Author's Note: This story expanded beyond the five chapters I originally planned! It features a non-canon pairing but I enjoy reading Bowser x Peach stories. So, I decided to try my hand at writing one. The story is 'Rated T' to be safe. Thanks for reading and for the reviews.

Yearning and Guilt

The balcony offers a breathtaking view of Shiver Region's glowing city. But it also is freezing up there and Peach hugs her arms around her black dress coat. Joining her is a sharp-dressed Bowser.

"The view always reminds me of rock candy." Bowser mumbles as he walks up behind Peach. She turns and admires his black suit and metal shoes.

"I'm surprise you dressed up for the meeting."

Bowser waves his hands in the air with a look of indifference. "I can change things up every now and then. CK's secretaries liked it. They wouldn't stop offering me refreshments." Bowser declares. Winking, he lowers his voice towards Peach. "But you like it?"

"You look professional." She answers honestly.

"Gwa ha ha! You weren't upset with the compliments I was receiving?"

Peach shakes her head. "Not one bit."

Another loud laugh escapes Bowser's mouth and Peach joins in with her light one. When they quiet down Bowser's eyes glaze over. Peach turns away realizing he is admiring the way she looks against the backdrop of the city. Its troublesome to keep eye contact with him when he does that. Peach glances into the sky, adjusting her sapphire-studded scarf. The sky is pitch black despite it being morning; beyond the city were rivers of lava flowing through the ice. Wondering when the sun would appear, Peach realizes it is the result of terraforming. Many kingdoms had undergone it to match the koopas' preferences. Fearful, the princess begins to wonder if the koopas will do the same to her kingdom. Peach comes out of her thoughts when Bowser offers his arm to her. She takes it and the two begin walking.

"Nice recommendation with the medicine trade. I didn't know toads specialize in that." He whispers to her.

"You should thank the captain. I had him go on a journey for resources. He found wild mushrooms good for curing all sorts of ailments. After that, we spent weeks preparing land to grow them in mass. So, when the Crystal King mentioned a medicine shortage, I thought now would be a good time for us to begin trading with other kingdoms. More commerce in your empire means more money in your treasury. Makes Mushroom Kingdom more valuable to you right?"

Before Bowser can say something, a hammer bro wearing a horned black helmet confronts him. Peach recognizes him from the meeting. The Army Hammer Bro bows before Bowser but his eyes angerly cut at Peach. Catching the glare Peach bites her lip and tries to let go of Bowser's arm. But he places a hand gently over her hand to stop her.

"Your Majesty, did the meeting go according to your wishes?" The hammer bro asks while bowing to the king.

Bowser was not in the mood. "I hate meetings you idiot. Now what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the tower by now?"

"Forgive me, Your Grace. But I have an urgent manner I need to speak with you in private."

"NO. If you have something to say. Say it now. We're late for the theater."

The hammer bro. stands up and looks at the king apologetically. "Sire, it's about your terraforming plans for the Mushroom Kingdom. You didn't mention it during the Month of Tribute. Nor at this meeting. I know you spared the toads but they seem too carefree. A showing of our might …"

Peach gasps and she looks up at Bowser. He doesn't look at her, glaring at the Army Hammer Bro. "That's it? I changed my mind long ago about that, buckethead."

Bowser maneuvers around the hammer bro while guiding Peach. As the two walk away, Peach looks over her shoulder. The man was staring murderously at her. Peach turns back around and holds onto Bowser's arm tighter.

"Not every member of my army is happy with my decisions lately. My older military leaders, like that windbag you just met, are especially mad." Bowser speaks in a sinister tone.

"I …"

"Its fine. They're just hardcore. But they can't do anything if they want to deal with me." Bowser reassures her. "The toads are important to you. I must understand that fact if I want you to consider me. I want you to want me! Besides, I'm done hiding how I feel about you."

Is he willing to risk a scandal over me?

Peach feels her heart grow heavier and she squeezes his arm again. He returns it and her anxiety lessens. Everything will be okay. She decides to relax and enjoy the rest of the week.

