Chapter 9: Sound of Drums

In a ballroom decorated with beautiful pageantry, glistening lights and an amazing crystal chandelier, there is a lot on offer to observe. Not to mention all of the hundreds of beautifully dressed high-born nobles dancing slowly to the gentle melody playing softly in the background. It is not common for one to see such a feast for the eyes, such an inherently magical and majestic setting, especially for a common earth boy. But for this earth boy in particular, there was only one thing that he was looking at.

Marco had been heading in the direction of the dance floor, which was located in the centre of the ballroom. Wading through the abundance of infatuated dancers, he had been desperately trying to find Star so that he could talk to her and find out just what exactly was going on, both in her head and his own. The boy had headed from the left of the ballroom and was making his way to the centre of the crowd, signposted by the looming crystal butterfly hanging elegantly above everyone. All the while he was keeping an eye out for his fake girlfriend for the evening, and once he captured her in his vision, he was informed that she was not alone.

There, only a few yards in front of him, stood Star Butterfly, a warm smile infecting her peaceful-looking face. That was not, however, what Marco had noticed first. The thing that really caught his immediate attention was the person who her body was pushed up against, hugging and dancing. The person who had Star's arms wrapped so tightly around him, and whose arms ensnared Star in a similar fashion. The person who was slowly moving to the rhythm of the music along with the princess, looking calm, tranquil and happy.

Star was hugging and dancing with her temperamental demon ex-boyfriend.

She's dancing with … Tom? The first feeling to hit the boy was a wave of confusion. Marco stood there, completely perplexed at this sight. He would never have thought that in a million years Star would even consider dancing with Tom, after everything he had put both her and Marco through. He couldn't even comprehend the circumstances that could ever possibly arise that would cause Star to do such a thing. This feeling lasted for the entirety of a nanosecond.

The feeling that followed, however, felt far more drawn out. This was a feeling that made Marco's stomach feel like it was cramping, so much so that he raised a hand to his torso. His chest felt like it was falling, just falling, no ground in sight. Just an endless drop, that constant feeling of hopelessness and exhilaration. The bad kind of exhilaration. Marco's hand rose from his stomach and stopped over his chest. Thmp thmp thmp. His heartbeat seemed to have drastically increased. He didn't like this feeling. The feeling of drums in his chest.

And as he continued to watch the princess and the demon embrace each other so dearly, Marco's chest finally hit whatever ground it had been falling towards, and what erupted out of the shattered remains was a feeling that Marco instantly recognised. Anger. He felt angry at the scene in front of him, at the fact that Tom and Star were sharing this hug. He didn't like it. He didn't like watching it happen. And he really wanted them to stop.

How could she ever hug Tom like that? the boy thought, gritting his teeth and clenching his fists. I don't understand how she could act so … so friendly towards him, after all the garbage he has put us through! It's almost as if they're-

Whatever mental defense mechanism that lurked inside of Marco's mind, it was at this moment that it kicked into action. He found that he couldn't finish that thought. No, that's not it, he thought, I know what I was thinking. But at the same time, he didn't. It was like he knew, but he he didn't want to know. At this thought, Marco grew annoyed at these unintentional mental gymnastics, and forced the end of that thought back into his head.

-together.

And that made him angry. The root cause of his anger was the fact that Tom and Star were dancing and hugging as if they were together. Marco continued to watch them, their embrace neverending, the boy's face utterly blank and unreadable. But it was his mild shaking and his balled up fists that gave it away. He stood there, motionless, the sound of the drumbeat in his chest drowning out any and all music around him. His heart seemed to be playing it's own song. A song full of fiery malice that burned. It burned.

There was something else. Marco felt it, in his tightly knotted stomach. It was exacerbating his anger, adding to it, almost as if it were egging his anger on. A feeling that made his anger feel worse, that made him feel worse. And that was hurt.

Marco felt an urge. It thumped away in the corner of his brain, parallel to the drumbeat of his excited heart. He wanted to stride up to the dancing couple, and tear them away from each other. He wanted them to stop, before these intense feelings of anger and hurt burnt him out from the inside. And he almost did as well. If he were anybody else, he may have lost this battle with temptation. But the more rational side of Marco's mind kicked in. Not because he was concerned for any possible consequence, or the morality of it.

But it was the fact that Marco had no idea what was motivating him to feel this way.

The boy arranged the facts as he knew them in his head, all the while feeling overwhelming vexation at Star and Tom hugging. I feel so angry, and I feel hurt. I feel angry and hurt because of Tom and Star, how they are dancing, how they are hugging. The way they are doing these things, it makes it look like they're … together.

