A/N: I realized not too long ago that Leni-strone Soup would have been a better food pun than giving another one to either Lynn Sr or LJ. Oh well. I don't own The Loud House, I just think it's really cool.

"An Uncle!?," Lori said once she was able to hinge her jaw. "Dad? Why have I never heard of him? Aunt Shirley never brought him up in conversation either." The young manager was even more confused than ever before. Why did the whole restaurant need to be closed just to talk with one person? Lori had reached her breaking point and began to lay into her father.

"Dad, this can't be good for business. Our wait times were beginning to reach 1-2 hours on a SLOW day, we're not a fancy restaurant, so requiring a reservation to eat here is not an option." Lynn Sr placed his hand out in front of himself, signaling Lori to listen.

"This staff meeting isn't just about your "Uncle" Avery," he confessed. "There are going to have to be a few changes going into the next couple of months. You're not going to be working here come August, so I need to find a new manager starting NOW, and that doesn't cover the major staffing issue that I have." At that moment, the oven timer dinged, marking the end of the Luna Cassarole's cook time. The chef wasted no time removing it from its hot prison to let it cool. He then poured the Lynnostrone Soup into a bowl before placing it onto a tray. He returned to face his staff, continuing his speech.

"So here's what's going to happen. Tonight, I'm going to advertise that we need more workers, and I'll schedule some interviews until I feel we can serve the community properly." He then breathed sadly. "Until then, I'm going to have the place run on reduced hours. We'll only be open on weekdays from 11 AM to 4 PM." Kataro, Grant, and Lori nodded with the same sadness their boss exhibited. But there was a bigger question lingering.

"Lynn," Kataro spoke. "I've known you for a long time, and not once did you mention any brother. Are you certain he's who he claims to be?" The stressed chef nodded. "I don't know why he's here, but he is, and he's not going away until he's done eating. He says he can explain everything, so he'd better talk fast." By this point, the casserole was done cooling and the chef grabbed a plate before scooping a generous portion onto it. He then placed that on the tray before taking a peek through the open kitchen into the dining room.

There, seated only meters away, was the tall suited man. The last chicken wing was hanging from his mouth when he noticed that the chef was looking at him. His face was lightly smeared with red sauce, which Avery took the time to remove the lone wing from his teeth to wipe off the spicy liquid. "Main course is ready I hope? Can't wait," he called with a smile. He also held up an empty glass, letting the staff know he wanted a refill of root beer. With a look of resignation, Lynn Sr. grabbed the tray before stepping out into the quiet front of house to serve his estranged brother.

Meanwhile at the Sharp Family Home…

Two teenagers, Samantha Sharp, who lived there, and her best friend Luna Loud, were in the garage jamming on their instruments. The two girls were pretty close, almost passionately so. In fact, Luna had recently confessed to her fellow rock music enthusiast that she had feelings for her. They had already had what could be called their first official date at the town's Astonishing Quest, a scavenger hunt. They discovered just how little they had in common outside of music, but both vowed to give each other a chance.

Just when they were really getting into a song, a shaggy blonde haired boy stepped out in front of them. "Hey sis," he called out, not getting her attention the first time. "YO SAM," he gave with everything he had. That did the trick, as both girls stopped playing and turned off their amps. "Simon, what do you want?" the blonde girl said, irked.

"Mom says to keep it down, she's trying to work on something important." His eyes then shifted to the other teen, who was covering her mouth to muffle a laugh. The boy couldn't hide his embarrassment at losing his patience in front of the pretty older girl. "Oh, hey Luna," he said as he rubbed the back of his head. "My mom didn't say anything about you, so, I guess you can play as loud as you want."

Luna set her guitar down in its stand, before walking over to the younger boy. She kneeled down in front of him, and placed a hand on his cheek. "Simon," she said with a smile. "Does Mrs. Sharp even know I'm here? Or are you just trying to flirt?" Simon looked like he could faint at any moment, so Sam spoke up.

"Fine Simon, we'll just take our music elsewhere." Luna got out of her crouching position and stood beside Sam. "Why don't you come with us little dude," the sole brunette offered. "I'm sure the ladies will go bonkers for a man with a cowbell and shades." Simon blushed so hard you'd swear he gets sunburned easily. He opened his mouth to respond, but an angry voice spoke for him.

