Chapter Text
(Bonus illustration)
“P-P-Peasley…? C-Could you t-t-tell me again abo-about the ceremony…?”
The prince smiled sleepily upon hearing his partner’s excited tone as they both lay in bed, bathed in nothing but the plush, lantana orange blankets and the silver moonlight streaming through the half-open window. He could feel the summer’s air scenting the air of freshly cut flowers as the early evening servants toiled away as they trimmed the bushes dutifully, their only light shining from the brilliant moon above. Beside him, he could feel the soft shifting as his partner lay anxious, eagerly awaiting his response.
‘Cute.’ Peasley thought to himself.
Chuckling to himself, he rolled over, only to find himself face to face with his lovely Luigi. Those soft, baby blue eyes sparkled in an almost childlike wonder and excitement… perhaps with a bit of mischief?
“How long have you been up, princess…?” Peasley groggily asked as his hand snaked to Luigi’s cheek, gently thumbing the soft skin. “Are you not tired…?”
At this, Luigi tittered innocently, “N-Nope! I c-c-can’t sleep… s-so anyways, the ceremony?”
Peasley rolled his eyes.
Of course, he wouldn’t get a straight answer.
“You’ve been on about that for weeks, haven’t you?” he teased, raising an eyebrow with a smirk, earning a watery chuckle from Luigi.
Although expected, Peasley couldn’t entirely blame Luigi for his excitement. He wasn’t one for much emotion, but even he caught himself anxiously anticipating that beautiful day, whether it be gazing at Luigi as he did the most mundane tasks, or combing through his golden locks each morning. Even Lady Lima had pointed out the noticeable bounce in his step as he strolled through the castle, as well as his broad smile and blush while imagining his beloved finally becoming his. It was hard not to be excited!
“I c-c-can’t help it, P-Peasley!” Luigi laughed, gently swatting his hands away. “I’m j-j-just… I’m j-just so ha-happy…!”
“Can’t say I entirely blame you,” Peasley chuckled, pulling Luigi’s face near to plant a kiss on his forehead. “I’m excited, too… but you need your rest, you know.”
“I knooooooooowwww… b-b-but I wanna h-hear about the c-ceremony! Pleaaaaaaaase…? J-Just one more t-t-time…? B-Before bed…?”
To emphasize his point, Luigi flashed Peasley his best puppy eyes, something both he and the prince knew wouldn’t fail… and as expected, Peasley rolled his eyes and smiled, “Oh… who am I to say no to such a cute visage as this? Sometimes, you make me sick being so in love with you.”
“Hee… y-yeah…!”
“Right… right… well, let’s say we make this an adventure then, hm? C’mon!”
With that, Peasley promptly hopped out of bed, snatching the green-knitted blanket lain across the foot of the bed and draping it over himself. All the while, he could hear Luigi’s soft giggles radiating throughout the room as he watched this display. Before long, he became enveloped in the soft fibers, accompanied by Peasley’s loving, warm embrace as he took him into his arms. It all felt so intimate, feeling Luigi’s soft skin pressed against his. If given the chance, he could have remained like this until the end of time.
Nevertheless, he held Luigi at his side as he made his way to the bedroom door, keeping the blanket draped to conceal them both. Jokingly, he put a finger to his lips as his other hand reached for the brass doorknob, slowly opening the door, taking extra precaution to mind the creaking hinges.
Quietly, they sneaked through the halls, keeping a lookout for any pesky guards keeping watch of the doors lining the winding rooms. Although there was no real danger, Peasley liked an adventure, even in the confines of his quarters. The thrilling sensation that at any moment, he could be spotted where he shouldn’t be (in his mind), made him feel invincible, a strong knight donning diamond-hardened armor to shield himself against the hazards. Feeling the cool breeze wafting under the blankets chilled him, but that simply fuelled the flames even more! He wasn’t about to stop it either, especially when he knew Luigi enjoyed it just as much, as evidenced by the loving smile and his hand clamped over his mouth as he stifled his laughter.
They dodged the empty halls together as they imagined evil guards standing watch, waiting for the chance to strike. In a silly maneuver, Peasley sometimes began dancing with his beloved Luigi as though they were centerstage of their weekly ballroom gatherings as they evaded the “attacks.” He kept the blanket covering them, visualizing his beloved wearing only the finest of dresses… ‘Pink.’ he decided. He cupped Luigi’s face in one hand and purred, smiling at the subtle blush of his cheeks warming his fingers.
He was perfect.
Before long, Peasley finally found what he was searching for as he peered up the winding stairs, basking in the moonlight painting each stone situated in place… just as he wanted.
He motioned Luigi further, their fingers intertwined with the others. Together, they ventured upward, reveling in the new moonlight as it grew stronger and stronger. Peasley couldn’t help admiring it, though he had seen everything thousands of times before, whether it be playing hide-and-seek with Lady Lima as a tiny seedling, or taking his beloved far from the loud chatters and plate clinkings of the ballroom.
“The ceremony,” he began, using his ‘regal’ voice. “Begins when the clock tower chimes noon. We always hold them outdoors as a symbol of bringing another into nature as we walk hand-in-hand.”
