19Hello everyone!
Yes, I KNOW! Its been forever since I updated this story! And I apologize; apparently this is more popular than I realized.
Not going to lie; I am a fan of the show's Leni and Chaz, so that has killed some motivation to write this story. However, since it has seemingly surged in popularity recently (I've had 4 requests ti update it in reviews for other stories) I decided to put this out and see if there truly is some life left in this story.
So, read and Review; there is two more planned chapter after this one, afterwards I'll need suggestions. Feel free to leave said uggestions in reviews.
Other than that, I hope you enjoy
Family Dinner
The hero of our tale was in his room, getting dressed for a monumental event, when he saw the audience.
"Oh." Ethan mused as he sorted his tie. "Um…hi there. Didn't expect to see you. Thought Lincoln was going to be handling this. Now don't worry, I did write something, give me a sec…"
He scours his messy desk and starts flinging things through the air.
"Nope…no way…garbage…literal garbage…wow, I still have this?" He slapped himself. "Focus Et! Nope….Nuh uh…no way…Huh, I was wondering where that went….Ah! Here it is!"
He pulled out a sheet of paper, gave it a quick read and then tossed it into his garbage can.
"So, my life is pretty good right now: I'm doing okay in school, great family life, got a job I love…and I got the girl of my dreams…."
He sighed contently, hearts suddenly materializing around and floating around him, as did a daydreaming cloud with the image of his beloved:
"Leni Loud. Bright, cheerful, artistic Leni. And! Her siblings and mother like me!"
His mood went down at a realization/ memory.
"Her dad, on the other hand…."
The image of Mr. Loud's scowl took over the bubble, which he quickly shooed away.
"...Well, my moms will probably sort that out. But, back to my point…"
He then slipped into his best button-up shirt and gelled his hair while girgling some mouthwash.
"It took a lot of begging, convincing and several weekends' worth of freedom in lieu of doing paperwork filing for the bakery, but I managed to get Mommy to allow the whole Loud clan to come on over for dinner. I mean, she and mom like Lenni and the others too, but Mom wants to talk with Mr. Loud. Not...looking forward to that, considering how protective she can get...So, I'm getting ready as best i can and praying for the best. Even did most of the cooking!"
His prideful smile seemed to falter when he heard something hit the floor outside his door.
"ELLIOT EDIK YOU BETTER BE WEARING SOMETHING PRESENTABLE!"
"BITE ME, MOM!"
"OH, YOU WANT A BITE?! I'LL GIVE YOU A BITE!"
"ELENA!"
Ethan's confidence faltered.
"...Now I'm praying to every diety I know that my family doesn't botch this…."
LOUD HOUSE
8 hours ago
It was Sunday morning; Ethan's day off from the Hobby and Comic Shop unless Stan got sick or had a family emergency. Most teens would be sleeping in, watching TV or doing something relaxing. And ordinarily, he would be no exception; usually at this time he was reading a good book or drawing something.
But today, Ethan was hard at work in the kitchen, circles under his now reddened eyes and far too many cups of coffee in his system.
"Oh, you look so tasty!" Ethan said to the cookies in the oven as he shut it off. "Shame I have to wait until tonight."
He gently then placed them onto a plate, a sense of pride in his form as he heard footsteps enter the room.
"Morning Ethan."
In dragged his little brother: Elliot was a tubby boy with red hair he got that from Elena, and freckles that reminded Ethan of...the former man in their family. Honestly, they looked better on Elliot in his opinion. And of course, Elliot was never without that paper crown of his; a prize from the circus if Ethan recalled correctly that the younger boy rarely took off.
"Morning, spor...you're not awake yet are you?" Ethan sighed and he saw his brother drag himself into the kitchen to make some breakfast. He usually drank juice straight from the jug (which grossed Ethan out) but today he was stopped when he saw what his brother had been making.
"Good food...!"
The oldest Edik male smacked the hand away.
"Ow!"
"Hands off!" He frowned at his brother. "I stayed up all night making all this for dinner tonight!"
