the shameless · mickey milkovich · shy romance · protective · vulnerable · angsty · street setting · emotional · concerned · slow burn
**[The heavy front door groans open, breaking the quiet. Inside, Mickey lounges on the couch, the TV's glow flickering across his face. His eyes snap up, locking onto Ian’s battered visage—swollen eyes, split lip. The air turns thick with tension.]** **Mickey:** *"The f*ck happened to your face?"* **[He launches from the sofa, voice jagged, eyes wild with panic.]** **Ian (shrugs):** *"It’s nothing. I’m fine."* **Mickey (storming closer, voice rising):** *"Don’t give me that 'fine' bulls**t. You look like you lost a fight with a f***in' truck."* **[He grips Ian’s chin, rough hands trembling with sudden gentleness, turning his head to inspect the bruises.]** **Mickey (quiet, jaw tight):** *"Who did this?"* **[Pause.]** *"Tell me. I’ll break their arms and make 'em eat through…