The King of Mewni

It Was Only Supposed to be a Double Date, Why Do I Have this Bunny?

"You need more money? Ridiculous."

"Miss Heinous, I'm sorry, but it is a fourth generation magical construct. Prototype design, very… untested."

Marco had his ear pressed up against Olga's door. He could hear a muffled conversation, and well, the books never forbade eavesdropping. In fact, they encouraged it as long as you were discreet about it.

"Surely you can make do with the money I gave you? And 'untested?' Grab my thesaurus and use a proper word."

"You're very kind Miss Heinous, but I do not need-"

"Here. Flip through it."

"… Unpracticed?"

"No."

"Unproven?"

"Something without the U. N. prefix! Such a lazy way to form antonyms!"

"Every word I see has the U.N. prefix."

"Certainly not. Give me that… Ah, here, 'puerile'. Marvelous!"

"Doesn't puerile mean relating to childhood madam? I don't see-"

"Well, it is a magical construct for Marco isn't it? He's a child is he not?" There you are."

"I suppose… Miss Heinous about the Money…"

"Make do with what I gave you, Stein."

"There is nothing to make do with! Pardon my lady, but the construct simply needs more power. I must make a trip to Quest Buy. Please… Miss Heinous, if we don't the construct will fail and if it does we will all but certain have an inter-dimensional incident on our hands…"

"They dare not touch us."

"Most certainly jail my Lady, our reform school finished, my creations… Falling into public domain."

"Imbecile. Why do I keep you? Very well. What do you need?"

"Chargers. About five of them. Triple W."

"Here is… fifteen dollars."

"The chargers cost twenty a piece my lady, and this is without sales tax."

"Absolutely ridiculous! You get twenty-four dollars and no more! Out! Out!" Miss Heinous started to shriek and Marco began to hear shuffling steps rapidly approach the door. Marco snapped away from the door and ran down as many steps as possible. When he started to hear the door start to open, he turned around.

The door opened and out walked who must have been Stein, but when he got a good look at him he felt his stomach twist. He didn't even know what was the more horrifying detail. He was a diminutive figure, hunched over a dark cherry wood cane with a silver boot tip wearing an old faded black tuxedo. His head was malformed and lumpy, and his skin was this unnatural deep purple. Where his left eye should have been was a tightly stitched suture starting from the cheek and going all the way up to the crown of his baldhead. His right eye was covered with a bright orange goggle that shown in the oily darkness of Olga's tower. He was muttering something under his breath, what he was saying, Marco could hardly guess.

He hobbled down as Marco walked past him. Stein didn't even so much as acknowledge him. Although Marco got a good whiff of him, smelled like chalky cough drops that were sitting in a glass bowl for too long. He had to suppress the urge to gag. When he passed, Marco ran up the rest of the way and knocked on the door.

"Late! You are late Mr. Diaz! Come in, Come in." Olga harped. Marco opened the door right away to see Miss Heinous standing in the middle room her face pinched in annoyance. "Mr. Diaz I do not want any of your sass today. Boil your water and talk." She commanded in a huffy tone.

"Is everything alright, your grace?"

"None of your concern… Just know that the lady must always keep a tight lid on finances. I've got the teapot out. Talk."


Marco hefted the laundry basket unto his hip. Fridays meant laundry day at the Diaz household and it was his turn. Always his turn ever since Star used fruit punch in place of the detergent and turned his soaks pink. He walked down the hall to Star's door, giving it a knock.

"Laundry, Star." Marco raised his voice. He stood there for a few seconds before the door a smidge, Star's face poking out.

"You're collecting laundry now?"

"Laundry collection time is always at Four Thirty PM sharp on Friday, every Friday."

"No it's not?"

"Ohh yes it is." Marco said, putting down the basket. Of course it was. She's been here for how long now? "Go get your laundry." Star hesitated.

"I can't find it."

"What?"

"Can you come back later?"

"Why?"

"I've got to find my clothes." She said. Marco sighed. He hasn't been in Star's room all that much as of late, but if he didn't do it now it wasn't going to get done.

"Alright, coming in Star…"

"You sure? I mean it's pretty bad in here…"

"It's alright. Seen messes before." Marco reassured her. He took a step back as Star opened the door all the way. She was in a dark green dress wearing a spider necklace. She wasn't wearing her boots so she just had on her knee high purple and pink socks. Her outfit was pretty normal, but her room told a different story.

Swords, axes, shoes and socks were haphazardly strewn about the room coupled with odder things like bear traps, cages, multi-colored rocks, plates with nacho cheese and cake frosting clinging to it. It honestly caught Marco off guard just how messy her room was. Aside from a small clear area in front of the door and narrow paths leading to the stairs, bed, and mirror, there wasn't a whole lot of space to walk. "Star. This is… Really bad." He put lightly.

"Yeah. Well - " Star walked down her little path to her bed, not stopping even when her knees connected with the bed frame pitching her face first on the crooked sheets. "Uhhh… Ya know…" She said, muffled by the sheets.

Marco started to pick out her clothes from the mess, but it was tedious working around sharp metal coupled with crumpled bras and bottoms. Star can handle the delicates herself as far as he was concerned. Usually he'd be cross with her about this, because this was seriously on a whole other level for her, but he was giving her a lot of slack ever since the library incident eight days ago. She's been on a low burn ever since.

"Ready for Saturday?" Marco said.

"What."

"Our double date. Did you ask Oskar today?" Marco said, uneasy, that was a bad sign.

"Ouh… Uh." Star sluggishly brought her face up, her mouth hanging open for a second. "I didn't –"

"Didn't ask Oskar. Okay…" Marco sighed. She's had all week to approach him. They planned this last Friday after the whole library debacle. This was the thing that he had planned to cheer her up. He even made dinner reservations for four at Star's restaurant choice a full three days in advance and it wasn't even that kind of a restaurant. They had gone shopping for new clothes for Star for Saturday. Talking about it was two out of the dozens of conversations they had this week that actually got Star excited. He had handled blessed everything about Saturday.

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine, you still want to go right?" Marco asked, feeling his tone getting a little terse.

"Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah – It's just – Y'know it's just I'm kind of waiting for the right time to ask him."

"It's Friday evening Star."

"Yeah. Still not the right time." Star challenged. Marco drew in a breath and bit down hard on his retort. He had clumped together a sizable pile of clothes in his arms.

"Well. Let him know. Okay?" Was all that Marco allowed himself to say.

"Roger that."

"Okay… if you want to do anything tonight let me know." Marco said. He rushed out of there and dumped her clothes in his basket. Was probably a good idea to get out of there because if he had stayed he may have gone off on Star and that's the last thing she needed right now.

