*Ah ah ah ah chapter 9! Chapter 9! (That was to the beat and notes of stayin' alive) :) hellooooo fan fic lovers! Hope everyone is doing well. I have a Facebook page for my FanFiction account. Przybyszewski FanFiction is what it's called. Go ahead and give it a like and follow. I'll post updates, banners, etc for my stories on there. I won't draw out this long author note I'll just get right to the chapter.
Chapter 9: The Thornes
"Can anyone explain to me why in the world Luigi and I just sat through this movie with you ladies?"
Peach and Daisy both turned their heads towards their men, rolling their eyes.
"You clearly don't understand the definition of classics." Peach said.
"Yeah!" Daisy chimed in. "You boys have no good taste in movies." She then stuck her tongue out.
"This is nothing but a corny, stupid chick flick!" Luigi exclaimed.
"Ugh!! As if!" Both Daisy and Peach replied before bursting into a fit of giggles and the credits to clueless rolled on.
Mario turned to his brother, chuckling and shaking his head. "I think we need some new hobbies little brother."
"As if playing a dozen sports and ruling an entire kingdom isn't enough?" Luigi replied. This got a laugh out of everyone.
The buzzing and chime of Daisy's cell phone broke her attention away from the conversation. She glanced at the contact that popped up on the screen, a look of slight confusion on her face.
Hmm. What could he want right now?
"I'll be back, you guys!" Daisy said as she got up from the couch. "I need to take this." Luigi watched her the whole time as she walked to leave the room, slightly curious as to who she could be talking to.
It's me Mario and Peach here, who could she be talking to?
Maybe some other guy—
Luigi mentally cut himself off. Stop that, Luigi. It's not your business and there's no way Daisy would be talking to someone else.
In the short period of time since the wedding Daisy and Luigi had spend quite a bit of time together, and it just didn't make sense that she would be in contact with someone else In this area.
Unless it's not someone from this Kingdom...
Daisy skipped back into the room, an adorable smile spread across her cheeks. She plopped herself down beside Luigi, kicking her legs up to rest them in his lap. He smiled at her perky attitude, gently rubbing her calves muscles, raising a curious eyebrow at her.
"What's got you so chipper all of a sudden?" He teased.
Daisy looked at him and smiled. "That was my daddy, he and mama are coming to visit this weekend, they're going to stay around for my birthday as well!!"
Luigi's eyes bugged. He gulped, failing to get rid of the uneasy feeling that formed in his throat.
Oh boy...definitely not someone from here.
Daisy's mother was such a kind and gentle woman, from what Luigi had heard from many people. He could tell just by the way she carried herself at the wedding that she was a down to Earth and very likable person; just like her daughter. Daisy's father however...He was in no way mean or nasty, but he was notorious for being slightly arrogant, and a bit overprotective when it came to his family, especially his precious daughter. Luigi did his level best to not show the concern on his face; he didn't want to upset Daisy. However, he couldn't quite shake away the thought of Daisy's father continually harassing him about his intentions with his daughter and looking down upon him as if he didn't feel Luigi was worthy. Luigi didn't have his brothers reputation, and he could only think of the worst with the king and queen of Sarasalands visit soon to come.
"That sounds wonderful, Daisy!" Peach had replied. Breaking Luigi from his inner thoughts.
"We can have a nice formal dinner here at the castle once they are settled in, it will be wonderful!" Mario's head nodded in approval at his wife's suggestion.
"We can start on plans for your birthday as well," Mario added. "I know Peach has already been talking my ear off about her plans for you." He chuckled. "She and Luigi will need to get together to come up with some good ideas."
"How does that sound, Weedge?!"
A smile spread across Luigi's face, perfectly hiding his worried thoughts.
"It sounds great!" He replied, giving Daisy's hand a loving squeeze.
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"Luigi?"
"Hmm?"
"You're as white as a ghost, is that dress shirt collar a little too tight??" Mario chuckled.
Luigi turned to the mirror, wiping the sweat from his brow and fiddling with the cuff link on the left arm of his dress shirt. No matter how hard he tried to keep calm, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was going to make a fool of himself in front of Daisy's parents. They were expected to be here in just a few minutes, and Luigi took one long deep breath before making his way down the grand staircase with his brother to greet their guests. Daisy had informed her parents of the dinner they were all planning, and in such a short span of time the castle was able to put together a beautiful display in the dining room for them all. Daisy's parents almost always dressed formal, and it was only appropriate they kept it that way for their welcome dinner.
