Chapter Text
Everytime Luigi thought of Bowser, he'd submerge his head underwater. This was his 6th time since getting into the massive bath. Luigi hadn't cleaned himself in days since coming into this world and it was starting to get to him. As a plumber, he'd get plenty dirty after jobs so he wasn't too afraid of a little grime. Since he'd been held prisoner, he hadn't thought all that much about staying clean. He was too busy surviving- it wasn't until after the Koopa King got all touchy feely with him today that the man changed his tune.
Luigi thought about Bowser again. The way he gazed at him after trying on nearly every dress in the room. How big his claws were as they wrapped around his body and caressed his cheek and grazed through his hair. His face was full of wicked delight as he treated Luigi like a dress-up doll. What made the man remember he wasn't, was everytime the Koopa complimented him. There were many, many compliments on the way he looked in every gown. All extremely specific. Luigi didn’t understand how the Koopa could be so shameless. If anybody walked in on the scene and hadn't understood what was happening, they'd think he was Bowser’s fiancé, not the Princess. They'd see Bowser’s words as flirting.
Submerging his head again, Luigi forced himself to feel how hot the water was on his skin. How it burned into the areas that held the ghost of Bowser's touch. Gasping for air as he popped back out, Luigi was dizzy and wondered if he was finally going crazy. He then wondered again if Mario was coming to rescue him. Maybe it would be better if he didn't, only because he'd be at Bowser's mercy since Luigi was putty in his hands. Peering up, he saw his clothes that he neatly folded on the side.
Laying his warm cheek on his crossed arms that were placed on the ledge, he only stared at the outfit. That was when someone walked in. Jumping, the water sloshed around him and alerted the new guest of his presence.
"How interesting . I was looking to bathe in my private tub, but who did I find enjoying himself? My man-servant." Luigi couldn't bear to look at him, too stunned to say a thing. Bowser’s laughter echoed as he mocked, "Piranha Plant got your tongue, Luigi?"
"I-I-" Luigi couldn't finish his sentence as a wave of hot water nearly swept him away. He double-took, squirming as he realized Bowser had gotten in with him.
Quickly, he tried to get out. He stopped when Bowser said, "Don't leave. I've already caught you here, might as well finish up. You could smell better anyways." Luigi turned red, self-conscious all over again. Bowser commanded nonchalantly, "Take off my garments while you're at it."
The man couldn't believe he asked him to do that. The Koopa was staring at him expectantly, his arms up and waiting. He expected Luigi to wade over to him to take them off, completely forgetting that he was naked!
"Can't you… do that… yourself…?" He awkwardly asked. The Koopa wasn't amused.
"You're joking, right?" He replied, eyes letting it be known that he was expecting the man to follow his command.
Luigi glanced away and back, finally hollering out "O-Okay, just… just close your eyes! And don't open them until I tell you to! I'm serious, King Bowser!"
"What's the big deal, Luigi?" The Koopa goaded with an unruly smile. "Male Koopa to male human, I already know what's down there. No point in being shy."
Luigi glared at him. "Doesn't matter! I'd like to keep some parts of me private!"
"I'll see it when you get out." He clapped back with a shrug. "No point in delaying the show."
"King Bowser!"
"Okay, okay!" He raised his claws up, motioning him to simmer down. "Don't get your mustache in a twist, Lu."
Luigi froze at the nickname. He'd never call him that before. Out of all things, he used Mario's nickname for him. Where could his brother be now? How was his family doing? Were Ma and Pa worried sick? Did anybody miss him? Mario missed him, right? He surely missed his troublesome, younger brother that he always had to rescue or help out of trouble. Or was this Princess Peach taking away all his attention? She sure seemed to be on everyone's minds, including Bowser’s. Luigi's hands gripped the stone ledge to the point they were white.
How foolish! Why is he jealous of a Princess he didn't know, of all people? Shaking his head, he ran out of the bath and rushed to take Bowser’s garments off. He was careful not to touch any part of him. Carefully, he leaned around to look at the side of the Koopa's face, just to reconfirm his eyes were still closed. Getting up, he rushed to put his clothes on. He hated how he didn't have a chance to dry his wet body, but he'd rather fall into the lava than let Bowser see him naked.
