A/N: Hey, guys! Welcome to this new chapter! In the previous chapter, Mario and Luigi spent the afternoon together in the Mushroom Gorge. They also did a race, and Luigi won. This chapter is a request from breath20k: a special chapter about the United States Independence Day, the 4th of July, with a barbecue party and a fireworks show! Let's begin!

Chapter 7: The 4th of July Party

(''The Star Festival- Super Mario Galaxy OST'')

It was a clear, starry Tuesday evening in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario had just picked up a letter, and when he opened it, he discovered to his delight that it was a letter from Peach. ''Alright! A letter from the princess! I wonder what it's about.'' he said excitedly, and began to read.

''Dear Mario and Luigi,

Thank you for telling us about Independence Day.

Meet with me at the castle for the 4th of July party tonight.

A kiss from me,

Princess Toadstool Peach''

Mario was very excited. He couldn't wait to spend some time with the beautiful Princess Peach.

''YAHOO! Hey, Luigi!'' he called out.

''What's up, Mario?'' asked Luigi.

''Princess Peach invited us to tonight's party! It's the 4th of July!'' replied Mario.

''I see you're excited to spend time with Peach.'' said Luigi.

Mario laughed. ''Partially, but that's not the only reason. We've lived most of our lives in America.'' he replied.

''Do you remember that time we played golf in an outfit in the style of the American flag?'' asked Luigi.(1)

''Oh, yeah! It was one of my favorite outfit!'' said Mario happily. ''What better time to wear these clothes than this one? Let's go change!''

Mario and Luigi opened their wardrobes and changed. When they were done, Mario was dressed in a blue shirt with white stars on top and red and white striped overalls and hat, the color scheme of the flag of the United States of America. Luigi wore the same suit, except for one difference, with green stripes instead of red.

''How do I look?'' asked Mario.

''You look good!'' replied Luigi.

''You too!'' said Mario. ''OK, it's time to go! To Princess Peach's castle!''

The brothers left their home, heading for Peach Castle.

(''The Star Festival- Super Mario Galaxy OST-s'')

Mario and Luigi arrived at Princess Peach's Castle in a short time, mainly because Mario was on the edge of his seat. She was outside, along with Toad, Blue Toad, Yellow Toad, Toadette, Toadworth, Yoshi and Daisy, and Wario was also there.

''MasterMario, Master Luigi, good evening.'' said Toadsworth.

''Good evening, princess!'' said Mario, bowing to Peach.

''Hello, Mario! I'm glad to see you!'' said Peach, bowing to Mario and holding his hand, making him blush a little. ''Hello to you too, Luigi!''

''Good evening, Mario and Luigi!'' said Starlow.

''So, what are we going to do today?'' asked Toadette.

''A barbecue party. Mario and Luigi told us about the traditions of this party, and a barbecue is among them.'' replied Peach.

''Good evening, Luigi!'' said Daisy, seeing Luigi.

''Hey, Daisy. Good evening.'' said Luigi. ''Alright, let's go and prepare the barbecue.''

While the meat was being barbecued, a few people began to discuss what to do, but also about their hopes that there will be no interruptions.

''What if Bowser comes?'' Toadsworth asked.

''Well, as far as I know, he loves meat. Once he ate a chicken as big as a Dolphin.'' replied Mario.(2)

''Yeah...'' said Peach.

''Hey, guys, have you ever wondered how much meat he would need to get full?'' asked Wario.

''Good question. Considering it's huge, he'd eat enough meat to feed an army.'' replied Mario.

''And that's what puts on your muscles!'' said Wario, proudly showing off his muscles and kissing his biceps to show it.

''Yeah, sure.'' said Mario. He was kinda annoyed by how Wario was acting like a show-off about his muscles, but being polite, he didn't show it. ''You have muscles? Nice, good for you, but you're really vain, you know that?''

It was no secret that Wario was vain. He was very proud of his body, and he often believed that he was more handsome than he really was, as he was seriously unattractive and the Toads were frightened when they saw him. ''Look, my arms and legs are pure muscle! No fat!'' he replied.(3)

''OK, I get it!'' said Luigi. ''No need to do that. Let's think about enjoying the party.''

''I don't think I want to spend a minute more with that guy anymore.'' Starlow commented.

