Quick Author's Note:

Due to some language and future adult themes, I am changing this story rating from K+ to T.

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So... Enjoy :)

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Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the story idea and any OCs.

Chapter 19:
Loving Someone and Being In Love

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It was around 9:30 when the Bros left the house and almost 10:40 when they made it back to the castle to help tidy up. It usually takes the Brothers almost 30 minutes to get to Peach's castle, 45 minutes if a group of toads or a news crew stops them to ask Mario a bunch of questions or for an update on his relationship with Peach.

However, this morning was different. Yes, a news crew did stop them this morning, along with a curious group of toads. But instead of bombarding Mario with questions, they all gather around Luigi.

At first the Bros were surprise because Luigi don't usually get so much attention from the media, unless it had something to do with Daisy. This time it wasn't about him or Daisy, at least not entirely. They were interested in his new girlfriend, Lady Fettuccine.

News from the party had already spread around town. And thanks to the news crew, the whole Mushroom Kingdom will know in a matter of days.

Naturally, Luigi got shy around the camera, but he willingly stayed for a bit to answer some questions. Some questions were simple and easy; others were personal and difficult to answer for the moment. Regardless, he tries his best on answering most of their questions without revealing his girlfriend's real identity.

While Luigi was doing his sudden interview, Mario was stuck with waiting in the sidelines. He too was asked a few questions but was soon forgotten when he told them he didn't know anything about Lady Fettuccine. After about twenty to twenty-five minutes, Mario started to get impatient. He wonders how Luigi deals with this and made a mental note to keep his sudden interviews short and quick.

After a few more minutes, they finally left the new crew and the crowd of bystanders and continue their way to Peach's Castle. At this moment, the two Bros were working peaceful together, taking down any decorations on the wall. They were interrupted when Daisy came up to them.

"Hey Luigi, can we talk?" she asked.

Luigi blinked and nodded his head. "Um, sure"

Luigi set the box in his hands down and followed Daisy to the garden area where they can talk in private. Once they were outside, Daisy stopped and turned to him. The air around them was tense and awkward. Either of them knew what to say so they remained silent. After a while, Luigi broke the silence.

"Daisy, is there something you wanted to tell me?"

"Actually, there is." She said softly. "Luigi... I'm sorry; I'm sorry for not only hurting you but for all those times I broke up with you…especially a week ago."

"Daisy... what's this about?"

"I'm talking about us and our relationship." She sigh. "Look, when we first got together I was happy – No, more than happy, I was thrilled. But after a while, I started having doubts. Before I knew it I was so filled with doubt that... I decide to break it off, thinking it was for all the right reasons when it was actually for the wrong ones. After that, I couldn't make up my mind so I started making up a bunch of excuses when I should have talked to you about it."

"So, the reason why you keep calling us off…" He trailed off quietly.

"Was because I didn't think I was ready for a relationship. It was never your fault but my own. That's why I'm sorry, and I want to make it up to you by promising to take this relationship more seriously."

Luigi was silent for a moment, taking in her words. He could understand what she was dealing with, doubts and all, but he still felt that she should have come to him sooner. After a few moments of thought, he spoke.

"Well, Daisy," he said gently. "I think I can understand what you were going through and... I'll accept your apology."

Daisy beamed. She was so glad to know she was forgiven. Now they could have a fresh start.

"But..." Luigi said suddenly, pausing the mental celebration in her head. "I'm afraid I cannot take you back."

Daisy looked at him surprised, her spirits damped. "W-What? W-What do you mean you can't? I just say I was sorry and you accepted it. If this was reverse, I would have taken you back in a heartbeat."

She was upset. She knew it, but she couldn't help it. Why wouldn't he take her back?

"Daisy, I think you know why I can't take you back." He replies softly.

Oh, that's right… the red-haired slut he came with last night… What was her name again? Lady Fettuccine Alfredo… Uh, does she even know she was named after food?

"Can't you just call it off?" she said hopefully "I mean you just got together, didn't you? Just tell her that we talked things over and decided to work things out. I'm sure she'll understand."

Now she was talking selfish, but right now she didn't care. She just wants her boyfriend back from that tramp.

Luigi frowned. "You know I can't do that. And even if I did, I don't think it would have last that long anyway - at least, not as it would have been in the beginning."

Daisy scowled, clearly distress about this. "I don't understand… I thought you wanted us to be together. You were the one that asked me out, remember?"

"Yes, I do, but..."

"But what? Why are you making this so frustrating, Luigi? I thought you said you love me…"

"I did, it's just that..."

"It's just that what? Uhm, what's your excuse? Tell me, Luigi, because frankly I want to hear it"

Daisy glared at him heatedly, anger fueling her veins. Luigi took a step back, putting his hands up in a defensive matter, hoping to reason with her. "Daisy please, you're upset…"

"Oh, I'm more than upset... and you know what, I don't care!" She crossed her arms angrily. "Tell me, why can't we be together?"

