#iromatsu

Can you imagine if years later, Ichimatsu found all of Karamatsu's notes quietly tucked away in a weathered tin box in their closet? He'd probably be too curious to not take a peek. Reading through them was so nostalgic, but among them were drafts he had never seen before.

Can you envision how fucked up Ichimatsu's emotions would be upon recognising they're his work? More specifically, English rewritings of what he's shared with Karamatsu before?

He'd probably be shocked and flattered at first. How could someone like his writing that much that they'd translate it? Sure, it was pretty ass--it was too literal to the original text, and the grammar made no sense at times, but Karamatsu cared enough to try.

Then the anger would slip in. Why did Karamatsu never tell him? He could've helped him. Could've at least tutored him more. Did he just not trust Ichimatsu enough?

And then finally, sadness.

Ah, right. It was probably his fault for pushing Karamatsu away. When did everything change? Why couldn't he bring himself to just be nicer to him? It's not like he actually hated Karamatsu, but why did he have to be so insufferable all the time?

Hello anon, I am here to deliver :D I've been thinking of this for so long it's actually ridiculous. I'll give you Theatre Kid!Karamatsu and then some!!

I'd like to think that Karamatsu's always been a huge westaboo, considering how much he says shit in English and French in official media. So within the context of a Japanese high school, he's a bit strange for having western musicals as his special interest.

I can see him as a huge poetry nerd, and although he enjoys the process of writing poetry and prose, he's not really all that into thematic analysis. He writes what sounds good to him based on the works he's consumed, but there's not a lot of thought put into it outside of trying to convey "a feeling" prettily or flashily, depending on what he's going for at the time.

This same logic applies to the media--and by extension, musicals--he likes. He's seen classics such as Les Miserábles, Miss Saigon, Singin' in the Rain, and Rent, but apart from picking out surface level themes and character dynamics, he struggles to understand more underlying conflicts and topics of exploration. It's something he's a bit insecure about but that doesn't stop him from gushing about them around his brothers.

He's always loved watching sappy romances and action adventures with huge, hunky actors, and poor 18!Karamatsu can't really tell if he wants them or want to be them. So when the option to join the drama club comes up, he takes it.

Considering my interpretation that he has self-esteem issues, I think he'd initially be onboard as a script writer or someone in prop/stage design. It's only when he watches his peers act that he realises he wants to do that too, no matter how embarrassing it may be.

So he takes the chance to audition for their next production. He doesn't have high hopes, but he memorises the script as best as he can, and steels his nerves before its his turn. He's surprised when a week later, he's been given a non-speaking role as Tree #2, which he's ecstatic about.

I really think that he's the type of theatre kid who's a bit meek, but always gives 110% for his part. He's definitely the type to go on vocal rest for an ensemble role, but he's very lovely to work with. The only downside is that he'd always get nervous about acting "too much like a diva" (he really isn't) whenever he's in the limelight (which never happens).

Still, I think he likely thrived with a friend group from his drama club, and exposure to likeminded people helped him become more confident in himself, even if part of it is just faking it 'til you make it. His friends are likely fellow geeks who accept his love for musicals, and hell, maybe they even managed to convince their facilitator to let them put on Hairspray for one of their semestral shows, and Karamatsu is torn between auditioning for Tracy or Link's role lol

As an adult, he would 100% hate on Hamilton and Epic: The Musical when it was new despite bingelistening the tracks, and will only turn around a few years later to say he's loved the emotion and passion in each of their songs since he first heard them. His new favourite is definitely Hadestown, and although he recognises that The Greatest Showman is a dumpsterfire, he's a huge sucker for romantic plotlines.

(I also think on a day when Ichimatsu was feeling particularly charitable, Karamatsu (who had never seen it at this point) forced him to watch Hadestown together, not knowing what it was about. He likely thought it would be edgy and fitting for Ichimatsu, so in wanting to repair their relationship, tried to get him to enjoy something in common. By the end of the show they're both sobbing. Neither of them mention it the next day.)

I'd like to imagine that in high school, 18!Karamatsu was a fat theatre kid who slowly grew into himself, while 18!Ichimatsu was skinny and popular. Over the years though, their physiques switched alongside their personalities and coping mechanisms; Karamatsu stopped binge eating in favour of masking with flamboyance, while Ichimatsu felt so drained that he stopped pretending to be upbeat and started eating sweets way too often instead.

