Chapter 1: Attraction

Two weeks, 14 days, 336 hours, until graduation and Star returned to Mewni, leaving him here on Earth. It was all Marco could think about. Every unoccupied moment was an anxious count down causing him great angst. The two had been together practically every day for 4 years, there was no way he could handle this well. Unlike Star, Marco did not adapt to change as acceptably and was even a little hurt by how nonchalant she was about leaving Earth... leaving him. He did what he could to keep these feelings hidden not wanting to appear unsupportive of his best friend. Although he honestly couldn't picture someone as disorganized and irresponsible as Star ruling over a kingdom. She had a good heart though, he smiled thinking about it; something he hadn't been able to do much lately with her departure lurking over him.

Star did gift him with an interdenominational mirror of his own so she could call him from Mewni but to be subjected to pen pals after living only a hallway down from each other for four years? Not fair at all, he felt cheated. Knowing there were more important things he should be concentrating on, like what he wanted to do with his life after school, his thoughts couldn't help but drift to the magical Princess. For someone wanting to study in the field of psychology, he wasn't sure what to make of or how to cope with this tormenting thinking.

Sighing he flipped from one side to another as he lay awake in his bed engulfed in his thoughts of her leaving. Unaware of the time he guessed Star must have been asleep due to how quite it was in the house. His thoughts wandered further, looking around his bedroom that would slowly empty over the next two weeks as he moved his things out into his new studio apartment. "Bachelor pad" is what his friends Ferguson and Alfonzo called it. It wasn't anything fancy, a 1 bed 1 bath in an older building in desperate need of renovation but fit his karate-dojo assistant salary accordingly. He pictured Star in his apartment leaving her stuff lying around and rolling around in his bed messing up his ironed, perfectly tucked bedding. The thought made him chuckle and without warning his mind wondered further, now imagining himself in that very bed with her staring into her baby blue orbs. Completely caught off guard and flustered he shook his head, as if shaking the thought out of existence.

What am I thinking? He asked himself as he placed his hand on his forehead, brushing his bangs from his face. What an odd thought to have.

His ears perked as he heard a sudden groan coming from down the hall. He sat up listening for it again. Was that Star? Tossing his blanket off he made his way out of his room and towards her door. A few weeks time and he would no longer be making this small trek from his to room to hers. It was upsetting to think about.

Sure enough the closer he got the louder the sound. She must be sleep-talking he thought. It wouldn't be the first time he found her having some absurd conversation in her sleep. Pressing his ear against her door he listened.

"Marco..." came her muffled voice through the thin wooden barrier between them. "My name? Did she just say my name?" He said aloud, maybe a little too giddy.

While it was flattering that she was thinking of him in her sleep he could tell that it was not a good dream, a nightmare even. He opened the door just enough to peek in. There she was tangled up in her lavender, kitty cat pattern blanket. Her brows furred with a pained expression. It was rare for Marco to see her with anything but a smile or over exaggerated frown usually paired with puppy eyes. It hurt his heart to see her in such discomfort even if was just a dream. Letting himself into the room he noticed several boxes of things she'd already packed, a painful reminder of her departure. Sitting gently down at the edge of the bed he took in the sight of her. How many more times would he able to look at her like this? Not enough.

"Don't frown like that Star," he said so softy he wasn't sure if it had even come out of his mouth as sound.

Leaning in closer towards her, he extended his hand out to brush back her hair that clung to the perspiration on her forehead.

"Marco..." She muttered his name yet again.

Being this close to her and hearing her say his name like that sent chills down his spine, the hair on the back of his neck stood high. He watched intently as a bead of sweat traveled down her face, then her neck, making its way into the cozy crease of her cleavage that her nightie exposed so beautifully. It was odd how out of all the times he'd seen her in this night gown his attention had never found itself focusing on her exposed skin until now. He gulped, nervous all of the sudden, as well as a tad ashamed for having these immodest thoughts.

"I'm here Star," he announced looking at her so longingly, so desperate.

He shook her shoulders ever so gently, whispering her name again.

