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Before the momentous diplomatic event at the royal palace would come for both James and Koopin, they still had their anniversary. James had been secretly gathering favours around the place, keeping an ear to the ground for any and all ideas he could get to make a momentous event. One idea he decided to leave it for Koopin's birthday much farther away, since a surprise came from another pair of benefactors for their anniversary beforehand. An invitation from Koopin's parents. James found such an invite to be rather strange, but nevertheless accepted it along with Koopin, taking the train to the far east and heading to Dusty Dunes. Even more strangely, he knew this was coming since they both had been given a call from the Kennidons on how not to worry about treating each other for their anniversary, as they had things covered. "I still dunno why they wanna do something for us," said James while walking. "Well they DO like you," said Koopin, "a lot. I mean...you did save me." "Aw come on, no, they can't just like me for that." "And my mom hugging you in tears thanking you over and over again was...?" "Ungh...feels a bit unfair yanno." "Whatcha mean?!" "That they like me because I saved you, not because of who I am. I could be an ass-...jerkwad for all they know." "Of course they like you for who you are! You're funny, you respect them, you talk politely to them, I even noticed you not cursing around them, they don't even know half the stuff you say." "Heh, yeah I...guess so. I just...I don't wanna look bad, I want them to trust me, to know that you're in safe hands with me in your house...in your bed...with you." Koopin gently put his hand upon James', the two stopping briefly upon the entrance to the Dry Dry Desert as he spoke with assurance to his love. "They know I'm safe. They didn't worry about me before, but...after what you did...they couldn't be happier for me. I know I want to look after myself but, when your son falls in love with the guy who rescued him, what can you say?!" "...depends on the guy I guess." "James. Don't think anything of it, please, they do like you for who you are too. It's not like they mention what you did everytime we visit right?" "Uh...nnnnoooo I guess not." "Then don't worry about it! Come on, they said they had something special for us and I'm not making 'em wait."

Dragging James slightly by the arm, Koopin headed through the desert safely on home to his parents, reaching their door within the hour upon entering the arid lands before they were invited in by his mother. "Koopin! James! Come in come in, so good to see you so early!" "Hi mom!" "Hi Mrs. Kennidon." "Ah-ah no James, now you know by now to call me Klair." "Heh, sorry Klair. How are you?" "Oh busy busy busy!" she said with cheer. "You two are going to have a very fun day I guarantee you." "Yeaaaaah uhm...what ARE we gonna do today?" "Now now, no looking ahead of the sheet, you'll hear it soon." It took James a bit to realise what she meant, having not had any sort of musical experience as Koopin said: "Is dad still at the store?" "He'll be closing up in half an hour dear, but he'll be here for our little fun." "What...um...wow I really can't believe you'd do something for us, th-thanks mom." "Yeah seriously," added James, "I mean, we'd have a good anniversary by ourselves, we've only known each other a year, you really didn't have to do anything." "You're right," said Klair. "I didn't have to. But trust me, I had the most perfect opportunity and I could NOT let it go to waste. You'll see when the time comes." A mischievous little giggle from the koopa female made both of them smirk curiously, not entirely sure what to make of the extra spring in her step. Nevertheless, they sat down and had dinner that she prepared especially for them. A home-made mushroom and pepperoni pizza was for James, while Koopin received a plateful of koopasta. It looked rather like seaweed, but was actually spaghetti marinaded in a green sauce composed of garlic, basil and koopa leaves. Koopin's father had joined them during dinner, and once he had his fill in turn with his wife, all four of them headed off outside. James and Koopin were intrigued all the more by what sort of surprise the Kennidons had in store for them, wandering towards a rather sheltered-looking square in the back area of town. Normally it would be a bustling bazaar for market days, for stallholders not concerned about not catching the ripe attention of the main street thoroughfare.

