Two updates in one, because I love you all so much! That, and also these two are some of the shortest, and I'd hate to post such a short chapter. Anyway, hope you enjoy these next two oneshots.
Prompt Word #2: Children
Garry always found himself nervous around children. If a child even said as much as a greeting to him, he'd just give an incline of his head, acknowledging that he heard them, but never actually gave a response. There was no real reason why, he just felt like it was hard to talk to younger children.
His vocabulary was much more advanced, so maybe that was a reason why. Garry always had a tendency to throw uncommon words into casual, everyday sentences. Saying such things around children often leads to awkward silences, he found. So, Garry avoided speaking with children.
But Ib was much different, somehow. At nine-years-old, she seemed like the easiest person for him to talk to. Garry never restrained his vocabulary, unless he was trying to comfort her. If ever he used a word she didn't understand, Ib would not hesitate to ask for its definition. And each time she would learn a new word, she would try to incorporate it into something she would say later on in the day. Occasionally, her context or use of the word would be a bit off, which would make Garry chuckle. He would then promptly correct her, and she would smile that cute little smile of hers.
She was his best friend. And even though she was only a child, Garry felt like he could talk to her about anything.
Prompt Word #9: Sometimes
Sometimes Garry would catch himself thinking about things that he shouldn't.
Ib was a frequent visitor to his apartment. They'd watch TV together, and most of the time he'd help her study for school. The two of them would also go out on macaroon dates, just to sit and talk about nothing in particular. It was something Garry really enjoyed. Ib seemed to enjoy herself as well.
Though, there were sometimes he found himself looking at her in ways that would be considered inappropriate. The more he spent time with her, the more he noticed changes in her appearance.
Ib was definitely getting taller. Garry could tell that by the way her shirt didn't quite fit her like it used to. With a slight raise of her arm, the bottom hem would rise up just above her bellybutton, revealing the pale skin underneath. She was also showing signs of... development that also contributed to Ib's need for new clothes. He didn't mean to stare—really—but when people change, it's common to notice and be drawn to it.
Sometimes she'd fall asleep on his couch. Ib would lay on her side with her legs in a figure 4 shape, and the position made her skirt ride up. It took everything in his being not to place his hand on her exposed thigh, simply just to feel how soft her skin was. Garry would always mentally scold himself for such thoughts. Such things were simply not allowed.
Not yet, at least.
About "Children": This was just a random little thought. I really do think Garry has trouble talking to kids. But when he first met Ib, she was the first person he met in the art gallery that wasn't a threat which is why he had to stick with her, and then ended up bonding with her.
About "Sometimes": Am I still allowed in the fandom? ~blush~
As always, I appreciate all reviews and favorites and story alerts. Stay as awesome as you are now. 'Til the next update!