Spokesperson Farroost’s Man

Suuzu pored over a letter from his staff members, patiently unraveling the cypher that was Sylphon’s spiky handwriting. Having finally recalled hiring Boniface, Suuzu had inquired after the man. He especially trusted Magarr Oathbide and wanted the magpie’s opinion. All three staff members spoke in glowing terms of Boniface’s current capabilities and untapped capacities.

Sylphon’s early reservations had been summarily banished. He praised Boniface’s manners and the healthy respect he yielded, even for “Argent bloody Lord Mettlebright.”

Lyra found him endlessly amusing—noisy when ruffled, wise in the way of jaded souls, and a sly wit.

Magarr, whose blindness made him perceptive in other areas, conceded that while any human had the potential to flourish under their tutelage, nobody wanted this place more than Boniface did. Some of it may have been sibling rivalry, for “Jackie” was often mentioned and muttered over, but it was the magpie’s considered opinion that Fandriel’s good fortune had brought Suuzu and Boniface together. All would be well.

“What did the guys have to say?” asked Akira.

Suuzu tossed aside the letter and crossed to the small sofa, crowding in next to his nestmate. “They are pleased with Boniface’s appointment. And amused that I took so long to remember him. They made wagers. Magarr won.”

“Jacques’ own brother. It’s hard to picture. Are they much alike?”

“No. And yes.”

Akira laughed a little. “I can’t wait to meet him.”

“I will speak to Argent about inviting him back. Although … Magarr hinted that I would soon see for myself that my man is thriving.”

“Good. But I’m not sure I like you calling him your man. I’m yours.”

Suuzu blinked in surprise. “Boniface is my man in the same sense that Jacques is Argent’s. A gentleman’s gentleman. That is how he …!”

Akira halted him by pressing a light kiss to his lips. “I know. I’m teasing. Mostly.”

“I will find another term if it would ….”

The next kiss lingered longer, and Akira’s smile was genuine. “It’s fine.”

Suuzu touched the tip of his tongue to his lower lip and tried to calm himself.

Gaze steady, Akira asked, “Why are you holding back?”

“I do not wish to trespass in any ….”

Another kiss, and this time, Suuzu gave in. They were alone in their room, so it was safe to indulge and … well, it wasn’t imposing if Akira initiated, was it?

Drawing back, Akira quietly asked, “Are you afraid of this change?”

Suuzu took his time weighing his thoughts. “Perhaps? I do not like to think of losing anything. Your friendship is precious to me. It has sustained me.”

“I seriously doubt that becoming bondmates cancelled out our friendship.” Hands on Suuzu’s shoulders, Akira said, “I can prove it.”

“Prove what …?”

Again, the kiss was light. Eyes sparkling, Akira said, “See? Still friends.”

Suuzu managed a warble of protest. This was silly. Or … was Suuzu being silly?

Akira straddled his lap and sat, relaxed and right there. It was the easiest thing in the world for Suuzu to wrap his arms around his waist.

“Just because one thing changes doesn’t mean everything changes.” Akira promised, “I won’t change. You won’t change. We’re still ourselves.”

“We are,” Suuzu conceded.

“So, hey. I know there’s no hurry. We have all the time in the world, but really. Stop holding back.” Seated like this, they were nearly eye to eye. Actually, Akira was a little higher. “You’re mine, right?”

“I am.”

“And I’m yours.”

“Mmm.” Suuzu gently bumped noses with him.

“Are you glad?”

“More than I can express.”

Akira cracked a smile. “I’m trying to tell you that you can express it. You know, you could stand to be a little less polite, a little more demanding.”

“I do not wish to make you uncomfortable.”

“I appreciate that.” All seriousness, Akira said, “Try me.”

Suuzu hesitated. And then he was glad he had, because Akira began pressing little kisses to his face. Fingers worked their way into his hair, tugging through curls. Suuzu’s heart began to thud, and he lifted his face in a silent plea for more. “I thought … you did not wish to ….”

