Mario and Luigi: Musicians 🎶
Yesterday I came up with an idea: what would Mario and Luigi be like as musicians? I mentioned it here first, and then the amazing @itsavee4117 did some research and found out what instruments each brother can cannonically play, though they also added two more with which I totally agree. So here's the list:
Instruments that Mario can play: piano, guitar, synthesizer, xylophone, saxophone, timpani and trumpet.
Instruments that Luigi can play: violin, acoustic guitar, ukulele and double bass too!
With this, and with the ideas I had started cooking up yesterday thanks to my favorite band releasing a new album, I ended up coming up with three ideas! 😁 So yeah, this may end up being a bit long, so make sure to grab a snack or a drink before reading!
@vulpixfairy1985 @itsavee4117 @kelbreyworshipper @bberetd @pepperycar @peaches2217 @keakruiser HERE WE GO! 💖
For the first idea, since I was inspired by my favorite band (Estopa, a band formed by two brothers from a town near Barcelona), I'll be adding (mostly at the end of the first part) the links to some reference pictures so you can see where I got some of my ideas 🥰
Without further ado: let's go! ❤️💚✨
1. First idea: Band
Both Mario and Luigi have always had very good voices. Since they were little, the two would often sing for fun, and they continue to do so nowadays, especially when they’re cleaning. They put on their own concerts with their broom and mop and do their own dances. When they live in Brooklyn, their family often joins them, and they all sing together while cleaning, but Mario and Luigi's voices always stand out. In the Mushroom Kingdom, their neighbors Toads always delight in listening to them every time it's thorough cleaning day in the brothers' home.
They both start playing different instruments just for fun. Mario, being so frisky and energetic, wants to try everything, which is why he decides to learn to play not one, but several instruments: piano, synthesizer, saxophone, trumpet, electric guitar, timpani and xylophone. It seems a lot to take on, but all it takes is for someone (aka his father) to tell Mario that he can't play so many instruments for him to put all his efforts into learning each and every one of them. The result? He's pretty good at them all, with piano, electric guitar and trumpet being his main specialties. And his favorites, too.
In Luigi's case, he wanted to focus on a single instrument, his favorite: the violin. He started practicing at a very young age and has been practicing every day since then, only missing a few days for reasons of force majeure (a family problem, something that triggered his anxiety...). When he takes up the instrument again, however, he feels better and calmer, his anxiety and problems disappear with every note he plucks on its strings, and he always feels the music so deeply that he doesn't even realize that his melodies hypnotize and enrapture those who listen to them. He always ends up all flushed and overwhelmed when, after finishing a piece, he realizes that he’s the center of attention.
He began to try his hand at the guitar in his teens, after listening to Mario practicing with the electric guitar. He opted for the acoustic, however, softer and gentler, and has become a great guitarist. Also, for fun, he tried the ukulele and liked it quite a bit, and he's also made his first steps on the double bass until becoming very good at it. He's always open to trying new string instruments in the future. They're his specialty and his favorite.
At some parties and family events, the brothers have shown off their skills with their respective instruments. On more than one occasion, they have joined on an improvised stage, Mario with the electric guitar, Luigi with the acoustic, and have sung duets of some of their favorite Italian songs to the delight of their whole family.
Shortly after arriving in the Mushroom Kingdom, as soon as Peach finds out that both brothers are quite good musicians, she immediately asks them to play in some of the typical festivities of her kingdom. Both are reluctant at first, shy and insecure, but in the end, Mario, always willing to please his beloved princess, finally agrees. He brings all his instruments from home and dedicates a whole private session to Peach, wanting, without really realizing it, to impress her with all the instruments he can play. And Peach is indeed super impressed!
Luigi, being more insecure and not wanting to be the center of attention, is much less willing to agree to the princess' request, and she, always so kind, does not press him, respecting his shyness. Mario, on the other hand, tries to convince his brother: with a soft and comforting voice, he tells him that it will be just like changing audiences, since, instead of their family, they’ll have the inhabitants of the Mushroom Kingdom being amazed by their music. And, of course, Mario will always be on stage with him, so Luigi can choose to stay further back while Mario remains in the spotlight. "If you want to, Lu," Mario tells him at the end, a warm smile on his lips. "We can do it that way if you want, but if you're still not sure, you can stay next to Peach and watch me play."
This causes Luigi to give him a sly look. "You just want the princess to admire you," he says with a chuckle, nudging him. Mario looks at him puzzled. "What are you talking about?" And Luigi, still laughing, eventually agrees. "All right, I'll do it. I'll play with you."
Before starting, since Luigi is very nervous and anxiety is eating at him, Mario stands in front of him, puts his hands on Luigi's shoulders and calls out to him in a low voice. He slowly lifts his brother's chin to get Luigi to look at him and, once he has his attention, looks him intently in the eyes as he rests his forehead on Luigi's. "It's going to be okay," Mario tells him. "We're doing this for fun, okay? We're in time to stop if you don't want to continue."
