Hey everyone! I'm back with another fic! This time it's a fan favorite AU.
BAD BOY AU where Marco is... a bad boy... (duh). Oh and Star went to the reform school for wayward princesses, so she's all prim and proper.
This took a long time to write for reasons I don't know. It should've been easy considering it's just a spin on the Blood Moon Ball episode.
Either way, enjoy the story!
"Well? What did you think?" The princess asked as her earth guide exited the classroom last.
Marco shrugged, burying his hands in his pockets. "Eh… Easiest test ever."
"Easiest- what are you talking about?"
"What? It was easy."
"Really? I found that test to be quite difficult."
"Yeah, well it's earth history. You're from another dimension," he mentioned as the two walked over to the cafeteria.
"Regardless, I have witnessed many students studying this topic for days and you looked at it ten minutes beforehand. You must be extraordinarily intelligent if you could learn the topic-"
Marco turned and faced the princess with that mischievous smirk. He backed her against the lockers and leaned in. "Whoa, whoa, hold on. Did I just hear something nice come out of your mouth? That can't be!" he asked, bringing his ear closer to Star. "I think I need to hear that one more time, princess."
Star rolled her eyes, pushing him away. "And you wonder why I don't compliment you."
"Oh, do tell, princess. What do you have to say about the gracious host that's showing you a good time here on Earth? Nothing bad I'm sure, right?" he said, nudging Star's arm.
She swatted him away and brushed her sleeves. "Not even the castle back on Mewni is big enough for you and your ego."
"Ouch. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. How appropriate."
""...I… don't understand what you mean by-"
"It's an Earth phrase. It…" Marco sighed. "Never mind… Jeez, how did you ever get by?"
"I have carriages to take me where I please."
"Not what I… whatever." The two entered the cafeteria and stood in line with the rest of the students waiting for their lunch to be served. "You don't understand jokes, you're strict, you're only nice some of the time, and you don't like fun. Man, I feel bad for whatever prince has to marry you… You need to loosen up. That's how you get the guys. Not this royal crap you keep doing."
Star glared at the boy. "As if you had any experience with dating? Tell me, how is Jackie Lynn Thomas doing? Still haven't spoken to her yet?"
"None of your business."
The princess smiled. "I'll take that as a no."
"It's complicated!"
"You need to loosen up, Marco Diaz. That's how you get the girls. Not this bad boy... crap... you keep doing… ugh…" She stuck out her tongue in disgust, still not used to saying something so vulgar.
"Hey, I'm relaxed all the time, princess. I don't know what you've been watching, but-"
"Hello Jackie Lynn Thomas!" Star cheerfully called out. Marco jumped in shock, quickly turning around only to find no one there. The momentary heart attack finally stopped as he sighed a breath of relief. He could hear the princess snicker behind him. "Pfft you certainly look relaxed to me…"
Marco pulled his hood over to cover his face, a small blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Shut up…"
Star giggled. She held her tray out and received a sandwich and some fries. "Thank you very much, sir. Oh, and to answer your previous question, I did have a boyfriend once."
Another sandwich landed on Marco's tray. The boy stopped in place and stared at her with wide eyes before bursting out in laughter, attracting several people's attention. "You? A boyfriend? Hahahaha! You're joking!"
"That was not a joke, Marco Diaz."
"Haha, okay, whatever you say princess- hahahaha!" The two walked over to an empty table and took a seat. The bad boy couldn't help but continue laughing at the absurdity of her comment. "So what happened? Long distance didn't work out for you?"
"It was about a year ago when I broke up with him, if you must know."
"Riiiight… and what was his name?"
"Tom."
"...Tom…?"
"Yes, you heard me."
"..." Marco blankly stared at the princess before cracking up once more. "You've gotta be shitting me."
Star rolled her eyes and began to eat her meal. "Language, Marco Diaz."
"Alright, so... what was this guy like?"
"If you must know, he was the prince of the underworld."
"Prince of the underworld- you dated a demon!?"
"Well… yes. That is true."
Marco could barely keep it together at this point. She had to be making this up, right? "You just can't get away from bad boys, can you? Haha- w-wait, that's not like… a fetish or something, right?" he asked, slowly scooting away from her.
