#mickey x franny

[sam-loves-seb]

galladrabbles: grazed knees

thanks to @silvanshadow and @galladrabbles for the prompt!

prompt: Grazed Knees -- Snow Patrol

“You’re okay.” Ian watches as Mickey carries a crying Franny in through the back door. “What happened?” “Kid skinned her knees on the sidewalk,” Mickey tells him, setting Franny down on the counter. He pushes her hair back out of her face. “It’s not that bad, but…” “It hurts,” Franny cries. Mickey winces, then kisses the top of her head. “I know.” Ian bends down to catch her eye. “You know what might help?” Franny stops crying just long enough to look at him. “Elsa Band-Aids.” Franny nods as she leans into Mickey’s side. Ian goes to get the box.

[ drabbles | ao3 | etc. ]

[burninface]

Family UNO Night

Mickey: "Use reverse firecrotch, I have a draw 4 for Lip." Ian: "🤨How did you know that I have reverse?!" Mickey: "Didn't. But you just told me😏."

[michellemisfit]

Sometimes it’s nice to take a moment to look back at what you’ve created.

[ohkate]

You wanna have a baby?

[fictionalcharactersaremypassion]

Uncle Mickey's Hair Braiding Adventure

“Franny!” Debbie called, pouring some coffee in a thermos. “Come here so I can do your hair!” Turning back to the pitcher, she said to Mickey, who was seated at the table, “You want some more?” 

“Nah,” he said, shaking his head. “Already had two. Ian’ll have my balls if he sees me have another.” 

“Thought he already had them?” She said idly, a small smirk peeking out. 

Mickey rolled his eyes. “Fuck you and fuck your brother for being in this health kick. If he tries to take me some fucking yoga class, I’ll knock his teeth out and shove them up his ass.” 

“After he shoves his dick into yours?” She said innocently. 

Mickey held up a clear middle finger. 

“Whatever,” she said, unfazed. Taking another mouthful of coffee, she quickly swallowed. “Franny, let’s go!” 

“I’m coming, Mama!” Franny skipped into the kitchen, her hair loose and flying every which way. 

“Sweetie....” Debbie sighed. “Now I have to comb your hair again.” 

“Oops,” Franny said with a giggle. Mickey couldn't help but grin at his adorable niece. 

Debbie didn't think it was so adorable. “Take a seat and I'll be right back, okay?” 

“Okay, Mommy,” Franny watched her go upstairs, immediately barreling into Mickey with a beam. “Hi, Uncle Mickey!” 

“Hi, Franny,” he scooped her up, letting her sit on his knee, one arm around her so she didn't fall off. 

“Mommy says I have to go to school today but I wanna stay with you and Uncle Ian!” She said enthusiastically. “Can I?” 

“You don’t wanna do that, kid,” he had to chuckle at the face she made. “Your Uncle Ian’s real boring. He'll probably make you read or some shit,” he paused. “Or eat broccoli.” 

“Eww!” Franny said loudly. 

“Ay, not so loud,” Mickey tickled her stomach. She squealed, squirming in his lap. “Your boring uncle’s trying to sleep. Don't wanna wake him, okay?” 

Her laughter tapered off, and she leaned back against his chest. “Okay!” 

This was still kind of surreal for him, not just being married to Ian but to have a family that was actually there for each other. Franny meant a lot to him, and it kind of freaked Mickey out at first when she started coming to him for hugs and shit. Wasn’t like he was used to little kids. There’d been Liam when he was much younger but Mickey didn’t interact with him a ton. Back than, his focus was on Ian and ensuring he was cared for. 

Debbie came back down, her footsteps not so light. “Okay, time to do your hair! Do you want one braid or two?” 

Mickey set Franny back onto the floor. But she was frowning, looking back at him. 

“Can Uncle Mickey braid my hair?” She said to her mother instead. She looked between the two of them with big, hopeful eyes. 

“Huh?” Mickey was caught off guard by the request. 

Franny placed her hands on his knee, smiling wide. “Can you braid my hair, Uncle Mickey? Please?” 

“Oh. I don't know how to braid, Franny,” he said apologetically.

“But it's easy,” Franny insisted. “Mommy can show you!” 

