AN- This story revolves around drug use. While this story is intended to be comedic, I feel that it is necessary to give anyone who might not feel comfortable reading this a fair warning, and allow you the choice to decide whether this story is for you.
And by the way, I still plan to keep everyone in character as much as possible, given the circumstances.
Sunflower Skies
Crocodile entered the great hall adorned with traditional Dressrosan tapestry. The mansion had been impressive; almost enough for the man to silently admit that Doflamingo had done well, but the inside left him with an all-new impression. Crocodile would take a step and glance over at the gigantic murals, imagining himself admiring them for a brief moment, were it not for the tears and graffiti that had been laid upon the artwork, no doubt a result of pirates moving in and conquering the land just a few months prior. Even the old, delicate woodwork and furniture that also decorated the castle had been tampered with, either taking the form of simple scratches, or something more extreme. The Shichibukai was almost positive that blood had been splashed all over several antiques, all of it left to dry and be ignored since the takeover.
A fast, hysterical chuckle echoed in the hall, causing the man to turn and face the figure that dare to assault his vision. At one of the many entrance stood Donquixote Doflamingo, his arms crossed as he leaned against the opening, his ever usual grin apparent, his feathery coat all fluffed up for the occasion. There was no need for them to greet each other. Instead, Crocodile brought his hand up to his mouth, pulling out his cigar and giving it a quick shake to let the ash fall from it.
The taller of the two brought himself to laughter. "How terribly rude of you," Doflamingo greeted, pulling himself away from the wall and approaching the silent, reptilian man. His steps were long but incredibly slow, almost predatory, Crocodile noticed, but that didn't stop him from giving the cigar another flick, letting the remaining ash fall to the floor.
"Anything I do would merely be an improvement," the older Shichibukai retorted. He raised his hook towards the many destroyed artifacts and continued, "Any garbage I'd bring along would only blend with the ones you've gone out of your way to create."
Doflamingo chuckled, shaking his head as he circled his estranged companion, a little wary of the golden hook that was raised, but nonetheless cocky and overconfident.
"Several hundred years of lies and you expect me to care about keeping the art together?" Doflamingo said aloud, reaching out and grabbed the man by the shoulder, his fingers digging deep into the expensive fur coat, trying to pull Crocodile closer to him without activating the logia's powers. Fortunately, Crocodile remained in his solid, stiff as his ever usual self, bringing his cigar back to his mouth as he continued to stare out at all the decorations that adorned the inside of the manor with his mild look of boredom. Unfortunately, he did not move under Doflamingo's command.
"Why am I here?" Crocodile asked. A long stream of smoke flew from his mouth, trailing over to the blond's upper chest and splashing into a wonderful, warm toxic mess.
"It's been such a long time," Doflamingo answered. He tried another tug, this time earning a small stumble from Crocodile, only to have the man glare at him for even attempting an early embrace, or whatever the blond had in mind. Doflamingo kept his grin, not faltering in the slightest. If anything, it made him all the more eager to get inside of the man.
"Getting to the New World takes a lot of time and effort," Crocodile stated. He finally looked to Doflamingo, letting his tired expression be exposed and adored, watching Doflamingo light up behind those ridiculously colored sunglasses. "I hope you have more than just sex on the mind."
The blond chuckled, his feather coat rustling underneath the vibrations. Somehow Crocodile couldn't help but be astonished as to how idiotic Doflamingo was appearing before him. "Fufufufu…I have something wonderful in store for us." Doflamingo covered half his face with his long fingers as he withheld himself from breaking out into hysterics. "I think you'll be quite pleased with what I've concocted."
Crocodile wanted nothing more than to lament over the possibility of wasting several days' worth of his time, just to hear Doflamingo squawk over winning a castle. After all, Crocodile had very similar goals in mind, and seeing how competitive Doflamingo could be, as well as the gigantic smiley that had greeted the sandman when he had entered the castle, Crocodile was beginning to suspect this was what he had been called for.
