Sorry for another short entry but I felt this fit Jyushimatsu best. He'd not much for long conversations and Ichimatsu is more open with him anyway. Read and enjoy. Also warning as suicide is an issue that is being discussed here.

Opposites

Jyushimatsu could be accused of being a very simple kind of person. He liked what he liked and he disliked what he disliked. It didn't have to be more complex than that. He likes his brothers and he disliked seeing them sad. So he'd cheer them up! Simple as that. It didn't need to be some big issue or something he had to ponder on. He saw sadness and would try his best to snuff it out. However, often this simple demeanor earned him the thought that he was unintelligent. He was naïve, innocent, and unaware of how harsh the world is. That he wasn't smart enough to understand the complex issues that may plague his brothers. Jyushimatsu wasn't insulted too much about those thoughts. A valid argument could be made that he only graduated from High School because his brothers would take his place during important tests. Usually Choromatsu, Karamatsu, and with a little pleading Ichimatsu. Osomatsu was obviously a bad choice considering the whole idea of doing that started with him. And Todomatsu would never be able to pull off a Jyushimatsu persona so he was automatically out as he'd get them caught. The idea was never Jyushimatsu's and he never objected to it. His brothers wanted to do something nice for him, far be it for him to let them know he often gets excellent scores on tests he deems too important to flunk. His only concern was passing even if he could've had scores comparable to Choromatsu and Ichimatsu, the so called schoolmatsus. Jyushimatsu wasn't a fan honestly of doing everyone's homework or constantly having his homework being copied. That would be his deceitful nature showing obviously. Although everyone was oblivious to that fact. But after all he is a Matsuno as well.

The fact remained Jyushimatsu was smarter then he appeared, more observant then he seemed, but he didn't like putting importance of how much one knew. But how important what you know is. The things that were important to him. That's what he felt mattered that was important for him to know. He was happy with what he knew and didn't bother worrying about what he didn't So obviously the argument could be made that he found inner peace…or he's just some dope. Who knows? He didn't. But he didn't worry about it. So his brothers shouldn't have to worry either.

Well…

Actually…

There was always one brother that this dimwit façade didn't exactly work on all the time. One brother that often saw through the smiles, the bright eyes, and over excited voice. That brother was Ichimatsu, his opposite as everyone liked to point out. Yes, yes, he was aware that from an outward appearance they did seem like opposites. Ichimatsu has a permanent scowl or downcasted look on his face. Jyushimatsu with an ever present smile and pep in his step. The boundless energy Jyushi possessed compared to the lethargic motions Ichimatsu went through. From Jyushi's loud brash voice. To Ichimatsu's reserved monotone voice. Even Ichi's color purple is inverted from his own yellow color he frequently wears. Yes, yes the difference was night and day. Jyushimatsu is very much aware of the saying that opposites attract. Well that may go for magnets and lovers, but he wasn't sure if that was true for everything. He knew there were quite a few similarities between himself and Ichimatsu.

Ichimatsu liked everyone happy and acting themselves just as much as Jyushimatsu did. He liked playing Baseball with Jyushimatsu too even if he couldn't physically keep pace with Jyushimatsu because he was out of shape. Ichimatsu was also smarter than the others gave him credit for. Jyushimatsu understood his brother didn't speak often, but he was always listening. Observing, hearing, and taking in everything even when it seemed like he wasn't. Which meant Ichimatsu probably knew each brother inside and out a lot more than any of them did. Jyushimatsu always found that as unfair. How Ichimatsu cared so much to pay attention to all the little things that make each one sad, happy, or laugh. But none of them could really offer the same knowledge in return. The yellow wearing Matsu understood Ichimatsu did this because he felt his presence was like a wet blanket. Often times being a downer, bringing down the mood, and during happy occasions often makes an effort to remove himself deeming his presence a hindrance. That just wasn't true! Ichimatsu wants to be there for every single brother…he just doesn't know how…

But Jyushimatsu is determined to see Ichimatsu through this rough time. He is waiting on his brother in the living room to come back from his appointment from the psychologist. Choromatsu had volunteered to go with him. Jyushimatsu wanted to himself but decided that this was the best call. Ichimatsu, if he had to choose one elder brother to look up to, it would be Choromatsu. Osomatsu was the brother he allowed to get closest besides Jyushimatsu himself, and Karamatsu…well…that was a complicated relationship even Jyushimatsu had a hard time figuring that one out. But he sat waiting all the same until he heard the front door open.

"We're home!" called Choromatsu. Jyushimatsu leaps to his feet then throws open the living room door thrilled at seeing them.

"Welcome back! Welcome back!" he exclaims happily. "So, Choromatsu-niisan, Ichimatsu-niisan, how'd it go!?"