“Maybe some other time,” Debbie said gently. “We have to get you ready for school.” 

Franny complied, though noticeably disappointed. 

Wasn't like he ever needed to know how to braid hair. Mandy never did any of that shit. If he did know, Terry would've sooner called him a faggot and shot him in between the eyes than let him do it again. 

It shouldn't have bothered him. But Mickey kept picturing the smile falling off Franny’s face. 

“Got you a burger,” Ian said when he came back to the ambulance, handing the bag off to him. 

Mickey was watching his phone screen intently, trying his hardest to follow along. He didn't see his husband staring at him with raised eyebrows. 

“What are you watching?” Ian said curiously. 

Mickey was too engrossed to answer. 

“Are you watching porn?” There was no answer. “Because if you are, it better not be those guys that kind of look like us. I’m telling you, Mick, it’s weird-” 

“Would you shut the fuck up?” Mickey said, exasperated. Ian stopped, glancing over at him. 

“Sorry...” Ian muttered. “Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Silence fell over the vehicle. Mickey’s eyes never wavered from his screen, while his husband chewed on his burger and fries. 

Then, suddenly, Mickey slammed his phone on the dashboard in frustration. 

Ian jumped. “The fuck is wrong with you?” 

“Nothing!” Mickey snapped, snatching the bag with his burger, angrily eating it. 

“Right...” Ian said in disbelief. “Okay...” 

Mickey tapped his foot on the floor, impatiently waiting for his brother to pick up. 

Finally, finally Iggy answered groggily. “What the fuck do you want?” 

“Bout time you answered my calls, fuckwad,” Mickey kept his voice down so no one would hear him. It was early in the morning before either of them had to go on rounds for their deliveries. The kitchen was quiet, dim with only the light over the sink on. 

“It’s early, man,” Iggy whined on the other line. “Couldn’t you have called at noon?” 

“No, I couldn’t call at noon,” Mickey sneered. “Need you to do me a favor, Ig.” 

“What kinda favor?” 

“Don’t start askin’ question. Just do what I tell you,” Mickey said through grit teeth. “I need you to get a few things for me.” 

He heard Iggy taking a drink, probably a beer. “Ay, I’ll do what I can but it’ll cost you.” 

“Let’s not forget you still owe me for those joints-” Iggy protested by exclaiming they were a birthday gift, but Mickey cut in. “Consider us even.” 

Mickey refused to blush when Iggy brought the supplies, his face contorted into a bewildered expression. 

“You know I don’t care if you’re gay,” his brother started, “but this going full fag, Mick.” 

He grabbed the bag away from Iggy. “Fuck off.” 

As per usual, his brother didn’t get the hint, always sure to interject his stupidity. “M’serious. Ian know about this? This what you two are plannin’ on doing before you take his dick?” 

Mickey rolled his eyes, looking through the bag to make sure everything was in there. “Get out,” he motioned towards the door. “I don’t want anyone seeing you.” 

But Iggy, as per usual, is hellbent on ignoring his orders. “Where’s my brother-in-law at, anyway? Haven’t seen him for a while.” 

“None of your rucking business, that’s where he’s at,” Mickey shot him a warning look. “Out, Ig.” 

“Ay, I brought you these-” 

Mickey shoved him out before he could finish that sentence. 

It wasn’t like he intended to get caught. But being in the Gallagher household, secrets weren’t always easy to keep. Mickey could only keep his activity up for so long, approximately two hours, because Ian came home from meeting with Larry and caught him in the act. 

The door to their room opened, which Mickey realized he should have locked, and in came Ian, stopping dead in his tracks upon seeing the mannequin heads Mickey was using so he could follow along while watching the videos. 

Neither one of them broke the dead silence at first. They stared at each other, and this was where, in any other circumstances, Mickey would have killed Ian and hid his body where no one would ever find it. 

But he loved the fucker, unfortunately. 

“What is happening?” Ian said slowly. 

“What’s it look like?” Mickey tried to sound indifferent. “I’m learning how to do hair.” 

“...Why?” Ian said, then joked, “planning on growing your hair out?” 

“No, asshole,” Mickey scoffed, dropping his gaze and coughing. “Franny wanted me to braid her hair the other day.” 

