Marie looked out Rexcelsior's window, frowning at the sudden weather change.

While they were gone, it started raining in Syspocalypstar. Of course, they couldn't tell the weather from space.

"This is a bit troublesome." Marie spoke up.

"I know." Rex eyed his reflection in the window's glass, "Being this handsome should be a crime."

Marie laughed, and Rex laughed with her.

"You're so funny." Marie praised, "But seriously, I would hate to get wet walking home."

"It'll stop soon. It doesn't look like a strong storm or anything. You can just chill here for a bit." Rex offered.

Marie faced Rex, placing her hands on her skirt. "You're so amazing, Rex."

"Getting here wasn't easy, but I could say that it's definitely worth it." Rex said, "Syspocalypstar needed the perfect hero."

"You're excellent at what you do. There's no doubt."

Fate had lengthened the duo's time together. Rex definitely wasn't complaining, because he enjoyed the time with Marie.

He wanted to do something more to impress her. Then, he got an idea.

A sudden memory resurfaced in Rex's mind. On his adventures, he found a bunch of treasures and keepsakes. One of a kind items.

Surely, he had something perfect for Marie.

"Hey, Marie. Can I give something?"

"Me?" Marie questioned, "How sweet of you."

Rex grinned, "I think I have something you'd like. Follow me."

Marie agreed, following after Rex. The two soon entered another area of Rexcelsior.

A darker, less technical area of the spaceship.

Rex finally stopped, opening the door to a small, circular shaped room filled with various accessories and antiques. There was a big vault at the end of the room.

"Woah!" Marie's eyes sparkled, "What is this?"

"My collection of stuff. You know, the things I find or need to keep safe. I travel a lot. That vault is only for very important stuff, like if the queen gave me something to protect."

Rex opened up a nearby chest, smiling when he found the object he was looking for. It was right where he left it.

"Here it is! Pretty cool, huh?"

He turned towards Marie, showing her a shimmering necklace. It had a pink gem, that shifted to a galaxy pattern in certain light. It hung from a golden chain.

"I had it checked out. Everything's real." Rex paused, "I don't know why I didn't sell it, but I'm glad I didn't, so I could give it to you."

Marie brought her hands to her chest, extremely flattered. She wondered who would leave behind such a wonderful piece of jewelry.

Well, it didn't matter anymore. It was her's now. Her first gift from Rex. She would treasure it forever.

"Rex, it's beautiful."

"It's all yours." Rex undid the clasp, "Turn around. Let me put it on you."

Marie blushed, smiling slightly.

"Okay."

She turned, picking up her hair. That was Rex's cue to put it around her neck. He was incredibly gentle. With Rex's demeanor and strength it was unexpected.

His strong hands were only so gentle for someone like her.

He closed the clasp, so the necklace would stay in place. "There ya go! What do you think?"

"Pretty! The gold matches some of my earrings." She giggled, "Thank you, Rex. You're so sweet!"

"Again with 'sweet'?" Rex chuckled.

"You're as sweet as honey. Don't try to deny it, tough guy!" Marie replied, playfully nudging him.

Marie's smile suddenly faded when something caught her attention. She now appeared very confused, and a bit shocked.

Rex wondered why she suddenly shifted moods. He followed her eyes downwards, noticing that she was staring at his arm.

Which picked a very bad time to try vanishing on him. The universe just had to do something at that moment, with Rex's luck.

He was in a visible slight panic, until his arm reappeared. As soon as it did, Rex hid it behind his back, looking to the side.

Trying to pretend like nothing happened didn't help the situation.

"Rex, what was that?" Marie asked with a concerned tone in her voice.

"What?"

"You know, that...fading thing. I know you saw it." Marie frowned, "You looked so worried."

"Oh, uh..." Rex rubbed the back of his neck, "A trick of the light?"

"Rex..."

"Okay, maybe it wasn't. Just, don't worry. That's...normal, kind of."

"I really wouldn't call that normal." Marie responded softly.

Rex looked down. A bit embarrassed, and frustrated.

