Author's Note: Sorry I'm posting a lot today. I had stories on backlog to publish on this site! Some were originally posted only on A03 because I thought this site was dying. I'm glad the views are back up! This story however is new. It is connected to Vassal Princess and takes place after the main events.
Domestic Bliss
"Your Awesomeness…. and Your Gentleness! Welcome to Lava Lake Daycare!"
Bowser folds his arms, regarding the center's nurse with a stern glare. On both sides of the hallway, they're standing in, lava slowly flows down the walls providing illumination. Peach clings to Bowser's forearm, making sure to keep distance with the walls. Bowser briefly glances at her before turning his attention back to Nurse Koopa.
"Refer to us as Mr. and Mrs. Koopa," he orders.
Nurse Koopa raises her head, a look of confusion in her eyes. She hesitates before asking for clarification. "Huh?"
"You have corks in your ears!? Just for today we are Mr. and Mrs."
The nurse glances at Peach and the queen shrugs. Deciding to play along, the nurse bows and motions toward the door. "Well, Mr. and Mrs. Koopa follow me. I will explain everything in my office."
The Koopa King places a hand on Peach's back. She flashes him a worried grimace. To reassure her, Bowser rubs her back gently. It was meant to assure her that whatever was waiting for them was not impossible to face. Comforted, Peach strides ahead and he follows.
Bowser loves being King of the Koopas. Sure, it was a busy life with the constant pressure of being tough and formidable. But the rewards were immeasurable. His people are thriving, he's the center of attention, and he can do whatever he wants. Well almost anything he wants. However, Bowser had always secretly longed to spend a day as a normal guy. The reason? To do mundane activities - like mowing the grass. Bowser would visualize himself getting up early in the morning. He'd work while blasting rock music, pausing to wave at his neighbor also cutting their lawn. Peach would peep out of their home, yelling at him about the noise. And he'd blow a kiss at her. But there isn't much grass in the Darklands…. which means Bowser can't do this activity. He couldn't do chores when he was in the mood, as his army of servants would manage them. Bowser had to fight them to do his own repairs on his clown car. He's a 'hands-on' kind of guy and the reason he is always at the frontlines of battle.
Another problem for him is time. When single he desired to hang out with his kids, but duty often called him away. Despite his wish for grand things, Bowser just wanted to be with his family. Getting them to smile for him and enjoying life with them. But being king, he just didn't have the time.
But after starting a relationship with Peach, he has been making the time to take breaks from royal duties. Her way of ruling had been an inspiration for him. Peach's kingdom is more laidback compared to the Darklands. The toads are not in a rush to do things; there is no pressure to be superior. (Bowser still doesn't like the residents' tendency to visit unannounced though.)
Queen Peach often sent her retainers away so she could bake and cook for herself. After their marriage, Peach would recruit Bowser to help with her errands. They'd go on shopping trips and even clean together. And when his councilmen came looking for him, Peach shooed them off. Nowadays, Bowser often runs to Mushroom Kingdom when he wants to escape. A place where he can pause being a king, and instead be a father and husband. But today the royal couple received a call: it was about their youngest daughter, Apricot. Though Peach was nervous, Bowser was giddy. Today, he gets to do 'dad stuff' with Peach in the Darklands. This is one job the servants can't take care of for him. He won't allow it.
Bowser and Peach enter the nurse's office and find Apricot, along with five crying koopa toddlers waiting for them. Apricot's shoulders droop, her brown eyes large and round, when she sees her parents. In all his years of experience, her apologetic look gives Bowser an idea of what has happened. But he waits for an explanation from the nurse.
Peach is the first to speak, "Apricot what happened?"
The little girl pulls at her hair bows. "I hit them," she admits.
Bowser covers his mouth to hide a smirk while Peach gasps.
"Why!?"
Now Apricot points at the kids, attempting to defend her actions. "They were mean to my friends!"
On hearing this, the small koopalings run towards Bowser, crying, and sobbing. Bowser folds his arms and bows his head to listen to their complaints.
"King Koopa! Apricot is mean!"
