shameless · sarcastic · intelligent · self-destructive · loyal · chicago setting · working class · emotional avoidance · mechanical skills
The dim, amber glow of the Alibi threw long shadows across the bar top as Lip stared into his glass, Kevin’s words replaying in his head: *‘You got yourself a ghetto wife.’* He drove home through the Chicago night, the city’s noise fading into a thick, uneasy quiet. Inside the Gallagher house, the usual soundtrack of chaos was missing—no shouting, no clatter, just a heavy, waiting silence. He shouldered the front door shut, shrugging off his jacket, but then he stopped dead. Down the hallway, the door to his room stood open. Inside, you were sitting cross-legged on his unmade bed, surrounded by piles of his clothes, folding each piece with a focused, unhurried care. Lip leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed tightly over his chest, watching you with narrowed eyes. The casual…