(A/N: So Mario and Peach should be in Bubblaine in this chapter. That kingdom is seriously romantic. Okay, I'll start the chapter!)


The following day, Peach found herself in the Seaside Kingdom when her transport ship had landed.

"Well, I know what I'm going to wear today." Peach said as she looked out the window and saw a lovely sight: the carbonated sea sparkling in the light of the morning sun.

"Are you going to wear that sexy swim outfit that put Mario's hormones in a tizzy back in the Lake Kingdom?" Tiara asked with a giggle.

"Well, I do believe that this is another perfect place to wear it, but I'm not wearing it to do what you said. Mario is a man, not a teenage boy with overactive hormones; I like to think that because he is a grown man, his hormones are in check." Peach said as she started getting ready for the day.

"Anything else you'll need, Peach?" Tiara asked.

"Besides my beach bag? I'm going to apply sunscreen before I go out there." said Peach, and when she was dressed, she pulled out the bottle of sunscreen and slathered the stuff all over herself, except for her back, because she couldn't reach it. But either way, she smelled like a coconut factory.

"I wish Mario was here to help me put sunscreen on my back." Peach said as she put the bottle in her beach bag, just in case she bumped into Mario.

"Maybe we'll find him while we're here, and if we do, perhaps you can ask him to put some sunscreen on your back for you." Tiara suggested as they left the transport ship.

"Yeah, maybe." said Peach as she looked at Glass Tower in the distance, with the four fountains spraying seawater into the glass. They weren't doing that when Bowser and the Broodals were there.

"I guess Mario fixed everything that Bowser ruined when we came here." Peach smiled.

"He seems to be really good at fixing everything that Bowser wrecks." Tiara said. But then she added in her mind, "But only you can fix his heart, Peach. Remember, Bowser went and wrecked that by making that last-ditch attempt to propose to you."


A few minutes later, and some distance away from where Peach's transport ship landed, Mario stepped out of the Odyssey, dressed in his Swim Goggles and Swimwear. Cappy was currently in control of Mario's Swim Goggles.

"Fa caldo qui. It's-a hot here. I think I'll go for a swim to cool down." Mario said.

"Sounds like a plan." said Cappy.

So Mario went to the water and began swimming around. He was glad to be in the water, cooling down, but he wondered if Peach was here. If she was, maybe she wouldn't mind joining him for a swim in the carbonated sea?

"I'd also like to ask Peach to tell me more about what happened to her. She didn't really have much to say about when she and Bowser were in the Metro Kingdom." Mario said, allowing himself to float on his back in the water.

"The only things he did there were fly around New Donk City Hall, and advertise his wedding all over the city. Sickening!" Cappy said.

"Parlamene. Tell me about it." Mario said.


Just then, Mario felt somebody put their hand on his shoulder.

"Whoa!" Mario yelled, startled, almost falling under the water in surprise. But then he got to his feet, turned around, and realized that it was Peach, floating in the water behind him. Tiara, who was floating in the air alongside Peach, was unsuccessfully trying hard to stifle her giggles.

(A/N: The only reason Mario is seeing Peach now is because in the actual game, he meets her while the sun is setting here. I wanted them to spend more time together.)

"Oh, principessa! Princess! I didn't know that was you!" Mario said, relieved as he learned that the person who touched his shoulder was the girl he loved. Then he asked, "I didn't startle you, did I?"

"No, I didn't know that you didn't realize that I was coming up behind you. I didn't scare you, did I, Mario?" Peach asked, a little concerned.

"Non proprio. Not really. I was just a little startled, but I'm okay, Peach." Mario replied.

"All right. I'm glad to see you, Mario. Carbonated seawater sounds like it would be good for your skin." Peach said.

"It probably is." Mario said.

"And from what I hear, this seawater tastes good, too." Peach said.

"Oh yeah. It makes the Sparkle Water..." Mario remembered.

Peach frowned at the mention of that beverage.

"Oops. Sorry, Peach." Mario said, noticing her frown.

