Life as a Gallagher
Warning: There is some GirlxGirl, though I mentioned it in the summary. If this makes you uncomfortable or you don't like it, don't read or skip past the part.
Tell me how you feel about the sexual scenes. It's Shameless, so I added some and will, when with any other story, I usually wouldn't. I did mention it was GirlxGirl. It's also half the reason I made the rating 'M' instead of 'T'.
WeeDevil: Glad you like it. Here it is.
Raging Raven: Glad you think so. I like how this is turning out.
LunaEvanna Longbottom: As you can see, her storyline is starting now. It will be between her own stuff and the life of the Gallagher's, like the tv show does it. Glad you like it and if you write one, I can't wait to read it.
IceBlue Fox (1): Happy you like it. Joey has shoulder length black hair like Fiona's that's either in a ponytail or down. She has blue eyes like Lip and light skin. I gave her features like her siblings. It fits more.
IceBlue Fox (2): As in this chapter, you can see who she's with. Hope you like it. As for GirlxGirl, I don't see it in the Shameless fandom much, so I decided to do it.
Happy New Years!
Chapter 3
Aunt Ginger
Debbie, Lip and Carl were all upstairs and Ian was 'working'. I sometimes had to grit my teeth and try not to think about it or I knew I'd run to the Kash at the Kash n' Grab and it wouldn't look good for the older man, then Ian would be pissed off at me, the night me and Lip found out was proof of that. It was late at night and Fiona was about to leave, I was watching TV, slouched on the couch. "Where are you going, anyway?"
Fiona shrugged on a coat. "Out with some coach thing with Tony."
I sat up, turning my body to look at her with both my eyebrows raised at my hairline. "Tony? You mean, our friendly-neighborhood-cop Tony?"
She glared at me for the nickname. She stepped behind the couch, near me. "Yeah? So?"
I gave her a cheeky grin. "It's nothing, just seems more like a pity date, that's all."
She smacked me on the top of my head with another glare and I grimaced in mock pain. I spoke dryly. "Ow."
She rolled her eyes. "He's not bad."
I smirked. "I bet he's a virgin."
She scoffed. "He is not! He's my age and a guy, he grew up around here."
I shrugged. Tony was a nice guy and I liked him, but he wasn't the type of guy Fiona dated. And I suppose he was attractive too. He just liked my sister, well, she's pretty so there's that and a great person, had to be, to drop everything and take care of us.
A couple of knocks hit the door and she pointed at me, walking backwards. "Behave."
I smirked. "I always do."
That got me another eye roll, but she turned away from my amused face and answered the door. "Hey Tony."
I could hear him breathe out. "Hey, Fiona. You look great, you ready?"
I called when they walked out. "Use protection!"
Tony was quiet (most likely with embarrassment) and I could make out the grumbled annoyance from my older sister, no doubt threats aimed toward me.
I just grinned in amusement as the door closed. I might pay for that later, but it was worth it. I sat for another 20 minutes, but I was getting bored and sometimes when that happened, it wasn't good.
Lip came down. "You goin' out?"
I nodded. "Yeah, just walkin' around. You?"
He also nodded. "Yeah, I'm headed to Karen's."
I raised an eyebrow. "Ok, have fun."
I shrugged a coat on and a scarf, tying my shoes on and walking out the door with Lip. He waved, walking toward Karen's house. I really didn't know what to think about her except rumors. I knew Lip could deal with it and since she wasn't pushing 40, I wasn't gonna get mad. I shoved my hands in my pockets and looked at the dark sky. I said. "What to do, what to do…"
Well, I wasn't going to see Ian. I could always go see Rebecca, we've gotten closer lately. I really liked hanging out with her. But I decided to walk around. I lit a cigarette and let it hang loosely in my mouth. I hung out with Rebecca more in the class I shared with Ian, considering it was the only class we shared and I saw Ian every day.
I decided to just walk around, passing the Alibi Room. I didn't feel like running into Frank so I doubled back home. I dropped my cigarette to the ground. Not finding much interesting happening, I walked back home.
Opening the door, it slammed shut on accident. "Hope that didn't wake anyone up."
To my surprise I saw Ian and Mandy Milkovich on our couch. I blinked. "Lip's not here."
I mean, it wouldn't surprise me if he was sleeping with her too. Lip is kind of a dog, even if he's my brother, I'd admit that. Or because he was my brother. Mandy raised her eyebrows. "I'm here with Ian."
My eyes went to him and I could see the pleading look. My mouth turned up into a grin. I could almost see him deflate. He'd have to deal with straight girls at some point. "Ah, okay. I'll be in the kitchen."
I deposited my scarf and coat on a chair, going into the kitchen. I heard him say. "Hold on, Mandy. I, uh, need to see Joey."
I leaned against the counter and he came in like a storm, punching my arm hard. I exclaimed. "Ow! What is with you and Fiona hitting me lately?"
He scoffed. "Like you don't deserve it. Why'd you do that?"
I raised my hands. "C'mon, it's not bad."
He whisper yelled. "You have to come in there! She wants to have sex with me!"
My voice was deadpan. "I guessed that with Mandy Milkovich on our couch."
He snapped, voice still low. "What do I do?"
I shrugged. "Come on, you don't want me defending you and I know you don't want her to know the truth, especially on the South Side. Just say you don't wanna screw her, get her to leave."
He glared at me, but then sighed, shaking his head. "Fine, fine." He turned, walking back in what he felt was a mine zone. He sounded nervous and sheepish. "Uh, yeah, sorry about that."
