A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, based on the post-game of Super Mario Sunshine, Mario, Luigi, Peach and the Toads managed to put in jail Bowser and Bowser Jr., who was disguised as Shadow Mario, and thanks to the evidence from Luigi and Peach, Mario was cleared of all charges. Now let's do a birthday episode. Because? Well, you'll find out through something you may not know. Let's begin!

Chapter 12: Super Birthday Bros.

(''Starship Mario- Super Mario Galaxy 2 OST'')

It was a sunny Wednesday morning in the Mushroom Kingdom, with a pleasant breeze blowing down the sunny plains. That day was a special day for Mario Mario and Luigi Mario.

Luigi had gotten up early that morning, and after taking a shower, he went to get dressed, but when he saw the calendar, he was shocked. It was October 11. Since Mario and Luigi were twins, they shared the same birthday, and it was that day!(1)

''Mamma mia! It's our birthday!'' exclaimed Luigi, and immediately ran to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Mario was still asleep, but he eventually woke up and was pleasantly surprised that it was his birthday. Once he washed and got dressed in a hurry, he went down the stairs, and his nose smelled something delicious.

''Mario, breakfast is ready!'' Luigi called him.

''Luigi!'' Coming down the stairs, Mario saw Luigi and happily ran towards him. Luigi lifted him in his arms and they hugged each other tightly.

''Happy birthday, Mario!'' said Luigi happily.

''Thank you, Luigi! Happy birthday to you too!'' said Mario just as happily. ''So much has happened recently that I completely forgot about our birthday!''

''I know! We had so much to do and I remembered that today was our birthday only when I got up!'' giggled Luigi. ''I prepared you a nice breakfast for the occasion!'' He had made pancakes stuffed with maple syrup, honey, cream, strawberries and chocolate syrup.

Unable to resist, Mario began to drool and stuffed his face with pancakes.

''Whoa, whoa, easy there, Mario!'' Luigi exclaimed. He knew his brother loved to eat, but he was a bit obsessed with food sometimes. ''Take it easy, no one is gonna steal your pancakes!''

''Sorry! I couldn't resist. They were so delicious...'' said Mario, sighing peacefully.

''I know, but you shouldn't eat that fast. You would get indigestion, or worse, a stomachache.'' Luigi told him.

''Sorry, Luigi.'' said Mario.

Luigi smiled at him. ''It's OK. I worry about you, you know. I always think about my favorite brother.'' he said, taking his brother's hat from his head and tickling him on the back of his neck.

''Hey, you're tickling me! Come on, stop!'' Mario chuckled.

''OK, I'll stop it. But only because it's our birthday.'' he said jokingly, affectionately ruffling Mario's hair and causing him to laugh again.

They enjoyed their breakfast enthusiastically, especially the older brother. While Mario was quite good at cooking, Luigi had learned many things while alone at home, such as making him dinner in case he came back late, which is why he always felt that his cooking was better than his own.

''Your pancakes were delicious, Luigi! Just as I expected from you in the kitchen!'' said Mario when they finished breakfast, giving him two thumbs up.

''Thank you, Mario. I really appreciate that. I love you, big bro.'' said Luigi, and the two gave each other another hug.

''I love you too, little bro. You're awesome.'' said Mario in response, giving him a small kiss on the cheek.

''I wonder how our friends are doing. Let's go and visit them.'' proposed Luigi.

''Shall we go to the castle?'' asked Mario.

''Of course!'' replied Luigi, and they left home to go to Peach's castle as usual.

(''Starship Mario- Super Mario Galaxy 2 OST-s'')

(''Peach's Castle- New Super Mario Bros. Wii OST'')

Meanwhile, at Peach's castle, Mario and Luigi's friends were in the kitchen, preparing something. They wanted to surprise them.

''Are the decorations ready, Toadette?'' asked Toadsworth.

''Yes, I'm done.'' replied Toadette.

''What about he cake for Mario and Luigi?'' asked Daisy.

''It's ready. I just took it out of the oven.'' replied Peach.

''Good. I think Mario and Luigi will love it.'' said Blue Toad.

Yoshi was already watering in the mouth just hearing about the cake. It was for his friends, and he wanted to enjoy it too.

''Hang on, Yoshi. Soon we will eat it, but be patient.'' Yellow Toad told him.

''Are you sure you know what you're doing?'' asked Wario, unconvinced.

