Under my Shell { a bowserxluigi fanfic }

Chapter 13: Purple Flowers

Whatever happens I cannot fall in love, it'll not be good. I've thought over every scenario and all of them lead to heartbreak. I just wish the world we lived in wasn't so unfair to us.

I make my way down the hallways to the stairs, it's actually kind of quiet. I wonder if it's always like this in the castle. I pass by 2 guards who are standing in front of a closed door. They both look at me to see who is passing.

"Good day Lord Luigi." They say together as they nod to me.

"And to you as well !" I say with a smile before passing them completely. I wonder how long it's gonna take to get used to that. Oh god I wonder if I'm gonna have my own guards soon enough. Am I that important ? I don't know how royal rankings work. I assume Lord is a pretty impressive title. The fish tank catches my attention again. The rising anxiety I feel comes to a pause as I stare into the blue void watching the creatures enjoy their simple lifes. I wonder if fish have societies, I wonder if they even understand the concept of that. Or do they just swim past each other with smiles all day and night enjoying the peace ? I look to the left side of the tank and watch as 2 fish swim together, they were like that when I passed through before also. I'd like to think that they are very much in love. The dark blue fish always provides for the lighter fish and they just simply enjoy life together with no problems.

"Do not keep Bowser waiting." Kamek says sternly behind me. Causing me to jump out of fear, I turn to face him only to see the look of disappointment on his face. I stand there catching my breath debating on if I engage in conversation with Kamek or not. God those eyes feel like they pierce through my soul causing me immense discomfort. I don't really feel like messing with him right now. All I'll get is even more anxiety and I have enough to power a small city. I shoot him an awkward smile before passing him and making my way down the stairs. I can feel his eyes staring daggers into the back of my head as I make my way down.

Don't fall, don't fall. God that would be so embarrassing if I fell in front of Kamek. I make my way to the final step and let out a small sigh of relief. I turn around slowly expecting Kamek to be staring at me still but to my surprise he's gone. His presence seems to linger eerily, noted. I look to the front door walking towards it as I fix my hair at the same time making sure it looks good. God why do I even care.... It's not like I want him to like me or anything. I feel my cheeks burn softly.... okay Luigi keep your guard up you big softy. I open the door and am welcomed by a nice gust of Koopa Kingdom air. It lacks the nauseating scent of mushrooms, something I adore about the kingdom here. I look to my left to see Bowser staring at me with a gentle smile. I try not to feel anything but as soon as my eyes cross with his path I felt all warm and bubbly inside. Like I wanted to simply melt into his arms. I give him a friendly smile but not too friendly. I watch him grow a huge smile as I walk towards him and the garden entrance.

"Are you ready to explore the rest of the garden with me ?" He asks before opening the gate and signaling for me to go ahead of him.

"I am, the garden seems so magical I'm excited that I haven't seen all of it yet." I hear the gate close and bowsers quick steps to catch up to me.

"That's what I wanted it to be, something magical.... Something you can just sit back and enjoy nature in. It gets a little stressful being king." I look at him through the corner of my eye, I notice his smile fade away a bit before. I can't help but feel bad for him. He's king of a kingdom everyone hates. He does an amazing job considering his subjects completely love him. Kind of like me, how I escape sometimes to watch the river flow and all the fish. I touch his arm gently, he jumps slightly before looking over to me with a soft smile. Like I brought him back to reality.

"It's a beautiful space, I believe you accomplished the goal for your garden." He reaches over to touch my hand before turning the rest of his body. I look into his eyes, filled with such adoration and compassion. His smile so warm and welcoming, I really enjoy being in his presence. His energy feels so relaxing and puts me at ease.

"I'm glad you also think so.. when I was working on the garden Kamek scolded me about wasting my time I almost gave up just to get him to stop. I'm glad I didn't."

"Kamek... he seems to be.... Uh"

"Yeah, he's actually my father." My eyes open wide out of shock.

"What... your father ? I had no idea." Maybe that's why he's so hostile towards me. A new 'lord' coming into the castle and quickly gaining his sons favor. He moves his hand off of mine scratching the back of his head before chuckling nervously.

"Yeah, haha. He's a little overprotective.... Of me and the Koopa Kingdom." We both are thinking it, the idea of Kamek not liking me because I'm a potential love interest for his son but.... Don't worry Kamek. There will be nothing between us.

"Well now that I know he's your dad it makes a little more sense, shall we continue on with the garden tour ?" He clears his throat looking at the path then back towards me.

"Of course" he extends his arm out as to tell me he wants me to hold his hand so he can guide me better. I pretend to not see it and walk forward down the path.

"I love these purple flowers, they're so pretty." I hear him mumble something under his breath. I can't make it out clear but it sounds like he said

'not as pretty as you'