Chapter I: Mario's Brother
"And so I said, 'that's not a frog, that's just your reflection!'"
The group listening roared with laughter, except one Pink Toad who was not impressed. "Toadbert, that's not very nice," she scolded, crossing her arms in disappointment.
"Come on, Toadette! It's a joke!" the Blue Toad replied, irritated.
"Jokes are supposed to be funny. Right, Luigi?" Toadette glanced his way after she was met with silence. Luigi, on the other hand, remained oblivious while the entire group was now staring at him, waiting for some sort of response. "Luigi?" Toadette tried again.
The green plumber finally turned at the sound of his name, flinching in surprise when he realized the Toads were all watching him. "Sorry," he mumbled, caught off guard. "Could you repeat that?"
"Jokes should be funny, right?"
Luigi still had no idea what was going on, but he saw how Toadette was looking at him expectantly. He hesitantly nodded his head, hoping that would satisfy her question and allow him to return to not socializing.
"Ha! See?" she shouted triumphantly at Toadbert
Toadbert huffed in annoyance. "Yeah?" he started, "Why does it matter if he thinks so?"
"Because! Uh..." Toadette paused, suddenly unsure how Luigi's input had helped prove her point. "Because, he's Mario's brother. That has to count for something!" she finished, sounding much less confident than before.
"See? Not even a good reason. He's not Mario, just his brother. Therefore, I stand corrected." Toadbert stated decidedly. He then continued on with his story, all the other Toads near him listening, amused. Toadette rolled her eyes but remained an observer as well.
Luigi, who was pretending to be very interested in his cup of punch, looked up again. He saw that everyone's attention was back on Toadbert. He sighed. Despite trying his best to drown the noise out, he couldn't help but catch the end of their conversation. Mario's brother. That's all he was. That's all he ever would be. "Hey guys, I'm going to grab some more punch," he said, unsurprised when no one even noticed that he spoke. They also didn't notice as he walked away, carrying his still-full cup of punch.
Luigi tossed his cup away, glad to finally have some breathing room. He had used the punch as an excuse to leave, but seeing how the group he was mingling with didn't take note of his exit, he could have excused himself a lot sooner. Luigi was used to it since situations like that occurred on a daily basis. Literally, daily. But, he would be lying if he said it didn't faze him. It did, every time. He would never be like Mario. He was just a shadow; a distant, cowardly footprint behind the real hero's mark left on every adventure.
Where is Mario anyways? Luigi wondered to himself, searching through the sea of people filling the palace's ballroom. Princess Peach had sent an open invite for a party at her castle to celebrate the defeat of Cackletta and Fawful as well as the return of her voice. Luigi shivered at the memory of their most recent journey. It had been the hardest one yet. For him, at least.
Luigi finally spotted a flash of red and the unmistakable M on his older brother's hat. Queen Bean, Prince Peasley, and Lady Lima were there as well to express their gratitude for the saving of the Beanbean Kingdom. Princess Peach and her loyal steward, Toadsworth, stood with them too. And Mario. Mario stood confidently as the center of attention like he always did. Unlike Luigi who acted as a wallflower, Mario was the one to make people laugh or gaze upon him with unwavering admiration. Everyone hung onto each word he said as if it was the most interesting thing they had ever heard.
Luigi felt a wave of pride wash over him. He was proud of Mario. Really, he thought Mario was the coolest person he knew. Heck, that wouldn't be cool enough. Mario was the coolest person in the entire world. Still, Luigi couldn't help but feel jealous. Not only that, he felt lonely. The loneliness was present quite often, but it seemed to be working overtime lately. It gripped each thought he had. That was one good thing about the chaotic, near-death adventures he went on with Mario: it was too scary and anxiety-inducing to feel lonely.
Peering at one of the far walls, Luigi found a clock's face displayed; it was already 9:00 p.m. No wonder his brain was drained. Running about and slaying bad guys could really mess with a guy's sleep schedule. He liked taking advantage of going to bed as soon as possible when he could. Yawning, he decided it was time to head home. Luigi's eyes fell on his brother again and wondered if he was ready to head out too. Mario looked chipper than any normal person should at this hour, waving his hands excitedly while telling something to an interested audience of Beanish guests.
