It was with some surprise that Waluigi recieved the official looking envelope from his secretary one summer morning at his HQ in Diamond City, mainly because he was looking at his accounts, a task that always put him in a bad mood. He was about to bawl out the young Toad who try-hard tendency annoyed him more often than no, when he saw the royal crest on the envelope.
"You said do not disturb but this is official. It's got Princess Peach's official stamp on it."
"Oh, thanks Kate T. But make yourself useful and don't let anyone else through here unless the office is actually on fire. It's Spreadsheet Day!"
The young Toad nodded and shut the door behind her.
Waluigi eased back into his (custom-made) chair and opened up the envelope. What would Princess Peach want with him? Was this more plans for another season of Mario Party. Or was it a post-mortem of the last one? He shuddered at that thought, as his knees now hurt whenever it was cold and he still had the scars from that Chain Chomp Stomp game.
"Dear Waluigi,
Following the success of Mario Party, I and my Cabinet would like to cordially invite you to my private summer ball at Peach Castle on the 30th July. Transport will be laid on for you as will accommodation.
Please ensure that your RSVP is recieved by the 15th July."
Princess Peach
Less of an invitation, more of a summons.
He wasn't sure what to make of these as although it wasn't the first time he had been to a ball at Peach Castle, it had been a long time since he had actually been invited.
To be honest he found the bowing and pretending tiresome but there was free food, drink and the opportunity to show his moves on the dancefloor. Not to mention the temptation to bring some of his special bottles to place on the table...
Another thought jostled into his head. Would Rosalina be there. After the whole "Walk of Shame" incident he had steered clear of her as best he could without actually trying to shun her. Of course there were certain goods and services he provided and had done so without incident, that had been the limit of their contact. He was surprised to find how much he missed her. Chances are she would be there too. So...?
His fine threads were gathering dust and it was within a week before his well-earned holiday on his private island.
Well why not?
Waluigi smiled then scowled when he remembered that the spreadsheets would not fix themselves.
The day of the ball dawned warm and humid. Waluigi layed out his clothes for the evening consisting of a silk dinner suit in black and dark grey pinstripe and matching vest, dark purple silk shirt and a cravat. He'd never got on with bowties - leave that to the Super Derpy Bros. He carefully placed them in his suitcase along with a modest black box. He grinned as this was one of Wario's new games that he said was guaranteed to liven up a party. He had had a tip-off from one of his staff that they were searching people on entry for contraband drinks after one particularly lively banquet, so he'd play it safe this time.
Waluigi adjusted his cravat feeling grateful for his choice of attire since it was still warm and humid. Still, some starch was needed here and there. His quarters for the next few days were in the Castle and he was grateful he had a double bed as at least he would get a decent night's sleep that night.
He heard a knock on the door; his signal to go downstairs.
He entered the room cutting quite a dash, he thought. There was Wario in a yellow silk suit which already looked worse the wear for the heat looking not unlike a melting slab of butter. Mind you, Wario could raise a sweat in a freezer. Then there were the Derpy Bros, but rather than wearing their old fashioned tuxes, they were wearing lightweight summer suits with shirts in their chosen colours. They had even ditched their hats!
He looked across the room, spotting Daisy in a low-cut full length gown with a tight bodice and a full flouncy skirt, holding the hem in one hand. There was Mona, getting water for herself and Wario, wearing a daring laser-cut red silk number which was one of his designs. He smiled. He rather liked the fact that many did not know how wide and diverse his business interests were.
Then he saw her. Tall and graceful in her characteritic powder blue silk with an iridescent shimmer, her platinum blond hair loose and free, her characterisitic fringe over one eye. He felt himself walk towards her almost without volition, the curses of a Cabinet member he tripped over bringing him out of his reverie.
"Look where you are GOING! There are others here you know!"
"Hey! Uh..ah um. I uh didn't see you from here.."
"Don't do it again!" Toadsworth bristled.
