-"The Colonel" by Carolyn Forché.
"I'm so booorrreeedd..."
The magazine was nearly crushed underneath him as Osomatsu rolled, throwing his arms out to the side. Other Karamatsu had promised him a speedy return, but at least several hours have come to pass him by without the other making his presence known again. The first born groaned as he lay there spread-eagle upon the tatami, gazing listlessly up at the ceiling. He knew it would be more than foolish of him, but the eldest had resorted to scouring the room for any pornographic paraphernalia as a means of entertaining himself in the window of time that he was allotted to remain on his own. After Choromatsu had taken his leave he had been entirely left to himself, much to his chagrin and despair, but he decidedly remained where he was abandoned in the hopes that the second born wouldn't forget his vow.
Of course, the search was to absolutely no avail despite his efforts and left Osomatsu feeling even more despondent than he was before, which in turn had led him to roll about along the floor and at last resort to trying to divide sections of the ceiling in his mind, watching as imaginary lines sliced them into halves, quarters, sixths-
"Matsuno-san?"
Ah, he was back! The eldest rolled upright, sitting with his legs crossed and his hands in his lap as he grinned. "Finally! What took you so long? You were gone for ages! The Showa Era could have come and went again and you still wouldn't have made it back in time before it reached Heisei!" Karamatsu slipped inside the room, retrieving his discarded magazine from the floor.
"Todomatsu was unable to sleep. Jyushimatsu had attempted to calm him down, but was kicked erstwhile. I had to run out to the convenience store for ice since we haven't any here." The second born shook his head. "This is why I insisted that he leave such things to Choromatsu... He retains far more experience in the area, after all."
Osomatsu blinked. "So he's a straight man in this world too, huh? Who would've figured." Karamatsu seated himself on the couch, sinking back into the cushion.
"Is he much similar to your own?"
The eldest shook his head rapidly at this. "Nah, Chorofappyski is totally the opposite! He nags us all to get a job and pretends to be better than us and in the same instant goes around chasing after idols!" Osomatsu turned to him with a smirk. "So much for being serious, right?"
Karamatsu nodded. "Well now, about your earlier proposal-" The eldest's eyes widened and he threw his arms up onto the end of the couch beside him, folding them before resting his head atop.
"Yeah? You haven't forgotten right?" The second born sighed.
"I would imagine it would be evident that I have not since I have brought about the subject. No Matsuno-san, I have not. Where do you wish to go?" Osomatsu pondered this for a moment, thinking seriously.
"... How long has it been since the five of you did something fun together?" The second born remained silent for the most part, crossing his legs as he avoided the other's gaze. Frowning, the eldest pushed himself up and onto his feet. "Let's go to the park! Not just us, but everyone as well."
Karamatsu turned his gaze upwards, blinking in surprise. "Are you absolutely certain, Matsuno-san?" Osomatsu nodded, a determined light shining in his eyes.
"Hell yeah, I am! Do you have any idea how long it's been since I've actually been to one? You guys are still young, so it gives me the perfect excuse to go!"
Honestly, he was expecting the other would surely request that they go down copious amounts of beer or gamble at the local Pachinko parlor- It was what he had insisted that they do on the second day since his arrival, to which Karamatsu's immediate response was a flat out no. He searched the others face for any sign that he held ulterior motives for selecting a seemingly innocent destination and was satisfied- as well as relieved- upon finding none.
"Very well then. If you'll simply wait here a moment longer, I will return with the others." The second born made to stand, but Osomatsu swiftly placed a hand upon his shoulder, gently pushing the other back down.
"Don't worry Kara! I'll get 'em and be back faster than you can say "painful"!"
"Painful."
Karamatsu deadpanned, looking entirely unamused. "Very funny. Now wait right here! You can count on Oniichan to do a good job, can't you?" The eldest swiped a finger under his nose as the other gave a resigned sigh, crossing his arms.
"Do as you wish... I advise you take caution when approaching Todomatsu, as he can be quite restless when first roused from his slumber."
