Ichimatsu turned away.
His heart contorted at the expression the fifth had just made.
Pure and utter betrayal.
A betrayal done so by the many other brothers ranging from the three oldest to the fourth and sixth.
Ichi could slightly make out pleas permeating past his clouded mind, but refused to hear any. Surely, his heart would whither away.
Yet, a few words did get past and he found himself staring back at his happy little brother. Except, he was no longer happy.
Tears seemed to pour from his eyes continuously, his hair matted and his entire body posture failed to remain its original wiggly like self. And the largest distinguishable matter was the smile that no longer graced his cheeks.
All in all, Jyushimatsu looked like any of the other "crazy" occupants in the room.
That was the reason he was here in the first place.
"Please, Ichi..." his voice was slurred. He was on medication of course in order not to excite any of the patients in the proximity.
It had happened once before at visiting hours. A simple bout of pleads had disturbed the entire room and caused a commotion. The necessary measures of medication and one visitor at a time were set afterwards.
The younger Matsuno continued in his rambling. "Ichi...I want to go home...I don't like it here..."
Ichimatsu took hold of the hands across from him, squeezing them as tightly as possible. This was the only other way he knew how to comfort someone. It was the only way he could comfort Jyushimatsu.
In fact, doing just that seemed to calm him considerably based on what little sense of relief Ichi could see in those dull eyes.
"Jyushimatsu, don't worry. The doctor said once he sees that you're okay then we can take you home. We can go out for an ice cream when you leave too. I know how much you like sweets."
Jyushimatsu gave no response, continuing to look at the distance in a sort of daze.
"Do you like that idea?" The fourth was desperate for a response, he absolutely needed one, hopefully some flicker of understanding. Something to let him know that there was at least a bit of his sunshine left.
After a moment's pause, the fifth gave a soft sound, almost a "hm" to let his brother know he liked what he heard.
Ichimatsu found himself relieved. "Good. I promise, we'll get you out as soon as possible." Whenever possible was.
From across the room, a male nurse called to the visitors that visiting time was over and it was time for the patients to get ready for dinner.
'Already?!' Ichimatsu closed his eyes for the second time that day. Slowly, he pulled himself out of his chair, his hands still tightly interlocked with his brother's. He stood there, frozen for a second and only watched his brother's unmoving face. His dear Jyushi who did nothing wrong and deserved no less than such an event sat there unwilling, but could do nothing because of his zombie-like state. He wanted to hold his brother, to embrace him and have sleeved arms return what he gave, but he knew there would be none of that when he was so incapacitated he could hardly bat an eye.
Regretfully, Ichi pulled away from the brother, hands lingering as he stood to his full height.
Jyushimatsu was so small now without his signature yellow, characterizing jacket and the smile that once filled his cheeks full.
The fourth, no longer able to see anymore, bid his sibling a farewell- for now- and gently placed a kiss on the Matsuno's messy hair. "I love you Jyushi..." he would only say this for him.
And as he turned, back trying to hide his shaking shoulders and downcast eyes, he could've swore he heard his brother release a whispered set of "I love you too Ichi... Nii-san..."
Ichimatsu was forced to cover his face, now wet with tears. He promised himself that he would never have to see his little brother pulled away on a wheelchair again.
so, here's the first chapter
Thank you for reading, don't forget to drop a review if you have comments or concerns