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LITOP Ch. 54: Rivulets of Steam

The daimyo stirred after the queen mother visited several noble families. The younger nobility whispered among themselves, Luigi’s name persistently floating in their conversations. Those fortunate enough to have permission to enter the fortress eagerly sought a glimpse of him, but their efforts were in vain—Luigi was either by the King's side or spending quiet moments with the Prince.

While curiosity burned fiercely among the youth, the older lords and generals remained tense and silent, too wary of the king’s temper to risk speaking out of turn. No one wished to be the first to draw Bowser’s ire should an unguarded word be taken as an insult. As preparations for the End of Year Festival began, excitement hung heavier in the air than it had in years.

Then everything exploded with the release of a single article.

Published by one of the Darklands’ most prestigious news outlets, rumors of a potential King Consort spread like wildfire. After a decade of silence beside the throne, the prospect of a new royal consort seized the court’s full attention. Yet nothing was certain— King Bowser had issued no formal announcement. What fueled the frenzy was the source of the rumor: the influential Fujiwara family, long known for their close ties to the Royal House. Their credibility was beyond question, and thus, the court held its breath.

Still, no public celebration broke out. Open discussions were muted. Only the families of heartbroken suitors gave voice to their frustrations, demanding confirmation or denial— a response that never came. Bowser’s attention was occupied elsewhere, leaving the court to simmer in its uncertainty.

»--•--«

The sound of weapons clashing rang out across the vast training grounds of the fortress, sharp and rhythmic like a war drum. Luigi grunted with effort as he parried a soldier’s strike, his staff vibrating in his grip from the force of the blow. Dust curled around their feet with every movement—swift, precise, relentless.

When he’d first wandered into the gym, Luigi hadn’t expected to see it so crowded. He definitely hadn’t expected to see Idaten. And he certainly hadn’t expected the general to wave him over with that familiar, devil-may-care grin—the one that really meant I’m not asking.

Luigi had tried to beg off, citing his casual clothes and the fact that he just wanted a light workout. Exploring the fortress, poring over royal relics, and losing himself in the library was rewarding in its own right, but today he’d wanted something more physical—something to shake the dust off. And somehow Idaten knew and assisted him on the matter.

Before the man could blink, he’d been swept into formation, running alongside soldiers and learning the techniques; Idaten hovered a distance from him, ready to interfere in case things went awry. After all, they just dragged the king's beloved into the army's training. Then, after all that grueling exercise, Luigi was handed a staff and nudged into the sparring ring—now surrounded by a circle of curious eyes. Some soldiers looked genuinely intrigued. Others, like they were waiting for him to trip over his own feet.

But he hadn’t. Not yet.

The soldier, clearly not holding back, lunged once more. Luigi yelped and narrowly avoided the attack before swinging his staff to block another hit. The wood cracked loudly against metal, the force vibrating down his arms. He gritted his teeth and shifted his footing, heart pounding, but his stance held firm. Luigi quickly glanced behind him, wary of the ring boundary he found himself in. Holding his staff in front of him, he side-stepped, trying to get some distance.

The human dashed to the center, narrowly parrying the soldier’s swing. The clang echoed sharply, followed by the whisper of shifting feet on the packed dirt. His muscles burned, but adrenaline carried him forward. He couldn’t afford to stop now—not with so many eyes watching, not with the soldier pressing in like a predator testing for weakness.

The staff felt heavy in his hands, but Luigi’s grip didn’t falter. He pivoted, letting the soldier’s momentum pass him by, then jabbed the butt of the staff backward—landing a clean hit to the soldier’s side. Not hard enough to bruise, but enough to draw a grunt of surprise.

Gasps rippled from the watching soldiers. A few of them straightened, clearly re-evaluating the fight.

The soldier growled under his breath and turned, swinging his blade in a fast, upward arc. Luigi ducked instinctively, the edge slicing through the air just inches from his head. He dropped to one knee, braced himself, then spun his staff low in a sweeping arc. The soldier lost his footing, boots skidding in the dirt— and fell back with a thud.

A breath of silence swept through the crowd.

Even though they have fallen, therefore lost, they moved to stand up, but Luigi pressed his foot onto his chest, pushing his shell further into the sand. It wasn’t harsh, but firm—controlled. A final, unmistakable signal that the match was over. The soldier looked up at him, blinking through a mixture of surprise and, begrudgingly, respect. With a sigh, they released their grip on the blade, letting it fall to the ground with a soft clatter.

The crowd erupted in cheers and roars of triumph. Luigi let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and removed his foot, heart caught in his throat. He extended his hand to the soldier on the ground and hoisted him up; the other muttered a thanks then skulked off. Luigi panted then lifted his shirt off, collapsing on the ground. He flopped onto the warm sand, the gymnasium's heat beat down on his back, his muscles thrumming with adrenaline and fatigue. The coarse grains stuck to his skin, clinging to the sweat slicking his arms and chest, but he didn’t care. For a long moment, he just lay there, eyes closed, letting the cheers fade into a distant hum.

“I think I’m dying," he wheezed and cracked his eyes open.

