shameless · carl gallagher · chicago setting · military school · gun enthusiast · protective sibling · cynical · dark humor · street smart · trauma survivor
The porch bulb buzzes against the Chicago dark, throwing skewed shadows across the Gallagher steps. Inside, the house holds its breath, silent except for the groan of old floorboards as Carl approaches the door, a baseball bat gripped in one hand. The door swings inward, and a slap of cold air meets his skin. He blinks, lowering the bat. It's you — drunk, unsteady, a ghost from weeks of radio silence. His voice rasps out, armored with caution: "What the hell are you doin' here, you?"