But Luigi nods, nervous but determined at the same time, and Mario, smiling proudly, places his index finger between Luigi’s eyebrows. "Focus," he whispers to his brother in a soothing voice. "All that matters is playing music and having a good time." Luigi, though somewhat taken aback at first, closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, and, while Mario's finger is still resting on his forehead, Luigi reaches up and puts his index finger between Mario's eyebrows as well (reference image). They both smile with their eyes closed and take a deep breath before separating, and, with a smile and a nod, they get ready to start.
Thus begins what ends up becoming a habit: the brothers, armed with their respective guitars, get on stage together and sing their favorite Italian songs, but also different versions of various well-known and famous songs in Brooklyn (and in all of America). Peach, in time, also tells them about the most popular tunes of the Mushroom Kingdom, and they do not hesitate to incorporate them into their repertoire after rehearsing them.
As Mario suggested, he stands center stage, with all the spotlights on him. He plays his electric guitar and sings, and throws knowing glances at Luigi from time to time. His brother remains a few steps behind, standing in front of his microphone, playing his acoustic guitar and backing him up. Respecting his wishes, which Peach has made sure to communicate the Toads in charge of the lighting, only one spotlight is pointed at him.
Fortunately, once they start singing, Luigi gradually loosens up, letting himself be carried away by the music, and forgets his shyness. Therefore, both brothers end up singing equally and putting all their souls and passion into their songs. Mario, encouraged to see Luigi more devoted to music and less overwhelmed, dares to approach him. They play their respective guitars back-to-back, giving their best shot (reference image though Mario plays an electric guitar), and often share Luigi's microphone: Mario forgets his own and approaches his brother, and both, without stopping playing, look at each other while using the same mic, singing with all their will (reference image). More than once, at the end of a verse or a song, they quickly put their foreheads together before turning to the audience (reference image), a gesture that makes them feel more united and in tune, and also at peace, as they’re sharing their passion for music with their favorite person in the whole world.
I know the last picture wasn't really necesary, since we all know Mario and Luigi do the forehead touch all the time, but honestly, seeing my favorite band doing it too fills me with so much joy I simply wanted to include it 🤭🥹 A few more references:
-Mario and Luigi hugging like this at the end of a concert
-This is how I personally picture them singing on stage!
-Mario looking at Luigi proudly, putting his hands on his shoulders and then doing the forehead touch
-Mario grabbing Luigi like this to kiss him on the head
-Mario ruffling Luigi's hair lovingly
-Mario and Luigi doing a silly dance (jump to 3.37 to see it!)
So this is it! This is my favorite band and this is how I picture our beloved brothers being on stage 🥹 I think it'd be AMAZING to see them live! 🤩💚❤️
As for Estopa, in case you're curious, the older brother is David, the singer, the one with the goatee, and the guitarist is Jose, the younger brother. They're not twins, but in many interviews they've stated that they feel as if they were. They're just as close as Mario and Luigi are and I love them 🥹 (both Estopa and the Mario brothers!)
On to the second idea! ✨
2. Second idea: Classical Music
Since Mario and Luigi can play more instruments, Peach soon comes up with an idea where they can show off their other musical skills. When she organizes balls and receptions to strengthen ties with other kingdoms, Mario and Luigi are invited to liven up the evening, the former sitting at the piano, the latter with his violin in his hands. They usually start with a piano solo that gets all the applause from the audience, since Mario is really very good, but then Luigi starts playing the violin and everyone is spellbound by the sweetness and mastery of the youngest of the brothers with this beautiful instrument. Of course, Mario is always the first to acclaim him, full of pride, just as Luigi is the first to praise Mario with his piano solos.
Often, the two of them join both instruments and play beautiful classical pieces, both completely devoted to the beauty of the notes they pluck on the piano and violin. The audience is always bewitched listening to them, completely captivated, with Peach and Daisy being the first to deeply admire the brothers' artistic talents. The only bad part? That, since they’re the ones who are creating such beautiful music, they don't have the chance to dance to it with their respective princesses. Fortunately, Peach takes into consideration that Mario and Luigi will also want to enjoy the evening and not just enliven it, so she hires a talented orchestra of Toads so that both she and her friend Daisy have the opportunity to dance with both plumbers in the purest Pride and Prejudice style.
(None of the princesses knows what Pride and Prejudice is at first, but Luigi will be sure to explain to both of them what his favorite book is about, and Peach will end up reading it and loving it too. This will make both she and Luigi appreciate in greater depth every step they take in their dances with Mario and Daisy respectively).
Here, I have to say I imagine them playing a duet of Howl's Moving Castle. Yes, I know I also used that song for my Luaisy fanfic, but it's so beautiful I believe it totally fits! ✨
3. Third idea: New Donk City Festival
Mayor Pauline organizes an annual festival to commemorate the history of her city, and, since she’s not only the mayor but also a singer, she loves to sing and dance every year in front of her devoted audience. Learning of Mario and Luigi's musical prowess, she does not hesitate to invite them to join her for this year's festival, and Mario, seeing it as an opportunity to play more than one instrument, gladly accepts. Luigi, laughing at his brother's enthusiasm, agrees, again, to stay behind, this time switching between his guitar and his double bass, and also backing vocals for Pauline. Mario, for his part, asks to have on hand every instrument he can play while on stage.
