So... new chapter. Thanks so much for the support, I know some of you guys were worried that you might have to wait another year for an update. But here it is.

I hope you enjoy!

"Alright" Marco said to himself, standing before his trusty mirror like he had a hundred times before. "It's time to begin operation: Don't be in love with Star."

Yes, a plan was in order. After what had happened in the car the previous night he needed some sort of reassurance. The two had barely spoken a word during the car ride back. Instead Star kept her eyes on the road, and Marco scanned the night sky for a comet that would crash and save him from his misery.

After all, he did just tell his crush that he wanted to kiss her. His crush that was also his best friend, and who more importantly made it known that she did not have feelings for him… at all. Marco winced at the memory. He would have to remember that last part.

And so he started:

"Step 1: Don't be in love with Star." He told himself bravely. The next step would not be so courageous.

"Step 2: Seriously you cannot be in love with her. Find something else to do, anything else. We could make a puzzle. Puzzle are fun.

Step 3: If you absolutely have to look in her direction, look at her ears. Pretend that those ears are attached to some goblin or something, or a snake."

He let the idea marinate for second. It sounded just crazy enough to work.

"Step 4:" He continued "You cannot blurt out anything stupid… again."

I think I might just kiss you. The words haunted him.

He couldn't distance himself again from Star. Before his ill thought statement, he told Star that they were best friends and he meant it. He was resolved to give Star a perfectly normal day.

In Star's room, she was also giving herself a pep talk as she rummaged through her closet for a decided look for the day.

"Okay girl you know what to do. Operation: Find yourself a cutie. Easy peasy, earth lemon squeezie. And there's only one step. Find yourself a cutie." She was confident for only a second before shaking her head. "A new cutie, it can't be Marco."

When Star heard Marco blurt out that he wanted to kiss her it reaffirmed her plan. Despite how happy she was to hear it, she didn't believe it. There was no merit in it. She remembered Glossaryk's warning about the mark making itself impossible to forget. Marco's slip up in the car was probably just that.

When she was done she headed downstairs. If she was lucky she would be able to grab the last glass of orange juice.

In the kitchen sat Marco, eating his usual bowl of Sugar Seeds. This wouldn't be a problem, Star was confident that she could pull off a normal conversation.

"Morning, Marco." Star said as she passed him.

She was dressed up more than usual.

"Wow." Marco said surprised. "What's occasion?"

"Going out with Pony Head. Girl's retreat. Is it too much?" She asked, studying herself.

It wasn't. She looked as flawless as ever.

Step 3! Marco thought to himself. He couldn't look at her, he might say… or do something stupid. So he turned his attention to her ears.

Gasp. Her ears are perfect! Marco began to sweat.

"Marco, you okay. Whatcha thinking about there?" She waved a hand in front of his face. He had completely zoned out.

"Your ears are perfect!" He blurted, just as before, he was unable to control it. "Uh, that's good. You know for hearing. I'm proud of you Star." He nudged her shoulder softly.

The princess was confused. She tilted her head.

She's so cute. Uh oh. Marco covered his mouth. "You're s-" He caught the words before they left his mouth.

"What?"

"I said your-" He caught the words again. It was harder this time.

"You sure you're okay? Can I get you something?" She stepped towards him, but Marco jumped back.

"I'm feeling fine. It's just that you're-" Nope. He wasn't going to trust the end of that sentence. He covered his mouth again.

"Is there something on my face?" Marco shook his head. "Does my perfume bother you?" He shook his head again. Star thought for a moment, "Is it the mark?" This time he nodded, still keeping his mouth under strict lock. "Is there anything I can do?" He shook his head, and slowly backed out of the room.

He headed straight for the stairs, and into his room. There he felt safe enough to free his mouth.

"You're beautiful, and I'm in love with you!" He sputtered out.

But you can never be too sure. He opened the door to his room and peeked out. Not a soul was around. He closed the door and slumped against the wall. Marco was sure his perfect normal day was ruined.

After a few minutes of self pity there was a knock at the door.

"Hey Marco," It was Star. "I'm gonna head out now. Are you sure you're okay… One knock for yes, two knocks for no."

Knock.

"Okay. Call me if you need anything."

Outside of the door Star left the earthling alone. There wasn't a moment to waste. She pulled out her phone and dialed her best friend.

Pony Head answered almost immediately.

"Oh my gawd girl." Pony Head squealed from the other side of the line. "Guess who's been looking for you!"

Thanks for reading.

As always, have fun!