Page 144 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
The plastic seat of their booth wasn’t particularly comfortable, but it was plenty slippery. So when Suuzu pulled, Akira slid into contact. Picking right up where he’d left off, Suuzu said, “I am certain that you will find your Tabi-oji. Or rather, that he will find you. Trees are devoted. He will want to reach you.”
Akira tightened his hold on Suuzu’s hand. “I didn’t know about any of this.”
“Hisoka-sensei and Argent would not keep secrets without good reason.”
Which wasn’t really what Akira had meant. But it was a safe avenue forward. He admitted, “I’m a little scared.”
“I know.”
That was comforting. Akira quietly said, “I’m even more scared for Inti.”
“As am I.”
“And there are kids. A bunch of them.” Risking a look into Suuzu’s eyes, he said, “They’re probably scared, too.”
Suuzu’s expression softened. “Because they do not know that help is on the way.”
“I’m sorry for being so ….” Akira didn’t have a word for himself. Only knew he might be missing something Suuzu needed. So he cleared his throat and pushed back his plate. “We should probably make the most of the next few days.”
“Hmm,” his friend calmly agreed.
“Hey, Suuzu?”
“Hmm?”
Akira mumbled, “I’m not sure how to do that.”
“Yes, you do.” Suuzu’s eyes held a smile. “This will do.”
“I’m not doing anything.”
“You are.”
He slumped into his best friend and prompted, “What am I doing?”
“Leaning into my side. Waiting for my words. Calming as I speak them.”
“If that’s the most I’m capable of, I feel kind of pitiful.”
Suuzu warbled softly. “Did you know that an Amaranthine tree may need seventy or eighty years before they are ready for their first bloom?”
“Okaaay.” Akira frowned. “Is that a crack about my possibly being tree-kin?”
“No.”
“I’m not sure I get most Amaranthine proverbs.” Akira shook his head. “I might only live another seventy or eighty years.”
“I have not given up.” Suuzu angled his head to indicate his tattoo. “Neither have you.”
“Today, nippets. Tomorrow, a treehouse of our own?”
“If you like.”
Akira mumbled. “It wouldn’t have to be anything fancy. Even a hammock would do.”
“I know how to build,” said Suuzu.
“Umm … sure. If you like.”
