Chapter Text
Backpack on his shoulder, his phone in hand, Luigi was ready to depart from the Darklands and onto the Mushroom Kingdom. But there was just a tiny problem.
“Weeeggeeeeeee!!! Don't go!!!!!!!” Junior whined loudly, arms wrapped tightly around Luigi's middle. “Well buddy,” Luigi ruffles that fire red hair, “I gotta go but I promise I'll be back” he pats Junior's hair before kneeling down.
“You promise you'll be back?” Junior sniffles, those big black hole-like eyes filled with large tears, looking at his own eyes with the most adorable expression on his tiny face. Luigi couldn't help himself but coo before placing a loving smooch on the boy's snout. “Of course, I'll even bring you a present when I come back!” “Okay..” Junior gives him one last hug before the entire koopalings jump on him except for Ludwig.
“Gigi I'll miss you!” Wendy exclaimed, giving Luigi a tight hug. “Come back immediately!!” Came from his right ear, it was Morton. “Be safe, moustache man” Ludwig says, offering his fist out for a fist bump. Luigi giggles, “come here.” he opens his arms, before Ludwig gently enters them. He does so with a groan and rolling his eyes. Ludwig acted like he didn't want a hug but the soft wagging of his tail failed his facade of nonchalant-ness. The other koopalings that didn't greet him goodbye only hugged him tight as noises of disapproval escaped their mouths. It was so adorable, he couldn't believe he had another family that wasn't Mario.
A loud clearing of someone's throat got the attention of the koopalings, they all turned to see their father, standing with his arms crossed. “Y'know, if you guys want him to come back as soon as possible, you should let him go.” Bowser laughs as disapproving whines and growls come from his kids. “Kamek, get them. I'll accompany Lu to the pipe.” Bowser commands. With the mention of his name, a poof of smoke appeared and the Magikoopa Kamek was there.
“Come on hatchlings, we must let sire get to his travels.” With one last bone crushing yet very loving embrace, the kids depart themselves from Luigi. Luigi waves his hand with a smile as they koopalings enter the large gates of Bowser's castle before it's shut, leaving Bowser and Luigi alone.
“Hi.”
“Hello.”
“Let's go?”
“Yeah.”
As the couple walked towards the pipe, silence was between them. None of them talked, just hand in hand walking peacefully towards the pipe. Luigi kept to himself, eyes looking above the Darklands sky with a soft smile on his face and Bowser couldn't help himself but stare, reciprocating the soft loving smile on Luigi's face.
“You're staring.”
“I know.”
“Why stare at me when the sky is so beautiful?" Luigi asks, pointing at the sky as he breaks his gaze from the Sky and shifting it on his lover. In a heartbeat, Bowser replied. “Your eyes shine much brighter than any stars in the sky, it is as if they were hand picked by God, made for me to stare at them.” Luigi stares at Bowser, his smile getting bigger until it's a grin then he bursts out giggling.
“Oh my god, you're such a sap!” He continues to giggle, his face nearly as red as Bowser's eyes. “You turned me into one.” Bowser replied, chuckling as well. “I'm glad your sappiness is made for me only.” Luigi stops walking, approaching Bowser and placing a soft kiss on his lips. Bowser's tail wagged as his cheeks darken from the action. “I'm glad that you're the reason for it.” Bowser grabs Luigi's hand as they continue to walk.
“Y'know, the kids don't want you to go. Never seen them like that before, the effect you have on my children bewilders me.” Bowser starts, it was true. He has never seen his kids so comfortable around someone in such a short amount of time. They never let their guard down when he used to kidnap Peach but when Luigi came into the picture, it only took them a few months before they eventually accepted him as part of the family.
“Yeah, even Ludwig. You saw how his tail wagged when I hugged him? He definitely loves me.” Luigi proudly says, Bowser hums in response. Ludwig, as his oldest, took on the leadership role. He's smart, cunning, and ruthless. Kinda like Bowser when he was a young hatchling. Like any older sibling, Ludwig is mature. He tries to be anyway, Bowser could definitely see his younger self in that boy.
Yet the cold, unforgiving, facade of Ludwig would immediately fall off the moment Luigi shows him affection. It goes for all of his kids. They all needed a mother, they were orphans when Bowser found them, and he tried his best to find them a mother. Now, he's looking at him. The mother of his kids, the Queen of his Kingdom, and the one who holds his heart. The man that would be with him at his highest and lowest, the man that could break his heart in two if he wanted, the man that was better than anyone else he's ever been with. The man that he loves.
