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Chapter Text

Luigi was very aware of Bowser.

At first, it was through a lens of fear, panic, and even anger as he accompanied his brother on adventures.

But after a while?

After animosity simmered with familiarity and, in times of alliances, comradery?

Luigi became fascinated by Bowser -erm, platonically, of course!

One of the first features he liked to examine -among Bowser's... everything- was his horns.

While still understandably fearful of him, utterly hesitant to hold eye contact like he should, Luigi used his horns as a 'centerpoint'. Always in shadows, or looming menacingly above him and his brother, Luigi had associated them with devil horns. Something to reflect his general personality.

But now?

They are shaped a bit like a bull's, now that he thinks of it, and have been used in a way that reflects his protective side for his family, or his competitive side as he -metaphorically- butted heads with Mario.

Privately, Luigi also thought they reflected his rarely-seen regal side.

It was during a political peace meeting (read: an argument for how long this year's Olympics will be), and a Koopa Trooper had burst in unannounced while Peach was engaged in the specifics of the Mushroom Kingdom's equivalent of daylight savings with Bowser.

Normally, Bowser would have undeniably yelled at the interloper with fierce anger and bellowing snarls to get out. Luigi would have bet that the Koopa King would have, had he not noticed the red-stamped envelope the Trooper had.

In a move that honestly surprised everyone, he instead turned back to Peach, and -calmly!- requested to reschedule the meeting as 'something important came up'.

He had quickly exited the room, but Luigi was still caught off guard as he caught his expression -his whole silhouette as the light of a window accentuated each feature.

The way his ruby-red eyes were set in an intense focus, how his scales shone brightly like jeweled sequins, how his hair seemed to suddenly blaze as bright as his fire, how his horns framed his face and made Bowser look... striking.

It left Luigi breathless.

It struck him in the same way his heart thudded as Daisy dipped him in the middle of Peach's ballroom, closely and oh-so-tenderly.

It stayed with him like the rose bushes Peasley gifted him, retaining memories of fond laughter just as well as it retained water.

It exhilarated him as much as his performances in Morty's movies, having scenes interspaced with moments of conversation and inspiration.

It.......

It wasn't love, but it was the moment that Luigi realized that his fascination wasn't quite platonic anymore.

It wasn't love, but he knows -KNOWS- that it is a matter of time before he either faces another bitter heartbreak or...

Regardless.

Those horns seemed fitting to crown the Koopa King.

Chapter Text

With Movie!Bowser being HIGH DEFINITION, I took a closer look and realized that he definitely takes after turtles- not crocodilians, as I assumed at first.

His scales are definitely more 'round', and don't come in a straight grid pattern. Although I don't remember seeing overlapping scales as I've seen on turtles, I might as well consider his pattern to be from being a Dragon/Koopa thing -which suits him!

And a CLOSEUP!

Chapter Text

The day they became friends was... interesting, to say the least.

For 'Official' reasons, Luigi was the Mushroom Kingdom's Diplomatic Representative personally escorted by Peach's Top Knight to "build relations between the two kingdoms and ensure that mutual interests are maintained through the exchange of information and goods".

For those who could see through the diplomatic balderdash, but are still onlookers, Luigi was the only Mushroom Kingdom Resident able (and willing) to cross into what used to be enemy territory, surrounded by strangers who are seen as aggressive and dangerous, and to do so with the intention of 'making nice' with both the temperamental royalty and the locals in the hopes of not facing a longer conflict. I.e. A reason to pity the 'poor man' who drew the short lot.

In reality?

Luigi.... might have more than an ounce of self-interest, going into the Koopa Kingdom.

Sure, he has no idea whatsoever of what exactly his duties would be as a diplomat.

Sure, he has no prior experience of being remarkably sociable, nevermind with KOOPAS.

Sure, he will be utterly lost without Peach's coaching or Mario's silent support.

But...

Maybe... Maybe he could do this. That he could make it easier for his friends -maybe even as he makes new friends.

...At least, it was easier to imagine, when everyone in the Darklands actually bothered to know his name. INCLUDING his two 'Personal Guards' (who both admit that it was more for appearance's sake than anything) named Clawthorne and Dagby.

Every day is filled with being escorted to the Meeting Room in the morning (after breakfast, of course), spending hours hashing out policies and advising Bowser (who is thankfully patient with him), enjoying a 'recess' that he spends exploring the village outside the castle (he was visiting bakeries, restaurants, and the odd recommended craft shop that the Mushroom Kingdom sorely lacked), and then returning to address Peach's written queries before heading back to his rooms where he can finally go to bed.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

And then Bowser decided to change that.

After the thirty-such recess, instead of simply staying within the boardroom, the king surprises everyone in the room (even the Sarasaland Ambassador) as he offers to escort Luigi to the Town Square.

The former(?) plumber said 'yes', of course, how could he not? Not when he's still unsure of where he fits into the new political schema. Not when there are literally over two dozen pairs of eyes watching him with expectations he couldn't guess....

Not when Bowser pinned him with a look that had suddenly, horribly reminded Luigi of That Moment.

It's with a thudding heart that he keeps quiet as they walk down the hall, out of the castle, into the town adjacent to the village, and into a crowded area full of vendors.

He barely holds back a squeak when he realizes how many people were staring, barely keeping up with the king who gently grabs his hand (why...?) and makes a beeline towards a vendor with... rocks?

As they come closer, Luigi realizes that those 'rocks' are in fact gemstones -maybe even common minerals as he spies a vacuating customer taking a lick of what seemed to be a large salt crystal.

And Bowser? He stops right in front of the vendor with familiarity, grinning as he greets them with a gruff 'hello'.

Their exchange is quick, but Luigi couldn't help but wonder what the cloth bundle -given to Bowser, maybe as a pre-made order- contained.

"Come here."

Luigi is suddenly picked up, feeling the ground leave his feet before being strewn across Bowser's forearm like an unruly child.

"W-wait! I can walk just fine- where are we going?!"

By the time he is able to squirm his way higher on the Koopa King's arm (don't think about it-), he realized that they were quickly leaving the square -towards the only 'park' within miles of the castle.

It's... nicer than expected, given that they're still in a volcanic valley, but he is still very much confused as Bowser doesn't answer him -only heading towards a strangely vacant hill with- with?

A picnic blanket?

He's put down on the blanket, barely registering the bundle placed in front of him as he watches the Koopa plop in front of him -arms crossed and face expectant.

Luigi could only look on in his confusion, looking around at the bundle, at Bowser, and back again before giving up on even trying to understand the situation.

".....wha-"

"I need your help."

.........

Apparently, with the new peace coming around for the Koopa Kingdom, the need for metal, and therefore mining, had plummeted to a 'historical low' that meant a surplus of now useless materials and ex-miners (including the vendor).

Now, he's been working on a problem with no immediate answer, especially since trade agreements are still ongoing for the Kingdoms.

"So... why ask me? W-why not the other ambassadors?"

Bowser growls, but snuffs it out quickly when Luigi visibly shrinks at the sound. He sighs.

"Honestly? You're one of the few ambassadors who actually appreciate what I -what we have here." He locks eyes with Luigi. "That, and you seem to know a bit about these."

And that is when he shows the items inside the bundle: raw ores that might be aluminum, bars of iron and copper, a sliver of obsidian, and even a jar of cobalt....

He doesn't empty the whole bag, but the pointed look Luigi is met with said enough already.

"I-I do know what they are- I sometimes, even use them but- but what could I even do to help?"

"I want to know how I can help my kingdom." The answer sends Luigi into silence. "I now have over a fourth of my people unemployed -financial support can only get so far before the economy goes to hell! I have nothing to offer for them, never mind other kingdoms!" The frustration sends Bowser into a continuous growl, but Luigi couldn't bring himself to be scared when that look in his eyes-

"I have no war to fund even a single paycheck!"

That growl became a roar, one that nearly blasts his eardrums, but the way Bowser seemed to deflate just as fast, clenching his fists...

"I can't fail them like this."

He looked vulnerable, for a single moment.

And that? It was the moment Luigi knew he was doomed.

It didn't matter that he felt like he could pass out from anxiety -the expectation that he will be able to answer this HUGE problem.

It didn't matter that he could refuse -and he COULD, because he had refused to be a 'personal messenger to Peach (surprising himself at how profusely bold he was in denying it) and having Bowser respect that.

It didn't matter that he was just as lost as he was.

All that mattered was that, for whatever reason the Koopa King may believe, he trusted him for advice -trusted him to lend help on something that might easily send the Koopa Kingdom into turmoil.

It's overwhelming, but Luigi couldn't help but draw strength from that as well.

"I'll do my best."

Chapter Text

He didn't expect to be stabbed.

Everything seemed to be going so well, before that.

He WAS able to help Bowser, slowly going over each mineral, ore, and alloy they knew, and somehow built a plan for industrial-based jobs.

He HAD been able to make friends -or at least acquaintances that don't immediately associate him with his brother. And yes, the Head Cook (a Shyguy named 'Guy Fury') and a barista (a Koopa named 'Talla') counted!

Heck, he SOMEHOW had made good headway with his main job as an Ambassador, even gaining a bit of a reputation as someone to de-escalate the more rowdy politicians.

It should have been enough of a warning, with his track record of bad luck. But the WEEKS leading up to it had been nice! More than nice! It was-

It was good enough to fool him, to think that it could last.

Even though it was only Clawthorne and Dagby accompanying him to the town square, he hadn't felt a bit lonely as they opened up a little about themselves -where their families loved to gather, what is the best cafe to visit, how to find the better food carts...

Maybe it was also why the unknown Koopa was able to get so close.

Maybe it was his fault, in the end, that he hadn't done a thing when that cloaked Koopa got too close and-

He didn't expect the way it burned.

Luigi knew there was a commotion right after -his guard friends reacting too late and the crowd being sent into a frenzy- but the world just seemed to shrink on him-

The -knife? It was out, and the large gash in his stomach was heavily bleeding red- it hurts to try closing his hand around it hurts to breathe ithurtsithurts--

He's looking at the ground, maybe sitting, but he's focused on how something in his stomach shifts and how his hand couldn't grip anything hisbloodistooslippery---

His memories afterward were a blur, a flash of images and sensations that were hard to piece together.

He couldn't help but feel guilty at the panicked faces of his guards it wasn't their fault and feel dizzy and cold as they desperately tried to haul him- somewhere?

He said something to them, something that seemed to distress them more (he was told, later, that he asked them to tell his brother he was sorry).

He knows there was a commotion at the gates, and maybe some other Ambassadors (recess wasn't over quite yet, but a few had been loitering along the halls anyways) screaming for help.

He swears he saw Bowser, looking- looking scared? Why would... (he wasn't given an answer for that, but he wasn't told he was hallucinating either).

And then it was black.

He wouldn't say it to anyone, especially Mario, but it was a comforting sensation to fall into......

...

His first bouts of consciousness were with the feeling of being too cold, too sluggish, but always succumbing to sleep anyways.

Once, he swore he felt large, familiar hands stroke the back of his hand.

Other times, he swore he heard his brother.

By the time he truly 'woke up', he was alone on a white-sheeted bed, the room generally warm and lined with medical tools that he couldn't name.....

He doesn't feel anything -until he tries to sit up.

It's a twinge -something that, in hindsight, meant medical care even magic- but that and the weakness around it sends him back down gasping into his bed and reality.

He- he just got stabbed.

He could have died -he almost did die, didn't he? Why...?

Did.... did he do something wrong? He thought he was doing good, that he was helping, but.......

Did that mean that his efforts didn't mean anything after all....?

Bowser wouldn't say that Greenie..... no, Luigi was ever an enemy.

Before he became an Ambassador, he would admit that Luigi wasn't even much considered anything, other than a potential messenger for more 'private' letters to Peaches.

And then he denied him.

Sure, Bowser had proposed the idea in jest -especially to see the scandalized looks of the other attending Ambassadors at the time- but he wasn't expecting the way Luigi had seemingly grown a spine in the second he locked eyes with him.

The way he held himself in assurance, how his blue eyes burned so brightly with indignation, how he firmly (without stuttering at all!) yet politely told him to shove it?

Compared to his usual meek demeanor, the way he let his own presence be overlooked and let others look down on him?

It was interesting to Bowser.

But that was all it was, an interest!

And then there was the need for his help.

He would have found some charm in having his own plumber-hero to call on- in sharing something with Peach that no one else could claim to have, but...

All he could feel was despair, then, and a buried awful feeling of helplessness.

THE KOOPA KING WAS NOT HELPLESS DAMN IT! BUT- but...

It didn't mean that he wasn't feeling desperate to find help -not when neither Kammy, Kammik, nor the people in charge of manufacturing couldn't come up with any ideas. Not when there are still many people still pissed off with him and his kingdom right there in his halls.

But Luigi? The one he remembers to have seen cobbling together materials into parts and mods for Karts? The one who is known to be the more tech-savvy of the two Mario Brothers?

He took a bet, confiding in the green bean, but he would rather die than admit how relieved he was for him to not only accept to help him but to prove him right.

To prove to Bowser that he could trust him.

It was more than most people (everyone outside his family) could say they had.

And.... he wasn't sure when they grew close, exactly, but he does remember the man asking quietly, in the middle of another all-nighter, if they were friends.

The question was barely processed when Bowser agreed, and immediately surprised himself when he realized that he meant it.

When was the last time he ever had a friend...?

Regardless, they had definitely become friendly, with the latter being comfortable enough to lounge with him on their spot (the blanket was incredibly comfy). It was nice, in the way few things were for Bowser outside the moments where he wins in the Olympics and spends time with the kids.

It seemed things were getting brighter as they seemed to finally have some answers -even a plan of action for some immediate relief efforts!

And then Luigi was stabbed.

How the fuck could he expect that? Expect that some bumbling idiot got it into their head to stab Luigi -the one guy who actually gives a shit about Bowser's people?

How in the Underwhere was he supposed to expect him to arrive at the gates, bloody and bleeding still and hurriedly dragged in by his guards -WHY THE FUCK DID THEY LET THIS HAPPEN-

What was he supposed to do when Luigi, somehow still awake, looked through him with such empty eyes...?

Kamek was his lifesaver -and Luigi's as he took him with a pink 'poof'.

He hated that he was left there to stare at the blood trail though.

He was quick to snap out orders after that, making the castle have a lockdown (who knows if it's just Luigi that is targeted), and have the staff clean the hall before heading towards the Medical Wing.

Bowser wouldn't be able to tell anyone what he was feeling, to see the aftermath and see his stomach-

But he was aware of making a call to Kammy, to help with the tonics for blood replenishing.

He was aware of the way his blood pounded in his ears as he registered the metallic smell, even after magic has closed up the skin (and put things back).

He was aware of eventually contacting Peach and Mario (not leaving the room, not when-) and getting a sequence of distrust, panic, shock, and even anger (mostly Peach; Mario had still been in a trance looking just as empty as-) and not reacting as he usually would.

He's... not sure how the conversation ended, but he does know that Mario will be coming here and that -for once- neither of them were exactly angry with him either (maybe it was because he offered the offender's head?).

He was aware, after he finally retired to his rooms, that Luigi would likely wake up within a few days -that the magic may have repaired him physically, but........

The day that Luigi woke up, he had been able to down half his breakfast before rejecting a morsel more, and couldn't concentrate on any paperwork before leaving for the Medical Wing.

It was maybe a blessing to have been there, when he heard crying from that room.

He didn't run, but the door slammed open anyway -enough to have the sole occupant of the room squeak -and then whimper in pain.

It didn't help that he saw those blue eyes, red and swollen from crying, scrunch up in agony. It didn't matter that it wasn't physical pain he was feeling -his friend was...

He defaulted to hugging him -if it helped the Koopalings, it would help Luigi too, right?

But having the human curl up into him? Lean in and take shelter as he started to shake in painful sobs? To feel each sob accompanied by a flinch, to hear how desperately Luigi was trying so hard to muffle himself?

It didn't feel like it, not when his friend was falling apart (not when he was smaller and more fragile than he ever was), but Bowser knew he will weather it out anyway. He might have failed in helping his people right away, and failed in making sure this didn't happen at all....

But like hell would he fail Luigi in this.

Chapter Text

They found the culprit eventually, after Mario arrived.

In fact, Luigi was sure that -had he not led the investigation- Bowser would have disregarded his daily duties to smoke out the Koopa himself.

It turned out to be surprisingly easy.

It also turned out that Luigi.... might have made a bigger impression than he realized?

Like, at least a whole search party made up of vendors, Troopas, and the odd old Koopa ladies (who he once talked to about Koopa style crochet) had taken up the tracking while Luigi and his guards were busy, well... Busy.

In any case, the Koopa left a trail that was particularly messy and caught him before he left the Kingdom via airship.

None of them would explain why the Koopa was hauled to the castle with various injuries, but even Luigi could guess the answer to that -even if the gesture made him feel conflicted.