Osomatsu saluted him. "Mhm, got it! Anything else I should know before entering the war zone?" The second born looked down and rubbed his temples.
"It is a bit of a walk, so do hurry if you desire to be out before nightfall."
"Roger!"
The eldest waved and headed out, making his way downstairs and into the room nearest which turned out to be empty. He easily passed through the connecting door into the next room where Choromatsu was gently rocking the youngest in his arms as he slept soundlessly, small fingers gripping loosely at the front of his hoodie. Ichimatsu and Jyushimatsu lay on the ground near the back wall, scribbling away on a few sheets of paper which lay scattered about along with several broken crayons. The third born's eyes were closed as Osomatsu knocked upon the wall, but opened them upon this as the others also looked up, the light rapping rousing their attention.
"Hey guys, what are you up to?"
The first born smiled, entering the room. Only Ichimatsu responded, turning back to the paper before him. "Nothin'..." The fourth born mumbled softly, watching as Jyushimatsu took up a small bit of yellow crayon determinedly in his sleeved hand. "... Jus' drawing..."
"Drawing, huh? Sounds fun!"
Osomatsu approached the two of them, kneeling down in front of the boys to watch them for a moment as they paid him no mind. "What's that you've got there, Ichimatsu?" The first born pointed to a small figure on one corner of the fourth born's page. Ichimatsu hesitated a moment before venturing to reply, voice a near whisper.
"Kitty cat..." As it was already quiet in the room, it was not at all difficult for the other to hear and he responded with clear interest.
"No way, really?! It looks like a fearsome tiger!" Jyushimatsu glanced their way before shuffling a bit.
"N-Not a tiger... Just a kitty..." Ichimatsu muttered to himself and the first born nodded enthusiastically. "Ah, like the ones that go "nyan, nyan~" right?" The fourth born blinked slowly, then gave a quick nearly imperceptible nod.
"N... N... Nyan, n-nyan...?" In the next moment, he let out a startled cry as he found himself buried in Osomatsu's hoodie, the latter hugging him and playfully ruffling his hair.
"So cute! That was so cute, Ichimachuu~! Can you say it again? C'mon, say it again with Oniichan!" Once the initial shock had settled, Ichimatsu quietly conceded.
"N... N-Nyan, nyan..." The first born grinned, joining along.
"Nyan, nyan!"
"N-Nyan, nyan..."
"Nyan, nyan~!"
"N-Nyan, nyan!"
"Good job! You did a great job, Ichimatsu!" Osomatsu pat his head, trying to flatten the others mussed up hair to no avail as a small smile formed on the fourth born's face. The eldest grinned as he released him, moving back. "What about you, Jyushimatsu? Can you say "hustle, hustle, muscle, muscle"?" The fifth born's gaze shot over to them and he shifted uncomfortably before slowly shaking his head. "Aw, come on. At least give it a try before saying no!" Osomatsu flashed him a winning smile but Jyushimatsu's face was blank. "You never know, you might like it!"
"... rce him..."
A small voice from the other end of the room broke the silence which lapsed upon the other's refusal. Osomatsu turned, meeting the uncertain eyes of the third eldest who still had Todomatsu cradled in his arms. "Did you say something, Choromatsu?" The first born inquired gently, still smiling- but this did nothing to soothe the other whose eyes widened, dropping his gaze at once as he carefully squeezed the toddler.
"N-No, I-" The third born paled, as if realizing his mistake. "D... D-Didn't m-mean to, I- S-Sorry, I-I'm s-sorry-!" Tears pricked the corners of the others eyes as he shrank back, shaking. Osomatsu's smile slipped as he stood, making his way over to the other whose panic heightened as he drew nearer.
"Choromatsu, hey…" The first born knelt by his side, his hand reaching out to him. The third born whimpered, then bit down hard on his tongue to keep from crying out as the hand descended, tensing as he anticipated-
"It's okay, you know? You can say what you want."
