Chapter 37: Warm Embrace

                                    

                                          
"I'm sorry for everything, I'm sorry I couldn't save him.... I'm sorry for showing off my emotions like that back there." I'm greeted by Breath's words as I wipe my own tears away. I quickly close the door behind me so Mario's rest isn't interrupted. 
"Don't be sorry, you managed to bring him back alive. Even if he isn't all the way there, he's still alive." I move my arm down to my side before taking a deep side. I look back up too Breath who looks like he's waiting for more acknowledgment. "And for your emotions, don't be sorry about that either. I understand it's something you and your family have been dealing with your years. I can't imagine the feelings and emotions that must have been stirred up inside of you." 
"Not to mention..." he takes a step forward clearing his throat. "Seeing your face like that, seeing how helpless you looked when I brought your brother back. I feel like I failed you immensely..... I." 
"It's okay, you didn't fail me. I promise I'm not upset or disappointed with you at all. I'm actually very grateful...." I can't help but let tears well up in my eyes. "Breath.... Thank you." I cry out before stumbling onto him with a hug. I wrap my arms around him tightly. He must have not expected the hug as I felt his body stun in my arms. He takes a deep breath, it was a whimpering breath so I know he was holding back tears. 
"O- of course.." he says shakily before hugging me back in return. 
"Just try and get some rest okay.... I can't even imagine how exhausted you must be after traveling so far." I let go out the hug and back away. He looks back to me with teary eyes. Before quickly wiping them away. 
"You're right , you shouldn't be too long after me. I know it must be hard to find the peace in your mind to sleep but please try, for me Lilly." He gives me a soft but genuine smile. 
"I promise I will, good night Breath."
"Good night, Lilly." He says gently before taking off behind me to his room. I close my eyes taking a deep breath as I listen to him walk away. I can tell he is extremely tired. Usually his footsteps are silent and precise. But right now, they are loud and clumsy. I could try and go to sleep right now, but I think I'd rather feel the sting of a sword before lying next to my brothers cold stiff body right now. I sigh remembering Bowsers words. 
This entire time it's been the same, we know we both want each other. I'm willing to take the risk but you aren't. So let's just make the pie and pretend we're both happy with just being 'friends'
I think over the words over and over again. We know we both want each other.... We'll id gather he wants me. But do I want him....? Every-time I'm around him I feel safe. I'd be the biggest liar if I wouldn't admit to seeing a future with him. One where I take care of Junior and rule by his side. But it all seems like a fantasy of mind then a likely scenario. Does that mean I want him ? I mean I want that future with him I just don't think it to be very likely, alright I want it to me. 
I'm willing to take the risk but you aren't.... I want too, I want to risk it all to be happy with him, with Junior. All of the Koopas here as well. I'm just so scared though. What am I even scared of ? Mario...? I mean he did seem to be coming around to the idea if it meant me being happy. I doubt he'll have much hate in his heart for Bowser if he aides in the rescue of his soul. The Toads of Mushroom Kingdom? I mean, I was barley in the Kingdom anyways. If we were to be together than I suppose the only time I'd be going there is for Royal gatherings. I guess I have nothing to be afraid of... 
So let's just make the pie and pretend we're both happy with just being 'friends' .... We didn't even get to make the stupid pie.... Is he not happy with being just friends ? I guess not, I'm not really sure if I'm happy with being just friends anymore. I don't know what's going on with my chest but it feels like it's on fire. My body just desperately wants to run into his room and be with him. I suppose he could help me sleep. All this stuff on my mind is making the possibility of sleep seem impossible. Okay, I guess I really don't have any choice but to go to Bowsers room... or I could just go sleep outside. I roll my eyes as that thought crosses my mind. Yeah right, I'd probably be assassinated as soon as I left the castle gates. Besides, I'd rather take Bowsers warm embrace than a gust of wind. I stare at Bowsers room a couple feet ahead of me. Okay Luigi, you've got this.