My Instagram (I mostly post the digital art on here (unless it's a little too spicy, lol). Overall, Tumblr is my main).
Hello there, fellow human! My name's Vee (as you can see), and I'm a self-taught artist who loves video games and cartoons (both drawing them and playing them... maybe a bit TOO much). Currently a college student just wanting to share my art and writing online cause why not, right? This is where I post artwork and fanfics about Mario and everything else concerning Mario! I do handrawn art (with some digital effects mixed in) and sometimes add color and all that other fancy stuff, usually whenever it's important to... whatever it is I'm doing.
Also, I swear sometimes. Justā¦ throwing that out there.
ALSO alsoā¦ as loud and outspoken as I may appear on here, Iām actually really shy about branching out. So justā¦ bear that in mind š
Headcanons
All headcanons from this blog can be found here: @vees4117-headcanons
I do a lot of these, so be forewarned...
Other Blogs
Scooby Doo Sideblog: @crystalcovechronicles
Legend of Zelda Sideblog: @transmasclink77
Written Works
āļø AO3 Fics
āļø Ficlets
āļø Writing Challenge Prompts/Requests: Basically, if you request something, it can be found here on AO3, depending on the length.
Almost all of these have accompanied drawings that I post on here!
Mario AU's
This is where I go nuts and throw everyone into weird circumstances because it's funny.
Tags:
Veeās Drawings: mah art
Veeās Writing: mah writing
Veeās AUās: mah AUās
Sketchy Sketch: drawings yours truly was too lazy to finishā¦ so sketches!
Vee Rambles: basically me spewing whatever comes to mind. Could be good or bad.
Vee Screams: vent posts. I delete these later, but this is a precaution
Veeās Headcanons: mah headcanons
Vee Shut Up: basically just posts where Iām an all-around idiotā¦ more so than normal
Vee Does Drabbles
Miaw-ho!: cat pics/stuff
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I'm here to do some wholesome things and have fun. I ain't here for debates or arguments.
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Picrews used here:
What's in my bag? by Rainbun
cool punky room maker by Theothernightmareppl
Scene/Emo Character Maker by GAmira
Last thing, hereās the list of tone tags I use ā¤ļø
Soā¦ this is a newly updated luaisy fic I had going back in December. It was originally called The Flower & The Honeybee, but I found that the title didnāt really fit. Thus the name change.
I really enjoyed writing this, so I kept it for a bitā¦ and so now Iām sharing it on here ā¤ļø. Without further adoā¦ here goes :3
(TW: OCD, referenced past trauma, social anxiety)
In the Mushroom Kingdom, the spring is a wondrous occasion.
For many, it signifies the birth of a new year, perhaps one of more prosperity and life than the last. By the time the rains watered the grass and the cherry blossoms bloomed pink, the toads would pray, their crops and flowers would bloom brighter than ever, filling the streets with a rainbow of color for all to see as far beyond the Great Sea.
Truly, a spectacle to behold.
The toads, in all their seemingly endless optimism, would soon toil away in the fields, planting and tending to the very same crops they made their livelihood. The castle gardens were soon ready to bloom by the magic of their own hands. Everything from fresh green spinach to tart rhubarb would soon be hustled away into markets, accompanied by hyacinths and tulips a-plenty.
Yes, for many, on a normal occasion, it would be a joyous time; so many lingering questions of just what the new year would bring.
Howeverā¦ for some, that would not be so, once the first spring arose.
ĖĀ°āā.ą³ąæ*:ļ½„
"Mmmā¦ something smells good in hereā¦!"
Mario's footsteps padded down the stairs, accompanied by his usual sleepy groans as he stretched, his bleary gaze focusing intently on the steaming pan hovering over the hot stove. The fresh scent of eggs wafted through the kitchen, crackling and hissing as they simmered, as well as the buttermilk sweetened pancakes as they, too, nestled in their oil. Glasses clinked and washcloths mopped against the counter before two plates were set in their place.
And in the middle of it all was their gentle caretaker: Luigi.
Adorned in his frilly green apron and fluffy slippers, he worked diligently, keeping his gaze turned toward his craft, perfection guiding his hands. Briefly, he managed to flash his dear brother a kind smile, only for his work to beckon his return.
Diligent as ever.
"I see someone's been working hard this morning, eh?" Mario chuckled, pulling aside a chair with his foot before sitting down, leaning forward on the table with his elbows. "Spoilin' me, aren't you?"
Luigi merely giggled as he placed the pancakes on their respective plates. "Anything for you, b-b-big broā¦"
The scent of maple syrup wafted through the air as Luigi poured the pitcher, perfectly centered. Not a drop was to touch the tops of the eggs, he ensured.
Slow and steady.
Slow. And steady.
"Y-You were up late last night," Luigi commented, setting the plate before his brother. "I take it you s-s-still have those letters to send out?"
