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RECAP

It was daytime outside the Malcolm & Milkovich House.

Malcolm was sitting on his porch, smoking a cigarette, like always, looking ahead at you, flicking his cigarette. "I lost my brother Micah, moved into a new house and got involved with the Fisher-Ball-Måneskins, and the Gallaghers, and the Milkoviches, and I still didn't miss what happened last time on Worlds Colliding (Shameless). What the fuck is your excuse? Roll the damn clip."

Malcolm took a hit.

(Song:) Not Gonna Play By Your Rules - The Diner

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in the old Milkovich house, Natalia was confronted by Terry and Tristan.

Natalia aimed the gun at Terry. "Stay the fuck away from me."

Tristan pulled out his gun, aiming. "Tell JJ and Kimberly that they still can't go to the cops without getting all three of you, Zia and whoever the hell else put in the damn ground next to Micah Maxfield. But I also hear that the two guys that Rod and Vlad sent in to watch Kimberly and JJ went MIA. If they catch wind, then they'll be back here so fast."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", Running down the street, Natalia pushed against the strong wind that iced her skin, tears burning in her eyes, hearing the gunshots that Terry and Tristan fired, ducking to make sure that she didn't get hit.

Tristan: (voice over from 1.09 Can't Hide From Family Lines) "But why let them have all the fun with taking the three that all of them are so desperate to keep safe? Wanna stop that from happening? Keep JJ paying the goddamn money."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in the street, Lip was on the payphone with Steve. "Loan me a couple bills?"

"I can pay you for a job," Steve answered.

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", at the L station, Steve met up with Lip. "Fiona would be pissed if she knew you were in this shit with me."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", at the Lishman mansion, Zia and Debbie were knocking on the door of the Lishman mansion.

Candace Lishman opened the door, a woman twice Steve's age.

"Are you fucking our sister's boyfriend?" Zia asked bluntly.

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines",  Steve walked in from behind Zia and Debbie, not yet seeing them in the chairs in front of him. "Hey, Mom, me and Chip are gonna swing by the hospital."

Candace gave Steve a peck on the lips. Zia and Debbie both cringed in disgust.

Candace pointed to the girls, but didn't know their names. "Oh, uh, this is, uh..."

Steve turned around, stopping in shock when he saw Zia and Debbie there, who were both just glaring at him.

Zia glared at Steve. "Zia and Debbie Gallagher. Nice to meet you. Jimmy."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines",  Zia and Debbie were sitting across the street from the Lishman mansion, sitting on tiny hills of snow.

Steve sat next to them.

Zia stood so that she wasn't sitting next to him, turning to face Steve. "Separate life, different girlfriend? You're cheating on both of them."

Steve didn't answer, looking down.

Zia shook her head angrily, and didn't waste time in raising her cast to swing down at Steve's crotch to hit him harshly in the balls, making him groan in pain.

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines",  in Fiona and Steve's house, Steve looked at Zia and Debbie. "Are you gonna tell Fiona?"

Zia crossed her arms over her chest. "Don't know yet, Jimmy-Steve."

Debbie tilted her head. "I saw a really cool pink vest."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in the Gallagher house,  Steve held up a couple bags hanging from each hand to show Zia and Debbie. "I like to think of it as a peace offering."

From 1.10 "Does It Ever Fucking End?", in the Fisher-Ball house, JJ looked at Eliana. "Kimberly told me that you called her last night. Said that you called her a whore and that if she came near me again, that you would make her pay?"

Eliana closed her eyes, shaking her head. "I don't remember that. But I told you I'm not right, not mentally well enough, to take care of you, let alone myself." She took out an envelope, handing it over. "But I did want to give you this. I terminated my parental rights so that Veronica and Kevin could adopt you. I'll always be your mom. I'm just not a parent, no matter how badly I wanted to be."

From 1.10 "Does It Ever Fucking End?", in the street, JJ and Eliana were walking.

Eliana suddenly looked upset, her mood swinging rapidly, looking confused. "I know you're screwing her. I won't be humiliated, Tristan." JJ was more confused, knowing that Eliana didn't even know that she was talking to her son at the moment. "I'm taking JJ and I'm leaving. You're too dangerous, and I can't let you hurt either us anymore."

From 1.10 "Does It Ever Fucking End?", at the river side, JJ walked toward his mother. "Eliana?"

Eliana looked at him in confusion. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"

JJ was both stunned by the question. "It's me. JJ." Eliana still looked confused and disoriented. "Your son."

JJ looked upset that Eliana didn't even recognize him, while Natalia and Carson heartbroken for JJ, and Malcolm watched in sympathy.

From 1.10 "Does It Ever Fucking End?", in the locker room at school, JJ was having his panic attack.

Kimberly realized what she could do to help him, kissing him passionately. JJ's eyes were open in shock, but realizing what she was doing, closed his eyes, and kissed her back. The slow, sweet, steady and passionate kiss was able to make JJ hold his breath long enough for him to calm down and stop the attack. After a moment, they pulled away, remaining close, leaving their eyes closed. They drifted further apart, opening their eyes to look at each other.

JJ sat back, breathing deeply. "Thank you."

Kimberly looked up at JJ, giving another nod. "Anytime."

From 1.10 "Does It Ever Fucking End?", in the Gallagher house, the Gallagher dinner.

Lip opened the results, looking stunned. "Holy shit. Kim, Ian, congratulations. You are not Frank Gallagher's kids."

Kimberly and Ian both looked stunned, as did the rest of the siblings.

Ian looked at the results. "But our father is a close relative. Most likely one of your brothers."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in the Jackson kitchen, Eddie walked toward Karen. "I've been reading more about this purity ball thing."

From 1.10 "Does It Ever Fucking End?", at the Purity Ball, the man looked at Karen. "You need to be as honest as you can."

"It's okay, sweetheart," Eddie told her.

Karen sighed nervously, dreading everyone's reactions, but also going to be blunt and to the point. "I started having oral sex. Orgy. Naked body. Black, strap-on dildo."

Eddie had had enough, standing up, furious. "You whore!"

From 1.10 "Does It Ever Fucking End?", in the basement of the Jackson house, Karen picked up a wooden pole, using it to break more of Eddie's things. "He humiliated me!"

Sheila walked toward Karen, wrapping her arms around her daughter comfortingly, as they sank to the floor.

From 1.10 "Does It Ever Fucking End?", in the Jackson house, Sheila kept pushing Eddie toward the front door, starting to yell. "Get out! Get out!"

⫷⑅⫸ Worlds Colliding (Shameless) ⫷⑅⫸

Theme Song: The Luck You Got - The High Strung

In the Gallagher bathroom.

First segment, Frank was sleeping on the floor. Fiona walked in, trying to kick Frank awake, but when that didn't work, she dragged him out of the bathroom so that she could go pee, walking out of the room.

Second segment, Carl walked into the bathroom, climbing up the toilet to sit on the back of it, drinking a soda, before tossing the can down, jumping down to the floor, walking out of the room.

Third segment, Ian was using the bathroom, reading a gay magazine, when Kevin walked in to grab his plaid shirt on the floor. Ian hit his magazine between his legs, looking panicked, watching Kevin walked out of the room.

Fourth segment, Debbie walked into the bathroom, brushing her teeth, before walking out.

Fifth segment, Zia led Liam into the bathroom by his hands, kneeling next to him to wrap toilet paper all around Liam, as both were smiling.

Sixth segment, Kimberly helped an injured JJ into the bathroom, having him sit down on the floor, kneeling down to help him with a broken nose, snapping it back into place, which caused a lot of pain, and treating the rest of his wounds. They both stared at each other.

Seventh segment, Lip walked into the bathroom, looking for his cigarette pack, finding the pack and a lighter. Natalia walked in, sitting on the edge of the tub. Lip lit his cigarette, taking a hit. Natalia held out her hand, so Lip handed her the cigarette, so that Natalia could take a hit. They both walked out of the room.

Eighth segment, Kevin sat on a stool, tilting his head back because of a bleeding nose. Veronica sat next to him, using toilet paper to stuff into his nose to stop the bleeding.

Ninth segment, Debbie was going through Fiona's makeup bag.

Tenth segment, Carl pulled a stuffed animal out of the toilet.

Eleventh segment, Liam dipped his toothbrush into the toilet, brushing his teeth.

Twelfth segment, Lip was peeing into the toilet, while Ian was peeing into the sink.

Thirteenth segment, Zia sat on the floor, making pictures and drawings with a mess of belongings around her.

Fourteenth segment, Kimberly was looking into the mirror, putting makeup on.

Fifteenth segment, Steve backed Fiona into the bathroom, lifting her up to put her on the sink, as they started to have sex.

⫷⑅⫸ Worlds Colliding (Shameless) ⫷⑅⫸

Day One

Morning - Gallagher House - The Girls' Room

(Song:) The Few Things - JP Saxe, Charlotte Lawrence

Kimberly and JJ were alone together in the girls' room, standing, facing each other.

"So what did you wanna talk about?" JJ asked. "I have to go see Eliana this morning to find out what's going on with her."

"I know," Kimberly agreed. "This won't take long, promise. I just wanted to show you something."

"More than what I saw at the quarry last fall?" JJ asked.

Kimberly knew that JJ was talking about when they both undressed down to boxers for him and underwear/bra for her so they could go swimming, giving him a look, smiling. "Shut up."

JJ smirked, having hoped to get that reaction. "So what did you want to show me?"

"More like talking, but, uh..." Kimberly trailed off. "You know, we never did talk about what happened between us. At school."

JJ knew this was coming, nodding in agreement. "You're right. We didn't. That you kissed me."

"And you kissed me back," Kimberly replied. "Didn't talk about it."

JJ nodded in amusement. "Yeah, I know. That's the whole point of kissing, so you don't have to talk about it."

"Right," Kimberly stated. "Well, I just wanted you to know that I'm good with that."

"Yeah?" JJ asked.

"Yeah," Kimberly answered. "We're good. Right?"

"Really good," JJ answered. "I just... can't imagine why anyone would... like me like that. Let alone you."

"What kind of stupid question is that?" Kimberly asked. JJ gave her a surprised, amused look, raising an eyebrow. "I don't know, JJ. Maybe because I think that you're someone worthy of anyone, everyone liking you like that. It doesn't matter that you used to sleep around from time to time, and I don't care about the BPD and Tristan and Eliana and all that comes with them. I like you for you. You are angry and impulsive, but you care so much about other people and protecting them, and giving them a better life when other people don't seem to care or get why, like with Carson and Ethan. And those things that you care about, those are just one of the reasons why I like you. Because you're my best friend. Because you put yourself on the line for me and my family and our friends constantly. Because you got shot on your birthday trying to protect us. And I can't imagine why anyone would hate you or would hurt you or let you go. Because I trust you."

"I trust you too," JJ whispered. "And that's bigger to me than anything else. After everything that we have to go through. You're smart, kind, selfless. Even with all the impatience, the pain and the anger and sarcasm." Kimberly smiled. "You have a light, a life inside you, that I've never seen in anyone else. I love your family like my own. And I... you're the only one that I think sees me for me instead of someone needing protection from himself and his disorder. You're the only one that can understand what I'm going through, and you're the only one I can actually be me again with. And even when I tell you that you don't have to put yourself on the line for me right now, you still do."

"Because you're not the only one that gets to do that between you and me," Kimberly pointed out.

JJ chuckled slightly. "I will always protect you, Kimberly. And your family. And mine. Everyone that we care about. And everyone that tries to hurt you, I feel like I can tear them to shreds. You help me get past my dark times, and I can help you get past yours. You were with me when I felt like I didn't have anyone else. You made me laugh when I felt like I was going to die. And I almost did twice. And you pulled me out into the light again. Because you are my best friend. And... I can't imagine being with anyone but you."

Kimberly nodded in agreement, the two unable to look away from each other. "I can't imagine being with anyone but you either. With everything that happened, and everything that is still going on, there's not much I can be sure of, JJ. But this? This is one thing that I think we both can be sure of. You and me."

JJ reached up to cup Kimberly by the cheek, meeting her longing gaze with his, both yearning for this, breathing unevenly with just the thought of finally giving into their feelings, unable to resist a little humor to make her smile. "Was this the talk?"

Kimberly smiled. "Pretty much."

JJ smiled. "Perfect. Because I think we've waited long enough. Don't you?"

Kimberly nodded, reaching up to cup JJ's head, and kissed him passionately. JJ placed a hand on her cheek, the other on the small of her back, pulling her closer. For a moment, they pulled away, leaning their heads together, small smiles gracing their lips, purely, truly happy. Kimberly wrapped her arms around JJ's neck, hopping up, wrapping her legs around his waist. JJ lifted her up and carried her to the bed behind her, laying her down as the two continued to kiss with fiery, heated passion and longing and desire.

(Song Ends)

Suddenly, the door burst open as Carl, Zia and Debbie ran in.

"Kimberly, is Fiona still--" Carl started.

Kimberly and JJ hurriedly pulled away from each other, as JJ sat up.

Kimberly was still laying down, hands over her face sheepishly, embarrassed by her sisters and brother running in. "I thought you three were playing."

Zia, Carl and Debbie stared in shock when they realized what had just happened.

Zia's jaw dropped. "Oh... my... God."

JJ waved awkwardly, smiling sheepishly. "Hey, Zia. Carl. Debbie."

"Did you two..." Debbie trailed off. "You just..."

Kimberly sat up, tilting her head. "I can explain."

No explanation needed, Zia turned around, walking out of the room. "Sorry!"

Debbie nodded awkwardly, backing away out of the room. "Sorry. Bye, JJ."

"Bye," JJ replied.

Debbie darted out of the room after Zia.

Carl darted out of the room. "Kimberly and JJ are making out in the girls' room!"

Kimberly blushed, leaning her head down against JJ's shoulder, as both of them were trying not to laugh.

Kimberly raised her head to look at JJ. "Oh, my God."

They both burst into silent laughter, as JJ wrapped an arm around Kimberly's shoulders.

⫷⑅⫸

Fiona's Room

(Song:) Miss Lucy - Tom Brosseau

Steve was laying down in bed, completely dressed.

Fiona was sitting on top of him, completely dressed, touching the tip of her nose with her tongue.

Steve was amused. "That's good. All right, can you do this?"

Steve made a loop with his tongue.

Fiona nodded. "Oh, that's easy." She made a loop with her tongue. "Can you wiggle your ears?"

Fiona wiggled her ears.

Steve was surprised when he actually saw them moving, just a bit. "Oh, my God."

"Slightly, right?" Fiona asked. "Slightly."

Steve laughed. "Yeah, I think I can."

Steve closed his eyes in concentration, giving a soft grunt.

Fiona laughed at his expression. "I said wiggle your ears, not shit your pants."

They both laughed.

"You wanna see me make a mangina?" Steve asked.

Fiona nodded sarcastically. "Oh, that's sexy, but I'll pass. I can put my ankle behind my head and sing 'The Star-Spangled Banner'."

"Okay," Steve said. Fiona pulled her ankle behind her head. "Uh, does it have to be our national anthem?"

"What else would it be?" Fiona asked, keeping her arm up to secure her ankle behind her head. Steve laughed. Fiona started to sing. "Oh, say, can you see?"

Steve grabbed his phone. "This is good."

Steve pulled up his camera to record Fiona.

Fiona sang seriously but jokingly. "By the dawn's early light / What so proudly we hailed--"

Zia and Debbie walked into the open doorway.

"Are we gonna have to learn to do that when we start having sex?" Debbie asked.

Fiona looked over at Zia and Debbie, her ankle still over her head. "This has nothing to do with sex."

Zia frowned, confused. "Then it's even weirder. Why does everything have to be about sex with you people?"

Steve chuckled. "You people?"

Carl peaked his head in on his way to the bathroom. "Kim and JJ were making out in the girls' room."

Carl darted past to the bathroom to take his morning shower.

Steve and Fiona both looked at Zia and Debbie in surprise, watching Carl go.

"That's what you guys were yelling about?" Fiona asked.

"Yeah," Debbie answered. "At this point, I think Zia's the only one of us that's not sex-obsessed."

"Looks like," Steve agreed, amused.

Zia shuddered. "Ew."

Fiona lowered her ankle from behind her head. "Jesus." She yelled into the other room. "Kimberly, JJ, you better separate right now. I'm not dealing with another Gallagher baby."

Kimberly and JJ walked up to the door.

"Jesus, Fi, really?" Kimberly asked.

"You don't have to worry anyway," JJ replied. "I gotta head to Eliana's hotel to see what's going on with her. But seriously, Fiona?"

Fiona shrugged. "Just fair warning. Knew it would only be a matter of time before you two started hooking up anyway."

Kimberly blushed and rolled her eyes.

JJ smirked, turning to Kimberly. "I'll see you later."

Kimberly nodded in agreement. "I can stop by the hotel later if you want."

"Yeah," JJ answered. "See you then."

"Bye, JJ," Zia told him.

"Bye, guys," JJ replied, walking away to leave.

Kimberly watched JJ go, giving Fiona a look, tilting her head. "Seriously?" Fiona smirked, shrugging. Kimberly shook her head in amusement. "I'm gonna go see if Lip and Ian found anything yet."

Kimberly walked away.

Fiona looked at Zia and Debbie. "What do you want?"

(Song Ends)

"You're supposed to be at the moms' meeting in 40 minutes," Debbie told her.

"Since when?" Fiona asked.

Steve fixed Fiona's shirt.

"Since Mom promised to go before she left us again," Debbie answered.

Fiona put a hand to her head. "Oh, God, Debs, please don't make me do this."

"I know you don't like those meetings," Debbie admitted. "That's why I never tell you about them."

"Are the meetings that bad?" Steve asked, kissing Fiona's shoulder.

"It's the women from the neighborhood," Fiona explained. "All they do is talk about their husbands, and their jobs, and dental plans."

Steve showed Fiona the video on his phone that he took of her just now. "Maybe you should just show them your special skill."

They both laughed.

Zia rolled her eyes. "Snob Mob always makes fun of us for not having a parent there."

Debbie nodded. "So when Mom came back, I signed her up."

"What's the Snob Mob?" Steve asked.

"The name speaks for itself," Debbie told him.

"And their moms aren't much nicer," Fiona added.

"They're expecting a grown-up to help with decorations," Debbie told her. "It's only this one time. I won't sign you up again, I promise."

Fiona gave in. "Fine."

"Yes!" Debbie cheered.

Fiona grabbed her shoes. "Let me make some coffee first."

"Okay," Debbie agreed.

Fiona stood, walking out of the room.

Debbie followed Fiona.

Steve laid back down on the bed, covering up his head.

Zia was still in the room, glaring at Steve.

Steve seemed to sense the familiar glare from Zia on him, pushing the blanket off his head, looking at Zia guardedly, nervously, as if making sure that she wasn't going to hit him again as she was prone to do. "What?"

"You tell her the truth yet, Jimmy-Steve?" Zia asked.

Steve sat up slightly. "Soon."

Zia looked at him skeptically. "You better."

Steve was uneasy by the look Zia was giving him.

Zia turned around, walking out of the room.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

(Song:) Hello Darling - The Rosebuds

Steve walked outside.

Fiona stepped outside after Steve to give him a kiss on the lips for goodbye. "Have a good day at work, dear."

Steve knew that she was slightly teasing with the 'dear' part, turning around, walking toward his car.

Fiona went back inside.

Tony was in his cop car down the street with his partner.

