Chapter Text
Life in the Mushroom Kingdom was calm. Mundane. The toads were kind in their own ways, but a little too blunt. That bluntness could be cruel at times.
Especially toward sweet, gentle Luigi.
It's why you left with your boyfriend to another place. A peaceful village near Petal Meadows — the place where you were building a life together. Luigi adored tending to the garden, planting fruit trees and all sorts of flowers. Always making sure something grew, no matter the season. And in this lovely, magical world that task was easier. Botanics was far more interesting here.
And even better: Here there were no toads who overlooked him and deemed him insignificant. Sure, there were the occasional fans amongst the masses, but usually he was overshadowed by his more confident brother.
His pain was obvious to you.
The way his eyes turned downcast, his shoulders slumped. How he didn't say anything back like he was used to this.
It broke your heart.
No amount of cheering up from you or his brother could take the lingering rejection away. It dimmed his radiant smile. Even more so after this last adventure of theirs.
He smiled less, spoke more quietly. Sometimes he barely left the house.
And thus moving was suggested. Met with reluctant agreement. It was in your opinion one of the best choices you've made together.
It was the two of you now. With the occasional visit from Mario and even Daisy or Peach. Or new friends made here who valued Luigi for who he is. Not for who his brother was.
Today you were free. Neither you nor Luigi had work to attend to at the moment.
You stepped outside to find Luigi leaning over a newly planted bulb. His pants were absolutely covered in dirt. Carefully, he patted the ground down, overly focused. 'Perhaps a little too lost in thought,' you mused.
"Hey, got you some lemonade," you said, watching the man startle lightly. You chuckled in response.
"O-oh, thank you!" He said with a small blush, clearly flustered from his reaction. "I'm almost done."
You only hummed, placing the two glasses down on your little table, a parasol blocking the sun.
Luigi joined you not long after, wiping sweat from his brow, only to smear dirt on his face. You bit your lip, stifling a laugh. But other than that he remained quiet, staring into the distance. Even the lemonade was mostly ignored after one quick sip. Your expectant smile dropped.
The usual ramblings you loved have been absent more often.
"Luigi?" You carefully called out, touching his arm. He jolted again and worry crashed into your chest. There it was again. That haunted, faraway look in his eyes.
"Sorry, I've just... I'm a little tired." He finished with a hollow sounding laugh, only raising your concern.
The glass was set down with too much force. "You keep saying that, but tell me the truth for once." The hint of frustration couldn't be kept out anymore. Weeks, no, months he had been acting odd. Distant.
Frowning, you spotted more signs of graying — stark white strands clashing with his warm brown hair.
"Seems I'm becoming like dad already," he had joked, tugging at the first white hairs that appeared.
It's not normal. Usually he came back from his adventures with grand tales. But not this time. There was only awkward deflection and confusion. No one else openend up on what happenend either.
And you were done with it.
"Luigi..." you waited for him to look up. “You used to tell me about your plants. Or the birds you try to feed… now it’s like you’re barely here... Please, just tell me what happenend. You've changed."
There was no need to explain what you meant. He knew very well.
He hesitated and you prepared for another tiring deflection. But it wasn't necessary.
"Well... truth is. I don't really know. There's bits and pieces, but... I don't know. Mario... he looks at me funny sometimes and I don't know why." He clenched his fists. "A-and lately..." he trailed off, eyes downcast like he's worried.
You leaned over slightly. "Lately my love?"
His head snaps back up again. This time you startle. There, a sharpness in his gaze that doesn't belong. Just for a second. His eyes melt instantly, turning soft and guilty, but your heart hammered all the same.
That hadn't happenend before.
"Sorry," he said in a small voice. "I've been having dreams that don't make sense. Lucid dreams sometimes, but then suddenly another voice comes out of me or, or I smile weirdly. But it's still me! And it's just strange."
You furrowed your brows. He did move and talk more in his sleep the past few weeks. Almost like he was fighting something. Sometimes appeared to be talking with it. The latter became more common. He whispered your name at times, slow and rolling. Like he was tasting it for the first time. Testing what it sounded like.
It unnerved you in a way. The way his voice wrapped around your name felt oddly... wanting for a lack of better words.
