Ian sullenly made his way through the semi-busy streets of the south side of Chicago. Despite knowing that ending things with Mickey was the best thing for him, it still hurt like a motherfucker. After years of pining, and hoping to be something more than just fuck buddies, he's finally given up hope on any sort of official relationship with Mickey,

Subconsciously he's always known that Mickey didn't have what it took to come out of the closet, because of his fucking homophobic father, but he's held onto that small flicker of hope that maybe their love would be able to overcome that. He was very wrong, and very fed up with feeling like he was a mistress, nothing but a dirty secret that Mickey both loved and was ashamed of at the same time. Ian knew exactly what he wanted in a relationship, and Mickey just couldn't give it to him.

Ian just sighed and sat down on a random bench quickly taking out his pack of cigarettes and lighter, or he would have when he realized he left his lighter back at the Alibi when one of the whores had borrowed it.

"Fuck" Ian mumbled as he closed his eyes and threw his head back as he let out a drawn-out agitated sigh.

"Need a light"

Ian immediately straightened up in his seat, but he immediately calmed down when he saw it was just a girl probably around his age. Even though he was gay, Ian could appreciate beauty on both spectrums. She was defiantly one of the prettiest girls he met, with her long dark hair with heart-shaped face, and green eyes.

She put her hands up in surrender "Sorry didn't mean to startle you."

Ian just shakes his head as he rubs his hand over his forehead.

"It's ok, it's just been a bad night."

She gives him one of those annoying sympathetic smiles as if she knows what the hell he was going through.

"You need a light; I was walking by when I saw you pull out your cigarettes" she explained holding out her lighter towards Ian.

Ian immediately reaches for it "Thanks, you need a cig"

She quickly takes her lighter back and shakes her head "I'm fine, I got my own. Do you mind?"

She gestured to the spot next to Ian on the bench, and Ian just silently scootched over to make more room. After all, maybe some company would get his mind off things.

He takes another look at the girl and finally notices she was barely dressed for the cold night weather of Chicago, with only a sweatshirt, jeans, and beanie hat.

"So, what the fuck are you doing out here in the cold."

She just shrugged as she took a drag from her cigarette "Same as you, bad night. Left my boyfriend's apartment, well ex-boyfriend now. Walking to my car when I saw you out here. What about you, you must have had a pretty shitty night as well, based on your gloomy expression."

"Same thing, a breakup that was probably a long time coming in hindsight"

"Those are the worse ones, knowing the outcome but still hoping" was all she could say.

They just sat there in relative silence, until the girl eventually finished her cigarette.

"By the way, the name's Maxine Donnelly, or just Max for short," she said stretching out her hand towards him.

"Ian Gallagher."

Max slowly got up but continued to stare down at Ian.

"Hey if you're up for it, I'm heading for a bar to get wasted. Figured since we're both wallowing in our thoughts, why not get at least numb the pain with some good old fashion rum."

Ian wasn't sure if she was trying to hit on him or not, but he figured he should shut this down pretty quickly before she gets the wrong idea.

"Thanks for the invite, but I'll have to pass I don't have no more money on me, and I'm gay."

She looked slightly taken aback, which just confirmed Ian's suspicion of her trying to get a rebound.

However, the shock wore off very quickly, before she rolled her eyes and started grabbing his arm to get him up.

"Oh, come one, I'll buy for both of us for the night, and who knows maybe talking about our boyfriend's problems might make us both feel better. It has to beat than just sitting out here in the cold."

Ian contemplated his options and honestly getting shit-faced drunk seemed like his best option especially if someone else is buying. She seems nice enough to get drunk with, but then again, he's been proven wrong before. Well, he wasn't a Gallagher if he didn't take any risks in life.

Ian quickly gets up "Fuck it lets go"

"Come on my car is right over there," Max said pointing to the only expensive-looking vehicle just across the street from them.

"Is that a blue Mercedes" Ian asked, looking impressed.

Max just hummed as they walked over to the vehicle "Yep it was a 16th birthday present a couple of years ago from my parents."

"You from northside then"

"Born and raised," Max said as she reached into her purse and pulled out her wallet showing off the numerous 20-dollar bills in her wallet and a possible Benjamin Franklin.

She looked at Ian with a smirk on her face "Which means I got us covered for us to get wasted until fucking dawn."

For the first time since the whole fucking day started Ian's smile was genuine, and he quickly got into the passenger side. Soon Max started the car and drove off.

Gallagher house

Lip just sat in the living room, watching random crap on television and drinking beer before he decided to head back to bed for the night. He was completely exhausted after the shit show fest that was dinner with Amanda's parents, which was why he was grateful for the unusual silence in the house right now. Amanda was currently passed out in bed, and all the kids were upstairs with Liam.

