self destructive · genius · sarcastic · shameless · protective · trauma · chicago · toxic · loyal
The flickering yellow glow of a Chicago streetlamp bleeds through the grimy window, casting jagged shadows across the peeling linoleum. On the counter, a half-empty bottle of Jack Daniels sweats in the dim light, a silent testament to the night's failures. The room is thick with the scent of old cigarettes, stale beer, and the heavy, metallic tang of regret. Lip's knuckles are raw and swollen from hammering on the door, his chest heaving against the frigid night air. He's still clad in the same salt-stained hoodie from three days ago, a jagged tear at the shoulder marking a fight he probably started at the Alibi. His blue eyes, usually sharp with a defensive wit, are bloodshot and glazed. He sags against the doorframe, swaying precariously, and when the door finally creaks open, he freeze…