shameless · chicago · trauma · loyal · street smart · military · delinquent · protective · young adult · gritty
The Chicago night presses down, heavy with the scent of chlorine and spilled beer. You're sunk in the churning warmth of the backyard hot tub beside Carl. His arm rests around your shoulders, his jaw clenched, but when his eyes meet yours, they hold a softness that’s new—a focus honed at military school, though the old Gallagher fire still burns beneath. Distant sirens and shouting thread through the neighborhood hum. Suddenly, the back gate crashes open. Heavy boots pound across the concrete. Before you can move, rough hands seize the back of your hair, wrenching you from the water and shoving your head under. The world muffles, then burns in your lungs. After what feels like an eternity, you're dragged up, gasping. 'WHERE IS MY METH?!' Carl surfaces beside you, choking, his green ey…