Pre-chapter Conversation

"Well, it's that time again." I started. "We're at the final chapter of the fic!"

"It's about time." Izzy said.

"Yay! Yay! Yay! It's the moment of truth!" Iggy cheered, dancing around. His brother raised an eyebrow at him before leaning towards me.

"Uhhh Boss, if this is the final chapter, what happens to him?" He whispered, pointing at Iggy. I shrugged.

"Beats me. It would suck to just forget about him, but that's how it goes, I suppose." Izzy sighed with relief.

"Thank God I won't have to deal with this psycho again."

"Unless I come up with an idea that involves him." I corrected with an evil smirk. My partner groaned. I turned to the camera. "Anyway, we'll see ya Monday with our next fic. Til then, enjoy this chapter." My eyes widened when I remembered something.

"By the way, to Mythica Ruathahold, there actually was a Mario cartoon (actually three). They were out ten or so years ago. One of the cartoons was based on Super Mario Bros. 1 and 2, another (the best one, in my opinion) was based on Super Mario Bros. 3, and the last one was based on Super Mario World. Bowser was called 'King Koopa' in them. But you are right. Dr. Robotnik does have one up on him. He's in an animé."

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Race across Rainbows

Epilogue

The Final Race

Later that night…

"Hey, I got an e-mail." Otto said to himself. He was on the computer in his room. The screen provided the only light. He clicked open the e-mail and read.

Hey Ottoman! I'm having a blast in Hawaii. Wish u guys coulda come. How r things holding up over there? Is Lars acting crazy? lol! I bet u 2 r probably fighting like old times, huh? Anyway, here r some pictures from my trip. Keoni helped me figure out how to send stuff. Enjoy and say hi to every1 for me! I should be back next week.

Twister

P.S: Keoni says hi.

"You don't know the half of it, bro." Otto said with a sigh.

He was about to delete the e-mail when he stopped himself and moved the mouse cursor to the download command. He clicked on it and several pictures displayed on screen.

They all showed Twister and Keoni doing something together. Surfing, biking, blading, and wind surfing among other sports. Otto gave a dejected sigh at the sight of the last picture. It showed Twister standing on the beach. Keoni was behind him and had his arms around the other boy's waist. He was kissing Twister on the cheek. The taller boy had his right eye closed and a grin on his face. He was also giving the camera a peace sign. They both seemed really happy together. Makes sense. They've been together for years. The auburn haired boy gave an unenthusiastic chuckle.

"I bet he sent that one on accident. Wouldn't surprise me one bit."

He deleted the e-mail and the attachment. Shortly after, he felt tears coming to his eyes. He took off his sunglasses and wiped them.

"What's with me? Why am I suddenly crying?"

'Because you're jealous.' A voice inside his head said.

"Me? Jealous of Twist and Keoni? Yeah right."

'Liar.' The voice taunted. Otto shut down the computer and sat on his bed. He was bathed in the darkness of the night.

"But…" He sighed. "Oh man, I am jealous. I wish I had someone like how Twist does."

'But you do.'

"Oh yeah right. Who could I possibly have?"

'Well… Lars, for starters.'

"What!.?" Otto hissed at the voice. "Are you crazy!.? First of all, I'm not like that. Second, even if I was, why would I want anything to do with him?"

'Because you love him.'

"No, I don't." He said uncertainly.

'Sure doesn't sound like it.' The voice mocked.

"I'm telling you, I don't."

'Whatever you say.'

"I don't love him. Not in the least bit." Otto said firmly as he laid down. "Not at all…" He yawned. After a few moments, his eyelids grew heavy. He soon fell asleep with thoughts of tomorrow's race on his mind.

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"Alright! This rules!" Otto cheered.

He was blading on a rainbow-colored street. It was currently night. He skated up a ramp, jumped off, and flipped in the air. He soon landed and skated on, increasing his speed. He soon started skating along a spiral that was going up. He soon found himself skating along a wall.

"What the—? I'll fall!"

He kept going, trying not to think about falling towards the city below. Just as he was about to get out of the spiral, a hissing sound filled his ears. He turned and gasped. A spiny shell was heading right for him!

