Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Luigi woke up with a groan.Awake before the sun, he got out of bed, groggily lumbering to the brothers shared bathroom.

Today was his monthly race with the other kingdoms. It was more of a requirement than Luigi had ever thought it to be.

Ever since the Mushroom kingdom and the Koopa kingdom signed some peace treaty around almost 2 years ago they have been holding these tournaments. More so as a means of showing some "mutual agreement" that the treaty should still be held than as a means of fun and games.

Every time Luigi had to race with Bowser he had always ended up with more bruises than he could bargain for. But Luigi still had to race, much to his dismay, he was told that in order for them to show some respect they had to have some high ranking members play alongside her. Which, if you asked Luigi, was kind of stupid seeing how Bowser let his high ranking members like his advisor and generals get out!

sighing, Luigi turned his tap on, dampening his washcloth in the running water and then proceeding to wipe  his face with the ice cold water to wake him up.He was always up before Mario, wanting to look his best during these races as it was normally the only time he'd been out the house. (unless you count his rare sightings at the local markets or when he was with his older brother).

Humming softly putting down his face cloth  and now dampening his tooth brush, Luigi brushed his teeth. He didn't get why he had to tag along with his brother. While he was indeed someone considered ‘high ranking’ he was never celebrated as much as Peach or his brother. He was normally just known as ‘Mario's brother’ or ‘green Mario ' it didn't really bother him though, his brother was usually the one to save peach during the old times were Bowser kept trying to kidnap her and force her to marry him. The only time that Luigi had ever truly been celebrated was when he saved Mario and Peach from King Boo.

Don't get him wrong!

Luigi was honored to tag along on these races! but that was it. It was only him tagging along. He wasn't really what you'd call a fan favorite.He wasn't as cheered on as his brother or Peach but, much to his gratitude he did have his own little circle of dedicated fans.

He smiled, he wasn't one to bask in a lot of attention but he didn't mind if someone once in a while said he was a good racer, or complimented his looks or  bravery!

Putting his tooth brush down and spitting out the mint with a scoff  he grabbed his comb brushing his mustache as well as his messy hair. It seemed that the only peace he could ever get was in the early mornings, before anyone had gotten up.
He sighed with a smile. Maybe this race will be different? Maybe he could finally win or at the least not end up half purple.

But, alas, peace never lasts long for the poor green plumber.

A loud bang on the door startles him, he yelps and falls straight on his ass with a thud.
Laughing could be heard on the other side of the door. “Mario!” he screamed, not really amused with his brother but a smile still plastered on his face.

“You were singing to loud Luigi! I could hear you from my room!” Mario said with a smile clear in his voice even though Luigi couldn't see him. Luigi pulled himself up and turned back to the mirror. “Just give me a sec bro!” he called out irritated, not even mentioning how he was humming and not singing.

“i'm-a almost done!” Luigi calls out after another loud bang was heard on the door.  Mario audibly groaned and Luigi shook his head in annoyance, finally opening the door once he thought he looked presentable enough. Mario,who had been leaning on the door impatiently, almost toppled in on Luigi, catching himself on the door frame before he could.

“Finally!” Mario said with a smile, setting himself up straight and rubbing Luigi's once neat hair causing Luigi to groan and playfully slap Mario’s hand away. “Mario! I just combed my hair!” he said with a whine , trying to now flatten the strands that Mario had messed up. “Whoops” Mario shrugged out a “sorry” and walked into the bathroom, quickly brushing his teeth.

Luigi rolled his eyes and walked to the kitchen, opening the pantry and grabbing some pancake mix. He was usually the one to make breakfast sense Mario had never found the time to learn how to cook even the simplest of things because he was always too busy helping out at peach's castle or helping some toads with some damage control from bad weather and such. He poured the mix into the bowl adding some water and blueberries, mixing the ingredients with a peaceful and quiet hum

….

Mario came out of the bathroom and sat down at the table waiting for Luigi to put the pancakes on the plates. This is how their morning usually went before they raced. Luigi gets up before Mario to get ready, then he makes some breakfast for the duo, they leave early to head to Peach's castle for some chat, and finally get transported via hot air balloon to whichever race track was chosen that month.

Setting down the plates with a small greeting they begin eating. It was mostly silent during breakfast, the both of them still trying to get themselves to wake up.
But Mario decided against being quiet this morning, already wide awake.

“So,” Mario starts, mouth full of pancakes but he doesn't really care to show manners in front of Luigi “you think the dragon will finally be put in his place?” Mario swirled his fork around nonchalantly looking at his brother with an amused yet annoyed stare, cocking one eyebrow up.

Luigi thought about it.

It has been a while since someone besides Bowser has won. Usually Bowser went his hardest on everyone, throwing every single power up he could get his claws on.It's not like everyone else didn't go hard, they tried their best! But they weren't apathetic like the king was, they (unlike Bowser) cared for the components, causing them usually to get 2nd or 3rd.

