Raven

You lowered your gaze. You looked at your hands and thought they were enough, that you were enough. But the thought didn't quite take hold.

Is everything you've done, everything you're doing, actually enough?

You didn't cry. You weren't capable of crying. That was what frustrated you most. The falling tears, at least, would be a physical manifestation, a visible sign that the pain existed as a whole. But the suffering was silent. A voice inside you seemed to know everything: everything you weren't, everything you should be to deserve something.

You're not enough. You never were. You never will be.

You didn't hear him come in. So focused on your sorrow that you didn't notice your partner's arrival in the room. However, he did notice you. His eyes carefully scanned your figure, taking in every detail that revealed so much about you without your even realizing it. He didn't need eloquent words or actions; he simply knew you like the back of his hand.

He approached you slowly, maintaining a safe distance for your own comfort. He respected the fragile silence that surrounded you, not wanting to intrude abruptly when you still seemed lost in thought. Even so, after a moment of proper self-meditation, he spoke.

❝It seems something hurts you more than usual today.❞

A small smile touched his face. He stood in front of you when your gaze finally fell upon him. There was no urgency in his actions, in the way he knelt down and took your hands.

❝I don't think I can convince you of anything right now,❞ he said, gently squeezing your hands in his, ❝but I can stay with you until you learn how valuable you are.❞

That seemed to be the trigger that unlocked your tears, for they soon began to flow freely down your face.

He wasn't trying to change your opinion of yourself. Instead, he was offering you another possibility, even more special in its rarity. He was offering you his time, a gaze that didn't seek to compare, a touch that invited you to relax… He promised you a safe place where you could feel understood.

And, even though you still doubted yourself, for a moment you allowed yourself to believe that perhaps, just perhaps, you weren't broken, but simply tired.

simeon, barbatos, satan (obey me); buddha, hermes, hades, jack (ror/snv); leon (resident evil); megumi, nanami (jjk); sanji, sabo, mihawk, (one piece); v (devil may cry); diluc, zhongli, neuvillete, flins (genshin impact); jade (twisted wonderland); bruno (jojo's); pierrot (freak circus); your fav ones...

—His choice of pet names is: "sunshine", "hot stuff". This poor boy uses humour to hide how down bad he is for you. Call him hot stuff back, though, and watch the flames come to life.

Little by little, Ace's eyelids fluttered open. He had woken up from his slumber with his head on your lap, still blinking sleepily. ❝Morning, sunshine…❞ You teased him about his drooling. He groaned, hiding his face in your stomach.

—His choice of pet names is: "darling", "my heart". He's a romantic at heart. Deeply elegant yet gentle in his affection, despite acting a little dramatically here and there.

Sabo was being a victim of your scolding words. He had come back hurt from a mission, which meant you had to patch him up. He watched you with soft eyes as you bandaged his scraped arm. ❝You worry too much, my heart.❞ He smiled gently, brushing your cheek with his thumb. You called him reckless, and that only made his smile widen.

—His choice of pet names is: "woman/man", "love". He's terrible at pet names, like, deeply horrible at that. Or so it was, until suddenly it wasn't the case.

To no one's surpise at that point, you had found him asleep on the wrong part of the ship, again. You nudged him awake, not wanting the swordsman to wake up with soreness. ❝Love…?❞ Zoro muttered under his breath, half-asleep. You froze in your place, not expecting such a choice of words from him, of all. He woke up fully soon after, a tender blush on his cheeks. ❝Forget that.❞ You absolutely did not.

—His choice of pet names is: "darling", "beloved". He pours his entire soul into every syllable he dedicates to you. Love feels as easy as breathing with him by your side.

It was lunchtime, and everyone was already waiting for their food. Sanji served you a plate of your favourite food decorated like a work of true art. ❝For my beloved,❞ he kneeled dramatically, leaving the dish in front of you as hearts could be seen coming from his eyes. The crew groaned. He ignored them completely.

