He was running out of time.
From the moment he was crowned as king, Bowser knew he had to make difficult decisions. Most of the time they were decisions that he wanted, like conquering a new planet or ransoming a princess for his own gain. But this challenge was far different. For this challenge involved his dreaded emotions.
Emotions that he could no longer deny. Kamek was right, much to his chagrin. He had fallen for Luigi. Hard. He didn't know whether it was the same for Peach, some loneliness that he had never addressed, or some lust for the man.
Definitely not that last one. Sure he found Luigi attractive, handsome even, but lust was too strong of a word. He wanted to keep Luigi safe.
One would assume at first glance that Bowser was a heartless being who had no concept of romance. They weren't entirely wrong. His love life was pretty much nonexistent—as proven by the lack of responses from Junior's biological mother, and now his recent dilemma with Princess Peach. But his outer shell was different from his inner, having a secret love for writing music and poems dedicated to those he had fallen for. It was weak. It was pathetic. But it was who he was.
He had spent time in his room, pacing back and forth and ultimately struggling with figuring out if he should tell Luigi the truth. The truth that his brother had indeed died, and there would be no hope for escape. Normally Bowser would happily oblige to do so. For Jaydes sake, he had laughed in King Penguin's face when he told him that several of his troops had definitely suffered fatally in regards to their last battle. It was partially why stealing their Super Star had been so easy. The other reason was King Penguin's army was incompetent.
But Luigi was different.
Luigi was a kind soul. He knew this from the moment he caught his eye. He was scared, yes, but he was also humble and caring, and even showed sincerity towards Bowser's children. Despite him being held as a prisoner, he still remained positive throughout it.
And even though Bowser would taunt those with such characteristics, he couldn't find it in his cold heart to do such a thing. It would honestly make him feel worse.
Speaking of feeling worse, he knew he couldn't keep hiding his brother's death from him. Kamek's nasally voice screeched in his ear, reminding him that Luigi would soon find out. It was only a matter of when.
So that was two difficult things he had to tell him. Fantastic.
But there was also Junior, who had told him that he liked having Luigi around. He wasn't the only one who did. Larry, Wendy, Lemmy, Morton and Roy had all voiced their approvals in different ways. They desperately craved another parental figure in their life, and he couldn't blame them.
Perhaps there was a way to keep him around and have the truth stay hidden...
It would be risky, but it would be worth it all the same. Hopefully Luigi would understand, maybe come to enjoy the new and improved arrangements.
As he was about to throw on his good suit and top hat, Kammy came flying through his door. "Sire! I bring news!"
"Haven't you ever heard of knocking?" He snapped. "I'm clearly getting ready!"
And thinking of ways to fix his own mess.
"Ah, but there's no need," She smiled brightly. "The Princess has decided to visit the Darklands and try to negotiate with you."
"She- wait what?" He blinked. "Are you serious?"
Kammy nodded in delight. "Indeed!"
Bowser seemed taken aback, but pleased. "I didn't think she would actually come willingly." He clasped his claws together. "This is perfect! I'll propose to her at my castle. I didn't even need to threaten her subjects. Although that isn't off the table yet..." He stopped for a moment. "Did she say why she had a change of heart? I mean, so far she's been pretty unresponsive."
He couldn't imagine her changing her mind so fast. She was breathtaking, but she had a habit of playing hard to get. It was frustrating, yet somehow made her more desirable.
"Turns out that the death of Mario really took a toll on her. Not so tough now that she's lost her knight in shining overalls!" Kammy cackled, unaware of Bowser's pained frown turning into a cringe.
He didn't want to be reminded of Mario again. Not when he still hadn't told Luigi. He never planned to, but it did seem like the right thing to do. Even if he knew it would destroy the man, possibly permanently.
"When will she be here?"
"By noon tomorrow, if the weather is right."
"Good, good." He swallowed, staring back at his reflection in the nearby vanity. It glared back at him.
"Is something troubling you, sire?" Kammy adjusted her glasses.
"Nothing, you old hag." He lied. "I just have to get ready. I've gotta look my best if I want Peach to say yes."
"But of course!" She agreed. "I will leave you to it."
Once he was certain that she was gone, Bowser tossed his top hat aside so aggressively that it crumpled in a clumsy heap. "What's the matter with me?" He roared.
