Of Sweet Scents & Amorè
Aw-right... fanfic time ❤️
This one's gonna be a little different as it's a birthday fic... specifically for the kingqueen himself, and certified Mareach expert: @peaches2217!!!
CW: Post-partum depression (dw Mario is a good husband and he's gonna try and make things better 😅❤️)
AO3 link is up at the top. Here's the Tumblr post ❤️
The fresh scent of lavender mixed with vanilla filled Mario's senses as he stepped into the shop, adjusting his hold on the straps on his shoulders. Behind him, the gentle tinkling of the bell faded into silence, quickly interrupted by the soft buzzing of fellow shoppers as they went about their daily routines just as he was. On one end, he could see a mother sniffing the many rainbow-colored candles stacked upon the shelves, sometimes granting them a pleased expression or grimacing. On the other end, two teenage toads rubbed colorful lotions onto one another, mumbling critiques about the scents. All the while, his eyes wandered off to the many others circulating him… all of them ignoring him in the vast sea.
Everyone around him seemed so at ease, wrapped in their own lives. It made him feel a little... far away, somehow. He was doing everything he could, just like them… and yet, it never felt like enough.
Thankfully, he was pulled from his thoughts as a gentle cooing noise came about, accompanied by a firm tug on his mustache.
Chuckling to himself, he glanced down at his chest to find an identical pair of sapphires staring back at him. A slow smile stretched over his features as he adjusted the pink hat shielding her from the sun.
His little Cocoa…
"Sei il mio piccolo raggio di sole, lo sai?" he whispered, tracing her freckles like constellations. In return, she waved her tiny hands at him excitedly, clearly more enamored by his presence than anything else.
Just as he was beginning to enjoy himself, the sound of booted footsteps approached. A flash of pink caught his eye as a tall figure strutted into view, one hand resting on a wide-brimmed beige sun hat as they cast him a knowing look behind their dark sunglasses. "You're th-th-thinking about Peach again, y-yeah?"
Mario sighed as he rubbed his little girl's back from within the carrier while she giggled, reaching out to her favorite untie. "Yeah… I worry about her, Luigi. I wanna make sure she knows I still think she's the most special principessa in all the kingdom…"
"That's queen, b-b-bro," Luigi corrected, adjusting his sunglasses. "And you've got nothing to worry about. She pretty much has it m-made for her with y-you there."
"Psh… thanks, bro. But seriously… she deserves the best. And only the best. You know what I mean?"
"U-Unfortunately, yes."
"Rude."
"J-J-Just don't start any fires, okay?" He then kneeled just slightly to meet Cocoa's gaze as she giggled cheerily upon seeing her untie. Lovingly, he took her tiny hand in his palm, adjusting her hat slightly. "Th-Th-Think of Polpetta."
"Bro, I always think of my little Polpetta."
"J-Just making sure you're a-aware."
To that, Mario merely waved him off before trudging onwards past a selection of brightly colored lotion bottles. All the while, he ensured that Cocoa kept her hands to herself, whispering to her gently. He rarely brought her out into the public like this, especially with Peach in such a state. From the many dangers that lurked about, to his misgivings, he dared not risk it, a rarity for him. She was his very life, after all! She was the most beautiful being, for she shared a part of him and the woman he was proud to proclaim as the love of his life.
The mere thought of his queen brought a red bloom to his cheeks as he sifted through the wicker basket beside the shelves, containing oodles of pink fabrics and plushes galore…
She would love it here…
"You’re b-b-buying the whole shop, huh?"
Mario jumped as Luigi spoke up, swiftly turning around to find his younger sibling standing nearby, raising an eyebrow as he tilted his sunglasses downward. In response, he rolled his eyes as he picked up a cream-colored lotion named Vanilla Romance in sparkling bronze letters. "Of course I'm not buying the store, Lu. What do you take me for?"
"Seems like s-s-something you'd do," Luigi retorted, rubbing little Cocoa's curly brown hair as she reached for him. "I kn-know you. Y-Y-You'd buy the m-m-moon if it meant making Peach happy, wouldn't ya?"
"No…! I… yes… I mean…! Ugh, why am I even talking about this with you?! Go back to your berries and flowers, will ya?"
