biological 》ian gallagher

six

Ian watched from the kitchen as Debbie spoke to Rosie on the living room couch. Lip sat next to Ian at the table, a small sigh escaping his lungs.

Lip had greeted Rosie, but did it awkwardly, and with not much else of an introduction after that. Ian knew he would only have to keep explaining things to everyone. Hell, Ian didn't even know all of the details yet. Ian was mainly concerned with the thoughts of how he would take care of Rosie. He hadn't realized how hard it must have been for Fiona until now.

"Who's that?" Lip asked, knowing for sure that Ian had something to do with it, judging by the way he stared- like he wouldn't ever let anything happen to her.

"My daughter." It was starting to become normal for Ian to say, so he didn't trip over the words, much. Debbie was the one that cared the least about the situation. Debbie loved kids, and she didn't care how, or why, Rosie was here. She only cared that she was here now.

"No, now, wait." Lip shook his head, slightly, in disbelief. For a moment, Lip thought he heard Ian incorrectly. "That's not possible."

"Yeah." Ian sighed, looking back at his brother, finally. "It is." Ian told him, seriously. Lip held a hard stare on Ian, with many thoughts running through his mind. Before Lip could ask any questions, Rosie had skipped over towards them. She out her hands on Ian's arm, leaning onto him and lifting her head to look at him. Ian instantly looked back at her, with a grin on his face.

"Daddy, can I go to the park with Debbie?" She asked, with eyes that begged, as she stood on her toes. Ian hesitated, wondering to himself if Debbie had what it would take to protect Rosie from anything. Then, Ian thought of how trustworthy Debbie has always been. Ian glanced back at Debbie, who was tying her shoes.

"Yeah. Yeah, you can." Ian decided, looking back at Rosie, who smiled widely. Rosie leaned upwards, stretching herself to kiss Ian's cheek quickly. Lip watched the scene, without disbelief anymore.

"Thank you!" She exclaimed, before running back to Debbie. "He said I can go!" She stated, happily to her aunt. Ian turned back to look at Lip, who continued to stare at Rosie.

"No shit, huh?" Lip asked himself, out loud. Ian nodded slightly, turning his head back to Debbie and Rosie, as Debbie tied her, small, sneakers laces.

"No shit." Ian responded, looking at Rosie's smile in awe. "Take care of her for me, Debs!" Ian said, loud enough for her to hear. Debbie nodded in response, looking at him for reassurance, before the two girls stood up and went for the door.

"So, what, you're playing house, now?" Lip asked his little brother. Lip was different than the rest of the Gallagher's. Debbie and Carl were both understanding people. Fiona was one to state facts, and make sure Ian always had 'his shit straight', as she always put it. Lip, though - Lip would pick, and tease Ian until it's been enough. Lip was definitely an understanding lad, no doubt. Although, he always needed an explanation, and time. Both, of which, Ian would give him.

"Fuck off, alright?" Ian grinned, taking a drink from the coffee he poured for himself, earlier.

"No, seriously. You think you can manage it?" Lip asked, in a serious tone. At times, Lip's 'pep talks' could annoy Ian to no end. This topic, in specific, definitely was making Lip walk on thin ice.

"If by 'it', you mean, my daughter? Then, yes. I'm sure I can handle it." Ian said, letting his annoyance be heard in his voice. Lip would have known not to press any further, but, to him, it was more than important.

"I mean, come on, you have to be on your toes, all the time." Lip stated. Ian knew that his oldest brother played a part in keeping the Gallagher's together, along with Fiona, but Ian was sure that he could handle it. "Especially in a neighborhood like this." Lip said, with a scoff of a laugh.

"Listen, you think you know everything, but you don't know shit." Ian stated, harshly, through gritted teeth. It didn't seem to affect his older brother at all. Ian stood up from his chair, as Lip watched his every move. "Rosie is staying with me. You're not gonna be able to change my mind."