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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.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Lori Santiago almost collapsed as she fell back onto the large comfy white couch placed in the living room of the apartment she shared with her husband and two children. She’d been on her feet most of the day and being several months pregnant, was more than ready to finally take it easy. Bobby and her family in the Casagrandes really wanted the blonde attorney to take some time off, or at least slow down, but that just was not Lori Loud-Santiago.
Quite frankly she was the woman who had to have it all, Lori never settled for being second best in life. The career, the husband, and the kids, all would be hers dammit. She’d grown up watching her Mom have 10 more children after her, 10! All while holding down her own Job, she felt like she HAD to live up to the same example her Mother had provided and set an example for her 10 younger siblings as well.
This had led to her over-working herself, particularly when she was pregnant, trying to be a loving mother and wife, while also forwarding her career. Her mother, husband, and in-laws were desperately trying to get it through to Lori she had nothing to prove. If anything, she’d already proven herself several times over. The Casagrandes loved Lori as their own, they were very fond of the whole Loud family in general but of course were worried about the one who'd married into their own. That worry only got worse as she got closer to bringing another Santiago into the world. Much as Lori even recognized she should try taking it a little easier, it was still something the eldest Loud sister struggled with.
She had just finished tucking her son and daughter into bed after a wonderful dinner provided by her Grandmother-in-law Rosa and was now looking forward to spending some quality time with her Husband Bobby. It was time to catch up on the latest episode of Dream Boat, a guilty pleasure both the Louds and the Casagrandes shared.
Bobby happened to be sitting on the couch right next to her, reclining after a long day running the Meracado, but the moment Lori put her feet up on the couch, he suddenly snatched them up in his hands and started rubbing them, a look of concern on his face. “Babe! Your feet are so swollen! You really should think about taking the last two months of the pregnancy off, I don’t want you collapsing on me!”
Lori's feet were aching something fierce, but she was about to tell him he didn’t need to rub her feet. However, when she went to speak the sheer relaxation and pleasure from feeling his tough fingers working her sore appendages caused a soft groan of satisfaction to come from her lips instead. “Gnng, Bobby…that literally feels so amazing right now.” She gave a soft sigh as she sank back into the cushions, her protests completely forgotten.
Her husband gave her a shy smile in return as he continued to work at relaxing his very pregnant wife. She looked up at him again, and decided she needed to respond to his earlier statement, “I don’t know Boo-boo-bear, I don’t want to fall behind at work. I really have to prove I can be a mother and still handle my case load if I want to make full partner.”
Bobby only continued to shoot her a look of concern, “Babe, you already did that with the last pregnancy.” He squeezed his thumb down on the sole of her foot then, causing Lori’s whole body to tense and un-tense in an exquisite moment of pleasure and pain that made her body feel like jelly. She groaned, and looked back to him, “Boo-Boo-Bear it’s so unfair of you to bring this up while you’re doing that!”
Bobby only smirked as he continued rubbing his wife’s feet, “I’ll do whatever it takes for my wife’s health and safety, and the safety of Lotta.”
Lori found herself unable to put up much more of an argument. It really wasn’t fair he was putting her on the spot while he was taking care of her.
It really wasn’t fair how much she loved him.
Lori sighed and rolled her eyes, pouting, acting as if she was more upset than she really was, “Ffffine Bobby. I’ll compromise. I’ll take the last month of the Pregnancy off.”
Bobby brought one of her sore feet up and kissed her big toe, Lori’s eyes going wide as she laughed and gagged at the same time, “Bobby! My feet are gross right now, don’t do that!”
Bobby only laughed at her in response, “None of you is ever gross to me babe. Besides, after going through two labors with you now, it takes a little more than your feet to gross me out.” He gave a brief far off look as if he were a soldier having a sudden war flashback, body shivering as the memories of watching his children be born, and all the… fluids it involved, flooding him.
Lori smirked as she switched her other foot into his hands, “From what I remember, you almost passed out the first time. I think if I wasn’t literally squeezing the life out of your hand, you probably would have.”
Bobby looked back almost sheepishly, remembering how scared and freaked out he had been at Marco’s birth. He’d only gotten through it thanks to his mother and father, and Mr. and Mrs. Loud being there to support him.
Looking a little indignant, but still not ceasing with his foot rubbing the young father spoke up in his own defense, “Hey I was much better at Lina’s birth, and I’m gonna be even better for Lotta’s! Just watch me babe!”
Lori laughed softly and smiled back, a long, pleased sigh coming from her lips as she looked at him. Bobby was looking back at her with pure adoration in his eyes. His love for her was so innocent, true and unending. Lori understood how Bobby loved. He didn’t hold any of it back with those in his life. She knew he loved her so unconditionally it made her cry sometimes.
She knew her husband thought he was the lucky one in the relationship. She knew every once in a while, creeping doubt would enter his mind. When they were in High School, he would look at her grades compared to his own, when they were in college, he would compare the classes she took compared to his own, and now he would look at her career, and while he was proud to operate a successful neighborhood business, he knew being a lawyer carried higher prestige. He understood his wife’s intelligence was greater than his own.
These doubts only came rarely, but Lori saw them every time. It was then when she would cradle him as tightly as she could and whisper how he and their children were everything to her. More important than making partner at the firm, or even her old Golf legacy at Fairway.