He vaguely recognized a couple of the faces that surrounded him. Luigi recognized Idaten's smugly proud expression, their shoulders shaking slightly with barely contained amusement. The Hammer Sisters loomed over him, surprise and respect written all over their faces. Kai knelt beside him, “You did do several drills with us—”

“On a whim, might I add,” her twin commented.

The human only groaned in response. Areas where he got hit during hand-to-hand combat throbbed; his legs screamed in agony from running. In the most informal way of putting it, evey part of him hurt like a bitch. The soldiers chuckled, while Idaten offered him a water flask. Luigi shot up into a seating position and accepted it gratefully, chugging the cool liquid as if it were a life-saving elixir.

“The fact that he somewhat kept up is impressive though,” they signed.

A chorus of agreement broke through. Luigi weakly smiled and (with some help from the others) stood up. He looked around the area and noticed a few Draconic Koopas milling about; something that was very new and somewhat jarring. Then again, some noble members were starting to pour into the fortress in preparation for the End of Year Festival; however, Luigi had been under the impression that nobles weren’t allowed in the living quarters of the fortress. They stood at a distance, analyzing him and averting their gaze when he caught them staring.

The nobles seemed quite interested in him, whispering amongst themselves and analyzing him when he wasn't looking. Luigi was getting the impression his existence was starting to spread; even when he was spenidng time with Bowser, the King seemed… guarded, weary of his surroundings. Luigi would not be surprised if he was a bit worried, considering Clawdia was stirring up his court; obviously, in his favor, but it was still pretty nerve-wracking seeing royal politics actually playing out before him.

Idaten noticed his expression and looked in their direction. They positioned themselves facing Luigi, effectively covering him. "You did very well," they said. "Your strength and technique needs some work, but the agility and stamina's there."

Luigi threw up his hands in exasperation. “Remind me again why I had to do this?” he asked, deliberately over-enunciating every word.

Idaten smirked, arms crossed as their eyes flicked toward a small cluster of retreating nobles. It wasn’t overt, but it was enough. Luigi followed their gaze, then sighed as the pieces fell into place. Of course. This wasn’t just training—it was a performance. A message as clear as sunlight through stained glass: he wasn’t weak. He wasn’t just some decoration hanging off Bowser’s arm. He could fight. He was willing to stand beside the army, not just the king—and that mattered. Even if the invitation had been abrupt and his performance far from perfect… it was still something.

“Ah,” Luigi muttered, rubbing at the side of his neck. “I get it. Just wish it didn’t hurt so much. Not even Peach’s training was this intense…”

A rough but affectionate clap on his shoulder jolted him out of his thoughts. Jean grinned, slinging an arm around him as she waved her hand casually toward the fortress.“Eh, you’ll live,” she said, voice light and teasing. “Nothing a long soak at the onsen won’t fix.”

The idea did sound appealing. Luigi has thought about visiting the famous onsen but had changed his mind at the last minute; the concept of bathhouses frightened him. The possibility of stares and question shrouded the meant-to-be relaxing in discomfort. But part of him wanted to give it a chance; maybe he could find a secluded area or go at a time when it was essentially empty. Luigi shifted uncomfortably at the thought but nodded faintly. "Maybe," he muttered, glancing at Jean.

She gave him a sly grin, clearly pleased she’d planted the seed in his mind. "Good!" Jean said, giving him another hearty pat on the back. "You deserve it, Luigi. You've been through the wringer lately. But don’t overthink it. Trust me, once you're in that hot water, you'll wonder why you didn’t go sooner."

Luigi chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. He couldn’t argue with her logic; furthermore, that was pretty much the only area in the fortress he hasn’t seen yet. Slightly more lenient of the idea, Luigi looked up. “You know what? I’d like to give it a try.”

The twins turned to the general, silently asking for permission to escort Luigi to his room and guide him to the onsen; it was probably a good idea for him to have a security detail, especially with all the attention he was starting to garner. Idaten nodded their head before unfurling their wings and returning their attention to the rest of the army. With permission granted, Kai helped Luigi to his feet and the trio headed for the exit.

When they crossed the door, Luigi noticed the young titled Koopas talking amongst themselves. He walked with his back straight, sparing them only a look; one that lasted long enough to see their gestures as they spoke. Their conversation seemed to be analyzing him, judging from the curious expressions; one noble gestured to their chest, moving a claw along it. Strange… Why would they—

Oh.

Luigi realized he had not put his shirt back on. Honestly, he had forgotten how easily he took it off; they must be talking about his mastectomy scars. A brief moment of panic spread through him, but then he looked again and made eye contact with them; there wasn't judgement, more admiration and interest. Luigi squeezed it slightly, wondering if he should put it back on despite him being covered in sweat and sand, then he decided not to. He did not have to.

Besides, if spending so much time in the Darklands had taught him anything, it was this: scars were not hidden here. They were not whispered about, not pitied or avoided. They were a mark of endurance, of battles fought and survived—no matter the nature of the fight.

And Luigi? He had fought plenty.

He rolled his shoulders back and lifted his chin just slightly, not in arrogance but in quiet affirmation. Luigi trudged through the corridors with the twins flanking him on either side, their chatter filling the air. He was still sore, every step a reminder of the grueling training session he’d endured. But despite the ache, there was a flicker of excitement at the thought of doing something outside his comfort zone.

