Page 115 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“Tsk. Will the wolf’s den do?”
Juuyu followed him into the small room and managed not to flinch when Argent flung a fresh round of sigils past him. He did glare though.
Trust was trust, and Juuyu did trust Argent. But foxes were foxes, and Argent was as sly as they came.
Argent’s gaze was cool, almost clinical. “How do you feel?”
While he did need to broach the subject of feelings, Juuyu decided to bide his time. “Physically, I detect no changes, but I appear to have lapses in both observation and memory.”
“Sit.”
Juuyu lowered himself to the edge of the bed.
Argent didn’t need the switch-up in height advantage to dominate a room. The fox loomed large in Juuyu’s eyes, a daunting figure. But Juuyu appreciated power, especially when it was wielded with skill. Without hesitation, he angled his head and waited respectfully.
“I am aware of your Old Grove upbringing. Are you unable to proceed against our culprit now that you know he may be a tree?”
Juuyu warbled a plaintive note. How could the Gentleman Bandit be a tree? It made so little sense. Trees could not travel the world, snatching up rare treasures.
“You have forgotten that part?” Argent grumbled. “Very well. What other personal matter could you wish to discuss with me? Most people entrust their secrets to Twineshaft.”
“Hisoka has never been in love.”
Argent went very still, disbelief plain on his face. Then one by one, he began unfurling tails. “Are you accusing me of love?”
“Certainly.” Juuyu had seen the fox demonstrate his affection on multiple occasions. “You are in love with a beacon.”
More tails slipped into view. “And this is related to your situation … how?”
Juuyu spread his hands.
Argent’s tails puffed. “What—precisely—are you attempting to confide?”
“There is a beacon here.”
“A fact. One long-established.” Argent blandly added, “You do not normally dither your way through your reports.”
“I permitted a tending session.” Juuyu’s gaze slid sideways. “And there has been a certain amount of cosseting.”
“You know trees and their temptations. You understand tree-kin. I believed you capable of resisting … ah!” Argent’s eyes widened slightly. “You sympathize.”
“How could I not?”
“And what is her opinion of you?”
Juuyu sighed and admitted, “Fumiko is becoming attached.”
Argent’s hum was decidedly more interested. “And …?”
“I have become a liability. I will understand if you order me away.”
“Why would I do that?”
“She is a beacon,” Juuyu reminded. “How do I even begin to resist such a soul?”
“You find her interest … inconvenient? Has she imposed upon you?”
Juuyu waved his hand in urgent denial.
