It didn't take too long to find where Osomatsu went. It was this bar they've been going to lately in which Osomatsu thought was safe enough to drink and be able to keep another unpaid tab because the owner would 'understand'. Really, even if he couldn't keep a tab at least that was an excuse to not leave the bar anytime soon, so it was a win-win situation for Osomatsu.

They found him sitting in the corner of the table they'd sit in with two empty glass cups and another one filled with beer. It was only half an hour ago that Osomatsu stormed off the house and he already drank two beers? Ah, he must really be upset.

Before they approached him or gave him any cue that they already found him, Todomatsu decided to call home and check in with Choromatsu.

One ring. Two rings.

"Hello?"

"Choromatsu-niisan, we found Osomatsu-niisan already."

"Ah Todomatsu, that's good. I'm guessing he went to a bar and is already probably drunk." It wasn't a question, more a statement, still, Todomatsu felt like he had to confirm.

"Already on his third, that idiot. Hopefully we won't have to carry him out of here..." Choromatsu hummed in response and there was an awkward silence. Ichimatsu and Jyushimatsu looked at Todomatsu in desperation. Right, the question, "How's...how's Karamatsu-niisan...?"

There was another moment of silence until Choromatsu sighed, "He's alright now, I think. He's stopped crying but...I'm making some tea for him. He hasn't said anything yet so hopefully that will help," another pause, "Well...it's not like we're in a rush so make sure he's calmed down too before you bring him back home. The last thing we want is more-...well, I'm hanging up, the tea is ready."

"Alright, see you Choromatsu-niisan."

"Good luck Todomatsu, sorry I had to send the three of you to pick him up...well uh, bye."

"It's alright we don't mind, good luck to you too. Bye."

At that, he put his phone away and looked at the older two that he was accompanied with. They've done a good job in not rushing into things and just carry Osomatsu out of here. Although it might be because they were still a little afraid of Osomatsu. How he'd be. His head was in between his arms on the table, covering his face, his body wasn't moving which didn't give them any hint, he was just still. Well, they couldn't just stand there and wait until he does something for them to figure out the impossible, so they started to walk towards him. For a short walk of a few feet it felt longer.

Jyushimatsu was the one ahead of the group and went right behind Osomatsu while Ichimatsu and Todomatsu stood next to Osomatsu, but still behind him. "Nii-san," Jyushimatsu slightly shook Osomatsu as he grabbed his shoulder, his voice uncharacteristically quiet, "Let's go, Nii-san." No response. It only helped to discourage them, but it didn't mean they'd just give up after one try, although it wasn't entirely ideal to be snapped at by Osomatsu. "Osomatsu-niisan we know you aren't asleep...get up already, we don't want to carry you home..." Ichimatsu chimed in. Osomatsu shook his head twice followed by what could be inferred as a muffled no, face still buried in his arms.

That was progress.

Ichimatsu simply sighed and moved to sit in the seat in front of Osomatsu, Jyushimatsu sitting next to him, and Todomatsu sitting next to Osomatsu. Despite Ichimatsu not being much of a talker or comforter, he felt obliged to keep something going with the oldest or at least try to. If he really wanted to, Ichimatsu was good at voicing his opinions and irritation, "You won't be able to stay here forever and just drink away your problems...stupid eldest..." That gave a slight chuckle from the oldest, it was working.

Osomatsu lifted a finger without moving his arms, "Good- Good news...I forgot- my wallet," It was hard to understand at first considering he was muffled by his arms and seemed to be drunk already, or at least that's what it sounded like. "Well bad news," Todomatsu searched in his pocket and took out his wallet with a sigh, "We didn't." They were hit by an uncomfortable silence.

Osomatsu was indeed, not so drunk. He was buzzed, but not drunk enough to stop him from drowning in his thoughts. There were mixed feelings of the presence of his younger siblings. Considering it was the younger three, Choromatsu probably stayed behind. Maybe even the one who told them to come in the first place. Of course he was. He appreciated it, but found it irritating at the same time. He wanted to be alone, to sulk alone, to forget he had brothers, to forget how much of a horrible crappy shit of an older brother he was, to forget he existed.

