#daz is trying SO HARD not to fangirl outside of the door rn

[doctorgerth]

-rolls in- Pumpkin here!!! Cooler forever!!! For the Scenarios..with Croco-chan (surprise surprise) his not yet s/o confessing to him after ages of doting on him (courting if you will)buying him gifts etc.. If that's okay. Pumpkin away! -crashes through a window-

Anything for you, pumpkin! 🥰 Hope you like this!

A Gift from the Heart (Sir Crocodile)

Word Count: 1.8k

“Another present, sir.” 

Crocodile averted his eyes from the heaps of paperwork over to the dainty box that Daz placed casually on his desk. He didn’t dare look up to meet his subordinate’s eyes as he knew they would only stare back in subtle mischief. And Crocodile wasn’t in the mood for such trivial conversations. Daz got the hint, and exited the office as silently as he entered. 

Clearing his throat, Crocodile studied the small note attached to the elegant ribbon: For the best boss ever!

He smirked as he recognized your insignia instantly, though it would have been more surprising to have received a gift from anyone else at this point. Why did you insist on spoiling him so? Crocodile opened the box with a little more eagerness than he’d ever want anyone to see, and pulled out the gorgeous tie bar from the box. More specifically, a certain tie bar that he had happened to stare at for longer than normal when accompanying you on a shopping spree. You must have picked up on his interest; how thoughtful of you.

That thought made a sincere smile bloom on his face for just a moment, until it dropped into a disappointed frown. He knew it was an expensive gift and he didn’t deserve such a luxury from his own employee. Truthfully, he didn’t deserve any of the spoils you offered him. But of course that didn’t mean he didn’t enjoy them.

���Crocodile, I have tea for you!” 

Amidst his thoughts, he failed to hear you knock before entering. Nor did he realize just how long he had been deep in thought. Nevertheless, you smiled brightly as you made your way into his office. He covered the box, placing it in his right-hand drawer. As you approached his desk, he cleared a spot among the piles of paper, smiling ever so lightly as he noticed the cookies on the tray.

You laid down the saucer and tea cup, placing two cookies on a napkin. “It’s getting late and you haven’t left your office all day. I figured I’d stop by to bring you some refreshments and help give yourself a mental break?” 

He instantly brought the cup to his lips, and your heart grew warm as he sighed contentedly, “I appreciate it, (Name). Thank you.”

“Not a problem at all.” You beamed as you sat down to take a sip of your own tea, praying to the heavens that your boss didn’t notice your shaky hand. 

Today was the day.

You had it all planned out. The two of you would enjoy tea time, then you would offer him an evening stroll to get some fresh air. You were prepared to beg and coax as needed, anything to get the two of you outside into the cool evening desert air. Then you’d lead him to the private oasis behind the casino, and confess your feelings for him. 

You even had a detailed plan for if the confession backfired. If he didn’t reciprocate, which your mind had convinced yourself to be very likely, you’d easily pack your things and relocate. You’d be lying if you said you hadn’t already begun the packing process. It’d be hard to leave your friends and coworkers behind, but this needed to be done. You couldn’t hide your feelings for him forever, and this was an infatuation you were sure you would never get over, especially if you were constantly in close contact with him. Not to mention, you were already being teased enough about your shameless doting. You were in love with Crocodile and it was time he knew himself. 

Crocodile shivered ever so slightly, rubbing at his forearms that extended from the rolled up sleeves of his dress shirt which easily brought you out of your thoughts. Without hesitation, you leaped to retrieve his coat that hung on the coat rack at the corner of the room. You quickly appeared behind him, gently draping his coat around him, making sure to blanket him entirely. You didn’t think much of your actions, but to Crocodile, it was everything. 

Your hands smoothed out his coat along his shoulders and this time it was his turn to act without thinking. His large hand reached up to grasp yours, holding it gently between his fingers. It was the softest of touches and a warm heat coursed through your body at the intimate notion. He eyed up at you and you swore you could have melted into a puddle right then and there. 

“Thank you.” He muttered gently. Your eyes glistened as they stared down at him. “And thank you for the gift. The tie bar, it’s really lovely.” He squeezed your hand before releasing it and reaching down for another sip of tea. You were at a loss for words, your hand practically tingling all over as you shakily walked back to your chair. How did such innocent contact make you so weak? It was the first time Crocodile had physically thanked you for your doting - did this mean something? Your anxious brain already began to overthink the brief exchange, and suddenly, you were lost in thought once more.  

“Out with it.” He ordered and suddenly your heart began to beat loudly in your throat. No words would come out due to the massive lump you felt and failed to swallow. Am I about to say it here? 

