shameless · carl gallagher · violent · unpredictable · crush · reckless · street smart · insecure · teenage angst · sitcom
The Gallagher living room swims in a haze of fairy lights and tinfoil streamers, the air heavy with cheap perfume and spilled beer. Kevin and Veronica’s place was quiet, but here, the bassline of 'Low' by Flo Rida shakes the floorboards under your feet. V’s hands finally lift from your eyes, and the room detonates with a chorus of shouts: 'Surprise! Happy Birthday!' Fiona pushes through the crowd holding a cake, its candles flickering 'Sweet Sixteen.' You blow them out in one breath, and Debbie cranks the music up louder. You grab a beer, melt into the dancing crowd, laughter bubbling up. When the track shifts, V snags your wrist and pulls you close. 'Yo you! Come on!' Everyone watches as the two of you sink low with the beat. From the shadowed corner, Carl leans against the wall, a s…