"You satisfied?" the partner asked.

Tony shook his head. "I just can't believe it."

"Hey, you win some, you lose some," the partner pointed out.

Tony watched Steve with a glare. "What does she see in him?"

"Ass, gas and cash," the partner replied. "Do you see his Porsche?"

Tony shook his head. "Fiona's not like that."

The partner gave him a skeptical look. "Face it, women think with their vaginas. Now let's vamonos. We'll find you another skanky 'hood girl to obsess about."

They watched Steve drive away, before driving away themselves.

⫷⑅⫸

Inside - Fiona's Room

Fiona was going through her clothes to try and find something good to wear.

Zia and Debbie were sitting on her bed.

"Snob Mob says it's not fair that we get to go to all the class parties and stuff even though we don't contribute," Zia explained.

"Z, Debs, can't listen to those bitches," Fiona told them, pulling on a shirt.

Debbie noticed a hole in Fiona's shirt, instantly objecting. "No! You have to look nice. Has a hole in it."

Fiona looked down at the hole. "That's gonna cut out half my wardrobe." Debbie pointed. Fiona sighed. "Maybe Kimberly has something I can wear. She still in the boys' room?"

Zia and Debbie nodded, standing, walking with Fiona out of the room.

⫷⑅⫸

The Boys' Room

Fiona, Zia and Debbie walked into the boys' room.

Ian and Kimberly were lounging on Ian's bed, while Ian was tossing a ball up in the air, and Lip was laying on his bed with the laptop.

"Stop downloading porn," Fiona stated.

"Oops, busted," Lip joked.

Zia gagged, causing the others to smirk.

"Kim, I need a sweater," Fiona told her. "You got any that looks nice?"

"Yeah, some new ones on my dresser," Kimberly answered. "Knock yourself out."

Fiona tilted her head. "Bought with leftover drug money?"

"Do you want to borrow one or not?" Kimberly replied. "Judge later."

"I'll go get you one, Fi," Debbie told her, walking out of the room to go get Fiona a sweater.

Fiona looked between Ian, Kimberly and Lip. "What are you guys doing?"

"We're looking for the twins' dad," Lip replied.

Ian pointed over at Lip. "He's looking for the twins' dad."

Lip looked over the web search. "Jesus. There are a lot of Gallaghers. Hey, Fiona, do you know any of, uh, Frank's brothers' names?"

Fiona frowned. "Shit. I have no idea. Oh, I think one of them's Wendell or something."

Lip shrugged. "Suppose I could just start calling them all."

Zia sat down on the bed next to Ian and Kimberly. "Why do you care anyway?"

Ian scooted over to make room for Zia, letting her lay down next to him. "He just wishes it was him that wasn't Frank's kid."

Zia cuddled up next to Ian, laying her head on his shoulder, causing Ian to to smile.

Fiona, Lip and Kimberly smiled at the two of them.

"Plus, you know, if we find Ian and Kim's real dad, maybe he'll give us some cash," Lip pointed out. "Or we could report his name to the State and collect child support."

"Then we'd have to hang out with the dude," Kimberly stated.

"Yeah, well, small price to pay to get a little extra cash in order to help you and JJ pay off Tristan's debts to keep you, Natalia and Zia safe, Kimberly," Lip replied.

Ian, Kimberly, Fiona and Zia took this more seriously once Lip explained his reasoning for wanting to find the twins' dad, knowing that he made a great point, even if none of them liked the situation.

Zia looked at Fiona. "Then maybe we'd get extra cash that you don't judge Kim and JJ for."

Fiona tilted her head, sighing.

Kimberly raised her eyebrows smugly. "Z said it, not me."

"Besides, he might be cool," Lip said.

Fiona scoffed. "Frank's brother?"

Lip shrugged. "Gotta be better than Frank, right? I mean, maybe he has a job, or he's sober, or he likes kids."

"Doubt it," Ian replied. "But you're right, Lip. We should track him down, even if it's just to find a way to get more cash to help Kimberly and JJ." He put his arm around Zia, tickling her slightly to make her squirm, trying to cheer her up. "Anything to protect little Zia here and Natalia, right, Z?"

Zia, even being so numb and unfeeling, could feel a slight tickle, squirming and chuckling, swatting at Ian's hands. "Stop it, Ian."

Ian, Kimberly, Lip and Fiona smiled slightly at her reaction.

Debbie walked into the room with one of Kimberly's new sweaters. "Hey, how about this one, Fiona?"

Fiona took the sweater from Debbie, checking the size on it to make sure it would fit her. "It'll have to do."

Fiona pulled on the sweater over her tank top.

Debbie took Fiona by the hand, pulling her toward the hallway. "Now go. Come on."

Fiona peaked back into the boys' room. "Take the bus out to see Grammy. She'll know where the brothers are."

Debbie and Fiona left the room.

Zia, Ian, Kimberly and Lip exchanged a look.

Carl walked into the room after his shower in the bathroom, looking at Ian and Lip. "Kimberly and JJ almost hooked up."

"They made out," Zia corrected.

Ian and Lip looked from Carl and Zia to Kimberly in surprise, raising their eyebrows, smirking slightly.

Kimberly gave Carl an amused look. "Are you gonna tell everybody that?"

Carl counted on his fingers. "Fiona and Steve, Ian and Lip. Next up Natalia, Mandy, Carson, Malcolm, V and Kev. Yep."

Ian nudged Kimberly. "And you didn't tell me?"

"This was this morning, and don't act like you haven't had your secret hookups," Kimberly replied.

Ian shrugged. "Touché. You and JJ. About damn time."

Kimberly smiled sheepishly. "Really? You two aren't mad?"

Lip laughed. "No, we're not mad. We've literally been waiting for so long for something to happen between you two. Natalia too."

"Yeah, and as long as you two finally get to be happy after everything that went down, then we're happy," Ian stated.

Lip nodded in agreement. "What he said."

Kimberly smiled. "Thanks, guys."

Carl, Ian and Lip smiled.

Zia even had a slight curve of her lips, even given her numbed state.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Elementary School - Moms' Meeting

Fiona walked into the mothers' meeting, seeing all the mothers there who were making decorations for the St. Patrick's Day dance the next night.

A woman named Jasmine walked up to Fiona. "Hi. Fiona, right?"

Fiona took off her hat. "Yeah."

"Debbie said I should expect you," Jasmine explained. "I'm Jasmine Hollander. I live over on South Bishop."

Fiona nodded. "I remember you from the neighborhood. Used to babysit my friend Beth."

"Right," Jasmine agreed. "Um, okay, well, let me get you started. We're making decorations for the St. Patty's Day party tomorrow."

Two bitchy moms were glancing over at them and gossiping.

"Look who showed up," Bitchy Mom 1 whispered.

Jasmine chuckled, pointing Fiona over to a table, sadly next to the two bitchy moms. "Uh, okay, take a seat right there, and I'll bring you some construction paper."

Fiona walked over to sit down, taking off her scarf.

"Hi, Fiona," Bitchy Mom 2 greeted.

"Long time no see," Bitchy Mom 1 stated.

Fiona took off her jacket. "Yeah."

Bitchy Mom 1 looked at Bitchy Mom 2. "So, what rate did you guys end up getting?"

Jasmine brought construction paper over to Fiona. "There you go."

Bitchy Mom 1 looked at Fiona to explain, giving a name to the other bitchy mom. "Eve's refinancing her home."

"Four and a half percent for 15 years," Eve answered.

Bitchy Mom 1 smiled. "Your monthly must be outrageous."

Eve nodded. "Peter wants to pay the house off sooner than later."

"Should've gone for a 30," Bitchy Mom told her. "That's what we have."

Eve tilted her head. "Rates would be higher."

"Your payments would've been lower," Bitchy Mom replied.

"Peter has a head for numbers," Eve stated. "We'll be okay."

Fiona tried to ignore them while cutting up construction paper with scissors to make decorations.

"I'd be worried that the rail line's gonna have layoffs again," Bitchy Mom stated. "Aren't you?"

"I guess I am now," Eve answered.

Bitchy Mom looked at Fiona. "Must be nice not to own a home and have to deal with this stuff."

Fiona looked up, realizing that she was being talked to, smiling sarcastically. "Yeah. Gives me more time to buy drugs and fence stolen goods."

Jasmine watched Fiona, smiling at how she handled herself in the meeting.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Living Room

Carson was over with the four younger Gallagher kids, having Ethan over for a playdate with Liam, watching over them in the playpen.

Liam was curious about the six month year old Ethan, looking at him in intrigue, smiling up at Carson as he babbled.

Carson smiled in return. "Hey, Liam. You gonna be friends with Ethan when he grows up?"

Liam babbled some more.

Nearby, Carl and Debbie were playing on a brand new X-Box in a brutal game, giving it their all, very competitive.

Zia was just watching them play the brutal gun war game, not involved with the game, as the guns on the game reminded her of the drive by and seeing Micah and JJ shot, causing all of her issues up to now. 

Frank walked into the house, taking off his hat and scarf, singing. "I'm getting some cash today / I don't care what you say." He walked past his kids toward the dining area, passing by Carson, Ethan and Liam by the playpen. "Just stay the fuck out of my way."

Carson rolled her eyes, sliding out of Frank's walkway with the two babies. "Or you could just watch out for my son and your son, Frank."

"Whatever you say," Frank replied, walking into the kitchen to get into the fridge for a beer. "Who the hell are you again?"

"Carson," Carson answered in annoyance. "JJ's foster sister. Veronica and Kevin's foster daughter."

Frank walked back into the room with the beer, remembering, nodding. "Right, right. Carson. The girl on the piano. Got you. Didn't recognize you without the weird blue dress."

Carson looked over at Carl, Debbie and Zia. "Did he not see me and say my name at Sheila's during everything with Monica?"

"He still says 'who the hell is Steve?' when he's known him for months, and that he kidnapped him once, so don't feel bad, Carson," Carl replied.

Debbie suddenly shouted at the game. "Die, Locust scum!"

Carson gave her a weird look. "Jeez." She looked over at Zia, noticing that she was zoned out while looking at the game on the TV. The blank, but depressed and anxious look on Zia's expression, seemed to be reflected on Carson's, as Carson felt saddened and anxious just by seeing Zia's state. Carson stood, walking over to Zia, sitting next to her on the arm of the couch, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Zia. Hey."

Zia snapped out of it, realizing what Carson did for her, looking up, swallowing. "Thanks, Carson."

Carson nodded in concern. "Do you know when you can get those tests from Dr. Rhodes done?"

"Not yet," Zia answered. "Fiona has to talk to Dr. Rhodes at my next appointment next week. Then they'll set the tests up. But who knows how long those will take."

Carson sighed, understanding but worried. "It's gonna be okay."

Zia looked down. "Yeah. Maybe."

Frank walked past Zia and Carson on his way over to the mail on the table, but not seeing that morning's mail.

Debbie noticed. "Oh, uh, mail's not here yet." Frank took a drink of his beer. "Any minute, usually."

Frank seemed to realize something, turning to look at Zia, Carson, Debbie and Carl. "What are you kids doing home?"

"Budget cuts," Carl answered.

Debbie shouted at the game again. "Eat my ass!"

Zia and Carson exchanged a weird look.

Carson looked at Frank to explain. "We have every other Thursday and Friday off. Today's Thursday, so..."

Frank frowned. "Shouldn't someone be watching you?"

Zia looked over at Frank. "Do you actually care?"

Frank made an innocent gesture and shrug. "Am I not allowed to care, Zia? Especially with all the crap you've done or went through."

"You told me to pull myself together, so no, I know you don't care," Zia replied.

"I was drinking," Frank retorted.

Zia rolled her eyes, looking away. "You always are."

"And I'm watching Zia, Liam and Ethan," Carson answered. "Technically Debbie's helping, and watching Carl."

"How old are you again, Carson?" Frank asked.

"11," Carson answered. "Old enough to be a mother and a babysitter."

Frank shook his head, giving up with the questions, not caring enough.

Mail slid in through the mail slot in the door.

Frank instantly stood and went for the mail. "Aha!" He started to go through the mail, looking for the one addressed to him, finding it. "'Dear Mr. Gallagher. Effective immediately, your Illinois State work compensation has been terminated.'" He was heartbroken and furious, letting out a dramatic yell that seemed to be heard from miles away, echoing through the neighborhood. "No!"

Zia, Carson, Carl and Debbie all gave Frank a weird look.

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Outside

Natalia walked outside.

Lip was waiting outside.

When they both heard Frank's "No!" from next door, they looked toward the Gallagher house in confusion.

"What the fuck is up with Frank this time?" Natalia asked.

Lip shook his head. "Who knows?"

"What's up?" Natalia asked.

"Well, this morning started out funny," Lip explained. "Apparently, Zia, Debbie and Carl walked in on Kimberly and JJ making out in the girls' room, and Carl keeps telling everybody."

Natalia smirked, not that surprised, but impressed, nodding. "About fucking time."

Lip laughed lightly. "Yeah, that's what we said too. Anyway, Kimberly, Ian and I are gonna go visit our grandmother and find out where their dad could be. Kim's asking JJ to come for support. So we wanted to know if you wanted to come too. Since you two are family anyway, and we wouldn't want it any other way."

Natalia smiled. "Yeah. Yeah, I'd love to come."

Lip nodded. "Great. Let's go."

Natalia raised her eyebrows. "What, now?"

"Yeah, now," Lip answered. "What else did you think I meant?"

Natalia laughed lightly, pushing Lip on her way down the steps. "Asshole."

"Bitch," Lip replied with their usual banter.

Natalia turned to face Lip. "And this has absolutely nothing to do with you wanting to keep an eye on me after what happened with Tristan and Terry?"

"It has absolutely everything to do with that," Lip answered. "But, you know, whatever."

Natalia had a slight smile, touched. "You're so overprotective. You know that?"

"I do know, thank you," Lip replied.

Malcolm walked outside to smoke a cigarette. "Natalia. Lip."

"Hey," Lip replied.

"Malcolm, hey, can you keep an eye on Zia, Carl, Debbie, Carson, Ethan and Liam next door for us?" Natalia asked. "Fiona's gone, and Ian, Lip, Kimberly, JJ and I are gonna go talk to Grammy Gallagher to find out where Kim and Ian's dad is."

"Yeah, sure," Malcolm agreed. "You guys just be careful."

"You too," Lip agreed. "I'd love to take them with us to make sure they're safe too, but we're literally going to a prison, so nothing safe about that."

"True," Malcolm agreed. "Don't worry, Lip. I got it."

Lip and Natalia nodded in thanks.

"All right, well, they might take off to go play or something, but just make sure they get back in one piece, since I know it's hard as hell to keep them all under sight and everything," Lip told him.

Malcolm nodded. "Yeah. And Carson's got Zia's zone outs on her sights all the time. Like she can sense them or something."

Natalia frowned. "Yeah. You're right. It's kinda weird, but really helpful." She looked at Lip. "So at least we know with Carson around, Zia's zone outs might take a backseat, until she gets those tests and a diagnosis."

"Right," Lip agreed. "All right. Let's go." Natalia nodded. Lip nodded to Malcolm. "Thanks, man."

"No problem," Malcolm agreed.

Lip and Natalia started to walk away.

⫷⑅⫸

Eliana's Hotel - Outside

Kimberly was knocking on Eliana's door.

Eliana opened the door, smiling at the sight of her. "Kimberly, good morning."

Kimberly smiled. "Good morning, Mrs. Rodriguez." Eliana gave her a look, causing Kimberly to correct. "Eliana. You're looking good this morning."

"I feel a little better," Eliana admitted. "Thank you."

JJ stepped outside, seeing Kimberly. "Hi."

"Hey," Kimberly said.

Eliana smiled at JJ. "Hey, honey. I will let you two snuggle bugs alone. Okay."

Eliana returned inside.

JJ stepped outside, closing the door behind him.

"She seems okay today," Kimberly told him.

"Yeah," JJ agreed.

"But last night..." Kimberly trailed off. "Carson, Natalia and Malcolm said that she didn't even know who you were. And she thought for a moment that you were your dad."

JJ nodded sadly. "Yeah."

"Look, JJ, she needs to get some help," Kimberly pointed out. "We can talk to Veronica and see what we can do, but she needs a real doctor. They can figure out what's going on."

"She just told me what's going on," JJ explained. "She has Alzheimer's."

Kimberly was completely confused and surprised by this. "She what? She's so young."

JJ nodded. "Yeah. It's called early onset or some shit. She's not even that bad yet. She's only in the early stage. Stage one. She said that apparently early onset runs in the family. Vincente got it when he was 40. So of course she does too. Izabel had to handle taking care of Eliana most of her life, so..."

"Oh, my God," Kimberly said in concern. "That's why she can't take care of you."

"Yeah," JJ agreed. "It's so fucking messed up. The one good parent I have, she can't take care of me because some days she won't even remember who I am. Or she'll think that I'm my psychotic father."

Kimberly looked at him in pain. "I'm so sorry. It's so unfair."

JJ let out a deep breath. "Yeah. Well, our lives are fucking unfair." Kimberly nodded sadly. "I just really need to take care of her right now."

"What about Veronica?" Kimberly asked. "I mean, you said Eliana's just in stage one, right? So she'll be fine for years to come. At least before she has to be put into a home or something."

"I'll talk to V and see what we can do," JJ stated. "I mean, either way, Eliana doesn't want to leave or be put into a home. She's not ready for that. She... she wants..."

Kimberly nodded in understanding. "She wants to get to know you. Be in your life. And I get that. Because you're pretty amazing." JJ managed a small smile. Kimberly wrapped her arms around JJ, as JJ leaned his head on Kimberly's shoulder. "It's gonna be okay."

JJ took a deep breath. "Are you? Knowing that Frank's not your dad?"

"I'm better with that than I thought possible," Kimberly answered.

"How can you not be after all we've had to go through because of our fathers?" JJ replied.

Kimberly nodded. "Exactly. But jackass is still my uncle, so..."

"Right," JJ agreed. "You and Ian decide if you wanna find your father yet?"

"We don't really want to," Kimberly answered. "But Lip does. He wants to see if we can get a little extra help for the family if we do. And he has a point, especially with Zia's medical bills and all that shit, and protecting us and Natalia." JJ nodded in agreement. "I just... don't know if I wanna do all that right now."

"I get it," JJ told her. "But if you want to, I support that. Whatever you wanna do."

Kimberly nodded in agreement, gratefully. "I know. Thank you. Likewise, to you, about whatever you wanna do regarding Eliana."

JJ nodded sadly, but gratefully. "Thank you. But, uh, Eliana doesn't want me around right now, says that I don't need to take care of her, because she says it's not my job to take care of her. That I need a distraction."

Kimberly tilted her head. "Well, she might have a point about that."

"Might," JJ agreed.

"So, do you wanna come with me, Ian and Lip to see our grandmother and find out about who's my and Ian's dad?" Kimberly asked. "Natalia's coming too. Lip's asking her. It could be a good distraction."

"I thought you said you didn't wanna know," JJ told her.

"I don't really," Kimberly admitted. "But the curiosity is also killing me at the same time, and we might really need the help, so..."

JJ chuckled. "Right. You sure you want me to come?"

Kimberly nodded. "I definitely want you to come."

