A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, Bowser kidnapped Peach during the New Year's party, Mario and Luigi rescued her. Bowser's sudden ambush has left Luigi very worried, as he fears that sooner or later, the time will come when they will lose. This chapter will be a Valentine's Day special! Let's begin.

Chapter 19: A sentimentalist on Valentine's Day

(''Mario Bros.' House- Paper Mario OST'')

It was a peculiar Wednesday afternoon in the Mushroom Kingdom. February 14 seemed like a day like any other, but for romantic people and couples alike, it was always a special day.

Mario was writing a Valentine's Day card for a certain damsel in pink. ''Ah, Valentine's Day... Love is in the air, houses are full of hearts and chocolates, and couples are watching romantic movies...'' he sighed.

''Not to mention how couples are glued to each other and make out.'' said Luigi.

''Yeah, that too.'' commented Mario.

''Are you writing something?'' Luigi asked.

''Sì, it's for Princess Peach.'' Mario replied, with a dreamy expression. ''When I'm with her, I can't take my eyes off of her.''

He had spent a lot of time writing the postcard because he didn't want to be trivial. He looked back at what he had written for the fifth time in twenty minutes, unconvinced.

''Dear Princess Peach,

That day has come, huh? I just hope Bowser doesn't cause any problems. You know what he's like, when it comes to you, and who knows what his son would try to do. He will probably try to take his love by force, but fear not. I will always be your shield. When I look at you, I get lost in your eyes like I'm hypnotized and I feel like a prince. Ending up in the Mushroom Kingdom and meeting you seemed so fanciful, yet it's so real. You're like a dream that I don't want to wake up from. Happy Valentine's Day, my princess.

Yours truly,

Mario''

After reading the letter, Mario found it silly, but he didn't know what to do.

''Come on, don't think about it too much! This is fine!'' Luigi told him.

''If you say so,'' Mario said, and called Parakarry to send it. Thinking of getting a gift for Peach or spending the evening with her, he ran to the door and opened it, but his brother grabbed him by a strap of his overalls before he went out.

''Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait up, Mario!'' Luigi exclaimed.

Surprised, Mario stopped. ''What's wrong, Luigi?'' he asked.

''Careful there! You almost trampled on my flowers!'' said Luigi.

''Are they for someone?'' asked Mario.

''For Daisy. I've been taking care of the garden for a while now, so try not to ruin the flowers.'' replied Luigi.

The elder brother went out and saw that Luigi was right. The garden was full of flowers, and they looked rather delicate. ''Oops, sorry.'' he said.

''It's okay. But take it easy when you go outside, I don't want the flowers to be destroyed or Daisy will be furious.'' said Luigi.

Mario nodded. Daisy had a peculiar personality, and he had learned it the hard way. Since she loved flowers, ruining them was one of the most well-known ways to make her mad.

''Hey, do you want to eat some chocolates before I go?''

''Of course, big bro!''

Mario and Luigi had prepared several chocolates, including one box for each other.

''Bowser isn't going to cause trouble again, is he?'' Luigi asked worriedly.

''Oh, I hope not!'' replied Mario. ''I swear, he never learns!''

''He never understands that he's not wanted.'' said Luigi.

Mario nodded. ''Yes, and we all know how he deals with Peach and how obsessed he is with her. If it weren't for the fact that Kamek is here, he might curse us.'' he said.(1)

''Love can't be bought, Mario, it's earned.''

''Tell that to Bowser and he'll act like he's deaf and didn't hear him at all.''

Luigi stood up and gave Mario a hug and a brotherly kiss on the cheek. ''Happy Valentine's Day, Mario,'' he said.

''Oh, thank you! Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Luigi!'' said Mario.

They thought about their plans for the day, and Mario went to change his clothes, putting on dark brown shoes, gray pants and shirt, a red bow tie, a black tuxedo and a top hat of the same color.(2) Later, he put a box of chocolates in his pants pocket. He wanted to spend the evening with Peach.

''Hey, Luigi, are you leaving?'' Mario asked, noticing that Luigi had a large bouquet in his hand.

