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Chapter Text

The castle's garden was beautiful but Luigi expected nothing less of what was to be the main ceremony for a royal wedding. Everywhere he looked there were flowers covering tables, decorating in between porcelain tea sets and dinner plates. It was like una fiaba - a fairy tale. Canape tents and wooden pergolas piled high with various shades of pink and white, streamers, lanterns, and even more pretty flowers. As lovely as it all was, Luigi was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed by how quickly the usually quiet gardens had been overhauled and filled, setup to accommodate what felt like the entire kingdom.

All day he'd been tagging along behind the Princess, doing little odd jobs so that he could feel more useful. He'd moved chairs, tables, and planters. He had fixed a leak in the fountain. Recently Luigi had been taste testing enough lemonade and strawberry cake to last him a lifetime. The intensely sweet desserts had started to make him feel a little sick after the first few samples and he was more than happy to leave the table behind, passing on any more pink icing and fruit tarts. Luigi knew Mario would have loved getting to try so many sweets. It would have been impossible to drag his brother away from them all if he were here. Luigi wished Mario was there with them.

If Luigi was getting secondhand wedding jitters by standing around watching the toads run about, he couldn't imagine how Mario was handling himself through all this. Maybe that was why he volunteered to take on a last minute mission to another land. It was a small job. Nothing dangerous that would keep him away long. But Mario had looked relieved during his departure, sack on his back and the anxious foot bounce under control for the first time all week.

Luigi felt a bit sorry for him. As much as he knew Mario loved Peach, getting married into royalty couldn't be easy.

Luigi chased after the Princess as she micromanaged every little detail of each well placed decoration. They both wanted his brother there, he could tell. She looked a little flustered too but kept all her emotions under control with a smile.

Luigi wanted to be of more help but there was less and less for him to do as the day dragged on. He buried his face into the pretty smelling bouquet of flowers he'd been carrying around with him for the last while. Ever since they were handed off to him he refuse to put it down. No one had been able to wrangle them from his grip. Peach stopped trying. She giggled and told him to look after the bouquet for the rest of the afternoon. So, he did. He carried it around the garden, getting loose flower petals everywhere.

There was a chance she was just humouring him, or maybe she could tell how Luigi felt. Even if the amount of toads running about under foot made him anxious, there was this dreamy far off look in his eye as he paced about the garden. A too big smile on his face as he silently pretended that he was the one getting married like this, with a big ceremony with all his friends.

However, those happy hopeful feelings were drowned out rather quickly when he looked at the Princess's bouquet clutched tightly to his chest. It was enormous and heavy, weighed down by copious amounts of peonies, lilacs and pastel pink roses. It was too much, like everything she did. Still, he wanted them all the same. A deep rooted stab of jealousy cut through his chest as he held the flowers closer, crushing a fern branch under his chin. He was unwilling to let them go and hated to admit to himself the reason why.

There was this belief ingrained into him from a young age that because Mario was the oldest, he would get married first. Luigi was the younger. So he had to wait his turn. If and whenever that turn was going to happen.

There weren't many romantic options for him in the Mushroom Kingdom. The closest place with other humans was Metro Kingdom. Not that he imagined there would be many suitors fighting for his hand there either, or in any world they travelled to. No matter where they went, Luigi was just Luigi. He was never someone's first choice. People didn't rush to get to know him. He wasn't super talented like Mario or pretty like Peach.

He wasn't sure who he was waiting for or why he bothered to hope there was someone looking for him.

Luigi tried not to be bitter and followed quietly behind Peach. He watched her direct toads around the garden as they strung up more twinkling lights and made everything come together just as she wanted it to be.

He had snickered to himself when this whole wedding planning chaos started. Apparently there was no such thing as a long engagement in the Mushroom Kingdom. It felt like only a few days ago that Peach had decided it was time she and Mario got married. This decision was followed by an abrupt proposal over dinner that left Mario choking on his food. Of course he said 'yes' to her. He was head over heals. And once he caught his breath, he excited to tell everyone.

The following days were immediately filled with Peach's need to get everything ready.

Luigi found this particularly funny. He lightly teased her that she was moving at Bowser speed over this wedding. She was less than impressed with him at the time but it was undeniably quick how everything was happening.

Luigi swallowed his jealousy and said what anyone else would in his situation.

“Bellisima,” he told the Princess.

Peach turned away from a small side project and smiled politely at Luigi. She appreciated the compliment but told him she had to go check on something, asking if he would excuse her for a moment. He nodded and gave her a big, 'Okie Dokie'.

The second Peach walked away Luigi let out a large relieved sigh. He hadn't wanted to say anything at the risk of sounding like he was complaining but today had already been a lot for him. A moment to himself would be very much appreciated. As Peach left, Luigi started to back away into a quiet corner where the large hydrangea bushes hid him from sight. This corner of the garden was thankfully free of any construction toads. He ignored the distance murmur of voices and let himself take a long sniff of the nice flowers around him. For a very brief moment, the stress of the day melted away and Luigi felt himself relax.

A small rustling in the bushes near by made Luigi jump, startled enough to yelp. He turned in the direction to see the branches of the hydrangeas shake. Curiously, Luigi leaned in closer to see what was the cause. At first, he didn't see anything but the large puffs of the flowers. Then, two koopas fell out, sending the lot of them tumbling to the grass.

Luigi caught himself before he was completely bowled over. He bounced back to his feet and watched the two koopas tangle around one another as they tried to stand. They struggled and roll onto their backs. They kicked and made loud whining sounds. Luigi would have been more concerned about sudden appearance of koopas at the castle but they looked to be stuck.

“Stai bene?” Luigi offered out a hand.

The koopas ignored his offer help. Instead they grabbed onto the other, rocking back and forth to get off their shells and clamber to their feet. It was all a clumsy mess and Luigi had to step back so to not accidentally get hit.

When they were back on their feet the two turned towards him quickly. The two koopas seemed to be a silly bunch and he offered them a big polite smile and asked again if they were okay.

“Mario!” One of them said with excitement, pointing a finger.

A common mistake. One that Luigi was use to. He shook his head but didn't have much time to go about correcting them. The other koopa had fished out a small packet from inside his shell. It was small and squishy like a beanbag. Luigi looked at it for a second before it was thrown at him hard. He gave a surprised cry and braced himself.

Not wanting to drop Peach's flowers he turned to try and protect them. The small pack hit him in the shoulder and exploded like a water balloon with a little gentle pop. Bright purple powder burst out in a cloud, covering Luigi in it. Powder dusted over his face and caught in his moustache. It was unavoidable that he breathed it in. He could feel the powder at the back of his throat, starting to burn and make his eyes water.

Then, Luigi sneezed.

He sneezed a few times in a row as the powder settled around him. They were high-pitched and almost sent him falling backwards with each one. By the time he was done Luigi felt very lightheaded and swayed on his feet. The world around him had gone heavily blurred and sparkly from the tears gathering in his eyes.

Luigi clamped his eyes shut to clear them but his head swam when he did and found that he was unable to open his eyes again. It felt like all his blood gone to his feet. A clawed hand took hold of his upper arm but Luigi was on the ground before he even knew what was going on, knocked out cold.

Bowser was in a foul mood. He'd heard the announcement of Mario and Peach's upcoming wedding and had been grinding his teeth ever since. For days he'd been trying to pull together something resembling a plan to interrupt the wedding or stop it entirely. But each new idea buried him deeper into a heavy state of resentment until he didn't see a point anymore. For all he cared the wedding could come and go, and he wouldn't lift a finger to try to do anything about it. Convincing Peach to become his queen was a lost cause already. Not that she ever deserved the title, he had come to think bitterly.

He sunk low on his throne, claws scraping against the arm rests until grooves were left behind. She had rejected him in every way. But to choose that little meatball, it was infuriating. A snarl gurgled up in his throat. Bowser could feel the beginning of a fireball forming in his chest. Thin streams of smoke started to curl around the edges of his gums, coming out of his mouth with each deep breath.

Beside the throne Kamek was dutifully standing close by. He'd been watching his king get progressively angrier. At the first sign of smoke he took a discreet step to the side.

He deliberated on what to say to offer as a distraction. He saw the way the smoke was becoming more prevalent as his king's temper worsened. It was around this point when Bowser turned explosive and violent towards the castle's furniture. It was just a matter of time before there was something to nudge him over the edge and the room burst into flames. There were still holes in the castle from last time.

Kamek adjusted his glasses. He was about to clear his throat when the doors to the throne room were knocked open. It grabbed both of their attention instantly. They looked up to see two clumsy koopa troopas stumbling over one another to get into the room first.

Kamek visibly twitched at the noise they made. The doors rattled and they two yelped and argued between them. This certainly would be the final straw to set Bowser off. Kamek dared a glance over and saw the way Bowser's nails dug deeper into his throne. They were going to have to replace yet another wall.

The two imbeciles fumbled and tripped their way down the long hall to make it before the throne. Behind them they drag a large sack. It didn't seem overly heavy but they were pulling it along with some trouble. When they got close enough, the sack was dropped and forgotten as they rushed forward. Both koopas saluted their king.

“Lord Bowser!” They cried in unison.

“We've got it, sir.”

“Just the thing.”

Bowser slammed a fist against the armrest. The sound echoed through the room, shutting the two up immediately. He took a slow seething breath. A dark threatening smoke blew out between his clenched teeth.

“What are you two going on about?” he asked.

The two started to nervously ramble over one another in explanation. Bowser rolled his eyes, not really listening. Anything coherent sentence didn't strike him as interesting. He let his head fall into one open palm. He looked between the two in front of him, then sack they proceeded to show off with widely ecstatic arm gestures.

“We went and got him!”

“Just for you!”

The sack was roughly dragged forward another few feet. The fabric rippled as something inside moved slightly. They got more excitable as they pulled the knot loose.

“Mario!”

Bowser was on his feet before the knot was even fully undone. The fabric wrinkled and sunk as the ties let go. The misplaced frustration he'd been feeling turned to sheer energy over the prospect of the capture of his biggest enemy. He could maim, torture, hold him for ransom. He didn't know what he'd do. Yet.

Bowser clapped his hands and rubbed them together. What a wonderful turn of events!

He watched the bag wrinkle and sink to the floor. The half covered body inside stretched out slowly. A fluffy head of brown hair was the first thing free. The familiar hat had been knocked off, now crushed under the folded limbs still stuck inside. Copious amounts of broken pink flowers spilled out around him, petals getting all over the floor. Big blue eyes blinked back the pull of sleep, looking up at the crowd of koopas staring down at him. A confused, tired expression met Bowser's.

Bowser felt his morals grind.

“You idiots!” He hollered. He pointed a clawed finger at the man at his feet. “This is not Mario!”

The two koopas looked down at the half conscious human still curled up on the floor. To them it sure looked like Mario. Same overalls and the same silly hat. He had the moustache. For some reason he was just dressed in green. That didn't make him a different person, surely. And he's been with the Princess, so of course it had to be Mario. The two frowned and looked at one another.

“He's not?” One of them asked, confused.

Kamek waddled his way forward. He raised his wand, ready to knock them both over the head.

“Shall I handle them for you, sire?”

That was a tempting idea. Bowser was about to give permission when the younger Mario brother at his feet started whining. It was a small sound, high-pitched and sounded uncomfortable. Bowser looked down, frowning at the way the plumber tried to sit up and stretch. Yawning and mewling like a tired cat. It had been a while since he'd seen the green sprout. Almost long enough that Bowser couldn't quite remember his name. Greenie. Green Bean. Had something to do with pasta or something. Linguine. Whatever... it would come to him eventually.

Bowser watched him closely, suspicious over every little movement he made. Luigi stretched like he just woke up from a long nap, though he didn't particularly look well rested. His hair was a mess and his eyes looked glazed over. He was still only half crawled out from the sack he'd been dragged here in. Pink flower petals covered his clothes along with a strange purple dust. It sparkled in the throne room's torch light. Bits sprinkled onto the floor when he moved.

“What's he covered in?” Bower kept his distance from the mysterious purple dust cloud. Whatever it was was definitely the cause of this odd behaviour in the younger Mario brother. The little twerp hadn't done more than shake his hair out and look around in a daze. Normally he would taken one look at Bowser and shrieked like the coward they all knew him to be.

Kamek scurried over to investigate, prompted by Bowser's question. He leaned in close to Luigi, squinting. He adjusted his glasses and poked at him with the end of his wand. Loose dust was disturbed from his clothes and hair. Luigi sneezed as it tickled his nose. Kamek quickly flinched back to avoid he small poof of purple sprinkles.

He still found himself humming with some interest as he inspected Luigi's face and the dust on his wand. Shockingly, it was rather impressive that the two arguably dimwitted troopers had pulled off a successful kidnapping on their own, or thought up such a plan by themselves.

“It seems that he has poisoned mushroom powder all over him.” Kamek shuffled around Luigi in a wide circle careful not to get too close. The powder was the only really threat here. With the way Luigi was struggling to even stay sitting up, he wouldn't be putting up much of a fight any time soon. The old koopa snorted at what he saw and gave Luigi a little prodding poke to the shoulder. “He's not all there, is he?”

Bowser leaned down blowing a full gust of hot air across Luigi's face. The purple powder cleared off his skin. Luigi blinked the blur from his eyes. He looked up to Bowser and mirrored his slight frown. The two looked at each other in confusion with Bowser waiting for the younger Mario brother to start screaming and cowering when he realized where he was. Instead, his head tipped to the side. Then he smiled, lop sided and sleepy. With a great deal of effort Luigi pushed himself up onto his knees and sat there, still hugging a mangled arm full of pink flowers tightly in his arms.

“Who are you?”

Bowser took a full step back. He hadn't expected to be taken by surprise like this but he couldn't honestly believe his ears. Sparing a look towards Kamek it seemed they both were rather shocked. While it was possible that this was all some desperate ploy to save his backside, it didn't seem like something the green man would do.

Lie or not, a part of Bowser took it more as an insult. As if anyone could forget someone like him. Bowser growled, feeling the heated flare of his temper. He pointed a finger down at Luigi.

“Don't you mess with me. I'm in no mood.”

Finally. There was that familiar squeak of fear. Luigi fell backwards over himself. There was this flailing dance of waving arms and legs before he clumsily rolled over on the floor, limbs sprawling through the mess of flowers.

This was a waste of Bowser's time. His own men hadn't brought him the correct brother and he couldn't imagine how keeping this one would benefit him.

What was there to gain besides a vengeful Mario breaking down his door when he found out his brother was missing. That is, if he weren't already on his way.

Bowser was so tired of this game. He had half a mind to dropkick the snivelling wimp out of the castle and let him walk back to the Mushroom Kingdom. The pathetic scared whining at his feet was only serving to annoy him further. Bowser sighed and rubbed at his temple.

“Sire, maybe we should-” Kamek tried to intervened.

“Silence.” Bowser ordered. He didn't want to hear it, most of all from his advisor. “Greenie, I demand you explain yourself. Where is Mario?”

“W-who?” Luigi tried to curl up smaller, covering his face with the flowers.

“Mario! You know exactly who I'm talking about!”

“I don't know who that is...”

“Sire, if I may-” Kamek interrupted again.

“What?” Bowser turned to him. “What do you want?”

The intense outburst forced Kamek into a bow. He grovelled and snuck up along side his king to speak to him privately. His voice remained low, encouraging Bowser to do the same. He tried to say his piece but it was harder to keep his king's full attention. Bowser wouldn't turn his back to Luigi for a second.

“Sire!” Kamek waved his wand in front of his face.

“What?”

“I do not think this is a joke,” he told him. Clearly not what Bowser wanted to hear.

“What are you going on about?” Bowser was frustrated. He growled between clenched teeth.

This time when Kamek lifted up his want it was to show the purple powder covering the tip. Bowser squinted down at it like it was suppose to mean something important.

“This powder is from a poisoned mushroom.” Kamek's interest was obvious. He smiled and inspected the powder. “It's actually quite impressive. I don't know how these two came up with something so clever.”

Bowser grumbled. Poisoned mushrooms were always such a gamble. Its strength was practically a roll of the dice and was often entirely not worth it. They had the ability to make someone severely sick, or just weaken them for a short period of time.

According to what Kamek was now telling him, from what they could see anyway, breathing in the powder had a very strong effect which couldn't have been expected. They didn't even know the full extent of what the mushroom had done besides some mild drowsiness and what seemed to be apparent memory loss. Kamek was fascinated and suggested they keep Luigi under observation.

Bowser didn't want to keep him around. He also didn't know what to do with the information being thrown at him. Luigi's memory could kick in after a few hours or a few days. It was only a matter of time. Then Mario was going to show up.

He forced himself to take a long breath to calm down. Unfortunately he couldn't hold back the swirl of smoke that came from his flared nostrils on the exhale.

“Listen, Greenie-” Bowser turned to where he'd left Luigi huddled on the floor. He still had a few questions of his own to ask, just to test how strong this supposed memory loss was. Except, when he turned around, the spot was vacant of the little green plumber.

Bowser felt his annoyance getting the better of him. The spot might be empty but there was a trail of flowers littered through his throne room to show exactly where Luigi had been. The pink petals were left in a zigzag from one end of the room to the other. Luigi was wandering about, head tipped up as he looked around in amazement.

Bowser was speechless. He sighed heavily and dropped his head. He brought a hand up to pinch at his eyes.

When he opened them again he only saw the pastel pink flowers left behind around his feet. They were clearly from the Mushroom Kingdom. He bent down and pick one off the stone floor. All at once the colours reminded Bowser of Peach. His immediate response was an extreme surge of jealousy and anger. Thoughts of blonde hair and a pretty face set off a physical response to blow fire. One small huff and the delicate little flower was reduced to ash in his palm.

It wasn't as nearly satisfying as throwing a fireball across the room but watching the pink flower turn to nothing in his hand did leave him feeling a little lighter.

He'd been after Peach for so long that he started to hate the very idea of her. All the warm happy feelings he'd once had associated with his Princess were spoiled and rotten. She was as spiteful as she was beautiful.

Bowser told himself that this was all Mario's fault, that if he could remove the meddling plumber from the equation then things would be different. Not that he believed it.

When he came back from his thoughts Bowser saw Kamek steering Luigi back across the room like he was trying to wrangle a small child. Luigi didn't want to sit still when there was so much to see. There was something sweet and innocent in the way he walked around in a daze, eyes wide and smiling like an idiot.

Bowser had to admit it was tempting to want to take complete advantage of the situation. Even if it would be for his own amusement to feed Luigi lie after lie about his beloved brother, send him home and just sit back as the chaos unfold in front of him. At the same time he had to agree it was for the best they keep Luigi under close watch. This memory loss could be extremely temporary. They didn't want to risk a surprise attack or being caught off guard. Not that Bowser had ever seen Luigi fight before. Looking at him, he didn't seem like much. But neither did Mario until you saw him in action.

Kamek and Bowser shared a glance. No words needed to be said about what they would have to do next. They were going to have to put Luigi somewhere. He couldn't be left alone to wander the castle.

Bowser thought the dungeon would be enough. Then Luigi looked at him with this happy expression and he immediately reconsidered. He couldn't explain it but there was something about the way Luigi looked at him. The little worm had the brightest smile that felt like Bowser was looking into the sun. It was too much for him to handle. Bowser wanted to shove him behind the nearest locked door where he didn't have to look at him.

He waved a hand at his advisor and said in a low rumble,

“We'll keep him to the tower.”

Kamek opened and closed his mouth, surprised. The tower was Peach's room. Everything in the tower was kept to her liking, furnished for her comfort and was kept ready at all times for her next 'impromptu visit'.

He looked to his king in question.

“But, sire-”

“Do as I say.” Bowser fixed Kamek with a heavy stare. There was no objection. Then, quietly, so it would stay between them he added, “Remove anything that might be too familiar.”

“How should I-”

“I don't know. Throw everything out the window for all I care. Make yourself useful and figure it out.”

It was strange for Bowser to be so dismissive of Peach's tower, so Kamek's hesitation was more than understandable. Typically no one was ever allowed in there besides the Princess or Bowser. Nothing was ever moved or touched without his permission. Bowser was extremely territorial of anything related to Peach. So, to have orders to throw anything reminding him of her away was a shock.

Kamek stood still, waiting for a secondary command that would specify what his meaning was behind saying such things, but none came. The castle had no shortage of guest rooms but Bowser didn't seem to care. He'd said the tower.

“Have it ready by the time we arrive. Understood?”

“Yes, sire.” Not wanting to make his king angrier, Kamek disappeared right away.

One sharp look sent the pair of loitering koopa troopas running from the room out of fear. And suddenly the two were left alone.

Bowser grumbled to himself. This would have been so much easier if he'd been brought the correct brother. Bowser felt no guilt over throwing a mindless Mario into a cell. He shouldn't feel bad about doing so to his brother either but there had been that brief moment. Now, looking down made Bowser uncomfortable and squirm.

When he turned to look back at Luigi he was being ignored. The little green bean had started to pick up some of the flowers left all over the floor. He was crouched down, meticulously looking them all over and collecting whatever still had a stem, arranging them neatly in his arm.

Bowser didn't see the point in caring about silly flowers. It made him wonder whether Luigi was always this ridiculous or if the poisoned mushroom had turned his brain to goo.

“Hey, Greenie!” Bowser tried again. If his own looming presence wasn't going to be enough to get his attention, then he'd speak up. Though he caught himself before he really started to yell and bark orders as if Luigi was one of his guards. It wouldn't do any good to send the guy into a panic. Then Luigi might start fighting back and Bowser wanted to keep him compliant.

A fight would only make Bowser's headache worse. He bit back his temper and kept his tone soft. For him, that came out as a low grumble, muddling his words together but that didn't seem to make it hard for Luigi to understand. Bowser pointed at himself.

“Do you know who I am?” The shake of the head and a small apology was the response. Bowser puffed up his chest and held his head high. “I am, Bowser. King Koopa.”

It was unnecessary to be formal, but he was a king and that status demanded admiration and respect. Creatures coward before him. He was feared. Luigi perked up and looked at him with the largest eyes Bowser had ever seen. He wasn't scared or running away. Instead, he actually looked flustered and excited. Luigi's smile lit up his face with this little pink colour. Bowser felt himself becoming tongue tied.

One little smile. Not just any smile. Bowser hadn't seen someone look at him like that before. All that awestruck attention being turned towards him was baffling and strange. Bowser made an embarrassed sound and swallowed.

This was also the first time he ever noticed that the younger Mario brother had these blue eyes, bigger and brighter than Peach's ever were. He cleared his throat.

A small voice thankfully broke him out of this weird train of thought.

“And who am I?”

“Oh...” That Bowser didn't know how to respond to. He still couldn't remember his name and that was going to be a problem. “You? You are... You're my... Never mine. Come. I'll show you to your room...”

Bowser light touched Luigi's shoulder with the tip of his claws. He hoped it was gentle enough to guide him out of the room and not cause him to panic.

“My room?” Luigi followed with a small spring in his step. “Do I live here with you?”

“Uh... sure,” Bowser grumbled.

Ever since leaving the throne room, Luigi never left Bowser's side. He trudge along, staying close and never trying to wander away. Bowser kept side eyeing him as they went, expecting something to happen but it never did. Probably because he saw the way Luigi struggled to keep up even though they weren't walking very fast. Luigi's legs wobbled and looked a bit unstable on his own feet. Bowser slowed his steps and let a hand rest over Luigi's back.

He didn't know how to handle how much bigger he was in comparison to Luigi. Bowser had always known he was larger than a human but the full span of his hand covered the distance of Luigi's shoulders. Of course Mario was a shot stack of imbecile, but his brother wasn't much taller. The top of his fluffy brown hair only came up to the centre of Bowser's chest. He only noticed this because of the way he'd unintentionally pulled Luigi closer under his arm. Bowser told himself that it was to keep the guy from falling over or from taking off, but the truth was he didn't actually know the reason.

Bowser kept quiet, trying not to draw attention to how uncharacteristically embarrassed he was behaving. He also didn't want to think about it himself.

Luigi shuffled from one foot to the other, walking the halls that looked vaguely familiar to him. Unfortunately, it didn't feel comforting or like home. The castle was strange, too dark and very warm, like a mid summer heatwave. The experience was more like walking through a dream. There was a distance voice in his head making him uneasy and wanted him to leave. It made him feel unsafe every time they turned a corner and he didn't know what would be there.

Didn't he really live here? Apparently so, because he had a room.

The weight of an arm around him felt protective and warm. All the spooky fears of the dark drifted away.

Luigi looked up at the large koopa at his side. Bowser was very tall. Tall enough that Luigi could feel his presence without the touch at his back. The claws poking gently against his shoulder were scary in their own way, but they only gave him this funny little feeling inside that made Luigi happy to press further into him. It had to be okay after all. Bowser hadn't moved his arm away yet.

There were many questions he wanted to ask, about where they were to one another, about who he was, but Bowser didn't look like he was in a talkative mood. Not that he was too disappointed. They had both been lost in thought for the last few minutes. The koopa looked tired too, frustrated and doing a horrible job at hiding it. There was a scowl on his face but it wasn't angry now. Luigi felt badly, like he was causing everyone problems just by being there.

Luigi hoped that being a little closer would offer some kind of reassurance, silently wanting Bowser to know not to worry because he was there. The claws flinched on his shoulder but didn't pull away. This gave Luigi all kinds of ideas about what their relationship might be. He didn't want to start assuming anything too quickly but tell that to his wild imagination.

Luigi looked down at the small bundle of flowers that he'd been holding this whole time. He couldn't remember why he had them or where they came from. The mixture of colours ranged in carious shades of pink which was odd. Personally he preferred greens and yellows over pink. Still, they were pretty and certainly not from around here. The hallways of the castle were dark, stone, and lit by torches. Not exactly the place to grow flowers. Had he gone off to get them or where they given to him?

The idea of Bowser bringing him flowers made his chest feel all warm and bubbly, but Luigi doubted that was how he'd gotten them. Something in his mind came up with the image of a large garden and a sunny afternoon. There had been decorations and more flowers. He could still taste sweet treats on his tongue. Something reminded him of a party.

“Greenie. This way.”

'Greenie' couldn't possibly be his real name but Luigi automatically responded to it like it was. He simply figured it was a nickname. One he didn't mind.

Luigi let Bowser lightly push him up a steep flight of stairs that wound and curved upwards, the end never in sight for what felt like forever.

By the time they reached the last step Luigi's legs were tired and shaking. He stopped on the small landing. The only thing there was a single door, slightly ajar and waiting for them to come in. Bowser pushed it open and stood back, gesturing for Luigi to go in first.

“Is this my room?” He asked curiously. Bowser just nodded waved him inside again.

Luigi eagerly went in to have a look around. He turned in every direction, doing a spin to take in the grand room with its curved rounded walls and high ceiling all at once. It was definitely large and well furnished. It was lovely. Although he had hoped seeing his bedroom would remind him of something.

Nothing struck him as particularly familiar. He liked the room and wished it gave him the same warm feelings of being at home as a small touch to the shoulder had.

His excitement was dragged down for long.

Bowser almost couldn't look, just in case there was still too much of Peach left behind to haunt the sole tower room. Quickly he glanced around and felt himself sigh with a touch of relief or satisfaction. Stepping through the door wasn't tainted with years of heavy regrets and disappointments.

There was no pink or peachy tones anywhere that he could see. Kamek had done a bang up job at recolouring the furniture with his magic. All the frills and gold trims were removed, replaced with soft creams and shades of green. Everything was no decorated in colours closer suites to the Koopa Kingdom.

And closer to the shade of green that Luigi was wearing on his shirt. Surely, he would approve. No, not 'approve'. Bowser didn't need Luigi to like the room. He just needed him to believe that it was his.

The room on first glance was relatively the same, only in a different colour. There hadn't been much in need of change. Peach never left anything personal behind. All the gifts Bowser showered her in were always neatly put away for when she came back. Bowser had a horribly impulsive thought to tear open the wardrobe just to double check that the remaining dresses were disposed of. Even if they remained, maybe Luigi would believe they were his own. Luigi and Peach were both human shaped. It made sense to him that they would wear the same clothes. Bowser refuse to give in though.

He refuse to budge from his position by the door. All the while following Luigi around the room with his eyes as the man scampered from the cluttered vanity to the four post bed. Nothing in the room seemed to excite him more than the bed with its many pillows and layers upon layers of blankets. Luigi looked like he wanted to throw himself over the bed and bury deep under all the pillows like it was his very own nest. He had this little bounce to his step where he raised himself up onto his toes. And his hair flopped around in a knotted mess. The absence of the hat making it more obvious that it would normally be well kept.

Luigi wouldn't stop smiling whenever he looked back at him.

Bowser blinked, realizing that he was staring.