“Who wouldn't love you?” Bowser asks truthfully, he never would have thought that someone like Luigi would be insecure about himself. Bowser thought Luigi was like his brother, apparently he was wrong. Well he did, when the first time he saw Luigi, Bowser knew he was a coward and probably insecure yet now that he has gotten to know him; he couldn't get why.
Luigi is kind, even to those who are cruel like himself. He sees them for who they truly are and not who they are thought out to be. He's brave, not like his brother type of brave, but Bowser thinks it's even braver than whatever Mario has done. Luigi knew about Bowser's temper yet he still stayed. He stood up to those in his castle who were denied justice even though he was scared. He stood up to Bowser. Bowser hasn't met anyone as brave as his lover, and he doesn't think he will. He's compassionate towards everything and everyone. He has pretty eyes, ocean eyes that Bowser couldn't help but stare at, get lost at, and drown in. His eyes shined brighter than any stars in the sky, they shine even brighter when he's doing something he loves. No wonder why his eyes were practically like diamonds when he was with his kids.
Luigi is his perfect match because he fills the emotional void that he has with himself. He is the most expressive person Bowser has ever met. The way his eyes hardened when talking about stuff he disliked, or when he smiles; the corner of his eyes crinkle. The way he'd be sad for the flowers that couldn't grow on his Kingdom. His toothy grin, his perfectly groomed mustache. Everything about him is just amazing and it physically hurts Bowser that he doesn't think so.
“Lots of people, actually. But I don't care, because I know you love me. I love you.”
Bowser smiles, “I love you too.” They kiss softly.
×0××0××0××0×
Luigi arrived quicker than expected, his landing still not being good despite the numerous times he's been through the magical pipe. He groaned as he stood up, his hand trying its best to soothe his own ass after he landed on them. An annoyed hiss comes out of his mouth as he dusts off the grass and dirt that clinged onto his clothes due to his shitty landing.
After successfully removing most of the dirt and grass off his body, his focus shifts to the field in front of him. Large mushrooms surrounded the field, grass growing too tall for comfort, and wild creatures,non-threatening, all over the place. No matter how many times Luigi had been in this forest, it still amazes him.
Puffing up his chest, he walks towards the path that he created. He had just recently discovered this pipe, Luigi is pretty sure he's the only one who knows about this pipe. He's thankful for himself for creating a path, It helped him not get lost in the rather large field. As he passed, butterflies flew over his head, big and small. They all seem to be captivated by him. He couldn't help himself but offer his hand out for one of the creatures to land on. Eventually, a small yellow butterfly landed on his palm. He smiled, it reminded him of a butterfly he usually saw in Brooklyn.
A small frown immediately appears on Luigi's face, he misses going home. Maybe he should visit sometime this week, yeah, it's probably time to tell them about his engagement. His stomach stirs, he's extremely nervous about going home and telling his family. Ever since he and Bowser got together, thinking about his family always made him nervous. His family is the traditional and conservative type, they were the type of family that never talked about feelings or showed that much PDA through words but their actions are definitely their own way of saying “I love you”.
Luigi just hopes that his only family in this world would accept and love him no matter what.
Too caught up in his own anxious and depressing thoughts, consisting of “what if's” and many more terrible things, Luigi had not noticed that he arrived at home. He only snapped out of his trance when something suddenly grabbed his wrist. Eyes snapping at the person who grabbed it.. It was Toad and he looked horrified. Naturally, he asked what was wrong?
“Toad? What's going on, are you ok—WOAH!” Luigi's question was interrupted when Toad pulled his hand and ran in the direction of the Castle. “No time to explain!!! Mario says to get you and it's really urgent!!! I'm sorry for pulling you but there isn't any more time!!!!” Toad frantically explained, his speed fast and constant, as they made their way to the city while Toad rudely pushed people away to make way for them.
After another minute of Luigi trying to catch up with Toad, they arrived at the castle. Luigi's hands are on his knees as he desperately tries to catch his breath, greedily sucking in the clean air as if they'll be gone if he stops. Toad did stop with him, but he was also annoyingly muttering “hurry up!” to Luigi. After catching his breath, Luigi gives Toad a nod.
Soon, they were back running, well Luigi was jogging. After a left turn, they stopped at the room where important meetings were held. Toad eagerly pushes the large doors open, Luigi following closely behind. Inside were the council of the Mushroom Kingdom, his brother Mario, and Princess Peach. They all turned their attention to them, Luigi could feel his cheeks heating up out of embarrassment, but they only stared for a moment before going back to their conversation. It sounded serious and it was starting to make Luigi nervous.