"That's okay."
I heard a couple sounds and looked around the corner to see her on top of him. My eyes widened in alarm. Ian was sputtering. "Uh, Mandy…uh, Mandy!"
I stepped forward at the almost rape of my little brother. "Woah, hey, uh don't do that."
Mandy jumped up (still on Ian), staring at me in surprise. "What the hell?"
I usually don't feel awkward, but this was awkward. I wasn't even mad, it wasn't like she knew why. "Just sort of get off- "
Ian blurted out. "I don't wanna sleep with you!"
I grimaced. That was a little harsh.
Mandy stared at him, jumping off him like he was on fire. I was silent, staring in shock and slight horror. Her eyes teared up. My eyes were wide, feeling more horror. Oh My Fucking God, don't cry! I wasn't the best with crying people, and from Ian's face, he was feeling the same thing. I think she was embarrassed, that usually brings on the tears.
Ian said. "Woah, listen Mandy- "
That did it, she burst into tears, running out of the house. I was a little surprised, her being a Milkovich and all. I put a hand over my mouth. "That's could've gone better."
Ian gave me a death glare. "You think!"
He ran toward the door. "Wait, Mandy!"
But she left. The hand covering my mouth covered my eyes instead. "Oh fuck."
I then heard Fiona's voice. "Why is Mandy Milkovich crying?!"
Fiona came in the house, looking at the both of us. "Who did what to Mandy Milkovich?"
I pointed at Ian. "He did it!"
Ian sent me a look. "Really?"
I shrugged. Fiona looked at him expectantly. He sighed, running a hand through his red hair. "Shit, it's nothing. She…just got upset over something, it doesn't matter."
She stared at him, before nodding. "Ok, fine." She passed him, ruffling his hair as she did.
I shrugged at Ian (who sent me an annoyed look), going upstairs to take my shower. It's a better method then waiting on a line longer than a bathroom ballpark mid-game.
/ / / /
I woke up to Fiona yelling for us to get up. I sighed in my pillow. Like clockwork.
I heard the door slam to our room and lifted my head a little, Liam and Debbie were gone. I groaned, rolling on my back, debating the pros and cons of getting up for school.
I then decided to lay here. I mean, surely, I might've not heard Fiona with the door closed and so many people in the house. Yeah, right. But, whatever.
Fiona called. "Wake up, Jo. You know the drill."
I muttered, loud enough for her to hear me. "I'll go tomorrow."
Fiona said. "Nuh-uh, up now."
I ignored her. She said. "Fine."
I smiled to myself in victory. It was sort of weird, knowing Fiona would usually push more. But with my sleep mottled mind, I didn't really care that much.
My eyes snapped open a second later and I shrieked when cold water landed on my head and neck. I jumped on my knees, staring at Fiona with wide eyes, running a hand through my damp hair. "What the fuck, Fiona!?"
She gave me a smug smirk, waving a large cup in her hand. "For being an ass last night, now since your up, getting ready for school."
I glared at her as she walked out. "Fuckin' hell!"
I hopped up, drying my hair and neck with a spare towel and changing to a plaid button up and jeans, brushing my hair and pulling on my socks, coming down stairs.
I crossed my arms tightly in front of me. "Shit, it's cold."
A knock hit the door a couple of times. Fiona called. "Someone get the door!"
I walked over, saw Steve in the window and grinned to myself, this guy doesn't know when to quit. Fiona was pissed at him. I opened it. "Do you have a death wish?"
He raised his hands, one of them had a bag in it. "I'm here for Ian."
My eyes widened in recognition. "Oh, yeah, the bet thing?" I moved aside in the universal 'come in'.
He nodded, smiling. "Yeah, that."
I heard Fiona groan loudly. "Really?"
Fiona grabbed my shoulder, pushing me toward the kitchen. "Go get breakfast before you're late. Again."
I rolled my eyes, but left Fiona to deal with Steve and headed toward the kitchen. I was heading over to the boxing ring today, well maybe, because I had work a couple of days this week.
I sat by the table and I heard Kevin annoyed voice. "Where's my damn toaster?"
I looked over to see Carl melting his action figures above it. Which I realized must be Kevin's and Debbie was trying to get a signal with our laptop.
I smacked Carl's arm. "Hey, knock that off. Isn't that how our toaster broke?"
He shrugged at me. "So?"
Kevin ran in. "Hey, Destructo, that's my toaster!"
He picked him up, moving him away from it and Carl said. "I'm trying to make melted man."
"Then use a blowtorch like a normal kid."
I laughed and Kevin turned to me. "Why didn't you stop him?"
I raised an eyebrow. "I tried, he didn't listen."
He let out a sound of frustration. I reached over, unplugged it and handed it to him. "Well, here, it's not broken."
Kevin rolled his eyes, but then put white flowers on the table. "Fi, the delivery guy was looking for you."
Fiona threw them out. "They're from him."
I smirked at Steve. "Aw, at least wait 'till he leaves."
Steve shook his head. "There not. Nope."
I was curious. "Oh, really?"
Lip came down, going in the fridge. "You're like a boomerang, always coming back for more."
I grinned, it was a pretty close description. Steve shook his head again. "I lost a bet to Ian on the Islander's game. I'm hear to see what tickets he wants."
I just stopped myself from scoffing. As if he wasn't trying to get into Fiona's good graces. Fiona seemed to think the same thing. "Oh? And telephones haven't been invented yet, so of course, you couldn't just call."
