(This is a sequel to my other one-shot, "Please, don't leave."

It has been requested by @Rafael9960

Thanks for the request! You asked, so I will deliver.

Enjoy reading!~)

•••••••

As they sat on the rooftop together, recollection flashed in Marth's eyes.

"I.. I shouldn't have done that." He mumbled.

Ike looked over at him, eyebrows raised.

"It's fine, Marth. I understand the sudden urge to just... end it. Trust me, I know how it feels."

Marth's eyes widened. He turned to face Ike, worried.

"What do you mean?! Have you done this before?!"

Ike looked away in shame. "Yeah.. I've tried. But every time, I kept thinking of you."

"Wh-What..?" Marth muttered.

Ike laughed awkwardly as he put his hand to his forehead.

"I'm so embarrassed. Every attempt I did, you always popped into my head.

Things like, 'I'll never see him again,' 'I won't see his smiling face anymore,' or even 'I can't.. create a future with him.' "

Marth blushed.

Ike looked over at Marth, hanging his head low. He laughed once more.

"It's dumb, isn't it? I care about you so much, Marth.  Even to the point where I started to think of you—not only in those scenarios, but all the time.

Sitting next to you when we're in the dining hall, training or in tournaments, and many other things.

Alongside all the rumors, I was going to tell you my feelings towards you tonight, so I went to your room.

When I found out you weren't there, I ran as quick as I could around the mansion in other places.

Halfway through my scout, I realized that there might only be one place you'd go.

I didn't expect to see you up here, but when I did, I saw you ready to fall.

I couldn't... just let you die."

Marth put his hand on Ike's shoulder and smiled weakly.

"Thank you for stopping me. I suppose I only thought about myself. I'm sorry for scaring you.."

Ike smiled back. "It's alright. I'm just glad you're still here."

Unexpectedly, Ike pulled Marth into a tight embrace.

"If you left, it'd be hard on my own. I wouldn't see your beaming smile everyday." Ike admitted.

Marth wrapped his arms around Ike and started to shed tears.

He couldn't help himself. Ike's kind and honest words had touched Marth in his heart.

"...Ike. I know this is sudden, but.. I love you."

They pulled away from each other.

"You mean it?" Ike asked.

Marth nodded. Ike giggled and pulled him back into a hug.

"With all my heart." Marth finished.

They kept this position for awhile until Ike loosened his grip.

He looked down at Marth, the moonlight shining on Marth's eyes, making them a bright blue.

Ike sighed as he looked away. "Hey, if it's ok with you, I want to find out who started all these rumors."

Marth nodded. "I don't mind."

"Thanks Marth. Now, we should probably head down." Ike replied.

After Marth gathered up his armor, cape, and other things, the 2 of them headed back inside the mansion.

Once they made it back down, Ike was worried for Marth.

He didn't want Marth to go back out and try again. Although his words seemed convincing, it might not have been enough.

"Hey, Marth? I don't want to seem weird, but I'd rather you sleep with me for tonight.

I'll keep you company, I promise."

Marth's eyes widened. "You want me to.. sleep with you?"

"Yes, I do. I'm worried that you'll go back to the roof and... well... try again." Ike responded, scratching the back of his neck.

Marth pouted. "You worry about me that much?"

Ike's cheeks flushed a light pink. "I do. Without you, it's be hard to deal with an empty feeling everyday.

I wouldn't.. I.. I-I wouldn't be able to.."

Ike's voice trailed off. He got quieter and struggled to continue. Tears were forming in his eyes.

Immediately, Marth started to worry. He quickly grabbed Ike's hand and tried to make eye contact.

"Hey, look at me, please."

Tears still flooding his vision, Ike looked up.

Marth smiled warmly at him as he pulled Ike closer. "You don't need to fret. I'm here. I'm here..."

Standing on his tip toes, Marth gently kissed Ike's forehead and chuckled.

"From now on, I'll always be with you. Okay?"

Ike nodded.

"Now, If I'm going to be sleeping your room tonight, I'll need to get some clothes first. Is that alright?" Marth questioned, slightly tilting his head.

"Sure." Ike replied, wiping away his tears.

"Come now," Marth said, still holding Ike's hand, "I told you that I wouldn't leave you."

As they walked over to Marth's room, Ike waited outside as Marth packed an extra pair of his normal attire and clothes for the night.

He packed his clothes into a small shoulder bag and greeted Ike outside.

"Alright. I'm ready."