"She hit me!"
"She took my cookies!"
Bowser shakes his head. "That's what you get for playing with fire! Accept your loss and grow from it."
Those words would have been rude if said to toddlers from another world. But the koopalings are not offended. Fat tears stream down the children's faces as they gratefully nod at their king. "Yes Sir!"
"We'll win next time!"
"I love you, King Koopa!"
Bowser releases a chuckle and wiggle his eyebrows at Peach. She shakes her head and extends her arms to the children. They immediately rush into her arms and Bowser playfully rolls his eyes. The koopas know and expect him to be tough with them. But when they want sympathy, they go to Peach. With a sigh, Peach wipes the toddlers' runny noses using a handkerchief. "We need to address this bullying problem. But you said Apricot stole cookies?"
The nurse averts eye contact with Peach, adjusting her cap. "Apologies, Mrs. Koopa. Yes, she did. She forced them to give over a percentage of their snakes. She then distributed half of the snacks to the ones bullied, to reimburse them for their losses. Then she keeps the rest as payment. Princess Apricot was practically running a protection scheme on the playground. Even the older kids feared her."
Bowser bursts out laughing and then covers his mouth. Peach glares daggers at him while tapping her foot. Clearing his throat, Bowser approaches Apricot. "Look, why didn't you go to your teacher, to report the bullying?"
Apricot looks down and mutters, "She was there! She said only the strong survive!"
"Oh…I see. She has a point."
The nurse and the toddlers all nod in agreement. Exasperated with all of them, Peach must take a seat. Noticing her reaction, the nurse scratches the back of her head. "Don't worry my queen… I mean Mrs. Koopa. The owner of this establishment will address this problem."
Bowser grunts and picks up Apricot. Peach places a hand on Apricot's cheek. The child lowers her eyes in shame.
"I'm sorry Mama…"
"You had good intentions darling. That was just the wrong way to manage it. On the other hand, adults must take charge of protecting all of you. But I'm glad your friends are safe."
She kisses Apricot's forehead and the kid wipes the kiss away, giggling. A warm smile covers Bowser's face as Peach teases Apricot. One of his favorite things to do is watch her interact with their kids. After Peach gently pinches their daughter's nose, the parents share a loving gaze. In his head, Bowser is already planning the day with them. But the moment is interrupted by a koopa troopa running in to report a pirate attack. Bowser roars in frustration and kisses his girls goodbye to go oversee the battle.
The next day, Bowser returns from his campaign to his castle. Waiting for him at the gates is Junior and Apricot. Seeing his youngest children makes him forget about yesterday's events.
Apricot greets her father by climbing his shell. He laughs, "Apricot! I thought you were going back with your mother to Mushroom Kingdom."
Bowser then bends to rustle Junior's mane.
"Mama decided to stay and wait for you, Papa."
A mischievous smile appears on Bowser's face. "Is that so? Peach just can't stay away from me, can she?"
"Oh Papa," Junior sighs and reaches out for his sister, "And this little rascal needed me to guard her last night."
Apricot leaps off Bowser and into Junior's arms. Bowser's expression darkens at hearing Junior's words. "You were scared again, Darling?" he asks the toddler.
"Monster..." Apricot wraps her arms around Junior's neck.
Bowser frowns but he rubs Apricot's head. "Your big brother protected you by checking under your bed?"
"He is the best!"
The king grins and gazes at Junior with pride. "Yes, he is."
Junior's eyes suddenly narrowed. "So, there were bullies picking on her huh?"
Bowser crosses his arms. "Don't you start Junior! It has been taken care of. And your mom will bounce around like an angry leaping frog if you…!"
A soft voice interrupts them, beckoning them to come inside. Bowser closes his eyes, now full of joy.
"This is the life!" he declares.
After breakfast, Junior leaves for his tutoring. Peach asks Bowser to take her and Apricot for a ride into the nearby Soot City.
"You don't have any duties today do you?"
Bowser snorts, "At the moment no. Everything is canceled today."
