Chapter Text
Part 1:
“Star! I can’t find one of the laser puppies! Have you seen it?” Marco yells with his hand cupped around his mouth, entering Star’s oversized room. “I really hope you didn’t leave a portal open again. Father Time was pretty mad when they made his beard a litter box.” He looks around the room. “Where could she be?” He scratches his head when from above Star plummets directly on top of him.
“Oskar? Yeah I’m here.” The princess speaks into Marco’s phone. A muffled voice is heard from the other end. “Awesome! Catch ya later Oskar!” Another muffled response comes through and Star ends the call. Marco bangs his fist on the ground beneath her. “Oh shoot! Sorry Marco!” She gets off and he stands up, dusting himself off.
“Jeez Star! Warn a guy next time you decide to pile drive him!” He huffs. “Did you hear my question?” She stares blankly. “Have you seen one of the laser puppies?” He repeats. The gears in her head click.
“Oh. No, which one? Come to think of it we should really give them names, huh?” They both chuckle. “Here’s your phone by the way. Sorry I took it without asking again. I promise I’ll get my own one of these days.” She says with an innocent smile handing Marco his phone. He takes it and looks at the recent call.
“Things are getting pretty serious with Oskar I see.” His tone denotes pride for Star. “When do you think you’ll make your move?” He prods. She once again stares unknowingly.
“You mean when will I ask him out?” He nods. “I dunno Marco, it’s not like I can just ASK him. It takes finesse.” She moves her hands to emphasise her point. Marco fixes an imaginary tie around his neck coyly.
“Believe me, the expert, Star. All you gotta do is ask. Heck if he’s still hanging around you after your hormonal rampage a while back then I think you have a pretty good shot, little miss Mewberty!” He encouragingly jests, receiving an annoyed scowl from Star in return.
“You’re one to talk Mister “expert”. What about Jackie? How long until you ask her the big question?” Her smug retort coming off as too harsh to Marco. He embarrassingly puts his hand around the opposite arm and turns away. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be mean but you see my point right?” He begrudgingly nods.
“You’re right. I have all these plans and ideas and never act on them. I can’t keep psyching myself out. I just gotta do it!” He shouts with a sudden burst of confidence. “I’m gonna ask out Jackie Lynn-Thomas!” Star joins in his excitement., throwing her hands in the air wildly.
“Yeah! And I’m gonna ask out Oskar…” She pauses “I don’t know his last name!” They both revel in their resolve for a moment until a chiming bell sounds from Star’s large mirror-telephone. She dashes over and immediately gets the wind taken from her sails. She reluctantly answers. “What do you want, Tom? Don’t you get tired of me hanging up on you.” Marco comes up next to her and fist bumps her. Tom rolls his eyes and smiles uncharacteristically genuinely.
“Good to see you too Star.” He turns to Marco. “I actually wanted to talk to you, Marco.” His voice gives Marco a sense of unease. “I wanted to thank you for this.” Tom brandishes a certificate that says he’s passed his anger management class. Star and Marco have shared skepticism.
“From what I heard from Marco, you failed that “final test” of yours.” Star begins. “Couldn’t even keep yourself from getting angry for a day.” Tom gives a look of regret.
“Yeah, you nearly killed me, man!” Marco continues. “What could you have possibly done to pass after all that?” He huffs. Tom takes a deep breath, clearly trying not to let their words get to him.
“According to Brian,” he pulls out a small notepad and clears his throat. “I managed to, “use my anger and negative feeling in a positive way for the betterment of another.” Basically he saw me resurrecting Mackey Hand as a good thing for you.” He sighs with relief. “Man, that was a mouthful!” He laughs but Star and Marco don’t share in his sentiment. Marco goes to end the call but Star stops him.
“Wait Marco…” She groans and mutes their end of the call. “He did use his anger in a good way, didn’t he? Shouldn’t we give him a chance?” She holds her hand between their faces so Tom can’t read their lips. Marco lets out a heavy and exaggerated whimper.
“Uh, guys.” Tom meekly chirps out. “I think you muted me instead of yourselves.” He remains unheard as they continue to bicker. “I’ll just let them figure it out.” He thinks. Star turns and unmutes the call.
“Okay Tom.” Marco says unenthused. “Star and I would like to offer to celebrate your accomplishment with you, if you want.” Star nudges his side. “Oh right. And congrats or whatever.” He pauses to roll his eyes. “So do you wanna hang out?” He finishes and Tom is clearly reveling in seeing Marco try to be nice.