Thus, when the night of the festival arrives, Luigi stands behind Pauline, with his guitar and his voice, and sometimes playing his double bass instead. Pauline often turns to him and gives him broad smiles with which she intends both to thank him for sharing his talent with her and to encourage him to keep it up.
As for Mario, he keeps switching instruments. Pauline has not hesitated to comply with his request, so Mario moves around the stage, and at each new song, he changes instruments. The xylophone, the saxophone, the keyboard, the trumpet... Mario is delighted to be able to show off such versatility and play each of his instruments according to what each song requires, and both Pauline and Luigi are happy to see him so joyful and enthusiastic.
In the last song, since Mario has already tried all his instruments, he gets carried away by the music and Pauline's voice and, still excited and energetic, runs to Luigi, takes him by the hand and drags him until they’re both right behind Pauline. Mario then begins to dance without letting go of his brother's hands, encouraging him to do the same, and Pauline starts to clap her hands while continuing to sing. Luigi, despite his initial confusion, eventually lets go as well, so that the two brothers dance together on stage while Pauline concludes the festival. The two of them, besides being good musicians and singers, are also very good dancers.
Here you can picture Mario dancing like he does in Super Mario Odyssey and Luigi dancing like he does in Luigi's Mansion 2 and 3.
(Though without the scaried face 😂)
So this is it! 😁 These are the ideas I came up with for our favorite brothers being musicians 🥰 It's an idea I honestly love and that makes my love and devotion for the Mario brothers grow 🥹
I'll definitely be including some of these ideas in future fanfics! 😁 What do you think of all this? In case you'd like to create something related to this, be my guest! All I ask is to give credits, please 🙏💖
UPDATE: Please don't miss the incredible drawings made by the amazing @itsavee4117 to illustrate two of my ideas! 🤩🤩🤩 They're PERFECT and have me screaming! 👏👏👏
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Luigi the Bookworm 📚✨
Today, April 23rd, we celebrate Book Day in Spain with a beautiful tradition: gifting books and roses. In the past few months, I've started to see Luigi, my favorite Mario character, as a bookworm, thanks to some art pieces like this one, by Mikis_art94 on Instagram, and this one, a short comic by Sarahsketckesluigi, also on Instagram.
And, since I'm also a bookworm myself, I thought of celebrating this day by sharing with you my own take on Luigi's bookish side 🤭 Warning: this is gonna be LONG, so make sure to grab some drinks and snacks and make yourselves comfortable! 💖
(Also, I may go and turn some of these into actual fanfics at some point because, well... I got myself inspired 👀🤭✨)
Please go and check this amazing post by @itsavee4117! It's a companion to this one and you can see many of my headcanons illustrated in his lovely art style!!! 📚💖
@bberetd @vulpixfairy1985 @peaches2217 @nuctoria @keakruiser
@pepperycar @kelbreyworshipper @roscolate and anyone else who might be interested: I hope you enjoy! Happy Book Day! 📚🥀✨
Part 1: Luigi's Bookish Side
Luigi is a person who tends to get excited easily, and when he does, he experiences those feelings with great intensity. This applies to all aspects of his life, and reading, one of his greatest passions, is no exception.
In terms of genres, Luigi is generally open to read anything. He enjoys realistic novels, historical novels, classic novels, mystery novels, sci-fi novels... And he also reads books about gardening, cooking, baking and mechanics from time to time. The only things he’s unable to consume are thrillers and horror. He's tried, but, with all the times he's had to face King Boo, he's had more than enough terror and frights to last him a lifetime, thank you very much.
His favorite genres are fantasy and romance. The former, because traveling to made-up worlds allows him to forget about his real-life problems and offers him an escape from his daily life, which can often be exhausting. The second, because he’s a complete romantic who loves to see people loving each other and living happily ever after. And also... because of something that has to do with Daisy.
Luigi lives every book he reads with the same intensity. For him, it's as if the characters really existed, as if they were his friends, people he can talk to, share common interests with, and also help to achieve their purposes in life (i.e. in the books they’re from).
And maybe... just maybe... he's fallen in love more than once while reading and now he has a loooong list of literary crushes thet only keeps growing.
So, when he’s reading, Luigi laughs with the characters, cries when one of them suffers or dies, his heart tearing in his chest, and is deeply moved every time a tender moment occurs, such as a kiss, a hug or a cute scene involving, for example, a baby or an animal.
His favorite stories are those about siblings. Not only because he enjoys reading family stories, but also because, without even thinking about it, he often finds it easy to put himself in the place of the younger sibling. For him, therefore, it’s as if he were reading a story starring himself and his beloved brother Mario, and he loves to imagine that they’re going on adventures together in an unknown world. Almost like when they first arrived in the Mushroom Kingdom.