He soon jinxed himself, as a loud knock at the door broke him from his concentration.

"Just ignore it and they will go away" Lip mumbled to himself as he took another swig of his beer.

Whoever was on the other side of the door, had no intention of leaving as they continued to bang louder and louder.

Lip sighed as he reluctantly got off the couch and harshly opened the door to reveal the ever-angry-looking Mickey Milkovich.

"Why the fuck you knocking, aren't you staying here with my brother or some shit," Lip said with a small chuckle.

Mickey however was not amused.

"Did Ian come home; I need to talk to him."

Lip just looked at him confused "No I thought he was with you at your kid's Christening."

"He was until Svetlana wanted him out, and I thought he would be understanding- "Mickey stopped his sentence not able to finish.

"But he wasn't was he" Lip finished for him, already having an idea of what had happened, and already proud of Ian for it.

"Motherfucker called me a fucking pussy, and left my ass since I can't just come out and say that I'm gay in front of my homophobe of a dad."

"Can't or won't" Lip challenged because those were two very clear different distinctions

Mickey just gave Lip a don't you dare kind of look "If my dad- "

Lip quickly interrupted "How long are you going to use the daddy excuse, look I get it and I know Ian does too. Your dad is a piece of shit, and I don't blame you for being afraid of coming out. But how long are you going to let him and your whore of a wife control you, how long are going to keep leaving Ian little breadcrumbs just enough that he'll stick around. We both know Ian is reaching the end of his patience."

Mickey didn't say anything, nor could he look Lip in the eyes because he knew he was right.

Lip takes a step forward so he's more face to face with Mickey.

"My brother is proud of who he is and has no shame in being gay. He wants a partner who isn't afraid of being seen in public with him or kissing him in public or treating him like he's some dirty secret. Ian deserves better than that, he deserves better than you."

Lip soon found himself flat ass on the ground, with his hand holding his now hurting Jaw as he looked up at a red-faced Mickey.

"FUCK YOU, YOUR SMARTASS THINKS YOU KNOW IT ALL, BUT YOU KNOW NOTHING."

Mickey then just stormed away, wiping away a single fallen tear from his eye.

Eagles Club

"So, a bar that has the word club in its name, you have to have a membership for," Ian asked as he took in the very much laid back, but also seemingly more organized bar. It was nothing compared to like the Alibi

"Yeah, basically makes them seem more pretentious and to kind of keep away the common thugs from constantly starting brawls. This is why members have to pay a monthly fee to keep coming back."

Ian couldn't help but silently chuckle remembering there was always at least one bar brawl a day at the Alibi, which typically involves Frank.

"Seems boring."

Max raised her eyebrows as she snickered "Oh yeah it is, but my Aunt Leslie owns this particular club so I don't get carded and get the family discount."

"Must be nice" Ian said as he took a long swig of his beer.

"Speaking of the devil, here comes Aunt Leslie herself" Max pointed at the bartender who appeared no more than 50 years old with an obvious blonde dye job, coming their way.

Max waves as her aunt approach "Hi Aunt Leslie, this is Ian."

"Hello" Ian softly mumbled giving a soft wave.

Leslie just gave him a small smile, before turning to Maxie and giving her a stern look.

"I thought you promised me you would take it easy on the dating scene after Matt, we do not need a repeat of what happened."

Max just scoffs "I told you I was, besides I'm not Ian's type if you know what I mean."

Leslie just gave her a confused look before turning to Ian.

"What my niece isn't gorgeous enough for you"

Max just groaned into her hands while Ian looked completely taken aback by the statement.

"That's not it at all, I mean she's very pretty- "Ian said starting to tumble over his words before Max intervened.

"Aunt Leslie, you know," Max said as she gestured towards Ian, without having to say the words

Leslie took another look at Ian before her face turned into one of realization.

She then laughed and patted Ian on the back "Oh I'm so sorry, I thought you were another one of those asshole scumbags. Please next round of drinks is on me."

Max just pinched the bridge of her nose, while Ian just looked flabbergasted as Leslie left to get them more drinks.

"I'm so sorry Ian, I wasn't trying to like put you out there like that."

Ian just shakes his head "It's ok, I mean It's not like I'm ashamed of being gay or anything, but I appreciate the thought nonetheless."

"She's just worried after how things went with Matt, the one that I broke up with right before I ran into you."

"Based on her earlier comment, I'm going to guess a scumbag."

