Okay, since it was quite some time since my last update, I won't bore you with talking... or writing maybe? Bah! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: Still don't own One Piece.
"Isn't he great?" Monkey D. Garp asked with a blending smile on his face, looking down into the cot where his newborn son was snoozing away the first day of his life.
"He isn't so much fun..."
Garp glared down at the kid peaking over the cot on the sleeping baby, before he turned his eyes towards Garp. Gol D. Roger was a pre-teen he had picked up from the street a few months ago. He had taken Roger back to his home to spend time there before the kid could be arranged to be placed into a foster home, but somehow Roger always ended up at his home. Again and again, Garp wanted to send the kid away, but finally his wife talked him into letting Roger stay. Garp had been confused by her intentions at first, seeing that they had a child of their own on the way, but who knew the roads his wife's thoughts took? It was safer for him to just obey when she was in that kind of mood.
"He is a newborn baby, you fool. He will be much fun when he gets older."
Roger didn't look convinced, but didn't say anything else. He turned his gaze back towards the child, who had awoken and was now meeting Roger's gaze with big dark eyes. Slowly, Roger lowered his hand into the cot, tracing the small nose with two fingers. Suddenly the baby giggled slightly and grabbed Roger's two fingers with both his small hands. Roger looked startled, as if he was surprised that such a small thing actually could move and touch him. He quickly looked back to Garp, catching a small smile on the officer's lips.
"What are you gonna name him?"
"Dragon", Garp answered after a moment of silence. "She always wanted a boy named Dragon."
Roger nodded slowly, more to himself than to Garp. The officer's wife was strange like that.
"That's a cool name, officer sir", Roger said, strangely polite.
Garp glanced down at Roger, who once again had turned back to Dragon, fascinated by the awake baby. The man wondered if he should tell Roger that he had resigned from the force only one day ago? Both he and his wife thought it would be better if he became a teacher, which had been his original plan, until he joined the force. That way, it was easier for him to be available, should anything happen, and even if there would be troublesome students, a teacher's work wasn't as risky as an officer's.
He decided against telling. Roger's could find it out for himself when he started his new school that fall. It would be fun to see the surprised look on his young face.
"Does this mean that Dragon is my brother?"
Garp looked at Roger with surprise written all over his face. He had certainly not expected that question, but suddenly his wife wishes all made sense. Roger felt comfortable with them, and now with a baby in his immediate presence, they would grow up together and have each other, even if Roger was many years older than Dragon. Oh how he loved his wife and her wise thinking.
"I can't decide that", Garp said and patted Roger's head, a gesture Roger found very annoying. "You'll have to ask him."
At first, Roger looked troubled. How could he ask a baby that couldn't even speak. But then Dragon giggled again, and Roger grin at him then turned to Garp.
"I'll be the best friend ever, and then, when he is old enough, I'll ask him to be my brother, and we'll seal it with sake!"
A heavy fist connected with Roger's head, and the poor boy almost went through the wooden floor.
"You will not drink when underage!" Garp's voice boomed throughout the room, making Roger cringe and Dragon gurgle in delight.
Crocodile woke up to a blissful silence; that was the best way to wake up after a night of too much to drink. He stayed still for a few minutes, letting his body relax and sink further down into the mattress. When he was sure that he had been able to avoid a headache, he slowly started to move around under the duvet.
A low moan, that wasn't his, made the CEO stop his movements. He turned his head to the other side of the bed, and his eyes quickly caught the sight of a blonde mop of hair on the other pillow.
In a flash, every memory crashed back into Crocodile's mind and he buried his face into the pillow. The groan that escaped his lips was muffled by the soft fabric. That's right, he had invited the blonde to his bed. No, he had invited the blonde to sleep in his bed. What had happened to him? Crocodile did not invite people to share his bed for sleeping. It was sex only; that was a rule. He must have been more drunk than he thought.
No, he knew that wasn't it. Somehow, during these weeks, the blonde had managed to crawl under Crocodile's skin... damn it!
Very vivid pictures of their 'argument' crossed his mind, and Crocodile blushed slightly. Damn it all to hell, now he was getting horny too. Stupid tempting blonde for being such a handsome brat.
Another moan escaped from the duvet that covered Doflamingo, louder this time. Apparently, Crocodile wasn't the only one with a dirty mind.