"Okay, you can open your eyes now."
The Koopa did as he was told. He immediately shifted his piercing gaze to Luigi and eyed him down. The way the wet clothes clung to his body was intriguing, the outline of things being slightly visible. Shame only his green shirt was see through and not his denim white overalls. In a mildly disappointed tone, he said "Thought I'd finally have a pal to join me. What a letdown."
Growing red in the face as he's done many times before, Luigi looked away from his gaze and huffed, "The groom shouldn't be saying that! Leave that comment for the Princess, not me."
Choosing to ignore his back-talk, Bowser used his claw to motion him over. "Wash my hair." He commanded, and Luigi scurried to grab the soap. "Massage me like last time, I don't mind if you get rough."
The man didn't respond to his suggestive sentence, only doing as he was told. His soapy fingers lathered through the long red strands and rubbed his head. Bowser crooned in satisfaction. The waster sloshed around him as he shifted his body to get comfortable. The longer Luigi massaged his skull, the more Bowser’s head began to bob. Several times he had to fight to keep it up, using his tough horns to pull him back. Luigi glided his fingers across them, fascinated. He could barely wrap his hands around them.
"...My horns intriguing you?" Bowser asked suddenly. His voice was deep and drowsy. Luigi stopped the massage, fearing he'd fall asleep. He protested, "Don't stop, your touch is marvelous. If I fall asleep, the Mushroom should give you enough strength to bring me to my room."
So that's why he didn't eat them. Rinsing the soap off his scaly head, he continued the massage. Bowser leaned his head back, partially laying on Luigi’s bent knees. The man focused just on his hair, trying to ignore the fact that he was close enough to Bowser's face to take in all the details. As he rhythmically moved his fingers and focused on Bowser’s low breathing, Luigi's eyes glazed over as he lost himself in a trance. Everything about the Koopa King was intoxicating to him. In such little time he went from fearing his existence, to feeling something else he couldn't describe. It was a feeling he had never felt before. Joy, pain, longing? None of those were the correct word, it was all those emotions bundled up into one.
What was the word?
Luigi stopped the massage, his fingertips gliding down to Bowser's sleeping face. He caressed his wet silky brows, and the furrow in between them. The creases made it known he constantly had a frown on his face, which was a shame considering his laugh was infectious. When Luigi wasn't being teased or embarrassed by him, his smile would make him smile. He liked the attention the Koopa gave him, so he couldn't completely complain. It's just, knowing that his heart was elsewhere made his actions feel insincere towards him. Like they shouldn't be doing any of it. Once the Princess accepted Bowser’s affections, he knew he'd make her happy. The plan they discussed today was full proof. They'd practice it tomorrow before arriving at the Mushroom Kingdom.
Luigi traveled down to Bowser's cheeks. He gasped, surprised by how soft and squishy they actually were. Giving them a little pinch, Bowser made a noise in his sleep before settling back down. Luigi tried not to laugh, in fear of waking him. His fingertips then found themselves on Bowser’s lips. They belonged solely for the Princess. Considering how romantic the Koopa was, Luigi believed he'd never kissed anybody before. He'd save that for his true love. This made the man remember he hasn't kissed anybody either. Not for any particular reason, he's just never gotten around to it back in Brooklyn. He was so focused on helping his brother achieve their dreams, romance was never on the table for Luigi. His heart began to thump faster as he stared longer at the Koopa's lips.
Throwing water on his own face, Luigi snapped himself out of it. Carefully laying Bowser's head off his knees, he struggled to get up thanks to the pins and needles he had. He eyed the hand sized Mushroom on the platter. Taking a bite, he became alarmed as his body grew an extra size and he filled with incredible power. What in the leaky faucet was in the Mushroom?! His Ma's cooking never made him feel so strong.
