Page 127 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
This wasn’t cooperation. This was resignation. But it would suffice.
“I wish I could do more,” Juuyu admitted.
Eventually, Suuzu broke the silence. “There is one thing I want.”
“Hmm?”
“I have the years. Teach me to dance.”
Of all things. Juuyu reminded, “We are tributes.”
“You did not learn?” Suuzu’s tone sang with challenge.
“I watched the others. I know the steps.”
Suuzu half-turned to search his face. “Will you dance for this tree’s sister?”
Juuyu averted his gaze and stubbornly repeated, “We are tributes. We do not have the luxury of choosing.”
“She confided in Akira. Everyone does.” Just like that, Juuyu’s earnest, sweet-natured chick was back. Suuzu asked, “You are her choice, are you not?”
“I did not come here to be courted.”
Suuzu tilted his head appraisingly. “The song of your soul has changed. It used to sing for me.”
Juuyu sank to a seat at his brother’s side. “She is human.”
“She is tree-kin.”
Juuyu resisted the urge to point out that Akira was, too. Because sprigged though he might have been, someone had stolen his birthright. Instead, Juuyu gave his chick the acknowledgement he craved. “Your song has changed, as well. I am sure it will reach him.”
FORTY-FOUR
Stepping on Eggshells
Over the years, Fumiko had collected so many different things—hand mirrors, ornamental hairpins, glass floats, teaspoons, netsuke, sand dollars. “Why did we never collect eggs?” she mumbled.
“How could we know they were so important?” Zuzu wrapped a comforting arm around her waist. “We can begin now.”
“Diva closed up the library. I can’t get online to order anything.”
“I could sneak you in.”
Fumiko was tempted. But before she made up her mind, they were found out.
“No.” Juuyu topped the stairs and firmly reminded, “We must remain hidden for a little while longer.”
Zuzu pouted. “Why?”
Fumiko edged sideways and hoped she was blocking his view of the bed.
Juuyu hesitated. “It has something to do with our current mission. I apologize for the inconvenience.”
“You keep too many secrets,” accused Zuzu.
“Perhaps.”
Fumiko knew that her sister didn’t like what Juuyu and his team had done to the guesthouse. Zuzu couldn’t pass through its barrier or eavesdrop on anything that happened inside. Exclusion always made her moody.
