A/N: This chapter contains heavy topics. It contains talks of sexuality and transitioning, homophobia, transphobia, mentions of homophobic and transgender slurs, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, mental breakdowns, mental health, body issues, body dysphoria, panic attacks, slight suicidal thoughts/mentions of wanting to die, and some light NSFW. Reader discretion is highly advised.
Daisy was confident. She practically radiated it. From her appearance to her skill in sports and racing, she happily showed off, and bragged. Because she was talented. And beautiful.
Only those closest to her knew the confidence wasn't always real. It was a front, a shield. Daisy had to be confident. It was the only way she could survive.
The sports and racing weren't an issue. She was good, and she always showed it. Even if she lost, despite getting a little angry, she had fun. She always did.
No, the issue was Daisy, herself.
She hadn't always been Daisy. For most of her childhood and teen years, she had a different name, with a different body. Both of which she hated.
Prince Derek of Sarasaland. Even as a child, the name and title 'Prince' made her uncomfortable. She hadn't understood at first. Being boy, being Derek... it was who she was. Mommy and Daddy always called her by that name, their precious little boy, their perfect little prince.
And she tried to be that perfect prince. It made Mommy mad if she... well, a lot of things really. Mommy got mad a lot. Daddy did his best to curb that anger, but over the years, he got tired. So perfect, precious boy she would be. It didn't matter if she wasn't always smiling for real. Mommy was happy.
Peach was pretty, even as a kid. Pretty Peachy. Daisy wanted to be pretty too. She didn't understand why that wasn't okay with Mommy and Daddy. 'Boys aren't pretty. They don't wear make-up or heels or dresses.'
And Daisy, although confused, accepted. She was just a little boy, what did she know? Mommy and Daddy were always right. Right?
And yet, a simple play date change everything for her little seven year old self. Peach wanted to play 'Fashion Show.' They all took turns dressing in fun outfits, giggling and having fun. And Daisy, wanting to look pretty like the other girls, put on one of Peach's dresses.
In that moment, everything felt right for her little self. As her cousin told her she made a pretty princess, her little heart filled with pure joy. She didn't want to be Prince Derek. She was a princess now! Princess Daisy of Sarasaland! And she was pretty.
She was excited when Toadsworth took her home. She couldn't wait to tell Mommy and Daddy about her revelation. She was Princess Daisy, pretty and good at Little Shroom League and racing Peach in their little toy karts. She could join the girls' teams now! They'd be so happy, just like her!
SLAP!
Daisy cried, as a child does. Her cheek burned with pain, and her teeth hurt now. She continued to cry as Mommy yelled at her, hand red and still raised. She wasn't a girl! She was a boy named Derek! She wasn't going to wear dresses or play on the girls' team! She wouldn't see Peach ever again after this either!
Mommy said some more things, things Daisy didn't understand, but she knew they were bad words. She ran to her room as Mommy and Daddy started fighting. She locked her door, hid under her covers and cried into her Gao plushies. She cried her little heart out.
Why was Mommy mad? Why did she hit her? What had she done wrong? Why couldn't she be Princess Daisy? She could still wear T-shirts and shorts, and those uncomfortable stupid suits. Why couldn't she have a few dresses to wear as well?
She didn't feel pretty anymore.
Time went on. Daisy didn't wear a dress ever after that. She could still play with Peach, as long as Toadsworth and Toadette made sure she still stayed dressed 'like a fucking boy!'. Daisy didn't know what that f word meant, but Mommy said it so madly, so it was a bad word. There were a few other words, words that she didn't understand even more, but they sounded mean.
She did everything she could to make sure Mommy wouldn't say mean things. She'd be Mommy's precious boy again. The perfect Prince Derek. It kept Mommy happy. Daddy told Mommy it was a one time thing, a little childish 'phase' whatever a 'phase' was. He stopped Mommy from hurting her anymore, so she would be the boy they loved, and be happy.
But, she wasn't happy. She tried to be. She smiled, and laughed, and did the happy things. And while she had happy moments, she wasn't happy. She wasn't happy in her clothes. Mommy made sure she wore 'boy clothes.' She did this by getting rid of anything yellow or orange, her favorite colors. She got rid of some of her 'girly' toys and plushies. She got rid of anything with flowers.
