Trauma At Its Finest (Lip Gallagher X Male Reader)

Ch 36. I Don't

Once Lip hears the alarm, he knows—today is the day. August 13. He's finally getting married to Y/N. A wave of anxiety crashes over him. This is it. He's finally settling for good.

But unlike him, Y/N seems excited.

Moments later, he feels a kiss on his cheek, followed by the taller man hugging him from behind.

"Last morning as my fiancé." The Russian murmurs. "Starting tomorrow, we wake up next to each other as husbands."

"Yeah..." Lip replies, voice low.

He feels guilty that now, of all times, he's getting second thoughts. He wants to be happy. He wants to just settle down. But the doubts won't shut up. He wonders if he should listen to his gut—or just suck it up and marry Y/N anyway.

-

The group arrives at the wedding venue: Café Brauer, right in Lincoln Park Zoo. It's still being set up, but it already looks beautiful. Warm lights hang from the high ceiling, bathing the space in a soft glow. The glass doors are wide open, letting in the gentle summer air. The wood-paneled interior gives everything a warm, homely feeling.

It's the perfect wedding scene.

Lip glances around at those already present—his fiancé, their children, his siblings, Kev and V with their kids, Mickey and Franny, Vlad and Sergey. More guests are expected, but already it feels like a full house.

All of them came to witness the perfect wedding.

A wedding Lip isn't sure he even wants right now.

"This place is gorgeous!" V exclaims, smiling wide as she takes it all in.

"We picked it together." Y/N says, smiling just as brightly.

Everyone seems impressed. It's not an over-the-top venue, but it's nice. Cozy. Real.

"I guess we just have to wait now, huh...?" Lip mutters.

Y/N nods. "We've got separate rooms to get ready. Just five hours to go. Or," He adds, nudging Lip gently, "you could take a walk by the water. Might help clear your head."

Lip tries to decide what to do. He knows he needs a distraction—anything to pull him out of his spiral.

As the group starts to disperse, checking out the venue, Sergey leans over and jabs his youngest brother lightly in the ribs, reminding him of the mission.

"Can someone watch Mikhail and Alyosha? We're heading into the city for a bit."

"I can do it." Lip says quickly, eager to focus on something tangible—his sons. Maybe they'll remind him why he's doing all this.

Y/N hands over the duo buggy where Mikhail and Alyosha sit, fidgeting and half-asleep.

"How about you take them for a walk? Might be the only quiet moment you get today."

"Sure." Lip replies, taking the handle and heading out.

Y/N, now free to leave, prepares to go with his brothers. Luck seems to be on their side—the mission is before the wedding. They should be back in time.

As they approach the exit, a familiar voice calls out: "Y/N! Wait up!"

They turn to see Kev jogging toward them.

"Got room for one more?"

Before Y/N can answer, Vlad steps in. "Sorry, man. This is more of a 'Russians only' thing. Don't want you being a fourth wheel. But hey, we should definitely hang out sometime."