Shameless

Chapter 5

Three Boys

I was 14 at this time and Liam wasn't born yet and Carl just started school.

Right now, I was sitting in a jail cell in holding at the Station. I was fighting with some asshole who pissed me off at school. One of the older cops, Officer McClain said he was letting me go because neither one of us wanted to go to jail, so they weren't pressing charges. If he would've, then I could do it back.

He left with his Mom and I was waiting on Fiona, who I knew was going to kill me. We did illegal stuff to survive all the time, but getting caught by the cops, that's where Fi drew the line. I remember her reaction to Lip getting in trouble with the cops from underage drinking and even assault at school.

"Where the hell is she?"

I jumped slightly at Fiona's voice. I almost wish it was Frank, he'd laugh and applaud me. Officer McClain got up from the creaky chair, his shirt stretched over his gut. He knew us Gallagher's pretty well (mostly because of Frank and Lip), though not as well as the Milkvovich's. They were always getting jailed for something, even the youngest son, Mickey, who was a year younger than me.

A young officer opened my cell when McClain walked over to my older sister. As the door slid open, I sent the cop a cocky grin (earning me a glare). Ignoring him, I heard McClain explain what happened and that no charges were filed, but if it happened next time, there might be.

Fiona stared at me with that 'Look' on her face. "Oh, trust me. There won't be."

In return to her 'look', I sent her a sheepish smile. I hope she didn't have to leave work for this. We needed the money.

We left the Station and we were walking toward the street. I yelped as a string of punches hit my arm. "Ow, Ow! Fiona, knock it off!"

We were now in the middle of the street. People were looking, but just walked away. Fiona snapped, not stopping the punches at my arms, even if I hunched over and made to dodge. "What the hell is wrong with you? Do you want to get sent to Juvie?"

I rolled my eyes, grimacing as she got my shoulder. "It didn't even happen!" I winced at the smack to the back of my head.

I stumbled as she tugged me by my coat toward the house. I rolled my eyes again, but let her. It was better to. We went up the stairs and I walked toward the kitchen, my stomach growling. I didn't eat since this morning and that was a bowl of cereal.

"Joey!"

I groaned, reaching inside for the left over pasta. "What?"

I yelped as a hard tug to my ear made me sit down in one of the kitchen chairs. "Seriously, you could've gotten thrown in jail! For what?! A fight?!"

I glanced up the stairs where Ian and Lip were. Ian was biting his lip, looking at us worried while Lip shrugged and came down.

Fiona ignored Lip and glared at me. "That's it, you're grounded."

I blinked at her. My nineteen year old sister was grounding me. I sputtered. "You've got to be kidding me!?"

Fiona sent me another 'Look'. "Does it look like I am? Go to school, look for a job like you have been. But come home, in your room and nowhere else."

I was the one glaring at her this time. "Grounded!? That's-" I stopped talking, shaking my head. I looked over at Fiona and started to feel guilty. She looked exhausted and I again felt bad she had to leave work because of this, we needed the money.

I sighed, nodding my head. "Okay, okay."

Fiona looked surprised. "Okay?"

I nodded, not looking forward to this. I was going to be smoking a lot. And drinking beer. "Yeah."

Fiona smile a little, throwing an arm over my shoulder, hugging me to her side for a second. "Don't do this shit again or I'm seriously gonna kick your ass."

I snorted a bit. "Yeah, okay." I let out another snort as she messed up my hair.

We were okay.

It was shocking to hear Kev was married already, Fiona made me promise not to say anything. So, knowing it was hard to lie to V (she could see through me), I was avoiding her.

I heard the door and came down the stairs and saw a woman with a baby and Fiona. I frowned at the little cup. "Is that piss in a cup?." Fiona usually did this with this lady and others, usually for food so they can have drug free pee for testing.

Fiona rolled her eyes at me. "Uh-huh. We got lasagna."

I inhaled the smell of home cooked food. "And...I'm suddenly not caring."

I snatched a plate (it was hard finding one in the dirty dishes mess. I grabbed the cleanest one) as Fiona peeled back the foil and I sat down.

Fiona shouted. "Lunch! Eat it or miss it, people!" I waved at the woman Fiona was exchanging pee with (that sounded weird), who waved back with a smile, shutting the door behind her.

I grabbed a big piece before anyone else could, hearing them thunder down the stairs. Lip said. "Ah, more piss food?"

Fiona grinned. "You know it."