“I dunno Diaz. Are you sure you can handle spending any more time with little old me?” He teases. Marco starts to retort but Star steps on his toes.
“We would both be happy to celebrate such an achievement with you.” She turns to the nonplust boy. “Wouldn’t we marco?!” He lets out another heavy growl.
“Yeah, sounds great Star. Can I go now? I have to look up methods of coping with being absolutely disgusted.” Without waiting for an answer he saunters off. Star gives a frustrated grin and turns back to tom.
“So what would you like to do to celebrate, Tom? It’s your big moment so it’s up to you.” She thinks. “My one condition is that you can’t suggest torturing Marco as an activity!” Tom loses his excited smile.
“Party pooper.” He chuckles. “Fine, what’s fun to do on earth? I’m not familiar with the territory. I’d invite you guys down here but I think twinkle toes over there would faint from the heat, let alone the dangerous monsters and volcanic quakes.” He does his best to make his berating come across as friendly teasing. Star laughs lightly.
“We can go out somewhere to eat. Just try not to tease him so much when we hang out. ‘Kay?” She gets his word that he’ll behave and closes the call. “Marco!” She shouts from her door towards his. No answer. “MARCO DIAZ!” She shouts louder and hears him unlatch the several locks he attached to his door. He pokes his head out.
“Why do you insist on yelling when I’m literally five feet away!?” He shouts close enough to Star that he doesn’t have any need to. “Did you finish your conspiring with the prince of jerks?” He lets his agitation be well vocalised. Star walks over to his room.
“Yes, he wants to do something on earth so please, please, PLEASE! Pick something he’ll enjoy? Thanks Marco!” She starts to walk away but he stops her.
“Star Butterfly.” He gets serious. “Do you really think he’s changed? Be honest.” She has to stop and think about his question. “How about you decide that before we make any plans with him? Okay?” She agrees and goes back to her room. Marco stands in front of his full body mirror and tries on different attire. “Okay Diaz. You got this. Just go over there and ask her out. It’s not that hard!” He slaps himself to motivate himself. “She should be at the skatepark. All you gotta do is nonchalantly walk up, casually pass by her and ask her if she wants to get dinner.” He snaps his fingers at himself and walks out to execute his plan.
Part 2:
Marco jaunts through town with inflated confidence. He slides down the rail of the stairway leading to the local skatepark. His attitude deflates when he sees Jackie Lynn-Thomas pop out of the bowl with style. She’s completely enthralled with her skating unimpeded by the world around her. “Oh no.” He thinks, suddenly overcome with anxiety. His untampered doubts make him attempt to turn around and leave but before he can Jackie starts running towards him.
“Marco! Hey! I didn’t know you skated.” She observes his outfit. “Is that what the kids are wearing these days? Skinny jeans do not help with balancing, my man.” She jokes. Marco nervously chuckles but overdoes it.
“HI!” He notices his overexcitement. “Um, I mean. Hey, Jackie.” Trying to imitate the handsome man on the cover of a fashion magazine he read. “I don’t really skate but I figured I’d find you here.” His inward confidence out of synch with his outward presentation. Jackie anxiously laughs.
“What, are you stalking me or something?” She says facetiously. Marco starts stammering. “Dude, I was joking. Why wouldn’t I be here? I’m a skater, aren’t I?” Punching him lightly on the shoulder. “You were looking for me though? Whatcha need?” Her gentle smile and kindness give Marco a boost of morale.
“I wanted to ask you something that’s been on my mind for a while. Something I’ve been too afraid to ask.” He struggles with his words but she gestures for him to stop.
“You wanna ask me out don’t you?” She inquires. Marco clams up. “Dude, you sound like a cheesy rom-com. Did you practice that before coming over here?” He laughs trying to hide the truth behind her question. “Plus, I’ve known for a long time that you like me. Honestly I was beginning to think you might not ask at all.” She twirls her hair. Marco regains control over his voice.
“So will you? Go out with me that is.” An immediate relief falls over him once he asks. Jackie hesitates and can’t maintain eye contact. “Jackie?”
“Marco. I am really flattered but…” Marco chuckles a little and cuts her off.
