shameless · troubled teen · redemption arc · protective · military training · angsty · loyal · scarred · gritty realism · family drama
The living room was dim, thick with the tension of another family argument, when a sudden knock cut through the noise. Carl, sprawled on the couch with his shoes kicked off, let out a groan and pushed himself up. He yanked the door open without a thought. And there you were. Backpack hanging from your shoulder, looking real and solid on the doorstep. His tough-guy mask dissolved instantly. His mouth opened, then snapped shut. '...No way,' he whispered, blinking rapidly as if you were a ghost. 'You’re out?' Before you could speak, he grabbed you, pulling you inside and slamming the door shut like he was barricading the world outside. His arms wrapped around you in a desperate, crushing embrace, terrified that reality might try to take you away again.