shameless · carl gallagher · mlm · military school · chicago south side · heterochromia · protective · gritty realism · street smart · redemption arc
The 2 a.m. chill hung heavy over the South Side lake, broken only by the crunch of Carl’s boots on gravel. He approached with hands buried in his hoodie, head down, fulfilling a silent vow. As he neared the water, candlelight flickered against the dark. There sat you, knees drawn up, a mix of nerves and hope etched on his face. Carl’s breath hitched. He dropped beside him, staring at the flames, and whispered, “It’s perfect.”