Because boys didn't like yellow and orange, or girl toys, or flowers. And Daisy... Derek was a boy.
Daisy cried alone at night. She didn't cry in front of Mommy anymore. Or Daddy. He let Mommy get rid of her things, like her flower blanket and her doll she got from Peach at Christmas, and her yellow shirts and her orange pants.
At the tender age of ten, Daisy had the first of what she would eventually find out was called a mental breakdown. She was playing Pipes and Platforms at Peach's castle. She couldn't focus. She had been forced to hear that name over and over for three long years after the last time.
Derek this, Derek that. Derek, Derek, Derek! And when Peach, sweet little Peachy, obeying her auntie's rules, said it to get her attention, Daisy lost it.
She screamed, tossing the game board upside down. The pieces and dice went flying as she stood up, little fists clench in all the anger her small body could hold, face redder than Mario's little hat.
"Don't call me that! Es estùpido! I hate that stupid name! I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!" She screamed, to angry to care that Peach was shaking and on the verge of crying.
"I hate that stupid name! And I hate these stupid shoes!" She kicked her sneakers off, the shoes hitting the wall. She pulled off her grey shirt as well, throwing it to the shoes. "And I hate that stupid shirt! And I hate my stupid hair, and my stupid boy area! And I hate my stupid parents!"
She collapsed on the floor, curling up into a ball, sobbing. Peach held her as she cried her little heart out. She wanted to wear nicer clothes, she wanted to wear dresses and play with dolls and have yellow and orange in her closest again. She wanted long, flowey hair and flowers blankets and pillows.
After she calmed down, she looked at Peach. "I'm sorry I yelled, Peachy. I'm just tired."
"It's okay, Daisy." Peach said with a smile. "We'll figure out a way for you to have all that."
Daisy smiled.
They started small. Toadette and Toadsworth understood how Daisy felt and what she wanted. What her parents didn't wouldn't hurt them. They took her and Peach to Coconut Mall, and let Daisy pick out some things. She bot a pair of girls shoes, a larger size a girl her age would usually get to fit comfortably. They were white with flowers down the sides, and Daisy loved them.
They got her some yellow shirts, and and and orange pajama set with matching slippers. They got her a brand new doll, and dresses. They even got her a yellow flower hair clip. She loved it all.
She only wore those clothes and dresses when visiting Peach. Peach held onto everything for her when she had to go home.
Puberty was hell for Daisy. She had acne, like Peach, and growth spurts, like Peach. She was growing hair on her body, under her arms, and around her privates, like Peach. But Peach had other things.
Peach's chest was developing, and showed well around 14. She was experiencing mood swings. Her hips were shaping. Her voice was smoother. She was getting periods, that of which Daisy wasn't too envious of. But, everything else.
Daisy's hair was coming in a bit thicker. Her voice was cracking. She was developing a bit more muscle than Peach. And her... least favorite body part was having growth as well.
It was hard to feel pretty when your voice was cracking every third word, and your under arms could rival a Kong, and your little member wanted to join nearly every situation. She would wake up some mornings, and it would already 'rising and shining'.
Other feelings that puberty brought were hell too. Erotic dreams were normal for everyone, especially developing teens. Dealing with the results was not fun, for Daisy, at least. She didn't like 'feeling' that part of herself when her body got 'tense'. Peach, being the wonderful cousin that she is, recommended using a pillow, and to wear her boxers while 'de-stressing' with it, since Daisy didn't much like seeing herself bare.
The Mario brothers helped out as much as they could, helping her pick out products for male skin care, acne care, and shaving stuff to help keep the body hair to a minimum. And cold showers. Plenty of cold showers. Or, take a cold bath.
Daisy did just that. And her 'de-stressing' never lasted long. She wanted to get those moments over with as quickly as possible. But she needed more than help with masturbation, or shaving. She wanted to look pretty. She needed to feel pretty.
