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The cold wind bustled outside as it snowed. He wasn’t sure when the weather had taken such a turn, it was nice outside before they had all fallen asleep, the room was cold. He looked over to count the heads of his brothers. Jyushimatsu had wrapped himself around Choromatsu, seeking warmth, understandably since how he becomes on cold days. That’s two, Osomatsu counted, turning to look at the other side counting 3 and 4. The gap had closed between Ichimatsu and Todomatsu. He guessed that Ichimatsu must’ve moved in closer to avoid the cold due to the absence of.. Karamatsu? Did he ever even come home?
Osomatsu thought to himself, trying to recall if he had even seen his brother for dinner. Though he immediately came to the conclusion that he hadn’t. He couldn’t even believe that he hadn’t kept an eye on one of his baby brothers, he usually knew where it had an idea of where they were at all times. Although recently he thought about how he hadn’t even thought about him, maybe he’d gotten too focused on everyone else. Or maybe Karamatsu had been trying to slip out of sight, it wouldn’t be the first time. Sticking his face into a magazine and blocking everyone out. Not even adding his painful comments as usual.
Suddenly Osomatsu had a really bad gut feeling. He sat up, making his way out of the futon quietly. He didn’t want to worry any of his brothers, he could deal with it, or at least he was pretty sure he thought he could.
Immediately on leaving the futon he was blasted with the cold air surrounding the room. It almost made him want to climb into the futon, but he was determined to find his brother. Making his way over to the closet he dressed himself pretty warmly since it was snowing. He had no idea where his brother was, whether he was dressed for the weather or even if he was okay. It slightly made him panic. He decided to bring a scarf for him, just in case.
Though Osomatsu hadn’t realized how loud he’d been digging through the closet.
“ Oi. ” One of the brothers had sat up, surprising Osomatsu who had been stuck in his head still thinking he was being quiet. “What are you doing..”
Osomatsu turned around to realize Ichimatsu had awoken due to his negligence.
“Oh.. sorry Ichima-chan” Osomatsu loudly whispered to his gruff younger brother “Did I wake ya? My bad, your niisan has to go find your stupid second eldest.'' He attempted to laugh off the sentence, as if it was nothing.
Ichimatsu sighed, rubbing his eyes, getting up. “Let’s talk in the kitchen for a minute.. before you go into the storm for that idiot.”
“Ah okay Ichimatsu, but don’t worry about it too much, your elder brother is just being a dummy not coming home.” Osomatsu replied, a little too loud I might add. Ichimatsu just turned around and put his finger to his lips, adding a loud “ shh.”
The awkward silence was loud as Ichimatsu sat across Osomatsu, pouring them both hot tea. Osomatsu could’ve sworn it had been hours before either of them had talked, but he was just over exaggerating. It had only been about 10 minutes.
“Soooooo..” Osomatsu flashed his usual smile, trying to seize the awkwardness of the room. He was pretty sure he was the only one who made it awkward though. “What did you wanna talk about, we should make it quick, you never know how long that idiot has been outside.”
Ichimatsu took his finger and traced the outside of the tea cup in front of himself. “Well.. the thing is, he’s been gone all day.” He said pretty quietly, “You didn't notice, but I did because he usually annoys the hell out of me when I’m just trying to sit in the room to myself.”
“ Thats not good” Osomatsu said audibly distressed, he knew he wasn’t sure when his brother had left. Although he hadn’t thought he’d been gone ALL DAY and not back yet at what, 3:00amish? “Did he say where he was going..?”
Ichimatsu sighed and shook his head. “He did say he was leaving when he did, quietly like he hoped no one would notice, but he didn't say where.” Ichimatsu looked up at Osomatsu, “Frankly, he’s an idiot and could be anywhere by now. I wanted to tell you so you wouldn’t be out all night, as stupid as he is, he’s still an adult and can do something’s for himself. After 3 hours of searching, come back.” Ichimatsu practically growled at him “ I better not catch you out after that, we don’t need two missing brothers, nor do we need you getting sick. It’ll be bothersome.”
