Author Note: Many thanks to my friend Wolvenstrom for the insight, ideas and Beta-Read to create this story

In the middle of the downtown slums, the chime of clock signaled the stroke of noon. He felt the rising sun over his shuteyes. Added to the mix were the sounds of sirens going off like an alarm. Out of his box and blankets, he came out of, as was another day for the homeless person got up from the alley. As he got up, he slipped into his hooded jacket and beanie. Making his way through the crowd of people, he held out his bandaged hand.

"Have any change you can spare?" The homeless man asked the first civilian, only to be silently shoved. He asked the next person. "Got any change please?"

"Get a job you dead-weight!" The person exclaimed, looking at the homeless person with utter disgust. The son of the man looked at the homeless man with curiosity, until his father pulled him away. "Come on son; don't get to close to those filthy people. Honestly, it's disgraceful."

The homeless person took a sad sigh as he made his way to his basket cart. Aside from himself, all he had was the clothes on his back. As he grasped it, he started to make his daily rounds from trashcan to dumpster. Another day on the cold isolated streets begins, not that any day was pleasant for any homeless person on the streets. One day and another led to more and more complications and challenges. Even so, the young man tried hard every day to look past the negative to find a positive, even if most people did not.

He stopped from one secluded area after another. When he made his way to the streets, he did not see an oncoming car. It was only until the horn alerted him as he quickly moved out of the way. It was a narrow escape for the man only to be yelled at by the incoming driver. As his butt was on the ground, he was offer a hand from someone. By the look of that someone, his situation was no different from him. He was also dressed up in old clothes with a barely shaved beard on his face.

"Careful out there son," He said. "Are you okay?"

He barely caught his breath, "Yeah I'm fine."

"I see you new to this situation huh."

He was already in a bad situation enough as it is. The last thing he needed was a constant harsh reminder. He got back on his feet and shoved the man away, trying to help him. "I said I'm fine, I'm anything but you right now. So do me a favor and leave me alone." He said coldly.

The homeless young man continued his search. Like a raccoon, he salvaged trashcan from trashcan of cans, bottles and food left over. Anything it took to make a living out here was enough for him. In the mean streets, it was almost like a dog-eat-dog world, or in this case first come first serve. Often at times, he would run into rats and other rodents, other times the trashcans would be empty. Just any piece of food alone would fill his tummy with great satisfaction. Anything to stop the massive aches as it was a day of not eating anything.

Fortune then smiled upon him as he found a half-eaten sandwich. Usually, his first instincts would be to deny it because of where it has been, but his stomach was demanding food no matter what. As he dusted it off, he munched on it like a squirrel cracking nuts. Was not the most pleasant way to get food, but at least he got something in his stomach. He only hopes he could get fresher foods and that sandwich did not come with side effects later. It would be hard to find a public restroom with some of the businesses without demanding a fee. Personally, he always found it stupid that paid restroom existed even at this time.

"And so we have another exciting day for our racecar drivers." The TV said as the homeless man stopped in his tracks. On the big screen appeared the famous racecar driver Bobby Fetcher. As the cameras were on her, she gave a wave to her fans. Then the Loud Grease Monkey made her way to the camera, now an honorary pit-crew member of Bobby Fetcher. Shoulder and shoulder they stood side for the big upcoming racing competition.

"Lucky," The young adult scoffed angrily as he walked away.

On his way into the streets, he continued his savage for cans and bottles. Little as it was, it served as the only means of income on the streets aside from the usual panhandling. He did not have a basket full, but it was enough to a height for some cash. In this harsh situation, just about anything was better than nothing. On his way to the store, he felt their stares from a mile away as he covered his face with his hood in shame. Even if some eyes were on him, he wished he were invisible.

While on the walking on the streets, he stopped to glance at a family. He watched as a father was being drop off at work. The father smiled seeing his family off as he gave his wife and three kids' goodbye kisses. With his suit and suitcase, he was off to make a difference in the world. The homeless young man felt very envious of that man and his comfortable lifestyle. He wished he had that kind of life, but as he looked at his dirty self, circumstances had made it difficult for him.

As his family drove off, he was on his way to the office.

"Excuse me sir, sir wait up!" He called out. The man in the suit stopped and turned around to see the homeless person. He glanced at him, but not with revolt, but with bewilder. "You dropped your wallet and your phone." He said returning the objects.

The man received it and took a second glance at the homeless person.

"Don't worry, everything is inside." He assured.

The man in the suit smiled at the homeless person, "Thanks a lot, pal. You do not seem like other homeless people, and you are quite young for your age. What's your name?"

"It's Lincoln," He introduced himself back.