This isn't the first time he's ever been this mad or upset, but this is one of the first times he's ever said something so- He knew how messed up it was, how he should have never said it no matter what Karamatsu told him. Besides, what Karamatsu told him was all true, or at least he believed it was, well no, they both knew it was true. In fact, they all probably knew it was. Osomatsu just didn't see why they still tried with him. In the moment he didn't think of anything, his entire mind just wanted him to 'defend' himself despite knowing how much he'd regret anything that came out of his mouth, he was just so blind and deaf on anger that he didn't hear the heavy seriousness in his words but was able to see how it affected the second brother. How it looked like something broke inside him as Osomatsu looked straight into his eyes and told what he thought would be an empty offense of rage. Why did he do it? Why did he look at him in such a taunting manner?

Karamatsu probably hates him by now, there is no way things will ever go back to normal, or as normal their life can get. He fucked it all up, of course he did. He always did. He can't even sulk alone without dragging his younger siblings down with him just to take care of him. Everything was so wrong, but what could he do? Anything he did just made things worse.

Ah- He was going to cry, that's not good. He shouldn't be any more selfish than he already was. If he remained quiet they might think he just doesn't care about this, but if he talks what if he makes things worse with his useless mouth and mind. This was so problematic and frustrating to think about! Either way, aren't they infuriated? There is no way they aren't after what he said.

Oh. He really was crying. It only encouraged him to keep his head glued in between his arms despite the suffocating warmth, he couldn't let them see him this way but was startled by a hand that touched his shoulder, making him stiffen.

"Osomatsu-niisan...talk to us," Todomatsu asked

Great, now even if he didn't want to answer he'd look more of an asshole than he already was if he didn't. But why, "why...you all hate- hate me...every- everything he said was r-r-right...I'm so shitty and self- selfish...and none- none of you want to be here any- anyway right...? Choromatsu probably made- made you...r-r-right...?" His voice was shaky but cracked in his last statement, probably making it obvious that he was crying if it wasn't obvious enough. Why was he saying all this? Osomatsu never liked talking about his feelings, let alone to the younger three at all. But the words poured out in a poor attempt to sound as clear as he could. This wouldn't help them, they shouldn't even help him. They should be with Karamatsu, he's the one who was actually hurt, the one was practically told his existence wasn't wanted or needed, which wasn't true, not even in the slightest. He never thought it was true, not even once, no one did, but it just came out.

"We don't hate you Osomatsu-niisan..." The youngest stated.

"Pissed yeah...and you are pretty shitty...but we all are..." Ichimatsu murmured.

"But! We came because we wanted to Nii-san!" Jyushimatsu added, "You and Karamatsu-niisan were pretty scary and said some really mean things to each other...and I can't say I'm not mad at you for what you said to Karamatsu-niisan, but he said some mean things to you too...Choromatsu-niisan is looking after Karamatsu-niisan to make sure he's okay and we want you to be okay too!"

This was nice to hear, maybe a little too nice. He didn't deserve their concern, their words of honesty, it made him feel crappy about himself for not being able to be as honest as them despite being the eldest, the one who's supposed to be the role model here. Such a role model he is. Everyone was doing a better job at doing what he was expected to, it was frustrating...but he appreciated it. Maybe he should try to talk to his younger brothers more often when it comes to feelings. No, that's selfish. He can't be selfish. It was his selfishness that even brought him here. He knows all of this was his fault, that he just wouldn't leave it alone. Now look where it's gotten him.

"just...just go home...I don't-" there was short pause for Osomatsu to try and compose himself and not sound like he was currently drowning in his own tears and arms, "I don't think I c-c-can...see- see him...or that he e-even wants to- wants to see me..."