Over the years, Luigi has gathered quite a collection of books, so Mario, the moment they move into the little house in the Mushroom Kingdom that Peach offered them, doesn't hesitate to suggest to his brother that he use the extra room to build himself a small library. Luigi is not too sure at first, thinking that maybe his brother would like to have an office, but Mario insists.
So Luigi has a small library in his new home, which he soon fills to the top with books, and it’s his pride and joy. He and Mario assembled the bookshelves together, which they brought all the way from Brooklyn, and now Luigi has a wonderful reading nook where he can isolate himself to let his imagination run wild for hours. It is, along with the bedroom he shares with Mario, his favorite room in the whole house.
For Luigi, reading is something so important, meaningful and almost sacred in his life, that he has a whole ritual that he performs every time he sits down to read. He has a rocking chair in his small library, a present from his brother when they moved to live in the Mushroom Kingdom, and he has it placed right next to the window and in front of the fireplace. He likes to be able to see the sky when he looks up from his reading, and he usually stares at the clouds or the stars while he daydreams about or reflects on what he has just read. During the summer, he usually keeps it open, as he loves to read in natural light while the gentle breeze from Peach's land cools him, and in winter he keeps it firmly closed while the fireplace warms him.
Luigi loves to light a scented candle to help him get in the perfect mood for reading. His favorite scent is vanilla, as it reminds him of his favorite princess, but he also loves lavender and cinnamon. He usually makes himself a hot drink, sometimes tea, sometimes chocolate, and brings a nice blanket to warm up, which is why his favorite time to read is the coldest time of the year, especially autumn. He also prepares his set of post-its to mark his favorite sentences and parts of the book, and he has a ritual for colors too: yellow for funny moments, blue for sentences that make him reflect on them, red or pink for romantic scenes…
Luigi knows that there are many people who write directly in their books, but, for him, that is unthinkable. He sees books as a valuable and precious object, a repository of stories that helps him disconnect from reality and let his imagination run wild. He respects what everyone does with their books, but he’s simply incapable. Especially if it’s a book he has been given as a gift.
His favorite copies are hardcover, even more so if they include a dust jacket. He treasures all his books with the same affection, but those are undoubtedly his weak point. The most precious of all is a hardcover, dust-jacketed edition of his favorite book, which was a present from Mario, and which also has painted edges.
Usually, when it's time to read, Mario is either napping, spending quality time with Peach, or doing something else around the house. Polterpup, on the other hand, takes the opportunity to approach his owner and, if it's summer, lie at his feet while he reads. If it's winter, however, Polterpup will jump into Luigi's lap without his permission and cuddle up and fall asleep immediately, before Luigi even has time to recover from the fright and resume reading. (Check out @pepperycar's funny addition to this!)
Luigi is a speed reader. Usually, when he starts reading, he doesn't intend to go too fast. It's just that, after so many years reading, his eyes have acquired an astonishing speed, and he’s able to retain every word in his head despite going through them very quickly. Also, if a book really hooks him, he’s unable to put it down until he finishes it, which has caused him to stay up late several nights and go to work half asleep the next day, but it's always totally worth it. Because of this ability, he can finish books of about 300-400 pages in just a few hours, and sometimes also 500 if he gets caught up completely.
Luigi LOVES to buy books. His favorite visits are to Sarasaland and the bookstore, and he also does a lot of online shopping to support small publishers. Every time a new book comes home, he gets excited as if it's the first time, and always asks Mario to please record him while he's unboxing it. Mario unhesitatingly stands on the other side of the camera and makes sure that every shot is perfect and that the book looks great, and Luigi, delighted and grateful, always gives him the tightest and most spontaneous hugs every time they finish filming.
And, of course, once he has the book in his hands, Luigi squeals and kicks, excited, as he waves it in the air like maracas before hugging it tightly to his chest. And, when the book is a present from someone dear to him, he acts exactly the same, only he ends up crying and thanking again and again the person who gave it to him while, again, he presses the book against himself as if his life depended on it.
Luigi is VERY much a fan of merchandising. He loves collecting bookmarks, he has such a huge collection that he's had to divide it into several drawers, and every time he’s going to start a new reading, he tends to spend more time deciding which bookmark will be the most suitable than choosing the book itself. He’s also bought a few literary stickers and some printed works of his favorite books, like fanarts of different scenes or characters illustrated by various artists, which he's hung on a corkboard. And, of course, since his books are the most precious thing he has, he’s also bought many literary covers from different small artists' stores, so that he can keep his books well protected when he carries them around.
Luigi is the kind of person who takes a book with him everywhere. A doctor's appointment? Book in backpack in case the wait gets longer. Public transport? He can't think of a better way to spend it than reading. He even takes them with him when he meets up with Mario, Peach and Toad, just in case his brother and the princess get lovey-dovey, and Toad falls asleep. And, if there's one thing Luigi likes better than sleeping in nature, it's reading in nature.