"No, Mario, I'm not mad at you for bringing it up. Let's get out of the water and go talk somewhere, like in the shade." Peach said.

"Okie-dokie." said Mario, and he and Peach swam for shore.


Cappy, seeing this, motioned for Tiara to stay close to his side as they flew far away from the couple.

"Do you think they'll rekindle the love spark here, Cappy?" Tiara asked her brother.

"Mario did say that the Seaside Kingdom does seem like a pretty romantic place, especially after he undid the corks and refilled Glass Tower. The only downside for him, however, was that Peach wasn't with him when we first came here." Cappy said.

"She's with him now." Tiara pointed out.

"Yeah, but that still doesn't mean anything. They may not do much of anything romantic here. Maybe a little bit of rekindling, but that's about it." Cappy said.

"I hope they work this out, Cappy." Tiara sighed.

"Me too, sis. Me too..." Cappy replied.


By now, Mario and Peach had made it to shore. They were drying off with Peach's beach towel in a shady area of the kingdom.

"So Bowser wanted to make a toast using Sparkle Water, did he?" Mario asked Peach.

"Yes, Mario, he did. But, as you might have guessed, I didn't want Sparkle Water. The only sparkling beverage I want to make a toast with is sparkling cider." Peach said.

"Yum! What kind of sparkling cider?" Mario asked.

"Apple, or pear. Maybe even black currant. It doesn't matter to me; all 3 of those flavors are delicious." Peach replied.

(A/N: Sparkling pear cider does exist. Black currant did for a while, but it probably wasn't popular enough to stay a flavor like apple and pear. But as Peach said, they're delicious.)

"I didn't know that there was such a thing as sparkling pear cider, or sparkling black currant cider. Not until you just told me." Mario said.

"You learn something new every day. Now, do you know why Bowser wanted the Sparkle Water for the toast?" Peach asked.

"Because it tastes good?" Mario asked, before quickly adding, "I don't know that for sure, because I didn't drink any; I can assure you of that, Peach. But when I first arrived at the Seaside Kingdom, some villain was sucking up what little Sparkle Water was left in Glass Tower, and he called it delicious."

"And I think you know why there wasn't much Sparkle Water left: because Bowser went and corked up the four fountains like a big, stupid jerk." Peach said.

"I know. I saw his footprints in the sand here, too. I hated finding that he put his ugly feet in the sand." Mario told her.

"You think his feet are ugly?" Peach asked.

"Sono. They are, and he needs to do something about it." Mario said.

"We seem to be getting off-topic, Mario." Peach noticed.

"Then let's-a get back to what we were talking about. It was about Bowser and the Sparkle Water, right, Peach?" Mario asked.

"Very good." Peach replied, before explaining, "The reason Bowser wanted to toast us with the Sparkle Water is because it's said to possess a "deep, elegant flavor" and bring good fortune, happiness, and even romance to those who drink it."

"And it wasn't going to do that for you, I'll bet." Mario said.

"It wouldn't. I don't want it to bring me happiness and romance with Bowser. That's just sick and wrong!" Peach groaned.

"I know. I don't like to think of you being married to Bowser the creep. If only there was a way for you to avoid drinking it with him..." Mario said.

"Mario, I would've tried to make it look like I was drinking it, only I wouldn't be, like Kronk with the poison/llama extract in "The Emperor's New Groove". Only I couldn't afford to ruin the Lochlady Dress, and if Bowser caught me pretending, he more than likely would've forced the drink down my throat." Peach said.

"You wouldn't be able to throw up the Sparkle Water afterward?" Mario asked.

"Bowser would know that I wanted to if I ingested the stuff, and even if he didn't, I'm scared of shoving my finger down my throat because I don't like throwing up. My throat gets really sore when I throw up." Peach replied, getting upset.

"Oh, dolcezza. Sweetie, it's okay..." Mario said as he hugged Peach. She immediately hugged him back, needing comforting from him.

