Right In Front Of You

A Starco Fanfic

By C. Danby

Castle Interior – Ballroom

Stars POV.

Star couldn't believe this was happening again. She was over this wasn't she? Marco left her to be with Jackie on Earth, she moved on. So why do I feel this way? Star thought to herself.

The object of her confusion was currently dancing with her friend Kelly. Marco looked like he was enjoying himself, and so was she… sort of. She had to admit, once the whole Stump business was over and done with, the party was *really* sweet. Marco cared for her a lot, she could see that.

Star shook her head, that doesn't mean anything, Jackie dumped him, he just crash landed back into my life because he needed his bestie, doesn't mean anything. Her inner monologue was starting to annoy her, her dance partner cocked his head and raised an eyebrow

"Everything okay Starship?" Tom asked

"Yeah, I'm fine, it's just late. After all it's gone midnight"

"Time flies when you're having fun… or nearly dying" Tom chuckled

"Yeah.. Yeah I guess it does" Star said with a small smile

"Want me to get rid of everyone for you? We could just be alone.." Tom gave a cheeky smirk as his fist engulfed itself in flames.

"No Tom that's not necessary!" she chuckled.

He has changed. Star blinked as her inner voice butted it's nose in again. He's not the Tom you broke up with… Then again, he isn't Marco either. Star furrowed her brow and ground her teeth, this wasn't fair. She shouldn't be feeling like this! Tom has been so sweet, he doesn't deserve this...Oh come on who are you kidding Star? You barely see him anymore, you're not invested in this relationship. You keep telling yourself it's because of your duties, that you're busy reconciling Monsters and Mewmans… But really you're just not that interested, face it. Star sighed.

"I'm.. gonna go to bed Tom. Could you let everyone know where I disappeared to?"

"Sure Star.. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine Tom. Goodnight" Star quickly stood on her toes and gave him a kiss goodnight, much to Toms pleasant surprise.

"Goodnight Starship…"

Marcos POV

Marco looked up from his sword hand dance, a sudden feeling of concern made his eyes seek out Star. There. He saw her talking to Tom across the room, she seemed a little down if her face was any indication. Then he saw her kiss Tom and leave. Well that was fun. He thought to himself. I wonder why she went though… He blinked. Not your concern man. She's with Tom, it's not your place to stick your nose in.

"Marco?"

Marco snapped back to reality with a blink and realised he'd frozen in the middle of the sword hand dance. He looked like a ridiculously placed statue. He saw Kelly looking at him with a concerned expression.

"There you are, thought I'd lost you for a second there" Kelly smiled

"No of course not, just had a weird feeling" Marco cast his eyes downwards, as if he was trying to figure out what it was

You know what it was.. Yeah, well, I'd rather the whole castle didn't find out he told himself.

"Hey where's Star?" Kelly was looking around the room.

"Oh I think I saw her leave a moment ago, she probably went to bed" Marco replied nonchalantly

Might as well act the part he thought.

Kelly cocked her head and raised her eyebrow a little. Yeah she's not buying it.

Tom was walking towards them now, Marco's eye betrayed him with a slight twitch. Tom didn't seem to notice. Kelly on the other hand did, but wisely chose not to say anything.

"Starship has gone to bed guys, she was pretty tired"

"Well can you blame her? We nearly died an hour ago!" Kelly chuckled

"Yeah, anyway I guess we should all start making our way home now" Tom replied.

The party wound down quickly, doggie bags were taken, most of the cake was gone by the time Tom and Marco were the only two left in the ball room. The fire in the mantle had quietened to embers now and a soft crackle could be heard from the remains.

"So, see you soon Tom, I guess" Marco said somewhat disingenuously. We're friends, I don't want these feelings to get in the way of that do I? He asked himself. But the jealousy.. it's so strong. I hate this!

"Yeah you too Marco" Tom smiled and in a flash of fire and brimstone was gone.

Marco stood alone in the ball room.

"Hopefully not too soon…" he said to the empty spot. He sighed. He didn't deserve that Marco.

Marco turned around and trudged towards the doors, his thoughts were over-crowded, and he really needed to sleep.

He found himself outside Stars room and he stopped. I thought I was heading to bed? He looked at her door. Boys allowed he read. He'd always smirked at that in the past but now it just made his heart heavy. Is she still awake? He wondered, maybe I should just tell her... He placed his hand against the warm wood and pressed his forehead against the door and listened.

Nothing. Oh well he sighed. He wasn't going to wake her, not after her quiet departure earlier, it could wait a little longer.

"Star" he whispered, so quietly he barely heard himself

"I lo…" He jerked backwards and almost yelled when the door opened suddenly. Star stood in the glow with her arms crossed staring daggers at him.

"What on Mewni do you think you are you doing Marco?"

"Uh.. nothing.. I was just listening to see if you were asleep" he quickly replied

"Well I'm not, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't creep around outside my room in the middle of the night Marco Diaz"

"I wasn't creeping around!" he defended

"Well that's what it looks like. Now go to bed it's late and you've got squire duties in the morning" Star commanded.

"Yes m'lady" hah, I know she hates that.

Marco thrust his hands into his hoodie pocket and stormed off down the corridor, muttering under his breath. What the hell was I thinking?

Stars POV

Star lay on her bed staring at the posters attached to the four poster bed roof. Love Sentence was prominent. She sighed. That was mine and Marcos thing. She pressed the balls of her hands into her eyes and groaned. So what? It was his and Jackies thing too after that stupid concert.

Star sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Jackie isn't a thing anymore Star, Marco is single. And? It's not as if that means anything, I'm with Tom, and I can't just leave him for Marco that's cruel, and it would ruin everything he's worked for if I break his heart… Not to mention Marco doesn't feel that way about me anyway… Does he? I mean he's been acting a little odd around Tom ever since we went to see the soul-rise, not to mention me…

Star dug her fingernails into her palms, stood up and put her favourite boots on again, the ones with the horn and teeth motif. I need to talk to him she thought as she moved towards her door. Maybe he's still up.