Crocodile watched as his blonde bed companion turned around from facing the opposite wall to lie on his back, and yes, if the bulge under the duvet around his hips was anything to go on, then Doflamingo surely had a dirty mind.
Crocodile smirked a devil's grin that spread across his unshaved face. He quietly threw off the duvet from his own body and slowly crawled over to the other side of the bed, where the blonde was lightly snoring, unknowing to the presence creeping towards him.
The air was warm and humid beneath the blonde's duvet when Crocodile slowly lifted it from the blonde's lower body. He didn't pull it off entirely, letting the warm fabric continue to cover the broad chest, where it slowly rose and fell with Doflamingo's breath.
The hard member was covered by the fabric of his pink underwear, adorned with yellow dots. Crocodile rolled his eyes. It seemed like the blonde went flamboyant even to the last layer of his articles.
The older male let his hands roam over the blonde's thighs with light pressure. He glanced up towards Doflamingo's face to see if he reacted and woke up. It was hard to tell with the tinted sunglasses covering Doflamingo's eyes, but Crocodile didn't see any signs of the blonde stirring. He did have a suspicion about the blonde being a heavy sleeper; looked like he could be right on that one.
With talented but careful fingers, Crocodile pulled the elastic band of the boxer brief's down over Doflamingo's upper thighs, releasing a fully erect member. He really shouldn't be surprised. Doflamingo was, after all, a young and healthy boy.
He gave the tip a teasing lick, recognizing the salty taste of pre-cum on his tongue. Another lick, and this time Crocodile felt a tremble run down the strong thighs of the blonde. He would surely wake up Doflamingo soon, so Crocodile figured he better get serious. He slowly pressed the tip of the tongue against the head of Doflamingo's cock, swirling around it in a steady pace. Crocodile could feel the blonde stir, and a low, quiet mumble, that sounded suspiciously like a 'yes', escaped the thin lips.
Now, time was running away from him, so Crocodile quickly wrapped his lips around the now leaking head, sucking subtly before slowly taking more of the warm, enlarged member into his mouth. He could hear Doflamingo's breath quicken, the blonde hitching from the shallow intakes of air. Up and down Crocodile's head went, slow movements; his only goal to tease and wet the member with his saliva.
"Wha... Oh fuck", a hoarse voice, filled with sleep and bewilderment, cursed from above Crocodile's head.
A smirk played over Crocodile's lips. The blonde was unable to stay asleep any longer. The purplish raven could feel the trembling of excitement and exception that started to stir in Doflamingo's crotch, flowing down the veins of his toned thighs. A big hand slowly stroked his dark locks before the fingers buried themselves in them, getting a firm hold in his hair and scalp.
"C-Crocodile", Doflamingo said, a gasp interrupting the flow of letters from his mouth.
"Hmmm?", Crocodile hummed around the shaft, voice filled with amusement.
"So... close", Doflamingo managed to grunt out between deep breaths.
Crocodile had suspected that. It was quick, but Doflamingo had been sleeping, caught off guard, and he was still in his teens, so Crocodile was only pleased by the reaction. He sucked even harder, hollowing his cheeks until Doflamingo could feel every surface of his cock covered in the insides of Crocodile's mouth.
"Freaking, fucking... ah!" was all the warning Crocodile got until something wet and sticky splashed into his mouth.
He swallowed it before continuing to lick the softening and sensitive shaft, cleaning it off very thoroughly. Unexpectedly, a pair of big, calloused hands grabbed his shoulders and pulled him up over sun kissed skin and tanned stomach and chest. He was placed flush against the younger man's body, lips claiming him like no one else had ever done. He could taste himself on the eager tongue, and he felt a thrill of arousal.
"Man", Doflamingo said when their lips parted, his husky voice chuckling lightly. "You are going to be my death."
Crocodile smirked at first, feeling very pleased with his actions. Then his smile faltered when he felt that same calloused hand that grabbed his shoulder earlier slowly traced up alongside his thigh, towards his own erection.
"That is out of the question", Crocodile said sternly and swatted the frisky hand away. "You stink, get into the shower."
Doflamingo watched with a baffled face as the CEO walked away from the bed, grabbed a silky robe in one swift movements, and left him alone, as if he didn't had a throbbing erection bumping against his stomach.
