Trauma At Its Finest (Lip Gallagher X Male Reader)

Ch 43. A Future Worth Building

"And that's what we did last week."

The troubled couple continued going to therapy. Each visit, they felt like they grew stronger. Whether it was a small fight, a rare calm week, or drama involving the rest of the Gallaghers, they kept trying. And slowly, they got better.

"I'm glad to hear you two are improving." The therapist said warmly as Lip finished recounting their week.

But with December arriving, the pressure was building—especially for Lip. The due dates of several babies loomed closer. And with them, the question of what they would do if some were put up for adoption. Lip felt trapped, like he couldn't express his concerns without starting a fight.

"I'm sorry, but..." Lip hesitated, glancing at Y/N before continuing. "Can we talk about the whole clinic situation?"

Y/N's expression tightened slightly, but Lip pressed on.

"It's been eating at me. That I can't talk about it without it turning into an argument. I... I just want a solution. Not another fight."

The therapist nodded gently. "Y/N, are you alright discussing this?"

Y/N took a breath, considering it. Then he nodded. "Yeah. We should finally talk about it."

"Okay." The therapist said calmly. "Let's do this gently. Let each other speak. No accusations—just how you feel, okay?"

Both men nodded.

"Lip, would you like to start?"

"Sure..." Lip gathered his thoughts, choosing his words carefully. "I grew up in a house where Fiona had to raise us. Monica was barely around, and when she was, it only brought chaos. Frank... he was physically present, but emotionally? Never there. We didn't have the parents we needed."

He paused, trying not to let the weight of his past drag him down.

"And I think... because of that, I've made a promise to myself. I don't want to walk away from my kids when things get tough. I don't want to repeat that cycle. I see this as a responsibility—as a father. I don't want anyone to go through what we did."

There was a long, quiet pause.

"Is there anything else you want to add?" The therapist asked gently.

Lip shook his head. "No. That's it."

The therapist turned to Y/N. "How do you feel about what Lip just shared?"

Y/N exhaled, folding his hands in his lap. "I... I get it. I really do. He's a good father. Better than I ever could be."

He glanced at Lip, and Lip looked back at him with soft eyes.

"My issue isn't that I don't want kids. It's just... raising a child is hard. Sleepless nights. Constant attention. It's draining. And now we're looking at... possibly nine? Some of the mothers might keep theirs, but some won't. And if we even end up with five... I just feel like I'll be the one taking care of them."

His voice wavered.

"This isn't even about what I want. I just... I don't think I can. Not that many. It's overwhelming."

The therapist nodded thoughtfully. "From what you've told me, you had discussed having more children in the past. So, let's say only one child is placed for adoption. Would you be willing to raise that one?"

Lip turned to Y/N, eyes full of hope.

Y/N hesitated, but eventually said, "Yes. If it's just one... I can handle that."