Star opened the door and quickly covered her surprise at Marco nearly falling backwards. What the hell? What was he doing outside her bedroom at this hour? She crossed her arms.

"What on Mewni do you think you are doing Marco?" She was angry now, How dare he spy on me? She thought to herself angrily.

"Uh.. nothing.. I was just listening to see if you were asleep" He stammered

To see if I was sleeping? What the hell did he think I was doing? It's my bedroom.

"Well I'm not, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't creep around outside my room in the middle of the night Marco Diaz" Okay why are you so angry… Marco was probably just checking up on you since you left so suddenly earlier. Ugh. That's not the point! He's creeping around! She argued with herself.

"I wasn't creeping around!" What is that? Wait is he.. Is he blushing?

"Well that's what it looks like. Now go to bed it's late and you've got squire duties in the morning" And I'm gonna make sure they're unpleasant Marco Diaz… just you wait.

"Yes m'lady"

She watched Marco storm off down the corridor, as soon as he rounded the corner her stern face cracked and she frowned. He knows I hate that… What *were* you doing Marco? She sighed and went back inside her room, closing the door behind her.

"Well that went well" She said to the empty room. Apropos of nothing Star, good job. You were a little hard on him.. Yeah well why shouldn't I be, he's my squire, he's supposed to… supposed to.. Supposed to what? Look out for your welfare? Which is pretty much exactly what he was doing. Star winced as she realised she'd just gotten angry with him for technically doing his job. Well if you're trying to push him away, you just succeeded. Star ran to her bed and buried her head in her pillow, she screamed into it.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid!"

She rolled over and spread her arms out over the bed. I'll apologise tomorrow, it'll be fine, Marco would always forgive her, she knew that. Star took her boots off and crawled into bed, as she drifted off to sleep hugging her pillow she did what she always did these days..

"Marco…"

Marcos POV

"What the hell was I doing? I mean how stupid do you have to be Marco? Maybe she heard you!"

Marco paced his room as he berated himself. She couldn't have heard you, you didn't even hear yourself man. So why did she have her boots on with her jamjams? She was obviously going somewhere..

"Ugh… I can't think about this tonight, Star is right, I'm sure she'll have me doing something particularly foul tomorrow after that"

Marco undressed and climbed into bed. He missed his moonlighting with Hekapoo, that would have cleared his head better than anything, maybe jet skiing off of a waterfall… but he lost that world when he protected Star from Hekapoo's harpoon gun.

"How much more am I going to lose by being your friend Star...?" He whispered to himself sadly.

As Marco slipped into a fitful slumber he thought he heard, or was it felt? His name being whispered, and then his dreams took him away completely.

Dining Room

Stars POV

Where is he? Star thought as she took breakfast with her parents. She looked across at the empty setting where Marco would normally eat with them. He was already twenty minutes late for breakfast. At this rate he's not going to get an apology she frowned as she chewed her food.

"Star dear, where is Marco?" Queen Moon looked at the empty place

"I dunno mom, maybe he overslept"

"Well perhaps you should go and find him, it's not like him to be late"

Star sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Sure mom"

"Princess what's gotten into you lately?" Her father, King River asked

"What do you mean dad?" she looked at the floor to avoid her dads eyes

"Well it's just that.. your mother and I.. We're worried about you" he looked kinda sheepish as he said this

Star looked up "Why are you worried about me now? I can take care of myself, or have you forgotten I can do this?"

Star transformed herself into her butterfly form and quickly back to herself again

"That's not what I meant Star" her father said disapprovingly "We're concerned about you and Marco, you two were inseparable, I even had to quash rumours in the peasant quarters you know! Now you just seem so… so distant"

Oh god I do not want to talk about this, least of all with you guys.

"Everything is fine dad I promise, me and Marco, we're just having a rough patch, it'll be fine you'll see" she flashed one of her winning smiles at her parents.

"As long as you're sure Star.. I'd hate to see you lose someone who is so close to you" Moon said

How do you think I feel thought Star.

"It's fine mom, it'll be fine. Well I'd better go find Marco" She excused herself from the table and left the dining room.

Marcos Bedroom

Marcos POV

Marco awoke to the sound of the castles usual morning fanfare, he groaned and rolled over with the pillow covering his face, breakfast would be served soon and he'd need to make an appearance. He was dreading seeing Star again after last night, I wouldn't be surprised if she just turns me into a Narwhal he thought.

You don't have to go to breakfast you know. Marco blinked in realisation. You have dimensional scissors.. you don't have to be here at all. Maybe all you really need is some space bro, get away from Star and Tom for a while, go find yourself.. No, I swore an oath as Stars squire.. And? Princesses don't need squires she said it herself didn't she? She did. Maybe I won't be missed for a few days.. or a week. Isn't this just running away from your problems though Marco..? He scrunched his eyes for a moment

"Ah screw it, I don't want to be cleaning out the castle latrines or whatever Star had planned for me today. So much for the safe kid" he smirked

Marco dressed, packed a bag of clothes and opened his bedside table, grabbing the scissors that lay within. He wrote a quick note explaining that he'd gone to see some friends and that he would be back within the week, he hesitated and added that he was sorry about the night before and that this wasn't Stars fault. He placed it on his bedside table. It was now or never, someone would come to check on him shortly. He concentrated on his destination and made a cutting motion, the portal ripped open and he stepped through.

As the portal snapped shut it blew the note he'd left off the table and it settled underneath the bed.

Stars POV

"Marco, are you awake?" She knocked on his door and waited. Nothing. She knocked again, louder this time.

"Marcooooooo"

Still nothing.

"Right I'm coming in!" please don't be naked I'll die of embarrassment Star thought as she pushed the door open and quickly scanned the room. There. She made a beeline for the bed.

"Marco Diaz you are late for your…" The bed was unmade, and what she'd taken for a body was in fact his scattered pillows and duvet.

