Page 21 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“Yes, you are.”
“A little,” he conceded.
“I’m sorry.”
“You regret the trip?”
“Nooo.” Akira laughed weakly. “But I don’t like for you to worry.”
“You are safe and well, and you have been kind enough to remind me of this at regular intervals.” In conciliatory tones, Suuzu added, “The pictures are welcome.”
“I’ll keep sending them. Just like always.”
“Good. Now, will you tell me about your day?”
“Can I put you on speaker? We can talk while I start rearranging.”
Akira cleared the section of floor nearest the balcony doors, then dragged the mattress off the bed and arranged it in the center. Next, he used boxes—and other easily-stacked items—to make a wall. There was no way he could put everything away. So Suuzu had suggested hiding it. Finding blankets in the closet, Akira draped everything he could and stepped back to survey his handiwork.
Bare floor. Balcony. Bed.
If you didn’t look too closely, it might work. Akira snapped pictures and sent them along. “I think it’s gonna have to be good enough. For tonight.”
“It is much improved,” Suuzu said diplomatically.
“There isn’t room for him to take truest form.”
“Even so, Brother promised to watch over your sleep in my stead.”
“He’s as good as his word. You know that.”
“I seem to need reminding.” Melancholy was creeping back into Suuzu’s tone.
“Can do. So! Is there anything you can tell me about your day?”
“Very little of interest.” Suuzu’s tone shifted, and he added, “Isla seems unhappy.”
“She’s there?”
“In Hisoka’s place. She often speaks on his behalf, since she is his apprentice.”
“What’s got her down?”
“She has not confided in me.”
“Best guess?” Amaranthine were perceptive in many ways, and Suuzu knew Isla quite well.
“I believe she is frustrated by the current necessity. Isla speaks for Hisoka in order to ease his burden.”
Akira knew that much. “It must be a big help, having her fill in for him.”
“She is as capable as ever.”
“But …?”
“Perhaps I see it more because I sympathize with her plight. The person Isla most wants to see is always somewhere else.”
Night had fallen, and the shops along Mainsail were closed. However, people gathered at restaurants with big screen sportscasts or patios strung with lights. Juuyu noted salt-rimmed margaritas in a whole range of pastels. Buffalo wings and beer. Carne asada and fish tacos.