I shared a grin with Lip at her response. Steve muttered. "Not when I know you're dying to see me."
I didn't say anything, but my grin widened.
She started fiddling with the stove, ignoring him or trying to. I grabbed my bag off the floor and unzipped it, checking quickly to make sure I had everything.
Ian came down and started talking to Steve about his tickets and deciding what game to get. After a comment from Kev, Ian picked. Fiona swore. "The gas is off."
I snorted, rubbing my arms a little. "No wonder it's so damn cold."
Steve said. " 'Had a great time hooking up last night, Tony'."
I grinned. "I guess it went well?"
Fiona gave me an eyeroll. Ian grinned. Kevin asked. "You went out with Tony?"
I nodded in agreement. "I know, right?"
Steve burst out. "Who the fuck is Tony?"
I smirked, I'd have to be an idiot to not realize he was jealous. "Our friendly- "
Fiona jabbed her finger in my direction. "Joey! Don't. Start."
I raised my hands in mock surrender. "Okay."
Kev turned to Fiona with a grin. "Tony? How charitable of you."
I couldn't hold the laugh in even if I tried.
Steve was getting agitated. "Tony, the cop? That Tony?"
Fiona barely nodded, looking at something. "Yeah."
I watched as Steve said in disbelief. "Really?"
Fiona finally looked at him. "Yeah and we had a nice time. Tony's sweet and he has a real job."
Kevin was fake snoring. He snapped up. "Sorry, I totally fell asleep when you were talking about him. How long was I out for?"
I snickered and Fiona said, annoyed. "Lip? Phone?"
After he tossed it to her, Steve asked. "And what does 'hooked up' mean?"
I sent him a dead look. "Really?"
Kevin explained. "Last time I checked: Penis went in vagina."
I made a face. Didn't need to know that. I mean, I wasn't stupid (growing up here I couldn't be), but I didn't really want to hear that about my sister and Tony.
I decided to head out early. "Hey, Fi, I'm heading out."
She stared at me. "You have…20 minutes 'till you have to leave."
I felt Lip and Ian's look, Debbie's too. I shrugged. "I want to leave early."
Lip looked at the table. "You didn't even eat yet."
I replied. "Not hungry."
I got stares from everyone and I forced myself to stop the eyeroll. Ian said, a laugh in his voice. "Really? You?"
I pushed indignance in my tone. "Sure, I actually do that, you know, get full."
I grabbed my bag and checked it make sure all my stuff was in there again, it was. I shrugged the bag over one shoulder. "Have a good one, see you two later." I pointed out to Ian and Lip.
I got some goodbyes and waves. Fiona said as I walked to the backdoor. "Don't do anything too illegal or get arrested."
I laughed, opening the door. "I won't."
I shut the door behind me, going downstairs. Fiona didn't care too much about things illegal because considering half the stuff we did was illegal to survive. She didn't want us doing anything too stupidly illegal, but we could absolutely not get arrested no matter what. I thought she'd kill Lip for those couple times he did get arrested for minor things like public drinking and truancy. Or when I was almost caught for destruction of property of a car of a guy I hated.
I laughed softly to myself, that was a close one.
/ / / /
Rebecca told me she was skipping when I stopped by her place to pick her up. Usually, I'd walk with her to school, but I walked alone this time, which I didn't mind.
The day went by normally, I sat through my first set of class with another one of Mr. Baxter's insults about my tardiness (even if I wasn't late), ate lunch with Lip and Ian and was almost done with my last class when I heard.
"Did you hear about Gallagher and Milkovich?"
"Yeah, that redhead is more ballsy than I thought he would be."
"Mickey, Jamie and Tony are gonna kill him."
I froze, forgetting about even trying to focus on the teacher and looked behind me, my arm on my chair. Two guys were muttering to each, but I could hear them because we were pretty close.
I then seemed to realize what they said. Gallagher. Redhead. Milkovich. Pissed of Mickey, Jamie and Tony.
Which translated to: Milkovich brothers wanted to kill Ian, must be because of last night with Mandy, though I don't know what she said exactly.
I said to the two guys, glaring. "What the fuck are you talkin' about?"
I think they followed around one of the Milkovich brothers, Iggy or one of the older ones. I haven't heard anything from anyone else yet and I know Lip didn't either.
One of them with overgrown greasy black hair and pale skin scoffed. "What's it to you, Gallagher?"
I snorted at his stupidity. I swear, the people in this place… "You're talking about my brother, dipshit."
I didn't play when it came to family, it was something me and Carl fully agreed on. His friend, a black guy with a shaved head nudged his friend. "It ain't worth it." He smirked at me. "Your brother did somethin' to Mandy Milkovich and her brothers want payback, I hear it was bad."
I had a feeling it wasn't about being rejected. The bell rang and I darted out of there, to where I knew Ian would be, the Kash & Grab.
/ / / /
I ran there with my bag on my shoulders, which slowed me down a little, but I didn't bother the bus or even the L, not having the patience to wait for either transportation.
To my slight horror, Mickey sauntered out of store, going right with Tony and Jamie in another direction, his brothers. I was crouched behind a car. Even I knew better to pick a fight with Mickey alone, especially with his back up from his brothers. People here didn't call them Milkovich's crazy for nothing.
I ran in the store, hearing Ian in the back make a sound of alarm and Kash flinch back. "What? Joey?"
I ignored Kash, reminded of what he was to my younger brother and remembered what I promised Ian. Plus, I had a more important thing to deal with right now. Ian looked at me through a second shelf. He grinned a little nervously. "Hey, Jo."