Funnily enough, when Marco thought this, it was Pony Head voicing these thoughts in his mind. He recalled back to their previous conversation. Pony Head told me some things that muddled up my mind, and asked me questions that I couldn't answer. She mentioned the Blood Moon Ball, and-

Marco froze. The Blood Moon Ball! I remember feeling this way when Star left to go to the Blood Moon ball, only nowhere near as strongly. So if I felt this way about Star going to a ball with Tom, and now I feel it again watching … them …

The cogs in his brain slowed down, and his mind felt an inch away from just shutting down completely. Marco forgot his anger, his fists uncurling and his shaking ceasing. His eyes widened and his mouth hung slightly agape, as he finally realised why Star going to the Blood Moon Ball with Tom hurt so much. Why watching Star and Tom dance hurt so much.

He was jealous.

And suddenly, as if the drumbeat in his chest reached it's booming finale, he realised. He realised that the reason why Pony Head's words had confused him so much was because they highlighted the truth to him. He realised just why he was feeling such intense feelings of jealousy when Star and Tom embraced, and when they went to the Blood Moon Ball together. Marco was shocked. He just couldn't quite believe it.

Pony Head was right. I have a crush on Star Butterfly.

Marco breathed out heavily, as if a huge weight had been lifted off of his chest. The drumbeat became steady again. And yet Marco felt no more calmer. In fact, he found himself propelled into a state of pure shock. He raised his hands and looked at them, squinting. I … like Star? But … but how? When did this happen? Why did this happen?

He looked up at the girl, who was now chatting to Tom, smiling and giggling. He took her all in, the way she grinned, the way she laughed. From her golden hair to the marks on her cheeks. I already know the answer to that, thought Marco, his cheeks warming up. She is beautiful. Inside and out. The boy stood there, agape at his own memories. I said that myself. It only took me this long to realise how much meaning those words had.

This newfound realisation put everything into place. It all makes sense now, Marco thought in wonderment. All the blushing, all the awkwardness, all of these feelings that I didn't understand. He took a deep breath, everything impacting in on him in a second. How is it that I am only just seeing this now? What everyone else has been seeing from the start? Marco shook his head in disbelief. I like Star...

But it didn't matter. Marco's thoughts came crashing back down to reality, as his eyes reminded him who she was dancing with. He watched them as Tom released Star from their dance as the music slowly faded away, looking deeply into each other's eyes. He felt the reality of his circumstances stab him in the heart. Pony Head was only half-right, it seems, he thought, the despair building up inside his chest.. I feel this way for her, but Star …

Marco felt his heart ache. Whatever he had been feeling before, he liked this even less. It felt exhausting. If I had known this is how it would feel to sort out my head, I would rather have stayed confused and ignorant. He continued to watch as Tom seemed to part from Star, walking away through the crowds of people. The princess turned away from his retreating figure, and her eyes fell on Marco.

They looked into each other's eyes for a moment. Star looked shocked, almost apprehensive to see him, Marco saw the hurt in her wide eyes. Hurt that I have caused, he realised. Then he mentally kicked himself, all of the pieces falling into place. What I said about Jackie! Of course! She ran off crying and found Tom, and then…

Marco didn't want to think about the rest. It hurt too much. And at that moment it seemed that the person Marco was angriest with tonight was himself. I drove her into Tom's arms. The boy looked down, unable to continue to look into Star's mesmerising blue eyes, out of shame. If I wasn't so stupid obsessing over some girl I barely know, then maybe I would have seen the girl that was right in front of me! I am such an idiot, how could I be so stupid?!

Self-pity washed over Marco like a wave. He closed his eyes, feeling truly defeated. And now she is back together with Tom. That's what you get, Marco Diaz. You blew your chance, and now she is gone. The boy shook his head, the weight that had just previously been lifted crashing down on him yet again. You don't deserve her.

"Marco?" came a cautious voice, causing Marco to raise his head and open his eyes. It seemed that Star had walked up to him during his mental berating of himself, and was now staring carefully at him, looking nervous. Marco stared back at her, studying the girl who was now up close to him. Was she always this gorgeous? he thought, taking in Star's breathtaking appearance. Of course I would realise how amazing she is as soon as she becomes unavailable.

Marco forced a small smile, a smile that hid obvious sadness. "Hey, Star." he said weakly, trying not to choke on his words. Just starting a dialogue with the girl was making him realise that she was all that he has ever wanted. Something that he would never have.

