Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate, page 21
“Yes, please.”
He included Akira. “And you can tell us if they apply to our phoenix friend. You probably know more than anyone about this sort of thing.”
Akira murmured, “Not really.”
Because it was true. He and Suuzu had simply grappled with issues of instinct and preference as they came up. There’d never been anything like a lesson plan. Just … life.
Jiminy spoke a little slower than usual and in simple terms. Akira appreciated the consideration.
“Avians are prone to love at first sight.”
Fumiko asked, “They can’t be persuaded?”
“Anyone can be persuaded, given the right circumstances,” Jiminy said with a laugh. “But with avians, a strong first impression can be all it takes. One look, and they know.”
She shook her head. “It’s too late for that. We already met.”
Jiminy turned to Akira. “When did you and Suuzu first meet?”
“In school. We were part of an early integration program. Suuzu was visiting my class, and he singled me out.”
Fumiko leaned forward. “Love at first sight?”
“More like roommates at first sight. We’ve been living together since I was fourteen.”
“Nestmates?” Jiminy inquired.
“Yes. Both Juuyu and Suuzu consider me a nestmate.”
“And his colony approved the choice?”
“Yes. I can even wear his colors and crest for official stuff.”
Even seated, Jiminy’s posture was as nuanced as Kimiko’s, though nearly all of his non-verbal inflections were wolvish. They helped Akira process Jiminy’s meaning. Which is how Akira could tell this detail surprised him.
But Jiminy focused on Fumiko and said, “Gifts are the ultimate classic. They’re widely considered the best way to catch an avian’s interest. Birds love to receive little presents, especially if you tell them why each gift made you think of them.”
“Little presents,” Fumiko mused. “Like what?”
“Anything will do. Items made from eggshell are traditional. Crystals are favored, especially if the color has significance. Feather motifs are common. Or imagery from a family crest. But anything with a bit of sheen or shine is sure to appeal.”
Fumiko seemed pleased. “What else?”
“Feeding an avian would count as courting behavior.”
Akira blurted, “Sharing a meal is courting?”
“More like handfeeding,” he corrected. “Also, clothing is actually really important to avians, especially the males. I think it’s an instinctual carry-over. Avians like eye-catching plumage and are fastidious to a fault. Giving a gift that an avian can wear is doubling down.”
Fumiko asked, “Is it romantic?”
“Not necessarily. But it’s personal.” Jiminy considered the matter. “If you’re looking for romantic gestures, how they touch you matters.”
“Like kissing?”
“No, actually. Which I believe is another carry-over from truest form. Birds don’t have lips, so kissing is … an acquired taste. For avians, preening is the thing. The rearranging of hair denotes trust, affection, belonging. Right, Akira?”
“R-right.” He didn’t mean to sound defensive when he said, “It’s not just Suuzu. Juuyu preens me all the time.”
“Certainly,” said Jiminy. “He considers you kin.”
Fumiko was patting at her own hair. “So it isn’t love?”
“Like most things, it depends on the context. But attention is always a good thing with avians. They like receiving it, so it always means something when they give it.” Jiminy went right on. “The most famous contemporary example of avian romance is Ash Sunfletch’s courtship of Tamiko Reaverson. Did you follow that?”
“A little,” said Fumiko. “After we met him, Diva set up one of the library computers so I could watch Crossing America.”
Akira shook his head. “I know about it, but nope. Never watched any of it.”
Which was strange, really. He might have been interested, since there was an avian crosser involved. Plus, Akira knew for a fact that Argent had acted as Ash’s and Tami’s go-between.
“Gifts were part of the show’s schtick, right from the start. At every enclave Ash visited, they’d present him with a gift, usually something of local significance. Always something small. Just a trinket, really. And Ash would bring it home to Tami as a courting gift.”
“That’s a lot of gifts,” said Fumiko. “Aren’t there six full seasons already?”
“Are they still courting?” asked Akira.