As the meat was cooking, Mario and Peach and Luigi and Daisy were spending some time together as couples.

''I really hope I don't find myself in front of a Boo. Boos are particularly active at night.'' said Luigi.

''Oh, I don't think the Boos will ruin the party. But even if that were the case, you are an expert at dealing with them.'' Daisy reassured him.

Luigi chuckled and blushed slightly. ''If you say so.'' he said.

''What a beautiful evening... and I can enjoy it with you...'' said Peach.

''You're wrong about that. I'm the one that can enjoy the evening with you.'' replied Mario, holding her hand.

''Oh, Mario...'' she muttered Peach, and threw his arms around Mario's neck, stroking the locks of his chocolate brown hair. Sighing happily, he returned the hug.

A few minutes later, the meat was ready, starting the dinner.

''What is this brown sauce?'' asked Blue Toad.

''It's BBQ sauce. You can't make a barbecue without BBQ sauce.'' replied Luigi.

With the meat in front of him, Wario could not resist and ended up gorged himself. It was quite embarrassing, especially for Mario, Peach, Luigi and Daisy.

''It's best if we ignore that.'' said Peach. It was more frustrating for Toadsworth, who nearly fainted from excessive blood pressure.

Yoshi was a little more controlled, but he still ate two whole ribs at once.

A loud noise was heard that interrupted the dinner's pacing. Wario had farted, and a bad smell spread throughout the garden.

''Wario, that's gross!'' complained Luigi.

''Wario! You're ruining the garden!'' blurted Daisy.

''Oops. Sorry.'' said Wario, before he blew a raspberry.

''Wario, at least take a shower when you get home, please.'' said Peach.

''OK...?'' commented Toadette.

(''Let's just forget about it and keep eating.'') said Yoshi, trying to ignore the bad smell that was tormenting his large nose.

During dinner, a group of Toads brought out fireworks, another tradition of the party.

''Are fireworks also part of the 4th of July holiday?'' Yellow Toad asked.

''Yes, and parades are also typical of this. Basketball and cricket games are also common on that day, but it's too dark to play well.'' replied Mario.

''Then we'll need someone to lead the parade through Toad Town.'' said Toad.

''I'll lead the parade, Mario. Leave it to me, I'm an expert at leading the parades.'' offered Luigi.(4)

''Thanks, Luigi. I always trust you, and I know you'll do a good job.'' said Mario, and Luigi smiled at him.

''I really appreciate it, Luigi.'' said Peach. ''We'll take care of the rest.''

(''Athletic- New Super Mario Bros. 2 OST'')

The parade would have come down the entirety of Toad Town. Luigi began walking forward, twirling a stick repeatedly as he drove several Toads and Yoshis through the city. As it advanced, the parade became more numerous, with even more Toads, and also joined by Koopas and Biddybuds, then Buzzy Beetles and Shy Guys.

''Come on, people!'' he said.

The music intensified as the parade went on.

''Hey, not bad!'' said Blue Toad.

''The parade is having success! Luigi is doing a good job.'' said Peach.

Mario was very pleased. Unable to help himself, he brought his hands to his mouth and shouted, hoping to attract Luigi's attention. ''Hey, Luigi!'' he called him.

''Oh? Mario! How am I doing?'' asked Luigi, just as loudly.

''You're doing great, Luigi! Keep up the good work!'' replied Mario.

''Thanks!'' said Luigi.

The parade became even more crowded than before, including other Toads, Monty Moles and even a couple of Wigglers. As they returned to the castle, Mario and his friends danced.

Everyone who was in the parade returned to the castle. Luigi tripped, but he got up as if nothing had happened, and when the music stopped, he struck a pose by tipping his hat.

(''Athletic- New Super Mario Bros. 2 OST-s'')

Luigi was greeted with an applause, and was surprised. ''Did I... go well?'' he asked.

''You were great, Luigi! I knew I could trust you!'' Mario complimented, affectionately ruffling Luigi's hair.

''You were so good I could kiss you. In fact, I would do it right now.'' said Daisy, and kissed Luigi on the cheek, making him blush deeply. Mario smiled at him.

''And now let's light the fireworks!'' said Mario, creating a fireball in his hands, and he used it to light the first fireworks. Luigi did the same with a green fireball

''What do we do now?'' asked Toad.

''How about a dance?'' proposed Peach.

