There are few things that are able to fully resonate with a teenager to bring a state of euphoria. There are late-night pizza parties, or when that lady walking her puppy says "Go ahead, he loves the attention". Finding that dollar you forgot about in your jeans, and when your crush says yes to a movie date. But at the top of the list, one thing stands high above all else: The weekend.
Five straight days of school, homework, and getting up early take their toll. But having two careless days at the end of it all? Priceless. Everyone lives through those seething days of work and concentration, because their dreams come true when they can finally throw away the shackles and enjoy some RR how they like. Everyone, except Star.
Not to say that she didn't like weekends, or every day for that matter. But this one, in particular, would prove to be daunting in its own way.
She and Marco had been invited to attend the annual 'Butterfly X Johansen picnic'. A family reunion of sorts, with an exciting, reversed game of capture the flag to end the day. Or at least, it would be exciting, if she was allowed to participate. As she and Marco prepared for the picnic, Star reviewed foggy memories of the last time the two participated. A full day of order and etiquette, only to be denied entry in the family race.
It wasnt like that had stopped her last time, nor would it stop her this time, for that matter. The only difference in her feelings was that it was no longer about earning her place among the adults, but rather, it was about showing her mother that she deserved to be there.
Star was, mentally, of course, nineteen years old. She had lived through more than even many of the adults at the picnic had, and yet she would still be denied.
But that didn't matter. She was going to find her way into that race one way or another. And no one, not even her mother, was going to stop her.
As she combed her hair, straightening the knots out delicately, (something even her wand couldn't do) there was a knock at her door. Without turning around to acknowledge it, she called out in an impatient voice, "The door isnt locked, Marco. You can come in."
A few seconds passed before the door slowly creaked open, revealing not Marco Diaz, but Angie Diaz. Her hair and robe made it clear she had just woken up, but her usual smile was ever present. "Goodmorning, Star. Marco said you have a family reunion going on today? With a game of capture the flag?"
Star finished combing her hair before standing up from the vanity to select her outfit for that day. Something breathable, as well as fashionable, would work. "Yeah. Well, sorta. It's more like a race where we try to get to the top of a mountain and plant our families flag first. Before that it's really just a picnic," she explained, rarely taking her eyes off of her wardrobe.
Angie held her hands together in front of her and began taking an interest in the ceiling as she spoke. Her voice seemed timid, which was unusual for her, but her smile remained. "So, is Marco going with you to this?"
Star nodded as she selected an outfit for the day: A simple, sleeveless green dress with a rainbow top. Accented by her usual horns. Angie stepped forward and moved her hands behind her back as she shifted her weight from foot to foot. "Soo, Marco is okay with going to another families family reunion?"
Star paused for a moment and realized what Angie was asking: She and Raphael wanted to go to to the Butterfly Johanson picnic with her and Marco! Star beamed and began to jump in place madly. "That's right! But now that you mention it, that seems kinda unfair for Marco, doesn't it? Having to go to a family reunion and not knowing anyone there?" She bit her lip in hopes that Angie wouldn't catch on to her plan.
Angie's classic smile began to wilt, as she sat on the edge of Stars bed. "I suppose so, but you did invite him, didn't you?"
Star stopped jumping and eyed the floor. "Well, yeah, but you know what might make it better for him?" she asked, her voice beginning to sound almost too excitable. "What if I invited HIS parents too? That way everyone has some family there?" Star ended her idea with open arms facing Marcos mother but was shocked to see that there was now no smile on her face. Rather, she seemed confused. Really confused.
"Star, that wouldn't look very good on your part would it? Raphael and I dont have any relation to your family. If we showed up, it would look...well... it wouldn't look very good, given your current living situation."
Stars cheeks turned a deeper shade of red with every second as Angie spoke. The insinuation was obvious. That people would think that the only reason for Marcos parents to attend was because they were now part of Stars family.
"No no no no no, it won't be like that, I promise. You're there because you're Marcos family and I invited you. And if anyone starts gossiping, I'll set them straight."
Angie still didn't seem convinced, but to Stars surprise, she smiled slowly and stood up to hug Star. "Thank you. I appreciate you going out of your way for us, Star. I just don't want Marco to feel left out of everything, you know?" After stepping back from the hug, Star waved her hand dismissively and beamed a smile of her own.
