Page 39 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
Tenma stirred at the unfamiliar sound of birds. Were there birds in wintertime? His brain jumped through possibilities, trying to make sense of the cheery twitter. Bird feeder? Canary cage? Ring tone?
A moody growl vibrated against his back, and the noise cut short, along with the whispery retreat of wings. But now Tenma was more focused on the fact that he was not alone in bed. An arm under his ear. Fur against his feet. A small body curled into his chest. And an arm draped over them both—him and Ever.
And then he lined up more facts. Nothisbed, because he was at Quen’s place. Not alone, because dogs, especially young and unmatched males, preferred communal sleeping. Tenma couldn’t believe how well he’d slept, given the warm press around him.
Tenma opened his eyes and squinted. Where had he set his glasses? He mostly needed them for reading, so he could make out enough of his surroundings to anchor himself, even with the pre-dawn gray and fuzzed edges.
Quen’s uncle sprawled on his side along the far edge of the mounded furs and blankets. Judging by the nearby spill of indigo hair—and despite profuse criticisms regarding doggish practice—Lapis was cuddled against Laud. Probably borrowing body heat.
The encircling arm shifted, and a hand gripped Tenma’s shoulder. Low and soft, someone spoke close to his ear. “Good morning, Tenma Subaru.”
Not Quen.
Tenma’s mind raced. He was sure he’d fallen asleep between Ever and Quen.
“I hope my sons acquitted themselves well in my absence, which was regrettable. I do prefer to greet our guests personally.”
Tenma rolled enough to peer over his shoulder, straight into a face known the whole world over. Harmonious Starmark. He was betweenHarmonious Starmarkand … and his baby. Was that bad? Or was that only bears?
“S-spokesperson, sir!” he gasped, floundering for something to say. Gratitude? Apology? Introduction?
“Hush, boy, hush. No sense tucking your tail.” He reclined on his side, propped up on half a dozen pillows. Copper eyes were really quite mesmerizing at close quarters. “We’re the ones imposing. Too many reports, too much wine, and too late an hour. It was suggested that we retire here, since Lapis’ habits are long established, and Laud was good enough to let us in.”
“I’m … Tenma.”
“Yes, you are. Hush, boy, hush,” he repeated. The hand moved to gently tousle his hair. “I am only here to reinforce my sons’ welcome. And to indulge my curiosity. I’ll be up front. I saw your school application, read the essay and all that. You acquitted yourself well, but I am the sort of person who likes to get a good whiff of someone.”
Harmonious Starmark had checked up on him. Like he was some kind of security threat. “I won’t tell.”
Shaggy brows lifted.
Tenma tried again. “If you’re worried about gossip or anything, I’d never say things about your private life.”
“Thank you for your loyalty to me and mine.” Harmonious gave his head a final pat before returning his arm to its former place. “It’s good you fell in among dogs. You hoped for a pack, didn’t you?”
How …? Oh, yes. He’d read the essay. Tenma squeezed his eyes shut, lapsing into mortified silence.
Harmonious jostled his youngest son. “Ever, help me with your new friend.”
The toddler in Tenma’s arms blinked once, twice, then exclaimed “Da!”
He flung himself at his father, who rolled onto his back, holding his young son at arm’s length and grinning indulgently while Ever wriggled and giggled.
Tenma sat up and found his glasses. He smoothed his hand over the unfamiliar cloth of his borrowed sleepwear, watching them tussle, feeling like an intruder. His gaze slid to Lapis, who slept on despite the ruckus. Laud offered Tenma a small nod, which he returned.
That’s when he realized there was another person bundled up in the furs. He could see a bare shoulder, grayish hair, one pointed ear. Tenma leaned to one side, a little afraid of what he’d discover, only to start back when this Rivven gave a languorous stretch. It was just a peek before he turned away and tugged the blankets higher, but it was enough.
Nobody would believe it.
He didn’t believe it.
Somehow, Tenma had rated a spot in a high-ranking sleepover. Because he’d woken up between Harmonious Starmark and Hisoka Twineshaft, with the world’s first crosser snuggled under his chin.
And this counted for normal for Quen.
Tenma’s gaze drifted to the Kith who’d been warming his feet all night and whispered, “Can you believe this?”
The big dog’s mouth dropped open as if he was laughing.