Star ignored his comment and took another bite. "He did have a temper, yes. But aside from that, he was… kind… I think..."
The bad boy shook his head. "Okay well, thanks for the laugh, but the joke's over. It's not funny anymore."
"I told you it wasn't a joke."
"Oh please! You expect me to believe you dated a demon prince of the underworld named Tom!?"
As if right on cue, the ground shook, making the tables and chairs vibrate and clamor together. Students began to lose their balance, dropping trays and drinks onto the floor. Soon the earth cracked open, a burst of flames erupting from the opening. A large, dark crimson carriage appeared through the unholy fires, led by a skeleton horse. The students watched in awe as the flames dissipated and the door opened, revealing a shroud of smoke. Marco watched in shock as a figure in a black suit with horns stepped down from the carriage and approached Star. The princess watched in annoyance.
The figure stopped in front of the princess, taking off the sunglasses he had on, and revealed three eyes mischievously gazing at her. "Hey Star. I'm here to take you to the Blood Moon Ball…"
Star sighed, getting up from her seat and pushing the demon back into his carriage. "No. No, no, no, no, no. You need to leave right now. Take your carriage and fire and dead horse, and go back to the underworld."
The horse looked back at the demon feeling betrayed. "Wait… I'm dead?"
The princess walked back to her table where Marco watched with his mouth hanging open. The demon smiled, bringing himself to his feet and stood once more in front of Star. "C'mon, Starship. It's the Blood Moon Ball. It only happens once every six hundred and sixty seven years…"
"We broke. Up."
"OKAY, STOP! Timeout!" Marco slammed his hands on the table. "Who. The fuck. Are you?"
"Language, Marco Diaz-"
"Stop that."
The demon glared at the boy for interrupting the conversation. "...Tom Lucitor. Prince of the underworld. Why?"
"You're Tom? You're… real…?" he asked in complete disbelief, looking back at Star for confirmation. She simply rolled her eyes.
"You've heard of me?"
"You used to be Star's boyfriend…"
"So?"
Marco looked at Tom once more, analyzing his appearance. "But… but you… you're hot!"
The demon widened his eyes, glancing at Star before returning his attention to the boy. He cleared his throat, trying to move past the uncomfortable vibe. "Uh… Thanks…?"
"You can have any girl in any dimension! Why the hell are you after Star of all people!?"
"Language-"
"Princess, I swear, if you say that one more time…"
"Oh, that's what you meant," Tom said with a relieved sigh. "And what do you mean why? You think she's all yours or something?" he asked in a threatening tone.
"What? She's not-"
"Just stay out of my way. I'm trying to talk to Star about something important. Let the adults speak."
Maybe it's because it's been so long that he's been confronted, but it made Marco boil being insulted like that. He put on a fake smile for the demon. "You know, maybe you shouldn't piss me off like that, Tom."
"Listen, kid. I don't- ARGH!"
Marco punched the demon and karate chopped his arm, making his hand pop off. It surprised the bad boy when he saw ghastly smoke coming out of his wrist, but even more shocking was the sudden shift in mood. Tom gritted his teeth, his eyes now glowing red. A deathly essence could be felt throughout the room, giving even Marco chills.
"Uh-oh…" Star muttered. She pulled on Marco's sleeves. "We better run."
Tom shook his head and tried to laugh it off. "Woah, woah, haha… no, no, no, see, that's… why I have my support system! See?" He reached back into the carriage and pulled out a fluffy bunny. He pet the small creature, rubbing its fur as the animal seemed to smile at the treatment. "See, I'm a changed man! I don't… get angry anymore," he said as his eyes began to turn back to normal. "Totally under control now."
Star was impressed at how quickly the demon changed back to normal. She sighed, placing a hand on Marco's shoulder. "Please don't fight the prince of the underworld."
Marco glared at Tom before lowering his fists. "...He started it."
Tom took a deep breath and recomposed himself. "Right. Like I said, I want to take you to the Blood Moon Ball. And I get it! You don't trust me. You're mad, you think I'm a total jerk. But I have changed…"
"...Really…?"
"Absolutely! I can prove it, too. Tonight. I'll show you what the new Tom looks like."
