Luigi woke up in darkness. Despite being confused and in a daze, he already knew he had to figure out what was going on.. He did not remember passing out, but somehow during his encounter with Kamek, he had fallen weak to the magikoopa's magic. Even before that he was weakened by the brief battle with the other minions. He was bruised and exhausted, and worse, his suit had somehow gotten ripped during the fight. He had paid good coins for it too!

But that didn't matter, at least not now. Right now he was definitely being captured, and despite his eyes being open and he was wide awake now, he couldn't see anything except pitch black. Upon further inspection, he realized there was a bag on his head. Not only that, but he was bound and gagged. Which only added to his discomfort, along with wherever he was, he was moving.

He could only muster a muffled groan when he was jostled slightly, causing him to tumble like a sushi roll into a wall. Something- or someone grabbed ahold of him and sat him upright.

"Keep him close." growled a scratchy voice. "We can't have him falling off the airship. Bowser would kill us!"

Airship? He was on an airship-which would explain the queasiness he felt and the turbulence.

Also, Bowser? Did he really want to see him? That was an interesting development. He had to figure out what was going on. In fact, he felt less scared now and more curious.

He squirmed in his ropes, trying to see if there was a way to escape. He knew Mario would never let him do anything again if he found out Luigi had been captured again. Which did beg the question of why he had been taken in the first place. Before it was because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but now...

Kamek and the Hammer Bro had given him some context clues. Did Bowser want to see him? Luigi wasn't sure if he wanted to see Bowser. They had left on icy terms, and while he didn't resent the koopa anymore since his brother was alive and well, it didn't mean he wasn't wary. Especially given now that he had been nabbed by his minions. And since he had not seen him in a while, he worried that Bowser would forget about any of their bonding time, and see him merely as the brother of his enemy.

How complicated things had become in such a short amount of time. It was so much easier when he was just a plumber.

He just hoped Mario wasn't too worried. Perhaps whatever Bowser needed would not take very long. He would be back at the party before anyone would notice he was gone.

No...no that was foolish. He had to escape now! Forget whatever Bowser wants, he was being taken against his will!

He mumbled out a frustrated groan, struggling to choose what to do next.

Suddenly the bag was ripped off his head, and he was faced with an irritated Snifit glaring at him. Although he could not tell if they were actually glaring, since they were wearing a mask. Either way it was unnerving.

"Keep it down." They warned in their low and raspy voice. He wouldn't lie. Snifits creeped him out, almost as badly as Boos did. With their gas masks on it, they looked downright intimidating. Considering how helpless he looked, it probably helped in the intimidation factor.

With the bag now removed, Luigi had a clear view of the skies. A silver fog wisped through, trailing through a forest and a sea of lava. If he squinted he could see a drawbridge raised above the lava, leading up to a castle that was so massive, the towers touched the clouds. He knew this place so well, even with it being a bird's eye view.

"We've arrived." The Snifit announced. "Welcome back to Bowser's Castle."

After many long days of Bowser feeling at his worst, the king of the koopas was finally in a good mood. Perhaps he did need a break and time off to spend with his kids. It did wonders, since now he had a new plan. A plan that did not involve marrying Peach for once.

His initial desire for her had been solely for her looks and her power-all superficial reasons. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized he didn't need to marry her to achieve what he wanted. Merging the kingdoms was all politics. So he was left with no reason to go after her. As much as it was strange to finally admit. But at least now he could focus on ruling the world.

He had constructed the ultimate plan. In a hidden kingdom, tucked away were creatures known as Sprixies. Magical fairies that were about the size of a thimble, and had a gift for building and creating, and Bowser knew their skills would be useful for his own kingdom. All he needed was to capture a few, and he would be good to go. He figured he would send the koopalings out to do that. Though they were young, they wanted to show off their own abducting abilities, and who was he to let his kids down?

But before he could announce the news to his troops and get started, he was interrupted. Kammy had flown into his private office, without even knocking.

"Sire! Oh sire! I bring news!"

