It did not take long to repair the Mushroom Kingdom. Since Bowser's unexpected surrender, the damages were minor in comparison to the Ice Kingdom. Thankfully, with a little help from the Ice Flowers, it was soon rebuilt with no trouble at all.

By then, Mario and Luigi decided the Mushroom Kingdom would be their home. It was an easy decision, seeing as Toad Town provided them more joy and sense of purpose then Brooklyn ever did. They felt like they actually belonged there. Although they had gone back and forth on it, they decided

Princess Peach was generous enough to provide them with a Warp Pipe right by their mushroom shaped red cottage, in case they ever wanted to visit their friends and family again, they could pop by any time they wanted.

Living in the Mushroom Kingdom, while strange at first, was actually quite peaceful. It was brighter and much more colorful than Brooklyn ever was. Luigi was entranced with all the sights and sounds surrounding the Toad village. Almost everything, including clouds, trees and hills had eyes-which did take some getting used to.

It was much more comforting than Bowser's lava filled castle, that was for sure. In a way.

As for Bowser himself, he had yet to cause any trouble in the months that the brothers had lived in the Mushroom Kingdom as permanent residents. That didn't mean he was completely harmless. His minions occasionally popped by to wreak havoc, only to be stopped by Mario. The one major event involved Bowser taking a few Power Stars from a galaxy traveling princess named Rosalina, but his plans were of course stopped by Mario.

In a short time, Mario was widely regarded as a hero. Not that Luigi minded much. He was just happy to be reunited with his brother again.

When Luigi finally did climb out of bed in the morning, Mario predictably was already awake, being a proud early riser. He was currently munching on his second slice of toast, but did find the time to pass Luigi his favorite green mug as he made his way to the coffee maker. Luigi was always a bit cranky before having his coffee.

"Mornin'," Mario mumbled behind a yawn, fighting to hide his grogginess. Even if he pretended to be perky and wide awake, he couldn't deny feeling drowsy. Especially since it was a drizzly morning.

"Morning Mario," Luigi greeted, pouring his favorite bean juice into the mug and feeling significantly better once he took a long sip. "Did you sleep well?"

"Mm." Mario replied with a mouthful of toast. "Good. You?"

He nodded, unable to complain.

Mario wrinkled his nose and glanced out the window. Their Purple Toad neighbor was currently watering their flowers cheerfully. "Sometimes I still feel like I'm dreaming. I mean all of this," He waved around. "is a lot to take in."

He hummed. "Yeah, having to be rescued by my brother dressed as a raccoon was definitely something alright. Not to mention having to deal with the literal sun wishing me a good morning every single day."

"And you wouldn't trade it for the world, right?"

He hummed, thinking for a moment about his answer. Back home, they were undoubtedly struggling and down on their luck. Here, despite the oddities, they were celebrated.

"No, I probably wouldn't."

"And look at us now! Safe in a whole new world. In the Mushroom Kingdom. Living in our..." Mario grimaced. "Eugh. Mushroom house."

"You're never going to let that go, are you?"

"I hate mushrooms!" He complained. "They get all soggy and gross and they make me uncomfortable. But, ah, don't tell Toad I said that."

"Your secret is safe with me, bro," Luigi smirked. "I'll tell Peach though."

Mario's cheeks flushed. "You wouldn't dare."

"Ah, you're right." Luigi shrugged. "I probably wouldn't."

"Speaking of the Princess..." He took a seat on one of the nearby toadstools. "She invited us for tea this afternoon."

"Oh, that sounds nice." He smiled softly.

"It's for a meeting."

His smile faded. "Nevermind, I have plans."

"Come on, Lu, this is a big deal!" Mario exclaimed. "Us! Being invited to a royal meeting! We'll talk about high society and uh, drink tea and eat cake like we're high society."

"We have tea with her almost every week."

"So? Back in Brooklyn we were fixing toilets. Over here, we're sipping tea with royalty. It's amazing."

Luigi could definitely tell that he was more excited about seeing the Princess than the tea. "More amazing than super powers and saving the universe?"

"You can't compare the two."

"The princess invited you, so you go."

"She invited both of us!"

"No, she invited you and then remembered I exist, so she invited me as an afterthought." Luigi's reply came out a little harsher than he intended.