"The new Tom…" Star contemplated the pros and cons of this decision. Maybe a second chance is in order.
"Princess? You're not seriously thinking about going with this guy, are you?"
"Hey, if you're not sure, don't worry. No pressure at all. But if you do decide to come, just ring this bell." The demon handed over a small, ornate bell with carved ruby accents on it. He gave the princess a smile before going back into the carriage. "I… hope to see you there, Star." With that, a burst of flames rose from the ground as the carriage descended into the depths of the underworld.
Marco watched, unimpressed at the spectacles. "Hmph… show off…"
Star walked towards her closet, trying to find something special for the occasion, while Marco sat on her bed, watching her pick out the right dress.
"I can't believe you're actually going to Tom's stupid dance."
"I don't see why not. It could be fun…"
"Fun? You have dimensional scissors. We could just go to someplace cool like last time? Now that was fun."
"Yes, but this is a different kind of fun… I think it'll be an interesting experience. After all, Tom does seem genuine this time around." Star pulled out a red and pink dress, scanning the looks before smiling to herself. She touched the magic mirror, transforming it into a divider. "I trust you won't peak…"
"Lemme just get my camera," he said sarcastically. The princess walked behind the divider, throwing her normal clothes over the edge. Marco turned his head to give her some privacy. "You know, I've met guys like Tom, and I'm not saying he's an asshole, but… he's an asshole."
"Language, Marco Diaz."
"Fuck you. All I'm trying to say is that guys like Tom don't change."
"An amusing assessment coming from a delinquent such as yourself."
"Yeah, yeah, call me a hypocrite… but that doesn't mean I'm not right."
"Come now, Marco Diaz. I think I can handle whatever comes my wa-AAAAYYYYY…."
Marco looked back at the divider, seeing some sparkling mist coming from behind. "...Are… you okay?"
"Y-yes, yes… I just… need to stop using magic on… on my face…"
"Okaaayyy… well, I still don't like this whole dance thing. Feels like Tom's scheming something. I mean, why don't you just skip it and stay here? It's probably way safer than whatever he's planning."
"Please, he's not planning anything."
"You don't know that… Maybe I should tag along, just in case."
"Marco Diaz, are you actually concerned about me?"
The boy's heart stopped at her question. "W-what? No!"
He heard a light giggle coming from the divider. "I must say, it's quite heartwarming to hear you care so much about me for once."
"I don't! I just don't like Tom! I can't stand creeps, but if you want to fall for his plans, then go right ahead," he ranted, crossing his arms in a childish manner.
"Very well." Star closed the divider, turning it back into the magic mirror. "So? What do you think?"
Marco's eyes widened as he gazed upon Star. The red dress fit her perfectly, her hair now wavy, coming together in a large bun with strands curling down, complimenting her face. A small blush appeared on the boy's cheeks as he tried to act tough once more. "...Y-yeah, you… you look fine…"
The princess smiled. "Thank you!"
"...It's not safe, you know."
"A lot of things aren't safe." She pulled out the bell and hit it with the small hammer, creating a deep, vibrating sound for such a tiny bell. A burst of flames appeared outside her window with another demon rising to her balcony, carrying a large carriage with it. "The underworld certainly knows how to make an entrance." She placed the bell on her desk and climbed into the carriage and waved at the boy. "Goodbye, Marco Diaz!" She shut the door, and looked up at the demon.. "Okay, I'm all set!"
"Very well, mortal…" the parademon flapped its wings as it slowly descended into the fiery pit.
Slowly, the light of day began to vanish, replaced with a crimson red hue as she felt the carriage go further down. It took quite some time before Star finally made it to the bottom. She opened the door, finding herself in what seemed like a large cavern with a city unlike any other she has seen in the distance. She spotted a number of monsters and demons dressed in formal attire walking towards the same location.
"That must be where the ball is…"
"Star!" The princess turned her head to find her ex boyfriend approach her. Tom took a look at Star, examining her appearance. "Don't you clean up nice."
"Um… Thank you…"
"Hope the ride down wasn't too long."
"Well, it was getting a bit stuffy in there but it wasn't all too-"
"Cool, cool! I'm glad it didn't take much time. Oh, here. I got you something." Tom pulled out a dead spider from behind his back, presenting it to her as if it were a jewel. "Wear this. It'll help you fit in."
