The Mushroom Kingdom was at peace once more, as the many inhabitants of small multicolored toads and Yoshi's, continued on with their usual routines and merry natures.
Meanwhile another kingdom lied ahead, surrounded by heated surroundings, where a majestic castle could be seen.
The king of said kingdom, the all-powerful King of the Koppas, Bowser, sat dormant in his throne, covered in bruises and band aids. He was once again foiled by that insufferable red plumber.
"My dear young master, how did the plan to take over the Mushroom Kingdom go?". Asked the oblivious leader of the Magikoopas, Kamek.
"Oh, you know. The same as always". He growled accidentally touching his bruised forehead, flinching from the pain. "That happy go lucky Mario… Does he really have nothing better to do than to ruin my life?!".
Kamek felt the need to comfort his young master. "Your nastiness, do not fret! The magikoopas and I have been cooking up a brand-new evil scheme in your timely absence". He revealed, rubbing his hands together.
"Wait, for the last hour?!". He was impressed. "Well, what are you doing just standing there?! Show me!". He demanded.
"Right away, my evil lord~". The man snapped his fingers, causing the guards to open the large doors to the throne, revealing two magikoopas holding a rather small box. They quickly made their way towards their leader and King.
"Careful, you fools! It's a very delicate package, do not just-". He cringed at the sudden release, as a large crashing sound could be echoed though the castle walls. "Drop it down so harshly". He quietly added.
After hearing the two distressed minions expressing their regrets, Kamek sent them away, so he and Bowser were once again alone. "Behold! The ingredient that will certainly put that plumber in its place!". He announced with such a malicious attitude, as thunder stricken behind him.
Bowser just stared, rubbing the tip of his nose. "A little box?".
"Ahh, but it's not the box you must observe, rather its contents! For you see, we have been using our deep and out of this world magic to produce-".
"Oh, for the love of-, will you just get on with it?!".
Kamek felt offended being cut so shorty. "Please, evil youngster, patience is key to success! Why must I repeat myself constantly?!". The old Koopa seem bothered.
Bowser was certainly showing signs of impatience in his expression, causing the other creature to admit defeat. "Oh fine, here it is".
As he opened the box, a large quantity of mythical smoke finally escaped from it. Bowser seem amazed, thinking this was going to be good. But his expression fell short, only seeing a pink mushroom, the same size as the box, placed neatly on a red pillow to keep it safe.
"Ta-duhhh…". The magikoopa unenthusiastically expressed, waving his hands around to signify something glorious.
The evil was stressed out looking at the item ahead of him. "Kamek, for the love of Toadstool, what is this?! You wish to see me suffer with that nasty… thing again?!". This triggered his PTSD for it reminded him of that yellow crown with that puffy pink and white polka-dot stuff on top. 'Never again', he thought.
"No, no, my kind but evil king! For this is not what it seems! This mushroom contains different elements from that other bothersome power-up! Trust me, you will feel power at your fingertips! As you'll grow large and powerful just by seeing fear struck into your enemies faces at your gracious appearance!".
Bowser could only sigh at that. All that build up, and this is what he got?! Some powerful mushroom that can give him strength? Like he hasn't tried that before, and got beaten still.
He might as well go on with the old coot's plan. It was better than anything he could think of at the moment.
"Fine, I'll bite. But you better be sure about this… this… thing!". He angrily stood up, as fireballs left his snout, nearly burning the guards by the door. "If you so fail me, Kamek, so help me I will-!".
A drop of sweat was now on the old magikoopa's forehead but he swallowed his fear down. "Y-You'll be glad to know that everything is under control, my liege. No tricks!".
The larger Koopa finally calm down, making his way down the small steps of his throne towards the box.
He was hesitant for a second, as he grabbed the mushroom with just his claws. He had a bad feeling about this. 'Eh, what's the worst that can happen?' Shrugged nonchalantly at that thought, finally dropping the morsel down his throat.
Everything went silent.
Nothing seemed to have happen.
Bowser looked down at the older figure in a rather irritated mood. "Well, well, well, so much about your precious deep m-AAAAAAGIC!". He gasped feeling his stomach twist and growl loudly, as a sudden flush of pain covered his body.