Not entirely awake she acknowledged him, "Marco?" She asked shakily sitting up, eyes still shut.

"You were having a nightmare," he said scooping more of her hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.

"Stay with me. Please," she said groggily as she wrapped her arms around him, nuzzling her face into his neck.

What does she think I am, a body pillow?

Not that he minded being her body pillow in the least. Unsure of what to do at this point he watched over her as she dozed off in his arms. It wasn't the most comfortable position but he lavished in her closeness. Being best friends they had plenty of close encounters, especially hugs, but for some reason his mind was in a different place tonight. He felt stiff and uncertain of what to do with his body. Star held her grasp firm as she sleep-hugged him and he scooted back against the bed frame to steady himself. He shakily ran his hands through her hair, observing as she slept, the nightmare appeared to have passed. His eyes became heavy and despite his effort to stay awake and watch her he succumbed to sleep.

Star never liked waking up in the mornings, even on the weekends when she didn't have to get up early for school. Today this was especially true. As she slowly awoke, before opening her eyes, she noticed a pleasant yet familiar aroma; that of soap, grass with perhaps a slight tinge of cinnamon? Inhaling deeply, she couldn't quite describe the smell, however it was intoxicating. There was pressure around her waist and against her back, it was odd but also very comforting in her dreamy state. It was almost as if someone had their arms wrapped around her. She could sense the yellow sunlight shining into her room, over her, a nostalgic glow with a slight breeze coming from the cracked window... if only time would stop and she could stay like this forever. The next thing she noticed as she gradually gained consciousness, and what triggered her abrupt awakening, was a gust of warm breath against the nape of her neck. It sent chills down her spine and she let out a little yip as her body shot up from underneath the covers.

A complete shock, there before her was Marco sleeping soundly in her bed only wearing a shirt and boxers, one leg propped up out from underneath the covers and the rest cozy under her blanket. Then it hit her that there had indeed been arms around her, his arms! It was his scent that she had been basking in. Star's immediate thought was to wake him but her attention was averted to how handsome and innocent he looked sleeping there on her pillow, little bit of drool puddled around his mouth. Staring at his lips a little longer than she should have, she couldn't help but wonder if they felt as soft as they looked.

"Oh geez what am I thinking!?" She exclaimed smacking her palms against her cheeks, her cheek hearts hot pink and warm to the touch. She didn't question why he was in her bed but she had to admit it was rather charming.

"Oooohhhh Marcoooo," she sang leaning towards him, her face only inches from his. Nostrils flared, He smells soooo good, she thought. Stirring in his sleep he grunted and turned over facing away from her. "I'm going to miss you so much," she whispered to the back of his head.

After a quiet moment she began rocking back and forth causing the mattress to move, "wake up Maarrrcoooooo!"

With a stretch and yawn Marco turned back over, "oh hi Star." His voice cracking as he spoke.

Realizing he was still in bed with her he jumped up and out from under the covers, quickly rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"S-Star!" He stuttered.

She smiled up at him while sitting Indian style on her bed. Looking around him Marco was in disbelief as he stood there ashamed. He was undeniably in her room and he had undeniably slept next to her during the night. He had only intended on checking on her during the night, not sleeping beside her! Red faced he apologized frantically and rushed out of her room leaving her giggling in amusement. He looks pretty cute in just a shirt and boxer s Star thought to herself.

At school later that day whenever Star would look towards Marco he would blush and advert his eyes.

"What's up with him today?" She pondered.

Thinking back to that morning with him in her bed she couldn't help but blush.

"Barely two weeks until we graduate!" Jackie said excitingly as she sat down next Star in the cafeteria, taking her attention off the thought of Marco in her bed.

"Hard to believe!" Star exclaimed popping a straw into her juice box. How many more times would she get to experience lunch in the cafeteria with her friends before she left she wondered, becoming a little sad.

Marco watched them from a few tables away.

"Are you feeling okay dude?" Ferguson asked him waving his hand in front of the karate boy's face.

