>Inside the school's cafeteria, Lyle was sitting together with his brother Lemy, enjoying lunch.
>Just as he was about to get started on his dessert, he heard the sound of a drawling female voice behind him.
>"Well well well, look at what we have here, boys - the 'Lout' brothers sitting together."
>In an instant, Lyle's good mood quickly fell upon recognizing the owner of the voice - Cecilia Pingrey.
>Upon seeing the platinum-blond teenager, Lemy's eyes narrowed.
>"What do you want, Cecilia? We haven't done anything to warrant a visit from you today."
>"Oh, it's nothing. Just wanted to see how you and your...*snicker*...brother were doing. I must ask though - do you adhere to your family's 'tradition' when it comes to him?"
>Both boys blink in confusion, wondering what she was referring to.
>"Tradition? What do you..."
>Almost immediately, their faces quickly turn green upon realizing what she was implying.
>"No! Absolutely not! There's no way I'd do something like...that with Lyle! I like girls!"
>"What about your girly-looking brother over there? He seems like the kind of person that would prefer the company of his own gender."
>In an instant, the green coloration on Lyle's face changes to a burning crimson color.
>"I...I like girls too! Really!"
>"Is that right? Then why haven't I seen you ask anyone out, femme boy?"
>"I...I just haven't found the right girl to ask, that's all! Lemy, back me up here - you know I like girls, right?"
>"I dunno, man. As much as I hate to say it, she's got a point - I haven't seen you ask anyone out either. Even I've tried my luck with a few girls at this place."
>After staring at his brother in disbelief, Lyle growls in frustration before getting to his feet.
>"I....fine! If it'll prove I'm not gay, I'll go and ask someone out right now!"

>Nearby, Marla was sitting with Laika at a different lunch table, enjoying their own respective lunches...or at least, Laika was, anyway.
>Marla, on the other hand, grimaced upon discovering that, once again, she was going to have a bologna sandwich for lunch today.
>"...Bologna again. Great."
>"Quit complaining. You are lucky to have that."
>"This is the third time I've had bologna sandwiches this week, Laika! The taste of them starts gets old after a while!"
>"You are weak. When Laika was in Russia, she only ate potatoes and liked them."
>"Yeah, but you've lived like some kind of soldier for most of your life. You wouldn't complain about the stuff you eat."
>Instead of giving her an answer, Laika was glancing at something nearby with an arched eyebrow.
>"Laika, didn't you hear me?"
>"You have visitor."
>"Visitor? What are you..."
>Turning around to see who the older girl was looking at, Marla saw Lyle standing there, fidgeting nervously.
>"What do you want? Can't you see we're talking here?"

>When he claimed that he would find a girl to ask out, Lyle figured that it would be fairly easy - just ask someone out, take her out on a few dates and see if everything goes smoothly, then go from there.
>Unfortunately for him, most of the girls in the school were already taken or just weren't flat out interested in him, leaving him with very few options available. And there was no way, as pretty as she appeared to be, he was going to ask out Cecilia on a date.
>Asking one of his siblings to play along wouldn't work either as the arrogant bitch could always claim that they're just playing along to get her off his back.
>After spending several minutes trying to find someone else to ask, he spotted Marla and Laika sitting together at a nearby table.
>He didn't know very much about them aside from the fact that Marla disliked Lacy and that the two always sat together at the same table every day, but he figured it couldn't hurt to try and ask them out.
>After all, the worst they could do is say no.
>After mustering up every ounce of courage he had, he walked over to the table, immediately catching Laika's attention while Marla was trying to say something to her.
>"Laika, didn't you hear me?"
>"You have visitor."
>"Visitor? What are you..."
>In an instant, Marla's head quickly turned towards him, causing him to start fidgeting about at the look she was giving him.
>"What do you want? Can't you see we're talking here?"
>After fidgeting about a bit more, Lyle finally decided to give her a reply.
>"I...uh...just wanted to ask if you were...um, doing anything this Friday."
>"...No, not really? Why do you care?"
>"Um, well...would you like to g-go out on a...date? With me?"
>Almost immediately, Marla's annoyed look turned to a completely astounded one.
>Even Laika, who was normally stoic-faced, looked surprised.
>"...Lemme see if I've got this right - you're asking me on a date this Friday."
>"Y-yes?"

>After staring at him for a few more minutes, a light tinge of pink appeared on Marla's cheeks as she tried to put up a strong front.
>"F-fine, I guess I can spend some time with a little geek like you this Friday. Just make sure not to stand me up or else you'll regret it."
>Feeling the anxious pressure quickly leaving his chest, Lyle gives her a weak smile and nods.
>"I'll be there. Um...does eight sound good?"
>"Eight'll be fine. Just don't be late."
>"I won't. Thank you, Marla. You won't regret this, I promise."
>At this, the tinge of pink on her cheeks darkened slightly as she looked away.
>"Yeah, whatever. Just get outta here so I can enjoy my lunch in peace."
>Nodding again, Lyle hurries off, leaving Marla and Laika alone at the table.
>"So...you go on date Friday with little girly-boy, hmm?"
>"Shut up, Laika."
>"Nothing wrong with that. If you like girly-boys, that's your business."
>Cheeks still tinged with pink, Marla gives the older girl an annoyed look.
>"You're getting a kick out of this, aren't you?"
>In response, the Russian's lips quirk upwards in slight amusement.
>"It amuses me to see you act like blushing schoolgirl. You act all tough, yet are like this when girly-boy asks you out."
>"It's just that I've...never been out on a date, that's all! He just caught me off-guard!"
>"Sure he did."
>Once she had finished speaking, Laika turns her attention back to her lunch.
>After giving Laika another look of annoyance, Marla unwraps her sandwich and takes a bite out of it, trying to keep her thoughts from focusing on the arrangement she had just made with Lyle a few minutes ago.