“I’m pretty sure I asked you to take the lead, but maybe that was unfair. You’re even more nervous than I am. And I kind of get it. At least, I think I do.” Akira smiled crookedly. “You don’t have to hold back.”

Suuzu shook his head. He really didn’t know if they were ready for all the things he wanted. And he was keenly aware of the leafling pressed between them. He should probably be careful.

Akira’s hands framed his face. “Hey.”

“Mmm?”

“You can hold me. You can touch me. I like it when you do. And this.” The kiss was soft and simple. “I like it when you kiss me. I like kissing you, too. You get sorta flustered. And I like that, too.”

Suuzu let a little more of his restraint slip, and oh … it was good. But it only made him want more.

Akira laughed a little breathlessly and asked, “We can do this, yeah?”

Closing his eyes, Suuzu managed a tiny nod.

“Just to be clear, I still have no idea what I’m doing. Well … mostly. But I want you to be honest, to be yourself, to … to be sure of your welcome. You can have this, Suuzu. You can have everything.”

Suuzu focused on Akira. There wasn’t a trace of fear. No sense of worry or doubt. Only a strong, steady heartbeat. So calm. Suuzu wasn’t calm. Maybe that’s why he’d waited? But was he waiting for something Akira couldn’t give?

“I’ve been thinking. While we were away, I learned a lot from Jacques. We did some things.”

Hurt lanced through Suuzu.

“Hey, look at me.” Akira waited for him to lift his gaze. “This is important. I want you to understand that in order to protect me, Jacques let himself fall in love. And I could tell. It was easy to tell. He made sure I knew I was special to him, so for a little while, I got to see what it was like being the person Jacques cared about most. And I think he did it on purpose.”

“I know why he needed to … to become close,” Suuzu said bitterly. He was jealous that Jacques had been able to flaunt his affections. Suuzu had needed to be so careful, not wanting to frighten Akira with the strength of his attachment.

“Yes, Jacques was keeping me safe. But I think he also wanted to show me.”

Suuzu warbled quizzically.

“It’s hard to explain, because it was all little things. Simple, nonverbal stuff. Romantic gestures. We talked through a bunch, so it was all upfront and intentional. But Jacques has always been sort of extra, and I think a lot of it just came naturally. He joked about seducing me, but really … honestly? He was cherishing me. And it kind of broke my heart.” Akira softly admitted, “He made it easy to love him back.”

“You do.”

“Yes, I do. But Jacques is Jacques, and you are my bondmate. It’s different, okay?”

Suuzu tightened his hold. “And he has his own bondmates now.”

Akira’s expression softened. “It all worked out. But … I was trying to explain.”

“Go on.”

“All the things he did—the things we did—they were simple and gentle and thoughtful and most of all, they were easy for me. But I was so busy getting flustered by all the attention that it took me this long to realize that while Jacques was being so good to me, he was showing me how to be good to you.”

Suuzu finally whispered, “Truly?”

“So I’m going to cherish you. And enjoy it when you get flustered.” Akira radiated satisfaction.

“Please do.”

Much to Suuzu’s delight, Akira kissed him again. And in many ways, it was the same as always—friendly curiosity, refreshing honesty.

“I like this,” Akira murmured. “It feels right.”

Suuzu needed to correct some of his assumptions. Akira wasn’t shying away from intimacies. Neither was he passive or simply putting up with Suuzu’s hopes where the delights of the nest were concerned. If anything ….

“Are you trying to seduce me?” Suuzu whispered.

Akira chuckled. “Is it working?”

“Yes.”

Then Akira did something that made Suuzu gasp and stammer, “W-wait.”

His bondmate eased back, still relaxed and right there. So calm. In control.

Suuzu grumbled, “I might be furious with Jacques.”

“You can blame Eiji and Anjou for that one.” Akira offered a little shrug. “They thought I should learn how to please a gentleman lover, so they were always giving advice. Which usually involved … well, let’s just say they’d get caught up in each other. Their demonstrations were embarrassing, but also instructive. They were trying to help.”

