Chapter Text
Everyone still speaks about that fateful day. A relationship and union for the ages formed. It was celebrated in the streets of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Confetti rained down and cheers could be heard from all around. Even the most skeptical toads eventually got on board. The cheers and commotion caused a harmonious stir outside the castle gates. An outsider would think a holiday or some sort of festivity was happening on that day. Yet there was nothing like that transpiring. There was no wedding, festival or even a parade going on. Not yet at least on the wedding front. Just the gossip of a long-awaited relationship causing chaos. It came with a whirlwind of emotions and congratulations. All of the chaos on that day happened because Mario & Peach finally took ‘that’ step.
It wasn’t supposed to be an announcement but it’s hard to keep secrets in an environment like the one they were in. It makes sense why the information traveled so fast. Some toads can’t keep their mouths shut. Plus, it’s not some random person. It’s the Princess Peach. Of course, everyone would be curious or feel entitled to know about her love life. She’d been single for so long at that point and that was totally fine. But Mario was a different case, the people liked him and they saw how they were around each other for years.
After just one day, the news was everywhere. Mario took the attention in with an exasperated sigh but a half smile on his face. Both he and Peach were hit with questions and attention. It resorted in the princess being the one to put her foot down.
Still, they’ve basically become like a celebrity couple. The only one of their kind around which creates a novelty that’s unmatched. The relationship is actually almost too perfect to an unsettling degree. They’ve begun to turn into a catalogue worthy couple.
Luigi is happy for them either way. He did get tired of Mario’s yearning in the past. It was the silent kind which made it difficult to bring up often. Then there were those eras Luigi thought they were secretly dating. He’d always find out that wasn’t the case. They’re the poster couple for slow burn romance. Luigi could understand it to some degree. They both had their hesitancies, but it got to a ridiculous point. The celebrating and fans they share now prove how anticipated they were. It proves as well how obvious their feeling for each other always were. They’re perfect for each other.
It’s nice to see his brother so happy, but Luigi is honestly lonely. Mario isn’t just his brother but his best friend. When they could, they’d do everything together. It could be seen as unhealthy at times the way they stuck together. But more absurd things go on in their lives. They’re the only family they have, and Mario is actually the protective one between them. Luigi isn’t dependent on him, but he has realized a lot in his absence. Like how much he’d let Mario call the shots or plan things out for them both. Without Mario, Luigi is confronted with the fact that he has no other close people in his circle. It pains him to think that way because sure, Luigi has friends and he loves them all. But they all have their own lives and live in different regions.
While his brother enjoys the love of his honeymoon phase, Luigi entered a crisis. He can enjoy his own company, but Luigi isn’t a loner at heart. He’s hung out with a few different people, but nothing can replace a bond like Mario & Luigi’s.
Luigi has thrown himself into every hobby he has or has tried and given up. It’s been six months already and he still feels the lingering loneliness. There hasn’t even been any sort of adventures to go on. In fact, Luigi hasn’t even heard much from Bowser since the start of all this. At the start he did cause a scene. That’s what he heard from Mario and gossip. It was an odd, interaction according to them that was contained inside the castle. After that there’s been nothing but vague sightings of Bowser in the outskirts.
It makes sense for the Koopa King to try and break them up, but he hasn’t. It’s like this relationship really has changed the dynamics of everything and everyone.
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Bowser wasn’t a passive bystander in the relationship between Mario & Peach contrary to popular belief. The last thing he wants is to be seen as getting weak. It’s true that he actually did plan to execute some large scheme to challenge Mario for her hand. In the end, it fizzled out into unused machines and a grumpy Bowser.
He’d launched a small pre-attack attack to let them know he was angry and plotting. But it went strangely. Peach was present and they broke the news to him like it was a casual conversation. That both enraged and confused Bowser. They didn’t seem threatened at all. That was the first time he ever felt truly defeated. It’s annoying because it’s not like Bowser loves Princess Peach anymore. He never stopped going after her, it’s still crucial to his dominance. He just doesn’t want Mario to have her either. But that guy was so secure it felt smug. Mario won’t even fight him anymore!
