coffeecat1983 - Tumblr blog

[coffeecat1983]

I want a duck, please.

the cashier at barnes & noble just gave me this duck at checkout and they said “i give these to children and people with a certain vibe.”

floored to know something about me aligns with this duck

[coffeecat1983]

Rolling along.

An intro has been written!

October 12th, 1999.

The elevator dinged, opening to the hospital's second floor. Giovanni stepped out with a fifteen-year-old Arthur beside him and Tony kept behind his twin, eyes darting nervously around the quiet hospital hallway. Reaching behind him, Arthur took his brother's hand and gave it a squeeze. "All right, you boys know the rules. Keep quiet, and you can visit for a little while. Got it?" their older brother reminded them. The twins both nodded and he led the way down the hall to one of the rooms. The door was cracked open but he lightly knocked anyway, only entering when a voice called 'come in'. The twins both gasped as they entered. Marianna was sitting up in the bed and cradled in each arm was a tiny bundle. "Woah." Arthur breathed. "They're so little!" Marianna laughed softly. "Come and see them, boys. Meet your niece and nephew." Going ahead of the twins, Giovanni gently lifted one of the infants, the one wearing a red knit cap. "Meet Mirra." he said. "And this is Luigi." Marianna introduced the one wearing a green cap. While the twins were amazed at the sight of the little ones, Tony stayed back until Marianna motioned for him to come over. "Sweetie, it's okay, you can see him." she held her hand out. "Here, give me your hand." She took his hand and guided him so his fingers brushed against Luigi's. The dozing infant stirred, his tiny fingers wrapping around Tony's thumb and holding on, making the teen laugh softly.

[coffeecat1983]

For my TransMario AU.

[coffeecat1983]

Ehehehehe!

Your daily Mario gif.

[coffeecat1983]

🫂

🫂 - Comforting hugs

I said I wanted to deliver more Peach and Luigi Friendship content and by God I meant it

