Welcome to my side blog. 😊 As the username indicates, this one is dedicated to writing, whether it's about fanfiction or other writing exercises. I will mostly write ideas and tidbits from potential future fanfiction.
In addition, I want this to become a blog where other aspiring writers contribute, such as offering ideas, being beta readers, or offering constructive criticism. Regarding the latter, flames and insults will not be tolerated. Anyone who does will be blocked. I want this to be an open and friendly place for everyone.
With everything said, thank you for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy this little blog! 😊
Here is the link to my AO3 page where my fanfictions are posted:
Synopsis: Pauline accepts Princess Peach’s golfing invitation, where she has the pleasure of meeting some of the princess’s wonderful friends during their time together.
This story is a direct continuation of The Mayor and the Princess. After becoming friends, Pauline accepts Peach’s invitation to a round of golf after learning she had nothing scheduled for that time. They meet at the Bonny Greens golf course, where Pauline is introduced to Princess Daisy and Rosalina, and they hit it off almost immediately. Unfortunately, she also encounters Wario and Waluigi, who are less than desirable company. Despite this, the four women enjoy their golfing day, with Pauline receiving helpful tips and encouragement from her new friends.
There’s not much to say here; it’s as clear-cut as they come. Nevertheless, writing this fic was a pleasure, and it effectively propels the Pauline series forward.
Found this sheet thanks to someone I'm following. If anyone wants to do one of these, here is the link (kudos to @spicedrobot):
2025 Ao3 Wrapped
Yeah, this was not one of my most productive years. It appears that I only worked on three fics in 2025. I enjoyed all three fics I worked on, but I picked All Jazzed Up as my favorite because it was the one that inspired me to get back into writing after a lengthy funk. I wanted to work on Blossoming Connection more, but it was not in the cards for me.
Going back to the lack of production in 2025, I think there are two reasons for this.
One is that 2025 was a busy year in my personal life and thus, I did not have a lot of time to sit down and write. It may not be much better this year, at least in the beginning because I plan on moving in the next couple of months.
The other is that I wrote more in the previous years because I was deeply rooted into fandom culture and admittedly wanted to be recognized and receive a lot of comments and acceptance. Ever since I stepped away from the fandom mentality, my priorities shifted and I wrote for my personal enjoyment and wanted to see stories I wanted to read but was still happy and appreciative with the comments and likes I did receive.
Regardless, I am still satisfied with my output for 2025 and look forward to writing more in 2026. I especially want to work on the WIPs I have on my page.
Synopsis: Mario has always enjoyed watching Pauline perform at his favorite jazz lounge he visits every Friday evening after work. He also has a not-so-secret crush on her that his friends won't let him get away with denying. He never plans to act on it because he thinks she's way too good for him. As he visits the lounge the upcoming Friday night, however, he realizes that he may not be beneath her after all.
I was in a writing rut around the time I began writing this fic. However, the inspiration for this one came from what someone correctly referenced in a reblog from when I posted this story here.
As I mentioned in my notes on AO3, this story was inspired by a playthrough of Final Fantasy VIII on my Switch. The scene in particular was the first flashback with Laguna and his friends having drinks in the Galbadia hotel lounge after a mission while listening to the beautiful pianist Julia playing. Laguna admired Julia in more ways than one, but he never thought he had a chance with her. However, that changed when Julia approached him and invited him to her room for an intimate conversation.
Thanks to that scene, I came up with the idea of Mario and Pauline in a similar scenario. I chose Pauline as the love interest because of the music connection, although Pauline was a singer and not a pianist. I also had the setting in Brooklyn/New Donk City since this was before the Mario brothers ended up in the Mushroom Kingdom.
Basically, as the synopsis states, the story is about Mario being infatuated with Pauline and him visiting the jazz lounge she performs at every Friday evening after work. Yet, that one night changed everything as Pauline seemed to notice and might have taken an interest in him.
I wrote the story similar to how the flashback in Final Fantasy VIII played out, but I added some of my own ideas and used references from the Mario series. My two favorite sections were Pauline's performance and the conversation between her and Mario in the dressing room. It was those two moments in which I didn't want to stop writing.
I did love writing this story, and it helped reignite the spark to write again. With that said, I am not making any promises, but I have an idea or two for a sequel and may consider it should there be strong enough inspiration.
~~~
Well, I haven't done of these in a while. It was due because it's the most recent completed fic I have on my page. I have two others that are still works in progress, so I won't talk about those until I'm finished with them.
Well, it's time to post another rap I found floating around in my files. It was written years ago when I was at a really low point in my life. The main gist is I was trying to convince myself that things weren't as bad as they appeared, and everything will get better. Maybe this can serve as some inspiration for others.
With that said, here is a rap I titled The Letter.
The Letter
You feel people did a number on your confidence
Make you feel weak and incompetent
A bunch of fleas who do nothing but bug you
Thinking that they have the right to judge you
If you ignore them they'll go away or so you figured
But it looked like the problem kept getting bigger
Though you tried to be nice, kind and humble
They seem to cheer whenever you stumble
It's bad enough that they put you down
But they seem to do it when others are around
They don't mince words, it's not very pretty
Now you're the subject of everyone's pity
With nowhere to run and nowhere to hide
You try to cope by keeping it all inside
Put on a brave face and try to take it in stride
In spite of the damage done to your pride
Still you move on, hoping things improve
And in your lifetime you'll find your groove
Only to find out the beat and rhythm is sloppy
The lyrics are whack and the song is off-key
Painful enough to make your head throb
Like when you go out and try to find a job
They won't listen to what you have to say
Harshly reject you then send you on your way
You ask yourself when will things start looking up
To make matters worse you start cursing your bad luck
The very thought of it is making you madder
There's only so much you can take before you break
You pretend to be stoic but deep down it hurts
And holding it in will only make it worse
You ask yourself what did I do to deserve this
Yes I'm flawed, after all no one's perfect
You thought by not complaining, you'd be accepted
Or at the very least respected
But in the end you wound up with neither
Now you're broken like Amy Lee and Seether
With no hope and no self-esteem
Your reason for living is gone, or so it seems
Although you feel all hope has died
At least you haven't thought of committing suicide
Despite what you think it's never too late
To get back on track and to get your head straight
Instead of sitting down hoping something happens
Get up off your butt and take action
I know the very thought of it makes you dread
But remember, a closed mouth doesn't get fed
Rejection sucks, but it is a part of life
So if you get dumped, think of it as a speed bump
And if it threatens to knock you off course
Just think of it being their loss, not yours
For you're not trash, but a prize
Don't let anyone convince you otherwise
When you set your goals, try to reach above the skies
Even if your stomach is filled with butterflies
Should you falter, don't ever get discouraged
If you keep at it, you're bound to flourish
So march on, don't let anyone stop you
They'll do whatever they can to try to knock you
Off your perch so they can take your place
Suck out your energy and invade your space
Whatever you do, don't let them win
Live your life for you, not them
I hope after you take the time to read this
You see my advice and try to heed it
If life ever makes you feel ill
Remember I believe in you and I always will…
~~~
Wow, it formatted nicely; that's rare. I'll take what I can get.
“Luigi, you can put me down now! I can walk the rest of the way!”
“After the way you were grimacing, not a chance!”
Luigi suppressed laughter that threatened to explode from his lips at Mario’s petulant huff. It was a good thing he did because there was a good chance that he would have dropped his stubborn brother.
It’s your own fault you’re in this position, he thought to himself with an amused grin as he reflected on what happened a few minutes ago.
He and Mario were on their way back to Toad Town from Koopa Village after assisting Kooper and the others with their plumbing when they spotted a gang of unfriendly Koopa Troopas picking on a couple of young Toads. Never one to stand by when someone was in trouble, Mario immediately and literally leaped into action. He sprang from the high road they were on and landed on one of the Koopa’s shells, launching the surprised Koopa into a tree headfirst.
However, Mario didn’t stick the landing, and it was easy to see the pain emanating from his ankle. He tried to play it off like everything was fine, but the remaining Koopas astutely realized something was amiss and saw an opportunity to finally get an edge on the legendary plumber. Not wanting to see his brother become the Koopas’s personal piñata, Luigi jumped from the ledge and made sure he landed in a soft spot before rushing into the fray. Despite Mario’s gimpy ankle, the two dispatched the remaining Koopas with ease, causing them to swear vengeance before retreating.
After the Toads thanked them and disappeared beyond the horizon, the corners of Mario’s eyes welled up with tears as he collapsed and rubbed his tender ankle. Luigi instantly removed Mario’s boot and sock, and his eyes widened at how red and swollen Mario’s ankle was. Being the prepared guy that he is, he retrieved the first-aid kit he left behind to help his brother and went to work on the vulnerable spot. Mario tried to walk on the ankle after being wrapped up; however, the struggle to take a step without pain was obvious. Despite his protests, Luigi hoisted Mario on his shoulders and insisted he would carry him home.
“Come on, Luigi!” Mario whined for what seemed to be the one-hundredth time. “My ankle is feeling better! Besides, you seem like you’re getting tired.”
As much as he didn’t want to concede it, Luigi’s shoulders were feeling sore from having Mario sitting on them. He underestimated how long the trek home from Koopa Village was. Nonetheless, he was going to see this until he and Mario were home safely. Although his shoulders ached, he knew Mario was in much worse shape in spite of his insistence on being well enough to walk on his own.
“We’re almost there,” Luigi replied with a tired chuckle. “You can hold on for another few minutes.”
“You’re no fun!” Mario complained with another huff.
“Hey, I wasn’t the one who jumped from a high ledge without thinking!” Luigi shook his head. “You can’t just spring into action recklessly all the time!”
“I know! I know! You’ve told me that plenty of times already! You know I can’t watch others in trouble without doing something about it. Besides, I’ve made that jump plenty of times before without getting hurt. That Koopa must have had some extra wax on his shell!”
Luigi shook his head again with another tired smile. Leave it to his brother to make light of the most serious situations. “What am I going to do you with, fratellone?”
“What is that supposed to mean?!” Mario feigned indignance.
“Hey look, we’ve reached Toad Town!” Luigi gasped as the entrance gate to the bustling town emerged into view. “We’re almost home!”
“Luigi…” Mario began when his stomach grumbled in protest, prompting laughter from both brothers.
“Well, one of us is definitely hungry!” Luigi chuckled. “It’s OK, I could use a bite myself. It looks like I’m on cooking duty tonight.”
“That means we’re going to be eating good!” Mario cheered. “What are we waiting for? Let’s get going!”
“OK, no need to be so excited!” Luigi laughed as he continued to carry Mario into town. “Although you could lay off the cannoli…”
“What was that, Luigi?”
“I said tonight I’m going to treat you to some great ravioli!”
“Don’t think I didn’t hear what you said!” Mario chuckled. “You’re lucky you’re my brother.” He patted Luigi on his hat before lying his face on it. “Thank you, Luigi.”
“Anytime, Mario,” Luigi smiled as he patted Mario’s good foot.
~~~
It's been a while since I've been in here! I'm trying to get back into writing after being stymied for the past few months. I decided to write a short story about two brothers who some may or may not have heard of. There was little to no editing to this one, just something to make my writing muscles active again.
The truth is I've hit a snag while writing Blossoming Connection. I know I usually have the next chapter up shortly after posting a preview and seeing that I posted the Chapter 7 preview back in May, it should've been up by now. However, this wall sprung from out of nowhere and impeded my progress. A lot of it had to do with being busy, but the main thing I think happened was this is by far my longest fic (my previous longest fics have been six chapters) and thus, some fatigue settled in.
If there is something positive, I fully intended to complete Blossoming Connection because I don't like leaving work unfinished. I can't promise an update soon, but I don't plan on abandoning the fic whatsoever. The same goes for my Pauline series. In the meantime, I hope to write a few more things here and there until I'm ready to tackle BC again.
“Here are your entrees,” Toadlee smiled. “Please tell us if there’s anything more you need.”
“Will do,” Luigi returned the smile.
“Wait a sec,” the other Toad’s eyes widened to his cap, “aren’t you Luigi?! One half of the Super Mario Brothers?!”
Luigi couldn’t contain a third chuckle, letting it fly from his lips. “Guilty as charged!”
Overflowing with enthusiasm, the assistant Toad sprang into the air, accidentally bumping into Toadlee in the process, which earned him a fleeting look of irritation from the server. He flashed a small apologetic grin before redirecting his attention to Luigi.
“This is awesome! I’m a huge fan of you guys! I’d never thought I’d meet one of the Mario Brothers in person, let alone both of them!” He inched his face closer to Luigi with a conspiratorial smile. “Having said that, between you and me, you’re my favorite.”
Luigi’s heart swelled with pride at the kind words, and his best efforts to suppress a grin that stretched from ear to ear went as well as Bowser’s attempts at marrying Princess Peach. Though he recognized that a decent portion of the Mushroom Kingdom residents admired him, Mario’s popularity exceeded his by every place they’ve been to. Consequently, he welcomed every praise he received with genuine appreciation.
“Thank you,” he absentmindedly patted the Toad on his head before hastily retracting his hand when he realized his folly. He rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. “Sorry about that. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Are you kidding?!” the Toad gazed at Luigi with Power Stars in his eyes. “Not only did I get to meet my idol, but he also patted me on the head! This is one of the best days of my life! I can’t wait to tell my family and friends! You have nothing to apologize for, Mr. Luigi!”
“Ahem,” Toadlee adjusted his throat with a cheeky smile, “don’t you have something important to attend to at this moment, Luss T.?”
Luss T. snapped out of his idolization trance and glanced sidelong at Toadlee, who nodded towards the kitchen. He rolled his eyes at the server, a smirk playing on his lips, before seizing Luigi’s hand with both of his.
“It looks like I have to get back to work now,” he shook Luigi’s hand with such vigor that the plumber’s seat repeatedly thudded against the booth bench. “It was such a wonderful privilege to meet you, Mr. Luigi!” He released his grip and casted one more wry look at Toadlee before returning to the kitchen with a hop in his step and a cheerful whistle from his lips.
“I must apologize for Luss T.’s behavior,” Toadless addressed Luigi and Daisy.
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” Luigi smiled, shaking his arm and trying to steady himself after Luss T.’s vigorous handshake. “I didn’t mind it one bit.”
“That’s good to know,” Toadlee smiled in relief. However, the smile shifted into a frown. “I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you, Mr. Luigi. You and Mr. Mario have done so much for us, particularly by introducing us to your cherished Italian recipes. On that note, I hope this ziti is to your liking.”
