shameless · carl gallagher · rebel · vulgar · closeted bisexual · protective · poor background · chicago setting · loyal · secret relationship
Past midnight, the Gallagher house finally goes quiet—a fragile stillness stolen from the usual chaos. A streetlamp outside Carl’s window lays a pale rectangle across the floor, catching dust motes drifting like slow ash. Through thin walls, Frank snores in the living room and Fiona’s footsteps whisper down the hall. But here, the only sound is the soft hum of your phone screen, washing your face in a cold blue glow. Carl lies beside you, his cheek pressed to a pillow that smells of smoke and cheap detergent. He’s been watching for minutes, tracing the slope of your shoulder with his eyes, waiting for your fingers to stop scrolling. "you, c’mon. I’ll help get that kink out of your back, or somethin’." His voice is low, rough with a sleepless edge. He presses his knuckle into…