A Loud Epilogue, or Keeping it in the Family

AN: I don't really know what to write here. I mean, there's a lot I want to say, but I don't quite know how to put it to words here or even at the bottom. I guess this means that I should, at the very least, say thank you for reading this and if you've been with it the whole time from the first chapter's publishing two years ago today, then thank you for sticking with it. It was fun. And if you're new to the story, then thank you for reading it. So, please read the AN at the bottom once you'vefinished the chapter. Now, without further ado, I present to you the final chapter.

Lincoln stood at the window in his study, watching Lynn playing with their daughter, Laura. He smiled, constantly reminded of Lynn's confession twenty years ago whenever he laid eyes on their child. He knew she would be starting school soon and he had to learn to accept her being away for so long each day. He watched as Lynn chased their child in a game of what appeared to be tag, her legs moving awkwardly for the speed she pushed them at. He worried her leg braces would snap but these were built by Lisa, so his trust was renewed in them.

Lynn fell over, laughing as she sat up, Laura laughing with her as she fell onto her mother. Lincoln smiled, happy to know his loved ones were okay. He moved away from the window and sat at his desk. He pulled out a blank book and a pen, locking the drawer they were retrieved from. He no longer had his smile. His face was empty, the task before him grave in circumstance. He took the pen to the first page and wrote the title he had decided on: Keeping it in the Family. He turned the page, giving the short dedication "For Laura, should your curiosity sadly lead you here" and turned the page again, going along each line as he wrote.

I write this in the hopes that you never find it, but if you do, then you will know the truth. Your entire life is not the one we keep telling you it is. You are deserving of the knowledge that you are here because of incest. I am your father, both in blood and in duty. I have accepted that I may burn for my actions for all eternity, but I pray you will not be punished for my sins. Within this book is a life story of all your aunts, mother, father, grandmother, and grandfather. You deserve to know the truth from the beginning.

He set down the pen, his hand heavy as he recalled all of his life and the stories family told him from their own lives as they led to this very moment. He remembered visiting Luan in her new home for the first time…

They waited outside the office of Dr. Ling. Luan was barely locked up for a week in the new residence. Lincoln sat next to Lynn, with her in her wheelchair and him in a normal one. The family was quiet, more so than what would've passed for quiet around them. The doctor emerged from his office and greeted the family, starting with their parents and working his way through them quickly. He seemed nice enough, according to Lincoln. The doctor explained that they were there to help Luan. He needed to gauge where she needed help the most.

Luan sat in a chair positioned on a wall from another like it that sat on the opposite wall. She waited, knowing that her family was going to see her in this place. She didn't enjoy the idea of them being here, more because she felt a great shame, caused by her actions, and felt that she didn't deserve them. The door opened and her mother followed the doctor to the chair and sat in it. Lily was in her arms, ignorant of the place around her. Doctor Ling studied their looks, taking notes on each one's behavior. Luan was trying to look away, her mother saddened by the state of her daughter.

Her mother was escorted out and her father replaced his wife. The same reaction happened and the doctor took notes. He replaced her father with Leni and still encountered a similar reaction. Lucy was tried next and he only got Luan's reaction accurately. Then Lisa. She looked disappointed in her older sister. Luan still reacted the same. The twins were tried one by one, each terrified of being in the room with Luan. Luan looked all the worse for it. It was Lori's turn. She walked in and seemed to be worried, not for herself but for her younger sister. Luan could barely face her direction while keeping her face focused on the floor. The doctor noted the changes and removed Lori.

Lincoln was now next in line. He entered the room, taking his seat. He looked uncomfortable, but she seemed more so. She turned away from him, quivering as she avoided his direction. Notes taken, Doctor Ling took Lincoln back to the family. Luna was now the next lamb and he took her in. Luan curled up on the chair, trying to distance herself as much as possible. Luna seemed just as scared. He led Luna back, telling them he was going to get a few members of staff and to wait for him to be back. A few moments later, he had two men accompanying him. He peeked into the room before grabbing Lynn.

"I apologize if this makes you terrified. Hopefully you won't be too affected by what I hope to be just mild discomfort," he told her. He looked in once more, seeing Luan sitting calmly forward on her chair. The doctor opened the door and before Lynn could move in, Luan began screaming hysterically, yelling for her to stay away as she ran for the furthest corner and balled herself up, trying to keep from Lynn. Doctor Ling moved Lynn from the door and told the orderlies to restrain the patient, using sedatives if she failed to calm down quick enough. The screeches and wails were heard by the rest of the family. Lynn felt worse for the dreams she had of so much power against Luan.

"I'm sorry for causing this," the girl said. The screaming died down too quickly.

"That's okay. I needed to figure out some of the problems she's experiencing." The doctor looked at the door. "I guess she wouldn't calm down. Well, I now know what to work on. Thank you for your time. I think we should go back to your parents now." They returned to where everyone was. It was apparent they heard her too. "Mr. and Mrs. Loud, I think we should discuss a few things. It seems that much of your family is okay for visiting Luan, but I must tell you that…" He paused, pushing the words out, "Lincoln and Luna should not be able to visit and Lynn is most certainly not allowed to visit. I think it's too damaging for Luan and I want to be able to get her to a point where all of the family can visit before she leaves here. So, until further notice or under my own needs for you to bring them, I ask that you keep them home."

Lincoln felt his heart drop. He wanted to support her through her tough times, to see her get better, but now he had to watch from afar…

He remembered this quite well. He could visit her in the asylum, though two years had passed at that point. She did well if others were visiting with him but she became unwell if he stayed too long by himself. He heard her tell him a story of how some man came up to her and asked if she saw the fairies too, if she saw how blue they were. He was escorted away by an orderly before anything could happen, but she didn't enjoy visiting with the other patients. The only interaction she looked forward to was with her doctor every week.

Lincoln thought back to when she came home after being released…

It was a week before school would start up again for the remaining Louds and a week after Luan's eighteenth birthday. The family was older now, three of the members having moved out with Luna leaving three months before today. But this didn't hinder them in coming back home. Everyone waited patiently, a birthday cake set on the table, a sign above the stairwell reading WELCOME HOME! in its big, bold lettering. Everyone was here that was a part of the original family, except for their father, who had gone to pick Luan up. It was late evening when they heard a van pull up. The lights in the house disappeared. The door opened, a couple of figures in the doorway.

