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The fire.
It practically surrounded the castle of Koopa King entirely, like an ocean of heat. And that couldn't be more appropriate. The King is passionate. He was always driven by passion. The passion to succeed, the passion to conquer, the passion to win, but most importantly…
The passionate flames of love .
King Bowser rarely showed any empathy or even kindness towards persons insignificant to him, but when it came to the tiny circle of those he cared about… His children, his father… Bowser would die for them, without question. Because the passion of his love was something to be reckoned with. One of the most powerful forces in all the kingdoms, great and small.
But among Bowser's passions, there was the strongest one. The one which stood the most important, most meaningful, the biggest priority, the greatest of Bowser's relationships.
It was all about that tiny man.
Luigi came very suddenly into his life. At first, King treated him just like his enemy's sidekick, faceless and unimportant. Long ago, Bowser couldn't even remember his features properly. Because Luigi was the green Mario. The second one. The background character. The second fiddle. The one who basks in the tall shadow of his immensely more successful brother. This was tragic, truly, but no one paid attention. Even his own family, his own brother did not realize how just much of the limelight he is taking up. And without light, all things alive wilter .
But one day, everything changed.
It was the day when Luigi came into possession of King Bowser. The poor soul got lost, and went right into the villain's claws. Things simply couldn't be more perfect. Bowser was now in possession of Mario's, his archenemy's, dearest brother Luigi. He was no princess Peach, but he will suffice as bait to lure Mario and get rid of that pesky plumber once and for all !
At first, Luigi feared the King. In his hands, the man trembled like an autumn leaf with the wind. Of course he would. After all, Bowser is quite big, spiky, intimidating, with his booming voice and presence. He struck fear in the hearts of many. But Luigi spent a while in King's castle. And he saw the things that barely anyone did. Like the fact that Bowser plays with his children who he adores, while also teaching them how to rule. How he treated Kamek, just like someone would a father figure, listening to his advice attentively. And seeing this just made Luigi subconsciously connect the dots. How remorseful Bowser sometimes acted. How he once joined the brothers to save the world, even though he claimed to be doing this purely out of desire to have the world to himself alone. With how, sometimes, the King's comments were… out of place. Like that one time when Mario beat him in a wedding dress - before the fight Bowser casually mentioned how great the brother looked. And with that…
Luigi… was suddenly not afraid of Bowser. Whatsoever.
And, surprisingly, that did not bother the Koopa King at all. Luigi was genuinely surprised. But, as it turns out, Bowser was used to this. All because of princess Peach. It's just that he kidnapped her so many times, that at one point, she ceased to be afraid of her kidnapper. Besides, it's not like he treated her terribly. She always enjoyed the best conditions a hostage could ever wish for. And Luigi, surprisingly, received similar treatment. At least, with time. After all, Bowser did not intend to hurt anyone. He needed his hostages to be there, and stay there. Intact.
Bowser told Luigi a lot about how things go here. About how she plans to have Peach all to himself. The King was dying of boredom, so speaking to his hostage was at least some form of entertainment. And Luigi proved to be quite a good listener. He wasn't just a yes-man, he could provide for a good conversation. Sometimes, he even made Bowser laugh. Not maliciously and in an intimidating manner, but genuinely.
… But something entirely unexpected happened.
The faceless man turned into something different. Now that they were close and personal, it felt as if a flower bloomed right in Bowser's claws, revealing its inner beauty. The petals began to dance in his hands, in a trembling dance of fear, but also… something different. Luigi became an actual person in Bowser's eyes. He turned out to be much different to his previous imagining of the "lesser" brother, who was nothing more than a coward. While, yes, he is quite anxious, Luigi is actually… Witty. Compassionate. Neat. Endearing, even. Refined. And he rocked just the most dashing moustache. Way better than his bro's. And even despite being cowardly, Luigi tended to overcome his fears. This made him seem… how to put this… more real? More of a realistic person compared to the always "perfect" Mario, yes.
