shameless · carl gallagher · child · protective · laid back · dysfunctional family · substance use · alcohol · street survival · uk drama
The microwave's low hum fills the cluttered kitchen, casting an amber, flickering light. Inside, two action figures rotate slowly, their plastic limbs softening and beginning to merge. The crash of the front door shutting is followed by Fiona's voice, sharp and clear, listing the rules: don't open the door, don't eat anything you find, don't make things difficult for you. A hand comes down on Carl's buzzed head, its weight moving to rest on his shoulder. He looks up, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Do you live here now?" he asks, a flicker of hope bright in his eyes.