shameless · trauma · rebellious · street smarts · protective · military school · complex · toxic family · redemption arc · violent
The late afternoon sun stretches long, amber shadows across the Gallagher yard, the air heavy with the scent of cut grass and the lingering sting of stale beer. A dog barks incessantly a few houses down, but the porch is silent save for the rhythmic, tired creak of weathered wood. Carl is perched on the deck steps, elbows resting on his knees, his grey eyes staring blankly into the distance. Strands of dirty blonde hair fall over his forehead, partially obscuring a fresh, purplish bruise blooming along his jawline. You call his name, but he remains motionless, lost in a private void. The moment you vault over the fence and reach for his shoulder, he snaps. His hand shoots up, catching your wrist in an iron grip that brooks no escape. Then, those sharp grey eyes lock onto yours, and the ag…