Luigi’s eyes lit up as he focused on the generous square of ziti in front of him. He was so engrossed by the effervescent Luss T. that he forgot about his food. He smiled as he picked up his fork, ready to dig in. He knew there was zero chance of him finishing the entire serving in one sitting, but he looked forward to the first bite. The cheesy, meaty aroma wafting from the dish had already captivated him; he hoped it was as scrumptious as it smelled.
Not wishing to delay any longer, he cut a corner piece and nodded with a small smile to Toadlee before bringing the fork to his lips. It was still hot, so he burned his tongue some. After that brief discomfort, he chewed a few times and swallowed before his eyes brightened. The cheeses were gooey yet glided down his throat with little resistance. The combination of the Italian sausage and ground beef was spicy, but not to the extent in which he needed to seek a fire hydrant for relief. The pasta was soft but not overwhelmingly so. Lastly, the rich, creamy tomato sauce was seasoned with enough herbs and spices that harmonized the entire dish. Moments later, his lips parted into a broad grin.
“Questo è delizioso!” he exclaimed, causing Toadlee and Daisy to stare at him in bewilderment, although Daisy’s face displayed a flicker of amusement. His cheeks warmed a bit as he rubbed the back of his head with a chuckle. “Sorry about that. I sometimes revert to my native tongue when I get too excited. That’s Italian for ‘this is delicious!’.”
Toadlee blinked a couple of times before regaining his professional composure. “You really think so?”
“Absolutely!” Luigi grinned. “I’m picky when it comes to some Italian foods, with baked ziti being one of the main ones. I don’t mince words when it comes to something like this. The kitchen staff did a great job! It’s about as good as my mother’s!”
“I’m delighted to hear you think so, Mr. Luigi,” Toadlee smiled. “It means a great deal coming from you. I’ll be certain to inform the kitchen staff of your opinion.”
“Wow! This is definitely something worth trying based on your praise, Luigi!” Daisy exclaimed as she grabbed her fork and cut into one of her zitis.
Luigi smiled upon observing Daisy’s eagerness of tasting baked ziti for the first time. The smile, however, transformed into a frown when he realized that he broke another rule of his by taking the first bite over any woman. Some of the guilt dissipated when he recalled Daisy telling him not to fret about deferring to her in anything; nevertheless, he still admonished himself for his thoughtlessness.
Daisy brought the fork to her lips and took a few bites. After swallowing her piece, she stared at the ziti with a look that was hard to decipher. Luigi’s stomach started cramping, wondering if she didn’t like the ziti. He would live with remorse for ages if he recommended something she found unappealing. If that were the case, he could kiss any chances of developing a relationship beyond friendship goodbye, and even the friendship part felt precarious.
Fortunately, that didn’t appear to be the case because Daisy’s eyes lit up as a huge grin filled her face. “This is absolutely fantastic! You weren’t kidding about this dish, Luigi!”
Luigi was awash with relief at Daisy’s jubilant feedback about the ziti. Yet, the urge to tease her flowed within his body. His lips curled into a playful smirk. “What? Did you doubt my impeccable taste in food, especially the dishes that are native to my culture?”
“Yep!” Daisy replied without missing a beat, a smirk of her own appearing on her lips. “I heard from Mario that your taste in food isn’t as refined as you think it is just because you know how to make a few dishes.”
Luigi almost broke character with a chuckle, but he maintained the façade. “Just for that, you can forget about showing you how to cook breakfast tomorrow morning!”
Daisy eyelids flirtatiously concealed half of her eyes. “That was only a ploy to entice me to your place so you could have your way with me, wasn’t it?”
Luigi’s face was ablaze to the point where a plunge into molten lava would cool it down. Despite knowing their banter was all in jest, he was still blindsided. He didn’t foresee Daisy pushing the envelope like that. He was too frazzled to think of a retort and even if he could, it still wouldn’t be enough to outdo her.
“Pardon me,” Toadlee interjected, causing Luigi to flinch in his seat. He had forgotten about the Toad server, but he was thankful he was there if only to break up the awkwardness. “Is all well between you two?”
“Oh yes, all is well,” Daisy giggled while waving her arm. “We’re just having fun with one another. Right, Luigi?”
“Y-Yeah,” Luigi responded, still reeling from Daisy’s last remarks.
Toadlee held in a chuckle before returning to his professional demeanor. “Is there anything else you need?” Luigi and Daisy shook their heads in unison. “In that case, I’ll take my leave. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you need anything from us. And do give our regards to Mr. Mario for the ziti recipe.”
“Will do,” Luigi said through a forced grin and maintained said grin until the server disappeared from view before sighing in disappointment. He should have been accustomed to this by now, but it still stung every time it happened. He looked down at his ziti, not feeling hungry at the moment.
“Luigi,” Daisy’s concerned tone lingered in the air, “is everything OK? Did I cross the line with my banter?”
“No,” Luigi chuckled lightly before refocusing on his ziti. “I’ll admit your remarks caught me off guard, but you did nothing wrong.”
“Whew, that’s a relief,” Daisy giggled. “But in all seriousness, is there something on your mind? Do you want to talk about it?”
“No, I’m alright,” Luigi replied. “It’s something I don’t want to trouble you with.”
Daisy’s hands squeezed his, compelling him to gaze into her eyes, which were filled with a combination of concern and determination. Luigi held in a laugh, realizing that she wouldn’t let him brush her aside so easily.
“Luigi,” she murmured with a blend of softness and resolve, “I can’t just sit here and observe you struggling with something without offering my assistance. You say you don’t want to burden me with your problems. Unfortunately, seeing you troubled is already a burden. I won’t force you to share if you don’t want to, but maybe there’s a chance I can help you if you tell me what’s on your mind.”
She’s as stubborn as Princess Peach, Luigi chuckled to himself. No wonder those two are such good friends. Speaking of the princess, he still wrestled with the idea of keeping everything to himself, but he recalled the sense of relief he felt when he finally admitted his feelings to her despite it not ending too well for him and the recovery from the heartbreak. Although this issue wasn’t as significant, he knew he would feel much better with this burden off his chest. It also helped that he would be discussing it with someone who wasn’t involved in his situation. With a nervous smile, he braced himself to tell Daisy what was bothering him.
Blossoming Connection - Chapter Six: The Date Part I
Before posting this chapter, I want to let everyone know that if you want to read it on Ao3, you will have to have an account there. I've locked my fics so only registered members can read them for the time being. Apologies to those who don't have accounts; however, I'll still post the chapters to the fic here.
With that said, on to Chapter 6.
~~~
“Well, this is the place, Luigi!”
Luigi and Daisy found themselves in front of a building that resembled a colossal Mega Mushroom bordering Toadtown Square. A chalkboard stand, crafted from the finest wood indigenous to the Mushroom Kingdom and at a height of the average Toad, showcased a dinner special penned in lively green chalk. A large, white banner stretched above the entrance, proclaimed “GRAND OPENING!” in vibrant, colorful letters. Two Toads attired in charcoal vests and bowties flanked the stand greeting pedestrians and sharing promotions.
The corners of Luigi’s mouth lifted in a smile as he recognized the familiar site. He had passed by it several times during its construction, and he and Mario had installed the plumbing. That was a week ago; therefore, he hadn’t anticipated the place being ready so soon. He chuckled to himself, acknowledging that he had underestimated the efficiency of the Toads once more.
“Hey Weegee, what’s so funny?” Daisy poked him in the ribs with a light elbow that made him flinch a little, an amused smirk displayed on her visage.
“Oh, nothing,” Luigi chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Just amazed at how fast this place was built. Mario and I were here just a week ago, setting up the plumbing when it was still in its wooden phase.”
“That makes sense,” Daisy nodded. “Then again, it’s no surprise considering how much pride the Toads have in their work ethic. While on the subject, Peach mentioned that this place opened yesterday while I was thinking of where to go for our date. I love trying out new places, so I thought we could check this one out. I hope that’s OK with you.”
Luigi nodded with what he hoped was an understanding smile. “It’s perfectly fine, Daisy. In fact, I was thinking about coming here myself when it opened to see what they had to offer.”
Daisy sighed through her nose before flashing a small grin. “Oh, thank goodness! I’m glad I didn’t pick a place that I thought you wouldn’t enjoy!” She again laced her long, slender fingers with his shorter, thicker ones. “Let’s go inside now!”
Luigi responded with a nod and small grin of his own before stepping towards the entrance. However, Daisy’s grip tightened so much that it forced him to strike a pose reminiscent of a human sculpture.
Wow, she’s strong, Luigi thought, feeling both awed and a bit intimidated. He scrunched his forehead as he turned his head to meet Daisy’s cheeky gaze. “Uh, is something the matter, Daisy?”
Daisy’s lips parted into a saccharine grin, her eyes still glimmering with playfulness. “I almost forgot; don’t even think about paying for anything! I’ll take care of it.”
“You sure?” Luigi asked, a note of uncertainty in his voice. “I mean, I don’t mind paying or at least chipping in.”
“Aw Luigi, you’re such a sweetheart!” Daisy rested her hand on his shoulder. “If you keep this up, I might find myself falling for you in no time. I appreciate the offer, but it’s OK. I asked you out, so I should be the one paying. When you ask me out, you can foot the bill then.”
When?! Luigi mouthed to himself, his fingers rubbing his chin. Did that imply she was interested in another date? Perhaps she had misspoken and intended to say ‘if’ or ‘should’ instead. It was premature to consider future outings; he just hoped this one would go smoothly!
“Luigi,” Daisy’s voice interrupted his musings, her eyes alight with curious amusement. “Is everything OK?”
“Y-Yeah, everything’s okey-dokey!” Luigi chuckled, his hand rubbing the back of his neck.
With a cheerful smile and wink, Daisy clasped his hand once more. “I’m ready to head inside! What about you?”
Nodding again with a smile, Luigi approached the entrance for the second time. This time, however, Daisy stepped alongside him, causing him to stifle the laughter from erupting.
~~~
“Hi, welcome to the Toad Town Eatery…oh, Luigi! Princess Daisy!”
“Toadette!” Luigi grinned, surprised to see the pink female Toad at the hostess station. “I didn’t know you worked here!”
“Yep!” Toadette beamed as she stepped from behind her post and wrapped her arms around Luigi. “The owners asked me if I wanted to help out, and I told them I’ll do whatever I can. Right now, they have me here as the hostess. It must be because of my good looks and great personality!”
With a hearty laugh, Luigi gently patted Toadette on the head. “Of course it is!”
Toadette chuckled as she pulled away from Luigi and turned her attention towards Daisy, ready to embrace her. However, the Sarasaland princess beat her to the punch, scooping the Toad with little effort and wrapping her arms around Toadette to the point where her plaits resembled two flagpoles.
“Girl, it’s nice to see you again!” Daisy squealed, capturing the attention of those nearby. “With that said, how many times did I tell you to drop the formalities with me?”
“S-Sorry! I completely forgot!” Toadette gasped before Daisy set her down. She took a couple of deep breaths to recover from Daisy’s overwhelming affection before grinning. “So, I take it you’re here to celebrate Princess Peach’s birthday?”
“You better believe it!” Daisy flashed a luminous cheek-splitting grin while thrusting a thumb towards the ceiling.
“I’m sure she’s happy you could come out this year,” Toadette nodded with a wide smile of her own. “Sorry for being nosy, but are you two on a date?”
Blood trickled to Luigi’s cheeks as his joints stiffened. Though Daisy has all but confirmed this was a date, he hesitated to disclose that to Toadette. From his peripheral vision, it appeared that Daisy wasn’t inclined to break the silence, so he ascertained it was safe to tell the inquisitive Toadette that they were simply friends enjoying each other’s company.
He tugged at his collar, “well, we…”
“We are most definitely on a date!” Daisy interjected, looping an arm around his shoulder and yanking him closer. His face felt as if he had just chugged a mug of coffee straight from the pot.
“How exciting!” Toadette clapped her hands together with a close-eyed smile, a gesture she most likely learned from Princess Peach. “Well, I won’t hold you two up any longer. This place is self-seating. You can choose your own tables here.”
“Sounds good to me!” Daisy beamed while letting Luigi go. “Oh! Before you do, I need to freshen up some. Where’s the ladies’ room?”
Toadette pointed to a tiny corridor on her right. “It’s down the hall. It’s the first door to your right.”
“Thanks, Toadette! You’re the best! I’ll be back in a moment, Luigi. If you want to, feel free to grab a table. You don’t have to wait for me.”
Luigi nodded in acknowledgement. Daisy nodded in return and flashed him a fleeting smile before heading off to the restroom. The instant she disappeared behind the door, Toadette elbowed him on the thigh, a devilish grin dancing on her lips.
“Way to go, Luigi!” Toadette spoke with a hushed tone. “You and Mario each winning over a princess! You two must have some serious game! No wonder you’re called the Super Mario Brothers!”
Luigi’s shoulders tensed as his cheeks warmed at Toadette’s teasing. “I-It’s nothing like that!”
“Well, it certainly looks like it to me!” her grin widened. “So how did you end up with a date with Daisy?”
Luigi rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, yesterday Mario and I played tennis against the princesses. During the match, Daisy hit me on the nose with a hard shot by accident. She felt terrible about it and offered to treat me to dinner as a way to make it up to me. That’s all there is to it, nothing special happening between us!”
Toadette nodded, yet her demeanor suggested she had doubts about Luigi’s explanation. “If you say so, Luigi. It looks to me like Daisy sees things differently, but that’s not for me to judge. Let me get you some menus.”
Toadette walked behind the station and grabbed a couple of menus. She handed him to Luigi and pointed him in the direction of the tables with a cheerful smile. Luigi thanked her and made his way towards them.
What was that all about? Luigi mused while scanning the place. I can’t dwell on it now. Now, let’s see if I can find a good spot to sit…
Fortunately, it didn’t take long for him to spot an unoccupied table by a window that provided a perfect view of Toadtown Square. He scanned the vicinity to ensure no one else was eyeing the table and seeing that he was in the clear, the corner of his lips curled into a content smile as he walked over and set the menus down. Right before his bottom grazed the seat, he recalled that his hat was still in his back pocket. Not wanting to risk squishing it, he removed it and placed it on his head before settling into the soft booth bench.
While waiting for Daisy, Luigi observed the bustling activity in Toadtown Square, his mind drifting back to the events of the past couple of days. Yesterday morning, he was introduced to the vibrant Sarasaland princess, who traveled to the Mushroom Kingdom to celebrate her best friend Princess Peach’s birthday. She appeared to warm up to him right away, probably due to his friendship with the Mushroom Kingdom princess and his status as Mario’s brother. At least, that’s how he justified it to himself.