At the theater the duo was seated in a private box to watch Koopa Moon. While Peach wipes tears away, Bowser is shifting in his seat like a bored child. Peach must tap his shoulder to stop. He obeys to her relief, attempting to listen while gripping the chairs. Bowser's pouting earns a chuckle from Peach. Once the play is over, Peach thanks him for trying. After attending the theater, they return to lodge at a fine royal hotel.

Next day, after meeting for breakfast in the hotel lobby Bowser and Peach set out on an adventure.

"Bowser we never left the top of this building I've noticed. The castle, the hotel, the park, and the theater are all in one location."

Bowser directs the princess to a balcony to look at a nearby skyscraper. "All skyscrapers hold hundreds of thousands of residents. Each building is like a city by itself. Shopping centers, doctor offices, grocery stores, and apartments all in one location. People rarely need to go to the ground level."

"I see." Peach whispers. He leads her to an escalator to go to a lower level inside the skyscraper. Below is a maze of shopping centers. Bowser rests his hand discreetly on the small of Peach's waist as they go down. Once they reach the bottom Bowser continues his explanation.

"This one we're on offers the best. I'm taking you to go shopping in the enclosed mall district."

Peach pulls aways and clasps her hands together. "I appreciate the gesture but…."

"Oh, come on, Peaches! It won't kill you! I'll get whatever you want." Bowser begs while gesturing at the window displays. Peach giggles at his puppy dog eyes.

"I told you I'm fine. I don't need any more dresses. I hope you don't splurge on your son."

Bowser folds his arms while pouting. "I love him, of course I would. Even my parents gave me whatever I wanted when they weren't…" Bowser catches himself. Peach is aware of what he is thinking but plays it off. She feels bad being privy to something he doesn't want her to know.

"Can we just look together? No spending on you, just a peek?" he quietly asks. Peach sighs. Bowser has become bolder after his confession. But his admittance seems to have brought relief to him. Like a heavy burden was lifted off his heart. She likes seeing him genuinely happy. So, Peach relents.

As they walk down the busy street shops Bowser begins shouting, "Mine!" Bowser is looking at an expensive red kart in a window. He calls out the shopkeeper. "Have it painted in flames and shipped to my castle." The two cover a few feet before Bowser spots something he wants at a butchery. Almost every shop Bowser stops to buy something.

"You're splurging." Peach quietly points out. This earns a frown from him and she snorts. Peach could tell he was resisting the urge to buy her something. However, one shop catches Peach's attention. It was an art store. She pauses to admire a display of paintings. Out the corner of her eyes she can see Bowser tenderly touching the glass. Was he remembering the time Peach and Junior played together? She gasps, feeling warmth around her hand. She investigates and sees her hand has been engulfed in his. She looks up at him as he observes her reaction. With her free hand Peach pats his. The two danced together, so she is getting used to the contact. But Peach picks up the pace hoping to discourage Bowser from anymore impulse buying, dragging him along. But it seems to excite him as he allows her to lead. She can feel his eyes on her as they move. Just as they reach the exit, crystalized citizens start to gather around shouting.

"Long live King Bowser!"

"Enjoying your visit here, Your Wealthiness?"

"Come to my restaurant!"

"Please sign my shirt!"

"Marry me!"

"Is that a human?"

The crowd closes in on the duo and Peach shifts closer to Bowser. They are making her uncomfortable.

"You're a celebrity here, Bowser."

The king puffs his chest out. "You're one of the weird kingdoms that doesn't get my awesomeness."

Peach frowns and pokes at him, "You were threatening our lives."

"Look, it was because of the toads." Bowser summarizes leaving a part out. He cringes remembering his agonizing decision to kill Peach to rid her out of his life. "Everyone can see I'm meant to be in charge. Why I was just voted the handsomest man alive in this kingdom."

The crowd presses in on them more.

"Handsome, they're going to run us over!" Peach says with fearful sarcasm. She dislikes being enclosed like this and looks at Bowser, distress covering her face.

Not noticing Bowser continues with a shrug. "It does get annoying when they get overly touchy. Wait …" He looks down at Peach. "Handsome!? Did you just call me handsome!?"

Peach cries in frustration as curious citizens begin to pull at her golden hair, some never having seen a human. "Bowser!"

