Chapter Text
“So, how’re things with the mystery man?” Mandy asked out of the blue one day. Ian had refused to share any details with her when he first confessed about the new man in his life, but that was months ago and Ian had been strangely quiet lately. She and Ian were lounging on the front steps of the Gallagher house passing a joint back and forth.
Ian froze with it halfway to his lips but then he shrugged and took another hit before answering.
“Nothin’ much to tell.” Ian shrugged, avoiding her gaze. He passed the joint back and his hand immediately returned to his mouth. Mandy could tell something was wrong. Ian always chewed his nails when he was upset.
“Don’t give me that shit.” Mandy scoffed. “What happened? You’ve been grinning like a fuckin’ idiot for months now because of this guy and all of a sudden you’re like a kicked puppy. What gives?” Ian remained silent, still avoiding her eyes. “Ian. What is it? You can tell me.”
Ian laughed, harsh and mirthless. “No, I really can’t. He’s on the down low remember?”
Mandy rolled her eyes. “Whatever, so don’t tell me his name. What happened?” Mandy grabbed Ian’s shoulder, turning him to face her and staring into his eyes.
Ian sighed and looked up to the sky before meeting Mandy’s stare.
“It’s...whatever. He had to leave.” He shrugged.
“Why’d he leave?” Mandy asked. “Did you guys get in a fight?”
“Not really.” Mandy could tell Ian wanted to say more but couldn’t. “We got caught together. He had to leave. I don’t really wanna talk about it.” Ian went back to biting his nails.
“That sucks.” Mandy said simply, punching Ian lightly on the arm in solidarity.
Ian laughed again, this time with more feeling. “Tell me about it.”
Mandy stayed quiet for a while, trying desperately to come up with another topic to get Ian to smile again.
“I went to visit Mickey again last week,” she finally said, poking Ian’s ribs with her toes. She didn’t notice the way Ian winced when she said Mickey’s name. “Guess he got put in solitary for a week for stabbing some guy with a spork or some shit.”
To her surprise Ian started laughing hard, clutching his belly and wiping his eyes.
“What?” Mandy asked, confused. “Did I miss something?” Ian just kept laughing and almost fell from the steps. “What is it shithead?” Mandy yelled and this time she punched hard enough to bruise.
“Ow, fuck Mandy, Jesus.” Ian finally stopped laughing, rubbing at his shoulder.
“Yeah that’s what you get.” Mandy muttered, still annoyed that she apparently didn’t get the joke.