Page 79 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“Akira?”
“Who else?” Hallow’s eyes glittered. “They’ve been at it for hours, now.”
In the cool sand that sloped from the back of the guesthouse to the shore, Akira stood with arms outstretched while Fumiko bent to some task at his back.
“Juuyu! You’re early!” Akira spoke to Fumiko. “May I show him?”
She straightened and waved a paintbrush in greeting. Then pushed windblown hair out of her eyes, leaving a pale orange streak across one cheekbone.
Akira took a few steps and pivoted, showing off Fumiko’s handiwork. Daubs of paint swept from his shoulder blades right past his hips, curving along his buttocks and thighs, which his fundoshi exposed. The impression was that of multicolored feathers.
“She gave me wings!”
“So I see,” Juuyu managed.
Zuzu darted over and twirled before him. She was similarly dressed for the beach, her short skirt and crocheted top barely containing her curves. But the ensemble was effective, since it had bared every possible inch of skin to her sister’s brushwork. Dark leaves and purple flowers. Tiny birds and shining motes of fogskimmers. Fumiko had even added a delicate windchime to Zuzu’s face, its silvery strand sliding down her cheek like the track of a tear.
“Am I transformed?” Zuzu asked hopefully.
“I am amazed,” he admitted softly. “Both by your transformation and by hers. Your sister sparkles.”
“She is so happy.” Zuzu’s triumphant smile faded somewhat. “You are tired.”
“Perhaps.”
“Will you let us come to you tonight?” she whispered.
Juuyu didn’t even try to resist. “I would be grateful.”
She gave a little bounce and kissed his cheek.
Akira called, “Hallow! Take another picture?”
“Happy to oblige.”
While Akira was posing, Zuzu frisked over to Hallow. “Your turn?” she suggested.
“Alas, I cannot.” Hallow spared her a smile. “I have work. Perhaps Juuyu …?”
Just then, Sinder jogged up, and Juuyu warbled his disbelief. His partner was covered in rainbow scales, each rimmed in pale yellow. His step faltered and he awkwardly said, “Oh. Hey, Juuyu. You’re off early.”
“As are you.” Scanning the elaborate paint job, he asked, “Did you spend any time at your post today?”
“Oh, umm. I was there for a little while, but Akira suggested I come home early.”
“He called you away?”
“He was there.”
Juuyu hadn’t realized this had been Akira’s plan. “He spent the morning with you?”
“Nooo, he spent the morning with Fumiko. Then found me … after lunch, I guess?” Sinder’s gaze slipped out of focus. “More importantly, Akira took Fumiko to an art store. Isn’t she amazing? This is body paint.”
“So I see,” Juuyu agreed mildly.
Striking a pose, Sinder urged, “Tell me I’m pretty.”
His partner could be such a dragon. Juuyu said, “You know you are pretty.”
