#whoa i have an art tag now

[annie-thyme]

and once again I am suddenly overwhelmed with an intense feeling of not really fitting into a gender

[lilypucks]

late to drawtober/any art challenge this year but i found the cutest drawing prompt and decided to hop on for the rest of the month :3 here are some of the prompts i missed and decided to do for funsies! going forward the rest will probably be traditional might post them here too if this gets enough interest

[rheakira]

CURSE OF PIXELIZATION!

Mwuahaha, you are now the THIRD artist for whom I have pixelized a design! Welcome to the "Artists who've gotten a fan UT Soul design that gets tons of attention from the creator and/or fans get pixeled" club.

Also here's where I got all my colors from, in case she needs updating

Now, I hope you know that I will be making her other movement animations as well, she will be able to move anywhere and cook for anyone. Hopefully there aren't many jars nearby, otherwise she might start hyperventilating (I am going off of @squidpedia(sorry for the tag, I don't know if they actually work through asks)'s headcanon that Robin got some PTSD from being in the Soul Jar for too long when she and Clover got asked about what they enjoy most about being alive again)

WHOA ROBIN SPRITE?!?!?!?

Thank you so much for making this?? You didn't have to and I'm extremely flattered that you would???

I think the Soul Jar bit you're referring to came from my own ask blog for Clover and Robin perhaps, but I'm glad it left an impact LOL

Thank you so much!! I'm happy with any other arts you make and extremely flattered!! 😭💖💕

[badhabitnun]

Hi, Green!!! I noticed in your bio you said you're a post-hiatus phannie and I'm curious, what got you to start watching them? Do you remember your first impressions?

(Sorry if this has been asked before! I hope you're having a wonderful day and also just wanted to add I lovedddd your phasquerade art, it's hilarious and adorable 💚)

-Ser :)

hi ser!! this is actually my first ask on this blog, so i was really excited to see something in my inbox 🥹 and thank you!! posting art is SCARY but everyone is being so nice… thank you so much for organizing the phasquerade!!!

i am incredibly sorry for the Length of what is to come now. my feelings aren’t easy to sum up + i doth yap

the main reason i started watching them is probably the dapg revival itself, since my friends started watching their new videos together in our server, and i got curious and asked to tag along. before then though i’d also heard of dnp from them, and as a long-time (12 years) tumblr user i have felt their influence without realizing they were the source? i now know where the whiskers and “protip” come from…

before starting to watch dnp myself i remember seeing my friends react to the phouse reveal (i remember i was like “huh wait at their age that might actually be gay”), basically i’m gay, why i quit youtube, and dan and phil tell the truth (i didn’t know what a girl in prague was and i WAS afraid to ask). those made me curious! but not curious enough to sit through the videos themselves. i felt really bad for dan from all that though! he really sounded like he suffered more than jesus from the contents of both BIG and WIQYT 😭 i remember feeling parasocially protective of him. this is all to say my impressions weren’t COMPLETELY fresh when i started watching and especially for dan i already had one

now back to late 2023! i’d made some really massive changes in my life, like actual leap of faith, the course of my life has been altered kinda massive, so youtube become a comfort space for me. enter these two nerds! the first impression i had of both of them together kind of related to where i was in life at the moment: the realization that you can just live with a fellow nerd who loves you and you don’t have to follow the path the adult world expects from you. seeing them act silly and embrace everything they love and be so carefree and happy to be themselves, sharing a domestic life that doesn’t follow what heteronormative society demands… i know this is all obvious to so many people, but i really needed it at the time.

they became a reminder that i could have this life, that i have something to look forward to and my life isn’t over or doomed to be what society wants it yo be. their chemistry is something very pure and very real and especially now that they’re both open about their sexualities you can really feel how connected they are and how much fun they have together. it just makes me so happy to see two people adore each other so much after all these years!! god!!!

as i’ve said before i knew about dan from his yearly videos in the hiatus era, but i knew almost nothing about phil! the first thing that stood out to me was his accent, since i am very bad at recognizing accents BUT i watch plumbella so i was like whoa is he northern!! and that was kind of an instant comfort factor.

phil is an underrated comfort video genius like seriously... i was facing the horrors of being stuck at home for christmas with a thousand thoughts on my mind and his silly videos were like a nice patch of sunshine. i absolutely agree with dan on phil’s kind energy; he is like those nice people who come talk to you and actually try to make you laugh and feel more at ease if they notice you’re feeling shy. he kept me a LOT of company and i genuinely owe him for that. i can also tell he’s incredibly smart and creative even though his videos now are more casual; he definitely does a lot behind the scenes and he’s an excellent storyteller. i’ve later come to learn that he has also repressed a lot of things for the sake of his audience and probably dan as well, he really has a good heart. also, he resonates a lot with the autistic experience, and regardless of the reason that does make me feel happy and seen

as for dan. well! once i actually started watching his videos firsthand, dan felt like looking at a mirror, which has Impacted Me psychologically. a lot. BUT let’s get the silly stuff out of the way first i immediately understood why my friend has a crush on him 😭😭😭 like i get it!!! i can never bully them for having a crush again because i fucking get it he’s hot he knows it he carries it well! fuck!

but more than that… he immediately made me reflect on myself. i can’t get into my impressions on dan from dapg without saying first that i have had a similar journey with depression and homophobia and repressing everything and he forced me to face that i still have a lot of work to do. i didn’t realize that just knowing i’m queer and acting on it doesn’t automatically mean that i accept myself being queer. that is something that only BIG and hearing dan talk about queerness and mental health made me realize. so right after the omg funny hot nun, i had to kind of reconsider my whole life for a bit… and i’m still in the process of doing that…

more than anything, i think what i’ve felt and keep feeling watching both his older and newer videos is “god i’m so glad he’s out” and “god i’m so glad he can make art”. i just feel so proud of him, so happy he can experience life as himself, so happy that he can laugh and joke about being gay so freely, so happy he can make the art he wants and feel accepted, and so happy that he can proudly smile at his audience now, after i first heard of him as someone who was isolated and scared. again, i projected on him a lot, and i knew about his struggles beforehand, so my impressions are mostly sentimental 😭

all in all they’ve helped me immensely and made my life so much better, both as themselves with their comment and through the community they created over the years. i’ve been a lurker for the past couple of months and what made me come forward and make my own blog is the way their kindness and acceptance extends to their audience and vice versa :)

hopefully that answers your questions and i hope this wasn’t too much oversharing!! i feel like my current place in life influences how i see them and relate to them, and they also influenced me a lot and that contributes to how i perceive them, and so on. putting all these thoughts into words in one place and realizing things about myself bit by bit was really interesting; hopefully the formatting won’t kill those who try to read it. i’m sorry. i wrote this in my notes app 🫡

[bulbabutt]

god i just went through my own art tag since like... ever doing the turtles thing on here and i just find it so funny that every thing ive done has essentially started as "this will be funny i hope people laugh" and then it slowly grows more emotional depth and then i end up PUNCHING u in the gut w feels IVE LITERALLY DONE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES.......

haha what if rise leo got out funnied by 87 raph WOMP HES CRYING IN OTHER LEOS ARMS NOW

haha what if rise donnie tries to kill 87 donnie WOMP NEITHER OF THEM GET ENOUGH PRAISE AND BOND OVER IT

haha what if the 03 turtles watch star trek WOMP GET WORM GENDER EUPHORIA FUCKHEADS

which isnt me trying to toot my own horn or anything, i just really have appreciated the encouragement over the past uh. year and a half? that everyone has given me? like theres been ups and downs, but i gained a lot of confidence and felt like trying new things and being more creative. so many of the silly things ive enjoyed doing to make you laugh have turned into very genuine moments of joy and tears. like i genuinely have appreciated everybody who's ever looked at my work and said something nice idk WHAT i would be doing without that. like idk where else i would ever have felt comfortable enough to turn something like "what if the turtles watched star trek" into "mikey comes out as genderfluid" without people being so fucking nice and willing to hear me out and let me be sincere.

i always feel like i havent actually done that much art, but then i look back and im like whoa. wait thats actually a lot. and comics? strips and otherwise? ive never done that before! it just happened cuz people started being kind about my ideas and now ive gotten so much better! ive mentioned this before, but like i hadnt done art in....years. we're talkin 5 year gap at least. not for lack of trying. but honestly i often feel very dejected about my abilities and compare my work to others often. feel too old to be as amateur as i am. but genuinely, its meant a lot to just spread joy about something i like regardless of how good or bad i ever think i am at it. truly theres just a level of sincere kindness to things i create now that idk if i ever would have found without how nice and open people are.

bleh, idk where that all came from i guess just wanna say like ay im proud of me and im proud of you, lets all keep being kind to each other it makes us better ❤️

[reccyls]

Sengoku Cat Cafe (Kasugayama edition)

This is a translation of the bonus cat POV (!!!) stories that are from the castle gacha I got the above image from. There are 3 stories:

3rd party (starring Funiko ≽^•⩊•^≼, a cute little black kitten)

Kasugayama (starring Joururi /ᐠﹷ ‸ ﹷ ᐟ\ﾉ, a classy calico lady)

Azuchi (starring Kabutomaru /ᐠ ˃ ⤙ ˂ マ Ⳋ, a tough and proud tuxedo boy)

Kasugayama story

(This is the most popular tea shop in Kasugayama.) (My name is Joururi. And it's time to get to work today!) (The rest of you, to your stations. It's time to open up shop.)

Kenshin: There really are cats here.

Kanetsugu: It seems to get quite crowded in the afternoon, so coming here early was the right choice.

Yoshimoto: The cats here all have such lovely coats. They must be very well-cared for.

Sasuke: Mai was right when she said that this must be the origin of cat cafes. Sasuke: It must be very calming to be around all those cats.

Yukimura: There's so many cats here, how do you tell them apart...

Shingen: Let's enjoy this shop that our goddess recommended to us, shall we?

(These are the guests of honor from a while ago!)

Joururi: Meow, meow.

Yukimura: This one looks friendly.

(Their clothes are fine, they're handsome, and they look rich. Perfect!)

Joururi: Meow, meow... meow?

(Don't just stand there, do come in.)

Kenshin & Kanetsugu: This is...

Yoshimoto & Shingen: ...quite...

Sasuke & Yukimura: ...amazing.

(Aren't I? I'm quite the beauty, after all!) (Now, in you get.)

Shingen: Are you the store greeter? What a lovely lady you are.

(Hmph, don't think of me as a mere greeter.)

Yukimura: Well, she does have a pretty cute face.

(Just my face? Excuse me?)

Yoshimoto: Isn't her fur just lovely too? Come here...

(Ooh, this one has the right petting technique!) (I'll rank him number one, but don't worry, I'm sure the rest of you are nice enough.)

Sasuke: She looks very friendly with you already, Yoshimoto. She's already cuddling.

Yoshimoto: Hmm... "Joururi"? Look, her name is printed on this tag. Yoshimoto: The owner of this store must truly love the arts. You've been given a very beautiful name, Joururi.

(Note: Joururi 浄瑠璃 is a type of traditional musical theater)

Joururi: Meow~

Kenshin: I wasn't aware that cats could look so proud.

Sasuke: A beautiful man and a beautiful cat... I'm sure there are artists who would kill to paint this.

Yoshimoto: You try petting her too, Sasuke. Here.

(Glasses? ...Hm, men with glasses aren't to my taste. Hya!)

Sasuke: ! She batted my glasses off my face... Joururi, do you not like me?

(...Ooh! Very nice!)

Yukimura: First she hits Sasuke's glasses, now she's purring at him. What's with the sudden change in attitude?

Kanetsugu: Perhaps she hates glasses?

(This one isn't bad either. Very nice eyes, very sharp... very passionate...) (I'll be borrowing your lap now!)

Kanetsugu: Hey! Don't just jump like that, it's dangerous...

(Put down your tea on the table now. Pet me instead.)

Joururi: Nyaaa...

(He smells nice. I'll definitely make him mine.) (There isn't a man alive who could resist my charms- Eh? Wha!?)

Other cats: Meow~ Meow~~~

Yukimura: Whoa, all of them are swarming here.

Sasuke: They're all surrounding Kanetsugu.

Shingen: What a wicked man you are, Kanetsugu. What's your secret for capturing the hearts of so many fair ladies?

Kanetsugu: ...I think I know what this is about.

Kenshin: So what is it?

Kanetsugu: I think they smell Raizou on me. I was handling him earlier today.

(...Now that you mention it, he does smell kind of mouse-ish. So that's what it was.) (But! His face is still excellent!)

Joururi: Meow meow meow!

Shingen: Kanetsugu, pass her to me.

(Hey, wait!)

Shingen: Come on now, don't act like that. Being held like this isn't so bad, is it?

(Ah... Big hands... wide chest...) (...This man is dangerous. He's oozing with sex appeal.)

Kanetsugu: She seems to be enjoying it.

Shingen: Would you spare me some of your attention, pretty lady?

(Oho, I see that you've fallen for my charms and you're now head over heels for me.)