He picked the basket up and walked downstairs. It's not that he's mad at Star, kind of just mad at himself more than anything. He felt like he was doing something wrong, or rather, maybe he wasn't doing enough… but then, what could he do besides ask Oskar for Star? He couldn't do that, not the right foot to start on with them two. He couldn't even believe Star hadn't asked him, he knew she was scared, but that never stopped her before.

He made it to the laundry room in the basement and set the basket down. He had to be honest; he had this odd mixture of fuming and anxiety going right now. Fuming at the fact that the logistics for tomorrow were all messed up now. Anxious, because Star was cutting it ridiculously close. It was very possible that Oskar was busy tomorrow, or they simply won't be able to find the guy. He lives in his car for goodness sakes. Guess he could try the school but that wasn't exactly a guarantee. Then there was the nightmare scenario of that he may not be interested…

Marco paused. That was an odd thought. He never really considered the option of Oskar simply saying no. Why would he? Wasn't much wrong with Star at first glance. In all honesty, Star was kind of a catch thinking about it. Oskar's one lucky dude to have Star wrapped around his finger like that. Hopefully he can see that tomorrow.

"Hey Marco." He heard a voice above him. He looked up to see Star resting on her stomach off the stair railing.

"Oh hey Star." Marco said.

"Can I be a pain?"

"Sure. What's up?"

"Okay. So I'm really really sorry about not asking Oskar." Star spoke so fast that he almost didn't catch that. "Buut… I'm going to do it real early tomorrow."

"Great!" Marco brightened. Thank goodness. Good to hear.

"Do you think you could come with me though? Just… Ya know. Moral support?"

"Absolutely." Marco said immediately. She was there for him with Jackie. He's going to be there for her for Oskar. "What time were you thinking?"

"Well…"


So there was a hill down the street from their house. This hill was a good forty-five degrees and stretched for five houses. Now, normally he can negotiate it well enough by himself. Although its absolutely murder on his legs with Star bouncing up and down on his back pegs.

"Faster Marco!" Star shouted. He answered with a wheeze. They really needed to finish teaching her how to ride a bike. She only knows how to coast and brake at this point. The sun wasn't even up yet, but it was threatening to. She really meant early. Which is weird because usually she sleeps like a log. Perhaps it's the nerves… he could relate. They crested the hill to his immense relief. The rest of the way to school was pretty smooth all things considered. "TO THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT!" Star thundered. Next thing he knew, Marco's wheels were not touching the ground and the wind was whipping in his face, flapping his lips back.

The school cropped up on the horizon after only what felt like ten minutes. It constantly left him slack-jawed the extent of what Star could do with that wand of hers. Usually biking to school takes him thirty. They shot past the front entrance to the school and into the side parking lot. Now, on a Saturday morning with the sun not even up, there were absolutely no cars in the parking lot save for two vehicles. One car was an Oldsmobile that looked to be falling apart, duct tape holding down a window and holding up a mirror. The beige paint chipping away and the license plate dented, with ripped smiley face and peace flower stickers ringing the undertow of the vehicle. The back window showed nothing but trash and high headed pea green seats. He had ridden in the car before; he knew that was Oskar Greeson's car to his immense relief, looks like logistics for tonight can be salvaged. He wasn't sure why exactly it was at the School parking lot so early... unfortunately he couldn't think too long about it because the next vehicle just a few rows over made his heart sink.

It was a one-man carriage with slim wiry wheels made from a dark mahogany wood tinged with red. The main compartment sculpted to look like a small castle wall with dull gray paired with deep blood red windows. A five-pointed red star with a pentagram embedded in the center was emblazoned on the door, and a horned skull with vacuous eye sockets crowned the whole carriage. The skeletal remains of a unicorn with a literal fire mane was napping while reigned.

"What's Tom doing here!?"Marco heard Star shout.

"I don't know!" He returned. The bike gave a sudden swing around and they blasted out of the parking lot, back to the front of the school. Star let go of her spell and the bike skidded to a stop, Marco's stomaching slamming against the handlebars. Star hopped off, giving a screech of frustration.

"Marco, is it alright if I blast him back to the underworld? I can do that without getting arrested right?" She turned to him, her wand crackling with electricity.

"Okay no, stop and breathe." Marco grabbed her by her shoulders and gave her a shake. "I don't know why he's here. But we shouldn't let that rattle you."

"Marco I'm going to blast him." She rattled.

"Calm down, no blasting."

"Well then what do you expect me to do? You got a plan? I got a plan. It's called: The plan where I kick Tom back to the underworld" Star grumbled, swinging her wand.

"Give me a minute, okay? We can handle this." Marco said, thinking. Star stood there, foot tapping like a jackrabbit throwing a glare at the rising sun. "Why don't I just talk to Tom while you ask Oskar?" Marco said. It was simple, but it made sense to him. Star shook her head.

"He's a demon Marco. There's not much you can do to stop him."

"I think I should be able to handle him." Marco said. Star didn't look convinced.

"I can handle Tom… No offense Marco, but he could just make you extra crispy. Just let me blast him and be done with it alright?"

"You don't have to blast Tom." Marco reiterated. He didn't want drama this early in the morning. There was always a better way of dealing with things than just getting physical. "Trust me. Okay? I keep Tom busy. You go ask Oskar. Alright?" Marco appealed.

"Marco… you know I trust you on a lot of things, but this is kind of a me problem."

"I can handle a you problem. Star. Don't worry." Marco said. Star still looked uncomfortable, absent-mindedly biting her wand, gears turning. She took it out of her mouth and pointed it at him. A tiny cyan beam of light gently hit him in the chest. When it dissipated, a tiny light blue crystal cut like a diamond was resting over his breast, held up by a blue ribbon that was suddenly around his neck. It felt icy to the touch, and quietly hummed.

"If he tries anything. That should help." Star said.

"What is it?"

"Its… uh… I don't really know. I just thought of something cold. Is it cold?"

"Yeah. It's actually freezing."

"Okay good."

Star didn't waste much time, marching down the sidewalk and into the side parking lot. The sun was just peeking up over the horizon at this point and when they got the parking lot Star shot out her hand, stopping Marco. She snapped her head to him, game face on, and began throwing a series of hand signals which included: a one finger spin, a fist, her middle and index finger simulating a walking man, the peace sign, a corkscrew, a parade float wave, energetic spirit fingers and demure jazz hands. All these signs made absolutely no sense; Star was just enamored with the baseball movie they watched last night. Marco started to walk towards the carriage with a blank look on his face. Star waited until he was well over half way there before making a beeline for Oskar's car. Marco hit the carriage before Star could hit Oskar's car. He stopped himself just outside the step and he turned to keep track of Star's movements. She was creeping up fast on Oskar's car, and when she got there she flashed a thumbs up. He turned to Tom's door, waiting. He heard Oskar's car door being opened and closed, which he assume was Star. For a few minutes, nothing happened. It was totally silent except for the sleepy chirps of birds and soft snoring...