The others hand rested gently atop his head, playfully tousling his dark locks. Choromatsu flinched, then slowly raised his gaze from Todomatsu to the eldest who was grinning again. "There's no need to be afraid, I don't bite after all!" The third born tensed as the hand withdrew, only to lightly pat his head. "Why don't we go join the rest of your brothers? I'll watch the little guy for now." Osomatsu reached for the youngest and the third born immediately drew away, eyes wide.
"N-No! No, I h-have to- H-Have to-" Todomatsu shifted in the others arms, whimpering at the escalation of the third born's voice who quieted down immediately after, wrapping the youngest even tighter in his arms. "… H-He's more comfortable with me…" Choromatsu's voice was low, hardly above that of a whisper and he dropped his gaze to the ground, shuffling away from the first born until his back hit the wall which was close behind him.
"It's fine buddy, I get it."
No. No, he didn't. Just like he hadn't a single clue as to why these versions of his brothers were so different from his own. Still though, Osomatsu brushed aside any pressing inquiries as he stood, slipping his hands into his pockets with his usual grin. "Still want to join us though?" The third born, upon seeing the other had conceded to desist his previous urging, visibly relaxed and raised his eyes to tentatively meet his.
"I-If they won't mind…" With no imminent danger about, it was clear that the third eldest was intentionally maintaining his distance from his two younger siblings, for reasons most likely known only to them.
Osomatsu was about to respond, but Jyushimatsu spoke up from where he was now leaning against Ichimatsu, the latter coloring in a tree that the two of them had been drawing together. "We don't." the fifth born wasn't smiling, but he waved a sleeved hand in the pair's direction. The eldest couldn't help but to envision his own Jyushimatsu doing the same for a moment, the only difference being that his movements would be far more energized with a wide smile brightening his features. Jyushimatsu turned to his directly older brother as if asking for confirmation, but made no further comment until the fourth born sent a dismissive look his way before dropping his gaze to the paper. Jyushimatsu, undeterred by this, turned back to the third born. "We really don't, Choro-niisan."
The latter glanced from the fifth born to the fourth before rising to his feet, tightening his grip on Todomatsu as he slowly made his way across the room. Ichimatsu said not a word but grudgingly shifted away from Jyushimatsu as the other withdrew, leaving a gap in between them which the third eldest easily filled. Osomatsu grinned as he watched the four of them before heading over to the group, plopping beside Ichimatsu before flinging his arm around all their shoulders- Well, tried to. His hand barely brushed against Jyushimatsu's back. Still, it was a noble attempt. The first born tried to ignore their startled cries and flinches as he pressed himself up against Ichimatsu, squeezing them close. "Why are you all so cute in this form?!" Osomatsu rubbed his cheek against the fourth born's who squeaked. "Ahh, I really wish I had a phone now! Should have taken Totty's, darn it. Getting one here would be too difficult…"
Choromatsu blinked, glancing over at him. "Totty…?" Another pair of inquisitive eyes followed his lead and the first born chuckled. "That's the nickname we gave our Todomatsu back where I came from. Fitting, isn't it? He acts cute and all, but he's actually a pretty dry monster. Did you know that he got a job without letting any of us know? Ah, and not to mention that he climbed Mount Fuji by himself too! Really, he's the worst, that Todomatsu." Ichimatsu and Choromatsu shared a look, a small smile forming on their faces. This didn't go unnoticed by the eldest who continued, eyes shining. "And then there's Jyushimatsu." The fifth born's gaze remained blank, yet curiosity was apparent in his eyes. "I never did meet another guy as crazy as him! He's always smiling and laughing, running about everywhere… He even swims in the city's canal! Seriously! I was walking home one day, and he just shows up out of nowhere, swimming super, super fast in the water!"
Ichimatsu tilted his head. "How fast did he go?"
"Really fast! So fast, that I thought he was a mini steamboat or something!"
"Aren't steamboats pretty big?"
"That's why I said mini!"