''You can rest assured. I never did mistakes with a party.'' replied Peach.

''The balloons are ready'' Rosalind added.

(''Peach's Castle- New Super Mario Bros. Wii OST-s'')

Everyone looked around. Had Mario and Luigi arrived? If so, it would spoil the surprise, and Peach asked Toad to check outside if they were coming.

''They could be here at any moment.'' said Professor E. Gadd.

In the meantime, Wario kept an eye on Waluigi, telling him not to do anything foolish. Because of his rivalry with Mario, his greed, and his tendency to play jokes on other people, he did not have a good reputation in the Mushroom Kingdom. He often pulled pranks on Luigi, but he was a bit more neutral with him and Mario's other friends. Waluigi was more openly hostile to the others, especially with Luigi, who was his rival, and although Wario was the only person who tolerated him, he was often annoyed by his nonsense. Mario at least tried to be civil with them, and when interacting with Wario, he never wanted to be obnoxious, trying to be friendly with him, even though Wario didn't understand why he took the trouble and was not a very pleasant person to be with.

Toad walked out of the castle, looking out for Mario and Luigi. He saw them a short distance away while they were talking to each other, and ran back inside. ''Here they are! They're coming!'' he said loudly, returning to the kitchen.

''Is everything ready?'' asked Pauline.

''Yes, we have already prepared everything, including the gifts.'' said Toadette, and everyone looked for a place to hide. The Toads hid behind the chairs, while the others hid under the long tables alongside their gifts.

Shortly after, Mario and Luigi entered the kitchen. Red and green baloons decorations flooded the castle, and a banner reading ''HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIO LUIGI!'' was hanging around the room. ''What's going on? Is there a party in here?'' asked Mario.

''SURPRISE!''

(''Spin-Off Results- Wii Party OST'')

At that moment, everyone showed up, and party horns filled the room.

''Whoa! Hi, guys!'' exclaimed Luigi, surprised.

''Happy birthday, Mario!'' said Peach, giving Mario a kiss on the nose that made him blush heavily.

''Happy birthday, sweetie!'' said Daisy, and she kissed Luigi, who also blushed.

''Another year and I see that you and your brother have not changed at all, Luigi.'' said Professor E. Gadd, and Polterpup jumped into Luigi's arms.

''Two heroes with the same birthday. Who would have thought?'' said Toad with a smile.

''You haven't changed a bit, I see.'' added Master Toad.

''You didn't have to do that. It's not a bit... exaggerated?'' asked Mario modestly, noting the abundance of red and green.

''Come on, after everything you've done for the Mushroom Kingdom, you should expect that.'' replied Toadette.

''We always prefer simplicity, you know,'' said Luigi.

Peach brought the cake to the table. It was a large three-layered vanilla cake. One half was made of red velvet cake, while the other was similar, but with a green icing. On it were twenty-five candles, and before long, everyone began to sing the birthday song.

Mario and Luigi nodded and took a deep breath. With a single breath, they successfully extinguished all the candles.

Everyone cheered, and Wario applauded slightly. Waluigi, on the other hand, seemed bored.

(''Happy birthday, buddies!'') said Yoshi, giving a hug to Mario and Luigi, who reciprocated.

''Grazie, Yoshi!'' Mario said.

(''Spin-Off Results- Wii Party OST-s'')

(''Peach's Birthday Cake- Mario Party Superstars OST'')

Everyone began to eat the cake, divided into equal parts for everyone.

''A year older, huh?'' asked Waluigi.

''Do we look old to you, Waluigi?'' replied Mario. ''How old do you think we are?''

''Hey, Luigi, I couldn't find recipes for green cakes other than pistachios, so I had to improvise. I hope you don't mind.'' said Peach.

''It doesn't matter. It matches the other half perfectly.'' replied Luigi.

Asthey ate the cake, Rosalina thought about when she had asked Mario and Luigi when their birthday was, identifying their zodiac sign. ''It's really interesting how the zodiac sign of these twins is Libra.'' she said.

''You say?'' asked Pauline.