Part 2: The Reader Brother
Luigi has loved reading since he was very young. When he and Mario were babies, their parents used to tell them a bedtime story, sometimes Pio, sometimes Mia, and Luigi always listened very attentively. He would gawk listening to them and loved how they used to put voices and even recreate some scenes to make them laugh.
Mario also listened very interested, but being a more energetic baby, he used to fall asleep about halfway through the story, with his head resting on Luigi's shoulder and his arm firmly around his brother's waist. Their parents would drool, but they had to continue, for Luigi, even if he was struggling to keep his eyes open, wasn’t going to go to sleep without knowing the ending.
Only then, with a satisfied smile, he would hug his brother back, curl up next to him, close his eyes, and put his thumb in his mouth to get ready for sleep. By then, Mario was completely asleep, clinging to Luigi like a koala to a eucalyptus tree, and their parents had to make great efforts not to melt as they tucked them in and kissed them goodnight.
Since then, both brothers have grown up being great lovers of stories, only that, while Luigi loves books, Mario prefers to consume them in movies or video games. Even so, these are all hobbies that the brothers share, as they love to immerse themselves in a good story that helps them escape from reality for a while.
When Luigi gets emotional about a book he’s reading or has just read, Mario immediately comes to his side to hug and comfort him. He knows that, even if it's fiction, his brother has lived through it all in such a way that his feelings, of sadness, joy or emptiness at having finished a great story, are real and intense. And Mario would never judge him for it.
Luigi is deeply grateful not only that his brother comforts him, but that he listens to him talk endlessly about what has just happened in the book he’s reading, and even catches his emotions. Mario may not cry, but he feels his brother's sadness as if it were his own. Fortunately, the same thing happens when Luigi is happy or excited because of a book, and even on the few occasions when Luigi has gotten angry with a character, Mario has giggled under his breath before calming him down, because he finds it extremely tender.
Luigi usually goes to the bookstore at least once a week, and Mario, since they were teenagers, has almost always accompanied him. The only exceptions were when Mario was dating Pauline, and Luigi had no problem paying his weekly visit to the bookstore by himself, but, deep down, he missed Mario.
His brother also loves to accompany him, because, despite not being as much of a reader as Luigi, he enjoys watching him go back and forth from one shelf to another, pointing out the books he’s already read and the ones he wants to read. Also, when he gets the chance to buy a new one, Mario is amused to see Luigi picking up one book after another and trying to load them all and then deciding which one to take home.
Of course, Mario immediately offers to help him carry the books so that Luigi can keep picking up more if he wants to, and Luigi appreciates it from the bottom of his heart. And also that, again, Mario listens to him chatting incessantly about why each book has caught his attention and why he has such a hard time making up his mind.
Mario always tries to guide him in the best possible way: "What do you feel like reading more right now?" "Is it part of a series or is it a standalone?" "Is the sequel already out or would you have to wait?" "Did you like this or that author better?"
And Luigi thanks him deeply for his advice and questions because, that way, he manages to discern which book he really wants to buy that time.
The best way to surprise Luigi, the best birthday and Christmas present, will always be a book. Mario knows this, and that's why he doesn't hesitate to ask his brother to show him his long and endless lists of books he wants to purchase, as well as discreetly taking notes every time he goes to the bookstore with him. Luigi cherishes every book his brother has gifted him like the priceless treasures they are to him.
Sometimes Luigi runs into space problems. Even though his bookshelf is large and spacious, there’s a limit to everything. In those moments when he’s overwhelmed because he doesn't know where to place his new acquisitions, Mario always comes to the rescue: he immediately offers to hang a new shelf on the wall, or to look for another bookshelf to place in some free space in the room, or, directly, he stares at Luigi's shelf with a frown and his hand on his chin for a few moments, before taking the new books from his brother's arms and, displaying his skills playing Tetris, manages to find room to place them.
He loves to do it not only because he enjoys applying in real life what he has learned playing video games, but above all because of the relieved smile that blooms on Luigi's lips when he sees that Mario has found the perfect solution.
Luigi loves going to literary events where he can meet his favorite authors and have his books signed, but he tends to get so nervous that he always gets stuck for words and sweats a lot, which embarrasses him deeply.
The first time, in fact, Luigi was so shocked to have his favorite author in front of him that he fainted. When he woke up in the ambulance, he was so embarrassed that nothing Mario, who, of course, always accompanies him, said succeeded in comforting him.
He only calmed down a bit at home, when, alone with Mario, he began to silently cry without even realizing it, and his brother, not uttering a word, sat down in front of him, worried, and wrapped him gently in his arms. He pressed the back of Luigi's neck softly to make him rest his head on his shoulder and stroked his back gently, his heart aching at each new sob that escaped his brother's throat.
It took him many, many years to convince Luigi to go to an event again, for Luigi feared the same thing would happen to him again. He didn't want to make a fool of himself like that ever again, especially not in front of writers he deeply admires.
