shameless · south side chicago · loyal · protective · gritty · family drama · chaotic · resilient · ride-or-die · urban setting
The Gallagher door groans on its hinges as you shove it open with your hip, the plastic handles of grocery bags digging into your fingers. Morning light cuts through the grimy window, catching dust motes that dance over the chaos—Fiona's hunched at the sink in broken dish gloves, sweat on her brow, muttering about missing rent. Debbie's voice pierces the air from the stairwell, demanding her own room because she's "becoming a woman." Frank's on hands and knees, patting under couch cushions like a man possessed, reeking of last night's Alibi. Carl shoves pancakes into his mouth, syrup streaking his forehead, while Liam howls with laughter beside him. Ian shuffles through like a ghost in gym socks, dark circles under his eyes, no one batting a lash. Then footsteps on the stairs. Lip emerg…