Hello everyone! I'm back with another one-shot! This week is special; I'm planning two specific ones releasing and each fits for Starco Week 4. The prompt this time out is 'Date Night', which is the name of this piece. Hope you all enjoy!
Guest - Why yeah, Starco is a hoot to write :). Glad you enjoyed!
SonicMax - Yep :). Some one-shots actually are going to get continuations but this is mainly a loosely themed test-bed of story concepts and ideas I have, just with the polish/care you get from my main works. And yes, cross-overs are absolutely on the table. In fact, I have two one-shots that continue off each other set within a very popular RPG series.
allen Vth - Thank you for the kind words! Some one-shots will get continuations, so let me know which ones you guys like the most. Either through PM's or just a review :).
Oracle6044 - Very likely to be the case and part of the reason I had that as the 'first' piece for this collection. Something to kick off the mood for a lot of these stories; Star and Marco really being close best friends and trying to talk things out with each other.
Marco was relaxing in his room on Mewni, playing with a 'magical' handball Star brought him from their latest trek to Quest Buy. Marco shivered as he caught the object in his hand, recalling how it transformed into a giant monster, which Star took down and bought after the sloths literally screamed 'GET OUT' to their faces. Marco snickered at the memory, seeing the blue object make a muffled scream. "Yeah yeah, sorry man, but Star got you for me… But why?" Marco set the ball down, with it rolling under his bed, making annoyed grunts. Marco rested on his pillow, feeling very 'confused' on Star's latest behavior around him.
For one thing, Marco noticed her flirting with him. A lot. To a point where even he felt weirded out by it, and he has a crush on her. Another thing was that every time Marco talked about Tom, Star shifted topic right away as if she was avoiding something. The final thing that set alarm bells in his head, was Star asking him to meet her in the castle ballroom, wearing the same outfit he donned during the Blood Moon Ball. Something's up with her… I just don't GET what. I like the attention… A lot, but it's just confusing. She's dating Tom still. Right? Marco even asked her that question, but Star just said nothing. Just like when I asked her about that when I got here and I got a resounding 'yep', feeling unsure until I saw them suck face at that lake. Ugh… Marco shook off the bitter memory and hopped out of bed. "Better see what Star wants… Hopefully nothing bad happens."
Marco walked over to his closet, opening the door and having an annoyed expression. He saw Glossaryck sleeping right on top of the outfit he was supposed to wear, cleaning his legs. That's… That's not the thing I want to see when opening a door. Marco shewed Gloss, the blue magic man rushing to his bed and curling into a huddled ball. Marco sighed, digging through his draw for a lint roller, cleaning out whatever mess Gloss made on his outfit. After a few minutes of cleaning it and putting the outfit on, Marco kicked his heels playfully, making a mock dance spin. Oley! Marco paused, groaning at himself. I'm so stupid… This isn't a date or anything. Star just wants help with Princess Duties or something. Patting his cheeks, Marco walked to the door but stopped upon seeing Gloss sleeping. Smiling, Marco walked to his closet and took out a special blue blanket he liked. In reality, it was his squire cape but as Marco said to Star one time; it's just a dumb blanket.
Walking out of his room and slowly pacing down the stairs, Marco couldn't help but notice the paintings. They are always something he loved watching, as they inspired him to be the best squire possible. As I sure as heck won't be anyone's prince charming. Marco commented on his thoughts, resting hands within his dress pants. Stop thinking like that! Those kings should be cool people… River is nice… Mostly. Marco shook his head, but stopped walking, noticing a little note on the banister. Picking it up, Marco raised an eyebrow.
Tonight is going to be suuuuuuper fun. Keep walking and await adventure!
- S.B.
Marco blushed at the handwriting, it mirroring something out of a royal letter. She really came far. Before it was literal scribbles on Earth. Marco mused thoughtfully, letting a nostalgic smile grace his face. At least I can be somewhat useful with her royal duties. Marco smiled, keeping the expression as he took in the letter's oddly sweet sent. It seemed to be of flowers or honey after a second sniff. Cut that out, you're creepy man. Marco scolded, putting the letter neatly in his suit jacket.
Eventually, he made his way to the ballroom, seeing no one at all. It was a literally empty, the only signs of life being the dimly lit chandler, some rose peddles coming from the ceiling and Marco's own breathing. "Star? Uh… You called me down here. Is everything okay?" Some giggling was heard, Star slowly coming out of some shadows. Marco didn't notice her though, so he walked around worriedly. "This better not be some prank! I mean… Okay if it is, but this isn't really cool." Marco answered in annoyance, folding his arms. Silence lingered in the room. "Great… Guess she forgot about her idea or something." Marco sighed and turned around, but froze up seeing Star.
"Boo." She said joyfully, making him leap in the air like a scared cat. Star busted into a laughing fit, her laughter calming down whatever annoyances Marco was feeling. As it died down, they just stared at each other, eyes never blinking once. "So you… Really listened to me about… The thing, huh?"
"Y-Yeah." Marco stammered, coughing to regain some dignity. "You look amazing…" Marco said dreamily, groaning at himself for letting his feelings slip into his words. Great, just confess you love her already, idiot… Star giggled, leaning forward, now inches away from Marco's face. "Uh… Y-You okay?"
"Huh…" Star tapped her chin, almost thoughtfully. She grew a sly smirk, settling on an idea. "Okay!" She clapped her gloved hands, with Marco calming his mind down. He took in her appearance, surprised it was a literal copy of her blood moon ball attire. Even down to the bunded hair and white boots. "Tonight, I want to do somethin'." Marco nodded, ready to help Star with anything. She noticed his focused expression, giggling. "Just calm down, ease up! This will be fun."
