A Special Reunion

The time for reminiscing was over, and now was the time to party! Master Hand broke out the popular finger foods and some dance music; he even teleported in live bands like Ace of Base and Nickelback! Of course, Peach and Kirby helped by bringing out more cakes—green, of course. Chocolate cakes, vanilla cakes, caramel cakes, cheesecakes, cakes with filling—they never seemed to run out of ideas on cakes! Completing the refreshment selection were lemonade and punch, plus some more adult cocktails for the grown-ups.

Luigi, the birthday boy, stood outside the room, a nice-sized piece of cake on a plate in his hand. He needed to clear his head. So far, a day full of fond memories. A day full of praises and a day full of celebration of the person he was, flaws and all. His heart was so full that it could burst any minute. If someone in his early days had told him that a shindig would be held in his honor, then he would've snickered. But it was really happening! They were celebrating him, not Mario, and singling out the traits and events which made him his own person, rather than just Mario's helpful baby brother. Luigi found a bench and plunked himself down. Even some of the villains were showing him respect on his special day. But he was just a klutzy plumber who really didn't like ghosts. Did he really deserve all of this?

Warm, joyful tears began streaming down his face. He'd never cried in happiness this much since the night he rescued Mario the first time. From tourney to tourney, Luigi had always held doubts over what they held in store for him. He'd thought he be a stranger to the other video game characters. But he'd made friends and allies—even helped save the world! Overall, he was happy that he took a chance and filled out that application fourteen long years ago.

Sometimes, he didn't see eye-to-eye with a few fighters. Sometimes, he won by doing absolutely nothing. But he'd single-handedly pummeled a Giga-sized turtle on the last level of Melee's Adventure Mode, conquered Ganondorf and Mewtwo in Event 51, survived 15 minutes against the wireframe fighters, revived the majority of the roster after a devastating attack nearly wiped them out and even provided comfort to those who felt down, even saving the Hero of Winds from himself. He couldn't believe it, but the footprint he left in the pages of Smash's history was larger than he thought. His actions weren't those of a coward who couldn't do anything right, but of a true hero, laying down his life for his friends, his comrades, his citizens—and his older brother.

"Wasting a special day with those tears, aren't we?"

Luigi froze. He knew that voice. Gruff, but friendly and warm. He'd been a third-party guest for Brawl, but he sadly opted not to return for the upcoming tournament. Some instinct made Luigi glance to his left. Beside him rested a certain cardboard box with a red exclamation point on it.

Dio! Could it be…?

The box tilted upward, revealing a man with some facial scruff, wearing a bandana and a gray bodysuit. He regarded the man in green with a wry smile. "Hey. Nice to see you again," he said.

"D—David?" gasped Luigi. "How did you…?"

"Heard about it through the grapevine," the man known as Solid Snake responded. "I've hidden out here in my box, listening to the wonderful stories about you."

"Why didn't you want to share anything?" Luigi asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm really not the sentimental type," shrugged Snake. "Put it here, man."

Luigi shook hands with the Brawl veteran before easing his way into the box alongside him.

"How's life treated you?" asked Luigi.

"Quite well," said Snake. "And you?"

"They're finally looking up," Luigi replied. "Not only did I save Mario a second time, but also I rescued Peach all by myself and helped Mario navigate through the Dream World. I see more people cosplaying as me. And they did something special with the L train in Manhattan! Isn't that neat?"

"It is," nodded Snake.

"So," said Luigi after a quick beat. "What was the deal with him?"

Snake frowned. "Who?"

"You know who I'm talking about."

Realization hit Snake. "The Colonel? You're talking about my codec talk with him? L, come on, I'm sure he didn't mean that. He was probably just having a bad day."

"Thanks to him, 'King of Second Bananas' became a popular nickname for me," Luigi said calmly. "I wonder what he'll have to say about that."

"I assure you, L, he didn't intend that," said Snake.

"You know, I never told you, but I kept hearing his words for the duration of Brawl," Luigi softly admitted. "It's like that reptile said them."

"Well, I can safely say that you're far from a second banana now," smiled Snake.

"Where is he, anyway?" asked Luigi. "The Colonel?"

"Overseeing missions and all of that," replied Snake. "He wanted me to tell you that he's sorry for what he said over my codec. He underestimated you, and he swears never to do so again."

"They always say that," deadpanned Luigi. "Maybe when he's not so busy, I'll visit him so he can apologize in person."

"Yeah. Good idea," said Snake.

"But—thanks for sticking up for me," said Luigi, softening. "I never thought anyone would do that."

"You're welcome," smiled Snake, slinging an arm around him. "I just want to say—you did great in Brawl and against Tabuu."

Luigi blushed. "My heart was going faster than a freight train, and the pain was so much," he said, "but I had to keep going. For their sake."

"And thank you for what you did for Toon Link and Lucas. That was very kind," Snake went on.

"I just hate seeing people upset," said Luigi, "especially when people pick on them."

"You're an all right guy, and I was very lucky to be in your company during Brawl," smiled Snake. "Hopefully, Master Hand will squeeze me in for this one."

Luigi gaped. "You changed your mind?"

"Sorta."

"Pale skin, huh?" muttered Luigi. "I can swear I've had some exposure to the sun for as long as I can remember."

"L, come on. He wants to make it up to you," said Snake.

"And that 'once a kid brother, always a kid brother' crack? Where did that come from?!"

"Beats me."

"I kinda wished he'd show up, so I could give him a piece of my mind," said Luigi.

"Yeah, the Colonel was just being a grouch that day."

After relaxing and reminiscing for a few moments, Luigi stuck out a hand, which Snake shook. "It was nice to catch up with you," said the plumber.

"Same here," said Snake.

"Oh, and I have a message for the Colonel," winked Luigi.

"What's that?" Snake raised an eyebrow.

"La li lu le lo. La li lu le lo. La li lu le lo," Luigi repeated in a monotone.

Snake cracked up.

"I'll be sure to pass that on to him," he said once he calmed down.

Then, he straightened and snapped off a crisp salute. "Happy Year of Luigi, old friend. You've earned it."

Luigi blushed. "Thank you."

Having finally regained his bearings, Luigi went back to the party to cut loose a bit.

I hope I have the characterization down. Sadly, I know little about Metal Gear except for the Codecs in Brawl. Forgive me if our special guest is OOC.

Please review. Only 2 chapters to go!