"Mamma Mia..." he groaned. "Don't say that. She likes you. She's grateful for our help in saving the kingdom so she invited us, plural, to tea. Isn't that nice?"

"Ehhh..." It wasn't that he didn't want to go, he just would rather stay home and get some chores done, and not interact with anyone.

Mario nudged him with one hand, causing Luigi to nearly drop his mug of hot coffee. "She could even show you the training arena afterwards. That's how I learned about power ups. You really should come see!"

He didn't feel like telling Mario that he knew about power-ups already thanks to Bowser.

He shook his head. "It's nice of her to even offer. But I didn't save the kingdom. You did. I was just...there. I'm sure she's just going to thank you again for saving the power stars." He huffed, admittedly in an immature way. "The kingdom is grateful for you Mario, not me. They barely even know my name!"

Mario tilted his head. "Are you still upset that Toadsworth confused you for me? He's red-green colorblind, Luigi, he can't help it."

"How did you-"

"Twin sense." He gestured vaguely. "So, is it because of that?"

"No, I know I just..." He clenched his jaw slightly, before stopping himself. "Sorry, I didn't mean to-" He sighed. "I'm sorry."

"S' alright, you don't have to go." Mario smiled good-naturedly. "I shouldn't have pushed." He stood up and took a quick glance at the clock. "Peach says to meet at 1."

Luigi grinned and lightly punched his shoulder. "You don't wanna be late then. Go visit the Princess. Tell her I say hi."

He nodded, his smile full of warmth. If Luigi wasn't his brother, he probably wouldn't have noticed the way the red clad man's eyes lit up at the mention of the pink princess. He already started to head out the door with a spring in his step. "I'll tell her you said hi! Ciao!"

"Wait, can you save me some-" The door slammed. "Cake."

He didn't actually have any plans for the day. Worse, he knew Mario knew that he didn't have any plans for today. Mario wasn't stupid, and it was pretty obvious that Luigi was planning on staying home doing miscellaneous tasks. Maybe stopping by the market if he was feeling especially adventurous. But other than that...

He breathed a heavy sigh. He should have swallowed his pride and went along to the tea party. Perhaps then he could have told a dramatic tale of his kidnapping, sharing the trauma, lust and heartache he faced. It was pathetic, but at least they would be interested in what he had to say.

His attention snapped to the Purple Toad in his garden, now screaming his head off at a Monty Mole who had dug a massive hole in his produce.

"My cabbages!" wailed the toad. "Green Mario! Help!"

"Actually, um, it's Luigi-"

"Whatever! Help me save my garden!"

"Ugh, you have gotta be kiddin' me." Luigi grumbled, making his way to the fence. "Um, excuse me? Sir?" The mole continued digging. "Can you stop that? Please."

The mole tilted its head and laughed in Luigi's face, before digging harder.

Luigi glanced at the toad wearily. "I tried."

The toad shot him a dirty look, before splashing the monty mole with his garden hose. "Thanks for nothing', Louis."

He didn't bother correcting him a second time. Instead he made his way further towards Toad Town's marketplace. He wasn't in the mood to actually buy anything, he simply wanted some way to pass the time.

A trio of toads were animatedly chatting by the strawberry stalls.

"I saw Mario today!" squealed the yellow toad.

"Me too!" said another, this one was blue. "He waved at me!"

"No way," The green one laughed. "He was waving at me!"

"I can't believe he saved the kingdom all on his own."

"Aw, come on, it wasn't all on his own..."

Luigi perked up.

"Yeah, the Kongs definitely helped out too!" said the Blue Toad.

"Don't forget the Princess! She totally destroyed Bowser and his team of koopa dorks! Without her and Mario, we would all be dead!"

He deflated. Now, he would never ask for any praise or attention, the thought embarrassed him greatly, but some acknowledgement would be nice.

Although in the Toads' defense, he didn't actually fight Bowser. He couldn't. He liked to pretend it was because he was too timid, too fearful but in reality there was definitely something else.

Kicking a lone pebble with his shoe, Luigi stayed deep in thought, until he heard a voice calling out for someone. No...calling out for him.

"Mr. Luigi!"

"Eh- what?"

Tiny footsteps bounded towards him, and he looked down to see who was approaching. A pink female Toad with a matching pink dress and twin pigtails cascading down to her stubby shoulders. He thought she looked somewhat familiar.