"Psh, g-g-gladly, Sandalwood Sam."
With that, Luigi began to walk off, smirking over his silly joke. However, Mario could tell that he was watching him and Cocoa, even as he browsed the selection of watermelons and chrysanthemum bottles, all neatly stacked upon the shelves and stands. He couldn't fault Luigi for it; he was the reason he was standing here amidst the many fragrances enveloping him.
What began as a simple talk over Peach's recent troubles since having Cocoa, Luigi soon suggested visiting one of the many shops they had frequented ("For old time's sake!" as he eloquently put it). As much as Mario wished he could have paid Spores & Scents a visit, he preferred his beloved brother to have a pulse. Besides, he knew Peach would have his head for it; they had been so careful with their scent collections ever since Cocoa came to be.
Thus, Petal Path Apothecary it was.
He knew it wasn't either of their faults, however. He loved Cocoa more than anything else, other than his lovely Peach. Still, he wished he could give her the things he knew she treasured most…
It was no secret that Peach hadn't exactly been herself since Cocoa was born. Of course, he wasn't one to judge; the long months Peach carried their little star were some of the happiest, but also stressful. From nights of horrid morning sickness to her many emotional outbursts at the slightest drawback, he knew not to judge. She had been a brave warrior to carry their baby, giving it her all to ensure Cocoa had arrived in a scene of utmost love and affection… just as they had always hoped for.
Looking down at the carrier, he let out a soft sigh, seeing Cocoa snuggling sleepily against his chest, her tiny puffs of air warming his chest ever so slightly.
It wasn't fair… it just… wasn't fair.
He knew Peach loved Cocoa just as fiercely—but something about the way she moved, the silence in her eyes… it haunted him.
She hadn't smiled in weeks… not really. Those painted expressions, while beautiful, couldn't fool him.
It was as if he were staring at a porcelain doll…
Beautiful…
Delicate…
… Lifeless…
With his minimal knowledge of pregnancies, he told himself it was merely exhaustion. Neither had slept fully in days, not when Cocoa was still so young. She was still a baby… a baby who needed so much love and attention, something the two of them were happy to provide. But even then… he knew it wasn't that. It wasn't that at all.
Over the next few weeks, he found that she had begun to sleep longer than usual. She used to adore waking up just as the first light of dawn breached the mountain peaks, and always with a smile. Now… it was a rarity that she was awake earlier than him, and he despised mornings!
Then, her meals began to wane, going half-eaten…
She grew quieter…
She appeared… duller…
She had changed from a lively, glowing princess to a ghost in her castle. She hardly left anywhere besides their bedroom or Cocoa's nursery. She didn't appear to want to do much of anything these days… and it worried him greatly.
Once, he mustered the courage to gently ask as she lay lifeless in bed, "Peachy… are you okay…?"
And just like always… she gave him that sad painted smile and replied softly, "I'm fine, my darling… just tired…"
He knew it wasn't the whole truth…
And now, here he stood. Knee-deep in a flower-scented room filled with many colors and fragrances, his little girl strapped to his chest in her carrier, and his little brother standing off to the side to supervise his purchases, all the while hoping a nice bubble bath and lotion could fix his wife's frayed heart. It was silly, he knew… but his Peach used to love these things.
He glanced down at Cocoa again, seeing her staring up at him, the tiredness never leaving her beautiful blue eyes. He couldn't help but smile.
"You know something, Polpetta…?" he murmured, brushing one of her curls away from her face. "Your mama used to love all these kinda soaps. And… I can't say I blame her…!"
He jokingly gestured to the shelf behind him, gazing at the rows of pastel-colored soaps all aligned in plastic-wrapped packages within their baskets. Each sat in its place, not one straying. Blueberry Parade read one, Oranges in May another. Which one, which one…
"She used to talk about giving you her special ones when you were born… yeah, just seeing which ones you liked," he continued, picking up a pink and cream colored soap named Peach Petal Bliss. She used to keep one like that by her nightstand, he recalled sadly. "She loves you so so much, y'know that?"