''They say that the zodiac sign of Libra is a symbol of harmony and sensitivity. I think it's perfect for Mario and Luigi! They balance each other perfectly!'' said Peach, and everyone laughed, very interested.(2)

Mario and Luigi agreed. People said that opposites attract, and although the two brothers shared the same ideals and some similarities in their character, their personalities were different. Mario was outgoing, cheerful, courageous and confident regardless of the circumstances, but he was also stubborn and impulsive, and this often put his life at risk, while Luigi was quiet, introverted, cautious, sensitive and insightful, but he was also shy, easily frightened, disliked dangerous situations, had little confidence in himself and had a tendency to be critical of himself, often comparing himself to his brother, so it was no wonder that some people accused him of being a spineless coward. There were people who thought they were too different to be twins, and therefore defined them too incompatible. Some said that Luigi's inability to stand up for himself would weigh down Mario and annoy him, while others said that Mario's spontaneous personality was too suffocating for Luigi, calling him too intrusive and sticky or saying that he spoiled him too much. However, their different personalities only strengthened their bond, as they complemented them and compensated for their shortcomings: Mario encouraged Luigi and reassured him that he was as good as him, while Luigi, who was insightful and attentive to detail, kept an eye on him to protect him and prevent him from being reckless.

Peach's cake was as delicious as ever, but Waluigi didn't seem convinced about it, complaining to Wario about how the icing smelled of dye.

(''Peach's Birthday Cake- Mario Party Superstars OST-s'')

(''Fruit Focus- Wii Party OST'')

When everyone finished eating the cake, they began to play piñata, using a Bowser-shaped piñata.

''This piñata clearly seems to want to be smashed.'' said Mario.

In turn, everyone put on a blindfold and hit the piñata, causing candy to come out. With a well-aimed blow, Wario made a hole on Bowser's leg, and several candies came out. Waluigi looked impressed, but it was more because it was Wario.

''Nice one, Wario! Nice hit!'' Mario congratulated him.

''Thanks, I suppose.'' said Wario.

Peach and Daisy also hit with a fairly good impact, hitting the piñata on the leg, while the Toads had to jump to hit it because they were too small and could not reach it, since they only reached Mario and Luigi's legs. Waluigi tried to hit it too, but not seeing well because of the blindfold, he stumbled and missed the target on the first hit, though he was more successful with the second shot. More hits, more candy coming out of the punctured piñata, and only two people were left.

Mario and Luigi were the last people left, and decided to hit Bowser's piñata at the same time. ''Ready? 1, 2, 3!''

Their synchronized double blow was so strong that the piñata split in half before it even fell to the ground, breaking into several pieces and scattering all the candy everywhere.

''Radical!'' exclaimed Daisy, and Mario and Luigi fist-bumped

Later, they took part in a kart race at the Royal Track. Luigi won the race in front of Wario, but only by a small margin, followed by Mario, Yoshi and Peach.

''Congratulations, Luigi. You did great.'' said Mario to Luigi, hugging him from behind to congratulate him.

''Thank you, Mario.'' said Luigi happily.

''Oh, and Wario, great race. Don't be sad about losing, you finished in second place, and it's not a bad thing.'' added Mario, speaking to Wario.

Wario was disappointed, as he had lost after getting hit by a Green Shell, but he nodded in response.

(''Fruit Focus- Wii Party OST-s'')

It was now time to give the gifts to Mario and Luigi. The first to approach were Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong, who gave them their gift.

Luigi leaned over to take the big brown and green gift package, but he was caught off-guard by its heavy weight and fell to the ground with a loud thud that made the others cringe. ''Ouch... It's very heavy...'' He murmured, getting back on his feet and straightening the gift package.

''Are you hurt, Luigi?'' asked Mario, a little worried.

''I'm fine... I didn't expect it to be so heavy.'' replied Luigi.

They discarded the paper and saw two large drum-like wooden barrels with Donkey Kong's logo on them.

''Hey, these look like that controller, the DK Bongos!'' exclaimed Luigi.(3)

(''Almost, but not exactly.'') said Donkey Kong.

(''Playing bongos like these is one of our favorite pastimes.'') Dixie explained. (''Try it.'')

(''Final Smash Donkey Kong- Super Smash Bros. Brawl OST'')

Mario began to beat the right bongo with his hand, and the sound was loud. Luigi didn't expect the sound to be so loud, but he beat the left bongo and did as his brother did.

''Hey, not bad at all!'' said Mario, amazed.

(''Final Smash Donkey Kong- Super Smash Bros. Brawl OST-s'')

(''Cool, huh? These bongos are loud and clear. They are from us and Funky.'') said Diddy.