JJ gave a small smile. "Of course I'll be there." Kimberly smiled. "But, uh, speaking about protecting you, Zia and Natalia..." JJ took out some cash, which was quiet a lot, causing Kimberly to look at him in shock. "This is from the first batch. And we'll be able to pay Rod and Vlad and distract them so that they don't come looking here and realize that Domingo and Emilio are dead."

"Jesus, how much is that?" Kimberly asked.

"About six grand," JJ answered. Kimberly raised her gaze to meet his in shock. JJ shrugged, giving a small smile. "Tristan owes a lot of people way more than six grand each, but at least this puts us in a step in the right direction to keep us safe. From his enemies and him."

Kimberly threw her arms around JJ in relief. JJ returned the embrace, surprised by the intensity of the hug, but relieved, laughing lightly.

"Oh, my God," Kimberly said. "Thank you. You're doing it."

"We're doing it," JJ replied.

They pulled away; they both still hated this, but knowing that it was the only way to keep everyone safe, feeling relieved that they were starting to really get it done.

⫷⑅⫸

L Station - Outside

A shady lawyer named Larry was seen icing the stairs as people were getting off the L, hoping that one would trip and get hurt so that he could find an easy client to make himself some money off their case.

Frank walked up to him, smoking. "How the fuck did I know that I'd catch you icing the stairs, you sack of shit ambulance chaser?"

"What are you doing here?" Larry asked.

"My workers' comp got canceled," Frank answered.

"You're an A-hole, Frank," Larry told him. "Should've laid low like I fucking told you to." He turned to look up at a passerby walking down the stairs. "Watch your step. Could be slippery."

"I go from home to the Alibi Room," Frank stated. "How much lower can I lay?"

Larry looked at him in exasperation. "They got video of you, you moron."

Frank shook his head in denial. "That's not possible."

(Song:) Sad Sad Sad - Hallo Kosmo

Larry played the videos on his phone to show Frank.

The first video clip was of Frank lifting heavy boxes and moving them.

Frank frowned. "Oh, this is... Well, I was getting a case of beer for helping my friend Toto move." Larry scoffed, showing the next video, which was of Frank running from a man. "It was a reimbursement dispute with my drug dealer." Larry showed the next video, which was of Frank jumped out of a window in his boxers and taking off running with his clothes in hand. "Well, how was I supposed to know her husband was gonna come back early?"

Larry put his phone away. "Call me when you get hurt in the next job. And aim for the knees next time, huh? Pays more than ribs." A woman walking down the stairs slipped on the ice that Larry laid out, yelling in pain, sliding down the stairs, catching herself on the railing. "Whoa, whoa! I saw that. The city will pay. Larry M. Burke, attorney at law at your service."

Frank turned around, walking away. "Shit."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Elementary School - Moms' Meeting

The mothers and Fiona were cleaning up the decorations and the scraps that were left over from making them.

Fiona glared at the gossiping mothers, walking away to throw the scraps away. "Bitches." Jasmine walked up to Fiona. "I have to go. I got stuff to do at home."

"I just wanna thank you for coming today," Jasmine explained.

Fiona nodded tensely. "Okay."

"Would love to have you at more meetings," Jasmine added.

Fiona pulled on her gloves. "I'll see if I can fit it into my busy schedule."

Fiona pulled on her hat, grabbing her scarf.

"Don't let those women bum you out," Jasmine whispered.

Fiona put her scarf on, grabbing her jacket, walking to the door. "I didn't even notice them."

Jasmine walked with her. "Well, between you and me, I think they're twats."

Fiona chuckled, pulling on her jacket. "Why are you friends with them, then?"

"Because our kids play together," Jasmine answered. "They have baseball and soccer. They're not so bad once you get to know them."

Fiona glanced back at the bitchy moms. "Well, I guess they chose not to show that side of themselves today."

⫷⑅⫸

Hallway

Fiona walked into the hallway.

Following, Jasmine grabbed Fiona by the shoulders from behind, surprising her. "They're just insecure, so they gotta make everybody else feel as shitty as they do."

Jasmine let Fiona go, walking with her.

Fiona nodded. "Worked."

Jasmine took hold of Fiona's arm. "How about we go grab some coffee?"

Fiona scoffed. "I don't do coffee."

"Tea?" Jasmine suggested.

Fiona turned to face Jasmine as they both stopped walking. "No, I mean, I do coffee, I just don't have the luxury of doing it in the middle of the day like you people."

Jasmine laughed at the judgement. "Hey, don't be a hater."

Fiona looked to the side, nodding. "You're right. I'm sorry."

"You can make it up to me by letting me buy you a drink," Jasmine offered.

Fiona chuckled. "So now it's a drink?"

Jasmine smiled. "I'll take that as a yes. Come on."

Jasmine led Fiona down the hallway.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Living Room

Carson was playing the piano.

Zia walked closer. "I still can't believe you play."

"Yeah," Carson whispered. "It's one of the things that kept me sane over the years. Music."

Zia nodded barely. "Music helps me too. Like it helped both of us the night you got here."

Carson looked at her curiously. "Do you wanna learn?"

Zia looked up in surprise. "Me? Learn? I... I don't know."

"It could help with focus," Carson pointed out. "Help keep your mind busy."

Zia sat down, tilting her head slightly in thought, though she couldn't rid herself of the numb look in her eye. "Is it hard?"

"At first, sometimes," Carson answered. "But if you keep at it, then it keeps so much easier. Listen."

Carson started to play a piece.

"What is that?" Zia asked. "That song?"

"I wrote it," Carson answered.

"You wrote it?" Zia repeated, impressed.

"Yep," Carson answered. "It's about me and Ethan."

"How is it about you and Ethan?" Zia asked. "It doesn't have any words."

Carson broke it down for her, playing a sad melody on its own. "Well, this is me. Everything I've gone through to get to where I am now." She added a more uplifting tune. "And this is Ethan. Even though it was hell in Clyde's home, having Ethan, it... even with how it happened, caring about him, loving him... it helped save my life." Zia looked at her in understanding, nodding barely, looking down. "You see how it works better?"

"Yeah," Zia answered. "Are you gonna add JJ, Kev and V now too?"

Carson chuckled. "Maybe, if we get to stay."

"I hope you do, Carson," Zia told her.

Carson gave a small smile. "Me too, Zia. Me too. You wanna learn?"

Zia nodded. "Yes, please."

Carson gave a soft smile. "You wanna sing a song? It could help." Zia nodded. "What song?"

Zia tilted her head in thought. "Kim was playing a Florence song because she still wants to try to go to the concert tomorrow with Ian, Lip, Natalia, JJ, Malcolm and Mandy."

"Right, yeah," Carson agreed. "JJ told me that he still wanted to go too. He just didn't know if they could still go to the concert since he and Kimberly are doing what they can about Tristan's debts somehow, and Ian, Lip, Natalia, Malcolm and Mandy all have to do stuff too."

"Yeah, so they've been listening to Florence music in case they can't make it to the concert," Zia admitted. "There's this one song that Kimberly listened to that reminded me of Micah. No Light No Light."

Carson looked at Zia thoughtfully, nodding. "Luckily for you, this is one song I know how to play too."

Zia looked slightly relieved. "Really?"

Carson nodded. "Yeah. Do you know the words?"

"Yes," Zia answered.

Carson started to play the song, singing softly. "You are the hole in my head / You are the space in my bed / You are the silence in between / What I thought and what I said / You are the night time fear / You are the morning when it's clear / When it's over you're the start / You're my head, you're my heart."

Zia sang softly, thinking of Micah the entire time, so of course she saw Micah, in her mind, sitting next to her and Carson on the piano bench. "No light, no light in your bright blue eyes / I never knew daylight could be so violent / A revelation in the light of day / You can't choose what stays and what fades away / And I'd do anything to make you stay / No light, no light / Tell me what you want me to say."

Carson sang softly. "And through the crowd, I was crying out / And in your place, there were a thousand other faces / I was disappearing in plain sight / Heaven help me, I need to make it right / Would you love me if I told you what I've done? / And would you leave me if I told you what I've become? / 'Cause it's so easy to sing it to a crowd / But it's so hard, my love / To say it to you out loud."

Zia sang in a whisper. "You want a revelation / You want to get right / But it's a conversation / I just can't have tonight / You want a revelation / Some kind of resolution / Tell me what you want me to say."

Carson sang the chorus. "No light, no light in your bright blue eyes / I never knew daylight could be so violent / A revelation in the light of day / You can't choose what stays and what fades away / And I'd do anything to make you stay / No light, no light / Tell me what you want me to say."

Zia and Carson finished the last chorus together. "No light, no light in your bright blue eyes / I never knew daylight could be so violent / A revelation in the light of day / You can't choose what stays and what fades away / And I'd do anything to make you stay / No light, no light / Tell me what you want me to say."

Zia looked away from Micah, swallowing, tears in her eyes.

Carson looked at Zia empathetically, like she could feel her pain and sorrow and numbness and confusion, putting an arm around her shoulders comfortingly. "Are you okay?" Zia sniffled, nodding. "Did that help any?"

"Yeah," Zia answered.

"You saw Micah?" Carson asked.

Zia nodded. "But I didn't... go into a state. Because of the song. The singing."

Carson nodded in understanding. "Is this something you want to keep trying?"

Zia bit her lip. "Yes. Carson, please teach me."

Carson took a few deep breaths to demonstrate for Zia's breathing so that Zia didn't go into a panic attack.

Zia copied Carson's breathing, knowing that she was trying to help her.

"I'll teach you," Carson promised. "Anything you wanna learn."

Zia nodded thankfully.

In Zia's mind, Micah tilted his head as he looked at the two. "Looks like you really are replacing me with Carson after all, Zia."

Zia looked at Micah with pain in her eyes, but knowing that she needed Carson, just as much as Carson needed a friend like her too.

⫷⑅⫸

Bathroom

Frank flushed the toilet, brushing his teeth, grabbing one of the girls' deodorant, not caring that it was for girls as he used it on himself.

Carl sat down on the toilet lid, watching Frank skeptically.

Frank noticed his look. "What?"

"Never seen you use deodorant before," Carl answered.

"Gotta find a job," Frank explained. "You should come with me."

"Why?" Carl asked.

"It's time you learned the family business, son," Frank replied.

Debbie walked in, tapping Frank on the back. "Typed up your resume, Daddy."

Frank turned to face Debbie. "Good girl, Debs." Debbie handed him the resume. Frank read from it, as Debbie was mouthing along to the words. "'Francis Gallagher is a passionate professional who brings creative solutions from the idea phase to fruition'." Carl rolled his eyes. Frank raised his eyebrows, impressed, turning to face Debbie, leaning down to look her in the eye. "You know me so well."

Frank tapped Debbie's cheek, walking out of the bathroom.

Debbie smiled smugly.

Carl threw his toy at Debbie.

Debbie's jaw dropped, as he went to slap Carl in retaliation. "Little--"

Carl stood, fending off Debbie. "Hey!"

⫷⑅⫸

Living Room

Frank, Debbie and Carl walked downstairs, seeing Zia and Carson at the piano.

"Making music magic again, huh?" Frank asked. "Maybe you two wanna join in on the fun with me, Debbie and Carl."

"What are you talking about?" Zia asked.

"Taking you kids out to see how to get money without having to do much of anything," Frank answered. "Could learn a thing or two for future reference."

"What about Ethan and Liam?" Carson asked. "Kimberly, Ian, Lip, JJ and Natalia are all gone."

Frank thought for a moment, shrugging. "What about Malcolm next door? Uh, Micah's brother." Zia frowned. Frank noticed. "What?"

"That's the first time you said Micah's name," Zia answered. "I didn't even know you knew it."

Frank reached out to touch Zia's cheek. "Of course I knew Micah's name. It was all over the news. Nobody would stop saying it." Zia pushed Frank's hand off, slightly annoyed. Frank corrected himself, knowing why she was annoyed. "That and because he was your friend, obviously."

Zia gave him a skeptical look, knowing that the only reason why he remembered it was because of Micah's name all over the news, not because of him being her friend.

"Malcolm should be next door with Mandy still," Carson admitted.

"So ask Malcolm and Mandy if they can watch Liam and Ethan," Carl told her. "You could use a break of having to watch babies, Carson."

"Carl's got a point," Debbie agreed.

Carson tilted her head in consideration, turning her head toward Ethan and Liam.

Frank held up his finger. "One thing though. Don't tell him that I'm involved. Just say that you're going to play or something."

Carson, Zia, Carl and Debbie frowned.

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Foyer

Carson, Zia, Carl and Debbie knocked on the door to Malcolm's house, with Ethan and Liam's babyseats and baby bags on the porch next to them, as all four kids had to carry over the seats and bags.

Malcolm opened the door, seeing the four kids and the two babies outside.

Carson, Zia, Carl and Debbie gave him a smile to try and convince him. "Hi, Malcolm."

Malcolm frowned. "Okay. Hi, guys. What's going on?"

"We wanted to go play, and Lip said that you were gonna watch us from next door, so we had to drop Liam and Ethan off with you," Carl explained, going along with Frank's lie at the beginning.

Carson and Zia rolled their eyes at the lie.

Mandy walked closer from behind Malcolm, standing next to him as she looked out at the kids. "Hi, kids. You really going all out to make Malcolm a babysitter, huh?"

"Hilarious, Mandy," Malcolm told her sarcastically.

Mandy smiled.

Debbie grinned. "Please, Malcolm. We'll be right back, but we can't let leave Liam and Ethan alone."

"I know," Malcolm agreed. "And a promise is a promise. You guys play, but you stay close, okay? I'll take care of Liam and Ethan."

"Thanks, Malcolm," Carl told him.

Carl and Debbie took off running down the porch steps to go meet up with Frank.

Malcolm sighed. "Okay. Carl and Debbie aren't good liars. Zia, Carson, what aren't you guys telling me?"

Carson and Zia gave small, sheepish smiles.

"Frank wants to take Zia, Carl and Debbie job hunting to show them how he looks for jobs to get hurt and workers' compensation for getting hurt on the job," Carson answered. "Carl and Debbie really wanna go, and I wanna go to make sure that they don't get hurt in the process, and Zia can't be home alone because of her zone outs and other outside threats. And it's not like we can stop them from going. But I can keep an eye on them and make sure they're okay, Malcolm. I promise."

Malcolm and Mandy exchanged a look, sighing.

"We'll be okay," Zia added. "We'll be good. And we'll be back soon."

Malcolm sighed, shaking his head. "I swear, you guys better come back in one piece, or I'm gonna hunt Frank down myself and beat him down. Got it?"

Carson and Zia nodded in understanding. "Got it."

"We'll be fine," Carson promised.

"Thanks, Malcolm," Zia told him. "Thanks, Mandy."

"Sure thing, kids," Mandy agreed.

Zia and Carson turned around, running off after Carl and Debbie, intent on keeping their word.

Malcolm and Mandy exchanged a look before looking at Ethan and Liam in their baby seats.

Ethan smiled, giving a baby babble.

Liam laughed.

Malcolm smiled slightly, picking up the baby seats, carrying them inside, looking at Mandy over his shoulder. "Some Adventures in Babysitting type shit."

Mandy laughed, grabbing the baby bags, lifting them up and carrying them inside, kicking the door closed behind her.

⫷⑅⫸

Street

Lip, Ian, Kimberly, JJ and Natalia were walking down the street.

JJ put an envelope with Rod and Vlad's cash into the mail box as they were walking. "That should reach Rod and Vlad and keep them from coming around here and asking questions and finding out about Domingo and Emilio, at least. Six thousand for now should keep them happy enough, for a week at least."

The others nodded in understanding as they continued walking.

Natalia nudged Kimberly and JJ teasingly. "So I hear that you two might be finally fucking official?"

Kimberly and JJ scoffed in unison. "Finally?"

"Yes, finally," Ian answered. "Don't play dumb."

"Or insult our intelligence," Natalia added teasingly.

"We knew you two were crushing on each other forever," Lip admitted. "Just made a bet to see how long it would take you guys to actually get together."

"Okay, well, congratu-fucking-lations, then, guys," Kimberly replied, blushing slightly, smiling a bit in amusement.

Natalia smiled smugly. "Aw, we embarrassed them. So adorable."

"Fuck off," JJ retorted in the same lighthearted, teasing manner.

The five of them laughed lightly. 

Natalia frowned in concern. "So Eliana really has Alzheimer's?"

"Yeah," JJ answered. "But can we not talk about this, please?"

"Yeah, sure," Ian answered, all of them sympathetic.

Lip gave a concerned look to JJ before looking at Kimberly and Ian. "Besides, we are on a mission. Are you guys not even curious about who your dad is?"

"No," Ian answered.

Kimberly shrugged. "Maybe a little, but..."

"He could be any one of these guys," Lip stated.

Kimberly nodded to a man at the side of the road dressed as a girl. "Oh, yeah? Like that one right there?"

"Totally," Natalia replied.

Ian sighed. "Look, he's gonna be a douchebag no matter who he is."

Lip lit a cigarette. "Well, he can't be any worse than Frank."

"He's a Gallagher," Ian pointed out.

JJ shrugged. "Well, maybe he'll take you to a game, or kick in some scratch for college, or give you a kidney, hell, a birthday card once a year. Some child support to help us with keeping Kimberly, Zia and Natalia safe."

"Yeah, that's the only reason why I'm going along with this," Ian remarked.

"That's a win, right?" Kimberly asked.

They sat at the bus stop.

"Do we know any cool dads?" Ian asked. "Ours is an asshole, JJ, Natalia, Mandy and Mickey's dads are abusive dicks that torments their kids and everyone they love, serious drug and gun dealers on top of that, and the reason behind why JJ almost died, and Zia's friend died. Micah was just six, and Malcolm didn't deserve to lose him like that. Neither did Z. Karen's dad called her a whore--"

Natalia shrugged. "Which isn't a total lie, but I don't slut shame. Anyways, continue."

"Carson's dad apparently was abusive," Ian went on.

"And her mother," JJ added. "But not really the point."

Kimberly frowned. "Who are we missing?"

"Scotty Houston's father," JJ said sarcastically. "But he's on the sex offenders list for jacking off in Sherman Park."

The teens looked depressed as they realized they truly knew no good actual fathers.

⫷⑅⫸

Career Center

Frank took Zia, Carl, Debbie and Carson to the career center, where they sat talking to a worker named Gary.

Carl was playing with a Pin Art board toy, making shapes with his face and hands.

"All right," Gary said. "I got a, uh, pizza-delivery driver opening. Liquor salesman. Bilingual insurance agent. Part-time nanny. Hair-salon assistant. Truck driver. Egg donor. Egg donor? What the f--it's the wrong--this is the wrong category. Anything float your boat, Frank?"

"You know what I'm here for, Gary," Frank told him. "Show me the special list."

"You deserve to be on the special list, short bus," Carson muttered.

Zia and Carl, having heard Carson and knew what she meant, smirked.

Debbie gave them a look.

Frank waved Carson off after hearing her, not caring about the comment.

Gary glanced around nervously. "No. I'm not, uh... I'm not doing that anymore, Frank."

"Open your top drawer," Frank ordered.

Gary shook his finger back and forth. "No, no, no. The boss is cracking down."

Frank gestured to the four kids. "I brought the kids out. Wanna show them a thing or two."

Debbie waved. "Hi."

Zia held up a peace sign, which caused her to notice that the stab wound from the pen, that she did herself in 1.06, was almost completely healed, though her wound from Barry in 1.07 was still needing to heal. She knew that they would both leave scars.

