A/N: Once again, I'm thanking all of you for reading, reviewing, favoriting, following, the works. It always helps to have an audience that appreciates the writing and the craft. So, the review acknowledgements.

chrissdomm: If you think this is intense, wait till chapter 4 or 5, haven't decided when this will reach its climax. Wait, crap, said too much. Eh, you'll find out when you get there. Thanks!

Romantic Sloth: I'll try and cut down on it. I have already written out the first two chapters in 1st person, so it would be kind of weird for me to switch now, but less switches will be in order. Still working on 3rd person writing style, I'm not nearly as good at 3rd person. Thanks, and hope you enjoy!

SonicELITE: I feel ya man, got to get into more of the detail, more of what the story's about. I'll keep it in mind, knowing when to do it and not. Finally, some real constructive criticism from you guys! Appreciate the help and advice!

ZellaDay: Always, and I'm glad you think that. Means a lot.

Inferna Blossom: I appreciate the love, and I would sure hope it was well written!

Also, I do have to apologize for my rather erratic schedule of updating, I have tried to be semi-consistent but there are only some days when I get to write and on some of them I'm just not inspired enough. So I apologize.

Side note, once again, my censorship filter has failed me, a few minor swears ahead. No f-bombs though. That's for a more intense fic/chapter, which I might have to adjust the rating for accordingly.

Disclaimer: These beautiful characters aren't mine, look no further than Daron Nefcy and Disney. I lay claim to the story though.

Let's not waste anymore time here.

Chapter 3: Decisions

Marco's POV

Today was Saturday. I woke up on the couch, with the DVD menu still rolling in the background, half eaten nachos on the table, and… Star. She was sleeping right next to me, rather close I might add. I slowly got up, seeing as I didn't want to wake her up. I looked at the time on the microwave clock: 6:37. I had some stuff I needed to think about anyway, so I grabbed a cereal bar, changed into my gray undershirt and a pair of jeans, and went for a walk. I opened the door very quietly, extremely careful to not wake Star from her beautiful sleeping form. I was almost out of the door, when instinct took over, taking me back inside to kiss Star on her forehead before leaving.

As I started walking, I admired the beautiful California sunrise I so often took for granted. I just stopped and stared at it for a few minutes, taking it all in. Then out of nowhere, I heard a voice creep up behind me. "You like watching the sunrise too?" I turned around, and saw Jackie, skateboard and all. "What are you doing up this early? It's a Saturday." She replied, "I've always been a bit of an early riser myself. I get up with the sun on weekends, and go for a skate around the neighborhoods. Eases the stress. I don't ever see you out here though.

I said, "Today, I just felt I wanted to clear my head out a little bit." She hesitated with her next statement, as if she was afraid to say something to me. After the crap I pulled, I couldn't exactly blame her for being afraid. "Well… w-would you like to, I dunno, maybe, talk for a little bit?" It was hard to turn her down. Even though I could see the longing in her eyes, I thought maybe she could push past the urges.

"Sure Jackie. What all you wanna talk about?"

She shifted a bit uncomfortably, then said, "So how is Star these days? Now that she's with you and all…"

I stopped her right there. "Look, I know how you're feeling. And I get it. Your heart got broken. You saw me kiss Star right in front of you. But hell, I didn't know that you even paid any attention to me. I had all but given up on being with you, and the more I thought about it, the more me and Star being together made sense, what with the way we were comfortable around each other in a way I haven't ever been with another person. We tell each other everything, and I was always welcoming of Star's various flirty touches, even if I didn't quite know what they were, just thinking that was what really good friends did."

She got a bit impatient, and said, "So what all does this have to do with anything other than to make me feel worse than I already do?" She immediately backpedaled. "Oh God Marco, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean that, I just…"

"It's ok Jackie."

"Thanks Marco. I didn't deserve forgiving there, that was totally uncalled for. And that's just one of the many things I came to like about you over the past couple of years. You didn't open up to a lot of people, because you were always too safe. You didn't want anything to happen to them that you could have pinned on yourself. But for the friends you did make, Ferg and Fonzi, and now Star, you have made their lives so much better. I wanted you to touch my life in the way you had done for them."

I was a little shocked, flattered, and confused all at once. "I can still do that. You have to understand though, it won't be romantic, but we can still hang out. It's what friends should do, no matter what the situation between the two friends may be."