He should be happy. He should be celebrating. Peach was coming to him. They will be married soon. It was all he had ever wanted.
But all he could think about was Luigi. He didn't understand why he cared so much about how he felt. It would be easier if he let the lie keep going. Eventually Luigi would give up on his elder brother.
Bowser shook his head miserably. He knew Luigi by now. There was no way he would ever give up on Mario. He would hang on until the bitter end if it meant he would see him.
And unbeknownst to him, the end had already come.
He forced his eyes shut. He knew what he had to do. He would give him an offer he couldn't possibly refuse.
It all became more painful the second Bowser realized Luigi was off with Junior.
His bright blue eyes were shining, filled with laughter and pure joy as Junior walked alongside, hand in hand. They had just finished playing some game from the looks of it.
He couldn't do it. No, he had to do it. He had to rip the bandaid off without any pain afterwards. He wasn't even the reason Mario was dead, not to mention Kamek told him Luigi's reaction wouldn't matter-
Their eyes suddenly met. Bowser's throat hitched. Everything was still. He cleared his throat, hiding his nerves with a confident smirk.
"Greetings."
Luigi jumped at the sound of his deep voice.
"Dad!" Junior was the first to react, bounding over to hug his father. "Please don't get Weej in trouble, I told him to play with me!"
"Don't worry, er, uh, Weej isn't in trouble."
"Mmmkay!" Junior smiled. "I'm gonna go paint my side of the castle! Bye Dad! Bye Weej!"
He left as quickly as he entered, leaving the two alone.
"Um, hello..." Luigi murmured, placing a hand on the handle.
"Thank you for watching him. I know he's a handful."
"It'sa no problem. I should probably go though."
"No, stay. Please." Bowser said, fiddling with the clasps of his choker. "I was actually wondering if you would..."
Luigi blinked. "If I would...?"
As he blinked, Bowser couldn't help but notice how long his eyelashes were.
"Right. Um. If you would...help fix a pipe?"
"Fix a pipe?"
"Yes. In the kitchen, a pipe burst while my minions were washing dishes. Completely exploded."
"Oh, my." Luigi's eyes went wide.
"You're a plumber, so I figured you could fix it."
"I'd be happy to, I just need my tools and..."He trailed off. "Wait, doesn't Kamek have magic?"
"Uh, yeah..."
"Can't he fix it with his wand?"
"Yeah- I mean noooo he's incapable of doing that because he's a moron. Ugh...no..." He smacked his own forehead. "Damnit, why can't I do this?"
"There isn't a broken pipe, is there?"
He shook his head.
"Tell me what's really on your mind then."
He finally mumbled something inaudible.
"Scusi?"
"Havedinnerwithme."
"Er...could you say that a little slower, please?"
"I want you to have dinner with me!" Bowser exclaimed, causing the man to flinch at his outburst. "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell."
"It's alright." Luigi gave him a crooked grin. "I would love to join you for dinner. It's...been a while."
If Bowser could blush, he would be as red as his hair. "Er, yeah it has. Come, I'll take you to the dining room."
"Oh, I know the way-"
"The private dining room." He clarified. "It's just going to be you and me tonight."
Now it was Luigi's turn to blush. "Oh..."
"Is that okay?"
He nodded, carefully taking Bowser's claw. His gloved hand looked so tiny in comparison, it was honestly adorable. "It is."
The private dining room was for special occasions. Sometimes Bowser would invite dignitaries that he had allied himself with to dine. He had fantasized eventually enjoying a meal with Peach. Now he was spending his time with Luigi. And he wasn't disappointed at all.
This dining room was much more fancy and formal than the regular one. The table was longer, and its tablecloth was gold with black accents. There were no chandeliers in this room, as it was dimly lit, however there was a candle in the middle of the table. It added to the atmosphere almost too well.
They took their seats on opposite ends of the table. Luigi neatly folded a napkin on his lap as a way to distract himself from making small talk while they waited for the food to arrive.
Paratroopa waiters fluttered in with plates, thankfully easing the awkwardness. They were served drinks first, as one paratroopa delicately poured something into Luigi's glass, then Bowser's.
"What is this?"
"Mulled Tasty Tonic, with some dash pepper and fire flower petals." Bowser supplied for him-although his explanation seemed to confuse him further. "It's good, trust me. Cheers?"