"Well thank you again Lincoln, I mean it."

Lincoln put a smile on for the man, trying to show his helpful side, "No problem just doing my part to help as I always do…" The homeless man stopped as he saw his basket of cans and bottles taken away by people. "Hey, you, give that back!" He ran after thieves.

"Hey wait Lincoln, I want to…" He stopped as he checked his watch and went towards his shift to work.

He gave chase to the other people. They were within sight as he chased them down the block. He tried to catch up as soon as he can, but as he made to the end of the block, the thieves were already gone. All his hard earn products were gone before his very eye. What a day this turned out to be for his young life on the streets. His troubles did not stop there when he made it to an alley corner. A garbage truck was in his pathway. It gave few horns before rolling forward.

Upon contact, a flash came before his eyes as the middle-child was back in his own room. As he looked around, it was still the darken morning and everyone was still asleep at the time. Feeling parched, he stepped downstairs. When he grabbed himself a cup of water, he saw an image through the water of his future self, broke, alone and homeless. It stared at him with blankness and misery in his eyes, which sent a shiver down Lincoln's spine, nearly making him drop his drink.

"It's only a matter of time." The image said to him in a cold a bitter tone.

Lincoln tried to shake the image out of his head. "That's it, no more Peanut-Butter and Sauerkraut before bed."

Lincoln then took a walk to the Trophy Room. There he once again glanced at the glass cabinet of the Loud Sister's accomplishments. The list was all there. Each and one of those trophies not only highlighted their accomplishments but the passions that shape them. It started with Lynn's trophies in athleticism , to Lisa Nobel Prizes in the field of science, Lola's Pageant Crowns and scepters, Luna's Talent show wins, and the list went on for the others.

The more he looked at the trophies, the more sadden he it had increased. It made him feel like nothing. Sure he had a trophy of his own labeled 'Most Improved Brother', yet even he could figure out that it wasn't earned from anything major, at least as far as consolation prizes go. It was nothing to brag about as far as the world goes. Compared to the sister's trophies, Lincoln's was nothing worth mentioning or getting excited about. Through the reflection of the mirror sadness and hopelessness, begin to fill his face. Soon his future image made his way through the mirror again, staring at him with the same expression Lincoln was feeling.

Again, Lincoln shook off the image; he must have been too tired.

Morning sun raised among Royal Woods as Lincoln was the first one up. He sat by himself with his bowl of cereal. There he read the latest issue of Ace Savvy where one of his siblings turned evil due to they're jealousy for the hero. All because one was, a big shot and the other was not, which created conflict among the issues. It was certainly not Lincoln's usual comic he red on his daily life. It just made his life even more questionable, not even his favorite superhero was enough to bring a smile to his face, only frowns.

Disturbing his train of thought, Lincoln's ten siblings made their way downstairs. As usual, they were in their bright moods prepared for another day. Too bad Lincoln did share their morning enthusiasm now. As they sat down the table for breakfast, Lincoln remained his spot. He did not bother to move, just sat quietly to himself.

"So anybody coming to see me for Poet Night, I've been working hard on some new poems?" Lucy announced.

"You know it?" The other sisters agreed.

"Hey don't forget the see me at the Junior Comedians at the Chortle Portal, they are really expecting an epic encore, get it?" Luan made a pun with a wink, which leads to everyone groans except Lincoln who remained silent.

"I still have Little Rodeo Competition coming up. I'll give that pig the ride of a lifetime. I would do bulls, but mom and dad won't let me." Lana added.

"I got a big day for the golf tournament this afternoon. You are coming to support me, right?"

Not want to hear this conversation further Lincoln walked out of the kitchen, just the constant reminders of his sister's activities were enough to make him feel even worst then he already has. All of the Loud Sisters had their own talents and activities outside the Loud House, yet Lincoln did not have any activities worth mentioning.

"Hey Lincoln, you are still coming to my golfing tournament?" Lori called out to Lincoln.

"Sure whatever is on the run," Lincoln mumbled in a melancholy mood.

Lori lifted an eyebrow at Lincoln's sudden response.

"I mean; sounds like fun!" Lincoln corrected, putting on a fake smile for his sisters, hiding his sadness.

Saturday Morning was here as the Loud Family had a big day of activities for the siblings. It was going to be a long day ahead of him. Much as he did not want to go, he knew he had to. God knows that he did not want to repeat a past mistake not long ago. Keeping to his unhappy word, Lincoln participated in his sister's activities supporting them. Throughout the day, he silently showed his support through the audience.