"Y-Yes! It's working! You are becoming stronger! You are becoming… small?". The elder's cheerful demeanor dropped down as he kept watching his lord twitch and profoundly sweat, as he began to shrink down. "Wait, this was not supposed to-".
His comments were put on hold, as light beamed through his young king. It was like something out of a fairy tale, as Kamek could only watch, seeing his evil features disappear right in front of his eyes.
His tail, horns, shell… He was transforming!
After the bright light had finally disappear into Bowser, Kamek was in utter horror, as a shriek escaped his mouth.
He could not believe what he was seeing, but his liege was no longer the gigantic and powerful King Kooper he knew, but a mere… human! A rather tall, dark skin and muscled man, to be precise. And worst, yet? He was naked.
"Oh, boy, am I a dead koopa". He mumbled to himself, fearing his lord would hear him. He once again gasped watching his young master's body finally twist as he stood up.
Bowser was feeling rather exhausted and discomfort, placing a hand on his know free-horned head, which thus far, he had yet to notice. The good news was that the soreness all over his body was gone, but… he felt a sense of lightheadedness. His body felt so strange, like it was the first time he was feeling it. It felt so out of place.
"Grr, my head… What was in that mushroom, Kamek?". He finally managed to open his red firelit eyes noticing a change of perspective in his height, but… it was shorter than he thought.
The older koopa was not sweating profoundly, not only for the terrible soon to be revelation when his master finally realizes what's truly going on, but also because his mater was now… very hot. And by hot, he meant extremely handsome, not his ultra-fire powers. Did he even have those anymore?
His smooth but short redneck hair combined perfectly with his eyes, as so did his chocolate like skin, filled with scars from his past battles with that red plumber. His chin and cheeks were now protected by a beard that matched with his hair. Not to mention the out of nowhere golden piercings that just appeared on his nose, ears, as well as his belly button.
Kamek was simply out of words. He should be focused on sprinting away for his life, yet he felt it was his accountability to deal with this… rather fascinating mistake of a power.
"Sire, my dear, how are you feeling? Do you feel anywhere in your body?". He asked carefully.
He angrily growled, but it didn't feel as threatening as before. "Urgh, no! What is even going on?! My head is killing me and I don't feel none of that power you mentioned before!".
"Well, I can see why! Just look at your hands!". The elder creature suggested, gripping tightly around his magic staff.
Hearing that, Bowser did so, becoming startle by the sudden realization. "W-What- My body! What have you done?!". He quickly ran towards the nearest room to find a mirror so he could see the horrors that bestow upon him with his own eyes. Kamek flew afterwards.
Goombas, koopas, amongst other minions in Bowser's castle were stupefied as they watched this random human, who did seem to be their lord, running butt-naked in the castle.
As the king finally made it to the bathroom, he let out a blood curdling scream watching his beautiful appearance from before just gone. Vanish! He was a human!
He quickly let the bathroom, screaming loudly as echo could still be heard. "KAMEK! Get over here right now and EXPLAIN YOURSELF!". He was boiling in anger, while terrified at the same time.
Kamek shortly came forward, who just seem intrigued at this point. "Fascinating. It seems we might have done some mild miscalculations during the production of that mushroom".
"SOME?! Kamek!". Bowser's anger had disappeared at his point, showing he was disturbed by all of this. "Please, tell me you know how to turn me back! I look awful!".
"Well, as I did mention". He pulled a book in a myth of smoke, as he careful checked its contents. "The properties of that mushroom were similar to the Super Crown. We simply had substitute some of its natural elements and morphed to-". He stopped himself as he witnessed his master's face filled with confusion. He sighed closing the book. "We did some changes on it, trying to make it a regular mushroom".
"And why?! Why use that stupid power-up to do that?!".
The small creature shrugged. "We had this theory that the power of the crown could be somehow harnessed, revealing ultimate shapeshifting abilities, such as to grow into a magnificent and powerful creature! Buuut, it seems we were wrong at the latter. You still shapeshifted!".
"Into an ugly human!". He added, pouting a bit. "Granted, I'm not a horrible clone of Peach, but still!".
Kamek was now making his way around Bowser, checking his body out. "Fret not, my nastiness, these effects will wear off eventually".
The redneck man sighed. "And for how long do I have to put up with this?".