I started eating and Lip grinned back. "Alright! And I see Joey is already stuffing her face." I didn't look at him as I ate another forkfull, sending him the middle finger. He snickered, going into the kitchen. Debbie came in with Liam, Ian right behind her. I groaned, it was so good.

I chuckled a little to see Debbie struggling. I stopped eating, grabbing him by under his arms and put him in the highchair, easily strapping him in and sitting back down.

Debbie sent me a thankful grin. "Thanks, Joey."

I ruffled her hair. "No problemo, kid."

I heard Fiona sigh. "Who was on dishes today?"

Lip came over with coffee cups, I was lucky enough to find the last clean(ish) plate. I thought about it. Did I forget to do dishes?

Ian stuttered a little. "Uh-I'll get them after lunch." Ah, so I didn't forget.

I heard V's voice through the house. "Debs! Are you ready to go to Target?"

Debbie jumped up. "Oh, yeah!"

I noticed Carl came to sit down, eating out of one of the cups. I ducked my head. I couldn't look at V.

She said. "Why does it smell like vomit and fancy cheese?"

Carl said. "It can be both if you want." I snorted out a laugh.

Fiona looked over at me and I kept my mouth shut. Fiona asked. "Target?"

"Debs is going to help me register for wedding gifts."

My head darted up and l looked at Fiona. She told me she talked V out of it. I watched V take some lasagna in a jar.

Fiona asked. "I thought the wedding was off?"

V walked over to us and I stiffened. She said. "Back on."

I stared away from her. Fiona asked. "Kev know?"

V replied. "Mm-hm." She took a bite and groaned. "You tell that girl I will crap on a paper plate for her some of this grup."

I grinned, about finished. "That good, huh?"

V sent me a smile back. "Damn sure is." I then looked away from her, almost missing the strange look V sent me. Dammit!

I jumped to my feet. "I gotta get to work." I went over to the stairs, hearing 'bye's' and 'see ya's'.

I swear I heard Fiona mutter. "Smooth Joey."

It was late after work and I saw Rebecca waiting for me. I ran over to her, hugging her tightly. Girls hugged each other. I hated how I wanted to kiss her, but couldn't. It was like asking for it. But that's how it was in the Southside.

"Hey, babe." Rebecca smiled at me.

I grinned back. "Back at ya, sweetheart."

Truthfully, we were fucking like rabbits and it was awesome. I was truly missing out all these years. It didn't help that my girlfriend was hot, majorly hot.

It was getting dark out. "You wanna head to my place or yours?"

Rebecca looked at the sky, frowning. I said. "I'd walk you home." We were walking toward my house anyway and she wasn't turning away.

She sent me a teasing grin. "Aw, my girlfriend is so kind. Walking me home."

I felt my ears burning and my head quickly turned to look to see if anyone heard, my heard pounding fearfully. "Shut up. I can do something nice."

She sent me a smile, a smile that usually got us fucking. "Oh, I know."

I pressed my lips together. "Not now."

She laughed loudly at my face. "Sorry, sorry."

We walked arm and arm.

I heard drunk laughter and jumped, but it was just Fiona, V and Kev. I waved and we walked inside.

We hung around each other for a bit and shared a heated kiss in my room, where on one else was. I had her pushed against the door, her panting in my ear. I grinned, my lips on her neck. I jumped about ten feet in the air when a pounding hit the door. "Joey! Hurry up and get out! I wanna go to bed!"

"Fuck! Alright, Debs." I muttered. "Shit, I'm so happy I can't get boners."

Rebecca laughed at that.

I walked her home, which ended in another kiss goodnight. Of course, getting interrupted by her brother opening the door. I cursed with Rebecca as she pushed past him, telling me 'goodnight'.

Cory sent me a dead stare (reminding me he was her older brother), but I didn't let myself be intimidated, staring right back.

I went back home, smoking three cigarettes in a row as I couldn't smoke around her. I walked, so by the time I reached the house, my third cigarette was done. Fiona was in the kitchen, leaning on the counter, V and Kev with her. "Hello?!" Fiona hollared.

I called back, grabbing the juice and pouring myself a glass. "Uh...hi?" I looked away from V.

Fiona laughed. "She knows."

My shoulders slumped in relief. "Ah, okay."

I yelped a bit at the punch to my arm. "Ow, why?" I glared at V.