The primary thought that came to mind was how everyone was implying, if not directly saying, that Daisy’s interest in him was authentic. He was cognizant that he was being set up with her; Mario’s slip of the tongue while they returned home to prepare for the tennis game had outright confirmed it. Then there was Princess Peach pleading with him to give Daisy a fair chance, which was understandable considering it was her idea to introduce him and Daisy to each other. Nevertheless, it was Toadette’s insight that made him ponder if Daisy genuinely liked him. Unlike Mario and Princess Peach, Toadette had no incentive to hook him and Daisy up, and this was the first time she had witnessed the two of them together. Yet, she seemed to have noticed some chemistry right away.
The whole situation had him traversing fogs of confusion inside his head. Although he was happy that he was on a date with Daisy, he grappled with conflicting emotions. He wished he could embrace the optimism everyone seemed to have with open arms, but he couldn’t shake his sense of caution. He sighed as he acknowledged his trepidation of getting his hopes too high. The thought of falling for her, only to endure another heartbreak, loomed over him. This potential pain would be more intense than what he experienced with Princess Peach. With the princess, he had accepted that his chances were nonexistent, especially considering her devotion to Mario. With Daisy, however, the stakes felt higher, as her behavior suggested she desired a meaningful friendship with him at minimum. He stifled a chuckle as he shook his head, realizing that this was likely the same uncertainty Mario experienced before he began dating Princess Peach.
“There you are!”
The effervescent voice and clicking of heels on the wooden floor jolted Luigi from his reverie. He turned his head to see Daisy approaching, her face beaming with so much joy that he couldn’t help but return the feeling. In that instant, he decided to cast aside his anxieties about the future and immerse himself in the present, eager about the possibilities that awaited him.
Mindful of his etiquette, Luigi rose from his seat upon Daisy’s arrival, waiting for her to take her seat opposite him. Daisy stifled a giggle behind her fingers and greeted Luigi with a nod before performing a small curtsy and settling onto the booth bench. Luigi responded with a smile and nod of his own and was about to bow before remembering Daisy telling him it wasn’t necessary before resuming his seat.
“My, aren’t you the perfect gentleman,” Daisy leaned forward with her elbows on the table and chin perched on the back of her hands, a teasing smile brightening her countenance.
Luigi gulped as a rush of warmth flooded his ears. “I-It’s nothing, really. I was brought up to always let a lady take her seat first. This is especially true for you, being a princess and all.”
“That explains why you and Mario waited to take your seats at dinner last night,” Daisy acknowledged before the playful glint in her eyes returned. “However, you didn’t do so during breakfast.”
“Oh,” Luigi winced while laughing. “I guess I was too surprised by all the food you brought from the buffet.”
“Oh, believe me, I understand! It’s something that is definitely a shock when seeing it for the first time! But it looks like you got used to it by dinner.”
“Yeah, I guess I did.”
“In all seriousness, Luigi, as I’ve told you when we first met, there’s no need to be so formal around me. If you want to sit down before me, feel free to do so; I promise I won’t be offended. Heck, if there’s only one seat left and you have your eye on it, shove me out of the way and claim it for yourself!”
“Heh, I’ll keep that in mind.”
Daisy nodded before her eyes widened some, a soft smile gracing her features. “I see you’ve put your hat on.”
“Heh, yeah! I didn’t want to sit on it, and it wouldn’t fit in my front pockets. The only option left was to put it on my head.”
With another smile, Daisy turned to the window, her eyes shining at the vibrant activity in Toadtown Square. “You picked a great spot, Luigi! The view of the Square is amazing!”
“Hah, thanks!”
“Have you checked out the menu yet?”
“No, not yet,” Luigi replied as he grabbed one.
“Good, we can check it out together!” Daisy grabbed the other menu and began browsing it.
Luigi chuckled before doing the same. The menu was vast, boasting a wide range of options. It featured the traditional delicacies of the Mushroom Kingdom, a variety of mushroom items in particular. There were also a few items inspired by other regions like Yoshi’s Island, Dry Dry Desert, and Shiver City.
The section that made him raise his eyebrows was the one dedicated to Italian cuisine. It trailed only the Mushroom Kingdom items on the menu regarding its size. It displayed a variety of dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, ravioli, and pizza. There were also sweet treats such as cannoli, tiramisu, and gelato. He smiled as he remembered him and Mario showing some of the Toads, especially the castle chefs, how to prepare some of these dishes. They even instructed Princess Peach on the desserts. These memories stretched his smile wider as an idea blossomed in his mind.
“Luigi,” Daisy began, her voice bright with intrigue, “what has you smiling so much? You know what you’re going to order?”
“Not yet,” Luigi shook his head with a chuckle. “I’ve just come up with the perfect birthday present for the princess.”
“That’s great!” Daisy clapped her hands in delight. “Are you’re going to tell me what it is?! I promise I won’t tell Peach!”
He thought about telling her what he planned to do; however, he reminded himself that he’s only known her for two days. In addition, he recalled how she spilled the beans about her conversations with Princess Peach regarding Peach’s feelings for Mario without a second thought. Based on the Peach’s reaction, those were to be kept private. Daisy’s outgoing and chatty demeanor suggested that it would be difficult for her to keep secrets.
He shook his head with a smile as he made his decision. “Sorry, but you’ll have to wait until the party.”
“Hmph! You’re no fun!” Daisy stuck out her bottom lip. “Just for that, I won’t tell you what I got for Peach either!” She poked her tongue at him before returning her attention to her menu.
Luigi chuckled to himself before glancing over the menu again. Soon after, a faint smile tugged at his lips as he decided on what to order.
“Spaghetti?” Daisy’s brow furrowed. “Fettucine alfredo? Rigatoni? I’ve never heard of a lot of these dishes before!”
Luigi stifled a chuckle at Daisy’s bewilderment, finding it endearing. “Oh, I see you’re checking out the Italian section.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, Mario and I are responsible for that.”
“What do you mean by that?” Daisy glanced at Luigi.
“Mario and I are Italian, and these dishes are a huge part of our culture. Not too long after we arrived in the Mushroom Kingdom and rescued the princess from Bowser, we introduced spaghetti to everyone. It was an instant hit! They loved it so much that they all but begged Mario and me to teach them the recipe for it and other dishes.”
“How wonderful! Wait a sec, you know how to cook?!”
“Yep! Mario and I learned how to from an early age. Not to brag, but I’m the better cook between us, mostly because I paid attention to everything I was taught while Mario only focused on a few dishes.”
“That must be nice. I’m a disaster in the kitchen! I’ll burn down a building trying to boil water!”
Luigi suppressed another chuckle as he envisioned a castle burning down because of Daisy boiling water. “I’m sure it’s not that bad.”
“My cooking instructor labeled me as a hopeless cause because I burned everything I attempted. Even Peach, as patient as she is, looked like she wanted to shove her foot up my rear end because I almost ruined the frosting to her cake when I tried to help out one time. I’d love to know how to make a few recipes for my own sake, but I doubt that’s in the cards for me.”
“I can show you a few things if you’d like.”
Daisy eyes widened before a playful sparkle ignited in them. “Oh, Luigi. Wanting to have another date so soon? I’m surprised at your audacity. What if this date goes so poorly that I want nothing to do with you again?”
You and your big mouth, Luigi scolded himself. He realized that Daisy was only teasing him, yet he still felt a twinge of regret for offering to show her how to cook. The nagging worry of this date being disastrous was a lingering itch that was difficult to scratch. Nonetheless, since he put it out there, he decided to press forward and once again put those intrusive thoughts about the date to the side.
“I-It was just a suggestion. You don’t have to accept it if you don’t want to.”
“Oh no, I’d absolutely love to! So, where will everything take place? I know for certain Peach’s castle is out of the question. Toadsworth would drop dead of a heart attack, and the chefs would scatter like insects should I even look in their direction!”
“We can have them at me and Mario's place.”
“Are you sure about that? I don’t want you and Mario to be homeless because of my lack of cooking skills.”
Luigi held up his hand with a chuckle. “It won’t be that bad. Besides, Mario and I can rebuild our home should it ever come to that. Worst case, there is no way the princess would allow us to not have a roof over our heads. She would already have a room or two ready for us and not take no for an answer.”
“That sounds just like Peach,” Daisy chuckled. “OK, you’ve convinced me. So, when are we going to do this?”
“How about tomorrow morning? We could start with some breakfast recipes.”
“Sounds good to me! What time do you have in mind? I’m an early riser, so any time is fine with me!”
“I’m an early bird as well; however, I don’t want to start too early. How does 8:00 sound to you?”
“8:00 is perfect! It gives me enough time for an early workout before I head over to your place. Oh, and will Mario be there as well?”
“No, he’ll be spending the night at the castle so he can help the princess and others with the party preparations bright and early.”
“I see,” Daisy nodded her head before a mischievous grin spread across her face. “So, do you think he and Peach will sleep in the same bed?”
“Not a chance!” Luigi clutched his belly in laughter. “He won’t even be in the same room as her, let alone the same bed. Toadsworth will personally see to that. Knowing Mario, he’d rather have his favorite pair of overalls shredded apart by Bowser’s claws than sit through one of Toadsworth’s long-winded lectures.”
“I wouldn’t blame him one bit! Knowing Toadsworth, it would be something along the lines of no sleeping in the same bed until marriage. Peach and I have had to endure his lecture on that more times than I can count! Speaking of party preparations, are you going to help out with that?”
“Yes, I’ll head to the castle later to lend a hand. What about you?”
“Peach told me I didn’t need to help, but I’m not a person to stand around and twiddle my thumbs while everyone else is hard at work. I’ll just have to find an area where I can contribute.”
Luigi nodded and was about to say something when he spotted a Toad server heading his way. “So, have you decided on what to order yet,” he asked Daisy.
“Not yet,” Daisy admitted with a sigh. “You?”
“Yeah,” Luigi nodded.
The server approached them with a warm smile. “Good evening, ma’am and sir. My name is Toadlee, and I’ll be your server tonight. Have you decided on what to order? If so, we’ll start with the drinks.”
“I’ll have the sweet tea,” Daisy smiled.
“Great,” Toadlee jotted. “And how about you, sir?”
“I’ll have the lemonade,” Luigi nodded.
“Excellent!” Toadlee exclaimed. “What about the dishes?”
Luigi glanced at Daisy, who nodded with a small smile. He took it as a green light to order his meal first. He was uncertain at first because of his self-imposed rule of the women ordering their meals before him, but he remembered that she wasn’t the type who was concerned with such formalities. Also, he never told her about the rule. Lastly, she still hadn’t made up her mind about what she wanted.
With all that in mind, he directed his attention to Toadlee. “I’ll have the baked ziti.”
“A fine choice, if I do say so myself,” Toadlee smiled before moving his gaze towards Daisy. “And how about the lady?”
“I’ll have the same!” Daisy beamed. “Actually, could you make it two plates, please?”
Toadlee’s eyes fluttered as his head jerked at Daisy’s request. “Are you sure about that ma’am? Our servings are rather generous for one person.”
“Certain!” she flashed a broad, confident grin. “I’m a big girl; I can handle anything thrown my way!”
“As you wish, ma’am,” Toadlee acknowledged as he jotted down the orders. “I’ll have everything ready for you faster than a go-kart!”
As soon as Toadlee departed from their table, Luigi burst into laughter, prompting Daisy to arch an eyebrow at him.
“What?” she questioned with a cheeky smile.
“You are something else, Daisy!”
“What is that supposed to mean, Luigi?!” Daisy placed her hands on her hips, a mock scowl present on her pretty features.
“Oh, nothing!” Luigi waved his hands in front of his face. “It’s just that you nearly gave Toadlee a heart attack with your order!”
“Oh,” Daisy laughed. “Yeah, as I mentioned before, it can be quite the surprise for someone learning about my hearty appetite. So, what is this baked ziti we ordered?”
“It’s a baked dish,” Luigi explained with a grin. “It’s made of pasta, meat, cheese, and tomato sauce. It’s absolutely delicious, one of my all-time favorites. I hope you’ll like it as well!”
“Ooh, sounds yummy!” Daisy’s eyes lit up as she clapped her hands together. “I can’t wait to try it out!”
Luigi held in a chuckle at Daisy’s childlike glee. However, he would be lying that he wasn’t as eager for the ziti. He knew the Toads were skilled in the kitchen as with other things but while he wouldn’t consider himself picky, he had high standards when it came to his favorite dishes. Nevertheless, he hoped that he, and more importantly Daisy, would find it delightful.
“Hi, welcome to the Toad Town Eatery…oh, Luigi! Princess Daisy!”
“Toadette!” Luigi grinned, surprised to see the pink female Toad at the hostess station. “I didn’t know you worked here!”
“Yep!” Toadette beamed as she stepped from behind her post and wrapped her arms around Luigi. “The owners asked me if I wanted to help out, and I told them I’ll do whatever I can. Right now, they have me here as the hostess. It must be because of my good looks and great personality!”
With a hearty laugh, Luigi gently patted Toadette on the head. “Of course it is!”
Toadette chuckled as she pulled away from Luigi and turned her attention towards Daisy, ready to embrace her. However, the Sarasaland princess beat her to the punch, scooping the Toad with little effort and wrapping her arms around Toadette to the point where her plaits resembled two flagpoles.
“Girl, it’s nice to see you again!” Daisy squealed, capturing the attention of those nearby. “With that said, how many times did I tell you to drop the formalities with me?”
“S-Sorry! I completely forgot!” Toadette gasped before Daisy set her down. She took a couple of deep breaths to recover from Daisy’s overwhelming affection before grinning. “So, I take it you’re here to celebrate Princess Peach’s birthday?”
“You better believe it!” Daisy flashed a luminous cheek-splitting grin while thrusting a thumb towards the ceiling.
“I’m sure she’s happy you could come out this year,” Toadette nodded with a wide smile of her own. “Sorry for being nosy, but are you two on a date?”
Blood trickled to Luigi’s cheeks as his joints stiffened. Though Daisy has all but confirmed this was a date, he hesitated to disclose that to Toadette. From his peripheral vision, it appeared that Daisy wasn’t inclined to break the silence, so he ascertained it was safe to tell the inquisitive Toadette that they were simply friends enjoying each other’s company.
He tugged at his collar, “well, we…”
“We are most definitely on a date!” Daisy interjected, looping an arm around his shoulder and yanking him closer. His face felt as if he had just chugged a mug of coffee straight from the pot.