"Well I'm not a psychopath…" Ichimatsu responds. Jyushimatsu laughs loudly while Choromatsu makes a face. Jyushimatsu knew that was Ichimatsu trying to make light of the situation, not very good mind you, but he was trying. Jyushimatsu laughed to reward the effort.

"He's been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, with anxiety stress. We already scheduled a visit to the psychiatrist to talk about possible medication." Choromatsu explains the facts. Jyushimatsu nods understanding and taking it in. The surprise is evident on Choromatsu's face as if he forgot who he was talking too. Jyushimatsu knew his other brothers behind him who were also in the living room were listening in. This way Choromatsu wouldn't have to repeat it and Ichimatsu didn't have to keep reliving the moment. Ichimatsu looked drained, down, and seemed to be in a state of shock.

"I think I'm gonna take a nap," he says heading towards the stairs.

"Okay, let me know if you need anything," Choromatsu replies as the two brothers watch Ichimatsu walk away.

"Maybe let him rest for now Jyushimatsu," Choromatsu suggests as he walks into the living room knowing his other brothers were going to ask for a bit more details. Jyushimatsu thought for a few moments, weighing his options. He wanted to talk to Ichimatsu right now, but right now he seems rather…distant. He would talk to him, but it would probably be forced. Jyushimatsu made a decision to go speak with Ichimatsu anyway despite Choromatsu's wishes. He had reserved himself for the most part all this time. To allow his elder brothers to help out. Now it was the younger's turn. He went upstairs to their shared bedroom to see Ichimatsu curled up on the couch. Not asleep since his eyes were wide open, but not really paying attention to anything else around him.

"Nii-san," Jyushimatsu spoke in a softer tone. A tone he usually takes when it is just Ichimatsu and himself. Ichimatsu is slow to look at him. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired."

Jyushimatsu nods at that, "What else? Tell me all that you're feeling!"

"Empty…tired…and…I don't know…"

The ever smiling Matsu nods in understanding. "I see. Well Nii-san, I'm really happy! You took a big step today, good job, good job! Now you can get all better!"

"What does being better mean?" Ichimatsu asks.

"Huh?" Jyushimatsu tilts his head confused by the question.

"Does me being better mean I should act like you?" Ichimatsu asks turning his head to look at Jyushimatsu. "What does it mean for me to be better? I think this what I am. The person said that I was sick, but I don't feel sick. I feel like this is me. So am I wrong?"

Jyushimatsu's smile drops for a moment before returning. "Ichimatsu nii-san, I think you being better means…means you can be you again."

"But I don't know what that means. I don't know what it all means. I-." He cut himself off suddenly. His eyes going farther away as he runs a hand through his hair.

"Nii-san?"

"I lied Jyushimatsu."

"Lied about what?"

"When you all asked if I ever tried…suicide. I said I hadn't…I lied." Jyushimatsu's heart drops in his gut. He…he hadn't any idea. "A few times…was too much a coward to go through with it. It feels so stupid. How do you attempt something as easy as ending your own life? I figured if I couldn't nut up and do it already. Get help then."

"But you agreed to get help. And you'll get it! So that's great! It doesn't make you a coward because you don't want to die…"

"I guess…"

"It doesn't! Because you realize that you have people you'll miss. People that'll miss you!"

"Who besides my family would miss me…?"

"All the cats would! And Totoko, Chibita, maybe not Iyami…but people would miss you! You're so nice!"

"No one says that about me."

"I just did, and I don't lie!" Jyushi asserts. Jyushimatsu then moves to get closesr to Ichimatsu then presses his sleeved thumbs against the corner of his mouth to push them up. "You have a nice smile too!"

"Sounds like you're complimenting yourself…"

Jyushimatsu laughs brightly. "You don't have to be like me to be happy Nii-san. Or like Osomatsu-nii-san, Karamatsu-nii-san, Choromatsu-nii-san, or Totty. You just be you, that's all we want! Be happy being you! I know sure it must feel weird for someone to say you're sick, but you don't feel sick! But you're you still, but you just lost what made you, you. But we can help find it again, we'll look high and low for it!" Jyushimatsu then wraps his brother in a tight hug. "You can do it."

"Jyushimatsu…are you sure?"

"Of course! I mean it. You can hit a homerun!" Jyushimatsu cheered happily leaping to his feet. "Hustle, Hustle! Muscle, Muscle!"

Ichimatsu gives his younger brother a small smile. His eyes still seemed tired but Jyushimatsu could see there are some traces of joy in them. That's what he wanted to see and he was happy he could see it. Ichimatsu thanks him before lying back down again wanting to try and take that nap again. Jyushimatsu with all his boundless energy sat himself against the couch on the floor. Ichimatsu reaches a hand over to rub his hair affectionately before retracting his hand. Jyushimatsu's smile never fading for a moment. His brother was going to be okay he'd make sure of it.