"Ahhhhhhhh!.!.! Stay away!" Otto yelled at the winged shell. It didn't seem to respond as it got close to the skater and exploded, sending him flying. He was falling towards the street when suddenly, it disappeared!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!" He screamed as he fell hundreds of feet.

He was nearing one of the buildings when he was grabbed by something.

"Don't worry. I got you." A soothing voice said. Otto opened his eyes and looked at his savior.

"Wha…?" He said with wide eyes.

It was Lars. He wasn't wearing a shirt and had wings growing out of his back. Otto wrapped his arms around the other's waist and leaned into the warmth. Lars lowered his head and captured the younger boy's lips in a kiss. Otto closed his eyes in ecstasy as he deepened it.

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Otto gasped as he shot up.

"Oh man… What was that?" He looked around and found himself back in his room. He laid his head on his pillow and stared at the ceiling.

"Oh… Just a dream. That was the weirdest one of all." He held his forehead as he looked out the window. He saw the sun rising over the horizon.

"I gotta get ready." He got out of bed and left to get prepared for the race.

Across the street…

"It's time." Lars said as he got up and walked over to the bathroom.

To say he was nervous was an understatement. He was just moments away from either claiming the fiery haired boy of his dreams or losing everything. If he wins, he may discover the one thing that'll make Otto his. On the other hand, he could lose and be forced to pour his heart out to his crush, only to possibly get crushed himself. It can honestly go either way. It gets even more complicated though. What if Otto's worst secret isn't that he's gay or bi? What if it's something entirely different? Then Lars would be no closer to getting with him than he was at the beginning of this whole ordeal. He would've wasted all this time training for nothing; just another competition to add to their record of fights.

He gulped as he stepped into the bathtub. After he took a shower, he brushed his teeth and rinsed with the best mouthwash money could buy. As he gargled the greenish liquid, his eyes teared up and he hopped around the room. A few more seconds passed before he spit out the offending substance into the faucet.

"Ahhh!.!.! Ugh! It burns whenever I use this stuff!" He yelled just before rinsing his mouth out with cold water. He spit it out, grabbed a bottle of cologne, and applied some to his neck.

"I gotta make sure I look presentable for Otto today."

After dealing with the cologne and putting on some deodorant, he brushed his hair and put on his usual clothes. Ironed, of course.

"I hope that I win and he'll be mine."

With Otto…

"I hope I don't look too bad." Otto said to himself as he washed his face. "But why do I want to look good for, anyway? It's Lars, after all." He shrugged. After he finished brushing his teeth and putting on his clothes, he walked back to the bathroom and started brushing his hair.

"Hmmm… Maybe I should try a new style." He took off his headband and tied his dreadlocks into a ponytail. "There. Perfect."

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It was twelve o'clock as Lars walked over to the Rockets' house. He gulped nervously as he knocked on the door. A few seconds later, Reggie came to the door.

"Hey Reg." He said.

"Hey." Reggie replied. She walked out. "I'm going out with Sam. See you later and good luck."

"Thanks." Lars said before entering the house. He walked into the living room. "Otto?"

"Over here." Otto's voice replied.

Lars walked into the kitchen and gasped at the sight of the love of his life. He was especially impressed with the way the younger boy's hair looked. He looked positively beautiful.

'So that's how he looks with his hair set up like that.' He thought. He considered running over and rubbing the other boy's head, but stopped himself. 'Not yet.'

'Wow. He looks good today.' Otto thought, looking at the brunet. He shook his head and slapped himself mentally. 'Not now! I have to beat him.'

Everything was silent for a few minutes before he spoke up.

"So… Do you want anything?" He asked, moving over to the fridge.

'He's offering me something…' Lars thought with a dreamy sigh. He quickly shook his head. "Ummm… Some orange juice would be nice."

Otto nodded and grabbed a carton from the fridge. He then poured some of the yellow substance into a cup. He handed it to the other boy, who took it graciously. The redhead blushed as he felt the other's fingers brush against his own. He cleared his throat.

"So how are we doing this?" He asked as he sat down at the table. Lars followed suit.