Is it bad to feel so much gratitude for this? To feel relieved that he meant something to other people?

To feel satisfaction as someone who hurt you refuses to look in your direction?

He struggles to not acknowledge the part of him that makes him feel nauseous thinking out it- turns his attention towards the Koopa King as he sits on his throne amidst officials and common folk alike. It seems like they have gathered around for... whatever was going on, but the collective silence is deafening.

With his imposing bulk backlit by the lava wall, red eyes gleaming brighter than his scales, Bowser was a sight that had Luigi feel like he couldn't catch his breath.

His face was unreadable, with most of it shadowed, but there was something dangerous in his voice as he spoke.

"What is your name?"

"......Hackson." A jam to the back of his shell. "Sir." The Koopa spat out

Luigi couldn't see his brother from his seat in a makeshift wheelchair, but he could still hear Mario's teeth grind together. He could see Peach, perched next to him on a fancy chair, but the way her gloved hands clenched made him realize that she was just as angry.

By the subtle sound of claws on his stone armrests, Bowser may have felt the same.

"Well, Hackson." The behemoth's voice seemed to get deeper and raspier, something that made Luigi's spine stiffen. "Do you know why you are here?"

"Yes." The Koopa said curtly.

Red eyes narrowed. "Then you should be aware that you should choose your next words carefully." Smoke leaked from Bowser's maw, trailing his head as he leaned forward from his throne. "Why."

It was obviously as much a command as it was a question.

"I was getting rid of a problem you're too weak to get rid of."

Bowser seemed to almost lunge, baring his teeth into a snarl.

"YOU DARE-"

"I DARE ALRIGHT!" The Koopa didn't seem to register the way the crowd shifted away from him. "I DARE BECAUSE THAT-" He thrusts a claw at Luigi, who flinches into his seat- wincing as another panging sting raced from his stomach. "HUMAN AND EVERY OTHER SCALELESS-" he says something Luigi couldn't pronounce, but the way the Koopas around them acted told him enough. "-SHOULDN'T BE HERE! THEY SHOULD STILL BE RUNNING IN FEAR AS WE BURN THEM TO ASHES!"

Hackson seemed to be growing angrier, locking eyes with almost everyone present. "OUR WORKERS SHOULD STILL BE ABLE TO HAVE A ROOF OVER OUR HEADS! HAVE MORE THAN A DAMN MORSEL TO EAT! WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR YOUR FUCKUPS!"

There is a silence that followed, but Luigi could only focus on the sudden smell of sulfur and the way Hackson flinched as Bowser stood up.

"And what did you gain, hm?" The king's voice was almost soft, but the way started to step down from his throne... "A promotion? A medal?" The sulfur smell grew stronger. "Did you know what you've just done? What you almost did?"

The Koopa, Hackson, seemed to pale and freeze on the spot. He looked less sure of himself, but something seemed to have egged him on.

"I-I could have saved them -finished what we started!" He wasn't making sense- saved? "I WOULD STILL HAVE MY FATHER HERE!"

....

Gradually, the sulfur scent faded, but Bowser kept cold eyes locked on Hackson as he stared down on him.

"....Regardless of your reasons, you have committed a crime against both the Mushroom Kingdom and my Will." He took a step back, beckoning the Troopas to secure him again. "You will be placed in a holding cell until my and the Council's judgment will call upon you."

It seemed like that was that.

But then-

Hackson caught a glimpse of Luigi behind his king, his desperate eyes locking onto his before seeming to turn into bubbling anger- no-

Hate.

Luigi couldn't breathe, couldn't think, couldn't move when the Koopa lobbed out a fireball-

A hissing ROAR-

then bright, blistering heat came -cracking stone and sending waves of whipping air -nearly carrying his hat right off his head before he barely caught it against his head.

He couldn't tear his eyes from the sight- the sound -the smell---

He heard Hackson be burned alive.

He saw Mario -his brother, his fratello- take the fireball to his shoulder- crumbling against him in pain as Peach screamed-

He saw Bowser, fire highlighting him and his angry eyes-

-turn into regret, looking away even as he drew closer.

He was shivering, he knows he is in the way that Mario still tries to check him over -frantically looking him over even as Luigi stutters out protests because damnit Mario, you're the one hit with a fireball--!

How can he tell anyone that neither the Koopa's death nor his brother's injury wasn't the only reason he was shivering like a leaf? That it wasn't just fear that had left him otherwise mute as he and Mario were picked up by Bowser and carried away from the blaze?

That even after he heard those screams of agony, and smelt the charred meat of what used to be a living being, those encompassing arms- hot and firm with bumpy shield-hard scales- felt like the safest spot in the world?

Chapter Text

By the time Luigi was able to leave the castle again, the town square seemed to have changed entirely.

The square was its usual mix of people, of course: Koopas, Shy Guys, Goombas, Spinies, and other miscellaneous species that -before- he only saw as soldiers. He now knew better, but their presence wasn't the problem.

Mostly, it was in the way he is almost always stared at, regardless of whether or not they were friendly. To him, there seemed to be a sea of eyes that pinned him against the cobblestone. In reality, he's sure they are simply glancing at him, but...

His guards have also become fussy now, especially as two more were added to the group (Ashton and Flambo, a Lakitu and a Hammer Bro) to make his visit hard to ignore.

It made his skin itch.

He wanted to sit by the water fountain, but -looking at the crowd of people enjoying the area and knowing how twitchy the guards would be- he settled for the next best thing:

A stone bench set under a roof overhang.

Even though Luigi had been able to settle down, he couldn't quite let himself relax...

He doesn't need to look at the notebook tightly clutched against his chest to figure out why. Not when he knew that the information inside was something that might make or break the Koopa Kingdom’s economy -maybe even their faith in Bowser, after….

After.

Still, the staring was minimal as the gawkers seemed to be just as quick to look away.

It was enough to let himself relax against the smooth bench, the guards forming a loose perimeter around where he sat.

It felt… peaceful despite the crowd. The bubble of protection and the surprisingly comfy stone made it easy to let the white noise immerse him, let him close his eyes and bask a bit in the noon time sun.

It felt like a nice day for a nap…

Hacktor was an old Koopa, old enough to have watched his children have children, and then for his grandchildren to finally leave the nest of their own parents.

It also meant that he knew his grandchildren well, especially in a family of miners.

Hackson, who has carried the Hack-name with pride, was a Koopa of action -driven by emotions, mostly, but a good lad. He was the Koopa who listened to people’s problems, maybe lend a hand or even direct them to someone who can.

And then he nearly murdered someone.

An IMPORTANT someone.

It was bad enough of a scene to drive an angry mob to track him, and it was only a blessing that none of Hackson's immediate family members were there to witness it (or, stars forbid, intervene).

He wouldn’t say it was as much of a blessing to come home to an inconsolable daughter and second son-in-law who have heard the news of his painful death.

No parent should be outliving their children. None.

Privately, he thinks they are still in disbelief over the fact he tried to kill someone twice.

They were still in mourning when Hackson felt the need to visit the town square, hoping to get ingredients for a soup that would hopefully keep them fed (since they weren’t in any condition to cook).

It was high noon when he saw him: the green human.

Well, maybe not so green at the moment. Instead, the man was wearing a black assemble that seemed out of place among the colorful array of people that happily wandered the square.

It wouldn’t be out of place from a funeral….

It’s what made him stop in his tracks, basket clenched in one paw as he looked closer at the human.

He was asleep, thankfully unaware of his presence, but his outfit wasn’t the only unusual thing about him.

There was a black notebook loosely held in his lap, stamped with the Royal Seal and holding a blue shimmer around the cover. Enchanted, probably, and likely important for political reasons.

There wasn’t a sign of bandages around his torso, so either they were under his clothes, or there was magic involved. Considering how the human nearly bled to death… well, Hacktor can see the necessity.

There was a group of four guards around him this time, visibly casting worried looks at their charge, looking around all steely at anyone close to their perimeter, and back again whenever the man shifted.

He would say that, out of everything, the guards' behavior was the most unsettling- not because of their worry, but how they seem to expect trouble. Almost like paranoia, except they clearly valued their charge more than their own safety...

He wonders if the king had something to do with it.

Hacktor couldn't say what exactly had driven him to approach, but the way three of the guards instantly grouped in front of the human almost made him second-guess that urge.

"Halt!" The Hammer Bro seems to be the leader, or at least the most aggressive of the four Koopas. "State your business!"

"I wish to talk with the human."

The soldiers clearly didn't like the request, but the Troopa that lingered behind reached over and -gently- shook the sleeping human's shoulder.

"W-wha--? Dagby, is it time to-" He catches sight of Hacktor, stiffening in his seat as the notebook was pushed into his chest.

"He wants to talk to you, Luigi."

The human -Luigi- looked nervous, and Hacktor almost expected him to decline-

"Okay."

Before throwing his and the soldier's expectations out the window.

"A-are you sure?" Hacktor didn't see which one asked him, but a nod from the human had them part for the elderly Koopa anyway.

Now that he's here, standing in front of the human... Hacktor wasn't quite sure what to do.

"Um," Luigi scoots to the side of the bench, patting the other side awkwardly. "You can sit -only if you want, of course!"

He seems to be just as clueless.

Still, you don't look a gift horse in the mouth, and Hacktor's knees aren't what they used to be, so he takes the seat with a "Thank you".

However- "Aren't you afraid of having a stranger walk up to you?"

"Not really?" The human's blue eyes shone trust brighter than a mining lamp, and it takes every fiber of Hacktor's being to not have his jaw drop at the answer.

It's even harder to speak, but now that he's here-

"I want to know how he died. My grandson, that is."

Hacktor stiffened in his seat as the soldiers seem to whip around, suddenly fingering their given weapons, and Luigi-

"H-hold on!" He's gesturing at the soldiers, stopping them from getting closer. "Just- hold on! I-" He mostly seems to hold eye-contact with the soldiers, leaving himself open to the elderly Koopa as if-

"I don't think he's here to- to-" His hands tremble though, enough for the 'Dagby' fellow to step forward in concern.

Still, Luigi audibly takes a calming breath, letting his hands fall back into his lap. "Just- let me hear him out?"

Again, the Koopas present (him included) are sent into a stunned standstill that lasts for just over a minute. It's only when the Hammer Bro steps back that the rest follow suit.

"Th-thank you..."

Looking back at him, Hacktor could help but see the way emotions flashed across the human's face -sadness, horror, guilt- but not see a trace of fear even as the soldiers give them space.

...He’s got a spine, this human.

Chapter Text

Bowser was antsy.

More so when he knows that Luigi was visiting the town square. ALONE.

(And with four guards, but STILL.)

There was very little work scheduled today, and there was absolutely NOTHING to take his mind off it!

Not his family (who were vacationing in Bubbline).

Not his army's hijinks (literally, they are in the middle of a mass recruitment process for

Not even the sight of Mario pouting in front of his desk-

Wait.

Looking back up, he locks eyes with the unwelcome visitor.

"Aren't you supposed to be pacing the foyer?"

After getting medical attention, Mario Mario (seriously, what kind of name is that?) had been stuck to his brother's side like glue. Every meal, meeting, and shower, the guy had dogged Luigi's steps to the point that it became annoying.

How the hell was Bowser supposed to have 1-on-1 conversation with his friend when his brother is constantly there?

And then, at the end of the meeting, Luigi asked to go to the town square.

Alone.

The request made his brother (mostly recovered, just having trouble moving his shoulder) pretty much threaten to ground him if he steps foot outside without at least four guards.

(Bowser is a bit insulted that Luigi would think to ask to go out AT ALL. Never mind that the Koopa King thinks there should be a platoon of six AT LEAST.)

It is then that Bowser learned several things about Luigi:

One, he can -and has, at that moment- put his foot down. Angrily.

Two, the brothers can -in fact- argue about something. Even if it’s in that gobblygook they call a language.

Three…

Well, the third is that Luigi had somehow guilt-tripped the likes of HIM, the King of Koopas, and Mario in a single look.

If it weren't for the fact that he was an ambassador, someone not completely in his jurisdiction, he would have ordered the green bean to plant his ass at his office and STAY there!

Alas, he went.

With only FOUR guards. Practically alone!

Mario was left behind at the castle's doorstep, anxious and pathetic-looking as the Green Bean's silhouette grew smaller.

He would never admit that he did the same thing while standing right behind the man.

Bowser left him there, notifying the guards to keep an eye on him (if HE can't go, then neither can the red menace!)

Except. Now he's here. Staring at Bowser like a particularly suspicious kid in a candy shop.

"I figured you'd be the first to know when Luigi gets back."

"Ha!" Bowser reshuffled the papers in his hands, although there wasn't much need for it. "What makes you think I'll tell you?"

"You killed for him."

"So what?" He won't admit that he clenched a bit too hard on the papers, there. "You saying I'm better at taking care of problems?"

Mario gives him a look so painfully not-like-Luigi that Bowser looked away. "You killed for him. Do you know what that means to him?"

It takes a smoke-filled second for Bowser to not burn his mustache off.

Of course, he does!

He knows EXACTLY what it meant to kill for him!

It doesn't take a genius to notice how Luigi switched to wearing black, or how he adamantly refused to eat any cooked meat!

It doesn't need to be spelled out how Luigi started to not look him in the eye!

"Of course!"

"Well, maybe NOT!" Mario stands up, not that it helps his height situation, but Bowser couldn't help but listen. "Do you really know how hard it is for Luigi to make a friend? To keep one?"

The Koopa wasn't sure where Mario was going with this.

"Bowser." He's looking him in the eyes again. "You are one of the few friends Luigi has been close to! One of the few that have actually stayed by his side!" He hates how the pipsqueak looks gutted. It used to be something he would revel in, maybe even rub some extra salt in that open wound. But now...?

What would be the point?

The look morphs into something more determined, more fierce. More like Luigi, when he realized their plan is on an unfortunate time limit. "If you dare give up on him-"

RAGE-

"LIKE HELL WILL I FAIL HIM AGAIN!"

...

He's not sure which one of them slumped back into their seat first, but he's honestly too exhausted to care.

Like it or not, Bowser knows exactly what he did, what Mario meant for Luigi to be failed so many times.

He knows why Luigi spends so much time trying to connect with others, why he makes the effort to be so damned nice.

He knows why Luigi asked Bowser, of all people, to be his friend.

Honestly, he has no idea what he did to deserve the green bean.

"Heh." Mario glances up from his hands, giving the Koopa a wary glance. "You know, I didn't realize that I'd be agreeing with a short stack like you."

"Ha, ha." He doesn't look the least bit amused, which -of course- makes Bowser snort.

"We won't fail him." He sets the papers down, not seeing a point in them anymore as he gets up. "Do you want to come?"

He hasn't reached the door before Mario is right ahead of him, eagerly opening the double doors.

"Let's-a go!"

Luigi barely held himself from squirming in his seat.

The old Koopa, Hacktor, was very direct in his questions.

'What did Hackson do?'

'What happened when Luigi was taken to the castle?'

'Is Luigi alright?'

'How did Hackson...'

Luigi tries to not think about the last question, how easily he choked on the words as he described the interaction with the Koopa King, the look in Hackson's eyes, the fire...

He also tries not to stare as Hacktor (Hackson's grandfather) quietly broke down, gripping his basket tight enough for his claws to nearly slice through the handle.

Luigi reaches a hand out toward him, but stops himself multiple times from actually making contact with his shoulder.

Is it okay to comfort someone grieving a person you're responsible for...?

Still, Luigi pushes himself to gently take the basket, letting it sit on the bench's armrest as he offers his other hand.

Surprisingly, the Koopa takes it, squeezing it as he lets himself crumble. Luigi does his best to not wince as the claws find purchase in his skin -he doesn't want the guards to get even more twitchy.

"I'm sorry..."

Luigi freezes.

Hacktor looks up, meeting Luigi's eyes with his own grief-stricken ones. "On behalf of the Hack-name, and Hackson, I am sorry."

Luigi tries to stutter out a denial, why is he sorry? It was Luigi who- who failed-

"It was not your fault." Amidst the grief, the Koopa's eyes seemed to be brighter now- less dead-

"Even I know Hackson is reckless, and stubborn, and-" He shakes his head. "He was a foolish Koopa, to try to change things like that, but we love him. We love him still..." He takes a breath. "And loving someone means accepting the good and the bad things about them. We -me, my children, Hackson's cousins- all of us love him, but what he did...."

Luigi was holding his own breath, too shocked to notice even as he felt dizzy.

"None of us will hate you for it. Or blame you for Hackson's death. Maybe Bowser, but not you." Luigi feels like crying, or maybe he is crying, but it seems insignificant when he sees sadness take over the old Koopa's face once more. "Most of all, we'll hate that there wasn't a point to it. There's nothing we can do- not without going to war again..."

!!!

