#writer: queue

Their relationship was strange.

He pushed too much, purposely pulled on Hirano's strings to get a rise out of the upright student. Many had raised concern about his treatment of the esteemed committee member, some had even fought Sasaki on his behalf demanding respect from the redhead.

No one understood how they could ever be considered friends. What had initially started as a favor to a teacher to make sure he turned in his homework on time, had become one of his most significant relationships.

Sasaki didn't tease Hirano out of disrespect or rebellion, and while many might not believe it, getting screamed at by the guy was his own way of helping him vent from the pressures of school.

A willing target, a force that ensured Hirano Taiga wouldn't snap under the weight of his own expectations.

Tension settled at his shoulders at the sudden touch, hand freezing beneath the other's fingers not daring to move.

What he expected to be a punch to the noggin, turned into a soft and surprisingly comforting gesture. Accompanied by words that allowed him to release a breath he'd been holding since first period.

"Wow.."

Lightly brushing his classmate's hand away he looked upwards, staring at him with a bewildered expression.

Running a hand through his hair the lanky student groaned. He was beyond embarrassed, upset at the entire situation going so proportionally out of hand. He never expected this to happen, he never wanted it to happen.

Yes, he found Todoroki interesting, of course the guy was attractive no one could deny that but, did Sero like him like that? Maybe "crush" was too strong of a word to have used in this situation.

Now he stood at the door of one of his closest friends, screaming at her to the point he chilled himself at the sight of those big puppy eyes looking so dull and at the verge of tears.

He didn't care about the gossip or rumors, right now he didn't even care about Todoroki.

"Leaving? Wait, Mina it's not that serious. Look, I'm sorry, I didn't..I shouldn't have yelled at you like that.

Yes you have a big mouth but you.." Sighing he walked into the room, placing a hand over her luggage to stop her from packing.

Chuckling at the gentle blush on the man's cheeks he stands, gliding to his side as Usopp took hold of the other's hand. Palms melding into one as his fingers intertwined with his, pulling Sanji towards him with a cocky grin.

"You're telling me you can make food from potato scraps and fish guts but you can't dance without music?

Don't you hear it? C'mon, close your eyes."

The creaking of the wood beneath them, waves swaying their vessel in a gentle cradle as the wind brushed through tangerine trees.

Their flag, high and mighty waving at every passing friend or foe.

Walking across the room he approached the silver bars as he listened to the proposal.

Amused by the attempted sells pitch, nodding along as the Lord pretended to listen.

Second pair of arms crossing over his chest as his third arm stroked his chin in thought. The coldness of the cage welcomed his exuding darkness, the shadows recognizing the Master of Evil paying them a visit.

"A part of me is interested in your little job application no doubt, yet a much stronger voice in my head states you're right exactly where you belong."

The man taunted, cackling loudly as the darkness beneath his feet stretched out, engulfing both him and the cage behind it's black veil.

"Why should I trust such a treacherous scum like you? So easily motivated to swap sides as best suits you.

She wanted to bask in that reassurance, to let his confidence overwhelm her worries and blindly believe things would be alright. That her son and husband would fight through it all and return to her unscathed and with new stories to tell

She wanted it so badly, but Misako knew better than to pretend.

Reaching for his face, she wanted to burn his image into her mind as her thumb gently brushed against tired skin.

He had wanted to send her a gift, something meaningful that would remind her of him and keep her company. At first he thought jewelry would be a fine idea, but Kaya had a natural beauty that it felt like putting any sort of stone on her would be insulting.

Clothes weren't personal enough, and he didn't want to risk getting her sick if Usopp picked a perfume that would trigger her illness.

So when Nami mentioned the idea of a plush doll, it felt fitting enough.

Though now it seemed to just have been an excuse to buy one herself, on his coin of course.

Scoffs.

"One, never called me baby, we're way too old for that and two, jealous? Hah? Me? Jealous?"

Placing her stack of papers on top of his desk she reaches for his tie, wrapping it around her hand and tugging him down to her level. Inching closer as her lips hover over his own. Just enough where Hotch could feel her close, but not fully dipping in.

"Only insecure people are jealous Hotchner.."

Her other hand moved to his chest, easily flicking one of his shirt's buttons open.

At the sudden reaction he stood quickly, hovering around the Master as he gently patted his back with a worried expression. He really didn't time that correctly, but Kai didn't expect such a violent reaction to what the fire ninja considered a simple question.

The two had been hanging out a lot as of late, mostly at night no less which he didn't know if it was good for the perpetual insomniac.

"You good? Sheesh, good thing none of our enemies knew how easily they could have wiped you out with just that."

So he was right in his assumption, not that the young blonde was trying that hard to hide his true feelings. It was clear as day whenever she came by, the way his entire body language changed around her, how his eyes fixated in her every direction.

Was he really questioning it when it was that obvious?