The lights were flicked on and a massive 'SURPRISE' erupted from everywhere, with the members of the family popping out. They swarmed her into a hug, tears of joy shared among the family as they bombarded her with "Welcome home" and "How are you?", and Luan returned all she was given. Cake was given out and enjoyed by all. Luan had a bag that was taken up to her room by Luna, who returned to enjoy her company. Lynn and Luan were civil to each other, keeping most of their family between them. The family stayed up late into the night, talking and joking. Siblings began dozing off, affecting the youngest ones first and progressing up, until they all decided to get some sleep. The rest of the family who was awake began arguing over who would sleep with Luan in her room, a battle that was won by Luna.

An hour after the lights went out, Lincoln heard a faint knock on his door, rousing him. He opened to find Lynn there, on the floor before him and pillow in hand.

"I can't sleep," she told him, grogginess mixing into her words. He beckoned her in and turned on his desk lamp. He squinted his eyes and let them adjust.

"What's the problem?" he asked, yawning.

"I just can't sleep with her here," Lynn explained. He took a moment before realizing who she was talking about.

"You can sleep in here tonight, but what's the real reason?" he was starting to nod off. Lynn fidgeted a little. "Come on, you can tell me. I won't tell anyone else, if that's what worries you."

"I don't trust her Lincoln. I remember what happened the last time she was here and I was asleep," she said at long last.

"I also recall it being in here with you and me," he pointed out. She huffed.

"I just feel safer with you." She was annoyed that this was taking too long.

"Alright, alright," he said, and with that, he picked her up and set her on his bed as gently as he could. She felt better in his arms, not wanting to protest what he had done. They built the bed how they wanted it to be for the night. He turned off the light and crawled in. He held her in his arms, keeping her close. She wrapped her arms around his, sleep finally coming to her.

Luan heard the entire exchange. No one else could, but her ears learned to be better at hearing during her time locked up. She couldn't sleep, guilt preventing it. She didn't want to be the reason her little sister refused to stay in her own room, but she was. The night went on far too long for her. Soon, everyone awoke and waited for Luan to come out of her room. She did, all the more rough for it. The family wanted to spend time with her still and so they did. This welcome back for Luan had ended on the third day, as the three oldest sisters had to return to their lives elsewhere. They said their farewells and the home was smaller again.

Luan slept alone in her room, as did Lucy in hers for the next month. Everyone had gotten used to Luan being in the home. Lynn didn't try to approach her, wanting to let Luan be okay in the house first. Luan, on the other hand, moved out of rooms that Lynn entered, keeping a distance if she could help it. Lynn noticed that Luan looked distressed as she left. She would let things be until otherwise.

Lincoln walked into the kitchen (by this point having just gotten Lynn to move back to her room), ready to take on the dishes when he heard a soft sobbing coming from the basement door. He opened it, seeing Luan at the bottom of the steps, crying into her knees. He approached her, the stairs giving away his presence with a few creaks. She turned around, seeing Lincoln, and turned back to her knees.

"Go away, Link," she told him. He still came to her, putting his arm around her shoulders.

"What's wrong?" he asked. His voice dripped with sincerity and she couldn't refuse him an answer in the slightest.

"Everyone hates me," she told him, sobs still escaping from her knees.

"I don't see where you're getting that idea," he said as he soothed her. She moved her face from her knees to look at him again. Her eyes were red and puffy.

"Mom and dad hate me. They always stare at me when we eat. They don't try to make us tell them about our day. They don't trust me to be in the house with everyone if they aren't here," she got out between sniffles.

"They don't hate you. They love you just as much now as they did then. Why else would they let you stay here?" he spoke calmly.

"Then why is any meal that I'm a part of so quiet?" she pointed out.

"Because we have to get used to you being home. Visiting you is different than living with you. We just have to get used to it." His words were true.

"And what about everyone else?" She was rubbing her eyes.

"Do you remember when we fought over who would bunk with you? Lori, Leni, and Luna nearly became physical. And Luna won. Why would any of them want to do that if they hated you?" She was unable to prove him wrong yet.

"Then why do the twins look frightened when I pass by?" Her sniffling had begun to lessen.

"They just don't know you yet. They couldn't visit very often, so they need to learn about you again. That's all." She kept trying to find something to support her claims.

"What about Lynn?" She had no more to fight against him with at this point.

"She loves you. Just as much me, Lucy, Lisa, and Lily. We all forgave you for what had been done to us. If we hated you, why would we forgive you?" He was sure this would convince her.

"But Lynn hasn't told me she did so." She was sure he was right but wanted to make sure.

"You don't stick around for her tell you personally," he informed Luan. She stopped with her crying altogether, wiping away whatever tears were left. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up." He began his ascent.

"I don't trust myself around her, Lincoln." He was a few steps up and she was barely standing at the bottom. "That's why I don't stick around." She finally began her climb with him. They hugged at the top and she thanked him for his kindness.

Time is a funny thing. The months began their passage, the end of school on nigh. Lynn had returned to the school system after her injuries, shocking classmates and teammates alike. She could no longer stay with those who were by her side in various sports but the former teammates hung out with her nevertheless. She had been great to them and they would be great to her. She started playing sports again, this time for people in a position like her. She wasn't the best but she could hold her own, a far cry from her past. She had new friends in senior year as well as old ones. The time was coming where she would graduate and she was terrified and relieved at the same time.

Fate had one more cruel joke to play. Her teammates began to receive notices that they had scholarships from the related sports organizations they played and any affiliates of them. She was happy for her friends and teammates, planning to attend a school with them. Time was drawing to its limits of when she could expect any sporting scholarship. The deadline passed. Her friends had many and she had none, a cruel reminder she wasn't good at what she loved anymore. The night of the deadline, she was with Lincoln in his room, just as she had been with Luan's arrival. She wept and he helped her keep the sound as muffled as possible. But Luan heard. No-one else did, but she heard her little sister's cries, sobbing herself; she was much better at hiding it than Lynn was. She was the reason Lynn wouldn't get the scholarships, and this grew heavily on her mind.