Luigi... still has his notebook, stamped and charmed as protocol dictated, but he knew enough about magic to know that the intent to share- that is something he can do-

"If-" The old Koopa startles, but Luigi tries his best to push through his nervousness as his attention is now fully on him. "If I were to show you what Bowser and I were working on- do you -do you think anyone can help? Maybe-"

He takes the notebook, flipping its pages to the beginning notes of the Plan- his and the King's efforts in maybe, somehow, helping the Kingdom....

With shaky hands, he hands the notebook to Hacktor.

"M-maybe it can work, if we have some help?"

He tries to not hyperventilate as he waits, watching the Koopa look at the pages and flip through them, getting faster towards the end where their calculations, percentages, predictions were...

Hacktor looks up, straight at him.

He sees hope in those eyes.

Chapter Text

Okay...

It might not look like much, and that's because I rushed this before I went to work at the time I posted this (like, early 6AM kind of shift).

I forgot to save it as a '.tiff' instead of a '.jpeg' file, and I didn't want to mess with the resolution so....

HERE'S A CLOSEUP!

Chapter Text

It was something straight out of a storybook, to see their efforts actually work.

Reports have come through daily, compiled from sections of industrial plants, mines, and -most importantly- the agricultural industry.

It wasn’t that it didn’t exist before, per say, but the limitations of living on and near an active volcano have essentially funded projects and ‘solutions’ via war confiscations.

But with The Plan?

It opened up occupations ranging from greenhouse manufacturing, pipe construction, electronics manufacturing (in which he’s heard that Iggy collaborated with budding inventors for), and the overall selection process for what Luigi knew as ‘High-Yielding Variety’ crops.

It doesn’t hurt that diplomatic negotiations have also opened up trade.

Unemployment rates dropped to 13% by the second day -AND the only reason it wasn’t lower was due to the process of training the kingdom’s workforce for what is essentially new production procedures.

He would have gone to see the training himself, maybe even suggested ways to streamline it, but…

Since he apparently couldn’t be trusted to keep himself safe, Bowser and his brother have come to a rare agreement:

Luigi, Ambassador of the Mushroom Kingdom, Ghost Hunter, Thrice Defeater of King Boo, and one of the Mario Brothers… is now to be babysat by the Koopa King.

In the first two days in Bowser’s possession, Luigi had only been let down when he had either needed to go to the bathroom, or if his brother and Peach were visiting.

Not even the presence of snickering diplomats deterred him.

Bowser’s plastron (unless they call it something different…?) was surprisingly velvety to the touch, although experimental pokes showed it to be just as hard as his shell.

And no, he was NOT feeling the Koopa up! That would’ve been rude!… But boredom was universal for those of the confined, and Luigi was adamant about not staring at Bowser’s face OR falling asleep!

Hence, his investigations.

“Something on my face?”

And just like that, Luigi is snapped from his reverie -blushing when he realizes he’s been staring at Bowser’s face.

'Luigi, you fool! You thoughtless fool!'

He’s internally screaming, but the Koopa only shows amusement as Luigi burrows into his green sweater.

“I know I’m a handsome Koopa, but you don’t have to stare~.”

Luigi could only whine.

With a snort, he taps Luigi’s hat over his eyes “Really, though. What’s got your head in the clouds?”

Righting his hat -really, the nerve of this guy- Luigi shoots him a half-hearted glare. “N-nothing!”

“Oh?” Bowser obviously doesn’t believe him. “My devastatingly gorgeous looks are nothing to you?”

“No! I mean-“ Luigi knows that his face is as red as his brother’s hat, but that’s the least of his worries. “Stop twisting my words!”

Bowser bursts into guffaws that have Luigi bounce on his plastron, having the mind to have a paw out to prevent the human from bouncing out of his grasp.

“A-and 'no-thing' m-eans-s noth-ing!”

The guffaws eventually abate, but the crap-eating grin Bowser wore was nearly unbearable. "And your expression means that it's not 'nothing'! So cough it out!"

Bowser was enjoying the way Luigi seemed to get more and more flustered, noting the way his blush spreads from his cheeks, to his ears, and then down to his neck. It almost makes him curious to see-

Ahem.

He focuses back on the Green Bean, realizing that he resorted to burrowing his face into his plastron. He could barely feel the pressure from it- almost like having a bowl of grapes rest on him.

"Would you rather have Mario to talk to? I'm sure he has some spare time-"

"NO!"

He jolts in his seat, not expecting the shy human to actually shout.

...It's almost impressive, for him to have those kind of pipes.

"sorry." Bowser barely hears it, but it's enough to lead him back to the topic.

"Then let it out Greenie. It's not like I get offended easily."

Luigi mutters something that almost sounds passive-aggressive, but he isn't given time to guess before Luigi blurts out:

"What do you call it?"

He's.... stumped. "It?"

"Um." The blush is back, but the human seems determined to elaborate. "The hard thing on your stomach. What is it called?"

Bowser smirks, but simply replies, "A plastron."

This time, he KNOWS he hears a 'knew it' from Luigi, and Bowser's smirk is slowly growing wider.

"And-and those?" The man touches the tips of his fingers, gesturing at the sharp edges. "Do you call them claws -or talons, or...?"

"Claws." Bowser resembles a particularly toothy alligator now. "I was joking about the staring, but I didn't realize I'm so fascinating to you."

"You are!"

And now he's sure he looks shocked stupid.

"N-NOT LIKE THAT! I mEAN-" Luigi is panicking, clearly. "I- just wanted to know because I wasn't sure? I- never really saw a Koopa outside battle, and- and you guys look really interesting!"

He is so, utterly glad that Koopas can't blush.

Still, he does his best to look nonchalant. "Well- why didn't you say so? The Royal Library has a bunch of books about our impressive anatomy! I can 'supervise' while you read your tiny heart out!"

"...YOU HAVE A LIBRARY?! AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME?!"

THAT is only answered with a laugh as Bowser starts to lumber down a hall, not caring as the human starts to sputter.

Honestly? He's glad to have Luigi as a friend. But the human?

He's adorable ridiculous.

Chapter Text

Luigi had a hard time with sleep.

It’s not that he can’t sleep, but…

Every time he sleeps, he dreams of… something dark. Something that almost seems alive but empty, feeling it gently envelop him and he just…

Sinks.

He wakes up gasping for air, heart pounding against his rib cage like a jackhammer, and he doesn’t know why.

(And after… after, his scar would throb too.)

Three weeks into his job as an Ambassador, that fact hasn’t changed.

Except…

Bowser has taken his new ‘task’ seriously, and Luigi was worried about falling asleep on him!

It didn’t help that the Koopa was so warm and safe (and that Luigi is so utterly doomed with Bowser)!

Regardless, his efforts were in vain, and -in the middle of a meeting- he dropped off into a catnap, cheek pressed against warm scales as he slept.

Then he woke up. Just, normally?

Sure, the large claw poking his cheek was annoying, but if felt like a fair trade off.

“Come on, string bean. Wake up.”

And then he opened his eyes.

Fangs.

Large, sharp fangs, barely two inches from his face.

Had he been scared, he would have flinched, or jumped, or yelled- something he could brush off as him being him!

Instead, Luigi sleepily reached up and stroked them with the same amount of self-preservation one has petting a cat’s belly.

He freezes.

Bowser’s staring. At HIM! With an indescribable look that nearly has him squirming.

This is worse.

This is so, SO much worse!

He wants the earth to swallow him whole.

AND WHY HASN’T BOWSER SAID ANYTHING?

…. Why hasn’t he said anything yet?

Braving the possibility of dying from embarrassment (and why is his hand still there?), Luigi drags his gaze back to Bowser’s red eyes.

...

He still doesn’t know what the Koopa is feeling, but at least he doesn’t seem angry?

Staring into his eyes was a bit like sinking into that dreamed blackness, but more... comforting? Maybe intense? Definitely something more- something that made Luigi forget to breathe-

…He, um, thinks he shocked him.

Bowser was aware that Luigi was as stubborn as he was sweet.

He knew that it meant that he was a wonderful friend, being dead set on learning whatever Bowser was willing to tell about himself.

He also knew that it meant that anything that made the human curious was met with zero self-preservation (seriously, how did the red menace keep him alive this long?).

So why couldn't he shake off this moment?

Why…?

Why did he like it so much?

Those were his teeth, his FANGS, one of the most deadliest parts of himself!

He couldn’t feel anything with them, and it’s not like there was a taboo of touching them (not like a tail, or neck-)! So why-?

He should start by closing his mouth, but with the human's hand still very much there-

Oh, right.

Bowser carefully leans away from the touch, almost feeling a sense of disappointment relief as Luigi seems to snap out of it with a yelp.

He does, however, take offense when Luigi tries to squirm out his grip, needlessly apologizing in rapid-fire words he can barely make out.

"Ah-ah-ah! You're not getting out from your sentence, Greenie!" He hooks a single hand around the human, careful to curl his thumb behind Luigi's head in fear of his claws. "I know I'm handsome, but I didn't realize you're into m-my teeth as well!"

No. The Koopa King did NOT stutter!

Still, Luigi's mortification is palpable in the way he turned fully red, blue eyes looking anywhere BUT the Koopa as his hands fiddled with each other.

"I-I'm s-sorry. I h-hadn't realized I was- sorry..."

Bowser frowned.

He hasn't heard Luigi stutter since... that library day, now that he thinks of it, and he honestly hadn't realized the significance of Luigi stuttering at all in his presence.

He finds that he doesn't like it.

"Doesn't matter." He'll.. deal with these thoughts later. First and foremost: "Now come on, we're going to be late for lunch!"

And no, Bowser didn't need to wake Luigi up to take him to the dining hall, but he did want to see Luigi's never-changing awe as they went inside. And he can't see that if the human is asleep now, can he?

"L-lunch?" He could feel the human shift in his grip as he turns his attention to opening the Meeting Room doors. "MAMA MIA! I SLEPT THAT LONG!?"

He couldn't help but snort. "You conked out during the boring bits. Trust me, you weren't missing much."

A glance towards the pouting human nearly has him snicker. "But that was rude! I was rude!" Luigi hung his head. "Ooohh. How am I supposed to face that ambassador now?"

Something in Bowser's chest warmed, and he was barely aware of his expression when he replies "They gave you a break, Luigi."

The former(?) plumber peaks up at him. "But I-"

"Don't tell me that you haven't been 'doing as much'! You've been heading negotiations since day one!" Bowser is pretty sure that half of the petty arguments made by both him and the ambassadors would have been... messy if not for Luigi's interventions. "And don't dare tell me that you haven't been staying up late either!"

THAT gets the human to shut his mouth with a snap, looking away once more.

Even if Bowser wasn't as awesomely observant as he is, the other ambassadors were nosey enough to inquire about Luigi's activities.

That is, the human had taken upon himself the task to not only study the Kingdom's history (which is required for all diplomats), but he has also taken the time to study Koopa inventions, methodologies, projects, and even past mechanical failures that could be used for The Plan.

More often than not, Bowser was 'babysitting' him at the library too, but ended up asleep at his favorite armchair after each visit. Stars know how long Luigi slept...

"So don't worry your pretty head about it!" As he opens the door, he barely catches a glimpse of surprise on Luigi's face before he started to take in the Dining Hall once more.

Bowser tries not to think about what he just said.

Chapter Text

Bowser wouldn’t say he had a thing for humans, but…

Surely, no one will blame him for liking human eyes?

Sure, he thought for sure that Princess Peach had the prettiest eyes he would ever see -kind eyes that acted like polished mood stones as they darkened to a navy with anger or lightened into aqua with interest and joy (never because of him though…).

The less said of Mario and his eyes, the better.

But Luigi’s?

They were a lot like Peach’s. Not in eye color, with his being a deeper ocean blue, but with his kindness shining through his eyes like a beacon. Hell, they absolutely sparkled with curiosity, but that wasn’t what made them better!

Unlike the other two humans, Luigi’s eyes acted like a kaleidoscope, shifting between shades of blue every second he looked at them.

They always darkened with fear (especially when they locked eyes after…), but they still shimmered with concern, interest, and even some sort of awe that had Bowser dumbstruck with how much the human seemed to be feeling every second.

And whenever he’s happy? When he’s honest-to-Grambi content and smiling -even around Bowser? Especially around Bowser?

Those eyes become absolutely beaming- brighter than the Mushroom Kingdom’s sky -brighter than Peach’s, even- and he liked the way they were shined with his delight, his joy in even simple things like the colored glass of the Dining Hall, or the way he ‘discreetly’ poked around his upper plastron and shoulder scales…

He liked those eyes even when they became a single gradient of concentration -maybe even determination- as he plodded through countless books that even the Royal Librarian seemed surprised to see.

He liked seeing the way the human’s eyes flickered between humor and shock when scandalized.

He liked when his eyes gleamed with playfulness before darkening with something calculating when he actually joins in Bowser’s mischief (he will always treasure the memory of the Ink Incident).

He likes the way his mustache frames those expressive eyes and makes his smiles seem all the sweeter to see.

He likes watching his eyes turn wide and shyly avert from eye contact when embarrassed, the human’s blush spreading around them in contrast.

He-

Oh.

Oh fuck, no.

He’s so fucking Doomed.

Luigi couldn’t concentrate.

It’s not that the book wasn’t interesting (who would find the world of prophetic magic boring?), but Luigi could feel the burning stare of someone radiating from the back of his neck.

At first, he thought it was the Librarian again, or even a visiting politician who is curious (i.e. nosy) enough to see what exactly he was doing, but all he could see was Bowser seemed to be looking at anything but Luigi.

He pretends to not be sad about that.

Still, the prickling sensation wouldn’t go away until he tries to look around. Was it not for the fact that Boos were barred from the library, Luigi would have been driven to paranoia.

It doesn’t answer the question of who the heck is staring at him, or how to make them go away.

With a frustrated exhale, Luigi -gently- set down the book before shoving his seat back to stand.

If he’s not going to have peace, then by the stars he will find it!

The noise from the chair seemed to have snapped Bowser out of his stupor, as the giant Koopa watches him cross the room with interest.

Luigi... didn't actually know what he'd do when he finds whoever-it-is, but he honestly didn't ask for much to want some semi-privacy!

Which is why, after climbing multiple bookcases in search of someone, he was understandably startled when he felt a large hand -no, paw- wrap around his waist and lift him high in the air.

"Waa- B-Bowser!?" Glancing down, which is a first with the Koopa, Luigi ends up doing the one thing he hoped and dreaded in equal measure.

He locked eyes with Bowser.

Just like last time, Luigi felt like he was sinking into the Koopa's gaze, almost helpless as those ruby-red eyes seemed to bore into him.

It's a harrowing experience that has his insides feel like they turned into hot, wriggling worms and that his knees had been replaced by what feels to be off-set gelatin.

It's a feeling that makes him feel more vulnerable than usual -as if his everything is splayed open for the Koopa.

It's... oddly more intense? More than usual, now that he thinks about it.

........

Is he... going to say something?

With an awkward cough, Luigi seems to bring the Koopa back to the present as he -flinches?

What-?

"What are you doing?"

And now Luigi flinches, realizing that his train of thought has run off its rails from what is currently very important.

"Can anyone come into the library?"

"No." Bowser seems to be... concerned? "Visitors are usually limited to political officials, scholars, and -of course- the Royal Family. Why?"

"I-" Put like that, it seems silly to doubt, but... "It feels like someone is watching me."

Several emotions pass over the Koopa's face, one of which seemed recognizable before he schools his face into something neutral.

"How long?"

"Wha-"

"How long has it been that you've felt it?"

"Um," Luigi looks at the clock mounted to the right of them, seeing that it's nearing dinner time. "An hour? Maybe two? Up until-" he was going to say 'now', but (with alarm) he realizes he doesn't feel the prickling feeling anymore. "A few minutes ago."

Bowser suddenly brings him closer to his chest, and it took everything in Luigi to not shiver in something-not-caused-by-being-cold before realizing that the Koopa's chest is vibrating.

"Come with me."

He's doomed.

Chapter Text

The Library incident wasn’t the last time Luigi felt watched, but it was the last time he mentioned it.

For whatever reason, the feeling came at odd hours of the day, always at random, and always when there seemed to be no one else there.

For once, it made having a babysitter easier: if he ever felt too uncomfortable, too anxious, he could simply sit close to the Koopa and not have to worry about explaining himself.

The ease in which Bowser would sometimes pull him closer made Luigi feel floaty and fluttery.

Still, his ‘probation’ had to eventually come to an end, and Bowser had duties that needed privacy. There wasn’t much more of a need to drive the point home (the point being to STAY SAFE).

So, the first day he’s released from Bowser’s surveillance, he heads to the newest industrial Training Facility.

Alone.

Luigi knew, distantly, that it was empirically stupid to do so. However, he also knew that -if there was any chance of observing anything without disturbing anyone, he’d have to go incognito.

