The Confrontation

A Discussion, Long Over Due

As the moon sank into the distance, Mario looked out from the Odyssey in triumph. He had done it. He had defeated Bowser and saved his beloved princess yet again... So why did he feel so... empty... bitter?

No... he knew why. It was Peach. What in the hell was that? He had risked so much for her. Even died several agonizing deaths. It was only through the grace of green mushrooms that he was able to come through in the end. He had suffered and risked so much just to keep her safe and for what? So she could toss him aside like he meant nothing to her!

"And what was my big crime?" Mario thought bitterly "I proposed to her."

Of course, Peach could marry whoever she wanted. She didn't owe Mario a wedding, and he knew that. But there are ways to let someone down without being cruel. Mario was only following his heart, he didn't force her, or kidnap her as Bowser so often does. He only asked a question... and for that, she nearly stranded him on the moon, like he was no better than Bowser.

"I thought we were at least friends." Mario clenched his fists on the railing. "I thought she cared about me. Or... at least cared enough not to hurt me like this."

Mario looked through the window of the Odyssey. Peach was inside sitting on a couch, reading a book. "She ran in there almost as soon as we left the moon... Couldn't even stand to be out here with me." Mario thought angrily as he watched her. 

He knew what he needed to do... even though the conversation could likely end their friendship. But it could not be avoided any longer. He entered the Odyssey and asked Cappy and Tiara if they could give him a moment. After the two floated out to the balcony, Mario rounded on Peach.

"What was that?"

"hmmm?" Peach responded without looking up from her book.

"What the HELL was that?"

Peach looked up from the book. "Mario, I don't know what you're talking about."

"THAT! BACK THERE!" Mario pointed to the window where the retreated moon could still be seen in the distance. "You nearly abandoned me!"

"Oh, don't be so dramatic, you made it back fine."

"And if I hadn't? If I had missed my jump?"

"I would have come back for you." Peach could see Mario was not impressed with this explanation, so she put her book down and padded the seat next to her while speaking more softly. "But I knew you wouldn't miss it. Jumps like that are easy for you, I just... didn't want Bowser jumping on board too... Okay?"

Mario sat next to her while listening. His anger subsiding only a little. Mario knew he could have pressed Peach more on her flimsy excuse, but he was anxious to get to his real question. The only question that really mattered. The one that he suspected may end their friendship. He gave a sigh and then spoke.

"Peach... am I wasting my time here?"

"Mario, I still don't know what you're talking about."

"What am I to you?"

Something fell in the pit of Peach's stomach. Peach now understood what Mario was getting at. "Mario... I've been through a lot; can we please talk about this later?"

"No... no Peach, I really need to talk about this now." Peach stayed silent for a long time, her face turning a slight shade of pink, before finally speaking.

"Mario, you're my friend... my best friend."

"Is that all then? Just a friend?"

"Mario..."