“Oh, yeah. Debs mentioned that,” Ian recalled with a smile. Mickey moved one of the mannequin heads so his husband could sit down on the bed. “She said Franny’s been asking her to teach you.” 

“Yeah, well,” Mickey muttered. “Now she don’t have to.” 

Ian smiled as widely as Franny had, leaning in to kiss him. “You’re so damn hot when you’re in uncle mode,” he whispered. 

Mickey was still not used to being complimented like this. He squirmed. “Just don’t wanna disappoint the kid, is all.” 

Ian stared at him for far too long, his expression was tender and it made him even more uneasy. 

“What?” 

“I told you that you weren’t your dad,” Ian kissed his forehead this time. “You’re so much better than him, Mickey, and you don’t even realize it.” 

“It’s just hair, Ian.” 

“It’s not just hair,” Ian shook his head. “You do a lot for Franny. Freddie too. And Liam-” 

“You gonna get to the point anytime soon, Gallagher?” 

Ian continued as if he hadn’t said anything, “I don't think sixteen year old Mickey would have learned how to braid hair to make his niece happy. He wouldn’t drop everything to help his brother-in-law on a project. And he definitely wouldn’t be excited about showing his baby nephew his favorite action movie.” 

“You weren’t supposed to see that,” Mickey muttered, remembering how he’d talked to Freddie the whole time, pointing out all the best parts of the movie. 

“Couldn’t sleep,” Ian shrugged, then smiled again. “Mickey, I don’t care if we never have kids. Watching you with them is enough for me.” 

Ian scooted himself beside Mickey, his back against the wall, one arm over his husband to pull him close. 

“Yeah, well the rugrats ain’t so bad,” Mickey leaned in, feeling Ian kiss the top of his head. “Better than your annoying ass was back than.” 

“Don’t forget you wanted my annoying ass.” 

“Pretty sure it was the other way around,” Mickey quipped. 

They sat there, quiet, just basking in the moment. 

“So, you getting any good?” Ian asked conversationally. 

Mickey blew out a breath. “Nah. It’s harder than I thought. Tried following along to this chick’s video and she goes too fucking fast.” 

“Why don’t I watch it with you?” Ian offered. “We’ll follow along together.” 

“Figured you already knew how to do this shit,” Mickey remarked. 

“Nah. Fiona usually did it. Or Lip.” 

“Course Phllip knows how.” 

“He did it whenever Fi was too busy,” Ian said. “Didn’t you or your brothers ever do Mandy’s hair?” 

Mickey gave him a look like he was crazy. 

“Never mind.” 

Ian did as he suggested; with Mickey’s phone they watched endless tutorials together so he’d have a better grasp at it. Both of them worked on the mannequin heads, going for simple hairstyles that they could get the hang of quickly. It was frustrating at first, whenever Mickey would knot the hair up while trying to get it to twist but eventually, he was able to do it flawlessly. 

That night, while laying in bed side-by-side, Ian said, “Franny’s gonna be really happy tomorrow.” 

“Yeah,” Mickey murmured. 

“Hey, Mick?” 

“What?” 

“Where’d you get the heads anyway?” Ian said, curiously. 

When Mickey said nothing, Ian pressed. “Mickey...” 

“I might’ve had Iggy steal them from Tami’s hair salon....” 

Ian just sighed in exasperation. 

“Franny, come down here,” Debbie called up the stairs the next morning. There was no sound, no movement coming up from there at all. “Uncle Mickey’s going to do your hair if you get down here in the next five minutes.” 

Franny came barreling down the stairs. Debbie was muttering Jesus under her breath, rolling her eyes at the whirlwind her daughter created. 

“Morning, Little Red,” Mickey greeted. “You ready?” 

“Yeah!” Franny exclaimed. 

She jumped into the chair, squealing excitedly. Mickey chuckled, and told her she’d have to sit still so he could work. 

Debbie watched them with faint amusement. “If I knew Uncle Mickey was the answer to keeping you still, I would’ve had him doing it a while ago.” 

Mickey flipped her off above her daughter's head. 