Turning back to Bowser, he knew he'd be able to carry the Koopa out of the bathhouse and into his room. Pulling him out of the water, he dried him off as he snoozed away and wrapped his scaly arms around his shoulders. He could come back for the garments later.
Hoisting him out of there, when he walked up to the Koopa soldiers guarding his door, they were surprised by his presence. Luigi dismissed them for the night, saying he'd handle putting Bowser into bed. They gave him a look before running off to join the ongoing party upstairs. Luigi was glad they couldn't hear the noise down here. He hadn't seen the shindig, but Bowser told him how all his subjects had been going crazy for a week since stealing the Superstar.
Opening the large door, Luigi's jaw-dropped at how nicely decorated it was. A massive, elegant bed was in the middle. Many weapons and treasures scattered neatly around. The corner had a lava fireplace and couches. The room was truly built for a King. The light illuminated the space, it came from a large image of Princess Peach. She was a stained glass mosaic window. The colors were breathtaking, yet the more his eyes remained on the artistry, the sicker he became. He didn't want to see her anymore.
Walking to the side of the large bed, he struggled to get Bowser off his back without waking him. He stirred everytime he attempted to lay him down. Not sure how to do this, Luigi suddenly stubbed his toe on the bed frame. Holding back a scream, he heard a noise and became small again. The man toppled onto the bed, Bowser’s large body falling on top of him. About to die from being squished underneath, he used all his strength to roll the Koopa off. He moved to his side and Luigi gasped for air.
"I-I thought I was a goner…!!" He wheezed, glancing at the Koopa. Bowser was on his side facing him. His sleeping face was peaceful now that he was in his bed. Luigi stared for a little longer before deciding it was time to go.
However, Bowser’s sleeping body had other plans. His claw that laid on the man's stomach brought him in closer to his chest, and hugged him. The top of Luigi's head tickled thanks to Bowser's soft breathing. He pushed his hands on his hard chest, trying to create some distance between them so he could escape, to no avail. He was stuck sleeping with Bowser tonight. Luigi grew red in the face, unable to believe it.
.
The Wizard headed to Bowser's room bright and early. He wished to speak to him before he went off gallivanting with Luigi, and do less than favorable things not suited for the King of the Koopas. Or as the future husband of Princess Peach. Knocking at the door, he waited for Bowser to let him in. Hearing nothing from the Koopa, he presumed he was still sleeping so he let himself in. His big lazy son was still rolled underneath the covers. As the Wizard approached him, Bowser stirred.
"Oh, sire, did I wake you?" He asked gently.
"Yes, you did." Bowser responded grumpily. He got this way as a child as well when he was woken up too early. "Leave me. I want to sleep some more."
"I will leave you alone, but first I wanted to speak to you about something before you wander off with the human." The Magikoopa replied carefully, not wanting to give us so easily.
Bowser growled underneath the covers, rustling about underneath as he reminded, "Didn't I tell you not to speak badly about Luigi around me? You continue to forget your place."
"Well, my King, as your Royal Advisor we really should address-"
"Do you have toads in your ears? We'll speak of this later, leave me!!" He hollered out, making the Wizard jump. Quickly, he rushed out of the room before angering Bowser more.
Shutting the door, he grumbled. He eyes Luigi's bedroom door and considers bothering him, then decides against it. He'd only tell Bowser. The power had already gone to the human's head and he hadn't even been helping his son for a week. The Wizard walks off, not aware of what was going inside his King's bedroom right now.
..
When Bowser woke up that morning, he hadn't expected to find Luigi snoring right next to him. His head was tucked underneath his chin and pressed against the Koopa's neck. His breaths tickled him awake, his mustache and hair soft on his scaly skin. Bowser had his arm wrapped around his waist, locking him in. He could see how they ended up like this. Continuing to hug him, he enjoyed the warmth, softness, and comfort he brought to the Koopa. Every morning he woke up alone and sad he couldn't share his bed with anybody. He yearned for company from a partner who loved him. Though Luigi didn't love him, he was fulfilling the role perfectly.