They made their way through the castle’s winding corridors, Jean spoke animatedly about the royal bathhouse—detailing everything from the layout of its pools to the strict etiquette expected within. Luigi did his best to keep pace, each step a quiet negotiation with his aching legs, but he listened with genuine interest, even managing the occasional nod. Kai interjected now and then, offering dry commentary and occasional corrections, her tone far more measured than her sister’s.

As they rounded a final corner, Luigi spotted the large double doors to his room. Relief washed over him like cool water. He couldn't wait to get all this grime off him. Jean was still mid-sentence, enthusiastically describing the cold plunge tubs, when Kai cut in, her voice casual.

“—Reminds me of the time I caught that thief trying to swipe my shell polish.”

Jean immediately turned, scandalized. “You shoved them into the pool!”

“They tried to steal my shell polish,” Kai said, completely unrepentant, arms crossing over her chest.

“Yes, but still—”

“It was very expensive,” Kai added firmly, with a pointed look.

Luigi chuckled under his breath, reaching for the door handle. “Remind me not to borrow anything without asking.”

Jean grinned, her eyes twinkling. “Please do. We could use more stories like that in the barracks.”

Luigi quietly slipped away into his room, quickly gathering a fresh change of clothes before rejoining the bickering twins. Watching them reminded him of his own arguments with Mario—warm, familiar, and always over something trivial. He couldn't wait to see Mario again; Bowser would most likely set out to Muda after the festival.

The group made their way toward the bathhouse. Luigi quickly noticed the path they took wasn’t the same as before. For a moment, he considered asking why, but decided against it. They knew the castle far better than he did—this was probably just a shortcut.

After several minutes of weaving through quieter, more ornate halls, they stopped in front of a tall, guarded door. The Bully standing watch loomed over them, its naturally furrowed gaze lingering on each of them before settling squarely on Luigi. With a few heavy, thunderous steps, it shifted aside—not with a word, but with clear purpose. Only he was meant to pass.

“This is as far as we can go,” Jean said with a small, knowing smile.

Luigi raised an eyebrow. “Why? I thought these were the—” His voice trailed off as he glanced at the door again.

“They’re not the communal baths,” Kai clarified. “This is the Royal onsen. Only the King and those close to him are allowed inside.”

So his discomfort hadn’t gone unnoticed. The twins gave him a pair of quick grins before slipping away, urgency in their steps. Their absence from training likely wouldn’t go unremarked, but they had brought him here anyway. The thought filled him with a quiet warmth. Luigi gave a small, grateful nod to the retreating Hammer Sisters, then turned to face the door. With a steady breath, he stepped forward and pushed it open.

A wave of warm humidity immediately wrapped around him, thick and soothing. The faint sound of running water echoed through the vast, domed chamber. He stepped inside, boots clicking against smooth, polished stone. His eyes widened in awe. Thousands of gems—amethysts, rubies, and golden citrines—glittered across the ceiling like stars trapped in volcanic glass. Steam curled gently through the air, drifting lazily around carved pillars and decorative lanterns.

At the heart of the chamber, the bath itself awaited: a grand, serene pool carved directly from volcanic rock. The water shimmered with a faint golden hue, its surface occasionally rippling with heat. It glowed from beneath, undoubtedly warmed by the magma that pulsed through the heart of Bowser’s castle. Luigi exhaled slowly, a mix of tension and wonder leaving his body with the breath. He had never seen anything like it. And for once, it was all his.

They hadn’t been exaggerating about the onsen’s extravagance.

The space was a marvel—wide and serene, with several different pools arranged in quiet alcoves, each offering a range of temperatures. Cubby holes were neatly carved into the obsidian walls, each housing glass bottles filled with oils, soaps, and salts, all carefully arranged and labeled in an elegant script Luigi couldn't read but admired nonetheless.

Two things, however, stood out the most.

To his left, partially sunken into the stone floor, was a large pit filled with fine ash. Curious, Luigi stepped closer, recalling something Bowser had mentioned once in passing—how Koopas used ash to help with scale shedding. The memory tugged a small laugh from him. It reminded him of chinchillas taking dust baths. The mental image of Bowser—huge, intimidating, all claws and fangs—rolling around in a pile of ash like an oversized reptilian fluffball was so absurdly endearing that Luigi had to cover his mouth to stifle another giggle.

The second thing that caught his eye was farther off, behind an open stone archway. A gentle lavafall poured lazily down a smooth rock face, its glow casting flickering orange patterns on the walls. It flowed in steady silence, mesmerizing in its lethargic pace. Luigi could only guess it was the source of the pools' natural heat—an elegant system rooted in the castle’s volcanic foundation.

After finishing his inspection, Luigi walked a slow circle around the largest of the steaming pools, savoring the warmth that radiated from the water. Eventually, he made his way to the nearby shower area, tucked behind a privacy screen of hanging stones and draped silk.

He folded the new garments neatly into an empty cubby then peeled off his training clothes and stepped beneath the polished spout. Hot water cascaded over him in a steady stream, washing away the grime, the dried sweat, and the lingering ache of the day. He scrubbed at his skin with gentle hands, letting the soap lather under his fingers, the scent of volcanic herbs filling the air around him.

