Trauma At Its Finest (Lip Gallagher X Male Reader)

Ch 96. Our Last Christmas

With Christmas around the corner, the family is walking through the streets, admiring the festive decorations in shops, restaurants, and houses. With Carl among them, they're heading to a special Santa workshop located in the city, intending to bring their children along.

While Y/N is occupied with all the children—including pushing the buggy Jesse is in—Carl and Lip chat.

"Remember when Frank thought it was fun to leave us at Santa's workshop once?" Lip says, sounding amused.

Carl chuckles. "No. How old was I?"

The older brother quickly calculates how long ago that was. "I was... about 12, so you were 3."

"That explains it. ...Now that I think about it, I do have weird dreams about evil elves trying to steal my shit." Carl sounds a bit disturbed.

Lip smiles, liking the resonance he shares with his little brother. And the cop feels the same. As the younger man thinks about it, he gets an idea.

"I remember the first time I found out that gay people exist. I thought it was just... so fucking weird. Like, why would you put your dick in some guy's ass and get shit on it."

Lip laughs. "That's why we have clear rules before we do it that way. No fast food or other food that'll make us shit and have to clean our asses."

"Wow, thanks for the unnecessary advice." Carl sounds a bit grossed out.

"Hey, you were the one who brought it up." Lip says, sounding a bit defensive.

"Fair." Carl laughs. "Looking back, I'm surprised you ended up marrying a guy."

Lip looks forward, seeing Y/N trying to keep the peace between the children a couple of feet away. Despite trying to sound stern and in control, there's a soft smile he's trying to hide.

"Yeah, but... I'm glad I ended up liking dudes. Wouldn't be as happy with the person I ended up being."

"I felt it was kinda normal for Ian, but... I definitely didn't expect it from you." Carl admits. His expression then softens, remembering his nephew's birthday party. "You're feeling better?"

Instantly knowing what his brother is talking about, Lip hides his face a bit, feeling embarrassed. "You know how things get when... it's that time of year. I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"It's fine. I... probably pushed you too much after adding Ian to the pile." Carl comments, and Lip feels he's right. "But... now that you feel better, think you can talk to Ian again?"

Lip stays quiet for a few seconds. It doesn't take long before he makes up his answer. "I don't think I ever want to see him." Carl is shocked by the response, despite having a feeling that would be the case. "Not after what he did to Y/N... to me... That he can't even admit what he did... I don't care if he's my brother."

"Well... that's going to make things awkward." Carl comments, and Lip raises an eyebrow. "I... planned a fun get-together. Just some mini-golf. But..." That's when the younger brother looks vulnerable. "If you two are just going to fight... I'm not sure..."

Lip softens his expression. "Look, just because I... have my issues with him, doesn't mean you have to take my side."

"I get that, but... I don't want to have to choose between you or him."

After some hesitation, Lip lets out a sigh and speaks up. "You don't have to. I'll come and try not to fight with him."

"Really?" Carl smiles with excitement. "You'd do that?"