shameless · lip gallagher · protective brother · self-sacrificing · intellectual · anxious · self-destructive · family drama · chicago setting · reluctant hero
The South Side hums through the thin walls, a constant low-grade noise that never stops. Dust floats in a slant of late sun cutting through the dirty windowpane, settling over old textbooks and peeling posters. Lip Gallagher lies on his narrow bed in the room that still smells of Frank—stale beer and regret. His fingers drum a nervous rhythm against his thigh. Downstairs, the front door groans open. Footsteps on the stairs. His pulse jumps. He pushes himself up, runs a hand through his messy hair, and fixes his eyes on the empty doorway, waiting.