He turned all too quickly only to catch the eye of Kammy, not Kamek. Of course, it was just like Kamek to delegate the task of 'decorating' to someone else.

A shiver of self conscious awareness went though him. He huffed on a breath and crossed his arms. Kammy scuttled in closer, awaiting further instructions but Bowser waved her off. He had nothing to say to her. The job was done here and he couldn't keep staring at Luigi another moment longer.

“I have to go,” he grumbled, turning away. He avoided looking at Luigi specifically as he fled the room rather abruptly.

The two watched him lumber out the door and disappear down the stairs. The stomping of his feet on the steps drifted further away.

Kammy hummed and excused Bowser's sudden exit. She saw how Luigi watched the door, disappointed that he'd gone so soon. She waddled over to the vanity where she had left out a tray of hot tea. Luigi followed her closely, watching her pour him a small cup full.

“Here, deary, drink this. You'll feel better.” She passed him the teacup and offered to take the flowers he'd been carrying. His hands tightened a little but she smiled patiently. It took some gentle coxing to get Luigi to let them go. Only after Kammy promised they would be safe did he agree. The flowers were left on the vanity next to the tea tray. There they wouldn't be crushed or broken.

Without the flowers in his arms Luigi fidgeted uncomfortably. He took the teacup and tried not to tap his nails against the porcelain. He lifted it to his face to breath in the smell of freshly brewed tea. It was a bright sweet smell and it reminded him of - what he imagined to be – home. Luigi held onto the cup with both hands and blew at the stead steam coming off the top.

He liked the idea that this was his home. Everyone he met treated him with such care and softness. Luigi smiled and thanked the elderly koopa for the tea.

He didn't know where to start asking questions. His attention was still all over the place. Luigi looked around the room. None of it looked familiar to him even though he was told that this was his room. Was it a new room or had it always been his? How long had he lived here?

Kammy must have seen some concern on his face because she ushered him to sit on the bed and told him to continue drinking his tea. Luigi let her sweep him aside.

“Th-this is my room?” He asked softly.

“Yes, of course. As you left it,” she said.

“Did I go somewhere?”

Kammy fumbled with her answer, awkwardly hesitating. She scrambled around him, straightening pillows and pretending like he'd never asked. All that she said was that everyone was happy he was home.

Luigi looked to the door. Bowser didn't seem happy. In fact, he felt Bowser was trying to get away from him as quickly as possible. He'd barely said goodbye or anything since their brief moment alone in the throne room. Luigi felt like Bowser didn't even want to be alone with him. His face fell into a sad sort of expression over that thought. He wanted to mope about it, dig himself a hole under all the pillows and sulk, but a claw waved in front of his face to get his attention.

“Don't mind him. He's just a little grumpy today.”

“P-pardon?” Luigi frowned. He'd been staring at the door hadn't he? Luigi looked away, afraid he might blush.

He wouldn't have described Bowser as 'grumpy' earlier. There had been too much yelling. Was it because Luigi couldn't remember him? He must have done something, even though he couldn't say what that 'something' was. Guilt made his stomach uneasy. Luigi didn't think he could drink any more tea. He held the cup in his lap.

“Lord Bowser can be big and scary, but don't worry, deary. He's a real softy.”

He hoped that was true. Luigi fiddled with the teacup as he listened to her reassurance.

He wasn't trying to spill any of the tea but all his jittering tipped it sideways. Tea got on his pant leg and Kammy immediately started to fuss over him, suggesting he take a bath and change. She was very motherly which was nice. It wasn't just the lack of memory, but he couldn't remember the last time someone cared for him like their own kid like this. It was sweet. He chuckled a little and got up off the bed as she took the teacup away.

The bed had been so plush and he regretted having to get up. He wanted to crawl back into it and pull apart the mountain of pillows and blankets until he'd made the largest pillow fort he'd ever made. Then he'd bury himself inside and sleep for hours. His body was tired and sore but he couldn't stop restlessly moving about the room. Everything was so distracting that he didn't know what to look at first.

A few thoughts stayed pressing on his mind. Luigi didn't know how to ask them politely. He clapped his hands together and turned towards Kammy. He stuttered and nervously bounced on his toes.

“Scusi... but, who are you?”

He was happy she didn't look offended. The question made her smile. She fawned over him, pulling him down into a front bend so she could ruffle his bangs.

“Just call me, Kammy. And you are, Luigi, of course.”

Luigi blinked. Yes! That was his name. He sighed with relief and a wide grin spread over his face.

“Si, yes. Th-thank you.” He appreciated that someone could finally tell him.

“Goodness, you are filthy... Let me draw you a bath.”

“Uh, you don't have to-”

“Nonsense.”

Luigi definitely would have protested further but couldn't. She'd already walked off on him.

He felt awkward standing around a room alone as Kammy disappeared through an archway into what he only assumed would be a bathroom. She continued to call to him from the next room.

“Then after that you can get some rest. I'll let Lord Bowser know how you're doing.”

Luigi played with his fingers. He started to walk about the room one more time while he was alone. Everything felt too rich for him, like he was suppose to be royalty but that didn't seem right. He thought to himself that he preferred a small house in the country. Something with a big garden where he could sit and watch the birds.

“We know each other then,” he supposed out loud.

“Yes, quite well.” Kammy heard him well enough through the open doorway.

“I am sorry that I can't remember you...”

“I was told. You don't have to be sorry.”

Luigi pulled open one of the vanity drawers. He was thinking that he'd find the usual stuff, brushes or combs. The drawer was organized with a number of velvety soft jewellery boxes. Only half the boxes were opened. The rest were still partly wrapped with crisp neat bows. They looked like presents. He could resist looking into just one box.

Luigi plucked one of the already unwrapped boxes from the draw. The lid popped open. He didn't consider himself to be a jewellery person but the bracelet inside the box was quite lovely. He liked the tone of gold and the delicate little detailed that went into the thin band.

Setting the box, he went for another. This one had a similar necklace. Luigi wanted to take everything out and try it on right away. He lightly snickered to himself.

“Your bath is almost ready!”

Luigi flinched and muffled the sound of the jewellery box snapping shut with his hands. In a hurry he put the box away and closed the drawer as quietly as he could. Even if it was his room, he didn't want to be caught snooping through drawers.

He stepped back, pretending he'd touched nothing. Kammy still hadn't come out from the bathroom yet so he waited for her. As a pause in their conversation lasted a while too long for his comfort Luigi started to mutter under his breath and sigh. He looked back towards the stairs.

He still didn't like how Bowser had left in such a rush. He huffed low and sad.

“And... L-lord Bowser...” Saying his title felt weird. Luigi stuttered it out all the same, glad no one was watching him flush and become so embarrassed. “Are we... me and him... Are we close?”

“Yes, I would say so...” Something else she said was cut off and Luigi didn't catch it. Before he could ask she told him, “Try to relax for now. You'll give yourself a headache if you think too hard.”

“One more question...” Luigi stepped up to the doorway in between the two rooms. Kammy came waddling out to meet him. She smiled at him and pattered her hands dry on her robe.

“Yes, deary?”

“Uhm... could you tell me. Who is Mario? B-Bowser was very mad that I couldn't tell him where he was.”

“Oh... I see. Well... Mario is your brother.” She paused for a moment. “Unfortunately, there's this unfriendly rivalry between those two. They don't get along.”

“He doesn't live here too?”

“Heavens, no.” Kammy laughed brightly as she turned away again. Then her muttering slipped and he heard her say something that jogged his memory a little too quickly. It was like a small pin prick headache that made him wince. “He lives in the Mushroom Kingdom.”

Luigi remembered rolling hills covered in wildflowers, long winding paths that connected villages, and the big blue stretch of the sky. In the middle of it was this small house that he knew was his. It had been his and his brother, he thought – at least he was pretty sure it was. It had a garden outside where he grew vegetables and flowers. Not like the bouquet laying on the vanity, but big sunflowers and morning glories.

A sudden sense of longing crept on Luigi that he couldn't explain. The small house had been his home, yet he was here. His brother wasn't with him. Luigi didn't fully know who his brother was or where he could be.

Luigi sucked in a sharp breath like he couldn't breathe.

The Mushroom Kingdom must be far away to be so different form where he was now. Not that he didn't like his room or its nice things, he told himself. There was a charm to it that he found himself enjoying. Luigi only wondered what could have taken him from his family and a home. Whatever the reason, it must have been something very important. And he couldn't remember.

Kammy moved away from the bath once it was overflowing with colourful bubble bath. She clicked her claws together happily. Thankfully she didn't notice the blurry eyed stare on Luigi's face as he fell silent. She trotted by and nudge him towards the bath.

“Don't fret, dearie. Lord Bowser is going to take good care of you.” Kammy patted his arm. “Enjoy your bath. I'll be back soon with some dinner for you. Oh, and we'll have to find you some clean clothes. Mustn't forget that.”

Luigi nodded, not knowing what else to do as she chattered away. It was easy for her to tell him not to worry. Whether or not he would be able to was entirely different. He was still so restless and confused about everything. As much as he wanted to feel at home, nothing felt right. Everything he remembered was just out of reach and the more he tried to grab onto what little he remember the faster it slipped through his fingers.

Luigi started to chew on his lip. He was beginning to get a little short of breath but tried not to let it show. He held onto the wall, meaning to go into the next room but he couldn't get his feet to budge.

Then Luigi's attention came back to the bouquet messily falling apart on the vanity.

Suddenly Luigi felt like he'd been punched square in the chest.

A rush of memories, like grainy movie film, came flooding back to him. He remember the background noise of gathered voices. He remembered the taste of strawberries, cakes and tarts. All the sweet things topped with whipped cream. Flowers and streamers.

He remembered what must have been a party. Even then he'd been missing his brother.

He remember seeing koopas too.

These memories came with an overwhelming longing that made his stomach flip and he stumbled, feeling a little queasy. Looking the pink flowers made him feel worse. Oh! No wonder why Bowser was so upset that he couldn't remember.

Luigi covered his mouth trying to hold in his surprise gasp but it came out more like a startled yelp.

Kammy stopped abruptly. She had only been a few steps away but came right back to his side. Whatever it was that she was saying didn't make it to his ears. Luigi flailed his hands around, making large ridiculously gestures that only he understood in his hysterics. He almost tripped over his own feet as he started to pacing about.

“Oh Gosh! How could I forget!”

“Are you alright?”

“Yes!” Was he though? “No...”

“Did you remember something?” Kammy tipped her head to the side and watched Luigi nod slowly. His hands fell away from his face slowly but he still kept them balled up under his chin.

He should be happy that he remembered all this. Luigi should be over the moon and giddy. He should be kicking his feet and laughing. It was a good memory, one that made his chest all warm and hopeful.

The only thing keeping him from completely jumping for joy was the aching sympathy he now felt towards Bowser.

“Luigi?”

He looked down at Kammy and couldn't stop a bright red colouring from taking over his face. When he put his palms to his cheeks he could feel the radiating heat of his embarrassment.

“Bowser, he- I mean... lui è mio...”

“What did you remember?”

“Noi siamo...” Luigi smiled so wide his face hurt. “We're married.”

Chapter Text

This new was not taken well.

“WHAT?”

How could so much go so wrong in such a short amount of time.

Bowser was seething. Teeth clenched and nails carving out chunks from his throne. He was ready to combust, if the shock hadn't left him frozen in place. Never in his wildest imagination did he think something so impossibly insane could happen. The whole situation might have been hilarious if it had been intentional. Instead, he was so speechless that it knocked him back with bewilderment.

He had left those two alone for an hour. At the most. Bowser snarled. The beginnings of a fireball rising in his chest with a crackling sound at the back of his throat.

For a long while he stared at Kammy while she recounted what had happened between her and Luigi, and the very interesting conversation they had. None of it made Bowser happy. In fact, the more he listened the angrier he got. He shouldn't have left them alone. Kamek should have been there babysitting them both.

Bowser could trust anyone to do things right. So, now that he'd been unwilling involved, something had to be done and he would see to it personally.

He flinched at the sound of a poorly stifled snicker to his right side. At least someone found amusement in this little development. Not Bowser, of course. He looked to the side where Kamek stood, ever present, beside him.

Bowser's fist came down against the arm rest hard. Kamek quickly swallowed his chuckling and stood up tall. Bowser glared at him until that annoying little smirk was gone.

Kammy had gone quiet with the loud interruption. She clicked the tips of her claws together while waiting patiently to continue with her report. There was still more for her to tell. With a quick shuffle forward, she bowed her head hoping to get Bowser's attention back. Though when he did turn back to her his glare had hardened as well.

“Sire...” Kammy took another skittish step forward before clearing her throat. “I did not lie exactly. He came to the conclusion himself.”

“Pft! Didn't lie?” Bowser scoffed. He found that hard to believe. “Where else would he have gotten the idea?”

“Not from me, I assure you.” Kammy was quick to raise her hands in surrender and play innocent. She paused a moment. “I did... perhaps suggest a few things – But only after he came up with it all himself. I didn't have anything to do with it.”

“You didn't bother correcting him.”

The Mario brothers were the bane of his existence. Even the green one. He he'd gone and come up with this ridiculous idea was beyond all reasoning. Memory or not, why would anyone assume something like this? According to Kammy, there might have been a mixture of things that could have lead to this untrue realization, the flowers, the misunderstanding behind their hospitality, fractures in his returning memory that made the castle familiar. It could be a lot of things. But honestly, Bowser didn't care. He didn't like it.

What he should do, what he wanted to do, was march right back up the tower to set the record straight. No Mario brother was deserving enough to be married to a royal Koopa.

However, Kammy was currently trying to advice him against it. Very persistently because she had already settled Luigi's mind on the idea. She barely had to say anything to have him convinced. In fact, with the idea in his head, Luigi had started to rush about the room in a restless pacing, doing a happy little spin when he felt the need. He was excited about the whole thing – which Bowser couldn't understand why.

Kammy felt this a good thing for all of them. Her reasoning was that it kept Luigi happy and distracted while the mushroom wore off. Logical enough, with no obvious ulterior motives. She said nothing about how sweet she thought Luigi was or that it might be a nice change to have someone like him around the castle.

After hearing her out even Kamek had nodded in agreement. Although his reasons for why were different. He couldn't hold back another chuckle as he argued the risks of keeping Luigi as their new 'princess'.

Bowser swatted at him with his large claw. The heavy swing of his hand never touched the magikoopa. Kamek evaporated, only to reappear at a safe distance beside Kammy.

She had no issue with taking a knock at him with her broom for getting in the way.

Kammy didn't think it would help anyone to thrown Luigi in the dungeon now, all because Kamek wanted to study how the mushroom would wear off. There was no harm in letting him stay in the tower. One of the only lies that Kammy had told was that the tower was his old room. That he was there so he wouldn't be bothered by the many noises and goings on in the castle. It was all so Luigi could rest while he recovered.

And that Bowser was giving him space to adjust. Luigi had been more than understanding and felt horrible what this had to be doing to his 'husband'.

Bowser didn't like the idea of one of the brothers feeling sorry for him. Of course it would have taken severe memory loss for anyone to treat him with any sort of compassion. No, it was disgusting pity. It felt horrible and it would not happen again.

“So, he's happy to play Princess. What of it? I don't have to be a part of it.” Bowser grumbled deep in his chest. He sunk lower on his throne until he was practically laying in it. He had to take a long slow breath to calm his anger but the effects of the high tension was making that difficult.

The two advisors looked at him patiently. With a raise of one single claw he silently gave them permission to speak. They immediately took the opportunity to offer their input, loudly, and over one another. Bowser rubbed at the space between his eyes, feeling something start to twitch.

Their arguments ran in circles, repeating their side without any further development. No plan for when Luigi regained any of his memory. Because sooner or later he would. That is, if Mario didn't show up first. They would have to plan for him as well.

Two valid arguments and Bowser was still at a loss. Although he was beginning to side with Kamek. This whole thing was ridiculous and playing along was a waste of everyone's time.

“What is he doing now?” Bowser asked, cutting them both off.

“I prepared him a bath and sent some food up to him. Oh! And some clean clothes. His overalls were filthy.”

Kamek said something snide in response about Kammy mothering the prisoner. This only launched the two into another disagreement that Bowser did not want to listen to. He rumbled and huffed out a cloud of dangerously black smoke.

“You're treating him like a lost hatchling.”

“He's a very sweet boy.”

“Enough! Both of you.” Bowser needed time to think. And silence. Nothing was going to get done with these two bickering in his ear. “I've heard enough.”

“You've come up with a plan then, your Decisiveness?” Kamek asked, eagerly waiting to know.

“Yes.” Bowser stood from his throne. He lumbered down from its platform and pushed his way through the two koopas hovering about his feet.

He had made up his mind. The only thing his advisors could agree on was one thing, keeping Luigi under lock and key was for the best. Whether he be placed in the dungeon or kept in the tower didn't matter. A prisoner was a prisoner, even if he wasn't in chains. Bowser doubted Luigi could do much to escape right now, even if he wanted to. The effects of the poisoned mushroom were too strong and the man could barely walk straight let alone run off.

The only threat Bowser could foresee on the horizon was Mario. That pipsqueak was going to come barging in here at any time looking for his brother. And when that time came Bowser had half a mind to hand Luigi over by the scruff of his neck, dump the bumbling idiot in front of Mario and kick them both out. Let someone else play pretend.

Bowser had spent too many years pretending that Peach would come to love him. He'd pretended that she was just teasing him and hanging around Mario just to make him jealous. It worked far too well because he had believed every lie all willingly. Whatever eased the cruel sting of rejections, cushioning every defeat, after every embarrassing return home empty handed and alone.

Well, that was all in the past now. Bowser had been ruling his kingdom on his own perfectly well. He didn't need Peach. He didn't need a queen. He didn't need anyone.

Bowser had made his choice to stop pretending. He was not about to continue for anyone else again, not for Peach, and certainly not for some dimwit who couldn't remember his own name. That silly little green plumber was about to get a rude awake up call because Bowser wasn't going to play this game.

.

Luigi was so happy when he finally got to flop over on the large bed. He curled up in a tight little ball, tugging at the covers until each corner had been dragged up and bunched around him. They were so silky and warm that he felt like he'd been wrapped in a beautiful green cocoon. Green had always been his favourite colour too.

As soon as he let his head fall against the mattress Luigi was ready to drift off to sleep right then and there. The bath had been just what he needed to relax and get clean. His sore muscles had turned to jelly as he scrubbed all the dirt off himself. The bubbles had been entertaining with their magically iridescent shimmer and he'd come out smelling like bergamot. By the time he crawled out to dry off he couldn't stop yawning.

Kammy had gone by then but been so kind as to leave behind a change of clothes as promised, as well as a tray full of food and a fresh pot of tea. Even if he was tired Luigi didn't know how hungry he was until he saw the meal waiting for him. He'd been so grateful that he'd stuffed himself full without a second thought. The tea was minty and perfectly complemented the spicy food that made up his dinner.

There was plenty still left over but he couldn't eat another bite. Luigi didn't know who he should be thanking for such royal treatment but he felt it necessary to thank everyone for making him feel so welcome here all over again. He wondered if this was how he spent every night, good food and a bath.

He did a little shimmy and got comfortable. With his face buried into the sheets Luigi almost felt himself falling asleep. His eyelids were heavy and every slow exhale made him melt further into the plush mattress. It was like laying on a cloud. Who knew koopas liked such soft beds.

Luigi did hope that Kammy wouldn't mind him taking a small nap while she was gone. She had said that she'd come back after speaking with Lord Bowser, his husband.

Bowser would want to know right away how Luigi was doing, especially given the circumstances. This was a sweet thought. Of course, Luigi still felt horribly guilty over not being able to remember anyone, but every time he thought about Bowser his face started to heat up with such a bright shade of red. Luigi stuffed the covers in front of his face to quiet down his embarrassed fit of chuckles.

There was something about Bowser that Luigi couldn't put into words. Sure, when he opened his eyes and saw him for the first time, Bowser had been pretty scary. The koopa was massive, both in physical build and general presence. They didn't have to be touching for Luigi to feel him towering over him. It was intimidating and overwhelming. Just being close made the air heat up.

Luigi had definitely been scared. The guy had a temper as big as he was. But just as Kammy said, Bowser had calmed down pretty quickly and had been nothing but gentle with him. They hadn't gotten to talk much but Luigi read a lot from their little interaction. It had been so sweet the way Bowser acted all protective over him, guiding him around like that. It wasn't a surprise that he'd fallen for Bowser once before. He was already starting to all over again.

Luigi had been told that Bowser just wanted him to be safe and comfortable while he recovered. So his old room was prepared for him. They knew he'd be more than happy there.

As interested as he was to explore the rest of his home Luigi promised not to wander off on his own. He didn't want to get lost while he couldn't remember his way around. As he could see from the tower window, there was lava geysers that Luigi did not want to get too close to. Humans weren't fireproof after all. Luigi really wanted to see them though. He hoped that his husband would take him soon.

In the moment he had asked Kammy all sorts of questions, talking a million miles a minute as he bound from one end of the room to the other. But she wouldn't tell him anything. Nothing about the castle or of his husband. She said she didn't want to overwhelm him all at once. Which was true. Luigi was already delirious with how everything felt like too much. It made his head rush and his heart skip a beat. He felt panicked and scared, but in a good way. The anticipation was agonizing, like when you're waiting for a surprise you know is coming but you just don't know when.

That's what Bowser was, a surprise he couldn't wait to have. Luigi desperately wanted to know everything about him and their relationship. How they got together. What they were like. Luigi could pictured all good things and it was getting the better of him. Clearly, there was a strong connection between them. Luigi didn't need his memory to know that. He felt it in the way Bowser put his arm around him, an intense need to keep him close. Thinking back on it now, Luigi felt that he should have remember sooner that they were married. It was so obvious to him now.

Luigi didn't even think twice about how he'd married a koopa instead of a human. Bowser was big and strong. Luigi never imagined he could want someone so much, or that anyone could want him too.

And, of course, it never hurt that Luigi found an immediate appeal in someone much bigger than him. Luigi didn't consider himself to be the toughest guy around. Not exactly strong or confident. If Luigi knew anything about himself it was that he was much more quiet and shy, kind of jumpy. Bowser was his complementary other half. It was perfect.

Still, Luigi wanted to know so much all at once. He didn't want to wait for his memory to come back to relearn it all, to fall in love all over again. Kammy told him not to strain himself trying to remember. That it would just give him a migraine. She had quieted him down long enough to convince him to bathe, getting away without answer a single question.

Luigi didn't know how he was going to sleep when he felt so excited, but the covers were so soft and slippery under his cheek. He yawned one more time as his busy mind started to settle.

Luigi was about to drift off to sleep when there was a sharp knock on his door followed by the creak of hinges. It startled him awake all over again.

.

Bowser had marched out of his throne room at a fast pace, but the closer he got to the tower he started to slow down and drag his feet. The last few steps up the long winding stairwell were a strain and took so much effort that he stopped on the platform staring at the closed door for a whole five minutes in pure silence. His posture slumped until Bowser wanted to lean against the wall and take the weight off his own legs. But he didn't. Instead he grumbled and wondered why he was doing this.

Obviously he knew why he was doing this. He was just annoyed that he had to. Better to set the record straight now before things got out of hand.

He sighed. If only this had happened years ago. If only it had been with Peach.

That was a laugh. Bowser didn't care about her, not really. He couldn't even picture her fawning over him in such a lovey dovey way. Maybe at one time or another but now he didn't share the same idealized image of the Princess as he did in his younger days.

The truth hurt but it also came with a weight being lifted from his shoulders. One he couldn't enjoy while the tower was occupied by Mario's brother.

The plan, what little of a plan that it was, was to just go inside and explain to the little Green Bean that Kammy had lied to him. It was all a big misunderstanding. He had a whole speech prepared too. Kind of. It was short and quite blunt. The kind of things that would probably come across as cruel and thoughtless.

He expected Luigi to cry. From what Bowser knew of the guy, Luigi was an unstable ball of emotion, not just a wimpy weakling. Maybe with some luck this would make Luigi want to hide away out of humiliation. Then they could easily avoid each other until this all blew over. Bowser could live with that.

He took a deep breath and put his knuckles to the door. He paused a little there with his hand lightly brushing the hard wood. For a split second he thought about just leaving things as they were. Keep the door locked and toss the key. Then there would be no need to face the truth. But that was a coward's way out, and he was anything but. Bowser growled at himself and forced his fist against the door. It was barely a knock to announce his presence before he opened the door.

Bowser didn't give much thought to what would be on the other side. A room he hated. The familiar furniture and all decorations he had once picked out with such care. Instead, as Bowser stepped inside his eye immediately caught onto Luigi shooting up on the bed. The oddity, out of place because he shouldn't be there. But Luigi had gone and made himself a little home out of the pile of blankets, making the room look more his own than any one else.

Suddenly it was Bowser feeling out of place, uninvited and like he was now in the wrong place at the wrong time. His claws hadn't even let go of the door yet but he was more than ready to retreat back down the stairs and pretend he hadn't seen what he had.

Luigi rolled up on the bed, dressed only in pyjamas. They stared at each other for a moment. And then he smiled.

Bowser could smell a sharp citrus smell from the bath still hanging in the air. At least he'd gotten himself cleaned up. This way, being scrubbed clean of all that purple dust, the effects of the mushroom would finally start to slowly wear off.

Luigi pushed and tried to kick the sheets off him. He'd been so wrapped up and content looking in the bed, like it always belonged to him. That dumb, blissful smile didn't help either. With a little struggling, Luigi slipped off the bed to stand next to it.

Bowser didn't know how to feel then. Seeing Luigi in nothing but pjs seemed far too intimate for his liking. It wasn't because they were pyjamas. He was still perfectly dressed by human standards. The buttoned down t-shirt and matching green pants were all wrinkled and bunched up awkwardly from rolling off the bed. Luigi's arms were uncovered, long stretches of lightly tanned skin with a dusting of dark hair. He was bare foot and the pants cuffs didn't quiet cover his ankles.

Bowser almost wanted to look elsewhere. This was the most bare skin he had ever seen so casually on a human before. He hadn't even seen Peach so undressed before. Typically Peach demanded at least two hours every morning to get ready before Bowser came barging in to bother her. By then she would be bathed, dressed and primped to perfection so that no one would ever see a single hair out of place. Luigi on the other hand was a mess. He had clearly gone and rolled around in bed before hair had a chance to fully dry. Now it stood up at weird angles and looked utterly ridiculous.

Bowser cleared his throat awkwardly. The partial speech he had planned out in his head before coming all the way up here was completely forgotten. Especially when Luigi came bounding over to him with that bright smile turned up towards him. Bowser looked down at him as he got close. His mind went so blank that he almost forgot himself too.

“Luigi...” Bowser said in a gruff, quiet tone that he hoped didn't sound so uncomfortable.

“Bowser,” Luigi greeted back. He didn't stutter or whimper out of fear. That smile never faltered. Bowser noticed the way he kept leaning in, excitedly getting up on his toes to get closer. He looked anywhere else in the room and saw the half eaten tray left laying on the vanity. Anything to get his mind off the pair of big blue eyes trying to meet his own.

Why had he come up here again?

“You... ate?” Apparently that was the best he could come up with. Bowser winced at how he sounded, even to himself.

“Yes. Grazie!” Luigi reached out and took his hand between his own. “It was delicious.”

Bowser only grunted in response. There was a small tug on his hand that urged him further into the room than the doorway. He lumbered a few steps before Luigi started to gesture towards what had been left over on the tray, offering him some too, or if he wanted to sit there was plenty of space for them both on the bed.

Bowser shook his head to decline. At least, he was tried to. He was more than a little distracted by the fingers still wrapped tightly around his hand. It felt a lot like Luigi didn't want him to leave again, if the way he was clinging off him meant anything. A strange thought. Probably something Bowser was telling himself but he had to be mistaken.

“I just came to make sure you were... good?” Finally Bowser managed to stumble over a full sentence.

He was proud of himself, briefly, before he remember why he had come up here in the first place and this was not the reason. This wasn't about make Luigi happy. This was about fixing all this nonsense about them being married before it all went too far. This was suppose to be easy. Then Luigi had to go and smile at him like that.

Stars, Bowser couldn't understand his own hesitation. Peach had never been this excited at the idea of being his queen. Luigi was. For some unfathomable reason, Mario's brother was happy to believe that he was married to their enemy.

“I'm... Everything is lovely.” Luigi looked around the room. “You've been so nice to me.”

“It's nothing.”

“No. No. It's it's everything.” He was eager to correct Bowser, tugging and clinging off his hand desperately. He gave a little laugh to go along with his smile. “You've made me feel right at home. Again. I might not remember a lot... but I... I know I was always happy here. Kammy has been so kind to look after me. And for my room, too.”