Peach helped with that too. She helped Daisy learn to tuck safely and comfortably. She helped Daisy buy bras, and stuff them to make a chest size Daisy was happy with. She helped Daisy get more dresses and heels. They did their nails and make-up together, and Daisy loved how she looked in the mirror.
She had to keep being Derek at home, which was still stressful, and painful. She didn't like looking in the mirrors in the castle. She couldn't stand her own fucking body. It looked wrong. It felt wrong.
Having to keep up her charade was so stressful, she started acting out. Causing trouble, sneaking out at night to drive her kart at impossible speeds on the streets, not the courses. She fought with her parents, yelling at her dad, and having screaming matches with her mom, devolving from English to Spanish, which was much more creative yelling.
All she did was fight with her mom. And she suffered physical consequences for it. Her mother's favorite form of punishment was her chancla. It could leave some bad marks. Daisy would let Peach see her back to try and treat the pain. It made Daisy hate her body more.
Hate herself more.
16. That was the age when everything came to a head.
Daisy was feeling better. She spent as much time in the Mushroom Kingdom as possible, wearing dresses and clothing suited more towards woman. She wore pretty shoes and heel and lacy white gloves.
She'd let her hair grow out a bit longer, just a little. She felt good. She felt pretty. No, not pretty. Beautiful.
She took one dress home, once set of heels. She kept them in her closet, hidden so well. Her parents learned to stay out her room after she threw a massive fit about privacy. Still, she'd lock her door when dressing up.
One particular day, she brought home a long haired wig. It about her hair color, and as long as Peach's. She put on her bra, stuffing it, and put on her orange dress, and black heels.
She stood in front of the full length mirror, and nearly cried. She loved how she looked. Long hair, a beautiful dress that showed off her chest, and cute little heels.
She twirled in front of mirror, playing with the hair of the wig, smiling and laughing, a few joyful tears coming to her eyes. She was beautiful.
Then her mother barged in, probably to see why she was so happy. The door wasn't locked. A huge mistake. There was screaming, so much screaming. Her mother yelled at her, cussed in English and Spanish, insulted her appearance, and said some rather vulgar slurs starting with f, and other things Daisy felt hurt by.
She tried to hit Daisy, but Daisy was ready. She grabbed her mother's hand, and yelled with as much anger she could spew.
Her mother then told to get out. She didn't want a disgraceful, drag show f-slur in her castle. She looked to her father, pleading for support. He said she should stay with her cousin for the time being. So, Daisy left.
There was crying, much crying as Daisy began living in Peach's castle. She never thought her own parents could... could hate her so much. She felt awful. She felt sick and ugly, and went to sleep wishing for a different body. Or, to not wake up at all.
Things got better over the years. Daisy saw medical Toad experts, and they got her on these new mushrooms. Over time, they gave her the body she wanted.
She got curves, and breasts, smaller than Peach's but still hers. Her hair got longer and curly, though she cut it to shoulder length, liking that better. Her features became more round, feminine. She got the female intimate regions, and her periods, and even though they fucking sucked, she loved every minute of it. Well, except having to actually deal with the period. Fuck that shit.
She felt happy, truly happy. And so beautiful.
Still, dark moments clouded her sunshine. She had the body she wanted. Her name was legally Daisy. And yet...there was still pain. She couldn't shake the shadow over her, her past. Growing up in a body she hated, forced to hide who she was, pretending to be someone she wasn't. Being forced out of her home.
She wanted to be comfortable in her body. She wanted to feel beautiful.
Was that too much to ask?
She saw how happy Peach and Mario were. She wanted that too. And she tried, with Luigi. He always told her how pretty she was, and she knew he meant it. Everyone meant it. But, she didn't always believe it.
Everyone thought they'd be cute together, and on the outside, they were. But, the public eye didn't know the truth. The relationship never felt right.
Their first kiss felt.. empty. That was the first sign. Still, they tried, so much, for years. Peach and Mario tried to help, and gently encourage taking things to the next level. And, desperate to feel whatever they were supposed to feel, they tried.
