Hello fanfiction, Mr.E here. Thank you for every like, favorite and review. they mean the world to me.

a special thanks to finn- yep he's a father and now you're about to find out how.

SonicElite: i know right?

Fabio- haha right Marco's got a kid and man did Star jump to the worst conclusion. HAPPY BIRTHDAY man am i late. Sorry it took so long, personal reasons but it's here and you shall find out.

Lupus: buzz, buzz is that you? spanish guitar ready? thank you for your kind words. good thing we have back up brains. enjoy this next chapter.

Romantic sloth: yeah i had to piece it back together. don't think i got them all. sooo many missing pieces.

smitty theroies- Right? i wondered who was that bear myself. haha right? i can't wait for Marco to meet SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER but then again if mr. knife happens...feel conflicted. so far no one else has mentioned it.

guest: It's on marco's tape so soon.

misspineapples: hiya! sorry i was dealing with a loss in the family but it's all good now. I dunno about best but he is very talented. haha no worries.

Sorry about the whole longer than expected leave of absence. i had a loss in the family and i wanted to write something cheerful and this part is...cheerful but also sad but also hopeful so yeah nova vs got written instead but im good, im back and so is guardians

so quick recap, marco and star are on eden, federation capital and worst place for two recently escaped convicts to be. Marco goes out, Star finds out from AUto the ai on the ship about his date, goes to confronts him about his booty call, gets shocked when its his daughter.

caught up? awesome

so basically this part has this :( tragic origin story. very sad, very very sad but also happy, joking and cheerful with a hopeful message at the end. you have been warned. this means flashback

now on with the story. thank you so much for everything, i own nothing and enjoy!

Star tried to sink into her chair as best as she could, the happy chattering of the other members of their little party table hinting that she indeed succeeded at not drawing any attention to herself.

She felt her pale cheeks flush in embarrassment, the overwhelming desire to simply vanish into thin air growing each passing second.

Star had never felt so mortified in her life and that's saying something. She has done some pretty horrifyingly embarrassing things in her life but the fact this simple misunderstanding, this mistake, this poor use of assumption really took the cake. Even the time where she had to distract a Xanderian prince while her father and his henchmen broke into said prince's vault hadn't been as bad as this at least then she knew she would never see the guy again, for the foreseeable future, Marco Diaz was her business associate and partner in crime at the moment.

The entire cafe had gone silent after Star's outburst and Melody's arrive but she knew they were still watching them carefully like some sort of real life soap opera, the occasional stifled giggle and snickering made it obvious they were.

Marco let out a cheery laugh as Melody told her father about how this boy, a Gene Cooper who was a well known play boy, attempted to flirt with her and charm her out of her skirt.

"And what did you do?" Marco asked curiously, the grin encompassing every inch of his face.

Melody gave him a mischievous smile "I gave him the Scary Mary Special."

Marco let out a snort, his laughter becoming so uncontrollable that he began choking, his face glowing with a bright red tint as he switched between snorts and coughing.

"You didn't!"

Melody nodded "I did. Still hasn't found all the fire ants."

Marco pounded on the table with his open palm, head arched back as a new series of chuckles escaped his throat.

Star watched both Diaz's carefully, the strange picture painted before her slowly starting to make sense.

Star tried to piece together how they were father and daughter. Marco was about 25ish years old and Melody looked 15, coming up on 16. Physically it would be quick impossible for the two to be a family. Unless Marco had a thing for Asaris (which given the little she knew about the man was a strong possibility), they shouldn't be so close in age. Their dynamic was also strange. While Melody did treat and respect Marco like a father, there were some conversation pieces and subjects that would be more appropriate for friends than a father figure.

Also there were some aspects of Melody that seemed...off. For one her eyes. One was a light blue and while Heterochromia wasn't uncommon in the galaxy, she's never known any being to possess purple irises. Her skin tone was also strange. She was pale but not pale from lack of sun, just pale. A paler skin color of Marco and Star could swear she had gotten slightly more pale in her presence. Maybe she was feeling unwell and pushing herself to meet with her father. Given how the two were talking and how much information Melody was providing, it was clear that Marco's visits were rare.

"That's also awesome" Marco finally managed to stop his laughter, taking large gulps of air to replenish his dwindled supplies "I am so proud of you"

Melody beamed proudly and it was with her cheeky smile that Star saw the family resemblance between them.