For the first time since training ended, Luigi let himself relax. Truly, deeply relax.

This wasn’t just luxury—it was a kindness. And he was beginning to understand that he didn’t need to feel guilty for accepting it. Once that was done, Luigi stepped out of the shower area and cautiously lowered himself into the warm pool. The heat seeped into his limbs like a balm, wrapping him in a comfort so complete it almost made him melt. Luigi leaned back against the smooth edge of the pool, the volcanic rock surprisingly gentle beneath his skin.

It was so peaceful in here… No wonder the area was confined Royal Family had their own bathhouse. After a long day of attending meetings and reading through mountains of decrees, he would definitely come straight here. The twins were right; he really needed this. Part of him wished he had brought a book with him, maybe his phone to play some music. Eh, he will remember that next time.

Luigi gathered water in his hands and splashed his faced, pushing back his hair. He should probably get a haircut soon; while he liked long hair, he liked the look more on Bowser than himself. Furthermore, he would need to look his best for the festival. His attendants would be more than thrilled to do it; he still can't believe he has attendants. It was nice, albeit was still taking some time to get used to.

A loud bubbling sound startled him. Luigi looked around for the source, confused. Where— The sound played again, pulling his eyes to the lavafall. Something big emerged from it, the molten subtance clung to it before surface tension lost its hold. Lava gave way to scales. Clawed hands wiped off any residue, revealing a handsome familiar face.

The molten cascade hissed as the figure stepped through, steam billowing where lava met the cooler air of the bathhouse. The glowing orange light behind him framed his broad silhouette like a halo of fire. Slowly, confidently, Bowser emerged—his scales gleaming beneath the fading trails of lava that dripped from his horns and shoulders. The magma slid down his frame in rivulets before vanishing into the steaming floor with soft sizzles.

Luigi stared with a blooming blush as Bowser wrung molten rock from his hair, huffing smoke. Then he raised his hands and yawned, every muscle tightening and flexing. Blue eyes fervently drank in every detail. Luigi has seen the king shell-less many times, but he was either in a bed covered in blankets or had pants on. Now? The King was as bare as the day he hatched; naked just like Luigi was in this moment.

Wait.

Before he could stop himself, a small gasp escaped his lips. Bowser jumped at the sound and looked around, quickly catching sight of the lone human in the bathing pool. Luigi averted his gaze and shyly waved, fighting the flutter beneath his navel. "H-hi."

Bowser froze for a split second, his eyes wide in surprise—clearly, he hadn’t realized anyone else was in the bath. Then his expression softened, the tension in his massive shoulders loosening as he gave a sheepish smile, sharp teeth barely peeking out from under his lip. “Hey,” he said, his voice deeper and rougher than usual, still echoing faintly with the heat of the lava he’d just stepped through. “Didn't hear you come in!"

The Koopa King walked across the pool's side and down the entrance stairs, wading into the waters. The human internally screamed, fiddling with his hands underneath the surface. God, his mind was a mush of nonsense interrupted by the ocassional lascivious thought. Bowser lazily glided through the pool and setttled right next to Luigi, stretching his arms across the ledge. "I haven't seen you here before," he said.

Luigi gulped at the close proximity, watching steam emanating from Bowser's body. Then he realized he was staring and that he had been spoken to. "O-oh! It's my first time here," he stammered.

Bowser raised an eyebrow. "Really? You've been here a couple of months and just now decided to give the onsen a try?"

His tone was playful, a smile in his eyes. Luigi laughed quietly and did his best to relax; which was challenging, to put it mildly, with the way Bowser's gaze lingered on him. He couldn't blame his interest since the human was not being exactly discreet in his eyeballing of his boyfriend. And the king was not making matters easier by sitting so close to him. Luigi sank slightly into the water. "Eh, I'm not used to communal baths like these," he replied.

The King shifted, splashing water on himself. "Do they not have these on Earth?"

"Most likely," Luigi said with a shrug. "But I didn't grow up in places that had them."

Bowser glanced at him up and down. "I'm not making you uncomfortable, am I?"

"What, no! I'm fine."

The draconian Koopa tilted his head slightly, giving Luigi a look that was equal parts amused and skeptical, but didn't say anything further. He raised his hand and carefully ran his claw through the human's wet curls. The king’s touch was unexpectedly tender, reverent even, as if he was trying to memorize the texture of each strand. Luigi chortled and playfully moved away; the king continued his ministrations, eventually pulling the human close.

Luigi leaned into him, letting his body relax fully against Bowser’s chest, the warmth of the water now rivaled only by the steady heat radiating from the Koopa King himself. The shift from playful teasing to quiet intimacy was subtle, but unmistakable. Bowser’s large hand rested low on Luigi’s back, claws tucked in, thumb tracing slow, absent circles against his damp skin. He was… rather surprised at how accustomed he got to this situation.

Then again, Boowser was quite casual about this, having been raised in this tradition; plus, nudity had to mean something else to Koopas, considering they only wore shells and—one certain occasions—clothes. His casualness was probably what was keeping Luigi from spiraling. Even if it was just for a bit. A small bit of discomfort and panic still clung to him, being so vulnerable like this. But they faded almost immediately under the steady rhythm of Bowser’s breathing, the gentle thrum of his heart echoing faintly beneath scales and muscle.