Bowser of the past would’ve never even let that conversation go on. He would’ve just gotten fired up, not letting Mario get in a word. But in that moment he just left. Bowser beat himself up about that for weeks. He didn’t leave his castle for a while, just brooding around. It got to the point where his own minions were worried and checking in. He’d turn them away by striking fear into their hearts. There’s no way he can let them forget exactly who he is. Even if he was feeling less like himself deep down. Bowser realized something one night while lying awake. He was bored and unfulfilled.
The essence of rivalry and the chase had vanished, leaving Bowser with an emptiness. He entered a time of reflection, falling into a midlife crisis of sorts. First he did everything to prove his strength was still intact, working out like a maniac. But of course, he didn’t need help in that department at all. Anyone can look at Bowser and see the might of his body. His fire still burned hot too. It wasn’t a physical issue he soon concluded.
Bowser then tried to get in touch with his emotional self and his artistic side. He played the piano nonstop for an entire week before getting frustrated. He destroyed that piano which he regretted but it was an easy replacement. It was more his lack of self control that upset him, which never was an insecurity before. His music just kept going astray to things he didn’t want to say out loud. Then a miracle came. Bowser caught wind of a group, a community, of artists who can come together to create. A space to work out everything you’re struggling with.
Bowser was creeping around, spying on Mario because he wanted some excuse to start a fight. When he returned to his ship empty handed, he found something. At first he was just angry that someone would dare try to defile his ship. Then he felt respect that someone was bold enough to even stick a flyer there. Or maybe it just flew out, getting stuck on the large vehicle. It was parked where it shouldn’t have been after-all. And most people who spot Bowser’s ship will run out the area quickly. He could imagine some toad running off and sending them flying.
Whatever it was that sent the flyer to him, it felt like a sign in that moment. A sign he desperately needed. Beyond being an amazing and feared king, Bowser is a tortured artist.
That’s how it all began.
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Luigi needed something new to do. He’s just like Mario in the sense that he has a lot of skills and experience in many things. They’ve probably done every sport and activity under the sun. Somehow painting has never really been his thing, but he’s now become interested in it after the advertisement he saw.
Luigi shows up to the class today, carrying along his equipment. He bought way too much on a whim hoping this would become a new passion. He felt the need to be overly prepared too. So here Luigi is hauling up a bag of painting supplies and equipment as well as an easel. He trudges up the hill and it’s out in a beautiful field. There are students already setting up their things. The toad who’s clearly the instructor looks older with thick glasses and a kind smile. The class isn’t just toads either, there’s a few yoshies there too.
Luigi sets up his easel when he spots someone familiar approaching. Well, almost familiar because that’s clearly Bowser. He’s just in disguise for some reason. If dark sunglasses, a white shirt, dark pants and a denim jacket count as a disguise. The shades are doing the heavy lifting here and that’s not saying much. Although, it is uncommon to see Bowser in clothes in general. Luigi almost assumes Bowser is there for him or to start chaos, but the others don’t even react to seeing who’s clearly the Koopa King. An enemy of the Mushroom Kingdom, set up among the group and in the Mushroom Kingdom. Have their defenses gotten this weak? Luigi stays quiet too because nobody else says a thing about it.
He startles though as Bowser’s head suddenly turns to him sharply. They’ve both spotted each other now. Luigi braces for a confrontation that doesn’t happen. Bowser suddenly looks nervous rather than angry or defensive. He quickly moves his easel to try and hide himself, but it doesn’t work that well at all. Bowser takes up space no matter what he tries to do. His shell alone stands out so much. Luigi finds the whole thing comical for some reason.
Class begins and they’re tasked with painting the landscape. It feels advanced when potential first timers like Luigi are present. But, it’s emphasized to just have fun. Luigi begins to paint, taking help and tips in as much as he can. He finds himself relaxing and getting into the experience. His eyes occasionally drift towards Bowser who’s also engaged. Maybe even more than anyone else. The instructor comes around, checking each painting. The old toad has to keep pushing his glasses up and Luigi wonders how they even stay up since he has no nose. The instructor reaches Bowser, giving him a thumbs up which makes the tyrant king smile. It’s a proud genuine one but with a cocky huff.