Back Home

~~~

“...But Weegee, the food! I’m almost tempted to call it quits and come home early just so I can eat something good again. I can’t even make anything good myself. Everything they eat is green! No carbs! No fat or oils or condiments! There’s not even any fruit! In fact… and, uh, the next three paragraphs are just about how much he hates the food.”

Peach giggled into the back of her glove. “The poor thing. He must be starving!”

“Oh, Mario doesn’t starve, Princess,” Luigi promised, scanning over his brother’s lengthy written rant once more. “He’ll eat anything! He’ll just act real grumpy the whole time if he doesn’t like it, like this.”

He folded the letter briefly to offer a demonstration of Mario’s Bad Food Face: arms crossed, eyebrows scrunched, lips set in a sulking pout. He mimed bringing a fork to his mouth and chewing with that unwavering expression, and Peach giggled again.

“Then at the very least, we know to prepare a feast for him once he returns.”

“He’s already counting on it! Mentions it at the very end.” Luigi shook out the letter once more, skimmed past the extensive complaints, and continued translating: 

“I can’t say for sure yet, but it should only be another week or two before this is all wrapped up in a big, pretty bow. I’ll let you know if that changes. Otherwise, let’s have all the pasta our bellies can stand in a week or two’s time! Hugs, kisses, and one more big hug, Mario.”

Luigi smoothed the creases in the paper with his thumbs and handed it to Peach. She admired the handwriting, and with her index finger she traced the indents his pen had left in the paper. “He writes differently in different languages,” she noted. “His penmanship is much more relaxed here. When he writes to me, each word looks careful and neat.”

“Well, you’re really the only other person he writes to, you know.”

“Ah! That might explain it.” Peach smiled down at the paper in her hands. “His letters to me are the only time he actually writes in the common tongue, then! No wonder he spends so much time getting the penmanship perfect.”

“Mmhm,” Luigi nodded, and he couldn’t help but tap his foot arrhythmically beneath the small table they shared. She almost got it. Almost. He thought to give her a nudge in the right direction, maybe reveal all the hours Mario spent hunched over his work bench forcing his hand to produce dainty curves and elegant lines because I write like a Conkdor with its head chopped off and a pen taped to its foot! That’s not good enough for a princess, Weegee!...

But something in Peach’s face made him take pause. She still smiled softly, but her eyes were unfocused, even as she continued observing the letter.

“Does it ever… get any easier?” She twirled a lock of hair around her finger absently as she spoke. “Is there ever a point where you don’t… you don’t worry for him so much that it makes you feel sick?”

Luigi’s throat felt suddenly tight. Worried. He thought he had recognized that look. He saw it on Mario’s face every so often, the tight smile and hazy eyes that told Luigi he needed a listening ear and a heaping helping of homemade spaghetti. It looked much more foreign on the princess’ face.

He knew she worried for his safety when he was gone. Did it keep her awake at night, he wondered, just as Mario would sometimes spend all night staring at the ceiling and praying for her wellbeing?

Before he could think up a reassuring answer, he blurted out an entirely inappropriate question, the very question he would present to Mario in the same situation: “Need a hug?”

Peach blinked up from the paper in her hand. Luigi was the sort who would squirm and shudder and run away as fast as his legs could carry him if anyone except Mario tried to touch him. She was just as surprised by his offer as he was. But before he could apologize and take it back and explain his slip-up—

“I’d greatly appreciate that, actually.”

Luigi gulped. Well… a friend in need and all of that, right?

He stood from his seat, and she followed suit. He held his arms out to either side of his body. What next? Was he supposed to step forward? Pull her in? That didn’t feel right. Mercifully, she closed their distance before he could make a wrong move.

She reached her arms beneath his and placed her small hands on his back, drawing closer and resting her cheek against the side of his head. She wasn’t much taller than him, maybe a few inches, but he suddenly felt tiny in comparison. A whole person and all of her fears, contained right here in his arms. It was almost too much.

Hesitantly, he returned her embrace, patting her back softly. “Mario’s… kinda like a cat,” he offered, eventually. He fixed his eyes on a distant shrub so he had something to focus on other than the overwhelming smell of strawberries encompassing him, and that at least helped him find his words better. “He keeps running off and getting pulled into who-knows-what, but in the end he always comes back home. You never really stop worrying for him. But you do get used to it. You realize he can take care of himself and you welcome him when he comes back and that’s really all there is to it, you know?”

Peach nodded. Her hair tickled Luigi’s face, fine and smooth. He wanted to sneeze.

He was relieved when she pulled away, taking a deep breath of clean air, but she still had that look, and that needed to change. He stepped forward again and placed his hands on her shoulders. More comfortable, still physical, maybe helpful? He hoped it was helpful. “Loving Mario feels like a full-time job sometimes,” he joked, “but I wouldn’t worry yourself sick. Nothing could stop him from coming back home.”

