Page 119 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“Yeah?”
Suuzu asked, “Are you happy?”
“I can’t decide.” Akira mumbled, “I don’t think I’m unhappy.”
The preening resumed, slow and gentle. Normal.
Except for the questions it stirred up in Akira.
“We will not stop searching,” Suuzu quietly promised. A renewal of the pact they’d made to find a way for Akira to stay with him. To find a golden seed.
But knowing that every stray seed in the world had been stolen from their twin’s hand made Akira’s heart ache. Was happiness real if it was laced with regret?
Suuzu crooned a tentative note.
“I’m okay.” Akira let himself go limp, grateful for the little tugs and nudges that meant he was back with Suuzu. “I missed you.”
Steps sounded on the stairway. Firm, intentional steps that were a warning. Neither of them moved, though.
Sinder’s smile was sympathetic as he went through the motions of rapping on the wall at the top of the stairs. “Akira, you’re needed in the guesthouse. Just you.”
“Suuzu can’t come?”
“Not until he’s eaten more. And changed out of his pajamas.”
Suuzu brushed his thumb over Akira’s tattoo. “I will return to you as quickly as I can.”
“Get a move on.” Sinder’s tone was casual, but his posture made it a command. “I’ll show your greedy chick where more foodstuffs can be found. You answer to Argent.”
FORTY-ONE
Seeing Red
Juuyu chose one of the stools arrayed along the edges of the guesthouse’s central room. Argent had summoned the taskforce for what promised to be a lengthy debriefing. Bavol arrived with a tray that steamed and stank. More dosing. Buzz was also making the rounds, checking pupils and auras. Juuyu wasn’t sure if this was bee clan lingo or a California thing.
When Buzz reached him, his touch was light and his gaze was kind. “How are you feeling?”
“No different.”
“No?” The bee clansman kneaded Juuyu’s throat and remarked, “You’ve brightened up beautifully. Glad to have your brother here, maybe?”
“I suppose.”
Buzz peered closely into Juuyu’s eyes and casually asked, “What color are the flowers that affected you?”
“Red.”
“And you remember this?”
“No.” Juuyu smiled thinly. “You asked Colt and Hallow the same question when it was their turn.”
Buzz flashed an easy smile. “Humor me. Do you see anything red in this room?”
“Five paperclips. The lines denoting highways on the city map. Your right sock. The text on one of the mugs Bavol brought. And Moon has a spot of catsup at the corner of his mouth.”
“Are you always this thorough?”
“It is my job.”
