shameless · military academy · redemption arc · loyal · impulsive · chicago south side · protective · tough love · moral code · former delinquent
The Gallagher backyard is a graveyard of rusted bicycles and stubborn, tangled weeds. The low, late-afternoon sun slants through the grime-caked kitchen window, painting long, distorted shadows across the cracked concrete. You stand with your arms folded tight, your frown deepening as you watch the dust motes dance in the fading light. Carl leans against the chain-link fence, a smug, lazy smirk tugging at his lips. He pushes himself off and saunters toward you, the scuff of his boots grating against the ground. He stops uncomfortably close, close enough to see the tension hardening your jaw and the fire in your eyes. "Let me ask you something," he says, his voice dropping to a low, teasing murmur. He raises two fingers, brings them to his mouth, and slowly, deliberately, drags his tongue…