Color rose into Peach’s cheeks — oh, she was definitely hung up on “loving Mario,” that was rich — and finally, she graced him with a sincere, full-hearted smile. “Thank you, Luigi,” she said, and he squeezed her shoulders in response.

Tension that he hadn’t realized he’d been holding in his body released when he sat back down, and he melted into his chair. That was enough physical contact for one day, or maybe a week or six.

“Perhaps we can discuss the details of his Welcome Home feast,” Peach suggested, grinning playfully as she held Mario’s letter out to him. Luigi grinned right back. He certainly preferred to see the princess in good spirits.

“Or maybe we should have something good for dinner ourselves.” He took the letter and held it to his chest with all the mock-sadness he could muster. “In his honor.”

“You’re right. It’s what he would want for both of us.”

“We should have all of his favorites, to celebrate his selflessness.”

“He’s going to hate us.”

“Worth it.”

Peach laughed as she rose once more and ushered for Luigi to follow her, presumably to the palace kitchens. He carefully tucked Mario’s letter back into his pocket and followed after her.

[coffeecat1983]

exquisite work! A wonderful, heartbreaking read that hits all the right hurt/comfort notes.

I present to you…

The Third Chapter of “Of Solace and Comfort in Weathering Rain”

I’ve been through a slump but you all astounded me with your support, my dears and it makes me smile. Once again, thank you to everyone who has left their lovely feedback both here on Tumblr and Archive of Our Own. Reading and replying to your comments brings me so much joy and connectivity that makes my heart so full and my day so much bearable.

The link to the 3rd chapter in Archive of Our Own is down below:

Once again I’d like to thank you, my dears, for leaving more lovely feedback on Tumblr and/or Archive of Our Own: @coffeecat1983 @keakruiser @silenzahra @alex-procrastinates @bberetd @pepperycar @peaches2217 @canela2001 @this-potato @mugiwara-cristal @sourour-rl @zocchini37 @luigitime83 @akiiame-blog @gravityglitch-blog @stripetkattelalala54-gf @mrs-luigi-vargas @roscolate @cervuslavandula

Please continue to spread the word if anyone else would like some more stories filled with angst, fluff, hurt/comfort and brotherly love prevailing. And as always, please leave feedback as it really motivates me and connects with every one of you.

Trigger warnings: mentions of depression and slight family dysfunction

Read below the line, my dears and enjoy the third chapter…

Chapter Three: Lonely Solace

Mario stopped strolling upon reaching his destination, standing beneath one of the cliff edges formed around the premises and sheltering him nicely from the steadily falling raindrops. Star Hill was a beautiful and wondrous place to be at especially at night when the stars would fall from the sky and land as sparkling stones, ready to be picked up to make wishes come true. It’s also filled with many fond memories of his and his brother often coming here for stargazing and having wonderful dinner picnics together with Luigi, Peach and Toad. But for now, there would be no stars falling…the rain had now picked up a faster pace, the sound of the rain trickling onto flowering shrubs, grass and rocks. He did choose this place for his moment of solitude…it was nearest to Peach’s castle should he need to return quickly and it always seemed to give him a sense of peace, serenity and happiness. Now with the remnants of adrenaline drained out of his body, all the stress…the anxiety…and the crushing guilt churned painfully in his chest. With a shuddering breath, he stepped out into the downpour falling from above. He slid off his cap, letting it fall to the grassy ground and tilted his head towards the sky.

With the whistling wind, the raindrops pelted harshly against his skin like little pebbles. He released the first of the many tears he held back, falling and mixing with the rain. It was his outlet to release the aches he kept within. There was no one around except the rain and stormy clouds to witness his breakdown or to hear his lonely yells and cries as he collapsed onto his knees. Mario stared blankly up at the sky, shuddering at the chill permeating through his soaked clothes into his body. The dark clouds swirled above him ominously, lightning flashed ferociously and the increasing thuds of thunder didn’t bother him the slightest. The sight matched the turmoil he felt inside…and it made him recall the first time he came to see the rain as his solace…

——

“This isn’t good enough, Mario! I expected you to get an A in one of your core subjects as we discussed! This is pathetic!”

Fifteen year old Mario fought a flinch as Papa slammed his report card on the table. He glanced at the grades he had been given. There were mostly Bs, a few Cs and a consistent A grade in PE but it was better than the many Cs and occasional Ds he had before! Why didn’t their dad see that?!

Luigi was next to him, watching on in trepidation. He could practically feel his brother’s worried stare on him. It’s already bad enough that Papa wasn’t satisfied with his progress at school but after learning that Luigi helped tutor him, it just seemed to make the patriarch angrier. Mama shook her head, her face stern at their father.