He approached Mario's side, who is listening intently to a member of the council Toads. “What's going on?” he quietly asked, his fingers fidgeting the hem of his gloves, a nervous habit. Mario didn't respond, eyes set on the Princess across from them who was currently reading a letter, a far too familiar letter that Luigi thinks he's seen before. Princess Peach seemingly scans the letter for a quick moment before it is handed to Luigi, who quickly reads the letter. His heart sank.
It was Bowser's letter. Luigi often underestimates the speed of the mail delivered by the Koopa Kingdom. He shouldn't have a reason to be nervous, he knew about the letter and that it would be sent to the Mushroom Kingdom yet that never stopped his heart from skipping a beat.
He stayed silent, eyes scanning the people around the circle porcelain table. The entire room was silent. They were all stressed, everyone's eyes had fear in them, and they all kept to themselves, being in their thoughts trying to understand what that letter could have meant. The silence was thick enough to be sliced with a knife, Luigi prayed that someone would speak up. And his prayers were immediately answered.
“I say we will continue with my plan.” The general spoke, tone stern and full of authority. “We let him come over, the princess and that monster will meet in the throne room, then ambush his ass.” Luigi frowned at that nickname.
“No! Haven't I said that it's too risky?!” Mario argued, veins popping out at his temple.
“So do you want the princess to go to that monster's castle and risk her life?!” General Toad exclaimed, slamming his fists on the table. “General Toad, please watch your tone and refrain from calling Bowser such things.” The princess interfered with Mario and General Toad's heated argument, and Luigi smiled softly at her act.
“I say we should give it a go. He hasn't tried to kidnap me for two years. Maybe he's had a change of heart..” The princess spoke, her tone soft yet authoritative at the same time. Luigi perked up at her suggestion, “I-I think so too..!” He softly exclaimed, all eyes fell onto him and everyone had a different reaction. Mario was surprised, General Toad's frown deepened, and the remaining Toads had a mix of both reactions.
“I-I mean, if princess peach writes a reply and they meet in t-this kingdom, w-we could set up a way of trapping him again.” Luigi suggested, all eyes were on him. Opinions were immediately spoken up.
“I think it's a great idea”
“It's stupid, it could cost us our lives.”
“What will cause us our lives is if we wait for him to attack.”
“Our army cannot stand a chance against those creatures, we are simply not suited for these types of things! We are not suited for war!!”
“We don't have to worry, Mario and his brother are here. They can save us from that monster!”
“The princess said not to use that word but yes! They'll be our heroes!!”
“Toads,” The princess's spoke, immediately the room went silent. “And humans, I've made up my mind. Bowser is meeting me at our Kingdom. We don't have a choice. A truce is better than war, it does not matter if there is no alliance as long as our kingdom is safe and sound. And I will do anything in my power to keep my people safe. This meeting is adjourned, I will hold another meeting if necessary. Thank you and you are all dismissed.” The entire table went silent, everyone except Luigi and Princess Peach wanted to comment yet no one did so. They only dismissed themselves, leaving Mario, Luigi and the Princess alone in the massive room.
It seems that Mario wasn't happy about the decision.
“What do you want for dinner, Mario?” Princess Peach asked, heading for the door before Mario put a hand on her shoulder to stop her from walking away. “Hm?” “Why?” Mario asked out of disbelief. He couldn't believe Peach and her decision was out right impulsive.
“Be more specific Mario, what is your question?” “Why are you doing this? He's insane and we don't know what he could do! W-what if he brings that magical koopa with him?! We could be done for!! ” Mario screamed, frantically doing hand gestures, something that he's done every time he's anxious and scared. Princess Peach turned to face Mario, her usual soft expression turned authoritative. It was quite scary and uncanny if you asked Luigi.
She breathes out, fists curled as she speaks. “Mario, I am doing this for my people. My Toads. If I don't act now, something much worse is going to happen in the near future. So please, let me do my duty.”
“If your “duty” is you sacrificing your own safety, then no! I won't let you do it!” Mario shouts.
“What makes you think you can decide on what I do or don't do?!” Peach replied, her voice filled with anger.
The couple fought for what seemed like hours and Luigi was in the middle of it, just watching as everything burned down.
“Because I am your boyfriend! And I want what's best for you!!”
