teegeewrites

[teegeewrites]

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.

~~~

[teegeewrites]

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.

~~~

[teegeewrites]

Blossoming Connection Chapter 5 Preview:

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.

~~~

[teegeewrites]

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.

~~~

Shallow Moon

~~~

[teegeewrites]

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!

~~~

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Comparison

From the pit of my stomach rises that familiar feeling

Of being in situations that always have me dealing

With intrusive thoughts of feeling inadequate

Like I’m some horse that’s repeatedly saddled with

An inferiority complex standing next to others

Each minute in their presence my self-esteem suffers

Can’t help but think whenever we’re together

No matter what I do, they seem to do it better

Always falling short despite my best efforts

Up to them I feel I could never measure

It’s no use because whatever I produce

Is destined to be trash when compared to their treasures

Why do I keep doing this to myself

When I know it’s no good for my health

Maybe one day I’ll finally see the light

Because this destructive belief can’t last forever, right?

~~~

I'm back with more poetic musings! While it might seem like yet another melancholic piece, there is what will hopefully be a bright and uplifting message that follows it. 😅

When it comes to this topic, I must confess that I am completely guilty of perpetually measuring myself against others, a tendency that has lingered throughout my life. On platforms like Tumblr, I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy when I see someone share an exceptional piece of writing or a breathtaking drawing, wishing I could possess their remarkable skills. In real life, I’m quite the introvert, often keeping my guard up and finding it difficult to open up to others. I frequently find myself wishing I could be more like those who exude natural charisma and can effortlessly engage in conversation, even with a grizzly bear. This leads to a persistent feeling of inferiority, as I struggle to recognize any redeeming qualities within myself that others might admire.

The dilemma we encounter is that this type of destructive thought process only serves to deepen our feelings of despair, potentially leading us to a place where no amount of effort can help us escape. There's a saying that suggests the first step to getting out of a hole is to put the shovel down and stop digging. In our context, this means we must stop the harmful habit of negatively comparing ourselves to others. I readily admit that this is no simple task; I’m still working on it myself. A helpful approach is to concentrate on the things we take pride in. For some, it might be their athletic talents; for others, it could be their cooking skills. Moreover, we may possess attributes that others envy and desire.

Take, for instance, my high school friend, whom I’ll refer to as John, a brilliant mind among my acquaintances. He possessed a remarkable talent for solving intricate math problems as effortlessly as one might recite the alphabet. John once shared a memorable experience tutoring our basketball team's star player, whom I'll name Lucas. Lucas was teetering on the edge of failing his math class, a situation that would have barred him from participating in an important tournament. He was the quintessential popular kid—an athletic marvel with a magnetic charm that left girls swooning at every turn. In stark contrast to John and me, Lucas seemed to have it all. During one of their tutoring sessions, Lucas picked up on John's body language after a girl had flirted with him. Concerned, he asked if something was bothering John. John confessed his envy of Lucas's athleticism and social ease. What happened next was astonishing: Lucas revealed that he actually envied John's intellect and would gladly trade his basketball talent for just a fraction of John's brilliance. Hearing John recall this tale left me utterly speechless, and I witnessed a newfound confidence blooming in John. As a side note, thanks to John's guidance, Lucas passed his math class and was able to take the court in the tournament.

In essence, I’m expressing that we all possess a light within us that can outshine others in various ways. The trouble is that we frequently become so focused on the dazzling lights of those around us that we unintentionally diminish our own. As the saying goes, “comparison is the thief of joy,” a quote often linked to Teddy Roosevelt. I think many of us can identify with the character in my poem, but it’s vital to recognize that such feelings are not permanent. Let’s dedicate ourselves to becoming the best versions of who we are, allowing our inner light to banish any thoughts that make us feel inadequate.

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Blossoming Connection Chapter 4 Preview:

“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 towards from which her voice came, and the sight that greeted him required all his facial strength to keep his jaw from plummeting faster than a Spiny Egg flung by a Lakitu.

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Scent of Revenge

Scent of Revenge

Synopsis: Once Mario and Luigi discovered the playful shenanigans that Princesses Peach and Daisy orchestrated while they slept, they set their sights on crafting a delightful prank to get even.

Scent of Revenge serves as a follow-up to Leaving Their Marks Behind. The notion of writing this sequel crossed my mind not too long after LTMB, but I struggled to devise a fitting plan for Mario and Luigi to exact their revenge on the princesses. I envisioned a scheme that was both lighthearted and expansive and eventually managed to think of one that worked perfectly after a period of brainstorming. Once that was settled, I posted a potential brief excerpt of SoR on my main blog. However, the fic in general collected dust for over a year before I finally brushed the dust off and wrote the entire story. Also, I thought about making this another chapter to LTMB but decided to make it its own fic.

Honestly, this story turned out to be much more extensive than I had planned. My original idea was to finish it with Peach and Daisy finding out what Mario and Luigi had done. But as I thought about it, I realized that leaving it at that would create too many unanswered questions. Thus, I decided to add a few more scenes to wrap things up properly.

