Page 64 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Loath as he was to admit the truth, Juuyu said, “No.”
“Right. Then we go forward, but like gentlemen.” Akira turned to face their hostess. “It’s true. He really isn’t angry. This is his focus face. When he’s working, Juuyu can be pretty scary.”
Juuyu eased into a more neutral posture. How many times had this young man taken charge of Suuzu in this manner? Juuyu knew full well that his younger brother was maturing into a skilled diplomat, a true spokesperson. Very likely in direct proportion to the time he spent with Akira.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Akira was asking.
“As long as he doesn’t throw anything away,” Fumiko answered.
“Right. Thanks ever so. I’ll make sure of it.” And then Akira was back in Juuyu’s personal space, hands framing his face. “You may have six hours, from the hour after I fall asleep until the hour before I wake. That should work, right?”
Juuyu didn’t break eye contact. “I promised Suuzu ….”
“I’ll be asleep whether you’re staring right at me or sorting bottlecaps in the next room.” Akira turned to address Fumiko again. “This is going to be just fine. He’ll be more at ease if you let him do his thing. Juuyu will work at night, while we’re asleep. So it won’t really be a problem.”
“Only at night?” Fumiko looked between them. “All night?”
“You’ll still get the lullabies I promised.” Akira’s posture shifted into a pleading pose. “I promised.”
Juuyu was in no position to refuse.
Akira went right on. “He’ll still be gone all day, though. He was sent here to do a job, and it’s important, too.”
Fumiko smiled tentatively.
“Can you do it this way?” Akira searched Juuyu’s face. “You won’t get in trouble with Boon if you spend time on a personal project?”
Juuyu shook his head. Boon wasn’t the issue. Argent represented a far more devastating threat if the bait was plucked from his trap.
Everything sank in then. Akira had brokered a deal that allowed Juuyu to neaten this nest. He could gather and sort and study … and fit together the jumbled pieces of Fumiko’s life. Once he fully understood her position, he might be able to help her and Zuzu. Improve their way of life. All while attending to his duties as a member of Hisoka’s team.
“You’re secretly pleased,” Akira accused in an undertone.
“The timing is terrible.”
Akira sighed. “Sorry, Juuyu. I tried to keep you safe. Why didn’t you use the window like we agreed?”
With a frown, Juuyu tried to think back. “I do not remember.”
“What’s done is done. And it’s temporary, right?”
“In what sense?”
“You’re acting leader,” Akira reasoned. “So you’re only in charge until Boon gets back.”
Already tallying the collection of ramekins on a sideboard, Juuyu distractedly answered, “Boon is not coming. You are going to him.”
“Wh-what?”
Akira’s stunned expression brought Juuyu back into stark focus. Too soon. Far too soon. All of the arrangements were not yet complete. And if Akira told Suuzu, everything would become … difficult.
TWENTY-THREE
Rockabye
Fumiko wanted Juuyu to stay. That part was simple. But Akira had explained enough for her to understand that the only way that was happening was if Juuyu was comfortable here. So why did letting him rearrange things to his liking make her uncomfortable?
When Juuyu studied the contents of a cupboard or a drawer, what did he see? Did he think her foolish to cling to reminders? Was it pitiful that she needed them? And where was Zuzu?