What they saw instead however was something more valuable than anything on a stall. A stage had been set up, curtains and all as well as a firm dancefloor installed onto the ground. The curtains were closed at the moment, but already Koopin was realising what would happen, as Klair gently walked up towards the stage. "You boys just relax, you'll know what to do once the music comes in." "U-um, music? Mom what's going on?" "Don't worry! Just a few friends of mine are going to give you a little something special." With a teasing wink she disappeared behind the curtain, and already the crowd began pouring in. More like trickling in, a small crowd of couples all older than James and Koopin were. Koopin recognised them as being friends of his parents, couples smiling at each other. It all started to make sense now, with James quickly catching up in turn as he asked: "Did your mum set up a dance for us?" "Mmhmm." "...oh god I am so glad I know how to dance." "Hhhha ha ha, yeah, me too." "Let's hope it's a waltz." "Why, you dunno how to breakdance?" "Well, that and I'd never wanna see your mum do beatboxing." "U-u-u-u-u-uhhhhh...yeah, heheh, me neither." "ATTENTION EVERYONE!" The booming voice came from the stage, as Shelldon Kennidon stood firmly proper before a microphone, wearing a fine-looking tuxedo fit for a compere. "Thank you all for coming here tonight to the Desert Moon Ball. Now we have a lot of wonderful couples here tonight, so I hope you all are in for a show. I'd like to dedicate this night especially to two people. My son, Koopin, who has found love in the arms of the one who rescued him from great terrible danger. This is for you son...and you James, for your first anniversary." The couples around them started to clap their way, with cheers inbetween all while the youngest couple blushes to themselves. "No mentioning everytime I visit huh?" said James sarcastically. "Just enjoy it," murmured Koopin, "come on, they did this for us." "Heh, alright then...it is pretty cool, I just wonder when we start dancing." As if on cue, the curtains began to open up with Shelldon leaving the stage. A song started up with a rather strangely-tuned piano, followed by a surprisingly smooth crooning voice breaking through the air. It came from the stage, naturally, as shadows began to show. The beat began to pick up, as a drum started to come in with a tender beat, slowly rising the tension of the main song to begin. Then the spotlight came on. A goomba on a drumset at the back with expert use of his feet. Two koopas using trumpets. A toad on a bluesy double-bass. Klair herself on the piano at the back. And in the centre of it all, was a dazzlingly-dressed goomba with glittering top hat, bowtie and the voice of the song itself, riffing straight up into a jazzy rendition that the couples began to dance to the music appropriately. Jive style.

James and Koopin were rather stunned in the middle of the floor, but they said nothing, merely letting the music take them away. James already knew he was a good dancer, but he had never done much jive dancing before. Koopin however was thankfully used to such a style thanks to his mother, and guided his partner correctly. They barely had time to think or speak before the music gripped their very minds, and soon they were swinging around to the music. The smooth voice of the goomba flowed like honey across the air, as the music rose itself up all around him. Klair was having the time of her life, jamming away on the piano to a rather ritzy beat, mouthing the words of the song to herself. All this was lost to both James and Koopin, who found themselves quickly twirling around into their own rhythm with the song. A simple twirl began their step, the koopa turning swiftly towards James' chest before spinning back out once more. It felt enough like a fast waltz for FG to become comfortable with it, as he eagerly pulled him back into his arms. With a firm but uneven walk away together across the floor, they started to step back into a strange synchronised rhythm with each other, the two smiling at their similar idea. Despite the raptor's longer stride, they soon began to sync each other's feet up after one or two near-slips with James' claws rubbing gently against Koopin's boots. They both stepped to the left, then to the middle, then to the left once more before a small spin around for Koopin to spin FG out swiftly to the edge of his arm. Surprised, James spun away from Koopin's grasp and quickly walked with a striding beat to behind him. Sliding his arms around his partner, he swiftly spun the koopa to make them face each other, before clasping his hands with Koopin's. Arms spread out with hands held, a look to the left then to the right before a little thrust of the neck to each other, they moved into a proper waltz formation to the jazzy beat. Swiftly stepping their legs along with each other properly, they walked side by side, chest against shell at least four steps before another spin. James was the one to do so this time, swinging Koopin out like a whip before pulling him hard back towards him, letting go the moment Koopin was back against him only to slide to his knees in front of him. The koopa merely restrained a chuckle before pulling him back up against his body, gazing up at him as the couples danced to their own individual beats. Some were good, some were excellent, but a lot of them were terrible and just trying to enjoy each other, rather than look good.

The raptor and the koopa would do all they could to look good as the centre of attention. They would slide with each other with drags of the leg, they would turn and spin each other out along the ends of their arms, they would synchronise their leg kicks when apart but walk the same length when together. All this they tried to pull out of their bag of dancing tricks at the Desert Moon Ball. The moon was high above the desert night, and the wind was no more over the unmoving sand. The band played on. The goomba kept singing. Klair kept smiling. James stopped caring and let himself loose. The night ignited his passion, and the moment he knew the song ended, he pulled Koopin close for a kiss. The last refrain of the song, ending on Klair's own last key, was when he parted lips. He didn't register the fact the other dancers had seen it before they started to clap with congratulations at such a passion. The feeling of public display rose forth in the young couple, as Koopin blushed with nowhere to hide his face, holding onto James with one arm around his waist as his only option. James merely nodded into a slight bow, murmuring his thanks to the older audience before Shelldon's voice came over the microphone.