[starry-nights-17]

So I'm at home sick at the minute. Thinking about starting a new multi chapter fic, which inspired this drabble. But my heads not up for writing more than 100 words right now 😂👍 Anyway, hopefully you guys like it. No. 2 for this weeks prompt, "Real estate". @suzy-queued @galladrabbles ❤

----

Can't believe this is actually happening".

Ian's voice wobbled and cracked with emotion. As much as Mickey appreciated his strong and unwavering spirit, he equally adored his husband's mushy and sentimental side too.

And he was right. Never in his wildest dreams would Mickey have ever pictured this, standing in the living room of their own home, paid for with honest money.

"Uncle Ian, can I pick out my room now?"

Mickey felt his heart melt a little, as Franny slipped her tiny hand into Ian's.

"Course you can sweeheart".

Ian smiled, stretching out his other hand, "You coming Mick?"

[em-harlsnow]

i just can’t stop thinking about Franny as a teen getting a boyfriend/girlfriend and taking them to meet her uncles.

so she’s like 15 and her partner’s already met Debbie. now, meeting Franny’s mother (single mother, so they’re UNBELIEVABLY close) was scary enough. they don’t think it’s gonna be that bad meeting the uncles, even tho Franny talks about them constantly. they don’t really realise who her uncles are.

see, Milkoviches are a very overpopulated species. there are definitely a few hanging around Franny’s public school, causing trouble. Franny’s partner (i’m gonna call them Alex for time sake) thinks it’s a little weird that the Milkoviches never bother neither Alex or Franny much, but doesn’t think much of it.

Franny takes Alex to Ian and Mickey’s house (not the Westside flat) She has Fred and her other cousin in tow (because ofc they all go to the same school) and they’re going to have dinner and maybe swim for a bit. Franny wanted to take the L because she’s 15 now and is able to find her own way, thank you very much.

They’re walking in this crappy neighbourhood and Alex sees a guy sitting on the steps of one of the houses. He has aggressive knuckle tattoos and a lit cigarette in hand. He doesn’t notice them, but he looks kind of scary. Alex severely hopes this is not Franny’s uncle. Of course, then Franny’s calling out ‘Mickey!’ and the brunette is instantly turning to greet her. He hugs Franny and Fred and Fred’s sibling. Then, he looks Alex up and down. Franny orders him to be nice, which does not calm Alex’s quickly rising nerves.

Alex remembers what Franny made them rehearse, and says something like ‘hello Mr Gallagher, nice to meet you’. Mickey scoffs, but smiles a little at the politeness. Mickey corrects the surname ‘it’s Milkovich, but thanks - and call me Mickey.’ And suddenly Alex is a little more scared because Alex has met Milkoviches and heard a lot about them. Mickey is clearly protective of Franny and does not look pleased to have Alex here. Franny drags them all inside and a tall ginger - who Alex assumes is her other uncle - greets Alex much more warmly. Ian swings Fred around and scruffs Franny’s shorter hair, then pulls his husband in by the shoulders. ‘cheer up, you’re so grumpy’ he says.

Ian gets a loving ‘fuck off’ in reply but they stay close. They finish making dinner together and Ian regularly tells Mickey to ‘be nice to Alex, Mick’ because he keeps grilling them about how they do in school, their friends, everything. Franny tells Mickey about how Little Danny Milkovich - who Alex discovers is Mickey’s nephew, who he sees a bit but not as much as Fran and Fred and his sibling (who i can’t be bothered to name), and Iggy Milkovich’s son - threw an empty plastic water bottle at Alex’s head last week. Franny tells Mickey how when she threatened to send Mickey to talk to Iggy about it, Danny immediately apologised. Mickey finds it funny, because as much as he would never hurt the little Milkovich kid, he’s scarier than Iggy and a stern voice can be very intimidating. He would not have it if anyone did anything to his Ginger Gallaghers.

Alex leaves with a new-found respect for Franny as they did not realise she stood up for them against the little Milkovich terror and remains slightly afraid of Franny’s overprotective uncles.

[spacerockwriting]

Galladrabbles: Explicit Content

So thank you @ohkate and @galladrabbles for this weeks prompt. This week we've got some Uncle Gallavich. For reference, Benji is Franny's best friend. A dirty kid much like Ian's beloved Mickey.

