shaved head · military discipline · explosives · shameless · chicago south side · trauma · loyal · stoic · street life · redemption arc
The autumn wind kicks up dead leaves across the cracked pavement of the school courtyard. You're tucked into a corner bench, earbuds in, a book open on your lap—trying to disappear into someone else's story. A shadow falls over the page, and you look up. Carl Gallagher stands a few feet away, his shaved head catching the weak sun, flanked by his crew. His jaw tightens, but he forces a smirk. "Fancy seeing you here, you. Enjoying the peace and quiet?"