"For hiding it, you little punk."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever." I leaned against the counter, drinking the juice. Kev laughed. I asked. "So, wedding's off?"

V shook her head. "Hell no! I'm not giving up on the free stuff." I snickered at that, Fiona smirked, bumping her shoulder with mine. I nodded as they explained they were having a fake wedding.

That made me laugh, tossing the empty cup in the sink. "Alright, night." They all said 'Goodnight' and I went upstairs.

I came downstairs to see everyone making lunch. V was also down there. I listened to what they were saying. "Why are you guys talkin' about Father Pete?" He was what we called The Groper, he was a pervert.

Fiona jumped a bit. "Shit! Joey, stop that!" I sent her a grin for an answer.

V said. "My Mama won't accept the wedding unless it's done by a priest."

I blinked. "That could work. You'd...have to take Carl though." I mean, I didn't like the idea of that creep near my little brother, but Lip was there and Carl was a little monster, he could handle himself.

Lip nodded, taking out the bread. "Yeah, I know."

Lip looked around. "We got hotdogs?"

Fiona shook her head. "Mn, no hot dogs."

I watched as Carl came in, shoving something in the microwave and setting the timer. I shrugged it off, going into the fridge and grabbing some lunchmeat, making a sandwich. Suddenly something in the microwave made a loud pop. I jumped, my sandwich firmly in my mouth. "Dude, what the fuck?"

Fiona snapped. "Carl! Not again!" She opened the door and I grimaced, looking at the destroyed fish. Fiona slapped him over the back of the head. "Knock that shit off!"

Carl shrugged and Lip said. "Carl, come on. We're going to the church."

Carl stared at him. "Huh-why?"

I snorted. "You'll see. Hey, where's Ian?" I just about finished my sandwich now.

Fiona said, rolling her eyes at our little brother and answered me, digging into a cabinet above her head. "He's was doing some ROTC thing and then going to work."

I felt myself scowl for a moment, remembering 'who' Ian was with at work, but pushed the look off my face. I still didn't want Fiona to know. Lip's look on his face showed he felt the same way I did. "Alright, let's go get him then."

Me, Lip and Carl left to pick up Ian to go to the church. We just wanted him to come with us.

We picked up Ian, who was still in his ROTC uniform. I glanced over and saw Kash. I glared over at him, but Lip shoved me, pushing me toward the street, but I noticed he wasn't looking toward the store. Knowing how impulsive Lip was, that was probably for the best.

We were walking down the street, toward the church. Carl had a stick in his hand, stabbing hard at the ground. Lip was telling Ian about Father Pete, and Ian laughed.

I poked him. "Why are you still wearing you uniform?"

Ian sent me a small grin. "Well...today I made Lieutenant Commander."

Lip smirked at him, slapping him between his shoulder blades. "Good one, soldier." Lip didn't really get why Ian liked the whole ROTC thing, but knew Ian loved and was proud of it.

I grinned widely at him as we walked, tugging the brim of the hat over his eyes. "Congrats, little brother."

He chuckled a bit, pulling his head away from me. "Hey, knock it off." Ian was a kickass ROTC cadet. I've seen some of his drills.

We then finally ended up at the church. Lip was telling Carl what he had to do. I mean, this wouldn't be the first time this happened to Father Pete. Everyone in the South Side knew how he was.

Carl complained as we walked through the aisles to the middle of the Church. "Why do I have to do it?"

Lip told him. "You're the only one young enough to be an alter boy. And Joe's vaguely a girl."

I arched my eyebrows, punching him hard in the arm. "Oh, yeah? Asshole."

Lip moved away, snickering and sending me one of his smirks. I wasn't mad, but there were times I wanted to punch that smug smirk off his face and I knew I wasn't the only one.

Ian said. "We'll stop him before anything goes down."

Lip snorted. "Or anyone." I snorted too, the three of us sharing a laugh.

I nodded. "Yeah, it'll be a simple in and out."

We went over to where his office was, knocking on the open door. There he was, Father Pete. In his priest clothes with the white collar. He was an old guy with a bald head. Ole Pete really set the stereotype. He looked up from a book he was reading. He gave out a sigh when he saw us, closing the book. "The Gallagher kids. If you're here to steal the offering basket, you're out of luck. Already off to the bank."

We all crowded around the door as the priest came over, Carl in front. Ian spoke (he was the best at pulling off the innocent act). He messed up Carl's hair. "No, no. Carl here is interested in being an alter boy."

