As a member of the white blood cells and of the immune system in general, fighting and protecting was second nature to him. With his back to the cells that he wished to protect and his enemy to the front of him, 1146 made sure to lure the pathogen away from them. He hoped that with the distraction, 3803 would grasp the severity of her situation and leave the area.

With NC, of course.

However, as much as 1146 tried to keep the bacterium away from the building that was about to collapse, it seemed that the pathogen had the same idea as the determined neutrophil. While most bacteria boasted that they could be sly and have plans up their sleeve, this bacterium seemed particularly elusive and smug as they dodged each of the neutrophil's attacks.

Just what kind of bacterium was this?

"Hmmm, you would think that someone like you would be stronger, but you're so weak! I bet you that your little cell friends over there will get crushed by that pile of endothelial cells before you get to land one hit on me!"

1146 gritted his teeth. He snuck a look to check behind him and found that 3803 was holding NC to her chest, her features looking very concerned and fearful when the both of them locked eyes.

What was she…

Her voice rang out throughout the midst of the destruction.

"I can't move him! He's too injured!"

It was at that moment that 1146 realized that the cytoplasm pooling around NC was growing steadily larger. His normally white shirt had become absolutely bathed in the deep, dark red that the neutrophil was more than familiar with. Once upon a time, he had looked down at the cancerous cell, his sympathy allowing him the mercy to listen to Cancer's final words.

If U-1146 didn't act fast…

But wouldn't that solve a lot of problems that 1146 had? He would be rid of the thorn in his side, of the major player that played a role in 3803's kidnapping and mental torture (well, he assumed that must have happened).

But…

As 1146 continued to parry and slash wildly at the pathogen (both making sure that the monster didn't come closer to his dear red blood cell friend and that he could buy himself some time), he came across a thought that he didn't think beforehand.

Why was AE-3803 with NC? Why was she tending to his wounds?

A quick glance behind him showed him that 3803 was holding NC's hand and hunched over his figure. The way that she positioned herself, 1146 had a thought that maybe she was having a private conversation with the cell who was once her captor.

But why?

Why was she—

"Uh-oh! Perhaps I'm not trying hard enough!"

A tentacle wrapped itself around 1146's waist and before he could even think, had flung him high in the air. For a moment, 1146's breath caught in his throat as the pathogen not only did not pause in its advancement, but actually moved far closer than 1146 wanted towards the helpless cells that he was supposed to protect. With a grunt of pain, he landed in a roll and sprung up in a stance that he hoped would intimidate the bacterium from advancing further.

Seeing through his tricks and knowing that 1146 no longer had an advantageous position over the situation, the pathogen merely walked backwards until his back completely shadowed the fallen cells from view. Just before his vision was obscured, he caught sight of 3803 looking at him.

Her eyes were filled with fear and a plea.

A plea for help.

1146's grip on his knife tightened until he could feel his hands trembling from the exertion of tension that he had on his body.

"If you're not going to pay attention to me, then I might as well entertain the rest of the audience!" The pathogen whirled around and began to pounce.

At that moment, 1146 threw out everything pertaining to strategy and surged forward.

There was no time to think about the consequences.

There was no time to think about why 3803 was helping out NC.

There was no time to wonder why NC was injured in the first place.

No time.

Instead, 1146 ran so fast he had become a blur and with one mighty roar, he retracted his arm and plunged his knife into the gut of the creature. Thick, viscous cytoplasm spat out of the wound while the pathogen wailed in misery. However, 1146 wasn't done.

As punishment for putting 1146 in a position that jeopardized not only the life of one of his closest friends, he could have potentially have not done his job properly. Cursing silently, 1146 aimed for the neck and neatly sliced off the appendage until the head rolled away onto the floor.

As much as 1146 wanted to rest his weary limbs, the building still looked worse for wear. Stumbling forward, he rushed towards 3803's side and assessed the situation.

It was simultaneously worse and better than he thought. While NC was definitely suffering from serious injuries, the bleeding was staunched by the combination of his shirt, 3803's jacket, and a few rolls of gauze that 3803 had on her person. 1146 continued to check for external injuries on the non-cancerous cell before turning to 3803.

His breath stilled.

Now he knew why 3803 couldn't move.

Her leg was stuck under a mass of endothelial cells and what appeared to be a spike jutted from the midst of her cell membrane. Even if 3803 had the strength to move the debris (which she definitely had under normal circumstances and not when the pain was too overwhelming), the spike must have hindered her from doing so… Thankfully, it appeared that she didn't try to remove it, which would have run the risk of causing more harm than good.

"Are you…" He swallowed and looked away, his hand bringing the brim of his hat down so that he didn't see the look of concern and thankfulness that was on her face.

"Mr. Neutrophil…" Her voice petered out and it was then that the neutrophil realized that she was still hovering over the prone form of NC.

"It's okay," he whispered. He didn't know why he kept his voice soft, but maybe it was for her sake? Whatever the reason, 1146 made sure to remain close to the both of them.