"Mmmm, about six hours, give or take". He smiled at him. "In the meantime, maybe you could use your temporary body for something useful. Perhaps to trick that plumber?".
Bowser kept quiet at that idea. His assistant maybe had a point. This would definitely catch that cheerful man off guard. Who knows? Maybe he could even charm the princess into marrying him, now that he was human. He grinned evilly at that thought. "Brilliant! I can't waste any more time! I need to leave right now before the effects wear off!". He quickly sprinted away as he spoke.
"B-But, my liege, you can't leave without covering yourself! It is indecent for a human not to wear clothes in public!". Kamek cried out, trying to catch up with his master.
Meanwhile, in the Mushroom Kingdom, the two plumber heroes were making their way out of the beautiful castle that belonged to Princess Peach. They were both stuffed with food after attending a large banquet, in honor of their bravery.
Luigi felt a sudden burp leave his mouth, as he walked wonkily alongside his older brother, who seem just fine. "W-Wow, I don't know how Peach does it, but, boy that was something!".
Mario laughed at that. "I told you not to eat too much, little bro. You simply can't handle it! Unlike me~". He patted his stomach feeling proud, but quickly stopped feeling a similar belch appear. This made the two brothers laugh in unison.
"Ah, I don't know if I can make it back without falling asleep on the way!". He nervously giggled at that. "I'm so exhausted!".
"Rest well, Luigi! We both definitely deserve it after foiling Bowser's plan once again for the…". He stopped as he began to count with his own fingers, but then stared ahead. "…thirty-nine time this month".
"Yikes, Peach really needs better security. That is just embarrassing at his point". His brother disappointingly and truthfully mentions, but quickly stared down at his brother. "Wait, you're not coming home?".
Mario shakes his head. "Not yet, I'll just be walking around for a while. You know, just to check if everything or if everybody is alright. Bowser did cause some major destruction this time, more than last time". He turned his eyes away, not looking at his brother.
The green shirt man nodded, as he patted his brother on the back. "Alright, bro! Don't be late and be careful out there. I don't want anything bad to happen to you".
The other brother rolled his eyes at his overprotective sibling. "Yes, Luigi, I'll be fine! Stop being so nagging!". He pouted, crossing his arms.
"You can never be so sure! This place might be safe now, but strangers and bad spirits still lurk around! Which reminds me, do not talk to strangers!". He sternly warns, this time showing a rather intimidating face. "And do not fall for any of their sweet talk nonsense!".
Mario was now upset, feeling his own cheeks warm up. "L-Luigi, stop bringing that up! I can take care of myself; it was just a one-time thing!".
"Eh, sure". Now he was the one rolling his eyes. "Don't think I'm still not alarmed by that whole situation! Having King Boo hang you on his wall, like you were his propriety". He disgustingly mentioned. "I'm just worried, because of your new change in your body. What if he managed to take advantage of you?!". He yelled out as he placed his hands on his brother's shoulders, shaking him.
"W-What?! Luigi, he was a ghost! I-". He quickly stopped himself as he pushed his brother away. "Just stop worrying so much about me and go rest! I'll see you by dinner time".
This caused the younger brother to gag. "Urgh, don't mention dinner, my stomach might explode!". He slowly made his way back home, as Mario watched him. When he felt his brother was out of sight, he exhaled.
"Finally". Worn out, he rubbed his own cheek, dragging it to the back of his neck.
He had lied, he wasn't planning on checking in with the rest of the citizens. In reality, he simply wished to be alone. To have some peace and relaxation, just like his been hoping to get after saving Peach. He began following the path to his left, following a different direction from his brother.
He made his way towards a different scenario from the rest of the forest: a clean and beautiful lake, where a small hill laid nearby as a large cedar tree could be seen upon the very top. Mario loved this place, it seemed like any other ordinary area, but this one was different. Its scenic comforted the small man.
After taking a deep breath, a huge content smile appeared on his lips as he made his way up the hilltop, stopping near the large tree. He patted it for a short period of time, before leaning his back on it as he allowed his knees to grow weak, falling down. He made himself feel comfortable as he removed his hat and put it to the side, finally looking down to the lake.
Finally, peace and quiet. Away from all the noise, the trouble, the adventures, that princess he couldn't help but feel jealous for, from the constant kidnappings and attention she would get by that handsome villain…
Mario sighed. Oh boy, his emotions were taking over again.
