Episode 41: PRACTICALLY A FIRST DATE

Gabby looks at the mirror and smile meakly, combing her hair and making sure it falls perfectly.

For the past few months, her hair sure had grown longer than before. Not that it looked unsuiting. She began to hum, it had been a while.

She had never been so excited about going outside before. But it seems that even if it was just to get ice cream outside, she feels like her heart is going to explode.

She looks at her supposedly outfit of the day, there, laying on her bed.

She walked to it, then her phone dings.

She looks at who texted her.

It was her mom.

Evident happiness slowly showed to her face. How she missed her. Them.

They texted for a while, before her alarm started to notify her.

Her mother, understanding and happy for her love life,(although it was just her pretend boyfriend), agreed to end their conversation. She wanted her before anything else and told her to love herself more, as what all mothers would say.

Gabby giggled. Then her eyes turned sad. If only She knew it was just pretend.

She sighed. Then she heard a polite knock.

RED: Gab, you ready?

She snickers then softly said, "Coming,"

She quickly put on her outfit. A yellow blouse with flower prints , and black fitted leggings. She looks at the mirror one last time, then brushed off her body, as if to brush off any dust or unwanted particle.

She put on her doll shoes before going outside.

GABBY: Here. How do l look?

Red looks at her rather unfazed, and casually gave a thumbs up.

RED: It's alright.

GABBY: WHAT? I...I couldn't believe you.

Red smirked then walked off, leaving her behind to follow.

...

Red knew how pissed Gabby is, but he couldn't help but tease her. And although he looked unamazed, he actually is.

He turned around quickly because he could feel himself heating up.

He haven't felt that way before, but he does now. It was confusing too, but he tried to shrug it off. Given the time they spent by now, he should be used to her face. But no, he still feels infantuated with her. He feels ridiculous.

He used to be so strong. So enigmatic. But why does he feel like his legs were trembling whenever he sees her like that.

He shouldn't feel this way. But he does! And he don't know how to stop it.

It keeps growing.

Every single day.

GABBY: Uh, you okay?

Gabby might have realized something felt off about him, but he simply ignored her.

Really?

If you didn't know the two, you'd perhaps expect Gabby to be the one more bashful.

But no.

Red was.

And he hated it.

GABBY: Don't ignore me! Tell me what's up!

Red finally looks at her.

Then he gave up.

RED: You look cute.

And his words...short but already was able to make her stop from he steps and demand him to repeat it again.

GABBY: Say that again.

Red rolled his eyes then shyly repeated.

RED: You're cute.

Then he continued walking, just like that.

Gabby felt speechless. So weird to hear him say praises in front of her.

She smiles then giggled, then tiptoed to catch up to him.

GABBY: You like me, don't you?

RED: So assuming, no.

GABBY: Just say it. I won't laugh.

RED: Whatever. You're weird.

GABBY: Hey!

...

Red would steal a glance at her from time to time. She looks like a kid, excited to get her first ice cream. She would tell him stories, lots of stories, even if its just about ice cream. He listens, but sometimes he can't help but wonder when she'll stop. It was funny and entertaining to watch but somehow he was curious if she'd ever run out of voice. She sure had a lot to tell. Then she picks another ice cream flavor to try. Her appitite seems unending too! Not that he mind.

He nods at her then looks at his wallet. He have traded his jewels with real money, so she won't have to pay. But sometimes he worried that just because he's the one paying she'll overdo it.

She might catch a cold.

Or get a brainfreeze.

Or hurt her throat.

He don't want that.

Suddenly he realized he's worried about her.

Damn.

GABBY: Pst, lost in your thoughts, again? C'mon try this! It's red velvet! It's delicious, l swear!

Red smiles then takes the ice cream from her hand. He takes a bite then nodded in agreement. He felt surprised that he haven't tasted such before. Maybe because he spends his free time more on the spirit realm but it was quite nice too.