Dressed to a "T"; the brothers were nothing short of dapper in their fitted tuxes with a tail on the end. And of course, they replaced the black bow tie and cummerbund with their signatures colors. For a slight change in look, both brothers had their hair slicked back, a faint shine reflected from the chandelier lighting bouncing off of the gel in their hair, giving it a nice clean cut look. They glanced at each other and smiled, nodding to each other in approval at how they both looked.
"Not too shabby, little brother." Mario chimed first.
"Ditto, big brother." Luigi replied.
Toadsworth waited patiently by the big double doors leading into the dining room. Just inside the doors near the corner sat a beautiful black grand piano, and with a wave of Toadsworth's hand, he began to play. As if completely on cue with the music, the even bigger double doors that towered at the front of the castle were slowly pulled open to reveal the awaited guests.
It was as if they traveled straight from the Renaissance era.
Daisy's parents strolled In, arms linked. Her mother was dressed in a Victorian style ball gown. A beautiful gold that was trimmed with an amber orange on the neckline, sleeve ends and in the middle of the skirt. Her bright orange hair was pulled back into a lower bun, a small bump at the top where her tiara sat could be seen. Her tiara was a rose gold, with intricate waves ad designs throughout. A scattering of rubies, some smaller than others we neatly placed along the piece, with a few choices rubies having a ring of diamonds surrounding them; the earrings she wore matched.
Daisys father was dressed in the exact same colors as his wife in a very traditional Kings outfit. His gold crown sat atop his dark brunette hair and it was also accented with bright red rubies, with the biggest one sitting in the center of the biggest point on his crown. That deep brown hair travel down to his face, A full goatee covering parts of his face and chiseled features. There were some strands of grey in his hair and beard you could faintly see. Compared to some of the other kings and other neighboring lands who decided to grow out their big bushy beards, daisy's father kept his clean and neat. Both of their skins were tanned from the Sarasaland sun, only making the bright colors of their outfits and the hair on the Queen stand out even more.
"The King And Queen of Sarasaland. Their majesties King Robert And Queen Petunia Thorne!!" The herald proudly announced with a small bow of his body as the couple glanced his way and nodded towards him as they strolled in. Mario and Luigi stood at the base of the stairs, Their hands behind their back as the gave a slow bow towards the royals.
"No need you two, no need!" Petunias soft voice chimed. Both of them bringing themselves up to meet the king and queens faces.
Luigi made eye contact with Daisy's father. Robert gazed at him for several moments, no doubt studying his face and features. The stare made Luigi uneasy. Luigi gave a small nervous smile, nodding his head to the desert king. "It-its wonderful to properly meet you, Robert."
"Your majesty will suffice.." Robert sternly replied. Luigi faltered slightly at the response. Petunia shot him a glare, softly elbowing his side.
"Robert, your manners!"
Thankfully, the sounds from upstairs broke the awkward silence as all four of them turned their gazes upwards. Peach emerged at the top of the stairs, looking as much like a queen as she could have. Her recently appointed crown had been shined and was shimmering under the castle lighting. Dozens of blonde curls framed her face, sitting stiff and neat on her shoulder and down towards the middle of her back. She had chosen a pale pink ball gown that was a mixture of lace and tulle. There were sheer long sleeves that had intricate floral pattern woven in up towards her neckline and into the bodice. A simple pink bow sat at the front of her waist. The pink color looked wonderful against her fair skin and blonde hair. She was glowing, literally glowing.
'
As she reached the bottom she smiled big as she gave her awestruck husband a kiss before pulling Petunia into a big hug.
"Oh Peach," Petunia began. "It is so wonderful to see you! How is married life treating you? Look at you, you're glowing!" Peach blushed a little.
"Couldn't be any better, your majesty." Peach beamed, glancing over at Mario who had such a proud look on his face.
"Now now, no formalities by name tonight. Despite our dress, please, all of you, call me Petunia." Peach turned to Robert, and she gave him a small smile.
"It's wonderful to see you, Princess...Queen! My goodness it will be difficult getting used to that." He chuckled.
Well at least I know he's not completely incapable of showing joy....
"Speaking of Princess," He started again. "Where is my beautiful daughter?!" He asked eagerly. He was practically a different person the moment he spoke about his daughter.