The moment stretched on for a comforable while, interrupted by the occasional string of conversation. Luigi told him about his spontaneous joining in the army's training; Bowser laughed at the general's antics and lamented not being there. It would have certainly given the nobility something to talk about. Luigi was quite appreciating this.

They have had time to bond during lunch and dinner dates or stolen moments in between meetings, but the possibility of interruption whether unwanted (a decree needed reviewing or advisors needed to inform Bowser) or necessary (such as taking care of Junior) loomed over them. But here… It was just them. And the tenderness of that slowly eroded the anxiety Luigi felt… And if Bower wanted to ask things about himself— after all, his boyfriend was human— he could, by all means, ask. And one of the many things his partner has steadily done was be supportive.

The warmth, both physical and emotional, made him drowsy and he was almost falling deeply asleep before Bowser suddenly shifted, a sound of discomfort escaping his maw. Luigi jumped, "You okay?" he asked.

The Koopa rolled his shoulders against the ledge. "Sorry," he whispered. "I'm shedding my scales… Getting my back isn't easy."

"Would you… Like me to scrub your back?"

The question left his lips more quickly than he had intended. And it seemed to be the same with Bowser, for his response was an instant "yes, please!" followed by him bolting upright. Luigi blinked at him, slightly taken aback. The King's face reddened, "Wait… I mean— I'd like that…" he murmured.

Luigi's blush returned. "I'm sorry, does that mean something?"

"It just feels nice," Bowser replied. "And it feels even nicer if, say, someone I love, is doing it."

Luigi swallowed thickly, heart tripping over itself like a startled Toad. Someone I love. The words echoed in his chest, warm and resonant, like a secret being offered up in the quietest, most vulnerable of ways.

“O-oh,” Luigi breathed, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Well… in that case, I’d be happy to.”

Bowser looked over his shoulder, his expression somewhere between hopeful and bashful, which was a rare and oddly endearing sight for someone like him. It made him treasure the sight more. The human separated himself from him and headed for the stairs, hesitating for a moment to gather courage before stepping out of the pool. Those red eyes latched onto him instantly, and it took Luigi a lot not to cheekily look over his shoulder. He would probably collapse if he did.

Feeling every one of his movements watched was one of the most unnerving yet exhilirating moments of his life. Luigi swallowed thickly again and headed to the cubbies holding the supplies; he pushed his damp hair away before grabbing one of the wash cloths. It was porous, like sand paper; which made sense since it would need to remove old scales. Before he dared turn around, a loud noise startled him.

It sounded like a rumbling purr, a noise Luigi was familiar with, but it was folowed by a deep, echoing clicks. That was one noise he has never heard Bowser do. The scandalous side of him felt pride in the fact he elicited such a new reaction from him. Luigi bit his lip, then braved looking over his shoulder; only for the other to quickly look away, but not quick enough for him to miss the blush he had.

Luigi ambled toward him, sitting cross-legged behind him. He hesitated only a moment before pressing his palms to Bowser’s back, rubbing in slow, steady circles. The texture of his scales—tough in some places, oddly smooth in others—was strangely satisfying beneath his fingers. the Koopa boomingly expressed his gratitude with a few of those deep clicks and purrs before trying to hide them with a clear of his throat. "T-thanks," he stammered.

Luigi chuckled softly. "That's new," he said.

Bowser glanced over his shoulder, causing the human to jolt. After all, he had nowhere to hide. Just a thin layer of steam to cower behind. The water rippled, most likely from Bowser's tail wagging. "Could say the same about you," he replied.

The man raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

"These," he raised a hand and barely skimmed them against his chest, goosebumps developing instantly. "I've never seen scars like that."

Something about his expression must have startled him, for he moved away quickly. An apologetic look instantly appeared in his eyes, "I'm sorry. Did I say something insensitive?"

The brunette quickly raised his hands. "N-no, you're fine!"

"Are you sure?"

God, that attentiveness made him melt. Luigi gave him a soft smile before beckoning him to return to his original spot. Bowser hesitated but obliged. The human dipped the cloth into the water and continued his work, tracing a hand on the still very visible scar that went diagonally across the Koopa's back; this was going to be somewhat challenging. Not that he thinks his partner would ever judge him; it was just a matter of how he explained this, for he was unsure if individuals like himself existed in this world. But, this is a conversation he felt needed to be had; especially since Bowser was beginning to show intimate interest in him. And it was something that made Luigi, well… Luigi.

He took a deep breath before beginning. "I wasn't born a man."

Lay it out plainly.

Give him time to process.

Bowser tensed beneath his hands. The silence that followed was heavy—not uncomfortable, but charged. He didn’t move right away. Luigi could feel the subtle shift of his muscles beneath his palms, the way his breath caught and held, like he was sorting through a storm of thoughts without knowing where to begin.

Luigi didn’t rush him. He kept the cloth moving slowly in wide, gentle circles, grounding both of them in the rhythm. His own heart was thudding loud enough to feel in his throat, but he forced himself to stay steady. He’d said it. That mattered. After a moment, Bowser let out a slow exhale, like steam releasing from a vent. His voice was quieter than usual when he finally spoke. "I… I'm unsure of what that means," he said.