''Yes, I'll leave shortly. I'll go give Daisy a surprise.'' replied Luigi. Another box of chocolates was on the tables.

''OK then. I'll see you again tonight,'' said the older brother.

''Well, good luck with Peach,'' Luigi said.

Mario chuckled. It was as if he had read his mind. He should have expected that from him him, since he was his twin. ''Thank you, Lu.'' she said, giving him a hug. ''I love you, bro.''

''I love you too, Mario. See you later!''

''OK! See you tonight!''

With these words, Mario opened the door and went out, but not before saying goodbye to his brother with a kiss on the cheek.

(''Mario Bros.' House- Paper Mario OST-s'')

On his way to Peach's castle, Mario didn't pay much attention to the environment around him. When he thought of her, it was as if he were in another world, and Luigi also commented that he had his head in the clouds. On the way, he suddenly stepped into a pit. ''What?... This wasn't here before.'' he said. He came out of the hole, but then a Bob-omb exploded in his face.

''OK...? What's going on?'' It was as if someone or something didn't want him to go to the castle. He decided to ignore it, but halfway through, a large hand grabbed him sharply by the collar of his tuxedo and slammed him to the ground face-first, then threw him away. When he touched the ground, he noticed that he could no longer get up. He tried to get back to his feet, but his legs wouldn't respond. His body seemed semi-immobilized. He took a closer look and was in shock.

''Oh, no!''

Mario was trapped in a sticky, glue-like substance and couldn't get back on his feet. He searched his pockets for a power-up, but his hands were glued to the substance as well. He tried to free his hands by taking off his gloves with his teeth, but he couldn't get there. He looked up and saw a large figure walking away in a Koopa Clown Car, letting out a laugh. ''Bowser! Oh, I should have known that!'' he exclaimed, frustrated. It was late afternoon, and soon, the sun would set. He didn't want to keep Peach waiting, but now his options for trying to get out were becoming limited. He didn't expect Bowser to try to sabotage him, and he wondered if Luigi had already gone to Daisy. At some point, he had an idea.

''I got it! Maybe I could melt it with fire!''

He created a fireball in his palm, and it worked. The sticky substance became less compact and melted, allowing him to escape, but he was all dirty now. ''Oh, mamma mia, my tuxedo is all dirty now! I can't let Peach see me like this!'' He reached into his pocket and gasped in horror. He couldn't find his chocolate box anymore! ''Oh, no! Someone stole my chocolates!''

At this discovery, a feeling of anger rose to his guts. It was clear that Bowser was sabotaging him, and now he had even stolen the chocolates he was bringing for Peach. He couldn't show up at the castle dressed like that, but he didn't have time to wash his tuxedo because it would take too long to dry it. Seeing the river nearby, he dived in it. He had to wash himself to clean up all the sticky substance that was still stuck to him, getting the chocolates back could wait.

After some time, he was finally able to clean everything and dry his clothes. He didn't want to go to Peach without the chocolates, and he began to hunt down Bowser.

(''Romance- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword OST'')

Meanwhile, Princess Peach was in her room. She couldn't stop thinking about Mario, and she couldn't wait to be with him. At the same time, however, she was worried, as she expected Bowser to show up. Considering how obsessive he was towards her, she was sure that he would try to buy her love, but she would not give in to his advances. Since he kidnapped her so often, why did she have to love him?

''Everything OK, princess?'' asked Toadsworth.

''Yes, I was lost in my thoughts.'' Peach said. ''I was thinking about Mario.''

''Oh, by the way, he might be here at any moment.'' said Toadsworth.

''I hope so,'' Peach said. Toadsworth nodded and left the room. The princess looked out the window with a dreamy look. ''Oh, Mario... Where would I be without you?''

(''Romance- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword OST-s'')

(''Stone The Crows 7- Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft OST'')

Suddenly, Peach heard loud footsteps. There was no one at the window, but she could not explain herself who had come or how did they enter the castle. She turned cautiously and got scared. Bowser was in the room, right behind her. She was absolutely hocked. How had he managed to get in her room without anyone noticing?

