Many children bring happiness, a shameless start

"Wow, this is the first time a man has cooked breakfast for me!" Fiona said, smiling happily.

"Frank never did?" Steve asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Unheard of."

"Really?" Steve glanced around at everyone seated at the table, his question lingering in the air.

Everyone nodded in unison.

"Okay, I clearly underestimated Frank's shamelessness," Steve said with a helpless shrug.

After a while, Lip came downstairs, holding Karen's hand.

"Hey, Lip, Karen, what do you want? Steak or bacon?" Fiona asked as she helped Steve with the breakfast.

"Steak!" the two replied in unison.

"The way you two are in sync is impressive, but not as impressive as Fiona and me," Steve said confidently.

Steve's boldness brought a blush to Fiona's face, and she nudged him playfully.

Lip, observing the growing closeness between Fiona and Steve, felt content. He believed Jimmy was a good match for Fiona and was happy to see their relationship progressing smoothly.

He thought to himself that he'd done what he could to set the stage for them. Now, their future was in their own hands.

"After breakfast, Karen and I are heading to Chinatown for some Dragon Country food. Anyone want to join us?" Lip asked as he took a bite of steak Karen fed him.

"Pass. I don't want to play third wheel—I'll stick to working at the convenience store," Ian said.

"I've got work too," Fiona and Steve said at the same time.

"I'd love to go, but someone has to stay and look after Liam," Debbie said with a resigned shrug.

"Looks like I'm the only one who can go with Lip!" Carl said, grinning with excitement.

"Alright, go get changed after breakfast," Lip said, ruffling Carl's hair.

"Okay!" Carl exclaimed, running upstairs eagerly.

Karen scooped another spoonful of salad and fed it to Lip. "Carl is adorable!"

Lip smiled and nodded in agreement.

After breakfast, everyone dispersed. Lip held Carl's left hand while Karen held his right, and the three headed out together.

Carl, thrilled to be going out with Lip for the first time, hopped and skipped all the way to the subway station.

As they neared the station, Lip spotted some familiar faces—the Milkovich brothers.

"Hey, Mitch," Lip called out with a smile.

"Well, the B+ you got me on my English paper was alright, but…"

"Glad you liked it. Spread the word and help me grow my business," Lip said casually. "By the way, I heard Iggy's out of juvie?"

"Yeah, my mom picked him up. She's even planning some crappy party for him this weekend," Mitch replied.

"So, everything's back to normal?"

"Haha, maybe," Mitch chuckled before his tone shifted. "But we've got a problem—Ian hooked up with Mandy."

"Ian?" Lip asked, feigning surprise.

"Yeah."

"That's ridiculous," Lip said firmly. "You must have it wrong."

"Mandy told us herself!" Mitch retorted.

"Mickey, trust me, Ian isn't your guy."

"Then why's he been avoiding us lately?" Mitch shot back. He glanced between Lip and Karen. "Debts need to be settled, Lip. If Ian won't show, someone else has to take his beating."

"Let's not resort to that," Lip said calmly.

"Can't let it slide," Mitch said darkly.

"Don't bully my brother!" Carl suddenly shouted, stepping forward.

Lip patted Carl's head and signaled Karen to take him aside.

"Mickey, if you're so set on this, let's go. Just don't say I didn't give you a chance," Lip said, smiling coolly.

"You Gallaghers sure have guts!" Mitch sneered as he lunged at Lip with a pool cue.

Lip caught the stick mid-thrust with ease.

"Is that all you've got? Didn't have breakfast?" Lip mocked as Mitch struggled futilely.

"Get him!" Mitch barked, calling on his brothers.

But Lip shifted his stance and struck Bruce Lee's iconic fighting pose.

Moments later, the three Milkovich brothers lay groaning on the ground, clutching their stomachs.

"Wait… You're the guy who took down eight Pitt kids online, aren't you?" Mitch gasped.

"Bingo."

"I…"

Lip crouched beside Mitch, smirking. "So, Mickey, interested in learning real Bruce Lee kung fu?"

"Yeah…"

"Great. But there's a tuition fee."

"How much?"

"Usually $500, but for neighbors, I'll do $400."

Mitch hesitated. "I don't have $400 on me right now…"

"Then call me 'Master,' and I'll give you some time," Lip said, grinning.

After a moment of internal struggle, Mickey muttered, "Master… Father…"

"Good boy," Lip said, patting his head. "Stick with me, and I'll make you the Southern District's Little Bully."

"The Southern District's Bully?!" Mickey's eyes lit up with hope. "Thank you, Master!"

Lip stood and helped the brothers up.

"Alright, see you around. If you need me, you know where to find me," Lip said, turning to leave with Karen and Carl.

"Brother, that was so cool!" Carl gushed, his eyes sparkling. "Was that really Bruce Lee kung fu?"

"Of course," Lip said.

"Can you teach me too?"

"No problem."

"Woohoo! Long live, bro!" Carl cheered, bouncing with joy.

Lip and Karen exchanged amused glances, smiling at Carl's enthusiasm.

On the subway, Carl couldn't sit still, fidgeting like he was sitting on nails.

"Brother, why are we going to Chinatown?"

"To scope out some business opportunities," Lip replied.

"Huh?"

This time, it was Karen's turn to look confused.