Arriving at the facility was easy, as was procuring a Visitor’s ID. It didn’t hurt that the receptionist was actually a familiar old Shy ‘Guy’ named Shyly, who is part of a book club that held daily meetings in his favorite cafe.

After catching up on the newest Murder-Mystery book, he headed towards the Training Area.

It was a sight he took in with excitement -fawning over the new equipment, admiring the way various Koopa Kingdom citizens met each task with gusto, and even analyzing the way the trainers of each station handled those who don’t exactly have opposable thumbs.

He stayed for hours just watching.

Yes, the irony is not lost on him.

…

In hindsight, that was probably what caused things to snowball at the castle.

According to Clawthorne, his disappearance had not been a big concern at first -after all, his visit to the facility was during a break day, and everyone -including Bowser- assumed he simply went to the town square again.

And then everyone realized that his assigned guards were still at the castle.

By then, Bowser was seen to have been dashing through the halls, checking rooms, and loudly (loud enough to be heard across the other side of the castle) calling his name.

(Dagby quietly adds that the king sounded scared -more frantic than he had ever been heard.)

After the first hour, the castle went on a lockdown that had every ambassador and diplomat secluded in their quarters and soldiers patrolling/checking every room inside the castle walls.

The second hour had led to patrols outside the walls, most heading towards the square but with a few checking the town's perimeters for any sign of green.

The third hour had drawn a quiet conclusion that Luigi was nowhere in sight. That, even as a town mob (larger than the one amassed after Hackson) joined in the search for the human, there wasn't a single trace to be found.

So, by the time the fifth hour rolled in, the Koopa King had insisted on joining the search as -Flambo would quote for Luigi's future recklessness- "Of course, no one can find a human who has the brain of a chicken nugget!"

Luigi would have protested this, but...

It also explained why, in a span of seconds, Bowser broke the Facility's door and Luigi's impression of just liking the Koopa's regality.

"WHERE IS HE???"

From his position next to the greenhouse fabrication line, Luigi is understandably spooked into a yelp that immediately grabs the Koopa King's attention.

Luigi would never admit that the about-face of a visibly agitated Bowser had done things. NEVER.

Regardless of what Luigi would have said, or tried to do, Bowser had stomped up to the human fast enough to have on-lookers do spit-takes.

"YOU DIPSHIT! YOU-" He grabs Luigi around the waist with both hands. "YOU UTTER MORON! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?"

Luigi, of course, is lost. "I- I don't-?"

"YEAH, YOU DON'T THINK! IF YOU HAD A THOUGHT IN THAT HEAD OF YOURS, YOU WOULD HAVE STAYED IN THE CASTLE!"

Luigi is frozen in his grip, hands grasping at clawed thumbs as he is pinned by Bowser's gaze.

"But? I was here-?"

"BY YOURSELF!" The Koopa roars and the look in his eyes makes Luigi squirm. "YOU HAVE FOUR GUARDS! FOUR! FOUR TO CALL ON SHOULD YOU NEED HELP!"

Luigi tries to reassure him. "But I was fine-"

"AND YOU WERE FINE AT THE SQUARE BEFORE YOU GOT STABBED, LUIGI! YOU ALMOST DIED!"

The human is at a loss for words. There's... not much to argue against that.

"I CAN'T- I can't-" Bowser seems to be catching his breath, but he didn't seem to be calming down.

"Bowser..." It might be the tight grip on his ribs, but Luigi isn't too sure that it's not from how close the Koopa is -and how his whole face shows fear.

This... isn't right. Bowser never shows fear -not like this.

"I can't lose you."

It's like the air was sucked out of the room, and Luigi could feel his eyes grow hot and stinging.

Bowser shouldn't sound small.

He shouldn't be shaking like this -in a way that is only felt in his grip on the human.

And- and that's his fault, isn't it?

"I-" It's hard to speak, but Luigi will manage. At least for this. "I'm sorry."

The grip on him gentles, but is still firmly clasping him to the Koopa.

"..... Just-" A small squeeze, one that brings Luigi close enough to feel Bowser's heartbeat above the plastron. "Don't do it again."

"Okay. I-" It's hard for Luigi to raise his hands away from that slowing heartbeat, but he manages to cup the bottom of Bowser's jaw and bring their eyes together (and yes, he is trying very hard to not focus on the feeling of those scales, the way the Koopa easily lets himself be guided...). "I promise."

Their faces are so close, and Luigi swears on his mother's apron that Bowser is the one getting closer. It's something he doesn't question -doesn't want to question when the Koopa's eyes hold an emotion that has Luigi's heart racing.

He hears it beat in his ears, getting faster when Bowser's eyes dart lower, and then back to his eyes.

He hears his own breath hitch, distantly, and is very much aware of the rumbling sound coming from Bowser.

He hears... wolf-whistling?

Both the Koopa and human look away from each other, stiffening as they realize they are still in public.

In front of over a hundred-dozen people.

It doesn't take Luigi long to register the context -and their interaction -and -and...

"Oh no...." Luigi tries to curl up into Bowser's hands, but his fingers prevent any curling, never mind a position that would let him be swallowed by the earth.

Bowser snorts. "Maybe this would teach you to not wander off again."

Luigi wants to retort that it very much will if he has to look anyone in the eyes, but...

But.

He looks back up, right up to Bowser's eyes again.

He... doesn't seem to be bothered?

And then the Koopa looks down, giving a soft look -a warm look, one that he had only seen on the faces of couples or-

Oh!

Oh.

Chapter Text

The whispering was new.

Then again, after the spectacle they made in front of everyone in that facility, Bowser wouldn’t doubt that they became the number one topic for gossip.

It would have pissed him off, but…

Looking down at Luigi, who is now adorably burrowed into his arms in embarrassment, he finds it an acceptable consequence.

After coming back to the castle, and secluding themselves in an unused office, Bowser and Luigi had a talk.

Neither said ‘I love you’, exactly, but they also didn’t deny it either.

It was…

For Bowser, he had his revelations only a few days ago, and…

He didn’t want to fuck up one of the best relationships he had.

Bowser is extremely aware of his past relationship history, like with Peach -especially with Peach.

And now, confronted with feelings for Luigi?

Luigi, who has been on the other side of his wrath for years?

Luigi, who has recently become Bowser’s friend in spite of that past?

Luigi, who is one of the few outside his family who gave him the chance to be ‘Bowser, the Koopa’ instead of ‘Bowser, the fearsome Koopa King’?

Out of everyone, and everything he treasured, Bowser is unprepared and unwilling to jeopardize what he has now.

And then there's Luigi's own feelings.

Their talk was... awkward, around that.

It's not that he didn't feel the same way (even more so, to Bowser's surprise), or that he doesn't want to pursue a relationship (he does), but that there is the undeniable fact that they are still two idiots in...

Well, the fact neither of them is sure enough (or brave enough) to say 'it' was everything in a nutshell.

But honestly?

Even if it doesn't work out the way they wanted, their agreement to take it slow -to take a terrifying chance- had also felt like the best decision they've made.

(And Bowser didn't need to hear it from Luigi, not when his soft eyes looked at him -really looked at him- and still regarded him with an affection that left Bowser burning.)

Still, the fact that 'the whispers' followed them back home is… odd.

They weren’t even distinct whispers, which was strange in itself considering his relatively great hearing. And it's not even their indescribability that has him unsettled.

It was that they occurred even when no one was there.

At first, Bowser assumed that maybe some other ambassadors or nobles have taken to following them. Or that the Koopalings have gotten curious about the new development. It wouldn't be the first time.

Except...

His- well, Luigi has also noticed. Sometimes, it was even before he heard them.

And the kicker? The big, RED FLAG that had Bowser's scales flare and his lungs fill with angry smoke?

Apparently, Luigi has been feeling watched for days.

Almost a full week.

The fact nearly sent Bowser into a higher plane of fearful rage.

And the only reason that the castle hadn't experienced an indoor volcanic eruption via Bowser was because of Luigi-

Because, even as the human told him this, he clung to Bowser in trembling fear- seemingly imploding in guilt as he sobbed out that he didn't think it was real- that he had doubted himself enough to think it was his own "stupid" paranoia.

Bowser... deflated, at that.

Never mind Luigi's lacking self-preservation (even to the human's protest that it works 'fine'), Bowser knew the Green Bean enough to understand that he can doubt himself enough to believe his own lies.

However, it wasn't enough to really quell the urge to physically blow up the castle, and without any outlet, well...

The Koopa's quirk of biology decided to act up.

Before either of them could really register it, Bowser's head darted forward- jaws wide (and definitely scaring Luigi) before clamping down-

And picking up the human by the back of his overalls.

The events afterward could be remembered in a distantly hazy way, much like every other time it happened to Bowser.

Intellectually, he could say that he had taken the Green Bean to his chambers, refusing to let him out of his mouth until he trashed his bed to make a nest with the materials in the back corner of the bedroom.

He could also say that he remembers firmly burying the human into it before quickly making his way out of the room and clearing the path toward the rest of the Royal Wing.

He knows that he had plodded into each bedroom of the Koopalings, trampling whatever was in his way to gently pick them up by their respective tails and making his way back to the nest where he also buried them into.

(He also, vaguely, remembered seeing the kids exchange words with Luigi in equal parts exasperation and concern. Had he been in his normal mindset, he would have been chuffed to hear Luigi describe him as 'feral'.)

He remembers, more clearly, that he had practically scared away every soldier in the chamber's vicinity, taking exception to Kamek poofing in to try to talk to him- and having the wizard quickly catch on to what's happening the moment Bowser tries to scruff him.

(He does, in the end, get him to the nest after the Magikoopa placed visible barriers in the Royal Wing's perimeter.)

Bowser would embarrassingly remember that he had fussed over everyone he brought in, nudging them closer to the middle before curling around them protectively.

It wasn't until every other occupant of the makeshift nest fell asleep that Bowser calmed down enough to snap out of it...

And then go into a dead stare of realization.

"Fuck."

This is going to be a problem.

Chapter Text

The following morning for Luigi was… eventful, to say the least.

Bowser had left the nest only after ensuring that both the Koopalings and Luigi stayed inside his chambers -that is, by barricading the door.

Luigi would like to say he wasn’t the loudest to protest this, but he (unfortunately) knew that the Koopalings wouldn’t agree.

Combined with the lack of obvious entertainment, it’s a wonder that they unanimously agreed to either go back to sleep or talk to/bother their new guest.

Luigi wouldn’t say it was nerve-wracking, but the (rightfully curious) questions of Ludwig, Wendy, and Junior have put a lot of things into perspective.

First, it means A LOT for Bowser to have allowed someone into the nest aside from the kids.

(And yes, he has blushed redder than Mario’s hat at the pointed looks he received.)

Second, don’t worry about going easy on Junior once they decide to play games; he is a sly cheat sometimes with the skill to back him up.

(Luigi is more skeptical of this, but doesn’t argue.)

Third, there was a Very Good Reason that Bowser freaked out so much:

Apparently, long ago, the castle had been Magically reinforced with protections against foreign scrying and teleportation -something that is supposed to not only work within the castle’s perimeter, but also produce an audible backlash that allows the residents to locate the perpetrator.

The fact that neither Bowser nor Luigi has found evidence of a present source of the whispers, and has not heard the tell-tale siren…

Well, either someone overpowered those protections, or… it’s something else.

It left the four of them in tense contemplation, enough to almost miss a warped ringing sound nearby.

It took everything in Bowser to concentrate on the action in front of him.

After making sure his kids and Luigi were safe (as one can be, considering...), he immediately headed towards the barracks, shouting out for Kammek and Kammy.

He has no idea how long they have been spied on, or even how long the Kingdom has before -whatever it is does something.

Bowser doesn't even know what to expect, and it feels so damning.

Even as his advisors gather as many Magikoopas as possible, maybe to track down the anomaly before things escalate, it felt like it was too little too late-

But it's not too late, not when he still has someone to protect.

Still, even with this resolve, he had met the arriving Messenger Koopa with a mixed sense of surprise and dread.

And then he learned it was a forewarned announcement for the arrival of 'Mushroom Kingdom Representatives'.

Once, months before this moment, Bowser would have met this news with eager smugness. He would have reveled in the chance -the far-fetched implication- that Peach liked him back.

Now? He only feels unadulterated RELIEF.

Of course, they decide to come for a surprise visit!

...Oh shit, they won't know what is happening.

"Kamek!'

"Yes, Your Franticness?"

"I want you to get the red menace here, pronto! AND GET HIM UP TO SPEED!"

"Right away, sir!"

There. Hopefully, whatever the hell is going on will at least-

He hears a distant, warped ringing.

"KAMMY!"

The Magikoopa doesn't bother replying, instead poofing him and everyone in the room towards the unmistakable sound.

The pink smoke didn't even fully clear before Bowser went into a panic-

The Koopalings were huddled in the nest- they didn't seem hurt but-

Luigi was standing outside of it trembling- obviously trying to stay between them and the threatthreatthreat- and Bowser wants him to get away-

"At last! After searching like a child for a beloved toy outside its cage, I've found you!"

Chapter Text

What happened next was, as Bowser would put it, a big clusterfuck.

Luigi never expected to see a Paper Person again -never mind a psychopath whose fashion sense should have stayed in the 16th Century.

Ironically, that was the least of his worries when the whole world literally flipped on its axis.

“LU-!“

His stomach turned when he realized that was BOWSER, and he wants to reassure him, but-

He’s alone now.

Except-

“Now then.”

That figlio di puttana-!

“Let’s get this show started!”

Mario hadn’t expected to see the Paper version of himself again, or even Paper Peach and Bowser.

He just wishes it was under better circumstances…

“Dimentio?”

Paper Peach nods, “He’s a magician we’ve met before. We thought we’d ended his game, but…”

“The idiot seems to think HE could just waltz in and 'destroy all worlds'!” Paper Bowser seems to be angrier than usual, and it gives Mario near whiplash whenever he thinks about his calmer (nowadays, anyway), fleshy counterpart. “So we're here to finish the job!”

“But why is he here?”

Mario feels something in his stomach sink when they all share a look.

“...We think he's trying to get your Luigi.”

And just like that, Mario felt like the world was ending.

"Why?!"

"I would like to hear the answer as well."

It's a near miss when Mario lashes out, feeling too overwhelmed- where's Luigi, he needs to get to Luigi- but not enough to not recognize the familiar sight of Kamek.

To his credit, the Magikoopa barely flinches as he floats on his broom.

“Kamek?!” At least everyone else was just as surprised.

"You weren't at the throne room, but I figured I could follow the sound of your shouting." His gaze seemed to sharpen, even if his eyes were hidden by his glasses. "Why is he here? And if so-"

Wait, why is he here-

"Are his abilities great enough to overpower transportation wards?"

Mario felt sick- surely he misunderstands--

The tense atmosphere says otherwise.

oH fu- "Can you take us to the castle?!"

He barely registers the confusion and surprise of the Paper versions before there was a poof-

And find themselves in the midst of mayhem.

Bowser wasn't thinking straight, but screw anyone who faults him for it!

He didn't register the newcomers as anything other than possible threats, and Mario and Peach were pushing it as they approached HIS NEST AND KIDS-

And then a wave of calm washed over him, a blue haze rolling over his scales with familiarity-

Kamek.

The world is less overwhelming, but the 'talk' that came after threatened to have his temper override the magic.

It felt like the world was ending for Bowser. Hell, their world's doomsday is technically on a countdown, if Paper Peach was to be believed.

Dimentio… a stupid, regretful name if you ask him.

And the fact that this guy kidnapped Luigi?

That the shitty jester plans to use him- have Luigi kill millions against his will? The same Luigi who Bowser watched as he cried over a smushed butterfly?

That Luigi might be somewhere alone, scared, maybe even hurt? Especially after...?

That Luigi's scared face might be the last thing he sees-?

When he finds the damned smiley fuck-

T H E R E W O N ' T B E A N Y T H I N G L E F T T O R E G R E T.

Luigi couldn’t remember- what did he do whatdidhedo-

The- jester- Dimentio- he had this heart- it won't stop beating stopbeatingSTOPBEATING-

It hurts to think about how he BrOkE hIm is breakinghim- he can't concentrate with that DaNnAtO lAuGhTeR- hAhaHaha-

GeT OUTGETOUTGET-

"It seems you are a bit more... resilient in this dimension." He hates-DESPISES that sMiLe- "Here, let me help you~."

And then, it went dark.

And Luigi couldn't help but be glad.

Chapter Text

YOU WERE WAITING FOR THIS-

Chapter Text

Mario would admit to anyone that he didn’t like Bowser.

He would admit that he hadn’t even trusted the big tartaruga even after they sent an ambassador -never mind the fact that the ambassador was Luigi, who he never wanted anywhere NEAR the Koopa.

He would admit that he had slept poorly the first few weeks Luigi was gone, only kept back in the Mushroom Kingdom by Luigi’s letters and Peach’s insistence.