Yukimura: She's gone completely limp.

(Hmm. Pass on that one.)

Yukimura: Hey, Joururi.

(Speaking so casually to me? How impudent.)

Yukimura: What do you think of this?

Joururi: Mya!? Meow meow!!

Yukimura: It's pretty rough, but I think it turned out okay. It's a handmade cat toy.

Joururi: Meow...! ...Meow!!

(*panting*... You've got some nerve trying to bribe me.) (But... well, you are right. It's not half bad.)

Kenshin: And she's now licking her paw.

Sasuke: I suppose she wants to groom herself after running around after the toy.

Kenshin: Joururi.

Joururi: ! ...Meow?

Kenshin: Come here.

(W-what is this? There's something about his voice that's just irresistible...) (There's something about this man that just draws you in.)

Sasuke: She's purring quite loudly.

Kanetsugu: It's an honor for you to be petted by Lord Kenshin, Joururi.

(I don't know about 'honor', but it does feel very nice... I could get used to this.)

Other cats: Meow~ Meow~~

Kenshin: They've gathered.

Sasuke: So not even cats are immune to Lord Kenshin's charisma.

Kenshin: Mai would enjoy herself if she were here surrounded by all these cats.

(Don't pay attention to any of them, just keep petting me~)

Shopkeeper: Welcome, sirs. If you'd like to feed the cats, we have some food prepared here.

Kanetsugu: We'll take some. I suppose we just have to pass them out?

Shopkeeper: Yes, sir, of course... This little one is adorable, isn't she? Shopkeeper: She was originally a stray, but I couldn't help myself after seeing how cute she was, so I adopted her. Shopkeeper: And now I couldn't ask for a better partner.

(Well, I am the face of this store, after all.)

Sasuke: That's quite a smug look you have there, Joururi.

Yukimura: You like it when we give you compliments, don't you?

Yoshimoto: She is very beautiful indeed. There's much to compliment about her.

Kanetsugu: It's a good thing we were able to preview this place, Lord Kenshin.

Kenshin: It is.

Shingen: You'll probably be getting another guest very soon, Joururi. Do be nice to her, okay?

(I don't know who they're talking about... but well, it looks like they're all completely hopelessly bound by my charms.)

Joururi: Meow!

Yoshimoto: You'll let me pet you a little longer, won't you, Joururi?

Sasuke: I'll take off my glasses, so let me pet you too.

(Surrounded by handsome men and complimented all day... Ah, life is great.)

[artsy-n-smartsy]

Whoa, first post! :0

Why am I so nervous HEHHEE

So uh, hi! I'm Tori or Artsy, whichever you wanna call me :D I'm a young adult with a love for art and a complicated affair with writing. And right now, I also have a very big liking for the one and only Team Fortress 2. So you can expect a LOT of that from me ówo Plus some other stuff I like.

I have a DeviantArt if anyone wants to watch me there, or see more of my art. I only plan on uploading fanart here, so if you'd like to see more stuff of mine, you can take a look!

Important Info to Read Through (if you so please)

•I am in my early 20s. I aim to keep my profile as SFW as possible, though some violence or suggestive stuff may come through (bit inevitable with TF2 heh). I'll do my best to tag stuff as needed.

•I tend to block whoever makes me uncomfortable. Usually it's for the sake of my own well-being, so don't take it too personally. I don't have much of a DNI aside from the obvious.. just don't be any flavor of "jerkwad" or "creep" (take those as you will), and we'll be OK.

•DON'T REPOST MY ART! If you would like to use a fanart of mine in a fancam or something, please ask permission first! And if I approve...show me, please?? I would feel so honored... QwQ

•I keyboard spam and use emotes a lot. HHEHUEJHEHJHJDJNDNDNJD >W>;;;;

I will edit and add more to this post as needed! If you want some more info about me, check my DA profile. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

(blinkies made by me! using blinkies cafe :3)

[shade-pup-cub]

I was going to post this tomorrow, but I saw @kikker-oma (hope you don't mind that I tagged you) Day 5: Pin Cushion and I got too excited to not post this. I hadn't seen anyone on Tumblr put "A Link to the Past" and LU together, so yes I couldn't wait! GO LOOK AT THEIR ART! It is always 🤌🤌🤌

This is from Chapter 16: "A Deity's Son"

Content Warning: Slight blood and death

Notes: FD = Dametrius and he has promised Sky in the previous chapter that he would gather all the others as each Link passed, so no hero would die alone.

It had been two more years since Sky’s passing. Each era held their own ceremony in remembrance of him. It hurt, but it was part of life and they honored him by keeping his name alive.

Dametrius did not think he would have to go through another similar situation, but there he was, helping Freya with an apple pie when it happened. He was thankful that he was the one holding the knife and Freya was working the dough. Shadow appeared out of nowhere, startling the two in the kitchen. Dametrius cursed under his breath before saying, “Shadow, how the hell did you get here?”

“Long story, but I remembered the promise you made to Sky all those years ago and-” He choked on his emotions, red eyes brimming with large tears. “-It’s Li-Four. I tried to help him, to save him, but the magic was too strong.”

Shadow sagged, nearly collapsing. “Hey, whoa, sit down first.”

“I’m his shadow. He dies, I die. But he’s split right now and each part of him is in a different room in the temple. He has been corrupted by that place for an unknown amount of year, decades, maybe even centuries.”

Dametrius knelt in front of Shadow as he sat. "How did this happen and where is he?"

"He wanted to return the Four Swords to the temple, hoping that it would turn him back into one mind, one body. It did the opposite and I tried everything to keep the dark magic out of him. There is another hero in the temple and each color of Four is a boss he has to beat. We don't have much time…" Shadow was getting weak, signs of Four dying. "I didn't get a chance to see who it was."

Freya kissed her husband, then Shadow's cheek, shooing them away. They left in a rush.

Dametrius snagged each hero from their era with no issues outside of making them jump eras too quickly. Three of them (Twi, Wind and Hyrule) were sick.

"What exactly are we walking into?" Wars asked, hand on the hilt of his sword that laid on his back.

"You won't need that." Shadow assured. He stumbled and crashed to his knees. "N-no…Link…"

There were running footsteps, making the others duck behind a few pillars to not be seen. Dametrius looked over and caught a glimpse of Legend. He was curled in on himself, white as a sheet. Dametrius kicked himself for not remembering-

The footsteps were now joined by a sniffling sound. A young hero emerged from the Temple of the Four Swords, sword covered in blood. This hero was no older than eleven and it all came crashing down from there once he was out of sight. Everyone nearly stopped breathing, then they all looked at Legend, who was on his hands and knees, ready to vomit.

Legend was the hero that just…

"You bastard!! You knew!!" Shadow went to attack the Vet. "You knew you were the one that killed him this whole time and you didn't say anything! I hate you! I hate you Legend!!"

Before Shadow could get his hands on Legend, Time grabbed a hold of him. "We need to get to Four, everything else can wait." Legend flinched at the words. They weren't meant to be rude or suggest anything, but it didn't change how the hero tensed up.

They hurried through the temple, all doors and gates were wide open, not an enemy in sight. In the last room was the pedestal holding the sword Four always carried. Laying next to it was Four, hardly moving.

Shadow got to him first, placing Four's upper body in his lap. "Four, Link, can you hear me?"

The small hero was holding a stab wound right below his chest. "Shadow? I-I'm sorry. I thought it would work."

"Hey, it's okay. We're okay. Look who's here now."

Four's eyes slowly looked to the heroes. A bloody smile was given. "You all made it."

"Of course we did, we had a promise to keep." Wind grabbed the hand Four stuck out to him, clasping it tightly.

Dametrius watched carefully as Four found Legend in the group. "Legend?" Legend looked up, already having tears slip from his red eyes. "It's okay, this wasn't your fault."

"How can y-you say that Four? I just murdered you, for what, a quest? You should hate me like Shadow does."

"But I don't hate you, I never could. You set me free from my stupid mistake."

"I thought…" Legend started to break. "I thought that somehow our quest would have changed your future, changing my past. I wanted to tell you, so many times I was going to.”

Four reached for the Vet, “Unfortunately that’s not how time works and you telling me would have changed things in a way that may have made things worse for you. Maybe you wouldn't have ever lived past here.” Four with all the strength he had left, yanked Legend down and embraced him. “It’s not your fault, none of this is or was.”

Legend’s shoulders shook with his cries.

A bird chirped, capturing their attention. A Cardinal. “Guy’s look.” Hyrule pointed to the bird as it flew down next to Four and Shadow.

It chirped again, landed on Four’s chest, then nudged his chin. “S-Sky?” The bright red bird opened its wings and gave a flap. “You look good as a bird.” That caused the others to chuckle.

When he started coughing, fluid filling his lungs, Four asked for a request. “Bury me some place warmed by the sun, please. I don’t want to rest here forever.” They all nodded and wiped the tears and snot from their faces. “We will all be together again some day. Until then, go do something stupid and live a little.”

Shadow laughed around a sob. “They are heroes, of course they are going to do something stupid.”

Four intertwined his fingers with Shadow’s. “You r-read-dy?”

“Yeah… yeah I’m ready if you are.” He moved the blond strands out of the other's face.

“I am.”

Shadow laid on his side next to him, Four partly propped up against him, both holding each other close. These two were inseparable, even in death. And death didn’t wait long. Four choked and coughed, blood coating his mouth and falling out of it as his eyes drifted closed. His body, along with Shadow’s, ceased all movement.

Legend was the first to openly grieve, bringing his knees to his chest, rocking back and forth. Hyrule wrapped his arms around him, followed by Wind and Wars.

In the midst of their grieving, laughter bubbled up, but not from the living. Two figures, not fully translucid though not fully formed, stood above the dead. Four, green tunic and cap, was hugging Shadow. They looked to be around fourteen, maybe fifteen. The heroes watched as the Cardinal, Sky, trilled at the two spirits. Without a word spoken the two shrugged, took each other's hands and raced after the bird with laughter still erupting from them.

“Why didn’t we see Sky’s soul?” Wild asked, looking at his father.

“Knowing Sky, he probably went straight to Sun’s side up in the clouds.”

“Love bird.” Twilight rubbed his face dry.

Legend, Wind, Hyrule and Wild cleaned Four and Shadow’s body as best as they could, while Dametrius, Time, Twi and Wars found the place for them to rest. They found a spot on top of a hill, where the sun would always be touching it. The four… the men dug a single grave six feet deep, three feet wide, five feet long. It was more narrow than it probably should have been and longer than needed. The number that matched the hero was avoided as much as they could.

The others emerged from the temple, Wild carrying Shadow as Legend carried Four. Time and Twi dropped back into the hole so the forever loved and missed hero and his best friend could be laid in the ground. They were laid with their arms hooked, heads tilted towards each other and a blanket that Wild had in his slate placed over them. Everyone stood at a different section of dirt and pushed it back in the hole to officially say goodbye to their smallest brother.

Before departing from that era for the last time, Time looked at Dametrius with sorrow filled eyes. He knew, they both knew.

“I’m next.”

[faith--in-the-future]

your tags here…yk this is something i’ve been thinking about as well, how louis’ songs often seem to be like they’re written from female perspective and i’ve always found it really interesting also louis talked about something similar as well…it’s probably down to him being around women all his life but also it truly does seem like some of his songs at least are written about a guy and add to it the fact some his songs having queer themes as well…makes you think huh ✍🏻

also i found it really interesting as well when this reactor said that she never was able to connect to male artist before louis because she’s “female identifying person” (9:47-10:10) and i was like…whoa

I'm too much of a girl 😭😭 oh baby louis u were so sweet and innocent shsh

but yeah totally! and I care to make the distinction here that when I say sometimes his lyrics feel like they're written by a woman I mean that bc generally and stereotypically we're used to hearing this kind of feelings/perspective from women, in particular women writing about men, not bc there's an inherent "womanly" or "mainly" way to write, obviously there aren't and probably in the future the 2 will mix more thanks to more musicians like louis but yeah if u look at the popular songs we've always listened to its much more common to find the themes of not being loved enough, begging for someone's love, saying that for long everything u did was for the other person, losing yourself in a toxic relationship, only becoming who you are now after that person left you (ex: "the day you left me was just my beginning" etc) have usually been brought on by women more than by men. also the way he talks about the flaws of the other person (they don't want to share their feelings with him, they try to act like they never feel any pain, they get lost in their pride and become ugly and unkind) are usually things we associate more with men + he differs from most straight male musicians bc he never sexualizes women in any part of his art

obviously nothing is for certain and I'm not trying to prove anything, the only thing that this proves is that louis is a very interesting and innovative songwriter that doesn't follow the usual stereotypes assigned to his gender and I'm sure that's also why he's able to connect with so many women (also could be one of the reasons why he's not taken very seriously in the indie Boys scenes ?? too soft? idk)

also from the post u linked I saw this

baby louis predicted the soft boy era... he was always ahead of his time 😌

[cookies-over-yonder]

Sorry to crawl in here but dude. Loaded up your fics bc I've been meaning to read some and wow. WOW. I'VE NEVER BEEN SO HORRIFICALLY SAD AND THEN GIDDY SO FAST?? absolutely in love with I Just Want You For My Own + i don't know how to say this, 'cause you're really my dearest friend, but Accommodate and Masked Weakling also had me punching the wall /pos /lh

How's it feel to write peak? /lh

I'M????