"SIMON OLIVER SHARP," it came from inside the house. A window then opened on the second floor to reveal a woman with hair like Sam and Simon's. She was wearing a purple bathrobe and had a face as red as her son did. "It doesn't take that long to tell your sister to put a plug on the noise. Now get your keister back inside, you still have summer school to finish."

"Guess that's a NO on the shades and cowbell, huh?" Luna said with a down look. "It's OK Mrs. Sharp, Sam and I were just going to toddle off someplace else and let you do your job," she said with a wave. Mrs. Sharp said nothing, instead pulling her head back into the house while she pointed at Simon, then the front door. Dejected, the soon to be Middle-schooler dragged his feet back towards his house, as the two older girls packed up their equipment and walked towards the sidewalk.

"So which way?" they both said at the same time. "How about that way?" again, in tandem, this time pointing in opposite directions. They both laughed at the double jinx before remembering a place loud enough to not stand out. "Let's go to my house," Luna said. "I have some new equipment we can try out so that we won't be a bother to everybody else, but can still rock out hard."

"Sound's great, and I can't wait to see your family again." And so it went, both teens set out in the direction of the Loud House, smiles plastered on their faces. However, it can get boring just walking and not being able to play music, so the girls got to talking. "So, your family seems really cool with me," the blonde rocker stated. "Even if we haven't kissed yet or anything, they seem alright with you being, well... you."

"Yeah, they can see how awesome you are, both in general and to me," she replied. It was then that a thought entered her mind. "Hey, why don't you come by the house more often and help me look after my little sisters? Lori won't be around forever and we could use all the help we can, since, you know, Leni can be a major pushover and isn't exactly Fit to Serve as new Lori." They both chuckled. "I'll see what I can do," the girl with the teal streak said. Then, Luna's words began to echo in her mind, and a question soon formulated.

"You said younger sister's Lunes," she began. "What about that cute brother of yours; Lincoln was it?" As Sam continued walking, Luna's pace slowed to a crawl, and Sam realized it immediately. "Hey, what's up?" she asked, doubling back to see Luna staring into space, as if the weight of her guitar was pinning her to the ground.

"I honestly don't know, I haven't seen little dude much for weeks," she spoke in a depressed tone. "He comes to dinner when called, but whenever we ask him about his day or anything, he just gives very basic answers like, 'Same old life' or 'busy as a man can be.' He doesn't even want to hang out with me like he used to," she said as Sam placed her amp down to give the upset teen a hug. "I'm sorry Lunes, that doesn't sound like Lincoln at all from what you've told me about him."

Being embraced by her love interest did little to soothe the pain in Luna's heart. She knew deep down why Lincoln was acting this way, but felt that admitting it would be the death of her. "Luna," Sam's voice broke through the fog the brunette was currently in. "Do you have any idea why Lincoln could be acting like that?" Just looking into her eyes, the blonde girl knew that Luna was holding back. Luna looked back into Sam's eyes, they were so pretty, so trusting. She couldn't keep something like this from the girl of her dreams, so out the secret came.

"Well," she said with a sigh, unsure what would happen once she spilled everything. "You know how me and Lincoln and our sisters went to that comic convention a while back?" Sam nodded before turning and walking to her amp, picking it up. "You can tell me everything, but let's start walking, ok."

Luna rushed to keep up with Sam, then continued her tale. "So, in the end we all got to be in this Ace Savvy movie Lincoln told us about, even if comics were…"

"Not really your thing," Sam finished as though it was a secret joke between them. "Yeah, they're not my thing either, or Simon's for that matter." She motioned for Luna to continue. "The thing is, while me and my sisses went as these characters that Lincoln created for a comic contest a while back, Lincoln just went as, Ace Savvy, nothing too special. That's why he wanted us to come with, to share in the glory."

"I get the feeling you hurt him somehow," she said before quickly putting her arms up in defense. "By complete accident I'm sure, but, I bet he's mad at you and your sisters."

"Sam, no offense but I really don't need a judge right now, more like a defense attorney who will hear me out." Sam pressed two of her fingers together before running them the length of her lips. She then gestured for Luna to continue, uninterrupted.

"Anyway, I guess we got carried away with how much attention everybody was giving us, so we completely abandoned Lincoln to get a bunch of photos, without him. Even though us going was his idea in the first place." Luna looked as though she was about to start bawling, but took a deep breath before continuing. "The worst part is that apparently we were good enough to get into the movie, while Lincoln and his 'antics' only drove him further from impressing the judges."

