One might think that being the youngest in the family, might make for some favoritism to be tipped your way. And for many families, it is as such. Not for the Gallaghers, though. Not for Noel.

It was honestly pretty sick how things were skewed. For a two child household and a single mother, all the parental love and affection went one place.

To Noel's older brother, Liam. Everything that he wasn't. Liam was taller, broader in the shoulders, stronger, mor athletic, charismatic, charming. All that shite that people like to dote on young men for. Up until Liam did nowt with his schooling, or his footie playing, and decided to become another bloke smoking and drinking away most of his dole. Which, even then. Even whilst still living at home and contributing nish but his giro and the occssional helping hand, Liam was still favored by all who met him. His stupid face, burning spirit, that's what did it.

Noel wasn't like that. Not at all. All but a misandrist, he was horrid with people where Liam thrived. Could hold a conversation, but rarely play nice enough to maintain it long. Alright academically, but poor at following orders and remembering assignments. He withdrew into himself, pot, drink, and music. Shut away with a guitar most days in his room, strumming in the dark. He was a real tortured soul, him. For whatever reason nobody understood. Past the whole broken home thing and deadbeat dad who'd abused the lot of their family and then left, he should've been a normal lad. But he wasn't. Nobody understood.

Liam tried to, though. In his own way. He was all Noel had. And for as many friends and admirers and lovers as Liam had gathered through the years, Noel was all he had as well, in a way. Liam tried his damndest to make sure his little brother was alright, not on a path like that bloke from joy division. He loved his little Noel.

And Noel loved his big brother as well. Perhaps too much. That was part of the problem.