Ike grinned as he grabbed Marth's hand. "Let's go."

Walking over to Ike's room, the few candle lights on the walls helped the dark mansion not seem creepy.

Upon arriving at Ike's room, he opened it for Marth and let him walk in first.

Although it was the same size as every fighter's room, each fighter got to furnish it the way they wanted.

However, Ike's room had almost looked untouched.

All that was there was a bed, his closet to the right of the bed, a bedside table with a lamp, and a bathroom on the left.

But, a few picture frames were hung up on the walls.

Such as Ike, Marth, and Meta Knight on Brawl's battlefield.

There was a sneaky picture that Marth remembers Roy taking when Ike hugged both Byleths.

One of them had Ike and Marth sitting next to each other under a umbrella taken during the Smash beach trip.

Another picture had Ike holding, what was supposedly his phone, with the Fire Emblem bunch making funny poses or faces.

While Marth was admiring the pictures, Ike had set up the bed for the 2 of them.

Of course, it wasn't going to be overly romantic or anything.

"Do you mind if I change in the bathroom?" Marth questioned, holding his PJ's in his hands.

"Not at all." Ike answered. "I'll just change in my closet."

After a few minutes, the 2 of them had sat down on Ike's bed.

Marth looked over at Ike's confused, "You aren't going to sleep yet?"

Ike shook his head. "After you fall asleep, then I'll do the same. I'm supposed to watch over you."

"Well, alright then.." Marth mumbled, changing his position from sitting to lying down.

Soon enough, Marth had fallen asleep and now it was Ike's turn.

He carefully lied down and closed his eyes.

—The next morning—

Marth had awaken first. The thing is, when he tried to get up, something was holding him back. Literally.

Apparently, during their slumber, Ike had wrapped his arms around Marth's stomach, making it hard for Marth to get up.

Tapping Ike's hands gently, Marth mumbled, "Ike? It's the morning, we should probably go eat breakfast."

A muffled groan came from behind Marth.

"Please? I know you're still tired, but it's almost time to eat." Marth continued.

Suddenly, Ike's grip loosened and Marth got up. He walked over to the other side of the bed and helped (but actually forced) Ike get up.

The 2 of them changed into their white attire and headed for breakfast.

While walking to the dining hall, however, the mansion didn't seem as bright as it usually would in the morning.

Turns out that it was beginning to rain and the clouds were blocking the sun.

As Marth and Ike passed by a few fighters, they either picked up their pace, slowed down, or started whispering to each other.

Immediately, Marth started feeling insecure and walked closer to Ike.

Luckily, Ike had noticed these actions from Marth and grabbed his hand, tightly.

He whispered to Marth, "It's gonna be ok. Just don't make eye contact and stay with me."

Marth nodded as he kept looking straight ahead.

Soon enough, everyone had sat down at the table. Food was already served, so everyone dug in.

The thing is, every time Marth tried to get a serving of food to put on his plate, another fighter took it before he could.

Since this kept happening, Ike had to end up getting the food for Marth, because nobody stole from Ike.

Once breakfast was over, all the fighters besides Marth and Ike, had left.

Not even Master Hand or Crazy Hand were there.

This meant that the 2 of them were on cleaning duty, even though their job wasn't today.

Ike gathered up the plates and utensils for Marth to wash.

After this, they did some touching up with the dining hall to make sure it looked clean and then headed to the training rooms.

Not many fighters were there, so Ike and Marth had a room for themselves.

The 2 of them sat on the floor, tired from cleaning.

After a few minutes of relaxing and calming down, Ike turned to Marth.

"We have to find out who's been spreading these rumors." Ike started to say.

Marth looked away. "How are we supposed to do that if no one even wants to be around me?"

Ike put his hand on Marth's. "Do you trust me?"

Marth raised an eyebrow. "With what?"

"Nothing specific, but do you trust me?"

Marth looked at the floor, thought for a moment, then looked back up at Ike. "Yes. I do."

"Well, I was thinking—since the fighters won't be around you—I could go by myself and ask around." Ike replied.

"But won't they not like you either, since you're 'on my side'?" Marth questioned.

"Don't worry. I know a way to get them to talk." Ike reassured Marth. "I promise."

Marth looked at Ike, doubt in his eyes.

Ike smiled as he put his hand on Marth's chin. "I would never lie to you."

A faint blush appeared on Marth's cheeks as he gulped silently and replied, "A-Alright then. Good luck."