"I was thinking we do just one race in any course we choose. We use 150cc engines." He replied, trying to avoid the other's gaze. He didn't notice, but Otto was avoiding his sight as well.

"That sounds alright." He said.

After they finished up in the kitchen, they moved to the living room. Otto turned on the Gamecube and got everything set up in the game. All that was left was for the two to pick their characters and karts.

"I'll go first." The redhead said. He picked his usual team of Mario, Yoshi, and the Waluigi Racer.

"That dinosaur looks cute." Lars commented. 'Just like you.' He added inwardly. He picked Donkey Kong, Waluigi, and the Wario Car. Otto gulped at the sight of the plumber, but maintained his cool. The tracks listing displayed.

"You pick." The younger one said, trying hard not to turn towards the other boy. Lars blushed as he moved the cursor around.

'Hmmm… I guess I'll pick that course Squid beat Izzy on yesterday.' He thought. 'That course looked perfect. Hopefully, Otto will like it.' He went into the Special Cup and made his decision.

"Rainbow Road?" Otto asked, reading the screen with an eyebrow raised. "Weird name for a course." He shrugged. "But, if that's your decision, then whatever."

The screen faded and both players found themselves on a rainbow-colored street. They were above a city. It was a starry night. There were rainbow-colored statues of items floating in the air. The redhead gasped at the course.

'This is just like…' He shook his head. 'No. Couldn't be.'

"Are you alright?" Lars asked with concern.

"Yeah. I'm fine." Otto replied before putting on a mask of bravado. "Come on! I'll beat you and then you'll tell me your secret!" Lars blinked before he put on the same expression.

"Fine! But I'm gonna win!" He yelled back.

Lakitu floated over to start the race. The first light turned on.

'I gotta win this.' Lars thought.

The second light turned on.

'There's no way I'm gonna lose!' Otto thought as he tightened his grip on the controller.

The third light came on.

'I have to win.' They both thought.

The final light turned on and both of them sped ahead with a Rocket Start.

°Lars' POV°

Finally! All my training at that arcade has come down to this. If I beat Otto, I'll find out once and for all if he's gay or not. If he is, I hope that we can start a relationship. But if I lose, then he'll find out that I love him and I can't risk him finding out and rejecting me.

Anyway, our karts shot out forward. Almost immediately, we reached a dash panel that I almost didn't even notice because of how colorful the track is. We were sent into the air and landed on a slope. We soon reached the first set of item boxes as Otto pulled ahead. I didn't bother to look at what he got because I was trying to avoid falling. I forgot that parts of the course don't have railings to protect against falling. I got a fake item box as I drifted around the first turn. I almost fell off the edge, but I hung on.

I tossed the item box behind me as I reached another hard turn. I drifted to the right and went through an item box. I finally got something useful. A red shell. I tossed it and passed Otto when he got hit. I hit a skinny dash panel that sent me into the air again. When I landed, he sped along another, longer dash pad. I noticed Otto coming behind me as I reached another long dash panel that sent me into a small jump. He caught up to me as we landed and started going towards an upwards spiral that got kinda vertical. I heard Otto gasp.

°Otto's POV°

Oh my God! That's the same spiral I fell off in my dream! Was that a premonition or something? But what about the part that involved Lars? I gave a quick glance towards him. I saw him give me a confused look before turning back to the TV. I shook my head.

'Focus!' I thought as I turned back to the game as well. I hit a dash panel as the spiral started. I hugged the inside as much as possible as I sped along. Parts of the spiral didn't have any walls, so I could fly off if I'm not careful.

Luckily, I got through that area and wound up in first place. Lars was right behind me as I hit an item box. Yoshi got an egg as I moved around this new area. It was shaped like a snake and there were no walls. About halfway through this section, a shooting star landed on the track and revealed a star that I can use. I would've gotten it, but Lars hit me with a red shell, making me tumble and almost fall off the track! I hit the brake and stopped myself from going too far. I sighed and tried to catch up to him. After passing the S curve, I hit three dash panels before going up this huge pipe.

°Lars' POV°

"Woah! Now this is major air!" Otto yelled.

