OOC: So first, disclaimer: I don't own any Nintendo characters. Secondly, this is a realistic version, as well my take on an unusual love story between our heros and their princesses. I've had this idea forever, and while this is my first Nintendo fanfic I hope to make it my best! This is dated back in London 1900's era. I am rating M for future mature content, as my readers already know how I roll. ;-) I really hope you all enjoy!

Pipeline: A Princess and A Plumber

chapter 1

A tan, calloused, and slightly hairy hand slipped outside a dirty white glove. The seams of the gloves were tattered to the point of considering a new pair in the near future but the budget of money had kept these old ones. Its owner sighed, grabbing both gloves and shoving them into his back overall pocket. The overalls used to be a bright blue, but had worn to the point of a dark muddy color, the golden buckles had broken on his outfit, and makeshift buttons took place in keeping the straps in their place. A red shirt underneath his coveralls were rolled at the sleeves.

"This is the place, Mario?"

The voice wasn't his, yet a similarly thick Italian accent came from behind him. An accompanying partner had approached him, stepping to the side scratching his temple. The male was his brother, obvious by their tan skin, and similarly shaggy black hair that was in desperate needing of a cut. Both of them were wearing coveralls, the taller one having a slightly darker tint. And yet nothing would overlook the similar thick, full bodied mustaches both of them sported under their noses. The shorter of the two was stalky in appearance, standing at about 5'7 while the skinnier, almost lanky fellow to his right was around 5'10.

"Sure is, Luigi."

The two stood next to each other, surely a sight to be seen. The year was 1901, and London was brimming with new and exciting industrialization. Opportunity seemed sparkling at every street corner, that is, if it was a wealthy one. The two were three months off the boat from Italy, and had scrambled with nearly thousands of other immigrants to make a living in the foreign land. They had not been treated like first class citizens, naturally, but the United Kingdom had given them a second chance, which the hard workers jumped at a new life.

Before them, stood a giant castle like structure. It was tremendous in its features, almost fairy tale like how vines curled up its stone walls. Stone glass windows were everywhere, where a dull light peeked through the dreary clouds of the sky, trying to dance off the beautiful colors in the glass.

Mario smoothed his mustache down, a slight tick he had when he was thinking. The stalky male in red adjusted his tool belt the wrenches and drivers clanking before falling silent. Him and his brother had been engineers in their past life, mainly with construction and water systems. However, with the events upon coming into a land where they knew nobody, they had packed their tools and took their roles at the bottom. They were plumbers. It was no fancy job, and every night the men came back to their crowded little apartment exhausted. Wether it was from working, or looking for work, both were just as exhausting. Lately, the two had lost their spunk, high energy turning to bitterness and constant solemn looks of exhaustion.

Mario was a hard working man, always had been. His twin brother, Luigi was just as hardworking. Which made them a duo, and he was lucky to have his kin at his side on this endeavor.

The two approached the large oak doors, they were the square shape, with large golden shiny door knockers on the front. Mario almost didn't want to touch the shiny treasure, knowing for sure it would be greased by his fingers. He grabbed a rag at his side, making sure there was no grease left. Raising a hand to grab the door knocker, the large wooden doors flung open. The Italians eyes widened, their expression curious.

"Aha! You two must be the plumbers!"

A tall, very skinny man dressed in flashy clothes, including a bright red bow-tie, held his hands out in a welcoming manner. One hand held a half staff with a ball at the end its form not completely straight, but still caved and glittered with jewels of every stone. His hair was gray, eyebrows bushy, and a long gray mustache curled at his cheeks. The older man was aged greatly, his eyes creasing as he smiled brightly, wrinkles prominent in his crows eye.

Mario let his expression relax, almost amused at the energy of the elderly man. It seemed to be an ongoing occurrence that only very elderly men had mustaches in London. Even more amusing, that these men were always of great wealth and prestigious families. He smirked to himself, finding if funny because him and his brother were neither of those. His accent was British, of course, there could be no mistake in that. Who else would own such a palace, of course not an immigrant!

"Mario." He stated simply before raising an eyebrow at Luigi who grinned. Luigi was no doubtfully the handsome of the two, perhaps because he was more endearing? Maybe it was just his height? Mario had never been jealous of his brother, it was just how it had always happened. He rarely kept his affairs close to females, usually putting his energy into his work.

"Luigi, pleasure to meet you. You must be Sir Toadsworth?"

The elder nodded keeping an award winning grin on his face. He stepped to the side ushering the men inside.

"Yes, yes! It is a pleasure to meet you two. I hear you men are quite the novelty of London! Come inside, I insist!"

The tall lanky man turned, his coat tails flapping in an elegant motion, and then began to trail the pristine carpet underneath him as he continued into the large hallway that had opened to them.

