I've Got the Strangest Feeling This Isn't Our First Time Around

35

"Clark said they confessed to everything." Luigi tells Spike and Pauline. "Even to petrifying Toad."

"So he really was an adventurer." Spike muses.

"Without him, those poor Chomps would've fought to the death for sport." Pauline says in awe.

"So we can officially say Mario wasn't the target." Spike adds, lifting a glass of wine. "To Toad."

Pauline reciprocates, "To Toad."

But before Luigi can lift his, he decides, "Mario should be here for this too. Be right back."

As Luigi walks away, Spike toasts anyway, "Mario schmario. I'm not waiting for wine."

"Agreed." Pauline says, sipping her own.

Luigi walks towards the bedroom door, ready to knock, but when he sees it open, he can't resist walking in.

Thankfully, Mario's already showered and dressed for bed with his hair slicked back, sparing them both the embarrassment, but right as Luigi's about to step back, he sees something when Mario turns his head.

It's a scar. Not just any scar, either. A long, deep scar, starting at the back of his neck, and creeping its way upwards, up the back of his skull.

But that's right when Mario sees him, and Luigi freezes at being caught and braces himself, ready to be chewed out.

They share a look, and judging by Mario's face, he has to know Luigi saw the scar.

Mario just comes over to the doorway, until they're face to face. Luigi briefly wonders if he should say something, even an apology, regardless of if he's not sure exactly what he should be apologizing for.

But he appears to decide too late, as Mario decides for him, grabbing the door and closing it, until Luigi can't see him anymore.