(''Bowser Appears- Super Mario Galaxy OST'')

''Hello there, Peach.'' Bowser said.

''Bowser?! What are you doing here?!'' Peach exclaimed.

''Come on now, I'm here for a Valentine's Day night with you.'' Bowser said, handing her a box of chocolates.

But Peach quickly noticed that the box didn't have Bowser's symbol on it, which indicated his belongings, and so she couldn't help but be suspicious. All of this was wrong on so many levels. ''There are so many things wrong with this that I don't even know where to start. Are those chocolates yours?'' she asked.

''Of course. For my Peachy.''

Hearing these words made her feel disgusted. ''Bowser! Do you think I'm stupid?! First off, you have trespassed into my castle. Second, I don't know where you got those chocolates, but you probably stole them. And third, you have no right to call me by that name!'' she snapped. ''Go away or I'll call the guards!''

''There must have been a misunderstanding...'' Bowser said nervously.

''I may be a blonde, but I'm not stupid! Only one person can call me Peachy, and you're not that person!'' replied Peach.(3)

Bowser scowled at her, knowing who she was talking about. ''You were referring to Mario, weren't you?''

''And not just that!''

Peach pulled out her frying pan and knocked Bowser out.(4) Alerted by the noise, the guards found Bowser unconscious in the princess's room and kicked him out of the castle.

(''Bowser Appears- Super Mario Galaxy OST-s'')

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

The sun had set, and it was slowly beginning to get dark. Arriving at Peach's castle, Mario found Bowser unconscious in the courtyard. ''What happened here?'' he murmured thoughtfully. Ignoring this, he noticed that he still had the chocolates in his hands and took them back. He entered the castle and was greeted by the Toads inside.

''The princess is okay, but she's a little shaken,'' said Blue Toad.

''Go to her, Mario. And happy Valentine's Day.'' Yellow Toad Toad added.

Mario knocked on the door of Peach's room, and she let him in. ''Good evening, princess!'' he greeted her, bowing with his hat in his hand.

''Good evening, Mario. I've been waiting for you.'' Peach said.

''I saw Bowser unconscious in the courtyard. Has something happened?'' asked Mario.

''Oh, Bowser? He came into my room and tried to flirt with me. And he also brought me some chocolates that aren't his. I think.'' replied Peach.

The plumber in red chuckled and put his hand in his pockets, revealing his chocolates. ''Were you referring to these?''

''Precisely those!'' Peach exclaimed, surprised.

''Bowser caused problems to me too, you know. I think he wanted to sabotage me.''

''Why, what happened?''

''He trapped me in a sticky substance. And speaking of chocolates, these were mine. Bowser stole them from me when I got stuck.''

Peach shook her head. That Bowser was obsessed with her was something everyone knew, but his attempts to sweet-talk her disgusted her. ''Bowser is so annoying. It makes me change my mind about how Goombas can look disgusting-looking. He's clearly jealous of you, and that only makes things worse.'' she said.

''But it doesn't matter now. I'm here, the rest doesn't matter.'' Mario reassured her, holding her hand. ''Come on, let's eat these chocolates.''

''You're right. Thank you, Mario. You're so sweet.'' Peach said, kissing Mario on the nose.

Mario and Peach sat down on the bed and began to share the chocolates with each other. The beautiful princess couldn't help but look at him with a wink, and he seemed to lose himself in her eyes, daydreaming.

''Let's do something together tonight,'' Mario said.

''A date, huh? Shall we go watch a movie?'' Peach suggested.

Hearing the word ''date'', Mario felt his heart spurt with joy. ''Yes! Yes, let's-a go!'' he shouted excitedly. The princess laughed.

They left the castle and held hands as they went to the cinema to choose the movie they wanted to watch.

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

(''Getting a Grasp of Rabbid Anatomy- Rayman Raving Rabbids OST'')

''You know, Toad told me a luxurious theater will open soon.'' Peach said.

''Did he tell you when it will open?'' asked Mario.

''Yes, it will open this spring. I think everything will be ready in about a month. I can't wait to see it.'' Peach said.(5)

''Wow! That sounds great!'' Mario exclaimed.

''And romantic too.''