Luigi took Diddy in his arms. ''Thanks, Diddy. We really like them.'' he said.

''Yes, thanks, Donkey Kong.'' added Mario, giving Donkey Kong a small hug. The gorilla responded with a thumbs up.

(''Title Screen- Wario Land 4 OST'')

The second to give his gift was Wario, who showed a small object with a razor blade.

Luigi looked at it with confusion. ''A razor?''

''You know, you look like you aged badly with this mustache.'' said Wario.

''Wario, our mustache is our trademark along with our hats. We don't shave them.'' Luigi told him.

''Yeah, and we're not 50 years old.'' added Mario.

Wario laughed. ''I was kidding. My gift to you is in here.'' he said, showing a large yellow and purple gift package. It was also quite heavy.

Inside the gift box were some dumbbells and a barbell. ''Just what I'd expect from a bodybuilder.'' said Luigi.

''I don't like spending money, but I made an exception for this time. There was no room to put the treadmill on it, so I had it ordered for you. You should find it at your house.'' said Wario. ''Anyway, with this, you could keep yourselves fit. Especially you, Mario. As my rival, I always expect you to be in top physical shape.''

Although he was unimpressed by the joke at his expense, Mario was happy with the gift. ''Thank you, Wario! This will be useful!'' he said, and hugged Wario. Luigi joined the hug shortly after.

''Hey, hey, watch it! Don't crumple my clothes!'' Wario complained, not happy with the gesture. However, his expression on his face softened after a while. ''Alright... but only because it's your birthday, OK? That's all.'' he said. Although reluctant, he returned the hug.

Luigi broke away, but Mario hugged Wario for little longer. ''I really like your gift, Wario. Great choice.'' he said.

''Yes, thanks, Wario.'' added Luigi.

(''Title Screen- Wario Land 4 OST-s'')

The other gifts were also delivered. Yoshi's gift was a Poochy plushie. The Toads had given them two figurines. Daisy had given Luigi a new watering can, and Mario had received a special duster from Peach. After giving him the gift, Peach covered his cheeks with kisses, causing him to turn redder than his red hat, and he was so embarrassed that he couldn't say a word without stammering.

When it was Waluigi's turn to deliver his gift, a very strange thing happened. By the time Mario and Luigi opened the package, three bombs exploded in their faces.

''Hey! Who put those bombs there?'' yelled Mario. He and Luigi were not injured, but they were a little burned, and he was irritated by the prank.

(''Waluigi's Island- Mario Party 3 OST'')

Everyone glared at Waluigi, and Wario elbowed him in the stomach.

''Hey, don't look at me. I didn't put the bombs in the package.'' said Waluigi.

''So who was it?'' asked Peach.

Luigi looked more closely and saw Bowser's symbol. ''Mario... Now I understand. It was Bowser who put those bombs in there.'' he said.

''Of course... Because if Bowser doesn't make a mess, he's not happy.'' commented Mario.

Rosalina gave Mario and Luigi a music box that played a melody similiar to a lullaby, and Pauline's gift was a new tie for Mario.

While they were looking at the presents, Polterpup was still on Luigi's lap, and he didn't stop licking his face. ''Hey, Luigi. I have to tell you something.'' said Professor E. Gadd.

''What is it?'' asked Luigi, leaning down, and Professor E. Gadd whispered something in his ear.

(''Waluigi's Island- Mario Party 3 OST-s'')

(''Conversation 2- Fire Emblem Genealogy of the Holy War OST'')

The party was a lot of fun, but later, it was time for Mario and Luigi to go home. They invited their friends to play tennis in two weeks and took a group photo. Mario was in the center, with Luigi on his right and Wario on his left, all three posing together, with Wario blowing a raspberry. Waluigi was next to Wario, and when the photo was taken, he was making a weird face. Peach was behind Mario, kissing him on the cheek, and Daisy had grabbed Luigi from behind, while the other Toads were posing in a line formation. After the photo, Mario and Luigi took their presents and said goodbye to everyone, thanking them for the party, going home with a wheelbarrow to carry their gifts.

When they got home, Mario remembered something. ''Hey, Luigi. I realized you didn't give me a gift.'' he said, as they took their hats off their heads.

''Neither do you, for that matter.'' said Luigi.

Mario chuckled a little. ''I know, but it's not necessary.'' he replied.

