Page 60 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
He pointed to the trolly. Others were boarding. “I’m supposed to …”
“Akira?” With a searching look, he asserted, “It is you. Naoki’s son.”
TWENTY-ONE
Unforgettable
When the man beckoned again, Akira joined him on the bench. “You know my name?”
Dark eyes grew sad. “You do not remember me.”
“I’m sorry. And also confused. How do you know me?”
“Akira Hajime,” he said, caressing each syllable. “How could I not know you? You look so much like Naoki.”
This was so strange. “That’s my father’s name. You knew my parents?”
“Rather well.”
“I don’t remember much. Sis is older, so she has clearer memories.”
“Is Tsumiko safe?”
“Tsumiko’s good. Busy. Happy. She’s always surrounded by kids, and they love her as much as she loves them.”
“She is like Naoki in that way. He loves his children.” The man rubbed his fingertips together. “I knew Saint Midori’s would be a good place.”
Akira hesitated. “She’s not there anymore. Stuff happened right around the time of the Emergence. She’s Lady Mettlebright now. Argent is her bondmate.”
Color drained from the man’s face. “Someone took her?”
“Hey, now. It’s not like she was kidnapped or anything.” Akira placed a steadying hand on the man’s arm. “Argent cherishes her.”
He was trembling.
“I did not know. I have been away. It was necessary.” Covering Akira’s hand with his own, he asked, “And you? Are you happy, Akira?”
“Sure. I mean, usually. Hey. What should I call you?”
The man looked away, and when he looked back, he had his emotions more in control. “You could call me Tabigarasu.”
“All right.” It was obviously a nickname, not any kind of given name. “So you’re a wanderer?”
“I love to travel.” His expression turned shy. “National parks. Preserves. Wild places, where beauty remains a secret to all but the wind and the stars. And me.”
“But you’re originally from Japan?”
“As it happens, yes, we share a homeland. But this happenstance is confusing. What brings you so far from home?”
“It started out as a favor to a friend, but really, this part’s a vacation. I’ll go back home eventually. Did I mention I live with Tsumiko?”
“That is well. Families should be together.”
The man’s gaze softened in a way that surprised Akira. And tugged at his memory. “Did you used to visit?”
“I did linger about.” Leaning closer, Tabigarasu asked, “Do you remember?”
“Maybe.” Akira studied the man before him. Slender and not very tall. Which was to say Akira’s height. Glossy black hair was long enough to have been gathered into a knot, which was held in place by a pair of sticks. A kanzashi was a quirky touch, since the hair decorations were usually worn by women. This one had a knot of woven cords, tiny bells, glittering crystals, and a spray of red flowers.
