Reaper arrives at the ice skating rink. He looks sickly and pale. "Good gods what happened to you?" I ask.

"I'm fine," he lies, "don't worry about it." As much as I don't want to scare him off I have to know what happened.

"Tell me the truth," I demand.

"Fine," he sighs, "I went to the training grounds, trained all day, dozed off, and woke up. Now here I am." He sneezes in a cute way like a kitten would.

"You're sick aren't you?" I ask.

"I'm fine," he replies getting agitated, "I said don't worry about it."

Why is he so cold hearted? He was so sweet and loving before all this happened. Then he went cold, he changed. I mean this metaphorically, but there has to be a way to thaw that cold heart of his.

"Whelp," he continues, "I'm going out on the rink. You coming?"

"Can you even skate?" I ask.

"Not at all!" He smiles, "but I have other means." Winter winds lift him just off the ground. "It's more fun than it looks," he comments, "wanna try?"

"Sure," I smile. I feel myself being lifted just off the ground. My feet feel completely weightless. I glide above the concrete effortlessly. Reaper jumps the fence into the ice skating rink.

"Come on," he smiles, he smiles for the first time in years, "you can make it. It's easier than you'd think."

I jump the fence with ease. He smiles again. "Fun isn't it?" He asks.

"It's an absolute blast," I smile.

"Well," he smiles, "let's skate." We skate side by side over the ice with ease. Every now and again, Reaper coughs a little, but it doesn't seem to serious. He seems so happy. I look at his hand. I what to hold his hand, to comfort him after all he's lost. Pull his thoughts back to this side of the fourth wall, but I may scare him off if I move to fast. That's a risk I'm willing to take if it means he can be happy. I take Reaper's hand.

I feel a warmth in my hand. I turn to look at The Metal Skinned. She holds my hands in hers. I should pull away, I don't have time for this. If she gets to close, I'll only lose her again, but... I don't want to. I don't want to let go. I want to hold her in my arms. I cough up blood again. I used all my mana training, so I can't keep up this blood-mana thing for much longer. I can't just ditch her though. Maybe we can pick up at the festival. Before I go though, I should leave a sign we're on good terms.

Reaper starts blushing. He's so cute when he gets flustered like this. He turns around and hugs me. I hug him back. Snow falls from the sky, but the cold can't change how warm Reaper has become, even if it's just for now.

"I gotta go," Reaper explains, "we'll pick up at th-" he coughs again, this time I see blood. I look at the elbow of his cloak sleeve. It's bloodstained.

"By the gods Reaper," I ask, "you haven't been using your blood for mana have you?"

"It was worth it," he replies, "to see you smile. I'll res in a few days. It's no biggie."

"You miss the festival!" I exclaim, "you have to stop!"

"It's alright," he smiles, "just don't worry about me." Reaper has a coughing fit and collapses. "Reaper!" I yell. He does not respond. I check for a pulse. It's weak, but it's there.

"Help!" I yell, "is anyone here a priest or a doctor!?! Someone!?! Anyone!?! Please my fiancé is dieing!" Whoops, glad he didn't hear that. I never actually purposed to him. "I mean boyfriend," I quickly correct myself.

Cyle Classic approaches. He checks Reaper's pulse.

"OK," he explains, "here's the deal. What almost killed him was not his overuse of mana, although that did play a roll in it, it was his health. What has he been sleeping outside for the last year?"

"His house did burn down last new year's," I reply, "and he did mention sleeping at the training grounds."

"Not good," Cyle Classic replies, "listien, take him back to your place or something, anywhere really. He's in very poor health. If it gets any worse, he may get caught in a death loop for years. Don't let him use magic, and don't let him train. Understood?"

"Yeah," I reply, "I got it."

"Great," Cyle Classic replies, "come on, let's get him back to your place."

We lift Reaper up and start walking. Cyle Classic helps me all the way to my house. "Oh," he stops me, "one more thing. You said fiancé. Why?"

"Can I trust you?" I ask.

"Of course," he replies.

I take the box from my pocket. "I was gonna purpose," I explain, "on the same day we were all killed."

"That is so sad," Cyle Classic comments, "don't worry though, I won't tell anyone. Have a good day M.S."

"Thanks," I reply, "you too." Cyle Classic leaves. I turn my skin metal to enhance my strength as I carry Reaper and set him on the couch. I get him a warm blanket and set it over him. He looks so peaceful as he sleeps. So happy. If only he wasn't so intent on killing gen. Maybe we could finally be together, and maybe, I hold the ring, I could finally ask...