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teegeeteegee · 17 days ago

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I Present to You…

The First Chapter of “A Symphony of Liaisons”

It’s a long time coming…a labour of love that started from last year….phew…and it’s all come to fruition.

@silenzahra I sincerely hope that you don’t mind if we can share your promised story to our friends and visitors who may find something to love about it: whether it’s platonic brotherly love, friendship or romance…thank you for always inspiring me with your content and letting me express my creativity to let your work shine as they deserve.

This story will be updated weekly on Saturdays (or early Sundays at my end, depending on how I’m faring each week) and there will be 8 chapters in total.

As this is a story inspired by music and the brothers being amazing musicians in their own right as detailed here by my amazing little sister, it is kind of inevitable that most of these chapters will feature songs and/or instrumentals that are vital in their creation and there will be song lyrics added for atmosphere. I’ll be adding music videos of these said musical pieces and you’re welcome to have a listen for fun if you want to.

You’re welcome to traverse here to AO3 for the first chapter (as a reminder, my archive is locked so only registered users can comment on my stories).

To return to my other stories in my archive, you can come here.

Please help spread the word if anyone else would be in the mood to read and I’d appreciate any feedback on here and/or AO3 so that I can see where my writing stands.

Read on and enjoy, my dears!

——

Chapter One: Combating Stage Fright

Mario peeks out from a fold of the thick velvet curtains gracing the stage. Their audience may be much smaller than usual but they mean to him and his little brother more than anything else in the world. He watches Peach talking to Daisy, their lovely faces illuminated by the magnificent chandelier decorating the ornate ceiling of the spacious concert hall they’re situated in.

The princesses are deep in conversation, their voices filled with soft giggles and lively chatter. They are comfortably seated in plush thrones and dressed to the nines in their radiant off-shoulder ballgowns, their embroidery and respective peach blossom and daisy flower appliqués shimmering under the candlelight like stars and jewels combined. He notes how Daisy is gushing over something sparkling on Peach’s right hand while the older princess is smiling at her best friend who she deems as closest as a dear sister with pure happiness. He beams happily when he makes out a distinct blue shimmer accompanied by tiny red sparkles…knowing that Peach is wearing one of her crystal rings he has gifted her during their courtship…he always loves how her beauteous her fingers look when graced with such delicate bands and shimmering stones and crystals. This particular piece is extra special, holding a significant memory in strengthening their bond. The pink clad princess has taken to wearing lace and satin fingerless opera gloves more often to present the rings he has gifted her when they are out together in public.

Admiring her gentle smile and the way her pale skin glows under the lights, he smiles with a blush on his face and his heart skips a beat when her tender gaze connects his own. Her smile softens and fills with tender affection and reassurance as she places the tips of her fingers to her lips and sends an invisible kiss to him. He reciprocates with one of his own before retreating from the curtains and turning away to glance down at what he’s wearing for this momentous occasion. He adjusts the snowy silk cravat around his neck and the miniature ruby mushroom pin gracing it. He is so grateful at the way the black waistcoat sleekly shapes his stout stature…who knew that his little brother has great fashion taste. He then pulls on his velvet white gloves, making sure they’re tucked in neatly with the ruffled hems of his long belled sleeves. A small smile graces his face as he runs his gloved hands over the sparkling pin…his most special and precious gift from Peach during their first formal ball and spending their first real dance together…oh, it’s one of the most beautifully sentimental memories of their romance and since then, he’s more than happy to wear on special occasions such as this…

“I can’t do this…what am I thinking…ah…what will Daisy think…ah….”

His little brother’s ramblings makes Mario pause in his fiddling and turn to see Luigi pacing back and forth with his hands clenched against his chest, his black polished shoes clacking against the varnished wooden floor. The younger man is dressed identically as him except he has opted to wear jewelled floral pins on his collar lapels and a smart, emerald green satin tie. He observes the anxious expression on Luigi and his heart goes out to him as he strides over and gently stops his pacing by gripping his shoulders after he blocks his way and stands in front of him.