Where on Mewni has he disappeared to? A sudden thought gripped her and she glanced at his bedside table, the top draw was open. His scissors, they're missing.

"He.. left" Star sat down on the side of his bed, hands in her lap. She slowly raised them until she was practically hugging herself and she felt a piece of her break in anguish.

"What have I done?" her voice cracked as a tear drop slowly made its way down her cheek, bisecting one of her pink hearts. Well you did it Star, you made him leave, there you go starring things up again as usual! Why can't you ever do anything right? The Monster Bash Ball, using Tom, pushing Marco away… This is all your fault. She sobbed into her hands as her feelings overwhelmed her.

Kellys House (or Hair)

Marcos POV

Well, here you are.. why are you here again? I dunno, just seemed like the right place to go. Marco thought to himself. Why Kelly though? You could have gone home and seen your parents.. He shook his head to clear it

"Well I'm here now"

He rocked up to the large green bush

"Kelly! You in?" he called

"Who's that?" he heard faintly

"It's me, Marco!"

A sudden banging from inside had him worried, followed by more indistinct noises

"Just a second!"

The green bush parted and Kelly appeared, she smiled

"Hey Marco! What brings you here?"

"Uh, I needed some time away from Mewni, is it cool if I crash with you for a bit?"

"Of course it is! Tad finally moved out so there's plenty of room" She grinned

"Glad to hear it" Marco walked in, and as always was shocked by how much bigger it was in here than it appeared from outside. "This always reminds me of a TV show back on Earth" he laughed

"Oh yeah? What's it called?" Kelly asked curiously

"Never mind, it wouldn't make any sense and it would take a long time to explain" Marco said sheepishly, that and you don't need to know how much of a geek I am.

"Fair enough, sooooo you gonna tell me what's going on?" Kelly gave him a knowing look

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"No reason. Now out with it Marco Diaz" she said with a smirk

"Ugh.. Star and I.. We had an argument" Marco sighed dejectedly

"Uh huh.. what about?" that knowing look was back on Kellys face much to Marcos annoyance

"I.. um.. I.."

"Come on Marco I don't have all day" laughed Kelly

"She kinda caught me outside her bedroom.. in the middle of the night.." he said sheepishly

"She what? Wait.. What were you doing!?" Kelly cried

"Nothing!" shouted Marco "Nothing.. I mean, not nothing, I was.. I just wanted to know if she was up so I was listening that's all.."

"Why did you want to know if she was awake?"

"So I could talk to her.."

"Mmhmm…" Kelly gestured for Marco to carry on

"About how I feel about her…" Kellys eyes widened a little

"Well.. I wondered when you'd finally pluck up the courage. Can't say I'm surprised, come to think of it I doubt anybody else would be either" she laughed

"Wait.. what?" Marco looked terrified. Does everybody know?

"Oh come on Marco, it's obvious to anyone with eyes, you care about her a lot"

"Well yeah, but that doesn't mean I love her or anything.." HAH keep dreaming Marco

"Sure, but I don't know many people who would drop their entire *life* for one girl"

"I didn't drop it, I can go back whenever I want to" Marco protested.

"I wasn't talking about Earth. I meant Hekapoo's dimension. You were an adult, you spent 16 years having awesome adventures and riding a dragon cycle for Mewni's sake! Star shows up out of the blue and with one "what about me" you dropped everything" Kelly was staring at him now.

"I.. uh, didn't think about it like that.."

"Well you did. 16 years Marco. And you gave it all up because *she* asked you too" Marco winced a little at the emphasis on *she*

"Is it that obvious?" Marco looked at the floor, he was so embarrassed, he could feel his face warming up

"Marco. Look at me"

Marco slowly dragged his head upwards and met Kellys eyes.

"You love her don't you" it wasn't a question, not really.

Oh god.. am I really going to say this out loud? "Yes" he croaked. Wow.. that hurt he thought. He rolled his shoulders in surprise, but why do I feel like a weight has just lifted?

"So, the only question now is what are you going to do about it? And don't you *dare* stand there and tell me it's for the best if you do nothing"

"I.. don't know.. I came here to get away from all of that, I need time to think.. to deal with this. I can't just go running up to Star and telling her I love her.. what about Tom? What about her parents? What about her! She doesn't feel the same way.. at least not anymore" Marco gushed, now that he'd admitted it he found it was easier to talk about what was worrying him.

"Marco. Stop. Look, this isn't supposed to be easy, otherwise what's the point? You have to decide what's best, but I do know one thing.. She deserves the truth from her best friend. Yes I know it's not really fair on Tom, I know he's your friend too, but Tom doesn't have a part in this. Star up and ran out on you after telling you she had feelings for you, Jackie left you because she knew deep down she'd never compare to Star in your eyes. If anything, Star started this, but if she could tell you when you were with Jackie, you can do her the same courtesy. Things will work out on their own, you'll see"

"You really think so?" Marco was on the verge of tears now. Pull yourself together Diaz he thought.

"I do. It's always best to tell the truth"

Marco looked up in shock

"What?" Kelly looked concerned

"Uh.. nothing.. it's just I said those exact words.. to someone. Not so long ago" Poor Jackie.. I never even asked her how it made her feel when Star confessed. Was I really that inconsiderate? Damn it.

"I guess you really should follow your own advice then Marco" Kelly chuckled.

"Yeah.. heh. Um Kelly? Can I still stay for a few days, just to let Star cool down a bit? I left her a note saying I'd be gone for a bit so she wouldn't worry"

"Of course you can Marco! But promise me something?" She gave him that knowing look again

"Uh.. okay?"

"You'll tell Star as soon as you get back, you don't want to regret not saying anything believe me…" Kelly looked somewhat despondent as she said that last part

"Kelly? What's wrong?" She looks sad thought Marco

"It's nothing Marco" she perked back up again "just promise me"

"Okay. I promise" Marco nodded an affirmation.

