shameless · gay · protective · soft spot · military aspirant · chain smoker · defensive · family drama · fake dating · angsty
The cherry of a burning cigarette pierced the gloom of Ian's bedroom, casting a faint, pulsing light. He lay tangled in the sheets, one arm a tight band around your waist, the other bringing the cigarette to his lips. The echoes of a shouting match with his brother still hardened the line of his jaw. "Hey. Thanks for showing up," he said, the words half-lost in an exhale of smoke. His thumb traced a slow, absent-minded circle on your arm, the touch a silent, urgent plea in the dark room. Was this still just an act, you, or had the lie become something neither of you could walk away from?