If only he knew how much she thought she was the lucky one. How often she would think to the days when she had been a scared awkward teenager with little self-esteem, who considered herself a hopeless dork. Back when she wore thick glasses, had braces and bad skin. Back then when she never imagined a handsome young boy would gather the courage to go up to her and tell her she was pretty.
He had simply asked her if she would be willing to go out with him, and the then shy and insecure teenager had to stop herself and wonder if someone was trying to play a trick on her. But it hadn't been, and Bobby had taken her out on her first ever real date, and for the first time she got to feel like one of the teen heroines in the sappy romantic movies she loved so much and watched with her sister Leni. After that first date, the two had been bonded for life.
They’d had the occasional ups and downs as all couples do, but they never strayed from one another. Bobby had been her first for everything, and she his first too. She never wanted another man. No one could replace her Boo-Boo-Bear.
That, and as a sly smirk crossed her lips, she doubted anyone could keep up with her sexual appetites like he did. She had been the one to take things further in their relationship after Bobby had started kissing her. She had been the one to make things sexual first. Then, discovering just how much she liked it, it was all she could do not to jump the boy’s bones every time she saw him. The poor boy was enthralled when his girlfriend revealed just how much and how often, she wanted him.
Bobby rose to the occasion though, literally.
But she knew she got that from her mother.
There was a reason Rita had 11 children after all, the same reason Rita had been the aggressor in her relationship with Lori’s father, Lynn. Rita just had a very difficult time keeping her hands off her husband. The sound proofing in the room wasn’t just to allow Mom and Dad to sleep easier in a house with so many children. It was also to spare those children the sounds that came from it so often when Mom and Dad were alone.
Lynn had to develop amazing Stamina to keep up with Rita, but he too had continued to do so. Even if Lori knew Mom kept the little blue pills around to assist since age had begun to creep in.
Of course, her Dad would be absolutely mortified to know his wife had discussed their sex life to any degree with their daughters, but these were just the things daughters and mothers discussed sometimes. The little secrets between one another, just as fathers and sons had theirs too. Things mothers tried to prepare their daughters for. Particularly since Lori was the daughter which most took after Rita. Yes honey, I'm putting you on the pill. Oh, I trust Bobby completely, I don’t trust you. Because you’re my daughter that’s why and probably as fertile as me to boot. Sweetie I was pregnant with you before your father and I graduated college, I know what I'm talking about. Bobby Is a good boy Lori, just be careful you don't scare him.
As for Bobby, his attraction to Lori had started before she had even realized he was in her life. When they were Freshman in High School and she was randomly assigned to be his partner on an English project.
Bobby understood on some vague level he was considered handsome. It had never mattered to him though; he had never thought being handsome was important. What was important was how a person was on the inside. Like his mother and his little sister.
They were two of the strongest women he had ever know, and two of the sweetest, even if his little sister tried to hide it under an act of being tough. Both were so kind and patient with him in life, and he knew that had to be difficult sometimes. Bobby knew he wasn't the smartest guy, he struggled when it came to some things other people regarded as simple. He didn’t even know how to tie his own shoes until he was 17! He knew he wasn't technically disabled, but he also knew he overthought things to a point where he would work himself into doing something foolish.
Bobby was surprisingly good with numbers, very good with them, particularly when it came to advanced but practical applications of them. It was one reason he could run the Mercado so well. He had an instinctive grasp of what to order, how much of it, how often it was bought and could even balance what items would complement another and when to stock up on them. He was smart in a lot of ways.
But in other ways, he just fell short. He knew he didn't have a lot of common sense, and he just too often took things too literally. His mind just took things at face value, abstract notions were difficult for him to comprehend, and certain real-life skills were for some reason just harder for him to figure out compared to others.
He was a certified lifeguard, could cook pizzas, had skills in security, and yet had difficulties tying his shoes, and still occasionally locked himself inside the dairy case by accident.
But when Lori had been assigned as his partner that faithful day, she had been so patient and kind with him. She was never short, or angry, or annoyed with the way he struggled with the concepts of metaphors and allusions in writing. It was like, she already knew how to handle someone like him, like his mother and little sister did.
She had sat there, with her glasses and braces, sitting next to him, re-reading the passages and explaining them to him more simply, waiting for him to catch up and understand, and she smiled and giggled every time he would get something right.
He thought she was so pretty, even back then. This beautiful smart girl who took the time to be patient with even a dummy like him. Of course he knew then he had to ask her out. That's what you did when you liked someone! It just had taken him a little while to gather up the courage.
Like a year or two.
A year or two of being her friend and hanging out with her in her friend group and working with her on every assignment he could. Of holding his breath every time she smiled at him, of finding every little thing she did so cute. Like the way she adjusted her glasses, the way she fluffed her hair, how her brow would furrow when she focused on a golf swing. The sound of her squeal of happiness.
Then they were texting each other non-stop, and he had become her ‘Best Guy Friend’. His mother, his other friends, they all kept trying to tell him she liked him. She was sending every signal she could outside of writing it in the air! But he had still be unsure!
He remembered the first time he told her she was pretty. She was upset that day; another girl had told her she was ugly. He knew it was worse than that the girl was a bully who had it out for Lori, but he knew that was about the sum of it. She felt ugly and insecure then and it broke his heart so much.