I walked over to him. "Do you know Mickey and his brothers' are looking for you?"
We knew more about Mickey, considering he was closer to our age group. He nodded, hands on my shoulders, shaking me a little. "He thinks I raped Mandy."
I scoffed at the mere thought of Ian doing that to her or anybody. Even if he did find girls attractive. I mean, he'd never do it to a guy either. "Yeah, right." I frowned at him, his grip was tight. He was worried. I frowned a little. "So, I guess this is her payback for rejection."
Ian looked depressed. "I guess so." He ran a hand through his bright hair after letting me go.
I felt angry at that. She had her brothers literally try to murder Ian because she can't handle rejection. It made me want to kick her ass. I mean, I've never had a problem with Mandy personally, but this pissed me off. I balled my hands tightly into fists and clenched my teeth tightly, tightening my jaw.
Ian was now sending me a warning look. "Joey, hey, look at me." I did. "Don't."
I huffed. "What?"
He frowned, his eyebrows furrowing. "Don't do anything stupid."
I smirked mockingly. "Who? Me?"
He rolled his eyes, sighing. "I mean it, the Milkovich's are people you don't want to mess with."
I groaned, rolling my head back. "I know that, Ian-don't look at me like that, I get it, I do. But this is crazy. We're gonna have to handle this somehow."
His eyebrows darted upward. "We?"
I grinned at him, sending him a pointed look. "Yes, we."
For a moment, he looked like he wanted to protest, but he just gave me a half smile. "Thanks. Just be careful."
I nodded in agreement, stilling. "You too, watch out."
Without a look at Kash, I walked out the door and went toward Rebecca's house, maybe she would know what to do. Though she was pretty clean for somebody on the South Side.
/ / / /
I walked toward her house, which meant I had to go past the Alibi. Before I did, I stopped dead, gaping.
It was a red spray-painted message on a brick wall. It said:
IAN GALLAGER IS DEAD!
I ran a hand down my face. "Ah hell."
I walked off, figuring they couldn't be too far off. Hey, I could take care of myself, but against all three of them, hell no. One of them would be enough.
Before I got 10 feet, I heard. "Hey! Gallagher!"
I turned on reflex to see Mickey (the one who called my name), Tony and Jamie, all looking pissed and dirty looking. I didn't know if I was pissed off or nervous. Settling on the first right now might be my best bet.
I raised an eyebrow, casually sticking my hands in my pockets and leaning back a little. "What do ya want, Milkovich?"
Tony sucked on his teeth, glaring. "Where's your dumbass brother?"
I sent him a grin. "Really? Uh, well, there's Lip, Ian, Carl and Liam and if you were thinking of attacking a baby and a 9-year-old boy, you're more fucked up than I thought."
Mickey snapped. "You fuckin' know who we're talkin' about. Where's the fuckin' redhead?!"
His other brother Jamie didn't look like he would start talking anytime soon, he was just watching with a steel glare. I scowled. "Why do you want to know?"
Tony blurted out. "Your brother attacked Mandy 'nd he's gonna pay."
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, Ian didn't do that. Get your facts straight."
Mickey sized himself up. He was pretty short for a guy, I actually think we were around the same height. I think he only had a little over an inch or so shorter than me. "Mandy said he did, so he fucking did. Where is he?"
I scoffed, getting mad. "Even if I knew." Which I did. "I wouldn't tell you. Your sister got it wrong. So, just split on Ian and go do something to get yourself behind bars as per the family fucking tradition."
Jamie, as silent as ever, took a step forward, but I wasn't worried. I was more pissed off than that now. Mickey asked. "Go fuck yourself, Gallagher. Your older dumbass brother said the same thing, how do you figure about Mandy?"
Tony shouted. "Where is he?"
I clenched my jaw as I figured something must have happened with Lip. He couldn't keep his mouth shut to save his life. "You haven't been in school in a long while, have ya?" Mickey sent me a 'get on with it' look. I gave a cocky grin which made the three of them tense up with glares. I went on. "I'm pretty sure Mandy's been around to fucking every guy around the block except Ian. Maybe it's just my opinion and he didn't want STD's, but who knows." I spread my arms. "That's just me."
Tony cracked his knuckles. "Fuck all if you're a girl!"
I ducked the swing at my face neatly, slamming my fist into his solar plexus, knowing it would do the most damage. At his wheeze, I moved off and defended myself against Jamie. Who was hulking in size, had to be close to 7 feet.
Before I could move, I let out a pained grunt/yell. I felt something hard and wood whip against my back. I recoiled, but my shoulder slammed against the wall, my hands wrenched behind me and my cheek against the brick. I squirmed in pain. "Shit! Fuck! Let me go!"
One huge hand was gripped my wrist uncomfortably up my back and another hand on the back of my neck tightly. Whoever had my hands were the same one on my neck. "You Gallagher's really don't know how to shut your fuckin' mouths!" It sounded like Jamie, since he didn't talk yet.
I shrugged the best I could. "You can hate the truth all you want, but it's there."
A hand gripped my hair and next thing I know, my face and forehead smacked into the wall. I winced as it scraped on the wall and I bit my tongue. I was thrown on my stomach and was about to get to my feet and just book it, if not for the huge boot to my stomach and that weapon hitting my back again. I groaned, just about kissing the pavement again.
My forehead was pressed against the ground. Why couldn't Ian avoid trouble?! I mean, is it so hard for him? First Frank and now this, though he could hardly be blamed for Frank.