He would even admit that he assumed the worst of Bowser when Luigi was… even after arriving at the castle, practically bowling over anyone in the way as he headed for Luigi.

(He wouldn’t admit that he was so close to doing something that would have broken any sort of alliance with the Koopa Kingdom, after finding his brother -his fratellino- so still in that medical bed.)

He was ready to get his brother out of there- feeling like staying a second longer was just another opportunity for those cazzo-heads to finish the job.

His brother thought differently.

Luigi begged with puppy eyes somehow convinced Mario to at least stay for the trial since it ‘wasn’t Bowser’s fault’.

Luigi’s happiness meant a lot to Mario, so he had begrudgingly stayed beside him near the throne, with Peach nearby for moral support.

But his safety was just as important, which is why he took on the fire blast with no hesitation. And he would do it again!

For him to let Luigi stay felt like a mistake, but…

For Bowser to have willingly killed for Luigi? For him to prioritize his safety and ‘ensure it’?

Maybe it was something that made it easier to see- or at least accept that his brother might have a thing for Bowser.

Mario isn’t blind to how Luigi reacted to everything that day. Aside from the obvious distress of seeing… that, Luigi had this 'look'.

He saw how his brother reacted to Bowser carrying them away (which he’ll grudgingly acknowledge being a good thing). How his little brother relaxed in a way that usually was only around him.

It would have been something to talk about, but even Mario knew that it would have to be shelved for a later date. Especially after.

He wishes that was the only thing to worry about.

He wishes that he had visited his brother more, screw the political minefield he might have set off!

He wished…

And now?

Seeing the vengeful worry Bowser wore as plainly as his shell?

Maybe… Luigi was onto something, at least in trusting the Koopa.

For the second time in his life, Bowser felt helpless.

(How ironic is it that Luigi was the cause of both times now?)

Yes, the Paper versions of themselves have a way to travel dimensions (how, he won’t bother asking), but the fact that they don’t know 'which one' was just the start of their problems.

According to Paper Peach, who is the only one able to talk at the moment, they don't even know if Dimentio had somehow brought their universe's Chaos Heart, or if this world somehow has its own despite the lack of Pure Hearts.

Which is their biggest problem, now that he thinks of it.

The three heroes (he did a spit take when he realized that included Paper Bowser) admitted that the only reason they were able to defeat him in the first place was because of those Hearts.

He tries not to think of the implications of continuing their search without them.

More so, he was worried about what was happening with Luigi- he has no idea what that jackass was doing to him, where he was, or even if he was still...

He hates that he failed him. Again.

He knows it, and he bets even every other person in the room knows it. He-

"Dad?"

He doesn't startle, but the sudden awareness has slammed into him still as he looks down at Junior.

His son- he never looked this lost either, and it's a no-brainer that Bowser would pull him into a hug. He hasn't failed him- or the rest of his kids, as he counts them again-

yet

But he feels stuck. He wants to search for Luigi, hell, he wants to

What if he comes back, and he finds his kids not here-

"Dad?" He feels the paws of his youngest, tiny hands patting him for attention. "Are you okay?"

Bowser does his best to not cry at that. "I should be the one asking you that!" He lets his son nuzzle into his arms, and feels more paws grasping him and shells clink into his legs and plastron. "He didn't hurt you any, did he?"

He feels Junior's head shake. "Mister Luigi protected us, dad. He-" There's a hiccup, and there is an untold amount of RAGE that builds in his belly- that damned jester- "He stood between us, and- and that guy- he couldn't hit him! It's like he wasn't there!"

Bowser felt his rage cool rapidly to horror, settling in his stomach like a block of ice. Couldn't... hit him?

"Everything went through him, Daddy!" Wendy, this time, and he hates how his little girl is trying so hard to put on a brave face- "Luigi had even tried doing that electricity thing! And it just-"

She.. stops there, and Bowser quickly uses his tail to shift his kids around and in front of him. Screw whatever the others are thinking! His kids need him! He doesn't give a damn that he is a sight -wrapping his clutch of kids under him like a broody chicken!

Ludwig is silent and wide-eyed, little Lemmy is shaking, Roy has been shakily shifting his glasses, Iggy is clutching his wand, Wendy is clearly crying, Morton is hugging a shell-shocked Larry like a teddy bear...

He doesn't know if he can leave them like this.

He hears an awkward cough.

Turning, he sees Peach and Mario, the 'non-Paper' ones, looking on in concern.

"If you want to stay behind, we won't judge you."

He wants to protest, because of course he wants Luigi back! To be here and safe! But-

He looks back at his kids.

"You should go."

He expected Mario to say that, even one of the Paper people who should have fucking dealt with the clown already.

He didn't expect it to be Ludwig. Not his little pragmatic kid.

"Y-YEAH!" Wendy, who is crying, but has a spark in her eyes still- a spark growing into what he's realizing is anger. "You can't let him get away with this Daddy!"

"BEAT. HIS. BUTT!" Morton.

"There's a zero percent chance he'll win if you do!" Iggy.

"We know you'll knock him dead!" Roy.

"We-we'll be fine here, dad!" Larry.

And Lemmy is grunting in agreement.

He looks down at Junior, who has stopped crying and looks a little less lost, but still afraid. "Just, come back, please."

"I-" He wants to stay, but his kids seem to be in a rare agreement. He's-

His heart grows warm, and the uncertainty feels a bit more bearable.

He's so, so proud of them.

"Alright." And, with feeling. "I promise."

Peach wasn’t in the loop about what was personally happening between Bowser and Luigi.

She has inklings, in the way Mario seems to eye the Koopa, or in the way the Koopalings seem very eager for Bowser to come with them.

Or in how she heard gossip that seemingly traveled from the Koopa Kingdom to hers in what she assumes to be overnight.

IF what she heard has any sort of truth to it, if there is indeed a relationship between them that is more than friendship?

She... might feel a bit more relief than warranted.

On one hand, it means that Bowser is not only joining without asking for favors, but that future relations between their kingdoms (if there are any, after this) will be near guaranteed to be peaceful!

AND no more kidnappings! No late paperwork, no more god-awful poetry sent by Bowser... She feels like things are looking up from that perspective!

But...

By Grambi, Luigi's taste in men is awful...

Chapter Text

The moment they flipped into the dimension, there wasn’t a single doubt it was the right one.

It was an empty white, with a white tiled floor that reflected ambient light from… somewhere.

There was nothing to see other than that -no landmarks, no plants, nothing alive-

Except for that thing.

Bowser would have retched, but he knew better than to give in -to possibly let it out of his sight.

He still registers how Mario was shocked still, and that Peach had let out a strangled gasp.

Their Paper versions are behind them, but he still feels the way they started back by the air they displaced hitting his tail.

The thing- he hates how it almost looks like Luigi- hates how the bastard clown’s characteristics mangled his body into something that shouldn’t exist.

They need to take it down but he’s not sure if they can do it without killing Luigi.

Mario felt like a part of him was dying.

Sometimes, he swears he knows exactly what Luigi is feeling, whether they be across the room or miles away. He can just… tell, and Luigi has admitted to feeling the same way sometimes.

But now?

He doesn’t want to know, or even guess what Luigi is feeling- not now, when…

But he’s not given that choice.

He can feel it in pulses: fearful agony washing over him in waves of nervousness, panic, hysteria, what happened to him-

“What- what is that?”

He jerks his head to Peach, looking away from the thing (why is it just staring?) and realizing she seems to shiver with each wave.

Wait a minute- “You- feel it too?” Peach says nothing, but the distress that grows on her face is enough for Mario to edge closer to her-

-go go gO AWAY!RUNPLEASE-

And stops dead to snap back to a suddenly closer— Not-Luigi. How-?

“YOU’VE FINALLY ARRIVED, HEROES!”

It’s loud -intense in a way that cuts through his brain.

“IT’S BEEN SO LONG SINCE WE’VE LAST MET ISN’T IT? YOU MUST BE DYING TO MEET ME.”

He hates how the thing smiles, splitting his baby brother's face open. He hates-

“NO RESPONSE? WHAT A TOUGH CROWD.”

It. Keeps. Smiling.

“NONETHELESS, I BELIVE THE UNIVERSE DESERVES AN ENCORE, DOES IT NOT?”

The sneer on its face is sickening, and Mario realizes that it might be the last thing he sees of- “Let this show begin.”

And everything went wrong.

Peach wasn’t sure what she saw, or what she felt during the battle- everything was too much, too fast, and she swears she heard Luigi- even though it seemed impossible.

Facing this… entity, Peach would have thought it ancient, from how it seemed to move with power behind each attack, curling and creaking into itself only to spring forward with malicious intent.

She tries to not think of it as a wind-up doll, or one of those… 'Harlequins' that she read from a book gifted by Luigi.

It was the latest birthday gift he gave her, and she doesn’t want to entertain the idea that it might be the last.

She is utterly grateful that she fights next to Mario, Bowser, and their Paper Versions. It feels daunting to even go near, never mind fight the thing wearing her friend’s face.

She would have it any other way, if only because Luigi isn’t with them.

Inside, somewhere, Luigi is screaming.

But they only hear Dimentio’s laughter.

Chapter Text

-please stop-

Super Dimentio cackles in delight as Mario tumbles from a swinging hand, feeling a crunch that has a trembling part of it finally still.

-don’t-

A finger twitches, but it doesn't prevent Paper Mario from getting a missile to the face, or Bowser tanking a headbutt as Peach dashes between its legs in hopes of attacking it from behind-

-you're... hurting them. stop-

Paper Peach is desperately keeping her ground as her parasol blocked projectiles, only to be sent careening back by Paper Bowser and Mario, who has been bodyslammed by a sliding shoe-

-stopsTOPITSTOPIT-

The entity cranes its head unnaturally as its eyes follow Peach, whose attacks simply bounce off.

"Useless."

It raises its hand-

And spasms.

It’s fighting with itself.

Mario would have thought it was just readying another attack, but-

The things arms seemed to wind themselves around the neck- squeezing as the rest of the body jerked in disjointed effort.

-STOPITSTOPITIWILLNOTLETYOU-

His head feels like it's splitting open- no one is shouting but the words are loud enough to feel them crashing into his skull.

"ha."

He looks up (when did he fall to his knees?) and sees the thing's face stretch into a crazed grin.

"hahaHAHAHA!" He hates how the laugh echoes in this place- how it sounds like Luigi but just. Not. "YOU REALLY THINK IT WOULD BE THAT EASY, LITTLE 'HERO'?" It wrenches its arms apart, making a crackling sound that sends Mario's stomach lurching.

The thing has its hands loom over him, now, and while it felt like another blow might end his game-

The hand snaps backward, fingers twisting behind the 'wrist' as the thing wails-

He can't help but feel hope.

"Lu-" He coughs and ignores the iron-tasting wetness clogging his mouth. "Luigi?"

It's not paying any attention to him, or anyone for that matter as the spasming sends it crashing to knees-

"no-NO-!"

The voice sounds nothing like Luigi, but also not like the thing.

"YOu- YOU- ArE NOT The SHowRunNer here-!"

"ShUt... UP!" The thing(?) screams- and shoves a gloved hand deep in its mouth.

It's disgusting to watch, especially as fluids start seeping out-

There's a squelch-

And there a jester is, wrapped in a darkening hand- frozen in shock. as the 'thing' seems to catch its breath.

Mario tries again. "Weegie?"

It's a split second, but he still feels unimaginable relief to see it- no, Luigi, it's Luigi- glance over to him with a tired but warm look.

And then his brother looks back at his hand-

And Mario tries to not feel fear when he sees that familiar face contort into something- dark.

He's never seen Luigi angry, nevermind whatever it is that he sees aimed at Dimentio (and it has to be him, especially as the jester seems to try to squirm out of its Luigi's grasp).

In his peripherals, he sees everyone else in their own state of anticipation, maybe hints of trepidation, and he couldn't blame them-

He wasn't expecting that expression to smooth out.

He definitely didn't expect Luigi's arm to condense with shadows and-

They spread down to his hands, bubbling around the wrist, up the hand-

And then Dimentio is screaming.

"nonoNONONONO- THIS IS NOT- NOT LIKE THIS-"

Mario isn't sure what to feel when he sees the figure get enveloped by those shadows-

The screaming cuts out.

He... feels horror. He hates that it's caused by Luigi. He feels like he's been dunked in an ice bath and left to dry in a freezer. Was that Luigi?

And did it matter, when he sees that towering figure tremble and shrink?

Did it matter when that figure starts to look less like that 'thing' and more like Luigi?

Did it matter when Luigi, and it is Luigi, he could hear his voice, see his face even if a bit lacking in color...

He doesn't hesitate to run towards him when he looks ready to keel over, doesn't flinch when he catches him and leads him down to the ground and into his arms-

He decides that it doesn't matter, when he hears his baby brother cry.

It doesn't even matter that he can feel Bowser approach in heavy steps, plopping down near them only to scoop them both in a hug.

It doesn't matter to him, not when the other half of his world seems to be breaking just the same as ever.

He just isn't sure what the others are feeling.

The sudden silence rings loudly in here.

Bowser would never say that he was scared.

With Luigi, he could say -with surety- that the Green Bean could never manage to scare him at all.

Strangely, even with the things that play out in front of him, he doesn't feel scared either. Not with the protective rage (something almost unrecognizable on that face) aimed at what used to be a threat.

He doesn’t give a damn that Luigi isn’t… the same, or that he’s technically hugging the red menace as well.

Luigi's fine- they're fine.

Everything's fine.

He-

He feels the way the brothers shift closer, yes, but also feels a colder hand reach above his upper plastron, patting around for something-

Oh.

He does his best to curl inwards, letting his muzzle nuzzle into Luigi's green-capped hair(?) and the searching hand does its best to curl around his head in a familiar hug.

...What does he feel then?

It's... something warm, maybe even hot, sitting in the bottom of his stomach. It flares up when Luigi calms down enough to pet his mane, nails scritching satisfyingly yet sending shivers down his spine.

He is... also tense? Bowser isn't nervous, or waiting for something, per say, but the world also feels strangely intense. He can feel his heart beating faster than usual, even though everything is done, and-

He stills, and is very grateful that neither human notices.

He'll deal with those feelings later.

Bowser is quick to stand up, lugging the two brothers up with him (he is smug to hear two startled yelps from that) and stomps over to the group of Paper versions and Peach.

He tries to not feel hungry.

The conversation with the Paper versions is... enlightening for Peach. And maybe them too, considering the thoughtful looks towards the unlikely pair huddled together with Mario.

For one, they are incredibly sure that -whatever Dimentio did- he hadn't bothered to keep tabs on their Luigi. If he wasn't this careless -or reckless- enough with the merge into 'Super Dimentio', there might have been a good chance of none of them surviving this.

Another is that Paper Bowser seems... stumped, realizing that his other version has fallen in love with someone who isn't Peach.

(She tries not to acknowledge the warning look Paper Mario shoots him with.)

Their last revelation is that whatever Dimentio did to summon the Chaos Heart this time hasn't ripped a hole in their reality.

It has also not really left.

Peeking back at the trio, coming closer due to Bowser, she is still off-put by the shock of white hair next to Mario's brown.

Never mind the lingering (but thankfully fading) pulses of emptiness that surround Luigi.

She's... not sure how to feel about Dimentio's... death? Is he even alive still, or was that truly...?

Regardless, they needed to go back. If not because of how unsure she is of this place's stability-

A stomach growls, and the only reason she knows it's from Luigi is becuase he shrinks into himself with a whine of embarrassment.

She tries really hard to not be incredulous, considering he just ate-

She is sure no one here has eaten since this morning...

How long have they been here?

She claps her hands together, startling everyone with the broken silence.

"Let's go home!"

Chapter Text

The Koopa King's castle has a garden, apparently.

For Luigi, it was known after everyone arrived to get healed (Luigi never knew Kamek could look so happily annoyed), and their Paper versions had bid them goodbye.

He tries not to think about how easily anyone could drop in and out of their world like that.

Meanwhile, Peach and Mario have decided to stay over ‘for undisclosed political reasons’, but honestly just to keep an eye on… well, him.

-don’t think about it don’t think about it-

So, for some time to himself, he set out for the garden as suggested by Flambo. It’s surprisingly full of color, even though only a small part of the vegetation has flowers.

Immediately, he loved feeling the warm breeze and hearing the quiet rustling of the leaves. He loved how the rumbling of the distant volcanoes is muffled, and that the air smelled sweet and spicy in contrast to the smoke and sulfur that normally lingered.

It become a favorite spot the moment he saw the large marble fountain, visibly made with seats and built-in steps that lead to the water basin.

Could anyone blame him for nearly skipping to it?

Behind him, he feels… something approach why can he feel that. It's large, and- warm? Not in temperature, but-

“Figured I would find you here.”

He turns, and feels his heart flutter does he have- no, don’t think.