“No, but Tami still receives tokens of affection from Ash’s travels. It’s tradition now, after so many years.”
As Jiminy went on to describe the initial courting gift, to be followed by smaller tokens, Akira tried not to think about how much it sounded like his gift to Suuzu. Had he accidentally proposed to his best friend? Surely, Suuzu would have mentioned something. Set him straight. Turned him down. Explained.
When Fumiko ran off, presumably in search of an appropriate gift for Juuyu, Akira latched onto Jiminy’s wrist and all but groveled in the sand. “What if I gave a gift that was definitely a big deal?”
“Did Suuzu accept it?”
“Well, yeah.” He didn’t really want to explain the circumstances, so he mumbled, “It was a really good gift.”
“And he was happy to receive it?”
“He definitely was.” Thinking back, Akira admitted, “He seemed … surprised? But glad.”
Jiminy adjusted his hands so they were grasping each other’s wrists. “And you’ve continued to give him things?”
“Small stuff. Things he’d like.” Akira was embarrassed to admit, “I mostly just buy snacks at the convenience store, and we share. But we have this … I guess you’d call it a collection. When we find something really nice that fits, we add it.”
“Does he reciprocate? Does he give you presents?”
“Nope. Never.” Akira slowly shifted his posture into one of dominance. “I’ve always been more outgoing, so I almost always take the initiative. Oh. I did get a set of traditional clothes to wear for events. I’d borrowed things before, but these were tailored to me. I think Juuyu arranged for them.”
“Okay. I think Suuzu accepted your present in the spirit it was intended, and he doesn’t think you’re courting. That’s why he’s careful not to reciprocate. That would give the wrong impression. However, the gift of clothes is significant.”
“It is?” Akira asked faintly.
“Not to pry, but was your initial gift costly or intimate or … something he could wear?”
“Yes. All those things.” Really, that was an understatement. Suuzu wore his necklace obsessively, and Akira was only beginning to understand the cost he’d incurred by trading favors with Boon.
“Chances are that’s why Juuyu responded with such a lavish gift—the crest and clothes.” Jiminy bobbled his hands back and forth. “Amaranthine often strive for balance. It also means that your gift was formally accepted by his clan.”
Akira cleared his throat. “My name was added to the family registry.”
Jiminy’s eyebrows shot up, and he fished a crystal from a pocket. With a sign for secrecy, he waited until it was clasped between their palms before quipping, “The trees have ears. May I be blunt?”
“That would be helpful.”
“If you’re happy, be happy. You have a good friend.” Despite the privacy he’d secured, Jiminy lowered his voice. “But if you’re inclined to bond and build, be sure your next gift includes a bit of eggshell. Your phoenix will understand.”
THIRTY-EIGHT
Entourage
Akira had attended enough official functions—including Kimi’s courting of Quen—to understand how his foxish brother-in-law operated. Argent could stroll calmly through a crowd, clasping hands and accepting greetings with as much serenity as Hisoka Twineshaft. If he wanted to be seen. But if he was minding the time or protecting a companion, there was a ruthless glint in Argent’s eye, and people simply didn’t notice him.
Foxes made excellent allies. And frightening enemies.
And then there was Merit, Harmonious Starmark’s eldest son. And Boon’s best friend. Any canine’s protective streak was wider than oceans and could run several generations deep. Merit was a serious-minded guy who considered everyone at Stately House to be under Starmark protection. He’d see to Suuzu’s comfort with the same care he’d give to any of his own pups. Or grandpups.
Without a doubt, Suuzu was safe. But weren’t they running a little late?
He was just about to text Uncle Jackie when Diva bellowed, “Incoming!”
Akira had already been loitering near the crystal gate, so he was there when it swung open. He caught and held it, figuring he had sufficient skill to be a doorstop.
Portia hurried forward, as did Jiminy, who caught Jacques’ hand as Argent ushered him through the barrier.