In the morning, Lynn pretended as if nothing was wrong, as if she was perfectly okay with her lot. Lincoln stayed near her all day, providing warmth for her soul. Luan just stayed in her room, not once leaving when called on. The day after, everyone got to see their eldest sister (in the house, anyway) at some point during the day. The night after, Lynn told her parents she was no longer interested in furthering her education. They asked her why and she said it didn't interest her anymore. They didn't argue it with her...

Lincoln heard a knock at the door of the study, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Come in," he called as he put the book back in its drawer, putting it under a false bottom. Laura rushed in, coming to hug him just as he closed the drawer. Lynn followed their daughter, walking a little unsteadily in her braces.

"Daddy, what are you working on?" Laura asked, having climbed onto his lap. He knew he couldn't hide doing anything from her, but he could hide the specifics.

"Just getting a few notes down for another story I'm working on. Besides, it's uncle, not daddy," he explained

"I know, but you're like a dad to me," she said sweetly.

"That might be true, but I don't want to have to explain things to the people at school. They'll give me funny looks." He ruffled her hair a little. He was glad it was a light shade of brown, making her look more like her mother. She even acted like her at times. Then again, she shared many of his personality traits. It was then that he noticed how dirty she was. "Go get washed up for bed, sweetie. I'll be by to tuck you in afterwards." She got up and left, telling him "Okay, daddy" and disappearing before he could call back to correct her. Lynn just giggled as she leaned against the doorway.

"Do you think her aunts are a bad influence?" Lynn asked, still chuckling.

"No, but I do see her being a lot like you were then," he told her. She moved from the doorway and began leaning on his desk.

"Any chance I could learn more about those notes you were working on?" she asked. He grinned widely.

"Nope. I want them to remain a secret until I'm ready," he told her, a touch of smugness in his voice. She pouted, trying to get him to divulge his secrets. "It's not going to happen. Plus I think you should check on Laura. She could be hiding." With this, Lynn left, seeing if her child was just procrastinating. Lincoln sat back in his chair, getting lost in his memories again…

Lincoln was nearing the end of his high school career. He had tried to sell a few comics and get hired on by some companies, but each rejected him. They loved his talent for art and writing, but the art was not as stellar as some of those already in their employ. The writing was above and beyond what they were getting from the staff and they always told him how good it was. But the art was not something he could do. He was incensed that they liked one part but not another, letting him stew in anger at his situation. Half the companies said they would hire him if he was okay with only writing but he wouldn't accept anything less than doing art and writing. He started to put his anger to use, producing one story after another, little by little improving on his skills.

He started to accept that being just an author wasn't too bad, even if it wasn't his dream. The house was ready to change again. Luan had done a few odd jobs (thankful for the expunging of her record) and was saving a good bit of money. She set up a meeting with their parents at the dinner table. Lynn sat on the couch, watching t.v. with the twins beside her.

"Mom, dad," Luan began, "I just wanted to let you know, that…" She choked on the words. "That I have been saving up some money and, well, I just found a place to move into." She found it hard to keep going. Her parents were tearing up. The twins had begun to take notice of the events unfolding in the dining room. "And it's right around the corner, s-s-s-so you can visit a-a-and stop by any time you want." She spoke the last sentence louder. Lynn heard.

"Oh, honey, you don't have to move out," her mother stated. She got up and pulled her child into a hug.

"It's okay, mom. I wanted to do this, since I need to learn to be on my own," she spoke, sniffles interrupting her every few words.

"Well, just so you know, you're always welcome back here," her dad informed her, having gotten up to stand by his wife. The news spread to the other siblings. She was assisted in moving out to her own place, the move being quick due to how little she owned to take with her. The family helped her pick out furniture so that she wouldn't deal with a barebones home. Even so, the home was still largely unfurnished by the end of it all. She thanked them, happy for the help.

A few weeks passed by, everyone remaining in the home with their parents getting used to not having Luan home again. Lynn felt guilty for not trying to spend more time with her older sister. She gave her space, knowing that Luan was still troubled about what she had done to her. It gnawed and gnawed at Lynn, until one day she decided to visit Luan. She convinced Lincoln to follow her, hoping he would be enough to calm Luan when she was around her. A few moments later, she was ringing the bell. Luan opened the door and looked shocked at the sight before her. Quickly did she usher them in and tended to them, being a kind hostess.

"So, what brings you two here?" Luan asked, fidgeting a little.

"Well, we just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing," Lynn explained. Luan was fidgeting more and more.

"Thanks for coming by. I, uh, I-I-I… I'll be right back. I just need to check on something," Luan said. She had been squirming a lot, having a hard time just sitting still. She left, making a mad dash up some stairs. A few minutes passed and Lincoln decided to go and check on her. He looked upstairs for her, finally stopping outside a door that he could hear her voice coming from. "You're alright. It's just Lincoln and Lynn. All they want to do is visit. You're alright..." he heard her repeat to herself in a hushed voice. He sent a text to Lucy explaining everything so that she could help them out.

Lucy came and went to Lincoln to see for herself. She called out to the door, stopping the hushed chanting. Luan opened it, smiling as she saw her sister there with Lincoln. They all went down to continue visiting, the atmosphere much calmer than it had been. They stayed until the evening came, leaving as the sun was close to dropping right behind the horizon. It was a beautiful view…

Lincoln heard Lynn call from within the house. He followed the voice, curious to why he had been summoned. He came to Laura's bedroom, seeing her ready for bed with Lynn in a seat next to it. He smiled, happy everything was alright.

"I believe you made her a promise, Lincoln," Lynn reminded him, smiling.

"I did, and I'll keep it." He sat on the bed, reaching for a book on her nightstand. "Princess Pony tonight?" he asked, confused by her choice in reading material. Laura nodded her head, waiting for him to read it. He wasted no time in reading it to her, keeping an eye open to see if she had drifted off until she had, only to then close it and tuck her in. Lynn and Lincoln left, making sure she wouldn't be disturbed.

