Chapter 8.
I hope you are all still enjoying this!
Special thanks to: gelpenVEVO, Spencee98, Guest, ItsMalecNotLeviosA, lepsins, mrsbeaumont, StudyInBlack, alleycat023, jaeldaiker and HellaGayWriter.
Disclaimer: I don't own Shameless.
"I was like, 'girl you are not using my eyeliner if you have pink eye!' And she was all like, 'Well then, you're not my friend anymore'."
The corners of Daniela's mouth tilted upwards at Mandy's recounting of her argument with a friend. The whole thing had amused her as she listened intently to the girl walking beside her. Ian, on the other hand, seemed to be lost in his own world- something Daniela had curiously picked up on. She shared a quick look with Mandy before they both turned to him.
"Hm?" Frowned Ian, glancing between the two of them.
"You're not listening are you?" Mandy gave the boy a playful shove, causing a small grin to grow on his face. Daniela shoved her hands into the depths of her pockets and rocked back and forth on the heels of her feet.
"Penny for your thoughts," she said, fixing him with a curious look.
"I slept with someone- not Kash," shrugged Ian as his friends' eyes grew wide.
"Woah! When did this happen?" Asked Daniela.
"Um, about two weeks ago?"
Mandy threw her hands up in excitement. "Well detes, please! Who?"
"I can't say," admitted Ian making Mandy pout and Daniela roll her eyes. She wasn't going to lie. She was a little hurt that he hadn't told her yet. "He's on the down low."
Daniela could see that Mandy was also feeling a little put out by Ian's lack of information. The two girls started walking ahead of their friend. Ian, sensing that they weren't entirely happy, hiked the strap of his bag up higher and followed behind silently.
/
Daniela couldn't cope with the heavy awkwardness that filled the store.
She was basically third-wheeling her boss and best friend and the tension from Linda finding out was becoming too obvious to ignore. Daniela had been somewhat anxious herself coming into work the next day. She wasn't sure if Linda would have anything to say to her about the situation.
When she had walked into the store, Linda and Kash were having another argument- most likely about Ian. The woman gave her a knowing look before heading out to the back. Linda hadn't brought it up since, possibly too embarrassed to.
Daniela casually sat on a stool, manning the cash register while Ian and Kash filled the fridges with drinks. She openly grimaced as Kash tried to start up a conversation with her friend. Now feeling even more uncomfortable, she stood from her seat to grab a stale donut out of one of the display cases.
Moving back, she leaned on the counter and continued to watch her friend whilst taking a bite of her snack. She was still a little more than put out from learning that Ian had slept with someone who wasn't their boss without telling her. They had been friends for years now and always told each other everything. Daniela couldn't deny the certain sting to her emotions and had taken to childishly giving Ian the silent treatment.
Finishing up her doughnut, she looked at the clock behind her to see that her shift was over and that she had to go meet Lip for their lesson. The Gallagher had been a godsend to her grades, even in such a short amount of time- but you wouldn't hear her tell him that.
Licking the residual icing off of her fingers, Daniela pushed herself off the stool with a sigh. Kash also seemed to be on his way out, claiming that Linda was fertile at the moment. The girl closed her eyes in silent disgust as she pulled her jacket on. As she did, Ian came around to the counter, noticing quickly that she was looking at anything but him.
Heaving a sigh, the boy shook his head and moved closer to the counter. "I'm sorry. I know you're pissed that I didn't tell you. But this guy doesn't want anyone to know."
Daniela looked down at her feet, kicking herself for being so childish. "You shouldn't have to apologise," she said, finally meeting his eyes. "It's none of my business and I shouldn't feel like you need to tell me."
Immediately, she felt Ian's arms wrap around her tightly. Her shoulders sagged in relief as she returned the hug.
"No, you're my best friend, El. I tell you everything. And I was going to tell you the day that it happened but I got worried."
Daniela looked up at him with a frown. "Were you afraid I would judge you or something?" Ian remained silent causing her to retract her neck. "Ian, I would never do that. Honestly, I'm happy that you finally had sex with someone who A) Isn't our boss and B) Isn't married with kids." The girl paused for a moment and fixed him with a curious look. "Wait, he isn't married is he?"
Ian let out a laugh and shook his head. "No, he's not married."
Daniela nodded happily before turning to pick her bag up from the floor. "Well, whoever he is, I'm sure he's fine. I mean, how bad could he be?"
As she made her way toward the door, her smile melted into a sneer at the sight of Mickey strutting in. Unknowingly, her best friend stood behind her, glancing between the two nervously.
Mickey seemed just as unimpressed as she was to see her and returned her look, wiping a grubby hand over his nose. Daniela turned her nose up at him and headed out the door, sending one last glare at him.
"Kaufman."
"Milkovich."
/
Daniela rocked up to the Gallagher house at the same time as a frustrated Fiona and Liam. The woman gave her a strained smile as Daniela rubbed a gloved finger over Liam's cheek.
"Rough day, Fiona?"
"Yeah. Assholes at the place I did a job last week handed in the time cards late so I don't get paid till Friday."
"That's shitty...anything I could help with?" Daniela knew Fiona would flat out refuse but she still felt the need to put it out there even though she too, didn't enjoy charity.