"Should I not have pointed it out?" Marie asked, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

Rex thought for a moment. He could tell Marie the truth, there really was nothing stopping him.

However, he didn't know what it would cost him.

He wanted a chance with her, and it was unknown what would actually drive Marie away, but he ultimately decided that she had to know.

If she didn't love him in every aspect, then it just wasn't meant to be. The thought hurt Rex's heart, but he wanted to do the right thing.

He stepped closer to her, showing a soft expression. A very unusual look for someone as confident as Rex.

There was something so genuine about him in that moment.

"I trust you, Marie. I really do." Rex said, "I can tell you everything, but only my close friends know about this. Can I trust you to keep a secret?"

Marie nodded, "I promise. Cross my heart."

Rex sighed, mentally preparing himself. He hoped for the best.

"Marie, I...well, I'm not exactly from here. I mean, from this time. I'm from an alternate timeline."

Marie stood in shock, "An alternate timeline?"

"Yeah." Rex stated, "It's a lot of complicated stuff. I'm not actually supposed to exist here, and the universe is getting a bit rough on me."

"So...you're a time traveler?" Marie asked.

"I was. I went back in time to cause Armamageddon in the first place." Rex chuckled, "Wicked crazy, I know."

Marie didn't find it hard to believe at all. She fully accepted that Rex was a time traveler. He had no reason to lie. It must have been true.

"That's so interesting! Time travel is actually real!" She paused, "But why not cause Armamageddon in your time? Were you not able to?"

Rex laughed nervously, "I definitely left out a few details back there. I also wanted to change someone in the past. My reason was to spare him any pain that he would receive...standed on Undar."

Marie was shocked, "You?"

"Yes. Me." Rex said, "The past version of myself anyway. I wanted to save him, and I wanted to change him into myself so I would still exist. So instead of causing Armamageddon myself I..."

Rex stopped, unsure if he could say it. Marie frowned, catching on.

"You made him do it."

Rex looked up at her, nodding his head slightly.

"You're Emmet..." Marie realized, "It's honestly a bit hard to see it."

"Our vibes are totally different. Really, you wouldn't be able to tell we were similar unless you knew us well enough."

"Oh, wow." Marie sounded, "I couldn't tell at all."

Rex sighed, "Physically, kind of, I guess I am the same but...I'm not really Emmet anymore. Undar took that away from me. So, I'm just Rex now. I didn't like the identity of my past self so...I made a new one."

"And you're both here. Both versions of you. You're not supposed to exist." Marie continued.

"You got it. I was brought back by time manipulation magic. I'm glad to be alive, and I've accepted the fact that I'm different due to certain experiences, but...just between you and me, I'm cooler now." Rex grinned slightly.

He hoped his positive expression would help Marie relax. But that grin quickly faded.

"I...bet you see me differently now, huh? I'm not what you expected."

Marie frowned, then forced a small, comforting smile. "Oh, I don't see you differently at all! I think you're perfect. You are truly wonderful.

Those words shocked Rex. No one had ever told him such a thing before.

All his life, he was never good enough for anyone.

But Marie thought he was perfect.

Flashbacks of his life flashed in his mind. She was the only one who accepted him as he was. Flaws and all.

The princess reached forward, holding Rex's gloved hands. Rex's expression lit up with surprise. The physical touch was so warm, and comforting.

In his dream, she also held his hands. His heart raced, as he looked into her sweet and caring eyes.

"You are the strongest person I know. You're so amazing. You do your work so well. Rex...you deserve joy in your life. I can't imagine how lonely you must have been all these years."

"The friends are cool." Rex replied, "Of course, who wouldn't want to be friends with me? It's pretty easy to make them."

"...I bet you miss Lucy a whole lot, huh?"

"Huh? Nah." Rex replied, "Lucy is decent at best. Not my type anymore. I'm looking for someone else. Someone who can balance me out and make me happy."

Marie's eyes showed sadness, but she showed a bittersweet smile. "I'm sure you'll find your princess."

"I bet you see me completely different now, huh?" Rex chuckled.

"You're Rex. Why would I see you any differently?"