"Mr. Luigi!" She squeaked, breathless from running. "Oh, it's really you!"

"Uh, um, yes?"

"I'm sorry, I just, wow! I can't believe it! This is the greatest day of my life!" She curtsied. "My name's Toadette and I'm your biggest fan!"

He stared at her incredulously, yelping as she unexpectedly started to shake his hand vigorously. "A- are you sure you're not confusing me for Mario?"

"What? Nah, I mean, he's cool n' all but..." Toadette hummed thoughtfully. "See, I know you got caught by Bowser. He's a real mean jerk and he's super scary too!"

Luigi huffed out a laugh, remembering the time Bowser had played piano and sang for him. "He isn't scary."

"See what I mean? You're not even scared of him! You were so, so, so brave and managed to face him head on! I know I couldn't do that. So I guess I think you're more realistic than Mario."

"Scusi?"

"And that's why, long story short you're my hero." She beamed. "Can I have your autograph?"

"Um, I guess?"

"Great!" She pulled out a sticker filled journal from ...somewhere and handed it to him. "Oh, forgot the pencil." and proceeded to snag a glitter pen from her hat.

Luigi somewhat wondered if this was all an elaborate joke, but the genuine smile that lit up Toadette's face as he scribbled his name down melted his heart.

"Thank you Mr. Luigi!" She chirped.

"It'sa no problem. Really." He assured her. Confused, he watched as she simply stayed put. "Erm...do you need something else?"

"Oh, um..." She giggled, brushing her bangs aside. "I was hoping that maybe... I could follow you along? If that's okay?"

"Don't you have places to be? Or friends?"

She shook her head bashfully. "No. Other toads think I'm annoying." His heart filled with pity and understanding for the girl. "You don't think I'm annoying, do you? Do you?" Toadette demanded.

"No! No, of course not."

"Aw yay!" She was too short to hug him properly, and instead opted for hugging his leg, and then skipping ahead. "Where were you going anyway?"

"I was actually planning on grocery shopping, it's really not that exciting-"

She squealed. "I'll help you! I love shopping!"

Although he wanted to say no, he couldn't reject such an adorable pleading face, so he relented. "Alright, if you really want to."

"Hooray, let's go!"

~•~

Luigi did not end up shopping with Toadette. They had started, but somehow the little mushroom girl had gone off on a tangent about the museum she was running. In short, for fear of feeling guilty, he let her take him on a tour around said museum, and spent the entire afternoon there.

After he explained profusely to Toadette that he really had to leave, she finally accepted and did end up helping him with his groceries.

"It's the least I can do for my new bestie!" She said, trotting alongside him with her arms full. "Hey, maybe we can make friendship bracelets!"

Luigi sighed wearily. He knew she was just being overeager, but if he was being honest, he was exhausted dealing with her talking his ear off. He didn't have the heart to say that to her face. But thankfully they did get some work done, and he managed to buy groceries before the sun set.

He bid his farewells to his new little friend, and stepped inside the cottage to get to work on making dinner. Mario returned shortly after.

"I'm back!" He announced, grinning ear to ear as he practically burst through the house.

"Ah, welcome home!" Luigi hoped he didn't look too suspicious. "I made lasagna."

"Grazie, Weegee, thank you!" Mario removed his cap and placed it neatly on the hanger. He beamed as Luigi had served him a plate. "Sorry I was gone so long. We had tea and then we went to play some golf."

"You hate golf." Luigi said flatly.

"What? No, I love golf!" Mario laughed for an uncomfortable long time. He was always a horrible liar. "It's so much fun."

Luigi smirked, knowing full well the last time they played golf, it ended in the Great Lake Catastrophe™. As such, Mario had vowed he would never play it again after such an embarrassing defeat.

"Anyway I gotcha a little surprise too." He placed a small package on the table. Inside was a buttercream frosted strawberry cake with sliced peaches on top. "The Princess says hello."

"Aw, this is amazing!"

"She baked it herself. Turns out she really loves baking." Mario couldn't stop smiling. "Also you were right, the meeting itself wasn't too big of a deal. She wanted to talk about increasing security. I told her that we could handle anything, but I guess she doesn't want to put too much pressure on me."

