Yes, the chapter title is indeed a pun. Ib and Garry have their genders switched up! So...that means Garry is a woman now?! And Ib is a little boy? It's weird, but I like the idea too. I'll also change Garry's personality a little. By the way, there's not really any romance in this (because that would be messed up). Its more of a friendship thing about Garry trying to find Ib's parents. Gender-Swapped Garry's POV. Enjoy reading!

Differences & Damage

Okay, so this kid hasn't said a word to me the entire day, and it has been hectic. First he saves my rose, then he follows me through that horror house of an art gallery (which by the way isn't a place you want to return to) and now he's still just standing there after we just got out, I think. Maybe some ice cream will cheer him up or something.

After Eden (that's his name) helped me out when Mark, who turned out to be a painting, tried to kill me, we jumped through the mural again and here we were. Back in this creepy gallery. Eden was still quiet. But I don't blame him, I guess. That would give me nightmares. I can't even begin to imagine how he's feeling...

Oh, I forgot. My introduction! I'm Garnet. Aged nineteen. Three bedroom apartment shared with friends. Currently a student.

We walked through the gallery and I held Eden's hand so he'd feel safe. There's was no one there, just like when this all started. When we reached the reception area, I saw a bunch of employees packing away their bags.

"Oh, I didn't know there were still visitors. Miss, the gallery closed fifteen minutes ago. I'm afraid you'll have to leave for today." said a woman at the counter, who was putting on her coat and leaving.

I sighed with relief. "Okay, so we really are back to reality from whatever that was. No inception of any kind, right Eden?" I said, smiling. The little boy beside me looked up at me with puppy dog eyes. As we left the establishment, I realised that I didn't know were his parents were, or where to take him. "Ack! What do I do with you now?!" I yelled out. A few people across the street stared at me and I felt awkward. "So Eden, you know where your house is?"

The little boy shook his head. "Well, I guessed as much. Come on. How about we go get something to eat? Have some fun, let you relax then we can go down to the police station and get this sorted out. Sound good?" Eden nodded excitedly, but his expression was still blank. Ah, his parents must love how mature he is for his age. I wonder what goes on in his little head.

I walked him over to the McDonalds I once worked at and busted through the door. It was like two-ish so there were no customers but the odd fast food-aholics. "How would you like a big Mac, little boy? Think you can handle it?" I grinned, "Okay, no, I am not that irresponsible. We're getting you some salad and some milk... Oh who am I kidding, let's get some real food! Two big Mac meals, a juice box with one and a large Pepsi with the other please." I demanded, slamming my money onto the counter. I probably looked so drunk right about now.

A quiet little boy and a messy looking young woman; both who have survived some seriously messed up stuff and now we're ordering two big McDonalds in the middle of the day. Wow.

"Okay that'll be- Oh, Garnet! It's you! How's it going?" Said the young man at the counter as he raised his head. He's an old buddy of mine. An out and about kind of guy. "By the way, it's seven in cash or coins please." I handed him a tenner and got my change, as well as the food. I thanked him and finished off the idle chit-chat. Then came the hard bit.

"And one last thing, why do you have a kid with you?" He asked.

"Long story short, we've had a long run, literally, and now I need to get him home to his parents. I thought I'd get him something' to eat."

"He looks familiar. There's a rich family who lives somewhere around here, and he looks like their kid."

"Seriously? At least I know he's local. Anything else?"

"Sorry, that's all I've got. Enjoy your meal."

We sat down at an empty table, sitting at opposite sides. It was kind of funny how he had trouble getting onto his seat. Once we started eating, I realised that I really underestimated him. He was eating like there was no tomorrow, shoving everything in his mouth as politely as he could. He looked up at me once he'd finished his burger. It was so funny how he had sauce all over his face. "Okay, I know you're a hungry little kid, but you seriously can eat. Wipe your face with a napkin. I'll get you a wet tissue from the bathroom for it doesn't dry on." I offered and left to the lady's room. I went as quickly as I could since I didn't want to leave him on his own. I couldn't help but look back at him constantly.

But he was hungrier than I thought. Maybe I should have given him something healthier after all...

"That was delicious. I love how I never get fat." I said, relaxing into my seat. We threw away the remaining bits of wrapping and left the building, walking around the street and through a park. "What do you want to do now Eden? I feel like I can't let you go to your parents until you leave behind all that crazy stuff that happened in the gallery. Then again, your folks are probably worried out of their minds. They might have already gone to the police station. But if I give you back knowing your still thinking about your near-death experience, I won't be able to live with myself. But that could be selfish. Oh, what do I do?!"

I knew I was just ranting on to myself, but Eden still looked up at me, as if to say, 'Sorry Garnet, I have no idea how to help.' At least that was what I hope he thought. Maybe he doesn't talk much anyway, but there's still a big chance it's because he's traumatised. Wait a second, maybe he's foreign so he doesn't know English...