Osomatsu released them, leaping upright as he posed dramatically before the rest. "And Karamatsu…" He reached into his pocket, withdrawing his hand as if he had extricated a pair of glasses before setting them upon his face. "He's the cool one who's really just painful. He's always wearing sunglasses and going on and on about finding his "Karamatsu girls and boys" or just looking into a mirror all day." Choromatsu chuckled softly at this, smile widening. "Ah right, and let's not forget the super serious Fappymat- Er, Choromatsu!" The first born quickly remedied upon noticing their puzzled looks, thanking whatever deity there was to be had for them not having asked what he had meant by the term and continued on, lowering his smile to a frown before crossing his arms as he glared at the empty space beside him and easily switched to the voice he used when imitating Choromatsu.
"Oi, you useless, shitty NEETS! Why don't you get off your asses and get a job already?!" He leaped to the side in the next instant, eyes bright as he hugged himself tightly. "Kyaaaa~! Nyaa-chan is sooo cute! Nyaa-chan is the greatest, I love Nyaa-chan with all my heart~!" Osomatsu stuffed his hands into his pockets, smirking. "He tries to act like he's better than us, but really he's just idol trash."
Jyushimatsu gently bumped into the third born who was now blushing slightly. "What about Ichi?" At his name, the fifth born blinked, startled.
"Oh, that guy? He adores cats! Actually, he tries to pass off as distant and dark, but he's just shy and gentle… For the most part. Some people think he's creepy for that reason, but we know it's just his way!"
"Do you all get along?"
Choromatsu spoke up again, gently rocking the toddler in his arms again as he squirmed a bit. The first born nodded readily. "Yep, we sure do!"
"Are you a normal family…?"
Osomatsu blinked, uncertain as to how to answer such an inquiry. "Ah…" He rolled back on his heels, avoiding their gazes for a moment. "… What constitutes as normal? We're all happy, that much I can say for the most part." Jyushimatsu's soft voice broke the lapse of silence that followed soon after this statement.
"I think Choro-niisan wants to know if it's the same…" The third born cast an alarmed look in the others direction and Jyushimatsu stared back before looking up at the first born. "Is it?" Osomatsu smiled, albeit nervously. Now would have been an extremely ideal time for the second eldest to be present, if only to provide further clarification.
"Er, family-wise? Not really… I mean, I can't exactly say much since I don't know anything about your situation, but I get the feeling that it's quite different."
The intensity of Jyushimatsu's gaze had not lessened in the slightest and the first born shifted, a bit uncomfortable. "We aren't conventional, but we get along really well!" Choromatsu squeezed the youngest in his arms, hunching in on himself and Osomatsu plastered on a bright grin. "I mean, we do fight and all but that's normal! None of us are ever alone though, since we six are one!"
Jyushimatsu dropped the piece of yellow crayon onto the paper. "Really? You don't yell or hit each other lots?"
The third born's head snapped upright at this. "J-Jyushi!" He glanced at Osomatsu whose eyes had widened at this, stepping back. "That's not what he meant! Not at all, he- We-" Choromatsu bit down hard on his lower lip. Ichimatsu reached across him, taking the fifth born's hand which was nearest and squeezed it lightly. Osomatsu stood still for a moment, sweeping his gaze over the small group who were now avoiding his eyes, stunned.
"Do you guys fight often?" He took the greatest care with keeping his voice soft, not wanting to frighten the others into silence again. Choromatsu paused a moment before responding, albeit shakily.
"U-Um, did Kara-niisan tell you anything about us?"
The eldest shook his head. "Nope, 'cause I've never asked until now."
"T-Then I can't tell you…"
"Why not?"
"J-Just can't…"
"Choromatsu…"
The first born knelt down before him, resting a hand lightly on his arm despite the other cringing away. "Look, I may not understand what it was like with other me here, but I can tell you sure enough that I'm not your enemy." Choromatsu briefly glimpsed his soft smile, the warmth in the others eyes which lacked any malice and dropped his gaze again. Osomatsu sighed, gently cupping the others cheeks in his hands. The third born whimpered at his touch and tried to pull away weakly, yet to no avail as he kept his eyes tightly shut. "Talk to me, alright? We sextuplets are supposed to be comrades after all." When there was still no response, Osomatsu dropped his hands only to pull the other into a warm embrace in the next instant, eliciting a surprised squeak from the third born as he tightened his hold on Todomatsu again, his two other younger brothers moving back to give them space. Choromatsu remained tense in his hold, quivering as he fought the urge to yank himself away from the first born who maintained a steady grip on him, now running a hand up and down his back. "It's okay…" Their terrified faces flashed by in the eldest's mind, their panicked gazes, the hands clutching almost desperately onto each other's clothes…
"Oniichan won't ever hurt you."
