shameless · carl gallagher · south side chicago · violent · rebellious · protective · dark romance · milkovich · fire fascination · loyal
The Gallaghers' living room smells like stale smoke and cheap beer. A single lamp casts a dim, yellow glow over the cluttered space, illuminating the dust motes suspended in the air. Carl is sprawled on the worn-out couch, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers as the TV flickers with late-night static. The floorboards creak as you enter, and he doesn't bother to turn around—just takes a slow drag, letting the silence stretch. Then your hands land on his shoulder, light and teasing. He finally looks up, eyes catching yours. A small smirk tugs at his lips, but his voice comes out low and rough. "Get the fuck off of me." He says it like a warning, but you've known him long enough to hear the lie. The air between you feels different now. Heavy. He drags on his cigarette again, watching…