Mario simply laughed. "For your information, little brother," he informed, putting on his best 'elegant' voice before shoveling a scrap of pancake in his mouth. "I'll have you know I finished those on Monday! I justā¦ haven'tā¦ mailed 'em out yetā¦ I got other things on the brain!"
"S-So I've heard," Luigi rolled his eyes, poking at his eggs.
For a long silence, the two sat quietly as they engaged in their breakfast. Mario, ever the unruly sort, shoveled as much as he could pick up, savoring every crumb. Luigi, meanwhile, kept calm, slicing piece by piece delicately.
Syrup had a funny way of gluing his fingers, he thought.
He began to dive into his own thoughts once more, briefly recalling his silent conversation before Mario interrupted.
ā¦ what had it been?
Springā¦ definitely spring.
ā¦ yesā¦
ā¦
ā¦ well, he'd have time to think it over laterā
"So whaddo you think?!"
Luigi suddenly snapped out of his thoughts, almost choking on his pancake as he blinked confusedly. As soon as he regained composure, he found Mario staring at him excitedly, syrup staining his face.
ā¦
ā¦ Mama Miaā¦ he'd asked something!
"Umā¦" Luigi hummed his intelligent response, tapping his finger on the table nervously. "Wh-Wh-What were you sayingā¦?"
"The plan," Mario beamed, sitting up in his chair by his knees as he leaned closer. "I was goin' over the plan for today last night! Iā¦ kinda went a little nutty, but we got a lotta ground to cover. Can never be too sure, know what I mean, lil' bro?"
Luigi blinked.
"P-P-Planā¦?"
"Yeah! Peachy came up with the idea to plant those stray piranha plant seeds around the borders, just so we have a first-line defense. She's cute like that, heheā¦ always carries around little seeds of hers!"
"Iā¦ I th-thought the forcefield was 'f-f-first-lineā¦?'"
"ā¦ wellā¦ yeah! But that's inside the forcefield, not out! So it's first-line inside!"
"ā¦ I d-don't think you know what f-f-first-line means, broā¦"
"We're getting off-topic. What I mean is, I'm gonna go out sometime and check on her 'n the toads! They could always use the extra hand these days, and I could always use somethin' to do!"
"Th-That I can believeā"
"So! I was wonderingā¦ maaaaaaaaaaybe you'd like to join me? Just as a brother-to-brother thing? We could hang out, tell jokes, maybe justā¦ oh, I dunno, somethingā¦!"
Luigi bit his lip, his eyes cast downward.
For a moment, he stayed quiet, fiddling with the buttons on his pajama shirt cuffs, brushing his slippered feet against one another. His thoughts raced as he scrambled for an answer, only to fall short the moment he opened his mouth.
Outside, the sounds of the birds and bees seemed to mock him for his silence. For a brief moment, he felt tempted to push himself, only steady his heart rate.
It wasn't a race.
He had time.
ā¦
"T-Todayā¦?" he managed to whisper, glancing up from his bangs to find his brother still smiling at him. "B-B-Butā¦ you've done it a lot, here, latelyā¦"
Mario's cheeks reddened. "Wellā¦ yeah, I know," he chuckled. "That's why I wanted to bring you along. I know it's been a lot with me 'n Peachy beingā¦ wellā¦ y'knowā¦"
"T-Together?"
"Whaā! Hey, thatā"
"Y-You spent t-two years wishin' she was yours, b-b-bro. Not like it's a secret."
"Well, okay, Mr. Smartypants, but that's besides the point! The kingdom's been going through a lot ever since the Star Rod got stolen. Even though everything's back to normal, we still got a lotta toads ā and Peachyā who are still scared of somethin' bad happening. And I'm with 'em!"
"Okayā¦ s-so what's your pointā¦?"
At that, Mario suddenly leaped from his chair and grabbed both of Luigi's hands. With a lopsided smile, he explained, "I want you, Lu. We might be heroes now, but that doesn't mean we gotta let that get in the way of us bein' best buddies! Know what I mean?"
Luigi could only give a small smile.
Who was he to refuse such a thing?
"Wellā¦ I guess th-that makes senseā¦" he murmured, squeezing Mario's hands affectionately. He then looked down at his less than acceptable attire and giggled. "Though, uhā¦ I s-s-still need a showerā¦ th-that okay?"
"Of course! You don't need my permission. I'll just go ahead and get my stuff ready. Go do your thing, yeah?"
"Th-Thanks, Marioā¦"
That was all Luigi needed before he made his way up the creaky steps, his hand finding the railing to keep himself steady as he breathed in.
Along the walls, his and Mario's eyes stared back into his, reflecting adventures that had long-since passed by. Some smiled, ice cream painting their faces; others, still, frolicked among the grass blades, hardly bothering to meet his gaze, except each other's.
A younger Luigi may have looked upon them fondly, he thought to himself. Maybe he should haveā¦
But only the ghosts of lost memories stared back.