Rex smiled at the thought of Marie accepting who he was. She was the only one who didn't make a big deal about his past identity. She didn't even stop to think about it.

Marie was a bit hesitant to speak, but Rex trusted her with his biggest secret. She wanted to do the same.

"I actually want to balance things out. I want to tell you something too."

Rex's emotion shifted to surprise, "Huh?"

"You told me your secret. I want to tell you mine. It's only right that you know about me too."

"You have some big secret too?"

"Kind of. Only my family knows." Marie looked out of the room, "Do you have scissors?"

"Scissors? I should have some on my desk with my pens and stuff." Rex stepped out of the room, pointing to a nearby study area. "There."

"Great! Thank you!"

Marie walked over to Rex's desk, and he eagerly followed her. His curiosity increasing.

There was more to Marie. More to the woman of his dreams.

She picked up a blue pair of scissors from the pencil holder, turning towards Rex.

"Oh." She moved the nearby trash can under her, with her foot.

"Okay. Pay close attention. Blink and you might miss it."

Rex nodded, observing her closely.

Marie picked up a strand of her hair, cutting off a little bit of it. Rex was shocked as he saw the pink color of Marie's hair spread upwards, corrupting the brunette coloring, and replacing what she lost.

"Woah!" Rex sounded.

Marie fully expected him to find it weird.

"I know...it's-"

"That's so cool!"

Marie blushed, taking note of Rex's words. "You...think it's cool?"

Rex nodded, "Heck yeah, I do! Why does it do that? I've never seen hair do stuff like that!"

Marie shrugged, "I don't know. Being Systarian without parents has left my abilities a mystery."

"That's really something." Rex smiled, "I like it."

"Thank you. I'm glad you do." Marie returned the smile.

She noticed the sudden silence, as she put the scissors back into place. "It sounds like the rain stopped."

Rex observed the surrounding windows.

"Yeah, looks like it did."

He was a bit upset, knowing that his time with Marie was over.

She stepped up next to him, "Thank you for everything, Rex. You're so much fun, I'd hate to leave, but I must head home now. It's almost time for my noon tea break."

"You have tea breaks?"

"Yes, it helps with daily anxieties. Plus, tea and cookies are amazing!"

Rex walked Marie to Rexcelsior's entrance, or in this case, exit. He stood with confidence, "Hey, I hope we can hang out again."

Marie looked up at him, nodding.

"I'd absolutely love to see you again! Call me sometime, alright?"

"I'll definitely fit that into my schedule."

Marie giggled, pressing the button to open Rexcelsior's entrance. After it opened completely, she waved. "I really like you, Rex. Bye, bye! "

Rex waved back, "See ya."

Marie's heels sounded as she exited Rexcelsior. The door closed behind her.

Rex was left in silence, he thought back to all the events that happened within the last hour.

He smiled brightly, "She...wants to see me again."

He moved back, bumping into Cobra. He turned, hugging his raptor friend.

"Did you hear that, Cobra?! She likes me!" Rex cheered, "She likes me! Did you hear her say she liked me?!"

Cobra chirped a response.

"You're right. I'm cool. Totally cool." Rex took a breath, "But she totally digs me, right?"

——————————————————————

Marie walked into her castle, a maid greeted her when she walked in.

"Princess, are you okay? It was raining outside."

"I'm fine." Marie replied, "I didn't get caught in it. I'm all dry, see?"

The maid nodded, "Princess Unikitty is here to see you."

"Of course she is." Marie walked forward, "May you prepare my tea?"

"Of course."

The maid bowed as Marie walked towards her bedroom. She opened the door, stepping in.

"Marie!"

Marie jumped as Unikitty popped up in front of her.

"Unikitty! Goodness." She sighed, "I'm guessing you want to know how things went with Rex."

"Uh huh!" Unikitty bounced.

Marie sat at her vanity, picking up her brush to fix her hair.

"Well, it was wonderful. Rex is...amazing."

"He totally is! How would you describe him?"

Marie placed her brush down, looking into the mirror. "He's tough, and confident. So very sweet, and so cute."

"Cute?"