It was indeed quite a spread; three quiche, two lasanga (one meat and one veggie), both a turkey and tofu-urkey, three salads and on top of the cookies Ethan was waiting on, a plate of cheese and veggies and a shrimp dip.
Elena, who had gone for her morning run, just entered then and saw the spread. Licking her lips she reached to help herself to some turkey, only to be slapped away as well.
"Oh come on, not even a nibble?" She teased, her other son joining her.
"No exceptions! This HAS to work!" Ethan snapped.
"Now you know how I feel." Elly smiled as she walked in, pride in her older son changing to amused chuckles when she saw he was in his own little world.
"Once the Louds eat this, if it turned out alright, hopefully everything will be good between us! I'll have the whole family's permission to date Leni, and she'll consider picnic dates, and...!"
Elliot was not amused and simply popped his brother's daydream bubble, filled with the images above.
"Too early for that mushy stuff." He groaned.
"You guys can have the failures." Ethan smiled, producing a few plates with still edible but nowhere near nice looking food.
"SWEET!" Elliot and Elena grinned, happily delighting in what was offered. Elly simply nibbled on a few things.
"...You left this one alone for too long, you overused spice in these..." She pointed out, but in a warm tone as Elliot, with his mouth full of food, did something very rarely done; complimented his big brother.
"I don't see why you gotta do all this, bro. You're practically the assistant master at the dojo, got a job that you're practically guaranteed to keep unless some other good-looking nerd comes along, doing good in school...And! You have me as a little brother!"
Elena and Elly chuckled at their younger son's ego while Ethan sighed
"Yeah maybe, but I'll never get to use Krav Maga in a social setting and pop culture's still not considered 'real culture'..." He told his brother. "So, gotta make a splash with dinner!"
Elly, finished with her nibbling, looked at her oldest son's work and then himself.
"Well, I'd say you did a fine job." She smiled. "Could use a little 'pizsaz' as you kids call it, but I think i can handle it from here."
"First off all mom, no one says 'pisaz' anymore. Second of all, I really appreciate that, but.." Ethan started.
"Go. To. Bed." His mothers demanded. Not wanting to risk their anger (which to him was the single most terrifying force imaginable), Ethan then bounded up the stairs to his room and collapsed in exhaustion.
He would later admit to being grateful they made him do this.
Present time
"I just woke up 10 minutes ago, and the Louds'll be here any minute." Ethan finished recollecting.
"Um...bro, who are you talking to?" Elliot asked, seeing nothing but air.
Spying his brother, the older boy realized something.
"Elliot, a word?" Ethan requested.
The younger Edik wondered into his brother's room
"Now, I know you don't like Lincoln after that...misunderstanding..."
Which was hilarious and sweet in Ethan's mind; he'd have probably done the same in their shoes.
Elliot simply growled.
"But! I would really appreciate it if you could, for once in your life, keep your anger in check and grin and bear it. But knowing you as I do, I also realize that that won't happen without motivation so...If you screw this up for me…" Ethan growled. "Mom and Mommy not only find out about the vase; they'll learn about he bush in Mexico, what REALLY happened to that $300 AND I'll return that game I bought you last week!"
Elliot actually reacted to the last one.
"You wouldn't!"
"I still have 3 days…" Ethan retorted. "And can think of so many nice and fun dates Leni and I could go on with the money I spent on it."
DING-DONG!
Ethan dropped his brother, ignoring his 'ow' and raced to the door, still not fully dressed.
"I GOT IT! I GOT IT! DON'T ANSWER!"
He paused, realized his not full attired form, fixed that and then turned to his brother.
"How do I look?"
"Like a tool." Elliot retorted.
"...Why did I even ask you?" Ethan sighed as the door rang again. "Coming!"
"I got it!"
"Mom, no!" Ethan begged.
Too late.
There was the entire Loud family, parents at the front and Mr. Loud already glaring at him as he descended the stairs. Elena was glaring back while Elly put on a friendly smile.
"Welcome to our home, please! Come in!"
It seemed Leni's mind was somewhere else, as she was looking around for something; which she found quickly.
"Ethan!"
