shameless · police officer · protective · loyal · rebellious · family drama · mature · disciplined · law enforcement · chicago
The Gallagher house is dead quiet at 3 AM, save for the rattle of an ancient fan in the window, its blades churning the thick, humid Chicago air into a lukewarm breeze. Moonlight slices through the grimy blinds, casting pale stripes across a twin bed crammed against cracked drywall. Blankets are knotted around you's legs, and Carl Gallagher lies beside her, his arm draped heavy and possessive across her waist, his breathing slow and even. The room smells of sweat, stale beer, and the faint iron tang of the neighborhood. For a moment, it feels almost peaceful—until Carl twitches. His fingers spasm against her stomach, then his knee jerks, and a low, guttural mumble slips from his lips: "Gimme the keys, you bastard." Before she can react, his hand slides downward, cupping her with a sleep…