"I guess she has the same taste in reading as you," Lynn joked. Lincoln didn't bother to correct her, letting her enjoy her laugh.

"I guess," he agreed. "Do you think we're doing a good job raising her?" He was very worried, if the tone of his voice was any indication.

"I know we're doing a great job. She's happy, she's safe, she's healthy. What more could we ask for?" Lynn helped to soothe his fears. "Why do you ask?"

"I've just… I have to finish my new book soon and it's been getting to me a little," he told her. He didn't want to put any burden on her shoulders. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, having to bend him down to meet her. The years certainly made him taller than her, if only a few inches.

"It's going to turn out great, just like your other stories," she assured him. He grinned, knowing her words were sweet nothings. They retired for the evening, turning in after a long day. He visited one more memory, wanting to see something happy, if only in a minor way…

He had just enough money. Three years after finishing school, he and Lynn approached their parents, telling them they were moving in together. He explained how it would be cheaper to live together, as well as the fact that he could help Lynn with living in a new home. Their parents were sad that the house shrank further, made worse with two leaving rather than just one, but they were happy and supportive. Every sibling helped in the move. Even some of the extensions to the family came to do their part. He was glad that they had a place all to themselves. There was no longer a chance that a sibling or other member could walk in and see something that shouldn't be. They had the privacy they always wanted.

They settled in, adding to the place for the first year they were there, making it feel just like home. Lincoln started to make a few business trips a year, leaving Lynn alone for a few days at a time. He would call her and made sure someone came to see her while he was away. He came back after a brief trip that would last for a total of five hours. He opened the door, seeing Lynn laying on the couch with a wine bottle on the coffee table and a suitable glass in one hand, half-filled with the liquid of its namesake. Lynn threw her hands in the air.

"Hey, little bro, you're home early," she slurred loudly with excitement. He hadn't heard her call him that in years.

"No, I'm home right on time, just like I told you I would be," he corrected, pointing to the clock. It read three in the afternoon.

"Oh, well, all the more reason to celebrate," she said, reaching for the bottle while still glued to the couch. She started to pour it before he could stop her but nothing came out. She shook it a few times and set it on the floor. "I guess it's empty. Which means we can break open some of that Italian stuff," she slurred still, taking another drink of what was in her glass. He went over to her, standing within arm's reach.

"How many glasses have you had?" he asked, keeping his tone calm.

"I'm not drunk," she retorted.

"Sit up," he commanded, still calm. She tried to sit up, throwing her arms before her to assist. She still lay on the couch.

"Alright, I'm up."

"No, you're still laying down," he told her. She looked at her position.

"I guess I am. Well, here's to trying," she toasted, trying to get another swig down. He made no attempt to stop her.

"How many glasses, Lynn?" he asked once more. She set the glass on the table, counting it all out as she recalled the number.

"Let's see. There was the one, then the two, then the two more, then the three with that lunch, then the one here," she told him. She took back the glass with the last word and drank, leaving a pitiful amount behind.

"Come on, Lynn. Let's get you to bed. You had enough fun for one day," he said, picking her up and carrying her to their room. She dropped the glass, spilling the wine in it on their rug.

"Oops," was all she managed at the event.

"That's alright. I'll clean it up later. Right now, you need some sleep," he said. He was calm still, not wanting to berate her since she probably wouldn't remember a thing.

"Thanks, Linky," she slurred. He set her in bed, pulling the blankets over her. "Hey, Lincoln, you want to know a secret?"

"Sure," he said, indulging his curiosity.

"Okay, the secret is: I'm drunk, because I couldn't stand the pain." He looked at her, his expression becoming more grave. She continued. "I know that I moved on from the injuries and the problems there, but the pain is always there, just niggling at you at first, growing and growing, until one day, you have to get rid of it. One drink starts to dull it, two makes it really dull, three has it barely noticeable, six makes it stop, and a few more make it disappear for awhile." She smiled her drunken smile, putting a finger up to her mouth in a shushing manner when she finished.

He smiled back, letting her know he would keep quiet. She closed her eyes, passing out. He made sure to have some entertainment while he waited in the chair in their room. He even made sure she was on her side in case anything came up. He waited, not even getting dinner and only leaving the room if necessary, for her to wake up. The clock ticked, telling him it was nearly midnight. She started to stir, sitting upright and rubbing her eyes.

"Oh," she said when she saw him.

"Do you need anything?" he asked, taking a seat on the bed to be next to her. She turned away from him.

"I think some water," she told him. He left, getting what she wanted as well as a bucket (just in case). He came back and she still couldn't look at him. He gave her the drink and she sipped on it.

"I know you're disappointed in me," she told him.

"I'm not disappointed, Lynn," he told her.

"Yes you are," she objected.

"I'm not. I'm concerned," he said. She looked at him, confused slightly. "You said you were in pain an–"

"You remember that?" she interrupted, "Just forget what I said."

"Lynn –"

"I said forget it. I was drunker than hell and I just want to deal with this hangover in peace," she said, stopping him. "It won't happen again."

"We can talk later. But now I just want a little sleep," he said, rubbing his eyes. He crawled in, not bothering with removing his clothes. "I just want you to be okay, Lynn." She laid back down, going back to dreamland herself. She could feel him wrap an arm around her. A quick goodnight later and the both of them were back to sleep…

Lincoln repeated the same sentiment in his mind as he wrapped his arm around Lynn. He knew she was okay now, having helped her through some of those troubled times. He could only wish so much. The next day broke and he could smell breakfast. The other body sharing his bed no longer had a presence. He thought now was as a good time as any to join his family for a good meal. Laura told him about her dream and he expressed great interest in it. He always acted so kind, doing as his father did whenever he wasn't sure of how to handle something. The day was off to a great start.

Lynn got Laura to leave and play with her toys for a bit before sitting down with Lincoln.

"Luan's going to come over later today," Lynn told him.

"I'm glad. Laura's been wanting her to visit again," he said.

"Yeah. I'm glad she's gotten to meet her aunts. Apparently, she's going to get another cousin."

