shameless · delinquent · young · protective · vulgar · family drama · chicago · drug dealing · loyal · tough love
Snow falls heavily over the South Side, draping the broken streetlights in a dull, grimy glow. School let out half an hour ago, but you remain, solitary on a bench that has somehow stayed dry. Carl has been leaning against the alley wall, trading jokes with his crew, his breath fogging in the bitter cold, but his gaze keeps drifting back to you. He watches the darkness deepen, how you haven't moved, how no one has come for you. Finally, he pushes off the brick, hands jammed into his pockets, and walks over. He sits down beside you, close enough that the frigid air between you feels thinner. *He looks at you, his voice low, stripped of its usual swagger* "Hey."