So Mario decided that they would practice: he dressed as much as he could like Luigi's favorite author, watched as many videos as he could on the internet to soak up his personality and find out what kind of books they wrote, and pretended to be them again and again, relentlessly, until Luigi, little by little, managed to exchange a few words with him.
It took them many attempts, because, despite knowing it was his brother, Luigi had no trouble getting into the situation due to his overflowing imagination. Mario had to step out of character several times to try to calm him down and help him regulate his breathing.
Luckily, thanks to Mario's efforts, eventually it worked, and Luigi, a few years later, found himself back at an event and able to chat for a few minutes with the writers he read, even though his heart was beating frantically in his chest and excitement was flooding his insides.
He will never be able to thank his brother for his infinite patience, but Mario always plays it down tenderly. He keeps assuring him that it was not patience, but his deep and sincere love for his younger brother and his eagerness to help him fulfill his wishes.
Part 3: Royalty + Luaisy
Ever since the brothers met Princess Peach, she and Luigi have been, little by little, building up a beautiful friendship that grows every day, just like the sweet romantic relationship between her and Mario.
It didn't take long for Peach to discover Luigi's bookish side, and it made her eager and excited, as she has always enjoyed reading and loves to comment on the books she reads in great detail.
So she didn't hesitate to take Luigi to the huge library of her castle, and she smiled, touched, as she saw the amazement with which Luigi observed its towering shelves, turning on himself in the center of the room as he tried to take it all in.
Since then, Peach and Luigi have become reading buddies. The two of them love to immerse themselves in a good story, read together in the castle library while comfortably sipping tea and, of course, comment on what they have just read and exchange views. Luigi even ends up causing Peach to also take a liking to collecting bookmarks and literary merchandising.
They often do joint readings: they discover a book they both feel like reading and set a series of goals to try to read it at the same pace, so they can discuss it as they go along. Sometimes, however, Luigi discovers that Peach hasn't read one of his favorite books, so he doesn't hesitate to read it with her so he can see her reactions, and vice versa. They love to share their anger, their cries and their joys, for it fills their hearts with bliss and emotion that they have someone by their side who understands perfectly well what they’re feeling and why.
They enjoy hearing what this or that scene has made the other feel, or what they think of this or that character, because it helps them to see things from a point of view that, perhaps, they had not considered before. Reading enriches them, but their literary conversations enrich them even more.
And Mario, of course, is delighted that the two most important people in his life have forged such a strong, deep bond and spend so much quality time together, sharing one of their greatest passions. Often, unbeknownst to them, he stands watching them as they read in the library and gets a silly grin on his face when he sees them laughing together after chatting a bit about their readings.
When it comes to Prince Peasley, on the other hand, Luigi is the one who watches him while smiling, mesmerized, as the prince, always so elegant and sophisticated, has an exquisite oratory and knows how to strike the perfect tone every time a character intervenes, and also to confer the right emotion when it comes to the narrator. And Luigi, besides staring at him, enraptured by the fabulousness of his figure, also listens to him spellbound. He would almost say that he enjoys reading more when his beloved prince is the one who narrates, and plays, the stories.
Princess Daisy, due to her energetic nature, is not much prone to reading. She prefers more dynamic activities where she can unleash not only her endless energy, but also her competitive side. Even so, she knows and respects the value of books, having grown up well aware of their importance in safeguarding and protecting the history of her kingdom. (@kelbreyworshipper you may like these ones!)
But when she meets Luigi, she begins to show a slight interest in reading, something that at first was only born so that she could have something to talk to him about. Fortunately, Luigi, despite his initial shyness, doesn't need more than a mention of literature to start talking nonstop about his favorite stories and how much they make him feel. And Daisy, not even realizing it, finds herself listening to him entranced, very attentive to his every word and genuinely understanding why there are people, like Luigi, who find reading so exciting.
Over time, she starts asking him for book recommendations, which he happily obliges, and Daisy discovers that she actually enjoys reading, especially stories with tons of action. Still, what she likes the most about this is Luigi's thrilled and moved expression when he finds out she's actually listened to him, read the book he recommended and, therefore, now they can fangirl together. She falls even harder for him because of the cute little face he makes.
Sensing that her interest in him is growing and that it may be mutual, Daisy decides to invite Luigi to Sarasaland Castle to show him her library. At first she doesn't tell him what she has invited him for, which makes Luigi VERY nervous, as he doesn't know if this is a date or not. She playfully takes him by the hands, leads him to the library doors and asks him to close his eyes. Luigi hesitates a little, unsure, but ends up obeying so as not to disappoint her.
Daisy then opens the library and guides Luigi carefully inside. He almost trips, which makes her laugh, causing him, in turn, to relax a bit. And when she finally tells him to open his eyes, Luigi gasps and his jaw drops, his heart pounding in his chest, not only because that library is even a bit larger than Peach's, but also because, slowly, his mind understands and assimilates that Daisy had prepared this to surprise him.