Though delighted to learn something new about her, Bowser shields her from further harassment. "You don't like crowds? Let's go somewhere more private." Peach yelps as Bowser lifts her onto his shoulder. His right arm hugs her to prevent her from falling. Bowser then dashes out the crowd and runs back up the escalator. He boards a sky gondola to go to the neighboring skyscraper.

Peach crashes into her seat as Bowser sits across from her.

"Thank you."

"No problem."

Bowser leans forward resting his hand on his chin while wiggling his eyebrows. "Now what was that about me being handsome?" A blush is appearing on his cheeks, his eyes half lidded. Peach ignores him to admire the view. Several gondolas bypass theirs in the opposite direction. At one point Peach waves at a family. Bowser and Peach begin light conversation until a particular gondola passes them. It contains a couple sitting in a corner, embracing, and kissing. Stunned, Bowser and Peach turn to give the couple privacy. They catch each other's eyes. Bowser lifts a cocky eyebrow at her. Peach opts to stare at the floor. A bit of quiet passes between them.

"If you think I set this up to make out with you …"

Peach turns beet red. "Bowser Koopa!"

"It's true! But I would be happy to oblige if …."

Peach throws her black hat at him. "I want lunch!"

Once they are off the gondola Peach spots a street full of vending machines. Curious Peach points that out and the two walk over.

"I thought you would want a restaurant." Bowser teases while she moves from machine to machine.

"This gives you a hot meal. How?" Peach inquires, dropping coins into a ramen vending machine. Bowser shakes his head at her joy over the flashing lights as it disperses the meal to her.

"So naïve. You and the toads need to get out more."

As Peach marvels at the bowl of hot food, Bowser shyly pulls out his cell phone. After setting her food down in Bowser's hand, Peach makes several purchases of sodas and cold coffees - hoping to sample them.

Once Peach gets everything on a table Bowser speaks. "I didn't know when to ask. But can I take a picture of you?"

Peach adjusts her hair shyly.

"Picture? Of course."

After taking the shot he shows her the image as he sits next to her. "Is that the cell phone you mentioned when discussing the communication structures for Mushroom Kingdom?"

Bowser shakes the phone with a smirk. "Funny thing is we found out about these by reading human books." Bowser gets up to order food from a food truck. He returns with a large box of hamburgers.

"These are the size of truffles to me." He complains.

Peach takes a sip of orange soda. "You have human books?"

"Yeah, things we randomly find. I tell you; the weirdest stuff comes out of warp pipes. Except you. Even though I believe you fell from the stars, Peaches."

Peach rolls her eyes at his remark.

"Bowser, I walked out a warp pipe. I was there. And can I see the books one day?"

Bowser looks apprehensive. Peach detects he is insecure when it comes to her wanting to know about humans. Does he think she will run away to be with her own kind?

"Well … we'll get back to that."

Bowser nervously fiddles with his phone. Peach shifts to look over his arm. "What are those boxes again?"

"Apps." Bowser begins to explain to her how it works until his phone begins buzzing. Peach sees the words Morton Jr. "I remember. That means someone is calling you!" Peach says in excitement. With a resided huff Bowser answers the call. "Big Mouth why are you calling me!?"

"It's terrible King Dad! Iggy crashed my tower and ate all my snacks out of the fridge! Claimed his chain chomps ate all his. Like the whole fridge! So, Iggy ate my yogurt, my drumsticks, my cheese-dip, my fruit-trays, and my pizza! He even ate my homemade cheesecake!"

"Look that is not my problem! You should have put a lock on it!"

There is a pause before Morton Jr. speaks.

"I forgot you bought me one."

Bowser groans. "That's what you get for not sharing any of your cheesecake with me!"

"Like what are you doing? Are you killing people? Are you smashing them into paste? Are you …."

"I'm on a date!" Bowser roars.

"You with that pinky lady?"

With a laugh Peach leans into the phone. "My name is Peach."

She hears Morton chuckle from the other side. "Peach? Are you a walking fruit or something? I thought you like blueberries, King Dad."

