To Dance With You
“1, 2, 3… 1, 2, 3…”
With delicate precision, Luigi’s feet traced the ground, walking through the steps in the instructional booklet he’d picked up earlier that afternoon. He watched himself in the nearby floor-length mirror, making sure he didn’t look a fool — this would be his first time waltzing with Prince Peasley, after all — in public, no less! He wanted it to be perfect, he wanted to sweep the prince off his feet!… in front of nearly his entire kingdom and populace. No biggie!
He wiped away the instinctual sweat at the thought. Shaking slightly, he kept on practicing, attempting to keep rhythm.
“1, 2, 3…”
He had been thinking and dreaming about this dance for weeks, rolling it back and forth in his brain—ever since Peasley had invited him to this royal rite of passage, in fact—but between Bowser shenanigans, decorous tea dates with the princesses, and routine plumbing duties, he hadn’t found the time to practice. Still, even if time was not on his side, he swore he'd get it right. The ball was tomorrow night, and he refused to embarrass his dear prince; the Debeantante Ball only happened once a year, after all, and he had to make a fantastic first impression. He didn't want to be 'boo'-ed out of the Beanbean Kingdom...
Flushed now, he kept counting the steps in his head—"1, 2, 3..."—as he moved across the floor, gradually getting his movements to be more graceful and organic. The dance didn’t come completely naturally to him, but he was determined. He pictured Peasley's smiling face, almost certain the prince would flash that charming grin of his on the night of the ball. He imagined focusing on only him as they glided effortlessly across the dance floor, everything else in the world falling away.
That made his heart go a-flutter.
He quickened his pace, flowing through the steps again, and imagined the complete scene: the swell of the orchestra, the grand ballroom filled with twirling gowns and sharp suits, the music rising as the prince approached and bowed to him, extending a gloved hand. Luigi would place his palm into Peasley's—he acted it out in the present, curtseying playfully—and Peasley would guide them to the center of the room. And though the audience's eyes would be fixed upon them, Luigi’s attention would be elsewhere. He only had eyes for his dance partner, lost in those deep chestnut eyes, his worries melting away. Left foot back, right to the side, close together. He wouldn't dare look down, trusting Peasley (and his ingrained memory of the steps) to lead them. If he thought too hard about it, he knew he'd mess up, consciously or not.
Luigi lost count of the steps as he imagined holding Peasley close, swaying, their bodies moving in unison to the music. A slight blush rose to his cheeks, giggling softly at the thought.
After a moment though, he shook his head and tried to focus, starting the count again, reviewing the instructional booklet he had propped up by the mirror. He picked it up, counting out the steps one by one. With book in hand, he started the dance over again. "1, 2, 3..."
Tomorrow night couldn't come soon enough.
Luigi practiced the steps over and over, picturing Peasley's handsome face gazing into his eyes. He grinned goofily as he envisioned dipping Peasley dramatically at the climax of the dance. He knew his prince would love that — he did so adore being the center of attention. He practiced a few fake dips, using the book as a weight. Lost in the daydream, he suddenly tripped over his own feet, catching himself before he fell over on his backside. He sighed, straightening his rumpled overalls and narrowing his eyes.
He exhaled. Focus!
He started the steps again.
"1, 2, 3..."
“Luigi, my love, have you seen—“
Luigi stopped, his face blushing scarlet as he turned to face the out-of-the-blue occupant in the doorway. Prince Peasley stood there smiling, the bemused prince staring back at Luigi. “Oh my. Did I interrupt?” he asked, smirking fondly.
“A-ah! I didn’t think you’d be home so soon, mio p-principe…” Luigi stammered, smacking his instructional book shut. Peasley glided further into the room, an amused twinkle in his eye. “Sorry, I’ll clean up… mammamia…” Still blushing like mad, Luigi bent over and began picking up the markers he had placed on the ground to get all the steps right, frantic. He stammered, trying to explain, "I, uh, was just... I wanted to..." he trailed off, embarrassment flooding through him.
“Sorry, sorry, this is a mess… I-I’m-a mess…” he said, "ah... w-what was it you were looking for? Sorry, again, I..."
Peasley’s hand fell over his. Luigi looked up, eyes wide.
"Getting some last-minute practice in before our dance tomorrow night?" Peasley asked kindly.
"Uhm... y-yeah," Luigi said, nodding. His face turned even redder — if such a thing was possible.
