Page 90 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“I have Tsumiko.”
“She is nearest to you, but she is not your only sister. There have been brothers as well.”
“We have family?”
Tabi-oji nodded urgently.
“Where?”
“Here and there. Siblings and half-siblings.” He quietly offered, “Come with me, and I could show you all the roads I have traveled.”
“Come with me,” Akira countered. “I can introduce you to two phoenixes. And the trackers who’ve been training to take on a dragon. And … and Sis. Tsumiko will want to know about you and about Dad and about a family we’ve never met.”
“Almost, you persuade me.” Tabi-oji gently withdrew his hand. “I am sorry that we cannot share any more sandwiches.”
“I want to help!”
Tabi-oji stood and solemnly shook his head. “You would need to walk away. You would need to become a wanderer like your true father.”
“Wait!” Akira leapt to his feet, desperate to hold the man back. “Wait … what?”
Without warning, Tabi-oji stepped forward, pulling Akira into a firm embrace. The bells in his kanzashi tinkled lightly, and the scent of home grew stronger.
“You are my boy.” He patted Akira’s hair. “But I must put my Naoki first. Just as you must put your nestmate first.”
Akira grabbed hold. “Are you trying to say that you’re my father?”
Tabi-oji leaned back and beamed. “Naoki even gave you my name.”
“Your name is Akira, too?”
“No, leafling.” He glanced along the street. Another trolly was coming. With a quick kiss and a quicker wink, Tabi-oji said, “My name is Hajime.”
And he vanished.
THIRTY
Link
Akira was so rattled, he almost forgot his promise to Jacques. Back in Jacaranda Circle, he sat on the library porch, feet dangling, arms over a rail, while he tapped a quick message.
I’m fine
But I need Argent
My lord and master is currently away
Without you?
Simple escort mission
K&L have a playdate with Ever
No public appearances, so he can
be as slovenly as he pleases
How long will they be gone?