Peach giggles while Bowser grips the phone. "She is one of my vassals. And we're conducting business."

"Liar! Liar! Pants on fire! You said date! You're going to get all kissy and junk with her! And more kisses. And that's gross! Like I told Junior, girls give you coo …"

"Thank you, Big Mouth!" Bowser hangs up the phone while Peach is covering her mouth snickering.

"He talks a lot." Bowser murmurs.

"I hope to see him in person one day." Peach whispers. "Oh, Bowser do you have any plans with the Crystal King? I would feel bad if you spent the whole week with me."

"No." He answers shortly.

"Do you have any guys you just hang out with?"

"No."

Peach frowns at Bowser. "It's good to have friends, Bowser."

"Aren't you my friend, Peach? And I have underlings and my kids."

"You know what I mean."

Bowser huffs in response. Peach continues, "You need variety in your life. People you can just hang out with and tell them things you wouldn't tell me."

Bowser gives a sad sigh. "I don't need them." He goes back to his phone to play a game.

It is occurring to her how much Bowser lacks in social skills. He always had people at his beck and call. Everyone is under him. So, he never seeks out ones for friendship. Peach is the only one he at least tries to treat on his level. But it is not good for him to be solely attached to her. Peach doesn't want that for him. She vows to find him a friend. Realizing she is concerned about his wellbeing, Peach blushes. She begins to study his face as he sadly swipes at the screen. Her eye roves from his roguish mane to his jaw. Feeling her eyes Bowser keeps focusing on his game hoping she likes something about his physical appearance. Peach's eyes stop on his lips and she remembers the kissing couple. Peach nervously jumps up and Bowser lifts his head in distress, wondering why she is pulling away.

"I'm going to go buy souvenirs for my toads."

Bowser pulls out his wallet and Peach refuses. Bowser persists.

"Whatever you get, the owners will ship it to your kingdom. Think of it as reimbursing the toads for that tower I built on their favorite field."

"Why are you so insistent?" She begs.

"Do you really need a reason!? I love pampering you! I love you!"

Peach accepts his card and runs off in a huff, afraid he'll get even more romantic. To her relief Bowser does not follow her. She rounds a corner and holds her flush cheeks. She needs time to calm down. Peach cannot figure out why his words bothered her. She feels happy but the feeling of misery is also present in her heart. After calming down Peach enters a phone store to make an order. When she says how many phones she needs, the owner's eyes bug out of their sockets. The lady begins making calls to get in touch with her other stores to complete the order. When this traction is complete Peach returns to the art store to buy art supplies for Junior to mail to him. Peach refuses to use Bowser's funds for that.

As the princess returns, she sees Bowser looking at a family of ducks. Compared to him they are tiny. The mother was leading her ducklings up a small flight of stairs. One, however, is struggling to get up. The duckling jumps and crashes against each step before eventually clearing it. The last step is too much for it, and the duckling helplessly frails its stubby wings. Bowser snorts and a wicked smile paints his face. He storms over to the duckling that is now panicking over the giant marching towards it. Peach runs believing he is about to crush the poor thing. Before she can shout, Bowser reaches a single fat finger to nudge the tiny duckling to the top. Peach's breath catches in her throat. To someone else this wouldn't mean much, but to her …

"Useless. But your tenacious, so I'll give you a pass." Bowser grumbles under his breath towards the creature. The duckling is reunited with its family and the mother leads her babies away. As they leave Bowser counts the ducklings. He doesn't notice Peach walking up behind him.

"Seven. Eight. Nine…." A small smile graces his face. "One more would do."

"One more of what?"

Bowser spins around in panic. "It's not what it looks like …"

Once he realizes its Peach, he gains a cocky grin. "Do you really want to know?" His tone is seductive.

Frustrated, Peach glares at Bowser but then softens her expression. "That was so sweet of you."

"I'm not sweet!" Bowser yells and turns his head down in defeat. "You weren't supposed to see that." He mumbles - clearly embarrassed. Painting an evil smile on, Bowser marches over to Peach.

"It's my nature to be evil. It's yours to be good. We're not meant to mix."

"Then why do you lo… like me?"

