Hello everyone and welcome to my first FanFiction. I had this idea for months but never thought of writing it just b/c I didn't think I had what it takes. Then the legend Devumaru uploaded his first chapter of Loving Return and that just inspired me to write it down on paper. So, much love and respect to Devumaru. Your story's amazing. Some scenes were inspired from the story; in no way did I intend to copy the scenes and I apologies if it seems that way.

I also want to apologies in advance if the story seems like its starting out slowly. I know some people just want to jump into the smut. I just figured who wouldn't like a good plot (hopefully) before the smut happens.

Now on with the show.

Disclaimer: I do not own "The Loud House"

It was a beautiful day in May. Families all from around Royal Woods were gathered in the stadium applauding and cheering.

'Sofia Lazaro'

It was an important day today, but not for the people in the audience, but for the younger group down below.

'Joseph Legato'

Today was graduation day for Royal Woods High School.

'Lincoln Loud'

The audience applauded as Lincoln stood up, and to his right he can hear the roar of his family cheering for him. 'Gotta live up to the name' Lincoln said to himself, hearing his family cheering over everyone in the stadium.

As Lincoln walked toward the stage to retrieve his diploma, he glanced at his fellow classmates. Lincoln couldn't believe how fast these four years have gone. Soon though, Lincoln will be joining a new "class" of teens, only in this "class" you don't learn to read and write.

"Congratulations Lincoln." Principal Davis said, handing Lincoln his diploma.

"Thanks Mr. Davis." Lincoln said happily while grabbing his diploma and shaking his hand.

After all the student retrieved their diplomas and were seated, Principal Davis walked back to the podium to say one last thing.

"Now before I let my favorite graduating class go. Keep that between us." Principal Davis said, winking to the class. "I would like to address a few students here."

"Would Stephen Black, Dominic Hudson, Lincoln loud, and Kevin Welsh please stand."

"These gentlemen standing before you have made the ultimate decision to serve in our armed forces, to protect us and our country. I wish you nothing but the best and safety, and that you return to us. Let's give these brave gentlemen a round of applause."

As people were applauding them, shaking the stadium, Lincoln looked around, apart of him feeling proud. But the other part of him didn't. He wasn't brave, Lincoln thought to himself, he was a coward.

"We did it buddy!" Clyde said, walking over to hug his best friend.

"Yea we did!" Lincoln said, hugging Clyde.

"So ... I guess this is it. We won't see each other till you get back." Clyde couldn't believe that Lincoln decided to join the army. He was scared if Lincoln got hurt or worst, but it was Lincoln's decision and Clyde stood by his best friend's decision.

"Stay safe out there Lincoln."

"I will Clyde, I will." Lincoln said, giving him one last hug.

"There's my little boy all grown up!"

Lincoln turned to see his parents and sisters walking toward them. "Hey mom." Lincoln said.

"Congratulations sport!" Lynn Sr. said. "Yea Linc, congrats!" all his sisters said, speaking over each other.

"Thanks guys." Lincoln said, with a smile on his face.

"Congratulations to you too Clyde!"

"Thanks Mrs. Loud!"

"Now, get close you two! You know a mother loves to take pictures!" Rita said as she pulled out her camera.

Rita took a picture of Lincoln and Clyde, arm around each other's shoulder. "OK, girls get in there with your brother!" All of his sisters rushed to his side, squeezing him in the middle. "And Lucy, try to smile this time." Rita said, aiming the camera to take the shot.

"Sigh."

After Rita took the picture, Lynn Sr. jumped in front of the camera before his wife can take anymore. "Ok family we have to hurry if we want to make it to our reservation in time." They congratulated Clyde one last time before heading out.

Lincoln turned to face Clyde before following his family. "See you soon Clyde."

"You too Lincoln..." With that, Lincoln turned around and followed his family, wondering if he actually would see Clyde again.

At the restaurant everyone was enjoying there time. Sure they already celebrated five graduations before, but they were also enjoying one last meal together as a family before Lincoln would be shipped out. But none of them wanted to think about that. Lincoln was here now, and that's all that matters.

As the Loud family was enjoying there meals, laughing, and Lincoln's parents and older sisters talking about there time in high school, Lincoln looked at his family and saw them all with big smiles. However, he saw it in all of there eyes; Fear. He knew they were afraid of him leaving, and it pained Lincoln so much.

Dinner seemed to be going well till Lincoln looked around the table, and saw Lola staring down at her plate, as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

"Lola... are you ok?" Lincoln asked worriedly.

