[Kisses back without opening his eyes. It was easy to joke, to act, to pretend like his own feelings didn't exist, always covered up in sheets of lies of indifference. But of course he still had them. Cried at losing Ace and Whitebeard, even with the whole of Marineford watching. He was focused on helping Ace figure out what Ace wanted, but Marco already knew what he himself wanted. And how to get it.]

No. [Kisses back harder, so much more insistently, and pins Japan against something without even looking.] Don't apologize for things I want. No regrets. [Pulls back momentarily and looks Japan over.] I need him to figure out what he really wants and know it for sure. [Nibbles on Japan's throat with small nips and bites, a hand threatening to undo the collar if not stopped. The word flow appears jammed again however.]