"When don't you?" Bowser grumbled to himself, rubbing his temples as an automatic response to the magikoopa's annoying croaky voice. "I don't have time for this. I need to tell everyone my new plan of attack! Are they in the music hall?" He knew sometimes his koopas performed a rock concert there, which he enjoyed, as did his kids.

"Er no." She replied sheepishly. "Actually they're arriving soon to the throne room. With your surprise!"

"My surprise?"

"Yes! Tada!" She did a spin on her broomstick as if she had revealed he had won the lottery. Bowser was less than impressed.

What are you playing at?" He demanded. "You know I hate surprises." But he couldn't lie, his interest was piqued. He decided against his better judgment to follow her.

"Yes well," She cleared her throat. "It wasn't my idea, although I did help organize it. We couldn't help but notice how...off you seemed."

Bowser narrowed his eyes, scowling deeply. "Go on."

She squeaked, but bravely continued. "We wanted to show our appreciation by kidnapping someone for you."

He skidded to a halt. "What? We don't have any kidnapping scheduled for another week!" He growled. "I don't want you kidnapping people without my say so! By Jaydes this is why you'll never get a raise, Kammy! You never listen to even my simplest demands!"

"But sire it was a gift!"

That confused him further. "A gift? Ha! Like someone would be worthy of me!" He could only think of one person for that, and there was no way he was there.

"Sire if you just listen-"

"Enough! You're a constant disappointment. You and Kamek both." He stomped along, pushing aside a tapestry in his way and stopping at the doors to the throne room. "Who did you even nab? I guess I can make the best out of this situation and use them as a hostage."

"Well-"

But when he opened the doors, his answer was already there.

"Luigi?!"

Surrounded by koopa guards and a satisfied looking Kamek, he saw the prisoner squirming in ropes, looking a mixture of terrified and furious. Then their eyes met, and Bowser felt his entire world freeze around him. His bright blue eyes were staring straight into his soul, which only added to his guilt.

Bowser hadn't seen him in weeks, maybe a month. But he still looked the same as always. He felt a flutter in his stomach, something that he never experienced when looking at Peach.

That wasn't important now.

"Why is he here?!" He shouted at the guards.

One brave koopa spoke up. "We were asked to deliver him as a surprise to cheer you up."

"Cheer me up? Why would you—, ugh, untie him!"

The guards stared at him perplexed, then at each other. "Uh, but…"

"Now!" He used his fire breath to attack the nearest koopa troopa, who promptly turned into a Dry Bones.

He was absolutely mortified. Was this their plan? To have him and Luigi be together? Even as they untied him, Bowser wanted to disappear. If Luigi didn't hate him before, he certainly hates him now. He had to explain himself.

"Luigi, I didn't know about this—" The words tumbled out clumsily, which only added to his embarrassment.

Thankfully everyone but Kamek decided to scurry off once Luigi was untied. With a careful breath, Bowser stepped forward. But that was when Luigi jumped away. Or at least, tried to. He managed to jump a few feet in surprise before stumbling backwards, a soft whimper escaping him once he hit the ground. Though Bowser could not see the extent of his injuries, he had clearly been injured.

"He's hurt." He stated, trembling. He whirled around to his advisor. "Did they hurt him? Kamek, did you hurt him?" He was undeniably wounded by Luigi's reaction, he was far more concerned about his current wellbeing.

"I didn't harm him, the troops did. He put up a fight." Kamek explained. "We didn't have a choice."

"What do you mean you didn't have a choice? I never told you to take him! He—"

"Bowser..." Luigi finally spoke up, but he winced again in pain.

"Heal him." Bowser ordered, careful not to be too loud for fear of scaring Luigi.

Kamek made a strangled noise. "Sire, we used up most of our potions. All we have left is a 1up mushroom, and it's the last one!"

"Then get it."

"Yes sire." The magikoopa darted away without a word and left them alone.

Bowser sat a good few feet away from Luigi, enough to give him space while they waited.

