Page 80 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Entirely smug, Sinder stepped back to make room for Fumiko. Now that she was closer, Juuyu could see the miniscule flecking of paint on her skin. More smears decorated her arms and the tips of the fingers that reached for him.
Sinder looked worried.
Juuyu shifted into a receptive posture to ease his mind.
“Will you?” Fumiko asked, trailing a finger along his jawline. “You would make a very nice canvas. I want to try.”
“He might not like it.” Sinder’s gaze jumped between them. “Too messy …?”
“I would hardly call Fumiko’s handiwork messy. Also, body paint is a part of certain phoenix traditions.”
“You will? Oh, thank you!” She tugged at his suit coat. “Undress for me.”
Juuyu simply inclined his head and retreated toward the guesthouse.
Sinder hurried after him. “I packed our swimming stuff. Jacques insisted.”
“Why?”
“Are you kidding? There’s a beach at our back door.”
While Juuyu changed into an orange fundoshi, he asked, “How is Moon.”
“Still completely conked. You know, you’re next on the docket for some downtime. How are you holding up?”
“Well enough.”
“Portia’s good about tending. Want me to talk to her about giving you a session.”
“No, thank you.”
Sinder frowned. “You’ve been expending like crazy. There’s no way you’re not dragging.”
Juuyu sighed. “Zuzu will look after me.”
“Trees don’t tend.” Eyes widening, Sinder whispered, “Fumiko?”
He merely hummed.
“Is that … safe?”
Juuyu didn’t have an answer for that. He carefully gathered and twisted the length of his hair, and Sinder scrambled to locate hair sticks.
“You may be a bird of prey, but that doesn’t mean you can’t become prey.” The dragon fussed and fidgeted and finally asked, “How far gone are you?”
“I have not gone anywhere,” Juuyu assured. “I am right here.”
“Cut the crap. You know what I mean.” Sinder’s tone took on an edge. “Do you know how much I miss Zisa and Waaseyaa? It’s been what …? Six weeks? And there are nights when I just want to get back to where they are. Because it was good there.”
Juuyu understood all too well.
“And I miss him.” He looked away. “I miss Timur.”
“That is only natural.”
“They were careful with me. Excruciatingly careful, and I’m still in withdrawal.” Sinder’s posture turned pleading. “Is Fumiko a beacon?”
His voice nearly failed him. “Yes. She is.”