“That's good.” Bowser was agreeing just to agree. His voice cut Luigi off a bit on the end, which he hoped would get him to stop talking. Listening to him was making Bowser feel something akin to guilt and he refuse to let that happen.

“I understand why you suggested my old room. It does seem a little inappropriate for us to share a bed when I don't fully remember you.”

“So you do remember me.” Bowser's claws twitched in Luigi's hand. That certainly couldn't be true. Luigi still wouldn't be hanging off him if he remembered anything. Still, he was curious.

Luigi chuckled lightly, face going an even brighter shade of red. He shook his head trying to act like this wasn't embarrassing to him. It wasn't working. Luigi gave a happy little giggle before pressing his forehead into the rough scales of Bowser's arm to hide the obvious blush.

Bowser stiffened. Luigi's skin was warm to the touch. And the way Luigi nuzzled his cheek against his scales tickled from the light brush of his moustache. It was certainly a feeling he wasn't use to.

Bowser's chest started to feel hot. He swallowed but tasted no smoke. The feeling travelled all the way to the pit of his stomach where it flipped and churned. There was a flutter of nerves that made him want to violently flinch back. Doing so might hurt Luigi. It wouldn't take much strength to shake free but not being careful could send send Luigi halfway across the room.

Bowser breathed slowly and forced himself not to move. Each deep breath made the scent of citrus more noticeable. Luigi's still damp hair smelt nice.

The slight hug Luigi had around his forearm was innocent enough. He didn't mean anything by it, but the warm skin petting against Bowser's scales stirred a fire in his chest that he'd rather see smothered into blackened coals. He cursed silently at himself for responding this way, or at all.

“Just stay in here,” Bowser managed to mutter out, though the words were doing their best to strangle him. Bowser swallowed the thick lump in his throat as Luigi wound himself tighter around his wrist, pushing further into his personal space. “In a few days this will all be back to normal.”

Hopeful thinking or maybe a way to convince himself.

“What happened?” Luigi asked. He looked up, cheek still pressed against Bowser's scales.

“Uh... a mishap with a bad mushroom.”

“Oh, I see.”

Technically it was the truth. It was the closest thing to the truth that Bowser had said so far. He had made up his mind that he would set this misunderstanding right and let Luigi deal with the disappointment. However, he couldn't get the words out. Bowser stayed quiet while Luigi went about asking a bunch of questions he couldn't answer. Many of those questions were nonsense about a relationship they never had, a few ramblings in between as he apologized repeatedly for not being able to remember.

He also hadn't let go of his arm yet. Bowser kept feeling the gentle brush of hair on his arm and it made him prickle all over. Still, he hadn't even bothered to shake Luigi off or pushing him away. The feeling wasn't entirely unpleasant, only weird.

“Kamek says you're gonna be tired for a few days.” Bowser interrupted him without answering a single question.

“But I'm okay, right?”

“Yeah. Yeah, you're fine. Don't worry about it, Greenie.”

“You really like calling me that,” Luigi said.

“Do I?”

“Mmhmm~” Luigi smiled and turned his face to hide a yawn. He could barely hold his head up on his own now. “Is it my nickname?”

“Uh... yes.” Bowser called him a lot of things. Mostly because he kept forgetting Luigi's name.

“I like it.”

“Huh?”

Bowser looked down. He'd been trying not to for a very good reason. Luigi was looking up at him like he was someone else, like Bowser hung the moon just for him and would start waxing poetry any second. Sure, in the past he had written ballads for Peach. He wasn't about to do that now for Mario's brother. That was a hard line in the sand that he wasn't willing to cross for the sake of preserving his dignity. Bowser was over humiliating himself to get someone's attention. Not that he was trying to get Luigi's attention, obviously. Those big eyes weren't so blue.

Bowser cleared his throat and tried not to stare.

“Anyway...” He said as he made an gentle attempt to unravel the grip Luigi held on his arm. It was easier than expected. Luigi went where ever Bowser guided him without protest. It was kind of nice to not have to fight someone constantly. “I'll make sure you have everything you need here. Kammy will look after you while I'm busy...”

Luigi nodded a little but it was cut short by a large yawn. He turned to try and hide it but his whole body shivered and slumped out of exhaustion. Even if he tried to deny it Luigi was practically asleep standing up. He blinked and rubbed his eyes.

Bowser huffed, though it sounded faintly like a laugh. His knuckles brushed against Luigi's back to nudge him towards the bed again.

“Sleep.” Bowser told him. “I'll be back in the morning.”

“Will you show me around then? I would love to see the castle, per favore. Please, please, please?” Luigi hopped up back onto the bed. All the sheets puffed and pillowed around him.

Bowser watched him for a whole second, letting that smile convince him of things he'd never normally agree to do. It won him over dangerously fast, the little upturn of that moustache and the slight crinkling at the corners of the eyes. He gave a gruff rumbling noise in agreement but made no promises.

He needed to leave. Turning away, Bowser retreated for the door. When he got there, there was this small sound of a tired yawn and a soft voice that made him come to a grinding halt.

“Good night, amore.”

Bower didn't know what that last part meant but he could tell it had to be something perfectly affectionate and sweet, something never meant for him.

He shifted uncomfortably and grabbed for the door, wanting desperately to slam it close and keep it shut. Instead Bowser stood there in silence, claws digging into the wood until deep set grooves were left behind. His shoulders slumped. Before leaving he said in an equally quiet voice over his shoulder,

“G'night, Greenie...”

.

At the same time in the Mushroom Kingdom...

Princess Peach was busy at her writing desk furiously scribbling out a letter. It was getting late but this had to be done, as a matter of importance.

They had combed though the entirety castle, put out a kingdom wide search, but no one had seen Luigi since that afternoon in the garden. Now, the only trace left of him were some loose flowers and a mysterious purple dust blowing about the grass.

Immediately the gardens had been evacuated. The dust contained to the best of their ability in order to examine it. The conclusion, poisoned mushroom. Peach hadn't been happy to find out this information, or what it could mean for poor Luigi. She knew him to be quite the accident prose fellow but this was dangerous. And so close to home. There was only one person who would go to such extremes try and attacking someone like this. Peach knew exactly who to blame and set to work on writing a second letter.

The first was to Mario, to let him know what had happened – as far as they knew. The second – Bowser.

Peach paused in her writing, confused while she tried to explain that Bowser took Luigi of all people. It had never happened before. It had always been her. She hated the kidnappings, truly. It was annoying and she didn't appreciate being grabbed. She didn't care for Bowser in any way beside as polite acknowledgement, typical of neighbouring royalty. By now, with these kidnappings being few and far in between, Peach hoped they were done. Now Luigi was missing.

It made her worry because while Bowser always treated her well, spoiling her and giving her every comfort she could ask for, there was no reason for him to extend that hospitality to Mario's brother. They were enemies. Peach frowned, not pleased by the idea that Luigi was spending the night in a dungeon. She told Mario this in her letter, sympathetically telling Mario who scared and alone Luigi must be.

Peach didn't want to mention the poisoned mushroom but found it unavoidable. She knew it would only worry Mario further but they had to be prepared for Luigi being hurt.

Her letter to Bowser was much shorter and far less kind. She demanded the quick return of Luigi. No need for threats or bartering, just a clear demand. He would comply. Because they both knew that she didn't have to threaten or declare war on the Koopa Kingdom. If her letter was anything else, it was a warning. Mario would act as a one man army to get his brother back. Peach didn't have to do anything.

Bowser's letter would reach him before Mario would be able to get his. With some luck, Luigi would be returned without hassle and Mario could be called home too. Peach would rather keep the peace than see anyone get hurt, even Bowser.

She sighed and sealed her letters in their corresponding envelopes. She had little faith that Bowser would be reasonable. There was no point in lying to herself just so she could get a good nights sleep. That would be impossible.

Peach got up from her desk and brushed out any wrinkling that had been left behind in her dressing gown. Letters in hand she quickly walked over to the door of her office and pulled it open. Right outside in the hallway waited Captain Toad, impatiently rocking on his heels. Peach held out the two letters for him.

“Make sure this letter finds Mario. It's important.” She told him. “This one is for the Koopa Kingdom. Hurry.”

“Right-o! Right away! Yup!” Captain Toad took off down the hall, his feet scampering over the carpet and leaving a little puff of dust behind him.

Peach rubbed a finger into her temple and groaned. She wished Mario was there with her. This was all so stressful. Poor Luigi, she thought, being left in a dark cell or a cage. The poor thing.

Chapter Text

“Where is, Lord Bowser?”

Kammy barely heard the question as it was asked. In fact, she actively ignored it as Kamek's voice carried down the long hallway ahead of him. She's spent all morning avoiding him for a good reason. Her attention better taken up elsewhere. She rolled her eyes lazily but easily fell back to the window. Specifically what was outside the window, far below and a good deal away from the castle grounds. It was a very rare sight, one Kammy didn't want to miss out on. It was like a complete lunar eclipse or a a snow fall in the Flower Fields.

She had been comfortably tucked into the window well for a while now but reluctantly turned everything but her head as Kamek waddled up closer. Her eyes stayed glued to the grounds below and the way the glow of the lava lit up the cliff side and platforms. This window in particular had a very good view of the geyser fields, as well as the two mini figures, shrunk by the distance, walking the winding rock path between them. The sight made her so happy that she couldn't help smile and clap her hands together with excitement.

The question was repeated, a little louder this time. She made an uninterested sound in the hope of sending him away. He was an unwanted interruption at best and pretended not to hear. Once Kamek was next to her though it became unavoidable that she turn away from the window. He was hovering right by her shoulder with a serious frown on his face. The look of annoyance on his face was so deeply set that it made him look that much older. Kammy wasn't too keen to offer her assistance but also held off on making fun of him.

“Why?” She asked to avoid answering the question.

“He's been neglecting his work all day. Now paperwork is starting to pile up.” Kamek's voice turned bitter. “And now I hear from some of the guards that they saw him gallivanting around the castle with that meddling green plumber. Except they couldn't tell me where or when exactly they saw him because you instructed them not to tell me.”

“Heh-heh! Yeah, I do remember doing that.”

“Now something has come up that is actually a matter of great importance. Not this... this... whatever it is you are up to.”

Kamek waved his arms when he spoke. In one hand his claws held tightly around a letter, though not enough to crinkle the delicate envelope. From the brief glance at the intact seal, seen in between the wild gesturing, the letter came from Princess Peach. Kammy frowned a little over seeing it, unsure if her irritation was still with Kamek or with the Princess. Possibly both.

They all should have seen this one coming. Of course the Princess would be on the ball with these affairs. Especially after how often it had been her to be kidnapped and held hostage. She no doubt noticed Luigi missing at once and guessed to who was responsible. However, indirectly. Still, Kammy wasn't afraid of her. Or Kamek, who was angrily staring down his beak when Kammy hadn't responded to his ranting.

“He's busy,” she said, regaining her cheeky smile.

“Busy?” Kamek repeated skeptically. “Doing what?”

Kammy tried to perfectly position herself into the window well so that it would block Kamek's view of outside. It was no more than an awkward sidestep, clunky and not entirely as subtle as she hoped. Kamek tipped his head to look passed her but she leaned to get in the way at every angle.

Kamek adjusted his glasses. He huffed, annoyed, before waving a hand at her.

“What are you up to? Move side.”

“Find your own window. I was here first.” She swatted him back.

“I don't have time for your nonsense.” Kamek pushed forward into her.

Elbows tried to aggressively nudge the other out of the way. Kammy had the determination of a brick wall, refusing to budge from her perch or move enough to let him through. He knocked off her hat. Her hand hit him in the gut. Whatever it was that she was trying to hide must be of some important if she was do desperately to keep it from him.

“Move, you old Dry Bones in a dress.” He shoved into her rudely.

“Oh! You horrid little thing!”

Kamek forced his way to the window. Sort of. Kammy was still there, pressed into his side. Her head shoved right along side his own in the narrow space of the window well. They both grumbled over the tight uncomfortable squeeze but neither wanted to move aside. He barely had a free hand to push his glasses back into place and squint down over the castle grounds.

Kamek didn't even know what he should be looking for at first. Everything looked normal. No new craters or anything out of the ordinary. Then a small unobtrusive bit of movement caught his attention. Kamek pressed into the window and watched the two figures that were now holding his attention. How he could have possible overlooked them in the first place was amazing because it wasn't exactly every day he saw the King wandering the grounds with their new prisoner in tow. Or anyone for that matter. Bowser would occasionally take a walk of the grounds but it was always solitary and brooding. This was far different.

He was still not pleased to see their prisoner out and about like this. The Mario brother was suppose to be in locked up, not promenading around the grounds like a royal guest. Kamek huffed, aghast, unable to get the correct words out to express himself. He could only watch as the pair below walked along the pathway admiring the geyser fields.

Bowser was big and tall even at a distance. Luigi's small body could easily go missing among the dark rocks. Kamek would have over looked him entirely if he weren't trotting along next to the King, clinging off his arm like a child. There weren't even guards around to keeping watch. Only the two of them, alone. Kamek got flustered and pointed at them like he and Kammy weren't seeing the same thing.

“What is he doing down there?” He asked, loudly. “That prisoner should be in his room, locked up. Why is he outside?”

“Lord Bowser is giving Luigi a tour of the castle.”

“What?” He blurted it out without thinking. Kamek flailed about restlessly, moving away to gesturing wildly between the window and Kammy. “He is our enemy. Or have you all forgotten? Why in the great number of worlds is his Mightiness doing such a thing?”

“Hush up. It's fine.”

“You had something to do with this, didn't you?” Kamek fixed her with a stern glare. He pointed a finger accusingly. “You've had too much free time on your hands since the young Prince went off to boarding school. You're meddling.”

“I have no idea what you mean. I've just been doing my job of keeping Luigi happy.” Kammy didn't even bother to hide her knowing smile as she glance back out the window. “And I think he looked quite happy.”

“'Your job'. This is lunacy. You've all gone mad.”

There was a familiar low rumble from outside, followed by a high pitched shriek. The pair immediately jumped back to the window to see what had happened. They both expected the worst, a wide array of 'worsts' that could happen to human-beings around lava. But it was only the erupting of one of the geysers. The freshly ignited lava still simmering in its pool where it landed. The geysers were all naturally times to go off in subsection with a few minutes between them. This late into the afternoon was typically when they were most active, some times unsuspectingly so.

The rumbling sounds were familiar and homey, often unnoticed. Luigi's scream was not. He was now crouched to the ground in a ball, cowering. Kamek snorted at the sight.

“Pft! His reputation checks out. He's certainly not as brave as his brother, is he?”

Kammy frowns at him before lightly smacking him in the shoulder with the back of her hand. Kamek made a small grunt of irritation but ignored her. He tipped his head forward, peering over his glasses suspiciously as he watched what followed.

With Luigi's balled up on the ground, Bowser had gone and knelt beside him. They stayed that way for a moment as another geyser went off. The two magikoopas were much too far away to know what they were doing or saying huddled up like that, only that Bowser had his claws held out to Luigi and help him back to his feet when it came time for them to stand.

Truly an odd sight. Kamek knew Bowser wasn't normally the helpful sort but his old eyes weren't fooling him. In his mind Kamek came up with a whole list of excuses for this bizarre display. Perhaps it was simply Bowser playing along, pretending for the sake of Luigi's limited memory. Maybe he was growling threats in order to get the small human to get to his feet again.

However, even after Luigi was up and walking, Bowser's arm never pulled away. He allowed Luigi to hug and hang off him as they walked at a safe distance away from the lava.

There was no excuse Kamek could give, even if he wanted to. Even at their relative distance he could clearly see the happy twitch of Bowser's tail as Luigi pressed into his arm.

Lunacy indeed. The castle would be full of rumours come supper time.

“Stop worrying. They're fine.” Kammy said in his ear. The comment was quick to grab Kamek's attention. He backed up from the window, still frowning slightly. She sighed. “What is it now?”

“Oh...” Kamek held the letter up and looked it over. The soft cream envelop sealed with a sweet pink wax insignia had been creased on one end from his recklessness. Bowser would not be pleased.

Thankfully it was still sealed and not ripped. Not that Kamek didn't need to open it in order to know what the contents would be. No doubt the Princess had figured out where Luigi was, and was now demanding his safe return. Obviously, Kamek's duty was to deliver the letter as soon as possible. That way they could start formulating a plan in case of an invasion by a certain red plumber.

Kamek lowered the letter and took one more glance outside. The two had turned back towards the castle now. He hummed, still disapproving of the way the two walked together. Although...

“It's nothing,” he said finally. Kamek slipped the letter into his sleeve for safe keeping.

“Really?” Kammy didn't believe him. She watched him for a moment, expecting him to say something snide or to simply poof off to deliver the letter. Instead, Kamek lifted his head and nodded.

“Nothing that can't wait.”

“I thought you said it was important.”

“Did I? My mistake.”

“Ah! I see.”

Kamek adjusted his glasses and waddled off down the hallway not even trying to look like he was in a hurry. For now he made himself scarce, leaving Kammy to observe the two from the window. She chuckled behind her claws and smiled to herself.

Taking Luigi on a tour of the castle was never part of the plan. He shouldn't be letting the guy out of the tower for any reason. Bowser didn't even want to see Luigi again. Something had to be in the air to make him even entertain this horrible idea. It was all because of Kammy's obnoxious meddling. Which is what he was inclined to call it. He blamed her entirely. Bowser would have never come up with the idea himself. There was certainly nothing tempting about the feeling of someone under his arm. Or the way that someone would press closer as they walked. Nothing about that was his doing.

Apparently, his brief conversation with Luigi the night before had ended up making the confused pipsqueak more restless than ever. Something about Bowser saying he'd show him around. He definitely didn't remember agreeing to anything of the sort. But of course, Kammy was more than happy to remind him, spending the better half of breakfast badgering him about it. She hadn't even tried to be subtle.

A king shouldn't be taking orders like this. He hadn't even finished eating before Kammy was pointing a claw at him and scolding him like she were his mother, spewing some nonsense about looking after his husband. All this had gone too far. He could feel himself regretting not telling the truth already, but he also was hoping to not deal with Luigi again until the mushroom wore off.

Bowser had put off seeing Luigi for as long as he supposed was possible. He hid away until the morning had passed entirely. By the time he lumbered up the tower stairs it was into midday, but he still found his husband patiently waiting for him.

If the mushroom was wearing off, he sure couldn't tell. Bowser had been greeted with the same excitement and affection as he had the night before. No nagging or screaming for being kept waiting. Peach would have been furious with him for taking so long. Instead, the attention was so sweet that Bowser actually apologized for making him wait so long, which he couldn't believe himself for doing. He offered a poor excuse of being busy and just like that Luigi smiled and forgave him without argument.

A sudden nauseating stab of guilt made him give in to whatever was asked of him. Against his better judgment Bowser figured taking Luigi on a small tour couldn't hurt. One that was quick and just a little boring, with little chance of anyone seeing them. He let Luigi take his hand before leading the way.

The tour started off with some usually boring locations: the guest wing, empty balconies, the throne room when he started running out of ideas. These places were usually pretty quiet too so they could go in and out without being noticed. As they walked Bowser tried to sneak in the odd question to try and trip up Luigi's memory, just in case he was still pretending and this was all a well practised lie. Each one was met with a scrunched nose and a blank stare without a certain answer from Luigi. It definitely seemed that the mushroom was still effecting his mind in some ways, though not fully. Some of Bowser questions were answered with such honest enthusiasm that made it seem Luigi was perfectly fine. He had memories of himself. So now, Bowser knew all kinds of useless information about his little husband that he never cared to know before.

Luigi was a big fan of puzzles and games. He played tennis and golf. Pretty well too, in his opinion. Luigi also fancied himself a good cook, and loved to garden. Unfortunately there were any real gardens in Bowser's country. There wasn't exactly sunshine to help keep plant life alive on an active volcano. Bowser felt that he should apologize for that too when he was unable to take Luigi to see flowers. The closest thing was a sand pit zen garden that Bowser never used since it had been added to the castle.

This ended up being a decent alternative. And as dull as Bowser found this whole charade, Luigi was thrilled to see everything for the first time. His enthusiasm made Bowser swell with pride for his home. He started taking Luigi to better rooms without thinking, more eager now to show off. The library, the great hall, the lava moat. Bowser told him about the Underground, the valleys, and the Darkwoods where they could find fire flowers. Luigi wanted to see everything all at once. Bowser gave a booming laugh.

It didn't take long to show Luigi the majority of the castle. And even if they couldn't go now, Bowser started telling him about his airship and vacation home on the other side of the mountains where the ocean ran black, and creased the dark sand beach with a silvery foam. Luigi wanted to see that too. Bowser promised they would go soon.

Guards stared at them as they passed by, deep in conversation. Every intention of keeping Luigi's presence at the castle a secret went sailing right out the window. The guards huddled close, whispering about what they had over heard them talking about. When no one was looking, someone would break off from the group to go tell anyone who would listen.

Bowser took Luigi outside the castle. He had showed interest in the lava so Bowser decided the geyser fields would be their next stop. The fields were a fair distance from the castle. A real sight to see. Bowser told Luigi that the walk was worth it. The lava cast a red glow on the surrounding rocks and the heat could be felt in the air as steam rose from the cracks in the ground. With humans being such delicate fragile creatures, Bowser kept them at a distance. He felt a soft pressure on his shell. When he turned Luigi was slightly trying to hide behind him for protection.

Luigi was eyeing the spray of lava with a fair amount of caution.

Even if humans were easily burned, Bowser didn't see much to be afraid of. Lava wouldn't burn you unless you were stupid enough to get too close. He could have poked fun at him but seeing Luigi tucked into his side made Bowser melt. That desire to tease Luigi for being scared slipped away, and he couldn't find much at all to say. Bowser let his hand rest against Luigi's shoulder as they walked along the bubbling craters. He pointed out a few geysers in the distance as the lava shot up in a fiery ball before falling back into its pool.

The low rumble sound of the growing pressure underground was the first warning, then a spray of hot steam. Then boom! One of the geysers nearest to them went off.

Bowser was use to the sights and sounds of his own castle. What he wasn't prepared for was the scream of fear coming from behind him when the geyser went off. He jumped himself because of it, turning only to see Luigi had collapsed to the ground by his feet. Bowser thought for a second that he'd pushed him over but Luigi didn't look to be hurt. There were no burns or fires from a stray splash of sizzling lava. He looked otherwise fine, besides that Luigi was balled up over his keens with his head ducked down. He was shaking and whimpering as he tried to block out the noise with his hands.

Bowser didn't know what to do about that. He stood around awkwardly watching, waiting for Luigi to get over it.

“Hey, Greenie. It's fine,” he finally said with some impatience but Luigi didn't move on his own. Bowser looked around for anyone who might to see, then sighed. He really didn't know what to do when someone was upset. The sound of Luigi's whimpering tugged at his chest, making Bowser feel useless to help. “You're fine.”

Luigi wasn't listening to him. With his hands over his hears he probably couldn't hear much of anything. He kept shaking, pulling at his hat to try and muffle the rumbling sounds around them. It was beyond pathetic. Bowser didn't understand. It was just a noise, maybe a little loud, but noise couldn't hurt him. He huffed on another sigh and took a knee.

“Greenie. Hey, Greenie?” Bowser reached out and tap him on the arm. The small touch made Luigi flinch, head shooting up in surprise. The constantly sweet pink blush that decorated his cheek had gone a stark white. Wide scared eyes looked up at Bowser, misty with unshed tears. Bowser deflated like a balloon. He kept his hand out in offering. “Luigi. Come on...”

Luigi reached out and put both of his hands into Bowser's. His grip was surprisingly strong, like if he held on tight enough he would stop shaking. Luigi took a few steadying deep breathes but still whined as the noises around them rumbled again and got louder, ensignalling another geyser was prepared to go off.

Bowser recognized the deep groan of trapped steam and the slight earth trembling. He slipped his hand out from Luigi's grip unwillingly so he could place both over the human's small ears. He nodded in the direction of the geyser. This way, when it went off, Luigi was able to see it but heard nothing passed the thick skin and scales. The bright red glow of the fire ball lit up the field briefly like a fire work before falling back down again. Luigi chuckled and gave a happy smile. Bowser did too, mirroring him with a large grin.

“You're safe with me, Greenie.” Bowser let his hands slip away. One stayed held out to offer help back up to his feet. Luigi immediately looped his arms around Bowser's wrist.

When Bowser stood back up Luigi went along with him, gently being pulled into his side once more. Luigi stumbled as his knees wobbled but he didn't fall. He squished himself into Bowser's side, happy to be closer and safe.

The feeling was warm on both ends. Though Bowser was still not use to having someone cling off him like this. Kids doing it were one thing but everything was different with Luigi. There was this sense of need put into it. With ever touch of a hand or in the way his head rested against Bowser's scales. There was a genuine affection behind it. Bowser felt wanted.

He tried to remind himself that Luigi didn't know who he was, not really. If he did there was no way that Luigi would be so eager to touch him like this. However, right now, Luigi didn't remember their bad history or what they had been. To him, they were happy. And that was good enough.

With how slowly Luigi was recovering maybe he'd never fully remember. Maybe they could live this lie for a long time. Bowser's tail gave an involuntary wag.

Bowser directed them away from the geysers, taking them back up along the path to the castle. A they walked he cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to come up with something to say, something clever or charming to break the tension. What came out was neither, practically him just airing his thoughts out loud when he shouldn't.

“You're so jump. I don't get how your brother managed to convince you into going on all those dangerous adventures.” He doubted Luigi knew what he was talking about. Bowser could feel Luigi curiosity coming off him in waves. The fingers on his wrist gripped tighter.

“Me? Going on dangerous adventures?” Luigi thought about it hard for a second. His expression squished as he frowned. Then, he shook his head. “Th-that doesn't sound like something I'd do...”

“Well, maybe not voluntarily...”

“What do you mean?”

Luigi lifted his head and Bowser immediately missed the small weight on his scales. Admitting that was far easier than where this conversation was going. He didn't know how to tell Luigi about his real life when Bowser was never a part of it. Not in any good aspects. There was nothing he could say that wasn't a second hand observation or a complete assumption.

He realized he'd been silent for too long. Bowser looked down to see Luigi staring up at him. There was this patient look behind his eyes, like he could tell Bowser was getting uncomfortable. It was a type of patience that he wanted to keep. This attention and love. Bowser wanted to greedily lock it all away and make sure it was all his, so no one else could get at it.

Bowser coughed, readying a lie. He could hear his own stunted hesitation as he grumbled and paused a few times when he spoke.

“Well, you know by now, obviously, that your brother and I don't get along...” When he stopped, Luigi nodded to show that he knew that by now. Bowser shrugged. “I guess you could say that is one of the reasons. Ya see... he'd take off on all these missions. Sometimes boring political meetings or scouting missions. Whatever his Princess to go do... People like to call him this big hero. I just see him as a menace. He'd drag you where ever he went. You two were always together.”

“But that sounds nice.”

“If you like being treated like canon fodder all the time.” Bowser barked out a mean laugh. “Pretty sure Mario took you with him just so he had someone to shove into traps. Gave him someone to save and take all the credit. He's selfish and reckless.”

“Why would he do that?” Luigi sounded upset. Bowser couldn't tell if he believed him or not. “He's my brother.”

“Yeah. You're readily available. Or were... He hates you being anywhere near me.” Bowser pulled him in closer, curling his claws to lightly touch the hand that had slipped into his palm. “He knows I'd protect ya.”

That got a good little giggle and a blush out of him. Bowser proudly puffed out his chest.

“Can't let him steal you away from me, can I?” he asked.

“I sure hope not.” Luigi let his head rest back down where it had been. He gave a nice nuzzle to the scales under his cheek, finding them warm and smooth.

“Because you like it here?” Bowser asked, fishing for a straight answer. “With me?”

“Yes. Why would I want to leave?” Luigi said.

“Good, cuz I had no plan on sending you away.”

“I guess he's not too happy about us being married and all that...” It was obvious that Luigi was referring to Mario. Bowser nodded and gave an annoyed grunt.

“He'll have to learn to live with it.”

The two walked slowly, feeling like their tour was coming to an end. There was still a lot to see but Luigi was exhausted on his feet. He cuddled up close and tried to hide a yawn by ducking his head. Bowser chuckled at him and teased him about it. It felt easy and comfortable. Even as they returned to the castle and walked through the halls, neither of them paid any mind to the number of guards that stared and watched them pass by. Many leaned in to try and eavesdrop on their conversation, anything that would explain why they were together.

Bowser found it easy to ignore them and walked Luigi towards the dinning hall. It was closer than Luigi's tower and he admitted to be hungry.

“Did you like seeing the castle?” Bowser asked with a hopeful curiosity. A part of him really wanted Luigi to like it here. If this was going to be his new home and all, everything had to be perfect.

“Very much. It's different.”