Doflamingo could have been a good boy, taking a shower for around twenty minutes, because that would be how long Crocodile would need to get off. But Doflamingo had always been a naughty boy as a child, and some things never changed.
Slowly, with all the stealth of a child growing up with violent and alcoholic parents, he sneaked over to the bedroom door and away towards the kitchen and living-room. His back was pressed closely against the wall as he slowly leaned over on his left side to peak into the kitchen. Crocodile was nowhere to be seen. The blonde cursed under his breath. He quickly crossed the hall and did the same procedure towards the living-room. Body pressed against the wall, leaning slightly to his right, twisting his head around the corner and... bingo.
The raven-haired man was standing, but leaning against the couch's arm rest for support. His silky robe were opened, hanging loose. One pale hand was holding onto the couch's backrest so the man could steady himself better; the other hand was wrapped around an angry red penis.
Doflamingo let out a small exhale of breath, but in his head he was groaning loudly. The scene that played out in front of him was incredibly arousing, and Doflamingo planned to have it burned into his mind forever. Sure he was a naughty boy, but not a stupid boy. If Doflamingo disturbed the crocodile-man, or made his presence known, the blonde knew he would get the cold shoulder for the rest of his life. So Doflamingo settled with watching his love interest jerking himself off from the memories of what had just played out in the bedroom
Doflamingo barely contained a moan. When he was absolutely certain that he had the picture forever printed into his mind, he left as quick and quietly as possible towards the shower, and what he knew would be the second ejaculation that morning.
Crocodile let his gaze sweep over the table he was place by. He was at the Cooking George, a very classy restaurant owned by a world-known chef named Zeff. The man had fought his way from the slum to the most celebrated kitchens, and Crocodile appreciated the man and his standards... and also his food.
Beside him, at the small squared table, sat Rouge; across from them sat Rayleigh and Roger. Crocodile could have found better men to join him for a meal in this restaurant, but apparently, they all had something important to talk about.
Rouge had called him just after he had finished eating a early lunch, or was it late breakfast? Doflamingo had joked something about romantic brunch, and insisted in eating it on the terrace. Crocodile had, surprisingly, given in, and eating food wasn't the only thing they had ended up doing on that terrace. Crocodile quickly made a mental shrug of his head. There was no time for daydreaming at such a fancy place as this, especially not about something so pedestrian as sharing a morning with your lover. Wait... for Crocodile, that wasn't pedestrian at all, actually more rare than anything... and lover? Since when did he see someone as his lover? Doflamingo none the less?
Crocodile made a heavy, yet silent sigh, not noticing the strange look that Rouge gave him.
He would just have to start admitting it to himself, wouldn't he? The blonde had managed to crawl under his skin, and he stayed there, getting too comfortable. Crocodile knew from experience, greatly bestowed upon him by his own parents, that relationship didn't last if there was emotions involved. You had to gain something from it. But what was it that Doflamingo wanted from him, and what the hell did he want from Doflamingo?
"Erhm Crocodile, sweetie?"
Crocodile was jerked out of his musing, repulsed by the sweet nickname Rouged had called him. Across the table, he could see Roger snicker silently, and the pale skinned male shoot him an icy glare before turning his attention back fully to the strawberry blonde beauty.
"What would you like to drink?" Rouge asked with a sweet, yet concerned smile.
Crocodile focused his eyes on something behind the woman's shoulder. A waiter was standing beside her, looking at him expectantly with a hint of confusion in his brown eyes. Crocodile could have smacked himself. How could he so easily forget his surroundings and let his guard slip around strangers in a public place such as this? He was really starting to lose it.
"Red wine please, whatever you recommend", he said dryly and turned his attention to the exquisite folded napkin in front of him.
"Of course sir, I will bring you your beverage right away gentlemen and my lady."
The young man bowed politely and left, leaving behind three pair of curious eyes gazing at Crocodile. Luckily for the purplish raven, the waiter was quick with their drinks, and it looked like Rouge had already arranged for their meals to be finished at their arrival, so not long after they had tasted the delicious wine, they could start with their appetizer.
After one hour and a half, their three-course dinner had ended, and Crocodile had finished three glasses of wine, two whiskey on the rocks and half a Strawberry Daiquiri. Apparently, Rouge much rather give her unfinished drinks to him than to Roger, who was much more interested in the beer and rum alternatives on the menu. The man with the moustache had gotten too much in his system anyway.