Max just scoffs "Scumbag doesn't even begin to describe him, his dad was an old-fashioned 1950's man the whole sexist idea, of a women's place being in the kitchen and all that. So, he picked up on those traits."

Ian's face scrunched up "So the whole housewife scenario."

"Oh, if only it were that simple" Max said before lifting her sleeves to reveal freshly purple and black bruises on her arms.

Ian's eyes widened "Jesus' fucking Christ."

"Those are the ones that can be easily hidden without makeup," Max said, with the obvious implication that there is much more.

She rolled her sleeves back down "Yeah, and he hates being told no. It always had to be his way no matter what, my opinion didn't matter in the slightest."

Ian didn't know what to say, she was right scumbag was too kind of a word to describe a man like him. So, he just took another swig of his beer and downed a shot.

"I don't know what to say, but yeah defiantly not a man at all if he does that kind of shit to women"

Max just smiles sadly "Yeah, I came to my senses eventually, better late than never right."

Both of them let out a half hearty chuckle before they fell into silence.

"So, what about you, I told you my boyfriend problems, now tell me yours," Max said as she rested her hand on Ian's.

Ian just sighed as he looked down "It's a pretty long story, I don't think you want to hear it."

"Hey you listened to me and had to deal with my crazy aunt, so now I'm willing to listen to yours. It's always good to have a listening ear when you need to vent."

Ian just let out a sigh before he called out to Leslie "Hey Leslie can we get a few more rounds over here."

Fairy Tale

Mickey angrily stormed into the stupid fairy gay bar club, and his eyes immediately went to the dancers, hoping he would be able to pick out Ian, but it seems the universe is still fucking shitting on him as of late. He then made his way over to the bartender, who he was semi-familiar with, thanks to all the nights he was here watching out for Ian's fucking ass.

Mickey banged on the table to get his attention "Hey do you know if Curtis showed up here at all tonight, don't fucking lie to me because I am in a really bad mood and you don't want to make it any worse by lying."

The bartender just gave Mickey a look "No sorry, I don't believe Curtis is back on the stage until at least Monday. Why trouble in Lover's paradise."

"Fuck off," Mickey said before he started making his way outside.

As soon as he got outside, his first instinct was to hit the wall out of all the pent-up frustration from the night. Despite it hurting like a motherfucker, and causing his knuckles to bleed, it did make him calm down just a bit.

He had no idea what to do, he already lost Ian once and now it seemed like he was going to lose him all over again and for good at this point. He had no idea who to blame, Ian for not being able to just accept how things had to be or at himself for being brave enough to fucking admit to everyone he was gay.

He needed to see him now and not 2 days from now, but going all Houdini on him was becoming an annoying skill of his. Mickey quickly pulled out his cell debating on calling him, he knew Ian wouldn't answer but maybe just maybe on the off chance he would. At the very least he needed to know if he was safe.

Eagles Club

About 6 bottles and several shots later, Ian finally finished his story to Max.

"Holy Shiiiit" Max said as she ran her hands through her hair as she was trying to comprehend everything Ian just told her.

Ian downed another shot "Yeah fucked up right"

"I'm fucking speechless, and I thought my problems were messed up. So, are you done, or do you think he'll come chasing after you?"

Ian just shrugged "Don't know don't care. I'm tired of being treated like a mistress, I love him and I know he loves me, but I can't keep going like this anymore. I get why he's so afraid of coming out because of his dad, and I feel bad for giving him such an ultimatum when he's not ready to come out, nor do I think he ever will be. Which is why I had to end things"

Max looked at him with such sympathy it both made Ian mad but also a bit glad at the same time, which he couldn't pinpoint why. Probably the alcohol.

"Hey, it's ok. You're allowed to feel frustrated, we all do stupid things when we feel like we're getting the short end of the stick, it's part of being human no matter what social class you come from. You my friend have been fucked left and right for quite some time now, I mean you can only take so much before you explode."

Ian just wiped a fallen tear from his eye.

"His dad sounds like he needs to be shot, I mean why the fuck does he care so much about who his son sleeps with. I mean we got so many more important issues in the world going on like missing children than to worry about who the fuck is sleeping with who."

"I wish it was that simple" was all Ian could say.

Leslie then clapped her hands "Alright heathens, we're about to close for the night, so finish your drinks and get out."

Max lifted a glass and encouraged Ian to do the same.

"Here's to us needing to do better. Me needing to stop getting involved with guys who treat me like shit, and you finding a partner who can be proud to call you, his boyfriend."

Ian wiped his eyes and smiled as they clicked their glasses and did their final shots.

Ian and Max eventually found their way out of the bar and back into the chilly air night, albeit with some stumbling along the way.

