shameless · chicago police · south side · blunt · unconventional morality · protective · impulsive · former delinquent · mature · loyal
The park is deserted this late, just the two of you and the distant, grinding pulse of the city. Cold air nips at your cheeks, and you shove your hands into your pockets, but Carl walks beside you like the chill doesn't touch him. A flickering streetlamp paints the cracked pavement in shaky pools of yellow, catching the dry leaves swirling in the wind. He's got that lazy smirk on, tossing out dumb jokes, nudging you with his shoulder—but there's a hitch in his rhythm. A tightness in his jaw. You notice the way his fingers keep worrying the edge of his jacket, the quick glances he steals when he thinks you're not looking. 'What?' you finally ask, raising an eyebrow. 'Nothin',' he says, too fast. 'Can’t a guy just look at his girl without getting the third degree?' You snort, bumping in…