Crocodile had been pleasantly surprised during the dinner, plenty of times too. Rouge sure knew how handle her new man: discreetly pointing out to him to behave properly, talking and coaxing both Roger and himself to have somewhat civilized conversations with each other, and all the while keeping up the complex discussion with a much more sober Rayleigh. Rouge was a woman of many talents, but Crocodile knew that already. But this was of course not just a dinner for pleasure spent with friends, specially not if it was Gol. D Roger. No, something more was going to happen, and Crocodile got his suspicion confirmed when their table was cleared, and Roger and Rouge started to exchange nervous glances.
Crocodile met Rayleigh's gaze and the older man rolled his eyes, amusement playing on his lips. Crocodile snorted, maybe Rayleigh wasn't such a dull man after all. Roger may be an idiot, but he sure surrounded himself with competent people. Too bad Rouge had been caught by him too.
"Will you two just spit it out", Crocodile said and glared over at the under-cover Mafioso. "Or someone else might spoil the surprise."
"Crocodile", Rouge hissed before Roger could answer the CEO's rude comment. "Will you just shut up, or you'll spoil the surprise."
"It is hardly a surprise when we all know what is to come", Crocodile continued, trying hard to ignore Rouge raging eyes.
"Doesn't mean you can't ruin it."
Rayleigh and Roger stared in both awe and fright at the two arguing friends across from them. Both of them had already managed to see Rouge very angry, something Roger nor Rayleigh ever wanted to experience again, and Crocodile wasn't a newly hatched reptile either. The man had to face stuck ups and dangerous, scheming people all day long, discussing deals that these men and women probably wouldn't agree on. These two were definitely used to getting what they wanted, and they were caught in a deadlock.
But as always, Crocodile knew when his battles were lost.
"Fine Rouge, I'm sorry. Please enlighten us of this well kept secret."
Rouge answered the dazzling fake-smile Crocodile gave her with a deadly glare, but ignored his sarcasm and looked at Rayleigh and Roger with a new expression, totally beaming with happiness.
"Well", Rouge started with a gentle voice, reaching over and grabbing Roger's hand that was resting on the table. "We haven't been making our engagement official yet, because of Roger's position obviously. But all of our families and friends do know of it."
Rouge made a pause and leaned back in her chair, slipping her hand away from Roger's so she could have a better look at Crocodile and Rayleigh. Her smile was happy yet mischievous, and her eyes was dancing with joy.
"With that said, Roger purposed to me yesterday morning. We have decided to have the marriage in May, about six month from now. You and Rayleigh were the first we wanted to tell", Rouge said and put her hand on Crocodile's upper arm, squeezing it lovingly.
Rayleigh was very quick to congratulate them both with a blending smile and a strong handshake. The older man immediately order for a bottle of champagne and four glasses, to Roger's happiness and Rouge's dismay.
Crocodile however, stayed quiet and analytic. He had figured that this would come up from a while now, and when Rouge told him about this dinner, he knew it was coming tonight. But now when the news were finally spoken out aloud, he still felt uncertain and unsure. He thought he had prepared for this day, but knowing that someone would be Rouge's most important person, and that it wouldn't be him anymore, saddened him on a level he hadn't known he could reach. But looking at Rouge's happy face, and Roger's proud smile when gazing over at his fiancée, Crocodile couldn't do anything else than approve. He would not be as stuck up as his parents were, and loose someone as important as his most precious friend.
He couldn't say it just yet though, but when the champagne was brought in and Rouge looked at him with raised glass and hopeful eyes, he gave her a reassuring smile. Rayleigh made quite a decent toast to the soon-to-be wedded couple and they cheered, smiling and laughing.
The real surprise came as they walked out of the restaurant together. A black sleeked Sedan was waiting outside, arranged by Rayleigh. He had suspected the same news as Crocodile, and had arranged for a small party back at Shakky's bar. Of course, the people at the party didn't know the reason why the celebrated, but they knew that Roger would arrive and announce it in about twenty minutes.
Crocodile groaned, he knew exactly how 'small' Roger's party were, and it didn't lighten his mood. But as he suspected, Rouge wouldn't let him escape and dragged him towards the car, following behind Rayleigh and Roger.