Explicit Content

--

“Harder, you like that, don’tcha pussy?”

Mickey’s eyes widen at the words he hears, looking over at his husband. “You wanna tell ‘em to shut the fuck up…?”

Ripping the door open, Ian winces. “Benji, what the fuck?” Ian shouts. Mickey runs up the stairs and sees his good beads in the hands of the redhead fourteen-year-old.

“I’m up to two,” the dirty haired boy replies.

“My beads,” Mickey whines. “Ian, those were the good ones. I’m gonna have to fuckin’ burn ‘em now.”

“We were just—”

“I don’t fuckin’ care,” Ian says. “Benji, just go the fuck home.”

[tsuga-of-mars]

Galladrabbles - uncle doughnuts

This week's @galladrabbles for the prompt pressure, uncle time

-------- 🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩

Gallagher family dinner, relatively uneventful

... until Franny speaks up

"Okay I picked!" standing on her chair

"Picked what honey?" Mom looks confused

"Who's coming to school breakfast"

She scans each of her uncles' faces, did she pick them for 'doughnuts with daddy' ?

Uncle Lip, but he's already a daddy, and not hers

Uncle Carl, but he's a cop

Uncle Liam, but he'd insist on dressing up

Uncle Ian, but he'd tell her not to eat too many

Uncle Mickey, Yes!

"Uncle Mickey!"

All eyes on him, and Ian's stupid grin

It's a lot of pressure, but it's Franny

"Heck yeah"

[depressedstressedlemonzest]

@gallacrafts !!

This months theme #25 is Mexico!

I made them a miniature beach spot in a margarita glass!

They have a nice umbrella to rest under and not burn burn under, they have seashells they collected, oceanic activities, and DRINKS!

[iangallagherisadeadman]

something something a fanfic in which Ian is best friends with Yevgeny and then he timetravel and falls in love with his best friend's father.

I like to think that in this version he was raised by Clayton cause Monica obviously couldn't, and canonlike she wasn't in the picture much. He then lives with his father, stepmother and siblings but doesn't quite fit with them. Yev was raised by Svetlana and never knew his father cause he left when Yev was a baby.

When Ian travels back he is saved by Mandy. He says he's a Gallagher and she's like "I know the Gallaghers but I never saw you!". He's introduced to his "cousins" who immediately take he in like a brother? Who he is cause of Monica.

Then because of Mandy he gets to know Mickey and younger Svetlana and baby Yev and it is extremely fucked but... my dick's in your dad mouth, sorry Yev!

Gallavich: they start as friends cause Ian quickly hits off with Mandy, and soon Ian gets to understand the difficult situation that led to Yevgeny's conception and why Mickey probably left them when Yev was still a baby. Then, feelings come along and Mickey's deep in the closet but Ian's nothing if open-minded so with time it works out. Ian doesn't lose interest even though Mickey has a wife and baby, he isn't scared off easily, and Yev Svet and Mandy all like him so that's a turn on. Ian likes older guys so the fact that Mickey's an old soul in a hot young body who listens to dad music and is grumpy is what attracts Ian.

The future is forever altered. Ian now actually has a family of Gallagher's he actually likes and fits. Ian came along so Mickey never left the picture and now Yev was raised with his father around. Which changed the way Yev grew up to be, so he's not the version Ian knew, but that's alright cause then Ian gets to meet him again. And yes, they end up being best friends all the same, after all, Yevgeny watch the type of cartoons and listens to the kind of music and plays the same videogames Ian grew up with so they're very close.

[haunted-phantom-student]

Headcanon that Debbie Gallagher, Franny Gallagher, and Ian Gallagher are all low-key obsessed with Taylor Swift (but are all obsessed with different eras) and they went to the Eras tour together and Mickey went along ostensibly with reluctance but he secretly loved Midnights and when he's alone in the car he blasts Anti-Hero (although his favorite is Red because it makes him think of Ian)

[burninface]

oooooops!!

[michellemisfit]

Round 12 of the @shamelessbigbang is kicking off today. LETS GO!! 🙌

@flamingbluepanda - It was a true pleasure being your artist for waste my time <3

Thank you @whaticameherefor for making this Big Bang happen in spite of bumps in the road.