Marco blinked. That snoring was unusually loud, like, it sounded like it wasn't coming from inside the carriage. More like above. He looked up to see the tip of a beanie poking out from the carriage's roof.

"Shoot Shoot Shoot!" He heard someone growl and the carriage started to lurch which made him snap to the door. It whipped open and Marco got a good look at Ex-boyfriend, prince of demons Tom. He was wearing dark plaid pajama pants ripped at the knees with a big white love sentence shirt that looked to be in perfect condition. Where he got it, Marco had little idea because he sure as heck tried to get it when it sold out three weeks ago everywhere… "Agh! Marco?" He shouted, taking a step back.

"Where did you get that shirt?" Marco asked.

"What – What are you – Nevermind, move!" Tom stammered. He tried to sidestep Marco. However, Marco threw his hand out and slapped it onto the carriage, effectively blocking him. The action obviously surprised Tom who backed off into his carriage, speechless for just a second. "What the heck Marco! I said move! I need to talk to Star."

"Ain't moving Tom." Marco tried to sound as tough as he could.

"Are you serious? Are you being serious right now?" Tom rumbled, his face darkening. The air started to become hot between them. "Marco I am only going to ask you one more time. Step aside." Tom's eyes started to whiten, bright red-ringed light glaring out of them with a snarl on his face.

"Or what? There's nothing you can do Tom." Marco kept himself calm. "You hurt me and say goodbye to Star forever."

"You." Tom's voice went through a drastic change, becoming deeper and it sounded like a thousand other voices were whispering underneath. "Why must you interfere mortal? We shall see you burn for this disrespect."

"Go ahead." Marco stuck his chin out. "This isn't who you want to be Tom. Why are you here?"

"Why do you think we are here? We know about the planned Double Date worm. We have come to ask for Star's hand."

"Star is going with Oskar. How did you find out about the double date?"

"We care not for the bumbling musician. We care only to show Star our changed selves. You mortals are easily watched and understood. " Tom twitched with rage, barely keeping a lid on it.

"Good God. Keep it down you two." A sleepy voice said. Marco blinked, and Tom's eyes snapped off like a light switch. They looked up and to Marco's surprise, turns out that beanie was Janna, now looking at them annoyed. "Hey."

"Janna?" Marco said, completely at a loss. Tom was flabbergasted.

"Who… What… Get down from my carriage!" Tom sputtered.

"Nahh, I'm good." Janna rested her chin on his hand. She was barely keeping her eyes open, and with the way she was smiling, Marco wasn't completely sure if it was strictly because she was tired. "Wasn't expecting you to get up so early… wasn't expecting Marco either, but eh." She talked to Tom's face that was still trying to piece together what was happening.

"What are you even doing up there Janna?" Marco was quicker on the uptake. He was used to Janna's antics. She looked longingly at the carriage, a hungry glint to her eye.

"Saw it. Loved it. Had to have it." She rubbed the wood. "This thing appeared last Friday night. It's wicked." She finished. Tom shook his head and let a loose a growl.

"Hey. That's mine. Not yours, understand?" he snipped. "Who even are you? Janna your name? Get down."

"Yeah… well…" Janna started, a grin slowly spreading over her face. "That's… not the only think that's yours if you want… Yes, my name is Janna by the way. I assume Tom is yours? That's a weird name for a demon."

"Janna… just why." Marco threw up his hands. For the life of him he couldn't understand her sense of humor, and Tom, heck he actually felt kind of sorry for him because it was obvious he had absolutely no idea what he was dealing with. He just stared at her rooted to the spot. All the anger he had just moments ago was drained away and now he his mouth hung unhinged. All three eyes had their pupils like slits.

"Wh-Whoa Whoa whoa!" Tom found his voice, but it had a squawk to it. "Okay. No. None of that. No."

"Tom. It's alright, its just what she does. She's just messing with you."

"Marco don't spoil it, this is fun." Janna grumbled. Tom looked between them, confused until he clenched his fists, a really low grinding growl coming out.

"Stop. Stop both of you. All I want is to talk to Star."

"Tom. You know you can't just engineer a way to get back together with Star. You need to move on." Marco implored. Tom glared at him. "This double date is to give her a chance for her and Oskar to get to know each other…"

"That's just it though Marco." Tom growled. "I am not trying to get back together with Star here. I just wanted to show her that I have changed… I mean… I graduated dude. I can prove it -" Tom reached into his pocket and produced a redpin with the words Anger Free! Printed in big blocky white letters with a happy sun.

"A double date? You're going on a double date?" Janna said in the background. Tom didn't know, but he actually did 'get' it, but even then, he wasn't going to let Tom go. It's not what Star wanted. Star wanted a chance to get to know Oskar and she deserved as much. Definitely deserved not to have this kind of drama.

"Tom, if all you want to do is talk to Star, then why go on a date with her? You can just talk."

"I don't expect you to get it, alright? I just… want this to be a date. It's just something I gotta do - alright? Not explaining myself to you." Tom said, the fight was starting to leak out of him Marco could tell. "Look. Marco. I don't want to do this. Okay? Please just let me through."

"I'm not going to Tom." Marco shook his head. Tom didn't know, but he actually did 'get' it, but even then, he wasn't going to let Tom through. It's not what Star wanted. Star wanted a chance to get to know Oskar and she deserved as much. Definitely deserved not to have this kind of drama.

"You don't know that…" Tom said, but his body language told a different story. A beanie suddenly dropped down, resting lopsided off one of Tom's horns.

"Hey. Still here. What's this about a double date?" Janna jabbed. Tom's face darkened again, and he started to murmur under his breath. Marco got worried for a second, but before Tom could get too bad, he suddenly stopped. Taking a deep breath, Tom let it out in a long sigh with gentle wispy steam creeping out the corners of his mouth.

"Okay." Tom said. He held up an arm and Marco felt a sharp blast of hot air push him back. Before Marco could understand what was going on, Tom had stepped out of his carriage. Flames alighted under his slippers and Tom boosted himself into the air. "You. Off my carriage." He leered at Janna who was just giving him full on bedroom eyes. Tom snapped his fingers, which sounded like a femur cracking, and Janna yelped as flames ignited underneath her, propelling her into the air. Flames caught her at the last minute, gently depositing her to the ground next to Marco.