“You’re deep in thought. Work complaint? Just say it and I’ll get it done.” He offered you a look of sincerity and an awkward giggle squeaked out of you. He was so off, it was almost hilarious. 

“N-no, it’s not that.” 

“Then what is it?” 

You couldn’t even form words and the wheels in your brain suddenly kicked into hyper speed; your long awaited confession forming on the tip of your tongue, but refusing to spill forth. Why won’t the words come out? I’m trying to tell you I love you, dammit! Stop staring at me like that! Can we please go for a walk? Oh god, it’s so stuffy in here, I’m about to lose my mind! 

He sighed, completely unaware of the utter chaos ensuing in your brain, “Fine, I’ll start the conversation. What are your intentions with these gifts?” 

The chaotic orchestra stopped, your brain nearly hollow and empty, and you were beginning to feel dizzy from the sudden change of pace, “I noticed you liked the tie bar and so I decided to get it for you. That’s all…”

“That’s all, hm?” 

“Well…” Here it comes.

“Well, I hope this isn’t a subtle request for a pay raise? I assumed I was paying you amply, especially since you’re able to buy such lavish things. Though I can’t help but wonder...why spend your money on me? Seems to defeat the purpose if you’re trying to get more money out of me.” 

You didn’t know what hurt worse, the fact that he was so oblivious to your feelings or the fact that he assumed people only gave him things in order to earn something in return. You’d never take advantage of him like that, and you had hoped he knew as much. Perhaps it was time to clear the air after all, no matter how nervous you felt.

So, overwhelmed and frustrated, you quickly rose to your feet, the passions of your heart spilling forth easier than you had ever expected, “No! That’s not it, that’s never been it. I do these things for you because I...because I love you, Crocodile! I want to care for you and give you everything you deserve in this world. I want to love you, and support you, and take care of you for the rest of my life!” 

His eyes widened and you forced the tears back, “I-If you’ll have me…”

He was quiet for far too long, his face unreadable aside from the genuine surprise twinkling in those dark eyes. Or perhaps it was amusement? You had half a mind to run out and follow through with the backup plan, figuring his silence was rejection enough. That was until he pulled out another cigar, taking his time in lighting it, and keeping his eyes on you, sternly holding you in place. You heart only continued to beat louder as he rose from his chair, dragging on the cigar and puffing out a large cloud of smoke. 

He turned to you, “All of that for the rest of your life, huh? That is quite a tempting offer…”

You swallowed hard. What did that mean?

He slowly made his way to you, towering over you, nearly flush against your chest, “I am your boss, you know. It’d be quite unprofessional and potentially dangerous if we decided to develop something romantic. Is that a risk you’re willing to take?” 

Was this a test? Did he not believe you or your intentions? You couldn’t decide if he was trying to intimidate you into sticking through or giving up. Either way, you were sure of your feelings, and you weren’t scared. You’d prove it.

“I’d do anything for you.” 

“Anything, huh?” He held his chin in thought for what felt like eternity, making you grow increasingly anxious by the minute. A part of you felt that he knew exactly what he was doing to you. ”Well, how about one more gift?” 

Your eyes widened, “What would that be?” 

A smug smile graced his face, and as he brought his flesh hand up, his index finger tapped twice along his cheek. Damn him, forever a tease. Your cheeks burned brightly and though you two were grown adults, you felt like a kid again, leaning nervously in for that first kiss. Yet, you rose onto your tippy toes as Crocodile bent down to meet you halfway. 

As your soft lips connected to his cheek, it took everything within Crocodile to maintain his composure. He was well aware of his feelings for you, and as hard as he tried to fight them, he simply couldn’t get over you. He had an inkling that you fancied him as well, but he didn’t want to push the boundaries just in case. Coaxing you into confessing was all part of the plan and you played your part beautifully.

As you settled down onto your feet, the atmosphere between the two of you transformed into something pleasant; a comfortable silence. He smiled at you, a genuine smile, a rare sight that you feasted your eyes upon for every second it lasted. You wanted to bask in this feeling forever, until Crocodile broke the silence, taking another drag on his cigar.

“I’ve got a new position in mind for you. Can’t say it comes with a pay raise, but, I think you’ll like what I have to offer you.” His eyes were playful and you couldn’t help but laugh. 

“Oh, is that so?” 

He hummed, taking your hand in his, “But first, I think we need to go on a few dates, ahem, have a few meetings to seal the deal. Go over some ground rules and figure out where to go with this partnership. When are you available?”

You snaked your arms around his waist, pulling yourself into his chest and eyeing up mischievously at him, “Hmm, I believe I’m open right now.”

 “Excellent.” He smirked as he grabbed at your chin lovingly, “Join me for a stroll?”