HI DAJOSAJAKADNSF. I THINK I SAW YOU COMMENT ON ONE OF MY FICS TOO AND AJSLAKSKQKSKADKS. HI.HI . fun fact i actually really admire you and your art so i am extremely flustered right now HXUCUDOFIUUVOCV

LITERALLY DON'T EVEN APOLOGIZE FOR CRAWLING INTO MY INBOX I LOVE WHWN PEOPLE TALK TO ME ESPWCIALLY ABOUT MY FICS...

literally i dont know how to say this cuz ur rlly my dearest friend is like. still one of my faves of all time its the fic that kinda made everyone notice me jn th fandom JAJAHAHAJSBAHAHABAGA AND RHE FIC THAT CONVERTED MORE PEOPLE TO SWIFTLI WOOHOOOO. also for the xmas fic YEAH. I LOVE. MAKING TAYLOR CATCH ON FIRE FROM INTENSE EMOTIONS HDKDLAKLAJSAJSHAJS!!!!!!!

accommodate was very much extrwmely self indulgent as myself who is disabled cuz i think taylor deserves help with things !!!!!! and idk i just like. nonsexual intimacy like helping people put on clothes and such

masked weakling was also because i. i love taylor and erica. it's my secret rarepair....

also. i have like. 52 dndads fics now??? on ao3??? and i've also taken up nearly half of the swiftli tag on ao3 as a whole . whoa .

ANYWAYS UM THANK YOU SO MUCH ????

YOU HTINK I WRITE PEAK ?$)02938933!)1)1$;_0&03!&)$0&0#)#9#0')$+9:9:9$)'

[rockingrobin69]

Wip Wip hooray

Do you remember the snippet of angst  I shared a while back? Well, what if I told you I dived so deep in this world I now have 17k of it? Or: here’s a bit of the project I’m Currently Investing My Life In, that I absolutely have to share or else go spare. TW for depression and self-esteem issues. Enjoy! 

It started with Ron’s idea for a thesis, and the fact they didn’t actually know a lot of people who used to be part of a white supremist cult and then left, and that Malfoy still lived in the country. In town, actually, in this crap of a flat above a chippy. Apparently the owner let him rent it for half price if he worked weekends. Apparently he did. And when Ron came back, two hours late with this strange frown, all he said was, “Whoa, mate.” And Harry decided that maybe he did sort of want to tag along after all.

Malfoy was different. Not only because he looked older, or because he sat on the floor with his legs crossed, or because of the piercings and the choker, or because he let his hair grow, wild and frizzy at his shoulders. Something… Harry didn’t know. Something hungry and a little loud about the way he kept his head down. The way he rambled one hundred miles a minute outside the interviews, the strange jokes he made and the way his eyes rounded, big and grey and startling. It was weird. He was weird. But he answered every single one of Ron’s questions, even the ones Ron hadn’t planned on asking. Even the ones that hung in the air. Even the one that made him go scary, that made him run to the loo with a hand over his mouth. He came back, half a weird smile on his face, and answered it too.

And Harry found the in-betweens interesting. Found himself asking Malfoy what he did the rest of the week (“butcher Italian art in the café across the street, you should come, it’d be horrible”); who was he still in contact with (“Pans, and Greg, and—no, that’s it, I don’t, ah, really, ah”); where did he get that tan (“a friend of a pal from work went bungee jumping so I begged them to take me? Never regretted anything more, apart from—well”). Found himself wanting to know. And the flat always smelled like chips, and Harry was perpetually hungry, and sooner than later he found himself going on his own, without Ron and the questions drilling into Harry’s scalp, festering in his brain.

Ron said Malfoy had actually volunteered. That he didn’t have to seek him out, Malfoy approached him through the university. It made sense, in a way, with this Malfoy. The Malfoy who couldn’t shut up for the life of him, who was constantly moving and buzzing and clicking. Would be annoying, but—Harry’s brain had been kind of quiet recently, and everyone around him seemed happy enough, or at least settled, and this heaped spoonful of Malfoy was a nice change of pace. With work, boring and safe and strangely continuous, with nights at Ron and Hermione’s or babysitting a quiet Ted twice a week, with always forgetting what kind of oat milk he liked and buying the wrong mustard. With life being, well, it. Nonstop and a bit bland. Malfoy was different, Malfoy was weird, and Harry liked it.

And there was the way he laughed. Loud, deranged, a little charming, and deranged. Like he didn’t know how to laugh. The crease between his eyebrows, like he wasn’t sure he was doing it right, the bubbling, like he didn’t care. It was a nice sort of laugh. Harry kept going.

He went sofa-searching with Malfoy when his old one gave out. Said he’d help him paint a chest of drawers Malfoy found on the street, begged him to chuck it when it proved half-eaten, roared with laughter when he tried, pink-cheeked, tongue between his teeth, to make it stand on three uneven legs. It wasn’t even funny, no idea why he was laughing. Only that there were tears in his eyes, and no breath left in his chest, and that Malfoy was radiant with something warm and weird and a little off.

“What?” he cried, flopping down on the rug. “Stop laughing, Potter! Honestly!”

But Harry couldn’t, waving his arms in big, apologetic flails. “Just throw the damn thing! You’re impossible.”

Malfoy smiled, that crooked line, small and weirdly alight. “No chance. There’s some potential there, I know it. I can almost, almost see it. Don’t you think it would look wonderful right there?” pointing at an empty space on the opposite wall. Most of the flat was empty. Harry didn’t mind it so much anymore.

“I think the weevils claimed it first. Sorry.”

“Oh, no. We don’t have weevils. Potter, say we don’t have weevils.”

“What? Why?” the urgency in his voice made something stick in Harry’s throat, thick and jagged. Then an oomph as Malfoy fell on top of him, covering Harry’s mouth with a hand.

“Quick! Say it! Words are magic, we can’t take the risk! You have to say we don’t have weevils, you have to say it, say it, now,” but he was laughing like a maniac, and covering Harry’s mouth anyway, so Harry couldn’t say anything, do anything but laugh too, trying to push him off. Maybe not trying too hard. “Come on, Potter, say it, why aren’t you saying it, sayyy it—”

He finally managed a shove, and Malfoy rolled to the floor, hysterical. Harry wiped his cheeks, couldn’t get this foolish grin off his face.

“You’re barking,” he whispered, and it came out appreciative. “Malfoy? Still alive?” only emitting these tiny noises, choked-off giggles, eyes closed behind a shaky hand. “Hey, you okay?”

“Wonderful,” he murmured, then swallowed. Sat up, looked around himself. Loud and a bit hollow. “Are you getting hungry? Bet you I could charm Mr. Picket for two sausage suppers.”

Harry sank against the sofa, this strange feeling in his belly. Content and fuzzy. Saturated or full of static or something.

“Yeah, I could do with some food. I can pay, though. Let me pay.”

“No need. Just sit back and watch a true master at work.” With a wink, Malfoy got up, and this sudden panic in Harry’s chest alarmed him silent. He realised he didn’t want to see Malfoy leave.

What a weird fucking thought to have.

*

It got weirder, but mostly in nice ways. Harry was spending more time in Malfoy’s crap flat than his own, was drawing little flowers on the edge of his papers again, was laughing a lot. Teddy saw it, the two days a week they spent together. Looked up at him with that big-big smile as if in imitation. He didn’t talk much, but Harry got it, and then they got ice cream.

Work was still work, but now he had Malfoy sending him the weirdest texts throughout the day, and it made everything seem a little less bland. Even if the office was so quiet, sometimes it felt like he’s working for his laptop alone. Even if Harry fantasised about doing something else, something nice, something more… free. When it got a little much, or when his friends all seemed too settled, when he felt like a failure for not—not liking it all enough—he went to Malfoy’s.

It was nice there. Malfoy was hectic, and deranged, and anything but settled. His café job he traded for tending bar in this dingy place, and that for construction work for a week and a half, that for stocking shelves in a Tesco express, that for a lobster hatchery down at the docks. For a while he even worked in an office, somehow by accident. Paper supplies. Harry joked that if Malfoy lasted a month, he’d buy him a new damn chest of drawers: Malfoy lasted the full month, and an extra day, just to be an arse. But he didn’t want a new chest of drawers. Made Harry get them curries instead. Then quit and went to work at a mechanic’s, for a delivery service, in a nightclub, at the corner shop.  

And that thing inside him, that hungry, loud thing, the restless one. Harry saw it more and more, like Malfoy forgot to be careful around him. Or like he didn’t have the energy to hide. Harry saw it linger in his eyes when he looked away, looked lost; saw it in the tilt of his shoulders when he stood with his arms around himself. And Harry thought, horribly, that it might be nice to have a friend who wasn’t perfect, someone a bit more like him. Hated himself for thinking that. Didn’t stop coming over, and didn’t tell Malfoy a thing.

One time he came by after work to find Malfoy on the floor. In the middle of the room, curled into a ball, and he didn’t even look up when Harry entered. The door was unlocked.

“Malfoy?” worry squeezed his throat nearly shut. “Are you—what’s wrong?”

Something clearly was. Malfoy was moving all the time, was constantly buzzing and talking and sizzling, but now it was like a switch had been turned off, like he was gone.

“Malfoy?” Harry came to crouch near his knees. Malfoy’s head was hiding somewhere between them. “What’s—” then stopped, because his face came up, eyes puffy and red.

“Hi.” Scratchy, like he’d been howling.

“Hey,” Harry whispered. Found his hand sending forward, gently stroking a knee. The rips in the jeans felt rough under his fingers, felt real.  

“There should be—” Malfoy stopped to wipe his nose on a sleeve. “There’s some fish, if you’re hungry. I think. Might be yesterday’s.”

Something squirmed in Harry’s belly. “Are you okay?”  

“Hmm? Of course. We should go. Find, ah, should get you something to eat. Something better than day-old fish.”

“What is it?”

Malfoy blinked long eyelashes, like he didn’t understand the question. “You must be hungry. You’re always hungry. They don’t even have,” sniffle, “don’t even do lunch in your office, and—”

“Malfoy.” Harry took one shaky hand in his. “Tell me what happened.”

He sucked in a breath. “Nothing happened, Harry. Nothing ever happens. Every single morning I wake up, and I’m still me.”

It throbbed under his skin. “You,” Harry repeated, understanding it far too close for comfort. “Maybe—let’s get off the floor. I’ll put on the kettle. Come on.”

This resolutely miserable line between his eyebrows, but Malfoy obeyed, got up with Harry’s hands’ gentle prompt. Followed him to the sofa, sat down when Harry gestured. Empty, he seemed empty, and still loud although he was quiet. Harry opened his mouth and closed it and opened it again and had nothing to say. Outside, sunset cleared way for night, humming orange from the streetlights.

“You shouldn’t have to,” Malfoy said to the floor, inexplicable and too soft. “Shouldn’t have to be here. Not with—not for me. It’s not right.”

“Shut up,” was all Harry’s heart let him say.

“I’m serious,” as if Harry didn’t already know, from his tone, from that look on his face. “I’m not your problem. I shouldn’t be. I don’t want to be.”

“You’re not,” and he meant it too. “You’re not a problem.”

A sharp inhale. Malfoy closed his eyes, hung his head low. Chest heaving, like he wanted to say something, like he was crying, but nothing came out. He was loudest at that moment, when he was silent, when Harry was close enough to feel the trembling in his hand. Then, suddenly, it stopped. Like he made an effort to sweep it all neatly under the rug.

“God, I’m being ridiculous. We should go get you something to eat. Something healthy, not fried, for a change. We should, we should go.”

Harry wanted to protest, but he couldn’t think fast enough. Malfoy was already on his feet, looking anywhere but at him.

“There’s this wonderful place uptown. Fancier than, ah, but I used to wash dishes there for a bit, think I can convince—I mean, think they’d give us a decent price. If I blink pretty enough.”

There was no doubt Malfoy could convince anyone, if it half-worked on Harry. Still he came close, put his hand on Malfoy’s cheek, just to make him look. Emboldened by the warmth, by the slight gasp, Harry charged on.

“We don’t need to go anywhere. We can sit here and—talk, something, I dunno. You’re… Malfoy, you’re hurting. We can talk.”

He didn’t answer right away. Swallowed like it was an effort, blinked at Harry’s face, very fucking prettily. “I just get a little lonely sometimes,” he said, softer than Harry expected. “Get a little. Ah. Stuck in my head.” Like a gut punch, but worse, because it was Malfoy, and he was so sad. And Harry liked him, he did, liked his laughter, and how deranged he was, how utterly different and still the same and how, how, how he made life less bland, how he made it brighter.