Ike stood up and walked over to the door. Before leaving, he glanced at Marth and smiled warmly.

As Ike walked towards the rooms of the fighter's he started to feel a pit in his stomach.

"What if I can't help Marth?"

"What if I won't be able to persuade the fighters to tell me?"

"What if I can't find out who started these rumors?"

"What if...."

"No." Ike said to himself, shaking his head. "I'm doing this for Marth. No one's here for him besides me. I have to help him."

After a few hours had passed, Ike managed to gather up a bit of information that Marth might be able to help him decipher.

Walking back into the training room, he saw Marth sitting in the corner, leaning his head against the wall.

It was as if the light in his eyes was dimming, slowly getting darker and darker, until no light was visible.

As Ike remembers, Marth used to be this cheerful person who would welcome new fighters with open arms.

Just like he once did for Ike.

Everyday, Marth would wear a smile on his face, greeting all the fighters good morning.

Now, he's quiet, and doesn't want to talk to anyone. Except Ike, of course.

Ike kneeled down in front of Marth and smiled. "I've got some good news."

Marth looked at Ike and weakly smiled back.

"I couldn't do it all on my own, so I'll need your help." Ike explained.

He pulled out a piece of paper from his belt pocket and handed it to Marth.

Marth read the paper as Ike watched his expression go from dull, to nearly lifeless.

•Well, I don't like talking about Marth, but just because I don't like him doesn't mean I started all those "rumors."
—Shulk

•"Listen, that kid has done some bad stuff last I heard of him, but don't go making assumptions that I started all this.
—Snake

•"Consider talking to Roy. Last I heard, he and Marth have started to drift apart a little. Maybe it was him."
—Daisy

•"Well, sure. Me and Marth don't talk anymore, but that doesn't mean I hate him. I'm just getting a little scared of him.

If you really want info, talk to Peach. I heard she's started hating Marth ever since he stole from her shop."
—Roy

•"I'm still mad at Marth for stealing some of my jewelry.

I have proof! I usually have around 30-50 necklaces in the back of my shop, but now I only have 10!

Although, I do know that Marth has been having a bit of a rivalry with Link."
—Peach

•"Yeah, yeah. Me and Marth don't really get along, but I wouldn't do something as to spread rumors.

Besides, how do you even know they're rumors?

Hm. It doesn't matter. If you really want information of people who don't exactly like Marth, try talking to people like Dark Pit and Pit.

Do you realize that they've been acting closer than they usually do? I'm just saying."
—Link

•"Me and Pittoo?! Just because of one or more arguments we've had with Marth doesn't mean that we'd "gang" up against him"
—Pit

•"Listen, I don't like Marth, but I don't despise him either.

You want answers? Talk to Lucina. She's been furious with Marth ever since she thought that Marth wanted to kill her."
—Dark Pit

•"Hero-King Marth and I have been through some stuff in the past.

But that doesn't just flat out mean I hate him.

I'm just worried that he'll kill me. Be careful, he could kill you too.

Oh, and try talking to Zelda. I don't think those 2 got along ever since she rejected Marth's confession."
—Lucina

•"I rejected Marth. Yeah, whatever. I've gotten over it.

Rejections are normal. He should just learn to accept it. But hey, I'm not hating on him.

If you really want someone who hates him, talk to Kamui."
—Zelda

•"Now hold on a minute. Don't you think that Marth is a bit overrated?

Sure, he's the most popular among the F.E bunch, but that doesn't mean any of us hate him.

You don't hate him, I don't hate him. None of us do.
I just don't exactly like Marth ever since I've started over hearing certain information about him."
—Kamui

Marth stared at the paper. After a few minutes, he looked up at Ike, sadly.

"It was a team effort. It wasn't just one person."

Ike's eyes widened.

"Did you talk to everyone?" Marth continued.

Ike nodded. "It's just that some others kept talking for a long time, so I didn't write them down.

Besides, they weren't even talking about you. They were just talking about random things."

Marth stood up as he headed for the door. Ike quickly got up and followed after him, not saying a word.

After walking for a bit, they arrived in front of the hands' offices.

Knocking on both doors, soon enough, both Master and Crazy Hand came out.

"Oh. Marth..." Crazy Hand mumbled.

"Is there...something you need?" Master Hand asked.

"I need you to help me find out who's been spreading these rumors.

I have my suspicions that it was a team of fighters who spread these lies." Marth explained, giving Master Hand the paper.

