Page 118 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
“Suuzu, I presume,” Argent said, coming level with the sill. “If you would be so kind?”
And Tsumiko found herself transferred into the young phoenix’s outstretched arms. He may have been slight of build, but he had an Amaranthine’s strength
“Hello, Suuzu.” Tsumiko tried to catch his gaze, but it darted everywhere except at her. Was he shy? Or … oh, dear. “Argent, my bracelet?”
“You are wearing my coat,” he replied, sliding the window shut and closing the curtains. “Not that you need warding if I am near.”
All at once, the stiffness left Suuzu’s shoulders. Quickly crossing the cramped dorm room, he set her on a desk chair and made way for Akira.
Her younger brother faltered. “Eww, Sis! You are gross. Crap, and she’scold. Suuzu?”
The phoenix tossed him a blanket and adjusted the controls on a space heater. Akira threw the blanket around her, rubbing her arms to help warm her.
Meanwhile, Suuzu bowed low to her fox, “Thank you for caring for the sister of my nestmate.”
“I am in her keeping,” Argent demurred.
“As we must be in yours,” Suuzu countered. “Please consider our nest your den.”
Argent sighed. “Can we dispense with the formalities? I would prefer to mount a few sigils to bolster your defenses.”
“Please. And … may I, please?” Suuzu indicated the bundle Akira hadn’t yet noticed.
“The nurturing sort, are you?”
Suuzu simply nodded.
Argent sighed again. “I will not complain unless she does.”
And the young phoenix was back before Tsumiko, on his knees, clawed hands spread in a wordless plea.
“Do you like babies?” Tsumiko asked, unbundling her tiny passenger.
“We have so few,” he whispered, a gentle gaze fixed on the newborn. “I know many lullabies.”
Akira’s exclamation ended on a squeak. “Where did you get ababy?”
“It’s a secret,” she said.
“No, it’s ababy!” Her brother made a poor job of hiding the fact that he was counting his fingers. He mumbled, “Can’t be yours.”
She shot him a look while Suuzu took the infant. The phoenix’s reaction reminded her of Naroo-soh’s, all soft eyes and sweet nothings. Except Suuzu added a trilling that she doubted any human voice could duplicate.
“We needed a place to hide,” said Argent. His hands traced along the walls beside the window. “Among other things.”
“Stay!” exclaimed Akira. “They can stay with us. Right, Suuzu?”
Suuzu merely nodded, most of his attention still fixed on the baby.
“You’ll need stuff, right? Diapers and supplies and things?” Akira said, “There’s a twenty-four hour convenience store two streets over.”
Argent said, “I will compile a list.”
Tsumiko stirred. “Is there someplace I can wash up?”
“Sure. The bath is at the end of the hall.”
“Suuzu.” Argent’s tone held command. “Show me.”
