Page 154 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Fumiko hadn’t realized that. “Which two?”
Jiminy rubbed his fingertips together. “I’ve been given charge of the Orchid Saddle and the Bamboo Stave. And Jacques is right. I’d love a look at the Blaze and the Cascade. Though they must all be returned to their rightful places.”
“Eventually,” said Argent.
Sinder spoke up to agree. “Eventually.”
Jacques waved a hand toward the dragon in their midst. “Sinder speaks for Hisoka Twineshaft, who wants information about a rogue dragon who has been running amuck. Akira was under the impression that you can help us.”
Hajime slowly inclined his head. “I believe so.”
“Brilliant.” Jacques smiled warmly at the tree. “And you want … Naoki Hajime.”
“I do.”
Argent sharply interjected, “And the dismissal of all charges with regards to the thefts of the Plum Cascade and the Chrysanthemum Blaze. As well as the attempted thefts of the Orchid Saddle and the Bamboo Stave.”
Jacques glanced Sinder’s way. “Understandable.”
“And,” persisted Argent. “All the personhood and rights afforded to every member of Amaranthine society.”
“A bold move,” accused Jacques. “Are you championing the rights of Impressions now, my lord?”
Suuzu lifted a hand. “He should also insist upon all the provisional rights and courtesies afforded an Amaranthine grove. Including the rights to succor, secrecy, and proliferation.”
“Noted,” said Jacques, with a sidelong look in Fumiko’s direction.
Oh. Were these rights she and Zuzu were meant to have?
She glanced at Diva, who patted her leg and murmured, “Noted.”
“And Tabi-oji needs a passport,” blurted Akira. “Because this tree likes to travel.”
Laughter rippled around the room. And for the first time, Fumiko realized that none of those gathered were even trying to drive a hard bargain. This wasn’t like hammering out a treaty. It was more like Argent Mettlebright was making sure that everyone had the chance to ask for what they needed.
When no further conditions were proposed, Jacques turned to Fumiko and Diva. “Which brings us to the members of this enclave. What is your part in this parlay?”
Fumiko stood and said, “Juuyu.”
He dragged his gaze from the tree in Zuzu’s arms to meet hers. He looked stunned. Maybe even distraught. Would he understand what she was doing? Again, she wished her words could reach him—trust me, trust me, trust me.
“I have a gift for you.”
Juuyu’s stance shifted, and he waited in silence.
Fumiko had been with Akira when he asked Portia, Melody, and Antigone about the pollen of Amaranthine trees. He’d tried more than once to tell Juuyu’s team about the things he’d seen at the museum, and even though those conversations had taken place in Japanese, Fumiko had caught the gist. It had been confusing, seeing the guys ignore Akira’s warnings. Until Hajime revealed himself to her.
“You gave me a gift that wasn’t yours to give, nor mine to keep. Priceless and beautiful and perfect. The flute is uncommonly fine, and it’s song is now a part of me.” Fumiko held her head high. “I had no idea how to find a courting gift to match yours, and yet … I’ve also found something priceless and beautiful and perfect. He isn’t truly mine to give, nor yours to keep. But you can still catch him. Isn’t that why you came?”
Moving to Zuzu, she carefully took the bonsai—which was surprisingly heavy—and brought it to Juuyu. She softly added, “This time, we are the beggars at your door. Here is the enormity of our trust.”
Juuyu took the low earthenware pot, supporting its bottom, cradling its sides. He somehow managed an entire cascade of notes before hurrying to kneel before Hajime. Setting the ancient bonsai across his knees, Juuyu said, “Peace, father of ancients and kindred to time.” Reaching for Hajime’s hand, he kissed it and asked, “Are you well? Do you need anything I can provide?”
“Let me have a look,” grumbled Argent. “I have some experience with bonsai.”
“Some?” scoffed Akira. “Argent has dozens in his conservatory and fusses over every last one of them.”
“They have a certain dignity. And I have a certain sympathy.” Crouching at Juuyu’s side, the fox lifted his hands to Hajime and asked, “May I touch?”