GABBY: Want another one?

RED: Sure.

GABBY: Can we get frenchfries too? Please...

RED: Yep. Where is the stall?

GABBY: There!

She pointed with ethusiasm.

She held his hand without warning and quickly dragged him there. People who've seen them would occasionally 'awwwww'.

In Japan, public display of affection is not very common. And for Gabby to do it so boldly, and Red who didn't even stop her from dragging him around, it can't be help that they'd truly be the center of attention.

It was too late when Gabby realized what had happened.

Eyes were staring at them. Some looks amazed and happy, while some look envious and disgusted. She looked to her companion, who was looking at the other side, trying to act cool.

GABBY: Sorry.

That was when he looked at her.

RED: Hey, It's okay. Don't be sorry for petty things.

Just when she was about to speak, a little kid(looks like 5 years of age) went to them. Crying and rubbing his eyes to stop the tears from falling again.

He reaches for Gabby, who bows to see what's the matter, the kid then pinches the fabric of Gabby's blouse and began reaching out to her with his arms, as if wanting to be carried.

Gabby looks at Red, then carried the kid gleefully, trying to cheer him up.

GABBY: Looks like we need to found his mama.

RED: Hm, but this was supposed to be your day.

GABBY: Ow, don't be like that. C'mon.

They were trying to go to the mall fascilitators but every time the kid sees a food stall it would point out the food it wants and cry if not provided with what he wants.

Gabby seems to grow more and more irritated, and her arms began to feel tired.

Red, worried about her decided to get the kid instead.

He was surprised at how much the kid haven't moved around the time he had him on his arms. He calmed down and after a few humming and story telling, the kid falls asleep.

GABBY: Wow, you're actually better at handling kids, hm?

RED: I'm surprised too.

GABBY: Now that the little spawn of satan is asleep...

RED: *snickers*

GABBY: What?

RED: Nothing. Hahahah, continue.

GABBY: Now that the little spawn of satan is asleep, let's go to finding her mom now!

It took just a good 20 minutes then the fascilitators took care of the missing child. The kid's mom was able to reunite with her son and was very much worried. When she found out that Gabby and Red took care of his son for her she thanked them wholeheartedly.

Then she noticed that her kid was already full.

MOM: *speaking in Japanese*

(OH my, he ate a lot, eh? Let me pay for the expenses. Little Ichiro is really a dragon when it comes to food. I am terribly sorry.)

Gabby looks at Red, as if signalling him to do the talking.

RED: Me?

GABBY: Yeah, you're the one who paid for it, right?

RED: What should l say?

GABBY: I don't know. Just say something.

RED: *speaking in Japanese*

(It is fine. We had fun taking care of him anyways. Just make sure to never lose him again.)

The lady bows in gratitude then left the scene with her son.

The pair looked at each other then laughs.

GABBY: I can't even imagine having two kids. They are a piece of work.

RED: Eh, not really. So long as you have enough money to shove food on their mouths and its fine.

GABBY: You don't know what you're talking about. They pee and poo, and will keep you awake at night.

RED: On the bright side they're really cute.

GABBY: Well if you think that way then I'm surprised. You're quite the boyfriend slash father type. You're cooler now.

RED: Wow. Hey, do you want to check a movie now?

GABBY: Seriously? You're still not tired?

RED: Well, we still have 3 hours at our disposal. Although you look kinda tired.

GABBY: Well, since you're the one paying I'm in.

RED: Okay. What movie do you want?

GABBY: Can it be horror?

RED: Seriously? Those cringy effects are-

GABBY: You asked and I answered.

RED: Okay, okay. You got me there. I'll just buy pop corn and we're good to go.

GABBY: Hooray!

RED: Hm. Whatever you want. After all It's your day.

GABBY: I'm so lucky I have a guardian like you!

People began looking at her suspiciously.

RED: Um...ehem.

GABBY: A guardian boyfriend like you!