"There's no need, El but thanks anyway."
The girl shrugged at her with a smile before following her up the stairs and opening the door. Her eyebrows hiked up at the sight of Lip and Karen naked on the couch.
"Lovely," she sneered, tilting her head. The two teens jumped from their spots and quickly moved to grab their clothing.
"You have a bedroom, Lip," huffed Fiona, moving into the kitchen.
"Yeah, says the girl who had sex on the stairs last night."
"Hallway!"
"I stand corrected," smirked Lip as he sat up to pull a shirt on.
Daniela, who had also walked into the kitchen gave Fiona a thoughtful look.
"Would that hurt, having sex on the stairs?"
The older woman turned and laughed at her. "Probably. The wood poking into your spine."
"Yeah, it wouldn't be the only wood poking you." Both girls erupted into laughter as Fiona placed Liam into his highchair.
"Kev and V are on their way over with meat sauce," informed Fiona to Lip.
"Is that a euphemism?" He asked, earning an unamused look from his sister.
"I bought pasta. They're bringing their foster kid over to play with Debs."
As they talked, Daniela made her way to the coffee pot. She poured herself a cup as the back door burst open. Carl rushed in with a bandage plastered over his eye.
"Paintball rocks! Best day of my life!"
"Nice," smirked Daniela, sticking her hand out for a high-five and moving over to get a better look.
"Did you wear a face guard?" Asked Lip.
"Nope!"
Carl's departure up the stairs soon turned to Kev and Veronica walking in with their new foster kid following silently behind. Daniela moved to sit in an armchair, her hands grasping the sides of her mug for warmth.
"Hey, I want you guys to meet our new daughter," grinned Kev, obviously excited to be a parent. Veronica on the other hand, seemed less enthused.
"Foster daughter."
Daniela couldn't help her shocked expression at the sight of the small girl who so clearly didn't fit in around here. Or anywhere with a sane dress code. She laughed slightly as Karen's introduction was met with the girl curtsying.
"Yeah and I'm Daniela. I live down the road." Once again, the girl curtsied, making Daniela slightly uncomfortable.
The door opened again, this time with Frank and Debbie rushing in on a sugar buzz. Debbie began jumping up and down on the couch, leaving the rest of them to stare in wonder.
"Debbie what's going on?" Asked Fiona, coming out from the kitchen.
"We got high on sugar because Daddy quit drinking!"
"Whose Daddy?"
"Me Daddy!" Cried Frank as he opened a packet of sherbet. Daniela stared at him in disbelief. There was no way Frank Gallagher would willingly give up alcohol.
"Oh shit," mumbled Lip. She stared at him, waiting for elaboration. "He's done this once before."
"We gotta help Daddy stay off of drinking so that he can get $3000."
At that, everyone rolled their eyes. Daniela scoffed from her armchair, finally realising why the drunk was giving up his favourite hobby.
/
"So..." began Daniela who was still sat in her chair an hour later. "I'm guessing tutoring isn't happening tonight?"
Lip had been too occupied glaring at his family and was clearly not in the mood. Even Karen, who had remained by his side the entire time, had grown a little weary- no doubt disappointed that their plans for the night were interrupted.
At Daniela's question, he turned his attention to her. Realization passed over his face.
"Sorry, not tonight."
The girl shrugged nonchalantly, not really minding. She could feel a headache coming on and it seemed to be getting worse from the sounds of people running around the house.
"Lip tutors you?" Asked Karen. She leaned forward, eyeing the other girl critically.
Daniela didn't miss the slight change to her voice and noted it as possessivenes.
"Yeah. Physics," she answered, staring back at her casually.
Karen nodded and moved her hand to Lip's thigh, rubbing it up and down as if marking her territory. The sight of it almost made Daniela smirk. Lip seemed to be completely lost but enjoyed the girl caressing him.
"Well, Lip here is a great tutor." To further prove her point, the blonde grabbed his face gently to plant a kiss on him. Daniela tilted her head, an unimpressed eyebrow lifted.
The fact that Karen thought something was going on between the two of them was almost comical. While she couldn't deny the fact that he was indeed a great tutor, she didn't like him at all. She would come around, get tutored, learn some new things and then get a slightly higher grade on that week's test. Other than that, the two barely interacted.
"Don't tell him that," smirked Daniela. "Wouldn't want his ego getting any bigger."
At her words, Lip shot her a glare that only served to amuse her further.
"Don't worry, Karen." She pushed herself out of her armchair, winking at the blonde girl. "He's not my type." Barely containing her laughter, she waved and headed to the door. "Night night."
/
Daniela had her mind completely set on sleeping in the next day but those dreams were shattered with the chiming of her phone. Clumsily reaching out, she grabbed the old piece of shit and answered, not bothering to check who it was.
"Hello?"
"Daniela!" Greeted a warm voice. Now alert, the girl sat up and began wiping the gunk out of her eyes.
"Simon, hey. What's up?"
"I was wondering if you wanted to go bowling today. My cousin works down there and would be able to get us in for free."
