Authoress' Notes: Ah, finally! The climax is here! Now there's only 9 more to go! So, sit back and enjoy. :)
Better Off Alone
Chapter 21: Love
If there was one thing the people of Rogueport loved about their town, it was its magnificent sunrise. It always used to be so bleak and boring, but ever since the darkness of an evil entity was lifted, people began to appreciate it more. Many Bandits quit their life of crime and became honest, hard-working citizens. No longer did the shadows of regret linger behind alleyways, just waiting until nightfall to spring forth again. And for the first time since the great cataclysm, morning was the start of something new, not another opportunity to cheat at life. It was truly a wonderful day anytime in this town.
Frankie sat in at the desk of the Don's office, admiring the golden morning outside. Now that he was in charge, it was his responsibility to keep the West Side of Rogueport as clean as possible. According to recent feedback, he was doing a pretty good job. Tony and Vinny were afraid to say anything, but it might've even been better than their last boss. Regardless, things were calm and peaceful and no one would've cared either way.
Finished with watching the rising sun, Frankie returned to the daunting task of doing his paperwork. He'd just started planning his daily agenda when the phone rang. This was considered very unusual, as no one ever called there that early...
"Yeah, hello and good mornin'. Whaddya youse want?"
"...Um, is this the Don? Frankie, was it?" whispered a soft voice.
"Yeah, he's talkin'. So, who's dis?"
"A friend... of Mario's..."
"Mario?" He had to adjust his glasses. "Youse mean dat guy who saved da world? Dat Mario?"
"Yeah, that's the same guy. Look, I hope this isn't too much trouble, but... I have a favor to ask of you..."
"Oh, sure! Anythin' for a friend of da great Mario! Doin' youse a favor's just as good as doin' dat guy a favor!"
There was a relieved sigh on the other end. "Great. Here's what I need..."
Morning came, followed by day, then night. This was how it went in the laid-back town of Petalburg. And in less than a week's time, Vivian had become like a part of the family. She was gaining more confidence by doing chores, running errands, and even cooking a meal or two. She was open and honest towards her new caretakers and rarely acted shy. Koopley often made little jokes about how they should start paying her for being such a good housemaid.
After that night she spent with Koops under the stars, she didn't mention one thing about leaving. The subject was put aside and hopefully forgotten. Having their new guest permanently stay was the best thing to happen since Koops returned.
They had the most fun together. When bored, they basked in the sun together in Petal Meadows and stayed there until fireflies came out at night. After getting water from a nearby steam, Vivian would sometimes wet him, and they would engage in a splashing fight until they were both soaked. On warm evenings after dinner, they'd sit outside on the stairs, eating dessert and listening to the crickets chirp.
Even neighbors and friends who came to visit immediately took a liking to her. They didn't care if she looked different; if she was a friend of Koops, she was a friend to them all. Some even sent items and gifts as a way of welcoming her into their humble town.
It was plain to see she'd finally found her new home.
Koops opened an eye in bed, his body waking him up. It was a little before noon and a glorious day outside, as usual. He sat and lingered under the covers, thinking about what he'd done...
It'd been a week and the time seemed right to tell her how he really felt. He made the call earlier that morning. They said they'd be ready... All he had to do was get her there and improvise.
Was there anyway to make his confession go smoother? he thought, going through his clothes until he found his favorite jacket and shorts. Could he write a poem? Buy her something? Practice some lines?
...No, he had to do it without any of that. He had to tell her the way only he could tell it. He'd be lying if he memorized some words or wrote poetry. The real Koops was only good at being gentle and honest, and that's what he would be. He got out of bed and decided to start the day off on a good foot; by seeing a happy Vivian.
Vivian wasn't in her room, so he figured she was downstairs. Not seeing her there, he was about to worry when she suddenly appeared from the shadows with a basket of clothes.
"Hi," she greeted. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I'll make breakfast after I finish folding these."
"Um, I can help... if you want."
She agreed and they both began folding on the couch. Nothing made him happier than helping her with chores.
About that time, Koopie Koo came downstairs, only to see her affection with Vivian... again. It'd been bothering her for some time, and she was more than fed up. It didn't seem so bad at first, but over time, Koops' attention on her slowly shifted over to that other girl.
He woke up every morning just to see her. He ran errands only when she did. When she went to bed, he did...