“Oooh…! And wh-wh-what if it rains…?!” Luigi asked as he hopped up the stairs, excitement dripping in his tone, though he knew the answer.
“I’m glad you asked,” Peasley answered promptly, trying not to laugh. “Rain is never an issue for us. We quite like it, in fact; it provides us with plenty of nutrients… it also saves time on the buffet table. If our spouse is uncomfortable with it, however… we have these magical instrumentals to shield them from getting wet! Or… we move it inside, should they so request. The castle servants are quite diligent in their work!”
“It s-s-sounds magical…!”
“Yes yes… anyhoo, as I mentioned. Our ceremonies involve our select few comrades, those closest to us… but in the case of a royal wedding… everyone is involved!”
He then stopped short to help Luigi as he nearly stumbled over his feet.
As they trekked onward, Peasley smirked as he saw the paintings beginning to appear.
“Our ceremonies are made up of six phases, each more lovely than the one before,” he smiled down at Luigi, seeing his eyes sparkling in wonder.
“S-S-Six?”
“Mhm… the first is the Giving of the Zinnia,” Peasley emphasized his point as he stopped short beside a painting of several red zinnias. “There, our beloveds make their way down the aisle, dressed in their finest garb, until they reach the flower arch overlooking Oho Ocean to the east of our kingdom. Once there, Lady Lima presents a crown of vines for them to wear. It only remains empty… until she gifts them a single red zinnia to intertwine, symbolizing their love for their spouse as they join their new family.”
“It sounds b-b-beautiful…”
“Oh, goodness no. It’s dreadfully boring!” Peasley chuckled. “Believe me… the others are far superior!”
“D-D-Doubt.”
“Whatever. Anyhoo… once that is done, the spouses join hands in the Embrace of the Poppy.” Peasley, again, paused as he came across the painting depicting it. “There, they join arm and arm to symbolize their respect and honor for one another, promising to cherish the other as they should remember the other ‘till death do they part. By the end, Lady Lima presents a single orange poppy.”
“Aww… I th-th-think I’d enjoy th-that one…”
Peasley couldn’t help smiling at that.
‘I would, too.’
The two then carried on upward, Peasley explaining each of the phases, each accompanied by their own painting he emphasized so nicely.
Kiss of the Chrysanthemum; the green flower symbolizing their longevity and good fortune.
Waltz of the Delphinium; the blue flower symbolizing their protection and grace.
Song of the Aster; the purple flower symbolizing enchantment and admiration (“Though, the royals proclaim it as induction into the royal family.” Peasley joked.)
It was too romantic for the prince as he watched his beloved take in all he spoke, that childlike innocence shining throughout him as he listened intently. He had heard of it time after time… but he still acted as though it were the first time. Peasley would be lying if he claimed he didn’t enjoy it.
“And then, finally, there is the-”
“W-Wait.”
Peasley smugly smiled down at Luigi as his expression twisted into mock confusion, pretending to comprehend it all at once.
“Yes, dear princess…?”
“Red… orange… g-g-green, blue, p-p-purple… wh-where’s y-yellow?”
“Glad you asked!”
Peasley smiled as he reached the door leading to the outside of the tower they climbed onward… oh, he still hoped the stars still shone!
“Yellow… is a very dear thing to our kingdom,” Peasley explained, his voice low and whispered. “While many see it as friendship or happiness… we perceive it differently. Yes, we symbolize it as those things, but to us, it’s so much more than that.”
His hand squeezed Luigi’s.
“Yellow is a common color in our kingdom… but the ones we hold near and dear are the ones we grow. You can’t ever plant it, water it, or wait for the sunlight’s glow… it needs to come from the heart itself… for the one you hold true.”
“Wow…”
“That is also why the rose is precious to us… it’s a common beauty, but yellow is one of the few colors we can’t grow. For it to bloom, love is the only greatest soil. And that, my dear princess, is why our final phase is called… the Marriage of the Rose. ”
With one intake of breath, he flung the door open, exposing the rays of moonlight before them, along with the thousands of tiny stars twinkling in the sky above in the inky black sky.
From the corner of his eye, he could see Luigi staring up at each in sheer awe, his eyes could practically light up the entirety of the kingdom with how much they sparkled from the celestial beauties. With one final hand squeeze, Peasley continued, almost shyly, “Like the stars… there’s so many of us in the world. It’s easy to grow lost in it, unable to find your way… but when two find one another… it can create something immensely beautiful… and that’s why it’s my personal favorite.”
Without much word, Peasley ushed Luigi to the middle of the tower to truly take it all in, knowing how much he adored the heavens. He could stare at them for hours if desired… and Peasley was willing to grant that wish.
He gently surrounded Luigi with the soft blankets, ensuring no part of him was left uncovered before sitting beside him, only a few remnants covering his lap. He smiled, still watching his dear princess gaze, transfixed towards the shimmering heavens. Without much else to do, he happily resigned himself to snuggle comfortably at his side. He rested his cheek against Luigi’s bare collarbone, pillowed by his golden locks. He chuckled slightly as the ends of his partner’s mustache tickled his forehead, forcing him to nestle further. He joined his hands together, enjoying the blissful serenity he shared with this beautiful being beside him… he could have stayed there forever.
