Kira: IT'S HERE!!!!!!!

Usopp: What's here?

Robin: The sequel to Writer-san's story "Guard Me"

Usopp: Ooohhhh... okay.

Zoro: Where am I?

Kira: ZORO!!!!

Luffy: -glomps Zoro- Yay!

Kira: -pouts- i was going to do that...

Robin: -giggling- Enjoy!

Protect Me

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(Sequel to Guard Me)

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Chapter 1: Revealing My Job

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"I'm desperate for changing,

Starving for truth,

I'm closer to where I started,

I'm chasing after you."

x-x

'It has been a year since that incident. I am so happy that we could all live together. It was rough in the beginning but we pulled through when we found out that the D. Family has its own corporation. Shanks is the President of it now and Robin became his secretary. Robin is a very nice lady, I am glad she came with us. Oh yeah, this maid named Nami, that served me and Robin tea that one day, came with us! She is mean sometimes, especially when it has something to do with money. Oh and Ace and I are the delegates of the D. Corporation. And when Shanks steps down Ace will be the President and I will still be the delegate until Ace steps down.' I shivered at the thought. 'I really rather not be part of it. It involves many gangs and other corporations. Also, they hide me away from the people and tell me I have to introduce myself as just Luffy and not Monkey D. Luffy. They said they don't want me to get hurt. I have been through enough pain.' I gasped in air remembering back to the prison. I calmed myself and looked out over the large forest from my balcony. 'Oh yeah, also Shanks, Robin, Nami, Usopp, Chopper, Brooke, Sanji, Ace, Zoro, and me live in a mansion. Its huge! It belonged to my father, but he has gone missing and no one knows what happened to him. Ace said that our father is selfish, but I beg to differ. I have never meet him, but I have a feeling he is nice. Life has been great over the past year and I don't want anything to change it.'

"Luffy?" I turned to see my older brother standing by the open sliding glass door.

"Nii-chan! How was it? Were they acting all mighty and bussinessy?" He chuckled at my choice of words. I grinned and dashed to him and gave him a tight squeeze.

"It was horrible…" He exaggerated horrible out.

"Yeah, their big bakas!" He laughed and then he sighed deeply.

"What's wrong, Nii-chan?" I looked up at him into his dark, sorrowful eyes.

"Oh… it's just… you have to go to a meeting with me tomorrow."

"Huh?!" I pushed away from him and stepped back a couple feet. "I never been to one of those… one of those… things!" I couldn't bring it to myself to say meeting. It has become a hateful word in my vocabulary.

"Sorry, Lu." He gave a poignant look. I sighed.

"It's okay, I'll go with you." I walked up to him and gave a hug.

"Thanks Lu…" I felt a grin come along my face.

"But…" He stiffened at my word. I looked up at him with a grin. "You have to take me out to eat afterwards!!" I giggled and he only rolled his eyes at me.

"Alright, you win. We'll eat afterwards. You choice." I hugged him hard.

"Thanks, Nii-chan! You're the best!" He hugged back and then loosened. He knelt to my eye level and gave a concerned look.

"Where did you learn that word?" He looked at me confused.

"What? Nii-chan?" He shook his head. "Baka?"

"Yeah, that one. How did that get into your vocabulary?" He had an eyebrow raised.

"I learned that word from Usopp." I poked him on the nose. "See you later!" I skipped off through my door, while leaving my one confused older brother.

"Saaanjiiii!" I hollered throughout the long hall way and down the circle staircase. "Foooood!" I popped my head in the kitchen. Sanji was just finishing up.

"Oi! Bastard! I told you to wait until I call for you!" He barked at me.

"But Sanji~!" I whined. "I'm huuuungry!" I complained some more. I gave off my irresistible pout. He glared at me then deeply sighed.

"Go get everyone then." He grumbled at me.

"YAY!" I cheered and ran back up the stairs. "DINNERS READY EVERYONE!!! HURRY! HURRY!!" I ran down the hall and turned on my heel when I reached the end and started running the other way. I kept yelling about dinner and before I realized it I was grasped into a strong embrace.

"Mmmm… Strawberry." I giggled at the man's voice that was muffled by my hair.