"You sure you're going to be ok to drive home," Ian asked as Max again tumbled against him.

"Hell no, I called an Uber when I was in the restroom, and told Aunt Leslie to take my car back to her house. By the way, if you want you can crash at my place for the night."

"What about your parents," Ian asked, seriously considering her offer since going home is the last thing he wants to do right now.

Max just rolled her eyes "Ah, like they're even home. My dad is a businessman in some corporate building so he's always on the road, and my mom can't go a fucking week without him so she follows him like a lost puppy. Probably won't be back for another couple of days and then head out again."

The uber soon pulled up, and Ian figured he might as well continue with his drunken reckless decision-making, which can't make him feel any worse than he already felt.

It didn't take long before the car pulled up to a long driveway protected by a gate.

"Thanks for the ride" Max said as she handed the driver his tip and quickly got out of the car.

As Ian got out of the car, he couldn't help but gape at the size of the house, it had to have been one of the nicest places he's ever seen. It had at least 3 floors to it, though what Max's parent does with all the space he can only just imagine.

Max hits his shoulder as she quickly puts in the number to open up the gate "You going to stand there gawking or you going to come inside."

Ian just followed her still completely speechless.

By the time they got inside, he didn't have time to get a better look at the place as Max took his hand and lead him up the spiral staircase.

"Do you care about sleeping in my room, I mean maids come in pretty early in the morning to clean all the other rooms and I don't think you're going want to be disturbed with the hangover you're going to have tomorrow."

"No that's ok, I can take the floor."

"Don't be silly, I got a pull-out sofa."

Max lead him up to the third floor near the end of the hall, to what he assumed was her bedroom. She opened the door, and Ian wasn't sure what he expected when he saw her room, but it defiantly wasn't a Disney-themed bedroom.

All the furniture in the room had so many Disney plushies for him to name on every single one, the curtains were Winnie the pooh.

"Home sweet home" Max said as she fell onto her bed.

"So, I see you're a Disney fan" Ian noted.

Max who still laying on her bed with arms spread out said "Yeah, when I was younger my parents would take me to Disney World every summer before my dad's work started sending him away from home more often than he was there. I guess you know having all this stuff reminds me of the happier times when I wasn't so lonely."

Ian didn't have much of a response, he didn't realize just how much the North and South sides were more similar than he realized. Same problems, but different ways of dealing with stuff. While the South was loud when it came to dealing with shit, the North seemed to deal with their problems more quietly.

"Hey, Ian, if you're gay then why did you tell me, my Aunt I was pretty," Max asked as she sat up on the edge of her bead.

"Just because I'm gay, doesn't mean I can't appreciate beauty from both sexes."

Max smiled at the compliment "So you've never had sex with any women before."

Ian just shakes "Nope, I'm just not wired that way. My brother Lip had his girlfriend at the time give me a blowjob, and nothing at all. If I couldn't even get hard from a blowjob, I highly doubt the sex would be enjoyable."

Max slowly got off her bed, moving closer to Ian, and slowly unbuttoned her shirt, so more of her boobs were showing
"How do you know if you won't like it if you never tried."

Ian's mouth just opened in shock, not processing what was happening.

Max pressed her body a bit closer to Ian's.

"I mean, at least experiment once, at least then you'll defiantly know for sure"

Ian felt a huge lump in his throat not knowing what he should do, but by the grace of God, he heard his phone starting to ring. However, to his disappointment, Mickey's name showed up on the caller ID, the last person he wanted to talk to. Looking back up at Max, made Ian flashback to when Mick just casually fucked Angie and the whole messed up situation with his wife. He doesn't know why he was thinking about either of those, because this was a whole different situation. It wasn't like he and Mickey were together anymore, he wouldn't be hurting anyone if he slept with Max and he was in control of the situation he can tell Max to fuck off and just walk his drunken ass home.

Ian threw the phone to the side and quickly got rid of his belt, much to Max's delight.

"Alright, I guess your right I guess an experiment is in order," he said as he quickly shredded his shirt and pants, while Max did the same before their lips started crashing together.

"I don't have a condom" Ian said panting, as he looked her in the eyes.

Max just caressed his cheek "It's alright, I'm on the pill."

She then brought Ian into another heated kiss, before they finally landed quite hard on her bed, which caused one of her Mickey Mouse plushies to fall onto the floor.

Author's Note

So this is my first shameless fic, and all I can say is I've been dying to write some Gallavich for quite some time. 4X11 has to be my favorite episode of shameless. If you've seen the film in which the title of this story is based, then you can expect some crazy shit happening to our favorite boys.