Author's Notes: Hello! I recently decided that I wanted to work on improving my writing, so I'm starting a little series of short drabbles about Star and Marco being protective of each other. (Because I'm trash and protective Starco gives me life).

This chapter: We explore Marco's character a bit, and try to break down exactly why he is so protective of Star.

Because she's a princess. (But not really.)

If you asked Marco Diaz why he was so protective of Star Butterfly, he would just shrug.

"She's a princess, you know? Someone's gotta look after her."

It was a logical explanation, and for most people, it was enough. The subject would be dropped, and eventually forgotten, much to Marco's relief.

It wasn't that he was lying when he said that he protected Star because she was a princess, but it was far from the whole truth.

He protected Star because she was his best friend. That was obvious enough.

He protected Star because, although he found it adorable at times, she was a bit naïve. Not that he could blame her. Sometimes it was easy to forget that her parents had essentially left her behind in a foreign dimension, alone and with a new wand she had no idea how to control.

He protected Star because it was instinct. Whenever the princess found herself in danger, either serious or ridiculous, his first thought was always about her safety. He found that his body would sometimes even move on its own when he saw his best friend in trouble.

He protected Star because he couldn't stand seeing her hurt, either physically or emotionally. Whenever he saw her tired and bruised, usually after their latest fight with Ludo and his henchmen, he carefully patched her up, and vowed to himself that he wouldn't let it happen again. And, although it was rare, when he found her in her room with frustrated tears in her eyes, typically caused by her inability to properly control her wand, he always felt his own heart ache.

He protected Star because she was his other half. She was his complete opposite, but she still always managed to balance him out. She pushed him to be more outgoing, and even though he pretended otherwise, he knew that without her, his life would be dull and bland.

Ultimately, he protected Star because she was Star. She was goofy, energetic, and more than a little crazy. She brought him on countless adventures with her, and trusted him unconditionally. She frustrated him, confused him, and generally made him want to scream. And he wouldn't have it any other way.

Author's Notes: Chapter one, complete! I know that there may be some ooc-ness, but I liked it so I'm keeping it.

Now, that being said, feedback is very highly valued. I'm trying to improve my writing, so please let me know if you noticed any mistakes.

Next chapter: We explore Star's character, and try to find out just what makes her protective of her hoodie wearing best friend.

I'll try to have it done by next Friday or Saturday, but I can't make any promises.

I hope you enjoyed!