A couple of kicks to my stomach and one to my head stopped the thought process. With the pain, I realized it stopped. My breath was heavy and rolled over. I went almost cross-eyed at the thick stick pointed in my face. Mickey stood over me, they all did. "You tell Ian to look over his shoulder, the bastard's next!"
I grumbled. "Go fuck yourselves."
With a harsh whap against my leg from the stick, they swaggered off. For a moment, I actually wished they were off about hitting girls, and then my pride got in the way and I pushed away the thought.
With a pained groan, I knew I didn't want to explain this right now, I went to Rebecca's.
/ / / / /
I knocked on the door a couple of times, a little hunched over. The door opened and Rebecca was looking down at a phone. "Hey, Jo-what the hell?"
I smiled a little (which hurt). "You wanna help me out?"
Her dad was gone, he left for work an hour ago and her brother Cory wasn't here, she told me he was working a double at a mechanics shop today. She took me up in her room and shut the door. "Hey, here, sit on the bed."
I watched as she went in the bathroom and heard the water running. I looked around, I've been in here a couple of times. She had a couple of pictures here and there, a dresser, full size bed with light blue sheets and blankets. The room was carpeted.
She came back in with a damp washcloth and a faded and taped together first aid kit. I gave a sloppy grin. "You don't have ta go through all that trouble."
She rolled her eyes. "Move up, Gallagher."
I kept my smile, doing what she asked. I winced as she dapped the cut on my eyebrow and cheek, she leaned over me. I could smell her vanilla perfume and a clean smell. I swallowed a little, ignoring it. "So, how'd this happen?" She cleaned the cut close to my mouth, moving my face to the side of my head which I was kicked.
I said, looking away from her so I wouldn't be caught staring as she leaned over more. "Got in a fight with the Milkovich's."
She stopped, staring at me with a frown. "Which one?"
I replied. "Tony, Jamie and Mickey."
She gaped. "Are you insane? That's fucking crazy! They could've killed you."
I sheepishly grinned. "But they didn't."
She shook her head. "Okay, hurt anywhere else?"
I shrugged, wincing; my arms were sore from the pulling. "Just kicked."
She frowned deeply at me. "Let me see."
I playfully rolled my eyes. "Okay…"
I lifted my shirt up to just below my boobs. Her mouth dropped open. I looked down. From the boxing I did, I had a outlined 4 pack, black and blue bruising surrounded my ribs and stomach. "Is it that bad?"
She flushed. "Not too bad…just surprised. A-anywhere else?"
I frowned in thought. "I think my back, I'm not sure."
She turned around. "Damn, that looks bad."
I felt her hands touch my back and I shivered slightly, having to stop myself from leaning back into the warmth, but stopped shaking my head. I can't do that.
I nodded. "A weapon did that."
She spent the next ten minutes wrapping my ribs even when I told her I was fine. She didn't buy it.
I set my shirt back around my body. She sat down next to me. We spent awhile talking, something I was easily able to do with her, which made me happy. There were no awkward silences or anything like that.
I was turned toward her, she was doing the same.
She waved her hands in front of her, a habit I noticed she did when she gets really excited. "So, my uncle is coming up from Georgia, where he lives with his family, but it's just him."
I asked. "What does he do?"
She shrugged. "Something to do with insurance."
I laughed, covering up my wince. "So, he's in the big leagues, then?"
She laughed with me, her eyes dancing. "No, but he hopes he will be."
My mind was going wild, fighting with what I knew. I finally decided to just…
I looked outside. "Hey, it's late. I think I should head home. It's late and all."
She looked a little disappointed. "Really? Well, if you have to."
I smiled at her, walking to her window and opening it. She smirked. "I do have a door, y'know?"
I grinned. "Yeah, but this is more fun." With laughter in my ears, I jumped out with only a little pain in my feet, but a lot more on my ribs. I groaned, hunching over a little. "Fucking Milkovich's, screw all of 'em."
I then headed home, the sky pitch dark.
/ / /
I walked in the door, to hear a lot of people in the house, showing everyone was home. I shrugged my bag off, letting it fall on the floor.
I walked in, shutting the second door and stared. Lip and Ian were flanking a old lady with white hair that I had never seen before and Debbie looked to be taking a picture. All I said was. "What the fuck?! I wasn't gone that long!"
Four heads looked at me. The old lady stared at me confused, but my siblings stared at me in shock. Debbie jumped toward me. "Woah, you too!? What happened?"
I grinned at her, hiding my wince at the tugging of my mouth. "Do I really look that bad?"
Lip looked like he understood and I looking at his face, could see why. I saw cuts and I think a broken nose, I was lucky mine didn't break, those hurt pretty bad, more than you'd think. Ian looked beyond guilty. I'd have to talk to him later about that. Lip was also looking a little mad. I'd talk to him later, knowing he would flip out at me.
I pointed. "Never mind that, what's the old lady doing here?"
Debbie forgot my injuries. "That's Aunt Ginger."
I scratched my cheek. "The one that owns the house?"
Debbie nodded, smiling brightly. "Yeah, take a picture."
Lip said. "We'll explain, c'mon."
I shrugged, sitting next to Ian on the arm and allowing Debbie to take a couple of photos. Then she took 'Aunt Ginger' into the kitchen, where I could smell food.
Ian told me. "Well, Frank's been cashing Aunt Ginger's checks, who died years ago at some party and Social Security's comin' tomorrow, so we took a lady with Alzheimer's to trick them from V's nursing home."