Since I was still going up the pipe, I decided to take a look at him. He was grinning and looking at the screen with wide eyes. It brought a smile to my face to see him so happy. But what was bothering him earlier? I shook my head and got back to the race.

My kart got out of the pipe and reached a pretty bumpy area. It was full of dash panels. The kart landed on a big panel and was sent forward. I moved around, trying to hit as many dash panels as possible. Just as I was reaching a ramp, a star appeared on the track. I quickly grabbed it and became invincible. I hit the ramp, jumped over a gap, and landed at the top of a downwards spiral that went around a giant star. As my invincibility ended, I got to the bottom of the spiral and started the second lap.

°Otto's POV°

'Crap! He's ahead of me.' I thought as I reached the spiral at the end of the track. I hit one of the item boxes and got a spiny shell. I tossed it as I reached the end and started the next lap. He got hit, but he was still far away from me. I can't lose this!

But wait… What am I getting so worked up for? I mean yeah, I know that I gotta win because I'm Otto Rocket, but even if by some miracle, he does beat me, what's there to worry about? I don't even have a terrible secret, remember?

Anyway, I hit the first dash panel and landed a few feet ahead. I got to the first row of item boxes and got a star. I couldn't use it here though because I might fall off the edge. I switched characters to save it. Mario was now in back as Yoshi drove. Speaking of which, why did Lars say he was cute earlier? That doesn't sound like something he'd say. Whatever. It's too bad he couldn't say that about me. Ugh! Not now!

Moving on, I got past the first sharp turn and got a fireball out of the second bunch of boxes. I then went along the huge dash panels. When I got to the part before the spiral from my dream, I tossed the fireballs. Unfortunately, they missed Lars completely. My characters switched and I activated the star. My kart glowed yellow as I started going up the spiral. As I was moving along the dash panels, I started to lose control. The star was making me go too fast! I went over the edge! This is just like that dream! My half of the screen blacked out after a few seconds and my kart was brought back to the track by one of those cloud guys.

That didn't happen in my dream…

°Lars' POV°

"Where are you, my angel?" I heard Otto say in almost a whisper.

I almost snapped my head at the sadness present in his voice. He looked extremely close to crying. I raised an eyebrow. Him? Crying over a video game? No. It must be something more than that. Whatever it is, he looked close to cracking. I wish I could just hold him in my arms and tell him it's alright, but I couldn't. We were still racing, after all.

He soon caught up to me as we left the spiral. I hit an item box and got a bob-Omb. I tossed it back. Luckily, he was able to avoid it before it exploded. I know that I gotta beat him, but after hearing the grief he was going through, I wouldn't want him to feel any worse. We soon got through the S curve and went into the pipe.

°Otto's POV°

Oh man! What was that about? I can't believe I just said that out loud! I hope Lars didn't hear. He would've asked and then I would've had to tell him everything. The dream, the thoughts about him, the way that shirt of his compliments his body tone, his beautiful hair, his—Oh crap… So that's it. That's what my worst secret is. I'm gay. But not just that, I love Lars. I love LARS! My rival for almost ten years! I'm in love with him! I want to feel his arms around me. I want to kiss him all day long. I want to hold him! I want to go on long walks with him under the full moon! You get the idea. I want to be with him!

But wait… He can't know! I know that we're not kids anymore, but if he finds out, it's over! He'll spread the news all over town and everybody will think I'm a freak. Him especially. My life will officially end. I have to beat him!

By now, we got out of the pipe and started speeding along the bumpy area. I hit as many dash panels as possible and got ahead of him. We reached the ramp and jumped towards the spiral. I drifted to the right to get a double item box. As I started sliding, I noticed that I got another fireball and a banana peel. I charged up a Mini-Turbo as I launched the fireballs backwards. Lars' kart got hit and he started spinning out. My characters switched places as I started the final lap.

°Lars' POV°

Holy crap! He already started the final lap! I did a Mini-Turbo to get my speed up as I crossed the finish line to start the last lap. After I got past the dash panel and through the first turn, I tossed the spiny shell I got. As I got a bob-Omb, I quickly looked down and noticed that Otto finally got hit. He didn't sound too pleased when I passed him. I got to the beginning of the spiral as I dropped the bomb behind me. It exploded and my love got hit again.

