Page 116 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Argent’s lips twitched in the direction of a real smile, which was unsettling in a new way. He sweetly asked, “You were hoping I would provide a means of escape? Do you believe your interest is somehow inappropriate?”
“I have responsibilities.”
The fox snorted. “You will not be the first person to face balancing official obligations with the needs of their bonding. Allowances can be made. They were for me.”
Juuyu gaped.
Argent smoothly asked, “Do you dislike the woman?”
“No.”
“Is the attachment mutual?”
He thought that might be going too far. “I am hardly free to ….”
“Does Zuzu approve?”
Juuyu could only stare at his hands. “Trees usually do.”
“Higgledy-piggledy?”
“Zuzu is no sapling. Years have a way of adding discernment.”
Argent sighed. “Why are you being evasive?”
Juuyu opened his mouth, closed it again, and weighed his words. “Because I could sing here.”
“Then sing.”
“It is not that simple. I am in an awkward position where courtship is concerned.”
Argent hummed. “You are a tribute.”
“I am a tribute.”
The fox’s hand settled on his shoulder. “Do you need a go-between?”
None of this was going as he’d expected. Juuyu fidgeted unhappily. “Are you contemplating the strategic value of a beacon-bound phoenix in the conflict to come?”
“No.” Argent’s tails drifted closer, surrounding Juuyu in silver. “I was contemplating the unique challenges presented by youngsters with wings.”
Juuyu wondered if such a thing would please Fumiko.
Argent’s tone turned thoughtful. “I think you are wrong, by the way.”
“About …?”
“Twineshaft.” With the hint of a smile, Argent said, “It is my private opinion that love marked him deeply. And compels him, still.”
FORTY
Down to Business
Akira tried to explain the various methods his friends had used to trigger the sigil. “Michael described it as ‘getting in touch with basic instincts,’ which would probably scare most people. But Argent and Sensei and Ginkgo and … uhh. What are you doing?”
Instead of pulling the collar down, Suuzu had switched to pushing the T-shirt up.
“Access,” he grumbled.
