Chapter Text
On the journey back home to the Dark Lands, Bowser holds onto his feelings of superiority. It was satisfying to leave Luigi standing there with that offended and surprised look. Sure, Luigi isn’t Mario but he’s good enough. It’s the next best thing to have a free chance at teasing him. In this drought of having nothing to crush, it gave him an extra boost in his day.
It’s rare that Bowser is in the presence of the green loving human without his brother by his side. It wasn’t just Luigi who was shocked when they met eyes across the circle because Bowser was too. Probably more so than Luigi was. From the very start he knew the risks of joining this group but that’s why he set up a strong plan. Bowser was sure his disguise was foolproof. He’s quickly found out that what can easily trick a random toad won’t work on everyone.
The first time he showed up, Bowser expected at least some alarm to be triggered. Yet nothing came that day or even the days following. He’s been attending the class for five weeks and been loving it. The instructor always says that Bowser has talent and the others agree. Hearing that the first time definitely fed his ego like he was desiring.
Trudging into his castle, Bowser takes off his restricting garments, throwing them wherever. One of his minions quickly run after him to pick each item up and make sure they’re ready for next time.
Bowsers pride slowly fizzles out the farther he gets inside. He grunts, plopping down onto his thorny throne. He starts replaying the day in his mind. If that Luigi goes and speaks about what he saw, Bowser could lose everything. Bowser grumbles. He shouldn’t even be attached to that group. He should just burn everything down. Yet here he is getting too soft for his shell.
Why is he even worried in the first place? There’s a reason why it’s never Luigi saving the day or leading the charge. That’s what he’s telling himself. Bowser stares at his painting that Kamek carries in, placing it along with the others. It’s a fine collection with him as the centerpiece in each one. Bowser leans back, calming his nerves down.
‘I’m doing anything wrong anyways! It’s not like I’m banned from the Mushroom Kingdom. Well, I might be, but the laws don’t matter to me. And when I show up to those classes, I’m no longer Bowser, I’m Bowie. Consider it an artist’s persona.’
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Luigi sighs as he unlocks the door to his little cottage. The whole time he made his way home, Luigi’s mind was racing. He’s afraid that he might’ve acted naively back there. Why did he just take Bowser’s word without pressing further! For all he knows, the castle is going to be covered in toxic paint or something ridiculous like that. It’d be on brand with Bowsers style of chaos.
It’s actually been months since Bowser even did something evil. He hasn’t been seen much in the area besides the few whispers of brief sightings. It’s been very peaceful in the Mushroom Kingdom since Mario & Peach got together. Maybe love is that powerful.
Luigi thinks about telling Mario, even though he said he wouldn’t. He can’t believe he’s even hesitating. It’s not like he owes Bowser truth. He doesn’t owe Bowser anything. And that big idiot literally insulted him today.
Luigi takes off his hat, with a sigh, sitting the cap on the table. He places his canvas and easel up, staring at his work. ‘It’s not that bad is it?’ Luigi wonders to himself, pouting behind his mustache.
Going over to the phone, he hesitates before calling up Mario. It rings a few times too many, but his brother picks up. He always will.
Mario’s voice comes through calm yet eager to hear from him, “Hi, Luigi! How are you today?”
“Hello Mario, well…I went to this painting thing today. It was interesting or more, something happened…”
“What do you mean? Do you need me to come to you? Where are you?”
Luigi huff? “I don’t need you to come it’s just…” Luigi hears Peach’s voice in the background, and he suddenly feels bad about bothering Mario. He can’t even get his words out.
Luigi continues on, giving up entirely, “Well, ah, just forget I said anything!!”
“Wait, what’s—?”
Luigi hangs up the phone before Mario can say more. He stares at it as it starts ringing again. It’s very likely that Mario will come over after that cryptic conversation. For once he’s actually praying that Peach will talk him down from running over. Luigi groans, putting his head in his hands. It’s not even late but Luigi just wants to take a nice bath and head to bed.
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The rest of the week passes and the anxiety and anticipation of facing each other again has built up so much. Both Bowser & Luigi arrive at the location of the class at different times. Luigi comes in later than everyone else like last week. He’s on edge and the moment he walks through the door; Bowser is already staring at him behind those shades again. He looks tense, his already big arms bulging out his jacket. He’s wearing the same outfit as last time and just like last time, nobody is reacting like it’s abnormal.
