Alright here it is the grand finale. Sorry it took so long, you all have been so kind and encouraging that I couldn't just walk away.

So after much thought and a lot of consideration the final chapter is here. It's pretty long, so buckle up.

Star arrived at the bounce lounge as she usually did. As soon as she stepped inside the atmosphere washed over her like she had jumped into the ocean. The music was loud, it had to be to cover the slew of people on the dance floor. The people there so involved by their own activities didn't notice her presence at all. She smiled as she entered walked across the dance floor.

Just like old times. She thought, This is what your girl needs.

Star headed straight into the fray, and continued on her path until she saw her friend familiar form. Pony Head was talking to someone, probably the person from her call. As she got closer she realized that Pony Head wasn't the only person she was familiar with.

"Tom?" Star called out, and the young man in question looked up smiling as he recognized her.

"Hey Star. How's it going?" He gave her a quick hug.

"So Star whatchu think? Ol' Tommy boy might do the trick." Pony Head winked so forcibly Star though that she could hear it for a second.

"Ah heh-heh. Excuse us Tom we gotta have a little chit chat." Star pulled her friend with her an earshot away.

"What the heckapoo is wrong with you?" She shouted at her friend.

"Honestly," Pony Head rolled her eyes, "I could go on for a while so you gotta be more specific."

Star slapped herself on the forehead. She loved Pony Head but there were somethings that made that hard.

"Tom! I'm talking about Tom!"

"Oh psh, you ain't gotta worry about that. He's just here to help a friend out."

The two broke eye contact to look back at Tom, who in turn gave a small wave.

"P.H. What did you tell him?" Star frantically asked.

"Nuthin' girl you worry too much. Me and Tom met like we do every week at the horn salon, just after you called me about our situation so I was like, aye Tom you know who you should holla at? My girl B-Fly she lookin for a new honey cuz her boo just ain't cutting it, and he said he missed you so you're welcome."

"I told you that was a secret!" Star was furious.

"Aye, I didn't tell him the good stuff. Just enough, you know. And now he wants to take you for a night on the town to forget about you know who."

"Geez. It's not like I'm in love with Voldemort."

"Coulda fooled me." Pony Head scoffed, "Look I like Marco as much as the next Earth turd, but if he's making you feel this way you gotta flush the toilet. Tom will help. He's grown up, and grown out. You could give him a second chance. It won't hurt, let's go talk to him. He ain't gonna bite, unless that what you want."

Pony Head went back over to Tom, followed by Star who decided that it might do good to make the best of the situation.

"So Tom, you know Star… and you know what, oh my gawd. I think I left my oven on. Oh, you know how much us ponies had housefires. I gotta go check on that, BYE!"

And that was it, Pony Head was gone.

It was just her, Tom and a bucket of awkwardness.

"So… Can I get you a drink?" Tom asked.

"Sure, why not?" Star responded.

The night went on surprisingly well. Tom and her didn't do much dancing they spent their time talking about themselves, and their kingdoms. It was nice for Star to find someone to confide in about her worries of taking the throne, and the stresses of being an heir to a massive pile of responsibility. Up until now her only other confidant was Pony Head, but they rarely had a serious conversation about it. After that the conversation changed into a lighthearted exchange of storytelling about the wacky adventures that they had become so prone to.

Before long Star realized that Pony Head was right. Tom had changed quite a bit. He had explored a plethora of dimensions and a bit of himself, the result was a charming guy.

"So I said to the guy. Buddy I got three eyes, but I only need on to see that you don't have a chupacabra under your shoe."

The princess laughed at the story. Tom was good company right now. Their conversation was just what she need to get away from the mark situation.

When her laughter ended, the two fell silent briefly.

"Hey, you wanna get out of here. It might be fun to take a walk." Star agreed and they left the crowded club. Tom knew just the place to go, Lava Beach. It was quiet although the beach had its fair share of visitors this time of day, Tom knew a secluded spot. The waves of the shore would be the only company they had.

Star and Tom walked along the sand for a bit before finding a good spot to stop and take in the scenery.

Tom took a deep breath, "So, I'm glad we got together. There's been something I wanted to say to you. Well, I'm sorry. I was a real jerk a couple years back, didn't some really questionable things. I've kicked myself a couple of times over them in fact. But that's all in the past."