Mario clasped his tool belt, which was another small habit, just to be sure he always had it on him. Luigi kept a pep in his step, ensuring to engage in conversation with the elder. Mario was quiet, as usual. His brother was more on the marketing side of their "business". Always looking for new prospects, using his charm to entice and humor people into letting them do their dirty work- literally. Mario knew he was more of the brute and work to their operation. He had more experience and knowledge of pipes, water, and the complex systems they accompanied.

Mario eyeballed the beautiful place, trying to pay attention to the conversation of the lively two in front of him.

"It is most appreciated that you two could come to check out our horrendous issues. It has been quite the disaster, I must warn you."

"Sir, we can assure you that we will do what we can and make your beautiful place working again!"
Luigi was a sly bastard, Mario snickered in his head.

"Well, that is great. Master Bowser and all of the occupants of this home are very excited to have their home working again."

The three of them stopped at the opening of a beyond belief den area which was huge. Carpets and rugs were freshly cleaned. Tapestries hung at the walls, couches and plushes were cornered around coffee tables. Pillars lined the den area, in a square like figure there had to be at least ten of them lining the large area. Inside that boundary of pillars, a near ten foot fireplace was embroidered with perfectly cut stone, dull in its gray color, but majestic non the less. But it was not the fireplace that took the attention. A portrait of six foot tall and four foot wide was hung on top of the fireplace.

"Ah. Is that the owner of this household then?"

Luigi raised his green hat so he could look up and lay his eyes upon the masterpiece. He was a bit taken back, just by the ferocity of the portrait. A man sat in a manicured chair his shoulders as broad as the portrait was. It was a large man, wearing black velvets. He had deep orange hair, his eyebrows matching, giving a deep furrow, seeming unrelaxed and frustrated. Dark gray orbs were fiery in their composure, and nearly glare like. Pale lips were in a straight line, neither amused or relaxed. Mario raised an eyebrow his eyes lingered on the unhappy portrait. A seemingly cranky bastard, in a house like his, yes?

"Yes, that is Master Bowser. I am sure he would love to be here to accommodate your needs for you to fix the place, but his is away on business. I must regretfully tell you that he is gone most of the time always away on business."

Luigi exchanged glances with his brother, as they both caught the tone in Toadsworth that he was only saying courtesies and he was rather nervous talking about the scary large man in the portrait. Toadsworth collected his thoughts, pulling his purple vest which fit rather snug on his belly. Clearing his throat he brightly smiled, turning his back again to the Italians, ushering them deeper into the castle.

"Anyways! I must show you to the main area of our problems! The kitchen is just a tad further, and we have been going out of ways to prepare our meals."

Toadsworth limped briskly, Mario eyeballing how his cane hit the carpet, noticing the wooden floors below them.

"You must understand, we haven't been able to wash our fresh produce and newly cut meats off with clean water. Unfortunately, we've had to buy our food from the markets lately."

Toadsworth's voice was grave as he shoks his head. Luigi gave an understanding nod,

"I see Sir, that is very discouraging I'm sure."

Mario smirked his whispered aloud,

"Buy from the markets? Oh-a the horror…"

The elderly man didn't hear him over his chattering about what else was wrong with the kitchens besides the broken pipes that seemed to be endless.

Luigi craned his neck behind him, giving Mario a glare as if to say 'Don't you dare ruin this.'

Mario rolled his eyes, grinning and prodding his head forward, notifying him that Toadsworth had led them to the entrance of the kitchens.

"Here it is dear gentleman! A sad excuse of a kitchen, I suppose. But I must say, these pipes had lasted for over fifty years! The pipes had frozen over this past winter, some of them completely cracking when thawing out."

The kitchen was far from sad. It was almost as large as the den, with endless counters and sinks and islands filled with cutting boards. Baskets of bread, fruits, and cheese were encased on a few of the islands, as if anyone could walk in for a snack. Luigi crossed his arms, his sleeves had also been rolled up from the newly found spring weather. It had been a brutal winter in London, from what he had witnessed.

"Not to worry, sir. Maintenance is something that is often overlooked in large homes such as this one. Do you mind if we take a look around?"

"Oh! Of course, please do what you must!"

Mario had taken his attention to the finer things in the kitchen, his eyes tracing the sparkling pots and pans which seemed to be abandoned as the kitchen had as well. Luigi crouched at the cabinets under one of the many large sinks, slipping his own white gloves on. He inspected the many pipes underneath it, dark eyebrows furrowed. He opened his mouth to speak to his twin, and nearly jumped finding his brother had already been crouched right beside him. Mario looked bored, eyeballing the seemingly fine pipe.

"It's unusable. The pipes have rusted from the inside out."