"Truthfully, Bowser and I came here after visiting the Snow Kingdom, but I really wanted to come here before there on this tour with Tiara. I wanted to spend some time by the beautiful sea." Peach said.

"It was actually a pretty good idea, Peach. I like it here." Mario said.

"You do?" Peach asked.

"Mm-hmm..." Mario said.


Then Peach remembered something, and she asked Mario, "Could you help me with something?"

"What is it?" Mario asked. He almost said "Whatever it is, yes!", but he stopped himself. He didn't want to sound like an Eager McBeaver. After all, he didn't know if Peach still loved him or not.

"I was applying sunscreen earlier today, and I couldn't reach my back. Can you get it for me?" Peach asked, pulling the bottle of sunscreen out of her beach bag.

"Nessun problema. No problem. But can I use some of your sunscreen when I'm done working it into your back? I told you that I didn't bring any for myself, and even though I'm lucky I didn't get sunburned in the Sand Kingdom, I might not be so lucky this time around." Mario said as he started applying sunscreen to Peach's back. He didn't use as much as she probably would have, and he caressingly worked the stuff into her soft skin, taking care not to be rough with her.

"That feels nice, Mario." Peach replied as she felt him applying the sunscreen. Her skin tingled at his touch. This felt right in so many ways.

"I'm doing my best to be gentle with you, Peach. You're a princess, and I believe that such women are delicate creatures, physically and emotionally." Mario told her.

"We are, Mario. And you're doing a great job." Peach smiled.

"Grazie. Thank you." Mario smiled back.

"You're the one helping to keep my back protected from the sun, so I should be the one saying 'grazie' to you." Peach replied.

"Then I'll have to reply 'prego'. That means 'you're welcome'." Mario told her.

When he finished applying the sunscreen to Peach's back, he began applying the stuff on his own body. But, unlike Peach, he didn't use as much as she did, and he didn't slather it all over himself.

"I don't think you'd burn as easily as I would. Your complexion is darker than mine. I also noticed that when you came to rescue me from Corona Mountain, you escaped with no burns at all." Peach recalled as Mario handed her the bottle, which she carefully placed back in her beach bag.

"I wasn't in there as long as you were, Peach. I just got incredibly sweaty." Mario told her.

"But I was so glad that you came to save me from that awful place, Mario. I kind of wished that when we were staying on Isle Delfino... we could have shared a room at the hotel there..." Peach admitted.

"You did...? Why didn't you say anything at the time?" Mario asked.

"Because I was afraid that Toadsworth would say no if I did. My guess is that he was scared that we might... do things... that are more for... you know... married couples..." Peach said, feeling pretty embarrassed.

"Things Bowser probably wanted to do to you..." Mario thought, but he said, "But we wouldn't. I know I wouldn't. I won't be ready to do anything like that until I'm married, because the only woman I want to lose my virginity to is the one I marry, after I marry her."

Peach smiled at that. She had new respect for Mario.

"Good to know, Mario. As for me, I have to find the man I want to marry before I think of doing things like that. If I provide the kingdom with an heir conceived out of wedlock, or from a man that isn't the one I married, I'd bring dishonor to my family. I'm a princess, and I can't afford to do things like that." Peach said.

"I know, Peach. I know." Mario said. In his mind, he added, "But if I'm lucky enough to still have you as my girl, then I can promise you this: I'll never do anything to drive you away from me again, because I love you so much. I'm trying to prove that to you during this tour."


Now that they were safe from the UV rays of the sun, Mario and the Princess walked along the beach, talking and laughing and basically enjoying each other's company. And then they spotted the volleyball nets.

"Maybe we could play some volleyball while we're here?" Peach asked.

"Potremmo! We could! Would it be okay for Cappy and Tiara to join us when we play?" Mario asked.

"Sure. But where are they?" Peach asked, looking around.

Mario spotted them over by the base of Glass Tower.

"I'll go get them and see what they say." Mario said, and he swam to Glass Tower.