>Upon returning back to his table, Lyle gave Cecilia a smug, victorious-looking smile.
>"Just asked a girl out a few minutes ago to a date this Friday and she said yes. How do you like that?"
>"Oh really? Who?"
>In response, Lyle simply points at Marla, who was eating her sandwich while fighting down the blush that was still on her face.
>However, instead of showing disappointment like he was hoping, Cecilia and her clique started to laugh uproariously.
>"Oh my god, you actually asked that longnosed freak out on a date? Seriously? You must've been desperate to ask someone like her."
>In an instant, Lyle's smug smile quickly fell as Cecilia's group continued to laugh at him.
>After a few minutes, they stop long enough for Cecilia to say something.
>"Well, good luck on your date with Pinocchio this Friday, 'Lout'. Maybe if you're lucky, she'll decide to keep you as a pity boyfriend or something."
>With her final insult slung, the platinum-blonde walked off, laughing maliciously with her friends, leaving the two brothers alone.
>Once they were gone, Lemy gave Lyle a questioning look.
>"So...you really asked Marla of all people out on a date?"
>In response, Lyle lowered his head in shame.
>"...Everyone else either had a boyfriend or said no. I was running out of options."
>"But at least you've proven you're not into dudes, right? And you've got a date this Friday, even if it is with someone like Marla."
>For some reason, Lyle didn't know why, but he didn't like the way his brother had said that.
>"And just what's the problem with her, Lemy? She didn't seem like that bad of a person."
>"I'm not saying that she is, but...she doesn't like Lacy. At all. For all we know, this could be some kinda ploy of hers for you to give her dirt on her."
>"...Do you really think she'd do something like that?"
>"She can't stand Lacy. I wouldn't put it past her to try."
>"Well...there's only one way I'm going to find out or not and that's when we go out this Friday."

>Upon returning back home, Marla entered the living room, finding her mother sitting on the couch while watching a baseball game.
>As soon as she saw her daughter, Margo grins before patting the seat next to her.
>"C'mon over and take a seat, kiddo. You made it just in time for the third inning."
>"I'll pass, Mom. I've, uh...got some thinking to do in my room."
>"Thinking, huh? Something bothering you?"
>"No, it's just that..."
>"Yes? What is it?"
>In an instant, a blush appears on Marla's cheeks, surprising her mother.
>"...A boy asked me out on a date this Friday."
>After staring at Marla for a few seconds, Margo points at her.
>"A date? You're going on a date this Friday?"
>Cheeks still tinted pink, Marla nods her head.
>After staring at her for a few seconds, Margo squeals in delight before jumping off of the couch and pulling her daughter into a tight embrace.
>"My sweet, sweet daughter's finally found a boy that she likes! Yes!"
>Within the confines of her mother's arms, Marla starts wiggling about, trying to break free.
>"Mom, you're embarrassing me! Knock it off!"
>After letting Marla go and placing her back onto the floor, Margo gives her an expectant look.
>"So, what's he like? Is he cute? Nice? Polite? All of the above?"
>"He....seems alright. Looks like a bit of a girly-boy, but I'm not gonna complain. I don't know why, but his appearance kinda suits him."
>"You have a name for me?"
>"Lyre...no, I think his name was Lyle."
>In an instant, Margo's happy expression changed to a more perplexed one.
>"Lyle? You're talking about Lyle Loud, right?"
>Hearing this, Marla's eyes widened in surprise.
>"Wait a moment, he's a Loud? But that would mean he's..."
>"Lacy's brother, yes. And you just agreed to go out with him this Friday."

>>16186871
>After blinking in surprise at the realization she had just come to, Marla lets out a sigh.
>"Dang it, of all the people to ask me out on a date, it had to be Lacy's brother. Laika's going to get a kick out of this when she finds out."
>"I'm sure he won't be that bad of a person if you really get to know him, Marla. Do you still plan on going out with him this Friday?"
>After thinking it over for a moment, Marla nods her head.
>"Yeah. I already told him that he better not stand me up this Friday. It'd be pretty crappy of me if I did something like that to him."
>In response, Margo gives her daughter a proud smile and nod.
>"Thatta girl. And who knows - the two of you will find something that you have in common with each other."
>"Maybe. We'll have to see."
>"So....you thought about where the two of you will be going?"
>"We'll probably get something to eat - nothing too expensive for our first outing, y'know?"
>"Good call. There's nothing wrong with a nice meal to start a relationship off. After all, that's how my buddy Lynn and her husband got started before they hooked up with each other. Any thoughts on where you'll be going?"
>"Somewhere cheap with good food. Maybe Gus' Games & Grub or something like that."
>Hearing this, Margo taps her chin thoughtfully.
>"Y'know, I think one of Lyle's aunts works as the manager there. You might be able to get a good price if you're bringing Lyle along with you."
>"That and we'll probably have to deal with her making goo-goo eyes at us and trying to chat us up while we try to enjoy our food in peace."
>Chuckling in response, Margo pats her daughter on the back.
>"Yeah, I have to admit that those girls can be a little...overexcitable when they find out one of their own is going out on a date."

