Page 141 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Akira asked, “Is it terrible, outliving someone you love?”
“Sometimes.” Fumiko patted around until she found his hand and fitted her fingers between his. “I think love is a vastness. The more you give, the less you lose. Because your love returns to you in a thousand shining remembrances.”
FORTY-NINE
Trinkets
After spending so many days wishing Suuzu was at his side, Akira felt incredibly awkward asking for ten minutes alone. And maybe even a little foolish over summoning Zuzu to help. But Suuzu had asked no questions, and Zuzu was eager to please. Which put Akira past the crystal gate in a twinkling.
“Rafter?” he called, keeping his back to the wall behind the library. “Rafter? Do you have a minute?”
Wind-and-Tide’s concierge strolled into the alley, tugging at his dreadlocks with a troubled expression. “As glad as I am to see you this fine morning, you have to know you’re on the wrong side of all our safeguards.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Akira took a pleading posture. “Rafter, I need something.”
With a grin that suggested all was forgiven, he said, “Anything you need, friend. What have you set your heart on?”
Akira turned the English phrase around in his mind. Was his heart set? Maybe so.
Rafter gently poked his chest. “What I mean to say is … what do you want so much, you’d ask old Rafter to make it happen? Because I can. Make things happen, that is.”
“Yeah. But this might be hard.” Akira took a steadying breath. “I heard there’s something special about gifts that include an eggshell. Or … a piece of eggshell. For avians.”
“What can I say? It’s true. Even counts as common knowledge in these parts.” Rafter’s smile was sympathetic as he fished a ring of keys out of his pocket. “I’ll show you.”
Rafter led the way to the back of Melody’s shop, which was still closed for business. An alley door led into a narrow back room with a long counter, deep sinks, and dozens of vases. But Rafter didn’t stop until they were in the front of the dim shop, standing before a spinner.
“Because Flutterbys appeared on Crossing America, they have a special license to sell these. They’re very popular with tourists. All the rage at Valentine’s Day. And lately, folks have taken to giving them as engagement gifts.”
Akira gaped at the spinner, which held at least thirty avian courting gifts.
Rafter continued in a businesslike tone. “These here in this section are made from crow eggs, which are considered authentic, since Ash’s first gift to Tami was a locket on this order. But as you can see, quail, pheasant, and robin eggs are just as popular.”
Lifting one down, Akira fiddled with its latch and peered into a tiny, silver-lined compartment. It was hardly bigger than a reliquary. And just as empty as the one he’d given Suuzu. So this sort of thing was commonplace? He was disappointed.
“Avian courtship is fashionable in the States.”
Akira dipped his head. “These are nice.”
“But …?”
“They are not … unique?” He replaced the necklace.
Rafter’s eyes sparkled. “Mass-produced not good enough for a one-of-a-kind feeling?”
“Yes.” That was exactly it. “Isn’t there something else?”
“Just so I’m not assuming, is this gift intended for a certain young phoenix?”
“Suuzu,” Akira confirmed. “I mean … if he wanted. I think he’s been waiting …?”
Hands upraised, Rafter gently said, “Say no more. Unless you want to say it. In which case, I’m all ears.”
A funny phrase, but Akira couldn’t bring himself to smile. “I do love him. I know I do. I’ve always assumed we’d be together. I just didn’t think about … being together.”
Rafter nodded. “Not every web is cluttered with flies, for some still spin for dewdrops.”
“Which means …?”
