That night, Marie had texted with Rex for a long while. She lay on her bed, as her long hair draped over the side of her silk pale pink bedsheets.

She giggled at his witty responses, and obvious charm. Finally, the two wished each other a goodnight.

Marie blushed, holding her phone to her chest.

"Rex. You're so cute!"

She sat up, putting her pink colored phone on her nightstand. The princess decided to walk out onto her balcony, to enjoy the night sky before bedtime.

Marie examined everything star in the sky. They seemed to shine a little brighter that night.

She hummed, leaning over the balcony. As the wind moved her hair, she daydreamed only of Rex. Her prince. She knew he was the one.

He just had to be.

A sudden knock sounded at her door. Marie turned swiftly, seeing one of her maids enter.

"Hello, Marie. I brought those extra cookies you wanted, but you really shouldn't eat anything this close to bedtime."

The maid placed the plate of sugar cookies on Marie's bedside table.

"And please get inside. It's a chilly night, you'll catch a cold."

Marie sighed, going back inside. She closed and locked the balcony doors behind her.

She then walked over to her bed, sitting down gracefully.

"It's fine, Sarah." She picked up her sketchbook from the edge of the bed, "I'm staying up for a while anyway."

Sarah observed Marie's artwork.

"Who's that?"

"That's me." Marie replied, "I thought I'd practice self portraits."

Sarah shook her head, "No, no."

She grabbed the edge of Marie's sketchbook, pointing at a smaller sketch of Rex. Specifically his side view.

"Him. That looks like Syspocalypstar's defender."

Marie brought her sketchbook to her chest, blushing intensely. "He is..."

Sarah hummed, showing a grin.

"Now, why would you be doodling him? Are you perhaps interested in such a man?"

Marie put her sketchbook aside, "Do you promise you won't tell a soul?"

"I promise, your highness."

Marie nodded, "Yes. He's so perfect. So cute! He could be my prince. My strong, adventurous prince that will break the spell with true love's kiss."

Sarah chuckled, "My, you are lovestruck. I can see how deeply your heart yearns for him."

"It truly does." Marie replied in a soft tone.

"It would be so wonderful if you find a prince. Then you can continue the royal bloodline with childre-"

"Shh!" Marie's blush deepened, "Don't say that. I can't think about that now."

She got flustered with the thoughts of everything leading up to that point.

"I..I think I've found the one. I just need to find an opportunity to go on a date with him, or something." Marie twirled her hair, "He's so charming and he makes my heart so happy."

Sarah showed a smile, "I see. I wish you luck, Princess. You may continue with your art." She bowed, exiting the room.

Marie picked up her pencil and sketchbook, continuing to shade her drawing. The thoughts of Rex still lingered in her mind.

——————————————————————

It was a couple mornings after that day, Rex walked through the downtown area of Syspocalypstar. He had a good sleep, and woke up in a fantastic mood.

He decided that he wanted to go out for coffee this time around. Rex admitted to himself that he missed the store flavor.

He turned his gaze, as he examined the glitter covered streets. The sound of pop music rang out through the city, even early in the morning.

A few people waved to him, and called him out by name along the way. Rex was pretty well known at this point.

His past crimes were never mentioned to the public, so he was only viewed as a good guy with a good reputation.

Rex arrived at the coffee shop, and entered it. It had been recently upgraded and redesigned. Various sweets and smoothie machines lined the place.

It honestly seemed more like a bakery, but the variety suited the style.

Rex patiently stood in line, looking down at his phone as he waited. He quietly hummed to the coffee shop music.

Rex took time to scroll through his text messages with Marie, and he couldn't help but smile. His mood had changed drastically.

His friends would probably usually describe him as more grumpy, especially when he was bored or upset.

Rex was genuinely happy, and he showed it extremely well. He truly believed that the woman he liked would be able to heal his heart entirely.

Rex was really hoping to win Marie over.

He looked up, seeing that it was his turn at the counter. Rex put his phone away, stepping forward. Before he could speak he was interrupted.

"A large coffee with a touch of cream, and twenty five sugars. Right?"

Rex blinked in confusion, looking at the female employee behind the counter.

She knew his coffee order, but Rex knew for a fact that he'd never seen her before.

"Uh, yeah." He replied.