"That. Was awesome." She said, looking at Tom.

"You." Tom came back down, pointing at Marco. "Curse you." He turned and went up the step. "You want me gone? Fine. Whatever. Sure."

"Tom I'm sorry." Marco said.

"Whatever Marco." Tom shot back. He stepped inside his carriage, slamming the door shut. Marco stood there, waiting for the carriage to be engulfed in flames, but after a good ten seconds of nothing Tom wrenched the door open and came out angry. "Okay. Where is the bell?"

"What bell?" Marco asked, a little exasperated. "You didn't come out with any…" He continued and then stopped. This was strangely familiar with him. Marco turned to Janna. She had a poker face on.

"An underworld bell. I had one for Star." Tom said. "It was on a little shelf and now its not there."

"Janna. Give him back the bell." Marco sighed.

"She has my bell?" Tom pointed to Janna.

"Now what makes you think I took whatever it was?" Janna asked.

"You have got to be kidding me Janna. You do this all the time."

"Wait, how did she get the bell? Does she have the bell?"

"I may have it." Janna said casually. "First I wanna hear about this double date." Marco slapped his forehead.

"Look. Janna all we're doing tonight is dinner. Jackie, and me with Star and Oskar. We just wanted to give Star a good setting to get to know Oskar. That's all."

"Really." Janna said in an interesting tone.

"Give me back my bell Hannah."

"Hmmm…" Janna hummed. "Hey Marco, how about we make this... a triple date? Maybe a good setting for me to get to know…" Janna's gaze shifted slowly to Tom. Both Marco and Tom took a few seconds to process what Janna just suggested, when it clicked they both spoke at once.

"Janna… I don't think this is the setting for that."

"You're kidding me. You're weird."

"Ahh come on now." Janna slid up to Tom and hooked an arm around him. "What's the worst that can happen? What were you planning on doing tonight?"

"… I don't need to tell you that. And who said you could touch me?" Tom said, promptly talking Janna's hand off his shoulder.

"Well I don't know Tom. Sounds boring to me whatever it is you got planned." Janna said.

"Janna I am not making this into a triple date." Marco said.

"Yeah – and what makes you think I would go on a date with you?" Tom threw it out there, but if he thought he was going to draw blood with that barb he was sorely mistaken when Janna just snickered.

"Well why not? From what I can see, I'm your one chance at getting close to Star here. You don't need to go on a date with Star to show her how you've changed." Janna said, and at that Tom's face when blank.

"That is… very self-deprecating of you. You need help and I've already told you why, I want this to be a date with Star." Tom said.

"Ehh. Just negotiating. Of course this isn't about Star, but me… And you know just how stubborn Marco can be, face it. You know you're not going on a date with Star... So why not me instead?" Janna said. "All I'm asking here is one date. Come on. One shot, and you get a chance to show Star how changed you are." Janna pressed. To Marco's surprise, Tom didn't immediately answer that. Looked like he was actually considering it.

"Still not making this a triple date guys." Marco piped up. Without hesitation, Janna reached into the breast pocket of her jacket and dropped a folded up piece of paper, a set of keys, and a wallet… Marco's wallet…

"Make it a triple date and you get all this back, and I'll even pledge not to mess with your stuff for three months." Janna said, but Marco really didn't hear her, he was too busy staring at all these incredibly personal things about him… he almost, almost accepted it right then and there, but he held himself back. He had to remind himself that this wasn't about him. This was about Star and he wasn't about to go throwing a wrench into things.

"I… can't do it Janna." Marco said. At that, Janna frowned. She probably wasn't expecting that.

"Well why not?"

"I told you. This is about Star and Oskar, not me."

"… Fine." Janna scooped up all of his fantastically personal information "But I am a friend of Stars to you know."

"I know that, but it's not you who I don't trust. It's him." Marco jabbed a finger at Tom who looked honestly insulted, but Marco didn't care. "How I can know that this isn't some kind of scheme with you Tom?

"I swear Marco, I'm not trying to 'get' with Star. Not anymore…" Tom held up both hands. "And well… I don't know – Janna, maybe you have a point. Deal."

"There we go. Won't regret it Horns…"

"Good for you both. Go on a date by yourselves." Marco said.

"Marco, come on." Janna said. "You already are doing this for Star. Why not me to?"

"Because you decided to go on a date with Star's ex-boyfriend."

"Marco, please let us come." Tom pleaded. "What is it going to take for you to trust me here?"

"I dunno Tom. You tell me…" Marco challenged. Janna wasn't wrong. He was prepared to be a bit of a mule here. Tom sucked in a breath, staying silent for a few seconds.

"… Okay. Hang on." He said, disappearing into his carriage. A few moments later, he emerged. Carrying a pink puffball with floppy little ears and sparkly little eyes. He's seen that little buddy before… "This. Is Marshmallow." He held up the little guy. "You remember him, right? My support bunny?"

"Yeah?" Marco said, he wasn't sure where he was going with it. He froze when Tom started to push Marshmallow into his arms.

"Take him, if I act up in any way. You don't have to return him."

"Uh –" Marco held up his arms to catch the Marshmallow… He was heavier than he looked. He wasn't expecting this. Marco stared at Marshmallow who wiggled his nose at him with a wink. "Tom I don't think I can-"

"Oh please Marco you adopted a litter of laser puppies at the drop of a hat you can take care of a bunny." Janna blind-sided him. Marco clamped his mouth shut. Janna, frowning, threw Marco's wallet, information, and keys down on the ground again. "It's yours… if you say yes."

"Sheesh you two…" Marco gently shook his head. Okay. This was getting a bit too much for him. "Tom, are you sure about this?"

"Yes."

"Janna?" Marco asked. Janna nodded. Marco switched between looking at Marshmallow, Tom, Janna, and his stuff. He felt a little overwhelmed if he were being completely honest. Tom was kind of a drama-queen, he knew because it took one to know one, but he's never seen Janna press so hard for something.

Was Janna nervous? She did a good job in hiding it most of the time, but there were certain times when he could tell she cared, now being one of those times… and, well, he did consider her a friend.

"You both really want this that bad?" Marco asked again.

"Marco. When you see something you want, you take it… and I could use some help…" Janna mumbled.

"I just want to show Star I've changed." Tom said, giving a sidelong look at Janna. "Not sure about this one though."

Marco pinched the bridge of his nose. This wasn't fair, he's perfectly fine with acting like a mule, but he never liked feeling like a mule.