Daisy had emerged from her room and both her parents' eyes widened. Luigi's back was still to her, but the moment he saw the look on her mother's face he turned.
And he froze.
"Oh my god." Luigi somehow managed to choke out. He could hear Petunia give a faint whimper as she watched her beautiful daughter descend the staircase. Luigi had pretty much expected Daisy to wear her signature color as well after seeing what Peach had chosen. He was far from wrong.
Daisy's long auburn hair was partially pinned up into a half ponytail with loose waves and curls in her silky hair. She wore an off the shoulder A-line gown. It hugged her nicely at the waist before bellowing out in a long full and beautiful skirt.
And it was a deep emerald green.
Luigi thought Daisy's signature yellow and orange were nothing short of amazing every time she wore it, but he was absolutely floored when he saw his girlfriend catch him off guard by wearing his signature color. To add just a touch of shimmer, she wore a simple pair of diamond earrings and a matching diamond necklace. Her makeup was subtle but perfect. The neutral beige's and browns were all she needed when she wore a dress like that.
She smiled big at everyone, picking up the pace as she made her way to the bottom, throwing herself into her father's arms.
"Daddy! Mama!" She exclaimed. Hugging her father tighter. "I'm so happy to see you both."
"And we're happy to see you, my desert flower." He kissed the top of her head before she pulled herself away to bring her mother into a hug.
"Oh Daisy.." Her mother choked out, trying not to tear up. "My beautiful daughter, look at you.."
"Mamaaaaa" Daisy chucked. "You're such a sap!"
"I can't help it. You've grown up, your mothers heart can't take it."
Daisy laughed. "Mama. Daddy. I want you to officially meet my boyfriend, Luigi." Daisy turned to him, smiling even bigger.
Luigi beamed back at her, once again bowing his head slightly to both the king and queen.
"It is an absolute pleasure to formally meet both of you...your daughter is amazing." Luigi took Petunias hand and kissed it gently. He then turned to Robert and stuck out his hand. Robert hesitated for just a moment before accepting his hand and shaking it slowly.
"It's so great to meet you, Luigi." Petunia said. "We've heard so many wonderful things about you!"
"They can't be that great." Luigi chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck and flushing just a little.
"I would agree with you there, Luigi." Robert spoke. "I don't know about you five.." He continued. "But I am incredibly famished! The trip here was longer than anticipated and my wife and I have not eaten since the morning. Why don't we take our seats?"
Everyone couldn't agree anymore and they made their way into the dining room. Luigi and Daisy trailed behind just for a moment.
"You know i'm the one that is supposed to look the best in that color, don't you?" Luigi teased.
Daisy chuckled. "I couldn't help myself. What can I say...the color is growing on me." She winked before making her way to sit at the long table.
It was a smorgasbord of food the toad servants had prepared for the group of them. Seafood, meats, cheeses, an assortment of fruits and veggies. Both the brothers mouths were watering as a plate of their mothers famous meatball recipe made it ways to the table. It was almost as if they were racing to see who could eat the most the fastest. Peach, Daisy and Petunia chucked, but Robert scoffed as he took a bite out of the strip steak on his plate.
"So Luigi." Petunia began. "Daisy tells me you have some interest in music?" Luigi nodded, and Mario glanced over at his brother confused.
"You ever mentioned anything about that, little bro."
Luigi swallowed the bite of meatball before replying. "Daisy and I went to that small music supper club in the square a couple nights ago. The had a couple awesome groups playing. A jazz group and a blues group. I remember attempting a couple instruments back when we were younger, I would just really love to see if I can take up the piano or another instrument again."
"I think that sounds wonderful." Petunia replied. "What do you think, Robert?"
The King stopped from bringing the fork to his mouth, he glanced at his wife, then over to Luigi. Luigi grew nervous again over that familiar gaze from earlier.
"Sounds...like something someone would do when they have nothing better to do with their time.." The king replied dryly. Luigi exhaled, but Daisy's face grew upset.
"Daddy what is up with you?" She asked, a small waiver to her voice. Robert looked at her surprised at the question, and everyone else in the room stopped what they were doing, not sure what to make of the exchange.
"I beg your pardon, Daisy?" King Robert replied. Luigi opened his mouth to speak to Daisy, to softly tell her it was fine, but Dais held a hand up, and he immediately stopped.