“M-Mario…” Luigi’s anxiety is palpable in his wavering tone.

“Hey hey Lu…you’ll wear out the floor if you keep pacing like this…” Mario softly cups his brother’s face and brings their foreheads together. He could see tiny beads of sweat forming along his hairline, his gasping breaths were restless in rhythm and his gaze seems faraway and shadowed…he needs to remedy this, “Breathe with me, little bro…”

Luigi’s anxiety riddled eyes bore into his and his gloved hands grasp his wrists, crumpling the ruffled hems. They breathe deeply together in unison…in…and out…in…and out. Mario’s smile remains soothing and kind as he feels Luigi’s grip on his wrists relax slightly and his eyes regain some lucidity. His breaths become slower and relaxed…Mario nods with a gentle smile on his face.

“That’s it, Luigi…” Mario then moves to grip his brother’s hands, rubbing his thumbs across his gloved knuckles, “Tell your big brother what’s on your mind…let your thoughts out…”

Luigi exhales shakily, his eyes darting to the side momentarily. After a whimpering hum, he regains eye contact and finally speaks timidly, “I’m scared, Mario…it’s going to be like Destiny all over again…I just know it…what if Daisy doesn’t like it…all of this. If she doesn’t like it, she’ll think I’m a loser!”

At this, Mario shakes his head in disagreement and hushes his little brother while pressing their foreheads just slightly tighter. His heart aches for the younger man, recalling how hard Luigi practiced his beloved instrument in the school band during their high school schools to impress Destiny, a girl with whom he had a crush on. His hopes to catch her attention had been dashed that night of the big school show when she ended up fawning over Giorgio, the boy who sang the song they came to love and played with their instruments harmoniously…

——

The performance is a huge success with a standing ovation. Mario had earlier watched and recorded it all in his brother’s phone, which Luigi had earlier asked to safe-keep for him. He takes in the concentration and passion on marked his little brother’s face for every sweet melodious note he conjures as he keeps up with Giorgio’s piano playing and singing. “Mi Mancherai” is a song he now holds dear to his heart because of Luigi’s stellar playing with his violin. As he applauds loudly, his focus is on Luigi and his joyful and amazed smile at what he has accomplished is a wondrous sight to witness. He then quickly snaps a picture with the green phone to capture this moment of triumph forever. Wanting to congratulate his little brother, he quickly tells their family that he’ll be backstage and rushes off before they can acknowledge his departure with the rest of his classmates and schoolmates in the audience.

When he reaches his destination, his ecstatic smile fades when he sees Luigi clutching his cherished violin close to his chest and his face pulling into the most heartbroken expression he has ever seen. His feet stride fast to his little brother. He carefully takes away the violin to deposit it back into its case near his music folder before gathering the taller teen into a tight comforting embrace. Luigi’s arms immediately wound around his shoulders and his face is squished against his neck. He feels Luigi shiver in his embrace and some warm moisture trickling against his neck…silence reigns for a long while before Mario pulls back to nuzzle their foreheads and cups his wet face to thumb the tears away.

“Oh Lu…what happened? You were so brave and happy before when you played your violin so beautifully out there…”

Mario waits patiently for the shivers subside as Luigi finally pulls away, hastily wiping his tears away and leaving his saddened eyes red and bloodshot. He takes a shaky inhale of breath and sighs in frustration.

“Why did I think this was a good idea…she…she didn’t like it…this is the worst night ever…”

“Who? You mean Destiny?” Mario questions, some bubbles of anger and incredulity start to set in his stomach.

Luigi nods in dismay and gestures to the growing crowd. Mario briefly glances over and sees Giorgio surrounded by fawning girls. He growls under his breath when he sees Destiny, her dark eyes shiny with adoration and focused on him as she coos and talks to him while clinging onto his arm. The boy in question smiles wider, clearly soaking in the attention.