"And how's school?" Marco asked casually, flagging down the waiter for more water and an update on their meal.

"Pretty good. Getting straight 10's in all my classes, getting an award for it next week!"

Marco clapped his hands excitedly motioning at Melody, with a goofy "Hey! Congrats! I am so proud of you honey."

Melody's smile was tight "Thanks. I wish you could be there..."

Star held her breath, Melody's sorrow filled voice with a disappointed edge making the feel the air thick with awkwardness, surely even Marco felt...

"I know but who knows, maybe I'll manage to sneak back in time to see you."

Star gasped at Marco's impolite social cue He did not just say that. He did not just say the truth, he didn't even apologize for his inability there for his child. What kind of second rate, loser father is...?

"Don't, I don't want you getting in trouble"

Star whipped her head towards Melody, an understanding gleam in her eyes despite the disappointment. Did she knew what Marco really did for a living? How he was able to afford to send her to some fancy private school?

"Oh, by the way" Marco switched subjects with no effort, reaching into his suit interior pocket "I've got 3 months of tuition here along with your grocery money and some extra for fun actives."

"Dad" Melody replied with a whine, not even batting an eye at the suspicious brown package slipped over the table to her waiting hands, putting into her bag for safe keeping "I don't have time for fun. mid-terns are coming up and..."

"You need to make sure you don't burn yourself out." Marco countered, a stern look gracing his face for the first time since they arrived. Now he looked every bit the father to this fledgeling young girl "If you don't have fun, you won't be mentally rested to take on the world's challenges."

"Yes dad."

"Take that boy out on a date. What's his name? Sal.."

"Dad!" Melody looked adorable with her pink cheeks and terrified stare.

"No that's not it, Marky?"

"DAD!" Melody repeated, looking more and more appalled and embarrassed with word that came tumbling out of Marco's mouth.

"I remember, Silas!"

Melody covered her face in shame, muffle screams of angry barely heard over the commotion of the cafe.

"What?" Marco shrugged, thanking the waiter as he brought both the drinks and their group's food of Pesto Chicken Sandwiches (Star was surprised at how civil Marco was despite her intrusion. He was even okay paying a bit extra for Star to enjoy an ice tea and getting her a sandwich.)

Melody gave him the most bloody murder glare Star had ever seen come from someone so young. She could feel her skin crawl at the intensity of it. She didn't understand how Marco just sat there, calmly eating his sandwich under her piercing, soul shattering gaze.

"He's right there" She muttered with a tight panic, covering her face once more.

Marco turned around only to find a wide sliver eyed teen staring at them in disbelief, his long mid-night blue hair wavy and messy as he nervously played with the school uniform's collar.

"Hey!" Marco happily waved to Silas.

"DAD!"

"My daughter isn't listening to me" Marco continued, completely ignoring Melody's pleas "She's going to work herself to death."

"Y-yeah" Silas timid voice replied "She's a hard worker. Gets amazing grades."

"I know right?" Marco nodded in agreement "but she needs to learn how to relax. Mind going with her to a movie?"

Melody eyes bulged out of her sockets, equal parts of terror and fury circulating in her mismatched eyes.

Silas tucked at his collar again, cheeks blazing "I'd like too but she's a bit busy with homework and and...you know being smart."

Melody shouted at once "I don't mind going with you!" her courage failed and she tried to shrink back into her seat "I-I mean if you want to...and if you don't have anything better to..."

"AWESOME!" Marco sly grin infuriated both Star and Melody as Silas looked like someone made his day "We'll go sometime next week, after finals? Is that okay with you?"

Melody could do nothing except nod in agreement, burying her head into the table as Silas happily waved goodbye before walking into the closed cafe door, chuckling anxiously , motioning the door and trying to wave it off before rushing inside.

"You suck!" Melody snarled.

"I got you a date" Marco shot back "You're welcome."

"Oh daddy got his daughter a date. That doesn't make her look like a loser at all!"

"No I didn't. we were talking in a public area nearby your school and the person we happened to be discussing was here."

"Dad..."

"Are you really giving me crap for helping you out? I'll remember to tell my grandkids how grateful they should be given how much their mother actively tried to shoot her own chances of love in its foot"

"Oh yeah" Melody replied haughtily, a knowing gleam in her eye "I can't wait to tease them about you and grandma Jackie!"