Luigi huffed out a laugh

“And have him burn down the entire stadium in a hissy fit? I think not.” Luigi mused. Mario rolled his eyes in a huff “We should at least try and go hard on him! I'm sick of him bragging about his stupid golden trophy in my face!” Mario groaned and covered his eyes, clearly tired of losing to the big Koopa.

“Well…what if we come up with a strategy..?” Luigi asked after gulping down his last pancake. “ I mean, it's not like it's against the rules to conspire and stuff.” Luigi said motioning his hands as a means to convince Mario even though the latter wasn't even watching his younger brother.

Mario looked up from his hands, eyes peeking out from his fingers.

“It is against the rules to team up though.” Mario pointed out. Luigi nodded thoughtfully, getting up and grabbing his plate heading to the sink to wash it. His eyes suddenly brightened with an idea “Well…what if it wasn't a team up?” Mario moved his head out his hands and looked at Luigi with a dumbfounded face. “Huh?” Mario asked simply. Luigi smiled “well, it's teaming if we're helping each other out in order for one of us to win, but what if that wasn't the case?” he said,now rubbing his plate with a worn out sponge under hot water, turning his head to his brother at the table.

“....go on?” Mario said in thought.

“ We don't need to win to get a well deserved win ”Luigi said, now putting his plate on the drying rack and grabbing Mario's. “Luigi, you're not making any sense,” Mario said blankly.

Luigi sighed,now washing Mario's plate “Okay look, if we somehow get ahead of Bowser- even if it's for a second! and we throw a combined mix of items at him, maybe it'll give someone else a chance!” Luigi said with a determined smile. Mario nodded as he thought, “That might work, Weeg..” Mario mumbled thinking ”That might work..” he repeated. A sudden smile creeped on his face as he got up and ruffled Luigi's hat with a laugh.”Anyone is better than him..” Mario made up his mind.

stopping and now paying attention to the clock on the wall, Mario nudged  his little brother. “It's almost time to get to peach’s castle- lets-a go!” Luigi nodded, putting the plate down in the sink and grabbing his old work satchel before heading out the door.

The sun was now slowly rising giving the sky a pink haze. Luigi smiled at it, it was almost like it was back on Earth. Pastel with orange clouds covering some parts of the sun. “Can’t believe why we always get up so early” Mario said with a slight stretch, speed walking to the huge castle. The air was a bit chilly, as it had been around the start of winter time so Luigi curled his arms in on himself, trying to find some warmth. Mario huffed at this, going behind Luigi and pushing him “come on slowpoke”

They arrived at Peach's castle relatively early, not even needing to ask for entrance as the toads just allowed them in, but not before telling the duo that she was in her room waiting for them.They walked up the winding staircase and Mario softly knocked at the door. “Peach?” the doors opened and the brothers were greeted by a warm smile

“You guys are here a bit early,” she noted. “I was just about to head outside ”she stated, moving past the brothers “care to join?” The brothers agreed and followed her to her outside court, it was beautiful in Luigi's opinion. The tennis court was kept in top shape and the flowers around the bushes were colorful even though they hadn't bloomed yet. The court was huge, almost like a football stadium.

Luigi sat next to Mario, who was seated across from peach.And as usual , a toad came in, holding a tray with teacups in it. “Princess” he greeted, holding the tray up for her to grab, she smiled, looking at the brothers who grabbed their drink. Peach requests for Mario to have a coffee in the mornings, since she knew Mario had a hatred for tea.

Luigi, on the contrary, loved tea. He found it soothed his nerves and let him relax more than its caffeinated counterpart. “Thanks,” Mario said, lifting the mug in gratitude to the toad and princess. Luigi nodded in thanks as well before the toad went off. Peach sighed sipping her drink

“I wish these races weren't always so early” she mumbled, loud enough for the brothers to hear before Mario spoke up “then why make it so early?” he asked “I mean- it's under you and Bowser’s control isn't it?” Peach nodded slowly “Yes, well, you and I both know that Bowser is more stubborn than a toddler.” she chuckled at that leaving Mario to let out a chuckle as well.

Luigi hated these times. The times were he was a third wheel just watching the future couple enjoy their time. It's not like he didn't like spending his time with peach! She was amazing!

But,

he couldn't help but feel like the two just wanted to be alone.so, he excused himself from the table, making up some excuse that they both happily accepted. He made his way to the guest library, knowing the insides of the castle like the back of his hand by now. He liked to spend most of his spare time there reading up on some history about the Mushroom kingdom and how it came to be. Going down to sit at one of the many tables and grabbing his book out from his satchel Luigi let out a peaceful sigh and opened to were he last left off...

page one.

Chapter Text

“Luigi!? Luigi!?”
Luigi snorted, awakening from his peaceful dreamless slumber from his brother's voice. “Mario?” he called out groggily “luigi!” Mario, following Luigi's voice, found him half way slumped on the library's table halfway still asleep.