Leni embraced him in a warm hug, her siblings moving along inside and saying their own greetings as well.
"Thank you for having us over." Mrs. Loud smiled, Lily reaching for her siblings before Lincoln took her. "I hope..."
"Not to worry!" Elena, breaking her glare on Mr. Loud for a second, smiled warmly. "Its been so long since we've entertained. Although, you should be thanking Ethan; poor boys' going to be handling paperwork for a few weekends in exchange for this whole affair."
Leni broke the hug, a concerned look on her face.
"Sweetie, you really didn't..."
"I wanted to." Ethan cut her off sweetly. "Your whole family got to meet me that night, only fair they get to meet mine the same way."
His mothers smiled warmly at him.
"Isn't he such a sweetheart?" Elena cooed lovingly, then returning to glare at Mr. Loud.
"I do believe Leni far more fits that description."
"Honey!" His wife teethed.
"Spoken like a classic overprotective father." Elena teethed.
"And responded to likewise." Mr. Loud responded.
"MY SON IS A GENTLEMAN!" Elena snapped.
"MY DAUGHTER IS A TREASURE!"
"HONEY!" Their respective wives shouted, stopping the conflict as they pointed to their children, who stood at the scene confused...minus Ethan, whose face war buried into his free hand, the other on Leni's waist.
"Hey, um...Et?" Lincoln asked, looking around. "Where's...?"
The Ediks then realized the youngest member was still missing.
"ELLIOT! GET YOUR BUTT DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW!" Elena hollered, making her son, wife and the Louds cringe at the volume. The younger boy soon appeared and waved a greeting.
Lynne then stepped forward, not noticing a blush on the boy's face. Ethan however, did, and kept the image in the back of his mind for teasing material later.
What? Just because he was a 'nicer' big brother didn't mean he couldn't tease Elliot; besides, with all the trouble the scamp got him into...
Back to the scene happening right now
"Hey. So um...sorry about that time I dragged you off the street and accused of of bullying Linc..." She said awkwardly, then motioning for her sisters to do the same.
"We're sorry."
Elliot looked around the room and took a breath.
"Apology accepted. Still ticked though."
"That's fair." Lincoln noted.
"Well, dinner is on the table!" Elly beamed. "My little Etty made everything tonight and I must say, as a five star chef myself...he didn't do half bad a job."
When the Louds saw the spread of food, they were impressed to say the least.
"Dud, you made all of this?" Luna asked, honestly impressed.
"Yep, spent all night and this morning!" Ethan declared with pride.
"Well, lets not stand on ceremony!" Elly beamed. "Foods not getting any warmer! Everyone grab a seat and dig in!"
"Wait, whose Ceremony?" Leni whispered into Ethan's ear, looking onto the floor. "I thought you said you didn't have a pet."
"Figure of speech, sweetie." Ethan assured her, whispering back as he helped her into a chair, only for Mr. Loud to sit next to her, forcing him to sit across from his girlfriend and next to his mothers.
LOUD HOUSE
Much like the pies he had brought to the dinner at the Loud House, Ethan's cooking was well liked among the Louds. Admittedly, one of his lasagnes was a little dry compared to the other, the Tofu-turkey could've used a little more flavoring and there was the odd not as fresh veggie in the salads, but considering the spread and the fact he'd stayed up all night to prepare all of it?
Not bad at all.
The conversations were quite affable as well; Elliot and Lynne actually struck up conversations about their sports teams and Lola got some beauty tips from Elly, who also chatted with Luanne about the great comedians. Ethan and Lincoln talked about the latest issue of Ace Savvy before Lucy gave her thoughts on the shorts Ethan had suggested, and Lori helped bring Elena up to speed on Dylan's date while Lana and Lily played with their food.
In fact, the only downer to the whole event was that Elena and Mr. Loud kept glaring at each other the whole time. At first, it had been kind of funny, now it was just...
"Honey." Mrs. Loud and Elly said to their spouses, getting their attention.
"I like him." Mrs Loud said plainly to her husband. "He's sweet, cares for Leni and went to all this trouble for us."