“How exciting!” Toadette clapped her hands together with a close-eyed smile, a gesture she most likely learned from Princess Peach. “Well, I won’t hold you two up any longer. This place is self-seating. You can choose your own tables here.”
“Sounds good to me!” Daisy beamed while letting Luigi go. “Oh! Before you do, I need to freshen up some. Where’s the ladies’ room?”
Toadette pointed to a tiny corridor on her right. “It’s down the hall. It’s the first door to your right.”
“Thanks, Toadette! You’re the best! I’ll be back in a moment, Luigi. If you want to, feel free to grab a table. You don’t have to wait for me.”
Luigi nodded in acknowledgement. Daisy nodded in return and flashed him a fleeting smile before heading off to the restroom. The instant she disappeared behind the door, Toadette elbowed him on the thigh, a devilish grin dancing on her lips.
“Way to go, Luigi!” Toadette spoke with a hushed tone. “You and Mario each winning over a princess! You two must have some serious game! No wonder you’re called the Super Mario Brothers!”
Luigi’s shoulders tensed as his cheeks warmed at Toadette’s teasing. “I-It’s nothing like that!”
“Well, it certainly looks like it to me!” her grin widened. “So how did you end up with a date with Daisy?”
Luigi rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, yesterday Mario and I played tennis against the princesses. During the match, Daisy hit me on the nose with a hard shot by accident. She felt terrible about it and offered to treat me to dinner as a way to make it up to me. That’s all there is to it, nothing special happening between us!”
Toadette nodded, yet her demeanor suggested she had doubts about Luigi’s explanation. “If you say so, Luigi. It looks to me like Daisy sees things differently, but that’s not for me to judge. Let me get you some menus.”
Toadette walked behind the station and grabbed a couple of menus. She handed him to Luigi and pointed him in the direction of the tables with a cheerful smile. Luigi thanked her and made his way towards them.
What was that all about? Luigi mused while scanning the place. I can’t dwell on it now. Now, let’s see if I can find a good spot to sit…
Fortunately, it didn’t take long for him to spot an unoccupied table by a window that provided a perfect view of Toadtown Square. He scanned the vicinity to ensure no one else was eyeing the table and seeing that he was in the clear, the corner of his lips curled into a content smile as he walked over and set the menus down. Right before his bottom grazed the seat, he recalled that his hat was still in his back pocket. Not wanting to risk squishing it, he removed it and placed it on his head before settling into the soft booth bench.
While waiting for Daisy, Luigi observed the bustling activity in Toadtown Square, his mind drifting back to the events of the past couple of days. Yesterday morning, he was introduced to the vibrant Sarasaland princess, who traveled to the Mushroom Kingdom to celebrate her best friend Princess Peach’s birthday. She appeared to warm up to him right away, probably due to his friendship with the Mushroom Kingdom princess and his status as Mario’s brother. At least, that’s how he justified it to himself.
The primary thought that came to mind was how everyone was implying, if not directly saying, that Daisy’s interest in him was authentic. He was cognizant that he was being set up with her; Mario’s slip of the tongue while they returned home to prepare for the tennis game had outright confirmed it. Then there was Peach pleading with him to give Daisy a fair chance, which was understandable considering it was her idea to introduce him and Daisy to each other. Nevertheless, it was Toadette’s insight that made him ponder if Daisy genuinely liked him. Unlike Mario and Peach, Toadette had no incentive to hook him and Daisy up, and this was the first time she had witnessed the two of them together. Yet, she seemed to have noticed some chemistry right away.
The whole situation had him mentally traversing fogs of confusion. Although he was happy that he was on a date with Daisy, he grappled with conflicting emotions. He wished he could embrace the optimism everyone seemed to have with open arms, but he couldn’t shake his sense of caution. He sighed as he acknowledged his trepidation of getting his hopes too high. The thought of falling for her, only to endure another heartbreak, loomed over him. This potential pain would be more intense than what he experienced with Peach. With Peach, he had accepted that his chances were nonexistent, especially considering her devotion to Mario. With Daisy, however, the stakes felt higher, as her behavior suggested she desired a meaningful friendship with him at minimum. He stifled a chuckle as he shook his head, realizing that this was likely the same uncertainty Mario experienced before he began dating Peach.
“There you are!”
The effervescent voice and clicking of heels on the wooden floor jolted Luigi from his reverie. He turned his head to see Daisy approaching, her face beaming with so much joy that he couldn’t help but return the feeling. In that instant, he decided to cast aside his anxieties about the future and immerse himself in the present, eager about the possibilities that awaited him.
There was no question about it; I was under attack.
Mind you, this wasn't my first precarious situation. However, this one was unique compared to the others.
My back was against the wall, the waning ache radiating from my shoulder blades a testament to the underrated strength of the hands holding me in place. Despite that, I should have been able to liberate myself from my predicament with ease, yet the unrelenting onslaught had my knees ready to protrude white flags.
What was the method of choice? It wasn't a pair of fists imprinting their force on my flesh. Nor was it a blunt instrument making my ribs puncture my vital organs. And it wasn't a blade capable of shredding my clothes and staining them crimson, leaving reminders of their sharpness on my skin.
So, what was it that turned my heart into a wrecking ball eager to knock down my sternum, my lungs working overtime to have me exhale any semblance of air, sweat creating mini creeks down my forehead, and my back causing friction against the wall as I struggled to prevent my derriere from meeting the floor?
The answer: a pair of soft lips massaging mine, accompanied by a sweet, slippery tongue dancing in my mouth, occasionally testing the limits of how far it can go down my throat.
Lately, I've had sunsets on my mind, and that inspired me to write a short story about my favorite fictional pair enjoying one. It's been some time since I've written solely about these two, so it was a joy to bang this one out. 😊
A minor spoiler alert for anyone following along with Blossoming Connection: there will be a sunset scene featuring Luigi and Daisy in a future chapter, so keep an eye out for it. 😉
With all of this out of the way, I present a short (at least by my standards 😂) Mareach fluff piece.
Sunset
~~~
A tranquil smile spread across my lips as the sun dipped beneath the horizon, painting the sky with a breathtaking palette of fiery oranges, soft pinks, and deep purples. It was an enchanting view that never lost its magic, regardless of how many times I experienced it.
“Isn’t it just stunning?” a gentle, melodic voice pulled me from my admirative reverie.
A glance to my left provided me with the view of Princess Peach gracefully draping her arms over the balustrade as she absorbed the breathtaking scenery. Her waist-length golden tresses fluttered gently in the breeze, and her eyes shone with a mix of awe and delight. The fading sunlight wrapped around her like a halo, making her appear almost celestial. Between her and the sunset, I was truly fortunate to witness two magnificent sights this evening.
Typically, I relish the sun setting alongside Luigi from our front porch, but tonight was a delightful departure from the norm. The princess invited me to witness the nightly wonder after we savored a sumptuous meal in the castle’s grand dining hall, and let’s be real – there was a slimmer chance of Wario forsaking garlic than me turning down such a charming invitation.
“Absolutely,” I replied, my thoughts drifting back to her question, “but not anywhere near as beautiful as you.”
Mama Mia! Did I really say that out loud?!
Anxiety surged through me as I registered the unintended compliment, praying that the princess hadn’t heard. Unfortunately, the delicate gasp that escaped her and the rosy hue creeping on her cheeks confirmed my worst fears. Yet, she seemed to bounce back with ease, as evidenced by the playful smirk that danced on her lips.
“Mario,” she chimed, a teasing tone lacing her words, “did you just say something?”
My Adam’s apple bobbed nervously as I scrambled to regain my composure. Sadly, my tongue had other ideas and in a flurry of panic, I blurted, “n-no, I didn’t say anything. Y-You must be hearing things.”
The way her smile stretched across her face was a clear signal that she wasn’t buying my excuse for a second. She pivoted to face me, her captivating blue eyes locking onto mine, a magnetic force that seemed to reach into my very soul. “That’s funny because I could have sworn that I heard you claim that I was more beautiful than the sunset.”
In an instant, my hands were uncomfortably damp inside my gloves. The heat of her gaze almost compelled me to confess; however, my obstinance held firm, leading me to dig my heels in deeper. I chuckled awkwardly as I rubbed the back of my neck. “N-No, that’s just your imagination! W-Why would I ever say something like that?!”
“Oh, that’s a pity,” she said, her hand fluttering to her mouth as a soft giggle escaped from her. She leaned in closer, and I found myself fascinated by the intricate details of her soft pink lips. “You know, compliments like that truly make a princess feel cherished, especially when they come from someone she holds in such high regard.”
A large gulp echoed in my throat as I fought to maintain a calm façade. Yet, the warmth creeping up in my cheeks was a clear giveaway of my inner turmoil. The intoxicating fragrance of roses and cherry blossoms wafting from her only intensified my fluster.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said with an unconfident grin.
“Mario,” she fluttered her eyelashes, her voice taking on a flirtatious lilt, “is it me, or is your face becoming a little flushed? Could it be the sun? Perhaps it’s little old me causing this reaction.” The sweet aroma of strawberries from our dessert tickled my nose. “You know, you’re really cute when you’re all flustered.”
Trouble had me in its mighty grip, and my heart raced like a wild drum solo, faster than DK could ever play on his bongo set. I attempted to speak, but my mouth was as parched as the vast, sunbaked sands of Koopahari Desert. It’s not often I find myself speechless, yet Princess Peach – who was obviously regaled by my bewilderment – had my thoughts tangled like spaghetti in a pot. She was the only person who had that effect on me, showing how grand my adulation was for her. Unable to endure the silence any longer, I parted my lips to say the first thing that popped into my head. But before I could utter a sound, she pressed those exquisite lips against the tip of my nose, followed by those same lips splitting into a wide grin that radiated brighter than the retreating sun, nearly blinding me with its brilliance.
Though brief and as light as a Goonie feather, the peck sent ripples of warmth coursing through me, causing my mustache to curl in delight and inspiring some ungraceful dance moves. Despite my endeavor to maintain my balance, my impromptu two-step resulted in my derriere introducing itself to the balcony surface with a soft thud. I gingerly touched the spot where my nose tingled from the unexpected peck, and a rush of warmth flooded my cheeks like a tidal wave, both from the softest lips in the world gracing my nose and the embarrassment of my clumsiness in front of her. Still, in the wake of that humiliation, I couldn't help but exhale a sigh of joy, and a blissful smile formed on my lips without resistance.
“Mario are you alright?!” the princess asked, snapping me out of my dreamy haze. Her eyes gleamed with a mixture of concern and mirth as she knelt down and extended her arm to help me up, a playful grin decorating her face. “You didn’t hurt anything, did you?”
“Only my pride,” I responded, a blend of humor and shame coloring my words as I accepted her hand. With surprising strength for her delicate frame, she hoisted me up.
A bright, tinkling laughter, like the sound of the finest silver bells, danced through the air as I brushed off my backside. “What’s so funny?” I asked, my voice tinged with more annoyance than intended.
She halted her laughter and flashed me an amused grin. “Oh, I didn’t mean to laugh at you, Mario. It’s just that I never imagined a simple kiss on the nose could send the mighty Mario tumbling!”
I couldn’t resist laughing at her witty comment. “You just caught me off guard, that’s all!” I shot back a bit defensively.
With that said, there was a kernel of truth in her assertion. I was perpetually susceptible to her kisses, regardless of their nature. Each one set my heart aflutter, flushed my cheeks, and sent me into a dreamy stupor. I had been kissed by many a beautiful woman, Pauline included. Nevertheless, none of their kisses could rival the effect hers had on me. They were my Achilles’ heel without question; I could only imagine the whirlwind of emotions that would stir should she caress my lips with hers. The ground might just become the most awkward resting place possible.
“Just like your little ‘non-comment’ about me being more beautiful than the sunset did me,” she quipped, punctuating her words with exaggerated air quotes.
“Touché!” I laughed, her laughter harmonizing mine.
“But seriously,” she said, her laughter subsiding as she leaned on the balustrade, her gaze drifting to the sun’s final glow on the horizon. “Do you honestly think I’m more beautiful than this? It’s hard to fathom anyone or anything rivaling such a breathtaking display of nature.”
I leaned against the balustrade next to her, a sigh escaping my lips as I admired the kaleidoscope of colors above. “I do,” I replied, lost in thought. “Sunsets are undeniably breathtaking, but they don’t hold a torch to you. You exude beauty in every sense of the word. You yourself are magnificent wonder of nature, Princess.”
A wave of embarrassment washed over me as I reflected on my own words, fully aware of their cheesiness. Yet, unlike before, I didn’t shy away from them, for they were a true reflection of my feelings. I glanced at the princess, curious of her reaction. The rosy tint on her cheeks and the shy smile that danced on her lips suggested my comments had struck a chord. Bathed by the sun’s warm embrace and with her gorgeous locks flowing gracefully in the breeze, she truly was a vision of pulchritude that never failed to leave me speechless.
“Has anyone told you that you had a way with words?” she asked, her voice trembling with admiration.
I scratched the back of my head with a shy chuckle as heat flushed my cheeks. “No, not really,” I murmured softly.
“Well, I just did!” she giggled, her eyes sparkling livelier than the stars that began to decorate the sky as she turned to face me. A smile of appreciation graced her lips before she leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss on my cheek. “Grazie, Mario.”
The sweet gesture and her thanking me in my mother tongue made my heart swell to the size of Bowser’s temper, and I returned her smile. “Prego, Principessa.”
She nodded slightly before her gaze returned to the heavens, and I mirrored her action. A soft nudge momentarily diverted my attention to my left, where the princess had perhaps unwittingly closed the gap between us. In that moment, a rush of confidence surged through me, prompting me to encircle an arm around her waist. She immediately turned her head and smiled warmly before enveloping me in a tender side embrace, followed by her lowering her lips to my ear.
“Sharing this moment with you brings me so much joy,” she breathed softly, her breath a gentle caress against my ear. I suppressed a giggle as the sensation sent shivers down my spine. “What a perfect way to wrap up the day.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” I nodded.
“We should do this more often.”
“Agreed.”
With a bright smile, she returned her attention to the horizon, and I followed her lead. We soaked in the remaining hues of the sunset in a comfortable silence, the world around us fading into a beautiful twilight.
Blossoming Connection - Chapter Five: A Bloom Threatening Stench
~~~
“What a delightful day this has been, if I do say so myself!” Peach exclaimed with her face aglow as she, Daisy, and the Mario brothers gathered in the castle’s grand lobby after a sumptuous dinner feast. “Thank you for spending it with us, Mario and Luigi.”