“Lord.” Jacques removed sunglasses with peach-tinted lenses and muttered, “Watch for a tree, he said. You can’t miss it, he said. Lord.”
“Gawk later,” Argent ordered with token annoyance. “Lend Candor a hand with your considerable baggage.”
Akira probably should have offered to help, but he was trying to catch a glimpse of Suuzu. However, the next person through the gate wasn’t Merit. Rafter backed in, wrestling a small mountain of luggage. Candor followed, toting a fancy trunk with a crest emblazoned in gold on its top and sides. It wasn’t the Stately House crest. Actually, it wasn’t a clan crest at all.
“Impressed by the family heraldry?” Jacques beamed at him. “Been in the family for ages. Had it shipped from Uppington. Needed to look authentic.”
But Akira’s attention was already straying back to the gate, where Merit Starmark paused on the threshold. Argent took hold of Suuzu’s limp hand, and Rafter wrapped an arm around Merit’s back, guiding them safely through the barrier.
Portia and Jiminy were already tuning crystals.
Diva was talking, and so was Jacques.
But Akira wasn’t focusing very well. He was too busy standing in Merit’s way.
The dog clansman took a receptive posture and suggested, “Show me where to go?”
“Where do you want to go?”
“To whatever nest you’ve made in this tree.” Merit may have been smiling.
Akira fled toward the lighthouse without a word, figuring a tracker of Merit’s skill wouldn’t have any trouble following.
The dog clansman had to duck in order to ease through Fumiko’s front door. Only then did it occur to Akira that Juuyu’s most recent cleaning frenzy hadn’t been all about compulsion. He’d cleared a path for Merit, who’d never have made it through otherwise.
It was hushed inside, all distant chimes and lazy waves, shaded from the midday sun, though bits of light danced in the dimness, just out of focus. Was he imagining things? Or was he catching glimpses of Ephemera? Akira’s fidgets and nerves were multiplying.
“Here,” he whispered, backing into the guest room.
Merit lowered Suuzu onto the bed, gently smudged his thumb across the phoenix’s brow, and grunted in satisfaction. “Stay with him. I’ll bring what’s needed in a little while.”
“Thank you.”
With a faint smile, Merit gave him a nudge toward the bed and left.
Akira crawled onto the mattress and sat beside Suuzu. He’d been helping oversee Suuzu’s long sleeps since his first visit to the Farroost colony when he was fourteen. At that time, Juuyu had explained his brother’s requirements so thoroughly, Akira had gotten the idea that Suuzu needed looking after.
It had seemed silly at the time, but Akira’s perspective had been subtly shifting. Unlike Suuzu, Akira was getting older. He’d shared his teen years with his best friend, but a decade and more later, Akira felt like an adult. However, Suuzu was the same. Or nearly so.
He did look older in his Western suits than he had back when he’d worn a school uniform. And he’d been letting his hair grow. It wasn’t nearly as long as Juuyu’s, but the loose curls that just brushed his shoulders had changed him somewhat.
Still, Juuyu sometimes said things that embarrassed Suuzu. Stuff about his years.
Akira carefully brushed back Suuzu’s hair and searched his sleeping face. His best friend—Spokesperson Farroost—might be a world-renowned and well-respected member of the Amaranthine Council, but he was young. Younger than Akira, and the age gap could only widen.
He didn’t like to think about it.
But it was getting harder not to.
Akira reached for Suuzu’s hand and focused on the phoenix’s breathing. Was he breathing in time with the waves? It didn’t take long to confirm it, which meant that on some level, Suuzu was aware of his surroundings. A sure sign that he was coming around.
Counting back, Akira knew for certain that it was too soon.
But Suuzu’s fingers twitched and curled around his.
Should he warn Suuzu that he’d been smuggled overseas? Probably. But Akira couldn’t get the words out as his friend took a deep breath, turned his head, and opened his eyes.
