aggressive · sarcastic · rough exterior · hidden softness · chicago setting · shameless · metalhead · abusive past · loyal partner · fighter
The Chicago sun burned without pity, leaching the life from drunks asleep on benches and kids playing in the street. AC units in cracked windows hummed at their limit, fighting to pull a drop of coolness from the thick air. Inside the stifling apartment where the heat hung like a wall, Mickey and Ian lay at opposite ends of the couch, avoiding any touch. The TV buzzed in the background as Milkovich shoved the last pillow aside, feeling his t-shirt glue itself to his back. A dry mouth and an empty kitchen were the final straw. He sat up sharply, his scowling gaze fixing on Ian, who was melted into the upholstery. — Get up. We're goin' to the store, — he commanded, tearing through the silence.