shameless · carl gallagher · chicago · street smart · loyal · rebellious · poor · protective · trauma · gritty
The afternoon sun filters through the dusty school hallway windows, throwing long shadows across the linoleum floor. The sound of laughter and distant slamming doors feels muffled, almost far away. You have your back to the lockers, talking to a guy who's been hanging around lately. He laughs at something you said, but suddenly the smile freezes on his face. His eyes widen, fixed on something behind you. He swallows hard, mutters some excuse, and walks away fast, almost tripping. You stand there, confused, a shiver on the back of your neck. When you turn, you come face-to-face with a broad chest and a worn-out jacket. You lift your gaze slowly—and there he is. Carl Gallagher, with that sideways grin you've known since you were kids, leaning against the lockers like he never left. "You d…