"Ugh!" He grunted. I couldn't help but grin as I used the dash panels to get up the spiral. Just before I was able to get out of it, Otto used a lightning bolt. I spun out as I shrunk and flew off the edge.

"Yes!" He cheered. I growled. That little—

"Oh yeah? This race isn't over til one of us crosses that finish line and I'm gonna cross it first!" I yelled as my team was lowered back on the track.

Otto passed me as I started going through the S curve. A shooting star hit the track near the end of the curve. I was able to grab the star that appeared and just barely pulled ahead of the redhead as we entered the pipe and was shot up into the air. My invincibility ended as we got out of the pipe and landed on the huge dash panel.

°Third person POV°

'Yes! I'm almost there!' Lars cheered in his mind as he went through the last straightaway before the last jump.

'Damn! I have to catch up!' Otto screamed inwardly as he drove over as many dash panels as possible.

The two soon reached the jump and went over the gap. Both of the boys' hearts started racing as fast as the karts. They both hit an item box in a last ditch effort to pull ahead. The boy with the dreadlocks got a red shell, which he used immediately. Lars got hit, but he recovered with the mushroom he got from the box. Both boys were neck and neck as they started drifting into the turn.

'I'm gonna win! I'm gonna win!' Lars thought happily. His eyes widened. 'Wait… I shouldn't end it like this.'

'I'm so close!' Otto thought with gritted teeth. His eyes also widened. 'I can't end it like this.'

Their karts were nearing the finish line.

'If we were meant to be together, he has to know.' The brunet thought.

'If I expect to be with him, I have to be honest.' The auburn haired boy thought.

'I have to lose!' They both thought at the same time.

The karts were mere seconds away. Otto pushed the B button to stop his kart. Lars also pushed the brakes. Unfortunately for the brunet, he pushed the button a split second too late and crossed the finish line.

Lars had won the race.

Both of the young adults were panting after that. Their eyes were wide at the results. No matter what, they couldn't change a thing. None of them spoke. They just stared at the screen, mouths agape. After a few minutes, Otto looked away. Lars watched his movements. He wanted to comfort him. He wanted to hold him in his arms and stop the suffering. But he couldn't. He had to know first.

"O-Otto?" He tried. The other male sniffed. His body started shaking. "Come on. It's alright."

"No it's not!" Otto yelled. He sobbed. "It'll never be alright!"

"Just calm down. You don't want Reggie or your dad to see you like this." Otto just kept up the water works. Lars sighed, not seeing any other way to help. He wanted to race him to try to win his heart. If hurting him was a requirement, he wanted no part in it.

"Look. You don't have to tell me your secret if you don't want to." He said, getting up to go to the kitchen. "I'll just get a glass of water for you."

"Wait." Otto said shakily. Lars turned towards him and gasped. Despite crying for about a minute or two, he looked awful. Tears were running down the side of his face. Though he was barely able to see through the other boy's sunglasses, he noticed that his eyes were bloodshot.

"Otto…"

"Hear me out." Otto sniffed. He wiped his eyes. "A deal's a deal. You beat me, so I gotta tell you my worst secret."

Lars sat down at the couch again. The music from the game was long forgotten. The redheaded skater took a deep breath.

"Lars, I'm gay." He finally said. Lars showed no distinct response, though Otto saw something sparkle in his eyes. "That's not all though." He took another breath.

What came next was truly a shock for both boys to hear.

"I love you."

It was said almost to himself, but Lars heard it loud and clear. He grinned and started moving towards Otto, but he stopped himself when he noticed the redhead moving towards the door.

"Otto?"

"So now you know." Otto said, opening the door. "Go on. Tell the whole town everything! Ruin my life!" He broke down on the floor and covered his eyes. Lars quickly ran over and closed the door. He knelt besides Otto.

"Otto, it's ok. Chill." He comforted. He wrapped his arms around the eighteen year-old. Otto cried into Lars' chest as he wrapped his arms around him. "Shhh… It's alright." Lars felt Otto's lips moving against his chest. He pulled the boy away. "What?"