Right as he was falling back asleep, the Wizard burst in to disturb them. Bowser managed to keep him away and at the door, but Luigi startled awake upon hearing Bowser say his name. Turning around, he quickly tried to get out of the Koopa's bed, but he couldn't have the Wizard finding them in such a compromising condition. He already didn't trust Luigi. Covering his mouth, Bowser used his other claw to pull him back. Luigi's back froze against his hard chest and his words became muffled against his scaly palm.
Bowser leaned into his ear and whispered, "Be quiet, or else he'll hear you." Luigi muffled a whimper and quickly nodded, making Bowser silently chuckle. It sent a quiver through the man's body that the Koopa clearly felt. His ear reddened with embarrassment.
With the Wizard sent away, Bowser tossed the blanket off them and Luigi breathed out a gasp of relief. He then got up. Bowser dragged him back down. Turning his head to the Koopa, he gave him a confused look. Bowser said, "What's the rush? It's too early to train, let's sleep in a little longer."
"I can do that, but in my own bed, King Bowser. I didn't mean to stay here, it's just-" Luigi was cut off.
"No need to explain yourself. You can make it up to me by staying here." He grabbed the blanket and wrapped them back into it. Luigi yelped, surprised that he was serious.
"W-What if the Wizard comes back and sees us?!" He warned him.
"He won't. Once I run him off like that he doesn't come and bother me again until dinnertime. We're good." Bowser reassured, cuddling him. Luigi enjoyed the affection, and wanted to stay in the bed with him, but he knew this was wrong. The dim light coming in from the Peach window reminded him so.
"T-This isn't appropriate." He argued, trying to make the Koopa see reason. "You have a fiancé. We're practicing your date with her later…!"
Bowser remained quiet for a moment and suddenly drawled out, "Your words imply that there's something going on between us that I should be worried about- but there's nothing at all. All you are is my love advisor and man-servant, Lu. Nothing else."
Luigi felt his heart drop. His mind went blank and his body went numb. It was as if someone drained him of all his happiness. With a steady voice, he challenged "Then you shouldn't have any problem letting me go back to my room, do you?"
Bowser was stunned. He looked down at Luigi's deadpan face and didn't have a reply to give back. He responded uneasily, "I… I guess I don't?"
Luigi didn't need to be told twice. He pushed out of his grasp and the Koopa let him go. Watching him walk across the room, he didn't look back at him as he stated "Rest up. We have a lot of training to get through later." And closed the door behind him softly.
Bowser was reeling, unsure of what happened. He had a bad feeling about this.
…
The Koopa King had cleared the top of the floating castle for their practice. All the party equipment was still lying around, but that was alright. They weren't planning on holding his and Peach's first date here anyway. Luigi advised that it would be better to have it in Peach's private garden.
"The lady's comfort is most important! If she's somewhere familiar, that'll help her loosen up a little and be more open during your date."
Bowser hadn't taken something like that into consideration. Luigi was really helping him understand romance with his love advice. He was almost too excellent with the advice, making Bowser wonder if he had first hand experience. Jealousy began to bubble up inside him. He didn't like the thought of Luigi belonging to someone else, or going on dates with some loser. He's his love advisor and man-servant! He's seen all that he's had to offer, every side that nobody knew about. This made Bowser feel superior.
Luigi finished rearranging some key items that'll help them visualize the setting. Holding the Peach dress and wig, he was about to put it on when Bowser intervened. "That won't be necessary," he stated.
"Oh, is somebody else pretending to be the Princess?"
"No, still you. You just don't need to put that on." He waved off.
Luigi frowned, hoping he'd say more but he didn't. "Don't you need this to help you immerse yourself into the date? You're already dressed up," in an outfit that immediately made Luigi's stomach fill with butterflies, "I don't mind, I've put it on before-"
"Nope! We can practice the date without it." Bowser clapped, cheerfully exclaiming "Let's get started!"
The man didn't understand. Why is he changing his tune at the last minute? He'd been forcing him to dress up like the Princess this entire time. What gives?