"They didn't hurt you too badly, did they?"

"No." Luigi shook his head. "I took most of them out," that made Bowser lift his head and smile. "...but then Kamek used his magic on me. I was being difficult."

"I don't blame you." Bowser clenched his fists. He wanted to be proud of his minions but instead he was appalled. "I swear I never wanted this to happen."

Luigi didn't answer.

"You don't have to believe me, but it's the truth. Either way I'm going to take you back home once you're healed."

"Why?"

"Because you being here doesn't make sense. I have another evil plot, and this really messes with my schedule."

"Oh." But something in his eyes told him that Luigi didn't quite believe him.

Kamek flew back in, green mushroom in hand. "Are you sure you want to use it on him?"

Bowser nodded firmly. "Give it to him."

He handed it over unhappily to the plumber.

"What ...is it? It looks like a regular super mushroom," Luigi asked. "except green."

"It heals you. It can also give you an extra life, but you don't need one of those. Just take it as a precaution, please."

Luigi took the mushroom from Kamek, eyeing it nervously before taking a small bite. He felt a thousand times better, the bruises faded in an instant once he finished eating it. He straightened his shoulders, feeling a million times better.

Any anxiety he had previously seemed to melt away, and he naturally moved closer to Bowser.

"Thank you."

"Alright, now I'll take you back."

"Uh, what?"
"I'm going to take you back home." Bowser repeated slower.

"Why?"

"Because you're not a prisoner, and I'm sure everyone is worried about you."

"Oh, you don't have to, I can walk."

"It's far too long of a journey for you to walk." He refused, almost outraged at the thought of letting Luigi walk home alone on such a hazardous path. Not to mention it would take hours, maybe days on foot. He wouldn't even make it out of the haunted forest. "And it's dangerous. Please, let me take you back on my airship."

"Er, about that sire..." Kamek coughed. "We kinda...sorta used all the fuel in your airship? And we won't be able to refill it until tomorrow."

"What?!" Bowser exhaled, counting to ten in his head to keep his temper in check. "Fine. Then we'll go in my clown car. Kamek, watch the kids and have Kammy keep things in order while I'm gone." He paused. "Don't forget to read Larry a bedtime story. He can't go to sleep without one."

"Yes sire."

"And make sure Ludwig doesn't stay up too late practicing. And Junior likes to have chocolate milk before bed, but don't give him too much."

"Sire, stop fretting, please. We can handle it."

"Alright, I know." To Luigi, he said: "Letsa go." He strode ahead, taking slow steps so Luigi could keep up with his tiny human legs.

"You really don't have to do this, Bowser."

"I know I don't have to."

"Then why are you doing it? You've never given me a straight answer." He paused. "You healed me, you're letting me go home. You're being …nice."

"Would you rather I be cruel to you?"

"No, of course not! I'm only asking. You flip flop a bit around me."

He contemplated for a moment, before responding. "It doesn't seem worth it to be terrible to you. You may be related to my enemy, but aside from that...I still recall fondly of the time we spent together. Under different circumstances, maybe we could get along."

Luigi's eyebrows furrowed, looking a bit disappointed.

"That probably wasn't the answer you were looking for."

"No, I get it. I mean, us? Getting along?" He laughed lightly, sounding forced. "After everything you've done to me, and my brother, my friends…"

"Yeah, it's dumb."He grunted, gesturing towards his vehicle. "Okay get in."

Bowser's clown car was truly peculiar looking. It was a circular helicopter with a clown smiley face on it. It did not look like something the prideful King of the Koopas would own.

Bowser climbed in and opened a latch, allowing Luigi to join his side. It was a tight squish, but they managed. The vehicle took off into the air, rattling slightly, thankfully though not unbearably loud.

He found himself struggling to say anything else, and instead focused on the sky ahead. The Mushroom Kingdom was a little while away, and he knew they would have to talk about something, otherwise it would just be awkward.