Koopley told her to stop being so suspicious, but what did he know? He wasn't even a girl.
"Koops, we need to talk," she said, pulling him into the kitchen. "Listen, I'm all for helping out Vivian and all... But don't you think she needs to get a place of her own soon?"
The very thought appalled him. "Why? She's doing more than her share of work around here."
"Yeah, I've noticed..." she muttered, making a face.
"So, what's wrong?"
"Well... I think she needs to find her own place to live. She can't stay here forever."
"But... she fits in here. Look." He motioned to her folding clothes in the living room. "See how happy she is? Why would you want to go and ruin a thing like that?"
She sighed and tried to explain. "You plan on moving out one day, right? I mean, as a mayor, you're expected to start thinking and living on your own. It's the same with her. I think Vivian needs to... grow up a little. Just like you."
"...What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, offended.
"Koops, she's been here for over a week. I think that's more than enough time for her to get herself together. She's looking and sounding much better, so it's time for her to leave."
"Leave? You can't just expect me to kick her out..."
"You and I both know it's not right to keep her here. She should go back to wherever she came from. Twilight Town, wasn't it? That's where she really belongs."
He frowned. "You can't be serious. Twilight Town's too cold and barren. That's the last place she should go by herself."
"Then, maybe you could help her find another home..."
Koops was starting to get annoyed. "Koopie Koo, what's your problem? Why can't you just accept that Vivian belongs here?"
"To tell you the truth, it's you I have a problem with." She gave him a look he'd never seen before. It was angry and serious at the same time. "Ever since that girl got here, you've been acting really weird."
"...That's not true..." he said, leaving.
She pulled him back and frowned. "And that! What you just did! You've never done that before she came!"
He rolled his eyes. "Nothing's changed since Vivian got here. If anything, she made it better."
"Then why won't you kiss me anymore? Why don't we ever hug? And when was the last time you said, 'I love you'?"
Koops knew the answer to all these questions, but couldn't tell her any. He'd gotten away with it for the past week, but Koopie Koo was starting to catch on. Regardless, he still had to try and keep her in the dark about his other love.
"...What's that have to do with Vivian?"
"I was hoping you'd know." She crossed her arms. "Look, I like the girl, I really do... But you're always with her, you never want to go out, and you keep avoiding me! It's like nothing else in the world exists when she's around, and as your girlfriend, I find that very misleading."
"Misleading?"
"Yes! Your other friends all have their own places, so why can't she?"
"You have to understand..." He made sure the siren wasn't listening. "Vivian's very delicate and... a little naive. Besides me and the others, she doesn't have a friend in the world."
"She has to have family, at least."
He shook his head. "No, not even that."
"...Well, she could stay with Kroop. He needs the company."
"But that's not fair," he replied, imagining Vivian's sad face. "She might think we don't want her around anymore."
"Okay, Koops, you're taking this a bit too far."
He scowled. "I think you're just jealous..."
Koopie Koo was outraged. "Jealous? Jealous?! Of her? She's not even a Koopa! Why would I be jealous of her?!"
"Then why do you want her out so bad?"
"Because this isn't her house! No one ever said she'd live here! Plus, you need some time away from her! You're treating her even better than me!"
He began walking away. "Vivian's not doing anything wrong. She's been very loyal and kind, so she's staying, and that's that."
"Fine! If anyone needs me, I'll be in my room... not that it matters to you!" She stomped upstairs and down the hallway, slamming her door shut.
"What's wrong with her?" Vivian asked from the other room.
"Nothing," he said, leaving the kitchen. "She's a little mad at something stupid I did. Don't worry about it."
"Oh..." She handed him his pile of folded clothes. "Here. I did yours first."
He reached to take them from her, but in grabbing them, he placed his hands on hers.
"Oh, um..." Vivian laughed nervously. "Oops."
"I guess I could grab them another way..."
There was an awkward pause before Koops let go and took the clothes in two heaps, one in each hand. Vivian then realized several clothes left on the couch.
"I didn't finish folding them, so..."
"I can do that while you take these upstairs. I don't think you want to fool around with Dad's underwear."
She laughed halfheartedly at that, somewhat glad she didn't have to.