He couldn’t understand how the prettiest, smartest, coolest girl in the world could be so hard on herself. When he saw her ready to cry at her Locker, he had gathered up the courage then and told her she was pretty. The prettiest girl he knew.
She’d looked at him with complete shock, as if she couldn’t believe what he just said. She asked him if he was being honest, if he did think she was ‘literally pretty’. He had blushed so hard and had nodded and given a quiet yes.
She did cry then. She hugged him and thanked him for being her best friend.
He knew he had to stop making excuses after that, and a few months later he had asked her out. Okay, he left a tray of brownies in her locker with a note asking her out. But he still asked her out, and he had been completely ready for her to say no. No matter how good those brownies were.
But she had said yes! Yes!
That night was.....actually the date was a complete and total disaster. It seemed like everything went wrong. It had rained, they'd been so nervous they couldn't even order water right. He'd stabbed her with a chip, she spilled soup in his lap, and they knocked over an entire cart of flan.
And yet for some reason, they decided they wanted to do it again. And again. And again, no matter how many disasters happened with their dates.
Over a decade later, she was his wife, and the mother of his children. He never understood how he could be so lucky.
Which was why, he had brought up the subject of her brother again.
Bobby loved Lincoln Loud. He liked all the Loud Siblings, but Lincoln was special.
He was just as smart as Lori was, and just as patient and kind too. He was also a little different from everyone else, he did things his own way and was just fun to be around.
Lincoln was like the younger brother he'd never had. When they hung out they did all the things that Bobby had always wanted a little brother to do things with. Going to Monster Truck shows, riding roller coasters together, rock concerts, Rip Hardcore and Arrgh Marathons, Lincoln was a fun little brother to have.
But more than that, he also saw the effect Lincoln had on his little sister Ronnie.
Most big brothers were not too keen on watching their little sisters start to date, and for the most part Bobby was the same. When it came to boys, he knew Ronnie was more than capable of taking care of herself, but he always felt some level of familial protection towards her. That he had to make sure the predators and the bad ones didn't take advantage of her. He also didn't want to see his little sister lose her innocence and grow up so fast. No big brother really did.
But with Lincoln, it felt different.
Actually, when he thought back to it, he had been pretty pissed off at Lincoln Loud when it all began.
Bobby had been sure his little sister had a crush on a boy at school. He could just tell by the way her behavior had changed at home.
She was lighter on her feet, she smiled more, she had a spring in her step, and she was even more patient and kind with him than normal. She was playing less pranks on him and teasing him far less. She said nothing had changed at school, nothing was different, but he could see something was making her happy.
After some questioning a few days later, Ronnie had admitted she had made a new friend at school, but he was something of a 'Lame-o' and so she had fun teasing and pulling pranks on him. She was certain he didn't mind, and probably found it as funny as she did after the fact.
Bobby had simply responded with, 'oh you have your first boyfriend' as if it were the simple and most obvious answer everyone should be able to see. When Ronnie denied it profusely, it had just made him confused. He didn't understand why she couldn't just admit she liked the boy, and that was why she was so happy lately.
But he remembered how nervous he had been with Lori and decided to just shrug it off and let his little Sister be.
Imagine his surprise when he discovered the boy in class, her new 'friend' has been none other than his girlfriend's little brother Lincoln.
Ronnie herself hadn't even known Lincoln was the little brother of her Big brother's girlfriend. But the day Ronnie had come home in tears, she had ended up finding out.
Lincoln had unknowingly broken Ronnie's heart. He knew his little sister was a little rough around the edges, but he also knew how sweet and loving she was, the idea that Lincoln would make her cry, purposefully make her cry was unfathomable to Bobby.
Why didn't Lincoln see how lucky he was?! Ronnie was amazing, and she'd picked him, him out of every other boy at her school to shower her affection on! Okay, maybe she had a strange way of showing that affection, but that was just because Ronnie didn't like being thought of as soft. Bobby knew that, why didn't Lincoln see it?
That had led to one of the toughest moments in his relationship with Lori. As much as he loved her, been completely totally devoted to her, his familia came first. If her little brother was going to be so cruel to such a sweet girl like his little sister, well then, he just couldn't see Lori anymore.
But that had only been a minor short little hiccup in the relationship he had with Lori. Lincoln had seen the light and realized Ronnie had only been playing with him, with all those little tricks and pranks she'd been pulling. Sloppy joes down his pants, gum in his hair, playful shoulder punches, Bobby and Lori had both know those were all but out and out declarations of young love from Ronnie to Lincoln.
And Bobby knew Lincoln had some trouble accepting it, but his little adopted Bro eventually caught on and Ronnie and Lincoln got closer.
Lincoln was the boy that his little sister clearly liked, and Lincoln was the boy that met Bobby's expectations. Just as Bobby had no doubts about Lori and his relationship surviving his family's move, he knew Lincoln and Ronnie's would survive too.
And it HAD! So much so the rest of the family saw it. Their grandparents, Uncle, Aunt, and cousins had just assumed Lincoln and Ronnie were a couple. Even if the two kids couldn't see it themselves. Oh sure, the family knew there would be some difficulties for the two kids since they lived long distance... but given the closeness of the two families Loud and Casagrande, there was no doubt they would stay in contact.