It was already awkward anyway. He couldn't possibly understand why his koopas decided to capture Luigi without his knowledge...unless they already knew he was hopelessly lovesick over him. He had hoped he hadn't been too obvious, but clearly his efforts proved to be worthless. But like Kamek had once told him, he had given Luigi flowers, invited him to dinner more than once and asked him for advice. All while Luigi was supposed to be his prisoner.

If there was anything Bowser wasn't, it was subtle.

How he deep down wished, even for a moment, that things could be different. That if Luigi were not the brother of Mario, and would choose to stay by Bowser's side. It would require him to actually compromise and be good, so Bowser wasn't entirely sold on that.

"You're right."

"Eh?"

"When you said that it wouldn't make sense for us to get along. I didn't treat you right and…I'm sorry."

Luigi blinked. "What?"

"I said I'm sorry. For everything I said and did while you were my prisoner. And the whole thing with your brother." He felt weird apologizing. He was never one to apologize, let alone admit when he made a mistake. It was a sign of weakness, certainly. And Luigi undoubtedly would mock him for showing such vulnerability. Either him, or all of Bowser's koopa ancestors.

"The whole thing where you thought your troops killed my brother and then you told me afterwards without confirming it for yourself? And how you probably would have done it anyway regardless of my feelings?"

Bowser winced. "Yes, that."

"That was despicable, Bowser." He said. His words were blunt, but he still had a sense of uneasiness as he told him the truth. Bowser's temper was unpredictable, after all. But he remained firm. "My brother didn't do anything to you and you just hated him for no reason!"

"See at the time, I hated him because I thought he was in love with Peach. Which in hindsight is weird now."

"He was only after you because I was captured by you! Mario was trying to save me."

"And that's why I surrendered back then!" Bowser said.

"What? You mean you..."

"I surrendered because I didn't want to hurt you." He felt shame and embarrassment overtake him. "I already messed things up and I didn't want to make it worse. I know now what I did was wrong. So I let you go. But just that one time obviously. For the sake of my evil reputation that I still have and I constantly need to remind myself about." He shook his head and huffed. "I'm getting off track, I need to stop rationalizing my actions and just...apologize properly.

"There's more. My troops treated you poorly while you were staying in my castle, I yelled when you told me not to…"

"Your son almost killed me..." He added.

"What? Which son?"

"Roy. I have to say it was impressive and also terrifying."

"Everything I do makes me seem so much worse. Not to mention you shouldn't have been there in the first place. Why did I think it was a good idea to force you to go to my wedding after I told you your brother was dead? I'm digging myself further into my own grave." He buried his head in his hands.

Luigi shrugged. "Eh, I forgive you."

"You- wait what?"

He gave him a crooked grin, as if to reassure him further. "Not for you, really. Just for my sake, for closure. My brother is alive and well and I'm not one to hold a festering grudge."

"You…confuse me though."

"How do I do that exactly?"

"You say you're evil, but you apologized and seem regretful with your mistakes. And…you let me and my friends go when you should have defeated us and married Peach when you had the chance."

He grunted. "I'm not so sure I like Peach that way."

Luigi continued. "I know you said you didn't want to hurt me further, but why? Why do I matter so much to you?"

"I…did not realize how alone I was until I spent time with you. I have my kids, I have my troops but I have never had someone like you. Your human kindness taught me a few things. I guess it's the real reason I wanted to get married to Peach. On one hand…power, but on the other…"

"You were lonely." Luigi finished for him. "Huh, who would have thought the self proclaimed evil ruler had such a secret sweet side?"

Bowser swore under his breath. "I'm not supposed to be sweet! I'm the King of the Koopas!"

"Too late, you're crossing sweet territory." Luigi said with a smirk. "Are you surprised though? You asked me for romance advice, remember?"

"Don't remind me." He grimaced. "I was a fool for thinking I would stand a chance with Peach."

"Did you mean that? That you aren't interested in Princess Peach?"

"It's..." He said with a hardened frown. "I liked the idea of her more than I actually liked her. She's special, but she isn't the one for me, and I think we can both agree on that." He cleared his throat, he could now see the castle towers. They were close now. "Regardless, I appreciated your help. I still do."