“Anytime, Princess!” Mario grinned joyously. However, he quickly covered his mouth with his hand to stifle a yawn. “Well, I guess it’s time to head home. It is always a privilege to spend time with you princesses.”
Luigi nodded in agreement as he started to bow before abruptly halting, recalling both princesses telling him and Mario they didn’t need to. He chuckled awkwardly before he and Mario turned on their heels to leave. He merely took a step before a playful hand landed on his shoulder, making him freeze in response. He turned to find Daisy grinning mischievously at him, with Peach doing the same with Mario. A nervous swallow from him followed shortly afterwards.
“Now I know you boys aren’t planning to leave us like this!” Daisy giggled with a glint in her eye as she and Peach continued to grin at him and Mario.
“What do you mean by that, Daisy?” Mario cocked an eyebrow.
Peach shook her head amusingly before her grin resurfaced. “I suppose we’ll just have to show you!”
Peach pulled Luigi into a brief warm hug, then grabbed Mario cheeks and firmly pressed her lips to his. Mario’s body and mustache stiffened immediately, and his face resembled a ripe strawberry. His knees threatened to give out as he swooned, yet he somehow stayed upright.
Luigi stifled a chuckle as Daisy embraced Mario after he recovered from Peach’s kiss. Upon breaking her hug, Daisy gently palmed Luigi’s shoulders and wiggled her eyebrows with a teasing grin. Luigi narrowed his eyes in confusion at her antics but before he could react, she yanked him closer and pressed his face against her chest before enveloping him in a tight hug. Blood rushed to his face as he found himself nearly smothered by her exuberant affection. Just as the world closed in, Daisy mercifully relaxed her grip and removed his face from her chest.
“Goodnight, Luigi,” Daisy cooed with a gentle and friendly smile. “It was really nice meeting you. I am so looking forward to our date tomorrow!”
Luigi tried to respond to Daisy; however, his throat was parched, and his mind was still whirling from her generous embrace. Therefore, he only nodded and turned to leave the castle. Unfortunately, his legs felt like jelly as he nearly slumped to the carpet after taking only one step. Luckily, Mario was quick to catch him and provide support as the brothers headed toward the main doors. They waved to the princesses, who returned the gesture while giggling – with Peach blowing a kiss in Mario’s direction, before stepping into the crisp evening of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Luigi’s legs regained their steadiness with each step toward home. As he lifted his gaze to the velvety night sky, Mario playfully nudged him in the arm with a cheeky grin and eyes sparkling with a brightness that eclipsed the stars.
“Not. A. Single. Word.”
~~~
“Relax, Luigi! Everything will be just fine.”
“Relax?!” Luigi shouted through chattering teeth as he shook Mario by his overall straps. “How can I relax?! I’m about to go out on my very first date! With a princess, no less!”
Mario chuckled despite being jostled around. He placed a reassuring hand on Luigi’s shoulder once Luigi’s grip eased. “Believe me Luigi, I totally get it. Going on your first date is never easy, no matter who it is. I still remember the jitters from when Pauline and I went out for the first time. The nerves were even worse when the princess and I had our first official date, mostly because of the same reason that you’re nervous. However, despite a few hiccups, the dates went well. Your date with Daisy will be just as great, I promise.”
Although a flurry of butterflies still occupied his stomach, Luigi’s shoulders eased at Mario’s comforting words. After all, if there was anyone who could relate to his current turmoil, it was his older twin. A smile blossomed on his face as he laid a hand on Mario’s shoulder.
“Thanks, Mario! I needed that.”
“Any time, Luigi! So, are you ready to head out?”
“Not yet! I still have something to take care of. I won’t take long.”
Luigi raced to the bathroom and gazed at his reflection in the mirror. He smoothed his hands over the rich silk of his viridian dress shirt with care to eliminate any creases. A quick inspection of his mustache and hair brought a satisfied grin to his face. He spritzed cologne on his neck and popped a breath mint before heading to his room to grab his beloved green cap. A patient smile from Mario greeted him as he returned to the living room.
“Hey Mario,” Luigi began with a hint of eagerness in his tone as they prepared to leave, “you think this outfit is good enough?”
Mario scanned Luigi from head to toe before breaking into a warm, reassuring grin. “Your outfit is fine, Luigi.”
“You sure?” Luigi asked with some trepidation. “It’s just that I think I should be wearing something more formal, especially considering who I’m going on a date with.”
“You look great, Luigi,” Mario chuckled as he placed a gentle hand on Luigi’s shoulder. “Besides, Daisy told you that you didn’t need to dress all fancy.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Luigi sighed with a small nod. “I just want everything to go well.”
Mario’s smile widened, radiating confidence. “It will, trust me. Now, ready to head out?”
“As ready as I’m going to be,” Luigi sighed with a nervous chuckle.
Mario gently patted Luigi’s shoulder with another encouraging smile before grabbing his hat and tossing it on his head. Luigi thought about doing the same but decided against it as not to mess up his hair. He placed his hat in his back pocket before he and Mario exited their house and made their way to the castle.
~~~
With a friendly wave to the Toad guards on duty, Mario and Luigi entered the castle. However, upon arriving in the lobby, Luigi was met with an unsettling emptiness – neither princess was anywhere to be found.
Luigi’s brow knitted in concern as he recalled his agreement with Daisy to rendezvous in the main lobby at this time. The jitters that had once settled down now returned, performing a chaotic dance inside his stomach. His imagination took flight like a swarm of Koopa Paratroopas, conjuring fears that Daisy might have decided to cancel their date at the last minute. Though he had experienced his share of flakiness from women before, the thought of Daisy backing out would be a devastating blow to his already tenuous self-esteem.
“Hey, Luigi,” Mario gently placed his hand on Luigi’s back. “You doing alright? You seem kind of down.”
Luigi wished he could assure Mario everything was fine. However, his shoulders drooped, followed by him lowering his gaze to his brown suede dress boots.
“I know what you’re thinking, Weeg,” Mario soothingly rubbed Luigi’s back in a circular motion. “Maybe Daisy’s just running late. I don’t think she’d stand you up like this, especially considering how excited she seemed to be about your outing.”
With a deep sigh, Luigi raised his head at met Mario’s eyes with his own. “I hope you’re right, Mario. I’d hate to think this is some kind of joke.”
“I don’t think it is. If it were, then Daisy will be dealing with one very upset plumber!”
Despite his anxiety, Luigi couldn’t help but chuckle at Mario shaking his fist in playful anger. Just that simple action calmed his nerves, and he gratefully patted his older twin on his shoulder.
“Here I am, Luigi! Sorry for being late!”
With a relieved sigh, Luigi’s heart lifted at the sound of Daisy’s cheery voice. He turned to the staircase leading to the second level in the lobby and for the second day in a row, his jaw threatened to plunge to the ground.
Daisy looked absolutely breathtaking in a cream puff-sleeved V-neck dress that was adorned with orange floral patterns that stopped mid-thigh and tightly hugged her figure like an overly affectionate nonna. The dress was perfectly complemented by a cream floppy hat embellished with an orange ribbon. A beaming, playful grin lit up her pretty face as she seductively sauntered down the stairs, causing Luigi’s eyes to nearly extend from their socket. Leaning in slightly, she wrapped Luigi in a warm embrace, making his body stiffen and allowing his senses to absorb the sweet, intoxicating aroma of vanilla.
“Say, Luigi,” Daisy purred softly in his ear, her tone teasing and light, “aren’t you going to hug me back?”
Luigi’s heart raced as he swallowed hard before cautiously encircling his arms around her waist, prompting her to smile as she pulled him a little closer.
“Now, that’s more like it!” she sang sweetly as she broke the hug and rested her hands on his shoulders. “You look very handsome tonight.”
Luigi’s mouth fell open in surprise, and his cheeks felt like they were singed by a pair of Angry Suns. No one outside of his family had ever called him handsome and hearing it from the lovely Princess Daisy made his heart sing like the notes from the Note Blocks he and Mario encountered on their adventures. “Y-You really think so?!”
Daisy’s features contorted into a scornful grimace, leaving Luigi puzzled as he raised an eyebrow. “No. I think you’re absolutely hideous. I was just trying to be nice.” However, her scowl faded as quickly as it came, replaced by a lighthearted giggle that echoed in the lobby. “Of course I think you’re handsome! I don’t mince compliments and besides, I’m the one who asked you out. Remember?”
Luigi chuckled awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, good point. Anyway, y-you look very b-beautiful tonight.”
Daisy cocked an eyebrow as her face morphed into an inscrutable mask, causing Luigi to second-guess his comments. “Just tonight. Are you saying that I’m usually ugly?! That’s really quite hurtful, Luigi.”
Heat rose in Luigi’s cheeks like the water levels in Wet-Dry World, and his heart was a jackhammer that relentlessly pounded against his sternum. His current predicament epitomized one of the chief reasons he often struck out with the fairer sex: he had a knack for saying the wrong things at the wrong time, even if they were meant to be compliments. Nonetheless, he felt an urgent need to rectify the situation.
“N-No, that’s not what I meant…”
A mischievous smirk danced across Daisy’s lips, which was instantly followed by an infectious laugh that interrupted his apology attempt. She then playfully smacked him on the shoulder, causing him to jump slightly from the contact.
“Oh, Weegee! I was only kidding!” she giggled. “You looked a bit wound up, so I thought to lighten things up a little. Thanks for the sweet compliment by the way. That’s definitely a great way to make a girl feel valued!”
The tightness in Luigi’s chest dissipated like steam from a locomotive engine as a deep sigh escaped his lips, relieved that he hadn’t upset Daisy after all. “That’s good to know,” he chuckled faintly.
Daisy responded with a warm nod and bright smile before placing a hand on the same shoulder she slapped. “Oh, and I hope it’s OK if I call you Weegee. I heard Mario call you that yesterday and thought it was the cutest thing, so I wanted to do so as well!”
“No, not at all!” Luigi chuckled once more. “You can call me anything you want!”
Regret hit Luigi like an uppercut from Mr. Sandman the moment the sentence flew from his mouth. Daisy struggling to suppress a giggle behind her hand and Mario’s amused snort echoing in the lobby only intensified his mortification. His hands instantly clapped over his mouth as steam billowed heavily from his ears.
“Oh Weegee, you’re so silly!” Daisy giggled, her giggle ringing like a music chime before her lips approached his ear. “I might just take you up on that offer, you know.”
Her teasing words accompanied by a wink that could melt ice made Luigi’s face feel like it could iron a year’s supply of clothing. The all so familiar nerves returned for an encore, and he hoped to the Star Spirits that he didn’t further humiliate himself.
“Oh, everyone’s still here!” Peach’s cheerful voice echoed through the lobby as she walked in. “I figured you two would have left by now.”
“We were just waiting for you to send us off!” Daisy grinned as she pulled Luigi closer with a friendly arm around his shoulder. “Isn’t that right, Luigi?”
Luigi nodded feebly, primarily to steer clear of further verbal blunders that would only add to his growing jar of embarrassment.
“Well, I’m glad you haven’t left yet,” Peach smiled as she pulled out her phone. “I hoped to get a picture of you two before you did. If you don’t mind, that is.”
“I certainly don’t!” Daisy answered, her smile wide and illuminating as she turned to Luigi. “I’d love to take a picture with you, Luigi. However, I understand if you don’t want to.”
“N-No, it’s perfectly fine,” Luigi stammered, trying to project a sense of confidence with a shaky grin. “I-I’d be happy to take a picture with you.”
“Thank you so much, Weegee!” Daisy exclaimed, her joy radiating as she pulled Luigi into a hug that nearly made his ribs pierce his internal organs. She then playfully positioned his arm around her waist before returning her arm around his shoulder, causing Luigi to gulp nervously. “OK, Peach. Whenever you’re ready!”
Peach smiled cheerfully as she aimed her phone at Luigi and Daisy. “Alright, on the count of three yell mushrooms! Ready? One, two, three…”
“Mushrooms!” Luigi shouted alongside Daisy – although her voice easily overpowered his – before managing to put on what he hoped was an assuring grin just as the light from Peach’s phone flashed.
“OK, one more!” Peach called out joyously, pointing her phone at Luigi and Daisy again.
Luigi chuckled as he shook his head in mock exasperation. However, he flashed another smile as he and Daisy posed for another photo. Peach quickly captured the moment, then fiddled with her phone before turning her attention to everyone, her face glowing with satisfaction.
“There! Everyone should have the pictures now!”
Luigi fished the phone from his pants pocket and opened the attachment. A smile broke out on his face as he gazed at the two snapshots of him and Daisy. He was pleasantly surprised that he didn’t appear too anxious despite his usual aversion to being photographed, stemming from his belief that he wasn’t very photogenic. Daisy, however, was a natural, her dazzling smile and lively spirit practically leaping off the screen.
Daisy beamed as she reached to her side, her fingers dancing in the air before a look of astonishment crossed her face. “Oh, I forgot my purse!” she rubbed the back of her head with a chuckle. “I’ll be right back, Luigi.”
Mario nudged Luigi playfully in the ribs as soon as Daisy slipped through the upper-level door, prompting Luigi to feign annoyance before they both broke into grins. Peach stepped in to embrace the brothers before pecking Mario on the cheek, making his cheeks bloom with a rosy hue.
“Excited about your date, Luigi?” Peach asked with a warm and charming smile, the one that used to make Luigi’s heart flutter in infatuation.
Luigi rubbed the back of his neck with a chuckle. “Yeah, but to be honest, I’m also quite nervous.”
“That’s quite understandable,” Peach nodded earnestly. “First dates can be so nerve-wracking! You should have seen me when Mario and I went out for the first time. I was a bundle of nerves!”
Luigi’s eyes nearly popped from his head at Peach’s revelation, struggling to reconcile the image of the poised Princess with the idea of her being anxious for a date, especially with someone who is considered to be of “lower status”. However, his astonishment paled in comparison to Mario’s, who resembled a Cheep-Cheep struggling to catch its breath after flopping on dry land. The corners of Luigi’s mouth twitched as he resisted the laughter threatening to emerge.
“No way?!” Mario gasped. “I never would’ve guessed you were nervous about our date! I know I definitely was!”
Peach chuckled softly, a playful smile dancing on her lips as she gently gripped Mario’s shoulders. “Oh, I know, sweetie. You looked like you might hurl at any moment! However, I had quite the butterflies floating in my stomach. Thankfully, the evening turned out wonderfully; it was certainly one of my favorite nights.” She glanced over at Luigi. “I have no doubt you and Daisy will have a wonderful night too, Luigi.”