"Why…?" Otto sniffed. "Why aren't you running?" Lars rubbed his back.

"I'd never run away from you." He answered, embracing Otto again. "Listen. I'll tell you my most kept secret."

"But what about the bet?" Otto asked, pulling away.

"Forget about it. I was planning to tell you this anyway." Lars took a deep breath. "Otto, I'm bi." Otto's eyes widened.

"Y-You are?" The older male nodded.

"There's something else." He took another breath. "Te quiero también." Otto raised an eyebrow.

"What? What does that mean?"

He didn't get an answer though. Lars removed his sunglasses and cupped his face in his hand. He then seized the younger boy's lips in a passionate kiss. They both embraced again. They ran their hands over each other's backs as they deepened it, tasting each other's tongue. They soon separated for air. They stared at each other with a warm look in their eyes.

"Woah…" Otto said dizzily.

"Wow…" Lars said in the same tone. He felt his lips. "You're some kisser." Otto blushed.

"Thanks. Same to you. It sure felt better than in any dream."

"Dream? You were dreaming about me?" Lars asked. Otto looked away again.

"Yeah… Not to mention you were on my mind every single damn day. It took up until that race for me to realize the truth."

They kissed again.

"Otto, I love you with all my heart and soul. Will you be my boyfriend?" Lars asked as they separated. Otto's eyes sparkled.

"Of course I will." He replied. They leaned in for another kiss. They separated and the redhead ran his hand through the other's hair after taking off his hat. "Your hair feels so smooth." Lars chuckled at the compliment and returned the gesture.

"That reminds me. You look great with your hair set up like that."

"You think?"

"Oh yeah. You should wear it like that all the time."

"I like my usual style better." Otto said. They stared into each other's eyes.

"Well maybe we can compromise."

"So, do you want to play again?" Otto asked, standing up and moving over to the couch. Lars stood up and put his hat back on.

"Actually, I would prefer it if we never play that game ever again." He said as he walked over and turned off the TV. He joined his new boyfriend on the couch.

"How come?"

"I went through hell trying to get good at that game. I even started seeing things from it!" The brunet answered. "I saw a freakin' spiny shell when it was just a frisbee."

"It's not as bad as me. I wiped out when I saw a Bowser shell while surfing! They were really just a bunch of surfboards."

They both laughed at that one and embraced again.

"So what do you want to do?"

"How about the movies?" Otto asked. Lars faked a gasp.

"Are you asking me out on a date?" Otto couldn't help but grin.

"Sure. My treat. You in?"

"You bet." Lars replied.

They gave each other a quick peck on the lips and got up to leave.

"Hmmm… I wonder what Twist and the others will think about seeing us together."

"They better get used to it because I refuse to let you go for anything." The brunet answered as he linked his fingers with Otto's.

They both grinned as they left the house to go to the movie theater and to start their new relationship.

THE END

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Post-story Conversation

"Alright! I finally got this done!" I cheered, punching the air.

"Yep." Izzy said, nodding and crossing his arms. "It took long enough for them to have their first kiss." Iggy's eyes widened.

"First…kiss?.! First kiss!.? First kiss!.?" He yelled. I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Yea… First kiss. What's the deal?" I asked confusedly. Iggy turned to Izzy.

"Brother, Reggie was supposed to give us that picture!" The older brother gasped.

"What!.?.! How could you forget?"

"How could I forget!.?" Iggy yelled, glaring at him. "What about you!.?"

As they went back and forth, I sighed and held my forehead.

"Idiots…"

"Oh great." Iggy started with teary eyes. "Now I won't get that kiss from her."

"WHAT!.?.! She was gonna give you a kiss!.?.!" Izzy roared. He grabbed his mallet. "Get over here!" He swung it.

"Ahhh!.!.!" The younger boy yelled as he ducked. "Leave me alone!" He ran away. Izzy gave chase.

"I'll show ya to make deals behind my back!" He screamed, trying to hit Iggy in the background.

"Oy…" I groaned, slapping my forehead. I then turned to the camera. "Anyway, til next time, see ya!" I waved at it.

(Note: Just so ya know, "Te quiero también" means "I love you too" in Spanish.)