Page 129 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“I am familiar with the custom, but I was referring to your purpose.” Juuyu replaced the plastic egg and selected the hen’s egg. “And this?”
Zuzu chimed in. “Free range. Farm fresh. Certified organic.”
Juuyu accepted that with a nod and exchanged it for the jade carving, which looked very small and insignificant resting on his palm. “I am detecting a theme.”
“Yes. We tried.” Fumiko set her fingertips in his hand, right next to the little nest. “Does it count if the eggshells aren’t actually from eggs?”
“Fumiko?” His fingers curled over hers. “You should listen to your sister.”
She looked expectantly at Zuzu, who was swaying from side to side, hands clasped over her heart. “He wants you to try.”
“Yes, I do.” Juuyu stood straight, stance expectant, gaze averted. “Questions should be asked. Otherwise, how can they be answered?”
Fumiko had been meaning to ask. “Did you like the book?”
Juuyu’s eyes closed, then opened. He calmly answered, “It held my attention to the finish.”
“Is that good?”
He hummed. “It began, and it ended. I prefer things that go on.”
“Vast things?” she asked.
“Yes. I have always been attracted to vastness.”
Fumiko had so many questions. She was probably asking them out of order, but she wanted to know. “Do you like kisses?”
“I am frequently subjected to them. Usually by trees. Since ancient times, trees have used kisses to entice, but they are a common greeting in the groves.”
Which wasn’t what she’d meant at all. “I’m not a tree.”
“I am aware.” With a soft sigh, Juuyu said, “If you need a go-between, Argent has volunteered.”
“Why would he do that?”
“He is good at arranging things.”
Fumiko wasn’t impressed. “You are my chronicler. I don’t want anyone but you arranging my things.”
Juuyu inclined his head. “Will you ask your question if I first promise that my answer will be yes?”
She clung more tightly to his hand. “You’ll agree?”
“I do not think I could refuse you anything.”
“Even if I want kisses?”
He inclined his head graciously. “I will not object.”
“Even if I want forever?”
“I would insist.”
Fumiko could hardly believe it. “You’d stay?”
Juuyu hesitated. “My duties take me to many places, but I would know my way home.”
“Does that mostly mean yes?” Fumiko asked.