It's not like he hated Peach, far from it. He saw her as a close friend and someone he could trust with anything; like his feelings for the King himself.
He had no idea where did this started but, he guessed the amount of times Bowser and his son, Bowser Junior, would interfere in the party games of the Mushroom Kingdom… Well, he had begun to grow invested in the evil leader.
They weren't so different after all. Having a passion for some good competition, their struggles with their loved-ones and the loneliness of not having someone to share their lives with.
Sure, Luigi was good company to him, but he was his brother! Mario wanted more, exactly a more passionate, trustworthy and fun partner to spend the rest of his life with. Someone to grow old with.
He deep down knew he was hurting himself by believing that the King of the Koopas himself, would ever be interested, romantically, in a guy like him. Like that would ever happen. They were enemies after all, bound by hate and misfortune for each other! Then again, they say keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Mario liked that expression. It really spelt out his entire relationship with Bowser. A dynamic of pure versus evil, but constant pining over each other. Or that's what he thinks.
It's not like the man hasn't tried to get the attention of the King, by inviting him to their many sport tournaments and by… doing some rather peculiar modifications in his own body.
Mario hadn't felt so comfortable in his own body for how long he had become aware of his surroundings, but his fond feelings for the turtle, caused him to finally take that last step to eat that rather disgusting mushroom which he bought in the Toad's Black Market, a place if he told his brother about, he would never hear the end of it.
When questioned about it, he simply lied about the situation, telling him he found the mushroom in the Valley Ghost House and ate it, not realizing it wasn't a 1-UP mushroom. He knew Luigi didn't had the courage to go into that spooky place to investigate, so he felt victorious.
The opposite could be said about Peach who knew everything, which made her change her perspective over the plumber hero, seeing him more like a girl-friend, gossiping about various topics while having a cup of tea. Mario wasn't sure how he should feel about this sudden change of behavior from his princess, but he felt glad that Peach respected his decision and his preferences.
In fact, knowing about his crush, it had given her the brilliant idea to become Mario's wing-woman, always mentioning her hero when kept in Bowser's dungeon, while trying not to sound so subtle about it. Unfortunately, the large turtle would immediately jump to the conclusion that Peach was comparing him to Mario, enraging the king.
This in turn would cause the Plumber to laugh, as he did so once again at the banquet he and his brother had just left from. Peach on the other hand was quite annoyed. She finally admitted today that the real reason she became his wing-woman was to make Bowser finally stop and get his life together. Being happy with the plumber and leaving her alone.
Mario wasn't surprised, but he still appreciated all her hard work. It meant a lot to him.
And now here he was. Filled with emotions for the King of the Koopas, staring out to who knows where.
While he was in complete oblivion, a large figure could be spotted in between the bushes, staring at the man.
It was Bowser, or rather human Bowser, for he finally managed to find the plumber. Although why he wouldn't just go straight for the princess is a mystery. Now he only had about half the time before the effects wear off and he wasted it by reaching the Kingdom and then trying to find his enemy.
"There you are~ Ahaha, this is going to be fun~". He rubbed his hands together, like he was about to do something very nasty. He finally got up from his hiding spot, revealing he was fully clothed. A simple black tank top to cover his abs, ripped jeans (that he accidentally ripped while trying to try out the piece of cloth) and some black boots.
Kamek found his outfit a little edgy, but Bowser couldn't really waste his time in dressing to impress.
He quietly made his way towards the small hill, as he stood above the laid plumber. It took Mario a while to realize he could no longer feel much warmth in his skin, as he finally looked up.
"Boo~". Bowser mischievous laughed at the other man. "Seems like you been letting the sun get into your head, eh, plumber~?".
Mario gasped seeing this random scary figure as he quickly got up, backing away from him as he held his hat tight. "W-Who are you? How did you get here?".
"…". Bowser froze as he lowered his arm. He didn't think he would get this far in his silly prank. In fact, he didn't think ahead of this. "Uhhh… I'm lost?".
Why did he feel so nervous? Why not tell the truth at this point?