Bowser freezes and averts his eyes. "I can't help it. I didn't stand a chance against you."

Nothing else is said as the two royals stare at each other.

Darkness. Am I finally home? How dull. There's nothing to do here. I'd run out of people to kill. Time to go back through the warp pipe.

Strange.

I should still be able to see with my night vision! Wait, your eyes are closed genius.

Antasma opens his eyes and grabs his aching head. Surrounding him was shattered test tubes, burnt furniture, and burning stacks of paper. He had blown up his lab again. In panic, Antasma looks for his research notes. It's a good thing he locked away his books for safe keeping. In a stone wall corner, he finds his note pad covered in soot. Antasma wipes as much soot off as he can and reviews his findings.

I am closing in on a breakthrough and ready to begin Trial #5.

Subject#1

15 min. Subject#1 develops fever.

20 min. Subject#1 is in pain.

25 min. Pain has become unbearable for Subject#1. He cannot move.

2 hours. Subject#1 is still alive. Gasping for breath.

4 hours. Subject#1 has vomited.

4 hours and 30 min. Subject#1's healing factor has kicked in.

6 hours. Subject#1 has healed and proceeds to mock me. I slap him.

Trial status: Failure.

Next course of action: Increase amounts of powdered gold. Secure supply of poison shrooms.

Antasma throws the notepad on the floor in a rage.

The serum is not enough! If that stupid prince can handle it, Bowser can handle it. He is practically unkillable.

No matter what Antasma threw at him in the past, he bounced back. Antasma curses his dragon blood. It is why Bowser treats the bat king as more of an annoyance. In the past, koopas came together to survive the harshness of the Darklands. The strongest of them all, the first Queen, fell in love with a dragon. That union set the royal koopa line apart from their counterparts. Antasma laughs bitterly.

Guess it runs in the family to fall for a non-koopa.

If Antasma wants the fatal potion to work, he needs to do more testing. More potent ingredients. More resources. While conserving. He may not be able to pull off another heist of King Penguin's treasury. Antasma walks out of his lab and returns to the upper levels of his castle. He takes a seat on his throne contemplating his next course of action. The toads are cultivators. Antasma has been keeping in contact with the captain by letter, and knows they are growing medicinal mushrooms. He can get the materials he needs from the reluctant Captain Toad. Any missing materials won't be missed. The tributes Bowser demands of Mushroom Kingdom is low compared to other kingdoms. The king only made the arrangement to hide why he spared the princess. Peach's companionship is enough for Bowser. Antasma doesn't blame him, though his idea of companionship with her is darker. He smiles thinking of the cruel plans he has for her once Bowser is out the way. He misses her by the way. Antasma remembers he is setting up a warp pipe to be able to talk Toad. It wouldn't hurt to check up on the girl despite the risk. During his brainstorming, a servant approaches. Antasma knows he wants to ask about the prince's welfare but doesn't. Smart decision.

"Your guest is here, King Antasma. He is most eager to accept your earlier offer."

Antasma flashes a toothy grin, realizing who it is. "Let him in."

The week has come to an end and the two royals return to the Mushroom Kingdom. As they enter the forest Bowser turns to Peach.

"Peaches."

"Yes?"

Bowser fights with his spiked choker while using his other hand to steer the clown car. "I have this really bad itch on my neck."

"You shouldn't wear that then."

"It's fashionable!" Bowser complains and leans down while pointing. "Could you just scratch me right here?"

Peach lifts her hand and stands on her tippy toes. As she scratches him, Bowser leans in. A purr escapes his lips and he covers up his mouth to hide it. But Peach hears and pulls away.

"Naughty little trickster!" Peach scolds with a laugh.

"Wait you haven't caught this spot!" Bowser playfully teases as she pushes at his chest. When their laughter dies down Peach looks up at Bowser, while biting her lip.

"Thank you, Bowser. For everything. I can't wait for my toads to hear what happened."

"Just leave out the part of us crashing."

The two keep eye contact and shuffle closer together. Bowser now has the clown car in park. His focus was on her completely.

"Peach, I do love you. You know that right?"