“Listen to yourself, Tesoro, can’t you see that Mario tried his best? That’s a huge improvement from his last semester’s report card. And I think it’s wonderful that Luigi is helping him. We should be proud of him, not blindsiding his efforts over this.”

“Amore, the whole point of this is that he failed in his commitment and promise to do better. If he can get an A all the time in PE, I don’t see how he can’t make that same effort in his other subjects. What a disappointment.”

“I did try my best, dad!” Mario exclaimed, his frustration bubbling, “I even cut back on my after school sport clubs sessions so that I could study more! It’s not easy! I just don’t have the smarts like Lu!”

“You’re right…you don’t.”

At this, Mario gasped, his heart felt like it had been pierced. He looked up at their father who stared down at him.

“I find it troubling that you had to ask Luigi’s help in the first place when you should be the one helping him as a good big brother should.”

“He’s a good big brother, dad! He protects me from the bullies and he tries his hardest in his studies everyday. We help each other out! Isn’t this what you and Ma want us to do?”

Mario marvelled at his brother’s declaration and the heartache eased momentarily, “Lu…”

“Not if he’s starting to affect your grades too,” Papa laid down Luigi’s report card. Unlike his, his brother’s report card was filled with many As with a few Bs of which the latter seemed to be a problem for Papa, “Why am I seeing more Bs appearing in your stronger subjects?”

Mario gasped at what he saw and turned to his brother who looked a bit fearful but stood his ground, “Luigi…you…”

“My brother comes first. I can always get extra credit assignments to make up for it, dad. It’s not a big deal-”

“IT IS A BIG DEAL IF YOU BOTH ARE GOING TO HAVE A FUTURE!”

There was worry and rage in Papa’s voice that Mama had to lightly restrain him. At the shout, Luigi whimpered and flew straight into Mario’s arms. The older teen immediately hugged his spooked brother close while Mama looked worried. A tense silence filled the air…until it was broken by a flash of lightning…followed by the crash of thunder…and rain began to fall, hitting the roof of their apartment.

“Tesoro, you’d better stop-”

“It’s already bad enough that you had to pick fights to defend Luigi and nearly getting suspended over them…now you’re starting to be a bad influence on his grades because of him helping you! The way I see it, you are unnecessarily burdening him and if you don’t get your act straight, you’re a failure not as just a student…but also as a brother to Luigi!”

The last remark cut so deep into Mario’s heart that he stopped breathing. A bad brother to Luigi? Is that what Papa truly thought of him? The ache returned a thousand times over that it caused him to shiver and let go of Luigi. His poor little brother looked terrified and looked back and forth between their parents and him. Mama was caught with horror and anger at what transpired while Papa was starting to realise the impact of the harsh cruel words he said by the angry look disappearing from his eyes only to be replaced by guilt and regret.

“Mario…big bro…”

“No…dad’s right…” Mario said softly and stepped back.

This made Luigi gasp at the separation, his blue eyes shimmering with hurt, “That’s not true!”

“I’m a bad influence on you…just…just…I’ll leave and never bother you again!”

“Mario!”

Without a second thought, he turned around and sprinted out of the door and down the stairs straight into the torrential downpour. He ignored his brother’s yell after him and kept on running as fast as his legs carried him. He just needed to get away…he needed space to himself. After some time, he stopped when the burn started to slow his legs down, his heart pounded like a jackhammer and his eyes were hurting from holding his tears back. He found himself in their local park and playground, a place filled with happy memories of their childhood, playing together without a care in the world. But right now, all he felt was anguished pain that needed to be released. Thankfully nobody was about so he screamed as loudly as he could towards the sky, hot tears streaming down his face mixing with the freezing rainwater. He screamed out his frustration at not being acknowledged for his hard work at school…his hurt from what Papa said about him…and his sadness for letting Luigi down…

Collapsing onto knees, Mario wept as he hugged himself in a futile attempt to keep himself together. He deserved this punishment…he’d never be good enough for Papa…Mama would say otherwise and be loving and supportive as always…but Luigi…oh God, Luigi!

“I’m sorry, Lu…I am a horrible brother…I should be the one being there for you…not the other way around…” Mario sobbed as he envisioned Luigi’s hurt expression when he pulled away from him just as he was comforting him, “I’m bringing you down…dad’s right...”

The pain finally receded along with his tears, only to leave a deep gaping hollowness in his being. He sighed in defeat…he really wanted to go home where he felt safe and warm…but he felt like he didn’t deserve to…not after what he said to Luigi…he gripped tighter, his fingers threatening to scratch deep into his skin through the damp fabric of his sleeves. As he did, dark thoughts began to flood his mind…maybe it was true…it would’ve been better if he had just left…if it meant that his brother could have a bright future…the younger teen wouldn’t need to worry about him weighing-

“Mario!”