"No... I'm not." Lola said quietly under her breath.

"Do you have to go to Lincoln?" Lola looked up at Lincoln, staring into his eyes as tears started to run down her cheeks.

Lincoln dreaded when the time came to discuss why he had to leave. Just when he was about to answer Lola, Lynn Sr. interrupted him. "Lola you know Lincoln has to go..."

"But dad..."

"Sweetie I know... I know it's difficult, but Lincoln made a commitment and he has to stand by it. Isn't that right dear?" Lynn Sr. said looking at his wife, placing his hand on her leg to comfort her.

Lincoln knew his mother was scared for him the most. She took it the hardest when Lincoln asked to join the army. She was scared to lose her son. Her only son. Rita caved in though, she had to let her baby boy choose his own path now, is what she kept telling herself.

"Your father's right sweetie." Rita said, trying to hold back a tear.

"Linky would be coming back though... right?" Lily asked, out of the blue.

"Of course Lincoln will come back Lily. He won't leave us forever." Lynn said, her voice breaking at the end.

This was the hardest question for Lincoln to answer. He just stared at his 8 year old sister and smiled and nods to reassure her that he'll return.

"Well I think it's about time we had back home. It's getting late and we all need our rest for tomorrow." Lynn Sr. said as he paid for dinner.

They arrived back home, but the car ride was silent. The realization that Lincoln would be going to boot camp tomorrow kept popping in there heads.

Once everyone was inside, Lincoln was now faced with the hardest thing he had to do today; His goodbyes to his sisters.

"Girls I think now is a good time to say your goodbyes." Lynn Sr. said, emotionally.

Rita jabbed her elbow in her husband's side, telling him to continue. "Till he comes back of course!" Lynn Sr. added.

All of Lincoln's sisters lined up starting with Lori, as she walked up to Lincoln, staring up at him.

"I know I haven't been the best sister to you growing up, but know that I'll always love you little brother."

"I love you too Lori, and you are a great sister, don't doubt that." Lincoln said.

Lori wrapped her arms around Lincoln, going in for a hug. "You better come back twerp. These nails aren't going to paint themselves." Lori said, jokingly, fighting back her tears.

"You got it Lori." Lincoln said, letting go of Lori.

As soon as Lori stepped to the side, Leni ran into Lincoln, holding him tight as she cried into his chest. "I'll miss you Linky."

Lincoln rested his nose in her soft blond hair as he held her to his chest. "I'll miss you too Leni."

"Don't forget about me Linky."

"I'll never forget about my angel." Lincoln said as he kissed her on top of her head.

Leni pulled away from Lincoln, going to the side as Lori started to comfort her crying sister.

"So I guess our jam sessions will be a bit quiet now."

"Don't replace me just yet Luna." Lincoln said, hugging her.

"Wouldn't even think about it bro." Luna said as she placed a kiss on Lincoln's cheek. "Stay safe out there little bro."

"Will do, Luna."

Luan was next to say goodbye when Lincoln noticed her tear stained cheeks, trying to hold her fake smile.

"Want to hear a joke Linc?" Lincoln nodded, hoping it would cheer her up. He knew Luan's jokes were a bit corny when they younger, but he did have a soft spot for them.

"Which month do soldiers hate?" Luan said. "March!"

Lincoln chuckled. Every time Lincoln felt down, she always knew how to cheer him up.

Luan soon wrapped her arms around Lincoln's neck, hugging him, never wanting to let go. She couldn't hold her tears back any longer. "Please come back to us Lincoln," Luan cried out. "I-I love you Lincoln..."

Lincoln just held Luan back, nodding his head against her, as a single tear fell from his face.

Lynn walked up to Lincoln slowly; her head down, staring at her feet. "I hope our sparring matches help in the long run." Lynn said nervously, looking up at Lincoln.

"Hm, I hope so too."

"Maybe you'll finally get some muscles on those bones too." She joked, as she lightly punched Lincoln on the shoulder.

"One can hope." Lincoln grinned.

"Love ya Lincoln, go kick some ass."

"Will do. Love you too Lynn."

Lincoln then walked toward Lucy. She didn't move from her spot which made Lincoln feel a bit worried. "Lucy."

"Lincoln."

"Just... don't die Lincoln." Lucy said, shocking everyone.

"Hahaha. Thanks for being blunt Luc." Lincoln laughed as he went to hug his goth sister.

As Lincoln was hugging Lucy, he felt her shaking against his chest. "I'll be fine Lucy. You don't have to worry about that." Lincoln reassured her.