I think this would be one of the reasons why Karamatsu takes it easy on Ichi, since he understands what it's like dealing with body confidence and disordered eating issues. Unfortunately, however, Ichimatsu hates Karamatsu for being the person he couldn't force himself to become, so it's all the more upsetting when his brother shows him compassion.

Ichimatsu as a net cafe hikikomori who's entirely convinced that his favourite singer is in grave danger. Like I'm talking full-on conspiracy theorist: the tiny room that he rents out is full of scraps and news clippings serving as his "evidence". He tops up his stay through whatever cash he can scrounge up from his dead-end job as a convenience store clerk, but even on shift he's tearing through tabloid magazines and video clips for any proof he can get.

He starts sending letters to Karamatsu; vague, anonymous statements warning him that something terrible will happen soon. This goes on for months, until he gains the courage to actively "monitor" Karamatsu for "safety". It begins with simpler stuff, like frequenting areas Karamatsu's usually spotted and watching his routine, to full-blown break and entering, both at professional events and into Karamatsu's home. As he wades through his idol's belongings though, he finds information regarding an issue that's much worse than his worries over Karamatsu's wellbeing. Shit happens, and the rest of it is spoilers if I decide to fully write out a fic so I will refrain for now.

OR ALTERNATIVELY

Karamatsu serves as Don Ichimatsu's bodyguard who's perhaps a tad too overprotective; that is to say, everyone knows that they're basically attached by the hip. He's trained in everything a mafia empire's leader could ever need: He diligently checks Ichimatsu's food for poison, scans every room for threats, and acts as his adviser and righthand man when prompted. There was no one Ichimatsu trusts more than him, and he does his damndest to make sure it stays that way.

But it all changes when a rival syndicate suddenly proposes an alliance through marriage. Something inside Karamatsu snaps as watches the don actually ponder on whether he should accept the offer, and he quickly realises he needs to change his approach if he's to keep Ichimatsu by his side.

Karamatsu starts interfering with the don's affairs far more than he should. He secretly cancels his meetings, "unintentionally" spreads rumours about their rival, and frequently speaks out of turn during sit-downs, aware that he expresses enough loyalty to get away with it all. Anything to make sure the union falls through.

Shortly after, he suggests that the don move to a safehouse as he's doubtful of the legitimacy of the peace treaty. Of course, Ichimatsu easily complies, trusting him before he could even finish his justifications. Karamatsu sighs with relief; everything's going according to plan.

It was three-fold: strip Ichimatsu of his belongings, keep him within a golden cage, and puppeteer the empire as a stand-in. It was straightforward in execution, but made far more complicated by the don's perceptiveness.

It initially worked. Cooking him gourmet meals, bringing him the finest clothing, cleaning his body without even a single order--he treated Ichimatsu like a king. It almost felt domestic, like they were lovers playing house. But alas, all good things must eventually come to an end.

Ichimatsu tried to go outside.

He acted on impulse, really, and boy can the don put up a fight. Karamatsu's face was busted up; an eye purple and swollen, and his nose surely broken, but it didn't matter. He's got his captive tied up as he explained the situation; how he made sure no one would be looking for Ichimatsu, that they're safe here together, away from prying eyes. Karamatsu could feel the guilt eating away at him, aware of the gravity of his betrayal, so he's all the more surprised when the don simply accepts it.

It takes three weeks for him to figure out that Ichimatsu's playing the long game, and it leaves him aching for stimulation.

It's ruthless. Ichimatsu has taken to using him as an object, demanding for Karamatsu to feed from his mouth or off his skin, to act as his mattress at night, and to treat him like an actual doll. It was unpredictable whether Ichimatsu would acknowledge his presence on any given day, since for most of them, he merely stayed still for hours on end.

There's days when Ichimatsu would speak up though, often threatening Karamatsu that he better hope he's sealed up all the escape routes, lest he value both their lives. But sometimes, the don reciprocates his affections, whispering sweet nothings into his ear and peppering kisses that scald his skin. It all makes Karamatsu tremble with anticipation.

It's during one evening, not unlike all the others, that Ichimatsu scoots closer into Karamatsu's embrace. They're spooning in bed, and Karamatsu can't help but lean into his companion's warm, calloused fingers as they trail down his jaw. He feels Ichimatsu turning toward him, before the don quietly asked if he even has anything to return to if he ever gets out.