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Liam hadn't felt this happy in a long time. He was finally getting over Noel and embracing his new family with Debbie. He had just reconnected with his daughter, Molly, and was making plans with Gemma's mom to visit on the weekend. Both Gemma and Molly were staying with him for the time being. Molly had started calling him Dad, which alone made his entire year. He had seen Noel slagging him off in the tabloids, and for once, it didn't bother him. It felt like a fresh start with a new family, one that loved him in a way his old one never could.
Debbie's family had accepted him with open arms. He even had some nieces and nephews calling him "Uncle Liam." Debbie introduced him to some real friends, not those who were in it for the money or fame. He still kept in touch with Bonehead, of course, whether through tweets or calls, checking in on him.
It felt like the '90s were a lifetime ago, a far distant memory. He was beginning to forget he had ever stopped teasing an Oasis reunion, as he no longer felt the need for Noel's attention. He didn't want Noel to want him, and it felt good not having that weight on his chest, constantly dragging him down. He had finally started doing things for himself, not for Noel.
He was talking with Debbie about their plans for the weekend. "Lisa called. She said Gemma's excited to meet her dad."
"I'm excited to meet her. I want to be there for her. I was so late getting involved with Molly. I feel like I missed so much."
"Well, now you get a do-over. I know you'll do great." Sh says kissing his cheek"Molly and I were planning on going out tonight, so it'll just be you. I already cooked dinner."
"I could've cooked," he said.
She rolled her eyes, knowing his cooking skills consisted of eggs and tea. "I prefer my kitchen not to be burned down, so I went ahead and cooked. Now eat. Remember, the doctor said you need to get your weight up."
Oh, he remembered. He always remembered the comments. Noel knew how insecure Liam was about his weight. So he made sure to tease him about it
The thing about Noel is He always knew where to hit Liam where it hurt, really hurt. And Liam, being Liam, would do something childish in response, once again making him seem like the clingy and desperate brother.
He nodded and leaned in to kiss Debbie as she left to get ready with Molly. He checked his phone, fingers hovering over the call button for Noel's contact. He knew he'd press it, maybe not right now, but after a few drinks, he'd be leaving some pathetic voicemail about how much he misses him. He didn't know if Noel even listened to them. If he did, he probably laughed over them with Sara. It's not like he missed Liam. Those voicemails probably brought him joy in the fact he still had some control over Liam. Noel was well aware of Liam's attachment issues and used them to his advantage.
Debbie had finally been showing him how fucked up Noel could be at times. They'd fought about him. He didn't know why, but he'd often defend Noel in a way Noel would never defend him. Somewhere in his mind, he knew Debbie was right. Noel was a shitty brother, but it was easier for Liam to keep remembering the softer, loving side of Noel so he could try to convince himself there was a time Noel actually cared about him.
A knock on the door startled him, and he set his beer down and stood up to answer it. The person kept banging insistently. "Fucking hell, I'm coming!" he yelled. He opened the door, expecting a fan, not his drunk older brother shoving his way inside.