Lincoln even took almost every opportunity he had to come visit Ronnie. If his mom had a meeting in the city, if Lori was coming to visit Bobby, and sometimes just because he wanted too, Lincoln would come visit.
The two talked to each other everyday through their phones and laptops. Even if it were just to leave little messages for each other. It was funny for how much the two seemed to make fun of their older siblings they were doing the exact same thing without even realizing it.
Hector and Rosa, their grandparents seemed to be the surest of Lincoln and Ronnie out of everyone. Rosa herself had spoken numerous times on how much Lincoln and Ronnie resembled her and Hector in their courtship.
Their mother Maria had told him once she thought Lincoln was a good influence on Ronnie and would probably help curb some of her more ‘extreme’ behavior.
It had culminated in the summer 4 years ago. The one where Lincoln had come down to Great Lakes City and spent it with them. Lincoln and Ronnie seemed to finally admit their feelings for one another and considered themselves ‘Officially’ Boyfriend and Girlfriend when Lincoln had to return home.
But something had happened down the line. For some reason Lincoln and Ronnie had broken up. He didn’t know what the cause was, but it had devastated the family just as much as it did Ronnie herself. Well, all except for Hector and Rosa who, clearly felt bad for their granddaughter but seemed to take it all in stride.
More, it meant Lincoln and Ronnie started to avoid one another. Where as the Casagrandes and Louds were used to celebrating holidays together out of love for Lori and Bobby, Lincoln or Ronnie would always find some excuse to ditch those gatherings. Ronnie would stay with Sid, or Lincoln would stay with Clyde. It was an obvious hole when the two families got together.
Time has passed since then, Lincoln and Ronnie both seemed to move on, Ronnie dated other boys, and he knew Lincoln dated other girls. But he also watched as their relationships fell apart and seemed to make both unhappy.
But Bobby had come to one conclusion, it was time for them to forgive one another and at least, become friends again. No more dodging out of family get-togethers, no more Lori having to avoid talking about Lincoln around Ronnie. No more Bobby pretending he didn’t even have a little sister when he was hanging out with Lincoln.
They had to bury the hatchet and welcome each other back into their lives.
Now he just had to convince his wife.
After a comfortable silence, where they’d turned on the newest episode of Love Boat and he had continued to rub his wife’s very sore feet he spoke up. “Babe, it’s time to talk about Lincoln and Ronnie.”
He could see the uncomfortable look come over her features, he could tell she was hoping he would of forgotten about it. “Bobby, do we really need to discuss this right now?” She was still trying to dodge the conversation.
But Bobby stood firm, his hands squeezing one of her feet as if to make his point, eliciting another moan of pain and pleasure from Lori, “Yes Babe, we do.”
Lori sighed and paused their program, turning her attention fully to Bobby, “Alright Boo-boo-bear, I can tell you’re not gonna let this go. Let’s get it over with.”
She folded her arms, fixing him with a stern gaze.
Whereas Lori seemed as if she was ready to ignore this problem forever, Bobby clearly wasn’t. This was one area he wouldn’t budge for Lori, and maybe that’s why she was so obstinate about it. Ronnie had trumped Lori once. There was a time Ronnie’s happiness was more important than his relationship with Lori, something which he could tell still made Lori insecure today.
Bobby softened his features and smiled at his wife, and instead of using his typical title for her, used her name, “Lori Santiago. I’m not going to dump you if Lincoln makes Ronnie unhappy again. We were young teenagers when I did that and I hated every moment we were apart and I know it was childish…” He took a deep breath, frowning at himself, “But at the time, I honestly thought you would make Lincoln apologize so we would get back together. It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever done in our relationship, and I hate myself when I remember it.” He brought his gaze back to her, looking apologetic.
Lori was pouting. She was looking down as if she couldn’t bring herself to look back at him. Even with the ring on her finger, her pregnant belly, and the two children sleeping peacefully in their room, there was still the part of her, a small part, that worried she came second in his life.
That event had been one of the few things she thought he had done that was particularly cruel. Bobby carried the guilt from it heavily but he knew it was still one of the meanest things he'd ever done to her.
He heard his wife’s voice crack slightly as she responded, “I know Boo-Boo-Bear. I know.”
Bobby felt his heart sink and took action right away. He was moving then, crawling forward on the couch, over her very carefully, making sure he wasn’t putting his weight on her. He stopped until he could put his hand under her chin and lift her gaze up to meet his own.
Blue eyes met Brown, and he saw tears flowing from those blue eyes he loved so much, and had to fight back the horrible wave of guilt that washed over him. He long ago should have made things right.
“Lori, I love you with everything I've got. No matter what happens, I’m never going to stop loving you, I’m never going to want what we have to end.” He fixed her with one of his most serious looks, “No one will ever come before you.”
Lori sniffed softly, her lips trembling before Bobby met them with his own and gave her a deep loving kiss. Her arms reflexively went up around his back, and his own returned the gesture as they held each other close.
After their lips parted, Lori leaned her head against her Husband’s chest while he gently caressed her back, he held her like that for several minutes, bringing soft kisses to her forehead and hair. He knew he'd still have to do more to make up for that action years ago, but it seemed Lori really believed him now when he said she would always be first.