After these words, the plumber let out a nervous laugh, blushing heavily. ''Awww... you're making me blush!''

As they watched the movie, Peach felt nervous. She didn't know why, but she had the feeling that she was being watched. Mario looked around, sitting next to her, and noticed a weird yellow guy. And no, it wasn't Wario. At least he didn't torment him about his private life. Acting instinctively, he pulled the hammer out of his pockets and hit him on the head.

Peach closed her eyes and cringed. Maybe she was wrong, but he thought Mario had hit a random person. ''What are you doing?'' she whispered, trying not to draw the crowd's attention to herself and making sure no one was watching. Fortunately, no one had noticed anything.

''Sorry. I had a gut feeling.'' Mario whispered to her in response.

In the end, Peach decided to ignore it. If that guy was Bowser in disguise, that would keep him away for a while, but she didn't know about, so she ignored it. Anyway, there were no further interruptions, and they were able to enjoy the movie.

(''Getting a Grasp of Rabbid Anatomy- Rayman Raving Rabbids OST-s'')

Meanwhile, Daisy was also about to receive visitors. She was in a park in Sarasaland enjoying his surroundings. ''Hey, Daisy!'' A voice called to her. It was Luigi.

''Oh, hey, Luigi!'' said Daisy. ''How's it going? How's Peach?''

''Peach is fine. I think Mario is with her.'' replied Luigi.

''Those two are lovebirds, let me tell you.'' Daisy said.

Luigi chuckled nervously. ''And you can tell. Anyway, happy Valentine's Day, Daisy.'' he said shyly, showing her the flowers.

Daisy was pleasantly surprised. ''Luigi! Oh, thank you!'' she exclaimed, and kissed Luigi, making him blush. ''You're such a gentleman!''

The plumber in green couldn't say anything out of embarrassment.

(''Getting a Grasp of Rabbid Anatomy- Rayman Raving Rabbids OST'')

Meanwhile, Mario and Peach were quietly enjoying the movie. ''Oh, I love this part!'' said Mario, commenting on the action scene in progress.

''You can tell it's well choreographed.'' Peach said. Mario held her hand.

When the film ended, they were satisfied. ''That was fun!'' said Mario.

''Yes, I really enjoyed the movie. I especially liked seeing it with you, it's so romantic!''

The plumber only blushed. He had been thinking about Luigi for over two hourse, however, however. He wondered if he was keeping an eye on them. Immediately after, the image came to his mind, one of Luigi playing Cupid in a white chiton and with a bow like a certain angel who idolized him, Pit.(6)

''Hey, Mario, speaking of the Sparkle Theatre, do you think I'd be capable of acting?'' asked Peach.

''Oh, yeah! I think you'd be a very good actress.'' replied Mario, giving her that warm smile she loved so much.

''Oh, thank you!''

''You know, Peach, I was thinking about Luigi. Who knows what he's doing. For all I know, he might be around acting like Cupid.''

Peach laughed loudly as she hugged Mario. ''You say?''

''Uh-uh. And you stole my heart like an arrow that pierces me.''

''Aw, you're so romantic...''

They moved closer, slowly closing their distance. As he took off his hat, Mario could see that Peach was about to kiss him. He leaned forward with his heart pounding, immediately savoring the impending moment...

(''Getting a Grasp of Rabbid Anatomy- Rayman Raving Rabbids OST-s'')

until the moment was suddenly broken by a roar and an ambush.

''Eeeeeek!''

(''A Tense Moment- Super Mario Galaxy OST'')

Mario was suddenly hit in the face by a punch that knocked him over, and Peach was horrified by what had happened. Bowser had appeared out of nowhere in a certain white tuxedo(7), and he was green with envy to see them together.

''You do not kiss him!'' yelled Bowser.

''Oh, come on! And you sa I'm the stubborn one!'' Mario snapped, unhappy with that bad timing. ''I caught you during the movie, you know!''

Peach facepalmed. Now it was clear. So it was true that Bowser had disguised himself and hidden in the crowd to ruin their evening. ''You're making a fool of yourself, Bowser. I don't want to repeat myself, so you better go.'' she said.