“You don’t have to be lonely. Maybe you could get a flatmate, or, something, anything. You don’t have to be lonely.”

Malfoy titled his head, leaning into Harry’s palm. Brought a finger to tap his temple, once, twice, like he was saying something Harry didn’t quite catch. Looked at him, just looked. Sad and so pretty.

“I get lonely too,” Harry confessed, a huge rush of it. “I get so lonely it feels like I’m choking, like it’s terminal.”

Malfoy’s hand twitched in the air. “You shouldn’t. You’re wonderful, Harry. You should never feel lonely.”

A beat of silence. A spark of something. Then, “Come live with me,” before he could think better of it. “You should come live with me. You could quit the weekend shifts. Or, hell, continue if you wanted. Come live with me.”

Malfoy laughed, low, like it was a joke. The edges of his eyelashes glistened. “Let’s go. If we hit tea-time rush hour, even my charm won’t…” shrugged, apologetic, and set off.

But the idea stuck in Harry’s mind. Mad and impulsive and possibly wonderful.

(Hey, if you’re still here. I might, might be looking for an alpha/beta reader for this one. If this is your jam, how about a DM?) 

[cytharat]

✨ people I wanna know better! ✨

tagged by @visualtaehyun and @kinnbig thank you <3

Last Song? it was one of my playlists on shuffle so let me check

Favourite colour? look you can't ask me, a bisexual, to choose any one thing. It's impossible I'm sorry I love them all. All of the colours. Yes, even that one. I am not choosing just one when I can have a full rainbow ok and you can't make me

Currently watching? I haven't really been watching anything that is currently airing, but I'm still slowwwly catching up with I feel you linger in the air which I love with my whole entire heart ever since I read the novel. Jane and I are also watching Kiseki: Dear to me and Moving on our weekly date nights. Other than that there are a few things on my to watch list that I want to get to but haven't found the time and energy to start yet. The struggle is so real hhhh

Currently reading? tbh I'm having a hard time concentrating on anything rn, but I finally got my official Seaven Seas translated Guardian copy a while back so I'm kind of sort of re-(re-)reading that

Last movie? Jane and I watched Inhuman Kiss 2 the other day! And you know what that means ... the spooky season is upon us ayyy :D

Sweet/spicy/savoury? I mean it depends on my mood, really. But I suppose if I had to choose only one I'd go with savoury. Give me that umami

Relationship status? tumblr user @pharawee has been the light of my life for *checks calender* 10 years now?? whoa

Current obsessions? I guess Baldur's Gate 3 is still holding my heart and soul hostage. ...yeah

Last thing you googled? my city's stupid annual parade thing is tomorrow so I had to google all the bus detours and whatnot to figure out how the fuck I'll get to work lmao super exciting stuff

Selfie? lol

I won't subject you to that

Currently working on: uhh keeping it together, mostly lmao no idk I have a few irons in the fire, but I don't think there's anything worth mentioning because that makes it seem like some sort of Big Project when it's just some random silly doodles. Well, and the KenBig AU fics of course, they are still an ongoing struggle

tagging uhhhh @sotc @kruk-art @plushchimera @uldren-sov @jiaoliqiao @aikinn @punkeduppirate @fismoll7secinv @riessene but absolutely no pressure obviously <3

[r3dblccd]

Have you been Naughty or Nice?

tagged by: @vienrose & @rainyearning

tagging: @moonfl0wxr, @luneblush, @formorethananame, @mournus, @temporalobjects, @unfinishedjulyrain, @weedzkiller, @unavernales, @caelcstis, @warsinmyhead, @cherridream, @frxgmcnts, @dozenrozez, @mxldito, @wcvensouls

Minsung, you must have been EXTRA nice this year. Santa has a smiley face next to your name on the Nice List!

+ other muses under the cut because this is fun and I couldn't do just one muse

Yongsun, do you really think Santa is unaware of your inappropriate Facebook posts? Naughty. (ngl this is pretty accurate, just change Facebook with Only Fans lmao)

Nao, you REALLY put ex-lax in Santa's cookies?! Don't expect to see your name on the Nice List anytime soon. (also pretty accurate, they're a menace like that)

The world could use more people like you, Elaine. Keep up the good work, and you'll make the Nice List every year!

Wow Azazel, rescuing those Orphans from that burning building got you a free ride on Santa's Nice List for years to come! (he has a literal bears and wild animals as his pets and best friends, fir doesn't affect him, he totally save orphans from a burning building)

Ubon shouldn't you be working, instead of surfing the web during office hours… NAUGHTY LIST FOR YOU! (she's too hot to work, though)

Now, Oliver. Santa knows you're trying, but it still doesn't make up for last year. You're on the Naughty List.

Congratulations, Lilith! You've made the Nice List! JUST KIDDING. You've been a very bad, bad person. (next year she'll return Santa to Oogie-Boogie, she doesn't give a shit)

Ho ho ho! Nice try, Earendill. Thought you could slip one past the Big Guy, huh? Naughty. (let him enjoy Christmas at least once damnit)

2 words: Nice List. Mother Teresa has nothing on you Mrithun. (he is a single mother himself tyvm)

I must say, Chinhwa. You've really improved last year's performance and made the cut on the Nice List!

Dabi, you have been sooooo nice that you make "The CareBears" look selfish. (don't inflate her ego too much though)

Jum, Santa has something extra special for you this year! You're at the top of the Nice List. (don't give this idiot a superiority complex either)

You better start making some room for the huge lump of coal your about to get, or either start cleaning up your act Abigail!

Santa's been watching you Stella, and right now you have a very large coal mine coming your way.

Well, Toi, you've been a good kid this year. Santa has lots of good stuff for you this Christmas!

Abaddon, you must have been EXTRA nice this year. Santa has a smiley face next to your name on the Nice List!

So far you are on the "Nice" list, but you'd better watch out... Santa's checking his list twice! (and Tai's just like "What does this even mean?!")

Way to help that old lady, Amethyst. Santa will certainly add you to the Nice List this year.

Whoa Takumi! You need to start thinking about packing your bags if you don't change your ways soon. Santa is more likely to hunt you down than bring you a present.

There's a reason Santa created a Naughty List. And you're just one of those reasons Misty.

You are currently #11401 on Santa's Nice List. Not too shabby considering everyone in the entire world! Keep up the good work!

In the words of Larry David, you've been "pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good" this year.

2 words: Naughty List. You know why Arthit. (Art is still gonna get all the presents she wants for herself though, she doesn't care, she's rich)

[kharmii]

last week I stopped looking at the submas tag here on the hellsite... and I'm feeling less frustrated about the fandom. If I look at the toxic positivity and passive agressive additude towards anyone thinking differently.

Taking a step back and only and unapologetically all the content on X feels a lot better. I'm happy that even if they get shit the fans in Japan keep creating wonderful content. Was just thinking about that when I saw your post earlier when I looked into the tags here earlier.

Little furry bs no forced political messaging unique and interesting takes on the twins gorgeous art and comics and so much more

the western "hellsite" side of the fadom has worn me out but I feel rejuvinated whenever I look at the content Japanese and Koreans create. Shipping or not. Their content is so much better. Stuff from here can be good too but they're the exceptions and not the norm.

and thank you for sharing work here so I can discover new great artists!

I'm having a better time with the Submas tag because after being into this fandom for 2+ years, all the obnoxious people have blocked me by now. Some people I actually liked blocked me as well, but I'm still able to see enough new material that I'm reblogging a tumblr artist every day.

It's the damn shipping tags I stopped looking at so much, and I haven't checked Blankshipping on AO3 in over a year. *checks just now* What do we have? Lets see....mermaid bullshit, zoroark bullshit, omegaverse, niche fetishes maybe two people are into, two Ingos and one Emmet, gross transgender mutilation crap, father/daughter with a minor, more mermaid bullshit except Ingo and Emmet are a COLOSSAL SQUID AND SPERM WHALE, WHICH ARE NATURAL ENEMIES, YO!!! (My OCD making me flinch because if they are identical twins, then they'd have to both be one or the other).

Whoa, I'm actually amazed I got two pages in reading summaries, and didn't see a single thing labeled 'whump/hurt no comfort/dead dove do not eat/major character death...' That used to be the majority of content when I first got into Submas Yaoi. Maybe that clique moved on. Still, there's not a single description that made me want to open something up and read it. I'm into the Japanese/Korean aesthetic more than the actual ship. Other blankshippers did a more thorough job turning me off of brother-fucking in that couple months when PLA was at its height of popularity than any foaming-at-the-mouth antis could have done in a lifetime.

I wouldn't give up on general here on Tumblr though. There's still a lot of good content to be had. I've always liked general more than shipping because there's more of the casual intimacy and cutesy spice-of-life. Add to that, but there's a few Asian artists posting here too. The craziest part is there are probably a handful of people who would agree with me, or at least they'd rather see fluff than explicit, but they blocked me anyway for political reasons.

Art credit: 寿@kaz8ens Twitter.

[s-creations]

The Younger Brother

Takes place right after 'Stare Them Down'.

The horrible night has ended and everyone can start to make a recovery. Until Wario's faced with his future and his past in a way he wasn't ready for.

Fandom: Super Mario & Related Fandoms Rating: Teen and Up Audiences Relationships: Luigi & Mario (Nintendo), Waluigi & Wario (Nintendo) Warnings/Additional Tags: First meetings, Violence is loose but there, there is cursing!, sequel, this takes place a few hours after the first one ends, we're growing as people!, Peach and Wario have a history!

Inspired by @weevmo's work.

Art Cover made by @weevmo

The regular hustle and bustle of the castle’s town was interrupted as a loud engine roar broke through the day-to-day activities. Multiple eyes from the civilians turned towards the entrance to their town. Fearfully still as a familiar motorbike slowed its speed and rolled down the main street towards the castle. 

Wario was fully focused on his towering destination. Pointedly ignoring the watchful eyes as he pushed his motorbike further down the paved road. His inner voice reminded him of his still recovering passenger and that he needed to get to Peach quickly. Recovery shouldn’t take place in a sidecar.

In a few minutes, Wario was rolling up to the front doors. The soldiers positioned outside with their rather sorry excuse for spears tensed as Wario stopped. The larger form quickly got off the bike, tossing his helmet into the back basket. 

“What business do you have-”

“You need to get your medical people and Princess Peach. Now!” Wario’s demanding voice cut the Toads off. Both looking a little fearful but darting off into the castle without another word. “Didn’t need both of you to go, but alright.”

Pushing that aside, Wario turned back to his motorbike. More so on the passenger side car. 

Mario could barely be seen. Hidden by a large purple helmet and an even larger leather jacket. Even with this, it was clear he was still fast asleep. Head leaning over to one side. The jacket moving in time with his steady breathing. Uncaring about what was happening in the world around him. Too bad Wario was there to ruin the moment. 

Removing the helmet and jacket were easy. Mario’s hat was still resting in his lap. Moving slowly, because it was unclear how the hero was going to react, Wario placed a hand on the other’s shoulder. When there were no sudden jolts or movements of being pulled back to reality, he gently shook Mario.

“Hey, come on mini me, we’re here. You need to wake up.”

It took longer than Wario was comfortable with. He knew the effects of Boo's venom were going to linger slightly. That didn’t make the waiting game any easier. 

A few seconds passed before dull blue eyes slowly opened. Confusion dawning on the hero’s face. “Where are we?”

“Back at the Mushroom Castle. Peach will be coming out soon and-”

“Peach?” Faster than what Wario was expecting, Mario was out of the sidecar. Only a few steps away before collapsing onto his knees.

“Hey, whoa, what do you think you’re doing!” Wario panicked as he rushed over,”You can’t push yourself like that, you’re still recovering.”

“I-I thought you said the venom was out?”

“Oh, and do you think you’re just passed this all, side-effect free, just like that? You seem to forget that your arm is absolutely shredded right now and I got the majority of that venom out. You’re not out of the woods yet. Give me a hand, let’s get you up.”

Just as Mario got back onto shaky legs, a flood of people came rushing out from the castle. At the front was a frantic looking Peach. 

“What happened?” While the princess didn’t shout, there was heavy desperation heard in her voice. Reaching out to carefully take Mario’s free hand. 

“I’ll explain in a second,” Wario stated before turning to the numerous Toads wearing little white coats. “Um…I’m going to assume doctors?”

They nodded.

“Good, you need to listen closely to me. Mario needs to rest, but you need to keep a very close eye on him. If there are any indications at any point that he’s having a nightmare, you wake him up. Fully. Make sure he knows where he is and can answer basic answers correctly before you let him sleep again. Got it?”

Another round of frantic nods. Having said what he needed to, Wario held out the human’s hand that he’d had a hold of. It was a quiet exchange. The hero numbly walking forward as the small group of medical Toads lead him into the castle proper. It was slightly worrying at how muted it all was. 

Eventually, Peach broke the heavy silence. Her voice shook slightly as she said, “Wario…please say you know what’s going on.”

Wario gave a silent nod, not looking forward to this conversation.

_____________________________

“Boos?”

