Chapter Text
Luigi and his brother were once again packing for another rescue mission to get the princess back to the Mushroom Kingdom. Luigi gathered a good amount of power-ups before putting them inside his satchel. He put it on with haste before meeting up with Mario outside.
"You got everything?" Mario asked.
"Yeah. I packed a few extra power-ups for the two of us. Better too much than too little." Luigi stated, getting an approving nod from his brother.
"I've just about had it with that koopa always kidnapping my princess! I don't know what he's expecting from her, but if he thinks he can just take her from us, he has another thing coming!" He balled up his gloved fist, his face reddening with anger.
Luigi was surprised by Mario's eagerness but chucked it up to Mario just being fed up with Bowser's antics. Mario powered-up with an ice flower, knowing that it was Bowser's polar opposite, as the koopa didn't take the effects of the ice flower that well.
Luigi powered-up with a tanooki leaf, his overalls immediately being replaced with a tanooki suit. His tail began to spin, imitating that of a propeller granting him flight. He took Mario by the both of his hands and the two brothers took off into the sky.
Luigi could see the angered look resting on Mario's face. He wasn't sure what it was about Mario but it was unlike him to seem this angry. For Luigi, today didn't seem any different than any of their rescue missions, yet Mario seemed so aggravated.
Their flights to the castle were usually filled with the two brother's talking and laughing and pointing out funny looking trees as they flew to the Darklands. Tonight seemed different. Mario hadn't spoken a word since the two of them took off. There was a tense silence, the only noise that could be heard was the sound of Luigi's tail spinning. He knew something had to be bothering him.
"Hey, Mario? Are you alright? You seem really quiet." Luigi spoke up.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'll be better once we get the princess."
"Okay... But you seem different today. You seem angry."
He watched as Mario let out a frustrated sigh.
"I had big plans today, Luigi." He began.
"Oh?" Luigi eyebrows rose.
"I mean, yeah. You know how I feel about the princess. I was going to ask her out to dinner tonight. I don't want the night I ask her out to be on the same day she got kidnapped."
"I see. I'm sorry, Mario."
"I spent all day trying to work up the courage to do so just for this to happen." Mario huffed in frustration."That koopa is gonna get it."
Mario's anger concerned Luigi, but he trusted that it would wear off after they were finished with the mission. The terrain they were flying over slowly went from the luscious grasslands of the Mushroom Kingdom to the rocky, volcanic, humid climate of the Darklands.
When they arrived at the castle doors, Luigi lowered Mario to the ground. The two brothers made quick work of the henchmen that were located outside the castle. The two then made their way inside.
The two navigated through the castle's large corridors, taking out any koopa troops they came into contact with. Thanks to the amount of power ups they packed, they were able to make quick work of Bowser's army.
Luigi flew Mario through the halls of Bowser's castle until they came to two large doors. They exchanged a confident nod before bursting through the throne room doors. There Bowser stood, anticipating their arrival. Peach took this time to move a safe distance from Bowser, knowing this was going to escalate quickly.
"Well well, look who decided to show up." Bowser spoke.
He eyed the angered look that rested on Mario's face before directing his gaze at Luigi, who was hovering lowly behind his braver brother.
"I see you brought your silly sidekick with you. By the way, that suit looks ridiculous on you."
"Hey, watch what you say to my brother!" Mario said, pointing a finger.
"What's the matter? Greenie needs his big brother to stand up for him?"
"Don't let him get to you Weegee."
Luigi gave a firm nod, balling up his fist doing his best to keep a level head.
"Me and my brother have beaten you before, and we'll do it again! Right Luigi?" Mario smiled.
"That's right! Me and my brother are a team!"
"Well then, I guess you two will go down as a team." Bowser countered.
"Give it up, Bowser. The Mario brothers never lose!" Luigi said confidently.
"Well you know what they say: There's a first time for everything."
With that, Bowser let out one of his signature roars like he always did before battle. Luigi covered his ears while Mario stood strong, enduring the noise. After it ended, Luigi and Mario exchanged a nod, prepared to take the large brute in a fight.
Mario took off running full speed, approaching Bowser. Luigi followed a good distance behind him. Mario fired out a couple of ice projectiles in his direction. Despite Bowser's large size, he managed to weave his way around the attacks.