Father Pete stared at him. "That's a big responsibility."

Lip put a hand on his shoulder. "Yeah, we tried talking him out of it, but he cried, so we thought we'd bring him in. See if you thought he had what it takes."

I nodded along, sending him a fake grin (as if I'd let this creep touch my brother). "Yeah, yeah. He's real determined."

Father Pete crouched down. Hello there, Carl." Looking down at him, I hid my smile of amusement as I saw Carl try to give a kind smile. He couldn't do that if his life depended on it.

Lip slapped his shoulder. "See you in a bit, Bud."

We sat on some pews outside. I glared at the door. "I hate leaving him in there."

Lip said. "Yeah, I know."

I glanced at Ian. "It's gross, a older man coming on to someone younger than them." I grimaced at the hard punch to my shoulder. "What the hell, Ian?" Lip choked on a laugh, getting what I was implying.

"It's nothing like that with Kash. That's completely different."

I gave him a wide-eyed 'innocent' look. "I meant no such thing."

Ian gave me a dead stare. "Bullshit."

I laughed with Lip, slapping him a high five. A second later, Lip asked. "You want to watch Scarface tonight?" Lip asked Ian, but glanced at me which I shrugged at. I sat next to Ian and Lip leaned against the railing in front of us.

Ian said. "Can't, got a date."

I turned to stare at him. "Mandy?"

Lip finished. "Or Kash?"

Ian rolled his eyes in my direction and I knew the answer before he said it. "Kash date."

Lip stared for a second and then smirked. "You're a slut, man."

I laughed a little as Ian made a sarcastic face.

Suddenly, we heard a bang in Pete's office. I jumped up. "Fuck!"

We all ran toward the office. I smirked, breaking out into loud laughs as the priest was on the ground and Carl was above him, swinging something on a chain.

Lip said. "Heh, looks like we have a priest for V's wedding." One less thing for her to worry about.

I grinned, slapping a loud high five was Carl. "Nice one, Carl."

He gave me a shit-eating grin back.

I was going to the Bachelorette Party with V and Fiona. I was 16 and she didn't real care. She's was giving me 'permission' to get trashed. Here I could easily get alcohol anywhere. I just don't see the point, Frank gets trashed all the time and nobody wants to copy him.

It was night time and I was thinking of bringing Rebecca, but she was doing something with Cory and her dad. The music was booming, blasting and barely able to hear anything else around me. I raised my eyebrows at the Chinese dancer bending her back. "Woah...she's flexible." And hot. Sexy.

I felt a long arm around my shoulders and grinned at V, both of us already getting drunk. "You're tellin' me!" She was putting more of her weight on me. I jumped from my thoughts, hoping they weren't showing on my face.

I called, noticing my sister. "Hey, Fi!"

She looked over, in a nice short dress, her hair down in a brushed way. She had a shot in hand. She gulped it down and I moved V to Fiona. "Here ya go." Fiona laughed at me and V gave me a drunken wave. I returned it, walking over to the drinking table. I downed a couple shots of Captain Jack, feeling myself get drunker and drunker as the party went on. And I wasn't the only one.

I whistled at the dancers on stage, laughing loudly to myself and leaned against the wall. I raised a shot in their direction, downing it.

That had to be my seventh...tenth? Ah, who knows.

Some point during the night, I was dancing with both V and Fiona. Or drunk swaying. It was mostly stumbling and walking.

It had to be 1 or 2 in the morning. The three of us were stumbling down the street. We were headed back to the house. My mind was a bit fuzzy. Fiona and V were laughing, stumbling into each other.

I laughed as Frank past us in some weird get-up, but I wasn't paying attention too much, even as V and Fiona talked to him for a moment as he walked away.

Talking about the flexible Chinese woman. I smiled a wobbly smile, walking past the house.

I yelped in drunken shock as a tug to my collar yanked me back, making me snicker and stumble on my feet. "Woah, fuck."

I laid splayed on my back. Fiona snorted. "Shit, sorry Joey."

They were both leaning over me, not steady on their feet either. V smiled down at me. "You okay, Joe?"

I stumbled to my feet. "Uh, what?"

Fiona started at me. "Where are you going?"

I pointed in a general direction. "That o' way."

Fiona said slowly. "...Okay."

I had a feeling if she was not as fucked up as I was, she wouldn't want me leaving plastered. Fiona just laughed. "Okay. See you later."