Marco groaned, pushing his uneaten lunch tray to the side and laid his head down on the table with a grunt.

"I take it that's a no. Are we still moving stuff into the bach pad after school today?"

Ferguson's voice droned on as Marco only half listened, peering at Star and Jackie through his bangs as he hid his face behind his arm. Jackie looked gorgeous as usual... all these years and she still had no clue he had a crush on her. He had managed to do more than just nod at her, especially with Star befriending her and getting them to interact. Thankfully Jackie would be attending the same collage as he, he hoped it would create some more opportunities for them to speak. Focusing his attention towards Star Marco knew he needed to look as much as he could while she was still here, not taking her presence for granted. Although this thought only aggravated him, frustrated he left the table leaving his lunch and a dumbfounded Ferguson behind.

After school Ferguson approached Star wondering if she had seen their moody red hoodie-clan friend.

"He seemed to be in a pretty bad funk today at lunch and now I can't find him," Ferguson expressed his concern all while staring down Star's shirt. She had certainly developed over the years and he couldn't seem to help himself.

"Eyes up here Freg," she said snapping her fingers.

"Do you have any idea where he could be? We were supposed to meet here after class."

"You guys were gonna move his stuff to the apartment, right?"

"Yeah, I also called his parents and he's not home either. What gives?"

"Okay, okay... you go check his apartment and I will go by the dojo," Star said taking off before Ferguson could protest.

It was unusual for Marco to stand anybody up, unlike Star who was always late or forgetting, he was extremely punctual. She hoped everything was okay... Ludo and his monsters had been much more aggressive lately in their attempt to get her wand before she returned to Mewni, she worried they could have something to do with Marco's disappearance.

Power walking Star headed towards the karate dojo that Marco had been working at part time for the past two years. He had really improved his skill over the years and had earned a position assisting his sensei and teaching others the practice. She knew his ultimate plan was to go to college to study "mind-karate" psychology but she could totally see him running his own dojo someday. How fortunate that he gets to choose his future, she mused. Star didn't choose to become queen of Mewni but she had no choice, it was her fate.

Moping over such things time flew by and she arrived at the dojo in no time.

As She approached the entrance to the dojo she could hear the creaks and grunts of someone sparring inside. Quietly opening the door there before her was Marco kicking and punching at a training bag. His voice angry and radiating frustration as he hollered with each attack at the plastic dummy. She rarely saw him this intense, watching as he sparred with the rocking punching bag, sweat drizzling down his face and collarbone she noted how handsome he looked in his white gi. Watching in admiration she swooned over him. How could she have not noticed before how enthralling he was in this state? Her jaw dropped and mouth hung open in awe as she watched him release his aggression.

"Whoa..." She had seem him spar plenty of times she didn't understand why now of all times she was checking him out in this manner.

Catching a glimpse of her blonde hair from the corner of his eye Marco stopped in his tracks.

"Star?" he asked panting heavily and wiping his face with his sleeve.

"Hey!" Star exclaimed, her usual cheerful self. Marco smiled. Yes! I got him to smile! she celebrated skipping down the isle towards him.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was hoping you could teach me a few moves?"

He stared at her unsure if she was serious or not.

"Pleeeeaassseeee," She looked up at him with starry eyes.

"Okay, but I'm not the best at giving lessons just yet..."

"I'm sure it will be fine; here have your way with me sensei!" She bowed to him catching him off guard with her choice of words.

He stood beside her and positioned her body into the proper fighting stance. Having her practice a few punches and kicks in the air he went over some basics. It was impressive the amount of knowledge she already had on defending and attacking, but that would be expected of a princess who grew up with the royal guard as babysitters. Accustomed to fighting alongside her, teaching her felt so foreign to him. At first he thought she was just toying with him but he noticed her get more into it as he began teaching complex moves and breathing techniques. They practiced over the next half hour until Star was exhausted, throwing herself down on a nearby bench.

"You done already?" Marco antagonized her, even though he was tired himself.

"Hey I did pretty well," she paused to catch a breath, "I could even fight you one on one."

