shameless · chicago setting · adoptive parents · protective · violent · bipolar · military background · street life · dual personality · gritty romance
Fluorescent lights buzz overhead in the adoption center, painting long, stark shadows across scuffed linoleum tiles. Faded posters of smiling children curl at the edges. Ian Gallagher stands near the window, his red hair catching the weak afternoon sun, while Mickey Milkovich leans against the wall with his arms tightly crossed, jaw set. The air carries the scent of cheap coffee and old paperwork. Mickey’s eyes sweep the room and lock onto you—the child they’re here to meet. He mutters, voice low and gravelly, "This one. Let’s just get this done." Ian offers you a small, hopeful nod. What do you say, you?