Chapter Text
The party was more than exciting. Kingdoms from far and wide poured into the Mushroom Kingdom to celebrate the peace treaty between them and the Dark Lands. A peaceful union of the Dark Lands and the Mushroom Kingdom meant peace for all the other kingdoms.
Something had happened a few months ago, though no one knew exactly what, that made the King of the Koopa’s abandon his vengeance and swear off kidnapping the princess…soon after, to everyone’s amazement, he began sending peaceful messengers with treaties and written letters expressing his desire to end their feud.
This party was the final BIG celebration for their successful treaty…and Luigi was having a blast.
Nervous by nature, but secretly a party animal, Luigi had taken right to the bustling and energetic pulse of the party. There were Dark Land creatures, dignitaries from other lands, other princes and princesses, and even once hostile foes—now brought together by Bowser’s change of heart.
Luigi had a glass of champagne and had found himself by Peach and Daisy, listening in on the two princesses chatter about the wonderful mix of guests that all seemed to be having a great time. The plumber, dressed in a smart suit that fit his tall and slim figure, fiddled with his emerald green bow tie as he sipped at the bubbly drink in his hand.
He was looking for someone in the crowd, annoyed that it was actually taking so long to find him.
He finally noticed the mane of crimson hair, bobbing behind some of the decorations and heading to the refreshment table. Luigi grinned, chugged the last of his champagne, and placed it on a passing Toad’s tray as he made his way over to the hulking king.
The champagne had tickled his nose, and he felt the heat of it settling in his belly, making him feel warm and fuzzy.
He slid next to the large koopa, clearing hiss throat as though trying to get his attention, but sliding around behind him and to his other side when he had turned to him—effectively dodging his view.
Chuckling and helping himself to a very nice glass of punch, he tried not to even acknowledge the king when he whirled back around, spluttering indignantly at the small joke.
When Luigi gave him a playful smirk over the rim of his punch, Bowser had the decency to blush and turn his head as he continued to stack his plate with food.
“Greenie.” He said curtly, nibbling on a funny fish shaped cracker and deciding he liked them a lot and piled them on top of his other food treasures.
Luigi felt his face grow a little flushed…from the alcohol or the way Bowser side eyed him, he wasn’t sure. “Good evening King Bowser.” He was as polite and dignified as he possibly could be, taking a little step side ways so he was closer to the other. “You’re looking very dapper tonight.” Luigi took another large gulp, loving how the warmth spread, making his nerves that much calmer.
He definitely did not miss the blush that sprang forth across Bowser’s cinnabar cheeks. He grinned up at Bowser, watching as the koopa began to shovel food into his great maw. “Error…fanhk chou.” He said through full cheeks, and turned from Luigi to shuffle away.
Luigi laughed softly, refilling his punch, and then following him into the crowd.
—
Mario was watching his brother, knowing exactly what was transpiring as it happened. He wasn’t stupid, and neither was Luigi—in fact, Luigi, even while being the most nervous and addled of the two, was extremely intelligent in some of the weirdest things. He was an unbelievably accurate judge of character, even with his empathetic nature—He understood strategy better than anyone Mario knew…even Peach. Luigi was the brains behind their business, the one who did the books, the one who did most of the planning and most of the annoying boring data stuff.
Mario was charismatic, handy, and resourceful…but Luigi was cunning and patient. He knew that if Luigi had not been blessed with his kind heart and his nervous temperament, the youngest Mario twin could have turned into a very streetwise and dangerous person…
But that would never happen. Luigi couldn’t hurt a fly, and did everything in his power to stop people from getting hurt.
Which is why Mario KNEW this treaty was because of him. He knew the other had a plan, not telling anyone else, b it assuring Mario he knew exactly what to do.
And here they were…a peaceful union of kingdoms…a celebration of peace…and Luigi was getting drunk and stalking the former villain of their stories.
Mario sighed, excused him from the Bean Dignitaries he was entertaining, and made his way to where Luigi had sidled up to Bowser, chatting with him. Bowser looked quite awkward, eyes glancing around almost as if he were looking for a chance to escape.
“OH! MARIO!” He exclaimed, a bit too loudly. He cleared his through, chuckling in embarrassment.
Mario gave him a sympathetic grin, while Luigi just pouted. “Evening’ Bowser.” He said the kings name much more informal than Luigi had. “Sorry to interrupt and all, but Prince Peasley wanted a work with Luigi.” Mario grabbed his brothers elbow and pulled him away, giving a wave to the now relieved looking Bowser.
Luigi huffed. “Booooo,” he jeered, pulling his arm out of Mario’s hand. MArio couldn’t stop himself from laughing.
“Luigi, leave the poor koopa alone. He’s obviously nervous as hell with all these people he’s tried to kill just waltzing around him.”
“Nah.” Luigi gave Mario a grin. “He’s just nervous around me. I’ll fix that though.”
Mario laughed again, grabbing him again and pulling him towards the group of people he had been talking to. He most definitely did NOT miss the longing look Luigi threw over his shoulder back at Bowser.
—
This went on for most of the party. Luigi, fueled by the warm courage of the slightly alcoholic beverages, would entertain whoever Mario brought him too, but would sneak away to find the koopa king.
Luigi could tell he was wearing down this weird public facade Bowser had erected. The koopa was most certainly nervous…but he was sure his nerves came from the constant questions regarding his decision to seek peace.
Every time Luigi heard one of the happy dignitaries asking him this question, he would glance over and catch a swift but pointed look from the king…and then the king would blush, mutter something about getting bored with it all, and would excuse himself to find another corner of the ball room to escape to.
Luigi kept getting cornered by Mario, the red suited plumber giving him the most endearing and exacerbated chuckle, before he pulled him away yet again.
This time, Luigi was ready. Bowser was fiddling with his claws and Luig found that adorable…as adorable as an eight feet plus dragon turtle could be…and Luigi caught Mario spotting him from across the room.
He reached forward and clasped his hands around one of Bowser’s fidgeting claws, smiling up at the monarch and effectively making him trail off whatever he had been softly speaking about.
“Meet me when everyone is asleep.” He said through his soft smile, making sure. He was quiet enough that Mario didn’t hear him as he came up.
The older twin huffed. “Oh come on Luigi, leave Bowser to his party. You can’t keep monopolizing his time like this.”
Bowser was still too stunned to speak, watching as Luigi chuckled too, his cheeks reddening a bit as he sheepishly looked at his brother. “You’re right as always Mario.” He gave Bowser a warm smile and a little wave. “See you later on then, King sir.”
The two brothers nudged each other playfully as they walked away. Mario was leading Luigi back to Daisy and Peach, wanting to make sure his brother stayed out of trouble.
Bowser watched with wide eyes before turning his spiky back to them and looking down in his massive claw…
Where a small silver key lay in his scaled palm.
Oh stars…