Osomatsu brought his hand behind his head, scratching it. “Don’t worry about me Ichima-chan, as stupid as I am I’m sure I’ll know when to quit.” He lied, knowing that he was willing to search for a whole day if he needed to. He didn’t want any one of his brothers to disappear on him.
“As long as you know..” Ichimatsu stood up, walking out of the kitchen, “I’m going back to bed, it’s cold as hell out here.”
“Sweet dreams Ichimatsu” Osomatsu smiled at him.
Osomatsu put on his boots, the best shoes he could wear to move around in this weather. He then immediately went on the move, the wind howling at him to stay inside and never leave. Honestly it was hard to believe anyone was in this weather, but he has to check. First was the most likely spot for him to be, the park maybe? Mentally deciding that, Osomatsu nodded, heading in that direction.
‘ Be okay you stupid, painful brother of mine’
Osomatsu thought as he got closer to the park. He could only go so fast in this weather, he wondered if Karamatsu was hurt. It was rather intense weather, besides, if he was hurt he was gonna hear hell from their mom. Oh yeah- he also wouldn’t wanna see his brother hurt, of course.
Eventually, he was making his way through the park when he discovered a figure on a bench. It seemed to be huddled up, protecting something, the figure was covered in snow. Hoping it was Karamatsu, Osomatsu rushed over to the figure. He immediately pushed the snow off the figure, which was a person holding a guitar. Immediately Osomatsu figured out that the figure WAS Karamatsu.
“Ah shit Kara, how long have you been sitting here?” Osomatsu said in panic.
He immediately grabbed his brother and felt for a pulse. It was pretty slow, but there. Though his brother was ice cold, his face was flushed and he wasn’t even sure if he was conscious. Though he wouldn’t let go of his guitar, he guessed he was somewhat.
“Oi! Karamatsu, can you hear me? We need to get home. We need to get you out of this weather.” Osomatsu said, tugging at Karamatsu attempting to get him out of his huddle. Brushing off some more snow, forcing the scarf he brought around his neck.
Eventually Osomatsu forced the guitar away from Karamatsu, thinking it’ll help get Karamatsu out of his huddle. Which— it did.
“…..ac..k” Karamatsu mumbled out.
It was relief that washed over him when he heard it. It was something. He immediately forcibly pulled Karamatsu into a sitting position. Carrying him on back, promptly looping his arms around his legs, making sure to keep the guitar with him. Though pretty haphazardly since the snow was still coming down hard.
“As if coming here was hard enough in this weather, Karamatsu..” Osomatsu mumbled “Juggling the extra weight and guitar is just making this harder..”
‘ Though.. for being the weight of a whole person,’ he noted ‘ Karamatsu is awfully light.’
“..’m….s..y” Karamatsu mumbled into his ear.
Osomatsu seemed pretty surprised by the reply, faltering slightly from his slow walk in the snow.
“No- it’s alright Kara- don’t worry about it. Niisan is just rambling to himself. Didn’t expect you to hear it.” Osomatsu said calmly, almost guiltily, like he’d been caught.
From there it was a silent walk. Especially since Osomatsu was trying to be especially careful, he thought his brother must’ve been deathly sick from being out in this snow. He was still surprised that Karamatsu had any sort of consciousness.
He was sure that he’d been out for at least an hour getting Karamatsu off that bench and starting the walk home. Gosh, he was freezing and at least he was wearing layers. Though Karamatsu was wearing his leather jacket and tank top. The fact he wasn’t frozen was a miracle to him.
‘ Finally home.’ Osomatsu thought, turning to his front door. He fumbled the door open, placing the guitar in the doorway immediately to have it out of the way. Standing there carrying Karamatsu, he struggled kicking off his shoes since he was wearing boots.
Eventually after a frustrating few minutes, he successfully got his boots off. He then closed the door behind him, which made the room considerably warmer, well at least compared to outside.