Star returned the little smile, rubbing her arm awkwardly, "I … uh … I think we should, y'know, talk…"

The princess trailed off, averting her eyes from Marco's gaze. Like he wants to talk to me, Star thought bitterly. He has probably figured out why I ran away crying and wants to avoid me like the plague. Not that I blame him.

Marco, however, wholeheartedly agreed. We need to talk this all out, because I don't think I can spend anymore time with all of this poison in my mind without letting some out. "Sure, Star. Yeah."

Star looked up, slightly surprised that Marco had agreed to this. She studied the boy. He seems … sad. Maybe he's just feeling sorry for me. She didn't like the idea of receiving pity from her best friend and crush, it just felt so patronising. I need to get on top of this, she thought, taking a deep breath. No more dancing around the truth. Let's get awkward.

"Marco, I-"


Star never got to finish her sentence, as at that precise moment, both her and Marco were blinded by a bright white light. Blinking a few times, the pair managed to regain their vision, only to see said white light encircling them. Looking up, they saw the source of this light. The giant crystal butterfly chandelier was draping them in this bright beam, touching them and only them. It was a spotlight.

"Ladies and gentleman, princes and princesses!" they heard a loud, echoing voice declare, and the pair looked around in confusion. The source of the voice was nowhere to be seen, but what they did see was that every pair of eyes in the ballroom was now on them.

The voice continued, "If I can turn your attention to the butterfly spotlight, it is at this time that we would like to thank our host princess and the royal Butterfly family for hosting this annual ball. We all owe you our gratitude for this wonderful evening!"

There was a small round of applause from the gaggle of onlookers. Star smiled and waved awkwardly, still not used to donning the princess role. Marco watched her and did the same, although he wasn't sure that he should, as the microphone-sounding voice hadn't mentioned him.

"And now," said the voice, "it is time for the host princess to cap off the evening with a final dance with her chosen prince. Ladies and gentleman, I give you Princess Star Butterfly of Mewni and Prince Marco Diaz of Earth!"

Marco gulped at being yet again referred to as a prince. A slow, soft melodic drumbeat ensued, coupled with what sounded to Marco like a harp. The two seemed to complement each other well, as a gentle melody echoed around the ballroom. All the occupants of the dance floor were as still as statues, eyes glued to Star and Marco, who were now expected to dance.

Star turned back around to face Marco, smiling apologetically. I've put him through more than enough tonight, and this is only going to make things more awkward.

Marco gave a small smile back. Well, at least you get to dance with her, Marco. Better than nothing. He tried to flood these negative thoughts from his head and just focus on not screwing up the dance and embarrassing Star. Probably won't be able to live up to the dance skills of Tom, but oh well, no point crying over spilt milk…

Letting out a heavy breath, Marco presented his palm to Star, continuing to smile. "This seems all too familiar, huh?" he said quietly, his eyes moving up to look at the spotlight. Star giggled, and took the boy's hand. They began to slowly dance.

The harp and the drums continued to flow melodically in the air as Marco held Star and Star held Marco. The two of them moved about the dance floor slowly, keeping to the rhythm of the instruments. The spotlight followed wherever they danced, watching over them majestically.

When Star had been dancing with Tom, she had thought to herself what it would be like to dance with Marco. And she was not disappointed. The feel of his hand in hers coupled with the close proximity of their bodies was enough to make Star blush furiously. The way they felt together, the way that they seemed to fit perfectly with each other, the way that the music and the light created such a romantic atmosphere. It all felt so … right.

Even if he does still like Jackie, Star thought sadly, as the pair continued to dance, then at least I will have this. This one moment, where all my troubles were forgotten, and everything was just pure bliss.

Marco, on the other hand, had half expected a flaming bolt of fire to hit him in the back as soon as he started dancing with Star. When it never came, Marco was able to relax into the dance. Maybe Star asked Tom not to interfere, he pondered gloomily. Being able to relax, however, made Marco really appreciate his inner emotions during this dance. Star's touch sent bolts of electricity coursing down his spine, and his skin felt such a satisfying warmth that he had never felt before. This was a feeling that Marco never wanted to end. But it was bittersweet, as he sadly knew that it would.

And then Tom will come along, and she will dance all the rest of her dances with him. The thought pained Marco. It struck him with grief, knowing that this is the closest he will ever get to being with Star. I have no one but myself to blame.