"I'm glad. Because I didn't think there was any way on Earth you would have taken me with open arms as a friend after sharing feelings like that with you, yet here we are."

I started to grow a bit more comfortable around Jackie. Huh, I thought to myself, If I had just talked to her, I could have seen her as another person, not some far-out figure of beauty. That was one of the MANY differences between her and Star. We just sat on the sidewalk in silence, watching the sun rising from the east. I finally said, "Good."

"Huh?"

"Star's good these days. Ludo doesn't bother us really anymore-"

"Wait, is that the little bird guy with the monsters who's ass I always see you kicking?"

"Well, when you put it like that… I guess I do kick a little butt. Anyway, Ludo doesn't bother us, so it's just been me and her, bonding. It's quite nice actually. Kind of convenient when you live with her, ain't it? She's been a lot more focused, a lot more happy ever since that night when we told each other our feelings. She just seems like she finally found something that was missing, keeping her from being the very best she could be."

"Well that's good."

"Yeah."

Jackie then asked me, "So have you gotten her anything yet? I know it's only been a week or so, but have you gotten her flowers, or chocolates, or a teddy bear, or anything as a little treat to show her you love her?"

"She doesn't really seem like the materialistic type to me."

"Really? Is that so? Have you seen the size and scale of her room and wardrobe? She may not be totally enamored with the stuff, but she's got it. I can see it now. You've got to impress her. You're trying to impress her, aren't you?"

I thought about this for a moment. I had figured out what I wanted to get Star as my gift to her to show my affection. We were in the mall one day after school, and we passed by a little Kay's Jewelry store, and I realized that she wasn't holding my hand anymore, and she was about 10 feet back. Her attention was on a pendant and earrings that had stars on them. After 2 minutes of just staring, Star told me she was going off to the bathroom, and I quickly ran over to the jeweler. "Hey, Mr. Salesman guy, how much do those earrings and necklace cost?" He looked at me for a second, then said, "Those have been sitting in the display case forever now, lots of people looking but not many willing to drop the cash on something of that low karat gold and diamond. It's 500 for the pendant, 750 for the earrings." "Reserve those for me. I don't know when I'll be able to pay for it, but that better be in the case when I can. Those are exactly what I'm looking for."

I responded to Jackie, "Yeah. I am. I was looking at some of the jewelry at the mall and saw the star-shaped earrings and pendant."

"Ooh, I just love those. Too bad I don't have any guy willing to drop the money on that for me."

"You'll find it one day." It was half to make her feel better after her being rejected, by me of all people, half knowing that she was too special for someone to not eventually get her something like that. She just wasn't for me anymore.

"Thanks Marco. Again, such a way with making people feel better."

"No prob. So anyway, I really want to get those for her, but I have no earthly idea on how I'm going to get the money."

Jackie's face lit up. "Oh, that reminds me: I was going to tell you this over text but this works too. I work at the Chick-Fil-A in that mall, and I make a solid 8 bucks an hour. A position just opened up, and this would be a perfect way to get some money. It's a win-win, I get to see my new friend more often and you get a part-time job to pay for the gift for Star."

I pondered the offer. There didn't seem to be anything wrong with it at all. Actually, it would just help me in general, with time management skills and work ethic, I would get some cash to float around, and most importantly, I could make Star happy. And oh how I wanted to do that. But there was just something off about the whole thing. What if this is just Jackie trying to pull me away from Star? No, stop that Marco. You're being paranoid. "Sounds great. Do I have to come in for an interview or something?" She replied, "Nah, he really wants that position filled fast, I'll just tell him you'll be coming over ASAP to train and to work."

Everything about this sounded amazing. But I just couldn't shake my paranoid, Safe Kid, jealous and overprotective-of-everyone-I-love self from the back of my mind.

Star's POV

I awoke to the distinct lack of Marco beside me on the couch. It felt cold without his warmth near me, and I had no idea where he was. I looked at the clock on the microwave. 7:04. I went upstairs to see if he was in his room, but no one was there. I went back downstairs, and started to pour myself a bowl of cereal, when I heard talking and laughing outside. I walked to the front door, and out there on the sidewalk I saw Marco and Jackie.

Jackie, I thought to myself. Why is she up so early with MY boyfriend? Wait, why am I being so possessive? Marco loves me! He wouldn't cheat on me. I pushed the bad thoughts aside when I saw Marco get up from his place on the sidewalk and walk toward the door, waving at Jackie as she rode her skateboard off into the distance. I quickly ran to the kitchen so I looked like I was doing something instead of watching them. He opened the door, and said, "Good morning my love! How did you sleep?"