Marie blushed, "Oh my...Is that what I said?"

Unikitty chuckled, "I think you like him. Like in a super lovey dovey kind of way."

"He's everything I dreamed my prince would be. He's just perfect."

Marie gripped her new necklace, looking back on everything. Rex had truly warmed her heart

"I'm in love with him..."

"You two are so cute together! I can see your wedding now!" Unikitty cheered.

Marie sighed, "How would I even tell him how I feel? We haven't even gone on an official date yet. How would I even ask him?"

"I thought about having a fancy ball to celebrate my new home being built. Maybe you could invite Rex to that! It's perfect!"

"Me? No, I can't do that."

Unikitty snickered, "Then I'll have to get Rex to ask YOU out instead."

"Unikitty, come on. Don't embarrass me!"

"I'm your best friend! It's my job to embarrass you!"

A knock sounded at the door.

"Your highness, tea is ready."

Marie stood up, pushing in her vanity seat.

"You can join me, but don't you dare steal all my cookies."

"No promises!"

————————————————————————

Rex looked through the contacts on his phone, he pressed a name, before putting the phone to his ear as it automatically dialed the number.

He just had to tell someone about his experience with Marie.

It was short, but now Rex knew for sure that he wanted to try out dating again. He wanted to date Marie.

Rex didn't just feel like it was a crush anymore. It felt like something more. She made Rex's heart so warm and happy.

He definitely felt something like this before. Back when he was a different version of himself.

"Rex." Emmet sounded on the other side of the phone.

"Kid..." Rex started, "Something amazing just happened."

"Oh! Do tell!"

Rex looked out the window, pressing his hand against the glass. "I found someone who's super cool. I...really like her. I...want to date her."

Emmet perked up, "Rex, you did?! I'm so happy for you! Who is she?"

"Well, it's...Marie Stardust."

"Marie Stardust." Emmet paused, "That's Unikitty's friend! The princess! You like her?"

Rex nodded to himself, "I do. She's just so rad. She makes me feel super awesome. She just understands me and she's so...perfect."

"Marie." Emmet smiled, "You know, I had a feeling you'd like her."

"You too, huh? Unikitty thought that from the beginning."

Rex liked the idea of dating, was admittedly a bit nervous about the asking out part of things. He wasn't entirely sure how to go about it.

"I didn't even have to ask Lucy to be my girlfriend, it kind of just happened. How am I going to ask her out? I've never done this before."

"Rex, show some confidence. You have it in you. Ask her out, and if all goes well, ask her if she wants to be your girlfriend."

Rex listened to Emmet's words, thinking.

"She definitely likes me back, right?"

"There's a good chance she does. That's what I think anyway."

Rex was quiet for a moment, straightening up as he walked away from the window.

"I told her everything."

"You...wait, like everything?"

"Yeah, I told her about my past, and what I did. She showed that she cared, she told me I was strong. The strongest person she knew."

"She's right, Rex." Emmet replied.

Rex chuckled, "You're kidding. You said it yourself. I was the weak one."

"You were...but now you've changed. You're dealing with it and finding a way to live in joy without hurting others."

Rex's grip on his phone tightened slightly, as he remembered his greatest fear.

"She won't leave me too...will she? I don't know, the fear still kind of lingers."

"What? No, Rex. If she likes you, then she'll stay with you. Trust me. You won't regret getting into a relationship again. It'll do you some good." Emmet said.

"Okay. Then I'll find some way to ask her out. I just...really want this to work. Being a failure isn't a good look for me."

"You know I'm always wishing you the best of luck, Rex!"

"Thanks, Kid." Rex looked up, "Hey, I gotta feed the raptors but I'll call later. Alright?"

"Yep! I'll be here with Lucy!"

Rex smiled, "Thanks for the talk, Kid."

Rex ended the call, putting his phone into his vest pocket. He thought only for a moment, about Marie and her beautiful smile.

He blushed slightly, feeling a positive energy go through him.

For the first time in a long time, he felt a warm feeling inside his heart. He wasn't going to reject anything this time. He was ready to move forward.