Lance's P.O.V.

Ceris is limp in my arms as we emerge from the portal into my base. I panic and seal the portal behind us so the Nether can't get through. My forces should be able to hold out for a while without me.

I carefully place Ceris on my bed, checking her wrist for a pulse. I can't help the breath of relief that escapes my lips. Contrary to many people's incorrect beliefs, I never ever hated Ceris or wanted to kill her.

In fact, most don't know how hopelessly in love with her I was.

A massive shudder runs through her body and her eyelids flutter open weakly as I grasp her hand. She looks to me. "Lance...what the hell is going on?"

I swallow. "You're in bad shape. Naeus beat you up really badly," I climb to my feet and start grabbing medical supplies, turning my back to her. "You actually just passed out a minute ago."

"No, Lance, I mean...what on earth are you doing?"

I freeze. This is the question I knew was coming but was entirely unprepared for. "Uh..."

Ceris' P.O.V.

Lance freezes. Of course he doesn't want to answer. "Lance, look at me."

He turns slowly, his eyes meeting mine. They've changed a lot since I saw him last--instead of white and black, he has an Ender Eye now, the other a deep, midnight blue. I repeat myself; "What on earth happened?"

He takes in a breath. "I...was planning, for years, to invade the Nether to prove myself to you, especially when you sided with the Overworld and made the Nether your enemies," his eyes close for a moment. "When I heard that the Nether was invading the End, I lost no time opening the portal. It took longer than I wanted, but at least I got there," he opens his eyes again. "In the nick of time."

I fluttering races through my heart and I can't help but remember the feelings I had for Lance once...back before he threw himself into his study, loosing himself to the power of the End Crystals. I can't tell if getting that power is still his motive, but for the moment, he seems only concerned about me. "Lance--"

"Shh. Trust me, Ceris. I don't need to hear it. We both know what you're going to say, so there's no need for it."

I fall silent and watch as he tends to my wounds. I can feel the gentleness and care, and I'm not sure why, but it somewhat surprises me. He goes to wrap a bandage around my arm and my hand grasps his. His eyes meet mine again.

Lance's P.O.V.

Ceris' touch feels like lightning, causing me to freeze again. I don't know what she's up to, but it's kinda concerning me. "Ceris?"

"I'm done lying," she whispers. "I'm done trying to make myself believe something that isn't true. Lance, you just saved my life. You don't seem to be the same person from 200 years ago. In fact, you need to know..." she takes in a sharp breath. "You need to know that I...I had feelings for you, back then."

Everything stops as I notice her use of past tense. But then she smiles slightly at me. "I know what you're thinking. And no, Lance, those feelings are yet to disappear, for some odd reason."

I can't help the short laugh that escapes me and her smile widens. We look at each other several moments before she grabs me by my jacket and pulls me to her, capturing my lips in a kiss.

This is something I've been waiting for. For over 200 years.

A/N: I hope part two met some of your eager expectations guys! *nervous laugh*