The woman showed a smile, she stared dreamily at Rex. He studied her appearance. She had long bright green hair tied back into a ponytail, and her skin was a very light shade.

"You're Rex Dangervest. I'm your biggest fan!" She exclaimed.

"Oh, that explains the coffee order." Rex said with a nervous smile. "I think..."

"I'm Jade." She introduced herself, staring into his eyes. Rex averted his gaze. For some reason, he felt uncomfortable making eye contact with her.

She noticed his uneasiness, so she turned away, making his coffee for him.

Rex eyed the sweets lined behind the glass along the counter. He did recall in a text message from last night that Marie loved the donuts from here, but never had a chance to go out herself.

Jade placed Rex's coffee in front of him.

"Anything else, sweetie?" She smiled brightly.

Rex looked back at her, "Yeah, actually. I'll take two donuts. A plain glazed, and a strawberry glazed."

"Two?" Jade questioned, visibly tense.

"Yeah, I thought I'd get one for a friend." Rex replied.

Jade gripped the counter, "L-like a girlfriend?"

Rex showed a small smile, "I'm hoping for it."

Jade nails dug into the counter, scraping off a piece of it. She closed her eyes, calming herself.

She turned to the cabinet of desserts, pulling out the two requested donuts flavors, and putting them into a bag.

Jade placed the bag on the counter, but her attitude remained bitter.

"Is that all?"

"Yeah." Rex took out his wallet, "How much?"

"Exactly ten...sweetie..."

Rex slipped the money onto the counter, picking up his coffee in one hand, and the bag of donuts in his other.

"Thanks." He said, before exiting the coffee shop.

Jade clenched her fists, and showed intense anger. She practically shook with it. Her gaze never left the coffee shop door.

"No..." she whispered, "No, you're mine. You were supposed to be mine."

Jade blamed herself for not meeting with Rex earlier, but now it was too late.

He had feelings for another woman. She absolutely despised the situation.

"Who?! Who is it?!"

"Jade, shh!" A nearby employee hushed her.

She sighed, "I'm still at work. I'll have to deal with this later."

————————————————————————

Rex sipped his coffee, scrolling through his social media accounts. He stopped at a nearby outdoor table, which was the perfect place for a rest stop.

He put his coffee cup down, thinking about how much he wanted to see Marie again. He picked up on those thoughts.

"Your past self is showing, Rex." He told himself, "Man, am I really that much in love? I hope I don't zone out while talking to her."

His thoughts were interrupted when an incoming call appeared on his phone.

Rex read the caller ID.

"Unikitty?"

He answered the call, speaking into his phone.

"Unikitty, heya."

"Hello, Rex!" Unikitty giggled, "Guess what!"

"I could make a thousand guesses with you and still not guess right." Rex stated.

Unikitty laughed, "I'm calling because I wanted to invite you to a ball I'm having on Sunday!"

"A ball? Like one of those fancy parties?"

"Yep!" Unikitty sounded, "You're one of the first people in telling about it, because like, you're my super duper best friend. Oh, also...this event would be a pretty nice place to have a date. You know, like Marie."

Rex thought about it, "You really want us together. Don't you?"

Unikitty hummed, "Maybe."

Rex smiled, "Alright, I guess this is my chance to try my luck. I was actually planning to visit Marie this morning. You sent me her address correctly, right?"

"Of course! Also, it's a big pink castle. I'm sure you can't miss it." Unikitty giggled.

Rex laughed with her, "Alright. I got it."

"It's...really nice to hear you in a good mood though." Unikitty said, "I like this happier you."

"You know, I do too." Rex replied, "Thanks for the invite, Unikitty. I'll be there."

"Yay! Thanks, Rex! Bye for now!"

The call ended.

Rex put his phone down, thinking about how he would ask Marie. He's never properly asked anyone out before, but from all the movies he's seen, he had some ideas.

Rex really liked Marie. He had to do this. Unikitty's ball was that weekend. It was now or never.

————————————————————————

Rex rang the doorbell to Marie's castle. He learned that day that castles can actually have doorbells.

The musical chime sounded from inside. He fixed his posture, waiting for the doors to open.

Rex wasn't the most prince-like, but he hoped to appeal to Marie's family. It was the only family she had. He had to be likable.