Nevertheless, Crocodile followed Doflamingo into the lesser halls, purposely leaving behind a trial of ash, just because. He wasn't bitter or anything, no Crocodile was sure of that. But he wasn't about to last that birdbrain have the last laugh.
"Did Baby 5 take your luggage?" Doflamingo asked, leading the way down a stone hallway. A few old, hand painted artwork was placed about the hall, but each one had been so terribly molested with smudges and tears.
"The maid?" Crocodile remarked. "Yes, she was incredibly polite…I'm surprised you raised one so well."
"I try," Doflamingo cooed, looking over his shoulder and smiling something nice and warm, almost alien compared to what Crocodile was used to. He exhaled deeply, hoping that the smoke would catch the blond. It didn't. They continued onward.
"Have you been offered anything since arriving?"
"No," Crocodile answered.
"No food, liquids of any kind?" Doflamingo asked with an overly curious tone. Once again Crocodile could detect a level of excitement from the young man that made him just a little nervous. A little nervous, but also very eager.
Yes, there were a few quirks to knowing someone who possessed an entire country. Dressrosa was quite the sight to behold, and now that Doflamingo had it under his control, Crocodile couldn't help but wonder what sort of things there would be in store for him during his stay. He had passed by several of the more populated streets and had seen what the small had to offer. He wasn't a fan of Doflamingo's romantic gestures or treats, not being a romantic himself, but there was something about all of this that made Crocodile look forward to the rest of the day, maybe even the other's following. As long as that man didn't make a show about it.
"Wonderful," Doflamingo said. "This will make things sooo much better."
Crocodile was feeling more eager than anything else now, not that he would dare to show such an emotion in front of the younger Shichibukai. His pride was kept ablaze as they made a few turns around the castle, Crocodile just a few steps away from Doflamingo, observing every ruined detail, until they exited, and Crocodile was welcomed once again by the bright sun.
"Welcome to the courtyard," Doflamingo said, hand expressed outward and towards the vast, colorful scenery. Crocodile readjusted his vision and could make out just about everything from the view. There were parts the city to one side, as well as a yellowy colored field in the center of it all. Crocodile remembered having heard about the field. He wasn't big on flowers, but from this distance it looked quite peaceful.
"So, as you know I have an entire country belonging to me now," Doflamingo said, walking over to a small table decorated high with sweets and things. Crocodile continued to stare out, not too distracted by the blond's offering. The fact that Doflamingo immediately brought up his conquest made it easier to not care.
"I'm going to be so very, very busy," the tall man went on, pulling himself a chair and resting on it. Crocodile looked over and stared grimly at Doflamingo. The man merely smiled back, grabbing his coat and tossing it across an empty chair. He gestured Crocodile over with his finger, curling it slow and playfully.
Crocodile sighed and carefully approached the intimate scene. "I guess that means I won't be seeing you," he muttered sarcastically, taking his seat but leaving his coat on. He placed his cigar on the holder of a very fine looking ashtray, balancing the thick cigar as best he could before turning his attention back to Doflamingo. Doflamingo grinned; resting his head on a hand while the other reached out and plucked a small cake from the topmost level of the tea set.
"Yes, unfortunately," Doflamingo said. "But then I thought to myself…how to make the most of our long term separation." Crocodile rolled his eyes. Doflamingo didn't notice.
Doflamingo took a bite of his treat before placing it on a small plate in front of him. He pointed at a colorful, decorative teapot, and then to Crocodile. "This," he said, "is what I want to make the most of today, and perhaps the next…your entire stay, if possible."
"I'm flattered," Crocodile said flatly, looking down at expensive Dressrosan tea set. It was a somewhat genuine statement. Although he preferred to remain serious about certain topic, he was rather pleased with everything Doflamingo had set up. It was a bit over the top, but it wasn't as obnoxious as most things he did.
