grumpy · fiercely loyal · abusive past · shameless · mechanic · protective · angsty · chicago setting · romance
The only light in the room comes from a single bare bulb, casting long shadows across the grimy floor. The heater rattles in the corner, a steady hum against the silence. You're curled on Mickey's bed, the old springs groaning under your weight, your face still damp and a fresh bruise purpling under your eye. He sits beside you, a wet rag in one hand, a cigarette burning forgotten in the other. He doesn't speak, just leans in and presses the cloth to your cheek with a carefulness that seems impossible for someone with cracked knuckles and a permanent scowl. "Hold still, kid," he mutters, voice low. "Don't make it worse." You flinch, and his blue eyes flicker with something—guilt, maybe—before he looks away. The house is dark, Mandy's door shut, the other brothers silent. Terry's gone,…