As Koops stayed behind to finish folding, Vivian went upstairs to put away his clothes. She put shirt after shirt after shirt on a hanger inside his almost-empty closet, wondering why he wore the same jacket and shorts. Even back home, it was the only thing he dared put on. She laughed at the irony of their continuous attire; while he wore the same clothes everyday, she wore nothing everyday. No one ever said anything about it, so why not? Beldam said clothes were a waste of money when you lived in a forest...
But she wasn't living in a forest anymore. So, what did that mean?
...Her musings came to a screeching halt as she accidentally knocked down some hangers and clothes. She stooped down to pick them up when she came across something she never thought would turn up in Koops' room...
A dress. It was beautiful, red, and very expensive-looking. Its soft silkiness was just begging for attention.
She took it off the hanger and rubbed her hands over it. It mesmerized her with its smoothness, making her want to have the same feeling all over. Curious, she snuggled her face in it, smelling the faint scent of fancy perfume. It made her want to melt into it like she did when sinking into the shadows.
Not only was the dress itself pretty, but the red... She couldn't take her eyes off it. It was red like roses, love, and passion. It had no wrinkles, but when a crease appeared, it was like a strand of pink sparkles. She had to wear this dress, no matter whose it was... It wouldn't hurt to wear it for a minute...
Making sure no one was around, she removed her hat and threw the dress over her head. It easily slipped down her back, proving to be a perfect fit once smoothed out. It dragged on the floor a little, but looked fine otherwise. Grabbing her hat, she went over to the mirror for a better look. Seeing herself red-clad in the expensive satin, it finally dawned on Vivian that she was actually attractive...
The dress went with her entire figure; her hair, hat, gloves, and necklace... Not to mention her powers of fire. Like Flurrie's necklace before, the Shadow Siren had fallen in love with the clothing. It was like a dream come true, one of her unfulfilled fantasies to wear such a thing. She wouldn't be caught dead in this if Beldam was around.
Koops finished folding and went upstairs to check on Vivian. Not only that, but he needed to tell her of the little arrangement he had planned. Seeing his door was open, he went to it and looked in.
He saw someone gracefully dancing and swaying as she happily hummed to herself. She was wearing something he was all-too familiar with. And in a flash, he could've sworn...
It was her... She had her back turned, but there was no doubt it was her! A soft breeze blew through the window, causing her hair and dress to flutter like the fallen leaves of autumn. She moved without the slightest bit of hindrance in step, making her entire being a work of art. He knew of only one who could even come close to looking so beautiful.
Could it be? Was it--?! It had to be...!
...No, it wasn't...
His smiled disappeared almost as quickly as it came. He'd always been a victim to wishful thinking... Reality shot him down once again, as he quickly realized it was Vivian dancing with herself in front of a mirror, lost in her own little world. The striped hat should've given it away.
He gently knocked on the door, startling her. "What're you doing?"
She laughed nervously. "I-it was only for a second. ...I just wanted to try it out. Um, tell Koopie Koo she has great taste..."
"Okay, but that's not her dress."
"It's not?" She pondered for a moment, then frowned. "...It's not yours, is it?"
He sadly smiled at her assumption and replied, "It's my mom's."
Upon hearing that, her mouth dropped and she scrambled to take it off. "Oh! I'm sorry! I... I just... It was--"
"No, it's okay. You can keep it on."
"I can? You mean, you're not mad?"
"She would've wanted someone to get some use out of it. Plus, I've never seen you in a dress before." He was careful not to stare. "...You look really pretty."
That was just what she wanted to hear. "...Thank you."
"Actually..." he cleared throat. "I was wondering if you'd come with me to Rogueport later."
"What for?"
"Well... I mean, why not? We haven't been anywhere lately. Plus, Goombella recommended this nice place to me. You could show off your dress."
The very thought of being able so show off excited her. Beldam always said she too ugly to be proud of anything, but whoever said she looked good? After all the years of being in constant fear of her wrath, it was so refreshing to do what she wanted for a change.
"I'd love to."
Koops spent the rest of the day thinking about his mother. He missed her so much, and wished she could be there to see how much he'd changed. She and Vivian would've got along great, despite their differences.
It was amazing how much she looked like his beloved mother. For a split second, all he wanted to do was give her a hug. He could only image her soft warmth, familiar scent, and calm voice.
He even found an old picture of her in his room. For the first time ever, he realized she really did look like Vivian, especially in the hair and eyes. How strange...
