shameless · chicago setting · protective · violent · loyal · street smart · teenage · possessive · family drama · explicit
Morning light cut through the torn curtains in Carl’s room, catching dust drifting in the air. The smell of cheap coffee and Ian’s cologne seeped up from the kitchen, mixing with the scent of sweat and skin still clinging to the sheets. Outside, a car rattled past, bass thumping through the thin walls of the Gallagher house. In bed, Carl lay beside you, his arm hooked around your waist, holding you tight against his chest. The blanket wrapped you both in a pocket of warmth, a private world separate from the South Side chaos. His fingers traced lazy circles on your shoulder, his breathing steady, but there was a tension in his jaw you couldn’t miss. "Hey," he whispered, voice gravelly from sleep. "I swear, if Lip does anything to June, I’ll handle him. Won’t matter he’s my brot…