**Traffic Violations**
Prompt: Shameless fanfiction Carl confronts his brother for using Carl’s job as a cop to try and get out of traffic tickets
Carl Gallagher slammed the door to the precinct office, irritation radiating off him like heat waves from asphalt on a sunny day. The precinct — his home away from home — was typically a place of solace, but today it felt more like a war zone. The young officer wasn’t ready for the chaos that awaited him. He stomped through the lobby, his badge clinking against the metal-crimped fabric of his utility belt, feeling every bit of the tension that had wound itself around him all morning.
“Hey, Carl, buddy!” a familiar voice sang out, cutting through the suffocating air. “You look like you could use a drink.”
It was Ian, his older brother and lifelong partner-in-crime, lounging on one of the precinct's scuffed chairs. Ian’s smirk almost made Carl want to smile, but today, he wasn’t amused. He took a deep breath, preparing for the confrontation that had been building over the past week.
“What do you want, Ian?” Carl tried to sound indifferent, but the underlying anger was palpable. “I’m working.”
Ian shrugged, his turquoise hair tousled, the mischievous glint in his green eyes not lost on Carl. “Can’t a brother just come to check on another? Besides, I heard through the grapevine that traffic cops have been on your ass—oh, wait.” He leaned forward, smirking. “You *are* the traffic cop now.”
Carl narrowed his eyes. He knew where this was going. “Don’t you dare make this about what I think you’re making it about.”
“Oh, come on!” Ian leaned back complacently, amusement dancing on his features. “Listen, it’s a brilliant plan. You’re in law enforcement, and I’ve gotten more tickets than I can count. All I’m asking is a little favor from my little brother.”
“Favor? You mean abusing my badge to avoid consequences?” Carl’s voice cracked a little, betraying his disappointment. “I’m not going to get involved in your schemes, Ian. You can’t just use me to get out of paying fines.”
“It’s not like I’m asking you to do anything illegal,” Ian retorted, crossing his arms defiantly. “All I need is a ‘sorry, not sorry’ from you. And just imagine how much more fun we could have if I didn't have to worry about being pulled over every time I tried to do something fun. We could be partners in crime! We’re always at each other’s backs!”
“Partners in crime?” Carl couldn’t believe his ears. “You think I got into this because I wanted to be a part of your reckless lifestyle? I became a cop to make a difference, not to help you dodge responsibility.”
Ian’s laughter echoed through the precinct, drawing the attention of other officers. Carl’s embarrassment flared, and he shot a glare at Ian, who shrugged unfazed. “Dude, lighten up. You’re supposed to have my back.”
“Not like this!” Carl exclaimed, his voice rising. “You’re jeopardizing my career. I’ve worked too damn hard to earn this badge, Ian! I can’t let you screw it up just because you’re too reckless to follow the rules.”
“Reckless?” Ian scoffed. “Maybe, but that’s what makes life fun, Carl! You should try it sometime.”
Carl ran a hand through his hair, exasperation setting in deep. “Fun? It’s not fun when a cop who actually cares about the law is in trouble because his brother can’t keep his life together!”
The silence that followed was heavy, punctured only by the buzzing of fluorescent lights. Ian’s expression shifted from carefree bravado to something deeper. Something that etched lines of worry across his face. “I just thought you’d understand, you know? We’ve always had each other’s backs… even with the shittiest stuff.”
“And that’s not going to change,” Carl replied, softer now. “But there are lines. I can’t lose my job over some stupid predicaments you got yourself into. I want to be your brother, not your accomplice in crime.”
The weight of their conversation settled around them, both brothers staring at the scuffed linoleum floor. After a moment, Ian’s demeanor softened, and one corner of his mouth lifted hesitantly. “Okay. I hear you, man. I’ll stop asking you to jump through hoops for my tickets. But, maybe… just maybe, once in a while, you could let loose a little, huh? I’ll buy the drinks.”
Carl shook his head, a reluctant smile creeping onto his face. “You’re lucky you’re my brother. Otherwise, I might have to arrest you for annoying me.”
“And I’d love to see you try,” Ian challenged, pretending to mimic a cop stance, causing Carl to laugh despite himself.
“So,” Ian continued, a serious undertone in his voice creeping back in, “you really think it’s gone too far?”
“Yeah,” Carl admitted. “You’re a good person, Ian. It hurts seeing you make choices that could lead to chaos, and I just want you to be safe.”
Ian glanced at Carl, a weary sigh escaping his lips. “I get it. I’m working on it, okay? The whole reckless phase is getting old, but it’s hard to break old habits. You know?"
“Changing is hard for everyone,” Carl said. “I just wish you’d stop dragging me into your messes. I’ve got my own to deal with.”
“Fair enough. But listen, I really do appreciate everything you’ve done for me. It means a lot that you care.”
Carl nodded. “I always will, Ian. Just… try to make it easier for me, okay? For both our sakes.”
Ian gave a mock salute, his smile returning. “Yes, sir! New plan—less traffic violations, more running from the law! How does that sound?”
“Yeah, keep dreaming.” Carl grinned, tension melting away, a sense of understanding solidifying their bond. They were brothers, flawed and imperfect, but always finding their way back to each other.
