27. Chapter 27

Chapter 27: How We Met…

Disclaimer: I do not own Loud House or any form of media related to it, it is rightfully owned by its respective companies or owners.

AN: I LIVE! Ah man its good to be back! Again sorry if I've been gone for too long. Guess all I needed was time to think. This story kind of really means a lot to me. I also guess I can somewhat relate to Lincoln. Both from my story and the show. I'm used to being everyone's punching bag and trying my best to be a big brother. Though not all the time. Anyways, we're going to be focusing on episode based chapters soon. For now this is mainly going to be a flashback chapter. About how Lincoln and Suki met. Also I want to thank you guys for checking out some of those stories I've recommended. Another thing I want to say is that someone asked me if they wanted to do one shots based around my AU. And I said it was ok. I'm flattered that people want to do such things. I'm cool with that kind of thing as long as you ask permission. It's called Loud House: A Family Together Oneshots by Lel0uch Vi Britannia. I highly recommend you check it out if you want to see other takes on what could have happened in my story. They're mostly going to be what if scenarios. Like if Lincoln came back during Christmas. Or if Suki and Liberty were still around or Lincoln didn't leave at all. Anyways check it out and give the writer some love. Alright with that all the way… ON WITH THE CHAPTER! Please enjoy!

Just as Lynn was about to unzip the backpack. She stopped, completely frozen. She couldn't do this. Lincoln was her brother. And this was wrong.

Whatever Lincoln did before he came was home was his business. She didn't have the right to dig through his private stuff. Least of all his backpack. As much she wanted to find out more about Lincoln. This wasn't the right way.

Lynn sighed heavily. She was going to have to do the right thing. With out hesitation Lynn threw the backpack on the desk. Unfortunately Lynn had forgotten to completely zip up the backpack. And so something had fallen out of the pack when Lynn threw had it.

"Aw crap." Lynn groaned out as she walked over to get the thing that had fallen out. But as she bent down to try and pick it up. She was shocked to the core by what she saw. "What…?"

The tomboy was hesitant. But eventually she grew enough courage to pick the item up. As Lynn picked it up, she began to inspect the item very carefully. She didn't know what to make of it. She was confused.

The item was a photo, the photo of Lincoln and Suki.

Things in the Loud House were about to get a lot more difficult. For everyone.

Meanwhile At The Santiago Household

While Lynn and the rest of Lincoln's family were dealing with their own stuff and problems. Lincoln was dealing with his own right. Alongside his old flame, Ronnie Anne. Right now he and Ronnie were sitting on the large couch. Lincoln had just got done explaining a bit of what's be going on with him. How and why he's back, and why he stopped himself and Ronnie from going too far. And honestly, it was a lot to handle.

"Geez Lincoln, a kid and fiancée?" Ronnie asked Lincoln in mild disbelief. He only nodded with a somber expression. "And… they're gone?"

Lincoln didn't say a word, he just sat there. Looking out in front of him. After a good minute he nodded again. Making Ronnie Anne slightly gasp.

She couldn't believe it. She knew that things may have been rough out there for Lincoln. But Ronnie wasn't expecting something like this. It just felt… wrong! The tomboy of a mother noticed that Lincoln was still looking out into space. He looked lost and a bit nervous. However he looked more heartbroken if anything. After telling her that Ronnie wasn't surprised.

Ronnie Anne eventually got Lincoln's attention by gently grabbing his hand and holding onto it. Lincoln looked over to see Ronnie giving him a soft and sympathetic look. A look he didn't deserve.

"Lincoln… I'm so sorry that happened to you." Ronnie softy said still reeling from everything. But she kept on holding onto Lincoln's hands. "I thought I've been through a lot, but you got me beat. If there's anything I can do. Just ask."

Lincoln wasn't surprised by this. Even though Ronnie Anne acted tough. She was still kind and caring. She just hid it well. That's one of things he liked about her. Lincoln then suddenly realized something. Maybe there was something Ronnie Anne could do for him. Something he's been meaning to get off his chest.