By now, the Loud House was coming into view, and so was the noise level it was so famous for. Luna didn't say another word until she and Sam reached the garage. "I guess to make a long and bummer story short. Lincoln did something really bone-headed and we had to save him from himself, like always." She grabbed two folding chairs from the back, setting them both up and sitting down in one, while Sam occupied the remaining one.

"It was then that the judges thought that Lincoln had done something honorable and told him he won, leaving all of our efforts for nothing." By now Sam had a look of confusion on her face, but let Luna explain further. "But," she said with a small smile. "He… told the truth, about how he didn't deserve to win because he was the one who got himself into a bad situation, and we were the ones who had his back. We were so happy, at least… until I flew into the rafters with my jetpack, again." Luna covered her face as Sam covered hers in an attempt to stop laughing.

"Hey, I thought I said no judging."

"I never said anything," she smirked. "Giggling isn't talking."

Luna held her fist out in mock anger, before falling into a fit of giggles herself. The teens laughed until Sam ceased in order to ask the million dollar question. "So, why are you so torn up about it? It sounds like everybody got what they deserved." Luna breathed deeply, thinking very carefully about how to explain things. Finally she spoke.

"Well, let's just say that Lincoln has a habit of sticking his nose where it doesn't belong, but he not only apologizes for it, he also grows from the experience. I don't think he's taking the rejection that well, I mean, I'd be pissed too if I had to scoop cat poop for too long."

"Cat poop?" Sam said as she tilted her head. Luna clarified her statement. "I mean, he does get to be in the movie, but it'll be as a bad guy I guess, since he did a bad thing."

"Have you tried talking to him? You might feel better if you let him know how you feel."

"I wish I could, but ever since the convention he's either been holed up in his room or staying after school for whatever reason. When school ended, he went to stay at his buddy Clyde's house, that was three days ago, I still don't think he's home." Luna stood up, then walked out of the garage and towards the front door. Suddenly, she stopped and turned around to look at Sam.

"Sorry Sammy, but I don't feel like playing music anymore today," she said with a sad glance. "Do you want to come inside, I'm sure my sisters would like to see you?" Sam then rose from her seat as well, before following her love interest into the house with a calming smile, not saying a word the whole time.

The moment the front door was opened, chaos spilled out into the streets as the screams of the Loud children almost pushed the rockers to the ground with how powerful it was. Luckily, even Sam was used to loud noises with how much she played music, so recovering didn't take long. Both girls walked through the front door, where the occupants of the couch, Lucy and the twins, were watching "Operation Dessert Storm," one of the few TV programs the whole house enjoyed.

The three little girls looked to the disturbance in front of them, but were immediately awestruck at the return of their older sister and especially her 'girlfriend.' "Luna and Sam," they cheered. Even the normally sullen Lucy wasted no time in running up to the blonde teen and hugging her, albeit without a smile like her younger sisters. Instead, she spoke first.

"Sam, I've been working on a poem just for you," she announced while taking out a piece of paper from her dress pocket. "Want to hear it?" Sam was still getting used to the spooky little girl and her 'grave' outlook on life, but she was still Luna's little sister, and so felt the need to indulge her. "Sure, Lucy, maybe they'll make rockin lyrics." If you looked close enough, you'd swear there was a hint of a smile on the young girls face.

Her hair is blonde like fields of wheat

It was a good start.

Has a face that's cute enough to eat

Getting creepy.

She jams as loud as –

Before she could finish that sentence, the phone rang in the dining room. Luna rushed to answer it. "Hold that thought Luce," she said as she picked up the receiver. "Loud residence, you're talking to the loudest Loud of all."

"Oh, Luna," said the familiar voice on the other end. "It's mom sweetie, I need you to start dinner for me and your father." That was odd, even after Lynn's Table opened, their father still had the energy and time to return home to cook for his family. "Luna?" the mother called out in an anxious voice. "The recipe for the chicken thighs is on the fridge, I need you to make 30 of them plus some vegetables."

"30? That's a lot of chickies for just 12 people ma," the purple clad teen replied. "Actually, it's 14 people honey. I need you to call your brother and tell him it's time to come home. You're father and I want to have a talk with him." There was still one person unaccounted towards. "Mom, there's 13 in our band, did you say 14 by mistake?"

"No dear," the mother of 11 replied in a low voice. "We're having a guest tonight, just one, so any friends you and the girls have over are going to have to leave before dinner. I'll be home shortly, but I need you to do those two things for me, please?" Luna may have given off a rebellious vibe with her clothes and love of rock n roll, but she was nothing if not a good daughter. "Yes mom, I gotcha."

