Fall fit in Mammoth's arms like she belonged there. Her soft blue hair brushed against Mei's arms as she looked back to the Paladin and Angel. "Those are players that like to initiate combat against other players, right? But why on Mars would they attack the pair of you? You look more than strong enough to take out any group of people."

GoldenHair gave her a charming smile. Mei tightened her grip around Fall just a little. "We're not invincible, little faerie. If I am separated from Sylph, all of my healing abilities become half as effective, and her attack power is limited as well. It helps that the PKers brought the Boar King with them, along with a Crazed Nymph. We managed to take down the Nymph and most of the other players, but the Boar King locked onto me, and Sylph was literally dragged away. It was the perfect setup."

He frowned, looking down at his partner. "If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say they were watching us for some time before they struck. They didn't count on you two, though." His smile bloomed again. "Thanks for the rescue. You two have great timing."

"Anytime, Paladin." Mei glanced at her stats. "You're welcome to PM me later if you want, but we need to get going before the area resets. Fall and I don't have enough health left to run into a respawned boss right now." And I don't want you to keep smiling at my faerie like that, blondie.

"That's a great idea. I don't think Sylph would appreciate it if I got into another fight just cause I stuck around admiring the forest."

Fall chuckled at him, and Mei picked her up, sliding her arm under Fall's legs until the faerie was cradled in her arms like a princess. "Mammoth, wh-what are you doing?"

Mei smiled as she began the trek back to the portal. "You gave up a lot of your health for me, princess. Carrying you back to safety is the least I can do for it." Plus, your legs look like they're going to give out if you keep standing. Mei tightened her grip and picked up her pace. "You did great in that battle, Fall. You've come a long way since we first met." She felt Fall rest her head on her shoulder. The heat from Fall's face let Mei know that she was blushing.

"Thanks. That means a lot coming from you."

"Because I'm so attractive?"

Fall squeaked out a laugh. "Because you're a badass warrior goddess. I hope I can get even better. I want to be at your side in battle, and not be a liability."

Mei could hear her blood pounding in her ears. The forest around her seemed to slow down as the world focused on the weight in her arms. How could someone so important be so small? "You're a good partner, Fall. You gave your own health for me. I couldn't ask for more."

"It was a last-ditch effort. And I wouldn't have been alive long enough to do it if you hadn't taken on the Boar King practically alone. You were brave." The bitterness in her voice tugged at Mei's heart.

"You are the only reason we made it out alive. But if you want to be even stronger, then I'll help any way I can. We can train until you're the most badass warrior goddess there is."

Fall's voice was almost too quiet to hear. "I feel more like a goddess when I'm with you, Mei."

The portal came into view, but Mei looked down to meet Fall's serious blue eyes. "You are a goddess, Fall. And I'm sorry that our date was interrupted. I really wanted it to go well, and instead we ended up fighting for our lives. Not exactly the romantic outing I was hoping for."

Fall's lips turned up just the smallest amount. Her eyes warmed and she lifted a hand to Mei's cheek, tracing her fingers gently over Mei's skin. Mei leaned into the touch as she hopped up onto the platform that held the portal. "Next time, I'll do better."

"Next time?"

A chill went down Mei's spine. "U-unless you don't want to go on another date? I mean, it wouldn't be unreasonable, considering what just happened the first time. We got attacked by a boss, and you almost killed yourself to heal me, and I'm sure you're sore all over an—"

Fall interrupted her with a laugh. "Of course I want to go on another date with you! I was afraid you wouldn't want to go another one with ME!"

Mei felt herself relax. "Why wouldn't I want to date you, Fall? You're so sweet, and sassy. And not to mention crazy adorable."

"Adorable? I am not adorable! I am ferocious!"

Mei's laughter followed them through the portal, to the safety of the city, with the promise of next time in the air.

Author's Note: My apologies for the delay on this story. I moved house and things got away from me. I swear, they will kiss one day! What do you guys think of their budding feelings? Are things moving too quick? Not quick enough?

Is blondie a threat?  Will he return? Who knows?