One of Marie's maids opened the doors, "If you're here to see the princess she- Mr. Dangervest!"

The statement caught the attention of two other maids from behind her. They both looked towards the entrance, surprised to see Rex.

"Hey there." Rex waved, "Is Marie here?"

"Yes. Yes, of course. She's getting dressed right now, just give her a couple more minutes. We'll let her know you're waiting for her."

The maid turned towards the other maids in the area. "Mabel, Aria. Please escort Mr. Dangervest to the lounge room."

Rex stepped in when the maid moved aside, he followed the two others to a dimly lit room. It was pink, like the rest of the castle, but it looked comfortable.

There was a fireplace for the winter, and small bookshelves lining the wall beside it.

"Have a seat, Mr. Dangervest. The princess will join you in a moment."

The maids left the room, leaving Rex alone.

Rex sat on the pink and gold colored couch, observing every detail of the room.

He took a deep breath, "I can do this. I mean, she's totally gonna like me. I have nothing to be worried about."

————————————————————————

Marie pat down her dress, observing the backless design in her mirror. It was one of her favorites, though she was starting to outgrow it a bit.

She adjusted the chest area, "I'm twenty eight. My boobs can't possibly grow more...but it's still gorgeous!"

A knock sounded at her door.

"Come in." Marie welcomed, sitting at her vanity.

Marie turned to the sound of her bedroom door opening. She was surprised to see all her maids at her doorway.

"Goodness! All of you?"

"Princess!" A maid called excitedly, "Rex Dangervest is here to see you!"

Marie blinked, getting the idea. She showed a frown. "Oh, Sarah. I told you not to tell anyone."

"I'm sorry, your highness!" Sarah apologized, "It slipped out."

"What if he wants to ask you to be his girlfriend?!"

"Ah, that would be so cute!"

Marie blushed, "Girls, please. We haven't even gone on a date yet."

"Well, he's obviously here for a reason, your highness. You should go see what he has to say."

Marie thought about it. There was a chance her maids were right. Though, she would never find out if she remained in her bedroom.

"Alright."

Marie stood up from her vanity, "In the lounge room, I'm guessing."

"Yes, your highness."

Marie walked towards the door, watching her maids move out of the way. She turned to them. "Leave us alone. Please."

Marie continued down a few hallways until she reached the lounge room. She gripped the golden door handle, taking a breath.

She finally opened the door, stepping into the room. Rex turned to face her, grinning widely.

"Hey!" He straightened up, "Wow, you look...great."

Marie smiled, blushing slightly "Thank you."

Rex motioned her to sit by him, and she happily did so.

"I brought you something."

Rex pulled out the bag he received at the coffee shop from behind him, leaving Marie puzzled.

"Woah, where'd you have that?" She looked around him. Rex chuckled, handing the bag to her.

"I already ate mine. I just had to get you one. How could I not?"

Marie's eyes lit up, "Rex, you didn't have to."

"Eh, I wanted to."

Marie pulled the strawberry glazed donut out of the bag. She smiled brightly, taking a bite out of it.

"Mmm!" She sounded, "How'd you know strawberry was my favorite?"

"I just guessed. Really."

"Well, you sir, are a very good guesser." Marie giggled.

She took another bite of it, wiping the corner of her mouth after she finished chewing.

"Thank you, Rex! I mean it, you're so sweet!"

Rex observed her. Her cheerful aura always brought up his mood, as if her happiness was contagious.

He knew he could be genuine around her. Rex was completely comfortable in her presence.

"Were you invited to Unikitty's ball too?" He asked.

Marie nodded, "Mmm hmm! I actually helped her pick the theme. Which was good, because she was really about to pick rainbows. Not even pastel ones. Beautiful and colorful, but way too bold."

Rex laughed, "So, what theme did you pick?"

"Fairytale." Marie answered.

"As expected from a kind and sweet princess."

Marie looked over the couch arm, throwing the empty bag in the trash can underneath it. She dusted off her hands to get rid of any donut crumbs.

"I have the perfect dress picked out. It's so beautiful, and poofy! I'll be like a big, shiny, pink cloud!" Marie spoke with excitement.

Rex worked up the courage. He needed to ask her to be his date. He wanted this to work out.