Luigi managed a timid yet optimistic smile at Peach’s encouraging remark. Just then, Daisy burst into the lobby with a cream-colored purse swaying wildly from her shoulder and laughter ringing joyfully from her lips. She pulled her phone from her purse and grinned broadly after tapping it for a moment. “These shots are incredible! You look so cute, Luigi! They’re definitely going into my favorites!”
A rush of warmth flooded Luigi cheeks at Daisy’s compliment. His cheeks then became warmer as she linked her arm with his. “Ready to have some fun tonight?!”
Luigi nodded as Daisy’s fingers intertwined with his. “I guess we’re off then.”
“Have a great time, you two!” Mario cheered as he wrapped an arm around Peach’s waist in a warm gesture. Peach reciprocated by draping her arm over his shoulders with a warm smile.
“You can count on that!” Daisy grinned, her expression then turning mischievous as she glanced at Mario and Peach. “I suspect you two will be having your own fun. Mario, I hope your lips are quite prepared for the exercise!”
A deep shade of crimson washed over Mario and Peach at the insinuation, almost prompting Luigi to burst into laughter. “We’re just having dinner in the garden and watching a few movies,” Peach clarified, her tone slightly defensive as she regained her composure.
“Sure you are,” Daisy quipped, a hint of doubt coloring her words. “I’m sure nothing…exciting will occur during those movies.”
“Just get out of here already!” Peach huffed as she stifled a grin. “Luigi, be cautious with this one.”
Luigi nodded while suppressing a giggle. He and Daisy shared a smile before making their way towards the exit. The two waved at Mario and Peach, who reciprocated the action, before leaving the castle with their hands locked together.
~~~
The sky was ablaze with brilliant orange and purple shades as Luigi and Daisy meandered along the path leading to Toad Town. For Luigi, sunsets had always been a cherished sight, a ritual both he and Mario shared since their arrival in the Mushroom Kingdom. This evening was no exception; in fact, he was so entranced by the view that it took him a moment to notice Daisy’s elbow gently nudging him in the ribs, causing them to halt.
“Am I that uninteresting?” she teased, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Luigi scratched the back of his head with a bashful smile. “No, not at all! I just can’t resist a good sunset. Watching them is a favorite pastime of mine.”
Daisy delicately placed a hand over her mouth as she giggled, a sound that was music to Luigi’s ears. A warm smile then formed on her pretty orange lips. “Oh Luigi, I’m only pulling your leg. I too enjoy sunsets. I like to watch them from my balcony back home. There aren’t many things as beautiful as a good sunset.”
Luigi nodded in agreement as Daisy sighed appreciatively at the sky. She then turned to him with a puzzled look. “By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask – where’s your hat at?”
Luigi blinked a few times, momentarily lost in thought, before his fingers instinctively checked the back pocket of his khakis. Relief flooded over him as he felt the familiar shape of his beloved green cap still nestled there. He flashed Daisy a shy smile. “Oh, it’s right here in my back pocket. It’s my good luck charm. I hardly go anywhere without it.”
Daisy smiled back with her eyes twinkling. “I see. Even though we’ve only known each other for a short while, it feels odd to see you without something on your head.”
“I totally get that!” Luigi chuckled lightly. “Mario and I are almost always wearing some kind of headwear, so it’s a bit of a shock for people when we don’t. I thought I’d not wear my cap tonight because it’s a date.”
With a playful shake of her head and a gleam in her eye, Daisy pointed at her floppy hat. “Oh, so what do you think about this? Are you suggesting that my hat isn’t suitable for our date?”
Luigi opened his mouth to stammer a defense; however, he recalled their past exchanges and realized she was having fun with him – at least he hoped that was the case. A mischievous smile crept onto his face as he prepared to respond in kind. He crossed his arms and looked away from her with a haughty lift of his chin. “Absolutely not! You’d think that as a princess, you’d have a better sense of style for dating someone as refined as me!”
That clearly struck a chord because Daisy stared at him momentarily slack jawed before playfully slapping his shoulder and laughing heartily. “Well played, Luigi; you really got me there! It’s great to see you come out of your shell some. But honestly, if you want to wear your hat on our date, that’s totally cool with me. I don’t mind at all.”
Luigi expressed his gratitude with a nod. “Thanks, Daisy. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Daisy returned his nod with a cheerful smile, and they continued their walk when a sudden thought crossed Luigi’s mind. “Say, Daisy.”
“Yes, Luigi?”
“Speaking of our date, you haven’t told me where we’re going yet.”
Daisy’s eyes flickered with surprise, and she chuckled softly while rubbing the back of her neck. “Oh, you’re right! I totally forgot about that! I suppose I can tell you now.”
“Well, well, well! If it isn’t our old pal Linguine!”
Luigi tensed at the sound of that unmistakable voice echoing behind him and stifled the impulse to grumble something under his breath. Against his better judgment, he turned around, only to be met with a sight that made him roll his eyes in exasperation.
Wario and Waluigi shared a conspiratorial laugh as they swaggered toward Luigi and Daisy with sinister grins plastered on their faces, prompting Luigi to sigh resignedly. It was an all too familiar sight; those two always wore their wicked expressions like a badge of honor or in their case, dishonor. Luigi instinctively tensed in response, bracing himself for whatever trouble they might bring.
“Do you know them?” Daisy asked softly with her hand cupping Luigi’s ear and a blend of curiosity and amusement in her tone.
“Unfortunately,” Luigi muttered, his voice tinged with apprehension as he hoped the dastardly duo wouldn’t unleash their usual chaos. “Be careful around them.”
Daisy bit her lip to suppress a giggle as she laid a reassuring hand on Luigi’s shoulder, helping to alleviate some of his stress. “They can’t be all that bad, can they?”
Luigi merely let out a deep sigh and nodded, prompting Daisy’s expression to shift to one of neutrality as they both turned their focus back to Wario and Waluigi, who stood a few feet in front of them.
“Hey, what with the long face, Fettuccine?!” Wario bellowed in his typical gruff manner, eliciting a loud chuckle from Waluigi. “You don’t seem too thrilled to see us!”
Despite his desire to shoot them a glare potent enough to sear steaks, Luigi shook his head as another sigh escaped his lips. “What do you two want?” he asked, his voice laced with annoyance.
Wario chuckled darkly, his smirk stretching wider as he approached Luigi. “We’re not after anything. Just here to say hi to an old pal!” He gave Luigi a hefty pat on the back that nearly sent the green-clad plumber sprawling. However, Luigi – quick on his feet – recovered with a nimble hop. “Whoops! Sorry about that! I tend to forget how strong I am!”
Yet, the raucous laughter from Wario and Waluigi made it clear that Wario’s apology was nothing but a façade. They relished every chance to outdo or humiliate him and Mario, and this was no exception. Luigi checked his clothes and was relieved to only see a smudge of dirt on his boot tips. The irritation he held in check surged forth, his glare sharper than Iggy Koopa's laugh.
“Don’t you guys have anything better to do?!” Luigi asked testily as he absentmindedly brushed his shirt.
“Chill out, Greenie! We’re just having a little fun!” Waluigi cackled, a sound that made Luigi want to shove pebbles in his ears. “You should be lucky that Wario and I are here to liven your dull existence once in a while!”
Luigi muttered under his breath as Waluigi’s obnoxious laugh continued to ring out against the backdrop of the setting sun. Waluigi then shifted his attention toward Daisy, and a roguish grin spread across his face.
“Oh my! Who is this lovely creature?!” Waluigi inquired with a flirtatious flair.
Daisy pulled back from the taller man’s piercing gaze before narrowing her eyes. Waluigi playfully arched his eyebrows as he closed the gap between himself and Daisy. He enveloped her hand with both of his, the grin not leaving his face.
Don’t blame you one bit, Luigi thought as he fought an incoming snicker.
“Greetings, lovely lady!” Waluigi declared, attempting to charm her with all of the grace of a clumsy penguin. “The name’s Waluigi! It’s a pleasure to meet you! Pardon me for being so forward, but I must ask what’s a beauty like you doing with a guy like him? Why don’t you ditch this green loser and come hang out with a real man?!”
Man, this guy is a real piece of work, Luigi shook his head in disbelief.
Fortunately, Daisy was completely unfazed by Waluigi’s advances. She yanked her hand away from his grip and crossed her arms while tapping her foot in defiance. “Funny, because I certainly don’t see a real man here! Do you, Luigi?”
Luigi shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips as he reveled in Daisy’s clever retort. Waluigi’s eyes briefly widened at the insult; however, he quickly regained his cool demeanor. In a rare moment of solidarity, Wario placed a hand on Waluigi’s back.
“It appears the dame here has no taste!” Wario chuckled. “She wouldn’t know a real man if she saw one!”
“The same can be said for you about soap!” Daisy shot back without missing a beat as her nose crinkled in distaste, a gesture Luigi found adorable.
Luigi struggled to suppress his laughter at Daisy’s witty jab about Wario’s infamous garlic stench. In stark contrast, Waluigi had no such qualms and burst into a hearty laugh that had him clutching his gut. A venomous glare from Wario made him instantly stop and redirect his attention toward Daisy with a lecherous grin.
“A feisty one, are you?! Just the way I like them!” Waluigi glibly remarked as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and inched his face closer to hers.
Daisy grimaced at Waluigi’s breath fanning her face. Luigi sympathized with her because he knew from first-hand experience that although Wario’s breath was notoriously pungent, Waluigi’s wasn’t very far behind.
“Way better than that prissy blonde in the castle!” Waluigi continued, blissfully ignorant of Daisy’s reaction. “Listen, sweetheart! The offer’s still on the table. I can show you a real good time if given the chance!”
“Ugh, no thanks!” Daisy retorted with a face of revulsion as she attempted to wriggle free from Waluigi’s clutches. “Now please, let me go!”
Unfortunately, not only did Waluigi not grant her request, but he also tightened his grip and yanked her closer, almost knocking her hat off. His prominent aquiline nose nearly brushed with her cute button one. “Don’t be like that, my dear! Trust me, you’ll be wishing you had met me sooner after a fabulous time with the one and only Wahh-Luigi!”
A fire ignited within Luigi upon realizing that Waluigi was not going to take no for an answer. With his fist clenched and a fierce determination sparking in his gaze, he was poised to confront Waluigi and insist that he leave Daisy alone, even if it meant resorting to force. He was well cognizant that Wario would likely intervene, but his number one priority was helping Daisy. He barely took a step forward before Wario predictably positioned himself in front of him.
“Hey, what’s the rush, Ravioli?” Wario laughed evilly. “No need to play hero now. Everything is just fine.”
Unfazed and not in the mood to play games, Luigi was about to shove Wario aside when he noticed a subtle shift in Daisy’s attitude. Her face transformed from a mix of anxious repulsion to a fierce, teeth-baring fury as she lifted her leg and, with incredible speed and force, slammed her white stiletto heel on Waluigi’s foot. The resounding crunch reverberated around everyone, making Luigi wince and nearly clutch his own foot in sympathy. Waluigi’s foot must have resembled a shattered piece of fine China within his pointed shoe.
“YEOWW!” Waluigi howled in agony, tears welling up in the corners of his eyes.
In an instant, Daisy lunged for Waluigi’s arm and expertly flipped him onto his back, his backside hitting the ground with a pathetic thud. A series of pitiful whimpers soon followed as he grabbed his injured foot.
“Let’s get something straight, you jerk!” Daisy growled, her voice dripping with indignation as her fiery gaze bore holes into Waluigi’s hide. “I am not a creature, sweetheart, or your dear! I am Princess Daisy of the Sarasaland Empire! I am not a piece of meat to salivate over! I am a woman with genuine feelings! When I say no, I mean it! Perhaps if you learn how to respect women, you’ll have better luck with them! Investing in some breath mints will also help! And just so you know, that ‘prissy blonde’ you insulted is my best friend and one of the kindest souls in all the realms! I will not tolerate any disrespect towards Peach! Understood!”
Waluigi winced sorrowfully as he tenderly kneaded his what was surely a broken foot. Yet, hearts danced in his eyes, and a lovesick grin spread across his features.
“What a woman!” he sighed softly, lost in his own romantic reverie.
“Bwahahaha!” Wario doubled over in laughter as he clutched his belly. “I can’t believe you let some chick toss you around like that, Waluigi!”
Daisy took a moment to steady herself before shooting an intense glare at Wario and menacingly shaking a fist. “Chick! I dare you to call me that again, Tubby! I’d be more than happy to give you a taste of what I just did to your partner here!”
Wario’s laughter faded as he shook his head with a chuckle, then casually inserted his finger into his nostril. “No need to get all worked up, Princess! Lucky for you, I’m not into fighting dames.” He swirled his finger around before flicking a massive booger toward Luigi and Daisy. “Let’s go, Waluigi! I think we’ve had our share of fun for the evening!”
Wario turned to leave and released a thunderous fart in Waluigi’s face as he stepped over him. Waluigi remained sprawled on the ground when he realized Wario wasn’t going to help him up. With a strained grunt, he mustered the strength to hop on his one good foot. He unapologetically ogled Daisy with a prurient smile, prompting her to scrunch her face in disdain.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, your Highness. As I mentioned before, my offer still stands.” He winked at Daisy before comically hopping on his healthy leg after his partner in crime. “Hey Wario, wait up!”
Daisy’s stare followed the troublesome pair until they were mere specks on the horizon. She then fanned herself while grimacing at the noxious fumes still lingering from Wario’s flatulence. “What’s the deal with those two?!”
Luigi sighed heavily as he pinched his nose at the offensive odor. “They’re troublemakers through and through, always looking for ways to stir up chaos. Their greatest joys are trying to humiliate Mario and me and dreaming up harebrained get-rich-quick schemes. Thankfully, most of their plans crash and burn.”
“They are certainly something,” Daisy sighed lightheartedly.
“They do manage to do something kind every now and then, but it’s mostly for their own benefit,” Luigi replied, mirroring her expression. “Are you OK? Did Waluigi hurt you?”
Daisy met his gaze, her smile filled with gratitude. “I’m fine, thank you. The worst part was his breath. What about you?”
“I’ve survived worse from those two,” Luigi chuckled. He flashed her a small, impressed grin. “You definitely put Waluigi in his place!”
