Page 155 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Lashes fluttered, and the tree tentatively nodded. And as if they’d entered into their own negotiations, Hajime quietly countered, “May I see Tsumiko again?”
Argent tested soil, touched bark and caressed a tiny leaf. “I would demand it, if it were not so presumptuous. Come to us if you will, and find welcome.”
Diva growled then. “We are not finished.”
Argent and Juuyu remained where they were, seated at Hajime’s feet.
With an apologetic bow, Jacques said, “A thousand apologies, Fumiko. Please, continue.”
This was it.
Fumiko said, “Hajime and I have already come to an agreement. He will not cooperate with you unless you cooperate with us. Indeed, he would not be here at all, if not for the thing that Zuzu and I want.”
“Also bold! I am giddy with anticipation.” Jacques’ smile was encouraging. “What are your demands?”
“Zuzu and I want a grove.”
Into the sudden silence, Juuyu spoke. “Amaranthine trees require a great deal of room. This setting is less than ideal for expansion.”
Fumiko stood her ground. “I know Hajime’s story. I know what I’m asking for.”
All eyes turned to the tree.
“I am Hajime. I am the first.” His hands caressed the earthenware pot that defined both his limits and his freedom. “I was not the last.”
Juuyu asked, “There are more trees like you? Like this?”
“Yes. Many more.” Hajime sought Sinder’s gaze. “Kodoku and his kin have long toyed with the lives of Impressions—mingling and mangling.”
Sinder sucked in a breath and swore in an almost reverent tone. “A name. We finally have a name.”
Everyone was talking at once, an eager, urgent jumble, but Diva’s growl cut through, and the group sheepishly gave their full attention to Fumiko.
“Rescue those trees, and bring them here,” Fumiko begged. “Let us become their safe haven. Let them become our grove.”
Argent formed a simple hand sign, which was quickly matched by every person in the room.
“So it has been agreed. So let it be done.” Jacques softly clapped his hands and bowed to Fumiko. “Leave the rest to us.”
FIFTY-THREE
Trade with Me
The Farroost brothers were in fine form, perched together amidst Zuzu’s topmost branches, piping their way through a song Akira was sure he’d never heard them sing before. In fact, the longer it went on, the surer he was that Suuzu didn’t know it either.
Relaxing alone in one of the larger hammocks, Akira listened as the melody jumped from one phoenix to the next. Juuyu led, teaching his younger brother his lines. As lessons went, it was lovely. By the time they split into harmonies, the moon was on the rise, which reminded Akira to check his pockets.
He really wasn’t expecting to find anything, yet his fingers bumped a small box that hadn’t been there earlier. Curious as he was about what Rafter had found, Akira would have to wait for more light to inspect the potential gift.
Just knowing he had an option was … good. He’d need to see about paying for it in the morning. He wasn’t sure he wanted to owe another favor, even to someone as easygoing as Rafter.
Akira was still awake hours later, when the song ended in a lilting cascade and Suuzu transformed and slowly slipped down between the branches, gaze locked on his. Lifting a hand in welcome, Akira softly called, “You guys are amazing.”
Suuzu settled on his knees at Akira’s side and fidgeted with the creases in the quilts.
“Are you glad to sing with Juuyu again?”
“It is different now.” He glanced toward the lighthouse tower. “He sings for her.”