Jackie? Was that Marco's girlfriend? Looked like Star had some more teasing ammo to use against Marco. This was going to be fun despite the disappointment flowing through her heart...why was she disappointed? She didn't even like the guy.

The playful jab was met with silence, charged with deeply rooted and negative emotions.

Star turned to see Marco's face still, his trademark grin vanishing from it completely. There was no playful look in his eye, no cheerful happy go luck smile, just a lost, dazed gaze.

Marco said nothing, trying not to let the sadness overwhelm him. He instinctively touched his wounded shoulder, phantom pains tingling through it like the knife had been freshly plunged within once more.

Melody shifted guilty at her father's quietness "Oh...I thought...did something happen? I...I didn't mean to."

"It's okay Melody" Marco said calmly, all mirth and life out of its tone "you didn't know. It...it didn't work out..."

"Dad, I'm so so sorry. I didn't...I...I thought she was the one..."

"yeah" Marco muttered softly "me too."

Marco took a large bite his sandwich, chewing slowly as to prevent himself from talking.

Star and Melody followed Marco's example, too shell shocked from this strange and unusual behavior from the man. Star would've never guessed there was a deeply etched pain lingering his past, one he clearly wasn't over. One that happened recently given how Melody didn't even know about the break up. And given Marco's criminal background, she had a feeling about how Jackie decided to break up with him given how he automatically reacted hearing her name, that strange touching his shoulders revealing more than he knew.

The trio finished their food in the silence, respecting Marco's wishes for a moment.

"So." Marco began uneasily, his voice far from steady but the playful edge slowly coming back "Melody."

"So who is she?" Melody gestured to Star

Marco had been floored and caught off guard for the second time in as many minutes.

Marco opened his mouth, closed it when an answer failed to come out. He opened it once more only to shut it again once nothing had rolled out.

"I am his business partner" Star jumped, eying Marco carefully. She didn't know what stories he feed Melody but it was clear she deeply respected and loved the person she thought her father was. Poor girl had no idea how dirty those credits in her bag really we...

"So are you another thief, bodyguard, hitwoman? Whatcha doing with my dad?"

Star's jaw fell open as Melody casually took a drink of water, never taking her questioning stare off of Star's face.

"I...I'm sorry?"

"I know what my dad does" Melody explained "I know where the money comes from and no matter how many times I tell him that I want to be a part of his..."

Marco's face narrowed in disagreement and anger "We are not discussing this again."

"I know that he wants what's best for me...given our relationship."

Star looked back and forth between the two Diaz's, searching for what Melody's cryptic response meant.

"And what does your mom think of this?"

"She's dead" Melody said flatly "So is my dad."

Star turned to Marco for an explanation but Marco said nothing, not wanting to upset his daughter by telling someome who was paramount to a complete stranger her life story.

"It's okay dad." Melody told Marco with a heart warming smile "I trust her and besides it was the best day of my life."

Marco cleared his throat, wishing there was some way of telling Melody that Star was not to be trusted, that their partnership was only temporary but at the same time he knew he couldn't deny her this request. Melody didn't warm up to people so easily and she was a really good judge of character so there must've been something good about Star.

"It was 8 years ago..." Marco started quietly, not wanting the whole world to hear Melody's story "I was about 17..."

"Well fuck you too!" a 17 year old Marco shouted at the top of his lungs, picking his head from a nasty tasting puddle, the icy cold rain blanketing the city and himself in a freezing downpour.

The burly alien bouncer simply shook his head, his rock like skin granting him some protection from the torrent "What the frakk you going on about? What the frakk is fuck?"

"Nothing shit head!" Marco angrily shouted, trying to hold back the groan of disbelief when the bouncer stared at him and walked away.

"Note to self, aliens don't know what the word shit or fuck means" Marco nodded in content.

Marco squinted his eyes, trying to shield them from the relentless downpour that made him feel like he was in the middle of a hurricane rather than a common shower storm on Eden. Seriously how could anyone walk in this weather? He couldn't even breath properly since every time he opened his mouth, it was 95% water and 2% air with a hint of some foul tasting smell that he couldactually taste making up the reminding 3%.

Marco clutched his black jacket closed, trying to ignore how many degrees his body heat must've dropped in the 5 minutes of watery exposure since he was forcibly expulsion from the building. When that ugly crap of a bouncer came strolling up to him, he was sure they had found out about his card counting and were ready to break a couple of fingers, legs...bones...maybe an organ or too. He hadn't been expecting to be kicked out of the premises for simply forgetting to put the toilet seat down. Seriously if he got tossed out for that social cue, he hated to see what would happen if they found out he'd been cheating. Best to move on by before they figured it out.