Peach and Toadsworth questioned the given information simultaneously. Clearly confused as to what these creatures were. Which confirmed one major thing for Wario. This was the first documented case of a Boos infestation in the Mushroom Kingdom.

“Yeah, I’m not really sure what they are. I’m not a full blown expert on the guys. What I do know is that they’re drawn to extreme negative emotions. Like anger, sorrow…others. They also like abandoned places, probably for the same reason. Places are forgotten for a reason.”

“What about Mario? What happened to him?” Peach asked. 

“Boos have venom that causes their victims to hallucinate their worst fears.”

“Mario was attacked? Is he okay, what do we need to-”

“Peach, I need you to calm down.” Wario reached out to place his hands on the princess’ shoulders. Ignoring the look of indignation that crossed Toadsworth’s face as Wario was more worried about Peach. “Listen to me, okay? I was able to neutralize the majority of the venom before it became too severe. He’s going to be loopy and tired for a bit, but Mario’s past the worst of it, he’ll be okay.” 

“You know how he looked. Mario is not okay.”

“He’s better than he would have been.”

“...What do we do now?”

“Let him sleep. Mario will be better by tomorrow, in the afternoon at the latest.”

Peach let out a slow breath. Shoulders dropping as she nodded. “Okay…there’s nothing more we can do for him?”

“Medically, no.” Peach took notice of the clear pause in Wario’s words, but didn’t press. 

“I would like to turn this conversation back to the infestation,” Toadsworkth spoke up, “Do you know why these Boos would want to claim that city? It’s not abandoned and I’m doubtful our citizens would have such heavy emotions while working there.”

“You don’t think Toads would be fearful? Being so close to the Dark Kingdom? Really?” There was a moment of silent satisfaction watching the stuffy Toad’s face fall. “Look, the idea was sound on paper. But it’s not a comforting sight to wake to an enemy kingdom right outside your window.”

“So, the city is a lost cause.” Peach concluded.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Well…then we shall move from this with our heads high. In more ways than one” Peach turned to Toadwroth, who was clearly still muddling over Wario’s words. “Toadsworth, would you be so kind as to collect Wario’s payment for his help in this situation?”

“What?” Wario and Toadsworth choked out together. 

“It’s really the most we can do! Discovering what the issue was and helping our kingdom’s hero? I would deem that to be the worth of… Hmm, 30,000 gold sounds good. Could you gather that for me, Toadsworth? I would like to have a word with Wario before he departs.”

The elder Toad was clearly flabbergasted by this statement, but didn’t argue back. Casting a judgemental glance to Wario before leaving the two behind. There was no argument on Wario’s part either. Allowing himself to be pulled further into the castle. 

Peach didn’t seem interested in talking right away. Appearing casual as they traversed the highly decorated hallway. To their left were wide arching windows, showing the castle town nestled below. The sky a perfect blue with the sun bright and hanging over the small homes. It was all weirdly calm. Which was starting to freak Wario out.

“How have you been?” Peach asked suddenly. Wario not pleased to admit he jumped slightly by the interrupted quiet.

“Ah…fine? I mean, nothing to really complain about.”

Peach hummed softly, clearly not convinced. “It’s been so long since we’ve actually talked.”

“Well, you became the official ruler and had all that responsibility dumped onto you. Figured you could use some breathing room.”

“I’ll be honest. It’s hard to ‘breathe’ when the atmosphere is sucked up by hot heads.”

Wario cackled at that. Only remaining upright because of Peach’s hold on his arm. Her own giggles sounded in the grand hallway as well. “Oof, I can only imagine how painful that is.”

“Do you remember when you put a dirt bomb in the meeting room?”

“Grambi above, that was years ago. Some of my best work if I’m being honest. Who was that pompous ass that got the face full?”

“Churees, the neighboring prince.”

“Right! How did such chill parents create such a…a…”

“Pompous ass?”

Wario gave an over dramatic gasp as Peach giggled again. “Your highness!”

“Oh, shut up. If you can say it, so can I.”

“Ah, but you are royalty! It’s not becoming of you to say such horrid things.”

“Whatever.”

They shared a few more chuckles before silence fell over once more. Wario felt a bit more at ease as they stopped before one of the many wide windows. Spending a few seconds watching as the greenery swayed in the gentle breeze. 

“What do you think about Mario?”

Well, there goes that calm feeling. 

Before all of this, Wario would have claimed that Mario was a fake. Someone just playing a part to get attention that he didn’t deserve. Now, however, he wasn’t quite sure. Wario supposed he had been right, just for the wrong reason. So, what were his thoughts now? 

“Why are you asking?” Wario mumbled weakly.

“Because the last time you two were in the same room, you were acting…strange. I was worried about you. You seemed… You seemed angry. At him. Then you both show up here this morning, with Mario barely awake and you…”

“Yeah?”

There was a spike of panic when Peach faced him properly. Wario forced himself to remain staring out the window. Biting the inside of his cheek as he waited for a reply.

“The last time I’ve ever seen you that worried was when Waluigi left for New Donk City.”

That comment hit Wario like a punch to the gut. He recalled that day. How the quiet morning started with finding a note left by his brother on the kitchen table. Stating the younger brother was tired of their ‘shitty life’ in their home town in the slowly peeling home they’d been stuck in since childhood and how he was going to strike out on his own. 

Wario had been in full panic, re-reading the note to make sure he was seeing what he thought. Racing out the door to the Mushroom Kingdom before the sun fully entered the sky. Spilling all his worries, fears, and panic to a calm and understanding Peach.

“...So what?” Was all Wario could offer after the long pause. 

Peach merely smiled sympathetically, as if she knew this was poking at Wario’s walls. Forming little cracks in the shaky foundation. “So, considering you looked ready to kill Mario the first time you met and are now frantic over his well-being-”

“Not frantic, just concerned. There’s a difference.” Wario grumbled. 

“Is there? Either way, it doesn’t change the fact that something has happened. Your opinion of Mario has changed. What occurred out there?”

“We talked…and maybe I learned some things.” Wario crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. Eyes now pointed at the floor. “He’s not as…pompous as I thought.”

“Well, at least that’s something. What did you two talk about, if I may ask.”

“A lot but nothing really. Found out he has a brother. So, yeah.”

Peach’s eyes widened in surprise. “He told you about Luigi?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh,Wario, that’s wonderful! Mario’s usually reserved when it comes to his brother-”

“What’s this about Peach?” He knew he sounded harsh. But Wario was a little fed up with the weird back and forth, and the night's events were catching up.

Peach didn’t seem to mind, though, as her smile was still as relaxed. “I have a proposal. If you’d be willing to hear me out.”

“...Alright.”

“You have more knowledge about what lies beyond this kingdom's borders. Compared to anyone I know, even myself. Is there…a way for me to convince you to help Mario in his endeavors?”

Wario raised a brow at this. “You…want me to train him?”

“Kind of. Physical training, being able to fight and using the power ups, we’ve been able to handle just fine. But Mario’s unaware of what awaits him in this world. As am I, if I’m still learning about new creatures. With the face that Mario is a ‘hands on’ kind of person. I’m hoping you could…tag along with him? On occasion. Help him see the world for what it is, train him to observe, to understand better.”

“I’m not a cheerleader, Peach.”

“I’m asking for more of a mentor. Plus, I’ll be happy to pay-”

“I’m not a charity.”

“Will you please stop being so stubborn and let me help you, for once in your life!”

Wario’s cold exterior crumbled when Peach’s voice rose. Her temper echoing in the hallway, eye alight with fury directed towards the other. Wario still held his tongue, even as Peach’s features began to soften. 

“Wario, I’m asking you as a friend, please.”

Wario, on his part, frowned in thought. Sure, he’d made the offer to mentor Mario before. It was honestly just to get under the human’s skin. To tease the other into a familiar fighting mood to bring the atmosphere back to normal. But now that everything’s calmed down and the human was safe… Wario wasn’t sure if that was the best idea. 

“...I’m not the person you want around your precious hero, princess. I’m sure there are plenty of people in other kingdoms and worlds that would happily help. I don’t think a disgruntled scumbag would be the best person for the job.”

“I think…that you need to give yourself more credit,” Wario tensed slightly as Peach gently took his hands in her own, “You’re the only person I trust with this.”

“Dumb decision, really.”

“Wario, please.”

“You’re also assuming that Mario would want me around him.”

“If he’s lowered his defenses enough to talk about Luigi-”

“That was a moment of weakness. Trust me, if he was in his right mind he would have no intentions of telling me about his life.”

“Aren’t you tired of arguing?”

That was a strange question. “What?”

Peach huffed. “I’m not asking you to change your personality, or who you are. But I’m hurt every time you decide to prove everyone right in the wrong way. Yes, you’re not very clean. Yes, you have a brash personality.”

“Okay, didn’t know I was just going to be insulted…”

“But I also know you care deeply about others. That you’re more than willing to help in any way that you can. You’re a hard worker, you do right by a lot of people. And you’re not one to just leave people alone. Knowing what you know now, about Mario, do you think you could just…leave?”

Wario was called out on his bluff. He breathed through his nose slowly before answering with, “I’m still unsure…”

“...Alright, that’s fair. This is a lot to ask of you, but I would like you to think about it. I can have Toadsworth transfer the money to you, you don’t need to stay.”

Something heavy settled in Wario’s stomach at the idea of leaving it all like this. The worrying, nagging voice suddenly gained volume. Before he could stop himself, Wario quickly voiced, “I’ll stop by the medical wing before I go. Just…you know, to check up. To see that your so-called ‘professionals’ know what they’re doing.”

Peach smiled knowingly, but merely gave a nod, “Of course. I’m sure you know the way.”

As the princess started to walk back towards the entrance, Wario gained another wave of courage. Calling out to Peach before she could turn the corner.

“What marks this Mario as the kingdom’s ‘hero’?”

Peach’s smile wilted slightly. “That’s…a good question. A better question is…why is it both of them?”

And with that, she disappeared behind the wall.

_____________________________

Quick movements shifted to a halt when Wario walked into the medical room. The other looked up and tensed, finding numerous eyes staring him down. The awkwardness only fell away when one of the Toads stepped forward. 

“I-I’m assuming you want to check up on Mario?” The squeaky voice asked. 

“...Sure.” Wario didn’t have the energy to argue, considering the Toad was correct, and merely followed the other back. 

Mario was the only patient in the large room. Dressed now in plain white garments that matched the sterile white bed sheets. His right arm was better dressed in clean wrappings with no spots of red being seen. Fast asleep, seeming to not have a care in the world or to even be aware of it. 

“Mario has shown no negative signs that you warned us about. He pretty much fell asleep when we got him down.” The Toad offered as Wario took one of the nearby chairs. 

“Good…” Was the only comment given. 

The Toad, determining there was not much else needed from them, gave a nod and walked off. Joining the rest of his companions in their small office. The door left open so they could no doubt keep an eye on the overall room. Wario was left at the bedside. Feeling awkward and wishing he’d left when he’d been given his out. 

He shifted weakly in the uncomfortably small chair.

Wario hated to admit how close Peach had been to getting to the reason. He was in a weird situation, if he was going to be honest. Because he didn’t feel that a huge moment had been made with the human. Wario doubted that Mario would suddenly be open to help from someone he didn’t trust. Especially for so long. One weird event didn’t suddenly change an opinion. 

But for Wario, he was seeing the other in an uncomfortably familiar light. Even if the coloring was different.

Similar situations, but different outcomes. Wario was the villain and played the part because he didn’t have the energy to care anymore. Mario put into the hero role and was fearful of how it was all going to turn out. But at least the hero had a better chance of backing out of this position if he wanted it…right?

It was all a mess. One that Wario couldn’t just break from, apparently.. 

Was it a worry of knowing what situation Mario was in and being unable to leave him to possibly drown? 

Was it Wario hoping and working towards a possibly better outcome for the other? 

Was this all a stupid attempt to have Wario feel that he had some control over an aspect of his life? Of being able to keep someone else safe after failing his own brother? 

Was this a pity pull to help others not see him as a troublemaker anymore?

Wario’s thoughts were broken when there was a sudden surprised cry of ‘Luigi!’ coming from the numerous Toads. Drawing his eyes up, Wario found a frantic looking human standing in the doorway. Immediately noting the similar features between the human standing and the one currently sleeping. 

The human who was awake and moving completely ignored the crowd of Toads. Pushing past  them easily as he made his way towards Mario’s bed, stopping on the other side from where Wario sat. 

Now closer, Wario could clearly see the distress heavy over the other’s face. Hands shaking as they hung in midair. Clearly stuck on figuring out what he was supposed to do now that he was here.

“Would you lot shut up!” Wario’s voice quieted the insistent Toads, who had been speaking over each other in an ‘attempt’ to say what was wrong. Wide eyes landing on the larger form. Wario now standing up to glare at them. “You’re not helping this! Back off and give the poor guy a break, go!” 

The Toads immediately scampered off. Wario only sat back down when the smaller forms busied themselves. Worrying slightly to find that the other human hadn’t moved yet. 