After dodging Mario's attacks, Bowser rushed over to Mario, landing an attack on him with the swing of his tail. Mario was knocked back a good distance from the koopa, knocking the ice power out of him.
"Mario!" Luigi gasped
Bowser's attention was then drawn to Luigi.
"What's the matter, Greenie? Can't fight without your brother?" He taunted.
Luigi let out a frightened whimper before flying circles around the large koopa to avoid his attacks. He quickly flew behind one of the many large statues of Bowser that occupied his throne room, keeping his distance.
"Ah, hiding are we? I can't say I'm surprised." Bowser taunted before turning his attention to Mario, who was still picking himself up."No matter. I'll just finish what I started with your brother."
Seeing as Bowser was now targeting Mario, Luigi took this as his golden opportunity. Before Bowser could finish his approach on Mario, he was suddenly grabbed by his tail from behind. Luigi pulled on it with all his might.
He didn't have the same strength that his brother did, so he wouldn't be able to spin him around and throw him like Mario. However, Bowser's tail was the main source of his balance. The pulling on the tail was enough to knock Bowser off his balance, leading him to fall flat onto his stomach.
"Well, would you look at that? I guess I can fight without my brother." Luigi childishly teased before blowing raspberries, bringing an angered growl out of Bowser.
As Luigi began to fly over to Mario, his flight was brought to a halt by Bowser grabbing the tail of his Tanooki suit from behind. His eyes locked with Bowser, who had a mischievous smirk on his face.
"Very nice trick, Greenie. Let me give it a try." He said before tossing Luigi back with little effort.
Luigi was immediately transformed back to his standard self as he rolled across the ground. Bowser stood back up.
"Hey, koopa!" Bowser heard from behind him.
Before he could properly react, he found himself turning around only for his face to be met by Mario's fist. Mario began landing a combo of hits on Bowser. It was rather hard to keep up with Mario's movements as he kept leaping in the air just so he could actually reach him. Despite Mario's small size, his small fists were capable of dishing out absurd amounts of damage. Even to a guy like Bowser.
After enduring countless of Mario's hard punches, Bowser finally managed to get a grip on Mario. Right as he was about to throw him, he felt a pair of hands roughly pulling on his hair from above him.
Mario smiled, seeing that Luigi had powered up with another Tanooki leaf and was working to save him.
"Keep your paws off of my brother!" Luigi gritted through his teeth.
The tugging was enough to get Bowser to release his hold on Mario. The moment he let go of him, Luigi grabbed onto Mario flying the two of them a good distance from him. The two exchanged a nod, prepared to execute one of their team combos.
Luigi threw Mario forward with all of his might. Mario came crashing down on Bowser with a dive kick. The momentum of the throw, coupled with both Mario's strength and overall body weight, the attack had a strong impact. Mario's attack took Bowser to the ground. Luigi slowly descended to the ground. He joined alongside Mario, staring at Bowser as he lied flat on his stomach.
Bowser staggered to his feet, his imposing figure wavering for a moment as he fought to regain his balance. Undeterred by Bowser's tenacity, the brothers took a defensive stance. Bowser lunged towards them, his massive frame hurtling forward as he unleashed another devastating tail swing aimed squarely at the brothers. While Luigi's jump had more than enough height to dodge the attack, Mario got knocked back once more. The impact sent him reeling, his form propelled backward by the sheer force of the strike, his body skidding across the ground.
Luigi directed an angered look at the Koopa King. He retrieved a sturdy shield he had cleverly pocketed from one of Bowser's troops. Luigi held up the shield, correctly anticipating Bowser's large fist trying to strike him. He blocked a few of his punches before preparing a counter attack of his own, seeming unfazed by Bowser's heavy punches raining down on his shield. Thanks to the shield's sturdy build, it could sustain Bowser's punches. He flew out of Bowser's range, holding the shield like a weapon.