He decides to drive them into town in his muscle car. As they depart, Bowser can see his fuming councilmen in the upper towers waving tax documents. Bower sticks his tongue out and drives away.
The ride to Soot City is about thirty minutes. Compared to Neo Bowser City, it is much smaller and has old architecture. But there are many popular historical attractions and restaurants in Soot City. Most of the locals here do not use cars, instead opting to walk along the cobblestone roads.
One arm resting on Peach's chair, Bowser cruises through the street. Every so often, he flashes a smile at his gawking citizens and street vendors. Seeing the steaming steaks, hot dogs, and crepes makes Bowser's stomach growl.
"So, you wanted to eat out?" he asks Peach. "They have this awesome pizza place that just opened up on Shy Guy Avenue."
Peach shakes her head "Later, but I wanted to stop at a pet store."
Bowser looks at her quizzically as he halts at a stop sign. (Legally he doesn't have to stop but today he will be a responsible citizen.)
Tucking her hair behind her ear, Peach turns to look at Apricot. "She has been getting into trouble a lot. I'm worried…A pet would be a wonderful way for Apricot to learn restraint and responsibility."
Bowser lifts an eyebrow and mumbles, "Is that so?"
Peach's expression becomes serious. It is the one when she is putting her foot down. He loves it.
"Only one pet, Bowser. And I'm paying."
"Oh man…"
Upon hearing her mother's words, Apricot began jumping up and down. "I'm getting a pet!?"
She began sprouting all sorts of trivial things as they drove. Earlier, the koopalings had given Apricot a bunch of children encyclopedias and she read all of them. Just mention anything animal related and she will spend hours talking. Apricot's endless chattering and questions has Peach looking for the closest pet shop. But Bowser smiles through the whole ride, though his ears are burning. All part of being a normal dad.
In time, Bowser spots a shop named 'Rapid Killer Pets,' built near a grocery store. Peach frantically begs for another shop as Bowser pulls into the parking lot.
"Come on, Peach. It's just a name to make the store sound tough," he laughs.
Some citizens stop, stunned to see the king and queen in their neighborhood. Ignoring them, Bowser parks and helps Apricot out of the car. He sticks his tongue out at her and she playfully hits his snout. As the two play around, Peach fiddles with her purse. Peach frowns, realizing Bowser had switched her wallet with his.
"When did you…!?"
She sighs and then gazes wistfully at her husband. "Never mind…This will be Apricot's first pet, Teddy Bear!" Peach quietly announces.
Bowser beams, "Junior never had an interest in having one. All he wanted was art supplies and machines to ticker with." He pauses for Apricot's reaction. As expected, she eagerly looks around trying to see if Junior is nearby.
"He is at school, remember?"
"Awww…"
Tucking Apricot in one arm, Bowser follows Peach. Before they enter the building Peach grabs a shopping cart. "Did your nephews and niece ever have one?"
A quiet chuckle escapes Bowser's lips as he sits Apricot in the child seat. "They had a dog but Iggy experimented on it. It is now 'The Hairy Beast' that wanders in Death Valley. They pay it a visit from time to time to give it presents. Sweet dog."
Peach pushes the cart into the store, now grimacing. "Iggy is not allowed to be alone with the pet then."
"Gwa ha ha!"
Waiting inside, near the entrance of Rapid Killer Pets, is the store manager.
"Your Highnesses! We are honored to have you at our establishment. Out of all rivals you have chosen to grace us with your presence!"
Bowser looks around, disinterested in the groveling. "We won't be long. Just looking for a pet for Apricot."
The manager adjusts his tie and grins at the princess. "Well then, I'm happy to be of service!"
Taking it upon himself to help them, the manager walks them around, showing them all the animals. He starts with the dogs, who have a special enclosure filled with beds and toys. Puppies are playing and chasing each other. Apricot leads over to watch them play, her eyes sparkling.
"Remember, Apricot. You can choose only one." Peach reminds her. Apricot sticks her lip out pouting, but she then returns to staring at the puppies.
The manager clears his throat, "All our pets receive the best care. I think a dog would be a great companion for the princess."