Bowser took that as encouragement to boast about everything he could offer Luigi. He told him more about the places they still haven't seen, everywhere he could take Luigi. One in particular caught Luigi's attention with a happy excitement.

“A race track?” Luigi's face lit up and he pretended not to be tired any more. He even gave a tug to Bowser's arm. “Can we go, please?”

“Yeah. Would you really want to see that?”

“Sì! Yes!” Luigi let go in all his excitement to clap his hands and bounce on his toes. He gave Bowser these big pleading eyes, desperately trying to convince him to skip dinner and take him racing. The idea sounded like too much fun to pass up just because he was a little tired. Luigi jumped and grabbed his hand again, begging.

Bowser laughed, loud and deep. He gently squeeze Luigi's hand when all of his jumping around almost made him trip on a fold in the rug.

“How about we do that tomorrow? You've already had a long day.”

“Tomorrow?” Luigi pouted like a child. There was no real disappointment on his face. It was all pretend. The corners of his mouth were still twitching and forced a wide grip back into place. “I'd love that.”

“Great. Then... dinner?” Bowser made the same goofy expression Luigi had on his face. His face almost hurt from smiling. It had been a while since he felt this happy in someone else's company.

“Mmm, yes, I'm starving.”

Once again dinner was delicious. Luigi ate far more than he should have. The warm spicy food made him extra tired and full. He hummed happily and let Bowser walk him back towards his tower. They stopped next to the bottom step. Luigi excitedly bounced his way up a few so that he could stand closer to eye level. He smiled and stood there patiently, able to look into Bowser's red eyed and say his goodnight.

Except, he was left waiting awkwardly as nothing more happened. The day had been going so nicely. The clunky awkwardness to their interactions began to smooth themselves out over time. Luigi felt it. He liked seeing Bowser relax and become more comfortable after everything that happen the last few days. Luigi saw how that smug face softened up and looked at him shyly every time Luigi complimented him or was particularly affectionate.

Luigi assumed Bowser's hesitation to return the affection was because of his lost memories. It was the only reason he could think of for why Bowser was not kissing him goodnight right now.

Luigi thought that he was giving him all the right signals, all the right openings to do so. But Bowser just kept standing there, waiting for him to go up stairs on his own.

In a way, he appreciated that Bowser wasn't taking advantage of the situation and was moving at such a slow pace while he recovered. It showed how much he cared. If Luigi could only remember more about him and all the other wonderful things that were equally enduring. Luigi was close to saying that he liked the King very much already.

Which was why he saw no harm in a simple kiss goodnight.

“Grazie,” Luigi said in a soft voice. “I have a very fun day.”

Bowser nodded with a grunt. A gesture that Luigi was starting to catch on to. Bowser always looked down when he was a touch embarrassed. The colouring around his face starting to deepen. It could easily go completely unnoticeable from their height difference but Luigi saw it at this angle really well.

Luigi fiddles with his fingers, pinching and picking at his nails. Maybe Bowser didn't want to kiss him and that was why he was so hesitant. Or maybe it was all because Luigi couldn't remember him. Or he thought Luigi no longer loved him.

The longer he waited the more it became extremely apparent that they were doomed to spend the rest of the night doing nothing but stare at each other. Luigi decided he'd had enough. He leaned forward and put his hands up on Bowser's chest. An intense heat rose up under his palms. The plates of Bowser's scales flexed as he took in a quick breath. Being this close he could see every little variation in those red eyes.

Now or never, he told himself. If he was going to do anything the chance was right there. However, Luigi's bravery started to falter. He moved forward but ducked his head to the side at the last moment. He place a small, delicate kiss to the side of Bowser's muzzle. Even if he wanted to do more, he was too much of a coward.

The small kiss made Luigi all bubbly and hot in the face. It only lasted a second but he pulled back ready to burst into a fit of giggled.

The subtle blush Luigi had seen before on Bowser's face was certainly deeper by the time he stepped back. The yellow scaling looked positively orange. He chuckled with embarrassment himself.

Luigi covered his face with his hands, moving back a little took quickly. His heal his the next step up and tripped him backwards. He squawked and flailed his arms as he started to fall.

They both reacted quickly. Luigi caught himself on the wall and Bowser had taken a quick jump to keep him upright. His large hands came to hold Luigi's waist, encompassing the entirety of it and holding him on the step.

Luigi put his hands on Bowser's, starting to rub little circles into the scales. He dropped his head to hide his smile.

“Th-thank you, again. Th-that wasn't very... graceful.” Luigi silently scolded himself for being so clumsy.

“No, it wasn't.” Bowser agreed, though he meant it only as a joke. He quickly cleared his throat. His fingers slipped from their hold on Luigi so that he could try to go up the stairs properly.

“Well... uhm... Buona notte.” Luigi tried again to go to his room, making the long walk up alone. He kept looking back over his shoulder, smiling as Bowser remained standing guard at the bottom.

“Yeah... G'night.” Bowser nodded.

Luigi waved as the tower stairs curved upwards and he lost sight of his husband at the bottom. Luigi knew all too well that he was half in love already.

It wasn't the Bowser didn't entirely trust Luigi to go to his room. That wasn't what kept him glued to the steps. For some reason, he just hadn't found the will power or control to move his legs yet. Quite ridiculous really, feeling like his entire being was whittled down to nothing but a bumbling knot of emotions he couldn't place. The last time he felt such fluttering in his chest, he was much younger and Princess Peach was still Princess Toadstool, still serving under her father.

This was a little different than being struck dumb by a pretty face. Bowser held a deep rooted desire to make sure Luigi went to his room, so that he was safe and sound, and home. What a thought. Bowser still wasn't entirely sure as to what triggered the association between the castle and Luigi thinking it was his home, but it was now something he couldn't separate in his mind. His darling little husband needed to be here – home – with him, and that was the only thing that made the anxious fear of losing him settle down.

Of course he would have Kammy check on Luigi later to see if he needed anything, and to make sure the tower door was locked, just in case.

Bowser fidgeted for a good whole ten more minutes, much longer than necessary. He paced along the hallway a few feet before turning back around. His claws curled into tight fists before flexing wide. Something popped. This was humiliating. There was no need for him to stand guard along hallway like this. He had koopas to do that for him. And he did.

As Bowser headed towards his own bed, the first pair of guards he passed he appointed to the tower stairs. This way he could sleep soundly knowing all was well. If he would be able to sleep at all. It wasn't late but Bowser knew he could use the rest. It had been a long day and the next had the possibility of being worse.

Bowser felt himself bristle and tense. He clicked his jaw from side to side. His face hurt from smiling. Not a feeling he was use to. The spot on his cheek where Luigi had kissed him was no longer warm and sensitive. The gentle touch had faded into another memory. He scratched his claw against the spot like there was an itch. Bowser grumbled to himself.

He was very confused.

Chapter Text

Luigi woke up slowly, taking perfectly calm measured breathes as the pleasant dream he'd been having started to dissolve into a misty along the edges of his memory until it was gone. Whatever he had been dreaming about left him with a warm fizzling feeling from head to toe. Content and floaty, like a cloud. It was such a nice feeling that he kept his eyes closed, still very tired and wanting to return to the dreamland he'd just woken up from. There was no light beyond his eyelids. Maybe it was still late, or very early in the morning, and he could just roll over for a bit more sleep.

Luigi stretched out in every direction like a star, pointing his toes before wriggling deeper under the silky sheets. He yawned lightly, curling a hand to rub at his heavy eyes. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't keep his eyes closed any longer. With a large sigh, Luigi blinked. For the longest time he lay there on his back staring at a ceiling he didn't fully recognize in the dark. Still under the haze of sleep he only considered it odd that, for a short amount of time, he didn't know where he was. His mind was too foggy from his dream, too slow to wake up with him.

It wasn't anything to worry about, until it was.

Luigi shot up in bed, eyes wide and heart starting to run wild in his chest. Everything was suddenly so intensely wrong. He wasn't waking up to the usual bluebirds looking for seed outside his window. This wasn't the small wooden bed he was use to with its lumpy mattress and old well loved patchwork quilt. No, the problem became not the he didn't know where he was, but because he very much did. He was in Bowser's Castle.

He clamped his hands over his mouth to stifled the scream wanting to wrench itself free and fill the tower room he'd woken up to. His voice broken and crack. Luigi whimpered and took in sharp breathes in rapid order. It was enough to make him light headed. But he couldn't care, not when he was dangerously close to a full blown panic.

His skin felt hot and slick with sweat. It itched at the back of his neck and he wanted to claw his skin off to make it stop. Luigi kicked his feet trying to wrestle himself free of the horribly slippery blankets that wanted to glue itself to his wet skin. He pushed trying to get everything away from him. His movements were so uncoordinated that he tumbled to the side, rolling over the edge of the bed entirely.

Luigi lost his balance and fell. He sprung up quick when he bare feet met the hard floor. He took a few steps back, then paced, then jumped as he turned around. He couldn't stop. Everything was far too much all at once. The air was too thick and he couldn't breath. He wanted to scream but knew he had to stay quiet or else someone would hear him.

Luigi knew he was having a panic attack. He closed his eyes tight and counted to ten with each breath he took. It barely helped anything. The second he opened his eyes again all he could see in the dark room were the familiar-unfamiliar shapes of furniture that wasn't his own. All he could try to do was muffle himself as he repeated over and over, “oh, no. Oh, no, no, no, no...”

He remembered everything.

All his memories had come rushing back with such an intensity that it gave him a splitting headache. Luigi knew this room wasn't his. This wasn't his comfortably small home outside Toad Village. This wasn't the Mushroom Kingdom. Bowser. He'd been kidnapped and locked up. Technically. So, maybe, it had been an accident. And, maybe, Bowser hadn't, for once, been behind it. But he was still there! And technically, he was a prisoner.

Thinking made Luigi's head throb, and all his pacing was making the world around him blur and spin. The floor felt uneven under foot and he wobbled. He was going to be sick.

Luigi threw himself back over on the bed. Not really by choice but because it was softer than potentially face-planting on the floor as vertigo set in. He groaned loudly and buried his head under the closest pillow. He held it there to block out the room. He hoped that he could magically make it his own again by sheer willpower and wishing. Luigi risked a second peek out into the darkness. Nothing like that happened. He hiccupped on a small pained sob.

What was he going to do, alone and so far from home? Surely someone had noticed him missing by now. His brother had to know something. Was anyone on their way to get him?

The sound of the door unlocking and a soft knock caught his attention. Luigi held his breath, holding the pillow tighter over his head to hide. He croaked out a scared whimper as quick shuffling foot steps came crossed the room towards the bed.

“Oh dear me, you're still in bed?”

It was Kammy, Luigi knew her voice. She'd been so nice to him before when he'd been so lost and clueless as to what was going on. He froze up as she hummed and tutted at him for over sleeping. Something about having a busy day ahead of him.

In the dark Kammy pulled her wand from its hiding place in her sleeve and gave it a little wave about. Magically the curtains drew away from the window and all the candles burst to life, lighting up the room just as well as morning sunshine.

Luigi flinched over the sound of crackling magic. Last night she had brought him dandelion tea. Now he was afraid she'd zap him right down to the dungeon if she caught the smallest hint of his memory being back. His fingers gripped onto the pillow tighter, white-knuckling as they started to tremble.

He didn't know what to do and had no time to decide. A claw touched his shoulder lightly and Luigi jumped backwards on the bed. His head shot up and he almost threw the pillow half way across the room. In his panic, he let out the startled cry he'd been holding in. His voice came out dry and broken, no where near as loud as he thought it would be.

Kammy stared at him, surprised herself. This was it, Luigi thought. He'd been found out before he even had a chance to come up with a plan of escape.

The moment the bright light touched Luigi's eyes everything started to burn and his head swam with the high heat of an unexpected fever. A nauseating dizzy spell knocked him over on the mattress and he groaned, wishing to die. Luigi clutched his head as he curled into a tight ball.

“Are you alright?” Kammy got over her surprise quickly when Luigi fell over. Her concern for his well-being was much more important. She leaned over onto the bed to understand all his out of breath mutterings. To her they all sounded like the weak whimpers of pain. “You don't sound too good.”

“My head...” was the most Luigi would manage to force out. “It hurts.”

The sound of his own voice out loud made his ears pound. Luigi shoved the heels of his palms into either temple but nothing helped release the vice grip his head was in. The bed dipped next to him. A claw brushed over the sweaty skin of his brow bone softly. He didn't move away this time, letting her do whatever she wanted. It wasn't like Luigi could fight back.

The touched was light, almost motherly as it ran along his forehead. It withdrew long enough for her to pull up her wand again. A mushroom would have been able to do more for him but Kammy suspected Luigi had had enough mushrooms for a while. She didn't even want to suggest it. So, magic would have to be enough relief. Certainly it would be plenty to cure a simple headache.

Magic snapped, crackled, and popped in Luigi's ears. The intense pressure built up in his head released like a balloon. The heat that had made him sweat turned to a cold chill, draining from his face so fast he shivered and felt hollow. Slowly, Luigi opened his eyes. He didn't shy away from the bright light. This time it didn't burn his eyes or cause any dizziness. He dropped his hands away, relieved.

Still being cautious however Luigi laid there a moment longer not ready to lift his head. He took a few deep breaths and reached for the pillow again. He bunched it up under his chin the best he could. The soft squishiness was like a shield, being used to protect him in case of an immanency. Not that a pillow would save him from much. He swallowed a dry crack in his throat.

“Th-thank you...” Luigi hoped it didn't sound too scared. His stutter always came out when he was afraid. Kammy was watching him with a sympathetic expression. Luigi tried not to meet her eye.

“I should call Kamek. He'll want to have a look at you.” She made a move to get off the bed.

“No! I mean... I-I don't want to... to-to be a bother to him. I'm sure he's busy.” Luigi sat up fast. He couldn't let her get Kamek. If anyone was going to know Luigi was himself again, it would be him. Luigi hated to lie but there was nothing else he could think to do. So, he quickly added, “and, I feel much better now.”

Kammy hopped down off the bed, She smiled at him, unbothered by his fidgeting and the way he looked around hesitantly. She didn't think much of his behaviour at all. Luigi assumed it wasn't so drastically different from his usual odd ball habits. Not enough to raise any alarm bells anyway. She reached up and patted a hand against the mattress.

“Please get ready. His Lordship will be impatiently waiting for you, I'm sure,” she told him before she waddled back towards the door. “Your breakfast will be here by the time you've gotten washed up.”

“Uhm... Yes. Okay.”

Luigi sat on the bed until she had gone. The door closed behind her but the lock never made a sound. Tempted, Luigi eased himself off the bed and walked directly for the door. He took a breath and tried the handle. It opened. The door was unlocked. He could leave. In theory it was probably easier breaking out of a castle than it was to get in. If he was lucky he'd get outside before being recaptured. Maybe it would be safer to wait.

Luigi knew he was a coward. He also didn't want to play the damsel in distress. But he'd been in the castle for more than a day and a night. By now Mario would have caught wind of Luigi's 'kidnapping'. He would be on his way any minute now. Luigi ran his fingers through his hair and pulled at the tangled strands. He didn't know what to do.

He shut the door quietly and started to pace. The room was large in all respects but Luigi still felt like he'd been trapped in a small closet with no where to go. Everything was closing in on him and it made him prickle all over. He tugged on the collar of his pyjamas wanting to tear them off. In all his circling Luigi abruptly skidded to a stop next to the vanity. He didn't care about how he looked in his own reflection. What really got his attention was the preserved bouquet of flowers sitting on the cleared surface, held in a decorative vase. They had been put there after his insistence that he wanted to see them every day.

Now the sight made him grumble, a small rarely used curse passing under his breath. They were still so pretty. Luigi liked them very much, but seeing them made him feel so foolish over the mess he'd gotten himself into.

How could have think he'd married Bowser?

Well, all things considered, it wasn't completely out of left field. After watching the Princess set up her own wedding, Luigi had been so disappointed and jealous. In hind sight the connection between a wedding and Bowser had been easy. His memories must have been leaking through the thick wall of amnesia causing Luigi to jump to a conclusion. Remember now that it had all been a mistake, the pit of his stomach dropped out and he felt even worse.

He ran to the bathroom to hide. Luigi didn't want to get ready and go out anywhere now that he remembered himself. How could he?

How could he not? If anyone found out he had his memories back, he'd be in even worse trouble. Right?

Luigi whined and turned some cold water on to run in the sink. He wanted to dunk his head under and drown his problems away but settled for splashing the cold water on his face and neck until he was uncomfortably damp and his hair clung to his skin. It made him feel a little better but not perfect. He sighed softly, deflating until he was leaning against the counter.

“Luigi?”

He yelped at hearing Kammy's voice reappear so soon. She'd only been gone a few minutes.

“Y-yes?”

“Your breakfast is here. And I brought you clean clothes,” she called from around the corner. “Lord Bowser is waiting for you.”

“Uh-Sì! So-Sorry! I'm hurrying.” Luigi fumbled to turn the water off and push himself up from the counter. Doing so made multiple bottles along the edge of the sink scatter and topple over. He tried to catch them but the sudden noise made him gasp. Above the small chaos all he could hear was Kammy's cheerful laughter.

“Take your time, dearie. Your husband could stand to learn a little patience. I'll wait for you at the bottom of the stairs.”

“Th-thank you!” Luigi rushed to call back to her before the door in the next room closed again. His knees wobbled and almost knocked him down to the floor with the other jars and bottles that had escaped him.

Slowly he let himself sink down to sit. Dropping whatever was in his hands Luigi covered his face and whined. He reassured himself that Mario couldn't be far away. It would only be a matter of stalling for time.

Maybe he could say he was too tired to go out or that he was sick. Then he could hide away all day and avoid seeing Bowser. He didn't want to see Bowser. Then he would have to acknowledge everything thing that had happened between them so far. Luigi blushed heavily when he thought about how he spent a large part of yesterday clinging off Bowser's arm. Luigi had kissed him goodnight.

He didn't want to go through with any of this but he didn't see any other choice. If he said he was sick Kamek would come check on him. Luigi had to calm down. He had to get up. But he didn't know what to do! He wanted to scream he was so upset.

Luigi took a large breath and tried to remember what they were suppose to go do today. Right, Bowser promised to take him to the race track. That didn't sound so bad. Last night Luigi had been so excited to go. Even now a small part of him still was.

Luigi balled up his fists and pushed himself back to his feet. That was it. He made up his mind. It was a terrible idea but Luigi was determined. He would stall for time. Mario would be on his way soon. Luigi just had to pretend that he was still who he was yesterday. Shouldn't be too hard, he believed. The only thing was that he had to pretend that he thought Bowser was his husband. So, he had to treat Bowser like he would a husband.

Luigi got ready quickly, changing his clothes and eating very little of his breakfast. His stomach was tying itself in too many knots for him to finish the plate full of strange fruits and toasted bread.

The whole time he thought about how he'd been acting with Bowser and whether or not he'd be able to do so now.

Luigi was a very openly affectionate person. He'd been showering Bowser in attention and desperately wanting him to feel loved even though Luigi had lost his memory. But he'd been trying to remember a relationship that never existed. It was quite frustrating. Especially since Bowser had started returning his attention. Everything he did made Luigi feel so cared for and welcomed. His heart sank knowing it wasn't real.

Luigi didn't fully know what he was feeling towards Bowser but it didn't matter. He only had to focus on keeping up a lie until his brother came to save him.

Luigi wasn't good at lying. He groaned loudly one last time before getting up. It was now or never. No more holding back. He gathered up all his courage and left the room, bouncing down the stairs as he tried to seem eager and happy to see his husband.

Kammy took Luigi all the way outside to meet Bowser. The whole time Luigi fidgeted and picked at his nails. He worried himself up into a tight ball of stress. A million and one things of what could go wrong were listing themselves off in his head. Then they got outside the castle gates. The moment he saw the large Koopa waiting Luigi's chest started to feel tight and his heart fluttered. He sucked back a gasp trying to stay calm but his panic was anything but subtle. Years of fear bubbled up inside of him, anxiously chewing away at his nerves. All the times Bowser had been nothing but violent and brash, a bulldozer that kept knocking him down, kidnapping Peach and threatening Mario. Then Bowser smiled at him and Luigi tripped over his own feet. Or, he would have if it weren't for a big hand reaching out to steady him.

Luigi looked up and chuckled, uncomfortable and embarrassed. He knew his face had to be beet red. Luigi grabbed onto the hand resting over his shoulder. The scales were warm and firm under his fingers. Luigi ducked his head down to rub his cheek against Bowser's knuckles.

“Th-thank you,” he said shyly, hoping that his affection didn't seem too forced and fake.

“Any time, Greenie.”

Bowser's voice rumbled like a deep earthquake. Luigi felt the way his claws curled and rubbed up into his cheek in return. It was so gentle. If Luigi didn't have any past memory of Bowser he would have found this version to be genuinely sweet. Luigi kept a tight hold on his hand. This version of Bowser walked slower so Luigi didn't have to rush to keep up. He asked how he slept, and if his room was still to his liking. Luigi didn't know what to say.

All this attention made Luigi flustered. He answered the best he could. He slept well. He loved the room. Which was all true. Luigi thought he slipped up by telling Bowser that he was being so nice to him, but that deep rumbling laugh echoed all around them in response.

“Of course.” Bowser bent low, leaning down to talk closer to his ear in a softer voice. “I want to see you happy here.”

Luigi didn't expect that. He went to cover his face but his hands were occupied with holding onto Bowser's arm. The knee jerk reaction just left Luigi with his face buried into the scaled of Bowser's forearm.

He didn't mind that Bowser laughed at his ridiculous behaviour. Luigi laughed a little too, finding all this far too nice to let it bother him. Luigi liked this version of Bowser very much. He nuzzled closer and let Bowser lead the way. All of Luigi's typical nervous habits calmed down to a subtle tremble of the fingers.

Their long walk took them away from the castle, down the volcano along a winding pathway that branches off through the lava's many intertwining streams. A mass of hills and valleys formed a ring of roads that looped and curved up and around, tunnelling through the rocks. Like in the geyser fields the lava bubbled and spat fireballs up over the road in an arch. It looked dangerous. Luigi tightened his grip on Bowser's hand. He cautiously looked at the pools of lava. He could feel their heat even at a distance.

Bowser urged him forward. He was quite exited to show off the race track he'd commissioned for the castle. The roads were slick and steep, one wrong turn would definitely send someone right into the lava. He boasted over how it was far better than the easy peasy race tracks of the Mushroom Kingdom with their rolling hills of boring green grass and farm land. He had even brought out his favourite kart just for the occasion, hoping that Luigi would find it fun too. The dune buggy was big enough for the two of them to sit together. Or, if Luigi felt more comfortable, there was a small raised seat in the back.

Luigi gave the kart a good look over before quickly choosing to sit in the back. It looked to be the far safer choice. Not that he thought Bowser was a bad driver, he rushed to say.

He clambered up into the back seat, thanking Bowser for the help with a cute little stutter that made the Koopa smile. They both did, though Luigi's was tight with nervous anticipation.

At first Bowser was a little disappointed that Luigi wanted to sit in the back instead of by his side. But the choice was made and he didn't argue. He took the seat behind the wheel and started the engine. The kart revved to life. They hadn't even started moving and Luigi was already grabbing onto whatever he could to hold on.

The buggy took an abrupt jolt forward. Whatever disappointment Bowser may have been feeling was long gone the second Luigi gripped onto the edge of his shell. The small weight at his back made him preen. Bowser wanted to show off and pull every bit of praise out of Luigi. He wanted to speed and cut corners all to get him to cling tighter.

For the first loop and a half Bowser managed some self restraint. But then there was this happy chuckle in his ear that urged him to speed up. He floored the gas, causing the kart to jump over a bump in the track. Luigi screamed and wrapped his arms around Bowser's neck. That was all the encouragement Bowser needed to drive as he liked. He started swerving and drifted around corners, all to make Luigi hang on tighter. Over the loud noise of the engine and the wind whipping by, Luigi's fearful crying mixed with a musical laugh as he started to have fun. He was begging Bowser to slow down but that chuckle gave away how he really felt. He didn't want them to ever stop.

After the third lap there was no more begging. Luigi's screaming was filled with nothing but joy and excitement. He squealed and nuzzles into Bowser's hair. A touch that made Bowser almost steer them into a wall because it was so distracting.

Bowser lost track of how many laps they circled around the track. It had been so long since he'd had fun like this. Not just a little game, but a really good time. He didn't want it to end, just driving in circles and enjoying the closeness. But eventually they reached back to the starting point. The dune buggy lurched and Bowser braked hard.

Luigi still didn't want to let go. He laughed feeling disoriented by the speed and all the sharp turns. He was dizzy and high on adrenaline. His stomach was in knots and he couldn't catch his breath. Slowly Luigi tried to unwrap himself from Bowser's neck but his arms and everything else felt like it had turned to a soft jelly.

The kart rocked as Bowser got out first. Luigi watched him but didn't think he could get out on his own. So when Bowser offered him a hand down, he shook his head. Standing on his own was out of the questions. Luigi laughter came out winded and tired. He held out his arms.

“Help me,” he said with a wide smile.

Bowser was more than happy to step in. His hands wrapped around Luigi's waist and easily plucked him from the backseat, swinging him around to the ground gently. Letting go was the hard part as Luigi wobbled off balance. Bowser kept his hold on his hips just to be safe.

“Grazie.”

“You're welcome.” Bowser had heard Luigi use that word enough now to guess at its meaning.

“This was so much more fun than I expected.” Luigi started rambling. “It definitely looked fun but- It was so terrifying. You drive so fast. Mamma Mia! That was so much fun.”

“That was nothing. You should see what it's like when I actually try.” Bowser's proud smile was all teeth. He puffed up his chest over the attention.

“I would like that. Let's-a go again!”

Luigi took a stumbling step and fell directly into Bowser. It was like falling into a wall, all hard edges and a heavy weight. Bowser was this solid mountain that Luigi doubted he could knock over no matter how hard he tried. He'd already proven that Luigi weighed nothing in comparison, lifting him and carrying him around with barely any effort. It made Luigi feel small. What he should have been feeling was fear that Bowser would break him, but instead he felt protected when Bowser wrapped him up under an arm. Luigi wanted so much to stay right there for as long as he could.

He might have gotten the chance if it hadn't been for a sharp noise crashing over them. The clouds overhead swirled dark and thick. A streak of light burst in between the smoke and clouds, making everything glow purple and orange. Another distance rumble, echoing, then another ear shattering crash. Luigi shrunk in on himself and hide under Bowser's arm.

“What is that?” Luigi panicked.

Bowser glance up at the sky. He was far more calm, use to his kingdom and all its unpredictable weather anomalies.

“It's just an electrical storm. You don't guys don't get those in the Mushroom Kingdom?” Bowser asked without thinking. He looked down and watched Luigi open and close his mouth like he was trying to answer but couldn't come up with anything to say. His face gave a little scrunch in thought until another bolt of lightening broke through the clouds and he huddled down for protection.

“Uh- never mind.” Bowser knew Luigi couldn't remember. The question didn't matter anyway. Bowser never heard of the Mushroom Kingdom ever getting poor weather. Somehow he doubted Peach would allow storm clouds to darken her doorstep.

However, electrical storms were common in this kingdom. The heat would build up in the clouds, a swirling pressure until something gave. There was no rain to go along with it. Any water would have evaporated long before it had a chance to fall over the volcano. Only loud thunder and bright flashes of lightening would persist. The dark clouds overhead looked like a big storm was coming in quickly. Bowser scooped Luigi up and set him down in the passenger seat of the dune buggy.

“You probably shouldn't be out in this,” he told him. Bowser could only assume lightening wasn't good for humans in the same way lava was dangerous.

Luigi wasn't about to argue. He hunkered down and let Bowser drive them up the side of the volcano, flinching with ever crack of thunder. He kept his eyes closed so he didn't see the lightening strike the cliff side and cause the rocks to crumble.

Driving the dune buggy up to the castle was tedious and bumpy but it was also much faster than walking, and Bowser was more concerned about getting Luigi inside before the storm got any closer.

He got them as close as possible before snagging Luigi from his seat and carrying him inside where it was safe. The thick castle walls helped to muffle the rolling sound of thunder but not entirely. Luigi still shook and jumped with each loud bang and crash. He looked pale and exhausted from all the unwanted excitement. Bowser thought that all this had been too much for him. Luigi needed rest. He'd already been told that Luigi would be tired for a few days as the poisonous mushroom wore off. Now Bowser thought he had gone and overdone it.

“Come with me.” He beckoned Luigi down the hall. Bowser let Luigi walk on his own but kept a hand on his back just in case he were to pass out or fall. They had barely gone five feet before Kamek came to interrupt them. At the first sight of the little magikoopa Bowser showed his teeth, a deep gravelly snarl of warning slipping out.

