Chapter Text
“Finally, I see it! Mario look! Land hooo!"
Peach and Mario laugh at Toad's excitement as they drag their luggage off the ferry they’ve been traveling on for several days. With a small gasp, Mario’s eyes widened at the grand hotel that Peach booked all of them to stay at.
But this wasn’t a hotel in the Mushroom Kingdom, no no. It was on Earth.
What are they doing on Earth? Well…
Peach has been meeting with councilmen and mayors as they’ve come to assure peace between the two worlds. Even with Peach’s constant reassurement of independence, Mario insisted in tagging along with her and Toad to travel all over the world.
Mario knows Peach has experience traveling across worlds, but he could tell she was exhausted. Peach could hardly speak of her feelings, so it pained him to see her with sunken under-eye circles on her face.
“Here, I can pull your luggage Princessa if you’d like. You’ve been carrying all the peace on your shoulders.” Mario offered and gently had his hand out to take her rolling bag. Peach smiled softly in response and shook her head.
“No need for that Mario, we’re almost to the hotel doors. Thank you though.” She gave Mario’s hand a gentle kiss as they got closer to the hotel. “Oh, it looks more beautiful than the pictures!” Peach excitedly walked through the sliding doors as the two boys tried to keep up.
“Woah, this is first class! This is so cool, isn’t it Mario?” Toad bounced on his feet and pulled Mario’s arm towards the entrance, “Come on let's hurry- Mario?”
Lightheaded and dizzy, Mario held his smooched hand with shaky fingers. He was sure his face was all red, but he couldn’t help himself. Even though he and the Princess have been dating for a few months, her gentle kisses always felt like his first.
Toad shook his head and dragged the lovesick Mario inside the hotel. “Lovebird! MK to Mario! We gotta check in man, the lines getting full!”
Mario slowly came out of his trance as Toad kept shaking him."Can you make your googly eyes after we get to our rooms? I'm tired!"
The plumber felt his ears turn red as he looked around and away from the imposing Toad. The hotel was huge, probably about 8 stories tall if Mario was really counting. Golden walls, little ponds were built in the lobby.
“Sorry! I- a know…just got distracted for a moment.” Rubbing his neck, he offered a nervous smile to Toad as they walked in line to the receptionist's desk.
Toad raised a brow. “Oh I know you’re distracted, the question is why?” He wiggled his brows. “You two been dating for several months, man!”
“S-so?”
Mario narrowed his eyes as the little fella kept chuckling. “I'm not saying anything is wrong! I just think it’s so cute how lovey-dovey you still get around her!”
Toad and Mario kept moving forward as the line in front of him kept shrinking. Mario sighed as he rubbed his face into his sweaty hands.
Does he make it that obvious? Is that a bad thing?
He hopes it isn’t. As he looks around the hotel, he spots Peach near one of the ponds. She was bending down and playing with the fish and turtles, dipping her fingers in the water. Her little giggles were hard to miss even though the hotel was buzzing about.
He couldn’t help but grin.
“Next in line please!”
The two perked up as they walked forward to the desk. A woman in her mid-30s waved and smiled widely.
"Hi! Welcome to Casa de Miel Suites!” Her acrylic nails patter on the keyboard. “Name please?”
Mario brought out his wallet and ID. “ For Mario Marino.” He tipped his hat as he waited for her to confirm everything. “We ah- we booked for 3 nights.”
Her silver bob cut jumped enthusiastically on her shoulders as her eyes widened. “Oh! How could I forget it? You three have been making a name for yourself around the country already.” She peeked her head from the computer and looked over at Peach. “Is that her over there? By the pond?”
“Royal Highness in the flesh!” Toad chirped.
“Aww,” The receptionist cooed down at him. “Well, you three are going to have a great stay here. Thank you for choosing us!” While the nice lady left and grabbed their keys, Mario saw Peach walking towards them with a huge smile on her face.
"Oh Mario, I have to say. I’ve seen all kinds of royalty for years, but this hotel is so…grandiose! I've never seen such delicacy and love put into a building. How beautiful!" She swooned. “Can you believe they have ponds here, filled with tiny sea creatures? I even got to pet one of the earth fishies!”
Mario giggled seeing her wet glove. "See? I told you, you would-a be amazing at picking hotels. Now, we are going to have lots of fun here.” He smiled.
The receptionist lady came back with their door keys and a big complimentary basket. She bowed once she handed the items to Princess Peach.
"Oh, you are too nice. But you don't have to bow." Peach smiled sweetly as her face flushed red. Mario couldn’t help but giggle softly.
"Nonsense! You have made such an impact ever since you've arrived on Earth. We love to show gratitude!" The receptionist grinned widely. She pulled out a tiny basket and bent down to Toad.
“And here you go, for your little one! Sweets shouldn't be outlawed on vacation, right? That should keep him busy while you two have fun!" She handed the basket to Toad and winked at the couple.
Mario’s eyes widened. What is she talking about?
