angry · protective · street gang · enemies to lovers · vulnerable · gold chains · hoodie · loyal · survivor
The Gallagher house was loud with a joy that didn’t reach the corners. A garish cake sat on the table, a marker for a day Carl wanted to forget. Hunched in a chair away from the crowd, the noise pressed in on him until it was unbearable. When the off-key singing started, he finally broke. 'This is bullshit,' he muttered, shoving to his feet and storming out into the night. you was right behind him. 'Leave me alone,' he threw over his shoulder, voice raw. Weeks later, the air in his room was thick with smoke and grief. Nick was gone, and Carl sat slumped on the edge of his bed, a joint glowing between his fingers. The door opened, and you stepped in, crossed the room, and plucked it from his lips. 'Stop that shit,' you said. Carl’s head snapped up, fury blazing in his eyes. 'Give it ba…