He took flight, baiting him to strike him only to counter strike by flying at a fast speed, hitting him in the head with said shield. Like a masterful marksman, he flung the shield in a graceful arc, sending it hurtling toward Bowser once more. The shield curved like a vengeful boomerang, striking Bowser at the center of his forehead, extending Luigi's lead. He rushed forward, leaping into the air before jumping onto Bowser's shoulders from behind. After quickly gaining his balance, he roughly gripped onto Bowser's hair and pulled with all his might bringing a sharp roar out of Bowser. Unfortunately for Luigi, his lead was short lived when he was met with Bowser's large hands clasping onto him.
He threw him forward, his lanky frame skidding across the ground once more. His rolling only came to a stop when he hit a nearby wall. A worn out groan left the man.
Luigi responded to the sound of Bowser's loud footsteps slowly approaching him. Luigi lifted his head, his angered gaze meeting that of Bowser's who was tiredly panting. The two were exhausted. A sharp pain shot through Bowser's head, leading him to clutch it, falling on one knee. That shield attack clanking with his head seemed to have done more damage than the two anticipated.
It was then that Mario striked Bowser from behind, leaping over him and grasping his hair. He slammed him down on the ground with all his might, finally finishing the job. Luigi stood to his feet, now standing alongside Mario.
"Do you think we overdid it?" Luigi asked, seeming a little concerned.
"Pfft, there's no such thing as overdoing it with this guy."
The two brother's attention was drawn to Bowser giving a worn out groan.
"I think that last move might have been a bit overboard, Mario. He seemed a bit dazed from the hit I landed on him earlier." Luigi admitted.
"Relax, he's a koopa. You worry too much Weegee. Besides, I'm not finished with him yet."
Luigi was confused by Mario's statement at first. It was then that Mario grabbed Bowser by his tail.
"Wait, maybe you shouldn't-" Luigi began, but it was too late.
Luigi watched as he began spinning him around in circles. He then tossed Bowser forward, a loud thump followed after Bowser's weight came crashing down.
"Okay, I think that's enough Mario." Luigi spoke up, his tone being more firm.
"Relax, Luigi. Besides, he's a monster and kidnapped the princess, remember?"
"I know, it's just-..... I don't know. This feels kind of wrong. He's already down. Maybe we should just get the princess and leave."
"Ugh, fine. Since you won't quit being a worry wart." Mario rolled his eyes."Just one more thing."
Mario suddenly snatched an ice flower out of Luigi's satchel.
"Mario, I doubt he'll get back up."
"This is just a safety precaution." He said, absorbing the flower's power.
Luigi watched as his brother froze Bowser in a block of ice.
"There. That should teach him for ruining my plans tonight."
Luigi was used to him and his brother's battles with Bowser, but something about this one felt unsettling. His brother's force seemed rather excessive. Luigi usually never gave it a second thought, but hearing the weakened groan he let out made it feel like Bowser was more than just some heartless brute. He had a limit to how much damage he could take.
Staring at his badly bruised figure frozen in ice was unnerving. Luigi was usually fine with helping his brother with these types of missions, but this time, he felt a strong sense of guilt in accompanying him.
"Hello?! Earth to Luigi." Mario snapped his fingers in front of him.
"Eh, sorry." Luigi shook his head.
"You were just standing in place. You alright?"
"Yeah... I'm fine."
"Good." Mario said before directing his attention to Peach."It's all good now, princess. You can come out."
Peach came out of hiding, greeting the two brothers with a bow.
"Nice work you two." She beamed.
"All in a day's work. Right Weegee?"
Mario noticed Luigi spacing out, staring in Bowser's direction once more.
"Weegee!"
"Sorry!" Luigi shook his head."Uh, all in a day's work."
"Come on. Let's get out of here. Who knows how long that ice will hold em.'"
✧
Luigi and Mario took the princess back to her castle. Luigi found himself lying in bed, his mind still thinking over the encounter. He tried shaking the thought from his head but he just couldn't. Something in him just didn't feel right. Sure Bowser was their enemy, but to put that amount of effort into stopping his plans.... He was used to having to fight him, but to do so and leave him in the state he was in felt wrong to Luigi.
Being unable to sit with himself, he stepped out of his room.
He took a trip to one of the jewelry stores in town. He figured a bit of shopping would help get his mind off of the battle. He greeted a few of the toad shoppers before seeing all the store had to offer.