"Okay… Where we'll first start is introductions." Luigi batted his eyes up at the Koopa, taking a princess-like stance. If he had the gown on he'd grab it, but he had to make-do with pretending to hold onto the invisible fabric. He cried out in a high-pitched tone, "King Bowser of the Koopa Kingdom…? What're you doing here?! Come to take over my Kingdom like you have the others!"
"N-No, Princess Peach…!!" Bowser stammered out, claws up. "I-I'm here for-"
"-diplomacy-" Luigi helped.
"-Diplomacy! Yeah, that's right!" He took a deep breath, mustering up a soft expression. "I'm here to talk to you, Koopa to Princess. We've had our rough start, but Princess Peach I want to be your friend. And get to know you better. Is it alright if we spend the afternoon together and walk around in your garden?"
"What…?! After all you've done, you're asking me out on a date??" He shrilled, hurting his throat a bit.
"Yes, if that's what you'd like to call it." Bowser replied shyly, averting his eyes.
Luigi squinted, a skeptical tone in his voice as he asked, "Hmm, and what's the catch? I say no and you take over my Mushroom Kingdom?"
"Yes." Bowser's admitted honestly.
"Bowser, no-!" Luigi hissed, swatting the Koopa on his arm.
"What?! I'm being honest like you said! If she says no I'm going to take over her kingdom by force!" He exclaimed, not understanding what he did wrong.
Luigi pinched his nose bridge, taking a moment to collect himself. He explained, "Women don't want to be coerced into dating!" Bowser blinked stupidly at him, not understanding. "Besides, she's testing you! If you take over her kingdom when she says no, that's just gonna make her hate more you cause you're proving to her that you really are a bad guy!"
"I don't get it. Chicks love bad boys, that's what every Koopa says!"
Luigi rubbed his face. "Not every woman is like that. They're all different. All your attempts at wooing the Princess have failed because she doesn't like that type of guy. Instead, you need to show her the sensitive, romantic Koopa that you are on the inside." He placed his head on Bowser’s chest, hoping his heart was in that spot. "He may be a nervous-wreck, yet he's also confident and sure of his feelings." He smiled up at him, hoping he understood the meaning behind his words.
"So I need to be myself?" He reiterated, taking Luigi's hand into his own. The man nodded. Bowser made a thoughtful noise, then said "-Princess Peach, I won't take over your Kingdom. I only want you to give me a chance to see that I'm not as bad as you think I am."
"Seriously?" Luigi responded, a fake skeptical look back on his face. "How do I know you're not lying?"
"You have my word. What's a King without it?" He reaffirmed, eyes honest and voice light.
Luigi's heart skipped a beat. "Okay. Follow me, my gardens are right over there." Bowser and him continued to hold hands as he led him to the 'garden' area, which was just a bunch of junk he rearranged to look like a fountain and some bushes. Taking his hand away from the claw, Bowser tried to hold it again but Luigi swatted it away. "It's rude to grab somebody's hand without permission! Maybe you are a brute after all!"
"N-No, I'm sorry! I won't try to grab it again unless you want me too…!!" Bowser stammered out immediately, a dejected, apologetic expression on his face. Luigi felt bad, but he needed to learn.
"Hmph! I accept your apology." He motioned to the junk in front of them. "This is my garden. I tend to it myself when I'm not doing Princess things like filling out paperwork or training. My Toads are fond of it, and so am I."
"I-It's as beautiful as you are, Princess! I get why you're proud of it." Bowser complimented. He was doing well so far.
"Thank you. Do you have any hobbies outside of your Kingly duties?" He asked him curiously.
"Yeah, I like to torture my prisoners and have massive ragers with my Koopa soldiers. It's a real party back at my castle, you'd love it!" Bowser truly thought that was the best thing to say at that moment.
Luigi wryly smiled. "I can't imagine how torturing prisoners is fun. What a nasty thing to say."
