To New Things?

Chapter 26: The Changes.

Marco knocks on the Butterfly's door. He adjusts his Prince suit and fixes the crown on top of his head. He groans at his cast on his arm as the door opens. There is a smiling Star. She jumps on him, wrapping her arms around his neck, smile breaking her whole face. Marco hugs her back and smiles, kissing her head.

"How are you feeling?"

"A million times better! All thanks to you, wild man."

She cards her fingers through the hair at the back of his head, and kisses him softly. Marco kisses back, holding her close. His cheek hearts glow faintly and he pulls away.

"Mm."

He mumbles. They smile at one another and laugh.

"May I come in?"

He asks. Star nods, holding his good hand and guiding him in.

"Dad! Marco's here!"

They walk in, and sitting at the table is river, reading a newspaper. Moon is on the couch, asleep. Marco waves politely, and removes his crown.

"Mr. Johansen-Butterfly. Really great to see you again."

"The feeling is mutual, my boy. Please excuse Moon, she's been a little tired since the surgery. How are you doing?"

River asks. Marco shakes his head.

"I am doing perfect, sir. A little tired as well, but always awake for my girl."

Star blushes and lays her head on his shoulder.

"Star and I are going out to uh.. grab a bite as you'd say. Just pickin' her up."

"Right. Let me just grab my jacket."

Star runs upstairs. Marco looks down at his cast and sighs, poking it.

"Thank you."

River says, softly. Marco looks up, confused.

"You saved my daughters life. And although I don't know much about... Mewni? Is that right?"

Marco nods.

"I'm more than grateful for you in my daughters life. You saved her twice and as a father, I could never repay you enough."

Marco smiles weakly and reaches out with his good hand to shake River's hand. Star comes down and puts on her jacket.

"Ready?"

"Uh, yes."

"Okay. Bye dad."

She kisses his cheek and they head toward the door. Marco walks to the living room, and plants a gentle kiss to Moon's cheek. He then walks over and opens the door, and the two of them leave.

"Bye Marco! Bye Star!"

Marco turns to him and sighs.

"Goodbye, River."

The two stopped at a Chinese restaurant. They ate and ate and ate like nobody's business. As afternoon turned to night, and an amazing evening came to and end, they got their fortune cookies and began walking back to Star's house. Star opened her cookie and took the paper out, eating the cookie. She unfolded the paper and read it.

"Always love the ones closest to you."

She smiles at Marco and he smiles back, opening his cookie to read his.