“Hey… Hey, you okay?” Wario was quiet this time. Calmly reaching out to place a hand on the other’s wrist. 

The human twitched slightly, fearful blue eyes snapping up to Wario. Relaxing as if realizing where he was. “Yeah… Yeah, I’m okay.”

“You sure about that? Seem a little lost in thought.”

There was no reply this time. Hands instead were bright close to the other’s chest, clasping them together, a thumb rubbing the back of his other hand silently. 

Wario frowned. Nervous tics…anxiety? If this is who he thought it was, which the name was given by the Toads, this stance would make sense. Looking around to locate another chair, Wario grabbed his and the other free one. Joining the other on one side. Putting both chairs down, Wario sat and placed his hand on the other’s shoulder. 

“Hey, take a load off. He’s not going to be waking for a while.” Wario’s voice was low and even, hoping that it was calming towards the other. Hand still in place, he applied a little pressure in order to get the human to sit down. Smiling in triumph as the other lowered himself down. 

“Correct me if I’m wrong. But you’re Luigi, right?”

Luigi slowly nodded, eyes not leaving Mario. “Yeah…”

It was the first time he’d spoken and Wario frowned at how small Luigi sounded. That…wasn’t good. 

Pushing past the worry, he continued, “I’m Wario.”

That pulled Luigi’s attention away from his brother. Eye, blue eyes landing on Wario. 

“I’m…going to assume Mario has talked a bit about me to you before?”

“Oh…yeah, a few times. Has he…talked about me to you?”

“...Sure, in a way.”

Luigi wasn’t calmed by that answer. Seeming able to pick up on the underlying meaning behind the pause. “Do you…know what happened?”

Wario faulted at that. He didn’t want to tip-toe around this, like the other was made from glass. But Mario didn’t really explain how Luigi would handle situations or how much the younger brother was aware of things. “We just had a run in with a…new enemy. Mario’s a little roughed up, but he’ll be fine. Promise. He just needs to rest.”

This didn’t seem to offer any comfort. Luigi’s left leg now starting to bounce while his hands were rubbed together. “Mario didn’t mention anything about an enemy… H-He didn’t really tell me anything. J-Just said that Princess Peach had called f-for him before running off. T-Then I get a c-call saying Mario’s been hurt and it sounded back and-”

“Hey, hey, hey, you’re okay.” Wario immediately but cautiously reached out. One hand resting on Luigi’s back while offering the other out, a silent offer for the younger brother to hold onto it. Which Luigi instantly took. 

“You’re okay, it’s going to be fine. I need you to take slow, deep breaths for me, okay? Nice and slow. In…and out… In…and out… There you go, you’re doing great.”

Luigi’s shoulders drooped, seeming to be held up by Wario’s grasp alone, who didn’t really mind. “Feeling better?”

The younger silently shook his head. Eyes shut tight as tears started to fall.

Wario internally groaned, this was not going the way he wanted. He moved to wrap an arm around the smaller form, who didn’t argue this new position. Luigi reaches up to pull his cap over his eyes with one of his hands. 

“H-He won’t talk to me…”

That wasn’t the response Wario was expecting. He wasn’t ready to be acting as a therapist, especially after the night he’d just had. But it didn’t look like he had an option. Plus, what else was he going to do today? “What do you mean?”

Luigi swallowed weakly and shook his head. Frantically reaching up to wipe his eyes. “S-Sorry, I-I don’t even know y-you. I-I can’t… Thank you f-for bringing h-him h-home…””

Wario wasn’t taking that, giving the younger’s shoulder a gentle shake. “Nu huh, come on, out with it. What’s going on in that head of yours. And don’t try to worm your way out of this. I have a younger brother too, so I know how to get answers out.”

That somehow got a laugh out of Luigi, but Wario wasn’t going to complain. 

A few more beats of silence passed, Luigi exhaling slowly before saying, “Mario…is headstrong. But I’m sure you’re aware of that.”

Now was not the time to be sarcastic, so Wario offered, “More than a little.”

Another small laugh. “When he puts his mind and heart into something, Mario’s really hard to deter from that idea. Normally it’s just tackling a difficult plumbing job or with perfecting a new recipe… But now he’s a hero and…I’m worried he’s going to push himself too far.”

“I’ve tried talking to him, to make sure he isn’t about to do something stupid. That he’s not attempting to take on too much. I know I can’t stop him from this new role. Apparently it’s something we…we both have to carry now…”

Wario didn’t miss the shiver that traveled through Luigi. Recalling the ominous final comment Peach offered before departing. Of Mario’s words from the night before, this new life compared to what they left behind. 

“But he’s so focused on this…and I’m worried I’m going to lose him to it.”

“What did you mean when you said he doesn’t talk to you?” Wario gently pushed. 

“Because he keeps going on so many adventures and won’t tell me what happens on them. I…I know I’m not the strongest. I’m not a fighter, I’m not built for it. But with me not going, I rely on him to tell me what’s happening. I don’t think he’s aware of that.” 

“I-I’m worried he has in his mind that keeping me in the dark is keeping me safe in some way… It honestly just makes it so much worse…”

“Have you…tried talking to him?” Wario offered cautiously

“I don’t know what to say or how to bring it up,” Luigi sniffed, “I’m worried if I talk to him, I’ll just cause more stress. Which is the complete opposite of what I want.”

“But you remaining quiet doesn’t seem to be helping either. It’s clearly affecting your mental well-being. You’re not wrong for wanting to know. Also, I highly doubt you could make him mad.” Wario frowned softly when Luigi didn’t reply. The younger looking at his brother with a heavy frown and clear worry. “Hey…wanna hear a story?”

“Uh…s-sure?”

“I’m an older brother too. We’re not twins, my brother and I, we’re a few years apart. We’re very different compared to you two. My brother’s…a dreamer. Has always hated the way we lived. But I didn’t really know that until it was too late.”

“I thought his standoffish personality was just because he was a brat. He hated heavy manual labor, hated the jobs I found. I didn’t realize he was unhappy until we got into a huge argument. We said a few unkind things. He called me disgusting, I called him a brat, it went on all night.”

Wario bit his lip, feeling a familiar sting entering his heart. But pushed past it to continue. “I didn’t know how unhappy he was until he left. He was gone the next morning. Left only a note and took all his stuff with him. His car was gone and it was just…quiet. His note said that he was tired of being held back because I didn’t think big like him.”

“I realized, months later, that I never actually talked to him. Explaining why I did what I did. I just assumed everything was ‘okay’ in its own broken way. I thought he was a brat, he thought I was just lazy. We never talked about what we actually wanted. How he had dreams…how I just wanted to keep our home in tack and food on the table. Us not talking led to us not seeing each other…”

“...How long has it been since you’ve seen him?” Luigi quietly asked. 

“A few years…” Wario cleared his throat and shifted, gently shaking Luigi. “Look, the point of my soap opera life is to tell you to talk to your brother. You have a better relationship with Mario than I have with my own brother. But that can be broken if you let these worries of yours stay quiet.”

“...Suppose you’re right… Thank you, for helping Mario…and for this. I know you two don’t get along.” 

“That’s a bit of an understatement. But, it’s fine, I get it,” Wario flashed a wide smile, “Your bro’s just lucky to have someone as amazing as me around to keep an eye on him.” 

Luigi laughed softly. “I am as well. I should apologize, I didn’t mean to just…dump all of this on you. Especially with the night you just had…”

“Don’t worry. Just…talk to him, I’m serious. You two seem to have a good relationship. This place shouldn’t be what tears it apart.”

“...Thank you.”

Both turned hearing the door open once more. A blue capped Toad beamed upon finding Wario, waving him over. 

“Just I’ll be taking that as my cue to leave.” Wario stood, “You take it easy, alright?”

“Yeah, you too.” Luigi replied softly. Looking a lot calmer than when he first arrived. 

Wario chalk that up as a victory, walking over to the awaiting Toad.

“I’ve come to inform you that your funds have been successfully transferred.” The Toad happily squeaked out. 

Nodding slowly, Wario’s eyes turned back to the only occupied bed. Luigi had moved closer to comfortably hold Mario’s hand. Wario let out a heavy sigh, Peach’s words returning to the surface once more. Realizing he wouldn’t be able to let this rest as easily as he wanted. 

“Care to pass on a message for me?” Wario asked. 

“Of course!”

“...Tell Princess Peach that I will agree to her terms… Under one condition.”

_____________________________

Mario grumbled weakly, slowly waking from his heavy sleep. Somehow not feeling refreshed by the experience. His arms felt stiff as he reached up to rub his eyes. Opening them to find himself resting in the Mushroom castle’s medical wing. An uncomfortably familiar place. 

Letting out a small grunt, Mario slowly sat himself up. Attention immediately going to his injured arm. Surprised to find it already unwrapped with the skin healed. The only indication that he’d been previously injured were faint marks that only revealed at an appropriate angle. Mario concluded that he’d been given a few mushrooms while he was asleep.

“Mario?”

A quiet call of his name caused the hero to tense. Not because the call was unexpected. But because of how familiar the voice was.

Looking over, Mario found his brother lying on one of the nearby beds. Still dressed in yesterday's overalls. Green cap resting on the bedside table next to Mario’s red. Brown shoes resting at the foot of the same table. Luigi was clearly waking up as well. The younger slowly shifted to sit while rubbing his eyes with the back of his hands. 

“H-Hey bro, what… When did you get here?” Mario asked, attempting to sound casual. Luigi had never seen Mario this soon after an adventure. The hero was either greeting him, healed, at the front of the castle. Or had made his way back home, already cooking breakfast to greet his younger brother that morning. 

This was tearing the curtains down and ripping them to shreds. Mario had never wanted the other to see him like this. 

Luigi didn’t seem to mind the situation though, mumbling weakly, “Yesterday afternoon-ish. Peach called me saying you would be staying the night and…I had a bad feeling.”

“A-A bad feeling? Did she s-say anything?”

“Just that you were hurt on your mission.” Now more awake with his eyes cleared, Luigi put his full focus on his now squirming older brother. “Also ran into that Wario fellow you told me about before.” 

That caused Mario’s worries to disappear quickly. A little shocked by this. “Wait, he was here? In the room?”

“Right by your bed, yep.”

“Did he hurt you?” Mario’s protective brother stance flared up suddenly. Worried that Wario had said something hurtful or dangerous to Luigi to make the younger brother act like this. “Was he rude? I swear if he-”

“I’m mad at you.”

Mario faulted, anger quickly turning back into fear. Eyes flitting backup to Luigi. Who was now staring at his gloves, his hands gripping each other tightly. 

“Why…are you mad?” Mario asked, voice quiet and fearful. 

“Were you going to tell me what happened?”

“...Of course-”

“Just like the other times you’ve told me?”

“Luigi-”

“Why don’t you talk to me anymore?”

Another stab to the heart. Mario let out a slow breath. He knew this talk needed to happen, just didn’t think it would be this soon. Or when he was recovering from a rather large scare. 

He shifted a bit until he was sitting on the edge of his bed, patting the area next to him. Luigi immediately claimed that spot. Brothers wrapping arms around each other the moment they were within reach. Mario practically melted into the touch, claiming the warmth he’s been missing for what felt like so long. Loving how perfectly Luigi connected to him. The younger tucking his head under Mario’s chin even though he was the taller of the two. 

“I didn’t mean to make you mad.” The hero mumbled softly. 

“I know…”

“I just didn’t want you to worry.”

Luigi shifted weakly, pressing his ear into Mario’s chest. Picking up the faint but steady heartbeats. “I’m always worried. You rush off to help whoever you can. I get it, you’re just like that, it’s a good quality. But…I’m worried you’re doing too much. I wish you would talk to me. Tell me things. You act like you’re keeping me safe by having me stay in a bubble.”

“...I know… But…”

“We’re somewhere new, no idea what’s going to happen next, and you staying quiet…”

“It’s not helping.”

“Yeah… I may not be a fighter. But I’m a great listener.” 

Mario laughed. “Yeah, you are.”

“So, are you ready to talk to me?”

“That sounds so threatening.”

“I’m trying to be serious Mario!”

“Aw, and my baby brother is doing so well.”

Luigi groaned weakly as Mario playfully tugged at one of his cheeks. “Mario. You’re only older by 20 minutes!”

“Still counts! 20 minutes, 20 days, 20 months, I’m older.”

“Why are you being so aggravating!” 

“Because it’s my civic duty as the older brother.”

Another groan sounded as Luigi pulled away and flopped onto his back. “So annoying.”

Mario smirked as he laid down as well. “But you love me.”

“Of course I do. I put up with you, that should say enough.”

The playful smile melted into a warm one. Mario reached a foot out to poke Luigi’s side, calling the younger’s attention away from the ceiling. The hero let out a sigh and said, “Peach told me about a new town that was having some trouble. I was supposed to just go and see what the issue was and report back.”

“I’m guessing that’s…not what happened.”

“I found these creatures called Boos.”

“...Boos?”