Cocoa let out a soft coo, kicking her little foot in response. Smiling, he kissed her forehead before continuing onward, gazing around at the lotions behind him. He couldn't decide which one his dear Peach could use…
None of it was enough…
"But… the sad thing is… now she looks at herself like she's not even there," he sighed, seeing one of the papers by the door with her beautiful visage plastered on the cover. Just like at the castle… porcelain. "I know she loves you… but it seems like being a mama took everything else from her. I… I dunno what to do, Cocoa…"
When he glanced down at his little one again, he found that she had fallen asleep amidst his monologing, much to his amusement. Thus, he reached down to wrap the small pink blanket over her shoulders.
If there was any consolation in this mess… at least she was relaxed.
"Excuse me, Your Majesty?"
Mario jumped slightly upon hearing an unfamiliar voice at his feet. As soon as he turned to the source, he sighed with relief. He released his strong grip around Cocoa, allowing her to relax against his chest. Standing there was one of the store clerks. Seeing his eyes widen in surprise, they held up their hands, mildly amusing him.
"Hoo… Mama Mia… you scared me there," he chuckled lightheartedly, pressing a hand over his heart as he laughed it off.
"My apologies, Your Majesty!" they lamented, laughing nervously. "I couldn't help noticing you looking around this section quite intently. Was there something you were looking for?"
Where to start?
Mario bit his lip embarrassedly, not wanting to admit he had hardly paid any notice to buying anything yet. "Erm… k-kinda… I'm looking for something that'll make a good gift for my wife. Just can't decide which would do her right… y'know?"
The store clerk smiled gently. "Ah… I see what you mean, Your Majesty. The queen certainly does deserve the finest! I could show you some of our more luxurious products in the back, if you'd like. We might even find something to suit the young princess!"
Before Mario could open his mouth, Luigi strutted over, holding part of his skirt like a maiden as he joined Mario at his side. "Wh-What's the p-p-p-prices?"
"Oh! Your Grace! I… hadn't noticed you…" the store clerk blushed furiously. "Not to worry, however. We also have a selection of affordable products that should suit you nicely, if you would like that."
Luigi nodded politely. "Th-That'll do."
Mario rolled his eyes at Luigi's insistence, but began to follow along, stroking Cocoa's soft curls as she nestled against his warm chest. Next to him, Luigi smiled gently, seeing the young princess relaxing.
He was taken to a pyramid display of flower and mushroom-shaped bath bombs, multicolored lotions, rainbow soaps, and other niceties. His eyes practically left their sockets as he tried to take it all in; the scents and sights were something out of a whimsical fairytale, almost as if the universe itself were showing him its secrets. To top it off, above the display was a pink-printed sign reading Royal Reserve.
"Well…?" the clerk smiled proudly. "What do you think?"
"It's… It's beautiful…!" Mario gushed, holding Cocoa close as she snuffled sleepily.
"I'm happy to hear, Your Majesty!" They then strode to one of the stacks and held up a glass bottle filled with shimmering pink liquid. If Mario hadn't known any better, he would have proclaimed it a magic potion, he thought jokingly. "This one is our most bought product. Limited edition. Peach blossom and stardust. Very elegant. Very exclusive. Perfect for a queen…!"
"Whoa…" Mario sighed. "It's so… sparkly…!"
"That's the stardust in the works," the clerk winked. They swirled the bottle around, making the liquid sparkle even more, much to Mario's amazement. "It's a nice soap… and it'll leave your skin sparkling afterward!"
"I love it…!" Mario whispered, entranced by the shimmer. "What do you think, Polpetta? You think Mama would like it?"
Cocoa merely sighed against his chest as she slept.
Luigi, however, was unfazed.
"M-Mario," he stated flatly as he leaned down to inspect the price tag. "It's 4,300 c-c-coins. F-For soap."
"Yeah, but… lookit, Luigi! It sparkles!" Mario whispered again, his eyes shining just as bright as the soap.
"Four… th-th-thousand… th-three… h-hundred… c-c-coins," Luigi repeated slowly.
Mario was about to protest when the store clerk announced, "If that's a problem, we have a nice selection of other products that'll do you perfectly!" They held up a similar shimmering bottle filled with orange liquid. It appeared identical, aside from the price: 2,100 coins.
