Page 57 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“Nope.”
“Enjoy your tour of the galleries?”
“Guess so.”
Going through the museum would have been more fun with Suuzu. His best friend would have read every plaque and paused to discuss the finer points of each piece. Always asking for Akira’s own impressions. Because Suuzu liked to learn more about Akira. Stuff Akira didn’t even know about himself. Sure, touring the galleries had been very nice, but it could have been so much nicer.
Shaking his head to redirect his thoughts, Akira said, “I didn’t see Juuyu.”
“He’s probably lurking.” Sinder’s brows drew together. “How do you feel?”
“Fine?”
“Humor me. How would you describe your current mood?”
“Nice?”
Sinder slouched further in his chair. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
“Is that bad?”
“It’s damned weird.” Sinder closed his laptop. “When I’m on a job, I’m always keyed up. Focused. Quick to make connections. Hang on. I’m going to check something. Sit tight.”
Akira answered texts while the dragon made a circuit of the lobby. Sinder ordered something from Masterpiece Sandwiches, chatting with the workers while he waited. After that, he moved on to Brew & Bubble. Having added two brightly colored drinks to his collection, he strolled back.
Sliding the heaped tray onto the table, Sinder indicated one of the plates. “Behold, the Harmonious!”
Layers of toasted bread and cold cuts had been stacked high and held together with long, copper-fringed skewers. “What?”
“They call this sandwich a Harmonious. It’s right there on the menu board.” Sinder set two more sandwiches on the table between them. “According to the owner, they used to have artist names—the Picasso, the Monet, the Raphael—but they’re showing their support for peace by honoring its founders.”
“With sandwiches?” Akira pulled out his camera. “I wonder if they know?”
“They have framed thank you notes on the wall beside the pick-up counter. Even Argent is represented, although his note is in Jacques’ handwriting. This here is the Double Dare.”
Akira gently lifted the bun from what appeared to be a hamburger topped with thinly sliced pastrami.
“And here we have the American Crosser, which appears to be an homage to Ash Sunfletch.”
The portions were beyond generous. “I can’t possibly eat this much food.”
“Figured as much.” Sinder proffered a plastic knife. “Carve a slice of whatever interests you. I’ll have no trouble finishing the rest.”
Akira snapped pictures of each sandwich before claiming a reasonable portion. Meanwhile Sinder snagged the yellow boba smoothie, leaving an orange one for Akira. “Pineapple for me. Peach for you.”
“Thanks. So, did you learn anything?”
Sinder blinked. “About what?”
“Weren’t you asking questions or something?”
Sitting up straight, Sinder pulled out his phone and swore softly under his breath while he tapped furiously at his screen.
“Is something wrong?”
“I. Forgot.”
“How do you mean?” Akira glanced warily about. “Is it some kind of … fox dream?”