Osomatsu carried his brother to the guest room, placing him on the couch. He then turned the lights on in the room, then ran to get Karamatsu a change of clothes, getting both Karamatsu’s pajamas and his hoodie since his brother was freezing. He then hurried back, his brother still laying on the couch in his barely conscious state.
Walking over to Karamatsu, he sat him up, making him lean on the couch. Osomatsu undressed his brother to dress him in something warmer, starting with his pants. He slipped his brother into his pajama pants, next taking off Karamatsu’s leather jacket to uncover his arms. To his surprise Karamatsu’s arms were littered with scars, some completely healed and others looked like they were barely starting. Seeing this made Osomatsu’s heart ache he knew he hasn’t been paying attention to his little brother that much, but the fact he hadn’t seen or know anything that he’d been doing… Osomatsu felt like one shitty big brother, blaming himself for not catching on soon enough.
Osomatsu sighed, but continued to undress his brother. Slipping off Karamatsu’s tank top, he slid his pajama top onto him. Then he put Karamatsu’s hoodie on after. Realizing he needed a big blanket for his brother next, he ran to go get one.
He found the fluffiest one he could find, wrapping his brother up one big bundle on the couch. He then went to the kitchen,
‘something hot… something warm would help him’ Osomatsu concluded.
He really wasn’t sure what would really help his brother. Osomatsu was pretty sure his baby brother probably had- like a bad case of hypothermia. Rummaging through the cabinets, taking stuff to make soup. Though when we thought about it, he knew soup would take a long time. He needed to warm his brother up, now. He decided instead on ramen and tea, two warm things. He immediately went to make them.
It didn’t take long for it all to be hot and ready. Osomatsu carefully rushed the hot ramen and tea to the guest room where his little brother was bundled. He set it down next to the couch and shook Karamatsu attempting to have him regain some form of consciousness before forcing him to eat.
“Mmm.. don..nt.. wanna.. too.. cold..” Karamatsu slurred to his brother.
“I know, I know, but you gotta. Please get up just long enough to eat, then you can sleep again Karamacchan.. okay?'' Osomatsu responded.
Osomatsu watched his brother attempt to sit up, then immediately helped him. Karamatsu was shivering endlessly, how hadn’t he noticed it before?
“Good job~ your niisan will do the rest and feed you.” Osomatsu said as he brought the tea up to Karamatsu lips and helped him tilt his head back. He could see Karamatsu’s face slightly relaxed as the warm tea was forcibly drunk.
“Okay.. hopefully that helps you wake up a bit cause I really need you to eat this now..” Osomatsu cooed to his younger brother.
Karamatsu nodded and attempted to sit up straight, but he shivered too much to be able to eat for himself still. Osomatsu brought the still hot noodles to Karamatsu’s mouth and made an audible “ aaah ”. Karamatsu almost as if on command opened his mouth and chewed as Osomatsu fed him the noodles. This continued until Karamatsu was finished with all the noodles, then Osomatsu had Karamatsu drink the broth.
“You did such a good job Kara~” Osomatsu hummed, taking the garbage and cup to the kitchen. Then he hurried back to the guest room.
Osomatsu grabbed an extra blanket and walked over to Karamatsu. He looked down at him. He had laid back down when Osomatsu took a quick trip to the kitchen.
“Karamacchan~ I’m gonna lay with you okay? Niisan will warm you up!” Osomatsu made his way onto the couch hugging his brother, pulling the extra blanket on top of him. Karamatsu then nuzzled his head into Osomatsu’s chest. “D’awww.. let’s get some rest okay?”
Soon enough they fell asleep.
He wasn’t sure what time it was when he awoke, but he found his little brother still cuddled up to him. Almost desperately, like he was freezing. I guess the hypothermia wouldn’t go that easy, though Osomatsu still had no clue why his brother had ever done something stupid like that in the first place.