>At the Loud house, Lyle and Lemy were sitting together in the living room, watching television.
>After watching the screen for a few more minutes, Lemy decides to break the silence.
>"So, uh...got a question for you, bro."
>"What is it?"
>"You figure out where you'll be going on your..."
>In an instant, Lyle's eyes widened in horror before he rushes over and covers Lemy's mouth.
>"Shh! I don't want the others to know! You remember Dad's stories about what happened when our moms and aunts found out about him going on a 'you-know-what' when he was younger, don't you?"
>Unable to speak, Lemy simply nods his head, causing Lyle to remove his hand from his mouth.
>Once Lyle had sat back down, Lemy spoke again.
>"So...you decided on where you'll be going this Friday?"
>"Don't know yet, to be honest. Probably somewhere inexpensive, though - I don't have a lot of money on me at the moment. We'll probably get a bite to eat at a restaurant and that'll be it."
>"So you want to go out to eat and you want it to be cheap, huh? Well, how about Gus' Games & Grub?"
>"Isn't that the place where Aunt Lori used to work when she was younger?"
>"More like where Aunt Luan works when she's not working on those routines of hers, you mean. You could probably get a cheaper price if you asked her about it."
>"I'll...keep that in mind. Thanks, Lemy."
>"Don't mention it, bro. So...you're actually going to do through with this?"
>"Yeah, I am. I'm hoping things will go smoothly and there won't be any problems."
>Suddenly, a female voice spoke, causing the two boys to jump up in surprise.
>"Problems with what, Lyle?"
>Quickly turning around, Lyle saw all of his sisters glancing at him over the back of the couch.
>Even Bed, who was peeking from behind a nearby armrest, was there.
>And by the Cheshire-like grins on their faces, they apparently had an idea on what he and Lemy were talking about just a few seconds ago.

>"Uh...it's nothing. Just...making some plans for this Friday."
>With a look of amusement on her face, Lyra leaned forward onto the back of the couch.
>"Plans, huh? What kinda plans?"
>"Just...uh, going to go out to eat with someone, that's all."
>As her grin widened, Liby decided to speak up next.
>"Going out to eat? That's something. So who're you going with? A certain someone that you met in the cafeteria today, maybe?"
>At this, Lyle's irises shrunk down upon realizing the situation he was in.
>They knew. He didn't have an idea how, but they knew about the arrangement he made with Marla during lunch earlier.
>After a few seconds, he decided to just bite the bullet and get the truth out of the way.
>"Alright, I'm just going out with someone this Friday. We're just gonna get something to eat and nothing else. There, I said it. Happy now?"
>After looking at him for a few seconds, the numerous girls all start squealing excitedly in unison, causing Lyle to quickly cover his ears.
>Lemy, on the other hand, had immediately left the room as quickly as possible, knowing that the girls would react like this.

>>16187522
>Once the squealing had settled a few minutes later, the nine girls quickly sat down on the couch before bombarding Lyle with an onslaught of questions.
>After trying to make sense of the jumbled mess of words, the sole boy in the room finally had enough.
>"ALRIGHT, KNOCK IT OFF!"
>In an instant, the nine immediately quiet down.
>After taking a few seconds to calm down, Lyle spoke once again.
>"Now then, before I answer any questions of yours, I have to know - how'd you girls find out about this?"
>With a raised eyebrow, Lyra gave him a response.
>"You mean to tell me that you don't know? Cecilia and her clique's been going on about it all day."
>"...And you girls found this out from her?"
>With a shrug, Lacy gives him an answer.
>"Almost everyone in the school knows about your date with Marla this Friday, Lyle. It wasn't exactly kept quiet."
>After staring at her for a few moments, Lyle lets out an exasperated sigh.
>"...Great. Just great."
>"Aw, it's not that bad if you really think about it. Sure, Marla can be kinda surly at times and she's not too fond of me..."
>At this, Leia rolls her eyes.
>"That's an understatement."
>"...But I'm pretty sure she'll like you. You're a nice, sweet guy and I'm sure you two will get along just fine."
>"I hope so, Lacy. The last thing I need is for the first date to end on a bad note and be the only one I go on."
>In an attempt to reassure her brother, Lyra spoke next.
>"I'm sure everything will be just fine. Now then, you know the rules when it comes to dating, right?"
>"There are rules?"
>At this, the girls looked at him, bewildered.
>"Of course there are. You didn't know?"
>"I didn't know there were rules!"
>"Then we better start on making sure you learn all of them - you only have until Friday to get them down pat."
>"Wait, how do you know about these 'rules', anyway? You've never gone on a date, either."
>"Blame Aunt Lori for that. She's the one that insisted we teach you and Lemy about something like this."