The day started with Lynn Jr. Ice Hockey match. Of course, knowing her completely competitive nature, her interest in sports was never limited. Lincoln watched as Lynn came at extreme speed with the puck. She passed through other hockey players as if they were bushes. Making it to the end goal, with a twirl and swing, she knocked the puck under the goalie. Seeing how Lynn was almost a pro at Hockey, it has not surprise him all that much, even with her rough nature.

Lynn Jr. had the look of both determination and passion. The family felt that determination drive as they watched her play with a grin. Lincoln watched as Lynn was on the ice ring. He could help but admire, but at the same time feel left out. Usually, he would be excited to see Lynn kick butt out there, but right now, that happiness was not there as he stared with a stoic expression. With each victory, she scored; it only made him sign further.

Lincoln held the same emotionless expression for the sisters. Luan was on the search for her latest comedy act. Although she was killing it on stage, Lincoln was the only one not laughing. No matter how much he wanted to support, the enthusiasm was still not in him. Luan's performance only lead to further signs of his moodiness and the family had their eyes on the comedian to notice a thing.

Drums played for the Loud Goth, as she was next. Up on stage, she stood among other Emo and Goth individuals like herself, while her loving family stood out from the crowd. Even if the Poet Club was not supposed to be the happiest place, Lincoln remained unchanged. Even over all the times, he has helped her out with her poems; he did not have the colorful energy. Then again, it must have been the dark mood of the club rubbing off on him.

"You kids did great today, we are so proud of you." Rita complimented as the family chilled at an all you can eat Buffet to celebrate their wonderful day. Everyone but Lincoln was overjoyed.

"Yeah, I'm sure you're going to kick butt once you're in the major leagues Lynn Jr." Lynn Sr. Commented.

"That's the plan pops, they won't know what hit them," Lynn Jr. boasted flexing her arm muscle like a model.

"I mean did you see her out there winning the championship?! They carried her off as if she was a hero! Ahhh they've totally forgot about that incident last season!" Lynn Sr. congratulated his girl, only to be nudged by Rita. "What?" Rita silently points to her quiet son. "Oh sorry; I didn't...you...um. You did really well in that one game you played?" Lynn stumbled over his words, trying to think of something to say to his son that would even resemble a compliment.

Leni quirked an eyebrow, "But dad, I thought you said the only reason he even got that touchdown was because everyone was to shocked by how dumb it was to really stop him?"

Switching the conversation around, "You were great too Luan, you really knocked them, dead sweetheart." Lynn Sr. made his pun.

"It was nothing dad; all I did was crack them up, get it?" Luan chuckled.

As the comments and praise continued, the middle-child sat to himself. Even if he did not have his earplugs, he tuned out all the conversation. Lucky for them he did not fully listen to his past failure. He remained quiet in his own mind with a hand on his face, picking at his food, and barely eating the little scraps that were leftover. Lincoln poked at his small sushi repeatedly with his chopsticks, not knowing what to do next.

None of the happiness was visible to his face. Not that he was not happy with his sister's talents, but had a lot on his mind to pay attention. He watched his family of sister's ramble on as he continued to roll his eyes with every compliment shot their way. It almost made him sick to his stomach, or maybe it was just the raw fish.

"Hey Linky are you coming to my charity fashion show, its tots for a great cause," Leni asked Lincoln.

Breaking away from his silence, Lincoln answered. "Yeah, sure Leni I'm happy to be there."

"You don't sound happy." Leni noticed Lincoln's behavior.

"Of course I am, see." Lincoln lied through his teeth putting on a fake smile, which caught the attention of the family. Lincoln then excuses himself and leaves. "I'm going to hit up the buffet again."

After a big day, the family came with loud and proud as they always were. As they made it back to the house, the middle-child was a little relieved to have the constant praise and attention put to rest. Just hearing it repeatedly almost gave him a headache. The more reminders that came, the worst he felt about himself. In fact, the family barely noticed Lincoln signing all day.

As Lincoln was on his way upstairs, Lola blocked his path. "Hey big brother, I'm having a Pageant event coming up tomorrow, your appearance is mandatory to me, could I count on you to be there?"

"Yeah Lola, you can count on me," Lincoln answered with the same moody tone but tried his best to keep the same false happy face. No matter how much he tried to remain optimistic, the deepness of his sadness was still there. "I'm going to some rest now, so I'll see you tomorrow."

As he walked away, he hid his true facial expression. Eyes sunk low and face frown became even more visible. With every compliment at his sisters that was tossed, Lincoln's heart sank further away. He was use to in terms of true accomplishments. Through the reflective mirrors, he saw his future self once more staring down at him. One would only hope how long would this misery go on for him.