[Shakes his head no mutely. If he was okay, he wouldn't be in a barn arguing about salt. Actually, given that he is Marco, he very well could be. But he still doesn't feel okay. He's annoyed with many things and nothing to do with all the pent up frustrations. Half of the emotions he is barely even acknowledging. He wants to protect his nakama and most of all, losing Ace again, not knowing how to get him back or just fix it only reminds him that he can't. That he's too weak, spread too thin. Even Marco the phoenix has limits and he's worried he's reached them. He worried that when Japan was sent back and losing Ace right afterwards seems like the scientists just wanted to see which would hurt him more. Or maybe they sent Japan home first and brought him back so he wouldn't freak out when Ace left. Or maybe...

He doesn't know anymore.]

I want to find freedom. No, it's more confusing than that. I want it with my family. I want to soar, but it's like each brother is a string to me. I want to carry them all, but I'm not... [Not strong enough. He wants to guard them. He misses them.]

I love you. [Leans his forehead against Japan's.] I want to be with you. But I do miss them. I have never gone a year away from them since I met them. Until this world, I hadn't been a month away. I can't figure things out and I still want to be strong enough for you. Understood?