Behind him, Bowser stands with the sun shining above him, hair seemingly aflame from the light and scales shining just as bright. His eyes are soft, and Luigi feels dizzy with the burst of affection he feels as he walks closer.

"Mind if I join you?"

Luigi answers by patting the seat next to him, watching as the Koopa plops down next to him before scooting closer to lean against his side.

A sigh-

And they sit there, unwinding from the tension they carried for... four days?

The only noise that breaks the silence is when Bowser shifts and offers a hand- one that Luigi gladly accepts.

Bowser is warmer than usual or maybe he’s colder, but the gentle grip enveloping his hand is just as comforting as ever.

“Luigi.”

He squirms. Even though Luigi knows he doesn't have to fear anything when around Bowser...

He has been trying to avoid this conversation for a while.

"Y-yeah?"

The Koopa catches his eyes, "What's wrong?"

"I- I don't-"

"Love,"

His breath catches in his throat.

"You hadn't gone out for days, and I've never seen you wander the palace like you used to. Not outside official meetings."

Luigi swallows down the sudden nausea that welled up Don't look down don'tdon'tdon't'. "It- it just feels not as safe, you know? I hadn't been able to relax at the library-"

"Luigi." He says his name so softly. "No."

The world's getting blurry, and his eyes are starting to sting-

"It's about this, isn't it?"

He doesn't want to look, would rather he never has to see it but-

A claw traces a knuckle, winding down just past his wrist.

Even he knows it's impossible.

He looks down at their hands, even as he starts to tremble watching that claw run under his wrist.

It shouldn't look like that.

His skin shouldn't look like that -like not even the sun could give him dimension-

Just a solid void, where his skin should be is, just no veins, no wrinkles, no scars, just monochrome everywhere, just-

Nothing. Nothing of himself. Just like-

Another large hand wraps around him, pulling him towards Bowser before squeezing him into an embrace it's warm and safe-

"Breathe, Luigi, breathe."

He takes a gulp of air -that's why he's lightheaded- and tries to keep breathing even if- if he doesn't-

"It's alright. You're okay." He knows he is. He's just wrong- "There's nothing wrong, feeling this way."

"B-" He nearly chokes on the words. "But I sh-shouldn't..."

"Shhh," the hand he was holding only pulls away briefly, if just to wipe the wetness trailing down his cheeks.

"I- shouldn't exist-"

He regrets his words immediately when Bowser physically shudders, stilling in a way that makes Luigi utterly aware of the silence again.

Before he registers it, the Koopa hauls him straight off the bench and holds him tightly to his chest, the plastron digging into his ribs while his cheek is pressed to the near-hot scales above it.

"NO. No," Luigi hates how that deep voice hitches, and it feels like someone is twisting a knife in his gut again- "You should exist, Luigi. You exist, and it's enough."

One of his hands runs through his hair, and it takes everything for Luigi to not question if it creeps him out to feel-

"Even so-"

He tries to not hold his breath, but his lungs(?) burn-

"I'm here,"

He's crying again.

"And I won't leave you like this."

And he's back to square one, feeling small and fragile and feeling like he shouldn't be anywhere-

"Not you."

It feels like something in him is breaking.

"Not when I love you."

And Luigi-

breaks.

The guards stationed along the garden's perimeter never talk about that day, but they still think about the echoing wails and the bursts of acrid feelings years later.

Chapter Text

Due to the Koopa Kingdom’s unique climate, their weather patterns ranged from firestorms to clear skies to-

CRASH!

Excessively violent thunderstorms.

A normal occurrence, really, but one which Bowser has detested since Junior was born.

He hates seeing his son be scared awake every nightly storm, and utterly despises the fact that he's unable to sleep for the rest of those nights.

Since he can’t exactly declare war on the weather, he does the next best thing:

Sitting in Junior’s room, letting his son burrow in his arms as the lighting continues to crash outside.

He has tried his best to calm him with humming, but being able to carry a tune means shit in the face of literal earth-shaking electric bolts.

So there he was, waiting the storm out with his son when there’s a quiet knock on the door.

The fact that a soldier hadn’t barged in, or that Kamek usually arrives in a poof of smoke, he instantly knew who was behind the door.

“Come in.”

The door opens, and Bowser tries to not squint for a figure as a monochrome head pops inside.

“Are-are you okay? Um-“ Luigi’s eyes are luminous in contrast to the darkened room, and it’s ridiculous easy to see them dart down to Junior in concern.

Bowser waves him over. “Just some flash frights.”

No matter what Luigi says about those eyes, he still thinks they are the prettiest things to see purely from his empathy shining through.

Even when he winces.

“Those aren’t fun.” The human(?) quickly enters and shuts the door, making his way to the makeshift blanket-nest before stopping at the edge of it. "I-" Luigi starts to look hesitant, "I can- probably help?"

Junior pokes his head out briefly, giving him a dubious look. "H-how can you-" A distant rumble is heard, and it takes a second for the kid to poke his head out again. "help?"

Luigi doesn't say anything, other than stretch out a hesitant hand to the ground.

Bowser... doesn't know what he's doing, but gives an encouraging nod anyway. Can't be worse than-

-his.... efforts?

Spreading from Luigi's hand, a solid shadow stretches out and around the Koopas, gradually pulsing up into a solid, silent dome that reaches a few feet above his head.

"What the fu-"

"Bowser! Language!"

Said Koopa couldn't hold back a wheeze at Luigi's indignation. Never mind how Junior might have heard worse before, it's a relief to hear Luigi shout like that again.

Speaking of Junior-

Nearly a minute after the dome was made, he pokes his head out and immediately let out a gasp. "How'd you do that?!" Junior excitedly wiggles out of his arms, wasting no time trying to poke at the 'walls' that Luigi made. Wait-

"How did you do that?"

"I-" Luigi scuffs the floor shyly, shoulders nearly up to his ears in embarrassment. "Remember that time I overslept? At the meeting?"

"Yeah?"

"Um," even though he couldn't blush anymore (Bowser checked), Luigi's level of bashfulness could probably be seen by a blind Koopa. "I sorta- blocked the light in my windows on accident? And though I set my clock for nighttime..?"

It doesn't take long for Bowser to put the pieces together.

"BWAHAHAHA! So you went back to sleep?!"

"I was tired! An I didn't know I could do that!"

He holds back his snickering, just a little-

Behind them, Junior pipes up. "Can you do that to Kamek? So I don't have to go to his morning lesson?"

-and promptly bursts out laughing again.

Even Luigi lets out a snort, although he's quick to reply. "N-no, piccolo! I don't think he'd appreciate it! AND-" He gives a gentle, but reproachful look. "You should still try to learn as much as you can!"

"Spoilsport."

The human has the gall to stick his tongue at him! "It's called self-preservation."

Meanwhile, Bowser watches them (especially Luigi) in interest. He doesn't get to watch his kids interact with Luigi as much as he would want, but even the new recruits have heard of the instances his favorite human took the time to bond with them.

A large part of him purrs at the thought of being one step closer to-

Junior looks between them curiously, but whatever that glint in his eyes means (nothing good, in terms of mischief), he doesn't do more than climb back into the nest.

...

Eventually, they all settled into the nest, figuring that the dome could vanish without Luigi there. It meant that Bowser was used as a bed for the other two occupants.

It also meant that, while Junior was dozing off, the adults were suddenly very aware of their proximity.

Bowser tries his best to not focus on it too much.

"How'd you know where to look anyway?" Last time he checked, Luigi was horrible with navigating the castle.

"Um," He looks away, and Bowser could feel him literally shrink in his arms. "I, can sort of- feel you two?"

"Feel?" He can feel Junior start to twitch- in a way that meant he was finally, deeply asleep.

"It's- it's been a while, but I thought it was just- just a side effect, you know?" Luigi looks up at him, and Bowser could feel his heart skip a beat at those soft eyes. "And after-" he does a vague gesture, but Bowser understands. "I- wanted to at least explore- maybe understand myself a bit. To- to make it... easier."

"Luigi..."

"Bowser." The air seems to hum around them. "Did you mean it?"

He didn't need to clarify. "I did. I do."

"Then-" Luigi's voice cracks, and Bowser is captivated by the sudden boldness in his gaze, the surety and fear and utter longing that he never knew he craved to see directed at him- "I'd like to stay, after- after the final treaties."

Bowser doesn't hesitate to use a free hand to cup Luigi's head, nor bring their noses brushing against each other.

"Yes!" There isn't a snowflake's chance in a volcano for him to say otherwise. "Of course!"

Chapter Text

Trouble started exactly a week after the Incident.

Luigi still hasn’t stepped foot outside the castle, nor socialized as much as he did before, but even he knew that something seemed… off.

Maybe it was the way visitors seemed to increase, or the uptick of reports about trespassing that had been setting him off?

A part of him felt like it was leftover paranoia from… then, but after? When his feelings of being followed and watched proved to be actually happening?

It’s not paranoia when someone is really out to get you, after all…

Regardless, he thinks it has been a good week of practice being… whatever he is in the castle.

Unknown to him, that week of practice also meant a week of ‘ghost stories’.

Soldiers getting weirded out by moving shadows? Luigi realizing that he could literally merge into those shadows -and spending an hour stuck in them before plopping out.

Sudden strong feelings coming in unnatural pulses? Luigi being emotionally overwhelmed as he reads a death scene in a good book, or cuddling with Bowser.

Suddenly seeing ‘creepy’ glowing eyes watching castle-goers from impossible heights? Luigi using the castle walls to sightsee the people and landmarks in a new, interesting way that doesn’t require him to go outside!

Alas, he doesn’t know.

Bowser wasn’t particularly alarmed by the chatter going on… at first.

He knew some of those instances were definitely because of Luigi, if only because he’s on ground zero whenever Luigi does his Happy Beats.

It’s a big ego stroke, sure, but even Bowser had been alarmed the first time it happened.

He couldn’t easily forget the last time he felt that ‘pulse’.

He can imagine that his soldiers weren’t as lucky to know, or as quickly mollified by the fact that it came from Luigi.

In other words: a concern that needed an official meeting, especially if Luigi was going to stay.

(Thinking back on it, he should have immediately taken the time to tell them of these developments- or at least of what Luigi is…)

...

"My king, an audience has been requested with you."

It felt like any other time that he attended an audience.

"'Course." He wished he has seen the hints of Luigi's shadowy shenanigans, or at least caught his eyes- even if they ended up behind him.

"You may come in!" He wished that he looked at the way his soldier seemed on edge, at least so that he could take a hint on what was going to happen.

The ShyGuy pair that came in looked scholarly, wearing lab equipment and hauling in something under a thick sheet. They didn't show any visible alarm (not that it said much with them), so he didn't think much of the way they seemed to be closer to the throne than usual- in an angle that tends to kill the neck of whoever deigned to talk to him.

"State your buisness." He said it as was the custom, but it was enough to have the one wearing a lab coat address him.

"Your Majesty, it has come to our attention that you are plagued by the paranormal."

"...What?" He hasn't seen any Boos lately, and never in his castle without prep work for the Red Menace. "Last time I checked, there aren't any ghosts permitted here." Not without permission, after the Frozen Lava Incident.

The scientists exchanged unreadable looks. The assistant seemed to be reaching under the tarp and something about that did set off some alarm bells-

"Surely, you won't deny that there has been a haunting happening within your halls?"

"There's nothing to deny!" Bowser feels the back of his neck prickle as the scientists froze- just for a moment-

"I'm sorry, your Majesty."

There was a flash of white-

-paiNPAINPAINAGONYNO-

Chapter Text

Luigi made a mistake, he’s just not sure what.

Maybe it was the fact he sort of snuck into the throne room? Lovers or not (or are they boyfriends? They need to talk about that soon..), Luigi should have at least asked-

Maybe it was because of what he was doing? His eyes aren’t exactly easy to miss in the low light, and he has startled Clawthorne when he first got stuck in the wall…

Or maybe that’s the thing- that he’s wrong, and the world wants to rectify that.

He desperately wants it to not be true, but…

Did it matter when everything ends up hurting?

The blinding white light, combined with something twisting painful wrong- it’s hard to thinkmakeitstopMAKEITSTOP-

RRRRAAAAAAWWWWWRRRRRR!

CRUNCH!

It- stopped?

Luigi tries to uncurl, but everything ached, and he is unsure if he even has ‘arms’ and ‘legs’ to untangle, or if he’s now just… a pile.

At least he’s able to look up-

Oh.

Oh, merda.

It didn’t matter if Luigi was still somewhat paralyzed.

It didn’t matter that his questionably present ears are ringing.

Not when Bowser looks to be seconds away from reducing the Shy Guys to ashes-

He’s not thinking- not when he feels the visible heat wave coming from Bowser’s maw- not when those cogliones are not running away-

And the next thing he knew, he was grabbing -enveloping, pulling whatever- Bowser's neckshouldersanything to redirect the flames- he doesn't KNOW if they're innocent or misguided or desperate or plain stupid, Luigi refuses to simply stand there without answers-

He is able to look back at the trembling scientists, feeling panic and frustration boil inside him as they kept standing there-

"RUN, stupidi idioti!"

He tries not to notice how his voice sounds.

They at least get the message, or their flight response FINALLY kicked in, as they bolt towards the main doors-

He feels the sudden jerk of Bowser trying to chase them, seeing his eyes -hiseyeshiseyesarepurewhitewhat- follow them and he NEEDS to grab his attention-

In a pure move of panic, Luigi does the one thing he thought he'd never do-

He headbutts him.

Honestly, 0/10 would not recommend it because OW, and Bowser is not the least bit fazed.

But he does turn towards Luigi.

And quickly tries to bite him.

"CAZZO!" And Luigi doesn't mean to curse, but did Bowser really just try to BITE him?! "B-Bowser, SnAp OuT oF iT!"

But he doesn't seem to listen, and tries again- and nearly takes a bite out of the equivalent of Luigi's shoulder. He's also struggling, but Luigi('s bodymasswhatisit) is enough to prevent him from moving far.

A bang and distant yelling tells him the scientists got out.

He lets go-

and immediately regrets it when he gets a swipe to his face.

He knows he's lucky- the swipe should have physically taken out an eye- maybe even disfigured his jaw had he still been... but honestly?

The pain made it easier to do a sucker punch that hurt in more ways than it should.

And Bowser STILL isn't responding, in fact, he staggers towards the- him, just him- rearing back-

And headbutting him, only with -sharppainfulpaINPAINPAIN- horns that honestly catches him off guard- enough for Bowser to make a grapple with his form.

Luigi's aware of the MANY feet stomping towards the throne room, and he is feeling a sense of dread, panic, whataretheydoingitsdangerous-

He has to end this.

The Koopa digs his claws into Luigi's middle, and it hurts-

He needs-

The claws pull-

-a chance-

He lets himself be pulled -he doesn't want to know what happens if he's torn apart- aims-

(Weeks ago, he didn't think reading a Koopa Biology book would amount to anything, or be possibly used, but-)

And hits Bowser's under-chin, knocking his head straight back-

The Koopa goes down.

Luigi looks up.

And there are hundreds of eyes staring at his enlarged form with expressions that he doesn't want to interpret.

"Um..." Luigi felt those stares burn in a way he wishes they wouldn't. "Help him... please?"

Chapter Text

If there was anything he learned about his human, Bowser would have said that Luigi was the least violent person he knew.

After waking up in the castle’ medical room, with Luigi sleeping at his bedside and Kamek looming over him with concerned exasperation?

It made Kamek’s rundown easier to swallow, or at least explained the killer headache he had.

Looking down at his… well, his, the Koopa couldn’t resist running his claws through the human’s soft white hair.

Figures that he misses out on witnessing Luigi kicking ass.

Even if it’s HIS ass.

Still-

“What happened to the two quacks?” He’s… not sure he wants to know if he- he…

“Scared, but fine.” The old magikoopa gives him a look. “If not for Luigi, this would have been the second time you’ve immolated someone, sire.”

He winces at that. The first time pushed public opinion to a sprawl that he still has to deal with.

He has no doubt that their deaths would have trickled into a bigger pool of metaphorical piss he’d have to wade through.

More importantly, their survival meant that he could still fix… whatever the hell started this.

“Why were they here?” And yes, he knows it’s rude to growl, but that didn’t excuse their actions in harming Luigi- intentional or not!

“As I assume they stated in the throne room: they came to take care of the cause of paranormal activity.”

“Except there hasn’t-“

“Have you read the castle reports, sire?”

Bowser stops short. “What about them?” The only significant thing he can remember are instances of Luigi’s shenani-

“Oh.”

“Yes,” Kamek sounds tired. “‘Oh’.”

“…I’ll have to make an announcement, huh?”

“AND do a public apology- the scientists may have made questionable choices-“

“That’s one way of putting it.”

“But the danger that they were put in was excessive.”