I must admit that I was really disheartened by this story’s reception on AO3. I had anticipated it would be much more popular, especially since a few readers asked for a sequel in the comments of LTMB. As it stands, it’s my least popular story at the moment. This was during the time I felt jaded at the lack of reciprocity before my hiatus from Tumblr and my return with a renewed sense of purpose and outlook on how to use the platform going forward. Regardless of its current standing, I had a blast writing this fic and had and am quite satisfied with the outcome. Also, so as not to come across as ungrateful, I want to acknowledge and appreciate the support it received.

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To The Tea

To The Tea

Synopsis: Following their initial rescue of her, Princess Peach graciously invites Mario and Luigi to her castle for a delightful afternoon of cake and tea. However, the brothers find themselves a bit out of their element, unsure of how to behave around royalty, which results in a series of amusing blunders.

The inception of this story came about when I shared what eventually became the first chapter as a writing exercise on my main blog. I contemplated turning it into a full story then; however, two key issues made me hesitate. The first was the uncertainty of the story’s direction, and the second was what appeared to be a tepid response from others. Consequently, I set the idea aside for a while.

After some time passed, I found myself revisiting this concept. With newfound confidence and a sense of growth in my writing skills, I resurrected this tale with every intention of bringing it to completion. I polished the first chapter with some revisions and shared it on this blog and AO3 for everyone to see. Unfortunately, I neglected the story and my writing in general for several months, largely because of my obsession with video games and a lack of inspiration. Once my writing itch reappeared, however, the first chapter was still there, and the rest of the story begged to be the first one to scratch my itch. I dislike leaving projects unfinished, so I dove back into the narrative and wrapped it up in a way that left me fulfilled.

As the synopsis says, the story is about Mario and Luigi sharing a lovely afternoon of cake and tea with Princess Peach in her castle not too long after rescuing her from Bowser for the first time. In shaping this story, I depicted the brothers as lovable goofballs, especially Luigi who has always been the most accident-prone of the two. Initially, I toyed with the idea of giving Peach her own share of comedic mishaps but ultimately settled on portraying her as the graceful anchor of the group, creating a charming contrast among the trio.

Writing To The Tea proved to be an interesting experience, influenced by various elements outside of the plot itself. There were instances when I found it difficult to navigate its direction and decide what to add but in the end, I am delighted with the outcome of this story.

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Mistletoe Fun

Mistletoe Fun

Synopsis: This Christmas seemed poised to be another sweet but ordinary occasion for Luigi. However, thanks to the arrival of a certain flower princess, it transformed into one he would never forget.

This fic is as straightforward as it gets, so there’s not much to analyze. However, there is one notable distinction that makes Mistletoe Fun stand out from other works. It’s the first – and for now, only – story I’ve posted that is written from the first-person perspective. I’ve mentioned this more than a few times, but first-person perspective is my absolute favorite way to write. While working on this fic, I thought it would be ideal to narrate it through Luigi’s eyes, for I believed the more personal moments would resonate more powerfully in this format. Moreover, I’ve been eager to write another Luaisy story and with the holiday season in full swing at the time, what better occasion to celebrate a beloved ship of mine than with a Christmas-themed story?

I like to believe Mistletoe Fun is among the fluffiest and most enchanting stories I’ve ever penned. It was a delightful experience to bring to life, and I hope to create something just as heartwarming for the next holiday season. I also look forward to writing more first-person narratives in the future, whether they revolve around Mario or other fandoms and themes.

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Getting Into the Swing of Things

Getting Into the Swing of Things

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.

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The Mayor and the Princess

The Mayor and the Princess

Synopsis: As Pauline is on the verge of starting her day, she is unexpectedly visited by Mario and Princess Peach. Shortly after their arrival, Peach expresses a desire to speak with Pauline privately. Intrigued, Pauline agrees and ponders the possible reasons for such a request, only to find herself taken aback by the surprising explanation that Peach provides.

I can only speak for myself, but I find that writing about a subject or person you know well is generally not too difficult, especially when those subjects ignite such positive or passionate feelings. However, exploring something or someone less familiar can be a bit tricky, yet it can also be incredibly fulfilling. Having been a part of the Mario fandom for many years, my stories have primarily focused on Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, or a blend of these characters. Still, I wanted to stretch my creative muscles and write about a character who I haven’t focused on much and seems to have a minimal following. As I considered my options, the perfect character came to mind. Who could be more intriguing to write about than someone who has been around since the very beginning?

Without a doubt, I’m referring to the original damsel in distress: the incredibly gorgeous Pauline! 🥰 While she has been featured in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong games, that series doesn’t seem to garner the same popularity as the core Mario games and their various spinoffs. However, Pauline enjoyed a wonderful resurgence in Super Mario Odyssey, where she serves as the mayor of the bustling New Donk City. Speaking of spinoffs, she has appeared in several of them since her SMO appearance, including Mario Kart and the Mario sports games. Excitingly, she will also be a playable character in the upcoming Super Mario Party Jamboree, marking her first appearance in the Mario Party series.

In light of everything discussed, she seems to have a minimal following, with even fewer fan works dedicated to her. With this in mind, I chose to create a series that focuses on Pauline as she becomes more integrated with the main Mario characters following the events of Super Mario Odyssey. The first story in this series is already summarized, so I won’t reiterate it here.

