Page 22 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
An ice cream shop had a line half a block long, and in passing, Juuyu inadvertently memorized all twenty-six flavors, as well as the posted specials at a tiny sushi shop that Sinder might like.
Once Juuyu realized he was collecting the names of every beach cottage, he shut his eyes. When working, it could be difficult to stop. And at a time like this, the last thing he needed was extraneous details.
Candor pulled up in front of Jacaranda Circle, which was hushed and seemingly empty. But Sinder stepped out of the shadows, ready to usher him past the barrier.
“Tuned crystals?”
“Only the finest! Here’s your temporary pass, since their ward turns in early.”
Pocketing a sigil-laced stone, Juuyu grimly relayed, “There has been a development. Where is Hallow set up?”
“Main room of the guesthouse. Which you need to ward, by the way.”
“Why?”
Sinder hunched his shoulders and mumbled, “You can ward against trees, right?”
Juuyu simply patted his partner’s back. He knew several ways to politely dissuade Zuzu from manifesting inside the guesthouse. “There have been signs of tampering at the museum.”
“That was quick.”
“I am sending Hallow over tonight.”
“And Colt?”
“No. He will take a daylight shift. With you.”
Inside the guesthouse, Juuyu peered suspiciously at a door with a handwritten sign taped to it. “Why is that room forbidden.”
“Just a storeroom.”
Sinder might have been more convincing if Juuyu wasn’t immune to a dragon’s sway.
His partner added, “You really don’t want to know.”
Sinder and Hallow gave reports while Juuyu systematically worked his way through the house, warding walls and windows. The task was familiar enough to be relaxing, especially with the steady roll of surf to soothe him.
He checked his pocket watch against the clock on the wall. “That timepiece is twenty seconds slow.”
Sinder sighed, but he synchronized them.
Only then did Juuyu register that it was nearly two in the morning. “I have been remiss. Akira will be asleep by now.”
“He waited up. Colt’s keeping him company,” reported Hallow.
“See you for sparring in the morning?” checked Sinder.
“Only if Akira rises early enough.” Juuyu would not be stinting in his responsibilities to a nestmate. “He will be travel weary.”
“You’re looking a little strained yourself.” Sinder narrowed his eyes. “How many wards did you have to set up at the museum?”
“Enough to assure that I can rest easy tonight.”
“I’ll be off.” Hallow touched Juuyu’s shoulder in passing. “Unless you want tending?”
Juuyu declined.
Sinder scowled.