The Koopa's eyes widened. He backtracked. "W-Well, they don't mind it!" He huffed like a child. "They defied my power and got themselves thrown in there, anyway. Not my fault."
"Hmph, maybe I was wrong about you." Luigi reaffirmed, feigning lost interest.
"I-I also love playing piano…!!" Bowser stammered out, trying to salvage the date. "And hanging out with my Koopaling's!"
Luigi raised an eyebrow. "What're Koopaling's?"
"My kids."
"You have kids?!"
"Yeah, 8 of them! Only one of them is actually mine though." He ranted enthusiastically. "They're a bunch of rowdy little rascals that're off on an adventure right now, yet they're all a real hoot! You can meet them all once they come back."
Luigi was too stunned to speak. He stared at Bowser's massive grin. He held an expression of fatherly love and fondness on his face. Luigi's heart melted at the sight, but he refused to fall for it! How could he not mention his children once during their entire time together?! He thought Bowser had no experience in romance, a Koopa in love with the Princess this entire time. Who did he love before her enough to have a kid with? And was his love so fickle?
Luigi felt sick. His mind spiraled into an absolute mess. He struggled to stammer out, "...W-Who's…" and paused, not knowing if he could handle the answer to the question. Instead, he changed it. "...What're their names…?"
His eyes brightened. "Mine is Bowser Jr.- squirt takes after his old man in a ton of ways! As for the rest, their names are Larry, Morton, Wendy, Iggy, Roy, Lemmy, and Ludwig." His ramble led to Bowser growing serious. He still try to keep the air light as he admitted, "It's been tough raising them all on my own. I've been trying to find a mom to bring them in line. I can't just trust anybody, I want to find a bride I'm in love with and who I know will treat them right, ya know?"
Luigi comfortingly laid his hand on his scaly arm for sympathy. He dropped the high-pitched tone. "Sounds tough. You haven't had it easy. I'm sure those kids know you've done your best and really love you for it. I'd love to see what they look like someday."
"Oh, why wait? I have pictures!" Quickly, Bowser brought out a wallet that he opened. It had one of those picture pockets that extended down to show everyone of his Koopaling's. It reminded Luigi of an adoring father from a movie. Astounded, Luigi began to laugh at the cuteness of it all. Bowser really did love his kids. What a good dad. He rambled on, "This is us on vacation. The kids on their first adventure. These are individual portraits I had them take- oh! And this is Bowser Jr.!"
"He does look just like you. Almost identical!" Luigi noted, eyeing the picture of Bowser Jr. a little longer. He was a copy and paste of Bowser, but resembled nobody else. There was no indication about who his mom could be. "Did he draw on his scarf?"
"Yeah, he drew it so he'd look more scary. Modeled the picture after my chompers. He can't wait for his to grow in, but I told him no growing up without my permission!" He boisterously laughed. "He's super artisy. When the Wizard and I were creating his weapon, my boy chose a giant paintbrush. Sometimes he gets too scared to use it in a fight, that's why I'm glad he has the other Koopaling's there to help him out."
"If he's afraid, why does he fight?" Luigi asked.
"Because he's a Koopa! We're headstrong and don't back down from anything." He sighed. "I tell Jr. he doesn't need to rush into battle if he's not ready, but he doesn't listen sometimes. He's stubborn."
"Just like his dad." Luigi remarked. The two smiled at each other and chuckled. The talk of kids really lightened the atmosphere between them. Bowser managed to humanize himself without his help and allowed the openness he needed to show all along, to finally come out.
They continued to walk around and talk for hours. Luigi had long ditched the point of their pseudo-date in the first place: which was a trial-run before Bowser’s real date with the Princess. He'd give him pointers here and there about what he should and shouldn't say, but eventually that simmered down because Luigi had gotten used to the Koopa's antics. He didn't agree with him being the bad guy, but he saw that he was much more than that.
As for Bowser, he realizes all over again that Luigi may be timid, but fierce when he needs to be. He didn't stand down while confronting the Koopa, and had a more brave side than he let on. Luigi was sneaky, always observing first before making a decision. He also accepted any truth with open arms, believing the best in everybody, Bowser included.