He nodded, expecting that response. Luigi had rehearsed this moment a dozen times in his head, knowing full well that clarity would be more important than any poetic explanation. He folded the cloth in half, not because it needed folding, but because it gave his hands something to do—something familiar. “It means I wasn’t assigned male at birth,” he said softly. “I was assigned female, but I didn't agree with that. It didn't feel like me."

Bowser was quiet again, but this time his muscles didn’t feel as tense—just still, like he was focusing all his energy on listening. Eventually, he turned his head slightly, not quite meeting Luigi’s eyes but giving him a profile. "And those scars—"

"These are from my transitioning," Luigi replied. "I had a few surgeries to make me more masculine. I also take medicine to keep me that way."

At that, the King turned around to fully face him. His face was scrunched up in concentration. "Did it hurt?" he asked.

Luigi ran a hand through his wet hair. "Oh, no. Well, afterward yeah," he said. "I had to wear this binder to make sure everything healed right. But they put me to sleep for the actual surgeries. No pain and no memory of it happening; anesthesia's funny that way."

"They also took your memories?!"

"Nope, just my mammaries."

He wheezed then laughed, his voiced echoed through the onsen. Bowser narrowed his eyes, then splashed him. Luigi yelped, flinching as warm water hit him like a tidal wave. “Hey!” he cried, trying—and failing—to keep a straight face. Bowser’s grin was toothy and triumphant. “That’s what you get for making weird jokes while I’m having an emotional moment!”

Luigi flicked water back at him in retaliation, playful now. “I'm sorry! You just looked so concerned, I wanted to lighten up the mood!"

The Koopa snorted smoke at him, still watching him, but now with something fond tucked behind the mischief. It made his nervousness disappear. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Takes one to know one,” Luigi said, scooting closer again and picking up the washcloth he’d abandoned earlier. “But, seriously… thank you. For not freaking out. For just… being here.”

He raised the cloth to brush away the last of the falling scales; however, Bowser took it from his hand and placed it on the pool's side. He sighed, focusing his eyes on him. "I like you. I’m not gonna run away because you have a different history than I expected.” He paused, his gaze drifting away, then back to him again with thoughtful intensity. “You tell me what you want me to know. What you need. I’ll learn. I’ll ask questions. Just… bare with me, this is new territory for me."

"I understand," Luigi said. "Do… People like me not exist here?"

The king hummed. "I imagine so. There's people like Idaten, who don't identify as any gender; I don't see why individuals like you wouldn't exist. I just haven't ever met or personally knew one."

The dragon gently pulled him back into the pool, setting him in the position they were in earlier. The water lapped gently around them, steam curling upward into the fading light. For a while, neither of them said anything—there was no need to. Then Bowser leaned into him, "Do you need anything? Do you have that medicine you need?"

"Now I know I'm stressing you out," the human snickered.

"That's not it at all! I just want you to be comfortable and healthy."

To drive his point, he rubbed his head against Luigi's face, causing the man to laugh. Luigi kissed his cheek, "I'm doing fine. I used red mushrooms to keep me stable," he replied. "Then, when I met E. Gadd, I asked him to make it for me."

His response seemed to reassure him. and the conversation smoothly concluded. Luigi felt beyond alleviated, seeing his other half's concern and support. Even if it woul dbe a bit confusing at times, his willlingness to understand spoke volumes. Bowser let out a long, contented sigh, the tension that had once coiled in his shoulders finally melting away. His arm stayed wrapped around Luigi, holding him close—not like he was fragile, but like he was something precious.

He wished he could stay like this forever.

But, Luigi was certainly pushing how long he can be in this hot and humid space. With a sigh, he untangled himself from Bowser and moved away. "Sorry, amore, but I have to go."

"What, why?"

"It's very hot in here," the human replied.

"Thank you," Bowser said with a smirk. "I do my best to look this good."

A spray of water was the response he received. Luigi rolled his eyes, trying not to laugh, and headed for the stairs. Bowwser groaned in disappointment, beckoning him to stay, but he refused. This was enough doting on for one day. He shook his head, the corners of his mouth twitching upward despite himself. “You’re impossible,” he called over his shoulder, climbing the slick stone steps one careful step at a time.

“And you’re leaving me,” Bowser huffed, dramatically reclining back into the water like a wounded prince. “In my time of need.”

Luigi glanced back with a grin. “You’ll survive. Probably.”

“I’ll wither without you.”

“You can literally soak in lava. You'll be fine.”

“But not emotionally, Luigi.”

He laughed then, a full, bright sound that bounced off the cavern walls. Steam rose around him as he toweled off, wrapping himself in one of the provided towels“You’re lucky you’re cute,” he said, wringing the water from his hair and grabbing his clothes.

Bowser smirked from his place in the water, arms spread across the ledge like a king upon his throne. “I’m lucky for a lot of things.”

Luigi met his gaze for a long moment, then softened. “I’ll see for dinner?"

"You don't even have to ask~"

With a final wink, Luigi turned and walked into the shower area to dress; Stars know his heart couldn't handle those leering eyes for much longer. As he got dressed, he heard water moving, following by bubbling. Luigi finished putting his shirt on then looked at the pool; guess the King wants to soak for a little longer.