Suuzu hid his face against Akira’s shoulder.

Akira began stroking Suuzu’s ear, which unraveled the last threads of Suuzu’s self-control. He felt cherished and wanted and increasingly wanton. Akira met his urgency with murmurs of encouragement, gazing up at him with mingled pride and peace.

Suuzu couldn’t remember moving to the bed. He blushed over his own behavior and yet … Akira had said he should be honest. That he would be welcome. But he’d barely begun to sort out how to cherish Akira in return when Jacques walked in.

“Hey, Jacques,” Akira said wryly. “Great timing.”

“Oh, I agree.” The man laughed. “Come now, Suuzu, you mustn’t be embarrassed. Lord, do you know how long I’ve been trying to catch you two in an intimate moment? I feel richly rewarded for years of patience.”

Suuzu hissed.

Akira petted his hair.

Jacques didn’t leave. Instead, he perched on the bed’s edge. “I do apologize for the necessity. You see, I’ve left my brother standing in the hall. May I invite him in? He should see you this happy. It’s a good look.”

Suuzu eased away from Akira. “Boniface is here?”

“Arrived three-quarters of an hour ago, more or less. Bit of a shock for me. Seems Bon-Bon and I are resonating. Michael’s chuffed, but I’m … lord, I don’t know. Catching up would probably be the done thing, but I’m not sure how he’ll take it. Or if he’ll even believe me. Help a fellow break his news …?”

Akira whispered, “Oh. The baby.”

Suuzu crawled closer to Jacques, touched his shoulder, and called, “Boniface? You may enter.”

From the hall, a worried voice carried, “Are you sure? Jacques said you were in flagrante. Are you and your chap decent?”

“I’ve checked their zips. Your sensibilities are safe. Though they’re both looking thoroughly kissed.” And in a pleased aside, Jacques added, “I approve. About time.”

“Yet you interrupted,” muttered Suuzu, even as Akira slipped away, aiming for the uncle he’d so wanted to meet.

“Just as well,” Jacques said, softer still. “I’ll send Anjou around with accoutrement. He’s a tribute, and he has the necessary experience. Let him guide you. Or go to Naoki, if you want a doctor’s insight. Or … well. A nestmate is here, and I’m the farthest thing from shy.”

“I do not want …!”

“First go-around, I recommend a safe word and someone you trust in earshot. Speak with Ginkgo if you want corroboration. He looked after things for me, once upon a time.” Jacques’ posture was neutral, his gaze soft. “Pack custom. For a human partner’s protection.”

Suuzu realized all at once that Jacques was trying to be wise. Wilting into a receptive posture, he took a very different tone. “I do not want ….”

“Your beautiful boy knows what he is about. Rely on my man, and you’ll soon find your balance.” And raising his voice a trifle, Jacques declared, “And here is your man. Sure you want him?”

Keeping his hold on Jacques, Suuzu straightened as much as his kneeling position allowed. “Boniface is a friend.”

“Avian approval,” Jacques drawled. “Impressive.”

Akira backed into the room, leading the uncle who was just blurting, “Lord. Has anyone ever mentioned you look just like Tsumiko?”

“We get that a lot. I wouldn’t have guessed you were Jacques’ brother, though. Should I call you Uncle Boniface?”

“If you must tack on honorifics, that’s the most suitable.” And turning keen eyes on Suuzu, Boniface complained, “Jackie, you’re a beast. We’re intruding.”

“Don’t worry about us,” Akira quickly interjected. “When Suuzu remembered about you, it was a huge surprise! But I could tell you make him happy, so I’ve been so curious to meet his man. We’ll probably see a lot of each other. Say, will you be moving to Stately House?”

Suuzu watched Akira dismantle Boniface’s worries and almost cooed, he was so proud.

Jacques, whose senses were too keen these days, bumped shoulders with him.