"Will you write to us?"

"As much as I can."

"Love you Lincoln." Lucy said, looking up at him. Lincoln then moved her bangs out of her face to gaze in her beautiful blue eyes. He needed to see them one last time.

"I love you too Lucy."

Lucy smiled as she walked away.

Lana and Lola didn't hesitate when they rushed Lincoln into a hug.

"We'll miss you Lincoln." They both said in unison.

"I'll miss you girls too."

"Do you really have to go Lincoln?" Lola asked again, praying that he doesn't have to.

"I do Lola. A knight has to go into battle someday. But hey, a knight always returns to see his princess." Lincoln said, placing his finger under her chin so she can look at him as he winked.

Lola started to smile as she blushed, hugging her older brother.

"And Lana, I'll teach you how to shoot a gun when I get back, but don't tell mom and dad." Lincoln whispered into her ear.

This caused Lana to smile, hugging her brother too. "Thanks Lincoln!"

He gave each of them a kiss before walking over to Lisa.

"Lincoln I have made a potion that should turn your skin into armor. With this you'll have nothing to worry about." Lisa said, holding the elixir to his face.

"I appreciate the thought Lisa, but I'll be fine."

Lisa just stared down at the floor, but slowly shook her head, accepting defeat.

"I know you mean well Lisa. Look at it this way, I survived all your lab explosions so this should be a walk in the park."

Lisa knew the odds of survival, but for him she'll accept his decision. "Ok Lincoln... ok."

Last was his youngest sister Lily. Lincoln got on his knee, opening his arms wide, asking for a hug. Lily jumped into her big brother's arms as Lincoln stood up, giving her a bear hug.

"I'm going to miss you so much Lily bug." Lincoln said, his head nuzzled into her neck.

"I'll miss you too Linky. I'll miss you everyday till you get back." Lily aid, a few tears falling down her face.

Lincoln gently turned her face so she could look at him. He then noticed she had Bun-Bun in her arm. Lincoln smiled at this and said, "Lily, when you ever feel scared, sad, or just want to feel like you're close to me, I want you to hold Bun-Bun against your heart and remember that I'll always be there for you Lily. I will always love you, no matter what."

Lily nodded as more tears started to form in her eyes. She then rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying his warm hug.

"Promise me you'll come back Lincoln... please."

There it was. The one thing Lincoln couldn't do. How can you promise someone that you'll come back from war, that you won't get killed? Lincoln just couldn't. Lincoln always kept his promises and never broke one. He couldn't promise his family that, if he did and ended up passing away, he knew it would just hurt his family more.

"I'll be back Lily... don't you worry."

He said it, but without the promise. If he left it out he won't feel too guilty.

"Alright kids... time for bed." Lynn Sr. said.

All of Lincoln's sisters gave him one last group hug before heading upstairs.

"We'll see you in the morning sweetie." Rita said

"Remember son, bright and early." Lynn Sr. said

"Got it dad. Goodnight mom, goodnight dad."

"Goodnight honey."

"Night sport."

It was early in the morning as Lincoln came down the stairs all nice and clean in this army uniform, carrying his duffle bag. At the front door waiting was his parents.

"You got everything son?"

"Got it all dad." Lincoln said, patting his duffle bag.

Lynn Sr. looked at his son then back to his wife. "I'll be in the van when you're ready." He said before walking out the door.

Lincoln turned to his mother, still in her morning robe, and noticed her bloodshot eyes. He knew she cried herself to sleep last night.

"Look at my young, strong boy dressed all handsome." Rita said emotionally.

"Thanks mom."

Rita held her son tight as she peppered his face with kisses. "You come home to me you hear me. You come home." She wept out.

"I will mom... I will." Lincoln said, tearing up.

"I love you Lincoln. I love you so, so much."

"I love you too mom. I'll call as much as possible."

And with that Lincoln was out the door, giving his mom one last goodbye kiss, and into vanzilla as his dad drove him to the pick up stop.

Lincoln and his dad were standing near the army recruitment bus to say there goodbyes like all the other recruits and their relatives that were standing by.

"So you sure you have everything?"

"Yes dad, I have everything." Lincoln said, laughing at his dad.

"You got your toothbrush?"

"Yes dad."

"Your family photo?"

"Always."

"Your underwear?"

"Yes dad! Relax, I have everything I need." Lincoln said, with a big smile on his face.

"Ok, ok."

Lincoln then gave his dad a hug, patting him firmly on the back. "Love you dad."

"I love you too son... Give 'em hell soldier." Lynn Sr. said proudly.

