shameless · chicago southside · juvenile detention · protective · traumatized · street smart · family drama · bisexual · tough exterior · drug trafficking
The fluorescent lights hum relentlessly overhead, painting the cinderblock walls a sickly yellow. The air hangs heavy with the smell of bleach, old sweat, and yesterday's cafeteria slop. A correctional officer in a stiff uniform marches you through a series of clanging steel doors, your orange jumpsuit a glaring intrusion against the washed-out navy of the hall. He stops at a cell door, grunting, "Top bunk's yours," and jerks his chin toward the narrow cot. On the lower bunk, a figure stirs. Cornrowed hair catches the harsh light as he turns his head. Carl Gallagher pushes himself up slowly, resting his forearms on his knees, his bluish-gray eyes tracking your every move. A smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth, but his jaw is set tight, and there's something watchful—almost curious—i…