Mewni Castle

Stars POV

"Star" her mothers voice called from behind the door. "Star are you alright?"

After she'd sobbed her heart out on Marcos pillow she'd retreated to her room and crawled under her duvet.

"I'm fine mom" Star called, her voice cracking.

"I know that voice dear, may I come in?"

"Okay…"

Queen Moon entered the room and closed the door behind her, she saw Star curled up in a ball on her bed, red puffy eyes gave away the mood she was in.

"Star darling, what's wrong?" Moon frowned "Has Tom done something?"

"No mom.. no Tom hasn't done anything honestly"

"Oh.. then.. why are you so upset?"

"Marco's gone…" she heaved in a wracking breath and began sobbing again

"Marco is gone? He just left without saying anything?" She asked curiously

"Yes.. and.. he.. took.. his.. clothes.. with.. him" She gasped out between tears

"Oh my dear.. Are you sure he's actually gone? That's just not like him sweetheart"

"Well he's not in the castle, his scissors are gone.. he left mom" Star was starting to get angry

"Now Star, calm down. I'm sorry but I just can't see Marco abandoning you for any reason, you are closer than me and your father were at your age. I'm sure there's an explanation for this" Moon held Stars hand as she soothed her "Marco loves you, he will come back I'm sure of it"

"You really think…" Stars breath caught in her throat what did she just say?

"Wait… what did you say?" Star looked at her mother as Moon quickly backpedalled

"I mean, he.. cares for you Star" she corrected

"You said he *loves* me.." Why did she say that?

Moon sighed. "It's just intuition Star. A mother.. knows these things. If you could see the way he looks at you when he's sure you're not watching.. He reminds me of River sometimes" She said quietly.

"Mom.. do you think he does? Love me that is?" Star whispered

"Well Star, why don't you ask him yourself? A princess doesn't wait and wonder after all" Moon said with a smirk

"But.. what about Tom?" Star had the good sense to feel ashamed, I can't do this to him he's come so far.

"Well, are you two serious? I mean do you see yourself ruling Mewni with him?"

"No… No I don't. But at the same time I can't just break up with a boy because of another boy. I wouldn't have expected Marco to do that for me and I know he wouldn't want me to do it for him, no matter what" Star sounded more determined now "And speaking of the future.. Even if I do end up with Marco, I'm royalty mom.. I'd have to leave him eventually, he can't be king, Tom can"

Moon smirked and quickly shut it down, but not before Star noticed.

"Mom… what's with the smile?" she demanded "Are you hiding something from me?"

Moon started to chuckle now, Star was beginning to get angry again "Mom!"

"Oh Star.. I'm sorry dear" she stifled her laughing "I'm sorry. I'm fine. Star what is Marco?"

"Erm… a kid from Earth?" Star asked in a confused tone

"No dear, I mean his role here on Mewni, what is he?" She smiled again

"He's my squire.." Star said slowly

"Yes, well, he's *A* squire. And what are squires?"

"Knights in training duh.." Star rolled her eyes "Is this a princess lesson or something?"

"No Star. Think. Knights are nobility. They have the right, with permission from the King & Queen of Mewni, to marry into the royal family…" Moons eyes sparkled as she saw Star slowly come to terms with that realisation.

Star gasped, then started grinning like an idiot. "You're saying..! Really?!" Star asked excitedly, calm down Star, you're still with Tom remember? the reality felt like having cold water thrown over her and she composed herself.

"Yes Star" Moon smiled at her

"So *if* I were to end up with Marco.. as long as he becomes a knight.." Star trailed off

"He will be allowed permission to marry you.. yes, if that's what you want" Moon finished.

Star jumped up and hugged her mother "You're the best, mom" Star said quietly

"Thank your father, it was his idea, mentioning knighthood to Marco in the first place" Moon said with a wink

"Wait what? That was ageeeees ago! How did he know Marco might need to be a Knight?"

Moon smiled at her daughter "It was a little obvious, after all, we had your song day shortly before that"

Star blushed beetroot red "that stupid song" she grumbled

"Well be thankful, without it Marco wouldn't be on the path to knighthood now would he" Moon smirked

"That's true.." Star smiled again "Thanks mom. I guess I'd better go clean out the warnicorn stables for dad" Star stood up and brushed herself off

"You're welcome sweetheart. Marco will be back soon, I'm sure of it" Moon said as she left the bedroom

Star sat down again feeling a little overwhelmed. He loves me? Could it be true? I guess that would explain his behaviour lately.. He's definitely been off, especially when Tom is around. I'll ask him as soon as he's back, no more running she promised herself. She got to her feet with a nod and went to muck out the warnicorns feeling far better than she had this morning.

Kellys House (or Hair)

Marcos POV

"Marco can you get that! I'm having a bath!" Kelly called. The mirror was ringing. How on Earth do you have a bath in a home made of your own hair… he thought to himself.

"Sure thing!" Marco answered the call

"Tom!" Marco was shocked to see his friend/love rival in the mirror

"Hey man, so this is where you disappeared to" Tom raised his eyebrow

"Erm.. what do you mean disappeared to?" Marco scratched his head with an innocent smirk

"Well Starship said you'd left Mewni, just up and left, no note, nothing"

"What?! I left a note on my bedside table!" Marco exclaimed

"Hmm, she didn't mention it. She thinks you just left.. I gotta say Marco seeing my girlfriend that upset about another guy is.. well it's not exactly my idea of fun" Tom said quietly

"Tom, look, whatever you think is going on.. it's not okay? We're friends" Marco was visibly unnerved at this point

"Dude, it's okay. I promised her I'd look around for you, and I have. Now we need to talk"

Marco gulped. Oh god what does he want to talk about?