I was drunk out of my mind and wanted to see Rebecca. Seeing that very flexible woman made me want to find my girlfriend. That made me feel giddy. Smoking a couple of cigarettes on the way, surprising, I ended up in front of her house.

"Hm. How do I get her to come down here?" My drunken self looked around and I jumped in surprise, seeing small rocks on the ground. I took a couple, throwing them toward the window. I growled as they missed and hit the side of the house and I cheered as they hit a window which I guessed was Rebecca's.

I heard a yell. "What the fuck!?"

I flinched back in surprise. "That doesn't sound like Re'ecca."

The window slapped open and to my shock it was Cory. He knew we were together, but he looked pissed off when he saw me. I waved a sloppy hand. "'ello!"

"Gallagher-what the-are you drunk!?"

I snorted. "Nope, I'm Joey."

He moved from the window and I heard a couple of slams and then Rebecca showed up in front of his window, staring at me in shock. "Joey!?"

"Hi!"

I woke up with a throbbing headache and a groan, shoving my face into a pillow. My arm was tightly around her back, pressing Rebecca tightly to me. I was awake, but wished I wasn't. My head was killing me. My throat was dry like the desert and I felt slight nauseous. I just swallowed it back and let it pass.

"Joey?" I still winced a little, even with her whisper. "How did you get so drunk?"

I muttered. "V's Bachelorette Party." I rubbed my eyes, sitting up. "Just need to shake it off." I stood up and stretched. "Hey, you want to go to V's wedding later?"

Rebecca stared at me suprised. "Really?"

I scratched the back of my head. "Yeah, sure. If you want."

"When?"

I blinked at her. "Huh?"

Rebecca giggled a bit. "The weeding, smart one."

"Ah, I don't know. I'll pick you up."

"Joey!" I winced again. "Sorry. But I need to know why I have to be ready."

I shrugged at her. "You just throw something on."

I laughed to myself at the dirty look she sent me. "I can't do that."

"Okay, okay. I'll call you."

She gave me her number and kissed me. I kissed back until she pulled back. I could never get used to that.

I went down the stairs, her dad was snoring on the couch. I went to walk out the door, but Cory was blocking the door. "Hey?"

He was sending me a glare. "You drink a lot?"

I stared back at him. "No. Jeez, sorry for hittin' your window." Don't know why he was acting all uppity.

"My sister deserves better than some drunk."

I scowled, itching for a cigerette. "Yeah, you know, fuck off. We're fine."

He crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm looking out for Becca. You hurt her and I'll kick your ass."

I jutted my chin at him. "Yeah, okay."

I walked past him and shoved a cigarette between my lips, lightening it up. I just hope it didn't start anything between me and my girlfriend. He just pissed me off, assuming shit.

I walked back to the house.

I slowly walked back to the house, the sun beating down on me. As time past, my hangover was starting to get better. Smoking helped. I smoked another cigarette on the way in the door, opening the second one and shutting it behind me. Lip, V, Kev and Fiona were in the living room, talking about her brother.

I was confused. "I didn't know you had a brother."

V turned. "Oh, hey, Joe. Yeah, he's batshit crazy."

I snorted, sending her an amused look. Who wasn't batshit crazy that we knew?

V noticed my look. "Oh, I mean it."

Fiona was sitting on the couch and Kev was too (I held in the laugh at the drawn dicks his face. Some party the guys had). V was standing and Lip was sitting in the armchair(who also had drawings on his face). I leaned against the armchair. Fiona asked. "How bad could he be?"

V said. "You remember the fire in the Curves Mini Mall? That was him. He loves setting fires to things and hates women. It was the perfect storm."

I felt my jaw drop a little. "Wow."

Kev nodded at me. "He's nuts. No, I'm serious, he's nuts. He came at me. I had to fight my ass off. Then one time I'm having a brew and he came up to me all: Ass cunt fuck! on me."

I stared. "What the fuck?"

Fiona shared the same look I had. "Is he retarded?"

V was folding something, looking beyond annoyed. "I wish. Tourette's coupled with bipolar disorder and a drinking problem. He's a Shrink's wet dream."

I took out the spend cigarette and went to toss it on the table. "Joey, toss it somewhere else." I rolled my eyes at Fiona's words and went into the kitchen, tossing it out the back door. I heard Fiona ask. "What are we going to do?"

V said in a obvious tone. "Kick his ass back to prison. Because if there is one person you can always count on to fuck things up, it's Marty."