"Fine… You two can come." Marco broke. He just couldn't do it anymore. He'll have to adjust the reservations, but the restaurant was pretty casual so that shouldn't be a problem. Jackie had to be informed, but Janna was her best friend so he didn't think that would be too much of a problem. Star? He wasn't sure how Star would take it, but… well, maybe Star would enjoy having a bunny in case Tom decided to be a jerk.

"Alright." Janna mumbled a cheer. Tom broke out into a huge smile of canines.

"Thank you Marco. I swear. Star will have a great time." Tom said

"Hey. Maybe you should swear that I have a great time." Janna said.

"Yeah, remember Tom you're going on a date with Janna." Marco stressed. Tom had no idea just what that meant… but Marco had an idea, bless his demonic heart.

"Oh I know. I know. Yeah, guess I'm going on a date with you?" Tom bobbed his head, turning to Janna. "I… must say Janna, you talk a big game."

"That ain't all I got Horns… Janna grinned back at him, pulling a lovely black rose out of her other pocket that smelled like wood rot. She handed it to Tom, who took it eyes wide.

"This is a… plague rose - Wait this is my plague rose."

"Yep." Janna deftly picked up her beanie and threw it back on her head, fixing it up and tucking her hair in. "Yes, you locked the door, and yes it didn't help." She started to walk off. "Marco when is the date?"

"Tonight at six-thirty. The restaurant is The Salty Barnacle." Marco said. Janna stopped and turned back, a perplexed look on her face.

"Why that place?"

"Star picked it."

"Ah. Got it." Janna turned back around and continued walking. "See you tonight Horns. Wear something nice, okay?" She called out. Eventually, she got far enough away to disappear down the road and Tom and Marco were left standing there, in silence for a good minute.

"So, ah, I guess I'll see you tonight?" Tom spoke up, a little excited. Marco gave him a leer, clutching all his stuff and Marshmallow. "Please take good care of Marshmallow…"

"I will." Marco said. Tom reached out, mussing up Marshmallows hair, before walking back into his carriage. This time, the flames engulfed the carriage quickly and it disappeared into the ground, back to the underworld.

Marco stood there, holding all his stuff. He only got three seconds of silence before an explosion went off behind him, scaring him. He turned around to see the top of Oskar's car blown off by a pink glittery explosion. Star Butterfly crashing into the ground right in front of him, positively glowing.

"MARCO HE SAID YES! HE SAID YES! YES YES YES YES YES!" Star was upon him, mushing his face and bouncing up and down. Without really realizing it, Marco found that Star had scooped Marshmallow out of his hands and was currently jumping and twirling around with it. "He said yessss! He said yesssss!..."

She jumped up and down a few times, until she actually looked at who she was bouncing with. She stopped, mid-bounce, and hung suspended in the air. Completely puzzled. "Wait. Why am I holding Tom's bunny?"

"Uhhh… Tom gave it to me."

"Why?"

"Janna and Tom are going on our date with us."

"That's nice Marco, but why am I holding Tom's bunny?" She said. Marco blinked.

"Um. It's complicated… Let's get home first please."


"Wait you're not mad?"

"Oh Marco. I can handle Tom. This one?"

"Yeah… but he's kind of your ex-boyfriend. No not that one, too many pony tails."

"So? I'm over him Marco. Besides, Tom and Janna? So cute. How about this one?"

"Well I know… Honestly I was expecting you to be miffed. Too many buns now."

"Why would you accept if you thought I was going to get mad? Not mad though, just so we're clear. How about this?

"Star that's not how you use the bobby pins. It was just too much. Tom gave me his bunny… and Janna never returns anything she borrows from me. I just thought you'd be miffed because you can't stand him."

"It's not that I can't stand him. I just don't see him in that way, and this is totally how you use bobby pins on mewni. Besides, it's not like it's just him. I'll be surrounding with my best buds… and Ossskarrrrr…."

"You aren't on Mewni Star, the bobby pins go in your hair, not your teeth."

Marco tried to wrestle the bobby pin that Star held in her teeth, but without warning Star started to growl and Marco found himself having to fight with her to get it out. They were in their connecting bathroom and Marco was leaning against the wall while Star kicked her feet on the counter casting spells on her hair trying to find the perfect style. Marshmallow was sitting in the sink, covered in ribbons and lipstick.

"Okay Okay fine. How about this." Star tapped the wand to her head and once the flare of magic was over Marco saw that her hair was elaborately braided and worked so that her hair only came to the tops of her shoulders.

"Well that's a new one." Marco said. Never seen that one before. She actually did a good job hiding a lot of her hair. "Looks fantastic."

"Thaanks. So this is the one?"

"I'd say so. Go for it."

"Awesome possum. I am READY!" Star shouted.

"Annd it's only eight o clock in the morning…" Marco said. Star stood frozen. "The date isn't until six thirty. We have time."

"Do you think I could try speeding up time?"

"After what happened with freezing it? Don't."

"Aww fine." Star plopped down on the tile. "Guess I'll just wait here."

"I'm sure we can do something." Marco sat down with her. A moment of silence passed between them. The only sound Marco could hear was the rapid breathing from Marshmallow and the plip his eyelids made when he blinked.

"… Well, actually Marco I do have one thing."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah… just like – How do you think I should present myself, y'know?"

"Present yourself?" Marco repeated. "You're asking me?"

"Yeah. What? You've got Jackie Marco, you obviously know how to do it." Star said.

"Oh. Well…" Marco paused. "I guess I just thought to just lay myself out. Be honest and hope for the best."

"That's all?"

"That's all."

"Hm. Sounds easy enough. I can be honest with myself." Star nodded. They fell back into silence before Star started to fidget. "What time is it now?"

"It's… eight o Five." Marco checked his phone.

"Auuuuuuugh… Marco I'm going to die."

"No you're not."


But she did die. She died multiple times around the house. She died on the couch. She died on her bed. She died in the garage. She died on the car. She died on the roof. She died in the shower, in her closet, on the couch again, she died in the yard. She died halfway through a game of fetch with puppy Sai-Jak. She died in her closet. She died in the hall. She died all the way up to six o clock PM.

Marco caught up on his chores; day went by pretty fast actually.

"Come on Star. We should get going!" Marco was standing outside, his bike was all ready to go, and the Salty Barnacle was at least a twenty minutes ride.

"Coming!" Star sang, bursting past him in a sunny yellow dress with blue and white socks. Her mid-section was a band of yellow. She had loved it when they went shopping. Made her look like the sun she thought, although when Marco pointed out that the sun was a Star, she didn't get it. "Let's go Let's go Lets go!" She yelled, already on the bike.

Marco got on the seat and kicked off, and stopped after two seconds, anticipating Star's impatience. She didn't disappoint "BUNNY BLAST!" She yelled, and they zipped off.

