R: Among the Stars


I had gotten off of work finally and it was about 2 a.m. There wasn't too much ghost activity going on and Elvin was studying the other species that I brought in the other day. So I took my pay and headed out. While the hours were terrible, Elvin was like a father to me and I got to stay close to my ghost pup I had named Spettro.

I only used some of my pay to pay off any bills I had. The rest I gave to charity. As long as I had a roof, a job, and (usually) Mario - I was fine. But now, I was a bit disappointed in my brother. Not only had he been cheating on Peach with Daisy but I found out that he was hording all of the reward money that he and I had gotten.

He didn't even share it with me! He said that he refused the money and gave it away! I made a fist, my Thunderhand activating. I had never been so mad! Who else knew what he was hiding from me?! I walked back to my favorite stargazing spot after getting my telescope from my house. I just needed to clear my mind. To my surprise, Peach was there.

"Peach..." I whispered. "What are you doing here?"

"I couldn't sleep," she admitted, softly. "I sneaked out after Toadsworth went to bed."

I softly smiled at her as I asked, "Well, since we are here, would you like to stargaze with me?"

"I'd like that," she answered, smiling.

I don't remember how long we were on that hill. We were looking at constellations, comets, and stars. We even saw a few planets. Peach and I laughed a lot, enjoying each others company. She was so amazing, so smart, so beautiful... I closed my eyes for only a second. But that second was turned to hours. I felt the sun rays tickling my face.

I slowly opened my eyes, seeing Peach asleep on my lap. 'How did that happen?' I wondered as I blushed hard. Oh wow, we were really up that late? Toadsworth was gonna kill me for having her out past curfew! But then I remembered what Peach told me the other night.

"You are not gonna be the rebound guy or Player 2 ever in my books!"

'Was she always in love...with me?' I couldn't help but wonder. I stroked her hair softly, loving the soft feel of it. If that was true, that meant she was only with Mario until I made a move. I couldn't believe how stupid I was. I guess it was meant to be for Mario to be a jerk? Otherwise I wouldn't have such a beautiful angel in my lap.

Peach slowly opened her eyes, softly groaning. I kept my hand in her hair as she looked up at me. I saw her blush and at that moment, I knew. She was in love with me! This was the best day of my life!

"PRINCESS PEACH!"

Correction. Was the best day of my life. I nearly forgot about Toadsworth. Peach cringed as she looked into the distance. Toadsworth came over to us, red in the face. He was steamed.

"Your majesty, what are you doing out here this early?! This sunlight will hurt you and Master Luigi is not going to protect you forever!" Toadsworth yelled. Peach sighed out of annoyance as Toadsworth turned a different shade of red. "Wait, why are you here with Master Luigi?!"

"We were stargazing last night, Toadsworth!" I explained, pointing at my telescope as my face turned red with a blush.

Peach was also blushing too as she added, "Besides, I had more fun with Luigi last night then I ever did with Mario and that includes that island vacation from the Underwhere!"

I blushed harder as I asked, my voice soft, "You did?"

She looked at me - her eyes sparkling like water and answered, "I did."

I couldn't believe my ears. Was she saying what I think she was saying? It didn't matter cause I couldn't ask anyhow. Toadsworth had taken Peach back to the castle, saying that she wasn't going to be dating for a long time. I had to laugh. Peach waved goodbye, blowing a kiss to me. I blushed heavily as hearts floated around my head.

I was actually really happy, among the stars.


The following day, Peach made a royal announcement to the Toads of Mushroom Kingdom about Mario. Instead of degradating him further, Peach spoke with words that only made him shine.

She spoke, "Mario Gregory Manfredi Junior and I had decided to go our separate ways. We had realized that we were both in love with someone else." She looked at me when she said that as I blushed hard. She added, "Mario is a good hero. But he couldn't have done it without his partner, his brother, his friend. Luigi James Manfredi is also a hero and he is no Player 2."

I blushed harder as I nervously went over to Peach and stated, "I know you all probably thing I am the worst choice to protect the princess. But I assure you all, I will do my hardest to keep from harm." Now was a good as a time as any. I turned to her, seeing a confused look on her face. I hope this was going to end well. "Peach, will you be my girlfriend?"

Peach gleefully squealed as she answered, "In a heartbeat!"

I smiled wide as she caught me by surprise and kissed me. I nervously returned it. Oh how I wanted to faint. Not only was Peach kissing me but we were kissing in front of her subjects. I didn't care, I just wanted Peach to be happy. I held her close as she did the same. And all felt right with the world. It felt like it was just me and her.

What a treasure.


AK1028: What a treasure indeed. Please read and review! And always think outside of the box!