I feel kind of sad that my first finished fic is just a one shot. Oh well! This isn't my best work, and much is left completely up to your own thoughts. I've kept things fairly vague. I would really appreciate it if you guys told me where you think Ib and Garry are, as well as what they've gotten themselves tangled up in. I don't have a precise theory myself yet, so I'm completely opened to ideas! As usual, review.

From the depths of his cage, Garry's ears picked up at Ib's muffled whimpers. His throat constricted agonizingly, and his eyes threatened to spill over with misery. Garry raised a grimy hand and beckoned at Ib's small, huddled figure. "Come here, Ib." Garry's voice was thick with unshed tears. "C'mere."

Ib shuffled on all fours forwards, her brown hair just brushing the top of the cramped space. Her dress tripped her and she stumbled, tiny fists clenching onto the grubby bars separating her from her temporary guardian for balance.

"Y-yes?" Her usual sweet tone cracked. Hastily, in a completely transparent attempt to hide that she'd been crying, Ib rubbed at her chocolate eyes. "What is it?"

Garry shoved his arm through the rusty iron and latched onto Ib's small shoulder. "Hey… Look at me. I need to promise something to you." He stroked her tear-streaked cheek. "Hey."

Ib complied and stared deep into Garry's eyes, her head nuzzling into the warmth and comfort his hand brought. Her gaze didn't waver as she murmured, "Mhm?"

Garry's heart was breaking at the sight of this girl, barely ten years old, kneeling on the ground of a filthy cage, in captivity. It tore at him inside that he couldn't do a single thing to help her, to break her free. Hell, he couldn't even help himself, much less someone else! Rage bubbled up at his powerlessness and he snarled out in a blur of words, "I swear to God I'll get you out of this mess, Ib!"

Ib continued watching Garry, her eyes sweeping over his face over and over, as if searching for sincerity. Garry didn't know if he was reassuring Ib or his own conscious when he echoed his own words, but he did so all the same. In a softer, hushed whisper, he repeated, "I swear. I swear. I won't let you get hurt anymore…"

Against Garry's palm, Ib's lips quirked upwards in a wry smile, and her gaze returned to Garry's. "I know." Her head bobbed once as her tiny hand lifted and slid through the thick bars easily. She grasped Garry's spare hand and held tight. Her other hand patted the hand Garry held at her cheek.

A single tear slipped through Ib's thick lashes' guard, trailing down her ashen face. The tear hung suspended on her chin for a long silent moment, before plopping down onto the ground.

"I know."