"Sure, that sounds great. Fair warning though, I'm pretty amazing at bowling so be prepared to get your ass whooped." Simon's deep chuckle sounded out over the phone making the girl smile.
"Can't wait. Meet you there in an hour?"
"Yeah, perfect." Simon hung up shortly after that, leaving Daniela to quickly get ready.
She emerged downstairs half an hour later. In the kitchen, Jakob was sat at the table drinking coffee and reading the paper.
"Can you drop me off at the bowling alley?"
"Oh, good morning Jakob. How was your sleep last night? Anything good in the paper?" Daniela rolled her eyes at her brother's sarcasm and picked up his coffee to take a drink.
"Good morning," she smiled sweetly. "There. Better?"
"Much," answered Jakob with a wide grin. He quickly grabbed his mug back. With a single gulp, he finished the rest.
Daniela grabbed an apple from the counter. Her eyes followed her brother as he rinsed his dishes. "So could you please drop me off at the bowling alley?"
"Sure thing, kid. You going with Ian?"
"No. Simon."
Jakob paused. His narrowed eyes turned to rest on his sister. "Simon, huh? This a date?"
"I don't know," shrugged Daniela. "I guess." She watched as her brother wrinkled his nose a little before nodding.
"Well, if things escalate afterwards, don't forget to use protection."
"Oh my-" choked Daniela. Her brother openly laughed, only just managing to avoid her hand slapping his arm. She made another noise of embarrassed frustration before leaving the kitchen, her face now bright red. "I hate you..."
/
"Turkey!"
Simon let out a low whistle from behind her, watching as the pins began to be reset. Daniela grinned and turned to face him. She strutted back to the seat proudly.
"Told you I was good."
"You did," nodded Simon. "I didn't think you were this good."
The girl laughed as she sat down beside him. She planted a quick kiss on his lips and arched a brow. "You shouldn't doubt me."
"I'll make sure to never do it again," smirked Simon, going in for another kiss. Daniela pulled back and nudged him gently.
"Your turn."
"I'm not sure how I'm supposed to follow that up," admitted the boy.
"Neither am I, but you can always try," encouraged Daniela with a cocky look. She cheered when he also managed to knock all ten pins down. "Not bad."
Simon held his hands up casually. "I try, I try." The girl laughed, shaking her head at him. "How about I go get us something to eat?"
"Mm, sounds good." Daniela watched him walk away, a smile on her face before she turned her head to look at the other bowlers. Her eyes caught onto the Gallaghers who were also there along with Kev, Veronica and their foster daughter.
Debbie seemed to spot her and quickly waved her over.
"Hey, Debs. Carl," she smiled at each of the kids, taking a seat beside Debbie. The two of them seemed to have been in a serious conversation with Lip.
"I understand, Lip," nodded the young girl. "Frank's not going to be like this forever. But I'd like to enjoy it while it lasts if that's okay?"
"Yeah, sure Debs." With a nod, she got up to take her shot, leaving Daniela with Lip. She gave him a curious look before glancing over at Frank.
"Why are you so against Frank being sober? I mean, I know he's only doing it to get some money, but why aren't you enjoying it like Debbie is?"
Lip gave her a dark look and shook his head. "Why do you care?"
"Well, it's not so much caring. More curiosity," shrugged Daniela.
"I didn't realise we were sharing our emotions with each other," huffed Lip sarcastically, causing the girl to roll her eyes. "What's next? Are we gonna paint our nails and gossip about cute boys?"
"Fine then. Be an asshole. I just thought I would be nice and give you someone to vent to." Exhaling, she looked back at the concession stand.
Simon stood leaning against the counter as he waited for their food. Catching her eye, he grinned and waved.
"You two together?" Asked Lip, drawing her attention back to him.
"Why do you care?" Daniela grinned at using his own words against him.
"Not so much caring. More curiosity," smirked Lip.
The girl let out a genuine laugh. "Touché. And undecided at the moment. It's more of a casual thing. Like you and Karen, minus the sex."
Lip scoffed back a laugh of his own and raised an eyebrow. "Where's the fun in that?"
"Honestly is sex all you think about?"
"Pretty much, yeah."
Daniela rolled her eyes at his blunt response.
"Well sometimes, it's nice to have someone to hang around with. Someone you can just talk to about whatever. Someone to do couple things with without having to worry about the actual dating. Don't get me wrong, dating would be nice but right now I'm more interested in something casual." She glanced back at the concession stand. "Simon knows that, and he's okay with it."
Lip eyed her sceptically. "You sure about that? He is a guy after all."
Daniela resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "You were right," she said as she stood up. "This was a terrible idea. Let's never do it again."
Lip snorted in amusement. He tossed her a lazy wave goodbye as she turned and walked back to her lane. Simon was already waiting for her.
He pressed another kiss to her cheek. "Ready for another game?"
Daniela nodded, grabbing a fry from the paper plate in front of them.
"Bring it."
/
Two days later, Daniela stepped out onto her front porch and smirked at what she saw. Squatting down, she gave the drunk a slight shove, making him groan and roll over.
"Good to have you back, Frank," she said, patting the man's back happily. Straightening, she stepped over his sleeping body and left to meet up with Ian.
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