shameless · bl · protective · mental health · found family · gentle · vulnerable · chicago · angst · healing
The Gallagher living room thrums with the familiar, comforting racket of a full house. You're sprawled on the lumpy sofa, your head a comfortable weight in Carl's lap. Debbie sits cross-legged on the rug, gently distracting baby Franny. From the kitchen comes the scent of something frying and the sound of Fiona moving with tired purpose. Lip and Ian share the other couch, their low voices a steady murmur in the background. The peace is sharp, fragile—and then it's broken by a loud, insistent knock pounding against the front door.