"Don't even worry about it, Miss Diaz," She began. "You'll fit right in. And I'll tell my mom to prepare a couple of extra seats for you!" Angie nodded and began making her way out of the room. "I'll go collect Raphael and we'll be ready in an hour, okay?"
"Take all the time you need! I'll go make sure Marco is ready!"
Angie stopped at the door and turned around slightly, giving Star a wink. "Gotta make sure our men are ready. It's a twenty-four-hour job, but someones gotta do it right?"
This made Star blush more than it should have as she caught her breath. It wasnt like it was a secret that she and Marco were, well, clearly an item. But she certainly didn't expect that his parents would be as observant and knowing as her own. She winked back at Angie before activating her mirror. "I think we get rewarded pretty nicely every once in a while though. Marco knows I like chocolate."
Angie's surprise for her correct guess of their relationship quickly turned into a small smirk. She continued leaving but gave a small nod to Star. "And Raphael knows allll about what I like."
CALLING MOM
Star shook the images out of her head before turning to the now present image of Queen Moon. Her mother seemed somewhat stressed, but otherwise her usual self. "Hey, mom. I um, have some news."
Moon sighed as she scrunched the bridge of her nose. "Please tell me you didn't kill anyone." Star answered this with mock surprise before chuckling it off nervously. "Not this time. I was actually wondering if-" Before she could finish, Marco walked into her room dressed in his usual red hoodie and black jeans. "Hey, Star, are you almost ready? ...Oh, your majesty. I hope I'm not interrupting anything...again."
"Not at all, Marco. Star here was just giving me some 'News'. Oh, I love hearing news. Please Star, share your news with me." There was a hint of sarcasm to her voice, but Star pressed one, despite Marcos interruption.
"I was thinking, since its fine if Marco comes to the picnic, do you mind if his parents come too?" Moon dropped her sarcastic facade and immediately donned an expression of unease. "Well um, sweetheart... do you think it's best to involve them in the usual. Festivities. That take place? Aside from being on Mewni, and I'm embarrassed to say this, your father and I's families are rather short-tempered at these types of events."
Star thought for a moment before nodding. The Diaz's weren't strangers to Mewni culture and they certainly weren't pushovers by their own right. "I think they can handle it, mom. Plus, don't you think they deserve to see a bit more of our side of the universe after everything that's been going on lately?" Moons expression shifted dramatically, and Star knew she had her.
In truth, Star wasn't wildly concerned about Marco feeling involved in the picnic. He seemed to be having plenty of fun last time, anyway. Inviting his family might actually be more of a hindrance to his excitement if anything. No, Stars real goal was to have someone to distract her mother so she would be able to once again participate in the game of flags. And this time, she was going to make sure she put everyones flag at the top.
"Very well, Star. I suppose we do owe them a bit of our lifestyle but are you sure this picnic is the best time? My family, in particular, is a bit negative on the idea of Marco." Moon began writing things down on her desk absent-mindedly, while Star answered.
"Yes. Trust me. I'm sure they can handle it. And it's fine, I guess not everyone is nuts about a new prince showing up from Earth huh."
"Riiiight. Alright then, I'll make the arrangements. See you soon, sweetheart."
The mirror's image blipped to its usual reflection, leaving Star and Marco alone in the room. She turned around to face him but found that his expression did not match her own in the slightest. "Star..." he began with disbelief. "Why, on Earth would you want to bring my parents? They can't handle your family and you know that."
Star grinned as she collected her wand and purse. "I only need them to handle one person. Plus, your mom seemed really happy with going, so I don't think it's a problem." Marco frowned at this, but he couldn't think of an argument for her. She went behind his back and invited his parents just to spite someone?
He eyed her with unease as he spoke softly. "Star, are you sure this is a good idea? This is your family we're talking about here." She stopped and turned to face him, trying to read his gaze. "Marco, you sound like my mom. It'll be fine, I promise. They can shmooze it up with my relatives and distract my mom from the sidelines while we take over the game of flags!"
"So...That's what this is about."
"Yup! And cmooon, Diaz. Dont tell me you think they won't have fun!"
She was kinda right, in all honesty. His parents made the best of any outing they went on, so maybe they would fit in pretty well. He hoped. "Okay, Star. We can take them, but only on one condition."
She nodded, keeping her eyes and puzzled expression locked on him. "What is it?" He crossed his arms and smirked at her, tapping into the confident side of himself she had been seeing more often lately. "I want to take you out on a date sometime."