The instructor smiles, waving him in to take a seat. The painting outside from last week was apparently just one of the special days. Things usually take place inside of this quaint building made of mismatched colored bricks.
Bowser stares. He’s certain that Luigi kept quiet seeing as no persecution ever came his way. It didn’t give him peace of mind like you’d think. It just made Bowser expect something else was waiting for him. He was fully prepared to be ambushed today. As he walked into the building, things still seemed normal. The others greeted him and the instructor was cheery as always.
He can see that his staring is making Luigi squirm in his seat and he likes it. It’s good that he still seems to be intimidated by him, that way he will remain quiet.
The class begins with the instructor stepping up onto his small white platform. They’re going to do something simple today. There’s a table with a lush orange and yellow flower arrangement. Beside it, there rests a vibrant blue pitcher. It’s boring, but Bowser knows how to make any still life really pop. They all go through the usual motions, Bowser forgetting to continue glaring at Luigi. He's now too wrapped up in his craft. Bowser paints in a way that reflects his personality. He's focused and attacks the canvas with his strokes. He takes up space with his movements in the quiet room.
Luigi is relieved that Bowser is no longer looking at him. He's also annoyed with himself. He hyped himself up for days about how lying to Mario was right. His amazing brother Mario, who questioned him about the fumble on the phone that day multiple times. Luigi convinced himself that by attending this class, he can keep an eye on Bowser. If something bad happens, Luigi can be the one to deal with it and not burden Mario. It’s definitely not just his curiosity that drove him to return. The time is over before Luigi even realizes and he lowers his paintbrush that’s still wet. He was working on an autopilot like state, ending up with something similar to his previous work.
The toad makes his way around and gives the floor to everyone to share what they’ve created. Bowser shows off his canvas before anyone else can even move. He proudly turns it around. It’s much like that last one with bold, dynamic lines but it’s exaggerated greatly from the original idea. In the scene, Bowser has placed himself resting on the table, one leg over the other and a smug expression on his face. The others clap but Luigi just rolls his eyes. Luigi decides to go second, carefully turning his canvas around. Before he can even say anything, Bowser cuts him off.
Bowser makes a noise of distaste which catches both the instructor and Luigi’s attention. The instructor smiles, “Do you have some feedback Bowie? Sharing is always welcome!”
Bowser crosses his arms with a frown, “I have somethin’, to say alright. It’s just that the green bean’s style is uninspired and boring! Are you even taking this art thing seriously?”
Luigi freezes in place, the group looking around and whispering. He scowls, feeling insulted yet again. What even promoted Bowser to say that? The others never even give criticism, and if they comment it’s always positive. The instructor is about to speak up but Luigi jumps in first.
“At least mine actually follows the subject. Why do you need to put yourself in it, it doesn’t even make sense!! It’s clear that you’re just self-centered and cocky. It’s tacky honestly.”
Bowser actually growls at Luigi’s fierce rebuttal. He glares at him and stands up.
Luigi almost flinches but he holds his ground, staring right back at him. “I’m just telling the truth…I bet the others agree but they’re too nice to say it…”
“Listen here—”
The instructor throws his hands up with a distressed sound, “Stop at once!” The elderly toad adjusts his glasses that’ve gone askew from his outburst. He points towards the doors.
“If you’re going to act out and ruin the sanctity of this group then leave early and don’t bother coming back if you think to continue this!”
Bowser wants to get angry but that would just blow his cover, and he also feels genuinely upset about being kicked out like this. Grumbling, Bowser gathers his things and so does a sheepish looking Luigi. They both walk outside, ashamed of themselves but irritated with the other.
Bowser steps right in front of Luigi when they’ve gotten away from the doors. He takes off his sunglasses, leering down at him. “Next week I will be back, and I’ll show you what self centered really means. Don’t think you know a thing about art when you’ve only been here twice now! That boring and bland style of yours is the worst.”
Luigi gulps due to Bowser being so close to him, but he looks up at him with defiant eyes. “I might be still learning but you also aren’t any expert either. Next time I’ll make a painting so good that you’ll have to get down on your knees and praise it.”
Bowser grunts at Luigi but he is slightly impressed that he hasn’t backed down. “I’ll be looking forward to it then greenie.”
Bowser leaves with a simmer in his steps, leaving Luigi still standing there once again. Luigi lets out a deep sigh, hanging his head, “What am I even doing…”