"If it's not too much trouble Ronnie, maybe you can do something for me." Lincoln murmured out softy. Making Ronnie look over at him a bit surprised. But soon smiled and nodded. "Is it alright if I tell you… how me and Suki met?"

Ronnie looked shocked for a brief moment, but soon nodded. She knew this probably wasn't easy for Lincoln. Still, talking about your problems is usually better than ignoring them. Or acting like they never existed in the first place.

Lincoln smiled briefly before looking up at the ceiling.

"We met… when I was working as a masked wrestler. Back when I just followed a few pro wrestling promotions here and there. Which led me to Japan of all places."

Flashback, A Year Or Two Ago

Somewhere in Japan in The Kanto Region, in a local high school's gymnasium. A bunch of people of people were sitting on the bleachers and on folded up chairs that surrounded a large ring. Most would think this was a boxing ring but they'd be mistaken. This was a wrestling ring. A boxing ring mat was hard, while a wrestling one wasn't. This was so when a wrestler isn't seriously hurt during a match.

Metal bar dividers separated the ring from the crowd. So no one would get in the way or hurt during a match. The hard gymnasium floor was covered in some sort of soft mat. Though it would still hard if a guy fell hard and fast on it.

The crowd were still getting settled in. Many of them couldn't wait for the matches tonight. While this professional wrestling promotion wasn't as big or popular as NJPW, TNA, ROH or even WWE. Pro wrestling was still popular, especially in Japan. Local talent were going to wrestle tonight. But what had everyone excited was the fact that there were two foreign wrestlers wrestling tonight.

Ever since guys like AJ Styles, Kenny Omega, Prince Devitt, The Bullet Club and other wrestlers from all over were showing up. And making names for themselves in Japan, a lot of people wanted to see if these wrestlers were any different.

Meanwhile, in a locker room. A person was getting all their gear on.

Lincoln stood there looking at a mirror. Staring at his reflection.

He was wearing white and black wrestling leggings and tights. He had two knee pads, one white and one black. He had a mask, that he was holding in his hands. A black and white El generico type mask.

Lincoln sighed as he saw his sad reflection looking back at him.

"Look at you… a sorry excuse of a wrestler." Lincoln murmured out with a frown. "A sorry excuse of a friend, student, boyfriend... son and brother."

Lately Lincoln had been thinking about a lot of stuff. Emotional and heavy stuff. His friends, former love interests and of course his family. Mainly his sisters. He missed home. But what's been bothering him most of all is how he got here.

A year or two ago he had gotten in a argument with his teacher and friend, Eddie. A year or two back Lincoln found himself in El Paso. Where he eventually took Lincoln in and taught him about the ropes. As time went by he grew close to Eddie and the rest of his students. They even formally made Lincoln a Luchador mask. A real and hand made one.

Lincoln was happy to be accepted by Eddie and everyone. He even joined in on their matches and other promotions that took them. He wrestled under the name El Anciano. Which meant old man in Spanish, Lincoln didn't pick it but his friends sure liked to call him that. For his hair of all things. Still though, he liked it. He was happy wrestling and being around those guys.

Even though he barely made any money and got a few serious injuries here and there. It was fun. He was happy.

Unfortunately that all changed when Eddie confronted Lincoln about who he really was. And he was mad. Turns out Eddie dug up some stuff on Lincoln, like how he was a run away and former thief and pickpocket. While Eddie wasn't mad about Lincoln's past or what he did. He was pissed that he lied to him.

Everything Lincoln had told Eddie wasn't exactly a lie. But it still wasn't enough for Eddie. Eventually all this led up to a long and heated argument. Which ended badly. So badly that Lincoln packed everything and took off.

That left a lot of bad blood between him and Eddie. His wrestler buddies were the same. Lincoln wished none of that happened. But it did. Ever since then Lincoln's been moving from show to show. Which led him here. He was hoping this gig would help him get some word from NJPW or another big promotion.

But even then, what would he do after that?

He was completely on his own. No friends… no family.

"This… really sucks." Lincoln murmured out with another sigh.

He looked around the locker room and couldn't help but shake his head. Looks like most of the other talent had already gotten dress and were ready to go. Or maybe they didn't want to share a locker room with him. Either because he was the new guy or an outsider.