He hardly paid mind as he gathered his clothes from his dresser ā standard overalls, soft green sweater, and the woolen red-and-white socks he'd loved ever since Mario bought them ā nor when he turned the knob to the shower, causing steam to permeate every inch of the room with the scent of lavender and lemon. Not even as he stepped under the water could anything bring him down to Earth.
Though as he found his reflection in the tiled walls, he let out a deep sigh, his hand finding his cheek as he allowed his expression to fall.
'Ridiculous,' he thought to himself; Mario deserved to be happy, given all they'd been through in their short time living in the Mushroom Kingdom. If anyone had earned such a thing, surely, it was him.
A year had passedā¦ and so much had changed.
Houses were drawn up, flowers bloomed, and new life stirred among Toad Town as new toadlings sprouted from spores nestled in the dirt.
Plans were drawn and cobblestone streets were paved, nail by nail and board by board. Not a speck was out of place.
The Mushroom Kingdom was in a new era.
ā¦ but where did he fit amidst it all?
ā¦
All too quickly, he chuckled to himself as he shrugged the thought away and began lathering his hands with the scent of fresh greens and citrus.
He was being silly; Mario had invited him, after all.
Just because he'd been involved with the princess just shy of six months didn't mean he'd suddenly become irrelevant!
They'd been together since they took their first breaths. They'd seen each other during their worst moments, through lonely nights curled up in bed, to hospital trips. No amount of love could come between the bond he and his dear brother sharedā¦ not when so much had transpired between them.
Nothing would ever change that.
Eventually, he began to shiver as the warm water came to a chill, prompting him to shut the water off. His teeth chattered as he reached for the towel rack beside him, wrapping himself in the softest towel he could find before stepping out into the steamy room, keeping himself level with the bathmat to prevent puddles as he dried off.
Everything would be fine, he told himself.
It was just another day, like the one before and so on.
Spring was a chance to renew himself, just like the rest of Toad Town. A lot had changed in one year, whether he wanted to believe it, or not. Just because the toads, Mario, and even the princess could breathe easy, didn't mean he couldn't do the same, as well.
He was a hero in his own right, after all.
With that, he hummed to himself as he pulled on his clothes. Before he left the bathroom, however, he cast his foggy reflection within the mirror a small smile.
It would be okay.
~~~
The gardens were quite a sight in springtime bloom.
As soon as the flowers blossomed, it became a vast expanse of colors ranging from the palest pink to deep red. Bees buzzed lazily from each flower, and the grass regained a new sheen of emerald green. Birds twittered from the cherry blossom trees, and bugs scuttled to and fro within the grass blades. Everywhere one looked, there was life teeming in the pollen-heavy air.
The perfect spot to take it all in.
Daisy thought as much as she found respite beneath the giant Peach fountain.
It was a beautiful thing, she'd always believed. It was a perfect replica of the beloved princess, aside from her marble body and polished features. For many, it was a symbol of love from the Mushroom Kingdom itself; a monument to their devotion to their dear ruler.
For Daisy, it merely served as a landmark within the arduous Pink Rose Maze.
She sighed as she took a seat on the platform, setting her journal carefully in her lap as she took out her quill, placing it between her teeth as she brushed her tangled red hair from her face. She'd gone twenty minutes over from her usual time, but it was no matter.
She never could stick to a schedule.
Still, she shrugged her inhibitions aside as the tip of her quill touched the vanilla-scented paper. She sighed once more, imagining all that had come to mind, before she ultimately gave in.
ĖĀ°āā.ą³ąæ*:ļ½„
Peach was right about the sun; it sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
This morning was rather rough, if you ask me. I woke up to the sun shining in my eyes through the curtains. I've been so used to the winter blotting out the sun, it just didn't occur to me. Or maybe I'm a moron.
Breakfast was fun, or so I'd assume. Peach said her cooks were already preparing for the first festival this year, so everything we eat is going to have flowers in it. I'd say it was a nice gesture, but I think it's a waste of a perfectly good flower. Second to pressing them in books. What's the point of taking it from its home just to let it die? That just seems cruel.
Peach was especially in a good mood because her lover's making a trip to the castle. She couldn't stop raving about him last night; she even asked me how she looked in that sundress ā as if I'd know the answer to that.
Good for her, though. At least she's happy.
She says it's for her battle strategy, which is definitely good. You can never have too much of that, unless you want to send your kingdom into an early grave.
But if you ask me, it's just an excuse toā
ĖĀ°āā.ą³ąæ*:ļ½„
"Peachy! Peachy!!!"
Daisy was abruptly ripped away from her thoughts as she jolted, nearly tossing her journal into the fountain. Briefly, she cursed under her breathe before scolding herself inwardly for the transgression. Nevertheless, she willed herself to set her things aside before traversing just inside the maze.
