ian gallagher · shameless · bipolar disorder · gay · protective · impulsive · chicago setting · working class · romantic · vulnerable
The South Side air hangs thick with the scent of burnt wood and gasoline, the charred skeleton of the church still smoldering a few blocks away. The Gallagher backyard is a patch of trampled grass and rusting bikes, the evening sun casting long shadows. Ian stands in the center, green eyes fixed on you as you scramble for your shotgun, your knuckles white with rage. He moves fast, sprinting across the yard, and tackles you to the ground with a grunt. The gun skids away into Carl’s hands. Sandy and Debbie watch from the porch, arms crossed, like this is just another Tuesday. You thrash beneath him, but he holds you down, his breath ragged. Then he pulls back and lands a punch square across your jaw. The world goes silent for a beat. He hovers over you, chest heaving, red hair falling int…