It wasn't like Lincoln hadn't dealt with it before. After all being a white Luchador didn't exactly win him much friends or respect. Either way it didn't bother him. He was used to being alone.

Lincoln looked up at his reflection again and nodded to himself. Time to stop being sorry for himself. He had a match to get ready for. Not wanting to waste time Lincoln put his mask. After tying his mask firmly on, Lincoln was ready to go.

Suddenly the locker room door opened and someone walked in. With a duffle bag strapped under their shoulder.

Lincoln looked over and was shocked to see who is was.

"Hey man, do you mind if change in here? My match is about to start soon."

The person talking was a man a bit older and taller than Lincoln. But was eerily dressed the same. Almost anyways. But what got Lincoln's eye is that he knew who this guy was. His name was El Generico, "The Generic Luchador"! While this guy wasn't as famous as the guys from WWE or TNA back at the states. He was still considered one of the best indie wrestlers out there. His matches with Kevin Steen were classics!

"Hey, you there man?" El Generico asked with a bit of a confused expression. Lincoln quickly snapped out of it and looked over to El Generico. "Yeah, is it cool if I dress here?"

"Oh, um. Sure no problem man." Lincoln said trying to act causal but failing.

El Generico smiled and nodded, he then took a seat on a bench and began to unzip his duffle bag. Which had all his gear, except for his mark. He already had that on. Speaking of which, it looked very similar to Lincoln's. Something El Generico noticed.

"So, you from the states?" El Generico asked getting Lincoln's attention. "You sure don't look like a local."

Lincoln laughed a little.

"That obvious eh?" Lincoln joked with a smile. He then sighed as he lowered his eyes. "Yeah, I'm originally from Michigan. Though I haven't been there for awhile."

El Generico nodded. Being away from home was always normal. Especially in this business. He missed Canada and his family. El Generico knew this kid was probably getting home sick.

"You getting home sick?"

Lincoln looked up at El Generico with a surprised expression. Which made the Luchador smile.

"Don't got to say anything kid. I know how you feel. Being so far home is lonely." El Generico explained as he got just about done with his duffle bag. He then got up to face Lincoln. "I know it's not any of my business. But hope you don't mind a Luchador giving another fellow Luchador some advice. You don't mind do you?"

Lincoln didn't say a word but shook his head. Making El Generico smile. The red bearded Luchador placed his hand on Lincoln's shoulder.

"Well, if I were you I call home and talk to your family. No matter how bad you or them left things. Family is always important kid." El Generico stated while giving a kind smile. That made Lincoln blush a little, thankfully it was covered by his mask. "Another thing you should do is try to find some friends. If you plan on staying around here for awhile. Hell, go out and mingle. Who knows? You might find a reason to be happy here."

Lincoln didn't know what to do or say. So he just nodded. Making El Generico smile again. With that all done, El Generico began to head out the door. Ready for whenever his match was about to begin.

"Catch you later kid. Remember to have fun out there." El Generico said still smiling. But before he would open the door to leave. He decided to say one last thing. "Oh, nice mask by the way… El Anciano. Remember my advice."

Lincoln stood there shocked with his eyes and mouth opened wide. Before he knew it El Generico was gone. Lincoln still couldn't believe it. He just met one of his idols and actually talked to him. He even knew who he was! Lincoln quickly took a seat on the nearest bench. Where he took a deep breath.

"God… I think I'm in love." Lincoln stated with a loud sigh. While he didn't actually consider himself gay or bisexual, Lincoln really didn't care who he was with or having an eye for. Still he'd be a fool not to feel the least bit attracted to the guy. "Wonder if I should listen to his advice?"

Our young hero just sat there. Deep in thought.

It's true that Lincoln missed his family and friends. Even the friends he's met on his journey. Chris and their old gang. Wendy, Dipper, Mabel and everyone else. He missed Eddie and his old friends. No matter how it looked. He was completely alone.

"Maybe I should call them… at least someone." Lincoln said to himself with a sad smile. But that turned into a frown. "Though that probably be a bad idea. After the way I left things with everyone."