Just as she'd suspected, as she peered through the leaves, there was Princess Peach. She was just as angelic and perfect as she'd been when she brought breakfast to Daisy's room that same morning, the only difference being her attire: a plaid white and pink sundress, a flowered sunhat, green gardening gloves and matching boots, a satin pink ribbon tying her hair back, a rope belt with several patchwork drawstring bags, and a trowel in one hand.
The thing that caught Daisy's eye the most, however, was her smile.
She seemed happyā¦ carefree, even.
Daisy was tempted to pull away, only for the source of the voice to come barreling through the entrance ā the Red Hat Man, as Daisy so often called him. With a childish jump, he dashed towards Peach before crashing into her chest with a hearty giggle, followed by a rather aggressive, yet loving, squeeze, as she cried out in shock.
Now she really wanted to look away.
"Marioā¦!" Peach giggled, returning the hug. "There you are, darlingā¦! I was wondering where you've been all morning! Don't you know it's rude to keep a lady waiting?
The Red Hat Man ā Mario, Daisy reminded herself ā merely blushed, though he seemed unserious as he took his hand in hers. "S-Sorry, principessa," he murmured wryly, though his smile said otherwise. "I meant to come sooner, but I asked Luigi if he'd come with me, and he had stuff to do before we got here. Uhā¦ is itā¦ okayā¦ that he's here?"
Peach raised an eyebrow. "Mario, whatever do you mean?" she asked. "Of course it's okay! The more the merrier! And besides, you know I like his companyā¦!"
"I knowā¦! It's justā¦ this is usually more of a date thing, andā"
"Mario. It doesn't always have to be. Relaxā¦ you and your brother are welcome here forever and always! Now, where might he be?"
"Oh, he's at the shed. Said he had to grab his garden gloves!"
"Ah, very well. How about we get started while he's busy, hm?"
"Works for me!"
Like ants in a terrarium, Daisy watched the two walk hand-in-hand to the garden, exchanging smiles between themselves that seemed to carry secrets only they knew. She couldn't help feeling as though she were a ghost, watching the lives of others pass through her transparent body without a care in the world. She could have joined them any time she wanted to, she knew. There were no chains or ropes holding her in place; she could walk and breathe, just as any normal living creature could.
Surelyā¦ surely, she couldā¦
ā¦
ā¦
ā¦
"Soā¦ piranha plants, yeah?" Mario asked, kneeling in the dirt beside Peach as he pushed his hat up, casting her a lopsided grin. "Aren't they dangerous?"
Peach merely shook her head, smiling to herself as she undid a drawstring bag from her belt. "That's what I'd presumed, myself," she explained as she undid the ties at the top. "Howeverā¦ think of this as a little experiment of mine."
"Experiment?"
"We've only ever seen piranha plants grow where Bowser has control, but never under anyone else. They are intelligent creatures, but they only follow orders given to them, you see?"
"ā¦ noā¦?"
"It's okay, I'll explain." Peach then set the bag in her lap, pushing her bangs from her face as she looked up at the castle thoughtfully. "Think about it this wayā¦ those plants have only known one environment their entire lives."
"Bowser'sā¦?"
"Correct. As such, they only understand what they've been taught: follow orders, attack, and don't ask questions. However, I theorize here, when given the chance to grow someplace they don't need to do that, they might not turn out quite as nasty."
"Ahā¦ I think I see what ya meanā¦ so if you're the one growin' emā¦ they'll be nice?"
"Well, no, not quite," Peach began digging in the dirt with her trowel. "It's ultimately up to them, just like any other creature. I'm simply here to feed and water them."
With a gentle flourish, Peach took up her drawstring bag, sprinkling what appeared to be seeds into her palm. Gingerly, she laid them in the dark dirt before patting the soil in place, all while Mario watched in starstruck awe, to which Daisy couldn't help chuckling to herself.
Peach was always so kindā¦ too kind, if she were being honest.
ā¦ though she loved the little things.
Even if they were insignificantā¦
"Peachyā¦ you could grow a car from a tire, y'know thatā¦?" Mario beamed, sidling closer as he placed a hand on her hip. "Mama miaā¦ how'd a guy like me get to be so lucky with someone as cute as you, eh?"
"Oh, stop it, youā¦!" Peach scoffed playfully, a hint of pink tinging her cheeks as she reached for her watering can by the shrubbery.
"Whaaaaaaat, it's the truth!" Mario laughed, shaking her shoulders lovingly as he planted a kiss on her neck. "Out of all the girls in the kingdom, you're by far the prettiest peach I ever laid eyes onā¦!"
"You're sick."
Daisy's eyebrows furrowed as she witnessed the sight, a knot in her stomach forming as she quickly averted her gaze. She wanted to return to her respite by the fountain, but her legs refused to move, even as her hands trembled where they held the maze leaves apart.
And she would have done so, untilā
"Ah! Luigiā¦!" Mario suddenly cried out, hopping to his feet.
