Page 158 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Akira stood to do just that, only to have Suuzu catch his arm with an impatient sound that was decidedly new. At least to Akira. “Are you clucking at me?”
Sinder said, “First time? The chicken noises have always felt negative to me. And impolite. He’s definitely scolding you.”
Juuyu coolly asked, “Chicken noises?”
“Careful,” warned Sinder. “You wouldn’t want to say anything that might insult our cozy friends.”
Similarly miffed, Suuzu grumbled, “I was not finished.”
Akira shook his head. “Just ask Michael about it once we’re home.”
“Argent probably knows more than he has mentioned,” said Juuyu.
“Understatement of the century,” said Sinder, waving them off.
When Suuzu didn’t let go, Akira simply towed him out of the guesthouse and along the sidewalk toward the crystal gate. Ever since yesterday, Argent had taken over the back room of Flutterbys, turning it into some kind of bonsai clinic. Apparently, Tabi-otosan was overdue for some pampering.
Rapping lightly on the screen door, Akira let himself in.
Argent spared them an impatient look, then went back to comparing sketches of complex sigilcraft with Jiminy and Rafter. Tabi-otosan sat on the counter a short distance from them, kicking his heels and looking bored.
“Come out and play?” whispered Akira.
The tree perked up, shot a moody look at the well-meaning cabal, and vanished. He tapped Akira’s shoulder from behind and included Suuzu in his plea. “The beach?”
They trooped down onto the sand and settled together before Akira asked, “Would you let me see you? Really see you?”
With a small nod, Tabi-otosan … changed. And tensed, as if awaiting criticism.
The differences were relatively small. Typical stuff that any Amaranthine in hiding tweaked in order to fit in with humans. His ears now came to points. Fine lines traced his skin, which seemed more luminous somehow. Younger. Ageless. But the real showstoppers were his flowers. Tiny red blooms began at the crown of his head and cascaded over straight black hair in a lavish display. And his eyes.
“You have red eyes,” Akira whispered.
The tree quickly lowered his gaze.
“No, no! It’s not bad. In a way, it’s perfect. Say, can I reintroduce you to the family?” Bringing out his phone, he suggested, “It’s about time we told Tsumiko the good news.”
“Please.”
Akira tapped, explaining, “Time difference won’t matter much. Sis keeps odd hours because … oh, hey! You okay to talk for a little while? I’m here with Tabi-otosan. Or … Haji-oji, if that’s more comfortable for you.”
“You found him?”
“Yeah. He’s safe, and Argent’s getting him ready for travel.” Akira asked, “Any chance Kyrie is close by?”
“Right here.”
“You okay with switching to video? I think Kyrie needs to meet his grandfather.”
“I’m giving Kyrie the phone.”
And then the boy’s light voice carried through. “Uncle Akira?”
“Right here! You good?”
“I am well.” And then a chime sounded, inviting Akira to chat face-to-face.
“There you are!” Akira aimed his phone a little to the side. “Suuzu made it here.”