And even though he’s fascinated by all the books before him, he ends up, without realizing it, looking at Daisy, with a blushing smile on his flushed face and his hands over his heart, while she explains to him that all those volumes belonged to his ancestors and that he has her permission to come whenever he wants to get them. "They're yours!" she says at last, turning to him, and Luigi's heart grows larger at the offer, causing a tear to escape his eyes as the princess, full of tenderness, smiles at him.
Over the next few days, Luigi goes to the library, encouraged by Daisy, who insists again and again that he come to Sarasaland. Her library has a huge ladder to reach the highest shelves, and Daisy uses it without a second thought to glide across the room, to the terrified gaze of Luigi, who dares not even climb the first rung.
As soon as she notices this, Daisy gets down, walks over to Luigi and takes him by the hand to guide him to the ladder. He almost cringes when she places his hand on the wood and freezes when Daisy encourages him to climb up. "It's completely safe!" she assures him. "And, besides, I'll be right here. You can hold my hand as you climb up. I promise I won't slide you down too fast the first time!"
Very slowly and clinging to Daisy's hand, Luigi climbs up the steps. She doesn't let go and keeps repeating phrases to encourage him, which makes Luigi feel almost as safe as when he is with Mario, though in a different way. Once he reaches the top of the first shelf, however, Luigi is unable to climb any higher, so Daisy doesn't pressure him any further. She gently grasps the lower end of the ladder and, after warning him, moves it a little, very slowly as she promised, to make him feel secure.
The next day, however, Daisy goes up right after Luigi and, leaning into the next bookshelf, pushes as hard as she can to propel the ladder to the opposite side at breakneck speed. Her laughter mingles with Luigi’s screams, but however, once they stop, he discovers that, despite his initial panic, he’s had fun with what Daisy has just done.
This then becomes a regular occurrence between them, until it gets to the point where Luigi feels comfortable and confident enough to climb the ladder by himself and propel himself across the library in true “Beauty and the Beast” style.
In the kingdom of Sarasaland there’s a tradition to honor books, as they’re not only a source of entertainment, but also the sacred objects that preserve their history. Daisy has grown up with these values and does not hesitate to tell Luigi about this tradition soon after they start dating.
On Book Day, it is customary for the man to give the woman a rose and the woman to give the man a book. This originated many centuries ago, before everything related to gender and relationships evolved, so nowadays, simply put, the members of a romantic relationship give each other both a book and a rose.
Luigi shows up in Sarasaland on the appointed date very nervously, dressed in a smart green suit, his favorite color, and carrying a wrapped book for Daisy, as well as a purple rose, very rare and hard to come by, which he has grown himself in his garden with Peach's help. Daisy greets him in a lovely purple dress, with a vaporous skirt, matching elbow-length gloves and her delicate shoulders bare. She holds out her gift to him almost before he reaches the castle gates and can recover from the amazement of seeing her so dazzling and beautiful.
He’s delighted when, upon opening it, he discovers that it is one of those special editions he’s been looking for for so long. Only Mario knew he wanted it, so he understands, without needing Daisy to tell him, that his brother has given his girlfriend a hand to surprise him. And that makes his heart fill with love and his eyes with tears, and the book even more precious to him.
Daisy excitedly opens her present and, to Luigi's surprise, squeals when she discovers that he’s gifted her a fantasy adventure novel that caught her eye when he first took her to his favorite Brooklyn bookstore. Daisy drags him into the library, invites him to sit down with some drinks (tea for him, a smoothie for her), and asks him to please start reading.
And so they spend their first Book Day together: settled on Daisy's fluffy library couch, she sat on his lap, the skirt of her purple dress spread over his legs, almost hiding them, and her arms around his neck, depositing light kisses here and there as he struggles to read aloud the book he’s just given her. This was the first time they gave each other a book, but of course it would not be the last, as reading together, visiting the Brooklyn bookstore and Sarasaland and Mushroom Kingdom libraries, and continuing to celebrate Book Day would soon become habit for them.
Daisy often stares at Luigi as he reads, amused by his reactions and the faces he makes, and, when their relationship is more established, she has no qualms about peeping over his shoulder. And Luigi, far from getting angry, what he did the first time and has continued to do ever since is to read aloud, so that she also finds herself immersed in the story without realizing it. (This may sound familiar!)
But what Luigi enjoys the most is that Daisy, whenever the characters in the book share some intimate gesture, instantly replicates it with him. If they hold hands, Daisy immediately reaches for Luigi's hand. If there’s a hug, Daisy wraps her arms around Luigi and holds him tightly, which leaves him breathless, but also makes him laugh and fills his heart with tenderness.
And, of course, if there are kisses, Daisy won't hesitate to start showering Luigi with them. First on his hand, on the tips of his fingers and on his palm. Then on the forehead, with a delicacy that always melts Luigi. His cheeks color every time Daisy places her lips on them, but what drives him absolutely crazy is when she seeks his mouth. It's the only thing that makes him put down the book and postpone reading for another time. (Check out @bberetd's wonderful art for this!)