Meanwhile, Boniface was dissembling. “Me? I really couldn’t say. Isn’t that up to Argent and … well ….” His gaze flicked briefly to Jacques before he awkwardly repeated, “I really couldn’t say.”

“Relax, Bon-Bon. You’re here at his lordship’s invitation, aren’t you?” Jacques quietly added, “And Suuzu clearly wants you.”

Boniface stood there, uncertainty still lurking in his gaze.

And so Suuzu hurried forward, took Boniface’s hand in both of his, and drew him to the sofa. They sat together, and the man relaxed enough to ask, “Are you eating enough?”

“Ah. Perhaps not. My appetite is still lacking.”

“There are no trays lying about. Did Nonny give up on feeding you?”

“Akira coaxes him along. He cannot refuse his beautiful boy.” Jacques dropped to a seat on Suuzu’s other side, crowding them together.

“If you’re done being forlorn, then I shan’t worry.” His head tipped to one side as he considered Suuzu. “And bravo to the ascendance of coral nippets. Friends to lovers. That’s the ticket.”

Suuzu’s fingers sought the pin, which had indeed been rotated so the orange nippet egg was uppermost. “We are newly bonded.”

“Many felicitations.” And with a blink, Boniface ventured, “Does that make us family, I wonder?”

Akira perched on the arm of the sofa closest to Jacques. “Definitely family. Doubly so since Jacques is a nestmate.”

Boniface seemed put out.

Jacques reached behind Suuzu’s back in order to flip up Boniface’s collar.

“Jackie,” he chided. “Don’t be childish.”

“Don’t sulk. You got to Suuzu first. Mine’s a more recent concession, and I’ve already changed hands.”

“What does that even mean?”

Jacques twirled a strand of Boniface’s hair around his finger and tugged. “It means I’m happy.”

“See here, you,” his brother grumbled.

Akira piped up. “Preening is one of the ways nestmates show belonging and affection.”

Boniface missed a beat. “Look, I know that much. But Jackie and I aren’t avian.”

“If Argent approves residency, we’re essentially denmates, too,” said Jacques. “Your hair’s in magnificent condition, by the way.”

To Suuzu’s amusement, Boniface resorted to a standard feline rebuff, and Jacques lapsed into an appropriately apologetic posture. This seemed to confuse Boniface, but Jacques radiated a cautious sort of happiness. A good start.

“We should begin,” Suuzu decided.

Boniface’s gaze was expectant.

“Right. Well,” Jacques began, sounding uncharacteristically awkward. “I’ve asked Suuzu to help me explain something out-of-the-way. I doubt you’d believe me, but with Suuzu vouching … and if needs must, I could slip a few buttons.”

“Is something the matter?” asked Boniface.

“As matters go, it’s on the momentous side.”

Suuzu stepped in. “There will be a child.”

Boniface rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes. That’s already been explained. Rock imps and whatnot.”

“That is a separate matter.” Taking Boniface’s hand, Suuzu quietly said, “My memories are hazy, but I do believe … did I not explain to you that I have been sprigged?”

“Yes. The whole seed business.”

Jacques lifted a hand.

Boniface blinked. “Non.”

“Oui.”

“Bloody hell.”

Suuzu slouched back into the sofa cushions and watched the brothers sending silent messages for several moments.

“Right then,” Boniface finally managed. “Lord, I hope you don’t expect me to pitch in. I’m pants at kids.”

“I’d settle for your not telling Maman.”

“I blocked her.”

“Brave man.”

“I think most of the bravery is on your side. Blazing trails and whatnot. But … lord, Jackie. What possessed you?”

“We’re not entirely sure. But I’m rife with impish consequences. Nobody’s can say what I’ve become.”

“Oh, don’t be daft. You’re just Jackie.”

Jacques cracked a smile. “I hope you stay.”

Boniface just sort of scowled and reached over to tweak one of his brother’s curls. Not in any gentle way, but Suuzu thought it was a peaceable gesture. Because Jacques relaxed.

But then Akira cleared his throat and asked, “Did you guys cover bondmates yet?”