That was enough for the time being, and they needed to talk about Lincoln and Ronnie again, so with his voice soft he continued, “I just want them to be friends again Babe. I don’t want our families to have to play this weird game anymore where we pretend one or the other doesn’t exist when we’re around them.”
Lori nodded softly against his chest, bringing her hand up to rub at her eyes some, “I would like that too Bobby. I literally would love it. It’s so unfair to Marco and Lina their Aunt and Uncle can’t be in the same room together.”
Bobby sat up, over Lori’s waist, below her belly, his knees resting on either side of her legs as he reached forward and took her hands in his own. He smiled softly and nodded, “Marco, Lina AND Lotta deserve better than having to grow up hearing their Aunt Ronnie and Uncle Lincoln don’t like each other.”
Lori nodded in return; she knew her Husband was talking sense. Even if the potential for it all to go wrong had frightened her into inaction. She pouted again, but this time Bobby knew it was frustration over the situation and not because she was recalling how he had once hurt her.
“But what can we do Boo-Boo-Bear? We know how much their breakup hurt them. Ronnie didn’t come out of her room except for school for a Month! The girls told me Lincoln pretty much did the same thing!”
The next statement might have sounded a little strange coming from Bobby's mouth normally, but running a business and being a father had matured the young man considerably, “We just have to talk to them babe, and be firm about it. It's not about them anymore, it's about their nieces and nephew. Those two are family now whether they like it or not, I know they can be friends again.”
Lori looked up at her husband smiling again, she was in a soft state of awe at witnessing him take charge and act like a father, what a man was supposed to be, her Boo-boo-bear always found some new way to make her fall for him all over again. “You're right Bobby, you are. This silly feud needs to end. It's not even a feud anymore, it's a dumb wall they built we need to tear down.”
Bobby looking even more determined nodded, “That's right babe, you leave Ronnie Anne to me, I'll handle her.”
“And I'll handle Lincoln.” Lori replied.
The two kissed one another once again happy to have reached a resolution, Bobby slipped his hands down around his wife once more and squeezed her tightly. Lori pulled back from the kiss, only to lean down and leave a trail of soft kisses up her husband's neck, over his bear, to his adorable ears she loved so much.
Her teeth seized around the lobe and pulled on it, as she gave a soft growl, whispering, “Now, maybe you can handle me, and do something else besides rub my feet to make me feel good..”
Bobby shivered from the action, giving a rather sheepish grin as his cheeks turned red. His eyes went half-lidded as he began to help pull her up from the couch, “I think I have just what you need Mrs. Santiago..”
Lori giggled softly as she was pulled up from the couch and into his arms, slowly turning in his grasp and pressing her self against him, casting her gaze over her shoulder to him, “Oh do you now M. Santiago, well I insist you show me what it is...alone, in our room. Preferably with your pants off.”
The two began to make their way to the bedroom, arms and bodies almost entwined already, when a soft but distinct 'Toot' suddenly came from Lori's body.
The blonde froze up, completely mortified, eyes wide as she cried out, “That was my shoe! I swear!”
Bobby, looking confused, pointed towards the apartment door, “But babe, your shoes are over there..”
Lori shoved a finger against Bobby's mouth and began pulling him towards the bedroom again, shaking slightly, “Shut up Bobby! Don't ruin this for us right now!”
The couple vanished into their bedroom, shutting the door behind them for the night.
Section Break
Lucy sat in the passenger side seat in her older brother's ten year old red SUV. Lincoln had gotten it as a graduation present from his parents a year ago. It had been in pretty good condition to begin with, and having a sister who was an expert in automotive repair only helped bring it up to even better condition.
Given it's size, it also had an easy time hauling things around, like say 5 younger sisters for example. Something his parents were clearly thinking about when they purchased the vehicle for him. The interior itself was kept clean and tidy enough, even for a younger guy like Lincoln.
He didn't let food wrappers, cans, or other garbage accumulate inside and even vacuumed it every couple months.
Lincoln took care of his things. Living in a house with 10 other siblings meant having to deal with hand-me-downs and the inability of parents to easily replace toys and other items that were broken. That meant you had to take care of them or fix them as best you could.
It was a good habit he'd picked up, and that most of his sisters shared as well.
Just like he took good care of his family. Lucy couldn't wait until she was more than that and Lincoln began to really take care of her.
Lucy's plan had been continuing along at the pace she set for it. Her brother was all but used to her now greeting him with a kiss often, or at the very least a hug when their parents were around.
She had to be careful, Lola was already a little suspicious, and while the other sisters might of written it off as Lucy just being Lucy, Mom and Dad might start wondering things if they saw her kissing her brother every time she was around them too.
But she was able to at least manage one, sweet, soft kiss to his lips a day. Typically in the morning, sometimes at night. A greeting she had reassured him was simply her getting in touch with the strong feelings they shared when they were younger.
She loved the feeling of his soft lips against her own, and the way he would wrap his strong arms around her when he returned her hug. She would always whisper to him, 'Good morning Lincoln', or kiss him softly at the end of the night as they parted ways to go separately to their rooms, 'Goodnight Lincoln”.
The boy had just come to accept it, he even started to anticipate it.
He even had begun to kiss her back.
He would lean in to meet her lips with his own, in those brief shared moments where their lips met almost chastely, her heart would flutter and she would yearn for so much more from him.