Fiona clapped her hands, standing up'. "Alright, me and V will deal with Marty." She then looked at me. "Joe, you didn't come home last night."

I nodded, smirking at her. "This morning."

She rolled her eyes at me. "You know what I mean, smartass."

I shrugged, trying to look casual. "Just stayed at Rebecca's."

Fiona nodded. "Yeah, okay."

She and V left and I shared a look with Kev and Lip, who snorted out a laugh. "Jesus."

That pretty much summed it up.

Later on, when V, Fiona and Debbie came back from Karen's after fixing up a dress for her, I was sitting on the floor of V and Kev's room. V, Kev and Fiona were on the bed.

Fiona said. "Maybe we should just let him come."

"No way, I'm not having that nutcase at my wedding, could you imagine the service? 'Do you Veronica-Fucking bitch-Fisher, take this man-fucks dick-Kevin Ball. Uh-uh no."

I laughed with Fiona for a moment, Kev was grinning. "Jeez, I mean, uh, maybe it won't be too bad."

V sent me a look. "Are you kidding me? No, I'm talking him back to prison where he belongs if I have to drag his ass there myself."

Kev said. "Always happens when he's off his meds."

Fiona said, humor still in her tone. "Give me your dress so I can steam it."

"Behind the door."

I stood up. "Okay, I'm off. Hey V, can I bring a friend of mine?"

V shot me a look. "Are they going to cause a problem at my wedding?"

I chuckled. "Nope."

"Then, go ahead."

I walked out with Fiona. She looked behind the door. Fiona said. "Nope."

V laughed. "The bathroom door."

I froze when I heard. "A real pretty dress, Ronnie! It'll burn nicely with all this taffeta."

My eyes widened. "Shit!" Me and Fiona ran toward the door, V and Kev not far behind us. V pushed past us to stand in front of it.

Kev said. "Ah, Jesus."

"You send me back to jail...this dress goes up, this house goes up, we all go up!"

I raised my hands, alarmed. "Woah, V!" Her brother was actually going to burn the house down.

V said calmly. "Marty." That wasn't like her when she was mad. "Marty, open the door." Me and Fiona both jumped as she smacked the door. "Open the goddamn door!" That was the V I know.

Marty said behind the door. "You're not getting married without me. Cock fuck!"

We all looked at each other. I replied. "Well, if he burns down the house, you can always stay with us."

V sent me a dirty look, Kev gave me a 'come on, really' look and Fiona smacked my shoulder. "Joey!"

I nodded sheepishly (rubbing the attacked shoulder), too early to joke about it. "Sorry, sorry. But, seriously, what are you going to do?"

Kev said. "We have to find another way to look."

V brightened up. "I have an idea, come on."

We all left to get the ladder and put it outside the window. All of us were waiting below, holding it. Debs was going to go up. "Just be careful, Debs."

Debbie rolled her eyes at me. She already heard the same thing from Fiona. "I'll be fine."

We all watched as she climbed. A moment later, Debbie said. "He's not doing anything. Just sitting in there. Lighting a lighter."

V made a sound of frustration. "Oh my God, this is what he did at Granddaddy's funeral. Gutted half the hospice."

I swore. "Fuckin' Hell."

Kev said. "Maybe we should call the cops."

I shook my head. "Are you sure?" We didn't really involve cops here. Especially on family.

Fiona had a worried frown aimed at the top of the ladder. "No, Kev's right. If the house goes up, we're not going to get him out of there."

V was in disbelief. "You want me to call the cops on my own brother? It's always been like this. Nobody can be the center of attention. It's always gotta be about him. You should be in a nuthouse!"

I sighed, scratching the back of my neck. I did feel bad for V, even if it was a fake wedding, she was getting fucked over.

"What's going on?" I turned to see Lip coming up, Carl was walking with him.

Fiona said. "Veronica's brother locked himself up in the bathroom and is threatening to burn the place down."

Carl grinned. "Cool."

I shook my head. "Yeah, not cool. He's psycho."

V scoffed. "Got that right."

Debs then said. "He's saying that he's going to light both the dress and the shit-sack house on fire." Debs turned to us. "What's a shit-sack?"

I waved a hand. "Nothing, don't ask."

We walked off, as we couldn't find a way to stop him by using the window.

Fiona said, her and V would handle it.

There was no forced dress code or anything like that for the wedding.