''Feeling a little inadequate, Bowser?'' asked Mario.

''Me, inadequate? And anyway, I'd be more worthy of you than a tubby plumber, Peach.'' said Bowser.

''For the record, Bowser, that tubby plumber is a much better person than you will be. You don't know anything about love.'' Peach replied.

''Well, you're my life. You stole my heart.''

''Get yourself a new life!'' yelled Mario.

Angered by Peach's refusal, Bowser grabbed her sharply, kicked Mario to the ground, and stomped him on the throat. With its enormous weight, the pressure of that gigantic foot could break his neck as hard as it could break steel. ''Not so tough now, huh, Mario? Well, now I'm going to finish you off and go with her!'' he declared.

''Let go of me! Let go of me!'' Peach cried out, trying to wriggle out of Bowser's grasp, to no avail.

''Let her go...!'' gasped Mario. He couldn't move, and the huge Koopa was about to spit fire at him.

(''A Tense Moment- Super Mario Galaxy OST-s'')

Suddenly, something hit Bowser in the eye, and he was then kicked in the face, causing him to let go of Peach. ''What in the...?''

(''Dark Pit's Theme- Kid Icarus: Uprising OST'')

Luigi was hanging from the ceiling in a harness and was dressed as an angel as he shot arrows into Bowser's face.

''Leave my brother and my friend alone!'' yelled Luigi, coming down from the ceiling.

''Luigi?! You're back already?'' exclaimed Mario, surprised.

Bowser saw that Daisy was on the ground, and immediately lost his bravado. ''Oh-oh...'' he mumbled. He didn't attempt to kidnap Daisy because she was too difficult to overpower, despite the fact that she and Peach had the same slender build.

''I didn't expect to see you here, Daisy!'' Peach added.

Daisy wasn't happy at all, and threatened Bowser. ''I should have known you'd ruin the moment! Now get out of the way before I kick you out!''

''I'm considering making Mario and Peach snog in front of you, Bowser.'' Luigi said.

''Don't you dare or I'll cut your throat out!'' Bowser yelled, and Luigi was frightened by the threat.

''If you threaten my brother again, I'll rip the horns off your head and shove them up your backside.'' Mario threatened him back, furious at the threat against his brother. Bowser responded by raising his claws to stab him.

''Oh no, you don't!'' Luigi replied shooting an arrow that hit Bowser right in between the eyes, causing him to scream in pain.

''Beat it, you sick stalker!'' Daisy yelled, kicking Bowser in the face so hard it sent him flying out of the movie theater. ''Let this be a lesson to him.''

(''Dark Pit's Theme- Kid Icarus: Uprising OST-s'')

''Are you okay, Mario?'' Luigi asked, giving Mario a hug.

''Thanks, Luigi. I'm alright.'' replied Mario.

''Thank you for your help. Bowser was driving me nuts.'' Peach said. ''Let's go back to my castle. I need a break.''

(''Theme of Love- Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster OST'')

Mario, Luigi, and Daisy agreed. Fighting Bowser was stressful. They took Peach to her castle, and when they got to her room, she sat down on the bed.

''I never want to see Bowser ruin my date again!'' shouted Mario, frustrated.

''If it happens again, it will be too soon.'' Peach added.

''He never knows when to stop.'' said Luigi.

''I'm afraid not. You should issue a restraining order against him.'' Daisy said.

''Maybe I should, but I don't think it would be enough, my friend. He doesn't care about bans.'' Peach told her.

''And let's think about poor old Toadsworth. How many times has he fainted from high blood pressure when you're kidnapped?'' Luigi asked.

''Good point...'' Peach nodded. ''I don't know why, but sometimes, I worry that the worst might happen.''

Mario put his hand on Peach's shoulder and gently pulled her back on her feet. ''I will always be by your side, Peach. Don't worry about that moron. Luigi and I will protect you at all costs.'' he told her.

''I may not be the bravest man in the world, but I assure you I can protect you.'' Luigi added.

''Thank you. I can always count on you two.'' said Peach, and kissed them both on the cheek.