'~It's me Mario, the King of the Koopas and soon to be King of the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser! Bwabwa, let us engage in battle!~. Okay, now tell him that! Go, on! This is Mario we're talking about! You been fighting this guy for years, what's stopping you now?!'.
He was having an internal conflict.
Mario on the other hand had calmed down, except for his nonstop beating heart. He couldn't stop staring at this man. He was… so handsome, and yet so out of place. He didn't even know there were other humans roaming the Mushroom Kingdom.
But humans this gorgeous? He couldn't lie, but he had caught a major crush on this… very suspicious man. Almost as he has seen him before.
'His probably from a different Kingdom and I spotted him in one of my adventures', concluded Mario. He began to make out his features. "Mm, he kind a looks like Bowser now that I think about it… if he were human and more anxious'. He giggled at that, as he noticed the man has yet to answer his questions.
Is this what his brother meant about not talking to strangers? How could Mario not? This man seemed so lost and confused, that he couldn't help but feel bad and wonder more about him.
"Ahaha, seems the two of us were caught off guard". The red shirt man finally spoke out smiling in a happy tone, causing the other man to stare. "Maybe we shouldn't go too fast with the questioning. Let's begin with, what's your name?". He placed his hands behind his back.
Bowser couldn't stop staring. Has this man always acted… this pure?
He quickly shook his head. Oh no, a name! Another detail he didn't think ahead! What would he answer with?!
"M-My name? You want to know my name, right?". He began to sweat, trying to stall for time and think of something.
Mario was now laughing, as he finally placed his hat back on his head. He couldn't help but find this cute. "A course, did I not make myself clear~?". He joked.
Many people usually judge others based on their appearance and Mario couldn't lie, he did join the masses on that note. He seemed to be a scary guy. A tough man who isn't afraid to commit crimes, but in turn he could get away with it due to his mischievous acts and fast thinking. At least that's what Mario thought.
Well, apparently, he was wrong about it, for he was seeing a completely different character from this man. 'Don't judge a book by its cover', he shrugged still smiling.
"Yes, a course! And I will give you, my name! It is… Rex! Yes, that is my name!". He smiled proudly.
"There we go, we are making process after all~ Well, it's nice to meet you, Rex. My name is-".
"Yes, yes, you are the all cheerful and dashing good looking plumber, who's name starts with a M and ends with -ario. Ya, no need for that". He clearly mentioned, as he crossed his arms.
"O-Oh?". He was astonished by that. Then again, he was considered a celebrity, not only in his own kingdom, but in others as well. But, that's not what caught him off guard. "You think I'm good looking?".
"Pff, everybody thinks you are! Why are you acting so surprised hearing it from me?". He quickly looked away to hide his blush. 'Did I just call my enemy that?!'.
Mario cleared his throat. "It's just, I don't really get to hear that as often, so sorry if I sound weird". He lowered his face, trying to hide his blush. "S-So, how did you find me?".
Bowser felt nervous once again, but tried to swallow it down. "I… I was just walking around and stuff, and I saw this nice place!". He quickly admitted dishonestly as he looked around his surroundings. "And it was just a coincidence we met!". He became quiet, as the plumber kept staring at him. "W-What?! You don't believe me? How dare you for thinking I wanted to personally see you face to face!".
'Shut up, Bowser! His going to find out!'.
Mario panicked. "N-No, I'm not making assumptions! I just didn't think anybody would come this far".
Now Bowser was taking offense to this. "What's that supposed to mean? You saying I'm fat?! That I can't walk all the way here? Trust me, it wasn't easy!".
'Bowser!'. Wait, why was he yelling at himself? He didn't seem suspicious now.
"Pff~". Mario couldn't help but laugh out loud at that. "Really? If you're calling yourself fat, then what am I?". He rubbed his own round belly, sheepishly smiling,
Bowser looked down at it, as a light pink blush was now in his cheeks. "W-What are you talking about? You actually have a reasonable weight in my opinion".
Now, Mario couldn't hide his blush.
This man, while looking suspiciously like his larger foe, was being so nice to him. Nicer than most people ever are to him. Being a celebrity still meant that he would receive trash talk from the people his supposed to save. Mario sometimes wondered why he even tried, but his caring and adventurous personality would get the better of him.
