‘ well i guess big ‘n round is the new cute thing -- still kinda weird to thinka myself as cute... ’

                ‘ ya act like ya never hugged anyone before, eraser - han! ’ he laughs, large hand gently patting the man’s back. 

             ‘ thanks, mirko - chan! ’

            and he lets her, of course – in fact, a rather large and squishy arm wraps around her tiny body to pull her closer, letting her rest against his warmth. he’s just glad she feels safe enough around him to fall asleep so easily. 

              ‘ why is this a competition? ’ he truly doesn’t think he’s very cute.

               ‘ issa hug, eraserhead! ya look like you could use one! consider it a thank you fer always takin’ such good care of lil’ red! ’

              ‘ thanks ta everyone who made this birthday special! ya really only hit the big three - oh once! can’t believe i’m already in my thirties! ’

              also, unless he’s actively on patrol, he’s typically not his full size. he’s never thin and only goes muscular in an emergency, but his resting body shape is more comfortably chubby; something a little wider and squishier than a standard dad-bod, but easier to get around in than his full-fat. 

              ‘ well thanks! ’ he takes a cupcake from the tray and pops the whole thing into his mouth in one bite. ‘ those’re good! an’ i didn’t know it was yer birthday too! happy birthday!’

             big squishy hug time!!! taishiro’s arms are open wide before the younger hero gets to him, and as soon as they collide he’s spinning them both in a wide circle. ‘ well heya, lemillion - han! ’ he sets the kid down, patting blonde hair with a massive hand. ‘ ramen sounds delish! ya gotta prove to me that the food in tokyo is half as good as it is back in kansai! ’

             ‘ ah -- sure! ya can call me whatever ya want! ’ it’s such a cute nickname his mind almost goes blank. 

                ‘ ah – emi – i mean, ms joke - chan! what was that fer? ’ his face is nearly glowing red and he nearly walks right into a wall. 

             ‘ aw thanks, lil’ red! ’ he laughs, reaching down to take the box and peeling it open to pop three into his wide mouth, then clapping his intern affectionately on the shoulder. ‘ ya really know my tastes! d’ya wanna share? ’

               his heart is racing as soon as he lays eyes on her, and that elevated pulse jumps again when tiny fingers pat his cheek gently. he feels cheeks flush, the grin on his features suddenly sort of shy and he takes the bag from her, too distracted to even remember to open it. ‘ eheh – thanks, ms joke - chan. ya didn’t hafta go outta yer way for me though. ’ free hand comes up to rub the back of his neck under the fabric of his hoodie, which suddenly feels a little too hot for him. ‘ uh… are ya free right now? there’s a place that has some pretty good gyoza ‘round the corner… ’