Often, before they fall asleep, Daisy cuddles up to Luigi in bed, wearing his green shirt, and buries her face in the crook of his neck. Luigi absentmindedly begins to fiddle with her hair, delighted to have her so close, and, with his other hand, reaches for his book to read aloud a few more pages before they fall asleep. It's part of their routine and they both love sharing stories that way.
Part 4: The gang
The visit to the bookstore and libraries has now become a regular occurrence for everyone. As soon as he started talking about books with Peach and she showed him her library, Luigi immediately invited her to come with him and Mario the next time they went to their regular Brooklyn bookstore, and she gladly accepted.
On that first visit by the princess, Peach was as thrilled as Luigi and the two of them went back and forth in the bookstore, she eagerly looking at everything, he endlessly talking about the store and the many books he’s bought there. Soon they found themselves going often to acquire new books, not without first spending a good while in the place accumulating stories in their arms to, again, decide in the end.
Again Luigi was looking for Mario, who, unconsciously, had been staring at them with an amused smile and his eyes full of affection. Blushing, Mario would hurry to come to his side to help him, and Luigi, even though he’d caught him gazing at the princess in rapt attention, wouldn’t comment anything so as not to make him uncomfortable or put any pressure on him.
Many times, however, Peach would intervene and take two of the books Luigi had chosen. That's how she also started giving him books as presents, and Luigi couldn't be more grateful that his beloved friend pampers him that way. Her gesture makes her even more attractive and sweet in the eyes of Mario, who melts at seeing her displaying such adoration towards his beloved little brother.
Daisy, always eager to learn more about the place where her dearest hero in green grew up, also joins in, but, to her surprise, she finds herself next to Mario, fondly watching Peach and Luigi, especially the latter. They, however, are so excited talking about books that they never notice the goofy smiles with which Daisy and Mario look at them, delighted to see their two favorite people indulging in their greatest passion.
Despite this, both Mario and Daisy make sure to pay attention to the books that Luigi and Peach point out with the intention of acquiring them in the future, and then make plans with each other to decide which ones to give them on future birthdays, Christmases and, of course, regular days. Any time is a good time to surprise their favorite people with a new literary gift.
Sometimes, on their dates, Luigi and Daisy also go to the bookstore, and she, as always, listens to him talk very attentively. When it comes to advising him on which book to acquire, however, she’s much more practical: she thinks Luigi should pick the book he wants to read the most… or the one with the most romance in it.
And Luigi blushes violently because he perfectly understands the implications of such a suggestion.
Literary events also end up being a regular thing they all do together. Luigi, thanks to Mario, already manages to control his nerves and chat a bit with the authors when they sign his books. Peach, of course, is all sweetness and always tells them how much their stories have made her feel and dream. Mario just smiles and listens, delighted to be able to accompany them and to see them enjoying themselves so much, right up their alley. He always takes pictures of them with the authors, both together and separately, something he already did when it was just him and Luigi.
Daisy, on the other hand, is so spontaneous and genuine that she doesn't hold back when it comes to treating the writers with too much familiarity, which only embarrasses the others, especially Luigi. If it's the author of a romance book, Daisy doesn't hesitate to cheerfully tell them how much she and her boyfriend enjoyed the sensual and intimate scenes, or that she lost count of how many times she kissed her sweetie during the reading because of the sheer number of times the characters kissed.
In those moments, Luigi can only think of crawling under a rock. He has to resort to all the training with Mario to manage to keep his composure and not faint again or run away to hide so no one sees him turning red as a tomato.
However, then Daisy intertwines her arm with his and kisses him on the cheek, and he feels that his blush, this time, is due to being close to her and to her tokens of affection. After all, Luigi adores everything about his princess, all her sides and her personality, and besides, to other authors, fortunately, Daisy tells them how much fun she and her boyfriend had with their novel, and Luigi can only adore her.
At these events, both Mario and Daisy go out of their way to get lots of bookmarks and merch for Luigi and Peach, as they know they both love to collect stuff related to their favorite books. And also, again, they take mental notes of all the books they can buy as future presents for them.
From time to time, Toad and Peasley also join in on their visits to the bookstore, libraries or events. Toad is a big fan of fantasy and adventure comics, as they nurture his enthusiastic and adventurous spirit, and Peasley loves to talk endlessly with his favorite authors about the various subjects they cover in their books, thus unconsciously displaying, once again, his impeccable eloquence.
I really hope you liked this! I had a blast writing all of this and imagining my favorite characters in the many situations I've experienced myself as a bookworm, as well as adding others I came up with 🥰
Plase feel free to add your comments and feedback, and also headcanons if you have a few of your own! And if by any chance this inspires you to create your own stuff, I'd be more than honored 😭 All I ask is to please give credit! 🙏💖
Before I leave, please remember to check @itsavee4117's blog today! You won't regret it 🤩📚✨
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