Death is love.

Satoru made that realization in his sixth reset.

It was a cold day, and she was feeling the chill; along with multiple blankets on top of her, Satoru became a designated cuddle buddy, but the last part was a bit of a lie. It wasn't so much of a cuddle but a gentle caress, where she faintly press her hands on his chest, enough to feel the rhythm underneath.

It felt like time was slipping away, but it was fine. Comfortable.

"Satoru."

He likes the way his name rolls on her tongue. Like she's casting a prayer, and maybe she was.

"Stay with me?"

And as he nods his head at his beloved, Satoru watched as she gently closes her eyes and took her last breath. With him. Embracing.

He remained with her till the trees turned to ash.

A rumble in the distance.

The choirs of armageddon.

"The end of the world."

And when Jaine closed his eyes at the last possible moment, reality uncoiled like a spring, and everything snaps back into place.

There were no grand choirs to sing, only him and infinity, separated from that reality.

And when he opened his eyes, made aware of another time, another line, he breathes a silent breath.

He was in a familiar bedroom, and it was night. The blankets weren't multiple, but her favorite one she liked to cover her head into.

Satoru heard water splashing, felt her heartbeat on the other side of the door. She was alive. She was at peace.

He stood up, used the blanket like a cape, and let his feet guide him on where he wanted to be.

And when he opened the door to see her in her full glory, he rubs his eyes with feign sleepiness. And as he neared her, he see her eyes, from questioning, to feign indifference, to shocked, silent elation when he kissed her lips.

It's o-shaped, her mouth, like she's taking him in anew, and he loved her for it.

And when he mumbled his piece and exited the bathroom to keep her peace, blue eyes closed as he dropped from the bed. Waited for infinity to click, settle in place, and make this his home, this life of stolen memories.

How will everything transpire from here on out, it matters not. He will wait, she will come back, and silently come to his side. She will either touch him and make love or touch him to sleep through the night.

And he will enjoy this reality till it ends, until there wasn't anything no more.

Death is love.

Satoru made that realization in his seventh reset.