>Friday evening. The time had finally come.
>As he stood in front of the door leading into Marla's house, Lyle fidgeted nervously as he tried to muster the will to ring the doorbell.
>"You can do this, Lyle. This is your first date, but you can do this. You have to do this otherwise you'll never hear the end of it from the others."
>After taking a breath to calm himself, he tentatively reaches for the doorbell and presses the button, causing a chime-like ring to sound from within the house.
>A few seconds later, the door opens up with Margo, clad in a Lions football jersey and a pair of gray sweatpants, standing there.
>Upon noticing the fidgeting boy at her doorstep, a smile appeared on her face.
>"Oh hello. You must be Lyle, right? The boy that's taking my daughter out tonight?"
>"Y-yes, that's me. You must be Marla's mom. Aunt Lynn's told me a lot about you."
>"I bet she did, considering we're buds with each other and all. So, you wanna come inside or what?"
>After giving her a nervous nod, Lyle follows her into the house and towards the living room.
>Taking a seat on the couch, Margo pats one of the seats before motioning for him to join her.
>"Go ahead and sit down, kiddo. Marla's still upstairs getting ready. She'll be down in a bit."
>"O-okay..."
>Once Lyle had taken a seat on the couch, Margo gives him an inquisitive look.
>"So, you figure out where the two of you will be going tonight, sport?"
>"We're going to Gus' Games & Grub tonight, ma'am. I spoke to Aunt Luan - she's the manager there - and she's agreed to give us a lower price than usual for tonight."
>"That's good to know. So how's that family of yours doing? Are they doing okay?"

>With the topic now focusing on his family, Lyle's anxiousness eases off somewhat.
>"Aside from the usual antics that goes on in our house, everything's fine, ma'am. How are things with you and Marla?"
>"Money's been kinda tight lately, but when isn't it, right? Aside from that, we've been doing okay."
>"I know the feeling, ma'am - 'tight' is too lax of a word to describe how money is for my family."
>"With how big it is, I'm not surprised. Guess I can consider myself lucky that I live with just my daughter and that's it."
>Suddenly, Margo notices Marla coming down the stairs, causing a grin to form on her face.
>"Speaking of which, here she comes now."
>Upon entering the living room, Marla walks over to Lyle and stands in front of him.
>"You...actually showed up. Wow."
>"Yeah, I did. Um....you look good?"
>"...Thanks. You look alright too, I guess. So...what's the plan for tonight?"
>Hoping that his answer wouldn't upset the girl standing in front of him, Lyle spoke.
>"Well, I was thinking we could stop by Gus' Games & Grub and get something to eat there....if that's alright with you, that is..."
>In response, Marla simply stared at Lyle for a moment, causing him to eye her warily.
>"...You know, I was thinking the exact same thing a couple of days ago."
>"You...you were?"
>"Yeah. Cheap, decent food, entertainment - sounds like my kinda place."
>Almost immediately, Lyle's mood perks up slightly.
>"Well, I've managed to get us a lower price than usual thanks to my Aunt Luan, so we shouldn't have to spend too much money tonight."
>"Works for me. So are we going to go or what?"
>"Yeah. Aunt Luan's waiting for us outside in Vanzilla. We shouldn't keep her waiting."
>"Then let's go."
>As the two started to leave, Margo gives them a cheery wave before turning her attention back to the football game on the television.
>Once Lyle and Marla had left the house, they walked over to the ancient teal-colored van waiting for them in the driveway and got inside.

>Upon noticing that the pair had gotten into Vanzilla, Luan peers from the driver's seat with a toothy grin on her face.
>"Alright you two, everyone all set to go? You don't need to use the john or anything like that?"
>"Nah, I think we're good. Can we get going?"
>"Eager to get started on your date, huh? Can't exactly blame ya - I was the same way when I went out on my first date with my husband years ago. Good times. I still remember all of the pranks I pulled on him during it..."
>"Aunt Luan, I don't mean to interrupt, but can we please get going?"
>"Yeah alright, gimme a minute or two to get this hunk of junk cranked up. You know how this old thing can be at times."
>It had taken around five minutes or so, but the ancient engine had finally managed to come to life.
>"Whew...about time I got this thing going. We really need to see about getting a new van one of these days..."
>With the van now started up, Luan turns around to give Lyle and Marla a grin.
>"Alright, now that we've got that out of the way, we can get going. So...who's up for a little impromptu routine while we're on the way there?"
>While Lyle quickly shook his head in refusal, Marla gave the older female a shrug.
>"Meh, go ahead. Should be better than listening to the crap they play on the radio nowadays."
>At this, Luan's grin widens while Lyle lets out another groan.
>"Then you better be ready to chuckle, girlie - I've been working on a really good routine I'm saving for the Chuckle Hut this weekend. Consider this a sneak preview."
>As the old van started to leave the driveway, Luan starts cracking a joke as the van goes down the street and towards their destination.
>A few seconds later, nine heads poke out of a nearby bush, watching as the van disappeared down the road.
>"Looks like they're gone. Are we still going to follow them?"
>"Of course. This is our little brother's first date and we have to make sure it goes smoothly, no matter what."

