Page 29 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
He didn’t hide from her, but neither did he reach for her. Old and vast. That’s what Zuzu had said. “Are you old?” she murmured.
“Compared to some.”
“Compared to me?”
Juuyu hummed. “I am not sure which of us has the years. Do your people keep records?”
“Sometimes.”
“You have no chronicler?”
“Diva might know. She’s the librarian.”
“If you wish, I will look into the matter.”
The phrase tugged at her memory. Something about wishes. Someone who wanted to grant every one of them. Fumiko wasn’t sure who it had been. Only that it was a good memory.
Juuyu’s quick intake of air preceded a cautious, “Fumiko?”
“I hope you’re older.”
“It is possible.” His tone matched the mood of the soul he’d bared. Polite restraint. Baffled curiosity. “Does it matter?”
“It never mattered before.” She peeped up at his profile in the candlelight. “I wonder what changed?”
“Has something changed?”
“Yes. Everything’s different this time.” She closed her eyes and basked in the secretive thrill of finding another in the darkness. “I might be happy.”
TEN
Fire to the Phoenix
Juuyu wasn’t sure what to make of the woman at his side. Beacon bright, yet not much of a reaver. She clung like a tree, nestled like an Amaranthine, and seemed intrigued by novelties. Her attention often drifted, and her remarks took strange leaps, as if she were carrying on a slightly different conversation. But Fumiko wasn’t part of his investigation, and people weren’t his expertise. Better to leave her to Akira and Sinder.
After tonight.
Definitely tomorrow.
Because her generosity was more than a match for his unanticipated need.
Regular as the clockworks in his pocket watch, Juuyu submitted to a reaver’s tending whenever he was due for a long sleep. It only made sense to optimize the time that would pass while he was deep, so he let Colt arrange the sessions, usually with one of his acquaintances.
Pleasant. Fortifying.
They put him right to sleep.
Not tonight.
Because Fumiko’s soul was rare and untamed.
Perilous. Invigorating.
Some might say he was playing with fire. But wasn’t he a phoenix?
Easing onto his side so that he and Akira were back-to-back, Juuyu settled Fumiko more comfortably in his arms.
“She is sleeping,” murmured Zuzu. “How did you do that?”