Star backed away, disgusted by the present. "Thank you, but I'd rather not."
The demon tilted his head, confused. "What? But Star, I'm telling you, it'll be better if you wear-"
"That's quite alright. I have my own theme I'm going by… Now then, I think it's time we head in, don't you?"
"...Y-yeah…"
Star walked ahead of Tom, somewhat excited to see what this dance would be like. The demon on the other hand was less enthusiastic, annoyed at Star's defiance. He pet his rabbit as he walked in the castle.
Marco was lying down on Star's bed, his eyes closed as he munched on a bowl of nachos he made. He put in his earphones and played some songs on his phone, letting his mind wander. Normally he would enjoy his time alone from the princess, but today he felt off. He didn't like the idea of Tom asking Star to this dance. Or maybe he just didn't like Tom…
"Yeah, of course I don't like him…" Marco muttered to himself, grabbing another chip. "...That's the guy she used to date? He's not even her type…"
The boy grew more annoyed at the thought, though he couldn't understand why. Maybe it was the idea that she actually liked someone that was an asshole and she doesn't act that way with him…
Marco opened his eyes. "Wait, what?" Did he just say he was jealous? "...No… no way…" That's not it. He was just annoyed that she doesn't treat him nicely… as a friend… "Yeah… that's it… she's friendly with an asshole like Tom but doesn't treat me all too kind… That's why I'm annoyed…" he convinced himself. The princess could at least say please and thank you.
...Oh wait… she does do that…
What exactly does she do that's so mean to him?
"She makes fun of me…"
But that's only because Marco teases her all the time.
"She's always on my back about something."
But that's only because she doesn't want him to get in trouble.
"She brings her dumb magic crap and ruins my life."
But Marco has enjoyed life more than ever since Star appeared.
"..."
What does Star actually do that annoys Marco? In fact, was he even annoyed with Star to begin with?
"..."
The boy rolled to his side, his face against the pillow. He could smell the princess' scent, making his heart beat a little faster. He growled, annoyed at this unknown feeling building up in his stomach. "Stop it, Marco. Don't be a creep…"
His eyes wandered, looking at the mess the princess left behind. Funny. He thought she would be neater with her personality. Books and papers were on the ground, her clothes scattered here and there. Shirts, pants, dresses, underwea- Marco looked away. "C'mon, princess. Don't just leave stuff like that lying around…"
He stopped when he saw the bell. The moonlight bounced off its reflective surface, mesmerizing the bad boy even more. He thought for a moment.
"...Nope. Not gonna do it."
He turned the other direction.
"Not gonna do it," he repeated. "She said she'd be fine without me. Not like anything bad is going to happen, right? Besides, who cares if something does happen to her. Not me. She's got an all powerful magic wand. She'll be fine. Not gonna go down there- oh, fuck me."
Star stood in line with her date, watching as the people in front of her took photos with a bucket of… blood… spilling over them.
"...Uh… Tom?"
"Yeah?"
"Is… that blood?"
The demon smiled. "Wouldn't be a party without it, right? And get this. This time, it's unicorn blood. I'm so excited to get our pictures taken together!"
"R-riiiight… I… don't think I'm doing that."
His smile instantly vanished. "What? Why not?"
"I don't believe bathing in unicorn blood is exactly something I'd willingly do..."
"C'mon, Starship. Everyone's doing it! It won't hurt you."
"One of my best friends is a unicorn."
"Well they're not related!"
"I am not bathing in unicorn blood."
Tom opened his mouth but closed it, knowing he would lose the argument. He looked away, grumbling as he reached out for the bunny again.
"Tom?"
"Yeah, Star?"
"Are… you angry?"
He looked back at the princess. "What?"
"I can see you pet your rabbit. Are you getting angry with me?"
"Y- well, no. I mean-"
Star sighed. "Look, forget it. I'm going to get a drink."
Tom watched his date leave him at the photo area, growing more irritated at Star's uncooperative attitude. He let out a sigh, trying to calm himself. "It's fine, Tom. Totally cool…" he said through clenched teeth. "Just don't blow up…" The demon pet his bunny, letting the anger fade away.