"Do you think this has to do with your latest trip?" you asked, opting to ignore the strange look.
"I... I think so yeah. But Mario and the princess won't tell me anything. I only vaguely remember being at Castle Bleck and suddenly we were all running. Including the Count and all. I feel like someone was missing though..." He scratched his head, below the hat he wore against the sun.
That's weird alright. And concerning. "Did you tell Mario or Peach about the dreams?"
He shook his head. "Don't want to worry them."
"But Luigi—"
"Please," he said, voice tight. "I can't always be needing help."
You hesitated, then sighed. "If something changes, tell me. Okay? Weirder things have happenend and I don't want you to, I don't know, get hurt by some kind of dream monster," you joked, but the worry was real.
He cracked a smile. "I think I'll manage." He puffs up his chest. "And otherwise it'll have to deal with the green thunder!"
You laughed, soft and involuntary. “That’s a new one.”
"Yeah, it just came up like that!"
You touched his arm. "But seriously Luigi, if you need someone, you can always come to me."
He placed his hand over yours. Warm. Gentle. "Yeah, I know." His smile was genuine and you felt yourself finally relax.
You shared a quiet moment, hands entwined. Enjoying the gentle warmth the parasol couldn't keep out. Bees buzzed around the many insect hotels placed amongst the trees. Birds chirped around the bird houses strewn full with food. The caring nature of Luigi in it all made your heart swell with love.
Even if the stranger additions made you pause. Some of the flowers grew strangely. Curling in ways they shouldn't. The wrong colors painting their petals.
Luigi followed your gaze. "Pretty weird right?"
"A little. But we have flowers that give you fire powers. What's a small change like this?"
"Yeah, I guess so..." he muttered, more to himself.
"Why," you had to ask. His hesitance was obvious. Like he knew more almost.
"O-oh nothing really. Maybe it's something in the soil," he continued — a little hastily, eyes averted. Avoidant.
Suspicion krept along your nerves. He always was a terrible liar.
You didn't want to ruin the moment however. So kept quiet. It had been some time since you've had a moment like this. Moving and settling in ate more of your time together than expected.
But you still have things to do unfortunately. You stood up, reluctantly retracting your hand. "I'm gonna deliver our letters to Mario and Daisy. Then clean up a little."
Luigi nodded. "I'll be here." He gestured to potted plants and other bulbs. "Still so many plants to give a home to."
"Can't wait to see you work your magic again." You smiled. He really had a green thumb. Turned the sad, barren garden it once was into a beautiful paradise.
You step inside, but lean back out the door. "Oh, and don't you stomp your dirty shoes all around my house again young man!"
He saluted you with a lilted laugh. "Of course not! Wouldn't dream of it."
Something uncertain flared in your heart. As if your soul whispered for you to note something of importance. But you stepped back inside anyway.
Something unnerving lingered in Luigi's eyes. Usually hollow, but just now... that cold, calculating flicker. That's not Luigi. He could never look like that. Especially not at you.
You worried your lip between your teeth. It's a shame he asked you not to tell another about this. You began to feel a little lost on what to do.
Outside you could hear him begin shoveling again, whistling a by now familiar tune. You swore you heard him whisper to himself as you gathered the letters.
You left in a hurry, pretending it was because it was getting late. Not because Luigi suddenly laughed that chilling laugh. That lilting melody that sounded wrong. Performative.
But that was all that remained off. For the next month you two were busy settling in properly. You found a job and were finally able to live off more than just Luigi's pay. The green plumber had managed to score a job very quickly after moving.
Unlike you.
You sighed tiredly, not used to long work days anymore. Fixing up the house had become your duty alongside sending out appliances when you could. And now you had to get back into the flow of things again. It was harder than expected.
Returning home, you heard rushing water coming from upstairs.
Seems Luigi was already home and about to bathe. You exhaled, plopping down on a chair, winching at the loud screech it's leg made on the floor. It had been some time since you've heard him prepare a bath. Usually he just showered.
Steady steps made their way downstairs. You craned your neck towards the hall, watching Luigi come into view with a nervous smile.
"Cara mia! You came home at a perfect time. I, err, prepared something for you," he said, schratching his cheek.
You lifted a brow. "A bath?" Was it for you then?
