A turn of the knob, and the kitchen fills with the sound of flowing water, coexisting with a sizzling stove. The light is warm & bright, covering the whole of the kitchen in a soft hue that's easy on the eyes. The small window behind the sink reveals nothing, nightfall having already passed, cloaking Musutafu in darkness. Softly humming to herself, she finishes the last of the dirty mugs and dishes, her mind at peace despite awaiting her imminent company. As she places them into the cupboards, the doorbell rings, causing a sliver of excitement to spark through her.

"Coming!" Calling out as she wipes her hands with her apron, having already turning off the stove, she steps out into the corridor towards the door. Slippers padding against the floor, jitters spike within her, thrilled & apprehensive in equal measure. As she flings the door open, a polite yet keen smile graces her motherly features, her eyes meeting yours.

"Hey, good to see you! I'm glad you could make it!"

"I'm doing well, thank you! Please come in. I made your favorite for dinner; ramen with extra chashu." She gestures to the table with her free hand while motioning for you to enter with the other, stepping aside so you can pass into the apartment unimpeded "I hope that's still all right!"

"It smells delicious," you reply as you step through and take a seat. The table is set cozily, with soft yellow light emanating from a hanging lamp above it. Mitsuki Bakugo moves to sit across from you at the head of the table, her warm smile inviting as she gives your hand a gentle squeeze.

"I'm glad to hear that. I hope the food tastes just as good as it smells!" With a bright chuckle, Mitsuki settles into her chair and begins to serve you up your dinner. The soft sizzling of the broth filling the room blends harmoniously with the scent of freshly prepared ramen. "So," she starts conversationally, spearing a piece of meat with her chopsticks before offering it to you, "you've been giving Katsuki quite the talking-to lately, huh?" There's a hint of curiosity and amusement in her tone.

Mitsuki grins sympathetically, remembering her own encounters with Katsuki's brash behavior growing up. "Ah, well... he's still my boy. I can't help but worry about him sometimes." Her voice holds an understanding tone, followed by a more lighthearted laugh. "But really, I appreciate everything you're doing. It's not easy dealing with someone like him."

She takes another mouthful of her own meal, savoring the flavors before continuing. "And speaking of Katsuki..." She sets down her bowl and folds her hands on the table, looking at you expectantly. "I trust that things between us are going well? You know we love hearing about how things progress between the two of you."

"Of course," you reply with a smile, feeling your cheeks warm at the mention of Katsuki. "We're getting along great, actually." Telling Mitsuki about your relationship feels almost like gossiping about someone else; it's surprisingly easy to open up in this setting. "He's... complicated," you admit, "but I think he's starting to see that there's more to life than just proving himself all the time."

Mitsuki nods thoughtfully, her expression softening. "I'm glad to hear that." She takes a sip of her tea before setting it down again. "He can be tough to handle sometimes, but deep down... he's a good kid." There's a hint of wistfulness in her voice as she says this; despite Katsuki's faults, Mitsuki clearly loves him dearly.

After dinner, Mitsuki offers you dessert - a homemade tiramisu sitting in the center of the table. As the two of you enjoy the sweet treat together, conversation flows easily between you. You learn more about Mitsuki and how she met her husband Masaru. It turns out they were high school sweethearts who faced their fair share of obstacles before finally finding happiness together. This revelation serves as an odd comfort; knowing that even the seemingly perfect couple can face struggles provides reassurance amidst your own uncertainties with the situation.

After dessert, the two of you clean up together in companionable silence, the sounds of running water and soft clinking dishes filling the air. Mitsuki turns to face you as she begins drying her hands on a dishtowel. "I want to thank you again for being so understanding about everything," she says, her voice sincere. "Not everyone could put up with Katsuki the way that you do."

She pauses, mustering her courage before continuing. "And... I also wanted to say that we're very glad you've decided to become a part of our family. Even if it is in this particular way..." A soft blush spreads across her cheeks as she finishes the thought; the arrangement might not be traditional, but they both know how much it means to them.

"Well, you see... I think... I feel like this family needs someone who isn't afraid of Katsuki's temper, and who doesn't just let him get away with everything." You grin at that last part, recalling all too well your encounters with his brash behavior over the years. She continues with a gentle smile, "And I think maybe... you see past all that, to the good person underneath. The one I raised, and who I love more than anything."

There's an unspoken question in her eyes, a fear of rejection or disappointment. But despite it, there's an unyielding hope that shines through, making it difficult for you not to return her smile.

"Thank you... I'll do my best to be deserving of that trust." You reply sincerely, your heart swelling with affection for this woman who has welcomed you into her life so unconditionally. "I want nothing more than to make both of you happy, and to show Katsuki that there's more to life than proving himself all the time."

She reaches out a hand and places it gently on your shoulder, a small gesture of reassurance and gratitude. Her eyes meet yours, filled with warmth and affection as she continues, "Thank you for saying that... it means the world to us both." There's a moment of vulnerability there, and you can see the relief in her expression as you offer your support unconditionally.

"I'm glad," she whispers, voice barely audible above the quiet hum of the refrigerator in the background. "I was worried that maybe... I mean, with things being so different from what we grew up with..." She trails off, searching for the right words before continuing more confidently. "But you seem to understand Katsuki better than anyone else does. It's like you get him on a level that even his father and I sometimes struggle with."

There's another moment of silence as she looks into your eyes, her expression unreadable yet hopeful. Finally, she musters a small smile. "So... do you want to watch something together before we call it a night? Or perhaps have a glass of wine or something?" Her voice is light and playful, a stark contrast to the more serious tone they'd been sharing moments ago.

