Brother's Loyalty: Endgame

Physical

Can you hear me? Amore, can you hear me?

Yes. I'm here. I'm here.

Wh—where are you?

The roof.

Why does he have you on the roof?

I don't know what he's planning, but I know it's bad news for all of us. Luigi needs to be careful.

What is he doing to you up there?

Those horrible purple eyes of his are eating me up—and sometimes, he has his appendages all over me. I'll take that turtle over him any day of the week.

Peachy, stay calm and stay brave. Luigi's on his way up, and he's gonna get us both out of this.

He'll probably save you first, because bros before—well, you know. When he comes, just follow his instructions. That's all I ask of you.

Don't worry about me, amore. Save your energy, and save your strength. He's coming, okay? He's coming.

Yes—he's coming. My brother-in-law in all but name is coming...

...

Gooigi felt Luigi stir between his arms, willing himself from his slumber. Blue eyes blinked open, cloudy from leftover drowsiness, and his hair and cap were tousled. A soft sound escaped the plumber's lips as he raised his head and looked his gooey companion in the eye.

"How are you feeling?" asked Gooigi.

"Refreshed," replied Luigi, pushing a few locks of hair from his face. "Everything doesn't hurt as much anymore."

"See? You needed that rest, after all," said Gooigi, "and so did I."

"Thanks for patching me up," Luigi said softly. "Again."

"You're welcome."

They lay there in silence, their bodies still pressed together, stomach to stomach and chest to chest. Almost hesitantly, Gooigi cupped Luigi's cheek in his hand, searching his face, admiring his double-swooshed stache and his lips. His supple, smiling lips.

Before either of them knew what was happening, Gooigi's own lips were gently pressed to Luigi's soft ones, the latter tasting the hints of coffee and green apple. For a moment, Luigi was surprised, but then he sank right into the kiss, allowing the gooey tongue to mingle with his own and lap away at his warm mouth. Gooigi kissed him again, deeper, probing, tasting, humming, still holding Luigi to him, feeling his heart speed up and seeing a blush crawl over his face. He'd expected his flesh-and-blood counterpart to resist—even freak out—but he didn't. And he was actually kissing back.

Gooigi blotted his lips on Luigi's again and again, not stopping until they both ran out of breath. They locked eyes, gasping, lips swollen and pupils dilated on Luigi's part.

"I—I..." spluttered Gooigi. "I don't know why I did that, Luigi. It just feels like I've been lying dormant for a long time, and then suddenly—I'm awake!"

Luigi nodded to show that he understood.

"Nobody has touched me so deeply before," said Gooigi. "Each moment we spend together, every time we're in danger—I find myself growing fonder and fonder of you."

"Ditto," whispered Luigi.

"But—we're supposed to be brothers. And I just did—what brothers aren't supposed to do."