A bit of a spoiler here: Peach wished to have a private conversation with Pauline about Mario. I wanted to explore how Peach grappled with her feelings for Mario after she had turned him and Bowser down on the moon. The situation became even more complex when she discovered that Pauline was celebrating Mario and had even penned a song for him during the New Donk City festival. Knowing that Mario and Pauline had a past, Peach felt the need to ask if Pauline still had any romantic feelings for him. To her relief, Pauline confirmed that she and Mario were just friends and had no interest in rekindling their romance. Furthermore, Pauline affirmed Peach's decision to reject Mario on the moon, expressing her belief that Mario still thinks highly of Peach in spite of it. In the end, Peach recognized that Pauline appeared to be a good person and chose to befriend her, even inviting her to join for a round of golf the following weekend.

I’m really happy with how this story has turned out; I think it serves as a wonderful kickoff for the series. As of now, I’ve finished two stories (I’ll be discussing the second one next) and am in the process of writing the third. As it stands, I have three well-defined stories, but a few ideas for future tales are also on my mind. I’ll just have to wait and see how everything shapes up from here.

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Cool After Burning

Cool After Burning

Synopsis: Mario and Princess Peach enjoy lunch at Mario’s house after resolving the previous incident between them.

I had this one written yesterday. However, AO3 going down prevented me from adding a link to the story, so I decided to upload this commentary today.

The plot for this story is simple and devoid of intricate themes; it simply picks up where Burning Desire left off. This is my second fan fiction derived from that story, and I started it after finishing Aftermath of a Sweet Burn.

My intention for Cool After Burning was to maintain a light and playful atmosphere, especially in contrast to the ethical dilemmas faced in Burning Desire and the emotional resonance of Aftermath of a Sweet Burn. Still, I felt compelled to examine one specific theme: the potential for unreciprocated love between Mario and Peach. The candle shop owner from Burning Desire revealed to Mario that the two complimentary candles she had given to Peach were designed to unleash the most lustful thoughts from their user towards someone they hold the deepest affection for.

Thus, Mario was acutely aware of the deep affection Peach held for him. He was also aware that he felt the same way, even prior to his brief encounter with the candle’s magic. I incorporated the aforementioned theme by having Peach pose a hypothetical situation where she would flirt with Mario of her own volition. To maintain an air of mystery, I opted to leave Mario's answer to Peach unfinished by having outside factors interrupt him each time he was ready to share his thoughts. I also wanted to let the readers decide whether or not the two ever address their unresolved feelings.

Cool After Burning was another fic I had a lot of fun writing and felt it was a nice conclusion to the Burning Desire series. Wow, another relatively short commentary. 😅I have a feeling that the next one won’t be as short, however.

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Blossoming Connection - Chapter Three: Courting Potential

As Luigi entered the castle’s dining hall with his elbow still interlocked with Daisy’s, he was greeted with a sight that made his eyes bulge to the size of his kart’s wheels. The walls were adorned with buffet lines overflowing with an astonishing variety of culinary delights. He spotted fluffy pancakes, golden waffles, and a colorful assortment of fruits like ripe bananas and juicy strawberries. There were steaming bowls of oatmeal, fluffy omelets, crispy home fries, and a mouthwatering selection of meats including sizzling bacon, savory ham, and tender chicken. This was just the beginning of the feast, and Luigi couldn't help but chuckle, realizing that the hardest part would be choosing what to eat from such a magnificent spread. He directed his attention to Daisy, whose eyes sparkled with the intensity of fireworks lighting up the dark sky during a joyous carnival celebration.

“Whoa, get a load of all that food!” she shouted, nearly dislocating his shoulder with her excitement. “I can’t wait to dig in!” With a swift motion, she freed her elbow from Luigi’s grasp and sprinted toward the start of the buffet line, her heels clicking noisily and rapidly on the polished marble floor.

Luigi couldn’t help but smile at Daisy’s spirited energy before he made his way to the buffet line. He selected a plate and heaped it with warm waffles, drenching them in butter and topping them with ripe strawberries. He also added a biscuit, a serving of creamy scrambled eggs, and two pieces of crunchy bacon. To wash it all down, he chose a bottle of milk and a bottle of orange juice.

He navigated his way to the expansive dining table positioned in the heart of the room and took a seat directly opposite Mario. Two things immediately piqued his interest: Peach was sitting beside Mario instead of her usual spot at the table's end, and Daisy, despite being ahead of him in the buffet line, had yet to find her place at the table. For the former, he surmised that Peach desired to be close to Mario. However, he couldn’t come up with a reasonable explanation for the latter.

A short while after Luigi settled in, Daisy arrived, expertly balancing four plates stacked high with a smorgasbord of options. She sat them down with a triumphant smile and hurried off to grab bottles of milk and orange juice before returning and plopping in a chair next to Luigi. She scooted closer to Luigi to the point their shoulders touched, making Luigi’s cheeks flush with warmth. He, along with Mario and Peach, stared at the mountains of food before them, their eyes wide with astonishment.

“Daisy,” Mario broke the silence, his brow raised in curiosity, “you really think you can eat all that?”

“Absolutely!” Daisy flashed a confident grin. “This is merely the appetizer!”

After splashing some hot sauce onto her omelet, she deftly cut it in two with her fork and eagerly shoved one half into her mouth. She chewed only twice before swallowing. A soft “Mmm” purred from her lips, her smile radiating satisfaction.