If he wanted to date anyone, he definitely wanted it to be Marie.

"Marie." He called.

Marie turned towards him, "Hmm?"

Rex turned his body slightly towards her. He gently placed his hand over her's. Such strong hands, that were only gentle for one woman.

Marie noticed this, blushing lightly. "Rex?"

"You know..." Rex paused, "Unikitty suggested I bring a date to the ball. I couldn't stop thinking about you since the day I saw you."

"Me?" Marie asked, shocked.

Rex nodded, "I like you, Marie. I really really like you." He confessed.

"Rex, you like me? YOU?"

"Yeah. Why wouldn't I? You're really cute, and super cool!"

Rex held both her hands, bringing her closer.

"Marie, do you want to be my date?"

Marie blinked, "Are you sure you're asking the right woman?"

"I've never been more sure about anything else."

Marie processed Rex's statement. She smiled sincerely, feeling the warmth of his hands.

"I'd love to go with you."

Rex perked up, "Really?"

"Yes, I wanted to ask you the same thing. I just couldn't find the courage."

Rex chuckled, "You're kidding."

"I'm being honest." Marie said, "You're so amazing. You're the strongest, and most wonderful guy I've ever met."

Rex looked down. He felt so much comfort just holding Marie's hands. He begin to imagine her hugs, her kisses, her sweet voice every morning.

He would never be lonely again.

Marie was different, and Rex knew that. He loved her so much because of it.

"Just one question." Marie spoke up, "Why me out of all the women in Syspocalypstar? It seems like we just met."

"I know enough, and there is no one like you." Rex told her, "You're just as cool as me! So, you're absolutely perfect."

Marie shifted her gaze, "But I'm not like you Rex. Look at me. I'm introverted, and soft hearted, gentle."

"And I need someone like that. Someone who I know will be absolutely super cute and loving. You'll balance me out. We'll be a wicked cool pair!"

The two made eye contact, Rex's expression softened. He looked away nervously.

"And you know, if this date goes well maybe we can be...more?"

"More?"

Rex moved closer to her, "Like more than friends. More than best friends."

"Special best friends?" Marie questioned, with a sweet smile.

Rex nodded, "Yeah...I think that would be cool."

Marie eyed Rex, showing genuine happiness in her expression. Rex unconsciously pushed her hair away from her face.

He gently rubbed her cheek with his gloved finger. Her eyes sparkled like stardust, and she leaned closer.

"Rex." Marie's blushed deeply.

The two leaned close to each other, lowering their eyelids. Their lips just inches away from connecting into true love's kiss.

The two of them jumped when the door suddenly flung open with a loud thud as it hit the wall.

Several of Marie's maids fell into the room, and they all started arguing about who pushed their weight into the door, knowing they'd been caught.

Marie pulled away, scratching her tinted cheek.

"Haha, sorry. My family likes to eavesdrop." Marie showed slight agitation, "Which is wrong."

The maids got quiet, moving back out into the hallway.

Marie stood up, "Um, thank you for asking, Rex. I'll definitely be your date."

Rex stood up, looking down at her.

"I'm confident I'll leave a good impression."

Marie clapped her hands together, "I'm arriving super early to help Unikitty decorate. How about you meet me there?"

"Yeah, I can do that."

"Then it's settled! I'll see you Sunday night at Unikitty's place."

"Can't wait." Rex stepped towards the door, "I better go, you probably want to talk to your family. Thanks for accepting. You won't regret it."

"You're welcome. Please be careful heading home."

Rex waved, "See you soon, Marie."

He left, leaving Marie with her maids.

Marie took a deep breath, "I am very upset with all of you."

"We're sorry, your highness." A maid spoke, "Please forgive us."

"We were very curious. We've just been so excited that you're interested in another guy. We were rather convinced you gave up on finding your prince."

Marie thought back to the events that just occurred. She sat back down on the couch, putting her hand near her lips.

"We almost kissed. That's...what that was, right?"

"He loves you, princess! I know he does!"

"Yes! He asked you on that date for a reason. He is certainly in love with you. You should have kissed him. It was our fault for interrupting."

"No." Marie hugged herself, "I couldn't. I have to make sure that it's really true love's kiss. I have to know for sure that he's the one."