"We're sextuplets NEETs that live in our parents' house...of course you're going to have to see him...whether it's actually him or just us, we have the same face it doesn't matter..." Despite Osomatsu not looking at him, or anything for that matter, Ichimatsu still turned his head away from him and the younger two, "...you won't be able to avoid him forever you know...and avoiding him will only making things worse..." With that, Ichimatsu stood up and went beside Osomatsu, taking the beer he's had in hand and putting it somewhere a little farther from his reach and lightly, but hesitantly, touched Osomatsu's arm, "...you were an asshole, there is no denying that and took things too far...but doing nothing and drinking away your problems won't solve anything but make more..." There was a silence followed by a tch as Ichimatsu awkwardly hovered over Osomatsu and slightly hugged him. Physical affection wasn't his strong suit, nor was any comforting actions or words. But, Osomatsu was an idiot, possibly the biggest one he knows, but there was no way he could've meant the words he said. Because if he did, Osomatsu wouldn't be so miserable and cry in front his younger brothers, he'd still be angry and wouldn't even say a word to them as they all thought he'd be when they found him. Because if he did, it implied anytime Ichimatsu insulted the second oldest, he meant his words. He didn't. As much as he'd say things to Karamatsu and hurt him, he didn't mean any of them. Kind of pathetic. To do and say things he didn't mean but still did them, making Karamatsu's life harder for literally no reason. But, Karamatsu never did defend himself or complained...no wait, his mind was wandering. He shouldn't be thinking of himself and his nonexistent problems, he had to help his stupid older brother feel better.

But...should he? Osomatsu just did the same thing as Ichimatsu, just in a much more harsher way than Ichimatsu ever would tell him. Ichimatsu never believed Karamatsu should forgive him for any action he did, he didn't deserve it, despite him never meaning anything he did. Osomatsu probably felt the same way too. They didn't deserve Karamatsu's forgiveness for their hurtful words and actions when Karamatsu would always think he did something wrong and try to fix it, only for them to mess it up even more before he could. They really were messed up.

Though for now, he didn't need to convince Osomatsu to apologize or make Karamatsu listen to him, right now he needed to make sure the oldest wouldn't make the same mistakes as Ichimatsu and find some solution to their problem. So, he slightly patted Osomatsu, "...he might not want to see you...or you see him...but both of you don't have a choice...you can't pretend neither of you exist or don't live in the same house...if you want to be the older brother we think you are...then you'll come home and try to make it up to Karamatsu as best as you can..."

Ichimatsu hugged Osomatsu, feeling emotional himself. Maybe Karamatsu already knew Ichimatsu didn't mean what he said or did, but it was still torturing Ichimatsu. Or Karamatsu thought Ichimatsu was saying what he really felt and thought he hated him. If that was the case, he couldn't let the same thing happen to the oldest. Not when their relationship was good before this, where they both thought it was their duty to take care of everyone else, teaming up at times and doing 'older brother' things and decisions that Choromatsu wasn't even part in. No, he couldn't let that happen to Osomatsu, to be hated and his words out of frustration taken seriously where it can ruin a good relationship between brothers.

In this moment, Osomatsu didn't feel older, but younger. Was this what it was like to be comforted? He's never had someone to go to so how would he know. Ichimatu's words and gestures only seem to make him cry harder, but he finally lifted his head and hugged Ichimatsu back. He hated this so much, it felt humiliating in a way. He couldn't do his job as the older brother anymore, he was shit at it and any of them would agree. Look at him, he was crying and being comforted by his fourth younger brother because he practically told the second born to die. Who does that? What type of messed up person tells that to his brother just because he slightly hurt his ego and was telling the truth he already knew was true. He shouldn't be the one to be comforted no matter what, especially not now. But here he was, accepting the comfort because he needed it.

He really wasn't worthy of being the oldest huh. But what did it matter? They were all the same age anyway. He couldn't do it anymore. He couldn't do his only role he thought he had, the only role he gave himself that defined him. Osomatsu couldn't be the "oldest".

((I forgot to update it here sorry! The new chapter might arrive sooner than I expected pf, anyway take some Parka))