Later that day, Koops was patiently waiting downstairs. It was starting to get late, and since all the chores and errands were done, it seemed like a good time as any to go. Vivian would be down any minute, hopefully before Koopie Koo found out. Koopley was out for the day and wouldn't be back until late that night, so maybe he wouldn't mind...
"So, are we going anywhere?"
He whipped around to see Koopie Koo leaning against the staircase, looking annoyed. "You promised we'd go sometime this week, right?"
"...Not right now."
"Figures. Lemme guess... Tomorrow, right? Then, you'll blow me off again? How many times has it been now? Five? Six? Seven? Refresh my memory again."
He sighed. "Look, I don't see why you have to be so negative about this. You're acting like the entire world revolves around you--"
"No, Koops. I think the problem is that you think it revolves around her."
Not this again...
"Just once, Koops. Just once, I'd like for us to go somewhere together. We haven't had any private time in nearly a month, and I feel that we're starting to drift apart... You're not the Koopa I remember."
"I guess I'm not," he said, walking away.
She stopped him. "Are you even listening to yourself anymore? I don't know what's making you act like this..."
"Nothing's making me act like anything. You're just... being superstitious."
"I know; it's always my fault nowadays." She rolled her eyes. "But even if that were so, can't we just sit down and... talk a little?"
He scratched his head, as if he were irritated. "Can't it wait until tomorrow? Seriously, we can talk then, but right now..."
"'Right now' what? What's so important right now, that you can't even talk to me, your own girlfriend?!"
He didn't have a chance to answer before Vivian appeared from upstairs. As expected, she was still wearing his mother's dress. She carefully descended down, careful not to fall. It was hard enough to walk in it, but nearly impossible to navigate a flight of stairs.
"Wait, isn't that your--"
Koops didn't even try to say anything. He only shrugged and sighed, waiting for her to erupt into a violent rage. Vivian looked confused at the scene, with Koopie Koo glaring at her dress, and Koops looking like she was being a bother.
"That's your mother's dress!"
"Yes..." he muttered.
"You're actually going to let her wear that outside?! Koops, I asked you for that dress before, and you said you'd never let anyone wear it again!"
"Well, she found it this morning, and it looked really nice on her, so..."
"I can't believe this!" She screamed, tears brimming in her eyes. "If that's the way you want it, then maybe I'll just pretend you don't exist either!"
With one last glare of hate at Koops, she stormed out the front door, slamming it behind her. Vivian cringed at the sudden burst of anger in the room. She looked at Koops in confusion.
"Am I allowed to wear this?"
"Yes. It's me she's mad at, not you."
"Why's that?"
"Nothing. She's... jealous."
"Oh." That seemed a little weird, as Koopie Koo never struck her as the jealous type.
"It's getting late, so we'd better go now."
She nodded, knowing how dark it was it the sewers after dusk. She had no idea where he planned on taking her, and that made her a little skeptical... but this was Koops. He wouldn't try anything dirty, would he?
As he led the way, he thought of how upset Koopie Koo must've been to start crying like that. He meant her no harm, but he had to do this. Hopefully, by tomorrow, he'd be able to finally tell her...
The trip through Rogueport Sewers was strange and somewhat... romantic. The dirty water didn't smell as bad as it used to, and the dusk of above wasn't making it as dark. If anything, it made it more enchanting. The last time they came through there, Vivian almost fell in the water, and Koops took a wrong turn, but that wasn't the case this time.
It wasn't long before they found the right pipe out and made their way... somewhere. Vivian felt a wave of nostalgia pass over her as she took in the familiar scenery. Frankly's house no longer had that awful sign telling of their absence on the door, and there wasn't a Bandit in sight.
The center of town now had a soft, warm feeling to it. She remembered herself hunching over in distress by the barrels after her things were stolen. She felt so down and out back then... But everything was different now. In just a few week's time, she'd found that not everything stayed bad forever.
"Here we are," Koops said, going over to a store she'd never seen.
"But this is a shop..." She peeked in through the window. "Are we supposed to be picking up something?"
He shook his head. "No, not that way. Come over here. It's for special occasions."
"Special occasions? For what? What happened?"
"Nothing," he laughed. "Just come with me. You'll see what I mean."
Confused and uncertain, Vivian cautiously followed him through an alleyway. She lingered behind, only her trust persuading her to keep going. He seemed to know the way pretty well, only stopping to allow her to catch up. As they reached the back, Vivian noticed they were in an alley near a flight of stairs.