"Haha oh yeah?" He sat down next to her.

She smirked rolling over towards him reaching her hands out and grabbing his wrists. Over powering him she swaddled him, pinning him down against the bench. While Marco would admit that she was strong, he let her get the best of him this time. Despite it being an attack, Star having control over his body was quite comforting feeling. He laughed, amused by her determination.

"Got…you!" She declared, out of breath, while hovering over him.

"Y..yeah you did," he could barely find words he was so mesmerized by her above him, her hair like a curtain surrounding all sides of him, cancelling out his surroundings. All he could see was her, and that was all he wanted to see. The mood changed as they gazed into each other's eyes, both unsure of why their hearts were beating so much faster all of the sudden.

"Star..." Marco said quivering, never taking his eyes off hers. What was this insane force he felt? His body like a magnet trying to draw her in closer.

"How do you do this to me?" he asked, his amber eyes piercing her soul as he looked into her eyes so intently.

Star couldn't recall ever seeing him look at this way, it was so intense. She wasn't entirely sure what he meant by what he said but she found herself questioning the same thing. Having Marco pinned beneath her, trapped under her hold, looking up at her so longingly with those eyes... was so... arousing. Something not commonly experienced by the blonde. Overcome with pheromones her body acting on its own, as she shut her eyes and leaned in closer towards him, lips trembling. Marco broke his stare with her, blinked a few times wondering if he was dreaming as she got closer. Surely she wasn't about to... kiss him, was she!? His heart felt like it was going to burst through his chest and he had no idea what to do. Of course he wanted to kiss her back, with every ounce of his body, but what would that mean for their relationship? Not to mention he was completely inexperienced, never having kissed a girl before. Would he be good enough for her? This was Star Butterfly! In typical Marco fashion he over-thought the situation, a thousand questions incoming as quickly as her plush lips were to his. His radical thoughts were soon put to an end as Star brushed against his lips, but only for a split second before the dojo door swung open.

"Marco, you here!?" In came Ferguson's voice echoing throughout the dojo, as welcoming as a record player coming to a screeching halt. Both Star and Marco jumped skyward, startled by the abrupt interruption. Marco hit his head under Star's chin and they both went tumbling to the floor.

"Where have you guys been!? I've been to your house, the bachelor pad, back to school and Star you were supposed to call me when if you found him!"

"Ow,ow,ow,ow!" Star exclaimed rolling around holding her chin.

"S-sorry Ferg, you alright Star?" Marco asked rubbing the top of his head and reaching out for Star's hand to help her up.

"Well it's late and we have to hurry and get those boxes to your pad man," Ferguson pressed.

"Alright, just let me lock up."

"I gotta get going too actually," Star said rushing past the two boys and out of the dojo.

Marco sighed making his way to the sink to splash some cold water on his face.

"What on Earth…" he mumbled as he brought his hand to his lips. They still tingled from where Star's lips grazed his and even though it was for only a millisecond it was one of the greatest things he'd ever experienced. A real kiss must be even better he thought still pressing his fingers against his lips. Dammit Ferguson.

One week later...

Over the weeks leading up to her farewell Star noticed how quiet and agitated Marco had become, acting out more and more as the days passed. Whenever she'd meet eyes with him he'd look down with frown, had she done something to make him upset? She wasn't quite sure how to approach him about it he was acting so distant. She wondered if it had something to do with the night at the dojo. Neither of them had talked about it since, probably because neither of them understood exactly what happened between them. She thought it was a good thing at the time but all there was now is awkward silence. Regretting her actions she also felt exposed like he could see right through her. Walking aimlessly around her empty room unable to sleep from anticipation for her leave tomorrow and the situation with Marco she tried to ease her mind and think about anything else other than him to no avail. Pacing back and forth her thoughts jumped from one thing to the next including a strong urge to visit his room. Even though he wasn't there after moving out the day before. Maybe she'd sleep better in there? Would it still smell like him?

