over her lips, “You mean, I should volunteer as the sacrifice and Lincoln should be...”

Haiku nodded, “The Wolf.”

A flush came and touched Lucy's cheeks as the details of the harvest ritual played out in her mind, of her brother taking the symbolic role of the Wolf, and what that would mean for her as the sacrifice.

“But, how do we convince him?” She asked.

Haiku fixed her with a look, “Lucy, really? How many times did you convince your brother to join the Mortician's club temporarily whenever we needed him for something. He would even dress the part as uncomfortable as it made him. You think he would say no if you told him you really needed him next weekend for this?”

Lucy's cheeks continued to burn red, and her heart was pounding even faster. It was true, Lincoln had always volunteered himself for any silly venture she'd wanted. He seemed to find some sort of strange amusement in it half the time. This could work, this could really work. He didn't need to know the details of what the ritual symbolized, he just needed to do it.

By then it would be to late for him to back out, and he'd have nothing he could do accept chase her until she caught him.

Lucy smiled again, and looked back towards her friend, “I don't deserve you as a friend.”

Haiku smiled back, “Sister please, you don't think a part of me thinks this is a little hot too? If we're going to hell, at least I'll be in good company.”

Both girls laughed and then began to talk further details about the plan. Halfway through Clyde called Haiku to tell her about Lincoln's break up, and Haiku told him she was already talking to Lucy about it. Lucy had a new found confidence in all of this. She just needed to wait until next weekend.
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The Shadow of his Heart