Lincoln remember how he left Chris and his friends. Who saved him in and took him in. How Stan Pines gave him a job when most wouldn't. Where he had some crazy adventures with Dipper and Mable. And fell in love with Wendy. How he met Eddie who taught him everything about wrestling. Who treated him like a son. What he remembered that hurt the most was how all this began. When he left his family. His parents and little sisters.

"Some advice." Lincoln groaned out as he got up from his seat. He then looked to the locker room door. "Better get ready for my match. Whoever I'm facing."

The white haired luchador walked over to the door and was about to open it. But suddenly it opened and a short guy in a referee shirt came walking in. Lincoln stopped to look down at the guy who gave a short bow. He then presented something from his hand, which was a small note.

"This for me?" Lincoln asked the referee. Who nodded. Lincoln took the note and began to read it. It was from the manager who ran the promotion. It was telling when his match was about to start, and the booking. Lincoln sighed and gave a short bow to the referee. "Um, arigatou."

"Hai!" The referee said before leaving.

When the door shut behind the referee as he left. Lincoln began to read the note. It read that his match was about to start. It was going to be a normal match. But what bothered him is that his opponent was still a mystery. And that he was supposed to lose outright against this guy.

Lincoln growled out as he ripped and crumpled the note.

He wasn't mad that he was supposed to lose. It happened a lot for him. But what pissed him off was that he was going to have to jobber himself to this mystery guy.

Jobbing meant that he was supposed to act like a fool and be a weakling and lose. Like all his training meant nothing.

"I didn't travel half way around the world to jobber myself out to some hot shit rookie." Lincoln scowled in a harsh tone. "I don't care how I'm supposed to be booked. Or even if I lose this gig. I ain't going to lose!"

And with that Lincoln threw the ripped and crumbled note on the ground. He soon walked out of the locker room with a scowl. He was going to win that match, no matter who he was facing.

A few minutes later Lincoln was waiting at the hallway where the entrance to the wrestling ring was. He stood there, trying to hold off his annoyance and anxiousness.

Lincoln looked around to see a few wrestlers here and there. Along with officials and medical staff. A few were looking at him and muttering. Nothing he wasn't used to. Lincoln kept his focus on his upcoming match. He could hear the faint cheers going on in the gymnasium. The crowd was getting anxious. He was beginning too as well.

He had no idea who he was going to face. But he knew one thing for sure. He wasn't going to lose. Going against his booking was a bad idea. Especially since he came all this way to wrestle. Doing this was career suicide. Not following his role and losing. He didn't want to do it. Eddie and the guys taught him everything about wrestling. Even the "fake and scripting" part. Going against that meant breaking the rules.

Lincoln clenched his hands into fists.

While he didn't want to do that. He's been through hell for the last year or two. And he wasn't going to be some mysterious guys punching bag. Not after all the trouble he went through to get here.

Suddenly Lincoln snapped out of his funk when a referee came walking up to him. Holding a note. With a light scowl Lincoln took the note off the ref's hands. Who bowed and went out the entrance that led down to the ring.

Soon the referee got in the ring and started to announce the match. In Japanese of course. Lincoln made a metal note that he should probably pick up the language soon. If he planned on staying here for awhile. He should really learn the language.

Before Lincoln knew it. He heard his name being called. He then heard his entrance music starting. It was What I've Done By Linkin Park. Ever since he heard that song, he's been using it as an entrance song. For some reason it kind of reminded him what he's done and been through. From leaving his family up till now.

With a deep breath Lincoln began to walk through the curtains out to the ring. Cheers along with slight boos could be heard. Lincoln looked among the crowd. He then nodded and began to run towards the ring. He slid under the ropes. When he was finally in the ring he threw a peace sign out. Normally he would climb on top of a turnbuckle and do a backflip. Just for the hell of it. But he wasn't in the mood for it

After the noise from the crowd began to calm down. Lincoln walked over to a corner. Where he leaned over on, patiently waiting for his opponent. Whoever he was facing. He was ready to win.

The referee began to talk again after seeing Lincoln settled it. Who sighed as he still couldn't understand what the referee was saying. Lincoln really needed to pick up some Japanese. At least a few words.