Bowser interjects, "Apricot. Just call her Apricot today."
The store manager tilts his head. "Umm okay…"
Peach turns towards Bowser and he winks at her.
"Bowser, what is with you dropping titles lately? It doesn't bother me but I'm confused."
"I'm not a king today! I'm in regular dad mode. I want full parent immersion."
The manager eyes Peach with a confused look. Peach fiddles with her purse. "You are really odd."
"You married me so you're odd by association."
"Bowser!"
Having successfully ruffled Peach's nerves, Bowser bends to eye level with Apricot. "Well, Potato, what do you think?"
Apricot opens her mouth then shuts it. He can tell she's having a tough time deciding. Looking to help, Peach steps into the enclosure. Drawn by her charming voice, the puppies gather around. Peach takes the time to pet them.
"Watch out Peach, they may eat you alive," Bowser teases. Despite his jesting he is enjoying the adorable sight.
Peach rolls her eyes and ignores his taunts. But a particular white fluffy pup catches her eye. The queen gently scoops it up and leaves the enclosure to show Apricot. The toddler gasps and runs her hands through its soft fur.
"Wow!"
Peach hugs the puppy and wraps her free arm around Apricot. "This one is adorable! Would you like this one?"
Apricot's lip pokes out as she ponders. Then she responds, "No Mama!"
Peach makes eye contact with Bowser who is too busy admiring her. Realizing she is alert to his staring; he straightens up and shrugs. Giggling Peach puts the puppy back and they follow the manager. He then presents kittens, parrots, and hamsters to Apricot. And she plays with all of them. But she doesn't want any for a pet.
"This is not a petting zone, dear! You gotta pick one!" Bowser complains.
The manager nervously fiddles with his fingers hoping the king does not rage. "Is the princess… I mean Apricot is not pleased with our selection!?"
Peach assures him. "She loves all your pets. Apricot is just meticulous."
"We could just buy the whole store," Bowser mumbles. Peach gently pulls him out of earshot of the manager. She pokes his snout while Bowser stares at her dreamily.
"We agreed to have one pet, my love. And buying the store is what kings do. So, unless you want to break character, we are getting one pet."
Bowser lifts an eyebrow and leans down to her ear to whisper, "Still fiery…,"
Peach blushes at him madly and he chuckles. Mischievously, he kisses her hand and places it against his cheek. "And you are right…"
Tearing his eyes off her, Bowser calls out to the manager. "Is this all you have?"
The manager rubs his chin, now deep in thought. "Maybe your daughter would like a fish?"
That doesn't sound exciting at all to Bowser. "You can't do anything with them except watch them," he whines.
Shaking his head, the manager counters, "I have an aquarium at home, Your Greatness. And I love my fish, each has their own personality! Come on, let me show you our fine selection. Fish from the Darklands are hardy and strong." The manager takes Apricot out of the shopping cart to escort her. Peach pushes the buggy while Bowser reluctantly follows.
The back of the shop has a wall full of aquamarines with a variety of fish native to the Darklands. There are several variations of colorful cheep-cheeps. The manager slowly walks down the aisle, showing Apricot the different creatures. Bowser lags behind the others, now bored. But he spots something out the corner of his eye, in an isolated tank. Against his better judgment he investigates.
Before Bowser was a blue cheep-cheep with bulging googly eyes, thick eyebrows, and outrageously large lips. It was the ugliest cheep-cheep he had ever seen. Bowser marches up to the tank, flabbergasted that this monstrosity has the audacity to live in his kingdom.
"Son of a biscuit! It has hair stubble coming out of its chin!" he shouts.
The ugly cheep-cheep rises out of its tank to spray water into Bowser's face. Bowser's angry shouts attract Peach, the manager, and Apricot over. On seeing the fish, Peach gasps in horror.
"Bowser! What is that!?" she cries out.
The fish makes noises like someone is strangling it, as it continues to spray Bowser. While Peach gaps at the fish and the manager begs for forgiveness, Apricot's eyes sparkle. She reaches out to the fish. It stops assaulting the king and smiles at her.
