From Marth's looks to his voice, Ike had fallen in love without hesitation.

Unfortunately, for Ike, it isn't easy to sweep Marth off his feet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

—Brawl—

Marth stood atop his castle as he looked out to see an incoming threat.

Among all the arrows, broken weapons, and remains across the landscape, he caught sight of a mysterious purple substance traveling towards him.

He slid his Falchion out of its sheathe and pointed it towards the sky, the tip glimmering as it shined bright.

Making his way to the enemies, fear had struck him, but he kept walking.

"There's too many of them..." Marth mumbled to himself as he paused in his tracks.

Out of nowhere, he heard someone rushing towards him at an alarming speed.

They quickly clashed swords, swinging at one another—finding an opening, only for it to be blocked.

The other ominous enemies were about to attack both Marth and this stranger. Luckily, they slashed the enemies behind each other's backs.

The two of them looked at each other in shock, realizing they had protected a complete stranger.

A few minutes pass by after fighting more enemies. Eventually, they all had fled, and a green cloaked figure was riding off on a silver platform.

Marth jumped with the help of his new ally and attempted to hit the figure, only to miss and barely land back on his feet.

Just when all hope could've been lost, a golden sword flew up into the air and spun. A new stranger hopped higher than the sword itself as he grabbed its handle and yelled, "Great Aether!"

The sword grazed the platform and cloaked figure as it quickly flew away as fast as it could.

Marth and his ally stared at the mysterious man in shock.

Getting off his knees, the man greeted with a smile and said, "Sorry about that. I saw you were both having a bit of trouble. I'm Ike, by the way."

Ike held his hand out for either one of the strangers to take.

Marth examined him from head to toe. Meta Knight,  however, immediately shook Ike's hand.

"Your help is greatly appreciated." Meta Knight thanked.

Marth narrowed his eyes at Ike as he carefully shook his hand. "Pleasure meeting you.. Ike. My name is Marth and this is Meta Knight."

"Nice to meet you too, Marth. Say, are you a prince, by any chance?" Ike asked, letting go of Marth's hand.

"Yes. Why are you asking?"

Ike shrugged. "At first glance, I could've sworn you were a princess."

Marth jerked his head back in offense. Meta Knight snickered to himself.

"Excuse me?" Marth questioned, his eyebrows furrowed.

"I'm pretty sure you heard what I said," Ike paused as he winked at Marth. "Princess."

Marth crossed his arms. "You better not call me that."

"Well, I'm not one to make promises." Ike replied, his head titled to one side.

Marth huffed as he looked away from Ike. "I doubt you're good at first impressions."

"Oh, god. Not at all." Ike agreed. He scoffed as he stuck his sword into the ground.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ever since he and Marth met, Ike couldn't stop himself from being attracted to the prince.

Once Smash 4 had rolled around, new feelings were developed.

Every now and then, Ike would flirt. But, of course, Marth would shake his head and dismiss him.

•••••••••

"Hey, Princess~ Looking good today."

Marth shot Ike a sideways glance as he turned his nose up and walked away. "Enough, Ike."

Ike chuckled as he caught up to Marth and began to walk next to him.

"Oh, come on. It's true, and you know it." Ike said, putting his hand on Marth's shoulder.

"No, I know it's true. It's false coming from you, though." Marth replied, shrugging Ike's hand away.

A soft laugh came from Ike as he grabbed Marth by the waist and pulled him closer, causing them to face each other.

"Give me a chance. One entire day—I can make you change your mind.."

Marth's eyes widened as his face flushed with red. He pushed Ike away from him and lightly coughed.

"Never in a millions years. And please, don't ever do that again." Marth muttered as he began to walk away.

"How about a billion years?" Ike called out.