Lincoln's attention went to the ref. Who finished talking. Suddenly music started to go off. Lincoln knew it was J-Rock or J-Pop, but he didn't know the artist or band. All he knew that it was entrance music. Which meant his opponent was coming.

A lot of things went through Lincoln's mind. But mainly who his opponent was and what he looked like. Was he big, small, fat or skinny? Was he a face or heel? Or in between? Either way Lincoln was about to get his answer. Because his opponent walked through the curtains and began to walk down the ramp.

And what Lincoln saw he couldn't believe it. His opponent was woman!?

Not just any kind of woman. But probably one of the most beautiful women he's ever seen in his life. She wore a two piece yellow and black wrestling tights with a yellow skirt and yellow elbow pads along with some black knee pads. She was around his height, fairly fit with snowy pale skin. Long dark lavender hair and bright green eyes. She was clearly a local

The crowd was going wild for this woman. Who smiled brightly and waved. Causing most of the men and some women to blush. Even Lincoln couldn't help but do it as well. Thankfully for him his mask hid it well.

Lincoln still couldn't believe his opponent was a woman. Not like he had a problem with that. It's just that he was expecting it. He's heard of intergender matches before. Most of them are usually on the independent circuit. He's also seen a few in person. But he's never been in one before.

As the woman finally made it to the ring. She slid under the ropes and onto the apron rather seductively. That caused some the crowd to go wild. While making Lincoln more nervous.

'Really starting to have second thoughts here.' Lincoln thought as he really tired to shake off his blush. But couldn't. It only got worse as he saw the girl smirk at him as she got to her corner of the ring. 'Geez… I'm not on top of my game tonight.'

Seeing both Lincoln and the girl at their respective corners. The referee walked to the center of the ring. And began to announce the match. Lincoln of course didn't understand a single word. Until his name came, his wrestler name anyways. After that the referee began to announce the woman's name now. He doubted it was her real name. But he still listened closely.

"Suki…" Lincoln whispered to himself as he looked over at the girl. Who looked right back. For the longest time they stared at each other. Until Lincoln shook out of it and regained focus. "That's probably not even her real name."

Eventually the referee stopped talking and then a bell was heard ringing. Signaling the match had begun.

Normally Lincoln would start with a running knee. Or get close and get a grapple on his opponent. But this time it was different.

Not because he was facing a woman. No, it was something else. Lincoln knew the woman felt the same. Just by looking at her eyes. Those bright green eyes. He didn't know why, but something was alluring about them. About her. Not just because she was easy on the eyes.

It was something else entirely.

Before Lincoln or the girl knew it. The crowd started to get restless. Which snapped both of them back to reality. Both wrestlers got their act together, and began to move closer to each other. In a defensive stance.

'I'll try to end this real quick.' Lincoln thought.

He didn't want to act cocky or anything. But he was trained by the very best. He started when he was still considered a teenager. Now he was an adult. His head filled with the knowledge Eddie taught him. There was no way he was going to lose.

With a new found determination. Lincoln locked eyes with Suki. Who gave him a rather serious look. With a deep breath, Lincoln moved closer to Suki. Completely unaware what was going to happen and how it was going to change his life forever.

An Hour Later

"That really didn't go the way I thought it was going to go."

Lincoln was sitting outside on a bench. Right outside the gymnasium he wrestled in. Where his match took place in an hour ago. The same match he lost. Something he still couldn't believe happened.

Our hero was still wearing his mask. Something he really didn't have to do but still did. For whatever reason. He was out of his wrestling gear and had on his normal clothes. He wore some baggy blue jeans along with an orange t-shirt and brown leather jacket. He also wore some black work boots.

The reason why he was sitting on a bench was because he was in a foul and disheartened mood. Because he lost outright in his match.

Lincoln didn't know how it happened. One second he was moving close to that Suki and about to grapple her. A second later he found himself in an arm lock! He tried his best to get out but he couldn't get out of it. Which left him no choice but to tap out. Giving Suki the win.

