Page 112 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“Like most things, it depends on the context. But attention is always a good thing with avians. They like receiving it, so it always means something when they give it.” Jiminy went right on. “The most famous contemporary example of avian romance is Ash Sunfletch’s courtship of Tamiko Reaverson. Did you follow that?”
“A little,” said Fumiko. “After we met him, Diva set up one of the library computers so I could watch Crossing America.”
Akira shook his head. “I know about it, but nope. Never watched any of it.”
Which was strange, really. He might have been interested, since there was an avian crosser involved. Plus, Akira knew for a fact that Argent had acted as Ash’s and Tami’s go-between.
“Gifts were part of the show’s schtick, right from the start. At every enclave Ash visited, they’d present him with a gift, usually something of local significance. Always something small. Just a trinket, really. And Ash would bring it home to Tami as a courting gift.”
“That’s a lot of gifts,” said Fumiko. “Aren’t there six full seasons already?”
“Are they still courting?” asked Akira.
“No, but Tami still receives tokens of affection from Ash’s travels. It’s tradition now, after so many years.”
As Jiminy went on to describe the initial courting gift, to be followed by smaller tokens, Akira tried not to think about how much it sounded like his gift to Suuzu. Had he accidentally proposed to his best friend? Surely, Suuzu would have mentioned something. Set him straight. Turned him down. Explained.
When Fumiko ran off, presumably in search of an appropriate gift for Juuyu, Akira latched onto Jiminy’s wrist and all but groveled in the sand. “What if I gave a gift that was definitely a big deal?”
“Did Suuzu accept it?”
“Well, yeah.” He didn’t really want to explain the circumstances, so he mumbled, “It was a really good gift.”
“And he was happy to receive it?”
“He definitely was.” Thinking back, Akira admitted, “He seemed … surprised? But glad.”
Jiminy adjusted his hands so they were grasping each other’s wrists. “And you’ve continued to give him things?”
“Small stuff. Things he’d like.” Akira was embarrassed to admit, “I mostly just buy snacks at the convenience store, and we share. But we have this … I guess you’d call it a collection. When we find something really nice that fits, we add it.”
“Does he reciprocate? Does he give you presents?”
“Nope. Never.” Akira slowly shifted his posture into one of dominance. “I’ve always been more outgoing, so I almost always take the initiative. Oh. I did get a set of traditional clothes to wear for events. I’d borrowed things before, but these were tailored to me. I think Juuyu arranged for them.”
“Okay. I think Suuzu accepted your present in the spirit it was intended, and he doesn’t think you’re courting. That’s why he’s careful not to reciprocate. That would give the wrong impression. However, the gift of clothes is significant.”
“It is?” Akira asked faintly.
“Not to pry, but was your initial gift costly or intimate or … something he could wear?”
“Yes. All those things.” Really, that was an understatement. Suuzu wore his necklace obsessively, and Akira was only beginning to understand the cost he’d incurred by trading favors with Boon.
“Chances are that’s why Juuyu responded with such a lavish gift—the crest and clothes.” Jiminy bobbled his hands back and forth. “Amaranthine often strive for balance. It also means that your gift was formally accepted by his clan.”
Akira cleared his throat. “My name was added to the family registry.”
Jiminy’s eyebrows shot up, and he fished a crystal from a pocket. With a sign for secrecy, he waited until it was clasped between their palms before quipping, “The trees have ears. May I be blunt?”
“That would be helpful.”
“If you’re happy, be happy. You have a good friend.” Despite the privacy he’d secured, Jiminy lowered his voice. “But if you’re inclined to bond and build, be sure your next gift includes a bit of eggshell. Your phoenix will understand.”
THIRTY-EIGHT
Entourage
Akira had attended enough official functions—including Kimi’s courting of Quen—to understand how his foxish brother-in-law operated. Argent could stroll calmly through a crowd, clasping hands and accepting greetings with as much serenity as Hisoka Twineshaft. If he wanted to be seen. But if he was minding the time or protecting a companion, there was a ruthless glint in Argent’s eye, and people simply didn’t notice him.
