When you first moved in all of the matsus, except Ichimatsu, had been clamoring over you, trying to impress you, do things for you, and the like. Now that you had been living together for a few months, you had also gotten to know the bratty side of some of the brothers.

Although, Osomatsu quickly fell out of the facade almost immediately. The whiny, freeloading Osomatsu was essentially the only one you knew, but you didn't mind. In fact, his honesty was actually nice.

Second was Totty, he would occasionally whine to you in a childlike, cute way that would make you giggle. After a while that turned into catty gossip and remarks and then all out complaining. You would often be roped into doing extra chores or things for him because of this, but similar to Osomatsu, you didn't really mind. That was just who Totty was and a different side of him.

You were quite surprised at the new, demanding side of Choromatsu that was revealed during the Nyaa Rituals before the concert. He had never been so assertive with you before, and after the concert he continued to whine a bit to get his way. You were just happy to get to know this new side of him, even though he would always revert to his rigid, sweaty self.

Jyushimatsu, Karamatsu, and ichimatsu had not undergone any real change. Jyushimatsu never really put up a front to begin with, and Kara had never stopped doting on you. Ichimatsu on the other hand…

You were still working on that one.

He was so painfully shy and introverted, sometimes it was pulling teeth to even get him to look at you (at least while you were looking at him) let alone talk. Most of your conversations were one-sided and filled with one word answers, grunts, and the infamous 'Tch'. Aside from that, Ichimatsu was the hardest brother to get any one on one time outside of short lunch breaks with since he was so elusive. He was always gone at home doing who knows what.

The one time you caught him at the cat cafe was sadly the most intimate you two had ever been. It seemed after that he immediately reverted back into his shell. Occasionally, you would admit, he would show some affection. A brisk pat on the shoulder. Every once in awhile he would lean against you if you were all sitting together. He had only ever held your hand that one time...

All of this somehow led into a game you and Jyushibee had come up with. It began with your usual wake up tickle fights. One day you were particularly rowdy and it turned into more of a wrestling match. This led you to realize that you really were losing some of your muscle and needed to be more active. So, you asked him if you could join him on his baseball training more often and if you both could spar and wrestle sometimes.

Once, Jyushimatsu decided to surprise attack you while you happened to be talking to the other five. He put you in the 'Octopus Hold' mid sentence and the others were speechless, except for Choromatsu who screamed, as you immediately began to wrestle your way out.

After a few moments you had pinned Jyushimatsu, you think he let you though as when he really tried you had never been able to really win, and both of you were rolling around giggling until Totty interrupted with a loud "Ehem!".

"Oh! That's right, what were we talking about?" You were brought back to reality, still quite entangled in Jyushimatsu's arms and legs, who was of course laughing loudly.

"Nevermind that, I want to get in on all of this! Just look at that contact." Osomatsu was almost drooling a bit, "It's not fair that only he gets to touch you all over, I am the oldest you know."

"Oh yes, how could I ever forget." You chuckled. There was the complaining, whiney Osomatsu you knew.

Suddenly you had an idea, "Sure I don't mind wrestling you, but I bet I would win."

Osomatsu's eyes lit up, he was after all a gambling man. "You bet? Bet what?"

"Hmmm… well, first what do you bet?"

He didn't hesitate for a moment, "If I win I get to do you."

His immature language and request was not surprising at all, as he frequently talked about sex and was always trying to get handsy after your drunken encounter.

"Sure, that's fine." You smirked, wanting to see their reaction.

All of them looked at you, including Jyushimatsu, with complete shock, and then all of them began bickering and yelling at once.

Shouts of "Not fair!", "It should be me!", and "Prostitution!" along with general grumbles filled the room.

You could even feel Jyushimatsu get a little excited, so you untangled yourself and stood up to explain.

"I don't make bets I'm sure I won't win or that I wouldn't mind losing." You winked, you had to keep them guessing. In all honesty, you knew you would win against Osomatsu. His constant drinking and sedentary lifestyle left him very soft, which you thought was incredibly endearing, but you knew you could overpower him in an instant.

"If I win though, you have to quit gambling of any kind for one week!"

"Deal!" He exclaimed, a little drool spilling over his lips. He was confident, or just desperate to win, but….

After he 'warmed up' and faced off against you, you did win within a few moments.