“Luigi! What are you doing?! We were all waiting for you on the hot air balloon!” Luigi, suddenly now wide awake, jumped out his seat “what!? What time is it?!” He yelled as his brother rolled his eyes “we've been waiting for like-20 minutes Weeg!” he commented in almost a scolding tone before grabbing his little brother's wrists, dragging him out the library to the outside of peach's castle.

There, much to Luigi's horror, laid the giant hot air balloon, all the passengers from the other kingdoms staring silent daggers at poor Luigi for making them wait for so long . With a small chuckle that turned Luigi's cheeks almost as red as Mario's hat, he let out a small lame apology making up some excuse. They all just rolled their eyes at him or outright ignored the green plumber, going back to whatever they had been doing earlier. Luigi sighed, rubbing his face in embarrassment, suddenly feeling a hand on his shoulder, he let out a tiny yelp scrambling back a bit before realizing it was Peach's cousin, Daisy.

“Hey sleeping beauty” she mused, much to Luigi's dismay, she knew why he was late. Meaning most likely everyone else did too. If he could- he would mentally slap his stupid brain for trying to get sleep in at the worst possible times. “Hey daisy” ignoring the comment luigi gave her a soft smile. “Honestly thought you forgot for a moment” she said, looking unimpressed “but then I remembered that if mario was there- you'd be there.” And that was true. Wherever Mario had gone, Luigi was sure to follow. If mario went to a race, luigi went to a race. If Mario had gone for dinner, Luigi had gone for dinner. The only times Luigi hasn't really been following Mario around was for when he went with Peach or for his ‘job’. He shrugged, trying to play it off “these races must be getting to me.” Daisy smiled, looking at Luigi up and down “yeah- you look like shit” she stated pointedly.
What was left of Luigi's optimism of looking presentable and having a good day had now vanished, “ahaha… yeah..” he said awkwardly kicking his leg on the ground. A habit he did when he was nervous that he couldn't seem to get rid of for the life of him. Daisy chuckled at him,probably noticing this, and slapping his back roughly causing most of the air in his lungs to get knocked out ``I'm just joking weegie! Lighten up!” she said, with a bright infectious smile. She was strong, way stronger than she looked and way stronger than luigi was. Luigi had always admired her, she wasn't really headstrong but she was undeniably strong ,social, confident,funny, everything Luigi wasn't- she was. Luigi wanted to be like her.. even if it was for a day!Just to feel like that. Luigi smiled at her and nodded “s-sorry, i'm not completely awake yet ahah..” he said mostly to himself making up another lame excuse. Daisy rolled her eyes “yeah, alright Weegie, i'll be with peach if ya need me. Cya” and without another word she sprinted off to her cousin with a smile plastered on her face. Luigi’s smile faded, all he had to do now was wait.

The race track was one of Bowsers, The course was filled with lava pits and dangerous obstacles. It was deemed one of the harder ones that barely anyone can make out of without a scratch. Bowser, confident as ever Laughed when he saw it was his. “You all are going to fail miserably!” he said, puffing his chest out. Luigi couldn't help but agree a tad bit. He was normally hot garbage at any of the tracks that had to deal with obstacles and lava.

Fans had already gathered at the bleachers, all cheering once they saw the hot air balloon. With that, the air balloon halted and everyone got off, heading towards the locker room to change into their clothes. Luigi wasn't a fan of changing in a room full of people who could potentially see him, so as per usual, he wore his racer gear underneath his normal clothes and begrudgingly took them off.

He was always the first one to his cart, it was always awkward. He had to sit there, fans eyeing him like a sort of monkey in a zoo, and wait for the others to come out. He let himself wave to the crowd who cheered for him. He knew they didn't like him as much as they liked mario, or peach or even bowser. But they weren't going to go and yell or boo at him, so they all cheered.He sat down in his kart,letting his mind wander. Is Mario going to go with their plan from earlier? Would they get called out for it? No, probably not. Will Bowser say something about them breaking the rules? Probably.

He smiled at the thought of a random mushroom getting first place at Bowser's own race track, while bowser threw a temper tantrum and screamed at the brothers for cheating. He chuckled. Suddenly, the crowd grew loudly, drawing attention to the same beast he was just chuckling about. Bowser was always second out, he didn't usually wear any clothes while racing, he just went to the locker rooms to intimate his opponents and keep the crowd waiting.

Letting out an ear deafening  guffaw  bowser  threw his hands to his ears as a sign for the crowd to keep cheering louder. Bowser looked at Luigi, an amused smile plastered on his dumb face. God luigi hated bowsers guts. He was always so cocky and sure of himself. He just for one day wanted to see that smug smile wiped clean off of his face!

Luigi smiled at himself, remembering their plan. Bowser was going to get a taste of his own medicine for once and then maybe he won't be so smug to the green plumber afterwards.Maybe he'd learn a lesson and be nicer. 'Pfft, as if!' Luigi mumbled  Bowser, noticing the plumber's amused smile and quiet voice , looked at him with a dumbfounded and somewhat upset face, then proceeded to growl, leaning into Luigi's personal space, only a foot apart. Something that he did to intimate him . “Something funny…plumber?” It worked. Luigi was terrified.