Luigi even made him forget about Peach, at least sometimes. This was… something very new.
And Luigi noticed this change. He seemed even concerned for Bowser, as if he had fallen ill. And, to be perfectly fair, it did seem like Bowser was unwell. His hands were slightly shaking. His voice didn't sound as loud as before. His eyes darted here and there, not being able to find the place to rest, even though before the King's gaze had no trouble piercing through Luigi's very soul.
Yes, Bowser was sick. Lovesick .
But against all odds… A miracle happened. Luigi reciprocated. Which, to be frank, was quite expected for everyone. Everyone but Bowser himself. Because Bowser was in denial. He thought that his and Mario's opposition would stand in the way. After all, Bowser is the villain. The bad guy. But Luigi did not care. And this made something bloom within Bowser. He decided now. This is the thing to do.
Bowser is going to propose to Luigi.
The King put on his most dashing suit - the white tuxedo, specifically tailored for his future wedding. In a pocket on his chest, Bowser put a cute fireflower. On head - a crown of beautifully combed hair and a dapper tophat, the same colour as the tuxedo. Everything, every detail is sharp and neat. Perfect.
But most importantly… The oversized, complicated ring was kept safe in the little box, which awaited its time in the pocket.
…
Luigi stood inside one of the castle's tallest towers. The sight outside was quite… fiery, but nevertheless, grand and breathtaking. The man fidgeted, nervous. He knew that something important was about to happen. Luigi simply didn't quite know how to react, whatever it was.
But his wait was finally interrupted. There he came, not Koopa King, but Bowser - Luigi's beloved. The eyes of both shone in something unknown, but strong nevertheless.
- My dear.
- You look amazing, cara mia.
The man took Bowser's big hand in his two and kissed it, like a gentleman. Bowser was flustered, and didn't even try to hide it.
- Luigi, do you know why I summoned you here today?
- I don't. Tell me.
- The thing is…
King pulled out the box with the ring and opened it, standing on one knee. He was still towering over Luigi, but that did not matter. Nothing mattered, anyways. As long as he says "yes"...
- Luigi. Will you be my beloved husband, once and for all? Will you share everything with me, will you? Will you take over the world with me, my dearest?
- …
Luigi was, for a lack of a better word, bewildered. He just stood there for several moments, not moving, not talking, not even breathing, it seemed. But then…
- No. No, I refuse.
- H… H-huh..?
Bowser could not believe what he just heard. This was simply not a possibility in his head.
- No, I do not want to be your husband. I'm sorry.
- B-but why?! We are so perfect together, so why wouldn't you be mine?!!! ANSWER ME!
- Bowser. Calm down. - he placed his hand on the cheek of the distressed King. He exhaled.
- … Just tell me something. Why?
- I always was the number two. The second option. And I was fine with that… for some time. But I just can't be fine with that kind of treatment now. Not now. Not here. Not with you.
- Just what do you mean? I adore you! You are my number one! My..!
- Please don't lie to yourself .
Bowser looked Luigi right in his eyes, startled, as a realization hit him.
- … Bowser. I know that you still love Princess Peach, and I know that better than anyone else. You talk so much of her, and so highly, so obsessed, you… You crave her. This is something I cannot change. And I still love you, and I know that you do love me, I feel it, but… I'm tired. I don't want you to settle for me because you cannot have her . I don't want to be the other option. The plan B. I won't do it.
- Luigi… Luigi..!
- I'm leaving. It would be better for the both of us.
Both expected Bowser to stop his beloved, but… Something just held Bowser in place, completely still, still on his knee. The box with the ring fell on the floor. Something hot and heavy fell down from Bowser's eyes. He kept looking at his own enormous claws, or, rather, into nowhere. He cried. But nobody came.
Perhaps, it's the truth of life - one must die a dozen times so that something happens to them. Loss after loss, Bowser finally found an ounce of hope. Found, only for a fleeting moment, it seems.
Where everyone saw him caring for himself,
He saw a lack of someone caring.