"Ah… I dunno… that one looks good, too…" Mario whined, internally debating between the two.
"M-M-Mario, we can't buy s-s-something that expensive! We agreed to just 2,000 coins."
"Can't we-
"No."
With a sigh, Mario relented, thanking the clerk for the offer before walking away.
He couldn't help but glare at Luigi, though he knew it wasn't his fault. Still, the sight of Peach lying miserably in bed as the sun set broke his heart… why couldn't he understand?
He glanced again at the display behind him. Sure, it was expensive, but Peach deserved the finest coins could buy! Hell, more than that! The world! He would have jumped at the opportunity to obtain all that her heart desired… so long as the beautiful wife he knew would return to him.
To Cocoa…
To the kingdom…
Anything so that she wouldn't feel so broken anymore…
As they found the cheaper section of the shop, Mario began to pull away from Luigi, staring at the less luxurious soaps before him. It wasn’t the same — no stardust, sparkle, or magic. How could Luigi do this to him? How could Luigi do this to him? It wasn't as if they were scrounging for money… Mario was wed to the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom! And Luigi had an endless allowance from his dear fiancée Peasley! Couldn't he see how much this all meant to him?
Didn't he care…?
As he sifted through the 'lesser' options - as he thusly dubbed them - he heard Luigi shifting behind him before sighing gently. It wasn't a secret that he was worried, too. It had been ages since the two met for tea or their book club. Though he was often away with his fiancée, he always looked out for Mario, whether meeting casually or babysitting Cocoa whenever he needed rest. He noticed Peach's changes, and he, too, worried about her growing worse.
"M-Mario…" Luigi murmured, fiddling with his skirt. "I know you c-c-care about P-Peach, b-but we c-c-can't buy everything in sight j-just because it looks nice."
"I know," Mario replied sharply, his gaze falling onto another stack of pink lotions. "But you always do this! You make me feel stupid for trying to help Peach. I'm worried about her, Luigi. You act like it's a crime to spend money on things."
"M-Mario. I d-d-didn't say it was wrong," Luigi said calmly, placing a hand on Mario's shoulder. Gruffly, Mario turned around to find Luigi staring at him worriedly, even behind his dark sunglasses. He wanted to stay mad at him… but that was a losing battle. He knew Luigi cared for him more than anything… even if he was too stubborn to admit it. Nevertheless, Luigi sighed gently as he continued, "I-It's okay to spend a l-l-little, especially with everything going on now. I know what it's like to f-f-feel powerless wh-when someone's h-hurting… I felt that way whenever B-B-Bowser hurt you."
Mario raised an eyebrow, "Really?"
"R-Really," Luigi nodded. He chuckled wryly as he adjusted Cocoa's tiny blanket around her shoulders. "R-R-Remember those 'Just 'Cause' d-d-dinners I used t-to make…?"
Mario smiled weakly.
"How could I forget…?" he sighed, his gaze finally meeting Luigi's. "Fettucine and marinara… right on the nightstand."
"M-Mhm…"
"I always loved those… you think I should do that for-"
"N-n-nononono, that's n-not what I m-mean, bro," Luigi giggled. "M-My point is… s-s-spoil her. Spoil her as much as she n-n-needs it."
"Then why are you getting onto me about the prices?"
"B-Because it's not about the coins. M-Mario… you're a great dad… a g-g-great husband. P-Peach will be h-happy with anything you get her. She loves you so much. I see the way she l-looks at you."
At that, Mario sighed deeply, his fingers tightening around the bottle as if he were searching for a lifeline. The news wasn't lost on him; not a day went by that Peach didn't express her love for him, even if she was broken. Looking down at Cocoa, his eyes stung as he realized just how pressing it all was…
He just wanted to do right by them…
"I'm… I'm scared, Lu…" he admitted in a quiet tone. He briefly wondered if Luigi had heard him over the bustle of the store, but the shift in Luigi's expression said otherwise. Thus, he continued, holding back the lump forming in his throat. "I know I'm s'pposed to be strong… for Peachy… and Cocoa… but I'm not. I dunno how to fix this. And… I even wonder if I am being a good dad or husband… I can't even help my wife feel better, it feels like…"
Hearing his words, Luigi paused. His other hand found Mario's, gingerly grounding him as he whispered, "M-Mario… you're doing the best you can… it's sc-scary."