Luigi lifted his glass. "Cheers."
They were too far away to actually clink drinks, but the thought was there. Before either of them could take a sip, their meals were served. Luigi's eyes looked as though they were about to pop out of his head.
"You made spaghetti?!"
Bowser turned away. "Yeah, I guess. I heard you liked it or whatever. It's some human cuisine that my koopas had to figure out."
"That was very thoughtful of you, Bowser. Thank you."
He sipped his drink. "Don't make it a big deal."
They ate mostly in comfortable silence. Luigi seemed to be enjoying his pasta-eating as though he hadn't eaten in days. Bowser would have to admit, he actually liked the taste of it too. It was not like anything he had ever eaten. It was brilliant. Bowser had opted to avoid using a fork and ate the noodles with his bare hands-which of course made Luigi giggle uncontrollably. Whether it was from the Tasty Tonic, or just from Bowser's cluelessness, he didn't know.
The tonic was starting to kick in, and his thoughts became fuzzy as he blurted out. "Your clothes are quite dashing, did you know?"
"My clothes...?" He echoed. "This is what I always wear. Just the same old overalls." He chuckled. "I'm not even dressed like Peach." He joked.
"I know. I like this better. You look...amazing."
Luigi nearly choked on his spaghetti.
Bowser immediately rushed to his side, a string of curses falling out as he came to the man's aid. "I'm sorry, it was supposed to be a compliment."
Once Luigi stopped coughing, he shook his head. "No, it's not that. I'm just not used to being complimented...like that."
"What do you mean? How is that even possible? Look at you!" He gestured wildly.
"Please stop!" He covered his face with his hands and groaned.
"Sorry." He said. "But you told me you've seduced people before. Back when I first asked for your guidance."
"I never seduced anyone. It was all a mistake," Luigi said, still hiding himself. "I- I never knew what I was doing, and those I did talk to always made fun of me for trying."
"Who did?" He demanded, nostrils flaring with anger at whoever this mysterious person was.
"It doesn't matter."
Bowser tapped his fork with his claw tips, scowling. He wanted to know more information about who had harmed Luigi so badly. But he also didn't want to push him. So he exhaled, and relented, deciding to change the subject. "Listen, uh...you're probably wondering why I had you locked up without any warning."
"It was really unexpected. Did...did I do something wrong?" He shuddered, a noticeable tick that Bowser had recognized early on. Luigi was undoubtedly still scared of him.
"No, of course not!" He replied. "It's because you were being nice to my troops. Your kindness was rubbing off on them, and I couldn't have that."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
Luigi slowly removed his hands, revealing a smug grin. "I know."
Bowser's heart pounded in his chest. "Anyway I changed my mind last minute. I'll explain everything soon enough, but for now, we eat."
Once they finished eating, Bowser took Luigi on a grand tour outside. They walked up the stairs to the higher towers, and to the turret that overlooked the entire castle courtyard. The skies above were a midnight blue with a blanket of stars. Luigi moved closer to the edge, squeaking as he looked down.
"Woah! You can see everything from up here!"
Bowser chuckled in amusement. "Indeed. I like to come here and think."
"About what?"
Anxiety flashed in Bowser's eyes, but he masked it. "Nothing in particular."
Luigi leaned closer to stare past the courtyard gates. "What's that over there?"
Bowser squinted to get a closer look. "The fire flower fields?"
"Fire...flowers?"
"They're power ups."
"Like in a video game?" His eyes sparkled excitedly.
"A what?"
"Nevermind, so they can give you fire powers?"
"Yes, though I don't need them for obvious reasons. I'm surprised you've never heard of them."
Luigi's smile faded. "Well, I have been trapped in the castle this whole time. It's not like I could explore outside."
He decided to ignore the obvious snark at him. "Hmm. There are many power ups around here. Ice flowers, tanooki leaves, frog suits. You can receive them from question blocks that float."
"I think I've seen those before."
"Don't get any ideas. But anyway, none are as powerful as the Super Star."
"The stupid star?"
"The Super Star." He clarified with some annoyance. "They're incredibly rare, but I managed to snag one myself. Not that it was very hard."