"Guess after saving the galaxy, one would assume you would need some help." Luigi commented. "Say...speaking of, why don't I help you out?"

That made Mario drop his fork in surprise. "Help me defend the kingdom?"

Luigi nodded eagerly. "Exactly! We'll be a team again!"

"I dunno." He frowned. "The stuff I do is dangerous, I don't want you getting hurt."

That made him roll his eyes. "I'm a grown man, Mario. And I've changed a lot since I started living here."

"I know but..."

"Come on, it gives me a good excuse to not stay home and do meaningless tasks. I could actually be someone important!"

"You already are important." Mario protested.

"Do you just not want me to help?"

"No! Of course I want you to help, it's just a lot. I would have to teach you how to use the power ups and everything."

"Then teach me! Don't you think it's important I learn to defend myself, if you're so concerned about my wellbeing?" His lips curled into a smirk. "Or do you just love being considered the hero so much, you don't want me to take the spotlight? I get it."

"Luigi! Stop needling me!" Mario ran his hand through his dark curls, but he was smiling. "Oh, buon Dio, you're impossible." The brothers shared a knowing look, and the decision was made. "I'll help you. Peach would be a better teacher, but I can teach you a thing or two. You gotta be committed." He warned.

Luigi did a mock salute. "You have my word. Hey, look at us! Looks like the Super Mario Bros are back, and better than ever."

Meanwhile, in the Darklands, the world around seemed bleak. The swamps of lava only managed to burst small amounts of flames, in a way representing a cruel irony of how Bowser's current reign of terror was.

Non-existent.

It wasn't like he hadn't tried. Stealing the power stars from that wimpy Princess of the lumas seemed like a no brainer, and an easy way for him to rule the world. Not to mention, it would get his mind off his pathetic surrender to Mario. That was, until Mario bested him yet again.

He felt like a lousy excuse for a king. Worse, he was a lousy excuse for a father. His kids deserve someone who was ruthless, unapologetically evil...someone who could raise them well enough to take over when his reign inevitably ended.

His kingdom was falling, his minions were growing impatient with his lack of success, and he knew it was only a matter of time before they spoke up again about his failures.

If only he hadn't been kind to Luigi.

Bowser lifted his head from his desk, his thoughts racing. If he had just kept Luigi as a prisoner, and had practiced proposing on his own time then none of this would have happened. He would be married to Peach, he would rule over all kingdoms with her, and...and...

And he wouldn't have conflicting feelings for that green plumber.

He couldn't believe his own stupidity. He had been too confident in his own charm to realize offering to share the glory with Luigi was a disastrous idea. He didn't know what he was thinking. Perhaps he did it because he knew deep down, Luigi would never choose him, and in offering something he couldn't refuse, like power, there would be a chance. A chance that he could hold him close, and still win over all kingdoms.

Bowser groaned. Even when he didn't want to think of Luigi, he ended up thinking about him anyway. There was something about him that made Bowser weak. He kept reminding himself that feelings and emotions were pointless, and they wasted time. But his efforts proved to be in vain. He couldn't stop thinking about Peach, and now the same was happening to Luigi.

Luigi and Peach, after all, shared many similarities. Both were kind and smart, with big, sparkling blue eyes that made his heart race with adrenaline. Both also hated him for good reason.

It all started when the plumber was first taken to his kingdom. An accident, he had claimed, led him to the Darklands. Bowser saw it as fate, perhaps, seeing as he was drawn to him the moment they met. Their first encounter was antagonistic. Bowser had to face the stranger with an aura of power, or course.

Their eyes had met, and Bowser felt a spark inside him. The way Luigi had glided over with Kamek's magical force, allowing him to be eventually held in his own claws made him intrigued. He was so helpless, so scared. It was so alluring.

Bowser had promptly threatened and interrogated him for answers about Mario, before deeming him worthless and then he was then sent to stay with the other prisoners. That did not last long. Bowser had realized the opportunity of a lifetime shortly after sending him away. It wasn't every day that ordinary humans wandered into their world, after all. Especially one so timid and shy as Luigi. Not to mention, when he was brought in again, Bowser realized that Luigi was not as weak as he initially thought. He was scared, yes, but he was also willing to question Bowser's authority. He was surprisingly assertive.

Even still, the more time they spent together, the more Bowser silently vowed to never let any harm come to him.