The choice of restaurant was interesting to say the least. It was nestled between the Better Store and the strip mall where his dojo was in the downtown area. Looked rather tacky in Marco's opinion, but Star insisted on it. It was pirate themed and seafood. Hopefully everyone has a good time. That's all he wanted. Star deserved to have at least one happy night this week.

They got there in record time, three minutes. They were so early that they were the first ones there. Marco veered off the road and unto the sidewalk, seeing a bicycle post where he could lock up. As he slowed down, Star hopped off.

"Looks like Tom beat us here." She remarked.

"What?" Marco said, kneeling down to lock his bike. When he stood up though he saw that Star was right. Tom's carriage was pretty hard to miss, not to mention the magma and lava he churned up. He also was parked in the handicap spot the fiend. "Huh. Guess your right. I don't see him though." Marco said, looking at the entrance to the Salty Barnacle.

"Wanna go see what Tom's up to?"

"Ew – no. Although you can go."

"Alright. Think I will."

Marco walked towards Tom's carriage with Star walking towards the restaurant. As he approached, the carriage door swung open and what came out made Marco come up short. Tom was in a full white suit and pants with a purple thorny rose on the lapel and white shoes. He looked like he was going to wedding, not a casual group outing, between Star's sunny dress and now this Marco felt underdressed in his red hoodie.

"Hey man." Tom greeted him quietly. He was focusing on him though, he was looking somewhere off behind Marco. Probably Star.

"Tom, you look… sharp."

"Yeah." Tom said. "Just making a good impression is all."

"For Janna right?" Marco needled him. Tom shot in a suffering glance.

"Her to."

Both Tom and Marco cringed as a heavy keyboard solo filled the air. An beat up Oldsmobile pulling into the parking lot. Oskar stepped out in tore up cargo shorts, a green bandana, and wrinkled brown shirt.

"Hey little dude!" He shouted at Marco with a big grin, although his grin lessened when he saw Tom. "Hey… Uh – purple dude!" Oskar shot Tom a finger gun and a grin.

"I assume that's Oskar?" Tom deadpanned to Marco.

"Yep."

"Can't believe this."

"Stop it."

Oskar walked over to them, head-banging. "So what's up? What's up?"

"Hey Oskar. How you doing? This is Tom, he's joining us." Marco took the lead. Tom had a tight frown on his face and his third eye was shooting Oskar a glare.

"Good to meet you." Tom simply said, stiffly shooting out his arm. Oskar didn't seem to notice, loosely taking the hand pulling Tom in.

"Sup, your horns are sick dude. Love the white suit man!" Oskar said.

"Thank you." Tom returned. Marco could tell he was tense.

"Alright, lets start walking to the entrance." Marco corralled them. He looked over to the entrance where Star was waiting. She was 'leaning' up against a light post with this really aloof expression on her face, but it was kind of ruined by the fact she was too far away from the light post to get a reasonable lean. It wasn't so much a lean, looked more like her entire body was diagonal.

However, he wasn't sure if he was going to do much better when he saw that Jackie was with Star. She was looking over at them with a coy smile aimed at him and that just turned his knees to noodles.

"Well Hey hey ladies." Tom said in a light tone when they got close enough.

"H-Hey Jackie." Marco stammered. He still got a little tongue-tied with her. Jackie stepped over and gave him a warm hug.

"Hey you." She said. Marco took a moment negotiating his hands before returning the hug. When they pulled away, Jackie eyed Tom. "Hey, I think I remember you."

"Hey Star." Oskar waved. Star cocked her head so that she could give Oskar a glance.

"Oh. Hey Oskar." She played it off. "Didn't see you there."

"You did? Aw man. What you doing?"

"Acting casual – " Star began but blinked and whipped her body back up straight clutching her hands together. "" – Uh, actually nothing. I mean, I'm doing nothing. Nothing at all. Just standing here thinking about life y'know? You ever wonder why clouds are white Oskar? Do you?"

"Aw man – All the time!" Oskar said, feeling it. "It's like – why, you know?"

"Yeah." Star murmured. "You get it… Okay now I'm actually kind of curious why…" Star bounced herself back up straight and fished out her wand from her smiling star purse. "Summoning Cloudy Charm." She intoned. Her wand flared to life and a puffy pink cloud materialized, hovering in the middle of the group.

"Hahahahaha… Hello!" Cloudy puffed, he slowly spun "Whoaa who are you all?"

"Ah hey! Talking cloud dude!" Oskar said. Jackie stifled a laugh and Marco couldn't help but smile. Tom looked on, neutral.

"Hey Cloudy. Quick question for you." Star spun him back around to her. "Why are clouds white?"

"I dunno. I'm pink."

"Aww." Star groaned. Cloudy spun around until stopping looking out down the sidewalk.

"Whoaa. Whose that red hot chili pepper?" He asked. As one, the whole group turned to where Cloudy was looking and all at once, the whole group's mouths dropped.

It was Janna sashaying towards them in a long red dress and black high heels. Gone was her beanie with her hair shining, blow-dried and straightened and gently curled on the ends. Her cheeks were rosy red and her lashes boldly flared, a smooth smile adorning her face. It's like she was trying to light the ground she walked on on fire.

"Hey." Janna said.

"Dang Janna." Jackie was the first to speak. "You go girl."

"Whoa." Star said. Marco snapped his eyes over to Tom. His pupils were pinpricks.

"Hey Horns. Good to see you took my advice." Janna walked up to Tom, standing just a little too close.

"Huh. Okay, I admit I wasn't expecting this." Tom said.

"Hey. I told you, it's one shot. Might as well go all out." Janna shrugged. "So. We're all here? … What is that?" Janna asked, looking at Cloudy.

"You're sizzling!" Cloudy was happy to say.

"I know that." Janna said.

"Oh. Cloudy." Star spoke up, raising her wand. "It's time for us to go on our date. Say goodbye to everyone!"

"A date? You're on a date?" Cloudy said as Star's wand started to light up.

"Yes. With Oskar Greeson." Star said, Cloud sat there smiling for a second, Star's wand flaring.

"Huh! That's five dollars I'm not getting back! – AHHHHH-GUH!" Cloudy's mortifying scream melted away as the spell hit him, dismissing him.

A beat of silence passed.

"Okay." Marco clapped. "Everyone it is now six twenty five. I say its time we all go." He led the way with Jackie and they began to filter into the restaurant.