As he looked around, his attention was drawn to a golden necklace with a red pendant. He picked up the necklace, the color scheme greatly reminding him of the foe that he and his brother had worked so hard to defeat.
He shouldn't have felt bad. He was their enemy. A monster who kidnapped the princess. As he was about to put it down, he found himself recalling the image of the badly bruised king. Giving into his feelings of guilt, he kept hold of the jewelry, making his way to the toad working at the register. The size looked just right to fit around Bowser's head. While he wouldn't be able to take back letting Mario beat him as badly as he did, perhaps he could try to treat the koopa with a gift.
The jeweler allowed Luigi to have a huge discount on the expensive necklace, as he was pretty well known for his hero efforts around the Mushroom Kingdom. After securing the necklace in its assigned box, he took his leave. Luigi found himself back in his room, sitting on his bed with wrapping paper and a bow. It was then that Mario suddenly barged into his room.
"Hey Weegee? The princess was wondering if-" Mario began to say before cutting himself off.
Mario's eyes fell on the necklace. His gaze kept alternating between the necklace, the wrapping paper, and his brother. A smug smirk then appeared on his face.
"I-it's not what it looks like!" Luigi defended with haste.
"Sure it isn't. You aren't off to see Daisy by any chance, are ya'?"
"I told you, it isn't like that. Me and Daisy are just friends."
"Alright, alright. I'll back off, but just so you know, Daisy's neck isn't that big. You could've gotten a smaller necklace."
"I told you it isn't for her."
"Right, so then who is the necklace for?"
"It's-.... It's none of your business." Luigi crossed his arms.
Mario let out a laugh at Luigi's attempt to be secretive.
"Alrighty Weegee, you do you. Whoever it's for, I hope they like it."
Luigi watched as his brother took his leave. After brushing off the embarrassing interaction, Luigi put the necklace back in the box it came with. He picked up some red gift wrapping and finished with a yellow bow.
Luigi, seeming satisfied with his work, grabbed his satchel of power-ups. He took out a Tanooki leaf, his overalls being replaced with the tanooki suit. He kept a few power-ups in his satchel, prepared for the worst case scenario.
His tail spun around, and he took to the skies. This was the first time Luigi actually flew to Bowser's castle without the company of his brother. It was definitely odd to be going to the Darklands without the intent of fighting.
Luigi kept himself occupied taking in the scenery around him and kept his mind busy, thinking of what he'd actually say to Bowser once he got there. Luigi found himself arriving at Bowser's castle quicker than usual. Perhaps not carrying his brother through the entire flight made it much quicker.
Luigi eyed the large castle. He didn't want to enter directly through the front as he didn't want to be left to fend off the horde of Bowser's henchmen, let alone without the help of his brother. His attention was drawn to a balcony located higher up in the castle.
He figured that would be a better point of entry. And so, he flew onto the balcony bringing his flight to an end. There were glass doors to keep the night winds out of the room. Luigi took a look through the glass doors to see what looked to be Bowser's room.
He could see Bowser pressing cold ice packs against the bruises on his face. Luigi couldn't help but wonder if it was like this every time he and his brother got finished dealing with Bowser. In the moment, Bowser seemed so calm and hurt. The worn out look that rested on Bowser's face was more than enough to draw a reaction out of Luigi.
Rather than the intimidating brute Luigi normally saw him for, He saw him as someone who was hurt. The longer he watched him treat his own injuries, the more guilty he felt in taking part in this evening's fight.
Luigi took a deep breath before giving the glass doors a lock. The soft expression that rested on Bowser's face was immediately replaced with one of rage when his eyes landed on Luigi. Seeing how fast Bowser began approaching the balcony, Luigi immediately stepped back to the edge of the balcony, his back hitting the safety rail. He watched as Bowser flung his balcony doors open, his angered stomps startling Luigi.
Seeing as Bowser's approach was aggressive, Luigi immediately took flight, just barely missing Bowser's clawed hands grabbing him.
"Whoa, hey! Take it easy! I didn't come here to fight." Luigi spoke.
An angered growl emanated deep within Bowser's powerful chest as his fangs grinded against one another.
"I'm just here to talk."
"GET OUT OF HERE! YOU AND YOUR BROTHER HAVE CAUSED ME ENOUGH TROUBLE!" He shouted, slamming his hands on the balcony railing.