While it was booked for him to lose. That wasn't what Lincoln had planned. Not at all. He also didn't plan on losing so fast. Lincoln was devastated when he lost. But he more embarrassed if anything. So much that he stayed on the ground in shame as Suki celebrated her quick win. When that was over Lincoln left the ring. His head lowered while trying to block out some of the laughing he got as he went to the back.

When he got to the back he talked to the manager. Who was impressed with the match and thanked Lincoln. Even though he lost horribly. Still, at least he got paid and was even asked to return to wrestle again if he wanted.

Back to now, Lincoln was just sitting there on a bench. Wondering what to do next. Right now he felt really down. Not because he lost. Well, maybe. But what got him thinking is that he lost even when he planned not to. He should have been furious.

However he felt more disappointed than anything.

At least he got paid. And a chance to wrestle here again. If he wanted to. Now though? He wanted to get a bite and forget this ever happened.

"You sure look down." A sweet and calming voice suddenly said.

Lincoln slowly looked up to where he heard the voice. And boy was he shocked. Standing over him just a little ways was that girl. The one who beat him. Only this time she was wearing normal clothes. While he was sure shocked to see her out in public like this. Especially after what happened. He was more shocked that she spoke English.

All Lincoln did was stare up at the girl, his eyes widened in shock. As time went by he shook off his shock and quickly answered the girl.

"Um… yeah. Considering I got my ass handed to me." Lincoln said somewhat dryly. "I think anyone would be down too. Though to be fair… I think I had it coming."

The girl suddenly laughed. Which caused Lincoln to raise an eyebrow. A brief second later the girl stopped.

"Sorry, I wasn't laughing at you." The girl apologized still smiling. "It's just that not many would admit they got their ass kicked by a girl."

Lincoln smiled and shook his head a little. It would be true that some people would think that. But not him. Because he knew some girls that could really kick his ass if they wanted.

"Yeah, well I'm not like that. I know when I'm outmatched. Especially when my opponent is pretty as you." Lincoln quickly shut his mouth and looked over at the girl in surprise and regret. "I'm so sorry. I-I um… crap…"

Lincoln expected something bad to happen. Like the girl slapping him or storming off. But all he got was a laugh from the girl. Who looked a bit flustered but was still smiling.

"Thanks, you aren't so bad yourself." The girl commented with a sly smile. That made Lincoln blush, thankfully he still had his mask on. "So, is El Anciano your real name?"

Lincoln smiled as he looked up at the girl with a soft chuckle.

"I'll tell you, but only if you tell me your name first." Lincoln slyly asked with a smile.

Which the girl returned. She then walked over to Lincoln and offered him her hand.

"My name is Suki, Suki Furukawa." Suki happily said still smiling.

Lincoln looked surprised. Guess that was her real first name after all. Well, if they were properly introducing themselves. It was only right he did even proper. Suddenly Lincoln stood up and began to unstrap his mask. Surprising and confusing Suki.

Eventually Lincoln took his mask off completely. And Suki was shocked by what she saw.

"My name's Lincoln… it's nice to meet you."

Flashback End

"After that, we went out to get a bite and the rest is history." Lincoln finished with a sad smile. "I'd love to tell you the rest, but I think I only have a bit left in me. Sorry."

Ronnie Anne was speechless. But nevertheless she couldn't help but give Lincoln a comforting smile.

"it's alright Lincoln. Thanks for telling me at all." Ronnie Anne said still smiling. Which lightened up Lincoln's greatly. "I know this wasn't easy."

Lincoln just nodded as his smile turned into a light frown. It was rough to talk about his past. Especially his late fiancée. But it didn't help anyone of he kept quiet about such things.

Suddenly Lincoln snapped back to reality when he felt something unexpected. He looked down to see Ronnie Anne holding his hand. Her hands were soft to the touch. One wouldn't think so by first glance. But it felt rather nice. Lincoln then looked up to see Ronnie Anne smiling at him. He couldn't help but feel better.

He didn't know why. But all the women in his life just seemed to know how to brighten his mood. And it looked like Ronnie Anne was no different.

Both wished they could stay like this. No talking or anything. Just sitting there, enjoying each others company. Unfortunately it seemed like that would have to wait. Because suddenly crying could be heard in the next room.