A proud grin blossomed on Daisy’s face despite her best efforts to resist it. “Heh, it was nothing, to be honest. I’ve been practicing self-defense since I was a little girl. Peach and I shared the same trainer, and we would train together whenever we had the chance. After Tatanga’s invasion, however, I really dedicated myself to my training. I promised myself I will never allow anyone to kidnap me again without a fight if I can help it!”
“That makes sense,” Luigi nodded in agreement as a broad smile spread across his face. “Remind me to never get on your bad side!”
A light and joyful laugh from Daisy’s lips enveloped the air around them, a sweet melody to Luigi’s ears. She then returned his smile with an impish one of her own. “As long as you don’t try to kidnap or obnoxiously hit on me, you have nothing to worry about. I like to think I can read people well, and I can’t picture you doing any of those things.”
Luigi couldn’t resist the smile that crept onto his face at Daisy’s playful words, but a spark to stir the pot a tad ignited within him. “Who’s to say I’m not capable of doing such things?”
Daisy laid her hand softly on her shoulder, her smile unwavering. “I don't know. It's hard to imagine such a sweet cutie like you ever think about kidnapping someone.”
Luigi’s eyes widened some, and s’mores could’ve been prepared on his ears at Daisy’s comment. He quickly shook his head, trying to regain his composure before meeting her gaze once more. “C-Confident about that, huh? Just so you know, I have a wicked side, too!”
“I’m sure you do, sweetie,” Daisy replied with a sweet smile. Her eyes then glimmered as if she remembered something. “Oh, that’s right! I was about to tell you where we’re heading when those two knuckleheads interrupted us!”
“Oh, yeah!” Luigi exclaimed as he slammed his fist into his palm when the memory returned to his mind. “So, where are we going?”
A mischievous grin danced across Daisy’s lips, making Luigi’s brow knit together in curiosity. “I’d love to spill the beans, but I decided it’s much better to show you since we’re almost there!”
“Come on, not even a tiny hint?!” Luigi quipped, though his tone sounded whinier than he intended.
“Nope!” Daisy cheekily shook her head. “Ready to head there?”
“I guess so,” Luigi sighed resignedly with a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“What kind of answer is that, Luigi?!” Daisy teased with her hands on her hips, her tone light yet pointed. “If you’re going to have that kind of attitude, I might as well return to the castle. There are plenty of fish in the sea who would do anything for the privilege to join me on a date!”
“No, wait!” Luigi cried out with his grin still firmly intact. “I-I mean, I’m really looking forward to seeing where we’re going.”
Daisy briefly chuckled before her lips gradually parted into one of her patented devastating smiles that could illuminate all of Long Island and render Luigi’s brain into butternut squash puree, her teeth shimmering brighter than the stars beginning to dot the twilight sky. “Now that’s the spirit!” she chirped enthusiastically, eagerly taking Luigi’s hand. “Unless you want to continue dawdling here, let’s get going! I’m getting hungry!”
Because Luigi was still utterly captivated by Daisy’s brilliant smile, he merely nodded in response while grinning shyly. The princess giggled softly before effortlessly weaving her fingers with his, him subconsciously doing the same. With a small tug, she took the lead, and the two continued their trek toward Toad Town.
Though Luigi remained in the dark about where they were heading, having Princess Daisy by his side sparked some excitement within him. He found himself eager to discover what she had in store for them.
The sky was ablaze with brilliant orange and purple shades as Luigi and Daisy meandered along the path leading to Toad Town. For Luigi, sunsets had always been a cherished sight, a ritual both he and Mario shared since their arrival in the Mushroom Kingdom. This evening was no exception; in fact, he was so entranced by the view that it took him a moment to notice Daisy’s elbow gently nudging him in the ribs, causing them to halt.
“Am I that uninteresting?” she teased, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Luigi scratched the back of his head with a bashful smile. “No, not at all! I just can’t resist a good sunset. It’s a favorite pastime of mine.”
Daisy delicately placed a hand over her mouth as she giggled, a sound that was music to Luigi’s ears. A warm smile then formed on her pretty orange lips. “Oh Luigi, I’m only pulling your leg. I too enjoy sunsets. I like to watch them from my balcony back home. There aren’t many things as beautiful as a good sunset.”
Luigi nodded in agreement as Daisy sighed appreciatively at the sky. She then turned to him with a puzzled look. “By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask – where’s your hat at?”
Luigi blinked a few times, momentarily lost in thought, before his fingers instinctively checked the back pocket of his khakis. Relief flooded over him as he felt the familiar shape of his beloved green cap still nestled there. He flashed Daisy a shy smile. “Oh, it’s right here in my back pocket. It’s my good luck charm. I hardly go anywhere without it.”
Daisy smiled back with her eyes twinkling. “I see. Even though we’ve only known each other for a short while, it feels odd to see you without something on your head.”
“I totally get that!” Luigi chuckled lightly. “Mario and I are almost always wearing some kind of headwear, so it’s a bit of a shock for people when we don’t. I thought I’d not wear my cap tonight because it’s a date.”
With a playful shake of her head and a gleam in her eye, Daisy pointed at her floppy hat. “Oh, so what do you think about this? Are you suggesting that my hat isn’t suitable for our date?”
Luigi opened his mouth to stammer a defense; however, he recalled their past exchanges and realized she was having fun with him – at least he hoped that was the case. A mischievous smile crept onto his face as he prepared to respond in kind. He crossed his arms and looked away from her with a haughty lift of his chin. “Absolutely not! You’d think that as a princess, you’d have a better sense of style for dating someone as refined as me!”
That clearly struck a chord because Daisy stared at him momentarily slack jawed before playfully slapping his shoulder and laughing heartily. “Well played, Luigi; you really got me there! It’s great to see you come out of your shell some. But honestly, if you want to wear your hat on our date, that’s totally cool with me. I don’t mind at all.”
Luigi expressed his gratitude with a nod. “Thanks, Daisy. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Daisy returned his nod with a cheerful smile, and they continued their walk when a sudden thought crossed Luigi’s mind. “Say, Daisy.”
“Yes, Luigi?”
“Speaking of our date, you haven’t told me where we’re going yet.”
Daisy’s eyes flickered with surprise, and she chuckled softly while rubbing the back of her neck. “Oh, you’re right! I totally forgot to mention where we’re going! I suppose I can tell you now.”
“Well, well, well! If it isn’t our old pal Linguine!”
Luigi tensed at the sound of that unmistakable voice echoing behind him and stifled the impulse to grumble something under his breath. Against his better judgment, he turned around, only to be met with a sight that made him roll his eyes in exasperation.
I was a huge hip-hop/rap fan growing up (I'm still am one although I'm not all that enamored with the current music outside of a few artists) and dabbled in writing a few rhymes myself. In the middle of cleaning up my place, I stumbled upon a few notebooks in which I wrote my raps. To be honest, most of them make me cringe today 😅; however there are a few that I'm proud of.
All that to say I may share a few of them here. Here's the first one; it's titled Shallow Moon.
Blossoming Connection - Chapter Four: Opportunity Served
“Now, where could it possibly be?” Luigi grumbled as he peered into the shadows beneath his bed. Suddenly, a relieved smile broke across his face. “Aha! There it is!”
Nestled right in the middle lay his other green tennis shoe. Knowing he couldn’t fit under there or stretch his arms far enough, he stood up and fetched the broom from the corner. Kneeling again, he deftly used the broom to pull the shoe toward him. With the shoe in hand, he perched on the edge of the bed and put it on. He then grabbed his green visor and placed it on his head before standing up and walking to his mirror.
Staring at his reflection, he realized his visor was tilted to his left. He quickly adjusted it, pulling it back to the right for a more polished look. Next, he buttoned up his green polo shirt and gave it a couple of gentle pat downs to eliminate any creases. Content with his appearance, he exited his room and descended the stairs to wait for Mario.
The wait was brief, as Mario zoomed down the stairs just a few minutes later. He donned the same tennis attire as Luigi, except he was in his usual red instead of the green Luigi favored.
“Ready for some tennis, Luigi?!” Mario flashed a huge grin.
“You better believe it, Mario!” Luigi enthusiastically nodded his head.
With a burst of energy, Luigi and Mario grabbed their tennis rackets from their couch and dashed out to rendezvous with the princesses at the tennis courts. Luigi, being the last one out, double-checked the front door to ensure it was locked before catching up with Mario at the pipe leading to Toad Town.
~~~
The Mario brothers promptly checked in at the front desk after arriving at the tennis courts. A cheerful Toad staff member informed them that the princesses were already there and booked their court. After receiving directions, Mario and Luigi thanked the worker and set off toward their designated area.
“Hey Luigi, hold on a minute!” Mario exclaimed as he came to a sudden stop. “I’ve got to use the bathroom.”
With an exasperated sigh, Luigi shook his head. “Why didn’t you go before we left?”
“Because I didn’t have to then!” Mario retorted, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Luigi sighed again as he chuckled light-heartedly. “What am I going to do with you? Want me to wait for you?”
“Go ahead without me. I’ll be quick.”
“OK, see you at the court.”
Mario acknowledged Luigi with a nod before making his way toward the restroom. Luigi kept his eyes on Mario until he vanished behind the restroom door, then he pressed on toward the court.
“Luigi, over here!” Princess Peach called out, her hand waving enthusiastically as he drew closer to the designated court. Her excitement was palpable, lighting up the space around her.
With a spring in his step, Luigi hurried over, and Peach beamed at him with a cheerful smile. The princess was clad in her signature tennis ensemble: a pink sleeveless dress that gracefully ended at mid-thigh. Her outfit was accented by a chic pink and white wristband on her right wrist, pink and white tennis shoes, and short white socks. Her long blonde hair was styled in a ponytail held in place by a sapphire scrunchie, and her crown rested gracefully on her head.
“Say Luigi, where’s Mario?” Peach inquired as her eyes swept her surroundings.
“Oh, he’s in the restroom,” Luigi offered her a warm smile. “He’ll be joining us soon.”
Curiously, he glanced around before returning his attention to Peach. “I guess I can ask the same about Daisy.”
“She’s still in the locker room,” Peach giggled. “She mentioned she had a few things to take care of. She should be along shortly.”
Silence lingered for a moment before Peach smiled gently at Luigi. “How about we sit down and chat while we wait for those two? It feels like forever since the two of us have had a chance to talk.”
“Yeah,” Luigi agreed as he became wistful. “The last time we talked like this was when I confessed my feelings for you after you and Mario became a couple.”
Peach nodded as her smile dimmed like a flickering candle. She tenderly grasped Luigi’s wrist and guided him to a bench at the court’s edge, for which he offered no resistance. They sat side by side, glancing around for any signs of Mario and Daisy.
“So,” Peach broke the silence as she fiddled with her fingers, “forgive me if I’m being too forward, but what do you think about Daisy?”
A light chuckle almost slipped from Luigi’s lips as he remembered how Mario had posed the same question earlier in the day. He was well aware that both she and Mario were eager for him and Daisy to bond, maybe develop something deeper, thanks to his brother’s accidental slip. Nevertheless, he had given his word that he wouldn’t spill the beans to Peach, so he had to act as if he was hearing this for the first time.
“Well, she seems nice,” Luigi replied. “A bit on the energetic side, but definitely friendly.”
“That’s Daisy in a nutshell!” Peach’s laughter floated around them like music. “I’ve been friends with her since we were kids, and she’s always been like that!” A playful smile danced on her lips. “She seems to have taken a liking to you.”
'Not this again!' Luigi suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. “I bet she acts like that with everyone.”
“As long as I’ve known Daisy, she’s never been the type to casually nudge those next to her. Neither has she randomly whispered in anyone’s ear nor flirtatiously winked at them. I have, however, witnessed her flirting with some guys, similar to how she interacted with you. Call it woman’s intuition, but I truly believe Daisy has a genuine interest in you.”
Luigi sighed deeply as he took in Peach’s encouraging words. She was trying to convince him that Daisy sincerely liked him, much like Mario had suggested earlier. This time, however, the hope blossoming within him felt even more potent, bolstered by Peach’s insight into Daisy’s character. He trusted Peach; she wouldn’t lead him astray nor set him up for an emotional fall. Sure, she loved to tease him and play harmless pranks, but she would never intentionally put him in a situation that could shatter his heart. If she believed Daisy’s affection toward him was sincere, he was willing to trust her judgment until he had reason to doubt it.
“OK, if you say so,” Luigi smiled softly at her.
Peach gently rested her hand on his shoulder, mirroring his expression. “I sincerely hope you and Daisy can become friends.” Her smile then faded some. “This may be presumptuous of me, but I have a feeling you’ve been feeling somewhat like a third wheel since Mario and I became a couple. I’ve sensed a bit of loneliness in you, especially given how close you and Mario are. Also, it seems like you might be longing for a relationship similar to what Mario and I share.”
Luigi’s shoulders stiffened at Peach’s remarks as he sighed yet again. He wanted to dispute her words, but he couldn’t deny that her astute insight was entirely accurate. Then again, he had never been adept at concealing his emotions, and he knew there were moments in which his body language betrayed his true feelings in hers and Mario’s presence. He acknowledged Peach with a nod and small smile, with her reciprocating both actions.
“There you guys are!”
The unmistakable joyful voice drew Luigi and Peach’s gaze. A red blur dashed toward them, sharpening into the figure of Mario as he got closer. He greeted Luigi and Peach with a huge smile.
“Think about what I said and please give Daisy a chance,” Peach pleaded as she rose from the bench.
“I will,” Luigi promised.
“Thank you, Luigi,” Peach gently patted him on the shoulder. “I have a feeling she’ll be great for you.”
She flashed Luigi another small smile before striding towards Mario and wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace, which he happily returned.
“Say, where’s Daisy?” Mario asked as he and Peach broke their hug.
Peach’s brow furrowed as she surveyed her surroundings. “Perhaps she’s still in the locker room. I really thought she would have shown up by now.”
“Here I am! Sorry about the wait!”
A soft chuckle escaped Luigi’s lips as he instantly identified the bright voice as Daisy’s. He turned his head in the direction from which her voice came, and what greeted him required all his facial strength to keep his jaw from plummeting faster than a Spiny Egg flung by a Lakitu.
As Daisy came to an abrupt stop in front of everyone, Luigi seized the moment to drink in her appearance from the ground up. Her feet were adorned with what appeared to be white socks barely peeking out from her orange and white tennis shoes. Long, sculpted tan legs were accentuated by a pair of dark orange shorts that ended well above mid-thigh. A sleeveless yellow top – embellished with a white petal collar and flower brooch – clung to her torso. The top showcased her lean yet toned arms that shared the same golden hue as her legs, while also highlighting what appeared to be contours of a six-pack. Her right wrist sported a striped wristband similar to Peach’s, except hers was orange and yellow. Like Peach, Daisy still wore her crown.
