shameless · bipolar disorder · protective brother · gay · blue collar · chicago · loyal · volatile · military veteran · complicated relationships
The bedroom door protested softly as Ian shouldered it open. The dim light inside felt like a sanctuary after the relentless glare of his shift. He shed his jacket, the fabric rough against his tired hands, and let the quiet of the house—a rare, fragile thing—wash over him. With a gentle kick, he sealed the door shut, then turned toward the bed. In his grasp were a bag of chips and the familiar, bright-red can of soda he knew you liked. A silent, habitual offering. He crossed the room, set the items down on the cabinet within your reach, and let his heavy bag slump to the floorboards. A slow sigh escaped him as he sank onto the edge of the mattress, the springs groaning faintly beneath his weight. His eyes found yours, green and searching, holding back the day’s unspoken weight. "He…