“Apparently ghosts or something similar to them? With venom that makes you hallucinate your worst fears if you’re bit.”

“Oh, joy, that sounds like fun. Is that what happened to your arm?”

“Yeah, I wasn’t sure what to do when I faced them. I let my guard down for too long. Little bugger got me good.” 

Luigi hummed softly, “Did…Did Wario help?”

“Yeah… I won’t lie, I’m not… I still don’t fully trust that guy. Still a bit too much for me. But…he was a life-saver.”

“He seems like a good guy.”

“He’s okay. Are you still mad at me?”

“No…but only if you stop hiding from me. We’re a team right?”

“Right.”

“So, let’s start acting like it.”

“Deal.”

“Good,” Luigi stood, slipping his shoes on and placing his cap in its rightful place. “Now, I should probably tell someone way more professionally qualified than I that you’re awake.”

“That sounds like a smart idea.” 

_____________________________

Wario nervously sat at the kitchen table. Leg bouncing as his eyes remained on the front door. He really shouldn’t feel this nervous. After all, he called people here with the intention of finally being able to fix up this house. His slowly falling apart childhood house. 

But it was still embarrassing to think strangers would be arriving to see the sorry state that he lived in. 

Even if Peach assured him she was sending over the best professionals to help.

The door being knocked on broke Wario from his nervous thoughts. Quietly cursing as he frantically righted his knocked over chair. Letting out a huff to try and calm his nerves, Wario straightened himself out now. Stomping forward and flinging open said door. 

Only to falter once more, finding Mario and Luigi standing on the other side. Luigi beamed while Mario offered a short nod. Behind them stood a small army of eager looking Toads, all either carrying tools or large boxes. 

“Good morning!” Luigi happily announced, “We’re the Mario Brothers and plumbing’s our game! We’ve been asked by Princess Peach, along with our small crew, to help refurbish your home.”

Wario, more than a little surprised by this, had his eyes travel to Mario. “Are you serious?”

Mario straightened his cap and offered his own smirk. “As a heart attack. Now, care to show us the issues you’ve been having?”

The list, apparently, was long. 

Rusted pipes that were breaking or were blocked with who even knows what. Water damaged walls and flooring. Old and broken appliances. The outside was overgrown with invasive flora. The roof was missing a number of shingles and the siding was starting to peel. 

“How…have you lived like this?” Mario asked, absolutely bewildered as Luigi continued to take notes. 

Wario merely shrugged. “Not really home a whole lot. More focused on getting the money over everything else.”

“Yeah…that’s fair.”

The good news was that the house was (somehow) still salvageable. The brothers focused on the plumbing aspects while the Toads worked on the main clean up, reconstruction of the house, and tending to the garden. Wario had been forced at the beginning to just watch this all from the corner of his own home. 

Until he decided he wasn’t going to be a wallflower in his own home. Therefore coming to the conclusion that following Mario around was going to be the most entertaining. Not the brothers collectively. Just Mario. But with how close the brothers were, it looked like he was following them both. 

There was a lot to gleam from their interactions with each other.

It was clear that Mario took the role of the stoic older brother seriously. Granted, his quiet stern position was due to more having Wario so close than anything else. Probably uncomfortable around the other still. Only offering a warm smile and quiet words when interacting with Luigi. The tension in his shoulders seemed to lift when the younger brother was his focus. 

Wario was slightly uncomfortable. Not because he found the clear affection ‘gross’. But because he was bitter in a way he shouldn’t be. 

Luigi seemed to be the complete opposite of his brother. Not in a bad way, mind you. Where Mario was quiet, Luigi was very vocal. Either by talking out loud about everything they were doing or by humming some random tune. On occasion pulling Wario into an unprompted conversation. The younger brother was bubbly. Eyes bright with a permanent smile on his face.

Luigi was also a bit…clumsy. Wario still had no idea what had caused the younger brother to trip. Luigi giving a sheepish grin to his clearly worried brother before cleaning up his own mess.

It was strange to see. A healthy family relationship. Wario felt a little weird with how easily they interacted with each other. Shifting nervously, worrying as if he was intruding in some way. Never mind the fact that Wario was supposed to be here. This was his house. 

That didn’t mean he felt comfortable as he watched something he wished he could have. 

“I think it’s in the van.” Luigi’s voice broke through Wario’s musings. The younger brother digging through his toolbox. 

“Go and grab it quick then.” Mario calmly replied, tightening some pipes. “It’s stable for now, we’ve got time.”

“Alright, I’ll be back soon!”

Wario, who had been leaning against the nearby wall, lazily watched as Luigi ran off. Waiting until he was out the door before turning to Mario. The other clearly kept his focus on the exposed wall. Checking things over, even though he just said everything was fine. Wario assumed he was just trying to keep the other away. Too bad for Mario, Wario didn’t care. 

“How are you feeling?”

Mario didn’t face Wario. Instead turning from the hold to the same toolbox Luigi had been going through moments before. “Fine.”

“You sure? Not being headstrong with your hero complex?”

“What are you, my dad?”

“More like your mentor. Stupid bleeding heart.” Wario internally grumbled before saying, “Sorry for caring.”

“...Luigi said…you stayed with me.” Mario’s voice sounded unsure, as if what he was saying was absolutely crazy.

“For a while, met your brother… Which you clearly knew because of your comment.” 

“Why were you there? I figured you’d want to dump me off and leave as soon as you could.”

“Aw, what, I can’t be worried about my little buddy?” Wario bent down to pull Mario into a tight headlock. 

The hero choked slightly by the sudden movement. “You- Would you stop doing that, you meathead! What if I had a tool in my hand?”

“Then you wouldn’t be very professional. Hurting a client and an innocent bystander.” 

“There is nothing innocent about you.”

“Such a flatterer you are.”

Mario grunted weakly as he forced himself free. Stumbling to a stop before giving a glare to Wario, straightening out his cap. “You didn’t answer my question.” 

“Yeah I did.”

“That wasn’t an answer.”

“Well, it’s what you’re going to get.”

“I thought you hated me.”

Well, there’s a gut puncher. Wario’s eyes fell away at that, arms crossing as he felt himself tense. “I told you, we had a heart to heart.”

“And that was enough?”

“It was a start.”

“What does that mean? Do I trust you now? Are we still enemies?”

“You’re an annoying little bug still.”

Mario gritted his teeth. “And you still get on my last nerves. I don’t know what you said to Luigi-”

“I told him you were being an ass for not talking to your own brother.”

“If you hurt him in any way, I will never forgive you.”

“Seems like you’re doing a fine enough job that you don’t need my help.” Wario bit the inside of his cheek, knowing he’d gone way too far with that comment. The hero had actually flinched. Now glaring at the ground. “Just…look, don’t you think there’s a reason as to why I’m saying these things?”

“Because you’re an ass and like to pick at sore wounds.” Mario grumbled. 

“Because I’m speaking from life experiences.” 

That sentence knocked something in the back of Mario’s memories. Eyes darting around the slowly healing house, as if realizing something was missing. “Where…is your brother?”

Wario wasn’t given a chance to reply. One of the numerous Toad workers came to a shortstop before them. Panting hard as they desperately gestured to the open front door. 

“Whoa, hold on little guy, take a few deep breaths. What’s wrong?” Mario spoke gently, leaning closer in case he needed to offer a hand. 

The Toad took a few more deep breaths before choking out, “P…Piranha P-Plant… S-Stranger… L-Luigi!”

That was all Mario needed to hear before he was rushing out. Wario close behind. 

_____________________________

Luigi only meant to be gone for a few minutes. Grab what was needed and go back inside. 

That plan quickly changed when he heard a number of Toads yelling in fear. Dropping what he had, Luigi rushed towards the side of the house where the noise was coming from. Heart racing upon finding a Toad trapped by three large Piranha Plants. Large mouths with sharp teeth were openly drooling sap onto the ground. A small group of Toads frantically rushed around, unsure of what to do to get their friend free. 

Legs moving faster before his mind to come up with an actual plan, Luigi quickly put himself before the Toad and the sharp toothed plants. 

“B-Back up!” Luigi choked out. Frantically wondering how this was supposed to help. He’s faced these plants before, he knew they couldn’t exactly be resonated with. What was he thinking rushing in like this? He should have gotten Mario!

Mind racing on figuring out his next move, Luigi was shocked when the three plants actually backed down. Letting out small chirps and curious noises. Casually swaying as they seemed to be watching Luigi.

“Ah…um, thank you?” Luigi whispered in absolute amazement. 

Making a break for it, the Toad who’d been hiding behind Luigi ran off. The plants take that as a sign of ‘play’. Eagerly nipping at the fleeing Toad.

“H-Hey, hey, none of that now.” Luigi reprimanded, which didn’t deter them.

Deeming the Toads, the group that was nervously watching nearby, were not worth their attention, the Piranha Plants turned back to Luigi. The younger brother lost whatever bravado he’d been able to build up. Inching back slightly as drooling mouths drew closer once more.

“T-That doesn’t mean you should focus on m-me.” Luigi winced as his back hit a wild growth of purple-leaved bushes. The dense foliage kept the human trapped as eager plants surrounded him. 

Shutting his eyes tightly, Luigi turned his head away. Quietly praying that someone would alert Mario about this before it got out of hand. Only to jump when the first ‘attack’ was a gentle bump to his leg. When this wasn’t followed by the sting of pain or the warm flow of lost blood, Luigi dared to peek. 

One of the plants, the one Luigi assumed had bumped his leg before, was sniffing around his pocket. The other two eagerly waited nearby. Another bump to his leg, Luigi felt something shift in his pocket. A familiar crinkling sound reached his ear. Realizing that the plant was interested in his partially finished breakfast, a granola bar. 

Moving slowly, Luigi grabbed said bar. The Piranha Plants started to chirp eagerly upon seeing the food. 

“Are…you just hungry?”

Another round of eager chirps responded.

“Well, suppose I could break this into three.” Luigi struggled slightly to get the pieces even. Eventually ending up with small piles instead of solid bars. “You guys can help me hide the evidence. Don’t think you’ll out me to Mario for not finishing this.” 

Each plant waited patiently as Luigi dumped the little mounds of granola into their open mouths. As soon as they finished, it really didn’t take too long, the human found himself trapped once more. The three plants pressed close as deep purrs sounded. Luigi offered a small laugh as he gently patted the plant pressing into his chest. 

“W-Well, you’re all d-definitely friendly.” The human remarked softly.

Distracted by the attention, Luigi wasn’t aware of the approaching footsteps. But the still curious Toads who had stuck around to watch turned towards the new sound. Letting out small yelps of fear as they quickly parted to allow the newcomer to continue on. Luigi was pulled away from the rather calm moment when a sharp whistle broke it. 

The human letting out a yelp as the Piranha Plants suddenly flew away. The sudden shift caused Luigi to fall hard onto the ground. Coughing at the cloud of dust that had entered his lungs, standing shakily back up on his legs. Only to stumble back once more in order to get away from the sharp angled face glaring at him.

Luigi didn’t get that far before a hand shot out. The grip on his arm tightening, causing the human to wince. Wide blue eyes pinned on the tall, rather lanky figure towering over him. 

The other individual wearing an outfit that Luigi could tell cost more coins than he would feel comfortable spending. But it was clear this had been worn a few times, small areas either showing fray or being patched up previously. Deep brown hair, almost black, eyes were glaring down at Luigi over a long crooked nose. Resting atop sleek brown hair was a deep purple cap with an upside down ‘L’ embroidered on it.

“Who are you?” The question was hissed out through gritted teeth.

Still recovering from the sudden shift of everything, Luigi’s response was a quiet, “...What?”

The grip tightened further. Luigi reaches up and attempts to pull the other off. “I asked who you are and, furthermore, what are you doing here.”

“Ow- Luigi! I-I’m Luigi and I’m here to f-fix the plumbing in the h-house!”

“If that’s the case, why are you out here in my garden?”

“Y-Your-”

“Luigi!

Relief came in the form of Mario rushing towards them. Easily breaking the grip and pushing Luigi behind him. Glaring at the newcomer with as much anger he could show. 

“Don’t you dare touch my brother.”

“More of you? Have humans become the new infestation? Trying to beat out the number of Toads, are you?”

“Who the heck even are you!”

“That’s my question to you and that sniveling coward behind you.”

“Keep talking like that and I’ll make you regret it.”

“Charming.”

Mario fell quiet as Wario positioned himself before the hero. Eyes narrowing on the towering stranger silently. The hero takes this moment to pull Luigi further away, checking him over. 

“Are you okay?” Mario whispered. Luigi merely offered a nod. 

Meanwhile, Wario was still holding a quiet stare down with the other. Who was now standing at full height, sneering down at Wario with a stiff smirk. 

“It’s not like you to have guests.”

Wario rolled his eyes. Deciding to ignore it and instead commented, “You didn’t tell me you were going to visit.”