The delicate music of the drums and harp continued to echo throughout the ballroom, and Marco and Star continued to move gracefully to it's beat. They moved their legs to the subtle drumbeat, managing to elegantly move with each other's bodies.

I need to explain myself to him, thought Star. I need to say what I was going to say. He deserves an explanation, and I deserve some closure. The princess took a deep breath, and began to speak, "Listen, Marco-"

"No, Star." the boy interrupted, making Star don a look of puzzlement. She looked at Marco, who had a sad and apologetic look on his face which just melted Star's heart. He looked back at her and smiled dolefully, opening his mouth to speak.

"First, I want to speak to you. I need to apologise." Star tried to interrupt, but Marco wouldn't let her. "Please Star, I need to say this."

He took a deep breath. "Star, I never realised that saying what I said earlier would upset you so much. If I had realised, I never would have said it. I hope you realise that."

Marco looked away to the crowd. "I'm just an idiot, I guess, huh?"

Star giggled at this, and her heart was warmed by his apology. Yes, she knew that he hadn't intentionally meant to hurt her, but hearing Marco's voice so thick with regret and sadness, and seeing the pained expression on his face made Star smile sorrowfully. She swallowed hard. "You're not an idiot. It's fine Marco, honestly."

"But it's not fine," Marco said firmly, looking back at Star with fire in his eyes. The princess' breath hitched at the boy's sudden burst of confidence, and heard a fast paced drumbeat of her own in her chest run parallel to that of the music playing.

Marco looked down, the feeling of guilt and shame washing over him. "I hate that I made you feel like that. I don't … I don't want to be the one who makes you feel like that. Star, it kills me to see you so upset."

Star stared longingly at the boy, touched by his poetic words. He always knows just the right thing to say, she thought, a bittersweet feeling settling in her chest. She sighed. Jackie sure is one lucky girl…

Marco felt tears welling up in his eyes, and managed to blink them away. He looked back up into Star's eyes, and brown met blue. "And now I've messed everything up."

The princess' heart broke at the warble in Marco's voice. "No no, Marco. Everything will be fine, I promise you."

Marco shook his head in despair. "It won't be." He almost choked on air before composing himself. "Because now, because of my stupidity, you're going to find happiness with him."

Until now, Star had been hanging on every word, a feeling of warmth spreading through her body at Marco's kind words, making her ache for him even more. Their slow dance continued, the light of the crystal butterfly stalking them intently. But at this, Star blinked. Wait .. what? Who … who is he talking about. Confusion hit Star like a freight train. What?

"Marco, what-" Star began, honestly perplexed by Marco's words, but the boy yet again interrupted her, and she now saw his eyes starting to glass over.

"Don't say anything, Star." he said quietly, looking deep into her eyes. "I want you to be happy. And if Tom can make you happy, then you should go all in."

Now Star was completely stumped. The conversation was definitely not playing out in the way she thought it would. Why is he talking about Tom now? she thought, the confusion washing over her. And what does he mean by all of this?

Star would have questioned Marco, but he seemed to be rambling at this point. The boy was fighting back tears. He didn't want to ruin this for Star, and he wanted to remain strong. Retain what little dignity he had left. The girl continued to stare intently at Marco as he continued to speak.

"If he can make you happy, then you should be with him, Star. I saw you dancing with him earlier, and he seemed to really make you smile. And if that's the case, then he deserves you so much more than I do."

Star blinked. And again. And again. Time seemed to freeze again for the princess, as Marcos's words flooded into her mind, rambling around her head. She couldn't quite comprehend what the boy had just said to her.

Marco continued on, oblivious as usual to Star's internal reaction. "All I seem to bring you is misery. It has taken me far too long to realise how much you mean to me Star. You were right there in front of me, but me being Marco, I was too stupid to see how amazing you really are."

The princess' eyes widened dramatically as her mouth slowly opened, forming an 'O' shape. She felt her grip on Marco's hands loosen slightly as the implications of his words were bouncing around her head. She continued to stare at him, still dancing, the bright white spotlight highlighting the pain evident on his face, utterly unable to believe what she had just heard. The only thing the dumbfounded girl could process right now was incomplete thoughts. Did he just..? Is he…? Does he…?

"And you shouldn't suffer for that," Marco spoke on, now looking down in shame at his actions, or lack thereof. "You've made your choice, and I respect that. I only ask that we can please still be friends, Star, because I honestly don't know what I'd do without you. I don't think I'd be able to function without you in my life. And even if I could, there is no way I'd want to. You are everything to me, you are just my- mmpf!"