I loved his terms of affection. They made me feel so much more special. "I slept marvelous, since you helped me out."

"Always happy to help."

"So what were you and Jackie talking about?" I immediately wished I could have taken that back, because he didn't know I was watching. But he didn't pay much attention to that detail. "Oh, just some stuff she wanted to get off her chest."

I gulped. "Well… did any of it have to do with our relationship?

Marco's POV

I started freaking the hell out. She can't know what I actually said, it might ruin everything! Calm down Marco, just tell her as much as she needs to know, that way you aren't lying. Wait a second, if I lie now, will that set up mistrust in a relationship? No, my intentions are pure. It's not like I'm going to use this in other situations, this is to show how much I DO love her, not to try and maliciously go behind her back. I let go of a deep breath then said, "Yeah."

I saw Star gulp, as if she was afraid of what might happen. Before she spoke up, I said, "You don't have to worry Star. She's hurt and I'm making her feel better, but also stressing that I'm very much spoken for. Plus we got some normal talk in, considering that we never really talked before that much."

"Well, would you mind sharing specifics?"

I treaded carefully, because I didn't want to upset her. That's the last thing I wanted to do. I don't think I could live with myself if I hurt her. "Well I explained the situation I was in before and how I used to have a crush on her, but that I started liking you more. A lot more. And don't you ever forget that."

A smile came back to her face, always a welcome sight. "Well I'm glad you told her how it was. I'm sorry, I feel really nosy and all, but I really am genuinely curious at what she had to say, after, you know."

I said, "Worry yourself with that later tonight. Right now, let's just enjoy our Saturday."

I was still internally freaking out, because I made a promise of total transparency. Technically I wasn't telling a lie to her, there was just something I knew that she didn't and probably should. Ok Marco. Calm yourself. You're with the love of your life and you're not sharing everything. Is that bad? I pushed the thoughts out of my head, focusing on her radiant beauty instead of the ugliness of the situation I was putting myself into.

"Hey Marco, can you make some more nachos?"

"Sure thing, but we really should start finishing the ones we make all the way, it's kind of wasteful, and I'm not made of money." You will be in a few weeks. How do you even plan to cover up the fact that you have a secret job? 'Shut up, brain. Cross that bridge when you get there.'

Within moments we were chowing down on the cheese-covered chips, vegging out on the couch, having a lazy Saturday with one another.

Later…

Star's POV

He told me everything is ok. Nothing going on with him and Jackie. So why do I feel so worried? She's not even a big part of his life. But what if she becomes a part of his life? What if I get competition? What if he… NO. He would not do that, Star. Stop thinking like that. This is MARCO. He would never hurt me. These thoughts had been going through my head for hours now, and as I glanced at the clock, which read 1:30 A.M., I didn't see myself falling asleep anytime soon, and I needed catharsis. So I got up and walked to Marco's room.

I knocked three times on his door, immediately feeling guilty, waking him from a good night's sleep. But to my surprise, the door opened almost instantly, Marco looking as awake as ever. "It's really late Star, what do you want?" I heard what he was trying to do, but I wasn't buying it.

"Can't fall asleep either?"

He sighed. "Nope. Too much on the brain."

"Same her. Wanna talk about it?"

"Sure thing Star. I'm always here for you."

When he closed the door behind him, both of us sitting down on his bed together, I realized the implications of what I was doing, even if they weren't my intentions. Oh God, you're in Marco's room! AT NIGHT! WAY LATE AT NIGHT TOO! What am I going to do? We were sitting in silence for a few minutes, both of us seeming to collect our thoughts at the same time. I spoke up first. "Why do I feel like you still have feelings for Jackie?"

I could tell by the way reacted that I had struck a nerve. He tensed up when I grabbed his hand, but then relaxed. "Marco, it's ok. Complete honesty, remember?"

"Yeah. I remember."

"Then tell me. Do you still have feel-"

"NO." His shouting shocked me, and he instantly backpedaled. "Oh shit, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to yell, it's just that I'm really upset that you don't trust me and-"

"Marco, I completely understand. It's an uncomfortable topic. It would be like you probing me about Tom, and I DEFINITELY wouldn't like that. It's fine."

