Page 105 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Juuyu knew Sinder well enough to reach a startling conclusion. “You already know.”
“I’m sworn to secrecy.” Sinder innocently added, “Didn’t know you were a fan. Want me to get ahold of the next book in the series for you?”
“Hardly necessary.”
“Who do you want to win?” Sinder asked. “Dragon or phoenix?”
“I have no influence over the outcome of the story,” Juuyu said stiffly. “What has been written will be accomplished.”
If they’d leave off long enough to let him find out.
Sinder brushed at his shoulder and relayed, “Moon is offering to sleep with Akira tonight, assuming the kid can sleep at all. He’s keyed up.”
Juuyu supposed it was only natural. “Suuzu.”
“Yeah. Suuzu.” Sinder gestured with his chin to the activity below. “Colt has the fire banked. There’s going to be singing. Want a part in the proceedings?”
“I am otherwise occupied.”
“Yeah, I figured. Make sure we don’t wake her?”
“She will sleep.” Juuyu was vaguely disconcerted to realize that he’d been stroking Fumiko’s hair. When had that started?
Sinder cautiously suggested, “If she wakes, make her eat.”
Juuyu realized something important. “You are worried about her.”
“I mean, she’s a beacon, right? And tree-kin. Everyone’s doing everything they can to keep her safe. But it’s like … they mean well with all their measures, but she’s a caged bird. Or more like a caged star. With no one to shine for.” Sinder shrugged uncomfortably. “It’d be sad to see a soul as lovely as hers burn out because there was no one to tend it. Kinda?”
“She has been neglected,” Juuyu agreed.
Sinder quietly admitted, “I keep thinking of Waaseyaa and Zisa. Sure, there’s a grove nearby—and you did not hear that from me—but those guys are isolated, too. Think I could sneak them a phone?”
He still missed them.
“I believe it is a good idea.” Juuyu suggested, “Broach the subject with Glint?”
“Yeah, I will. As soon as I get Mikoto on my side.” With a brighter smile, Sinder asked, “Anything else you want me to handle on my one day off?”
Juuyu warbled and waved him away.
Sinder saluted and dropped from view.
The book had taken a surprising turn when Zuzu popped into existence on the opposite end of the hammock. Her smile was soft. “You make Sister happy.”
He was aware. How could he not be?
Juuyu simply said, “You are happy, too.”
“Tonight is good, and I am grateful.” Zuzu pointed to herself. “Will you let me share? I can be careful.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“I can make it rain. Like a shower of petals. Like a drift of pollen.”
He was catching a sense of her intent. “Are you talking about tending?”
“Yes. Soren showed me how.” She softly added, “He was a good teacher.”
