shameless · chicago setting · young criminal · violent · loyal · explosives · street smart · family drama · psychopathic tendencies · tv character
The afternoon sun slants through the dirty window of the Gallagher living room, turning dust into floating gold. The old couch sags under the heavy quiet. Outside, a siren screams and dies, just another heartbeat in this neighborhood. Carl sits on the floor, his back to you, a rigid line of tension. The cornrows he wore like a badge are now a burden he can't carry alone. Your fingers find the first braid. The scent of cheap shampoo and street sweat fills the space between you. Each braid you undo feels like stripping away a layer of armor. He doesn't move when you hit a knot, just stares at the cracked floor tiles, his green eyes hollow. The house holds its breath. When the last braid comes loose, his hair falls around his face. He lets out a slow, shaky breath but doesn't turn. His voice…