Marco had been in space for about 9 years now, having been kidnapped at a very young age. He was taken in by a group called the guardians but he wasn't really fond of their Han Solo, look out for only me style. Plus they were a big group. Like they got rotated out and new members came in all the time. Hard to keep track of who was who and they were the worst set of liars, always coming up with similar but different origins on how their got to where they were. It was really annoying for someone trying to keep track of it all.

He left them about 2 years ago and had been making his way up the criminal underbelly at a fairly decent pace. He wasn't a big time player like the Red Dust and Black Flare empires but he did get some nice paying jobs here and there and he stole in between when work was light. Never from honest folks, life was tough enough without some street punk robbing your hard earned cash.

And right now he was sitting on some serious creds, enough to get him by for at least 4 months if he managed his money well.

Everything was coming up Marco. Assuming this 'light shower' didn't do him in. He hated to see what a heavy storm looked like.

He still found himself awestruck at how little people truly knew about humans. Apparently they were a rare, almost unheard species out here in space, the equivalent of a space unicorn. And the stories that came up with? Humans could breath fire, fly, become metal, turn into hulking giant monsters, could survive frozen icy temperatures for 80 years, were always born as sets of twins (that last one was very helpful to Marco) it felt weird to be considered a walking myth. Most people assumed he was Xanderian or Mewnian given his appearance and he never truly fought the claim, letting people come to their own conclusion. It was better and easier for everyone that way.

Marco raced through the pouring rain, trying to stop his fingers from icing over before he could reach the 4 star hotel he was going to be staying in tonight when he heard a slight whimper. It was so faint and soft that Marco thought he imagined it.

Until the whimper repeated, shivering and weakly echoing in the wind.

Marco glanced down the narrow alley, the freezing water forgotten for a moment as he debated if he should risk going down there.

He knew the old trick. In some nasty weather, have the youngest thug you had starts whimpering like a wounded kitty and when some innocent sap came by, rob them of their cash and knock them out. Luckily they would wake up again but sometimes some people simply disappeared when the weather cleared.

The whimper came again, even weaker and more pathetic sounding which wasn't too hard to achieve in this weather.

Marco reached for his pistol, vowing not to use it if it came down to it. Fire was usually right now, ice would kill anyone he shot it at, wind? With more natural occurring wind? Gong to Mary Poppins someone straight into the sky with that setting and electricity...in wet conditions. Just kill him now.

No, hopefully the gun itself would be a deterrent enough to stop any thugs from attacking.

The narrow space was almost too much for the thin, scrawny teen but the rain significantly lessened as he took shelter between the buildings.

The plop, plop, plop of his footsteps diving in and out of the puddles that lined the floor were muted by the raging sky. Trash was everywhere: Papers sailing through the air like kites, boxes structural integrity weakened to the point the were basically sludge and of course cups of drinks and food wrappers whipping around like projectiles.

The whimper began to slowly soften, fear laced within as Marco inched closer. The buildings pulled away from each other becoming just wide enough to make a small square area before they narrowed once more.

Marco frowned. The way the boxes were set up there, the fact there were a rainbow of colors in the water rushing away from him meant someone's picture was washed away, unopened and opened packages of food lined about, too purposely to have been blown here by the storm.

This all meant one thing. Someone lived here.

There was a rustling from a pile of wet, soggy clothes behind him and by pure reaction, Marco pivoted, gripping his pistol tightly in his hands.

"I know you're there" Marco said firmly "Come out slowly, hands up and don't try anything funny."

"Please don't try anything funny" Marco muttered under his mouth, trying to keep his racing calm heart.

For a moment, it looked like the person was going to simply try to pretend they weren't there but then the rags began shifting back and forth, slowly falling the floor in clumps as a figure rose from within.

Marco lowered the pistol, his eyes unable to believe what he was seeing.

It was a young girl, about 7 years old. She had long, stringy brown hair that looked almost black with grime. One eye a light blue with the other being purple stared at him, not fearfully but like she had been defeated. She wore a long, soppy wet sheet that she fashioned as some sort of dress, her feet were bare and caked with dirt.

Marco wasn't sure what to say, unsure how to respond. It wasn't some criminal looking for an easy mark. It was an orphan and giving how everything was arranged in this tiny space, he was invading her home.