Luigi took a hand and flicked the pipe lightly. It made a dull ting, but it was short and sounded like a thud if anything. He closed his eyes, eyebrows unfurrowing, knowing this was going to be one hell of a job.

Mario stood up, showing a smile for the first time in awhile.

"Sir! It seems the house's pipes are quite rusted! Everything must be replaced."

Toadsworth seemed tense with hope, but shrugged his frail shoulders in defeat letting his head fall slightly. He nodded and let his fingers rap on the large ball of the cane.

"That is what I feared… It's going to be a big job I suppose? Oh, of course it is!"

And then his spirits picked up and a thought brought the old frail man to new life.

"We will pay whatever it takes to receive your services my fine chaps! It is the will of Master Bowser we make this place whole again."

Luigi sprung up, money hungry. By the looks of this place this Master Bowser guy had more wealth than he knew what to do with. Luigi was seeing dollar signs, and his brother regained the color in his body, seemingly eager to start, loving a good challenge.

"Perfect! We will be ready to start once we have the new pipes."

"Not a problem, we will have the servants take a record of every pipe in the building by tonight. By tomorrow noon, we will have all the equipment and tools you need."

Toadsworth let the doors of the kitchen fly open, his coat tail whipped at his turn. Mario grinned feeling a new breakthrough coming. Both men followed, elbowing each other a few times excited to start on their new money making endeavor. They approached the den area, where Master Bowsers eyes seemingly trailed them wherever they walked.

"Before we rush into things, my friends, I believe a contract is in order. Customary, of course."

The elderly fellow let his eyes crinkle kindly, smiling handing them both feathered ink pens. The two nodded curly, staring down a scroll of paper on a dark mahogany table which held various pots and shiny tableware. The contract unraveled onto the floor and a bit further. This was quite a lengthy contract, and Mario let his mustache twitch curiously, a hand raising to stroke his black facial hair curiously. Luigi picked up the paper, and took on the task of reading just barely mumbling the words in his thick Italian accent. They stood there for a minute before a high pitched voice echoed from a different hallway, on the other side of where they had first came in.

"The NERVE!"

"Oh! Oh dear! Princess!"

The first voice was regal in an obviously feminine tone. The second was more delicate, trying to be reassuring. The men jumped slightly, and adverted their gaze watching a huff of pink storm into the den.

The female was blonde, her luscious curls and waves bounced around her lovely heart shaped face. Long gloves covered up to her elbows, her hands grasping at the front of her large poofy pink dress, in an obvious rush to stomp around and be angry. A deep pink came to her ivory cheeks, partially from makeup and partially from the anger that blazed from her aura. She was the definition of beauty, not a single flaw on her face. The dress she wore fit snugly and hugged her very slim waist and then made a tasteful and respectful view of her chest. Shoulders were covered by little sleeves that ruffled at the edges. The same ruffles trailed the bottom of her dress. You could see her black shiny shoes and the white panty hose on her legs as the dress brushed back and forth from her arms holding them up when she walked with a brisk anger her heels clicking with a sharp tick. The bright blue in her eyes was electrifying and she hadn't noticed the men standing there until she turned the corner of the last pillar.

Trailing the lovely female quite a bit away was another female, her face seeming distressed. Light brown hair was tightly curled, a bright yellow braid loosely tied a the back of her crown the tails of it flowing with the pace she was slightly jogging at, trying to keep up with the princesses long legs. She wore an very pastel like yellow and orange dress, which was unusually easy on the eyes. She was not as slim at the blonde, however her curves were just lovely and fitting for her short frame. Her fists carried her dress in the same manner of the princess in front of her.

Toadsworth twirled, "My dear Peachy! What is wrong dear?"

The princess did not stop in her tracks to talk, instead she had slightly tripped because she was startled. There were visitors? Blue icy eyes widened a curiousness easing her frustration, as she was clearly caught off guard. Strange men stood in her living room, with her guardian father, Sir Toadsworth.

Both Italians had silently watched in pure fascination at the display of events in front of them. Luigi was more wide eye'd first at the blonde, then nearly lost his pen at the sight of the brunette. She was short and very curvy, his skin growing hot. Mario however, started critically at the blonde, wondering what the huff was about. To both of them, this was particularly new. Two royal females in their presence, and it was like they didn't know what to do. So they stood there, and stared, as the blonde stared back at them.

Princess Peach had never seen an Italian before. The uproar of the new immigrants had come to London not long ago. However, she had yet to be escorted out of this castle and take a look upon the new diverse streets of London. They were stalky broad men, on the slightly shorter side, yet their shoulders were stacked with muscle, and chests wide. Their faces were scruff, and she nearly choked at the large fluffy mustaches that covered their entire upper lip. How… How odd! Their hair was a shaggy onyx black, which was a rarity in a sea of blondes and brunettes. They were covered in the dirtiest of clothes, stained and worn from obvious work. Work belts wrapped around their waists holding tools of every kind. They had dark features, obvious strength and muscle, and particularly hairy, unlike the rest of everyone she had ever seen. How… interesting.