With wide eyes, Luigi observed Daisy as she polished off her meal with astonishing speed and grace. Apart from Wario, Yoshi, and the occasional famished Mario, he had never encountered anyone who could eat so much in one sitting. It felt like witnessing a runner conquer the New York City Marathon without breaking a sweat. Still, he had to concede that Wario and Yoshi had the advantage, as they rarely took the time to chew their food.

“Ahh,” Daisy beamed after finishing her bottle of milk. “Well, time for round two!”

With uncontainable excitement, Daisy leaped from her seat and dashed back to the buffet. While Luigi watched in amusement as she piled another plate with food, his stomach growled yet again. He became so absorbed in watching Daisy chow down on enough food to satisfy a family of six that his own breakfast went entirely unnoticed. He laughed softly while savoring a bite of fluffy scrambled eggs, pleased to find them still warm. Just as he polished off the last of his eggs, Daisy returned, balancing four plates stacked so high they nearly rivaled Mario's stature.

Daisy, just as she had done the first time, cleared her plates with remarkable ease. However, this time she paused to engage in light conversation with Luigi, Mario, and Peach between bites. Occasionally, she would talk with her mouth full, which earned her some disapproving looks and gentle reprimands from Toadsworth, who was sitting in Peach’s usual spot. Unlike the previous occasion, Luigi managed to keep his cool and finished his breakfast alongside the others.

“Man, that really hit the spot!” Daisy exclaimed, patting her belly with glee. Suddenly, a loud burp erupted from her, causing everyone at the table to stare. Her cheeks turned a dark crimson as she bashfully covered her mouth. "Sorry about that! Consider it a compliment to the chefs!"

Daisy's remark elicited an unexpected chuckle from Luigi, a sound that slipped out before he could contain it. This did not go undetected by Daisy, who in response shifted closer and firmly draped her arm over his shoulder, making him tense up in his chair.

"Luigi," she purred, her eyebrows arching playfully as a cheeky smile danced on her lips, making Luigi's face flush with heat similar to the breakfast he had just savored. "Seems my burp and the comments that followed amused you. What do you have to say about that?"

Luigi felt a lump in his throat as he grappled with how to explain himself. His thoughts were in disarray, swirling around like a flurry of papers caught in a powerful breeze, making it nearly impossible to focus. "I-I’m really sorry," he stuttered, his voice trembling. "I-I didn’t mean to l-laugh. I-It just s-slipped out…"

He was interrupted as Daisy enveloped him in a side hug, her other arm securing him while she pressed her cheek against his. “Oh, Luigi! I was just joking!” she giggled as she playfully rubbed her cheek against his, intensifying the heat on his face. “I know it just happened! I seem to have that effect on everyone, you know!”

Luigi suppressed the urge to roll his eyes as she released him from her embrace. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him, a bright smile forming on her lips. “I bet you’re wondering how I can eat so much, right? Well, believe it or not, I’m quite the active one. I love working out and playing sports in my spare time. Thanks to this, my metabolism is like a race kart, allowing me to feast without worrying about my weight. I’m aware that this won’t last forever, but for now, I’m all about savoring every bite!”

"Speaking of sports," Peach chimed in brightly, "the forecast shows a lovely sunny day ahead! I can’t think of a better time for a game of tennis. Anyone else feel the same?"

"Girl, you know I'm always up for a game of tennis!” Daisy exclaimed enthusiastically.

“You can count me in for sure!” Mario voiced his approval. He then glanced at Luigi, with Peach and Daisy following suit.

The way everyone was looking at him made it clear that they wanted him to join the fun. He scratched the back of his head with a small chuckle. “I guess I can play a round or two.”

“That settles it, then!” Peach cheerfully clasped her hands together. “How about we meet at the tennis courts at one? I’ll reserve a spot for us. But first, we should help clean the dining hall.” The other three agreed and rose from their chairs.

"Oh, you don’t have to worry about that, your Highness!" one of the castle staff piped up. "We’ll take care of the cleanup. Right, everyone?" The rest of the crew at the breakfast table all voiced their support.

"Are you really certain?" Peach's lips pressed together in a slight frown. “I mean, I asked everyone to rise early and prepare this fantastic breakfast, and I sincerely thank you for that. However, it wouldn’t sit well with me to just show up, enjoy the meal, and then leave you all to handle the cleanup without offering my help."

"Absolutely, your Highness!" the castle worker beamed. "We understand you have a packed schedule today, and we bet you’re excited to catch up with Princess Daisy. It’s completely fine if you can’t assist us this time around."

Toadsworth offered a reassuring smile as he rose to his feet and gently placed a hand on Peach’s back. “If it makes you feel more at ease, my dear, I will stay behind to assist with tidying up the dining hall,” he offered.

Even with Toadsworth's reassurances and the encouragement from the castle staff, the worry etched on Peach's face did not fade. However, as she knelt to embrace her loyal steward, her expression softened into a grateful smile. "Thank you, Toadsworth," she expressed sincerely. She then looked at the staff, nodding in gratitude. "And thank you, everyone. I leave everything in your capable hands."

She completed her expression of gratitude with a charming curtsy. The entire staff rose and bowed in return, their respectful gesture bringing an even brighter smile to her face. Turning her attention to Luigi, Mario, and Daisy, she said, “I think it’s best if we take our leave and let everyone continue with their tasks.”

Luigi, Mario, and Daisy exchanged knowing glances with Peach, their heads bobbing in unison as they prepared to leave. Upon reaching the exit, Peach paused and turned around to face Toadsworth and the rest of the staff.

"Oh, I just thought of something!" she said with a beaming smile. "We should donate any leftover food to anyone in Toad Town who needs it. It would be such a waste for all that amazing food to be thrown away. Wouldn’t you all agree?"

“Yes, ma’am!” the staff declared in unison, their response filled with energy and commitment.

Peach nodded appreciatively at the staff, then turned to Luigi, Mario, and Daisy, giving them a similar nod before they all departed from the dining hall together.