He nodded, gesturing an arm out. "Yeah, you love them right? And you've done so much lately. I wanted to give something back."
"But loui, I've barely done anythin-"
"No, just let me give you this," he said slightly forcefully, shocking you into silence.
Uncertain, you watched him, seeing mirrored shock flicker in the furrow of his brow. "Sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice like that..."
"It's... alright, I was thinking of cleaning up anyway. Thank you," you finally uttered, averting your eyes.
Awkwardness lingered between you, air thick enough that it could be pierced if one of you exhaled too hard.
"I'll wait on you upstairs. Still have some final touches to make," he muttered, turning on his heels to flee.
You watched him go, the man walking back upstairs with an uncanny lack of stumbling. Your heart thumped louder.
You decided to wait a little before following, feeling slightly rattled. That was a strange reaction from him...
Carefully you made your way upstairs, inhaling the sweet, floral scent drifting from the bathroom. Your favorite. From behind the cracked door you heard his humming, saw flickers of orange-golden light. You missed his singing voice. Missed joining in on merry tunes you actually knew.
Now it was always this one melody.
You continued on, gathering your comfy clothes and socks. Your eyes landed on one of the framed pictures on the dressoir — you and Luigi, sitting on a bench eating cotton candy with laugher in your eyes. Cherry blossom flew around you.
Princess Daisy had snuck this one in, gifted it on your anniversary.
A smile — small and genuine — quirked at your lips. Even if it was addled by the silent ache in your heart.
His hair was still fully brown. His laughter carefree and cheeks flushed. Posture far more sloughed compared to now.
"Darling?" Luigi's voice called, muffled by the door. "It's ready. I even added some bath oil — cherry blossom, I think. Thought it would suit you."
Your features contorted into a frown. Darling? That's new.
"I'll be right there," you called back, voice cracking near the end.
"Alright, don't take too long. The water'll become cold," he teased.
Nerves viced around your neck like a net. You didn't understand why, but looking at this memory of the past, you suddenly felt discomfitied. Perhaps it's because it hit you suddenly how different he was in very subtle ways. More gracefull, posture straight, eloquent at times.
A cold shiver rolled down your spine. Unbidden, that calculative glint came back to mind. But you shook it off.
With a final, lingering glance towards the picture, you left. Peeking inside the bathroom showed Luigi with his sleeves rolled up. He spotted you. "There you are! So, err, what do you think?" He said, gesturing elegantly around him, contrasting with his awkward shuffle.
Steam rose from the water, the scent of the bath oil lovely and soft. Candles flickered amongst the tiles, placed with carefull consideration. Even the water was decorated with rose petals.
Everything looked and smelled lovely. His awkward fumbling was especially nice. Your eyes softened. This was Luigi like you knew him, despite the overtly romantic gesture.
"It's wonderful Luigi," you said, smiling gently. Stepping closer, you tested the water. Warm, but not too warm. "Thank you."
He puffed up with a bright blush. "He- I mean, I knew you'd like it."
A pang of shock once again sparked your insides. He? You opened your mouth to speak.
"Oh, I'll leave you be now! You can relax." He spoke first. He stepped closer, brushing his hand against yours. "You appeared so stressed lately. M-Maybe this will help. Even just a little." The smile he flashed you was too smooth, nearly practised. But you relented.
"Alright, thank you Luigi. I won't be too lon-"
"No, this is for you. Take your time my stella." Hands brushed along your bare arms, oddly cool to the touch. He planted a gentle kiss to your forehead and left, flashing a final smile before closing the door swiftly, yet smoothly.
You weren't left in silence. Low, classical music played from your honestly crappy radio. Yet it somehow sounded crisp and clear.
A moments hesitation later and you relented.
With a slow exhale you undressed, stepped in the tub and sunk low in warm water. Your stiff muscles would've sighed in relief if they could. The ambience was perfect. Peacefull. Nothing out of place...
It made relaxing hard.
Your lover wasn't this careful. He would've dropped something or, or gotten water on the floor. And who was this 'he' Luigi spoke of?
You dipped lower in the water, watching the floating petals. Your gut churned. Luigi wasn't this big a romanticus. Doing something straight out of a chick flick like that.
Did he talk with another man about your relationship? But why? You two were doing fine.
