A key.

A key is needed in order to leave the house or to get to the backyard.

Everyone has one. Matsuzo, Matsuyo, Osomatsu, Karamatsu, Ichimatsu, Jyushimatsu, Todomatsu.

Everyone but Choromatsu.

The 'rules' didn't permit it, neither did it permit anyone to give Choromatsu their key or use it for him.

Choromatsu didn't bother to listen to where any of his brothers that left the house said they'd go off to, not like they ever told him anyway. They were afraid it was could 'hurt' Choromatsu, they avoided it as much as possible. That didn't mean slip ups never happened, but Choromatsu never really reacted to them nor gave them any acknowledgement that he heard. The'd all stop if they knew. But Choromatsu proved them wrong. He wasn't affected at all!

Chew on that!

Right now, Choromatsu's only objective was to get to the only brother in the house, because if his memory served him correct, he's heard them all leave except the blue Matsu. Usually when he's left alone the house with one other person, it was less of a rule and more of an agreement that they'd leave Choromatsu alone. They probably thought he needed his own 'space' as if he didn't have that already being alone most of the day. But technically he didn't have space. This god damn house wasn't enough space.

The other indication that Karamatsu was the only one home, was it was the only time he'd play his guitar. Maybe he thought it would help ease Choromatsu, and he would be lying if he said it didn't. It was always nice to listen to his soft tunes, it sure helped him get distraced from his constant thoughts. Karamatsu was one of the 2 most understanding of his brothers when it came to his situation, and he was grateful.

But today, today he'll use it to his advantage. Choromatsu felt a little bad about what he was planning to do, but in the end if it worked, it will all be worth it. Karamatsu sadly had to be the poor fool who gets fooled like he always does. It's why Choromatsu would stand up for him when he wouldn't for himself and taught him how to say no! Although, now that he thinks about it. Maybe he should've never helped him, because now it means Choromatsu has to put a little more effort into this. And it seemed Karamatsu didn't have a problem saying no to Choromatsu.

As he approached the door that he knows the music is coming from, he feels himself hesitate now. Would this even work? What if it didn't? What would he say after that? But then, what would happen if it did work?

With a deep breath, he slid the door open. The playing stopped. Karamatsu was on the couch with his guitar wearing his jumpsuit. He had a surprised look on his face, almost startled, that turned into confusion, but then a smile, "Ah my Choromatsu, was my playing not welcome?" There he goes again, thinking he did something wrong.

Choromatsu shook his head, "No, I liked the playing actually. Mind if I join you?" He wasn't sure exactly how to describe the immideate expression that flashed on Karamatsu's face except as euphoric which he was quick to change with a cough, putting on a 'cool' face, as if that'll fool anyone, "Why of course brother! Come sit next to me if you'd like, I always love an audience!" He patted right next to himself on the couch.

As if he didn't have one anytime it was only both of them.

Choromatsu walked over to sit down next to Karamatsu and slightly leaned on his shoulder despite the guitar. It surprised the blue Matsu, bring another cough out of him to regain himself, "So, do you have any requests, brother?" Choromatsu simpled rolled his eyes, "Nah. Just play what you want, or what you have been playing."

The second snapped his fingers, "Got it!" With that, he continued to play that soft melody. In all honesty, Choromatsu was growing slightly unpatient with his plan, but knew it was necassary to at least spend some time with Karamatsu like this. It'll help make Karamatsu feel more obliged.

Minutes have passed and Choromatsu felt himself getting close to dozing off, the atmosphere was almost as soothing as the playing. Almost. When Karamatsu finished up the song he'd been playing, Choromatsu stopped leaning on Karamatsu and instead made it so he was able to see the latter and he could see him. "Karamatsu," he made sure his voice was soft, low, but had some seriousness, making Karamatsu turn completely to him, "Yes?"

Well, it was now or never, "Do you...do you think you can just, let me use the key once? Or- Or even hold it! How about it?" There was silence before Karamatsu put his guitar down to lean on the couch. His head was down, "You know I can't do that Choromatsu..."