The princess blinked realizing she was staring for too long. She checked herself for staring so deeply, and raised her chin with a light 'humf'. She grabbed her skirts again and began to stalk off with a more regal walk, now aware of her new audience. She ignored her foster father, as well as her new Italian guests. She tuned a tight corner to a different hallway, leading to the back of the house somewhere. Perhaps the courtyard in the back.

Mario let an eyebrow raise, after he had caught eyes with the blonde beauty. She seemed rather displeased. For a princess she was anything but charming and endearing.

Toadsworth sighed shrugging his shoulders down, and perked at the sight of young Daisy in yellow and orange rounding the pillar.

"Oh dear, oh dear…"

She cried softly, running to Sir Toadsworth, completely oblivious of the newcomers.

"My Daisy, what is the matter?"

Daisy tried to hold back her obvious distraught as the tall elder held her petite shoulders. He stood in front of her, her view nearly cut off from the men behind him.

"It is Master Bowser…"

She whispered then trailed, almost feeling sorry for the young princess in pink. Silence came from the both of them and Toadsworth nodded closing his eyes. Daisy blinked, the realization that there were people behind her foster father. She craned her neck to the side, curious wide eyes catching to a tall man, sporting a green shirt in overalls, as well as a deep mustache that made her attempt to stifle a giggle. She whispered to her father, trying to be lady like and not talk out and openly.

"Oh my… Italians, father?"

Mario had enough, grabbing the papers from Luigi who was still starstruck by the lovely ladies. He raised the papers to his face, not appreciating being ignored and talked about like they were some circus animals. They had work to do, and they weren't going to get paid by ogling and dealing with the family issues of bratty princesses and rude British women. Toadsworth sighed and nodded, sending her on her way to find and tend to the princesses needs.

Daisy stepped out from behind her father, and gave a quick curtsy, her eyes catching the tall one's. Luigi eye'd the brunette beauty in front of them, and took off his hat, letting his waist slightly bend his hat holding hand at his chest. She did not recognize the foreign courteous acknowledgement the strange man gave her, but it enthralled the young female. She blazed a blush across her face before adverting her eyes down and scurrying in the direction of the unhappy princess.

Mario willingly ignored the brunette, noting that Luigi was giving her a gracious acknowledgement. He rolled his eyes right before the older man turned to them.

"I'm very sorry about her, those are my daughters Peach and Daisy."

He calmly left the subject alone, not getting into the matters anymore. Luigi nodded, holding his tongue from saying anything too friendly about their client's daughters. Mario cleared his throat, already at the bottom of the agreement, his pen being dipped into the ink on the table.

"Yes, well, I believe if that is all."

Mario handed Luigi the pen, who dipped it in black ink and signed his name next to his brothers. He took note to the older signature of Master Bowser. How interesting, he had signed knowing he already knew what he wanted done. He blew dry the ink with his breath before rolling up the scroll nice and tight. It was thick by its length but he make sure the ribbon that contained it was nice and secure.

"My fine chaps, I will be awaiting your arrival tomorrow. We all appreciate your services."

Sir Toadsworth gave a gracious bend at the hip, and led the Italians down the hallway and out the door. Mario inwardly rolled his eyes at the stress of the 'all' the elder had spoken. It seemed they all weren't grateful of their presence. The short stalky man turned his head at one entrance to a room by the door, and stared at two icy blue eyes that stared back at him. A portrait of the young princess hung in the far room by the door and stared down at him her eyebrows relaxed, and an endearing smile upon her lips. She was quite beautiful.

He curtly turned his head and didn't look back a face of annoyance displayed on his features. Princess Peach… not so peachy, was she?

"Farewell, Sir Toadsworth. Until tomorrow!"

Luigi grinned at the senior and then turned his attention to his brother. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped, seeing the obvious frustration in Mario. Keeping his thoughts to himself, they walked back to their apartment in the nearing evening time.

Mario fixed his eyes on the ground, eyebrows furrowed, his hands in his pockets. He had no place in the affairs of regal people, neither did he want too! He agreed upon himself to stay away from the people that had no influence on his work. He was there to strictly work, not make friends. He didn't meddle in the affairs of princesses. And with that, he started whistling, relaxing his face and enjoying his brother chiming in as they strolled home.

OOC: How's that! I really enjoyed this intro, and I have so many more ideas and events to write about on the new adventures of our favorite plumbers and princesses. Let me know what you think! Reviews are scientifically proven to improve muse by 1000% ... trust me ;-)