Any funny thought Luigi had about the koopa now ceased to exist as he shrunk in on himself, scared of the huge king.“Ahaha.. i-i was just thinking about what my friend-... Daisy! Daisy! ahah! had said earlier! Ahah!! She-she's super…funny..?”  he sputtered out his voice turning less confident as he continued. He was probably sweating bullets and looked like an idiot. Bowser huffed, smoke coming from his nose and blowing in Luigi's face, almost causing Luigi to cough. “As i thought.” he commented, now heading to his comically tiny kart that had barely contained the king. Luigi had sighed in relief, feeling worse than he had earlier. Today was not his day.

Soon, everyone slowly came out of the locker room, laughing, teasing and talking. They all settled in their karts, waiting for the announcer to make his short speech. “Toads and Toadettes! Dry Bones and Koopas! Please give a warm welcome to our contestants, and wish them the best of luck! As they will be traversing one of the hardest tracks, filled with obstacles, lava, and power ups! “
“The rules are simple. No teaming, No illegal moves,No getting out the kart, and absolutely under no circumstances…will you not have fun!” the crowd laughed.

Luigi stared blankly ahead, The announcer did this every time.

Soon, after saying everyone's names and what kingdom they are from and all that boring crap, he started counting.Luigi, who was halfway zoned out the entire time, had snapped out of it when all of a sudden, karts zoomed past him. Has it already started!? He yelped and pushed his foot to the petal and zoomed off, accidently banging his head a bit from how fast he started the kart.

Slowly, he made his way up, passing a dry bone and a random kong , he was now beside Daisy who gave him a competitive smile. Unbeknownst to Luigi, she had been holding a banana peel. “Ya hungry!?” she yelled out before chucking it behind her. “DAISY!” he screamed, shaking his head. He was trying his best to swerve past it, but ended up being hit by it no matter.He shook his head with a groan, trying to concentrate and get back, to his right he could see the Koopa king and by his side,Mario.

Luigi was well ahead of them, but they were on their second lap.Passing by the mystery boxes he was gifted with a blue shell, objectively one of the best items in the race.He smiled, waving it in the air with triumph “okey!” he smiled nodding his head, mario and bowser quickly following up behind him, Mario and Luigi locked eyes.

Luigi nodded at Mario, who gave Luigi a smile and they both turned back, throwing their items at bowser. Mario had a normal banana peel and tossed them at Bowser while Luigi chucked his blue shell. Trying to avoid the banana peels, Bowser skirts trying to come to a halt just to be met with a blue shell to the face, he spins around a bit, before his kart starts to tip a bit. If it weren't for bowsers buckle he would've been kicked out of his kart. Mario lets out an excited “yahoo!” before speeding past his brother. Luigi smiled competitively and zoomed towards him, trying to get past his brother. “Eat my dust bro!” Mario called out, now switching to get ahead of him to block his younger brother from getting in front of him. “Not hungry..bro!” Luigi retorted.

He wasn't the best at banter if you couldn't tell.

Luigi slammed his kart into Mario's back, causing the older brother to spin a bit, allowing Luigi a slimmer of access to pass him. He was now on his second lap, while Mario was on his 3rd. The race is now finished. Luigi came to a halt, watching as everyone else started to pile in. Bowser was almost dead last, he was practically fuming right now and he had a flare in his eyes as he death glared at the brothers, who for the most part ignored him. The announcer went over the golden moments of the race, showing Luigi getting smacked with the banana peel by daisy, causing Luigi's cheeks to turn red from all the attention.

Shortly after the announcer shows daisy getting her karma as peach had done the exact same thing she did with Luigi. The audience laughed and he looked at Daisy, who was still confidently smiling, slightly chuckling with peach who was nodding. The golden moments continued, showing toad and a drybone crash into each other.

Then it was his moment.

It showed him looking at his brother and nodding, throwing their things at Bowser he crashed with a loud roar. it then panned to bowser in real time. Bowser, who was fuming red and yelling, caused the audience to laugh. The beast roared with a giant huff and left, heading to the hot air balloon without a second thought. The audience laughed, probably thinking it was all staged or something.

The announcer continued, Luigi's attention now on the podium as it appeared virtually on screen.The faces of his brother and friends flashed on screen before the announcer called the winners names, Mario was first and was shortly followed by peach and then to Luigi's surprise, a simple drybone. The audience cheered and roared in a thunderous applause as Mario did his usual celebratory dance and peach chuckled giving a dismissive wave.In the end Luigi was put in 10th place!.... out of 12.

Well, it's not like he was expecting to win or get anywhere near the top 5 or anything..

Toads came from the bleachers grabbing Mario and cheering, throwing him in the air with a chant. Luigi smiled. His brother deserved this!
They pushed past the brother much to Mario's dismay. They continued cheering despite this

To the toads, Luigi was just a second player. An unnecessary asset that they didn't really need. the only real reason Luigi had even *got* the privilege to race was because of his older sibling!