She had to pace herself, and stop herself from extending their kisses for too long. She had to stop herself from wanting to slide her fingers up through his snow-white hair, from pulling back and kissing the freckles on his cheeks.
She controlled herself. There would be time for all of that soon enough.
In the meantime she had acclimated him to her cuddling now too. He didn't ask questions anymore or give her strange looks when she would place herself against him. If she wanted to rest her head on his shoulder, he obliged her so readily. If she wanted to cling to his arm while they walked, he didn't object.If she wanted to hold his hand he wouldn't tell her no.
All of this was training.
Training for Lincoln. She was training his mind and his body, conditioning him. She'd read enough psychology to know how classical conditioning worked, and that's exactly what she was doing.
She was training his body and his mind to associate nothing but positivity with the actions she was taking. His sister represented love, his sister represented acceptance, his sister represented understanding. His sister represented never being alone, never being cold, always having warmth emotionally and physically...
His sister represented fun, through the activities they engaged with each other. Watching their shows, discussing their interests, going out together...
And after this coming weekend...
His sister would represent Pleasure. Unmistakable, indescribable, pleasure. A pleasure that would drown out any other and satisfy every need he could ever want or have.
Faced with this overwhelming evidence, faced with his sister representing everything he would ever need or want, be it love and understanding, mirth and merriment, or unquenchable desire and pleasure, Lincoln would have no choice but to fall and become hers.
Forever and ever.
For now though, Lucy was content sitting in the Van as her beloved brother sat in the driving seat and the pretty orange colors of fall in Michigan passed as they drove by.
It had been her idea really, to go out to Ann Oaks. It was a good 45 minute drive from Royal Woods, but was the most popular college town in the entire state and home to it's most prestigious school, Wolverine University.
Ann Oaks was also known for having one of the most fun, eclectic and diverse downtown areas in all of Michigan. While Royal Woods was known to also be one of the more interesting and fun areas of Michigan, with it's own little neighborhood shops and culture that made it unique, Ann Oaks was like Royal Woods writ large.
Royal Woods may have had it's own arcade, comic book store and thrift shop, but it didn't have several arcades catering to different themes and eras with bubble tea stores right next to them, Karaoke across the street, head shops down the road, multiple comic book shops, second hand stores, pubs and restaurants of every kind, as well as multiple museums and libraries.
Ann Oaks had all of that and more.
Lucy had suggested they head out to Ann Oaks for a change of scenery and to pick up some items to complete Lincoln's cosplay for the coming weekend. Lucy had her own cosplay she was going to be pulling off, but had told Lincoln it was a secret for now. But she had insisted this would be the best place to source the rest of his costume as 'Sam Charlemagne, Sorcerer for Hire”.
That and she had said they could get dinner at one of the trendy restaurants and maybe just walk around a little bit together.
It was still fall, a few months before the dreaded and freezing Michigan winter would set in, and then nobody would want to go anywhere. Why not enjoy the fleeting days of comfortable weather while they could?
If it happened to simply look like a young college boy was taking his girlfriend out for an evening in the town together, well who was Lucy to correct them?
Lucy herself loved the idea of Ann Oaks and the potential of going to college here. It had it's own Goth/Industrial club as well as other clubs that had Goth/Industrial nights.
Of course, anyone who was anyone knew the best Goth Club in Michigan was City Club, located in an old hotel in Motor City, but Motor City didn't have all the other cool stuff that Ann Oaks did. That and it was only a 30 minute drive to get to City Club from Ann Oaks anyway.
No this was where Lucy wanted to live...with Lincoln, but that was further down the road with her plans.
Wolverine was also the University their sister Lynn was currently enrolled in, and played Basketball for, and the main rivals of State University at the Capitol where Clyde was enrolled.
Truthfully, this was the School Lincoln wanted to go to as well. But it was the most prestigious and expensive school in the state, even if it was number one for the Program Lincoln was interested in, and in the top ten for it within the U.S.
State School was considered number 2 for the degree he was after, and still Prestigious, but didn't fit into the top ten across the entire nation. State WAS less expensive though, and Clyde was there. It was a compromise he could make.
Lynn only had a full ride thanks to her athleticism and the scholarship she received for it. It struck Lincoln as grimly ironic that one of his dumbest sisters was going to have a degree more prestigious than his own, just because she knew how to throw a ball around better than he did.
No, he couldn't think that. He didn't want to resent Lynn for going to the University he wanted to go to and getting in so easily. Lynn herself had wanted Lincoln to come to Wolverine right after her. She loved the idea of having her little brother on campus with her.
But Lincoln didn't want to have to take out Student Loans that would cripple him for life, even if the ones he needed for State would be almost as bad, they would be...less bad, and he would be with his best buddy.
But he also really liked Ann Oaks. Clyde had told him there was lots of cool stuff in Capital city too, given it was the state capital and had a prestigious university it had it's own charm and fun things.
But it wasn't Ann Oaks, it wasn't the town that was a busier, larger, more intense version of Royal Woods.
Downtown of course, was packed and the streets were crowded, as they always were in a sprawling college town with such an appealing and inviting area to socialize and frolic in. Parking was at an absolute premium, and both siblings knew there was no way they would be parking anywhere near the action. While multiple parking structures existed in the busy downtown environment, most of them were full by the areas you really wanted to be near.