Luigi knew Mario would probably stay at the party longer, but decided he should at least let him know he was retiring early for the night. Luigi made his way through the congested cluster where most individuals remained unmoved, not detecting his presence. He squeezed past them with a quick, "Excuse me," or "Pardon me," before finally reaching Mario.
"And that's how Cackletta and Fawful were defeated for good! Let that be a lesson to the next foe who's ready to fight!" Mario declared, beaming with charisma as if he relived the whole experience. The Beanish listeners applauded and began to discuss the tale eagerly amongst themselves. Luigi grimaced, the memories having an opposite, more negative affect on him. He hated the idea of facing another battle like that again.
Mario then turned away, line of vision shifting to his younger brother. "Bro!" Mario exclaimed, taking a few steps forward with a smile on his face. Luigi noticed how this smile was different from when he was in front of the crowd. It was softer and a bit more warm. "When did you get here?" he asked, clapping a firm hand on Luigi's shoulder. "I hope ya didn't miss the ending! It's the best part!"
"Mario, I was there. I know how it ends," Luigi stated weakly, ready to move on to another, less gruesome topic.
"Well, duh!" Mario responded, letting out a hearty laugh. He removed his hand off Luigi's shoulder to support his stomach during his fit of laughter. Luigi watched, not knowing what was so funny. Mario noticed his brother's confused expression and exhaled a slow breath, containing himself. He wiped his watering eyes and shot Luigi an amused grin. "Sorry, Weegee," Mario began, "it's just been a long day, and then you come and do that."
"Do what?"
"Ya know, take everything so seriously. I can't help but push your buttons, makes everything more fun." Mario continued to wear a smug expression like he accomplished something. Luigi simply blinked back in exhaustion. Normally he would bite back with a witty remark or play it off like he knew it was a joke, but the overwhelming feelings were growing. He was surrounded by people, but he was alone. Mario didn't seem aware of his unenthusiastic response. "Luigi?"
Luigi was pulled out of his trance only to find Mario was looking at him, eyebrows raised questioningly. He had drifted off again. "What did you say, Mario?"
"Head in the clouds, huh, Luigi?" Mario smirked. "I asked if you needed something. You came over here."
"Oh, yeah. I was going to tell you-"
"Hey, who's that?" a voice asked. The Beanish individuals had gone silent after hearing Mario's fit of laughter. They became curious of who or what had erupted such a reaction from their red-clad idol.
Luigi stood frozen. He was never one for speaking in front of a large group. The Beanish did not recognize Luigi, though he also aided in saving their kingdom. A few Toads amidst the crowd also seemed unable to recall his name despite living in the Mushroom Kingdom with him. Luigi peered over at Mario and observed that he looked slightly uncomfortable. I knew it. He's embarrassed of me.
"He's my brother! The one I talked about in the story, remember? He helped save the Beanbean Kingdom too!" Mario said, uneasy demeanor disappearing completely as if it was never there. Though he acted cheery, he hurriedly grabbed Luigi's arm and moved to leave, pulling him along.
Luigi assumed Mario wanted him gone, but found being dragged like a lost puppy irritating. He quickly pulled away, surprising Mario but also knocking himself off balance. He was able to get a few, stumbling steps in before ramming into something at full force. Luigi shook his head from the sudden impact and glanced to see what he bumped into. Upon looking, it turned out to be none other than Queen Bean herself. She had finished talking with Princess Peach and decided to come closer to Mario.
"Y-your Majesty!" Luigi stuttered, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. He was at a loss for words, not knowing how to apologize after being so clumsy.
Before he could formulate what to say, a louder, more certain voice came from behind. "Queen Bean!" Mario popped up next to Luigi's side. "Long time no see!"
Queen Bean brightened instantly when she saw Mario. "We spoke but a few moments ago!" she teased with a twinkle in her eye.
"Still, the time apart was painful!" he declared dramatically, clutching his chest in mock pain.