“No need to be embarrassed, my dear.” Peasley chuckled, helping him pick up the markers on the ground. “I’m touched you’ve put so much time into perfecting it,” he said.
"But..."
"But what?"
"I'm scared... I-I've never ballroom danced before."
Peasley's eyes widened. Now the messy nature of the room made more sense. "You haven't danced before?"
"I-I mean, I've danced before! Flamenco, salsa, a-and I do dance for fun all the time..." Luigi sighed. "Sorry, I've just never... I'm-a not... I was worried..." He wrung his hands together. “I couldn't stop thinking about if I messed it all up. Like, what if l tripped? O-or if I made you trip, on accident?" He whined. “It’s why I’ve been trying to practice all day… but I just can’t... I can't seem to memorize it..."
Peasley's concerned expression finally flickered to something new. He smiled, then giggled, snorting softly behind his hand. "Well, that must be because you're practicing without a partner, silly!" He shook his head, standing up and holding a hand out to Luigi. “Here. How about I help you practice instead?”
"What?"
"Well, we can't have you tripping all over yourself out there, can we?" Peasley chuckled. "Perhaps I could be of some assistance? I've done many a ballroom dance in my life."
Before Luigi could even answer, Peasley had swept him into the proper dance position. Luigi's heart pounded at their sudden closeness. His eyes, still wide, glittered with astonishment.
“O-okay.”
"Like so," Peasley murmured, beginning to lead Luigi through the steps, keeping perfect rhythm.
Luigi's nerves melted away as he let himself be guided across the floor. Dancing with Peasley just felt... right. They were made to fit together. Like puzzle pieces.
"You're a natural, greenie..." Peasley said, dipping Luigi gently.
The steps in the booklet started to make total sense the more Peasley led Luigi through it. It was true; he just needed a dance partner to understand the last few tidbits. Peasley guided Luigi through every step, keeping time patiently, counting under his breath. With Peasley leading, Luigi found it much easier to follow the rhythm, relaxing at last, trusting his partner's movements. They swayed and spun around the small room, Luigi’s confidence in his dance growing with each passing moment. By the time they finished, Luigi could envision their magical dance perfectly.
They sealed their evening of practice with a kiss, looking deep into each other’s eyes, faces mere inches apart.
"I think you've got it now, darling," Peasley said softly. “How are you feeling about it?”
“Better. Much better.” Luigi grinned.
“Good. You'll do wonderfully tomorrow." Peasley kissed Luigi again, then tugged on his collar. “Now, come on."
"H-huh?"
"You still owe me a cuddles and movie night," Peasley giggled. "It is Friday, remember?"
Luigi's eyes widened; between all the rushed practicing, he'd completely forgotten about their weekly movie nights.
"I was asking earlier if you knew where my slippers had ended up. You know how I like to get cozy for our little film rendezvous..."
"O-oh!" Luigi sat up. Domestic duties? Now that was something he had full confidence in! "Hmm... I actually think Polterpup got his paws on them last night... did you check near his bed downstairs?"
Happily, Luigi let himself be led by the hand to the plush couch downstairs, his earlier nerves now replaced by excitement for their cozy night in. While Peasley searched Polterpup's bed, finding his ivory-colored, fluffy slippers tucked in amongst the rest of their spoiled pooch's squeaker toys, Luigi perused their movie collection: a joint effort between him and Mario; they'd been avid collectors of movies since they were tweens. Luigi had gotten "custody" of the movies for the last few months since he and Peasley had started their weekly ritual, though.
He quickly put the movie on and plopped down onto the cushions. He lifted his arm invitingly and Peasley gladly tucked himself against Luigi's side, head resting on his shoulder. They snuggled up close.
"What are we watching?"
"Smitten in Sarasaland," Luigi answered, cozying up to Peasley. "Daisy recommended it, actually. She said it's reeeal corny."
Peasley smiled. "My favorite."
It was true; nothing sounded better than snuggling up close while a cheesy rom-com played in the background. As the opening credits rolled, Peasley idly played with the buttons on Luigi's overalls, nuzzling up closer. "I meant what I said earlier, you know. Our dance tomorrow will be perfect.... even if you make a wrong step, or even if I trip over you," Peasley giggled. "Because... well, as long as we're together, it will be everything I've ever dreamed of."
"I know."
Luigi smiled and planted a kiss on Peasley's forehead.
"I'm not worried anymore."
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