"Thank you thank you, give a big round of applause to the band tonight, the Desert Blues everyone!" Even more appreciation went to the band, including applause from both James and Koopin who cheered for the band members stepping up to take their bow. Klair smiled happily at seeing her gift to her son work perfectly, the young koopa's face lighting up with amazement. With the dance over and their stomachs still sated from the hearty dinner, they slept over at the Kennidon's house, invited personally so. "That was awesome mom!" said Koopin first thing. "You brought your friends to play just for us?!" "Wellll they were in the area," replied Klair casually, "and I thought why not have a li'l fun with just a dance number for the two of you?" "For a first-year anniversary?" said James curiously. "I mean, it was awesome sure but...I'm just blown away I mean damn." "You two deserve it, for being such sweet boys. Now I expect both of you will be quite tired by now, so off you go to bed now." "Awwww can't we watch something first?" said Koopin teasingly, "I'm not THAT tired-" "Hahaha, now dear, you know TV is boring at night and not worth your time." "Okaaaaaay...hhhehehehe." "Night night dears." With a hug to James and a hugging kiss to Koopin, she let them head upstairs to rest in Koopin's old room. While it had been stripped bare of most of its former inhabitant's belongings, there did remain a few children's toys, a lamp and a sizeable bed, with two pillows freshly placed. The stone walls of a cool vanilla off-white kept them reminded of their desert location. James merely shook his head. "I can't believe this..." "Hmm?" asked Koopin. "I've only been with you a year, and I get more love and praise than I ever got in my life." "Heh, wh-why you say that?" "The way your parents treat me, I...I feel like I'm about to marry a prince and the royal family's giving me the best time of my life to seal the deal or something!" "Hahaha, awwwwwww that's adorable! ...but seriously, they're just nice that way, let's just go to bed okay?" "Alright." With little else to say on their tired-out minds, they cuddled up into Koopin's old bed together, the size of it being just barely enough for James to handle until he felt his claws scratch against the end of the bed. The soothing sounds of the busy little desert town acted as a lullaby to James, as he soon nodded off without a word.

With the anniversary over with, James and Koopin had little else to prepare for other than the royal palace invitation. As part of the original Weston Kingdom excavation group, the personal invite was quite an honour to receive, and Koopin constantly worried about making a good impression everytime it came up. James didn't care so much, but he did go along with Koopin's desires to look impressionable. For starters he actually agreed to wear some more clothing besides just literally a pair of jeans and boxer shorts, starting with a black tank top. But while the next two months started to drag in their coming expectation of such an event, James also started to notice a few other events starting up around him in the coming buildup of a summer celebration. While passing through Toad Town one day, something caught his eye upon a billboard. The moment he read the flyer, his eyes lit up with a flash of excitement that Koopin noticed from behind. "What's up James?" "...look." "...oooooh they're starting up the Mario Kart races again! You like racing James?" "Hohoho hell yeah I do." "Well it's starting up next month so we got time before the royal palace visit, wanna go?" "Ohhh I wanna do more than that." "Huh?" James pointed straight at the bottom of the flyer, a tattered set of tags to be pulled off beneath the words "AMATEUR RACERS WELCOME", along with date listings for both kart and bike races to be set. Koopin turned with a rather surprised look. "...you...wanna RACE in them?!" "Oh you bet I do! Koopin this is like one of my best talents here, gimme a bike and I'll tear up the track!" "A-alright alright but, it's racing! I mean it's fine to watch but to be IN it is another thing, you sure you wanna-" "Koopin." He composed himself as if about to make a speech. "I have been riding motorcycles since I was fifteen. I think I can handle a little dirt track around the fields." "Hehehe, iiiiit's not a dirt track." "Huh?" "I know this place they're talking about, they mean the Mario Circuit southwest of here, it's a real track, small but real with gravel." "Oh ho ho that makes it even BETTER, I mean-wait...Mario Kart? Mario Circuit?" "Yeah, Mario sponsors the whole thing!" "...does he even DO any actual plumbing, 'cause he sounds like he can do everything else." "Welllll he IS pretty much a jack of all trades." "Hmhm, damn...well alright, I still wanna sign up for this, I mean you've never seen me race right?" "Nope, but you told me a lot about it! ...are you sure you'll be up to this?" "He he he...you just watch from the sidelines okay?"