"It's not enough, though," Mario murmured, shaking his head as he squeezed his eyes shut. "Peach is… I don't know what's happening to her. I'm supposed to fix her… but I can't even fix myself sometimes. I'm scared I can't fix her or Cocoa, and just… I don't know what to do anymore, Lu… I… I feel like a failure…"
He half-expected Luigi to be outraged upon hearing that. He wanted the whole earth to envelop him for saying such a thing. He had to be strong… he had to…
"Oh, Mario…"
His eyes widened as Luigi gently hugged him and Cocoa, his touch feather-light and warm. The urge to question him briefly surfaced… but it melted as soon as he drifted into it. The feeling was nearly identical to the mornings he lay in bed with Peach. The sun crept over the blankets, warming their bodies as they lay beside each other, enveloped in their embraces. Even the scent was familiar…
By the time they pulled away, Mario slowly opened his eyes, tears clinging to his lashes as he gazed up at Luigi, noticing his cheeks were wet with tears. Comfortingly, Luigi rubbed his shoulder, offering a kind smile.
"M-Mario…" he whispered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Y-You don't have to fix everything. N-No one's asking you to do that. Y-You're doing something, and that's m-m-more than enough. Y-You're there… both for Peach and Cocoa. Y-You're not a failure… you're scared. And y-you're not alone in that…"
Mario dared not say another word as he stared at Luigi; he was certain his heart would splinter inside his chest, so he resigned himself to silence. He let out a shaky breath as he ruminated over Luigi's words.
Every fiber within him screamed not to believe a word. He was the hero. He had to stay strong. He had to be Mario. Super Mario!
But… perhaps he could use a break.
Eventually, he willed himself to take a deep, slow breath before granting Luigi a small, grateful smile. In return, he saw Luigi's face brighten.
"Th-That's my bro," he praised, drying his eyes with the backs of his hands. "C'mon… l-let's go find some nice things for P-Peach…"
Mario couldn't agree more as he nodded politely, allowing Luigi the chance to lead him on, glancing back at him each time. As worried as he was, he couldn't deny the sense of gratitude he felt for it. He never fully realized how much it weighed upon him until the words left his lips. Looking down at little Cocoa, he realized she likely worried for her mother, too… as much as a six-month-old could.
He would do anything for her and Peach…
Both of them were perfect… there wasn't just one thing he could think of that could amount to…
…
…
…
An idea came to mind as his eyes landed on the display of pink wicker baskets. The pink ribbons hanging nearby shimmered in the sunlight, and he could practically smell the cherry blossom candles sitting beside them.
"Lu… I think I know what to do…"
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As Mario walked into the bedroom, his face fell as he noticed little change since that morning. Peach hadn't moved an inch, it seemed, as the bedcovers lay undisturbed. As always, she laid underneath them, her face turned away from the window as the last few drops of sunlight took their leave. For a moment, he considered letting her be, but he knew she needed him.
'Peach will be happy with anything you get her…'
"Peachy…?" he crooned softly as he stepped in through the doorway, holding his gift behind his back. "Peachy…? Are you awake?"
For a moment, he heard nothing. But as he was about to call out again before she stirred slightly, just enough to where she could look over her shoulder.
Immediately upon seeing him, she cast a small, but lovely smile. "Oh… y-yes, darling… did you need something…?"
Mario felt his face grow hot as he approached slowly until he kneeled at the bedside, taking extra precaution to shield her view. Awkwardly, he cleared his throat as he replied in a low tone, "Actually… I… wanted to give you something… just… just to… tell you how much I love you… that okay?"
At that, Peach laughed wryly before sitting upright, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. It was then that he saw the dark circles under her eyes, though she tried to hide them as she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Darling… you didn't need to… I can manage…"
"No," Mario shook his head, ensuring his eyes met hers. "No, Peachy… I wanted to. I… felt like you could use something sweet… after all you've done."