Lip added. "Apparently, he brought Mr. Perry here, who wears a dress. But, it didn't work because he had a raging hard on."
I frowned. "Mr. Perry, our bus driver?"
Ian nodded slowly. "Yeah, that's what you got out of all that?"
I snickered. "Are you really all that surprised?"
They both shook their heads. "Nope."
It's sort of funny as I took that all in and didn't even blink, but I guess that's what you get when you're on the South Side and a Gallagher. I shrugged. "Cool, where's Fiona and Carl?"
Ian said. "We're taking pictures and stuff, to make it seem all real."
Lip asked. "You have a run in too?" He was scowling at me.
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, you can say that." I looked at Ian. "They had spray painted death threats left for you."
He groaned, shutting his eyes. "Dammit, for fuck's sake." He opened his eyes, looking at me. "You okay…I mean, not too bad?"
It hurt like a bitch. "Naw, wasn't what it could've been."
I heard Fiona. "Finally! Joey, where were-what the fuck!? You got to be kidding me!"
I grimaced, when she wanted to, Fiona could be the mother of all mother hens. I ran a hand through my dark hair. "Fiona, listen- "
"I mean, seriously! You too, and I know this wasn't from boxing, so don't lie. You and Lip did something beyond fucking stupid. Why didn't you come home?" She held my face in my hands, moving in a little from side to side.
Lip made an annoyed sound, but I knew he didn't want to have the discussion he probably already had with her. At her look at him, he shrugged, both of them going into the kitchen, talking lowly.
Traitors.
I winced, stepping back when she lifted my shirt. Her eyes widened when she saw the bandages. "I already got it looked at by a friend."
She gave me a weird stare. "You don't have friends."
I raised my eyebrows. "Thanks Fiona."
She groaned, looking like she was going to take my shirt off and look for herself. I backed up and raised my hands. She said. "You know what I mean."
I nodded. "Yeah, look I'm fine. No concussion or anything. I'm all good."
She stared some more, getting that firm or stern look she usually got when she was being serious. "You'd tell me if you were in trouble, right?"
I nodded. "Yeah, yeah, you know I would."
She hugged me around my shoulders, pulling me into a hug and then moving back, knocking on my forehead. "Stop being fucking stupid, dumbass."
I smirked, hugging her back before letting go. "I'll try."
"Come on, Aunt Ginger made dinner. Oh, did they tell you?"
I nodded, walking with her into the kitchen. "Yeah, Frank's at it again."
Fiona just rolled her eyes.
/ / /
For a while, we took pictures and spent time with her, but Debbie got close to her the most. I decided to leave that alone. She gonna be disappointed when the lady doesn't even remember her name, but it's like with Frank and her, sometimes she had to learn for herself.
I met Ian and Lip upstairs. I waved. "Hey."
They were looking out the window. I heard Mickey's voice, calling for Ian. I cursed. "For fuck's sake."
Steve was also walking away from the house. I snorted to myself.
We ducked when they looked toward us. "Hey Lip, how's your lip? We saw you. Hey, Joey, you there?! How're you ribs doin'!? You both tell your idiot brother we're after 'im!"
Lip took a cigarette and handed me one without a word. I handed him my lighter. He lit it and I did the same to mine, inhaling the smoke deeply. Rebecca doesn't smoke and doesn't like the smell much, so I only smoked one cigarette on the way there.
Ian looked at both of us. "Sorry if both of you got your faces busted up…and apparently your ribs too."
I waved it off with my cigarette hand. "It's s'okay, I sorta deserved it." I snickered.
Lip sat down on Ian's bed, while Ian leaned on a post. I sat with Lip, sick of standing. Lip nodded. "It's okay."
Ian sighed. "I didn't even do anything to Mandy."
Lip told him. "I know that, Ian, but her brothers think you did."
I nodded in agreement. "As much as this sucks, if we heard something like that happened to Debs, they'd be dead or in the hospital's ICU."
Ian threw up his hands. "I know the reason, it's just…she tried to rape me. I pushed her off and now she's mad."
I took one of the beers he handed me and Lip. I cracked it open and took a sip. Lip said. "You're probably the first guy that didn't try to jump her."
I nodded. "Yeah, she didn't expect it, so she don't understand." Still doesn't mean she can accuse him of rape though.
Ian said. "She started screaming and crying. Joey was there!"
I nodded slowly. "Yeah…" It was very awkward to deal with.
Lip said. "Maybe, you should throw it in her, y'know, so she'll call her brother's off."
I punched his arm. "Or…Mickey and the rest of them find out and they break in to kill you. And 'sticking it in her' won't solve anything. At all."
Ian laughed sarcastically, staring at Lip. "Yeah! Yeah, and maybe you should throw it in Kash."
I choked on the beer I was drinking. I laughed, as pissed as I was at the older man, I laughed at the thought.
Lip looked curious. "Why? Is he asking about me?"
I slapped a palm to my forehead, voice dry. "I'm sure that's it."
Ian was just as sarcastic. "He trying to through all the Gallagher brothers." He smirked.
Lip nodded. "Cool."
I snickered at them. "Count myself lucky I was born a chick." I took a long gulp, having half a can left.
They got them both to laugh. It was quiet for a moment. Lip said. "Eventually, you're gonna have to take the beat down for this, y'know?"
I frowned at my knees. It was true. They wouldn't stop, not that I blamed them. "It'll be worse than what we got too."