“Oi.. Kara, are you awake?” Osomatsu said, not really expecting a reply.
“Mhm.. aniki..” Karamatsu said visibly shivering. “It’s so cold this morning..”
Osomatsu raised his hand to Karamatsu’s head, he was on fire. In fact his whole body was pretty warm.
“Looks like you got a pretty bad fever Kara.. but if you’re cold how ‘bout a nice bath?” Osomatsu cooed “That'd probably make you feel better..” He looked out at the window which leaked in light, he’d guess it was around mid-noon now.
“That sounds pretty good aniki..” Karamatsu continued before going into a coughing fit.
“Though, let’s get you something to eat and drink first. Then some medicine before your bath, alright?” Osomatsu spoke, slowly getting up from their cuddly position on the couch. “I’ll be back.. with the thermometer too.”
Osomatsu exited the room, unsure what to get his baby brother.
(hhh pov switch until next set of underscores)
Karamatsu waited until he fully heard his brother walk away. Why did he feel this weak again? He wasn’t quite sure.. how did he even get home.
‘Right.. ’ Osomatsu carried him home. He remembered, though he had hoped no one would find him. He couldn’t convince himself to jump, he had such a good opportunity to freeze to death when it had started to snow.
‘Stupid painful idiot, can’t even die right.’
I guess that didn’t matter much anyways, god he regretted his decision now. He felt awful. His throat felt as if he hadn't had water in AGES, his head throbbed, and he felt weak.
‘What an inconvenience you are’
Karamatsu shook his head but not very well. It was as if to shake the thought out, but it clearly didn’t work. It made his heart sink, he was making his older brother go out of the way for him.
‘You should’ve been gone before you became the burden to your brother you are now’
Karamatsu was tired of these stupid voices. He attempted to get up, unwrapping the blanket around him, then pushing the other off top of him. His legs were like jelly, but he refused to stay where he was. He stood up, leaning on the couch.
Barely able to keep himself up he walked to the backyard, where it was snowing still. It was lighter than before but still pretty bad. He sat down, right in the snow. His clothes got soaked, but this worked as a good distraction from his mind.
‘The bright blue sky is quite pretty.. ’
…
‘It’s cold..’
(okay back to Osomatsu)
Osomatsu backed into the room with his arms full. He had made his brother some porridge and some water. He also had fever medicine.
“Okay~ Niisan has things to make you feel better” Osomatsu cooed at the brother that wasn’t in the room.
He turned around to place things next to his brother. Though he freaked out when he didn’t see the blue brother on the couch. He almost dropped everything, but immediately just placed it down.
“Karamatsu?!” Osomatsu said in a panicked tone. He rushed out of the room, only to notice a draft
‘ The backyard’
Osomatsu rushed outside to find his little brother looking not so great.
“What’re you doing Kara?! You were supposed to be waiting for me! Why are you out here! Are you trying to get worse” Osomatsu said, obviously stressed, picked his brother up.
“Ah-.. wait.. Osomatsu put me down-“ Karamatsu realized, immediately leaning into his brother's warmth, going against his own words. Almost immediately going into a coughing fit “C-cool guys don’t get carried like this!”
“This one does!” Osomatsu grinned at his brother, immediately bringing him inside.
…
“Now I gotta warm you up all over again” Osomatsu’s pouted
“Sorry…” Karamatsu mumbled.
Osomatsu had practically forced Karamatsu into eating every bit of the porridge and into drinking the water. He wanted to get Karamatsu out of his wet clothes and into the bath. Though when it came time to take his medicine Karamatsu refused.
“Don’t.. need it. Save it for s-someone who really does..” Karamatsu coughed out.
“Oi, Karamatsu, you do need it. If you haven’t figured it out yet yourself, you’re pretty sick right now.” Osomatsu glared at Karamatsu unsure why his brother would even say something like that. “ So, please take it.”
Osomatsu held his hand out again offering him another glass of water and fever medicine.
