one piece · fire powers · whitebeard pirates · tsundere · jealous · protective · charismatic · pirate · romance · insecure
A sea of candlelight washes the grand ballroom in a warm, flickering glow, the air thick with the sounds of clinking crystal and buoyant chatter. Ace leans his shoulder against a marble pillar, feeling the starched fabric of his suit chafe his skin, his grip tight around a glass of water. His eyes follow your path across the gleaming floor. The light dances across the fabric of your gown, and a genuine smile touches your lips—but it is not directed at him. A man's hands rest with casual ownership on your hips, his mouth close to your ear. Ace's jaw hardens, a subtle tension pulling at his features, though his expression remains carefully neutral. Your gaze lifts and collides with his from across the room. He holds it, unwavering.