Cappy and Tiara were quietly talking amongst themselves when Cappy saw Mario approaching them.

"Hey, Mario." Cappy said, seeing Mario as he got out of the water and approached them.

"What's up?" Tiara asked.

"Peach and I were thinking about playing a game of volleyball, but I asked if you guys could join. Peach doesn't see any harm in that, so I'm asking: would the two of you like to join us?" Mario asked.

"Yeah! That sounds fun!" said Tiara, flying over to where Peach stood.

"Okay! I'd like to do that!" Cappy said, and he hovered over Mario, who dove back into the sea and swam back to Peach.


When Mario and Cappy returned, the four decided that after a bit of deliberation, the teams would be Mario and Cappy against Peach and Tiara.

"Now Mario, I want you to promise me something." Peach said before they began.

"Yes, Peach?" Mario asked, feeling nervous.

"Don't let me win. If Tiara and I win, I want it to be fair and square, not because you threw the game for me." Peach told him.

"Okie-dokie!" Mario smiled.

Well, Mario and Cappy won the first game, but Tiara was upset about losing and wanted a rematch. So they played another game, which Peach and Tiara won, and not because Mario and Cappy let them. And during both games, both teams made sure not to hit anyone with the ball, because this was volleyball, not dodgeball. There's a difference, you know.

After the volleyball games, Mario ran back to the Odyssey and made a quick wardrobe change into his Resort Hat and Resort Outfit, and he and Peach got to go into the Beach House and do some hula-dancing together. It made them happy. The way they looked at each other as they danced together was proof enough of that.

"Dancing together can be fun... but you gotta set the mood before you kiss the girl..." Tiara thought as she watched Mario and Peach dance.


When the sun began to set, Mario and Peach went to Glass Tower and stood on a platform inside of the glass, on top of the Sparkle Water.

"I love how this giant glass looks, sparkling in the setting sun..." said Peach.

"It does look pretty, Peach, but if you want my completely honest opinion, I think you're still the most bellissima sight to behold." Mario replied.

"Oh, Mario. You're such a sweetie; do you know that?" Peach asked, blushing.

"No, I didn't..." Mario replied, blushing.

"Is there anything more romantic than the sea?" Tiara asked.

"If I had an engagement ring on me, and I hadn't screwed up, I could've made this scene much more romantic." Mario thought, feeling like a stupid dummy.

"I... I don't know..." Mario replied. If he knew that Peach still loved him, maybe Tiara would be right. But for now, he wasn't sure.

"Oh, and a Power Moon came in with the tide. It's all yours now!" Peach told him.

"Where was I when it appeared?" Mario asked.

"You were in the Odyssey, changing into the outfit you have on now." Peach smiled as she handed him the Power Moon.

"Okay, that makes a lot of sense. Grazie, Peach. Thanks." Mario replied as he accepted the Power Moon from the woman he loved.

"And maybe... we can sample... some of the Sparkle Water... while we're here?" Peach asked.

"Vuoi davvero provarlo? Do you really want to try it?" Mario asked.

"There's no one else I'd willingly drink it with." Peach smiled.

Mario's heartbeat sped up when he heard that. Did she mean it? If so, that meant she still loved him! And he sure hoped so, because he was still very much in love with her!

"Oh, please Star Spirits! Tell me she means it!" Mario pleaded in his mind, so Peach couldn't hear him. After all, he was safe inside his mind.

Mario and Peach both got a glass of Sparkle Water, clinked the glasses together, and they each took a tiny sip of the drink.

"This stuff is pretty good." Mario smiled.

"It sure is..." Peach replied.

They both sipped the beverage slowly, to keep that taste going over their tongues as long as they could. It did help them feel a lot better.

"How do you feel?" Mario asked Peach when she finished her drink.

"Happy, because I'm with you. I usually feel at my happiest when I'm with you, Mario. And I hated being apart from you. I missed you. But most importantly, I missed us." Peach replied with a pretty smile on her face.