...Right?
Closing your eyes, you thought maybe you were being dramatic. Maybe Luigi really just wanted to do something nice for you. Typically it was cooking your favorite dish, but this was nice too.
Yet you felt restless, unable to unwind. You knew a grocery run was still on the list. You wanted to get it done before dinner. Besides that you felt... watched. But not. That feeling where you know you're not alone prickled at your senses.
The warm water began to feel clammy. The calm music sounded wrong. The wrong choice for Luigi. He liked upbeat music. Not this smooth cadence.
You knew what you said, but you rose from the water abruptly, water spraying all over the floor. Some candles faltered momentarily as droplets hit their wick. You watched, transfixed, as fire ignited again. Smoke curled up from where the fire died, yet they burned again.
You swallowed hard. That wasn't normal.
You wanted out.
That grocery run now nearly beckoned you. Hastily you toweled yourself off, putting your clothes on.
Rushing downstairs, you grabbed some bags and reached for the grocery list only to yelp. Your wrist was grabbed — gently, firmly — from the air before you could pick up the list.
"What has you in such a hurry? The stores aren't closing anytime soon."
Your eyes met, finding a startingly cool look in Luigi's. Your heart sped up.
"Sorry, I feel restless," you admitted. "Just want to be out for a moment."
His grip loosend, your hand now cradled between his. "Do you want me to come along? Maybe we could eat out afterwards?"
"No, I'd rather go alone." You hesitated. "Let's just stay home tonight..."
Luigi planted a tender kiss to your knuckles. "Of course amore," he murmured. "Anything for you."
Heat crept up your cheeks, butterflies fluttering in your stomach. "What's gotten into you all of the sudden," you said, lips twitching into a smile. He's never kissed your hand like that before. Not even jokingly. It was weirdly flattering even if still a little strange. Your heart still stuttered too hard in your ribcage.
He smiled back, slowly. “I miss them—you, I mean. When you're gone. Time moves slowly without you around."
Cold crawled beneath your skin. That was the second mishap. Your smile dropped slowly.
"I... was barely gone Luigi." You had been at work now yes. Maybe it's that? You opted to ignore the weird slip-up. Even though alarm bells rung softly in your head. If only because the words itself were a tad strange already. But you could still hear his heart in them — soft, kind.
"Yeah, but I feel like I'm seeing you with new eyes. Or is that weird?" He rubbed the back of his neck bashfully, reverting back to the man you adore.
"No, it's... cute," you said. But quickly you continued your task, feeling dissonant. You slipped your hand from his. "I won't be long," you muttered.
"I'll start dinner. Hopefully it'll be done when you're back."
You shoved the grocery list in your pocket and left with a quiet affirmation.
It was only a five minute walk towards the store, but you enjoyed the fresh air. Ever since starting that job you felt it. That weight at home, like something was coiling around you. A presence. And with every step leading you further away from home, you could breathe easier.
But at the grocery store you were only met with another change. Not one of significance, but with resent changes it stood out. Your grocery list had new additions. Below your blue pen, black letters clashed against the white paper.
• Bread
• Eggs
• Lemons
•
Etcetera. But then:
Loose-leaf tea – lavender or rose blend
Raw honey – local if possible
Bone white sugar cubes
You blinked.
Luigi didn’t drink tea much. Only when you did. Even then it was bagged tea. These notes were too precise. Too elegant. Not like him.
Your fingers brushed the paper. Had he mentioned wanting to try something new? You couldn't recall.
You shook your head, realising you were standing in the way.
"Having trouble finding something dearie?" An elderly koopa asked.
"Oh no, I was just lost in thought. Sorry ma'am." You flashed a smile and went on your way.
"I think you are having trouble. Somethings can't be found in the open. Only in the ruins of the past."
You spun around, heart hammering in your chest. But the koopa already walked away. One of the local mages. They weren't known for giving cryptic messages without reason.
And with the current situation...
It couldn't be about the changes regarding Luigi, you scoffed internally. That would be way too farfetched.
All too soon you walked back home, bag biting into your fingers, dread still low in your stomach. Especially when that pressure began again. The sensation of being watched. You nearly whimpered when you reached your home.