Mario was excited. ''LET'S-A-GO!'' He screamed, accepting eagerly.

''That sounds funny. I just hope I don't mess up everything.'' said Luigi.

(''Peach's Castle- Mario Luigi Paper Jam Bros. OST'')

Peach and Daisy bowed, and Mario and Luigi did the same thing after tipping their respective hats. The two couples started the dances by dancing a waltz together.

Peach was very graceful in her movements, and despite the difference in height between the two, since she was taller, Mario could keep up with the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom.

Unlike his brother, Luigi was nervous about dancing with Daisy because he was shy and clumsy. Not wanting to make mistakes that would ruin the choreography, he began cautiously, and Daisy noticed it, starting with slow movements and steps at the beginning and gradually going faster to help him get comfortable.

While the Toads danced with each other, Wario had serious difficulty dancing. He was fat and not exactly the most graceful person, not to mention that the Toads found him rather creepy in appearance. At least there wasn't too much difference in height between him and the Toads, remembering that Waluigi almost had to kneel to his level because he was so tall.

Peach and Mario's dance rhythm didn't change much, but Daisy increased the intensity more and more as time passed, becoming more and more frantic and unrestrained. Luigi was uncomfortable, knowing how different she was from other girls due to her dominant nature, but he managed to find a way to adapt to this with more athletic movements, pirouettes and solo dance moves that prompted her to do the same thing.

At one point in the dance, Mario took Peach in his arms.

''This party is really beautiful.'' said Peach, turning his gaze to the fireworks.

''Yes. But she's not as beautiful as you.'' said Mario.

''Awww, Mario, you're so sweet...'' whispered Peach.

''You too, Peach. So do you.''

In response to these tender words, Peach lovingly kissed Mario on the cheek, causing him to blush.

''Hey, Daisy?'' asked Luigi.

''Yeah?'' said Daisy.

''This dance was crazy. But it's just like you. Even though you're a princess, your dominant nature gives everyone the impression that you don't look like one.'' said Luigi, chuckling a little. ''Not that it's a bad thing. You always show how you feel without ever holding back. You never shy away from anything. Mamma mia, what a woman... That's why I like you.''

''I like you too, Luigi. You are a fool to everyone, but you are my fool.'' replied Daisy, and gave Luigi a kiss on the cheek.

Mario gently placed Peach on the ground, but still didn't let her go, getting lost in his blue eyes. When he was with her, he felt like a happy man.

''Come here, Mario.'' To Mario's surprise, Peach cupped his cheeks and leaned down to kiss him. He was very surprised, especially since the princess was not going to kiss him on the nose or cheek as usual, but Luigi gave him an encouraging look that told him ''Go get her, brother.'' so he leaned in too. In this romantic moment, they were so close... Peach's lips were getting closer and closer to Mario's...

(''Peach's Castle- Mario Luigi Paper Jam Bros. OST-s'')

But the romantic moment did not last. A loud scream interrupted the two lovebirds. Luigi was the one who screamed, but he was not the only one.

''Luigi! What's going on?!'' Mario exclaimed, partly irritated because this had broken the enchantment and partly disoriented because he had no idea what was happening.

''Look!'' cried Luigi.

(''Catching Ghosts- Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon OST'')

Several Boos had popped out of nowhere and had crashed the party, frightening the guests and all those who had taken part in the parade.

''Mamma mia! Right now?!'' Mario complained.

''Is King Boo behind this?'' asked Peach.

''No. It's not King Boo. I don't think it's one of them.'' replied Luigi, trembling with fear.

Mario began to fight against the Boos, trying to look them straight in the eye. They were shy and stopped if looked at directly, they but attacked those who turned their backs on them. He was doing well at first, but then other Boos appeared, and he was surrounded.

''Help! Help me!'' yelled a Toad.

''Princess! Save yourself!'' shouted Toadsworth, as Peach was surrounded. He himself was looking for a place to take refuge.

''Mario! I just remembered something! I have to go home and get something!'' exclaimed Luigi, leaving the garden in a hurry.

''Coward!'' snapped Wario, as he tried to beat up the Boos as best he could.

''It's called strategy, you dummy!'' Mario replied to him.

Luigi soon arrived home, and began to check in the drawers and closets. ''Where could it be?'' he murmured. He went to the bedroom and found what he was looking for. ''Here it is! Good old Poltergust 5000!''

