Page 100 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“Yes, yours.” Taking his usual seat astride his denmate, he said, “You and Ever will always be with me, just as I’ll always be with Laud.”
Home.
“Yes, let’s go home.” As the dog ambled toward the compound, Quen asked, “If you’re here, where is Ever?”
Taken by foxes.
Quen laughed. “You make it sound so ominous.”
Rise only grunted and picked up speed.
Before long, he could hear the noise of celebration—music and laughter and song. Typical for evenings when Dad had friends over. Quen was already picking up the telltale scents of wolf, cat, dragon, and fox. “All together?” he whispered.
The Five are assembled.
“And into the star wine.” It was probably a good thing Tenma and Inti hadn’t been able to stay over tonight. Knowing this lot, his pavilion would be full to bursting.
A thread of melody carried through the chill night, words slurring haphazardly. “What are they …? Rise, stop here. What are theysinging?”
They held still, ears tuned to a lusty ballad. Quen’s mounting suspicions collapsed into utter mortification when he realized the song’s subject matter. He hadn’t been aware there was a translation from wolvish of “The Wolf and the Moon Maiden.” Yet Dad was bellowing out the maiden’s lines without a trace of shame. Adoona-soh had taken the hero’s role, her deep voice rich with drama.
Their gender-swapped performance might have been amusing, but for the fact that he’d been similarly cast. At the chorus, more voices joined the song. Lapis’ singing was lovely as ever. More surprising was Twineshaft’s very passable baritone.
Quen was fully prepared to skulk home, but then Ever’s voice broke through the rest. “Wiff naughty butt moon-beans for a dress!”
“Tsk. The line is ‘naught but moonbeams,’” came Mettlebright’s bland correction.
A husky laugh followed. “I dunno, Dad. I think little bro has her pegged.”
That was Gingko.
“Moon-beans?” a child asked softly.
Definitely Kyrie. The little dragon crosser didn’t talk half as much as Ever, but not because he couldn’t.
“No, these are nuts, not beans.” And then Argent’s voice rose slightly. “Come along, Eloquence, or I fear they will never stop this caterwauling.”
Caught out.
He was halfway to the door when Hisoka Twineshaft opened it for him. “Good day, Eloquence. Or good evening, if you like.”
The rest had picked up the ballad again. Gingko seemed to be teaching it to them, translating off-the-cuff from wolvish. Quen had to wonder where a half-fox had picked up the knack, but he voiced a more pressing question. “Do I even want to know how you already know the form my suitor’s declaration will take?”
“Isla submitted a proposed schedule to both me and Suuzu. All the necessary preparations are underway.” Hisoka searched his face, then offered a palm. “Have I become an imposition?”
Quen guessed Twineshaft had been Dad’s friend for much too long. How else could a cat have perfected a hangdog expression? “If you can prevent Dad from burying my dignity in the back garden, I’ll welcome any meddling you deem appropriate.”
Hisoka’s usual poise slipped enough for Quen to tell he’d surprised him.
“You’re usually more wary,” Hisoka said.
“Less grateful, as well.” Stepping into Twineshaft’s personal space, he bestowed a pudding please. “I want to thank you for having me join the inaugural class at New Saga High School.”
His expression softened. “Wasn’t that my line?”
Quen tucked his chin. “Let’s just say I’ve come around to your way of thinking.”
“Most do.” Hisoka pulled him into a loose embrace. “You may count on my continued meddling.”