Luigi’s smile faded away at the thought and he tried to push it away ‘no luigi! They don't think that! You're being dumb again!’ Luigi scolded himself. But he couldn't help but have that feeling.Feeling a ruffle on his hat he jolted, quickly relaxing as he noticed it was just Daisy again. she wore a victorious smile for being in 4th place. “You were hot trash” she said in her usual ‘im joking but i'm also not’ tone. Luigi chuckled at this, brushing her hand off his head. “Well maybe if a certain somebody didn't chuck their banana peels at me i'd be up a higher rank” Daisy scoffed at this rolling her eyes playfully “yeah yeah whatever banna boy” she smirked “and at least i'm not going to have to deal with the big man baby.”

Luigi cocked an eyebrow at her confused for a second before…oh.. Oh god.

Luigi's heart sank. He hadn't thought about that. He was going to have to ride with bowser on a hot air balloon. He hoped bowser would just ignore the plumber like he normally did but the sinking pit in his stomach told him otherwise. He gulped down his fear and showed off a shaky smile. “Haha… i almost forgot..” Luigi admitted with an awkward chuckle.

Daisy seemed to soften up to this and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder “don't worry, i'll be watching.You're gonna be safe. “ she said with a wink.

He was glad he was so able to read sometimes. He didn't want to tell his brother about his fear of getting beaten up or worse at the hands of the reptile.He never wanted to look like a coward in front of his brother- or in fact- in front of anyone! so he kept his fears to himself. He knew his brother didn't care if Luigi was scared, he never cared as a kid.

But..

times were different now. they had their own responsibilities and he had to face his fears without anyone by his side now.

he snapped out his thoughts

smiling softly at this Luigi lets out a “thanks” followed by a relieved sigh. Daisy nodded and tugged his shoulder “speaking of the balloon, we should hurry back.We don't want to be forgotten or anything.” she pointed out. Luigi highly doubted that would be the case but decided against disagreeing with her.

Chapter Text

It took a while for the hot air balloon to leave, given that mario and peach were a bit busy being crowded by toads cheering their names and asking them to sign their stuff.

They had been in the air for a good 20 minutes now waiting for the duo to arrive. Luigi hadn't left Daisy’s side in fear of Bowser. Luigi knew he was being irrational, With the peace treaty with the mushroom kingdom, if bowser were to even lay a finger on the plumber the contract would have been broken and the kingdoms would've gone to war.

But,

he was scared.

Bowser didn't really seem so happy after that game but.. Daisy did look kinda bored now. he considered his possibilities  in his head and with that, he sighed. He didn't want to burden his dear friend so he thought up an excuse “i'm’a gonna head to the locker room daisy, need to change my clothes..” he pointed out, gesturing to himself and then holding up his satchel that held his old clothes."

 "thanks for lookin' out for me ..”He said softly. he knew daisy probably thought he was coward, but daisy never judged him that much ( as long as you dont count her usual jokes as judging) 

Daisy looked at him up and down smiling “your welcome weeg, go be my wittle bwave man!” she said, pinching his cheeks mocking a tone she used with his dog much to his embarrassment.

He slapped her hands away smiling “gah!quit that!” he shook his head and daisy smiled “i'll cya later daisy!” he said waving, turning around and now walking towards the locker rooms "ill be at peach's for tennis sometime soon! stop by ,yeah?" she yelled. he turned his body giving a thumbs up and  nodding  happily. Smiling, he  turned back around

If he was going to be honest he felt more ‘wittle’ than ‘bwave’( as daisy put it). He knew the locker rooms were going to be empty seeing as everyone changed before they went on the balloon. If he was going to be honest, it was the second safest place from bowser ( first being by his brothers,peach's, or Daisy's side).

He let out a breath as he entered, the room was, in his opinion, kinda creepy. He was never in the locker rooms much, only times he had been was when his brother wanted to show him some of the old pictures in there. The pictures were now gone, everything in the room had practically been cleared out. Besides a few benches and of course, the lockers, Luigi was alone.

He slumped down on the bench, opening his bag and putting on his old clothes over his racer clothes.

Was he hot? Yes. most definitely.

Did he care? If he didn't have to change in a place he was unfamiliar with, he didn't care.

As he finished putting on his gloves, the door creaked open with a loud sigh,  and much to Luigi's horror, it was Bowser. Bowser's eyes widened at the sight of luigi.

‘He's never usually in here!' Bowser thought, ‘probably just here to brag about his stupid brothers win!’ He convinced himself, scrunching his eyebrows.

Bowser let out a low growl, walking towards luigi while smoke puffed out his nose. Luigi, to say the least, felt like he was going to pass out.