He patted Koopin's head firmly, patronising him slightly with a cocky grin as Koopin said: "Allllrighty, but I hope you know what you're getting into James. I mean I dunno how races work back where you came from, but here, they can get pretty rough." "Like I said, that makes it even better." "Question." "Yeah?" "...where you gonna get a bike?" "...aw shit." "Jaaaaames." "Sorry sorry, dammit...nnnnngh...they are a bit expensive after all, I know a place that sells them though, I talk with the guy sometimes while down there looking at 'em." "Hope you got the money for one then." "Mmmmm...I'll have to save up...think I can get enough in three months' time?" "Heh, if you save and be frugal sure!" "Sweet! Cuz I totally wanna get in on them." "Well if you can't, don't worry about it, they come like every six months." "Huh, alrighty, definitely have enough time for the next races anyway." It was at this point that James became less of a spender over the next several months. But for now, they decided to relax for the day after some light food shopping by heading down towards the docks. The sea breeze always soothed Koopin, as he contemplated sitting down upon the edge of the port facing towards the grand open ocean, but decided instead to head into Club 64. He wanted to pass the time a little more until the sunset came in, deciding also to take in a show while they waited. Club 64 was one place that James had not been to yet during his year-long stay of the Mushroom Kingdom. It had an atmosphere reminiscent of a jazz bar, which immediately threatened him with memories of Sarah that he tried to stifle with drink. Koopin was intrigued by the old wooden decor, the smooth jazz blending in with the fresh sea air to give a rather unusual but calming atmosphere. The bar was at the far left corner, wooden tables littered around with a small stage on the far right corner. There was also an act to be staged soon within the hour, a singer known as "The Divine Miss Catherine".

"Ooooh I heard about her," said the koopa. "Who?" "The Divine Miss Catherine! You never heard of her?" "Nope, who's she?" "She's a pretty good singer! Locally well-known but I can't remember where she comes from, settled down in the Mushroom Kingdom to take up a singing career." "Ahh, what's she like?" "Uhhh...wait, what you mean?" "Well I mean..." James indicated a curvaceous figure with his hands while raising his eyebrows, which made Koopin smirk. "Iiiii think she's a li'l more curvy than that." "Heh, alright...nothing wrong with that." "So, you're not seasick I hope." "Hah, no. I think you knew that when we went to the islands last time." "Hehehe!" "Why you ask?" "Well this place is near the docks...everytime I come here, I always smell the sea air and wanna just hop on a ship and go." "Hmmm...we should go again sometime, back to the islands." "We should! Yanno sometimes I feel like I was a sailor in a past life or something." "Hah, maybe. Any other places the ship sails to?" "Uhhh yeah there's Yoshi's Island way far away...very special place, very romantic and full of places to explore." "Romantic ehhhh?" "I'm just saying!" "Weeeeellll maybe we'll find out just how romantic it may be one day." The lights started to dim. The show was starting, as the club began to quiet down. A small band was already on stage, a classical jazz group of piano, bass, drum and oboe. From the side of the small stage came a strange figure who entered the moment the song started. She didn't appear to be wearing any clothes, far as James could tell. A strange pink creature, with a red bow and fluttering eyelashes above a wide O-shaped snout, which seemed to act like a mouth. The belly was white, its claws stubby yet dainty like a lady's. She began to sing a song with the group, the words somewhat ineligible to James. But the way she moved fascinated him. Despite the overall stubby figure, there was an effeminate trained grace the creature exhuded, from headbow to spiky dinosaur tail. Taking the mic stand she spun around almost seductively, playfully so to the crowd with a wink and a smile. The raptor had no idea what to think with such a strange presence and appearance. Words poured from her open mouth with the slightest of clenching, the O sometimes curving to an oval, but always remaining open somehow. To James it was the most bizarre creature he had ever seen in this world, and one of the most bewildering sights he had ever witnessed in a club.

But her singing was impressive nonetheless, classy and smooth, playful but not overdoing it to seductive. The crowd smiled with eagerness and bopped unconsciously to the beat of her song. A toad played the piano, a goomba on the bass plucking with his foot, with a shy guy on the drums and a koopa playing the oboe. They swung their heads with her, mesmerised by this strange creature's wily ways. Sometimes she leaned over the stage, towards one of the tables to give a wink and a kiss to an audience member. James swore at one point she locked eyes with him for five seconds straight, making him slightly hot under the collar of his black T-shirt. He felt a small part of his brain turn warm with ideas, but he suppressed them around Koopin, who was merely admiring her talented singing. Soon the song ended with the smallest of flourishes, only to be received with an eager but polite appraisal from the mixed crowd of 20 drinkers. Small whoops came over the clapping, as Koopin joined in with James. "Wow...she was good!" "Yeah she...was, um...what IS she?" "...James, don't be rude." "N-no no I mean, I never seen her species before, what exactly is she?" "...OH, oh right I see, she's a Birdo!" "Birdo?" "Yeah, they're pretty rare but they come from faraway originally, not really native to the Mushroom Kingdom." "Ohhhh immigrants huh? Cool." He smiled softly as she headed off to the bar to pick up her earnings, as James and Koopin drank a little more before heading outside to take in the sunset view. Over the horizon the sun was setting, sinking softly beneath the waves, basking the town within a blazing orange hue. The cobbled roads burned with the colour of lava, as they sat at the edge of the pier. Koopin sighed wordlessly as he leaned against James, taking in the view as he peered at the islands beyond. James almost fell asleep at such peace, wrapping an arm around Koopin's shoulders softly to hold him closer, letting the silence soothe them.