[based off a fic! @neptoonz on ao3 <3]

Raiden is one of many official straw hat bodyguards for the royal family. Their identities halfway concealed by the way the hat was shaped made them unique to this family alone. He had specifically been assigned to you, who--when you first met as teenagers--on the outside seems like the perfect daughter. In turn, it's not like you were a delinquent, you were just more casual in the way you spoke and more relaxed when it came to royal affairs, in contrast to your sister, who was heir to the throne.

He was always a kindhearted soul. So brave and ready to give his life for the royal family at any given moment. Especially you. Ah, right, you always say he's allowed to call you by your first name whenever you're alone. He has kindly declined a few times, feeling that it would be disrespectful not only to you, but his role as your protector.

It was just after a tournament that you fought in, losing to the champion of Earthrealm, Kung Lao, fair and square. Earthrealm was now up by one over Outworld, but that could be subject to change in 100 years when the next tournament takes place. For now, you accepted your loss gracefully and asked to be excused.

You didn't actually have to use the bathroom, but instead calm down and clear your head on a short lap around the palace. Through your mind was running many thoughts, one of which included the bodyguard you've fallen in love with over the last century. As you excuse yourself and begin to walk down the hall, you could immediately sense it was Raiden quietly following behind you.