Page 52 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
The tree clearly wasn’t satisfied. “Juuyu didn’t come to bed.”
“He did.” Feeling bad for leaving the ladies out, Akira tried to explain. “He made a promise to watch over me when I sleep. So he was with me.”
“There was a barrier.”
“Yes. Sorry.”
Zuzu demanded, “You will sleep here tonight. And every night.”
Akira answered carefully. “From now on, while I’m staying here, I’ll use my room.”
“And Juuyu.”
“I can’t promise for him.”
She huffed. “But he made a promise to watch over you.”
“Yes, but … well. Sometimes there are emergencies, so don’t be mad if he can’t always be right here. Actually, sometimes, he might ask you to watch over my sleep.”
Zuzu blinked. “Really?”
“Next time I see him, I’ll remind him that he owes you and Fumiko a lullaby.”
She beamed at him. “I’ll go tell her!”
And in a twinkling, Akira was alone again. Or as alone as anyone could be while in reach of a tree.
After breakfast, when Akira came down from one last quick trip to his room, Fumiko was waiting at the foot of the stairs. She barred his way, even as she pointed to the door. “Sinder says he’ll be waiting in the farmer’s market. Antigone thought he should meet the people who run it.”
“Are they Amaranthine?”
“Usually.”
“Only sometimes?” Akira couldn’t help smiling. Fumiko seemed to want to say something, and it wasn’t about fruits and vegetables.
“Different people come. Sometimes they’re reavers.” She edged closer. “Akira?”
He took a receptive posture. “What’s up, Fumiko?”
“Zuzu says you’ll stay with us tonight?”
“Yes. I will.”
“You and Juuyu?”
“That’s the plan. I’ll talk to him about it.” Nodding toward the door, he added, “I’m going to where he is now. Say, do you want anything from the gift shop?”
Her expression softened. “I like things. They last longer.”
“Hey, it’s too soon to be looking for stuff to remember me by. I’m right here.”
Fumiko touched his hair and stepped out of his way. “Go, then. But don’t forget to return.”
“I’ll be back,” Akira promised. “And I’ll bring something to share.”
NINETEEN
Buzz