“Eh... there seems to be a mistake! You see, Toad is one of Peach's-
But Toad cut him off with a high-pitched response. "Thank you miss! I wuv human candy!" Toad began to rip up the wrap on the basket, snatching out a lollipop and began to suck it. “There will be more tomorrow, right?” He asked with a full mouth.
"Only if your parents say it's okay!" The receptionist cooed.
Mario almost choked on his spit. "Parents? Aha, we aren't parents-
He suddenly felt a gentle pat on his shoulder. “Oh Mario, let him have his fun. He just wants the candy." She whispered and giggles. “What’s the harm in that?”
"Yeah Mario- I mean, father! I want the candy!" Toad nodded with a chocolate bar stuffed in his mouth.
As they began to gather their luggage, they made sure to say their thanks and goodbyes to the lady before they left the lobby.
”No problem folks! If you need anything, just ask for Claire, and I’ll be with you at a moment's notice!” Claire now waved goodbye with a gentle smile.
Peach and Toad chit-chattered as they headed up to find their rooms. However, Mario wasn’t invested in the conversation as much as he wanted to. Things that Claire said stuck with him.
Why in the heck did she think Peach and I were Toad's parents? He doesn’t even look like us!
Mario squinted at Toad as they kept walking.
And what did she mean by a fun time? That-a wink was hard to miss…
Wait.
“Toad?”
“Yeah, man? We’re almost there, what’s up?”
"Well- I was just going to ask why did you pretend to be our kid.”
But before Toad could say anything, Peach squealed and clapped her hands. “Mario we found our room!” It seemed to be on the top floor and very secluded from the rest of the rooms on that floor.
After they got the key to work, they finally managed to get inside. Upon stepping in, they were met with a shock.
Not only was the room HUGE, but rose petals littered the whole giant floor. Royal paintings of classical figures were hung on the cherry-red wall.
There was even a jacuzzi in the middle of the room. Bottles of champagne were near the balcony window. As they stepped in to admire the room, Mario noticed boxes of chocolate strawberries neatly placed on the bed.
It was summer. He was sure they passed Valentine's day.
"Oh...dear...I don't remember booking such a...decorated room,” Peach stepped around carefully, gently touching the pillows and sheets. "Wow, it does smell wonderful. I haven’t seen that in our previous hotel stays here.”
Mario nodded silently, walking around the room as well. He knew that the hotel was very happy for Peach’s arrival. She is royalty after all.
"Maybe they are just very happy for your arrival?" Mario offered.
"Hmm...perhaps..."
Mario and Peach briefly stopped checking the room after hearing Toad rustling through the nightstand nearby.
"Hey guys, its a celebration!" Toad took his hand out and revealed a couple of small boxes. Since Mario was far away, he couldn’t see what Toad was holding.
”Look! They gave us balloons we can blow up!” Toad started throwing the small boxes onto the bed. “Oooh, cool! They even have different colors and...flavors?”
Mario’s jaw dropped as he jolted over to where Toad was. Snatching the box out of his hands, he felt his heart pump in his ears as his eyes glazed over the text.
Condoms.
...
CONDOMS??!!
Mario began to cough harshly.
“Mario! Are you okay?” Peach quickly skipped over and began to pat his back. Eventually, the plumber was able to speak again without wanting to pass out.
“Y-yes, ima fine,” he twitched. He felt Peach look over his shoulder to read what was in his hand. He heard a soft inhale from Peach; he was pretty sure he couldn't get more redder than this. Does she even know what these are?
Peach cleared her throat. “Oh..."
Oh??
Rubbing his face, Mario let out a sigh. He has a suspicion on what might have happened.
“Umm, Peach? When you called to reserve a room, what did you tell them?”
Peach moved the boxes out of the way and sat on the bed. Her face looked a bit awkward now. “I said we needed 2 rooms connected for a couple of us..." She frowned. "Is something wrong?"
Mario blinked.
"Let’s a go check the other room."
There was a smaller door near the TV. As they opened it, Mario realized the connected room was much smaller than the main room.
It had a smaller bed and TV; which was playing a kids TV show. In the corner, there was a basket of kids' toys.
"How strange…I don’t remember asking for this kind of room.." Peach trailed off as she looked around.
Mario's brows arch. "What kind of room is this-"
“IS THIS MY ROOM?! HAHA I AM LOVING IT!” Toad cheered as he ran to jump on the bed. “I call dibs on this room. All mine!"
Mario shook his head. “This ehh- seems to be a mistake. Toad, this room is for kids-“
“Oh! I even got my fridge! And snacks!” Toad ran around the room to explore before he hid under the blankets.
“I was wondering how you two would have some alone time with little old me around! Have fun!” He garbled from the blanket before he began to giggle.
Mario blushed as he narrowed his eyes. Peach and him left the kiddie's room as they go back to the main room.
After Mario closed the door, he looked up and saw Peach looking away and twirling her hair.
”W-what’s wrong Princess?”
She took a big breath. “You may or may not have noticed earlier…but there is only one bed in this room…”
Lo and behold, there was only one bed! Not even a pull-out couch!
“Did I…mess up?” Peach frowned at Mario’s silence. “I can sleep on the floor and you can take the bed if you’d like. Or, maybe we can drain this jacuzzi and I can use a pillow or two in here!”