Typically, Lincoln would get frustrated by the search for a place to park, but with Lucy right next to him and keeping him company he managed to keep a cool head as they drove down the many one way streets and single lane old roads that gave Ann Oaks it's completely frustrating to drive in charm.
Eventually they found a parking structure a few blocks away from their goal that had spaces open and ended up parking almost on the roof.
Together with their Jackets on they made their way to the elevator to take it out on the busy sidewalks and streets. Lincoln was clad in a light red fleece zip up jacket and blue jeans, while Lucy wore a long flowing black woolen sweater that went past her hips, and simple black leggings underneath.
She had already reached out and took his hand in her own as they stepped out onto the streets together, throngs of college kids and others walking past them, hurrying along or taking their time to the places they had to go.
Lincoln looked down at where their hands met, her smaller pale hand having taken his, instinctively he wrapped his larger one around her fingers and fixed her with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
The mysterious girl with her long blonde hair (something he still wasn't used to, even over a week later) simply fixed him with a small smile of her own, “I don't want you getting lost while we're here Lincoln.”
As someone bumped into them and almost caused them to separate, Lincoln instinctively yanked Lucy closer, causing the girl to fall forward into his chest, her free hand coming up against it to stop herself from falling as she let out a little squeak of surprise.
Lincoln frowned as he tightened his grip on his sister's hand, “Good point Luce. These sidewalks are brutal if you're unprepared.”
The happy little coincidence only made Lucy smile more as they turned and began to head down the streets together.
Hand in Hand they walked, looking around at all the various interesting stores and venues that surrounded them. They had a particular destination in mind, a large second hand thrift shop called 'The Exchange' which Leni had occasionally made the trip out to over the years.
After that, Lincoln had promised to take Lucy to one of the Occult stores, 'Wolverine Witches', and then he wanted to hit up one of the better comic/memorabilia shops 'Hidden Lair'. Their plan was to end their little date by getting boba tea and hamburgers from 'Texas Soong's All American-Asian fusion restaurant'.
That word flitted through Lincoln's mind as he recalled the plans they had made together.
Date.
He hadn't even been conscious of it when it had gone through his mind. No, this wasn't a date. He wasn't on a date with his sister, that would be weird. Really fucking weird he told himself. Weird and really god damn sad too.
Yeah, look how cool I am. Only Date I can get is with my sister. Aren't I awesome. Alabama intensifies.
No, No, this wasn't a date. This was just spending an evening with his sister. She was coming to the comic book convention with him, yeah, and they were out here holding hands together, but he was just close with his sisters. All of them.
He'd done plenty of one on one activities with all of them over the years. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, nothing improper, nothing weird. Just pure, wholesome, sibling bonding.
But if this was just a sibling hang out, why hadn't they called Lynn a head of time and let her know they were coming? Lynn lived in Ann Oaks. Yeah she was in the Wolverine dorms, but public transportation in Ann Oaks was great! The blue bus ran everywhere with multiple pick ups per hour. She would have had no trouble meeting up with them.
Heck she probably would have loved a surprise visit from her two younger siblings.
As they walked together, held hands, and had been taking in some of the sights, Lincoln looked over towards Lucy and frowned slightly.
Lucy caught sight of the frown and immediately spoke up, “Lincoln, what's wrong?”
Lincoln bit his bottom lip before he replied, “Lucy, why didn't we tell Lynn we were coming? We could of gotten dinner with her, it would have been nice to see her.”
For a moment, almost a moment, he thought he saw something flash across Lucy's features, something that looked like...uncertainty? Fear? But without seeing her eyes it was just so hard to tell, and just as quickly it was gone, a patient and loving smile on his sister's lips.
“Lincoln, if we had invited Lynn you know we would of never gotten done what we set out here to do. We're only going to be here for a few hours and Lynn would insist on dragging us to her favorite spots, defeating the purpose of why we came out here at all.”
That actually did make sense to Lincoln. Lynn was excitable and dominant, very dominant. She would take charge of her two younger siblings and make them follow her plans for the evening whether they were ready or not.
Okay, so maybe he was just being weird over nothing.
Yeah you're not dating your sister, and your sister isn't interested in you in that way dumb ass. Get that out of your head. God how sad and pathetic are you Lincoln.
He shook his head and breathed out before smiling back, “Yeah sorry Luce, that makes sense.”
Lucy nodded as she began to lead them forward again, “We can always come out here later to visit her if you'd like. I would enjoy that too, I miss her as well.”
Lynn had been the sister to move out the most recently, and she had been Lucy's room mate for years, Lincoln didn't doubt Lucy missed her, so of course he had been... thinking about nothing.
They walked together quietly for a few more moments before Lucy turned to look at him again, “Why though Lincoln, what's bothering you?”
The gaze she fixed him with, even hidden by her bright blonde bangs seemed to stare directly into his soul. It was as if she was reading him, pinning him in place, refusing to let him say anything but the truth.
Lincoln squirmed under it, and felt his cheeks burn bright red, he had such a mix of confusing emotions flowing through him. He wished he could see her eyes again, her beautiful pretty eyes...