They didn't get far. Privacy in Luigi's room. Removed shirts, Daisy still in her bra. Awkward, short make out attempts. She tried to place her hand on his bulge, which wasn't exactly excited to see her, but she pulled her hand away. Luigi reached for her bra with a shaky hand, then pulled away. They just couldn't do it.
They came out to each other then, and then laughed, the tension fading away. They put their shirts back on and watched movies the rest of the night. When they told Mario and Peach the next day, they were met with much love and support.
Daisy never really dated after that. She tried a few times, but nothing felt right. She focused on her royal duties after her parents suddenly passed(she really didn't know how to feel about that.). She focused on racing and sports. Luigi eventually found love, with Bowser.
The Koopa King had worked hard to redeem himself after years of being enemies with the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario wasn't happy at first, but accepted it eventually. Luigi was happy, and that was all that mattered.
He talked with Daisy a lot about his relationship. Bowser made him happy, made him feel safe, and handsome and loved, in a way no one ever had. And Daisy was happy for him.
Maybe she could have that one day.
Pauline was a special woman. She was tall, and beautiful. She was bright, and smart, and funny. She was perfect. And Daisy wondered what the lovely Mayor saw in her.
They met officially at a tennis match. Pauline was amazing at the game, and she almost beat Daisy. After her usual victory dance, Daisy complimented Pauline on her skill. Pauline did the same, and they hit it off from there.
They bonded over sports and racing, and music, and stress from being in a ruling position. They played tennis, and raced around the circuits, and went shopping and ate lunches together. Daisy came out as trans to her, and Pauline was just as accepting as Peach had been.
Eventually, Daisy asked Pauline to be her girlfriend. And she, to Daisy's surprise, said yes. She'd been so afraid her feelings were on sided. But, Pauline felt the same. She liked her. She wanted her.
Being with Pauline made Daisy so happy. She enjoyed every moment together. She felt more confident, more secure.
But, sometimes, she wasn't so secure. It wasn't Pauline's fault, never. Daisy would never blame someone else for her insecurities(accept her parents for very valid reasons.). But, sometimes, she looked at Pauline, and felt like... she couldn't measure up, as a woman, or a partner, or even a person.
Daisy got support from her friends, and Pauline. Sweet Pauline. She got Daisy a good therapist in New Donk City, and Daisy was making good progress. She had bad days still, but she was feeling better than she had in years.
Daisy was very nervous. Tonight was going to be a special night. Tonight was going to be her and Pauline's first time, intimately. She made a nice dinner for the two of them to have in Pauline's apartment. After Pauline got back from city hall, they'd have dinner, with a little wine, a Mushroom Kingdom specialty Peach gave her.
Then they would go to the bedroom and get a little more... comfortable.
Despite her nerves, Daisy was very excited. She and Pauline had talked about this a few times. Pauline was ever so patient, and assured Daisy that they didn't have to do anything until Daisy was comfortable. They didn't have to do anything, if that was Daisy's wish.
But Daisy wanted to, more than anything. She was in a better place, mentally. She was feeling better about her body, so much better. And she was with the love of her life. She couldn't be more ready. Well, maybe she could. But she was confident about this.
They ate dinner by candlelight. Pauline complimented Daisy's cooking, which always made Daisy smile. Peach was good at making cakes and pies and other pastries. Daisy was better at cooking things. Pauline was much of a cook, so that gave Daisy plenty of opportunities to make her delicious food.
"This is absolutely delicious, Daisy." Pauline said with a content sigh, sipping her wine.
Daisy smiled. "You say that about everything I make."
"Because everything you make is delicious"
"I'm glad you think so." Daisy sipped her wine, then took Pauline's hands. "Pauline, ever since we started dating, I've been so happy, more so than words can express. You make me feel so.. so... I can't imagine my life without you now."
Pauline smiled. "Oh, Daisy.. you're so sweet. You're sweet and talented, and so many other things. I didn't know it was possible to be this happy."
Daisy smiled, and started tracing hearts onto Pauline's hands with her thumbs. "I've been thinking about... you know, what we talked about?"
"Taking things... further?" Pauline guessed.
Daisy nodded. "Yes. I think... I'm ready, to do more."