~~~

"I guess this is where we say our goodbyes until later this afternoon," Peach stated as the group gathered in the main lobby. Luigi, Mario, and Daisy nodded in response, but Mario's brow furrowed when he caught sight of Daisy's luggage still stacked against the walls.

"Hey, Daisy," Mario began, "do you need a hand with your stuff? Luigi and I would be happy to help you out." Luigi nodded to show he was on board.

“Thanks a bunch, Mario! But it looks like I’m good,” Daisy chuckled, motioning to some Toad castle workers who were already hauling her things off to what Luigi figured was her guest room.

Mario flashed a smile and remarked, "In that case, Luigi and I are going to take off. Thanks for the awesome breakfast, Princess! We’ll meet you ladies later at the tennis court!"

Just as Luigi and Mario were making their way to the exit, Peach playfully tapped Mario on the shoulder. He spun around, only to find her fluttering her long eyelashes at him with a mischievous grin.

"Mario, are you sure you’re not forgetting something?" Peach asked, her voice laced with flirtation. She bent down slightly and puckered her lips, causing Mario’s cheeks to flush a shade more vividly than the rubies decorating her crown.

“Oh, of course!” Mario rubbed the back of his head, his cheeks still bright red. He licked his lips and tilted his head back, leaning in to connect with Peach's lovely pink lips. The moment they did, Peach pulled him closer and intensified the kiss, causing his eyes to nearly pop out.

“Woohoo!” Daisy cheered as she pumped her fist and absentmindedly tightened an arm around Luigi’s neck, causing him to question how she had suddenly materialized next to him. “Smear that makeup and shove your tongue down that pretty throat of hers, Mario!”

Mario and Peach broke their kiss in an instant, their faces flushing a deep red from Daisy's enthusiastic teasing. Meanwhile, Luigi stifled a laugh, pressing his hand over his mouth as he fought against the wave of amusement rising from his belly. Serves them right!

After a brief nod between Mario and Peach, Mario reached out to tap Luigi on the shoulder, signaling him to follow as he made his way to the main entrance. Just as Luigi was about to join him, Daisy playfully pulled him back with her arm that was still draped around his neck.

“I’ll see you this afternoon!” Daisy leaned in and whispered to Luigi. Her warm breath tickled his ear, adding a little spark to the moment. “I can’t wait to show you my tennis outfit!”