Suuzu murmured, “This is unexpected.”
“Yeah.” Akira released his hand. “Sorry.”
“Do not apologize.” Suuzu reached up to touch Akira’s face. “There are risks when entrusting one’s rest to foxes.”
“Welcome to California.”
Suuzu hummed, and his gaze drifted around the room. But his attention soon returned to Akira. “You are still too far away.”
Akira slid into his usual spot. His … because he’d made a strong first impression?
Rolling onto his side and hiding his face against Akira’s chest, Suuzu said, “I do not like you so far from me.”
He sounded so sulky. Not at all the illustrious world leader.
“I missed you, too.” Akira fussed with Suuzu’s hair to soften the blow of his next admission. “But I’m glad I came. So many interesting things have happened.”
Suuzu hummed in a distracted way. Maybe he was still half asleep?
“There’s so much to tell, I hardly know where to start.”
Propping himself up on one elbow and looking very much awake, Suuzu said, “Begin here.”
He pulled and pushed, pinning Akira face-down on the bed as he tugged at the collar of his T-shirt. The tattoo. Akira went limp and let his friend explore.
“What has been done here?” Suuzu grumbled.
“You don’t like it?”
“This is permanent?” A note of distress colored his warble. “It must have hurt.”
“Some. Not anymore, though.” Akira craned his neck. “Michael designed it, and Argent applied it. They used what they learned from Uncle Jackie’s tattoos.”
Suuzu’s fingers traced lightly over the pattern.
“It works,” Akira reported. “Or so they tell me.”
“I know.” Tipping his head to one side, Suuzu whispered, “It is calling to me.”
THIRTY-NINE
Private Word
At the first opportunity, Juuyu addressed Argent. “May I have a private word?”
The fox arched a brow. “I doubt there is anything of significance you can tell me about the case while you are pollinated.”
“This is a private matter.”
“Tsk. Will the wolf’s den do?”
Juuyu followed him into the small room and managed not to flinch when Argent flung a fresh round of sigils past him. He did glare though.
Trust was trust, and Juuyu did trust Argent. But foxes were foxes, and Argent was as sly as they came.
Argent’s gaze was cool, almost clinical. “How do you feel?”
While he did need to broach the subject of feelings, Juuyu decided to bide his time. “Physically, I detect no changes, but I appear to have lapses in both observation and memory.”
“Sit.”
Juuyu lowered himself to the edge of the bed.
Argent didn’t need the switch-up in height advantage to dominate a room. The fox loomed large in Juuyu’s eyes, a daunting figure. But Juuyu appreciated power, especially when it was wielded with skill. Without hesitation, he angled his head and waited respectfully.
“I am aware of your Old Grove upbringing. Are you unable to proceed against our culprit now that you know he may be a tree?”
Juuyu warbled a plaintive note. How could the Gentleman Bandit be a tree? It made so little sense. Trees could not travel the world, snatching up rare treasures.
“You have forgotten that part?” Argent grumbled. “Very well. What other personal matter could you wish to discuss with me? Most people entrust their secrets to Twineshaft.”
“Hisoka has never been in love.”
Argent went very still, disbelief plain on his face. Then one by one, he began unfurling tails. “Are you accusing me of love?”
“Certainly.” Juuyu had seen the fox demonstrate his affection on multiple occasions. “You are in love with a beacon.”
More tails slipped into view. “And this is related to your situation … how?”
Juuyu spread his hands.
Argent’s tails puffed. “What—precisely—are you attempting to confide?”
“There is a beacon here.”
“A fact. One long-established.” Argent blandly added, “You do not normally dither your way through your reports.”
“I permitted a tending session.” Juuyu’s gaze slid sideways. “And there has been a certain amount of cosseting.”
“You know trees and their temptations. You understand tree-kin. I believed you capable of resisting … ah!” Argent’s eyes widened slightly. “You sympathize.”
“How could I not?”