Red smacks his face in embarrassment then holds her hand away from the piling crowd.

RED: You attract a lot of attention, stupid ladybug.

...

As the movie was starting Gabby couldn't help but hold Red's arms. She kept trembling and a sense of fear showing in her eyes. Red would glance at her form time to time, making sure she's alright. Although there shouldn't be, since after all, it was just a movie.

He then grins to himself. How come she seems to be much more fearful than a fictional story than what had happened to her?

He couldn't help but laugh.

Gabby looks at him, quite surprised.

GABBY: This is horror, not comedy. Why are you laughing?

RED: Oh, it was just because the monster is stupid, ya know? Look, look. It can't even catch a kid.

He said while pointing out to the screen.

GABBY: The hell is wrong with you?

She glares, then looks back at the screen. Her focus clearly slipping away from him. He sighed. This was a bad idea.

He almost dozes off, yes, he almost. The movie was that boring for him.

Until Gabby screamed.

He opens his eyes abruptly then looked at her. She was there, closing her eyes, clinging on his body.

People were staring.

RED: Can't you stop your screaming?

GABBY: Hey, It's a natural reaction. Plus, I'm not the only one who screamed.

RED: Hm. Whatever.

And then when they reached the climax, OH my, she screamed so hard Red almost fell from his seat. What is she? A human MEGAPHONE?

She looks at him with apologetic eyes. But even he, can't tolerate her.

RED: You're so bloody loud.

GABBY: Sorry!

Red pulls her head to him. And Gabby felt helplessly frozen.

What's he gonna do? Kiss him?

RED: I said keep it down. You didn't listen. Now I'll have no choice but this.

Gabby closes her eyes. Expecting for a kiss. But all she got was a mouthful of pop corn on her mouth.

GABBY: HmmmmMmmmHhhmmMmm.

RED: Huh? Sorry? Can't hear you?

GABBY: !!!

Gabby felt angry and annoyed. But mostly on herself. It's Red we're talking about, no way he'd kiss her. Wait...why did she even think he'd kiss her?! Ugh...maybe some day, she'll be the one to make him a long @ss poem.

RED: The movie's almost done.

GABBY: Finally!

Then at the finale Gabby muffled her screams. Red looks pretty happy at her trying to please him, after all, she's a hardheaded gal. But she listened to him.

Red wraps her arms around her then whispers a soft thank you. She only gives him a genuine smile.

RED: Okay let's go home.

He extends his hand to help her up. Which she happily accepts. They walked together hand in hand, although it could be platonic to Red, as what GABBY thinks. Since there's a lot of people on the mall theater, maybe It's just his way of not losing her. Still she thinks it was pretty sweet.

...

RED: Enjoyed the night?

GABBY: Yep! Considering its free and stuff, I'm satisfied. Can we do it again?

RED: Sure. Sure. Anything you want.

GABBY: OH my Gosh! Yeyyyyy!!!

After reaching home, Gabby slumps on the coach then falls asleep. Red gets a blanket and put it on her carefully, he doesn't want to wake her up after all.

He just sat on the floor, looking at the complete darkness enveloping him. But spending time with her, he felt like he had less time. But much meaningful memories and experiences. He was thankful. He gets to meet her. And gets to have all the fun he never thought he'd have. Sure sometimes she's a handful, but she gave him more purpose. He couldn't help but protect her and look after her out of duty. She was a darling. Her flaws makes her more endearing to him.

He looks at her silloutte, shifting to a better position. She then snores. Yes snores!

Red can't help but chuckle softly. Then looks at his ruby necklace. He had worn it ever since. He doubts he'll ever take it off for centuries to come. Gabby was a thoughtful person, and not to mention even seeked help to Deltha, knowing that the supreme entity had a soft spot for woman mortals. Without her action and bubbly personality, Red even wonders if he'd be here. He sure had a lot to thank to her.

RED: Good night, pretty ladybug...