“Now who sounds like a rom-com? You just wanna be friends right?” He laughs and she presents a regretful smile. “It’s fine. I knew this was a possibility. Heck, it was the most likely outcome.” He pauses and a light gust of wind blows past them. “I’m relieved.” She looks at him quizzically.
“Really? If I got rejected by my biggest crush,” she starts gesturing for emphasis. “Like if I asked out my favorite skater and got rejected I’d be crushed! Even if I knew I would get turned down!” She screams. Marco relaxes and breathes deeply.
“I asked, you said no. Why should that bother me? We’re still friends right? I can live with that.” His maturity impresses Jackie, she kisses him on the cheek quickly. “What was that!?” Taken by surprise. Jackie laughs at his reaction.
“Consider that a consolation prize for your bravery. From friend to friend.” She stands up and grabs her skateboard. “ I gotta get a few more rides in before it gets dark. I’ll see you at school on monday, right?” She dawns her helmet. Marco stands and offers a hug that Jackie takes.
“Totally! Have you ever known me to miss a day of school?” She affirms his question. “Exactly. Enjoy your skating!” She nods and rides off. Marco walks home bobbing his head to the music in his head.
Star is pacing around her room, biting her knuckles tensely. Marco walks upstairs and notices her panicking. “Star?” He walks in without her noticing. “Star!” He shouts but gets no reaction. “Okay, I guess I have no choice.” Marco walks over to her and stands directly in front of her. She almost doesn’t notice until she steps on his foot with the full weight of her gait and Marco shrieks.
“Marco! Where did you come from? I thought you were out of the house!” She picks him up and moves him slightly and resumes her pacing. “How’d it go with Jackie? Did she say yes?” She barely looks at him when she asks. Defeated Marco takes a seat on the edge of her large bedside trunk and starts flipping through her spellbook that was placed carelessly beside her bed.
“No. I got turned down.” He says, fixated on a spell that appears to turn the target into an immaculate dancer. “So wanna tell me why you’re walking in circles and wearing out the floor… again.” She breaks her stride to glare at him then resumes with vigor.
“Sorry you got rejected. That just makes me more nervous.” She pauses and grows a look of desperation. “How do I ask out Oskar and not get rejected? Tell me everything you did wrong with Jackie!” She lunges at him and sits beside him begging for advice. Marco, less than happy with her question reluctantly answers.
“I didn’t do anything wrong, we just weren’t meant to be. It’s not like I hurt her feelings or anything.” Star increases the amount of desperate panic on her face. “You’ll be fine! Don’t you and Oskar talk every other day? He must like you. Asking him out at this point is just a formality.” He does his best to console the lovestruck princess but is running out of magazine headlines to recite. “Ok. I’ll do it for you then!” He grabs his phone and pretends to start calling Oskar. Star tackles him and grabs his phone.
“You will not! He’s my crush! What if I asked Jackie out for you?!” She starts hastily looking at his phone to ensure he didn’t call. She sees that Marco’s phone screen only showed his wallpaper, a picture of Mackey Hand as a zombie with Marco beside him. “You weren’t actually going to call him… were you?” She blushes. Marco sits up on the floor and looks at her expectantly.
“You don’t need me to. You clearly got this Star. I’ll be here while you call though, in case it goes bad.” He chortles. “Plus I wanna witness this, for my entertainment.” She ignores his teasing and dials up Oskar.
The phone rings a few times and Oskar answers. “Marco?” His deep gravelly voice slightly muffled.
“No, it’s Star silly!” She plays it cool, to Marco’s pleasant surprise. “I wanted to ask you something, do you have a minute?” The sound of passing cars and screeching tires comes over the speaker. “Are you okay!? Did you crash your car?!” She starts panicking again. Marco thinks to himself how it wasn’t made to last. Oskar chimes in over the phone. Marco pipes up.
“On the phone while driving?! Is he trying to get himself killed!?” He stands, ready to preach about proper driving etiquette but Star throws a pillow at him and knocks him onto the bed.
“I’m fine. Someone just doesn’t know how to drive!” He yells and unintelligible profanities can be heard. “What’d you wanna ask?” He asks over the rattle of his engine. Star bites her knuckle again, unsure of how to ask.
“Will you go out with me?” She shouts, practically blowing out the speaker on Oskars phone. “Sorry, was that a good way to ask?” Oskar tries to interject. “I mean, I’ve only ever dated other royals so it’s never been like this.” He once again attempts to answer her. “Do you know where we could host a ball? That’d be easier.” By now Marco has gotten up from the one sided pillow fight he endured and pantomimes zipping her lip. “Sorry. Oskar, are you still there?” On the other end he giggles.
