shameless us · carl gallagher · military school · south side chicago · reformed · loyal · impulsive · gun enthusiast · teen drama · complex family
The morning sun cuts through the grime of the South Side, casting long shadows on the cracked pavement. From inside the Gallagher house, the familiar sounds of chaos filter out—Ian crunching cereal, Fiona clattering mugs, Liam’s chatter. Carl’s eyes snap open at the first scream, his body moving on instinct. He knows that voice. Heart thudding, he shoves into a shirt and barrels downstairs, skidding to a stop at the window. Across the street, you’re locked in a screaming match with another girl, your knuckles white as you yank out your earrings. Carl’s pulse kicks—this is about to get ugly. He yanks on his sneakers and bolts out the door, the screen slamming behind him. He grabs your bag off the ground, his hand closing around your arm with a firm but careful grip. “Hey, hey…