Luigi shared more stories about the human world. How he and Mario started their own plumbing business to achieve their dreams. He was afraid after he let his brother's name slip out of his mouth. When Bowser didn't react, Luigi continued with enthusiasm. He rambled and rambled on, Bowser making a comment or two, but otherwise he talked more in life about himself than he ever had before. Everybody was always interested in what Mario had to say since he was the dreamer, the frontman, the smooth talker of the two. Luigi was just along for the ride.
His heart beat faster due to all the attention. Trying to calm it down, they turned a corner and Bowser brushed his claw against the back of his hand. His heart leapt. Luigi grew nervous as he tried to ignore what happened. Bowser peered down at him, annoyed by his coy act and decided to brush his hand again. Luigi refused to acknowledge him, pretending to be interested in something ahead.
Rounding another corner, down the pathway Bowser saw the familiar junk partially blocking Luigi's side. The man would speed up ahead of him to avoid running into it, he's down that every lap despite Bowser insisting on switching sides. As the walked up to it, the Koopa grabbed Luigi's waist and pulled him into his body so they could both pass through. The man yelped at the gesture, and sighed in relief when Bowser let him go.
"Maybe we should sit down for a bit?" He suggested. The Koopa wordlessly followed him to the large bench that was placed in front of the 'fountain'.
Sitting down, Luigi placed himself a distance away. Irritated by this, Bowser edged closer. The man kept scooting farther away until there was no more bench to run away on. The Koopa furrowed his brows, hurt by the action. Luigi hadn't wanted to be touched by him ever since this morning.
"... Do you hate me, Luigi…?" Bowser asked him softly.
"W-What…?" Luigi replied with uncertainty. "What made you think that?"
"You've been distant with me today."
The man gulped, muttering "How can I be distant with you if we've spent hours practicing for your date with the Princess? Now isn't the time to be distracted."
"Distracted, huh?" Bowser repeated, leaning close to Luigi. He used his claw to tuck underneath his chin to turn his head so he could properly look at him. "Seems like I'm not the only one 'distracted'. You've been yammering on about yourself all afternoon. Not even helping me with his pretend date."
Luigi's jaw dropped, sputtering "I've been yammering on?! Don't act like you weren't interested! You kept egging me on about my stories about the human world!" He frowned. "If a Princess is what you want then I'll put on the dress!"
Standing up, he stomped over to where the gown and wig were and angrily shoved them on. He rushed back to sit next to Bowser, and in a sickeningly high-pitched voice he cried out, "Happy?!"
"That's not how she sounded and you know it!"
"What-ever. Let's get this dumb date over with!" Luigi huffed, angrily moving the bangs out of his face.
Bowser cleared his throat, trying his best to calm down and keep his eye on his Princess prize despite Luigi's attitude. He asked, "What kind of flowers in the garden are you favorite?"
"They're all my favorite, it's why I grow them." The man remarked, not wanting to play along.
The Koopa decided to let it slide. "Wow, you have quite the green thumb. Maybe you can show me how to garden sometime."
"Your Kingdom is surrounded by lava, the flowers would all die."
Bowser omitted a low growl, warning Luigi. However, the man didn't react. Instead, he said "Do you think we can wrap this up? I have work to get back to. We all can't flock around destroying other Kingdom's."
"Peachy wouldn't say that…!!" He roared, jumping onto his feet.
Luigi did the same thing as he yelled back, "Of course she would- she's mad at you for trying to take over her Kingdom!"
"I haven't done that and you know it!"
As the two began to loudly bicker, the sun continued to set behind them, creating an explosive canvas of red, yellow, pink, and purple. Some stars started twinkling early, and more and more appeared as the night sky formed above them completely. The full moon was out tonight and was a crystal clear sight as they flew across the sky. Luigi was the first to stop yelling, abruptly distracted by a shooting star. One passed by, then two, and a collective meteor shower rained down across the sky. Luigi had never seen anything like it before. It was radiant.