—His choice of pet names is: "sweetpea", "cutie (pie)". Once more, we have another man who mixes humor with genuine admiration for you. He doesn't miss an opportunity to tell you how much he adores you.

You found yourself hyping him up for the next fight you may get engaged in. Usopp took little time to puff out his chest, all manly. ❝That's it, sweetpea! Please, don't leave my side.❞ When you held his hand, squeezing it, he beamed noticeably. His own hand curled around yours in response.

—His choice of pet names is: "super babe", "cutie (gear)". Everything with him is loud, surprisingly comfortable even when one needs silence. His affection is like sparkles illuminating your life, a physical manifestation on its own of his undeniable love for you.

Accompanying him, you complimented his latest invention, the one he had just finished. Franky struck one of his signature poses, sunglasses flashing, and that ever-present smirk of his. ❝Anything for you, my super babe!❞ Then, without hesitation, he scooped you up in a bear hug that lifted you off the ground effortlessly. Laughter coming from you two.

—His choice of pet names is: "sweetheart", "love". Those are simple pet names, one would say, but that's what he's able to mutter without feeling overly shy. He gets easily flustered, but he tries so hard to meet your standards.

You decided to pay him a surprise visit during one of the training hours, a lunch box in your hands. As soon as Koby saw you walk in, he turned a bright pink, quite rivaling the color of his hair. ❝Th-thank you, sweetheart!❞ He froze as soon as he said that. ❝I mean… If that’s okay— I can call you that, right?❞ With just one nod of yours, he could relax with a bright smile on his face.

—His choice of pet names is: "beloved", "(my) sweet". His love is synonymous with quiet devotion, few know how deep his love for you is. When he speaks to you, his voice comes softer, with a warmth almost unusual for a man as serious-looking as he is.

It was early in the morning, the perfect time for a sweet treat. You brought him a freshly baked donut, the one you knew he loved. Katakuri looked away almost instantly, trying to hide the smile tugging at his lips. ❝Thank you, my sweet.❞ You couldn't help but tease him about the growing blush on his cheeks. He simply cleared his throat, flustered but composed, and tried to deny it.

—His choice of pet names is: "darling", "(my) gem". Does everything he says drip with both luxury and danger? Yes, we wouldn't have it in any other way.

To no one's surprise, Sir Crocodile was smoking in his office. The expensive cigar was soon taken away from his lips, you had taken hold of it. He caught your wrist with his hand gently, not letting you get any further away. ❝Careful, gem… If you take something from me, you’ll have to offer something better.” His smirk was pure, addictive poison, just like his tobacco.

—His choice of pet names is: "sweetheart", "love". He's the definition of warmth and simplicity in one. His words are as sincere as how he presents himself to you.

The crew was partying wildly. The last mission had gone wonderfully well, having retrieved what you were looking for. Shanks had his arm thrown around you, hearty laughter escaped past his lips as you two moved around, a little messily, until he leaned down to whisper something in your ear. ❝Sweetheart, if you keep dancing like that, I’ll have to kick everyone out so I can keep you to myself.❞ He might be joking… Or not. That was for you to judge.

—His choice of pet names is: "(my) star", "pretty thing". It was evident he'd dramatize his affection as if it were a performance on its own. Don't mind it, though.

Once more, Buggy had failed a new trick he was trying to master. A spectacular failure, for sure. But you clapped anyway, motivating his poor attempts further. ❝I knew my star would support me! It’s for you that I shine!❞ He puffed up with clear pride… Then immediately tripped over. You were quick to help him get back up, trying not to laugh.

—His choice of pet names is: "hey, you", "love". The first one was how he called for your attention early on; he's silly like that. Nevertheless, you did make him soften up later on, even though he pretends he's not absolutely head over heels.

You were invading his space, as he liked to call it, sitting on his desk doing nothing specific. Smoker came in soon after, not hesitating in removing his coat and draping it over your shoulders. His excuse? ❝It’s cold, love… Don’t look at me like that. I won’t say it twice.❞ He absolutely did say it again. As long as it may make you smile at him.