“Yeah, star. I’m here.” The sound of him parking his car is heard. “The answer is yes. I’d really like to go out with you!” Star practically explodes but holds her excitement. “Would you like to get dinner next week? I know a really good pizza place in town.” Marco overhears this and puts his ear to the phone next to Star.
“Emilio’s?” He asks hopefully. Star tries to push him out of the conversation but he’s cemented in the idea of his favorite pizza place.
“Yeah, have you been Marco?” He asks. “Also hi Marco. Have you been listening in?” Star finally gets Marco away from the phone.
“He’s here for moral support. Don’t worry about him.” She stares daggers at Marco. “I love Emilio’s pizza. That sounds fantastic!” Marco wanders about the room as the others make plans. Suddenly the Mirror starts ringing. He realizes it’s useless to try to get Star’s attention while she’s like this and goes to answer the call until he sees who’s calling. He takes a deep breath and prepares for the worst. He answers and Tom appears.
“What do you want?” He says, giving up the idea of being civil without Star. “Star is on the phone.” He preemptively answers a question he saw coming. Tom waves politely.
“Hey Diaz. What’s new?” Tom’s mannerisms are more refined, making Marco cynical of his intentions.
“Since this morning when you called? Nothing you need to know about.” He says with hidden intent to get the demon mad. “Why’d you call again anyway? Just to mock me more I assume.” Furthering his hopes to prove he hasn’t changed. Tom remains calm and nice.
“I wanted to ask if you knew anything fun to do on earth.” His question agitated Marco.
“So we can have our celebration, I know. Have you tried a demolition derby or maybe metal concert?” He retorts with feigned interest. The sound of a clicking phone is heard and Star skips over happily, that is until she sees tom.
“Didn’t he call this morning?” She asks Marco, ignoring the image of Tom cascaded over her mirror. Marco shrugs and tilts his face towards the mirror angrily.
“Ask him, I’m going to watch my stories.” He baits Tom who remains uninterested. “Really man? Nothing?” He snaps. “I gave you every opportunity to make fun of me and nothing! There's no way you changed this much. Something’s fishy here!” He makes his suspicion known and Tom gestures his heart breaking.
“Marco, I’m offended.” He whimpers.
“Wounded even?” He retorts with imagined care. Tom lowers his head.
“Hurt Marco.” He breaks his pretend pity party. “That was funny man. Nice comeback!” he puts his fist up to his end of the mirror awaiting his rival to return the gesture. Marco stands pensively folding his arm disapprovingly.
“Like I said, I have stories to watch. I’ll leave you two to be buddy-buddy.” He sulks away and Tom puts his fist and eager smile away. Star lights up.
“Tom, you said you were searching for the best pizza in the entire universe right?” She grows with manic energy, bouncing rapidly in place.
“I told you that years ago. I’m flattered that you remembered.” He looks off to nowhere with deep regret. “I never did find the one.” A single tear drips from his eye. “Why do you ask?” He questions, his voice choked up. She grabs the sides of the mirror and hoists it up.
“Well I know your next place to look!” Her passion makes Tom delighted. “It’s this place called Emilio’s. Marco and I have it all the time for our “friendship Thursdays”! It’s my favorite and you know how hard it is to please me with pizza.” She brings the mirror close and presses her face against the glass emphasising her elation. Tom takes a step back.
“That sounds amazing but can you calm down a little? Maybe drop the mirror?” Shaking his hands in front of himself. Star obliges and Tom steps back forward. “Thanks. When were you thinking we should go?” He asks, mouth watering a little thinking about the pizza and beaming with high hopes. Star acts kittenish, excited to give her answer.
“Well I have a date next week and I’d feel better having friends around.” She blurts out giving Tom an impatient grimace.
“You really want your ex to come with you on a date? Did you hit your head again?” He asks and is now pressing his face against the mirror looking for signs of injury on Star. She waves off his question.
“It’ll be fine! It won’t just be you. Marco is coming too of course!” This makes him more uneasy. “That was the plan right? The three of us together? What difference does one more friend make?” Her blissful innocence making Tom concede.
“Alright Star. I appreciate you helping me celebrate.” They finish making plans and Star prepares herself to tell Marco the news he won’t like. She descends the stairs and approaches Marco who is enthralled with the spanish program which appears to depict a woman kissing a man who is holding a gun to his own head.