“Call it a…curiosity visit. Wanting to see how well you’re getting on. Although, I have to say I’m upset that my pets need scraps from a stranger. Clearly you’re not feeding them well. Care to explain why you have so many vermin running around?” Sharp eyes narrowed towards Mario and Luigi. 

The older brother glaring back while the younger looked down at the ground, clearly nervous. 

“And I really want to know how you of all people know two humans. Especially ones who stick their bulbous noses into the care of others' gardens when they’re not wanted.” 

Luigi’s hand shifted from rubbing his sore arm to hiding his nose. 

Wario immediately reached up to pull at the other’s ear sharply. Hissing darkly as he says, “Good to know your pompous attitude has only gotten worse, Waluigi. Seems you haven’t learned anything while being in New Donk.”

“Let go of me you absolute bastard before I-”

“You know you won’t risk damaging your little outfit in a scuffle with me. Now come on. We’re talking inside.” 

Still having a tight grip on the other’s ear, Wario steered them both inside. Leaving two stunned brothers and a gaggle of Toads watching on in fear. The Piranha Plants have gone back to nuzzling against the still nervous Luigi.

“What was that all about?” Mario frowned. Shaking his head before turning back to Luigi. “Hey, you sure you’re okay? You’re not hurt?”

The younger shook his head again, eyes on where Wario had walked off. “I think they’re brothers.”

“What?”

“That guy, Waluigi, said that this was his garden.”

Well, this was going to be interesting. 

After pulling Luigi away from the clinging flowers, the brothers cautiously walked back in.There was a clear change in the air. Sure, Wario wasn’t super pleasant to be around. But it was at least relaxing before. Now it was almost suffocating. 

Wario and Waluigi now sitting around the tilted kitchen table. Toads shuffling past the doorway as if walking on broken glass. 

Luigi attempted not to flinch as Waluigi’s eyes landed on him once more. Picking up his pace, quickly getting back to their working area. 

Whatever conversation was happening was starting out low. Mario made the assumption it was just a casual catch up. By Wario’s look of surprise upon seeing his brother back, it was a good guess that Waluigi didn’t return home often. Or that this was the first time coming back period. If anything else, this was just one giant unannounced surprise.

The hero recalled a few words Wario had shared about his brother those few nights ago. About how Waluigi had more ambitious drives than what this life or what Wario could provide. But if Mario’s observations were anything to go off from, the dreams weren’t working into reality.

While Waluigi was wearing something created with some high cost materials, the outfit was well worn. Small patches and repairs were easily seen. Mario had worked with money makers before, they’re loose with their spending when it came to showing off. If Waluigi was doing so well, he wouldn’t waste his time repairing an outfit if he could just buy a new one. 

“I don’t think they like each other.” Luigi cautiously whispered. 

“I’m going to say it’s just miscommunication in the worst way and not seeing eye to eye. Not everyone’s going to get along like us.” Mario offered a warm smile. 

But could tell it didn’t help ease Luigi’s worries. 

“It’s just family drama, Weegie, leave them be.”

That request quickly fell away when voices started to rise. Conversation changing to a heated argument. Toads either cowering or outright leaving the house. Luigi’s shoulders rose as he tensed further. Mario’s eyes also on the doorway leading into the kitchen, hand reaching out to take hold of one of Luigi’s to comfort. 

“It’s fine. It’s going to be fine. Just leave them be bro.”

“Good to know you’re spending your money so well,” Waluigi’s voice was icy as he shouted, “This place looks like it’s going to collapse at any moment and my garden looks horrendous!” 

There was the sound of something heavy slammed onto the table. No doubt Wario caused the noise. “It would be great if I had some sort of support. You know money’s tight!”

“I thought you were supposed to be the ‘responsible one’. That’s what you kept touting before. Trying to keep everything together, or at least claiming you were.”

“Big talk coming from you. If you’re doing so well, surely you can help send support.” 

“The older sibling is supposed to take care of everything. Isn’t that what you kept saying?”

“You seem to just have an answer for everything, don’t you? You haven’t even told me why you’re here.”

“Oh, so now I need a reason to come home?”

“Considering you left in the middle of the night and haven’t talked to me in years, yeah. Yeah, I think I deserve a good reason for you to be here right now.” 

“Grambi, it’s always has to be some big ‘reason’ for you.” 

“Because you’ve never done this before! What do you want, Waluigi? Want to put your success on display, rub it in my face?”

“Truthfully, seeing the sad state that you live in, it wouldn’t take much.” 

Mario was about to suggest that they take an early lunch break when Luigi suddenly pulled away. Storming past his brother with his face scrunched up in anger. Making a direct line to the kitchen.

“Wait, Luigi, stop, we don’t-” Mario had just scrambled to his feet when Luigi turned into the kitchen. Heart beating furiously as he chased after his brother, Mario entered to find his brother staring Waluigi down. Who seemed very unimpressed.

“What do you want, manual labor?” Waluigi sneered out.

“Y-You can’t talk t-to him like that.” Luigi shot back in a tone that caused Mario to freeze. 

Waluigi even seemed surprised, but recovered quickly. Standing up to tower over the other. “You don’t get to tell me how to talk to my brother-”

“Apparently I d-do! Y-You’re such a stranger in his life, y-you don’t see him doing what he can to p-provide in some way.”

“Provide? You call this being provided for? A barely functioning house with a barely showered brother? This is truly the definition of luxury.” 

“A-And w-what have you done? Y-You’re so bent on bringing W-Wario down that y-you haven’t said what y-you’ve accomplished! I-If you’re such a b-big deal, s-surely you c-could help to pay to keep t-this place up. I-If money’s not a big w-worry, then you could make b-both of your lives e-easier.”

“Listen here, you low life leech. You have no room to make any ‘helpful’ comments about my life. I’m not going to listen to some lowly plumber-” 

“And what’s wrong with that!” Luigi stomped his foot, “I love what I do! And I love that I can work with my brother everyday! You may see it as low work, or that I’m not aiming big enough, or whatever your issue is with honest work. But I’m happy with where I am and it’s pretty clear that you’re not!”

“So, here’s what’s going to happen, if you’re willing to put your ego away for a few minutes. I’m going to make some tea and you two are going to talk. Not dance around everything and not belittle each other. Talk. Do I make myself clear?”

There were no arguments made. Even though Waluigi seemed he would like nothing more than to throttle the other.

Hearing no retorts, Luigi marched over to the numerous cabinets. Standing before them for a few moments before saying, “Um…Wario?”

“Yes?”

“Could you…tell me where everything is?”

Wario hid his laugh with a small sigh and stood. “Let me help.”

They were all soon situated around the table. Steaming cups of tea in hand. Mario had put himself between Luigi and Waluigi as the latter had not stopped glaring at the younger brother. Luigi, on his part, seemed to have calmed down slightly.

Taking a small sip from his cup before stating, “I think the best place to start is for you to share why you’re here, Waluigi.”

“You have not right to interject yourself-”

“I do when you’re an absolute ass to your own brother. Now talk.”

“It would be in your best interest to do so,” Mario muttered frantically, “Luigi doesn’t curse unless he’s really upset.”

Waluigi rolled his eyes but didn’t comment back. Instead focusing on his own cup. Clearly thinking through his options as to what he could do in this situation. Deciding he was at a loss, Waluigi let out a sigh and said, “I was fired.”

“You were what?” Wario sat up further at that, clearly upset, “When? When did this happen?”

“About a month ago.”

“And you waited this long-”

“Because I was hoping I could find another job! Plus, I didn’t want you to…know.”

“But I would have helped-”

“With what money? You’re just as strapped for cash as I am.”

Wario huffed, “Well, what was with your attitude if you’re struggling hard as I am?”

“Because I didn’t know you had guests.” Waluigi hissed as his eyes narrowed on the brothers. 

“What does that have to do with anything? They don’t know what’s going on in our lives.”

“Bulbous nose has enough information to apparently feel the need to defend you!”

“Uh, t-try not to bring appearances into this,” Luigi said weakly, “U-Us being here shouldn’t really have-”

“Stop. Talking.” Waluigi hissed. 

“That’s not a good reason.” Wario defended. 

“Yes it is!” Waluigi shouted in frustration, “Because I was already feeling like shit having to come back here with my tail between my legs. Because when I left I swore I wouldn’t be back until I could prove I was better than this shitty life! There was a bit of hope in thinking we could be miserable together in coming back here.”

“Instead I come back to our house being rebuilt and some tiny coward getting my precious Piranha Plant’s attention.”

Wario frowned softly. “...You’d rather us be miserable than safe?”

“Yes! Otherwise that means you were right and I hate it when you’re right!”

Mario held his breath at this. Half expecting for someone to launch themselves across the table at the other. When all remained in place, Mario let his shoulders relax as he mulled over the words that had been said. Eyes landing on Wario, who looked lost at this point, and Mario decided it was his time to step in. 

“I’m going to make some guesses here and offer some words of my own. If allowed.” Mario started cautiously. 

“Why not,” Waluigi muttered darkly, “Everyone else here is.”

“I can’t fully count for what’s been said between you two before. I wasn’t there and I don’t want to know. I’m gleaming enough from this thought and it’s clear that the last full conversation between you two didn’t end well. But that shouldn’t be how you should define your relationship. You’re both stupidly prideful and stubborn- and don’t try to deny it!” Mario held up a finger on both ends, effectively shushing them both. 

Wario and Waluigi crossed their arms in silent defeat. 

The hero continued, pointedly talking to Waluigi. “Having goals is not a bad thing, but you need to be realistic. You’re seeing why now. Just to go off without something of a plan can end badly. Even more so if you don’t have something to fall back on. You’re lucky that you still have your brother.”

Waluigi didn’t respond, but the grip on his arms did slack. 

Wario’s attention, which had been focused on the table, moved up to Luigi when the younger brother leaned forward. Who offered a warm smile. 

“I think you need to take your own advice next time. Distance shouldn’t be a worry if you want to make a connection. Talking can help, right?”

“...Right,” Wario huffed, glaring at Waluigi who was staring back unfazed, “You’re an idiot and an ass. But you’re also my brother, so you know I’m here to support you. I’m sorry your shity idea didn’t work. I warned you that you had too many things working at once. Just…come home and we’ll figure something out. Okay?”

“You were always loud…” Waluigi sighed but nodded, “Thank you…for letting me come home.” 

“A thank you? Wow, how much of your pride did you have to swallow there?”

“Too much. And it tasted like spoiled milk.” Standing from the table once more, Waluigi continued, “I’ll be moving back in by the end of the week. If that works.”

“Yeah, the house will be fixed by then.” Wario looked to Mario, who confirmed with a nod.

“Very well…and you!” 

All tensed at Waluigi’s sudden change in attitude. But Luigi was now put on display. The younger brother swallowed weakly before nervously spitting out, “M-Me?”

“I already didn’t like you when you won the favor from my dear Piranha Plants. They’re very picky with who they find acceptable. And for you to win them over so easily infuriates me.” 

“I-I just gave them some-”

“Then you have the absolute gall to shout at me, in my own home! I don’t care if it was for my betterment. No one has ever had the audacity to speak to me as such…besides my brother. But that’s not the point.”

With a grand post and a wide sneer, Waluigi announced, “You have made a powerful rival today, Greenie. I shall best you at whatever game you’re playing at!”

“I-I’m not-”

“We shall cross paths again. When we do, I shall have the upper hand!” 

With that, he was off. Waluigi departing out the front with, somehow, rose petals falling behind and leaving a trail. 

It was weirdly quiet following this proclamation. All a little stunned with Wario being able to recover first. Actually rolling out of his chair, boisterously laughing until he made his way to Mario. Pulling said hero into a familiarly uncomfortable headlock. 

“Gah!” Mario cried out, “What are you-”

“Did ya see that, mini me? Our brothers are becoming friends! Now why can’t we get along like that?”

“You are an absolute lunatic!” 

Mario was released for a second, only to be pulled back into a tight hug. Luigi is also being pulled in, letting out a surprised yelp of his own.  

“Don’t worry, we’ll all be getting along soon enough!” Wario laughed. 

Luigi offered a small smile to his brother’s unamused look. “I-It’s always good to have a number of people to rely on for m-moral support.” 

Mario could only let out a small groan in defeat. 

[joelletwo]

i wouldnt have found that natsume post if not for ur blawg tbh FSDKFKJSDF im still crying abt randomly seeing that. the world is so small. BUT . THANK U... SAPPY AFTER READING ALL THAT.....also now that i am here... can i say i love ur art sm. some of ur parigings are on my phone w the rest (when i was especially obsessed and saved a bunch of art)...and the gingcheadle... so good; one of the 7 or 8 gingcheadles we have, total (generous estimation). awesome. thank u for the tags u always leave too u guys r very kind 🥺🥺 dies

WHOA NO WAY REALLY THATS INSANEEEEEEE. the pariging world is already so small how do i keep meeting ppl like this. bc theyre always cool somehow. and also. GINGCHEADLES IS SO NEGLECTED truly truly i treasure every one i can find lol. and ur so galaxy brained about it. ohhhhhhh my god. what an honor im losing it.