This story is a bit of a sequel to "The Absolute 'Always'", and takes place in my Brokenheart AU.

"Alright, gentlemen. What seems to be the issue this time?"

"He stole my cabbages!"

"Your cabbages?! Those cabbages were mine! You stole them from me!"

"I did not!"

"Yes, you did!"

King Brokenheart sighed. Those two are ridiculous. The Mewmans standing before him had yet another petty disagreement. For some reason, they weren't bothered by even the most hostile of monsters, but they couldn't stand each other. Which was unfortunate, considering that they were practically roommates after their last argument over a house. Speaking of which...

"Did either of you consider sharing the cabbages?" The pair looked at their king sheepishly. "Well then," Brokenheart declared, pounding his crimson staff for effect, "I believe we have just resolved your problem."

The two Mewmans bowed respectfully, and left the throne room grumbling. Brokenheart shook his head as he watched the pair snip at each other. Why can't they just get along on their own?

Brokenheart retired to his bedroom, exhausted. And it wasn't because of his responsibilities as King. No, this was something far more personal.

Today marked the eighth year since the worst day of his life. The day he found his guiding light, and lost her forever. But it was also Thursday, the one day of the week that held his happiest memories. As a result, Brokenheart had very mixed feelings about today.

He smiled sadly. In any of the seven years prior, he would have called the overlap a cruel trick of fate. Now, Brokenheart saw it as an opportunity. To focus on the positive moments, his best memories with his best friend. However, the bad memories still lingered like unwanted guests in his mind.

Suddenly, Brokenheart spied a soft golden light from the corner of his eye. He froze, his heart racing from the conflicting emotions the glow had stirred. Is that-? Brokenheart turned toward the source of the light, his breath catching at the familiar sight.

Long, shimmering blond hair cascaded down the girl's shoulders. A pair of sapphire blue eyes sparkled in the soft light. And between two heart-shaped marks, her mouth was curved upward in a happy smile.

"Star," Brokenheart breathed in awe at the sight of his beloved, "you're here early."

"Of course, silly. It's Friendship Thursday." The glowing girl teased. "What's with the staring?"

"You look amazing as always."

"And you, Marco, are still a dork."

"Hey," Brokenheart took off his mask and held it to his chest in mock offense. "The King of Mewni deserves a little more respect than that."

Star giggled, moving to embrace her soulmate. "So, I take it royalty is still treating you good?"

Marco hugged her tightly. "It's perfect now that you're here," he said, trying to keep the pain out of his voice. He obviously didn't do a good job, because Star pulled away, concern on her face.

"Marco," she said, her voice taking a more serious tone, "What's wrong?"

"'What's wrong?' Nothing's wrong! W-what makes you think something's wrong?" Marco stammered, panicking. Star's here for Friendship Thursday, and it needs to be perfect. I can't let her know something's bothering me, or it'll be-

"You know," Star's voice brought him out of his thoughts. "You sweat when you're nervous. Like, a lot."

Marco felt the dampness in his shirt and sighed. "I guess I can't fool you anymore."

"Marco, I'm dead, not stupid," Star said dryly, but with a playful smile. Her smile disappeared as she continued, concern in her voice once again. "Now tell me: what's wrong?"

"It's just-" Marco hesitated, unable to meet his beloved's eyes. "It's been eight years."

"Oh," Star's voice made it clear she understood perfectly. "That was today. No wonder you look so down."

"It just... keeps playing in my head. You with your gigantic rainbow armor, fighting the Solarian Warrior. Then the explosion and... the Solarian's sword..." Marco's voice cracked as grief prevented him from finishing the thought. He stared at the floor, tears streaming down his crescent-marked cheeks.

"Hey." He felt a hand dry his cheek, and looked up to see Star's reassuring smile. "You're gonna be okay. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

Marco smiled in return. "Thanks, Star."

"Besides," Star continued, "aside from, well, dying... that was the best day of my life."

"Really?" Marco was confused. His memories of that day consisted almost entirely of Star dying. What could possibly make it- ohhh.

"Marco, that was the day you told me you loved me."

As much as it warmed his heart to hear that, Marco had completely forgotten those two events happened on the same day. He wanted to curl up into a ball and vanish, he felt so embarrassed.

"And yeah, that was when the Realm of Magic was messing with you," Star paused for a moment before continuing with a soft smile. "But then you said it again. And that's what made it the best, Marco: You told me you loved me, without anyone or anything forcing you."

Marco looked up at Star, speechless. But his beloved wasn't done talking yet.

"Marco, I want you to love me, because I love you." Star's smile grew wider, "And I wouldn't change anything that happened between us that day." Her brow suddenly furrowed, her smile fading. "Okay, I take that back. There is one thing I'd change."

Marco felt as though his heart had stopped. "W-what would you change?" he managed to ask, afraid of the answer.

"I wish we had kissed."

It took Marco a moment to register what she had said. "What?"

"The one in the photo booth felt kiiiindaa forced." Star chuckled slightly. "I wish it wasn't our only kiss."

Marco looked at his beloved Star, a sly smile spreading on his face. "Well... why don't we fix that?"

Star's eyes widened in surprise. With a wide grin, she replied, "I like the sound of that, Diaz."

Their lips met with a tender passion, one that grew to enormous heights and completely enveloped them in a brilliant display... if anyone else had been there to watch them. After a minute they pulled away.

"Wow," Marco muttered in disbelief. "That was-"

"Incredible," Star finished, breathless.

"You know, Star," Marco said, his sly smile returning, "I have a TV set up in the lounge room, all ready to watch Y.O.U.T.H.S."

"Well then what are we waiting for, Marco? Let's go marathon!"

Trivia: This was my entry for the SVTFOE subreddit's June 2021 writing contest. I didn't place, but it was fun nevertheless!