He was completely crushed. You felt a little bad about the whole thing.

"Me next!" Jyushimatsu waved his arms frantically.

"You already had a turn!" Choromatsu groaned.

"Oh, did you actually want a go?" You said, still sitting on top of Osomatsu's back pinning him to the floor.

"N-No.. I know I wouldn't win.." Choromatsu sighed.

You couldn't help but wonder what he would've asked for. Perhaps another concert?

You glanced at Totty, he looked incredibly disappointed as well. You had assumed the order of strength with the brothers did have Choromatsu and Todomatsu at the bottom, and it seemed you were right.

"I wouldn't even dream of touching my delicate flower in that way, a rose as beautiful as that should be treasured above all else." Karamatsu procured a rose out of thin air and handed it to you, causing you to release Osomatsu.

"Aw, that's nice, but I think it's fun to rough-house a bit! It's fine if you don't want to though."

"Ah, well… If you really want to.." Karamatsu flushed a bit, looking a little nervous.

You really didn't want to hurt anyone else's pride, but you were also incredibly curious at where Karamatsu ranked. If you had to guess, it would probably be above Osomatsu and under Jyushimatsu.

"What do you bet then?" You asked, placing the rose in a nearby cup.

"I am already the happiest, luckiest, most honored man in the world just to be in your presence, my sweet." Karamatsu clutched a hand to his chest, closing his eyes and furrowing his brows.

"Knock it off, Shittymatsu! Be honest." Osomatsu grumbled, still sore from his loss.

You rolled your eyes playfully and knelt down to where he was still laying on the ground and petted his hair as consolation.

He sat up and nuzzled into your chest, "I think I need to be consoled…"

"You are such a baby!" You giggled and continued petting his hair.

He of course, was quite pleased at getting away with his behavior and Karamatsu cut his eyes in jealousy.

"I wager.. A weekend away with only you." He said quietly.

"Ooo, that sounds like a fun bet to lose! I'm game, If I win I want to hear a new, original Karamatsu exclusive song."

"Don't lose on purpose or it won't be fair.." Todomatsu grumbled crossing his arms, there was your lovely bratty boy!

"I would never lose on purpose, I'm too competitive!" You grinned, "I'm just saying it sounds nice."

Karamatsu was obviously flattered at both your request and your enthusiasm about his. It took him a moment to regain his composure, and then he took off his leather jacket to prepare.

"Ooo, serious business time no jacket mode, got it." You teased, and since you were genuinely curious as to his strength you lunged first.

You knocked him off his feet, but he was able to hold his own for a bit. It took a few minutes of tussling around, all the other brother's watched anxiously, but you had much more stamina than he did. In the end, it was another win for you.

Karamatsu was also a bit dejected, but at the same time he immediately sat down to start writing in excitement.

"That was so fun! Alright, who's next? I can probably do one more at full strength."

You realized that only Ichimatsu was left, and he had been completely silent the entire time. When you looked at him his eyes widened a bit and then he quickly turned away, eyes on the floor.

"Tch."

"Aw, c'mon Ichimatsu, I've actually been wondering, I have a gut feeling that you're actually pretty strong! I think it would be really fun.."

Everyone waited for his response.

He stayed silent for a moment more.

Shoved his hands in his pockets.

Mumbled something under his breath.

Finally, he gave you the tiniest nod you had ever seen.

It was decided, you two would wrestle.

You just hoped you could win.

Jyushimatsu began cheering and chanting in excitement, but the others looked a little nervous.

You did a few stretches, honestly you were pretty excited. Ichimatsu just stood there with his hands in his pockets.

"You are actually going to try right?" Osomatsu asked him, but he just looked at him with heavy lidded eyes and frowned.

"Listen, if I were you… I would take advantage of this opportunity, just a little advice from your older brother." Osomatsu attempted to whisper, but Ichimatsu swatted him away.

"What's the wager going to be?" You inquired, ready to rumble.

"...Doesn't matter…"

"Of course it does! That's part of the fun."

"...I'm only doing this because you want to… whatever.." He grumbled, shoving his hands deeper in his hoodie.

"Well, if I win we are going to have an hour dedicated to just talking to each other, how does that sound?"

He shrugged.

"C'mon, you gotta bet something!" Osomatsu whined again.