He was trembling, slowly backing himself into a locker with a loud thud as he looked at Bowser. God, why couldn't he just stay with Daisy, she would have protected him! It was too late for second thoughts now. Luigi was going to die! In a gross stinky locker room! Or- at best- get his shit knocked out of him by Bowser! The thought itself made Luigi almost pass out.Almost. His knees were wobbly and he couldn't move, much to his dismay. "Bowser.." Luigi started, after getting enough courage to open his mouth.

“If you came here to mock me I suggest you leave,i do not want to hear it.” Bowser growled.

There it was! Luigi had a chance to save his ass and get out! But he didn’t. He couldn’t. He wasn't there to mock Bowser! He was there to get away from Bowser!

Hesitantly Luigi shook his head, scared that one wrong move could set him ablaze.

“N-no! You've got it wrong Bowser!” Luigi stuttered out, waving his hands in front of him. Bowser cocked an eyebrow up, leaning down close to Luigi, shadows covering most of his face as only his red bright eyes were visible. “King." he stated, letting Luigi let out a weak 'huh?'

"king Bowser to you."  he said in a low rumbling voice.

Luigi nodded out a weak sorry at this causing Bowser to let out a huff. 

"and, if you aren't here to mock me then why are you here?” he commanded. Luigi swallowed his spit down, clearly nervous. “I came here to…” he tried to think of an excuse. An excuse that wouldn't offend bowser or cause him to get his head bitten off. He sighed, telling the truth was better. He can't think well when lying, that much was clear. “I came here to get away from you!” He let out fastly, now looking anywhere but the giant koopas face,finding it difficult as it was only a couple feet away from his own.

Bowser moved away from his face ( it seems like Luigi's prayers were answered) , letting out an amused chuckle.

“Afraid?” Bowser mussed . Luigi nodded dumbly “a-a bit.” he admitted. Bowser chuckled again at this. Here- was one of the Mario brothers. Admitting he was afraid of the koopa king! “As you should be.” bowser stated “i would be to if i were in your  shoes.” he commented pointing at luigi.

Bowser now moved fully away from Luigi and back up to his normal height. Luigi's memory dawns on him. He had almost killed bowser and he hasn't even apologized!

This whole time Bowser mustv'e been looking for Luigi to apologize! Oh god how could he be so dumb!

Suddenly, Luigi's blue eyes snap toward Bowsers “oh god! I forgot about what happened. I was so busy thinking about how i would get  my butt kicked I forgot about why I would get my butt kicked!” Luigi confessed, much to bowser’s confusion.

”I'm so sorry for almost killing you out on the track Bowser! It was an accident I wasn't intending for you to get seriously hurt and you know I would never-” Bowser snarled at Luigi, interrupting him before he could go on his whole ‘woe is me’ rant.

“Listen greenie, you didn't almost KILL me.” he said, pointing to himself “it would take a lot more than a banana peel and 2 plumbers to kill the king of koopas. “ he stated with distain, almost sounding offended Luigi even thought that

“second- i'm not wanting your dumb apology!” Luigi shut his mouth instantly, feeling as if he was walking on eggshells. But, he was never always silent. He always had to fill the void with some sort of noise, so he prodded.

“So…what are you wanting?” Bowser looked away from Luigi, practically falling to the bench almost causing it to crack. “What I'm wanting is for you to shut up.” he said huffing. Much to bowsers wishing, Luigi didn't. “ Are you mad you got last..?” Bowser looked at him as if he had asked the most idiotic question known to man. And, in bowser’s opinion, he had.

“What do you think, greenie?”

he asked, irritated that the plumber hadn't shut up. “It was my own track! I should've been in first place!” he said, making a gesture with his hands as smoke blew out his nose.

Luigi nodded, clearly still afraid. “yeah…” he said quietly “ ….but we've lost to our own tracks before” and he wasn't lying. Not a single person from the mushroom kingdom had gotten on the podium that race. It was embarrassing, sure, but was it enough to cause a rampage or scene? No! “You guys aren't me.” Bowser said slowly growling “Your kingdom does not thrive on fear!” he pointed out, snapping his head towards the plumber who looked at him with a face of understanding.

“Well..maybe your kingdom… actually doesn't need to thrive on that?” 

Bowser rolled his eyes at this “I'm sure that would work out amazingly.” bowser replied sarcastically, and the dumb plumber agreed! “If I had my own kingdom, I would make sure it'd be based solely on peace and respect. No threatening involved.” Luigi had stated, seemingly dreaming. He looked as if he was lost in his own land.

A land based on peace and happiness and rainbows and puppies was not a land bowser would ever want to be in. dead or alive. though it wasn't what Luigi had directly said, Bowser could already imagine it.

He would be in a white bleached castle full of smiles and everyone would be happy and be covered in rainbows and they all sing holding hands in circles and blah blah blah blah blah.

The thought of it itself made Bowser sick.Having simply enough of the conversation. He got up, causing the plumber to flinch back and hit his head on the locker with a wince, and left with a slam of the door.