A worried voice pierced through the rainfall and suddenly Mario saw Luigi running up to him, dressed in his raincoat and wellies and holding up his green umbrella. His flushed face was filled with worry and relief combined. The younger teen knelt before him, holding his umbrella to shield him from the rain.

“Thank God, you’re okay! I was so worried about you!” Luigi cried out as he enveloped his big brother in a fierce one armed hug, “I told dad off and I rushed out as soon as I can and-“

“Lu…you…you…I thought…you hate me…”

He must have sounded so weak and broken because Luigi had stopped his tirade and his face fell upon seeing him when he pulled back.

“No…no! Never! I don’t hate you and I never will!”

He then heard the clatter of Luigi dropping the umbrella and felt two wet yet warm hands cupping his face and a clammy yet solid forehead touching his. Mario gasped and shivered at the loving gesture…it always comforted him and his brother…making his heart so full and aching with love…he reached up to grip onto his arms…

“Lu…”

“I don’t care what Dad said in that moment…he may have been worried for us but he shouldn’t have said those horrible things about you. You NEVER bring me down and I repeat: I don’t and will never hate you. I will say it over and over again to make you believe me. If anything, I strive to be better because of you. You’ve always been so good to me…you’ve helped me and protected me, big brother…so this time…” Luigi leaned in and kissed his damp cheek gently, “Let me help you…you don’t have to strong or brave all the time…just…be you, okay?”

“Lu…Luigi!”

Mario hated himself that he couldn’t say anything more when he kept on parroting his brother’s name before eventually breaking down with such raw sorrow and pain. What was he thinking?! About running away and abandon his little brother who looked up to him and loved him! He’s a terrible person to have these thoughts! He would’ve wrongfully proven to Papa that he was indeed a horrible brother to Luigi!

In his throes of anguish, he wished he could’ve told him how much those sweet, kind words meant to him…told him how he loved his little brother so much…he just…he just couldn’t…but luckily Luigi seemed to understand because he heard gentle hushing coos followed by a whispered “I know…I love you too…” as he moved to hold him in his arms. Mario gripped his brother back tightly, burying his head against the lanky rubber covered chest…and felt fresh hot tears trickling down his cheeks…these tears were filled with relief…catharsis…and happiness…his little brother had come for him…in this weathering storm, Luigi had healed the cracks in his heart and filled the void by being there for him…his strong beautiful light combating the shadowed darkness within him, shielding him with such unbridled kindness and gentle care. His little brother had helped him the best way he could with his own brand of strength…the strength of his huge golden heart that made him feel safe and warm with his own walls down…Luigi didn’t hate him and this made him sigh with heavy welcoming relief.

“You saved me, Lu…” Mario whispered, a smile beginning to blossom in amidst the tears, “…thank you, little brother…”

A gentle kiss was pressed on his wet dark hair. Mario could practically feel the sweet smile behind Luigi’s words, “Mario…I’m here for you…I always will be here, big brother…no matter what…”

——

But Luigi wouldn’t be here this time…his mind flashed to the last image of his poor little brother who looked so pale and motionless in his bed…the little voices in his head mocking him what he had done…

“I’m sorry, Luigi! I’m so sorry!”

He yelled to the dark sky. He just couldn’t stop the sobs wrenched from his aching throat.

“It’s all my fault you ended up hurt! It should’ve been me!”

He wrapped his arms around himself, his fingers gripping hard into upper arms in wanting to inflict more pain in his weakened state…he deserved this punishment…

“I’d d-do it again…I have no regrets…if it m-means that you’re safe…I love you, b-big brother…”

More tears burst forth as he recalled the last words Luigi softly told him before he became silent.

Last words…

The dark rhetorical thoughts started to take over his troubled mind…what if his brother wouldn’t ever recover from the poison even with the antidote? The mere possibility of Luigi…his little brother dying…it tore his heart…he just couldn’t envision his life without Luigi…he was his other half that made his life wonderful and meaningful…if he were to be gone…oh God…no…

“If anything happens to you, I’ll never forgive myself! I’m so sorry…I’m so sorry, Lu…”

Mario bowed his head, now feeling truly alone in the rain…he couldn’t find the strength to get up…his limbs felt too heavy to move as he succumbed to his depression. Thoughts of returning to the castle or to go back home to their cosy little cottage in the Toad village were far gone from his mind…gentle reminders of Peach and Toad looking after Luigi were silenced by his all consuming guilt and self hatred…instead the mocking voices from his self-deprecating thoughts numbed him to the core…all the while…he thought of his brother…a small part of him wished that maybe Luigi could hear his plea for help…

His hand unconsciously reached for the golden dog tags…his little brother’s gift to him when he, Luigi, Peach and Toad had that wonderful surprise dinner picnic to show their love and appreciation for him…he glanced down at the sentences engraved on them…

Nothing can hurt us as long as we’re together

As long as we’re together, we’ll be okay

He didn’t feel strong, brave and heroic as they saw him to be…he wasn’t worthy of their admiration and love for him…and worst of all, he had broken Luigi’s and his sacred creed…it was truly all his fault…