“So what?! You knew from the start that my duties go first!!! You, out of all people, should understand that!!!”
Luigi had enough, with a shaky voice, he spoke up. “P-pppplease.. that's e-enough. Mario, let's go.” Luigi gently yet firmly pulls on Mario's forearm, who follows without a fight. “Princess, Mario and I will be having dinner at our place. Thank you for your offer though.” Luigi bids goodbye to the Princess for the both of them before heading out the door.
Princess Peach sighs, guilt flooding her immediately. It isn't like she's scared of Bowser, I mean sure he still is intimidating but Bowser is also like her, he puts his kingdom above anything else. She lets out another sigh, this is for the better. For both kingdoms.
Peach just hopes she isn't going to regret this decision.
0 0 0 0
As soon as their tiny home was into view, Mario stormed inside. Slamming the door behind him, making Luigi open the door by himself. Luigi huffs in irritation, his brother sure is a huge pain in the ass when angry. Whatever, he thought to himself. Watching as the older of the two stormed up stairs, probably to bathe or sleep.
Luigi walks into the kitchen, preparing the pots and pans as well as the ingredients needed for lasagna. It was a comfort dish for the both of them, something they both are when they are upset or feeling any negative emotions. Luigi usually cooks for Mario since his brother isn't the best at cooking, but when Luigi was the one upset; Mario usually orders for them to eat together. He smiles softly, oh how he missed those days.
Luigi shakes his head softly, a small smile appearing on his face as he recalls he and Bowser's first fight. It was nearly identical to Mario and The Princess's fight. Bowser didn't know that Luigi fought ghosts, and argued about if Luigi had the guts to fight one of the ruthless Kings to exist. It hurt Luigi and they didn't talk for about two weeks. Luigi had no plans of talking with the turtle-dragon, until Bowser showed up in his house with a bouquet of piranha plants with tears in his eyes. It was then Luigi realized that this man was an idiot who truly loved him. They just used the wrong words to express how they felt and it didn't end well.
Luigi prays to the galaxies and stars above for the couple to be okay. They love each other, they were just being idiots. They had just recently gotten together, so fights were bound to happen with them. At least that was with him and Bowser but he knew not every couple was the same. It was only when he snapped out of his thoughts that he realized that their dinner was finished cooking.
It was only when he remembered his reason why he came home. Luigi felt his heart sink, eyes blurring as thoughts after thoughts came flooding into his mind like sudden rain. Mario was in a bad mood, should Luigi tell him about his and Bowser's relationship? What would happen? Would Mario hate him? Hurt him?! No. Mario wouldn't do that. To Luigi of course, he wasn't sure if Mario would spare Bowser though..
Shaking his head, he needed to think of the entire thing in a positive way! Yeah! With a determined smile on his face, Luigi quickly takes his oven mittens and takes out the mouth watering lasagna. He sniffs the air, a sigh of delight escapes him as his sense of smell is engulfed by the smell of freshly cooked lasagna.
He walks to the dining table a few feet away from the kitchen and carefully places the hot dish in the center of the table. Quickly, he returns to the kitchen, taking out the premade garlic bread from the microwave where it was heated and placing it on the table. Luigi takes off the mittens and places them on the island, then he goes upstairs.
In Brooklyn, he and Mario shared a room but separate beds. The Amato family was a big family, because of that Luigi and Mario shared a room for practicality. Normal siblings would be very uncomfortable with sharing a room with their own siblings but that wasn't the case for Mario and Luigi, in fact they were looking forward to it.
But here in the Mushroom Kingdom, they had separate rooms. Their doors correspond to their favourite colours and are across from each other. The hall on their second floor had the walls littered with photos, ranging from childhood to recent adventures. One of his favorite pictures of them both was from childhood. A small Mario wearing a plain white shirt paired with red pants and his red hat, one arm around a tearful small Luigi while the other was holding a fish with a massive smile on his face. Luigi chuckles
quietly to himself as observes his face in the picture. Baby Luigi was tearful yet still tried to smile making him look like he was about to cry at any moment, while his hands were occupied by a fish. This framed photograph was on Mario's side of the wall.
He couldn't exactly pinpoint why he was teary eyed at that moment, he'll just ask Mario when he talks to him.
Mario helped a lot with Luigi's nightmares, comforting him by letting his brother cry on his shoulder as he ran a gentle hand on his back. Luigi did the same when Mario got upset or sad, but unlike Luigi; Mario wasn't the affectionate type. Luigi respects that, when Mario is frustrated; Luigi usually gives him pep talks. But he knew if Mario initiated intimacy, it meant that whatever is the cause of his foul mood hit him right in the heart.
