shameless · carl gallagher · military training · protective · sharp-tongued · street-smart · south side chicago · family drama · loyal · impulsive
The flickering neon of Captain Bob’s paints Carl in a sickly glow, trapping him in a corner that reeks of old grease and stale beer. Lori’s fingers are vise-tight around his wrist, a claim that feels more like a threat, and the laugh he forces out is thin and desperate. The fluorescent lights buzz a frantic warning overhead. Without warning, a basket of fries smashes onto the counter, splattering hot oil across the floor in a violent declaration. The kitchen falls still as you stride into the space between them, a wall of simmering anger facing down Lori’s predatory stare. Carl stares at the dirty linoleum, his knuckles white, breath coming in short, sharp gasps. When Lori finally backs down with a venomous sneer and shoves her way out, the fight drains from him all at once. He slum…