Meanwhile, Star approached a bowl full of unknown liquids. She peered inside it and found the skeleton of a fish swimming in the punch. She gave a small smile, finding the animal rather cute. "Hello, little friend. Enjoying the water?"
The fish jumped up from the surface and fell back into the bowl.
"Aww, aren't you just adorable…"
"Hey there."
Star turned around to find a tall monster standing before her in a fancy suit. Although the suit didn't help with his physical appearance considering he had the face of a bat. "Hello... Oh, I apologize, I'm blocking the drink. Did you want some?"
The monster held his hand up, refusing the offer. "Nah, I don't need anything. Although, I might need your hand later."
"My hand?"
"You know. For when you and I dance."
Star chuckled, scratching the back of her head. "Ah… apologies, but I'm here with Tom as my partner for the night. Perhaps there is another that would appreciate the offer?"
"Oh, I think you'll like dancing with me-"
"Yeah, no. She's mine for the night," Tom said, stepping between the two.
"Yours…?" the princess muttered.
The bat faced demon gave Tom a mischievous look. "Oh, I get it. You think your soul and her soul are gonna totally…" he then motioned something with his hands.
"And what exactly does…" The princess copied the motions. "...mean?"
Tom waved his hands. "Nothing. Don't worry about it."
The room echoed with a loud tapping sound, forcing the voices to silence. A demon stood at the front of the room, a microphone in hand. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It is my pleasure that I request you now to turn your head skyward." The princess looked up at the ceiling, finding a red crescent shaped gemstone gleaming with light. "The light of the blood moon will fall, and select two lucky souls, binding them together for eternity in its hypnotic, ruby essence…"
"...Wow…" The princess was amazed at how beautiful the gem was, creating a unique, artistic atmosphere.
A song began to play throughout the room as the monsters and demons paired together and began to dance. Tom growled. "That's the wrong piece of music! I told them to play the other one. This is gonna drive me crazy- okay, don't go anywhere. I'll be right back!" He quickly ran off, leaving Star to herself.
"Okay…" she said absentmindedly, still gazing up at the ceiling. She walked away from the spot, trying to get a better view of the beautiful crescent. She moved past various monsters, apologizing as she bumped into them. "A soul binding ceremony, is it? Hmm. Is that why he wanted me here-"
Star gasped as she felt her arm pulled back, finding herself caught in the arms of a mysterious figure in a royal black suit. Her eyes met with the figure's own, feeling a sense of familiarity when she looked into them. Before she could ask any questions, the room darkened with the only light coming from the blood moon. The red light beamed through the ceiling, enveloping the princess and the mysterious figure. Everyone stopped and stared at the couple as a new song played. The person before her began to take charge, leading her through the waltz. Although she couldn't see past the masquerade mask, she found herself mesmerized by this person. He had an aura of confidence. Of grace and elegance. His eyes captured her full attention. They were gentle, yet familiar. Why?
"Princess…?" the person whispered.
"Yes?" she answered breathlessly.
"Princess, let's get out of here."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean let's get out of here."
"...Who are you…?"
"Who-" The figure twirled her around, gliding across the floor with her as they danced. "It's me, Marco."
Star's eyes widened as her partner caught her, his arms wrapped around her waist as they continued to step to the music's tempo. The person quickly lifted up the mask, revealing his identity. Her heart skipped a beat. "...Marco…?"
"C'mon, let's go. This place is creeping me ou-" The boy fell back, groaning in pain. He looked up to find Tom standing before him. The demon opened his mouth to say something but stopped when he heard a scraping sound. He looked up to see the blood moon's light disappearing. The room lit up once more, signalling the dance was over. Tom looked back at the boy, his eyes beginning to burn bright red. A deathly aura filled the room as Marco realized his mistake. The demon slowly stepped towards him, the temperature slowly rising as he approached him.
"...That dance…"
Marco moved back, feeling afraid for once.
"...was meant…"
He backed up into the wall, unable to escape.
"...for ME!"