"But that's the thing Star. It's NOT fine. Me yelling at you totally unjustified is a huge character flaw, and it's dangerous. I never want to get hot-tempered with you. Please forgive me, even if I don't deserve it."

"You do deserve it though. You're always kind to me, always looking out for me, always forgiving of me for 'Starring' things up."

"I forgive you not just because you're my friend, but because I know that's not who you are. You're Star freakin' Butterfly! You're the excitement I never knew was missing in my life until it came into it. You're the coolest person I know, you're fun-loving, and you are so kind, and I can't imagine what my life would be like without you. I love you. And I never want you to change."

If I could fall any more in love than I already was, his coronation would have been all but guaranteed. He was mine. And I never wanted that to change. And that's what brought me down from reality. I frowned, because I hated having second thoughts about someone who I knew would never do anything to hurt me. He saw me start to frown, and he said, "Star, what's on your mind?"

I sighed. "I mean, I'm hearing you loud and clear, and I get that. Most of me gets that anyway. But there's just a certain part of me that has doubts. You loved Jackie for so long, and for you to project that onto me is amazing and I wouldn't want it any other way, but I just wish I-" He stopped me right in my tracks with a kiss that melted its way right through my heart. It was by no means our most passionate kiss, but one that I think that we both needed.

He let go of me, and said, "Still have any doubts?"

"None at all."

"Great. I'm glad I could make you feel better."

We sat on his bed holding hands and staring into each other's eyes, wishing that moments like these would never end. I looked at the clock on his bedside table. 1:53. Not that I cared that it was super late. It was the weekend. He started to shift around, and said, "Well, I hate that I have to be the bad guy here and break this moment up, but-"

I jumped on an opportunity I had been waiting for nearly a month now. "Actually Marco," as I started to try and conjure up a good excuse, "I was hoping that I could, you know, maybe stay in your room tonight? No no no, not like that or anything, just, maybe snuggle a little?" I was scared I might have went too far.

"Sure Star. I wasn't expecting this so soon, and my parents are just down the hall, but if they ask, I'll just explain what it was. Besides. I'm done taking risks." I shot him a playful look, and he got defensive. "Oh come on, I mean it!"

"Whatever you say, Wild Man." We crawled up onto his bed, and got under the soft blanket. It was nice and warm, perfect for sleeping into a lazy Sunday afternoon. I looked at his face one last time before spooning my way into the dreamscape, where I once again found Marco, as I did only in my wildest dreams.

(A/N: To all of you out there with those kinds of minds- no, not those dreams. You perverts. Just kidding, I love all of you. I think.)

Marco's POV

This was quite nice. Just me and her. I tried not to think of what this might mean for our relationship going forward, because it only made me worried I was going to break her heart somehow. I told myself, 'No. That will not happen. No matter what, even if her heart changes, she will always be your friend. So you won't hurt her. Ever. Hold yourself to that.' I could definitely get used to her being at my side like this at night.

I drifted off into my most peaceful slumber ever, knowing the person I loved most was closer than I would have ever thought possible.

Later…

I woke up to a sleeping Star. I looked at the clock on my bed. 11:28. When I sat up, I saw that my door was cracked open a tad. My parents had been in here. Crap. What am I going to tell them? I mean, I think they'll understand, they're normally pretty understanding for normal parents, but being in bed with a girl? That's going to take some explaining. I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

But if there was any doubt in my mind that this was the girl I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, they were all erased that night. Nothing even happened huge, just us being close together. And it made my heart sing with joy to know that the most beautiful, awesome, talented, understanding, kick-ass girl was the one most in love with me. I knew she had to be mine, forever and always.

Chick-Fil-A is closed on Sundays (A/N: I weep for you if you don't know what Chick-Fil-A is, but it's a fast food chain that doesn't open on Sundays. I'm just gonna go now.), but the second they opened I was going to get a job and work till my fingers bled and then some to get her the necklace and earrings. She was worth that kind of effort.

I slowly got up, careful not to wake Star, and headed into the bathroom to brush all of the morning breath away. As I finished and started to walk out, two people were waiting for me: my mom and dad. "Mom, Dad, I can explain-"

My dad spoke up, saying, "We will definitely be addressing this little 'slumber party' of yours, but we're doing it downstairs. I'm not about to be the one to wake up Star."

He and my mom escorted me down to the kitchen. My mom started first. "Hijo, what have we told you about sleeping with other exchange students?"

