Page 67 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“That is the usual duration of an Amaranthine pregnancy.” Juuyu hummed and added, “Crosser pregnancies, as well.”
“Yes,” she blurted. “That’s what I want.”
Juuyu blinked.
Akira laughed. “Maybe you should explain, Fumiko-onee-san. What are you talking about?”
“I want Juuyu to help with my chronicle.” She looked up into orange eyes. “I’m willing. I’ll trust. I won’t hide anything.”
Juuyu closed his eyes and sighed a soft, “Thank you.”
“But first!” interjected Akira. “I promised these ladies a lullaby. Tonight. Will you sing for them?”
“I will. Is there someplace where I can see the sky, and you can see me?”
Zuzu giggled, and Fumiko asked, “Do you like to climb trees?”
After dinner that evening, which was only slightly spoiled by cold pizza, Akira received a lesson in tree-climbing.
Suuzu probably would have protested such precarious exercise, but Juuyu left him to his own devices, undoubtedly confident in his ability to catch anything that might fall. With Fumiko’s guidance, Akira made it into Zuzu’s branches, where chimes and seashells twirled.
“Is that a hammock?” he asked.
“We’ve added many different seats and swings.” Fumiko pointed into the maze of branches. “Sometimes I nap up here.”
“Is that safe?” Akira worked his way along, trying not to think about how far above the lighthouse they were. Wait. “Are we over the farmer’s market here?”
“Yes.” Fumiko pointed to a different branch. “Let’s go this way. You can pick a hammock.”
She hurried ahead, much faster than Akira was willing to follow.
“Tired?” asked Juuyu.
Akira laughed at himself. “I really shouldn’t have looked down.”
“May I take you the rest of the way.”
“Please.”
Juuyu came alongside the limb so Akira could clamber onto his back.
With both arms wrapped around the phoenix’s shoulders, Akira closed his eyes and took deep breaths. “I’m not usually afraid of heights.”
“You are not usually without Suuzu.”
Juuyu was right. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Akira had been worrying about how Suuzu would take the news if he slipped and fell. The very idea had locked his knees. “Guess I’m not so brave without him.”
“My brother is also braver when you are near.” Juuyu sauntered forward, sometimes putting his foot upon a branch, sometimes placing it in midair.
“Then why are you sending me away?”
“Boon needs you.” Pausing, he quietly added, “Please, do not tell Suuzu.”
“I can’t promise that until I know what’s been planned and why.”
Juuyu turned his head just enough to meet Akira’s eye. “I can tell you two things. First, this is Argent’s plan.”
That was reassuring. But baffling. “And …?”