At Daisy's words, Luigi's face ignited with a heat that could grill a steak. She released her arm from around his neck and flashed him a mischievous wink and broad grin before making her way to Peach. The princesses exchanged nods before gracefully ascending the stairs to the second floor, with the Toad workers hauling Daisy’s luggage right behind them.

"Yo, Luigi!" Mario teased, jolting Luigi back to reality. "You planning to just stand there and stare at the stairs forever?!"

Luigi shook his head, a chuckle escaping his lips as he glanced at his boots in disbelief. He walked towards the castle’s entrance where Mario awaited him. Mario, sharing in the amusement, let out a laugh and gently patted Luigi on the back as they strolled out of the castle together.

~~~

“So, what you think of Daisy?” Mario asked Luigi with a curious smile as the two trekked towards their home. “She’s something, isn’t she?”

Luigi scratched the back of his head as his mind drifted to the lively Sarasaland princess. He envisioned her cheerful energy, friendly nature, hearty appetite, and that stunning smile that sent a thrill through his heart. Still, he struggled to form a clear opinion about her and thus, he settled for the simplest response he could muster. “Well, she’s not like Princess Peach, that’s for certain.”

"Haha, no kidding!" Mario chuckled heartily. “She's definitely a free spirit! I was really surprised when I rescued her because I expected her to be as graceful as our princess. It took a little while to get used to her, but I can say she's genuinely good people." He then flashed a playful smile beneath his bumpy mustache. "And let's face it, she's pretty cute."

“Yeah, can’t argue with you there, Mario,” Luigi nodded in agreement and shared a chuckle of his own. “She’s very pretty, just as beautiful as Princess Peach.”

“Hey, I’m not sure if I’d go that far!” Mario laughed, giving Luigi a friendly pat on the shoulder. “There’s no one in any universe who’s as beautiful as Mi Principessa!”

Luigi gave Mario a serious glance that made him stop laughing right away. “Fine, I guess Daisy’s beauty is on par with the princess’s,” Mario said with a hesitant laugh.

Luigi couldn’t help but flash a small, victorious smile. Still, he wasn’t going to let Mario escape without a little teasing. He raised an eyebrow and quipped, "oh, and what about Pauline? I remember you being quite taken with her looks too."

“Sure, her too, but that’s it!” Mario squirmed for a bit before regaining his composure. "Anyway, why are you putting me on the spot like that, Luigi? You into Daisy or something?"

The playful glint in Mario's eyes and his last question made Luigi fidget, just as Mario had done moments before. However, as they approached the pipe that would take them home, Luigi found himself contemplating the question with genuine seriousness. The thrill of seeing another human female was a delightful surprise, especially in a world where such encounters felt rare. He thought back to their interactions that morning and felt a budding interest in Princess Daisy. Although their personalities seemed to differ, he sensed a potential for friendship. Yet, when it came to the idea of romance, doubt crept in. It was simply too early to know if something more could blossom between them.

“To be honest, I’m not sure,” Luigi sighed. “Even if I did like her in that way, I can’t see her feeling the same about me."

“I don’t know about that, Luigi,” Mario said. “From what I can see, she seems to really like you.”

“She could just be being nice, that’s all,” Luigi countered. “I really don’t think she’s into me like that.”

Mario couldn’t help but smirk, his mustache twitching with amusement. “You really think so? She looked like she loved being close to you. I mean, I saw her whispering in your ear and winking at you. Doesn’t that sound a bit flirty to you?”

“Maybe she’s just playing around. A bunch of girls in Brooklyn did that, and they weren’t really interested in me. And even if she was being sincere, I’d likely screw it up anyway. I’ve never had the best luck with women, remember?”

“With that mindset, Luigi, you’re not going to attract any women. Honestly, I believe Daisy really likes you. She’s the type who says what she means, no filter at all. If she’s thinking it, she’s saying it. Plus, I wouldn’t have let the princess convince me to introduce you to Daisy if I thought she’d be unkind to you…” Mario quickly covered his mouth. “Oh man! Just pretend you didn’t hear that!”

With a frustrated shake of his head, Luigi fixed a piercing glare on Mario. Deep down, he sensed that Mario and Peach had schemed to set him up with Daisy, and Mario’s accidental revelation only solidified his suspicions. “I should have known,” he pursed his lips in annoyance at his brother. “I bet this was the princess’s idea, wasn’t it?”

Mario exhaled heavily and rested his hand on Luigi’s back. “I’m really sorry for keeping this from you, fratellino. The princess felt terrible about turning you down and thought you might be feeling a bit alone. She thought meeting her best friend might help you out. Don’t be angry with her, and please don’t let her know I told you. If you need to let off some steam, just take it out on me.”

Luigi took a deep breath and let it out slowly before looking at Mario. "I’m not mad at you, fratellone, and I’m not upset with the princess. I know she was just trying to help me out of the goodness of her heart. And don’t worry, I won’t say anything about you two trying to set me up with Daisy.

“However, it honestly hurts to know she still feels guilty about turning me down. I knew I didn’t have a shot with her, and I’ve told you both I’m fine and have moved on. That said, I’m still not sure if Daisy and I will hit it off in that way. She’s a princess who could have anyone. Why would she choose a shy, awkward plumber like me?”

Mario grabbed Luigi by the shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes. “Hey, Luigi, you’ve got to stop being so hard on yourself! Don’t forget I’ve been there too when it came to the princess. I mean, I’m not some tall, handsome dude who attracts women like a magnet, you know? But you were the one who made me realize I had something to offer and that she liked me as more than just a friend. Look at us now; we’re still going strong! I can see the same thing happening with you and Daisy. Who knows? She might have a thing for shy guys, and I’m not talking about the ones in white masks and red hoods.”

Luigi couldn't help but laugh at Mario's comment about the shy guys. That said, Mario had a valid point regarding his relationship with Peach. To an outsider, it seemed like Peach was far too good for the humble plumber. However, even the great Andrea Bocelli could see the authentic love Peach had for Mario. Yet, the one thing that gave his older brother the advantage was his status as the Mushroom Kingdom’s champion. Meanwhile, Luigi often viewed himself as a mere sidekick despite having a small group of admirers of his own. Still, a small part of him clung to the hope that Mario was indeed right about Daisy.

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see while she’s here,” Luigi offered a weak smile.

"Now that's what I want to hear!" Mario gave Luigi a hearty pat on the back and smiled broadly. "I have a hunch you and Daisy will be a thing by the end of the week!"

Hearing Mario's supportive remark brought a glimmer of hope to Luigi's heart. Just as he was about to share his thoughts, he caught sight of a delicate pink stain on Mario's lower lip. Realizing where it came from and unable to resist the moment, he grinned mischievously at his older twin. "Who knows? I might just have her lipstick on me as well!"

Luigi could hardly contain his laughter as he watched Mario's face twist in confusion. He gave a subtle tap to his lips, hoping Mario would catch on to what he was hinting at. It seemed to work, as Mario absentmindedly brushed his finger against his lip, only to discover a pink smudge marking his white glove. His cheeks flared with embarrassment, mirroring the stain, and he gave Luigi a small, sheepish grin.

"You got me, haha!" Mario chuckled. “Now, unless you’ve got more to say, let’s head back and get ready for our tennis date with the girls." With that, he leaped into the pipe, the pipe’s signature warble echoing in the air as he disappeared down it.

With a chuckle escaping his lips, Luigi took a fleeting glance at Toad Town before following Mario into the pipe. When he emerged in front of their shared home, he saw that Mario had left the door open, a habit they both shared. A smile spread across his face as he closed the door behind him and headed straight to his room to grab his tennis gear.

He looked forward to a friendly game of tennis with Mario and the princesses and, if he were to be completely honest with himself, Daisy’s outfit.