"Hey, happy to help."

"So...are we good?"

He nodded. "We are. I don't know why, but we are."

Bowser was alright with that. Everything would go back to normal, but neither held any ill will towards the other.

"Just tell your troops not to kidnap me again, that was uncalled for. Why did they even do that?"

"You're going to laugh."

"I won't, I swear." He crossed his heart for emphasis and raised his hand. "Scout's honor."

"I have no idea what that means but okay," He exhaled. "My theory is they thought that by bringing you to me, I would …be happier I suppose. Since we did get along for a little while."

Luigi's eyes went wide.

"Yeah, I know. It doesn't make any sense."

"In a way, it does, from what you've told me now and…how you reacted when they brought me to your castle." He suddenly looked coy. "Back when you said you enjoyed my company...I enjoyed it too. Spending time with you and the kids, I mean."

Bowser had no intelligent response to that, instead opting for gazing stupidly with a deer in the headlights look. "I...wow. That's...your..." He blinked, then remembered. "I'll talk to Roy later about what he did at the wedding."

Luigi nodded and fixed his collar. "Thanks, I appreciate that."

That subtle fix of his clothes made Bowser realize he was not dressed in his usual overalls. He was wearing a suit of all things. It was simple, yet still surprisingly charming, with the ruffled shirt and gemstone serving as a button. Bowser had been distracted early, but now he had a chance to admire it-admire Luigi. The way he smoothed his shirt, brushed his bangs...that glimmer of sincerity in his blue eyes. He was beautiful.

"You're dressed differently." He finally blurted out.

"Oh, uh, you noticed?" Luigi rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "I was at a party."

"You look...nice."

They briefly exchanged a glance before darting away.

"Sorry, I know you said you're uncomfortable with compliments. I shouldn't have-"

"No, no...it's okay. I don't mind. Thank you." He placed his hand on Bowser's, an action that caused the latter to flinch, but he did not retract his claw away.

"We're nearly there." He murmured softly.

At last, Bowser managed to safely land in the castle gardens out of sight. He helped Luigi exit, taking a quick glance at the castle.

"Looks like the party's still going on." He commented. "I'm really sorry about you missing it and this whole mix up."

"Eh, I'm not much of a party person." Luigi said with a laugh.

"Yeah well...either way. Enjoy your night, or whatever." "

As he looked down at Luigi, he could see the moonlight reflecting in his eyes. He moved close to him, a shy smile on his face. "Will I see you again? Aside from when you fight myself and Mario, of course."

"Why would you want to-" He stopped himself. "I mean, sure, if you really want to." He whispered, feeling another flutter in his stomach. They were so close. A breath escaped him, but before he could say anything else, a loud voice bellowed into the gardens.

"GET AWAY FROM MY BROTHER!"

The shout that came from the palace gates alerted them both. Automatically they both jumped apart in a panic. Bowser felt a sense of dread the moment he saw who it was.

He had never seen Mario look so furious before as he did now. He charged towards the gardens, now, with his hands raised and ready to attack. He did not hesitate to throw a blaze of fire at the koopa. Bowser reacted accordingly, by pushing Luigi aside and using his own flame breath to connect with Mario's fire.

"No, wait, please!" Luigi begged, but nobody was listening. Instead, he felt someone pull him back. "Mario, stop! Listen to me, he was only-"

"Stay back, Lu, I've gotcha!"

"Hold on Luigi, we'll get ya back inside!" The one pulling him back-Toad he now identified, assured him. "Mario's handled Bowser before. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, let me stop them!"

"Don't worry, Mario and Peach will get him out so he won't destroy the castle or harm anyone. Everyone else is staying inside until it's safe."

His protests did nothing, since it would definitely look suspicious if he stopped his brother from fighting their enemy. Instead, he reluctantly followed Toad back into the castle.

