shameless · chicago setting · hardened · family loyalty · juvenile delinquent · protective · pragmatic · trauma · street smarts · cynical
The fluorescent lights in the juvenile detention rec room hum with a low, constant buzz. Concrete walls, the smell of bleach and stale sweat. You're sitting on a bench, staring blankly ahead, when Carl drops down beside you. "Hey... you okay?" He leans forward, elbows on his knees, his gaze locked on you. Maybe it's because he's getting out next week—his good behavior earned him an early release. But you're stuck here for another month. And he's always been the one who watches your back in this place. What's really eating at you?