Suddenly he was remembering her from almost two weeks ago now, her slender yet curvy form, the way those silken looking violet panties were dug between the soft pale cheeks of her---
He forced that memory out of his head. He forced the thoughts of her pretty eyes out, and he forced himself to look away as he groaned softly and spoke even quieter, “Lucy, I'm just worried. Worried people might see us and get the wrong idea.”
Lucy smiled, it was a slightly smug smile as she replied, “Worried they might think I'm your girlfriend?”
Lincoln felt fear flow through his veings. He found himself almost panicking, she had just put it out there like that, put it out with no shame and no hesitation. He almost didn't know what to say, his lips mumbling as he searched for the words, “I mean, it's almost like we're out on a date and uh, uh, uh-”
“So what” she interrupted.
The statement was a shock to him. Like someone had thrown a bucket of cold water over his face.
He raised his gaze back to her questioningly.
“So what” she continued, “Who cares what people think or get wrong. Really Lincoln, does it bother you to have a pretty girl on your arm? You do think I'm pretty right? Don't you Lincoln?” She focused that sightless gaze on him again. The tone she'd had during the last part had trepidation to it. Like she was afraid of his answer.

He wanted nothing more than to assuage that fear. To make any trepidation she felt go away for some reason, even as he found his skin feeling hotter and hotter despite the cooler weather they were in, his body was warming up and his heart was beating faster and faster, “O-o-of course Lucy. You're beautiful, absolutely beautiful.” He added then with a soft annoyed groan, “Damn sexy when you want to be too..”
The words had left his mouth and his brain only just caught up afterwards. He had meant to say it in a matter of fact annoyed way, as if he was annoyed by how sexy she could be. But why the fuck would he even think that was something he should say?! Now he was in full panic mode, now he was terrified she would rear back and look at him with absolute disgust.
But no look of disgust came.
Instead Lucy's smile only got larger, her black lips parted and he saw her teeth. Her white pretty teeth grinning back at him like the cat that ate the canary.
She stepped up closer, until she was right up against him, and given she was only a few inches shorter than him, she didn't need to look up to much further to meet his gaze. Her voice was soft and carried a sing-song quality to it even through the typical breathy flat tone she had, “Did my big brother just say I'm sexy?”
Lincoln swallowed, his throat felt tight and constricted suddenly, and his heart rate had increased further. He felt horrible embarrassed and yet her gaze while teasing him, didn't contain any cruelty in it. There was no look of rejection or disgust from her, she seemed only, amused...and even excited.
He tried to open his mouth to speak, to say something, anything, but he had no idea what he was supposed to say at all.
As his mouth hung open, Lucy reached up and placed one single finger against his lips, “Shhh, Lincoln, it's okay. I'm flattered. Very flattered.”
Lincoln blinked a few times in surprise, his mind racing and confused. He had expected her to respond with anything else except 'flattered'. He had an idea the rest of his sisters wouldn't say they were flattered if he told them they were damn sexy, well maybe Leni but..
Lucy stepped back again, “So I'll say it again. What's the problem Lincoln Loud? Do you care if people see you and your sexy girlfriend out on a date together?”
He searched himself, his thoughts and feelings on the matter. Should he care what others around them thought as they looked at him? Lucy wasn't his girlfriend.
But he wished she was.
That second thought caused his heart to almost stop. A cold fear running down his spine. No, No, he didn't think that, he didn't say that. He hadn't let that intrusive thought into his mind. No, she wasn't his girlfriend, she wasn't his girlfriend. Stop it, get that out of his mind.
Okay she was his sister, but he didn't need to go around and point that out to anyone. No he didn't care if people thought she was his girlfriend.
Right now he didn't care what other people thought.
A guy hanging out in town with his girlfriend, nothing wrong with that. Besides, it wasn't like he was looking to pick up some random girl here in Ann Oaks. They probably wouldn't think much of a community college kid who was hanging out with his little sister anyway.
If anything, having people think Lucy was his girlfriend was a good thing. It spared him the embarrassment of one of the Wolverine girls asking about him and finding out what a loser he was and making him feel horrible about himself again.
He sighed softly, looked back at Lucy and then smiled almost serenely. His response would make his little sister happier than she thought she could be, “No, I don't care. Let them look and think that all they want Luce. I'd be so lucky to have you as my girlfriend.”
Lucy's response was to pull closer to him, and this time to take his arm in hers, entwining their fingers together, she leaned her head on his shoulder.
They began to walk together like that, while Lincoln felt butterflies flutter in his stomach. He liked the way this felt. He liked it a lot. Walking down the street, hand in hand, he leaned his head back against hers, telling himself it was okay to play up the role with her.
What she said next knocked the poor boy's brain over and sent his sense of reality spiraling out of control.
“I'd be so lucky to have you as a boyfriend Lincoln.”
Then she reached up and placed a kiss on his cheek.
They continued like that for the rest of their date. Lincoln relaxed noticeably, and she was able to hug him, hold his hand, and kiss his cheek as much as she wanted. Neither of them bothered correcting anyone when she was referred to as his girlfriend, or he was referred to as her boyfriend at each place they visited.
Lincoln seemed to truly enjoy himself and have fun with her.
Lucy knew it now.
She had won.
All that remained was the final victory, the weekend.
That would be when she made him belong to her completely. That would be when Lincoln would discover he needed no one else but her. That would be when he made her a woman.
She could hardly wait.
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The Shadow of his Heart