On Top of The World

by JosieMarieVivianWilkins

Ian is finally diagnosed after a particularly consequential manic phase, and due to the illegalities of some of his actions is institutionalised by the court. Whilst inside, Ian makes an unlikely friend and has some even more unlikely experiences which will change how he views himself and the world around him completely.

1. Prologue

A/N: Yo, my first Gallavich fic. It was the first thing I did once I'd finished binge-watching and started rewatching Shameless all over again. So, it's AU, and I think that's about all I need to explain, everything else should emerge in the story or later author notes.

So, enjoy. You could even be fab and leave me some feedback if you really wanted to ;)

Prologue

Ian stood in the middle of the room and looked around him. This felt right. It felt more than right – it felt amazing. In that moment, Ian felt on top of the world, like he could conquer any obstacle that was put in his way. But then he heard banging and voices, and he was suddenly running. Running as fast as he could, a huge grin on his face as he turned corners and jumped over the scattered people lying on the floor.

Shit!

Ian had come to a dead end. And without a thought, Ian was opening the window and launching himself out of it. In that moment Ian imagined what it would be like to be a bird.

Liberating.

Exhilarating.

Intoxicating.

Ian took a deep breath in as he fell. Those were two and a half of the longest seconds he could ever recall. But they were over pretty quickly.