He'd start with something to drink, seeing that everything that Doflamingo had set up appeared far too sweet for the man to enjoy. Maybe the hot beverage would be strong enough to compliment with what was being served, though Crocodile was doubtful. Just about dessert seemed covered in a thick layer of icing or fruit glaze. He let his hand hover over the teapot. Doflamingo lifted his head up, raising a brow and letting his relaxed demeanor break as Crocodile lifted it and carried it over to his cup.
"Eager, are we?" Doflamingo commented. Crocodile could hear the voice crack at the end. He wasn't too sure why, it was just tea after all, unless Doflamingo was actually attempting some sort of romantic scene. If he was, then it might very be working.
"I'm thirsty," Crocodile coolly replied. Doflamingo let a finger rest on the top of the teapot, stopping the lid from falling off as Crocodile poured himself a cup.
"Don't forget me," Doflamingo said. And Crocodile poured the blond a cup, long finger still pressed against the lid. It would have been easier for Doflamingo to pour himself a cup, but even Crocodile found himself getting into the mood and willing to play along.
Crocodile relaxed. He kept his coat on his shoulders, if only to keep himself from looking too relaxed in front of Doflamingo, analyzing the array of sweet desserts that covered the three levels of the high tea set, looking for something that wasn't too sugary looking. It was proving a challenge.
"Honey or sugar?"
"Neither," Crocodile replied, leaning back into the table as he stared at what looked like a small piece of carrot cake. That wasn't too bad.
"No, you'll definitely want something," Doflamingo commented, raising up a cup of honey in one hand, another cup filled with white and brown cubes in the other. "Trust me," the blond said, smiling nervously, "it's pretty strong tasting."
Crocodile watched the smile shake at the very ends, the cheeks burning at bit with some red. Perhaps a result of arousal, but certainly most of it was from nervousness. It wasn't like Doflamingo to try so hard. Crocodile couldn't help but pluck a cube of sugar, and with his bare hands, from the cup Doflamingo held. He let it drop into his cup and stirred it until it disappeared into the dark brew.
"I'm glad this is happening," Doflamingo said, picking out a few more cakes, cookies and tarts from the crowded tier. "It's been a long time since we did something like this."
Crocodile brought his cup of tea to his lips, much to Doflamingo's delight. He took his first sip, and Doflamingo was right about the tea. It was strong tasting, but not in the way Crocodile thought it would be. It was…strange. It looked black in appearance, but tasted like someone attempted to make a savory green tea with all the wrong roots. Crocodile would have said something about it, but after much deliberation, along with taking into consideration on what Doflamingo had just said, decided against it. The blond was trying very hard to create a romantic atmosphere, and while it certainly wasn't perfect, Crocodile was polite enough to appreciate what was given. Most of the time the younger Shichibukai would just barge in, unannounced, demanding affection and taking it whether Crocodile was in the mood to give or not. This was all very new. Crocodile wasn't about to get swept away in the romance, but he would let Doflamingo have his day, and complain about the taste later, when he would leave this island. He took another sip, larger than before, really it was more of a gulp (he was so desperate to finish his cup and not have to deal with the taste anymore), while Doflamingo lowered his tinted shade, looking both impressed and startled by Crocodile's choice.
"We're very thirsty," Doflamingo said. He picked up his cup and brought it to his face. "Dear me, I'm almost a little too nervous…"
"It's not a race. Its just tea," Crocodile replied, setting the cup down. His lips curled inward and he took a tart from the bottom level of the tier and brought it to his mouth. The sweet, syrupy taste certainly helped. When he looked over to the other side of the table Crocodile could see Doflamingo taking small sips of his drink. Something about his body movement let on to the older pirate that Doflamingo was out of his usual character.
He frowned, suspecting the taste was the problem. "It's not that bad," he said.
"Says you," Doflamingo muttered.
"Better luck next time, I suppose," Crocodile replied, taking another bite of his treat. He looked over at his cigar.