"Hey, let's just to the theme park down town. I won some tickets at a prize draw. Two kids ones and an adult one. I was supposed to take my twin nephew and niece, but your worth it. Maybe if Mark wasn't a vicious painting he could have come too- Wait! We can't talk about that. Anyway, what do you think of the plan?"

The child nodded his head enthusiastically in agreement, but again, his expression was impassive. "So, do you like ever talk? You seem happy, but you haven't said a word. Maybe you're a silent one, right?" There was no response. It was expected though.

"Thank you Garnet." Said a little voice. It was Eden. I recognised it from the few times he spoke to me before. "Thank you...for helping me with everything. And spending time and money on me."

Garnet became flustered and had no idea what to say. "Y-You're welcome, little man. I'm happy you spoke up."

Once we'd finally arrived, the first thing I noticed wasn't the huge rides and the sound of people screaming in joy, but the bedazzled look in Eden's eyes. He looked like he just saw heaven. He ran off to join a line for a ride and I had trouble chasing after him through the crowd. Damn those little fast legs of his.

"Eden! Wait up!" I yelled. After catching up to him, he watched me breath like and old man. "It's only an theme park. We should just go somewhere with less of a line, you know."

Eden looked up at me with the cutest, tear welled puppy dog eyes ever. "Garnet, I've never even been on a single ride, so... Please?" He looked like he was on the verge of crying and I gave in so easily.

"Fine. We'll stay." He pulled a huge grin and hugged me, with his puppy dog face completely gone. He tricked me. I got all flustered again when he practically leapt on me in gratitude. I wasn't so great with kids. "You're a little evil one aren't you? Silent but deadly. It's a rare sight."

The ride didn't freak me out, but I had my eyes closed and shut tight the whole time. I gripped onto the holding bar a scared little kid. Speaking of which, Eden was a little dare devil. Savouring every last minute of that torture. I was happy for him, but annoyed that he was tall for his age so he was let on the ride.

After a few more rides, we hot some cotton candy and decided to go on the Ferris wheel to cool off along with the setting of the sun. Things started calming down a bit. Somehow I felt fond of Eden, like he was a little brother of mine or something.

As the Ferris wheel went toward the top, Eden spoke again. "Cotton candy is tasty."

"Yes, yes it is. My dad used to get it for me when I was upset as a kid. It cheers people up."

"Is that why I feel happy...inside?" Despite what he said, his voice seemed sad and lost.

"Happiness is something that comes from you. You just need something to trigger it."

"Garnet."

"Yeah?"

"When I go home, will I ever see you again?" He said, averting his gaze from the window. Truthfully, I didn't think his parents would let him see some stranger every now and then. I wanted to see him again too. The more time I spent with him, the more I felt he was part of my responsibility.

"We will Eden. Don't worry about that. I'm sure your parents will be happy to see you though. Speaking of which, we should go meet them now. It's getting late." I said softly.

After leaving the park, I walked him over to the closet police station in his neighbourhood's area. There was silence the whole way. We entered the small building and went over to the counter. "Good evening, miss." said the officer at the counter, "What is it you need?"

"I'd like to report a found child." The officer stood up from his desk and looked down at Eden.

"Did you find him today? Where was he found?"

"Yes, I saw him wondering around a street by the art gallery."

"What's his name?"

"Eden. I don't know his full name."

"Come this way."

We followed the policeman to a room with some letters and numbers on it and I saw Eden had a worried look on his face as he followed the policeman alongside me. Maybe he was worried his parents would tell him off afterwards. "In here." Said the officer. He opened a door for us and I saw a familiar man and woman sitting on some metal chairs looking so distressed.

The woman looked up and became wide-eyed, running over and picking up her child. The father got up and the two adults smiled in relief and glee. There were moments of laughter and I watched the family reunite once again. Eden was smiling which made me feel happy too.

The couple turned to face me. The mother spoke. "Were you the one who found him?" I nodded. "Oh thank you so much for bringing us our baby boy! We missed him so much, more than anything. How can we possibly repay you? I'm Alicia. And you are?" she asked.

"Garnet."

"Well Garnet," said the father, "You seem like a good person. Thank you so much for helping Eden. Who knows who could have picked him up?"

"I was just doing what any decent person would do. From the short time I've known Eden, I can tell he loves the two of you very, very much." The two parents smiled at me warmly. They seem nice. And not too much older than me actually.

"Thank you," said the mother, "I was wondering, how old are you?"

"Nineteen."

"My, so young! Why don't you have dinner at our house sometime? Perhaps tonight? After we get some paper work sorted out of course. Oh, and maybe if you need some extra money you could baby sit him."

"Really? Thank you so much." I said sincerely.

"Mother, father," Eden said, "Garnet is such a nice person. Can she come over all the time?" I laughed along with Eden's parents. I felt so much more like I was a part of a family. It was such a long lost feeling. I missed it. It was all because of Eden that I can feel this way again, isn't it?

"Eden." I said. The boy looked over at me. "Thanks, for everything."

Sorry it was very late. It was longer than I'd expected and I was very busy. Review/Follow/Favourite :)