"Zoro! Foods ready!" I reached my arms up behind me and grabbed his neck. I moved my head backwards so I could see him.

"I know… it's not that hard to hear ya." He kissed me lightly on the nose.

Click.

Zoro turned his head and growled.

"So cute~!" I turned my head to see Nami standing there, dancing a little. She was a big yaoi-fan girl.

"Damn witch!" Zoro's aura rose to a dark, angry one. I shifted in his arms and got on my tippy-toes and kissed his cheek. His aura went down, the atmosphere lighten, and a blush went over his face.

Click.

Nami giggled and skipped off ahead. Zoro started to fume again.

"Zoro~!" I whined. He looked down at me. I smiled at him.

"What?!" He asked confused by my sudden smile.

"Nothing! Just want you to know how much I love you!" I grinned and he smiled back at me. His hand moved my hair out of my face and he leaned down to kiss my forehead.

"Aye, I love ya too." He gave off a sweet, loving smile.

"Hurry!" I grabbed his arm and started to drag him down the hall. "Food!" I could hear him laughing quietly and then he started to tell me to slow down. I only grinned and kept going.

When we got down stairs and into the dining room, it was already lively. Ace was yelling at Usopp for adding such words in my vocabulary. Nami was sitting there pissed off. Brooke laid on the ground with a lump on his head. Chopper was hovering over Brooke to make sure he was okay. Sanji was fawning over the pissed Nami. I couldn't help but laugh at this all. Everyone kept going at what they were going at. I sat at the end of the table, Zoro sat next to me on my right. The surroundings calmed and everyone sat. Usopp sat by Zoro and Chopper sat by him. Ace sat at the other end and on his right was Brooke then Sanji, then Nami. She was on my left.

Dinner began.

I finished my meal quickly and went for seconds. Sanji yelled at me about how no one else, especially his Nami-swan, wasn't going to get anything else. Ace and Zoro took turns yelling at Sanji for yelling at me. Usopp was telling a lie-tail about his battle against possessed food to Chopper. I sat, drinking my juice, watching all of this. How happy it made me.

I was proud of all of them, they had jobs of what they always dreamed of having. I looked to Nami. She worked as a designer for clothes and did blue-prints for buildings. I then looked to Sanji. He had opened his own restaurant and after dinner he was going to head over there to check on things and maybe help a little. Then Brooke. He became a famous musician. His name was known around the world. I gazed upon Ace. He was helping out at the Corporation but also has a job as a cop. Which is where he meet his boyfriend, Smoker. I scrutiny at Chopper. He was learning the art of medicine. Taking the wing under Kaya. Usopp, he started writing books about adventures he came up with randomly. Zoro… my loving boyfriend Zoro. He opened up a dojo down in town. He trains the kids and sometimes lets me help. All their dreams were coming true. They kept striving on to their dreams. Pursuing them one step at a time.

But what about me?

'I don't have a job. Well I do, but no one knows about it. If they did, they would be disappointed at me. I couldn't help but except the offer back then. I had to take the offer. We were broke and didn't know about the D. Corporation yet. Now that I know and we are rich, I can't seem to stop working there. The place I have been working at is called Sweetheart Club. It's hard to explain what kind of club. It's like a host club, but its not for sex; well unless you choose too. And I am certainly not jumping in bed with one of those bastards. All I have to do is make them feel like they are loved. No contact what-so-ever. And if your wondering about my name getting out, it won't. My name there is Spade. It was a random name, don't ask.' I sighed. 'Sometimes it makes me feel ashamed that I work there. That if everyone knew, if Ace knew… or mostly if Zoro knew. They would hate me, kick me out, abandoned me. The thought of them leaving me makes me want to cry.'

"Lu?" I heard Ace call to me and came back to earth. Silence was surrounding me. I realized that my glass fell out of my hand and shattered on the floor.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" I was about pick up the broken glass but then Ace spoke again.

"Why are you crying?" I froze and touched my face. Indeed I was crying. Water trailed down my face slowly. I didn't even realize it.

"I… I'm not crying." I said stiffly wiping my face.

"Luffy." Nami spoke quietly. I pushed my chair away from the table and stood, hands on table.