"I plan to get on the exact same level as you," he heard Doflamingo comment. Crocodile looked away from his fixation and over to Doflamingo. The man was still sipping the tea. Crocodile made no comment. He reached for his cigar, taking it back into his possession.
"You better finish that soon," Doflamingo said, pointing a finger at the cigar now resting in Crocodile's mouth.
"There's still quite a bit left to eat," Crocodile proclaimed. He raised his hook up, letting his elbow rest on his leg, and pointed the end towards Doflamingo and the cup of nasty tea. "And I told you this wasn't a race…"
"This is the last time I might be able to do this," Doflamingo said.
Crocodile frowned. "I doubt you'll be that busy," he said. He finished his treat and felt a sad rush expulse through his body when he realized he was getting thirsty all over again. He reached for the teapot, telling himself to aim for two cubes, maybe brown, this time to avoid the aftertaste. Doflamingo stared at him, his eyes wide enough for Crocodile to make out the round edges around the sunglasses.
"Don't let it get to you," Crocodile said. There was less tea in the pot for Crocodile to not worry about spillage. He removed the lid and poured himself just half the amount as before. Doflamingo immediately placed his cup down, shaking his head and laughing at Crocodile.
"You're amazing," Doflamingo said, laughing and rubbing the bottom of his face with a hand. His laughter seemed to echo in Crocodile's mind. Doflamingo continued. "Even after all these years, you never cease to amaze me, Croco."
Crocodile shook his head, taking in a deep breath from his cigar and exhaling heavy so that the entire setting was covered in a thin veil of smoke. He wondered if he had exhaled too much. He was feeling strangely lightheaded.
"Honestly," Crocodile said, raising a hand at Doflamingo, "we can make time for these sorts of things. You just need to learn to handle yourself better. I mean, this whole Dressrosa thing; it'll be difficult reestablishing a stable economy, earning the entire trust of your citizens, and ridding yourself of any potential traitors; but you're a pirate, and you'll figure things out." Doflamingo smiled at him, or was it something else? Crocodile blinked, readjusting his vision until the blur dissipated.
"Ok," he continued, "it might take a while, at most a year."
"Only a year?" Doflamingo asked. Crocodile could see the blond's face actually turn red with blush. "Shit," he watched Doflamingo actually cover his smile, "I didn't think you'd give me such a short limit." The blond grabbed his tea and took a long sip from it. He stopped and stared at the contents of the cup. "And everything else?" he said to Crocodile, "You're really serious about that?"
Crocodile shrugged. "I don't see why not?" he replied. "Its not that big of a deal." He rested his cigar back into the ashtray, taking up his cup and drinking the soothing tea. His throat thanked him, and this time the drink's taste had another level of sweetness to hide behind. When he brought his cup down he was welcomed with the sight of Doflamingo standing right before him, grinning widely.
"What?" he asked. Crocodile blinked, finding it difficult to focus on the grinning man's form.
Doflamingo chuckled. "And here I was worried that you'd complain about being too old for this," he said, letting a few fingers press against Crocodile's face. Crocodile's eyes went wide when he felt the sensation rush across his check, stagnating and then echoing across the rest of his body. It sprinkled into every nerve, surprising him and causing his vision to temporarily blur.
"W-what," Crocodile muttered. He brought a hand to cover his mouth, feeling his throat dry up once more. He shook his head, hearing Doflamingo chuckle right above him. It took a few more blinks for Crocodile to realize that something wasn't wrong with his vision. But the feelings that suddenly overcame him; that, he realized, was a result of something unnatural.
"I didn't mean it like that," Doflamingo said. He chuckled again, his voice stretching a bit, at least to Crocodile it was. "Oh, wow," the blond said, stumbling back. He grabbed the chair that held his coat, his chuckling returning, his voice going up a pitch. "You were right!" the blond broke into a mild, quick laughter. "I shouldn't have tried racing you!"
