In Between (lynn loud jr x fem! oc)

Graceland Too

     Dinner was unusually quiet that night, the clinking of silverware against plates the only real sound filling the kitchen. With her older siblings, Leo and Alison, away at college, it was just Daisy and her parents—a rarity in itself since both of them, being surgeons, didn't often get the chance to sit down for a family meal. Owen, Daisy's father, had just come off a 48-hour shift in the trauma ward, while her mother, Teddy, had been juggling surgeries all day in the cardio department.

     It felt like the first time in months that they were all together for a meal, but instead of feeling warm and familial, the quiet was almost uncomfortable. Daisy kept her eyes on her plate, unsure how to bring up anything that didn't revolve around school or music. She wasn't ready to talk about the bullying, and the more she tried to avoid thinking about it, the more she felt like she was keeping secrets.

     Eventually, it was her mother who broke the silence. "So, Daisy, how's school been going?" Teddy asked, her tone light and casual as she stabbed at a piece of broccoli with her fork. "It feels like we barely get to catch up these days."

     Daisy hesitated, not wanting to worry her parents or get into the complications of the last few weeks. "It's been good," she lied, giving a half-hearted smile. "You know, same old stuff. Classes, homework, music..."

     Her mom's brow furrowed slightly, as if sensing there was more to the story, but she let it go. "Well, I've noticed you've been spending a lot more time over at the Loud house," Teddy said, glancing up from her plate. "You and Lynn seem to be getting close again."

     Daisy's cheeks warmed, and she suddenly felt very self-conscious. She hadn't exactly prepared to tell her parents about Lynn, at least not like this. "Um, yeah... about that," Daisy said, nervously twisting a strand of hair around her finger. "Lynn and I... we're, uh, dating. We've been together for a few weeks now."

     Teddy's eyes widened for a moment, not in shock but more in confirmation. "Oh, I see," she said, her voice calm and measured, as if she'd already suspected as much. "Well, I always thought there was something special between you two, even back in middle school."

     Her father, however, reacted differently. Owen's brow furrowed, his expression becoming stern. "Dating, huh?" he said, setting his fork down. "Well, I think it's time we formally met her, again. I'd like her to come over for dinner one night."

     Daisy's stomach dropped, her father's tone making it sound more like an interrogation than an invitation. "Dad, no, you don't have to—" she started to protest.

     "Yes, we do," Owen interrupted, his voice firm. "If you're serious about this, I want to meet her properly. We need to know who's spending all this time with you."

     "Dad, Lynn's not... it's not like that," Daisy said, feeling her anxiety spike. The last thing she wanted was for Lynn to feel like she was being scrutinized or judged. "She's a good person, you don't need to..."

     "I'm sure she is," Owen said, softening his tone just a fraction. "But this is about more than just being a good person, Daisy. I want to know who's important in your life, and it's important to me to know that you're in good company."

     Teddy reached over and gave Daisy's hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay, honey," she said gently. "I think it's a good idea for us to get to know Lynn a little better. Why don't we invite her over next weekend?"

     Daisy reluctantly nodded, knowing there was no real way out of this. "Fine. I'll... I'll ask her," she mumbled, feeling a mix of nerves and frustration. She wasn't sure how Lynn would feel about being scrutinized by her dad, and the thought of it just made her feel even more uneasy.