Carl tapped his casted arm against Zia's casted arm to get her attention. Zia and Carl tapped their casts together as if in a toast or secret handshake.

Debbie and Carson shook their heads in slight amusement.

Frank smirked. "See, they need this."

Gary glanced at the kids before looking at Frank. "Look, you're gonna get me in trouble."

"I'll be discreet," Frank told him. "Come on. We'll have the same deal we had before."

Gary shook his head. "No. I need 30 percent this time."

"Ten," Frank negotiated.

"25," Gary replied.

"20," Frank final offered.

Gary glanced around, and accepting Frank's offer, opened the top drawer of his desk.

Frank glanced at the kids.

Debbie raised her eyebrows with an excited smile.

Carl gave a wicked grin, unable to wait to see what kid of messes and pain this could lead to for Frank to get hurt on the job.

Zia eyed Frank skeptically.

Carson looked between Debbie, Carl, Zia and Frank; upon seeing how the four of them felt, it was like Carson felt a mixture of it. Debbie's excitement, Carl's wicked thirst for thrill or adventure, Zia's skepticism, and Frank's sneakiness. She didn't know why she felt all this at once from all of them, but shook her head and brushed it off.

Gary pulled out the special list, standing to look over the wall of his cubicle to make sure that his office neighbor was busy on the phone so she wouldn't listen to them, sitting down, whispering. "Six months ago, guy fell off a scaffold at McNally Construction. He broke three bones. I could send you there."

Frank looked to the side. "Sounds good, if it weren't for my fear of heights. What else you got?"

"How do you feel about metal splinters to the eye?" Gary asked.

Zia put her hand over her right eye, wincing.

Debbie had an incredulous look on her face.

Carl grinned.

Incredulous but amused, Carson rolled her eyes, tilting her head.

Frank just stared at Gary. "Not so great."

"Are you up to date on your rabies shots?" Gary asked.

"No," Frank answered.

"Okay," Gary said. "What about seared flesh? Yeah, Bobby's Bagel Joint is hiring. All right? I got a gal. She stuck her hand in the boiling vat. She'll be collecting for at least 24 months."

Frank tilted his head. "Suppose if I had to. Anything else?"

Gary hesitated before going on. "Okay, here we go."

Carl held up the Pin Art Board toy, with the shape of his middle finger pointing at Gary.

Zia, Debbie and Carson saw this and shook their heads.

Frank smirked when he saw it.

Carson took the board from Carl and shook it to make the middle finger image disappear before handing it back to Carl.

Carl pouted. "Hey."

"These are the jobs that nobody wants," Gary explained. "The conditions are hazardous, unsafe or both."

"What's the difference?" Zia asked.

"Nothing really," Carson answered.

Gary shrugged in agreement. "You're guaranteed to get hurt."

Frank reached for the list. "You're the man, Gary."

Carl held up the Pin Art Board with another middle finger image.

Carson stood. "Come on."

Zia, Debbie, Carl and Frank stood as the five of them went to leave.

⫷⑅⫸

Prison - Visitation Room

The teens arrived to the jail, passing through security.

Kimberly and Natalia were talking to themselves.

"I think it's fucking great about you and JJ," Natalia told her. "You've never been just friends with him, Kimberly. Never have been."

Kimberly chuckled. "What are you talking about, Natalia?"

"You've always been like madly into him," Natalia answered.

Kimberly smiled sheepishly. "I didn't even think about JJ that way until recently."

"Well, maybe your mind is just now getting caught up with your body, because for a long time, yours totally wanted to be on his," Natalia replied. "And your heart's always been his. Just like his is yours. He talks about you like you're the reason the sun comes up every day and he looks at you like you're actually the fucking sun. So enjoy it and find a little bit of happiness in all the fucking darkness we've got to deal with, all right?"

Kimberly smiled slightly, nodding. "All right. Thanks, Lia."

Natalia smiled in return. "Any time, Kim."

Kimberly, Ian and Lip were let up to the visitation table to speak to their grandmother.

JJ and Natalia were allowed to stand behind them while under a guard's supervision.

Grandmother Peggy Gallagher was led into the room on the other side of the glass and table, sitting across from her three grandchildren, able to speak to them through the holes in the glass.

"Hey, Grammy," Lip greeted.

"Who the hell are you?" Peggy asked.

"Grams, it's us, Lip, Kimberly and Ian," Lip answered. "Frank's kids."

"Your grandkids," Ian added.

Peggy looked between the three, smiling. "Oh, my goodness. Would you look at you three? I've never seen apple and spice looking so nice."

Kimberly smiled. "Thanks, Grammy."

Peggy looked behind them to see JJ and Natalia. "Who's that?"

"Oh, that's JJ and Natalia, our friends," Ian answered.

"Boyfriend and girlfriend?" Peggy asked.

Ian turned his head toward his twin teasingly. "Uh, officially, this morning, for JJ and Kimberly, maybe."

"Would you guys just drop it already?" Kimberly replied, sheepish but amused.

"Nope," Lip answered.

JJ and Natalia smiled.

Peggy chuckled.

Kimberly, looking to get payback, looked at Peggy. "Well, Natalia fake married Lip as a kid but now she's fake dating Ian, so there's that."

"Nice, Kim," Ian told her sarcastically.

Kimberly shrugged. "Just saying how it is."

Peggy smirked. "Mm. Sounds complicated."

"Yeah, it is," Ian answered.

"How's it going in there?" Lip asked.

"Well, the food's not so great, but the pussy's pretty good," Peggy answered. Natalia smirked, shrugging. "Never thought I'd be the type. Oh, this dump ain't so bad. I can get blow any time I like."

Lip nodded. "Sounds all right."

Peggy smiled. "Yeah. The only thing that sucks is they got me cleaning toilets. I want to be on the kitchen crew, but they won't let me anywhere near the place. One meth lab explosion, and this is what I get."

"Oh, yeah, it's probably the two college students that died in the fire, Grams," Lip pointed out.

Kimberly glanced back at JJ, as the two shared an awkward, tense look because of Domingo and Emilio, realizing just how much they had to follow things that Kimberly's grandmother and JJ's father did, even if they didn't want to, only because they had to to survive.

Ian, Lip and Natalia looked at Kimberly and JJ knowingly and sympathetically.

Peggy looked between them in confusion. "So what do you want?"

"Uh, we're, uh, trying to find Dad's brothers," Lip answered. "There's, uh, three, right?"

"Who wants to know?" Peggy asked.

"Just us," JJ answered.

Ian sighed, pointing from himself to Kimberly. "One might be our dad."

"How so?" Peggy asked.

"Uh, Monica boned a brother," Lip answered.

"What?" Peggy asked, leaning in closer to the glass.

"Monica, she fucked a brother," Lip answered.

Peggy shook her head. "I never liked that woman. So, I give you the names, what are you gonna do for me?"

The teens exchanged a look.

"What do you want?" Natalia asked.

"Cigarettes," Peggy answered. "Carton a week."

JJ smirked in amusement. "You can get blow in here, but not cigarettes?"

Peggy smirked, shrugging. "Go figure."

Kimberly nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you got it."

Peggy counted the brothers off with her fingers. "Clayton, Jerry, and my baby, Wyatt. They're in the book. But don't bother with Wyatt. He lost his testicles in the Navy."

"Okay," Ian agreed.

A female officer walked up to Peggy to escort her away. "All right, let's go."

"Thanks, Grams," Kimberly told her.

(Song:) Say Go - White Demons

Peggy stood, turning to go, before turning back. "And you tell Jerry that if he doesn't pay me back that 5 grand he stole, I'm gonna send my ex-husband Ronnie over to gouge his eye out with a grapefruit spoon."

The officer led Peggy away, as the teens watched her go in disbelief. "Time is up."

Ian, Kimberly and Lip exchanged a look, standing, walking over to JJ and Natalia.

JJ smirked. "I see where you Gallaghers get it from now."

Natalia nodded in agreement, amused. "Mm-hmm."

Ian, Kimberly and Lip smiled sarcastically, causing JJ and Natalia to smile in return. The five of them walked out of the room, ready to leave the prison.

⫷⑅⫸

The Alibi Room

Fiona and Jasmine were playing pool.

"So, what were you, like five or six years behind me in school?" Jasmine asked.

Fiona shrugged. "Uh, eight, I think."

Jasmine scoffed. "Jesus, I'm an old lady."

Fiona walked around the table, leaning down to take a shot of pool. "Yeah, I was thinking the same thing."

"Uh, an old lady who can do this," Jasmine said, leaning closer to Fiona, flexing her arm muscles.

Fiona was impressed. "Damn."

Fiona knocked a ball into the corner pocket.

Jasmine paced around the table. "Yeah. I told Hal if he wanted another kid, he had to get me a 24 Hour Fitness membership. It's bad enough my cookie box is all stretched out."

Fiona frowned. "No."

Jasmine nodded. "Yeah. That's what happens."

Fiona pffted. "Can't you do, like, Kegels or something?"

Jasmine smirked, leaning down to take a shot at pool. "Doing them right now."

Fiona raised her eyebrows, not sure how to react with Jasmine's apparent flirting with her, looking away. "How many kids do you have?"

"Three, which is plenty," Jasmine answered. "I made Hal snip his business, and then, if I kick his ass to the curb, I can have more with someone else if I want."

Fiona leaned down to take a shot at pool. "Thinking about kicking his ass to the curb?"

"Some days yes, some days no," Jasmine answered. "Uh, he's a good guy." She leaned down to take a shot. "There's one thing I'd change about him."

"Oh, yeah?" Fiona asked. "What's that?"

"No passion," Jasmine answered.

Fiona raised an eyebrow. "That's a big one."

Jasmine sighed. "Yeah, tell me about it."

Kevin was working behind the bar. "Hey, ladies. The basket of E. coli you ordered."

Jasmine and Fiona walked over to the bar to sit down.

Jasmine pulled out her wallet to pay for it. "I got this. Here you go."

Jasmine handed the cash to Kevin.

Kevin looked at Fiona. "It's weird seeing you in here without yelling at Frank, Fi."

"Well, there's always time," Fiona replied.

Jasmine sat down. "Keep the change."

Kevin smiled. "Oh."

Kevin turned to put the money in the register.

Fiona sat down.

Jasmine picked up her drink. "So your dad's still a drunk?" Fiona hesitated, nodding. "Mine too."

Fiona put a cigarette between her lips, lighting it. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," Jasmine answered. "He's good at hiding it, though. Has to. He's on the fire department."

Fiona took a hit of her cigarette, surprised. "Oh."

They started to eat fries.

"So what about you?" Jasmine asked. "Are you with someone right now?"

Fiona nodded. "I've been dating this guy. Steve. About all we have is passion."

Jasmine made a longing look and sound. "Oh, say it again, but slower." Fiona chuckled, taking a drink. "Before I met Hal, I was engaged to this guy Ralph. We fucked everywhere. I mean, one time, we did it in a bathroom at a party."

Fiona snorted. "Done that."

Jasmine smiled. "I like you, Miss Fiona. You're a dirty girl like me."

Fiona shrugged. 'So what happened with the bathroom fucker?"

Fiona took a hit.

"He didn't wanna be there for the small things in life," Jasmine answered. "Like cooking a meal, and getting sick, and laughing at a stupid TV show."

Fiona nodded in understanding, knowing how much that sucked. "Sorry."

Fiona took a drink of beer.

"It's okay," Jasmine said. "You know, his loss. Does your guy like those things, or..."

Fiona took a drink, thinking, shrugging. "Hmm, I think so. Or at least he pretends to."

Fiona took a hit.

"Good," Jasmine stated. "Then hold on to him because guys like that get scooped up fast. And before you know it, you're 30 and the good ones are all gone, and then you have to wait until they get divorced, but by then, you'll be 45." She checked the time. "Oh, God. I gotta bolt." She stood, pulling on her jacket. "I'll see you at the, uh, kids' party tomorrow?"

Fiona gave an awkward smile, turning to face Jasmine in her seat. "I wasn't really gonna go after that meeting."

Jasmine walked closer. "Oh. But now that you met me?"

"Uh, I'll think about it," Fiona answered.

Jasmine smiled. "Good. Bye."

Jasmine placed a kiss on Fiona's lips, turning around, walking away toward the door.

Fiona watched Jasmine go in confusion, definitely not knowing how to react. "Okay. Uh, bye."

Kevin walked over to Fiona, having seen the kiss. "You just made my boy parts get bigger."

Fiona chuckled. "Fuck off."

Kevin leaned forward against the bar with his elbows resting on the bartop, his chin on his hands as he grinned at Fiona teasingly.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Sewer Site

Frank, Zia, Carson, Debbie and Carl were at the sewer site.

Carson took a seat by the big truck, keeping an eye on Zia, Debbie and Carl.

Carl, disinterested because nothing exciting was going on, walked over to Carson by the truck.

Zia and Debbie stayed next to Frank.

A guy holding a tube down a sewer drain in the ground looked at Frank. "Looking for a few more guys. It's my busy season."

"Dangerous?" Frank asked.

"Can be, if you're not careful," the guy answered. "City contracts me to clear the stoppages in the sewer. Not glamorous work we're talking about."

Frank shook his head, unbothered. "Sounds great to me."

The guy put the tube down to grab a clipboard, handing it to Frank. "Fill this out." He called down into the sewer drain. "How we doing, Paulie?"

"All set," Paulie replied. "Turn her on."

Carl walked up to Carson. "Hey, Carson. How's your day off from taking care of Ethan and Liam?"

Carson shrugged. "Still early. We'll see how it goes."

Carl nodded, putting his arm against the truck to lean against it, smirking at Carson. "Wanna go out sometime?"

Carson gave him a look. "I'm 11. You're 9."

Carl shrugged nonchalantly, undeterred by the two year age gap. "That's cool. I'm into older women."

Carson raised an eyebrow skeptically, but was somewhat amused, looking perplexed given that around anyone else, Carson seemed to feel their pain on top of her own, but with Carl, she didn't seem to feel anything other than the lack of pain, which felt more freeing than she could have imagined.

Zia and Debbie were still with Frank, as Frank was signing the papers on the clipboard.

"I don't like that you're getting hurt on purpose to make money," Debbie admitted.

"Isn't that cheating?" Zia asked.

Frank shrugged. "I prefer to think of it as helping."

"You do?" Zia asked.

Frank nodded. "Yeah. When I collect workmen's comp, some lady has to full out the paperwork. That's her job. If it wasn't for me, she'd be unemployed."

As the truck turned on and a machine whirred to life, they heard Paulie screaming from the sewer drain. "Shut it off! For the love of God, shut it off!" Zia, Debbie, Carl and Carson ran over to the drain. Frank followed them. The worker turned off the machine on the truck. "My eye! My eye!"

The worker turned to look into the sewer drain next to them. "Fuck. The city's gonna shut me down again for weeks. Paulie will make millions off this."

Frank was annoyed.

Zia, Carl, Debbie and Carson exchanged a look.

⫷⑅⫸

Street

Tony walked out of Dunkin' Donuts with coffee, getting into his car with his partner, giving him his coffee.

"Thanks," the partner told him.

"We got a call?" Tony asked.

"You catch the plates on that guy Steve's Cayenne?" the partner asked.

"Uh, 7-3-Echo-Yankee-5-5," Tony answered.

"How'd I know you'd have it memorized, you little psycho?" the partner joked. Tony chuckled. "Guess what car just got reported stolen."

The partner showed Tony his note pad with the license plate 7-3-E-Y-5--5.

"By Steve?" Tony asked.

"Nope, by the owner," the partner answered. "Roberto Cavesi."

Tony had a slight smile at the thought. "So Steve stole it."

"Or bought it stolen," the partner added. "He's probably scratching the VIN and changing the plates right now."

"Uh, did you call it in?" Steve asked.

The partner reached for the radio. "Just getting ready--"

Tony stopped him. "No, uh... Why don't we hold off for a few hours? I'm not gonna do anything crazy. I just wanna talk to Fiona first."

⫷⑅⫸

Factory

Zia, Carson, Carl, Debbie and Frank were being led through the factory by a different worker.

"You may have heard how dangerous this place has been," the worker told them.

"Not afraid," Frank replied.

"Medical waste disposal," the worker listed. "Blood-soaked bandages, contaminated needles, body parts."

Carl grinned. "Cool."

Carson gave Carl a look, slightly amused, holding out a hand.

"Used to be we could only get illegal immigrants to work here," the worker explained.

Zia, Carson, Carl and Debbie exchanged a look.

Frank looked at the worker. "Looking at a true-blue American."

"Well, the CDC came around four months ago and hit us with some hefty fines," the worker explained. "That's when they brought me in. I turned this place around."

They stopped walking.

"Excuse me?" Frank asked.

"Oh, I'm an OSHA-certified safety compliance officer," the worker explained. "Take a look." He opened the curtain in front of them, revealing a large, big white room in the factory that was pristine and top notice with signs for protection and safety all over. The workers were all dressed in appropriate lab clothing with hard hats and masks. "I got this place in ship-shape. All new health and safety rules, weekly safety meetings for all employees."

Debbie read from the sign above. "93 days accident free."

Zia glanced at Frank, knowing that he would bolt. "Uh-oh."

The worker turned toward Frank. "Come on, I'll show you your workstation. AIDS needles."

"Okay," Carson said.

(Song:) I Ain't Waiting For You - Bosshouse Music

Not able to get out of there fast enough, Frank turned around and bolted straight down the corridor back the way they had come, right for the door.

Zia, Carson, Carl and Debbie saw this as they turned around, exchanging a look, running after Frank so they didn't get left behind.

The worker watched them go in confusion.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Kitchen

Fiona was alone in the house, finishing up some arts and crafts decorations for the dance tomorrow.

There was a knock on the back door.

Fiona stood, walking over to the backdoor, opening it, surprised to see who was outside. "Hey, Tony."

Fiona stepped aside, letting Tony in.

Tony stepped inside. "Fiona. Wasn't sure whether to knock over here or across the street."

Tony closed the door behind him.

Fiona shrugged. "I'm mostly here."

Tony turned to face her. "None of my business, really. Steve around today?"

Fiona walked around the table toward her seat. "He's at work."

Tony found that funny, nodding. "Work? Yeah. Fiona, Steve may not be the guy you think he is."

Fiona scoffed. "Was this the part where it's none of your business?"

"There are some things about him I don't think you know," Tony admitted, not knowing how wrong he was. "You ever wonder why he has all that money, but he hangs out down here?"

Fiona chuckled sarcastically, glaring. "That sounds awfully close to being an insult."

Tony shook his head nervously. 'I don't mean it like that."

Fiona walked around the table to face Tony head on. "What other way is there to mean it? I mean, why would a guy like Steve be with someone like me?"

Tony shook his head. "No."

"I know what you're doing," Fiona accused. "You're badmouthing Steve. He'd never talk shit about you. Ever. You should go, Tony."

Tony turned toward the back door. "Just be careful, Fiona."

Tony opened the door, walking out, closing the door behind him.

(Song:) It's Thunder and It's Lightning - We Were Promised Jetpacks

As soon as she was alone, Fiona turned toward her phone on the counter behind her, picking it up, trying to call Steve. "Come on. Pick up."

Steve: (on voicemail) "It's me. Leave a message."

Fiona rolled her eyes, trying again. "Come on, pick up."

Steve: (on voicemail) "It's me. Leave a message."