~~~

I don't know how much attention this will attract, but if anyone is interested in being tagged when I post new writings, please let me know. Thank you. 😊

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Aftermath of a Sweet Burn

Aftermath of a Sweet Burn

Synopsis: As the effects of the spell she was under fade, Princess Peach learns from Toadsworth about the events that transpired during her cake and tea outing with Mario. Upon the shocking revelation, her emotions fall into turmoil, and she’s forced to deal with them while hoping to atone for the mess that she inadvertently created.

This is one of the two narratives I previously mentioned that originated from Burning Desire. The story was largely narrated from Mario’s viewpoint, which resulted in a significant, yet overlooked, space in the plot. A small spoiler alert: this gap exists between the moment Mario hands the antidotal candles to Toadsworth and when Peach arrives at his home a few days afterward. Although there were fleeting references to Peach's experiences during that time, several readers wanted to see that part expanded. I took their suggestions to heart and thus developed this story to elaborate on it.

Initially, my plan was to narrate the entire tale from Peach’s perspective. Yet, as I delved into the first draft, I realized that it might resonate more if I portrayed her discovery of the events involving her and Mario through Toadsworth’s eyes. This would allow for a richer transition to Peach’s own experience as she navigated the aftermath. Readers of Burning Desire have seen the heavy toll it took on her, and I wanted to delve into the reasons behind her distress. Thus, I envisioned haunting dreams where Mario’s distrust grew so profound that he wished to sever all ties with her, culminating in a nightmare where he abandoned her and the Mushroom Kingdom forever. Of course, such a fate was never a possibility; I could never bring myself to do that to either Peach or Mario. The story concludes at around the same point that chapter five of Burning Desire ended.

