Well that was adorably frank. Piccolo felt a blush work its way up his cheeks. What a silly thing to say! Never mind the fact that it was true... Piccolo wouldn't let anything happen to her so long as he was around to protect her. He didn't want anyone to get hurt and would protect anyone he could, but with her there was something more personal in that feeling, too. He spent time with her, conversed with her on a friendly basis, had formed an attachment to her--she was important and held a special place in his heart.

His grip was firm but gentle and it remained that way as they made their way past the rest of the ice bridge. Piccolo pointedly looked elsewhere than at Madoka as they moved forward. His face was carefully controlled--but he knew from the heat in his cheeks that the flush had probably made a visible appearance.

At the end, as Madoka took the last few steps off the bridge, Piccolo mumbled something quietly. "Of course you don't. As long as it's in my power, I won't let anything happen to you."