He began to feel comfortable around the larger man, but he couldn't stop that niggling vision of Bowser from appearing in this man. "W-Well, I appreciate the compliment~ you're actually a really gentle guy. I'll admit, I thought you were a biker for a second, ahaha… or are you?". He quickly asked.
"N-No, never mind that. I'm… just a nobody compared to you". He shrugged getting his hands in his pockets. A concept he never thought he could ever do.
Mario felt awful hearing that. "Aw, don't say that! Everybody has a story to tell, ya know? And since you seem to know about me, I would like to hear yours. If it's okay with you… a course. U-Unless you got places to go, I don't want to stop you! I just… really would like to hang out with you". He fidgets a bit, blushing intensely, trying not to sound as desperate as possible.
'Okay, Bowser, this is a good time to tell him off and leave! You have been here for long enough and you're getting nowhere with this guy! He just seems like he wants something from you! Like… talking and getting to know you… spending time and chill'.
The king was now smiling, an honest one. It almost made him forget about his current body transformation, which quickly made him feel sour.
Him just standing there and not be one bit afraid of this muscular stranger. Bowser couldn't help but feel a tad annoyed at the other man's calm demeanor.
'Does he just talk to anybody he meets in the middle of nowhere? What if something happened to him?! Like he was kidnapped or…'. Or, oh boy, was he starting to feel like a hypocrite.
Is this how Mario thinks about Peach when he kidnaps her? It can't be, she didn't seem to have that personality trait. She was rather strong and wasn't afraid to speak her mind, when necessary, especially when it came to showing her anger towards the large reptile. In fact, she has saved herself from his grasp a couple of times, not really needing Mario.
Maybe it's not Peach who the citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom needed to worry about the most, but their supposed hero.
Not like Bowser was calling Mario a weakling. Like Peach, when presented with a goal, he wasn't afraid to jump as far as possible to reach it, and that goal was to reach the flagpole and defeat him. Even if he had to come back home all bruised up. That thought caused the redneck man to flinch.
He was passionate with his adventures and loved a good competition. The latter could be noticeable when the Mushroom Kingdom would host their sporting events, which… Bowser would be constantly invited by the plumber, much to the dismay of the princess and the rest of Mario's friends and family. Yet the man himself didn't care. He believed everybody deserved to participate, even if you are an evil dictator who wishes to force a princess to marry him to combine their kingdoms, to have twice as much power.
This guy certainly was weird, but then, why did Bowser felt like he needed to protect him?
"Pff, you know what? Why not?! I got time to hang out". He shrugged at that, but felt his cheeks rise up in heat, seeing the others eyes. So excited, so blue, so… dreamy.
Mario had quickly sat down in his original spot, patting the ground next to him to invite Bowser, or rather Rex, to sit down next to him. Bowser couldn't help but smile at that, as he did so.
The two spent the next two hours talking about life, the plumber's adventures, random facts, overall, having a great time between each other. During said conversation, Bowser had been making several jokes about unrelated topics, which in turn would cause the other man to laugh, sometimes out loud even. Bowser couldn't help himself for he would also laugh alongside him. This felt so natural, so unplanned…
Bowser couldn't lie anymore, for he… had caught feelings for the shorter man. 'Sheish, I had to be in this embarrassing position to finally admit it… Mmm, but like I'll truly say it out loud'.
He deep down hated that, but what other choice did he had? The plumber was human and he was a Koopa. A forbidden love story between rivals. It was like the story of the Beauty and the Beast, to which the stunning plumber could never ever love a beast, such as himself.
Then again, Mario didn't like Bowser… He liked Rex. This human guy with a cool attitude, similar to his own. Maybe this meant Mario would like the turtle for who he truly was?
It was so unfair. Yet he blamed himself, for he had no idea how to deal with his feelings. So, he thought of the very best thing after this hang out was over; just continue life as if nothing happened. He felt sad, but… this is how the real world works.
He made a mental note to himself, to when he gets back to the castle, to explain this topic to his son. Which speaking of which, night was beginning to fall down.
"Oh, wow, its already getting dark? Ahaha, how long have we been standing here~?". He laughed a little. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound needy. You really didn't have to stay".
"Hey, I'm here on my own free-will! You think you have some sort of power over me? Like you can just manipulate me like that?".
