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Endless Masquerades - Part Two

The two reentered the room to find Kyoujurou guiding Uzui over. The taller male pulled Zenitsu into a hug, his gaze scanning him over. Tanjirou had backed away, allowing more room as Uzui raised his tone just slightly. It wasn't filled with anger, just deep concern.

"Where did you go!?

"Sorry... I had a panic attack for a moment, so I walked off to calm myself." Uzui breathed a sigh as he stepped back, giving a weak smile. It made Zenitsu's heart jump seeing that concern. Those gentle and focused eyes. Uzui truly made his life worth something. 

"Look what we got here, the runaway. How's it feel to run from your duties!?" That voice shattered every moment of peace that might have been there. Zenitsu had instinctively flinched, Uzui taking note as he stepped forward. He protected the blond, scowling at the black haired male that stepped closer. Beside him was a woman with similar features to Kaigaku, the mother; or duchess of sorts. In Uzui's opinion, she was less duchess and more witch like. She didn't deserve such a title for being a tyrant.

"Now now, Kaigaku. Don't be too rude to your brother, even if he's a disappointment. I'm surprised you're being cared for, especially with you crying and whining!" Uzui frowned as he clenched his hands tightly. His voice was slightly calm, but anyone could see the anger seeping from every word.

"I beg your pardon, ma'am. 'Your' son is none of those things. He is something remarkable."

"Hah... hahaha, oh my. Such a liar. Zenitsu is a pointless child that in my opinion, holds no real value. He's done nothing to be great, simply been a nuisance." At this point Zenitsu could see Uzui's control slipping. He wanted to reach out and calm him, but didn't know what to say.

"Maybe you're too blind, you wrinkled bat!" Kyoujurou fell silent for a moment, covering a laugh with a slight cough. He looked away as Tanjirou widened his eyes. Even Zenitsu felt at a loss.

"How Dare You! You INSOLENT LITTLE S-" 

"Mother, stop it! Both of you... Please just stop..." Zenitsu was happy he found his voice, but he was terrified. Not only of his family, but of the backlash to such actions had he not stepped in. He slid before Uzui, frowning as he couldn't meet their gaze.

"Do Not Call Me 'Mother'. I am no mother to you, understood?" Zenitsu nodded, feeling his eyes burn as he choked back tears. His nails dug into his palms as Kaigaku spoke up, reaching outward. 

"You're the loser of our family. You have nothing. No real lineage. No money. No fame. No power. You are a nobody!" Fingers nearly grasped around Zenitsu's hair before a large hands stopped Kaigaku. The hold was strong, leaving the other to stumble back as Uzui towered over the blond. He pulled him close, keeping him against his firm frame as tears finally rolled down Zenitsu's cheeks. "Crying, like usual. You're such a crybaby!"

"SHUT UP, NOW!" Uzui was loud, sure. But no one saw him mad. It was simply something most thought impossible. Yet here they were, a dark and looming figure guarding his paramour. Guarding what was his that was being targeted. Even Kyoujurou knew when to remain clear. This was a danger zone he didn't want to cross. A minefield waiting to go off.

"You have no say over what we do or day to our family. He is still under my name, thus making him mine to scold. Mine to push around!" Uzui ground his teeth, his gaze darkening before he took a small inhale. He whispered quietly into Zenitsu's ear, leaving the blond taken back. All he could do was nod, feeling his face flush. Feeling his heart soar to life. Those once sad tears were no longer sad. They were joyful. 

"He's no longer part of your family, not after this evening."

"You can't decide that by yourself!" Uzui glared as he took in a long breath. Exhaling it, he spoke with complete confidence, his arms embracing the other tighter.

"I can if he no longer bares your cursed name."

"Wha-"

"Zenitsu Agatsuma, marry me!" The blond bit his lip, seeing his mother's rising anger and realization.

"He won't say yes! I forbid it! He hasn't even known you for long!" Zenitsu felt his mind flush through so many thoughts. He knew what he wanted, just need the strength to say it. Luckily, Tanjirou noticed. He grabbed the blondes hand before squeezing it, giving a reassuring smile. 

"E-even if that's true... I get to make this choice. Y-you've pushed me around all my life, so it's time I make my own choices. I w-want to be happy and Uzui is that happiness." Zenitsu rose his gaze, for the first time in forever meeting his 'mothers' gaze. "I want to marry Uzui, because he is my future. My happiness. Where he is, my heart shall follow." 

"You! You CAN'T!" Uzui noticed the ladies hands reach for Zenitsu. He pulled the blond closer, stepping back as he spoke up, his tone cold and harsh.

"You may not touch my fiancé. As of today, he no longer holds your name. He wishes nothing to do with your family and should you not heed those words, you'll be entering a battle you will NOT win. Touch him. Hurt him. Speak ill of him. Any of those things and I swear on every ounce of wealth to my name, my title, and even my own families fortunes that I will make your life hell. Leave and never bother us again, am I understood 'Duchess'?" Zenitsu had never seen the woman become so fearful. It made sense, truthfully. Every word Uzui said was true and it was terrifying to most who heard it. He was a well defined and rich lad. That alone made him a threat and the worst individual to pick a fight with. "Rengoku, get them out of here before I speak anything more. I'd prefer to not dirty their name with information I am aware of." 

"I understand. You two, follow me out. Do not make a scene, lest you desire trouble." The two remained silent, Zenitsu feeling the glares. He sunk further into Uzui until the duo were gone. His hands were clenching tightly to Uzui's garments, Kyoujurou noticing how broken Zenitsu looked. "I've some spare rooms on the East side. Take him there to rest, okay?"

"Thank you, Rengoku." The male nodded, watching as Uzui picked Zenitsu up with a single arm. The blond was light and small, making it easy. They turned before leaving the room, Uzui taking a single glance back to give a thankful look to Tanjirou, who smiled lightly. The two left in the mass of people were simply happy things would finally settle, even if only for a moment. Things were beginning to head in the right direction. That alone was something that brought hope. But they also knew nothing would be easy. Life was never so cut and dry. It always had it's curveballs to throw.