But before he could step inside, Rouge stopped him and bowed down, leaning inside the car.
"I'm just gonna talk with Crocodile for a quick moments. It won't take long."
She slammed the heavy door shut before any of the seated men had a chance to answer. She turned to Crocodile with a serious face, and for a second Crocodile thought she would scold him for his behavior at the restaurant.
"Thank you", Rouge suddenly said, taking Crocodile completely off guard.
"...for what?" Crocodile asked after a awkward silence.
"For everything, silly", Rouge said, and her serious expression broke into a fond smile. "Everything that you have ever done for me. You have been there through everything. You started out as a meek tiny neighborhood kid-"
"Hey", Crocodile started, but was silenced by Rouge's hand.
"Shut up, or I will never tell you this. You started as a meek tiny neighborhood kid, but became like a younger brother, and then ended up as my best friend and protector. There is none that could ever replace you Crocodile, not even Roger."
Crocodile stayed silent long after she was finished. He was happy with her words, but he would be damned if he broke his mask right on the street, with Silvers Rayleigh and Gol D. Roger waiting for them in a car nearby.
"Where are you going with this Rouge?" He asked, cursing his quiet voice. "I hope it's not a proposal, since I know you've been taken."
"Oh shut up", she said with a giggle and punched his arm playfully.
They smiled towards each other for a moment, until Rouge's smile ran away and she turned serious again.
"There is actually a question I would like to ask you, but don't worry, I won't propose. I might be taken, but you're not totally single yourself anymore."
Crocodile would have wildly protested, seeing that she obviously hinted at a blonde he definitely wasn't in a relationship with, but decided against it when he realized Rouge wasn't finished.
"Would you... would you walk me down the aisle and hand me over to Roger... please?"
Crocodile was quite surprised by the request. Rouge was a modern and independent woman, and he had thought she would be walking on her own to the altar. That was what she always had told her father, whenever he pleaded to get to walk her. She had always refused, because she was proud even as a young girl.
"I... I", Crocodile started, taking a deep breath.
"It would be very symbolic for me", Rouge explained, seeing his confusion. "I had one accompany me for the first part of my life. Now, there will be someone else accompanying me for the rest of it, but you will always be there still. I know that."
Accompany, of course. This sounded much more like Rouge, and Crocodile knew better than to take it as an imply that Rouge were dumping him. She was just moving on, further into the adventure that was her life. How could he not want to be a part of that, even if it was from the sideline?
"Rouge, it would be my honor to walk, no... accompany you down the aisle, and leave you to the next lucky man that will be joining your amazing journey."
Rouge absolutely beamed with happiness, and with a joyful squeal, she pounced on Crocodile and threw her arms around his neck. He held her tightly, knowing that these moments would probably vanish sooner than he excepted.
"Will you to just get in the car already!"
Rouge quickly let go of him and gave Roger a glare.
"Excuse you Roger, but we are bonding here! Where is your manners, and most of all your patience?!"
"But Rouge-"
"No buts!"
Crocodile rolled his eyes and followed the bickering woman into the car, where she continued to scold Roger, much to Rayleigh's delight.
Crocodile didn't even have to open the door to Shakky's Rip-Off bar to know the party was in full motion. Muffled music was already pounding through the dark wooden door, and Roger's grin spread wider for every step he took towards the building. The Mafioso threw up the door, and the sound from the wood hitting a hard wall shut the party up pretty fast. Crocodile rolled his eyes at Roger's antics and reluctantly followed the rest of the dinner company inside.
At first, the guests at the party seemed horrified at the interruption, but once everyone could confirm with their own eyes that it was their beloved boss who stood in the doorway, the atmosphere quickly went relaxed.
"Well you rascals!" Roger's voice boomed into the silent club. "Tonight we're gonna celebrate big time! In six months, me and Rouge will be married!"
An ear splitting roar erupted from the crowd in front of them, making Crocodile visibly wince. How was it that he, a fine refined man such as himself, got into this kind of situation with people so obnoxious and disturbing? It bothered him to no end. He stayed close to the door as Roger and Rouge walked into the crowd, allowing their guests to embrace them with happy hugs and giving them their best wishes. Crocodile caught a glimpse of something pink and feathery, but it was soon gone and the raven shook his head. It was probably just his imagination.