It is love. Apricot hugs her father's ankle and shouts, "Papa! I want this one!"
His red soaked mane now covering his eyes, Bowser sighs. "Of course, she wants this one."
The manager locks eyes on the fish. "T-this one…. I can't recommend him! He is creepy and has been to jail!"
Bowser flips his hair out his eyes, "Jail!?"
"Pet jail. Don't worry he was released on good behavior."
"So, he's been redeemed?" Apricot asks.
"Ummm…. yeah, I guess so… He just looks weird. But are you sure princess… I mean Apricot!?"
Apricot begs Bowser. "He is lonely! Please Papa!"
Bowser doesn't have the heart to say no, so he looks towards Peach. Catching his silent plea, Peach bends to talk to Apricot. "Apricot, they had all those cute puppies and kittens! Don't you want one of them!?"
Apricot shakes her head with sincerity. "He smiled at me! We are destined!"
Bowser rolls his eyes. "Please don't put it like that, Potato!"
From the look on Peach's face, Bowser knows she is giving in. So, he sighs, "Okay, the objective is to teach you responsibility. You can have the ugly fish but you better take care of him!"
Apricot jumps up and down in joy. Suddenly the fish leaps out the tank. It lands in Apricot's arms as Bowser jumps.
The manager laughs, "Oh…I forgot to mention, it can breathe air as well. You'll be able to take it where you want."
Peach looks at the fish trying her best not to accept it. Bowser leans to tease her again.
"Remember what you told me one time, Peach. It is all about the inside of a person," he taunts.
Peach grabs a stuffed dog toy off the shelf to chuck at him. She then looks at Apricot. "Umm…do you have a name for it, love."
"Sushi!"
Peach's nose crinkles, "That's a little morbid…"
Bowser shrugs, used to what the koopalings use to say.
The toddler embraces the fish even harder. "I love you Sushi!" Apricot announces.
The newly named fish gives Bowser a smug smirk as Apricot clings to it. Bowser growls under his breath.
The next hour is spent getting the supplies for Sushi. And the fish rides in the basket next to Apricot while Peach collects the items needed for his aquarium. Apricot sings a childish song about her love for Sushi. She had trouble creating lyrics so she just repeated his name over and over again. Apricot couldn't wait to show Junior her new pet. Bypassing customers made themselves scarce at the sight of the bizarre fish.
"Mama! Do you love Sushi too?" Apricot asks.
Sushi leans towards Peach, gurgling, his bulging eyeballs inches from her face. Peach leans back. "Yes dear!"
When they get to the check-out line, Bowser must excuse himself to the restroom. He had to fix his mane up. After leaving he comes out, only to see Sushi in the driver seat!
"Bowser, he wants to drive for us…" Peach explains.
It was even wearing its seatbelt.
Sushi was already ruining a good day for Bowser. As a parent he had learned to tolerate the weird things he kids do and like. So he was willing to tolerate Sushi if he made Apricot happy. But he refuses to give up his position in the car. Bowser flexes his muscles to look as large and intimidating as possible towards Sushi.
"I'm the dad here! There is no way I'm letting a fish do my job!"
Sushi inexplicably starts the engine and drives off. Bowser shouts and chases. If he leaps into the car, he will split it in half. So he runs to get in the backseat. Out of breath, Bowser sits next to a laughing Apricot. Before he can snatch Sushi, the fish stops the car at a stop sign. Bowser's jaw drops.
Shocked, Peach smiles at their new pet. "Sushi, how responsible of you! We should start calling you Mr. Sushi."
Strangled noises escape the fish's mouth in response.
"I bet he learned it from being a getaway driver." Bowser mumbles under his breath. Peach reaches behind to gently rub his leg and his eyes soften.
"Apricot, what do you say to your father?" Peach asks.
In response, Apricot hugs Bowser's arm.
"Thank you! You're the bestest Papa! In the whole universe!"
His heart leaps from her innocent praise. So, Bowser grumbles "You're welcome…"