Crocodile stared tiredly at Doflamingo, more-so than usual. He was feeling incredibly peaceful, which was saying something considering he wanted nothing more than to break Doflamingo's stupid face in. Or, at least in theory. It was getting harder for Crocodile to really determine how he felt about the entire situation. He looked over to the cup, remembering that strange taste, and then remembering all the things he and Doflamingo had said to each other, how incredibly easy it was to misinterpret it all, and finally, the very way Doflamingo pointed to the cup, and then to him, mentioning making the "most of the day."
"Oh, fuck," he muttered.
"Oh, good," Doflamingo said. He was shaking, making his descent down to his knees as he held on to the chair with one hand, the other waving up and down to Crocodile, trying to catch the man's attention. "Hey, you're…you're definitely feeling it too, right?"
Crocodile lifted his head up and away from the table setting. He looked around at the changing world around him, his heartbeat becoming detectable as he found himself surround in and by a thin veil of light.
"Oh, great," he muttered in annoyance. "A hallucinogenic."
He was incredibly lightheaded, and every little thing around him seemed to be producing a sort of unknown gleam, lighting everything up; the sky, the air that filled it, the bloody molecules that made it all up. If it wasn't glowing, it was sparkling or glimmering, and while it looked amazing Crocodile also found himself irritated by having entering this world of shimmering diamonds. He reached out for his cigar, his hand and fingers shaking so much he could hear the sharp clicks of his rings hitting each other. This world was disgustingly bright. He had to squint in order to properly make out the shape of the cigar and pick it up without accidentally burning himself.
"Be careful," Doflamingo warned.
Crocodile didn't think of it until he brought his cigar back into his lips and inhaled. He felt his throat burn easily against what would normally be considered delicate tasting fumes, and he coughed, just barely covering his mouth in front of Doflamingo. And then there was Doflamingo. Crocodile hoped he was staring at the man with absolute disgust for bringing him into this, but with the look on Doflamingo's face; the way he crawled over and rested his arms and head on Crocodile's lap, made it unlikely.
He watched Doflamingo rest on top of his lap, laughing and staring outwards into nothing, and then going quiet except for the occasional chuckles towards nothingness. Crocodile would listen to each burst of noise, reacting appropriately with the upmost surprise. His entire being jolted. And then, Doflamingo finally laughed, grabbing Crocodile's legs with his shaking hands and clinging to them in case he would break away and fall back.
"Crocodile," the man laughed loudly. His voice echoed in the courtyard and stained itself across Crocodile's mind. The man wanted to laugh too. Doflamingo sounded absolutely delightful. He had to hold it all in. "Crocodile," Doflamingo said again, shaking the older man's trousers, "I'm really high right now…"
Crocodile blinked, feeling his body beginning to shake with too much energy. Doflamingo's body felt nice against his. And he was feeling a little hungry and thirsty all over again. His body continued with more shaking, releasing small amounts of energy until a strange calm overtook the man. Crocodile groaned, wishing he could react to this in a responsible manner, but a smile kept reappearing on his face every time he tried to respond to Doflamingo ridiculous comment. When this was all over, and he was sober enough to think straight, Crocodile was sure he would do something to the blond.
"Holy shit, your legs are turning into sand…"
He looked down and stared at Doflamingo's hands filled with pouring piles of sand. Crocodile's mouth opened, and he dropped his cigar and let it roll to the floor as he reached out and grabbed a small handful of his own sand, looking dumfounded and forgetting what he had previously been so bothered by. Doflamingo laughed, pointing at the stream that fell from Crocodile's hands, pouring back on to his half-destroyed legs, and bits and pieces reemerging while others continued to spray about or hang in the air.
"Fuck," Crocodile said again, staring at the cigar that had moved a few feet away. He thought about what he said, and without a warning, burst into maniacal laughter, right along with Doflamingo.
He was really high right now.