biological 》ian gallagher

three

Ian was in the midst of completing a challenge that Rosie had proposed moments earlier. When Rosie doubted his physical strength that had gloated about, he bet her that he could do fifty push-ups, without breaks, with her on his back.

"Thirty-six. Thirty-seven. Thirty-one." She counted off, wrongly, the amount of push-ups he had completed. His jaw dropped dramatically as he held himself and Rosie up with straight arms.

"You're taking off a few! Thirty-eight!" His voice was strained as he continued, knowing Rosie was smiling. When she had remembered the pattern of numbers, her voice joined his as they continued counting.

"Fourty-nine... Fifty!" Rosie exclaimed, with glee, as Ian practically collapsed onto the floor afterwards. His cheek was smashed against the carpet, which, oddly enough, still smelled of Frank. It dawned on him that Rosie would, sooner or later, be exposed to the trash of a human that was Ian's father.

Rosie got off of his back, laying down next to him, staring directly into his eyes.

"You did it." She said, with a small grin. Ian smiled softly, making sure that he would remember her saying those three words. Even though the two had only met a few hours ago, Ian knew that, with Rosie around, he could accomplish anything.

"Didn't even break a sweat." He said, his panting obvious, making Rosie smile wider. Before Rosie could speak again, the front door opened, making Ian sit up, almost immediately. Not only was the sudden fear of Rosie being in a neighborhood like the southside worry Ian, but he had noticed himself getting more 'jumpy,' at even the smallest of things.

Of course, it was Fiona, looking more tired than she had earlier. Rosie had stood up, putting both of her hands on Ian's shoulder, as she stared at Fiona. Since Rosie hardly knew Fiona yet, Ian wasn't surprised by this gesture.

"What's goin' on?" Fiona asked, clearly too exhausted to do much of anything, let alone argue with Ian because he hadn't 'figured this out'.

"Daddy just did fifty push-ups!" Rosie, even though still nervous around Fiona, felt comfortable enough around Ian to boast. Fiona gave Rosie a weak grin in response, before looking at Ian. It was a way for Fiona to say: this isn't over. Ian ignored this look as Fiona walked past them, making Ian look back at Rosie.

"I think it's time for bed." Ian sighed, glancing at the clock on the wall that read 10:00 p.m.. It surprised Ian that the only other people he saw today were Debbie and Liam, who had gone upstairs long ago, as Debbie was too involved with her own life to notice Rosie's presence, and Liam was too quiet to mention it.

"Okay." Rosie obeyed, walking towards the couch to retrieve her backpack and new hat, as Ian rose to his feet. As she placed the cap back on her small head, it made Ian smile.

Ian's heart practically jumped when Rosie grabbed onto his hand, for him to lead the way. Ian didn't mention this gesture, but he surely felt like he had succeeded at his first day.

As the two walked into Ian's room, they both noticed Carl laying on the top bunk of the bed. Carl's eyes immediately averted to Rosie, causing him to furrow his eyebrows in confusion. As Ian slipped the backpack off of Rosie's shoulders again, he glanced up at Carl.

"Rosie, that's your uncle Carl." Ian said with a small smile, almost forgetting that Carl still didn't know anything about Ian's situation.

"Hi." Rosie greeted, looking bashful as Carl nervously waved at her. Carl watched Ian playfully pick up the girl and lay her on Ian's bed, making her laugh as Ian whispered something in her ear. Carl craved answers, but was too tired to ask any questions. He remained silent.

"I'll be on the couch downstairs if you need me, okay?" Ian asked, a small grin on his face as he covered up her small body with his blanket.

"No!" Rosie dragged out the word, making Ian wince, slightly, as he looked at her in concern. "I want you to sleep up here." Her big, green, eyes pleaded. Ian hesitated before responding, and tapping her cheek, slightly.

"Okay. I'll be right back, alright?" Ian knew he still had unfinished business to discuss with Fiona.