"He doesn't need to do anything he doesn't want to, Osomatsu." You chided.

"..." He looked like he was struggling to say something.

You waited patiently.

"...We could…." He gritted his teeth, "This is dumb…"

"If you want, you can decide afterwards! However, if it's out of my comfort zone I'll refuse."

He nodded, looking relieved.

"Okie dokie, then let's get this party started!"

Jyushimatsu had gotten some popcorn and was waiting for the show to start.

You assumed you would have to make the first move, so you went for a tackle to try and knock him off his feet.

Surprisingly, he was steady and you were locked in a standstill already.

Maybe this would be harder than you thought!

After struggling against each other for a few minutes, finally your footing slipped and he almost pinned you, but you were able to roll to the side. You tackled him again knocking him back onto the floor, but again he was able to prevent you from gaining the upper hand.

After a few more minutes of this, you were getting a little tired. You had already used up some of your energy, but still Ichimatsu was stronger than you thought. Even fully refreshed you weren't sure if you could beat him.

Looking at him constantly for nearly ten minutes was clearly embarrassing him and was probably distracting him a bit. You wondered how much stronger he would be if he was more comfortable.

He was trying desperately to maintain his deadpan look, but was failing as you kept smiling and laughing. You were having a lot of fun, but you would have to clench your teeth every once in awhile to avoid losing.

Eventually, your body just gave out and he pinned you, his face completely flushed as he was hovering over you.

"ONE, TWO, THREE, STRIKE!" Jyushimatsu rung the mysterious winner's bell that had suddenly appeared.

The other brothers had been cheering for you the whole time, and were very upset at your loss.

Ichimatsu was even more embarrassed at your position, and he lifted off of your arms so you could move.

You just gazed happily into his eyes, very impressed. You couldn't help yourself, as soon as your were freed you gave him a sweaty hug, "Wow.. You're amazing Ichimatsu!".

Totty had a water and a towel ready for you as you had worked up a sweat and shoved it in your face to interrupt the hug, "Here you go!~"

Ichimatsu just blushed more and grumbled turning away from you while simultaneously squirming out of your grasp, probably overwhelmed by all the physical contact over the past ten or so minutes, "'S nothin…"

"Just let me know when you figure out what you want." You smiled, taking a gulp of water and thanking Totty, "Good match! Let's do that again sometime."

Ichimatsu just grunted and wandered off to recuperate alone.

After a few hours, when you had freshened up, you had surprisingly been left alone. Totty had a shopping date, Jyushimatsu went off to practice, Osomatsu to Pachinko, Choromatsu had a fan club meeting, and Karamatsu had been missing ever since you lost to Ichimatsu, presumably he was working tirelessly on your request.

It was very rare to have such a quiet moment. Normally, you would have taken this time to practice your baking without interruption, but instead you felt compelled to look for the victor of the bet to check on him.

So off you went, checking the different rooms of the house for Ichimatsu. Eventually, you finally found him just when you were about to give up.

"Do you always hide in here when you want some alone time? I was just a little worried, but if you want to be alone I can go back to the kitchen and start cooking." You had knocked lightly on his parent's room door to alert him to your presence.

Still, he looked up at you in surprise, "Oh….. Did.. Everyone else leave?"

You nodded, "Yup! It's just us for now at least."

"Mm.." He mumbled, playing with the orange cat you frequently saw him with.

"Your cat is so cute, and he obviously loves you soo much! I wish I was that good with animals." You smiled, you had always liked animals but they usually ran away from you.

"Tch. He doesn't. He's just stuck with me, like you are." Ichimatsu smiled sinisterly, his heavy-lidded eyes cold.

"Stuck with you? How so?"

"You live here with the garbage. You were tricked." He stood up and walked past you to the living room, the cat following him.

You laughed loudly, "Oh Ichimatsu. You're always such a kidder. You know full well I enjoy living here very much!"

"Hmph.." He grunted.

"Don't.. You enjoy living with me too?" You asked cautiously.

You could see his body jolt, and he answered hastily "Of course not."

"Oh… Well, you won they bet so you can always make me move out." You shrugged it off, you felt pretty confident that he was just.. Being Ichimatsu. Although, his response still made your heart ache a little. A part of you feared that it was true.

You went into the kitchen to clear your head.

You began pulling out recipes to review them, see what could be fixed or adjusted.

