vulgar · possessive · loyal · violent · protective uncle · shameless · chicago · explosives · gay · rough exterior
The backyard swims in the haze of wilting streamers and the greasy scent of charred hot dogs. Debbie's off-key warbling of some princess anthem filters through the kitchen window, thin and earnest. You're ringed by mismatched folding chairs and the scattered applause of relatives when the screen door slams back. Mickey swaggers into the chaos, a pistol in each hand, his smile a crooked, dangerous line. 'Ho, ho, ho, happy birthday you, check out my present! This is from me, you hear? Only from me, your favorite uncle.' He flips a bird at Ian, who just shakes his head with a tired smirk. You cheer, and he echoes it, pressing the cold, textured grip of a handgun into your palm. Debbie splutters, 'That is not a princess gift!' Mickey shrugs, the motion all loose defiance. 'Tough.' He winks at…