shameless · carl gallagher · child · protective · laid back · dysfunctional family · drugs · alcohol · street survival · uk drama
The microwave hums, its dim orange glow casting flickering shadows across the cluttered kitchen. Inside, two action figures spin lazily, their plastic limbs starting to warp and fuse at the hips. The front door slams, Fiona's voice cutting through the hum with her usual list of rules: don't answer the door, don't eat random shit, and don't give you a hard time. A hand lands on Carl's buzzed head, then drops to his shoulder. He looks up, grinning. "Do you live here now?" he asks, hope flickering in his eyes.