Page 8 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Melody interjected, “That was a traditional greeting my dear. It’s from the lullabies of trees.”
“I don’t know them.” Zuzu backed away.
Juuyu wondered if he’d offended her, but she’d only gone to collect her sister. Tugging Fumiko closer, Zuzu caught his hand and raised it to her sister’s face. “Her, too.”
For they were two.
He’d known their safehouse was under the limbs of an orphan tree. When he’d studied the file, he’d merely been grateful for a convenient location.
Foolish.
Selfish.
Here were two meant for the community of groves. Hemmed in by humans, with no room to sow new seeds.
Used to indulging the whims of trees, Juuyu repeated the greeting for Fumiko, translating it into English. “May the scent of flowers linger in your dreams. May the blessing of trees linger in your embrace.”
Fumiko leaned into his touch. “I want to hear the lullabies you sing for this boy.”
“Hey! I’m older than I look,” Akira grumbled. “I’m twenty-six, I’ll have you know.”
A pointless protest, since he made it in Japanese. But before Juuyu could translate, Fumiko pulled Akira into her arms. “Maybe so, but you remind me of Remi. Don’t you think so, Zuzu?”
Zuzu shimmied her way into the hug and kissed the top of Akira’s head. “Mm-hmm. But Remi had freckles.”
Juuyu drummed his fingers against Akira’s shoulder, four soft taps.
Immediately, the young man relaxed into the sisters’ embrace.
Over the years, Akira and Suuzu had worked out many useful signals. Juuyu suspected that this one had become necessary because Akira had first visited their island as a young teen. In essence, the signal meant, this is customary. Perhaps a truer interpretation would be, do not lend human meanings to Amaranthine affections.
Akira had always adapted quickly. “I have a sister, too,” he shared. “Her name’s Tsumiko.”
Zuzu giggled. “Rhymes with Fumiko.”
“Nice. Do you like words?”
“I like names,” countered the tree. “We’ve given so many!”
Akira seemed to be tracking fine with the English. “You give names. Who is named?”
“Babies.” Zuzu rested her cheek against Akira’s hair. “I love all our babies. Like Remi with freckles. He was always playing on the shore.”
“Kids are great.” Akira addressed Fumiko. “You’re a mom?”
“Sometimes.”
Her eyes were old for reasons Juuyu could guess. Tree-kin might share their twin’s years, but if they were human, they usually outlived the families they created. This would be especially true of an orphan tree. Fumiko didn’t have the option of taking another tree-kin for a husband.
Rechecking his pocket watch, Juuyu realigned his priorities. “Go meet the dragon. He is also with me. Akira, perhaps you can explain? I must hurry to my next meeting.”
“We’re good,” promised Akira, as easygoing as ever. “Take care of your stuff. We’ll see you after.”
“And sing for us,” demanded Zuzu.
Juuyu breathed deeply, savored a small burst of anticipation, and repeated, “Yes. I believe I could sing here.”
The safehouse was truly convenient to the museum. Hisoka had chosen well. Juuyu only checked his watch twice during the drive because they arrived before he could fret further. His appointment was for five o’clock, closing time.