After taking a shower, I dug into my closet, find an old button down white shirt. I think it used to be Lip's a year or two ago. It fit pretty good now. I put on some black slack type pants and walked over to Rebecca's house. I brushed my dark hair, the ends touching my shoulders. It was getting longer (I didn't like it too long. I might have Fiona or Ian cut it soon).

I knocked on the door and it was silent. I bounced on my toes, craving a cigarette, but holding off on it.

The door opened and I felt my jaw drop. "H-hey."

It was Rebecca. She was wearing a dress with no straps that was a couple inches above the knee and a bright blue color. She did something to her hair, making it look longer and bigger or curler, I guess. She grinned at me. "How do I look?"

I sent her a smirk. "Like I wished we didn't have to go to a wedding." She followed me out with a smile and we walked toward the Alibi. I noticed she was wearing an inch or two high heels the same color as her dress.

We went into the Alibi, where V and Kev were getting married. I waved over at Lip and the rest of my siblings, who waved back. Rebecca asked. "The Alibi?"

I smirked at her. "I can't think of a better way to get married."

That made her laugh. V and Kev smiled when they saw me coming in and I waved. Kev and V were probably the best couple we knew.

We all surrounded them, me and Rebecca stood next to Ian, who was holding Liam. Lip was standing with Karen and Fiona was with Debbie, everyone smiling toward the couple. I even saw Frank here. Ian grinned. "Hey."

I nodded back, patting Liam's afro hair. "Hey. Hey buddy." He gave me a 'baby grin'. I could see Rebecca's 'awing' behind me.

Ian sent my girlfriend a smile and Rebecca returned it. I even noticed Tony, dressed up in a suit and obviously, Veronica's mom was here.

Father Pete was there up front, marrying them. He said. "May daily problems never cause you undue anxiety nor the desire for earthly possessions dominate your lives. But may your hearts' first desire be always the good things waiting for you in the line of heaven. Amen."

We all called when he finished. "AMEN!"

"You may kiss the bride."

We all cheered as V and Kev kissed. I clapped, giving them a wolf whistle. Everyone around me pretty much doing the same thing.

V raised a hand. "Now, it's time to party!"

We all threw our hands up and the music was booming. I choked on a laugh as V's mom and Frank were dancing. I swung Rebecca around, her giggling as I made sure she didn't trip her heels. "I know those things are dangerous."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut up."

I also danced with V and Fiona, V laughed. "Work it, Joey!"

I spun around, getting a bit low with both of them. I noticed Rebecca's tan skin going red. I sent her a smug grin back. Her own look promised revenge, but I waved her off with another smirk. Carl actually went around video taping random couple dancing. Lip and Karen were dancing, getting a bit dirty. Ian and Mandy were dancing together.

I laughed loudly, hanging with Ian and Mandy as Frank was working the dancing circle. Carl called. "Come on, work it, Dad!"

Then we clapped as Liam got into the circle, dancing with a wide baby grin on his face.

We chanted. "Go Liam! Go Liam! Go Liam!"

When Fiona lifted him up, I hopped in the circle, doing a couple of body rolls and and then turning and doing the same thing, spinning on my feet. I wasn't the best dancer, but you didn't grow up here, going to parties and not know a little bit. I could hear Fiona's laugh and Lip called. "Go Joey!" Ian and everyone joined them. I almost skipped back over to Rebecca's side, beaming. I threw an arm over her shoulder. In public, it was a completely not gay thing. Well, I hope so.

Rebecca then left my side, dancing with V and Fiona, the both of them easily pulling her in. I felt my mouth go dry as she got low to the floor with them, I could feel my ears burining. No matter how many time we screwed, she still could effect me and she knew it. She sent me her own smug look. Ah, this is 'revenge'.

Well, the best revenge I've even been given, I have to say.

My body locked up as I noticed the strange looks from both Ian and Fiona. My grin disappeared and I felt my face get deadly pale. I made sure to send them a confused look. Fiona shrugged turning away and I made a face at Ian until he turned back to Mandy (sending me the same look back).

I cooled down a bit later on as Kev took off that cloth under the wedding dress and we all stood in a line facing her. I burst out laughing as Tony caught it. I said to Fiona. "...And he gets wimpier." I yelped at twin smacks to my shoulders. "Hey!"

It was from both Fiona and Rebecca, grinned at each other and slapped high fives. "Hey, that's not something to cheer on!"