''You can say you have guardian angels, Peach.'' Daisy said jokingly.

''That's what I thought!'' said Peach.

Luigi didn't like the atmosphere in the room. He considered it completely wrong and excessively gloomy for Valentine's Day. ''Come on, lovebirds, enough of these thoughts!'' he declared. ''Where's the romance? Where's the love? Come on, give each other a smooch!''

Mario blushed deeply to hear what his brother had said. ''L-Lovebirds?'' he stammered. ''Luigi, don't embarrass me like that!''

''Come on, do it already!'' said Daisy impatiently.

''Mario, everyone knows that there is something too deep between you and the princess to be a mere friendship!'' added Luigi, and took up his bow. He considered shooting an arrow just to prove he was right, but decided not to, not in the princess's room. He didn't want to create some misunderstanding that would cause a scandal. Instead, he nudged his brother forward, bringing him closer to Peach.

''Luigi, please!'' Mario complained, too embarrassed to take the first step, but Luigi wanted no excuses. He had decided that he would leave if the kiss didn't come.

''Who would have thought Mario would be so shy in front of you, Peach?'' said Daisy.

''Not you too, Daisy! All of you, just stop it, OK?! You're going to make me die of embarrassment!'' Mario snapped.

Peach couldn't help but laugh loudly at how her greatest protector couldn't muster up the courage to do what everyone else did on Valentine's Day. She didn't know if it was because of their class difference, but Mario tended to be shy in front of her, despite being considered the bravest man ever, which led her to wonder if all men who aren't Bowsers were really that shy in front of the woman they loved. Even though Mario looked at her briefly with a disapproving look, there was nothing he could do about it. She could make him feel embarrassed and get away with it.

Luigi was also on the verge of bursting out laughing, but he bit his tongue not to. If Mario wanted to, he would punish him by forcing him to shut up for hours, but he wasn't able to do that because even when they had an argument, he couldn't stay angry with him for long. When Luigi made him angry, the most he could do was scold him, but even then, he would immediately apologize for getting mad.

Mario tried to concentrate on doing as Luigi wanted, but he was too nervous. ''Mamma mia, why is that so difficult?!'' he thought in frustration

At last, thinking that Luigiwould point his bow and arrows at him with the excuse of breaking the tension, he closed the distance, and Peach bent down. It was Mario who took the first step, and when he finally kissed her, there were loud cheers from Luigi and Daisy.

''Finally, took you long enough.'' Daisy said.

When the kiss ended, Mario was redder than his bow tie and was pretty disoriented. ''You know, you're even prettier when you're blushing.'' Peach told him.

Mario remained motionless for some time, and Luigi waved his hand in front of his face to get his attention. ''Mario? Mario? Hey, Mario, can you hear me?'' he called him out.

''Huh? What? Oh, I heard you, Luigi,'' said Mario, scratching the back of his head.

''Well, I need to take some rest now. Thank you for spending the evening with me, Mario. It was really nice.'' Peach said, and kissed Mario on the nose.

''No problem...'' Mario replied timidly.

''We're going home now. I have to start making dinner.'' said Luigi.

''I'll see you then, Luigi,'' Daisy said.

''See you tomorrow, Mario!'' said Peach.

''See you tomorrow, Princess Peach.'' said Mario, blowing her a kiss through the door.

(''Theme of Love- Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster OST-s'')

(''Bubbly Clouds- Kirby's Epic Yarn OST'')

Mario and Luigi came back home with a feeling of slight tiredness. After they had changed into their usual clothes, Luigi began to prepare dinner.

''I still can't believe Bowser tried to sabotage my date! No one disputes the fact that we are rivals in love, but this is ridiculous.'' Mario commented in a frustrated tone.

''And I don't think he'll ever stop.'' said Luigi. ''Do you know you're really tense in front of Peach? It's not like you to be like that.''

''I'm a plumber. And Peach is a princess.'' replied Mario. ''Doesn't that sound strange?''

''Same goes for me, but it's never been a problem for the two of you, and neither for Daisy and me.''

''This is different, Luigi! How does Peach feel comfortable being with a commoner?''