However confused Star had looked a moment before, she was clearly more confused now. A date? That's it?? "Why is that the condition?"
Marco shrugged and smiled warmly at her as he spoke with honesty. "We haven't really been on a date in our dimension, even though we're 'dating'. There was the Corn dinner, but I dont think that counts. I dunno, I kinda want to just enjoy some romantic time with you for once."
She let a blush ride to the top of her cheeks as she mulled over that. Had they really not been on one official date together in all this time? Heck, a goddess even told them she thinks they're going to get married. "Okay, Marco. But I get to pick where."
"Deal." He answered with finality. "So when do we leave?"
0
Star approached the group of royalty she called family, followed closely by the Diaz's. Marco was wearing some shoulder pads under his jacket, and of course, had his scissor blades strapped to his waist. His parents, however, did not look as battle ready. Both his mother and father were dressed in casual summer wear that consisted of a sleeveless shirt, a tank top, boating shorts, and crocs.
As the very strange group approached the picnic area, Queen Moon herself stepped forward to welcome them. "Mr. and Mrs. Diaz. It's a pleasure to see you here for the annual Butterfly X Johansen Family reunion. Manfred here will show you to your seating arrangement, and you may feel free to mingle while we finish preparing for today's events."
Angie and Raphael smiled and shook Moon's hand rather unceremoniously as the two sheepish teens behind them tried not to be seen. "The pleasure is all ours, Queen Moon!" Angie began. "We're honored to have been invited to your families event."
Raphael nodded and took in his surroundings of burly men and women, as well as pad and propper royalties. "We will do our best to fit in, and we will make sure the kids stay out of trouble!" Moon nodded and smiled at the couple as she spoke. "Just try not to fit in too well. I fear there's no going back once you're apart of either side."
Marco stepped away from the group and began surveying the mountain he'd be traversing later in the day. He remembered it being full of traps and deadly situations, so being on full alert was a top priority. Sneaky plays and blunt force willpower was more than likely going to be on the agenda of both opposing sides, so perhaps some tricks of his own were in order.
"Pretty wicked mountain huh?" A gruff, deep voice asked from behind him. Marco whipped around to see a tall, extremely well built, bearded man standing before him. To put it simply, he was massive and loomed over Marco, but smiled with honesty.
"Yeah it's probably been booby-trapped like crazy, but I think you'll be fine. After that noise at the Kingdom of Corn Dinner, I dont think a little race is worth worrying about, kid." Marco stood speechless, trying to formulate a reply as Star approached the two nonchalantly.
"King Johansen! You get hairier every time I see you!" She yelled, hugging the beefy man. "And you get taller every year, squirt!" King Johansen glanced at Marco and knelt down to Star, trying and failing to not be heard. "So, are you gonna introduce me to your boyfriend or what?"
Stars cheeks turned a shade of pink as she grabbed Marcos' shoulders and pushed him forward. "This is Marco Diaz, my...heh, boyfriend and stuff. Marco, this is King Boulder Johansen. My first cousin, once removed." Marcos' hand was dwarfed by the barbarian kings as they greeted one another, further introducing themselves.
"Well, kid, I'll be honest with ya, you dont look like much, but I've heard tons about you from my little cousin River." Marco smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks...I guess."
King Johansen grinned and began making his way back to the picnic, waving at the two. "You kids have fun. Let's hope your team can keep up with ours, yeah?" Marco smiled and walked with Star back to the picnic table eying the day's competition.
"So, Last time we raced with the Butterflies. This time are we going rogue for both teams?" Star bit her lip nervously and glanced around at the full table. "Yeah, we're starting with them but after we grab enough of both teams flags, we race to the top and plant them all at once."
"Fair enough," Marco replied. "I think I remember enough about last times competition to get us through a good portion."
The two took a seat at the end of the picnic table, but were surprised to see most of the Butterflies staring at them. Etheria Butterfly, one of the eldest at the table, seemed to be glaring at Star especially. "What?" Star asked casually.
A knight stepped forward and bowed cordially to Star. "Princess Star Butterfly, I regret to inform you that you are sitting at the wrong end of the table."
Star and Marco looked puzzled at him as Etheria spoke from behind. "Your spot is on the other end of the line. With the other humans." She pointed a bony, gloved finger to the other end of the long table, where the two could see Angie and Raphael sitting. Casually talking to a few members of either family.
