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

Luigi May Have Opened a Can of Worms, But He's Not Complaining

"So I had my boss go over every possible question someone might ask Mario if they see him during the Cup." Mr. L shows the list to Mimi.

"Man, this list is thorough." Mimi compliments. "Mario told you he just wanted to vouch for you in your debut for the Cup, to prove he wasn't embezzling, and if the money he gave you doesn't prove it, this list will. You left no stone unturned."

"I'm just worried I was being too invasive, or that all the questions are just gonna make him look guiltier."

"Mr. L, I promise you, your brother is in good hands. Very impressive, coming from someone who doesn't remember him."

Which of course makes Mr. L think back to the new memory he DOES remember, and it makes him freeze.

"Hey." Mimi snaps her fingers in front of his face. "You okay?"

"Mario?" Toad approaches cautiously, seeing how agitated the red plumber is. "Are you okay?"

"Do I look okay?" Mario snaps. "I let myself get duped by a gold digger, and now the whole kingdom is in jeopardy because of me."

"The princess is vouching for you, the evidence he brought forward is paper thin, and all of this is gonna go away once everyone sees that." Toad says all in one breath, but he can see it didn't work. "You're not listening to a word I'm saying, are you?"

"Nope." Mario shakes his head. "I'd like to, but I can't. What did you need, anyhow?"

"What, I can't check in on my best friend to see how he's doing?" Toad pretends to be offended.

Mario smiles, despite himself, "Thanks, honestly."

"Yeah, I'm fine." Mr. L nods. "Just wanted to make sure I wasn't digging a bigger grave for Mario. I know my boss is gonna be the one handling all this, but if there's a way I can remind people Mario is still the man everyone knows and loves, then it might convince Wario to stand down."

"I think it's really big of you to help him." Mimi replies. "Same goes for me. That's why I'm digging around."

"Anything that could stick?"

"Not yet. But I got a Nastasia-level hunch that says this whole think reeks with Bowser's involvement."

"So nuts how people get so desperate to make money, they'll even hurt others just to take it for themselves. I'd settle for just my memory, even braving the unstable Star Hill again."

"Hey, I know you're upset nothing happened." Mimi says apologetically. "Was that why I found you staring at nothing in the dark when I came over?"

"What makes you think it was cause of that?"

"Cause nothing I said could snap you out of it. And when you tried to talk to me, you just made these cute little noises, but nothing came out."

"Oh." Mr. L says slowly. "Guess it's just...a lot, you know? Mario's got an axe hanging over his head, the kingdom's in an uproar, and if you don't find anything--"

"Everyone will be back in jeopardy again." Mimi fills in the blank. "But Mario's always gonna land on his feet, no matter what happens. Of that, I am absolutely positive. And we'll be right next to him, however much or little."

Mr. L nods. "You're a good person, Mimi. You really are. So strong, so selfless, and I can't believe you think I'm worth sticking around for.", then hugs her.

Some time later, they're playing a video game when there's a knock on the door.

"I got it." Mr. L says, standing up slowly, wincing at the strain before he goes to the door.