—His choice of pet names is: "sweetness", "(my) treasure". If he addresses you with a pet name, be sure it'll always be laced with a possessive undertone, one impossible to ignore.

You two were inside his office, spending some quality time together away from prying eyes. You were sitting on his lap while Doflamingo read reports. One of his hands was comfortably settled on your curves, tracing your waist lazily. ❝Sweetness… Don't squirm. You're distracting me. Unless…❞ He lowered his glasses enough for you to catch a glimpse of his eyes. ❝… That's exactly what you want.❞

—His choice of pet names is: "(my) angel", "little one". His affection is full of heart… Jokes aside, this man is so soft and clumsy at the same time that it's difficult not to swoon for him.

Donquixote Rosinante, aka Corazon, was attempting to light a cigarette, the usual. But he soon set his coat on fire… Again. You rushed to his side, trying to help him put out the fire. ❝Angel, I swear this time wasn’t my fault…❞ He whispered with that lovingly silly smile of his, his arms awkwardly wrapping around you as he laughed at his own clumsiness.

—His choice of pet names is: "Y/n-ya", "adorable idiot". The last one is specifically used for when you make him worry too much, which could be any other day, to be honest.

You walked past his office, finding the lights still on despite the late hours. You couldn't have that happening, not for two nights in a row. You stepped inside, demanding that he rest properly for once. Surprisingly, Trafalgar sighed, set down his scalpel, and met your eyes head-on. ❝Y/n-ya… If you keep looking at me like that, I'll have to actually listen.❞ Cheesy, but it worked. He went to sleep right away, with you by his side, of course.

—His choice of pet names is: "(my) angel", "partner". I must admit, it's beautiful to see him feel at ease with someone enough to let his walls down. He sees you as an angel sent from above, always there for him.

It was late already, late enough for you two to be cooking dinner together. As expected, it was spaghetti. Killer attempted to taste the sauce through his mask and failed miserably. You couldn't contain it and laughed at the look his mask was left in. ❝Fafafa… Don’t laugh, angel.❞ You laughed harder. He joined you, unrestrained.

—His choice of pet names is: "spark", "my favourite disaster". Challenge him, please. That's the way to get into this man's heart. Make him trip over his thoughts, and that smirk of his will never leave his red lips.

When he walked beside you, his stride slowed just slightly to match your own pace without acknowledging it. When danger lingered, which wasn't that odd given his position, his glance flocked toward your position for half a second, those eyes of his calculating risk, escape routes and outcomes, before he crushed the threat with effortless precision. And when you spoke about something that mattered, he didn’t interrupt. Crocodile never interrupted unless he valued what he was hearing, you had learned.

The words were never said out loud, of course. His pride was his armor, and control his language. The world had taught him from a young age that vulnerability was a wound, which one should never expose if they want to survive.

It was after a long day negotiating with people who didn’t realize how lucky they were to leave the room unscarred. A quiet evening in which he entered your shared space with that familiar tension in his shoulders, the kind forged from years of mistrust. You sat quietly, giving him the rare gift of silence, which he had grown aware few people ever offered him willingly.

❝You’re awfully calm,❞ he eventually muttered, removing his coat with deliberate slowness. ❝Most people scatter the moment they sense I’m in a mood.❞

❝I fear I’m not most people.❞ That earned you a subtle lift of an eyebrow. Nothing more for others. But from him, it was practically a confession.

He poured himself a drink, the amber liquid spinning as he swirled the glass. You waited, sensing his mind turning behind the mask he wore as naturally as his gold rings. Finally, he spoke with measured words and an unexpected honesty. ❝Today reminded me why I work alone,❞ he almost grunted with tiredness. ❝People are… Unreliable.❞

You didn’t dare to challenge him. You just asked, ❝and me?❞

That made him stop, his body still for a moment. The quiet stretched between you two, heavy but not hostile. Then a sigh came past his lips, a rare, unguarded exhale that felt like the desert wind right before twilight.

