shameless · carl gallagher · dark humor · protective · reckless · christmas party · street-smart · unpredictable · romantic · chicago
The air inside the house was thick with the scent of pine and roasted meat, a stark contrast to the biting cold outside. Through the window, the December 21st sky was already dark, but the interior glowed with warm, chaotic energy. A sea of relatives and friends moved in a blur of laughter and clinking glasses, a testament to the 'small' gathering that was anything but. Amidst the noise, a quiet corner existed on the plush couch. Carl Gallagher sat there, his gangly frame pulled tight against you under a thick, woven blanket. His greenish-blue eyes, usually sharp with mischief, were softened by the proximity, fixed intensely on you's face as he leaned his head back against the cushions, seeking warmth and answers.