Aaaand another drabble :) I'd like to thank lunarshores for beta-ing my shitty story. U BE ZE BEZT!

Ace slid down the wall in a deserted, out-of-the-way hallway. He pulled his knees up to his chest, wrapped his arms around them and leaned his head against them. He tried to hold back the tears swimming in his eyes and clenched his jaw.

"Because, Ace… I think I'm in love with you."

Ace stared at Marco in shock. That wasn't what he had expected to hear when the First Division Commander had asked to talk to him. Marco leaned forward to brush his lips against the younger man's. When Ace didn't move, stunned, the blond placed one hand on his cheek and the other on the nape of his neck to pull him closer, coaxing a response out of Ace. The kiss turned more passionate.

That was when Ace's brain kicked in. He put his hands on Marco's chest, pushed him away and took a few steps back, looking at the other man with eyes filled to the brim with fear. He raised a slightly trembling hand to his lips. Fingers delicately caressed the place where, just moments ago, Marco's own lips had been.

"I- I'm sorry. I can't."

Ace turned on his heels and ran out the door.

He didn't deserve someone as good, as untainted, as pure as Marco. He couldn't. For most of his life, he'd been hated. Told he was worthless, meaningless. Unneeded. It was impossible for him to be with anyone. It had been hard to decide whether or not he should join this crew. This family. It had worked out in the end, but that didn't mean it always would.

Ace knew he would never be able to tell Marco everything and still be accepted. To reveal all of his secrets. He just couldn't see it happening…

Marco would definitely not accept him if he found out about his lineage. Sure, there were a few people who didn't care, but they were one in a million. It was unlikely he'd be able to find more, despite what Oyaji had told him.

He wouldn't be able to open up. And isn't that what you need in a real relationship? Knowing everything about your significant other? Sharing all of their joys, their worries, their pain? How would Marco ever be able to do that, if Ace couldn't tell him everything?

He was worthless. It would be better for everyone if he just wasn't around. He wouldn't be causing Marco so much pain.

He didn't know how long he stayed sitting like that on the floor. At one point or another, he might even have fallen into a light slumber.

He regained awareness when he heard footsteps coming his way. He didn't look up, instantly recognizing those heavy footfalls. The person- definitely Marco- sat down right next to him.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that," the blond stated. Ace shook his head, still not moving it from atop his knees.

"'T's alright. You didn't do 'nything wrong. I'm the one who's sorry," he mumbled. He could practically hear Marco turn his head to look at him.

"You don't have anything to apologize f-,"Marco started, but he was cut off.

"Yes I do! B-because I love you, too. I…I just… I can't do it! I can't be in a relationship with anyone!" He took a deep, unsteady breath. "If you knew who I really was, you wouldn't be able to accept me-" He broke off abruptly.

"Is that it? You just decided on your own that I wouldn't be able to accept you? Shouldn't that be my choice?" The moment Ace lifted his head Marco took his face into his hands. He flinched as the blond took in the sight of his red, swollen eyes. "I love the person you are, Ace. And nothing can ever change that."

Ace didn't move, his eyes searching the other's face for any sight of a lie. Coming up with nothing, he let them slip shut.

"You wouldn't say that if you knew…"

"Then tell me, Ace. What are you so afraid of me finding out?" It was now or never. Ace desperately tried to calm his breathing.

"M-My father… he was Gol D Roger." Ace waited for the inevitable, for the moment Marco would leave with a look of disgust on his face. Instead, he felt warm breath mingle with his, and once again Marco pressed his lips against Ace's own.

It convinced him more than words alone ever could. Ace stayed frozen in place, savoring the moment.

"Idiot. I told you- it doesn't matter…"

See? It has a happy ending... No promises that it's gonna stay that way, though.