"I said no!" Marth exclaimed, walking quicker.

~~~~~~~~~~

Even during lunch and dinner, Ike would continue his flirtations—which would fail, obviously.

As Marth sat down in one of the many chairs at the dining table, Ike quickly took the seat next to him.

Ike grinned as he rested his chin on his hand. "Hey, cutie~"

Marth huffed as he turned away from Ike. "That's not your chair."

"Oh, I know. Lucina allowed me to sit here." Ike replied, leaning closer to Marth.

"Did she really? I have a feeling you're lying."

To make matters worse for Marth, Lucina walked up behind the two of them and laughed.

"No, no. Ike's telling the truth. He really wanted to sit next to you—even in the same chair for some reason."

Marth eyes widened as he blushed. "What?!"

Lucina shrugged. "Don't ask me. Master Hand have made me and Ike trade spots. Now, I sit in Ike's chair."

Ike had a smug expression plastered onto his face as Marth groaned in annoyance.

A few minutes pass by and food was served. After Marth swallowed the food in his mouth, Ike raised his spoon in front of Marth's face.

"Go on. Eat up." Ike urged.

Marth looked at him, irritated. "Never. Get your spoon out of my face."

Ike inched his utensil closer. "I know you want to, Marth~"

The other fighters giggled at Ike's silly action as Marth blushed. The spoon was already in use. Why would he dare to put his own mouth on it?

Nevertheless, he sighed and opened his mouth as Ike placed his spoon inside—only to take it right back out.

As Marth gulped down the food, Ike asked, "How does it taste?"

Almost like Heaven..

"Disgusting. Don't do that to me ever again."

Ike chuckled as he handed Marth his spoon. "Here. I doubt you'd want me using this after your own spit was on it."

Marth shoved Ike's hand away as he glanced at the ground in embarrassment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While Marth was busy in a training room, Ike had passed by, but paused in his tracks.

He watched as Marth struck Sandbag relentlessly, each hit, stronger than the last. Clearly, Ike was amazed at how Marth truly fought.

And.. lucky for him, the view was amazing.

Marth's wasn't wearing his usual blue tunic, cape, and etc. Instead, he wore a dark blue undershirt, his regular gloves, as well as his leggings and boots.

Quite a revealing outfit, Marth. Tsk, tsk.

Without hesitation, Ike knocked on the door.

Not wanting to lose his focus, Marth exclaimed, "Come in."

As he struck Sandbag once more, the door opened to reveal Ike. Looking behind him, Marth's eyes widened as his heart dropped.

"What are you doing here?! Get out, I'm busy."

"I know. I just wanted to..." Ike paused as he examined Marth's appearance once more.

His eyes were fixated on Marth's bare arms and neck. Ike had never seen him show off so much skin.

"...watch you train." He finished.

Marth quietly gasped to himself as he gripped onto his arm. "Great. Now you're acting like a perv!"

"What? Me? No, of course not." Ike defended, shaking his head.

"If that's the case, you're just here to watch me train?" Marth questioned, raising his eyebrow.

"And to give you a few.. tips."

Marth crossed his arms. "Wow. What an amazing joke."

"Thanks. But anyway, I want to help you. Show me your stance." Ike instructed.

Marth sighed as he gripped the Falchion is his right hand, pointing it towards the wall.

"Someone could easily knock you down. Here," Ike began, standing behind Marth.

He had Marth in between his arms as he gently held Marth's hands.

"Grip your handle with two hands."

Marth's face burned. It was uncomfortable how close Ike was to his body, and yet.. he didn't try to stop him.

"Falchion... isn't meant to be held with two hands." Marth reminded, trying to keep calm.

"I know, but you'll get a better grip if it's held like this." Ike replied.

His hands traveled up to Marth's shoulders. A chill ran down Marth's spine.

"You're quite tense. Relax and drop your shoulders."

Marth exhaled as he lowered his shoulders.

"Since your foot stance is fine, keep your shoulders and waist lined up. Turn your body towards the wall."

Ike gently placed his hands on either side of Marth's hips.

"Good. Now, try hitting the sandbag. You should feel more power and safe."

Marth took a deep breath as he slashed the sandbag, creating a visible rip down the center.

Ike stared in awe as he examined the destruction that was caused.

"Woah..." He muttered.

Nearly out of breath, Marth turned to face Ike and questioned, "Well? Any thoughts?"

"That was.. amazing." Ike responded, rubbing the back of his neck.

Marth scoffed as wiped sweat off his forehead. "Thank you. Now, do you mind? I'd like some privacy."

Ike nodded as he made his way out of the room, still in shock.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Peach!" Marth called out, running after the blonde princess.

"Marth?" She mumbled. "Oh! What's the matter?"

Regaining his breath, Marth managed to say, "I need to talk to you—in private."

She nodded and followed Marth into an empty hallway.

"So.. what did you want to talk about?"

Marth hung his head low as he clutched his arm tightly. "It's... about Ike."

Peach gasped. "Did you two have—"

Marth immediately covered her mouth as he quickly shushed her.

"No! A-As if I would ever allow him to even do that to me." He responded, removing his hands from Peach's face.

"Hehe~ I was just kidding." Peach giggled. "But seriously, what did you want to tell me?"

"You know how Ike has been... flirting with me?" Marth began, looking at Peach for reassurance.

"Of course I do. It's not a surprise that everyone does, at this point."

While the royals were talking, Ike managed to hear their conversation. He wasn't much for eavesdropping, but since Marth was there, he couldn't stop himself.

He hid behind a pillar and listened closely.

"You seem so worked up about it, Marth. Don't be." Peach tried to say.

"I-I can't! I can't do this for much longer!" Marth exclaimed, gripping his wrist. "No matter how many times he flirts with me, it's like..."

"Like what?" Peach asked, wanting to hear more.

"It's like I almost want to... kiss Ike." Marth finished.

Peach's expression quickly switched to a shocked look.

"I'm so afraid to tell him how much I truly love him...  I fear that all this time, he's just been joking around."

Tears began to fall from Marth's eyes.

"What if he doesn't love me? I don't want this to be a dream! I don't want this to be a joke!"

"Then what do you want, Marth?" Peach asked.

"I... I just... want to be with him.

I want to tell him how much I love him... I want to hear him say it back to me."

Ike stood there in surprise, unable to process what Marth had said.

Those are... his true feelings? No, that can't be right.

Without being seen, Ike dashed towards his room to take a breather.

"He's told me many times that he doesn't love me back, but all this time, he has? I don't get it." Ike glanced at his ceiling.

"Why couldn't you just tell me from the beginning?"

