It was an eventful day, to say the least. Exploring the dangerous underworld and being emotionally drained for most of the experience. Marco's hands were firmly inside his hoodie pockets, relieved being back on Mewni finally. Sitting outside of the Monster Temple, or rather, Eclipsa's Castle, his eyes looked up at the sky wondering if he would see his favorite red orb shine down on him, as per usual. But nope, all he saw was one of Mewni's many white moons.
Marco grit his teeth, part of himself livid at going through with things. Yeah, I needed to do this, if I want to be fair to Kelly and try to move on. Marco thought seriously, but his left hand absentmindedly clenched his heart, a familiar pain coursing through him. But why does it still hurt? Breaking the curse should have ended his emotional pain, he felt as much when Tom asked him a few hours ago. Even looking at Star or the gross marshmallows didn't trigger anything. But now, alone from everyone, just in his own jumbled thoughts…
His cheeks got wet, tears slowly sliding off them. "Marco?" The boy didn't turn around, simply hugging himself as the tears kept flowing. Sitting down next to him, was Queen Eclipsa, giving Marco a somber smile. "You went through with it, didn't you?"
"Yeah… And I still feel this longing." Marco whispered, wiping his face using his hoodie sleeve. "Does Star feel this too? If so… Why did we just hurt ourselves…" Marco's voice was so hoarse and tired, something Eclipsa's heart couldn't bear to see. She hugged the boy, gently rubbing his back. "...You sure there isn't a way to get rid of these feelings?"
"Yes," Eclipsa answered back, letting go and putting her hand on Marco's shoulder. "Look at the sky." Marco looked up, his vision was somewhat blurry from the tears. He made out some stars shining bright, memories of watching the Star's namesake in Echo Creek on his home's front lawn time to time playing in his mind. He gave a faint smile, remembering her being so amazed at the constellations, trying to make her own stars and patterns using magic. But remembering her loving and warm smile caused the pain in his heart to surge once more, sobbing yet again. "That pain you are feeling? It's your strength."
"How can this make me stronger?" Marco said weakly, with Eclipsa simply patting his back and getting up.
"You will know when the time comes, but for now, let's head back inside." She shivered slightly, making Marco's eyebrow raise. "Oddly cold winds tonight. Mewni winds are normally warmer this season…"
"Maybe the Blood Moon is mad or something," Marco mumbled, dejectedly walking back into the temple, but Eclipsa just processed what Marco uttered. She tapped her chin, pondering something before shaking her head and going inside as well. The Mewni Moon's still where white as can be, no red moon in sight.
Marco wanted to head back to his room, though to accomplish this, he had to get through Star's. She really should have used the room spell somewhere else… Marco thought to himself as he knocked. Star opened the door and had a bright smile on her face as if no worries were bothering her whatsoever. Marco narrowed his eyes and saw the lines under her eyes, telling him she was having a hard time sleeping. "Sorry if I woke you, just gotta…" Marco pointed to his room.
"No problem buddy," She made a mock 'you may proceed' posture, making Marco roll his eyes. "Marco…" Marco paused, letting go of the door handle he was about to turn. "...Sorry about, well, everything lately."
"You didn't do anything wrong though," Marco walked toward Star, putting a hand on her shoulder. His nerves suddenly got jumpy but he bit his lip to control himself. Really? Can't comfort my friend without my heart going nuts? Come on… Star just gave a weak smile, putting her hand over his. "Look, I didn't ask for my emotions to get this… Out of control." Marco looked away, rubbing his neck sheepishly. "And if I'm being honest…" Marco let go of Star's shoulder, sitting down on her bed and clasping his hands together. Star sat down next to him, her expression clearly worried. "...It didn't work."
"What? Tom's grandpa said…" Marco just groaned, covering his face in frustration. Star just looked at Marco until he let go of his face and looked into her blue eyes. "...What are you going to do then?"
"I know this probably isn't the right call, but going to visit my family for a little bit," Marco started, surprised he made a choice this quickly on what his next move was. But I need to do SOMETHING to make a good step forward. I can't keep getting hurt like this…
"Maybe I can come with you, I never did meet that cute little brother of yours," Star suggested, giving a weak smile but Marco just shook his head, though part of him like her idea. Now is not the right time.
"You don't get it, I need some space," Marco said hastily, with Star just frowning in response. Marco bit his lip, putting his hand on her shoulder once more. "Please, let me sort myself out for a while, okay?" Star hugged him tight suddenly, Marco blinking from the surprise. But he accepted the embrace, the two friends hugging one another. "I will be back soon, I promise. I just need to figure out what's wrong with me."
They let go and had a warm expression toward one another. Marco wanted to enjoy this moment, his heart screaming at him 'hug her again' or even the taboo thought in his mind yelling 'kiss her' but he just shook both of them off, keeping his warm smile until he went into his room. As if he took off a mask, his face grew somber and he threw himself into the bed. Clenching his hurting chest, Marco forced himself to sleep, hoping a trip back home would do him some good.
When Star woke up the next morning, feeling frankly like crud after Marco's talk with her last night. The whole severing stone adventure they went on was supposed to help Marco, but it clearly did nothing, making Star frown harshly. Hugging herself beneath the covers, she just sighed in annoyance.
Star hopped out of bed and knocked on the door… But it was opened already. She slowly pushed the door frame, hoping to maybe surprise her bestie with a hug or prank like the old days, but he wasn't in the room at all. As per usual, everything was neat and tidy, making Star have an amused giggle. Seeing the laser puppies huddled around Marco's bed, their little eyes pouting in sadness, made her frown. Picking up on the puppies, Star gently petted the little creature's head as she left Marco's room.
Visiting home… It should be a fun, relaxing opportunity to reconnect with his family and just catch up. After all, they haven't spoken in a while. It's not like that this time though. Marco thought sadly, fixing his hold on the backpack over his shoulder. Sighing to himself, he knocked on the door and it slowly opened up, his mom and dad having excited faces seeing their baby boy again. Rafael hugged his boy, happy he's returned home so soon after that dinner they all had a few weeks ago. Angie meanwhile just joined in for the hug, though carefully considering she was holding Marco Jr in her arms. The two let go of Marco, letting him see his little bro once more.
Holding out his arms, Angie passed Marco his little bro and the family went to the fabled Diaz Couch. Marco saw flashes of memories of eating food and watching movies with Star, sometimes late into the night, but quickly shook them away. Now isn't the time to think about her. Marco said to himself firmly, though his heart fluttered recalling the memories. Letting Marco Jr sit on his lap, Marco smiled at how similar his little bro looked to him. His face looked like a near identical copy, even his mole was on the same side of his face as Marco's. Little stubby arms and legs flopped around, his wide eyes happy to see his big brother so soon. Will be around for you, promise little guy.
"So hijo, why are you back so soon?" Rafael asked, his tone clearly worried. Marco rubbed his neck, unsure how to even begin. Angie just put a hand on Marco's shoulder, giving a firm squeeze silently saying 'take your time'. Marco closed his eyes and tried gathering his thoughts together. Opening them, he started telling his family what happened the other day.