"Whoa…" He whispered, using his hands to find the bench so he could sit back on it.
Bowser glanced up, disinterest on his face. "We always have star showers here. On some days there's even a rainbow in the sky. When the moon hits Rainbow Road just right, it shines all across the universe. Ya get used to it."
"No, I don't think I would." Luigi awed, eyes fixated. He didn't want to miss any of it. "You can barely see the stars from Brooklyn. All the smoke covers the sky in a thick gray and you can only see what's up there by leaving the city. Mario and I didn't have any reason to leave, so we never did."
Bowser sat next to him, listening intently. He peered at Luigi's wonderstruck expression. His blue eyes were wider and full of fascination. He could see the stars twinkle from them, and he couldn't help but stare at the man. The sight above had nothing on Luigi. Glancing down at his hand, he slowly drew his claw closer to it, pretending to pay attention to the sky as he grasped it. If Luigi noticed that he touched it, he didn't let on, only intertwining his fingers with Bowser's.
"You know… once you stay here, I can show you greater sights than this." He gently declared, scooting closer to the man. "We could travel the universe and see everything it has to offer. Nothing could stop us."
"Is there something better than this?" Luigi asked seriously, pulling his stare away from the stars to meet Bowser’s soft gaze.
"Yeah, there is." Bowser nodded, cupping his warm cheek to pull him in closer. His eyes were full of longing as he grazed Luigi's lips with his thumb. "And I can help you see all of it when you stay with me." He promised.
"I…I…" Luigi murmured as he drew closer on his own. Bowser’s claw was wrapped around his waist and held him tight. The man reached his hands up and grabbed his face, not trying to hide that he wanted to kiss him. "I'd… like that…" He whispered.
As he felt Bowser’s breath on his lips, and began to close his eyes, Luigi saw his reflection in the Koopa's half-lidded gaze. His hair wasn't his own, and the gown he had on was made for a Princess, not a plumber.
Bowser shouldn't make promises he can't keep.
Luigi's fingertips quickly covered Bowser's mouth, stopping the kiss. He lowered his head, unable to bring himself to look at the Koopa's bewildered expression. The man breathed heavily as his heart quaked and his hands trembled. He couldn't believe what he had almost done. To kiss Bowser, future-husband of Princess Peach, as a plumber who was being kept prisoner by him- it was going too far. He acted as if the Koopa hadn't confirmed earlier that there was nothing going on between them.
"L-Lips are only for the wedding day…!" Luigi stupidly cried out, kicking himself the moment the words tumbled from his mouth.
He could feel Bowser's mouth begin to open. Luigi wanted to run away and not hear his reply. That was when the Koopa soldier burst in.
"Ehem…! We've found the Princess and the mustacheo'd human. He has defeated Donkey Kong and won the Kong Army." He declared gravely.
"Mario?!" Luigi jumped up, his hands still covering Bowser's mouth.
The Koopa quickly stood as well, nervously rubbing his hands together as he asked in an insecure way, "So, like, Peach was super impressed?"
Luigi glared at him. How could Bowser want to kiss him one minute then immediately go back to worrying about the Princess?! The jealousy bubbled up inside of him, but he couldn't think about that right now. Mario was alive and well! Was it too much to hope he was coming for him with this Kong Army?
"It appears so, yes." The Koopa soldier confirmed. "They are heading towards the secret passage."
"Oh they think they can surprise me, huh?" Bowser grinned, his pupils growing with malicious delight. "Two could play that game."
"No, don't hurt him!" Luigi pleaded with him. "Please, he's my brother!"
Bowser didn't spare him a glance as he walked off and commanded, "Take Luigi back to his room, don't let him out until I say so! Tell the troops to ready themselves. If it's a fight Mario wants, it's a fight he'll get!"
Luigi yelled out for him to come back, trying to run after him. The Koopa soldier quickly subdued him and he could do nothing more but watch as Bowser closed the door behind him. Luigi was back to his mercy, realizing that his efforts might've all been in vain.