The plumber in green slid the Poltergust 5000 on his back and began to run towards Peach's Castle, hoping to make it in time.

''Where did Luigi go?'' asked Starlow.

''I think he went to get the Poltergust. The best weapon against these ghosts. I owe a favor to Professor E. Gadd, Luigi would never have been able to save me if he hadn't created it.'' replied Mario.

Yoshi couldn't do much against the Boos. He wasn't physically strong like Mario and Luigi, and eating them was useless.

''What are you doing?! Do something and fight, you imbecile!'' shouted Wario, as he tried to beat up the ghosts.

(''I can't even scratch them, Wario! They are ghosts! Don't you remember what happened last time?'') Yoshi replied.(5)

Daisy tried to fight the Boos, but she couldn't do a thing against them, and they also tried to capture her.

(''Catching Ghosts- Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon OST-s'')

(''Fearsome Foe- Kirby Mass Attack OST'')

A stream of air caught everyone's attention. Luigi was back, with the Poltergust 5000 in his hands, and he was already sucking in the first ghosts, saving Mario, Peach, Yoshi and Daisy.

''Luigi!'' exclaimed Toad.

''Never get into a fight unprepared, guys!'' said Luigi, as he sucked in a group of ghosts.

''See? I told him he had something planned. That's my brother.'' said Mario proudly, as he watched his brother progressively get rid of the Boos.

''Ah! Luigi! Help me!'' cried Starlow. Two Boos had grabbed her and were about to bite her.

At the same time, Wario couldn't defeat the Boos that attacked him because they constantly invisible became as if to taunt him. ''You stupid white balls! Stand still, cheaters!'' he mooted.

In about a minute, Luigi rescued everyone present and defeated all the Boos. The last one tried to escape, but he jumped on top of it as if he were on a pogo stick, forcing it in. ''A bunch of ghosts won't stop me!'' he said.

(''Fearsome Foe- Kirby Mass Attack OST-s'')

Everyone cheered. The party was saved!

(''3 AM- Animal Crossing Wild World OST'')

''That was close... Thank you, Master Luigi. Those Boos would have given me an ulcer.'' said Toadsworth.

''Thank you, Luigi! Without you, those Boos would have gotten us!'' said Peach.

''I knew you'd stop them, Luigi! You're the best!'' added Daisy.

Both Peach and Daisy kissed him on the cheeks, with both princesses kissing him on one cheek each. Luigi turned as red as his brother's hat.

''You deserved it, Luigi. Nice one.'' said Mario, giving his brother a proud pat on the back.

''Thank you, Mario.'' Luigi told him, and the two brothers hugged each other.

''I could have become the prey of those ghosts if you had arrived even a second later!'' shouted Wario.

''Hey, no need to act like this! Just be thankful that they didn't catch you!'' replied Daisy.

''Too bad those Boos ruined the moment, know what I mean?'' said Luigi.

''What?'' asked Mario, confused, but then he understood. ''Oh, now I git. When Peach and I were about to kiss, righ?''

''It's okay Mario. But now we can finish it all.'' said Peach, gently cupping Mario's cheeks and bending down, giving him a kiss on the lips. He became redder than a cherry, but he held on to her and slowly began to return the kiss.

Several Toads cheered, and Luigi and Daisy watched happily as Mario and Peach kissed under the fireworks. When they broke away, they had a big smile on their faces.

''You're so cute, you two.'' said Daisy. Luigi burst out laughing.

''What's the matter, Luigi?'' asked Mario.

''You're redder than your overalls!'' replied Luigi, laughing out loud. Mario laughed too.

''We'll have to go home now. It's getting late.'' said Toad.

''Toad is right. We have to go home, since we had dinner here. It's starting to get late.'' said Luigi.

(''See you tomorrow then!'') said Yoshi, affectionately licking Mario and Luigi's cheeks.

''Will we meet again tomorrow?'' Mario asked Peach.

''Oh, of course, Mario! I love spending time with you! See you tomorrow!'' said Peach, giving Mario another kiss, this time on the nose.

Mario blushed again and laughed nervously, but recomposed himself. ''See you tomorrow then... mia principessa.'' he said, kissing Peach's hand. The beautiful princess smiled when she heard his romantic Italian.