"Stars.. Star hasn't been the same since you came back you know"

"What do you mean?" Marco asked quietly

"Oh come on Marco, you're not dumb. She barely spends any time with me anymore, when I try to do romantic things with her she just questions it.. I'm facing facts man, she's just not that into me" Tom sighed

"Tom.. that's not true, she's with you isn't she? I can't see Star doing that unless that's what she wanted"

"No that's true, but then she also wouldn't just throw someone away because something *better* came along.. She's too nice for that" Marco winced at the emphasis on "better"

"Yeah, that's Star alright" Marco nodded

"Look man, the point is, I know Star has feelings for you, even if she wouldn't ever admit it"

Marco's heart rate went through the roof and his throat dried up like a salt flat, Star has feelings for me?

"Well I can tell from that expression you weren't aware of that" Tom chuckled "Look, I never meant to get with Star in the first place, I genuinely was trying to be a better prince, a better person, things just kind of happened when you were gone. If you had stayed I'd never have gone there, I was there at her song day" that song is going to haunt me for the rest of my life Marco thought to himself. "And you've got the Bloodmoon" Tom continued "It chose you two for a reason. I thought with you gone.. maybe things might be okay? You know? But with you back.. who am I kidding? I don't stand a chance"

"Tom.. I…" Marco stammered

"Marco, dude, it's okay. I'm not angry"

Marco finally swallowed the lump in his throat "So what are you saying Tom? I gotta admit you're being incredibly calm about all of this, if it's true"

"It's true, believe me, I see her looking at you sometimes.. and I just know I can't compare to that.. I'm not exactly happy about it Marco, but I promised myself that I was going to change for the better and if that means not burning you to a crisp then so be it"

Marco laughed nervously "thanks"

"Don't mention it"

"Soooo… what are you going to do?" Marco asked

"I'm going to let her go. Don't make me regret it, do you understand? If I find out you've hurt her in any way, I will destroy you" Tom's eyes flashed red and his fists burst into flames. Marco shied away from the mirror a little "relax Marco I can't get you through this" Tom laughed as his eyes returned to normal.

"Tom.. I.. I'm sorry" Marcos eyes misted "This is my fault, I should never have come back"

"Oh shut up Marco. You and Star are two pieces of the same puzzle man, she'd never have been truly happy if you'd left forever" Tom smirked as his eyes took on a watery sheen "Now do me a favour… and go get her you idiot"

The call ended abruptly, the mirror went blank. Marco stood there staring at it for a good few minutes when Kelly appeared

"Who was it Marco?" She asked

"Tom" Marco replied distantly

"Tom? What did he want?"

"Um.. He said he was letting Star go, and that I should go get her"

"…"

"…"

"Wow… he wasn't angry?"

"No… I mean he threatened me if I ever hurt her.. but no. He was, incredibly mature"

"I guess Star was right, he has changed" Kelly said.

"Yeah.. I guess so" as if I needed any more guilt… Tom was the bigger guy. He's letting her go because he cares about her, he wants her to be happy. But does that happiness really lie with me? Marco thought "Kelly I need to go"

"You sure dude? You've only been here a day"

"Yeah, I know what I have to do now" Marco smiled at her "Thank you for everything Kelly"

"You're welcome, Marco Diaz" she smiled back

Mewni Castle

Stars POV

The mirror went blank. Star stood dumbstruck, she needed to sit down. Tom just broke up with me. She sat down on the edge of her bed and put her head in her hands. Tom just broke up with *me*? What the hell is going on? And he didn't even mention looking for Marco. She couldn't bring herself to cry anymore. First Marco.. now Tom? What did I do to deserve this? She thought to herself. She brought her knees up to her chin and hugged her legs, a huge sob escaped her lips and she buried her face in her knees. This isn't fair. Tom didn't even explain why. Just that it was the right thing to do! Star had never known Tom to do anything that didn't involve them being together.. let alone actually dumping her. This is so confusing.

"Marco... please come back soon. I.. I need you" she whispered to herself

Unknown Location

Marcos POV

Marco stepped through the portal into… where the hell is this? I didn't open a portal here! I'm supposed to be in Mewni castle!

Marco took in his surroundings, he seemed to be underground… there were statues everywhere, their forms were bizarre, like a Mewman and a Septarian had been fused together. Whatever this place was, he knew he didn't like it, it had a pervasive aura of dread.

"Maybe I messed up.." he murmured

He drew his dimensional scissors again and concentrated on Mewni castle, and tried to open a portal.

"huh.. nothing happened" he wondered aloud

He tried again. Nothing.

"What the hell is going on here!" he yelled "I don't have time for this!"

"Why, Princess Marco? Did you have other plans?" a voice echoed from the darkness. I know that voice…

"Meteora" he growled

"You see Gemini, even the princess here can get my name right!" the voice cried

"Yes m'lady" came a low stammer that Marco knew belonged to her little henchman

Marco looked around but couldn't identify where the voices were coming from, this place created some really weird acoustic echoes. Suddenly a glowing light appeared to his left, he spun, poised for combat. He saw the club shaped cheekmarks that Meteroa sported, stupendously bright in the darkness.

"Like I said last time Meteora, I'm done running from you!" Marco yelled as he took a combat stance

"Such a brave princess. Always ready for a fight" Meteora laughed "Well that's not what you're going to get today I'm afraid, NOW GEMINI!"

"Yes M'lady!" Marco heard a *thunk* and the sound of rushing air.

Suddenly he was surrounded by roiling clouds of green gas. He lifted his hoodie up above his nose so he could breathe through the fabric, whatever it is, he thought, it stinks.

"You think this is going to stop me Meteora! Why don't you come down here and do it yourself!" he cried

"Now why would I do that? When this is so much easier" Marco heard a scraping sound and then a spark lit up the darkness. Wait… that isn't a spark, it's.. Marco didn't have any more time to process what he was seeing, a broiling wave of flame was consuming the gas and it was heading straight for him. RUN! hescreamed at himself.

Marco ran. He couldn't even see where he was going, but he ran as fast as he could anyway. Shapes lunged up at him from the green fog, the eerie lighting from the racing flames created strange angles all around him. He ducked and dodged for everything he was worth, he could see a light ahead, if he could just reach it before..