"You... you did?" Mario asked, hoping against hope that she still felt love for him.

"Yes." Peach said.

"I missed us, too, principessa." Mario said, giving Peach a hug, which she gladly returned.


Later, we found Mario back in his swimwear as he and Peach relaxed in the hot springs, under the stars. Cappy and Tiara were also in the hot springs, enjoying the feel of the hot water.

"Hot springs feeel sooo goood!" Cappy said, feeling so much better as he relaxed in the hot water.

"I agreee." Tiara said, also feeling relaxed.

"This is nice." said Peach as she sat next to Mario in the hot water.

"I thought you might enjoy this detail about the Seaside Kingdom. This hot spring is so much bigger than the one we relaxed in at Pianta Village." Mario said as Peach slipped an arm around his shoulders.

"Yeah, and at this hour, this one never gets empty, like that one does." Peach added.

"Oh yeah, the Pianta Hot Spring always emptied out at night." Mario said, enjoying the closeness he and Peach were sharing.

"But now it seems if anyone needs to be in the hot water like this at any hour, they can." Peach said.

"Come hai ragione, principessa! How right you are, Princess!" Mario said, giving Peach a smile.

Peach looked back at him with her eyes sparkling. Mario looked at her, and he was lost in love again. Yes, in the moonlight, Peach was even more beautiful.

"Are you okay, Mario?" Peach asked, noticing the way he was reacting.

"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine. You just look so lovely in the moonlight." Mario said, coming to his senses.

"Thank you." Peach replied, blushing, before asking, "Didn't you hear what I said?"

"Uhh..." Mario didn't know how to answer that question. When he zoned out, he usually didn't hear a thing.

"You didn't, did you?" Peach asked knowingly.

"I... kind of didn't..." Mario replied, feeling like an idiot.

"It's okay, I'm not mad. I said that kingdom with all the snow seemed like a fun place to vacation. The people were so lively!" Peach told him.

"Oh, you're talking about the Snow Kingdom! If that's where you want to go next, Cappy and I will meet you there!" Mario promised.

"And I'll probably have more to tell you when I see you." Peach promised.

"Sono sempre disposto a prestare orecchio. I'm always willing to lend an ear, Peach." Mario said. He knew he still had a shot with Peach if he could prove himself as an understanding person she could count on. Plus, he was also showing Peach his romantic side, the side he could never show her in Bowser's presence, because if he did, Bowser might try and copy his tactics to impress Peach and get in her good books. Mario knew that he couldn't let that happen.

"So, perhaps we should get going? I'm getting a little tired, and it won't do us any good to fall asleep here in the hot springs." Peach said with a yawn.

"Yeah, and we'd better go because Cappy and Tiara are looking pretty sleepy, too." Mario said as he reluctantly left Peach's side and took a sleepy-eyed Cappy out of the hot water.

"I'll see you both in the Snow Kingdom tomorrow." Peach said as she picked up an equally tired Tiara.

"Buona notte principessa. Good night, Princess." Mario said to Peach, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Good night, Mario." Peach replied, giving him a gentle kiss on each cheek before starting to make her way to her transport ship.

Mario's face flushed. He remembered Peach doing that to him and Luigi twice in the past. The first time was when he and Luigi first saved her from Bowser. The second time was when he and Luigi returned to the Mushroom Kingdom to stay, after going back to Brooklyn and realizing that they had never been happier than when they were in the Mushroom Kingdom.

"Mama-mia! I think I'm doing something right. Maybe the spark has been rekindled just a bit..." Mario thought as his cheeks turned red.

Realizing that he'd never catch up to Peach just standing there, he made his way back to the Odyssey, got in, dried off, and set a course for the Snow Kingdom. And on their way, he got onto the bed and fell asleep, feeling happier than he'd felt in days.


Will things continue to get better for Mario and Peach as the tour progresses? I'm not telling, 'cause I'd rather not spoil the story for you guys! You'll have to stay tuned if you want the answer so badly!