Baby Brother

27- Rushing Waters (possible trigger warning)

*Mathew's Perspective*
It had been a few weeks since Josh was in the hospital, and I was getting anxious about it since we had all agreed to take care of him and I wasn't ready for it. Not only was he injured, but he was also probably going to be little. Poor guy. He's probably been through a whole bunch of stress. Could it had been my fault? I sighed and decided to text Dillon to see if he wanted to come over. I flinched as the screen came on, just now noticing I didn't have my glasses on. I always took them off before bed.I glanced around, trying to find my glasses in the dark. I frowned, noticing they weren't where I left them. "What are you doin up this late?" I jumped, hearing one of my brothers's voices. "M-Marcus?" I asked. He sighed and sat beside me. "Matt, where are your glasses?" He stroked my cheek ever so gently. "I-I don't know," I frowned. He sighed and began to look around. "Get up," he orders. I slowly get up, holding my phone as I wait for him. I could hear him searching. "Can't sleep?" He asked. I was a bit surprised by his soft tone. "I-I'm just nervous," I said as I fidgeted with my hands. "I understand, it's going to be a big change," he gave me a hug before putting my glasses on my face. "What about Nate?" I asked him. He simply hugged me. "He'll be alright, but I think we should try to edge him back into headspace, that way Josh isn't alone," he said. I nodded as I looked up to him. "Y-you think this is the right thing?" I asked, fidgeting with my hands.
*Nate's Perspective*
I couldn't help myself, I couldn't help anyone. Tears blurred my vision as I hid my head under my pillow, hoping Tim wouldn't notice. I had told him I no longer wanted to be little, so crying like a baby wouldn't help my case at all. Thinking about what happened to Josh and how I was such an inconvenience to everyone during that time made me feel like I should just stop, like I don't deserve to be here anymore. I no longer deserved them and how much love they give me. I don't deserve anything. I wish I could stop, but I know they won't let me. I know that if I would die, my brothers would not like that. Even dead, I'd still be a nuisance. Why am I so stupid? I continued to sob, being as quiet as I could. That's when I felt something on my back. I slowly peeked from behind the pillow to see Lefty there to comfort me, her white tipped tail wagging with happiness. Does she know? Can she feel my emotions? I sat up and hugged the poor girl for comfort, not wanting to bother any of my older brothers. I sniffle, hoping Timmy wouldn't notice because he'd be worried. I don't want him to worry for me. I don't need anyone worrying about me. I continued to cry into the dog.

Timothy's perspective*
I could hear his cries, and it broke my heart, but I knew that he wanted to be alone. I fought as hard as I could to go over to him and comfort him. I nuzzled up with my journal, writing some poetry to ease my nerves. Everything was wrong. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. Big brothers are supposed to be strong, not be little brothers. Why did life flip? What purpose does this serve? Maybe it won't be so bad. What if Josh is cuter than Nate? Nah, Nate's far cuter despite being such a handful most of the time. I glanced back over to the boy. I sighed and walked over to him, sitting next to the boy before holding him close. "It's going to be okay," I muttered to him. He looked up to me before hugging me. I sighed and held him close, rubbing his back. "I think you should take a nap okay?" I tell him, stroking his hair. He doesn't answer as I see his eyes flutter close. Even not little, he's still adorable. I carried him to bed and tucked him in, giving him a stuffie for comfort incase he woke up.