''We are not poor, Mario. As much as the plumber is a low social class, we got so many coins in our adventures that we can call ourselves rich. And anyway, you and Peach have a special bond, everybody knows that.''

''OK, but seriously. When it comes to a princess, she is always expected to marry a prince, or at least a nobleman.''

Luigi put his arm around Mario's shoulders. ''Times have changed, brother. And anyway, even if you did marry Peach, pretty much everyone would be in favor of it.'' he told him.

''You too?'' asked Mario.

''Of course. And no, it's not because you're a legend. I always see how she looks at you, and I see how you feel next to her. You are my brother, and I want nothing more than to make you happy,'' replied Luigi, pressing a kiss on his brother's forehead.

Mario hugged him. ''Thank you, Luigi. You're awesome,'' he told him. ''You know, I realized just now how ridiculous I looked in front of Peach. I feel like I've become you.''

''There's nothing wrong with feeling like this in front of her. All men feel shy in front of their beloved. You should just try to open up more convincingly.'' said Luigi.

''Glad to know I'm not the only one. Love you, little bro.''

''Love you too, big bro. Hey, I'm starting to make dinner. Are you hungry?''

''Yes. And having to deal with Bowser made me thirsty.''

''Then enjoy some rest.''

''I will. Oh, I almost forgot. Thanks for helping me earlier. I didn't expect you to be all like Cupid.'' said Mario.

''Hey, I'm always here by your side, Mario,'' Luigi chuckled, ruffling Mario's hair.

Mario kissed Luigi on the cheek. ''And that's why I'm grateful.'' he said.

The bond between Mario and Peach was very special, and both they and Luigi wondered if it would ever go to th next level. Only time could tell.

(''Bubbly Clouds- Kirby's Epic Yarn OST-s'')

A/N: Bowser never understands when he's not wanted, does he? He's certainly not the person you'll want to spend Valentine's Day with. At least Peach and Daisy have two gentleman brothers as men to hang around with Well, happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Did you like this chapter? Let me know! The Nintendo Switchremake of Mario VS. Donkey Kong will be released very soon, so the next one-shot will be based on this series. One more thing: Takashi Nagasako, Donkey Kong's oice actor, will be celebrating his birthday a week after the game's release, and since he will be 60 years old, I hope to complete the chapter by his birthday on February 24th, it would be just perfect! See you soon!

(1): In Fire Emblem: Awakening, one of the most peculiar characters is Tharja, a Dark Mage with an obsession with the protagonist, Robin, and known for her curses.

(2): This outfit is very similar to the one Mario wears in the Super Mario: All-Stars cartridge. It also resembles the outfit Mario wears in a Mario Paint artwork in which he is dressed as a conductor.

(3): A reference to how stereotypes view blondes as stupid and brunettes as smart.

(4): In Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, Peach has various ways to attack enemies, such as slaps, but she can also use a frying pan. She also appears in the Super Smash Bros. series, and for her forward smash, Peach attacks with a frying pan, a golf club, or a tennis racket. Each of these three versions has different properties: the golf club launches at a diagonal angle, the tennis racket is the weakest but launches at a horizontal angle that is optimal when used at the ledge, and the frying pan is the strongest and launches vertically. In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U & 3DS, the order is predetermined, while in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, she and Daisy can choose which version to use based on how they angle the attack: the golf club if they don't angle it at all, the frying pan if they angle it upwards, and the tennis racket if they angle it downwards.

(5): This is a reference to the Sparkle Theater, the setting of Princess Peach: Showtime!, which Peach will visit in this game. The game will be released on March 22.

(6): Pit, the protagonist of the Kid Icarus series, is an angel who fights primarily with a bow and is partially based on Cupid. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl's Adventure Mode, the Subspace Emissary, he's Mario's first ally. Also, in Mario Kart Tour, Baby Peach has a Valentine's Day-themed variant released in Valentine's Tour on January 29, 2020, known as Baby Peach (cherub).

(7): You know the wedding tuxedo that Bowser wears in Super Mario Odyssey that Mario can get in his size as an alternate costume? Well, it's exactly that.