— Materials: Tinted Charcoal —

"What should I draw?" He asked, because sure, he'd doodled some shit, but never with a kid.

Franny debated this question. "Zombies," She announced decisively, then nodded and turned back to her own paper.

Well, okay then. Ian wasn't lying, this kid was awesome.

Mickey hunkered down and drew Him, Ian, and Franny fighting some zombies.

Also on AO3 (for better quality)

[gallavich-headcanon]

What kind of April fool's day pranks do you think Ian and Mickey would pull on one another?

How late am I to answering my asks? This has been there since april first ): I'm sorry I'm late!

I feel like they wouldn't pull any big pranks and definitely not public ones... Maybe once Ian tried to prank Mickey that he lost his wedding ring and it didn't end well so they don't actually try to scare each other.

Maybe Franny wants to do something so the paint brown the letter E out of paper and put a bunch of them in a cake pan calling it "brownies". (they also make real brownies though)

Maybe they draw knuckles tattoos on Franny too, just to really make a day of it. possibly put googly eyes on anything in the fridge.

Whatever Ian ends up doing... I'm sure he ends up says "Anyways, I'm a fool for you every day."

[fictionalcharactersaremypassion]

That Time Franny's Uncles Made Her Birthday Better

This does contain Debbie bashing. Anyway, carry on!

---

Lately, Ian was trying out new recipes he'd found online, most of which his husband grumbled about. Mickey had simple taste, none of which wanted anything to do with the healthier dishes Ian was wanting to incorporate into their diet. 

Unfortunately, time might have gotten away from him while trying out this one. He stared down at the pan full of charred chicken and vegetables in dismay. 

“Guess we're ordering pizza, Chef Boyardee?” Mickey drawled. 

Ian scowled, shoving the pan into the sink and turning on the cold water. 

“This wouldn't have happened if you didn't distract me.” 

As expected, Mickey wasn't remorseful at all. If anything, he seemed proud, smirking as he came around the countertop to stand in front of Ian. 

“Didn't see you trying to stop me,” Mickey hooked his thumbs in between Ian's jeans. 

Already sensing where this was going, Ian placed his hands over his husband's. “We can’t,” he mumbled, eyes closing automatically when his lips were captured in a soft kiss. They shouldn’t, not when they’ll be heading to Debbie’s apartment for Franny’s twelfth birthday party. But he could feel his resistance crumbling with the way his husband’s hands traveled up his back, the kiss deepening until he wasn’t sure which one of them had moaned out loud. 

“Tell me to stop, Red,” Mickey said, a wicked undertone that was too damn sexy for his own good. 

All of Ian’s common sense, pointing out that they were short on time, flew out the window. He shoved Mickey against the counter, the kiss rougher than before. His husband was steadily unzipping his jeans, and started to pull them down when the doorbell echoed, effectively interrupting the moment. 

“Fucking hell,” Mickey hissed. Ian reluctantly pulled away, making himself look presentable again. “If it’s that on site manager bitch again, I’m gonna fucking explode.” 

He threw open the door, and from Ian could see, all his anger evaporated right away the second he realized who was there. 

“Franny?” Ian said in surprise, coming around to stand with Mickey. 

Their niece smiled weakly at them, using the end of one of her sleeves on her oversized hoodie to wipe away her tears. “Is it okay if I crash with you guys for a bit?” 

They don’t hesitate to let her in. 

“What’s up, Kid?” Mickey asked after he shut the door. He wasn’t showing it, but Ian could see for himself how concerned he was. “Thought you’d be at home.” 

“I was,” Franny shrugged, taking in a shaky deep breath. 

The two men glanced at each other, wondering what could have possibly sent her over here at this time of day. The sun had already started to set and Debs’ apartment was a little further out than they’d want her to be walking to get over here. Just wasn’t as safe as it used to be for them-if it’d ever really been that way. 

“Why don’t you go wash your face?” Ian suggested. Her eyes were swollen, bright red, standing out against her normally pale skin. 

She nodded without a word, closing the door to the bathroom behind her. 