Karamatsu audibly scoffed and took the medicine weakly. Taking it with some resistance, going into a coughing fit afterwards.
“Good job Kara~ Niisan is happy you took the medicine!” He patted Karamatsu’s back, bringing him into a hug almost. “How… ‘bout that bath now?”
Karamatsu leaned into Osomatsu’s shoulder because of the patting, making the almost hug a complete hug wrapping his arms around Osomatsu. For a minute he just breathed.
‘He must be super sick.. because Kara could never let himself be this cute and vulnerable’ Osomatsu thought, bringing his hand up and combing his hand through Karamatsu’s hair.
“D’aww Kara, I know.. being sick sucks.” Osomatsu cooed, “You really should take a bath though.. especially to get out of your wet clothes.”
For a good minute they still sat there, Osomatsu combing his hair and patting his back. It was a sweet moment with his baby brother, who stubbornly tried never to show his soft side. Though if he ever did to anyone, it was usually to Osomatsu.
“Mmkay.. aniki..” Karamatsu finally spoke up.
Though when he did, Karamatsu attempted to stand, his legs shaking uncontrollably. Osomatsu immediately stood supporting his brother.
“Karamacchan be careful, you’re still sick, niisan will support you. Just rely on me more, alright?” Osomatsu said, hurriedly at his brother's side.
Then, they started their walk to the bathroom, making their way upstairs. Opening the bathroom door, he sat Karamatsu down to start the hot water. Walking over to the tub, he started it getting a nice temperature and filling it. Osomatsu then went over to his brother, brought him closer to the tub then helped him undress. Eventually Karamatsu found himself in the bathtub.
“I’m gonna take your clothes out to the wash, alright Kara?” Osomatsu stood up grabbing the scattered clothes, “just soak until I get back, alright?”
Karamatsu just responded with a nod.
(Sorry we’re switching to Karamatsu again until the next set of underscores ;w;)
The water was warm, it was nice. It felt nice to be doted on. Though he couldn’t help but feel it wasn’t deserved, like he didn’t deserve anything that Osomatsu did for him. Yes he was sick, so maybe he felt bad for him. That must’ve been it, but if that was the case.. Why hadn’t he just stuffed him in the futon with a towel on his head and left him.. like usual? Was it because he found him outside in that storm for hours?
He genuinely couldn’t understand why his brother cared enough to look for him. He’d tried so hard to be unnoticed, to keep to himself, and make sure he didn’t cause any problems to his brothers.
‘Not that the others cared anyways.’
Without even noticing Karamatsu had sunk his head under the water. How long had he been like this? He felt like he was suffocating. Though strangely he didn’t want to come back up, but eventually he shot up gasping for breath. His body wouldn’t let him do something like that so easily.
How long had Osomatsu been out of the bathroom? A few minutes? An hour? I guess being stuck in your head as well as being sick doesn’t make it easy to keep track of time. Though he didn’t care very much,
‘It would be better if he forgot me here anyways’
Karamatsu found himself sinking back into the water. His face falling back under, it was nice and warm. He liked how it felt, it was quiet.
(Hahaha osomatsu again)
After stopping for a moment to check in their bedroom to see if anyone else was home he concluded they all were. He walked past his 4 youngest and grabbed some clothing for Karamatsu.
“Is he.. alright?” Ichimatsu spoke up. “We all saw you with him in the guest room.”
“Yeah, yeah, your niisan has it under control. He just has a fever.” Osomatsu spoke not really looking over to face any of the siblings, still digging for clothes.
“Well, I’m glad we can rely on you for some things Osomatsu.” Choromatsu chimes in.
“Oi, what does that mean? I'm a very reliable person.” Osomatsu glared back.
“Pay no mind to him niisan,” Todomatsu said, not looking up from his phone “we all know that you can be reliable~”
“MHM! Osomatsu-niisan is very reliable!” The big ball of blankets and scarfs, that was decidability Jyushimatsu spoke.