It was then Daisy spotted a peculiar figure shyly coming through the entrance ā a man similar in appearance to Mario. However, she noted curiously, he was distinctly taller.
And skinnier.
And green.
Strangely, he seemed to lack much of Mario's bravado and enthusiasm; if she were to wager a guess, judging by his downcast gaze and him tugging at his gloves, he had to have been the mysterious Luigi she'd heard of. He wasn't particularly remarkable, though from the way Mario smiled and rushed towards him, she was tempted otherwise.
"Iā¦ I hope I'm not in-interrupting anythingā¦" Luigi spoke just barely above a whisper as Mario greeted him with a side hug. "S-Sorry I took so longā¦"
Mario laughed. "Don't be silly, little bro!" he reassured, leading him to the plot of land. "We were just gettin' started, weren't we, Peachy?"
Peach nodded, setting down her trowel. "Mhmā¦! There's still a lot more seeds to go. If anything, you're right on time! Would you like to do the next one?"
Luigi blushed pink. "Iā¦ I d-d-don'tā¦ you sureā¦?"
"Of course, sweetie!" Peach smiled, ushering him closer. "Here. I saved the next one. Go ahead and give it a try. You know what to do, remember?"
At that, Luigi perked up a bit.
Daisy watched curiously as the green plumber methodically pawed his way through the dirt with the trowel. His expression suddenly shifted, much like her own when she focused intently on her journal; it was as if he were mapping out every inch of earth beneath his hands, placing each seed in its own tiny bed. It was almost calming to watch.
In due time, Mario and Peach joined in, each providing their own techniques. While Peach was steady and graceful, Mario tossed dirt every which way until his hands were coated black. Daisy nearly had to stifle a laugh at the sight.
For half a second, she imagined herself beside them.
The four of them, planting in harmony.
Happy.
ā¦
It was a ridiculous thought, but a lovely one, nonetheless.
However, she then noticed something odd. Each time Mario and Peach's plots grew closer to one another's, they grew briefly distracted, laughing awkwardly before quickly returning to their task.
Daisy couldn't help rolling her eyes.
She began to count the seconds internally, knowing where it would all lead.
And as sure as the stars shone above, they proved her correct.
Mario and Peach began exchanging longer glances between themselves, their eyes shimmering with adoration and closeness. The gardens seemingly evaporated around them as their hands inched closer. Mario's guided Peach's trowel into the dirt, and Peach wiped dirt from his face.
But ever so slightly, they drifted far from the earth.
Just as they had done upon their first meet, they took each others' hand. Their eyes focused only on their own, their faces tinging red. She watched numbly as Mario's hand caressed the side of her face, and her nuzzling her nose against his.
Had she not watched them, she would have presumed this was all an elaborate date between just the two of them.
And judging by Luigi's crestfallen expression as he paused his ministrations, she wasn't alone on the matter.
It was near sickening.
"Hoo, well, I'm gonna go in for a bit," Mario finally stood, wiping the sweat from his brow. "It's gettin' a little hot out here, yeah?"
"I would agree," Peach blushed, glancing up at the sky before joining him. "Feel free to drink something, darling. Ohā¦ andā¦ would you care to look after the Toad Brigade? I've been meaning to meet with them, but I haven't had much time."
"Say no more, principessa."
With that, Mario took off running towards the castle, fanning his sweating face with his hat. Peach, on the other hand, sighed, dusting her skirt off before leaving toward the entrance. And in the midst of it all, Luigi was seemingly abandoned, though he seemed not to mind too much as he continued onā¦ albeit much slower than before.
Nevertheless, Daisy found herself relieved as she pushed the maze leaves back into place. She'd wasted too much time in the garden enough as it was with her foolishness.
However, just as she returned to the fountain, she jumped as she was met by a familiar figure.
"Oh!"
Daisy stumbled back, her heel twisting against the polished marble pathway before she reoriented herself, feeling her heart racing. Though as she looked up, she held back a sigh.
Sure enough, there was Peach.
"I-I'm sorry!" Peach apologized, clutching her heart as her eyes darted wildly toward the mazes. "Iā¦ I didn't realize you were out here, Daisyā¦!"
Daisy merely nodded, mumbling noncommittally as she once more brushed her bangs from her eyes. "ā¦ I came to journal," she finally spoke, trying to keep her voice as low and monotone as possible. "I do that every ten strokes of the clock tower.
Peach blushed.
"Ohā¦ r-right," she smiled awkwardly. "I forgot about thatā¦"
Daisy could only shake her head.
Of courseā¦
She bit her tongue as she glanced back at Peach, who had now fully composed herselfā¦ as always. She looked so radiant by the fountain with her marble doppelganger, despite her dirt-covered knees and loosened ponytail.
The sun seemed to entice the idea as it shone upon her golden hair, giving her the appearance of an angel.
Daisy could hardly contain herself as she looked away, biting her lip as she scolded herself for thinking such thoughts.