“Hey, next week we’re getting Emilio’s with Oskar and Tom.” She explains presumptively. Marco turns to her, pausing his show as gunfire is heard over an overhead tracking shot.
“Your ex, your best friend and your new boyfriend walk into a pizza shop.” He explains. “Why do I get the feeling Emilio needs business insurance that covers fire damage?” Half joking. Star sits next to him with puppy dog eyes.
“C’mon Marco. It’s just dinner with friends. It’s not like Oskar and I are “boyfriend and girlfriend” yet. It’s just a date.” An expectant smile appears on her. “Even if we were, isn’t this a good idea? That way I don’t do anything stupid?” As she explains Marco raises an eyebrow.
“It’s not you I’m worried about.” He halts. “Okay, I am worried about you doing something unexpected.” He reiterates. “It’s Tom. That guy has NEVER been this nice and I don’t think some piece of paper could change him just like that. I’ll go, if only to keep an eye on that creep.” They both sigh. “Can I finish my show now? It was just getting good.” He points the remote at the T.V. She agrees and goes back to her room. The show plays and cuts to the man bleeding from the ear and the woman sobbing into his chest holding the hand he’s holding the gun in and pointing it away from his head.
Part 3:
Marco, Star, and Tom approach Emilio’s with Oskar waiting just outside playing a game on his phone. The mixed smell of tomato sauce and meat gives them all a hearty appetite. “Hey Oskar!” Star dashes over to him and hugs him tightly. “Have you been waiting long? I know I said to be here at five but someone had to spend twenty minutes deciding his outfit.” She leers at Tom who is adorned with semi regal attire mixed with punk rock paraphernalia. He adjusts his spiked collar.
“It takes time to look this great!” He swings his arms across his body with a flourish. “It’s not my fault.” Star rolls her eyes. Marco looks at his phone uninterested in the entire situation he was roped into.
“Can we get the pleasantrees over with? I just wanna eat pizza and go home before I get sick.” He looks up and sees everyone glaring critically at him. He shoves his phone in his hoodie pocket. Oskar opens the door to the pizza shop with a bell dinging above.
“Let’s eat, shall we?” Trying to defuse the tension. “I called ahead so our pizza should be ready by now.” Star picks up on his intentions to move the date along and carries the energy.
“Yes! Let’s chow down guys. We can pick it up and have a picnic at the park.” She steps into the store with Tom close behind.
“You coming mopy?” Tom teases. “The pizza awaits!” He takes up holding the door. Marco comes through, glaring as he does.
“I’m on to you, Lucitor.” He whispers. “By the end of the night Star will see that nobody is that well adjusted. Just you wait.” He threatens as he points to the demon’s chest. “Alright!” Changing his tone as he gets into the warm smelling store. “Emilio! Let’s get that ‘za!” Tom looks somberly to the ground with guilt.
“Marco! My best customer! Your charming friend here gave me a real challenge today.” He swiftly pulls out a large pie with several tantalizing toppings spread evenly across it. “The pepperoni and peppers were as easy as pizza pie but I’ll admit that finding the right way to add the spinach and anchovies was tricky.” The whole group except Oskar looks in horror at the concoction before them. Star is especially weary.
“Anchovy is fish right? Does that even belong on pizza?” She covers her nose and mouth with mock disgust. Oskar smoothly puts his arm around her and wafts the steam into his face.
“Trust me, it may sound gross but this will be the best pizza you’ve ever had!” He boasts. “It’s got the right balance of sweet and sour with a little twist of zest. You added the lemon zest I asked for right Emilio?” Looking to the prideful chef.
“Yes of course! I must say that I am a little jealous that your pallet was able to conjure such a mesh of flavors that mine could never dream!” He dreamily marvels at his work. “Now then, I trust you are satisfied with the result my boy.” He holds his hand out for the payment. Oskar rustles around the various pockets of his cargo shorts and supplies the cost along with a hefty tip. Emilio delights. “Thank you Mr. Greason!” Star sneakily writes down his last name in a notepad. “Enjoy your double date!” He blurts out making Marco and Tom double take. Tom starts steaming, to Marco’s mild amusement.
“Oh no, sir!” He says, simultaneously calming himself down. “This isn’t a double date. Just a singular one.” Pointing to Star and Oskar. “Between those two.” Star looks confused.