Stepping up the porch you saw the door open for you. Luigi stood there, waiting for you. "I heard you coming." He said with a smile. But it was too smooth. A calmness in it that felt off.
“Thanks,” you muttered, stepping past him — but not without noticing how still he stood. You felt the instinct to flinch away, but supressed it.
You inhaled. Herbs and spices. Something with tomato. 'Probably spaghetti,' you thought wryly.
He helped you unpack, but his movements were slower, more deliberate than usual. And he was quiet again. When his hands brushed yours over the honey jar, his fingers curled, grasping your wrist as if by accident. But that thought faded when he took the jar and set it aside.
He lifted your hand, flipping it over before pressing a kiss onto your palm. Heat rushed to your cheeks and ears. Such an unusualy gentlemanly action again.
You expected him to say something. But he only watched you, thumb brushing over your wrist. His gaze was distant.
"...Hey, Luigi?" you said, voice shaking at the end from how unnerved you felt.
"Hmm, he likes you. Wants you to see the show," he muttered. You almost couldn't hear him. Or perhaps you wished you didn't.
Instinctively, you ripped your hand from his grip.
Awareness returned to his eyes instantly.
"Huh? What's wrong?" He reached towards you shakily. "Was it something I said?"
"I-I'll continue unpacking okay? Don't want a repeat of that one time you burned everything," you rushed out.
"O-oh, alright..."
Yet eyes lingered on you as you continued your task. You could feel it. Even when there was a wall between him and you, that pressure lingered. Burned.
Later, you felt dissonant the whole time during dinner. Mostly you just stirred the food with your fork, barely eating. Kept quiet. And he... he only hummed. That awfull, looping melody that you started to despise.
"Luigi, are you feeling alright?"
"Hmm? Yeah, sure," he said dreamily. Yet his eyes clashed with yours, not at all vacant. Something slithered in there and you wanted to run.
But you didn't. That would be ridiculous. He wasn't doing okay at all and clearly needed you.
"Maybe..." you swallowed, "it's time to see a doctor?"
Luigi paused. He looked concerned now. "Mi amore... Are you feeling oke? I wasn't going to say anything, but you do look really stressed. I know moving was hard and settling in wasn't as smooth for you..."
He shifted closer, knuckles brushing your cheek. "Maybe sleep a little earlier tonight?"
You sat there, rooted to your chair. Where you stressed? Well yeah, but...
"Hey, how about you call in sick tomorrow?
"...Maybe," you whispered. He focussed on you after that, made sure you ate. All the while that concern flickered in his gaze. Were you doing that bad then?
You had listened to Luigi later on. Felt the fatigue crash over you like it had waited for permission of some kind. Permission he gave with his gentle concern.
It felt strange retiring early. Luigi usually went to brush his teeth before you, fumbling around the bathroom and knocking something down at least a few times a week, much to your amusement. Though lately he had developed more grace, your hairbrush not suffering too many falls anymore.
You were busy brushing your teeth when the scent hit you: something soft, floral and delicate.
Lavender. And something sharper—rose?
You finished brushing your teeth and walked back into the bedroom. And paused.
Luigi was at the side table, pouring two steaming cups of tea.
"What's this?" you asked.
He hummed. "Something calming. For sleep."
"I didn’t know you knew how to brew tea," you said, trying to keep your tone light. “You always put too much sugar in it or left the bag in too long,” you joked.
He finally turned to look at you, without the expected laughter sparkling in his blue eyes. Instead that too smooth smile lifted his lips again. "I’ve been learning."
You took the cup, warm between your hands. It smelled expensive. Exactly the kind of blend you’d expect in a palace garden, not your little home in Petal Meadows.
You took a sip.
It was perfect. Warm, fragrant, balanced. Neither too bitter, nor too sweet. A hint of raw honey.
Your stomach twisted.
He sat beside you, his own cup untouched. Just watching you. “Do you like it?”
You nodded slowly, the porcelain trembling faintly in your hands. “Yeah. It’s... incredible, actually.” And that was the weird part. How was it this perfect when he never brewed tea before? There was no way he had practised without you noticing.
“Good,” he said, and finally took a sip of his own. His eyes never left your face. “I want you to be comfortable.”
Chills trailed down your spine, soft and cold. A warning to watch out. "Why wouldn't I be?"