(''3 AM- Animal Crossing Wild World OST-s'')

(''Ending Part 2- Yoshi's Island OST'')

Mario and Luigi returned home together. They had already had dinner during the party, and it was also getting late. It was bedtime, so they took off their clothes and put on their pajamas. ''That was a beautiful party!'' said Mario, happy.

''Yes, I'm glad we introduced it to everyone!'' said Luigi.

''Hey, Luigi?'' asked Mario.

''Yes?'' said Luigi.

''Thank you for saving us.'' said Mario.

''Come on, it's nothing! This little gem has done all the work!'' replied Luigi, putting the Poltergust 5000 in its place. ''Thank goodness I have it at home, in case you need it.''

''True. But you learned from Professor E. Gadd! Come here, bro!'' said Mario, hugging Luigi tightly.

''Thank you, Mario.'' murmured Luigi. ''You should really learn how to use the Poltergust, you know?''

''Maybe. I wouldn't want King Boo to attack me like that.'' Mario replied, gently lowering his brother's head, and they rubbed their noses affectionately as they hugged.

Mario yawned loudly. ''I had fun tonight... and now I'm exhausted...'' he murmured, going to bed.

''Night-night, Mario.'' whispered Luigi, giving Mario a goodnight kiss.

The older twin sat down. ''Night-night, Lu.'' he said, before giving Luigi another hug followed by a kiss on the cheek.

''Awww... I love you so much, big bro.''

''I love you so much too, little bro. Sweet dreams, my ghost hunter.'' Mario gave Luigi another affectionate kiss, this time a goodnight kiss on the forehead, and then fell asleep. Luigi smiled and went to bed, also overwhelmed by sleep.

The Boos had attacked unexpectedly, but Luigi could fight them at any time with his Poltergust. Mario couldn't wait to spend the next day with Peach, and Luigi heard him mumbling her name in his sleep. ''Oh, Mario... You romantic lovebird...'' he thought affectionately. After a few seconds, he too was already fast asleep. The Mario Bros. slept peacefully, especially Mario.

(''Ending Part 2- Yoshi's Island OST-s'')

A/N: Good thing Luigi has experience with ghosts, or they would have ruined the party. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Oh, yeah, I also wish Xander Mobus a happy birthday, as he is now 31 years old! See you soon!

(1): Mario and Luigi appear as playable characters in NES Open Tournament Golf, where Peach and Daisy are their respective caddies. In this game, the hat, shirt and overalls they wear are in the style of the American flag, and this costume will also be reused in Mario Kart: Live Circuit, in which only Mario and Luigi are playable, Mario Kart Tour for both, as an unlockable costume for Mario in Mario Golf: Super Rush and as an alternative costume for him in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

(2): In Mario Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, Bowser is playable, and he doesn't use mushrooms to heal himself, but Drumsticks. In the 3DS remake, a new healing item that replaces the syrup, which is cheese, was introduced for him, and the Cheesy Drumstick completely heals him, replacing the Star Candy. During the boss battle against Midbus, Bowser can inhale the giant food, divided into meat, cakes and donuts, which restore 50, 20 and 10 HP respectively, and eating meat temporarily increases his power. In addition, after winning the fight, he is led into a room and fattened by brainwashed Boos, who force him to eat high-calorie, high-fat foods such as sweets and meat until he gets stuck in the floor.

(3): The Wario diagram in Wario World's instruction manual shows that his arms and legs are pure muscle, and all his body fat is stored in his chest.

(4): In Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, Luigi was originally supposed to be present in the game and have more relevance, according to some screenshots, but his role was reduced to two cameos: a wish of his and in the credits, where he leads the final parade. Luigi also recurringly leads the parade in the Paper Mario series, and in Paper Mario: Sticker Star and Paper Mario: Color Splash, he will only be present in the parade if Mario finds him in all the places where he can be found.

(5): In Super Mario 64 DS, Yoshi is the starting character, but unlike Mario, Luigi and Wario, he cannot lift enemies, punch and kick and is the weakest physically of the four: although he can use the Ground Pound, Slide Kick and Sweep Kick, he is completely unable to defeat the Boos and the only character that can't access Big Boo's Haunt. In Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, Yoshi can defeat the Boos, but only if he throws an egg so that it bounces off a wall and hits them from behind.