The Moody One (Osomatsu-San Fanfic)

Chapter 12

(Karamatsu POV)

I have been visiting my dear brother, Ichimatsu, at the hospital everyday. Even though he denies it, I'm sure he enjoys the company. Sometimes my other brothers tag along, or even people outside of the family. Chibita stopped by with some oden a few days ago, how nice of him. I should really thank him one day. Maybe bring him some flowers, scented candles, play him a nice song- um..yeah, anyways, I've dug deep into my soul, and I've brought out as much support as I can to help Ichi. I cannot ignore the fact that I am partially responsible for what happened, so it's my duty to make sure his recovery is successful! Usually when I go see Ichimatsu, I do most of the talking. I keep him updated with the town dramas and scandals, recite drafts of my poetry, and so on. He often pretends to fall asleep- obviously inheriting such magnificent acting skills from moi.

Today my visit is a lone journey, my brothers busy with one shenanigan or another. I brought him some horror mangas and cat magazines.

"Brother, I'm here!" I made my entrance into his room, "Hope you didn't miss me too much."

Ichimatsu lifted his head up from the bed and scoffed, "As if, Shittymatsu."

He totally missed me.

"Your voice sounds much better Ichimatsu!" I noted.

"Yeah, I feel better too. I'm going to be discharged from the hospital tomorrow."

"Really brother?! Oh, I am so glad that your recovery is progressing so well! In fact, I prepared a song just for this moment, ahem: Sweet brotherrrr, your wounds have finally heeealed. Sweet brotherrrrr, how I wish-"

"Oi! Enough!" Ichimatsu interrupted. "It's not that big of a deal, I can't even go home yet."

Oh, yeah. The psych ward. All of us siblings silently decided to just not talk about that little detail, even though it's not little at all. "But it's better than being stuck in some cold hospital, right?" I tried to make him look at the positive side.

"Yeah, true. It's just that, to be honest," Ichimatsu paused, probably pondering if it's wise to continue. "...I'm nervous about going there. I'll be forced to say and admit...things... to complete strangers. Things I haven't ever told anyone else." He swallowed uncomfortably. "W-what if they put me on some medication with crazy side effects? Or just decide I'm too fucked up to deal with and lock me away forever? I know I 'need the help' or whatever but I- I can't help but be worried. I'm... I'm scared, Karamatsu."

I was stunned into silence. That was definitely the most he's ever spoken during one of my visits, and probably the most honest confession he's said to me, well, ever. I was scared for him too but I couldn't let him know that. I have to be strong for him. "Brother, I know this is a terrifying time, but you won't go through this alone. Of course there'll be tough times coming, but I'll always be there to support you."

"...Thank you. I'm so grateful that I have you, and all of our brothers." Ichi muttered, "I really mean it."

My lip quivered, "Oh Ichi! Your sincere words have truly touched my heart! If it weren't for my manly exterior, I think I'd cry!"

Ichimatsu groaned, "Ugh, don't ruin the moment by being painful. Plus, that 'manly exterior' cried over Ponyo, twice!"

"B-but, Ponyo loved Sosuke! She just wanted to be human like him!"

~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

"So yeah, Dekapan and Dayon aren't on speaking terms for now. Everyone says it's Iyami's fault but I personally feel it's simply the brutalities of mankind." I concluded. I could tell Ichimatsu was secretly dying to know "the tea", as Westerners say.

"Mhm." Ichimatsu boredly flipped through the horror manga, unimpressed with the gory artwork.

I looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost time to go, but I had something on my mind. "Well, visiting hours are gonna end soon but, can I ask you for some advice?"

"Hmm?"

"Todomatsu's been really distant lately. I feel like something's going on." Ever since he left early that first hospital visit, it's all been going downhill. Totty barely comes home, and he's even more glued to his phone. Choromatsu constantly nags him about it. One time there was a huge fight between them, Osomatsu and I had to break it up. Jyushimatsu had tried to lighten up the mood afterwards, but to no avail. There's too much tension.

Of course I couldn't disclose all of this to Ichimatsu, though. He had more than enough on his plate.

"So? He's climbed mountains without telling us, I don't think that's unusual." Ichimatsu waved the thought away.

"I know, but it's even more intense, like he's more secretive, more nervous. I don't know what to do." I admitted, "I'm worried. So is Choromatsu."

Ichimatsu yawned, "Well, do what you do best. Stalk him. If nothings actually wrong then worse case scenario is he'll get all pissy at you. If something is wrong, well," Ichimatsu motioned to himself in the hospital bed, "Don't let this happen."

"... You're right."

"I know. Now get out before I call security to escort you, Shittymatsu."

I left the hospital soon after, thinking over what Ichimatsu said.

Stealthymastu would make a return.