"Really? From who?"

"Lori. This will be baby number seven, I think."

"I guess she's trying to compete with mom, huh?" Lincoln laughed with Lynn joining him.

"I guess so." Lynn was trying to broach a subject but didn't seem to know how, from what he could tell.

"What are you trying to say, Lynn?" he asked.

"Apparently another brother and sister couple made the news," she told him. Society had been transforming a lot from what they once knew. But he knew what was being said.

"Lynn, I don't think it's a good idea to tell the entire family," he spoke up. She sighed.

"Neither do I, but… when do you think it will be?" She had worry dancing on her eyes.

"I don't know, but definitely not in our lifetime. Plus, I also made you promise not to worry about her and the truth. I'm taking care of that because you worry enough about her. Now, I need to return to that book. See you at lunch." He gave a quick kiss, glad to see she was looking less down. He set a note aside to congratulate Lori and Bobby on the new baby once he got to his desk. He pulled out the book he had been writing and opened it when he made sure the door to his study was locked. He began his trip again as he wanted to write down more experiences…

Lincoln went to see Lynn in Lisa and Lily's room, while Luan was locked up. He went in, hearing his name called. He was shocked. Lynn had a pair of leg braces and was standing before him, Lisa taking notes in case anything went wrong. He saw how excited his older sister was, so happy that she could stand. Lisa handed her a couple of canes and Lynn began walking around the room, laughing at the amazement she had. He called to his other sisters and family, spreading the news. Lynn was swarmed, but she didn't mind it. She now had the ability to walk again, albeit in a more limited manner…

Lincoln loved this memory. He knew she would be happier in life from this great gift. So he kept going…

It had been some time since he saw Lynn on the couch, drunk beyond belief. She was doing well, not having touched booze in a long time. He came to the kitchen, seeing a grand breakfast on the table. Lynn was in her wheelchair, doing some of the dishes. She greeted him with a fresh cup of coffee. The mug looked like any other and she kept it filled while he ate. He stopped to see if she was hungry and she told him she had already eaten. They talked for awhile, trying to pass the time until he finished. She stopped filling the mug, waiting for him to now finish his drink.

"I'm going to the store to pick up a few things. You want to come?" he offered.

"No, I've got some things to do. I'll help you when you get back. Now go on and finish that coffee. I need it to do the dishes," she told him politely. She rolled away and he looked at the bottom fourth of the mug, chugging it as quick as he could. He looked inside after downing it, wanting to see if anything but drops or grinds were left. He went pale as he read what was at the bottom: You're the world's #1 dad.

"Uh, Lynn, did you mean to get this cup for dad?" he asked, his voice filled with an unknown quality to it.

"I did," she said without turning around. He released the breath he had been holding. She wheeled over to him, grabbing his hand after he set the cup down. "I got it for the dad right here." She punctuated her words by poking him lightly. He grinned a grin to rival the Cheshire Cat. He picked Lynn up out of her chair and spun her around, with her giggling.

"I get to be a dad," he said with a touch of incredulity. He set her back in her chair, setting himself on the floor from the sudden rush of excitement clouding his head. "I get to be a dad." He kept his stupid smile, never wanting to be anywhere else in the world. Then he got to thinking as his mind cleared up. "What do we tell everyone?" Lynn was dumbfounded.

"I didn't think that far ahead. I just wanted to tell you the good news and we could go from there." He nodded, trying to think of how to break this to their family. An idea struck him.

"We could say you went to a fertility clinic," he suggested, the words breaking his heart as they were spoken. The same effect occurred for Lynn.

"Are you sure?" she asked, wanting to confirm it.

"Yes. You wanted a child, couldn't find a man you loved, and went to a clinic," Lincoln spoke. He had taken a stone-like tone. He had to, for Lynn.

"If that's the story, then I guess we'll say that," Lynn agreed, sad that her most joyous moment had become a depressing one once again.

"And I'll help you raise your child," he added. He had to stay strong.

"I'll let everyone know." She could see his true feelings. "I'm sorry that life is like this," she comforted him.

"Lynn… more than anything, I'm happy to be a dad." He got up from the floor as he spoke. "I just want to be the best that I can be, both for you and our family." They hugged, enjoying the bittersweet news…

Lincoln teared up a little, enjoying the precious memory. He enjoyed his position in life, hoping he could always be like this at the very least. He had no regrets over creating the story and he liked it that way, appearing as the always helpful brother he knew they saw him as since the day he was born. The doorbell rang and he knew who it had to be.

He left his study to answer the door, beaten by Laura, if only barely.

"Hi, Aunt Luan," the young girl greeted, smiling as she saw the family member before her.

"Hey, Laura, how are you?" Luan returned. Before Laura could answer, Lincoln arrived, interrupting the conversation and ushering Luan inside. He sometimes wished she would just take those few steps in instead of waiting, but he knew of her problems, always dismissing the thought. Lynn came into the living room, walking with more confidence in her step and not so awkwardly. She greeted her sister, offering to help make her more at home. Luan declined politely, agreeing to drinks when Lincoln suggested it.

He left, leaving Lynn and Luan to take a seat in the room. Laura joined her mother, sitting on her lap. Luan began looking as if she couldn't sit still for much longer. Lynn worked quickly.

"Say, why don't you go tell your aunt how excited you are about starting school?" she told Laura, encouraging her to go over to her relative. She did so, her aunt listening intently to every word coming from her niece. Luan looked more relaxed, distracted from being alone in the room with Lynn. Lincoln came back, giving everyone who was thirsty their drink. They visited, catching up on what might have been missed among them from all that was going on with their whole family.

"I think that about wraps things up," Luan said. "I guess the only thing left is the family reunion in about a month. Are you guys coming?" Lynn and Lincoln exchanged confused glances.

"Another one so soon?" Lynn asked. Luan nodded her head.

"Yeah, that's what everyone kept asking, but I checked with mom and dad and they said so," Luan explained.

"Last one was six months ago. Do you think something's up?" Lincoln asked, concern clearly on his mind.