>Thirty minutes later, Vanzilla finally pulls up in the parking lot of Gus' Games & Grub.
>As she stepped out of the old van, Luan gave her nephew and his date a grin.
>"I have to say that you picked one heck of a girl to take out on a date tonight, nephew. Never thought I'd find someone else aside from my father and daughter who appreciates my kind of comedy."
>With a small grin of her own, Marla steps out of the van and gives her an appreciative nod.
>"You've got a real talent for comedy, ma'am. Where did you say you were performing again?"
>"I'll be down at the Chuckle Hut this weekend. You thinking about dropping by?"
>"Oh, definitely."
>As her grin widened, Luan turned to face Lyle, who was staring at Marla in surprise.
>"I like this kid! Why haven't you started dating her sooner?"
>"We've only officially met just a few days ago, Aunt Luan...please, can we just go inside and get something to eat? Preferably some pizza?"
>"Yeah, we should be getting inside. I bet you two are just dying to get a 'pizza' the action we've got going on in the restaurant. Follow me."
>While Marla snickered slightly at the pun before following after her, Lyle simply let out a groan before doing the same
>As the two followed Luan into the restaurant, Lyle leaned over to whisper something to Marla.
>"Marla, be honest with me here - do you really find her jokes funny or are you just trying to be nice?"
>"I'm being honest here, Lyle - I like your aunt's sense of humor."
>"Wow...never thought anyone else would actually find her to be funny. Everyone else usually groans when she starts telling jokes."
>"Yourself included, apparently. I saw you groan at that pun earlier."
>"She cracks them almost 24/7. You get tired of hearing them after a while."
>Upon reaching the door, Lyle hurries over and opens it up for Marla.
>"After you."
>Marla simply shrugs before going into the restaurant. A few seconds later, Lyle follows after her.

>After looking over the place for a bit, Marla nods appreciatively before giving Luan a nod of approval.
>"You've taken pretty good care of this place, ma'am. Mom said that it used to be kind of a dump when she was younger."
>"Thanks, kiddo. I try. Now then, about the price for your time together here this evening..."
>"How much do we owe you, Aunt Luan?"
>"Well, I was gonna just charge the two of you ten bucks each, but I'm feeling nice tonight. That'll be five bucks from each of you, please."
>"Five bucks? Sounds like one heck of a deal to me!"
>While Marla started to fish through her pockets to find her money, Lyle takes a five-dollar bill out of his pocket and hands it over to Luan.
>"You're being awfully generous, Aunt Luan."
>"What can I say? You brought a date that appreciates my comedy and a potential audience member for my routines in the near future - something like that should be rewarded."
>"Thanks, Aunt Luan. So...about that pizza?"
>Pocketing the bill Marla had just given her, Luan gives him a nod before noticing something out the corner of her eye through a nearby window.
>"Alright, you two go find something to do - I've got some business outside to handle really quick before I get started on your pizza. Once it's done, I'll come and find you two, okay?"
>"Sure thing, Aunt Luan."
>Giving her nephew a nod of satisfaction, Luan heads towards the entrance and goes outside.
>Once she was gone, Lyle gives Marla a nervous look as he tried to recall another one of the 'rules' his sisters had drilled into his head.
>When it comes to activities, let your date make the first choice.
>"So...um, is there anything you'd like to do?"
>After a few seconds, Marla turns her head towards the arcade machines in the distance.
>"...Wanna hit the arcade?"
>Eyes lighting up at the answer, Lyle eagerly nods his head.
>"Okay, sure. Arcade it is."

>Outside of the restaurant, Lyra, her sisters and Lemy were peering through a nearby window, watching the pair as they headed towards the arcade.
>"Looks like everything's going pretty well so far. No sign of conflict or anything between them yet."
>With a roll of her eyes, Leia gives her older sister an annoyed look.
>"Of course there isn't any conflict going on, Lyra - they only just got here a few minutes ago."
>"Yeah, I guess so. Still good to see that Lyle's dating someone, though. I'm happy that he won't be following in Dad's footsteps."
>Suddenly, Luan's voice spoke out.
>"And just what do you mean by that, Lyra?"
>Almost immediately, everyone yelped in surprise before whipping around to see Luan looking at them with her hands firmly planted on her hips.
>"Better yet, what the heck are all of you doing here? Shouldn't you be at home right now?"
>"We're just...erm, on a nighttime stroll, Aunt Luan. Nothing wrong with that, right?"
>"While watching your brother through the window like some kinda stalker."
>While the others gave Luan nervous looks, Lacy stepped forward in order to come clean with the truth.
>"We just wanted to make sure Lyle's date was going okay, Aunt Luan. That's all."
>"Is that right? And does he know that you're doing this?"
>"Well, no..."
>After eyeing them for a few minutes, Luan lets out a sigh before giving the girls an amused smile.
>"...Just like your mothers. The apples really don't fall very far from the tree, do they?"
>"So can we stay? We'll make sure to keep out of sight - we promise!"
>"...Alright then, you can stay. But..."
>"But?"
>"...If you want food, you're gonna have to pay for it. I may be your aunt, but I'm not going to be taking a financial loss just because you girls want to watch over your brother on his date like a bunch of hawks."

