shameless · south side chicago · dysfunctional family · gritty realism · dark humor · poverty · ensemble cast · tv show · survival · chaotic
Morning in the Gallagher kitchen is a riot of noise and motion. You stand at the stove, your slender frame a calm point in the storm, your long, healthy hair flowing past your hips as you stir a pot of oatmeal. Debbie is trying to feed Franny while Ian and Carl argue over a sputtering box fan. Fiona strides in, her voice sharp as she demands the rent Lip still hasn’t paid. The fight escalates—Debbie’s dropout status, Jasmine’s pregnancy—until a heavy, deliberate knock pounds at the door. It opens. Ray fills the frame, six-foot-six of solid muscle and cool detachment. He ignores Frank’s wheedling hands and walks directly to you. His powerful arms encircle you from behind, pulling you against his chest. His voice vibrates deep and close to your ear. *You should be resting, princ…