Page 137 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Akira toyed with the ring that probably wasn’t working, now that Suuzu had let go. “You saw how Zuzu came in, right? Tabi-oji’s the same. Popping in and out. I’m not sure why you say he’s caught. Any tree would be nearly impossible to catch.”
“Your Uncle Socks—or perhaps we should call him Papa Socks—is a tree, isn’t he?” Jacques slid the ring onto Akira’s finger and covered his hand. “What does he need?”
What was he supposed to say? Regular watering and plenty of sunshine? “He wants Naoki.” That much was sure. The rest was harder to guess at.
“And he wants you.”
Akira shook his head. “He wants me to help him get to Naoki.”
“So you’re a means to an end?”
“Nooo. I think he cares about me and Sis.” His gaze slid sideways to where Suuzu stood listening to Fumiko, the wooden box now cradled in his hands. “But he cares about Naoki first … and most.”
“Because Naoki is his twin?”
“I don’t think so. No, he can’t be. Tabi-oji mentioned running away together. And he uses Naoki’s given name instead of calling him ‘Brother.’”
Jacques asked, “So they’re together by choice? Like a couple?”
“I don’t know exactly. I didn’t have the chance to ask much of anything.”
Uncle Jackie said, “Well, one thing’s easily sorted. Zuzu?”
She was on the bed in an enthusiastic instant. “There has been a lot of kissing,” she reported.
“I can only approve.” Jacques immediately changed the subject. “Do you love Fumiko’s children?”
“Yes. Always.” Zuzu’s expression gentled. “They are ours.”
“And have you ever had a child of your own?”
Her smile tipped to a sultry angle. “If you find me good pollen, I could give you a child.”
“Very generous, I’m sure.” Jacques asked, “What about Akira, here? If he was one of Fumiko’s children, what would you do?”
Zuzu scooted closer and practically crooned, “Keep him safe. Keep him close. Keep him happy.”
“Could you find him, no matter where he was?” pressed Jacques.
“Not if he’s in the guesthouse,” she admitted. “Not if he takes the trolly.”
Wards. Barriers. Distance.
“But if I was nearby, you’d know?” Akira asked.
“Yes. Always.”
And then she was gone, wreathing herself around Suuzu, who seemed right at home with this sort of attention.
Jacques hummed in a satisfied way. “I’m quite sure Argent’s plan will work, but it lacks a certain … balance. I’ll speak with him before the night is out. Plenty of time to adapt before the shops open tomorrow.”
“You want to change Argent’s plan?”
Lips pressed to Akira’s forehead. “He does listen to me, you know.”
Only then did it occur to Akira that this whole time, he’d been cuddling with Uncle Jackie, just like a crosser in the naproom. They were pressed closer than humans usually got … unless they were lovers.
“Umm …?”