"I think I remember you mentioning it in your song for the Princess. I thought it was a metaphor..." He hummed. "You're going to use some star to impress the Princess?"
"Some star?" Bowser repeated. "Some star? I'll show you some star. Stay here." He ordered, leaving Luigi to fetch the Super Star from the next tower. He didn't want to show Luigi his most prized possession, but he had no choice. No one should dare dismiss his Super Star.
He returned, the golden star glowing in his hands. He smirked when Luigi let out a gasp. He was pleased to have impressed him.
"Mamma Mia, it's...beautiful." He uttered.
"You are..." Bowser replied without thinking, thankfully he was much too quiet for Luigi to hear. "I- I mean, yes it is nice to look at. But that's not all it is. This star can grant you invisibility. You become stronger and more agile. Its power is unmatched.
"I usually keep it up in the third tower, where it's out of reach. Keeps it safe."
"I've never seen anything like it."
"Do you not have stars where you're from?"
He couldn't imagine such a horrible kingdom. No stars and no power ups? But Luigi shook his head.
"We have stars, but not magic, invincible stars. Just regular bright balls of gas that hang out in the sky. It's usually covered by smog though."
"Smog?"
"Y'know, pollution...?"
"I'm not following. Can you explain? Is it like...unwanted smoke?"
"Yes, exactly!" Somehow Luigi managed to go off on a tangent about words Bowser was not familiar with, like carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses. Bowser had no clue what Luigi was talking about, but the way his eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he explained in great detail to him was too cute. He couldn't possibly interrupt such a sweet display.
"The particles come from all sorts of things, like cars or trucks or factories. It ruins our atmosphere and that's why it's such a big problem and-" Luigi stopped himself. "I'm so sorry, I'm doing the rambling thing again, ay dio mio I'm so annoying."
"Don't say that about yourself." Bowser stated gruffly.
"Why didn't you stop me?"
"Because what you said was fascinating." He truly meant it. Anything Luigi said was captivating, to be fair.
"Do you mean that?"
"I do." He didn't place a claw on Luigi's shoulder, even though he desperately wanted to. Instead, he smiled without revealing his sharp teeth. "Your kingdom sounds terrible though."
"Oh, it's actually not a kingdom, it's a—"
"Nethertheless, you were not annoying me. Your explanation was informative and not to mention...charming."
Luigi blushed profusely, brushing his bangs from his eyes. Somehow he looked even more beautiful under the moonlight. But he could tell the man was embarrassed, so Bowser pointed towards the courtyard, where they spotted Morton and Iggy dueling with their wands.
"Those kids..." He sighed. "Can't live with them, can't live without them."
"You could say that again."
"They've taken a liking to you." Bowser commented. "They all have."
"I'm glad. They're sweet kids."
"Sweet isn't exactly the word I'd use to describe the little monsters. " He scoffed. "But they all came to me saying they wanted you to stay."
"Really?"
"I can't exactly blame them."
Luigi seemed taken aback.
Bowser's gaze turned back to him, trying to find a spark of courage. Part of him was screaming to share the news of his brother. The other part was thinking of what he really wanted to say.
"I've been thinking a lot." He admitted. "About how you've been changing a few things around here...unintentionally." He gripped the edge of the tower's stone wall. "I don't know why this is so hard to say, but it is. I've been trying to tell you all day, but sometimes it has been pulling me back."
Tell him his brother is dead. Forget about your feelings for once and tell-
"The kids aren't the only ones who like having you around. I like having you around. More than I ever thought I would."
Luigi looked as though he wanted to deny such a claim, though he was still extremely stunned by the confession.
"I enjoy having you around."
"You- what?"
"I said I enjoy having you around."
"But why?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Aside from the fact that I'm supposed to be your prisoner. I'm just plain old Luigi. I fix sinks for a living. I'm a clumsy anxious wreck who stresses over minor inconveniences!" He exclaimed. "I cried at the Notebook."
"Aside from crying at stationary, I don't see those as an issue." Bowser replied. "For the record, I think those attributes suit you well. And I like that about you. I know you don't think of yourself very highly. But...I need you to understand because I think of you very highly.
Which is why I have a proposition for you."
Luigi looked at him warily. "A proposition?"
"Yes. As I told you, I like having you around. My kids like having you around, and I think I found a way to benefit all of us. You might even help with my future endeavors."