(''Conversation 2- Fire Emblem Genealogy of the Holy War OST-s'')

(''Family- Super Mario Galaxy OST'')

''I have a gift for you, Mario. This is from me and Professor E. Gadd.'' said Luigi, revealing a small green and white gift package.

Mario opened the package and was confused by the contents. ''A booklet?''

''No, it's not a common book. It's the instruction manual for the Poltergust.'' Luigi explained

''I hate being attacked by King Boo. I'm always helpless with him.'' said Mario.

''I talked to Professor E. Gadd about it, and we decided to give it to you as a birthday present.'' said Luigi, stroking his brother's chocolate-colored hair.

He really did it? Moved by this gesture, Mario threw his arms around Luigi's neck. ''Thank you so much, Lu.'' he murmured. ''I love you, bro.''

''I love you too, Mario. I will protect you from King Boo, no matter what.'' said Luigi, returning the tight hug, and gave Mario a kiss on the forehead.

The older brother moved his fingers between Luigi's chocolate-colored locks, stroking his hair and pressing his forehead against his.

''Can I say that I'm surprised that Wario gave us an entire gym set?'' Luigi asked. ''I saw the treadmill in this room, so Wario was not lying when he said he ordered it for us.''

''Maybe he does care about me, even if he doesn't want to admit it.'' said Mario.

''Well, he doesn't like to admit certain things. He's not a very social guy.'' said Luigi.

''If you see him later, say hi to him and give him a hug from me, okay?'' asked Mario.

''Okay. I don't really like that guy, but I understand why you try to be nice to him. It is not easy for me to tolerate Waluigi, let alone avoid being aggravated by his taunts, but that is another matter.'' Luigi replied. ''Seriously, Waluigi has a bad influence on him and only comes to spoil the party for everyone.''

They both laughed at Luigi's joke. ''Good one, bro.'' said Mario. ''However, at least Wario doesn't stoop as low as some people like Bowser or even Waluigi. The worst he does is pulling bad jokes that can end up with someone getting hurt, but that's about it, and in any case, he doesn't do it as much as he used to.''

''I suppose you're right.'' said Luigi, giving his brother a hug. ''Well, happy birthday, big bro. Ti voglio bene.''

''Happy birthday to you too. Spending the party with our friends is always splendid. Anch'io ti voglio bene.'' said Mario.

''It's decided. One day, once I get the chance, I'll teach you how to use the Poltergust.'' declared Luigi.

''Thanks again, Lu.'' said Mario. ''There is no one else but you who can defeat King Boo. With your help, I will be able to fight him head on. Anyway, I have a better birthday present than any other.''

''What would that be?'' asked Luigi.

''You. My best birthday present is to be born alongside you.'' replied Mario, and gave Luigi a kiss on the forehead with all his brotherly love.

''Awwww, thank you, Mario!'' said Luigi, moved, and held Mario in a big hug. ''You're my best birthday present too!''

By learning to use the Poltergust, Mario was sure that he could face King Boo without being kidnapped and used as a hostage. Together, he and Luigi formed an inseparable duo from birth, and as he lifted him in his arms, he knew he could always count on him.

(''Family- Super Mario Galaxy OST-s'')

A/N: Happy birthday, Mario and Luigi! Never change! It seems that Wario cares about Mario more than he wants to believe! What do you think of this birthday chapter, guys? Let me know! See you in the next chapter! Until next time!

(1): According to Nintendo Power magazine, Mario's birthday is October 11. Since Luigi is his twin brother, they were born on the same day with little time away from each other, so they have the same birthday.

(2): A person's zodiac signs depend on the day of birth, and there is one for each monthly period, starting with Aries, which coincides with the spring equinox and lasts from March 21 to April 20. Since Mario and Luigi's birthday is October 11, their zodiac sign is Libra, while the birthday of their voice actor, Charles Martinet, is only a month away from theirs, since he was born on September 17, so his zodiac sign is Virgo, same as Sean Connery, who was born born on August 25.

(3): DK Bongos is a controller compatible with some games featuring Donkey Kong released for the Gamecube, such as Donkey Kong Jungle Beat and the Donkey Konga trilogy. Donkey Kong Barrel Blast was originally intended to be released for the Gamecube, which would have made it compatible with the DK Bongos, but since it was too late to release it for that console, it was released for the Wii. As a result, the game does not use the DK Bongos, but the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, even though the Wii is compatible with the Gamecube.