"But Mario…" she protested, her cheeks glowing a bright red. "Mario, I don't need anything like that… I'm-"
Before she could finish, Mario moved a hand to touch hers, much to her shock. Her bright blue eyes widened as his fingertips brushed against her knuckles. Even in her weakest hours… her love for him never waned.
"Peachy… I know," he purred, offering her a smile. "I just… I hate seeing you hurt… and I hate that I can't do much to help. I love you more than anything… and I would do anything make it better. And… that's why I got you this…"
Feeling his heart beating in his chest, he slowly revealed his present… and he wished he could have captured the look in her eyes until the day he died.
He never praised himself in his craftsmanship, but he felt a sense of pride as his eyes found the basket once more. Using the pink baskets from the shop, he constructed something he felt represented his adoration for his dear Peach. Hand cream, lotion, bubble bath solution, and even bath salts, he gathered; all of it was tied into a neat package topped with a shimmering pink ribbon. Luigi even offered to find candles and bath bombs to top it all off ("P-Perfect for when she n-n-needs a night away!"). And just before they were about to leave… a fluffy pink eye mask to finish it off.
And all of it doused in a strawberry shortcake-scented fragrance.
"I… th-thought you might like it…" he continued, feeling sweat beads forming on his forehead. "Me and Luigi… er… mostly me, made you this. He… he kept me in line, finance-wise. I… th-thought it might make you feel better… n-n-not that you smell! Just… Mama Mia… I… know it isn't much, but… I love you, Peachy… I love you so much…"
For a few moments, Peach merely stared down at her present in stunned silence. Briefly, she reached down, running her fingers over the eye mask, tears welling up in her eyes as her other hand cupped her mouth as her lips trembled.
And then…
"M-Mario…" she whispered, her voice seemingly higher in pitch as tears flowed down her cheeks. "Mario… I… I don't know… oh my goodness…"
Panicked, Mario felt his heart clench. Had he done something wrong?! Maybe she wanted perfume… of course! How could he have been so blind! Of course this wouldn't work!
"P-Peachy…!" he squeaked, his eyes darting around the room. "I-I-I'm sorry…! I didn't mean to make you cry-"
Before he could finish his thought, Peach grabbed his hand, planting a firm kiss onto his knuckles. All at once, any semblance of panic he may have felt dissipated, leaving him melting like fondue. Then, she pulled him upwards until she buried her face in his chest, her breath hitching as she began sobbing… but strangely, she didn't seem sad. Not at all…
"Mario…!" she whispered, sniffling as she gripped the back of his shirt. "Mario, I… I love you too…! This is the best thing I've ever gotten… I… I don't know how I could ever thank you… I love you… I love you… I love you…"
It continued on until Mario found his own eyes growing misty. With shaky hands, he wrapped his arms around her, gently as ever. His voice felt as if it were buried under a boulder, but he eventually whispered, "Shhh… shh… Peachy… it's okay… you don't gotta say anything… I love you, too…"
For a long moment, they stayed like that. He didn't want to move an inch, even as he felt his own tears finally falling as he embraced her. She gripped tighter, as if fearing he would grow lost somehow. And in his mind… he wouldn't have it any other way.
It seemed like hours before they finally parted, and even still, Peach refused to let go for a single second as her hand found his cheek.
"I'm sorry…" she murmured, her eyes softening as she stared at him. "I know I haven't been energetic… it's just… I feel so… it feels as if some days, I… I don't know…"
Mario gently cupped her cheek, "Hey… hey, it's okay. I don't… fully understand what all is going on, but I just care about you. You've been through a lot… especially after having our little Polpetta. I'd rather see you crying all happy than sad… and I mean that."
Peach smiled through another wave of tears, resting her forehead against his as she sniffled.
"Thank you, Mario…"
At last, they took in a moment just to gaze at one another. It seemed like ages since they had a minute alone like this. The stillness of it all, even the birds chirping one last time outside… it felt like something out of a dream.
Then, Peach began wiping at her eyes as she stared at the little pink bassinet beside the bed.
"Darling…?" she asked softly, her smile growing a bit. "Would you mind bringing Cocoa in… just for a little while?"
Surprised, Mario blinked before he let out a small chuckle, nodding excitedly.
"Y-Yeah…! Sure thing…!"