“My violin isn’t enough, Mario…I’m not…I’m not good enough for her…she doesn’t see it…”

“Exactly, Luigi…” Mario immediately intervenes, his voice firm and making Luigi look at him curiously through his tears, “Destiny is a fool to overlook you and your beautiful music…she doesn’t see the hard work you put into your playing. She doesn’t see that your violin is what makes the song great in the first place. She doesn’t see the bright, talented and wonderful person the way I see you.”

Mario points to the violin resting in its case, its polished wood gleaming under the backstage studio lights.

“You are an artist, Lu…your music touched me deep into my soul…see?”

Mario shows him the video recording on the phone. He smiles happily when Luigi’s own matches his, his tears gradually subsiding and turning shy…he takes it from Mario as he watches himself perform.

“Look at yourself…you poured your heart and soul into each note, Lu…that is pure magic I’ve witnessed. You should’ve seen dad, Uncle Tony and Uncle Arthur, they looked like surprised goldfish when they watched you. Ma and Aunt Marie were practically sighing, wishing they can play as well as you. I bet that they didn’t expect you to be quite a maestro…” their eyes lock into each other again as the video recording finishes. He grasps his shoulder firmly before bringing their foreheads for another nuzzle, “Even if Destiny didn’t notice you, I’m so…so…so proud of you for taking the stage and show off your talent tonight. You deserve to shine like a diamond, little bro…”

His praise seems to inject Luigi with more optimism and happiness as now his eyes are less red and are now sparkling jubilantly. He watches the younger teen take a deep breath and he appears calmer. He quickly swipes the remaining tears away.

“Thanks, big bro…I mean…I did want to play the violin to impress her but…I guess in the end…I really enjoyed playing it for me…and you being proud of me means everything in the world to me, Mario. And…”Mi Mancherai” is really beginning to grow on me…I really do love this song…”

“See? There you are…I know that resilience of yours will kick in sooner or later and you know what? You may have just convinced me wanting to try playing the piano again…” this makes his little brother’s smile fill with additional delight and excitement and he revels in the beautiful sight, “It’d be a shame if you’d continue playing by yourself…”

Luigi’s laughs are like bells as he tugs his brother close for a crushing embrace, nuzzling his cheek against his.

“You know what, I take it back, Mario. This is the best night ever!” he eventually pulls back and points to his music folder, “I really want to try playing “Mi Mancherai” again…I still got the music sheets…but…you haven’t played in ages!”

“Hey…have faith in me, Luigi. I may be rusty but I haven’t lost the skills…let’s try during lunch break in the music room next Monday and see how it goes, okay?”

“Okie dokie! You promised!”

The last of Luigi’s sadness is finally quashed as both brothers pull each other in for another tight cuddle…Luigi may not have won Destiny over but he had gained some rather valuable consolation prizes to make this night the best one ever…

He can’t wait for the days ahead to recreate “Mi Mancherai” and make their own music with his loving big brother, side by side…

——

Coming back to reality from his reminiscing, Mario knows he needs this opportune window of time to give his little brother the necessary pep talk before taking the stage with the royal Toad orchestra, of which the members are starting to file in with their instruments. The older man refocuses Luigi’s attention to him as he cups his face, thumbing his cheeks.

“It won’t turn out like what happened with Destiny…” Mario shakes his head, his eyes filled with resolute and calm, “Tell me this, Lu…who gifted you those jewelled collar brooches before we organised this special private concert for our princesses?”

Luigi looks down at the jewelled brooches gracing the white lapels and gently flits his gloved fingers over them…the daisies are made out of the finest and most perfect emeralds and pearls which glittered under the dim lights…it is a most precious gift given by his beloved flower princess after a romantic magical night dancing among the stars, the moon and a cluster of green and golden balloons he had bestowed unto her as a present…

“Daisy did…and I promised her that I’d wear them when she came again to visit.”

