Now that the incident was truly behind them, Mario and Peach managed to enjoy the rest of their trip without any problems. Mario still gave Peach some space, but he did get a chance to show her around the remaining kingdoms to keep her and Tiara from being lost, something Peach was grateful for. Within each stop, Peach managed to contact the castle and apologize to Toadetta and the rest of her subjects for worrying them and promised to bring them all souvenirs and make several dishes she learned while she was in the Luncheon Kingdom. The trips throughout the Seaside, Luncheon, Ruined, and Moon Kingdoms, including the one Bowser took over, but now liberated due to Mario, went without any problems. Finally, after a long journey and a hunt for the power moons came to an end, and it was time for Mario and co. to returned to the Mushroom Kingdom.

A couple of days had passed since the trip around the world, and Mario was grateful to be home. Luigi had returned home as well, now that the contests for Balloon world was over, and he spent the entire time telling his brother about it since he saw him.

"And as soon as it came, it ended." Luigi finished.

"Heh, glad your game worked out and became super popular bro." Mario chuckled.

"Well it should, you came by every time I was available just to play," Luigi smirked.

"Well that's what big bros do," Mario shrugged, "They support their siblings, and-"

"Mario!"

The bros jumped when they heard Toad, followed by his dog, Inu. The bros waved at their Toad friend and enjoyed the hello kisses from the Shiba Inu.

"What's up Toad?" Mario asked with a smile, as he petted Inu.

"The princess wishes to see you," the mushroom retainer said, "She has a surprise for you."
Mario cocked an eyebrow as he looked at Luigi, who smiled and nodded.

Mario walked towards the castle, looking up at its latest decoration, a giant hat, that Peach somehow managed to acquire on the trip. How she was able to get it home was beyond him. When he noticed the princess was on the Balcony with Tiara and Cappy. Mario jumped onto the balcony, careful not to land on Peach or the Bonneter siblings.

"I hope I'm not-a late."

"Nope, you're right on time." Peach said with a smile.

"So what's this special surprise?" Mario asked with a sly smile.

Peach giggled and looked at Cappy. The Bonneter prince nodded and pulled out a small button and handed it to Mario. The plumber in red looked at it skeptical at first, but after seeing Peach, Tiara, and Cappy nodding, he shrugged his shoulders and pressed it.

Pop! Pop!

Mario looked up and saw fireworks coming out of the giant top hat, bursting in several colors, and all in different shapes and patterns. He looked down and saw a small crowd around the castle watching the display in amazement. Tiara cheered and spun around giddily as the fireworks kept going, and Cappy laughed and smiled as well. This was truly a great surprise. As the fireworks kept going, Mario could feel Peach holding his hand; he looked up and saw her smiling, and he did the same. They leaned in close to each other as they enjoyed the display in the comfort of each other's embrace; although Peach looked like she had something to say.

"Something on your mind princess?" Mario asked.

"Actually, yes." Peach answered and took a deep breath, "Mario before all of that trouble happened, were you planning on proposing to me?"

Mario, taken off guard by the question, looked up at Peach with a startled expression.

"W-What?!" He stuttered.

"Before Bowser abducted me and tried to force me to marry him, you said you wanted to ask me something," Peach repeated her question, "Were you planning on proposing to me?"
Mario took a quick glance at the ground; his heartbeat started to speed up. He knew he couldn't lie to Peach; the plumber in red sighed and looked up at his lover. "Yes Peachy, I did." Mario took his hat off and brushed his chestnut brown hair as he thought back to what caused his adventure, "I finally worked up the nerve to ask you and while we were having tea, I figured it was now or never; but then Bowser came and ruined it."

"I see." Peach said gently.

"But it's like you said," Mario blushed and smiled nervously, "After that crazy adventure, marriage isn't really on your mind, so-"

"You're right." Peach interrupted, folding her arms behind her back and closed her eyes as she slowly turning away, "It is too soon for marriage," She opened one eye, turned her head towards Mario, and smiled, "But we'll have plenty of time to discuss a day."
Mario looked surprised at that last part.

"But-" Peach cut him off when she placed two fingers on his lips and smiled.

"Just because I'm not ready for marriage yet doesn't mean I don't want to marry you someday." She winked.

The pieces were coming together for Mario as he looked at Peach, with relief and a warm smile. He got onto his knees and pulled out a small treasure chest and held Peach's hand. Peach grinned and blushed, as she put the other hand on her face.

"When you are ready," Mario began, as he looked at the princess lovingly, "Princess Peach Toadstool, will you marry me?"

"Mario Segale Mario, you don't know how long I waited to hear those words." Peach answered with a smile, as tears of joy began to form, "Yes I will."

"Alright, bro!"

Mario and Peach looked down from the balcony to see Luigi standing there clapping, but it wasn't just him. Daisy, Dk, Diddy, Rosalina, the Wario bros, Toad, Toadetta, Professor Gadd, Pauline, and all of their friends and family were standing by the castle, clapping, congratulating, and cheering for the cute couple. Cappy and Tiara clapped as they floated towards the knewly engaged couple.

"I'm so happy for you two!" Tiara cheered.

"Congrats Mario! You too Peach!" Cappy chimed in.

The couple smiled at everyone, then looked up to see all the fireworks continuing to go off. Peach looked at Mario, her heart beating with passion and joy. She had longed for this day and it finally came; yes, it would be a while before they tied the knot, but they were engaged and that's all she currently needed. She took Mario's hat and straightened it a bit and put both hands on his face. Mario put his hands on the princess's shoulder, brushed a bit of her golden hair aside, and the two leaned in for a passionate kiss, as the fireworks' finale began to start. The world seemed to slow down for the two of them as they were lost in each other's hold as if all their problems had vanished.

Eventually, the two broke the kiss and continued to watch what was left of the fireworks. As soon as it was over, Mario and Peach's friends and family began bringing up ideas for their wedding, from where the ceremony should be, who the maid of honor and best man should be, to the reception, though Peach had to stop them getting too far ahead since she and Mario agreed to wait awhile before getting married. Mario couldn't help but smile at the display, but at the same time, he was relieved. What started out as a big mess ended with him finally asking the love of his life to be his wife. In the end, his new friends, a new understanding and a new step in his and Peach's relationship were the only good to come out of that hidden and unresolved tension.

The last chapter. While I didn't mind the ending to odyssey, I was hoping or a secret ending that would have at least hinted Mario and Peach being engaged. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed.

All characters belong to nintnedo.