Fiona hung up. "Shit."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Haphazard Job

Frank, Zia, Carl, Debbie and Carson were led into another haphazard job of some sort by another worker, having to be careful with the sight of nails on the floor.

"Looking for someone to work cabinetry," the worker explained. "From, uh, refinishing to installation. Flexible hours, and we can offer competitive benefits. I gotta be honest with you about something here."

"Yeah, what's that?" Frank asked.

"Uh, you know, most industries are using green products," the worker explained. "Everything's echo-friendly this, eco-friendly that. I just haven't jumped on the bandwagon yet."

They walked outside, past two signs for safety, but were graffited.

The first sign said "STAY ALERT, DON'T GET HURT", with a black X crossing out "DON'T", so it looked like "STAY ALERT, GET HURT".

The second sign said "SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU", with a black graffited word "OUT" after "WITH", and and underline underneath "OUT", so it looked like "SAFETY STARTS WITHOUT YOU".

Carson looked at the graffitied signs, shaking her head. "Jeez."

The worker turned toward them. "I mean, the stuff's too damn expensive."

"Not to mention Ed Begley Jr's a pussy," Frank added.

The worker looked around. "You know, the products we're using, they're, uh, not exactly the safest. Formaldehyde's our biggest, uh, culprit. As a result, a lot of folks are getting sick. Seems like--"

Debbie spoke up, knowing that Frank wanted this one. "He'll take it."

"What?" the worker asked.

"The job," Debbie answered. "He'll take it. Tomorrow okay for him to start?"

Frank smiled at Debbie proudly in thanks.

The worker shook Frank's hand. "Uh, yeah. Yeah, sure. Okay. Yeah."

Zia, Carl and Carson exchanged a look, shrugging.

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Living Room

Malcolm and Mandy had been watching Ethan and Liam for Carson and the Gallaghers.

Malcolm eased Ethan and Liam to comfort and sleep.

Mandy was watching, smirking slightly. "You're good with kids."

Malcolm shrugged. "Had to be, helping raise Micah."

"You're like a legit dad," Mandy told him, teasing. "Makes sense, since you still have your foster license from fostering Micah. You're not getting any other ideas, are you, Malcolm?"

Malcolm swatted her arm. "Shut up, Mandy."

Mandy smirked. "Make me."

Malcolm tilted his head at her.

Mandy smiled, reaching across Malcolm to snatch up a pillow, whacking Malcolm repeatedly with it, before both of them were breathless with laughter. Malcolm managed to grab another pillow to fight back, and her hair, which had been in a tight ponytail, had slipped out and cascaded down her back. Mandy climbed fully on top of Malcolm, straddling him, which she hadn't even realized until one of his hands skimmed the outer part of her thigh, and her laughter lodged in her throat. Mandy stilled as his fingers traveled farther up her leg, stopping right below her hip. Malcolm only drew patterns on her jeans.

Before anything else could happen, they heard Ethan and Liam crying slightly.

Malcolm looked in the direction of the two young babies, before looking at Mandy. "I should..."

Mandy nodded in agreement. "Yeah."

Mandy rolled off of him to stand, swallowing thickly as she looked at herself in the mirror, fixing her clothes, pulling her hair back up.

Malcolm stood, walking over to Ethan and Liam, starting to ease them back down. "Hey, Liam. It's okay, Ethan."

Mandy watched Malcolm curiously; even though she didn't like babies in general, she had to admit she found it cute how good Malcolm was with babies.

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Basement

Wearing all black clothes, Karen had dyed her hair black, and was wearing a nose ring that connected to an earring by a chain, setting up a web cam on a web page that was labeled "Daddyz Girl video diary", pressing record. "Hi. I'm Karen Jackson. I mean, Daddyz Girl. This is my first web diary entry, and it's dedicated to my daddy." She picked up a picture of herself and Eddie before they went to the Purity Ball. "Eddie Jackson. Here he is on the left. You can visit him at the ITC on 126th where he works. My daddy and I recently went to a purity ball." She started to cut off pieces of her hair. "Where he asked me to confess my sexual sins so that we can be closer. But when I did, guess what he did. He called me a whore. In front of a room full of people. A whore. Yelled it. So guess what, Daddy? I've got something for you."

Karen pulled up her sleeve, exposing a bandage, which she peeled off a fresh tattoo, which said "WHORE" across her arm. She gave a sarcastic, bitter, crazy grin, tilting her head.

⫷⑅⫸

Night - Gallagher House - Kitchen

Kimberly, Ian and Lip were helping Fiona make cupcakes for the St. Patty's Day dance the following day, multitasking with doing their homework, and helping Zia, Debbie and Carl with their homework.

Fiona carried a tray of St. Patty cookies over to the table, placing them down. "These are vanilla." She looked at Kimberly, Ian and Lip. "Where were you three all day?"

"We went to go see Grammy like you suggested," Lip answered.

"Yeah, with JJ and Natalia," Ian agreed.

Fiona looked at them in surprise. "Oh, yeah? How is she?"

"Still mean as a snake," Kimberly answered.

Carl was squeezing icing from the tube into his mouth, making a mess all over his chin.

Fiona took the tube from him. "Carl, hey, we're decorating, not eating."

Zia was getting frustrated with her homework given her dyslexia, despite being numb. "This is stupid. I'm stupid."

"No, hey," Lip told her. "Don't talk like that, Zia."

Kimberly raised Zia's head so she had to look up at them. "You're not stupid. You're really smart for someone so young."

"Homework says otherwise," Zia mumbled.

"You just need a little help," Ian assured. "We got you covered for that, okay? You're still doing really well all things considering."

Fiona walked past Zia, ruffling her hair. "Listen to them. They're right."

Ian looked between Zia, Carl and Debbie. "So Malcolm told us about you three and Carson leaving Liam and Ethan with him and Mandy so you guys could go with Frank?"

"Debbie and I really wanted to go, and we were gonna go no matter what, so Zia and Carson came along to keep an eye on us," Carl explained. "Not like Zia could stay home by herself anyway."

"True, but what were you two thinking, wanting to go with him?" Kimberly asked.

Debbie shrugged. "Just to see what he was gonna do. Don't worry, Kim. Carson made sure nothing happened to me, Zia or Carl. And Malcolm couldn't have stopped us even if he had wanted to because we'd just sneak away anyway, so..."

The other Gallagher kids knew that was true, rolling their eyes.

"We're not blaming Malcolm for that, or you, but you guys still shouldn't have done that, even with Carson looking out for you guys," Kimberly pointed out. "We just want you to be safe, and believe me, going to work places like that is not safe."

"That was kinda the reason why Carl wanted to go," Zia pointed out. "But we get it."

Carl looked at Zia curiously. "What was the song you and Carson were singing earlier? Before dropping Liam and Ethan off at Malcolm's?"

"No Light, No Light," Zia answered.

Kimberly, Ian and Lip smiled in amusement.

"You and Carson are in a Florence mood too, huh, Zia?" Ian asked.

Zia shrugged. "Are you guys, Natalia, JJ, Malcolm and Mandy still gonna go to the concert tomorrow?"

"Yeah, if we can make it," Lip answered. "It'd be a lot of money going to waste if we don't, and..."

Fiona walked out of the bathroom, having to go during the conversation but hearing it from the bathroom behind them. "You guys deserve to go, all right? And it'll be fine. I mean, I'm taking Zia, Debbie, Carson and Carl to the dance tomorrow night anyway, so you guys can go to the concert."

"Really?" Ian asked.

"Really," Fiona answered.

Kimberly, Ian and Lip smiled in appreciation.

"Thanks, Fi," Kimberly told her.

Fiona nodded in agreement.

Carl and Debbie couldn't help small smiles.

Lip nudged Zia's arm. "And hey. Maybe you and Carson will hit off another song at the dance or something."

That managed to get a small smile out of Zia, which was the biggest smile she had since before nearly getting run over during her sleepwalking episode in 1.09.

The others smiled sadly, but in relief at seeing even a little smile from their sister again.

Steve walked in through the front door. "Hey, yo."

Fiona sighed in relief. "Thank God."

Steve walked closer. "What's up?"

Steve took off his jacket, walking over.

"Did you get my messages about Tony?" Fiona asked. "I've been trying you for hours."

Steve led her back toward the kitchen. "Oh, work was crazy."

"I'm worried," Fiona admitted.

Zia and Debbie watched them, glaring at Steve.

"Oh, he's not gonna do anything to me," Steve remarked.

"Well, I think he suspects something," Fiona told him.

Steve got a beer from the fridge. "No, he's just jealous. I'm careful. Promise. Okay?" He gave Fiona a kiss, who nodded. They walked over to the kids at the table. "All right. What do we got going on here?"

Lip smirked in amusement as he saw the designs on the cupcakes that Carl was making. "Well, if you're, uh, Carl, then you're making scrotum cupcakes."

Carl grinned.

Steve chuckled. "Very nice."

Debbie and Carl laughed.

Ian and Kimberly chuckled.

Zia looked from Steve to Fiona, not knowing what to do.

⫷⑅⫸

Fisher-Ball House - Kitchen

Carson, JJ, Veronica and Kevin sat down to have dinner, with Ethan in his high chair.

JJ pointed at his foster sister. "I'm just saying, Carson, no more going off with Frank during the day at dangerous job sites, even if it's to make sure that Zia, Carl and Debbie are okay."

"I get it, JJ," Carson complained.

Veronica and Kevin smirked slightly at hearing them sound like actual siblings for a moment.

Kevin couldn't keep a smile off his face at hearing them like that. "JJ's right, but I think you did a good thing today too, Carson. And you made sure Ethan and Liam were okay with Malcolm and Mandy, so that's something."

"Yeah," Veronica agreed. "So half-reckless, but mostly responsible, which you get credit for."

Carson gave them a small smile, before looking at JJ. "What about Eliana?"

"Does Eliana really have early onset Alzheimer's?" Veronica asked.

"Sure as hell seems like it," Carson answered. JJ looked at her. "Sorry."

JJ shook his head. "Don't be. It's true. Stage one. Vincente got it when he was in his 40s too, which is why Izabel had to raise Eliana mostly by herself. Which is why..."

"Eliana signed the papers so that Veronica and I could adopt you," Kevin finished. "She knew that she would get bad. Oh, my God."

JJ nodded sadly. "Yeah. V, I know you don't like Eliana, and I know you don't trust her, but..."

"She's still your mother, JJ," Veronica told him. "And I know Eliana's into a lot of shady shit, but she needs help. I'm not gonna let your mother get any worse than she has to any time soon. It's still stage one, which means that we have years before it gets bad enough for a nursing home or anything like that. All right? We just keep a close eye on her, and we'll see how she does."

"How do we do that if Eliana lives in a hotel in Oak Park?" Carson asked.

"That's just 15 minutes away," Kevin pointed out.

"Yeah, but what if something happens overnight and we're not there, or something?" JJ asked. "I don't want to take that risk."

"You guys didn't see her last night," Carson told them. "Kev, V..." Veronica and Kevin both looked at her in surprise for Carson using their nicknames for the first time. JJ was also surprised, but all three of them were content, almost happy with it, as it showed more how Carson was slowly getting comfortable with this home and with them as her foster family. Carson didn't realize what she had called them until now, but continued on. "Eliana thought that JJ was Tristan, and then didn't recognize him later on in the night. And wandered off on her own not knowing what was going on."

"What happens if she does that again, and we don't find her?" JJ asked.

"Luckily, JJ had me, Natalia and Malcolm helping him look," Carson pointed out. "But next time, we might not get so lucky. I mean, what happens if Tristan finds her if that happens again?"

Veronica and Kevin knew that Carson and JJ were completely right and making very strong points, exchanging a look, not knowing what to do, sighing heavily.

"We'll figure it out," Kevin assured. "Promise. But, think about this, Carson. You get to go to your first school dance tomorrow with Zia, Carl and Debbie. That's gotta be a fun thing to look forward too, right?"

"Yeah," Carson answered. "Actually, kinda. You know, just to feel..."

"Like a normal 11 year old girl for once?" Veronica finished.

Carson nodded. "Yeah."

"Well, you deserve to go to that dance, Carson," Veronica told her. "I can help Fiona chaperone, and Kevin can watch Ethan, if that's all right with you."

Carson nodded slightly.

"JJ, you still going to the concert tomorrow with Kimberly, Ian, Lip, Natalia, Malcolm and Mandy?" Kevin asked.

"Yeah, if we can," JJ answered. "But it's looking more and more like we can with Zia, Carson, Carl and Debbie going to the dance tomorrow too, so that's something."

Veronica smiled slightly. "That is something. You guys deserve the night off from all the heartbreak and worrying for a night, too."

"Yeah, that's what we all keep saying," JJ agreed. "Let's hope we get it."

JJ, Veronica, Kevin and Carson shared a small smile before continuing to eat.

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Living Room

(Song:) Pyramid of the Moon - Maserati

Malcolm and Mandy were sitting separately, both a little awkward, but still very much in an intense moment of chemistry after what happened earlier that day, exchanging a look, but each time one looked at the other, the other would be looking away.

Natalia walked in with take out for dinner, noticing Malcolm and Mandy's demeanor, knowing that something must have happened even if it seemed like nothing in retrospect, smirking slightly in amusement. "Order up."

Natalia handed out the food.

"Thanks, Natalia," Malcolm told her.

"Yep," Natalia agreed. "Something happen while I was gone?"

Mandy shook her head. "Nothing more than usual."

Natalia raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Uh-huh. I'm sure. If you guys are waiting for a reason to throw down, there's nobody here to stop you with our brother in juvie. So, just think about that."

Malcolm tilted his head at Natalia, giving her a look, smirking slightly, shaking his head, looking away.

Mandy blushed as she gave Natalia a look, biting her lip. "Shut up, Lia. And Mickey doesn't get say over who I can be with anymore."

Natalia tilted her head in amusement. "All right then. Just, uh, remember that tomorrow night is the concert, and I'll be on a mission with Kimberly, Ian, Lip and JJ, but you two can meet us at the bowling alley down the street from the theater and we can head there together."

"All right," Malcolm agreed. "Yeah, we'll be there."

Mandy nodded in agreement. "Yeah."

Natalia glanced at the TV where there was a movie playing. "Enjoy the rest of your night."

Natalia walked out of the room, leaving Malcolm and Mandy alone.

Malcolm and Mandy exchanged a look, sighing, smirking slightly, looking away, eating and watching the movie.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

Tony pulled up his car, looking at Steve's car outside the Gallagher house, seeing a different plate on the front of the car. "He already changed the plates? You're going down, fucker."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Day Two

Morning - Jerry's House - Outside

(Song:) Engine Side B - Gomez

Lip, Ian, Kimberly, Natalia and JJ drove up in Steve's stolen car from the night before up to the first uncle's house, pulling over.

"Did Steve give you the car?" Ian asked.

"No, I bought it," Lip replied sarcastically. "Had $74,920 lying around."

Kimberly went along with a joke. "Ah, money well spent."

Natalia frowned, looking at JJ. "Do you think that's around the ballpark of Tristan's debts?"

JJ scoffed. "I think that's like a third of his debts, considering that he owes a lot of people a lot of money, but we'll see."

"So basically, you guys are gonna be drug dealing for what, years?" Lip asked.

"However long it takes until we're safe again," Kimberly answered. "Please don't judge."

"We're not gonna judge," Ian answered. "We're not Fiona. And she's just worried about you. Like we are."

"And you can't blame us for being worried after Domingo and Emilio," Natalia pointed out.

JJ sighed. "We know. But still."

Kimberly smiled. "Plus, since today's Friday..."

Natalia smiled. "Florence and the fucking Machine, baby."

The boys smiled.

JJ nodded. "Right."

"Right, right, yes," Lip agreed.

"Yeah," Kimberly agreed. "We can go bowling with Malcolm and Mandy after looking for our real father, and then go to the concert and just have the best goddamn night we've had in such a long fucking time. What do you say?"

JJ smirked. "I say hell yeah."

Ian nodded. "Malcolm and Mandy can meet up with us before the concert, like at the bowling alley nearby the stadium, and we can pass the time with some bowling before we head out."

Natalia nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan. They already said they would meet us at the bowling alley. What do you say, Lip? Could give Kimberly, Ian and JJ all a good distraction. Malcolm too. And, just, you know, give us one goddamn night where we can be kids. Like we wanted."

"Yeah, exactly," Lip agreed.

Natalia crossed her arms, skeptical. "And I take it your fuck buddy knows about tonight."

"Yeah, I told her a couple days ago," Lip answered. "She doesn't like it, but so what? We need this. She's not my girlfriend so she doesn't get to control what I do and who I hang out with. Besides, she's more determined to sit at home and destroy her dad's basement since he called her a whore."

Kimberly and Natalia both shrugged, causing JJ and Ian to smirk and Lip to shake his head in amusement.

They got out of the car.

(Song Ends)

They looked up at the house in front of them, walking up the porch steps to the front door.

"So why is it we've never met any of Frank's brothers?" Ian asked.

"Family reunions are for families," Kimberly quipped.

JJ knocked on the door, putting on a show to try and cheer Kimberly and Ian up. "And will the guy behind number one be Ian and Kimberly Gallagher's father?"

Ian nudged JJ, slightly amused, but mostly serious. "Shut up."

The door was opened by the twin brother of Frank, Jerry. "Yeah?"

The teens looked at him in shock.

"Oh, my God," Kimberly, JJ and Ian said, the same time that Lip and Natalia said, "Holy shit."

"What do you want?" Jerry asked.

Natalia looked at Kimberly and Ian. "So, what, twins run in the fucking family?"

Kimberly and Ian shrugged cluelessly.

"What?" Jerry asked.

Lip looked nervous. "Uh, hi. Um, I'm sorry. Uh, my name is Phillip. This is my brother Ian and Kimberly, and our friends Natalia and JJ."

"Yeah, so?" Jerry asked.

Lip pointed between himself, Kimberly and Ian. "Well, we're Frank Gallagher's kids. We were wondering--" Jerry instantly got mad and defensive, slamming the gate between them closed. "If we could talk to you for a--"

Jerry glared. "Son of a bitch."

Jerry closed the door.

Natalia nodded sarcastically. "Off to a good start."

Lip looked at Kimberly and Ian. "I didn't know Dad was a twin. Did you?"

Kimberly and Ian both shook their heads. "No."

"Doesn't surprise me that he didn't mention it even though we're twins," Kimberly stated.

Lip went to knock again.

Ian caught his arm. "Hey. What are you doing?"

"Well, we should at least talk to him," Lip pointed out.

"He slammed the door in our faces," JJ pointed out.

Kimberly shrugged. "Yeah, we probably scared him."

Ian sighed. "I don't want that dick being our father, all right?"

Lip gave Kimberly and Ian a look. "We're here. We should find out more about him."

Ian and Kimberly were frustrated, but knowing that Lip was being so persistent given his reasons to try and protect the family from the threats they had to face.

Lip knocked on the door again.

"I have a shotgun, and I'm not afraid to use it," Jerry warned.

The teens took a step back instinctively.

Natalia turned her head toward Lip. "Happy?"

Lip tilted his head in consideration. "Yeah."

Ian nodded sarcastically. "Okay."

Kimberly smirked slightly. "Come on."

"Right behind you," JJ agreed.

The teens turned around, walking off the porch, toward the car.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Living Room

Fiona, Zia, Carson and Debbie were putting last minute touches on snacks and decorations for the dance that night.