The phone went dead, and Luna hung up. She returned to the living room to greet her family and best friend. "Well Sammy, looks like our time together for the day is short. My mom is coming home soon and I need to make dinner." Sam looked downcast as the news, but perked up upon realizing something. "Y'know," she said with a grin. "Baking might not be our thing, but it's not the same as cooking, why don't I help you out?"

"Are you sure? Mom says you can't stay. Apparently we have a guest coming over so you wont be able to taste what you cook."

"That's cool," she said with a smile. She turned to face the couch occupants. "Hey you guys, how'd you like to help in the kitchen?" The excitement from the young trio, even Lucy, couldn't be contained if you tried. All three rushed into the kitchen to wash their hands, not saying a word.

"You go supervise, the recipe is on the fridge, I gotta make a quick phone call," Luna ordered Sam, who saluted with a look of seriousness before turning and guffawing at her little act. "Even when she's not being goofy, she's adorable," Luna thought to herself as she fished out her phone. She scrolled through her list of contacts until she landed on the one name she wished was here at the moment. She dialed the number, which beeped a few times before going to voicemail and leaving this message for Luna.

You've reached the phone of Lincoln Loud

I'm unable to pick up the phone, either because I'm busy or I don't feel like talking.

And if this is one of my sisters, don't bother leaving me a message since I'm sure you only want something from me, but don't really NEED me.

Anybody else, feel free to humor me by leaving a message and I'll get back to you soon enough.

Thanks, (grunt).

Luna was dumbfounded by this message, which sounded nothing like her brother. Still, she couldn't hesitate for too long, as another voice had just finished telling her to leave her message after the beep.

Hey Link. It's your sister Luna. Listen bro, I … We haven't seen you in God knows how long.

Mom wants you to come home, so you'd better do what she says.

If I don't see you or hear back from you in an hour, I'm coming over to Clyde's place

And I will drag you back here by your ankles if I must.

Luna took a moment to breathe, as she was starting to gain an audience from not just the kitchen dwellers, but also from the sisters upstairs.

Anyway, I love you Lincoln. We love you, and I want to make things OK between us again.

So please call me back, or somebody.

Luna pressed the 'end call' key on her phone before collapsing into a nearby chair. This was starting to get serious.

Back at Lynn's Table

The chef was finished locking up for the day as his employees Grant and Kataro were heading home. "I'll see you at home Lori," he told his daughter as he walked in the opposite direction towards a black Ferrari Portofino, driven by none other than his successful brother Avery. Lynn Sr got into the sports car, where Avery immediately started talking.

"Alright, so, we're getting a large tub of mashed potatoes, several bottles of sparkling grape juice, and the biggest cake we can find," he reminded his brother, who simply nodded. However, Avery wasn't done talking as he started the engine and roared out of the parking lot. "Lynn, I really appreciate this. Thank you for understanding."

"You're not in the clear yet," he replied sternly. "I won't completely forgive you until Rita forgives you. This whole thing involved her more than me." The dapper looking gentleman gave his brother a smile, then turned back towards the road, where it slowly dissolved into slight panic.

Lori was still in the parking lot, on her phone with Leni to tell her the updated plans. "So yes, I'm on my way to get you now, so please remember where the entrance is this time."

"Darnit Lori, I'm not stupid. Besides, my friends are here to help me just in case."

Lori sighed into her free hand before continuing her conversation. "OK Leni, just promise me you'll be on your best behavior at dinner. I'll try to divert any hard questions away from you."

"Cool, I can't wait to meet Uncle Avery. I love meeting new people. Bye, Lori"

Lori's phone clicked off, and she started the aging engine to Vanzilla. She knew her way to the mall by heart, so a guide from her phone wasn't necessary. Lori's heart began to fill with dread, as the story she heard not too long ago might change Leni's perspective on things. Even if it was a different time then.

A/N: So we've kinda heard from Lincoln now. In case it wasn't already obvious, this can be considered an AU fic. I considered releasing this chapter on Sunday after 'Deep Cuts' airs, just in case Sam does make an appearance and her relationship with Luna becomes stronger. There's also the announcement of the cat sitting episode 'Purrfect Gig,' which also might make this chapter look somewhat foolish. Saluna aside, they announced today two more episodes where both Clyde and Lynn will have their own love interest episodes. This does not hinder my future plans for this story, again because, AU. Bye now!