Episode 22: HALFWAY THERE

Gabby looked at him one more time, before rushing to hug him close into her arms, crying in great gratitude and relief.

He didn't know why, or what his feelings were at that time but he knew, it was good. It felt good. And if ever it happens again, he won't take a second doubt to do the same things he did for her.

GABBY: Did you really...mean all of those words you said back then?

RED: I...uh...of course...it's the duty appointed to me.

GABBY: Thank you...thank you so much.

He blushed at her words, and turned to look away. He knew he was red that time, and didn't want her to see.

Gabby smiled shyly, and knew well what effect he did to him.

Her heart fluttered and she knew that that moment, she didn't want to lose him.

GABBY: Don't do that again.

RED: And don't get captured again.

GABBY/RED: You got me worried.

Both smiled and hid a snicker.

And knew so well that they certainly developed something deeper than friendship.

GABBY: Oh, and by the way, what's your attacks called?

RED: Huh?

GABBY: When you're fighting, what's it called?

RED: Do you really need to name everything you do for defense?

GABBY: Oh. So it doesn't have a name...in anime attacks have names.

RED: Silly, in real life, naming your attack would be a fatal move, it just spoils everything.

GABBY: Oh. Thanks for letting me know.

RED: Sure thing, ladybug.

GABBY: Hey!

RED: *snickers*

GABBY: *somehow smiles*

RED: Um, hey...sorry if I'm not that strong. Sorry if I lose without Humility always by my side... Sorry if I failed to protect you and his mercy was the one who saved us...sorry...

GABBY: No. You're amazing. And I don't think you're weak. You're strong, just not op.

RED: What's op?

GABBY: Oh...I mean overpowered. It's a term in anime with shounen genres.

RED: Mmm...I see...well then, I thank you.

GABBY: Thank you too!

RED: *blushes and looks away*

Humility was unaware of the event that occured to his friend, which almost KILLED him. But he knew somehow that his friend was weakened the day he came back. It took a full three days for his old friend to come back to his glow. He felt curious, and a need to find out who have defeated him.

HUMILITY: Red...are you...is something the matter?

RED: With Gabby?

HUMILITY: No, silly. With you.

RED: Oh. Why do you ask?

HUMILITY: *sighs* I'm worried, dummy.

RED: Huh? I'm immortal, don't worry about me.

HUMILITY: I noticed your flare was weaker the last few days. What happened?

RED: Wha-n-nothing!

HUMILITY: You're a bad liar, Red.

RED: Look, I can't tell you.

HUMILITY: And why so? What drained you? Even if you're one of the most powerful red reaper around, you managed to almost run out of flare. And look, even your scarlet mark weakened.

RED: It's something I can't reveal. If I do, Gabby would be endangered.

HUMILITY: Was it Jinko? Or some more powerful pal of his?

RED: No. Even more powerful than that.

HUMILITY: So basically she got abducted and you rescued her without the slightest knowledge about your foe?

RED: Uh...erm...yes?

HUMILITY: That's so not like you. You used to be so analytical and smart. What happened?

RED: It's because it's her, okay?!

HUMILITY: She's making you too reckless. Man up. Do protect her as I said but not for the cost of your life. I value you more than her.

RED: I appreciate it very much but I did it not because you told me to protect her. I felt...a strange need to do so on my own. I think you were kinda right about some things.

HUMILITY: Red...I did that to...wait...you're actually falling for her?

RED: Hey, she's just nice you know? And...I...don't think it's love yet.

HUMILITY: Red...I'm happy you're experiencing human emotions but...don't lose your brain too...

RED: I won't.

HUMILITY: And about Harry.

RED: What about him?

HUMILITY: He seems to be distancing himself around me. And have you seen him lately?

RED: No, actually.

HUMILITY: You fools make me worry too much.

RED: Mmm...how ironic that you're acting like a big bro, even though you look the youngest.

HUMILITY: I died the youngest out of us but I still served a reaper the longest than you two combined.

RED: Fufufu.

HUMILITY: Stop laughing silly. Anyways...what makes her so special that you're willing to risk your life for her?

RED: The same reason you'd risk your life for Carrie, if she'd ever be kidnapped.

Humility blushed at the mentioning of her name and looked away.

HUMILITY: It's unfair. You know about her(Carrie). I don't know about Gabby.

RED: Well, since you wanna know so badly... She's this girl who's...clumsy, don't know how to cook, always wakes up late, lazy and always hungry. But...she's sweet, warm...very beautiful, kind, sometimes quite funny too. She have a lovely voice...and a talent in arts...she is...admirable and amazing for a human, actually.

HUMILITY: You're obviously on the early stages of love, dude. And I'm surprised you're more open to me this time. What made you change like that?

RED: There's nothing to lose with me admitting my feelings to her...I realized that... I really shouldn't act so...stoic about my feelings. I...won't anymore, if about her.

HUMILITY: I'm surprised it took a mortal girl to make you grow up this much. I'm proud of you.

RED: And may I ask? Why haven't you told Carrie directly your love for her yet?

HUMILITY: I feel...like I'm not at my best yet.

RED: Seriously? You're perfect Humility, I mean like you're this cool strong guy that nobody wanna mess with. What's keeping you from confessing, hm?

HUMILITY: I don't think I deserve it yet.

RED: She's in love with you bro. I kept telling you that! Don't tell me you'll wait for the end of the world to happen before you tell her about your feelings.

HUMILITY: We'll get there, promise.

RED: You better. I ain't gonna let you skip this decade with no improvement. Actually, you're not as perfect as I thought. You're such a pussy when it comes to girls. Seriously...

HUMILITY: Hey! I'm not tolerating that word you just said.

RED: Hmph, whatever, let's just go. Gabby is waiting.

HUMILITY: Looks like somebody's missing their lovey dove.

RED: Lovey dove? Ewww...seriously?

The two reapers were too busy talking to each other that they failed to see the spy watching them quietly as they walk towards their destination.

Its eyes gleamed bright in the darkness as a smirk slowly formed from her lips.

???: I won't let you go this time...

Seems like Humility isn't as perfect as Red thought...