"I mean, you weren't planning in staying here for too long, so I like to think I did cause this". He smiled proudly. "Which also means, you definitely loved my company~".
"Mmm, you got me there~". He sheepishly laughed. "I did had fun. You're really nice and full of life. Always having stories to tell. I just wished you weren't such an airhead! Seriously, we just met and you were acting all normal! What if my true intentions were to kidnap you, eh?". He sternly asked. "You did mention I looked scary when you first saw me!".
Mario rolled his eyes at that. "Ah, you really sound like my brother just now. Why can't people just believe that I know a good guy when I see one?".
Bowser was about to yell at him for that logic alone, but decided to keep quiet. He didn't want to get caught by the plumber. He still wanted to be with him, but knew he couldn't stick around for too long for he felt time was beginning to wear off on him.
"L-Listen, just be careful with that way of thinking, okay? Louis-".
"Rex!".
"Umm… L-L-Lugi?".
"Your close".
"Luigi!". He snapped his fingers.
"There ya go~! Ya got it!". He clapped at him, for it wasn't the first time he would forget his brother's name.
"Look, your brothers got a point! He just wants to protect you and make sure your safe! I don't blame him for feeling that way, I would also do the same thing with my son!".
"But your son is a child, right? I'm not! I'm in my mid-thirties!".
"It doesn't matter, Mario!". He yelled out. "Being a child or an adult, harm can still come if you're not careful! Don't you understand that if I ever found out you were hurt, I would be devastated?! Don't you think I wouldn't travel the entire world just to find you?! I wish to protect you, but how can I do that if you are just going to act so reckless?!".
He admitted it.
Everything went quiet, as crickets could be heard amongst them, as well as the gentle splash of water hitting against the coast.
Both men stared shocked at each other's eyes, looking deep into them, as their cheeks had a matching rosy color. Their hearts were beating in a very steady pace, almost syncing up with each other, causing a beautiful melody.
Mario leaned his head forward. "I'm sorry… I-".
Bowser quickly cut in. "N-no, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to yell at you".
"It's okay. I suppose your right about that bad side of me. Ahaha, I can be a rather trusting fool, making me almost blind to the real world…". He sighed.
Bowser felt his gaze softening. "Hey, don't say that. If you didn't have that side of you… how else could I be able to talk to you? Seeing your mustache twirl as you laugh at my stupid jokes. Your eyes shining at my soul as I ask about certain details about your story. Seeing your beautiful hair move in sync with the wind. Or your body moving in a rather calm pace, as you lean closer to me… feeling safe in my embrace…?".
The two were indeed leaning on to each other, as Mario couldn't help but be charmed by the man's beautiful words, slowly moving his body closer to the larger man. Bowser had quiet down, staring down at his soothing eyes, as he closed the gap between them with a gentle kiss.
The plumber had placed his hand on top of his lover's hand, as he felt Bowser placing his other one on his cheek, deepening the kiss further.
They stayed in that position for what seem like forever, as everything around them just disappeared.
Just Bowser and Mario sharing a tender moment between them as a bright light shined in them, slowly departing the kiss between them.
Suddenly, Mario opened his eyes no longer seeing the dark skin man called Rex, but… The King of the Koopas, the evil lord Bowser himself. His enemy… his one true enemy.
Bowser stared at Mario with a worried expression, waiting for the other man to react to what he was witnessing. "Well? You're not going to say anything? Aren't you mad I ruined your fantasies about this Rex guy?".
Mario giggled at that, as he shook his head. "Silly, Bowser~ You didn't ruin any of my fantasies! I knew it was you all along~". He cheerfully admitted.
"Wait, what?!". He was shocked. "B-But… then why didn't you say anything?!".
The red shirt man was laughing now, leaning in on the larger reptile. "I didn't want to frighten you! I knew deep down you were afraid to tell me the truth too~". He raised an eyebrow, mischievously smiling. "Great King Bowser, being afraid his little secret would be found by his worst enemy~ How embarrassing~!".
Bowser blushed heavily at that. "A-Afraid? Hey, come on now! Don't make me feel bad about my insecurities!". He quickly smiled, nudging the other one. "Well, mister hero himself was willing to just kiss some random guy he met in less than 3 hours!". He held the man closer, rubbing his sides ever so gently with his claws, which caused the plumber to laugh, feeling ticklish.