"No Luigi, don't." She said, returning her gaze to her father. "Why are you being so short with Luigi? What on Earth has he ever done to you?"
"I think the better question is what has he done with you?" The King spat. The way he was "he" was harsh, and it made Luigi cringe.
"Robert!" Petunia hissed, giving her husband a look of disappointment. "This is absolutely uncalled for!"
Daisy stood up from her seat, slamming her hands down on the table causing everyone, even her father to jump.
"How dare you come here and disrespect my relationship!" She cried. You could tell she was trying very hard not to let the quiver in her voice show as she tried not to cry. "All week I was so excited to have both of you here to visit and celebrate my birthday, and the moment you come here all you have done is go out of your way to make Luigi uncomfortable and disrespect him!" She pointed a finger at him, trying very hard to not let her hand shake.
"You should be ashamed, daddy. Ashamed!" The quiver in her voice broke through, and a couple tears started to fall down her cheeks. She quickly turned away and stormed out of the room before anyone else could see her cry more. Everyone sat stunned, and it wasn't until Luigi rose from his seat that he was the first to react.
"If you would excuse me please. Petunia...Your Majesty." The title was directed at her father. And Luigi made a small bow before exiting to check up on his Daisy.
She sat on the stone bench on the balcony, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. She gave a small smile as she saw her handsome man walk through the opening to the balcony and sat down to join. He took her hands in his, kissing her knuckles softly.
"I'm sorry, Weedge." she spoke first. "I know my father is protective, but I never thought he would act that way at all tonight. I'm sorry. My emotions just got the best of me..."
"You have nothing to apologize for, Daisy. Your father has every right to be protective. You're his only daughter. His little girl, I think it's just harder for him even more so than your mom to realize that you're not that young adventurous little tom boy. Of course you're still a tomboy, but you're a pretty darn beautiful tomboy." That made Daisy chuckled, and she leaned in to give Luigi a small kiss.
"How do you know what to say all of the time? It's like magic." This in return made Luigi chuckled. "I guess I just have a gift for it. Don't know how else to explain it."
"Daisy, dear."
They both looked up to see Daisy's father standing in the opening to the balcony. They both stood up, and he made his way over to them.
"Daisy could I please speak to Luigi, alone?" Daisy eyed her father curiously, but the look in her father's eyes made her oblige. She gave Luigi a soft kiss on the cheek and a squeeze of his before returning inside.
Robert turned to Luigi, heaving a big sigh before beginning to speak.
"Luigi, I wanted to...apologize...for the way I behaved earlier on. It was unnecessary and wrong of me to speak to you that way. I'm sorry."
"No worries, your highness." Luigi replied.
"Robert is fine." He said. That made Luigi relax just a little bit more. "I just hope you do realize that Daisy is my only daughter, and I treasure her more than anything in this world."
"Well, you and I have that in common, sir." This, surprisingly made Robert smile back.
"Just know it still won't keep me from giving you a hard time. And do know that if you in any way hurt my daughter, I have a lot of power in this region to make sure you would regret it. I can be nothing but a thorn in your side." He chuckled again, and Luigi laughed nervously.
"I don't doubt that one bit, Robert."
The king stuck his hand out, and Luigi took it in returned. A much stronger and respectful handshake from the king compared to earlier that evening spoke volumes.
"You have permission to date my daughter...you better treat her right."
"It's the only way to treat her, sir."
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"Luigi, would you like to help me frost these cupcakes?"
"I would be more than happy to!" Luigi joined Petunia by her side in the kitchen. The queen was incredibly dressed down compared to her attire the day of their dinner. She still looked well kept, but her choice in outfit was accented with a classic apron that was dusted with flour.
Luigi had a knack for not just cooking but baking as well. With a mother who made multiple recipes almost everyday, it was nearly impossible not to learn something. But somehow his brother Mario managed to not learn many recipes that their mother made, but Luigi was always more than happy and willing to learn.
"Oh my goodness," Luigi said as he snuck a taste of the frosting. "Daisy is going to go nuts over that buttercream icing!
Everyone in the castle was busy preparing for Daisy's birthday. Daisy and her father had traveled to the town shops to look for an outfit and grab some lunch while everyone prepared. Peach had made arrangements for a surprise yacht party at the kingdoms pier. Daisy was aware they were putting together a celebration, but she had no idea Luigi, Peach, Mario and her parents had worked together to gift her with a beautiful 10 person yacht for her birthday. Daisy was always into sports and adventures but boating was what she loved the most.