‘Luigi…’

As if echoing his increasing turmoil within, the rain fell harder…but Mario paid no heed…and allowed himself to plunge into the abyss of his depressed psyche…his hand gripping tightly onto the dog tags as he continued silently weeping, his tears mixing with the rainwater like a never ending waterfall…

‘Luigi…’

He felt cold…alone…helpless…weak…

He deserved it all…all this pain and suffering…

It didn’t matter anymore…

‘Luigi…’

As much as he wished for his beloved little brother to come and find him…he felt like he didn’t deserved to be saved this time…

He’d be better off alone…

As it rightfully should be…

To be continued…

[coffeecat1983]

Remember to wear safety gear, Wembles!

iam suporvisign Comstructiom 😊👍🦺

[coffeecat1983]

Please please purty please.

Reblog to give the person you reblogged from the ability to finish their WIPs

[coffeecat1983]

Inspired this piece! Mario-verse: Doctor Mario

It was a pleasant day in the Mushroom Kingdom of the Mario Movie-verse. The red-clad plumber mused on this as he wandered through the city's main streets, surrounded by happy toads as they went about their business. Just as he reached the tea shop, a low rumble and thrumming drew everyone's eyes towards the central plaza that led to the castle.

The sound was coming from the warp pipe that popped up a while back, bringing with it versions of himself and his brother from other universes. Their last visitors, the ones who had brought this revelation, were from a video game universe. Thinking his friends had returned, Mario took off, racing to the plaza.

Reaching the open area, he found a small group of toads gathered around the warp. The mood was anxious and a few turned to him with looks of worry. Hurrying over, he gasped at what he saw. A figure wearing a white coat was sprawled out on the ground, his red tie splayed out from his neck like a ribbon of blood. Nearby lay a head mirror, now shattered. A soft groan and the figure stirred, pushing himself up. Mario found himself staring into his own face, eyes as sharp as his own staring back before looking around curiously. "Strange." the other muttered. "So this is where the pipe led to." The voice was his own but softer, more reserved. Swallowing hard, Mario found his own voice and spoke as he stepped forward. "Are you all right?" he asked, reaching out to help the other up. The other Mario stood, giving a nod. "I believe so, no bones broken." He looked his companion over. "Huh, so you went with plumber." he muttered again. Clearing his throat, he held a gloved hand out. "It's probably obvious but I'm Mario. Doctor Mario." "Heh, just 'Mario' for me. I-" Both turned as a voice called out. "Mario!" Mario broke into a smile as his little brother came running up, gasping and clutching at his knees as he came to a stop. "Hey Lu." "I, I h-heard the warp, wh-who ca-came…" Luigi's voice froze in his throat as he saw the other figure. "Mamma mia." The emotions that flickered through the doctor's eyes were impossible to follow as he looked over Luigi. He didn't speak, instead drawing himself up as Peach approached.

Their new guest agreed to stay for a while, wanting to research the kingdom's medical books to see if anything differed from his own Mushroom Kingdom. Over a few days, he was a guest at the castle just as the video game versions of the Bros had been. But unlike them, he was quiet and withdrawn, almost cold towards others. Sensing something was up, Mario quietly entered the library to talk to his counterpart.

"Hey, um, you doin' okay? Did anybody here upset you?" he asked, spying the doctor looking over a pile of books.

"I'm alright, and nobody's bothered me. Why?" his reply held a hint of exhaustion.

"I mean, you're just different than I pictured. You don't talk much." Mario paused, then took the risk. "And you avoid Lu a lot."

Dr. Mario avoided his gaze. "It, it's not easy seeing him." his voice was low. "Learning that there are others of him out there, I'm glad you don't have the pain I have." "The pain?" Mario questioned as the doctor got up. Dr. Mario looked out over the gardens where Luigi and Peach were talking as they walked amongst the explosion of blooming flowers. "I lost my Luigi, a few years ago." He turned away from the window. "He'd always gotten sick easily when we were growing up, a lot of problems that doctors couldn't pinpoint the cause of. We didn't care," he let out a soft laugh, "not even when he had to be pulled permanently out of school. We were gonna be plumbers together, take over our dad's business. But then he got worse. Ma and dad, they did what they could. We got him stuff to stay home, hospital bed, oxygen, all that. I gave up on our dream of working together and once I graduated high school, I went right for med school. I was determined to find out what was wrong and save him." Mario felt his stomach knot up. "W-What happened?" he managed.

