A/N: So normally I would wait until tomorrow to post the next chapter, but after seeing tonight's episode of Shameless, I feel that everyone needs something to get their minds off of what happened with Ian and Mickey. So please, enjoy, and thank you for all the reviews and followings. It means a lot to me.

Mickey never expected, or even wanted, to be sitting on the Gallagher's couch. The younger sister— Debbie?—was watching him closely, her eyes the same as Ian's. The little sociopath, Carl, was in the kitchen melting plastic army men with the microwave. Mickey planned on staying far away from him. Mandy had taken a place standing with Lip, who was staring at Mickey knowingly, but also with what he could only think of as relief. Relief that he was alive and that Ian was safe from one danger that was in his life.

Then there was the oldest sister, Fiona. Everyone knew she was the one really taking care of her siblings while Frank was off wherever passed out on the sidewalk or drinking even more at The Alibi. She was holding the youngest of all of them, Liam. He didn't understand how Liam was related to any of 'em.

But at the moment he was focused on the fact her attention was all on him. They had all listened as he and Mandy retold them what happened, all of them able to see the marks forming on his neck. And they could all put together why his sister would bring him here of all places.

The ex-con sat there, tongue sticking out the side of his mouth, focusing on his tattoos so that he didn't have to see the looks he knew would only anger him.

"Look, that bastard had it coming, Mickey." Fiona's eyes were filled with sympathy, like she understood. No one but another Milkovich could possibly understand. But then again, the Gallagher's had their own shitty parents and their own problems, so maybe he couldn't judge. He also saw that she was also thankful that he was all right, but there was hesitance along with it.

"You don't think I know that? I'm just fucking glad I get to keep on breathin'" Mickey hated the pity and sympathy he could see in their faces. It made him feel weak. In the back of his mind though, a part of him liked it. A part WAY back in his mind.

Lip and Fiona shared a look, like they could understand what the other was thinking. Mickey shifted on the couch, unsure what he'd even do if he couldn't stay. He didn't exactly have options. But he still wanted to get the fuck away from these people. He told Mandy he wanted to stay in their shitty excuse for a house, but she wasn't letting that happen.

Truthfully though, he didn't want to step foot in that house again. It'd been a second prison to him. So many times he tried to get out. If anything, Juvie was a better home. It'd been a way better option when Frank had caught him and Ian fucking in the Kash and Grab.

Again, there wasn't a chance he'd admit any of this. Just like he wouldn't admit how much he really needed them to make him stay. The fucking Gallagher's who took care of each other, who gave a shit about each other's well-being. Out loud, Mickey would say it's stupid. It's kill or be killed, every man for himself. Except they reminded him of how he and Mandy take care of each other.

Sure, they insulted each other and she'd pull him in a headlock or punch him while he'll twist her nipples. But that's their way of signifying they love each other. He beats the shit out of anyone who hurts her; she gets him work and defends his name. They made food for each other. They were their own individual family.

Admitting to himself his love for Ian had been like shutting off part of his self-preservation. Like he can't help but want to know what a real family, Ian's family, is like. It was a pull to know everything he didn't already know about the red head.

That doesn't mean he plans to start acting all faggy and nice, though. Fuck that.

"You're going to stay with us." Fiona's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. Mickey smirked.

"You've got to be fucking kidding. Thanks for the offer, but I'm good." He replied. Fiona gave the ex-con a look that made the smirk disappear. Shit, she can be scary.

"You're going to live here, just like Mandy has been. Of course, it means you help pay rent and the groceries. And as a rule, there is no hitting of anyone in this household, especially Lip. And you will also be helping out with watching over Liam." She continued.

Mickey groaned to hide his relief. "Fuck, fine. So where the fuck am I supposed to sleep?"

"Oh, some place nice. You'll remember it, its Ian's bed." Lip smirked.

"You're a fucking riot, Lip." Mickey glared at him. Fiona gave Lip a look as well, while Debbie made a face and Mandy rolled her eyes.

"What? I was kidding. Partially." Lip shrugged. Mandy snickered, but still elbowed him in the stomach. Mickey had to smirk to keep from smiling.

"Whatever. I'll stay, happy?" Mickey asked while standing up.

"Dinner is in an hour. You can take your things up to the room and clean up. Debbie, finish your project. Carl, stop melting things in the microwave!" Everyone scattered to take care of their own business, leaving Mickey alone with his thoughts in the living room. Lip and Mandy went upstairs, unsurprising to Mickey while Fiona hurried into the kitchen with Liam to take care of Carl.

At first, Mickey just stood there, clueless as to what he should do next. He walked around the living room while listening to Fiona yelling at Carl, then sat back down on the couch and tried watching TV. After several minutes of flipping through the available channels, he got up, grabbed his bag, and went upstairs.

It was no surprise whatsoever that the first thing he heard was Lip and Mandy. His sister's always been loud, but he didn't realize that this Gallagher was just as loud. He stifled a groan and walked right on by the closed door, then stopping when he was in the doorway of Ian's room. Well, Ian's, Carl's, and Liam's room.

Mickey felt something inside his chest ache as he sat down on the bed. He could easily picture Ian lying there asleep, like the few times before when he'd been there. Ian would snore so quietly that you'd think you were imagining it, his mouth parted and chest rising and falling with ease.

The ex-con lied back, glaring at the ceiling. Was this what was going to happen from now on? Is he really going to think about every little thing he noticed about Gallagher all because he let himself think the truth?

No. Fucking. Way.