I came home to quite a commotion. Jyushimatsu was literally jumping off the walls, Osomatsu was whooping. Mommy and Daddy were dancing, Choromatsu was laughing, even Ichimatsu was wearing a small smile and pumping his fist a little while cheering quietly. Todomatsu opened the door for me.

"Okaeri, Karamatsu-niisan!"

"Tadaima, what's going on here?"

Osomatsu ran up to me. "I won a contest! Four tickets to a week at a resort! Whoo!"

I smiled, despite being so worn out from work. "Congratulations, Osomatsu. But only four?"

"Yeah, Mom and Dad are buying their own tickets, and we just gotta choose which of us are going." Osomatsu rubbed under his nose.

"Well, I can narrow it down by one," I said with a sigh. "I still have to work. I can't take any time off."

Osomatsu frowned at me. "Dude, I was joking. We can just buy more tickets. You've gotta come!"

I began to feel irritated. "I just told you, I need to work."

"Can't you take a break?" Ichimatsu shuffled up to me. "You look exhausted. They're overworking you." He looked so sad. He took my hand in his and locked eyes with me.

It made my heart hurt, but I shook my head.. "I can't."

"But it won't be the same if we all go without you," Osomatsu chimed in.

"Actually, I'm gonna have to pass, too. I have plans."

We all looked at Todomatsu.

"Whaaaat? Come on, Totty!"

"Jyushimatsu's right!" Osomatsu exclaimed. "You two have to come."

"Look, I'm tired. I'm going to eat, and set up the futon," I said, putting my foot down.

"...Fine," Ichimatsu spat. "I'll go heat up your plate."

Ah. I let my frustration out again. I followed him into the kitchen.

"Love, you know I would absolutely love to go with you, a resort with my darling would be magical! But I really can't. I promise, I'll make it up to you."

When Ichimatsu shot me a mild glare, I pressed a kiss to his nose, whispering "I promise."

He sighed, then turned away, setting my plate in the microwave, muttering "You'd better."

I couldn't help but smile.

Once my plate was heated, he sat with me while I ate. I occasionally offered him bites, which he accepted. He really was just adorable.

Once I finished eating, I washed my dishes, Ichimatsu dried them, and put them away. He followed me to the futon and together, we set it up. I didn't notice until after I'd donned my own sleepwear that he'd done the same.

"Hm? It's barely 8, my love. Isn't it a bit early for you to come to bed?"

"Do you not want me to join you?" He asked, genuinely asking.

"Oh, no, that's fine! I just didn't think you were tired yet," I explained.

He laughed lightly, pulling me into the futon. "I'm always tired, Nii-san."

We cuddled close, and I was the big spoon. I nuzzled into his neck, breathing him in. I loved the scent of the body wash and shampoo he used.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you, too," I mumbled sleepily.

I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face.

The next few days dragged by in a blur of working and more working. I was always so tired when I got home, I barely had time to spend with Ichimatsu. I tried to stay awake to the best of my ability, especially since he'd soon be gone for a week.

He always seemed to notice, though, and would convince me to go to bed early, often joining me, even when I knew he wasn't tired enough to sleep. I still appreciated it, though.

Eventually, the day came where most of the family had to leave. They decided to get an early start, waking up when I did at 5 AM. Most were reluctant to get out of bed, resulting in Mommy tearing the covers off, waking even Totty, who wasn't pleased.

Everyone had packed the night before, so all that was left was to get ready and go. Ichimatsu insisted I stay for breakfast, rather than just grabbing a snack and going. I wouldn't see him for a week, so I acquiesced. I tried not to eat too quickly, but I really had to go. I kissed my beloved farewell, and hugged the rest of my departing family.

I figured it would be an uneventful week.

I was wrong.