Just as he predicted. "Please, Karamatsu-niisan!" Choromatsu gripped sleeve of his jumpsuit, sounding despreate, "Just the backyard will do! Hell, you can be the one to open the door and hold the key, I just want one glimpse Nii-san!" He could see the conflict in the second's face as he looked up gritting his teeth, "Its- You can't go outside and you know it...its also part of the rules...its so...its to help you..." He turned away.

Karamatsu was bad at hiding the hesitance in his voice and Choromatsu knew he was getting closer. He knew he was just making up excuses because Karamatsu thought the 'rules' were just as stupid as Choromatsu thought they were. "Just- just a peak...that's all I ask. Karamatsu its so suffocating being inside the house all day with nothing to do and nothing else to see but these walls! Do you know how that feels? I know its because...I know you guys think I can't handle it or something horrendous will happen but please, Nii-san...even just for a second, or less than a second if I knew the name for it!" This was becoming less of an act and turned into real desperation. That's all he's ever really wanted now. To know the outside world still exists, that there was so much more he knew was out there other than these walls. That he's seen before and enjoyed.

Freedom was behind those doors, and just getting one breath of it would be enough. No, it wouldn't, it'll only make him want more. He knew this yet. Yet. He couldn't just give up hope! He's accepted his situation for months! Or was it weeks? He doesn't even remember how long he's been in here, time was almost nonexistant without the light of the sun shinning through any windows because they were all boarded. Point is, he was tired of it! Of this treatment, of these restrictions, of this house, everything! He was tired of feeling like this situation was okay in the slighest and that he was as fragile as they think he is, as he probably knows he is.

But he couldn't just give up. Without realizing it he was crying. Karamatsu instantly looked at Choromatsu with wide sorry eyes. "I-....You-..." but not full sentence came out of the second. Choromatsu decided to wipe this tears, and when his vision was blurring back, he was able to see Karamatsu fishing in his pocket for something, for what Choromatsu's been waiting for all day.

Karamatsu pulled the key out, and Choromatsu didn't think he'd ever be so mesmorized or happy just to see something so small. They both got up and started slowly walking towards the door, Karamatsu in the front, "Just...just one peak. No going outside or doing anything." This seemed to increase Choromatsu's mood immensly despite how tired his eyes felt from crying as he vigerously nodded, "Of course!" He was sure it'll be the backyard, so even if he tried to do anything he wouldn't get very far, so he won't mess it up for himself just because of his desperation.

Before they could get to the door however, it opened, making them both freeze and looked like deer caught in headlights.

No. No no no no no no no. This wasn't supposed to happen. He wasn't supposed to be here, neither of them even knew he was here!

"What are you guys up to here?" Osomatsu asked with his trademark grin that looked as fake as he sounded. When he looked at the situation in front of him better, his face was quick to change. "Karamatsu," his cold voice making the called flinch, "Listen, Aniki-" He tried to explain but was easily cut off, "Come over here."

"But-!"

"Now."

Althought hesitant, Karamatsu oblidged but not without looking at Choromatsu. Choromatsu doesn't know why, he wasn't exactly mad at Karamatsu because it wasn't his fault, but it seemed he wasn't good at hiding the anger he did feel telling by the sorry expression the older had.

They both were now out the room with the door closed, leaving Choromatsu alone. It's not like they needed to leave anyway, they weren't exactly quiet with their occasional yelling. Despite their volume, Choromatsu couldn't bring himself to pay attention to anything they said, he already knew no matter how much they would argue, how much Karamatsu might try to defend Choromatsu and try to make Osomatsu understand, he knew how it would end. Karamatsu was too kind, or in the eyes of Osomatsu, too weak.

Choromatsu was so close, he was almost there! But now he lost his only chance, the only one who would've give him one despite them both knowing it wouldn't end totally well. But now. Now he lost more than a chance. There is no way they'll let Karamatsu be alone around him. They were already wary of him because of his opinion on this entire situation, but this just made a whole lot worse. Choromatsu ruined it. Just because of his selfish desire.

Choromatsu will never be able to hear the second oldest's guitar. The only thing that gave him a sense of ease, that distracted him, helped him even.

The only thing he'll ever be greeted with now is silence. The silences he hates because all it does is mock him, suffocate him, and slowly driving him over the edge.