"Ah. Is that why you planned this extra romantic dinner?"
"Yes."
"Daisy, I'll be honest, the idea of us being together like that is... enticing." Pauline's face was turning red. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about it. But, are you sure you're ready? Sex is a big step in a relationship, and you've never had that..."
"I know, Pauline. And, a couple years ago, I probably wouldn't be so eager. But, I think... no, I know I'm ready. I love you, so much, and I want this special experience with you."
Pauline smiled. "How could I resist such a convincing argument?" She asked playfully, leaning over the table to kiss Daisy. "Let's take this to my room then, shall we?"
Daisy shivered with excitement.
After getting to the bedroom, Daisy went into the bathroom to change. She'd hidden 'special' outfit in the bathroom closet: lingerie. Daisy had taking a liking to lingerie in her late teen years, and occasionally bought new outfits to wear, mainly because she liked how she looked in them.
This outfit was yellow and lacy, with a flower pattern. It had the bra, with the flowers designed tastefully covering her breasts, a lacy, flower pattered band around her stomach, which had two straps that held up the thin straps around her thighs. The underwear was normal fabric, with the lace and flowers along her upper crotch, and her rear.
She opened the bathroom door, leaning against the frame, letting Pauline take her in. The woman in question stared at Daisy, eyes wide and mouth slightly open as she looked out the flower princess. They'd seen each other in bikinis, but the lingerie added an element of... desire.
Pauline rested on the soft sheet of her king sized bed, wearing a black bra with lace trim, and a red thong. Knee high purple stockings covered her legs. The whole 'outfit' showed off the Mayor's features in a tasteful, yet seductive way. She looked so beautiful.
Daisy moved to the bed, crawling over to Pauline in a slight daze. Their lips met as Pauline pulled her close. Sweet, soft kisses became more passionate as their tongues found each other, pushing against each other in an intimate battle.
Daisy wondered why she had worried. This felt amazing! Pauline's lips were fuller than her own, soft yet firm as they made out. Her tongue tasted of dressing and wine, and Daisy moaned a little as she indulged in her girlfriend's mouth.
She gingerly ran her hand along Pauline's side, moving to her rear, and giving it a gentle squeeze. Pauline moaned into her mouth, the vibration stimulating. Pauline moved from her lips to her neck, kissing softy. Daisy's breath hitched. Her chest tightened, and her stomach felt heavy.
Was that a normal thing to feel in this situation?
'Relajarse... breathe...'
Pauline's hand ran along her side, tracing the edges of her lingerie. Daisy felt her sides tense a little, and firmly shut her eyes. She bit her lip. Her stomach was definitely doing little flips, and her chest was still tight. This... this didn't feel right.
Pauline's touches and kissed on her skin made her shiver, but not in a way Daisy could call pleasant anymore. Her heart was racing, yes, but... not in a good way. She swallowed, trying to push this strange feeling down, trying to steady her breathing. Surely it was just nerves?
'I'm fine. I'm fine..'
She felt Pauline's fingers slide up her back, running over the faint scarring from her mother's wrath, up to her bra clasp. Daisy's body tensed up, and it felt like she couldn't breath. She could hear her heart beating, pounding in her ears as she felt herself shaking.
This wasn't okay anymore. She wasn't okay anymore.
Daisy pressed her hands against Pauline's chest, and push her away, barely hearing the squeak she let out. She stumbled off the bed, and rushed to the bathroom. She slammed the door shut, pressing her back against it as her breathing came out harsh and ragged. Her whole body trembled.
She slid to the floor, ignoring the cold she felt on her rear. She hugged her knees to her chest, burying her face in her arms. She cried, sobbing into her arms. Her chest hurt with each sob, her eyes stung as the tears flowed, mixing with snot onto her skin.
She heard Pauline knocking on the door, panic in the other woman's voice.
"Daisy? What's wrong? Did I go to far? I'm sorry!"
Daisy gripped her head as Pauline continued apologizing. "It's not you!" She screamed, voice filled with mixed emotions. "It's me! It's always fucking me! Something's wrong with me!"