She was here for one reason, and one reason only, after all.
"Umā¦" she hummed awkwardly, her eyes finding her journal still perched upon the ledge of the fountain. "Iā¦ I'll justā¦ go back in. I don't want to bother you."
"That'sā¦ that'sā¦" Peach stammered, clutching both hands to her chest.
She needn't answer.
She never did.
Just as always, Daisy sighed to herself before grabbing her journal and quill, keeping her eyes trailed to whatever kept her gaze from meeting Peach's. She was more than ready to be done with these gardens until dawn broke once more.
However, before she could leave, Peach urgently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Wait."
Awkwardly, Daisy turnedā¦ only to find her staring back at her longingly.
Oddā¦
For a long time, Peach stayed quiet, biting her lip as she seemingly mulled over her words. All the while, Daisy could only count down the seconds she wasn't inside her room ā her home.
She was even tempted to leave once more, until Peach broke her silence.
"I'veā¦ I've been meaning to talk to you," she murmured, her voice just barely above a whisper. "I've been worried about you, latelyā¦"
Daisy raised an eyebrow.
"ā¦ why?" she asked. "You have other stuff to worry about besides me."
Peach's cheeks flushed. "Well, I know," she protested, fiddling with her skirt with her other hand. "Butā¦ I have other duties outside of just being a princess, you knowā¦"
"ā¦ and that isā¦?"
"Being there for my best friend?" Peach smiled crookedly up at Daisy. "You've been here for nearly half a year, and we hardly speak, unless I'm the one doing the talkingā¦"
There it wasā¦
Daisy could only sigh, shaking her head as she glanced down at her journal, resisting the urge to push her bangs from her face. "I told you already," she explained, gripping the paper tighter. "There's not much I really can say. I'm happy where I'm at. I just want some peace and quiet."
"I knowā¦ you've been saying that for six months," Peach sighed in frustration. "Lookā¦ Daisyā¦ I know what happened in Sarasaland was awfulā¦ truly. But I sent workers there to fix the kingdom, and it's nearly back to where it was."
"Okayā¦ thanksā¦?"
"So my question isā¦ why don't you want to go backā¦?"
Daisy's brows furrowed.
"I-I-I just want to make sure you're okayā¦!" Peach quickly added, holding her hands up in defense. "I'd be more than happy to let you stay here for as long as you need, butā¦ I worry, sometimesā¦"
"Well, you worry too muchā¦" Daisy murmured, biting the inside of her cheek. "I'm okayā¦ justā¦ just trying to make things easier, okay? It's not that difficult."
At that, Peach's face fell.
"ā¦ I seeā¦"
Almost immediately, Daisy felt guilty for her bluntness.
Peach never meant any harm, truly. Sure, she tended to be a tad naiive at times, but she still cared deeply, whether it was her kingdom, Mario, orā¦
ā¦
ā¦
ā¦
"How'sā¦ the Toad Brigade?" Daisy asked, keeping her eyes away from Peach's. "You wereā¦ you were telling me about them over at breakfastā¦"
That seemed to cheer her up.
"Ohā¦ them?" Peach asked, her tone slightly lighter. "It's just standard precautionā¦ we want to be as prepared as possible, ever since the Upheaval."
"Understandable."
Peach's shoulders drooped. "Butā¦ I'm worried about them," she admitted, exhaustion creeping in her voice. "They're a lovely sort, butā¦ they don'tā¦ umā¦"
"Act like guardians?"
"Yes! Exactly that!" Peach blushed, smiling to herself. "Of course, that's not to say that they aren't doing their bestā¦ they are! I believe in them! But I worry for when a real threat comes, you knowā¦? They're good at defending themselves in practice, but they still flee whenever there's the slightest bit of troubleā¦"
"That figuresā¦"
"Oh, you have no ideaā¦" Peach sighed, holding her elbows. "I just wish there was some way to get through to them, just so they would be motivated. I don't want them to be scared all the timeā¦"
No sooner than she said that, she suddenly stiffened, much to Daisy's confusion.
Warily, she glanced upā¦ only to find Peach's eyes widened in shock, and a slow smile spreading across her face.
"ā¦ Peachā¦?" she managed to ask.
"Daisy!" Peach suddenly shrieked, briefly covering her mouth in embarrassment. "Daisyā¦ darlingā¦ I have a requestā¦ perhaps you could train them at some point?"
Daisy's heart nearly stopped.
"What?"
"J-Just as a one-time thing, that's all!" Peach reassured. "I know it's not what you usually do, butā¦ it could potentially help them! You're a strong warrior, and you'd be perfectā¦!"
Daisy could feel her throat going dry.
"P-Peach, I don't thinkā"
"You don't have to do it if you don't want to!" Peach quickly added. "I would never force you into it! Butā¦ I still think you would do incredible!"