"Daisy..."

"Tell me now!"

"But..."

"I mean it, Luigi!"

"Just please, calm down,"

"As princess, I demand that you tell me!"

"I'm not in love with you anymore!"

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The garden was silent and still. No sounds were made as the two figures in the garden stare at each other with shock.

Daisy stood there with her eyes widen and her mouth agape. She looked like someone had just slapped her or something. She couldn't believe what the green man just said. Luigi sighed and cast his head down, feeling guilty for his words. He was hoping to avoid this kind of conversation but Daisy had pushed him to this. After a countless minutes of tense silence, Daisy finally spoke. She talked so softly, so quietly, Luigi almost didn't hear her.

"What?"

Luigi kept his head down. "I'm sorry, Daisy, really I am."

"You don't...you don't love me anymore?"

Luigi quickly looked up and shook his head. "N-No, I didn't mean it like that."

Daisy glared. "Then what did you mean, Luigi? Because I'm finding it hard to believe that I'm no longer loved."

"But Daisy, you are loved."

"By who exactly? You don't love me."

Luigi sighed frustratingly; he had had enough of this nonsense. She was just taking his words and twist them around.

"Daisy, I do love you; I'm just not in love with you."

"Is there a difference?"

"Yes, there is."

Daisy scoffed and turned her body away from him, wrapping her arms around herself for comfort. Luigi frowned and place a gently hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry Daisy, but I just don't feel that spark between us anymore."

"And I'm guessing there is one with her, right?"

Her tone had turned harsh and unforgiving. She didn't give him a chance to answer her question for she already knew what his response was. Roughly, she shrugs his hand off her shoulder and orders him to leave.

"Daisy..."

"I mean it, Luigi." She turned her head and glared at him coldly. "Just leave already. I know who you want to be with and it isn't me." She turns away from him and bow her head. "Go and see your new girlfriend. It's obvious you want to be with her right now."

Luigi frowned, but did not argue. He sighed dishearteningly and turned to leave the garden area. He paused by the doorframe and look over his shoulder. Daisy had her back towards him, but he knew she was suffering.

"I'm truly sorry, Daisy, for any pain I may have cause you."

Luigi turned and disappeared back inside. Daisy closed her eyes in sorrow.

"No, I'm sorry, Luigi, for driving you away in the first place."

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After Daisy and Luigi left, everyone continue on cleaning around the castle. Peach was a little distracted though. She was really hoping Daisy and Luigi would work things out and get back together one last time – this time for good. Mario, however, had some doubts.

"I don't think you should get your hopes up, Peach." He suggested. "I talked to Luigi last night, and he seems to really like Lady Fettuccine."

"That may be true, but Daisy seemed very determined about her decision and was willing to do anything it takes to make things right again." Peach said. "Besides, they were made for each other. Sure they had problems, but every couple does eventually. They just have to work through it, that's all."

The sound of footsteps caught their attention and Peach turn to the garden opening to congratulate the suppose couple on getting back together. However, her excitement melted into a mix of disappointment, confusion and worry when she saw only Luigi re-entering the room. Mario notices his downcast expression and grew concern.

"Hey Bro, you okay?"

Luigi look up and smiled sadly at everyone. "I'm fine. Daisy is too; she just need some time to herself right now."

"Is everything alright between you two?" Peach asked.

"I think so…or at least, I hope so. She didn't really take the news that well, although I wouldn't blame her."

Peach frowned. "News? You don't mean you're...?"

Luigi nodded. "Yes, princess, we're not getting back together."

Peach seemed very troubled by this. Luigi couldn't blame her, either. She was the one to introduce them and thought they would be happy together. She was right, in the beginning anyways. But in the end, it didn't work out.

"I'm sorry, princess, but I have to go. I promise Lady Fettuccine that I'll meet with her today."

Peach still seemed disappointed but nodded in understanding. Luigi bid a temporary farewell to his brother before leaving the castle. No sooner than after he had left, Daisy was making her way back inside. Her mascara had been running, a clear sign that she had been crying. Peach ran over to her, wanting to comfort her.

"Daisy, are you okay?" she asked softly. "What happened?"

She knew what had happened; her best friend's relationship was over. She just needed to hear it from Daisy herself. Daisy let out a soft sob and cast her head down.

"I messed up..." she said softly. "I messed up and I lose him." She turned to Peach with tears in her eyes. "He loves her now, not me. I can be nothing more but his friend from this moment on."

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Ending Note:

Another favorite chapter...

Really, I got the idea of Luigi and Daisy constant on-again-off-again relationship from watching Jerry Springer. There are a lot of people out there with this similar problem – constant taking back a spouse even after they hurt him/her continuously. They say that they loved them but truth I think they're confuse with which kind of love they're experiencing; it's either they love that person or they're in love.

I did a little research online and there is a difference between the two. The way I see it, if someone doesn't change after the second or maybe third chance, then it was probably not meant to be.

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Review :)