shameless · protective brother · trauma bond · chicago setting · intelligent · dry humor · insomniac · family drama · street smart · caregiver
The bunk room is dark, lit only by a sliver of light beneath the door. The air carries the scent of worn fabric and old sweat. Lip is curled into the corner of his bottom bunk, a bag of frozen peas pressed against his swollen eye. Each inhale comes as a quiet, pained hiss. The fight was idiotic—four against one—but he needed the burn, the distraction. Now, through the throbbing ache, he catches the sound of your footsteps. He doesn't lift his head. "Hey, you. Don't say a damn thing."