Rayleigh passed him in an easy stride, probably very pleased that all the attention was focused on Roger and that the man now had Rouge who could look out for him. Roger's right-hand man would get a somewhat easier everyday life from now on. Crocodile quickly followed the older man to the bar, but being careful not to sit too close and start an conversation with him. He didn't have anything to worry about, because as soon as he got his ordered whiskey on the rocks, the dark-haired bartender turned to Rayleigh, talking quietly.
Crocodile took a quick look around the dark bar. Most people he saw he recognized from the party Roger had thrown at the autumn festival. Had the time really passed by so fast?
He could see Kuma and Roger's brother Dragon talking, sitting down in one of the booths. Another joined them while Crocodile was watching. The figure seemed familiar to Crocodile, and with a jolt of realization, he noticed the curly purple hair adored with a small crown on top. Quickly he turned around back to his glass and took a big gulp. He didn't know what Ivankov was doing here, and he had no intention of finding out, or being found out either.
Crocodile glanced to his other side, where he could see Roger steal the attention away from the young man named Buggy. Apparently they told two versions of the same story. He could see Rouge in the company, laughing at her soon-to-be husbands antics. Further away he could see Mihawk, talking quietly to someone younger, with red hair. Crocodile's brow shot up in a questioning look. The young Shanks seemed to have succeeded in getting the swordsman for himself, if only for a moment.
"I think Shanks is trying to convince Hawkeye that his feelings are real."
Crocodile, who had been taking a sip from his glass when he felt the warm body press close to him, coughed on the liquid and pulled away from the warm lips that had been whispering into his ear.
"Easy, crocodile-man", Doflamingo said with a grin, waving over the female bartender. "Oi Shakky, could I get a Virgin Mary and another On the rocks over here? Put it on my tab."
The dark haired woman nodded and quickly came up with their drinks. Crocodile glanced at the suspicious red liquid in Doflamingo's glass.
"Got a hangover, brat?" Crocodile said with a slight grumpy tone, still a bit upset with Doflamingo's attempt of choking him using his own drink as the murder weapon.
"Nope, but Shakky has a principle of not selling alcohol any underage people."
"How noble of her", Crocodile muttered.
Doflamingo shrugged and made quick work of his drink, swallowing it whole in one big swig.
"Oh, looks like Shanks got lucky."
Crocodile followed Doflamingo's gaze. They were still in the corner of the bar, but instead of talking quietly to each other, Mihawk had Shanks pressed against the wall, ravaging the young boy's mouth. Crocodile could see the glances Roger, Rouge, Rayleigh, Shakky and Kuma gave the couple, but no one seemed to object and they were left alone.
"Good for them", Crocodile said with a chuckle and turned to his new glass. "You could hardly stand the sexual tension."
Doflamingo snorted, but agreed. At least he wouldn't have Shanks tail him and ask him for advice anymore. May luck be with him.
"I was surprised when you walked through the door", Doflamingo said after a few moments of comfortable silence. "But I guess that Rouge made you come."
"Yes", Crocodile answered with a sigh. "She usually gets her way. But I'm not gonna stay long. I'll just wait until she stops glance at me and then I'll slip out quietly."
"Ah, so you noticed her stares", Doflamingo said with a snicker. "I thought she was eyeing me at first, being the suspicious and protective older sister she is."
Crocodile rolled his eyes and snorted. Of course he noticed her glances, he always did. Rouge had a tendency of always worrying about him if he was around, which made him wonder why she brought him along from the beginning. He finished the last in his glass and stood up.
"I'll be off", he said and started to walk away, only to have Doflamingo grab him and his wrist.
"Wait, let me come with you."
Crocodile watched as the blonde stood up and towered over him. Oh, how he hated that he blonde was taller than him, even if it was only by a few inches.
"I... I would like to talk to you about something... in private."
The blonde added the last part quickly when he realized that Crocodile would tell him to just say it now.
'Again with pleading face and the asking nice', Crocodile thought with a mental groan.
The groan was mostly at himself, because he knew he wouldn't be able to turn the blonde down.
"Fine", he said with a defeated sigh, but it wasn't as effective as he had wished when he saw the blonde's face light up. "Let's leave quickly."