"I will be late for work." I walked out of the dining room. I wiped my face again. I made my way to my room.

I opened my door quickly and closed it. I had at least one more hour before work, but I still needed some time alone before then. I went to my red bed and climbed onto the silky red sheets. I plopped myself down, face in the pillow. I stayed quiet for a long time. I wasn't even thinking, just laying there. A knock came to my door.

"Hey Buddy…" It was Zoro. "Can I come in?" He asked. I made no noise. I heard the door open and close. Then, his heavy footsteps came near my bed. "What's wrong?" His hand started to rub my back.

"Mufhing." (Nothing) I responded to him.

"Hmm? I believe there is something wrong. Look at me." He nudged me. "Please, Luffy." I moved myself onto my back. I had my arm on my head over my eyes. "Luffy…"

"They won't stop…" I sniffled. "I know I promised not to cry ever again, but I just couldn't help it." He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me up. I grabbed on to his shirt and buried my face into his chest. Calming myself.

"Please tell me what's on your mind…" He paused. "When your ready to talk about it." I nodded. I loved Zoro for that. He let me take my time before telling him what's going on in my head.

"I have to get ready for work." I pulled myself away from him.

I jumped off my bed and made my way to my walk-in closet. I unlocked it with the key on the shelf under my music box, which I will have to re-hide since Zoro saw, and went in. Then shut the door behind me and locked it. I turned on the light and grabbed the bag next to me off the hook, throwing the key into it. I walked down the aisle and looked at my clothes. I went to the very end and picked one of them. It was a kimono that had long sleeves and was very vibrant, colorful; and rich with patterns. The base was red with golden flowers designed into it. The obi was also a rich golden color. I carefully placed it into my bag and grabbed some socks. I usually only wore sandals, but that place's floor air is cold. I went to my shelf full of accessories. I grabbed my flower comb and stuck it in my bag. I zipped the bag up and made my way to the door with the bag on my shoulder. I shut the light off, unlocked my door and when I opened I relocked it. I exited and shut the locked door. I turned and ran into my muscular boyfriend. He gave me a questionable, concerned look.

"What?" I asked him while walking around him. He grabbed me around my waist, stopping me from any kind of movement.

"Where do you work?" He asked. I felt my heart stop.

"What? Haven't I told you before?" He shook his head. His gaze did not look at me.

"No, you always avoid the subject." His voice was stern. His gaze still set on the closet door.

It was true I did, a lot. I quickly got out of his grasp and spun around his hand, gracefully. I made a sprint to my door. Successfully I opened it and ran down the hall. With the bag clinged to my shoulder.

"Luffy! Get back here!" I heard Zoro storming down the hall after me. I held onto the bag straps. I made a quick turn and hurried down the stairs. My feet tapped on the metal, winding staircase. I made it to the bottom and sprinted to through the living room.

"Lu?" I heard Ace.

"Going to work! Bye!" I made a quick, swift movement grabbing my sandals.

"Luffy!" I heard Zoro yell.

I quickened my pace and opened the door and shut it. I ran to my red Toyota Corolla Sedan and hopped in. I threw my bag to the passenger side and locked the doors. I calmed my racing heart. Once calmed, I turned to my arm rest and opened it and pulled out my car keys. The knocking on my window made me jump. I looked to see a very upset Zoro.

"Luffy." His voice was muffled by the glass between us. Even with it muffled his face gave off a sad expression. It stung my heart. I breathed onto the window, making it fog. I wrote I love you. Though the love was a heart. He smiled sadly. His head leaned down on the window. I put my forehead where his is too. I breathed on the window again and pulled away, he did as well. I wrote: See you after work. I smiled and put the keys in the ignition. The engine roared a hum and my music blasted, I turned it down. I looked at him. He was stepped back and stood there. I gave a wave and he did as well. I screeched the tires on the pavement when I put the car in drive.

On my drive I changed my CD and put it on number four. It had one of my favorite songs. Caramelldansen by DDR. The music started with its happy, joyous beat. After about ten seconds or so the lyrics started to play.

Vi undrar är ni redo att vara med

Armarna upp nu ska ni få se

Kom igen

Vem som helst kan vara med

That's right it's the Swedish version. Love the original version, don't really care for the English. I began to sing along.