"I didn't bring my brother along. It's just me."
"YOU AND YOUR BROTHER GOT WHAT YOU WANTED, DIDN'T YOU?! LEAVE THIS PLACE LUIGI!"
"I will, I promise. But could you please just listen?"
Bowser's eyes narrowed, clearly not interested in what Luigi had to say in the slightest.
"I'll only be here for a second. After that, I'll be out of your hair and I'll leave you to have your alone time."
Seeing as Luigi didn't intend on quitting, Bowser let out an annoyed huff, a steam of smoke exiting his nostrils. His look didn't ease but his posture loosened seeing as Luigi didn't plan on attacking him.
"Alright. Spit it out. What is so important that you felt the need to fly all the way back here?"
"Well, I came to apologize."
"What?"
"I'm sorry, for how our fight went earlier."
"No you're not! Did your brother put you up to this?! Now you're just taunting me!"
"N-no! I'm serious. I know my duty is to the Mushroom Kingdom but you got hurt in our last encounter."
"I'm just fine! Maybe you humans are used to being weak, but I'm a koopa! I have tough skin!"
"Tough, but not impenetrable."
"What would you know? You're a human!"
"Maybe, but everyone feels hurt, Bowser. Besides, I saw you."
"What?!"
"You were hurt.. I-I saw you just now."
"YOU WERE SPYING ON ME?!"
"N-not spying!" Luigi corrected with great haste."You just happened to be patching yourself up when I got here."
Bowser looked away from him, seeming embarrassed that Luigi saw him in such a vulnerable state.
"I could help you if you wanted. I know whenever I'm hurt, I don't like being alone. It helps having someone there, y'know?" Luigi spoke slowly.
"I don't need your help."
"I'm not saying that you do, but if you wanted it... I'd be more than willing to help."
"Just what kind of fool do you take me for? Why would you want to help me?"
"Because our last fight wasn't fair to you. Mario really overdid it and I should have stopped him. You were already down and I shouldn't have let my brother throw you the way he did. I really am sorry."
"Give me one good reason why I should trust you?"
"Alright. I will."
Luigi took off his satchel, tossing it to Bowser. He looked through the bag of power-ups before looking back up at Luigi. He took a few steps back, leaving room on the balcony for Luigi to land. Luigi gave a smile, slowly descending to the ground below him.
It was then that Bowser noticed Luigi holding something he couldn't quite make out in his hands. Seeming suspicious of Luigi's motives again, he gripped him by the collar of his tanooki suit.
Luigi found himself at eye level with the brute, his claws tugging onto the fur of his suit. Bowser let out a deep and menacing growl, his red eyes wreaking of anger and distrust. His sharp flashy fangs gnashed together, as angered breaths left the koopa.
He had expected this to at the very least, intimidate Luigi. Instead of being met with the fearful look he had anticipated from Luigi, he was met with a sympathetic look. He watched as Luigi held up his hands, unraveling them to reveal the small red present box he was holding on to.
Bowser's expression softened in an instance, along with the hold he had on Luigi. He didn't want to fully let go of him. Part of him felt as though he should be seizing the opportunity, as he had the brother of his arch nemesis in the palm of his hands.
"Go on, take it." Luigi insisted with a smile.
The thought of hurting Luigi fled his mind as he couldn't bring himself to do it. It didn't feel right that Luigi had completely surrendered himself and was giving him a gift.
Bowser's skepticism wore off as he lowered Luigi. He grabbed the neatly wrapped present, eyeing it for a moment, seeming almost impressed by how neatly Luigi had wrapped it. His eyes then traced back over to Luigi. He watched as Luigi gave a reassuring nod, as he seemed rather excited to have Bowser open the gift.
Bowser gave in to his curiosity, and took apart the wrapping that enveloped the box. He opened the box, his eyes landing on the necklace.
"You... You got me a gift?" Bowser spoke, his tone less assertive and seeming to be one of confusion.
"Yeah. The gold symbolizes your royalty. The red gemstone reminded me of your mane and your eyes. When I saw it in the store, I instantly thought of you."
"Thought of me?" He repeated.
"Yeah. Do you like it?"