"But I'm a Butterfly, shouldn't I be sitting here?" Star asked. Heartrude, her uncle, piped in from behind Etheria. "Well my dear, You may sit here, but your...little friend there must sit with his own kind."
Marco nodded, regretfully standing up, but Star grabbed his wrist, eying the two Butterflies. "What do you mean, 'his kind'?" She demanded, her voice carrying a dangerous edge. Aunt Etheria shook her head and 'Tsked' before again pointing at the other end of the table. "The Diaz family, the humans, sit on the other end. But this side? Butterflies only.
Star was about to snap, but Moon stepped forward and put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Star, you know well enough that the families of this picnic sit together. Marco must sit with his family, and you have. Ahem. The option...of sitting with him."
Star maintained a soft glare at her family members, but stood slowly, suppressing a blush and keeping her grip on Marcos' wrist. "Cmon Marco. Let's go sit with your parents."
Moon smiled softly and took her place alongside Etheria as Heartrude leaned in. "So, is your daughter, involved with that boy?" Moon nodded and glanced over at her daughter, slowly taking a seat beside Marco and his parents. Heartrude shook his head. "He seems more like a commoner than a prince, in my opinion. You must be somewhat disappointed."
Moons smile wavered as she began eating an ear of corn. "And yet he still has better manners than the rest of my family. Truly, Earth is a strange place, is it not?" Heartrudes jaw dropped as he was about to respond, but Etheria patted his shoulder. "Just give it time. She's always had a bit of an unruly streak. Just like her father. But Im sure it will pass eventually."
"Ah yes, my dear sister-in-law. Just like many of us wish YOU would. But thankfully in her case, it won't."
All Butterflies within earshot turned flabbergasted at River, who had been listening to the entire conversation. He took a bite out of a large turkey leg and smirked at the group with devious intent. Moon shook her head, clearly fed up with the argument forming around her. "Honey, please. Lets all just try to enjoy a nice picnic. Despite the attitude of some of its attendants."
Star took a bite out of her ear of corn, as Angie leaned closer. "Star, youre hardly touching your food. What's wrong?" Raphael noticed her glum expression as well and elbowed Marco. "Perhaps you wanted to sit with your family instead Mija?"
She shook her head and glared down the table. "Im fine sitting wherever. But I'm not fine with you guys being outed just because you're human."
Angie stopped eating as she wore a puzzled expression. "Sweetheart, its alright if they want us to sit here instead. We aren't really a part of either side of your family, so it makes sense if they want us in the middle." Star crossed her arms and glared at her relatives down the table as she spoke with disdain. "They dont have to make it sound like youre lower than them because you're human though. Or like you dont deserve to be here."
Marco patted Star back, smiling warmly at her. "Well, during the game, we can show them that every family here has a place in a winners circle. No matter the species or name."
This caused Stars glare to soften, before all three Diaz hugged her from all sides. "Do not fret, Mija. We are just happy to be here. So, tell me, who is that gentleman over there?" Raphael asked casually. Star looked to where he was pointing and replied with a laugh. "That's my uncle Boulder Johansen. Hes the king of the barbarian clan. He once took on a whole pack of timber wolves with just his bear hands. And yes, I know what I said."
"And that one?" Angie asked tentatively.
"That's Blocq Johansen. Hes kinda mostly warnicorn now. I dont remember the story but I think he fell off a cliff chasing a pack of jousting stags and had to get a new body."
Marco nodded and pointed to the older woman with a large hairstyle, star-shaped cheek marks, and a very hunched back. "Who's that?"
Stars grin faded as she explained the intricacies of nobility to the Diaz's. "That's Etheria Butterfly. She's very old, very traditional, and after me, next in line for the throne. If she lives that long."
Marco smiled and pointed across the table. "I bet you dont know who that is," he snickered. Star suppressed a laugh and shoved him. "That's Raphael Diaz. Your dad. He's an artist from Earth who specialized in sculptures and paintings." She smiled as Marco did his best to stop his laughter from being heard at the other end of the table.
"Well now that we're all acquainted with everyone-"
"That was like three people, Marco!"
"-we can enjoy some delicious corn. Like humans."
After an hour of eating and trading stories of the past year, many of Stars relatives began standing up to prepare for the days big race. The butterflies began donning some light protective gear, as the Johansen's seemed to be removing some of their articles of clothing, sporting a more streamlined attire.