The doctor sat with a heavy sigh. "He died, a week after I started med school." Unable to speak, Mario sat down, eyes wide as he took this in. The Doctor continued. "In my school, there was a rumor about a sealed room in the basement. I got curious and went down there. Found the warp pipe to my Mushroom Kingdom. I'm not a hero there like you are here. I'm just a doctor. I still live in Brooklyn and only visit the castle once in a while. I ended up here because at my hospital, I got bored. Started wondering what the basement plumbing was like, would Luigi and I have worked on it if we ever got that chance." He stood up, unable to stay still as he narrated. "Was wandering around and uncovered a neglected old room with a familiar green pipe. Figured 'why not' and jumped in." Finishing, he gave a half-hearted shrug. "Ended up here." Gathering up the books, he began to put them back. "I've stayed too long, I should probably get back to my world." "…I'm sorry." Mario said softly. Dr. Mario paused in his work but didn't look at him. "I'm sorry you lost your Luigi. I know it's not the same but if you ever want to visit…" The doctor turned around, staring at his feet. For the first time since they had met, he looked vulnerable. "Thanks." his voice was low. "But I don't know if I can take it." He looked up, tears in his eyes. "It hurts." Sniffling, he quickly wiped his eyes. "Do me a favor?" Mario was quiet, allowing him to continue. Dr. Mario looked towards the window then back at him, a pained smile on his face. "Take care of him for me. Do what I couldn't." Mario joined him at the window, both looking out. Mario placed a hand on the doctor's shoulder. "I will."

By "CC"

it's easy to imagine they'd hate each other, but i think they'd be good friends :3

will i ever finish this? probably not. my sketches tend to look better anyway

[coffeecat1983]

OMG this is so cuuuuute!!!

HAPPY NATIONAL HUG A PLUMBER DAY WAAAAAAAAAA

Thanks for hanging out in the art stream, everyone! Go hug a plumber today for meeeee

[coffeecat1983]

I miss these guys, I wish they were still posting.

Twin telepath

If you like what we do, consider supporting us on Patreon :D

[coffeecat1983]

A taste...

A little peek into the world I'm building for my Trans Mario AU.

Our scene is when the Bros are eleven, and the twins are roughly twenty-five (subject to change), I've changed their age difference from my usual storyline. Now then, we join a very nervous Arthur as he enters the apartment kitchen to talk to Marianna...

"I um, oh boy." he breathed. "I got a call from Marie. We ah, we weren't very careful and w-well I um..." He glanced at her, the sheepish grin overshadowed by the fear in his grey-blue eyes. "I'm gonna be a dad." he admitted. He leaned into the table, face in his hands. "God, Gio's gonna kill me!"

"You're damn right I am!"

The angry voice startled both as Giovanni's form loomed in the doorway. His arms were folded as he glared at Arthur. "Papa raised you better. I raised you better!" he snapped. "And now you're telling me this?!" "Gio, I'm gonna do the right thing, I swear-" Arthur stood, trying to be brave. His older brother entered, anger pouring off of him. His voice was dangerously low. "You're going to give that poor girl the option to get rid of it. She doesn't need her life ruined by you!" "I already asked, she wants to keep it and so do-" Cutting him off by holding his hand up, Giovanni continued. "Then you pay child support." By now the noise had drawn Tony and Salvatore up from the restaurant kitchen. Seeing them just beyond Giovanni, Arthur drew himself up, staring right at the eldest brother. "No." In the background, Salvatore gave a nod and Tony pumped his fist in a silent 'yes' at his little brother. Giovanni kept his harsh glare. "What do you mean, 'no'?" "I'm not makin' her raise the kid alone. I'm proposing. Tonight."

So, that's it for now. Would love to know what you all think!

[coffeecat1983]

Sweet babies!!!

Your (third) daily Mario gif.

[coffeecat1983]

So, um.

Look, I like Mario Bros: Stray, and I am working on it bit by bit. But it's not as captivating to me as say, my Trans Mario pieces.

I'm going to expand the Trans Mario story, and I warn it will contain topics including:

gender dysphoria

the challenges of coming out

transitioning

brief mention of abortion

sex and pregnancy outside of marriage

various slurs and family learning to let go of old hate and accept those they love for who they are.

I hope you will stick with me through this new adventure.

[coffeecat1983]

Just wondering.

[coffeecat1983]

A lil treat

[coffeecat1983]

Mario Bros Then and Now (feat Tony and Arthur): Home Sweet Home

Time: Early June 2023. Luigi pushed open the front door with his shoulder, turning once he was inside. He had a medium sized box in his hands labelled 'books'. It had taken a lot of work but the Bros were finally moved in to their own home in the Mushroom Kingdom. Over the course of a few weeks Peach had snuck a small army of toads in to Brooklyn at night to gather the packed items and take them back through the warp.

The last thing to go was the furniture with Giovanni and the twins helping out. Even the beds had been dismantled and transported down to the smallest bolt. Once the Bros broke the news that the house was built, Marianna had gotten into the hall closet and pulling something out, handed it to them at the dining table. "I've been saving this for when you two move. A little piece of home." Luigi teared up and Mario was speechless. It was more of the wallpaper from their bedroom. It had gone up in their new room. The toads worked with love and care to put it in place, and once it was done Giovanni and Arthur got to work putting the beds together. Meanwhile Marianna and Tony helped with kitchen items and the living room. Now the Bros were alone in their new home, and Luigi had just brought in the last box that had been left outside. Setting it down, he heaved a sigh. "Phew, I think this is the last one." he grunted as he stretched and popped his back. "Moving through a warp made moving cross-country look easy, huh big bro?" His brother didn't reply. Leaving the small entryway, Luigi found his older brother standing in the living room, surrounded by boxes. His cap was off and his arms were folded. He looked, Luigi thought, lost. "Mario?" he was gentle as he placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "You okay?"