She said nothing, holding herself as her thin arms rubbed themselves to keep her warm.

"I...I'm sorry to bother you." the girl said in a voice so soft Marco could barely hear it over the pounding of the rain "I...I know it isn't much but...but this is my home...if...if you could please leave...I'd..."

The girl let a sneeze so powerful Marco felt like it was her very life trying to escape her body.

Marco put the gun away slowly as not to startle the poor girl.

"I..it's okay. I'm sorry...I did mean to...intrude" Marco said slowly, taking a step back to help the girl relax "I heard something and I thought I'd check it out."

"That was me" The girl admitted calmly "I was crying because my pack opener broke...I...I haven't eaten yet..."

Marco bit his lip, pity tugging at his heartstrings.

"Where are your parents?"

"Dead" the girl replied simply "We were on a ship seeking shelter in Eden...we were attacked..."

"I understand" Marco stopped her, knowing full well how the war was affecting everyone. Spartax vs the Federation. Again. They would probably sign a treaty in a few years but they always came back at each other's throats. Always.

"Hey" Marco said slowly, taking off his jacket and offering it to the girl "I'm Marco, you?"

The girl eyed the jacket carefully, wondering if it was some sort of trap

"I'm Melody"

"That's a pretty name...did you want to get something to eat? My treat."

Melody looked uneasy, unsure if if she could trust Marco.

"I...I'm too tired. Very weak. I don't think I'd make it in this weather..." Melody admitted, looking away in shame.

"I'll carry you." Marco offered "and we can stay in a place that's a lot warmer than here."

Melody paused for a moment, still wearily eying Marco's jacket before finally reaching and draping it over her shoulders

"Okay. You're a good guy. I can tell."

I haven't been good in a long time, Marco thought to himself as he offered his hand, carrying Melody close despite her smell and allowing the young girl to wrap her arms around his neck.

Marco peered outside, looking at the storm that covered the city, the room dark with the only source of light coming from the outside world.

Melody was fast asleep on the bed, dressed in a newly purchased sweats and shirt that featured some cartoon animal show or something.

After they got to the hotel, Marco knew they wouldn't allow her to eat in the restaurant but he was willing to try for Melody yet given how she fought him when he reached for the door, he knew this wasn't the first time she'd been turned away.

He paid a little extra, got a more comfortable room for them and told her to take a bath while he ordered the food. It nearly broke his heart when she excitedly exclaimed how warm the water was and how much of it came out of the faucet. She was smart, figured everything in the first go.

He left her alone for a bit to buy her some clothes she could change into.

Her parents taught her well. Proper manners, well behaved and even spoke very elegantly. If he hadn't known where he found her, he would've guessed she was a regular kid.

After the fantastic dinner, they sat on the bed and watched tv, Meoldy's eyes shining when he told her she could watch as much of it as she liked. She told him how a nice man nearby often let her watch the tv in his window whenever he didn't have customers.

Before she fell asleep, she thanked Marco for a great day but the way she said it...she fully expected Marco to return her to her little home, to throw her back on the streets the next day.

Hence why Marco was staring at the window thoughtfully.

He couldn't send her back out there. It was cruel for any person, let alone a child.

She was smart, she was clever, she had so much potential that would be wasted simply because she was dealt a bad hand.

But he wasn't a parent. He didn't have a steady or even a safe job and he couldn't bring her into his world. It was too dangerous for her and she deserved something better. Far better than what she had now and far better than what he could offer her.

Marco stared at the application, his last chance to back out of this insane plan, to walk away from the only responsibility he would have in his entire life.

He heard Melody's giggling fill the room and he couldn't help but look at her. She was playing with some kids who also were waiting for their parents to sign the papers to make their adoption official, laughing and smiling, wowing them with her intelligence.

She looked cute in her pink bow and matching summer dress, the biggest smile he had ever seen gracing her face.

"Sir, are you ready?" the woman at the counter asked him curiously, certain he was going to run away from this huge step in his life.

"As I'll ever be" Marco said with a whisper.

He signed it Marco Diaz, the first time ever he had used his real name on any sort of legal document in all his time in space.

"Now Mr. Diaz" The woman went on "We have to warn we found something very strange about your blood work."

He knew it was coming but luckily Marco had always been graced with foresight.

