Trauma At Its Finest (Lip Gallagher X Male Reader)

Ch 63. Getting Back The Babysitter

Even though Lip realizes that the absence of an extra pair of hands around the house sucks, he doesn't fully understand how bad it really is. Ever since he kicked Mickey out—with Ian following along—the household has become more chaotic. The Gallagher can't even go to the grocery store for a few minutes while someone watches the kids. Cleaning and doing everyday chores have become much harder. It's gotten to the point where the blonde sometimes can't even shower, because he's too busy and no one can help him out when Y/N is working and Debbie and Liam have other plans.

Feeling beyond stressed and unable to catch even a minute's break, Lip feels like he's ready to snap. With a cigarette between his fingers, he tries to stay calm as he and his Russian watch over the children before the cook goes to work. That's when they start discussing their options.

"Daycare?"

"Not enough income. Four of them aren't even a year old."

Lip sighs. "Babysitter?"

"No one reliable, unless we're talking about just a couple of minutes." Y/N replies.

"Anyone we know who wants to help?"

"The best we can do is Kev, but he already has two children."

"Then what the fuck are we supposed to do!?" Lip shouts, clenching his fist. His husband—as well as Mikhail and Alyosha—are taken aback. "I'm stuck here 24/7, taking care of our children! I can't work out, I can't clean, I can't do shit!"

"Dad?" Mikhail looks scared. "Did I do something wrong?"

As Lip takes another drag, Y/N places a supportive hand on his husband's knee before looking at their oldest son. "He's just a bit tired. Give him some space."

"Okay..."

While Mikhail goes back to playing with Alyosha, Y/N turns to Lip. The blond man is once again struggling to keep himself from lashing out.

"Do you feel like this ever since Mickey left?"

"Kinda..." Lip admits quietly, his voice shaky. "I... I want to work." He looks at his husband. "I—I want to help out."

"But then no one can watch them."

"No shit...!" Lip snaps, resentment creeping into his voice. "I—I feel like no matter what, we're fucking stuck...! Daycare problems could be solved by getting more money. I want to work, but I can't. Why? Because I've got six children to watch over!" He keeps smoking, his hands trembling slightly. "I—I've been so fucking tired... for weeks..."

Clearly worried, Y/N moves closer and hugs him from the side. "If you really feel like this... then maybe I should quit—"

"No." Lip cuts in quickly. "I don't want you to quit just because this is getting hard."

Y/N hums quietly. He tries to think of a solution, but it's difficult. Feeling trapped in the situation, he knows he needs a moment to process before finding an answer.

"I'm going to ask Kev and V if they can watch the kids." Y/N says softly. "We'll have a night just for you, to unwind a bit. And when I get home, I'll make sure you're relieved. We're going to get through this—one way or another. Okay?"

Lip stares ahead for a moment before looking at his husband's face. He nods slightly and lets out a deep breath. "Okay..."

The taller man leans in and kisses him. The husband feels a small sense of relief from the moment of calm. When Y/N pulls back, Lip leans into his taller husband's body, gladly accepting the hug he desperately needs.

-

With the help of his older brother, Y/N lifts the buggies into the house. Once the last double buggy—with the twin girls—is inside, the dad helps Kev unload the babies onto a blanket, while V plays with Mikhail and Alyosha.