~~~~~~~~~

After dinner was over, Ike headed to his room to rest for the night. However, before opening his door, a small piece of folded paper was lying on the floor.

Picking it up, Ike read the words written on it.

"Meet me at the top of the hill that isn't too far from the garden.

I know it'll take you awhile, so bring a jacket or sweater. It's a little chilly outside.

Don't bring anyone else with you.

I'll be waiting."

Ike stared at the letter in confusion. Nonetheless, he quickly grabbed a navy-blue jacket from his closet and headed out.

Once he made it to the garden, he walked along the stone path way, that led to a gate.

After a few more minutes, Ike saw a small hill up ahead. Once he made it to the top, he was surprised to see Marth sitting on the grass, gazing at the moon.

"Marth?" Ike muttered.

Startled, Marth jumped at the sudden sound of Ike's voice. He calmed himself down soon afterwards.

"Oh, Ike, it's just you.." He mumbled, looking at the ground. "So, you got my note, huh?"

"Yeah.. I, uh, I did."

There was an awkward silence until Ike sat down next to Marth. Ike softly chuckled as he took off his jacket and placed it around Marth's shoulders.

"And you told me to bring a jacket. Yet, you forgot your own."

Marth smiled shyly at the ground. "I didn't think I needed one."

"I think it's obvious that you do. Don't worry about me, though. I can handle the cold." Ike pointed out.

Marth fell silent. After a few short seconds, he looked up at Ike and sighed.

"Please forgive me for what I'm about to do.."

"What—"

Before a proper response could've been given, Marth quickly pressed his lips against Ike's and closed his eyes.

Immediate shock rushed over Ike's entire self. He couldn't believe what was happening in that very moment.

Hesitant, he gently kissed Marth back.

The moment felt so surreal.

The light breeze flowing through their hair as the grass danced, the moonlight shining bright on the duo, the feeling of each other's warmth emitting from their bodies...

Once they parted, they looked at each other with a loving stare.

Marth gulped as he opened his mouth to speak, taking a risk at his words.

"I... I love you, more than I can ever say. I know, for all the past times I've been rude to you, maybe it wasn't pleasant.

But... that's because I was too flustered, nervous, or embarrassed to do anything except deny you.

I'm sorry if.. I was too harsh."

Ike smiled as he gently held Marth's face is his hands.

"I love you too, Marth. Don't forget it."