Satisfied, Luigi ran a hand through his damp hair and gave himself one last look in the mirror—slightly flushed from the heat, but lighter, calmer. He smiled to himself. Maybe things were strange, maybe a little chaotic, but they were good. Very good.

#bowser #luigi #bowuigi #super mario bros #gay love #fanfiction #fic writing #love in the oddest places #relationship #feelings

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creativesnek · 8 months ago

Text

An Unlikely Romance

A boisterous energy filled the pristine penthouse. Partygoers crowded the dance floor, whooping and cheering; others stood or sat by the sidelines, sipping on drinks and talking. Mario walked around the party, occasionally greeting some friends and joining in banter. Amidst the flashing lights and pulsing music, he spotted the host of this year's Halloween costume party; Felix stood in the center of a small crowd, talking excitedly about something. Mario smiled, then walked toward him, slightly giggling at his friend’s costume.

He was wearing a white shirt with red overalls, yellow gloves, and a polka dot bow tie. On top of the entire get-up, a pair of rabbit ears were on his head. Mario waved his hand around, “Yo, Felix!”

Felix’s face lit up when he spotted Mario approaching. “Mario!” he called, extending his arms theatrically. “How’s it going? What do you think?” He struck a silly pose, tipping an imaginary hat in Mario’s direction.

Mario chuckled, taking in Felix’s outlandish costume. “You look… colorful, to say the least,” he teased. “I’m guessing you’re, uh, some kind of magician? Or maybe a… rabbit clown?”

Felix grinned and gave a mock bow. “Close, my friend! I’m Roger Rabbit!” he replied. “What’d you do this year? A werewolf?”

Mario nodded, gesturing to his false fangs and wolf ears as well as the tattered clothes. To be honest, it was all last minute since he almost forgot it was a costume party; this was what was left from the costume store. Felix burst out laughing, patting Mario on the back. “Well, you pulled it off! Honestly, the whole post-transformation werewolf looks works. It's got a charm of its own, don’t you think?”

Mario laughed sheepishly, scratching at the fake fur collar. “Glad it passes for charm instead of… lazy,” he admitted. “Wait, if you’re Roger, where’s Jessica?”

“Tammy went to get a drink. And yes, she’s wearing the Jessica costume. It took some convincing but she decided to join us for Halloween this time.”

Mario threw his head back in laughter. Imagining the Sergeant Calhoun in a glittery red dress and makeup was hilarious; he wouldn’t believe it until he saw it. Whatever bargain Felix proposed had to be good, because the military woman would have never agreed to it if it wasn’t. They shared another laugh before spotting Tammy making her way back to them, balancing two drinks with surprising grace given the glittering red dress, high heels, and the dramatic makeup. Mario nearly choked on his laughter as he saw her approach, looking every bit the Jessica Rabbit character but with an intensity that only Calhoun could pull off.

“Alright, alright,” Tammy said, handing Felix a drink and raising an eyebrow. “Get it out of your system now, because I’m only doing this once.”

While Mario leaned on his knees in wheezing laughter, Felix looked up at his wife lovingly and complimented her outfit; the comment slightly erased the scowl on her face. She wrapped an arm around FelIx, “All right, furball. That’s enough,” she said. “Where’s the other one? I assume you’re doing a twin costume thing?’

Mario wiped his eyes. “Oh, not this year. He’s going to do a couple costumes with his girlfriend.”

The couple turned to him in shock. Mario himself had been somewhat surprised; not surprised that someone saw his brother’s greatness. More surprised at the person who noticed him. She was uh… something all right. Mario couldn’t shake off the sense that she didn’t like him very much. Felix raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Tammy before looking back at Mario. “Wait, wait—Luigi has a girlfriend?” he asked, genuinely surprised but clearly delighted. “When did this happen? And who’s the lucky lady?”

Mario chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, it’s a recent thing. She’s, uh… well, let’s just say she’s not what you’d expect. A bit intense, yeah. She’s got this… strong personality.”

Tammy’s curiosity was piqued, her scowl replaced with interest. “Define intense. Like, does she like, I don’t know, setting stuff on fire for fun?” she joked, nudging Felix.

Mario laughed, though part of him wondered if that wasn’t too far from the truth. “Well, she’s um… It’s hard to explain. You’ll see when she gets here.”

The sound of chalk sliding across a surface echoed through a candlelit room. The sound of chalk sliding across a surface echoed through a candlelit room, each stroke steady and deliberate. Shadows danced on the stone walls, cast by the flickering flames, revealing Luigi’s face. He studied a neary book before continuing to write the symbols on a circle, humming slightly to himself. Luigi dropped the chalk then stepped back, allowing the magic of the summoning circle to take hold.

As Luigi stepped back, he watched with wide-eyed fascination as the symbols he’d carefully drawn began to pulse with a faint, eerie glow. His humming trailed off, replaced by a mix of anticipation and nervous excitement. The symbols shimmered brighter, and tendrils of light started to rise from the chalk lines, spiraling up and swirling around the circle. A faint hum filled the air, resonating with an otherworldly energy. It smelled like ash and brimstone.