"Peachā"
"Justā¦ consider itā¦?" Peach finished, her voice growing soft. "You don't have to do it if you're uncomfortable. I justā¦ I thought it might give you something to do. I know you've wanted thatā"
Daisy's ears reddened.
"āyou don't have to give me an answer now. I won't push. But justā¦ it's always there if you want itā¦ okay?"
At that, Daisy bit her lip.
It certainly was a change from her usual routine, if she were being honest. It had taken her nearly three months to step foot from inside the castle halls, and even longer into the gardens. She knew the whispers circulating about her presence from passerbys.
The ghost of the castle.
Perhaps a fitting name, yet a lonely life.
ā¦
ā¦
ā¦
Perhapsā¦ some good could come of itā¦?
Daisy finally cleared her throat, tugging at her glove as her gaze met Peach's at last. She could hear her heart beating in her ears, her blood spikingā¦ but all the same, she remained still.
Sorry for this being almost a month late. These past few weeks have been... more than emotionally taxing. I'm feeling okay enough to write coherently and just relax for a little bit, so... that's why I'm here!
That all to say... lezz get into dese :)
Also, huge shoutout to @rychtygluigi for the suggestion of portraits for these; apologies for not doing so earlier š
(TW: homophobia, capitalism, family conflict, depression, potential divorce, relationship issues)
So right off the bat, Arthur was born on the same day as his twin brother, Tony (November 19, 1977 (obvi)), except he's the younger of the two.
Growing up, Arthur was the polar opposite of his brother. While Tony preferred to enjoy his childhood as much as possible, Arthur was always knee-deep in whatever he could find to keep himself busy. Admittedly, he wasn't a fan of his living situation. As such, he was determined to get as far away from it as possible.
He became a carbon copy of Pio. He'd often accompany Pio on his paper routes or swept street corners just for extra money... all at the behest of his brother and parents who just wanted him to be a kid.
Thankfully, he did have a few breaks in between. He was an avid sports fan, and would sometimes dream about being a star basketball player. He'd spend hours playing with his brothers in the school courtyard; granted, he struggled due to his height, but he showed the both of them once he hit his growth spurt.
Nevertheless, Arthur insisted that he knew better than all of them. Unlike all of them, he was gonna make a name for himself.
... except he took it to the extreme.
He was a child prodigy in school, often performing the best in class and winning multiple awards, particularly in mathematics. As such, he had it in mind that he was going to be an accountant when he got older, and he even planned his life around it just as much. Eventually, that was all he could focus on, getting rid of most of his other hobbies... including basketball.
Admittedlyā¦ he was a little stuck-up, thinking he was smarter than his brothers for pursuing a more "prestigious" job, which he'd constantly remind them ofā¦ much to their utter annoyance.
While Pio did admire his work ethic, he'd get really annoyed by his brother pushing himself too hard when there really was no need. He knew what it felt like to be in work-mode, and he'd rather his brother experience that when he was at an older age. They'd often get into fights, which only worsened once Pio eventually dropped out of school for his job.
Sadly, Tony wasn't any better. They never got along, and it only got worse when Tony came out to Arthur. At the time, he went along with whatever the media had to say about being "an upstanding citizen." And... considering this was the 80s, you can probably guess what that meant.
Needless to say, when Tony left home after dropping out, Arthur wasn't exactly jumping up to find him.
Home became a lonely place for Arthur over time. When he wasn't constantly arguing with his family, he was either holed up in his room studying or outside at the library or walking around the basketball court. He always felt guilty for not being close, but he told himself that he was different from them... they'd understand that, in time.
And then he met Marie.
She was relatively new to Brooklyn, originating from Chicago. Like him, she was also fairly gifted, though not as stuck-up. She had plans of going into cosmetology.
The two met when they were still in high school (his junior year, and her sophomore). He thought her career choice was... unorthodox. Though he couldn't deny that she had a talent with it, and it made her happy to do! So, for the most part, he shrugged it off.
She was one of the few people to get through to him, calling out his behavior when he acted up, though he didn't take it much to heart. Still, he respected her viewpoint on things, and he could sit and listen to her talk about her hobbies for hours.
And... sit next to her...
... maybe watch a movie...
... so much more.
They stayed together throughout high school, and were even dubbed "cutest couple" of their graduating year, something the both of them thought was ridiculous. He ended up giving her a promise ring at graduationā¦ and then later married her at 21!
He never wanted her to meet his family, stating that they weren't the kind of people she'd want to be around (although she had some thoughts on that). He even moved out and got an apartment just for the two of them, just so they would be as far away as possible. Sure, he made time to visit, even meeting baby Mario and Luigi when they were born, but that was it.
Things were going perfect, in his mind. Sure, he had to wait to start college as money was tight, but that wasn't a big problem! Soon, he and Marie would move out to NYC and they'd have a rich life together!
ā¦ until Marie got pregnant.
To say that threw a wrench in his plans was an understatement.