I got defensive. "Mom, you don't get it, she asked for me to! Besides, you probably knew already we were dating!"

My dad butted in, saying, "Oh we knew, we just didn't think you would take it this far! I don't even know what to say!"

"Nothing even happened! She just wanted to cuddle last night, that's all! Promise!"

"Hijo, if you're going to be giving us magical royal-blooded grandchildren sometime soon, you better be not getting an STD while you're at it."

"Jesus Dad, what? We're nowhere near that far! Plus, I'M THE SAFE KID AT SCHOOL FOR A REASON! Although, now that you mention it, kids would be nice, but HEY! That's not the point! Trust me. We didn't get any farther than how far we get on the couch on movie night."

My mom spoke up, and said, "We know that, we're just giving you a hard time. Right, Rafael?"

He pouted. "Yeah. Giving you a 'hard time.' Whatever."

"We're happy for you two! Star had been confiding in us for weeks before you two went at it the first time."

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah, she couldn't stop talking about how amazing you are."

"You'e serious right now?"

"One hundred percent. Have a good lazy Sunday with your girlfriend."

I smiled. "Thank you Mom. Oh, before I forget, I'm going to be up a lot later on school nights."

My dad perked up. "Why is that?"

"Well, I've decided that I'm going to start working."

My mom smiled. "That's wonderful hijo! But, why? Why work now?"

"Well, I saw some jewelry that I really want to get for Star in the mall. She REALLY liked them and I want to get her something special."

My parents stopped smiling and looked at each other for a few seconds, as if sharing mental messages. "Well… ok. But make sure this is something you are absolutely sure you want to do."

Star's POV

I woke up to an empty bed. I took a look at the clock on Marco's bedside. 11:33. The bed beside me was still warm with the imprint of Marco's body on the mattress, so I knew he hadn't been up too long. I stretched and slowly got up, and when I walked out, I heard footsteps going down the stairs, and started hearing voices. I heard Mrs. Diaz start talking. I couldn't catch all of their conversation over the past few minutes, but I heard things like "with other exchange students", "asked for me to", and "grandchildren", but that was about it. I wonder what they could have been talking about. I then heard footsteps coming up the stairs. "Oh, heh heh, good morning Star! How did you sleep?"

"I slept well, how did you?"

"Amazing, what with you by my side. But when did you get up?"

"I got up a few minutes ago and heard you guys talking."

He started shifting around. "Um… how much did you hear?"

I thought. "Something about other exchange students and grandchildren? I don't know, it was kind of hard to hear from up the stairs." He exhaled. "That's good."

"What, was there something you didn't want me to hear?" It was more of a tease, but I saw him start to get nervous, which in turn made me a bit nervous myself, but I forced those feelings out of me. I knew that he would never keep anything for me. Not without his reasons anyway.

"It's nothing Star. Don't worry about it. Now, what would you like to do on this lazy Sunday, my princess?"

I giggled. His names got to me every single time. "I just want to lay down with you."

He smiled. "No hay nada que me gustaría más, mi estrella brillante."

"I don't know what that means, and I don't care. I love you."

"I love you too, Star. Wanna go get some brunch?"

"Yeah, I'm starving anyway." We walked off into the kitchen and ate, smiling and laughing at all of our jokes, just enjoying each other's presence. I never wanted a single day to not go by like this again.

A/N: Aaaaaaand that's a wrap! Another chapter down, more fluff to satisfy all of you Starco lovers out there. Once again, a huge thanks to all of those who have reviewed/followed/favorited/critiqued me, your support and help means the world to me, and makes me want to write even more for you guys. I'm going into two more crazy weeks of school, and then I can be semi-consistent. Until then, just leave your reviews and let me know how much you actually want to see this updated.

Two things: Google Translate isn't exactly the most reliable of Spanish-to-English translators, so if I butchered what little Spanish I did put in there, sorry, and I hope that nothing in this chapter looks too rushed, because I feel like one section I didn't do as well on or try as hard. If you can figure it out in the reviews, I will know that I need to work harder.

I want to do more writing, but I am not quite sure what to write about when it comes to SvtFoE. I also am not quite sure if my writing is that great, and I want to develop and grow as an author. What I'm trying to say is that my PM box is open, so leave ideas/tips for writing in there, and I'll get back to you.

Hit me with all of the constructive criticism you can think of. Until next time!