Page 119 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
Without hesitation, the phoenix passed the baby to his roommate and preceded Argent out of the room.
Akira dragged the second desk chair over beside Tsumiko’s and sat. He wasn’t nearly as comfortable with babies as Suuzu had been, but he was just as careful. And twice as curious. “Sis, this baby isn’t human.”
“I know.” Tsumiko leaned against her brother, resting her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry I didn’t warn you we were coming.”
“It’s fine. Glad you did. But seriously, Sis. How’d you end up with a Rivven baby?”
“His mother asked me to take care of him.” She touched the tiny point of one ear. “He’s about as new as you can get. Not even a full day old, even with the time change.”
“Time change? Where did you come from?”
“England.”
“Seriously?”
She laughed softly. “Yes, although that should probably be a secret, too.”
“How did you get here?”
“Argent flew.”
Akira snorted. “And you two rode on his back?”
“Don’t be silly. We rode in his mouth.”
Her brother’s eyes widened, but all he said was, “That explains the damp patches. And the smell.”
“Sorry,” she whispered.
Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, Akira asked, “You okay?”
To Tsumiko’s embarrassment, her chin wobbled. “A lot happened.”
“Scary stuff?” At her shaky nod, he whispered, “Then it’s my turn to be brave enough for both of us.”
It was an echo of a promise she’d made many times over, on long-ago nights when he’d needed her to chase away the nightmares. Tsumiko was gladder than ever that Argent had brought her tothishome. Akira had always been her reason to stay steady, to move forward, to stand firm. Yet tonight, her little brother had become her haven.
Letting a few tears dampen his shoulder, Tsumiko took comfort in another miraculously simple symmetry. As she had given, so she received.
FIFTY SIX
Kinship
Suuzu returned and crouched before them. “Akira, before you accompany Argent to the store, you will provide your sister with clothing.” To Tsumiko, he said, “The bathroom is ready for your use. I will accompany you there.”
Reclaiming the baby, the phoenix waited with one hand on the doorknob.
“I’m off!” said Akira.
“Be safe,” Suuzu replied, seeing him out.
Clutching clean clothes to her chest, Tsumiko murmured, “Ready.”
“Pardon me.” Suuzu bent close and slipped his hand into the pocket of Argent’s suit coat, which she still wore draped around her shoulders. Straightening, he held out her bracelet. Eyes downcast, he quietly begged, “Ward yourself, please. You are too much for my heart.”
The way he said it was really very sweet. Almost like a compliment.
She fumbled wearily with the clasp. In the end, Suuzu had to secure it for her.
