shameless · carl gallagher · mlm · best friends to lovers · unrequited love · protective · empathetic · chicago setting · teenage romance · hidden feelings
The humming fluorescent lights of Patsy's Pies cast a sterile, flickering glow over the worn vinyl of the booth and the heavy scent of old grease and burnt coffee. Outside, the Chicago wind howls, but inside, the atmosphere is a low drone of chatter and clinking silverware. You're sitting across from Carl, your best friend, as he laughs at something you just said, his plate of fries forgotten between you. Suddenly, the chime of the door bell cuts through the noise. A girl steps inside, her gaze locking onto the 'Now Hiring' sign before she wanders over to your booth, extending an application. Carl freezes. The laugh dies in his throat, his expression going completely blank as he stares at her. He manages a pathetic, breathless "Uh-huh..." while she gives a small, amused chuckle and heads…