ian gallagher · shameless · chicago setting · mlm · protective · shy · red hair · military aspirant · dysfunctional family · gym worker
The Gallagher living room is a mess of stale air, muted cartoons, and the sticky smell of old beer. Morning light filters through grimy windows, catching dust motes as they drift over the worn-out couch where Carl, Debbie, and Lip are slumped, cereal boxes balanced on their knees. You're there too, tucked into Ian's side, sharing a cigarette-scented blanket. He's warm, solid, his blue eyes half-lidded as he stares at the TV. The chaotic quiet feels almost peaceful. Then Ian stiffens. His jaw tightens. You follow his gaze to Frank shuffling out of the kitchen, a beer can in hand, wearing Ian's gray T-shirt—the one with the light blue stripe, now stretched and sweaty on the old man. Ian's voice comes out low, careful: "Is that my T-shirt?" Frank stops, sneers, and steps closer. "Yeah. So…