The first born gently squeezed the other, his words spoken with certainty, with finality. Choromatsu's eyes widened at this but he didn't resist, allowing the other to draw him closer to himself before whispering softly.
"O-Oniichan…" The third born whimpered, burrowing into the first born who smiled softly, nuzzling the top of his head.
"That's right, Oniichan is right here and he's not ever gonna hurt you." Yellow sleeved arms reached around Choromatsu from the side, and Osomatsu grinned upon meeting Jyushimatsu's gaze which fixed upon him for a moment before he buried his face into the back of the third born's hoodie. It was only then that Ichimatsu slowly stood up, moving onto the third born's other side and nestled his head atop the others shoulder. Choromatsu allowed his eyes to close, feeling the tension slip away as both embraces strengthened his resolve, combating with the urge to remain silent.
"O-Oniichan…" He kept his voice soft and pushed on despite its evident waver. "Oniichan, about your question earlier…" The first born's hand stilled on his back. "U-Um… W-Well-"
"You fucking piece of shit! Did you really think that I wouldn't notice?!"
His back met with the wall, the smaller boy letting out a cry as he pressed himself against it, shrinking as the taller one before him advanced. Choromatsu tried to protest, but was duly cut off by the entrance of another in the room.
"Oh good, you're just in time. Guess what I just found this one doing?"
The shadow of the elder figure fell upon him and Choromatsu paled, countenance drained entirely of color. The newcomer turned cool, dismissive eyes towards him before angling back to the eldest. "Again…? Tch, why can't he ever learn…" The third born bit back a whimper before stepping towards the other, as if to find comfort in their closeness- but even this was not allotted.
"Hey, I've got an idea. Grab his arms and don't let go."
In an instant, he was immobile, the others grip nearly crushing his limbs as he was dragged across the sea of wooden floorboards, the edge of the counter-top soon biting into his abdomen as he was crushed against it. A knob was turned, the two voices above him exchanging a few words before his hands were before him.
"How very naughty of you, Choromatsu~"
The taller of the three chuckled and cold dread trickled down the smaller boy's spine, freezing his nerves as the other continued on, his voice a sultry purr.
"You forgot that you left the water boiling while trying to make your call…"
The eldest grinned as he leaned in and whispered softly in the others ear.
"Let's see if we can't get you to remember to turn it off next time."
"Choromatsu? Hey, what's wrong?"
The third born had begun trembling violently in his hold, and Osomatsu was quick to resume rubbing his back, clearly alarmed. Choromatsu said not a word, choosing only to squeeze Todomatsu tighter in his arms which roused the toddler from his sleep and led him to start up a fitful cry. He didn't attempt to placate him as he usually would though, seemingly unable to extract himself from the first and fifth born's embrace as hot tears slid down his pale cheeks, soaking into the warm red fabric of Osomatsu's hoodie.
The eldest gently shushed him, crooning to both sobbing boys as Jysuhimatsu silently squeezed the third born in solidarity, Ichimatsu in turn leaning further into him. A few minutes passed them by before Osomatsu looked up, his gaze wandering over to the door to see Karamatsu there, a hand resting upon the wooden frame of the living room's shoji. The second born's expression was unreadable for a moment, eyes trained upon the scene until their gazes met- at which it instantly melted into one of worry as he quickly strode into the room. "Oh, my litle brothers-! Matsuno-san, what have you done to them?"