Mario didn't look at him, instead his gaze remained on all the boxes. "I didn't think it would feel this weird." he finally said. "Bein' in our own place." "You having second thoughts?" Luigi silently admitted to himself that he had been worried about the move. Out of Brooklyn was one thing, but to a new world altogether, well that was terrifying. Mario let out a soft laugh. "Nah, no second thoughts. Just we've always been in that apartment. Now it's a whole house for us. Uncle Art and Tony aren't across the hall, Ma, Dad, Papa Sal, they won't be here when we get up…" "Heh, I see what you mean. It is kinda weird." Clearing his throat, he went over to a box and opening it, took out a video game and held it up. "But h-hey, we can stay up late now playin' games!" he set the game aside and pulled out a movie. "Or watch movies as loud as we want, there's no other houses close by." His attempt to cheer him up worked, he made Mario laugh. "Yeah, you're right, Lu. How about we get your music player set up and start unpackin'? Oh, and Ma wants us back tonight for dinner." Luigi's eyes lit up and digging in his pocket, he pulled out his little music player and turning it on, cranked up the volume.

That evening in Brooklyn, the Bros were surprised to find the whole family gathered for dinner like it was Sunday evening. "What's all this?" Mario asked as they entered to cheers from their relatives. "Hey kid! Gotta celebrate you two gettin' your own place." Arthur said, holding up a wineglass. Marianna slipped behind the Bros as they were taking their seats and leaning in, kissed them both on the cheek. "My boys, so proud of you two!" she beamed. "How's it feel havin' your own place?" Marie spoke next. Mario let out a soft laugh, glancing at Luigi. "It, ah, it feels, well…" he hesitated. "Weird?" Tony volunteered. Mario's shoulders visibly relaxed. "Y-Yeah, that. Just, not being so close to you all is really different." Tony sat back, arms folded. "Sound familiar, Art?" Arthur groaned past his sip of wine. Setting the glass down he shook his head. "God, that first day in the basement felt like the Twilight Zone…"

August 1999.

Tony stepped back, taking in the sight of the freshly made bed. He swallowed hard. Seeing the powder blue of his bedspread all alone without Arthur's yellow and white stripped spread nearby was jarring. "Beds are made." he called as he went to the kitchen. Not getting a reply, he popped his head around the doorway. His twin was in the living room, rubbing his arm as he stood surrounded by boxes. His hair was ruffled, the loose strands hanging down nearly to his eyes. "Hey, lil bro, you in there?" Tony teasingly waved a hand in front of his face and Arthur jerked, coming out of his thoughts. He sputtered and waved his hands, playfully pushing Tony back. "What're you doin', ya idiot?" he said with a laugh. "There you are. You okay? Looked like you were lost." Shuffling past the boxes of movies and comic books, Arthur plopped down on the secondhand couch they had gotten. "I feel lost." he softly admitted. "New place, not having the family with us," he looked at Tony, "seperate rooms." Tony sat beside him, sighing. "Yeah, definitely weird. We've always had people around, and shared a room." Arthur quietly agreed. They couldn't afford one of the upper apartments that would give them a room big enough to share, and with Marianna expecting her babies, they had to take what they could get to give their old room to their nephews. Something that neither resented, but it meant a big change and it was hitting them hard. Tony sat back, looking at the blank walls. "I mean, yeah we got separate rooms but we got the whole place to ourselves." He nudged Arthur and jerked a thumb towards a long, thin box. "And Gio never liked posters on the living room walls…" Arthur broke into a grin as he caught on. When Marianna came down in the elevator to see how the twins were doing, she found them both singing as Arthur hung up movie posters and Tony filled the bookcases with their movies and music. "Hi Ma!" Tony waved before turning down the stereo and going to give her a hug. Her eyes sparkled brightly as she entered and looked around. "Well look at you two! You're gonna turn it into your own place in no time." "You like it?" Tony asked nervously. "I know Gio never liked posters in the living room." Marianna laughed. "Oh he's stubborn! I think you boys are doing a wonderful job. But how about a break and some dinner? Can't have a good sleep in a new place without a full stomach."

"We had a good sleep all right," Arthur finished the story. "Passed out on the couch together watching movies!"

Giovanni shook his head as he folded his arms. "Thankfully you two moved on a weekend and didn't have work the next day." "Gettin' to the point," Tony said, "I know it feels weird but give it time. It'll feel like home pretty quick." After dinner and a movie with the twins, the Bros made the trip back, both stopping outside the house. The little porch light by the door cast a warm and welcoming glow. "You know somethin', Lu?" "Hmm?" Mario smiled at his little brother. "Feels good to be home."

END By "CC"