>"Stupid ghosts! What the hell?!"
>Watching as Marla had once again lost another round of Pac-Man, Lyle lets out a chuckle before pointing at the screen.
>"You'll need to eat those big pellet things in order to get rid of 'em for a few seconds. That's why they're there."
>"Seriously? Why didn't you tell me that sooner?"
>"You kept saying that 'you had this' when I tried to explain that to you earlier."
>After giving Lyle the stinkeye for a bit, Marla steps aside and points at the controls.
>"Alright then, wiseguy. Let's see you do it then."
>"Okay, sure."
>After a few seconds, the victory jingle starts to play from the machine, causing Marla to gape at the screen in disbelief.
>"...You're good. Really good. How?"
>"My family stops by this place to eat every now and then - when we do come here, I usually play some of the games to pass the time until the food's ready."
>"That explains it. And speaking of your family..."
>At this, Lyle's smile faded slightly - he had a feeling that she would be asking about something like this.
>He only hoped that she didn't want to try and get any dirt on Lacy from him like Lemy had suggested before.
>"What are they like? I mean, I know about Lacy - can't stand her - but I hardly know anything about the rest of your sibs."
>Instead of giving her a direct answer, Lyle had to stop and think over what his reply would be.
>While he was happy that Marla wasn't asking him anything about Lacy, he didn't exactly feel comfortable with answering the question she had just asked.
>He obviously knew that he and his siblings were products of incestual relations between his father, his mother and his aunts, but he didn't know if Marla knew about this particular fact or not.
>If anything, she may be disgusted with him if she ever found out the truth.

>"Lyle? You alright? You're kinda zoning out on me."
>"Oh, I'm...uh, just fine. Just thinking about that pizza - I'm feeling a little hungry, you know?"
>"Yeah, I guess I'm feeling a little peckish too. So what about my question - what's the rest of your family like?"
>"Erm...well, we're certainly a colorful bunch, I can certainly say that much. We can't go a single day without getting involved in some kind of shenanigans."
>"I'm guess these shenanigans also include the...er, 'special' relations I've heard rumors about, then?"
>At this, Lyle paled as Marla glanced at him with a raised eyebrow.
>"Oh...oh dear...you know?"
>"Mom kinda spilled the beans about how your dad and your Aunt Lynn were related to each other when I asked her about Lacy a few months ago. That and it's one of the main topics that's going around the school when it comes to you guys."
>"I...I..."
>Noticing that the long-haired boy was tearing up slightly, Marla quickly grabbed his shoulders before looking him in the eyes.
>"Lyle, listen to me. I kinda figured that if Lacy was born from something like that, the same had to go for you as well. And yet here we are, having fun with each other despite that fact. I couldn't care about who your parents are or how you were born."
>"You...you really don't care?"
>"Why should I? If your senpai wants to do that kinda stuff, that's their business. Besides, if your parents hadn't gotten together with each other..."
>Suddenly, she cracks a grin before draping an arm over Lyle's shoulder.
>"...I wouldn't be able to hang out with a cool guy like you."
>"You...you think I'm cool?"
>"Oh yeah, definitely. Now then, answer my question please. I'd like to know a bit more about your family."
>Feeling much more comfortable with answering her now, Lyle gives Marla a nod.

>"I live in a really big family as you can already guess - ten aunts, ten sisters, my mom, my dad and my brother Lemy. All in all, I have to live together with twenty-two other people."
>In response, Marla lets out a low whistle.
>"Wow...you guys must be packed like sardines in your house. What's that like?"
>"It's a real handful - alongside having to live in the same house, we also have to share almost everything with each other: the bathroom, money, food...all kinds of stuff. Even my clothes are hand-me-downs from some of my older siblings."
>"That's gotta suck."
>"Yeah, but you know what? Despite all of that, I still love each and every single member of my family. So what about you?"
>"Me?"
>"What about your family? What can you tell me about your relationship with your mom?"
>After taking a few seconds to mull over the question, Marla gives him an answer.
>"It's comfortable. A little lonely sometimes when Mom's at work, but other than that, everything's alright."
>"So you're an only child? No siblings?"
>"Nope. Just me, my Mom and that's it. Heck, I don't even know who my dad is."
>Taking notice of the chipped tooth that was poking out of Marla's mouth, Lyle had a faint idea on who it could be.
>However, he wasn't going to say anything on the matter as he didn't want to ruin an already pleasant night for her.
>"I'm...er, sure you'll find out the truth about him someday."
>"Thanks, Lyle. So...uh, you wanna go see if that pizza's ready?"

>Nearby, Lyle's siblings were peering from behind some of the arcade machines, watching as Marla and Lyle spoke to each other.
>After watching on for a few more seconds, Liby gives Lacy a small glance.
>"Wow...and here I thought she was going to start asking him about you, Lacy."
>"I'm surprised too, Libs. I definitely didn't expect her to say that she didn't care about what our Dad did with our Moms or how he was born."
>Crossing her arms as she watched the pair head back into the dining area, Lyra spoke next.
>"Well, at least she's willing to give him a chance despite knowing about what our parents did with each other. That's a definite plus in my book."
>With a lazy expression on her face as she started to light a cigarette, Lupa spoke.
>"I'm more curious about who her pops is. Must be a real deadbeat."
>After glaring at Lupa for a few seconds, Lyra snatches the cancer stick out of her mouth and throws it in the trash.
>"What the fuck, Lyra? That was my last cig!"
>"You know not to smoke in a place like this, especially around your own siblings at that."
>While the white-haired girl glowered at her older sister, Lacy points at Marla and Lyle, who were sitting together at a table, once again deep in conversation with each other.
>"Hey, they're talking with each other over there. Think we should find a seat nearby and see if we can hear what they're talking about?"
>"Might as well. We might be able to find out more about Marla this way."
>Raising her arm, Lizy decided to ask something?
>"What about pizza? Can we get some of that while we're here?"
>"Did you remember to bring money to pay for it?"
>Upon seeing the others shake their heads, Lyra lets out a sigh.
>"Oh Lord above, you've got to be kidding me..."
>As the others looked at her hopefully, Lyra sighs before searching through her pockets and taking out a few bills.
>After counting them up, she gives them a nod.
>"Yeah, we can get a slice or two while we're here. You guys will pay me back, though."