"Thanks Tom," Star replied, "But I was never mad at you. Well maybe at the time, but I never held a grudge. I'm happy, that you're happy."

"That's great. I wanted to clear the air before I did this…"

He went in for a kiss. Star had a quick thought about stopping it. But she didn't, she needed someone else to get over Marco. She knew Tom, he could be hot headed, but this date proved that he was getting better. Maybe he could be what I need. She didn't move, but instead closed her eyes and waited for the contact.

His kiss was familiar. Like a warm memory. Carnally, if felt good. Tom may not have been the person she was in love with, but he was still a good kisser. And so Star let herself enjoy it.

When she opened her eyes she saw Marco.

"How was it?" Marco asked her. His eyes were half lidded.

"Mmm." She hummed for a moment, "Amazing Marco."

Record scratch.

"Uh… not Marco, Tom." The tanned boy dissipated and she saw Tom. He looked at her for only a second more before he threw his head up and let out a loud, frustrated, sigh. "I knew this would happen."

"Tom, I'm so sorry. I-"

"Still love the Earth turd, huh? I guess I was an idiot to think that your feelings would change after just one night.". He was angry, but not on fire. That was a good sign.

"How much have you been hanging around Pony Head? But that's not the point." She could've lied, even blamed it on stress, or mewberty. She didn't want to. "Yes. I'm still in love with Marco. But I kinda, gave him a lover's mark, it's a long story, but you don't want to hear it."

"Wait, you gave him the mark? THE MARK? And you're here kissing me? Star that's messed up." Tom was confused, one eyebrow raised above the other while he waited for a response.

"There's more to it than that. You see I can't be with Marco, I mean I want to but I can't. So I thought what if I fall in love with someone else. Then I can replace the old mark with something new. And maybe you could be the person I need, but now I realize I was just using you and putting you in a very bad position. I'm sorry Tom, I've been-"

"Stop talking," He interrupted, "You need to take a look in the mirror. Now."

Star obliged, taking out her compact mirror. The hearts on her cheeks turned purple, a very familiar purple. As she was investigating her cheeks a new heart sprouted on her nose, then her chin, her forehead and soon her face was covered in them.

"Oh should go." Tom started to back away before breaking out into a full sprint. "Next time be honest with your feelings." He yelled over his shoulder.

That was a cue for Star that things were definitely about to get worse. Without a second thought she opened up a portal back to her room on Earth. It was in her room that she discovered the true severity of the situation.

She locked the door and began pick off the hearts but every time she did a new one formed, bigger and darker than the last. She didn't stop, pulling more and more off, and having more and more show up.

It was a losing battle. The hearts started began to pile up, she looked at her feet the hearts were starting to swallow her. She made a futile attempt to move, but the hearts had her feet pinned to the ground.

She didn't know what to do. The hearts didn't stop, they wouldn't stop. She needed help, at this rate she would be swallowed whole.

"Marco!" She screamed out, it was the only thing she could think of doing. In a matter of seconds he was there.

"Star! What happened?" He shouted as he burst through the door.

"I don't know. I went out with Tom and we kinda, sorta kissed." Marco rushed to her side.

"You kissed Tom!" He hissed.

"Yes, I'm sorry." The hearts were creeping up her waist. "It was part of my plan." She held out her arm for Marco to take, which he took and began to pull. "It was stupid, I was stupid."

The hearts kept growing, Marco tried to pull he out several times, but she was stuck.

"Star, I'm gonna get you out of this." Marco was determined, a fire was burning in his eyes. He wrapped both of his hands around hers and cemented his feet on the ground. "Get ready."

This time, he was able to pull her partially out. She was free from at the waste. Star was gasping for air. She looked at Marco desperately. The sludge threatened to take her again.

Marco pulled her once more, just as strongly as before and using every bit of strength he had. Suddenly she was free but with the momentum of his pull he fell backward. When he landed on the floor Star came with him.

She was on top of him, her legs tangled with his, on hand of the floor and the other, with Marco still attached, on his chest.

"Hey." He said lamely. He looked up at the princess. She was a mess, but still beautiful. Small pieces of purple were in her hair, and one particular piece on her cheek caught his attention. "So I don't think you should ever kiss Tom again."