“Wh-What if I’m not good enough…?”
It was so quiet, Peasley probably wouldn’t have heard it, had it not been silent. Confused, he slowly lifted his head from Luigi’s collarbone… only to witness a solemn sight.
Luigi’s eyes still admired the stars, but his expression had changed from transfixed awe to an almost somber melancholy. The sparkle in his eyes seemed dim, even with the stars shining brightly; his eyebrows turned downward in worry; even his breathing slowed slightly as Peasley leaned against him.
Concerned, he turned to his partner and whispered, “Luigi…? Are… are you alright, darling…? Why do you look so melancholy?”
For a moment, Luigi’s eyes flickered towards him. In them, Peasley could see him debating in his mind, which only worried him further.
Had he done something wrong…?
…
…
…
After an agonizingly long silence, Luigi sighed deeply as he removed himself from the patchwork sky. He hesitated more as he played with the loose threads of the blanket, seemingly anxious as he prepared to say his next few words. All the while, Peasley remained steady and patient, though concern and guilt had begun eating his insides as he worried for his princess.
Finally… Luigi spoke.
“P-Peasley…? I… I need to t-t-tell you something…”
Peasley positioned his knuckles over his legs as he turned to face Luigi, wordlessly inviting him to continue.
And that, he did.
“I’m… I’m s-s-scared…” he breathed, as though a large weight pressed against his chest.
“Scared…?” Peasley repeated, his eyebrows furrowed in concern. “Whatever for, darling…?”
Luigi fiddled with the loose threads once more.
“I… it’s th-th-the c-ceremony… i-i-it all s-sounds so beautiful… b-b-but… b-but…”
Luigi audibly gulped as he thickly swallowed his words, to which Peasley brought his hands to his shoulders gingerly, thumbing the soft skin once more. He need not say a word, he knew, though many questions begged for answers.
But for the time being, he did everything to soothe whatever plagued him until it eventually worked.
Slowly, Luigi’s trepidation began to die down. He stayed quiet for moments more, staring into Peasley’s eyes as he held him carefully, like a glass figure, afraid that he would shatter in his fingers.
“It… i-i-it’s so b-beautiful h-hearing it…” Luigi finally spoke again, his every syllable trembling as the words left his tongue. “B-b-but me actually d-doing it… I… I f-f-feel scared…”
He paused briefly.
“And… a-and I w-w-worry that I… I w-w-won’t be enough f-f-for your f-family…”
Peasley’s eyes widened at this.
“Luigi…” he whispered, feeling his heart ache.
Luigi only winced, “I… I kn-know. It… i-i-it sounds hor-hor-horrible… b-b-but… I-I’m just a p-p-plumber… a-and you’re a p-p-prince…! I-I’m scared I won’t b-b-b-be good enough for them… y-y-you especially…”
Peasley’s expression fell.
For as long as he’d known Luigi, he had ensured his darling knew how much he cherished every part of him, even the things he deemed ‘unacceptable.’ In his eyes, Luigi was as flawless as the golden rose, a symbol of such beauty and completion. So hearing those words… his heart grew heavy.
“How… how long have you felt this way…?” he asked in a pained tone.
Luigi said nothing as his finger stroked over the golden ring he wore…
At this, Peasley sighed. He wrapped his arms around his princess, holding him so tight as though his life depended on it… anything to shield him from all those dreadful worries. His face nuzzled against Luigi’s neck; it felt soft… softer than any pillow. Under his arms, he felt Luigi’s hands shakily snake up his sides as they, too, joined the embrace, albeit dripping with reluctance.
It seemed like hours before they separated. By the time they did, Peasley could see his darling Luigi’s eyes sparkling in melancholy…
… he truly believed all he said…
“Princess,” Peasley spoke, taking Luigi’s hands in his own as he squeezed them gently. He spoke so quietly that Luigi could scarcely hear him. “I chose you because you’re my Luigi… you ruling at my side wasn’t something I cared for. It’s an added benefit… but that’s not why I chose you. I love you more than life itself… and I mean that with all my heart.”
He gave him a soft smile, “We can venture through all those things in time. Please… don’t trouble yourself with worry before we begin our new beginning, my darling. No matter what… I will be the one to guide you through it all.”
As he finished, he could see a smile slowly forming on Luigi’s face, accompanied by the floodgates in his eyes threatening to flood. Peasley moved his hands to his shoulders and massaged gently, bringing their heads together before their foreheads softly touched. He closed his eyes as he took in Luigi’s soft scent of sweet spice and freshly cut flowers, bringing a calming sensation to his pores.
“I love you…” he whispered.
They remained moments more, wrapped in nothing but the other's arms and the blanket keeping their bare skin warm. Their future was uncertain, they both knew… but they would always be together…
Luigi was his.
And Peasley was Luigi’s.
"Anch'io ti amo..." Luigi whispered back.