After examining the paper, Crazy Hand turned to Ike. "You wrote this?"

Ike nodded. "I tried to gather information from every fighter."

"Ah, I see." Crazy Hand mumbled to himself.

"Wait here, Marth and Ike. We also have our guesses. I can agree with you that it was a team of fighters." Master Hand informed.

As the 2 hands floated away, Marth sat down on one of the chairs placed outside the offices.

Ike took the seat next to him.

Hanging his head low, Marth looked down at his clasped hands and started to tear up.

Soon enough, he started to sob. Ike looked over at Marth and became flooded with worry.

Getting up from the chair, he stood in front of Marth and sat on his knees.

"Hey.." Ike started.

Tears falling down his face, Marth looked at Ike.

"What will happen if we can't find out who did this? What if the fighters avoid me forever? What am I supposed to do?"

Ike stood up and held Marth's hand. "You'll still have me, I promise. Even if no one will accept you, I will."

More tears flooded Marth's view. He quickly stood up from the chair and threw himself into Ike's arms.

Choking through his sobs, Marth said, "P-Please don't leave me! I...I won't have anyone left if you do!"

Ike slowly rubbed Marth's back as he rested his head on Marth's.

"I won't leave you. No matter what happens, we'll do it together. Even if it seems hopeless." Ike soothed.

Marth gripped tightly onto Ike's cape as he kept crying.

Every now and then, Ike would try his best to comfort Marth, telling him that they'll do anything and everything together, no matter the outcome.

After a few minutes, Marth had managed to calm down. They sat together waiting for the hands to come back.

Ike kept holding Marth's hand to reassure Marth that he was still there for him.

Soon enough, the hands came back with a few fighters. The figures were blurry at first, but once they got closer, Marth and Ike realized who they were.

Peach, Lucina, Daisy, Zelda, and Corrin.

Both swordsmen were surprised to see only the princesses together.

Then, that's when it hit Marth.

They were princesses, and Marth was a prince.

For awhile now, Marth has been the most famous royal fighter known, and yet these girls barely get any attention.

The only started these rumors because of their jealousy. To get back at Marth, they made all these fake lies so Marth couldn't be so popular.

Thankfully, Ike was thinking the same thing.

"These girls have told the truth and said that they were the ones who started the rumors." Crazy Hand informed.

Lucina looked over at Marth and sighed. "It's true. Marth, I'm... I'm so sorry. I.. er, we just wanted to be popular."

The others nodded.

"You've always been the popular royal and it wasn't always fair for us. So... we tried to make you less popular." Peach added.

"We apologize, Marth. If you don't want to forgive us, it's understandable." Lucina said.

Marth took a deep breath and glanced at Ike.

Ike nodded and smiled.

Looking back at the girls, Marth replied, "It's alright. I know where you're all coming from and I accept your apology.

Now, can you at least help me undo all these lies?"

The girl's eyes lit up one by one. They agreed to assist Marth and Ike in fixing their mistakes.

A few hours had passed and soon enough, everything was restored.

The group of princesses apologized once more.

Although there were a few fighters who still believed the lies, as time passed, everyone soon forgot about it.

One day, when fighters were training outside in the garden, Marth sat on top of the hill, looking at the sun as it ever so slowly started to set.

"Room for one more?" A voice had asked.

Marth looked behind him to see Ike, smiling.

"Of course." Marth replied.

As Ike sat down next to Marth, he followed his gaze and looked over at the sun.

"I know I shouldn't bring this up, but do you remember what happened a few months ago?" Ike questioned.

Still looking at the sun, Marth responded, "Yes. What about it?"

"I just... wanted to say thanks."

Immediately, Marth turned his attention towards Ike, who was struggling a bit on his words.

"For what?" Marth had asked.

"For... not doing it that night. To this day, I still don't know what I would do if I hadn't made it in time."

Marth giggled, looking back at the sun.

"I'm glad that you stopped me, Ike. I really am.

I forgot to thank you for being there for me when I needed you. All those times I cried, you dealt with it and made me feel better."

He turned to face Ike once more.

"I can't ask for anything better than to be with you through tough times."

Ike smiled as Marth leaned his head on Ike's right shoulder.

"I'll face anything that stands in your way." Ike muttered. "Just call for me, and I'll help."

"Do you promise...?" Marth questioned, his voice getting softer.

"I promise." Ike mumbled, putting his arm around Marth.