Page 147 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
His nestmate’s eyes softened.
Taking a formal tone, Suuzu said, “I will wear your tokens. We will build our nest. My songs will all and always be for you.”
Akira lowered his gaze and fidgeted.
For a moment, Suuzu feared he had crossed a line. His nestmate was not looking for pledges.
But Akira shyly said, “I have one other thing to add, but I held it back since it would have been the bad kind of surprise.” He slipped his hand into the pocket of his pajama pants and brought out a folded blue envelope that glittered with sigils. “I really wanted you to have this, but … just … it’sempty, okay?”
Suuzu accepted the second gift. At his touch, the seals vanished, proof of Argent’s skill. Slitting the paper with a claw, Suuzu tipped the contents into his palm. Etched leaves twined around a slender metal rod, which was capped with a green stone.
“It’s a reliquary, just like the one Sinder had, just like the ones in Kikusawa’s treasury.” Akira took it from his palm and showed him the trick to opening its tiny panel. “I was thinking it would be good to add this to our nest. I mean, I know it’s empty, but itexists.”
Suuzu didn’t trust his voice.
Akira quietly said, “And since it exists, we can hope.”
With a fluttering exhale and a broken sob, Suuzu pulled Akira close and hid his face against his shoulder. His nestmate’s fingers were in his hair, making a mess as surely as he disarranged his composure.
“Hey, it’s okay. I’m not going anywhere.”
Suuzu’s voice came out muffled. “You are mine.”
“I know.”
He lifted his face, needing Akira to understand. “I want to find a way.”
“I know.”
His eyes slammed shut. “Akira ….”
“I know.” He pulled the phoenix’s head back onto his shoulder and held on tight. “Suuzu, I get it, okay? I know.”
And that had to be enough. For now.
THE END