Maybe.. You should be adjusted.

Was it really alright to live here? Did the Matsunos really like it?

Negative thoughts swirled in your head and you could not shake them.

"Oh, screw this, I'm just going to talk to him." You muttered, you couldn't sit without some resolution.

You swung around to leave and walk to through the door, as you had been right by it for the bookshelf, and literally ran into Ichimatsu himself.

The impact knocked you back, but you were shocked that you had not fallen backwards.

To your surprise, Ichimatsu's arms were steadying you. Maybe spending all his time with cats had really given him cat-like reflexes.

"I-Ichimatsu! What were you doing in the door?"

He just gaped at you, eyes wider than normal, struggling to say anything.

"Can I hug you?" You suddenly asked, feeling that both of you needed a bit of comfort.

He nodded and you both embraced.

You held him tightly, nuzzled into the crook of his neck. He was really warm. He was holding you too, but his arms would twitch every so often.

"I'm… sorry…" He murmured and clutched your back harder.

"Ichimatsu… It's okay." You nuzzled into him and he froze again.

"I knew you didn't mean it, but if you don't mean those kinds of things.. Maybe we could work on not saying them to begin with?"

He nodded, "I'll try…. For you."

You were touched, your heart fluttered happily.

"It's nice to be alone with you.." You said, and really, it was. You really had trouble getting Ichimatsu alone.

"Mm.." He leaned his head onto your shoulder relaxing a bit.

"Did you decide what you wanted for your win?"

He shook his head.

"That's okay, do you want to go out for a bit? Maybe go on a walk and get something to eat?"

He nodded this time, but he was still holding onto you.

You giggled lightly, who knew Ichimatsu could be so affectionate when he was away from his brothers?

You shifted so that you could kiss his cheek, "Let's go then before anyone comes home." Not that you didn't want to see the others, but they would get their turn.

He nodded again, his cheeks a light pink.

You grabbed your purse and his hand and headed out the door.

"Ahhh." You stretched in the sunlight, "it's a nice day out today, it's been chilly recently."

"Mhmm…" Ichimatsu mumbled, his hand sweating a bit. "The leaves are going to all die soon."

"well, that's one way of looking at it." You chortled, "personally, I like the orange leaves and look forward to that."

He smiled slightly, "you would, you're always seeing the best in things.. even trash like me."

"Oh Ichimatsu, I will spend the rest of this day pampering you with affection if you don't stop it!" You nuzzled your lips against his soft plump cheeks.

He flushed of course, "then do it. That's what I want… for winning."

"Oh!" His response surprised you, but you definitely didn't mind. "Physically, vocally or both?"

"Both." He looked away in embarrassment.

"Alrighty then!" You chirped happily. This was what you wanted after all, and now you had permission! Today was going to be awesome.

To start, you released his hand and linked your arm with his, leaning against him softly as you kept walking

"Ahhh." You stretched in the sunlight, "it's a nice day out today, it's been chilly recently."

"Mhmm…" Ichimatsu mumbled, his hand sweating a bit. "The leaves are going to all die soon."

"well, that's one way of looking at it." You chortled, you were entering the park near their house. "personally, I like the orange leaves and look forward to that."

He smiled slightly, "you would, you're always seeing the best in things.. even trash like me."

"Oh Ichimatsu, I will spend the rest of this day pampering you with affection if you don't stop it!" You nuzzled your lips against his soft plump cheeks.

He flushed of course, "then do it. That's what I want… for winning."

"Oh!" His response surprised you, but you definitely didn't mind. "Physically, vocally or both?"

"Both." He looked away in embarrassment.

"Alrighty then!" You chirped happily. This was what you wanted after all, and now you had permission! Today was going to be awesome.

To start, you released his hand and linked your arm with his, leaning against him softly as you kept walking.

"I really like just being close to you." You smiled, today you would verbalized all of your positive feelings for Ichimatsu. "I want to get to know you better."

He stiffened a bit, but kept walking, "Me too."

"Are you worried about people looking at us again?"

"Mm… I guess. Not really." He shrugged.

"I'm not, I would like it if they thought you were my boyfriend."

He froze. Stopped walking completely. Stared at you with a bright, deep red face and wide eyes.

"Oops, am I sharing too much? You did say to pamper you.." you giggled. He was so cute!