Så rör på era fötter

Oa-a-a

Och vicka era höfter

O-la-la-la

Gör som vi

Till denna melodi

Dansa med oss

Klappa era händer

Gör som vi gör

Ta några steg åt vänster

Lyssna och lär

Missa inte chansen

Nu är vi här med

Caramelldansen

O-o-oa-oa...

When I got half way through the song I appeared up at Sweetheart Club. I pulled up in the back and parked my car. I finished the song and turned the car off. I threw the keys into my bag. I opened the car door and pressed the lock button. The car locked and I got out and shut the door. The light from the club's back porch light made my car glisten. It was recently washed and now every light, even the sun, made it sparkle.

I ignored it and went through the back door. It was quiet; momentarily. The hall was being occupied with janitors and the people who ordered everyone around, to get things ready. The buildings layout was simple. Instead of one big room you could rent your own little room. The hall broke into a little intersection where you were lead to rooms. Going straight from the front door was the first ten rooms before you reached the intersection. Which are rooms: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40. When you turned left you got numbers: 6-15. If you go straight without turning left, after the intersection, you get rooms: 16-25. If you turn right you get rooms: 26-35. Near the back door, though, was two extra doors exiting from the hall. They were the dressing rooms.

I walked in two steps and turned left to where my dressing is.

"Spade-baby!" I looked to see Franky, yes the guard Franky, standing by my section. He got out of there and somehow got this place running. "How are you?" He walked up to me and put his huge arm around me and his big hand grabbed my shoulder. We walked to my section. "You have been booked for no one, so you will be accepting anyone who ask, alright?" He squeezed me lightly. I smiled at him.

"Sure, Franky-sama!" Pink touched his cheeks and he hugged me into his broad hard chest.

"Oh, you don't have to say that Spade-baby!" He strangled me in a bear hug and then released me. I only laughed at this. "Now get those fabulous clothes on you. I can't wait to see what your going to wear today!" He cheered me on.

I went into my section and pulled the curtain closed. I set my bag down and opened it. I pulled out my kimono and gently set it on the back of the chair and started to strip my clothes until I was down to my boxers. I took my boxers off and quickly put a pair of briefs on. I was self-conscious about changing here but I forgot to at home and I am surely glad I left some here. They were for emergencies, which this was an emergency. I slid the kimono on and tied the obi on and confirmed the fitting. I twirled in my full body mirror. I smiled in satisfaction. I slipped on my socks and put my sandals back on. I then sat down and brushed my hair. Once done brushing, I leaned over to my bag and pulled out the comb and delicately placed it in my hair. I gave one quick smile of politeness in the mirror and was defiantly satisfied. I got up and opened the curtain to reveal myself to Franky.

"Oh! Spade-baby! You look fantastic and delicious!" He usually gives me that comment or something along those lines. I heard the music was now blaring.

"We got any costumers in yet?" I asked.

"Oh yes! And there is someone who wants you, Spade-baby." I nodded.

"Hey Spade…" I heard a hiss in my ears. I didn't have to turn and know who it was.

"Bell… what do you want?" I turned to Bell, gritting my teeth. He is my host rival.

"Oh just saying hey… Hi Franky-san." He gave a little wave to Franky and walked off.

"Ready, Spade-baby?" I nodded. I walked off to my waiting costumer.

-- -- -- -- --

It was an hour before closing and I just got finished with a customer. Who was now satisfied. I usually got off an hour before closing, so I was off now. I made my way to my dressing room.

"Good work today, Spade-baby! Supa!" Franky was standing by my section, just like earlier before work, doing a weird pose. I giggled.

"Thank you, Franky-sama." He released his pose and put a hand over his eyes and had his sunglasses pushed up by his arm.

"Aw, you don't have to call me that!" He sniffled, his pride was crying with joy.

I stepped in my section and changed. I quickly put it in my bag and left. I said my goodbyes to Franky who gave me another hug and a pride cry when I called him 'Franky-sama' again. I laughed my way out the back door. I turned to my car to see Zoro leaning against it. My heart skipped a beat. I didn't move, I was too shocked.

