Page 20 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Haphazard at Best
Akira excused himself from dinner early. The people who lived under Zuzu’s branches were a cheerful, chatty bunch. With the possible exception of Diva, who spent a lot of time dishing out quelling looks. But Akira was having trouble following the conversations. Probably jet lag setting in. And he’d barely started fixing up his room.
“I need to finish unpacking,” he murmured to Sinder.
The dragon leaned close. “Need help?”
“You’ve got work, yeah?”
“More than usual. But I’m guessing you have your own challenges?”
“Understatement.”
“Juuyu won’t be happy if either of us slacks off.” Sinder glanced furtively around the room. “Do your best. Holler if you need heavy lifting.”
With abundant thanks to all assembled, Akira padded stocking-footed up the stairs, mentally rolling up his sleeves. “What would Suuzu do?” he muttered under his breath.
And since he really needed to know, Akira stood back, snapped a picture, and texted it.
What would you do?
Where are you?
This is the room I’ll be sharing with Juuyu
The phone rang in his hand.
“Hey,” he said wearily.
“Is my brother there?”
“Nope. He’s at a meeting. I have two, maybe three hours to save his sanity.”
Suuzu warbled worriedly.
“I know, I know. Can’t really stop to explain.” Akira softly added, “But I’d welcome some advice. Like where to start.”
“Show me the room. I will endeavor to help.”
Akira sent snapshots, and Suuzu devised a plan of attack.
“I wish I was there.”
“No way,” retorted Akira. “This would stress you out.”
“I do wish it.” Suuzu’s tone went all stiff and stubborn.
“How long before you can get away?”
“There are many variables. Two weeks. Perhaps three. Argent is back, and he has no patience for quibbling.”
“He’s back? From where?”
“I could not say. We have done little more than exchange nods across chambers.”
“Maybe he’s giving you time to cool down,” teased Akira. “Since he approved this trip.”
Suuzu sighed. “I am not angry.”
