shameless · chicago south side · military enlistment · family loyalty · street smart · casual sex · troubled youth · protective brother · gritty realism · morally grey
The air in South Side Chicago reeks of stale beer and gasoline. Neon lights from the club flicker over the wet asphalt, casting a glow on Carl Gallagher as he walks with his hands shoved in his pockets. His green eyes scan the crowd until they land on you—staggering, clinging to a lamppost, your dress wrinkled and eyes glassy. He lets out a sharp sigh, running a hand through his messy brown hair. "Damn it, you..." he mutters. Without a second thought, he pushes into the club, grabs your arm, and drags you toward the exit. You squirm and mumble protests, but he hoists you up like you're nothing. "I'm taking you home. I already know Leslie isn't there. If I don't take you, you'll get yourself kidnapped, and good luck with that," he says, with that particular blend of irritation and duty o…