"Once we noticed you were gone, Mario set out to find you!" Toad explained. "Lucky he did! Otherwise you would have been captured for sure."

"Actually uh..."

"Unfortunately the rest of the party's canceled, since everyone's too scared." He shrugged. "We're all just hiding in here."

"Luigi!" Daisy exclaimed, rushing towards him. "I saw the whole thing. I bravely tried to go after and save you but-"

"She tripped over a banana peel." Toad snickered.

"Shush, the effort was there." She shot a glare at the mushroom man as he scurried off to chat with Toadette.

"That's alright, I was actually...well, I wasn't in any danger. Daisy, I need to go and stop them from killing each other." Luigi said. "Please don't ask why."

"I wouldn't worry about that." Daisy replied, pointing to the windows. Bowser was already retreating in his clown car into the skies, looking battered, bruised and burnt and definitely pissed.

"Why was that creep talking to you anyway?" She asked. "Was he trying to use you as bait for Mario?"

Luigi wasn't listening. He couldn't believe he did not stop Mario. He should have tried to run back, ignore Toad and explain the situation. Bowser hadn't done anything wrong in this instance, he was completely innocent! He had only been escorting Luigi home. Sure there had been a bit of a misunderstanding, but everything was fine now. At least, it was fine. With Bowser gone, Luigi could only turn away in despair.

Peach was the first to return, strained but with an air of confidence. "Everyone, Bowser has retreated! We're safe now, thanks once again to Mario."

The Toads all erupted into cheers. Daisy shot Luigi a quick look, which he responded by shaking his head.

"Fratellino!" Mario entered from the main palace doors, looking exhausted and worn out, with his power up now gone. Luigi felt a sinking feeling in his stomach even as his brother hugged him tightly, and as Daisy backed away to give them space.

"Did he hurt you?" He asked.

Luigi weakly shook his head.

"I'm so sorry, I should never have let you go outside all alone!"

"Mario." He fought the urge to clench his jaw in frustration. "I was fine. He didn't hurt me!"

His brother stared back at him, clearly not believing him. "Are you sure?"

"Yes I'm-" He sighed. "Forget it. Thanks for saving me. Can we go home now?"

Mario nodded firmly. "Of course."

He had to make it up to Bowser somehow.

Bowser was not going to lie. Mario had most certainly grown stronger since their last battle. Back when they were fighting over the power stars, he had taken the plumber down easily. It wasn't until Mario had returned with an added help in a Luma in his cap that gave him more abilities was he able to defeat him.

Now, with some training, he had beaten Bowser hard. Sure it was an impromptu fight, but it ended up the same. With Bowser getting his ass kicked. Although this time was a lot worse, and he was currently dealing with his injuries by shoving an ice pack on his head while Kamek wrapped him in bandages.

"I told you not to give your last 1up mushroom to Luigi," said Kamek. "Did I not?"

"Shut up." He growled. "I didn't think Mario would come out! He cheated."

"I really don't think..."

"Sire!" Kammy flew into the room, carrying a small slip of paper and a package in her claws. "I bring-"

"Let me guess...is it news?" He was too exhausted to care.

"Actually, it's a letter. For you." She coughed.

"Ugh, it's probably another dumb ad. Is there any way I can get the Bean Bean Kingdom to stop sending spam?"

"No, it's from...well, I think you should look."

"Hmm." Bowser took both items from her. First he looked at the note, which was scribbled on hastily, clearly in a rush.

So sorry for everything that happened. I appreciate you bringing me home.

I hope this will make you feel better.

-L

"L?" Kammy said, having been reading over his shoulder. "Isn't that the guy from the show you watch, Kamek?"

"No it's..." Bowser unwrapped the package. Inside was a 1up mushroom. He touched it, and he felt a hundred times better. It was real. Luigi had given him a 1up mushroom to repay him.

'I don't believe it…'

"Leave me, both of you. I intend to write a response to him." Kamek and Kammy gave each other one last look, before leaving him

He smiled softly to himself, hiding the note away in a compartment where no other koopa could find it.