“The fuck is wrong with her?” Mickey had lowered his voice so Franny wouldn’t hear. 

“I don’t know. I just hope it’s not what I think it is,” Ian said, causing Mickey’s eyebrows to furrow in confusion. 

His sister and Franny were getting more argumentative lately. Some of it, he suspected, was normal mother-daughter spats. Franny was on the cusp of becoming a teenager, seeking out independence and being her own person. 

Not that it could all be blamed on that. Debbie was his sister and as much as he loved her, Ian knew very well that she wasn’t always the greatest mother. Not with her tendency to force her own interests on her daughter, completely disregarding what Franny wanted, or putting her happiness before that of her daughter. 

Ian put on a small smile when Franny came back out, quiet and avoiding meeting their eyes. 

“I didn’t know you guys were about to have dinner,” she was referencing the oven which was still counting down. Ian had forgotten to turn it off after taking out the ruined meal. 

“We’re not,” Ian shook his head. 

“Your least favorite uncle burnt the fuck out of it,” Mickey said, trying to lighten the mood. Franny didn’t react to it like he’d hoped. “Come on, little Red, what’s up with you?” 

It seemed like a switch had been flipped; Franny was hesitant, chewing on her lip. “It’s not a big deal.” 

“It’s big enough that you came here,” Ian pointed out. When Franny’s lip trembled, her eyes going glossy again, he guided her to the couch so she could sit down. He was next to her with Mickey plopped down on the arm. “You can tell us anything, Franny. You know that.” 

Their little niece buried her face in her hoodie sleeves that covered her hands, shoulders shaking when she let out a quiet sob. “Mom forgot my birthday.” 

A surge of anger shot through Ian, but he kept himself under control. He knew Mickey was just as furious, and placed a hand on his thigh to remind him not to explode right now. “She did?” 

Franny nodded, sniffling. 

“Who’s she fucking now?” Mickey demanded. 

Ian pursed his lips. That was another one of Debs’ problems. She went from woman to woman in search of a lifelong partner. Unfortunately, she had a habit of choosing the wrong kind of woman; the irresponsible kind who yearned for fun and recklessness and wanted no part in being part of Debbie’s life for more than a couple months. Or, she drove them away like she had with Sandy. 

She laughed humorlessly. “You’d think that was the problem, right? No, she’s just working a lot. Had some client she was meeting almost an hour away. She said there’s hot pockets in the freezer for me to eat if I got hungry.” 

Mickey was openly scowling by now.

“Does she know she forgot?” Ian asked. “I thought you were having a party later?” 

“I thought so too,” Franny muttered. “Guess not. I said something and then she remembered but she was already on her way out so...” 

“So you came here,” Ian finished. 

“After we...got into it,” Franny ducked her head like she expected them to scold her for it. 

“Eh, she deserved it,” Mickey shrugged. 

“Mickey,” Ian muttered, although he didn’t really disagree. 

“Don’t Mickey me, Gallagher. You know it’s true.” 

Franny laughed wetly. It was soft, brief but it was a good sign nonetheless. 

“You know what the worst part is? I kind of expected it. She’s been constantly working. I barely even see her anymore, not that it’s such a bad thing...” 

Her voice drifted off towards the end, sounding unusually bitter. 

“What does that mean?” Ian asked softly. 

“Nothing,” Franny clammed up, shaking her head. 

Mickey wordlessly got off the arm of the couch to sit next to her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders, and she instinctively leaned into his side. Ian’s heart warmed to see this. He loved the close relationship those two had ever since Franny was really young. 

“Not gonna work, kid,” Mickey told her. “You’re gonna have to spill eventually.” 

Franny wiped away the remaining tears on her face, she’d been calmer these past few minutes. She glanced up at him, suddenly looking much younger than she was. “It’s just...” She struggled to get the words out, “Mom doesn’t like my style.” 

Franny was a tomboy through and through. Ian had thought after the princess party went wrong, Debbie would have backed off. Sandy even mentioned sometime after that she’d admitted the whole thing had been for herself anyway. 

That was just the tip of the iceberg, he’d soon learned. 

