One Piece: The Princess and the Villain (Vivi x Crocodile) - Fanfiction

04 - THE CLAIM

In the lavish dressing room of Crocodile's private mansion, Vivi stood before a mirror, surrounded by designers and stylists bustling around her. She wore an elegant dress, its fabric delicate and luxurious—clearly tailored for someone of high status. Yet, despite the beauty of the gown, there was a cold tension in the air.

"Give her something better," Crocodile's low voice cut through the room. Seated on the couch, a cigar in one hand, his sharp eyes scrutinized the scene before him. The stylist flinched, hastily adjusting the dress as if to escape his gaze.

"Yes, Sir Crocodile," the designer said, bowing nervously. "We can prepare another design, something more fitting for her... importance."

"Make it perfect. I didn't call you here for something mediocre," Crocodile said, his tone icy but composed. He rose from his seat, towering over the room with an imposing presence, his long coat brushing the floor as he approached Vivi. He gazed at her intently, his eyes gripping her as if they were holding her captive.

Leaning slightly closer from behind, he whispers in a low, deliberate voice, "Though, you're more stunning without any of this..." His words were more a statement of possession than seduction, His lips ghosted over the curve of her ear in a teasing brush, just enough to make her skin tingle.

Vivi's breath hitched slightly, her hand instinctively moving to her ear where the warmth of his words lingered. His smirk deepened as he pulled away. He moved back, giving a short nod of approval to the stylist.

"I'll be back in an hour," Crocodile said, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before turning to leave. "Make sure she's presentable. I don't tolerate incompetence."

As he left, the room felt colder, his absence a relief, but only a temporary one.

***

The dim lighting of the lavish private room in Rain Dinners set the perfect ambiance for Crocodile's high-stakes meeting. Seated across from him was an influential business partner, a wealthy tycoon from a neighboring kingdom.

Vivi, now fully immersed in her role as Crocodile's possession, was by his side. Dressed in a flowing, elegant dress, she looked the part of a perfect trophy—a beautiful but silent observer to the dealings of powerful men. She had learned to carry herself with a mixture of grace and restraint, despite the twisted nature of their relationship. While her mind still rebelled at times, her body had long since accepted the pleasure he drew from her. And in moments like this, she played the role he demanded of her.

As the conversation ebbed and flowed between the men, Crocodile could feel the eyes of his business partner lingering on Vivi. At first, he paid it no mind—after all, mere men tend to be weak when faced with beauty. But as the man's gaze became more intense, Crocodile's jaw tightened, an unfamiliar sensation creeping into his chest.

The man's smirk didn't go unnoticed. "You've certainly found yourself a rare gem, Crocodile," the tycoon remarked, his voice dripping with lust. "I imagine she must be quite... delightful to have around."

Crocodile's eyes narrowed slightly, though his smile remained firmly in place. He leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass. "I don't tolerate disrespect toward what's mine," he said, his voice carrying an edge of warning. His tone was measured, but there was a dangerous undertone that could easily turn lethal.

But the man seemed either oblivious or too bold for his own good. He chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "Oh, come now, no need to be possessive. A woman like that is bound to attract attention. Can't blame a man for noticing, can you?"

For the briefest moment, Crocodile's grip on his glass tightened. It was an odd feeling—something like irritation, an emotion he wasn't accustomed to feeling. He had always been dominant, though when it comes to the escort women he used to bring along as decoration, he almost never cared how his business partner's eyes screened down those women. But hearing this man speak so casually about Vivi, with his lustful gaze, as if she were some object to be admired or taken, ignited a fire that Crocodile hadn't anticipated.