He shrugged, tapping a gentle tune—bizarre, in a rhythm that was hard to follow—on the mug.
You began to believe he wouldn't respond, but then a more somber look flashed over his face. "You just act more distant lately... I know I'm changing, but... is that so bad? I-I'm still me, you know? I'm still Luigi."
A final tap was delivered to his cup.
Despite the heartfelt words, you felt only colder.
"Of course you're Luigi." You felt your throat tighten. "Who else would you be?"
His eyes flashed brighter. More golden? A trick of the light surerly. "Hmm, yeah, who else..." Luigi went back to staring off into the distance.
Instantly the rich blend of tastes on your tongue turned to ashes. There he goes again... But you remained silent. Knowing that asking wouldn't get you anywhere by now. You've tried so many times.
A sense of fatigue nestled deep in your chest that had nothing to do with the time of day.
That night, after he joined you, he pulled you close. It had woken you up, but he shushed your grumbling softly.
It wasn't the usual comfort of an arm slung loosely over your waist. His grip was firm. And when he leaned over you for a kiss, his mouth was more insistent than tender, like he hadn't seen you in years and felt starved for you. You tried to pull back, overwhelmed, but he followed, not letting you part.
When he finally released you, his fingers threaded into your hair. "You're everything." He said. "You know that, right?"
You felt shaky, only mumbled a vague response.
He chuckled. "My apologies, cara mia, you looked so vulnerable."
You were happy you had already closed your eyes again. Those words froze you. Made you feel... gross, somehow.
When he eventualy fell asleep, you were still wide awake, pretending to be sleeping as well. But those words... the way he entwined himself around you while he slumbered... It brought you little comfort. Too encompassing, like he tried to swallow you whole. His hand settled on your stomach. The other laid under your neck, not giving you much moving space. And the way he muttered under his breath, laughed that lilting melody against your neck at times... It stirred unrest within you.
Staring into the mirror of the closet opposite you, terror laced your throat. You were sure you saw something writhe behind you. Exactly where Luigi laid. Only for a second. A shifting shadow — one golden eye, glowing and staring right back.
It left you frozen, unconsiously pushing more into the man curled around you. Seeking comfort in arms that felt wrong.
But when you dared look behind you there was only Luigi. A peaceful expression on his face. Air escaped you quickly. You tried to keep quiet as not to wake him. Shifting, you attempted to escape his sweltering embrace. Eventually you succeeded without waking him.
You stumbled into the bathroom, closing —locking— the door behind you. Something you never did before with him. Water was quickly splashed onto your face, the cold water welcome on your flushed skin.
The reflection told no lies. Your eyes were rimmed with anxiety, fatigue lining your face.
Perhaps Luigi had been right. You had felt more stressed lately. But you couldn't deny the terrible gut feeling that told you something was wrong and it was escalating rapidly. The changes were becoming more obvious. And that warning from the koopa mage...
But maybe it's like he said. Him changing wasn't a bad thing perse right? Maybe he finally stepped out of Mario's shadow. Was becoming his own person.
You didn't believe it even as you thought it.
After your racing heart settled down, you snuck back inside the bedroom and watched Luigi sleep. He was quiet for once. Not even snoring. The sliver of moonlight peeking through the curtains caught his silver locks, nearly making them glow.
He appeared harmless. Like the kind, protective man you knew.
Were you overreacting?
You took a hesitant step towards the bed.
Sickness churned low in your gut when his lips stretched wide in sleep, curling in an unnatural smile with too many teeth.
Sweat beaded on your forehead, hands trembling on your sides. Your feet stepped away on their own volition.
You knew you wouldn't sleep anymore tonight.
Your gaze switched, involuntarily, to his bedside closet. His diary was kept there...
...Tomorrow. You'll think more clearly tomorrow.
No. You left the bedroom. Tiptoeing downstairs. You sat in the kitchen, keeping the door in sight. Just in case. Even if he was a heavy sleeper, he might still wake up, see you like this...
...Contemplating.
From upstairs came a creak. Like that of a floorboard. Your breath stuttered as you watched, waited. But nothing happened
Shivers wracked your frame, feeling like you weren't alone.
Perhaps you should call Mario tomorrow as well.