Shuuichi takes a chance and is rewarded for his efforts.
Shuuichi can't believe he's forgotten all about Seiji's chicken-scratch recipe cards. Granted, it's probably a minor trauma response.
"Will you not?"
The boy perched on the counter swings his legs, a sharp grin in place as he eyes Shuuichi. Nyanko-sensei's facsimile of Takashi's likeness.
"You brat, and here I was going to help you out."
He probably would have some good advice, though Shuuichi doesn't like to admit it. Nyanko-sensei is in the kitchen with Seiji more often than he is not. Here at Le Petit Chaton or even at home.
Shuuichi was surprised, to say the least.
"Sensei's very clean. Nothing to worry about." Seiji is forever blinded by his love of cats. And even more surprisingly, Nyanko-sensei doesn't take advantage of the fact. It's always a sight to see the lucky cat hold out his feet for the paw wipes that Seiji's invested in.
Sensei shakes off the glamour, returning to his four feet.
"Less work for me." He drags a paw over his ear. Then, with a gleaming relish: "Guess I'll just watch you fail."
The challenge set forth, Shuuichi rolls up his sleeves.
Well, that arrow leads to—
Beat what into the—
And what does that say?
Nyanko-sensei has since fallen asleep on the windowsill under his catnip plant.
For the limited amount of ingredients, Seiji has filled up the recipe card with alterations and variations over the years. Pen, pencil, and ink show a timeline of recipe development for one of Seiji's favorite cookies.
Seiji knows it all by heart, but that doesn't help Shuuichi right now.
He guiltily pulls out his laptop.
"This is absolutely awful!" Nyanko-sensei cackles, kneading at Shuuichi's shoulder.
Shuuichi has to agree, scrolling away. How much longer can a sob story go on?
There was no 'jump to recipe' button.
Aikawa-san may be a sadist, but her recipe must be good, if the ratings are anything to go by.
Shuuichi perseveres.
Nyanko-sensei had leapt out the window with a to-go bag of Shuuichi's efforts. He doesn't want to be around for the fallout.
Seiji looks exhausted but happy. A baking convention will do that and he is usually full of creative, restless energy for days on end afterwards. He sets bags full of samples, tools, and pans down by the door.
"I'm back."
"Welcome back."
By Shuuichi's luck, he had left the last resort of the printout out on the counter.
"Aikawa-san, hm?" Seiji casually swipes the pages up, scanning through them as he bites into one of Shuuichi's cookies. "Let's see."
He beckons Shuuichi over, then pulls him in close. His mouth tastes of sugar.
"Too much salt, Shuuichi."
Shuuichi can take the critique, but still—
"I thought it was pretty sweet."
Seiji's eyes dance.
"Care for another taste?"