Oneshots

You're Here? (Ib x Garry)

Ib walked into the small cafe, a frown etched onto her pale face as she remembered the promise that Garry had made to her nine years before. "So much for that..." She scoffed bitterly, the experience having changed her drastically. She talked much less now and had to become even more independent. She had had a crush on the man who helped her through the ordeal, but knew it was wrong. He was eighteen at the time, her only nine.

"Ib?!" A familiar voice called out to her.

Her head snapped to look in the direction from which the voice had come from. "G-Garry?" She asked shakily before running straight into his arms.

 
Garry laughed and scooped her up, hugging her tightly. "Ib! It's been way too long! I completely forgot to ask your parents for their information too. I'm so sorry! It was so rude of me!" He frowned.

 
The young brunette couldn't help but let out a small giggle, thinking back to when he apologized for not asking  her name in the 'Fabricated World' painting, "Garry, it's fine now. I don't mind. I'm just happy that we get to meet again." She got down from his arms with a small sigh.

 
His frown remained, "You've gotten so much taller. I mean you're what...eighteen now, right?All grown up since that horrible day.I am so glad to see that you're alive and well though!"He smiled cheerily, trying to get her to forget her sorrows as he had in the past. 

She bit her lip, "Yeah and you're um twenty-seven?" She spoke softly, tears brimming in her eyes.

Garry noticed said tears and lightly wiped them away, " What's the matter, Ib? Is it because I never gave you those macaroons I promised? I swear I'll get you some while we're here."He joked, trying to get her to crack a smile.

The young woman flinched when she felt his fingers touch her cheek. " Not that at all. I thought I was crazy! I thought you were some imaginary friend that I made up. I tried so hard to convince myself that none of it ever happened because when I tried to tell anyone..." She paused, breaking down in tears.

 
Her old friend quickly led her to a table and sat beside her, " I'm so sorry, Ib. Please tell me more." He murmured, gently rubbing her back.

 
" When I told anyone, they thought I was insane and I was bullied endlessly. My parents took me to an asylum and I finally got out a month ago. Exactly eight years later. I believed that I was crazy too for a while, b-but now you're here!" She explained through quiet sobs.

He listened intently, eyes wide, "Oh, Ib, I can't imagine how much that all hurt. I'm here for you now and I won't leave you alone in this anymore." He whispered soothingly into her ear and slowly rocked her in his arms, holding the broken teen close.

The pair sat in the nearly empty cafe, Garry holding the crying girl until her tears stopped which took a little while. "Are you alright now, Ib?" He asked quietly.

 
The teenager shook her head, "Not really, but being here makes me feel better. I can't believe you still have that coat." She murmured, rubbing her eyes.

 
He laughed, not letting go and simply holding her closer, ceasing the rocking. "I can't believe you still have that uniform, Ib." He teased back, noticing how much smaller it was on her now,quite concerned for how short and tight it had become, almost as though she had never gotten a new one. 

"Oh this old thing? Don't forget the added red and blue rose pins!" She laughed before continuing, "There was nothing else for me to wear when I left the asylum. My parents refused to take me back in, even though I shut up about that stupid gallery years ago.I have nightmares about Mary coming for us constantly. Yet, I feel so bad for her." She laughed bitterly. 

    "Ib," He spoke cautiously,"are you homeless?" He asked, worried for her well being before anything else. "I definitely feel you on those nightmares though... especially some really bad ones I've had involving you." He drifted off.

 
    "No. Well yes. I've been couch surfing." She admitted sheepishly, peeking up at him, not hearing the rest of his words.

    "Live with me. I'll do anything to protect you. Just like back then,but better." Garry suggested quickly, wanting to protect more than he had back then, knowing she needed help from someone who had actually been through the nightmare with her, kissing her head. 

    She blushed,"Really? I'd love to. I trust you, I mean you kept me safe from a bunch of weird living art pieces! I feel safest with you." Ib laughed before biting her lip," Oh and Garry?"

    "Yes, Ib?" He cocked an eyebrow, laughing from her comment and doing a little bow, like a humble servant to a queen.

    "I'm not a kid anymore." She leaned up and kissed him, face a light pink. She then stood and smiled, "Now, let's go get those macaroons."She hummed and tried not to freak out at the possibility that he would be completed freaked out over what she had done. 

    Garry was absolutely dumbstruck, "Um..yeah, macaroons." He stood with her, gently putting his raggedy coat over her before wrapping an arm around her waist." You're right. You're more than just a woman now, you're mine too. Right? Well... I mean if you want to be!" He quickly added, trying to be smooth, but wanting to make sure she felt comfortable. "I'll even let you keep the coat this time"

    Ib couldn't help going into a fit of giggles and cuddling closer, she looked up at him, "Yes, Garry, yours. Jeez this coat isn't huge on me anymore!" She added through the laughter as they walked up to the counter together, fingers intertwined all the while.