“How the hell was I supposed to react!? They come in all shifty-like and did THAT!” He was careful to not dislodge Luigi from his spot as he violently pointed at the door (it was a wonder that he still slept). “And all I knew was that Luigi was in danger- again!”

“They were convinced you were possessed- and without communicating with the public they had little chance of knowing otherwise, Bowser!”

Bowser nearly roared back that it shouldn’t be anyone’s business- that Luigi deserved some damn privacy when he was still trying to grapple with the fact he wasn’t human anymore-!

But he heard a shaky breath hitch- nearly muffled, but still painfully familiar.

He looks down, and feels like he’s been punched again when he sees monochrome eyes stare back at him in guilt.

By the time Luigi woke up, it was in a gradual state of awareness that he was reluctant to gain.

He was vaguely aware of the events that happened before, but was still confused when the voices above his head started talking about apologies.

“-were convinced you possessed- and without communicating with the public, they had little chance knowing otherwise, Bowser!”

Possessed? But there hadn’t been any ghosts-

(He remembers the times he’d seen soldiers become skittish as he explored castle walls.)

(He remembers how Clawthorne joked of sharing ‘ghost stories’ with his friends in the barracks, letting Luigi have his anonymity as he still avoided most people.)

(He remembers the way the scientists had subtly shifted toward their machine the moment he peaked above the throne- and himself thinking that it seemed so odd that they didn’t acknowledge him-)

Oh…. oh.

This really is HIS fault, isn’t it?

He was selfish in not wanting to be seen like- trying to feel normal even if everything changed- and now everyone will think Bowser-

He feels like the worst- not even two weeks into a relationship and he’s already-

He feels a large hand cup the side of his head, making him jolt back to awareness as a thumb strokes a wet cheek-

Oh, he was crying.

“-gi? What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

And Bowser- of course it’s him, who else is that large- is looking at him with gentle concern. He shouldn’t- shouldn’t- Luigi didn’t deserve-

“Hey.” And his voice went soft, like that time in the garden-

The garden, it feels like forever ago-

"Focus." He's locked his head between two paws now, and anyone other than Luigi would have been intimidated but-

It's easy to feel safe, looking into his eyes.

"Don't cry." And as emotions do, it makes Luigi's eyes tear up again, but he needs to- to-

"I-I'm sorry."

"Pfft. You can knock me on my as any day, love." He's not understanding-

"N-not... That too, but-" Why is it so hard- "You sh-shouldn't have to deal with m-my screw ups..."

He feels the Koopa freeze, and he only screws his eyes shut in expectation of withdrawal-

"That is not your fault!" Bowser snarls it out in a way that's almost vitriolic -it makes him flinch, but the continuing strokes to his face at least tell him that it's not at him. "Luigi, you've trying, love. I know you have."

He leans closer, and Luigi feels exposed.

"You've been dealing with it. Hell, you've been adapting to your changes like a damn pro!" Luigi wheezes out a chuckle. It doesn't feel like it. "And while you have been dealing with it, I should have made sure that it would be safe for you!"

"B-but-!"

"Luigi." He wants to curl up into his arms and not come out, but even he knew that it wouldn't change a thing. "Wanting to understand yourself wasn't a mistake. Wanting to not draw attention to yourself is not a mistake."

They're nose to nose, and the proximity has Luigi feeling heat roll off the Koopa.

"The mistake was mine." His stare is intense, and Luigi is left shivering from it. "Not telling anyone even a half-assed lie is my mistake. Not making sure that there were minimal rumors about you was my mistake."

"So don't apologize for wanting to feel safe. Even then-" he's the one to look away, and it feels like he took all the air with it. "I feel like I've failed you with this."

"No." Luigi isn't sure of a lot of things, but the idea of Bowser failing him at all makes something in him revolt- "You haven't failed me. Bowser, you haven't!"

And he looks shaken, his big sweetheart of a Koopa is shaken.

"You've made me feel safe- I always feel safe when you're near because I know you want me to be!"

He uses his own hands to cup his muzzle and while he still couldn't accept that those are his hands, they are now hands that are giving Bowser comfort, and that might as well be ALL that he asks for his hands to be!

"You've made it feel like home- porca puttana, Bowser, you have been my home!" and there he is crying again, but he does his damn best to look at his lover in the eyes- "I feel safe because I am with you- I feel safe because I love you!"

And he loves Bowser 'the protector' as much as Bowser 'the one who looks at Luigi like he held his heart in his hands'- they are one and the same, and Luigi knows that he wouldn't have him any other way-

And even as the Koopa's eyes are soft and vulnerable, they burn just as much.

He lunges forward-

And Luigi is in heaven.

He's in heaven and burning from Bowser's touch -his hands- his lips- his tongue-

It feels like too much and not enough, too soon and still a long time coming-

He kisses back, and hopes that he never comes down from this feeling.

...Koopa tongues are barbarous but fleshy. Who knew?

Chapter Text

Now-

This one isn't 'canon' to the fic- more of something that was last night's fever dream after eating fizzy candy and three cokes.

Chapter Text

It was hard after Bowser made a public announcement.

Surprisingly, it’s not for the reasons Luigi dreaded.

There were stares as he made an effort to go out more, yes, but they weren’t as hostile or scared as he was prepared for. In fact, some of the Kingdom’s citizens just seemed curious. Even then, it only took a few moments for them to simply carry on.

There was whispering, but most of the whisperers didn’t feel… wrong (his new sense didn’t come with an instruction manual, sadly)?

There was even the occasional confrontation, but they were over how he missed meetings at the book club (Shyly was very adamant about his attendance- when did he become a member?), or wanting to talk about The Plan. Some even sent him for Bowser over new developments.

It was… reassuring. To have his fears be just that: fears.

The problem lay in the fact that Luigi felt restless.

For three consecutive days, he had little to no sleep.

He should in all rights be fine! GREAT even!

He and Bowser settled into an official relationship, the progress of The Plan had whittled down the unemployment and homelessness rate to near-nothing, and he has a better grasp of himself than he has been a week ago!

But he still couldn’t sleep.

Of course, he hasn’t told anyone and had tried everything from warm milk (he stopped trying at three cups), to exercise (which didn’t tire him out), to counting sheep (he didn’t see much point after 152).

So he did the next best thing: skulking about the castle garden.

It was raining again, but it thankfully wasn’t the kind of night for lightning. Even then, getting wet doesn’t bother him as it did before he… changed.

He can count that as a perk, right?

So there he was, sitting on the castle wall (not as a 'shadow', for once) when something in the distant sky was spotted.

He had thought it was a cloud, or maybe a Paratroopa having a joyride (which is unsettlingly common).

Then he realized it was coming closer.

Luigi couldn’t say what made him freeze, but the sight of the rapidly approaching object had stuck him to that garden wall.

It's white and... orange? And seems to almost be as big as him-

It soars above his head, turning into tight, fast circles as it descends and-

It's a stork? Carrying... a soaking cloth bundle?

“…Huh?”

The bird doesn't answer, not even as it hefts the bundle into Luigi's startled arms- "Um-" and takes off with a flourish of dripping wings.

He would hate to admit it, but it takes a solid minute of standing there, watching the stork leave, before he realizes that the bundle feels solid.

He parts the cloth and looks inside.

Oh, it's an egg.

... HOLY SHIT IT LEFT AN EGG!!!

And of course Luigi is panicking!

Eggs should be warm, right?

He- tries to feel its temperature, but nearly slaps himself because he KNOWS he's cold-

And the egg has been traveling in a wet, wind-swept rag.

He sprints back to the castle, nearly slipping in the hallways as he tunnel visions for something- anythingplease-

He arrives at the Royal Wing, and hope never felt so good as when he turns to Junior's Room.

(Later, he'll realize that it's strangely empty for a reason.)

No one had taken apart the nest yet since it was still Storm Season, and he can only thank the Royal Koopas' pragmatism for having it relatively packed with soft warm blankets.

It doesn't stop Luigi from nearly putting it into disarray as he nearly buries the egg into it, nor lining the outside with an old heating blanket that he never quite trusted due to its high temperatures but-

It might as well be perfect for this.

When he's done, he could only sit at the nest's edge, trembling.

He hates that he doesn't know what to do.

Bowser woke up in a jolt by the worst Pulses he's ever felt.

It wasn't even Luigi's surprise or anxiety, something that is normal even though it was still horrible to feel. It was pure, unadulterated fear-

And it's still coming in overwhelming waves.

He's out of his bed in seconds, only pausing after yanking his door open to see Junior standing there- shivering and just as shaken as he is.

"Dad- something's wrong!"

It's all he needs to scoop up his son and hug him tightly, even as he hurried down the hall in frantic abandon- nearly bulldozing night patrols as he checks his room, the library, the kitchen, the meeting rooms, the garden-

He's not here-

"-ad!"

He couldn't find him, what if he-

"Dad!"

-was kidnapped again and why didn't he keep him closer-

"DAD!" He feels tiny hands smack his arm, having the Koopa look down, realize that he's hugging his son a bit harder than usual, and quickly relax his grip.

"I- Junior, I'm-"

"Not that! I can handle it!" Junior looks at him indignant. "Do you feel that?"

Bowser pauses long enough in confusion to realize that his son is right- the waves seem to be lessening. Almost down to ripples of indecision, shock, and other emotions that at least tell him that Luigi is very much still around.

And somewhat close, now that they can feel the direction where the Pulses are coming from.

Hefting Junior higher onto his shoulder, he heads down a few halls, taking a few familiar turns that eventually lead to... the Royal Wing?

He unwittingly slows down as he gets closer to the center point- closer to Junior's room.

How the hell did either of them miss him?

He opens the door-

And there the human was, already turning around to the sound of the door, next to their little nest-

"...Is that an egg?"

Luigi only answers him with a whimper.

Chapter Text

Bowser was staring.

He knows he is, but the sight he woke up to was surreal.

Nestled in layers of blankets, cuddled between Luigi and Junior, there was an egg.

An egg.

After calming down his human and son, and practically smothering them in blankets, he had nearly chalked up the egg as a figment of his imagination- something that was hard to do as he could see them curl around it.

He knows how this happens. Heck, it’s how he got Junior, but…

Why now? Why Luigi?

Not that he didn’t deserve a family of his own, but babies are usually delivered to couples- aren’t they?

And the fact that one was delivered to Luigi, his lover…

“Oh Grambi-”

He’s barely given time to comprehend the idea before he hears a small groan. Snapping his attention to the blanket pile, he could see Luigi shift into the blankets.

“Freddo…” He sees him stretch out for more blankets, but ends up patting the top of the egg in confusion. “Hm?”

And there his head pops up, looking like what Bowser’s feeling as he stares at the egg.

“Cazzo.”

“Language.”

He’s amused to hear the human squeak and struggle to flail with the blankets, but the sight of the egg being tugged out from them had the human freeze again.

“Um…”

Luigi looks at him with puppy eyes-

“Help, please?”

And Bowser realizes that he is horribly weak to them. “Sure, sure.”

And it’s a blessing that Junior is still asleep, because Bowser isn’t proud of the way he nearly fumbles in extracting his lover from the nest (or nearly acts on the instinctual urge to bury him in there).

Once out, he notices how quiet Luigi is.

Seeing that he was also staring at the egg, Bowser couldn’t blame him.

…

“I-“ Bowser doesn’t need to look at him to know how anxious the human is, not by how he speaks. “It’s mine… right? There wasn’t…“

“Storks don’t make mistakes like that. It’s weird it’s an egg instead of a baby, of course, but- yeah…”

“… Bowser?”

“Yeah?”

“I don’t know what to do.”

“We’ll, you got it warm, so I’d say you are doing pretty good-“

“N-not just that!” And Bowser finally looks at him, and feels pinned by his greyscale eyes. “I- don’t know how t-to raise a baby! Or- or know what they need, or- or anything!”

He’s starting to breathe fast and shallow, and it’s all Bowser needs to scoop him up and hold him close.

"What- what do I do?"

"… Do you want to keep them?"

"I-"

“Even if you don’t know what you’re doing.” And Bowser allows them to part, just a little, just enough to look Luigi in the eyes. “Would you love them? Would you want a child if you knew what to do?”

"I- I would. I do!" But? "But- I don’t want to mess up! I don’t-" and Luigi looks down- away- "I don’t want to mess them up."

He sounds small, and Bowser hates it and loves him and by the stars it is like Junior’s arrival all over again.

He gently grabs his chin, and their eyes meet again.

“You won’t mess up. I think you seem to forget that kids tend to take two and-“

Their noses touch, and the coolness reminds him of the important part.

“You won’t mess them up. Not when you have been great with Junior- and not just for storms, Luigi.”

The fear in his eyes is ebbing, but the utter vulnerability and trust is almost overwhelming.

“You’re not too shabby with the Koopalings, either. Hell, you’re one of the few people they actually like.”

“But-“

“And-“ he interrupts, with the intent to nip that concern in a bud. “There’s nothing wrong with you either.”

He doesn’t say anything for a while.

“… Can you- will you help me? Maybe as-”

“Thought you’d never ask.”

And it was quiet, almost peaceful-

Then the muffled sound of footsteps and arguing was the only warning they had before the Koopalings burst through.

Luigi still didn’t know what he was doing, but he at least knew that he was doing things right.

Bowser's help was needed and appreciated for the preparations of when the egg does hatch, things that seemed just like human baby stuff- until he realizes that the teething rings are made of what felt like industrial rubber, or that the diapers have tail holes.

On a related note, the baby itself seemed to be doing fine. In fact, every little change, whether it be the suggestions of feelings coming from it or the growing mass of consciousness he could feel, Luigi kept tabs on in a little notebook for future reference should he- should they-

Still, feeling those emotions respond to him as he stroked their eggshell was indescribably overwhelming.

It’s reassuring in a way- proof that the baby is still alive and growing.

Weeks have gone by after another Royal Announcement about the egg, but the opinions of other people (and their emotions) have been relatively manageable to handle.

(He felt it best not to acknowledge the general confusion made as people look between him and Bowser, though).

The moment he's waiting for is undoubtedly going to come to the castle soon, if the Koopa Courier doesn't daddle-

and it seems they were prompt when he hears more than sees his brother burst down the castle's doors, run past multiple people (including an irate Kamek, bless his tired heart), and then bust down the door to the new nursery (since Junior was adamant to keep his room just his.

“HAI AVUTO UN BAMBINO?!?!?!"

"Mario! At least close the door!"

He doesn't close it- instead, he rushes up to Luigi, taking him by the shoulders and looking him over.

"STAI BENE? Non sembri pregnante..."

"I'm fine, Mario. Sto bene." And, to at least introduce them before Bowser comes- "And il bambino is over there."

And he sees the moment Mario catches sight of the bundled egg, sees how he seems to stop short in any and all thought processes as he stares.

Which, okay, same, but still-

"They're not hatched yet, but it should be next month."

"So... in a month, I'll be an uncle- a zio?"

He's taking it well so far... "Yep!"

"Mama mia." And then the Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom fainted.

(Later, after Mario comes too, they take over three hours to stop gushing over the egg- even as Bowser watches on from the doorway).

When the egg finally hatches, its first cracks hadn’t even appeared before Luigi was fussing over its bedding and the recently added heating blankets.

The only reason Bowser even knew about it so early was the bouts of anxiousness-anticipation-protectiveness Pulses that were radiating throughout the castle.

And, well, it's a familiar enough combination to have him close meetings early and make his way to the nursery.

And of course the kids beat him there!

"Scoot, brats! And give them some room!" And not just the egg, but the frantic soon-to-be-parent looked like he was seconds away from passing out.

He is able to nudge his way across the rowdy group of Koopalings, reaching over to pick up Luigi and sit a bit away from the egg.

"Love, calm down. You're broadcasting again."

Luigi stills from his squirming enough to concentrate- and while the Pulses are reined, he could still feel them just radiating from his human.

"I- do we need to help them- or?" Bowser fondly nuzzles the top of his head, nearly purring as Luigi calms down a bit more.

"We just wait. From the look of it, they might bust through faster than Junior." Of course, he says that last bit quieter, since said Koopa was two feet away from the crib himself.

And then they heard the crack.

In a matter of minutes, the whole family watched in silent anticipation as the baby made that crack bigger, chipping away at it with gradual ease as they saw their first few peaks.

The baby looked a bit like him, or Junior, but the baby had blue eyes and a lighter green shell- almost the same shade Luigi used to wear. Once its head poked out, they could see that its hair was a more brassy red, but the attitude it aimed at the remaining eggshell was enough to know it had a similar temper to him.

They were perfect, and-

He’s nearly bowled over the absolute tsunami of emotion that he knows- without a doubt- is LOVE.

Pure. Elated. Love.

He doesn’t bother (or want) to remind Luigi again.

(That day, it's said that the Pulse could be felt all the way to the Town Square, and everyone in the vicinity didn't need an announcement to know the cause of it).