Crocodile turned towards the exit quickly, missing the predatory grin that grew on Doflamingo's lips. They made their way through the crowded bar, luckily not drawing attention to themselves. When they stepped out into the cold city-air, Crocodile realized how humid the air had been in the bar. He took a deep breath of cold, fresh air and enjoyed the sounds from the city. He turned to Doflamingo, and realized that the blonde was much closer to him than he had noticed. Slowly, Doflamingo raised his hand and traced his fingers along the pale skin that draped over Crocodile's sharp jaw. The blonde closed in with the intention of claiming the pale lips, and Crocodile realized, while his eyes fluttered close, that his stomach fluttered and he would welcome the familiar feeling of warm lips against his. But the feeling never came. Crocodile opened his eyes with a frown, and realized Doflamingo had straightened himself up again and was looking back towards the bar. Crocodile turned around and locked gaze with Gol D. Roger.
"Erh," he started, probably a little awkward for interrupting the intimate moment. "Sorry for bothering you, but I saw you leave, and I need to speak to you, Crocodile, before you disappear."
Crocodile's gaze swept up and down Roger before he nodded. He had noticed Roger's heavy gaze during their dinner, and knew that there was something on the Mafioso's mind.
"I'll wait for you", Doflamingo whispered before he walked over to a hot dog stand further along the street.
Crocodile watched as the blonde purchase something, that was probably very unhealthy, before he turned back to Roger and watched the dark-haired man approach him. They stood and stared at each other, feeling the awkward moments go by, before Roger finally started speaking.
"Since you seem to be in a hurry, I'll get straight to the point", Roger said and glanced towards Doflamingo, who was sitting down on a bench beside the stand. "I know you don't like me, and I have to admit that I'm not particularly fond of you either."
Crocodile nodded, not taking offensive of Roger's words, since they already knew how they felt about each other.
"But I know how much you mean to Rouge, and I really appreciate that you have decided to accept me, instead of cutting the ties with her. She was afraid of it for a while, even if she didn't say it out loud. So, I guess I want to thank you, for being there for her."
Roger went quiet and watched Crocodile expectantly. The CEO realized that the Mafioso wanted him to say something as well. Crocodile wouldn't disappoint.
"As you've already stated Roger", Crocodile spoke and took a step closer. "We are not very fond of each other, but I will accept whatever Rouge decide for her, simply because I thrust her judgment. But I will also warn you. Rouge has been wrong in the past, and if I find out that you hurt her, in any way, I will hunt you down, and deliver her pain to you in ten folds. I hope you have understood my intention."
With satisfaction, Crocodile watched as an almost invisible shuddered made its way down Roger's spine, but the hard eyes of the man continued to be determined and firm.
"I would accept nothing less from the person Rouge treasure the most."
Roger's words were true, and it melted some of the hard features' in Crocodile's face.
"What are you two doing?"
Roger and Crocodile quickly turned around towards the light voice. Rouge stood in the door towards the bar, looking a little angry and worried.
"Nothing at all, Rouge my love", Roger said, his trademark grin back in place, as he wrapped a big arm around Crocodile's shoulders, shaking him roughly. "Just having a heart-to-heart out here in the cold."
Crocodile quickly pushed the man away, almost feeling dizzy from the rough treatment of the big man beside him.
"Get off me you big klutz", Crocodile hissed, stepping away to a safe distance.
He caught a glimpse of Rouge silent giggle and sent her a glare.
"You're on your way back Crocodile?" Rouge asked, giggling gone and a trace of melancholy took its place.
"Yes, you know very well these parties aren't my thing", he muttered.
"Of course", Rouge said with a nod. "I'll see you later then?"
"Yes", Crocodile said before he quickly turned and walked away, not wanting to get hold up more than he already had.
"I think he starts to warm up to me", Roger said with a grin as he walked up to Rouge and gave her a sweet kiss.
"Yeah, then you ruined it all with your heart-to-heart finish", Rouge said with a laugh and pulled her fiancée back into the warmth.
Oh god, so sorry you guys all had to wait for this, but this time I won't tell you I'll be faster next time, because it seems to be some kind of jinx... you'll just have to wait nicely for whenever the next part will show up! Sit tight and thank you for hanging in there!
Would love it if you reviewed, even if you only want to complain about my lazy-ass updates XP
Love Milow