Debbie continued to pick out clothes her daughter despised, clothes she would have worn at her age. She was desperately hoping Franny might change her mind and join in on the girly activities she tried to introduce to her. Ian didn’t think that was going to happen anytime soon. 

Franny much preferred her oversized t-shirts and ripped jeans. 

“She was nagging me about that pink sweater she bought me two weeks ago. She knows I don’t wear pink or sweaters!” Franny said, frustrated. 

With the arm that had been around her, Mickey ruffled her hair. “Give it to us, Little Red, We’ll take care of it.” 

“Really?” Franny looked up at him with hope. 

Ian was giving him a look as well. Really? 

“Really,” Mickey confirmed. “It’ll give us something to give to the brat two doors down.” 

Ian rolled his eyes. He’d agreed on their behalf to attend the woman’s daughter’s birthday party. “We need to start being sociable, Mickey.” 

“Fuck that.” 

Franny scooted closer to Mickey, seeking more comfort. “I just don’t get why Mom hates what I wear.” 

“Peppermint Patty has issues,” Mickey said with a shrug. “Don’t let it get you down, Franny.” 

“Kinda hard not to when she’s telling me how much prettier I could be if I tried.” And fuck, Franny looked defeated, like her mother's words were really sinking in. 

“There’s nothing wrong with how you look,” Ian told her firmly.  “And there’s nothing wrong with your clothes either.” 

“Yeah,” Mickey nudged her, nodding at her Black Sabbath hoodie. “You got some good taste. Surprisingly.” 

Franny rolled her eyes, a smile peeking out. “Uncle Mickey, have you ever even listened to them?” 

“Kid, I was listening to metal before you were born,” Mickey smirked. 

Ian observed them for a moment or two. He didn’t want to have to send her back to the apartment, knowing she would be there all alone and on her birthday no less. “Franny,” he addressed her, “why don't we have a party for you now? Just the three of us.” 

He looked past her, right at Mickey. His husband was on board immediately. 

“Really?” 

“Yeah,” Ian nodded. “You pick what you want for dinner and Uncle Mickey can go get you a cake. We already have your gifts. No reason why we can’t do this tonight.” 

The bright smile he got from Franny made him smile too. 

“Okay,” she said happily. “Cool. Uh...can we have pizza?” 

“You got it,” Ian said with a grin. “Chocolate cake okay with you?” 

Franny agreed. That was her ultimate favorite. 

“You guys are the best,” she said when Mickey grabbed his keys, preparing to leave. 

Twenty minutes later, their stomachs were full. Mickey, being the softie he was, had also grabbed two kinds of ice cream for her. God, he loved that man. 

Franny was beaming the whole time, dunking her pizza into the ranch, listening intently to one of Mickey’s less traumatic childhood stories. She thought I spy, you shoot was hilarious, and he’d looked back at Ian with visible smugness. 

Finally, it was time for her to open her gifts. 

It wasn’t hard to tell who had given her what- Ian’s wrapping was much neater than Mickey’s. 

Franny was ecstatic to find four books from that horror series she liked to read. Her excitement continued when she opened Mickey’s- a new black hoodie. 

“This one’s from both of us,” Ian pointed at the last one, a semi long box. 

“Oh my God!” 

Franny pulled out a skateboard. She’d been wanting one for a while now, eager to learn how to ride it. 

“Thank you! Thank you!” She shrieked, lunging at them, hugging them both tightly. “This is the best gift ever! I love you guys so much!” 

Ian laughed, kissing her on the head. “We love you too, Franny.” 

“Just remember this was your favorite uncle’s idea,” Mickey interjected, holding her for a few seconds longer. 

“It was our idea,” Ian snorted. 

Franny couldn’t stop smiling. It was stretched across her face. “Can I go ride it now?” 

“Sure,” Mickey agreed, already slipping on his jacket again. 

“Can you get a picture of me doing it, Uncle Ian?” Franny asked on their way out the door. “I wanna show my friends.” 

He’d deal with the fallout and Debbie tomorrow. He knew she’d probably bitch about Franny being but Ian couldn’t care less about that right now. 

“Sure, thing, Franny.”  ---

Might make one more chapter where Ian and Mickey deal with Debbie's wrath (and they lay into her for how she's treating her daughter)