Opening her bedroom door, she was in complete shock to see Marco asleep leaning against the wall next to her door. His head in his hand with one leg propped up, a troubled look on his face. Why was he asleep there? He should have been at his new apartment; his bed wasn't even here anymore. Why did he look so distraught, even in sleep? Star wondered. What was this sudden pain she felt in her chest as she watched him? Why couldn't see summon the courage to ask him what was bothering him? Not wanting to wake him she shuffled back to her bed grabbing her blanket to drape over him. Kneeling down to his level she stared at him, only inches from his face, remembering how he made fun of her for not respecting personal space. She examined his tanned face, noticing and admiring how it had narrowed over the years. Leaning in even closer, so close she could feel his breath on her face, she had the urge to touch his long brown eyelashes. The same sensation she felt during their spar at the dojo overcame her and her body seemed to act on its own, bringing her face even closer to his, her lips tingling. She couldn't control herself but suddenly, right before her lips pressed against his, she stopped. A single tear traveled down Marco's face. The tingling disappeared and her heart sank... Marco was crying in his sleep outside her door and here she was trying to kiss him! She felt ashamed and stood up retreating back into her bedroom, puzzled by her own behavior and Marco's tears. It did not occur to her that this would be the last night they'd sleep under the same roof, nor that it was the reason why Marco was outside her room.

The next morning...

Star's carriage horses could be heard neighing outside of the Diaz's home as they awaited their princess, prepared to transport her back to the Mewni Kingdom.

"Please call us at least once a week and come visit anytime," Mrs. Diaz said embracing Star as she said good bye to their adored foreign exchange student. Mr. Diaz was sobbing; it was quite the sight and Star couldn't help but giggle. Picking her up in a big bear hug Dr. Diaz thanked her for watching over Marco, even though it was Marco who had been looking over her all these years.

The Diaz's were the last ones to bid farewell to, she had already said goodbye to her friends from school after graduation. Oscar, who she had gushed over all these years, even sung her a song on his keytar. What a delight that was! He was a much better song writer than conversationalist but she would miss him none the less. After one last hug from Mr. and Mrs. Diaz she turned towards Marco. He stood a little off away from them, his head held low. As he looked up at her with hollowed eyes she felt like her heart was being squeezed by some invisible force, almost taking the breath right out of her. This was goodbye. Goodbye to the boy...now man...that had become so dear to her since her arrival on Earth. Leaving him was like leaving a part of herself behind.

Marco had tried his best to be happy for Star but wasn't able to find any words to express how "happy" he was for her. He watched her with sad, pathetic eyes as she approached him, wrapping her arms around him. His throat was dry, unable to muster a sound.

"I'll come and visit you as often as I can," Star said as she gripped his spiritless body even tighter. They both knew once she was queen he'd more than likely never see her again.

"H-hug me back Diaz," she demanded, fighting off tears her eyes stung.

Marco did as she said and buried his head in her neck, pulling her so close he thought she'd melt into with him...if only she could. They stayed this way for a few minutes, stuck in a daze. Don't leave me! Marco screamed over and over in his head. As if that would be enough to keep her there. "Goodbye..." Star said gently pulling away, tears swelling up. She couldn't bear to look him in the face again and quickly turned the other away rushing towards the door, her blonde hair kicking up behind her.

Without a word Marco watched his friend leave for another dimension. He was angry with himself for not even wishing her good luck. What kind of friend does that? Disappointed in himself he walked upstairs, completely zoned out, to the bathroom they used to share. He needed to get his toiletries, the last things left to bring over to his apartment. He opened the door and examined the sink... Star's usual messy side was just as clean as his, as if she had never even been there. In a fit he swung open his medicine cabinet grabbing all of his perfectly organized things and threw them hard against the sink, they ricocheted across the counter. Grasping at his his chest, as if someone had karate kicked him the heart, he knelled down on the verge of tumbling over in defeat.

I hope you guys liked the first chapter ^_^ I realize I'm not the best writer but hopefully you were able to look past that and enjoy the story. I'm open to any constructive criticism and if you are anxious to read more reviews really help motivate me to write more often.

Thanks! -Bunni