The First Encounter (Luigi x Waluigi)

Where it all Began

BEEP!

Luigi opened the oven door and took out the steaming tray. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the cozy diner, making his empty stomach grumble.

Waluigi, who's icing a chocolate cake on the white counter, laughed. "Getting hungry already, Luigi? It's only half-past four!"

The golden sunshine casting from the square windows reflected across Waluigi's gentle eyes, giving him a soft expression that would melt the heart of even the most miserable soul in the kingdom.

Luigi answered with a sheepish smile. "I have a huge sweet tooth, I can't help it! Besides, can you blame me when my cookies are so delicious?"

"Your cookies AND kisses are delicious." Waluigi winked.

Luigi blushed scarlet as he opened the jar of rainbow sprinkles and peppered the cookies with the colorful decorations. In all these years he knew him, he never thought that being a flirt was one of Waluigi's traits.

In fact, he never thought they would become so close in such a tender, loving way. They were sworn enemies just over a year ago, and now they're baking pastries together!

Luigi set the jar aside. He had his elbow on the counter and his chin propped on his palm. "Look at us," he said, "Who would've thought? Two arch-rivals sharing laughs and having fun together."

Waluigi nodded. "Remember when we first met at that tennis match? We were completely different people back then, huh?"

Luigi remembered the conversations they had on the beach, just a few months ago. Waluigi opened up to him about his troubles, his evil image he can't escape from, his spiraling alcohol dependency...now that he's in rehab, smiling and helping others, Luigi couldn't feel prouder of Waluigi taking the steps to become a better person.

Of course Luigi remembered the first time they met, on that bright-green court...

The crowd cheered as the beloved faces of the Mushroom Kingdom emerged on the field. Luigi, Mario, and Yoshi waved with matching enthusiasm, while Peach, Daisy, and Birdo blew kisses and smiled. From afar, Toad and a Bob-omb are sitting in the announcers' box, each with microphones propped on the white table in front of them.

And despite the lighthearted grin, Luigi was miserably mortified.

"Oh boy," he muttered, "This is a much bigger crowd than I expected..."

"It's-a alright, brother." Mario patted him on the back. "You're a great tennis-a player, the best one I know!"

"But you don't know a lot of people, Mario."

Mario's smile turned into a scowl. "How 'bout-a you keep the sass to yourself, huh, pussy boy?"

Before Luigi could reply with a much more vulgar insult, Toad spoke with his voice booming across the court, "Welcome, ladies and gentletoads, to Mushroom Kingdom's first tennis championship! Hosted by our wonderful Princess Peach, of course, who will be participating among the tennis players. Make sure to place your bets, and buy a hotdog or two while you're at it, because this match is gonna get spicy!"

Each of the tennis players grabbed their tennis rackets. Luigi's hands trembled slightly, clutching his racket's handle tight.

Perhaps it's just his anxiety playing tricks on his mind, but Luigi could have sworn he saw two dim figures shuffling behind the perimeter wall's entrance.

It's alright Luigi, he thought to himself, take deep breaths, it can't be that bad! You'll do great!!

"What's that?!" Toad exclaimed and pointed, leaning forward on the edge of his seat. The crowd turned silent, looking around in confusion.

All the tennis players looked back at Luigi. No, behind Luigi.

Luigi followed their eyes and groaned. This was going to be a long day.