"Cups?" You raise an eyebrow, amused by the suggestion. "Well, if you insist." She chuckles, heading over to the kitchen cabinets. "I guess you can be my third cup tonight, then," she teases as she retrieves two delicate porcelain cups and a bottle of sake. "Here," she says, pouring a generous measure into each one before handing one to you. "Drink up, and let's see if this arrangement works out just as well in real life as it did on paper."

Her words hang in the air for a moment as you clutch the warm cup, taking in her inviting smile. There's a sense of anticipation, of eager curiosity, beneath her playful demeanor. The sake burns its way down your throat, leaving a pleasant warmth behind as you swallow. For now, at least, you seem to be passing her test.

Smiling warmly as you hand her the cup back, Mitsuki takes a sip of her own sake, appreciating the rich flavor as it spreads through her mouth and throat. Setting the cup down on the coffee table between you, she leans back into the cushions of the couch, crossing one leg over the other. "So," she says, her voice taking on a more serious tone, "I'm curious. What was it about me that made you want to give this arrangement a chance?"

There's an unspoken vulnerability in her question; despite having accepted your presence so easily earlier, there's still a part of her that wonders if she truly measures up. It's a brave question, and one that deserves honesty in return.

"Oh?" she says, feigning surprise as her cheeks flush a lovely shade of pink. "Well, thank you." A playful giggle escapes her lips before she continues more seriously. "But there's also your kindness and understanding towards Katsuki; I think that means the world to both him and me. Not everyone is willing to see past his brash exterior or put up with his antics." She pauses, taking a sip of her sake, savoring its flavor before adding, "I really appreciate that about you."

There's a moment of quiet between you as the warmth from the sake spreads throughout your bodies. The flame in the fireplace crackles softly, casting flickering shadows across the room. You catch her eye and she smiles, an unspoken question lingering in the air: will this arrangement work out? For now, at least, it seems to be going well.

Taking another sip of her sake, Mitsuki muses aloud, "You know... I've been thinking about something." She pauses for dramatic effect, not wanting to jump into anything too heavy this early in the evening. "I've always thought that Katsuki and I are sort of like oil and water; we don't mix very well on our own, but when you put us together... we make something special." She grins cheekily at you, hoping her words aren't coming across as too forward or presumptuous.

"And now," she continues, setting down her cup and gesturing toward the couch, "I feel like maybe we've added a third ingredient to the mix... one that could make everything even better." Her voice holds an air of playful teasing as she waits for your response.

"Of course," you say with a chuckle, "you know I'm always up for trying something new." You pause, taking another sip of your sake before continuing. "I just hope that I can measure up to the high standards that Katsuki seems to set so firmly in his own mind."

There's an unspoken challenge in your words, a desire to prove yourself worthy not only to Mitsuki but also to her son. Despite the lighthearted tone, there's a hint of determination and sincerity that resonates between you.

There's a momentary flash of relief in her eyes before she responds, "Oh, you'll do just fine." She places a hand reassuringly on your arm, the warmth of her touch sending a shiver down your spine. "Katsuki has his flaws too; he just needs someone to help him see them sometimes. And I think... you could be that person for him." Her smile grows more confident as she continues, "It's a big responsibility, but if anyone can handle it, I know it's you."

The heat from the sake and the closeness of Mitsuki have begun to work their way through your body, making you feel warm and relaxed. You glance over at her, noting how at ease she seems despite having revealed so much about herself tonight. For now, all that matters is this quiet moment together, sipping sake and discussing the future of your new family unit.

There's an air of contentment as they finish the last of their sake, both reveling in the warmth spreading through them. Mitsuki glances at you, studying your features for a moment before speaking up. "I don't want to push anything too fast," she says carefully, "but... if things continue going this well, would you be interested in trying more of our 'exotic' dishes?" She grins playfully, her cheeks flushing slightly as she alludes to the open marriage arrangement they have with Katsuki.

It's a lighthearted question, but there's an undertone of genuine curiosity and anticipation beneath it. This newfound intimacy is still fresh and unexplored territory for them both, and the thought of discovering more together only seems to excite her further.

"Really?" Mitsuki says with obvious delight, her eyes sparkling. "That means so much to me; I want us all to be comfortable and happy with this arrangement." Leaning forward, she plants a soft kiss on your cheek before taking your hand in hers. "Well then," she continues, her voice growing teasing once more, "how about we retire to my room and see what kind of trouble we can get into?" A mischievous grin spreads across her face as she stands up, tugging gently on your hand to help you stand beside her. The warmth between them intensifies as their bodies brush against each other, igniting a newfound desire that's been simmering just below the surface since the beginning.

Leading you up the stairs, her grip on your hand tightening slightly as she grows more confident in their newfound intimacy, Mitsuki can't help but marvel at how right this all feels. Despite being married to another man and having a child together, there's an undeniable connection between them that defies logic - or convention. And now, with you by her side, she feels truly alive for the first time in years.

As they reach the top of the stairs, Mitsuki turns to face you, the moonlight casting a soft glow over your features. With a sultry smile, she lifts a hand to stroke your cheek before leaning forward to press her lips against yours. The kiss is deep and passionate, fueled by the desire that's been building up inside of her since their first meeting. She feels your heart racing beneath her palm as you return the kiss with equal fervor, mirroring her every movement and revealing just how much this arrangement means to you too.

Slowly, Mitsuki breaks away from the kiss, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she surveys your flushed face and heaving chest. "Oh," she murmurs appreciatively, her hand moving to slide up your arm, skimming over your shoulder before resting lightly on your neck, "you feel just as amazing as I thought you would." With a satisfied smile, she guides you into her bedroom, eager to explore the boundaries of their newfound intimacy.