Ian sighed deeply. "I know."
I volunteered. "I could fuck up Mandy for you."
He snorted, voice deadpan. "Yeah…and that will make this so much better for me."
He laid his head on the bed heavily. He moved his head a moment later to look at me. "What do you mean, when you said 'you deserved it'?"
I gave him my sheepish grin. "Well…"
He sat up, narrowing his eyes at me with a frown. "Joey, I told you to be careful. Did you look for them?"
I scoffed. "I'm not that stupid. No, I ran into them and they pissed me off and once I heard what happened to Lip, I told them their sister basically fucked everyone and you didn't want STD's."
Ian let out a couple laughs. "You idiot."
Lip chimed in. "I said just about the same shit."
Ian snorted, putting his head down. "You're both fucking dumbass'."
For some reason, that was funny and we all laughed. I stopped because that just about killed my ribs.
I put out my stub of a cigarette and waved them, leaving the empty can.
/ /
I woke up to someone shaking me. "Joey, hey! Joey! Get up!"
I groaned. I felt worse then yesterday, everything throbbed. "Go away!"
"Ian's not in the room and the bat's gone!"
My head snapped up, I hopped down. I winced at the pain. "Shit! Where do you think he is?"
We both looked at each other and then we knew. "The Milkovich's."
We ran downstairs and the first thing that hit my nose was the smell. It was good and I saw Debbie and 'Aunt Ginger' cooking, even Frank was at the table, eating whatever they made. I could heard Fiona in the living room and Carl was melting his action figures. I rolled my eyes, he wonders why we stopped buying them.
I nodded toward Carl and Lip asked. "Hey Bud, you take the killing bat?"
Carl shook his head. "No."
Debbie grinned brightly. "Hey Joey, Lip, we're making eggs benedict."
Lip patted her back. "Oh, great."
I got a little distracted. "Isn't that the England breakfast thing?"
Debbie shrugged. "I think so."
Lip snapped. "Joey, c'mon."
I smiled slightly. "Okay, fine. Sorry."
Fiona came in the room. "That woman will be here in 45 minutes, you better be ready."
I followed Lip toward the door. Frank scoffed, going off on one of his ideals. "I pay that bureaucratic no-nothing her salary. I'll be ready when I say I'm ready."
I rolled my eyes again at one of his rants of self-importance. Fiona told us before we could go. "You both should eat some breakfast, Joey, Lip."
I said. "We'll eat later, Fi."
Lip nodded, opening the door. "Yeah, save us some, Debs."
She agreed easily and I followed Lip. Frank shouted. "It's essential families share meals together."
Lip smirked and came back in, taking a bite of Frank's biscuit thing. "Mmm, that's great Debs."
I snickered at Frank's displeased look. I shrugged and went inside, taking the whole sandwich and following Lip.
I heard Frank shout. "Are you fucking kidding me?! Damn kids always taking what's mine!"
I laughed with Lip, eating it. I raised my eyebrows. It tasted pretty good. I went serious. "So, how the hell is this gonna go down?"
He shrugged, not looking too worried. "I dunno. We each take one of them."
I brushed off my hands. "Thankfully Terry's still in jail." From what's we know, Terry Milkovich is crazier than any of his kids.
Lip nodded in agreement. "Yeah."
We ran the rest of the way to the Milkovich's. We saw him hiding behind some tall trash cans, looking spooked as hell and looking over the top every minute or so. I pointed out. "Well, there he is."
Lip snorted. "No, shit, dumbass."
"Well, fuck you then."
We crouched down next to him, making him jump and snap his head toward us. "Shit, Jesus."
Lip sort of smirked. "So, what's the plan?"
Ian told us. "Hit Mickey over the head with the bat when he comes out of the house.
Lip asked him. "What about the other brothers?"
I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you did come here alone."
Ian let out a breath. "They'll probably beat me to death."
I also let out a sigh. "At least you'll have a turn."
He sent me a glare, he knew I was referring to me and Lip getting our asses' kicked. Lip grabbed a brick. "I'll fight them off while you run."
I nodded, knowing I could fight off one with my bare hands. I didn't box for nothing. "Yeah, me and Lip can each take one on."
Since coming here, me and Lip planned on doing that anyway. Ian is our little brother. Ian looked at us seriously. "It's my problem, Lip, not yours. You too, Joey."
I shrugged him off. "Don't worry about it, you're not pullin' on my arm. We're not gonna leave you here."
Lip nodded in agreement, smirking a little. "It'll be fun, I owe 'im one."
Before Ian could say anything, else the door across the street opened. I bounced on my toes, feeling a little nervous energy. I got like that something before a fight. Ian looked over and cursed. "Shit!" He tossed Lip the bat and ran over. I growled to myself when I saw Mandy.
I went to get up, but Lip grabbed my arm tightly. "Hey, hold on."
I glared at him. "Why? It's all her fuckin' fault!"
He looked over. I couldn't see Ian or Mandy, just faint high pitched yelling, no doubt from Mandy. "Ian's got it, whatever he's doing. Just hold on."
I pushed down all my protective instincts and grumbled. "Fine."
He let me go. Ian sent us a thumbs up signal behind his back. I nodded. "Okay, so he's good?"
Lip shrugged. "I guess so."
I rubbed a hand down my face. "Ugh, worst way to wake up. I'm gonna head home?"
I started walking back toward the house and figured that Social Security lady was gone by now. Fiona and Frank were in the front yard, Fiona backing away in what looked like a little panic. Rolling my eyes, I decided to see what Frank did now.