“Sire!”

“Not now,” Bowser breezed by, gently guiding Luigi along with a specific destination in mind. They weren't headed for the tower, though it would have been technically closer.

“But, Sire!” Kamek waddled along in a frustrated hurry, following them. “Something has come up that I must speak with you about.”

“I said, Not Now!” Bowser raised his voice, falling into old habits far too easily. He regretted the way it made Luigi duck under his arm but tried to make up for it by rubbing little circle into his shoulder with a thumb. The effect was immediately. Luigi pressed in closer to his side again.

“If it's important- uhm... you can go talk to him...” Luigi quietly said in a hesitant voice. He definitely didn't want to tell a King what to do but it did seem important. Bowser just shook his head.

“Whatever it is can wait an hour. If there's some issue, it'll still be there later.”

That made sense, Luigi guessed. Either way, he wasn't going to push the topic. Kamek disappeared, leaving them on their own to walk through the castle's long dark hallways. Luigi didn't know where they were heading but it certainly wasn't to his tower. The castle's many doors gave way to framed portraits and hanging candles. It was scarily quiet without a guard in sight. At the end of the hallway was a large set of double doors ominously blocking their path.

Luigi fidgeted with his fingers as Bowser moved away to pull open the doors. Luigi was waved in first, though he looked into the dark room with a great deal of hesitation. He shuffled in, looking around as he feared what he'd find. The room was dark and Luigi was expecting there to be a Boo around every corner and hiding under each piece of furniture he passed.

The impending jump scare never came, thankfully. Instead, Luigi found himself in a warm sitting room. A fire burned away in a large fireplace. There were wide deep couches and a desk available for use. It was wrong to say it was underwhelming when Luigi had been expected the worst. He appreciated the sigh of relief that slipped out of him. Curious, Luigi wandered in further. The room curved off to one side at an 'L' shape. He peered around the bend.

“Oh!”

Luigi couldn't have imagined Bowser would bring him into his bedroom. His face heated up. The thought was unintentional, but now a number of inappropriate implications were swarming his mind from every angle. It couldn't be helped when he looked at the interesting bed that was tucked into the alcove of the room. How they would fit easily together amongst the many blankets and pillows and Bowser would hold him close. Luigi almost squeaked. He was getting himself worked up over nothing yet.

He stepped a little closer. Where Luigi had a four post bed, this one was mostly just a large mattress sunken into a curved divot in the floor. Pillows and blankets circled the perimeter cushioning the edges to create a soft nest. The draped fabric from the ceiling reminded Luigi of the forts he use to make with his brother when they were kids. Where they would push chairs together and build makeshift tents filled with every pillow and throw blanket they could find.

The familiar memory helped kick out most of the more suggestive thoughts Luigi had as to why Bowser would bring him here. If one or two remained, he was only going to admit that to himself very late at night while alone.

For the moment all Luigi wanted to do was crawl into the nest and take a well deserved nap. It looked so comfortable and warm. Luigi spun around to look pleadingly at Bowser. He was waiting on some sort of instruction as to what the Koopa wanted him to do, though he hoped it had something to do with laying down.

“If you want to rest and wait out the storm...” Bowser started to say. A small anxious smile tugged on his mouth. Every one of his intentions were perfectly innocent. Though he did throw in a small lie to justify his decision to bring Luigi here. “This was closer than the tower.”

Luigi nodded and hurried to the side of the nest. He thought it would be polite to take off his shoes before climbing in. As he did, Bowser settled himself down amongst the blankets and pillows. Luigi crawled onto the mattress next to him when he was ready. He let himself rest on his side and look over at Bowser.

Suddenly the space between them seemed to vanish and made the bed feel very small. Luigi pressed himself into the blankets, trying to disappear as he felt awkward and turned so he wouldn't have to look Bowser in the face.

Bowser huffed on a laugh. The puff of air brushed across Luigi's face and ignited his blush. All those inappropriate thoughts were back, making him wonder what it would be like to lean over and steal just one kiss. Luigi covered his face and hide in the pillows.

“Don't look at me like that,” he whined.

“How am I suppose to look at you then?” Bowser asked.

“Not at all?” Luigi shook his head and peered out from between his fingers. He smiled still. He couldn't help it. “Just close your eyes.”

“Alright.” He did. Bowser lay there, eyes closed, arms crossed. His breathing stayed neutral, giving no sign that he was going to fall asleep any time soon.

Luigi swallowed, nervous but driven by the thoughts in his head. He sat back on his knees, watching as Bowser's eyes twitched to stay closed. Bowser shifted a little and smirked, knowing he was being stared at.

Luigi didn't know how to do this right. He didn't want to get teased or turned down. The gap between them closed as he crawled up the mattress.

“Bowser?” Luigi leaned in. Being so close made him shiver. He could see all the fine little scale on Bowser's face, all the variations of colour and texture. He could feel each hot breath on his skin.

“Yeah, Greenie?” he mumbled.

“I like being married to you,” Luigi admitted.

Maybe it was an odd thing to say out of no where, but it was true. Luigi couldn't remember feeling so close to someone who wasn't family. No one had ever treated him like he was this special. Bowser made him feel wanted and cared for. He was so happy that it filled him inside to the point of overflowing and he thought he'd burst.

Luigi felt like he no longer knew himself. He couldn't remember what being himself was before caring for someone, and he couldn't imagine losing it. Everything was so confusing now. He frowned a little at the thought. If this could ever be his home. Mario would hate him. Things would get complicated very quickly. No matter what Luigi did now, he'd end up heartbroken in some way, shape or form. But he didn't want to hurt Bowser.

Bowser opened his eyes and looked at Luigi with that familiar hopeful, sweet expression that he had seen so often turned towards Peach. There was a desperate need behind those red eyes, something that craved real acceptance and affection. It hurt Luigi's heart so much to see because he knew the feel all too well. Being the odd one out or left on his own. Watching everyone else get a happy ever after while he stayed on the sidelines.

Luigi cups his hands around Bowser's jaw, leaning down until he could rest his forehead against the flat length of his snout.

Bowser hand came up to rest on his side. He held him and let Luigi stay like this for as long as he wanted. The muffled thunder outside went long forgotten as they stayed close together, offering the other unconditional comfort.

Chapter Text

“No! That is out of the question!”

“But, Sire. Be reasonable-”

“I said, No!” Bowser's booming voice echoed off the walls of the throne room. At first he had just been firm in his decision but now he was growing angry with all the constant questioning. He was King, therefore his word was final. He stood from his throne, towering over where his advisor bowed at his feet. Kamek took a cautious step back. Bowser watched him closely. His patience waning rapidly.

“Sire... I feel it my duty to tell you that-” Kamek tried to get a word in but his King was already down the short mound of stairs and marching passed. He sputtered and turned to trail along behind as quickly as he could.

“Your duty,” Bowser repeated with a sharp edge to the comment. “Just as it was your duty to tell me of the Princess's letter when it arrived – Yesterday!”

Kamek cringed, head tucked low out of guilt. He knew better than to wait so long to believer the letter. He should have done so immediately. Why he had waited for so long was still a mystery and Kamek had no excuse for the hesitation. So he offered no fake apology. It was only that, at the time, it seemed like the decent thing to do. Bowser had been acting out of character, as sorts. Every since he started spending time with the Green Mario brother. It was as if the Princess herself was staying there.

“But we must comply-”

“Are you deft?” Bowser turned on him, glaring down at him with glowing red eyes. “I said, he is staying right here.”

Kamek took a steadying breath. Bowser's anger was teetering on the edge of turning violent, however it was his unfortunate job to intervene. He winced at the volume at which he was being yelled at but pushed forward nonetheless.

“I understand, sire. May I simple ask.... why?”

Something in Bowser's behaviour wavered. The anger he'd kept simmering just below the surface changed into a mixture of emotions that Kamek couldn't name right away. He didn't need to explain himself to anyone of course, but the question truck him and made him think. Why, indeed. Bowser tried to keep himself puffed out tall and intimidating but he started to shrink inwards. The thought of why, 'why him'. Bowser turned just enough to hide his expression.

“He is happy here,” was his answer. As much as he would give anyway. “He told me so.”

“He doesn't remember himself-”

“I know that!” Bowser started to yell again.

“Surely by now he has said something. Has there been any sign that the mushroom had worn down?” Kamek asked, though he noticed that he was being thoroughly ignored. Bowser was pacing back and forth, too lost in thought to care about whatever ramblings his advisor was trying to bring to his attention.

Of course there had been signs that the mushroom was wearing off. More than once he noticed something off about the way Luigi acted. Bowser simply chose not to see it. He refuse to let himself care. Not when Luigi still chose to look at him like he was the best thing in the whole world. Bowser hoped it wasn't all in his head, that his overactive imagination was seeing something that wasn't there. Luigi smiled at him with this happy devotion and an open affection that made Bowser let himself believe it was real.

The Princess could demand his return and make all the threats she wished. However, Bowser wasn't about to let the little human walk away so easily. So, instead of admitting to anything he shook his head and paced in circles.

“This has gone too far.” Kamek chased after him, looping the throne room in his wake. “We must send him back before-”

“Kamek!” Bowser spun around, almost taking out the magikoopa with the wide swing of his tail. “You will send a letter to the Princess telling her that Luigi is staying right where he is. And that I advise her to keep that little red plumber on a tight leash, or else things will get ugly.”

Kamek clicked his claws together, nodding despite his better judgment. He murmured a quick 'yes, sire'. He was ready to leave and do as told when he remember something else that he had to alert the Kings about. He grimaced to himself, prepared to be on the receiving end of further yelling. Unfortunately, it was unavoidable.

“One more thing... There have been rumours going through the castle...”

“I am aware.”

“You have heard them?” Kamek looked up, surprised. Bowser was unphased by the news. He only grunted and huffed out a small breath of thin smoke. “We need to silence it before everyone starts to think-”

“Let them think whatever they want.” Bowser was stubborn in this decision too.

Kamek sighed and rubbed at his temple, a small headache starting to form out of the unwanted stress. “And... where is he now?”

“The library.”

“The library? Alone? You're letting him wander about the castle now?”

“Of course not. There are guards stationed outside the door,” Bowser said. Then he shrugged. “And it's not like he can get into any real trouble in there.”

That was something Kamek couldn't quite argue with. It was a perfectly safe spot to keep Luigi for the time being. If anything it would help keep the human calm given the circumstance. Kamek had to agree that it was a not a problem, for now. He told his King that he would send a letter to the Mushroom Kingdom immediately.

Before he was able to disappear, the doors to the throne room burst opened with a loud slam. Two troopas came rushing in, looking frazzled and out of breath from running.

“Sir!” One shrieked. “We have reason to believe that the castle has been infiltrated by a toad!”

“A toad?” Kamek looked between them and Bowser.

The large koopa King went silent. Thick smoke rolled out from between clenched teeth. If a toad had gotten into the castle, Mario wasn't far behind. If he weren't already leading the charge. Either option wasn't acceptable. A newly fuelled anger surged up in his chest. He could feel the flames licking at the backs of his molars.

“Sire?”

“Have Luigi moved back to the tower.” Bowser stalked forward towards the hall, scattering his troopas underfoot. “I'll see to the plumber.”

Luigi had found himself a comfortable little corner of the library to squish himself into. The chairs weren't as cozy as they had first looked, all too hard to properly curl up in. Which was fine, because with book in hand he started gathering up all the cushions and made his own little hidey hole in between one of the chairs and the lowest shelf of books along the wall. The library itself was big and dark and empty. Perfectly quiet for him to sit and read while he waited for Bowser to finish his meeting with Kamek. Bowser had promised the meeting wouldn't take long. Afterword he would gather him from the library and they would have a late dinner. Luigi was looking forward to it already. He was hungry after the little nap they took together.

Sleeping along side Bowser had been easier than Luigi had thought it would be. The large size and weight of the koopa was a little scary at first but he surprisingly didn't roll around in his sleep like Luigi tended to. Bowser slept like a rock. Though impatient with the way Luigi would toss and turn, he had wrapped an arm across him his body and held Luigi close to his side. It had been warm there and Luigi wouldn't have been able to stay awake if he tried.

He was still a little tired, or overtired. Luigi's head dropped back against the wall. Reading was nice but the comfortable silence was leaving him too distracted. He let his eyes close, taking a calm breath.

Luigi tried not to jump at every noise but the creaking of the library door put him on high alert. Luigi slapped the book shut and crushed it to his chest. Jumping to his feet, revealing where he'd been tucked out of sight, Luigi smiled expecting to see Bowser there. He tensed at seeing a small group of koopa guards standing inside the library door. They didn't have their weapons turned on him but the sight of them weren't reassuring. Something was wrong. Luigi shuffled forward, looking between them expectantly.

The guard at the front of the group stepped forward to bow politely as the others saluted. When he stood back up, he took on a brave stance, holding his spear high.

“Lord Bowser has instructed we escort you to the tower for your own safety.”

That didn't sound good. Luigi hugged the book tighter to his body. He nodded and followed after the koopas not wanting to make a fuss. Despite the amount of questions he had, Luigi kept his mouth shut.

They left the library and started down the hall at a fast pace. Not knowing what was going on made Luigi uneasy about every corner and hallway they passed through. He also had to move at a gentle run in order to keep up. The koopas surrounded him, doing their best not to push him along or go too fast as to leave him behind. They did as promised, dedicated to keeping him safe.

Soon enough Luigi knew that they were approaching his tower, which was when he noticed that the two koopas ahead of him were squabbling in a quiet, private, huddle. They were going back and forth, elbowing each other, and looking back at Luigi over their shoulders. They looked him over in quick glances, trying to be subtle but failing horribly.

“Ask him.”

“No, you do it.”

One koopa whacked the other upside the head. The other shoved him back enough to make them both stumble. They both fumbled and came to a messy stop in the middle of the hall. Luigi followed suit. His heels skidding to a stop so not to run directly into anyone.

The two guards glared at one another before looking at Luigi curiously. One cleared his throat and leaned in.

“So, uhm...” he started, awkwardly not sure how to phrase his own words. “You and Lord Bowser, huh? So does that make you, like, our Queen now... or something?”

Luigi's mouth dropped open. Oh, no.... He hadn't thought this far ahead. And he definitely wasn't expecting anyone to ask him a thing like that. What was there for him to say but another lie? He didn't even have time to think about it. The guards were looking at him and he could feel himself starting to panic. So, Luigi aggressively nodded, because what else was he suppose to do? He was suppose to be married to a King. That would technically make him something.

“Yes,” Luigi said, though it didn't sound very confident. He was scared that it came off as a confused question. The grip he had on the book tightened until his knuckled turned white. It was amazing he hadn't dropped it out of all the shock. His hands were shaking. His heart was beating fast. “He... Bowser is my husband.”

Luigi swallowed a thick glob of tension. He didn't know what their reaction would be. The very idea must be insane to them. Luigi wasn't anything like Peach. He wasn't a pretty princess. He wasn't a capable leader. At his best, he was a spineless doormat. That's what he thought anyway. The two koopas ahead of him looked at him for a split second before standing straight at attention. There was no disbelief or disgust. They saluted him again before promptly turning around and hurrying off along the hallways again.

Luigi followed, started by how abrupt their exchange was. But as he followed he heard the two ahead of him whispering again. The first nudge at the second with the wooden end of his spear.

“See? Told ya."

Was all he could catch of their conversation.

After that, Luigi had no choice but to follow blindly. Their question had come right out of no where that it left him quite shaken up and confused. His mind was buzzing so loudly that all he could manage to do was walk, distracted. So it wasn't a surprise that he didn't hear additional foot steps catching up behind them. He wasn't the only one caught off guard by a sudden well aimed ground pound. One of the koopas behind him went down hard. Their weapon falling to the floor with a loud clatter. Luigi let out a scared yelp, spinning around so fast he almost toppled over backwards.

He dropped the book to cover his face but everything around him made it impossible to hide. The guards were nudging him back, surrounding him to form a sturdy wall in between him and whoever thought they could pull off a sneak attack. Luigi watched through his fingers, easily able to see over the top of everyone's head, as Toad bounced backwards off the knocked out koopa.

Oh no! Luigi couldn't push though the line of guards. He froze up and watched as a small fight broke out.

“Toad, wait! Stop!”

“Protect the Queen!”

Even if the koopas were better equipped, no one was faster than Toad. He scurried in circles around them, attacking from behind and knocking them all down one by one.

Luigi's winced. His heart broke for each of the guards that were doing their best to keep him safe from what they believed to be a threat. He yelled at them all again to stop but no one listened to him. By the time the dust settled and Toad raced to his side, the guards were all down on the floor, most knocked out cold for the time being. Luigi whimpered and took a step closer but Toad was grabbing onto the fabric of his pant leg and trying to haul him off down the hallway.

“Come on, Luigi. We gotta go.”

He didn't listen. Luigi knelt down to one of the guards and gently cradled his head in his lap.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

The koopa wasn't out cold, just exhausted. His energy was so low that he could barely keep his eyes open. He still made a valiant effort to reach for his lost spear.

“Protect the queen.”

Luigi sighed, sad and guilty. He gave the koopa a soft pat on the head as they drifted off to sleep. He couldn't help but feel like this was all his fault.

“Luigi! We gotta go before they bounce back.”

Toad dashed around him. Luigi shook his head though. Gingerly he stood up on his own and moved passed his friend.

“This is all a big misunderstanding.” Luigi started off alone, running away. “Hang on, I can fix this.”

“Wait! Gah! Not that way!” Toad caught up and dove in front of him. He pushed at Luigi's legs to get him to stop and turn around.

“Toad!” The attempt made Luigi trip over him but he wasn't about to change his mind. “It's fine,” he promised.

“No. Mario said I was to find you and get out.”

Oh no! Mario was here too? Luigi threw himself into a sprint. Toad got knocked over when he shoved his way through. Luigi wanted to help him up but couldn't stop now. There would just have to be time later to apologize. Right now, he had to go find Mario and Bowser. Hopefully not already together. This was all his fault, but he knew what to do now.

“I can fix all this. I just need to talk to Bowser.”

“What?!”

Toad was getting to his feet when the whole castle seemed to rumble with a distant roar. It was angry and loud. Luigi clapped his hands over his ears as it echoed up through the hall. His running came to a sudden stop. The vibrating tremble of the floor made his knees buckle and shake. Immediately his mind went to Bowser. Luigi's heart skipped in his chest. The two screamed in response to the sound but for very different reasons.

“Gah!”

“Bowser!” Luigi called out as loud as he could. He hoped the King would hear him and come find him. Still shaking, he tried again to run off and find his brother or Bowser. Knees knocking together Luigi ran slow and wobbled.

“Wait! Luigi!”

“Bowser!”

Toad freaked out. Luigi was calling for their enemy of all people. Something was insanely wrong with him. He looked at Luigi like he'd grown a tail or a second head. The Luigi he knew would be running in the opposite direction of Bowser as quickly as he could. If they had gotten that head start they could have been halfway out of the castle by now.

Toad didn't know what else to do to make Luigi go with him. He pulled up his shoulder bag. The contents were dwindling down to a few weak power-ups and what was left of his items. In no way did he want to hurt Luigi but he also couldn't let him go running off into danger. Toad grabbed what he hoped would be helpful.

“I'm sorry!”

Item in hand he dashed forward to get in front of Luigi. His feet skidded on the hall carpet but he planted himself directly in Luigi's path. Before they collided into one another Toad threw the item square into Luigi's chest. The item bounced off him, glowing as it activated.

“Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!”

Luigi blinked. His whole body rocked from side to side. He didn't know what was going on. He tried to reach out for something to hang onto but his fingers fell through the air finding nothing. The ground was bending and bowing and everywhere he looked there were bright flashes of light. Luigi was certain he could see stars. A building pressure in his head made him delirious to the point where he couldn't tell if the room was spinning or he was. He didn't even feel it when he hit the ground.

Toad was still saying something but whatever it was was lost in the hummed in Luigi's ears. It was like trying to listen to the world from the bottom of a bathtub, distorted and gargling. Luigi closed his eyes, awake but unable to move.

Toad impatiently bounced on his toes. He could hear the commotion getting closer. Another loud roar made the walls shake again. A bright flash of red caught his attention down the hall where Mario came ducking around the corner, narrowly avoiding a huge fireball. Toad started to jump and frantically wave his arms to get Mario's attention.

“Yoo-hoo! Over here!”

The plumber came bolting towards him, on hand on his hat to keep it from flying off his head. The red fabric of his hat was now the same colour as charcoal. Even his moustache was a little singed along the edges.

“Let's-a Go!” Mario ran over to Toad, not wanting to slow down right away. “Oh-Mamma Mia! Boy, he'd really mad.”

However, then he caught sight of Luigi on the floor. The troupe of guards not far off. His mind immediately thought of the worst case scenario and he slid to a halt next to his brother. Mario bent down to pat at Luigi's cheeks.

“Lu? Toad, what happened?” he asked, afraid that Luigi was badly hurt. His brother groaned and his face scrunched when Mario pulled him closer.

“I'm sorry!” Toad kept yelling over and over.

Mario looked at him very briefly before checking on Luigi. He was as careful as he could be with the rush of fight and adrenaline burning its way through his system. Luigi struggled to open his eyes and look up at his brother. The second he did his face winced terribly. Now that Mario was looking a little closer there were the obvious tells that Luigi was under the influence of a dizzy dial item. He'd be out of commission for a while. Luigi couldn't even look at him when Mario said his name or shook his by the shoulders.

Finally, he huffed on a sigh. There wasn't much they could do now but get him out.

With as much care as he could Mario struggled to pull Luigi's arms around his neck. His lax grip kept slipping and Mario didn't want to drop him.

“It's fine. He'll be okay,” he reassured Toad who was looking pale.

Mario arranged Luigi on his back so he'd be able to piggyback him out of the castle. The added weight wasn't an issue but Mario was deeply concerned that he'd jostle him around too much. But there was nothing else to be done about it. He got a good grip around Luigi's knees and pushed himself up to stand.

“Can you carry him?”

“I got this.” Mario gave Toad one of his overly self confident smiles. “I still got some of that super mushroom.”

Thumping footsteps were closing in behind them. Mario didn't want to hang around and let them get any closer. He already had to handle an overly persistent Kamek on the way in. Now Bowser was acting worse than when he held Peach captive. Mario had never seen him like this. There had been no exaggerated threats or egotistical banter. The second Mario popped up in from of him Bowser was an unreasonable ball of fire and smoke, trying to disintegrate him.

Mario got in a few good hits but was forced to retreat, and he would keep doing so until Luigi was safe.

“Clear the way, Toad!”

They ran on wards through the castle, backtracking the way Toad had come so far. Enemies were few and far in between so it was almost clear sailing to the gate. Those they came across were bowled down by Toad who acted like a little speedy wrecking ball.

Bowser was still on their tail, trying to catch up but the two were fuelled with power ups and at an advantage. Once Mario almost looked back but didn't want to risk any distractions. Mario couldn't get sidetracked. He ran with a one-track mind caring only about escaping. With Luigi on his back, it would make for an unfortunately easy target. But Mario didn't feel any heat licking as his heels as they booked it out of the castle and across the rocky platforms.

Off in the rocks of the many cliffs and platforms Mario and Toad hid a grounded cloud. Something that could easily carry them off far across the kingdom until they reached the right warp pipe that will take them all home.

Toad made it there first. He jumped and waved his arms.

“Let's go! Come on! Let's go!”

Mario set Luigi down. The added weight immediately set off the cloud and it started drifting off into the air. Toad hopped on second, followed by Mario. He was a bit more hesitant, looking back to see where Bowser had gone. Typically the koopa would give up once they got through the gates but he was still chasing them down, hunched down to almost all fours. Mario yelped in surprise and climbed onto the cloud next to Toad. The cloud carried them off over the side of the platform.

Far below, and getting further away, Bowser stopped when he reached the edge of the cliff and there was no where left for him to run. He hunkered down, slamming his claws into the rocks scattering debris over the edge. He let out one last enraged roar that echoed through the sky.

Mario gripped Luigi tighter in a hug. The sound made his brother flinch and whimper softly.

Chapter Text

The journey home was a blur to everyone as they escaped the Darklands frantic and rushed. There wasn't much thought put into getting away other than how quickly they could manage it. The warp pipe spat them all out in the middle of a peaceful field back in the Mushroom Kingdom. The quietness of the hillside broken by the abrupt cry as the trio were deposited into the grass. Fireflies scattered, mixing their blinking lights with the glittering stars over head.

Toad bounced off the ground first. He ran a wide circle around them, adrenaline still keeping him prepared for a chase. Thankfully they had lost any trace of koopa soldiers or fireballs.

Mario was slower to gather himself up. He cushioned the landing with Luigi on his back. It wasn't a soft landing with his face in the dirt. He grunted with discomfort but he wasn't going to let it bother him as long as it meant his brother was safe. Rolling over, Luigi slid gently to the side.

Mario looked up when Toad said his name. The sight of him nodding told Mario that everything was fine now. They were back home. Relief gave him the energy to push himself up to a kneeling position.

He brushed soot off his shirt, hating how the dark speckles fell into the greenery around him. Ash stained the perfect serenity of Mushroom Kingdom, a charred reminder of the Darklands. Mario clicked his tongue with distaste and adjusted his ruined hat. He would have to get a new one but that was so far down his list of concerns at the moment that the thought seemed ridiculously shallow. Right then, nothing mattered more than Luigi and seeing him back home where he belonged. Even if he was tired and sore, Mario would do anything for his brother. Mario fell forward onto his hands in the grass. He carefully rolled Luigi over.

“Lu,” he said quietly. The sound of his own voice, even soft and small, felt too loud in the empty field in the middle of the night. Mario even made himself flinch. He swallowed and leaned down a little closer to whisper. “Can you hear me?”

Luigi gave a weak whimper, responding to the his nickname being said. He turned his head a little, eyes fluttering in the dark. His eye sight was blurry and all he could see were the flickering of fireflies flashing like sparks. He closed his eyes again.

“M-mario?”

That was all the reassurance Mario needed to break out into a laugh. Not a full laugh, nothing chipper or loud, just a light breathy chuckle that was equally exhausted as it was happy. He rubbed at his face where his hat sat against his forehead.

“Ya had me scared there, Lu.” Mario croaked a little when he spoke up louder than a whisper.

He was more than happy to see his brother open his eyes, blinking in the dark. Even if Luigi couldn't fully comprehend where they were or what was happening, he still did what he could to keep his eyes open. The world was still spinning, slower but no less disorienting. The item was wearing off slowly and didn't cause too much vertigo. Luigi started to recognize his surroundings. He couldn't feel the heat of lava any longer either. Instead, there was a dampness of morning dew against his skin that made him cold and shiver. He wondered what had happened to the clouds of smoke and steam. There was a crescent moon in the sky and a scattered array of constellations.

“Bowser...” Luigi's voice was desperate and strained. He made one attempt to sit up but his head spun when it picked it up from the grass. All his blood rushed to his feet and his face went pale.

Mario looked at him, surprised at first. All he saw was the pale white skin and a fearful question over their enemy. He turned to Toad, still hovering over his shoulder. They both tensed but Mario pretended like it didn't phase him. He huffed and smiled for Luigi's benefit.

“He's gone now. You're safe back home.” Mario was sure of it. The fight was over. Probably by now Bowser was sulking about his castle, being a sore loser now that his plan was once again foiled. Bowser never did much in retaliation whenever Peach was rescued and brought back home. The three of them would be fine for months without seeing heads or tails of him. Now it was just a matter of them all recovering from the minor dumps and bruises storming the Koopa Castle left them with.

Mario grabbed at Toad's bag, rudely digging into it for what was left of their mushroom stash. Toad yelped in protest, grabbing for the straps to pull it away. There wasn't much left after their journey. And it wasn't like there had been time to restock before heading off to Bowser's Country. They had only what they had taken from the start, under prepared but still determined. All that was left in Toad's bag was one small healing item, a few defensive badges, and what was left of Mario's super mushroom.

Mario knew he'd probably need as much of the mushroom as possible to help carry Luigi the rest of the way home. He didn't want to be selfish and left the healing item for Toad. The super mushroom, what was left of it, was pulled free from the bag. Mario tore off a small chunk from the cap, ready to feed it to Luigi.

Toad made a quick grab for Mario's arm, hanging on tight.

“Mario, wait!” He was prepared to thrown himself at his friend and tackle them both over into the grass. Whatever got him to stop. Toad pulled on Mario's arm, not surprised when he started to fight back. Mario was hard to knock off balance. He caught himself as Toad tripped.

“Toad, what are you doing?” Mario helped keep Toad from falling over. He watched him closely and noticed the way Toad was looking at Luigi suspiciously, like somehow his brother was dangerous. Mario frowned.