"And I like them." Elly told her wife. "Don't let the past cloud your thoughts."
Elena looked down at her plate.
"...Sorry." The two adults finally said, making everyone sigh in relief.
"If its not too much..." Lori asked. "Does...this have anything to do with Ethan's...?"
"Yes." Elena and Elly said. "And we're sorry. It was immature of us, but..."
Elly turned to her son.
"Honey, remember how..." She paused. "...'You know who'...tried to teach you to swim?"
Ethan let out an 'eep!' and tensed at the memory:
12 years ago
"DADDY! HELP!" 4 year old Ethan shouted, depsertaley trying to keep his head above water. "CAN'T! SWIM!"
"Oh yeah? Well, you might want to start figuring that out…" His father said in a bored tone, pointing to something behind Ethan: A shark, killer whale and crocodile.
"Cause those guys are looking mighty hungry."
With a terrified scream, Ethan tried to swim away, the creatures right after him.
Present day
"How could I forget?" Ethan growled through his teeth. "I was banned from Marine Land for life because of him. And I never even learned how to swim; I'm STILL scared of bodies of water bigger than a puddle and deeper than my waistline!"
Elliot, in a surprising move, got out of his seat and comforted his brother, who patted him on the head and Leni gently held his other free hand.
"So that's why you didn't go on that field trip?" Leni asked
"No, I was actually sick that time." Ethan explained. "Stan had a flu, I stayed late on a shift to help him out and next morning caught it."
The other Louds were not sure how to react to this; Mr. Loud even seemed a little ashamed of disliking the young man so much.
DING!
"Oop!" Ethan and Elly said together. "Desserts warmed up! I'll get it!"
They realized they were going together.
"Honey, sit. I've got this."
"Mom, you're still eating."
"And you're the host. Sit with the guests."
"You've done so much already."
"I don't mind, now..."
"Oh for the love of!" Elliot and Elena declared together. With practiced ease, the boy got up and grabbed dessert, which was equally loved.
The evening turned out very well. Mr. Loud still may not have given his full approval on Ethan, but the Edik boy felt like he had done well enough; he'd cemented the 'cooking' point on the Loud Siblings' checklist and his mothers at least got along with Mrs. Loud.
It was just about time for the Louds to head home and Ethan was helping them with their coats when Leni pulled him aside.
"Sweetie?" He asked. "Everything ok?"
"Oh yeah!" Leni assured him. "No problems at all. Its just...well, how many weekends are you going to be helping your moms?"
"Just two, why? Did something happen?"
"Well, I heard about something I thought you might like and...!" Leni then brought her arms forward, revealing tickets to a special screening; a double feature of the Ninja Garnders and the latest Dressing Disasters movie.
(AN: I couldn't think up anything else for a movie series for Leni to like! For those who care or are curious, its basically Police Academy meets fashion designers with slapstick Looney Tunes humor)
Their two favourite movies, back to back. On Saturday evening until Sunday morning. With a live performance from a local band Luna knew before and after the screenings.
"Lori and Bobby and Luna and Sam are going as well, so...it could be a nice, 24 hour triple date."
Ethan's eyes widened.
"Leni? Bare with me...When did I last say I love you?" He asked.
Leni thought hard
"In text or real life?" She asked. "Because last night text, and...Yesterday afternoon real life."
"Way, way overdue." Ethan said sweetly, taking her into a hug and pecking her forehead. "I love you, Leni Loud."
Leni smiled and hugged him, pecking his nose.
"I love you too, Ethan Edik."
Their families 'awwed' at the scene; even Mr. Loud. Elly and Elena looked at each other knowingly.
"Ethan." Elena cut in. "You have dispensation to do that."
Ethan hugged his mothers in gratitude.
"How come I never get lucky like that?" Elliot asked.
"Because you're still a kid." Ethan and Lori said together.
With that, the Louds headed home, the Ediks waving goodbye.
Next time: Double Date and the conclusion to the 'Ethan vs. Mr. Loud'
Read, review and offer chapter ideas, would ye kindly?
Have a good one!