Too late. The flame wave caught up with him. Thankfully he was on the trailing edge of the gas cloud and the heat and power of the wave had decreased considerably. It still wrenched Marco off his feet and slammed him into the floor with the force of a train. He groaned, he could feel his hoodie and jeans smouldering, his eyesight was bleary, he was pretty sure his eyebrows were gone too judging by the stinging pain that was suffusing his face. Before blessed unconsciousness took him he saw two figures in the gloom, walking towards him.

Kellys House (or Hair)

Kellys POV

Several hours had passed since Marco left for Mewni, Kelly figured it was enough time. She called Star on her mirror, she was anxious to make sure Marco was okay. I hope Star felt the same way she thought, Marco would be crushed if she didn't.

"Hi Kelly" Star answered

"Hey Star! Soooooo… how's it going?" Kelly asked not so subtly

Star cocked her head with a frown "Not so great actually.."

She sounds sad… Oh god… Poor Marco.

"Why what's wrong?" Kelly asked quietly, fingers crossed behind her back

"Marco is missing.. he just left this morning without a word.." Star sniffed "and Tom broke up with me and couldn't give me a reason why..." Star looked heartbroken

Wait, what? Marco is missing?

"Uh Star.. what do you mean Marco is missing?" Kelly asked, worry suffused every word, Star caught the tone and looked up

"He left this morning and hasn't been seen since… Why? Do you know where he is?" She looked so hopeful it broke Kellys heart yeah.. she definitely loves him.

"Star.. Marco was here today"

Stars face immediately darkened "What was he doing there?" she demanded

Wow.. jealous much? "Woah, Star.. calm down. He just came here to spend a few days away from Mewni.. but he didn't stay, he left a few hours ago! He was supposed to go straight back to… to Mewni" She almost said "you" but caught herself at the last second. It's not my place to tell Star for him she thought.

"What do you mean he left a few hours ago! He isn't here!" Star was visibly distraught now

"I mean he portalled out, I watched him do it so I know he left" Kellys voice was full of concern

"Then.. where is he..?" Star mumbled

"I don't know" Kelly was worried now. There's no way he would've chickened out, he loves her, and now he knows she might love him… no. He's in trouble, it's the only explanation! "Star, I think he might be in danger… There is no way he shouldn't be there with you right now.. trust me"

Stars eyes tightened at Kellys words, she heard the undertone and guessed something more was going on than she realised.

"Whatever is going on can wait, we need to find Marco! Can you get here?" Star asked

"Yes, give me one minute" Kelly ended the call and went to find her sword, I have a feeling I'm going to need it.

Mewni Castle

Stars POV

Star was pacing the floor when Kelly opened a portal and stepped through, woah, that's a big sword she thought as she saw Kelly drag it through behind her.

"Star!" Kelly called "where do we even start looking?"

"Don't worry Kelly, I've got a spell just for this occasion" Star said quietly

She held her wand out in front of her, closed her eyes and concentrated on Marco, and how much she cared about him.

"I summon the all seeing eye" Stars hair rose about her head as if a strong wind had gusted about her

"To tear a hole into the sky"

"Reveal to me that which is hidden" the room grew darker and the winds picked up, Kelly just stood watching Star, mouth agape.

"Unveil to me that which is forbidden"

As the intonation finished a crack heralded a purple oval in front of Star. Kelly cried out in surprise, she could see Marco through the aperture. Star opened her eyes and saw what had shocked Kelly.. Marco was there. Chained to a rock slab. His clothing was burnt and ruined, his face was red and missing hair. He was unconscious. Star saw all this in an instant, and in that instant a shadow of the darkest anger passed over her features. Kelly saw it, and she retreated a step purely on instinct.

"Marco…" she whispered

Marco stirred weakly, as if he had heard her.

"Kelly, take my hand" it wasn't a request

"Star… are you sure about this?" Kelly was hesitant, she didn't know what kind of magic this was, but she instinctively knew it was dangerous.

"Kelly, now" Star commanded

Kelly reached out and grabbed Stars hand. Time slowed, Star leapt forwards directly into the spell and hit the barrier. Glossaryk, she thought, you once told me the spell didn't work like this. But I breached it anyway trying to save you.. if only for a moment, and if Marco's life is in danger I will tear down the laws of magic to save him, you just watch me!

An explosion heralded their arrival on the other side, as Kelly and Star dropped to the floor and covered their heads. Marco stirred again briefly and then fell still once more.

"Marco!" Star cried and ran to him, she threw herself across his chest and wrapped her arms around him.

"Star, he's not waking up" Kelly was stood behind her as Star shook Marco in an effort to rouse him.

"Why not! What's wrong with him!" Star was wracked with anguish

"Well Princess.. perhaps I can explain that" came a voice that Star immediately recognised

"Meteora" Star called out, looking around her

"Yes Princess Star. Did you miss me?"

"Hah. As if I'd miss you. What have you done to Marco!?"

"Oh nothing, he's just under a spell. You're not the only one who can use magic you know" Meteora said in a sly tone

That's right, ever since we found out she was a butterfly… she has royal magic. Star remembered.

"Let him go Meteora!" Star screamed

"All in good time princess, all in good time..." the disembodied voice said as it faded away

"Meteora!"

"Star!" Kellys cry startled Star out of her anger and she whirled around to find Kelly holding off three Septarians with her sword.

Septarians! But.. how? Toffee and Rastagor were the last… Star immediately ran to Kellys defence, questions could wait.

"Mega Narwhal Blast!" Star cried as multiple horned sea creatures pummelled into the attacking lizards, creating some breathing room for Kelly to bring her guard back up, just in time too as one of the attackers launched itself at her. She swung and lopped off one of its outstretched arms. It rolled to its feet and immediately regrew the missing appendage.

"Uh… How are we supposed to beat this?!" Kelly yelled

"Warnicorn Stampede!" Star cried

As a huge herd of warnicorns trampled the battlefield in front of her Star turned to Kelly "Get Marco!"

