Episode 60: A PAINFUL REMINDER

GABBY: Why? What's wrong with it?

MURASAKI: Oh nothing much, other than the fact that he acted like it's the first time you did such thing. Which proves you haven't kissed.

RED: What do you know? You look like you haven't got kissed before.

HARRY: Ooooooh! Someone got burnt! Anyone! Get some water!

HUMILITY: Harry?

HARRY: Oops, sorry dude. (• ^ •)

MURASAKI: That is a low argument coming from you, Red. What I'm pointing out here is, it's either you're not a couple, or you don't know each other much to be comfortable with each other.

RED: No one cares. Gab, let's go.

MURASAKI: Red, wait!

Gabby looks at him apologetically, but still unable to object. She's scared of the harm Red might do to MJ, if ever he gets out of control.

The group leaves Murasaki, who then was reminded of his hunger when his stomach rumbled again. Right. He haven't eaten since he decided to follow them. Maybe next time, he'll talk to her soon. After all, she was able to mention her current address in case he wanted to visit.

...

RED: Stop looking back.

GABBY: Huh? He's my bestfriend that I haven't met since 17! Of course I'd look back!

RED: Can't you see? He's rude.

GABBY: Hey, don't say that. He's a sweetheart when you get to know him on good circumstances.

RED: Oh, yeah. Sure. Whatever you say.

GABBY: And...

RED: What?

GABBY: Is my kiss really that bad?

Red's head swiftly look the other way, both embarrassed and blushing at the reminder of her sudden action.

RED: Yeah, maybe. Whatever just forget it. You didn't mean it anyway.

GABBY: Okay. Are we going home?

RED: Yeah, after you see the newest merch on this floor.

GABBY: Thank you!

...

He was lying. It wasn't bad. He liked it. Even if she didn't do it because of her feelings for him. But because of Murasaki's banters. Her lips were soft, he liked the feeling of it. Too bad he was too surprised that her lips didn't last much on his cheek.

After she finished shopping and grew tired telling him about anime things, Red and the others walked her home.

Harry was still eating, actually enjoying the food he brought, while Humility is having the time of his life as Carrie holds his hand while walking, enjoying the shimmering stars above them.

Red on the other hand still can't help but feel insecure and jealous about Murasaki. Murasaki is different than most he knows. He actually fights back with words, which isn't really Red's strength. Plus, Gabby treasures him a lot. Which could mean that she might develop feelings for him overtime. And...he might lose her faster than he prepared for.

The worries quickly got the better of him, and try as he may, the idea of her being with someone else made him more afraid than facing any threat. He wasn't able to stop himself from asking her the possibility of her slipping away.

RED: Hey, bug.

GABBY: Yeah, Tabako?

RED: Hey, what's up with the word???

GABBY: Why? At least you smell like them and it makes sense. You? Why do you call me a bug? Was it because I'm easy to kill?

RED: Yeah, maybe.

Gabby half heartedly punches his shoulders as he laughs by her weak fists.

RED: Stop it, it doesn't even hurt, you're just tiring yourself.

GABBY: No way!

RED: Okay, fine. If you insist. But, I'm just thinking. If you were to pick like an actual boyfriend, would it be me or him?

GABBY: What's with the sudden question?

RED: Oh you know, just because?

GABBY: Hm, fine. Maybe you.

RED: Okay, why?

GABBY: I only see him as a brother. And besides, he's too important for me to risk losing. If we ever break up, I'd miss him a lot.

RED: Ouch.

GABBY: Hey, don't feel bad. Heheh, it's not like we're going to be together anyways...right?

RED: Yeah, whatever.

GABBY: Wait, you looked away!

RED: So?

GABBY: You want us to be together, right?

RED: Don't be too confident.

GABBY: It's obvious. You wouldn't ask if it's just nothing.

RED: Uh, whatever.

...

The yellow reaper overhears this and didn't care to keep it to himself, he quickly bothers Humility's chat with Carrie with a friendly proclamation of a bet.

HARRY: Hey Humility!

HUMILITY: Quit shouting, your food's flying.

CARRIE: Yeah, and you've been eating for hours, ha ha! I really want that thingy too.

HARRY: Oh, fries? Here. *hands the box still full of fries*

CARRIE: Thank you!

While Carrie is taking her time eating the salty snack, Harry proceeds to move closer to Humility.

HARRY: I bet 30 gems that they'd end up together.

HUMILITY: Oh.

Humility only gives him a sad look, having his purple eyes indicate that if he bets they won't be together, there's a higher chance he'd win. Harry notices it, and in turn made him feel the same, remembering that this is real life, in which everything has a consequence and a sad truth and sacrifice behind every action settled.