"Come on," Koops urged.
He walked over to the staircase, motioning for her to come over. She was about to oblige when a door from upstairs slammed open and two buff Piantas appeared. They looked pretty official, wearing sunglasses and expensive attire. Panicking, she took refuge behind some barrels, hoping Koops would do the same.
"Ah, well look over here!" said Tony, as they made their way down. "It's dat Koopa guy! We got everythin' ready for youse, just like da boss said."
"So what'cha need?" Vinny pulled out dozens of expensive tickets. "Ticket to da mainland? Excess Express? Glitzville? Cruise around da world?"
Tony thumped the palm tree on his head. "Vinny, shut it already. He never said he wanted to do business, just a favor. Boss said youse was comin' with a friend, so where is he?"
Koops looked at the barrels. "She's over there."
Vinny peered over to where he was looking. Seeing Vivian's hat, he approached her. "Oh, I see! He's got a little dame!"
The siren was nervous, to say the least. "Um, I'm sorry... I don't think we've met..."
"Well, I've never seen anythin' quite like you before." He gently fingered her necklace. "Aw, youse just as pretty as pretty can be, ain't ya?"
Vivian blushed at that. There was nothing she loved more than being told she was pretty.
"Come on, dame," called Tony. "Youse da guest of honor here. No need to be shy."
"Guest of honor?"
"Of course!" He went on, as Vinny showed her to the table. "Dat Koopa friend of yours arranged dis little meeting between you and him."
Not only did this refuse to answer her question, but his comment confused her even more. She sat down and eyed Koops, who only smiled. Just what was he up to?
"Now, wese gonna bring out a special meal for youse, just like da boss said!"
"Dat's right! A heepin' helpin' of Mushrooms!" added Vinny.
"No, you dimwit!" Tony shouted, making Vivian flinch. "Da special meal he had prepared! Dis guy and his dame helped Mario save da world, so who're we not to give 'em da best treatment ever? Dat's da whole reason we're even out here!"
"Alright, alright! I'll go get it, sheesh..." muttered the other Pianta, going into the store's backdoor.
"Oh, give 'em a few minutes, youse guys. He ain't exactly da sharpest tool in da shed, y'know."
Koops nodded with understanding, while Vivian looked on in confusion. She was oblivious to the matter at hand, not to mention everyone was being so vague about it. What was the big secret?
It wasn't long before Vinny brought out a steaming, hot plate of Spaghetti. The melted cheese oozed all over the pasta, making it look irresistible. The smell of cheddar and spaghetti sauce filled the area as the food was brought to them. Vivian could hardly wait to try it, and Koops looked pretty excited, too. For some reason, he wouldn't stop smiling.
"This is really nice," she said. "It smells great."
"Not to mention it tastes even better!" replied Tony, adding drinks, breadsticks, and fancy napkins to their dinner.
The two started on the Spaghetti, Vivian following Koops' every move. He noticed she was staring and smiled, playfully slurped up a string of their dinner. Vivian tried to do the same, but the string was too long and hit her face before she finished it. Koops laughed and wiped the pasta off.
"I'd say a nice rendezvous calls for some nice music," said Vinny.
"Yeah, if you guys wouldn't mind..." Koops said, nodding.
Almost on cue, Tony pulled out a ukulele and began playing soothing music. It not only fit the mood, but had a soft, exotic tint to it. Piantas were from the tropical islands, after all; why shouldn't their services be? Koops felt like he was at a fancy island resort, instead of the alley of a scorned town. Vivian seemed to be enjoying it, too. She idly ate the warm, cheesy pasta, careful not to get anything on her beloved dress. Tony and Vinny mostly fawned over her while they continued strumming the ukuleles.
He stabbed his fork in a meatball stirred it around in the pasta, offering it to her. Vivian wasn't the least bit reluctant in accepting it.
"Ah, now ain't that sweet?" said Vinny. "Y'know, youse two make quite the couple."
"Couple?" Vivian laughed, as if the thought seemed ridiculous.
Koops laughed nervously and frowned. So, this was it. It was now or never, and if he didn't say anything tonight, he wouldn't have the nerve to do it again.
He took a deep breath and prepared for the worst...