Luigi just hopes that the fight between Peach and Mario isn't going to make his brother cry. As much as Luigi's willing to lend his shoulder for Mario to cry on, he knows that he'd cry as well.
He exhaled a breath that he felt as if he'd been holding on for some time. He hoped that exact exhalation would also carry his anxiety from telling Mario about his engagement, but that would be too easy. It didn't calm his nerves but he didn't have time to sulk and wait for himself to calm down, the lasagna was getting cold.
He did a secret knock that only he and Mario knew.
Knock knock, tap tap (with pointer finger), slam slam (with heel of palm).
He heard shuffling, slow and quiet footsteps before the door was opened to reveal a sad Mario. Instantly Luigi went to embrace him, which was met with the same amount of strength followed by a wail of hurt. Luigi felt his own heart break at the sound of his own brother crying.
0 0 0 0
After an hour or so of comforting, crying and lots and lots of hugging; the two brothers were now in the kitchen. Luigi had just finished reheating both foods, Mario was already seated at the dining table, and was just waiting for Luigi.
They ate in silence, with the occasional comment on food and how both of their days went. Luigi had to lie about his whereabouts, again but that was going to end today. The sound of cutlery against cutlery was soft accompanied by the chewing of both brothers were the only sounds that could be heard, that was until Luigi broke the comfortable silence.
“M-mario?” He asks. Mario looks at him while eating the last garlic bread due to his mouth being stuffed, the older of the two only raised his eyebrow in response. Luigi breathes in and out before speaking.
“I'm dating someone…”
“Holy shit…OH MY STARS I'M SO PROUD OF YOU! ITS DAISY ISN'T IT?!?!” Mario exclaimed, slamming his fists on the table in excitement.
“Uhm, uh..”
“Another girl? I didn't know you met other girls—”
“I'm dating Bowser.” Luigi says quietly, but not quite enough for Mario not to catch what he said.
Silence. The once excitement on Mario'sface was quickly drained out and replaced with a horrified look.
0 0 0 0
Silence drapes the entire room like a weighted blanket, it seems as if time had stopped. Both men looked at each other each having different expressions yet sharing one that overpowered all other expressions on their faces; fear.
“I—”
“Stop.” And Luigi did not speak, waiting patiently for his older brother to speak. As Luigi waited, he tried to level out his breathing yet by everytime he tried to breathe, not enough air was getting into his lungs. Luigi continued to stare at his brother, who now was staring back at him but zoning out. Mario's hand on his fork was iron like, Luigi watched as his already pale hand turned into paper like white as he gripped his fork. Mario was shaking from his head to toe, he shook violently. His eyes no longer staring into Luigi's, but down to the food in front of him, Luigi continued to stare, remaining quiet. It was when a single tear fell onto the lasagna, then another followed by another until tears flowed like a river onto the now tear flavoured lasagna did Luigi make a move to comfort his brother.
As Luigi stood, a shaky hand stopped him, with a shaky voice Mario spoke. “S-stop.. don't you fucking move..do not come anywhere near me before…..” His voice sounded strained, raw, as of his holding himself back to release hell onto Luigi. Luigi felt oxygen escape his lungs, his heart seemingly sinking deeper into his body. With a firm voice, Luigi stood up, “No, whatever it is, give it to me.” Walking up to Mario, only for the shorter man to storm past him. Mario was quick but not quick enough because Luigi grabbed onto his wrist, forcing his brother to look up at him.
Some part of Luigi wishes he didn't. Mario's entire face was red, brows frowned inward, eyes holding a dam of tears that threatened to break free at any moment, and his mouth pulled down to be the worst frown Luigi has ever seen on his older brother. Mario's expression was enough for Luigi to have his own tears at bay.
Mario roughly pulls his hand away from Luigi and was about to march away, until he dropped. Mario faced Luigi, tears now flowing freely down his cheeks, nose running. He inhaled before he spoke.
“I can't believe you, why him? I-im not event against you fucking guys or you being gay or bi or whatever the fuck tickles your dick but Bowser? What. The. Fuck. Luigi.” Mario spat his name like it was poison in his mouth. The words were cruel and truthful enough for Luigi to physically recoiled from the words. He too was crying now.
Before Luigi knew it, Mario left their tiny home with Luigi crying and their food left to rot.