"Hey, Carson, you going with us to the dance, or is V gonna be off in time?" Fiona asked. "Either way's fine with me, as long as you drop Ethan and Liam off with Kev."

"I think V's gonna make it," Carson answered.

Fiona nodded.

Zia and Debbie gave Carson small smiles.

"At least you get to go with us," Debbie pointed out.

Carl and Steve were playing the Xbox, with Steve kneeling behind Carl and covering Carl's eyes to mess with him since Carl was beating him at the game.

Carson eyed Steve skeptically. "Why you gotta cheat to try and do better than Carl?"

"Hilarious, Carson," Steve told her sarcastically.

"I was asking seriously, but whatever," Carson replied.

Carl grinned wickedly. "Because he's a pussy."

Fiona frowned. "Where'd you guys get the Xbox? Don't tell me that Kimberly and JJ stole it like they did with the Nintendo64 and Mario Party."

Zia and Debbie both turned their heads to look at Steve, since he was the one that got the Xbox for them as a shut up gift.

"I let them borrow mine," Steve lied. Zia rolled her eyes, looking away. Debbie shook her head. Carson frowned in confusion at their reactions. Steve quickly changed the subject to Fiona. "You're getting into this classroom-moms thing."

"Well, it's important to Debs, right?" Fiona asked.

"Yep," Debbie answered.

"I don't care," Zia admitted. "I don't mind if you don't do it."

Fiona smiled slightly. "I know you don't."

There was a knock at the door.

Steve uncovered Carl's eyes and put his controller down to stand and go answer the door. "I'll get it."

Carl glared at Steve from over his shoulder. "Don't run away just because I'm kicking your ass."

Zia's lips turned up just slightly into a small smirk.

Carson smirked more noticeably.

Steve opened the door.

Jasmine waved. "Hi, I'm Jasmine."

"I've heard of you," Steve told her. "I'm Steve."

Jasmine walked in.

Fiona stood. "Oh, hey. Uh, Z, Debs, clean this stuff up."

Debbie gave Fiona a 'what the hell' look since it was way too much and wasn't just their mess.

Zia gazed off for a moment, trying to find the energy to do even just that, feeling like it had to take every ounce of focus and energy she had to get up and do as asked, but she started to do so.

Carson stood. "Here, let me help."

"Thanks, Carson," Fiona told her.

Jasmine shook her head reassuringly. "No, don't worry. My ironing board is still out from last weekend."

Carson placed a hand on Zia's shoulder. "Hey, you okay?"

Zia nodded tiredly. "Yeah. Just tired."

Carson nodded in understanding, concern.

Fiona gestured to Steve. "You met my boyfriend, Steve."

"I did," Jasmine agreed. "He's cute."

Steve nodded, backing away toward the kitchen. "For that, you get a cup of coffee."

Jasmine smirked. "Hmm." She turned toward Fiona. "Uh, sorry for coming unannounced."

"It's okay," Fiona said.

"I was just at my sister's house," Jasmine explained. "She let me raid her closet." She held up the two huge bags she brought in. "Guess what doesn't fit her anymore."

Fiona was stunned. "All that?"

Jasmine nodded. "She's pregnant again. I thought we could try this stuff on, and see what fits us."

"Sure," Fiona agreed. Jasmine handed one bag to Fiona. Steve walked in from the kitchen. "Uh, we're gonna be upstairs."

"It's all right," Steve assured. "Your boyfriend's gotta go to work soon anyway."

Fiona started up the stairs, looking back at Steve. "Be careful today?"

"I will," Steve replied, on his way to the door. "Nice to meet you, Jasmine."

"Yeah," Jasmine agreed. "Will I see you at the party tonight?"

Steve nodded. "I wouldn't miss it."

Fiona and Jasmine walked upstairs.

Steve watched them go, turning around to see Zia and Debbie glaring at him, uneasily making his way toward the front door.

Zia walked into the foyer to catch Steve as he was about to leave. "Not so fast, asshole."

Steve pulled on his jacket, unsurprised by her attitude even given the distant numbness. "Hey, Zia. I got your new journal in my bag. You said that Dr. Rhodes wanted you to start a journal, right? I also got an iPad, and more stuff for your fort for you guys to start building when the snow starts to melt."

Zia ignored the attempts to bribe her. "Did you tell her, Jimmy-Steve?" She held up one finger. "Family." She held up two. "Dropped out of med school." She held up three. "Different name." She held up four. "Different life." She held up five. "Different girlfriend."

Steve grabbed his bag. "Yeah, yeah. I just haven't found the right time yet, okay?"

Debbie walked over to them, giving Steve a look, less hostile than Zia was. "It's unnatural for two kids to hold a secret for so long. We're gonna crack."

Zia raised her cast in warning, threatening to hit Steve with it again. "You tell her tonight, or I'm gonna bash this against your head. And I'm not telling you which one it's gonna be."

Zia pointed from Steve's head to his crotch.

Debbie smiled smugly.

Steve instinctively held his hand over his crotch area due to the two times that Zia had already hit him there before, opening the door. "Okay, okay, tonight."

Zia gave a sarcastic, numb smile, closing the door before Steve could leave. "Wait."

They heard a honk outside.

"That's my ride," Steve told them. "I gotta ago."

Debbie held out her hand. "Pinkie swear."

"Yes," Steve answered, going to open the door again.

Zia closed the door again with her cast, giving Steve a glare. "Do it."

Steve did a pinkie swear with both Zia and Debbie. "Pinkie swear."

Steve nodded to them, opening the door and walking outside.

Zia rolled her eyes, going to sit down.

Debbie sighed, going to sit down.

Carson sat down next to them after finishing cleaning up. "What was that about?"

Zia and Debbie exchanged a look before looking at Carson, not sure what to say just yet.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

A truck outside was waiting for Steve, honking impatiently.

Steve ran outside. "Hold your horses. I'm coming."

(Song:) Crazy But Not Afraid - Wild Yaks

Steve threw his bag into the back of the truck, opening the truck door to get into the passenger seat.

Tony was watching from his car, under cover, following them.

⫷⑅⫸

Frank's Job

Frank was working, hating every moment of it already, turning his attention toward another worker. "First day on the job."

"Oh, yeah?" the worker asked.

Frank nodded. "Suppose I could use a power tool?"

"Whoa, baby steps, my friend," the worker told him. "Probably in about a month."

Frank made a face, turning toward another cabinet to refinish it. "Surprised to find an opening in this economy. Somebody get fired?"

"Lorenzo worked at that station," the worker explained. "He's out on workers' comp."

Frank raised his eyebrows. "One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity. What, um... what happened to him?"

"Emphysema," the worker answered.

Frank seemed surprised by this, turning to face him. "And how did Lorenzo get the big E?"

"Inhaling chemical fumes," the worker answered.

Frank walked over to the chemical fumes on the shelves. "That's all it took?"

"Oh, you'd be smart to wear a mask," the worker told him.

Frank started sniffing at the fumes. "What fumes exactly? You know, so I can stay clear."

"Paint thinner, formaldehyde, cleaner, stainer, you name it," the worker listed. "He was here one day, gone the next."

"That fast, huh?" Frank asked, walking away, trying to open a can of paint thinner.

"You know, a man dedicates seven years of his life to a company, and that's the thanks he gets," the worker remarked. "A bum lung."

Frank turned toward the worker. "Seven years? You said he was here one day, gone the next."

"Well, he was," the worker answered. "After having the job for seven years. You know, he was my best work friend. Sucks not having him around here anymore."

Frank tried not to let this diminish his hope.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Fiona's Room

Fiona was trying on a black long sleeve dress with silver designs on it.

Jasmine stepped closer, wearing no shirt, her bra exposed. "That looks good on you."

"You think?" Fiona asked.

Jasmine smoothed the dress over. "Your body is perfect."

Fiona looked herself over, self-conscious. "No. Makes me look huge."

Fiona took off the dress, as she was wearing no bra, tossing the dress down.

Jasmine took hold of the fat on her stomach, which wasn't much at all. "Please, look at this. Still haven't gotten rid of my baby fat. And my youngest is 6." Fiona pulled on a long sleeve shirt, sitting down on her bed. "I really like Steve, by the way."

Fiona smiled. "He's a good guy. I think."

Jasmine pulled on a shirt. "He seems into you."

"Well, he stuck around," Fiona pointed out.

Jasmine held up a blue dress. "Here, try this one." Fiona stood, removing her shirt. "So, I talked to Hal last night. His business is booming right now."

Fiona turned her back to Jasmine, pulling on the blue dress. "What does he do?"

"He's an accountant," Jasmine answered. "Helps people with their taxes, that sort of thing. Are you good with numbers?"

Fiona shrugged. "I guess so."

Jasmine zipped up the back of Fiona's dress. "Then I'll introduce you to him later at the party." Fiona turned to face Jasmine. Jasmine gasped, loving the sight of Fiona in that dress. "Ah. I mean..." Jasmine laughed. Fiona looked sort of uncomfortable, very confused. Jasmine's phone went off. She checked the time. "Gotta pick up the monsters."

Jasmine grabbed her coat.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Fiona asked.

Jasmine pulled on her coat. "Why are you being a freak and asking a question like that? See you tonight."

Jasmine gave Fiona another kiss on the lips, before leaving the room.

Fiona shrugged slightly.

⫷⑅⫸

Lavanderia - Outside

(Song:) The Absolutist - Extreme Music

Eddie parked in car in the parking lot of the alcohol shop, walking in with a crate of bottles.

Karen, in her all black attire and hair, walked up to Eddie's car with a crowbar, using it to smash the car window with three swings just to break it, before walking off.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Clayton and Lucy Gallagher's House - Living Room

There was one good Gallagher brother, Clayton, who had made a good life for himself and his family, with a nice house and neighborhood, seeming safe and cozy.

Clayton was more than welcoming to Kimberly, Ian, Lip, JJ and Natalia. He was the spitting image of Ian as he was older, so the teens instantly knew that he was Kimberly and Ian's father.

His wife, Lucy, on the other hand, was very distant, cold, and borderline cruel, like she knew what the teens really came here for, and she was not happy about it at all.

Clayton walked in with a photo album. "Ah, I knew I had it here somewhere." He sat next to Kimberly, Ian and Lip on the couch to show them. "This is your father and me when we were altar boys."

"Dad was an altar boy?" Ian asked.

"Yeah, he sure was," Clayton answered.

"Wow," Lip said. "Frank around the communion wine, that must've been a challenge, huh?"

Ian and Kimberly couldn't stop looking at Clayton, not sure how they were supposed to feel or deal with this.

JJ and Natalia looked at them in concern, not pushing them, just letting them do what they wanted, and felt like they had to.

Clayton chuckled. "Father Frank, as we used to call him. He was devout. He was, uh, first in his class at Catechism."

Natalia chuckled. "Frank?"

Lucy forced a smile. "So, what brings you kids around?"

"Uh, well, we're working on a, uh, family-tree project at school, Lucy," Lip lied. "Aunt Lucy. We, uh, helped JJ and Natalia with theirs and found JJ's mother Eliana and all, and now they're helping us with ours."

Clayton smiled. "Oh, wow. Well, good for you. Did your dad tell you where I lived?"

"We looked it up," JJ answered.

"Yeah, I don't suppose he would have," Clayton admitted. "We, um, had a falling out a long time ago."

Lucy stood. "Anybody need some more pop?"

"We're good, thank you," Natalia told her.

Clayton looked at Kimberly, Ian and Lip. "It was my fault. I should've done something about it. I just never did."

Lucy gave him a glare. "Clayton, I need your help in the kitchen. With the pop."

Lucy walked away to the kitchen.

Clayton glanced at the kids. "Okay. More pop." He chuckled nervously, patting Kimberly and Ian on the backs. "Coming right up."

Kimberly and Ian became even more tense.

Clayton stood, walking away to the kitchen.

They heard Lucy starting a fight with Clayton. "What are you doing?"

"Getting to know my nephews and niece and their friends," Clayton replied.

Kimberly turned toward the others. "Let's go."

"I don't want them in my house," Lucy snapped.

"What?" Lip asked. "They're great."

Ian stood, grabbing his jacket. "I can't do this."

Lucy was still fighting with Clayton. "You told me you never slept with her."

"I didn't," Clayton denied.

Natalia looked at Ian. "Can't do what?"

"This," Ian answered, pulling on his jacket. "Ruin their lives."

"Then why do they look exactly like Jacob?" Lucy demanded.

Lip stood, looking at Kimberly and Ian. "That guy's totally your dad."

Kimberly shook her head in denial. "You don't know that for sure."

"We can easily find out," Lip pointed out.

JJ and Natalia stood.

"We don't wanna know," Kimberly told them.

"You look exactly like him," Natalia pointed out.

"So what are we supposed to do?" Ian asked. "Pack our bags and move in here?"

"Have you checked this place out?" Lip asked.

Ian gave him a look. "Fuck."

Kimberly and Ian walked to the door.

"Ian," Lip said. "Kimberly."

JJ sighed. "Great. Come on."

Lip went after his siblings. "Ian. Kim."

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

Kimberly and Ian walked out of the house in a rush toward the car.

Lip ran up to them. "Ian. Kim. Guys, come on. We should at least go--"

"Lip," Ian cut him off.

JJ and Natalia walked toward them slowly, giving them space.

Kimberly looked at Lip. "I know that you're doing this because you want us to be safe, okay? That you want me out of the Tristan debt, drug business, and you wanna protect us from the threats and all that. Even if it means us moving here, or getting money for us, Zia and Natalia, for me and Ian to be happy, but you know that we won't leave the rest of our family."

"Okay, we appreciate it, all right?" Ian asked, and it was clear that he did even though he was overwhelmed and frustrated. "Look, we all have our problems with Frank, but he's still our father." Clayton stepped outside, hearing the last of the conversation. "And Fiona's our sister, and you're our brother. You, me, Kimberly, Debbie, Carl, Zia, Liam. We're a family."

Lip pointed to the house. "Yeah, but, Ian, Kim, you can have a sweet life here. You guys can be safe. Zia and Natalia..."

"We can't do that without putting these people in danger, because they're going to follow us everywhere we try to go," Kimberly pointed out. "They're gonna find me no matter what happens, okay? You know that? And me and Ian leaving doesn't change the fact. And we're not leaving."

"We won't be any safer here," Ian agreed. "And we'll be happier back home with our family. We're happy with who we are. Even if you're not. And at least with me and Kim with you guys, we can make sure that Zia and Natalia and everyone else can stay safe too."

Lip knew they were right, but Kimberly and Ian knew that Lip was coming from a good place in his heart and mind for them, for all of them, everyone hating this situation, sighing.

Natalia walked over to Lip, placing a hand on his shoulder as she looked at the twins. "It's Kimberly and Ian's choice. And they're right. They're not gonna be any safer here. At least at home, we can look out for each other and Zia. It's okay, Lip."

Lip sighed, nodding.

JJ walked over to them. "Let's go home."

Kimberly and Ian glanced back toward Clayton who stood on his porch. The three of them exchanged a heavy look, as Clayton knew that they were his kids, but had no idea what to do.

Kimberly and Ian didn't want to uproot their entire lives and destroy Clayton's family in the process, and happy with their own families, deciding that leaving was for the best.

Ian, Lip and Natalia got into the car.

Kimberly turned to JJ, sighing. "Jesus."

JJ put his hands in his pockets, looking down. "I get where Lip's coming from, you know? To try and keep you out of harm's way. I honestly probably would suggest the same thing if I didn't know that you would refuse over and over again. I know you won't leave your family, Kim."

"Or you," Kimberly added. "Or Natalia and Malcolm, Veronica, Kevin and Carson. Ethan. All of you are family, JJ. And I won't leave you to deal with Tristan's mess like this alone."

"You don't have to put yourself on the line for me," JJ pointed out.

"You're usually the one putting yourself on the line for us, so you should know that I would do the same for you," Kimberly replied.

JJ managed a chuckle. "Yeah. Guess so."

Kimberly took JJ by the hand. "Come on. Let's go home."

JJ nodded in agreement.

(Song:) Again & Again - 5 Alarm Music

Kimberly got into the car with the others.

JJ looked over to Clayton, nodding slightly.

Clayton nodded in return, worried for who he knew to be his son and daughter, and his nephew and the rest of their family, but also not getting involved.

JJ got into the car so the teens could leave.

⫷⑅⫸

Frank's Job

Already tired of working, Frank unhooked a car's oil tube, making the oil spill all over the floor, walking away, going to sit down and eat his lunch, but decided not to. "Well, look at that. Lunch is over. The time, how she flies." He stood, walking past several men, back toward the oil spill, turning to face the men so that he could back away toward the oil spill. "Well, it's back to the grindstone for this guy."

Frank slipped on the oil.

The worker friend from before caught Frank in his arms, saving him from getting hurt. "Careful, Frank. That spill almost got you there, huh?" He put Frank down, giving him a hug. "Already lost one best work friend. Don't need to lose another so soon."

Frank was annoyed, sighing. "Okay, you can let go now."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Parking Lot

(Song:) Street Feet Skank (Instrumental Version) - Funkdust

Tony followed Steve's truck all the way to a parking garage.

Steve got out of the truck.

As soon as the truck drove away, Steve was off to go steal a Porsche, jimmying the lock open, causing the alarm to blare, getting in to turn the alarm off.

Tony was suddenly standing outside of the car.

Steve noticed, laughing nervously. "Hey. Tony, right?" He got out of the car. "Funny seeing you here. How are you?"

Tony suddenly punched Steve in the stomach, making him groan in pain and double over.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

On the Road - Tony's Car

Tony was driving his car.

Steve was handcuffed in the back.

"How long you been stealing cars?" Tony asked.

"How says I steal them?" Steve asked. Tony did a vicious break check, making Steve's head hit the seat in front of him, the back of Tony's seat, hard enough to make his nose start bleeding. "Ow. Fuck."

"You were in a Cayenne yesterday, hotwiring a 911 today," Tony told him.

"No, no, no, I lost my keys," Steve told him. "That's--" Tony break checked Steve again, making him hit his head. "Motherfucker!"

Tony glared at him through the rear view mirror. "How long?"

Getting petty, Steve leaned forward against the back of Tony's seat to look into the rear view mirror and meet his gaze mockingly. "As long as I've been fucking Fiona for." Tony sent his elbow flying back into Steve's face, hitting him dead in the nose which was already bleeding past his lips, making Steve snap backward into his seat. "Oh, fuck!"

⫷⑅⫸

Frank's Job

Frank and the friendly worker were working.

The friendly worker smiled. "And for dinner, she made pork loin with caramelized apples, with a side of iceberg lettuce that had a little oil and vinegar drizzled on it." Frank was using a screwdriver on the cabinet in front of them. "Oh, what I'd do for a little Roquefort, but with my high cholesterol... I told you about that, right?"

"About an hour ago," Frank answered. "267. Your doctor wants it under 150."

The friendly worker smiled. "Aw, you remember. Anyway, after dinner, she cut some berries for dessert." He put his power drill on the cabinet, walking away. Frank eyed the power drill on top of the cabinet. "Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries."

Frank immediately grabbed the power drill, placing it against his hand, which was against the cabinet, and drove a nail through his hand, yelling in pain. "Ah, fuck! Fuck! Shit!"

The friendly worker was worried, walking over. "Frank. Frank, here I come."

⫷⑅⫸

Nursing Home

Veronica was working the rest of her shift at the nursing home.

Eliana arrived, walking closer. "Veronica?"