"Luffy…" Zoro sighed and began walking towards me. "Why didn't you just tell me?" His voice was angry.

"I… I-I…" My voice wouldn't work with me. He came up to me, grabbed me and kissed me passionately. I melted into his kiss. He pulled away and just hugged me. Then pulled me away and looked at me, moving my head, arms, and anywhere else on my body.

"They didn't touch did they?" He sternly said. I let gush of laughter come out. He gave me a confused look.

"No… no!" I laughed out my words. I calmed myself more better. "No, of course not. We have a choice on that and I told them I wasn't going to do all that stuff." I smiled sweetly at him. He sighed in relief.

"Good…" He started mumbling. "I don't want anyone taking your virginity away." I blushed at that a punched his shoulder. He yelped in pain. "Ow! What was that for!?"

"Don't say that out loud!" My face was so many dark shades of red that you would think it was impossible to change that color. I walked to my car digging my keys out of my bag. I unlocked the door and got in. Zoro got in on the passenger side. I sat there for a couple of minutes, then I looked at him. "What are you doing in my car?" I asked with a more possible blush. I was still trying to calm myself.

"I walked here." He pointed out plainly. His arms were crossed and he gave me a point-of-fact look. I gripped the steering wheel then relaxed.

"Don't tell anyone." I whispered.

"I won't… I just wish you would have told me this sooner." I turned on the car and speed off home.

It was quiet, well except the music was on. When we reached home I got out with my bag and went inside to my room. Ace was still sitting on the couch in the living room, only napping this time. I sighed and continued to my room. The house was quiet and dark. I heard Zoro's heavy foot steps behind me. I entered my room and left my door open, knowing he was going to follow. I left my light off, only because I forgot and continued to enter my room. I threw my bag towards my closet. No use hiding it if Zoro already knows and he and Ace are the only one's who come in here. And Ace doesn't snoop through my things.

"How long have you been working there?" Zoro asked after he closed the door behind him. I was changing my clothes where I was in my briefs and I even took those off. Making sure Zoro couldn't see me fully naked. I was even self-conscious around Zoro. I slipped on new boxers and put my sleeping pants on. "Are you going to ignore my question?" I climbed in my bed under the sheets and snuggled my body into the bed. His foot steps came towards my bed. I waited for him to slip under the blanket with me. Which he did. His arms wrapped around me and pulled me close. He was shirtless now. "How long?" He asked again, kissing my forehead.

"Since I first told everyone I had a job." I explained.

"A year?" I nodded. "So why didn't you tell me?" He murmured.

"I didn't want you or anyone be disappointed in me." I cuddled closer to him and his warmth.

"I wouldn't be disappointed, just… nervous." I moved my head to look at his face, in the dark.

"Why?" I asked confused. He kissed my forehead and spoke.

"Well, what if one of those perverts touch you?" He said with anger behind it.

"I told you that they can't unless I agree they can. Which will never happen." I snuggled close to his chest. "Now get some sleep… I have a… thing tomorrow."

"A thing?" I grunted. "Oh! You mean a meeting…" I merely grunted again at the word. "Why? What for?"

"I don't know… Ace just said that I had too." I yawned deeply.

"Okay." He kissed my head. "Goodnight, Luffy, I love you."

"I love you too, night…" I said sleepily and soon drifted off to sleep in Zoro's arms.

x-x

"I'm falling even more in love with you,

Letting go of all I've held onto,

I'm standing here until you make me move

I'm hanging by a moment here with you."

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To be continued...

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Kira: Hehe, you guys like it?!

Robin: I did, Writer-san.

Vivi: So did I!!! Though... I'm not in it...

Kira: Oh! I'm sorry Vivi-chan!! Forgive me!

Vivi: It's okay, I'm in your other stories so its okay. -giggles-

Kira: Yup! Hehe! -drinks twelveth soda for that day-

Robin: That's not healthy...

Kira: Nya~! So...?!

Vivi: Well... R&R her story...

Kira: And... i know "What's with the title?" Be quiet i couldn't think of anything, just live with it! Oh and the whole music thing at the end and beginning, don't ask about it either.

Robin: -giggles- Goodbye, Viewer-san.

Kira: Bye everyone! See ya next chappie!