"You know, sometimes I think about all the crazy stuff we did with Mario. I don't think I've ever done anything like that before I met him."
"Me neither. It was fun sometimes... but scary, too."
"I remember when I first met him. It was really an honor, and in Petalburg, of all places. I thought it was some kind of a sign and decided to go with him. I met many people and went through so much, I felt like I was getting better all the time. I learned things about myself I never would've if I'd stay home. What about you?"
Vivian shrugged, not sure her answer was so true. "I guess I learned a little..."
He bit his lip and tried something else. "Well... Remember when we first met?"
"In Twilight Town?"
"No... Boggly Woods. That's the first time I ever saw you."
She didn't have any good memories of the place; Beldam's yelling and Mario's assault ruined any chance of that. Coincidentally, the very necklace she now wore was what started all the trouble.
"You probably don't remembering seeing me. I was kinda hanging back while Mario and Goombella..."
He suddenly stopped, realizing he was about to step on a nerve. Making her relive defeat was no way to admit anything to her. Vivian sucked up a strip of Spaghetti, waiting for him to continue.
He started over. "There was something different about you. Unlike your sisters, you actually seemed nice. It was like you were in with the wrong crowd, or something. You didn't look too happy, either... I wanted to see if I could help, but you ran off too fast."
In with the wrong crowd...? Yeah, that was a good way to put it. But there was nothing else she could do. The trio of sisters had always been looking for the Crystal Stars, and to abandon them at that point would've left her alone and exposed... She liked how he noticed that.
"And when we saw you again in Twilight Town, I was really surprised, especially after how much you helped Mario. We were a little intimidating, but you were still trying to make yourself a better person."
Her face saddened at that. Little did he know that helping Mario never would've crossed her mind if she'd known who he was. The entire thing was just a huge mistake. ...Some friend she was.
Koops noticed her frown, and gently touched her shoulder. "I admire you. It takes a lot of courage to do what you did."
Courage? She had courage? And he admired her? Beldam always said she was weak and useless... Was it possible she was wrong about that, too?
"It was like with you, we were complete. Everybody had a close friend; Mario and Goombella, Flurrie and Bobbery, even Waffles and Ms. Mowz made a pretty good team. I figured we could be one, too. Maybe something more..."
"Something more? Like what?"
"...Uh, we've always been good friends, but I was wondering..." He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that..."
Distraught, he sighed. Nothing was working. He was so much of a coward, he couldn't even get his words straight... But he had to try. It was a once in a lifetime chance meeting her, but nothing would make him happier than having her affection. Even if she turned it down, he'd understand. He just wanted her to be happy.
He had to say something true, honest, and from his heart. Looking at her dress, he was struck with the perfect idea...
"You really remind me of my mom."
"I do?" She smiled at such a crazy thought. "No, I bet she was a lot prettier than me."
He smiled, stirring the Spaghetti. "No, you're just as pretty, and you act like her, too. You're soft and sweet, kind and gentle... You even sound like her."
She kept smiling, thinking it was merely the dress... Until she noticed how serious Koops looked.
"Being with you makes me... happy. And being near you reminds me of her. I know she's never coming back, but you make it seem like she's still here..."
Vivian suddenly felt bad. He really did think they looked similar, but it was only the because of the dress. Now she felt dirty wearing it. It was a reminder of his mother, and she desecrated it by acting like it was her own... She was so awful sometimes.
"I think that's another reason why I like you so much. I mean... I probably I shouldn't say that anymore..."
"...Why's that?"
He squinted his eyes, as if saying the words caused him great pain. But there was no turning back. He had to say them now, or he'd never get another chance!
"...I... I love you..."
She nearly dropped her breadstick. "You... love me...?"
He looked up with worried eyes. "...I do... I didn't think it was a big deal at first... but I was wrong... I've always thought you were beautiful."
Vivian didn't respond; she just stared at him, long and hard. Her concealed face was had to read. Why did she have to be so vague like that? At this point, even Tony and Vinny stopped playing, as if to add tension. Without any music, the whole moment came to a screeching halt.
So, it was true? After so many imposters and fakes, she'd found someone strong, sweet, and true. It was passion like none other. The kind that took over a thousand years to find. A simple, ordinary Koopa asking for her? She was flattered and honored for someone, anyone, to take interest. Not to mention, she'd been feeling quite fond of him herself. She'd be a fool to refuse...