Bowser cracked a small smile, eyeing the gift.
"I do, though I usually don't get gifts like this." Bowser confessed.
"Really?"
"Yeah... I mean, Junior will give me a father's day card every once in a while and maybe Kamek will give me a gift every few birthdays or so. But I'm used to having to treat myself."
"I see. Well, how about we have you try it on?"
Luigi flew up to be eye level with Bowser, as Bowser stood a little over two feet taller than Luigi. Bowser handed him the necklace before bowing his head. Luigi put the necklace on him.
"Well? How does it look?" Bowser asked him.
"It looks great! It contrasts greatly with your complexion."
Bowser found himself blushing at Luigi's enthusiastic comment. He was used to the childish insults he'd give him in battle. But tonight, he felt his heart jump hearing someone compliment him.
"Alright. I'll take your word for it." He said, tracing one of his clawed fingers across the gold chain."I appreciate the gift, Luigi."
Luigi gave a smile, seeming satisfied with Bowser's reaction. His attention was then brought to the swollen bruises that rested on Bowser's face. The one that stood out most to him was one around his left eye.
Bowser noticed Luigi eyeing his face for so long. He could tell by the way his eyebrows creased and his posture sinking that he was examining the bruises he had gotten from the fight. Their eyes locked for a moment, sharing a look of both hurt and vulnerability.
Bowser averted his gaze to his right, his shoulders now slump his saddened expression not changing. Luigi found himself flying closer to Bowser, removing one of his gloves. His concern led him to resting a hand on the front of Bowser's muzzle, bringing him to look back up at him again.
"Is it always like this after every fight?" Luigi asked.
"More or less. Though as you saw, tonight's fight was a bit more intense than usual."
A tightness filled Luigi's chest as he felt his guilt rushing to the surface.
"Am I.... Still able to help you?" Luigi asked.
Bowser hesitated for a moment, delaying his response. He found himself staring at the concern expression that rested on Luigi's face. His eyes then traced down to the hand that Luigi still had resting on his muzzle.
"Please?" He added on, his thumb drifting across his muzzle.
His eyes traced over Luigi's face. It was then that he spotted a bruise that rested a little under his right eye. He could only assume he got it from the way he was sent rolling across the stone pavement after he had thrown him.
The two were silent, the only noise being the night wind and the sound of Luigi's tail spinning like a helicopter. Bowser took hold of Luigi's hand, slowly guiding him down to the ground, bringing his flight to an end.
"You should come inside. It's getting a bit windy out. Besides, you look to be a little bruised from today's battle too."
Luigi patted around his face for a moment, seeming to just notice the bruise on his face.
"You humans have more sensitive skin, yes?" Bowser asked.
"Yeah. My brother said my skin's like that of a baby."
"And it looks to bruise just as easily as one. Come inside, I insist."
Luigi gave a nod, following behind Bowser. He couldn't help but stare at their intertwined hands. While Bowser's hands were a rough texture, they had a sort of soft feel to them at the same time.
Part of Luigi was surprised by the concern Bowser showed for the bruise on his face. It was rather unexpected for him to go from pleading to leave him alone to insisting that he comes in. Bowser shut the doors to his balcony before ushering Luigi over to sit down on his bed.
He watched as Bowser grabbed fresh ice packs out of a small mini fridge. It concerned Luigi that Bowser had a stash of these ice packs just waiting to be used. It was as though he were used to treating himself.
Bowser sat down beside him, lowering down to be eye level with him. He pressed the ice pack against Luigi's bruised face.
"I'm sorry for the way I threw you." Bowser apologized, his deep voice softened.
"I'm not holding it against you. I think we both went a bit overboard with our attacks ."
"Still, you're a human. A very small one at that. Not saying you don't possess any strengths or anything, but your pain tolerance is certainly much lower than mine." Bowser added before changing the topic."Though I must say, you're actually pretty strong. I didn't expect you to be able to trip me like that. Does that suit give you extra strength or something?"
"I don't think so. It just allows me to fly."
"Hm, I see. Your skinny arms carry more muscle to them than I expected. You're a lot stronger than you look, Greenie."