Luigi laughs softly but goes quiet when Bowser looks his way. Bowser peers over the top of his shades and narrows his eyes. It shuts Luigi up completely. The painting continues in a peaceful way, the wind softly blowing around them. When all is done, Luigi feels good about what he’s accomplished. Even with the glaring distraction that’s been in his way.
The instructor holds up his pointer finger. “Alrighty, let’s have you all share your paintings with the group! C’mon and don’t be shy!”
Luigi hesitates to turn his canvas around despite just feeling content with it. He waits for other people to do it first, when suddenly, Bowser stands up. He turns his around for everyone to see. It’s a bit of a cartoonish interpretation of the landscape around them with bold lines and color. For sone reason Bowser also painted himself sitting among the grass. Luigi wasn’t aware they could take such creative liberties of why he’ add himself. Although, Bowser is self centered. Famously so. There are snaps and claps along with words of praise from the group. Luigi also claps and smiles, finding something endearing about the painting all in all.
The instructor speaks, “Sticking to your signature as always Bowie! That’s a vision nobody can replicate. Let’s see now…you in the green hat! You still haven’t turned your canvas! Sharing is crucial to all this ya know?”
Luigi didn’t expect to be called out and now all eyes are on him. He’s more focused on the “Bowie,’ name drop. Is Bowser really going undercover and even more confusing it’s working?
Those intense red eyes stare at him from behind dark shades and Luigi rubs the back of his neck. Luigi turns his canvas. “It’s my first time at this so I’m a little nervous.”
Luigi attempted to make his as realistic as possible. He just went for the most obvious approach assuming replicating what they see was the goal. But from the other paintings that clearly isn’t true. It’s not perfect either, but anyone can guess what it is. The group still reacts positively. It seems constructive criticism isn’t a thing here. The only one who doesn’t say anything or applaud is Bowser. Something about that stings. But they are enemies…technically. His brother has also beat Bowser countless times, Luigi helping more than once. He has the right to be prickly towards him.
The others show off their paintings, the last person finishing just in time. The instructor’s timer beeps and the group start packing up. Some linger to talk as they do. Luigi put his things away slowly, eyes darting to Bowser over and over. He tells himself to leave but that would be cowardly he thinks. Luigi goes up to Bowser. His feet move before he can think properly.
“So, what are you doing here…I mean…this is unexpected. Is this apart of some plan Bows—mmph!”
Luigi’s eyes widen as Bowser’s large paw covers his mouth. It annoys him and he forgets about his previous hesitancy. Before he can pull away, Bowser drags him off away from the group. Luigi frowns and yanks his arm away.
“Listen greenie! There’s no need to run your mouth or ask questions. If I wanted to cause harm I would’ve…” Bowser comes in tense and defensive before huffing out smoke.
“Listen here. Just. Don’t blow my cover…..please…..”
Luigi blinks trying to process what he just heard. Any anger is overridden by hearing, ‘please.’ A reluctant one but desperate sounding. Luigi adjusts his hat, staying silent which makes Bowser actually squirm. It gives Luigi his confidence back.
“I don’t get how that disguise even works in the first place. But…I won’t say anything if you’re really not up to no good. I have questions but I guess I’ll hold off. You seem sincere.”
Bowser nods and he’s silent before muttering. “Thanks then.”
“Oh…well you’re welcome. I-I also liked your painting.”
Bowser grins and crosses his big arms, stretching out the fabric of his jacket. “Thanks, I know I have talent. You on the other hand need work.”
Luigi’s eyes widen and he actually feels offended. Luigi instantly wants to go back on his promise and rat Bowser out. He can’t think of a comeback which makes Bowser chuckle at him and brushes right past him walking away. Luigi turns to watch him. It’s such an odd experience and he wonders if he handled it well. If it were Mario in his position, or if he was here with him, would things have gone differently. Luigi doesn’t want to think that way though. He’ll figure this out for himself.
Going back to grab his things, the instructor speaks up, “I hope to see you come back next week!”
Luigi nods and he start on his way down the hill. He will return for sure. There’s no way he can pass it up after today.