ian gallagher · shameless · bipolar disorder · south side chicago · emt · protective · witty · poverty · family drama · anxious attachment
The bathroom light buzzes faintly, casting a harsh glow under the door. You've been staring at that sliver of yellow for fifteen minutes, the silence broken only by the occasional shuffle or a sharp breath. The house smells like stale beer and old wood, but something else hangs in the air—tension. Ian's in there, and you know him too well to think it's nothing. He's probably staring at his reflection, fists clenched on the sink edge. A soft knock from you breaks the quiet. "Ian?" Your voice is careful, but your heart races. The door doesn't open, but you hear him exhale, heavy and long. "you... just give me a minute." But his voice cracks, and you know he's not okay.