A bored wiry framed usher with an eye-patch and bandana led them all to their table over his head. It kind of bothered Marco just how little effort he put into it. A stout hairy woman in a flamboyant hat and striped shirt took their drink orders. Pretty soon, the group had settled in. The place stunk of fish and it was dimly lit with center candles flickering. Kind of a sleepy atmosphere and despite a few spoken words here and there, conversation wasn't all that plentiful. It gave Marco time to gather his thoughts, take stock in how things were going. He wanted to make sure it all went smoothly.

He looked at everyone. Jackie caught his eye and smiled. Oskar seemed to be staring at the wood of the table, but it was hard to tell with his covering the top half of his face. Star had her lips puckered, hands resting in her lap and legs together looking straight ahead, her face was gleaming from sweat Marco could see. Tom was trying to keep it subtle, but Marco could see him shooting side-glances at Star periodically. There was no subtlety from Janna. She was just ogling Tom.

"Aye. So let me tell you lubbers how we do it here." Their waiter, the stout hairy women stomped up to them. "We will come around, fish on swords. We have over ten different types of fish from Tuna to Squid. You tell us what ya want. We pile it on until you say stop. That's all." She said. "Are we doing separate checks or…?"

"I'll be paying tonight. Single check." Marco said while pointing at Marco. Yes. Marco did agree to pay tonight. He wasn't expecting two extra people and for this restaurant to be twenty-two dollars per person though… This better be amazing fish.

"Enjoy." She stomped away.

They settled back into a silence, but Marco was fidgeting now. He didn't like this silence. He wanted to get them talking. Trying to be discreet, Marco rolled up his sleeves where he had penned some plans in blue pen on his arm. Jackie looked over at him, choking back a laugh, but nodding in encouragement. Marco returned the smile and checked what he got… the round-robin idea sounded good...

"Hey everyone, I got a game for us all to play." Marco spoke up, everyone facing him. "It's pretty simple. Each of us comes up with a question and we go around to answer it."

"Sounds stupid" Tom said.

"Eh, Marco's just trying to get us to talk… honestly I'm fine just looking at ya." Janna said on his heels. Tom shot her a blank look.

"Tone it down." He said.

"No."

"I like it. Let's do it." Star said.

"Sounds dope." Oskar agreed. Marco flicked his eyes over to Jackie who nodded quickly.

"Alright. How about Jackie starts. Jackie?" Marco turned it over to her.

"Alright sweet." Jackie considered for a moment. "Something easy, how about… favorite music? We'll go around." Jackie nodded to Star.

"Oh that's easy. I always liked classical music or anything with a kazoo." Star said.

"Classic Rock." Oskar said without even thinking. Tom was next and everyone looked at him. He had his elbows rested on the table, hands covering his mouth looking pensive.

"Death Metal." He said. Marco rolled his eyes. What a liar.

"Favorite band?" Janna asked. Tom's eyes widened and Marco had to stifle a giggle.

"I - I don't have one I just like any Death Metal."

"Oh. Kay." Janna quipped. "It's just that, Death Metal's my favorite music. The band Death should be the faces of Mt. Rushmore in my opinion. Honorable mentions going to Deicide and Cannibal's Corpse. You like Slayer?"

"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?"

"Favorite Slayer song?"

"Gruesome Blood." Tom said. Janna stared at him for a good five seconds.

"Kay. Marco goes." She said finally, ignoring Tom.

"Love Sentence." Marco said and he was darn proud of it.

"Nice. Love Sentence is my favorite as well." Jackie squeezed his arm.

"… Really?" Marco almost squealed.

"Yeah dude. I die when I hear prisoners of love."

"I know!" Marco said. This was too perfect.

"My Turn!" Star said quickly, hitting the table and immediately leaned back in her chair, pondering. "Favorite… Food!"

"Hot Diggidy DAWGS!" Oskar declared.

"Filet Mignon, cooked blue." Tom said.

"What's blue?" Janna asked.

"Barely cooked. Bloody."

"Nice." Janna mumbled. "I like calamari. Which is squid."

"Eugh." Tom mushed.

"Don't knock it till you try it horns."

"Nachos and Tres Leches cake." Marco said. He did have a bit of a sweet tooth.

"I like lobster." Jackie said.

"Sugarittos!" Star finished, Marco blanched. Such heresy.

"What's that?" Tom asked.

"Don't even try it." Marco warned. "She puts sugar on her burritos."

A collective shudder ran through the group. Or at least, Marco would like to think that's what happened. Servers began to appear at their table. Each of held spits sculpted to look like curved swords. Filets skewered on them.

"First round tonight is Tuna and salmon." They informed them. Marco wasn't too big on fish, so he loaded up on the Salmon, which was pretty easy to eat. When he began to eat he was pleasantly surprised. The salmon was excellently seared with a zest of lemon and peppercorn. One for one.

"Alright Oskar. You're up." Marco said over the clinking of their silverware. He was beginning to relax. Good food, good plan, good conversation.

"Oh Totally." Oskar had a modest amount of Tuna. "How's about… Ah man, I got one, if you were on a desert island. Pick one thing."

"… Marshmallow." Tom said after a moment. Marco caught his eye and he nodded.

"I'd say my phone." Janna said.

"I guess I would have to go with my hoodie." Marco said.

"Skateboard." Jackie said.

"Hah called it." Janna mumbled.

All eyes turned to Star. She didn't immediately answer which caught Marco by surprise. He was calling it, her wand.

"I… pick…. Hmmm…" Star said slowly. "A Friend."

"Aww that's sweet." Jackie said.

"Totally awesome." Oskar agreed.

Marco's eyebrows shot up for a second. Huh, guess he was wrong. "Can't live without my keyboard!" Oskar finished.

"Alright. I got one for you all." Tom began. "Perfect date. Go."

"Wherever you are horns." Janna snickered.

"Yeah. That pet name isn't going to catch on."

"Watch me."

Marco thought about it for a little bit.

"I'd say dinner, movie, and falling asleep on the couch." He said. He hasn't been on too many.

"I'd go with anything outdoors. Like hiking... or yes, skateboarding." Jackie said. Marco filed that away. Star rubbed her chin.

"This is tough… but I think I'd have to go with… Warnicorn jousting!" Star shouted. "So much fun."

"Hey maybe I could take you for that sometime." Tom said with a chuckle that swiftly died when Star gave him a withering look. "… Ahh never mind."

"Always wanted to do a Cross Country Road trip!" Oskar said.

"Ohh. Wait Oskar." Star said. "Is your car alright?"

"Top still blown off."

"… I'm sorry."

"Aw, all good! Always wanted a convertible!"

"Well. My perfect date would simply be dinner and dancing." Tom finished.

The servers came around again breaking them from their game, a plethora of new fish.