Mario gasped. What was she thinking?
“Princessa! No no no- no you did not mess up! And I will not let you sleep anywhere other than the bed.” He took her hand and rubbed it softly.
“You seem troubled however.” She frowned. “I do not wish to make it any worse.”
Mario offered a flustered smile. “Oh Peach, I’m sorry if I came off as a-upset. I’m not, okay? It’s just- this is a couples room, ya know?”
Her eyes twinkled. “Oh, but we are a couple. That means this won’t be a problem!”
Mario giggled nervously. “Well… no, it’s not a problem. But I just want you to be comfortable.” He picked up the flowers and wine off the pillow. “You know why this is here, Princess?”
“Complimentary treat by the staff?”
Mario shook his head. “It’s here for an assuming a newly wed couple would spend the night here. For ehh- their honeymoon."
Peach blinked.
"This is a honeymoon suite.”
Now Mario knew that Peach was slowly catching up with earthly traditions; however, he knew for sure she knew almost all wedding terms due to Bowser's constant kidnapping and marriage proposals. Peach would tell Mario the honeymoon getaways Bowser would plan; trying to promise Peach the world. Just thinking about it was making Mario's blood boil.
"Oh," Peach gasped softly as she put a dainty hand over her mouth. Mario was a little grateful he didn't have to explain further. "Goodness! I am so sorry Mario...I should have just let you book the room." Her head tilted down. "I was just too excited to do it myself…”
Mario shook his head. "It's fine Peach, I promise!” He rubbed his thumb on one of her knuckles. "I can sleep in de jacuzzi, hm? You've had a long week."
The princess's lips pressed tightly. "I will not allow my boyfriend to sleep in a...heart shape,” She narrowed her eyes at the hot tub. “Stinky jacuzzi.”
"Stinky?" Mario's eyes widened as he laughed. "This jacuzzi is anything but stinky! It's beautiful!" He saw Peach pout and allowed himself to giggle at her. "You never say stinky unless you dont like it. Is there..another idea you had in mind?"
The princess twiddled her fingers. "You know, I wouldn't mind sharing a bed with you. I know we haven't yet- and I...I'm sorry if it seems invasive...but I really don't want you to sleep anywhere else."
Mario felt his mouth slackened. “You…you don’t mind?”
Peach shook her head with a small smile.
Is she..just saying that? Or does she not mind? Mario wasn’t sure what the right response was. After all- this was his 2nd relationship. It’s not like he’s had a lot of experience.
Was it gentlemen enough to sleep in the same bed as her? Does it not matter since they are just, sleeping together? Or does this not count since there are no other options?
Or is he just saying that because cuddling with her on the couch has always brought him to ease? Is he overthinking this? Or is he just being selfish?
"Oh! I know how we can make this work," Mario smiled as he reached over the bed and grabbed a pillow. He then stuffed it in the middle and fluffed it. "We could put a pillow in between!"
Holy cannoli. Im-a so smart.
“What do you think, Princess?"
He’s never seen her wrinkle her nose and brows so quickly.
"Oh," Peach crossed her arms and looked down. "That is a wonderful idea, Mario."
He blinked.
Was that…sarcasm?
Peach kept her head down and kicked her legs softly.
"Umm..you think so?" Mario asked cautiously.
"Yes. It is spectacular." Peach sighed and stood up. Her eyes softened as she looked up at Mario again. "I'm going to...take a look on the balcony if you need me."
She swiftly moved to the sliding doors and slide them open. Once she went outside, Mario rubbed his head.
Did he say something wrong...?
***
Its been about 1 hour since they arrived at this hotel. And about 30 minutes since Peach has last spoken to him.
The longest they haven't spoken to each other in the same room ever has been 10 minutes.
This trip was already a mess!
He watched from the dining table as Peach explored the TV channels. Her hands were cupping her cheek as she was lying on her belly on the bed. Her legs swung back and forth as she kept pausing the channels to examine the screenshots.
Mario smiled softly as he felt his heart flutter.
Even though she looked happier already, he was worried that something was still troubling Peach. He looked around the seductive (oh boy) room and tapped his chin. As decent (and Mario is being generous) as this room was, there was really nothing they could do. Other than watch TV. Or sit in silence.
Mama mia, how can I get her talking to me again? I don’t even know what-a I did wrong…
The confused plumber glanced around the room for anything of interest. Suddenly, his eyes landed on a few of Toad’s bags he forgot to take to his room.
One has a beach ball and a floatie inside.
He felt dumb. They have a whole beach next to them!
A comically bright lightbulb illuminated above his head. He quickly turned it off and headed to the beach ball. The sound of the ball dribbling on the wood floor grabbed Peach’s attention.
"Peach," he gently passed the ball to her as he approached her with ease. “How would you like to visit the beach now? I completely forgot the hotel sits-a right next to it.”
Please say yes. Please say yes.
Peach narrowed her eyes and tapped a finger to her chin. Her lips curled up into a bright smile before she let out a gasp.
"Oh, Mario, I thought you would have never asked!”