Star leapt forward without a second thought, draping her arms around Marco's neck, and crashing her lips into his.

Marco stumbled back for a moment, his mind going a mile a minute. He had no idea what was happening, or how it what happening. But then all of a sudden, his mind went blank. He forgot who he was, and where he was. He forgot what he was saying and what he was doing. Slowly, automatically, he wrapped his arms around Star's waist, feeling the soft fabric of her dress, and melted into the kiss. The boy kissed her back, the soft feeling of her lips against his sending a wave of warm pleasure through his body. He tightened the embrace as Star ran her hand through Marco's hair, and they continued to kiss.

For Star, it was like a burst of electricity. She had finally given into her urges, and she had never felt so euphoric as she did in this moment. She deepened the kiss, pushing her lips harder against Marco's, soaking up the taste of his lips. The feeling of their mouths connected, the smooth, soft brushing together of their lips caressing one another, it was something like Star had never experienced, and something that she wanted to experience a million times over. This was pure bliss. She loved it, every minute of their lips dancing to the drumbeat in the same way the two of them had been dancing moments ago. She loved it. She loved him.

Marco had to stop himself from moaning with pleasure as he kissed the girl in front of him. He had never know how badly he had wanted this until he got it. And now that he was experiencing this heavenly kiss, he never wanted it to end. He wanted to cement himself in this moment in time forever. Just him and Star, connected as one through the electrifying magic of their lips exploring each other. Marco heard the soft sound of drums and harp slowly dissipate into nothing as he held Star close to him, sharing with her a magical and indescribable moment of pure joy and love.

The crowds watched them, warm smiles spread all across the ballroom. Everyone seemed mesmerised by the obvious infatuation before them. Yet again, affectionate noises could be heard from all around the couple, all those watching having their hearts warmed by this display of love. Some couples even kissed themselves, the feeling of love and solidarity seeming to be contagious.

Queen Moon and King River watched the happy couple share their first kiss, arms around one another. Star's two parents were genuinely warmed by the display of affection, as they had seen how happy the boy had made their daughter. And they knew that they would do nothing but cherish each other and make one another happier than they ever thought possible. Moon and River looked in each other's eyes, before sharing a kiss as well. They knew that from experience.

Pony Head grinned as she watched her two friends finally melt into each other's arms. She was beyond happy that Marco had eventually come to his senses and realised his love for Star before it was too late. She was also over the moon for her best friend, as she could see how much the stupid earth turd meant to her. It's a curse, thought Pony Head smugly, watching Star and Marco continue to kiss with all the emotion they could muster. Always being right.

Tom harboured a sad sort of smile, bittersweet one might call it, as he viewed his ex-girlfriend and his long-time crush lock lips with another boy, both still draped in the glorious white light. There was a time when this sight would have caused the demon boy to bring the whole castle down in one blazing inferno in an anger induced tantrum. And while this sight did hurt Tom in his heart, he had learnt that letting negative emotions get the better of you always led to disaster. Even disaster that the demon couldn't see himself until he washed away his selfishness and realised that the universe didn't revolve around him. There were other people all around him whose happiness mattered just as much as his. Tom looked at Star. Some more, he thought, smiling warmly. And as long as he had helped the person he cares about above all else achieve that kind of happiness, then he could live with that.

Finally, Star and Marco separated, both panting slightly for air. The feeling of the other's lips still tingled on their own, the electricity of their kiss still alive. They were both blushing fiercely, heat radiating off their cheeks. Still holding one another in that same intimate way, they stared into each other's eyes. Brown poured into blue and blue poured into brown as they looked inside each other's souls, seeing the glaring mutual joyfulness that they both shared. Star smiled widely at Marco, and he returned it tenfold, their feelings intertwining into something purely beautiful. And with their chests pressed together, they felt the rhythm of their respective drumbeats sync swiftly, unifying them indefinitely.

The echoing voice spoke again, for a final time, booming across the ballroom. "Ladies and gentleman, once again, I give you the future King and Queen of Mewni!"

And with that, a burst of cheers and applause could be heard, bouncing off of the walls of the ballroom and piercing the eardrums of everyone in there. There was not one person not clapping with a feeling of genuine happiness in the room, as they all gave their undying praise to the couple of the evening. Everyone, every single person at that moment in time, was applauding the magnificent relationship of Star Butterfly and Marco Diaz.


Don't worry, it's not over yet! Still a little bit to go, so stay tuned! :)