“No! I don't think we should yet. We should take him to the Princess. Yeah, that's what we should do.”

“What, why?” Mario stared at him.

This was ridiculous. Mario got to his feet but made sure to keep himself squared off in between Toad and Luigi. Friend or not, he wasn't going to let anyone threaten his brother. He looked down at Toad with an offended curiosity. He could tell that whatever it was Toad was about to say would only make things worse. Still, Mario demand an explanation for the sudden hostility.

The brief hint of anger on Mario's face made Toad nervous, but not as much as Luigi did. Toad looked between the two and the warp pipe still far too close for comfort. He scuffled backwards and clutched at his bag tightly. He was ready to bolt.

“He was acting all weird back there, at Bowser's castle. Weirder – I mean, for Luigi.”

Mario shook his head when that was all Toad could say. It meant next to nothing. There was nothing Luigi could do to cause this kind of reaction. There had to be some mistake. He breathed out something dismissive in response. The frustration getting the better of him that he almost swore at his friend.

Mario knelt back down into the grass. The mushroom never left his hand this whole time. He carefully eased Luigi's head up from the ground and let it rest on his knee. Then Toad was jumping on his back. The chunk of mushroom Mario had ripped off was kicked out of reach into the wild flowers.

“Gah! Stop that! Don't!”

“Toad, get off me!”

“No! Something's wrong with him.”

Mario grabbed with Toad's arms. For such a small guy he was quite strong. They wrapped around Mario's neck tight enough to unintentionally strangle him. Mario choked and forced them over in the grass where they could accidentally hurt Luigi.

The two toppled over one another, rolling down the slight curve of the hillside. Grunts and grumbles of pain pipped up between them as they wrestled. Mario broke free and jumped to his feet. He ripped off his burnt hat and tossed it away.

“Back there, he was helping the koopas!” Toad wasn't afraid to yell, waving his arms about as he scrambled out of a clover patch. “He kept trying to run off on me. It's why I had to – that – to him. Then they started calling him their-”

“What do ya mean?”

“What do ya mean, what do I mean?” Toad wildly gestured to Luigi. “He was yelling for, Bowser. He was gonna to get us caught. He's out of his mind!”

“That doesn't make any sense. It's Luigi we're talking about. He's harmless. He wouldn't want to be anywhere near Bowser. Now... Knock it off!”

Mario was mad. He waved Toad off again as he turned to march back up the hill. He searched for the mushroom, brushing off the bits of dirt that clung to its squishy cap. It would have to do, he thought. Mario broke off a fresh piece, smaller because now there wasn't much left and he was going to need some in order to help carry Luigi the rest of the way home. Mario dropping down into the grass, ignoring the way kept Toad yelling behind him.

Mario picked up Luigi's head carefully. He watched his brother's dazed expression squint and fight to keep his eyes focused but failed every time. Mario pitied Luigi for everything he must have gone through in Bowser's captivity. All the torture, the isolation, and fear. He didn't believe Toad for a second that his brother would seek out Bowser by choice. Luigi had too much of a sympathetic soul that might help an enemy koopa but never Bowser.

Luigi was breathing heavily, lips parted. Mario tried to be as gentle as he could. He poked the squishy mushroom cap in between Luigi's teeth, nudging it towards the back of his mouth without going too far to choke him. When it was wedged between his molars Mario gave Luigi's cheek a little pat to encourage him to chew. Luigi reflexively flinched and bit down on the mushroom.

The magic of the power up was almost immediate, startling so. Waking up was a knee jerk reaction. Luigi went into full panic mode the second his eyes opened. He gasped loudly and swung out his arm ready to defend himself. His fist connected with something hard. There was a pained cry and a thump.

“Ack!”

Luigi sat bolt upright in the grass, looking around trying to get his baring on where he was. The realization of everything that had happened slowing dawned on him as he saw the vibrant green grass and the clusters of fireflies dancing around them. The pleasant cool breeze ruffled the sweat dampened hair at the back of his neck. Luigi slapped his hands over his mouth to silence a scream. Toad came running up beside him. Luigi looked at him in surprise.

“Are you okay?” Toad asked suspiciously. He squinted at him, leaning down to inspect Luigi.

There was a grunt beside them. Mario rolled up from where he'd fallen over. One hand held to his face as he groaned and whined.

“Yeah... I think so,” Mario said rubbing at his nose. Toad and Luigi slowly turned to look at him. He blinked though the potential nose bleed he was having and saw Luigi sitting there staring at him. “Weegee!”

Mario dove forward and gave Luigi a tight hug.

“Mario!” Luigi wrapped his arms around his brother in return, eager to bury his face into his shoulder. The shoulder shook with a happy little chuckle. They were both relieved to find the other safe and whole and together again. A hand ruffled at his hair affectionately.

“Your safe now,” Mario said reassuringly.

“I knew you'd come get me.” Luigi smiled a little. He knew it all along.

“I'd never let anything bad happen to ya.”

The brief but happy reunion came to a grinding halt.

“Mario, be careful!” Toad's high-pitched voice shattered the tender moment.

Luigi winced, sinking in on himself but Mario didn't let him go.

“Toad! It's fine,” he said. “You're over reacting. It's Luigi.”

“Me?” Luigi turned pale.

“They called him-” Toad pointed at him but Mario wouldn't allow it.

“Run and tell Peach.” Mario interrupted. Not that he really wanted Toad to start an uproar around the castle, but he needed to take Luigi home. Mario pointed in the direction of the village road at the base of the hill. Even if it was late Peach would get up to hear Toad's report, good or bad. Maybe she could even convince Toad that there was nothing to worry about. “Can ya do that? Toad, can ya do that?”

“What are you gonna do?” Toad asked, not sure.

“Imma take Lu home. We'll all talk about this tomorrow.”

Toad looked like he wanted to say more but he quickly snapped his mouth shut, cheeks puffing up in an annoyed response. For a moment he just stood there rocking on his heels. He watching the two brothers closely. His suspicions weren't lessened by the sheepish expression on Luigi's face one bit. For all he knew Luigi was just waiting for an opportunity to do something! Toad frowned and gripped the strap of his bag tightly. Eventually he gave a nod and turned sharply. In a small burst of dirt and blades of grass, Toad took off at a sprint down the hill towards the castle.

Mario quietly watched until Toad was only a speck amongst the greenery. Then he let go of the tense sigh he'd been holding in. His arms loosened their hold on Luigi enough to let him slip away. Mario gave him a sympathetic smile.

“Let's-a get you home, bro.”

He held out a hand to help Luigi stand and the two got out of the grass. They both wobbled but Luigi was far more thrown off balance. Mario caught him in an awkward half hug to keep him from falling. It would to take them all night to walk home like this. Even though they didn't live too far Mario didn't think Luigi could walk the distance.

Mario laughed a little to shake off the stress. He said nothing about how tired he was or that they were down to a quarter of a mushroom. Instead, Mario looped both of Luigi's arms around his shoulders so he could hoist his brother up onto his back again. Their height difference wasn't such an issue once Luigi was settled in place.

“Okey dokey. Here we go. Hang on.”

“Mario...” Luigi protested quietly but Mario shook his head and wouldn't put him down.

Mario carefully walked them down the grassy slope towards the winding brick road that would take them home. Along the way he popped what was left of the mushroom into his mouth and chewed for a while. It gave him something to do when he didn't want to talk. The mushroom's magic kicked in fast and he felt better within minutes. Even if it wasn't at full strength, the mushroom helped take the edge off his physical exhaustion and made carrying Luigi easier.

The silence of the Toad Village at night was heavy between them. Both brothers were too distracted by their own busy thoughts to fill it with idle chitchat. The idea of small talk felt wrong. Mario didn't want to delve into retelling his journey away when Luigi had gone through so much without him.

Neither said a word for a long time as they passed darkened Toadstool houses and dim lamp lights. Crickets were making the silence tolerable, a background orchestra of repetitive chirps.

Even if Mario had plenty of questions for Luigi he didn't want to bring up what happened just yet. It bothered him not knowing but he cared more about Luigi. He didn't want to upset like that. Luigi didn't seem physically injured but the way he was sulking into Mario's shoulder made him think he was suffering in silence, haunted by being locked up in a dark scary dungeon alone.

Mario regretted not getting a better jump on Bowser. However, there was never the chance. The Koopa didn't sit around and wait for Mario to come find him like he usually did. Normally they would meet in the throne room or the dungeon, somewhere specific and large enough for them to have a proper fight. So it was definitely strange to run around the corner of a random hallway and come face to face with a fireball.

There hadn't been any banter or egotistical ranting. Bowser had said nothing but a few threatening words. The rest were just snarls and spitting literal fire. Something had the King in a state of rage and he didn't want to hang around to find out what it was.

Mario shuddered to think what his brother had to go through if Bowser had been like this all along. Probably locked up in a cage without food or sunlight, threatened with torture and death. Well, never again. Mario wouldn't let anything happen to Luigi. That was a sworn promise he made to himself. He adjusted Luigi on his back and gave his leg a reassuring pat.

Luigi was being quiet on purpose. Everything that had happened the last few days were playing on repeat in his mind. There was no way he could explain it to himself without feeling sick with guilt. He had dragged out a lie for longer than he ever should have. He had been scared at the time, confused and panicked. Not that any of that made what he did better. None of it had been a good idea in fact. If he had apologized at the time, none of this would have happened. Maybe he would have gotten into trouble, may not.

Now he'd gone and gotten others involved. Mario was pretending to smile through his laboured breathing, acting tough like he wasn't tired too. Luigi had let his head rest down, sulking into his brother's shoulder like he would when they were kids. It was a comfortable place that he selfishly fell into, hating himself for letting Mario get hurt over him.

The problem was, Luigi didn't want to upset his brother or make him mad. He didn't want to be a disappointment. Everything he could say to Mario now came with heavy baggage that would only ruin their relationship. It's not that Luigi didn't think Mario loved him, or trusted him, but he could take a good guess as to how Mario would react when he found out what he'd been up to at Bowser's castle. After Mario had gone through the trouble of 'saving' him when Luigi had never been in any real danger.

Luigi knew that now. Too little too late. A fact that was completely useless to him.

Now it weighed on Luigi with a horrible amount of regret. Bowser had been so uncharacteristically kind to him. He'd been gentle and doting. He treated Luigi like the most loved treasure he could ever collect. It had been so sweet that Luigi felt as though he could never be afraid of the koopa ever again.

His fear has been misplaced based on years of watching Bowser chase after Peach's affection. He simply thought Bowser would be mad for remembering him, or for taking advantage of their hospitality. Something ridiculous that he didn't agree with any more. If anything Luigi wanted to thank Bowser for everything he'd done.

Another part of him wanted to cling onto his lie a little longer. He wasn't ready to let go of the illusion of love, being showered in affection and desire. Luigi didn't want to go home just yet. What he wanted was to curl up into Bowser' side and fall asleep like he had before, just to see if it gave him the same rush of butterflies in his stomach.

But he couldn't. Mario would never accept it. Mario hated Bowser. There was no explanation or excuse Luigi could give that would make his brother see that he'd been safe with the King this whole time.

Luigi pressed his face into Mario's shoulder. He should have done more when he could, done better.

“Mario...” His voice came out muffled yet still sad. “I-I'm sorry... Th-this was all my fault.”

“Don't be silly, Lu... Ya didn't do anything.”

That didn't make Luigi feel better. There was still a rise of queasiness in his stomach.

“I was too scared. I should have... done something,” Luigi said.

“I know. But being scared isn't something to say sorry for.” Mario's optimism shared a borderline with oblivious. He thought too highly of Luigi, like he could do no wrong. Luigi knew that the moment he tried to explain himself that bubble would burst and Mario would never look at him the same way again.

Luigi shook his head. He wanted to scream and argue that he could have told the truth and probably come home right away after he'd regained his memory. Instead he'd played dumb and started developing feelings for someone he shouldn't.

“Bowser never hurt me,” Luigi whispered, defending Bowser in his absence like he could wash the koopa's name clean with the same admission. Luigi could accept the fact that Bowser would probably never be a 'good guy' but at the same time he didn't believed him to be entirely 'bad'.

But Mario didn't understand. He frowned a little, trying to look over his shoulder at Luigi but couldn't quite meet his eye.

“Good,” he said. Mario cleared his throat and continued down the road towards home. The small cottage they shared was coming up on the left hand side, close enough to see the little wooden garden gate just as they left it. The garden untouched. Home. “And he never will, not while I'm around.”

Luigi took a seat on the edge of his bed. The old lumpy mattress felt somehow harder than he remembered it being. His room felt smaller too, almost claustrophobic. The pain in his chest hurt more now that he was home. His heart throbbed with the lingering stab of regret. For some reason Luigi expected to feel lighter being back in his room, safe and sound, but instead he sat awkwardly perching on the edge of the bed like it wasn't his anymore. He dropped his hands into his lap and stared anxiously picking at his fingernails.

He and Mario had gotten home quick and without any issue. Neither said much as they went to their separate bedrooms on either side of the hall. The silence was uncomfortable, for Luigi at least. Normally Mario liked to talk about his adventures, boasting about how he'd beaten someone up or won a particularly hard challenge, but he'd let Luigi go off to his room without the smallest objection. Luigi took the opportunity to quickly get ready for bed. It was good to feel clean again.

The only thing he was happy to have back were his old pyjamas. At least those were his and felt the same as always, worn fabric with a few fraying seams. The green plaid pants and white shirt were nothing special but they were his. They weren't too big or itchy, weren't made from magic, or originally intended for someone else. Luigi told himself that he should be happier. After all, he was home. However, the excitement of being there was hard to enjoy.

If he let himself be honest, he missed the nightly chattering of Kammy as she brought him hot tea. Sitting around in bed without a dainty teacup was disappointing. Only a few days and he'd gone and fell into such a welcomed routine. He had let himself get use to such kind treatment, like he was the Princess or actually Bowser's husband. The thought made his heart do a little skip and a jump.

It was late now. He would have been asleep in his tower by now, or perhaps curled up into Bowser's side, held and cherished like he was someone special.

The vice grip around his heart squeezed and hurt him deeply. He might be able to hide his own lie forever but he couldn't deny how he felt. He had to decide which was more important. He should try – try to not be so scared. If Bowser could manage to be even half good then he could be only half a coward.

Luigi took a deep breath and put on a brave face. All his sulking wasn't going to make himself feel better. He stood up and paced about a few turns of the room to work up the nerve to go talk to Mario. He couldn't live his like this way, being a meek little worm that was content to let others save him. He could do this. Luigi clapped his hands together and turned sharply on his toes.

As he turned about, ready to go find Mario, the bedroom door opened and there he was. Mario looked like he was about to get into bed as well, washed up and dressed in his red and blue pyjamas. Luigi's determination faltered when he saw him looking so tired. Luigi wrung his hands together, second guessing himself. He took a step forward.

“Mario, I wanna explain something-” he started to say but a proper mushroom was put into his hands before he could get out a single sentence.

“Here, Lu. I found a whole shroom for ya.”

Mario gave him an affectionately punch to the shoulder. Luigi didn't know what to say. He looked at the mushroom in his hands then to his brother who had walked passed him to do a once around the room. Mario meant well, really. Even if he was overly protective, he meant well. He went about checking the window to see that it was locked and that there was nothing suspicious tucked away in any nook or cranny.

Luigi took another big breath, needing the encouragement to get out anything more than a few stuttering words.

“Uhm... I... Th-thank you, but I don't need th-this. I'm fine. Now. Mario, pl-please, listen to me.” He tried to give the mushroom back but Mario wouldn't take it. When that didn't work Luigi hugged the mushroom and started to anxiously bounce his foot. “You see... th-this is all a big misunderstanding. I couldn't go with Toad. I was t-trying to fix everything. Because, it was my fault. I screwed up. I mean... I didn't mean to! Everything was just happening so fast and I didn't know what was going on at the time. Th-that is... I- uhm... I th-thought-”

“Whoa! Luigi! Calm down.” Mario gently took his wrists, coxing him back towards the bed. It was a good thing there was something soft to sit on because Luigi was talking so fast and getting himself so worked up that he was starting to feel short of breath. Mario sat him down, trying to not jostle him or make any sudden movement himself in case it would make Luigi uneasy. He stood close over him. “I don't understand what you're saying...”

“I thought that Bowser was... That he was...” Luigi tried again, very slowly this time.

“What, Lu? What did he do?” Mario asked, growing concerned.

“Nothing. He didn't do anything.” Luigi bit his lip and looked down to avoid his brother's searching eyes. They were watching him so intently like Mario was trying to read his mind. It was embarrassing in a way. Luigi wanted to defend Bowser but he couldn't get the words out. He tried but his own self-doubt and fear left him paralyzed. Luigi cleared his throat awkwardly.

“You've been through a lot.” Mario stood up, giving Luigi a little space to breathe. “How's about ya get some rest. Okay? We'll talk in the morning when you're ready.”

Luigi tried to keep his focus on the mushroom still clutched between his hands. He desperately wanted to scream out the truth but Mario was being too kind. It was cruel. The truth would hurt him too much. All his resolve to be better, to be brave, slipped away. He nodded as Mario headed to the door, wishing him a 'good night' along the way.

Luigi swallowed the heavy lump in his throat, feeling doomed to wrestle with this guilt a while longer. Maybe in time this whole event would settle itself and he could pretend like it never happened. The irony wasn't lost on him there. 'Pretending' was what made the problem a million times worse. Now he was thinking of doing it again.

Well, if anything, his 'kidnapping' would eventually be forgotten. The likelihood of he and Bowser seeing each other again any time soon was extremely low.

“Get some sleep, Lu,” Mario said before heading to his own room.

“G'night...” Luigi croaked in a broken voice. He looked up but the door had already been shut and he was on his own again.

Luigi briefly got up from his bed. He couldn't stomach a mushroom if he tried. Honestly, he didn't want to even look at a mushroom for a long time. He placed it on his dresser for now and turned out the lights.

Maybe it would be best if he tried to sleep, though he doubted he would have an easy time at it. Luigi setting down for the night. He found the bed uncomfortable and hard. It was too small and there wasn't nearly enough room for him to stretch out on his back. He couldn't roll around without the danger of toppling over one edge or hitting the wall on the other side. The wooden frame creaked and the patchwork quilt was too stiff. He missed the smooth silky sheets and the mountain of pillows he'd been given at the castle.

Luigi missed the nightly routine of tea before sinking into the large bath tub that he could greedily fill with fruit smelling bubbles. He missed Kammy asking him every five minutes if he needed anything.

Now Luigi stared up at the ceiling of his bedroom. He puffed up his cheeks before blowing out a hard breath.

More than anything he missed the feeling of claws gently combing through his hair. The weight of a large hand resting against his side to keep him from tossing and turning too much in his sleep.

He missed Bowser.

Chapter Text

A loud bang woke Luigi from his light sleep. He jumped with a start, sitting up in bed like he was about to come face to face with scary hiding in the darkness. For a few heavy breathes Luigi stayed completely still, petrified by this hot clawing sensation of déjà vu where he couldn't tell where he was or what was happening. However, there was nothing to see but the dark shadows of his own bedroom, unmoving and non threatening to him. He let out go of the tense breath he'd been holding and rubbed at his tired eyes.

Sitting there quietly on his bed everything else was just as still. The small house was silent. Whatever had made the noise was gone as sudden as it came. Luigi was too tired to recognize the noise and now that he was awake he wasn't entirely sure it had even been real. A dream, maybe, he thought. Anything to comfort himself. Not that he remembered dreaming. Luigi felt like he'd been asleep for all of an hour, too light and short to be restful by any means. He stretched a little and felt the groggy remnants of his sleep cling off him. It wanted to pull him back down to the pillow and he wanted to let it.

Unfortunately, Luigi doubted he would easily get back to sleep. Not until he'd proven to himself that the noise had been imaginary. He looked around the room and named off each piece of furniture that cast a dark shadow. It helped settle his rapidly beating heart.

He reminded himself for the hundredth time that he was home. Mario was asleep across the hallway in his own room. Luigi took another calming breath before pushing the old quilt off and slipping out of bed. His feet made soft sounds as he padded over to the door.

Luigi found that the silence was almost uncomfortable. There was no distant tumble of a lava-fall or the occasional march of patrolling guards. At Bowser's Castle when there was a noise there was a definite cause and an army for protection. Here, Luigi caught himself pathetically flinching at his own shadow.

He felt like he had to scold himself for talking poorly of his own home. This was silly. Luigi had felt safe there for years, going about life without a care in the world. He had been happy and content with the little garden outside and the tree line of the woods behind the cottage. It was just going to be a small adjustment, something to get use to. Luigi opened his door and peeking out into the hall. Nothing was there that hadn't been before. No movement, nothing that had fallen over.

“Mario?” he whispered down the hall. Maybe Mario was getting a drink of water, or maybe it had been a dream after all. There was no answer from the kitchen.

Luigi yawned. He shuffled his way over to Mario's closed bedroom door. He knocked softly and waited. There was no response from inside but Luigi also couldn't hear his brother's snoring. Luigi frowned a little and opened the door trying to be quiet just in case Mario was asleep. The door opened just enough for Luigi to poke his nose in and have a look around. All he wanted was to see Mario in bed to reassure himself, then he would go back to his own room.

The room was lit by the open window, bright for the middle of the night. Luigi touched the door frame.

“Mario?” he said a bit louder. The bed off to the one corner of the room was empty. Its blankets kicked messily down to the foot board. The wind blew into the room through the window carrying along a familiar smell with it. Luigi tensed and pushed away from the wall.

He ran from room to room calling for his brother with no answer, no noise beside his own footsteps and heavy breathing. His slight worried fidgeting turned frantic when he couldn't find any sign of Mario in the house.

Luigi ran, tripping over things in the dark, through the kitchen and out into the main hallway. He grabbed hold of the front door handle and wrenched it open, throwing himself outside into the yard.

Luigi stumbled down the steps and onto the gravel pathway. Over and over he yelled for Mario but no one answered him.

He grabbed at his hair tightly and backed up along the path a few feet. Luigi was on the edge of a full on panic, ready to go to the castle and get help, when he saw the darkened sky overhead and smelt that odd scent on the wind again. The starry sky was being blotted out by thick dark clouds of smoke. That's why he found it familiar. It was the warm, sharp smell of fire, of burnt grass and wood.

Luigi fell into shock. He dragged himself further into the garden, watching the horizon as he went. All he could see were the billowing clouds of smoke rising from the hillside. At its base where it met the ground was the colourful glow of a wildly building fire. The oranges and reds of the heat turning the horizon into a mock sunrise. The vibrant colours reaching him from even this distance. The fire looked like it was catching along the wind and heading right towards Toad Village.

“Fire... Fire!” Luigi startled and spun back towards the cottage. His feet skidded in the gravel and he tripped up the short stair towards the door. He fell to the ground twice, ignoring how he scrapped his hands on the hard rocks.

Luigi grabbed for his work boots from their usual place by the front door. He roughly tugged them onto his bare feet, barely giving himself enough time to knot the laces before he was dashing back outside.

He ran passed the small garden gate and out into the brick road, hoping to catch up to Mario on the way.

All the houses along the road were alerted by the loud tolling ring of the castle's bell tower. Windows lit up and Toads were piling outside to see what was happening. The sight of the smoke immediately sent them all into a state of hysterics. The closer Luigi got towards the meadows the more screaming and frantic the Toads were getting as they raced about under foot. Luigi wanted to just run off to his brother to help but he could barely get through the crowd.

Luigi didn't see Mario anywhere as he ran down the road. He'd made it to the crossroads and was completely out of breath. The sky overhead was nothing but clouds of smoke, highlighted by the glow of the fire. The air was turning thick and heavy as the wind blew down from the meadow. Luigi waved Toads away from the road, trying to send them in the opposite direction. Those who would listen evacuated quickly on foot or in cart fulls.

Some Toads didn't wasn't to leave, opting to carry off buckets to the lake and help where possible. They took off to join the Toad Brigade and put out the wild fire. No doubt Mario would be amongst them and could offer better direction than he could. He knew he wasn't going to catch up now. Luigi changed direction and ran towards the castle. He hoped that the Princess would have a better grasp of the situation than he did.

The ground gave a violent rumble like an earthquake, coming out of nowhere and making rocks scatter and buildings shake. Luigi couldn't keep his balance and was sent sideways into a nearby cart packed high with screaming Toads.

The earthquake, or whatever it was, only lasted for a few seconds before it died down into silence. Everyone waited for the next shake, collectively holding their breath. Luigi slowly pushed himself up from the cart to look around. Thankfully nothing was damaged by the shaking. There were only the scared Toads. Convincing himself it was a fluke, Luigi turned to those closest to him to reassure them that everything was 'okay'. He hadn't even gotten a word out before the silence was broken by a deafening, angry, roar.

Luigi held his hands to his ears as Toads hit the dirt, trying to cover their heads for protection. The roar carried through town. The sheer volume made Luigi weak. His legs finally gave out from under him and he landed on the brick road in a bent over slump. He couldn't feel anything passed the vibrations rattling up through his own body.

It wasn't until the echoing started to fade that Luigi was even aware of his own heart hammering so heavily in his chest that it hurt. Luigi looked towards the distant hillside. The smoke was getting thicker as the fire started to jump between the trees. An anticipation for what was to come out of that wall of fire and smoke made him loose his breath.

Luigi touched the ground, feeling a slight shaking. The ground trembled light to a pattern he recognized. They were footsteps, steadily getting closer to town.

“Santo cielo...” Luigi gasped around a whimper.

Realization slowly started to dawn on him. Luigi was brought back to the crowd around him by the panicked screams. Toads rushed around, creating more havoc than an invading army, waving their arms and toppling over one another. They all cried out in fear of the Koopa King coming to invade and burn them all alive.

But Luigi didn't see the airship, no sign of any threat at the castle walls. It almost made him think Bowser had come alone.

Luigi scrambled to his feet. Then he ran. There was no plan. He just ran at full sprint down the road towards the castle. No one tried to stop him. The Toads all concerned for their own safety. They were all trying to go in the opposite direction, away from the centre of town and any threat of danger. But Luigi kept going, trying not to think as he ran.

Town square had been completely emptied. Even the castle guards seemed to be making themselves scarce. Or they had already taken it upon themselves to chase after Mario too. This left the drawbridge down and Luigi toppled over inside the walls, out of breath and knees shaking. Ahead of him was the tall staircase leading towards the castle. Each flight levelled off at a tiered platform. Gardens upon gardens, decorated with streamers and paper lanterns, and copious amounts of flower. Wedding decorations perfectly strung up in waiting.

As pretty as the gardens were, its high tiered walls reinforced the castle's protection. It would take an entire army to break through on the ground, or one very angry Koopa King.

Luigi took the steps two or three at a time. His sprinting had fizzled down to a desperate jog, too tired to keep it up much longer. Another air split with another furious roar making Luigi trip and fall forwards up the stairs. Tears gathered in his eyes. The dull pain in his knees didn't bother him nearly as much as the distant unmistakable sounds of a fight.

“Luigi?”

He picked his head up, hearing his name. Toad and Peach were running down the stairs to meet him. Toad jumped down flights in a single leap, spinning and pacing as the Princess caught up to him. He didn't offer to help Luigi up. Instead, he kept his distance and took a fighting stance, just in case. Toad still watched Luigi with the same suspicious sidelong glare the he did earlier. Luigi didn't take offence to the distrust but he also didn't like it.

Despite the sleep attire, Peach looked ready for anything. The long pink nightgown and matching robe didn't make her look any less capable of leading an army. She didn't even look tired, even though it was the middle of the night. Luigi guessed she'd been up for a while now with Toad, hearing all about what happened.

Peach beamed a relieved smile at seeing Luigi and quickly came over to scoop him into a tight hug. The hug was brief but full of concern. Luigi made a small awkward bow to her when they parted.

“Principessa...” Luigi panted for air and failed to string two words together coherently. He made a wide gesture to the smoke rising along the horizon. “Bowser...”

“Yes, I know,” she said. Her expression hardened into a frown. Her lips pursed as she looked off at the dark clouds. The sight of the kingdom in danger made her natural sweet disposition disappear. There was the beginning of an almost dark quality in Peach's eye that looked almost angry, a rarity if Luigi ever saw it. He swallowed his nerves and stood tall. “This isn't normally like him...”

“It's not his fault! I-I mean... He... He's not-” Luigi tried.

Toad jumped and waved his arms. He interrupted with all the screaming accusations he'd been harassing Mario with, however he wouldn't dare tackle the Princess to the ground. Instead he bumped into Luigi roughly and pointed at him.

“This is your fault!”

“Toad.” Peach scolded him. She had heard this already, clearly. Toad's report came as startling news. Not that she believed it to be so simple. It still made Luigi hang his head, guilt once again coming to his face in a scrunched, sad, expression.