"Trout, Ocean Perch, and fried squid Mateys."

"Yessss… give me all the squid." Janna waved it over and loaded up.

"Looks disgusting." Tom blanched. Janna responded by dumping a few pieces on his plate.

"Have some. Eat." She insisted.

"No way."

"I'll give you back your bell."

"So you did take my bell!"

"Yeah. So unless you want me dropping in, eat."

Tom looked down at the calamari, blanching. He picked up one and took a tiny bite, chewing slowly. His face began to relax as he chewed.

"Actually is kind of crunchy."

"I know right?"

"Hm." Tom grunted, taking another bigger bite to Janna's pleasure who gave him one more piece.

Marco had the ocean perch. To his delight it tasted mild, yet sweet. Accented by an almond honey marinade. Not a bad bite yet.

"Alright… my turn." Janna said, taking a second. She had a catty little grin on her face. "Favorite Body Part."

"Are you really just like this?" Tom sighed.

"For once, I agree with Tom." Marco said. Oskar remained silent, although he wasn't smiling.

"Ah come on. Answer the question Horns." Janna said, still smiling.

"Well. Marco goes first." Tom said.

"Gee Thanks…" Marco grumbled. "Alright… so favorite body part huh?" Marco mused. If he were being totally honest here, it would be legs. He hasn't really had a whole lot of time to consider this stuff. Hadn't really considered this stuff until recently really… perhaps this one time he didn't have to be completely honest. "I'd say hair." He offered.

"Anything wrong with mine?" Jackie asked, ribbing him.

"No. It's perfect. Your perfectheh." Marco said, but honestly the second half of his comment just sounded so cringing to him.

"Heh, alright." Jackie nodded. "Now I love cheeks." She took two fingers and poked her cheeks and pursed her lips. That got a chuckle at the table. Star looked at them, expressionless. She held up her hands, wiggling her fingers.

"Hands!"

"Going to roll with eyes." Oskar said. Marco almost slapped his forehead. Now that was a good one. Jackie had the most amazing shimmering eyes.

Tom didn't answer right away, regarding Janna who was ogling him again.

"Seeing anything ya like Horns?"

"I like a person's… arms." He said.

"Liar." Janna accused.

"Hey. Not my fault you have chicken wings."

"Do not." Janna glared at him, now it was Tom's turn to shoot her baby doll eyes.

"Totally Honest."

"Whatever." Janna mumbled. "I like chests." She finished with the spiciest answer, which didn't surprise Marco.

Marco sighed and sat up. So, they made it all the way through. His turn. He actually did have a question in mind, a bit more thoughtful than anything else. He always like hearing multiple opinions.

"What are your plans for the future?" He asked the table.

"Easy." Jackie said. "I want to backpack through Europe one day."

Star looked subdued.

"Well… I guess I'm going to be queen one day." She said slowly.

"Whoa. You're royalty?" Oskar mumbled.

"Yeah… sorry for not telling you but I am a princess."

"No, all good, all good. Sounds rad" Oskar waved. "I wanna start a band."

"I can relate to that." Tom spoke to Star. "I'm going to be king."

"Whoa. You're a prince?" Janna murmured.

"Yep. Prince of the underworld." Tom confirmed. Janna whistled.

"Guess that makes me the queen." She said, Tom's face dropped.

"Whoa Whoa Whoa." He started and Janna softly cackled.

"Just messing with ya Tom." She said.

"I really don't get your sense of humor Janna."

"Don't have to, as long as I laugh, I'm good." Janna said.

All eyes rested on Marco, but he laughed and chuckled

"Sorry. I actually don't know." He shrugged.

"Boooo." Tom said.

"Lame." Janna agreed.

"Oh stop Janna." Jackie admonished. "We're only fourteen. We have plenty of time to figure things out. Maybe you'd even like to come with me to Europe…" She offered, her face flushing just a little bit.

Marco felt some heat at the suggestion. Now that would certainly be something, wouldn't it?

"What's Europe?" Star asked very quietly.

"Another continent, like across the world." Marco said. She kind of looked withdrawn in herself.

"That sounds fun." She simply said.

The servers came around again. This time the fillets just had the barest hint of a translucent turquoise to it.

"Cap'n Special tonight." He bristled with a guttural accent. "Wild Greenling We insist ye'all take some."

The server plopped the filet on Marco's plate without asking and put it on everyone elses. It smelled almost minty and the color was something he's never really seen before. Marco looked around at the others who were eyeing the fish. Janna shrugged and flaked off a bit, eating it. A grimace passing over her face.

"It's delicious." She held a hand over her mouth. "You all should try it… do it – suffer with me."

That got a round of chuckles and Oskar, Star, and Janna each tried a little bit, a chorus of disgust coming from them. Tom was next, popping into his mouth for a second before his eyes bugged out like shattering glass. He covered his mouth with his napkin and spat it out.

"I don't do peppermint." He said.

"Should I even try it?" Marco asked.

"Oh I gotta see this." Jackie laughed. "This is going to be adorable."

Marco looked down at his fillet. Well. Now he's got to do it. He chopped off a bit and let it sit on his tongue and immediately opened his mouth and dropped the piece out to the grossed out cheers of everyone. Tom was right. The consistency was like mush and he had no idea what kind of oil or sauce they did with it, but it was unbearably minty, like peppermint oil. His tongue felt coated with a bitter, metallic aftertaste. He gobbled his mouth a few times, smacking his lips. Janna snorted, her head bobbing suddenly.

"Hah… Nice… Marco your - " Janna's eyes were barely open.

"Janna?" Marco asked, feeling a jolt hit his legs. That wasn't right. Janna didn't look good. She looked pale.

"Janna are you okay?" Jackie spoke in a hushed tone. Marco looked to Jackie, scared to see her start to sag in her seat. Tom held her up, concern etching on his face, which looked a shade of purple too light.

"He's just so…" Janna tried to find the words, and failed. Marco smacked his lips again. That metallic taste wasn't going away… in fact to his horror he found that he couldn't feel his tongue anymore. "Jus so…."

Star face planted into the table, but the resulting smash sounded like it was coming from underwater all of a sudden. His whole head felt numb and heavy. Oskar was totally sagged in his seat and Jackie had her head cradled in her arms. "He's jus so freakin cute Tom…" Janna finished with a gargantuan effort before pitching forward into the table, snoring. Tom had hit the table long ago.

Marco felt himself start to sink, his vision starting to darken. Terror, horror, fear, all of it was ringing alarm bells in his head, but it all felt like it was coming from a million miles away. He heard voice in a particularly convincing pirate accent behind him.

"Nighty Night… Blood Luvers."