"I didn't say to lie to me…" his flush was still there, but he looked down and his eyes returned to normal.

"I wouldn't dream of lying to you, I'll tell you a thousand times until you believe me. If that's what it takes. I really, truly like you Ichimatsu." You started to blush now, you were getting pretty personal!

"You… would want garbage to be your boyfriend? Six pieces of garbage?" He asked, still unsure but looking at you again.

"None of you are garbage. But sure, I'll be the Princess of Garbage if that's what I have to do!" You smiled at him.

He laughed, you didn't think you had ever heard him laugh before. As you looked at him, eyes shut in happiness, a slight smile on his lips with his hand covering his mouth a bit, you felt your cheeks get warmer.

He looked beautiful.

"Princess of… that's too much. Maybe you should be a comedian instead of a Patissiere." He snorted and opened his eyes to see you looking at him with big warm eyes.

"W...Why are you looking at me like that?" He asked, embarrassed again.

"I think I'm really falling for you."

It came out of your mouth without even thinking about it. You had sort of turned your filter off since he had asked. But it was true. You were really falling for all of them when you thought about it…

Both of you stared at each other, waiting for the other to speak but also just enjoying the moment. You thought about leaning in to kiss him, and maybe he was thinking the same as he kept looking down at your lips, but both of you were interrupted.

"HEY! It's that little slut and her neutered bowl-cut bitch!" A crass voice yelled. You turned and saw a man at the "Karamatsu Bridge" that was a few yards ahead of you.

"Who is that guy?" You muttered, trying to place him.

"Can't believe you're still with that guy after you had a taste of me, even though you nearly tore my friggin' arm off. Why don't you come over here and I can give you another taste, although I can't promise I'll be as gentle as last time." The guy maintained some distance but was heading your way.

"Oh my god, not again." You groaned, "what a loser! He thinks you're Karamatsu.." you hissed to Ichimatsu.

"Mm." Was all he replied. You were sure he had been told that story by now. Ichimatsu looked different.. the look in his eyes reminded you of the night he threatened you when he was drunk. He looked menacing, with dull eyes and a sinister aura around him.

The guy began spouting off more insults, a few at Ichimatsu/Karamatsu, but most of them demeaning vulgar messages about you.

You stepped forward to face off with the jerk, but Ichimatsu put his arm out to stop you.

"Don't bother yourself with this shit." Was all he said, his smile reminded you of a horror villain.

"What the fuck did you say?" The guy growled.

Ichimatsu stepped forward, "You obviously need to learn your place, and how to speak to a Princess. You piece of dirt."

You had never seen him be so bold. No one had ever stood up for you like this before. People have said all sorts of vile things about you, and at one point you did have a whole gang of people who would fight on your behalf, but you always fought for yourself not wanting them to get hurt. Part of you felt the same now, you didn't want Ichimatsu to get hurt for your sake, but another part…

Another part did like being the "princess" for once. Another part made your heart tremble with gratitude and affection. Another part had you feeling more for Ichimatsu than you ever had before.

You felt like you were loved, treasured. And it felt amazing.

However, the cursing man was sort of dampening your moment.

Ichimatsu was just blankly staring at the guy as he continued to yell expletives and insults at both of you. Then he walked over to him, the guy stepped forward to try and hit him, but Ichimatsu dodged and grabbed him by the back of his shirt.

"Don't talk to her again." Was all he said, and then he threw the guy way down the river.

"Hopefully he can swim.." You whispered, but you were thoroughly impressed.

You walked up to Ichimatsu and wrapped your arms around him from the back, "My hero~ Thank you for that.. I'm not really used to that sort of thing."

He smirked, turning his head to face you, "'S nothin'.."

"I think it deserves a special reward." You winked at him and slide to his front.

You both looked at each other for a moment to give him a bit of warning, and then you lifted up to give him a kiss.

You wrapped your arms around his neck, gently kissing him. He gingerly touched your waist and remained still, scared he would mess up.

You pulled back after a few moments as you were afraid he wasn't breathing through his nose, "You're amazing, Ichimatsu!~"

"I think I need more.. Practice.." He turned pink and glanced away. "Since I have you all day, I think I could improve.."

You blinked in surprise, and before you could say anything he leaned down and kissed you again.

It was his day after all.