Luigi had one undeniable thought as he ogled Daisy: the gown she had donned earlier failed to do her figure any justice!
Daisy smirked triumphantly after studying Luigi with a scrutinizing look for a brief moment, causing Luigi’s cheeks to channel their inner stove burners. She then pivoted her attention towards Mario and Peach. “Did y’all wait long?”
“Not at all, dear!” Peach assured her, with Mario nodding along.
“Oh, thank goodness!” Daisy placed a hand over her brooch. “I couldn’t find my suntan lotion and was about to lose my mind! Fortunately, I found it after digging in my bag for a while and put it on as quickly as I could. Did I miss any spots?”
“You look fine, Daisy,” Peach replied with a smile, causing Daisy to light up in response. “So, is everyone ready to play?”
“You better believe it!” Daisy hopped in the air with an enthusiastic fist pump. “So how are we going to do this?”
“I was thinking we could team up against Mario and Luigi,” Peach suggested, directing her attention towards the brothers. “Is that alright with you two?”
“That’s fine with us!” Mario beamed as he placed a hand on Luigi’s shoulder. Luigi nodded in agreement with a smile of his own.
“That settles it then!” Peach clapped her hands in delight. “Let me grab the tennis balls and my racket, then we can get started!”
With Peach sprinting toward the bench to collect the items, Daisy sauntered toward Luigi with a smile that was a captivating mix of teasing and seduction. She leaned in and cupped a hand to his ear, causing a rush of warmth to flood his face.
“You like my outfit, don’t you?” she cooed, prompting a nervous swallow from him. “I had a feeling you would. Don’t try to deny it; I saw you checking me out! Truth be told, I’m very flattered.”
Luigi’s body went rigid as Daisy’s giggle tickled his ear before she stood upright and flashed him a cheeky smile. At that moment, Peach returned with her racket and tennis balls in hand. Daisy sidled up to Peach, and her smile morphed into a wicked, elfish grin.
“You boys ready to lose?!” she taunted with her hands on her hips.
“Bring it on!” Mario shook his fist with competitive enthusiasm.
“OK, you two!” Peach giggled, her voice light and playful. “Let’s keep in mind that we’re here to enjoy ourselves.” She turned her attention to Mario. “That being said, don’t take it easy on us. I’m going to give my all, and I hope you and Luigi will do the same.”
“We promise we will,” Mario assured her.
Peach nodded quickly before a bright smile lit her face. “Alright then, let’s begin! Daisy and I will serve first.”
As the princesses gracefully moved to their designated side of the court, Mario playfully nudged Luigi in the ribs with his elbow, causing Luigi to glare at him. Mario wiggled his eyebrows with a teasing grin before dashing to the opposite side of the court. Luigi shook his head with a resigned sigh before joining his brother, looking forward to what would hopefully be a lively game of tennis.
~~~
To say things started off rocky for the Mario brothers would be a gross understatement.
Due to playing a few games with Peach, Luigi had a solid grasp of her playing style. She favored precision in ball placement and solid defense since she lacked the physical strength of him and Mario.
In stark contrast, Daisy was a whirlwind of energy who tirelessly raced around the court and smashed the ball with all of her might. She wasn’t above aiming directly at Mario and him; the stinging sensations emitting from his body was proof of that. One fierce shot would’ve hit him in a very vulnerable spot had he not desperately leaped out of the way at the last minute.
Peach’s exceptional ball placement paired with Daisy’s aggressive gameplay allowed the princesses to dominate the first set effortlessly. Daisy’s lively antics and playful trash talk after each point were comical at first, but they soon stoked the competitive fire in the brothers.
After the disappointing set, Mario and Luigi regrouped to devise a plan to thwart Daisy’s formidable attacks, which had been the primary source of points for the princesses. Luigi stationed himself at the net to intercept Peach’s clever lobs while Mario took charge of the back half, leveraging his quickness to cover more ground. Their strategic adjustments proved effective as they tied the game by taking the subsequent set. Daisy’s frustration and theatrical tantrums during the set provided everyone with plenty of amusement.
The Mario brothers narrowly clinched the third set, seizing a 2-1 lead and standing just one point away from claiming the fourth set and ultimately the match. A fierce rally unfolded after Luigi’s serve, with both sides exchanging powerful volleys. Mario and Luigi targeted the back corners, hoping to catch their opponents off guard. However, they underestimated Daisy’s relentless resolve as she skillfully returned every strike.
When Luigi directed a shot right at Daisy, he immediately sensed his blunder as her eyes lit up with excitement. Playfully sticking her tongue out, she sent a powerful shot hurtling toward him.
Luigi’s feet felt like they were trapped in a block of stone as the screamer approached. He attempted to raise his hands to shield his face in a desperate attempt, but he was too slow. The ball collided with his nose with enough force to weaken his grip on his racket and have his rear end kiss the court’s surface. His eyes watered as his hands reactively covered his nose. Fortunately, he didn’t feel any broken bones, for which he was both surprised and thankful.
“Luigi!” Daisy’s voice pierced the air as she effortlessly vaulted over the net while racing toward him. She knelt down and gently took hold of his wrists, her bright blue eyes searching his with a mix of urgency and concern. “Are you OK?!”
A rush of warmth flooded Luigi’s cheeks under her gaze, but he quickly found his voice. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
However, the deep furrow in Daisy’s brow indicated that her worries weren’t assuaged. “You sure? It’s not that I don’t believe you, but I need to see for myself.”
Before Luigi could protest, Daisy tenderly pulled his hands away from his nose. A gasp from her lips caused a wave of concern to wash over him.
“Oh, no! Your nose is all red!” Daisy exclaimed remorsefully. She delicately traced the outline of his nose with her fingertips, igniting a flutter in his chest. “I’m so sorry, Luigi! I didn’t mean to hit you!”
“Hey, it was an accident,” Luigi offered her a reassuring smile. “I know you didn’t mean to hit me, at least not in the face.”
Daisy flashed a quick smile, but her expression shifted back to worry. “Does it hurt? Is anything broken?”
“It did at first,” Luigi confessed, surprised he hadn’t yelled out in agony when it happened. He figured the shock of the moment had rendered him momentarily mute. “But it’s getting better now. I don’t think anything’s broken.”
“Thank the stars!” Daisy exhaled as she gently caressed his nose with both hands. “I would hate it if anything were to happen to your cute nose.”
Daisy calling his nose cute did not escape Luigi’s notice. He always considered it too large and longed for a smaller one. The teasing he and Mario endured in their childhood about their noses had left deep scars on his self-esteem. While Mario brushed off the jabs with ease, Luigi found himself sinking deeper into insecurity. Fortunately, Princess Peach seemed to appreciate their noses, especially Mario’s as she was fond of planting sweet kisses on it. Therefore, when others – especially someone as pretty as Princess Daisy – expressed admiration for his nose, his confidence glowed like a sunny afternoon, and her compliment made it hard for him to suppress a smile that threatened to break free.
As if to drive her point home, Daisy pressed her lips gently against his nose before he could react. The contact was fleeting, but it was enough to send a jolt of electricity racing through him that made his nose twitch and mustache comically flare out. The heat that rapidly entered his cheeks could have boiled large pots of water in no time flat. She flashed him a radiant grin before rising and heading back to her side of the court, leaving him still spellbound.
Luigi placed his fingers on the spot where Daisy had kissed him, and his eyelids drooped into a dreamy haze. Just as a grin threatened to spread across his face, Mario’s teasing snicker snapped him back to the present, prompting him to face his older twin.
“Hey, Weegee!” Mario teased, “it looks like your nose isn’t the only thing that’s red!”
“Shuddup!” Luigi shot back with mock irritation, causing a ripple of chuckles among the group.
Leaping to his feet with renewed energy, Luigi retrieved his racket and grabbed a tennis ball. He made his way back to the corner of the court with determination, eager to unleash another serve.
“Luigi,” Peach called out, her voice laced with concern, “are you sure you can continue? That was quite the blow you took.”
“I’m fine princess, thank you,” Luigi assured her with a grateful smile. However, it quickly shifted into a cocky grin as he bounced the tennis ball in his hand. “Besides, I can’t quit now, not right when we’re about to win this game!”
“That’s my brother!” Mario beamed as he prepared for the next round. “Let’s-a win this thing!”
“Oh yeah?!” Daisy challenged as a competitive grin etched her features. “We’ll see about that!”
Peach smiled serenely before her face shifted into a determined one as she took her position. “Well then, who am I to stop you? However, don’t expect Daisy and I to go down so easily!”
Peach was right; neither she nor Daisy would back down without a fierce struggle. Every time the brothers seemed poised to clinch the set, the princesses forced deuces. After several intense exchanges and yet another opportunity to seize victory, Luigi observed a pattern in Daisy’s movements.
He noticed how her knee would bend in the direction she intended to sprint to intercept their shots. A sly grin threatened to surface as Luigi concocted a plan to exploit Daisy’s aggressive playstyle. He leaned in to confide in Mario, ensuring their strategy went unheard by the princesses before preparing to serve once more.
As Luigi’s serve flew toward her, Daisy returned the ball and quickly positioned herself at the center of the back court. Mario pretended to aim for the right corner and true to form, Daisy’s knee pointed in that direction before taking a few steps. Mario stifled a victorious grin as he sent the ball soaring toward the left corner, making sure he hit it hard enough to get past Peach. Realizing she had misjudged the play, Daisy spun around in a frantic attempt to intercept the ball. However, it landed just out of her reach before bouncing out of bounds, thus sealing both the set and the game for the Mario brothers.
Luigi rested his hands on his knees with a relieved smile when Mario lifted him off his feet in a celebratory hug. After Mario put him down, the two exchanged an enthusiastic high five before meeting the princesses at the net.
“Great game, you two!” Mario exclaimed as he hugged the princesses. “You gave us all we could handle and then some!”
Peach beamed at Mario after they broke their hug. She then hugged Luigi. “Congratulations, Mario and Luigi! While the outcome wasn’t what I hoped it would be, it was still a lot of fun! Right, Daisy!”
“You bet!” Daisy replied with a bright grin. “Although I don’t like losing, at least it was to you two. You guys are a lot better than I thought!”
Mario rubbed the back of his head with a chuckle. “Coming from you, I guess that’s a compliment. Thanks, Daisy!”
“Any time, shorty!” Daisy quipped, her lighthearted tone prompting chuckles from everyone around.
But as the laughter faded, Daisy’s expression turned serious as she focused on Luigi. “Luigi, I know I apologized earlier, but I’m really sorry about hitting you in the face. I still feel so guilty about it. My competitiveness got the best of me.”
Without realizing it, Luigi rested his hand on Daisy’s shoulder as a warm smile spread across his face. “Hey, as I said before, there’s no need to apologize. It was an accident.”
“Still, I feel like I need to make it up to you somehow,” Daisy countered, her eyes cast downward. But then, a glimmer of excitement sparked in her eyes as she lifted her head. “I know! How about we have dinner tomorrow? My treat!”
Although it wasn’t necessary, Luigi was touched by her offer. “OK, if you insist. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to what you’ll treat us to.”
Daisy, however, shook her head as an amused smile spread across her lips. “Oh sweetie, I don’t think you understand. When I said ‘we’, I meant just you and I, as in only the two of us.”
Luigi’s forehead wrinkled in confusion as he tried to decipher what she meant. Yet, the phrase ‘you and me’ lingered in his mind, and clarity gradually washed over him. His eyes widened in astonishment at the implication, and a warm sensation blossomed in his chest. He suddenly became aware of his hand on Daisy’s shoulder, and he quickly withdrew it as a rush of heat flooded his cheeks.
“Y-You mean just the two of us, like a d-d-date?” he stammered, surprised he could articulate that.
“Sure, if that’s what you want to think,” Daisy giggled as she playfully shrugged her shoulders. “Come to think of it, calling it a date has a nice ring to it.”
Luigi’s thoughts were a Jenga tower on the verge of collapse, and Daisy’s remark was the piece that caused it to topple. No one had ever asked him out before, and the rare occasions he had tried to initiate the date ended in disaster. Yet, here he was, in a foreign land, with a woman – a princess, no less – who had just done so! He wanted to pinch himself, unsure if this was reality or just a beautiful dream.
“Hey Luigi, are you still with us?!” Daisy waved her hand in his face. Laughter then bubbled from her lips as he remained unresponsive. “Well, it looks like I broke him! That is, unless you don’t want to go out with me.”
“No!” Luigi emphatically broke out of his stupor at Daisy’s last comment, prompting more laughter from everyone. This was a golden opportunity he couldn’t afford to miss; he would have gone as far as to create a clone and instruct it to give him a good kick in the rear for even considering turning it down. “I-I meant yes! I-I would absolutely love to have dinner with you, Daisy.”
That perfect smile, the very one that left him utterly speechless upon their first encounter, brightened her face as she slipped an arm across his neck. He tensed up as more blood rushed to his face from the intimacy. “Great! For a second there, I thought you didn’t like me. We’re going to have a great time, I promise you!”
“Speaking of dinner,” Peach chimed in, “how about you two join us at the castle later tonight? I know everyone would be thrilled to have you.”
“You can count on us!” Mario exclaimed enthusiastically. “Right, Luigi?”
“Y-Yeah,” Luigi sputtered, still rigid under Daisy’s affectionate hold.
“Wonderful!” Peach clapped her hands in delight. “But for now, I need to head back and freshen up. Toadsworth would certainly not be pleased if I were to attend dinner all sweaty!”
“I’m right with you, Peach!” Daisy agreed as she pulled away from Luigi. She took a quick whiff of her underarm and feigned a dramatic gag. “Yuck, I smell like a gutted Torion! I’d clear the whole table if I showed up like this!”
“Luigi and I could use a shower ourselves,” Mario concurred. “Well, I guess we’ll see you all at the castle tonight.”
The princesses nodded in agreement as everyone gathered their belongings. They shared warm hugs at the entrance before parting ways.
Luigi couldn’t wipe the grin off his face as he and Mario made their way home. Not even a hearty slap on the back from Mario could dim his excitement.
“Way to go, little brother!” Mario beamed proudly.
“Thanks!” Luigi replied with his grin still stretching his cheeks.
He still couldn’t believe it; he had a date with Princess Daisy the very next day!