Usually Luigi was offended when Bowser used that nickname on him, as it was usually used to imply that Bowser could hardly remember his name and that it wasn't even worth remembering. Though after the complement he was just given, he found himself smiling.
"Uh, thank you Bowser."
Bowser grabbed a tissue, wiping Luigi's dampened cheek. Luigi grabbed one of the ice packs, now doing the same for Bowser.
"One thing I have to ask: What's with all the name calling in battle? I mean, I know we're rivals and all but, still. Words hurt, y'know?"
"I only started using them after your brother did."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Oh, I see. Well, do I still look ridiculous in this suit?"
"You don't look threatening, that's for sure. But I wouldn't say you look ridiculous. You somehow manage to make something as silly as that work for you. Now your brother on the other hand would look goofy dressed as such." Bowser teased bringing an unexpected laugh out of Luigi.
"Yeah, I suppose he would."
"Yeah. Though don't take the name calling personally. I was trying to get more of a reaction out of your brother."
"Right."
"A little word of advice, maybe don't tease me mid battle. It'll only make me more eager to get ya'." Bowser playfully nudged him.
"Hey, I was only copying you." Luigi lightheartedly crossed his arms.
"Well you can't outdo the doer."
Luigi found himself smiling at Bowser as the koopa let out a deep laugh. He didn't expect to actually be able to carry a conversation between him and Bowser, let alone one that didn't consist of the two insulting each other.
It was almost as if they were actually..... friends? Bowser noticed Luigi's sudden silence as he took care of his bruise. His expression seemed to be one of deep thought.
"Hey, why so quiet Greenie? I thought we were having a conversation here."
"We are, it's just... Well, it's just so strange seeing you so different."
"Different?"
"Yeah. It's hard to explain."
"Is it a good difference or-"
"Y-yes, it is. A very good difference."
Bowser gave a small smile.
"You're not quite who I thought you were, Luigi. You seem a lot different outside of battle."
"I could say the same for you."
"Say, you aren't busy tonight are you?"
"No."
"Well then, if you wanted you could join me for dinner."
"Really?"
"Again, only if you wanted to. You can leave if-"
"No, I'd love to!" Luigi interrupted eagerly.
Bowser was taken aback by Luigi's eagerness to join him for dinner. Heck, he was surprised that someone actually wanted to have dinner with him.
"Though I'm surprised that you are asking me to join you. Are you going soft on me, Bowser?" Luigi playfully teased.
"In your dreams, Greenie." He teased back, unable to hold back his smile.
✧
Bowser ordered Kamek to prepare dinner for two. He then took this time to give Luigi a proper tour of his castle. The two shared jokes as their laughter filled the halls of the castle.
As they walked, Bowser's vulnerability captured Luigi's interest. He listened as Bowser spoke passionately about his kingdom. His dedication was certainly admirable. The castle's interior definitely peaked Luigi's interest
Underneath that hard shell was a huge layer of complexity that Luigi wasn't expecting. As they walked, Luigi couldn't take his eyes off him and found himself unable to stop smiling. That former unease Luigi would get being in Bowser's castle melted into fascination and excitement.
Bowser found himself taking a great liking to Luigi's passionate responses to his statements. It was as though someone had finally taken an interest in him. He couldn't help but contrast how hard he had worked to get the princesses attention just to effortlessly get the attention of Mario's brother.
He didn't have to try just for his attention. It just seemed to come naturally to him. It wasn't expected, but he liked having someone beside him to just listen to his thoughts, his likes, and his opinions. It was unlike anything he had ever shared and something in him wanted to explore it further. Something in him was comfortable letting his softer emotion show around Luigi.
Bowser found himself thinking about how Luigi rested the palm of his hand on his face. His skin was soft to the touch and something in him liked that closeness they shared on the balcony. He kept comparing his thoughts and feelings for Peach to the new ones that just formed for Luigi.
They felt stronger, and more authentic. Of course, he tried to brush this thought off as the idea of falling in love with his rival's brother in one night sounded silly and like a bad idea. Yet everything in him wanted to explore that dynamic further.
After showing Luigi around the castle, the two made their way to the dining room. Bowser had his troops neatly set their table for two, pushing in Luigi's chair for him. The troops were a bit thrown off as to why Luigi wasn't deemed a threat, but they much rather this than take him in a fight.
