#(verbatim from the notes app) She is not allowed in the kitchen because she’ll set it on fire

[lunasohma]

part iv: Miss Matoba

[ a twist of lemon / bakery au tag ]

[ << French butter cookies / chapter list ]

[ ao3 / ff.net ]

Sibling shenanigans at the bakery.

The intrepid Miss Matoba is in town again. Armed with her newspaper crew—lights, cameras, and action have taken Le Petit Chaton by storm today.

“You’re a natural, Natori.” A familiar smile is at home on her face.

“I do try,” he says, diplomatically. Seiji rolls his eyes.

“No, he doesn’t. It’s just that certain Natori Shuuichi, je ne sais quoi.”

Shuuichi wonders aloud if that is a compliment.

The siblings exchange a glance. Shuuichi has always suspected that they are telepathic.

—

The elder Matoba’s first article on the bakery was a resounding success and now she is back for a follow-up.

Seiji prepared a frame for the first. Currently, they are arguing about on which wall to hang it, over a shared plate of tarte aux pommes.

“You would do well with less cat paraphernalia around here, Seiji.” She gestures animatedly with her fork and her bite of tart does not fall off. It is like magic.

“Remind me what this place is called again?”

“Is that my problem?”

Shuuichi is not about to intervene. Maybe Nanase will let him into the office now.

—

They ended up deciding on eastern exposure. The gilded frame will surely catch anyone’s eye in the sunlight.

The swings for their mature trees were delivered the other day. The two of them make for a timeless picture of brother and sister.

And as always with these two, Shuuichi can’t help but be charmed.