Page 137 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“Matchmaking games and passing notes and having secrets. I think you’re enjoying your role a little too much,” she accused.
“May the same be said of your role.”
He was practically purring, and that made her suspicious.
“The azalea garden,” he repeated, giving her a gentle push in the right direction.
When she turned to give back his umbrella, he was already gone.
Kimiko passed between two stone lanterns onto the narrow path that was an alternative route to the azalea garden. It was her habit to take the back ways, leaving the wider paths with their serene views for guests. Not that she needed to bother. Kikusawa had been effectively cut off from the neighborhood while the In-between secured the site.
But this was a neighborhood shrine. The Miyabe family was united in their insistence that they were a necessary part of their community. All Hisoka would say, though, wassoon.
In the shelter of a gazebo, Eloquence waited beside the Kith who lived with him and Ever. Rise’s tail, which had been swaying contentedly, went still. Was that a bad sign? She motioned welcome and peace, joking, “What a strange coincidence, finding you here.”
Quen beckoned her into the covered seating area. “Thank you for coming. I wanted you to meet Rise.”
“But we’ve met,” she reminded, looking between them.
“Not properly.” Eloquence moved to the drooping Kith’s side, reaching his arms as far as they’d go around his neck. The big dog’s tail gave a tentative wag, then went still again. “Sorry. He’s nervous. I guess we both are.”
Kimiko gave them a moment by shaking off the umbrella and propping it against a pillar.
Eloquence spoke in low tones. “I count Rise as my brother. We were rarely apart until I started classes at New Saga. If it weren’t for Ever, he’d probably have followed me to school every morning.”
To her surprise, Rise butted Eloquence with his broad forehead, knocking him flat on his back before flopping on top of him, his broad muzzle covering most of Eloquence’s midriff.
He submitted with a low chuckle. “See how he treats me?”
“It’s clear who’s boss.” Kimiko sat on the closest bench. “After all, you belong to the Kith.”
“Yes. He says I’m telling things all out of order. And that it’s debatable which of us needs minding more—Ever or me.” Eloquence stroked Rise’s fur. “I’m older than you, you know.”
Rise huffed.
“He says, ‘Not in dog years.’ Which I’ll concede is a valid point.” Eloquence tipped his head back to search Kimiko’s face. “Kith do not go through a lengthy adolescent phase.”
“Does Rise have a family, then?”
Eloquence’s expression wavered. “No. He could, but he’s made a pact to never leave my side.”
“Because you and Ever need him,” she guessed.
“Because we three are brothers.” Eloquence and Rise were both watching her closely.
She was missing something. “Packmates, pactmates … and denmates, for that matter.”
“Kimiko, Rise and I are true brothers.”
True brothers. Like a true son. But how didthatwork?
Eloquence’s hands formed a rarely-seen sign, one that asked for a pledge of secrecy.
She crossed to him and linked their hands, completing the vow.
“I am my father’s son. My parents were both High Amaranthine, and so am I. Ever is my father’s son. His mother is human, making him a crosser.”
Kimiko’s mind was leaping ahead, but she forced herself to listen quietly.
