A Calm night

Thankfully, Elwür returned home without issue, his memory manipulation and time-stopping magic working like a charm. Apart from being renowned as an experienced fighter, the police gave him no trouble and the day quickly settled down into a peaceful evening. Elwür returned home first, wishing to not spend any time longer outside than necessary.

Yutsuko and the other office workers at Matoi Corporation were given early leave from the office today, given the shock of the events that transpired, and they could not be happier to be free of their shackles even by just a few hours earlier.

She lumbered through the front door, fatigued and wobbly, and she quickly wiped her face clean of makeup with wet wipes, and once she felt her face spick and span, proceeded to lie down on the nearest sofa for comfort.

"Ah, this is heaven~!" Yutsuko hummed appreciatively, "It's good to be home."

The soft cushions lulled her body into a sense of security and comfort, and as she yawned and stretched her limbs she felt tight muscles loosening as bones creaked and her fatigue gradually fade from her body. She moaned with a smile at the feeling, resting her head on the soft pillow.

"If only I could come home early every day..."

Very quickly, her eyelids went shut, and her mind drifted off to dreamland.

Yutsuko slowly stirred awake from her slumber as the smell of cooked food wafted into her nostrils. Yawning softly, she slowly got up with bleary eyes and stretched her back, wondering who was cooking dinner.

"You're awake."

Yutsuko halted; this was not her son's voice - it was a mezzo-soprano with a slight lilt. This voice was a deep baritone, rumbling and grumbling like a mountain.

"Elwür?"

"Indeed," The Elf replied, "Your son said he had to stay back for club activities, so I'm handling dinner."

Yutsuko felt a sweatdrop.

"Um... didn't you have a problem with cooking in the kitchen?" She uneasily asked, "I vaguely recall you half-burning down the kitchen when you were getting started."

Due to his unfamiliarity with the cooking utensils and other devices involved - and his inexperience in cooking, she privately suspected - many times Elwür came close to starting a fire averted only by Toraemon's sharp vigilance, his eyes like those of a hawk. In one instance, his poor failure of baking even resulted in a minor explosion that took their oven out of commission. Fortunately, his magic restored the oven to its original condition.

"I'm heating up frozen food for tonight; I can manage that much," Elwür stated.

Yutsuko felt her stomach growl at that moment.

...I pray this ikemen really improves his kitchen skills, Yutsuko prayed.

She noticed that she was still wearing her business attire, and she quickly sprang up from the couch with urgency in her step.

"Oh crap, I haven't taken a bath!" She exclaimed, "Sorry, but can you wait until I'm done?"

"I can," Elwür answered.

"Alright, sorry to keep you waiting!" Yutsuko shouted as she rushed towards the toilet, as if demons were hot on her heels.

Elwür simply switched off the stove, covering the pot full of instant pork broth with the lid.

"Wow, this looks delicious!" Yutsuko exclaimed, "Itadakimasu!"

Dried noodles, instant pork broth and store-bought, ready-made spinach and char siu completed a filling and satisfying meal, and Yutsuko dug into it with gusto.

"This beats having to eat instant ramen or take-out every single day!" Yutsuko exclaimed happily, "Thank you so much!"

Elwür grunted in affirmation, eating his meal; where Yutsuko slurped messily and spilled soup onto the table, Elwür meticulously ate his meal with monastic grace, never spilling a single drop. By the end of dinner, Yutsuko burped loudly and patted her stomach, a blissful smile on her face.

"Oh, by the way Elwür, wanna watch a movie with me?" Yutsuko enquired, "There's this great movie I bought and wanna watch, but haven't been able to due to overtime, and I'd really appreciate it if you watch with me."

"No problem," Elwür answered.

"Yay!" Yutsuko cheered, "Come on, let's watch it now!"

With the bowls being soaked in the sink and the table wiped clean, they sat down to watch the movie, Yutsuko holding a bowl of popcorn in her lap.

Just then, Toraemon came through the door, sighing tiredly.

"I'm back," He called.

"Oh, welcome back!" Yutsuko replied.

"You're back rather early, Mom," Toraemon pointed out.

"Work ended early today, and dear Elwür already prepared dinner for me," Yutsuko explained.

"Huh," Toraemon noted, "Oh well, just let me know if you need anything."

"Of course, now hurry on up, we're watching a movie here!"

"Yes, yes."

Toraemon stole a glance at Yutsuko giggling happily as the movie began to play, while Elwür was being a giant statue as always - stoic and dour. And yet for some reason, he felt that they belonged together and no one could get in their way. Maybe.

...Must be my imagination, Toraemon thought, Man, I almost thought this was like a manga or anime or something.