Lincoln smiled with a light laugh. While Ronnie Anne sighed but smiled as well.

"Sorry, I'll be right back." Ronnie Anne apologized with a sheepish smile.

She quickly got up and began to walk away to get her son. Leaving Lincoln alone with his thoughts.

He was thinking about a lot of things. However his focus was mainly on Ronnie Anne and by some extent. Her son. Something of which Lincoln is still trying to come to terms with. It wasn't that he didn't approve. In fact he was happy for Ronnie. What was bothering is what he did earlier.

Not only did he kind of made out with his old flame and friend. But he almost took it to the next level. With her son sleeping in the next room for god sakes. Thank god it was just him and Ronnie. Which kind of got him thinking. Who was the kid's father?

"I'm back."

Lincoln turned over to where Ronnie Anne was. Just standing there while holding onto her son, who stopped crying. Ronnie Anne then made her way back to Lincoln. When she arrived she sat back down right next to him.

"Again sorry about that. He gets really scared when he wakes up alone." Ronnie Anne explained with a kind smile. Her son responded with a small and cute pout. Which caused his mom to giggle a little. "Oh look at him. Trying to act tough. He's so sweet."

Lincoln couldn't help but smile at the scene. Ronnie Anne sure acted like a good mother. Not that he had any doubt.

"I forgot, you both haven't really properly been introduced." Ronnie Anne suddenly said getting Lincoln's attention. With a bright smile Ronnie Anne got closer to Lincoln along with her son. Who looked up at Lincoln with a shy yet curious face. "Lincoln Loud I want you to meet my son… Lincoln Jr. Santiago."

Lincoln's eyes grew in pure shock. She named her son after him!?

"I hoped you wouldn't mind…" Ronnie Anne said rather sheepishly. "It was just that even though you weren't always there for me. I couldn't forget all the time we spent together. No matter how short it was. And when I saw my baby boy's smile. He just sort of reminded me of you."

Lincoln didn't know what to say. This was a first for him. He wasn't the boy's father so he didn't know if that suffix was appropriate. But it looked like Ronnie Anne didn't care. He gulped a little as he looked over at the baby. Who was looking straight back at him.

"You're not mad are you?" Ronnie Anne asked with a worried tone and expression. "If you want, I'm sure I change his name whenever I have-"

"No." Lincoln said cutting off Ronnie Anne. Who looked shocked. "It's fine Ronnie."

Lincoln gently placed his hand on Ronnie Anne's shoulder. His smile putting her into a comfortable ease.

"I'm honored that you named him after me." Lincoln stated as his smile turned into a regretful frown. " Though after all I've done. I don't think I deserve such honor."

Before Lincoln knew he felt Ronnie Anne grab hold of his hand again. While she held onto Lincoln Jr. in her other arm. Lincoln looked at Ronnie Anne who gave him a somewhat angry glare.

"Lincoln I'm not going to lie that you didn't hurt me when you left. But I know I hurt you the same way when I left too. Still, I miss my best friend." Ronnie Anne explained as her tone and expression soften. She then looked at Lincoln with pleading eyes. Which never usually happened. "Can't we just try to do this over again. I don't know if we'll have the same kind of "relationship" as before. But I still want to be a part of your life. If you'll let me."

Lincoln didn't know what to do. All of this was too much. His heart laid heavy as he couldn't bear to see Ronnie Anne looking at him like that. It felt terrible. It's not that he didn't want to reconcile with her. It was that he was afraid. Afraid to hurt her. That's the last thing he wanted

But he came back to make up for all of his mistakes. This being one of them. Lincoln knew that there wasn't much of a chance for him and Ronnie Anne to get back together. Not with Suki and his daughter's deaths looming over him. He wasn't ready to love again. Not yet.

He also didn't know if Ronnie Anne and her son's father were together. Either way it didn't feel right.

After some thinking. Lincoln came to a decision.

"Ronnie, I've made a lot of mistakes. Because of which I have a lot of regrets too." Lincoln admitted with a sad smile. "I never meant to hurt you or anyone. I just thought with me gone everything would be easier. But when I came back all I seemed to do was only make things worse. Are you sure you want someone like me to be a part of your life again?"