"H-Hey, now you're making me feel bad!". He felt the other stop his hands, as they both laugh. "So, the Rex thing, eh~? What was that about? Just to get my attention~? You really shouldn't have~".
"Urgh, it's a long and ridiculous story, trust me!". He felt quiet hearing the other man as he smiled shaking his head. "Stop~ Then again, I guess I should thank Rex for being my wing-man~ Oh, what? You think I wouldn't notice Peach doing the same towards you~?".
"Ahahah, now you're the one whose being mean to me, playing with my weak heart~! Besides she wanted to do that; I didn't force her!".
"Alright, then tell me wise guy~ How long did you know about me and Rex?".
"Well… I'm not sure myself, but I couldn't help but have that nagging feeling, ya know?" Mario stood up as he hugged the reptile around his neck. "I wouldn't just kiss anybody just like that, only to my one and only crush. You know I love you, right~?".
Bowser smiled, wrapping his arms around him, one laying on the back of his partner's head. "Mmm, I know~ I love you too, Mario~".
They eventually closed the gap again, kissing each other in a warm embrace. They eventually stopped, as they knew the atmosphere was becoming much darker and it was time to part ways.
This sadden the couple, but it was getting late and they wouldn't want to get lost on their way home.
Bowser rubbed the back of his neck. "So… This between us… Can we-?".
"Keep it hidden from the others? Sure, I think it's a good idea. I still want to get to know you~ Until the time is right, we can then tell them, right?".
"A course, love~". He leaned his forehead on his plumber, who in return received the same affection. "Meet me here tomorrow morning~? Let's say 10 a.m.?".
"It's a date, my king~". He gently kissed his new boyfriend's hand very gently.
This caused the large reptile to giggle feeling his mustache tickle them. "You're such a sap~ Wait until I get back at you tomorrow~". He evilly smiled, as the plumber felt his cheeks heat up as his mind went places, he couldn't even fathom.
Bowser slowly stood up, with the help of his partner. They gave each other one last peck on the lips, as they parted ways, making their way to their respected homes.
Although it was dark and they were already far from each other, Mario looked behind to see Bowser wave at him one more time, before disappearing into the darkness. Mario's heart skipped a beat once more, as he smiled making his way home.
When he did eventually make it home, he was prepared to see a rather annoyed Luigi as he began to yell at him for being late. He opened the entrance door, but was met with surprise, as he witnesses his brother on the couch, lightly snoring, while the TV broadcasted its regular shows.
Mario shook his head at this scenery while smiling. He lowered the volume of the TV and placed a blanket over his drooling brother, as he finally made his way to the kitchen, to prepare some light snacks for both of them.
Meanwhile, Bowser had finally return back to his castle. He quickly greeted his beloved and only son, as he went through the usual routine of preparing him for the night, despites his bouncy attempts to try and get away.
After finally placing him down in his bed, quickly falling asleep, Bowser made his way downstairs to the study room, certain that his old assistant was currently there. He was indeed correct as he saw him sitting near one of the many desks, with his hand resting on his head, reading a book.
"Kamek, I'm back".
He was aware his master was there, but kept staring down at the book as a smile appeared in his lips. "Ah, young nastiness! So, do tell me everything, how were your rather interesting shenanigans with that little plumber man~?". His voice seems well pleased, almost as if he was acting smug.
Bowser was about to answer by telling him a lie, but quickly stopped as he suspiciously looked at the elder. "…You knew about everything, didn't you? That mushroom… that was part of your plan, wasn't it? To have me and Mario be close".
The other could only shrug, but the smile had yet to disappear. "I do not know what you are trying to tell me, sire. That mushroom was something of a problem and we, magikoopas, have promise never to try these experiences ever again in the near future".
The king kept staring but slowly nodded. "Yes, good. You guys never do that ever again". He stretched his limbs releasing a yawn. "I'm off to bed. Don't worry about Junior, I already put him to sleep". As he began to make his way upstairs, he stopped by the door. "Hey, Kamek?".
The elder was finally looking at his master. "Yes, my evil lord?".
"Thank you… for everything". Was all he said before making his way upstairs.
The lord of the magikoopas only smiled at that, as he returns his gaze back to his book.