Flames burst in the room, burning several curtains and rugs. Even the other monsters stepped back, afraid of what Tom could do. Marco had no choice but to stand up, readying himself for a fight. Although, he wasn't quite sure if he would come out of this unscathed. The demon rose in the air, ready to attack when a beam of blue light froze Tom in place. He fell to the ground, solidified in a block of ice with an angry expression. Marco looked at Star, who was holding her wand out and sighed.
"Thanks, princess-"
"Let's go, Marco Diaz," the princess muttered, walking out of the castle. Marco wasted no time leaving the room.
The parademon carried the two up in the carriage to Star's balcony. The carriage opened its doors, the cool, nighttime air entering the box. A refreshing change of pace for once. The princess looked up and waved. "Thank you for the ride…" With that, she stepped off onto her balcony. "Ugh… so infuriating!"
Marco followed after, sliding down to the balcony. The demon flew back down, a burst of flame covering its tracks once again. The boy shrugged. "I hate to say it, but I warned you about Tom."
"No. You! You're infuriating!"
"W- me? What did I do? I tried to help you-"
"I told you I didn't need any help! I would take care of myself!"
The boy stared at the princess confused. "What, is that the thanks I get for going down there and almost dying because of your ex boyfriend? Who, by the way, is a complete psycho!"
"I am the princess of Mewni. I wield the most powerful magical artifact in the universe, yet you don't trust me enough to take care of myself! I told you I was fine!"
"Hey, I heard what that old guy said on the mic! Tom wanted to bind with your soul and I stepped in to help. What the hell's wrong with that?"
The princess let out a frustrated growl. "Every time! Every person in my life has never trusted me with anything."
"What are you talking abou-"
"No matter what it was, no one ever trusted me. Not once! My friends on Mewni never thought I was responsible enough. They said I would accidentally burn Mewni down if I became queen. The magic high commission believes I'm not good enough to protect the wand. They refused to let me train on my own. My parents- my own parents! They don't even trust me! They sent me here on Earth! For what? Safety? I'm no less capable than my mother when she was my age! But they send me away from my own home! What parent does that? As if sending me to that damn reform school wasn't enough? Stripping me of my own person and turning me into someone I can't even recognize when I look in the mirror!"
Marco was taken back by this outburst. This was the first time he heard her speak out about anything like this. He didn't think she had anything like this on her mind. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense why she would be angry.
"And you… I thought you'd trust me enough to go by myself… or at least not care enough to bother… As rude as you are at times, you're the only one that ever treated me as an equal. You always took my words at their value. And I appreciate that. I… I even consider you my friend for it." Star leaned against the balcony, looking out in the neighborhood.
Marco stared at her, processing everything she had said. His heart warmed at the thought that she actually considered him a friend after all this time, but immediately sank after realizing his mistake. He walked over and leaned against the railing, taking off his mask. "...I'm… sorry, Star. I should've trusted you."
The two remained silent for a good minute before the princess glanced at her host. "...It's alright… Thank you."
"For what?"
"Apologizing. Treating me as an equal once again."
"...No problem..."
"..."
"..."
"...Did you just call me Star?"
"What?"
"When you apologized. You said 'Star'. You never call me by my name."
"I still don't."
"You called me Star," she said with a smirk.
"You're imagining things."
"You know what I didn't imagine? You dancing."
The boy's cheeks began to blush as red as the moon. "Shut up."
"Since when did Marco Diaz know how to dance so elegantly?"
"You will never speak of this again, princess."
"Perhaps if Jackie Lynn Thomas knew, she would talk to you then?"
"Don't you fucking dare."
"Language, Marco Diaz."
The start of a beautiful friendship (relationship #StarcoAllTheWay)
REVIEW RESPONSES
Advait2003: lol I did comedy right yayyyy! I never know how to deliver comedy in text form :P
Hail Lord Archanfel: ikr? Damn it Star, don't do that!
bluecatcinema: We'll never know OwO Don't worry, I'm sure they're fine :P
Eternal Flame: Plz, what good is a story if it doesn't tear your heart out
Guest: Aw, don't say that. You'll make him sad! :(
Starcogirl24: Yeah, but I really wanted a unique name. Umbra was something I wanted to go with for a couple reasons which I'll explain later if you're interested.
SonicE1337: Haha, thank you my friend! Hopefully this one really gets your attention. I always have a lot of fun writing this AU