‘That damn plumber thinks he knows more than I do! He doesn't know anything! He doesn't know how hard it is to gain the respect of these sleazy subjects!’ He growled aloud catching the eyes of some people, but in the end they ignored it.  ‘if Luigi was to be a ruler- even if it were for a day!- maybe the green bean of a plumber would gain some respect for me and all the hard work i do!’

Too bad he couldn't get a Luigi to feel what it's like to be  Bowser.

. ...wait.. He could do that.

He smiled,Pulling a plan straight from his ass.

This will work.

It was simple! He would invite Luigi to stay at his castle for a week or so and have him see the truth on how hard it was to be a leader! Then, his brother would tell Mario about this amazing information and how hard working,amazing, and kind the leader was! And Mario would then tell Peach about this amazing news. And then he could marry peach!

Easy!

And because he couldn't kidnap her anymore due to the stupid contract Kamek coaxed him into signing , it was all totally legal! He smiled at the thought and chuckled.

This will be easy.

…

Bowser came back into the room with a noticeable  smile  on his face much to Luigi's surprise. He thought Bowser was quiet upset at something Luigi had said.

“Greenie, you are to pack a week's worth of clothes with you for the next race” Bowser said simply. Luigi nodded, not even processing what he said. ”Yeah..? yea..- wait? What?” he asked, suddenly confused at this gesture. “You said if you were to be a ruler you'd have respect and peace? Well, I'll let you watch me rule my kingdom, for one whole week! And then you'll see how hard it is to be a ruler.”

crossing his arms with a grin full of smugness  on his face Bowser looked at Luigi expectantly.

Luigi, to simply put it,  felt like he was going to burst.

He wanted to crawl in a hole and die. That is NOT what he meant when he had told Bowser that! quickly blurting out a "no!" Bowser smile immediately falling to an angered expression 

“No no! That's fine- I don't need to do that. "Luigi shook his head, trying to sound more polite .“ I can go by your word!” he said nervously as Bowser began approaching him.

“I doubt you could.” Bowser said, amused at Luigi's nervousness. “and even so, it wasn't an option.”

Luigi's heart plummeted

“I can't do that! I have to take care of my dog- and my brother wouldn't allow that!” Luigi said, voice raising at the thought of him having to bear being with Bowser for a whole week. Bowser rolled his eyes at the excuse

“Mario will learn how to deal with it. He can even take care of your animal too.” he smiled at the thought of Mario having to go through all that trouble for a whole week due to Bowser taking his brother.

Luigi shook his hands  in defense “no! I'm not going to do that to him! He has his own stuff to worry about that's more important than my dog!” Luigi pointed out.

Bowser growled at this, becoming increasingly annoyed by the minute. How dare the plumber defy him!

Swiftly moving his hand, he grabbed Luigi's face, picking the plumber up off the bench with his claws. “It's NOT a suggestion. If that animal is so much of a hassle then bring it! ” He yelled, bearing his teeth.

He could feel Luigi shake and swallow his spit under his hand. “Y-You're not supposed to harm-” Bowser cut him off with a laugh “like you'd tell? If you were to say a word that I harmed a hair on your head- your kingdom would immediately go to war, and I'd go back to causing conflicts and stress on your dear brother and princess. And you don't want that.” he said, knowing he wasn't lying as the plumber had practically whimpered at the thought of him being the sole reason the koopas and toads went back to war.

“So, as i said.” he continued nonchalantly, now letting go of the plumber, letting him fall back to the bench with an 'umph'.

“Bring a week's worth of clothes and whatever you need” He smiled waving his hand around “it will be the worst week of your life.” Bowser said. Luigi didn't doubt him either.

So with a hefty sad sigh, Luigi nodded weakly. “Good.” Bowser said, now heading to leave he stopped mid track, not turning to Luigi “remember what i said, No words are to come out of that mouth.”

and with that he left Luigi with his thoughts and a pain in his jaw.

Chapter Text

Luigi was silent on his way back home, not daring to look anyone in the eyes.

The Koopa Kingdom,Kong kingdom,and sarasaland Kingdom were dropped off a bit ago leaving just the mushroom kingdom to be dropped off. Luigi stood at the railings, it was cold out seeing how it was around 8 and the sun was now setting leaving a beautiful purple and blue haze.

He closed his eyes and let out a long breath he had been holding.

He tried thinking of everything else beside that dreaded kingdom.’puppies? He would have to bring his…gardening? Wouldn't be an option there since the lands are so devoid of any color..He didn't want to think about where the next race would take him. Bowser's castle. His eyes snapped open at the thought. He didn't want to go. And he knew he DID actually have a choice in this. But it was either spend his week at bowsers and be miserable for that short amount of time or be selfish and have multiple people harmed and miserable for who knows how long!

He really didn't want to, last time he was at bowsers castle was to save the princess from one of bowsers failed attempts at trying to get her to marry him.

And even then- he was with his brother! He was scared but he had someone to turn to! But now, this time, it'd be….just him…

He let out an audible groan at that and rested his head on the railing. He knew that in order for everyone to be happy he had to go. Why couldn't he just keep his mouth shut? Why couldn't he be more stern and brave. God, he just wanted to go home and sleep his life away then.Or better yet crawl in a hole and never come out!

