Crossposted on AO3 under the same username.


Karamatsu almost dozed off as he lay on the Matsuno Household's roof, basking in the sunset's blinding beam, when suddenly…

"Onii-san," A voice was heard from behind. No doubt about the gruffness in it; it was the fourth son.

He wasn't sure if he heard him correctly. Ichimatsu usually refers to him by either just his name or the trademark nickname he'd gotten long ago (Shittymatsu), so he almost concluded that he could be referring to someone else. Although the voice was near enough that assuming his twin remaining inside the house or on the road coming home or going out seemed inaccurate. To make things sure, Karamatsu lazily turned his head around with a still-tired look and answered, "Yes?"

It was indeed Ichimatsu. His face with that intimidating-like stare was in view by the top side of the roof. Still on his hiding place, the quiet brother said, "… Do you mind?"

Karamatsu was not sure if he was dreaming, because right here, right now, his dear otouto was asking his probably most hated brother if he may stay with him. Whether Ichimatsu wanted to discuss about his day and the cats he made friends with or even just laze along without uttering a word, the prideful brother sat up almost wide awake, and he didn't hesitate to answer back with his deep voice masking his excitement. "Sure, dear brother! Onii-san wouldn't mind at all!"

He knew Ichimatsu could react in two ways: become turned off and immediately climb down (after scoffing), which was highly likely, or proceed to sit beside him (and probably punch him on the face as as well).

He chose the latter.