Veronica looked up, sighing heavily. "Eliana. Can't believe I'm actually about to say that I'm relieved you made it."

Eliana crossed her arms over her chest. "JJ told you about my condition?"

"Yes," Veronica answered. "And I understand more now why you signed the papers, and I thank you for that. Because at least you know that you can't take care of him like this."

"My own father couldn't help much with taking care of me," Eliana admitted. "When this happened to him. Izabel took over the parental roles because she had to, given that Vincente couldn't really. But they could still run the family business together, when they could."

Veronica nodded sarcastically. "You mean mafia family business."

"Before you judge me, remember that your brother Tristan is in the other spectrum of street gang, drug lord mafia types," Eliana reminded her.

Veronica sighed. "I know. I'm sorry. It's just hard to image, JJ being the progeny of two different types of mafia parents. You and Tristan." Eliana shrugged in acknowledgement. "I just wanted you to know that whatever I feel about you, I'm not gonna let it affect your relationship with JJ. Which means that I'm not going to let him lose the mother he just got."

"Meaning that you want to help me, which is why you called me here?" Eliana asked. "They're not going to let me into a nursing home, Veronica. I'm too young, and my condition is not that severe... yet. It could be years before it's that severe."

"I know," Veronica agreed. "I asked you here so we can run a few tests to make sure that this is what is really happening to you."

"You don't believe me?" Eliana asked.

"I want to make sure," Veronica answered. "And even if I did, you need the official medical diagnosis from doctors like these in order to get the treatment that you need at home."

Eliana shrugged in agreement. "That's true."

"Now, you said that you're documented now, right?" Veronica asked.

"I am now, yes," Eliana answered. "And I'm working to make sure that JJ has his documentation officially, soon, so that Tristan can't hold that over his and Kimberly's heads anymore, in case they get into trouble with the police, or ICE. Since I assume Tristan didn't tell you that JJ was born in Brazil."

"No, he didn't," Veronica answered, annoyed. "But, uh, thank you for that. For helping. You told Kimberly and JJ that you were going to help with Tristan's debts, too?"

"As much as I can," Eliana answered. "I don't have access to all of my family money while in this country, not right after getting out of prison. And especially with my condition now. So I won't be able to afford to pay off all of Tristan's debts, but I can start, slowly, and find out how many people he owes and how much he owes to each person or family or organization."

"Why not just call Vincente and Izabel?" Veronica asked.

"Because they would want JJ to take over the family business, since I'm sure Vincente is well past his time in order to be able to keep up being the head of our family," Eliana answered. "Izabel won't be able to handle keeping secret that she helps him run most things once he gets bad enough with his own condition like mine. I'm trying to keep Jeremiah Jordan out of it for as long as possible. So that he doesn't have to continue to go down the paths that his family did before him. Do you understand that?"

Veronica nodded, impressed. "Yeah. I do. Thank you. I don't want JJ involved in that anymore than you do."

"Then at least we agree on matters when it comes to Jeremiah Jordan and protecting those kids," Eliana pointed out. "Kimberly, Natalia and Zia from Tristan and those men. And everything else so that what happened to Malcolm's brother Micah doesn't happen again to any one else."

Veronica nodded in agreement. "All right. Let's get you through these tests and then we'll figure out what to do from here."

Eliana nodded. "Let's."

Eliana and Veronica walked down the hallway together, more understanding of the other and willing to work together when it came to protecting JJ and the kids.

⫷⑅⫸

Night - Bowling Alley

(Song:) Love Drunk - Alisha Pillay feat. Talkz

Malcolm and Mandy were waiting at the bowling alley, looking at each other, clearly thinking about the night before, smiling softly with slight smirks.

Lip, Natalia, Ian, Kimberly and JJ walked closer.

"There you guys are," Lip told them.

"Here we are," Malcolm agreed.

"Been looking forward to this all day," Kimberly admitted.

Ian shrugged. "Much better than thinking about the mission today."

"That bad?" Mandy asked.

"Not good," JJ answered. "But this is a good distraction."

"Plus, finally, the concert after," Natalia finished. "We need this."

They all nodded in agreement.

"Besides, this is a nice outing for couples, or technical couples, isn't it?" Kimberly asked, glancing at Malcolm and Mandy with a slight smirk.

Kimberly and Natalia were clearly trying to set up Malcolm and Mandy, which caused Lip, Ian and JJ to smile in amusement.

"We're not a couple," Mandy told them, the same time Malcolm said, "We're not together."

Karen walked up to the group. "Yeah, it would be super weird if Malcolm started dating so soon after he lost little brother Micah, right? No offense, Mandy."

Malcolm and Mandy both looked uncomfortable and irritated, while the group looked at Karen in surprise, no one happy especially after what Karen said, surprised by her new look.

"What are you doing here?" Lip asked.

"I've been waiting here for hours, not wanting to miss you guys," Karen said uncaringly.

"What the hell happened to your hair?" Natalia asked.

"Black and the bad cut?" Kimberly asked. "That's a choice."

"A choice I wouldn't make," Mandy told her. "It looks really bad."

"Did you do that yourself?" Kimberly asked, mocking.

Malcolm placed a hand on Mandy's while giving a look to Kimberly and Natalia to stop a fight that was clearly going to start. "But, hey, you do you. And you keep our names and Micah's name the hell out of your mouth. Got it?"

Karen held up her hands as if in guilt, but clearly she didn't feel guilty, more mocking than anything. "Sorry."

"Yeah, real convincing," JJ told her sarcastically.

"Still not sure why you're here," Ian told her.

Karen shrugged. "Well, I was not sitting home again being pissed at my dad. And I just thought, why should you guys have all the fun?"

"Yeah, well, you weren't invited," JJ replied. "Might have to do with the way you treat Kimberly, Natalia, and talk badly about Zia, Malcolm and Micah, but hey, just my theory."

Lip tried to ease the tensions. "Okay, can we get along here, please? This wasn't the plan, but..."

Karen shrugged. "But I'm here now, so you can get used to it or just leave, but the concert's not for another hour or so, so..." They were definitely not happy, but didn't have the energy to fight with her. "Okay. All of us hanging out. Sounds fun, right?"

"Um..." Ian trailed off.

Natalia picked up her fork. "You know what else sounds fun? Stabbing myself in the face with this fork."

"That's my dream," Karen replied.

Lip gave Karen and Natalia both a look. "Hey. Not this tonight, all right? Karen, if you can't get along with my siblings and friends, I think you should go."

Kimberly gestured to Lip. "Thank you."

Karen sighed. "Fine. I love bowling. But with actual competition."

"How do you know we're not actual competition?" JJ asked, giving Karen a mocking look. "I'll have you know I'm great."

"And any of us could do better than you," Mandy added, still glaring at Karen for what she said.

Ian nodded slightly. "Yeah, we're good."

Karen wrapped her arm around Lip, forcing a smile as she looked from Lip, to Ian/Natalia, Kimberly/JJ and Malcolm/Mandy. "And at least now it's a real date for couples now. If you're really dating Ian, Natalia. And Kimberly and JJ, congrats."

Malcolm sighed, rolling his eyes. "This should be interesting."

Mandy looked at Malcolm. "I never would've pegged you as someone who likes to bowl."

Malcolm shrugged. "Oh, this is one of my favorite places in the world, and I'm guessing one of the only sports that I can destroy you at."

Mandy smiled. "Oh, okay, you think so, huh?"

Malcolm nodded. "I'm pretty sure, yeah."

Mandy and Malcolm smiled at each other competitively.

Kimberly, JJ, Lip, Natalia and Ian smiled knowingly.

Kimberly and JJ walked up to the bowling ball dispenser, looking over them.

Kimberly picked up the sparkly pink one to tease JJ. "I'm sure this is the one that you'll pick, right, JJ?"

"Dream on, Kim," JJ told her.

Kimberly smiled, putting the pink one down.

Standing behind Kimberly, JJ rested his hands on her waist for a second, drumming his fingers on her waist teasingly before he spun her out of the way so that he could pick his own bowling ball. Kimberly couldn't help but laugh at the sudden spin. JJ smiled, picking up a yellow one, tossing it from hand to hand.

Kimberly watched him. "You really look like you know what you're doing."

"Yeah, bowling was a way to escape from my dad," JJ admitted. "Like with music or dance."

Kimberly nodded in understanding, smiling slightly, grabbing a bowling ball. "You mind helping me out?"

JJ looked at Kimberly in amusement, raising his eyebrows with a slight smirk.

Kimberly smirked, winking, turning toward their lane, weighing the ball in her hand. JJ came up from behind Kimberly, hands on her waist. Kimberly smiled as JJ kissed her cheek, one of his hands holding her arm, both walking forward, and JJ helping Kimberly as she let the ball roll down the aisle.

The ball knocked down half the pins, and with the next roll, they knocked down the rest.

Kimberly smiled, cheering, turning to JJ with a grin. JJ smiled.

Karen rolled her eyes.

Lip, Ian, Natalia, Mandy and Malcolm were amused, smirking slightly, happy for them and seeing them so happy for once.

"All right, you two, get a room," Lip told them in amusement.

"Come on, next up," Ian told them.

JJ went next, and with his roll, he instantly knocked down all of the pins, getting a strike.

"You weren't kidding about being good," Natalia told him in amusement.

JJ smirked, shrugging, going to sit down next to Kimberly.

Mandy stood to go next, only knocking over two pins on either roll, shaking her head in disappointment. "I'm so bad at this."

Mandy went to sit down next to Malcolm.

"You got it next time," Malcolm told her.

"Looks like you might be right about being able to destroy me at this game, at least," Mandy pointed out. "Any other, I would kick your ass, though."

Malcolm smirked. "I don't doubt it."

Natalia stood, taking her light purple bowling ball, walking forward and letting go, the ball rolling down the aisle, getting a perfect strike, walking back toward the others.

Lip smirked, impressed. "Nice."

Natalia laughed. "Do you smell that, Lip? That's defeat."

Lip laughed sarcastically, nodding teasingly. "Mm-hmm. We'll see."

"Yes, we will," Natalia replied.

Ian smiled.

Kimberly laughed.

Karen glared.

JJ looked at Natalia in amusement. "Look who else is great."

Natalia smirked, shrugging, sitting down.

Ian shook his head at JJ and Natalia in amusement. "Looks like you two brought your A game."

Lip nodded. "Good job."

Ian stood, walking forward, going next. With his two tries with the bowling ball, he knocked most of the pins down, but not all.

"Whoo!" Kimberly cheered her twin on. "Yes!"

Ian shook his head. "I could do better. I'm distracted."

"You're doing good," Malcolm replied.

Mandy shrugged. "Just try to clear your head."

Lip went up next, and got some of the pins down in the first roll, and a couple more in the next. It wasn't bad, so he had a small smile, closing his eyes, nodding as he backed away, sitting next to Karen again.

"You're up, Karen," JJ remarked, bitter, wrapping his arm around Kimberly.

Kimberly and JJ turned their heads to look at Karen at the same time, both with a slight glare.

Lip nodded, trying to keep the peace. "You can do it."

Karen stood, taking her bowling ball, walking toward the aisle, hesitating. She glared at everyone from over her shoulder and rolled the ball, but it went into the gutter.

Mandy burst into laughter, finding hilarious revenge in this.

Natalia and Kimberly smirked, trying to hide smug smiles.

Malcolm shook his head in amusement, also finding it smug and amusing, but was less obvious about it. "Seriously, girls?"

"I'm sorry," Mandy said. "I'm sorry. I'm just finding a little sweet revenge for her being a bitch to us earlier."

"So am I," Natalia agreed.

"Maybe she just needs a little warm up," Lip said.

Karen walked closer to the bowling balls.

"Yeah, maybe she just needs the kiddy bumpers," Kimberly replied.

Natalia and Mandy laughed.

Malcolm and JJ smirked.

Even Ian couldn't hide an amused smile.

Lip gave them a look, looking at Karen. "Just... just aim for the middle."

Karen picked up her bowling ball.

"How about you aim for anything except for the gutter?" Natalia asked.

Karen glared at Natalia.

Ian tried to ease tensions so they could still have fun. "All right, guys. Take it easy."

JJ shrugged. "She doesn't deserve that after earlier, but whatever."

Karen rolled her ball down the aisle, as it rolled in the middle until it slanted toward the edge at the end, falling into the gutter.

"Oh!" Mandy taunted, laughing. Malcolm gave her a disapproving look even while he tried to keep from laughing. "Oh, great job, Karen."

Karen sat down next to Lip.

Malcolm chuckled. "Don't worry. We only just got started."

JJ and Natalia continued to excel at bowling, while Kimberly, Lip, Malcolm and Mandy were average, but still having fun. Ian was distracted and not having much luck with regaining focus. Karen was clearly not caring that she was very bad at bowling, but she got mad every time one of the others made a remark, laughed, or even smirked.

Kimberly stood with Ian. "Hey. You okay?" Ian nodded barely. "Is Mickey why you're so distracted?"

Ian looked at her, surprised. "Did Lip or Natalia or Malcolm..."

"They didn't tell me," Kimberly answered. "But, come on, Ian. I have eyes. And I know how to tell when you like someone. And you're not subtle when it comes to him."

Ian chuckled in agreement, looking at her with slight guilt. "I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you. I did. But you've been so busy, and I was worried about everything, and I didn't want to bother you, Kimberly."

Kimberly took Ian by the hand. "Ian. You could never bother me. Okay? And no matter what I'm going through, you can always talk to me. Okay? That's what twins are for."

Ian smiled slightly, nodding. "Yeah. Thanks, Kim. You too."

Kimberly and Ian shared a hug.

"But I expect full details at the concert or when we get home," Kimberly told him.

Ian smiled, not surprised. "I knew you would."

They pulled away, laughing lightly.

"Ian, you're up," Lip told him.

JJ clapped. "Let's go, Ian."

"Why, so Mr. Oblivion over there can wreck another round?" Karen asked bitterly.

Lip gave Karen a look, shaking his head. "Hey."

"Like you're really one to talk right now?" Mandy replied. "You're worse than he is, and even I am, and that's saying something."

Karen glared at Mandy.

Ian stood at the aisle again, hesitating.

Natalia looked as if she was debating something before she stood, walking toward Ian.

Karen rolled her eyes, closing them, sighing, leaning her head back.

"Ian," Natalia told him, standing behind him. "You're thinking too much."

Ian sighed. "I know, I'm sorry. I'm ruining this."

Natalia shook her head reassuringly. "No, no, not at all. But I wouldn't mind shutting her the hell up, so just clear your head and think about something else."

"Like what?" Ian answered.

"Anything," Natalia answered. "Think about Mickey." She started to turn around, but then stopped, turning back to Ian, smirking teasingly. "Naked."

Natalia walked away to her seat.

Ian processed that, blinking rapidly as he held that mental image in his head.

This time, Ian rolled his bowling ball down the aisle with more confidence and focus, getting a perfect strike.

JJ, Kimberly, Lip and Natalia cheered for him. "Yeah!"

Malcolm and Mandy smiled, laughing.

"Nice one," Mandy told him.

Karen frowned.

Malcolm looked at Natalia in amusement. "What did you say to him?"

Ian walked past them to his seat.

Natalia smirked, shrugging. "I just gave him something to think about."

Malcolm nodded in amusement. "Okay."

As the game continued, JJ and Natalia were getting perfect strikes most of the time.

Kimberly laughed. "That is seriously amazing." She turned her head toward the Jackson girl, knowing that she hated that anyone was better than her, especially Natalia. "Karen, how many strikes is that?"

"It's six," Karen answered dully, annoyed. "In a row."

Kimberly smirked.

JJ offered Kimberly a hand with a smirk. "Your turn."

Kimberly smiled, taking JJ's hand, standing, walking over to the dispenser to get her bowling ball.

JJ suddenly spun Kimberly in front of the alley, making her laugh, standing behind her, holding one arm at her waist, using the other to hold her arm and help her aim. They looked at each other, smirking, launching the ball down the alley, knocking them all over in a strike. They both smiled.

Ian clapped. "Nice."

"You two are so sweet and adorable it's almost disgusting," Lip told them jokingly, teasing. "But you've always been like that, so..."

Kimberly and JJ flipped Lip off in reply as they went to sit down, making everyone else laugh, besides Karen of course.

Mandy stood, turning to look at Malcolm. "I could use some help. You mind helping me out this time, Malcolm?"

Malcolm looked at Mandy, biting his lip in thought, amused and clearly wanting to, nodding a bit. "Yeah. Sure. Why not?"

Mandy smiled.

Kimberly, JJ, Natalia, Ian and Lip smirked knowingly. Kimberly and Natalia exchanged a smile, happy that this was working.

Karen grumbled to herself, rolling her eyes.

Mandy turned toward their lane, holding the ball in her hand. Malcolm stood behind Mandy, one of his hands holding her arm, the other resting on her waist, causing them both to look at each other intensely for a moment, unable to deny their attraction or pull toward the other. They both walked forward, with Malcolm helping Mandy as she let the ball roll down the aisle.

The ball knocked down half the pins, and with the next roll, they knocked down the rest.

Mandy spun around, cheering, smiling. Malcolm smiled in return.

The others cheered.

"Whoo!" Kimberly cheered.

"Nice one," Ian told them. "Good job."

JJ nodded, smiling slightly. "Not bad. Looks like you might be better at this sport than you realize."

"I'm trying to decide if bowling is actually a sport or not," Ian admitted.

Lip nodded, tilting his head. "Same."

Lip and Natalia shared a tray of nachos.

"Well, sport or hobby, I am still better than you," Natalia told him, noticing cheese on the side of Lip's mouth, wiping it away with her finger, causing Lip to look at her, but this was normal for them so it didn't bother anyone from their friend group.

Karen, however, glared, getting more and more angry.

"Yeah, whatever," Lip replied.

"These are fucking good," Natalia remarked.

Lip chuckled in agreement.

Karen glared at the two, standing. "Maybe I could use some help too."

"I think you got it," Lip told her. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm not very good either."

Karen scoffed. "Whatever. Have fun with each other."

"What the hell are you talking about now?" Natalia asked in annoyance. "We're friends, you dumbass."

"And you're a lying, slutty skank bitch," Karen replied angrily.

Natalia glared, standing defiantly.

Lip stood to step between the two. "Okay, okay. Enough, both of you. Karen, what the hell? Nothing happened. Natalia and I are just friends. And she's none of those things."

The others rolled their eyes, tired of this already.

"I'm sorry that you're even friends with someone like that," Karen told him.

Kimberly instantly spoke up to defend her best friend. "I'm sorry that you have no talent. That you scream like you're getting your uvula checked, and you walk like you've been asleep for years, and someone just woke you up."

Mandy glared at Karen. "And you're really one to talk about calling anyone a lying, skank bitch or slut."

"Kim, Mandy, I can defend myself, thank you," Natalia told them. Kimberly and Mandy backed down. Ian, JJ and Malcolm watched warily in amusement. Lip was overwhelmed, not knowing what to do, but he had tried to stop this from happening and defend Natalia as well while giving Karen a chance. Natalia glared at Karen. "And I want your heart to be eaten by a lion."

"And in case you're not done with the teen drama, I'm gonna go out to the street and watch drug deals go down," JJ added. "Because we're all too fed up to put up with this bullshit."

Karen shook her head. "Whatever. I'm out of here."

"Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out," Malcolm replied.

Karen started to storm away.

