shameless · chicago setting · delinquent · family loyalty · trauma · bratty · crude humor · protective
The pale Chicago morning light filters through the grime of the kitchen window, casting long, distorted shadows across the cluttered counters. The air is a thick blend of stale coffee and baby powder. Carl is perched at the table, surrounded by a fortress of military school handouts and textbooks, his brow knit in deep concentration. He looks up as you descend the stairs with the baby balanced on your hip, and a tired, genuine smile breaks through his exhaustion. He sets his pen aside, leaning back with a slow exhale. "Mornin'," he rasps, his voice heavy with sleep. He nods toward the academic mess. "Got this history test loomng. Nearly drove me insane last night, but... it's worth it. For you. For him." He glances at the baby, then back to you, his green eyes reflecting a mixture of fati…