"Definitely, thanks Marco." She smiled at him. This wasn't very princess like of her to be on top of a boy alone in her room, if her mother could see her now.

She looks amazing. He thought. I'm just gonna tell her.

Marco put his hand on her cheek, wiping away the purple spot with his thumb. "You look amazing."

"Thanks, but you don't have to say that. It's probably just the mark talking." Star turned away.

"No." Marco's voice was sure, his eyes focused on Star. "I've always thought that, even before the mark. I've been stealing glances at you every chance I got."

"Hold on Marco. You don't want to say anything that you can't take back." She got off of him instead sitting on the floor beside him.

"Well actually…" Marco got up. "I don't think I'll ever have this much courage again, so… here it goes. Star, I'm in love with you. And I know how you feel, so you don't have to do me any favors. It just feels like if I don't tell you now, well all things considered, I might be swallowed whole."

"Marco." Star said softly. She had been in love with Marco for such a long time. In that time she fantasized everything from late night confessions to steamy make out sessions… but now as she looked around her room she felt like an idiot. Everything was a wreck, she had the purple sludge to prove it. "Marco, I'm a moron."

"Hey, don't beat yourself up. We all make mistakes. Normally they don't involve so much slime but, I'll always be here to help you out."

"That's the thing. You shouldn't have to. Marco do you ever think about the future?"

"Star, please don't think this is too corny. But I kinda think, you are my future." Marco's face burned bright. He continued looking at Star, but she she had turned her attention to the floor.

"I don't want to be." Star continued to avoid his gaze. This conversation was going to tear her apart. A second ago Marco had saved her from certain death, this had to be the worst possible way to thank him.

"I get it." Marco responded quietly.

"No! That's sounds bad. I mean, I want to. But I don't, I can't."

"I already said you don't have to do me any favors. Spare me the 'we can still be friends' talk. You don't have to apologize for the way you feel. I-" Marco clutched the chest of his hoodie, he held it for a second, then let it go with a deep sigh. "I don't know what I should say really. What do you say to a girl after something like this?"

"I'm sorry." Star responded wistfully.

"It's not your fault." His answer didn't sit right with the princess.

"But it is Marco. It's all my fault." Star took a deep breath and picked herself from off the floor. "I love you too, as a friend and more. I'm in love with you."

"No, your not. Star it's okay-"

"I don't want to lie to you anymore. I've been in love ever since I just about met you. The mark it wasn't a mistake. I've been holding onto this for so long, I couldn't take it anymore. That's why I did it, that's why I marked you. I'm sorry."

"For what Star? Is being in love with me such a bad thing?" Marco questioned.

"Yes. I don't think that this thing between us is just a crush. If we do this, I'm gonna marry you." Marco shrugged at her warning.

"So what, I love commitment."

"You wouldn't just be marrying me Marco. You'd be giving up your life here. Your mom and dad, your friends. You would have to been king of Mewni. Have you met my dad? He's got higher blood pressure than a volcano. I don't want to take your life away Marco, you deserve a happy life on earth."

"Nope. I don't want it. I want you." Marco took a step towards Star. He grabbed her hand and kissed the top of her knuckles. "I love you."

Star's heart began to flutter, her cheeks caught fire. They way Marco looked at her sent chills up her spine.

Star Butterfly had stared down an army of bloodthirsty monsters. She had taken a leisure stroll through the Forest of Certain Death. And let's not forget the fiasco of diving into her Toffee infected wand. But not of that made her feel like she did as Marco held her hand. She felt so inexplicable fragile… and happy.

"I love you, too." She told him.

Marco kissed her. He pulled her into him, wrapping one are around her hip, the other holding onto her warm cheek.

There was nothing left to fight. Star moved her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. Moving her lips along with his. Their kisses became more passionate and daring. Marco had slipped his tongue to meet with Star's.

"Mmm.." Star moaned before she pulled away. "Marco, can we finish this after we clean up this mess. We're both covered in goop."

He agreed.

"You make a good point."

Star took out her wand and said a quick spell, the goop was a lot less intimidating when it wasn't trying to devour you.

Marco grabbed Star's hand once again, he was determine to finish what he started. But alas this fan-fiction isn't rated for that sort of stuff. So you'll have to guess the rest.

So long and thanks for all the fish,

Atilla the fun.