Lip sighed, standing. "Hey."

"Let her go," Malcolm told him. "She's not gonna listen to anything right now."

"She's ruining the night anyway," Mandy added. "And concert's about to start."

Lip put a hand to his head. "What the..."

Natalia shrugged. "I blame Karen for all this. Lip too."

"What did I do?" Lip asked.

Natalia shook her head, just teasing and trying to lighten the mood, knowing that he tried to stop this from happening. "I'm sure you did something." Lip tilted his head. Natalia gave him a smile. "I'm kidding. You tried to stop this and spoke up for us and tried to get her to back down even if you were still giving her a chance. Guess that's all we can ask for."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Alley

Tony pulled over his car in the middle of the alley, getting out of the car, walking around the back, opening the backseat, pulling Steve out, pushing him against the car.

"Second place sucks, huh?" Steve mocked.

Tony punched Steve in the face, making him fall to the ground. "Think this is only about Fiona?"

"Fucking seems that way," Steve answered.

Tony kicked Steve in the stomach. "Yeah? It's also about the little operation you got going on."

Steve sat up, spitting blood out of his mouth to the ground. "Yeah, I could cut you in."

"Oh, yeah?" Tony asked, kicking Steve again. "Now you're bribing a police officer?"

Steve coughed. "Whoa, whoa! The way that I figure it, there's not much you can do. You bring me in, you risk Fiona hating you forever."

Tony sighed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah. Yeah, that's how I see it too. So, uh..." He sat on the ground next to Steve. "I'm gonna leave it up to you."

"What the hell does that mean, huh?" Steve asked.

Tony put his arm around Steve's shoulders, pulling him in mockingly. "You got two choices. "You could, uh, turn yourself in, spend a couple years in jail. Of course, by the time you get out, Fiona and I will be married, so..."

Steve spit blood onto Tony's face. "In your dreams."

Tony wiped the blood away, standing. "Fine."

Steve tried to push himself up even with his hands cuffed behind his back. "Whoa, whoa, wait, wait, wait. What's the second choice?"

Tony turned to face him. "You could save your ass."

"How?" Steve asked.

Tony knelt in front of Steve. "Disappear. Tonight. Walk away. Just leave everything behind. Don't go back to your house, don't call her, don't say goodbye. Just leave. But you have to decide right now."

Tony stood, walking away.

⫷⑅⫸

Theater - Florence + The Machine Concert

Natalia, Lip, Kimberly, JJ, Ian, Malcolm and Mandy made their way into the concert, anxiously waiting for it to begin, all looking content, even after everything that had happened and after the drama at the bowling alley just before.

JJ wrapped his arms around Kimberly from behind. "You ready for this?"

"You know it," Kimberly answered. "We need this."

Natalia nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we do."

Lip looked at Natalia. "I'm really sorry about earlier."

Natalia shook her head. "You don't have to be. It's not your fault your fuck buddy's a psycho. Not sure why you like her or keep up with her, but..."

Lip sighed, shrugging. "Honestly, I don't know either."

Ian shrugged. "Maybe it's because having something with no strings like that is less scary than being with someone that you actually like because of fear of what could happen if you lose them."

Lip and Natalia gave Ian an amused look.

Kimberly, JJ, Malcolm and Mandy smirked.

Malcolm chuckled. "You a psychologist now, Ian?"

Ian shrugged.

The concert started to begin, much to the excitement and hype of the entire crowd in the theater, everyone cheering.

Mandy bounced in place slightly. "Here we go."

Florence started the first song. "You hit me once, I hit you back."

The crowd instantly started to go nuts, including Kimberly, Natalia and Mandy, each one singing along in excitement. "You gave a kick, I gave a slap!" JJ, Lip, Ian and Malcolm looked at them in amusement, saying the lyrics, but not singing them, all happy that the girls looked truly content right in the moment. "You smashed a plate over my head / Then I set fire to our bed / My black eye casts no shadow / Your red eye sees nothing / Your slaps don't stick / Your kicks don't hit / So we remain the same / Love sticks, sweat drips / Break the lock if I don't fit / I broke your jaw once before / I spilled your blood upon the floor / You broke my leg in return / So sit back and watch the bed burn / A kick to the teeth is good for some / A kiss with a fist is better than none."

⫷⑅⫸

Elementary School - St. Patty's Dance

(Song:) Cupid Shuffle - Cupid

Zia, Debbie and Carson were trying to have fun at the dance.

Carl was even nearby at the dance, but not into it, like for the most part, neither were the girls.

Fiona just thought that it would be a nice distraction for the kids that had gone through so much. She was chaperoning, pouring punch for the kids.

Jasmine's husband, Hal, came up from behind Fiona. "Nice ass."

Fiona turned to face him incredulously. "Excuse me?"

Jasmine walked up to them, placing her hand on Hal's chest. "Ooh, don't mind him. He thinks he's so funny. This is my husband, Hal."

"How's it going?" Hal asked.

Fiona smiled. "Hal. Scared me there. Almost had to give you a knee to the groin."

"Jazzy's told me all about you," Hal stated.

"Oh, yeah?" Fiona asked.

"Yeah," Hal answered. "Yeah, so you gonna work for me?"

Fiona looked from Hal to Jasmine. "I am?"

"She's the boss," Hal told her.

Fiona gave Jasmine a look.

Jasmine smiled. "Don't give me that look. Come on. Let's take a lap."

Jasmine showed Fiona a flask in her pocket.

"Uh-oh," Hal said.

"Stay out of trouble, Hal," Jasmine told him. Hal walked away. Jasmine stood next to Fiona. "Thought that cute boyfriend of yours was coming."

"Yeah, so did I," Fiona agreed.

Things were not easy at the dance for Zia and Carson.

Zia was being bullied still for her issues ever since what happened with Micah, by Barry's friends or others.

Carson was being taunted relentlessly because kids were already starting to hear that she was a mother at the age of 11.

This caused Zia and Carson both to leave the gym and get away from the taunting, but they refused to let them ruin their night.

Debbie and Carl watched them go, concerned, glaring at the people that were making it hard for them.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Theater - Concert

The teens were having a blast, content and truly happy and at peace for the first time in a while, singing along with the next song.

The next song was Dog Days Are Over. "Happiness hit her like a train on a track / Coming towards her stuck still no turning back / She hid around corners and she hid under beds / She killed it with kisses and from it she fled / With every bubble she sank with her drink / And washed it away down the kitchen sink / And I never wanted anything from you / Except everything you had and what was left after that too, oh / Happiness hit her like a bullet in the back / Struck from a great height by someone who should know better than that / The dog days are over / The dog days are done / Can you hear the horses? / 'Cause here they come / Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father / Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers / Leave all your love and your longing behind / You can't carry it with you if you want to survive / The dog days are over / The dog days are done / Can you hear the horses? / 'Cause here they come / The dog days are over / The dog days are done / The horses are coming / So you better run."

When the next song came on, it was Never Let Me Go, causing the crowd to cheer. Though it was also about serious issues, it was also a widely regarded romantic song.

Kimberly rested back into JJ's hold with his arms around her, tilting her head back against his shoulder as they sang along with the song, much to the amusement and happiness of Lip, Natalia, Ian, Malcolm and Mandy, as they were all happy for them.

"Looking up from underneath / Fractured moonlight on the sea / Reflections still look the same to me / As before I went under / And it's peaceful in the deep / Cathedral where you cannot breathe / No need to pray, no need to speak / Now I am under all."

Lip glanced at Natalia, as Natalia didn't notice because she was singing along with the song and enjoying the music moment and just peace and contentment that the teens so rarely got. Lip smiled slightly at the fact that she was happy and having fun, and not in constant pain like he knew her to be before.

"And it's breaking over me / A thousand miles down to the sea bed / Found the place to rest my head."

Mandy looked at Malcolm, seeing that even his pain had taken a backseat for the night, as he was having fun with his new friends that already felt like family to him. Malcolm felt Mandy's gaze on him, and looked over at her, giving her a small smile, happy to see that even her pain, that she constantly tried to hide, was not present in that night. Mandy returned the smile.

"Though the pressure's hard to take, it's the only way I can escape / It seems a heavy choice to make / But now I am under, oh"

Kimberly turned her head toward JJ to whisper in her ear as they sang along, referencing that they gave into their feelings for each other, finally, and were finally together. "And it's over and I'm going under / But I'm not giving up / I'm just giving in." JJ smiled in amusement, kissing Kimberly's cheek, causing her to smile happily. The others smirked knowingly, shaking their heads. "Oh, I'm slipping underneath / So, so cold and so sweet / Deliver me."

"And the arms of the ocean are carrying me / And all this devotion was rushing out of me / And the crashes are heaven for a sinner like me / But the arms of the ocean delivered me / Never let me go, never let me go / And it's over / Never let me go, never let me go / And I'm going under / Never let me go, never let me go / But I'm not giving up / Never let me go, never let me go / I'm just giving in / Never let me go, never let me go."

⫷⑅⫸

Elementary Room - Music Room

Zia and Carson had snuck away from the dance to sit in the music room.

Carson was showing Zia a simple, sad, but beautiful chord on the piano.

Zia nodded. "Yeah, I like it."

"You try," Carson told her.

Carl and Debbie walked into the music room.

Zia tried to copy Carson's notes, hitting the right first two, but messing up on the rest. "Think we need to start easier for me."

Carson smiled. "Think so, yeah."

"What are you guys doing?" Debbie asked.

Zia and Carson both looked up, startled.

"Carson's gonna teach me piano and music," Zia answered.

"Really?" Carl asked, impressed.

"Yeah," Carson answered. "You know, to help Zia out."

Debbie and Carl nodded in understanding.

"So what's with the sad melody?" Debbie asked.

"Just trying to ease our minds," Carson answered. "You saw how it was in there for us."

"Those bitches," Zia mumbled.

Carson nodded in agreement. "Exactly right, Zia. Those bitches."

Carl and Debbie smiled in amusement.

"You want me to kick their asses?" Carl asked.

"Thanks for that, Carl, but if anybody is gonna kick their asses, it's us," Carson told him.

"What she said," Zia agreed. She looked at Carson. "Kinda glad I have someone to talk to about this stuff that gets it. Nobody else really gets it, Carson."

Carl and Debbie knew that was true, sighing sympathetically.

Carson sighed. "I get the feeling."

"Well, it's kind of boring in there, and the Snob Mob and Barry's friends are definitely not making it easy for you guys," Debbie pointed out. "You wanna stay in here and play a song together?"

Carl sat across from them. "I wanna hear a song."

"Me too," Debbie agreed.

Carson couldn't help a small smile. "Okay. Uh, what song?"

Zia tilted her head, puzzled. "Uh, I don't know."

Carson was thinking. "JJ, Kimberly, Ian, Lip, Natalia, Malcolm and Mandy went to the concert, right?" Zia, Carl and Debbie nodded. "I think I know what song could help us right now. Shake It Out."

Zia looked at Carson, nodding slightly. "Okay."

Carson started to play Shake It Out, just as it was starting at the concert where the teens were singing along, and Carson and Zia sang the song in the music room.

Florence + the crowd at the concert, including Kimberly, Natalia and Mandy: "Regrets collect like old friends / Had to relive your darkest moments / I can see no way, I can see no way / And all of your ghouls come out to play."

Zia sang softly. "And every demon wants his pound of flesh / But I like to keep some things to myself / I like to keep my issues drawn / It's always darkest before the dawn."

Florence + the crowd, including Kimberly, Natalia and Mandy. "And I've been a fool, and I've been blind / I can never leave the past behind / I can see no way, I can see no way / I'm always dragging that horse around."

Carson sang sweetly. "All of his questions, such a mournful sound / Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground / 'Cause I like to keep my issues drawn / But it's always darkest before the dawn."

Florence + the crowd, including Kimberly, Natalia and Mandy. "And I am done with my graceless heart / So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart / 'Cause I like to keep my issues drawn / It's always darkest before the dawn."

Zia and Carson sang together. "Shake it out, shake it out / Shake it out, shake it out, ooh whoa / Shake it out, shake it out / Shake it out, shake it out, ooh whoa / And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back / So shake him off, oh whoa."

 Florence + the crowd, including Kimberly, Natalia and Mandy. "And I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't / So here's to drinks in the dark at the end of my road."

Zia sang softly. "And I'm ready to suffer and I'm ready to hope / It's a shot in the dark aimed right at my throat / 'Cause looking for heaven, found the devil in me."

Carson sang. "Looking for heaven, for the devil in me / Oh whoa / But what the hell? / I'm gonna let it happen to me, yeah..."

Zia, Carson, Carl and Debbie sang together, while Florence + the crowd, including Kimberly, Natalia and Mandy, and even Lip, Ian, JJ and Malcolm, all sang, or spoke/sang in the boys' case. "Shake it out, shake it out / Shake it out, shake it out, ooh whoa / Shake it out, shake it out / Shake it out, shake it out, ooh whoa / And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back / So shake him off, oh whoa."

⫷⑅⫸

Street

(Song:) Hey Hey Hey - Death on Two Wheels

Tony was driving down the street with the theater as the concert was over and people were leaving, some of the people driving too fast as they did, but not enough to catch Tony's attention.

Tony was definitely pleased with himself after what he did with Steve.

Steve's stolen car from the night before, which Kimberly, Ian, Lip, Natalia and JJ were using, drove past Tony, followed by the car that Malcolm and Mandy were using.

Tony only focused on Steve's stolen car because of obvious reasons, furious because he thought that Steve was defying him. "What the hell?" He called it in. "Dispatch, this is off-duty Officer 2244 reporting a stolen vehicle. License 7-2-Delta-Delta-Foxtrot-4. Black, new, Porsche Cayenne. Heading eastbound on Carmac. Just passed 36th Street."

Tony continued to chase them until an actual police car arrived, driving past the car where Malcolm and Mandy were driving, to get in front of the car that Kimberly, Ian, Lip, JJ and Natalia were in, pulling over in front of them, making them stop, and making Malcolm and Mandy stop behind them.

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Kitchen

After getting out of the hospital and getting his hand treated for his self-inflicted injury, Frank walked through the living room into the kitchen, taking a couple of pills for the pain, stumbling from being high and drunk, getting a beer from the fridge, using the beer to wash the pills down.

He suddenly heard Karen crying and sobbing from the basement.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Basement

Frank made his way into the basement, where Karen was crying. "You all right?"

Karen glared at him. "Get the fuck out of here."

Frank turned to leave. "Sorry."

Karen looked up. "Wait." Frank stumbled slightly on the steps, catching himself before he fell. "Come back here." Frank walked closer, holding the beer bottle in one hand and the pill bottle in the other. "What happened to your hand?"

"Work thing," Frank replied. "Is your hair different or something?"

Karen, getting an idea to get back at Eddie for what he called her, and at Lip for not taking her side and spending more time with his friends and Natalia more than anything, stood. "Let me see. Sit."

Karen pushed Frank into a chair to sit him down.

"I really should get upstairs," Frank said, too drunk and high to really comprehend what was going on, taking a drink.

Karen looked at the pills. "Those pain pills?"

"Oxy," Frank answered.

Karen took the pills. "Give me."

Frank frowned. "Oh, no way. No, don't you be taking all of those." Karen poured some into her hand and popped them into her mouth, swallowing. Frank grumbled to himself. Karen took off her shirt. "Whoa! Wait. What are you doing? Oh, shit."

Karen stepped closer, undoing her jeans. "Shh."

"No, no, no," Frank denied.

Karen put her hand over Frank's mouth.

⫷⑅⫸

On the Road

(Song:) What Kind of Man - Florence + The Machine

The song was playing on the car radios given the concert that just ended.

Tony got out of his car, making his way over to Steve's stolen car. "Well, Steve, possession of a stolen car is a fel--"

Tony cut himself off when he realized that it was Kimberly, Ian, Lip, JJ and Natalia, and not Steve.

"Hiya, Tony," Natalia told him sarcastically.

"Did we do something wrong?" Kimberly asked.

JJ shrugged, nervous with more cops coming down the street given the color of his skin, and the fact that he just learned that he was not born in this country and was not documented. "What seems to be the problem here?"

Malcolm and Mandy got out of the car behind them.

"What the hell is going on?" Malcolm asked. "We weren't even speeding."

Tony looked between the teens, speechless, not knowing what to say or how to get them out of the mess they were in that he just made worse.

All the teens were nervous because of hating cops, and they knew the car was stolen, but more nervous about the fact that JJ was undocumented and if they got arrested, the police might found out about it, and they didn't know what could happen after that if they did.

Kimberly reached for JJ's hand worriedly, as JJ looked around nervously.

⫷⑅⫸

Elementary School - St. Patty's Dance

Fiona was on the phone.

Steve: (on voicemail) "Leave a message."

Veronica walked up to Fiona, sitting down. "Sorry, I just got off work. Talking to the doctors at the nursing home to see what I could do about Eliana, since she's too young and not bad enough to be put into a nursing home."

"Eliana?" Fiona repeated. "Why would she need to be--"

"She's got early onset Alzheimer's," Veronica answered.

Fiona looked at her in shock. "You're kidding."

"Nope," Veronica answered. "Wish I was. I even got her to come in for some testing to make sure of it. Girl, she's got it, no question. Explains her mood swings with Kimberly, and her not knowing JJ or confusing him with Tristan."

"That's why she signed the papers," Fiona realized. "So you and Kev could take care of JJ since she can't."

"Yeah," Veronica answered.

"Well, what are you gonna do?" Fiona asked.

Veronica sighed, shaking her head. "I don't know. We gotta figure it out soon though. Because Carson and JJ were right. Eliana can't stay at the hotel by herself. And if she wanders off again in an episode, then Tristan could find her, or some other sick fuck, and who knows what could happen then."

Fiona put a hand to her head. "Jesus. And here I was worrying about Steve not picking up."

"Really?" Veronica asked, not interested given the circumstances of Eliana were much worse.

"Yeah," Fiona answered. "Keeps going straight to voicemail. I have a bad feeling about this."

"I'm sure there's an explanation," Veronica told her. "Wanna sneak off to the bathroom? I have some party favors."

"What?" Fiona asked.

"A little pick me up," Veronica answered. She glanced around. "Just gotta make sure that..." She noticed something. "Where are Carson, Zia, Debbie and Carl?"

Fiona looked around, realizing that in her desperation to contact Steve, she hadn't seen the kids sneak out of the dance. "You've gotta be kidding me."

Veronica gave Fiona an amused look. "You had one job." Fiona tilted her head at Veronica. Veronica's phone rang. She took it out to answer. "Hello? Malcolm?" Fiona looked at Veronica in confusion. Veronica became worriedly instantly. "What? Shit. No, we'll be right there." Veronica hung up, turning toward Fiona. "That was Malcolm and Mandy. Kimberly, Ian, Lip, JJ and Natalia were just arrested."

Fiona stood worriedly. "What?"

"And JJ's undocumented," Veronica added. "Eliana told us he was born in Brazil. If the cops find out..."

Fiona frowned, worried. "Oh, my God."

Fiona and Veronica knew that they had to go get the kids, walking quickly out of the dance to go look for them and leave.

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Basement

Even while Frank kept denying and saying "No", Karen began to have sex with him in front of her laptop, as it was recording them as she raped Frank.

Karen was completely naked, while Frank was not. "What do you think now, Daddy? Am I still a whore?"

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸ Worlds Colliding (Shameless) ⫷⑅⫸