"I'll make you proud dad."

Giving his dad one last hug, Lincoln was on the bus. He looked out the window and waved at his dad till he was out of his sight. Lincoln looked down at the photo he was holding, getting lost in his thoughts. It was a picture of him and his sisters when they were younger. It always gave him comfort.

'I'm sorry'. Lincoln said to himself, staring at the photo.

'Please forgive me'.

Lincoln was walking in his barrack about to set up his belongings. For two and a half months this will be his "home", training, assigned to Charlie Company.

"Hey is this spot free?" Lincoln asked the cadet who was setting up his stuff.

"Yea it's all yours, if you don't mind the bottom bunk. Name's Dylan by the way. Dylan Watts."

"Lincoln Loud." Lincoln answered, shaking his hand.

"Looks like we'll be facing this hellhole together. Hey! I'll watch your back if you got mine." Dylan said, eagerly.

Lincoln was surprised how fast Dylan would trust him just like that. 'We just met'. Lincoln thought, looking confused. 'But... it is always good to have someone by your side. The army is about brotherhood after all'.

"Sure, I guess I can use all the help I can get." Lincoln answered.

"Alright! I already got a good fee-"

"AT ATTENTION!" A guard shouted, interrupting Dylan.

Everyone stopped what they were doing as everyone lined up in front of their bunks, backs trait up and looking ahead of them. It was silent until the drill sergeant walked in; his shoes clacking against the floor.

"I am Sergeant Hartman your drill instructor. From here on out you will address me as sir and every sentence that comes out of your shithole of a mouth will start with sir and end in sir. Do I make myself clear!"

"Sir, yes sir!"

"When you leave here you will be a force to be reckoned with, an ultimate killing machine. I expect the best and only the best. If you don't think you're the best then there's the door and there's the window, choose one and get the fuck out!"

Sergeant Hartman was standing in the middle of the barrack, inspecting every cadet till he stumbled upon the one he was so eager to see if he had what it took.

"Loud!" Sergeant Hartman yelled, walking toward Lincoln. "Are you the maggot whose grandfather fought in Vietnam?"

"Sir, yes sir!"

"Outstanding! Did he have the guts to die there!?"

"Sir, no sir!"

"Well ain't that a fuckin shame! I'm expecting much from you cadet." Sergeant Hartman yelled, in Lincoln's face.

"What about you private? What's your name!?"

"Sir, Dylan Watts sir!"

"Dylan!? Well that's probably the gayest name I've heard! Do you suck dick Dylan!?"

"Sir, no sir!"

"I hope not soldier! I want you to shoot heads, not give head! I got my eyes on you private."

"Alright ladies, get ready, because you're about to experience the worst two and a half months of your pathetic lives!" Sergeant Hartman yelled out as he left the barrack.

"Well he seems nice." Dylan jokingly said.

'I think I just put my trust in an idiot.' Lincoln thought, regretting his decision.

The cadets of Charlie Company were in the middle of there morning jog. The start of there day. Jogging way too early in the morning and chanting there cadence.

"I said, hey old lady where you goin' to?"

"I said, hey old lady where you goin' to?"

"She said U.S. Army Ranger School."

"She said U.S. Army Ranger School."

"I said hey old lady ain't you been told?"

"I said hey old lady ain't you been told?"

"Ranger School's for the young and the bold."

"Ranger School's for the young and the bold."

Next was the obstacle course which Lincoln had to thank his sisters for. All the craziness in the halls at home sure paid off. During the course Lincoln would just repeat in his head, 'crashing through the crowded halls, leaping over laundry piles.'

Then there was the hand-to-hand combat which Lincoln definitely had to thank Lynn for, with all the sparring matches he was forced in with her. The combat simulations, Lincoln had to admit, were kind of fun. It was pretty much paintball but without face protection, so it hurt like a motherfucker when you got hit. Lincoln always kept his head down. 'Dodging girls like ping-pong balls, guy's got to do what he can to survive.' Lincoln would remind himself, trying best not to get shot.

And then there was the dread hike. They would run for miles with all their gear on their back. It was hell.

"Get your asses up that hill, move! You ladies run like how old people fuck!" Sergeant Hartman yelled out, watching his cadets' struggle.

"Fuck *gasp* Linc... I-I don't think I can make it." Dylan was stumbling, out of breath.

"Just hang in there bro *gasp*, we're almost there." Lincoln replied. He was struggling as well but Lincoln was able to push through.