Waluigi blinked. They should damn well look where they're going, stupid Toads! It wasn't like he was hard to see. Right. Try not to look creepy and weird. Don't creep her out. And try and be polite. Even if they aren't to you-
A sound of trumpets came from the musicians lining the main staircase leading from the Pricess's chambers. Princess Preach, resplendant in a low cut blossom pink gown and shoulder length gloves made her way slowly down the stairs to the cry of the Herald.
"To all assembled, Princess Peach of the Mushroom Kingdom."
"How grateful we are to see you all assembled here for the Summer Ball. May you enjoy our hospitality as we enjoy your presence here tonight."
This was the gesture to move into the main hall which had been set up for the Banquet.
Waluigi looked at the seating plan. He was sat some distance away from Wario and Rosalina was out of sight. He was sat between an elderly Toad and a Koopa who he didn't recall ever meeting before. It looked like a long evening.
He was right. Waluigi's attempts at small talk fell flatter than a Thowmp's mattress as neither of them seemed willing to talk to him. Seemed like his reputation preceded him as always. Well stuff them. They were rather more animated talking to each other. He pattered his pockets and cursed inwardly when he realised his vial of mashed naga chillis were on his nightstand back home. No chance to liven this up then.
The food arrived but he barely noticed it as he looked around the table. Wario was holding court to a group of Piantas, in his element. Daisy and Luigi were flirting with each other in the way they thought that no-one else would notice but which anyone with eyes could see it. Mario was in animated conversation with the Toads by his side who seemed to be hanging on to every word. He looked over his shoulder - he could just about see Rosalina who seemed to be playing with her bread roll in a disinteresed fashion. He felt surprised by this.
Finally, desert was served which was part of the Grand Cake that Princess Peach herself had overseen, cooked to one of her own recipes. Say what you like about her, he thought she sure knows how to bake.
All started to drift out towards the ballroom, open to the courtyard with the fountain. People were finding their groups so he went over to catch Wario. He was hardly suprised that no-one wanted to dance with him after all most of the citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom were on the small side.
"Hey?"
"Hey Wah. You still sore about the mattress?"
"Uh, forget it. So, you seen anyone you want to check out?"
Wario beamed. "Oh yes. I've found a group of Pianta developers who are interested in developing that new water park not far from Toad Harbour. I've got them to talk to that Toad who's got way more money than sense so he can do something useful for it"
"Oh. Cool." That was Wario alright.
"Hey! Wah!"
"What?" What did Wario want from him?
"You looking for Rosalina? She went down to the Courtyard."
Busted. Was it that obvious to EVERYONE?!
Damn, now what? If he came out NOW then it would look like he'd followed her. OK, that was kinda true but remember, try not to be wierd. Man, this is hard. Wait! Give it 10 minutes.
Following 10 minutes of tortuous mingling and not-watching-the-clock-honest he took a deep breath and made his way out to the courtyard. There was a small group near the door, enjoying the warm night breeze. There was the fountain and the hedges surrounding the benches. The courtyard seemed larger than the last time he came here but that was some time ago.
To be honest out here was better than all that bobbing and pretending, made doubly hard since there was no guarantee he'd be able to get his black box o'tricks out. Damn, not being able to prank people was SO hard!
He took some deep breaths. The air was warm and still, which amplified the scents of the flowers and plants around him. Away from the chatter of the crown and with just the sound of the fountain he relaxed. There seemed to be a heavyness to the air which felt like it would rain soon.
He wandered around. These hedges were new and made something resembling a maze with the fountain at the centre. He was wondering what to do next - it seemed too early to call it a night when he heard sobbing. It was Rosalina - he could see the top of her head above the edge.
Damn! Now what? He hoped no-one was going to blame him for this. He felt a brief lift as he realised that someone else was having a worse time this evening than he was. But why Rosalina? He sighed. Only one way to find out. If she tells him to quit, then he would. So what's there to lose?
"Um. Hi? It's a nice evening out here?"
Silence.