His warm smile makes her heart flutter. On impulse she gets on her toes aiming for his cheek. Bowser is thrown off and doesn't lean in, causing Peach to fall forward. He catches and she apologizes profusely, her cheeks a rosy pink. But Bowser is now staring at her lips. His eyes glow and his breathing deepen. Gently, Bowser wraps his arms around her waist. Peach doesn't move as he bends down towards her, his eyes asking permission. Peach flushes. A part wants to run and another desires the contact. She lifts her chin to meet him. As they slowly close the distance, Peach's thoughts become hazy. When they're an inch away, she turns in realization and Bowser's lips touch her cheek. This is too fast for her. He is no doubt frustrated. Will he get angry and say he has done so much for her? That he is entitled to her affection? But to Peach's relief he doesn't. Bowser just rests his snout against her cheek, his breath warming her neck up. Peach's eyes flutter as he remains. She raises her hand to run her fingers through his mane. It earns a sigh of contentment from him and she smiles. Adjusting her head, Peach manages to give him a small kiss on his cheek. His skin feels rough and scaly, but warm. Bowser hums from the feel of her soft lips and grips her harder. Peach bends into him more and kisses his cheek again. When she finally pulls away, she rests against his chest. The two royals then stay in that position for a long time.

Peach can tell Bowser is looking for any excuse to extend his time with her in the Mushroom Kingdom. His face seems to glow with joy and Peach fears he will propose to her on impulse. A phonecall brings that idea to an end. He angrily answers the it. But as he listens Bowser's face darkens and he hangs up.

"Bowser?"

"Gotta go. Pirates are attacking a territory Wendy oversees. And she is my darling. I can't let that slide. I'll come back."

After reluctantly dropping her off at the castle, Bowser shyly waves at Peach as he flies away to his airship. Peach watches him leave and is caught off guard by a group hug. This crowd she doesn't mind. She is home. The toads happily celebrate Peach's return and thank her for the souvenirs delivered to the kingdom. They begin to bombard her with questions, trying to figure out how to use a cell phone. Overwhelmed, Peach must excuse herself promising her people to teach them. After taking a bath, Toadette prepares Peach for bed by combing her hair out.

"I'm glad you enjoyed your trip. I wish I could have gone!" Toadette peeps as Peach stands up. Peach smiles gently at her. Toadette is a little sister to her. She had hidden the toad in the castle underground and told her to run if everyone had been executed by Bowser. She was certain Toadette could get by undetected but worried for her safety. It was a relief to tell her everything was going to be okay.

"Maybe one day I'll bring you. Oh, Toadette, where's Captain Toad?" Peach asks.

Toadette nervously laughs. "Oh him, he's off adventuring through the forest." Peach internally panics hoping the captain didn't see her kiss Bowser. What would he think?

While obsessing over the possibility Peach decides to have a sleepover with Toadette, like they often did when younger. While Toadette sleeps Peach racks her mind with guilt. She can't understand. She enjoyed the week with Bowser. He was attentive to her. The simple things he did - people would ignore, but she noticed. And she loved it. She loved that about him.

But she likes being around the enemy of her people?

I became a vassal ruler for my people. And I agreed to Antasma's idea for my people. I'm doing what I can to make our kingdom desirable. I befriended Bowser. All to survive. But I didn't expect…. I…Am I falling for him?

Peach cannot sleep and turns under her covers. She tries to forget but she is thinking about Bowser. And Peach feels like a traitor.

He's loud and crude. But I see it. I see a subtle change. He's different now. But Bowser insists he loves being evil. And he hasn't freed us.

Peach hugs Toadette like stuffed doll trying to calm her heart. Toadette squeaks in surprise but nods back to sleep. The princess comes to a painful realization. She is developing feelings for Bowser. And if Bowser becomes more tyrannical, will Peach's heart be chained to him? Will she no longer oppose his actions but go along with it to appease him? That thought devastates her. She makes a silent vow.

Don't get attached to him. Just keep playing the role.

In the Mushroom Forest, Captain Toad lays against a tree while clutching his chest. He had seen Bowser and Peach display affection for each other. Has the tyrant seduced poor Peach?

"Stars above! What am I going to do!?"