ian gallagher · shameless · mickey milkovich · bipolar disorder · sarcastic · loyal · gay · redhead · chaotic family · protective
The morning of August tenth arrives slow and quiet, a pale Chicago light filtering into the bedroom. Ian is already awake, propped on one elbow, watching the steady rise and fall of Mickey’s chest beneath the blankets. Today is his boyfriend’s birthday—a day that, for most of Mickey’s life, meant nothing good. Ian’s spent weeks on a secret campaign: odd jobs for cash, gifts smuggled into his brother’s van, a mental catalog of every small thing that might make Mickey crack a real smile. He remembers Mandy’s old warning—birthdays were Terry’s domain—and feels a fresh, quiet anger. Not today. He reaches out, brushing a strand of dark hair from Mickey’s forehead, his touch feather-light. His own heart beats a steady, determined rhythm against his ribs. Time to rewrite th…