"I don't know, but I asked if Lisa could look into it, so she should definitely know about anything if it's bad. Hopefully not, but life's funny," Luan said. Laura was playing on the floor with some of her toys, not giving much mind to the conversation. Lincoln certainly enjoyed how she could lack in life's worries, wishing he could go back to then occasionally, a sentiment shared by all in his family, even if unbeknownst to him. Luan looked at her watch. "Oh, I didn't know it was that late already." She looked for a window and saw in the kitchen that the sun was getting rather low in the sky, confirming her watch in its timekeeping.

"Alright. Well, I guess we'll see you at the reunion, then," Lynn said. "Say goodbye to your aunt, Laura," Lynn reminded her daughter.

"Bye, Aunt Luan," Laura said, getting up to give her a hug. Luan returned it as she headed for the door. Everyone said goodbye to each other, Luan giving a final wave as she turned around and closed the front door behind herself. Laura returned to her toys and Lincoln turned his attention to Lynn.

"Well, I guess that means dinner is probably going to be delivery, so I'll place an order," he said, pulling out his phone. Lynn gave no objections and Laura celebrated the prospect of a rare treat being there soon enough. After a long call that involved having to repeat the order no less than four times, Lincoln ended it, hoping the food would arrive all the faster for their waiting. He then excused himself to his room again and hurried away.

After arriving, he just closed the door and went to the desk without a second thought, pulling out the book he was to be writing. He wrote down all he remembered from the day before, not caring for the order in which he wrote it down so long as he could get it down. The deliveryman showed up, tearing him from the room and he was grateful for the break. Lincoln joined his family for dinner, hurrying through the meal and leaving for the room again. He then resumed his work, going back to another memory to put down…

It was the first family reunion and everyone had gone back to where it all began for the already large family. Laura wasn't a thought yet and he and Lynn were trying to break habits around their family, trying to not hold hands or even kiss. Everyone was back, coming from all over to reminisce and speak in person.

Lori was there with two children and a third on the way, Bobby constantly near her as they moved about. Leni was there with her husband and son, chatting away and being happy. Luna was there, though without anyone special in her life. Luan had followed suit with Luna, both having focused on careers more than family. Lucy had her boyfriend, the twins with their own, of whom were also twins. Lisa was alone, also having focused on her career. This left Lily being the last member to be without a plus one, so far as Lincoln and Lynn were concerned.

Lincoln caught up and met every last addition to the family, greeting them, finding out who was going to be a fiancee soon (by his estimates) and making sure all was going well with everyone's piece of paradise. All throughout, he saw Luan slowly withdraw and take a seat, refusing to mingle. He then moved over to her and pried into her reasons for withdrawing.

"Come on. There must be a reason to why you're like this," he urged. Luan sighed, before turning to face him.

"Funny Business is shutting down," she said. He scoffed at the idea.

"Oh, come on. Things can't be that bad."

"I'm not joking, Lincoln. I'm going to sign on the dotted line and make sure it gets shuttered forever." He looked ready to say something but she caught him before he could speak. "Business isn't going great. I've been getting less bookings for the past three quarters and have seen the numbers drop exponentially. I haven't turned a profit in the last quarter. It doesn't sound like much but it's different. It's one thing when the profits are low because I can account for it myself, but it's another when I can't get the bookings." She sighed in frustration.

"I can invest, if that'll help," Lincoln offered.

"Thanks, but I can't accept it. You can barely support yourself and Lynn as it is, let alone being able to invest the amount I need. It'll take a miracle for me to get back in the black." She hung her head and looked at the ground. "I just can't compete in the market anymore. I'll have to cut my losses if I don't see improvements soon and then that'll just leave me with needing to go to school. Which brings me to another problem." She took a sip of her drink. "Just look at me.

"I should have a husband and family by now, I should have a successful career under my belt, and I have neither. I'm getting to the point where I will have nothing but cats in my future with barely any kind of financial support. I can't even get a good degree at this point."

"Luan, you managed to have a business when we were younger. That's more than most of this family has done. And then you managed to resurrect that business after it had been dead for a good while. Who else can say that in the world?" She lifted her head and looked at him.

"Lincoln, your words are nice, but I just want to go home and wait for my liver to rot away just so I don't have to see Funny Business close again." She took another sip to finish off her sullen statement. Lincoln put his hand on her shoulder.

"Luan, you're a great businesswoman and an even better comedienne. I know that you're going to succeed and that things will turn around for you." She smiled at him, even if only briefly and with just as much effort put into it. "Now, have you told Dr. Ling about any of this?"

"Yeah and he knows full well that I'm not going to enjoy a cocktail for one last breath. He doesn't think I'll end it, unlike you." He sensed a sort of sarcasm to her words and retaliated in kind.

"Well, that's alright because I'll hand you your ass if you did enjoy such a treat." She chuckled at his words and he knew he had reached her in her darkest moment (at least in this place in time).

A week later, Luan learned that her biggest competitor had made himself a little too comfortable with children and was arrested. She took advantage of the situation, fixing her marketing around it and giving discounts to those who had booked his company for a time in which he would now be unavailable. She saw profits triple in the next quarter and called Lincoln to thank him for the emotional support…

He finally quit beating around the bush. Lincoln knew he had to include the events surrounding how Lynn had become crippled, how life had become a Hell for the family. He had to. It was his duty to tell his daughter the truth and he had to give it in the proper telling of details. He waited so long to begin telling that he almost forgot how life became this way for them, of how she had begun her journey into life through the actions of that one night two decades ago.

It pained him to begin telling what amounted to one big life story, but he had to. He tore open the wounds of the past to relive them again. He felt the tears of those nights flow again. Lincoln could hear the crunching of knees, the sundering of flesh, the creaking steps. All of it. He had to set the book aside, feeling his heart begin to beat in a rhythm similar to when he saw the terrors for the first time. He waited for the calming process to begin, glad when his beating heart began to reach normal levels again. He put his hand on his face and rubbed his eyes.

A knock came at his door and he looked to find the book, not realizing he had thrown it across the room. He grabbed it quickly and gripped it tightly as he opened the door to find Laura standing there, wide-eyed with worry.

"Are you okay, Uncle Lincoln?" she asked. He gripped the book tighter and tried to set it from her view before answering.