Star noticed members of her family preparing, and immediately gripped Marcos' arm. "MarcoMarcoMarco, look! It's finally time!" He stopped chatting with his parents and looked down the table, noticing some vacant seats. "So what's our gameplan for getting in? I could ask my parents to go see how yours are doing, and we can sneak past them."
Star nodded and stood up, eliciting a confused glance from Raphael and Angie. "Mr. and Mrs. Diaz, would you mind if Marco and I were excused? We're gonna go watch race from the front. Maybe you guys can chat with-"
"Star. You haven't begun preparing?"
She whirled around to see Moon approaching with a surprised look on her face, and a flag in her hand. "I would have thought you'd be the first to the front of the line?" Both Star and Marco exchanged surprised glances before turning back to her. "First...to the front?" Star asked, confused.
"Well yes, dear. If you dont hurry, your team won't get a good starting position." Star maintained a blank expression that was shared by everyone around her. Moon glanced around before scrunching her eyebrows at her daughter. "You ARE competing with the Diaz's aren't you?"
At this point, Star managed to catch on to Moons insinuations, nodding slowly. "You mean, I'm allowed to compete? No sneaking in or anything?" Moon held the bridge of her nose and sighed. She had completely forgotten to inform Star of the perks of having Marcos family here today.
"Star, since you and Marco are, erm, together, for this event, and he's brought his family, they are now a separate competing team for the game of flags. And as the only true royalty of that team, you are it's leader, should you wish to compete with them."
Marcos jaw dropped but Star smiled from ear to ear. An unexpected turn of events, but she could work with this. "Of course I'll compete with them! But, we dont have a flag or anything." Moon just cocked an eyebrow and gestured to the flag in her hand sarcastically. "What, did you think I would be using this? I had the servants prepare one for your team. Just in case."
She handed Star the green flag, who eyed the intricate design stitched cleanly to its center. It largely resembled the symbol for Earth used at the kingdom of corn dinner, only this one had a small heart inside the arch of the moon. Star beamed at her mother who, surprisingly, held up her hands defensively.
"Please be careful, sweetheart. Truthfully, im not entirely on board with you participating this year, but your father thinks you've matured quite a bit recently. And between us," she leaned in and lowered her voice to a whisper. "I do believe this is a good opportunity for you to do what you do best, and show off for your family."
Star bit her lip as she continued smiling and nodded with affirmation. "Thank you, Mom. I promise I'll be safe."
Moon returned the smile and looked around at the other preparing family members. "Goodluck, Star. And Marco?" she asked. "No scissors. I'm sure you'll manage just fine."
With that, she walked away, leaving the ragtag group to find her viewing stand. Once she was out of earshot, Star quickly turned to Marco and grabbed his shoulders. "Marco!!! We get to compete! And we didn't even have to sneak in!!" He grabbed her hands and lowered them as he smiled at her excitement.
"I know! Now we can make sure everyone can win!" He exclaimed. Star beamed at him but noticed his parents confused expression. "Mijo, isnt the point of a competition to win?" Raphael questioned. They had overheard some of what the two were planning on doing, but to simply make it a tie didn't make sense.
Marco held his chin, careful not to reveal too much about his time travel dilemma to his parents. "Usually. But this time we want everyone to win. Our team is great don't get me wrong, but winning outright isn't really the goal."
Raphael and Angie exchanged glances, silently agreeing on what Marco was really saying: Having the two of them on the team would keep them from winning for Earth.
"Okay, sweetie. Just show us what to do and we'll try not to get in the way." Marco eyed both of them, taken back by how quickly they understood. He knew they were always good at going with the flow and being generally supportive, and it went without question that they would put that sentiment to use here too.
Star hugged Marco fondly, relishing in the excitement of actually being allowed to compete this year. And with his parents no less! She wasnt sure if there was an earth equivalent of bonding with your boyfriend's parents, but this had to be a rare occasion.
Marco wrapped his arms around her, barely noticing the click of the camera in his father's hands, and rested his chin atop her head. "Are you ready to show em what we're made of, Star?"
"Oh, I was born ready, Marco. Let's go tussle with some old people!"
To be continued in: Not just Humans
AUTHORS NOTE
Okay so, Im Reeeaaally sorry for how long this portion of flag day took to write. between work and me having the flu this week after a crazy ski trip, its been pretty hard to focus. I hope yall enjoyed this half, and buckle up for part two!! I love yall lol and leave a review if ya have any suggestions or comments!
~Mr. Ronald Reagan