“Indeed, Lu…you kept your promise and wore them often with your overalls. You saw how surprised and happy she was when we greeted her with Peach upon her arrival…she’s practically weeping with happiness and holding onto you for dear life. They look so good on you right now…you look so suave and dashing like a real prince!” this is turn makes Luigi chuckle sheepishly at his compliment…Mario is slowly but surely progressing to chip away his little brother’s anxiety and stage fright, “Who’s the one who poured all his heart and soul in singing and practising his violin all through the nights even though he’s exhausted from work and spent his free hours so that “Mi Mancherai” would be the perfect main act for tonight to show much we love our princesses and would miss them when we are apart?”

At this, Luigi blushed slightly at his brother’s encouraging question, “I did…and you’ve been so good to me, helping me without question and complaint and making do with all those trips to Peach’s music room to practice on the piano even though you’re tired from work yourself…”

“Hey, you’re my most precious and talented little brother. Of course I’m happy to help out anytime…and you know what, Lu? You helped me improve vastly on my piano playing skills. Your dedication to your musical prowess helped me motivate myself and because of this, I surprised Peach I could play an instrument that fascinated her…” Mario also blushed with a chuckle, which in turn made Luigi chuckle too, enriching the loving atmosphere between them before turning his attention back to the matter at hand. He just needs one more push to increase his little brother’s confidence to override the last remnants of his anxiety and stage fright, “And finally…tell me this. Who’s the one who brainstormed this brilliant idea to compose music from scratch to bring his princess’ favourite fairy tales to life for our opening act…and swotted himself to learn how to play the flute with our friend’s help and tutelage?”

With his blush intensifying and his heart bursting with affirmation from his older brother, Luigi was about to respond when…

“You did, my man!”

A cheerful voice chirps in reply. Both plumbers turn to see Toad entering into the fray with a huge smile on his face as he approaches them. He exchanges a lively fist bump with Mario while he leans in to hug against Luigi’s side as the younger man gently pats his mushroom head. It’s quite odd to see a Toad in a smart tuxedo while still carrying his ever present bulging backpack with him…

“Cutting in a little bit close…don’t you think, Toad?” Mario grins of which Toad merely shrugs nonchalantly, detecting humour in his tone, “Did you get enough practice?”

“Yup, I got my part down pat. Anything to make sure my best friends get to impress the princesses tonight,” Toad then turns to Luigi, a proud smile on his face, “Your music is amazing, Luigi and I’m also here to say that you are my best student in flute playing.”

“Toad, I’m your only student in flute playing,” Luigi pointed out, his sheepish smile now filled with mirth.

“Ah ah! I’m proud in sayin’ it. And I know you’re gonna be great out there. Mario and I will support you, no matter what. Oh yeah! Got something for you for the big night!”

Mario and Luigi shrug and exchange curious looks with each other as Toad rummages his backpack. He comes back with a long wooden case, its fine lacquered surface glimmering. It’s then Luigi notices how soft Toad’s smile now looks as he holds it up to him.

“Open it, buddy…”

And he does…he gasps upon seeing what’s nestled on its green plush padding. It’s a flute which looks similar to Toad’s except it’s a bit longer and thicker, suited more to Luigi’s stature. He takes it out reverently, now noting how it gleams under the lights…its wooden surface polished to perfection and the mouthpiece and ends crusted with some glimmering green stones that shine like stars…

“Isn’t this…”

“The flute you used to practice with me…except…I cleaned it up, varnished it and added something extra so that it’s yours to keep after tonight…call it a graduation gift.”

Mario moves in to hold onto the case while Luigi brings the instrument against his lips…the stones are soothingly cool to the touch and he tests it…the notes are so crisp and melodic that they send shivers down his spine…awe crosses over on Mario’s face while Toad’s proud smile grows wider.