Luigi was able to sneak off from the castle the other day while Daisy was strolling through the gardens with her mother to get her another gift from him alone. He was so excited to see the look on her face when she saw both of her gifts.
Everyone had arrived at the pier no too long before Daisy arrived with her father. There were dozens of guests mingling amongst each other, enjoying the appetizers the servants walked around with and the cocktails the bartenders were mixing at the bar on the pier. They had held off until the birthday girl arrived to allow any of the guests onto the yacht.
Peach noticed as their car arrived and turned her attention excitedly towards the eager guests.
"She's here everyone, shes here!" She exclaimed, and everyone took their places.
Luigi jogged over to help Daisy's father maneuver the blindfolded Daisy down the boardwalk. She giggled when she felt Luigi take her arm, she would know that touch anytime, anywhere.
"Daddy! Luigi! What on Earth are you doing is this even necessary?" She laughed.
"Probably not but it definitely makes it more entertaining." Luigi teased.
As the reached the area of the boardwalk where everyone stood, Luigi stepped away to stand in front of her.
"Are you ready, beautiful?"
Daisy nodded excitedly. "Yes yes come on i'm ready to celebrate!" He father removed the blindfold from her eyes and all Daisy could do was gasp.
"Happy Birthday Daisy!!!" At least 75 people cheered. A big white yacht sat behind all of them, with a big banner draped across the front with the words "Happy Birthday, Daisy!" It sparkly orange letters.
"Is this....is this for me?!" She managed to choke out. Luigi beamed at her and nodded. "Happy birthday, my sweet!! From all of us here, we wanted you to have the best birthday ever!"
Daisy was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from her friends and family. Some she hadn't seen in years had shown up to celebrate and she was beyond thrilled.
The night was perfect. There was a band, wonderful food and drinks, and endless fun throughout the late afternoon into the evening. The sun began to set and Mario and Peach had snuck off somewhere into one of the yacht bedroom suites for some alone time, one too many drinks for the both of them.
Petunia and Robert had retired to the castle to rest for the night, the days preparing and events had exhausted them both. Daisy and Luigi sat on the deck of the boat, clinking their glasses of champagne together as they gazed at the moonlight and stars reflecting off of the water.
"Luigi I don't even know how to begin to thank you, Peach, Mario and my parents for everything that you have done for me today. You really do know how to make a girl feel special." Luigi smiled and took a sip of his drink.
"You deserve nothing but the best, Daisy." Luigi replied. Daisy scooted closer to him, laying he head on his shoulder as he slipped his hand to set it around her waist.
"Oh my goodness I almost forgot." Luigi said, pulling a box from his pocket. Daisy looked up at him, smiling and shaking her head. "You didn't have to do this, Luigi. You've already given me enough today!"
"I know. But I saw it the other day and I couldn't not get it for you." Daisy opened the box and gasped. Inside was a necklace. An oval shaped Tiffany yellow pendant was the focus of the piece. The yellow diamond was surrounded by diamond circles, giving it a look similar to a daisy flower.
"Oh Luigi...it's perfect. Thank you." She kissed him one last time before snuggling closer to him.
They sat there in silence for a few moments, just enjoying each others presence. Daisy couldn't even imagine how lucky she truly was to have Luigi in her life. She never thought she could be treated so well by someone. Luigi slowly traced his fingers along the small of her back, placing soft kisses on the top of her head.
"I love you, Luigi."
Luigi paused, leaning his head for his eyes to meet hers and she looked up at him.
"Did you ju---"
"Yes. Yes, Luigi. I love you. I love you so much." She brought her lips to his once again, the warmth in both of them making its way through their whole body. Luigi pulled away to gaze into her eyes again.
She loves me, too....she loves me, too!
"I love you too, Daisy."
Hooray! Another chapter down, many more to go! Just so you know I do have photos of the outfits, hairstyles, etc. from the chapter that I had in mind. I'll be posting them on my facebook page 'Przybyszewski Fanfiction' if you would like to take a look :) I'll also post my updates on their as well. If you have any thoughts on things you may like to see in this story please let me know! Of course I have my own ideas of the timeline of this story but you're the ones reading it and I love to hear your ideas as well. Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! 3 Smooches- Przybyszewski