"I-I can't, I..." Before Lincoln could react, Dylan went tumbling to the ground.

"Fuck! I think I sprained my ankle. Shit!" Dylan was lying on his side in pain when Lincoln ran over to help him up.

"Watts, what the fuck are you doing! Get you sorry ass up now!" Sergeant Hartman screamed as he walked over to them.

"Loud get up the hill, he can get himself up if he wasn't a pussy!"

"Sir, his ankle is sprained. I think he needs help." Lincoln protested.

"Now Loud! Don't make me repeat myself!"

Lincoln didn't know whether if he should listen to Sergeant Hartman or help Dylan. 'Ugh, dammit Lincoln'.

"No sir, I'm not leaving him." Lincoln argued.

Hartman walked up to Lincoln, getting right in his face, eyes full of rage. "Are you disobeying a direct order soldier?" His breath was hot and full of anger.

Lincoln looked down at his friend lying on the floor and thought back of their first month together. Sure Dylan wouldn't shut up at times. He would sing a lot and tell the dumbest jokes. It kind of reminded him of Luna and Luan. But they soon became good friends, forming this kind of pact, a brotherhood. And Lincoln always looks out for family.

"Sir, I promised myself I wouldn't leave any man behind, and I'm not breaking that promise." Lincoln answered with his head held high, looking straight in his drill sergeant's eyes.

Hartman just stood there for a while until he finally pulled back.

"Pick this sack of shit up and get the fuck out of my face... Move!"

Lincoln wrapped Dylan's arm over his shoulder as he helped him the rest of the way.

"You didn't have to stand up for me like that." Dylan said, holding onto Lincoln as he hopped on one leg.

"I know, but I need your dumbass around. It makes me look smarter." Lincoln replied, grinning at his friend.

"Heh, love you too asshole." Dylan replied, smiling back as his friend.

All the cadets were in the mess hall except Lincoln and Dylan who were waiting for the nurse to check his ankle. Sergeant Hartman was watching them from afar, seeing Lincoln laughing as Dylan was doing impressions, sitting on the medical table.

"So how are the new recruits sergeant?" A mysterious voice asked.

"Well most of them are trigger happy fuck ups, but the rest aren't that bad. Then there's him, Hartman said, pointing at Lincoln. "He's strong, intelligent, and loyal. He would put his men before himself. You should be proud Albert."

Albert, Lincoln's grandfather, was standing next to Hartman as they both looked at his grandson. Hartman had invited Albert to show off the cadets.

"That's my grandson, always trying to help others." Albert stated.

"I could bring him over if you like. You can catch up before he ships out."

"I appreciate the thought but I don't want to put him in the situation of saying goodbye to a love one again, and I should be going. I don't want the nursing home getting mad at me again."

"Understood sir, I'll have a military escort for you to return. Also... could you say hi to my dad for me? I've been meaning to visit but with work..."

Hartman's father happened to be stationed with Albert when they were in the navy. Now they both happened to be in the same nursing home. Hartman's father wasn't in the best physical condition compared to Albert who was in great physical shape for some who is 81.

"Will do Kenny. He'd like that. You're doing a fine job with your cadets. Your father would be proud. As you were soldier." Albert said as he saluted Hartman.

"Thank you sir." Hartman saluted back.

Lincoln was sitting in one of the rows with his fellow cadets listening to Sergeant Hartman go on about how proud he was for them. They had just graduated basic training.

"I said I wanted the best and only the best, and what I see before me is the best, and I couldn't be any prouder." Sergeant Hartman announced to his class.

The roes of cadets burst out in cheers of "yea's" and "hooah's".

"And remember what I told all of you. Thou shall not kill?"

"Fuck. That. Shit!" All the cadets shouted out, cheering and laughing.

Lincoln for the first time in a while could take a breather. But not for long because soon he'll be off to war.

A/N

Thank you all for reading! I hope you all enjoyed it! Once again I'm sorry if it was slow and boring but I promise you there will be action in the next chapter. Please leave a review if you like. I'd love to here what you guys think.

Now for the References/Easter Eggs: The basic training scenes were completely inspired from Full Metal Jacket (1987) and Jarhead (2004).

The Army cadence used is actually real. It's called 'Seen An Old Lady' cadence. I recommend giving it a listen on youtube just to get a feel of the beat.

I also threw in a few lines from the intro song to The Loud House during the obstacle course and paintball match if you didn't catch that.

Lastly Lincoln's grandfather's age is an Easter egg from one of my favorite cartoons 'Hey Arnold'. Arnold's grandfather is 81.