He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.
"Tell me Luigi, haven't you ever wanted something more than the life you have?"
"I...I don't know. I guess."
His lips curled into a smirk. "I thought so.
"Not that I'm unhappy or anything!" Luigi said. "Back home, I have an amazingish family. I'm running a company with my brother, and things are going pretty well. But..."
"But...?"
"Sometimes I feel like I don't even exist. Like I'm here physically but around others I fade in the background. It's as though whatever I do I'll either be compared to Mario, or rely on him forever! Even now I'm waiting for him." He sighed miserably. "I try not to make a big deal about it though."
Bowser hummed. "What if you could change that?"
"What do you mean?"
"I could help you have anything your heart desires. Not to mention, the recognition you deserve." Bowser gently caressed Luigi's cheek, then moved his head towards the kingdom below. Past the fields and the layers upon layers of molten lava rivers, dry bones trotting besides the spooky forests.
"I want you to rule alongside me and Peach."
"What?!"
"You know what I said, my sweet."
"Me? Rule a kingdom? But I'm not- I'm not exactly king material, don't you think?" He laughed nervously.
"You wouldn't be king by definition, that's still me. You would be a higher rank than my troops though. I am willing to share my resources, give you unlimited power and extended luxuries in the castle. So long as you care for my kids and not betray me of course."
He glanced warily back at him. "Why are you doing this?"
"Isn't it obvious?" His heart continued to speak without his mind in control. "I have feelings for you, Luigi. Feelings that I can no longer keep hiding away."
Luigi looked as though he was ready to faint. Still trembling, he stumbled backwards-only to be nimbly caught by Bowser. As he was held bridal style in the king's arms, he couldn't hide his shivering, although Bowser was doing his best to be gentle.
"I ...I don't know what to say."
"You could say yes."
"I..."
"I understand this might be a lot to take in."
"Is...is this some kind of joke?"
"What-? Why would you think I'm joking?"
"You're supposed to marry the princess, that's why!" He insisted. "You told me the first day I got here. You asked me to help with your proposal! And then we got to know each other and... in retrospect, I can now see where you're coming from. But still, the Princess-"
"Don't worry about her. Don't worry about anything. In due time, this will all be yours." He lowered Luigi with ease. "There's just a few things you need to do for me. Simple, right?"
"Somehow I knew there would be a catch." Luigi grumbled to himself. "What is it?"
"Swear your loyalty to me. Obviously I can't have you running off again."
"I..." He bit his lip. "Mario will come to save me soon. What then?"
Bowser nearly winced as Luigi said this with full confidence. "The same rules apply." He replied gruffly. "You will remain by my side," and he lifted Luigi's chin. "Do we have a deal?"
Luigi meekly glanced back at the courtyard. He was deep in thought.
"Think about it. Fame, fortune, a kingdom to rule, anything you could ever want. Not only that, but you would finally be getting the attention you so rightfully deserve."
"No."
Bowser retracted his claw from Luigi's chin as if he had been struck with something sharp. His expression darkened. "What?"
"I- I said no."
No one dared to tell Bowser no. It was unheard of. No one ever did.
"You dare defy me..." He growled, prowling around the man. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was not the same terrified pushover he once knew. "Is it because you think you're too good for my kingdom? Is that it?"
He expected Luigi to shake, but instead he glared defiantly, aggravating him even more. He lit the nearby lantern aflame with his fire breath, causing Luigi to jump in surprise. Deep down, Bowser knew he was ruining everything further. He knew Luigi had reminded him-along with Kamek to keep his temper under control. But he didn't stop.
"No! It's not because of that!" He backed himself into the corner of the stone walls, panting and shielding himself from Bowser's wrath. "Please..."
The action made him feel a slight twinge of guilt. He didn't mean to scare the man. Then it reminded him of something else, and he came to a sudden realization.
"I see. It's because you're still scared of me. You see me as a terrifying monster." He bared his teeth for emphasis.
Luigi flinched, confirming his point, but he still shook his head. "You're not a monster!"
"Then what is it?"
"I don't want to rule a kingdom! You kinda just threw that out of nowhere!"