For a moment, nothing happened, and he felt a pang of doubt. Maybe he’d drawn the symbols wrong, or maybe he’d mispronounced a word in the chant. But before he could second-guess himself any further, a figure began to materialize within the circle. Swirling mist coalesced into a solid form, revealing the outline of a towering, familiar shape—spikes on the back, horns atop the head, a powerful frame. Then it shifted and undulated, reaching a more humanoid form.

The light faded. Luigi quickly stood and raised the light intensity slightly. A muscular woman with flaming red hair sat within the circle, sharp horns glistened on her head. Green scales dusted her shoulders and collarbone. She drowsily rubbed her eyes; Luigi smiled, “Welcome to Earth, belleza!”

A sharp-toothed smile creeped into Bowsette’s plump lips. “Anything to see you and take a little vacation away from the Darklands.”

She lifted his chin up with a sharp claw, causing the human to blush. Luigi took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I-I hope the Great Demon Queen will be pleased with tonight’s plan?”

“Hmm… A night where humans dress up and try to scare each other? Color me intrigued, considering you humans tend to be so skittish.”

She playfully tapped his nose before standing up. Luigi rushed to a nearby closet and retrieved a purple gown. Given Bowsette’s current form, hiding her horns and dragon tail would be rather easy; after all, anyone would assume that it was part of a costume. It was super unlikely that anyone would assume that the woman dressed as a Demon Queen was actually a Demon Queen. Plus, Luigi loves her horns and tail; they have an otherworldly charm that should not be hidden.

Bowsette put on the gown and snapped her fingers; spiked bracelets appeared on her biceps. And to complete her look, she wore black boots; the heel looked like a golden maw full of sharp teeth. Luigi grabbed a nearby crown and set it on her head, nestled perfectly between her horns. She smiled then gestured to his costume, “What exactly are you supposed to be? It’s not particularly frightening,” she said.

Luigi was wearing an all-black bodysuit with a green bandana. He wore a black mask across his face, making his usually blue eyes look white; a green cap with a black, inverse L covered his brown curls. Luigi gave her a playful grin, adjusting the green bandana around his neck. “I’m… your mysterious shadow, lurking in the night!” He struck a stealthy pose, though his bright smile betrayed the attempt at looking ominous. “Or, well, maybe just your mischievous counterpart.”

Bowsette raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. “Mischievous, huh? Well, Shadow Luigi, I hope you can keep up.” She adjusted her crown and flexed her arms, showing off the spiked bracelets. “I don’t have time to babysit a sneaky sidekick.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Luigi replied, adopting a confident tone. “I would never do anything to slow my dark queen down.”

Bowsette snorted smoke, an unmistakable blush on her face. “Enough of that. Let’s go, we’re already late for the party.”

When Mario said Luigi’s partner was intense, no one in the party expected a nearly seven feet tall goth woman. Felix and Tammy were shocked Luigi would pair with someone with such an ominous air or dark sense of style. As Bowsette entered the room, the chatter of the party hushed for a moment, all eyes turning to the striking woman beside Luigi. Her tall, commanding presence, dressed in a gown that looked like it had been spun from shadows, demanded attention. Felix’s jaw dropped slightly, his eyes widening as he took in Luigi’s partner. He nudged Tammy, who was equally wide-eyed, muttering, “I thought Mario was kidding when he said intense…”

Tammy whispered back, “I mean, he wasn’t wrong. I feel like we’re looking at the queen of the underworld or something.” She glanced at Luigi, who was standing by Bowsette’s side, looking uncharacteristically confident as he waved to his friends with a relaxed grin.

They had to admit—he looked perfectly at ease, as if he’d finally found someone who matched him in spirit, if not in appearance. Mario approached them, chuckling at his friends’ reactions. “Not what you expected, huh?” he teased. “That’s Bowsette. She’s new in town.”

Bowsette glanced around, picking up on the whispers and awestruck expressions. She smirked, leaning down to murmur in Luigi’s ear, “Quite the impression we’re making, wouldn’t you say?”

Luigi looked up at her, his cheeks a bit pink but his smile genuine. “Yeah… they’re probably shocked by just… everything about you.”

Bowsette shook her head, placing a clawed hand on his shoulder. “More like they’re in shock that you, of all people, somehow managed to bring someone like me here. ” she said with a wink. “Their loss. Maybe if they hadn’t wasted time, they would have seen your excellence before a certain demoness swept you off your feet.”

Luigi’s confidence grew at her words, and he laced his fingers with hers. He looked around the room and noticed his brother with his friends. The couple headed toward them; a smile on his face, but a forced grin on Bowsette. She’s still very wary of his brother. But, that’s nothing a little time won’t fix.

After slightly tense introductions, they joined everyone else in the party. Mario did his best to remain in the queen’s good graces (with a small level of success) and had fun. Luigi stayed closely by his beloved’s side. Partly because he was just happy to see, but also she would help seamlessly cover up the true story of this unlikely romance. Together, they all continued enjoying the night, laughter and conversation filling the room, with Luigi and Bowsette at the center of it all, feeling more at home than ever.

#bowuigi #bowsette #luigi #mario #bowuigi halloween event 2024 #ignore this is late shhh #romance #human x monster #oneshot #bowsette inspired by @tench-art #fix it felix #writers on tumblr

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