I called. "Hey, what's goin' on?"
Fiona sent him a look of disbelief. "Frank buried Aunt Ginger here."
I grimaced, backing up a step. "You mean…we've probably walked on her daily."
Fiona made a face. "Yeah…"
I sighed deeply. "Really, Frank?"
He was eating a hot pocket or almost done with one. "What? You didn't even know before, just walk around."
Fiona shook him off. "Never mind, we still have to bring her back to the nursing home."
Frank seemed to nod, giving a slight sway and shoving the rest in his mouth, going back in the house. No doubt to guzzle down another beer. Fiona raised an eyebrow at me. "You comin'?"
I shook my head. "Nah, I don't know her that well. You go, Debs likes her, so watch out for the breakdown."
Fiona let out a sigh. "Yeah, I noticed." She gave me a look. "Are you doing okay?"
I sent her a strange look. "Yeah, I'm fine."
She shrugged, rubbing her forehead. "It's just…you're always running off or something. You never really talk to me anymore like you used to. I'm trying to make sure."
I smiled at her. She was always trying to help everyone. "Yeah, just teenage stuff. You were there once."
She sent me a glare as I made fun of her age. "Kid, I can run circles around you."
I lazily grinned. "Since you used to run track, I have no doubt. Listen, I got to go, but I'll see you later."
She pointed at me. "You better." She walked back in the house and remembered I had work later. I went back in the house, jumped in the shower and changed into a polo and jeans (my work uniform).
After brushing my hair, I noticed that everyone was gone already, also, Ian or Lip didn't come back.
I walked over to Rebecca's and knocked on the door. I bounced on my feet and saw Cory. He smiled at me. "Hey, you here for Bec?"
I nodded. "Uh-huh."
He moved aside and I walked up, opening the door. I heard a slight yell and I slammed the door shut on reflex. I looked up with a shocked sound. It was Rebecca, half naked from the waist up, bra and all.
My eyes were at the middle of her naked boobs, I noticed her chest was heaving. I felt the attraction to my groin. I gulped, I shouldn't…
I shook myself with resolve. I took her face in my hands and pressed her lips to mine. It was a soft, but a slight rough feel. I gripped her face a little tighter, before I realized what I was doing. I stumbled back right away. "Shit, what'd I do!?"
"Joey- "
"Shit, fuck! Listen don't get mad or disgusted- "
"Joey- "
I ran my hands through my hair. "I mean, it's not really my fault I feel this way- "
"Joey- "
"Listen, you can't tell- "
"For fuck's sake! Stop!"
She pounced on me, pressing me against the wall, her kiss preventing me from speaking. I calmed down and when I felt the need to pull away for breath, I did. She grinned at me. "I like you, it's hard, didn't know if you were into this."
I gave her a sloppy grin. "Who wouldn't be?" I looked down toward her boobs.
She smacked my arm, laughing. "Wow, okay."
I smiled a little awkwardly. "So, is this something or what?"
She cocked her head to the side. "Do you want to be?"
I nodded quickly. "Uh yeah, uh-huh."
She grinned back, kissing my cheek. "Great. I liked you ever since I saw you trying to figure out that register."
I huffed. "I could've figured it out."
"Sure." She patted my cheek.
I looked down. "You might wanna put a shirt on."
She pressed up against me. "Oh? And why's that."
My grin was sharp. "I might not be able to control myself."
She laughed. "Try me."
I laughed back, kissing her and holding her tightly against me.
/ / / /
Work was simple and droned on, though my boss was staring at me (in a not pervy way). It made me uneasy, like I felt something was going to happen.
Before work, I had a good time. I felt myself grinning just thinking of it. Rebecca was good, really good…
I finished my shift and took the L home. I walked right into Fiona. "There you are."
I nodded. "Hey, you goin' out. Lookin' good."
She grinned. "Thanks." She smirked. "What's got you in a good mood?"
I narrowed my eyes at her. "Fiona."
If possible, her grin widened. "Hey, use protection, I don't care."
I don't have to worry about that, trust me. "Fiona, go away."
She squeezed my shoulder, grinning at me and walking down the steps. I walked up the stairs and went to Ian and Lip's room. I gave a knock and walked in. "Hey- "
I blinked in surprise. Mandy was sitting with Ian on his bed, her legs in his lap. She was drawing on his ankle.
Lip laughed at my look. "What's up?"
I was fully confused. "What the hell?"
Ian smiled, giving me a warning look. "Jo, Mandy's my girlfriend."
I sputtered. "W-what?"
Lip rolled his eyes. "She knows."
I nodded slowly. "Okay."
I wanted to get mad, but figured if Ian was okay with it, I'd let it go. At least until I got her alone and talked to her about Ian. Here, I'd just be interrupted. I lit up a smoke, sitting on Carl's bed.
Ian asked me. "So, where'd you go?"
I shrugged. "Went to hang out with a friend." I just stopped the goofy grin that wanted to come out on my face.
I wanted to tell them, I did, but I needed to keep it to myself. I didn't know how Fi would react, Lip's reaction was obvious and he might think I was copying Ian or something. Also, with Ian…I know he'd be pissed I didn't tell him when he told me. So, I kept quiet.
I talked with the three of them for a bit and saw that Mandy wasn't that bad. Then three cigarettes later, I left the room and went to my room, going to bed.
/ /
Woo! That was a long one. Tell me what you think. As for my favorites and follows. Thank you, I'm glad you all like it.