The troops placed an unlit candle between the two of them, Luigi watched as Bowser blew a small precise flame onto the candle. It was interesting for Luigi to see Bowser using his powers for more mundane and regular things.
Kamek approached the two with their dinner.
"Here you are, sire." Kamek smiled, placing the plates of food on the table.
Kamek did a double take before recognizing Luigi in the Tanooki suit.
"Sire, correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that-" Kamek started.
"Mario's brother? Yes, what of it?!" Bowser growled, pounding his fist on the table.
"N-nothing! You two enjoy yourselves." Kamek encouraged before leaving.
Luigi stared silently, a bit taken back by Bowser's angered reaction. Bowser cleared his throat, softening his expression.
"You'll have to excuse my adviser." Bowser rolled his eyes.
"It's alright. He probably isn't used to seeing me around. Let alone as a guest."
As the two ate, Luigi found himself sneaking prolonged glances at Bowser. The flickering candlelight illuminated and highlighted Bowser's attractive features. The longer he stared into his eyes, the harder it became to look away from him.
It was hard to think that this was the same guy he was battling against earlier. He found Bowser very charming and sort of sweet in a way. His mind would trace back to the concerned look that rested on his face when he noticed his bruise. Or the way part of his large hand softly brushed up against his face as he treated his bruise.
There was something different about Bowser that he never expected to see but he liked it. He found himself enjoying the dinner they shared. Whether it was the jokes Bowser cracked as they spoke, or the way his deep voice became filled with curiosity when he asked him something. The two seemed to share a strong mutual interest in each other.
After dinner, the two made their way back to the balcony attached to Bowser's room. They were sharing a moment of silence together. Bowser rested his arms on the rail, resting his body weight on the rail, his lowered body language bringing him and Luigi on eye level.
"Y'know, you're full of surprises Greenie." Bowser spoke, bringing Luigi to look over at him."Tonight was definitely an interesting one."
"Yeah. Tonight was fun Bowser."
Bowser found himself giving into the urge to move closer to Luigi.
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Would you be interested in doing this again sometime?"
"Yeah, I'd like that."
Luigi found himself blushing at their closeness. He found himself unable to take his eyes off of Bowser. There was an unspoken attraction between the two. He had never been this up close to Bowser. With the way Bowser was eyeing him and how close he had been inching closer to him, it felt as though he was trying to communicate to him that he had a romantic interest in him. After all, he was lowering down just to be eye level with him. Surely it wasn't all in his head, right?
Luigi found himself copying Bowser's actions, the two of them silently working to close the distance between each other. The closer the two got, the harder it became to hold back. Luigi's mind became clouded with thoughts of just wanting to bridge the small gap of distance between them.
Without giving it much thought, Luigi leaned in, pressing his lips against Bowser's. He was met with the soft sensation of Bowser's lips gently returning the kiss. Despite Bowser's rough exterior, Luigi felt a certain softness and warmth sharing an act such as this with Bowser.
As their lips parted, the realization hit him, finally realizing the quick short sighted decision he just made.
Bowser stood in place speechless of what just took place, though his eyes didn't leave Luigi's. Luigi covered his mouth with a gasp, seeming surprised at what he just did. With Bowser's wide eyed expression, he found himself doubting the decision he made. He felt as though he misread the signs Bowser was giving him. He was embarrassed.
"O-oh my god! I am so sorry. I shouldn't have done that!" Luigi quickly apologized, taking a few steps back.
Bowser, still speechless, stared silently at Luigi. While he was intentionally leaning closer to Luigi in hopes of him making a move, he didn't actually expect the anxious plumber to do so. He didn't think Luigi would take matters into his own hands the way he did. While he certainly liked the kiss, his sense of shock prevented him of reassuring Luigi of that. The blood rushed to Luigi's cheeks, his reddened face fueled by his embarrassment.
"Geez, uh. I-I have to go. Sorry again!" He stammered.
Luigi took off to the sky, flying as fast as his suit would take him. Bowser watched him fly off until he was no longer in sight. He found himself full of new complex feelings for Luigi that had never come to him until today.
His fingers lightly drifted across his lips, his mind fully entranced by the kiss they shared.