He gripped the railing as hard as he could and shuttered a quiet ‘mama mia’

“Weeg?”

Luigi shot his head up, turning his body around to face his brother.

“What's wrong?” Mario asked, putting a concerned hand on his little brother's shoulder.

“Ah.. Mario, it's fine” he said, smiling.

In reality? it was not fine once so ever.

He would have to leave the mushroom kingdom for a week to spend it at the giant lizard's place and lie about it to his family and friends! He can't do that! He was awful at keeping secrets when it came to his brother, and holding it in any longer was going to tear him apart. He had to tell Mario about bowser! about how he threatened him to come to the castle, about how he held his head and could have easily squashed it like a grape, about him threatening to use him for war.

Luigi shut his eyes for a second and looked at the floor. “Mario I-”

“Luigi, i've told you before, those tournaments dont matter”

Luigi looked at Mario, his gaze focusing on the very serious faced big brother. ‘The tournaments..?’ he locked eyes with Mario and nodded sadly realizing that Mario didnt understand anything going on.

“Oh..Yeah, I'm just kinda upset about it all..” Luigi said with a sad shrug.

Mario's serious face melted into a more soft gaze “Weeg, you don't need to win those silly games- they don't matter now and they won't matter then.” Mario said pointedly. Luigi sighed “I know Mario- but 10th place? I didn't even realize the race started until the karts began zooming past me!” He let out a huff and crossed his arms

“I get that they don’t matter but…wouldn't it be cool if i got…i don't know 5th? Even if they don't matter i would still like to know i could be good at something..!” His voice cracked, He was on the verge of a mental meltdown and he couldn't even tell his brother half of the reason.

“Listen, “

Mario squeezed Luigi's shoulder making sure he was present in the moment. softly he said “there are tons of things you're good at Weeg, like cooking, gardening,... ghost busting. “He ended it with a light  laugh trying to lighten Luigi's spirits.

Luigi let out a  sad chuckle  “yeah..I guess that's true..but.."

He paused.

He was going to tell Mario about he only thinks that because no matter what he'd always be praised. while Luigi on the other hand would be dumped without Mario. Mario wasn't always there at Luigi's side  than Luigi probably would be living in the mushroom forest than their nice home. 

He didn't want his brother to feel any guilt for winning, or being a hero for everyone else.. So he left the conversation alone with the excuse of ‘ never mind, i'm going to get a drink’

…

It was now late night, and they arrived home after staying a bit at peachs.

Luigi plopped down on his comfy bed with a grunt. Mario had long since been asleep, practically collapsing on the couch. Polterpup had been waiting for Luigi patiently on his dog bed, before getting up with a happy yelp and jumping on the bed with Luigi.

“Puppy!” Luigi cooed, petting it softly. He sat there petting the ghost for as long as he could trying not to think about the upcoming race.

He could always say he was sick- or quit. But if he did that, what if Bowser got mad and came to Luigi's house!? That would surely cause a war at the very least cause a mess!

Luigi let out a long groan, slumping his head in one of his hands as his other continued petting the concerned pup who let out a tiny bark. “No no, it's okay Polterpup- i'm just… thinking”

The dog tilted its head confused

“It's just- I don't know what to do! Bowser told me i ‘am to come to his kingdom and review the duties of being a ruler to see how hard it is’.” he flailed his arms in exaggeration “that's not even what i meant by ‘if i had my own kingdom!’”

he let his head fall into both of his hands.

“And Either way I'm screwed in the end here so..i don't know..i just dont know...” The dog looked at him, staring for a long time unmoving and not blinking . “Polter pup..?” Luigi asked, concerned. Polterpup jumped up, seemingly coming back to life before repeatedly licking his face despite Luigi's begging.

“Awe wait ha- no! Polter-No ahah! Not the hair ehe!” he whined kicking a bit and thrashing trying to get the dog off of him. “I just showered!” He whined, the dog now stopping with a bark and one last lick before hopping off the bed. It ran in circles now barking its head off, grabbing at Luigi's clothes before dragging him to a leash.

“It's so late” he mumbled, not really objecting as it was pretty always  peaceful out.

He grabbed his leash and, despite the ungodly hour it was and him being barefooted in his pajamas , walked him around the area.

The time in the fresh air relaxed the poor plumber as his thoughts wandered varying from the Koopa king  himself to his closest friends. It was quiet  at night, luigi was mellowed out from today so a walk was just the thing to help him go to bed. They returned home in less than an hour, and with that Luigi fell to his bed with a content sigh and a happy lazy bark from Polterpup who curled to his side.

Little did he know what awaited him next month.

( I did a little drawing a bit ago ( before i even began writing this chapter) for this story. its not really my favorite and i dont like the style but it was my first time drawing luigi digitally so give me a break lol. ) https://ibb.co/2tgLCbd