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Endless Masquerades - Part Two

"You just now realized that?" Uzui remained quiet, waiting till Zenitsu leaned back on the couch before he moved, tugging the blond. His small frame slid so he was below Uzui, held still as the taller male smirked cunningly.

"Smartass. You brought this on, so can't blame anyone but yourself." Zenitsu chuckled, smiling brightly as he looked away. He felt giddy, just knowing he had 'true happiness'. It was something he'd never let someone take. Not so long as he was breathing.

The party had been scheduled a week or two out, which went by far too quickly. Within that time, Zenitsu had dealt with repercussions of his families drama. It always ended without much trouble, but the rumors never died down. Which brought him to the current situation he was in. Just being in a room drew some eyes, which made his blood freeze. Those eyes, while not entirely judging him, definitely held concerns. Luckily, Uzui was aware of such things, so he stuck close. Often times never leaving Zenitsu unless it was to speak business, but that was simply how it was. 

He moved along the farthest North wall, simply scanning for Tanjirou. He had been told the other was somewhere in the room, but the amount of bodies made it impossible. Somehow, he had found himself so far off, even Uzui was unseen. That alone made his anxiety spark. Moving past the larger crowds, he felt himself shrink a bit at the whispers. Even if it wasn't about him, it made his mind fall. Made his heart sink and gaze fall dark. His breathing slightly picked up as panic hit him hard. It brought him to the decision that he was unable to remain in the room. He stumbled for the main door, slipping out into the halls. He'd been shown Kyoujurou's home, so it wasn't foreign to him. 

Zenitsu wandered the dark and empty halls before making it to the gardens, the one place Tanjirou had insisted he see. The wisteria was in full bloom, shimmering beneath the moons heavenly glow. He inhaled a shaky breath as he slipped into the space, sealing the door behind him. The bench was beneath the trees as he calmed his stuttering heart. Eased his overwhelmed mind. He simply needed a moment to regain his composure. Parties were never his thing, but he made exceptions because of Uzui. It didn't mean he wouldn't feel the backlash of such events. 

"Why are you all alone out here? It's cold. so head back inside." The voice startled Zenitsu at first. He glanced upward, meeting maroon eyes.

"Tanjirou... How'd you know I was here?" The other smiled lightly, speaking in a soft and gentle tone. It soothed the blond a bit.

"I saw you leave. Uzui's worried, you know. Started panicking when you vanished." Zenitsu gave a sheepish smile.

"Sorry... Just needed air, I guess. It got too overwhelming for a moment."

"No need to explain. Catch your breath and let's head back, before your boyfriend decides to tear up my lovers home. I really don't intend to listen to ranting for the next month." There was a long silence as Zenitsu took in a deep breath, exhaling as his heart finally settled. He rose form the bench, touching one of the wisteria plants. 

"Maybe I'll buy some wisteria. They're very relaxing to view and their smell is soothing."

"It wouldn't be a bad idea. Come on, I'll walk back with you." Zenitsu gave a grateful nod, walking beside his best friend. He really couldn't do without Tanjirou. He was like the brother the blond always wanted. If anything, he'd trade Tanjirou for Kaigaku any day, but that was wishful thinking.