Chapter Text

Luigi was over the moon.

He’d never really thought he’d find love so easily (or at all, considering his luck), but the bliss of having a lover and a baby haven’t faded in the days that followed.

Yes, Luigi is still unfortunately clumsy with figuring out what his baby needed, but the help and experience of an everyday routine had made it easier.

He’s… not sure what to name her. He hasn’t even known she was a girl until they had Kamek check her over. Not to mention… his other problem.

He sorta doesn’t want to name her alone. He figured, well, since the baby was also Bowser’s- even though they weren’t even married…

And thus the crux of the problem.

He KNOWS Bowser loves him, and he’s unquestionably sure that he loves Bowser. They have even went on date nights before the baby hatched, and had been riding on a surreal period of domestic living.

But neither of them ‘popped the question’ yet.

He would have been nervous at the possible implications if it wasn’t for the way they both seemed to tiptoe around the subject.

Luigi knew how it felt to be afraid- he especially knew the fear of rejection. Seeing Bowser, his big bold Koopa, experience that same fear? Well, it was reassuring but also frustrating.

More than anything, Luigi wants to do more than just ‘stay’- he wants to spend his days at Bowser’s side as they watch the kids grow.

He wants to grow old with him, to share every moment that could be spared and reminisce about the ones they couldn’t.

He wants to call Bowser his husband, to call the Koopalings his kids, and be able to say that they are all his familia in every way.

But at this rate? The Koopalings will be all grown up before they even have a wedding day.

So, he figured that he would need to take the first step.

He’d just need to do a bit of preparation.

Bowser was restless.

For whatever reason, Luigi has left the castle for errands- with the baby.

He’s already paranoid about letting the human wander outside- never mind the tiny little girl that he adores and instinctively recognizes as his.

It’s a feeling that prickles under his skin- it buzzes and gnaws at his consciousness like a dog with a bone, and it’s hell on his patience as he gets through another round of paperwork.

By the time he’s done with the last pamphlet, he’s vibrating in his seat, the claws of his free hand embedded into the wood of his desk.

He looked at the clock, and saw only three hours had past-

Nope. That’s it. Nest.

(He’s nearly unaware of how fast he arrives at the nursery, or where exactly he found enough blankets and pillows to make a large nest that encompasses half the room's floor.)

Nest.

(He’s also fuzzy on the details of where he found each Koopaling, but the important part was that they were now in the nest and safe.)

Nest.

(He searches every inch of the castle for intruders- there aren't- marks the doorway of the nursery- which leaves gouges that mean another budget cut for repairs- and heads down the hallways towards the main doors.)

Nest.

(Before he even steps into the foyer, the doors are slowly pried open to admit a familiar 'shadow' and a Koopa baby-)

MatemaTEMATEHATCHLINGMATEHATCHLING-

(“Bowser, whaAAAA-?!” He’s picked them up by Luigi’s shirt, uncaring of the damage his teeth made as he carried him straight towards the nursery.)

NESTMATEHATCHLINGNESTSAFE-

(Luigi sighs the moment he is settled into the nest, unlatching the baby from its carrier before making himself comfortable between Roy and Junior. The latter is already booping the baby’s nose by the time Bowser secures the perimeter one last time before settling down and around their brood.)

…

By the time he woke up from unintended slumber, Bowser needed a few minutes to orient himself- and realize that he’s being stared at.

He turns and meets those same soft eyes he fell in love with- simply holding his gaze in half-lidded contentment.

"Are you awake?"

Bowser would have snorted an 'obviously' if he didn't know what Luigi actually meant. "Yeah, I'm here."

"Good." A sleepy sigh from the baby draws their attention to her, watching as her little chest puffs in and out with each breath.

"...Bowser?"

"Yeah?"

"Will you help me name her?"

He looks at Luigi and- while he doesn't catch his eye- the worried furrow of his brow betrayed his anxiousness.

"Alright." And, because he's just as clueless- "What about 'Nanne'?"

"She doesn't quite look like a 'Nanne'..."

...Looking at the baby, he couldn't help but agree.

"Then maybe... 'Kare-'"

"NO. Just... no."

...Okay? He'll choose to ignore that outburst... "What are your suggestions?"

"Ah, um!" Luigi flushes and how endearing is it for him to still blush a pretty pink- "I woulda given her a name like Annalisa, like my nonna -my grandma-, or Mia, like my mother. But... those don't fit her either."

Bowser admits that those names are pretty and sentimental, something that he can expect from Luigi. But that last one... It almost sounds right.

“What about… ‘Mina’?”

"'Mina'." He sees Luigi try out the word, reaching out to poke at the baby's palm- instantly getting that finger grabbed by the sleeping Koopa. "This is 'Mina'." His voice cracks and he is visibly shook as he uses a thumb to stroke the tiny clenching fist. "Mia Mina... It sounds perfect."

Looking at the scene before him, Bowser couldn't help but think that this is perfect.

It almost feels like he couldn't be happier.

Chapter Text

Had anyone been looking for him, it would still be near impossible to spot Luigi in the building’s shadow.

After the second time that Bowser put them in Nest Arrest, Luigi was a bit more careful in leaving the castle- after ensuring that Mina is being babysat, of course.

Kamek and Kammy have been his saving grace, especially as he explained why he left. They were giddy enough to poof him right into town, which really helped him save time for The Project, and promised to look after his bambina.

He’s just glad to now have direct access to what he needs.

On another note, he’s happy to know that the Koopalings and Junior are bonding with Mina, taking the time to visit her and introduce her to their interests.

(Luigi has also heard of a competition going on for someone to be her ‘favorite sibling’. Whether or not he and Bowser are making bets on that is an entirely different story.)

Looking at the town square, he’s relieved to see what he’s looking for.

Hopefully, the process will be relatively painless.

Unknown to either Bowser or Luigi, Junior was organizing a Koopaling Meeting in the nursery- Mina included.

Yes, he nabbed his baby sister from his grandparents. No, he did not see a problem with having Mina disappear out of their eyesight (they seemed busy arguing), nor yelling at his other siblings to meet him at the nursery.

It got him to where he was now, his sibling sitting in varying degrees of attention towards the billboard he made.

As always, Ludwig is the first to break that attention. “Why are we here, Junior?”

“To plan for a wedding, of course!”

There is a silence that is only broken by Mina’s happy babbling. He assumes it’s a sign of her approval because the rest of his siblings aren’t helping at all.

“Junior.” Aaaaand there’s Wendy, who is more busy picking at her nails than looking at the board. “You should let the adults handle this. Daddy could handle it.” She pauses. “Although I haven’t heard of any preparations from his end yet.”

“That’s because Mama is proposing!”

“Wait, WHAT?!?”

“WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?!?”

“HOW IS MAMA BEATING DAD TO THE PUNCH?!?”

“Wait.” It’s Iggy that cuts through the shock, adjusting his glasses in a way he claims makes him look ‘purr-septive’. “How did you know that?”

“I have ears everywhere.” The disbelief on everyone’s faces destroyed any bravado he had. “And I heard him tell Kamek and Kammy about it since he wanted them to babysit Mina.”

As one, the other Koopalings turn to said baby, who has somehow crawled near the billboard without them noticing. She seems to be trying to reach for the step called ‘Step 3: Wedding Dress’, and Junior felt a burst of smug pride that she seems to like it.

“Junior.” He immediately deflates, because it’s rare that Roy uses that tone. “Did you take Mina without telling them?”

“They weren’t paying attention when I asked- and they didn’t say anything when I did!”

“Junior…” And Ludwig looks visibly defeated, “what have you done?”

“What do you-“

“WHO THE FUCK TOOK MY BABY?!?!”

That… was Bowser.

Oh.

Wait- “HELP ME HIDE THE BOARD!! HE CAN’T KNOW BEFORE MAMA-“

And the nursery was in chaos, with a giggling Mina as a witness.

Bowser had been under the impression that everything was fine as he handled the castle finances. More than that, he was eager to finish early and spend some quality time with Luigi.

And then the Magikoopas poofed in.

They were talking over each other, yes, but even he could pick out ‘missing’ and ‘baby’….

“What.”

“She was in her crib, sire-“

“And then she’s gone- no one came in-“

And Bowser would have been ticked off that they couldn't tell him outright what was wrong, but-

"The FUCK you mean she's missing?"

And they do quiet down for a second, maybe he can avoid having an aneurysm-

"She was there-" "And we hadn't seen who took her!"

He finds himself yelling anyway.

“-OOK MY BABY?!?!”

Luigi had only been gone for an hour- an HOUR- just to retrieve his commission. How in the world has it already gone into chaos?

Concentrating, he could easily pick out Bowser and his anger-panic-fear. Kamek and Kammy are mostly panic-fear, but the growing emotions of protectiveness are just as poignant.

Somewhere farther, perhaps in the nursery, he feels a mass of panic-excitement-shock-resignation that he belatedly realizes to be the Koopalings-

And Mina.

Oh boy…

Bowser's not sure where Luigi is, but if he finds out-

(He remembers the crushing fear that Pulsed out of Luigi when he received Mina. That feel that again- to SEE that again along his grief...)

He's already dashing out of the office and doesn't pay mind to anyone he comes across other than his soldiers- shouting to launch a search for Mina and-or whoever has possession of her.

He heads straight to the nearest exits, checking every guard station as he frantically searches.

Eventually, the only place he hasn't checked was the Main Gate, and he makes his way there just as quickly when-

"Ooof!"

He collides with something small and cool, hearing something skitter across the stone floor, and he would have kept going-

"B-Bowser?"

If it wasn't the one person who he didn't want to know what happened.

"Bowser, what happened?"

And he is blanking out with panic, because how can he tell Luigi that their baby girl is gone- taken somewhere that he couldn't follow and doesn't know where to look-

"Dad! DAD!" It seems Junior caught onto the commotion too, and how the hell is he going to tell the kids-

A familiar gurgle comes from the same direction-

And, snapping his sight to the direction, he sees Junior giving Mina a piggyback ride-

Oh.

Oh, thank Grambi and Jaydes! She's alright!

"Erm..."

The Koopa turns back to his lover, who looks lost as he looks between the three of them.

"Did I... miss something?"

"No!" "Nope!"

"Okie dokie.... Oh!" He looks towards the floor, and it's there that Bowser realized that the 'skittering' was a brown paper package, but he doesn't catch much other than a glint before Luigi scrambles to collect it.

Even as he hides it behind his back, all three Koopas (even Mina) were staring at him.

"Luigi?"

"Yeah?"

"What is that?"

"Some things."

"'Things'?"

Luigi seems to struggle to reply, not meeting their eyes as he squirms there.

"I... um...." He sighs, and brings the package back out with resignation. "Well-"

And promptly drops to a knee in a pose that looks familiar-

Bowser feels his breath catch-

A pair of obsidian rings, respectively decorated by copper and cobalt ‘veins’ that are polished to a bright shine that catches the torchlight.

"I wanted to do it at a better time, but-" His beautiful, wonderful human shrugs shyly, eyes glittering brighter than the rings he held.

"Bowser..."

He feels like his heart is beating out of his chest.

"Will you marry m-?"

"YES-" He's collapsing on his own knees, reaching out even as Luigi offers a ring-

But Bowser instead takes him into a tight, rumbling hug.

"Yes, yesyes- I love youIloveyou-" And he's crying, but fuck those tears he's HAPPY and he was utterly wrong in thinking getting Mina was the happiest he's felt (even as it's very close).

"I love you too, Bowser. Ti amo- ti amo..."

Chapter Text

To be honest, Luigi didn’t think he’d get this far.

Long before the peace talks and his position as an Ambassador, he wouldn’t have even considered the possibility that he’d get together with Bowser either.

And yet here he is, waiting to be walked down the aisle.

The wedding preparations were a few notches below chaotic, if only because of their large budget and the practice Bowser had in setting them up.

(Something Bowser admitted to having a lot of fun doing, even if they ended up ruined.)

His willing input- something clearly novel for Bowser- was met with excitement. Combined with the luxury of setting up a guest list, menu, floral arrangements, and all the nitty gritty detail work that came with co-planned weddings? Absolutely ecstatic.

And then there’s the dress.

It wasn’t initially Luigi’s idea- the honor would go to Junior- but he was fully on board the moment both Bowser and Wendy started presenting him with ideas, sketches, and swatches of temptingly soft fabric.

(By the time he decided on a style, Bowser was kicked out since ‘grooms weren’t supposed to see the bride's dress before the wedding’. Personally, he thinks Wendy wanted to capitalize on the project.)

The next thing he knew, he was having several fittings with an A-Line dress that showed off his shoulders but still covered his neck and chest- a ‘Backless Halter Neck’, according to Wendy.

Whatever it might be, it’s a dress that makes him comfortable-

Something greatly needed when he also feels a second away from passing out.

Yes, he’s excited to get married. Yes, he’s excited to marry Bowser. Yes, he is sure that he wants to be married now.

But that didn’t take away the sheer terror of facing a new start in his life- to finally commit and be committed to in a way that will span the rest of his life (or Bowser’s life, considering..).

He feels like the world is getting smaller like there isn’t any air, and what if he isn’t meant to be happy and doesn’t deserve-

“Luigi?”

Mario had seen the wedding coming a mile away- even before Mina’s arrival (which he never could have predicted).

Heck, he even anticipated Luigi taking the first step by proposing. Despite his timid nature, his brother was the kind of person to embrace happiness regardless of the potential hardships that might come with it.

It was a trait he always admired his brother for- to have the bravery to try even as he was scared shitless.

And the days leading up to the wedding have cemented that admiration. Every hurdle was overcome with determination. Every conflict between citizens of different kingdoms is met with gentle patience…

Seeing him handle each one made it easier to accept that Luigi was going to be married.

Which is why, when he arrives to walk his baby brother down the aisle, he is surprised to find the bride-to-be hyperventilating against the doors to the venue.

“Luigi?”

He sees him flinch, but he doesn’t uncurl from his position as Mario drew closer.

It’s enough to have him rush to his side, take him by the shoulders, and let him lean into a hug. Not even seconds passed before he felt his brother's hands grasp desperately around his back- burrowing his head in his neck as he tries to calm down.

To Mario, it felt like watching a runaway train- seeing it derail and crash in a way he couldn't look away- and he won't. Not when Luigi needed him.

"Luigi- cosa c'è che non va, fratellino?"

"Lo non- cosa succude se- What if I'm making a mistake- am I dragging him down-"

And Mario understood- he did considering Peach, but he also understood that if he didn't get to the bottom of this... "And who says that you're dragging him down? Or that he's settling for a mistake?"

"N-no one. But-"

"Ma niente. Luigi, this is your day- the biggest and likely the best day you'll have and remember and share with the grande tartaruga!" And he thinks on that, and belatedly asks- "Do you love him, veramente?"

"Lo faccio. lo amo, Mario."

"Then what is it that you are afraid of, Luigi?"

"I- I feels fast- come se non sapessi cosa aspettarmi. It feels like I might mess up- or that I might lose all of this- all of the happiness- il suo amore, la famiglia, il mio bambina..."

He holds him tighter, and can't help but give a wobbly chuckle.

"[Luigi, fratellino, I'll still be here- we'll all be here, whether you like it or not- even if you ask." He lets him go if only to grasp him by the shoulders again and look him in the eyes. "And even if you call the wedding off, Bowser will still be there for you because he loves you. You're fine, Luigi. You'll be okay because we love you and we'll be here."

And Luigi?

He lets him hold that gaze, lets him search for any sort of doubt or lie (not that Mario ever would, but he knows why and understands).

"Okay." Another calming breath. "Okay."

Bowser was anxious- no, terrified as he waited at the alter.

As a force of habit, his first thought is that Mario has somehow waylaid the bride. But-

Even he knew (long before he even fancied Luigi) that the shorter Mario Brother wouldn't dream of doing that- not when his brother's happiness was on the line.

Even so, the wait was killing him with 'what ifs'.

What if something went wrong, while he wasn't looking.

What if Luigi was regretting it- regretting him- regretting marrying him-

What if he didn't love him-

Logic- and so many instances where he literally felt that sought-for love radiate from Luigi- have met each doubt in turn- made it less likely, but-

Well, he never claimed to be purely logical.

But then he heard the venue doors open-

And then nothing mattered anymore.

Not when Luigi came out the doors with joy on his face and the same sparkling of his eyes that Bowser came to love.

Not when it was Luigi seeming to lead Mario down the aisle in his eagerness.

Not when he arrives, looking at him like he held the whole universe in his grasp.

Not when it felt like he had his whole universe right in front of him, beaming and holding his paws with gentle hands.

Not when they vowed to stay 'through sickness and health', not when they exchanged rings.

Not when they said, "I do."

And especially not when they leaned close, breaths sharing as one, eyes open and vulnerable and so- so happy-

Not when they kissed, and his whole being felt volcanic enough to burst with the happiness that is in and around him.