Page 68 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“We need your help in order to rescue Inti.”
Juuyu tucked Akira under a faded quilt in the center of a double-wide hammock that rocked slightly in the evening breezes. Rising higher, he transformed into truest form, his wings fanned wide, his tailfeathers trailing, his throat swelling as he piped through the avian equivalent of scales.
From a similar hammock, a little to one side and even higher up, Fumiko and Zuzu were giggling and swaying. Akira could understand their excitement. His heart still raced whenever a phoenix sang. Nothing compared.
As Juuyu began a traditional lullaby, Akira placed a call.
Suuzu picked up, but he didn’t immediately speak. There was a soft rustling and a low grunt.
“Your brother is singing us to sleep. Can you hear?”
“I miss this song.” Faint snatches of humming came through.
“Are you busy?”
“Akira …?” Suuzu sounded especially bleary.
“Right here. Hey,” he whispered. “You okay?”
“Better now.”
From somewhere close by, another voice drawled, “Give it over, lover boy.”
Akira was surprised. “Uncle Jackie?”
“Your timing is beautiful. Lord. Is that Juuyu? I’m putting you on speaker.” Jacques went right on. “Somber as a gray sea and twice as restless, but the sound of your voice, and he remembers how to smile.”
“Don’t tease.”
“I’m not teasing. If anything, I’m relieved. Suuzu is rather drunk and thoroughly worn out. He needs sleep, and he’s having trouble finding it. Your voice and Juuyu’s song seem to be doing the trick though.”
“Are you overseeing his long sleep this month?”
“Yes. Argent has us stashed in one of the towers. Suuzu’s here in a highly unofficial capacity.”
“Is something the matter?”
“Usually.” With a husky chuckle, Jacques said, “You didn’t hear it from me, but Hisoka and Argent cleared your boy’s schedule. He’ll sleep a week, whether he wants to or not. And when he wakes, he’ll be on his way.”
Akira’s heart leapt. “To where?”
“To you.”
TWENTY-FOUR
Meet Up
Akira woke beside Juuyu, whose loose embrace was a guard against falling, at least partially. One of his hands rested over Akira’s tattoo. The promised tending. Easing onto his back, Akira gazed peacefully at the play of light and leaves overhead. The shush of lazy waves came from far below.
“I could see living in a tree,” he murmured.
“Suuzu will be delighted to know it.”
“Are any of those Ephemera?”
Juuyu opened his eyes long enough to follow his gaze. “The small green birds.”
“Cute.”