>At their table, Lyle and Marla were sharing stories with each other about their home lives.
>"So that's why you don't like Lacy - because Aunt Lynn was playing favorites with her on your old team, right?"
>"Yeah. Believe it or not, I actually got along pretty well with her before all of that started happening. Was even looking forward to being friends with her, too."
>With a growl, Marla clenches her fist before continuing.
>"But that went down the toilet once the coach started favoring her over the rest of the team. It was always 'pass the ball to Lacy'. 'Only Lacy gets to score'. That kind of crap."
>"Was it really that bad?"
>"Bad? We nearly lost every single game that season because of the coach's poor judgment. And then she has the nerve to blame the losses on the rest of the team, saying that we weren't showing teamwork! What kind of crap is that?"
>"Wow...when you put it that way, I can understand why you dislike Lacy that much. But you know that whatever Aunt Lynn is doing isn't Lacy's fault, right?"
>At this, Marla lets out a sigh before pinching the bridge of her nose.
>"Yeah, I know. It's still a load of bullcrap, though. And that's not the worst of it."
>"What could be worse?"
>After taking a few seconds, Marla starts her recollection of what happened on the day she was kicked off of the team.
>"Well, our team had a game against the Hazeltucky Lions about a month or two ago..."

>As she and her sisters were sitting down at a nearby table, Lacy overheard Marla talking to Lyle about the game against the Lions.
>Seeing the upset look on his sister's face, Lemy spoke.
>"Lacy, you alright? Something wrong?"
>"It's...it's Marla. She's telling Lyle about what happened on the day Mom kicked her off the team."
>"I remember hearing something about that - something about not following her directions during a game, right?"
>In an instant, the saddened look on Lacy's face turned to something more sour-looking.
>"That's not even half of what really happened that day, Lemy. Marla won that game for us by going against Mom's directions that day."
>Resting her arms on the table, Lyra spoke next.
>"Alright then Lacy, what really happened that day?"
>"Well, we were in the last quarter of the game that day and we were behind by two points. Marla managed to steal the ball from one of the Lions and was planning on going for a three-pointer to win the game for us, despite Mom's instructions for everyone on the team to pass the ball to me even if I'm not open."
>With a raised eyebrow, Lupa gave her older sister a strange look.
>"That's kinda stupid. Why the hell would she want your team to do something as dumb as that? I thought she liked winning."
>"I dunno. Probably some attempt at trying to relive her 'glory days' as an athlete through me. Probably let her rep as the team's best player from back in the day get to her head."
>Scowling, Lacy rests her head on one of her arms.
>Never even wanted to be on so many of those teams in the first place, but she insisted on it. Cost me a lot of potential friendships I could've made with the rest of the team with that stuff she was pulling, too."
>"So what happened after the game?"
>"After the game, Mom started chewing Marla out about going against her directions, only for her to start firing back, saying that if it hadn't been for her taking the shot, we would've lost."
>While the others leaned forward, eager to hear the rest of the story, Loan spoke next.
>"S-so what happened?"

>"Mom flipped out on Marla, calling her every single name she felt she could get away with. After that, she booted her off the team, saying that there was 'no room for an insubordinate player' on it."
>At this, the others stared at Lacy in disbelief, unable to comprehend what she had just told them.
>After a few minutes, Lyra was the first one to find her voice.
>"...Wow. Just...wow. And that's what really happened?"
>"Every single word of it's true, Lyra. And I think that's the reason Marla dislikes me so much - if it hadn't been for Mom playing favorites, she never would've gotten booted off."
>"Did you try to stop Aunt Lynn from going through with it?"
>"I did try to talk her into letting Marla stay on the team, but she wouldn't listen. You know as well as I do on how stubborn and prideful my mom can be sometimes."
>At this, the others nodded, knowing that their aunt could be incredibly bull-headed at times.
>Leaning forward, Lupa spoke next.
>"And that's when she started to really dislike you, right? When she started trying to pick fights with you and all that?"
>"Uh-huh. But I didn't want to fight with her or anything. I just wanted to try to be friends with her despite what had happened."
>After a few minutes of silence between the group, Lyra decided to speak up.
>"Well...at least we can consider ourselves lucky that her dislike didn't carry over to Lyle. I dread to think on what could've happened if it did."
>"I don't even want to think about something like that. But that's pretty much what happened that day in a nutshell - now you know why Marla hates me so much."
>After she and the other glance at their sullen sister for a moment, Lyra narrows her eyes before speaking.
>"When we get back home, I'm...no, we're going to have a long talk with Aunt Lynn about this mess she's caused."