“It suits you, Luigi,” Toad chuckles when he sees Luigi starting to tear up. The mushroom being pats his back as the younger man pulls him in for a bigger hug while kneeling down to his shorter height, “Awww come on, big guy…don’t turn on the waterworks on me…”

“I can’t help it, Toad…it’s one of the nicest gifts I ever received. Thank you, dear friend,” Luigi takes a deep breath before pulling away and wipes away his tears. He feels his big brother helping him back onto his feet, “Thanks, big bro…”

“You’re welcome…come on, little bro…” Mario’s smile is warm and loving as he pecks Luigii’s forehead and holds out the open case, “They’re waiting for us…especially Daisy…let’s make this extra special for our princesses…and for ourselves.”

Luigi inhales a few more deep breaths and feels the tension leave his shivering body as he carefully places his new instrument back in its case. He glances with initial surprise and then with soft gratitude when he sees that his big brother has then gotten him a small glass of water while Toad offers him a green cotton handkerchief. He accepts their considerate gestures: carefully sipping the water with slightly trembling hands and softly dabbing away the sweat away from his hairline on his forehead.

“One last thing…” at this, Mario guides one of Luigi’s gloved hands to his chest. He feels his big brother’s thumping steady heartbeat…and the metallic imprint of the golden dog tags he had gifted him to show Mario how he is so loved and appreciated, “Take some of my strength and let it flow it you, little bro…you’ll be great out there…”

He returns Mario’s warm smile. Placing the now empty glass aside, he presses Mario’s free hand onto his chest, to reciprocate his unwavering gesture of support. This is where his silver dog tags are hidden to match its golden counterpart. To show they’re brothers through and through, “Then take some of my strength too, big bro…it seems fair that you deserve to shine just as brightly. Without you, I’m nothing…”

“Same here…you and I…we’re a team and always will be…” their hands press on each other’s chests and their treasured dog tags…they can feel their special connection flowing through them…their fratellanza… “Nothing can hurt us as long as we’re together…”

“And as long as we’re together, everything’s going to be okay…”

Their foreheads mesh together once again, their noses pressing affectionately…Luigi savours the warmth between them for a moment longer before pulling away. If Mario has observed his little brother a little longer, he might have seen a tinge of mysterious quality behind his smile…as if he’s hiding a special secret of sorts…which is what Luigi is actually doing as he presses the imprint of his brother’s dog tags against his gloved palm.

Little does Mario know but Luigi also has something special and surprising hidden…all at the behest of his beloved big brother’s sweetheart of which he is more than thrilled to fulfil and is hidden well in his waistcoat pocket if he has bothered to see a very slight bulge where it’s hidden…

‘Oh big bro…you’re going to get quite a surprise tonight by the time the night is over…’

He then accepts his new flute case from Mario and hands back the green handkerchief to Toad who places it back into one of his pants pockets. Mario swiftly retrieves Luigi’s violin case while Toad fishes out his own flute before leaving his backpack against one of chaise lounges. Then as the last touches, Mario brushes off imaginary dust off his little brother’s shoulders with one careful hand while Luigi reciprocates his gesture by readjusting his jewelled mushroom and fluffs up his cravat. The younger plumber’s smile is small yet bright with gratitude, his eyes glimmering with love. Then he gently slaps his own cheeks, feeling himself swell with hyped bravado and confidence…he can do anything as long as he has his beloved big brother and their mutual best friend to support him…oh yes, he just needs to be sure…

“Hey, Mario…just one more thing, Daisy’s gift…is it with you?”

“Don’t worry, Lu. I have it right here with me, see? Safe and sound in my waistcoat pocket,” Mario pats the left pocket along his waistline with reassuring pats. It is slightly bulging but not that noticeable due to its dark colour, “She’s going to love it, little bro…you made it from the heart.”

“Okay…I believe you.”

“Are you ready, Luigi?”

“Yeah…let’s do it, Mario…”

“There’s my confident little brother…come on, let’s go…”

Mario smiles brightly, thrilled to see Luigi back to better spirits. Toad shares the same sentiment as evidenced by his effervescent grin as he dutifully follows the brothers close by.

They approach the thick folds of the curtains…poised for their entrance…

To be continued…

#bookmarking to read later #plan to catch up with the rest soon

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