Back to December

Three months later…

The crowd roared as the intense, three-way battle unfolded in the arena. Embroiled in this free-for-all were Donkey Kong, Mewtwo and Captain Falcon. The match was winding down to its final moments, and all three combatants were above 100%. However, the high damage did not curb their admirable strength, as they continued to do everything in their power to knock one another off the stage as much as possible.

Falcon had engaged the psychic Pokémon in aerial combat when he saw him. Sitting in one of the back rows of the stands. Beaming at him.

No. It was just a hallucination—it couldn't be! Yet when he blinked, he was still there. Just as handsome as always, with his older brother by his side. And he was—rooting for him.

Their eyes locked, and Douglas dared to let his hopes soar. Luigi's face was kind, just like the moment they met, and he was actually staring him straight in the face. Could that mean—no, not after what he said to him. He'd made that plain and clear. Yet there were times when he still longed to share a laugh and a smile with him.

Then, Luigi allowed a broad smile to cross his angular features, and he flashed Douglas his signature "V" sign.

And that was all the Captain needed to win.

I'm so glad you made time to see me;

How's life; tell me how's your family?

I haven't seen you in a while…

You've been good, busier than ever.

We small talk, work and the weather.

Your guard is up, and I know why…

Falcon and Luigi sat in the diner together, sharing an ice cream sundae and talking about the recent adventures in their lives. It was just like old times—but not quite.

"…and I heard that the Smash Ballot results are coming out soon," said Douglas. "I can't wait to see who Master Hand plans to welcome to this tournament."

"Me, neither," smiled Luigi. "They say that Daisy has a high chance of winning."

"It would be great if she got the invite," said Douglas. "That way, all of the Mario gang will be able to Smash together—and you two lovebirds won't have to spend so much time apart."

"Yeah," Luigi said dreamily.

Because the last time you saw me is still burned in the back of your mind…

You gave me roses, and I left them there to die…

"I—was surprised when I saw you there in the stands, cheering for me," Douglas admitted. "In a good way, I mean."

"Douglas," Luigi said, his voice serious. "I cheered for you because I still respect you, and nothing else."

I thought so, Falcon mused to himself.

So this is me, swallowing my pride

Standing in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night,

And I go back to December all the time—

It turns out freedom is nothing but missing you

Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine,

I'd go back to December, turn around and make it all right.

I go back to December all the time.

"I see—life's been treating you well," Douglas said finally.

Luigi nodded. "It has. And I guess life's good for you."

"It is." Douglas dropped his eyes. "Just not the same without you."

"Ditto," Luigi said softly.

"I meant what I said the last time we spoke," Falcon stated, taking a chance. "I'm really sorry for everything I put you through, and now that I've thought long and hard about it, maybe I did go a little too far with Mario."

"You didn't go a little too far," Luigi told him. "You went way too far."

"I did something abhorrent to both of you," sighed Falcon, "and I've spent these past months wishing I could take it all back."

"Considering the gravity of it, I still think you have no chance of me forgiving you," admonished Luigi.

"I don't ask for it," Falcon said. "I just ask for you to understand."

Luigi was silent for a moment. "At least you finally owned up," he murmured. "If only you'd done it sooner, though…"

"Yeah. I guess I was too prideful."

These days, I haven't been sleeping.

Staying up, playing back myself leaving,

When your birthday passed, and I didn't call—

And I think about summer, and the beautiful times

I watched you laughing from the passenger side

And realized I'd loved you in the fall…

"I don't mean to be pushy," Falcon said after a few spoonfuls of sundae. "It's just that—when I saw you there, I started hoping. I've always been hoping."

"I had that hope, too," admitted Luigi. "Looking at you became less painful. I liked seeing you fight against opponents, and it felt just like the old days, with me cheering you on, and you cheering me on."

"As a matter of fact, I've seen you at your recent matches," smiled Douglas. "You were almost as energetic as our—last one."

Luigi had to blush at that. "Seeing you hold your own reminded me of how much of a team we were, and I there was so much hope that maybe we could get some of the magic back. But then, as I said that day, I still bear the scars, and they'll always smart, no matter what."

"How's Mario? Is he still stung?"

"It gets to him sometimes, too," sighed Luigi, "but other than that, he's okay, looking ahead as always. He's looking forward to a rematch with you."

"So am I. And Peach…?"

"You're just lucky that she's maintained diplomatic relations with you," Luigi said.

"Next time you see them, could you tell them that I'm willing to start over fresh, if they'll give me the chance?" asked Douglas.

Luigi drew in a breath. "I will," he promised. "I don't know if they'll be just as willing, but I will."

And then the cold came, the dark days when fear crept into my mind.

You gave me all your love, and all I gave you was goodbye…

Falcon said his thanks with his eyes, and then the two men let the silence convey what else they wanted to say to each other, the moments of longing, missing, yearning and regretting, as they filled up on the creamy sweetness in front of them. Despite the solemn air, the sight of ice-cream and toppings all over Luigi's lips, 'stache and chin was quite comical. That brought to mind the moments when something messy was on the menu, and that face smeared with the stuff as Luigi indulged in it. He didn't know if he wanted to laugh or cry.

So this is me, swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night,
And I go back to December all the time
It turns out freedom is nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine,
I'd go back to December, turn around and change my own mind.
I go back to December all the time…

Finally, the sundae was eaten, and it was time for the men to part ways once again.

"I'm glad I got to see you, one more time," mused Douglas.

"I'm happy I got to see you, too," replied Luigi. "I guess all those threads are finally tied, and we can truly move on."

"I guess so, too," said Douglas. "I feel a little better, like I can finally move past the guilt in me. But can you move past the hurt I caused?"

Luigi moved close and looked at him meaningfully. "I don't know. Only time will tell."

Falcon opened his arms, and Luigi moved into them. The familiar contact felt so good, and they missed it. They hugged and they hugged, and inevitably, the embrace ended with lingering hints of "if only".

"Take care of yourself, Cap'n," whispered Luigi.

"You, too, L," Douglas said tenderly.

After one last squeeze, Luigi headed for the exit.

I miss your tan skin, your sweet smile, so good to me, so right…
And how you held me in your arms that September night,
The first time you ever saw me cry…
Maybe this is wishful thinking,
Probably mindless dreaming…
But if we loved again, I swear I'd love you right.

Falcon stood there, observing Luigi's resolute step, swiping at his eyes. No matter what, he still had the good times they shared together, and the realization that despite everything, he hadn't lost Luigi's respect. With time, his conscience would clear—but it would take months, even years, to travel that tumultuous road. But the conversation they just had was enough. Just enough.

I'd go back in time and change it, but I can't.

So, if the chain is on your door, I understand…

Once he'd completely lost sight of Luigi, Douglas Jay Falcon, racer, bounty-hunter, Smasher and friend, turned on his heel and made a beeline for his repaired Blue Falcon. A good drive would be just the thing to clear his head—and focus on what life held in store for him.

Even then, though, he'd never forget Luigi Mario.

But this is me, swallowing my pride

Standing in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night—

And I go back to December all the time

It turns out freedom is nothing but missing you

Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine—

I'd go back to December, turn around and make it all right.

I'd go back to December, turn around and change my own mind.

I go back to December all the time—all the time—

Fin

Special Thanks:

EMPIRE OF JOY

Pichuplayer

TranscendentalNerd

and Writer of Words for hosting this contest.

Please read and review, and I'll see you next time.