“It is! Princess, Luigi's in cahoots with the Koopa Kingdom!”

“I'm sure that's not the whole story.”

“He's gonna hand us all over to the enemy!”

“Toad!”

“Mi dispiace.” Luigi covered his face with his hands. “He's right. This is all my fault.”

Peach sighed a little softer, doing everything in her power to stay calm in the middle of all the chaos. She took a step closer on the stairs and touched his shoulder.

“Luigi, I'm sure there is a good explanation for all this.” She was being too reasonable, too forgiving. Not that Luigi wanted to be yelled at or punished, but he felt that he deserved their frustration more than he was getting. The meadow was on fire and he unintentionally put the whole town in danger.

“And Mario is...” Luigi nodded towards the hills.

“I have no doubt,” Peach said.

Together they watched the dark smoke get thicker as it rolled down the hillside. The ground tremors were stronger now. Luigi tightly held his hands to his chest to keep them from shaking. The familiar sensation of fear creeping up his spine made him want to turn and run but he couldn't move. He was frozen to the steps, unable to do anything as the sky got darker.

Even Peach seemed to disappear beside him. Wide eyed, he watched for any sign of movement in the air or on the ground, for a ship or an army of Koopas, but there was nothing. Bowser had come alone.

Luigi's heart hurt, a pain he couldn't sooth away by rubbing his fingers into his chest. It ran deep and sank into his soul. Every loud roar made his heart rip at its seams until Luigi felt like he was going to die from the pain. His eyes stung with tears that he blinked away as soon as he noticed them. Luigi would give anything to run his fingers along Bowser's scales or bury himself into the crook of his arm, that wonderful safe place he had come to find. He wanted to give sooth that raging fire down to a gentle simmer. Not this.

The marching foot steps stilled. The rolling clouds of smoke parted, blown into wisps by a heavy breath of wind. Luigi wished he was closer to the hills to see if someone was there. What if someone was hurt and needed them. But from the castle all he could see was a wall of black.

A burst of red came from it, flickering like fire. Eyes opened in the dark, glowing white hot.

Luigi flinched when Peach made a sound beside him. It might have been a scream or just a gasp. Either was likely to set him off. His fingers trembled as he brought them to his mouth. Luigi whimpered behinds them, hiding the fact he'd accidentally said Bowser's name out loud.

Bowser came stalking out of the smoke towards the castle. He was a massive wall of scales and fire, as tall as the castle itself, hunched forwards and threatening to see. His scales were black and shiny, camouflaging him into the smoke and hiding just how large he had become. Luigi couldn't even see him clearly until he was already halfway to the village.

With Bowser like this, he could destroy everything. The kingdom would be doomed.

Luigi couldn't see anything coming down the hill after Bowser. No speck of red or anything resembling Mario. He was no where to be seen. Dread was setting into Luigi's blood making him break out into a cold sweat. On every gasping breath he could smell the smoke and fire. He looked to Peach and saw how pale she'd gotten. Toad was hiding behind her leg for shelter.

“Evacuate the Castle,” Peach told Toad. Her voice was small and edged with fear. “We need to get everyone somewhere safe.”

Toad nodded but before he could take a step Luigi spun around and grabbed Peach by the shoulders. He had an insanely dangerous idea.

“No! Everyone who's left, get them inside. And you, too, p-p-Peach. Get inside,” Luigi said. He still didn't really have a plan but he also couldn't stand around and do nothing. “It'll be fine. I-uh... I can fix this. I think...”

Peach watched him as he started backing up down the stairs. The look on her face definitely suggested a protest but he was already getting farther away, leaving the platform entirely and sprinting off across the garden.

“Luigi!”

“I can fix this! Prometto!” He called back over his shoulder and waved.

Could he fix this? He definitely wasn't confident he could do much of anything but he also didn't think he could make it too much worse... As long as Peach trusted him and kept everyone out of the way. Luigi didn't want anyone else getting hurt because of his mistakes.

He ran through the garden's heavily lush flowerbeds and hedges until he reached the retaining wall. It stretched high over head, blocking his view of Bowser entirely. The wall had to be multiple stories high and was made of thick stone. Luigi was out of breath and physically exhausted. He leaned against the wall just for a moment. He could do this, he told himself. Not that he had much of a choice.

The plan, if he was going to call it that, was to get Bowser's attention any way he could. Plain and simple. After that, he had no idea what would happen. Bowser might just roast him alive for lying to him. However, he didn't want to think about that. Luigi blindly had to believe the Bowser cared, even if it was just a small fraction of his own feelings.

Luigi took a step back from the wall, bounced on his toes trying to work up some kind of forward momentum before dashing straight at one of the garden's a decorative stone pillars. He jumped, heel of his boot striking off the pillar. His next jump hit the retaining wall.

He had never fully mastered a spin jump quite like Mario but at least he could double jump. Luigi kicked off the wall and double jumped for the ledge, barely getting enough air to clear the gap. His fingers almost missed the edge of the wall, but he'd made it.

Luigi scrambled, feet scraping over the smooth stone trying to push himself up on top of the wall. He grunted and moaned from the effort until he rolled over the side and onto his back. Luigi's whole body was shaking with adrenaline. He could barely sit up without his limbs vibrating and trying to knock him down again.

Pushing himself up again was almost impossible but he needed to be seen. Luigi planted his feet wide and stood as tall as he could manage. Arms stretched over head he waved, trying to get Bowser's attention off the castle and solely onto him. Luigi didn't let himself be afraid of the flamed spitting from between those sharp teeth. Even if he was no bigger than a fly in comparison to Bowser's enormous form, he refuse to budge.

Luigi took a deep breath and screamed Bowser's name at the top of his lungs.

Two, three times, Luigi kept screaming. The lumbering koopa was still coming towards the castle. It was hard to tell if Bowser even saw him on the wall until they were almost right in front of one another. Luigi didn't stop. He called his name until there were tears in his eyes and and his throat felt raw.

In Bowser's massive form towered over the wall. Its high rock ledge only coming up to meet his chest. He bent down to glare at Luigi. Those white hot eyes glowing eerily. Luigi tried not to make any sudden movements, standing still like he was dealing with a wild animal. But never a monster, he'd never call Bowser such things. Not when Bowser had gentle run fingers through his hair in comfort. Not when he they had stayed curled up together, content and happy. He was the same Koopa, no matter how big he was. Luigi gave a wet sob and held his fingertips towards Bowser's face.

“St-top...” Luigi could feel the heat of fire on his skin. “Per favore... amore.”

Bowser dropped to one knee on the ground, making everything shake and rumble. Luigi fell unable to stay balanced any longer.

Bowser gave a low grumble, his voice deep and rough. He breathed out Luigi's name, dragging out each letter like a rock slide. The tip of his snout pressed closer to the edge of the wall.

Luigi watched his furious expression slowly soften to a heartbroken sulk. He returned the sullen look, already crying. He couldn't stop himself and didn't want to try. Luigi threw himself over the end of Bowser's snout, trying to hold him the best he could. He nuzzled into the hot scales able to feel the fire burning just below the surface, but he wouldn't pull back for anything. Not even as thin streams of smoke escaped Bowser's mouth and made the air heavy in his lungs. Luigi kissed the warmed scales where he'd been nuzzling into. The dark shining colour was odd to see, different, but he didn't mind. Deep down this was the same Bowser that blushed over the smallest touch.

Luigi ran his fingers as far as he could reach, stretching his arms out to feel every inch. The look on Bowser's face was still hard, brows drawn and angled in a frown, but there was colour returning to his eyes. The white glow reseeding until there was the slightest tint of red again. Bowser rumbled deep in his chest.

“Shh... It's okay. I'm right here. ” Luigi chocked up and whined. He let his head rest back down. A soft puff of air ruffled his shirt and tickling his sides. “I'm sorry...”

Luigi's crying was steady, leaving his voice broken and weak. Tears rolled down his cheeks and left wet patches on Bowser's scales. Luigi tried to dry them away as he apologized again. He did it over and over until he was crying harder and his chest squeezed tightly. He hiccuped on a breath, having to sit back on his knees in order to catch a small breath of air. Doing so put a small space between them and Bowser pulled away, making it even larger. Luigi panicked, moving quickly to reach out for him.

“Wait! Please!” Luigi bit back a sob. “Don't leave me!”

Large knuckles stopped him from leaning out over the wall too far, keeping him from falling off. They gently moved around him, brushing down his back. Claws bent, curling around Luigi to shelter him and keep him safe. As if Luigi could be strong enough to hold Bowser down, he grabbed onto his thumb and refuse to let go. Luigi buried his face into him. A low pleased rumble made Luigi open his eyes. He hadn't noticed he'd closed them.

Bowser stood up to full height. As delicately as possible at such a size difference, he ran the blunt backside of a claw over Luigi's hair.

“I'm not.” Bowser spoke in a deep gravelly tone, mumbled and barely understandable. Possible overcompensation to now startle or scare Luigi. The tiny pressure on his thumb tightened. “You're coming with me.”

Luigi looked up at him, not sure if he heard him right but he hoped he had. After all the chaos and destruction they had brought tonight, Luigi was ready for it to be over. He'd do anything to make all this right. A simple apology wasn't going to erase everything that had happened tonight but Luigi would gracefully accept any punishment the Princess thought fit. He'd leave if necessary. Mario might hate him but so would all the Toads after tonight.

He didn't even think twice about nodding and clinging off Bowser's hand like his life depended on it. Large, strong fingers curled around him, ready to scoop him up in a protective hold.

“Get away from my brother!”

“Mario!” Luigi's head shot up at hearing Mario's voice. He heard him before he saw him beyond the curve of Bowser's shell, poised on top pillar. The quick relief of seeing him safe was smothered by the anger which Mario held himself up with. He was crouched low, ready to jump back into another fight. His whole body glowed like a rainbow from one too many power-ups. Luigi climbed to his feet, only able to stand due to the support of Bowser's fingers. “Mario, wait!”

Bowser wasn't all that surprised to see the little runt had bounced back so quickly after leaving him doubled over in a crater. However, it was incredibly frustrating. He gave Mario a brief glance, though his concern was far more distracted by the way Luigi clung off his thumb, too close to the edge of the wall to be safe. Bowser's upper lip pealed back, smoke escaping in thick clouds.

“Or what, Short Stack?” He bit out threateningly.

Mario puffed out his chest and made a little hand gesture that felt to mean something offensive to humans.

“You're about to find out,” he promised.

Bowser easily slipped this thumb out of Luigi's grip. The screams of protest only made him hesitate for a moment. However, a challenge would not go unanswered. No one was about to tell him he wouldn't be bringing Luigi home with him. If Mario wanted a fight then Bowser would not disappoint him.

Chapter Text

It was awful. Luigi clamped his hands over his eyes tightly, unable to watch any more than he already had. It was scary, violent, and he hated it so much. He felt like he was in a nightmare that he couldn't wake up from. The sounds of splintering trees and cracking stone made him twitch and curl further in on himself. He wished he was home in bed and that none of this was really happening. Luigi would have bubbled out a sad cry but smoke was rising up from the garden and left the air thick and made his mouth taste like ash. He coughed and wheezed, feeling his chest trying wring itself of smoke.

By now large sections of the garden had been set on fire. It spread through flowerbed and along hedges. Everything below him was hot and burning. Luigi couldn't even climb down if he had the strength to try. The pillar he used to get up onto the retaining wall had been broken in the fight going on around him.

It was all he could hear, the fighting. The ground rumbled with every heavy impact. The wall shook under him and Luigi had to grab onto the edge to keep himself in place. It was the only thing he had to hold onto up there. The smooth marble slipped under his nails. Luigi hiccupped on a gasp but it quickly turned to a coughing fit as the smoke came pillowing up around him.

Luigi hunched down, pretending like he had good enough balance as there was another earth tremor and the wall rocked.

How had things gotten to this point so fast... This was his fault. Maybe not directly, not intentionally, but it was his doing all the same. The clawing sense of guilt hooked itself into his insides and ripped them apart until his heart bled and he cried. If there was any way for him to fix it, he knew he had to. Even if it wouldn't be perfect. As long as he could do one thing right tonight.

Luigi looked around. His brother had gotten pretty far across the garden. Maybe it was some attempt at keeping a safe distance or to lead Bowser away from the castle, but it made it harder for Luigi to call to them. He tried. Luigi screamed but it was drowned out in the chaos.

Mario threw broken chunks of the garden's marble pillars as Bowser swatted him across the grass. The bright shine of Mario's power up was turning dull and blinked, a clear sign that it was about to run out entirely as Bowser's massive hand came down fast. Mario didn't have time to react beyond bracing himself. He was flung backwards with one hit. Luigi closed his eyes tight.

Mario's body hit the garden's gazebo. It had been decorated high and pretty with puffy pink flowers. Mario took the whole thing down. The heavy structure collapsed on top of him in a mess of rubble.

Luigi responded to the loud noise. He didn't see it fall but he saw the broken remains. He called out for his brother but his voice broke, catching in his throat. Nothing came out. Even if he tried it wouldn't have been heard over the loud roar that Bowser let bellow. The enormous koopa hadn't budged from where he'd been standing, back towards Luigi. They both watched the broken rubble of the gazebo, waiting to see if Mario was going to try and make it out.

Luigi trembled and push himself to his feet. Two, three uneven steps was as far as he could go before his knees gave out.

Bowser was tired of waiting. He puffed up his chest. Head thrown back to stretch his jaw open to its limit, the glow of a fireball build up in his throat. It got bigger and bigger. More smoke rose.

“Bowser! Stop!”

Bowser stopped. Everything stopped. The overwhelming anger that had been boiling up inside him stalled. He choked back the fireball, swallowing it whole. The heat burned him as the fire sat on his tongue but he kept it down. The extinguished smoke flowed out from his nostrils, thick and black, blurring his vision for a moment. It was long enough for him to come out of his rage and recognize his own name. The familiar sweet voice calling to him was filled with terror and desperation to the point where he almost didn't know who it was.

He turned slowly. The smoke in his face clearing away with one aggressive huff. And there he way, Luigi, still perched safely on the wall where he'd left him. The little human was on all fours crawling along the edge of the wall, leaning too far forwards in an attempt to reach him with an outstretched hand. There was no getting closer without Luigi falling. Bowser felt a horrible discomfort seeing this, but something about Luigi's hand reaching for him flipped something over in Bowser's chest that made him forget all about the angry fire that had been burning him on the inside. It simmered down to a gentle heat, calming him entirely. He couldn't explain what it was about the simple gesture that made him want to meet the offered hand with his own.

Bowser came closer, careful of his heavy footsteps and the way it made the wall sway. The two were barely back to eye level again before he could hear Luigi's scared voice, speaking to him in that funny little language. Bowser didn't understand it but found the odd word familiar now that he had heard it floating around his castle as of late, ever since Luigi had been there. Something new that filled the hollow vacancy Bowser never noticed before. Sweet words being directed at him with such affection and admiration. That big smile and happy expression that was all his own. Now it was all soured and sad. Luigi sobbed and was begging him to stop, Bowser could tell. Luigi shook his head and tried to lean out further to reach him.

Bowser leaned in closer. His claws skimming the marble wall gently until they found Luigi. He curled his fingers and gave those grabbing hands something safe to lean on. Luigi didn't even hesitate in throwing himself against Bowser's knuckles, trusting that they wouldn't let him fall. Those little hands patted along his scales, smoothing circles and rubbing them as he spoke. Luigi whined and gave a sad look up.

“No more,” Luigi pleaded. His voice shook but it all finally came out. He cleared his throat and tried not to cough on the smoke in the air, though his voice sounded hoarse and dry from the need. “Please, I want to go home now.”

Luigi was very relieved to find Bowser still looking at him with those big bright red eyes. The blown out dark pupils no longer drowned out the fiery glow. They were normal again, at least close to normal, and that was a good sign. Luigi swallowed nervously. He tried keeping his touch soft, running reassuring stroke over Bowser's fingers. The glossy black scales were warmed from the fight but the more Luigi touched him the more Bowser's black scales started to yellow again.

He wanted that. He wanted Bowser to be himself. Luigi wanted him to leave and take him too if he must. Whatever it would take to keep the Kingdom and everyone else safe.

Luigi tried to give him a smile but his lips twitched and tugged downwards as he blubbered on a sob. A horrible impulse wanted him to look to the side where the ruined garden and the crumbled gazebo was. It nagged at him so badly that he just wanted to look. But if Luigi gave in, he would start to panic over Mario and whether or not he was okay. Luigi desperately hoped that his brother was alright, but he couldn't give in. What was important, he reminded himself, was keeping Bowser calm and convincing him to leave the Mushroom Kingdom without anymore destruction.

“Per me? Per favore.” Luigi knew Bowser wouldn't understand but he couldn't help the words from slipping out on their own. “Amore.”

Luigi ducked his head down and kissed the yellowed scales along Bowser's knuckles.

The fingers shifted and bumped him back. Luigi shifted along the wall carefully, watching what Bowser was doing.

Bowser rumbled a nonverbal answer to all his begging, huffing and snorting as he moved slowly and slipped out from under Luigi's hands. His large claws unfurled and closed the gap between him and the wall, offering a safe place for Luigi to climb into. His other hand scooped in behind Luigi to shield him from falling backwards.

Luigi scooped his legs out from under him. They were shaking so badly that he could have easily fallen if he tried to stand again. Emotionally he was run out and he couldn't take much more. Luigi tried not to think about how high up they were as he slid anxiously over the side of the wall and into Bowser's waiting hand. Luigi sunk low and sat as gracefully as possible, which wasn't very.

“Th-thank you. I'm okay now,” he said, hopefully convincing the both of them of the fact. Luigi gave Bowser's palm a gentle pat and smiled up at him, ready to go.

When Mario kicked the smaller chunks of the gazebo off him he was expecting to be immediately met with the underside of Bowser's foot, a drawn out death by a koopa who had the spite in him to wait around and make sure Mario knew who killed him. However, that didn't happen. There was no surprise attack or anything he needed to hurriedly dodge.

Mario sat up, groggy and shaken from crashing through stone again. The power up was no longer in affect that he could feel. That last hit took it all out of him. He could feel the small bruises starting to form along his ribs and the ache of his bones when he pushed himself off his back. The effort came along with new little pains but nothing that would stop him. He could still fight. He wouldn't let anything happen to the kingdom.

He was about to let himself feel reassured in seeing the castle still standing. Nothing new was on fire. But that confidence drained away when he saw Bowser still close by, hunched down over the garden wall, hands caged around Luigi. At this distance Luigi looked balled in on himself and cowering. Mario feared the worst and shot to his feet. He screamed his brother's name out of concern. He hoped it carried over to him to let him know that his big brother was coming to save him.

Thinking as quick as he could, Mario grabbed the first thing he could get his hands on – the largest chunk from the broken gazebo. Logically, he shouldn't have been strong enough to lift it but the absolute power of will that came along with wanting to protect his brother gave him more than enough strength to hook a throw that far. The large slab of stone went flying. It was also probably Mario's heroic good luck that made it so the stone connected with the side of Bowser's head. It hit Bowser's horn and shattered, stone raining down into the garden as multiple dangerously large boulders.

Mario ran forward, ready to catch Luigi if he had to, but he skidded to a stop as the ground shook and he tripped over his own feet.

Bowser was buckling under the hit. Mario watched the enormous koopa go down in a slow motion stumble. The retaining wall couldn't stop him, only slow him down as Bowser went to his knees, then flat on his stomach. The wall fell apart, crumbling and sending up large dust clouds.

For a horrifying extended minute Mario couldn't see anything or hear passed the booming fall Bowser took. The clouds darkened the garden further and Mario held his breath as it all started to settle.

The shaking stopped. The noise stopped. Mario flapped his hands to clear the dust clouds away from his face. He saw the marble broken apart, the smothered grass and the flower beds, and Bowser laying amongst it. The enormous koopa had been far too big to fit in the garden before but the hit and fall had knocked him back down to size. Not his normal height, unfortunately, which made Mario approach cautiously. Bowser was now only twice his normal size. That was something Mario had experience with. The unsettling thing was that he couldn't see Luigi.

Mario's insides tore themselves apart thinking he'd hurt his baby brother by throwing that stone. Now, when he could seen heads or tails of him anywhere, he was convinced Lu had been crushed under the weight of Bowser's body.

He'd killed his brother. It was all his fault. Injuring Bowser was nothing. Saving the castle wasn't worth it. Mario dropped to his knees in the grass. What could he possibly do now...

“Mario!”

His heart clenched at hearing the Princess call his name. Not her too. Not now. Mario forced himself to his feet and back peddled towards Peach. She was running down the broken stairs towards him. Even with Toad hot on her heels, she was far too vulnerable to be outside the safety of her castle like this. For goodness sake, Peach wasn't still dressed for bed, not a fight. Mario threw his arm out to stop her from getting any closer.

“Cara Mia,” he called to her. “Get back!”

He never could have stopped her. She saw what happened from her balcony. Peach ran across the grass and up behind Mario. Her touched sought him out, clinging to his shoulders tightly. She gasped seeing Bowser up close, still too big and threatening for her liking. Mario placed his hand tightly over hers. They both watched, waiting for whatever happened next.

When the inevitable happened and Bowser moved, they both jumped back. Mario stayed in front of Peach, pushing her behind him so he could be her shield. Her hands slid over his shirt, wanting to take him further away but he wouldn't be moved. Mario watched Bowser carefully, assuming the worst.

Bowser's body shifted. He lifted up from the grass but it clearly took effort. He sunk back low, hunkered under his shell safely. His arms stayed close underneath. Bits of rubble rolled away as he sat back and his tail twitched.

There was still no sign of Luigi and Mario felt himself becoming ridged. He didn't even feel Peach's grip on his shoulder anymore.

Finally, it looked like Bowser was going to get up. His hands emerged from under his chest. They were clamped together like he didn't want to separate them. Maybe he was hurt. Bowser rumbled deeply in his throat, nose pressing to his knuckles. He huffed and whined. Slowly Bowser let one hand fall away. The other uncurled.

Peach gasped and Mario jerked forward a step.

Bowser remained very still, looking down into his palm with a concerned frown. He still looked so small in comparison. Not so much as before but the thought probably came along with the tight little fetal position Luigi had wound himself into, with his arms clamped over his head as he lay on his side. He fit neatly into Bowser's hands, safe and protected from the fall. Even when Bowser's energy gave out and he shrank back down to his almost normal size. He was still big enough to keep Luigi safe. Now he only looked petrified, but thankfully not hurt. There was no blood or anything noticeably bad. Bowser only wished he could gently encourage him to come out of his ball without hurting him or scaring him further.

It actually reminded him of a scared koopaling when they crawled into their shell for protection and wouldn't come out. There had been many nights, long ago, when Junior would do the same thing. At the time his son had been very small and delicate in Bowser's hands, a lot like this.

Bowser placed his snout close enough to nuzzle into the top of Luigi's hair. He relaxed and started to make a gentle noise. It was a continuous rumbling, deep but soft. It vibrated through his body, matching Luigi's shaking and slowing that to a light rocking motion.

It was a strange sound. Luigi hadn't even been aware of it until it was all he could hear. He pulled his hands away from his head, not entirely sure what it was. Confused, he blinked and saw the aftermath of their fall. The garden wall laying in chunks around him. The fire smothered by dust and debris. Nothing was falling anymore. Everything was still and quiet, except for that sound.

His head bumped into Bowser's chin as he lifted up. A familiar face of yellow scales was suddenly very close and he jumped. The new size difference was a warm welcome however. Luigi shifted up onto his knees, careful of where he sat in Bowser's hand.

Luigi reached out his hands and held Bowser's snout. He didn't know what Bowser was doing but that rumbling was like a weird vibrating massage that travelled up through his body. It tickled in all the best ways, turning him all boneless and content.

Luigi leaned forward and pet his hands over Bowser's nose. He stretched out and hugged him the best he could. It was much easier with Bowser being closer to normal size. Luigi really wanted him to be back to normal already.

Something about the noise he made must be self soothing because Bowser didn't stop, even after Luigi had sat up. Luigi nuzzled his cheek on Bowser's smooth scales. He had to admit the sound was very calming. He puckered up his lips and rolled a long 'r', sounding somewhere between a poor copy of Bowser and a cat's purr.

Bowser all but stopped the second Luigi tried to imitate the sound. It was all very abrupt. His head shot up a bit, knocking Luigi away. For a moment Luigi thought he'd gone and done something offensive because he was just being stared at. Luigi leaned back on his heels, biting his lip awkwardly. Bowser wasn't saying anything either, only staring.

“Bowser?” Luigi started to asked, concerned. He was tempted to apologize but didn't get the chance to say much more before Bowser's nose was being wedged into his ribs, rubbing a bit more aggressively than it should at his current size. Luigi yelped and hugged him back tightly. He couldn't help but chuckle and Bowser started to make the sound again. His thick tail beat against the ground in time. Luigi loved the affectionate attention and let his head rest down on his scales. “Bowser, I'm alright. I promise.”

Bowser mumble out his name with the warmest care and tenderness, and it was the sweetest things Luigi could stand to hear.

Luigi blushed heavily. He would have tried to hide his face but was too happy to control himself. He started peppering small kisses all over Bowser's face, where ever he could reach. Claws rubbed at his back and plucked at his shirt before smoothing over him again. The beautiful moment promised to last longer but there was a sharp yell of a Toad that was shrill and shocked. It was followed by Mario's angered voice screaming Luigi's name.

Luigi's happy bubble burst. He jumped back so quickly he almost toppled right out of Bowser's hand. Or he might have, if it weren't for those claws immediately curling to tighten around him possessively. It didn't hurt at all but it must look scary because Mario came forwards looking about ready to start fighting again. Luigi's voice broke and he squeaked loudly. He pet at Bowser's snout trying to ease him down before his anger got the better of him. He hushed him with a smile before giving his brother a cautious look.

Mario had stepped away from where Peach was left standing in the chard remains of her garden. The look of surprise on her face was very obvious even in the dark. Toad stood beside her, looking pale and about ready to faint. But Mario was front and centre, a hard glare on his face and both hands in fists at his sides. Luigi shrank.

Mario looked between them and his face hardened when he met the challenging red glint in Bowser's eye.

“Explain,” Mario demanded of Luigi, angrily pointing a finger between the two of them. “Now!”

Chapter Text

“Explain. Now!”

Luigi ducked his head down to hide against Bowser's scales. It had been years since anyone had yelled at him like that. And it wasn't just anyone yelling, it was Mario. A horrible wave of guilt crash over him making it hard to even breath let alone stand. Mario never yelled at him. He rarely ever got mad with him. This was exactly what Luigi had been afraid of when they had been alone, standing in his bedroom. Luigi had tried to speak then and couldn't. Tears started to well up in his eyes and Luigi stiffly swallowed them down before trying to lift his face again. As much as he wanted to press further into Bowser's warm grip he couldn't hide forever.

Mario's yelling had set everyone on edge, not just Luigi. Being pressed so close to Bowser, Luigi could hear the moment where his soft comforting sounds turn into a threatening growl. He felt his jaw move and the hot moisture from sharp teeth under his hands. Bowser slowly curled his fingers trying to make a wall between him and his brother.

Luigi flinched forward. He reached out and pet his hands along the slope of Bowser's snout, running them down to his cheek and under his jaw. Luigi traced over all the ridges from scale to scale hoping that if he kept his hands moving they wouldn't tremble so much.

“It's alright...” He whispered, not trusting himself to speak without his voice cracking and wobbling. Luigi offered a small smile. “I'll be fine.”

Bowser huffed a cloud of steam. He clearly did not want to let Luigi go, and for a moment it seemed like he wasn't going to. Everyone stood tense and impatient as they waited out the pause. Even Luigi expected this to turn sour. He was half thinking Bowser would gather him up and try to carry him off by force. Luigi repeated himself a little louder hoping to satisfy Bowser's hesitation. A low nonverbal grumble was his only response, but showed that he had been heard.

Bowser was definitely reluctant. It took another long moment before he let his fingers fall away. Slowly his palm was held flat against the ground to allow Luigi slide carefully down on his own. Luigi thanked him with a sweet little pat to the nose.

Standing on his own proved difficult. Luigi's legs wobbled. The ground felt like it was still moving under his feet. He took a step and almost collapsed. The only reason why he didn't were the large fingers slipping along side him to lean against, catching him from falling. They helped guide him forward across the chard grass until Luigi reached his brother.

