#neverzone

"Yeah, about that... I don't think I'm coming back. Turns out I really like my new life here. I got my sword, my dragon-cycle. I get to ride around all day and go on adventures whenever I want. It's the journey, you know?" The words hit her so hard, it almost felt like a physical blow. Star's heart shattered in an instant. She didn't want to believe it... he was going to stay here? Where eight minutes was an entire sixteen years and in another thirty-something minutes, he'd probably be dead? The thought of life without him had her simultaneously reeling and mourning, she felt empty. "Star?" She swallowed the lump in her throat and tried to be supportive.

"Yeah, that dragon-cycle is pretty dope." She looked up at him and shook her head, she wasn’t about to give in that easily! "...No! Wait, wait! What about your parents or your friends... or... me?" She noticed him falter a bit and glance down at Nachos with a look of great uncertainty. The dragon-cycle purred gently and nudged Marco in Star's direction. His gaze shifted to his dimensional scissors. He seemed to be taking stock of their heft and weight in his hands. Catching a glimpse of his reflection in the metal, he opened them, suddenly met with Star's reflection. "Marco...?" 

He didn't respond, he was torn; after sixteen years in this place, how could he just... go home? How could he adjust to life back on Earth? Even Mewni paled in comparison to the Neverzone. Adventuring was a part of who he was now and he’d accomplished so much! He'd gone toe-to-toe with Wyscan the Granter and actually won, earned the friendship of Brunzetta of Thunder and found El Choppo - he'd even been knighted! He thought for a moment before realizing just how selfish he sounded to himself. He glanced at Star and they exchanged a smile before he turned to face Hekapoo. 

"Don't look at me. Those scissors are yours now. You can come back here any time you want." He looked down at Nachos.

"Please. Take care of Nachos while I'm gone," he asked, giving the dragon-cycle a kiss on the snout. "Adios, Boo-boo." Star's heart lifted a bit as Marco approached her, "You ready?" Star nodded dumbly, noting how tall, buff and ruggedly handsome her best friend had gotten. He walked with the confidence and grace of a seasoned warrior, there was no way he'd be turned down Mewnian Royal Knighthood now! He stopped just short of the portal and smiled fondly, "Well, old friend, you really gave me a run for my money." Hekapoo gave a smirk and gave Marco's bald spot a nice, sizzling smack.

"Likewise, you're pretty cool." Star narrowed her eyes at the exchange, lost in a sudden burst of jealousy. In a hurry to move things along before he changed his mind, Star began to step through the portal, 

"Bye!" Star took a look around Marco's room on Earth and smiled, it was good to be back, even though she'd only been gone for a few seconds. She turned to the portal and out came Marco, reverted back into his fourteen-year-old self. She gave a small smile as he realized he'd reverted and horrified, lamented, "No! My hot bod! Where did it go?!" 

Truth to be told, while she did have a thing for well-toned muscles, Marco was hot in his own way. She looked him over, his clothes now several sizes too big for his scrawny body. He was back to the Marco she was used to, the Marco that she absolutely adored in every way. She reached out and poked him in the belly, giggling as it squished under the force of her fingers. He blushed hard, moving to cover his exposed skin.  

"H-Hey," he grumbled, unable to contain his embarrassment. “Don’t do that!” She grinned innocently, locking eyes with him. Brutally unamused, he sighed and started to disrobe, not really taking into account the mixed company.  She meeped quietly, rushing to turn around or cover her eyes. 

“Marco!!” she shouted, flustered. A sudden blush came over his face, 

“Daaah! I forgot! I’m sorry!!”

“How could you have forgotten basic modesty?! You’re like... the most modest person I know!”

“I spent sixteen years in the Neverzonian wilderness, Star, I basically have no shame!” She peeked through her fingers, but he had left the room. 

"Marco?" 

“I’m gonna take a shower.” She followed him into the bathroom and sat on the counter next to the sink. He turned on the water as hot as he could stand. He stood under the water for a moment before washing up. 

“Marco,” she called again, “If it helps, I like you no matter what you look like! Buff or scrawny, abs or no abs, you... you’re my best friend and I ...love you.” He fumbled with the soap at her declaration and poked his head out the shower door. 

“...what’d you say?” He asked, face red. She covered her mouth with her hands.

“Nnnnothing!!” She squeaked, covering her eyes as he exited the shower to grab a towel. She opened her eyes only to see somethings never changed - a towel wrapped around his chest and a towel for his hair. 

“Star, did you just...?” He asked, face red. “Did you just say-?”

“Can I kiss you, Marco?” He blinked, 

“Uhm. Yes?” She pressed her lips against his, feeling an electricity she’d never felt before shoot through her. Goosebumps coated her arms. They pulled away and each let out a small sigh. 

“This might not be the Neverzone, but I’m glad you’re here.” He smiled and caressed her cheek gently.