“Alright!” Osomatsu, getting everything he needed, stood up. “Your very responsible niisan needs to get back to your very sick older brother.”
Osomatsu walked out of the room and into the bathroom, where he saw Karamatsu with his head under the water. He immediately put down the clothes he had gathered for his brother and rushed over to him. Pulling him up, Karamatsu once again gasped for air. Bringing himself into a coughing fit.
Osomatsu patted his brothers back “What were you doing?! This is the second time today I’ve caught you doing something stupid!”
He could’ve cried at that moment, but he was mad at himself and Karamatsu so the tears never came. Mad at himself for coming back faster, for not keeping a better eye on him, and especially for letting something happen to his baby brother. Mad at Karamatsu for doing these things in the first place, for not saying anything, and for worrying him to this point.
Though without realizing it, Karamatsu had began to cry. “I’m sorry.. I’m such a screw up..” he coughed “Just forget about me..”
Osomatsu forced his brother into a hug, ruffling his wet hair.
“Hey- it’s okay.. I didn’t mean to get mad at you. I'm not gonna forget you- I care too much. Don’t worry about it.” Osomatsu pulled away from his brother “Let’s just.. get you dressed and then we’ll talk about it. Alright?”
Karamatsu nodded, standing up. Osomatsu grabbed the towel and wrapped it around Karamatsu, helping him out of the bath. Drying off Karamatsu, he helped him dress.
Instead of waiting for Karamatsu to walk, Osomatsu picked him up and carried him out. Karamatsu surprisingly didn’t protest this time and just turned his head towards Osomatsu’s chest and leaned into him.
Eventually he made his way back to the guest bedroom and he placed Karamatsu on the couch, flopping next to him. Pulling him into a hug, cuddling his little brother. Running his hand through his damp hair, bringing the blanket on the couch over them.
“Now,” he said, squeezing Karamatsu. “Tell niisan what’s wrong.”
Karamatsu nudged his face into Osomatsu’s chest, taking in a deep breath.
“ ‘m sorry.. I’m being such an inconvenience.” Karamatsu mumbled into Osomatsu’s chest. “I should’ve.. just died in the storm..”
Osomatsu seemed to tense a little hearing that, then immediately kissed the top of his brother's head. “I don’t know what gave you that idea, but you’re not an inconvenience. I have all the time in the world as a NEET, and I care ‘bout ya so it’s my pleasure to do it.” Then he started to cry a little, “I don’t know where this talk of dying came from either.. but nobody here wants you to die.. Hurts my heart just thinkin’ bout it..”
“..I’m sorry..” Karamatsu cried into his brother's hoodie, staining it with his tears. “I’m just being an idiot.. I let my head get to me..”
“It’s alright Karamacchan.. just remember that niisan is here for you. Alright?” Osomatsu cooed at him, playing with his hair.
“… alright O..Osomatsu-niisan..” Karamatsu said, in almost a whisper, hoping Osomatsu wouldn’t hear.
Osomatsu’s eyes practically lit up at this remark, when could he get his adorable younger brother to say this word often? “D’aww! Don’t even worry about it Kara! Your niisan will handle everything. You can talk to me about anything!” Almost immediately after Osomatsu placed another kiss on his little brother's head.
Karamatsu’s face flushed over and he hid his face into Osomatsu’s jacket.
“How ‘bout we take a nice nap Kara? You’re still sick after all.” Osomatsu cooed in suggestion.
He received a nod in response.
Eventually the two fell asleep and cuddled up on the couch.
“The two shitty eldest look almost cute when they’re like that~” Todomatsu whispered peaking in the door frame, phone camera taking photos.
“hehehehe… kinda” Ichimatsu whispered.
“ Oi, stop spying on them, they’re trying to sleep.” Choromatsu glared at them.
“ehhh? But they’re being cute and cuddling.. when do we ever catch them like that.” Todomatsu pouted.
“What..” Choromatsu said running up and peaking in the door frame.