Luigi kept a firm hand on Bowser until he was close enough to Mario that he could almost reach out and hug him, but he didn't. He stood awkwardly quiet for a moment. His hands started to wring at the fabric of his shirt tightly. He tugged and fiddled with it, stretching the shirt out of shape. Luigi hated how he was shaking out of fear of his own brother. If there was anyone in the world that would never hurt him it would be Mario. However, the angered frown turned on him made him forget that. And it wasn't just Mario staring at him, it was Toad too. Someone who had always been such a trusting friend now looked at him like he'd gone and betrayed them all. Maybe, in a way, he had. Luigi bit his lip hard to silence a whimper.

The Princess never looked angry at anyone. Though seeing her expression wasn't in anyway reassuring. Peach looked at him with disapproval and uncertainty. Luigi averted his eyes, unable to look any of them in the face.

Luigi tugged at his shirt while trying to think of where to start, if he should excuse Bowser's behaviour first or start all the way back at the beginning. The panic building up inside made it hard to find the right words. In the end all he could think of to say was,

“I'm so sorry.”

“Well, I'd hope so,” Mario snapped back. His anger make him yell. Luigi kept his eyes on the ground. He knew he deserved it.

“Mario, I... p-please.” Luigi was finding it hard to speak. His stutter came out as he tried and only made it worse. He tripped on every syllable and had to repeat the same word twice or even three times. “I didn't... mean for this to-to... to happen.”

“Then ya better start talkin' right now. Lu, what do ya think you're doing being anywhere near this guy? First, he kidnaps you. Now, you're-” Mario couldn't even say exactly what he say his brother doing with his enemy. Everything about it seemed too impossible that he didn't know what to think. After all this was Bowser they were talking about.

“It's a... uhm... a misunderstanding?” Luigi glanced back over his shoulder at Bowser. The large koopa was still right there, hunkered down on his stomach, glowering down over at Mario with a hard stare. It was intimidating and made Luigi's stomach tie itself into uncomfortable knots. He knew how the two of them could get when riled up like this. The castle's garden was an obvious example of that and Luigi wanted to avoid any more damage at all costs. Luigi made a small gesture behind him. “It's not his fault. He didn't do anything.”

“Then what do you call this?” Mario waved his arms around them. The gardens were burnt and smoking from the smothered fire. Walls had been brought down around them and scattered rubble lay in craters. It was a miracle anything was still standing or left in one piece. Mario couldn't believe it for a second. This whole thing was Bowser's fault.

Luigi's voice wobbled and he sniffled around the desire to cry. He hated Mario yelling at him or being in any way disappointed. His brother's approval meant everything to him. Now he felt like he'd lose it forever if he didn't do something.

So, Luigi forced himself to explain. He tripped over his words and rambled incoherently for most of what he was saying, needing to start full sentences over when it was obvious no one could follow his train of thought. Luigi ran his hands over his face to wipe away tears or his runny nose. He grabbed at his shirt and fidgeted uncontrollably.

With a deep breath he started at the beginning, all the way back to when he was helping the Princess in the garden prepare for the wedding. Of course he didn't blame anything on Peach or the two troopas that had kidnapped him. Even if technically it had been those two that started all this, which he admitted. Luigi wasn't mad at them and forgave them entirely. They were just trying to help, he thought so and said just that.

Everything passed that point in his story Luigi blamed himself. His memory loss was an accident and he couldn't have known better. At the time, with how he'd been treated and never being corrected in his assumptions, Luigi had been happy with Bowser in his castle. He had felt safe and welcomed. They took wonderful care of him. And with Bowser's attention being places solely on him it had been all too easy to convince himself to be in love. That fact made Luigi blush a hot pink and he hid behind his hands shyly.

“I th-thought, at the time, that we were... Well... I didn't know.” Getting those words out were hard, fearing judgment from his friends and brother. He was overwhelmed with shame and embarrassment, and the warmth of those memories made him feel worse. Calling Bowser his husband made him want to giggle happily but it was like he was no longer allowed. Even if it wasn't true. Even if it hadn't been real. Luigi still said it without contradiction or correction.

“That's not an excuse.” Mario wanted to argue any explanation. He shook his head and refuse to listen to anything he didn't agree with.

“It was my mistake. And when I remembered...” Luigi stopped and looked back over his shoulder. “I made such a mess. I'm sorry.”

Maybe he was saying it more to Bowser than to anyone else. Luigi was scared to place a hand over Bowser's knuckles because he thought they would be pulled away from him, that Bowser would reject him after hearing his poor excuse of an explanation. He still reached out. His fingers trembled as they met smooth scales. Those fingers didn't immediately recoil or push him away. They remained relaxed and warm, offering something for Luigi to lean into. So, he did. Luigi wrapped his arms around one of Bowser's large fingers and hugged it tight, letting his weight be supported.

He looked up to see Bowser watching him. The anger on his face softened whenever he turned towards Luigi. The hard slant of Bowser's brow gave away that he was still upset but it wasn't directed at him.

Luigi continued on with his apology for all the trouble he'd caused, for being an inconveniences and thinking what he'd thought. No double it must have been an embarrassment for Bowser, taking Luigi around all day, entertaining him, acting like they were marriage. He knew people had started to talk too. The guards, he remembered. It must be humiliating for a King to having someone like him in trying to replace a Princess.

“I was scared that you'd be mad. And after you'd been so nice to me...” Luigi didn't want to say this next part. It broke his heart more than he thought it might. He stopped for a second, hating the anticipation made him feel, then let out a wet sigh. “I remembered everything. I was just p-pretending th-that I didn't. And I know you were pretending too. And, uhm... you don't have to anymore.”

Bowser's soft purr turned into a low whine, gravelly and deep, sounding pained. Luigi shook his head so he didn't have to listen to it. He pretended that it didn't make him feel hollowed out inside. Luigi apologized again because he didn't know what else to say. Anything to fill the silence so there wasn't an opportunity for Bowser to speak and change his mind.

Bowser lowered his face down to the grass so they could look at one another at the same level.

Luigi's fingers twitched and stretched, impossibly out of his control. He couldn't keep his hands by his sides.

“Luigi!” Mario barked at him. He had to in order to get his attention. Luigi jumped and tripped when he turned back around. This only made him fall further into Bowser's hands. Mario hated that. He started to march forward, arm out ready to pull them apart. “Get away from him.”

“I'm fine, really. I'm not in danger. I... I never was,” Luigi finally admitted.

“Oh, and ya didn't think to say anything when I came to rescue you?”

Luigi opened his mouth to apologize again but shut it quickly. Everything had happened so quickly during their escape, and Luigi was out of it for the majority. He hadn't had time, though he still tried, and failed. Now he'd gone and let Mario believe he'd rescued him from Bowser's castle, playing the hero, much like he'd done in the past with Peach. He lied to his brother and Toad. Indirectly, he made Mario think the worst of Bowser. Luigi rubbed his face dry and rushed towards his brother to explain but was cut off every time he tried.

“I did try...”

“He kidnapped you-” Mario interrupted him.

“That's not what happened...”

“I thought you were being held captive. Peach thought you were injured, or worse.”

“Mario, please...”

“Then he goes and attacks the Kingdom unprovoked.”

Bowser's reaction was immediate. He took Mario's last words as a direct insult to him and his kingdom. He hadn't liked hearing someone scold Luigi but he'd tolerated it only because the situation needed explained. However, Mario was pushing things too far. Without warning Bowser leapt forward. The heavy impact on the ground making everything rock and shutter. His claws curled around Luigi protectively, ready to take him if necessary. The other hand came down against the ground in a fist.

“You break into my Castle! Steal my Queen! And not expect retaliation?” Bowser's voice boomed through the garden, echoing off the standing walls.

The sound rattled through Luigi's body, completely taking over even the sound of his own loudly beating heart. It was impossible that he hadn't heard Bowser, but maybe he hadn't understood him. If he hadn't, it meant that Bowser still wanted him. It wasn't just some fantasy that Luigi had been telling himself. He couldn't see how this could be anything but another misunderstanding.

The swirling thoughts were brief, cut short by the commotion that quickly broke out. Luigi yelped when Bowser thumped his fist against the ground harder. The hand around him tightened.

Bowser pushed himself up onto all fours, towering over them all and ready to backup his comment.

Toad started to scream and jump. He grabbed onto Peach's nightgown and tugged at the edges.

“See? See? I told you!”

“He's not your Queen. I'd never let that happen!” Mario took a fighting step forward. Despite his bruises, he held himself stiffly and was ready to throw the first punch. He didn't back down not even when Bowser shot forward, smoke plumed from his nostrils. Mario wasn't afraid. “Get away from my brother, you over grown turtle!”

“Touch him and fry, Pipsqueak!” Bowser threatened between clenched teeth. His hand circled around Luigi, plucking him from the ground to drag him protectively against his chest. The small weight in his hand was a powerful trigger to his instincts, one single-minded desire to keep what was his safe. “He is my Queen, and is coming with me.”

Luigi wiggled in Bowser's grip, startled as the ground suddenly disappeared out from under him and left his legs dangling in mid air. He held on tight even though he knew he'd never fall. It was obvious to him that he was being held too carefully, too secure. He could have let go entirely and never even slip.

One word proved he'd been wrong. He'd been entirely wrong. After everything that had been said. Luigi didn't mishear Bowser calling him his 'queen'. There was no misunderstandings left between them. His chest squeeze like it was trying to force the air from his lungs, leaving Luigi light headed and emotional.

“Bowser?” Luigi went unheard. He looked up but only saw the underside of Bowser's jaw. He wanted to reach out and wrap himself around his neck and bury himself into a hug but couldn't move from where he was being held around the waist.

“I'm not going to stand by and let you force him into something like you tried to with Peach,” Mario yelled. He saw Luigi kick his feet as he was lifted higher into the air. Mario didn't have to think twice about trying about defending his brother's life and honour.

He bent his knees, ready to take a running leap forward when a soft hand landed on his shoulder. He flinched and found Peach right behind him. Her gentle touch easing him to her side. He was breathing heavily, tense and started to see her getting involved. Mario pulled himself back upright and let his Princess step out in front of him. He took a long breath, watching close for any sign of danger, ready to fight at a moments notice if he had to.

The only reason he wasn't immediately throwing her to Toad for her own good was the look Peach had on her face. It was an expression he rarely saw, one of full authority and uncharacteristically hard. When absolutely necessary, Peach could take care of herself. Mario knew this perfectly well. He only felt like she shouldn't ever need to. He stayed close but gave her a wide enough berth so she could stand on her own and come face to face with Bowser.

Toad remained somewhere behind them all, not brave enough to stand with Mario.

“King Bowser,” Peach started, using a firm tone of voice reserved typically for political purposes. She clapped her hands together politely before giving the King a small curtsy as a sign of respect. “Please, set Luigi down.”

Bowser snarled, flashing his sharp teeth. His lack of an answer was a clear refusal. The sudden aggression made the Toad shriek and take off running. The Princess however didn't move an inch. The puff of hot air he let out ruffled her hair and set Mario off on a babbling tangent in Italian, but that was all. Peach waved a hand at him for silence.

“If you please,” she repeated.

At one time Bowser would have loved to hear the Princess plead with him. He could have struck a deal with her or tried to blackmail Mario. At one time Bowser would have done a lot of things. Maybe even trade Luigi for Peach. He looked down at her with a frown and felt his lip curl back over his teeth. Sure, at one time he would have done a lot of things differently but he didn't want her. Her stuck up glare. The way she was never fully satisfied. There was no reason for him to bother with her. Mario could have her. He had Luigi in his fingers softly saying his name for attention in a way that made his anger settle.

Bowser doubted Peach would do anything to harm Luigi. And while he also didn't trust the Princess's little guard dog, he complied. Luigi was lowered back down to the ground. Peach thanked him properly with all the polite words she could come up with. Bowser mostly ignored her.

Luigi was a little frazzled from being picked up so suddenly then expected to stand on his own again. He teetered on weak legs and staggered a step before catching his balance. Bowser pinched the back of his shirt between two claws to help keep Luigi on his feet.

Unfortunately, every time Bowser moved Mario seemed to take it as a personal offence. Screaming threats and swears he didn't understand. Bowser wouldn't have cared but it was upsetting Luigi and caused him to whimper and cower close. Mario said something to his brother that only the two of them understood. Whatever was said made Luigi lower his chin to his chest and sulk. Bowser inched forward, daring him to repeat himself.

“Luigi,” Peach intervened before anything could happen.

Her voice broke through the tension and made everyone pause. Despite Mario's protests, she walked across the short distance to Luigi. She gave him that same hard look that made Mario retreat.

Luigi uncomfortably pounded his fists together and met her eye despite all his fears.

“Princess, please,” he started quickly. “I'm sorry. This was all my fault. I take full responsibility.”

She didn't disagree with him. Peach held her hands to her chest and let out an airy sigh.

“I know you are, and I would like to forgive you,” she said. There was some hesitation to her words which didn't seem like a good sign to Luigi. Peach huffed, becoming more annoyed than Luigi had ever seen her before. “However, I can't let you take full responsibility for this. As it is, half of the Mushroom Forest is on fire. And just look at my castle! This is inexcusable.”

“I kn-kn... know that... But I can h-help rebuild anything broken.” Luigi didn't know the full extent to the damages done but was hoping for the best. He'd do his best. He knew how to fix many things and would do anything asked of him. But the unhappy look on Peach's face shot down any glimmer of hope he felt. His rush to make things better turned to defeat before it even began. He also remember the glare Toad had given him earlier, untrusting and hurt. “Or... I, uhm... If it'd be better for everyone – I can't imagine anyone wants me here now. I could...”

Peach stared at him for a moment. She could tell he was serious. Luigi pulled himself together, standing tall and waiting for her to give him some form of punishment. The brave look on his face was edged with sadness but he was making a valiant effort to not back down. Peach knew Mario would protest whatever his punishment would be but this was not his place to speak. It was Peach's decision to make.

“Banishment might be a touch dramatic, Luigi,” she said, voice turning softer and more understanding.

Dramatic, yes, but surely reasonable after tonight. Many toads were not going to be too pleased come tomorrow morning. It might be easier if Luigi were elsewhere for the time being. Still, Peach highly doubted banishment would end up feeling like any sort of punishment. It hadn't slipped her notice the way Luigi and Bowser acted with one another, unconscious little touches that they couldn't help. Luigi had confessed to everything being in his head, but it was obvious that he was smitten.

And, Peach knew the only reason her castle wasn't currently a pile of rubble was thanks to Luigi. She was annoyingly conflicted.

Peach had fully experienced what it meant to be the object of Bowser's infatuation. The persistence, the jealousy, the greedy way he'd force her to acknowledge him. He had been a ridiculous suitor and quickly became nothing more than a menace towards her Kingdom. He wouldn't be reasonable when she rejected him. Nothing would satisfy him that wasn't her becoming his Queen.

This version of Bowser was someone she didn't recognize. He was soft and gentle, calmed by a single word or a touch. Bowser didn't interfere when Luigi spoke freely. He let Luigi go, not trying to cage him in in case he tried to run. Peach didn't know what to make of it.

Bowser had barely said much apart from yelling at Mario, and he was never one to be at a loss for words. It was shocking, almost a little unsettling.

“However...” Peach found her words and pointed a finger in Bowser's direction. “He will be replacing everything he destroyed.”

“Like hell I will!” Bowser scoffed but Peach kept going.

“And as for your punishment, Luigi...”

“Lu doesn't deserve to be punished. This is all Bowser's fault.”

“Mario...” Luigi sighed at his brother's interruption.

Peach inclined her head. Again she had to take a deep breath. This was a big decision and she wasn't so confident in the idea she'd come up with. Mostly because she knew how Mario was going to react. In the long run, she expected everything to work out for the best. This was just the first uncertain step forward.

“As for Luigi.” She fixed Bowser with a poignant stare. “Provided that everything is fixed as I asked. I'm sure we can come to some sort of alliance between our two Kingdoms.”

“Pardon?” Luigi scrunched his brow in confusion. That didn't sound like a punishment. It wasn't imprisonment or being put to work. He didn't know what it was. Luigi looked up over his shoulder. Bowser must have understood loud and clear what the Princess was suggesting because there was this pleased grin coming over his face, smug and ready to gloat if give the chance.

“You liked being there, didn't you?” Peach asked Luigi. He jumped, quick to answer her with an immediate,

“Yes.”

Peach nodded, even though she couldn't understand him.

“Well, if you are so set on being punished... You can work off your debt as a 'permanent liaison' between the Mushroom Kingdom and the Koopa's.”

“No! Princess. Absolutely not.” Mario was turning red in the face. He rounded on Peach to look at her. He was so shocked by what he was hearing that he didn't know exactly what to say. He stammered and let his mouth hang open. To him this sounded like exile, like they were throwing Luigi to the koopa's for good. He couldn't understand how Peach could do this, how Luigi deserved a punishment so severe. Mario took hold of her hands, pleading that she forgive his brother so they could avoid all this from happening.

“Mario, I've made up my mind,” she said simply.

“You're sending him away, with him? Why? I don't understand.”

Peach lightly squeezed his hands and gave Mario a warm smile. She didn't say anything more, only turned to look passed him for a good long while. When it became very clear that she was not going to answer his question or even acknowledge him Mario had to turn to see what it was she was looking at. Stars, it was a nightmare. Nothing else could explain the scene in front of him right then.

It didn't seem real, but Luigi was smiling. His face a happy shade of flushed pink. He was doing his best to try and hide the sudden colour change by dipping his head low. It was still very strong.

Luigi held Bowser's face in his arms, hugging at his snout with his hands curled up under his chin. Luigi giggled when large claws returned to pet and poke, running the length of his back. He nuzzled his cheek into Bowser's scales affectionately, completely unbothered that they were being watched. Something about them being together like this put them both in their own little world where no one else mattered. It made Mario's skin prickle awkwardly like he was seeing something he shouldn't be.

Everything in him said to grab Luigi by the arm and yank him out from under Bowser's claws. The koopa was dangerous. He was evil. Then Bowser started to make the weird noise again, that trilling purr that seemed to made the air vibrate. Luigi laughed.

Peach's touch ran over Mario's shoulder until her delicate hand lay over his heart. He touched her fingers and felt their warmth. Mario sighed, struggling to keep himself under control. He was so furious that his body was shaking. He was confused and didn't know what to do. But the longer he watched his brother get closer to his mortal enemy the harder it was to fight Peach's calming touch. He hated to admit it but Luigi looked the happiest he had ever seen him. Mario cursed under his breath and turned away.

A light tug on his shoulder urged him to follow as Peach wanted to leave the ruined mess of the garden. She made up her mind and would wait to hear when the fires had all been extinguished. Everything else could wait for the morning. As tired as she was, her kingdom was her first priority. Mario, whether he wanted to or not, would follow her anywhere.

As they climbed the stairs back towards the castle Mario kept looking back at his brother. It wasn't until he and Princess had almost reached the castle that he saw his brother and Bowser move from their place in the garden. He stopped to watch, still twitching with the urge to dash down the stairs after them. But he trusted Peach too much. She seemed to think this was a good idea. He had to believe that she knew best. And while Mario knew he would never fully trust Bowser, he did love his brother enough to step back and let it happen.

Mario saw Bowser scoop Luigi up, settling him into the crook of his arm to safely cradle him there for the long trip back to the nearest world pipe, or however Bowser had made it there from his kingdom so fast.

Mario restlessly fidgeted, starting to pick at the hem of his shirt. The anger that had been boiling inside him was being replaced by a sad longing. It felt like he was suddenly losing his brother, a brother he had fought so hard to protect and care for. They were brothers. They always would be. Mario thought Luigi was the sweetest man alive and deserved to be treated with all the warmth and love he deserved. Mario didn't know if Bowser was capable of that, but he hoped to be proven wrong.

Mario started to understand, slowly. He rubbed a wet patch on his cheek and sighed roughly, looking at the sky. Far along the hillside the smoke was starting to thin. The fires in the forest being put out by brave working Toads. Mario shook his head.

“Mario?” Peach's voice travelled on the air like wind-chimes.

A bittersweet smile made his moustache twitch.

“Coming, Cara Mia.”

Mario turned away so he didn't have to watch his brother leave. He knew they would all be together again soon.

He jogged up the remaining stairs to meet Peach at the top. He took her hand and kissed her fingertips softly. Then, together they went inside.

Chapter Text

A particularly loud clap of thunder broke the silence of what had previously been a peaceful night. The proceeding rumbling seemed to make the castle walls shake and rattle. Luigi flinched awake like he'd been struck by the lightning streaking across the sky outside heavily draped windows. Disoriented from sleep, he gasped for breath and frantically started to panic over the sounds of the building electrical storm. The room was still dark, only slivers of light filtered in through an open door to decorate the tall stone walls in streams of colour. It took several breathes for him to recognize the sheets tangled around his legs and the mountain of pillows.

It took several more for him to fully recognize the room, even though it had been the only one he'd slept in for over a month now. The King's bed, with its large hanging canopy and warm nest like build. Luigi knew he was safe here but fear won out over reasoning. This wing of the castle was so well protected and quiet that typical electrical storms went completely unheard here. Luigi grabbed his pillow and hugged it to his chest tightly. He whimpered softly as he tried to force himself to calm down. He struggled to take one full breath. Tonight everything was far too loud that he couldn't stand it. Wind blew outside, whistling through the exterior stone mouldings. Passed that was the gargle of lava being tossed up from the lake like high tide. There was no warning before there was another crack of thunder.

Luigi threw himself over on the bed to seek reassurance and protection. However, his hand fell against the silk sheets where a large warm body should be, and had been when they'd fallen asleep earlier that night.

“Bowser?” Luigi whispered. He waited but there was no answer from anywhere in the empty room.

Despite the scare that had woken him up, Luigi still felt the hold of sleep weighing him down. If a strong arm had wrapped around him he might have easily fallen back to sleep. Instead, his mind was fuzzy and he had to blink a few times for the room to fall into focus in the dim light. A door was open somewhere. There were never doors left open. But one was, letting in a flicker of candle glow that helped keep the room from being completely dark. If Bowser had gotten up on a night like this, there was only one place he would be.

Luigi hugged his pillow as he waited for the familiar sounds of Bowser down the hall but the room remained eerily quiet for too long, the occasional howling of the wind outside. His patients lasted for only seconds before another crash of thunder made him gasp and bury himself into the pillow as far as he could. After that, he refuse to wait any longer.

Quickly he clambered to get out of the nest. Sheets and pillows were thrown hazardously in every direction. Luigi practically rolled onto the floor just as messily, limbs flailing in jittery frantic movements. A discarded robe was laying on the floor next to him. Still right where he'd left it when they had crawled into bed that night. He pulled it on, wrapping up tightly before daring to venture through the dark room. Of course he knew he was plenty safe in their shared nest, but all Luigi wanted was Bowser. Nothing else would calm him during a storm like this. His anxiety made him fidgety enough on a good day. There was no way he could wait for the storm to pass alone. Luigi bundled himself up, hugged his waist, and ran for the door.

The door had been left ajar. Luigi nudged it further aside, enough that he could poke his head out into the empty hallway. The whole wing would be vacant at this hour, not that he was expecting it to be otherwise. It was a general rule of thumb amongst the guards. Bowser like his privacy when it came to his sleep and didn't want anyone to disturb him. Luigi didn't mind. He felt more than safe with Bowser beside him at night. He still had his own room of course. The tower had been gifted to him for whenever he wanted, but it had been used only once or twice. As lovely as the tower way, Luigi found it too far away and too lonely.

Even with the absence of guards Luigi still felt a little uncomfortable wandering the castle only dressed in his pyjamas. Maybe it was due to the lack of pants, but he also didn't plan to be out of the room wearing nothing but a long nightshirt and a thin robe. Luigi quickly shuffled into the hall. Dying candles offered little help to light his way. His bare feet tapped lightly along the thick rug carpeting the stone floor.

The hallway was long and wide. No extra doors lined the walls until further down towards the end. In total there were no more than three. By now Luigi was well acquainted with the castle and knew what each room was. The first door on the left belonged to the little Prince, currently empty for another month. Luigi was nervous about officially meeting him but he had heard the most adoring stories from Bowser that Luigi already held a strong affection towards the kid. The other two doors were farther down the hall. One was a private office with its door closed. He passed it quickly without much notice.

The last door in the hallway had its door wide open to let light spill out into the hallway freely. As he got a little closer another crack of thunder seemed to shake the whole castle. Luigi squealed loudly and ran the last few steps. Then he heard it, in the silence that followed the loud crash. Soft, twinkling music started to fill the hallway, coxing Luigi forward into the doorway. The sweet sound made him shiver, turning his attention away from the storm so immediately that he almost forgot about it. Luigi peered around the corner into the room. He pressed himself into the hard wood frame and clung on tight.

There wasn't much inside the room. The large space was mostly vacant besides a few armchairs pushed against the walls and a fireplace that housed a healthy blaze. It lit the rooms well and chased off all the night time shadows. The main focus in the room was a sleek grand piano. Its dark polish caught the fire's light on its open lid and reflected its bright shine. Bowser sat in front of the piano smoothly playing. The whole room filled with the slow rhythmic swaying of a waltz. It echoed out into the hallways and would have reached all the way to their room, if Luigi had stayed. There, the distant soft notes would have helped lulled him back to sleep.

Standing here now, Luigi already felt relaxed by the calm music. He loved when Bowser did this for him, playing the piano and giving his life a surprising amount of beauty. Luigi let out a soft sigh. He could have closed his eyes and listened for hours like this.

Luigi tried to tip toe across the floor. He didn't want to interrupt or do anything that would make Bowser stop playing. The music carried him over, pulling him in with ease. Luigi watched with interest. Bowser's thick tail swished back and forth over the floor like a metronome keeping time. Poised claws glided up the piano keys. The smooth travelling notes were so pretty, calming and rhythmic that Luigi start to unconsciously sway on his feet.

Luigi forgot all about the storm outside or why he had been afraid. He stood quietly, looking over Bowser's arm as he played.

Luigi never expected a whole month to go by as quickly as it had. The two of them almost inseparable. It had been perfect, so easy to fall into a comfortable life that had been so entirely different from what he was use to. It left like those few days where Luigi believed they had been married. They weren't, though that didn't stop everyone around the castle from acting like they were. The little glances and comments. Luigi didn't mind. However, he did occasionally get embarrassed over how the guards would call him their 'Queen' without any hesitation or humour, like it was just fact. Even Kamek had come around a little. Perhaps a bit stiff and far less friendly then Kammy, but Luigi chose to believe that he secretly approved.

Mario was still twitchy about the whole idea of he and Bowser being together. Thankfully he had made no further attempt at causing fights. Luigi was very grateful for that. The Mushroom Kingdom was being fixed, as promised. So there were to be no hard feelings in the future. Hopefully. Peach was doing her best to smooth everything over with the Toads.

Hers and Mario's wedding was delayed but would no doubt happen any day now. The idea made Luigi very happy for them both. He no longer felt the little prickle of jealousy when he thought about it. That longing in his heart was more than satisfied. Luigi smiled brightly and sighed happily.

Bowser gave a deep gravelly rumble in response, a chuckle. The song he'd been playing continued on until it built to its crescendo. Keys twinkled and got louder. Now he was just showing off. There was a smug grin on his face as he caught Luigi standing next to the bench, looking over his shoulder.

Luigi chuckled too, but much more shyly. He leaned in closer until he could wrap his arms around Bowser's large bicep. The bare scales of his arm, without any of the sharp bands, were free for Luigi to wind himself around and cuddle into. Luigi freely nuzzled his cheek against a rough patch of scales along Bowser's shoulder. Carefully he knelt up onto the bench in front of the piano. As he closed his eyes to listen to the beautiful music he could feel all his tension drift away and his skipping heartbeat slowed down in time to the waltz.

Neither of them heard much thunder anymore, drowned out by the piano and the comfort of each other's company. Luigi blushed a hot shade of red and opened his eyes to look up at Bowser.

“Amore,” Luigi cooed softly. His lips still so close to Bowser's scales that his mouth dragged across his shoulder with each word. “Please come back to bed with me.”

The slight weight of Luigi around Bowser's arm was enough to convince him to agree, but the ghosting touch of a hot breath on his arm was an entirely different temptation. Bowser huffed on a short laugh, not fully ready to give in so easily. His mind was turning to far more suggestive ideas that didn't necessarily call for a bed. There were many ways to get Luigi into his arms, some involving the piano in front of them and knowing from experience how much weight it could hold. Teasingly Bowser hummed in thought, even though his mind was already made up.

“Why? You tired now, Greenie?” It was a joke and was meant to be taken as such. He was making Luigi work for it just a little.

Bowser saw Luigi shake his head, face flushed a bright red. Yup, they were both certainly on the same page. Those small hands tugged on his arm to pull him away from the piano. Bowser let him and watched Luigi slide down off the bench.

Luigi couldn't hide the mischievous little smile creeping onto his face. It made his eye sparkle in the fire light. He bit his lip and giggled.

“No, I'm not.”