Kelly nodded and rushed back to Marco, proceeding to cut the chains binding him to the rock slab. As the last chain fell she heard Star cry out in pain, she whirled and saw Star, now transformed into her butterfly alter-ego, grappling with two of the lizards, one had clamped its jaws around her wand arm whilst the other was clinging on to her legs and torso, preventing her from using her magic.

Kelly rolled Marco off the slab and rushed back to Star, her sword swinging at the attacking lizards. She thrust the one biting Stars arm in the eye and she felt the sword bite deeply, the lizard screeched in anger and released its hold on Star. The one binding Stars legs whipped its tail around lightning fast, Kelly saw it coming just in time and blocked it, slicing the end of the tail off, which immediately regrew.

With Stars arms free she started casting spells once more

"Mega Cupcake Blast!"

"Spider with a Top Hat Blast!"

The cupcakes smashed into the lizard holding her legs and pummelled him off her. With Star freed Kelly began a fighting retreat as she dealt with the third lizard which was annoyingly focussed on her alone.

"Star! We need to get out of here!" Kelly yelled

"Check Marco's pockets! His scissors!"

"I'm a little busy here!"

Star quickly glanced over her shoulder and saw Kelly attempting to keep the third lizard from getting too close to her, with wild swings of her sword she'd created some space between her and her assailant.

"Kelly get down!" Star yelled, without waiting to see if Kelly heard Star cast another spell "Dagger Crystal Heart Attack!"

Hundreds of shards of red crystal leapt from her wand and scoured the area where Kelly was fighting. The spell finished and Kelly quickly pulled herself back to her feet, her opponent was impaled by the shards, but as she watched they started to push themselves back out of the lizard. She rushed to Marcos unconscious body.

Kelly stuffed her hands into Marcos hoody pockets and grasped what she hoped was a pair of scissors. She pulled her hand back out and double checked she had the right item

"Got 'em!" she cried

"Quick, open a portal to the castle!"

Kelly concentrated and cut the portal into the air, it shimmered strangely, like it was trying to close itself.

"Star quick! I don't think this is going to hold!" Kelly shouted as she pushed Marcos limp body through the wavering aperture.

Star let loose one last Narwhal blast and flew back to the portal at speed, she grabbed Kellys hand as she passed and yanked her through the portal with her.

"Quick Kelly close it!" Star motioned using the scissors

Kelly quickly sealed the portal and slumped to her knees breathing heavily.

"What… the… hell… was that?" She huffed

"I don't know.. but those lizards shouldn't have been there. What the hell is Meteora up to?"

"Who cares right now! What about Marco!" Kelly was on the verge of tears

"MARCO!" Star leapt to his side, she could feel him breathing so he was still alive "We need to get him to my parents, now"

Kelly nodded and took his legs while Star curled her arms under his and lifted.

Royal Throne Room

Moons POV

The last royal courtier had just left and Moon sighed. She was getting too old for this. Suddenly the doors crashed open and Star came shuffling in with her friend Kelly, they were carrying… Marco. Moon stood and rushed down the steps.

"Star, what happened!"

"Mom! He won't wake up! Meteora took him, and she said she used royal magic on him, and there were these lizards and.."

"Star! Calm down" Moon motioned for her to lay Marco down on the floor

Moon quickly examined Marco, she closed her eyes and started to chant something under her breath whilst holding her hands palm down over his chest. She went rigid for just an instant but after a few moments she opened her eyes and looked at Star and smiled

"He's going to be okay"

Star visibly relaxed and breathed a sigh of release "what's wrong with him?"

"Well that's what I'm a little confused by, you said Meteora did this to him?"

"Yes, I mean we didn't see her but it was her voice that told us" Star looked sceptical all of a sudden "Why?"

"It's not a dangerous spell Star.. it's..it's a healing spell"

Stars eyes widened "A what? A healing spell?"

"Yes Star, it places the affected into a healing sleep, it cannot be broken until he is fully healed"

"So… he's going to just fine?" Star smiled

"Yes dear, he'll be fine, we just have to wait for the spell to conclude" Moon placed her hand on her daughters shoulder "perhaps he might be more comfortable in your room for the time being?"

Star looked at her mother askance "My.. my room?" she blushed

Moon laughed "yes dear, your room. He's under a healing spell, it's not like I can't trust him.. and something tells me your face will be the first he'll want to see when he wakes"

"Okay mom… thank you" Star smiled at her mother gratefully. "Come on Kelly, let's move him to my room" as she grabbed Marcos arms once more.

Moon watched her daughter carry Marco back out of the throne room. She smiled to herself, she hadn't told Star what else she'd sensed when she had performed her scrying spell. She had touched on his emotional state, only for an instant but that was more than enough, she'd had to clamp her teeth shut to stop herself crying out in shock at the strength of it. His heart belonged to someone so completely it was unthinkable that a fifteen year old could even begin to feel that way, let alone understand it, and it beat to the sound of just one word, her daughters name, Star.

Stars Bedroom

Stars POV

Kelly had left shortly after they'd wrestled Marco on to Stars bed, Star had thanked her profusely for her help, Kelly said not to worry about it, anything for her friends. Just as she stepped through the portal she said something strange

"You're very lucky" and with that Kelly disappeared and the portal closed. Star blinked, what was that about?

She gazed at Marcos face as he slept, the redness in his skin was already gone and his eyebrows were regrowing quickly. He wouldn't be sleeping for much longer, at least Star hoped so anyway. She'd removed his burnt hoodie and skinny jeans, blushing the entire time, she wasn't sure how Marco would react to her undressing him, even if he was wearing boxers, but his clothes were ruined and they stank of smoke.

She leaned over him and wondered what it would be like to kiss him. Did I *really* just think that! She blushed. She inched a little closer without realising, their noses were pretty much touching at this point. Marco's eyes snapped open suddenly and Star yelped and threw herself backwards, landing on Marcos legs.