A part of him wondered if he should allow himself to be so close to the cell who had told him to let her be only a few moments ago, but another part of him didn't care much. What really mattered was that both 3803 and NC were doing well and that he saved them from the inevitability of death. Even if a part of him still felt like a failure, he at least could do that much.

After a brief moment, 1146 fully situated himself in front of 3803 and bent his forehead low to the ground. In this state, he was truly showing himself as submissive by prostrating himself to show his humblest apologies. But it was something more than that. 1146 desperately wanted to tell 3803 through his actions that what he did wasn't right.

He wasn't just apologizing for his actions.

He was apologizing for his way of thinking.

He was apologizing for his inability to help during that first incident in which he had failed her the first time.

He wanted—needed—to apologize.

"If you want me to leave once reinforcements arrive, I will." His voice cracked and his tone wavered, but he kept his eyes closed and his forehead steady on the ground. He drew a long, heavy breath, before saying, "I… I was wrong in my judgments and in my actions. I severely underestimated your capability to do things by yourself and I should have asked you if you needed help in the first place. I made a… lot of mistakes."

1146 paused, wincing a little at himself.

Mistakes… He shouldn't have made those mistakes.

"You don't have to forgive me, Miss Red Blood Cell." 1146 raised his head slightly from the ground, but didn't look at his dearest friend. He felt that he didn't deserve that honor just yet. He wasn't worthy and it was only up to 3803 that she would find it within herself to do that. "I only hope that we can remain friends in the future should you find—"

Small, ungloved hands slowly took off his cap and began caressing his hair. Despite himself, 1146 found himself looking up in confusion. Was this NC?

But, no.

No, it wasn't the former cancerous cell.

Instead, it was 3803 who looked down at him with a look of sympathy and pain in her eyes. Both of her hands combed through his locks of sweaty, matted down white hair until they traveled down to his cheeks. There, her hands cupped him gently, the pads of her thumbs wiping away the tears that were trailing down his cheeks.

In shock, 1146 straightened up and grasped her wrists—not tightly, but as if to remind himself that she was touching him, allowing this moment to grow between the both of them.

Slowly, she leaned in close to him and pressed her forehead close to his, their noses just barely touching. For a moment, they simply breathed each other in until her golden hued eyes closed.

Through barely opened lips, she whispered, "Has anyone ever told you that you're an idiot?"

Her fingers grasped the back of his head so that her eyes could meet his—their gazes were now equal, they could clearly see each other and communicate how they truly felt.

1146, for the first time, allowed himself to simply breathe without even thinking. A long, pent out sigh left his lips and he smiled gently at her.

"I do believe that U-4989 and U-2001 are quick to call me that on most occasions." He scrunched up his face. "Come to think of it, U-2626 isn't that far behind when it comes to insulting me either."

3803 huffed a laugh. "Then you should know that you simply worry too much." Her face darkened and she pulled away just a bit. Saddened by her sudden movements, but understanding all the same, 1146 allowed her the action. "What I said earlier… That wasn't fair of me. I haven't been opening up to…." She shook her head, her cheeks darkening as she looked away. "Well, I haven't up to many cells, especially you."

1146's voice caught in his throat.

"Can you forgive me as well?"

Despite the seriousness of the situation, 1146's laughter rang out throughout the mangled landscape that surrounded them. His laughter was low, almost rumbly before becoming drawn out and bellowing. 3803, at first, was speechless, but she, too, began to laugh in hysteria as well.

"We're both idiots aren't we?"

1146 swept her up in her arms, the young red blood cell initially stiffening upon contact, but slowly melting into his embrace as he murmured, "Of course, Miss Red Blood Cell, I forgive you. Really, I should be asking you—"

1146's breath caught in his throat as her arms tightened their hold on him.

"Silly man," she mumbled into the crook of his neck, the breath of her whisper causing shivers and goosebumps to rise upon his length of skin. "Of course I forgive you."

For a moment, they simply held each other.

For now, when all misunderstandings were cast aside and they were finally seeing eye to eye, they could simply breathe and live in the moment.

Well, until—

"Good to… know that—" A harsh, wracking cough that had 1146 wincing in sympathy. "—you two… are doing great."

Immediately, both cells sprung away from each other and assessed NC's situation. While not as dire as 1146 had assessed from earlier, he was becoming paler by the moment. Concerned, 3803 dropped to NC's side and remained close, but not as close as to accidentally brush against his skin by accident.

"Mr. Normal Cell! Please save your strength—"

NC's laughed just a tad too bitterly for 1146's taste, but the neutrophil remained silent.

"You're way too kind for your… own good, eh? Little Miss…" He stiffened, almost as if he was biting down his tongue for his slip up before adding, "Always so polite even when…"

1146 rested a hand on top of NC's bicep. Obediently, the normal cell fell silent, but there was a broad smile of… something on his face.

"Rest now, NC. We won't leave you."

NC's smile slackened as sleep began to overpower his senses.

"T-thank… you…"

As the trio finally breathed out a sigh of relief, there was a thudding of boots and the cheerful cries of reinforcements from behind them.