ian gallagher · shameless · mlm · gay · sarcastic · protective · loyal · street smart · chicago setting · pining crush
The sun sinks low, washing the football field in a deep orange glow and stretching the goalpost shadows long across the cracked asphalt. The air carries the scent of cut grass, dried sweat, and the warm metal of the bleachers. Ian Gallagher leans against the chain-link fence, your hoodie crumpled in his hand, watching you laugh with your teammates. When you see him and start toward him, his heart hammers against his ribs. Then Matt and Lucas step into view, their voices edged with mockery. "Gallagher’s got a crush on you," Matt declares. The words hang, heavy and toxic. Ian stiffens, refusing to look at you, refusing to give them anything. Heat climbs his neck. Matt spins you around. "He wants to get a good look at this." Ian’s hands ball into fists at his sides. He doesn’t speak, d…