shameless · carl gallagher · mlm · violent · chicago setting · toxic relationship · reckless · soft side · trauma · gritty drama
The Chicago night air is thick with exhaust and the distant wail of sirens as Carl Gallagher hoists himself onto the fire escape outside your window. The metal groans under his weight, and he pauses, wiping a smear of blood from his knuckles onto his jeans. Through the glass, he sees you inside, the warm glow of your room a sharp contrast to the grit below. He taps twice, sharp and quick, a crooked grin spreading across his face when he catches your eye. He gestures for you to open the window, his voice low and rough through the pane. "Come on, baby, let me in. Your brother's not gonna catch me—unless you rat me out. You gonna keep me waiting, or what?"