Things grew quiet from then on. It was a serious and heartfelt question. So, it needed a serious answer. Ronnie Anne lower her eyes as she stared down at her son. Who stared right back. Suddenly Lincoln Jr. reached out to his mom. While giving an innocent giggle. Which made her smile. Just like Lincoln, her son knew when to cheer her up.

Ronnie Anne finally decided what to say.

"We've both made mistakes and have regrets Lincoln. All we can do now is live with them and move on." Ronnie Anne wholeheartedly said with a small smile. She then turned to Lincoln still smiling. "I know it won't be easy, especially since you want to catch up with your family. Trust me. I know the feeling. But I'm not asking a whole lot. I just want to be friends again. That's all…"

All Lincoln could do was look at Ronnie Anne and her son. As much as he hated to admit. Ronnie Anne was right. He needed to own up to his mistakes and try to live with him. Though that pain still lingered. With a small sigh, Lincoln smiled.

"I don't know if I'll live up to your expectations Ronnie. You're a hard girl to please." Lincoln said with a sly smile and tone. Causing Ronnie Anne to send a mild glare at Lincoln, while being completely flustered. "But I'll try my best to earn back your trust and forgiveness. No… I promise. I owe you that much."

Ronnie Anne didn't know what to say. So she just smiled and did something unexpected. She gently leaned toward Lincoln and gave him a small peck on the cheek. Surprising the white haired young man. But he soon smiled with a mild blush.

"So… what now?" Lincoln asked innocently.

Ronnie Anne sat there holding onto her son. Who looked to be falling asleep again. Eventually she sighed. With her free hand she reached for the TV remote. When she got she turned the TV on. Slightly confusing Lincoln who didn't know what was going on.

"Let's just got sit down and watch something." Ronnie Anne stated with a smile as she scooted over closer to Lincoln. She then leaned her head onto his shoulder. Making him feel a bit nervous. "It'll be awhile until Bobby or my mom come home. Can you stick around for awhile? For old times sake."

Lincoln wanted to say no or at least something. But when he looked down at Ronnie Anne who rested her head on his shoulder. He couldn't say no. Not when she was giving him that face with those puppy dog eyes. A technique all girls seemed to know somehow. One of his greatest weaknesses.

"Why is it that all you girls in my life seem to know what makes me tick?" Lincoln asked with a sigh. But he still smiled. "Am I that easy."

Ronnie Anne giggled a little.

"Guess you'll have to figure that out for yourself… lame-o."

Lincoln looked surprised you hear that name again. Eventually he resumed smiling. It felt good to hear that again after all these years. It was a lot to take. Here he was sitting watching some TV with his old flame/best friend. Just like the old days. Except so much has changed.

Lincoln knew that things were never going to be the same again. What he had with Ronnie Anne. What he had with all his family and friends. He made a terrible mistake and he would have to live with it. All he could do was move on and try to make the best out of everything. It wasn't going to be easy. But at least he wouldn't be alone.

He knew he should probably head home. But this felt right. Besides, hanging out with his old friend seemed long overdue. So, both Lincoln and Ronnie Anne just sat there. Watching TV and enjoying each others company.

And that's all that mattered at the moment. A sincere and quiet moment. Between old friends… plus a baby.

To Be Continued

AN: Man! This was long overdue! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. So, looks like Lincoln and Ronnie Anne kind of patched things up. Though they'll need some time. Looks like Ronnie's baby's name is revealed. You all now know how Lincoln and Suki met. If you want more flashback chapters just let me know. Also, I can't stress this enough. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne aren't together or are getting back together. I'm still considering pairings. Just chill. Another thing, who do you think is Lincoln Jr's dad? I'm curious to read all of your reviews. Remember to leave a review as always. I'm also sorry for any typos or mistakes. Now… expect the next chapter in a month or two at the latest. I'm so happy to be writing this story again. I missed you guys! Bye and hope you have a happy Easter! If you don't celebrate Easter than I hope you have an awesome Sunday! See ya… soon!