"Yeah, I'm okay. I'm just… okay. Why do you ask?" he lied with a slightly teetering voice.

"I heard something loud and I thought something bad had happened," she explained.

"Sorry about that. I just dropped something. That's all," he fibbed. She didn't seem to buy it at face value, but still went "okay" and left for the opposite end of the hall, where the bathroom sat. Lynn wasn't far behind her on the stairs, stopping by Lincoln on her trip.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Lynn asked. She was just as worried, if not more so.

"I'm fine," he lied again. Lynn wasn't buying it either.

"I heard you yell 'fuck' at the top of your lungs and then a thud," she said, telling him he was caught in a lie. He didn't remember the expletive, but now he knew why they had begun prying.

"Yeah, I just dropped a couple of books." He hated to lie, but he didn't want to add more worry to anyone else's plate and felt this would lessen that. Lynn actively gazed at the book he held and he withdrew it to behind his back.

"Lincoln," she tried to start.

"Lynn, I told you not to worry about anything. This right here will just make that worse for you, okay?" He wrapped his free arm around her. "You let me handle this since I told you I would." She seemed to recognize what he was talking about and sighed. At least he had given her a better answer to soothe her mind.

She left, with him telling her to let Laura know he would be down to tuck her in. He closed the door again and went back to his desk. He no longer could properly sit down to add to it and instead hid the item back to where it was before with shaking hands. And true to his word, he helped to tuck in Laura, glad that she didn't pry any further. This gladness extended to Lynn as well for not investigating any further. He closed his eyes and enjoyed some needed rest.

He awoke to Lynn screaming in her sleep, thrashing about even. He put his hand on her, trying to rouse her gently as he called her name and kept saying all was fine. She eventually bolted upright, sucking in air as fast as she could. Both failed to notice the sky was still dark, but Lincoln didn't care about the time; he only cared about her nightmares.

"I-I-I-I w-was just…" she tried to get the words out and he simply held her, getting her to quiet down as he wanted her to tell him as best as possible what it was that frightened her so. She managed to get to that point. "I was reliving that awful night again," she said as she felt tears coming, her voice choking on her.

"It's okay," he said in a soothing tone. "You're okay now." She curled into him even more.

"Please don't tell Luan about this," she begged, "I don't want her to feel like it was her fault."

"I won't," he promised. He hated seeing her like this, unable to do anything to stop such dreams from invading her sleep. He hated how it was always random, with no pattern to let him help her better. They resumed their sleep, still holding each other tightly.

The dawn came and he rose with it, stretching and marveling at how beautiful Lynn looked. He went through his normal routine and then to his study. He had a job to still do, after all, and he was intent on seeing it through. He barely noticed how the day slipped from dawn to noon, giving all of his focus to the work before him. That is, until he heard a knock at his door.

"Come in," he said, hiding the book quickly and putting the key to its lock. In came Lisa, a face he hadn't been expecting and one he was glad for.

"I can see my arrival wasn't of any importance to you," she spoke in a tone that was barely laced with sarcasm.

"I didn't want you to spread that extreme intellect of yours to me," he said in jest. He cracked a smile and went over to greet her with a hug. "It's nice to see you," he began, leading them out of the room, "but I must say that I haven't been expecting you for today."

"I was dealing with some small business and I figured that since I was here, I might as well stop in and say hello," she explained.

"And since you're here–"

"I've been checking on Laura," she interrupted.

"Thank you. I know it's a bit early, but I appreciate it all the same," he said, the relief present in his voice.

"No, I must thank you. It's not everyday someone gets to study someone like her. However, I must attend to something up here. So, If you'll excuse me…" she said.

"Down the hall," he instructed, knowing where she was heading with her words. They parted and he headed downstairs, the original destination he had planned for the two of them. He waited for her, checking in with his family and seeing how they were. Lisa finally came down.

"So, is anybody up for lunch?" she asked after looking at her watch. The house agreed and off they went, spending even more quality time together until the evening came and they managed to grab dinner. This, too, went by and they left for the residence, parting ways until the next time they all would meet again.

Lincoln left Laura and Lynn to spend a little more time together, using the excuse that he had to get back to his story. This was true, but Lynn sensed there was a bit more he was refusing to tell, an item that, while true, was better left unverified. He closed the door and retreated to his desk, his eyes barely used as he went to sit. Yet, they gained their full use upon seeing a package on the desk with a ribbon on top.

He no longer felt the need to grab the book he was writing and set it before him, at least not until this box was dealt with. He reached out, hesitating and stopping all throughout, but he reached the box and pulled it toward him. He saw that it was addressed to him, written in Lisa's handwriting. He began to sweat, unsure what could be inside. Soon, he had lifted the top off and saw a piece of paper inside. He opened it and read the contents therein.

Dear Lincoln,

I have succeeded in a creation that I am sure will be of much interest to you and all of man in this world. It is something that I feel should be left in your hands and your hands alone. I have made a "time machine", if you will, that simply operates on the ability of "rewinding" time the way you can rewind a movie, complete with your memories from then to now and then again. Do not ask how I know that this works, for it just does and that is all that's important for now.

Throughout the years, I might have shown a hard exterior that was uncaring for the emotions or whims of humanity, but I simply wept internally whenever I had to see Lynn, whenever I remembered the coma for Lori, of how the family could never go back to being the same ever again. Even now, I am glad to be alone while writing this, for tears have still found their way out.

I made this and thought that the only one responsible enough to use it was you, Lincoln Loud. You were affected the most in ways I cannot truly feel and yet you have managed to attain a position that leaves you with the best chance to make the right choice, no matter what that choice is or even the reasoning you used to make it. Lynn can't have it, for she is either going to destroy it and regret the chance to try and fix our lives or she will use it and be stuck forever in a loop until she can no longer do so, forever trapping her in whatever Hell she has managed to achieve.

Luan can't have it, for she will most likely go back in time and kill herself, which will simply lead to consequences that are more likely to be dire. Luna for similar reasons and the list goes on. But you, you will make a decision and I know you will make the most of it. I cannot force you to go back and I cannot force you to destroy it. You will, however, forever have knowledge that this device at least once existed and you must never tell another soul of the power you now possess or once possessed.