>After Marla finishes explaining about what happened during her final game, Lyle lets out a low whistle.
>"So that's what happened, huh? Aunt Lynn just kicked you off for winning a game for your team?"
>"Yep. I'm still pretty steamed about it happening, too - she keeps going on about showing teamwork and winning, but when it really comes down to it, she's always going to put that fat ego of hers and Lacy over the good of the entire team."
>After finally finished with venting out her frustrations, Marla lets out a sigh before giving Lyle a grateful smile.
>"Thanks for hearing me out on this. You have no idea on how long I've been keeping something like that bottled up."
>"You're welcome. But...um, now that you've gotten that off of your chest..."
>"Yeah?"
>"Do...do you think you can stop quarreling with Lacy? While I can understand that you're upset about what happened, it wasn't her fault that you were removed from the team."
>Instead of giving him an answer, Marla simply stared at Lyle for a moment with a pensive look on her face, as if mulling over his words.
>"Marla...are you alright? I didn't upset you, did I?"
>"So...you want me to stop trying to pick fights with Lacy, yeah? Is that what you want?"
>"Well...yes."
>After a moment, the longnosed girl sighs before nodding her head.
>"I can't make any promises, but I'll try."
>"That's all I need to hear, Marla. Thank you."
>"Yeah, whatever. So...enough about this depressing talk, huh? Where's that pizza?"
>As if on cue, Luan enters the dining area with a box containing a piping hot, freshly-made pizza.
>With a grin, she places it down on the table in front of the pair.
>"Sorry about taking so long to get this ready, but there you go - one extra-large pizza, just for the two of you. Enjoy!"
>While Marla quickly took a slice out of the box, Lyle gave Luan a grateful smile before doing the same.
>"Thanks, Aunt Luan."
>"Not a problem. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some other customers to attend to."

>Upon walking over to the others sitting at their own table, Luan gives them a small grin.
>"So how's your little recon job going? Any problems?"
>While the other shook their heads, Lyra crossed her arms.
>"We're not having any problems with Marla or Lyle, but there's definitely a problem we have with Aunt Lynn."
>Confused at the answer, Luan raises an eyebrow.
>"Lynn? What'd she do?"
>When Lyra and Lacy had finished giving her a brief summary of what they had spoken about earlier, Luan's smile was no longer present on her face.
>"So that's what happened between you and Marla, Lacy. I thought that your mother would've grown out of that ego problem she had as a kid when she got older, but I guess I was wrong."
>"We're going to confront her about this once we get back home, Aunt Luan. Something like this has definitely gone on for long enough and it's time it was put to an end."
>Nodding in agreement with her sister's words, Lacy spoke next.
>"Yeah...I just want to be friends with Marla again. We used to be cool with each other before Mom started playing the 'favorites' game.
>"Well, I don't know if you'll be able to make your mother see reason or not, but here's hoping you and the others are able to pull it off, Lacy."
>"Thanks, Aunt Luan. Um...can we have some pizza, please? All this depressing talk is starting to make me hungry."
>Almost as if on cue, the stomachs of the others start growling, causing Luan to start chuckling in response before heading back to the kitchen.
>"I'll be back with something for all of you in just a bit. Just make sure to have my money when I return."

>The rest of the evening had gone smoothly for Marla and Lyle after their revealing discussion in the dining area.
>They had spent the remainder of their time together getting to know each other better, discussing their likes and dislikes with each other and even spent some time playing two-player mode on some of the machines in the arcade.
>Granted, they weren't able to beat the games they played, but they still enjoyed their time together nonetheless.
>So when the time finally came for their date to come to an end, Luan had brought the pair to Marla's house in order to drop her off.
>As she stood in front of Lyle, Marla cracks a wide smile before giving him a hearty pat on the back.
>"Lyle, I want to thank you for taking me out tonight. I had a lot of fun spending time with you this evening."
>"I should be thanking you for accepting, Marla. I had a lot of fun spending time with you, too."
>Afterwards, the two look at each other before shuffling their feet nervously.
>"So...erm..."
>"Uh..."
>In unison, the two spoke to each other, asking the question that was running through their minds.
>"...Same time next week?"
>At this, the two stared at each other in surprise for a moment before wide smiles appeared on their faces.
>"I'd love to, Lyle. I'd love to."
>"Same here, Marla."

>Suddenly, Luan's voice sounded from nearby, breaking the moment between the two.
>"Hey Lyle, can we get going or what? It's almost ten!"
>"Guess that's my cue to get going. See you around, Marla."
>As he turned to walk away, Marla's hand grabbed his shoulder, stopping him.
>When he turned around to see what she wanted, Marla quickly placed a small peck on his cheek, causing his eyes to widen in surprise as his cheeks flushed slightly.
>After she had pulled away, Lyle, still blushing, stammered incomprehensively while his aunt started cheering in support at what she had just seen.
>Inside the house, Margo, who had seen everything from her couch, was doing the same.
>Across the street, Lyle's numerous sisters were high-fiving each other while Lemy had a grin on his face.
>After Marla gives the still blushing boy a cheerful wave, she heads up to her room, leaving Lyle standing there in shock.
>As soon as Marla had disappeared up the stairs, he wordlessly headed back over to Vanzilla and got inside before buckling back up.
>With a grin on her face as she glanced at her nephew through the rear view mirror, Luan decided to say something.
>"So...are you two planning on going on another date sometime soon?"
>After a few more seconds of silence, a small smile appeared on Lyle's face as he gave her an answer.
>"Definitely."