❝You're inconveniently reliable.❞

It was the closest he’d ever come to saying he trusted you.

Soon, a smile took over your features, an understanding expression. With Crocodile, trust wasn’t offered; it was earned, grain by grain, you had to work for it with blood, sweat and tears. For such, you cherished it deeply because he didn’t give it lightly. He couldn’t. And that meant you were one of the few he genuinely trusted, who could see him in an aspect no one else could.

Later, as he settled into his chair, less tense than he had been minutes prior, the hard edges of his posture eased. You took a seat beside him, close enough to share warmth but not close enough to threaten his sense of control. That boundary was sacred, and you respected it with your whole heart.

He didn’t thank you for being there. He never felt the need to with you. Instead, he set his glass down and said, with quiet certainty, ❝stay.❞

And you did. Of course you did.

—The first time you casually loop your arm through his or squeeze his hand while sharing your day, he freezes for half a second. It surprises him how at ease you seem to be with him, not in a bad way. Over time, he grows fond of it. He won't initiate it, though, but he subtly adjusts his pace so you can keep walking close.

❝Amazing. Truly amazing.❞

—Suguru is a quiet protector. If he hears a strange noise, he'll quietly stand up and check around without ever mentioning it. He has such an "I've got it, don't worry" energy around him at all times.

—In the mornings, he'll be making tea (ask for a cup if you want some) while saying something absolutely deadpan that makes you pause on your tracks before laughing. He enjoys banter (we've seen him with Satoru), but won't initiate it unless he feels comfortable enough.

—Whenever you fall asleep on the couch, or anywhere that isn't your bedroom, he gently covers you with a blanket and turns down the lights. He never makes a big deal out of it, but he likes the peacefulness of sharing a calm home.

—Call me crazy, but he keeps stray cats fed. Even if pets aren't allowed inside the apartment, somehow there are always cats outside your door (or close enough) who act like they live there. When asked, he just shrugs and goes on with feeding them.

❝Don't go making a mess, now.❞ He comented to the wandering cats. ❝Your food is here.❞

—Suguru melts each time internally, you give him a warm "welcome home" hug after a long mission, but on the outside, he simply pats your back softly. He secretly finds the physical affection grounding and a reminder that he still belongs to something gentle outside of sorcery.

—Hajime Kashimo is an early bird, that's for sure; he goes to sleep early and wakes up with the first rays of the sun. You'll hear him doing some intense routine at 5am sharp while you're still half-asleep.

—About his bedroom, it's the definition of minimalism to the point it looks almost empty. A bed, a space to train, maybe one or two personal items, and he's good to go (he has a wardrobe too, of course).

—He has one dish he's perfected (probably something simple and protein-heavy), and he cooks it the exact same way every time. It takes genuinely good, but it's only one kind of food he prepares. Although he'll silently judge your cooking techniques from the sidelines.

❝Don't piss me off first thing in the morning.❞ He mumbles when you dare to comment on his cooking capacities.

—He rarely shows affection directly, it's not his strongest point, but he respects consistency. If you check in with him with a simple "did you eat?" he'll grumble before answering honestly. He sees it as a sign of a worthy bond.

—Hajime doesn't understand many of the established social norms, but he tries to adapt to them. He'll give very straightforward comments that may sound like insults, yet he means them as neutral observations. Try to explain it to him, he'll adjust with time.

—He loves storms. If there's lighting, he'll be standing at the window like a kid seeing fireworks. You can't pull him away.

❝Don't interfere…❞

—If you're feeling stressed, he'll offer his quiet company. He'll sit nearby, tinkering with something or meditating, letting his presence alone be steady and grounding. He may bring up working out to destress, just saying.

—He's not used to others touching him without a combat reason, which means that the first time you touched him spontaneously, he stiffened. He doesn't push you away; instead, he lets you finish, viewing it almost like an odd ritual of trust you insist on sharing with him.