Vivian finally sighed and looked away, playing with her hair. Koops lowered his head, heartbroken. The answer must've been 'no'...
"...I understand if you didn't want--"
Before he could finish, Vivian gently grabbed his face and kissed his nose. It was just like in his dream, but her lips were so warm and soft on his snout. It tingled and almost made him sneeze. It was a feeling no dream could ever copy.
Letting go, she flashed a smiled he'd never seen before. It was one of true bliss, not of uncertainty or confusion.
"Does that answer your question?"
"So you mean... you feel the same?" His tail started thumping on the wooden chair.
She twirled a finger in a curl. "If you'll have me..."
So that was it! It wasn't a dream, was it? No, this was real! Maybe he was braver than he thought! Although excited, Koops had to remain calm, due to the fear of embarrassing himself.
"...I was afraid you'd say no..."
"How could I? You're too sweet. But..." she frowned. "How can you love someone like me? I'm not like you."
"I don't care. I came to terms with that a long time ago. I'm... actually glad you're different."
Her smile returned. "At least you're being honest."
As she said that, Tony and Vinny started playing again, practically picking up where they left off. Koops didn't know what to do next until he remembered something. The one thing that'd been bothering him ever since the first time he saw her...
"Can I... see under your hat?"
His question made her smile. No one had ever asked that before, and she found a little surprising that he would now. The results would've proved quite interesting...
"Sure, if you want to."
Koops wasn't sure if he was ready to. What if what he saw wasn't as beautiful? Could he go on knowing that she had no eyes, or more than two? What if he turned to stone, or became cursed?
Regardless, he decided to take a chance and look. Lifting her up her hat, her curls fell over her face, hiding it once again. He took his hands and carefully pulled it away, placing it behind her shoulders. For the first time since they met, he looked into her alluring eyes...
Her pupils were the reddest of any red he'd ever seen. It was like taking everything of that color and combining it to make her eyes. They were romantic like roses, burning like fire, piercing like blood. He felt he could've been lost in them forever. The rarest rubies in the world dulled in comparison.
"Wow," he mouthed in awe. "Your eyes are beautiful. Why do you hide them?"
Vivian was stunned. It couldn't be true... He was actually looking in her eyes, yet he remained unaffected by her tempting stare. Her infatuation spell wasn't working, and the only time that happened was when the target was truly in love...
Perhaps, that was the case.
It was a wonderful moment. Just when she thought things couldn't get any better, each day with him proved her wrong. So, she finally got the happy ending she so desperately wished for, and Koops did, too. Would they live happy ever after like they did in the fairy tales? How would their friends react? What would the people in the Petalburg say?
...Those were all questions she could worry about later. For once, she wouldn't worry about anything. Right now, being under the stars on such a warm, romantic night with a special someone was good enough. The music from Tony and Vinny's ukuleles seemed to drift off into the night, turning the entire West Side into something indescribably beautiful.
She knew this moment wouldn't last forever, but it didn't matter. Trivial things such as time and location were a blur to her as she looked to the sparkling heavens, showing them her fiery eyes for the first time...
The house was quiet, the night was dark, and the time was right. Everything was going according to plan, yet she feared for the worst. She knew about the star-crossed lovers and their demise. No one was able to stop it, which resulted in pain and disaster. If such a thing were to ever occur again, there was no telling what would happen. She needed to see what happened to the lovers and why they were punished.
She scurried upstairs, her white fur glowing in the moonlight. Her acute sense of smell quickly led her to a room, where she looked high and low for something she'd never seen before. The scent of its carrier clouded her nose, but the true owner's smell would come through soon enough. After a few minutes of searching, she found it in a drawer.
"So, this is it. Yes, it is." She gripped it in her tiny hands. "The diary of Princess Lillian, mentioning her secret lover. Mmm, this should tell me everything."
It was an old book, with singed papers, a worn spine, and faded dialogue. But she was sure she could still read it. The tale of the star-crossed lovers... It was one of the few things she didn't know, but intended to find out. She opened the first page, careful not to tear anything and began reading...
Authoress' Notes: ARGGGGH! How dare I use a clichéd Disney moment in this story?! ...Oh, well. Lady and Tramp do remind me of the two, so why not? Next chapter's content shall reveal Lillian and her mystery man! Sweet. :)