The Queen and others nearby howled with good humor, entertained by the red plumber's dramatic improv. Mario seemed satisfied with their reaction. Luigi was relieved by Mario's diversion that distracted from his ungraceful slip up. It didn't last long enough, however, and Queen Bean was soon focused on the him again. She stared intently at Luigi, tilting her head. "You," she began, "I have met you before, have I not?"
Mario answered for Luigi again. "He's my brother!" he repeated. "He was there to help save your kingdom!" He pat Luigi on the back.
"Ah yes! Louis?...Larry?..." the Queen hummed in deep thought, wracking her brain. "Oh, I know! Green Man!"
Luigi heard Mario snort at the ridiculous guess, and Luigi just bit the inside of his cheek, slightly annoyed. Was his name that hard to recall?
"Your Majesty, I apologize," Mario spoke hurriedly, "but you see, my brother has something to tell me. So if you could please excuse us for a second!"
To anyone else Mario's behavior would not appear out of the ordinary, but Luigi knew otherwise. He could tell when his brother, though rare, got jittery. Does he really not want them to remember me that much?
Queen Bean frowned slightly and questioned, "Must you go in private? If it is not urgent, couldn't your brother speak right here?"
"Well, your Majesty, I think-"
The queen cut Mario off. "Mario, do you and your brother not trust me? After all we have been through?" she asked, tone filled with offense. Luigi could see where Prince Peasley got his theatric personality from. Luigi also realized that a new number of spectators had gathered due to the commotion. He felt a lump in his throat rise. He wasn't only causing problems for himself, but for his older brother as well. No wonder Mario is too ashamed to tell people my name. He doesn't want me here.
"I-" Luigi began, but the queen continued her whiny monologue.
"Your brother, uh, the Green Man, also rudely bumped into me. To make amends I request, no, I demand he speaks in front of me!"
Mario looked ready to protest once more, but Luigi cleared his throat. Everyone's eyes became glued on him. He gulped nervously and adjusted himself, so he was now facing his older brother. Mario's expression was unreadable, but Luigi could only imagine how ashamed and embarrassed he was of him. I might as well get this over with, so I can leave. "Mario," Luigi stammered, cringing at how small he sounded, "I am heading home. It's late. Th-that's all I was going to tell you."
"Oh! That's all?" the queen chortled. "So your brother has a bedtime? Yes! I do remember him! He was also helpless on the rescue mission too!" she now directed herself at Luigi. "Pray, what is your name? I must know!"
Luigi didn't like the energy in the room. All those watching had started to snicker and point at him. Princess Peach watched as well, trying to hide her own giggling behind a gloved hand. And Mario. Mario's face remained habitually stoic, though his mustache twitched slightly. He nodded his head and said, "Alright, Imma stay for awhile. Do you want me to walk you home first?"
"Look! He needs to be walked home too!" someone called out. More laughter filled the air.
Luigi's already hot cheeks burned more as humiliation spread through him like wildfire. "I'm fine! I don't want you coming with me!" Luigi snapped, voice harsher than he intended, and immediately regretted it. Mario's face, though only slightly, fell. It was subtle but enough to make Luigi's stomach turn with guilt. Luigi didn't get mad often, but all his pent-up emotions seemed to be surfacing quickly.
"Are you sure? I don't mind-"
"No!" Luigi couldn't help but yell at the top of his lungs. He knew his older brother meant well. Mario was aware of Luigi's fear of the dark which made it hard for him to travel at night. Though the idea of venturing alone made Luigi anxious, he needed to go by himself. If he stayed near his brother any longer, he might grow angrier. Or worse. Cry.
Luigi sharply whipped around and stomped away, making an effort to avoid eye contact with anyone. He failed to notice how the bustling party had fallen silent, eyes following him as he made his exit. Or how Mario reached out, wanting to stop him, only to decide against it. Luigi's single thought and motivation was that he needed to get out. He felt suffocated by the the flood of emotions squeezing his chest and pricking his eyes, and if the dam did break, he didn't want any witnesses...especially Mario. At least this time those in the room moved out of his way, as he practically ran out of the castle.
Notes:
This is the start of my first fic EVER. So please give all and any input! It's much appreciated!