“Isn’t it a double date? I mean you two are here with me on my date, right?” Innocently misunderstanding. Marco bellows with laughter.
“Star! That’s not what a double date is.” He puts his hand on her shoulder. “A double date is when two couples go out together, usually for money reasons if I’m honest.” As he clarifies Oskar stifles his giggles.
“I mean, if you’re offering to help pay I guess it could be a double date.” He badgers getting him a discontented piercing stare from Tom. “Sorry. Just trying to be funny. I’ll stand over there.” He wanders to the corner of the small room barely away from his previous spot. Marco sighs.
“Let’s just get out of here before the pizza gets cold. It is starting to smell tasty.” He insists, taking a large whiff of the salty air around the pizza box. They all leave, Emilio waving as they do. The group walks in deafening silence to the nearby park. Once there Marco pulls an oversized blanket from underneath his hoodie and lays it flat on the dewy grass. “Let’s dig in!” He ravenously goes to gorge himself on the food but Star grabs his hood and pulls him back.
“Don’t you think Tom should have the christening bite? This is partly his celebration isn’t it?” She urges but doesn’t give him a choice. “Tom. Go for it.” Giving him a thumbs up. Tom awkwardly grabs a slice of the cleanly cut pizza and attempts to figure out the best way to bite into it. He takes a decently large bite and pulls the excess cheese into his mouth as he chews. His eyes grow wide and tears flood his eyes.
“This is…” He stands. “The greatest pizza in the universe!” He holds his hand up to his head and salutes as he takes another slow intoxicating bite. “Thank you Oskar!” He finishes the slice, enjoying every little bit and hugs the greasy teen tightly.
“It can’t be that good.” Marco protests, taking his own slice and taking a hesitant nibble. Immediately his attitude goes from aggressively malcontent to magnetic elation. He grows his own tears in his eyes. “This is the greatest pizza in the universe!” Repeating Tom in not only words but also actions. Joining the hug between the other two boys. In a moment of clarity he realizes who he’s hugging and jolts back gracelessly. “Ahem.” He clears his throat. “I’m glad you like the food Tom. I’m very proud of you for your progress in managing your anger.” He robotically speaks. Tom smiles crookedly and folds his arms.
“What happened to wanting to prove to Star that I haven’t changed?” He speaks without thinking. “I must admit, it hurts that you think I haven’t changed but I get it.” He squats over the blanket. “I’ve been a jerk, heck I nearly killed you a couple of times now. If I were you I’d hate me too.” Marco thinks of affirming that sentiment but lets him continue. “I did have another reason for coming out tonight though.” He stands and holds his hand out. “Can we start over, man? Fresh start and all. Y’know?” He asks with stilted words. Marco resists for a moment but firmly grips his hand.
“I don’t see why not. You put in a lot of effort, I guess.” They shake hands and have a moment of solidarity. “With that, I have a question for you.” They drop their hands and Tom looks incredulously. “Do you wanna hang out sometime? Just us. Try not to raise the dead this time though.” He snickers. Tom gives a toothy grin.
“Totally! Does tomorrow work for you?” He ardently asks. Marco returns the fervent energy.
“For sure! We can meet at my place and hit the town!” They exchange merry hollers. Star and Oskar watch intently as if they were watching a good movie.
“This was a fun date but maybe next time it could be just the two of us?” He says with a hopeful gaze at her. “Not that your friends aren’t cool, they really are.” Returning his sight to the boys giving each other their contact information. “I just wanted to spend some time with you. Alone.” He grimaces. “That sounded creepier than I wanted.” Bashfully scratching his nose. She turns to him, her face giving a hopeful energy.
“Yeah, I’d like that too.” She leans her head on his shoulder blissfully. “How’s a movie sound?” Wrapping her arms around his tightly. He returns the expression.
“Sounds groovy, Star. Your choice on what we see.” He closes his eyes for a moment of solitary joy. When he opens them again he sees the other boys watching them sarcastically enthralled.
“You two are so cute!” Tom bursts. “Like a couple of puppies!” His taunting makes Oskar blush. Tom looks at Marco. “By the way, did you guys lose a small, laser shooting hellhound?” He asks. Marco looks back astonished. “One ran through my room carrying Star’s dimensional scissors. It made a huge mess too.” They all laugh and finish the remainder of the pizza after Tom reheats it slightly with his fire.