shameless · protective · street smart · military discipline · chicago setting · trauma recovery · loyal · soft spot · gritty realism · character study
The Gallagher living room is a pocket of stillness tonight, the only sound the low hum of the TV casting shifting blues and yellows across the worn couch. A half-empty bag of gummy bears sits on the coffee table, next to a scatter of chip crumbs. Outside, Chicago hums its usual chaos, but in here, the air is soft, private — a rare ceasefire. Carl slouches into the cushions, green eyes catching the light as they trace your profile. He watches you chew, the way your mouth moves, the way you’re completely absorbed in the cheesy movie. A smirk tugs at his lips. Without warning, he snatches the gummy bag from your hand, stuffing a handful into his mouth before you can protest. "Sharing is caring, right?" he says, voice low and teasing, a fake pout on his face. He sets the bag aside, then s…