He sat down on the bench adjacent to her, looking at the fountain. He could tell she was sobbing quietly.
More silence.
"Um hi, I kinda wasn't expecting anyone out here." Rosalina turned round with a start.
"Me neither, it just...Even though I have my citizenship of the Mushroom Kingdom and everyone has been so friendly it just gets too much! I'm not used to being around people. And there are some who think I'm stuck up because of my royal title but I'm not! It's just...Oh I don't know!"
She burst into tears. Waluigi sat in an awkward silence. Best not say anything yet.
"It's ok, you don't have to feel like you need to be round people all the time."
"Yeah, but I can't shake the feeling that it's expected of me." Rosalina's tone of voice then changed sharply.
"Hey aren't you Waluigi? If so then get lost! I bet your only doing this to get at Luigi - you know damn well he's found this whole thing with me difficult!"
"What thing? I know he acts like a goomba in a piranha plant patch but he's like that with anyone he fancies-"
"NO!...no it's not like that. Oh wait? You really don't know?"
"Yes! Look I...uh don't feel you have to tell me anything you don't want to. Um.I only came out here 'cause I needed fresh air. Uh you know it might not look like it but I'm not great with people too."
"That's hardly the news of the century!" she retorted. Well at least she wasn't crying now.
"Hey! I'm like that because people make me jumpy. I'm a jerk 'cause that's how people treat me. I don't wanna be a jerk to you!"
Rosalina looked at him in surpise.
"Um eh, well if people want you to be a jerk just 'cause you look a bit weird I thought stuff them, I'll get in the jerkass box and be the best jerkass I can! But I...But I kinda hoped you would'nt think I'm a jerk!"
Much to his surprise he felt a catch in his throat. But she hadn't moved away from him.
"Maybe I should give you a chance, even with your reputation. After all Mario, Luigi and Peach's have taken a battering in time."
The first fat drops of rain started to fall. They were the advanced guard before the main onslaught.
"Damn! Now we'd better go back in!"
Without thinking, Waluigi removed his jacket and offered it to Rosalina.
"Here take this" as they dashed through the downpour back into the hall.
The hall was busy as it was officially carriage time for the majority of guests who were not staying at the Castle. Just as well as Waluigi and Rosalina were soaked by the rain.
"Rosalina! Oh and Waluigi! We're having a private afterparty in the games room. Want to join us? All the usual suspects will be there!"
Waluigi and Rosalina exchanged glances. Rosalina spoke up.
"Yes, yes we-I will. But I want to freshen up first. That rain isn't letting up and we got caught in it."
"Yeah, the jacket is a write off. Uh, where is your games room?"
"I'll show you the way, Waluigi. But let's get dried off first."
Waluigi ditched the jacket, vest and cravat. The silk shirt only needed some blotting with a towel, along with his hair. This was a perfect time for the black box.
He opened up the door to see Rosalina on her way past, wearing a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, her hair dry.
"This way Waluigi."
"Um, my friends (friend?) call me Wah."
"Okay, Wah. What's in that black box."
"Heh he, you'll find out soon."
They found Princess, Daisy, the Super Derpy bros and DK in the play room, having taken up camp around a coffee table on assorted bean bags. All had removed some of their formal attire.
"Much as I'm fond of Toadsworth, I always feel like I'm twelve years old around him! It's nice to chill out!"
"Rosalina! You made it! Uh Hi Wah"
"Yo"
Waluigi placed the box on the table. There was a sharp intake of breath from around the table.
"Is that more of the scary stuff you bring in brown bottles that dissolves metal?" Luigi said.
"No, this is a brand new card game."
"What?! Oh. oh hang on..."
Waluigi grinned as he lifted the lid. Peach's face fell.
"Cards Against Lifekind?! I thought that was just a rumour!"
"Oh no its not! This evenings been kinda flat Peach, even you would admit it. It doesn't discriminate against anyone 'cause EVERYONE is a target! You enjoyed it that last time we played it. This edition just a little newer..."