Call Out My Name

I Claimed You So Proud And Openly

Zenitsu blinks his eyes open, the burning from all the crying last night leaving a painful ache. He no longer feels Tengen's warmth next to him. It's likely that he woke up. He wants to sleep forever and forget everything. He understands that he is not able to do that. So he rises, rubbing his eyes. He looks to the empty spot where Tengen slept last night.

He swings his legs off the bed, standing and walking over to the wardrobe. When he passes by the balcony, he sees Tengen standing, leaning on the railing. Zenitsu steps outside, blinking.

"Oh, good morning," Tengen says, turning his head.

"Good morning," Zenitsu responds.

"You looked tired, so I didn't want to wake you," he turns back around, looking out at the sky. Zenitsu approaches, standing directly next to him. They exchange glances, both looking away at the same time. A blush covers Zenitsu's entire face.

"This is so awkward! What do I do?! Do I say something!?"

"S-so, did you sleep well?" Tengen nods. "Good," he mumbles, laughing nervously.

"We should start getting ready. We need to see Shinobu-san soon." Zenitsu nods, bowing. He trots over to the wardrobe. He puts a hand on his chin. Nothing is to his liking. Most definitely not his style.

"What is it?" Zenitsu gasps, turning around, holding up his fists like he's about to fight. Tengen snorts, smiling fondly. Zenitsu's entire face flushes red. He turns around, grabbing a few clothes.

"Nothing! I just don't think any of this stuff suits me," he mumbles, holding up two shirts. Tengen smiles, grabbing the one in his left hand.

"I like this one," he grins, holding it up to his body. Zenitsu snatches it out of his hand and stares blankly. It has lace curling up the ribcage, resting just under the pectorals. The sleeves are loose but tight around the wrist. The shirt itself is tight around the waist, fitted perfectly for a corset. If he were to wear this, he would have to wear a corset, too. He rolls his eyes and chooses some pants that catch his eye first.

When he and Tengen leave their room, lots of watchful eyes follow them as they walk side-by-side. Now, more than ever, he certainly doubts his choice to marry Tengen. But, he has already made his decision despite the watchful eyes. The guard standing at the door of Shinobu's room eyes them meticulously—as if they're up to no good. Begrudgingly, he opens the door. After they take a few steps inside, a sigh of relief escapes Zenitsu's lips.

"Good, you two made it," Shinobu smiles. Zenitsu and Tengen bow, following her to be seated.

"Zenitsu-sama," she smiles, eyes glazed over in focus. "Right now, we are busy making preparations for your wedding. We will place guards in every part of the area, even at the altar. We're having it in a week."

All the information Shinobu-san is talking about goes in one ear and out the other. Zenitsu knows how a wedding works. But he was more interested in his coronation. When the crown gets placed upon your head, you are the kingdom's ruler. It hasn't entirely sunk in yet. And he's scared for when it does hit him.

"Now, your coronation," she says finally. Zenitsu perks up, eyes going focused. "Obviously, Tengen-san will be there to rule by your side, but most decisions will go straight to you. You are the true ruler," she smiles. Zenitsu doesn't smile back. Instead, he nods in understanding. "We are not sure if the people who attacked you that day are going to attack you during your wedding or coronation, but we'd rather be safe than sorry. Still, the wedding is going to be fully public," she announces. Zenitsu stands, causing everyone else to rise.