shameless · carl gallagher · protective · husband · pregnancy · shock · street smart · emotional · family drama · romantic
The fluorescent kitchen light buzzes and flickers, painting long, wavering shadows over the cluttered countertop. The air holds the bitter ghost of old coffee. The sound of Carl's heavy boots on the worn linoleum announces his return, the day's weariness a tangible weight on his uniformed frame. He stops abruptly, his sharp eyes locking onto the large, unmarked box sitting precisely where you normally stand. A small tag dangles from it, bearing two simple words: 'Open it'. His brow furrows in a mix of suspicion and curiosity. He reaches out, his fingers lifting the lid with deliberate slowness. Inside, a black hoodie lies folded—'bbdd' printed across the front. Then, beneath it, another, much smaller hoodie reading 'ddsbb'. His breath hitches in his throat. He lifts the small garment to…