I can honestly say I’m satisfied with how Aftermath of a Sweet Burn turned out. It added significant depth to Burning Desire, and working on it was a fantastic experience. In retrospect, I’m relieved I didn’t combine it with the main story, as it evolved into something much more extensive than I had planned—a recurring theme in my writing. 😅 It seems I don’t have much to say about this fic either, but that’s perfectly okay. 😊

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Blossoming Connection Chapter 3 Preview:

“So, what you think of Daisy?” Mario asked Luigi with a curious smile as the two trekked towards their home. “She’s something, isn’t she?”

Luigi scratched the back of his head as his mind drifted to the lively Sarasaland princess. He envisioned her cheerful energy, friendly nature, hearty appetite, and that stunning smile that sent a thrill through his heart. Still, he struggled to form a clear opinion about her and thus, he settled for the simplest response he could muster. “Well, she’s not like Princess Peach, that’s for certain.”

"Haha, no kidding!" Mario chuckled heartily. “She's definitely a free spirit! I was really surprised when I rescued her because I expected her to be as graceful as our princess. It took a little while to get used to her, but I can say she's genuinely good people." He then flashed a playful smile beneath his bumpy mustache. "And let's face it, she's pretty cute."

“Yeah, can’t argue with you there, Mario,” Luigi nodded in agreement and shared a chuckle of his own. “She’s very pretty, just as beautiful as Princess Peach.”

“Hey, I’m not sure if I’d go that far!” Mario laughed, giving Luigi a friendly pat on the shoulder. “There’s no one in any universe who’s as beautiful as Mi Principessa!”

Luigi gave Mario a serious glance that made him stop laughing right away. “Fine, I guess Daisy’s beauty is on par with the princess’s,” Mario said with a hesitant laugh.

Luigi couldn’t help but flash a small, victorious smile. Still, he wasn’t going to let Mario escape without a little teasing. He raised an eyebrow and quipped, "oh, and what about Pauline? I remember you being quite taken with her looks too."

“Sure, her too, but that’s it!” Mario squirmed for a bit before regaining his composure. "Anyway, why are you putting me on the spot like that, Luigi? You into Daisy or something?"

The playful glint in Mario's eyes and his last question made Luigi fidget, just as Mario had done moments before. However, as they approached the pipe that would take them home, Luigi found himself contemplating the question with genuine seriousness. The thrill of seeing another human female was a delightful surprise, especially in a world where such encounters felt rare. He thought back to their interactions that morning and felt a budding interest in Princess Daisy. Although their personalities seemed to differ, he sensed a potential for friendship. Yet, when it came to the idea of romance, doubt crept in. It was simply too early to know if something more could blossom between them.

“To be honest, I’m not sure,” Luigi sighed. “Even if I did like her, I can’t see her feeling the same about me."

“I don’t know about that, Luigi,” Mario said. “From what I can see, she seems to really like you.”

“She could just be being nice, that’s all,” Luigi countered. “I really don’t think she’s into me like that.”

Mario couldn’t help but smirk, his mustache twitching with amusement. “You really think so? She looked like she loved being close to you. I mean, I saw her whispering in your ear and winking at you. Doesn’t that sound a bit flirty to you?”

“Maybe she’s just playing around. A bunch of girls in Brooklyn did that, and they weren’t really interested in me. And even if she was being sincere, I’d likely screw it up anyway. I’ve never had the best luck with women, remember?”

“With that mindset, Luigi, you’re not going to attract any women. Honestly, I believe Daisy really likes you. She’s the type who says what she means, no filter at all. If she’s thinking it, she’s saying it. Plus, I wouldn’t have let the princess convince me to introduce you to Daisy if I thought she’d be unkind to you…” Mario quickly covered his mouth. “Oh man! Just pretend you didn’t hear that!”

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Leaving Their Marks Behind

Leaving Their Marks Behind

Synopsis: Once a political meeting concludes, Princesses Peach and Daisy decide on a whim to visit the Mario Brothers. They quickly notice that although the brothers are there, they are not truly available. To ensure Mario and Luigi know they came by, the princesses leave behind a little something as a reminder.

There’s not a whole lot to discuss about this fic. It’s a light and fun narrative about two mischievous princesses who decide to prank their adored plumbers in a playful way. After the serious tone of Positive Validation, I wanted to shift gears and create something more lighthearted and less driven by plot. This simple idea had been in my head for a while, so I wrote it for the sheer fun of it and polished it up a bit before posting it online.

I believed there was enough in this narrative to inspire a sequel, but I didn’t pursue it, thinking it wouldn’t really catch on. However, when I looked back at the story later, I was surprised to see it had been well-received, with some readers even asking for a continuation. Eventually, I did write the follow-up, though it took me a year to do so, (😅) and I’ll talk more about that story later.

Leaving Their Marks Behind turned out to be an enjoyable tale to craft, even though it lacked a grand plot or intricate twists. Honestly, that's about all I can share regarding this piece; it’s undoubtedly my briefest commentary on any of my stories. 😂