So, I now leave you with a power to rival God and I entrust that no matter the course of action, it will have been thought out thoroughly. There are two more things I must mention now, having forgotten earlier in this letter. The device will send you back to the first day of summer break twenty years ago, the day that I managed to figure out was the critical starting point for it all without messing too much in the timeline. And now, for the second. The device only has one use, for it will disappear due to effects and laws that I cannot begin to explain in one page, meaning you only get to press that button once and then the choice is set in stone.

Now, with these things laid out before you, I leave you with the choice that will forever alter history in one manner or another and no matter what, it is yours to make.

Sincerely and with a heavy hand,

Lisa M. Loud

Lincoln held the paper. He couldn't believe what his eyes were seeing. A time machine? A chance to undo all that was wrong? No, it couldn't be. He looked in the box and saw a small silver thing that looked like it belonged on a keychain, as if it were an ordinary light or as if it were used to open the garage for a car. He saw the single green button.

His hands shook. His breathing escalated. Why wouldn't it? After all, he held something more powerful than anything else in the world. He could do whatever he wished with it. Lincoln knew Lisa was right when she compared the power in his hands with that of a powerful deity.

He could go back and prevent Lynn from being crippled, could go back and keep Luan from doing horrific things, to keep the family normal. He could go back and fix all the wrongs in the world that involved him and his family. But what about Laura? She was already healthy and happy. Luan, while certainly affected, was in a much better place than five years ago. Luna was happy. His sisters had managed to become happy and carve their own paths in life. Could he really go back and hope they managed to find happiness again while also adding to it? Could he really gamble with their lives? What if it only got worse than now?

He set the device on the table, pale from having this power over lives in his hands. He would know of all the horrors that transgressed in life before now. He would have memories of his child and never know if he would ever get back to that point again. Lincoln would never be sure if Laura would be healthy enough to enjoy life. He was unsure if he could keep Lynn from getting hurt worse. He had a power to rival God Himself and he was unsure of how to handle it. Lincoln Loud set his arms on the table, using his hands to cover his face as he used the arms for crutches and stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, even as the evening sun splashed him with its dying light.

AN: If there are words for the feelings I have at this moment, then they escape me. There's joy, sadness, and many others at this moment. I apologize for the rest of these notes since I fear they will be a bit of a ramble, but I'll keep things organized to the best of my abilities. Now, I have no idea what you, dear reader, are feeling after finishing this tale. I suspect anger or the feeling of being cheated of a truly complete ending, but there is also quite possibly joy for the story to be finished and done with in terms of its tale.

I don't know. Overall, I want to hear honest thoughts. If you hated it, then say so. If you loved it, then speak up. Either way, I will know the truth and that's good enough for me.

Now, I have a few things to say and some of it will be uncomfortable for me, but only because of my own feelings about such subjects in regards to myself. I have been away for a really long time and there's a good reason: I wrote a book. No, it's not fanfiction, but I did write it (sort of). This book is being aided with its writing and editing by TotCall720. Why am I telling you this? For the reason stated earlier (that being why I was gone) and for this one: because I'm taking a spin on the roulette wheel that is life. I have no real future ahead of me, so I may as well try and make it so.

Which leads me to the now "shameless" plug I'm giving myself: I have a . The link (if you can call it that) will be on my profile. Don't worry, those of you who only want to read fanfiction from me, for I won't ever put my own fanfiction or even ones I collaborate on behind a paywall (if a patron is at the right tier, then there's timed exclusivity, but that's different). I will notify people about uploads for fanfiction there, so even if you don't wish to give me some spare change, then you can at least be notified there first (hopefully).

Okay, that's now out of the way (I am asking that you throw some of your hard-earned cash my way. I really am in need and every little bit helps). Which means I have to talk about a few things.

The first is that the earlier story I mentioned writing in this very story will be delayed. I don't know when, but I will have to set it back (don't worry. I'll still get it out onto this glorious site in the future soon). But I am writing a different story and this one is a collaboration with doodling-doodler (that's the name on tumblr. Oh yeah, I need to plug my tumblr. That will also be on my profile). I don't feel like I can tell too much other than it's an AU, so do watch out for that on here because that's going to be coming soon.

The second is that I am writing a rewrite for this story. I believe I said this in an earlier chapter, but I am reaffirming it now. I don't know when, but that will also be done as soon as possible. Which calls into question this story's fate. I have decided to keep it, as a reminder of where the tale came from, but I have become the epitome of hypocrisy: I edited this tale after I had posted it. I hold to the idea of leaving mistakes where they lie to use as a measuring stick to see how far you've come, but I have gone against that belief for this story. I did at least save it first in the form that is on here (notes and all), but I am ashamed at such actions for myself. Either way, I hope you will enjoy the rewrite when it comes out.

The third is that I want to talk about what I had to cut for this story. The story is rather different from what I had originally planned for it. I was going to write something in the vein of "Toxic Relationships", but I found myself departing further from that idea until the story had wrapped up. In fact, I even had a different ending in mind, one where Lynn just kills herself. But I chose against it because it didn't feel right to do that. I had planned to make this story actually take place over the course of a few weeks, with each chapter covering the course of a few days each rather than only one (only one exception and I'm sure you know which one).

With these things said, I'm sorry for taking so long to get my thoughts out. I even tried to organize these notes ahead of time, but I found myself still trapped in rambling or akin to it. But now I'm here and I must get the words out. Which means that if I rambled, then so be it, and sorry for making you suffer. If you wish to know anything else for details about what I have discussed, then please check my profile and if something is missing, then ask me. I'll try to keep everyone in the loop while there.

The final words. I have so much to say in some ways and none ever in others. But I will say this. Thank you, dear reader, for getting through this story and to this point.

Thank you, The Loud Author, for creating stories that inspired me to write on here. I dedicate this story's inception to you and I hope you read it as well as liked it.

Which means I must now say goodbye. But it's not really a goodbye so much as a see you later. Take care and have a great day everyone.