"Ooof!" Marco exclaimed "Star! What were you doing! Where am I!"

Star scrambled off the bed and stood up "Marco! You're okay! You're in my room silly" she laughed

"But… Meteora.. portal.. couldn't get to you" Marco struggled to recall the events

"It's okay Marco, we found you! We rescued you" Star smiled at him

"We?" He asked

"Me and Kelly" I felt my heart tighten a little at having to mention Kelly helping to save him

"Wow.. guess I owe her one"

"I guess so…" Star reluctantly admitted, not a little enviously

"Star"

"Yes Marco?"

"What were you doing when I woke up?"

"Uh.. I.. I was checking your eyebrows, to make sure they were growing back" Star smiled sheepishly

"Okay… and why am I in my underwear… in your room?" Marcos face reddened

"Your clothes were burnt so I took them off… and mom told me to bring you here, she said you'd want to see me first.. or something… like that.." Star stammered

"How did you find me?"

"uh… spying leads to crying?" Star grinned sheepishly again

"Star! That was incredibly dangerous! Why would you be so stupid!" Marco shouted

"Well I couldn't do nothing! When Kelly said you should have already been here she put two and two together and guessed you were in trouble!" Star shouted back

"Wait… Kelly said I should have been here?" Marcos face reddened again

"Yeah…"

"Did she.. did she say why?"

"No.." Star said quietly

I watched Marco take a deep breath, he looked terrified

"No more running" Marco whispered

"What did you say?"

"I said I'm not running anymore Star"

"Running from what?"

"My feelings" he was looking me right in the eye, my heart skipped a beat and my arms started to tingle when he said that.. why can't I stop thinking about kissing him!

"What about your feelings…?" She stammered, she was nervous now… her eyes roamed trying to find anywhere to look but his face.

"Star look at me"

She blushed "I can't"

He reached out and grasped her hand and pulled her to him, she fell across him and yelped "Marco! What are you doing!" He put his finger on her lips and she quietened. Her breathing had notched up a gear and her stomach was doing somersaults. She fell into his gaze completely, time slowed to a stop.

"Star, I love you"

Time suddenly resumed it's normal flow. Did.. did I hear that right?

"Star?"

"huh" Star mumbled in a daze

"I said I love you" Marco looked slightly crestfallen by this point.

He loves me. He actually loves me. Mom was right!

"Marco…" Marcos face was glowing beetroot by this point, he sighed and crunched his eyes up, she could almost feel his heartache and it nearly broke her to see it on his face

"I knew it.. I'm sorry Star I didn't mean to drop that on you.. I know you don't feel the same way and I just wanted to be honest with you and I figured maybe there was a small chance you did feel the same and I… I…" Star put her finger against his lips like he'd done to her a few minutes ago.

"I love you Marco Diaz"

Now it was Marcos turn to look dumbstruck. He gaped like a fish for a few moments then the most amazing smile appeared out of nowhere. Stars heart was full to bursting, just kiss me already you cute idiot! She thought furiously.

Marco wrapped his arms around her pulled her in closer, their lips met for the first time and Stars entire body exploded with emotion, she lost herself in his lips for what seemed like forever. When they finally parted, breathless and overwhelmed they both whispered at the same time

"wow"

They looked at each other and giggled. He cupped her cheeks with his hands and kissed her again and her eyes filled with tears of joy. I didn't think it was possible to be *this* happy! She laughed inside her head. As they broke the kiss again Marco stared her

"What?" Star smiled

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"I did, remember?"

"Fair point.." Marco smiled sheepishly

"When did you realise you loved me?" She asked

"Um.. When we went to watch the soul-rise.. I saw you and Tom.." he broke off

"Tom broke up with me earlier..." Star said quietly "He wouldn't even tell me why"

"Yeah... He..uh.. he kinda called me on Kellys mirror and said he was going to.. because he wanted you to be happy. You were right you know, he really has changed" Marco admitted sheepishly

Thank you Tom she thought. Star reached her hand behind his head and pulled him into her kiss once more. He was smiling like an idiot as they separated.

"Well now you're the only one who gets these kisses Marco" Star smiled at him

"So.. will you be mine?"

"I was always yours Marco.. and you've always been mine, we were just too dumb to realise it"

"I love you Star" Her heart leapt again and she felt her joy running down her face in tracks of tears

"I love you too Marco"

Throne Room

Marcos POV

"That's pretty much it your highness, I don't recall the actual rescue as you know but Meteora didn't mention anything about her plans to me or Star"

"Hmm.. I'm concerned Marco, why was she healing you.. why were there Septarians there.. these are questions that need answers"

"I agree"

Marco was stood before the twin thrones, his hand intertwined with Stars as she sidled up to his arm. This is a little embarrassing, her mom is right there!

"Well, since you're a squire we shall make a quest of it, do what you can to find out what danger we are in, but do not risk yourself to do so do I make myself clear?" Moon raised her eyebrow at him

"Yes your highness, my squires oath" Marco replied

"Perhaps if you succeed in this we shall consider accelerating your knighthood.."

Marcos eyes widened. That was quick! Star seemed to tremble next to him, though in excitement or fear he couldn't tell

"I'm honoured Queen Moon"

"Please.. call me Moon" she smiled at him

"Of course.. Moon" He bowed and with Star attached to him as if she was afraid to let go, he took his leave of the throne room

Moons POV

Moon watched her daughter and Marco walk out hand in hand. She smiled to herself. Star is finally whole again. She hadn't been the same since she lost the Glossaryk and the spellbook. And she's found someone who would die to keep her safe. Moon couldn't have been happier for her little girl. But what was Meteora up to… whatever it was, it wouldn't bode well for Mewni, that much was certain.

Moon glanced at her arms as a sudden pain shot up from her hand, she slowly uncovered her forearms and saw the dark magic corruption she'd had nearly her whole life pulsing eerily... Or for me.