Under The L, Beneath The Stars

Crane Your Neck

Ian tugged a forest green shirt over his head, he winced as it touched the cuts. Mandy bit her lip and just stared up at him.. "So you're one hundred percent gay?".. Ian gave her a strange look, "Yes Mandy."

She pouted, "Promise?"

"Promise", he shook his head and looked down at her. She was sitting on Ian's bed, legs crossed. Practically drooling. "Take a picture why don't you", he said jokingly. Mandy raised an eyebrow and pulled out her phone. 

Ian put his hands over his face and turned away, "Quit it douchebag!". 

"Come on Ian! Just give a little pose." Mandy giggled and pointed the camera at him. 

Ian turned back and flipped Mandy off, the flash on her phone went off and she went into a giggling fit. Ian rolled his eyes and picked up the red hoodie that dangled off his bed.

"You're no fun." She got up and stood by the door.

"Well I haven't exactly had the best day."

"I like the it though.. All the bruises and gashes make you look tough." 

"I got beat on for a pack of camels. So tough." Ian said gruffly as they made their way to the kitchen. 

Mandy playfully hit him. 

Fiona Gallagher, a lean girl with brown hair stood slumped over washing dishes. She looked over her shoulder too see her brother and a Milkovich. 

"Mandy", Fiona said unenthusiastically. Mandy eyed her right back. 

Ian could cut the tension with a knife. "We're going to a party tonight."

Fiona turned around, water splashing on the kids. "A party?".. "You?", looking at Ian.. And then back at Mandy. 

Mandy's eyebrows furrowed as if she knew how this conversation would play out. She understood nobody enjoyed her company, merely because of her stupid family's reputation. But that wasn't her, she felt she was different from the rest. 

"Yeah", Ian nodded, "Me." 

"Are you sure? 'Cuz that doesn't sound like my Ian."

Mandy rolled her eyes and looped her arm around Ian's. "Times are changing. Gentrification and what not.. Let us be rowdy and act like kids before we're shipped off to boarding school."

Fiona just stared at her brother. 

"Fiona.. Come on. I'm fifteen now, high school is a week away." He pleaded.

She put her hands up, "I don't care. I just wouldn't want you to be pushed into doing something you wouldn't usually do." 

"What's that supposed to mean?!!" Mandy asked defensively. 

"Oh I don't know.. Just that when he's with you something chaotic usually happens. Like for example those bruises on his damn face right now. Who the hell did you force him to fight?"  

"Hell Fiona!" Ian yelled. "I got fucking robbed at work. Mandy helped me clean up, and now I'm going to go to a party with her.. Why? Because she's my fucking girlfriend! Fuck! Leave her the hell alone." He barked. 

Mandy laid her head on Ian's shoulders, looking smugly at Fiona. "Your move", she mouthed. 

Fiona stood there for a second before returning to her dishes, "Be home before one." She said quietly. 

"Of course, Fee."

The kids left the kitchen, Ian opened the door and they both stepped outside.