"Okay… So what's the plan for tonight? I mean… We are dressed up, so I assume this is getting ready for a ball or something?" Marco asked, rubbing his chin. Star tapped hers, mouthing a 'yep'. Marco sighed, rubbing his neck. "Shouldn't… I don't know, you do this with Tom? He is your boyfriend and stuff."
Star blinked at the comment, but still retained her smile. "Well… I wouldn't worry about that." Star said cryptically, but Marco felt nervous, looking around with worry. If I get a fireball to the back, I'm blaming you. Marco sighed. Star seemed to pick up on his worry, placing a gloved hand on his shoulder. "Marco… I want to dance with you. My moves are a bit rusty and I'm sure my partner will need some reminders. Been a while."
Marco blushed at memories of the blood moon ball, with the atmosphere and oddly enough, the slow music suddenly playing reminding him of that very night. The raw passion he and Star shared that moment forever bonded them together, though he never understood if that even really meant anything, considering events past and present. Looking at her know though, seeing her held out a hand, Marco felt his mind fighting a war of logic. She's with Tom still… But also wants to dance with me? Wait… If she's calling me her partner that must mean… Marco let his love for Star win out, taking her hand and smiling.
"Well… You got yourself one of the best dancers of Mewni at your service, mi Princessa." Marco teased, gently pulling Star into his arms. She giggled, giving a sly smile herself. Thank you, Mom for those dance lessons. Marco silently thought, Star and him gliding across the red-stained royal floor, with pedals continuing to rain down. Star put her arms around Marco's broad shoulders, smiling in pure bliss.
She dipped back, with Marco carefully picking her back up. "My… For someone not too gung-ho about this, you are really getting into dancing with me, Wild Man." Star teased, but to her surprise, was Marco smirking back. I'm playing your game, Princess. Marco gave a content smile, spinning her in place for a few seconds before pulling her close into his arms. She was now inches away from his confident face, heart marks fiercely blushing. "Y-You are doing really good. N-Nice job, buddy…" She stammered, feeling his presence shaking her very soul.
"You know…" Marco gently swayed back and forth, with Star mirroring him. "I'm thinking you called me here for another reason. Outside of training for this ball, of course." Marco asked confidently, with Star giving him a playful eye roll.
"Oh Marco, ever so clever," Star answered, pulling Marco into her arms. She took charge, spinning him around playfully. They entered a small laughing fit, the only thing they saw in the blur around them was each other. After they stopped spinning, they were close to each other once more. "Yeah, I had to share something…"
Marco bit his lip, wondering if he should say something himself. If we are really dancing like this and my suspicions right… "Star… I have something to share too." She blinked, eyes dilating wide. S-She knows? I didn't say anything… Marco shook the thought away, keeping his bravado. "Can I share first?"
"Weeeell… Normally squires let their knights do stuff first." Star poked his nose, playfully snickering. "I will make an exception this one time though." Marco smiled, pulling Star into his arms, nearly hugging her. "M-Marco? Your heart is beating super-fast. You okay?"
"I… Ever since that Lava Lake trip a few months ago, I realized something important." Marco pushed Star back, so she meets him at eye level. "I… I love you. I know… You have your thing with Tom. Or had it, considering how flirty you've been with me lately." Star puffed her cheeks out in annoyance, earning a laugh from Marco. "Hey, I'm not that dense anymore."
"Okay, yeah. Tom and I broke up. Geez, I planned this whole thing so I could surprise you and make this grand speech but noooo, you have to be Mr. Smarty Pants and say my thing!" Star threw her hands in the air, making Marco laugh loudly. Star sighed, giving a loving smile to Marco. "I'm saying it anyway."
"Please, continue, my fair maiden." Marco bowed respectfully, making Star blush harder. Her marks were glowing brighter than any light in the room. They took each other's hands again, dancing in-sync to the music. The familiar melody got louder, as Star collected her racing thoughts.
"When you left Mewni… I felt really alone. It was like, part of my heart ran off. I really wanted to find something to sooth my heart, and Tom was that. But after Stump Day, I realized something was wrong." Marco felt Star's moves get slower, matching to her beat. She even nuzzled closer to Marco, her face resting within his shoulders. "I… I still felt that missing feeling. But whenever you helped me, I got that back. I was so confused… Until I pieced it together."
"You… Stil, like me?" Marco asked, feeling his breathing hitch. Star nodded slowly, biting her red lips. "So… This is really we are dancing tonight?" Star smiled, kissing Marco's cheek.
"Sorta, you big dummy." Marco smiled wide as if he won the lottery. Their movements got faster, as their hearts were far more in sync than ever before. The music seemingly got louder too, each footstep echoing through the ballroom. "I do have a ball thing coming up… And I want YOU to be my prince charming. I know you are a bit rough around the edges…"
"Uh… I'm called Safe Kid on Earth, Star." Marco refuted, having a small grin on his face. She rolled her eyes and dipped back. Marco slid his hand behind her back, catching her gently like a feather. "I should say that about you, considering how destructive you can get."
"Want me to make another rain cloud?" Star teased in a mock-threat, making Marco only kiss her cheek. She blinked at the warm sensation on her face, giving Marco a drunken smile. "Oh you know just what to do. No wonder you charmed Jackie on Earth."
"And you, apparently," Marco said in a husky voice, pulling Star into a loving hug. "I won't hurt you again, I promise." Star hugged him back, ending their dance. A warm red light shined down, coating the new couple in its ruby glow. Both felt minds lighter, hearts warm and spirits lifted. Things felt right again.
