(As Long as We're Together) Everything's Gonna Be Okay

Luigi May Be Winning, But Mario Seems to Be Long-term Losing

"Who were those people?" Wario asks once they've started walking back to the castle. "Seems like you knew them."

"We–"

"I encountered them in my most recent adventure." Mario interjects before the princess can make excuses for him.

"Really?" Wario's definitely gonna store that away for later. "Did you battle either of them?"

"Both." Mario winces. "Mimi was one of Count Bleck's minions, and Luigi's my brother, who got brainwashed into joining them before he switched sides and helped us stop them."

"And now they're friends like nothing happened?" Wario finishes.

"Exactly. Leaving me in the dust."

"Hey. Maybe it's for the best." Wario pretends to be sympathetic. "Now you know the Sammer Kingdom is in good hands."

Mario nods at that, but doesn't quite buy it as they keep walking through town.

"You alright?" Mr. L asks once they're back on the path towards Boo Woods.

"What, you mean bumping into your brother right as we were just talking about him?" Mimi asks, and at Mr. L's nod, she admits, "I'm all aces. Just hate that we can't make this any easier on him."

"Believe me, I do too." She doesn't need to know just how much. He'll take that to his grave if he has to. "But don't forget, Bleck was using us too. We were all just a means to ending the world because he lost the love of his life."

"I guess when I saw Mario walk in with the guy that's going to help rebuild the Sammer Kingdom, I don't think it really hit me until now that if it wasn't for us, the Sammer Kingdom wouldn't need help at all. But I guess I'm also glad we didn't completely break your brother's spirit. He's still doing what he does best, always there to lend a hand, no matter how bad the situation is."

"I see." Mr. L feels like he probably should feel more guilty about that than he actually does. "Is that all?"

Mimi sighs, "Look, I like hanging out like we've been doing."

"Oh no, you're giving me the brush off, aren't you? We can't be friends anymore?" 

In reply, Mimi just grabs him in a bear hug, "Let's go to your place! You build, I bake!"

Mr. L smiles, then heartily agrees, "Done!", as they walk the rest of the way to his house.

"I think an apology is in order." Mario says suddenly as they're bidding Wario goodnight.

"For what?"

"We were supposed to be drawing up a budget for materials, and all I did was talk about my brother's eye for detail and what he would've picked. I never even asked your opinion on anything."

"Oh please." Wario waves it off. "All that means is I'll be sticking around longer to make sure the Sammer Kingdom has everything it needs. I mean, as long as the Princess is okay with that." He looks at Peach hopefully.

"Absolutely." Peach says enthusiastically. "I'll send word."

"Wonderful." Wario shakes her hand. "I'm really glad you reached out to us."

"As am I. I really think we have a chance to do some good here."

With that, Wario walks away, with the committee waving their goodbyes.

Once he's sure they can't see him, he pulls out his phone, and dials a number.

" Well? "

"It's done. I'm all in. They want me to come back to finalize the details."