After Red finishes collecting his due he looks at the Roses planted on the victim's pot, and thought of Gabby. He unknowingly reddens as he recalls her hand covering his. Her contact gave him an effect, a level of warmth even hotter than hellfire. He couldn't shake it off. And it was weird because he have only so met her.
RED: That ladybug...no way I would like her...right?
Then the questions she asked him of flooded back into his mind. Is it possible for a reaper to fall in love with a human?
RED: No...this couldn't have been love... It's too early to call it like that. I don't...won't. I don't even know what love is anymore. I have forgotten it decades ago.
Tears rolled down from his eyes as a memory of his mother appears from view.
CARYS: Dear, do not be afraid. And please do not be angry of me. I know there's a brighter future for you with them. Take this, as a sign of my love. *gives an emerald amulet*
RED: *crying and sobbing* Mom. I don't want to leave you.
CARYS: I love you...and you'll do better there...it's alright sweetheart.
*flashback stops*
The amulet...he thought. He have lost it long ago. The foster parents who have brought him in and treated him without the slightest care...sold his amulet the moment he arrived. The precious emerald stone...that reminds him so much of his mother.
Maybe that's why Red was so drawn to Gabby's big green eyes? They remind him of his mother's gift.
He cried. Red cried. For decades he cried again. Because a human girl reminded him of warmth. Of love.
RED: I don't love you...I...you'll leave me if I do. It'll hurt again. I can't love you.
He keeps repeating himself, trying to convince his heart and mind that loving the mortal would be nothing but foolish.
Humility arrives soon later, a look of pure worry on his face.
HUMILITY: Your stress levels increased dramatically. I felt worried. What happened?
RED: Nothing. I...nothing.
HUMILITY: Let's go back to Gabby, okay?
RED: Okay.
HUMILITY: How was the girl?
RED: *pauses for a moment* Um...she's fine.
...
GABBY: Gah! Shade? Or whatever your name is, please put that bread down! I'm making something for Red!
THE SHADOW CROW(in a female's voice): This is a disgrace to my wonderful master! It's slightly burnt on one side, how dare you?
GABBY: Look I'm sorry, but it's the thought that counts, right?
THE SHADOW CROW: No. I would not allow it.
GABBY: But I really want to repay his kindness.
THE SHADOW CROW: Then present him with something you're good at. Draw for him. He'll appreciate it more than this ugly thing you're making. Besides, it's not like he needs to eat.
GABBY: Good point.
*a few hours later*
GABBY: There. How's it?
THE SHADOW CROW: Wonderful. Master would be proud. This painting is marvelous. What kind of hands do you use?
GABBY: Norm...mal hands?
RED: I'm home.
THE SHADOW CROW: Master!
HUMILITY: Ow. Seems like you summoned your pet.
THE SHADOW CROW: I am not a pet. I am an assistant.
HUMILITY: Seems so. Hi Gabby.
GABBY: Oh...um, h-hi.
HUMILITY: Is Red being a good boy?
GABBY: Um, what?
RED: HUMILTIY!
HUMILITY: Ahehehe, I'm sorry. How silly of me. Either ways what's that you're holding?
GABBY: Oh! Um, I'm here to give it to him. To...Red. Uh, here you go!
RED: *BLUSHES* Aye, no need to tire yourself for this kind of things, okay? Anyways, uh, I love the details...and...uh, thank you.
GABBY: Ah, yeah, yeah! Welcome! And thank you very much, too!
HUMILITY: Geez, you two. You're all awkward and stuff, you're like 1st graders falling in love.
RED: Pff, you haven't even keep talking to the girl you like for a few minutes, it's been literal decades since you started the conversation, bro!
GABBY: *snickers*
THE SHADOW CROW: My, my. Looks like I've heard enough for today. Farewell! *vanishes*
HUMILITY: *all flustered* Ey, why did it went back to me?!
RED: Karma, boi!
GABBY: Um, where's the third one?
RED: You mean, Harry? Well, kinda busy I guess? Anyways, you should rest now. I'll stay here all night to keep you safe.
GABBY: That's weirdly sweet. Okay, bye now. I'm going to do my drafting.
RED: Yeah. Bye.
Humility notices Red's reaction as she close her door. He felt sadness surging over him. Humility smiled to himself, his friend...is in love.
Red looked down slowly, after taking one final look at her door, he let out a sigh, a heavy one. Humility knew he was afraid to admit it. Because the last time he felt such warmth, was too long ago to even recall fully.
HUMILITY: Hey, you okay?
RED: I'm fine. Thanks.
HUMILITY: You look like you aren't. Do...if any chance, starting to...
RED: Love her? No, I don't.
HUMILITY: You do, you just think you can't.
RED: But I really can't!
HUMILITY: You can...
Red's eyes started to enlarge in shock and confusion.
RED: But...h-how?
Humility smiles.
HUMILITY: Someday, you'll figure it out. Just don't lose your head on it, okay? See you...