"I know, I know." Bowser ran through his hair, impatient and frustrated. "It felt sudden for me too, but I can't keep pushing it away. I need somebody who has compassion to help with the kingdom. Compassion, loyalty and understanding of what my troops need. And what I need."
"And that person...is me?"
His mood relaxed as soon as he met Luigi's concerned eyes. "If you're willing to follow my lead, yes." Luigi stepped away and fiddled with his gloves nervously. "What else do you want?"
"I want to see Mario." He said without hesitation. His voice quivered, yet still sounded firm. "I promised him we would see each other again."
Bowser felt a growing pit in his stomach at the mention of Mario. "Ugh, not this again..." He forced himself to roll his eyes.
"He's my brother!"
"He's already forgotten you!" He towered over Luigi's smaller form. "Otherwise he would have come to get you by now.
"You're wrong."
Bowser responded by roaring in his face.
Luigi braced himself, weakly looking at Bowser's red eyes with pure dread, and a bit of acceptance. "Are you going to kill me?"
He backed up, maneuvering himself so he appeared less threatening, and took a deep breath. It didn't prevent Luigi from shaking though. "No, that would be pointless. I'm giving you one last chance to explain why.
"Why won't you say yes? Why wont you accept my affections and stop worrying about your brother?" He asked. "I've given you everything you could possibly want. I just..." He shut his eyes. "Why?"
"Because you still treat me like a prisoner!" Luigi cried out. His outburst caused even Bowser himself to jump, startled. "When I first got here, I was scared and confused and...I was sleeping in a cage over lava! It was only until you decided I was useful to you that you decided to treat me decently. If that's your way of 'showing your affection' then you have a funny way of showing it.
"And now you're asking me to join you! As if I would ever betray my brother." He spat. "I may be scared but I would never turn my back on him. I would never join your sick twisted game. Maybe I'd consider your offer if you release my fellow prisoners and stop this war on Mario."
"Enough about your wretched brother!" He couldn't bear to hear that name. "And watch your mouth or I'll-" Instantly he snatched Luigi by the overalls and pulled him close. The words failed to leave his mouth as he stared into the man's fierce glare. "I'll..."
"You'll what?" He challenged breathlessly. They were too close. Bowser felt heat rise in his cheeks before he carefully placed him back on the ground.
"It doesn't matter." Bowser turned away, huffing some smoke from his snout. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Luigi was supposed to move on and willingly join him! Not stay loyal to his deceased brother. He needed a new tactic. But then Luigi spoke.
"Bowser, I- it doesn't have to be this way. You could be a good dad to your kids, and heck, even a good husband to the Princess. But you need to control your temper." His voice was wavering, but he sounded genuine. "You can be a better person if you try."
"That's rich." He mocked. "I'm a monster. I'm King of the Koopas! I don't need to act nice to get what I want. Even if you're having trouble convincing yourself of that."
"Only because you've been acting terrible all of a sudden, but if you stop the attacks then maybe-"
"No."
"Bowser, just listen!" Luigi stood up, impatient. "Think about your kids. They're your family! Imagine if you had to be taken away from them. That's how I feel without my brother."
That was enough to make him wince. He couldn't bear to face sweet Luigi's hopeful face, let alone hear the words he was saying. He knew in only a matter of time, he would destroy that hope. If he could only find a way to say it.
Everytime he was mentioned it was like a ticking bob-bomb ready to explode.
"Either way..." He said. "Mario will come to save me. I know he will."
"He won't." He whispered. "He won't come and save you."
"Yes he will!"
"Don't you understand?" He finally turned around. "Mario is dead."
He regretted it the instant he saw Luigi's horrified look. His eyes were shining, wide and shocked, but still in denial that what he said was true. He recoiled slightly.
"No..." His voice was weak, almost raspy as it cracked. "Did you-?"
Bowser wilted. "No, no Luigi, I didn't. I never meant for it to happen. I didn't even know about it until recently.
"How...?"
His voice was suddenly dry. "My koopas say he drowned."
Luigi hugged his chest. "You're lying. Please tell me you're lying. Mario isn't-he can't be-" He collapsed to his knees with a weak, choked gasp.
Bowser reached out his hand, but he was pushed away in one sharp, aggressive motion.
"Don't. Don't...touch me. Stay away from me."
He had expected that. But it still hurt. "I am so sorry."
But Luigi didn't hear him.