He needed to focus and stop letting himself become distracted. He needed-

"Oh sire!" Without knocking, Kamek flew through the doors to Bowser's study and beamed. "I wanted to check on you."

Bowser huffed. "Don't even bother."

"I know you're peeved from your last defeat, but I promise you will beat Mario...er, eventually." Kamek fluttered closer, an action that made Bowser swat him away like he was an annoying bug or pest. Which in a way, he was.

"Actually, I'm busy working on mapping out my next plan." He pointed towards the crumpled blueprints on his desk.

Kamek peered over and read through the notes. His smile faded. "This just says 'defeat Mario, rule the world.' Not to insult your hard work, your insightfulness but isn't that a bit too vague?"

"It's called brainstorming, idiot."

"Brainstorming, hm, yes. You haven't discussed marrying Peach in a while." Kamek commented.

"No, I haven't."

"Is that...still happening? It was a major part of your plan."

"I need to move forward from her. Find another way to rule without her holding me back. I ...don't think we would work much anyway." He traced the outlines of his handwriting with his claw.

"That's not what you said before. You said marrying Peach would kill two birdos with one stone. She has experience running a kingdom, she would be a good mother figure for the children and-"

"Plans change Kamek!" He growled, finding satisfaction as the wizard narrowly escaped his fire breath. "I just need to focus on defeating Mario. That's it. Anything else is a distraction."

"You had the opportunity to defeat Mario only a few months ago." Kamek reminded. "But you didn't."

"He caught me off guard with the power stars and he had Rosalina helping-"

"Not that time."

"Oh...ugh, right."

"I may have been unconscious during most of the wedding, but I do know you surrendered to Mario before a battle could happen." Kamek raised an eyebrow. "I know it wasn't for a lack of strength, and certainly not any cowardice, but I'm still left perplexed to this day as to why."

"I couldn't hurt him." He mumbled under his breath.

"Eh?"

Bowser rose from his chair and repeated, louder this time. "I said I couldn't hurt him! Luigi..."

"This again!" Kamek said in exasperation. "We already talked about-"

"No, listen to me Kamek. I saw him there. I don't know why, but the thought of hurting him more than I already did was enough to make me lose sight of everything I planned."

"You need to move past this, sire. He was your prisoner."

"My prisoner who helped me and bonded with my kids. Don't you realize how stupid that sounds?" He glowered at the floor. "Junior and Larry asked me to send him a card of all things..."

"This was all your decision!" Kamek protested. "You decided he would be a perfect fit to help, all while knowing he was the brother of your sworn enemy."

"And I was right. Too right. It's like...he casted a spell on me." His eyes went wide. "Oh Grambi, what if he did? What if his dumb, mushy lessons about respect and friendship was a ruse, an act of manipulation! That must be it."

"Hold on, your impulsiveness! I believe it might be-"

"Wave your magic scepter, Kamek. Cure me so I can stop acting like a lovesick fool. My evil reputation is at stake here!"

"I can't."

"Kammy then! She's older than you, she probably knows more too."

"Sire, I'm trying to tell you that Luigi didn't cast a spell on you. I don't believe that's even possible. Humans show no capability of magic without the use of power ups. Believe me, I would know, I've done extensive research on the subject." He padded towards Bowser, his bespeckled expression filled with sudden sympathy.``There's only one explanation, and I think you know what it is."

Bowser was drawn back to his desk. "I do. I need to move forward, like you said. I can't let him keep me from doing what I do best."

"I've already advised you as is." Kamek said. "And I will continue to help you get your mind off him. Why don't you focus on conquering another kingdom, for old times sake? I'm sure we can flesh out your plans. That always used to cheer you up."

"What's the point?" Bowser almost laughed bitterly at the suggestion. "You saw how that turned out. Both times ended in defeat. I'm losing my touch."

"Don't say that, sire. You need to try again, that's all!" Kamek reached for the notes again, scanning them.

"I think I'd best take the rest of the day off. The kids need me and I'm trying to be more of an attentive dad."

"But what about your plan?"

Bowser smirked, "You seem more eager about it then I do. You go ahead and get to work on improving it."

Kamek could only groan to himself, wondering how he always ended up doing Bowser's work for him.

But perhaps there could be a chance he could help the King with his dilemma.