"It has a criminal tag right?" Marco quickly filled in "I hate when that happens. The tag actually belongs to my twin brother. I believe he changed his name from Ramon Diaz to Julio Ramirez, should be in the file."

The woman watched Marco suspiciously, pulling up the file to compare this 'Julio' with his own face.

He was actually Ramon turned Julio but it was amazing what a change of clothes (Well kept suit), some regular glasses and some light make up could do. Add the fact that he filled out two identification forms at the same time about a pair twins meant Marco Diaz was considered a law abiding citizen even if 'Ramon' used his brother's name on occasion.

The woman checked Marco carefully, his face similar but just different enough from Ramon to tell them apart.

"Sorry about that Mr. Diaz" The woman apologized.

"It's okay, it happens all the time I'm afraid but luckily I just look a little different than my brother. More handsome I'd say."

The woman laughed at his joke, unaware that he was laughing at how easy it was to get away with it.

"Done, and done. You are now the father and guardian of one Melody Diaz."

Marco felt his lips tug into a smile as Melody ran at him, jumping onto his back while excitedly shouting "Daddy!" into his ear.

"So I stayed behind a few months, took some honest and dishonest work and built her a home she could live in while I went off and got more money. She knew how to take care of herself" Marco finished up "Eventually, with that big brain of hers, she was accepted into Eden Prime Academy."

Star was speechless, the true depth of Marco's kindness mind blowing. She would've never guessed Marco was capable of such things.

"Which is why I love my dad" Melody added, shooting Marco a bright smile "And why I want him to go on dates!"

Marco groaned in annoyance, rolling his eyes into the back of his head "Please, not now."

"So whats her bitch didn't work out, you still need to get out there dad!"

Marco held his tongue, trying his hardest to prevent himself from defending Jackie.

"Melody" Marco replied calmly "I don't have time to..."

"Then take Star out on a date."

Melody didn't know what was cuter: Their unified "What?!" or their matching flush.

"I..we...no" Marco tried to counter, the rare stammer in his voice "We we we we we we a...are not...just partners and...

"No way, me and him? No way!" Star yelled, eyes defensive but body language telling Melody she wasn't exactly against the idea.

"Just saying' Melody happily chuckled, thinking to herself payback dad.

Melody's watch began to vibrate, beeping loudly and catching her attention.

Marco gave her a happy smile, motioning for her to come over.

"You staying the day?" Melody asked hopefully, hugging her father as tight as she could. She might've forgotten once in a while but she truly did owe Marco so much and she truly loved her father.

"Maybe, I'll keep in touch. So far the heat's low so maybe I'll be able to visit your dorm."

"Bring Star, it be easier to blend if you have a pretty date" Melody filled in before either could interject.

Marco shot her a dirty look, knowing full well what she was doing but also aware that it would indeed be easier to travel about if he appeared to be on a date. People tended to be more respectful of couples than singleman wandering around.

"Stop learning from me" Marco stuck his tongue out, Melody matching it perfectly before waving goodbye to the pair of them.

There was a moment of silence but before Star could break it, Marco turned to her, face set in a cold manner, his voice and tone deadly seriously

"I don't care if you try to kill me" He said with a hint of finality "I don't care if you plan to backstab me and leave me for dead. I don't even care if you hand me to the police. If anything, and I mean anything, happens to my little girl and I find out that you were involved, you were the one that let it slip out that I have a daughter or whatever, I will hunt you down, staple you to a wall and burn you just enough to make sure you are in the most amount of pain possible before you bleed to death. And that is not a threat, it is a promise."

Star said nothing, completely shocked by Marco's cold tone and face. She never expected this to come from someone so happy as him.

"I..I understand" Star agreed, deciding to keep it short and simple.

"Good" Marco said with a sigh, his smile returning to his face once more as he glanced across the street, two newly arrived people taking their place opposite of him and simply talking amongst each other like two lost friends accidentally bumping into one another.

Which only meant...

"Now" He said, leaving a large amount credits on the table, the tip at least half of the meal itself (and it wasn't chump change for this kind of place) "Let's go."

"Hey, whoa!" Star managed to let out as Marco slid her arm around his and carefully walked out of the cafe, humming happily and appearing to be on a date with Star "What's the big idea?"

Marco looked at her, throwing a cocky, cheeky grin her way, his posture relaxed and calm while his eyes brimmed with affection "Easy, We've been made. we're being followed. Someone knows who we are."