Fiona messed up my hair, teasing me. "Someone has to keep you in line. Nice to know it's not only me."

I shook my head. "That's not-"

Rebecca nodded. "It's hard work."

I stared at the two of them. "Hey-"

I was interrupted by the banging on glass, then it being smashed against the wall. Everyone, including me turned in that direction and the music stopped. It was Frank, who was standing on a table. Instead of being annoyed, I was curious to see where he would take this. If he went too far, we would just kick his ass out of here. It looked like a Frank Speech.

"Uh, folks, let's face facts. When it comes to good things, most of them come in pairs. Like your favorite jeans, new socks and Kevin and Veronica." I sent a look to tell Fiona to keep calm, who looked a little worried at where this was going. You always had to be with Frank.

Frank went on. "And as it turns out, most people's testicles. So, here's to the happy couple, Kevin and Veronica, may you always only have two testicles between you. L'chaim!"

I grinned, clapping my hands. Rebecca arched her eyebrows. "Seriously?"

"Hey, that's a good one for Frank."

I walked away then. I walked over to Kev with Rebecca. V was talking with Fiona right now. "Hey, Kev! Congrats."

Kev sent me a bright smile. "Yeah, thanks, Joe." The big guy hugged me and I hugged him back. I was really happy for them, even if was fake and V was doing it for money.

Kev waved a hand a Rebecca. "Hey, that's for coming."

Rebecca sent him a sweet smile. "Happy to come. Congradulations."

I cut in, curious. "Where's the cake?'

"Joey!" She smacked my shoulder.

I shrugged at her. "What? Weddings are supposed to have cake."

Kev sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I dunno. Should be here."

I looked around, noticing Fiona was gone and then a second later Steve came in, huge wedding cake in his hands. I cheered, throwing my hands up. "Cake!"

Kev said. "Well, there it is."

We all surrounded it as we set it on the table. Kev said. "Come on, Gallagher's, get over here."

Rebecca touched my arm, standing off to the side. Frank was off with Liam, Debbie next to Frank, Ian and Carl on the floor with V and Fiona on the bar with V's mom next to her. I sat next to Ian and Carl, Frank behind me.

Kev said. "Okay, Gallagher's you're the only family I got, so let's put this on film." He clicked the camera on and ran over, getting Ian's other side.

Kev then jumped up. "Is it on?"

Debbie told him to come back. "It's on. It's on. Wait." Kev came back over and sat down.

Fiona asked. "Did it go?"

I was stiff from being forced to being in one spot. Kev messed up the shot and we tried again, making a couple ridiculous shots.

Fiona suddenly asked. "Hey, where Lip?"

I looked around, just noticing my older brother was gone.

I shrugged. "Probably, somewhere with Slutty Karen."

Carl snickered. "That's her real name."

I sent him a smirk back. Ian snorted out a laugh. Fiona said. "No, it's not. Joey."

I made a face at her. I smiled over at Rebecca.

Yeah, for now everything was going good.

It later on and I was with Rebecca in my room I shared with Debbie. She was with V, Kevin and Fiona. Well, she was since I left.

I was laying with Rebecca on my bed (which was the top bunk), her on top of me, laying her head on my chest.

Well, until she started to kiss me. I smiled, kissing her back. "I told you I wanted you out of this dress."

She gave me a daring look. "Then do it."

Slipping a hand on her shoulder, lips still locked and I froze as the door opened. "Hey, Joey-fuckin' hell?"

I felt my blood run cold. It was Lip.

I shoved her away from me gently, sitting up. "L-lip!"

He was staring at me disbelief. "Are you fucking shitting me?" Rebecca was hiding and shrinking behind me. Okay, I know Lip wasn't homophobic or anything like that, but I knew the reaction would be bad. "Does Ian know?"

I shook my head, my face white. "No, but hold on-"

Lip sent me an annoyed glare. "You're just-what? Copying Ian?"

I snapped, feeling angry. "No, that's not it!" I clenched my teeth tightly.

He rolled his eyes hard, slamming the door behind him.

I slapped a hand to my face. "For fuck's sake."

Rebecca asked slowly. "You're brother's...homephobic?"

I twisted my head to face her. "What? Like hell he is. He just-he thinks I'm copying Ian. That I don't mean it." Also, that I didn't say anything when Ian was dealing with it and I know Ian would be hurt that I hid it. Knowing Lip, I knew that was also a reason.

Now, I didn't know how to deal with it.