They'd only been married for three years, and things were already stressful as they were still struggling to make ends meet all by themselves, not to mention their savings for college was... less than ideal.
But seeing that positive test, he could already see his college fund going down the drainā¦ along with everything else.
He and Marie fought pretty heavily during that time, almost to where they considered divorcing (they couldn't due to the cost). Eventually, Marie kicked him out of the apartment, all ready to raise their baby alone if she had to. And Arthur, for the first time in his life... had no direction.
So he headed back home.
He came to the doorstep a changed man. He hardly said a word when he was welcomed inside; for all he knew, everyone had been harboring resentment... and at that point, he didn't care anymore. Not when he'd lost so much.
For the first week there, he mainly just stayed holed up in his old bedroom, refusing to speak to anyone. Occasionally, he'd go out and play with Mario and Luigi (who were three-years-old at this point), but eventually, it grew too painful, especially when he became reminded of what he'd inevitably have in just a few months.
It took a while, but thankfully, Pio managed to knock some sense into him (albeit gently). He and Arthur had a long talk one night out on the porch steps, which cleared up a lot of thingsā¦ and it even made him realize a few things about himself.
He never actually wanted to be an accountant
He was just doing what he thought was expected of him.
Being surrounded by so many sources reinforcing his life would be meaningless without a proper job... it scared him. But the more he thought about his life in that position, the lonelier it felt when he could only picture himself at the top.
... the truth was... he loved Marieā¦ way more than he'd let himself believe.
He never really appreciated his vows when he made them, nor for how strong and independent she'd been. And all the while, she supported him in whatever endeavors he wanted to pursue. And most importantly, he found... he wanted to have kids with herā¦ and he was happy to have called her his wife.
The thought of not knowing where to go scared him, but he didn't want to just give up altogether, or end up living a life that just wasn't for him.
It took some time, but he eventually got a job working at Coney Island as a concession stand attendee, and later as a basketball coach at the local high school. Sure, it wasn't the lavish job he imagined for himself, but it didn't matter... he was happy!
And, eventually, after a long talk he even got back with Marieā¦ and welcomed their oldest son, Stanley, a few months later ā¤ļø
In the present day, Arthur's a sports guy (obviously). When the bros were younger, he and Tony made it their mission to teach them EVERY sport imaginable during the summers. They... later regretted that when little Mario wanted to kick EVERYTHING in sight.
He's softened up a lot more since Stanley's birth, but especially so when Marilyn (born 6 years later) was born. He's a good dad, despite being pretty strict and sometimes grumpy. Sometimes, when he'd come home from work, he'd play baseball and video games with them (he's not particularly good at them, but he enjoys them well enough). Marilyn manages to crush him every time though.
Every. Time.
He's also managed to mend his relationships with the rest of his family by A LOT. Things really helped when he and Marie moved back in with them, much to their delight (and Marie's satisfaction as she'd always wanted to meet them).
They're by no means perfect, ofc; him and Tony don't have a close relationship, and he still occasionally bickers with Pio, but it's a far-cry from where they used to be.
And besides, every year, he manages to snag free tickets to Coney Island for the family whenever they get the chance to go.
He's also lessened up on his homophobia. When the bros (and later on, Marilyn) came out, he changed his tune, deciding he loved his niblings and kids more than whatever shit the world said. He's not perfect by any means; he doesn't understand what being nonbinary means, and he had to read several articles to understand what aroace meant when Marilyn came out. But he still tries.
He also loves his wife. Not as much as Mia and Pio, but he's pretty darn close. The two of them bicker a bit (usually because of Arthur's stubbornness), but at the end of the day, he's willing to go to bat for her, and he'd be damned if anyone hurt her.
Plus, he can make a pretty good jalapeno casserole (he learned it just for her after she told him it was her favorite foodā¦ he absolutely hates it though)
Soā¦ I am at my momās house, but only temporarily, just until I can get some professional help
I am still gonna live with my dad, just to finish up on my degree. Iām in my final semester and Iām close to graduating, andā¦ we had a long talk about all of this close to the end
I told my dad pretty much EVERYTHING Iāve been feeling. While he wasnāt the most receptive, he did at least agree to get me into therapyā¦ and he even said he would do it too. Iām not sure how much faith Iād put on that, but at the very least, Iām glad that IM getting help.
Iāve needed it for a long time; I thought itād be unattainable for a whileā¦ and here we are :)
Thereās still a lot that needs to be done, but for the time beingā¦ Iām safe. Iām in a place where I feel safe and comfortable. The plan I have currently is also something thatāll benefit me long-term in the endā¦ and Iāll be better equipped to handle it
I finally got my license inā¦ Iām crying right now. I leave this place on Tuesday. It doesnāt even feel real š„¹
Nowā¦ I will be taking a short break from here so I have time to get done with the rest of my packing and enjoy the rest of my time here. Iāll send updates once Iām at my momās