HARRY: So, you're not sure they'd end up with each other?

HUMILITY: Life isn't a fairy tale, Harry. Mortals and Immortals are seperated for a reason. But I do hope, a miracle happens and...

HARRY: Why did you stop?

HUMILITY: I...

CARRIE: Wait...if he becomes a mortal, won't that mean that he won't be able to see us, again? Unless we're on this form? He won't be able to ascened the spirit realm, and hang out with us.

Carrie whispers in a hush, soft voice.

Harry drops the bag of chips after hearing it. Right. How can he not think of that?

He've always thought that Gabby would be one of them, but that would mean that she'd throw her life as a mortal, her dreams of being known for her skill, her dreams of having a family. But what if she doesn't like immortality? Would Red compromise? Harry wanted the first one to happen, and didn't considered the second. Thinking about it makes him...feel something different.

He had always looked up to Red. And enjoyed his company even if they sometimes fight. He was also the one that made him more confident, and helped him collect his dues successfully when he was still beginning his reaper life. Losing him, would be very hard.

And imagining that he'd pick her over them whom he've known for years, Harry couldn't help but fill bitter and selfish. He had Red first. And losing one of his companions, one who've helped him be who he is today, he just can't imagine losing their trio, their trio that have stood still for many years.

He tries to shake those thoughts off. Trying to think positively. Besides, turning yourself into a mortal has never been once considered an option of reapers like them. Why waste such gift?

Harry nods to himself. Right. He won't do it, would he? Gabby will be the one to compromise. It's that or never. It's that...or...never? He feels confused, he feels worried...he feels...uncertain.

HARRY: I...do you think he'll choose her?

HUMILITY: I don't know. It's too early to tell. Falling in love is easy, but staying in love...is a different story.

...

Red noticed that the three are falling behind them.

He turns, only to see them with serious gloomy faces.

RED: Yow, what's with the sad face? Every thing alright?

Harry bows his head. While Humility quickly turns his head away, he knew he's too easy to read, and he might spill it out if not for Carrie's intervention.

CARRIE: Nothing. We're just talking about an anime Gabby mentioned to me some time ago at the mall, it was pretty sad.

GABBY: Oh! You remembered?! Wow! What's the title?

CARRIE: Wolf Children, of course!

GABBY: Yayyy! You paid attention!

RED: Is that so? Well, sure. But seriously, you all look like someone died.

...

Thanks Carrie...you're a good liar, and they're totally convinced.

Harry says to himself.

He then felt guilt grow slowly in his heart as his desire for Red to stay revealed itself. Though he had no grudge against Gabby, he just can't let Red go.

He's sure half of Humility still thinks the same.

But deciding what Red should do is totally rude and out of their hands. All they can do is hope. Hope that there's a way for everyone to find happiness and answers in complicated things they're all forced to be into.

...

They arrived and Gabby groggily opened the door to her room, leaving Red to put the shopping bags down. She might have remembered somehow that she looks back at him, smiling, then thanking him inaudibly. He only nodded and waved bye.

She slept after brushing her teeth and taking a quick evening shower. While Red same as usual goes back to his reaper mode to read a book he just purchased. He felt relaxed. Having the temporary mortal body makes his body sore.

Now he can do what he likes for his spare time other than collecting dead souls and protecting Gabby. Reading.

He felt skeptical however when he read the theme of the story.

TRAGEDY.

Gabby's favorite theme.

Although not as obvious when you consider her bubbly personality.

A very interesting theme that reflects real life, though a very heavy thing to swallow as well.

He've read some before. But he prefers those with happy ending to find some solace and comfort. After all, it's the things he's trying to escape. Pain.

But now, as he opens the pages of the book, he felt very absorbed by it, as if he was the main character of the story. And even if there's a strong voice inside him that says to drop the book, because they'll die at the end anyways, there's still a pinch of hope in him that says they can resolve things.

They can have their happily ever after.

But as what the voice said, it ended bitterly.

The hero left the princess because of love of duty.

And while doing so, he swallowed the pain and longing he felt for the princess, his first great love. And he regretted his decision even more after three years passed. The princess became a queen, and had a king. As well as kids of her own.

And the hero...lived like that, alone, and unloved, till the end of time.

...

Red couldn't believe it. He wasted his whole evening only to find out that the hero failed in the end. He may have slain the monster, but he haven't won her heart.

He wanted to call the hero stupid but, if he chose the princess, he wouldn't have saved those people who were endanger after her.

And...more so, heros aren't always fated to get the best things in life.

And as the saying goes...

Life is fair...because it's unfair to everyone.

Still, Red felt fear after realizing that he may have to make a decision soon.

...

Can you really choose love over other things you consider important?

He, for now...isn't so sure.