"Daisy, there's nothing wrong with you. You're wonderful. It's okay if you're not ready for this. We can just cuddle. I can put on a show, or a movie. I can read to you. We don't-"
"You don't fucking get it!" Daisy yelled, standing up and yanking the door open.
Pauline stammered. "Daisy, I.. I'm trying to-"
"It doesn't matter!" Daisy interrupted. "You don't understand!"
"Then help me understand!" Pauline pleaded.
"I can't!" Daisy cried. Her shoulders slumped, her body shaking. "I can't... because I don't understand either.
Daisy turned away from Pauline, hugging herself. "I don't understand what's wrong with me. Why I keep having these issues."
She hear Pauline step into the bathroom with her. "Daisy, you've been through a lot. Your childhood.. the.." Pauline paused briefly. "The abuse. And, embracing your sexuality, and transitioning. It's a lot for one person to go through. It's okay to have moments where you aren't okay. You can talk with your therapist about-"
"I know!" Daisy said. "I know what I've had to go through. I know I can talk with my therapist. But it's not enough! I'm not enough. Soy tan estùpida..."
Daisy felt tears prick at her eyes. She wasn't enough. She wasn't worthy of her life, or her friends. Or Pauline.
"Daisy, you are enough. You've always been enough."
"No, I'm not! I have everything I want.. My kingdom, my body, my friends... you. And it makes me happy. But.. I.. I want so badly to share something special with you. To let you see me, really see me. But when I think of showing you my body, the body I worked so hard to get, the body I love and feel comfortable in... I want to die."
Daisy leaned on the counter, looking into the sink basin. "You're so perfect, so amazing, so fucking beautiful. And I'm not."
Daisy closed her eyes, shaking as she started to cry again. She felt horrible. She felt humiliated. She felt-
A hand rested on her shoulder. "I'm not perfect, Daisy."
She felt Pauline's hand on her chin, and her head was turned up to look at the taller woman. Pauline looked at her with soft but determined eyes.
"No one is perfect. But you are enough. You are the most inspiring person I've ever met. I love how passionate you are about sports, and racing, and your amazing cooking. I love that you care, care with every part you, even if it gets a little to much for you sometimes. I love everything about you. I love you."
Daisy went to speak, but Pauline gently shushed her. "You've been through so much, more than anyone should suffer. You're a mess, but you're so damn strong. It's the most beautiful things in the world that people want to break."
Pauline pulled her closer, her soft, warm skin bringing comfort to Daisy. "And you are beautiful, I'm afraid. My love, I hope you trust me when I say, you have a perfect body."
Daisy leaned against Pauline. "I'll try."
Pauline grabbed some tissues, and wiped Daisy's eyes and nose. "That's all I ask. Now, let's lay down, and I'll hold you, and stroke your pretty hair, and tell you how much I love you."
"I love you too, Pauline."
Pauline held Daisy close as they lay in bed. She stroked the princess's hair, and hummed to her. Daisy snuggled close to her, smiling. Maybe she could believe she was beautiful.
She took Pauline's word to heart. It was hard some days, but Pauline made it easier. And when she was ready, she happily showed Pauline her perfect body.
Pauline was patient, and gentle with her, making sure every kiss, every touch, was comfortable for Daisy. Daisy eased herself into it. Each kiss, each touch along her chest and abdomen, her thighs, against and into her intimate spots, was heaven. Each soft whisper of loving words from Pauline made her sigh and gasp softly, trembling with love and joy.
"You're so beautiful, Daisy. Mi amor." Pauline whispered lovingly in her ear.
And Daisy believed her.
She was beautiful.
A/N: This chapter was difficult to write. I got emotional while working on it. But, I'm proud of how it turned out. Body issues can be a real bitch. The title of this chapter was inspire by 'Ugly' by Nicole Dollanganger. One of the things Pauline says to Daisy is a line from the song. I also apologize if the Spanish is bad. I love the fan work where Daisy, and Sarasaland, are Hispanic inspired, and wanted to include that. See you all next time. Chapters for this collection will be posted as I get inspiration. If you have any prompts, feel free to suggest them!