Choromatsu all but yanked himself away from the first born at the sound of the second eldest's voice, flinging Jyushimatsu and Ichimatsu back along with him. Osomatsu yelped as he toppled over backwards, his head hitting the ground. "Ow, that hurt!" The first born whined as he sat up and rubbed the back of his head, wincing. Karamatsu paid him no mind however as he simply bypassed him, reaching the side of his younger siblings who whimpered and clung onto his outstretched arms- all save for Choromatsu, the latter curled up with the toddler as he continued to sob on unabashedly whilst the third born fell to trying to quiet him amidst his own tears.
"Mon cher frères-! What has happened? What distresses you so?" The second born held the fourth and fifth born close as he looked to Choromatsu who kept his gaze averted from him, focusing on the crying toddler.
"Wha- You ignore me?!" Osomatsu narrowed his eyes as he crossed his arms. "Gee, some great brother you are." The second born whipped around to glare at the eldest who moved back, throwing his arms up as a sign of surrender. "Just kidding! Not trying to undermine your authority or anythi-"
"What happened?"
The second born growled as he reached for Choromatsu, pulling him close. Osomatsu ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know! We were just talking and he suddenly started shaking and broke down." He sighed tiredly. "Then, Totty woke up and you found us like this!"
Karamatsu studied him for a moment, holding onto the third born tightly. "What were you talking about?" His eyes remained fixed upon the eldest who simply shrugged.
"Oh you know, just some stuff about-"
"We were talking about his home!"
Jyushimatsu announced as he sat up, pulling away from the second eldest. The fourth born followed his lead, nodding before doing the same and slipping his hand into the fifth born's own.
"Yeah, he was also imitating his real brothers to show us what they're like." Ichimatsu sent a glance in Choromatsu's direction whose soft cries began to lessen into whimpers. Osomatsu blinked, surprised by the blatant lies but decidedly played along.
"That's right! I was doing my version of you, Karamatsu. I guess I did it too well because his painfulness managed to hurt all of us even though he isn't here!" The second born was clearly puzzled by this, but chose not to pursue it.
"I-Is that so? Well, I urge you to take care not to cause my brothers anymore pain in the future, Matsuno-san." After receiving a prompt nod from the other, Karamatsu turned back to Choromatsu who was now sniffling quietly, clutching onto his arm. "Have you no longer any desire for an outing?" At his words, Osomatsu's eyes widened and he shot upright.
"Oh right, I completely forgot!" He glanced at the window, relieved to be met with the auburn glow of the sky. "It's not too late to go, is it?" The second born followed his gaze, frowning slightly.
"Not necessarily… Though we will need to exercise a little more caution than usual since we will soon find ourselves under the cover of night."
"That's fine! We'll be okay as long as we stick together, right?"
"We should be. Why don't you hurry ahead with the others? Choromatsu and I will remain behind for a bit and rendezvous with you shortly."
The third eldest winced at his name, tightening his grip on the other's arm who lightly pat his head in return. Osomatsu looked between the two of them as Ichimatsu and Jyushimatsu were gently ushered away before they let go, getting up to move closer to the first born. "You sure? Won't it be better if we all go together?" This was certainly surprising to the eldest, seeing as how Karamatsu had been the one to bring about the topic of safety initially. The second born simply nodded.
"I wish to speak with him alone, and I'm more than capable as a fighter if needs be." Osomatsu smirked at that, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he stood. "Sure you are~ Alright then, come on you two." He grinned at the fourth and fifth born who exchanged puzzled looks, starting away before the other could retort. "Let's get a move on!"
The hand that was lightly patting Choromatsu's head moved off, now resting heavily upon his shoulder as the first born turned away and headed for the front door with their younger siblings. Karamatsu waved as they said their goodbyes before the small troupe had slipped out of the house, the evening sun burning bright and casting its rusty sheen upon their figures as they made their way towards the park. Choromatsu froze as Karamatsu's grip tightened slightly once the other was absolutely certain that the rest were out of earshot, and he dared not look up as the smile vanished from the second eldest's face.
"Now then, my little Choro…"
The third born bit back a whimper as the others nails dug into his hoodie, enough for it to hurt.
"Would you like to tell your Niisan what it was that you were really talking about?"
